Skip to main content

The California Chronicles - 11/13/09

After a week of fun in the sun here in California, it is now time to head back to the Empire State. As stated in my last post, I did indeed have one more round of twenty four hours remaining in Huntington Beach, however, nothing came about of the time. In fact, I spent most of the day feeling a bit under the weather due to the see-saw-like weather changes from day to night out here. Days are hot. Nights are freezing. Yours truly becomes sick. 

Nonetheless, before I board a plane, I figured that I could muster up some energy to wrap up this trip, and these chronicles following my trip. California has indeed been good to me. Besides the obvious attractions, sites, and places that I experienced (and listed in the last piece), this trip was one that recharged my batteries for life, enhanced my outlook on ways to live it, and reminded me of how precious it is. 

Sometimes these trips remind you of how large this world is, and how many different varieties of lifestyles there are. So many different ways to experience life, and the many others on how to pursuit it as well. For me it was a stark reminder of that there is life outside of New York City. It sounds somewhat naive in sounding, however, we all fall into a sense of routine in our bubbles. And in these bubbles we lose track of such things.

In many ways there are things that are so different, yet, there are so many ways that they are similar, which raise your eyebrows in shock sometimes.

Yet, as I sniffle, and sneeze through this, it’s time to get back. And I am ready for it. It’s time to get back to the bad news E-mails, the unfortunate breaks, and the constant letdowns. It is time to get back to the classrooms, back to the books, back to work, and back to the grind.

Yes, my stay in Huntington Beach, and southern California might be over, however - and hopefully - it feels like a new beginning.

Recently Read

Would You Rather: Questions 121-130

This edition of "Would You Rather" is credited to the NBA Would You Rather NBA Account on Instagram ( See Here ). Adding to the fun, this edition (and possibly future ones) are all NBA basketball questions.  121. Who would you rather have on your favorite NBA team - Giannis Antetokounpo or James Harden?  Seeing how I'm a lifelong suffering Knicks fan, the thought of any of these guys in blue and orange is hard to believe. With that said, I'm taking the Greek Freak for this reason - I enjoy watching him play a bit more. Nothing against Harden who is amazing as well, but at times, the ball sticks and that isn't always fun. Plus, I feel like we haven't yet seen a finished Giannis. 122. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounpo with no driving ability or James Harden with no Three-Point shooting ability?  This is definitely a weird and unique one, but I'll take Harden. Giannis without his strength doesn't offer much. However, if Harden's d...

Knicks Postseason 2026, NBA Finals vs. San Antonio Spurs

Part of me is in disbelief that we are here...the other part is raging and ready to go. Four more wins! Let's. GO! So much of this NBA Finals feels poetic, historical, and dream-worthy, for so many reasons, to so many different parties. This includes the NBA office. I'm sure they are loving this matchup for their biggest stage.  While defeating the Spurs does exercise some demons from 1999, I'm not sure I care about that at all. As noted from my thoughts in the Eastern Conference Finals, at this point, just win. Review Thoughts from Round 1 Review Thoughts from Round 2 Review Thoughts from Eastern Conference Finals Just. Win.  I don't care who the opponent is. The narrative that comes with it, or how we do it.  Just. Win. The NBA Cup win seems like whiteboard material for them, yet a serving example for us to match up with them. Again, it doesn't matter. Both teams are completely different beasts since November, through growth and experience.  This all comes down to...

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 6/7/26

Artificial Intelligence in K-12 This week, I had the opportunity to talk to two dads who work in K-12 education. One is a teacher, and the other is a tech engineer who provides the digital infrastructure for a school district. What I came away with was that artificial intelligence was being slowly integrated into teachers' everyday lives, with some restrictions. However, the tech engineer gave me real insight (with real-time laptop evidence) of some of the tools being built to automate everything from bus schedules and communications to medical visits and disciplinary processes.  All of that to say, just when you think you understand the power of A.I., there are so many levels to it all .  So many... Sports Media Space With the recent run of my New York Knicks (you can see my comments after every game), what I have come to realize wholeheartedly, and also appreciate, is that so much of the sports media know very little about the topics they discuss daily.  No, really....