Tickin'

Test Embed

2011-08-22T15:30:00.001-07:00

This is a test of the embedding process from brightcove

Sorry

2011-01-25T06:07:00.001-08:00

Office 2004 Test Drive User wrote:

Sorry

Sorry about the way I feel inside

Now that your gone

Sorry that there is no place to hide

Sorry is the way I end this song

11-21-08

2008-11-21T08:56:00.001-08:00

10-29-08

2008-10-29T10:34:00.001-07:00

10-28-08

2008-10-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

Blog Update

2008-10-16T07:27:00.001-07:00

morning poem - wip

2008-08-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

dying is a stillness
a quieting
of all that is temporary
until finally
the mind releases it
and rejoins the Spirit
rain, falling to the ocean

the ocean is grand
drop by drop

taking a turn - still tickin'

2008-05-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, it is ridicuoulus to have this blog and not be updating it... So it is going to become more of a stream of consiousness - hopefully integrating mixed media when I can...

but it is now more of a moment to moment diary.

Because it is hard to cease what one is unaware of

2008-03-20T13:45:00.000-07:00

And Now, A Brief Interlude

2007-11-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

I wish that I had more to say then... nothing.
I wish I had put more time into a personal journal as I had intended to over a year ago...
Remember, "Feed the Family", podcast?
Popcorn and soft drinks available in the lobby...
(humming, leaves stage right as the slide show begins playing)

Internet Ad Spending To Overtake Radio Revs

2007-08-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

US Internet ad spending is on the verge of passing radio advertising for the first time this year. According to a report on Forbes.com, radio ad spending in the US is expected to increase 1.5% in 2007, to $20.4 billion, behind online ad spending of $21.7 billion. Internet ad spending is up 22% from 2006. This is according to a report by eMarketer analyst Ben Macklin.

In his report, Macklin points to a bright side, that over the next few years radio station web sites and online audio advertising "will be the principal drivers for radio advertising growth."

And, Macklin continues, "There are many synergies between radio and the Internet and, for the most part, they complement rather than compete with each other. Advertisers should not abandon radio in favor of the web but combine the two media to take advantage of the unique attributes of each."

(I just had to post this because the department I was in while in radio was telling upper management that this was real — alas, to no avail. gw)

Well, This Is A Fine "How Do You Do!"

2007-01-03T01:12:00.000-08:00

I have attempted to create my first video podcast and have been stymied at every turn. Seems I picked a popular name/title... that is owned and unused.

Sucks @$$!!

Feed The Family: Trailer #6

2006-10-30T23:48:00.000-08:00

Feed The Family Trailer #5

2006-10-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

No Time To Edit - How sad

Feed The Family Trailer #4

2006-10-26T22:32:00.000-07:00

Feed The Family Trailer #3

2006-10-25T22:35:00.000-07:00

Feed The Family: Trailer #2

2006-10-24T23:51:00.000-07:00

Day One

2006-10-23T23:45:00.000-07:00

Jury Duty

2006-09-26T21:43:00.000-07:00

Run Greg Run

2006-09-21T23:55:00.000-07:00

Commute Through The Fire

2006-09-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

In A Flash...

2006-09-14T06:04:00.000-07:00

Or Once Upon A Time In The West

In Time

2006-07-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

Photoshop Experiments

2006-06-21T21:51:00.000-07:00

And Now We Say

2006-05-31T21:56:00.000-07:00

So the day begins... with my commute to work. But I have no pictures of that. Nope - nothing really goin' on with the way to work, knowhatimsayin'?

It was all happening on the way home...

And now the song selection I'm listening to has changed... and thus my voice changes, too.
This is just a photo of Lombard street - but not the normal pictures you see of Lombard.

Just another san Francisco street here...

Heading into the fog. Foggy on the way in. Foggy on the way out.

Kind of a trip how much is going on on this planet at any given moment... miracles and madness.

At any given moment... we can leave the fog and see the light of day shining all around. But we gots to keep drivin'.

can you tell the music changed again? Nope - things ain't always in the order they're supposed to be. And I don't always get it right.

But I keep given it what I got in that given moment.

Yep. Miracles or madness... at any given time.

The choice is mine.

Sometimes it is an easy choice.

Bring In The Dancing Girls

2006-05-09T22:56:00.000-07:00

Pretty random stuff today, really.

Well, nothing from my commute in... and then this morning, at Starbucks - yes, I had the norm... well, it used to be the norm, but I am not drinking to much coffee these days... but the norm is, a quad venti latte with extra foam. Yum.

So, anyway, the cashier accidentally dropped my ATM/Visa card between the register stand and the food case - a very narrow space. And they couldn't get it... so I said I'd come back later for it since I was starting work late and Tim was waiting for me and... so on.

So when I go back to get my card at the end of the day, I end up going to a different bus stop then the normal one I go to - which meant I saw different things.

Just what is the Society of California Pioneers?

I did pass by the garage where Mike parks... the gentleman that I receive a ride home with quite often. He had to meet up with a client tonight or I probably would have gotten a ride home this evening... forgetting to get my card in the process.

Turned out to be a pretty colorful photo, no?

I also got this shot of the other beautiful bridge connecting directly into the city...

And a really tall crane.

There seems to be a lot of these in the city at the moment. Someone can afford to build really large buildings in SF... and there are already so many empty ones around.

Interesting.

Um, people waiting to get on the bus.

Random

I had this thought of the city being a living entity and people commuting into it being like the blood flow... the energy of the city rising with more blood flow.

It really is a cool thought that is too late in the day to spell out completely for one to completely understand just how cool the thought is.

You'll just have to trust me on this one.

The this interesting entryway to a building...

Or did this come before the people waiting to get on the bus...

I think it did - hold on, let me just... a... no time really... I'm off to bed.

I leave you with - The City.

What a whacked post today.

By the way, the title is a tribute to my former supervisor.

Home Sweet Home

2006-04-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is - The American Dream. Home Sweet Home.

I have been attempting to capture a photo like this for a while. I thought about asking the gentleman in the photo if I could take his picture - but, he seemed distracted by a train of thought that I didn't think I would understand...

And it seemed best to get to work on time... especially since we were launching the new KFOG site any moment (well, I knew it would be early tomorrow morning... but there was some more to get finished if we were going to launch on time. Though some would say we launched late. I think they had unrealistic ideas about launching a new site.)

He was still home when I went to pick up the truck.

This is a building at the corner of Howard and 6th that I have wanted to capture on film for quite some time, also.

From what little I know about it.... and I'm not even sure that what I know is true... but apparently some guy owns the building and boarded it up some time ago and then stuck all the furniture on the sides and roof.

As I recall, now that I think of it, I think he boarded it up after the furniture was adhered to the walls..

This is a city worker keeping our streets clean.

She was at Mission and 7th... a very difficult area to keep clean.

Just a block a way is the famous Carls Jr. where one can get just about anything they want - as long as though don't care if it's clean.

At first I was going to call this photo "protesting". But then I realized that what the people were really doing is bring awareness to something. I did not know if they were "against" anything. But what is definite is that they wanted people to be aware of something and they also were asking for a show of support by passing vehicles honking their horns.

A lot of people honked their horns upon passing what looked to be a block full of people with signs and placecards.

I do not know what they wanted people to be aware of.

And this is the best library in the world - bar none. Marin City Library. You can reserve a book a day here for free over the internet - which is awesome!

Just browse for the title, author, etc. online at any connected library and then have it picked up in Marin City. Free.

Give the fifty cents you save to the guy in the first photo.

On A Clear Day

2006-04-13T23:45:00.000-07:00

Oh What A Beautiful Morning...

2006-03-20T18:12:00.000-08:00

Oh What A Beautiful Day!

Big Head. Little Hair.

2006-03-16T21:59:00.000-08:00

The morning started out grey, wet.. 'n' early. Yes, I've been told to be on time or give up the early slot to someone else and stay later. Knowing that staying later would be a hardship on my family, I've been making great efforts to get up and ready early enough to be at work by 7:30.

It reminds me of High School. Tardiness was an issue back then - hell, arriving at all was an issue back then. A lot has changed since...

I chose today to save only photos that I haven't taken before. So no bridge shots. No Pyramid Building shots. I don't think I've taken a shot I liked of one of the old muni trains that Mayor Brown brought from all parts of the country as part of his upgrading of the Embarcadero.

It has been about a week since I last posted.. which of course has me wondering if this will be a weekly blog. There should be some consistency with it.

This is a labor of love by the owner of a framing shop I pass on my way home. Unfortunately, this shot does no justice to the craftmanship that is available for viewing.

I do not believe that I have taken a photo of the Federal Reserve Building either. Or have I?

By the way, I dropped my PHP/MySQL course last week. I've still been studying action scripting for Flash and still feel too busy. But at least I'll be maintaining my 4.0 GPA at Palomar. I told you things have changed since high school.

This is a very cool hotel - The Embarcadero Hyatt. I have had many a great experience here... Especially back in the day when KSAN held "Day On The Bricks" concerts with the likes of Greg Kihn and others. Great stuff.

Saw U2 perform there.

Though I took this photo in the morning, I saved it for last. I wanted to keep you guessing about the source of the title of this blog.

Now you know.

Losing Sight of What is Real

2006-03-08T21:56:00.000-08:00

After many days of driving into work for various reasons, I am finally commuting again. Feels nice... feels good... feels right...

You know, perhaps I should blame my lack of commuting on the reason I am way behind in the PHP course I am taking. I have to drop by this Saturday if I want to do so without penalty to my current 4.0 GPA at Palomar College.

I believe that by college, people expect one to have learned not to stand in the middle of a busy street during rush hour. But not I...

I like the way the world seems a bit skewed when standing in the middle of Howard Street in San Francisco somewhere between 7:30 & 8:00 am... or between 2nd and 3rd streets - really depends on one's interest - time or space.

Oh yes, they also teach one not to be ugly. To abhor ugliness... to strike it down in a violent act worthy of the 6:00 o'clock news.

Time rears its ugly head again. And must therefore be eradicated. A timeless skill.

Tan's is where I sometimes throw money towards the dream that I shall never have to wage slave again for the survival and growth of our family in the manner in which we so desire.

And I rest easy with the knowledge that I have somewhere in my photos in my mind, a wreck of an image of a dark garage with new cars in which I once again begin my ride home courtesy of a good friend.

Boys & Girls

2006-02-20T23:32:00.000-08:00

This is where my commute starts off... well, not quite. My commute starts at home - which is two blocks up the hill from this spot.

This is where I catch the bus heading into the city.

Looks like a quiet, peaceful country road, right? Wrong. There are two ways out of Mill Valley - this is one of them.

But it does look like a quiet, peaceful country lane in this photo...

I really like the way this photo turned out. This is original - no photoshopping work done.

I like this glassy, watery look it has.

By the way, I hear the irish coffee was invented at this bar.

This is a shot looking behind my seat. That's my head at the very bottom of the frame.

I was really attempting to get a shot of the idiot girl who was talking on her cell phone, quite loudly really.

She works for Charles Schwab. Fire her.

And this is the photo that inspired the entry's title.

If the blue represents the male aspects of humanity... and the pink the female aspects, then one can deduce that the core of our energy is female while the male is predominately seen, surrounding the feminine.

Um, yeah...

This is Mill Valley's version of the Bates Motel.

Strange Days

2006-02-14T22:23:00.000-08:00

What started out as a beautiful day got strange real fast.

Everything seemed fine as I took my normal route through the marina district - normal for when I drive into work that is. Perhaps that I was driving in should have been a clue...

But it wasn't. The first clue came in North Beach where I noticed that they had put up a "avoid oncoming surfers" sign. I just happened to notice it as I stopped in the middle of Columbus to take the photo - they had posted it at an awkward angle.

The rest of the day seemed fairly normal - that is, nothing at work gave me an ulcer - which isn't normal really and I should have been clued in, really, by now...

So at the end of the day, I do a quick check to see if I am capable of driving.

Strange in the city, no? Normally you just get in the vehicle and head out into traffic regardless of the safety and environment around you... in the city.

I guessed I was okay and started heading home...

And I notice a building with the furniture hanging on the outside of it...

And then it got really strange.

Take It Slow

2006-02-09T23:54:00.000-08:00

In this city by the bay
On any other day
I would be walking away

But the view is extreem
And I'm caught in the scene
Making it hard to stray

So make another dollar
From your taxing machine
And I promise not to holler
Y'all know what I mean

Strange day - started off the commute with our bus heading straight into the Light... I was very surprised to find myself at work close to an hour later. I really thought that we were finished here...

I just like this picture. The building... interesting.

Not as interesting as a phenominon happing in our society - ostersising people who like classical music. I was just as suprised as you are - truly.

But the proof is in the picture!

nes ce pas?

gargoyles

2006-02-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

I changed the heading of the title to reflect the fact that it is no longer a daily posting.

See January 31 posting for explanation.

I also moved it over to blogger for hosting it since I am fearing that I will need the space on my own site for experimentation...

And though I fantasize
That we would meet
And I would feast upon
Your prone, open
Temple
I will consider the duality of my being
While remaining tame within the choices
Made

Back 2 It

2006-02-01T23:42:00.000-08:00

I wouldn't trust that title too much... after all, you see the previous post, yes?

I do love the rain... Especially when it is a gentle rain which this most recent storm has been. I am already hearing people speak of how they are tired of the rain... Reminds me of the last really wet season we had in 1982 (or 1983). I think it rained through March... which is my prediction.

Speaking of tired, here's a shot of a fellow morning commuter and that cup of coffee he is illegally drinking on the bus - just doesn't seem to be cutting it.

I really like this shot because of the colors that were captured - very rich and warm.

Of course there is the ol' stand by to my morning commute shots - The Golden gate Bridge.

I've seen the bridge this wet in July due to the fog rolling in... I even wrote a poem about it - or started one. It isn't finished yet.

Neither is the bridge - they haven't put on that last coat of paint yet... still messing with the primer.

Lately, my ride home has been courtesy of Mr. Mike Carroll - a member of the band, "Saturday Thoughts".

However, since the commute on the bus is prime study time for the PHP/mySQL course I am taking, I might have to give them up... The rides home with Mike. Though I must say, I prefer his company to studying... (scary looking building, no?)

And we always take Columbus north, which brings us past Tower Records...

WHAT?

2006-01-31T02:25:00.002-08:00

Who has time anymore
For such frivolous pursuits
I'm behind on my commitments

And quite frankly... AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

nes ce pas?

Sunday, Sunday

2006-01-22T23:32:00.000-08:00

If Your Goin' To San Francisco

2006-01-20T22:46:00.000-08:00

The night was cold... bitterly so. Those without four walls and central heating, no one to huddle with for warmth, passed back over the rainbow bridge rejoining the family and friends of yesteryear.

Ice clung to the windshield, causing me to pause as the truck defrosted for road readiness.

I believe the fog the hung in the valley was also due to the chill...

Since I was going to a play after dinner, I drove into the city... which proved to be a lucky choice later on.

Five bucks over the bridge, a cheery good morning and I am now in the big city...

Taking my normal route to work... The Marina, Columbus, Market, 2nd Street and park.

While at work, Lizzie called me to let me know we were almost out of the herbal medicine for Robyn.. so Lizzie called Dr. Cowan and he said he would leave some on the porch. The office is near Haight/Ashbury, so driving into the city proved to be a wise choice.

A normal day at work, and I'm off... heading down Howard past my normal turn-off at 7th.

I turned up Van Ness and turned left at the auditorium where the SF Symphony plays..

I then headed west towards the infamous Haight|Ashbury..

When one arrives at the Haight, one can not help but notice that it is quite a colorful place... I saw two folks who looked like their home was what they could carry.. and they actually could carry quite a bit since one of them was in a wheelchair.. anyway, they wer in the middle of the street, looking around wildly.

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to stop and get their picture.

Bad Things

2006-01-19T23:42:00.000-08:00

I should have known that today was going to be a little whacked... after all, things looked a little... well, askew. Seemed like things that were supposed to be solid were a little - um, loose... as it were.

But what is one to do?

Upon arriving at 2nd and Mission street, a block away from work.. because I drove all the way into work today... I see this cop directing traffic either to the right or left.. and quite a few firetrucks hanging in the street.

Can't tell how many trucks.. but it is a lot.

So I drive around the block, well, a couple of blocks to be exact due to one way streets..

Park, and head up 2nd to see what is going on.. because I can tell everyone on the street is relaxed and what ever the emergency was - it has passed.

As I head up the street, I see a couple of PG&E guys and I begin to think what ever it was.. was pretty big!

The eight to ten firetrucks was another tip-off that something big had gone down.

I snap a quick photo of a few of the men (I didn't see any women) hanging out talking...

Grab another shot of the broken glass in the alley across from Adolph Gassers..

And head across the street to grab a Peet's latte. Large of course..

I add a pumpkin scone to the order... 'cause they look good. But it didn't taste as good as it looked... which is alright 'cause Peet's coffee is so damn good, everything else is alright.

As I head back down the street from Peet's, I snap another shot of the trucks and firefolks to attempt to capture just how many there were.

There were a lot... I said that already didn't I. Oh well, there were a lot. Crossing back across the street - which sounds a little funny because of the double crosses in that sentence - I look back up at the building...

And there it is; the Money Shot.

About three stories up, the windows are blown out... which explains the broken glass in the alley as mentioned earlier.

Clearly, what ever was up there is no longer in existance.

And that concludes my morning commute...

I only include the evening home commute because as I walked out to the truck, it was the most perfect evening I had seen in a long time...

The lighting was just perfect as one can view by this photograph...

And this last shot is in the mix because valentines day and walgreens seem oddly juxtaposed...

...and yet, here they are.

By the way.. I know I haven't been keeping up on my daily blogs... been a bit busy don't ya know. And I signed up for another online course via Palomar College.

And I've been so gone
For so long
It seems like someone once said
They'd find me dead
But I'm not
And they're gone
So gone..
For so long

Two Weeks - But whose Counting?

2006-01-17T23:11:00.000-08:00

Back On The Chain Gang

2006-01-03T23:13:00.000-08:00

THE POWERS THAT BE
THAT FORCE US TO LIVE LIKE WE DO
BRING ME TO MY KNEES
WHEN I SEE WHAT THEY'VE DONE TO YOU

Well, the new year has started and I'm back at it... living large for the greater part of my life at 55 Hawthorne Street.

That just hit me - I spend most of my awake hours at work... and that to the right is the view I see as the bus pulls up to my stop in the morning.

One could get the feeling from this blog that I am vying for an iPod.. with subliminal hints throughout - more on that later.

And this is the view of my bus, heading for the Golden Gate terminal at 8th street...

As you can see, it was a cloudy sky - a beautiful sunrise which I did not take any pictures of... might not have even showed up knowing the limitations of my camera.

But upon leaving work, the city lights reflected off the pavement that had been freshly awash in yet another Winter rain.

We had some serious flooding in Marin - reminded me of the flooding in 1982.. I've got a great story about that period in my life, but that is not what this blog is about.

Ask me and I'll tell it to you.

I did happen upon this billboard on my way to the bus stop heading home.. advertising a new line of skin color I believe, "Sickly Green".

"Get that 'Too much Party' look without the hangover. Sickly Green."

I like the subtly of a woman collapsed on a dance floor under a giant disco ball.. and at a bargain price of $24.90 - how can one pass that up?

And here is an often seen look in the SF Bay Area: The white pods in the ear which bear witness to yet another person who has saved the career of Mr. Jobs by purchasing Apple's main product. Hmmm, that last sentence seems to bear a bit of the old "green with envy", yes?

Perhaps I do want one.

Lastly, I stopped by our organic farming co-op to pick up our box of fruits and vegetables.

The peace sign that opens this post was created from a shot I took of lights on the roof of the home where the pick-up takes place.

I've a wonderful family, a job I enjoy... and a certain, gnawing emptiness which I am unable to grok completely and therefore know not the solution to fill it from.. with?

I don't know... who am I? :-)

Nes Ce Pas?

2005-12-15T01:01:00.000-08:00

Bodhi Josephina Dunkel Wilker
December 14, 2005 11:49 AM

Every Where I Go

2005-12-12T22:36:00.000-08:00

Nothing on my mind
Look elsewhere for
I seem to find
A wall, no door

Nothing will heal
So far, unreal
Fear the state
On the other side

Images and words flow from one's mind, creating an abstract reality in which we can interact and learn from. Crossroads give choices of route, but destination remains the same. All of us the mechanics to others until we all arrive.

And thus my journey begins...

I arrive at a tunnel and travel through to the other side. Yes, the infamous Rainbow Tunnel of Marin County.

Though the rainbow is only visible when heading north - and I am heading south.

Of course the gg bridge is seen in the background, just over the hills... often rising up from, or into, the fog.

I then arrive at the toll plaza.

Since I am not a regular driver over the bridge, I head towards one of the cash lanes and give my five dollars to the awaiting toll plaza toll taker.

"Nice bridge. You should charge more." ~ Syd Belidge

I then manage to snap a shot of a Christmas tree.

It is located in a small plaza on Columbus where Chinatown meets North Beach.

It also happens to be a bus stop for Muni.

And we see a wary traveler waiting for public transportation.

I then head into the financial district and come upon a typical morning commute fender bender.

This shot is taken via my rear view mirror.

The lane directly behind me is blocked by one of the vehicles.

I am surprised that I haven't been involved in one - snapping shots as I attempt to drive to work.

Which is, by the way, coming to an end.

My wife wisely figured out that a cab ride home would cost less then driving into the city is costing us.

which means that we are still awaiting Bodhi's birth.

Merry-Go-Round.

Some Days Are Better Then Others

2005-12-10T02:56:00.000-08:00

I think the title and this photo really says it all, don't you?

I mean, it is such a perfect combo that I am tempted to just leave this posting at that...

However, there are some key photos in today's commute.

This one shows some Jedi skills I learned this morning before heading out to work via the Photoshop TV podcast.

I've practiced this a few times today so that I retain the knowledge. There are some very cool short cuts involved with creating that effect.

If you have any interest in Photoshop, I recommend checking out their video podcast. (For me, it helped to be able to see what they were doing.)

This shot is of Chinatown - looking across Broadway from Columbus. Attending the Moon Festival there is a cultural experience!

And the history of the area is rich.

I have been told that the eateries in the tourist sections should be avoided... um, we'll leave it at that.

And as promised, I finally have shots of the "Crookedest Street in the World". I must say, this one is quite beautiful.

This is at the top of the street, looking east. There are usually a group of tourists hanging out at the top.

Also, one of the cable car lines runs right past this area.

And now we are on the street, heading down towards Columbus were I will turn right and head into the financial district.

I learned something interesting about the financial district.

There are rogue, pirate black birds that are inhabiting the finacial district... seizing vehicles and taking the driver's items - such as cell phones, PDAs, etc. - which they then place on eBay.

Here we see one casing the vehicle next to me.. Notice the stealth of the bird as the drive is completely unaware of the surveillance taking place.

Hey, wait a minute.. I do believe from the looks of that picture that I was the one being stalked.

Lastly, I give you the hallway from which that first picture was taken. This hallway is on the bottom floor of the building in which I work and I walk through it on the average two times a day (working days that is).

My gut tells me I shan't be commuting this coming week due to the birth of our 3rd child, Bodhi.

But one never knows - some days are better then others.

Work, Work, Work

2005-12-09T05:45:00.000-08:00

Okay.. I am having trouble staying engaged with this blogging thing... I mean, how many pictures can I take of the same route?

There really isn't that much interesting happening on the way to and from work.. and if there is, I often do not have a moment to stop and capture it.

It's kind of like - Hey that's really cool! And the light turns green and I have to go on...

And do you all really care about the Academy of Art University? I hear it is where the rich kids go who are also kind of... um... well, not scholastically inclined and they convince their parents to send them to this university.

My friend Tim has some much better stories about his experience with the university and some film students.

I think one of the dangers of being a young student is that one has preconceptions about the aspects of what one is attempting to achieve.. for instance, I thought a rock star partied a lot. So that's what I did as a youth hoping to be a rock star... actually playing music never occurred that much to me.

And yes, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas... every where you go.

In fact, in that photo I can see NOEL spelled out... though it's not.

I am sure that I could get much better photos of Christmas somewhere... and I never got that shot of Lombard I promised.

By the way, did you get the pun of yesterday's posting? What it really was (okay, there is a pun there... ) was an easy way to post without writing much.

As I said, this is becoming tiring.

I see dead people.

5,000 Words

2005-12-08T06:52:00.000-08:00

A Day Off

2005-12-07T05:06:00.000-08:00

I awoke this morning to some serious cold... okay, I know that you people living in true winter areas are laughing now.. But it WAS cold!

Jacky Frosting was in full effect last night. This photo doesn't quite do justice to the frost that was thickly covering everything.

If it had rained at these tempatures, it would have snowed.

I had to go by the bank to get money for the bridge and passed by Tam High School.

Nice school, but I wouldn't want to live there.. although I do have an excellent story about it.

Ask me some time and I'll tell ya...

This shot was me attempting to get a shot of the valley in which we live as I went over the overpass across from our home.

Not quite the shot I was hoping to capture, since you can only really see the truck and freeway, but I thought it interesting enough to post on my blog.

I then went through North Beach as I normally do when driving into the city and captured this shot from the corner of Columbus and Broadway.

Yep, that right there is the Condor - the once famous home of Carol Doda.

I recommend doing a search if you are a history buff - great stories about both entities.

This shot is the Bank of America building, often referred to as the black monolith, since it looks like one.

Hey, the bank I had to go to this morning was a BofA... interesting.

By the way, the title of today's blog is derived from my noticing that the date of my entries is always a day off. So today's posting will be dated Wednesday but is about Tuesday's commute... so, no, I didn't get a day off. :-(

Which brings us to my ride home. That is the truck I am driving into (and back from) work. It is awaiting my arrival patiently all day... of course, the space in which it is parked is leased by my at $15 for the day. Pretty steep if I am driving in every day this week... with the $5 for the bridge, that is $20 a day - $100 for the week.

Anyone need a web site?

I also do video/film work. This shot is of Adolph Gassers - the foremost camera/video/film store in the Bay Area in my humble opinion.

They are right across the street practically from work - and the lighting was perfect for taking this shot... the magic hour as it were.

And this is the "crookedest street in San Francisco", Lombard. I however am traveling down the straightest part of it heading towards the bridge... and home.

Maybe I'll go down it today to get a shot for the next entry.

Xmas Wish

2005-12-06T02:03:00.000-08:00

Where does one's commute start? Home. Home is where the heart is... and there is a lot of love within those walls. I really am very blessed with a wonderful, loving family.

What else would I say about our home? Well...
There was a crooked man
Who walked a crooked mile...

I bravely place this photo of myself on my blog so that others know that I am willing to have photos that do not highlite my best attributes... it sure does show my gap tooth smile though.

In some weird way, I believe placing this photo live with that caption above allows me to place photos of others live... strange.

By the way, taking photos while driving is dangerous.

Yes, I am driving into work right now because we are expecting the birth of our 3rd child to our family any time and I need to be able to get back to our home quickly if called.

I was fortunate enough today to see one of the Christmas people...

With bright red hair and green pants (yes, I know they look blue - trust me, they were green), they roam the streets of San Francisco reminding people that Christmas time is here and to drive with consideration.

I also drive through North Beach and there is a park were people start their mornings with Tia Chi movements.

Two of my good friends have been practicing Tia Chi for many years now and have even taught it. They have a nice room in their home for practicing.

I also saw an old haunt from my AspenMedia days, Clown Alley.

They make great burgers with all the fixings you could possibly want. Next time you are in San Francisco, make sure you visit Clown Alley.. located on the outskirts of the financial district and North Beach. Clown Alley, a great burger.

As you may of noticed, all these photos so far were taken on the trip in... I decided to concentrate on driving on my way home. (Remember the danger factor?)

I did get this great photo of San Francisco's City Hall. That is the moon up there in the sky...

I actually took 3 shots knowing that with the lighting I was going to get a magical shot.

I think I did.

And finally we come to the part that addresses the title of today's blog entry...

Yes, for xmas, I want to... well... be in constant silhouette with lights all around my head.

Can you get that for me?

Drivin' That Car

2005-12-05T01:24:00.000-08:00

It occurs to me that couples are a complex relationship that is often beyond understanding.. even when one finds one self in relationship, it is often beyond understanding what is happening within it.

For instance, does it seem like the two people shown here are a couple? Would have been more apparent if I had taken a shot a few minutes later when they were gently touching fingers?

I've seen this couple often on my commute and they intrigue me for what ever complex reason.

The behemoth of Lucas' empire also intrigues me. What complexities are carried out with the hallowed halls of the stately group of buildings nestled in half-moon formation on a hill in the Presideo?

I may never know but for the releases which give credit to the complexities within.

And in a big city, one needs public parking.

All three of those shots were taken on my trip into the city.

I received a ride home from a friend, and co-worker.

Nope, wasn't Mike...

She wishes to remain nameless... and apparently faceless.

She had something going on with her eyes - they were dilated - so I got to drive her car. Nice car. Couldn't take any pictures.

Another Rainy Day

2005-12-02T00:29:00.000-08:00

It was another beautiful, rainy morning... In fact, it rained all night and most of today.

Some people complain about the rain. Insane.

This photo I like because it captured the car going by quite well... blurry background/foreground while the car looks clear. Not bad for a Palm shot, yes?

And it doesn't hurt that the lighting seems perfect. An old movie trick is to wet the pavement for an outdoor shot... you get nice reflections, etc. as one can tell from this photo.

I don't know what to say about the floating red head.

Taking It's Toll

2005-12-01T06:26:00.000-08:00

Well, this blogging thing is taking its toll...

as you can tell.

I haven't updated it in the past couple of days..

It's too bad. Last Friday my family picked me up from work and we went home a different way and I had a lot of cool pictures.

You'll just have to trust me on that - I decided yesterday to not attempt to catch up. It would push me over the edge with this...

A Quick One

2005-11-23T05:03:00.000-08:00

Let's make this one a short one, shall we? After all, it is a short week and I got to tell you, this blogging thing is kind of a 600 lb. gorilla... a monkey on my back... my own frankenstein monster.

Yes, with everything going on in my life - I managed to create more work for myself. "Nice one centurion. Like it, like it.."

I like this picture of the city.. it has a lot of the buildings that are known in San Francisco and it is looking at them through a gritty window. Kinda cool.

That was the only photo I took during the trip in... I was kind of tired; had been up since 12:30 AM. However, I think this photo captures the magic of the city...

Kind of captures the holiday spirit, too.. don't you think?

Why, I do believe that is the second spirit up their on the 10th floor of that tower... no, no.. that one over there.

Now this one I think captures the loneliness of the city.. although I took the photo because she was cute. I know, I know.. riding the razor's edge with that admission.. being a married man and with my third child due at any moment.. but as Dolly Parton once said, "I'm married. I'm not dead".

And the last one.. is a gentleman reading an article about Madonna. I'm guessing it was a Rolling Stone, but whose to say?

Ragtime

2005-11-22T03:32:00.000-08:00

I apologize to all of you music lovers right off the bat...

This isn't a posting about "The Mississippi Rag", or any other form of Ragtime..

Nope, it's me ragging about people. See those two people there to the left? Well, they arrived at the bus stop well after I did and I could just tell by their demeanor that they would be boarding before I did. And of course, they did... privileged white bastards!

But, hey - I DO like my shoes.

I'll say it again - most comfortable shoe I've ever owned. By the way, speaking of Vans, a very cool skate/surf shop opened up at Tam Junction.

I think they are Proof Lab - skate ramp in the shop.. and it is a serious one. Now how cool is that?

Oops... here comes my bus. Man, I knew those people would cut in line...

Splitters!

(number 4 - Golden Gate Transit)

Hey, here's evolution in action... and what kid doesn't like a construction site, eh?

Not sure what they're building, but they are very intent on building it.

This lot at one time housed a few people, providing a bit of privacy from the normal cardboard shelters one normally sees in the city.

And yet another rag.. what are people thinking? Leaving their newspapers on the bus... who do they think is going to clean up after them?

Man, people make me so mad that sometimes I could just... what? What was that... ? I left my newspaper on the bus this evening? Um, yeah... but, um... I found that newspaper so in a way I was cleaning up.. and ..what?

Well, at least I don't cut in line.

Here's the ride home. People boarding the number 4 at the first stop in the financial district.

I like the way the camera caught the motion of the person moving to the seat.

You can tell I'm getting a little bolder with my photo taking as well..

And this - well, this is just a mysterious shot through someone's window... what could it be? A dining room setting? A romantic interlude?

(its a bank)

Memories

2005-11-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

Well, um - quite honestly, I do not remember much of this trip because... well, I'm daft. Yep. Really... quite bonkers.

Okay, I do remember taking that picture of Coit Tower and being disappointed that someone had "etched" the bus window.

It is interesting actually how much this has changed my commute - choosing a seat based on what I imagine will give me the best photos.

Ah, there is my destination for my morning commute - my desk (cubicle).

To the right of the screen is a stack of CDs... live shows that are waiting for me to create covers and labels for.

They've been waiting for quite some time and I imagine that they shall be waiting a bit longer..

And these folks are the crew that are awaiting my arrival.

The Tick, Go Go Yubari and.. um... I don't know who that third guy is. But he is deadly with a TV tray, let me tell you.

The three of them keep a close watch on those boot-leg CDs that are waiting on covers and labels.

So, you've been warned.

This is Lee's Deli - they are all over the financial district and actually are quite good. Cheap, well made sandwiches, a cafeteria style salad bar with many oriental staples like sweet and sour chicken and a grill where one can order burgers etc.

What's really fun is watching the lightening fast cashiers whip through customers during the lunch hour rush.

I really think this next photo speaks for itself.

Just capturing an icon of the place in which I work...

Well, not really - I'm more on the outskirts of the financial district. But I do work very close to one of their sanctuaries.

Ah yes, and that there is the source of all my joy and discomfort. I'm taking an online course - and though I love to learn new things.. and I really do enjoy programming.. I'm finding myself a little overwhelmed at the moment.

Press on though.. yes?

And this last one is people getting off after a hard day's work.

Perhaps there is either a more appropriate photo to go with that caption or a more appropriate caption to go with that photo. Somehow the two together aren't working for me - each implying something different then what the other is providing.

Oh well - told ya I was daft.

Just Another Manic.. Thursday?

2005-11-17T21:07:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful morning on my way to work today. Dawn awoke as I approached the bus stop and cast its radiant glow across the bay.

Not a bad way to start a working day...

Those two photos kind of capture the glory. One is quite obvious, and really needs no description. The other one is looking back across the Golden Gate Bridge with the toll plaza in the foreground.

The ride home was graced by the presence of two co-workers, Nikki and Mike. Mike, once again, was the driver and Nikki rode shotgun. I felt quite safe and was able to relax and take some of these fantastic shots from the back seat where the steel sliding plate between the front of the vehicle and where I was sitting gave me some much needed privacy.

I am told that some people refer to this private section of the vehicle as the "trunk". So interesting, "trunk", it would seem, has many different definitions.

Along the way home, after complaining bitterly about the route chosen by our intrepid driver, Nikki pointed out that we were passing her favorite building in San Francisco.

I then commented that perhaps she should concentrate on the security of the ride and let the driver determine the best route, since she would not have seen her favorite building if we had taken her way.. I don't think the "trunk" allows for great communication amongst other travelers.

I did get this great shot of San Francisco's "red light" district. Boy, there sure are a lot of red lights...

There actually are quite a few strip clubs in this area... near Broadway & Columbus. Many people refer to them as "Gentlemen Clubs". I wonder how many gentlemen really frequent them.. in comparison to the other jerks like me that go there that is.

And this last shot? Well... why not?

G'Night

The Day After

2005-11-17T05:56:00.000-08:00

There's a reason that this time of day is called the magic hour...

And here I am, dog tired with four hours sleep... will I make it home? Tune in tomorrow for another exciting adventure with...

Greg's Commute
(da da da daaaaaa....)

Back.. With A Bigger Bang

2005-11-16T04:56:00.000-08:00

Well, I got my Palm Zire72 (I think I'm done linking to them - okay?) back Monday... and was sick Monday..

So my Blog starts back up (notice how the photos motivate the postings?) on Tuesday... and part of my commute took me to:

The Rolling Stones
(windows media player for that link)

Coming Home

2005-11-10T23:42:00.000-08:00

Item: Zire 72
Est. Ship Date: 11/16/2005
Special Notices: None
Order Type: Repair/Return

Current Status: Shipped
The repair order has left our repair center and is in transit back to you. When your shipment is in transit, you can use the ship tracking number shown here to see where your handheld shipment is currently located.

Carrier: Airborne

Last Updated: 11/09/2005 14:32:37

More Like, "In Transit"

2005-11-08T01:28:00.000-08:00

(My Prediction: T.O. is the Dennis Rodman of the NFL.. without the rings.)

Um, yes.. I did doctor that photo.. and intended that pun.

Sporadic

2005-11-04T02:20:00.000-08:00

Hmmm... so, the photos definitely make it a bit harder to post.

But, as one can see, they also lend reason for posting.

It is raining now.. and my commute has been pretty normal. I read a magazine or two. Catch-up on homework..

But, ah.. without the photos..

Well, I did send my Zire off - as you know from a previous post, yes? UPS says it won't be delivered to repair until 11/7.
So I do not expect it back very soon...

Oh yes, and this evenings commute again gives proper respect to Mr. Carrol.

Halloween.. Or If

2005-11-01T04:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!!

Or if a picture paints a thousand words
Then why can't I paint you
Because, its sad but true
I don't have my Zire 72

Yes, I awoke this morning to find out that my Palm Zire72 would not turn on.. power up.. work.

I of course went to the palm web site and researched their support. Following their online instructions, I attempted a soft reboot and a hard reboot when the first failed to do anything.

I then emailed customer support, as their web site requested, and told them that I had attempted a soft reboot and a hard reboot and still my device would not turn on.

I did receive a prompt reply.. notifying me that they see I have attempted a soft reboot and then a hard reboot and that my device still won't turn on.

They then have the instructions for a soft reboot and a hard reboot, obviously a cut 'n' paste job since I had just read them on the web site.

I call the phone number at the bottom of the email, since the instructions sent to me, which by the way were in larger text and bold, were useless.

After an accidental disconnect, I reach someone, who hears my story, looks up my record and then informs me that I need to send in my device for repair but unfortunately the warranty ran out October 31st, 2005..

I say, "But today is October 31st, 2005"

"Yes, I know, but the computer says that your warranty expired October 31st, 2005"

"But today IS October 31st, 2005"

"Yes, I know.."

I think you get the gist of the next couple of minutes of conversation.

Point in their favor, they did agree to honor the warranty and fix it for free. But it does mean that I will be without photos for a while..

It is kind of freeing though.. I kind of like it.

I think concentrating on the images too much hampers the free flow train of thought..

Choo - Choo!

Freaky Friday

2005-10-28T23:21:00.000-07:00

This is the bottom of the hill, where I wait for the bus heading into work. It is looking north towards downtown Mill Valley..

I guess not really towards downtown.. but it is the direction/way you'd be driving should you be heading towards downtown Mill Valley..

Or possibly downtown Larkspur.. or Fairfax.. or..

The sky was beautiful this morning due to rain clouds forming.

Other then that, it was a normal commute ride into the city..

Albiet an hour and a half later then I normally do it. For some reason, I didn't wake up this morning.. I knew that it was getting latter as I remained in that "half state" for longer then I knew I should.. But I figured as I arose from bed that is was probably around 6:30AM.

It was 7:15.. meaning I had fifteen minutes to shower, dress and arrive at work.

I wasn't going to make it.

One of the other landmarks I pass quite often is Ghiradelli Square. I have heard a lot of people talk trash about their chocolate.. However, the broken chunks that can be purchased at the square or at Trader Joe's I think are excellent.. and the hot fudge sundaes are tops.

And yet another daily sighting of a San Francisco landmark is Coit Tower.

Here it is seen through the key scratched window of Golden gate Transit bus #4.

It is a memorial to the SF firefighters, and thus looks like a fire hose.. it has been noted that it also looks rather phalic. And this is strange for a San Francisco landmark?

Levi's Plaza is a very nice place with several waterfalls and groomed landscape. I went here quite often for lunch when I was working at Aspen Media.

Our cats Scruffy and the late Jack were adopted here..

And one of my regular chess partners' partner works for Levi's and has an office in the building that is just to the left of that tree.

The commute home is what inspired the title...

I got a ride from a total gorilla.

The guy was driving crazy, blasting rock n roll on the radio, swearing and cursing at just about everyone who was attempting to avoid collisions with other moving vehicles..

A total animal.

It was a nice change to be taking a different route home.

This is a shot looking up towards Broadway, known for it's gentlemen clubs as they are so eloquently referred to.

If you look at the larger version of the shot, you might be able to make out Coit Tower rising up in the background..

Looks a little too washed out in this smaller photo.

We also passed by a grip truck in North Beach. I couldn't tell what the shoot was, but the officer that was helping with traffic sure gave a double take at the gorilla behind the wheel of the car I was in.

That grip truck does bring up my dream career - working with film, video or the theater. I must reiterate that I want to be quite a bit more involved creatively then grabbing coffee for the people who are more creatively involved.

Just want that out there in case the universe is listening.

And I'll end today's post with a couple more shots of the madman who so graciously gave me a ride home..

Mr. Carrol, Thank you!

Thursday (nice Title)

2005-10-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

It was very dark this morning when I left to go to work. I couldn't take any shots really.. although I almost got a very good one of the Pyramid Buidling.

Almost just doesn't get posted to this blog, baby!

I think this shot is the only one of from the morning commute.

Now this one is what sort of puts one into that "I'm going home" feeling. Yes, the elevator..

You get in to it, push the lobby button and imeadiatly get a sense of "heading home".

That little white rectangle to the left of the elevator buttons is our security lock.. to activate the floors we're on you need the card for that security device.

Speaking of security, any Earthquakes fans in the house?

This is a really long limo that I saw on the way home.

There's two exotic places to make love.. an elevator and a limo.

I relaxed on the way home for a change (usually I am reading tech books or magazines to continue the learning process).

I bought a SF Chronicle and read that.. yes, a little strange to read the morning paper in the evening.

Upon ariving home, I finally got a picture of the bus stop at the bottom of Rosemont, two blocks from where I live.

And to end this now.. because I am tired and still have some chores to do.. (It's garbage night).

It looks like it is going to rain again, yes?

Rain

2005-10-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, today it really rained. It spoke of fall and coming winter.. warnings of whether or not we had sufficiently fixed aspects of our home to weather a wet winter.

Because the rain was light, but steady, I did not feel reassured that none came inside.. instead, the warning aspects told me that time was running out for me to fix the front windows in the dining room.

The photo to the right is looking down Market Street towards the Ferry Building.

I did not take many shots because it was so dark out.. and I am finding more and more that the Zire does require a bit of light to get the shot.

Another strange thing happened on this morning's commute...

I think it had something to do with the bag that I have been using for my reading materials..

It was purchased on a trip I went on with Mike Healy to Amsterdam. We stayed 2 weeks in the wonderful city and it was a perfect experience. I really recommend for anyone traveling to stay in a place a while instead of attempting to see as much as possible.. I felt quite at home there after two weeks.

Anyway, the bag was purchased at the Grasshopper Cafe, one of the upper crust cafes catering to tourists. I at first used it for my golf discs, but I haven't played in many years and don't know where the discs are now..

And how does this all tie into the strange site from this morning's commute? As I looked out my window, I saw one of the familiar sites of Amsterdam. I was not aware that this existed in the financial district of San Francisco.

Perhaps it was the weather.. or a bit of rotten potato I had digested the evening before. Bah Humbug!

As I traveled back home at night, I did not have many photos from the journey home.

I did manage to snap this one that is a brilliant sign of our times.. and felt a little paranoid as I did so.. wondering if someone might think that my taking a picture of the sign on a bus was strange and worth reporting.

No one did.

I also took this photo of a business in San Francisco..

I am happy to report that the arts are still practiced and can be found if one applies oneself.

I did not go directly home, but instead went to a parent teacher evening at Greenwood School where Robyn (and next Jonah) attend.

Excellent school, I must say..

If Only Life Were Like This

2005-10-26T04:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, today was a good work day. I went in at 2 and left at 4:30. Now that's a sane work day!

"Why?", you might ask.. well, today I had a doctors appointment and met with our midwife, Amrit. Yes, if I haven't mentioned it and you didn't know, we are expecting our 3rd child December 4th.

By the way, I like this picture of the bridge because it captures the way the bridge tends to loom on the horizon as one approaches it.

Since I was heading into work late, I drove in and therefore have some shots that I normally wouldn't get..

Like the Palace of Fine Arts building there to the left.

Well, okay.. so I can capture this shot from the bus.. but I have attempted it a few times and this is the first time I got a shot worth posting.. and since I wasn't on the bus when I took this, that fact might have something to do with the shot.

Now this shot I wouldn't get from the bus. This is the famous San Francisco Chronicle Building. I do not know much about the history of the building.. In fact, I really know nothing at all, other then the fact that the Chronicle was in a publishing war with the Hearst owned paper - which gives you an idea of how far back the paper dates.

Oh yes, I almost forgot...

I captured this very rare moment via my Palm.

Notice, this car is actually stopping at a yellow light.

There might truly be hope for humanity after all.

Of course, speaking of hope for humanity.. I also ventured through an area of the city that I have known to be a place of poverty and deprivation.

A place where drugs take the place of hope and love, attempting to fill the void that only hope and love can.. A place I call, City Hall. No, sorry, bad joke. Oh I do have my quirks regarding politics.

Besides, City Hall did not appear until my ride home..

Which brings me to..

My ride home. Which started off very strangely...

As evidence shows, the entire city had become of a somewhat rubbery composition. It was easy on the feet but made walking somewhat perilous. Luckily, upon entering the truck, what ever continuum at play with the forces of nature eased off and I was able to enter my commute home without any further incidence.

Except for... 106.9 went live with their new format and all I can say to it is - train wreck. Perhaps I judge to hastily, but in my humble opinion - I could do far better then what I heard on the air.

If they are going for something that is either banal or "in your face" raw, they've achieved it. Now, that said, I am still fond of one of their shows that I had the pleasure of working with at one time.. so perhaps we should wait and see.. But gentlemen, a little less time ripping on your former employers and more time just ripping in general is my recommendation.

It still seems like an accident in the making.

On the way home, I stopped by the fabulous Marin City Library.

Marin County has one of the best library systems going - and Marin City is one of it's crown jewels.

I picked up my favorite story of all time, A Christmas Carol. Well done, C.D.!

...And now as promised, San Francisco City Hall.

Red

2005-10-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not.. it was so foggy this morning that I couldn't really take any photos. It was foggy and cold! And I didn't wear a jacket..

And it was foggy and cold on the way home, too. Which limited my picture taking again. I missed my warm things. (Don't read too much into that!

d'oh

I was also late for work this morning - not a good thing. There is plenty to be done and I needed to be there on time in my mind. I did get a lot done today, but still..

The evidence is there to the right. I am supposed to be at work by 7:30..

Although, I probably would have called in sick if I had any sick time left. (It was all used up by a shoulder surgery I had earlier this year.)

On the way home, I saw a cross on the side of one of the buildings. Interesdting because nothing on the building hinted to any religious protocal within the confines. Perhaps what ever labors of commerce that are taking place within would just like the Lord's blessing.

Also of interest, a BARC speeder buzzed by the bus right when I snapped the shot.. you can see the trails in the upper part of the photograph. (I'm getting as geeky as Skott - sheesh)

And now we get to the theme of today's posting/commute. Starting off with the red hand, I noticed a theme running through these photos.

The red hand was floating in an intersection in the financial district and suddenly started moving as I snapped the photo. Yes, I notice it's resemblance to a crosswalk signal.. still, it was mighty strange.

I then snapped this shot of what I thought was dramatic lighting within the bus.

For a bus, it seemed like a lot of dramatic lighting.

After taking the photo, I noticed that the lights from the bus we were on that show the bus number and route were reflecting in the window of the muni bus in front of us.

I thought this was an interesting photo, also. Since it was partially hidden and reflected an aspect of myself - a self portrait if you will - since it shows my destination and therefore were I live.

It Was A Dark Morning...

2005-10-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

It was a dark morning as I headed out to work.. too dark to really get any pictures so I didn't take much on the way. Or the ones I took look a lot like the one to the left there.

That is taken from the bus stop at Rosemont. It is a very nice structure that members of the community have built and maintained. I attempted to get a picture of it this morning (Friday), but alas - too dark.

I did manage to take this shot of the building entrance I go into..

Yes, my current place of employment is 55 Hawthorne Street in San Francisco.

Apparently there is some history to this building - but I don't know what it is...

A lucky strike for my commute home was ride from co-worker, Skott. He is the art director for Susquehanna Radio Corp., S.F.. And he is a very talented designer.

He also is the drummer for Zoo Station, a U2 tribute band that is doing very well in the Bay Area. If you're a U2 fan, check them out.. I don't expect you'll be disappointed.

He looks happy to be giving me a ride.. I hope I didn't make him late for getting to the art supply store he was heading to in San Anselmo before doing a gig at the Sweetwater in Mill Valley.

We left Victor, a co-worker in the Interactive Media Department (which Skott & I also work in), bummed that he was staying all by himself to hold things down 'till closing. I'm up against Victor this weekend in fantasy football - I hope he is still bummed come Monday. Cruel, yes?

Here is what I think is a great shot of Skott retrieving his keys from the commuter lot he parked in that day. It just seems so surreal in some manner.. almost like it is posed.

It wasn't.

The last shot is a close-up of Boba Fett's insignia - a Bantha skull. Many of you may not know that the first banthas were played by elephants at a now defunct Marine World Africa USA.

Pretty cool, huh?

The Bane

2005-10-21T05:49:00.000-07:00

Today's thoughts have to do with cell phones, society and um.. fog. But first - Christmas is coming and signs of it can already be seen as I get a sighting of the famous San Francisco Xmas Muni buses. I wish I could have gotten a closer shot, but alas..

On my walk to the bus stop heading home, I saw two things of interest. The first was a public service where the City of San Francisco is willing to post your face on one of the concrete pillars that support the highway offramps. You can see one of the place holders to the right there.. don't know why one needs to be wearing a bow tie..

The other interesting sight was a home for rent. Obviously it has seen some use, and the location wasn't great. But you can see many of these homes as you pass south of Market Street.

I'm sure with a little newspaper and perhaps a sleeping bag or two, this can provide shelter for one in need.

On a serious note, if you ever have a chance to pick up "Street Sheet", it is well with the dollar donation. Here you will see/read a perspective of the news that one does not get from the main stream garbage put out. I honestly relate better to the perspectives and beliefs in "The Street" better then most main stream media..

Have I mentioned that it was really foggy on the way home yesterday?

This is a shot from GG Bridge looking back at the city.

No, you can not see the city. Not even a little bit.
It was very foggy. Here is another shot taken as we entered the headlands. usually if it is very foggy in the city, it makes for a beautiful and often dramatic setting as one hits Marin.

I wish I had a better shot of the wave of fog that washes over the headlands into the bay.. it is truly spectacular. It will have to wait for another time.

Here is a look at Tiburon as we approach the Mill valley exit off 101. The sunlight reflecting off people's windows sometimes looks like fire.

And it was a beautiful day.

Some of you may be wondering how I got to space on Wednesday's commute. Well, a little known fact is that there is a space shuttle in Mill Valley, right off the 101 exit to Muir Woods/Stinson Beach that also is one of the three Mill Valley exits that I can think of heading north on 101.

With the space shuttle so close at hand - it is a wonder that more people are not finding themselves in space..

And now the reasoning behind the title to this blog: cell phone use on the bus. I have noticed that traffic and cell phone use get busy incrementally. First traffic increases and then cell phone use increases. One woman must have called 10 different times on the trip home.. and being privileged enough to listen in on her conversations, I was able to pick up on this priceless advise she gave to one of her children:

"Help yourself to something that looks like dinner."

And now, the whole reason I make the commute. Because of the family it helps support.

This is a shot of our home on Beryl Street.

There was a crooked house.
Upon a crooked mile.
And never again will we wonder why.
Mona Lisa has a crooked smile.

And here are my beautiful children and our dog, Sam. Sam is the brown blur in the lower right corner - he was quite excited to see me. Jonah, my son, is pointing to what I refer to as Halloween Spiders. They are big spiders that make a stereotypical halloween web.

Robyn is checking the mail.

I'll end with three photos. The first Jonah took upon my arrival home - so technically, it is still part of my commute (I wasn't quite home). It is such a beautiful shot of the sky, and as one can guess from this blog, I'm a sucker for a beautiful sky.

The second Robyn took of our neighbor Paul's house. He passed away at the beginning of this year.

He was a very friendly man who on more then one occasion mentioned he was ready to go.

And lastly, a bumper sticker on our car.

Have a nice day!

An Evening Post

2005-10-19T21:53:00.000-07:00

It was an overcast morning starting out today.. However, as you will see (sort of, the Palm device is not the most excellent camera about town - however, I'm learning to work with its limitations), it made for a stunning sky - both morning and evening.

I was running a bit late today.

And I am just settling into this blog thing. I hope it grows in voice because what I am currently doing is far more amateurish in voice then I expected. Yes, belief it or not, I really expect my here to for believed in by me writing talent to burst forth in abundant prose. It hasn't. However, my lack of spelling talent is rearing its head with aplomb.

As we headed into the city, the clouds broke way, leaving enough space for tinges of blue to peak through the pink edges that were brushed from the rising sun. The greys and whites of the storm clouds with the pink edges and blue sky were.. well, far more spectacular then my writing.

I still hold out hope that this will mature into something worth reading.. to bad I sent out an announcement this evening to friends and family. I really should have waited until I found my voice.

Here's another sky shot but this one is taken on my walk to the bus stop home. This evening the sky was filled with popcorn puffs that again were tinted pink along the edges.. and yet again, juxtaposed with the blue sky made for a wonderful backdrop to the trek home.

Don't ask me about Malden - I know nothing about it.

I do know that "Kate's", as we refer to it at work, used to be quite a good Irish pub to have a pint and a burger.. but they have fallen in the eats department. I'm sure the pub part is doing just fine - you can't ruin a pint of Guinness.

Now this place is good eats. Well, the dog I had a while back was supreme. But alas, my diet has changed and I no longer am partaking of the fare I used to. Yep, a gentleman (if I do say so meself) who started his morning - every morning - with a quad latte and 3 packs of sugar hasn't had wheat, dairy.. or a cup of coffee in three months now. Seems my extreme habits had blown out my system to the point were a food allergy test was run twice by the lab because they were quite sure they had done something wrong the first time. They hadn't.

I had.

I think this photo needs no explanation.

I covered up the company it was advertising for so you get a good look of a pair of my corporate work shoes.

And really, who can argue with such sentiment?

But really, it was taken in the middle of my commute home (aprox.)

Another advertisement with a fine sentiment.

This one however, instead of taking up a small portion of the sidewalk, covered quite a few floors of a building in the downtown financial district that the bus passes through on the way to Mill Valley.

If you can't tell (clicking on the photos brings up larger versions), it is a photo of a child walking through the rain.. yes, we can be happy in all types of weather. Just practice...

Part of what I think about when taking these pictures are interesting ways to do self portraits. Here I am in space.

You can see the reflection of me holding up my "camera".

And that about does it for today's commute...

Of course I end it with another glorious shot of the bay.. this one featuring Angel Island.

A Quick One

2005-10-19T06:46:00.000-07:00

This one is extra quick because I am running late for work and I accidently deleted my post... seems like I am posting in the morning for the previous day's commute...

The photo to the left is of the Pyramid Building just before dawn.

I had to come into work early due to a doctor's appointment and PT. The good news? I'm free... or on parol as they put it. They still would like me to work on strengthening.. to keep up with the kids as they put it... niiiiiccceeee. My kids are already way beyond me which I am so grateful for.
Can I get an Amen?

I was listening to KIFR which began stunting Monday at noon. You can hear an exerpt here.. recorded on my Zire so quality is what it is... and the piece is 5 minutes. Should give you a good idea of what they are doing.

Yesterday, our beautiful "Indian Summer" gave way to a subtle fall rain. Here's some shots of the bridge and 101 taken from the truck I was driving.

Cha Cha Changes

Monday, Monday

2005-10-18T03:43:00.000-07:00

It was rather an uneventful commute today - though again, beautiful... but you are going to get tired of hearing that, yes?

I like this picture to the left - it is a shot from the fron seat of the bus going through the Rainbow Tunnel, probably not the official name but that is what everyone calls it.. does that make it right?

Here is the Letterman Digital Arts Center - what you are clearly seeing is the turn off from 101 south to the center... A very interesting space that is, or rumor has it, the cutting edge of digital technology for the entertainment industry.

I almost had a job there, but when Lucas moved his production to this facility they downsized and the position disapeared. Maybe it is for the best... jobs and careers can be so trickly like that.

The rest of these pictures are from the commute home, including the walk... which brings me to this picture.

I really wonder what the person who took their time and energy is attempting to say with this? We should revolt because George W. Bush is evolving into a monkey? We should revolt because he is turning us into monkeys? Monkeys should revolt?

It was just clever to take the word "evolution" and place an "R" in front of it?

Now anyone who knows me knows that I am all for a revolution - It is time for a Boston Tea Party.. but this just incites wonderment. I do like it though.

Here is a bunch of people in line for car pooling to various parts of the Bay Area.. it is rather a long line stretching for a good part of a city block. I don't know where they're going but I do hope they made it home.

I wonder if the price of gas has increased car pooling and public transit?

Lastly, this is the bus stop I walk to to catch the number 4 Golden Gate Tranist to Mill Valley. And then a couple of shots of the Golden Gate Bridge which was looking mighty impressive as the sun set into the Pacific.

Part of why my commute is exceptionally beautiful at this time, is it is timed just right for the Magic Hour. It happens this way twice a year for about a month.. then daylight savings messes everything about.

Beginnings

2005-10-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

Fridays... it was another great commute... don't get me wrong, I'd rather be traveling for other reasons then heading to work - but as commutes go, I must say, traveling in the bay area is very nice - especially going over the Golden Gate Bridge. I have a feeling that it will make its appearance many times in this blog.

To the left is the first off-ramp after comming through the toll plaza. I was really impressed with the fog and I think this picture captures it... better then any of the others I took. I also like the picture at the right. It is the view inside the bus. I like it because it doesn't seem like one of the Golden Gate Transit buses - it looks like one of the photos I've seen from tourists traveling in Europe on a train.

I am writting this as my two children are playing rough and bouncing around and I have come to the distinct opinion that it is very difficult to write when not alone... at least for me.

This guy was on the commute home... He suddenly started reading from a book of poetry out loud. He then began letting no one in particular know what he was reading, the book it was in, where one could possibly purchase it... generally a bit mad, really. But he reminded me a bit of a college professor and it got me to thinking about context. After all, his exact utterance in a different setting would have been quite acceptable - in fact, it could be a career. But because he chose the bus as his setting for poetic education, and his audience had not chosen to be so (his audience), he was percieved as a bit mad.

It was a short burst of lecture - about two minutes tops. But it was more then enough for the people around him to get a bit uncomfortable, or smile to themselves as one does when witnnesing the antics of a cute child. I just had another thought about the situation - had he a cell phone, none would have thought him mad.

To seal the deal, when we hit divisadero and lombard intersection, he started informing - again, to no one in particluar - about a gentleman who built his home on divisadero in the 1940s. I couldn't make out much about that lecture.

I felt a little sorry for the bookish gentlemen sitting across the row from him - you could tell he was homing in on them and that their skill set was not ready for the embarking conversation. Sure enough, as we hit the Manzinita Parking Lot, he unleashed on them with the crazy inquiry of, "Where's Mill Valley? Is it here or the next stop?"

One could only imagine what was in store for them the remainder of the ride...

2005-10-13T05:59:00.000-07:00

Well, after some hours of work... well, about two, counting me stopping to watch MTV's Hurricaid pieces which were playing while working.. I finally got the look and feel of the blog to match the rest of the site.

So my plan is to update this daily during my commute - which leads into a problem: What if my commute ends? What if I am no longer commuting?

Interesting problem... I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Yesterday's commute home, the fog was thick and beautiful comming across the Golden Gate Bridge.. which clogged up traffic. It was worth it.

I attempted to place a video clip of the commute that I shot with my Palm Zire72 - but I'm attempting to embed a flash file with controls for the video... and it is time for me to get ready for today's commute... so that is going to have to be for another time, yes?

2005-08-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

Ticking
Music by Elton John
Lyrics by Bernie Taupin
Available on the album Caribou

"An extremely quiet child" they called you in your school report
"He's always taken interest in the subjects that he's taught"
So what was it that brought the squad car screaming up your drive
To notify your parents of the manner in which you died

At St. Patricks every Sunday, Father Fletcher heard your sins
"Oh, he's unconcerned with competition he never cares to win"
But blood stained a young hand that never held a gun
And his parents never thought of him as their troubled son

"Now you'll never get to Heaven" Mama said
Remember Mama said
Ticking, ticking
"Grow up straight and true blue
Run along to bed"
Hear it, hear it, ticking, ticking

They had you holed up in a downtown bar screaming for a priest
Some gook said "His brain's just snapped" then someone called the police
You'd knifed a Negro waiter who had tried to calm you down
Oh you'd pulled a gun and told them all to lay still on the ground

Promising to hurt no one, providing they were still
A young man tried to make a break, with tear-filled eyes you killed
That gun butt felt so smooth and warm cradled in your palm
Oh your childhood cried out in your head "they mean to do you harm"

"Don't ever ride on the devil's knee" Mama said
Remember mama said
Ticking, ticking
"Pay your penance well, my child
Fear where angels tread"
Hear it, hear it, ticking, ticking

Within an hour the news had reached the media machine
A male caucasian with a gun had gone berserk in Queens
The area had been sealed off, the kids sent home from school
Fourteen people lying dead in a bar they called the Kicking Mule

Oh they pleaded to your sanity for the sake of those inside
"Throw out your gun, walk out slow just keep your hands held high"
But they pumped you full of rifle shells as you stepped out the door
Oh you danced in death like a marionette on the vengeance of the law

"You've slept too long in silence" Mama said
Remember Mama said
Ticking, ticking
"Crazy boy, you'll only wind up with strange notions in your head"
Hear it, hear it, ticking, ticking