AIDS/LifeCycle is a 7 day, 545 mile bicycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to support critical HIV/AIDS services. Please click the image below to support my participation in AIDS/LifeCycle!
Number of miles trained to date
A lifetime may not be long enough to attune ourselves fully to the harmony of the universe. But just to become aware that we can resonate with it -- that alone can be like waking up from a dream. -David Steindl-Rast
"One of these days someone will walk into your life and make you realize why it never worked out with anyone else..."
I'm a hopeful romantic. I'm quick-witted and funny. I'm boy-next-door, averagely attractive, and a good kisser! (References upon request.) I love going out to movies and events, and doing romantic things, exploring the city, but Netflix at home with some homemade cookies is also fun.
One of the many things that makes AIDS/LifeCycle such a unique and special event is the scenic route that takes us through the heart of California. Stunning views, historic destinations, and even the chance to spot dolphins frolicking off the coast are followed by a hero's welcome in the City of Angels. Although the route has been largely the same since the very first AIDS/LifeCycle, there are typically some changes from year to year.
We're excited to announce the route for AIDS/LifeCycle 8!
Below you'll find listed the campsites and daily mileages for each day of AIDS/LifeCycle 8. Please note that this information is as complete and accurate as is possible at this time, and is subject to change.
Orientation Day and Opening Ceremonies Cow Palace 2600 Geneva Ave, Main entrance, Daly City, CA 94014
Day One: San Francisco to Santa Cruz (79.3 miles) Harvey West Park 326 Evergreen Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Your AIDS/LifeCycle adventure begins as you and your fellow cyclists ride out immediately following Opening Ceremonies. The route on Day 1 offers some of the best scenery and cycling roads that San Mateo County has to offer. The stunning coastal views from hilltops to the ocean are truly Northern California at its best! Tailwinds prevail as we pedal along scenic CA Hwy 1 on our way to Harvey West Park in the City of Santa Cruz. Highlight of the day: The lunch stop on Day 1 offers a spectacular and breathtaking view of the ocean so be sure to pack your camera.
Day Two: Santa Cruz to King City (107.6 miles) San Lorenzo County Park 1160 Broadway, King City, CA 93930 Rise and shine early on Day 2 to beat the Santa Cruz morning rush hour commute and get an early start on your second day in the saddle! This is a long mileage day with relatively flat terrain that will take us through the Salinas Valley, also known as Steinbeck Country. The lushness of vineyards, strawberry and artichoke fields stretch as far as the eye can see in all directions. There are usually excellent tailwinds along the roller coaster road that takes you into King City at the end of the day. Highlight of the day: Mission Soledad, the Water Stop location on Day 2 is one of the most historic and special destinations on the ride. Take a moment to enjoy the peaceful serenity of the Mission Chapel.
Day Three: King City to Paso Robles (66.7 miles) Mid State Fairgrounds 2198 Riverside Avenue, Paso Robles, CA 93447 Quadbuster. Don’t let the name scare you. You are sure to make it to the top with your fellow cyclists (and perhaps a special guest) cheering you on and up! But Quadbuster is only a small part of the route on Day 3. You will pedal on remote roads passing only a few small quaint stores, mostly later in the day. Rest Stop 4 is at Mission San Miguel, one of California’s 21 historic Missions. Be sure to bring a little money to purchase a postcard or two for loved ones in the Mission’s wonderful little gift shop. The day ends as you ride into Paso Robles where we camp at The Mid State Fairgrounds. We dine inside the fairgrounds dining hall tonight…what a treat! Highlight of the day: Lunch on Day 3 is in the small town of Bradley where the local school hosts a BBQ to raise money for their field trip program. Bring your cash to purchase a hot-off-the-grill hamburger, cheeseburger or veggie burger! Cash only!
Day Four: Paso Robles to Santa Maria (94.1 miles) Preisker Park 2301 Preisker Lane, Santa Maria, CA 93458 The route on Day 4 has a little bit of everything…a feast for the eyes with stunning vistas and ocean views that give way to sprawling fields of farmland and even some quaint seaside towns. The route will wind along some remote and seldom-traveled roads as well as some congested town streets. Before lunch you will conquer the infamous Evil Twins. The views from the top of that second sister hill are nothing short of spectacular and you may even find yourself forgetting that you are pedaling uphill. From there you will ride back out to the coast and through the city of Pismo Beach (Do I smell Cinnamon Rolls?) and on into Preisker Park in the beautiful Central California city of Santa Maria. Highlight of the day: Half Way to LA!! At the top of the second sister hill you will come upon a vista point turnout where you will have the opportunity to have your picture taken with the Half Way to LA sign! Don’t forget your camera on this day!! (note: but don’t dally too long, you still have a lot of miles to cover!)
Day Five: Santa Maria to Lompoc (66.8 miles) River Park Sweeney Road & Hwy 246, Lompoc, CA 93436 Day 5 begins with a beautiful and scenic ride through the farmlands of Santa Maria. At the edge of town, you will enter one of Santa Barbara County’s prettiest wine country roads. The scenery will be classic Central California with sprawling vineyards and ancient oak trees making the few challenging climbs along the way well worth the effort. Lunch is located in the quaint tourist town of Solvang - a town founded by Danish immigrants. The authentic Danish architecture, thatched roofs, traditional windmills give the town an old world feel, making it a very popular cycling destination. Departing Solvang, you will pedal through Buellton, home of the world famous Pea Soup Andersen’s and head into Lompoc on more beautiful and scenic wine country roads. Highlight of the day: Oh my, but don’t you look just fabulous in that Red Dress!
Day Six: Lompoc to Ventura(85.5 miles) San Buenaventura State Beach 901 San Pedro Street, Ventura, CA 93001 Day 6 begins on one of the prettiest roads on the entire route. You will pedal through vast expansive ranchlands with wildflower covered hills on both sides! As you ride toward the coast through the gorgeous Gaviota Pass you will be on US101. This is a well travelled freeway and caution should be practiced at all times along this portion of the route. After lunch you will pass through the heart of Santa Barbara, Montecito and Carpinteria and on into Ventura where we camp at San Buenaventura State Beach. Highlight of the day: Day 6 is your best bet for dolphin sightings!! Cast an eye to the sea and perhaps you will glimpse those playful creatures jumping in and out of the water as they frolic just off the coast.
Day Seven: Ventura to Los Angeles (61.5 miles) Almost there! Today your trip south will take you through Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme (pronounced Why-Knee-Me) and Malibu. You will see the military planes on display as you ride past the Naval Air Station on your way to Highway 1 also known as the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Once on PCH it’s a straight shot down the coastline for about 20 miles. Enjoy the southern California sights of surfers and beach goers as you pedal through Malibu on your way toward LA. You will complete your journey with a turn away from the coast and nice pedal through Santa Monica on your way to the Closing Ceremonies site. Highlight of the day: The streets are peppered along the route on Day 7 with friends, family and well-wishers. Enjoy your hero’s welcome … you deserve it.
Closing Ceremonies VA Center 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Date: Saturday, February 7 Meeting place: Sports Basement near Crissy Field Time: 8:15am. Ride-out: 9:00am. Ride: 39 miles, across Golden Gate Bridge, through Sausalito to Camino Alto. Round through Corte Madera – Paradise Loop to Tiburon. Snacks/lunch at Shark’s Deli. Back on the Sausalito bike path. Category: 2
We had a lot of rain on Friday, and I wasn’t sure whether the ride was a go or not. Two weeks ago, I chickened-out and didn’t go – and then saw pictures of how blue the sky was in Marin (it was still overcast here in SF). After the successful ride last week, I was a bit stoked still to get this ride underway. So, off to Sports Basement/Crissy Field I head. Yeah, there’s a group!! There were 10 ride leaders, and 50 other riders for today’s ride.
It was a chilly start, and riding the GG Bridge with zooming traffic – just downright cold! I wore track bottoms to keep my legs warm.
I am learning how to maneuver my gears a lot better. And, the clip shoes are miracle workers!! I do notice that my right knee is bothering me, just before Mike’s Bikes. Because of that, I decide to stop. It’s now 9:45, and the first time we’ve been to Mike’s so early – they don’t open till 10. A powerbar later, off on the trip. Because of all the rain, the road/path is ... well, under water in some spots. Good thing I had the track bottoms on, save my legs from getting soaked!
I haven’t done Camino Alto hill yet, have only heard horror stories about it. Quickly get directions to it. So, it’s a gradual hill, not steep at all. It probably rises about 450 feet, but it’s like 2-miles long, and winding. Paul and Mark (Paul, I met my first ride, and is in the picture with me; Mark, I just met today) rode with me up that bastard! They commented on my pace – I replied, “it was either that way, or heart attack … so, I choose slow and steady.” Finally you round a turn, and boom, the crest of the hill. And, I didn’t walk the bike at all! This hill ain’t gettin’ me down!
We meander through Corte Madera and over to Paradise Loop, coming in the opposite direction from last week (bay to your left this time!). I remember, how winding the road, with its fun little rolling moguls (not really big enough to call hills). And, the knee is doing better, no more pain. We wind our way through the woods, and it truly is as majestic as last week. Mark and Paul are just slightly ahead of me, I see them on the straight-aways, and then lose them on the curves. As it’s just before 11, there’s more riders out, in both directions.
Finally, we break of the woods, and we’re sailing down to Tiburon. Lunch at Shark’s. We’re in the latter half of the pack, and quite a few leave as we get there and get our lunch. Carbed up, we’re off.
Mike’s Bike’s is always an optional stop, and I decide not to this time. Somehow getting my second wind, and wanting to see what the Sausalito Lateral is “handing out today!” Angelo, one of the TRLs from week 2, paces with me. He gives me some advice on managing the hill with my gears. And, I’m panting, and cussing, and sweating, and shifting, and panting a lot more. But, that damn hill is now history!! No stopping. No pushing. That hill ain’t gettin’ me down!
WOW! What an incredible feeling!! I zoom back to Sports Basement and sign out. Downtown Julie Brown is there. She comments on how improved I am! I sign in, and there’s still 15 or so riders behind me to complete today’s ride.
Date: Saturday, January 31 Meeting place: Sports Basement near Crissy Field Time: 8:30am. Ride-out: 9:15am. Ride: 33 miles, across Golden Gate Bridge, through Sausalito to Tiburon. Snacks/lunch at Shark’s Deli. Out to Paradise/Tiburon Loop. Connect back to Bike trail, and return same route. Category: 2
Well, I missed last week’s 22 mile ride – so, I feel like I’m a bit behind the 8-ball. It’s week three of the Cat 2 Ride Series begins… There were 8 ride leaders, and 63 other riders for today’s ride.
Usually beginning – through the Presidio and across the Bridge. The weather today couldn’t have been better – the bluest blue sky!! Some clouds, but not many.
Down the Sausalito lateral – and, I am truly working my gears. I also noticed, my clip shoes are intense! They are seriously helping my ride. We ride into Sausalito – and, we’ve been warned! The Police there, like to ticket rides for not stopping for pedestrians in the crosswalk. And, I’ve been told, they have set-up sting operations before. Today though, not the case, and all green lights, so I zoom through.
We head past Mike’s Bikes, along the bike path, and then on surface roads again, heading out to Tiburon.
We stopped off at Shark’s Deli for some snacks, power bars, Gatorade, pasta, sandwiches, and some fellowship. What I did learn last time… go to the bathroom first, and then get something to eat. The other way, doesn’t work – the line is way too long!
After Shark’s, we head into the City of Tiburon. Past that, we take the Paradise Loop around the peninsula. (Karen, if you’re reading this… I rode past your friends house where you and Kelly got married!! Yes, I said, I rode there!!) The road is winding. It’s wooded. The right side of the road often shear cliffs down to the water (or houses below). It’s also very rolly little hills.
I left with a few folks from Shark’s, but quickly was left behind. The ride was very serene. It was very pretty. I was averaging about 11 mph – truly taking it all in. No one passed me – I had the road to myself.
Finally made it back to the road, and some more small hills. To the bike path, and then head to Mike’s Bikes. A quick pit-stop, for some more carbs and vitamin water. I head out with Ken and Tina. We leap-frog through Sausalito, and I actually passed Ken on one of the small hills, just out of the town. I grunt, and grunt my way up the small hill.
Then, the Sausalito lateral… it’s actually like 3 pieces – there’s a gradual up, a small down hill and around a corner, and then another hill with a greater climb which goes into the tunnel, under 101.
So, I grunted and grunted some more on the first hill. Finally, I had to get off and walk some… but, it was only for about 90 seconds. Got my wind back, and decided to ride. Up the rest of the hill, down the short hill. And then the killer hill. Well, I may not have been going very fast… but, I got up that hill without stopping or having to walk.
I truly was so farking proud of myself.
Across the Bridge, and back to the Presidio and Sports Basement, where we started from. We left at 9:20 and I returned at 12:50. There were about 70 riders, and I signed in at #17. Seriously, I was stoked!! I saw Matthew – who shadowed me my first ride. He gave me kudos for a ride well done!!
Not sure the reasoning for doing so well, maybe a combination of: the cyclometer, the clip pedals and shoes, or the gears all working on the bike. But, it all came together nicely!!
So, I dropped the bike off on Monday, to get the gears repaired. Remember back on 1/4, when I broke the gear cartridge – well, I’ve not gotten it repaired. As well, the front derailleur won’t allow me to go into gear-1, only 2 and 3.
I also think it’s time to get the clip pedals and shoes. I also sprung for a cyclocomputer – that shows speed, odometer, and time riding. I picked up the bike today, and it’s working great!! I bring it home, and put it in the trainer that Kevin allowed me to borrow, and I proceed to practice the clip in, and out. In, and out. Got it down.
I wonder how it will all come together, and what my output will be?
In the wake of Californias passage of Proposition 8, a group of gay and lesbian families are taking to the airwaves, with five 30-second Public Service Announcements (PSAs) that will air on daytime and prime time television throughout the state.
They will run in urban and rural markets on broadcast and cable channels during the Presidential Inauguration week in January 2009. Their purpose is to capture the hearts and minds of people who do not understand why marriage is so important to us.
Date: Saturday, January 24 Meeting place: Sports Basement near Crissy Field Time: 8:30am. Ride-out: 9:15am. Ride: 22 miles, across Golden Gate Bridge, through Sausalito to Tiburon. Snacks/lunch at Shark’s Deli. Return same route. Category: 2
Rain rain go away. Come back another day. Remember that children’s rhyme? Well, that is what I was saying Friday night, when I went to bed. They called for rain/scattered showers overnight and through Saturday.
So, when I woke up at 7am, I heard the splash/splash of the cars on the road. I thought… 34 mph down the Sausalito lateral on wet pavement… maybe not a good idea!!
So, I went back to bed. I got up later, and noticed that it had cleared some. So, I donned my gear, and decided I would ride over to The Beach/Great Highway.
It took me about 100 minutes roundtrip (ride time was 75 minutes, plus some rest and snack time).
While riding, there were still quite a few puddles (to avoid)… many wet roads… and, mud/road dirt and grime.
When I got back, I noticed that my legs and my bike were coated with fine dirt. I hosed me and the bike down.
It wasn’t the 22 miles with the group, but it was a good day!!
Date: Sunday, January 18 Ride: 16 miles, from home through Golden Gate park, to the Beach/Great Highway. Return same route.
I decided to take it easy this morning – not having a restful night of sleep.
Very relaxing Sunday, and then an afternoon bike ride – I was thinking of leisurely ride out to the beach, through Golden Gate Park, as it’s closed to vehicular traffic on Sundays.
It takes me about 40 minutes to get out to the beaches – 7.8 miles. I had to stop a snap a picture of the Park buffalo.
A powerbar and vitamin water later, I return. I change my route a little, coming back along Haight Street. Because of traffic and such, it takes me about 50 minutes to return.
I cook up some salmon when I return, and a nice hot shower.
Date: Saturday, January 17 Meeting place: Sports Basement near Crissy Field Time: 9am. Ride-out: 9:45am. Ride: 22 miles, across Golden Gate Bridge, through Sausalito to Mill Valley. Snacks/lunch at Coffee Depot. Return same route. Category: 2
The beginning of the Cat 2 Ride Series begins… There were 10 ride leaders, and 42 other rides for today’s ride.
We began in the usual way – up through Presidio and across the Bridge. The weather on the Bridge was lovely today – not nearly as windy as last time.
Down the Sausalito lateral – and, being a big-guy, I get going quite fast downhill!! There’s a haze on the horizon. At first, looking at Marin from the City, it’s kinda hazey – not foggy, just kinda grey. Once in Sausalito, looking back to the City, it’s now hazey there.
We head past Mike’s Bikes, along the bike path, and then a left up into Mill Valley – we’re on narrow city streets now, and cars forget how their rear-view mirrors stick out… as some past, I notice how close they come. Note: Be more aware of this while driving.
We make good time, just an hour to go the 11 miles, and then we all rest at the Coffee Depot. I had packed some snacks, and carb up for the return trip home.
The return is uneventful, with the exception of the fact, that I can make it further-n-further up the Sausalito lateral without having to walk. Yes, I did walk a couple times, but not as far or as long as previous trips!!
Through the Presidio, and back at Sports Basement, I arrive at 12:30.
I head home, and cook some chicken breasts for protein. Oh, and a nap. Awww, good Saturday!!
San Francisco AIDS Foundation, as part of the ALC training, offered a nutrition class. Manuel Vellacorta was the nutritionist.
His presentation very informative; I look forward to seeing a copy of his slide show. I took copious notes, but after a while – carbs, grams, protein, fat, flaxseed, ghrelin, macronutreants, it all get’s very confusing.
Based on weight, I will be able to figure out how much carb, protein, calories and fat grams I should consume, while training.
I have started to be more conscious of what to eat, when, how, etc.
I got up this morning, and was checking email… And saw that I had a donation made-in-my-honor for the AIDS Life Cycle 8. I logged in to view the message.
It was from an HIV positive man, that was incredibly grateful that I was doing the ride this year.
And, that just brought it all home!
My fundraising goal is $4,000 – and with this donation, I am just shy of the half-way point. I’ve only been fundraising one week, and still have 4 months to the ride.
Wow, I am blown away, and quite emotional for this endeavor!!
Date: Saturday, January 10 Meeting place: Sports Basement near Chrissy Field Time: 9:30am. Ride-out: 10am. Ride: 16 miles, across Golden Gate Bridge, through Sausalito to Mike's Bikes. Regroup. Return same route. Category: 1
I can’t find my keys! I can’t find my keys!! I looked all over the damn apartment, and cannot find them anywhere! They’re not in my usual spot. They’re not on my desk, nor my dresser, not in the jacket or pants pockets from yesterday. Not on the futon, nor the bed. Where the hell did I put them??
Well, I should have left the apartment by 9:15, as meeting was at 9:30/ride-out at 10. At 9:20, I couldn’t find the keys. I decide it’s a lost cause, and get out of my riding clothes. I then unpack my backpack. WTF. My keys! I throw myself back into my riding clothes, and head over to Presidio – hoping I’m not too late!!
I arrive at 9:45, without breaking any laws. There is a large group gathered for the ride. We end up totally about 35. Sue, Darwin, Julie and Buzz are the TRLs. Temperature is warmer today – 54. And, it’s warm as the sun is out. We do our warm-ups/stretching and kick-off at 10:20.
Tracing the same route as last weeks – but we’re only going to Mike’s Bikes/Sausalito. It’s incredibly windy on the Bridge today, gusts to 20. We stop at the parking lot after the Bridge, to re-group. I arrive at Mike’s about 11:10, which means I was averaging about 9.5 mph.
After a resting period and a powerbar, back going the same route. I tried to stay towards the middle-of-the-pack. Arriving back at 12:20. And yes, the Sausalito lateral hill still kicked my butt… I will conquer it, without having to get off my bike and ‘cross-train.’
The bib/shorts I got yesterday – WOW!! My butt barely hurts – completely amazing. My legs don’t hurt as much as last week either.
I stopped at Safeway on the way home for some pasta/protein lunch makings. Good day!!
I decided to ride the bike to work today. First time I’ve been on the bike since last Sunday. As I put my keister on the seat for the first time, I am reminded that it’s still sore.
After work, I decide to stop by Mike’s Bikes on Howard St, and get a bib/short. Several folks last week suggested it – because it has more padding/gel in the butt area. I find one, brand name is SUGOi, which is the Japanese term for incredible. I figure, that’s fitting!! And, it’s got this large pad (see picture). I look forward to trying it out tomorrow!!
Meeting place: Sports Basement near Chrissy Field Time: 9am. Ride-out: 9:30am. Ride: 30 miles, across Golden Gate Bridge, through Sausalito to Tiburon. Snacks/lunch at Shark’s Deli. Return same route. Category: 1
Off to the Presidio I head, to do my first training ride for ALC8. I get there a few minutes after 9. I meet up with Ken, Antonio, Kim, Matt and Paul – the ride leaders (TRL). There’s a total of 19 of us, including the TRLs. Temperature is a brisk 45 degrees. We do some warm-ups and stretches, get the safety briefing, riding route (turn-by-turn), and then kick-off about 9:40.
A leisurely ride through part of the Presidio, heading up to the anchorage of the Golden Gate Bridge. Living in San Francisco for 5+ years, I’ve never ridden or walked across the Bridge – so today’s a first! And, it’s windy on the bridge. Oh, and chilly. You ride against traffic, so the vehicles coming towards you are blowing more wind on you.
We exit the other side, now in Sausalito – and our first big hill. The good thing, the hill is downward into the city of Sausalito. We flatten out, and head towards Mike’s Bikes, our first rest stop, and we’re ¼ of the way there. We ride along and then under 101, and through the bike path. Very pretty. Along the bay the path winds, to Belvedere Island and the city of Tiburon. We make it to Shark’s Deli, where we meet up with the Poz Peddler’s group. Time is about 11:35. A lunch of beef-a-roni (pasta, good!) and some Gatorade.
We head back, and somehow I ended up at the end of the pack. Matt and Kim with me. We make it back towards the bayside bike path, and my bike breaks. Well, more specifically, my gear cartridge breaks, and my pedal fly’s back and cuts my calf muscle. I can’t ride, because it won’t get in gear. Matt and I tinker with the bike and get it to go in 1 year, but that means 1-7 gear will have to stay in 4; I still have 1-3 to change for some movement. The blood dries on my calf-muscle, as we head back to Mike’s Bikes. The legs begin to cramp for the first time.
Back at Mike’s, bathroom break and a powerbar. Then we head out, and my bike won’t get in any gear. So, I take the bike to the technicians. The guy comments, “in my 13 years of fixing bikes, I’ve never seen this.” I feel good! LOL
They don’t have a 7-gear cartridge, but he’s able to fix it so that 6-gears will work, and I can make it back. All that for $10!! One-half-hour gone, and then we’re off.
The small rolling hills of Sausalito begin to kick my butt, and there’s a bit of walking – er, cross training TRL Ken calls it. LOL We make it up the big hill and across the Bridge. Meandering back through Presidio, we arrive back at 2:20.
First training ride complete. Last in Yuki, Paul, Andrew, TRL Ken and myself.
Head home for a HOT shower, some Tylenol and stretching, and a short nap.
12-year-old Arizona boy guilty in mom’s shooting Saturday, January 3, 2009 09:45 PST Sierra Vista, Ariz. (AP) --
A 12-year-old boy who fatally shot his mother after an argument over his chores was found guilty of premeditated murder.
Judge James Conlogue found the boy guilty after a hearing Friday in Cochise County Superior Court in the southern Arizona town of Bisbee. The boy is not being identified because he was charged as a juvenile.
Conlogue ruled that prosecutors had proved the boy acted intentionally and with premeditation when he shot Sara Madrid, 34, eight times on Aug. 1. The shooting happened after the boy had argued with his mother over his chores.
Madrid had left the family home after the argument, and the boy got a .22-caliber pistol from her bedroom closet, waited for her to return and then repeatedly shot her, according to court testimony.
Madrid’s live-in boyfriend of 10 years, Alfonso Munoz, witnessed the shooting and said the boy gave him the empty gun afterward.
Munoz, who helped raise the boy, said he had taught the child how to use the weapon for emergencies and self-defense.
The boy’s lawyer, Sanford Edleman, had argued that the boy did not intend to kill his mother but only wanted to get back at her for abusing him.
Police said the boy told them his mother yelled at him and slapped him.
Madrid’s sister, Ernestine Huitron, testified Friday that Madrid did not want the boy to live with her, and that Madrid had a temper and yelled at him.
“He is a docile, sweet boy,” Huitron said. “Sara said (the boy) was stupid and dumb.”
Prosecutors wanted the boy tried as an adult, but the judge ruled the case should remain in juvenile court after a psychologist and psychiatrist testified that he suffered physical and verbal abuse from his mother and could be rehabilitated in the juvenile justice system.
Under Arizona law, the boy can only be held until he turns 18. Sentencing is set for Jan. 23.
The biggest thing to report, was the Homeless Children's Network toy drive I was assisting with at MCCSF...
But, that kinda got upstaged...
Joseph M. Saulen Joseph M. Saulen, 46, of New Haven, formerly of Hartford and West Hartford died suddenly Sunday (December 14, 2008). Born in West Hartford son of the late Peter F. and Mary Ruth (Duffy) Saulen he was dedicated to his work helping young patients at the the St. Vincents Medical Center, Behavioral Health Services, Westport Campus. He taught people to think of others first and the world is a better place for Joe being here. He enjoyed traveling and will be greatly missed. Joe is survived by his twin brother and sister-in-law Peter J. and Penny Saulen of Churchville, NY; a sister, Ruthann Fraga of Manchester and nieces and nephews, James, Shannon, Patrick, Anthony, Flavio, Guilherme and Peter. Calling hours are TODAY from 5-8 p.m. at the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. His funeral is Thursday 10 a.m. at the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle, 872 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association, 306 Industrial Park Road, Suite 105, Middletown, CT 06457.
Joe and I travelled together... discovering Jamaica, Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, Key West and most importantly, San Francisco.
Following an extended illness of brain cancer, Rev. Paul Fairley died on Saturday evening, December 6, 2008, surrounded by his friends and family members.
Paul was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. He was a graduate of the University of Toronto (B.A., Literary Studies, 1992) and Pacific School of Religion (M.Div., 2003).
Paul served on the staff of MCC churches since 1998, including MCC San Francisco and, most recently, as MCC Toronto’s director of worship and engagement. He served as MCC’s director of conference planning for MCC’s General Conference in Calgary.
Rev. Paul Fairley brought enthusiasm, passion and creativity to his ministry, as well as a great deal of fun!
Mark the Day: A Psalm for World AIDS Day 2008, by Rev. Maxwell Reay
God, like the passing of time Gentle and soothing, giving way to our memories Allowing space to heal when anger and rage have built Acknowledging pain, letting joy live again
The people we have lost The ones that we love Taken away but in God’s care We hope, oh God we hope
They said that AIDS was a sign But, a sign of what? Our compassion, our love, our longing Our call to you to touch our lives
You came to us in one another Skin touching skin Tears touching tears Smile touching smiles
A new place you created for us to explore The place you gave us is still here today By your side we stand With each other we go on With you we move from shadow to light
God with you our light still shines We remember with silence, words and candles We march with faith and pride We carry our past to the future Living memories for those to come
If you plan on giving Gift cards this holiday season, please note...
Watch those store money cards and gift cards, as well as any store-credit slips! Stores that informed the Security Exchange of closing plans between October 2008 and January 2009.
Circuit City - most recent 13 stores (maybe more)
Ann Taylor- 117 stores nationwide are to be closed
Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug ,and Catherine's to close 150 stores nationwide
Eddie Bauer to close stores 27 stores and more after January
Cache will close all stores
Talbots closing down all stores
J. Jill closing all stores
GAP closing 85 stores
Footlocker closing 140 stores more to close after January
Wickes Furniture closing down
Levitz closing down remaining stores
Bombay closing remaining stores
Zales Jewelers closing down 82 stores and 105 after January.
Whitehall Jewelers closing all stores
Piercing Pagoda closing all stores
Disney closing 98 stores and will close more after January.
Home Depot closing 15 stores
Macys to close 9 stores after January
Linens and Things closing all stores
Movie Galley closing all stores
Pacific Sunware closing stores
Pep Boys closing 33 stores
Sprint/ Nextel closing 133 stores
JC Penney closing a number of stores after January
Roughly 400,000 votes separate yes from no on Prop 8 – out of 10 million votes tallied.
Based on turnout estimates reported yesterday, we expect that there are more than 3 million and possibly as many as 4 million absentee and provisional ballots yet to be counted.
Given that fundamental rights are at stake, we must wait to hear from the Secretary of State tomorrow how many votes are yet to be counted as well as where they are from.
It is clearly a very close election and we monitored the results all evening and this morning.
As of this point, the election is too close to call.
Because Prop 8 involves the sensitive matter of individual rights, we believe it is important to wait until we receive further information about the outcome.
A lifetime may not be long enough to attune ourselves fully to the harmony of the universe. But just to become aware that we can resonate with it -- that alone can be like waking up from a dream.
