News10.net - Blog: Ryan Yamamoto

Well... after another cheesy Dancing with the Stars promo (and no that is not me break dancing, it is Marcus with the Sacramento Kings break dancing team), me and Photojournalist Brandon Atchison are back in Hollywood to cover Dancing with the Stars.

Pretty neat to meet Kristi Yamaguchi. We are both from the Bay Area, and everyone who is Japanese-American has some story connecting them to the Yamaguchi family. "my cousin's best friend went to school with her brother", "I work with her sister's husband's brother", "my friend's aunt's niece used to baby sit Kristi" It is very amusing, but also shows the impact she had on not just the entire Bay Area, but is a big sense of pride for the JA Community.

So in case you are wondering, until today I had never met Kristi Yamaguchi, however my parent's play poker with the Aunt of her sister's husband (this is true.

What's On My IPOD: Lupee Fiasco
What did I eat: 2 Taquitos, some carrots and chips and a diet coke (i'm starving)
How do I feel: Tired... woke up early to catch a flight for Hollywood, and working until 11:30 pm to do a live shot for the news.

Keep your left up!!!!
Thursday, May 1, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 12:10 AM

Apparently I'm really good at blocking punches with my face. Today at my MMA gym, we went through a little sparing (boxing only), and I have a bad habit of dropping my left after a jab. Unfortunately... I was sparring with someone who knew what he was doing and was a good 8 inches taller than me, and he had fun tagging with straight rights to my face. Next time I will keep my left up!!!

What's On My IPOD: Victory-- PDiddy and Notorious BIG
What did I eat: about five straight tasty rights...
How do I feel: Ironically I got hit in the face... and my ribs are sore (go figure)

Yes, I can dance!!!!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 4:00 PM

So News10 is sending back down for the Dancing with Stars... and we just finished our promotional shoot that will begin running on Wednesday. And after getting a ribbing for my weak dancing performance last time... I have been practicing... so check this out!!!!

What's On My IPOD: Clear, Cybotron
What did I eat: a six pack of Red Bull
How do I feel: "Fresh" (damn that just sound wrong coming from old ass)

Just Dissed Christina on air...
Thursday, April 17, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 11:38 PM

So apparently I mentally checked out 15 seconds before the 11pm show ended. So while Patty Souza and Christina Mendonsa were chatting and wrapping up the show... my mind was somewhere in La La Land. Mendonsa threw me a quick question to me... "playoffs this weekend?"... and I looked at her with a blank stare and said something like... "yeah coming up"... and then went back into my little La La Land world, just completely dissing the face of News10. The best part, while Christina continued to wrap up the show... I interrupted her and asked her "what did you ask me, I wasn't paying attention" Her response a nice shove on the shoulder!!! Thank goodness she is a good sport... because we just laughed it off. Maybe I need to stay awake and actually pay attention to what's going on around me...

What's On My IPOD: Ravi Shankar (must be, because my head is in some psychedelic sitar fuzz)
What did I eat: brownies- just kidding - pesto pizza-- but I at the 4 whole pies :)
How do I feel: Great... I'm in La La Land, where everyone is happy!!!!

Emmy Nomination...
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 11:31 PM

This post is a few days late... but just last week the News10 Sports Department was honored with an emmy nomination. The story is about a young softball player named Kristin Haycock, and how she overcame a brain tumor. It is a story that I am very proud of for many reason, but I am most proud of the recognition that the nomination gives to photographer who worked with me. That person is News10 Photojournalist Brandon Atchison. Brando, is by far, one of the most creative and dedicated photographers and editors that I have ever worked with. When I hand him, what I believe is a well written script, he always takes my vision, and takes it to a completely different level. I truly hope the story wins the Emmy, not for me, but for Brandon who has yet to take home an Emmy.

here is the link to that story:

http://www.news10.net/video/player_news10.aspx?sid=28206&aid=40215

What's On My IPOD: James Brown
What did I eat: Ruben Sandwich
How do I feel: like a fat ass (haven't worked out for a month because of bum calf)

AC/Heat
Monday, March 31, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 11:53 AM

So I finally broke down and have workers installing a new ac/heat system in my house... completely with duct work. I had been holding out (because it costs so much)... but I was afraid that my current AC strapped together with plastic ties and sheet metal would finally give out... and knowing my luck on the hottest day this summer.

Speaking of hot and cold. My NCAA Pool was red hot, under the name of Suzanne Phan (my significant other and competing reporter at KCRA) I had led the pool pretty much everyday until Memphis took out Texas... now I will be lucky to finish in the top 10.

And what a tournament it has been... 4 #1 seeds in the tournament and what a great run by Davidson College and Stephen Curry (do you think his stock has gone up if he enters the NBA Draft?)

What's on My IPOD: Horace Silver
What did I eat: Thai Curry Tofu (made it myself, needed more ginger and lemon grass)
How do I feel: both and Hot and Cold, until my new unit gets installed

"POP!!!!"
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 1:04 AM

That's exactly what I felt, "pop", on my left calf this afternoon. I was training at Ultimate Fitness going through some simple switch kick drills when I felt that pop, and believe me it hurt like hell! Turns out, I tore or pulled my calf muscle... and through the rest of the day I've had my calf wrapped in ice while kicking back on my couch. Tomorrow I hope to have a doctor look at it... but from what I know, there isn't a whole lot that is going to help except for rest and time.

What's On my IPoD: Limp Bizkit
What did I eat: leftovers... too much pain to drive to the grocery store.
How Do I Feel: like Quasimoto without the hump... I'm limping everywhere...

Congrats to the Dragons... Tough loss for the Rams
Saturday, March 8, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 10:41 PM

Tonight... the Sac High Dragons Boys Team took home the Northern California Division III Championships. It has been an elusive title, and after a disappointing loss in the Section Finals to El Camino the Dragons made a run through the NorCal Tournament. The Dragons were a 7 seed in Division III, but three upsets later they are your Northern California Champs.

In the girls action, a tough loss for the St. Mary's Rams. A great game, two nationally ranked teams, St. Mary's ranked 4th in the nation, Sacred Heart the best team in the country. The game came down to the final seconds, when the Fighting Irish took the one point lead with 3.8 seconds left. St. Mary's tried to get the win when Afure Jemerigbe got an open look, but fell short. In slow motion it looked like she was fouled, but most of the time the refs will not make that call unless it is clear cut. A tough loss, but a great season for the Rams who suffer their first loss of the season to finish 33-1.

What's On My IPOD: "Basketball Jones"
What did I eat: Quizno's Salad
How do I feel: Happy for the Dragons, Sad for the Rams

One Man Show...
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 12:45 AM

So tonight... I was covering high school hoops. El Camino and Mission out of San Francisco. The energy was great at El Camino High School... a sold out crowd... and the team pulled off a big win, but I can't say enough about Mission High team. They were fast... scrappy... with the entire team under 6-foot... facing an Eagles team with two players 6'7 and one 6'10. And the best player on the floor... Demaree Hampton a Junior for the Bears, who is maybe 5'8 on a good day. He looked like Allen Iverson, making steals, hitting shots, challenging the towers of El Camino. In the end, #3 Demaree Hampton finished with 32 points in a 69-65 loss, but earned everyone's respect in that sold out gym.

What's On My IPOD: Black Sheep
How do I feel: apparently "icky" (read 21Q - props to my man Crandell)
What did I eat: Nachos and a Hot Dog

Kyle or Kurt Busch
Saturday, March 1, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 5:06 PM

So last night I goofed on NASCAR... saying Kyle Busch won the pole at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway... but showed video of Kurt Busch winning. And NASCAR fans let me have it... here are two of the comments I recieved from fans...

Ryan, you blew it tonight re: Nascar pole. You showed Kurt Busch and his car winning the pole for the Vegas Sunday race and it was his brother Kyle Busch in the M&M's Joe Gibbs car. I wish you took Nascar or racing in general more serious then you do. A third of all Americans are race fans. Not trying to be mean just help. I love ch. 10 and it will continue to be my favorite. Hopefully you will make it right.

Dear Ryan. We will forgive you if you learn a couple of Nascar important things.
1) There are 2 Busch brothers. One Kurt, One Kyle.
One older, Kurt, acts like child. Other one younger, Kyle, Acts older., drives better, whines less.
Kurt drives # 2. Kyle drives # 18.
2) Kyle has pole Sunday, Not Kurt !!!!!!!!!
Bryan is going to get you for such a Nascar boo-boo,
Maybe Bryan should do the Nascar reports from now on.

What's On My IPOD: Country Music to get me in the NASCAR mood
What did I eat: Crow
How do I feel: like a not knowing NASCAR newbie...

Bibby Gone Artest here, Wallace Out
Friday, February 22, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 7:52 PM

It's been awhile since I blogged so here I go to get caught up...

Mike Bibby was traded to Atlanta and on Wednesday made his return back to ARCO Arena. Bibby really seemed to enjoy the moment. Before the game he was quite talkative about his new situation (normally he can be short in his interviews)... and as he arrived at ARCO Arena he had a huge smile, giving hugs and shaking everyone's hand. The fans gave him two standing ovations, one after a video tribute, another during the player introductions... and Bibby really soaked it all in, and well deserved after 7 seasons in Sacramento.

The big surprise... Ron Arest is still in Sacramento, the Kings deciding not to pull the trigger on a trade. This probably means Artest will opt out at the end of season, although his agent says he could stay. I have to believe Ron will move onto to greener pastures (green meaning more money). But one thing I have learned about Artest, he is unpredictable, and who knows may end his career in Sacramento (but I doubt it).

Former King Gerald Wallace took a nasty blow from Mikki Moore tonight (not on purpose)... you always hate to see athletes take big hits, and this was pretty big. Wallace laid on the floor for a good 15 minutes and was carted off the court in a stretcher with his neck in a brace. Hopefully this was more a precaution, but he did suffer a concussion, and by the looks of the hit, would not be surprised if his cheek bone or nose is broken.

What's On My IPOD: been listening to a lot of old Snoop
What did I eat: Acia Super antioxidant from Jamba Juice
How do I feel: ok

To Trade or Not to Trade...
Monday, February 11, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 10:39 PM

It is clear... Ron Artest is on the trading block... what is not clear is whether the Sacramento Kings will pull the trigger. Here is my two cents... Geoff Petrie may be able get dollar for dollar for the trade, but will not be able to get talent for talent. Like him or not, Artest can play basketball, he hustles and he can defend, although sometimes the offense becomes stagnant when it the ball goes through him. Attitude wise, Reggie Theus has said he is not a problem, but lately Artest seems to be acting up more during games, collecting Technical fouls in Utah and Golden State (taunting with the Warriors), he appears to be having fun, but according to the SacBee walked out of practice on Thursday before the Utah game, and after the loss to Seattle called out his coach, "Coach is just rattled, when I was a rookie I used to get rattled too." So with that said, it is clear that maybe Artest is right, that he is not a good fit in Sacramento, but with all the trade rumors I just don't see a trade that makes sense. The latest has Linas Kleiza, Najera, and JR. Smith from Denver coming to Sacramento for Artest. Granted you get cap relief with Najera, but if cap relief is what you are going for, you might as well let Artest opt out at the end of the season. I think Petrie is waiting for the last minute (FEB 21st) before pulling the trigger (if at all) hoping to that some team panics and gives up more. So that leaves me where I started, I really don't have a clue.

What's On My IPOD: De La Soul
What did I eat: ravioli and breaded chicken and caesar salad (made dinner last night)
How do I feel: Lazy... missed my boxing class this morning.

Passion for Politics...
Tuesday, February 5, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 6:01 PM

I think sometimes athletes get a bum wrap for not being well read about current events, that all they know is just sports. So it was refreshing to speak to young rookie center Spencer Hawes who is passionate Republican. I must admit, I disagree with alot of his views (I'm non-partisan, but usually vote demo), but I have major respect for his knowledge and opinions.

(Commercial)If you want to hear Spencer Hawes entire interview you can log onto our website at News10.net

What's On My Ipod: Music from India (Ms. Ryan keeps playing the same CD)
What did I eat: Believe it or not, Indian food (much safer to eat here in the states)
How do I feel: No Delhi Belly... I feel great...

Back to Sports, Artest on the Trading Block
Thursday, January 31, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 6:04 PM

We have heard the rumors and chatter all season long, but today at practice Ron Artest acknowledged that he is indeed on the trading block, and that is just fine with him. Let me start off by saying, Artest is happy in Sacramento, and if he is does get traded he will leave with no bad feelings (unlike in Indiana and Chicago). As usual Ron was both open and candid about not having a future in Sacramento, saying "I don't see myself ending my career in Sacramento." The big question who can the team get for Ron, even he admits, with his past history, it may be tough for another team to "committ to a Ron Artest."

What's On My IPOD: Kanye West
What did I eat: Everything, no more Delhi Belly
How do I feel: finally rested, took me a week to get over jet-lag

India Great! Air India Sucks!!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 11:38 PM

Home at last, 14 hours late, but home at last!

After two weeks in India, it is safe to say Ms. Ryan and I got our fill. But even so, we return from our trip with no true grasp of what this country is really about.

First of all, I want to thank our hosts, Todd and Lori Anderson from Grass Valley who work as teachers at the US Embassy. They opened their home to basically two complete strangers, and gave us a safe haven for our wonderful adventure-- an adventure where we saw the beauty and colors of the country and culture, the magnificence of the Taj Mahal, the mystery and spiritual wonders of Varanasi. But we also experienced the crowds and congestion, the divide between the rich and poor, from the clean to the downright filthy, to even a little "Delhi Belly" to add to our stomach full of experience.

India is an intense country, full of many layers that at times can make you smile and relax or intimidate even the most seasoned traveler. I highly recommend India, and even hope to return to explore the southern part of the country, and far north to see the Himalayas and Tibetan lifestyle.

However if and when I do return I WILL NOT FLY ON AIR INDIA!!!!!!!

By far the worst airline I have ever experienced. Unclean, unorganized, as my fellow traveler (native from India) sitting next to me on the plane simply put, "Air India Sucks!" Apparently, in India, if your plane or train is a few hours late that is considered on time. Ms. Ryan and I were 5 hours late on our return from Delhi to LAX, so late that we missed our connecting flight back to Sacramento (we weren't the only ones who missed their connection). That meant, we spent the next 8 hours sitting in the LAX terminal waiting for the next Southwest flight to Sac (6:05 am) this morning. Granted, our story was mild compared to some of the other horror stories other travelers shared with us, 20 hour delays, lost luggage. So regardless of my complaints, Ms. Ryan and I are glad to be safe and back at home... but wished we spent the extra few hundred bucks on another airline to avoid the hassle and headache... (just another part of our adventure).

What's On My IPOD: miles davis (need something cool to welcome me home)
What did I eat: Sushi and McDonalds (all in the same sitting at the LAX Terminal)
How do I feel: Glad to be home

Delhi 3 - Stomach 1
Thursday, January 17, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 1:05 AM

Delhi 3 - Stomach 1

So after battling "Delhi Belly" with Imodium, Pepto and Tums, I finally brought out the big guns-- Azithomycin (sp?), an antibiotic I picked up from Kaiser. After a day and a half, I feel much better and somewhat regular (if you know what I mean).

Monkeys and Cobras:

Today, we are in Jaipur and paid a visit to Galta known as the Monkey Temple because there are simply alot of monkeys (go figure). As we were hiking to the temple we fed the little critters some peanuts who took them straight from our hand, however one monkey became wise to Ms. Ryan, and decided to go for her pocket where she kept the bag of peanuts-- simply put (Monkey 1 - Ms. Ryan 0).

Also, we have run into a lot of snake charmers in India (always thought that was just a stereo-type), who love to play for tourists for a little cash. Ms. Ryan decided to take it one step further, instead just watching, the snake charmer wrapped the cobra around her, and she calmly held the snake as it fanned it's wings and stared at her (the snakes have no fangs or poison, and their mouths appear to be threaded shut-- I'm sure some serious animal rights violations-- Peta would not be happy)

I'm tired of these mutha-f---ing roaches, on this mutha f---ing train!

So on our train ride from Agra and Jaipur we were greeted by a few little friends. Normally, we buy 2nd Class tickets for the train, but were able to only get 3rd Class seating (there is one more step below). For the most part, the train ride was just fine, except for all the roaches running around on the floor of the car. Fortunately only cows are sacred in India, because I smashed at least 10 roaches, our neighbor on the train said, "no problem... only small ones." Now, they are dead ones. We also had a mouse running around (just a gray blur) who was too fast to smash.

Hilary or Obama?:

We have ran into quite a few educators and businessmen who are all interested in American politics and fascinated with the race between Hilary and Obama... any chance they get they ask, "Who do you like, Hilary or Obama?"... then quickly tell us why they don't like Bush (not a personal stab to all my republican friends).

What's On My IPOD: "Who let the Dogs Out" (that's what they played in the cafe during breakfast)
What did I eat: Rice with Safron and egg (something a little more solid)
How do I feel?: Regular

Taj Mahal
Monday, January 14, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 11:58 PM

Ms. Ryan and I, woke up this morning to see the sunrise at the Taj Mahal. Probably 250 people had the same idea... as we all crowded south of the temple grasping our cameras and video as the majestic Taj slowly appeared in the morning light.

For those who haven't seen it... the Taj is enormous... bigger and more impressive than we ever thought. Made of all white marble it was built as a tomb for the second wife of Shah Jahan who died after having her 14th child. If any woman pumps out 14 kids... you definitely deserve a place like the Taj Mahal.....

Onto Jaipur late tonight...
Meanwhile "Delhi Belly" continues to kick my ass...

What's On My IPOD:
What did I eat: a western breakfast, eggs, hash browns (i needed something more than nan bread)...
How do I feel: two words "Delhi Belly"

Delhi 1 - Stomach 0
posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 6:02 AM

So after being careful... really carefull about what I eat or drink, I have lost to "Delhi Belly". Fortunately for me this is a real minor case, and I'm not sure where I picked it up... but here in India it could have been anywhere. So right now I am living on Ginger Tea and Nan Bread and Imodium AD and Pepto Bismol.

Yesterday, Ms. Ryan and I were given quite an "eye opener". Across the street from the U.S. Embassy (where we are staying in Delhi), there is a slum neighborhood (extremely poor). One of the workers at the Embassy school offered to takes us through the make shift homes and tents to see how people live (close to 300-400 families). What we saw was amazing. Despite living in poverty... the entire slum was a full functioning neighborhood, complete with a library, computers, tiny shops, a tailor and recycling center. The people were friendly and happy... only their living conditions were depressed not thier spirits. Lori, are host at the embassy school put it the best, "in America we have a fear of poverty"... she is right, and India has really put my own attitudes in "check"

Today we arrived in Agra... sight of the Taj Mahal
and will go to the Taj at sunrise...

What's On My IPOD: Justin Timberlake... because that's what they were playing at our hotel (apparently India is brining sexy back)
What did I eat: Pepto and Imodium
How do I feel: look at what I'm eating... what do you think...

Varanasi to Delhi
Saturday, January 12, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 9:20 PM

Our Trip in India Continues

We have left Varanasi and are now sitting Delhi trying to make sense of everything we had just seen on the Ganges River: Cremations, people bathing in the polluted waters, Saduhs (holy men), funeral procession through the alleys of the Varanasi, cows blocking my path, land mines of cow patties, con-artist trying to rip off tourists, spiritual enlightened folks blessing us, drug dealers offering opium and heroin, the colors and beauty, and poverty and sadness.

I cannot begin to explain Varanasi only because there are so many layers and layers to this place that I can't even begin to understand myself. I told Ms. Ryan, I shot hundreds of photos, went through two batteries on my video camera, and "I feel like I'm not even close to capturing Varanasi". I don't even think a full week is enough time. I will try to make sense of Varanasi with only two days of memories....

THE RIDE BACK.....

When you come to India be prepared to bargain and negotiate for everything... and I mean everything. Taxi's, hotels, snacks, tours, guides. When Ms. Ryan and I were leaving Varanasi, we packed up our back packs and hiked up to the main road to grab an auto-rickshaw, and as soon all of the drivers saw us... we were immediately swarmed... "airport airport good price good price only 300 sir you come with me airport good price 250 i get you faster..." So as I was surrounded by a dozen guys who were tugging at me, trying to negotiate a price (200 rupee), Ms. Ryan decides to yell out, "150 Rupees!"... immediately the taxi drivers swarmed onto Ms. Ryan like a wave of old school Stock Market traders. We eventually got our price of 200 Rupees... but of course ended up tipping our driver another 50 Rupees ($1.00).

Today we visit some markets in Delhi..
then tomorrow to Agra (Taj Mahal)

Varanasi to
posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 9:20 PM

Holy Cow Sh--!
Friday, January 11, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 3:14 AM

I say that... because after arriving in Varanasi that's exactly what Suz and I have been scraping off our shoes! (Ms. Ryan came up with the title).

Varanasi is considered one of the most holiest places in India where people bathe and cleanse themselves in the Ganges River... and also come to get cremated when they die. But while holy, and fascinating, the city is also crowded, chaotic, full of poverty and some might say a little on the unclean side (thus the cow poop on our shoes!)(by the ways cows are considered sacred are all over the place)

We arrived in Varanasi late Thursday night (our flight was delayed), which is not a good time because the city is full of dark winding alleys, and I must admit it was a tad bit uncomfortable traversing the alleys looking for a place to stay, we settled on a budget hotel 400 Rupees... that's 10 dollars a night (if you have not figured it out yet... Ms. Ryan is a hardcore traveler who could sleep on the sidewalk with a mat and rock for a pillow if she could bargain it down to under $5 bucks.)

The next morning... Ms. Ryan decided to wake up the entire Ganges River, as we rose at 4:00 in the morning... looking for someone to take us down the river. Let's put it this way... we were the first tourist on the Ganges, and woke up most of the holy people who were sleeping on the banks (did I mention Ms. Ryan is hardcore!)

The 2 hour boat trip may have been one of the fascinating experiences (since waking up to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat in Cambodia). For a 7km stretch people come down to the banks of the Ganges and bathe and cleanse themselves in a holy spirtual ritual before sunrise. The cremations also begin early in the morning (they actually go 24 hours a day)... and we were given a fish eyes view of the experience from the waters with our boatman Ravi...

Afterwards... we made our way back to our 10 buck hotel traversing Cow dung, dog dung, cows, monkeys, moto-scooters. I wish I had a vat of Anti-Bacterial, maybe Bryan May can lend me his for my next trip!

What's on My IPOD: Hindi Chanting
What did I eat: Nan bread and bottled water
How do I feel: Stinky... at least my shoes do...

From Air Jordan to Air India
Wednesday, January 9, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 2:40 AM

4:10 pm India time... 2:47 am Pacific time

So for the next two weeks... I hang up my sports shoes... and slip on my traveling boots. Not that anyone will miss me... but Bryan May will go it solo for the next two weeks while me and girlfriend (who works for the competition so we will call her Ms. Ryan)... explore the country of India.

We took off out of LAX on Air India, and for those who don't know, Air India makes Southwest look like the Concord Jet (enough said I still have to fly back). But imagine spending 20 hours in a sardine can.

We landed in New Delhi... a day and a half later... sore and tired we arrived at the American Embassy School where we met Lori and Todd Anderson from Grass Valley who have been teaching in India for the past 8 years (they are friends of Jorge-- photographer at the competition who I and Ms. Ryan both worked with 3+ years). We'll just say we are extremely lucky to have such hosts... a beautiful apartment on the Embassy School compound... fresh filtered running water (you don't drink the tap because you will get Delhi Belly)... and people with knowledge of this new and fascinating land we are about explore.

Today... instead of just resting (we should have)... Ms. Ryan and I decided to get out and meet the people... we explored the Red Fort, Rajghat- which is home of the Gandhi memorial and the Gandhi museum. Soon after we could feel our bodies hitting the wall of jet-lag... so we jumped into a moto-taxi (more on traffic at a later date) and made our way back to the embassy...

Tonight dinner with Todd and Lori...
Tomorrow we head to one of the most spirtual places in India, Varanasi and the Ganges River.

What's on my IPOD: Bollywood Music Videos (that's what they played in the plane)
What did I eat: Indian Chips that looked like Cheetoes expect they were spicy
How do I feel: Jet lag...

When it rains... sports gets cut...
Friday, January 4, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 2:30 PM

So for those who don't know the Sports Department is sometimes the step child of the newsroom (granted that step-child gets put on a pedestal at times-- barry bonds indictment, mitchell report, if and when the Kings make the playoffs). So when I heard that a huge storm was coming through our area, winds gusts of 100 mph, rain and mayhem, pillage and destruction, I knew the sports department would be the lonely step child sitting in the sports office, waiting for the producer to hand us a few crumbs to run our 30 seconds worth of Kings highlights.

But with that said, coming from a news background it is always fascinating to me to watch the newsroom work when the big stories hit; how the crews scramble, what stories are they covering, how the producer stacks the show, how management handles the chaos, which reporters nailed their stories, what I thought could have been done better. Sometimes I do get the itch to throw myself back into the news grind, then I come to my senses, and remember the times working in news and in how 8 years I was complete burned out by the grind...

So with that said... I will sit in my corner of the newsroom and just watch the coverage unfold, appreciate the work of the newsroom, but be glad I don't have to stand in the rain or snow (I was famous for Blue Canyon).

What's On my IPOD: "The Rain" Missy Elliot
What did I eat: Pete's Coffee (my power went out... so I couldn't make my own cup of joe)
How do I feel: Soaking Wet, my gazebo got blown down and I had to clean up the mess in the pouring rain....

Artest Out 3 to 5 weeks
Wednesday, January 2, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 4:13 PM

I regress...
My previous blog about the Kings playing some exciting ball just went down the drain after Ron Artest went down with an elbow injury. On their last homestand the Kings finished an exciting 0-4... and without Ron the team definitely has no "go to guy". (Now out 3 to 5 after getting 5 bone chips removed from his elbow)

And even with Mike Bibby and Kevin Martin ready come back by the end of this month, realistically it will take them until Feb to get back into the full swing of things.

What's On My IPOD: Eagles
What did I eat: Tri-Tip (started 2008 right)
How do I feel: Tired (glad we are done with holidays)

Happy New Year...
Tuesday, January 1, 2008 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 10:46 AM

2007 was an interesting year for sports... what is usually full of fun and awe turned out to be a year of a scandal. I can't remember a time where Bryan and I had to cover so many bad things in the sporting world, Tim Donaghy (NBA ref who bet on games), Video Gate(Bill Belichick and the Patriots illegally taping the other team), Barry Bonds getting indicted by a Federal Court, the Mitchell Report, Ron Artest and his day in court (domestic and for the dogs), and even Justin Williams wrongly accused of sexual assault. This was an interesting year by far...

(there were a lot of good too.... Dustin Pedroia (Woodland)- wins World Series and AL Rookie of the year... CC Sabathia (Fairfield) wins CY Young Award... Central Catholic (modesto) becomes first team from Sac-Joaquin to represent the North at the State High School Football Championships... We met Janice Walth a blind archer from Lodi.... Kristin Haycock and an amazing Softball Player (heading to Chico) who survived a brain tumor.... and the list of positives go on and on...

What's on my IPOD: Buena Vista Social Club (wanted to start 2008 with some flavor)
What did I eat: a whole bunch of sushi... (a tradition for Japanese on New Year's)
How do I feel: like 2008 will be better than 2007 (i know, sappy)

Playoff!!!!!?????!!!!!!
Friday, December 21, 2007 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 9:23 PM

I can hear Jim Mora screaming it now, "Playoffs????" But seriously, that is the talk around Kings camp. As Sam Amick (kings beat writer) noted, it is not uncommon to hear Ron Artest champion his team as playoff contenders, however, we are now beginning to hear it from the other players... Brad Miller, John Salmons, and Coach Theus. The "playoffs" have always been a goal for the Kings, but goals are much different than belief, and the Kings seem to truly believe they have a legit shot at the post season. We'll just have to see...

What's On My IPOD: Kool G Rap and Polo
What did I eat?: A slice of Luigi's last night... a slice of Uncle Vito's today
How do I feel?: Like a big ball of holiday crap (too many holiday snacks around the office)

Mitchell Report
Thursday, December 13, 2007 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 8:36 PM

I have mixed emotions about all these baseball investigations... I realize the integrity of a great game is at stake, but I can't feel a bit angry that federal prosecutors who are going after Barry Bonds spent four years of our tax dollars to investigate Barry, and that George Mitchell spent 20 months of our tax dollars to come up with 80 names who allegededly used performance enhancing drugs. Too me it is a waste.

With that said, the list is interesting. But I can only believe that this is just the tip of the iceberg... I doubt only 82 players used steroids. So then again, I ask what is the point? Bud Selig or MLB will probably do nothing with this report, punish no one, maybe put in more sanctions and testing that should have already been in place a long time ago. If Selig truly wanted to make a difference, then he should punish those who cheated... fine them... ban them... don't let them get into the hall of fame... but we all know that won't happen. Too me it is a waste.

What's on my IPOD?: Ramsey Lewis
What did I eat: Ella Restaurant (two nights ago) Expensive, but great food.
How do I feel: Somewhat relieved... only two more gifts to buy for x-mas...

No Mike... No Kevin
Wednesday, December 5, 2007 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 11:00 PM

Just when it looked like the Kings were turning the corner (see my last post), it appears the team has taken a huge blow. Mike Bibby is still 6 weeks away after having surgery on his hand... and now Kevin Martin is out 4 to 6 weeks aftering straining his groin Tuesday night.

For those who don't know... K-Mart is a scoring machine 24.5 pts per game (7th in the NBA). He stretches the floor... gets the foul line... and is extremely efficient. Without him... it may make the job for Ron Artest a bit more difficult because now defenses can collaspe without fear of kicking it out to Martin.

What's On My IPOD: Kind of Blue- Miles Davis
What did I eat: Spinach Salad from Pronto's
How do I feel: stressed... (i haven't bought a single x-mas gift yet).

Best Ticket You Haven't seen...
posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 12:20 AM

I know I'm going to sound like some lame homer... but right now the best ticket in town are the Sacramento Kings. So far this season they are 7-3 at home, beating Pistons, Spurs, Rockets, and then last night the Jazz on the ARCO Arena floor. Like many of you, I did not have high expectations for this team, and for all I know, they will implode any day now (just look at their road record, 0-7). But so far, the Kings games at home have been some of the most entertaining games I have seen in a while, even their losses only 2-points to Phoenix and Cleveland, and I believe 7-points to the Warriors have been great games. The bad part, no one is buying tickets to watch. I have never seen ARCO Arena so empty... rows and sections of empty seats fill the arena. And it is unfortunate, because once again this team has played hard at home. I can't promise it will continue, but if you want to see good NBA basketball... the Kings maybe a good ticket (at least for now).

What's On My IPOD: X-Mas in Hollis Queens/ Run DMC
What did I eat: Peruvian food, at the Waffle King on Fulton (don't get the Waffle part)
How do I feel: beat up (jacked up my knee while I was running)

What is important...
Wednesday, November 28, 2007 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 11:33 PM

This past week, with all the stress of the holidays, with everything that can make me upset with work and life. Sometimes you get a big dose of reality. First, my friend SacBee Reporter Bobby Calvan who is stationed in Iraq as a journalist lost his mother, who died at the age of 80. While most of us are looking for sales and bargains, he is making his way home from Iraq to the Philipines to be with his family, my thought and prayers go out to the Calvan family, and Bobby.

Then in the world of sports, where we cover wins and losses, we sometimes forget it is all just a "game". Tuesday morning, Matt Barnes who grew up in Sacramento and now plays for the Warriors, lost his mother Ann Barnes to kidney cancer, she was only 52. At last night's game, despite a heavy heart, Barnes found the courage to suit up in front of his hometown crowd. When I asked him why he said, "You know, as my Mom was dying the last couple of days before she went into a coma, she told me I need to start playing again."

How did she drive?
Sunday, November 18, 2007 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 4:47 PM

I have to begin by saying... what started what I'm about to talk about was my fault... not on purpose... but clearly my fault.

I was turning onto Madison Avenue off of Fair Oaks... when I apparently cut off this woman in a white 4-Runner (honestly I don't know where she came from-- she must have been making a right-hand turn onto to Madison). That's when the woman began honking profusely behind me... and I gave her wave in attempt to say I was, "sorry." But she must of thought I gave her some other kind of gesture, because in my rear view mirror I can see her screaming and yelling (I don't read lips... but I'm pretty sure I know what she was saying)... and she began flipping me off, showing me that I was "number one". This went on for about a mile, before she ran a red light to get away from me (that's another a story).

But what surprised me while I was getting berated, she was doing all of this while on the cell phone... one hand to her ear... one hand giving me the bird... and I have no idea how she was driving the car? I must admit it takes quite a bit of talent to multi-task like that... and not run your vehicle off the road, but my advice to her... buy a cell phone head set (you may want to take some anger management classes, also)

What's on My IPOD: Bitches Brew- Miles Davis
What did I eat: Orbitz gum.... because it can clean "a dirty mouth"
How do I feel: better than her...

Privileged Job...
Thursday, November 15, 2007 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 11:25 PM

I sometimes forget that I have a pretty cool job. Sometimes I get so involved with work, I take for granted the access that I have to athletes. In just this week, I had the honor and privilege to visit the homes of a Cy Young winner and a five time all-star who also happened to be a two-time World Series Champion.

CC Sabathia (Indians Pitcher) invited us to his Fairfield home on Tuesday to talk about winning the Cy Young this week. And on Thursday night, I interviewed former Dodger Steve Sax at his Roseville home to talk about the Barry Bonds indictment. Both were professional and kind, humble and should great courtesy. Sometimes the "we" in the media focus on what is wrong with athletes and sports, we forget that athletes are real people too (real people who also have pretty cool jobs).

What's On My IPOD:
What did I eat: tomorrow Friday night: (Taco Bell) a FNF High School tradition I'll blog about that later.
How do I feel?: Torn: happy to meet Steve Sax, but a part of me wanted to strangle him, because his Dodgers beat the A's in the '88 World Series.

CC Sabathia wins Cy Young Award...
Tuesday, November 13, 2007 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 11:28 PM

Vallejo native and now Fairfield resident CC Sabathia took home the AL Cy Young award this week. I had the opportunity to visit him at his Fairfield home this morning, and his digs were pretty damn nice.

The home was big... but not overly or insanely huge. What was impressive was his pool house/enterntainment room that was in the backyard. The room was decorated in Sports Memorbilia, autographed jerseys from Ichiro, Manny, Chavez, Ortiz, but they just didn't hang on the wall, they were in the floor. Sabathia had glass floors put into section of the home... and inside these display cases is where many of the jerseys were displayed. But that was the beginning. There was also a home theater complete with 10 or 12 leather reclining chairs with drink holders that faced five plasma screens... with a giant screen that came down for movies... and on top of it was a news ticker that scrolled the days news.... today it read, "CC Sabathia wins the AL Cy Young Award."

What's on My IPod: E-40 (gotta represent Vallejo and Sabathia)
What did I eat: La Fiesta
How do I feel?: sore shin, foot and elbow. A little kick boxing sparing (i'm not very good).

All I want for X-mas is my one front tooth...
Thursday, November 8, 2007 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 10:51 PM

At practice today... Ron Artest ran into either Darryl Watkins or John Salmons knocking his left front tooth loose. He was not only in pain... but then appeared to rip out the tooth and throw at the wall. As Ron sat under the basket trying to gather himself, players began trotting down court to see Ron Ron's gap in his grill, none more happier than Mike Bibby (all smiles) who in a light trot made his way to Artest, I'm sure to drop some smack.

But Ron kept practicing. Reggie Theus, "I had a player who knocked his tooth out... and continued to play with his root in his hand."

Now that's tough!!!!

What's On My IPOD: Horace Silver
What did I eat: Leftover Tri-Tip
How do I feel: Not as tough as Ron Artest.

So here is the Scoop: "Dancing with the Stars"
Tuesday, November 6, 2007 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 5:14 PM

So despite my complaining aside making a fool of myself... heading down to the "Dancing with the Stars" was actually a quite interesting experience.

I flew down to L.A. on Monday morning, and met with News10 Photographer Brandon Atchison where we arrived at the studio around "noon". What I could not show in my piece that runs tonight at 11pm (Tuesday), is the dancers and crew go through rehearsals all day long. I was told the production crew wants to see the dances in advances so they know when and where to take their camera angles once the show goes "live".

Speaking to the folks who cover the show on a daily basis (Entertainment Reporters), they are surprised how popular the show has become. Many thought it was a joke when they began covering it during season one... but now "Dancing with the Stars" is the number one show in the country.

Inside the studio security is tight. The audience has to go through metal detectors and the security collects every single cell phone (no pictures no disturbances because of the rings). Brandon and I were not allowed onto the sound stage until 4:00 pm (one hour before the show)... and pretty much had shoot our entire story in 45 minutes.

The only celebrity (other than the dancers) we ran into was Donny Osmond, who agreed to do an interview with us, until one of his "handlers" yanked him away from us because he had an "exclusive contract" with E.

During the live show... we sat in a small room with all the entertainment reporters from L.A. : Xtra, Inside Edition, E-online, Entertainment Tonight, etc... (Quite a different experience than sitting in a room full of sports reporters). I must admit I was like a fish out of water, because the reporters knew every little detail about the show, the dancers, the dances, and judges (I never watched a full episode until last night.)

After the show... we had a chance to interview all the dancers. Helio and Julianne were great (Julianne is smok'in... sorry Suz (my girlfriend) And I was glad to speak with Helio because I could ask real sports questions. I had no idea what to ask Melanie B and Max, and Marie Osmond was quite the charmer, who my heart goes out to because later that night her father passed away... and I'm sure she nor Donny did not find out until after the show.

So that's my behind the scenes look at "Dancing with the Stars"... maybe I can get back to covering some Sports!!!!

What's On My IPOD: nothing... I can't get those darn cha cha and rumba songs out of my head.
What did I eat: Mini Burgers (that's what the served the media in the press lounge)
How do I feel: Relieved... I can finally get back to covering football and hoops!!!

Dancing with the Sports Guy
posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 10:54 AM

A better title might be "Dancing with the Sports Idiot". Thank you to the News10 Promotional staff for convincing me to make a complete "fool" of myself (the things I will do for my station). If you haven't seen the promo's... and I don't know how you wouldn't (they run every 2 minutes)... I was sent down to LA to cover behind the scenes with "Dancing with the Stars". But of course I couldn't do the story unless I made an attempt at dancing... so I did... like a little monkey... and now have lost all credibility with my peers in the Sports World... my manliness has been dwindled... and only a self respecting Sports Journalist would step down... and maybe join some tabloid tv show.

What's on my IPOD: Tom Jones (so I can dance the "Carleton")
What did I eat: A bucket of humiliation
How do I feel: Like Dancing Fooooool!

No Mike Bibby... No Artest... Kings Struggle
Thursday, November 1, 2007 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 11:55 PM

It is hard to be optimistic about the Kings. They lose Mike Bibby for 8 to 12 weeks... won't have Ron Artest for the first seven games... and are without their First Round draft pick Spencer Hawes who is still nursing a bad knee. Like I said, it is hard to to be optimistic.

The Kings fell in their season opener to New Orleans... and now face the Spurs and Mavericks in back to back games... basically that most likely means they begin the season (0-3). They then will face a young Seattle team (Home Opener) that just gave the Suns a run for their money even though they lost.

Once again... it is hard to be optimitic.

What's On My IPOD: Talib Kweli
What did I eat: Gyros
How do I feel: Not optimitic

Wow... It has been a long time.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 12:14 AM

Sorry I haven't blogged in awhile... (however you can catch my weekly video blog on news10.net- Friday Night Football) So here is what I have been up to. Through most of October I have been helping the AAJA Sacramento Chapter put together a Photo Showcase that went flawless this past Monday. With the hard work of Suz and Sandy (our presidents)... and everyone else we raised close to10-thousand dollars for our scholarship fund.

My heart goes out to all the folks in the San Diego area... I lived there for two years... and my girlfriend is from there (just learned today that her parents and brother had been evacuated from Rancho Bernardo.)

Friday Night Football... we are already into week #8 of the season... Great game on Friday... undefeated Del Oro and Rocklin... and our High Def game undefeated Del Campo and Casa Roble...

That's about it... very soon I will be blogging about the Kings as high school football begins to wind down...

What's On My IPOD: "Chan Chan" Buena Vista Social Club
What did I eat: Crawfish Etoufee (Bryan May made it)-- and i think that's how you spell it.
How do I feel?: Sore... just went back to Ultimate Fitness after an entire week off...

Kennedy I will cover you...
Saturday, September 29, 2007 posted by Ryan Yamamoto at 11:36 PM

One school for Friday Night Football I've been planning on covering is Kennedy High (among others). Not a powerhouse football school... but this is the first season they have been able to play on Friday Nights, after installing stadium lights for the first time. I planned on covering them for their home debut against Galieo... but their lights weren't finished and the game pushed back a day....

And finally last night... we were set to cover you... but Sports Photographer Pierre ran into a bit of trouble... after shooting the Del Campo/Center game he broke the key to his news vehicle... and was stuck in Antelope. By the time we rescued him (not that he needed to be rescued)... it was too late.

So Kennedy I hope to cover your game at home against Burbank (another team I need to cover)

What's On My IPOD: 50 cent "I run New York"
What did I eat: about a gallon of mud, I ran in the Mather Mud Run this morning...
How do I feel: a bit soiled