Pumpkin Carving Contest

Oops, almost forgot. Here are some pictures from the annual pumpkin carving contest, bake sale, and a teller at LBNL. Yes, that is a flying Spaghetti monster on the left.

Happy Halloween

Halloween is here. The magical bridge between this world and Halloweentown opens and everyone wears masks to ward of evil spirits. Or something to that effect, I haven't read up on Halloween lore, but I have done some field studies on how people celebrate it. People really get into it, all weekend long people wear masks, dress up, decorate houses, and of course (only on the 31st) go trick or treating. Here are some pictures from the street; house decorations, carved pumpkins, ghosts, spiderwebs, an outdoor screening of game four of the 2010 World Series (SF Giants stepped up and extended their lead to 3-1), and a couple of shallow graves. Happy Halloween!

Fall

Fall is here. Mist turns into rain, humidity into precipitation, and cool into chill. Nature needs it. It's been 6 months since any real rain, but the homo sapiens sapiens aren't too enthusiastic about it. This morning an unexpected number of Gore Tex jackets was out, felt a little bit homey actually. Although 17C is a bit hot for Gore Tex, by Nordic standards. And traffic warnings for wet roads feel a bit unusual. Speaking of Gore Tex, a part of yesterday was spent raiding a local North Face outlet. A while back I tried high-end shopping in SF, yesterday I went for the lower end of the price range (no, I skipped Dollar Tree, was out of time). Outlets, Target, and some other chains. Made some good deals and enjoyed it. Guess a part of me feels more comfortable shopping in El Cerrito and Albany than in Union Square. At least in an economic climate where people are getting annoyed with Jay Leno for joking about the recession (which technically ended last year) and there is a line of unemployed Mexican handymen waiting for work outside of Home Depot. Times are tough here, and people are a bit tense. At least the holiday season is approaching. Stores are packed with pumpkins, bogeymen, and fake chains. Everyone seems to be stocking up and preparing for Halloween and Thanksgiving, and looking forward to it. I suspect Christmas shopping isn't too far off either. Here are a couple of pictures of pumpkin carving kits and escalators for shopping carts. Have a nice weekend!

Quality Stuff

Autumn. Today it actually rained, and is raining. Didn't miss it this time, it's officially autumn here. Actually a nice break from all the sunshine, but still feels a bit weird. I guess sunshine is addictive. Haven't posted much in the blog of late, took a few days off after the deadline, and then got into trying to catch up with my next paper. So, not that much to report in terms of excursions, although I did try the shopping districts in SF last weekend. Largely out of my price range, but not completely without appeal. The Apple store was packed, as always apparently, and filled with toys. Setting aside a few $$$ for some new toys soon I think. Here are a few more pictures of nice houses around here, seems there is always something new that catches the eye when I take a walk around here. Some cool bikes (yes, that is a dog cage strapped on the back of the second one), more of the beautiful UCB campus (including a great lawn clock), the package of our new 47" TV (bag on top to show size), some of the issues in the upcoming California election (oil, legalized / medical marijuana)... And of course, bacon chocolate.

Eatin'

Roast beef on sourdough. Not a baconator, but packs a punch. Illustrates the default protein-carbon hydrate ratio of the restaurants here. Or as my stomach put it, umpf.