Our Daily Bread

Europe 2006 aka World Cup Fever

2006-07-26T05:23:00.000-05:00

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

Gutentag friends! I am back stateside after a whirlwind five week European sojourn, which brought me new friends, an appreciation for "football" (soccer), a love for German highways, and a tolerance for guttural accents. It went a little something like this: London to Berlin to Hannover to Berlin to Potsdam to Dresden to Bacharach to Mainz to Frankfurt to Fussen to Munich to Vienna to Prague to Warsaw to Sopot to Warsaw to Krakow to Warsaw. Click the pic to see for yourself!

¡Viva Mexico!

2006-05-30T12:42:00.000-05:00

¡Viva Mexico!
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

I love Mexico. Especially when you take 3 cars full of friends and have perfect weather and everything seems to go just right. This was the case on Sunday, May 28. ¡Viva Mexico!

(click on the photo to see more)

R.I.P. Holly

2006-05-03T23:03:00.000-05:00

Blake & Holly
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

On May 2, 2006, my family's golden retriever for the past 8 years had to be put to sleep because of cancer that had more or less taken over her body. She was loved by many and meant a lot to our family. Please click on the photo to view some of the other photos I took over the eight great years that we had Holly.

Old = Gold

2006-04-23T09:40:00.000-05:00

Katharine and Blake
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

What is it about the present that doesn't quite equal the past? Oh nostalgia, what won't you remind me of?
I've posted some of my favorite old pictures online...click on the photo to see who I used to be.

Snowy Bosch

2006-03-14T20:32:00.000-05:00

Snowy Bosch
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

Whoda thunk it?? I come home to California for Spring Break, thinking I've escaped the last days of another New York winter, and what greets me on my return to the Golden State? WHITE SNOW. Oy vay.

Blizzard!

2006-02-12T13:53:00.000-05:00

NYC Blizzard
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

Snow. White.

Onward, Shoe!

2006-01-09T19:48:00.000-05:00

Onward, Shoe!
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

I just uploaded some pics from a recent winter break road trip that I took with my dog Holly to meet some dear friends in Palm Springs, CA. Click on the pic to check them out!

First Snow

2005-12-04T17:43:00.000-05:00

The Gates of Central Park
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

...and it begins. Snow. That pesky, persistent, petulant enigma, that looks so inviting, but becomes so biting with the slightest of breezes, slapping its sludge and sticking to any exposed skin silly enough to dance naked outside in a snowstorm. (Photo from last year's magnificent Gates of Central Park exhibition)

The Sun Will Come Out...Today!

2005-10-15T12:42:00.000-05:00

Washington Square Park, NYC
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

Blue skies??!? It's almost hard to believe that they're recognizable! Today, the sun is out in full force, after being m.i.a. for the past EIGHT days and replaced by clouds and over thirteen inches of rain. But no more! A walk in the park is definitely in order.

Coldplay!

2005-09-09T10:45:00.000-05:00

Coldplay
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

On Wednesday, September 7, I went with three of my best friends to see Coldplay, arguably the best band in the world right now, perform at Madison Square Garden, possibly the best arena in the world, in New York City, probably the best city in the world. IT WAS THE BEST!

Back from Bosch

2005-07-30T17:13:00.000-05:00

Blake
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

I just spent a week helping direct the Youth Institute at Bosch Baha'i School, set amongst the Redwood trees in the mountains of Santa Cruz, California. It was an altogether incredible experience, with unbelievable weather, spiritual bonding, and too much fun. Click on the photo to see some of my favorites from the week!

Back from Central America

2005-07-16T20:09:00.000-05:00

Blake in Panama
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

Hello folks!
I'm back from a month in Central America, specifically Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua. The trip was undeniably incredible, and I'm more sure of my decision to pursue medicine than ever before. The trip was focused on setting up clinics in rural or impoverished areas of Central America that receive very little health care. I made some wonderful friends, visited some unforgettable places, gained some invaluable experience, and took some beautiful pictures. I've uploaded some of them to my flickr website, so click on the photo and enjoy!
Blake

Yankee Stadium

2005-04-08T22:36:00.000-05:00

Yankee Stadium
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

Field level at the House that Ruth Built, YANKEE STADIUM!

BREAKING NEWS: Person(s) Other Than Blake Visit This Website

2005-03-27T01:13:00.000-05:00

Columbia University
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

It's painfully apparent to those of you who have visited this site that I have hardly delivered on my webpage's title as "the daily bread." "The monthly bread" would be more fitting, but less fresh. TAH! Fresh bread! Wit galore. So for the first time in a long while, I give you some ramblings on what I've been doing/thinking about/deciding lately (in a decidedly random fashion):
Mark McGwire, once my hero, has fallen from his pumped-up pedestal, due to the worst possible at-bat facing a Congressional Hearing. A real strikeout, Mark, and unlike your days on the juice, your walk back to the bench might not be the same as it used to be, as your fans can't forgive this hearing strikeout with hopes for your next homerun in front of the committee. It would be too ugly to see you at this plate again.
Other than the steroid controversy, baseball has me extremely excited about the impending season. With so many players switching teams this offseason, with the Red Sox wondering how to best defend their holy grail of a World Series crown, and with so many of my friends and former teammates on the cusp of making major league rosters, I can't say I've ever been more ready for a baseball season to begin. Some more reasons to be ecstatic: the Padres were good last year, and should be better, with a more experienced Khalil Greene, a healthy Phil Nevin, another dominating year from Jake Peavy, and a breakout season by ex-Cal Bear Xavier Nady. The Padres are looking the strongest in an ever-weakening division (the Dodgers looked minor league this winter with some bad personnel moves, and the Giants are only as healthy as their brooding star Barry, whom I personally hope follows through with his threats to sit out the season. It's really the best time for him to retire...he's in the uber-elite 700-homerun club, but just short of both the Babe and Hammerin' Hank in career knocks, a fact which has so far saved Barry from the the worst of the worst steroid accusations. If Barry thinks he's got it bad now, just wait until he dethrones BABE RUTH as the most prolific left-handed homerun hitter of all-time. I think it would actually HURT Barry's legacy to pass Ruth and Aaron. Isn't it strange, though, if Barry were to retire, his decision would surely be met by applause: not for his career, but for ending it.)

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I must admit, that felt pretty good. Thinking about and writing about and talking about baseball makes me remember how much I love this time of year, when the weather (theoretically) gets better, the layers get to stay in the closet, and thoughts of summer excursions start to percolate. Check back somewhat soon, as in this season of new beginnings I promise to be more true to the "daily" in the "bread."

The Gates of Central Park...

2005-03-03T01:09:00.000-05:00

The Gates of Central Park
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

...are now closed. Did they mean anything? I don't think so, but they did give a lot of people reason to visit the beautiful Central Park during the winter (not the most hospitable time of year to take a leisurely stroll). And they gave New Yorkers something to talk about other than the weather, and actual discussions arose, like discussing the merit for something to be considered "art" or debating the best place in the Park to view the exhibition. Altogether, a success.

Multimedia message

2005-02-12T13:32:00.000-05:00

The Gates of Central Park

MORE pictures online

2005-02-02T00:56:00.000-05:00

Cardiff By The Sea, CA sunset
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

I just uploaded a bunch more pictures onto www.flickr.com so you should check them out!

The weather in NY has gotten much better in the past week. It's so funny, though, how quickly your perception changes when you move to a non-Southern California climate: today was in the 30s, which felt warm and sunny compared to the teens and single digit temperatures of a week ago. I never thought that I'd be excited for the temperature to creep back up to just barely above freezing! Anyhow, enjoy the photos, write me emails if you get the chance to let me know how all of you are doing :)
bread@cal.berkeley.edu

New Photos Uploaded

2005-01-19T21:38:00.000-05:00

Redwood
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

Click on this photo to view some photos I've uploaded to www.flickr.com. Slowly but surely, I'll be putting my favorite shots I've taken over the past few years on flickr (but have a bandwidth restriction so I can't do it all at once), so keep your eyes peeled for more.

By the way, I had my first day of class at Columbia yesterday, and liked both of my professors very much. New York has been great so far. My roommates are wonderful people, and there are limitless things to do in this city. I am missing the Southern California weather though...I hear it's almost 80 degrees there! It was in the teens yesterday in NYC. BOO!

Times Square from a phone camera

2005-01-12T19:21:00.000-05:00

Didn't get tickets to Wicked

Lincoln Center, NYC

2005-01-10T19:45:00.000-05:00

Lincoln Center. Reflection pond. Very very pretty.

Columbia University in the City of New York

2005-01-10T13:59:00.000-05:00

Orientation today :)

Goodbye, Encinitas

2005-01-07T16:24:00.000-05:00

Encinitas
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

"Encinitas"

It's the salt that stings your eyes, I swear
Not the pollution that politicians
Pump into or platform to pump out of this water
In Encinitas it always has
Like glowing sandstone cliffs that look archaic
In an unseen sunrise
Daily dusting their beach below
With a fresh glaze of sand
Like the fresh sugar glaze on a VG's donut
Where sandals and dogs on leashes
Welcome every morning

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Today's my last day in Encinitas! Tomorrow, I move to New York City, the Big Apple, to start a new life pursuing medicine. It was nice to spend a couple months at home between my four years in Berkeley and my next few years in New York. The weather for the entire month of December was spectacular, and I'm sure I'll be missing it in about a month when I'm frozen to the bone, buying scarves by the bushel, and drinking nothing but scalding hot coffee. I'm excited to learn a new area, especially one with the possibilities as bright as New York. But I'll definitely miss you, Encinitas, especially your residents at 2218 Rosemont Lane.

Multimedia message

2004-12-31T16:58:00.000-05:00

New Year's in Tahoe! Sun is shining, weather is sweet. Makes you wanna move your dancing feet

Puerto Nuevo

2004-12-28T01:20:00.000-05:00

Multimedia message
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

Hard to believe it's December 27...'Twas a beautiful day in Mexico. Katharine, some of her friends, and I went to have lobster for lunch in Puerto Nuevo, about 40 minutes south of the border.

SD Super Chargers!

2004-12-12T16:07:00.000-05:00

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Adam's Office

2004-12-07T19:33:00.000-05:00

Columbia University in the City of New York

2004-12-01T01:41:00.000-05:00

Accepted! I'm moving to the Big Apple...is Columbia in any way ready for me? I'm flying to NYC on Dec. 5 in order to take some math placement exams, meet with advisors, etc etc on the 7th, and hopefully find a friend or two to hang out with on December 8, my BIRTHDAY. I fly home the 10th. This whole "going back to school" thing is a whirlwind, but I love it, even the math :)

From the roof in Tahoe

2004-11-17T02:59:00.000-05:00

IMG_3005
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

What an EPIC weekend! Magic Mountain on Thursday, where I redevoted my life to the exhiliration of the roller coaster, drove to Berkeley that night, woke up Friday morning to caravan with some of my best friends for 3 days in Tahoe, where I got to snowboard for the first time in 2 years (man I love being done with baseball!), enjoyed perfect weather, cooked and ate amazing food, and just had an altogether great time. Can't wait to do it again!

From the boat

2004-11-09T15:19:00.000-05:00

Downtown SD
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

Last week, it was sunny. It's hard to believe now with all this rain. But I have proof! I took this pic on a boat ride with my dad, grandpa, mom, and dog, Holly. We were putting a few hours on the brand new engine in our boat :)

We all float on: Moving forward after the election

2004-11-03T20:13:00.000-05:00

With Kerry's concession speech officially ending this year's presidential hoopla, and his bid to become the next US President, I can't help but feel a sort of relief that it's all over. Did I vote? Yes. Was it for Bush? Well, I'm not telling, but then again, probably not. Michael Moore got to me. There were certain things that I couldn't ignore about Bush's past four years, mainly his shifting reasons for going to Iraq, which led me to believe that he was unfit for command. But really, would Kerry be better? Despite more political awareness than ever before, Kerry's platform and plan for America was rather transparent and largely absent. I mean, what can you really say that he would have done to make it all better? I don't agree with America ever going into Iraq in the first place, but at least Afghanistan's recent elections point to a hope that Iraq might somehow get squared away, and hopefully in 10 years hindsight will show Bush to actually have done the right thing, despite his liberal (and independent) critics' complaints. This election was more about Bush vs. not-Bush, and if not-Bush would have been anybody but John Kerry, he probably would have won. This doesn't speak highly for Swiftboat Johnny. And who knows, the second term of George W.'s presidency could bring some interesting moves. Maybe, since he doesn't have to worry about being reelected ever again, he can focus on doing the RIGHT thing, as in the correct thing, instead of doing the "right" thing, as in the staunch Republican thing. There has to be a balance somewhere, and it sounds like even Dubya is starting to recognize the division that exists in this country; his acceptance speech this afternoon, following Kerry's concession, was the first time since the days following 9/11 that I've enjoyed listening to him speak. He didn't smirk. He seemed sincere. He spoke of unity. George, whether I totally agree with the decision or not, the American people have given you another chance. Make us proud, of you, of our decision, and most importantly, to be Americans.

GO CUBBIES!

2004-10-26T22:58:00.000-05:00

With Game 3 following suit and going to the Boston Red Sox, the Beantowners are just one win away from their first title since the then pitching "Sultan of Swat" led them to the crown in 1918. I hate to jump the gun, especially after the Sox themselves defied baseball's version of gravity by overcoming a 3 games to none defecit just last week against their arch-nemesis from New York, the Yankees, but unless the Curse of the Bambino has its biggest trick yet still left in the tank, the Red Sox WILL become World Series Champs in 2004. It's just too big a hole for the Cards to fly out of, with the pitching that the Red Sox can still roll out to continue silencing St. Louis' mighty lineup, with Lowe, Schilling, and Pedro all possibly able to pitch a second time if needed, all of whom are sure to fare better than Javier Vazquez, Kevin Brown, and Jon Lieber, or for that matter even Tom Gordon and Mariano Rivera, who definitely had a strangling hand in the choke that was the ALCS. So, the kids born tomorrow (or maybe those born in a few days...the Cards are too good not to win ONE game) will forever live in a Curse-less universe, in which the Red Sox are winners, triumphanteers over the evil empire that sets up camp in the Bronx. Which means there's just one bunch of loveable losers left to cheer on, and not even skeptically, since the Red Sox have proven that even the cursed can win: GO CUBBIES!!!!

Stromboli

2004-10-20T12:08:00.000-05:00

Stromboli
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

This was one of my favorite shots that I took while visiting the active volcano of Stromboli, one of the Aeolian Islands off the northern coast of Sicily.

Killing Time in Rome Fiumcino

2004-10-20T10:42:00.000-05:00

Killing Time in Rome Fiumcino
Originally uploaded by BlakeRead.

Taking photos of yourself is something you resort to after about the 4th hour of a 6 hour layover

I'M BACK!

2004-10-19T11:53:00.000-05:00

After months of inactivity, I'm BACK at it here at Our Daily Bread. Enjoy, share, discuss, disagree.

IROD TO TIGERS

2004-02-03T23:16:00.000-05:00

In a deal that clearly defines what is most important to Ivan Rodriguez ($$$$$$$$), the 10-time All-Star catcher goes from the World Series champion Florida Marlins to the worst team (okay, second to worst) in the history of modern baseball, the Detroit Tigers. Four years, forty million, and saddest of all, forgetting all about Pudge. When was the last time you heard about ANYONE whatsoever on the Tigers' squad? Granted, they haven't had a bonafide star like IRod in the past, oh, 15 years, but isn't it a bit of a tell-tale sign NOT to go to Detroit when just two years ago they almost went bankrupt and could barely pay their minor league talented major leaguers? So they traded away their most promising player, Jeff Weaver, who turned into a failed experiment in NY. I'd be wary if I were Ivan, because he seems to have done it for money that might never make it to him.
I am excited to see, however, Pudge's immediate impact on at least two of the Tigers' best pitching prospects, Jeremy Bonderman and Gary Knotts, who both have mid 90s heat and a need for some veteran tutelage from the best receiver in the game. So that's one plus for this deal. I would have liked to see Irod re-sign with the Marlins and have him oversee a staff with the likes of Brad Penny, a healthy A.J. Burnett, and World Series hero Josh Beckett, and make a run on another title.