Saturday, July 25, 2009

sunshine and farmers



There are lots of nice things about Oakland. There are lots of nice things about summer. One of the best things about Oakland in the summer is that there are delicious fruits and vegetables everywhere and that it's socially acceptable to enjoy a cold adult beverage in the middle of the day.

Easy Lounge is not really a place I like to hang out (too many negative points on the music, frequent fliers, and smokers scales), but on Saturday afternoons, they pull together three drinks based on what was good and fresh at the neighboring farmers' market. Some days are better than others, but these were particularly successful.

Add in buddies (Tash and Alex) and it's a win all around.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

sasha fierce

She flies through the air:


And apparently loves Jamaica:

Other highlights: wedding dress, wind, leopard print metal costumes, pretty dancer mens, and the hits. Thanks, B.

Friday, July 10, 2009

neighbor + korea


I haven't had second dinner in a really really long time, but when your neighbor says he's got the line on korean fried chicken, you don't really have a lot of options. What I didn't know was that there would be korean conch salad (YUM), two kinds of fried chicken, AND a huge plastic bottle of beer. Score one for the koreans and another one for the vecino.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

laughing buddies


Sometimes I have no words. Sometimes it's because I can't breathe from laughing too hard. Thanks Chels - for the cheese, the dance moves, the stories, the shyness, etc.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

charges

I had the honor to meet several of the SF8 before they were the SF8. I am grateful for the work they have done for our community - 30 years ago and recently - and for the inspiration their continued legacy provides for young people and older young people in the movement.

Today, all charges against most of them were dropped. There is a lot to celebrate. However, the spotlight on state-sponsored torture and abuse of the legal system continues everywhere. That doesn't sound like a pick-me-up, I know.

Watch this, and learn about what you can do to stop this extra-legal activity.



Also, welcome to the CIA, FBI, DHS, NSA, and whatever other "security" agencies have now decided to follow my postings. I'll try to keep you entertained.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

nicest guy in town

When I worked in the west bay, I would make it a point to walk three blocks on the hardest days for pretty much the best thing baking in the neighborhood - brioche bread pudding with seasonal fruit at Tartine. It was always sad when I'd stand in line for twenty minutes and then peek over the top of the bread pudding flat and see the bread pudding covered in devil fruit. The walk back to the office could not have been longer.

Now that my life is so easy-bay-centric, my favorite special treat is one of those memories that always puts a smile on my face and a rumble in my stomach, definitely worthy of the special trip I never manage to find time to take.

Enter the nicest guy in town. Thanks to SF's favorite lots-of-things, my mid-morning work headache is the furthest thing from my mind and the demands of the afternoon are nothing I can't handle. This still-warm special delivery features raspberries and nectarines (aka winner fruits) and the side of Jew-cookies should last me right up to Pesach next year (okay, probably not).

Thank you, Stefan, you have earned yourself magic jew medicine for life.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

incredible

Today isn't half over yet, but I can't imagine anything else will be able to pick me up higher than this.

Welcome Tony Smith to OUSD!!