Previews of the renovations look lovely and I look forward to losing myself, metaphorically speaking, in there again. I'm glad to hear that the nasty bathrooms and disquieted spirit/ghost are both gone.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Get a book and Park it!
Previews of the renovations look lovely and I look forward to losing myself, metaphorically speaking, in there again. I'm glad to hear that the nasty bathrooms and disquieted spirit/ghost are both gone.
Hey Alan! Alan!
While the Honeybadger may be a nasty badass, I think this nature film surpasses that one feathers down.
which one of these things is not like the other?
Trick question! They all go together.
I didn't put it there, but I did notice it. And I think these items are logically collocated and wonder if the chap who put the flask with the Saint Patrick's Day paraphernalia did so on purpose.
I didn't put it there, but I did notice it. And I think these items are logically collocated and wonder if the chap who put the flask with the Saint Patrick's Day paraphernalia did so on purpose.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
touched by an angel
If I have not recommended him on the blog before, let me do it now (or again)—
Alex Falcioni is an amazing massage therapist and body worker. I have been floating from worker to worker for a decade (ever since The Amazing Nandi moved to SoCal with his wife and now kids) and have found my massage/body work home with Alex of The Alexander Touch.
He cures what ails me, body wise, and his online booking is so ridiculously easy (no login, just click). His dedicated workroom is in his home, conveniently located (to me at least) on Ellis at Divisidero. I have always easily found parking directly in front.
My back, knee, and ankle are all akimbo and I can't wait to see him this week (I actually have already shown up a week early because I didn't watch where I was clicking when I made the appointment.).
So if you have been postponing a massage, make a reservation now. His rates are extremely reasonable, and he offers group discount packages and mid-week specials.
The Alexander Touch. Because we all need to be kneaded.
He cures what ails me, body wise, and his online booking is so ridiculously easy (no login, just click). His dedicated workroom is in his home, conveniently located (to me at least) on Ellis at Divisidero. I have always easily found parking directly in front.
My back, knee, and ankle are all akimbo and I can't wait to see him this week (I actually have already shown up a week early because I didn't watch where I was clicking when I made the appointment.).
So if you have been postponing a massage, make a reservation now. His rates are extremely reasonable, and he offers group discount packages and mid-week specials.
The Alexander Touch. Because we all need to be kneaded.
WildFi
Last week I left early to meet Kevin for pre-drinks and catch up before our non-Out-with-ACT tickets to Clybourne Park (brilliant show! Extended through Feb 20), only to be met with MUNI HELL and no cabs and I barely made it in time by taking the 71.
Muni continues its unbroken FAIL record of "always." But while I was cruising the 71 towards downtown, I amused myself by checking the wifi nodes along Haight Street via my iPhone. Back in the day, we used to go "WAR Driving" with my laptop. LOTS more nodes now. And some notable names.
. 
Zan & Jayna? Anyone?
Muni continues its unbroken FAIL record of "always." But while I was cruising the 71 towards downtown, I amused myself by checking the wifi nodes along Haight Street via my iPhone. Back in the day, we used to go "WAR Driving" with my laptop. LOTS more nodes now. And some notable names.
. Zan & Jayna? Anyone?
marriage equality inches forward
Sure, this week Montana and Wyoming passed over-reaching statewide laws to actively discriminate against LGBT citizens, to outlaw equality protections voted or legislated into place by cities or municipalities (such as Missoula with its non-discremination law), and to refuse to recognize legal same-gender marriages from other states (so much for "full faith and credit"). And a sweeping anti-gay amendment has been filed in the North Carolina Senate, going so far as to prevent companies from offering partner benefits.
Big steps back.
Inches forward:
Today the Department of Justice issued a statement saying it would no longer vigorously defend the Defense of Marriage Act, but only in certain cases and only in certain circuits. No advocating for equality, just no longer stomping on it all the time. The big news here is in the fine print: this is the first time that the Administration has come out in favor of "heightened scrutiny" for discrimination against homosexuals. And while no longer defending DOMA in certain cases does not stop the enforcement of DOMA, it does allow for repeal by congress (not likely) or a court ruling striking it down (much more likely).
And in Prop 8 news, because there is this ongoing back and forth in the appeals process (appealing the overturning of Prop 8) which looks like it may take years to resolve, the American Foundation for Equal Rights (the grieved parties in the case, which won the "it's unconstitutional" argument in the first place) has noted the delays, argues that justice delayed is of course justice denied, and has asked that the stay on Judge Walker's ruling be lifted while the proponents of discrimination continue to argue their standing.
Here's the full statement:
AFER Asks U.S. Court of Appeals to Lift the Stay on Marriage for Gay and Lesbian Couples
February 23, 2011
For Immediate Release
AFER also asks CA Supreme Court to expedite timeline to rule on matter of standing.
San Francisco -Today, the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) and its legal team - led by Theodore B. Olson and David Boies - filed a motion with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit asking that the Court immediately lift an order preventing gay and lesbian couples from marrying in California. That order, issued in August 2010, stayed the injunction issued by the U.S. District Court that barred further enforcement of Proposition 8.
This comes on the heels of a request last Thursday by AFER to the California Supreme Court to expedite the hearing of questions relating to the standing of Proponents to maintain an appeal in federal court. AFER's attorneys urged the California Supreme Court to hear arguments in May, rather than September.
"We are respectfully asking the Court to lift its stay on marriage for gay and lesbian couples because it has become apparent that the legal process is taking considerably longer than could reasonably have been anticipated," said Theodore B. Olson, co-lead counsel for AFER. "It's important to remember that the stay was originally ordered with the understanding that the Ninth Circuit would rule swiftly on the case before it. Now that the issue of the Proponents' standing to appeal has been referred for analysis by the California Supreme Court, substantial additional, indefinite and unanticipated delays lie ahead. It's unreasonable and decidedly unjust to expect California's gay and lesbian couples to put their lives on hold and suffer daily discrimination as second class citizens while their U.S. District Court victory is debated further."
In August 2010, the U.S. District Court declared Proposition 8 - which eliminated marriage rights for same-sex couples - unconstitutional and "gravely harmful" and ordered the State to cease all enforcement of it. The Ninth Circuit, however, has stayed that injunction for the duration of the appeal before that Court, depriving tens of thousands of gay and lesbian Californians of their fundamental constitutional right to marry.
Last month, the Ninth Circuit asked the California Supreme Court to resolve procedural questions relating to Proponents' standing to maintain their appeal. Last week, the California Supreme Court said it would not hear arguments before September, meaning that the procedural question might not be resolved until December 2011.
"These delays due to procedural technicalities are extraordinarily harmful and need to be resolved," said Julian Bond, chairman emeritus of the NAACP National Board of Directors and AFER Advisory Board Member. "We're talking about delaying basic civil rights which is adversely affecting tens of thousands of Californian couples and families in a real way, on a daily basis. It's simply not acceptable to continue state-sanctioned discrimination and second-class citizenship. Equality delayed is equality denied."
Gay and lesbian couples have been denied the right to marry since Prop 8 passed in November 2008.
"After a full trial, the U.S. District Court ruled unequivocally that Proposition 8 violates the Constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law and harms thousands of gay and lesbian couples and their families," said Chad Griffin, AFER Board President. "While the courts determine procedural questions, gay and lesbian families will continue to suffer. Life is not eternal-sometimes it is tragically short-and courts should not act as if it were otherwise. Today we are requesting the California Supreme Court to quickly resolve the issue of standing, and the Ninth Circuit to allow marriages to resume."
Big steps back.
Inches forward:
Today the Department of Justice issued a statement saying it would no longer vigorously defend the Defense of Marriage Act, but only in certain cases and only in certain circuits. No advocating for equality, just no longer stomping on it all the time. The big news here is in the fine print: this is the first time that the Administration has come out in favor of "heightened scrutiny" for discrimination against homosexuals. And while no longer defending DOMA in certain cases does not stop the enforcement of DOMA, it does allow for repeal by congress (not likely) or a court ruling striking it down (much more likely).
And in Prop 8 news, because there is this ongoing back and forth in the appeals process (appealing the overturning of Prop 8) which looks like it may take years to resolve, the American Foundation for Equal Rights (the grieved parties in the case, which won the "it's unconstitutional" argument in the first place) has noted the delays, argues that justice delayed is of course justice denied, and has asked that the stay on Judge Walker's ruling be lifted while the proponents of discrimination continue to argue their standing.
Here's the full statement:
AFER Asks U.S. Court of Appeals to Lift the Stay on Marriage for Gay and Lesbian Couples
February 23, 2011
For Immediate Release
AFER also asks CA Supreme Court to expedite timeline to rule on matter of standing.
San Francisco -Today, the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) and its legal team - led by Theodore B. Olson and David Boies - filed a motion with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit asking that the Court immediately lift an order preventing gay and lesbian couples from marrying in California. That order, issued in August 2010, stayed the injunction issued by the U.S. District Court that barred further enforcement of Proposition 8.
This comes on the heels of a request last Thursday by AFER to the California Supreme Court to expedite the hearing of questions relating to the standing of Proponents to maintain an appeal in federal court. AFER's attorneys urged the California Supreme Court to hear arguments in May, rather than September.
"We are respectfully asking the Court to lift its stay on marriage for gay and lesbian couples because it has become apparent that the legal process is taking considerably longer than could reasonably have been anticipated," said Theodore B. Olson, co-lead counsel for AFER. "It's important to remember that the stay was originally ordered with the understanding that the Ninth Circuit would rule swiftly on the case before it. Now that the issue of the Proponents' standing to appeal has been referred for analysis by the California Supreme Court, substantial additional, indefinite and unanticipated delays lie ahead. It's unreasonable and decidedly unjust to expect California's gay and lesbian couples to put their lives on hold and suffer daily discrimination as second class citizens while their U.S. District Court victory is debated further."
In August 2010, the U.S. District Court declared Proposition 8 - which eliminated marriage rights for same-sex couples - unconstitutional and "gravely harmful" and ordered the State to cease all enforcement of it. The Ninth Circuit, however, has stayed that injunction for the duration of the appeal before that Court, depriving tens of thousands of gay and lesbian Californians of their fundamental constitutional right to marry.
Last month, the Ninth Circuit asked the California Supreme Court to resolve procedural questions relating to Proponents' standing to maintain their appeal. Last week, the California Supreme Court said it would not hear arguments before September, meaning that the procedural question might not be resolved until December 2011.
"These delays due to procedural technicalities are extraordinarily harmful and need to be resolved," said Julian Bond, chairman emeritus of the NAACP National Board of Directors and AFER Advisory Board Member. "We're talking about delaying basic civil rights which is adversely affecting tens of thousands of Californian couples and families in a real way, on a daily basis. It's simply not acceptable to continue state-sanctioned discrimination and second-class citizenship. Equality delayed is equality denied."
Gay and lesbian couples have been denied the right to marry since Prop 8 passed in November 2008.
"After a full trial, the U.S. District Court ruled unequivocally that Proposition 8 violates the Constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law and harms thousands of gay and lesbian couples and their families," said Chad Griffin, AFER Board President. "While the courts determine procedural questions, gay and lesbian families will continue to suffer. Life is not eternal-sometimes it is tragically short-and courts should not act as if it were otherwise. Today we are requesting the California Supreme Court to quickly resolve the issue of standing, and the Ninth Circuit to allow marriages to resume."
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
all the single ladies
put your hands UP!
I love that their sales pitch is "This issue contains actual photos of 303 LONELY MAIDENS, WIDOWS, and DIVORCEES!"
Widows...Spinsters...Widows...Get your widows here!
Me? I'm in it for the "gay intrigue!"
Via World of Wonder.
I love that their sales pitch is "This issue contains actual photos of 303 LONELY MAIDENS, WIDOWS, and DIVORCEES!"
Widows...Spinsters...Widows...Get your widows here!
Me? I'm in it for the "gay intrigue!"
Via World of Wonder.
Amazon Prime subscribers get free streaming movies
In an attempt to compete with NetFlix, Amazon has a new offer for streaming their media content.
Amazon.com already offers a "Prime" membership for about $80 a year which gives members free two-day shipping on eligible items all year long. My sister-in-law first alerted me to this and most people I've talked to with families and houses seem to be addicted to it I signed up before Christmas last just for their two-month trial period so I could get free two-day shipping on all my shopping (which half the times arrives overnight). I'm addicted now too. Parents report using their Prime membership as a replacement for running to the store for everyday items. Out of diapers? Fine, Amazon can have a case at your doorstep tomorrow or the next day for no additional charge.
Now Amazon Prime members can enjoy free streaming from the Amazon Video-On-Demand library. While it does take a computer to order items, access to streaming content is built into many networked DVD players (I know my Sony Blu-Ray player has an Amazon content menu) and all recent models of the TiVo DVRs.
So Amazon Prime members, give it a try! It appears you have nothing to lose.
Amazon.com already offers a "Prime" membership for about $80 a year which gives members free two-day shipping on eligible items all year long. My sister-in-law first alerted me to this and most people I've talked to with families and houses seem to be addicted to it I signed up before Christmas last just for their two-month trial period so I could get free two-day shipping on all my shopping (which half the times arrives overnight). I'm addicted now too. Parents report using their Prime membership as a replacement for running to the store for everyday items. Out of diapers? Fine, Amazon can have a case at your doorstep tomorrow or the next day for no additional charge.
Now Amazon Prime members can enjoy free streaming from the Amazon Video-On-Demand library. While it does take a computer to order items, access to streaming content is built into many networked DVD players (I know my Sony Blu-Ray player has an Amazon content menu) and all recent models of the TiVo DVRs.
So Amazon Prime members, give it a try! It appears you have nothing to lose.
Next Fanboy: Wonder Woman
The February Fanboy night at the Lone Star was a hit with Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog. The inflatable hammers were a fun touch.
The next Fanboy night is scheduled for the Ides of March, celebrating Wonder Woman and all Riot Girls—March 15, 7 p.m., the Lone Star Saloon.
Hey look, it's Debra Winger on david Letterman!
 |
| Wilson got hammered at Fanboy. |
The next Fanboy night is scheduled for the Ides of March, celebrating Wonder Woman and all Riot Girls—March 15, 7 p.m., the Lone Star Saloon.
Hey look, it's Debra Winger on david Letterman!
no wire airplane hangers
It seems that Fay Dunaway has lost herself in the part, and has earned a reputation as a screaming diva bitch even with corporations. From D*Listed and Page Six comes this report that has a habit of buying coach tickets then upon arrival, demanding to be upgraded to first class, and being a such a bitch to staff that flight attendants consider pulling a Steven Slater and by opening the emergency exit, inflating the emergency ramp and calling it quits while in flight. In the early 90's, airline management would contact the gates and insist that Faye Dunaway NOT be upgraded under any circumstance. Wow. That's pissing a lot of people off when a corporation decides to blacklist you.
Upon being denied an upgrade, one staff member tells the story: "She was a total bitch, screaming at everyone and saying, 'Don't you know who I am?'"
I'm afraid I might have overstepped my bounds in the flight attendant's situation, and replied to Ms. Dunaway saying, "I'm sorry, did you just ask me why you can't get the respect you're entitled to? Seriously?" Or perhaps more succinctly and a bit more poetically, I would have replied to "Don't you know who I am?" with a simple, "Because I am not. one. of. your. fans.
Then backed it up with some Supergirl/Helen Slater reference.
Upon being denied an upgrade, one staff member tells the story: "She was a total bitch, screaming at everyone and saying, 'Don't you know who I am?'"
I'm afraid I might have overstepped my bounds in the flight attendant's situation, and replied to Ms. Dunaway saying, "I'm sorry, did you just ask me why you can't get the respect you're entitled to? Seriously?" Or perhaps more succinctly and a bit more poetically, I would have replied to "Don't you know who I am?" with a simple, "Because I am not. one. of. your. fans.
Then backed it up with some Supergirl/Helen Slater reference.
easy extension for saving YouTube videos
FastestTube is a new extension for almost any browser which lets you save YouTube videos. Nice.
And an easy "how to install and use" video from the Cult of Mac:
And an easy "how to install and use" video from the Cult of Mac:
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Leisure Soup Larry
The other night in the cab there was an in-depth (ha) story on banning shark skin suits in California. I couldn't figure out why, other than, you know, 70s & shiny. They went on and one, and then talked about the absolutely horrible way shark skin is harvested, and how intolerably and unnecessarily and gratuitously cruel it is and how there really is no need for shark skin suits and the ban should not be receiving such opposition.
I was so puzzled there in the back seat thinking: "But shark skin suits are not made from actual shark skin..."
Finally, the reporter moved onto "cultural chinese" and, (I'm sorry but completely bullshit) reasons for the importance of shark skin and how much it costs per bowl and it shows how successful they are when served at traditional weddings and I clued into that the reporter was saying, indistinctly, was shark. fin. soup.
That made much more sense.
However shark fin harvesting is senseless. And apparently has severely fucked up the ocean ecosystems. "Showing off how wealthy we are with yet another esoteric 'delicacy'" is not a reason to defend over fishing and global scale animal cruelty. We managed to cut out eating Chilean sea bass and other endangered animals without losing our collective shit. State Senator Leland Yee has lost what little respect I had for him by pandering to the Chinese immigrant population on this what should be a non-issue, but it's an election cycle.
I was so puzzled there in the back seat thinking: "But shark skin suits are not made from actual shark skin..."
Finally, the reporter moved onto "cultural chinese" and, (I'm sorry but completely bullshit) reasons for the importance of shark skin and how much it costs per bowl and it shows how successful they are when served at traditional weddings and I clued into that the reporter was saying, indistinctly, was shark. fin. soup.
That made much more sense.
bag it
I was indifferent with the City banned single-use plastic bags in the City, but have noticed a significant decrease in street trash and general detritus caused by these bags. I have also started using canvas bags on almost every trip to Safeway and they are so much easier. I'm still happy with paper bags and use them in my recycling and composting.
While the attempt to pass such legislation on the statewide level has failed, other municipalities have taken note—particularly around the Bay where the bags are a great source of pollution. Personally, I think it was skeevy of the plastics people to sue San Jose for passing their law without an environmental impact report (paper bags affect trees!) because using less of the earth-killing plastic bags cuts into their profits. However, $140,000 later, San Jose may limit or charge for paper bags too as a way to encourage the use of reusable bags. Worked on me and I am happier for it.
The Wall Street Journal: More Cities Take Aim at Plastic Bags
While the attempt to pass such legislation on the statewide level has failed, other municipalities have taken note—particularly around the Bay where the bags are a great source of pollution. Personally, I think it was skeevy of the plastics people to sue San Jose for passing their law without an environmental impact report (paper bags affect trees!) because using less of the earth-killing plastic bags cuts into their profits. However, $140,000 later, San Jose may limit or charge for paper bags too as a way to encourage the use of reusable bags. Worked on me and I am happier for it. The Wall Street Journal: More Cities Take Aim at Plastic Bags
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
entitled
I love that I have some truly interesting friends. I wish my job and/or job title were more cool. Stephen has a new job and has updated his resume with titles such as "Lexicographer" and "Discourse Analyst/Linguist."
Word up.
Word up.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
belly up to the food truck
Sure, I'm not going to stalk a twitter feed to find where I can find this week's super trendy sweet potato tater tot truck, but when a dozen urban gourmet food trucks park outside my front door, I'm gonna go.
Off The Grid food truck dining experiences circles a caravan of amazing eateries on wheels every Thursday just down the street from my apartment in the lot formed by the closure of Waller Street from Stanyan to Lincoln, next to the Kezar Pavilion and a block south of Haight Street. Now this is Some Tasty, and yes, the sweet potato tots are worth it.
And with the recent spate of awesome weather, it is a neighborhood picnic extravaganza. Everyone is all smiles and chatty and happy to greet a neighbor over a basked of Curry in a Hurry or a tasty Hawaiian ginger chicken bowl from Lumpia. The line for the cupcake truck is comical. But it's a great way to greet a sunset as spring fast approaches.
And when harvest time settles in, the new farmers' market will return to the space on Wednesdays. Who knew a public lot would become my favorite local eatery?
Earlier shots of the Cole Valley Farmers' Market:
. 
Off The Grid food truck dining experiences circles a caravan of amazing eateries on wheels every Thursday just down the street from my apartment in the lot formed by the closure of Waller Street from Stanyan to Lincoln, next to the Kezar Pavilion and a block south of Haight Street. Now this is Some Tasty, and yes, the sweet potato tots are worth it.
And with the recent spate of awesome weather, it is a neighborhood picnic extravaganza. Everyone is all smiles and chatty and happy to greet a neighbor over a basked of Curry in a Hurry or a tasty Hawaiian ginger chicken bowl from Lumpia. The line for the cupcake truck is comical. But it's a great way to greet a sunset as spring fast approaches.
And when harvest time settles in, the new farmers' market will return to the space on Wednesdays. Who knew a public lot would become my favorite local eatery?
Earlier shots of the Cole Valley Farmers' Market:
. Fanboys and fire victims
Two things on the agenda tonight:
Fanboy returns to the Lone Star for games, trivia, and viewings of Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog (I have my Whedon devotees to catch up with), and much more neighborly is the benefit event at the Lookout for residents displaced by the recent spate of arson fires in the Castro. One building is just a few doors away from the Lookout, and the good neighbors are hosting a little something to help them out. (Poster via Mission Mission.)
Fanboy returns to the Lone Star for games, trivia, and viewings of Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog (I have my Whedon devotees to catch up with), and much more neighborly is the benefit event at the Lookout for residents displaced by the recent spate of arson fires in the Castro. One building is just a few doors away from the Lookout, and the good neighbors are hosting a little something to help them out. (Poster via Mission Mission.)
I'm hoping for time/energy for both/either. My favorite local writers/bloggers will be there too and I'd love to see them.
people I need in my living room
Last week during SF Sketchfest Shilpa and got to totally nerdgasm over an evening with Diane English and Candice Bergen on stage a mere eight rows from us chatting about Murphy Brown. Sure, the organizers were as sycophantic as we were, but I would have rather them not screen the birth episode at Diane's request, even though it is Diane's favorite and was her personally final episode. Yes, it was a pivotal episode for the series but also one of the least entertaining. And almost everything they said about the episode was verbatim to what they said in that decade-old clip show I posted earlier.
And how could there NOT be a montage of assistants!? Robbed! And I would have loved some more chatter on some of the more memorable guest spots, like Paul Rubens/Pee Wee Herman or the addition of Lily Tomlin.
However, we were totally giddy at all of the inside stories and casual charm these two obviously close friends shared with a crowded Castro theater. Particularly the Dan Quale business, which it turns out was started by his opening salvo at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco of all places. Really? You want to pick a liberal fight here? Bring it.
Catty gossip and shared stories made these two an absolute delight and all the Murphy talk took me back to high school days and family dinners (and the emotional baggage associated with). Such a great evening. And I tell you, I really need to get me some of that "TV money" they kept talking about. And a job where everyone is giddy to go to work every day. Maybe it's time to start applying for television writer jobs.
And how could there NOT be a montage of assistants!? Robbed! And I would have loved some more chatter on some of the more memorable guest spots, like Paul Rubens/Pee Wee Herman or the addition of Lily Tomlin.
However, we were totally giddy at all of the inside stories and casual charm these two obviously close friends shared with a crowded Castro theater. Particularly the Dan Quale business, which it turns out was started by his opening salvo at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco of all places. Really? You want to pick a liberal fight here? Bring it.
Catty gossip and shared stories made these two an absolute delight and all the Murphy talk took me back to high school days and family dinners (and the emotional baggage associated with). Such a great evening. And I tell you, I really need to get me some of that "TV money" they kept talking about. And a job where everyone is giddy to go to work every day. Maybe it's time to start applying for television writer jobs.
Happy V
I didn't get around to posting anything for Valentine's Day yesterday as it was just too busy of a day. I would like to offer you a little hunka hunka burnin' Elvis lovin'.
And a female friend I know, who had received flowers from her beau earlier in the week, received this card from her increasingly significant other.
I did feel the need to ask, "If he sent you a dozen flowers, how many..."
And a female friend I know, who had received flowers from her beau earlier in the week, received this card from her increasingly significant other.
I did feel the need to ask, "If he sent you a dozen flowers, how many..."
I gots me one o' them "feelin's"
from the aptly named "The Cleverlys."
Other hits include bluegrass versions of Katy Perry's I Kissed a Girl (filmed at 12th & Porter in Nashville, where I spent five nights a week in my 20s), Owner of a Lonely Heart, and Walk Like an Egyptian.
Other hits include bluegrass versions of Katy Perry's I Kissed a Girl (filmed at 12th & Porter in Nashville, where I spent five nights a week in my 20s), Owner of a Lonely Heart, and Walk Like an Egyptian.
Monday, February 14, 2011
we most certainly do
via JMG:
As a benefit for the Trevor Project, openly gay singer Matt Zarley has recorded a cover of Pat Benatar's 1984 smash We Belong. Below is a snippet of DJ Bill Bennett's remix. Both the single and its remix are now available on iTunes and at Amazon.
As a benefit for the Trevor Project, openly gay singer Matt Zarley has recorded a cover of Pat Benatar's 1984 smash We Belong. Below is a snippet of DJ Bill Bennett's remix. Both the single and its remix are now available on iTunes and at Amazon.
Trader Joe's back on the table for the Castro
Via Supervisor Scott Wiener's Facebook post:
"Monday night will be an important community meeting to hear about Trader Joe's plans for its proposed Noe/Market location in the Castro. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at Davies Medical Center, level B. Come, listen, and provide your feedback."
Friday, February 11, 2011
stigmata or budget cuts?
I am eagerly awaiting the iPad 2 expected to be released sometime in June. I want to buy one for me, one for Mom, and maybe more for the rest of the family.
In order to afford these I'm going to need to start saving like Jesus.
In order to afford these I'm going to need to start saving like Jesus.
This week in Fun February
Some things on my calendar for this week:
Friday night (tonight): The monthly Lick It! (What do you have a taste for?) fundraiser at the Powerhouse hosted by IML (runner up) and super nice guy Lance Holman.
Saturday Feb 12: Fundraiser for the Bay Area Chapter of the GSGRA (the Gay Rodeo), ridiculously awesome drag show, and Empress election rally for Saybeline at the Lookout! 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday Feb 13: Sweethearts' Ball and Underwear Party at Sundance Saloon (hot dancing in your skivvies!), the GlamaZone at the Cafe hosted by Pollo Del Mar, and the usual furry fun-ness late night at 440.
Monday Feb 14: Valentine's Day options abound in the City, from Lovers Lane to the Bitter Ball. If you don't have plans by now, I can't help you. If you are feeling lonely, toss back a couple of shots and join any one of the hundred underwear parties across the City for any and all orientations. Ben and I got tickets for a Victor/Victoria Valentine with the incomparable Leslie Ann Warren (hosted by Coco Peru) at the Castro Theater and I pee myself just a little every time I think about it. Sold out.
Tuesday Feb 15: Fanboy Night at the Lone Star. This time: Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog.
Wednesday Feb 16: Beat the Gong talent show/competition at Trigger. Benefits the Bay Area Gay Rodeo. 6:00 p.m.
Thursday Feb 17: Sundance Saloon, the SF Bluegrass and Old Time Festival at Cafe Du Nord, and the 1984 dance party has officially moved to Mighty with like totally awesome reviews.
Friday Feb 18: Mr. Powerhouse Leather 2011 competition, Trannyshack's Stevie Nicks Tribute Night at DNA Lounge,Paw at Deco (that's next week), and the (final) International Bear Rendez-Vous kicks into high gear. Go Grizzlies!
Friday night (tonight): The monthly Lick It! (What do you have a taste for?) fundraiser at the Powerhouse hosted by IML (runner up) and super nice guy Lance Holman.
Saturday Feb 12: Fundraiser for the Bay Area Chapter of the GSGRA (the Gay Rodeo), ridiculously awesome drag show, and Empress election rally for Saybeline at the Lookout! 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday Feb 13: Sweethearts' Ball and Underwear Party at Sundance Saloon (hot dancing in your skivvies!), the GlamaZone at the Cafe hosted by Pollo Del Mar, and the usual furry fun-ness late night at 440.
Monday Feb 14: Valentine's Day options abound in the City, from Lovers Lane to the Bitter Ball. If you don't have plans by now, I can't help you. If you are feeling lonely, toss back a couple of shots and join any one of the hundred underwear parties across the City for any and all orientations. Ben and I got tickets for a Victor/Victoria Valentine with the incomparable Leslie Ann Warren (hosted by Coco Peru) at the Castro Theater and I pee myself just a little every time I think about it. Sold out.
Tuesday Feb 15: Fanboy Night at the Lone Star. This time: Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog.
Wednesday Feb 16: Beat the Gong talent show/competition at Trigger. Benefits the Bay Area Gay Rodeo. 6:00 p.m.
Thursday Feb 17: Sundance Saloon, the SF Bluegrass and Old Time Festival at Cafe Du Nord, and the 1984 dance party has officially moved to Mighty with like totally awesome reviews.
Friday Feb 18: Mr. Powerhouse Leather 2011 competition, Trannyshack's Stevie Nicks Tribute Night at DNA Lounge,
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
joys of home ownership
Kevin moves into their new house at 21st and Shotwell today. Text message just received:
K: Just picked up my first used (assumed) condom on the side of the house...welcome home!
Me: Well, at least you know it's a "safe" neighborhood.
K: Just picked up my first used (assumed) condom on the side of the house...welcome home!
Me: Well, at least you know it's a "safe" neighborhood.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
sunshine on my shoulders
makes me happy. And makes me reach for the SPF for my little bald head.
The bulk of the nation continues to be in the icy grip of snowpocalypsi, and I'm on the fourth day of wearing a shirt-sleeved linen shirt to leave the house in the morning.
Here is the scene from brunch Sunday:
. 
Nice. I might be inclined to say "Nanna nanna nah nah" to my friends in sub-zero temps points east, but I think I'll just repost this lovely little local video instead.
The bulk of the nation continues to be in the icy grip of snowpocalypsi, and I'm on the fourth day of wearing a shirt-sleeved linen shirt to leave the house in the morning.
Here is the scene from brunch Sunday:
. Nice. I might be inclined to say "Nanna nanna nah nah" to my friends in sub-zero temps points east, but I think I'll just repost this lovely little local video instead.
Monday, February 07, 2011
Welcome to San Francisco
I've had a lot of visitors this month and it looks like the next two months will be full with more folks taking advantage of the February SF summer. So for friends and friends of the blog, here are my down and dirty recommendations for visiting San Francisco.
Accommodations
I think of accommodations in three basic genres: corporate hotels, boutique hotels, and quaint/cheap.
Big Corporate Hotels
Generally, visitors will want to be able to walk places, so I recommend something central and around Union Square. While Union Square has shops and access to public transit, it also has its level of crime, panhandlers, dense population of tourists, and no food or dining to recommend. However, the shopping is fun and plentiful, and access to cable cars, busses, the Muni metro and the Financial District is all walkable. The only big hotels I don't recommend are the Fairmont, Mark Hopkins and the Ritz Carlton, but that is solely for their perch atop Nob Hill which is nothing anyone wants to climb casually or repeatedly. Otherwise, they are superb. If you have a driver or a cab, enjoy the opulence. Otherwise, these are the nice places around Market Street/Union Square: The Westin Saint Francis (historic, one of my faves, on Union Square), the Monaco (posh and fun feeling), the Nikko, the Four Seasons, and the Sheraton Palace. The Hilton and the Marriott are convenient if not obscenely huge. The J.W. Marriott is actually quite nice too. The Hyatts are all fine—the Grand Hyatt is on Union Square and the Hyatt Regency is at the Embarcadero with views of the Bay and convenient to Muni, walking, shopping, and ferries. The Clift is uber hip/trendy but frankly uncomfortable and austere if you are not yourself hip and trendy. The Hotel Triton is a fun boutique hotel with small rooms but a lot of character. South of Market features the newer and nicer hotels, and I have been impressed with the new Intercontinental and the Saint Regis. These are all pricey hotels, but friends have found deals as low as $110 using hotwire.com and selecting four star hotels.
Boutique Hotels
Hotel Triton, conveniently located at Bush and Grant, is sort of "funky." The Kensington Park is charming and still located near Union Square. The Hotel Majestic is lovely, but off the beaten path at Gough and Sutter.
Quaint/Cheaper
Decide in which neighborhood you might like to spend most of your time, or neighborhoods you like, and check out the smaller lodging options and B&Bs. They range from fabulous five room lodgings in neighborhoods like Laurel Heights to Cape Cod-style "Guest Houses" in the Castro. These tend to very few frills, but have that family or comfy feel. Amenities and availability of private bathes vary immensely. Search the web. I've sent many friends to the Fuchsia Tree private apartment (basically, an in-law unit) that is charming, roomy, has a private entrance, garden, and is located at 19th and Castro. I continue to recommend it.
Food
Okay, here's the thing. I may be an eater, but I am not a foodie. I am terrible at knowing what's going on in the food scene. I tend to have a hard time remembering even my favorite restaurants. I have good friends, however, who have their fingers on the pulse of SF's culinary scene and I can refer you to them. We tend to suggest restaurants based on your preference of one or more of the following: (1) price/stars (2) culinary style, or (3) neighborhood. If you're a local, we also consider (4) parking/Muni access.
That being said, here are my recommendations for the SF traveler:
Travel Apps
Friends have also asked me what apps I use for traveling. Here's what's on my phone:
. 
I also have several city guides, real-time and image translators, and foreign-language dictionaries I add to this mix depending on my destination. Browse the app store and see what suits your needs or interests.
Because I use them locally they are not listed under "travel," but for dining about I recommend the must-have apps Urban Spoon and OpenTable. (I love the Open Table app, and sometimes using the app while out and about feels like living in the future.)
Accommodations
I think of accommodations in three basic genres: corporate hotels, boutique hotels, and quaint/cheap.
Big Corporate HotelsGenerally, visitors will want to be able to walk places, so I recommend something central and around Union Square. While Union Square has shops and access to public transit, it also has its level of crime, panhandlers, dense population of tourists, and no food or dining to recommend. However, the shopping is fun and plentiful, and access to cable cars, busses, the Muni metro and the Financial District is all walkable. The only big hotels I don't recommend are the Fairmont, Mark Hopkins and the Ritz Carlton, but that is solely for their perch atop Nob Hill which is nothing anyone wants to climb casually or repeatedly. Otherwise, they are superb. If you have a driver or a cab, enjoy the opulence. Otherwise, these are the nice places around Market Street/Union Square: The Westin Saint Francis (historic, one of my faves, on Union Square), the Monaco (posh and fun feeling), the Nikko, the Four Seasons, and the Sheraton Palace. The Hilton and the Marriott are convenient if not obscenely huge. The J.W. Marriott is actually quite nice too. The Hyatts are all fine—the Grand Hyatt is on Union Square and the Hyatt Regency is at the Embarcadero with views of the Bay and convenient to Muni, walking, shopping, and ferries. The Clift is uber hip/trendy but frankly uncomfortable and austere if you are not yourself hip and trendy. The Hotel Triton is a fun boutique hotel with small rooms but a lot of character. South of Market features the newer and nicer hotels, and I have been impressed with the new Intercontinental and the Saint Regis. These are all pricey hotels, but friends have found deals as low as $110 using hotwire.com and selecting four star hotels.
Boutique Hotels
Hotel Triton, conveniently located at Bush and Grant, is sort of "funky." The Kensington Park is charming and still located near Union Square. The Hotel Majestic is lovely, but off the beaten path at Gough and Sutter.
Quaint/CheaperDecide in which neighborhood you might like to spend most of your time, or neighborhoods you like, and check out the smaller lodging options and B&Bs. They range from fabulous five room lodgings in neighborhoods like Laurel Heights to Cape Cod-style "Guest Houses" in the Castro. These tend to very few frills, but have that family or comfy feel. Amenities and availability of private bathes vary immensely. Search the web. I've sent many friends to the Fuchsia Tree private apartment (basically, an in-law unit) that is charming, roomy, has a private entrance, garden, and is located at 19th and Castro. I continue to recommend it.
Food
Okay, here's the thing. I may be an eater, but I am not a foodie. I am terrible at knowing what's going on in the food scene. I tend to have a hard time remembering even my favorite restaurants. I have good friends, however, who have their fingers on the pulse of SF's culinary scene and I can refer you to them. We tend to suggest restaurants based on your preference of one or more of the following: (1) price/stars (2) culinary style, or (3) neighborhood. If you're a local, we also consider (4) parking/Muni access.
That being said, here are my recommendations for the SF traveler:
- Very Nice Dinner: Zuni
- Amazing Dinner: The Globe
- Expensive dinner with carefully crafted cocktails: The Salt House
- Fun Dinner: Cuban tapas at Cha Cha Cha
- Tasty, south of Market, off the grid dinner: The Brick House (near the ballpark, although known for lunch)
- Best downtown lunches: Belden Lane (expensive), personally love Taverna
- Best home cooking, fun and family-friendly: Chow (or it's cousin Park Chow). Chow serves beer & wine only, for a full bar go across the street to Home.
- In the Mission: Luna Park
- Cole Valley: Zazie (wonderful French bistro, known for its garden brunch too.)
- Simple, casual tasty, and in a great atmosphere, mostly outdoors: Cafe Flore.
- Favorite burrito & margarita dinner: Puerto Alegre (order the stewed chicken burrito!!)
- Best people-watching brunch on the sidewalk: Squat & Gobble in the Castro
- New favorite casual Thai place: Thai House Express at 19th & Castro (not yet had a bad meal)
- Best Brunk: Harvey's
Travel Apps
Friends have also asked me what apps I use for traveling. Here's what's on my phone:
. mostly hostly
Since New Year's Day, it has been an endless medley of friends and friends of friends flocking to San Francisco.
It's January.
I was surprised that this has become the new peak visit SF season, then I look at the national weather forecasts. Sure, there are still nights here I have to get out a wool sleeping cap, but these past few weeks have seen record-setting warm weather days and nothing is more gorgeous than SF on a clear sunny day. I love it when friends come to town, and I am comfortable in the role of host, but this is just getting ridiculous.
In January we had some lovely kids in from Nashville and New York. Last week we had the super fabulous Bryan Rusciano out here for MacWorld,
immediately followed by a special Mystery Guest who rocked our sunny SF weekend and left me a puddle of exhausted laughter and disbelief. The next morning brought the return of the Amazing Dr. Barney, a long lost friend whose return to SF for work/play lasted only about 30 hours.
. 
This week Klaus returns, followed by Wiff, then Iris. Honestly, I've got to find some time to spend with my friends that actually live here.
In the spirit of being a good host, and to answer many e-mails with one response, following posts will include short travel guides to San Francisco for the casual traveler popping in, and invariably asking for suggestions as to food, lodging, points of interest and resources.
It's January.
I was surprised that this has become the new peak visit SF season, then I look at the national weather forecasts. Sure, there are still nights here I have to get out a wool sleeping cap, but these past few weeks have seen record-setting warm weather days and nothing is more gorgeous than SF on a clear sunny day. I love it when friends come to town, and I am comfortable in the role of host, but this is just getting ridiculous.
In January we had some lovely kids in from Nashville and New York. Last week we had the super fabulous Bryan Rusciano out here for MacWorld,
immediately followed by a special Mystery Guest who rocked our sunny SF weekend and left me a puddle of exhausted laughter and disbelief. The next morning brought the return of the Amazing Dr. Barney, a long lost friend whose return to SF for work/play lasted only about 30 hours.
. This week Klaus returns, followed by Wiff, then Iris. Honestly, I've got to find some time to spend with my friends that actually live here.
In the spirit of being a good host, and to answer many e-mails with one response, following posts will include short travel guides to San Francisco for the casual traveler popping in, and invariably asking for suggestions as to food, lodging, points of interest and resources.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Three fires in the Castro this morning
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
safety dance in your pants
"Okay, we'll have dinner after the show. And it's on me since you bought the tickets.""Right! And in that case, I want lobster!"
"You're not getting any sex."
[Quizzical look] "How big are your crabs?"
spin cycle
I need a music word that begins with F to finish out the trio "Fur, Fusic, and Fun."
meet me in the produce aisle
The SF Appeal has confirmation (including comments from one of my favorite local writers Violet Blue) that the Mill Valley grocery Mollie Stone's plans to open in the space as soon as early March. The neighborhood does need a good sized neighborhood grocer, and it's about time.
let the Yellow Pages do the walking
Every year San Franciscans are pained by the bales of wasted paper which pile up outside their apartment buildings known as The Yellow Pages. The Internet has basically made these useless, and the publishing waste and forced acceptance (i.e. no option for refusal for delivery) of these tomes is offensive.
Now, San Francisco Board of Supervisors President David Chiu has proposed a ban on unsolicited delivery of these piles of paper waste. From the SF Appeal:
Now, San Francisco Board of Supervisors President David Chiu has proposed a ban on unsolicited delivery of these piles of paper waste. From the SF Appeal:
In a case of serendipitous timing, the same day that Board of Supes president David Chiu plans on proposing a ban on unsolicited distribution of Yellow Pages directories in SF, the folks who make the Yellow Pages say they're launching a site allowing you to opt out of receiving the tomes.According to the SF Department of the Environment, it costs as much as $750,000 per year to recycle the volumes -- that is, for the reported 1 million plus that manage to make it into the recycling in the first place.Under Chiu's proposal,Yellow Pages delivery people wouldn't be allowed to leave the book for you unless you opt in (basically, subscribe) to receive it. Get a book when you didn't request it and Yellow Pages could get fined as much as $500 per offense.As one might expect, the folks behind the Yellow Pages view it as "an infringement of our constitutional rights," and say they intend to fight the proposal, which they've done successfully in the past.
you make me feel like a natural newswoman
SF Sketchfest tonight: Tribute to Murphy Brown with Diane English and Candice Bergen, moderated by Connie Chung.
From the webpage:
I'm so looking forward to it!
From the webpage:
In this special tribute to Murphy Brown, SF Sketchfest welcomes award-winning creator, writer and producer Diane English and "Murphy Brown" herself, acclaimed actress Candice Bergen to the Castro Theatre stage for a look back at the remarkable ten year run of the groundbreaking CBS series. Murphy Brown received sixty-two Emmy nominations, eighteen Emmy Awards (including two for Best Comedy Series), a Golden Globe for Best Comedy Series, and the George Foster Peabody Award for Significant and Meritorious Achievement. Diane English recently received the prestigious Crystal Award from Women in Film for writing, producing and directing The Women, an adaptation of the iconic play and film. Candice Bergen is "a beautiful actress who projects intelligence, humor, vulnerability and self-reliance – all more or less simultaneously," wrote critic Vincent Canby in the New York Times. She has received multiple awards and extraordinary critical acclaim for performances in film and television including Getting Straight, Carnal Knowledge, Starting Over, Boston Legal and many more. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see these two great artists discuss their collaborative process.
I'm so looking forward to it!
Everything is still a remix
I found the short documentary Everything Is a Remix fascinating. Kirby Ferguson has now released Everything Is a Remix, Part 2: Remix, Inc.
brisk
It's a sunny and slightly chilly morning here in SF. I'm wearing a sweater vest.
Not so bad.
Hey Chicago, How you doin'?
( E. Jason Wambsgans, Chicago Tribune / February 2, 2011 )
Abandoned vehicles litter northbound Lake Shore Drive on Wednesday morning.
Oh, about like everyone else.
Although I was sad to miss the wedding, and more quality time with Dad, I think I am grateful I couldn't get back to Nashville this weekend. Travel must be a nightmare these days.
But still, I want a snow day! I love snow!
Not so bad.
Hey Chicago, How you doin'?
( E. Jason Wambsgans, Chicago Tribune / February 2, 2011 )
Abandoned vehicles litter northbound Lake Shore Drive on Wednesday morning.
Oh, about like everyone else.
Although I was sad to miss the wedding, and more quality time with Dad, I think I am grateful I couldn't get back to Nashville this weekend. Travel must be a nightmare these days.
But still, I want a snow day! I love snow!
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
dancing with myself
The BBC program programme Fast and Loose has a segment called "Interpretive Dance." This guy is genius.
See also his take on Torn at an Amnesty International benefit.
See also his take on Torn at an Amnesty International benefit.
it's the little things
Davidson College, my alma mater, is hosting an alumni educational series on Ethics. I included several Ethics classes in my self-designed curriculum and loved all of them. At the time ('89-'93), Dr. Lance Stell was the main Ethics professor, now there is an Ethics department, and Dr. Stell (then, and I imagine still, a professional Medical Ethicist, pager and everything) is now the "Thatcher Professor of Philosophy and Director of Medical Humanities."
Dr. Stell was one of the few professors with a cork or white board on his office door, and I made it a habit of leaving pithy little aphorisms every couple of days. The Davidson Alumni College Program is called "Ethics: Theory and Practice."
I wonder if he remembers that one of my favorite thoughts I scribbled on his door once was "In Theory, there is no difference between Theory and Practice. But in Practice, there is."
Dr. Stell was one of the few professors with a cork or white board on his office door, and I made it a habit of leaving pithy little aphorisms every couple of days. The Davidson Alumni College Program is called "Ethics: Theory and Practice."
I wonder if he remembers that one of my favorite thoughts I scribbled on his door once was "In Theory, there is no difference between Theory and Practice. But in Practice, there is."
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