The Road Less Traveled

Looking West … just before dusk; Stone Creek Wildlife Preserve (Elk Grove, CA) toward the Sacramento River (photo by Shrivedog - 31 Jan. 2012)

Photo by NASA/Reuters through a third party.

So this asteroid passed very close to earth; within 37,000 miles.  NASA said it was so close we wouldn’t have to waste the time or expense to put out a probe to study it.  I guess this means that if an asteroid is between here and the moon, one doesn’t need a probe to see it.  Is it my imagination or does this sound more like proctology than astronomy. :0

Sheer wizardry

(Source: dream7790, via redhouseoveryonder)

“Sometimes a cigar is only a cigar.”

(Source: myhiddenreality, via redhouseoveryonder)

the-absolute-funniest-posts:

I recommend following this blog, you won’t regret it!

(Source: pandacows, via beautifuldangerous)

thedailywhat:

It’s Caturday!

[diy / gas.]

(via brittany-nicole)

Jimmy Page; rock-guitar great; and Robert Plant; air-guitar pioneer (circa 1973)

Led Zeppelin Rules!

Did you ever have one of those days where everything just seemed to go in one ear and out the other?

Remember to click on the picture if you can’t read the print or figure out what the hell it is! Enlarge!! :0

Realizing how privileged we were:

     When I began my days at Mission Viejo High School (Mission Viejo, California) in the Fall of 1974 I joined the cross-country team.  Running on the frosh squad was a great experience.  Watching the varsity compete was phenomenal!  If one could run in the four and a half minute range for the mile, or go under ten minutes for two, they’d be in the middle to the back of the Diablo varsity pack.  The team won the league title that year and finished a close second to San Marino in the CIF Southern Section Final.  In the Spring of 1975, the varsity track and field team, spearheaded by the efforts of two of these athletes would bring the Diablos both league and CIF titles.  One of those runners I had the privilege of running with for three of my four years.  The other, a senior, for only one year.
     The first time I saw Jon Cook compete was at the Villa Park Cross Country Classic at Eisenhower Park in Orange.  It was September 1974.  The meet had a unique feature.  There were seven varsity races, one for each athlete on the teams.  This way, as the meet progressed, the drama would build among those closing in on the meet trophy.  All seven runners were scored, as opposed to the usual top 5, with the sixth and seventh runners able only to displace other teams top 5.  The meet was also a showcase for some of the top runners in prep history. 
     In the number one men race, the last of the day, both Ralph Serna of Loara High School (Anaheim) and Eric Hulst (Laguna Beach) were to duke it out over the two mile distance.  One of the few meetings to occur between these athletes, anticipation was high.  The park was abuzz with excitement as parents, underclass athletes whom had already competed, and the odd spectator, prepared to witness the event.  Jon Cook had been the top Diablo.  He had run the half-mile in a school record 1:52.5 during his junior track season and had a range that extended from 51 second quarter mile speed to sub-9:30 two mile prowess.  However, Jon would be running in the number two man race that day.  Recovering from a bout of mononucleosis, he was not yet at full strength and had been kept out of the team’s pre-season and first league dual meet.  Mike Walterhouse, a sophomore, would take the reigns in the top spot and finish a strong fourth behind Serna, who won that particular showdown, with Hulst not far behind.  But the Diablos could not have won the team title that day, dealing distance dynasty Costa Mesa a rare defeat, had it not been for the resolve and performance of Jon Cook.
     I don’t recall whether or not Jon won his race.  I know he finished way up in the field.  I do remember him leading the race.  However, despite having to give up his customary spot, he stepped up and ran well.  Jon was a quiet guy, and the epitome of humble. 
     During his final prep track season he gave up a shot at individual glory by competing in multiple events to help the team win the section championship.  John ran various events throughout the season, winning most of them, ranging from the quarter mile to two mile run.  He even took part on the Diablo Mile Relay team.  Although he made it to the State Master’s Meet; a qualifier for the CIF State Meet; his season ended there.  It is likely that he had too many races under his belt between all the prelim heats he had run and the peak competitions he was in. 
     I didn’t see Jon again until 1980 when I bumped into him after a ten mile road race in Newport Beach.  He was competing for Athletes-In-Action, a Christian-faith based club.  He took the time to stop and speak with me and chat about various things.  I asked him what kind of time he was running in the 800m.  It was the only question he seemed to balk at, as though he was more interested in what was happening with me since high school.  His answer, “1:48.9”. 
     I found out just a couple of days ago that Jon passed away from ALS, also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”.  Being that our paths crossed only briefly, and that I still felt such a sense of loss, made me realize how privileged I am to have known Jon and others.  Their presence in my life has been inspiring and enriching. 

John’s best marks at MVHS:  440 yards - 51.1; Half-mile 1:52.5; Mile 4:11.1; Two Mile 9:29.  The photo above is from a newspaper clipping I saved from the MVHS Diablo Dispatch - school newspaper.

                                                                                      Shrivedog 

Go Pre!