Congrats to Christine on her smooth transition from CFO of Ducati USA to CFO of Theatre Works of Palo Alto. Always a pleasure to see both Fred and Christine especially since their lives are paced as fast as their vehicles. We were invited on Christine’s behalf this past Saturday to see Stephen Schwart’s new musical - “Snapshots,” on its opening night. I pondered a quick second and figured that Crystal would enjoy it as her and her mother saw Stephen Schewart’s “Wicked” earlier this year in London.

We rushed in just as the opening act was commencing, and I have to admit I was getting a little agitated at Crystal as she was fumbling through her bag trying to silence her phone. As little noise as she thought she was making I could hear her altoids tumble in their tin, her month old scraps and receipts twirl, pens drop, coins clink and so did the rest of our immediate circle of guests. We left and did not return until the end of act one - just as well as we needed to quench our thirst, and figured out that Crystal couldn’t find the said phone because it wasn’t in there. She left it at home.

After a fore-head slapping start the rest of the show went smoothly. I did not prior research to what the musical was about so I was trying to figure it out as it went forward. Without leaking any spoilers, we thought it was well worth our evening. Although, the phrase, “seeing life pass before your eyes,” has never rang truer. I thought Schwartz did a wonderful job in portraying the characters, and developing the story. The fact that the majority of Snapshot’s scores were from other musicals - Wicked, Pippen, Etc. made it more fascinating.

As we flirted the evening away over caipirinhas and ceviche at Cascal, we wished we were once lion tamers.

We didn’t dare stay out too late though, as Sunday’s big event was Alycia’s much anticipated bagel brunch in San Francisco. We learned that Alycia puts on a mean brunch, by this I mean that the Ritz-Calrton could learn a thing or two from her. All exaggerations aside, we had a fantastic time - mimosa’s flowing, lox, cream cheese, multiple smears, an earthy scramble, and even a sponge cake to top things off. Excellent.

Since we were already in the city we decided to make the most out of it. Although Crystal works in the city, we’re rarely up there together. The plan was to make it out to Jeremy’s, then SF MOMA, then union square for some much needed shopping and Birkin Bag gazing and finally off to Tiburon for Sam’s Cafe. Things didn’t go quite as planned, but we did make the SF MOMA - I’m astonished that it has taken me this long to pay a visit. Aside from the Frida Kahlo exhibit they seemed to have a limited number of exhibitions this weekend.

Marilyn Minter’s “Strut” was the painting that stuck with me long after we strolled back out onto Third Street. An oil smudged, hard worked, and tired heel balanced on an rhinestone encrusted Dior stiletto. Neat. No chaser.

Instead of crossing the Golden Gate into Tiburon for Sam’s Cafe we somehow ended up at Laiola, a somewhat trendy neighborhood hangout. Spanish inspired in cuisine, and more of a wine bar then a proper restaurant. We ordered two reds, the hamachi, yellowtail and a side of roasted cauliflower. Although beautifully presented, the food just lacked something to me. For one, both Crystal and I expected a small fillet of cooked halibut topped with sliced boiled egg and a side of salad, instead we got a glutenous plate what looked like coconut gelatin topped with finely minced herbs, vegetables and crumbled boiled egg. We almost sent it back before we realized that it was indeed the halibut.

The food was not half bad, just not what I expected. We both agreed that if we were looking for a pre-dinner drink and bite this would be a fine destination - for dinner, let’s get something hearty next time. I for one don’t like to ponder if I’m full after a meal, but rather know.

I enjoyed this weekend, but with fingers crossed hoping for a quick week so we can fast forward to A Ruf Life next Saturday!

-Wallace

Jason, Sunny and I had dinner at Yume-Ya last evening, and mangosteens somehow came up as a topic. I’ve heard its legend (best tasting fruit in the world, cures ailments, prolongs life, miracle fruit), and have even seen the mysterious fruit in the flesh while in London at Harrod’s. This begs the question of why I never purchased any - Look at it, would you know where to start? I certainly didn’t, so I passed.

Jason and Sunny were shocked when they discovered that I never had a mangosteen, then Jason let me in on a little tip - one can purchase mangosteen here. Yes, they are available in their unfrozen form stateside now. However, you’re going to have to be committed to taste one of these in the flesh. In short I have never paid so much for so little fruit. My total was a smidge under $15, 99 Ranch had these on sale last evening. Also these mangosteens were cut and the stem has dried, they looked crazier at Harrod’s with the green still intact. Be cautious if you’re the addictive type - Jason’s habit is costing him $20 a hit.

So, just what does a mangosteen taste like is what everyone asks. It’s hard to describe. Sweet. Fleshy. Crisp. Bright. DELICIOUS. I wouldn’t go as far as telling people “It’s like an orgy of taste buds in your mouth,” but it’s pretty darn close. Crystal described it as tasting like “mountain apple” which I also have yet to try, but according to her that’s the best fruit in the world.

Now - you know what a mangosteen looks like, and have a terrible description of how it tastes like the next question must be where does one get a satchel of mangosteens? They come in 2.20lb bags, and are available through a few asian markets in the bay area. I know most 99 Ranch markets have them, and Jason said a small filipino market in Sunnyvale also offers them. Be warned, they’re usually $9-10 a pound.

We had an interesting time last evening, my mangosteen crash course went fairly well. My first one wasn’t the prettiest but was darn good. The second one I opened had a brown mold over the edges - crap! it’s bad! The third was the most gorgeous piece of fruit I’ve ever seen, but since we were early in the mangosteen opening I gave it to Laurie, Crystal’s roommate. Little did I know that I would not see one that good looking again.

We went through quite a bunch of these little round fruits, not sure how many we ate but it was a pretty good ratio of good v. bad and some were only half bad so we obviously ate the good parts. We soon realized that there were different flavor developments within the fruit itself. The pieces of flesh with the seeds developed were in our opinion the best tasting. The smaller pieces were just kind of mushy.

When we were done I realized that $6.99 (the price I paid) was deceptive, with the good v. bad ratio these things were really $14/lb. Quite expensive, however this beats Jason’s one good mangosteen out of a 2.20lb bag. That was a $18 mangosteen. Ballin.

So now that we’re full of mangosteen, what’s next? Mountain Apple? Magical African Bean? …how about a Vosges Mo’s Bacon Bar? Found this at Whole Food’s while buying Sniffy fresh organic cilantro.

Happy Eats!

-Wallace

Fixed Gear (fikst gir), noun - A bicycle without the ability to coast, also commonly referred to as a track bicycle. A single sprocket is screwed directly on to the rear hub and there is no freewheel mechanism. As the rear wheel rotates, so do the pedals. With this in mind, a fixed gear, or track bike can be ridden backwards as well as forward.

Starbucks (stahr buhks), noun - A delicious, and extraordinarily hot beverage that is prone to spillage. An urban necessity our modern paced lives, the breakfast beverage of choice for the non-persnickety.

The first 1.8 miles to Starbucks on my fixed gear was no problem, it was the 1.8 miles back with two leak prone paper cups filled with super hot beverages that was fun. First, my bicycle doesn’t have any type of storage container - no seat bag, bottle cage, so definitely no basket. It’s minimalist as one’s going to get. These cups were contained with the help of a beverage tray - you know the recycled paper trays which is so well designed that I don’t think they’ve changed since the 80’s. With liquid gold, as they put it, spilling every which way I needed to quickly learn how to maneuver this orange frame in between two ton vehicles, potholes, clueless pedestrians, yappy mutts (because no one in Cupertino owns real dogs), and one homeowner’s misplaced garden trimmings.

Finally I returned - most of the beverage intact, no spillage onto myself, bike in one piece, and most importantly before Crystal lost an ounce of sleep. That’s what counts right?

-Wallace

Just a shout out to two local businesses that’s helped me in some form or fashion this past week.

Salvador and David over at Imperial Automotive in Cupertino, Ca. They patched up my shattered oil pan, and had the GTI back on the road in the blink of an eye.

Vance over at Cupertino Bike Shop in Cupertino, Ca. Got these SRAM Force shifters for a dime this afternoon. Next week should be like Christmas (although self funded) all over again, getting the Kestrel built soon!

Which means my Trek is up for grabs - If you’re interested let me know. 52cm custom-butted SLR frame with Shimano Ultegra triple shifters and rear derailler, Shimano 105 front derailler, triple cranks, and brakes. I’ll part with the Fizik Arione, Mavic Ksyriums w/Michelin Pro 2 Race and Michelin Pro 2 light for extra. Garmin 305 and Cadence not included. If you know someone that wants it, let me know as well - I’ll gladly pay a referral fee.

-Wallace

It’s Thursday evening and I’m hanging out on my bed with Sniffy. Hanging out with her I realized a few certain truths…yes I’ve somehow involuntarily reflected on current events, my time management - or lack there of, and life in general.

My first realization as Sniffy nonchalantly occupies a burrow in my comforter is she has to be the most pampered bunny that I have ever come in contact with. The amount of care, patience, and capitol that Crystal devotes to Sniffy is probably more then what some small third world nations see in a year from the red cross. A truly fortunate creature she is.

Speaking of Crystal, my second realization is I’m truly fortunate to have her at only an arm’s reach away, or a phone call at most. Her dry sense of humor, ability to find humor in other’s misfortunes (keyword: “other’s”) and otherwise a personality that I could only describe as “snarky” never fails to plant a smile on my face. Her determination and compassion for specific causes, such as sustainable living, also defines her as a human being. Can’t wait to have her back come Saturday morning.

While we’re on the topic of sustainable living I realized that my posts have been nature centric as of late - Sykes Hot Springs, Big Sur, Bass Lake, Yosemite, and last week Point Lobos and Carmel. While at Point Lobos I was reminded of just how grand nature is. If there was a point where the water and land meets in perfect harmony this is it.

When Drew, Glendy and I visited last weekend the conditions were optimal; a cool breeze, crystal clear water, technicolor vegetation, and rife with wildlife. So rife in fact that I don’t think I’ve ever encountered so much wildlife on any single day expectation. We were fortunate enough to witness the usual birds such as sea gulls, pelicans, blue jays, etc., but also sea otters, sea lions, a garden snake, a variety of lizards, a doe and her fawn, and an actual baby bunny in the thickets. With this being said our duty to preserve life has never been a stronger silent call to action.

Living Green is a trend that I could live with, and obviously actively promote. When put in the terms, ‘live green’ or ‘become eco-friendly’ we’re really allowing ourselves a choice, and by all means we will always have a choice. However let’s be realistic, let’s re-word those options as ‘live or vanish.’ You see, all this Save the Earth, or become eco-friendly campaign is really bullshit. I have no doubt the earth will survive - you know that saying “all the time in the world?” Well, yeah…the world, Earth as we know it is just that - it has all the time in the world. It is us, human beings, that don’t. Being at the top of the food chain we’re the most vulnerable, and with climate control out of our hands we’re slowly committing suicide as an entire world. You could argue it won’t happen in our lifetimes, and you’re probably right…for my sake I hope you’re right, but we have already witnessed the beginning - el nino, katrina, fossil fuel consumption, etc and according to scientific reports our polar ice caps as we know them will be nearly gone, if not completely gone - raising water levels and reducing land mass. Yes this directly relates to us here in the Bay Area - Berkeley may become the next Atlantis and your off-springs better develop gills.

So where does this lead us? The Earth will go on, with or without us and it will purify itself once more; the air will be clean, the forests lush, the mountains grand and waters blue. Insects and micro-organisms will probably also be the only surviving life forms. It’s time to show that we care, that we love ourselves, and it’s my opinion that it is our duty as human beings to use sustainable methods of survival. Reduce fossil fuel consumption (oil, gas, coal, etc.), increase application and use of clean energy (solar, wind, water, alternative energy, etc.), LEED approved architecture, and a healthy increase in compassion couldn’t hurt. Crystal and I are far from perfect, but we’ve changed a habit here and there - reusable shopping bags, recycled fibers, bicycle and foot power, etc. Trying to lead by example but we’re going to need your help too.

Now for the fun stuff. You like how the photos just seem to flow together? Palo Alto is an awesome example of alternative energy in action - if you did not know Palo Alto has its own power supply, its residents do not subscribe to PG&E, rather they pay for smart energy - more here on Palo Alto’s webpage. Rather then muse anymore about the subject, let’s switch tracks to the real estate market in Palo Alto. If the that golden bubble did burst it sure is not apparent in Palo Alto, the house above is listed for a healthy sum north of $1,000,000.00 in fact I’m sure some of you still recall my rant about looking at a condo off University Ave. listed at $2,125,000.00 - we’re not talking about a house, but a condo - meaning I would need to share one entire wall (it was an end unit) and pay HOA on top of my mortgage, tax, insurance and general living expense. Ouch. Well…looks like I’m renting for the minute.

While Walter and Jill are working on my letter pressed cards, I’m more then satisfied with these Moo cards. Based in London, UK - Moo produces these fantastic little, if you will, calling cards. For the short time I’ve used these I’ve gotten nothing but praise, and that’s all I ask out of a card - It’s fine if it finds its way stuck inside a book or the bottom of a drawer, or even the trash but in that moment the receiver takes note of the card’s unique properties. Not much more you can ask out of nice stock and ink.

It’s getting late and I must end the evening with my last realization: Giant Panda is awesome. Their fresh Electric Laser LP has been vibrating my bookshelf speakers all evening. The beats are refreshing, the lyrics - genius, and transitions - seamless. In fact the entire LP can’t be burned onto one single compact disc (vinyl’s pretty awesome isn’t it?), and when it finally ends I find myself pausing whatever I’m doing and wondering if there’s more.

Finally, ok I promise I’m nearly done, Zoli sent me zefrank’s latest musing - short lived inspirational phrases. You know, “Live Beautifully” “WWJD” “Be a man, not a hero” etc.

How about stop sitting around playing inspirational scrabble and go out to make a difference? I’m thinking about wheeling a shopping cart full of beer into a homeless park again…want to join?

-Wallace

I really wanted to catch up on some ‘nothing’ this weekend, just when I thought I had finally ‘nothing’ to do my life surprises me. Glendy called me out of the blue a couple weeks ago asking if I would take her and Drew’s engagement photos - I have always turned these down in the past, and I did initially with her as well. However, after some thought I told her I’d give it a try - if she was unhappy or wanted better then I would recommend Larry or someone who shoots these things for a living.

She wanted flower fields, or ocean and beach. Aside from Filoli I did not know any flower fields in the bay area so we headed down to one of my favorite destinations - Point Lobos Reserve just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The entire ordeal took about 7 hours, Drew got blisters, Glendy forgot to shave her legs, got sunburned, and I forgot to study angles - so the whole thing was more or less on the fly. We snapped some near 400 frames and I pulled about 20 that were satisfactory to my standards.

You can check them out on Flickr by clicking the image below.

I had a good time, and it was definitely an experience. Not sure if I would do it again, but if I do - I’ll be sure to do more prep work before hand. Aside from the lack of experience, Pt. Lobos was gorgeous - crystal clear waters, wind swept trees, white sanded beaches and it was definitely a nice escape from the rushed pace of the valley. Although I was technically working, Drew and Glendy made it enjoyable.

Congrats! We’ll see you in Oahu!

-Wallace

So just what does $14, 262 per month, or $171,144 per year get you? A Bugatti Veyron, that’s what. After a unsettling 4 hours of sleep last evening I rushed back from San Francisco to rendezvous with Zoltan in Cupertino then bolted over to Silicon Valley Auto Group in Los Altos. Matthew Griffin, SVAG’s General Sales Manager, was kind enough to arrange us to come over and photograph their two Bugatti Veyrons and a pristine Ferrari F40 this past Wednesday. What a difference a quick two days made.

The F40 sold later that Wednesday and was transported out before I returned and the ‘used’ Bugatti was undergoing service - apparently Bugatti is extremely secretive in regards to their ‘internals.’ When the car is serviced the majority of not all the body panels need to be removed, and Bugatti has instructed SVAG to not allow photography or even non-technician eyeballs to see the Veyron bare. So it was sitting somewhere on SVAG’s service compound in a separate sealed garage, it will be done in a few days…which we’re re-scheduled to return.

Thus we were left with the new Veyron in their showroom. This one was special as it is the first single color Veyron I have seen, a nice glossy red with black leather interior. It felt smooth, smelled great, and evoked envy. Just what a million plus dollar vehicle should do. More on WhatOneMillionBuys.com later.

Now, if you’re in the market for such an extraordinary vehicle go ahead and contact Matt at 408-348-8771. He has already sold 4 Veyrons, so you could be his 5th.

-Wallace

I must admit that I’m not having the best week ever, but in spite of current events I’m quite up beat. After chatting with Matthew Griffen of Silicon Valley Auto Group yesterday I made the mistake of following a contractor’s truck at about 60mph on Saratoga-Los Gatos Road. Apparently FedEx trains their drivers to avoid such situations, as Zagi once instructed to me that these vehicles are known as “billboards” - in layman’s terms it means any vehicle you can not see past or through. Vans, Semi’s, Trucks, SUV’s, etc…they’re all “Billboards.”

Anyways, his ground clearance was quite high and the easily drove over a wooden debris in the road…my car was obviously the unlucky one. Stefano asked, “How do you drive with your car so low?” echoed through my head, as I couldn’t help but laugh at my luck. That wooden debris slipped under my car faster then I could swerve (there were cars next to me anyways) and I heard/felt a loud *KLANK!* followed by a burnt scent and a bit of smoke. I quickly pulled over and had a feeling my oil pan seen its last day, as I got out of my car to survey the damage this was apparent. I spewed a nice trail of mobil-1 up through the road stopping underneath my bleeding vdub. Thank Goodness for AAA.

Earlier in the day I took Tru out to lunch, chatting about building her a website and doing some business with her new company. She also happened to bring me Dunny’s, which totally saved me from boredom while I waited for Vince and his tow truck in Saratoga. Check out my three new Dunny’s. (Yes, Beau sent me the black one as well from Chicago)

In other news, Crystal took off to Oahu this morning to spend time with her mother and sister, which left me with an almost foreign abundance in free time - I chose to catch up on Hell’s Kitchen, I was finally able to watch “6 chefs compete” and WHAT AN EPISODE! *Spoiler Alert* The ending was FANTASTIC, definitely gut churning till the last minute. The group nominates Matt and Christina for elimination, Ramsey also pulls up Corey for her declining performance. Words can not describe what a mess Matt became on the show - totally delusional, an emotional mess, and in lack of suitable words - ape shit. I mean…check this clip out:

He’s not a team player, in-fact I think he’s a closet serial killer. I’ve never seen anyone make up so many excuses for their performance - or lack there of. Wow. I was, as I’m sure many of you were as well, completely dumbfounded and for the first time in a long time discovered a lack of words on how to describe the crackpot. Maybe he and that sexist Jason will be opening up a restaurant - that you won’t find me at - soon.

Constantly surprised at how people make themselves look like fools when a camera is placed in front of them and the promise of grandeur is mentioned. The trio stand in front of Ramsey who asks each of them why they should stay, he singles out Christina - at 25 and with only 3 years of professional cooking experience she is the least experienced. Just as things seem glim for Christina, Ramsey says, “The person leaving tonight, and for all the right reasons, is Matt.” *Fireworks, Champagne Pops, Standing Ovation, Woman in the back faints, etc* ABOUT TIME…and I’m stunned that the nutjob has made it THIS far in the competition. Now with all the theatrics out of the way, I’m looking forward to see some real development.

If I had to pick one of them to root for it would be Christina, I think she may be a shoe-in for the position. She’s dedicated, a natural leader, passionate, and compassionate to her fellows. I also like Corey, and Petrozza but I don’t see them in the lead role. Jen - well, she may have heart but definitely not a team player. She has issues with everyone, and issue with authority. I also like Bobby, the guy was entertaining since he got on the bus. “I’m a four star general.” he announced, however his leadership ability needs to be developed. Bobby’s, “Matt should be kicked off this universe,” comment had me almost in tears.

Should be a good fight from here on out. Go Christina!

-Wallace

While Crystal’s fighting a minor cold right before her trip home to Oahu, I’ve been slowly working on Project Get Fit. You may of recalled my post at the beginning of May about my new epiphany. My clothes not fitting right was just a symptom of me becoming FAT. Many of you jokingly mentioned that it’s a sign of a good relationship, and yes…as much as that may be it’s still not exactly acceptable, to me anyways. Prior to Crystal a 200 mile week was normal, in fact I was bordering 300 miles a week on the saddle, these days if I get over 40 miles a week - that is a GOOD week.

With the Tour of Woodside Century coming up in September, I really need to get my fat ass back in shape. I was finally able to get a solid ride in this past Sunday, although not as long as I normally like, it was the first time that I was able to go out on my own pace without worrying about disturbing rank. Group rides are fun, but sometimes a solo ride is just what one needs. This was definitely the case this past Sunday.

Now, if you’re a cyclist you know there are many pretty parts out there. You also are accustomed to everyone screaming bloody sacrilege when you ask if a shiny, lightweight, bank account sucking part is worth it. Common retorts include, “It’s easier to lose 15 grams you fat ass!” or “The only lightening that part is going to do is to your bank account.” I used scoff at these comments earlier, as I didn’t have much to lose…today, that story has changed. So although I’m eyeballing and salivating at these sweet tune hubs, there’s no justification in me picking them up anytime soon. Maybe a reward if I shed another 10 lbs. I think I just found my motivation. Or…maybe a pair of zero gravity NERD brakes?

Alright…Crystal leaves for Oahu tomorrow and I plan on kicking the Get Fit programme into overdrive. We’ll see how I do next week.

-Wallace