by Jason Meinen | Sep 7, 2015 | Other, Rant, Rave
There is a shortage of teachers in California (multiple people sent me that acticle when it came out…and I saw many other articles just like it)…I can’t say I’m the least bit surprised after going through the credentialing process myself. Let me walk you through my (horrifying) experience…
On August 11th, I went to the Alameda County Office of Education to apply for my California teaching credential (I figured I may as well…I was not having any luck finding a job in sports (do they even exist?) and I had finally reached my level of summer boredom). I plunked down $100 for a “preliminary” (I was missing certain paperwork…still not sure what) single subject credential in PE & Health (the Office even questioned me about not having my original PRAXIS scores from 1999!) and another $74 to get fingerprinted (so that I could, at the very least, substitute teach). With all of that complete, I decided to use my application “receipt” (who knows when I’ll get my actual credential as they are currently processing applications received BEFORE 6/29/15!) to apply to a few school districts on EDJOIN…mostly just to see if I would even get a response back from anyone.
Lucky me…I received an email about an interview for a full-time elementary PE position on August 13th (I thought…wow, that was quick…I figured they must really be desperate to find someone, as the school year was quickly approaching). On August 17th, I went in for an interview at the San Lorenzo Unified School District district office. The interview went well, but I found it strange that the interview wasn’t with a principal or with any other PE staff members (the director of elementary education conducted it). The next day (August 18th), I received a call back that all my references checked out (thanks Piitt…not sure they even called anyone else) and I was offered the job. I accepted the position (too soon maybe…another school district called me about a middle school position later) and I went in on August 20th to sign my contract and fill out a ton of paperwork (they actually left me with the paperwork and I spent the ENTIRE afternoon filling it out at home…it was nauseating). The next day (August 21st), I went back to the Alameda County Office of Education to get fingerprinted (a 2nd time remind you) because each district requires their OWN fingerprints (don’t ask me why, but can you say waste of time and energy…why not share fingerprints…probably TOO LOGICAL¡). After getting fingerprinted (where I had to show up at 8am to guarantee being fingerprinted…as they only take the first 14 walk-ins each day starting a 9am – I was fifth in line), I went back to the San Lorenzo district office to turn in my paperwork. At that time, I was told that I may not be able to start the school year in the classroom as it will take “some time” for the County to process all of my paperwork (it was taking most paperwork at least a week to get processed) and I needed a new TB test (just another hoop to jump through). Awesome¡
School started on August 25th (I was able to meet the staff and tour the building a bit on the 21st…even sat in on a staff meeting)…it was a half day at the elementary school that day. I was not able to be there on the 1st day of school due to the County “processing” my paperwork…and because of that, I could not be around students. August 26th was also a half day due to the district’s early release Wednesdays (or called shortened days in California)…I was forced to sit that day out as well due to the County. August 27th…nothing. August 28th…nothing (great, now I’ve missed the entire first week of classes). August 31st…still nothing!
On September 1st (after wishing all of my friends a happy 1st day of school in Wisconsin), I finally sent the district office an email kindly asking…why the F is this taking so long?! I received the standard response, the County processes the applications in the order that they receive them…we’ll let you know as soon as we hear something. Again, awesome¡ But, wouldn’t you know it…that afternoon, I finally received word that my paperwork had been processed and I could FINALLY start school the next day (one has to wonder if my email had anything to do with it).
So, as of last Wednesday, I have been teaching PE at Del Rey Elementary School (home of the Dragons¡) in the San Lorenzo Unified School District. Through only three days of classes, I can firmly say the experience has been “interesting.” I thought Wisconsin did things differently in terms of education, but California may just blow them out of the water. Like I said, it’s only been a week…but I’ve also seen a lot in my 13+ years of education to know how things work. I’ll leave you with what my friend Aaron said…well, maybe this is what education in Wisconsin will look like in 5-10 years. Stay tuned…he may be onto something. In the meantime, I’ll be busy taking credits to obtain my EL Authorization…if I want to teach in California beyond this school year (or maybe, I’ll be one and done).
by Jason Meinen | Sep 1, 2015 | Other, Rave
Happy 1st Day of School to all of my friends back in Wisconsin (only 179 more days to go¡). Hopefully, you were able to accomplish everything you set out to do this summer and are recharged for another school year (remember…15th and 30th¡). I must admit, it sure feels strange not taking part in today’s opening day activities. This is my first missed opportunity since I was probably four years old…as I’ve always been able to take part in some fashion…whether as a student or as a teacher. Well, best of luck to everyone this year…the year will fly by…it always does (even though we say it doesn’t). As for myself…the Summer of Hand 13 (SOH13) officially becomes the Fall of Hand 1 (FOH1). Thanks California…you’ve really outdone yourself this time (more on this later). Time to hit the links (I guess)!
Reserved for Mr. Meinen…thanks for saving my old parking spot at KHS on the 1st day of school.
by Jason Meinen | Aug 28, 2015 | Rave, Sports
It’s hard to believe that Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans 10 years ago already. New Orleans is one of my all-time favorite cities (there is just so much to like…I don’t even know where to begin). I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Big Easy pre and post Hurricane Katrina. Looking back at the images of Hurricane Katrina is just stunning. It is simply amazing the recovery that New Orleans has undergone (and still undergoing in certain areas). Walking around the Crescent City today and seeing the water marks on buildings is an image that just really sticks with me. However, this play here, in the Return to the Dome, is when I realized that New Orleans will be back…even better than ever. I’ll leave you with this message from Steve Gleason (the man who blocked the punt)…who says it the best. Who dat?!
More…cool story about the return of the Superdome.
by Jason Meinen | Aug 27, 2015 | Rant, Sports
Russell Wilson! D-O-N-E…DONE! I’ll admit…I was a huge fan of Wilson when he was calling the plays for the Wisconsin Badgers in 2011 (#unbielemable that they lost THREE games that year). But…ever since Wilson was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks and known cheater Pete Carroll…I have grown to dislike him more and more with each passing NFL season. The “Fail Mary” game was the first time that Wilson left a bad taste in my mouth (especially with his postgame comments)…and last year’s NFC Championship game still has me RED hot. But after reading this RIDICULOUS article in Rolling Stone…I cannot stand (hate is probably a better word) Wilson and am completely done with him (even crediting water for his recovery from a Clay Matthews hit…shows how much of a joke the NFL concussion protocol is)! Actually, Wilson may be one of my most hated current NFL players…joining the likes of Johnny Manziel, Robert Griffin III, Colin Kaepernick (and every player from the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings rosters). Well Russell Wilson, enjoy that celibacy with Ciara…just stop sharing all your holier than thou views with the rest of us on Twitter (unfollow)…we are done with you!
Lastly, remember when we thought Wilson’s ex-wife was the crazy one…maybe we still need to hear her FULL side of this story…to be continued (I’m sure).
Now who’s the crazy one…
by Jason Meinen | Aug 26, 2015 | Beer, Food, Rave, Sports
When you’re having fun. We say it all the time. The adage held true again as Clara and I had our first visitors…my parents. While my parents stay was brief, we were able to accomplish a lot and hopefully they were able to see as much of our California life as possible. Here are some highlights…
On Saturday, after picking up my parents from the airport, we decided to head to the coast…Half Moon Bay. This excursion didn’t prove to be very successful. The drive to Half Moon Bay was extremely slow (and that’s putting it nicely)! Apparently, everyone likes to go to Half Moon Bay on the weekends. Once in Half Moon Bay, let’s just say the weather wasn’t great…overcast with temperatures in the high 60’s/low 70’s, my parents must have been wondering what was so special about this place. We did, however, find a nice place to eat lunch…the San Benito Ale House had a nice beer menu and the fish and chips were great.
Saturday evening we decided to hit up a nice restaurant (my mom wanted to dress up) in our neck of the woods…the Oasis Grille & Wine Lounge in Pleasanton. When I saw the statement…Mediterranean cuisine with a modern flair…I probably should not have ordered the filet mignon kabobs, but I did anyway. To put it nicely, the food was interesting. Thankfully, we brought some of our favorite wines with us and were able to wash away some of those interesting tastes.
On Sunday (after watching Jordy Nelson tear his ACL), we decided to drown our sorrows by checking out a few wineries. My dad felt right at home when we found 3 Steves Winery on our drive through Livermore. He took to the wine so much that he even purchased a hat to go with the wine (he also now knows how to wear that hat correctly). After 3 Steves, we hit up Wente Vineyards for a full glass of wine and enjoyed a pizza appetizer. Even after all the wine tasting, it didn’t help with the revelation that Jordy would be lost for the season (I guess I won’t be wearing my Nelson jersey around California this year).
Soon to be 4 Steves Winery?
Monday morning, with Clara at work, I took my parents to the San Francisco Premium Outlets and to In-N-Out Burger for lunch (their first In-N-Out experience). In the afternoon, my dad and I hit up Poppy Ridge Golf Course for 18 holes. We found Poppy Ridge on Sunday, almost by accident, when were driving around Livermore looking for wineries, but I’m glad we found it. Poppy Ridge is a very nice course and it is super close to our place. The course has three nines (Zinfandel, Merlot, and Chardonnay) with an amazing backdrop set in Wine Country…and many different elevation changes from hole to hole. Considering how dry it is in California, the course was in very good shape. And Monday evening, we had one final dinner together at Sauced BBQ & Spirits, that wrapped up my parents stay very nicely.
The time sure went fast (and it was very fun), and we look forward to my parents next visit…and the visit from some more Wisconsinites as soon as possible. So, get those flights booked…Clara and I promise to show you a good time!
by Jason Meinen | Aug 21, 2015 | Rant, Rave, Sports
I’m in my office…I wish I could actually say that, but I’ll be too busy jumping through hoops today (and likely Monday…and Tuesday).
Thankfully, my parents come to visit tomorrow (that should help take my mind off this nonsense for a bit). I’ll explain more about the nonsense at a later date (obviously it involves landing a job…and in California that means cutting through A LOT of red tape).
Also, good luck to the Kewaskum High School Football Team (like them on Facebook) as they open their varsity slate tonight at West Bend East (Rondorf, you’re in for a long night). Go Indians!
Well, enjoy your Friday…I likely won’t be!
by Jason Meinen | Aug 19, 2015 | Beer, Food, Rave, Sports
In my quest to attend a baseball game at every Major League ballpark, I was able to check another park off the list today. I went to O.co Coliseum (it’s been called so many different names through the years) to take in some afternoon baseball between the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Dodgers (some would say it was Dodger Stadium North with all the Dodger fans in attendance today). To say the least, O.co was a very interesting stadium…especially when you could still see the yard lines from last Friday night’s Oakland Raiders and St. Louis Rams football game…and the fact that almost the entire third deck is covered with tarp. There was nothing special at the ballpark in terms of food or beer either (except high priced premium beers), but overall it was a pretty decent experience (and an easy BART to the game). The ballpark has a very intimate feel as it only seats around 35,000 for baseball games (56,000 for football). There really wasn’t a bad seat in the house and I was able to sit in a lot of different areas without any hassling from the ushers (that will happen when your team has the worst record in the AL…even the ushers have given up). So as of today, I have been to the following Major League ballparks (only 20 to go¡):
National League: Miller Park (Milwaukee Brewers), Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs), Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds), Busch Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals), Chase Field (Arizona Diamondbacks), Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers), AT&T Park (San Francisco Giants), and National Park (Washington Nationals).
American League: Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles) and O.co Coliseum (Oakland Athletics).
I’m not sure what my fascination is with Major League ballparks (or any athletic facility to be honest), but I just love checking out and experiencing games in different cities. From the looks of my list, I guess I have a little catching up to do in regards to American League ballparks, but that could make for a great road trip sometime in the near future.
Note: I also attended games in two former ballparks (Milwaukee County Stadium and Busch Memorial Stadium) before they were replaced.
by Jason Meinen | Aug 18, 2015 | Music, Rant, Sports
It’s bad enough that the Wisconsin Badgers will open the season against the Alabama Crimson Tide (Roll Tide¡) in the Advocare Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (the house that Jerrah built…the 8th wonder of the world¡). Throw in having to start Joel Stave (really…no one else is better?!) at quarterback with an unproven line in front of him (also see below), and the lack of a serviceable wide receiver (Alex Erickson is okay, I guess…but a no. 1?) or tight end, and having no proven backup to Corey Clement at running back (the backup was a reserve CB at this time last year)…and you have a recipe for disaster (big time)! How is the spread only 10.5 (seriously)?!
Well…things are only getting worse for new head coach Paul Chryst. The Badgers are only two weeks into practice and the injuries are starting to pile up (and a scrimmage is set for this Saturday). The following players (17!) are injured and/or have missed practice in the last couple of days (in no particular order):
Jacob Maxwell (shoulder), Jon Dietzen (ankle…also nice hair¡), Hayden Biegel (head), Beau Benzschawel (knee), Arthur Goldberg (foot), Zack Baun (head…saw in T&F what a stud athlete he is), Austin Ramesh (hamstring), TJ Edwards (shoulder), Leon Jacobs (toe), Jeremy Patterson (knee), Jake Keefer (hip), Arrington Farrar (mono), Eric Steffes (back), Jason Erdmann (ankle), Caleb Kinlaw (groin), Jake Whalen (knee), and Ty DeForest (abdominal).
That is quite the lengthy list! Some of these players are starters or potential starters and need the valuable reps in practice. Others are backups, that will likely be needed at some point and/or are contributors on special teams. With all the injures, one has to wonder what it going on in terms of conditioning at Madison?! Granted, injures are a part of football and some injuries just can’t be avoided, but it is very disconcerting at this point of the preseason (16 days until the Alabama game). Hopefully, most injuries are just minor and the Badgers will be as close to full strength as possible September 5th against the Crimson Tide…because they are going to need every possible body to win that game…or to keep it within three touchdowns (because there is no longer a Melvin Gordon around to bail this team out).
On Wisconsin!¡
by Jason Meinen | Aug 14, 2015 | Beer, Music, Rant, Rave, Sports
The Modesto Nuts!
Well, I survived my first trip to Modesto (The Death Star…yes, George Lucas is from there)…barely. Let’s just put it this way, if Clara had made us live in Modesto…I’d already be back living in Wisconsin (and I’m being dead serious). I’d compare Modesto to a Wisconsin city, but I don’t want to offend any cities there (just think of your least favorite city in Wisconsin and times that by 10, and you’ll have Modesto). When one of your most popular bars is in a strip mall…you know you have problems (major problems). Thankfully, the Modesto Nuts game was fun (very similiar to a Lakeshore Chinooks game, but with less people). It was also Barefoot Tasting Night at the game (very refreshing¡)…I guess that was probably why we got free tickets (plus almost half of the entire crowd were Gallo employees…we also could have gotten a free Nuts hat). We even spent the night in Modesto at the Best Western Palm Court Inn…nothing like staying in a motel (Pitbull wasn’t there). Today, I got the much anticipated E&J Gallo tour (nothing like getting a tour from a recent college graduate). It was nice, but nothing too amazing (the history and production were impressive though…more of that please). I guess you could say, been there done that (when you’ve been on as many brewery tours as I have…you become desensitized to it all). Well, I survived, and safe to say, I probably won’t be going be back to Modesto anytime soon…maybe a Nuts game (I guess).
More: Special shout-out to our little buddy, Ari. Five years ago today (time flies), we went to the Wisconsin Humane Society just to look for a cat…and lo and behold, we came home with Ari. It’s been a blast having Ari in our family the last five years…he has definitely changed our lives (Ari has no trouble waking us up super early every morning…he’s like a kid), and more impressively he made it to California no problem at all (where he is living the life in our fenced in yard). Ari, enjoy an extra scoop of food on us tonight…hopefully the food coma will help you sleep an extra hour or two.
Ari’s (or Moo Moo’s) adoption photo.
Even more: Tomorrow we are making the trek to Russian River Brewing Company. There are no words that I can use to give this place the proper recognition it deserves. So, let’s just put it this way…it is going to be AWESOME! (I got the cooler all ready).
by Jason Meinen | Aug 12, 2015 | Music, Rave, Sports
Yeah, you could have said that about Dustin Johnson on the 72nd hole of the 2010 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. Instead that is the theme (not this theme…that you’ll also hear plenty of this week) for the 2015 PGA Championship also held in Kohler/Sheboygan/Haven…check the by-lines, no one knows where Whistling Straits is actually located.
Nonetheless, it pains me to miss the Season’s Final Major…Glory’s Last Shot (I likely would have attended a round or two). I attended the 2004 and 2010 PGA Championships during practice and early rounds. The Straits Course is an amazing spectacle and the state of Wisconsin (Sheboygan County!) is lucky to host such a great event for the 3rd time (wait until the 2020 Ryder Cup). I have been lucky enough to play the Irish Course (thanks Jon) on the Fall leg of our annual Jackass Open Tournament (not sure if I’ll make it this year, Tim).
No. 1 (High Ground) on the Irish Course. Thankfully there was no Konica Minolta BizHub SwingVision camera around, as I missed the fairway to the right…badly.
So tomorrow (today) I’m looking forward to hunkering down and watching as much golf as possible (I finally have cable after many, (MANY) issues…f’ing Comcast) before I head to Modesto tomorrow night (my next blog post for sure). So, here are my picks for this week…Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Bubba Watson, and Brooks Koepka (we’ll see if the Guys Weekend Invitational reads my blog…I’m posting early…no stealing my picks). I know I didn’t go out on a limb with these picks, but it would be epic to see Spieth, McIlroy, et al battle it out down the stretch like last year when McIlroy held off the likes of Mickelson, Fowler, and Stenson. As I tweeted at the conclusion of last year’s tournament…
No pressure, Herb!
If that can be topped…than this will have been major!
Note: I’d also settle for a DJ win (I don’t see that happening the way he’s been playing). Talk about major…redemption.
by Jason Meinen | Aug 9, 2015 | Rant
Well, we are finally unpacked. However…we have some issues. The following items arrived, but are damaged, and in some cases, totally unusable. My bike, my watch, our headboard, a couple shelves, a drying rack, a lamp, a curtain rod, the toaster…just to name a few. Oh, and did I mention we are also missing some boxes…namely one that includes our college diplomas. How the F does this happen?!?! I get it, we moved across the country (I expected some minor damages), but I find it totally inexcusable that you would lose people’s stuff! On top of all of that, Clara’s car was even dinged up while being shipped here. So now, we get to fill out a ton of paperwork in hopes of retrieving our things (those boxes better show up) or having them replaced…again, making way more work for us. I am totally convinced we could have made this move from Wisconsin to California much easier had we just done it all ourselves. This unnamed moving company has been a complete joke (but they’ll probably just write it off)! End rant.
by Jason Meinen | Aug 6, 2015 | Beer, Music, Rave, Sports
I want to ride my bike (now that song will be stuck in your head). Seriously, it is so nice to have my bike back…even though it is not in tip-top shape (thanks moving company). Exploring a new city is best done on a bike. You can see so many things that you wouldn’t normally be able to take in while driving in a car and there are always cool bike trails to check out. So as I get acquainted to the Livermore area and find the fastest route to Altamont Beer Works, it is nice to have a little piece of home back…my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle!
Speaking of back home, yesterday I had the opportunity to meet up with a former student/athlete of mine, Jake. Jake was one of my really good jumpers from back in the day (he was actually pretty good at everything…especially pole vault) and is currently doing work out in Redding, California. Jake attended UW-Oshkosh and competed in track & field while there (I think I may have helped recruit him there). It was nice to catch up with him and reminisce about the glory days at good ol’ UW-Zero…especially over beers at 21st Amendment (Jake’s pick). I guess we learned something at Oshkosh…how to drink beer and find good breweries. And yes, that is back-to-back Wednesday’s spent at 21st Amendment. I guess you have to become a regular somewhere…right?
by Jason Meinen | Aug 4, 2015 | Beer, Rant, Rave, Sports
Sorry I have been idle, but we’ve been rather busy over the last few days as we moved into our rental home on Saturday afternoon. The moving truck came and dropped off all of our stuff (most things came in one piece…except my bike and watch so far…) and we have literally been unpacking ever since (I found out again how much I really hate moving…word of advice, don’t do it).
Yesterday I spent the day setting up all the essential services in our names. California is absolutely ridiculous when it comes to this…everything required some sort of start-up fee (usually around $100). It was really annoying and a very drawn out process too…as I would have to call AND fill out forms online for most services! And of course, the cable guy can’t come until next Monday (between 7:30-8:30 AM of course)…so no cable or Internet at our place till then (it is going to be tortuous…kind of like No TV Week – now called Screen Free Week). I tried to set-up an antenna yesterday so that we could at least watch basic channels…no such luck (even with a Mohu Leaf…one of the best antennas on the market that worked to perfection back in Wisconsin). There is just no way to pull a signal when we are living in the valleys that we live in as I was only able to get 3 channels (and two were in Spanish). At least I have my phone…I guess. So don’t expect too many blog posts until next week…when we start to return to some sense of normalcy (I hope).
Without further ado…here are a few pictures of the outside of our place. I’ll have the inside pics once everything is un-boxed and organized to the way we like it.
Backyard
Sideyard
Ari digs the fenced in yard.
Tidbits: Before we moved in on Saturday, we spent Friday in Berkeley. We hit up three breweries (Jupiter Brewhouse, Triple Rock Brewery & Alehouse, and Buffalo Bill’s Brewery)…all decent, but nothing real special and we walked around on the California Berkeley campus checking out Aaron Rodgers’ former stomping grounds (no key needed…just walk right in).
California Memorial Stadium
The house that Aaron Rodgers re-built…renovations were completed in 2012.
by Jason Meinen | Jul 30, 2015 | Beer, Food, Rant, Rave, Sports
Nothing like a little matinee baseball to make the week go by faster (or to at least give me something to do). And as luck would have it, the Milwaukee Brewers just happened to be visiting San Francisco for their lone trip to AT&T Park this season (talk about great timing). With temperatures projected to reach triple digits in Pleasanton, yesterday seemed like a great day to venture into The City and see some afternoon baseball…even though I would have to do this solo, as Clara would have to work (hey, it still is the SOH 13).
I arrived to the stadium well before the opening pitch. So early, that the gates weren’t even open yet. So I wandered around the outside of the stadium taking in all of the monuments and plaques (interesting all the Barry Bonds love, I guess cheaters can prosper), tried to imagine what it would be like to win three World Series titles in the last five years as the Giants have (could Milwaukee or our livers survive even one World Series title), and took many (many) pictures for groups of fans (not sure why they would ask the guy in the Brewers shirt to take their picture, but I did…even if some of them barely spoke English).
Once inside, I was hoping to catch some batting practice…no such luck. With it being a day game, the players were forced to take BP in the cages under the stadium. So instead of watching the players hit, I was stuck watching the Brewers pitching staff go through their warm-ups. While definitely not as exciting as BP, watching MLB players warm-up by playing catch (just like we did as kids growing up) still is cool to watch. All I could think of at that point, was how lucky these guys are to play baseball for a living. It just can’t feel like a job…can it? No way.
Matt Garza and Kyle Lohse (bomb) playing a little pitch and catch.
So as any veteran sports fan would do when you see your team is down by a number that looks insurmountable (and you are in enemy territory to boot)…I headed to the bar. And why wouldn’t I, 21st Amendment is right up the street. It also was happy hour.
So what did I learn yesterday…I can watch the Brewers lose anywhere this year (I’ve now seen it in person at home and on the road…probably the last game I’ll see all year too), Miller Park is still way better than AT&T Park (this was my second experience at AT&T, and while I like it…I’m just not a fan of their standing room only policies, really high beer prices, and no secret stadium sauce), and I will never, ever be a Giants fan (the Brewers are probably gonna be bad for some time, but they are still my Brewers). One last add, I need to remember to pack some sunscreen next time…burnt forehead, not good!
by Jason Meinen | Jul 28, 2015 | Beer, Food, Rave, Sports
Today marks the official kick-off to the NFL season for me. Today is the Green Bay Packers Shareholders Meeting. While I am disappointed that I will not be able to attend the meeting in person (you have no idea how much it pains me to miss this event)…you better believe that I will be streaming the meeting on my computer. Mike and Ryan, you guys better be doing the same, since you have decided not to make the trek to Green Bay (sorry I had to break up our streak…I really could have gone for a steak sandwich at the Courthouse Pub along with the multiple refreshment stops along the way). So start airing your grievances and let the season begin! Super Bowl L here we come (conveniently located in Santa Clara, California…it’s got to be fate)! GO PACK GO!!!
More…check out the sweet new throwback uniforms leaked last night. They look awesome!
by Jason Meinen | Jul 27, 2015 | Rant, Sports
Just getting caught up with the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony from yesterday. Talk about four deserving players, and talk about getting old…I can remember almost the entire playing careers of Craig Biggio, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, and John Smoltz. However, the following excerpt from Smoltz’s induction speech about Tommy John surgery and young baseball players really struck me.
“Before I hand it over to next inductee, I’d be remiss if I did not talk about Tommy John. I’ve been given an opportunity as one of the only players, the only one right now, to be inducted into the Hall of Fame with Tommy John Surgery. It’s an epidemic. It’s something that is affecting our game. It’s something that I thought would cost me my career, but thanks to Dr. James Andrews and all those before him, performing the surgery with such precision has caused it to be almost a false-read, like a band-aid you put on your arm.
I want to encourage the families and parents that are out there that this is not normal to have a surgery at 14 and 15 years old. That you have time, that baseball is not a year-round sport. That you have an opportunity to be athletic and play other sports. Don’t let the institutions that are out there running before you guaranteeing scholarship dollars and signing bonuses that this is the way….
I want to encourage you, if nothing else, know that your children’s passion and desire to play baseball is something that they can do without a competitive pitch. Every throw a kid makes today is a competitive pitch. They don’t go outside, they don’t have fun, they don’t throw enough — but they’re competing and maxing out too hard, too early, and that’s why we’re having these problems. Please, take care of those great future arms.”
I could not have said that any better myself. Parents need to adhere to these warnings. Smoltz knows what he is talking about, yet every day, parents continue to push their kids beyond what is considered “normal” wear and tear for athletes their age. I’ve said it before, parents need to let kids be kids and let the chips fall as they may…parents need to stop living their lives vicariously through their children! College scholarships are few and far between and the idea of actually making it to the Major Leagues is like hitting the lottery. So parents, please start listening to Smoltz’s advice and let’s put this epidemic to an end.
by Jason Meinen | Jul 26, 2015 | Music, Other, Rant, Rave, Sports
If you’ve seen the show Weeds on Showtime, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. The “little boxes” phenomenon is very prevalent in the Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore areas. It is very strange and frankly, just doesn’t look right. So with that to comprehend and a limited amount of rental housing (we just couldn’t do an apartment complex and can’t quite afford a home out here yet), our exhaustive search appears to finally be over. We received a phone call this evening confirming our selection…yes, it is that competitive in terms of home rentals out here (there are few options and the good ones are scooped up right away). So for the next year, we are happy to say that we will be calling Livermore, California our home. (Ironically, today’s Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, Randy Johnson – the Big Unit, graduated from Livermore High School…a did you know tidbit). We’ll iron out the full details tomorrow and hopefully be moving into our place rather soon. Our temporary housing has been acceptable, but we really miss our household items…especially our comfortable bed. So hopefully next weekend at this time we’ll be all moved into our own “little box.”
by Jason Meinen | Jul 25, 2015 | Music, Rave
Happy Anniversary to my beautiful wife! I can’t believe it’s already been 6 years…and now, here we are, living in California. It’s been an amazing journey, and likely to be even more adventurous in our new place we call home. Now, let’s go hit San Francisco (The City) and celebrate.
Love you!
Here’s a little Bob Matthews for you as well…as it is “Dave Day” back in Wisconsin.
by Jason Meinen | Jul 23, 2015 | Rant, Sports
Remember the good job, good effort kid from Game 5 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals. Well…sadly, that kid probably figured everyone was getting a trophy regardless of the outcome. And who could blame him, especially after watching this week’s HBO Real Sports piece on Trophy Culture. Yes, we are giving out trophies to kids like they are candy (17th place trophies, last place trophies, participant trophies…basically trophies just for showing up)! Being a teacher for the past 13 years, I saw first hand how this “self-esteem approach” is setting kids up for future failure. At some point, we need to draw the line, and just let kids be kids! To quote George Costanza…”you know we’re living in a society.” I can only cringe how this future society will be with all the “Trophy Culture” kids in charge. Oh, the humanity!
by Jason Meinen | Jul 21, 2015 | Other, Rave, Sports
Well, that didn’t take long. Apparently there was an earthquake while we were sound asleep last night. I have to admit, I never felt a thing. I guess you could say that is a good thing…Fremont is located less than 20 minutes from where we are staying (and many people in our immediate area felt the quake). Ari may have felt the tremors…I did have to shoo him away from the blinds at one point during the night, but I never bothered to check the time (or he could have just been hungry and wanted to be fed). Nonetheless, I’m sure there will be more opportunities to ride the waves, but hopefully nothing like this (skip to 4:35 mark). A moment I remember watching live…I was in the 6th grade and was absolutely in love with baseball…especially the Oakland A’s. So, stay tuned for more…aftershocks, I’m sure.
