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 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.
by Jason Meinen | Jul 20, 2015 | Beer, Rant, Rave, Sports
Well, we survived our first weekend in California. After sleeping in on Saturday (kind of), we ran some errands so that our temporary home (apartment actually) has all the amenities that we need to survive over the next couple of weeks. The Pleasanton Farmers’ Market, Target, Costco, Walmart, Safeway…all we missed was Home Depot and Bed Bath & Beyond and we would have had a nice little Saturday…just ran out of time I guess.
We also spent some time driving around looking for an apartment this weekend…as our searching has been done exclusively on the Interweb since our visit in early June. This has become a very daunting task. Pictures online never paint the true picture of what these places actually look like. Everything is small and expensive…and in a lot of cases, not very impressive. We aren’t sold on the apartment complex idea either and would rather find a home that we can rent, but getting in touch with people has become quite the process as well. Hopefully in the next week (fingers crossed) we will find something. While our temporary housing (apartment) is fine, it is temporary and it just doesn’t feel like home, and besides…Ari misses all of our furniture!
On Sunday afternoon, after some more house rental hunting, we decided to have a little fun and did a wine tasting at Wente. The wine was great and the complex was really nice. And because Altamont Beer Works was super close by, we had to make a stop there…I really dig this place and their brew. And it just wouldn’t be California if we didn’t hit In-N-Out Burger, so we closed out our Sunday there. All in all, a nice start to our California adventure.
Tidbits…I was able to stream the Brett Favre Packers Hall of Fame ceremony on Saturday night (thank God for technology). It was really good stuff, and I could have listened to Holmgren, Winters, and Favre tell stories all night. In the end, this is what life is truly all about…not the wins and losses (remind me of that during the season). And I would be remiss, if I didn’t mention how much I miss Jim Irwin and Max McGee calling games…I absolutely loved their calls during the highlights portion of the program. It brought back so many great memories. Also, in case you haven’t noticed, the Brewers are undefeated since we left Wisconsin. I’m taking all the credit for this, but I have to ask…when are the trades going to start happening? Seriously! Lastly, I’m addicted to the show Ballers on HBO…I’m not sure if it is even that good of a show, but I can’t stop watching. I love Ricky Jerret! It has become my new summer addiction show.
And now, time to settle in for the conclusion of The Open Championship. Spiethslam?
by Jason Meinen | Jul 14, 2015 | Beer, Food, Music, Rave, Sports
It was a good day (cue Ice Cube)! Yesterday I had the opportunity to have one final breakfast with the Assholes + Carla (the Assholes know who they are). This group of misfits (myself included) have a very special bond and I am going to miss working and hanging out with each of them. I can only hope that in my next job, I will be lucky enough to have colleagues just like them. I’m going to miss the Seinfeld-type banter that this group has, but I’m sure I’ll keep in touch as our group text messages are a LOGICAL sounding board when you need an escape from reality.
After breakfast I was lucky enough to get in one final round of golfing with my dad. I’m going to miss being able to get a round of golf in with my dad (plus Ken sometimes) during the summer months. It was the perfect day yesterday, the weather cooperated, the slower group let us play through, and I had the ball rolling for a bit on the front nine. So while we won’t be able to golf together as much, I’ll definitely cherish the rounds we had together, and maybe I could even be convinced to do a fishing trip to Canada in the future…we shall see. Either way, it may be time for my dad to invest in a golf travel bag (or borrow Uncle Jim’s) so that we can play some rounds in California…during the winter months. FORE!
To conclude the day, Clara and I had dinner with J Hawley. It was nice to catch up and talk Badgers and Packers. John and I have known each other for almost 20 years, as we met after…I allowed occupants in my vehicle to fire missiles at another moving vehicle. During that time, John has seen me grow up (a little, I hope) and it’s nice to continue our friendship even when our lives become busy and we sometimes drift apart. Hopefully we can get together sooner rather than later in California…or at the nearest Badgers or Packers event.
I got to say, today (yesterday…sorry, I watched the Home Run Derby last night) was a good day!
More: Thanks for the Reese’s Carla…they are going fast and probably won’t make it to California.
by Jason Meinen | Jul 10, 2015 | Rave, Sports
How many of you have played pickleball in PE class in high school? I’m sure many of you have. It’s a great indoor activity to do during the doldrums of winter (trust me)…and it’s fun! Well, pickleball is becoming increasingly more popular across the United States with leagues popping up in many different cities. Look at all the different places you can play pickleball in just Wisconsin.
Yesterday my friend Rau and I participated in our 2nd annual pickleball match-up (hopefully not last) at Zeunert Park in Cedarburg. While Rau may have won the battle yesterday, there were no winners this morning. The first text I received this morning was from Rau…”pickleball pain.” I sent back…”yep, it’s real.” Being 37, and using muscles that you don’t use on a normal basis, can make for quite the experience the next day…I’m sure I’ll feel it on the golf course this afternoon.
So go out and give pickleball a try. It’s easy to learn how to play, and if you don’t have equipment, go to pickleball.com or usapa.org and purchase a Diller or two for yourself. You won’t regret it, you’ll love it!
by Jason Meinen | Jul 9, 2015 | Rave, Sports
I have always enjoyed cutting the grass. As a kid growing up, I mowed my parents’ lawn and other lawns throughout the neighborhood. I didn’t consider it a chore, I just loved doing it. In high school, I worked on the River Course at Blackwolf Run in Kohler and cut some of the best grass I had ever seen. It was then, that I learned about straight lines and patterns…I was hooked and became even more fascinated. In college, I spent hours on a mower each day making sure the parks in the Village of Cedar Grove were “beautified.” And when we bought our first home almost seven years ago, I did my best to make sure our lawn was one of the best in the neighborhood (it was).
Two summers ago, my wife and I had the opportunity to do the Wimbledon tour…it was amazing! So when I see articles and videos like this about the Wimbledon grass, I just can’t stop watching. It is so cool! I’m going to miss cutting grass when we move to California, but maybe this is a career option that I need to explore…I simply love grass!
Centre Court just two weeks after the 2013 Wimbledon Men’s Championship…the grass is already re-growing!
by Jason Meinen | Jul 7, 2015 | Rant, Sports
I am still not all in on the Brett Favre reunion tour like most people, but I’m getting there…slowly. Articles like the one that appeared in last week’s Sports Illustrated and interviews like this with Jason Wilde and Bill Johnson on Green & Gold Today help immensely, but it is still VERY hard to block out the memories of Favre in a Jets jersey or (gasp) Vikings jersey.
I guess all I really want to hear out of Favre is simply…I’m sorry. That’s it! Favre has three great opportunities to say those simple two words, and I’m hoping that is comes during one of these upcoming events. On Saturday, July 18th, Favre’s number will be retired and he will be inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame, followed by Favre taking the field one last time in Brett Favre’s Legends Game, which will be played at Camp Randall Stadium on Sunday, July 19th. And then there is the official unveiling of Favre’s #4 at Lambeau Field on Thanksgiving night (November 26th) against the rival Chicago Bears.
I’m sorry…that’s all I need to hear before I can move on. Only then, will all be forgiven, and Favre be forever.
by Jason Meinen | Jul 6, 2015 | Food, Rave, Sports
The Milwaukee Brewers are the hottest team in baseball! Yes, your Milwaukee Brewers have won 8 straight games overall (also won 9 of last 11 games) and just finished up a 7-0 road trip sweep with 99 total hits. That 7-0 road trip was just the 2nd in franchise history (the other was in 2008). During the 7-0 road swing, the Brewers had hit totals of 16, 10, 17, 16, 16, 11, and 13…and raised their team batting average from .238 to .250!
While Ryan Braun has been quoted as saying the Brewers are still fighting for the 2nd Wild Card spot (Milwaukee is currently 10 games back), it is time to start making some trades…and soon, while the kettle is red hot. The Brewers need to do all that they can to replenish their farm system that was ravaged by playoff runs in 2008 and 2011. We all knew the 2015 Brewers team were not as bad as their record indicated, but it is probably too little, too late for Milwaukee to salvage anything out of this season. So, here’s hoping the Crew wins 4 more games and we can all get some free burgers at George Webb, and then start trading assets to become a contender in the near rather than distant future.
Speaking of contenders, how did Japan make the women’s World Cup final? In just 16 minutes of play, the game was already over, as Carli Lloyd had scored a hat trick and the US staked a 4-0 lead. It was a stunning turn of events in a game featuring the world’s top two teams, but it was great to see the US get back on top after a 16 year drought. USA! USA! USA!
by Jason Meinen | Jul 5, 2015 | Rave, Sports
Where were you on July 10, 1999? Believe it or not, I was at Sportsman’s Bar in Cedar Grove that day watching the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup between the United States and China. Home from school for the summer, and looking for a place to drink and take in some soccer, Sporty’s was the place to be. I don’t really remember that much about the game, but I will never forget the penalty kicks or the moment that Brandi Chastain clinched it for the US…a visual that was probably well ahead of its time. So, here’s hoping the US pulls it off today and maybe, just maybe, Alex Morgan will have her own Chastain moment. Go USA and Go #13!
by Jason Meinen | Jul 4, 2015 | Food, Rant, Rave, Sports
Happy 4th of July! Enjoy your day and try to eat as many hot dogs as THIS GUY. Seriously, I dare you to eat just 6 dogs, or 8, or 10…I’m sure you won’t regret it. And if you accomplish this feat, let me know how things are tomorrow…I’m sure you’ll have your own fireworks to contend with. ‘Merica…gotta love it (f*ck yeah)!
Update: Okay, this is really disgusting, Joey Chestnut!
by Jason Meinen | Jul 3, 2015 | Rave, Sports
Happy 50th Birthday Greg Vaughn!!!
Vaughn, who the Brewers selected fourth overall in the 1986 draft, finished his Brewer career with a .246/.333/.459 batting line, 169 home runs, and 566 RBIs in 903 games over eight seasons. He was one of the very few bright spots for the Brewers during the early 90’s.
In 1996, the Brewers dealt Vaughn to the Padres for pitchers Bryce Florie and Ron Villone and outfielder Marc Newfield. Yeah, that deal didn’t pan out of course.
Cheers to Vaughny on turning 50…I officially feel old.
by Jason Meinen | Jul 1, 2015 | Beer, Music, Rant, Sports
Nothing like a little Bone Thug-N-Harmony to ring in July 1st. At least that is the song I assume played in every NBA front office as free agency officially got underway at 12:01 am EST. And wouldn’t you know it…Al-Farouq Aminu was the first player off the board for 4 years 30 million to Portland. Not bad for a guy that averaged 5.6 ppg and 4.6 rpg last year and was the 8th overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft. There is bound to be even crazier money to be thrown around over the course of the next couple of days. The NBA loves their guaranteed contracts.
Speaking of contracts, congratulations to Bobby Bonilla for cashing in on another 1.2 million dollars today on what is unofficially know as Bobby Bonilla Day in New York. Towards the end of Bonilla’s playing career, the New York Mets agreed to pay him $1,193,248.20 annually on July 1st for 25 years, beginning in 2011…instead of paying him the 5.9 million that he was actually owed. Not a bad deal for a guy that hasn’t played in a major league game in over 5,700+ days!
Lastly, July 1st means that I’ve reached the halfway point of my Untappd challenge. It’s not really a challenge as much as it is to see how many total beers I can assume in 2015. My goal for 2015 was 1,000 beers. Well, halfway through 2015, my total now stands at…514. I don’t know if I should be proud or alarmed. Anyways, remember to always drink responsibly.
