Breakfast, bowling and the N-word

Sunday was one of those days where there was nothing special going on -- just a few ordinary things, scheduled and impromptu, that added up to a satisfying, relaxing day.

Morning: Got up early and went to the gym, my first day exercising after missing three in a row due to a cough and cold. Amazes me how quickly my strength (or perceived strength) slips away in that short a time. Going to make time this afternoon for a long run or swim.

Met Nathan for a brunch at Accanto, a classy cafe on Southeast Belmont that's owned by the same folks who operate Genoa, one of the city's finest restaurants. Nathan told me there's never a wait for a table because Accanto hasn't been discovered yet, and when I arrived I could see he was right.

I had a breakfast strata made with brioche, chevre, and turnip greens baked in a savory custard and served over a San Marzano tomato sauce topped with a sunnyside up egg. Nathan went for the bucatini carbonara, an artisian pasta with guanciale, pecorino, black pepper and eggs. Very nice.

We talked a bit about his and Sara's upcoming visit to Pittsburgh, where they will get to visit Simone and Kyndall, and about the wisdom to be found in this summer's "How To Be A Man" issue of Esquire.

Afternoon: Came home and went to the Irvington Farmers Market, a few blocks from our home, with Lori. We picked up some fresh fish and produce, olive oils, barbecue sauce, a bouquet of flowers, and a pita sandwich for Lori. Ran into a couple of folks from the neighborhood, then went down the street to Broadway Books and picked up a new novel. Feels good when we can patronize local vendors and merchants, especially those who are selling homemade products.

Had a reunion of sorts with the Broken Taco Shells, the coed bowling team that formed last fall and recently completed the third of three consecutive bowling seasons at Hollywood Bowl. We're taking the summer off as a team, so this was a nice gathering. Couple pitchers of beer, no pressure to beat another team and a side game of poker -- take one card for a spare, two cards for a strike and make your best hand. I had a full house, aces over jacks, and still lost to my buddy, John, who somehow came up with four eights!

Evening: Had a casual dinner built around leftover pork chops (as tasty as when we grilled them two days earlier), then watched a re-run of "60 Minutes." Sandwiched in between profiles of J. Craig Venter, the California microbiologist, and Colin Firth, the Oscar-winning actor, was a very thoughtful treatment of the national debate over the sanitized version of "Huckleberry Finn."

David Bradley

A well-meaning Southern publisher, a guy who grew up in segregated Alabama, took it upon himself to publish Mark Twain's classic to give teachers an alternative to the 1885 original, which is littered with more than 200 references to the N-word. The new version replaces the N-word in each and every instance with "slave."

Correspondent Byron Pitts visits a couple of high school classrooms and talks to teachers and students about the pros and cons of teaching the original version, but also provides a nice surprise when he interviews David Bradley, a creative writing professor at the University of Oregon. I hadn't heard of Bradley before, but his views are provocative and well articulated.

He argues for teaching "Huck Finn" with the original language, as it accurately reflects the speech that was used in those times in that part of the country. Substituting "slave" for "nigger" dilutes the power of the N-word, he says, and does a disservice to readers who otherwise have to confront why they react as they do to the uncomfortableness of the word and all it represents. I agree completely.

On the other hand, he says "nigger" is just a word, that depending on whom is speaking it and whom it directed to, the tone and delivery can totally change its meaning. That is, a black person speaking to another black person can claim it in a way that non-blacks cannot. I'm not black, so I can't say I would ever feel comfortable having that word spoken aloud in my absence. To me, it's detestable and hateful and I never speak it for the same reasons I don't ever say "wetback" or "beaner" or "spic" -- equally demeaning words directed at my people over the years.

Like I said, nothing special about yesterday. I guess it was ordinariness of the day that was so satisfying.

The first of May

It's a new month and I'm filled with optimism about several things:

-- Spring's arrival. Slept in until 8:30 and woke up to glorious sunshine. Heading into this weekend, we'd had rain 67 of the last 77 days in Portland. No wonder people were gloomy. Today feels like we've finally turned the corner toward warmer, drier days.

-- Life, lived simply: Took Otto on a long walk and appreciated anew some of the simple sights in our neighborhood: Someone's beautifully maintained bed of tulips. A young couple out for a morning run. A couple of graying boomers playing tennis. A yard sale bringing together the young and old. Nice to see the neighborhood coming alive.

-- My health: Went to the store to stock up on the various items I need to prepare for tomorrow's routine procedure: a colonoscopy. Been through it once before, so I know what to expect. Keeping my fingers crossed that there are no problems. And feeling fortunate to have affordable health insurance in these times.

-- Tuesdays, reclaimed: With the end of our bowling league season last week, I can look forward to four months of Tuesdays with no obligations. An extra weeknight will be a luxury for Lori and me. Knowing it's there in the bank makes it easier for me to think about starting another activity -- possibly drop-in volleyball on Wednesday nights. We'll have to see how the knees respond.

-- Work: Just completed four months in my new job as a community news web editor. At times there's been a gulf between what I expected to do and what I've actually done these first few months, but I realize it goes with the territory. Main thing is I feel comfortable in the web-first news environment and hope to have something splashy and tangible to show for my efforts as I work with others on the development of a network of independent bloggers that wound be linked to from OregonLive.com. More details to come in future posts.

-- My blog: I'm adding a new feature, the A to Z Music Month. See the post below for more details.

Photo: www.freepixels.com

It's a wrap

Clockwise from left: Erin, Beth, George, John, Brian

After 16 weeks of Tuesday night bowling, our season is officially over. The Broken Taco Shells wound up 8th out of 16 teams (including a couple that didn't finish the season) with a record of 32 wins, 32 losses. There was a free bowl and beer tasting Tuesday night, with local breweries offering complimentary tastes of their IPAs, and each team received a cash payout based on their win-loss record.

Of course, for us, it wasn't about where we finished or what scores we bowled -- it was all about camaraderie, good sportsmanship and knowing that the bowling alley was a place to just unwind among friends.

Erin, Beth and I formed the core of the team, and Ellie was our most reliable sub. John and Brian lived up to our team's nickname with medical issues that kept them from playing a full season. John messed up his shoulder and ankle when he fell on some rocks at the beach. Brian survived open-heart surgery after he left a zumba class one day, feeling queasy, and drove himself to the hospital. Talk about a scare for all of us.

We all came together for the last month of the season, though, and extended last night's season-ender by gathering at a tavern for more drinks and a few games of pool. We sucked -- but it was fun.

We're going to forgo a season-ending "banquet" -- no faux trophies and potluck this time -- and just do something spontaneous after next Sunday's final bowl, the long-awaited bowling fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

It's been a blast, bowling every Tuesday for a year over three consecutive seasons. We'll take the summer off and see if we can pick up where we left off in the fall.

Postscript No. 1 -- If we'd given out trophies, Lori would have earned one for Most Supportive Spouse. She came several times during the season to cheer us on, including last night.
Postscript No. 2 -- This is blog post No. 555 since I began in 2009. Love to see the numbers line up like that.

A matter of character

J.C. Watts

"Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught."

-- J.C. Watts

I've written many times about the goodness that flows from my Tuesday night routine -- bowling with friends as members of the Broken Taco Shells. Today I write about something that could be dismissed as trivial but also as something that reveals a person's integrity.

And I do so with a quote from an unlikely source: J.C. Watts, a former star quarterback at the University of Oklahoma who went on to become a Baptist minister and a member of Congress, serving eight years in the House as a Republican.

Here's the situation:

Background: We bowl in an unsanctioned league, another way of saying it's just for fun. $10 a week buys you three games, a chance at a raffle prize (typically a T-shirt with a beer logo) and a share of the season-ending cash rebate to each team, depending on where you finish in the standings. Last season, our five team members shared a whopping $100.

Scoring error: Last week, we bowled terribly and lost all four games. Yet, when we came in to bowl again this week we saw we'd been credited with two wins, two losses -- enough to keep us in second place. Eventually, I realized why. A math error gave one of our teammates 100 points more than she actually scored, enough to give us the edge in two games.

So what? We could let it go on the assumption that either of two parties made the mistake: a) Our opponents, who filled out the score sheet and turned it in with the bad numbers. b) The league secretary, who may have received correct data but recorded it incorrectly. With several more weeks of bowling, it's unlikely that two more or two fewer wins will make much difference in the standings or in the season-ending payout.

What to do? I'm the one who noticed the error. I said nothing to the front desk on the way out. (By the way, we won three of four games this week, so I'm sure we'll still be near the top of the standings.) Is this one of those instances where a cashier gives you back too much change? What's the harm in keeping it? Does the amount matter? Does your conscience demand that you give it back?

Resolution: As I turned this around in my mind, I came to the conclusion that there is some harm in keeping quiet about the error. It cheats the team that beat us fair and square -- and rather soundly -- out of two wins. If we'd been wronged in that way, I would want to see the record set straight. So...when Tuesday comes around, I'm going to the front desk to make things right. I'm going to make a point of tracking down the team that beat us and congratulate them on two more wins.

And I'm going to thank J.C. Watts for reminding me that it's right thing to do.

Broken Taco Shells, Season 3

We brought down the curtain on another fun season at Hollywood Bowl. Last night marked the official end of a 16-week season in which we fell to 10th place from 2nd the previous season. Don't know how that happened but we had as much fun as ever, racking up the splits and spares, strikes and gutter balls.

We bowled in the Deschutes League, with the Bend-based microbrewery as league sponsor underwriting the cost of inexpensive prizes that were raffled off each week and the season-ending cash payouts that went to each team, regardless of their standing. Somehow we managed a $100 payout -- enough to slap a $20 bill in the hand of each team member. Well, except for Brian, who missed last night for medical reasons.

We went out with a bang. Ellie, who bowls as a substitute, started off modestly with a 95, then blew off the doors with a 206. I think that was our team high for the season but I could be off by a few pins. I remember John having a stellar game a few weeks back -- maybe even reaching 210.

Next up: Our team "banquet" on Jan. 9, featuring Mexican food and beer, thrift store trophies, and a special cake I've commissioned from a friend. Even before we get to the celebration, we'll start our next 16-week season on Tuesday, Jan. 4. Win or lose, it'll be a blast. We've got great team chemistry, with Erin and Beth, John and Brian, Ellie and myself. We're going to four-person teams next season but it shouldn't be a problem for us, as there will be ample opportunities for the two designated subs to fill in for other team members drawn away by work or vacation.

Photograph: hubpages.com

Aaah, Tuesday

Tuesday has become one of my favorite days of the week. It's the first day of my work week. It's also the night when I look forward to gathering with friends for our regular night of bowling in a co-ed beer league. We're stuck in 10th place out of 12 teams this season but I couldn't care less. The camaraderie is great.

Last week, I would have doubled the fun by heading over to the Aladdin Theatre for a concert. Unfortunately, my car had a dead battery so I had to settle for just getting to and from the bowling alley, courtesy of Lori and a teammate.

Had I been able to go, I would have seen Mayer Hawthorne. Don't know him or his music? He's a skinny white guy from Los Angeles (via Ann Arbor, Michigan) whose real name is Andrew Mayer Cohen. He's got a retro Motown sound that's easy on the ears.

Celebrating success!

Who knew several months ago that when a handful of us started bowling in a Tuesday night beer league that we'd become such good friends as members of the Broken Taco Shells? Our chemistry is downright awesome.

Erin, Beth, John and I (plus our designated fill-in, Brian) wound up in second place out of 12 teams in the recently concluded summer league at Hollywood Bowl. (Even if we'd finished dead last, we'd have found a reason to celebrate.) And so we gathered last night at the home of John and his wife Andrea for a Mexican-themed dinner, featuring grilled fajitas, and the presentation of trophies, cobbled together with a little bit of imagination and a lot of embellishments following a trip to our local Goodwill store.

-- Brian couldn't attend, so he'll get his Super Sub Award this week, when we kick off the fall season.
-- Erin took home the Talk Like a Sailor Award, as she's been known to "mutter" when her ball winds up in the gutter. The attached bar of soap is there to wash out her mouth.
-- Beth received the Most Wardrobe Changes Award on the basis of her habit to pull various T-shirts and sweaters on and off during the course of an evening. In an emergency, she can now pull out her black T-shirt from Ketchikan, Alaska, featuring two grizzlies humping.
-- John was the hands-down winner of the Mr. Congeniality Award. No one engages in more conversation with rival teams or delivers more high-fives than this guy. Along with a "friendship candle," a tacky item requiring a small light bulb and an electrical outlet, he now has an "edited" photo of himself in the midst of a group of smiling monks, all appearing to hold bowling balls. Call them the Buddhist Taco Shells.

Beth, George, John, Erin

For the record, Erin had the high handicap game among the women for this past season -- the combination of her actual score, plus handicap. And with our shares of the team winnings -- $180 -- she and I met at the bowling alley yesterday afternoon to purchase a ball-and-shoes package that, even if doesn't improve our scores, will make us look even better on the lanes.

Sixteen weeks of the new fall season start this Tuesday. Can't wait to get started.

Image: http://www.fotosearch.com/

Best of the Broken Taco Shells

Stretch limos, red carpets and paparazzi. Champagne flowing freely and black-tied waiters serving the finest hors d'hoevres to A-list guests...

Welll, actually, none of that was on display last night when members of the Broken Taco Shells, along with two spouses and one child, gathered last night for a team "banquet" and awards ceremony marking the end of our season in Hollywood Bowl's Winter League.

Hosted by the charming Erin Payton at her Hollywood condo, we feasted on (what else?) tacos, refried beans, chips and salsa, homemade guacamole and fresh fruit -- all topped off by Erin's killer rum cake. Ginger martinis and three brands of Mexican beer kept us well lubricated.

It's been a great time, with four regulars and three subs carrying us through the 16-week season. (Actually, we bowl once more this Tuesday.) We've formed some great friendships and had a lot of laughs, even as our scores have gone up and down like roller coasters.

Team members Steve and Kelly Kern weren't able to attend, as they're splitting their time now between Florida and the Oregon Coast. For those who were there, everyone took home a trophy:

Left to right, above:
Rookie of the Year -- John Jay
The Bell Ringer Award (hey, it's your turn!) -- Colleen Sorensen
The Chalupa Award (for regularly breaking 100) -- Erin Payton
The Awana Be A Better Bowler Award -- Beth Reeves
The Can of Whipped Cream Award (because no one can be empty-handed) -- George

Bowl for Kids' Sake 2010

Today is Super Bowl Sunday for Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest.

Bowl for Kids' Sake is the largest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit organization, which matches caring adult mentors with youth ages 6 to 16 who are in need of some companionship and stability in their lives.

In just a couple of hours, I'll be joining seven teammates -- the other members of George's Pin Pals -- at a local bowling alley for a couple hours of bowling, plus pizza and beverages. At this writing, I'm proud to say George's Pin Pals is the top team with $1,845 raised. Yours truly is No. 2 among individuals.

It's not too late to help a good cause, even days after the event. Follow this link for more information. You can make a contribution by searching by a bowler's name under "Visitors" or you can look on the right hand side of the page and click on George's Pin Pals under "Team Rank."

This is the fourth year in a row I've had a team. And why do I care? I'm on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Latino Mentoring Advisory Council and we're trying to raise more money to support matches between adult "Bigs" and "Littles." Right now, there's a long list of kids in our community waiting to be matched.

A big thanks to any Rough and Rede readers who can help!

Broken Taco Shells

Don't ask how or where the name came from, but that's what we're calling ourselves in the Fat Tire Bowling League on Tuesday nights.

Last night was Week No. 2 and the other team was a no-show. I still haven't figured out exactly how you calculate a handicap, but evidently our scratch (or raw) scores were good enough to rack up four wins -- one for each of three games plus the total pinfall.

I told myself I wouldn't post my scores here but ... I rolled a personal best last night with a 211 in the third and final game. It was shocking how the strikes kept coming -- at one point, three in a row, followed by a spare, then two more strikes and another spare to finish.

We missed our teammate Erin Payton (away on a business trip) but her friend and neighbor, Beth Reeves, filled in admirably, Steve Kern (who missed last week on a trip of his own) was there for the first time, replacing his wife, Kelly, who had subbed for him last Tuesday.

And then there was Colleen Sorensen, who matched my score in the second game (144) and helped set a loose, fun tone for the evening.

Next week Steve will be gone, so it will be back to George and his Irish lassies -- Erin, Kelly and Colleen.

About the name ... Nathan suggested it at breakfast a couple weeks ago when we were fishing around for something catchy. Actually, I think he said, "Broken Tacos," but I added "Shells."

OK, I realize this post had about as much nutritional value as a marshmallow. So be it. How else was I going to say I'd finally broken 200 in a single game?

Photo: Los Angeles Daily News

Psyched for bowling

Tonight after work, I'll head over to Hollywood Bowl and meet some friends so we can kick off our 16-week season of bowling in the Fat Tire Beer League. I'm so excited.

If you can believe Wikipedia, we're about to join 95 million people in more than 90 countries worldwide who enjoy the sport.

Some friends who've been in the league for a while told me about it and urged me to join. Didn't take much. I've always enjoyed the game -- or, wait, is it a sport? I haven't bowled regularly since I was a teenager who somehow found his way into an adult beer league. Long story short: I was working as a part-time prep sports writer in my hometown of Fremont, Calif., and every Tuesday night after work, the sports editor and the one full-time sports reporter would head across the street with me to knock down some pins. (No, they didn't serve me alcohol and, frankly, I wasn't interested anyway.)

I've bowled intermittently since then, mostly with Jordan. But since he's in the Army now, I don't have anyone to go with regularly.

My teammates for tonight's kickoff are Colleen Sorensen, Erin Payton and Steve Kern. Should be lots of fun. Lori's going to miss this first evening of bowling but promises to be there in later weeks to cheer us on. Heck, she may be even more into this than me. I hadn't even registered our team yet when she went out to a Goodwill superstore and bought me a couple of used bowling shirts. Gotta look stylish, you know.

The above picture, by the way, was taken during last year's Bowling for Kids' Sake, an annual fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters. (If anyone reading this post wants to donate to the cause, let me know. Better yet, form your own team and raise some money yourselves.)

Photo by Casey Parks