Z Notes Blog by Jim Zumwalt
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The Big Game

With Prime Minister Hatoyama and his wife, as well as Ambassador and Mrs. Roos.

Dec. 1 - Anyone who has lived in northern California knows that the phrase "The Big Game" refers to the annual American Football game between the University of California at Berkeley (also known as "Cal") and Stanford University. As a student at Cal, I remember the excitement as we cheered for our team around a bonfire the night before the big game. This rivalry dates back to 1892 when the football teams representing the two young universities located on opposite sides of San Francisco Bay played their first football game. The two sides have met 112 times, and Stanford has the lead with 55 wins to Cal's 46 wins, with 11 ties.

Cheering excitedly for our team.

As a Berkeley grad living abroad, I generally rely on my father (also a Berkeley grad) to call me with the final score. I can always tell by his voice whether we won or lost. This year, however, Ambassador Roos and his wife Susie (both Stanford grads) generously hosted a Big Game party for about 120 Stanford and Berkeley alumni at their home.

The triumphant Cal fans.

My wife Ann and I arrived at their residence about 9 a.m. and immediately became caught up in the game day excitement. Their home was decorated with banners from both schools, posters of Big Game programs in years past, balloons and streamers representing the schools' colors (red and white for Stanford, Blue and Gold for Cal). Of course they prepared two big-screen televisions to watch the game.

We were especially honored with the presence of perhaps Japan's most famous Stanford graduate, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, and his wife Miyuki. As we ate a delicious Sunday brunch, we enjoyed a very close and entertaining football game. The final score was Cal 34 - Stanford 28. I hope you enjoy the photos of this Big Game party.

Until next time,

Jim

COMMENTS

Dear Mr. Zumwalt,

My name is Michael Sare. I am a retired USN Captain (1972-1998) who, together with my wife (also a retired Naval officer) just completed a two year Christian missionary assignment in Aichi-ken. We lived in Nagoya, Nishi-ku, near Nakaotai.

Just have a curiosity question which couldn't be answered by your biography. Are you related to CNO Adm Elmo Zumwalt? Your style and use of "Z Notes" (reminiscent of "Z Grams" made me think to ask.

Many thanks for your question. Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt was my uncle. Growing up, I was very proud of his career of service to his country. This title of my blog "Z Notes" was meant as a tribute to his "Z-grams" which, as you know, were his tool to communicate directly with the men and women of the United States Navy.

I also would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your wife for your long service in the United States Navy.

- Jim

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