President Barack Obama

'To those who would tear this world down -- we will defeat you'

November 4th 2008

Barack Obama (Democrat) vs John McCain (Republican)

After weeks of 24/7 CNN coverage of the presidential race it was finally election night. In preparation for what we all thought was going to be a long night of election news and results, I had decided to goto the gym early so as not to miss any results.

As the early results started to filter in it was clearly evident that we were going to get an early result. Things were going Obama's way very quickly and no sooner had the ballots closed in California CNN called it for Obama.

11.15 EST Senator John McCain gives his concession speech in Arizona. An honourable, gracious and worthy adversary who has served his country to the fullest in both war and peace.

President Elect Barack Obama gives his victory speech in Chicago.

A great result, one which I was personally hoping for, it's time for change and the World is watching.

Halloween U.S. Style

Traditionally Halloween back home in the UK tends to be a cold, wet, and miserable affair bringing more often than not huge dissapointment, so it was time to see Halloween celebrated U.S style.

Firstly we needed to choose our pumpkins, so we went to the local pumpkin park and chose numerous pumpkins for carving (Jack o'lanterns)

Next up was the carving, this varied in both style and technique. Some of us were patient and carved with the skill of Michelangelo, some did not. With much scooping, scraping, sculpting and carving our master pieces were complete. Alot of hard work but tremendous fun all round.

Halloween costumes next, so off to the local Halloween costume shop and the odd purchase on Ebay and the costumes were chosen. Me (Cartman - South Park), Zack (Gorilla), Howard (Grim Reaper), Greg (Werewolf), Kai (Lightning McQueen), Phil & Andie (Pirates).

Half Moon Bay

Mare Pacificum - "peaceful sea"

In 1519, Magellan and a crew of 270 men set sail from Spain in the flagship Trinidad. He took 38 days to navigate the strait around South America that was to bear Magellan’s name. When the fleet emerged into what Magellan described as a “beautiful, peaceful ocean.” Thus, it was named the Pacific Ocean (“pacific” meaning “peaceful.”)

Howard and Zack had been invited to a party at the neighbours so the remainder of us decide it's time for me to experience the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival.

Every year the Pumpkin Festival is held, thousands of people from all over the bay area come to buy their pumpkins intime for halloween. The traffic is near standstill as thousands try to park their cars to visit the numerous pumpkin farms and attractions on the roadside....bizarre to say the least.

From Half Moon Bay we head northwards to Pacifica. The coastal road gives spectacular views and along with the waves, attracting surfer dudes from all over, provide perfect sunset photography.

“Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet”

With the setting sun we take a stroll along the beach and decide to play chicken with the sea. This basically involves seeing who can run the furthest into the sea without getting caught by the waves; naturally split second timing and speed are of the essence and are essential to being successful.

Unfortunately these are two attributes in which Phil ' bull in a shop' Morgan appears not to possess. (After not only losing one flip-flop, he went on to lose the other whilst trying to recover the first lost flip-flop hehe...Phil your a star!)

The Blue Angel's

'messengers from the sky'

Part of San Francisco's 'Fleet Week' includes the magnificent U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron The Blue Angels.

Using the Boeing F/A-18 'Hornet' they perform the graceful aerobatic maneuvers of the four-plane Diamond Formation, in concert with the fast-paced, high-performance maneuvers of its two Solo Pilots. Finally, the team illustrates the pinnacle of precision flying, performing maneuvers locked as a unit in the renowned, six-jet Delta Formation.

With a crystal blue sky and having just finished our tour of the USS Bonhomme Richard it was a fitting end to a fantastic day. The photos unfortunately do not do The Blue Angels justice but here are a few captured moments from the display.

USS Bonhomme Richard

"Struck Sir? I have not yet begun to fight!"

USS BONHOMME RICHARD (LHD-6) is an Amphibious Assault Ship. The primary mission of our ship is to embark, deploy and land elements of a Marine landing force in amphibious assault operations by helicopter, landing craft, amphibious vehicle or any combination of these means.

BONHOMME RICHARD was uniquely designed to support assault from the sea against defended positions ashore. She is able to sail in harm'sway and provide a rapid buildup of combat power ashore in the face of opposition. The United States maintains the largest and most capable amphibious force in the world. The Wasp-class are the largest amphibious ships in the world.

USS Bonhomme Richard History

The much anticipated arrival of Fleet Week had finally arrived. This naturally involved an early start, so after hoooking up with Cathy (Phil and Andie's friend) and her kids we set off on our journey to San Francisco's famous piers.

Upon arrival we headed straight for The Beach Street Cafe home to 'American Comfort Food'. Full breakfasts all round :)

Having realised we were at the wrong end of San Fran's famous piers we headed out on our arduous journey to the correct pier to meet Cathy's husband Lieutenant (LTJG) Joe Martin who had just sailed in onboard the USS Bonhomme Richard as part of Fleet Week.

After greeting Joe, who was in full dress uniform he not only guided us past what can only be described as an enourmous line of queueing general public waiting to get a tour of the Bonhomme Richard, but also took us on a personal guided tour of the ship. Much to our delight this entailed many non tour areas of the ship. Joe gave us an intresting and detailed insight into the ship, it's crew and it's historical onboard naval traditions.

Down in the decks below we met US Marines with their landing assualt vehicles and weapons of war. The personal tour concluded with a dockside BBQ and drinks courtesy of the Navy and Police.

I'd just like to say a personal thanks to Mister Joe Martin and the Crew of the USS Bonhomme Richard....AWESOME !

Fleet Week San Francisco 2008 (Oct9 - 14)

One hundred years ago, in May 1908, 16 US Navy battleships with dozens of escorts and 14,000 sailors entered San Francisco Bay. Called the "Great White Fleet" because the ships were painted white, the fleet remained in San Francisco for two months, departing in July for Hawaii and the remainder of its 14-month cruise around the world. This was San Francisco's first parade of Ships and first Fleet "Week". One of the objectives of the Great White Fleet's voyage was to ensure that Americans were aware of the reasons for having a strong and capable Navy and to let them see those capabilities first hand. This objective still resonates 100 years later and provides the primary rationale for our annual Fleet Week celebration.

For 2008 the participation of the USS Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault carrier and the US Navy Blue Angels give Americans the opportunity to honor the men and women currently serving in the US and allied armed forces, particularly in the United States Navy, and Marines. To learn about their character and skill, and the pride with which they carry out their duties.

The Gym - No Pain No Gain

'My body is a temple' - Brian Oct 2008 CA

Well the idea was whilst out here it would be a crime not to take full advantage of the seering Californian sunshine and get my self in trim. So it was time to join a gym and what a gym I have joined.

LifeStyleRx® is a state of the art medically based fitness center designed to meet the needs of everyone. LifeStyleRx includes 69,000 square feet of cardiovascular and strength training areas, indoor multi-purpose gymnasium, walking track, 3 swimming pools (one indoor), sauna, steam rooms and jacuzzis, 4 group exercise studios, and a healing garden.

View Virtual Tour

Impressive to say the least this is what all gyms should be like. I took one glance at the individual 60kg dumbells and was sold...where do I sign up ma'am? (actually her names Caroline)

It's a fantastic walk back home too when the Californian sun is setting in the evening.

Destination San Francisco

The alarm clock rudely awakes me, ..omg it's 3.30am. I've only had 2 hours sleep having spent the previous evening at the RoeBuck Inn with the guys doing the pub quiz (which we won...again).

It's officially day one on my big adventure to the US of A.
Leeds/Bradford airport to Heathrow was quick and the transfer to Virgin Atlantic plane was trouble free, oh yes got frisked again I must just look like a terrorist.

The flight with Virgin Atlantic as usual was outstanding. Service, food, entertainment excellent. Inflight film watched was 'You don't mess with the Zohan' starring Adam Sandler - very very funny.

Was a tad dissapointed that the Dallas Cowboys Chearleadrs weren,t seated next me nor on my flight *sigh maybe next time. Poor little kiddy infront of me did puke as we landed, served him right for eating all that ice cream hehe.

Was grilled in customs for about 10 minutes re my situation of being unemployed yet coming over with several thousands of dollars and staying 2 months. What part of I'm 40 years old and have managed to save some money throughout my working life didn't the passport official understand??

Strange thing is no one mentions anything about my suitacse being half full of Galaxy and Terry's chocolates, Oxo cubes, Huggies bed mats and Bisto's chip shop curry...go figure :)

Total travelling time from Leeds to San Francisco was 14 hours. Phil met me at the airport with his new ??stylish look; unshaven grey beard and he has obviously lost some weight too, his face is looking a little thin and gaunt. He looks like a man in dire need of an 'In n out' burger :). It's great to see him again though.

Hello San Fran I am Brian ... 'the eagle has landed', I repeat 'the eagle has landed!'