Idaho State Racquetball Doubles

March 28th and 29th was Idaho State Racquetball Doubles. Another year and another shot at a state title slips away!! This year has been difficult since I have not played a lot during the last few months due to a busy work schedule. I didn't go into the tournament with a lot of confidence.

This year we (Craig and I) suffered a disappointing loss in the "A Semifinals" to Jay and Troy Liljenquest. Craig and I also lost in the "age" finals. I think "lost" is an understatement, we got our heads handed to us. When I asked Marilyn if it looked as bad as it felt, she said "yes". I guess there is no beating around the bush after 20 years of marriage.

From our A-Semifinal loss (15-12, 15-12) I felt like we had a shot a both games........ In fact, we where up 12-9 in the first game choked. Note the ball between Jay and I (not a great shot on my part!)

Just before our Semifinal match in the "fishbowel". (L to R) Me, Jay L., Craig(my partner), Troy L.

Note: no pictures are available of the "age" buttwuppin!

Goodbye AMIS........................

After 17 years working for AMIS, it is time for a change. AMIS established in 1966, was a survivor in the semiconductor business for 41 years before being sold on March 17, 2008. I'm now a part of ON Semiconductor. I'm still doing the same thing, just for a 2 billion dollar company instead of a 600 million dollar one........

Here I am outside of the building I work in. This was the day after we were sold. They were about to take the sign down. ON Semi does not waste any time!

MWC Basketball Tournement

Basketball Time!

Our annual trip to the Mountain West Conference Tournement. This is 12th year going to Las Vegas to the tournement. We have a great time watching a little basketball and trying out a few buffets.

From L to R: Me, Lance (SLC & Ute), Rich (Poc & Aggie), Tim (SLC & Ute) , John (Dallas & Aggie+BIG BYU fan)

A Ute and a Cougar together to cheer against the hated Rebels!

Just a Hobby!

One hobby I really enjoy is making plastic models. I like to build aviation and navel subjects. I also enjoy reading about topics regarding military history. This seems to go hand in hand with the model building since I can build subjects I read about. One problem is I get information paralysis. It is amazing how much conflict you will find in written history about what a certain color is or did this aircraft have a certain marking. It can make you go insane!

This model is a Mirage 1/400 scale U-Boat Type IXA. The subject is the U-40 which was sunk in October 1939 while on its second patrol.

The deck and railings are photo-etch and the antenna is made of stretched sprue (plastic). I built this a couple of years ago in preparation for a contest held in Ogden every year. It was lucky enough to win 1st Place in the submarine category.



I chose the subject not necessarily due to its (un)storied history, but rather because of its cool paint scheme.

The U-Boat quarter just to give you an idea of the size. The night before the contest while gluing the sail on, I accidentally tore of the photo-etch railing #(@&@!##. (see picture below) Needless to say I was not happy. It took about an hour to get the railing back on.

There is that railing. You can really go crazy working with photo-etch in 1/400 scale.

One other reason I chose this particular boat was the neat decal on the sail. You have to bring out the magnifying glass on this one.

A short history I found on the web:

On October 13, 1939, 'U-40 was sunk by British mines. U-40 was to operate as part of the first pack of U-boats in World War II; however, because it left port late, Barten decided to take a shortcut to its designated meeting point, southwest of Ireland. This shortcut was the English Channel, which was filled with British naval mines. Choosing to make the voyage nearly three and a half hours after high tide, the mines were not at their lowest point. The boat struck a mine and sunk immediately to the sea floor. However, nine crew members were able to exit through the aft escape hatch. Using escape equipment provided to them, they were able to ascend to the surface; however, one of the nine died on his journey to the surface. Once on the surface five died from the exposure to the harsh elements of the English Channel. Nearly ten hours after the sinking, three men were rescued and taken as Prisoner of War by the HMS Boreas (H77).

Ski Targhee!

I have always maintained, the worst day skiing is better than the best day at work (or almost anything else!). I spent a lot of time on the slopes during high school and college only to only get out of the habit for some reason?????? Over the past few years, I would be lucky to ski once a year! During one of those moments that people call "mid-life crisis", (which I seem to be having a lot of lately) I decided its time to get after it, and not let work and a busy schedule get in the way of the important things like family and enjoying your surroundings!

The following pictures were taken during a quick trip to Grand Targhee in February. A good friend of mine talked me into going that day (Brett Gessell).... Thanks Brett. The snow was great! Most of the day you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. As luck would have it, the sun came out on the last run!!!

Warning, Cliff! 10 years ago, maybe. Now its just a photo op.

Last run and the sun comes out! To say I was tired at this point would be an understatement.

Look at the crowd! Can you believe its a Saturday afternoon on Presidents Weekend!!

Targhee is an extremely beautiful place!

On the way home outside of Driggs

WHY SPLAT SHOT?

When I first moved to Pocatello, I was asked to play doubles in a Racquetball Tournament (Lefties have an edge in doubles). That tournament changed the way I viewed the game. It was no longer a casual game of hitting the ball around the court. Plus it was a game which tall people didn't have an advantage. I have now reached that age when I get to play kids 15 to 20 years younger than I, but I'm still trying!! Last month while participating in the annual "Ball Buster Tournament, I managed to win the "A" Conselation in singles and took 2nd in "A" Doubles. (Open, A, B, C, D) Note: There are no sandbaggers in Open's!

I have my eye on playing in the Masters Tournaments (45+) next year (National and International). The Huntsman World Senior Games are getting closer (5 1/2 more years). My goal is to stay in good enough shape to make it to the games......

Again, Why Splat Shot???? The sound of the shot is demoralizing!!!!

Splat shot: A splat shot is similar to a pinch shot. The ball first hits the side wall then the front wall, then quickly bounces twice on the floor near the front wall. There's a couple of things different for the splat shot though: 1. The splat shot hits the side wall at a point closer to you, and further from the front wall, than the pinch shot. 2. It's hit very much harder than a pinch. The ball then becomes contorted, seems to defy the laws of physics and makes a ripping sound. On a cement court, it sounds like a bed sheet tearing. Many people like it because in addition to looking cool, it even sounds cool. Everyone likes it because it dies much faster than a pinch. But the ball must be hit extremely hard to invoke those sound and bounce characteristics. It's easier to execute if the ball is pretty close to the side wall, roughly about 2 feet. The splat is used in the same manner as a pinch, that is, when your opponent is not standing close to the front wall.

First Post!

First Post! I finally took the plunge to create a blog. The main reason for the Blog is to document some of the day to day activities of our family. I also want to provide a place for our family to check up on what is going on in Pocatello! I will eventually limit the viewing via a password (Marilyn asked I do this). I will let everyone know what it is.....