Beej Weir's Blog

R.I.P. Sun Valley Market: UPDATE

2012-02-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned before, the Sun Valley Market is no more. It's soon to be replaced by something called Room Service, a "high-end food & wine market" (at least according to the guy who designed the logo).

I was talking about it with my friend, Diana, and she said they were going to include home delivery. The next day, I saw this as I was walking back from my Sunday adventures:

How long has that been there?! I have really got to start paying attention...

The only website I could find for a store called Room Service is a furniture store in Hayes Valley that's part of some mini-chain.

BUT, I Googled the phone number pictured above and got this. So, they're in the phone book at least!

Will a fancy food & wine home delivery/personal shopping service fly in these belt-tightening times? I guess we'll just have to wait & see.

Thanks to Diana Brown for help with this report!

Previously:
The Brick Wall/Terry's Lodge Update: New Doors!

Tuesday Triptych: The Little Sparrow

2012-01-31T09:58:00.000-08:00

R.I.P. Dick Tufeld aka B9, the Robot from 'Lost In Space'

2012-01-26T14:04:00.000-08:00

He was the man who provided the helpful, baritone-staccato voice that faithfully warned Will Robinson of danger & traded insults with that lame-ass Dr. Smith. Dick passed away a few days ago at the age of 85.

Image from the blog Big Cartoon News

He narrated some of our favorite cartoons & TV shows over the years. Just look at this resume! What a great voice!

When I was a kid & watching Lost In Space in syndication, I wished I had a robot like Robot. I came close in the 90s: I found some sound wavs Dick Tufeld had done as B9 to be used as audio "events" for PCs. It was awesome.

Thanks for the memories, Richard Norton Tufeld.

Previously:
The Sleestak Hunter Gallery Presents: Lust In Space

R.I.P. Sun Valley Market

2012-01-25T11:55:00.000-08:00

Donna and I were walking home last Saturday night and I noticed that the Sun Valley Market sign was gone. This was on the door (click the pic for a better view)


Don't let the Sun Valley Market go down on me...

The note says:

Thank you all for your business these past 20+ years. We will truly miss this neighborhood and the friendships that were made throughout these years.
A new exciting store will take our place in the coming months... Please check back soon. - Sun Valley (last word obscured by ADT sticker. But, I'm pretty sure it's "Market")

This has replaced the old sign...

Say WHAT?!

I did a little Googling and found an image that matched the logo. That image led to something called Dribble. Apparently, Adrian Nita is the designer of this-here logo. And according to Adrian:

RoomService is a new high-end fine food and wine market located in San Francisco, CA.
This concept and idea is going to be marketed to people btwn ages 25 - 60.

Goodbye, Sun Valley Market. You were great when one needed a six-pack of beer or a bottle of fernet after midnight. You will indeed be missed.

Tuesday Triptych: Leftover Salmon In The Rain

2012-01-24T10:16:00.000-08:00

Edited to add: According to my music-lovin' friend Mike, Leftover Salmon is a band. To be honest, the name does kinda ring a distant bell in my much-abused long-term memory. But, I can't recall if I've ever heard any of their music. So, my apologies if you came here hoping to see the band Leftover Salmon getting caught in the rain or something. Sorry.

Carry on!

Happy Year of the Dragon

2012-01-23T17:45:00.000-08:00

To all my fellow dragons (I'm of the Yang Wood variety) and to all our friends & loved ones: here's wishing you a safe, healthy & prosperous 4710!

Check out Donna's Lunar New Year post over at duckndam

Misty (and silent), Water Colored Memories Of The Way We Was

2012-01-20T17:37:00.000-08:00

So, the topic of KOFY's TV20 Dance Party came up over at Uptown Almanac.

I was on the show back in 1983. Here's some video. Sort of.

PLEASE NOTE: THE FUCKING AUDIO WAS REMOVED BECAUSE IT WASN'T AUTHORIZED BY THE WMG.

So, in essence, you're about to see a silent movie made 29 years ago. It's like that recent movie The Artist. But, without, y'know, artistic integrity.

You'll recognize me right away right towards the beginning of this clip; I'm dancing like a dink and doing the "white man's overbite" (it's a dance move). I'm wearing a hat.

But, if you can hang in there until the about the 6:00 mark (just use the slider-thingy, you know how this works) you'll get a real "treat". My good buddy Lance and I perform what we naively called "comedy".

Lance and I won, like, $1000 for our school's drama club with that nonsense. And yes, we stole the name for our "group" from an SCTV sketch.

I have to admit, though- it was a lot of fun! Thanks to Lisa for saving the video all these years. And to Lance for getting it on YouTube. And thanks, WMG, for silencing my memories, you jerks.

Tuesday Triptych: Free Gloves

2012-01-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

The Hummingbird

2012-01-15T12:49:00.000-08:00

I finally managed to snap decent pics of this lil hummingbird whose been zipping around the cold, winter-barren branches of our carport lately...

Hang in there, lil hummingbird! Spring's not too far away...

Edited to add: My friend, Ellen, just sent me this link about a hearty hummingbird whose currently the toast of Manhattan.

Hummingbirds fucking rule!

PS: You should check out Ellen's Etsy shop here.

Previously:
Behind The Crow
Ducks In The Carport Or Any Port In A Storm

Inner Sunset sunset, SF CA, 1/14/12

2012-01-14T20:00:00.001-08:00

I can't complain too much...

Inner Sunset sunset, SF CA, 1/14/12, a photo by Beej Weir on Flickr.

The Irving Street Skeleton Strikes Back!

2012-01-13T10:50:00.000-08:00


Uh-oh. The Irving Street Skeleton feels a disturbance in The Force...

Previously:
Tuesday Triptych: The Irving Street Skeleton's New Look (for a New Year)

Enjoy Life

2012-01-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

Sure. Why not?

Pink Bunny; Hard Times

2012-01-11T10:24:00.000-08:00

Previously:
It's Hard Out Here For A Fir
Morning In An Elephant's Graveyard

Tuesday Triptych: The Irving Street Skeleton's New Look (for a New Year)

2012-01-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

Previously:
Tuesday Triptych: The Ed Lee Tree

Happy Birthday, George Reeves

2012-01-05T14:07:00.000-08:00

George died at the age of 45 in 1959. I'll let you Google the rest...

With all due respect to Christopher Reeve, I think George was and still is the best screen Superman. At least so far.

Hulk, Smashed.

2012-01-04T10:08:00.000-08:00

Previously:
The Dark Knight On A Thursday Morning

Tuesday Triptych: The Ed Lee Tree

2012-01-03T13:47:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: Cool! The third pic was used by SFist for their Day Around The Bay link round-up! Thanks, SFist!

Rideout Fountain: All Soaped Up For 2012

2012-01-02T10:53:00.000-08:00

Donna was on her way to work yesterday morn and spied this scene in Golden Gate Park. Looks like the panther & the snake fell victim to some pranksters on New Year's Eve...

Happy New Year, Rideout Fountain! Photo by Donna Mallard

The old "dish soap in the fountain" maneuver. Or maybe it's clothes soap. Doesn't matter.

It's kinda pretty.

UPDATE: Donna's pic got used by SFist! Sweet!

Previously:
Irving Street Crime Beat: Junior Edition
Rideout Fountain in Golden Gate Park, SF

Kale: It's Not Just For Eating Anymore

2012-01-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

Donna's latest blog post inspired me...


Kale is good for you. And pretty, too. But, I'm not sure if you should eat the purple part...

Kale by Mother Nature. Painting by Donna Mallard.

Coincidentally (but not ironically), Donna made an awesome kale & couscous salad for lunch yesterday. Please note this was a different bunch of kale and not what we have in the vase at the moment...

And so it was that later

as the TV told a tale.

We had salad, made up mostly,

of a greener shade of kale
(with apologies to Procol Harum)

I hope you're having a great New Year so far!

Happy New Year's Eve Eve

2011-12-30T10:31:00.000-08:00

This seems like a positive way to end 2011 (if you don't think too hard about it, I guess)....


From Jack Kerouac's novel Big Sur (1962) as seen on a mail sticker that's been stuck on a dumpster lid...

A film version of Big Sur will soon be upon us. Some of it was filmed earlier this year in my (very) old stomping grounds of the Lower Haight. SFist and Haighteration were on the case!

I usually don't make resolutions for the New Year. But, I would like to blog more in 2012. Hell, maybe I'll get me one of them Tumblr accounts that's all the rage with the young people these days. Mine will have less nudity, though. At least at first.

Have a fun & safe New Year's Eve, everyone! And a Happy New Year.

Previously:
"Hella Shit": Welcome, 2011

It's Hard Out There For A Fir

2011-12-30T10:23:00.000-08:00

With the Christmas season over, many evergreens and firs find themselves unemployed and, worse still, homeless. Many have taken to lurking in alleys downtown...

Where's your fucking Lorax now, trees?

But, this problem isn't confined to the "mean streets" of downtown SF. Nor is it only a post-holiday phenomenon. Nor does it only affect "natural" trees. (I'm sorry for so many "nor"s in a row but I'm really upset).

Here we see an artificial tree in September of this year, wandering the streets of the Inner Sunset, once considered by most to be a "nice" neighborhood...


This one still has its lights. Even though you're only make-believing: laugh, clown, laugh...

It's a damn shame is what it is.

Christmas Snails

2011-12-26T11:15:00.000-08:00

They're great any day of the week, of course...

XMAS Eve

2011-12-25T19:10:00.000-08:00

Guess who got a Flip camera for Christmas...

Patti Weiss and BACK40: Orange Blossom Special

2011-12-21T17:20:00.000-08:00

Let's have a little bluegrass to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Here's Patti Weiss & BACK40 with the "Orange Blossom Special"!

(thanks to Eric Nelson of BACK40)

Irving Street Crime Beat: Junior Edition

2011-12-20T16:51:00.000-08:00

Donna and I were walking home the other night and found this abandoned car (I didn't check to see if the keys were still in the ignition- I didn't want to tamper with a possible crime scene).

I hope this kid had insurance.

Donna thought maybe it was some drunken toddler. I wondered if this was perhaps the work of a delinquent gang of preschoolers: they "jacked" the car (I think that's the term), drove it madly along Irving Street and then wrecked it; Callously, they walked away from the not-burning wreckage.

They were probably hopped-up on the Cap'n Crunch...

This neighborhood ain't what it used to be

Kris Kringle Likes To Mingle

2011-12-19T17:09:00.000-08:00

Sometimes cookies & milk just don't cut it...

PEACE NOTARY

2011-12-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

Or maybe it should be "NOTARY PEACE". I dunno.

One Week Before Christmas

2011-12-18T13:45:00.001-08:00

Santa's watching you...

Happy Holidays, everyone. Sorry for the sparse posts. I hope you're well.

You know it's officially the holidays here in the Inner Sunset when the Singer sewing machine/vacuum cleaner repair place puts out their "winter wonderland". Here's just a mere section of it. Click the pic for a better view...

Happy All Hallow's Eve Eve!

2011-10-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

Cloud Face & Seagull

2011-10-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

Didn't notice the Cloud Face until I uploaded it to flickr.

Cool & creepy.

The Gospel According to IN-N-OUT Burger

2011-10-08T16:03:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that IN-N-OUT Burger references Christian Bible quotes on their wrappers & cups (but, not on the French fry containers for some reason).

Donna and I stopped at the IN-N-OUT in Placerville, CA recently and I thought I'd snap a few pics for those folks who may not have an IN-N-OUT near them...

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding" (KJV)

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (KJV)

"The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." (KJV)

Speaking of secrets, this is from Badmouth.net. Click the pic for a better view...

The Sleestak Hunter Gallery presents: Lust In Space

2011-09-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes my screenname was "JedimasterElvis"

A long time ago, I spent way too much time in the forums of a website called Television Without Pity.

I liked to participate in the 'Pixel Challenges'. You'd create a picture based on some TV-themed idea the moderators came up with.

Sometimes, my screen-name was Sleestak Hunter. There were other names, too. The important thing was: I was having fun.

If I'm not mistaken, the theme of this challenge was "change one letter in the title of a TV show" or something like that...

Previously:
The Sleestak Hunter Gallery presents: Mister Ed: 2525 A.D.
The Sleestak Hunter Gallery presents: Pon Farr Monthly

The Brick Wall/Terry's Lodge Update: New Doors!

2011-09-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

The neon sign may still say "Terry's Lodge", but changes are being made to the Irving Street bar I've (still) never been to...


I took this last Thursday night on my way to the store. With my phone. It looks much nicer in the daylight. And when you use a real camera...

I wish I had a picture of the old Terry's Lodge doors for comparison: intimidating metal affairs with a big ol' padlock....

Previously:
R.I.P. Terry's Lodge

Behind The Crow

2011-09-21T15:39:00.000-07:00

Gumball Epiphany

2011-09-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

Sunset Suds

2011-09-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

I've never washed my clothes at Sunset Suds on Irving, but the happy, farting (and Grateful Dead-esque) bear has always amused me...

I'm not sure when they added this slogan- but it caught my eye the other day...

Previously:
COINIOP WASHIDRY

Sutro Tower

2011-09-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

Donna & I were on our way home from our lil (waaay too little) August getaway to Lake Tahoe.

After crossing the Bay Bridge, we were greeted by a thick bank of delicious fog.

I put my trusty Pentax on "action" mode and did what I could. Please click on the pic for a better view.

Not bad, considering I was in a moving car...

UPDATE: So, there's a blog on Tumblr called We Built This City that I like a lot. As it so happens, the blogmeister of said site (known as "GG") is a fan of Sutro Tower. So, I sent GG the flickr links and lo and behold: one of my pics is on their other blog, the Sutro Tower Fan Club. Thanks, GG!

The Sleestak Hunter Gallery presents: Mister Ed: 2525 A.D.

2011-09-17T10:33:00.000-07:00


Sometimes my screenname was "JedimasterElvis".

A long time ago, I spent way too much time in the forums of a website called Television Without Pity.

I liked to participate in the 'Pixel Challenges'. You'd create a picture based on some TV-themed idea the moderators came up with.

I (usually) went by the screen name Sleestak Hunter. There were other names, too. The important thing? I was having fun.

I honestly can't remember what the theme of the challenge was that inspired me to do this one...

Previously:
The Sleestak Hunter Gallery presents: Pon Farr Monthly

(In)vader & Vader

2011-09-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Check it out: this photo got in SFist's 7 Reasons To Love San Francisco this week! Thanks, SFist!

COINIOP WASHIDRY

2011-09-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

Mohawk Gas Station, SF, CA

2011-09-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

Here's my favorite abandoned gas station: The Mohawk Gas Station on Irving and 16th Ave. I walk past it every day on my way to work. Time seems to stand still behind that chain link fence. And then there was that one time with the elephant...

I've snapped a few pics over the years. Please click on them to get a better view.

From the the Western Neighborhoods Project website...

Mohawk Station (SE corner of 16th)—One of the last truly "old" gas stations in San Francisco, dating from the years around World War I. Built of brownish-orange brick, with just a single island for service, it's been a long time since they dispensed gasoline. History buffs should go and get a look before "progress" does the place in for good. This was just one of many gas stations (Texaco, Richfield, Flying A, etc.) that used to dot Irving and so many other business streets in the western neighborhoods until about the 1980s when they began to disappear, one by one. Streetwise- Irving Insights

Here's a photo of the station from 1978- when the gas pumps were still there.

Previously:
Morning In An Elephants Graveyard

7th Annual Sunset District Autumn Moon Festival, SF, CA 9/3/11

2011-09-03T16:55:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I took my weekly walk down Irving Street to fetch supplies (Old Crow & cheap wine) and came across the 7th Annual Sunset District Autumn Moon Festival.

Among the many attractions was this lil Dukes of Hazzard General Lee car ride (it ran on what appeared to be a lawn mower motor).

Alas, the car-horn didn't play "Dixie". I was a little bummed...

Straightening the Curves; Flattenin' the Hills...


Someday the Mountain Might Get 'Em; But the Law Never Will.

Ponies of an Autumn Moon

2011-09-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

7th Annual Sunset District Autumn Moon Festival, Irving St, SF, CA, 9/3/11

Christmas In September

2011-09-01T22:47:00.000-07:00


It's got lights and everything!

Previously:
Blue On Blue
Cheeky the Snowman: A "Tail" of Transformation

Cookiewaits: Tom Waits/Cookie Monster mashup- God's Away On Business

2011-08-19T16:27:00.000-07:00

The whole "Tom-Waits-Sounds-Like-the-Cookie Monster" thing was a meme before there ever was a word for "meme".

But, finally; Someone pulled the trigger. And it is a thing of glory.

Mr. Rooter, Judah St & 25th Ave

2011-08-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

Mr. Rooter's got a new look...

Please click on the thumbnails for a better view...

Addendum: Across the street there's a Muni stop. A Muni stop that has its own Wikipage & Facebook page. Is that weird?

Judging You

2011-08-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

Previously:
The Pipes, The Pipes Are Calling...

Orco vs Urkel

2011-07-24T16:09:00.000-07:00

This was taken quickly. On my phone. So, the quality is less than perfect...


As seen in the men's restroom at Dave's Bar, SF, CA

That being said: Orco could probably kick Urkel's ass. Unless Urkel busted out the robot, maybe. Urkel had a robot at some point, right?

Previously:
Good Hygiene Is Universal

R.I.P. Terry's Lodge

2011-07-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

Terry's Lodge will soon be gone.

According to the license application notice thing on the door, it'll soon be known as The Brick Wall.

We'll keep you posted.

UPDATE (well, more like, ADDENDUM)
I went by yesterday and heard this song coming from inside. I love this song...

Inner Sunset Sidewalks: Every Body Bikes!

2011-07-16T17:36:00.000-07:00

Not my body. Maybe it would if it had one. Maybe.

UPDATE
Mystery solved: It's all about a bicycle shop called (not surprisingly) EVERYBODY BIKES.

They're hosting an art show around the corner from their shop, Art I.S. Getting (T)Here.

For more info, check out the Art I.S. site.

Previously:
Outer Sunset Sidewalks: Going Medieval On Irving Street
Inner Sunset Sidewalks: Revolvers & Reed
Inner Sunset Sidewalks: Can I Live? & Cupid With a Cold Heart

The INSIDE OUT Art Project Makes the Scene In the Inner Sunset

2011-07-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

A few days back, this caught my eye as I gazed out the window of the N Judah on my way to work...

I'm pretty sure the M-thing wasn't part of the original picture...

The link listed in the bottom right corner didn't really work. But, it did lead to the INSIDE OUT art project.

...a large-scale participatory art project that transforms messages of personal identity into pieces of artistic work. Upload a portrait. Receive a poster. Paste it for the world to see.

You can send pics of you pasting said poster for the world to see to the website as well.

It's the brainchild of JR, this year's winner of the TED Prize.

Someone uploaded a pic of this lil tyke to the INSIDE OUT website; Got a poster made; And then pasted it on the wall near the N Judah stop on 9th Ave & Irving.

And then someone added a weird M tattoo. (a dick move, I think. But, I'm an old fuddy-duddy).

I hope, in my own small way, I'm contributing to the global audience.

Previously:
Later, this was still M.I.A.
This is why I always try to have my camera handy...

Equipto and Mike Marshall - I Drink Fernet feat. Skeptic and Cognito

2011-06-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

A song about my favorite drink featuring some friends at my favorite bar.

(saw this over at Uptown Almanac)

Ducks in the Carport or Any Port In A Storm

2011-04-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, a mallard duck & 2 drakes decided to hang out in our carport. I assume they were taking a break from their Stow Lake gig in Golden Gate Park.

Normally, that wouldn't be a problem. But, Donna had to go to work.

So, I cowboyed up and herded them lil doggies to safety...

I went back upstairs and watched them through the window. They putzed around for a few more minutes. Eventually, one of the drakes looked up with a sort of "Yeeeah. Ok. Let's fly... THIS WAY!" look and they all took off.

Godspeed, my web-footed friends. I hope you made it home ok.

The Sleestak Hunter Gallery presents: Pon Farr Monthly

2011-04-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

I was also known as JedimasterElvis.

A long time ago, I spent waaay too much time in the forums of a website called Television Without Pity.

I participated in the 'Pixel Challenges'. You'd create a picture based on some TV-themed idea the moderators came up with. Most of the time, my TWoP screen-name was Sleestak Hunter.

I think the theme of this challenge was: "A TV character creates a magazine".

I picked a secondary Vulcan character from Star Trek Voyager* and, well, I think the results speak for themselves.

NOTE: The more you know about Star Trek and its various franchises, the funnier this will be. So, you may just want to bail now.

Just click on the pic for a better view.

* According to a forum commenter at the time, his name wasn't Taurik. Or I was confusing the name with a similar character he played on one of the other Trek shows. It doesn't really matter, though.

Looking Back at Where You Came From...

2011-04-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

Moon Jelly on Ocean Beach. SF, CA, 4/16/11

Previously:
I Don't Think We're Ready For These Jellies

I'm Still Here.

2011-04-16T16:35:00.000-07:00

Physically, at any rate...

Outer Sunset Sidewalks: Going Medieval On Irving Street

2011-03-06T18:19:00.000-08:00


I've role-played & rolled dice enough times to know this is a morning-star. Or, rather, an image of a morning-star...

Previously:
Inner Sunset Sidewalks: Revolvers & Reed

The Dark Knight On A Thursday Morning...

2011-03-05T22:06:00.000-08:00

"No time to waste, old chum! The boys are thirsty in Atlanta and there's beer in Texarkana!"

We've heard of the Batmobile, the Batcycle (with optional Robin sidecar), the Batboat & the Batcopter. There's a Batplane. There might be a Batsub, too. Don't quote us.

But, we didn't know there was a Batflatbed!

Batman's a little shorter and balder than I thought he'd be. Or maybe it was Alfred and Batman was riding shotgun. Either way, I didn't want to be all fanboy and yell "Hey, Batman!" like I did when I saw Dave Chappelle hanging out in front of the Palace on New Montgomery last year.

I said "Hey, Dave!" (and not 'Hey, Batman', obviously) and Dave was all "...hey!..." and it was cool. But, you never know what you'll get with Batman. Will he be the Adam West nice Batman or the angry, raspy one with the body armor?

It's best to keep a respectful, quite distance, I think. Save the "Heys!" for Dave Chappelle. Or Superman. He seems pretty easy going, too.

Happy Lunar New Year!

2011-02-05T12:52:00.000-08:00

Parade dragon in a window display along Market Street

Morning in an Elephant's Graveyard

2011-01-23T14:56:00.000-08:00

"Hella Shit": Welcome, 2011

2011-01-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

I couldn't agree more.

Sorry for the lack of posts lately.

I hope your Holidays were jolly & the New Year's treating you well so far.

Wishing For Peace On Earth...

2010-12-18T10:52:00.000-08:00

Don't let the temptations of fear, greed or self-righteousness (vanity) bring you down.

Department of Portation

2010-12-06T15:02:00.000-08:00

Ever since Donna and I spotted that Interceptor with the "Crappy People- Crappy Jobs" sticker, I've been on the look-out to see if any more turn up.

I should have noticed right away there was something a little different about this one I saw downtown...

there was no official-looking, govt-type seals or insignias...

... and they usually don't carry "dangerous" materials...

Ah. OK. Well, there you go...

UPDATE: Check out this crazy Cushman over at Uptown Almanac!

Previously:
Stickering It To "The Man": Wacko 1

Inner Sunset Sidewalks: Revolvers & Reed

2010-12-04T11:50:00.000-08:00

I see this 5 days a week as I trudge up Irving St. on my way to the N Judah stop...

Noticed this one the other night when Donna and I were out for an evening stroll...

As long as these are the only guns I have to contend with in my neighborhood, I'm happy.

I took these back in June on Lincoln Way. This image really gets around!

Lou was hanging out with this guy...

(Pardon my shadow; How gauche!)

Previously:
Inner Sunset Sidewalks: Can I Live? & Cupid With a Cold Heart
Walk On By: Eclair Acuda Bandersnatch

And three times I've seen the Singing Shark/Lighting up the sky... (w/apologies to Blue Oyster Cult)

2010-11-27T11:40:00.000-08:00

Foul-mouthed sharks are big nowadays (WARNING: This caption/link NSFW due to language. Clicking these words might offend your computers delicate sensibilities. Or at least the sensibilities of whoever owns it. The picture's OK to click, though)

I don't know what kind of ink they used- but it catches a camera flash nicely!

Previously:
Ceiverism: A Way of Life
Good Hygiene Is Universal

CA Academy of Sciences: Homo Sapien Exhibits

2010-11-24T09:53:00.000-08:00

They've got everything at the CA Academy of Sciences!

Not only can you see Claude, albino alligator, in its (relatively) natural habitat; You can watch Vic, the entomologist, in his (relatively) natural habitat as he goes about doing... whatever the hell it is he's doing here (Please don't tap on the glass)...

OK, OK, I admit: my Claude the Albino Alligator pics were out of focus. You'll have to settle for Vic Smith, Entomologist.

The kids were having just as much fun watching the divers as they were the fish...

Para el sol y para el agua...

2010-11-22T07:57:00.000-08:00

It's a riddle.

Translation: "For the sun and the water..."

Something in this picture can be used for sun and water:

Loteria Grill in the Farmers Market, Los Angeles, CA.

Did you find it?

"¡Lotería!"!

What's Your "Beef"? (with apologies to William Shakespeare)

2010-11-20T11:29:00.000-08:00

I think (and hope) they were going for a play on the old Wendy's ad slogan: "Where's the beef?"

What meat from yonder deli sandwich makes?

A rose by any other name,
May truly smell as sweet;
But, is it beef or is it "beef"?
What is this mystery meat?

Previously:
Dressed To Kill?
Night Blogging?

Inner Sunset Neighborhood Community Bulletin Board

2010-11-17T10:39:00.000-08:00

Varied my routine a bit this morning and saw this whilst waiting for the N. My first thought was: "Goofus and Gallant"


What Jake lacks in grammar skills and production values he makes up for with sincerity & enthusiasm...

Angelo's mistake? He forgot to include his phone number...

But, to be honest, I'm not sure which one's Goofus and which one's Gallant.

I do hope this is the work of two guys and not one with two distinct personalities. The upside of that would be $1,110 with half the space being used. You could turn the other room into a den.

Good luck, fellas!

I Don't Think We're Ready For These Jellies

2010-11-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

Donna and I finally got around to checking out the CA Academy of Sciences the other day...

These jellyfish are lucky. They escaped the Great Moon Jelly Massacre of 2010...

The tank they're in has lights that slowly change color (that's why they're red). It reminded me of this candle I saw at CIRCOLO Restaurant once...

(I was testing the camcorder on my then-new, semi-smart phone)

Anyway, a day or so after I took the jellyfish picture, a bazillion moon jellies washed up on Ocean Beach!

The good folks at The Ocean Beach Bulletin were on the scene immediately. They've got some great pics over there. Check it out. I'll wait.

(I didn't go down to see the carnage. I've seen beached jellyfish before. More importantly- I've smelled beached jellyfish before! Nooo, thanks)

In a follow-up story, the OBB interviewed an expert on invertebrates who said it's not unusual or anything to worry about.

Unless you're a jellyfish, of course.

Previously:
The CIRCOLO Interlude
Starfish Trooper

Rideout Fountain in Golden Gate Park, SF

2010-11-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

I took these on Veteran's Day...

After some set backs, this recently-restored, fountain from 1924 graces the park once again. The serpents head is actually a recreation done by artist Manuel Palos based on photos of the original- which disappeared.

(The seagull just happened to be there when I took the pic and is not a part of the original design. At least I don't think it is).

The original sculptor was M. Earl Cummings (who had hoped it would end up being a bronze statue. But, it wasn't in the budget...)

At first I thought- "What a crazy match-up! Tiger vs snake? And a saber tooth tiger, no less! This is like one of those Syfy original movies!"

But, hey- it happens in real life, man...

Previously:
11 views in 2 days...

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign...

2010-11-11T17:34:00.000-08:00

Previously:
Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign...

Ras Terms on New Montgomery

2010-11-09T07:06:00.000-08:00

The art of Ras Terms appeared briefly on a New Montgomery sidewalk in SF back in mid-October.

I'm glad I caught it!

UPDATE 11/12/10: It's still there! Cool. Oh, and it's just after after Minna on N Montgom.

Previously:
Ceiverism: A Way of Life
More Beer * Less Work

San Francisco Autumn Round-Up 2010

2010-11-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

Last week was crazy here in San Francisco.

On November 1, the SF Giants won the World Series!

(For those of you from other countries and/or nations: We're talking baseball; And we call it a "World Series"- but it's just the United States. And parts of Canada. I hope it expands to include Japan and Cuba some day. We can call it the "Galactic Championship" or something...)

Then, on November 2, SF voters made it illegal to sit or lie down on the sidewalks from 7am-11pm. And California voted to keep marijuana "illegal". (unless it's for medical purposes).

(We voted on lots of stuff, actually. In SF, California and the whole nation. But, I'm going to narrow my focus in this post for brevity's sake).

So, the day after that, SF had a big parade to welcome the Giants home from Texas!

I took this picture on my way to work- 2 hours before the parade. It got used by sfist.com (I'm #8 in the thumbnails)

I had to work, so I wasn't there to be sure; But, I assume the cops kept people from sitting or laying down. It is the law now, after all. I'd hate to see it applied only to certain people in certain places. But, that's the very reason it was voted into law by so many SF citizens...

Full disclosure: I voted against the sit/lie law, in case my subtle sarcasm wasn't apparent earlier. Hey, if it makes the Haight safer I guess I'll just have to accept I was wrong, right? Stay tuned!

There must have been lots of people with prescriptions at the parade. I hear the air was thick with a certain aroma.... Feel better, folks!

(at least former Governor Schwarzenegger signed a bill to decriminalize marijuana before his term was up. That's something, at least).

Speaking of former CA governors: Welcome back, Governor Brown!

Our mayor is now our Lieutenant Governor. And I'm glad. You go, Gavin! SF will be OK. Seriously. Go. And don't look back, baby.

If the status updates from my various Facebook friends are any indication (oy, I can't believe I just typed that phrase): Nobody- no Democrat, Republican or Tea Partier (I think there might be one)- is 100% happy with the way the mid-term elections turned out.

So, see? The system works! We're all equally pissed off. U-S-A! U-S-A!

Enough about politics; Let's go back in time a few days- before all this "you're not allowed to sit on the sidewalk and smoke weed" nonsense became a reality. Let's talk about October 31st: Halloween!

I have to admit, Halloween at the Fireside hasn't been the same since The City shut down the Castro Street Halloween celebration. Lots of people would stop in on their way to the Castro. It was great! But, the Castro street party got too big. And then 9 people got shot.

That was four years ago. And there have still been some lively Halloweens since then. But, this year was pretty quiet (at least for me). I was without my Halloween sweetie. Donna was going to be a killer bee and I was going to be her beekeeper/parole officer. But, she ended up having to work. As fate would then have it, we found an awesome pair of butterfly wings at Goodwill:

So, Donna worked her shift as a butterfly...


Donna is a beautiful butterfly

And this ended up being my costume:

I'm not really sure what I was supposed to be. But, I hadn't worn my pith helmet in a while, so...

Not helping matters was the fact Halloween fell on a Sunday this year. AND, people still had a World Series to focus on. So, yeah, it was a low-key Halloween.

Well, that wraps up my autumnal update, gentle reader. Thanks for stopping by!

Previously:
Sunsets of the Inner Sunset: October Orange

The Bob Wilkins Stow Lake Boathouse Blues

2010-10-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

I'm kind of "late to the party" on this. But, there's a seasonal tie-in (hint: it's Halloween).

So, this whole replacing the Stow Lake Boathouse with this new thing has me a little sad.

The current boathouse is charming in its, well, shabbiness. It reminds me of places I'd visited when I was a kid. I appreciate the comfy, low-key quality. It's not like I'm renting pedal boats all the time. But, when Donna & I take a walk around the lake, I enjoy seeing it there.

Look, I understand: time marches on. The boathouse is also a tourist attraction (it is in Golden Gate Park after all). And, if there's money to be made, by God, made it shall be.

BUT, if the old boathouse goes away, so will this awesome sticker what's stuck to it...

Watch Horror Films, Keep America Strong!

and that's a shame. I took this pic back in June of this year. I hope it's still there.

I'm not 100% sure how I feel about replacing the boathouse right now. But, if you're against it, you should check out the Save Stow Lake Boathouse Coalition.

PS: I can't believe I haven't seen Watch Horror Films- Keep America Strong.

PPS: I met Bob Wilkins twice when I was a kid.

PPPS: If you like old horror movies & weird stuff in general, check out Monster Movie Music and Beyond. Eegah!! & Tabonga! are terrific.

UPDATE 12/04/2010: Well, the Rec and Park Commission voted to approve the Ortega lease and say goodbye to the family that ran the boathouse for 65 years. So, it's all up to the Board of Supervisors (and maybe the Historic Preservation Commission) now

Later, this was still M.I.A.

2010-10-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

And by that I mean it was gone...

No one on the corner has swagger like us...

(snapped while walking to work one Tuesday morn...)

Previously:
Look Up and See the Little Sparrow

Outer Sunset Sunday Stroll

2010-10-17T18:50:00.000-07:00

This Sunday was a bit dreary, weather-wise. Maybe not for you. But, the Inner & Outer Sunsets in SF? Kinda dreary.

I'd much prefer to think about last Sunday!

Donna and I took a walk down Irving Street last Sunday. It was 10/10/10; The weather was warm & sunny; I needed to get beer from Easy Money (they've got 12packs of Sapporo for $9.99 before tax). It's, like, we had no choice.

We decided to go all the way to the beach & back. Here's some stuff we saw...


The sign's a bit misleading; There's usually people on the street. Here, it looks like a scene from On The Beach.

I couldn't take my eyes off this. I don't usually title pictures unless something really jumps out at me. I originally called this "When There's No Getting Over That Rainbow". But, that's too sad. And kind of trite.
I settled on "Pastel 01"

Medieval barbers would also provide medical & dental services. Nostalgia meets innovation.

Alas, this photo does the artwork no justice...

Out in front of the surf shop...

PIG! & NO POP OUTS

The Blue Angels were flying around, too. But, I've never really had any luck getting photos. Just Google them and you'll be fine.

All in all, it was a lovely day.

Thanks for stopping by!

Previously:
Rock & Roll Matryoshkas
Look Up and See the Little Sparrow

Sunsets of the Inner Sunset: Smoky Red June

2010-10-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

Remember all those wildfires back in 2008? (This map from the Silicon Valley Mercury News is pretty informative, too)

The air in SF was tinged with smoke for days.

I snapped this while walking home from work one evening.

Previously
Sunsets of the Inner Sunset: October Orange

Rock & Roll Matryoshkas

2010-10-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

Click the pic for a better view...

I know it's only rock & roll. But, they're MATRYOSHKAS (at The Last Straw)

I have no idea what they look like inside. I didn't want to disturb the moment.

I guess we'll just have to IMAGINE.

Thank you. Thankyouverymuch.

Previously:
Beej Weir's Guide To Graceland
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Look Up and See the Little Sparrow

2010-10-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

Previously:
This is why I always try to have my camera handy...

Ceiverism: A Way of Life

2010-10-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

Saw this whilst out running errands...

When you Google "ceiverism", you get very few hits. In fact, the only thing of any real interest you get is this picture from the flickr stream of someone called Real Lies.

Ceiverism has been a way of life since 2008 at least. And it's expanded to stickers.

On another topic: why doesn't Mill Valley Refuse Service see fit to capitalize the words "bay area"? They capitalized "available" and "entire"- but not "bay area". What gives?

UPDATE: More clues to ceiverism?

As for the Mill Valley Refuse "bay area" thing? I've moved on. I was so much older then; I'm younger than that now.

Previously:
More Beer * Less Work
Are Chest Beards the Mullets of The Millennium?
Goo d Hygiene Is Universal
Stickering It To "The Man": Whacko 1

Night Blogging?

2010-10-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

Before I get too carried away, I do have to say that I'm really glad Accoutrements exists. They have the best plastic crap around. Sure, it's probably assisting in the destruction of our planet environmentally (and maybe even a little morally). But, we'll go out laughing.

That being said: "Night Blogging"?!

Who blogs at night in the dark? And why? And isn't the light from the screen enough? And doesn't having 5 electric vermin attached to your fingers make it harder to type?

(not to mention the fact you'd need to buy 2 sets if you wanted to go full-out on both hands)

We'll just ignore the fact that these "rats" don't appear to have long, skinny tails (which would make them more "Party Hamsters" or "Party Chipmunks" or "Party Gophers" or "Party Capybaras", really. SEE UPDATE BELOW).

What gets me is this: they're just not much in the way of "Party Rats" if they're hanging out in front of a computer, blogging. Based on the picture on the package- shouldn't these rodents be out "raving". Do people still rave? It's called "raving", right?

This all just raises more questions than it answers. But, maybe that's the point. Here I am blogging about it. You win this one, Accoutrements! Well played.

(I'm still not buying them, though. C'mon)

One thing I am sure of: Great Stuff is a wonderful store. You should go. Buy something. The name of the store says it all.

And if you're into "night blogging"? Get your bad ass a set of Party Rats. Hell, buy 2 sets. Life's short.

UPDATE: "Party Guinea Pigs". They could be called that, too.

Previously:
Dressed To Kill?
Smiling Gopher With Scarlet Pimpernel

Sunsets of the Inner Sunset: October Orange

2010-10-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

Please click the pics for a better view...

GO GIANTS!

Dressed To Kill?

2010-10-05T17:28:00.001-07:00

Howard@Hawthorne, SF, CA, 10/5/10
Originally uploaded by Beej Weir

Those of you who live in CA, AZ or NV might recognize this dapper fellow. He's the mascot of the Western Exterminator Company.

There's supposed to be a little rodent (holding a knife & fork, I think) standing in front of him. But, maybe it went to get a cup of coffee or something.

I'm not sure an over-dressed, mallet-wielding blind man is really the ideal representative for an exterminator. Would you be happy if this guy showed up at your house to get rid of your mice?

But hey- I'm not a marketing consultant.

Still, you have to love the spats.

Nobody wears spats anymore.

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign...

2010-10-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

Click the pics for a better view...

More Beer * Less Work

2010-10-03T15:41:00.001-07:00

12th Ave & Irving, SF, CA, 10/02/10
Originally uploaded by Beej Weir

But... how will I pay for the beer?

I'm over thinking this.

Cool sticker.

The End.

UPDATE 10/31/10: AH! Now I get it. Cool!

Previously:
Are Chest Beards the Mullets of The Millennium?
Goo d Hygiene Is Universal
Stickering It To "The Man": Whacko 1

Crosswalk Colorforms Part 2

2010-09-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I posted about these crazy lil latex(?) sticker(?) things (robots?) I've seen in crosswalks all over SF.

Looks like the good folks at Haighteration have seen them, too.

We here at Beej Weir's Blog suggest always using the crosswalk to cross the street. And be on the lookout for little yellow robot-things.

Previously:
Crosswalk Colorforms

One Hawthorne, SF, CA

2010-09-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

I work near this new building full of high-end condos.

While I do worry about how much broken glass will fill the streets if The Big One hits and I'm at work, I can't help smiling a little when I look at her every day on my way in.

Why?

Because I know that in her basement/foundation whatever the fuck's down there exists a wall that used to be part of an older building in SF and on that wall there's this:

I love bacon.

Perfect Products.

Praised be the pig.

Previously:
This is Why I Always Try To Have My Camera Handy

Inner Sunset Sidewalks: Can I Live? & Cupid With a Cold Heart

2010-09-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

My answer? "NO KILL I"

Previously:
Walk On By: Eclair Acuda Bandersnatch

Are Chest Beards the Mullets of the Millennium?

2010-09-25T11:58:00.001-07:00

Minna St, SF, 9/23/10
Originally uploaded by Beej Weir

Saw this stuck to a dumpster downtown on my way home.

Is this a thing the kids are into now? Well, the kids who can grow chest hair, at least? Have we really run out of things to do?

And YES- I realize it can be considered a waste of time to BLOG about it. Don't bring me down.

As for the sentiment of the sticker: I'm not so sure.

People who engage in chest beardery seem to be making a very conscious decision to have & maintain one. And, dammit, they want you to know about it.

Meanwhile, people get mullets because that's the way they want their hair cut. There's an unconsciousness about the decision. They think it's cool. It's the way they want their hair.

But, they're not all: "Check out my MULLET!" They get their haircut and move on with their lives.

Apples & oranges.

Besides, isn't it a bit early in the millennium to decide this stuff?

Previously:
Goo d Hygiene Is Universal
Stickering It To "The Man": Whacko 1

Still Lazy After All These Years

2010-09-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

I was uploading the latest batch of crap to my flickr when I noticed something (Please clicks on the pics for a better view):

September 24, 2005

September 12, 2010

Heh-heh. I'm hilarious.

House of Shields Update 02 & 03

2010-08-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

Looks like the sign's getting a little face-lift. These were taken a few days apart...

Can't wait to see the new neon!

I do wonder: will the "Live Music" not be a part of the refurbished sign?

8/20/10: Looks like I've got an answer for that. Probably not.

Previously:
House of Shields Update
R.I.P. House of Shields

Good Hygiene Is Universal

2010-08-19T20:48:00.001-07:00

Irving@7th Ave, SF, 8/18/10
Originally uploaded by Beej Weir

I saw this in a men's restroom. I don't think the establishment put it there. They're a pretty tolerant bunch.

No, some one else put it there. And, more important than who they are, is: what are they trying to say?

Extraterrestrials shouldn't wash their hands after using the restroom? I'm not sure that's a good idea.

I mean- putting aside the fact it's unsanitary- it sends the wrong message to the rest of the galaxy.

Of course, it could be a warning to aliens not to use the soap because it's dangerous to their skin. Or something. Like that movie with Mandy Patinkin they made into a TV show. I know, I know- that was salt water. But, same theory.

Or maybe I'm missing the point.

I'd like to say, that we here at Beej Weir's Blog are pro-EVERYONE-washing-their-hands-after-using-the-restroom. Or after probing something, as the case may be.
Unless it dissolves their skin. In which case? I don't know what to do.

Hopefully, the extraterrestrials have a way of handling this. They built spaceships to get here, right? You'd think they'd have a way to safely wash their hands.

BUT- I bet they only use it when somebody's in the restroom watching them.

You know what I mean.

Previously: Stickering It To "The Man": Whacko 1

Crosswalk Colorforms

2010-08-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

The other day I was crossing Howard Street and saw this in the crosswalk...

A few days later I saw another one like it crossing Stanyan around Haight.

Then, a few days after that, on New Montgomery I see...

Some kind of sticker? I don't think it's paint & stencil. I haven't had a chance to really check them out. I always seem to encounter them when The City's on the move. Stopping in the crosswalk, kneeling down & picking at these little yellow mysteries doesn't seem like a good idea.

But, if anyone knows anything- please leave a comment!

But, wait! There's more!

The Pipes, The Pipes Are Calling...

2010-07-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

Why should the sides of buildings get all the attention?

SF In July

2010-07-25T13:55:00.001-07:00

Irving & 16th Ave, SF, July 24
Originally uploaded by Beej Weir

is a foggy affair. Especially for those of us in The Avenues.

Snapped this with my phone (hence no flash) at about 8pmish on a Saturday evening.

It's moody. I like it.

House of Shields Update

2010-07-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

I spotted this the other day as I was trudging past the House of Shields on my way home...

(Sorry it's not a closer pic. But, there were 2 people standing in front of it taking forever to get their own pics of it)

Anyway, if I read the liquor license thing in the window correctly, the new owners intend to keep the name. That's good.

But, this "love note" feels, I don't know, insincere. It's obviously put there by the new owners(?) to keep hope alive in those of us who need a quick shot before getting on the N. It just feels cynical.

But, what the hell do I know?

Well, actually, I do know one thing: go to Dave's on 3rd St to get that quick shot before Muni for the time being.

And let's hope the new House of Shields is as great as the old one.

Previously: R.I.P. House of Shields

Stickering It To "The Man": WACKO 1

2010-07-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

Donna & I were running errands today when her attention was drawn to the bumper sticker on this here Parking Control Officer's little car-thing...

"ASSAULTING A PARKING CONTROL OFFICER IS A CRIME. SO DON'T GET CAUGHT."- WACKO 1

We here at Beej Weir's Blog don't advocate assaulting people at all. We're lovers, not fighters (and even then we're not really good lovers). But, we do have to applaud an opportunity well-seized. Nice one, Mystery Sticker-er!

You'll find the WACKO 1 website here...

PS: I swear, it was this way when we found it...

PPS: We here at Beej Weir's Blog also don't really advocate stickering stuff that's not yours to sticker. We're pretty sure it's illegal. We just admire chutzpah.

And thanks, Uptown Almanac!

Walk On By: Eclair Acuda Bandersnatch

2010-07-18T14:08:00.001-07:00

7th Ave & Irving, SF
Originally uploaded by Beej Weir

An Eclair Acuda Bandersnatch original for your viewing pleasure.

The Circolo Interlude

2010-07-18T10:37:00.001-07:00

Florida & Mariposa, SF
Originally uploaded by Beej Weir

My phone has a video camera. Enjoy.