Two Encounters!

That's right, this time I'm writing about two encounters that happened this week.

Encounter #1

While I went to purchase some children's clothing for Isaiah, the lady at the register took a look at my t-shirt:

Lady at Register: Are those the names of your kids?

Me: Uh.....no.

Lady at Register: Oh, I'm sorry.  The weather must be getting to me.

Then she told her co-worker to look at my t-shirt and told her that she thought the names were my children's names.  Keep in mind that both of these women were also staring at my chest.

Encounter #2 

While pushing my son on a saucer swing, two girls on the other swing started giggling.  I overhead one of the girls (Girl #1) tell her friend (Girl #2) that Isaiah is my son.  Her friend didn't believe her, so that girl told her to ask me.

Girl #2: Is that your son?

Me: Yeah.

Girl #1: He's very quiet.

Me: Yeah, he's only 4 years old.

Girl #2: How old were you when you had him?

Me: That's really none of your business.

Girl #2 looked shocked as hell when I said that.  I'm thinking well she asked and that's what she gets.  Both girls seem to be around the age of 10 - 13.  Kids these days....

Stinson Beach

Last weekend, my family and I went to Stinson Beach for a day of fun out in the sun.  We drove through windy curves and turns, moving with the mountains, while my brother tried to teach my mother how to drive this course.  Though I find it weird for a son to teach his mother how to drive, when she's been driving for more years than he has, still they went at it. Through all the twists and turns, we finally reached our destination of Stinson Beach, which is up north from San Francisco.  

When we finally got onto the beach, we went to the shore to the water. Isaiah, my son, saw my brother kick the water, so he started copying him. After that, Isaiah pretty much went crazy with kicking the water.  He kicked the water at everyone and got us all wet.  Then, he ran from the water and fell on his butt. Yes, his shorts and underwear got all wet and dirty.  Take a look.

The other half of his leg is in the water.

After a day of playing in the water and the sand at the beach, I can say that it was fun and relaxing.  I even saw a naked little boy running around.  Here's a look at the beach.

AES 2008!

This year for AES 2008, at San Francisco Moscone Center, Digidesign has announced some new products, which includes:

• Pro Tools 8
• Toolkits
• 003 Rack+ Factory

Pro Tools 8 — the most advanced audio creation and production software, featuring a gorgeous new interface; dozens of new plug-ins; five new virtual instruments; exciting new scoring, MIDI, editing, and mixing capabilities; deeper controller integration; improved ease of installation and use; and enhanced performance.

Toolkits include Music Production Toolkit 2, Complete Production Toolkit and DV Toolkit 2. For more information, please go here.

With the 003 Rack+ Factory you can record an entire band or ensemble in your home/project studio, garage, or even live! Digidesign® 003® Rack+ Factory is ideal for musicians, recording engineers, and producers looking for a professional Pro Tools® music recording and production solution that’s more affordable and portable. With eight premium mic preamps and a wide variety of I/O to connect your instruments and other gear, 003 Rack+ Factory provides the power and capacity to record from multiple mic sources — all at once.

I assisted at the Digidesign VIP Party, before the AES exhibits started, by passing out exclusive Pro Tools 8 t-shirts. Of course, all the VIPs and guests wanted a shirt. Some people were digging through their pockets, pulling out their phones and wallets, just to find a small blue ticket in exchange for a Pro Tools 8 t-shirt. The VIP party featured new products from Digidesign, M-Audio, and Sibelius. Besides the t-shirts being the main attraction, the vintage gear showing the history of Pro Tools was another eyesight of awe. While working, I was able to snap some photos of the of the VIP party, check it out:

The badge for the VIP party.

The exclusive Pro Tools 8 t-shirt that I was passing out.

Pro Tools Time Machine, the vintage gear.

On October 4th, the 2nd day of AES, my bro and I went to the exhibits to check out new audio products and software. The booth that had the most audience, of course, was Digidesign as they did a demo of Pro Tools 8. Here are some photos of the Digidesign booth:

Fresh Oysters, Anyone?

This past weekend, my family and I went to an oyster farm, up north near Point Reyes Station. To get to Tomales Bay Oyster Company, the oyster farm, we drove through many turns before reaching our destination. Once we reached the oyster farm, we come to find a bunch of wooden tables and barbecue pits, with lots of cars parked to feast on this so-called fresh specialty. We copped ourselves a table, bought some oysters, along with a bottle of hot sauce, a lime, and a shucking knife. Of course, we had to open the oysters ourselves, the staff of the oyster farm just sold us the tools and goods.

While my mom and bro were shucking oysters, I walked out with Isaiah to Tomales Bay, almost near the water but not quite. After they were done shucking oysters, we all ate. Well, except for Isaiah because he's still too young. Instead, he ate some saltine crackers. After an hour drive to buy some oysters and clams, I think we all had a good experience.

Though, next time if you ever decide to go there, remember to bring charcoal, drinks, a shucking knife, table cloths, and whatever else you can think of for a barbecue. The oyster farm only has the food. Also, I had a chance to practice on my photography.

I'm not even sure who ate this oyster.