Monday, July 31, 2006
Hockey Update
Well, looks like Jeff and I will not be moving to the Over 35 hockey league after all. We were invited by a current teammate to transition to his other team. It's three divisions down from our current division so hopefully we'll be a little more competitive. Looks like the Over 35 level will have to wait for us...
Jayda Hage
Here's our neice Jayda celebrating Dawn's birthday with us at Mimi's Cafe in Gilroy (THE GARLIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, impressive, eh?)
Sunday, July 30, 2006
The Kendall Family
This is the only picture I have of Robin, Scott & little Kami. I'm still working with Robin and Scott has moved to Southern California and is doing well working at Expo Design Center selling their products & services. Kami is a diabetic and needs two insulin shots each day (but that doesn't stop her from enjoying life).
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Indoor Rock Climbing
Here's our neice Emily at City Beach in Fremont. Amazingly she wasn't scared at all and just climbed straight to the top on the first try. Needless to say, it was a proud moment. We'll have to make some time and go again. If anyone wants to go, just let us know. Maybe it'll motivate us to go on a regular basis...
Friday, July 28, 2006
Japanese Pen Pal
A co-worker had asked me to be a pen pal with an employee in Japan who would like to improve his English. His name is Toshi and he is pictured with his father, sister(far left), wife (in the traditional Yukata dress) and their daughter Sawa (in blue). According to his latest e-mail, they attended the "Bon" festival and seem to be tossing back a few beers in celebration!10 Reasons You're not Losing Weight
You're not exercising enough!
One thing many people don't understand about exercise and weight loss is this: you have to work hard if you want to change the shape of your body. That means a balance of medium-high intensity cardio exercise along with challenging strength training workouts.
Cardio
For weight loss, you'll need to get about 5 cardio workouts each week at a medium-high intensity for at least 30 minutes. If you're a beginner, it's best to start slow and work your way up but, if you're in good condition and have no restrictions, challenging yourself with harder workouts is the best way to burn more calories. Interval training is a good choice because studies show you continue to burn calories even after you've stopped exercising. Try adding one of the following interval workouts to your weekly routine or come up with your own:
Interval Training 1
Interval Training 2
Interval Training for Beginners
Strength Training
In addition to your cardio workouts, you'll need to lift weights for all your muscle groups at least 2 non-consecutive days a week.
And, by lifting weights, that means using enough weight that you can ONLY complete the desired number of reps. For example, if you're doing 12 bicep curls, you need to use enough weight that you can only do 12 bicep curls and not one more. Most people don't lift enough weight to really challenge their muscles. If that sounds familiar, check out Weight Training 101 and my Workout Center to learn how to lift weights and get some workout ideas.
You're not exercising enough
You're not getting enough sleep
You're too stressed out
You're eating too much
You're not consistent with your exercise and healthy eating
You blow it on the weekends
You haven't given yourself enough time to see results
You have a medical condition
You've hit a plateau
You don't need to lose weight
One thing many people don't understand about exercise and weight loss is this: you have to work hard if you want to change the shape of your body. That means a balance of medium-high intensity cardio exercise along with challenging strength training workouts.
Cardio
For weight loss, you'll need to get about 5 cardio workouts each week at a medium-high intensity for at least 30 minutes. If you're a beginner, it's best to start slow and work your way up but, if you're in good condition and have no restrictions, challenging yourself with harder workouts is the best way to burn more calories. Interval training is a good choice because studies show you continue to burn calories even after you've stopped exercising. Try adding one of the following interval workouts to your weekly routine or come up with your own:
Interval Training 1
Interval Training 2
Interval Training for Beginners
Strength Training
In addition to your cardio workouts, you'll need to lift weights for all your muscle groups at least 2 non-consecutive days a week.
And, by lifting weights, that means using enough weight that you can ONLY complete the desired number of reps. For example, if you're doing 12 bicep curls, you need to use enough weight that you can only do 12 bicep curls and not one more. Most people don't lift enough weight to really challenge their muscles. If that sounds familiar, check out Weight Training 101 and my Workout Center to learn how to lift weights and get some workout ideas.
You're not exercising enough
You're not getting enough sleep
You're too stressed out
You're eating too much
You're not consistent with your exercise and healthy eating
You blow it on the weekends
You haven't given yourself enough time to see results
You have a medical condition
You've hit a plateau
You don't need to lose weight
Thursday, July 27, 2006
End of the Road
It's official. Just got word that the captain of our team is "stepping down" and is letting everyone know in advance so we can make our own plans for the future. I can't say it was a surprise. Well, now Jeff and I will move on to the Over 35 league and play on Tuesday nights. I'm looking forward to a change of scenery and a new group of smelly teammates!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Heidi Makes It Up The Hill
Heidi wanted to trying riding up some hills that I ride so I took her on the Llagas/Oak Glen/Willow Springs route. It's a short climb up to the Chesbro Reservoir (I think it's around 900 feet of total climbing) and Heidi had a goal of not having to "walk the bike" during any part of the ride. She succeeded (with a lot of help from her CamelBak).
My "Short" Ride to San Martin
Started off on what I thought was going to be a quick 20 mile ride through San Martin but when I rode over 101 I heard my front tire get a puncture and new I'd have to pull off and fix the tube.
Sat on the side of a road and pulled off my front wheel and proceeded to fix the flat tire. About fifteen minutes later after checking to make sure my front wheel is ready to go, I look at my bike on the ground and notice the back tire is also flat!
Now, my bike is completely disassembled and I spend another fifteen minutes on the back tire. I know, 30 minutes doesn't seem like long, but in the heat that has hit the Bay Area lately, it seemed like an eternity! Maybe I'll have to add some tire liners on my road bike to try and prevent tire punctures...
Sharks Center Awarded $700,000 In Arbitration
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- San Jose Sharks center Mark Smith was awarded a one-year contract worth $700,000 by an arbitrator Monday. Smith, 28, is coming off his best season, setting career highs in goals (9), assists (15), points (24) and games played (80). He also led the team in faceoff percentage (52).
A 1997 ninth-round pick of the New York Islanders, Smith has tallied 19 goals and 34 assists in 282 career games.
Congratulations to Smitty! He's definitely one of the hardest working guys on the ice...
A 1997 ninth-round pick of the New York Islanders, Smith has tallied 19 goals and 34 assists in 282 career games.
Congratulations to Smitty! He's definitely one of the hardest working guys on the ice...
Friday, July 21, 2006
Got Carrots?
Pinky and Perky two four week old miniature piglets cool off at Pennywell Farm and Wildlife centre near Buckfastleigh, south western England Wednesday July 19, 2006 in this photo provided by the centre. The piglets were keeping cool with a huge lolly packed with carrots and other vegetables. 'The recent heatwave has been exhausting for everyone and animals are no exception,' said Catherine Tozer, assistant manager of the farm. 'All the animals have been struggling with the heat so we have just tried to do everything we can to make them more comfortable. 'After the initial shock and a bit of investigation, the ice lollies went down a real treat,' she said.(AP Photo/Pennywell Farm and Wildlife Centre, Catherine Tozer)
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Landis Back In Contention!
MORZINE-AVORIAZ, FRANCE - JULY 20: Floyd Landis of the USA and Phonak celebrates winning Stage 17 of the 93rd Tour de France between Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and Morzine-Avoriaz on July 20, 2006 in Morzine-Avoriaz, France. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Proper Use of Sunscreen
Exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging including wrinkles. The most important skin-care product available to prevent wrinkles is sunscreen, but most people do not use sunscreen correctly. Important factors to consider with sunscreen use are the spectrum of UV radiation absorbed, the amount of sunscreen applied, and the frequency of application.
UV Radiation
The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) radiation that we divide into categories based on the wavelength. UVC radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere and does not cause skin damage. UVB radiation affects the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, and is the primary agent responsible for sunburns. UVB does not penetrate glass, and the intensity of UVB radiation depends on the time of day and the season. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and works more efficiently. The intensity of UVA radiation is more constant than UVB without the variations during the day and throughout the year. UVA is also not filtered by glass.
UV Radiation and Wrinkles
Both UVA and UVB radiation cause wrinkles by breaking down collagen, creating free radicals, and inhibiting the natural repair mechanisms of the skin. A popular classification system of sun-sensitivity is the Skin Phototype (SPT) classification. People with skin types I and II are at the highest risk for photoaging effects including wrinkles and skin cancer. The proper use of sunscreen to block both UVA and UVB radiation is an important weapon in the battle against wrinkles.
Sunscreen Ingredients
Sunscreens ingredients can be divided into compounds that physically block radiation or compounds that absorb radiation. The radiation blockers are very effective at reducing the exposure of the skin to both UVA and UVB radiation. Older formulations like zinc oxide are opaque and may be cosmetically unacceptable. However, a newer formulation of micronized titanium dioxide is not as opaque and provides excellent protection. The radiation absorbing ingredients are differentiated by the type of radiation they absorb - UVA absorbers and UVB absorbers.
Picking the Proper Sunscreen
The SPF measures the amount of UVB absorption, but there is no method of reporting the UVA absorption. The only way to determine if a sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB radiation is to look at the ingredients. A good broad-spectrum sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 15 and contain avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide.
Applying Sunscreen Properly
Most people use sunscreen improperly by not applying enough. They apply only 25% to 50% of the recommended amount. Sunscreen should be applied liberally enough to all sun-exposed areas that it forms a film when initially applied. It takes 20-30 minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed by the skin, so it should be applied at least a half an hour before going out in the sun. Sunscreen should also be the last product applied especially on the face since some sunscreens can break down in the presence of water contained in water-based foundations and moisturizers.
Reapplying Sunscreen
Most instructions on sunscreen labels recommend reapplying sunscreen "frequently", but the definition of "frequently" is vague. A common instruction is to reapply sunscreen after 2-4 hours in the sun. However, one study has shown that reapplying sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes after being in the sun is more effective than waiting 2 hours. It is possible that this time period is more effective because most people do not apply enough sunscreen initially, and this second application approximates the actual amount needed. Sunscreen should also be reapplied after swimming, excessive sweating, or toweling.
Daily Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be applied daily. The daily use of a low-SPF sunscreen (15) has been shown to be more effective in preventing skin damage than the intermittent use of a higher SPF sunscreen.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellents
Insect repellents reduce the sunscreen's SPF by up to one-third. When using sunscreen and insect repellent together, a higher SPF should be used and reapplied more often.
UV Radiation
The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) radiation that we divide into categories based on the wavelength. UVC radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere and does not cause skin damage. UVB radiation affects the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, and is the primary agent responsible for sunburns. UVB does not penetrate glass, and the intensity of UVB radiation depends on the time of day and the season. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and works more efficiently. The intensity of UVA radiation is more constant than UVB without the variations during the day and throughout the year. UVA is also not filtered by glass.
UV Radiation and Wrinkles
Both UVA and UVB radiation cause wrinkles by breaking down collagen, creating free radicals, and inhibiting the natural repair mechanisms of the skin. A popular classification system of sun-sensitivity is the Skin Phototype (SPT) classification. People with skin types I and II are at the highest risk for photoaging effects including wrinkles and skin cancer. The proper use of sunscreen to block both UVA and UVB radiation is an important weapon in the battle against wrinkles.
Sunscreen Ingredients
Sunscreens ingredients can be divided into compounds that physically block radiation or compounds that absorb radiation. The radiation blockers are very effective at reducing the exposure of the skin to both UVA and UVB radiation. Older formulations like zinc oxide are opaque and may be cosmetically unacceptable. However, a newer formulation of micronized titanium dioxide is not as opaque and provides excellent protection. The radiation absorbing ingredients are differentiated by the type of radiation they absorb - UVA absorbers and UVB absorbers.
Picking the Proper Sunscreen
The SPF measures the amount of UVB absorption, but there is no method of reporting the UVA absorption. The only way to determine if a sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB radiation is to look at the ingredients. A good broad-spectrum sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 15 and contain avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide.
Applying Sunscreen Properly
Most people use sunscreen improperly by not applying enough. They apply only 25% to 50% of the recommended amount. Sunscreen should be applied liberally enough to all sun-exposed areas that it forms a film when initially applied. It takes 20-30 minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed by the skin, so it should be applied at least a half an hour before going out in the sun. Sunscreen should also be the last product applied especially on the face since some sunscreens can break down in the presence of water contained in water-based foundations and moisturizers.
Reapplying Sunscreen
Most instructions on sunscreen labels recommend reapplying sunscreen "frequently", but the definition of "frequently" is vague. A common instruction is to reapply sunscreen after 2-4 hours in the sun. However, one study has shown that reapplying sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes after being in the sun is more effective than waiting 2 hours. It is possible that this time period is more effective because most people do not apply enough sunscreen initially, and this second application approximates the actual amount needed. Sunscreen should also be reapplied after swimming, excessive sweating, or toweling.
Daily Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be applied daily. The daily use of a low-SPF sunscreen (15) has been shown to be more effective in preventing skin damage than the intermittent use of a higher SPF sunscreen.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellents
Insect repellents reduce the sunscreen's SPF by up to one-third. When using sunscreen and insect repellent together, a higher SPF should be used and reapplied more often.
Cell Phone Epidemic
I can't believe how many people have cell phones today. I'm a huge fan of technology, but this is one area that is getting out of control! I hate to admit it, but a law needs to be passed in California restricting the use of cell phones in certain situations. I know cell phone laws are in place in some states already and it's time we get a grip on the situation. Plus, it would be a huge additional revenue stream for the state since many people will surely ignore the law and get caught (just like the carpool lane cheaters that never learn and rack up thousands of dollars in fines).
I'm sure everyone has their own cell phone horror stories, but it seems the frequency of these incidents is steadily increasing. Almost every day I get behind a driver that would obviously be considered a bad driver WITHOUT talking on a cell phone, and with one glued to their ear they instantly become the worst driver on the road. My favorite is the "I'm the only one on the road" cell phone talker. Light turns green, and they proceed to accelerate at a turtle's pace up to a top speed of 25 MPH! Wahoo, now we're flying! But wait, the speed limit is 45 MPH! Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah...
Another one of my favorite categories is the "What's the big deal if I don't stay in my lane, I'm on an important phone call!". Being a person who likes to ride my bike, it drives me crazy seeing a person on a cell phone drift in and out of their lane because they just aren't focusing on driving. Seeing them drift completely into the bike lane and mow down the peloton (a group of cyclists) is just absurd. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, on they talk...
If you have a story to share or a comment to make, please use the comment link below to post.
I'm sure everyone has their own cell phone horror stories, but it seems the frequency of these incidents is steadily increasing. Almost every day I get behind a driver that would obviously be considered a bad driver WITHOUT talking on a cell phone, and with one glued to their ear they instantly become the worst driver on the road. My favorite is the "I'm the only one on the road" cell phone talker. Light turns green, and they proceed to accelerate at a turtle's pace up to a top speed of 25 MPH! Wahoo, now we're flying! But wait, the speed limit is 45 MPH! Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah...
Another one of my favorite categories is the "What's the big deal if I don't stay in my lane, I'm on an important phone call!". Being a person who likes to ride my bike, it drives me crazy seeing a person on a cell phone drift in and out of their lane because they just aren't focusing on driving. Seeing them drift completely into the bike lane and mow down the peloton (a group of cyclists) is just absurd. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, on they talk...
If you have a story to share or a comment to make, please use the comment link below to post.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Landis Loses Yellow Jersey
Found this picture and article on ESPN. A bad day for Floyd Landis.
Floyd Landis of the US, is surrounded by reporters, after crossing the finish line to place 23rd in the 16th stage of the 93rd Tour de France cycling race between Bourg d'Oisans and La Toussuire, French Alps, Wednesday, July 19, 2006. Michael Rasmussen of Denmark won the stage, as Landis lost the lead to Oscar Pereiro Sio of Spain. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Floyd Landis Regains Yellow Jersey!
The French must LOVE seeing yet another American in their yellow jersey poised to win the Tour de France...
American Floyd Landis reclaimed the Tour de France's overall lead Tuesday, taking back the yellow jersey in the 15th stage of the race.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Dehydration: What a Pain!
Preventing dehydration can help prevent headaches and Migraines
The human body is 65% water. Simply put, dehydration occurs as the result of excessive loss of water from the body, when we lose more water than we take in. It's a bit more complicated than that since the body loses valuable electrolytes as well. That's why sports drinks have become so popular; they replenish electrolytes as well as just fluid. Dehydration can be a major issue, both in and of itself and as a headache or Migraine trigger. Many people mistakenly think it occurs only in hot weather and that you're not dehydrated if you're not thirsty. Both of these misconceptions lead to many cases of dehydration every year, some of them quite serious. Let's take a look at dehydration, what it does to the body, how to treat it, and -- perhaps most importantly -- how to prevent it.
Dehydration basics:
It takes an average of 64 to 80 ounces to replace the water our bodies lose in 24 hours.
Under normal circumstances, how much water we need depends a great deal on the volume of our perspiration and urine output.
Our bodies' need for water increases under circumstances such as:
-warmer weather or climate
-living at high altitudes
-increased physical activity
-when experiencing vomiting or diarrhea
-when fevered
-when you have a cold or the flu
-if you have a chronic disease such as uncontrolled or untreated diabetes, kidney disease, alcoholism, cystic fibrosis, or adrenal disorders,
-if you are taking some medications. Always check your prescription information.
-during long air flights
Losing as little as 1 to 2% of body weight can result in dehydration.
Losing 3 to 5% can negatively impact reaction time, concentration and judgment
Losing 9 - 15% results in severe dehydration and is life-threatening.
Symptoms of dehydration:
-Excessive thirst
-Fatigue
-Muscle weakness
-Headache (or, in the case of Migraineurs, Migraine)
-Dizziness
-Less frequent need to urinate and decreased output
-Darker colored urine (should be nearly clear to pale yellow)
-Confusion
-Increased heart rate and respirations
-Skin that doesn't snap back when pinched and released
Children may exhibit additional symptoms:
-Absence of tears when crying
-No wet diaper for three hours or longer
-Irritability
-Lethargy
-Fever
Treating dehydration:
Dehydration should be confirmed by your doctor. Caught early, after confirming with your doctor, dehydration can usually be treated at home.
Especially with children, your doctor's suggestions for treatment may vary depending on the cause and severity of the dehydration. Common treatments include:
Mild dehydration: rehydration by drinking fluids including sports drinks, which rehydrate by providing not only fluid, but also electrolytes and salt. In children, products such as Pedialyte may be recommended as it also contains carbohydrates to help absorption in the intestinal tract. Coffee, tea, and soda should not be used for dehydration as the caffeine in them can actually be dehydrating.
Moderate dehydration: rehydration may suffice, but IV fluids may be required.
Severe dehydration: Immediate action must be taken, treating the situation as a medical emergency. Hospital treatment is necessary for IV fluids to rehydrate more quickly and efficiently and to allow observation.
Prevention, the best treatment:
Obviously, it's better to prevent dehydration. Here are some steps you can take:
-Drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in water. Fruit contains the most water, followed by vegetables, meat, then grains with the least.
-Choose your beverages wisely. Caffeine and alcohol can be dehydrating. For some people, too much fruit juice can cause diarrhea, which can be dehydrating.
-If you're planning a day with more significantly exercise than usual, begin hydrating the day before.
-Sports drinks can help maintain electrolyte balance, but be aware of the sugars in them.
-Plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.
-If you're organizing outdoor activities, provide shaded areas.
-When you're ill, be sure to continue drinking fluids, and get additional fluids if you have a fever or are vomiting or have diarrhea. Call your doctor for help with vomiting or diarrhea if necessary.
Summary:
Learning to prevent and to recognize dehydration are essential. Don't let dehydration ruin your fun or make you more ill. Remember to take in as much fluid as you're losing each day.
The human body is 65% water. Simply put, dehydration occurs as the result of excessive loss of water from the body, when we lose more water than we take in. It's a bit more complicated than that since the body loses valuable electrolytes as well. That's why sports drinks have become so popular; they replenish electrolytes as well as just fluid. Dehydration can be a major issue, both in and of itself and as a headache or Migraine trigger. Many people mistakenly think it occurs only in hot weather and that you're not dehydrated if you're not thirsty. Both of these misconceptions lead to many cases of dehydration every year, some of them quite serious. Let's take a look at dehydration, what it does to the body, how to treat it, and -- perhaps most importantly -- how to prevent it.
Dehydration basics:
It takes an average of 64 to 80 ounces to replace the water our bodies lose in 24 hours.
Under normal circumstances, how much water we need depends a great deal on the volume of our perspiration and urine output.
Our bodies' need for water increases under circumstances such as:
-warmer weather or climate
-living at high altitudes
-increased physical activity
-when experiencing vomiting or diarrhea
-when fevered
-when you have a cold or the flu
-if you have a chronic disease such as uncontrolled or untreated diabetes, kidney disease, alcoholism, cystic fibrosis, or adrenal disorders,
-if you are taking some medications. Always check your prescription information.
-during long air flights
Losing as little as 1 to 2% of body weight can result in dehydration.
Losing 3 to 5% can negatively impact reaction time, concentration and judgment
Losing 9 - 15% results in severe dehydration and is life-threatening.
Symptoms of dehydration:
-Excessive thirst
-Fatigue
-Muscle weakness
-Headache (or, in the case of Migraineurs, Migraine)
-Dizziness
-Less frequent need to urinate and decreased output
-Darker colored urine (should be nearly clear to pale yellow)
-Confusion
-Increased heart rate and respirations
-Skin that doesn't snap back when pinched and released
Children may exhibit additional symptoms:
-Absence of tears when crying
-No wet diaper for three hours or longer
-Irritability
-Lethargy
-Fever
Treating dehydration:
Dehydration should be confirmed by your doctor. Caught early, after confirming with your doctor, dehydration can usually be treated at home.
Especially with children, your doctor's suggestions for treatment may vary depending on the cause and severity of the dehydration. Common treatments include:
Mild dehydration: rehydration by drinking fluids including sports drinks, which rehydrate by providing not only fluid, but also electrolytes and salt. In children, products such as Pedialyte may be recommended as it also contains carbohydrates to help absorption in the intestinal tract. Coffee, tea, and soda should not be used for dehydration as the caffeine in them can actually be dehydrating.
Moderate dehydration: rehydration may suffice, but IV fluids may be required.
Severe dehydration: Immediate action must be taken, treating the situation as a medical emergency. Hospital treatment is necessary for IV fluids to rehydrate more quickly and efficiently and to allow observation.
Prevention, the best treatment:
Obviously, it's better to prevent dehydration. Here are some steps you can take:
-Drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in water. Fruit contains the most water, followed by vegetables, meat, then grains with the least.
-Choose your beverages wisely. Caffeine and alcohol can be dehydrating. For some people, too much fruit juice can cause diarrhea, which can be dehydrating.
-If you're planning a day with more significantly exercise than usual, begin hydrating the day before.
-Sports drinks can help maintain electrolyte balance, but be aware of the sugars in them.
-Plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.
-If you're organizing outdoor activities, provide shaded areas.
-When you're ill, be sure to continue drinking fluids, and get additional fluids if you have a fever or are vomiting or have diarrhea. Call your doctor for help with vomiting or diarrhea if necessary.
Summary:
Learning to prevent and to recognize dehydration are essential. Don't let dehydration ruin your fun or make you more ill. Remember to take in as much fluid as you're losing each day.
Let's Get Rid of the Penny!
I was reading an article today and couldn't believe how much taxpayer money is being squandered on the penny. When the cost of transporting and creating are added into the material cost of making pennies, the U.S. Mint loses 0.23 of a cent on every penny it produces. This year the loss will be around $23 million!
The article went on to say that we should follow the lead of Australia who stopped making pennies three years ago. The smallest coin they make is five cents. Their pricing is often still expressed in pennies, but for cash payments they get rounded to the nearest multiple of five. Sounds like a great system to me!
The article went on to say that we should follow the lead of Australia who stopped making pennies three years ago. The smallest coin they make is five cents. Their pricing is often still expressed in pennies, but for cash payments they get rounded to the nearest multiple of five. Sounds like a great system to me!
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Emily in Karate Class
Our niece has been doing great in Karate class. Here's a picture of her in her gold belt. She recently earned her purple belt!
Ryan Flashing His Smile
This picture of our nephew Ryan just cracks me up! He really does like to have his picture taken. This was taken at Heidi's birthday party at City Beach in Fremont. Heidi wanted to go indoor rock climbing. I'll have to find the picture of Ryan's sister Emily conquering the rock walls of City Beach...
Panoramic Photographs
We bought an all-in-one printer a couple of months ago and it actually came with some nice software that creates panoramic images. Here's one of our house that was "stitched" together using four different photos. I'll have to find other subjects to photograph and create more panoramic shots...
3' x 4' Painting by Heidi
Heidi was nice enough to paint this piece of hockey art to hang in our home office. I think she did a great job!
Fun in Hollister
Here's Jeff on his Yamaha dirt bike at Hollister Hills. He was the reason I got into dirt bike riding and it's been a lot of fun so far. Riding (or trying to ride) in the mud was NOT fun. Mainly because I was completely out of control most of the time. Needless to say, it was a short day of riding for me!
Celebrating 4th of July
Heidi and I invited my parents and grandmother to our house to celebrate 4th of July. Our gas grill was out of propane so we just picked up Trail Dust BBQ and had a great time.
Kalapaki Bay in Kauai
This is my favorite shot from our family vacation in Kauai. The view was right in front of our Marriott Resort in the beautiful Kalapaki Bay. I can't believe it's been two months since we went, but luckily the pictures help us to remember the trip.
Mountain Biking
Started riding a mountain bike about a month ago and I'm having fun exploring different areas. This picture was taken in Morgan Hill riding at Anderson Reservoir County Park. The area to ride mountain bikes and hike is fairly small, but perfect for beginners. That's me in the blue shirt and my friend from work is taking the photo. Riding a mountain bike is certainly different than riding my road bike. However, I'm finding both bikes to be tons of fun.
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