Tidings of Comfort & Joy
December 25, 2005
Jax Harrison Is Born!
December 18, 2005
* Jax Harrison Triplat was born on November 15, 2005! 6lbs, 11.5oz, 19.5". Congratulations Matt & Ash. I am loking forward to taking Triplat photos this year.
Good job Frosty, you're winning 2-0!
* Last minute gifts? Check out Toby & Julie Kraft's on-line bookstore for treasures!
* Mitch has a new website up and running. Slam poetry, umbrella art, photos... who wouldn't want a friend like Mitch?
* and finally... my best friend Camille is pregnant and expecting a baby in June! yippee! Congratulations Camille & Garry. (that makes two of my best friends expecting!)
Check out Camille on the right. Girlfriend ran the New York Marathon at 9 weeks pregnant!
You just can't go and throw 20 weeks of training & a cross-Atlantic plant ticket away can you? Well done soon-to-be-mum!
NC Up Close
December 13, 2005
Monday night was the much anticipated Nickel Creek concert in San Luis Obispo.
It was no less than amazing. In fact, I think it's the best we've seen them! The new album rocked. We will elaborate later but I wanted to get a few quick photos up.
Underground
November, 9, 2005
Metro, Subway, Underground. "Mind the Gap," black walls, loud speakers, sliding doors, "last train", even fake bird noises for ambiance (leave it to the japanese), smelly, filled with people, and dark. It's thrilling to discover dingy places made beautiful, undergrounds transformed into artwork. I have not yet visited Moscow but I am enticed by artist & photographer Bee Flowers Check out the city metro map on Bee's website to browse photos of these Moscow Metro stations.
Creeksters
November 9, 2005
Nickel Creek is one of our favorite bands and any live show will speak for itself. Inbetween shows the albums help to fill the gap left by the live trio.
Their sound is bluegrass, folk, and experimental -- all wrapped up in humble and honest poetry. The music is sometimes so intricate that it blows you away. Just love 'em. Terry Mattingly has an insightful article on current Nickel tour & album Why Should the Fire Die?
Totally Scary
October 31, 2005
Happy Birthday Mom! I wish we could have been there to celebrate in person. I have fond memories of graveyard ice cream birthday cakes! The 31st just isn't
the same without you.
And, of course... the Halloween antics. This is my boss, Gordon, and I dressed for our EAP work party. Can you guess who we are? Yep, Harry Potter & Hermione. Gordon
has the natural Harry Potter look so we outfitted him with a Gryffindor cape, Nimbus 2000, and obvious lightning bolt scar. Clever folk noticed my S.P.E.W. button and Arithmancy
book!
Weekly Findings
October 28, 2005
*50 Things to do with your iPod I'm digging the solar-powered idea.
This weekend I'm going to make myself a sock for my 'pod, although I do like the hoodie! Currently my green mitten works well but soon enough my left hand will steal it back.
*It's always fun to check out what's happening at Cockeyed.com. Did you ever want to know 'how much is inside'? They know. I recommend
taking a browse around the pranks and science club! There's a whole afternoon of Friday procrastination in store.
*Christiane's playing tonight! Mt. Soledad, La Jolla. If you in town don't miss out.
If only I could beam myself to SD for every show. Ernie, why don't you work on some live web feeds, eh?
Techy Delights
October 26, 2005
Tired of the same old flash drives and USB cables? Check out
Japan's answer: the Universal Sushi Bus. There is an entire Tokyo museum based on plastic food in Japan so it comes as no surprise
that Solid Alliance linked bright colored mock food to their other obsession, technology. The "Thumb Drive" and "i-Duck" are sure winners
for stocking stuffers!
And if your browsin' for that perfect gift for the someone who has everything,
may I suggest the spaghetti platter USB cable and matching shrimp drive? Only $350-- what a deal!
3-D
October 25, 2005
Check out the pavement artwork of Julian Beever. The 3-D Illusions are my favorite. Yet another reason to like the UK.
Reunions
October 16, 2005
Our weekend kicked off with the 3-day California MUni Weekend. This year it was organized by the Santa Barbara MUni Club
so Jason was part of the planning. I volunteered to design the t-shirt and a poster so it was a treat to hang out and see my designs in print!
On Friday Jason rode Cold Springs Trail with the group and had a fun evening chatting at dinner downtown. Saturday morning we headed down to help out with registration and questions. It's still little daunting
seeing 50+ guys & gals geared up ready to attack the trails on unicycles! Eyal & Matt seemed to have everything under control so after tailing the cars to the San Ysidro trailhead we decided to take off early for San Diego.
Jason's 10-year high school reunion was held at the trendy W Hotel in downtown SD. It was a cocktail-dress affair with buffet dinner and endless '90s tunes. It was
groovy meeting some of his old friends chatting about jobs, kids, world travels, etc. I hadn't been to a W, but had heard about their flare for fashion and
the catchy "whatever, whenever" motto. Blue lights, plasma screens, modern art, and candles decked out every surface and you could practically belly up to the registration desk. The foyer
turned into a pumpin' club by 11pm, when we left, and the people were lined up behind bouncers to get into the beach-bar upstairs. (complete with warmed sand)
Props to the reunion committee for hosting a great event. I didn't attend my high school reunion last year so it was fun reminiscing with Jason, even though
I've never set foot on the CHS campus. Lewis & Jaime were the only familiar faces and it was a treat to meet their daughter Manet at the reunion picnic on Sunday.
We were able to spend part of Sunday with Robert & a quick dinner with Mom, Dad, Linds, and John, but all too soon had to jet back home. Too bad all the guys - including Evan, Josh H, & Josh E. couldn't make it to the reunion. It would have
been fun to see the group all together. But what can I say...I didn't attend mine either. I'll shoot for the 20.
Uni Design
October 10, 2005
My latest project has been a logo, t-shirt, and poster for the upcoming California MUni Weekend. This year the fun is happening in SB so Jason wasted no time & volunteered me for the task. It's been fun and enlightning process. Note to self - demand to check the proofs! The learning curve is quick when your designs are on the line.
Back to the Baseline
October 5, 2005
Next stop Wimbledon! Last night was our first Rec Cen Tennis class at UCSB.
After playing tennis all through high school and pick-up games in college I am finally back on the courts. And -- I pulled Jason into the maddness!
26 beginner players all on one court! Bad habits abound so I'm looking forward to the week by week improvement that comes when you re-learn a sport.
I laughed when I dusted off my racket. The last time I restrung it was Feb '97. nice...
I think it's time for some new strings baby.
Also, caught a shot of Dan and
Katie STB Arnold last weekend. Weddings are in the mix and 2006 is looking like a winner folks!
What on Earth?
September 23, 2005
1. Google Earth. If you haven't tried it - you don't know what your missing.
It's PC only at this point so I'm forced to spend countless work hours playing with this tool. Good thing it can be considered
"work".
2. Daring is Caring. A daring SB man helps Katrina victims. Have you thought
of growing a mustache for charity?
3. Jason and I viewed the SB premier of Deep Blue last night. I'd recommend it simply
for the shots of the crazy creatures that live down deep, near the thermal vents. Every few minutes I was artistically impressed but unfortunately,
the film wasn't very informative and had an abundance of familiar national geographic "food chain" shots of killer whales eating seals,
etc. enough already!
Signs of Fall
September 19, 2005
The end of summer is looming near. The evening shadows appear earlier & the droves of students are returning to IV.
Saturday we shared dinner and a stroll on IV Beach with Rich & Deanna. Among their exciting news is Rich's new job at Cal Poly - starting today!
Why TA when you get to be a proper professor of philosophy? Congrats Rich. Also making news are Katie & Dan. Engaged over Labor Day, they have their
hopes set on a late Winter wedding. I happened to be along for Katie's first wedding purchase - a dress! It might not be "the dress" but what a
way to get cracking Miss Katie STB Arnold. I am also happy to announce that Kerri and Forest are expecting a baby in April. yippee! We can't wait to meet
the new DeRenzo. Speaking of babies, check out this fun name wizard.
Jason and I spent Labor Day weekend with Toby & Julie at Donner Lake. It was an 8 hour trek from SB but worth every mile. Thanks again for such a wonderful
getaway. Toby & Julie know how to relax!
And... I finally sorted through my thousands of photos and posted a few. Check out the Donner Lake holiday or the Poway Blowout weekend with the Stawiski's and my college
friends - Jen, Sarah, Lorena, Christy, Christine, and Miller. Miller & Matt's new puppy TJ stole the show.
Rolling Out Tresser*ize 2.0
September 6, 2005
This summer marked the 3rd anniversary of tresser*ize. An update seemed long overdue and frankly I'm tired of blue and purple. Thus, I humbly present my attempt at a table-free (yippee!), css friendly site. I'm still learning, playing, and designing so changes are inevitable.
Slurpee Follow-up
August 28, 2005
As promised, in no particular order, the list of those who downed a 7.11oz on 7-11:
Kim + work buddies (Neil, Kara, Serena), Ellwood-Goleta - 2nd year in a row Cherry-Blue Raspberry
Sheila, Orange Co. - Wild Cherry (+ 22oz. Gullywasher)
Jordan + Friends, Carp. - Cherry Coke
Ricardo, Christine, Christine's Dad, Goleta - 3 Coke's
Neil (2nd time) & Sarah, S.B Cabrillo - 2 freebies, flavors not reported
Kerri & Forest, Nicole & Eric, Rancho Cuca. - Mango-Peach, Orange Fanta, Orange-Peach, & Grape
and... my brother...
Matt, Los Alamitos + Long Beach + Riverside - 2 Darth Dews, 2 Cherry Coke, 2 Cherry (all free!) way to go sugar-man!
With delight also came disappointment:
Katie, S.B. - reported no freebies at Castillo, grrr.
Jon + Friend, P.B. - reporting no free slurpees in P.B. grrr... but in the spirit of the moment purchased a Fanta Blueberry Blunder
I am happy to report that the Ellwood 7-11 was friendly, and even offered us cups when we bounded into the store. Quite a celebratory atmosphere compared
to the downtown Goleta branch (last year) where we had to dig the cups out from under the machine while the staff glared at us as if we were criminals.
Happy 40th
July 11, 2005
Of course I'm referring to the one and only
Slurpee. Today marks the 40th anniversary of the 7-11 Slurpee that continues to delight
all who bask in its icey lovliness. Props to my little bro who called me yesterday morning to enquire about
the annual tradition. Despite our intense like for the beverage we always seem to forget about free slurpee
day come July 11th. Last year K-Dizzle reminded us and the year before that, Ms. Cece. Good thing we have friends!
So to commence the day I rounded up a bunch from the office and we paraded down to the Ellwood 7-11 at lunch.
For the second year in a row I chose the Blue Raspberry/Cherry combo. Delightful. If you missed out don't fear. You
can buy a slurpee any day of the year. We recommend weddings. But remember, accept no imitations. Only an official
7-11 Slurpee will do. (Too bad for Japan. They have 7-11s but no Slurpees. Can you imagine?)
Friends Are Fun
May 31, 2005
We've got a few. Emily and Richard welcomed Evelyn Harriette Grace into the world on May 19th, Mitch is slammin' once again, this time he was invited
to the Int'l Poetry Festival in the Netherlands. And if I
haven't mentioned it enough - photos of Camille & Garry's Winter Wedding from February are worth a good gander.
Speaking of fun people, this past Memorial weekend we ventured to Santa Cruz to visit Toby & Julie. We enjoyed good
conversation, good food, good relaxing-patio-reading-time on Saturday & Sunday. Late on Sunday we strolled the
infamous & crowded beach boardwalk. Smells, lights, movement, noise, and people everywhere! It was truly a venue
to overstimulate anyones senses. Jason & Toby enjoyed a ride on the Giant Dipper then we headed downtown for dinner.
As predicted by Toby we got to see the Great Morgani. He was exquisitely dressed in a head-to-toe green
costume accented with small red dots! Jason was intrigued that he could play the accordion keys through the
stretchy costume material, no doubt pondering the possibilities of life after UCSB. Two energetic thumbs up,
we'll be back to visit the Krafts!
Sound Bites
May 27, 2005
Head over to the Musolist and check out Christiane's new band & site - Christiane & the Superpowers. They have a few song clips up, lyrics, and a bit of background on Christiane. Now if only they'd disclose which 'Superpowers'. The site has the haps on bands all over the country. Check it out.
Proud Sister
May 9, 2005
Matt, Nice One!
Back on Campus
February 22, 2005
Started a new class tonight, Production & Pre-press Techniques, at UCSB Extension. The whole printing process is such a mystery to me. Since I've been dabbling in design work lately & looking for more challenging projects at the museum, it was a necessary choice this quarter. This way at least I'll sound like I know what I'm talking about, maybe.
Flamingos Can Fly ?
February 21, 2005
Lots happening of late. We just returned from a holiday in the Caribbean.
(no animated pirates this time.)
We journeyed to Bonaire, a
small island off the coast of Venezuela, with my parents for a week of diving and relaxation.
It was fab. The waters surrounding the island are protected so the coral and marine life are thriving.
There were eels, anemones, turtles, fish, and seahorses in abundance. We also logged another wreck dive.
The mainland wasn't bad either - iguanas, flamingos, and wild donkeys. Once I sort through the 450 digital
photos (gotta love digital) I'll post our favorites. Props to Mom & Dad Triplat for another great adventure.
Bravo
February 8, 2005
Jason's first lead author paper has been published in this month's Journal of Experimental Biology! After years of work at UCSB you too can be an authority on pigmentation in the sensory organs of ascidian larva and its effects on behavior. sweet. I'm sure if you contact Jason he can get you a printed copy of the whole thing, for a nominal fee.
Cabin Time
February 6, 2005
Spent the past weekend with hundreds of Jr. Highers at Forest Home. good times. I dig
winter camp... eating shakes while freezing, warm main-camp cabins (actual carpet on the floor), no k.p.
duty, and lots of hang time with my girls. Jason seemed to be having fun as well. I caught him playing the
napkin eating race at meals again. I think the guy was born to hang with 8th graders. Alas, we took in every
moment as this was our last Jr. High camp. Ahhh, this summer we graduate--- to High School! The infamous &
much anticipated "Mud Bowl" awaits.
Cabin-mates '05: Kim, Katie,
Mireya, Carisa, Larissa, Rayanne, and Kendra.
Jason Embarks Upon His 28th Year
January 25, 2005
This was quite possibly Jason's Happiest Birthday on earth
as we took Monday off & celebrated at Disneyland. We met his parents and enjoyed all the finer Disney offerings;
rides, people-watching, Jazz in New Orleans Square, the Dapper Dan's on Mainstreet, a freshly painted castle
(ahem...50th Anniv. coming up), and 40 extra minutes on Pirates of the Caribbean. That last one was was good
for complimentary fast passes because "although we can't give you your time back, we can save you time in line
for the next ride". You gotta love 'the machine'.
We rounded out our Disney day with an evening concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. For Christmas Jason bought me tickets to see Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer at the new Gehry designed hall. It was brilliant...
the show and the hall. The building is smack downtown (first & grand) squished in next to the Dorothy Chandler and the Ahmanson.
I'm definitely going to need a repeat visit in the daytime to check out the architecture. Our next visit will have to include
an organ concert. A piece of modern art itself, the pipe organ darts out of the distant wall, and just begs to be played.
2004 Photos
January 9, 2005
Alas the rain has given me reason to sort out a new photo gallery. Hopefully I can find time to piece
together our photos since last summer and post them in the coming week.
Also, we had a great time at Camille and Garry's Engagement party a few weeks ago. Her brother Will posted
photos on his website. It was so wonderful to see them and cele
brate with friends. The wedding will take place March 1st in the Italian Alps. I'm still in search of a benefactor to foot
my ticket...any takers?
...Hasn't Stopped Raining For Days...
January 8, 2005
Thus far, the LA area has received more rain this year than our webbed friends up north. It's surprising that family housing hasn't washed away. Although -- we are not safe yet. This morning we noticed a distinct lake growing in diameter out on the playing field. It one day may consume the whole place.
EAP Poster-Children
January 7, 2005
Think carefully when you volunteer photos at work, they actually use them...
and send them to other people to use. No we were not disrepecting ancient religious idols...ahem, this was Paris folks!
It's amusing when co-workers ask (1) who's the guy in the photo? & (2) if it was taken when I studied abroad back
in '96? Ummm... I guess I'm aging well because it was taken in '03.
Previous entries --> 2004
Others
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charles & prachee
daniel
david & stacy
eackers
erin's shibas
ernie
geoffrey
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jacobsens
janel
jason & nancy
jon
mitch
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putzkes
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tabers
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wayne
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