Cold in New York

Woke up with the temperature at 21F, wind gusts to 40mph and wind chills down to 4F. It is really cold for me. I could never stand the cole which is why I left to California so long ago. But I'm stuck in New York City, Forest Hills to be exact, and have to bear this until my furtunes change.
Really looking into perhaps flying to some place warm but with little money as I don't have any right now. Perhaps to Tampa Bay or something. Maybe for the Pro-Bowl.

Raining weather in NYC

The rain came down to the streets of NYC this Saturday and on Sunday morning no signs of the snow that piled up just the weekend before can be seen.
This makes my constitution feel much better as sight of that white stuff makes me sad. Should be warm today and lots of sun. That is going to go a long way to getting me a bit cheery, at least until the next blast of cold air.

Shoveling First Snow of the Season

I moved back to New York City on Tuesday and winter welcome me back on the Saturday day by dumping a close to record snow fall on my home town. Of course I had to shovel off the snow from infront of my mother's house.

There was about 11 inches of snow that fell on NYC(as recorded in Central Park) and the wind blew more snow onto it. On Sunday morning(20 Dec), I got a snow shovel and began to clear out my mother's drive way. What was nice is that the neighbor shoveled the snow along the path of my mom's house. He does this regularly as a favor to my mother.

The shoveling was not bad as the snow was lose. When shoveling snow, I recommend doing it right after the storm stop before the cold air freezes the fallen stuff into ice. Also helped clear the neighboor's drive way.

Well it really wasn't bad shoveling snow, did remember how it was and am still in good shape. I hope I don't get lots practise though.

In Sacremento for Interview

Well the day I left for New York City, I had a phone interview with some managers at Aerojet General, a rocket design company in Sacramento, CA. This interview went well and they asked that I visit them for a face-to-face meeting. Of course, I had to tell them that was going to be in New York City for the duration. They were accompdating and arrange for a trip during the first part of 21 Dec 09 week.
Currently in Sacramento awaiting my interview. Just kind of ironic that I was getting ready to move my job search operations back home to New York City and I get a call the day before I leave to come back. Well that is just fate.

Home in New York City for awhile

Well finally made it home to New York City where I am staying with my brother for while until I can figure out what my next 'gig' is going to be.
Was greeted with warm weather when I flew in but the next day the temperature dipped to the upper 20's as a high. Now there is a chance of snow this weekend in the area. Man, you have no idea how much I hate the cold weather, and now I am back in it.
But I am home and it is great seeing all the family. Really miss them. Will see where I end up, I'm sure it will be worth the uncertainity right now.

Out of my house for trip home

Well, I finally put into storage all my belongings and ready for my flight home tomorrow. Decided to stay at a hotel down the street so I can have a comfortable night before I leave in the morning. I am feeling rather sad as I didn't expect to leave the Bay Area under these circumstances. I know it is best but I spent 12 years here. Of course, I might just return depending on what happens in my job search.

Over the weekend I said my good-byes to all the bartenders/servers I have met over the years. I'll be back for visit but it might be until a least two-three months.

Well, know it is just waiting for my flight and taking care of a few last minute details. Tomorrow night I will be back home with my loving family, who I miss so much and on to my destiny.

My Christmas Card

Image from my trip to New Zealand this past Mar.

Pictures taken near Queenstown on an inlet near Milford Sound. Just spectacular.

Met up with friends at Maggiano's

On Sunday Dec 6, I met up with a couple of friends from out of town. Deb flew in from Texas and Val came in from Livermore. We met at that fabulous Italian restaurant Maggiano's in Santana Row for a big meal. We caught up with what has happen to us in the little while we haven't seen each other.This was also the last time I will see them before I move back to New York City(Forest Hills Area) to stay with my family while I look for my next opportunity.

Deb is a University of Texas Longhorn fan and was wearing her Texan sweatshirt. The Manager at Maggiano's saw her and said that he was also from University of Texas. There was much happy celebration between both of them know this fact. Found out he also grew up in Queens, New York, where I'm from originally. The manager did provide us with some dessert which we definitly enjoyed.

Well it was great seeing Val and Deb in such a fun filled event. We wished each other good luck in the future and a happy Christmas time.

Val, Deb, Me and dessert at Maggiano's in Santana Row

Attended Red Cross Orientation

I attended my first Orientation meeting and Fulfilling Our Mission course at the Silicon Valley Red Cross in San Jose on Tuesday 17 Nov.
The two classes explained what the Red Cross does and how as a volunteer, one can help. Seems there is various things that can be done, I would like to do Disater Services and helping servicemen and women. I did notice that many of the courses are not offered regularly. There has to be a demand for some of the course in order to be offered.
Looks like there can be areas I can help and look forward to being part of the Red Cross.

Museum of Modern Art in New York City

Today I went to go visit the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan(11 West 53 Street, 10019-5497) for the first time in almost 20 years and since major rework was done on it several years ago.
I took the F-Train subway in 71-Contentital Ave Station in Forest Hills and got off at 47-50th street. After walking a few blocks, the MoMA was in the middle of the block. After paying and getting a paper map, I started to explore this wonderful space.
The musuem has 6 floors of various exhibits from the different eras of modern art. As usual most of the art which I enjoyed is from the period before WWII in the 1920's. Everything afterwards appear more abstract and more "selfish" in my crude eyes.
It seems most of the crowd in the musuem was tourist, as I heard many different languges spoken throughout the hallways.
I truly enjoyed seeing the famous work by Picaso, Miro, Dahli, Klimt and van Gogh. I walked each of the 6 floors through all of the galleries and noticed that I really should have one of those Audio Guide machines as there is much information to take in. Some of the art work have numbers which one type into the Audio Guide and information is given.
At the information desk in the first floor, the lady behind the booth told me they had ran out of the free Audio Guides. She told be to go to the 6 Floor where there were more. I did, handed the attendent my Drivers Licence for collateral and headed back to the galleries to review some of the art work which caught my eye.
One thing that was disappointing to me was seeing the art work by Edward Hopper called "House by the Railroad" in an out of the way space behind the elevators, which most people would not see. Hopper is my favorite artist and this piece was the museum first ever purchase. Seeing it in a place away from the crowds to see was rather disappointing.
All in all the gallery is laid out nicely with many representation of what is know a modern art displayed equally throughout all the floors. I recommend visiting if you are passing by New York.

Some pictures I took during my visit can be seen in the public Facebook link below.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=37837&id=1507778102&l=08c718bbcc

Visited the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site

On Monday 02Nov09, I visited the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site which is on 20 Vesey Street (At Church Street) in lower Manhattan, directly across the World Trade Center "Ground Zero" site and Saint Paul's Chapel. The "preview site" shows some of what the main memorial will house and be like once it is completed. The final 9/11 Memorial is expected to be completed on 9/11/2011.

There is no admission into the Museum. It is only one large room with different artifacts and information around the museum. The farside wall from the entrance is a screen with a video showing interviews of those who were at the World Trade Center on 9/11/01. In the center of the room holds a small scale model of the Memorial and its location in the final World Trade Center area.

Along the wall are images of the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentegon. There are some samples of the artifacts which will be displayed in the final Memorial including a helmet use by one of the New York City firefighters during that day. Some screens are scattered around the room, with more information on the museum, images of more artifacts and related projects of remembering and learning from 9/11.

One part of the museum had a small sound room called "Share Your Story" in which visitors can sit down and for 3 minutes speak on what they were doing during the events of 9/11. I decided to record my feelings and what I did that day. It will be part of the memorial once it is openned.

I purchased some pins and magnets, they said the money goes to the Memorial fund. I also picked up some information on the Musuem and related causes.The small office which houses this 9/11 Memorial Preview Site had enough information and interaction to keep my attention on the final completion of the 9/11 Memorial.

http://www.national911memorial.org/site/PageServer?pagename=New_Home

http://voicesofsept11.org/dev/index.php

http://makehistory.national911memorial.org/

Saw the USS New York passing the World Trade Center

The Navy's newest ship, the USS New York, arrived in New York City for commissioning ceremonies on 7 Nov 09. The ship's bow was made of 7 tons of steel from the World Trade Center. I really wanted to see her enter the harbor as 9/11 meant alot for me.

I left early from Forest Hills, Queens, taking the Long Island Railroad train at 6:19am and stopping at Penn Station then switched to the 3 subway line to get off at Chambers Street. I arrived at the World Trade Center site at 7am. The place for viewing was on the North Cove of the World Financial Center where there is a marina. I took a place along the rail facing the Hudson River. The skyline of New Jersey was vi sable from across the river. The weather was typical November weather for New York, cool and a bit wet. There were already a group of Marines and police getting ready on the shore.

There were many reporters setting up their gear and various representatives from the Services including Marines, Coast Guard, Police, Fire Department and what looked like reenacts for the New York Artillery.

At about 7:45, we all looked south along the Hudson River and can see the fire boats spraying water into the air. Some of the water was colored red and blue. We can also see the silhouette of the USS New York in the distance. The camouflage of the ship made it hard to see her in the distance. There were several helicopters floating around the ship as she approached. A about 8am, someone on the shore congregation started to sing the Star-Spangle Banner.

At about 8:15am the ship was coming directly into our view and the ship slowed down. We can see the sailors, marines and crew on the deck of the ship giving us a salute. We then heard the "pop" of the rifles on board the ship giving the shore a 21-gun salute. I was kind of disappointed with this as I was hoping the salute was from her large guns but what why would I think that? Just after that the New York Fire Department Bagpipers were playing "God Bless America".

The ship began to start and speeding up, heading north on the Hudson River where the USS New York will dock at Pier 86 next to the USS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. As the ship headed north, the various fire trucks, police boats, fire boats blew their horn in response. Shortly afterwards the gathering of people began to brake up at about 9am, heading to what ever the day will hold. The USS New is to be officially commissioned on Saturday 7 Nov at the USS Intrepid site.

It was a long morning and afterwards was glad to head inside the World Finanical Center, Winter Garden shops and restaurant area and grabbed a cup of coffee and danish. It was a very historic day and I was very glad that I could make it.

Godspeed to the USS New York and her crew.

Pictures on my Facebook Link which anyone can see.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=37023&id=1507778102&l=2e26b3c123

Video

Video(Facebook)USS New York approaching from the Hudson

http://www.facebook.com/v/1245241740323

USS New York arriving in front of the World Trade Financial Center

http://www.facebook.com/v/1245373703622

Bagpipes playing as the New York stops in front of the World Trade Finanical Center

http://www.facebook.com/v/1245234340138

My Mother's Birthday Party

My mother celebrated her 60th birthday on Halloween Eve. My family arranged for a dinner party at the local Italian/Brick Pizza Brick Oven restaurant called Dees on Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills.
Most of our extended family was there from my mother's father, sister and cousins. It was good to see everyone together as it has been awhile for me to see them all.
There was about 18 of us at the very large table setting the restaurant arrange for us. The food was really delicious and plentiful. Everyone was taking lots of pictures for this one time event and catching up with each other lives. I had lasagna with a nice bolognese sauce.
My nephews handed my mother the present me and my brother picked out, a Wii with a Fit -Wii accessory. This was something she really liked and intends to use.
During the dessert, the nice service staff brought over my mother's rice pudding with a candle as we all song 'happy-birthday'. A very nice treat.
Can't believe my mother is 60 years olds as I always remember her being a young women even since I was a kid. I know there will be many more and hope to come home for more birthdays in the future.

Heading Home to New York City

I'm flying home to New York City for some needed break from my job/next-opportunity search. Also it will be my mother's birthday and will be the first time celebrating her birthday in a very long time.
While I am there, the new Navy ship, USS New York will get her commissioning near the Intrepid Museum on the Hudson river. The bow of the ship was made of steel from the World Trade Center. There is a lot of sentimental reasons I wish to see this new ship.
Can't wait to eat my familiar New York style pizza.

Informational Interview for LEED/Green Industry

I have been thinking about changing directions in my career and thought about going into the "green industry" and earning a LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification to rate builds on how well they meet "green" standards.

Of course, I know nothing of this so I asked the building manager at my former employer to explain what is LEED and how to obtain a certification. We met at that modern establishment where all important things are talked about, Starbucks.

She showed me reference material from a Brightworks workshop she had gone through recently to obtain her certification. There is lots of name of standards which need to be memorized as the test is all rout. She explained that there are different areas which LEEDS cover from home to site certification.

I noticed in my recent search for new opportunities that certifying new construction as being "green" under the LEED's definition will be in high demand. I wish to pursue something more flexible in nature then relaying totally on project work which can end withing fiscal years and leaving you looking for another job.

During this informational interview, I was given much to think about and a point to explore further. More information from the US Greenbuilding Council This line of possible career is very interesting to me and will definitily gather more information to determine what needs to be done to enter this field.

Half-Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival

On Saturday 17 Oct 2009, I got up early and drove to the annual Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival in the coastal town of Half Moon Bay. To get there from San Jose, one has to drive through highway 92 which is the only road that cuts across the Santa Cruz Mountains into the town. Getting there early is the only way to avoid the huge traffic that always occur in this event.

After paying $5 dollars to park my car at a town parking lot, I walked to the event center at about 7am. The downtown had its street closed and lined with arts booth being set up this early in the morning. Some of the food venues were open and I purchase a cup of coffee and a pumpkin roll, to be in tune with the festival.

I walked up and down the early morning, misty streets observing all the booths being set up for the days events. Very nice quality items, more then I find in other arts festival. In one parking lot, some of the competitors of the biggest pumpkin were on display. These things were huge and a looked like they were squashed one side. The weight of these gourds won't allow them to grow round.

As the morning progessed the sun burnt off the morning hazy and mist revealing more people were arriving at the festival. I grabbed some more coffee from different charity vendors to show my support and to get warmer.

In the main side street of Miramontes, the winner of the pumpkin contest was being ready for people to purchase photos along side the king. For a charity donation of $12 dollars was going to the Cabrillo Education Foundation. As I was waiting in line to take my picture with the winner, I attended about data on the pumpkin. He said it weighed in at 1,658 lbs and it came all the way from Iowa. The rules state that the pumpkin must be grown in a 12months period. Well I took my picture with the winning pumpkin but found out later that I had lost my photo. I went back to retrace my steps but could not find it. Upset was putting it lightly but I gathered my self and said lets not ruin a great day.

I had a great morning during this very nice autumn festival.

Photos can be seen below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=35213&id=1507778102&l=3e95909619

Attended SME Dinner on Centrifugal Casting

On 14 Oct, I went to Michaels Restauarant in Mountain View where the local Society of Manufacture Engineer Chapter 98, was co-hosting a dinner and talk on centrifugal casting by Johnson Centrifugal, a job shop in Wisconsin.

The night started with meeting members of the ASM and SME. Rather interesting to meet these folks although must have been retired for a very long time. Did finally get to meet the president of the local SME also met someone from BAE Systems who remarkably did not get laid off. Afterwards there was a catered dinner with some very nice food. Got to talk with the other SME members as I haven't been to one of these functions in a long time. Know that I am "in between jobs" there was no excuse not to go.

The presentation was hosted by Dr. Arvin Montes, a Senior R&D Materials Engineer at Johnson Centrifugal Technology in Saukville, WI. He explain in very detail the process of centrifugal casting. Essentially molten metal is poured into spinning forming cylinder, which imparts high g-loads to the liquid metal. The form cools and one has a cylindrical form to machine.

Dr. Montes explain the experimentation of using 6061 and 7075 Aluminum in both centrifugal and traditional casting to determine and compare the properties of each. To make a very long and detailed process short, properties of the aluminum cast with centrifugal method has a 85 to 95% higher tensile and yield strength while have a much more homogeneous structure in both the axial and radial direction.

Some of the products that use this process are CRT scanner head, turrets and housing for high-torque permanent magnet motor.

Overall the night was very informative on this process and met up with some leads in this industry.

Star Wars in Concert at the HP Pavilion

On Sunday Oct 11, I headed to the HP Pavilion in San Jose to catch the performance of "Star Wars in Concert" which is a live performance of the music from all the Star Wars movies.

I was really excited to go as I'm a real Star Wars junkie. As I walked to the Pavilion, I saw several kids dressed in costumes already for the event. Inside the arena there were booths with props, customes, story boards from the movies. Each one of the booths had a screen showing the design evolution of the prop and another showing a scene from the movie.

Of course what would a Star Wars gathering be without fans in customes. There were many of the Clonetroopers/Stormtroopers from the the 501 Garrison, a volunteer group who makes up their own customes. Jedi Knights, characters from the movie were all representing. One I found interesting was a women with a "Grand Admiral" uniform. This character only appears in the books series so one really has to be a fan to know this.

My favorite exhibit was the display of the music worksheet which John Williams, the composer of all the Star Wars music, used for one of the movies. I was impressed how large a worksheet is used.

After mingling about the crowded display it was time to go inside the arena and take my seat. My tickets got me to a seat on the left side of the stage, in the middle level. A nice place to view the events. A set of large curtains covered up the stage so the audience could not see it. The announcer kept mentioned that the lights will turn off abruptly. At about 10 minutes after the schedule start, the lights turn off and the curtains covering up the stage dropped. The orchestra played the introductory fanfare to each of the movies. Behind the stage a large 3-story hi-def screen spanning the the stage, was showing seen from the movies. On each side of the main screen and above it were what looked like "chain mail" of low resolution screens, giving an extra dimension to the stage.

After the fanfare stop, everyone gave the orchestra a great round of applause. Then out of the side of the arena step forward the narrator, Anthony Daniels, who played the character of C-3p0 in all six movies. The audience also applauded for him. He started to speak in very dramatic tone on the nights presentation. It was really weird but he speaks exactly like C-3PO, very strange to see that voice outside the costume.

Funny thing happen as when he was speaking, his ear-piece microphone stopped transmitting, the audience grown in sadness of this. Mr. Daniels went around the stage and picked up a hand-held microphone. He said to the gestured to the audience that he is using a "Jedi mind trick" and said "that no one saw any mistakes" , then asked the audience "did anyone see any mistakes", to which everyone replied in unison "NO".

The concert went on with Daniels dramatically telling the themes to each set of music. As the music was played by the orchestra, scenes from the movie appeared on the large overhead screen. The scenes were sometimes from one set of movies and sometimes all blend of all the movies. Daniels performance really gave the orchestra performance a feel of an epic event.

The theme and music in order they were performed is below:

Star Wars Main Title

Duel of the Fates

Anakin’s Theme

Moisture Farm

The Flag Parade

Across the Stars

Battle of the Heroes

The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme)

Intermission

The Asteroid Field

Princess Leia’s Theme

Tales of a Jedi Knight

Cantina Band

Yoda’s Theme

TIE Fighter Attack

Luke and Leia

The Forest Battle

Light of the Force

Throne Room/End titles

During the performance there was laser light, steam and even flames shooting from the front stage floor. The flames was mostly for the scene on Mustafar when Anakin and Obi-Wan were dueling, when the "Battle of the Heros" was played.

In performing the last theme of the night, "End Titles", scenes of John Williams conducting the actual score for each movie was shown on the screen. I truly wish there was more homage to John Williams as he was the man who compose this epic music and brought it to life.

At the end of the performance, the audience gave the orchestra, the conductor, and Daniels a standing ovation in which they had three curtain calls. No one wanted to leave. The orchestra placated our appetite for more by playing a full version of the "Imperial March". It was awesome! The lights came on, people exited the arena, the orchestra backed their instruments all while David Bowie's "Major Tom" was playing over the loud speaker.

It was great night to experience the magic behind the music.

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Life is like a olive tree, bears much fruit but very little shade.