with all the things that have been going up in our lives, the first lady of steveohville and i decided to do a whole lot of nothing during this past weekend. i can't tell you how much of a gift that's been, to not worry about deadlines or checklists. seriously. you should try it sometime.
anyways, you still have to do some stuff to fill up a whole lot of nothing. so we decided to go for a walk down valencia in the mission (about two miles round trip) and hit up a restaurant on the way back. well, on our way down, we got caught up in the san francisco dyke march and also the dykes on bikes parade which was, in a word, hilarious. and, in another word, uplifting. a bunch of the marchers had just gotten married in city hall, and it was truly an honor to applaud for them and their struggle to get recognized. and there were those who actually chose to get recognized by showing their tits. (of course, it's always the people whose tits you really don't want to see). all in all, from the first bike that rode by to the last pair of floppy tits who jiggled past us, the whole thing was pretty damn cool, one of the truly amazing moments borne in this city that you don't appreciate until you experience it. and, of course, it's not a march or protest in san francisco unless frank chiu is there. and he was, walking side by side with lesbians.
on the way back, we ate dinner on valencia at 22nd at this wonderful restaurant named spork, which has a fantastic little backstory. and now, it's become the go-to eatery for us to take whomever comes to visit. we had this delicious appetizer called "italian stallion" which was a small serving of lasagna with fresh mozzarella. then, for dinner, the first lady had strawberries with goat cheese croquette, and i had the seared dayboat scallops, followed by a root beer float drowned in sioux city sarsparilla. overall, the food was simple but elegant, which matched the simple and elegant ambiance. and it seems like i'm not alone with high praise. if you're ever hungry and in the mission, there you go.
at night, we relaxed on our couch, searched on demand and watched "gone baby gone", which is as a tight, smart and expertly made film that was made last year. then again, it's a crime drama set in boston, and two academy awards later, you can safely say that movies like that haven't sucked recently. and it's based off a dennis lehane novel, so there was a lot of good momentum behind it automatically. and, to continue on with the tidal wave of goodness, it starred the always great casey affleck and ed harris. and it was, i shit you not, expertly directed by ben affleck. yes, that ben affleck. seriously, this movie had a lot of great buzz around it last year, and it's very well deserved. it's worth checking out on a rainy night with approaching thunder. or just any night you want to be entertained.
then, at night, we watched the first ever saturday night live, which was aired because it was hosted by the recently-deceased great george carlin. the show was very rough in its infant stages, but it did have this classic andy kaufman skit, which from the first time i ever i watched it, has heavily influenced my sense of humor.
we then spent the next morning actually sleeping in, with our alarm clocks off and the shades drawn. 8:50 am was never so special.
like i said, it was a great day.
Showing posts with label san francisco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label san francisco. Show all posts
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
how the best thing about this olympic torch run
was that it got rickrolled!
seriously. that excited me so much more than the protests, countless people, chants and marches.
that's because rickrolling! is never gonna let me down.
to be clear about my joy about this, please consult this chart.
seriously. that excited me so much more than the protests, countless people, chants and marches.
that's because rickrolling! is never gonna let me down.
to be clear about my joy about this, please consult this chart.
Monday, April 07, 2008
how this can't possibly be a good idea
let's do the math:
take one olympics hosted by a country with countless and inconceivable human rights violation, add one olympic torch running ceremony already strife with protests, and then multiply it by having the route go through the most politically charged city in the world that has no fear making their feelings known, and what do you get?
a planning committee that wishes it chose singapore for a host country and indianapolis for the running route.
seriously, this could be the only time in recorded history where most of conservative america is pulling for san francisco to make a big scene.
take one olympics hosted by a country with countless and inconceivable human rights violation, add one olympic torch running ceremony already strife with protests, and then multiply it by having the route go through the most politically charged city in the world that has no fear making their feelings known, and what do you get?
a planning committee that wishes it chose singapore for a host country and indianapolis for the running route.
seriously, this could be the only time in recorded history where most of conservative america is pulling for san francisco to make a big scene.
Monday, March 24, 2008
how it took 91 entries, but we finally made it
Monday, January 28, 2008
how it had to be notable for me to post this
but the doorway to my apartment building really smelled like pot.
i know what you're thinking. "steve, you live in san francisco. marijuana is virtually decriminalized there. you can't walk down a block without smelling it. so...why are you telling me this?"
well, because it really smelled like a whole lotta pot.
as if one of the mailboxes read "c.marin" and another read "t.chong".
as if a pot plant were growing out from the pavement.
as if the latest issue of "high times" were lying on the floor.
as if there were a glaucoma convention in my building.
as if all my mail were written on hemp.
as if the dry cleaner next door moved out and a bong wholesaler moved in.
as if they filmed an episode of "weeds" on my block. and it were scored by willie nelson and snoop dogg.
that much.
i know what you're thinking. "steve, you live in san francisco. marijuana is virtually decriminalized there. you can't walk down a block without smelling it. so...why are you telling me this?"
well, because it really smelled like a whole lotta pot.
as if one of the mailboxes read "c.marin" and another read "t.chong".
as if a pot plant were growing out from the pavement.
as if the latest issue of "high times" were lying on the floor.
as if there were a glaucoma convention in my building.
as if all my mail were written on hemp.
as if the dry cleaner next door moved out and a bong wholesaler moved in.
as if they filmed an episode of "weeds" on my block. and it were scored by willie nelson and snoop dogg.
that much.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
how this weekend always brings out the best of san francisco
of course, i'm talking about "bay to breakers", the annual race/walk/parade from the bay to the ocean that brings out the very best of this great city. and by best, i mean the things that makes this city completely colorful, insane, unique and hilarious.
of course, i'm running it. and i just got my confirmation e-mail, and it lists everything you shouldn't do.
which is everything everyone does.
here goes the list of restrictions - or, like i said, invitations:
Restrictions:
Only registered participants will be admitted to the Start and Finish areas. For everyone's safety and enjoyment, NO ALCOHOL, NUDITY, pets, roller blades, skateboards, bicycles, or plastic bags for warm-ups are allowed on course. Wheeled objects and over-sized costumes must line up at the back.
And remember, RUNNERS to the LEFT, WALKERS to the RIGHT.
yep.
of course, i'm running it. and i just got my confirmation e-mail, and it lists everything you shouldn't do.
which is everything everyone does.
here goes the list of restrictions - or, like i said, invitations:
Restrictions:
Only registered participants will be admitted to the Start and Finish areas. For everyone's safety and enjoyment, NO ALCOHOL, NUDITY, pets, roller blades, skateboards, bicycles, or plastic bags for warm-ups are allowed on course. Wheeled objects and over-sized costumes must line up at the back.
And remember, RUNNERS to the LEFT, WALKERS to the RIGHT.
yep.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
how i've lost a very big part of my san francisco life, and another is slowly slipping away
today i took a bus ride to the inner sunset, and saw, with my very own eyes for the first time, an empty canvas cafe. i did most of my best writing there, and was entertained for hours by terrible stand-up comedy, even worse open mic nights and cliched poetry readings. it never failed to entertain me or inspire me.
i'm gonna miss it terribly.
tonight, i just learned that another place dear to my heart will be closing.
when i first moved to san francisco, i lived in a crazy house. it was so crazy that, for the first time in recorded history, the sanest person who lived there was an actress.
i really didn't want to go home after work, so i would stop in at john barleycorn, a quiet old-fashioned bar on larkin between california and sacramento. it was right off the cable car line, and they poured the finest black and tan this side of ireland. the bartender was a very nice man who was born to tend bar. they had an old wurlitzer jukebox with 50 carefully selected songs from springsteen to chuck berry. the furniture was classic. they had scrabble. and it was quiet enough for me to sit in the corner and write.
i was a regular.
anyways, i've since moved away, and although nowadays i "pick my spots" for my nights of drinking, i still have it in my head to make it back there every so often, although sadly, not often enough, and down myself a black and tan.
i just learned that every so often has to arrive before june.
if you have a moment, check out savethebarleycorn.com. they've got photos of the place, a history of how it was built and, if you are so inclined, a petition to sign to help save it. alhtough, from what i'm gathering, the new landlord seems to be as open minded as our president. still, it can't hurt.
do it for me. i rue the day it closes.
dammit. that's two down. i wonder what will be the next bay area landmark that's gonna tear apart from its precious place in my heart?
oh crap.
i'm gonna miss it terribly.
tonight, i just learned that another place dear to my heart will be closing.
when i first moved to san francisco, i lived in a crazy house. it was so crazy that, for the first time in recorded history, the sanest person who lived there was an actress.
i really didn't want to go home after work, so i would stop in at john barleycorn, a quiet old-fashioned bar on larkin between california and sacramento. it was right off the cable car line, and they poured the finest black and tan this side of ireland. the bartender was a very nice man who was born to tend bar. they had an old wurlitzer jukebox with 50 carefully selected songs from springsteen to chuck berry. the furniture was classic. they had scrabble. and it was quiet enough for me to sit in the corner and write.
i was a regular.
anyways, i've since moved away, and although nowadays i "pick my spots" for my nights of drinking, i still have it in my head to make it back there every so often, although sadly, not often enough, and down myself a black and tan.
i just learned that every so often has to arrive before june.
if you have a moment, check out savethebarleycorn.com. they've got photos of the place, a history of how it was built and, if you are so inclined, a petition to sign to help save it. alhtough, from what i'm gathering, the new landlord seems to be as open minded as our president. still, it can't hurt.
do it for me. i rue the day it closes.
dammit. that's two down. i wonder what will be the next bay area landmark that's gonna tear apart from its precious place in my heart?
oh crap.
Monday, May 07, 2007
how i learned a couple of things at the ballpark
my thoughts after watching the mets get shallacked by the giants, 9-4, on an absolutely gorgeous night in san francisco:
1. you only need to hit a ball 363 out of the 364 feet to left center to be awarded a home run.
2. the largest HD screen in the world is the big scoreboard at sbc park, and it's one of the most impressive things you will ever watch.
3. i don't think carlos beltran has hit a curveball since adam wainwright threw one past him last year. seriously. he hasn't.
4. i can't remember the last time my softball team gave up nine runs in an inning.
5. or gave up three homers in an inning.
6. or made two embarrassing errors like that, back-to-back.
7. when barry zito's got his curveball dealing, there's very few things as pretty to admire in an athletic contest. (okay, i saw zito pitch live a bunch during his cy young year, so this was really just a reminder).
7. i never leave a ballgame early. but if i were to, it would be on a night that bengie molina hits two home runs in one inning.
1. you only need to hit a ball 363 out of the 364 feet to left center to be awarded a home run.
2. the largest HD screen in the world is the big scoreboard at sbc park, and it's one of the most impressive things you will ever watch.
3. i don't think carlos beltran has hit a curveball since adam wainwright threw one past him last year. seriously. he hasn't.
4. i can't remember the last time my softball team gave up nine runs in an inning.
5. or gave up three homers in an inning.
6. or made two embarrassing errors like that, back-to-back.
7. when barry zito's got his curveball dealing, there's very few things as pretty to admire in an athletic contest. (okay, i saw zito pitch live a bunch during his cy young year, so this was really just a reminder).
7. i never leave a ballgame early. but if i were to, it would be on a night that bengie molina hits two home runs in one inning.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
how i may or may not be finally home
after boarding no less than thirteen different airplanes during the past six weeks, i think i might actually have a little time home. that means, of course, my couch would have to stop looking at my ass like it were some sort of mysterious stranger.
yeah, it's good to be back here.
and, considering that all this travelling has gotten me out of sorts, i need to get back on my usual schedule and get some life back into this road weary soul.
here's a good start. not saying i'm hitting all of these, but...any takers?
Fri 04/27/07 - Johnette Napolitano @ Cafe Du Nord
Thu 05/03/07 - The Old 97's @ The Fillmore
Wed 05/09/07 - The Fratellis @ The Fillmore
Sat 05/12/07 - Steven Wright @ The Warfield Theatre
Sat 06/09/07 - The Devil Makes Three@ The Great American Music Hall
Sat 06/23/07 - Lisa Lampanelli @ The Warfield Theatre
Fri 07/20/07 - Dolores O'Riordan @ The Fillmore
yeah, it's good to be back here.
and, considering that all this travelling has gotten me out of sorts, i need to get back on my usual schedule and get some life back into this road weary soul.
here's a good start. not saying i'm hitting all of these, but...any takers?
Fri 04/27/07 - Johnette Napolitano @ Cafe Du Nord
Thu 05/03/07 - The Old 97's @ The Fillmore
Wed 05/09/07 - The Fratellis @ The Fillmore
Sat 05/12/07 - Steven Wright @ The Warfield Theatre
Sat 06/09/07 - The Devil Makes Three@ The Great American Music Hall
Sat 06/23/07 - Lisa Lampanelli @ The Warfield Theatre
Fri 07/20/07 - Dolores O'Riordan @ The Fillmore
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
how when "24" hits the 415, it makes me do a #2
a few thoughts about the series that makes me curdle with anxiety every monday night:
1. if this season ran during the time of any other presidential administration, the character of vice president noah daniels would be completely over-the-top.
2. i was kinda hoping that san francisco would get blown up, just to see what would have happened. i, for one, would have ran to the nearest in-and-out, because i can't imagine anything bad happening to me while eating a double-double.
3. that audrey raines revelation is really putting a wild card into things. i also like how jack's a player with his sister-in-law. can't see how much fun he'd be.
MARILYN BAUER: "jack, i love you with my whole heart, soul and body. life would not be worth living unless i spend it all with you."
JACK BAUER: "there is no time for this. i will explain everything later."
4. just because they foreshadowed nina's credentials earlier, i knew that she was gonna get fingered. and i know that she's innocent. so i'm waiting to see what happens with that. my guess? christopher henderson. isn't he dead? yes. so...why him then? you could never go wrong with some more robocop.
5. the country needs "the glove" to come out of his coma.
1. if this season ran during the time of any other presidential administration, the character of vice president noah daniels would be completely over-the-top.
2. i was kinda hoping that san francisco would get blown up, just to see what would have happened. i, for one, would have ran to the nearest in-and-out, because i can't imagine anything bad happening to me while eating a double-double.
3. that audrey raines revelation is really putting a wild card into things. i also like how jack's a player with his sister-in-law. can't see how much fun he'd be.
MARILYN BAUER: "jack, i love you with my whole heart, soul and body. life would not be worth living unless i spend it all with you."
JACK BAUER: "there is no time for this. i will explain everything later."
4. just because they foreshadowed nina's credentials earlier, i knew that she was gonna get fingered. and i know that she's innocent. so i'm waiting to see what happens with that. my guess? christopher henderson. isn't he dead? yes. so...why him then? you could never go wrong with some more robocop.
5. the country needs "the glove" to come out of his coma.
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