The Annual Work Conference

This past Thursday and Friday I found myself in my hometown, as the state conference brought everyone downtown for the annual event. It was, as expected, largely a boring collection of lectures of dubious value to the job, but whatever. It was something different than the normal 8 to 5 we all experienece. 

Thursday evening I met Seth and Eladio at Carini's, an Italian restaurant on the East Side. Lorenzo had been invited, but declined, the bum. 

The shared appetizer of Arancini Piccolo (rice balls) was quite good, and so was the bread they bought out with the oil. 

As it was my first time there I wanted to sample their menu basics, so I ordered an excellent fettucine alfredo with homemade Italian sausage. Seth got veal, Eladio the chicken parm. 

It was a fun time and a great meal. 

On Friday we listened to a lecture by Rick Jones - who would tragcally pass over that very weekend, may he RIP- and then Seth gave me a ride home, stopping for a quick dinner at Classic Slice. 

Quincy Jones

 

Quincy Jones, the jazz great who became one of the world's premier producers, has died. He was 91. 

Although I have a familiarity with much of his work, I'll admit I know him best as Michael Jackson's producer and the father of Rashida Jones.  The older he got the more combative and insulting his recollections became, which makes getting to know his accomplishments a messy affair.  As a human the man was flawed, but his talent was undeniable. 

RIP 

Fernando Valenzuela

Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela,  the Mexican pitcher who, in 1981, won the Cy Young award,  Rookie of the Year, and a World Series ring,  has died.  He was 63.

It was hard not to know who Valenzuela was in the early '80's, when Fernandomania was the rage and his arm seemed invicible. He would spend nearly two decades in MLB, although he would never again reach the heights of greatness of the early '80's. 

RIP.