The Portland Monarchs defeated the Rogue Warriors, 70-6, at Milwaukie High School, for the Championship.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Springfield Buzzards take third place.
Tobey Hay, Kevin Pardy and Wyatt Ledbetter, accept the trophy for third place in the Oregon Football League, in Milwaukie, on May 30.
The Portland Monarchs defeated the Rogue Warriors, 70-6, at Milwaukie High School, for the Championship.
The Portland Monarchs defeated the Rogue Warriors, 70-6, at Milwaukie High School, for the Championship.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Are there any good role models left in sports?
Travis Pastrana, Photo taken by glpdrum, Flickr
Since the invention of sports, athletes have been idolized and worshiped for their accomplishments on and off the field. Some athletes are inspirational; they have become role models and mentors for many children including myself. When I was growing up, some of my biggest idols were athletes. Track star, Jackie Joyner Kersee, swimmer, Matt Biondi, and volleyball player, Karch Kiraly were among some of the athletes that I looked up to. I even grew up at the same time as Marion Jones; I looked up to her as well. When allegations of doping started to circulate about one of my hero’s, I was stunned and refused to believe such blasphemous rumors. I defended Jones, I believed her when she said her accomplishments were due to hard work and dedication. I now know how naïve I was. I was so disappointed that someone I had looked up to for so many years could cheat and lie in order to win. That to me was a disgrace.
Unfortunately it has become all too common place; athletes these days are making poor decisions and becoming less and less viable options as good role models.
It goes beyond just doping however, illegal dog fighting by Michael Vick, who was the poster boy for the NFL, with millions in endorsements and advertising, he had everything in the palm of his very young hand. NFL player Dante Stallworth, was recently found guilty of drunk driving after he hit and killed a man in Florida.
Since the dawn of sports, athletes have always been looked up to, it seems sad that so many choose to go down the wrong path. Are there any good athlete role models left?
I think there is a beacon amongst all the burned out former lights that once used to shine. His name is Travis Pastrana.
Pastrana, who is only 26, has already accomplished more in his sports, than many athletes will in the course of a lifetime. Pastrana was born in 1983 in Maryland; his father is an ex-marine, who is in his own right, a daredevil with a wild streak. It is no wonder where Travis gets his wild side from. By the time he was four years old he was all ready on his first motorcycle. He exhibited tremendous talent and natural ability even at that early age. By the time he was fifteen, he was five-time National Amateur Champion, two- time Canadian National Champion, five-time Loretta Lynn Champion, and he had won the World Freestyle Championship at age fourteen. He was the youngest rider ever on Team USA when they won Motocross de Nations in 2000 by the age of sixteen. Travis won his first X Games gold medal in 1999 when he won Moto X. He has accumulated over fourteen medals (nine gold) through X Games as well as five gold medals through the Gravity Games. From 1998-2003 Travis never lost a freestyle competition that he entered. His first defeat came in 2004 after he had taught one of his main competitors, Nate Adams how to do a back flip. Travis was competing with a concussion after he crashed his bike the day before attempting a 785 foot 360. He still got second place and won a silver medal. Travis didn’t only want to win; he wanted to make the sport better. He would rather have competition than win too easily.
He has amassed more titles and medals then I can mention, as well as several Guiness records, including the first and only double-back flip landed in competition. It is not only his accomplishments in sports that make me believe that he is a good role model, but his outlook on life and “good old boy” persona.
Travis is proof that you do not have to pick either your sport or an education, you can do both. Like many things in Pastrana’s life, just doing well, wasn’t good enough. Pastrana graduated from high school three years early at the age of fifteen with a 3.9 GPA.
That would be a huge accomplishment by its self, but he did it all while he was accumulating huge triumphs in his sport. Travis is also maintaining a 4.0 GPA in college at the University of Maryland. Even though he has made a successful career in his sports and amassed quite a fortune, he wants to make sure he has an education to fall back on.
Pastrana comes from a very close nit family; he grew up in the house next to his grandmother, where his uncles, who own a construction company, still meet for lunch on a daily basis. When he was young and money was tight the family triple mortgaged the home to find ways to keep him in motocross. When that was not enough his aunts and uncles all pitched in too. He has mentored many athletes at his 100 acre compound in Maryland where he has taught several riders to back flip, including female Motocross Champion, Jolene Van Vugt, who was the first female to do a back flip in competition. He also spends a fair amount of time filming extreme stunts with his pals from Nitro Circus, including former FMX great Andy Bell, pro skier, Erik Roner and Van Vugt.
“Travis has a real strong sense of who he is, I think that’s because we let him make mistakes. We let him fall, but we were always there to support him and pick him up.” Pastrana’s mom told ESPN. She can be found cheering him on at his competitions, while praying for his safety. His daredevil ways have not escaped injury; he has had over 25 concussions, more than 60 broken bones, and 15 knee surgeries. He is also only the third person in medical history to dislocate his spine from his pelvis and survive. Travis has even competed during major championships while injured. His never quit mentality is quite inspirational; it’s going to take an awful lot to keep this guy down. “That drive to come back from an injury, sets you apart and is what makes you one of the top competitors,” fellow athlete and friend, Tony Hawk said of Pastrana.
He considers himself a risk analyst and likes to look at things in terms of, worst case scenario divided by percentage chance of failure, towards success. “I calculate risk for a living” he says. His other calculation is; fun, plus or minus money, plus reward, minus risk. His dad told ESPN, “consequences be damned, if something is do-able, DO IT!” That has been Travis mantra since he was a kid. He used that kind of thinking when he back-flipped his motorcycle into the Grand Canyon.
Some of his other hobbies include base jumping, BMX, jet skiing, mountain biking, his latest passion rally cars and skydiving. Some of Travis’ nicknames include; Good ol’ boy, Mr. Nice Guy, and the gimp. He lists his most treasured possessions as his family, friends and his foam pit. He has been described as; Howdy Doody meets Wally Clever, not your typical rock star, and kind of a dork. He always makes time for his fans and has even stayed at competitions as late as 2:00 am, in order to sign every last fan’s autograph. He is unpretentious and his positive, very likable personality has made him a media darling, landing him on shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
He is always seen smiling and enjoying life to the fullest. “If I die doing what I’m doing, don’t worry, I’m fine,” he told his mother, right before he attempted the first ever double-back flip in competition. “I was either gonna land it or die.” To the delight of millions of fans that were watching, including myself, he landed the jump. The crowd went nuts, as did I, I even got a little emotional when the camera panned to his mother and you could see the tension and fear leave her as she cheered her son on.
His fearless attitude and belief in his own abilities is inspiring to multitudes of fans and future athletes. More people would be better off if they had his never quit mentality.
“My strengths and my weaknesses are the same: I’ve got the willingness and the stupidity to try anything. If I think it’s even remotely possible, I’ll do it.”-Travis Pastrana
Unfortunately it has become all too common place; athletes these days are making poor decisions and becoming less and less viable options as good role models.
It goes beyond just doping however, illegal dog fighting by Michael Vick, who was the poster boy for the NFL, with millions in endorsements and advertising, he had everything in the palm of his very young hand. NFL player Dante Stallworth, was recently found guilty of drunk driving after he hit and killed a man in Florida.
Since the dawn of sports, athletes have always been looked up to, it seems sad that so many choose to go down the wrong path. Are there any good athlete role models left?
I think there is a beacon amongst all the burned out former lights that once used to shine. His name is Travis Pastrana.
Pastrana, who is only 26, has already accomplished more in his sports, than many athletes will in the course of a lifetime. Pastrana was born in 1983 in Maryland; his father is an ex-marine, who is in his own right, a daredevil with a wild streak. It is no wonder where Travis gets his wild side from. By the time he was four years old he was all ready on his first motorcycle. He exhibited tremendous talent and natural ability even at that early age. By the time he was fifteen, he was five-time National Amateur Champion, two- time Canadian National Champion, five-time Loretta Lynn Champion, and he had won the World Freestyle Championship at age fourteen. He was the youngest rider ever on Team USA when they won Motocross de Nations in 2000 by the age of sixteen. Travis won his first X Games gold medal in 1999 when he won Moto X. He has accumulated over fourteen medals (nine gold) through X Games as well as five gold medals through the Gravity Games. From 1998-2003 Travis never lost a freestyle competition that he entered. His first defeat came in 2004 after he had taught one of his main competitors, Nate Adams how to do a back flip. Travis was competing with a concussion after he crashed his bike the day before attempting a 785 foot 360. He still got second place and won a silver medal. Travis didn’t only want to win; he wanted to make the sport better. He would rather have competition than win too easily.
He has amassed more titles and medals then I can mention, as well as several Guiness records, including the first and only double-back flip landed in competition. It is not only his accomplishments in sports that make me believe that he is a good role model, but his outlook on life and “good old boy” persona.
Travis is proof that you do not have to pick either your sport or an education, you can do both. Like many things in Pastrana’s life, just doing well, wasn’t good enough. Pastrana graduated from high school three years early at the age of fifteen with a 3.9 GPA.
That would be a huge accomplishment by its self, but he did it all while he was accumulating huge triumphs in his sport. Travis is also maintaining a 4.0 GPA in college at the University of Maryland. Even though he has made a successful career in his sports and amassed quite a fortune, he wants to make sure he has an education to fall back on.
Pastrana comes from a very close nit family; he grew up in the house next to his grandmother, where his uncles, who own a construction company, still meet for lunch on a daily basis. When he was young and money was tight the family triple mortgaged the home to find ways to keep him in motocross. When that was not enough his aunts and uncles all pitched in too. He has mentored many athletes at his 100 acre compound in Maryland where he has taught several riders to back flip, including female Motocross Champion, Jolene Van Vugt, who was the first female to do a back flip in competition. He also spends a fair amount of time filming extreme stunts with his pals from Nitro Circus, including former FMX great Andy Bell, pro skier, Erik Roner and Van Vugt.
“Travis has a real strong sense of who he is, I think that’s because we let him make mistakes. We let him fall, but we were always there to support him and pick him up.” Pastrana’s mom told ESPN. She can be found cheering him on at his competitions, while praying for his safety. His daredevil ways have not escaped injury; he has had over 25 concussions, more than 60 broken bones, and 15 knee surgeries. He is also only the third person in medical history to dislocate his spine from his pelvis and survive. Travis has even competed during major championships while injured. His never quit mentality is quite inspirational; it’s going to take an awful lot to keep this guy down. “That drive to come back from an injury, sets you apart and is what makes you one of the top competitors,” fellow athlete and friend, Tony Hawk said of Pastrana.
He considers himself a risk analyst and likes to look at things in terms of, worst case scenario divided by percentage chance of failure, towards success. “I calculate risk for a living” he says. His other calculation is; fun, plus or minus money, plus reward, minus risk. His dad told ESPN, “consequences be damned, if something is do-able, DO IT!” That has been Travis mantra since he was a kid. He used that kind of thinking when he back-flipped his motorcycle into the Grand Canyon.
Some of his other hobbies include base jumping, BMX, jet skiing, mountain biking, his latest passion rally cars and skydiving. Some of Travis’ nicknames include; Good ol’ boy, Mr. Nice Guy, and the gimp. He lists his most treasured possessions as his family, friends and his foam pit. He has been described as; Howdy Doody meets Wally Clever, not your typical rock star, and kind of a dork. He always makes time for his fans and has even stayed at competitions as late as 2:00 am, in order to sign every last fan’s autograph. He is unpretentious and his positive, very likable personality has made him a media darling, landing him on shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
He is always seen smiling and enjoying life to the fullest. “If I die doing what I’m doing, don’t worry, I’m fine,” he told his mother, right before he attempted the first ever double-back flip in competition. “I was either gonna land it or die.” To the delight of millions of fans that were watching, including myself, he landed the jump. The crowd went nuts, as did I, I even got a little emotional when the camera panned to his mother and you could see the tension and fear leave her as she cheered her son on.
His fearless attitude and belief in his own abilities is inspiring to multitudes of fans and future athletes. More people would be better off if they had his never quit mentality.
“My strengths and my weaknesses are the same: I’ve got the willingness and the stupidity to try anything. If I think it’s even remotely possible, I’ll do it.”-Travis Pastrana
Saturday, May 30, 2009
This is my college life post
I forgot the password.....
Riders in the Seventh Annual Thrill of Swill, get ready to take off from the starting point of the Duck Inn, in Eugene.
Looking for something to do on your next weekend off? Try organizing your own annual event to do with friends or family, like a bike ride around your community. It’s a fun and healthy way to get together with friends and check out local landmarks, parks and points of interest.
Riders in the Seventh Annual Thrill of Swill, get ready to take off from the starting point of the Duck Inn, in Eugene.
Looking for something to do on your next weekend off? Try organizing your own annual event to do with friends or family, like a bike ride around your community. It’s a fun and healthy way to get together with friends and check out local landmarks, parks and points of interest.
Jerrod Riddle starts his bike ride, as Mechelle Hoselton (right) watches the riders take off.
The seventh annual Thrill of Swill took place on Sat. May 23, 2009. The event takes place over a twelve mile course that covers eight bars and finishes at Mindi and Kevin Pardy’s home, aptly known as Pardy’s Grease Spot, for a huge barbecue and horseshoe tournament.
The course has changed over the past few years but a lot of the riders stay the same. This year’s crew included around 34 riders from areas including Bend and Wash., and of course, several Eugene locals.
Among the stops this year was the Duck Inn, Jameson’s, The Cooler and Shooter’s. There is a poker tournament that had each player drawing one card at each stop from four, double-decks. The players were then able to swap in their cards at the last few stops to try to improve their hand. This year there was a deck of x-rated cards mixed in for a little surprise.
The course has changed over the past few years but a lot of the riders stay the same. This year’s crew included around 34 riders from areas including Bend and Wash., and of course, several Eugene locals.
Among the stops this year was the Duck Inn, Jameson’s, The Cooler and Shooter’s. There is a poker tournament that had each player drawing one card at each stop from four, double-decks. The players were then able to swap in their cards at the last few stops to try to improve their hand. This year there was a deck of x-rated cards mixed in for a little surprise.
Kevin Pardy, 39, of Eugene, shows off his latest poker card.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Oregon Reads; Lauren Kessler's Stubborn Twig
Lauren Kessler's book, Stubborn Twig surrounded by pictures of my Japanese family, including my great grandfather and great grandmother, both Nissei, my grandmother and grandfather, who were both Sansei, and my mother who is Yonsei.
Eugene author, Lauren Kessler had the honor of having her book, Stubborn Twig, picked as one of the three books Oregon Reads, for 2009. Oregon Reads, is a statewide program that will hold events at almost every library in the state to celebrate the 150 year of statehood for Oregon. In honor of the sesquicentennial, from Jan. to April, Kessler, along with other speakers, went on a statewide lecture series to discuss their books. Kessler did readings in Albany, Corvallis and Eugene amongst other stops. Although the book was originally published in 1993, it has recently gained huge popularity and seen a spike in sales since being picked for Oregon Reads.
"I see the world as a series of stories, I see people's lives as stories. I see stories everywhere I go, I have to write about them."
"I see the world as a series of stories, I see people's lives as stories. I see stories everywhere I go, I have to write about them."
Kessler, who moved to Eugene from New York, has written five books including; Clever Girl, The Happy Bottom Riding Club and Full Court Press.
Kessler read an excerpt from the book which is a true account of a Japanese family trying to establish themselves before and after the strike on Pearl Harbor. The book follows three generations of the Yasui family, lead by the patriarch Masuo, who came to Hood River in 1903. Despite anti-Japanese sentiment in the early 1900's, the family was able to run a successful general store as well as several orchards until their world was turned upside down in 1941. After the attack in Hawaii, Masuo was arrested as a spy and imprisoned at an internment camp along with countless other Japanese-Americans. The story continues through the the tradgedies and losses of the next two generations that continued to struggle to establish themselves as patriotic Americans. It is a part of history that many Americans are unfamiliar with.
The book takes account many different points of view from former neighbors and friends as well as the family members. Kessler spent countless hours sifting through family documents that were salvaged from the Hood River farm. She has also formed a tight bond and friendship with several members of the Yasui family, who still run an orchard in Hood River.
Kessler is currently working on her next project Thin House, where she, her author husband and three children, are remodeling a 1930's bungalow into "a model of energy efficiency."
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Buzzard's on their way to the playoffs
Running back, Rashane Jackson, gets a block from wide receiver Shay Black, in Vancouver, Wash., on May 9, against the Vancouver Vipers. The Buzzards won 26-20, in a must win game to get to the playoffs. The Buzzards will head to Medford on Saturday to take on the Rogue Warriors.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
A Buzzards Story
It’s a rainy day in Lowell, located about 21 miles southeast of Eugene. The skies are grey and it's a bit windy for a May afternoon. Not ideal conditions for some of the fans that are starting to arrive at the field of Lowell High School. For some fans, and most players, conditions couldn’t be any better for a good old fashioned mud bowl.
This isn’t the local neighborhood boys getting together for a friendly game of touch or flag football; this is hard-hitting, full contact eleven man football.
The Springfield Buzzards have taken the field in the last home game of the regular season. The range of age in the players varies from late teens to early forties. Their experience is as varied, some have little experience while others have played for Division I and II collegiate teams.
Kevin Pardy, 38, an insurance producer from Eugene, is not just one of those players, he also happens to be co-owner of the Buzzards. Pardy, like a lot of these guys, grew up playing football, “Pretty much since the time I could walk.” His first experience with organized football in pads came in 1978 with the Lakeville Athletic Association in Minn. He recalls Fran Tarkenton, quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings, used to come to the games and get mauled by the kids. Being a Chicago Bears fan, Pardy would have been more impressed to see his idol Walter “Sweetness” Payton, but he was in Minn., after all.
While going to high school in Madison, S.D., Pardy had always wanted to play middle linebacker but his team was deep at that position and his junior year he found himself as third string. When his coach offered him the starting tight end position it seemed like a no brainer. By the end of his senior year he was named to the All-State team at the tight end position.
With dreams of playing in college and no scholarship offers, Pardy tried out for the University of South Dakota football team in Vermillion. Pardy was getting no playing time and was fifth string tight end his freshmen year. He got a crucial break after the first and second stringers were hurt, and finally got "his day in the sun." He defied the odds and made the team as a walk on and gained a scholarship. Earning a spot on the team also earned him his very own number, 81, which he still proudly wears today. “I was 85 all through high school, but after I earned my spot, 81 became my identity on the field.”
This isn’t the local neighborhood boys getting together for a friendly game of touch or flag football; this is hard-hitting, full contact eleven man football.
The Springfield Buzzards have taken the field in the last home game of the regular season. The range of age in the players varies from late teens to early forties. Their experience is as varied, some have little experience while others have played for Division I and II collegiate teams.
Kevin Pardy, 38, an insurance producer from Eugene, is not just one of those players, he also happens to be co-owner of the Buzzards. Pardy, like a lot of these guys, grew up playing football, “Pretty much since the time I could walk.” His first experience with organized football in pads came in 1978 with the Lakeville Athletic Association in Minn. He recalls Fran Tarkenton, quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings, used to come to the games and get mauled by the kids. Being a Chicago Bears fan, Pardy would have been more impressed to see his idol Walter “Sweetness” Payton, but he was in Minn., after all.
While going to high school in Madison, S.D., Pardy had always wanted to play middle linebacker but his team was deep at that position and his junior year he found himself as third string. When his coach offered him the starting tight end position it seemed like a no brainer. By the end of his senior year he was named to the All-State team at the tight end position.
With dreams of playing in college and no scholarship offers, Pardy tried out for the University of South Dakota football team in Vermillion. Pardy was getting no playing time and was fifth string tight end his freshmen year. He got a crucial break after the first and second stringers were hurt, and finally got "his day in the sun." He defied the odds and made the team as a walk on and gained a scholarship. Earning a spot on the team also earned him his very own number, 81, which he still proudly wears today. “I was 85 all through high school, but after I earned my spot, 81 became my identity on the field.”
Q. What positions do you play now?
Pardy: "Mostly defensive end and linemen now, but I fill in where needed, guard, D tackle, O line, I even played tight end last week."
Q. What's your favorite position to play?
Pardy: "Defensive end, I like chasing the quarterback around. I still like tight end, I just can't run with the ball anymore."
Q. How did you decide on Buzzards as a mascot?
Pardy: "I hate extreme sport names like the Edge or Storm, and we didn't want some thug-like name. You see plenty of buzzards as your driving down I-5, it just seemed appropriate that we're from Springtucky."
After being unsatisfied with the organization he was playing for, Pardy with former teammate Wyatt Ledbetter decided to start their own team in '06 and joined the NNFL a nine man league. In 2008 they joined the Oregon Football League which is the oldest and most reputable eleven man league in the state.
"I want to be the best organization in the league, I want to improve the league and create a winning environment."
Pardy would also like to see the Buzzards become a non-profit organization in the next few years so he can give back to the community by helping kids to pursue extra curricular activities. "I think it's a crime for a kid not to play due to lack of money." Whether it's Pop Warner, volleyball or band, Pardy believes that every kid should have a chance to pursue their dreams. His idea is to set up scholarships and contracts, "they'll have to earn."
The last regular season game is scheduled for May 9, in Vancouver, B.C., against the Vancouver Vipers. The playoffs are scheduled to begin May 16, and will be played as the highest seeds home field. With a win in Vancouver and a few losses from other teams, the Buzzards could be on their way to the playoffs and possibly even home field advantage.
Pardy who will turn 39 this month still thinks he's got a few more good years left. "There are those quiet moments when you're stretching out with the team and you think, I wouldn't want to be doing anything else."
Kevin Pardy takes a brief rest on the sideline.
Pitching problems plague Ducks
The score is 2-1, it's the top of the seventh inning on a rain soaked Sunday afternoon at PK Park in Eugene. Freshmen starting pitcher Madison Boer takes the mound for the University of Oregon. So far things have been going well for the Ducks but after a few pitches, things start to take a turn for the worst.
After Boer walked the first batter in the inning, pitching coach Andrew Checketts, took his first of many trips that inning to the mound.
45 minutes later at the bottom of the seventh inning, four Oregon pitchers, Boer, Geoff Nichols, Ryan Fleckstein and Zack Thornton had thrown three wild pitches, hit one batter and walked four others. UCLA scored six runs on two hits, putting the Bruins up 8-1.
"It was the most out of character our guys (have been) coming out of the bullpen." Oregon coach George Horton told The Oregonian in an interview following the game. "That one got away from us."
The Ducks won the first of the three game series 3-2 on Friday, May 1, but lost Saturday's game 2-6 and Sunday's game 1-8.
Junior, Bennett Whitmore, is the fifth and final pitcher for the day.
With the win, UCLA moves in to second place in the Pac-10, half a game a head of Oregon State and Washington State who are 3.5 games back from first place Arizona State.
Oregon's next game will be May 9, in Pullman, Wash., against the Cougars. The last home game is scheduled for May 24, at noon against the Arizona Wildcats who are currently ranked eighth in the Pac-10. The Ducks are now in last place with only four conference wins.
A few die-hard fans brave the elements to cheer on the home team.
After Boer walked the first batter in the inning, pitching coach Andrew Checketts, took his first of many trips that inning to the mound.
45 minutes later at the bottom of the seventh inning, four Oregon pitchers, Boer, Geoff Nichols, Ryan Fleckstein and Zack Thornton had thrown three wild pitches, hit one batter and walked four others. UCLA scored six runs on two hits, putting the Bruins up 8-1.
"It was the most out of character our guys (have been) coming out of the bullpen." Oregon coach George Horton told The Oregonian in an interview following the game. "That one got away from us."
The Ducks won the first of the three game series 3-2 on Friday, May 1, but lost Saturday's game 2-6 and Sunday's game 1-8.
Junior, Bennett Whitmore, is the fifth and final pitcher for the day.With the win, UCLA moves in to second place in the Pac-10, half a game a head of Oregon State and Washington State who are 3.5 games back from first place Arizona State.
Oregon's next game will be May 9, in Pullman, Wash., against the Cougars. The last home game is scheduled for May 24, at noon against the Arizona Wildcats who are currently ranked eighth in the Pac-10. The Ducks are now in last place with only four conference wins.
A few die-hard fans brave the elements to cheer on the home team.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Newest arrival to the herd of elephants
I was fortunate to visit San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park two weeks after the birth of new baby African Elephant that was born on March 13, 2009, which coincidentally is National Elephant Day in Thailand. As of May 1, I don't believe the "little guy" has been named. He is seen here with his mother Umngani and his older sister, Khosi, who was born on Sept. 11, 2006. Khosi was the first calf born to Umnagi, her baby brother is the second. Umnagi is one of several elephants saved from being culled in Swaziland in 2003.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Catching some rays
On a recent trip to San Diego in March, I took quite a few pictures of meerkats at the San Diego Zoo, located at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, Calif., where they have a large mob of meerkats in their African exhibit.
Meerkats have become a popular attraction since the show Meerkat Manor on Animal Planet, introduced a million weekly viewers to the fuzzy little family of meerkats known as the Whiskers.
Meerkats have become a popular attraction since the show Meerkat Manor on Animal Planet, introduced a million weekly viewers to the fuzzy little family of meerkats known as the Whiskers.
Two meerkats (above) basque in the warm afternoon sun as two others forage for food.
Meerkats are careful to keep an eye out for predators and have several guards that stay alert to warn of any danger from the sky as well as on the ground.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Profile of a Springfield Buzzard
The Springfield Buzzards semi-pro football team is in a must win situation today to make the playoffs. I will be profiling the owner of the Buzzards, Kevin Pardy, who is also a player on the team. 
Kevin Pardy, 38, of Eugene, during a crucial win against the Oregon Outlaws on April 4, 2009.
Farmers' market offers variety of local treats
"
How much do you like garlic?" the man next to the cooler filled with an assortment of goat cheese asks me.
"A lot." I respond.
He tilts his head a little to the side "A lot?"
"Yeah, sometimes I dab a little behind my ears," I tell him, "I love garlic."
He hands me a taster spoon with a dollop of goat cheese and what appears to be a healthy dose of garlic. I take out my money, sold on taking this home with the loaf of organic bread I just got from Marche Provisions Bakery.
"We just milked the goats on Wednesday." David Lygren, of Alsea Acre Goat Cheese informs me.
"You can't get a whole lot fresher than that." That's the point here at the Lane County Farmers' Market, local and fresh.
It's that time of year again, the local farmers' markets are in full swing. With a spectrum of colors and a bustle of people selecting the perfect bunch of organic carrots, or radishes. A sea of every hue of green unfolds from freshly harvested kale, cabbage and assorted lettuces. Homemade jam and jellies tempt shoppers with their vibrant colors and plentiful samples. Organic chocolate truffles, homemade tamales, the selection is as varied as Eugene's residents.
With the Saturday Market and its multitude of craft vendors going on across the street there is quite a diverse crowd. There are musicians playing on different corners as you walk through the maze of booths, a drum circle adds a rhythmic beat that seems to resonate through the crowd. With over 160 growers and producers Eugene's market, www.lanecountyfarmersmarket.org/, is the biggest in the area with vendors ranging from baked goods to locally raised meat, organic vegetables to fresh picked flower bouquets. Eugene can trace the market back to 1915, which also makes it one of the earliest in this part of Oregon.
The market offers a nice break from the chain grocery stores that ship most of their fruits and vegetables in from other states as well as other countries. It also gives the buyer the opportunity to meet the people behind the food that they are consuming. Lygren lets me know that he takes care of the goats on the farm. There is a sense of pride as he says it. Many of these products are labors of love as the container of goat cheese says right on top, "Produced with LOVE in Oregon."
So far I'm having an organic mixed green salad with bread and goat cheese for dinner, not a bad start, and it's still early.
I spot a vendor I'm not familiar with and decide to try some of the apple crumb cake which I notice is from Redmond. "You come all the way from Redmond?" I ask.
"I drive up on Friday night." Sarah Yancey, who owns Delish Bakery says. She tells me she has gotten "a positive response" since September of last year when she started selling her baked goods at the Lane County Farmers' Market, "It's been my most successful market." Which is ironic because she owns the Redmond and Sisters' Markets.
Many of the vendors have booths at several markets held around Oregon as well as Alsea Acres, who also has a booth at the Corvallis market.
The Lane County Farmers market located on Oak and East Eighth in Eugene, opened on April 4, this year and will run through Nov. 14. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The Tuesday market will run from May to October from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 12-7 p.m. during June-September. The Corvallis and Albany markets both opened on April 18, and will also run through November.
To find out about farmers' markets in your area go to, Oregon Farmers' Market Association at, www.oregonfarmersmarkets.org/, or www.locallygrown.org/, for information on Albany and Corvallis locations.
Sarah Yancey of Delish Bakery shows off her Apple Crumble.
How much do you like garlic?" the man next to the cooler filled with an assortment of goat cheese asks me."A lot." I respond.
He tilts his head a little to the side "A lot?"
"Yeah, sometimes I dab a little behind my ears," I tell him, "I love garlic."
He hands me a taster spoon with a dollop of goat cheese and what appears to be a healthy dose of garlic. I take out my money, sold on taking this home with the loaf of organic bread I just got from Marche Provisions Bakery.
"We just milked the goats on Wednesday." David Lygren, of Alsea Acre Goat Cheese informs me.
"You can't get a whole lot fresher than that." That's the point here at the Lane County Farmers' Market, local and fresh.
It's that time of year again, the local farmers' markets are in full swing. With a spectrum of colors and a bustle of people selecting the perfect bunch of organic carrots, or radishes. A sea of every hue of green unfolds from freshly harvested kale, cabbage and assorted lettuces. Homemade jam and jellies tempt shoppers with their vibrant colors and plentiful samples. Organic chocolate truffles, homemade tamales, the selection is as varied as Eugene's residents.
With the Saturday Market and its multitude of craft vendors going on across the street there is quite a diverse crowd. There are musicians playing on different corners as you walk through the maze of booths, a drum circle adds a rhythmic beat that seems to resonate through the crowd. With over 160 growers and producers Eugene's market, www.lanecountyfarmersmarket.org/, is the biggest in the area with vendors ranging from baked goods to locally raised meat, organic vegetables to fresh picked flower bouquets. Eugene can trace the market back to 1915, which also makes it one of the earliest in this part of Oregon.
The market offers a nice break from the chain grocery stores that ship most of their fruits and vegetables in from other states as well as other countries. It also gives the buyer the opportunity to meet the people behind the food that they are consuming. Lygren lets me know that he takes care of the goats on the farm. There is a sense of pride as he says it. Many of these products are labors of love as the container of goat cheese says right on top, "Produced with LOVE in Oregon."
So far I'm having an organic mixed green salad with bread and goat cheese for dinner, not a bad start, and it's still early.
I spot a vendor I'm not familiar with and decide to try some of the apple crumb cake which I notice is from Redmond. "You come all the way from Redmond?" I ask.
"I drive up on Friday night." Sarah Yancey, who owns Delish Bakery says. She tells me she has gotten "a positive response" since September of last year when she started selling her baked goods at the Lane County Farmers' Market, "It's been my most successful market." Which is ironic because she owns the Redmond and Sisters' Markets.
Many of the vendors have booths at several markets held around Oregon as well as Alsea Acres, who also has a booth at the Corvallis market.
The Lane County Farmers market located on Oak and East Eighth in Eugene, opened on April 4, this year and will run through Nov. 14. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The Tuesday market will run from May to October from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 12-7 p.m. during June-September. The Corvallis and Albany markets both opened on April 18, and will also run through November.
To find out about farmers' markets in your area go to, Oregon Farmers' Market Association at, www.oregonfarmersmarkets.org/, or www.locallygrown.org/, for information on Albany and Corvallis locations.
Sarah Yancey of Delish Bakery shows off her Apple Crumble.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Great execution
Sophomore Ben Clowe, of the Stanford Cardinals, successfully bunts the ball and advances Toby Gearhart to 3B who would score on the next play on an RBI from Sophomore Zach Jones.
This isn't the best picture, it was the clearest shot of the ball that I got all day.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Upcoming Story
My next story will be about the Springfield Buzzards football team and their 2009 season.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
More cuts in store for already diminished resources
Photo by flasporty Flickr.com
With the documented rise of mental illness and the rise of homelessness in America, it's unfortunate that an epidemic that is costing Americans billions in lost earnings alone is getting more of its already dwindling resources cut.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) www.nimh.nih.gov/ estimates that 193 billion dollars is lost annually due to major mental illness. According to NIMH mental disorders are the leading cause of disability in the U.S.
The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) www.nami.org/ estimates that 1 in 4 adults over the age of 18 suffer from some form of mental illness with about 1 in 17 suffering from serious mental illness. Serious mental illness (SMI) includes major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), and (DID) Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly multiple personality disorder. Many of these adults end up homeless due to difficulty maintaining gainful employment, lack of funds for necessary medical treatments and medication and managing personal relationships.
The National Law Center on Homelessness estimated 3.5 million people were homeless in 2007 even though it is hard to place a number on how many homeless there are due to their transient nature. It is estimated that approximately 40% of those homeless individuals are afflicted with SMI.
Al Levine, program manager for Lane County Mental Health voiced his concern "All the funding that helps the less fortunate, especially the homeless with mental disabilities, are on the chopping block." Levine believes that many mentally ill homeless are paranoid and suspicious of state and government funded programs so they do not seek help anyway. Many of the mentally ill homeless end up in jail or prison as they inevitably break laws to get by. "Things are only going to get worse."
In the Feb. 5, 2009 edition Eugene Weekly reported that Eugene Police Chief Pete Kerns admits that "Lane County doesn't have enough mental health care." He proposes building a bigger jail that would hold over 1,500 beds and cost millions to build.
There are still a few resources in Lane County for the homeless and mentally ill. The Eugene Mission, a homeless shelter located at 1542 W. First Ave. and White Bird, a non-profit human service agency that has counseling available for the mentally ill homeless. White Bird can be contacted at 541-342-8255.
Jeff Souza who works at the front desk at the Eugene Mission expressed his surprise that they currently have several beds available. The mission is down to 150 occupants, they usually are at capacity with 200 people. With no waiting list Souza said "Just come in and we'll put you to sleep."
Who: Mentally ill homeless
Where: Lane Co.
What: More budget cuts
When: On going, upcoming.
Why you should care: Mental illness affects millions of people.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) www.nimh.nih.gov/ estimates that 193 billion dollars is lost annually due to major mental illness. According to NIMH mental disorders are the leading cause of disability in the U.S.
The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) www.nami.org/ estimates that 1 in 4 adults over the age of 18 suffer from some form of mental illness with about 1 in 17 suffering from serious mental illness. Serious mental illness (SMI) includes major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), and (DID) Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly multiple personality disorder. Many of these adults end up homeless due to difficulty maintaining gainful employment, lack of funds for necessary medical treatments and medication and managing personal relationships.
The National Law Center on Homelessness estimated 3.5 million people were homeless in 2007 even though it is hard to place a number on how many homeless there are due to their transient nature. It is estimated that approximately 40% of those homeless individuals are afflicted with SMI.
Al Levine, program manager for Lane County Mental Health voiced his concern "All the funding that helps the less fortunate, especially the homeless with mental disabilities, are on the chopping block." Levine believes that many mentally ill homeless are paranoid and suspicious of state and government funded programs so they do not seek help anyway. Many of the mentally ill homeless end up in jail or prison as they inevitably break laws to get by. "Things are only going to get worse."
In the Feb. 5, 2009 edition Eugene Weekly reported that Eugene Police Chief Pete Kerns admits that "Lane County doesn't have enough mental health care." He proposes building a bigger jail that would hold over 1,500 beds and cost millions to build.
There are still a few resources in Lane County for the homeless and mentally ill. The Eugene Mission, a homeless shelter located at 1542 W. First Ave. and White Bird, a non-profit human service agency that has counseling available for the mentally ill homeless. White Bird can be contacted at 541-342-8255.
Jeff Souza who works at the front desk at the Eugene Mission expressed his surprise that they currently have several beds available. The mission is down to 150 occupants, they usually are at capacity with 200 people. With no waiting list Souza said "Just come in and we'll put you to sleep."
Who: Mentally ill homeless
Where: Lane Co.
What: More budget cuts
When: On going, upcoming.
Why you should care: Mental illness affects millions of people.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Newport Seafood and Wine Festival
Clockwise from top left: Mindi Pardy, 34 and Heather McCloskey, 25, of Eugene get their picture at Barefoot Cellars booth.Clam chowder from Newport Cafe with a scoop of Dungeness crab was my winner for tastiest chow for the weekend.
Terry Maddox waits to sell his pencil drawings, craft vendor sales have been down the past few years as wine prices continue to rise.
Mary Bellando of Wines by Joe has been a staple at the wine festival for years.
The crowd was at times overwhelming for the 32nd Annual Seafood and Wine Festival in Newport, Feb 20-22, 2009.
Heart of Asia
The 24th Annual Oregon Asian Festival "Heart of Asia" which showcases Asian inspired art, Asian artists and vendors as well as performances by several Asian dance and music groups, was held at the Lane County Fairgrounds on Feb. 14-15, 2009.
A traditional Polynesian dance is performed (top left) a Chinese Lion used in dances for the new year's celebrations (middle top) Russell Morton works on his beaded mural "Four Season's of Water" (top right) Japanese Koto of Portland plays traditional Japanese music. (bottom right) Several vendors displayed colorful wall hangings like this fan to decorate their booths.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Pedestrian Fatality
Eugene Police discuss a fatal accident on Oak Street where a pedestrian was struck by a car while crossing the street on March 9, 2009. Dana Lee Baldwin, 85, was crossing Oak Street between Les Schwab and Safeway when she was struck by a Ford Explorer. The 29 year old female driver of the Explorer was not injured.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Opening Day at PK Park
Sophomore Jake Johnson from Fresno State just misses Senior Caleb Tommasini who is safe at first in the home opener at the newly constructed PK Park in Eugene on Feb. 27, 2009.
Issac Vivas, sophomore short stop from Fresno State, kept freshmen pitcher Tyler Anderson and freshmen Darrell Hunter busy at first base on the Ducks victory over the Bulldogs on Feb. 27, 2009 at Pat Kilkenny Park.
Sophomore Danny Muno of the defending National Champion Fresno State Bulldogs, gets caught in a pickle by freshmen Darrell Hunter while freshmen pitcher Tyler Anderson watches the play unfold. The Oregon Ducks upset Fresno 1-0 in their first home game at PK Park on Feb. 27, 2009.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Photo Critique 6 Friends For PWS
Kim, Bobbi, Stacey and Kelly of Friends For PWS, pour wine at the Newport Seafood and Wine Festival on Feb. 21, 2009. Friends For PWS is a Waldport foundation that raises money for research and awareness of Prader Willi Syndrome a rare genetic disorder that causes uncontrollable obesity as well as cognitive and developmental disabilities.
This would have been a great photo to use if I had gotten everyone's last name. Doh!
Yaquina Bay Bridge
Nicole Comach, 22, of Eugene, takes a moment away from the 33rd Annual Newport Seafood and Wine Festival to enjoy the view of Yaquina Bay Bridge on Feb. 21, 2009.
Friday, February 20, 2009
News Feature Photo Redo
Russell Morton works on the "Four Seasons of Water" at the Asian Festival in Eugene on Feb. 14, 2009. This beaded mural was started on Jan. 23, 2006 and will be 180" long and 60" high when it is complete.
The panels are only worked on during each of the corresponding seasons.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Nappy Roots Photo Critique 5
I took a lot of photos of Nappy Roots during the very short show at the Indigo District on Feb. 11, 2009. The show was very smokey and it was hard to take a shot as I was getting bumped around a lot. I did like the way this shot turned out because the girls up on stage were definitely shakin' their thang.
Neighborhood Landmark
Healing Spirits on the corner of 18th and Mill Streets, offers massage therapy for $70 per hour which includes aromatherapy. Feb. 11, 2009 was a nice sunny day to take a stroll around the neighborhood.
My Neighborhood Portrait
Madeliene Jonas, 18, is the receptionist at Healing Spirits, a massage therapy office on the corner of 18th and Mill Streets in Eugene.
My Neighborhood
Students wait across the street from South Eugene High to catch their buses on Feb. 11, 2009. Lane Transit District provides free transportation to local high school students as well as college students from LCC and U of O but not LBCC.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Photo Critique 4 Feeling Crabby
I found this on Flickr and as I am a huge foodie and love crab, this naturally jumped out at me. This photo was taken by Laurence Winram. I like the muted colors that almost make this look like a black and a white photo.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Four!
Scott Conrad, 38 of Portland, watches his ball land on the green at the Edgefield golf course in Troutdale on Feb. 2, 2009. It was a great day to play a few holes and recover after the Superbowl.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Shaking Hands with The Govenor
Scott Conrad, Jeff Schneider and Chris "Katman" Kadotani, 38, enjoy the "view" from hole number 5 at the McMenamin's Edgefield Manor in Troutdale on Feb. 2, 2009. While it is popular to have a few brews on the links, there are no restrooms on either the 12 or 20 hole course.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Restaurant Review of Belly
Restaurant Review of Belly
When I heard there was a new restaurant in Eugene that was serving pork belly, tripe and even had pig’s feet on the menu I had to check it out. I’m obviously down with eating a little swine. Chef/Owner Brendan Mahaney opened on July 4, 2008, but I like to give them a little bit of time to see if they’ll stay open and to work out some kinks. Belly, located in the 5th Street Market area, is fairly small with only about nine tables, perfect. There is minimal décor, a very long chandelier of some sort hanging out in the corner but little else to distract me from the mission at hand. Pork belly.
I’ll get back to the pork belly in just a sec, but I have to mention the appetizers. We started off with the Bacon wrapped manchego cheese stuffed roasted dates and hazelnuts. Yumm! The bacon was perfectly cooked and did not overwhelm the salty creaminess of the cheese as it danced with the sweetness of the dates. What a great start! Next, the Roasted parsnip soup with bleu cheese croute, I’m seeing a theme of sweet and salty and I like it. The soup has a wonderfully rich and smooth texture, perfect for a chilly evening. There are an assortment of other starters from $3 to $9, like Pig’s feet and tripe on toast, and Clams with chorizo. There salads look good too, Beet salad with blood orange and grapefruit and Endive salad with brussel sprouts and bacon. I have to save room, so on to the main course.
Pork belly, to some, is the just cut of meat that bacon is made from. Pork belly to those “in the know” especially chefs is one of the finest things to come out of a pig. Rarely do I see it on menus, which is unfortunate because it is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat. There is a layer of meat, topped with a layer of fat, another layer of meat and topped off with, yes, you guessed it, another layer of fat. The top was perfectly crisp and the meat was ever so tender. Some people enjoy eating the fat, me, not so much, but the fat is crucial for the flavor and the texture. It was served on a bed of lentils, which were nicely cooked, not too soft, with some crispy onions as the garnish. My friends Filet mignon was well seasoned and very tasty but I was a little underwhelmed with the mashed potatoes and the demi glace that was on the meat. They also have a small but impressive selection of wines mostly from France and Italy, I chose a Tempranillo from Spain, delightful. Dinner entrees run from $15-$20, and I am told they change their menu two to three times a week, using a lot of organic and local products.
All in all I’d say Belly gets 3 out of five little piggys.
Customer Service At It's Finest.
T
erry Teeter of Albany Amtrak does not anticipate business slowing down anytime soon. Even though gas prices are down customer use has gone up December was their busiest month in history. "You just can't beat the convenience or the fares." Round trip tickets from Albany to Portland are running around $32. "You'd spend that much on gas."
erry Teeter of Albany Amtrak does not anticipate business slowing down anytime soon. Even though gas prices are down customer use has gone up December was their busiest month in history. "You just can't beat the convenience or the fares." Round trip tickets from Albany to Portland are running around $32. "You'd spend that much on gas."Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Photo Critique 3
This picture was taken at Sinulog 2009, Cebu City, Philippines by Roro Fernandez. Sinulog is a nine day religious event that honors Santo Nino the patron saint of Cebu.I really like the vibrant colors in this photo. The photographer has done a great job of getting up close and personal, as well as doing a great job of staggering multiple people in the shot.
Friday, January 23, 2009
All aboard!
Even though the price of gas has gone down, passenger use has not declined. Albany Amtrak reports that they have had their busiest month in history in December 2008.
Passengers await this southbound train at Albany Station on Jan. 15, 2009.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Photo Critique 2
I picked this picture because it shows how much of an impact around the world Obama becoming president is having.
This celebration was Jan. 19, 2009, in Kenya, celebrating the inauguration at the Barack Obama Nyang'oma Kogelo Primary School.
The photographer did a good job of getting up close for this shot. There is a lot going on in the background but it doesn't distract too much from the focal point. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya (KENYA)
Friday, January 16, 2009
Holy Smoke.
With the emergence of trendy hookah bars and cafe's, easy and affordable hookah's for home use, as well as new fruit flavored milder blends of tobacco, the increasing number of young tobacco users has drastically increased since the 90s.
Eugene residents Amy Vandenburgh and Sydney Sigmund, both 22, relax at home on Jan. 15, 2009, after a long day at school.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
What a terrible season.
This is the Huskie's last home football game of the season in Seattle, Wash. on Nov. 8, 2008. As close as they would get to the end zone they did not have much success scoring. The Huskie's finished their season winless. Only one place to go next season and that's up.
Photo critique
Cool photo from National Geographic. Victim from Mt. Vesuvias.
Picture was taken by O. Louis Mazzatenta in 1984.
What I really like about this picture is that the figure is so preserved. It makes me think that the flood of ash & lava was so quick that this person was sleeping & was unaware of the pending doom.
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