Mama’s Got a Brand New Blog

January 5th, 2010 by eric

Chandra’s started a brand new blog about all the wonderful food she grows and makes. You need to check it out.

Awake at 4:30ish, with a strong cough. The opportunity to immuno-boost was beckoning! I had no interest in engaging in such activity to the degree that was apparently on offer. I eventually got back to sleep after a couple of foreboding coughing fits. When I woke 3 hours later, I still wasn’t feeling great, but not as bad as I feared.

The overtures of immuno-boosting faded throughout the day, and <knocks on wood> right now I feel fine and dandy.

Last night, I sent out invitations for a King Crimson listening party next Wednesday to celebrate the 41st anniversary of the King’s reign. If you’re in the area and interested in attending, let me know. It’s going to be a fun evening. A King Crimson Party has to be some kind of oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp, but we’ll find a way to make it work. If all else fails, add more booze.

The middle of the work day was not-so-productive. The end of the work day was lots of meetings, and the evening involved more work, with a break for 20 minutes of treadmill running followed by dinner and the end of the Orange Bowl.

A second night of video chatting with Chandra was successful, and is a more engaging and fun way to connect during these days on the road.

Now, to bed.

My eyes! The goggles do nothing!

January 4th, 2010 by eric

Alarm at 4:30am. Awake at 4:33am… essentially.

Rubi managed to open the bathroom door (somehow) while I was taking a shower. She came in and sat on the far edge of the tub, flicking her tail back and forth, and wondering how I can stand to have all that water hit my body.

The taxi was early, and I was slightly late. The local radio station was set to “eclectic”. A mix of Dead Kennedy’s, Roy Orbison, Cream, CCR, and the Clash was heard. My driver told me of how Cream fell apart because of the band members’ use of heroin. He couldn’t fathom how anyone could play music on downers. He said he had no experience of heroin directly, but his own experiences with prescription medication served to inform his opinion in this matter.

I’ve got my Eugene Airport travel timing darn near perfect. 25 minutes to the airport. 5-10 to get through security. A quick stop at the sandwich counter for an Odwalla superfood smoothie and a banana bread muffin, and by the time I get to the gate they’re loading my section.

Today, my flight nap was only interrupted by some very juicy and throaty coughing coming from multiple directions in my near vicinity.

The drive to the new Adchemy offices in Foster City were quick and uneventful. I was excited to see the new office space. It’s much more spacious than our previous office, and still has that “new office smell”, which is similar to “new car smell” and “new carpet smell” and “fresh paint smell”. It’s a mix of formaldehyde and other noxious VOCs which are generally hazardous. So, i don’t necessarily enjoy encountering them.

Most of the day was wrapped up in meetings. I took a break around 2pm to walk around the neighborhood, which includes the Foster City Hall and public library. It’s not quite a “downtown”. There are still four lane highways everywhere, but it’s more pedestrian friendly than our last location, and since I have to stay in the area when I’m here I’m happy to see that there are a number of nice restaurants and a nearby grocery.

After work I checked into the hotel, which is pleasant and clean. it has a nice fitness room, indoor pool and whirlpool, and a decent bistro restaurant/bar of its own. This is such a departure from the Extended Stay America I was at, just down the road, in November it’s astonishing.

This evening while googling the youtube for all things Fripp and Crimson, I stumbled across this video from my brother. I hope he doesn’t mind me sharing. I’m just too proud and impressed not too:

Now, listening to some Robert Fripp Soundscapes from Estonia, and they are lulling me to dream land. I give in.

From White to Grey

December 31st, 2009 by eric

Chandra and I returned from our holiday travels this past Sunday. We were in the Chicago area (and Portland briefly before that) visiting family for the holidays. This was a memorable visit for me. The highlights for me included seeing my younger cousins, playing euchre with my folks, and getting to see Mike and Amber.

After a week of hustling around in the crappy Chicago winter weather we were very happy to return home and exchange the 20s for 40s, and the snow covered roads for rain-covered ones. We were also happy to return home to Rubi. She was very playful when we returned, and quite the lover-cat.

Now, I’m looking forward to a nice three-day weekend to get some relaxation, watch the Ducks trounce the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl, clean the house, and hopefully get into the mountains to play in the snow. If we do get out into the mountains, I can promise you pictures.

Best to y’all in the New Year.

In the Box of the Crimson King

December 14th, 2009 by eric

Today was a special day. I’ve been eagerly anticipating this for weeks:


My copy of the 40th anniversary six-disc deluxe box set of In the Court of the Crimson King: An Observation by King Crimson arrived in the mail today. It includes the new 2009 stereo mix cut from the original multi-track recordings, the original stereo mix remaster from 2004, a DVD-Audio disc containing two 5.1 surround sound mixes, a disc of live material, a disc of radio promos for the release, an album of outtakes and alternate takes, and a de-clicked audio transfer from first edition vinyl sources including Robert Fripp’s personal copy.

The box set also contains a 20 page booklet, a poster replicating the original vinyl release artwork, two 8×10 glossy prints of the band, and a couple of jacket buttons. Here is its unveiling.

The back:


The opening:


The gatefold poster outside:


And inside:


The booklet:


The photos:


The buttons:


The discs (sweet!)



The full Kcit and Kcaboodle


Enjoying Victory From a Distance

December 3rd, 2009 by eric

Two days in Redwood City. Two days of planning meetings, preparations, and coordinations.

December is and will be a busy month, even without the holidays and the travel associated.

I took a break from work this evening to watch the Civil War. It was a fantastic game, and I was excited to see the Ducks win. I just wish I could have been in Eugene to enjoy the moment with friends and family.

I’ll be in Eugene for the Rose Bowl. Hopefully that will be a fantastic way to ring in the New Year.

Now it’s time to wrap up the evening, get a good night’s sleep, and get a jump on tomorrow. I’m looking forward to getting home tomorrow evening for a holiday party we’re hosting.

G’night.