Bored Sunday?

Come visit some Space Dragons sharing their personal gifts with others...



I'm talking about a Pacific Chorale Concert here!







The Cathedral Echoes Concert is at 5:30 pm at Rene and Henry Segerstrom Hall at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.(Costa Mesa) Yilin Hsu Wentlandt and Marty Minnich will both be singing. If you are interested come on down to the show!



There should be plenty of tickets at the box-office for walk-up purchase at concert time.


Want more information? Click on the link below:
http://www.pacificchorale.org/concerts_and_events/season_concerts_and_tickets.php?id=59

SAVE THE DATE!!!

A SPLARD baby is on the way...we must have a SPLARD baby shower!

Details to follow...but the basics (subject to change):

12/12/2009

Noon-3PM

CSULB

SD Weekly Digest - 10/28/2009

1. NO PRACTICE SUNDAY NOV. 1- Enjoy!
Training & Recruiting Season Practice begins SATURDAY Nov. 7 @ 7:30am.
Have FRIENDS & FAMILY you want to bring out? SUNDAYS are great for newbie learning!

Reminder:
Please do NOT take PFDs and paddles from the shed.
They are no longer available for use. Let us know if you need gear.
Do NOT park on the street. Please utilize the parking lots.

2. 3rd ANNUAL SD KAYAK CHALLENGE (Saturday NOV. 14)
Pencil in the date, detail and Evite to follow

3. TEAM YEAR-END BANQUET/DINNER (Sunday Dec 6)
RSVP on Evite .
$30 reserves your spot! Payable to "Space Dragons" (give to Pearl or Tran)
YEAR-END video: if you would like to contribute photos/videos/etc, please submit them to Janet Lui on CD/DVD at Sunday practices.

4. 2009 NAPLES ISLAND ANNUAL HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE (Saturday Dec 19)
RSVP on Evite.

5. MAMMOTH SKI/SNOWBOARD TRIP (Jan 21-24)
Whether you're a snow bunny or just want to hang out with the Space-Ripples, join the fun at the 4th annual Mammoth trip
Details & RSVP on Evite


***YEAR-END video: if you would like to contribute photos/videos/etc, please submit them to Janet Lui on CD/DVD at Sunday practices.


6. JERSEY/PFD PAYMENTS
Please pay Tran for your jerseys and TK Kimura for your PFD if you have not already done so. Don't make us send someone after you!!! It's a scary time of year - just saying is all o_O



-- Pearl, Tran, Wade

Paddler Spotlight - Blanca!

Hometown?
Blanca:
Paramount CA

Birthday?
Blanca:
Jan 26

Favorite Food(s)?
Blanca:
Fish tacos, ceviche, Lee’s sandwiches, pho, Indian food, ice cream, yogurt, L&L after practice, sushi, and all the good food that Turtle’s mom makes!!

How long have you been paddling for?
Blanca:
1 year!! YAY!!!

Why do you paddle?
Blanca:
IT’S FUN!!! Great workout

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?
Blanca:
OH definitely when I’m angry!! (FULL FURY)

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?
Blanca:
(Tempe) Tammy grabbing a strangers butt at the paddler’s dinner, then telling the guy that it was Deej who grabbed him. (Big LB) Ceez and Phil kissing!!! (classical). Women’s race (TI) was just awesome!!!

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?
Blanca:
Running, cycling, and attending practice more than usual. I cut down on fatty foods and beer..

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?
Blanca:
FISHING, shopping, running, movie nights and cycling..oohhh and relaxing at home with my kitty.

Any advice for new Paddlers?
Blanca:
Make the most out of every practice and do other workouts during the week.

Paddling-wise, any particular goals for yourself or the team?
Blanca:
Improve my technique and loose a couple of pounds by Tempe 2010

If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?
Blanca:
I don’t think I would want to change anything… Things will change as we go..

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?
Blanca:
Getting to know different people, tournaments are always fun, and what other team would have a (roach, mouth and fist) that they travel with ….

You have a single brother or sister. What Space Dragon would you consider hooking them up with?
Blanca:
Everyone!!! I would pimp them out to the team..lol

Most interesting character you've met through the team?
Blanca:
Well this is hard.. I would have to say Tran...

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?
Blanca:
Have no secrets :)

Who got you into Space Dragons/Dragon boating and How did you meet him/her?
Blanca:
Ceez.. I used to work with him and he would brag about how fun dragonboating was so I was like “what the heck, I will try it.. just one time”

LV Pics are up!

For your perusing pleasure!

http://tomthephotoguy.smugmug.com/Boats/2009-Dragon-Boat-Festival-LV/10068994_XVS38

Current photog favorite:

What is yours?

SD Digest 10/21/2009

Hey Space Dragons!


Did you know...it's International Day of the Nacho?! Yuppers, that's right, enjoy this tasty treat while we're still in off-season mode.

1. Off-season OPTIONAL PRACTICE REMINDERS
October: Sundays @ 9am
Reminder: Please do NOT take PFDs and paddles from the shed. They are no longer available for use. Let us know if you need gear.

2. TEAM YEAR-END BANQUET/DINNER (Sunday Dec 6)
RSVP on Evite.
$30, payable to "Space Dragons" (give to Pearl or Tran)

***YEAR-END video: if you would like to contribute photos/videos/etc, please submit them to Janet Lui on CD/DVD at Sunday practices.

3. 2009 NAPLES ISLAND ANNUAL HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE (Saturday Dec 19)
RSVP on Evite on evite.

4. MAMMOTH SKI/SNOWBOARD TRIP (Jan 21-24)
Whether you're a snow bunny or just want to hang out with the Space-Ripples, join the fun at the 4th annual Mammoth trip
Details & RSVP on evite

6. JERSEY/PFD PAYMENTS
Reminder: please pay Tran for your jerseys and TK Kimura for your PFD if you have not already done so.


Cheers,
Pearl, Tran, Wade

Paddler Spotlight - Esther!

Hometown?
Esther:
Torrance, CA

Birthday?
Esther:
February 19

Favorite Food(s)?
Esther:
LOVE Mexican food

How long have you been paddling for?
Esther:
a few months

Why do you paddle?
Esther:
Because it's fun and there's always something you can do to improve. Not only are you making these improvements for yourself, you are also doing it for the team! So it's great motivation to get off your butt =)

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?
Esther:
Ohh I'm totalllly an angry paddler! Galen, remind me how SC lost to Washington again!? (Ed note: Hmm remember when Notre Dame almost beat SC last weekend?)

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?
Esther:
I've been doing this for only few months and I have so many!.. But, LB COL is the most memorable. It's also my favorite and worst SD moment =)

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?
Esther:
I exercise!! Mostly at the gym, but I also do midnight runs at the beach.

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?
Esther:
Is dating a hobby? jk haha I like watching & playing football with my cousins. Love watching sports and doing anything outdoorsy.

Any advice for new Paddlers?
Esther:
Stick with it, it only gets better!

Paddling-wise, any particular goals for yourself or the team?
Esther:
I want us to be AWESOMER next year!

If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?
Esther:
I love the team just as it is.

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?
Esther:
Getting to know my teammates

You have a single brother or sister. What Space Dragon would you consider hooking them up with?
Esther:
What Space Dragon would you consider hooking them up with? - I'd hook him or her up with anyone who's single and legal - but was I supposed to say Galen here? (Ed note: Of course not, but Galen is a dashing fellow...)

Most interesting character you've met through the team?
Esther:
Hahaha the cougars crack me up! We know who we are lol and YES! Apparently, I am a cougar to 18 yr old boys! & I think Wade is just awesome.

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?
Esther:
6 months ago I was 220+ lbs, I wish I had pics, but I don't. I have my old fat pants to prove it though... & ask Remi! (Ed note: Congrats! and keep it up! I love hearing stories about how SD helped people change their lives for the better)

Who got you into Space Dragons/Dragon boating and How did you meet him/her?
Esther:
Remi, from my old job

Any additional questions you want to answer?
Esther:

You should ask.. ARE YOU SINGLE & READY TO MINGLE? - to that I answer YES!!! lol

Marty says "Thanks!"

I love the SD family. When one of us gets down, we all reach down and pick them up. Marty wanted to say, "Thanks" for thinking of him in his time of need...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I just wanted to drop a quick note of thanks to everyone who's already e-mailed or called with condolences about my dad's passing on Thursday. I'm honored and flattered by you all, but not at all surprised; that's the kind of thing this team is about.

I'll miss you all Sunday; I'm actually fine emotionally to come to practice, but I'll be on a flight back East where the family is getting together for services and mutual support. I'll be back with you all next week; and looking forward to getting on the water again.

I'm doing OK with this. I went through it about 11 years ago when my mom passed away, and I expect to react about the same way. I went through Thursday in kind of a stunned mode, had a thorough crying jag while on the phone with a friend Thursday night, and since then I've actually felt quite normal; but I know from 11 years ago that I'll likely be going through those phases alternately for probably several months. It's part of life; it's all good.

Dad was 96, and actually was doing fine for his age, living on his own, doing all his own shopping, tending his garden, visiting my sister and her family and her son's family on a regular basis, etc. He even played chess the day before with my brother-in-law, as they've regularly done every few days for a while now. He had enough joint pain and the like that he moved real slow, used a walker etc. but he was doing OK health-wise, and his mind was still incredibly sharp. All that really happened was that his 96-year-old heart decided it had run out of beats.

He had a good, full run. He got to not just see, but play with, his great-grandkids; not too many people get to say that. So although there will be plenty of tears out of the family in Moorestown, NJ, over the next several days, this gathering will mostly be in celebration of a life well lived. His legacy is four great kids (well, three great kids and me, anyway) who all turned out well, all managed to make it through college and at least some post-grad work (including one PhD and one DDiv), a half-dozen grandkids at least three of whom are pushing through their college careers, and two great-grandkids and counting (one grandkid has twins on the way!).

Take Care, thanks again, and cya all soon,

Marty

Stuff to do on Saturday

For those of you who are wondering where the heck I work at or what I do...the base will be having an Open House this Saturday 10/17...for the first time in at least 3 years!

Yep, this is the same base where Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in 1947
Feel free to stop by and check it out....best part of all - it's free!


I will be sleeping or dodging the traffic heading out here, but the planes are cool and I know the pilots have been training/practicing hard (judging by the number of sonic booms overhead).


Enjoy the Offseason!

SD Weekly Digest - 10/14/2009

Happy Wednesday Space Dragons!
Did you know....that on this day in 1947...Flying at an altitude of 45,000 ft (13.7 km) in an experimental Bell X-1rocket-powered aircraft, American test pilot Chuck Yeager became the first person to break the sound barrier. (Thanks, Wikipedia!)

1. LAKE LAS VEGAS TOURNAMENT RECAP
Congrats, Space-Ripple, on your bling-bling!

2. (OFF-SEASON) PRACTICE is BACK ON!
Sunday @ 9am - PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE
Reminder: Please do NOT take PFDs and paddles from the shed or park on the street. They are no longer available for use. Let us know if you need gear.

3. SPACE DRAGONS GO-KART SOCIAL/FUNDRAISER--CANCELLED
This weekend's fundraiser has been cancelled; new date to be announced soon!

4. MAMMOTH SKI/SNOWBOARD TRIP (Jan 21-24)
Whether you're a snow bunny or just want to hang out with the Space-Ripples, join the fun at the 4th annual Mammoth trip
Details & RSVP on evite

5. TEAM HOLIDAY BANQUET-Mark your calendars for Dec. 6!
YES!!!! We'll finally spend time together all pretty and clean.
More details to come, stay tuned!
***YEAR-END video: if you would like to contribute photos/videos/etc, please submit them to Janet Lui on CD/DVD at Sunday practices.

6. JERSEY/PFD PAYMENTS
Reminder: please pay Tran for your jerseys and TK Kimura for your PFD if you have not already done so.

Cheers,
Pearl, Tran and Wade

Mr October!

Mr. October:
Kameron Matsunami

Name: Kameron "Keep Hammerin" Matsunami

DOB: 9/17
Hometown: Chatsworth, CA

Likes: loves to eat (In-N-Out), baseball, music, travel, dragonboating, surfing, video games, hanging with Sammie, dad's fat wallet, his cool new surfboard, girls, the University of Hawaii football team (when they win), dreaming of attending Berkeley, Harvey Mudd college, or MIT, loves driving his dad's car, talking to his groupies, rolling with the boys, movies, dogs, being a nice guy.

Dislikes: Eye Hickies!!!, cougars, meanies, and not much else cuz he's super nice and AWE-some.

Relationship Status: This young Space Dragon stud is….Single!!! (so we think...because he seems to have an AWFUL lot of "well-wishers") This active high school senior may be quiet and humble, but this handsome young man is quite the babe magnet. If you are interested in meeting this future wealthy male, please attend a Space Dragon practice!!! We can set it up where he can paddle next to you for an intimate lesson in dragonboating!!!

Dates of Importance:

October 3rd: Zoe's Birthday

October 10th: Lake Las Vegas Tournament

October 11th: Kenny Lightner's Birhday
October 12th: Charlie Hammond's Birthday

October 14th: Captain Wade's Birthday
October 24th: Tina Dinh's Birthday
October 30th: Jennifer Hsu's Birthday

Vegas Quickie

Besides checking in with a blazing fast 1:57 - top time over the weekend, it seemed that the Vegasers had a GREAT time doing other things... too bad whatever happens there stays there. So I guess that means we're stuck with this quick race summary by Robert, full on recap with pics, to follow. Thanks Robert!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2009 Lake Las Vegas Dragon Boat Tournament - Summary

What an awesome day of racing!!! I first and foremost want to thank the organizers of this event for this awesome late-season racing opportunity. It was a 1st-time endeavor for the staff and volunteers and they did a great job with lots of help coming from the dragon boat community at large. Long Beach's own Pinks had 2 volunteers working the marshalling dock all day. What stamina TK! while the entire dragon boat operation was being directed, from dock operations, to Finish Line Tent by Ellen Law. There were volunteer steers, paddlers, callers and dock workers assisting the community teams, coming from many of the participating Club Crew teams.

Let's talk Racing!
Long Beach was well represented in seeding races with the top 4 mixed heat times going to Splashing Flyers, Rouge/Thunder, X-Generals and our own Space Dragons, respectively!!!

The Semi-Final heats were tough, requiring 1st place to get to Div A, and it was a tight race, but with the calming winds our little Space Dragons and Ripple crew of 16 pulled of the fastest time of the day by that point with a 2:02. Shortly after the Stratford Women pulled a "respectable" 2:03 O_O giving them the 2nd fastest time of the day. More on that crew a little later.

Special NOTE!! =D
The festival teams 250m races required a steady flow of volunteer seasoned steers and callers, and even a few paddlers to fill the minimum 14 paddler requirement. Thank You Marty and Russell for your steering prowess, and Sammi and Rico for your stamina in paddling, and Tran for your inspirational calling.

Back to the Racing!
The Div A finals boiled down to a LB Show of Force! Rouge/Thunder, Splashing Flyers and Space Dragons featuring our Ripple Fast Family. With Sammi at the helm and a steer from Electric Dragons, we were able to sport 18 paddlers for this run, and run we did =D After a rocky start over a buoy or two, we still managed a strong start that kept us at the head of the pack. The settle was fast but long, allowing us to pull ahead for a nice 2 bench lead all the way to the balls-out finish giving us a 5 bench lead and a race with the fastest times of the day!!! With Splashing Flyers just .6sec away!

Now I mentioned The Ontario Stratford Women crew and for good reason, THIS IS ONE STRONG CREW, posting super fast times all day but they wanted more!!! Just before the Women's and Div A Mixed finals, they posed a challenge to race the top 2 mixed teams immediately after the final and the 3 mixed teams agreed! So, immediately after the finals race we headed back out to the start line with Splashing Flyers ... No Water, Dry, Scratchy throats, adrenaline pumping ... Lined up at the starting line with the ON Stratford Women ... and GO!

All warmed up, this was one smooth race! Long, deep strokes, nice rate, stroke after stroke we pulled into a 4+ bench lead, Flyers and ON on our heals, all of us TIRED, throats burning! STROKE STROKE STROKE, and at the finish ... it was Space Ripple by a nose followed by the ON Stratford Women, then Splashing Flyers.

WOW! What fun and good sports all!!! Special pops to for Rouge/Thunder and Splashing Flyers for keeping up the pressure ALL DAY!. SF pulled some impressive times with 2 2:04's and a 1:57!!! Gotta keep an eye on them =p

Special thanks to our Ripple crew members: Kristine, Francis, Jeremy, Anna and joining our last races, Kurt!

Vegas Checklist and Logistics!!!

Any questions? Contact Robert

WEEKEND SCHEDULE (subject to minor changes):
Friday
Travel to your Hotel safely and check in!

If you get there early enough, stop by the race site and check the Village out =D

Give $40 to Robert

See Robert about waiver

Saturday
6:30 AM .........…. Call-time for ALL team members
Team Registration (must have waivers by this time)
6:45 AM ............. Steerer Meeting (Marty, Russell)

7 AM .................. Captain's Mtg (Robert, Tran)
8:35 AM ............ 1st heat
10 -10:45 AM ...... 2nd heat

12:15 ……………..Afternoon Captain's Mtg (Robert, Tran, Marty, Russell)
1-2:45 PM ......... 3rd heat
5:00- PM ……..... Award Ceremonies and Cocktails at the local pub! (except for you Sammi!)

Party night away w/ Ripple (except for you Sammi!)

Sunday
Enjoy Yourself!

Get a Massage

Gamble

See a show

Shop

Fornicate … (except for you Sammi!)

Go Home!

Directions from Loews to Montelago Village - walking directions:
From the Hotel Lobby, Walk down Montelago Blvd 0.8 mi
Cross the bridge to the Lake Las Vegas Resort

Directions from the “strip”

• Las Vegas Blvd South
• Left onto Tropicana Ave (east bound)
• Onto Rt. 95 South
• Exit onto Lake Mead Pkwy
• After approx 7 traffic lights, left onto Lake Las Vegas Pkwy (Lake Las Vegas Resort oasis/sign at entrance)
• Straight thru 1 circle, follow signs for Casino and parking lot.

Directions from I-15 or McCarran Airport

• I-215 East, end onto Lake Mead Parkway
• After approx 7 traffic lights, left onto Lake Las Vegas Pkwy (Lake Las Vegas Resort oasis/sign at entrance)
• Straight thru 1 circle, follow signs for Casino and parking lot.

Race Site:

Lake Las Vegas Marina - West Cove

10 Costa di Lago, Henderson, NV 89011

Food @ the Tournament Site
There is NO “Food” or Alcoholic beverages allowed.

Of course, feel free to bring along some of your favorite “snacks” or bring along some cash for food vendors: I am told the offerings are affordable!

Things to bring (recommendations)

• $
• The usual competition paddling gear + uniform (jersey + dark bottoms)
• Running shoes & socks for race site warm-ups
• Appropriate clothing for weather conditions
• Casual warm clothing for out-and-about LV or Monte Lago Village
• Water bottle
• Cameras / Camcorders
• TP
• Sunblock
• Towel
• Extra Jersey to trade
• Beach chairs/tents – bring an extra chair for our Ripple Fx friends.

Any issues or questions during race weekend?
Contact Robert, Tran, or any vets


Race Day Requests

• Eat light & eat for fuel
• Stay hydrated - even if it’s cold out
• Be on time for warm-ups, stretches, marshaling (they will drop us from races!)
• Enjoy the Village between races - it's a fun weekend!
• If you wander off, let folks know where you're headed. Playing hide-and-go-seek during Marshalling is NOT fun
• When marshalling, make sure everyone wears a PFD!

Other

• As always - be sure to thank the race organizers & volunteers. Loads of effort go into organizing these events, even small ones.
• This is a fund raiser and awareness event. There will be opportunities for support throughout the Village.
• Remember that you reppin' the entire team when your up there.
• Above all else, have a good (& safe) time!

Event Website http://www.lasvegasdragonboat.com/
Schedule, Team List, race rules, course information, vendors, entertainment, etc are all posted.

Take a look.

If you have problems with the formatting of this post...check out the uber perfect formatted document that Robert made!

Miss the boat?

"Opportunities are never lost; they are taken by others."

-Unknown

Have you noticed some really nifty Space-Ripple t-shirts being worn around by your fellow paddler? You're caught without one? Jealous, you say? Well, don't be because you're in luck...Back by popular demand, the sale of these "special edition" bad boys is back with a side of sweet opportunity! To help with ordering we would like to know who WOULD like to purchase one along with your size preference (post in the comment box). This way, we won't over-order. Price you ask? I could say "priceless" but that'd be stating the obvious--so let's peg it @ $8. =D

Deadline for ordering will be Sunday, October 11th! Hurry now and don't get caught without one because supplies definitely won't last!!

Much love. GO SPACE!!

SD Digest - 10/7/2009

NO PRACTICE this Sunday, 10/11. ENJOY!

1. LAKE LAS VEGAS TOURNAMENT (SAT Oct 10)
Good luck, Space-Ripple Vegas crew!
Call-time TBD, logistics to be sent out to participants.
Things to remember/bring:
-Tournament fee $40 payable to Space Dragons
-Your paddling gear & uniform (Space Dragons jersey & black bottom)
-Layers for weather
-towel
-Sun protection
-Water bottle
-Chair to sit (or you can sprawl on the grass)
Food: there are restaurants/stores around the resort, so bring $; also bring your favorite snacks to share!
Questions & issues please call Tran or Robert.

2. PRACTICE
Due to the tournament, practice is canceled this Sunday
October Sunday practice to resume 10/18

3. SPACE DRAGONS GO-KART SOCIAL/FUNDRAISER (Oct 17)
Come hang out and race against your fellow Space Dragons, friends and family!
Teams of 8 (if not enough interest, will reschedule for a later date)
Details and RSVP on evite

4. MAMMOTH SKI/SNOWBOARD TRIP (Jan 21-24)
Whether you're a snow bunny or just want to hang out with the Space-Ripples, join the fun at the 4th annual Mammoth trip
Details & RSVP on evite

Lotsa love,
-- Pearl, Tran, Wade

Joe Says YES!!!

Wut!!! Wut!!!!

Yeah, you heard right, Joe says "YES!" Vegas is THE Tournament that coined that infamous term and you will learn why if you go!

You've heard of "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" - BUT NOT with the Space Dragons. Vegas is one CRA-zy tournament. 1 day, Beautiful Resort, fun competition, free ice cream, a good cause, Ripple Space Love, shoot plenty of Space love, and Joe will say "Yes" to craziness starting on Saturday night. Whats there not to like?

Sign up now or you'll be sorry. DEADLINE to sign up is 12 AM SUNDAY 10/4/2009. You have the evite, now sign up!

Don't forget, this Sunday there WILL be practice for this tournament (and general fitness) as well as SF equipment pickup. If you aren't there we sell it at the next garage sale!