she said

Four solid days of porn...

cynthiasays — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 06:44:13 GMT

...or something close to it. It's the Democratic National Convention. And I actually kind of like being a Democrat, at least in San Francisco, now since the whole shake up of the DCCC. If you've been under a rock, there's been a bit of a shake up, to say the least. http://www.beyondchron.org/news/index.php?itemid=5977 Generally, I only admit to the Democrat thing only to the poll lady. Otherwise, I just say Green. Anyway, back to the porn, er, I mean, convention. It starts Monday. If you only watch TV one day next week, make it Thursday night. Oh, and yeah, I know, you guys hate that New Yorker photo. See, the hallmark of good satire is getting that rise, "that's not funny." Even I know that. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PROGRAM SUMMARY TO DATE: Monday, August 25 – One Nation. Barack Obama’s story is an American story that reflects a life of struggle, opportunity and responsibility like those faced by Americans everyday. The opening night of the Convention will highlight Barack’s life story, his commitment to change, and the voices of Americans who are calling for a new direction for this country. Monday’s headline prime-time speaker will be Michelle Obama. Other Monday night speakers include: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi; Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri; Barack Obama’s sister Maya Soetero-Ng and Craig Robinson, Michelle Obama’s older brother; Jerry Kellman, mentor and long-time friend of Barack Obama; Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr.; former Indiana Representative Lee Hamilton; Tom Balanoff, President of Illinois SEIU; Nancy Keenan, President of NARAL Pro-Choice America; NEA President Reg Weaver; AFT President Randi Weingarten; Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan; State Comptroller Dan Hynes; Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulis; Chicago City Clerk Miguel del Valle; and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. Monday night will also feature a tribute to Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Tuesday, August 26 – Renewing America’s Promise. Millions of Americans are struggling to get by. The failed policies of the last eight years have betrayed the country’s values and left an economy out of balance. Barack Obama believes a strong economy is unattainable with a weak middle class. Tuesday’s Convention program will feature the voices of Americans who share Barack’s concerns and strongly support his detailed economic plan to grow the economy, create jobs, restore fairness, and expand opportunity. Senator Hillary Clinton will be the headline prime-time speaker and former Virginia Governor Mark Warner will deliver the keynote address on Tuesday night. Pay Equity pioneer Lilly Ledbetter will also address the Convention on Tuesday. Other Tuesday speakers will include: Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana; Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts; Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas; Governor Janet Napolitano of Arizona; Governor Joe Manchin of West Virginia; Governor Jim Doyle of Wisconsin; Governor Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania; Governor Ted Strickland of Ohio; Governor David Paterson of New York; Governor Chet Culver of Iowa; Senator Bob Casey, Jr., of Pennsylvania; Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont; former Secretary of Energy and Transportation Federico Peña; House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer; House Democratic Caucus Chair Rahm Emanuel; Representative Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Assistant to the Speaker of the House; and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Chair Chris Van Hollen, who will use his time to showcase his top candidates for change. Representatives Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Mike Honda (D-CA), California Controller John Chiang, Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards, Change To Win’s Anna Burger, and AFL-CIO President John Sweeney will also speak. Wednesday, August 27 – Securing America’s Future. Barack Obama offers a new, tough foreign policy that is neither Republican nor Democratic, but is a strong, smart American foreign policy to make our country more secure and advance our interests in the world. Wednesday night’s Convention program will feature the voices of Americans who share Barack’s vision of making America stronger and safer. The headline prime-time speaker on Wednesday will be Barack Obama’s Vice Presidential Nominee. Featured speakers will include: Former President Bill Clinton; former Senator Tom Daschle; Governor Bill Richardson and Senators Evan Bayh, Joe Biden, John Kerry and Jay Rockefeller. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Convention home state Senator Ken Salazar, House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, and Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL) along with Chicago Mayor Richard Daley. Representative Patrick Murphy (D-PA) and Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth will lead a tribute honoring those who give so much to secure our nation’s future – veterans, active duty military and their families. Thursday, August 28 – Change You Can Believe In. On Thursday night, the DNCC will throw open the doors of the Convention and move to INVESCO Field at Mile High so that more Americans can be a part of the fourth night of the Convention as Barack Obama accepts the Democratic nomination. Obama will communicate the urgency of the moment, highlight the struggles Americans are facing and call on Americans to come together to change the course of our nation. Additional details of the program to precede Barack Obama’s acceptance speech will be announced later this week.

How many licks does it take?

cynthiasays — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:27:41 GMT

Boy: Mr. Turtle, how many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of the Tootsie Pop? Mr. Turtle: I don't know, I ain't never made it without biting. Ask Mr. Owl. Boy: Mr. Owl, how many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of the Tootsie Pop? Mr. Owl: Let's find out. Mr. Owl: One ... *lick* Two ... *lick* Three ... *lick* *bite* Mr. Owl: (declaratively) Three. How many licks DOES it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop? The world may never know. Apparently, it will be answered. Tootsie Pops is sponsoring a contest to guess. And you could win $50,000 if you solve the mystery of the magical lick number. Crazy! http://www.askmrowl.biz/askmrowl.html

Is it wrong that I have a Pee-wee Herman sort of crush on the one on the left?

cynthiasays — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:33:04 GMT

There's a lotta things about him we don't know anything about. Things we wouldn't understand. Things we couldn't understand. Things we shouldn't understand. We don't wanna get mixed up with a guy like him. He's a loner. A rebel. *swoon* http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/31/fashion/31shorts.html?ex=1375329600&en=3f0e4a3c6caca83d&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Another catty Tribe rumor... this one is for real, though.

cynthiasays — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:18:35 GMT

I just suck at secrets. When I was little, they couldn't tell me about birthday surprises because I would just start giggling and blushing when the guest of honor came into the room. Well, I have controlled the giggling.... some. Did you know that August 10th, the same day of Lady Thorns Flea and Fandango, is Jess's birthday??? Yep. He's turning 34. http://people.tribe.net/70b9802e-26ca-48fa-94f6-706e5fa2b5ed I'm thinking that he needs about 34 people to line up for spankings by him. Do you think I could get a list going? What else? What do you give a kinky, photographer, zombie enthusiast, Magic: the Gathering playing, board game loving, goofball, dork? Chocolate cake. I know he needs chocolate. What else? Help me out!

No go on the mural this weekend :(

cynthiasays — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:04:40 GMT

Looks like the owner of the parking lot wall just couldn't agree on the design with the artist, but he's trying to work something out. It might just get painted blue again. And of course blue again and again and again as the graffiti layers. Sorry for the false alarm. Go out and get some sunshine instead.

Regenerating, Kermitting and muralling

cynthiasays — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:52:23 GMT

The best feelings in your life come when you start feeling good after you've been feeling just awful. ~ Robert Fulghum Has anyone been outside yet? Have you noticed today is absolutely gorgeous? I guess I’m feeling better… a lot better. And it’s high time. I was totally over the crankiness and general icky blahs weeks ago (as were all of my friends). Last night, I got a great night of sleep and woke up early enough to walk to BART. Not only that, but in my uber tight budgeting, I managed to find $20 while cleaning my apartment, so that was a pleasant surprise. I treated myself to a latte on my walk, and much to my amusement, I walked the whole way without spilling coffee on my white shirt. This, people, is revolutionary. Maybe I’ll top the day off with dancing tonight and blow off vacuuming another day. So, while getting dressed this morning, I almost put on my new “green” panties. You might remember the recent underwear overhaul. They aren’t green in color per se, though the band at the top is. But they have all these cute sayings – drive less, recycle, eat less meat, use less water. Even when I see them in the drawer, they are a reminder to me to do more. I’m in a new Kermit phase, I guess. You’ll have to forgive my “gentle nudges” if I come behind you and turn off the water or a light or something. A running shower can use as much as seven gallons per minute. We are in a drought, people. It’s for the planet. It’s for the polar bears. If I smile really cute, will that make it better? And please feel free to do the same for me. Equal opportunity Kermitting allowed. In other news, I just got word that the new mural in my neighborhood is going up this weekend. I’m really excited about it. It’s a wall that constantly gets tagged, and murals typically stop tagging. Even little criminal twits respect artists. And the artist we have doing the design is awesome - Jonathan Burstein (www.jburstein.com). We will need a lot of help, and it will be a lot of fun. If you want to help, meet in the parking lot next to Lilly’s Bar-b-queue at Grove and Divisadero at 10:00am this Saturday the 26th. Can’t come that early? Show up when you can.

Typically atypical

cynthiasays — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:58:29 GMT

"Being normal is actually extraordinary. It's an unusual combination of specific traits that all have to do with being extra likable. The people who see themselves as most normal (and are seen that way by others) are much less neurotic than the average person, uncommonly easy to get along with, unusually respectful of propriety, and highly responsible....Normal people may be nicer than average, but they also have character traits that aren't universally appealing. They're not adventurous. They're not above average in intelligence, nor are they outgoing. Truth be told, a lot of our best qualities are unusual." [From Typically Twisted by Kathleen McGowan] Yay! I knew there was a reason that I liked the mental health profession.

With all due respect...

cynthiasays — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:28:40 GMT

Friday is the Locked party. I have been diligently preparing. I found some interesting discussion from the manners maven herself, Miss Manners, on the difference between respect and manners. I thought I would share. ..."respect" is rather loosely used in the manners business. This leads to the sort of argument in which a parent says, "You have to show more respect for Granny," and the child replies, "Why, since she just got out of jail for petty larceny?" The sort of respect to which the parent is referring is a part of good manners. It means exhibiting consideration toward everyone and showing special deference to those who are older or in a position of authority. But the child hears the word to mean the genuine admiration felt for someone who has proved himself to be worthy of it. That sort of respect is, indeed, a thing apart, which etiquette cannot mandate. Manners require only that people show respect, although with the secret hope that the outward form will become internalized. What people feel as they size up individuals is up to them." I will certainly have the best of manners. Though I cannot promise my utmost respect, in the sense that there will be those who have never proven themselves worthy. Details, details. What is the saying? The devil is in the details. Of course, I won't be saying much except if I am called upon. And I suppose if I can't *say* anything nice, I'll draw my fan through my hand. ;-) See the Victorian fan code for the meaning of that. http://thecompletevictorian.homestead.com/thefan.html

Operation: Single Sock!

cynthiasays — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 22:10:23 GMT

What do you do with your single socks that have lost their mates? Throw them away? Use them as rags? Now there's a more worthwhile use for them. San Francisco's homeless are always in need of socks. John Caldera, a stalwart volunteer in the Mirkarimi office, has taken the initiative to start Operation: Single Sock to collect San Francisco's single socks and distribute them to the homeless. It's a great way to help the homeless and clean up your sock drawer at the same time. Please drop off your clean socks at the War Memorial Veterans Building at 401 Van Ness (across the street from City Hall) in Room 117 between 9am and 5pm. Reprinted from the District Five Report http://www.sfgov.org/site/bdsupvrs_index.asp?id=49258

I'm a quitter!

cynthiasays — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:12:42 GMT

I was wondering who authored the quote "“Winners never quit and quitters never win.” So when I looked it up, I was thinking Vince Lombardi? Why would an orchestra guy say that? Thanks Wikipedia for clearing that up for me. I was confusing Vince Lombardi with Guy Lombardo. [Waiting for the sports fans to cringe.] So, who cares what Vince says. Quitters are total winners. I'm a quitter. Officially, except for some slips and slides where substances were involved, I am a non-smoker. Yep, it's a year this week. And so, I should say what is better now - Better breath, especially in the morning. Allergies are much, much better. Things smell better. And TASTE better... including well, yeah. I don't have to wash my coats and jackets as much. Ohmigod, did I mention how much the patches cost? Cigarettes were a lot, but patches! Jeez! The dentist isn't as hardcore. Not as much scraping. I am healthier.

Tee'd off

cynthiasays — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:17:08 GMT

Funny coincidence, after snapping this great tee shot on the #5 Fulton yesterday, I read this crazy little tid-bit of information about the upcoming Pride parade. Apparently, because it is a publicly funded event, there cannot be any support of political campaigns, so participants cannot wear presidential campaign tees or carry signs. But the twist is, say, I could wear a *picture* of Senator Obama, but not anything that said "Obama for President." This just totally reeks of censorship. Not that I want Pride to be a commercially produced political campaigning event... but, I want to wear, or not wear, what I'd like.

Urban moments

cynthiasays — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:59:57 GMT

On the way to work this morning, I had one of those "urban moments." I was trying to avoid the sidewalk and street cleaning coming toward me in a massive mist attack. You know the kind, where they are spraying everything and a sort of pleasant citrus aroma meets urine stench meets morning commute exhaust fumes assaults your senses. So, I walk a little into the street and slip, one foot on the wet sidewalk, and plant the other foot into a puddle, splashing up all the runoff onto myself. Blecht! So, I decided to treat myself to a latte before work. And I realized that this used to be sort of an every morning thing for me, a terrible $4 a day habit. But now, I'm pretty used to drinking coffee at work, and I bring in a big thing of soy, and all is good. But damn! If a latte isn't one of those simple pleasures. I am so easily amused. I was thinking about the street cleaning some this afternoon, especially after having laughed at my friends story last night about falling and almost getting eaten on a BART escalator. I used to think that every one of those "urban moments" were sort of unique glimpses into the city's underbelly or a way to actually acknowledge infrastructure. They made up part of this little love affair that I have with San Francisco. Sort of like the Sex in the City intro where Carrie gets soaked by the bus going through a puddle. And a lot of them are funny, or at least illustrate how incredibly dorky I am - getting caught in the back door of a bus, getting trapped on a bus and having people panic and try to crawl out of the windows, falling asleep on the Muni underground and getting locked in the train at Balboa station, calling 311 and feeling like a rock star having all this information at my disposal. I do love this city. And twenty days into the rainy season, I might not be so happy about the bus so much. But today, today when I got disgusting street cleaning water on me, I'm smiling. Odd.

Birthday spankings and more at Bondage-a-Go-Go and Bent

cynthiasays — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:10:43 GMT

* DON'T FORGET TO RSVP FOR TRIBE FIESTA AT BONDAGE A GO GO FOR $1 ADMISSION I plan on doing a bit of an extended birthday celebration with friends this year. It's been a while since I have made an event out of the day quite so much. But this is as good of a year as any. So, here is the plan: Wednesday, June 4th - Bondage a Go Go - My actual birthday night. Friday, June 6th - Bent - I hope I can handle more spankings. If not, you'll have to explore the unbruised territory. Saturday, June 7th - The Black Angels and The Warlocks, two of my favorite bands, are playing at The Independent.

Clean slate

cynthiasays — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 07:18:52 GMT

"Cleanliness becomes more important when godliness is unlikely.” - P. J. O'Rourke While thinking of my existential birthday shake-up, I've decided it will take the form of something like an Etch-a-Sketch. So, during the shake-up, I've decided to let a lot of things go online. I'm culling the tribe. I'm removing people from my friends that I just don't really talk to. I don't mean it badly. I'm also removing some people that I may have added recently but done so because I wanted a connection, rather than already having one. I am sorry that I have created any confusion in that transaction. I am deleting my membership to tribes. And eventually, my whole profile will become a little bit lighter. Just think of it as a gift of space back to Tribe.net. If anyone got caught in the hustle and bustle that shouldn't have, please send me a PM. Thanks.

Don't forget to vote today!!!

cynthiasays — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:08:41 GMT

Consolidated Statewide Direct Primary Election, Tuesday, June 3, 2008 Polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. * Also open at City Hall http://www.sfgov.org/site/elections_index.asp Shameless plugs: No on 98, Yes on 99 Yes on F, No on G

I have arrived... fear my tiger style

cynthiasays — Mon, 19 May 2008 07:17:25 GMT

So, five days ago, I decided that maybe I *did* want the number. I did want the t-shirt, even though for all outward appearances, I was still playing up the hardcore girl, goin' against the grain, facade. I desperately wanted it, but I couldn't afford it. So was born my ad on Craigslist: WANTED: Let me run Bay to Breakers for you This is the year for me. I've lost weight. I've quit smoking. I need to run Bay to Breakers... but I can't afford it. Maybe you signed up, but you just can't make the date anymore. Maybe you just have the cash to blow. Either way, don't you want to make a difference in this awesome girl's life? I have a lot of faith in humanity. And the whole if you put it out there, the universe will support it thing. I mean, it was sort of out there that I got into the whole race thing with my old co-worker and her friend. But I was a little bit surprised by Sally, the woman who emailed me on Friday to give me her number. And not just any number, but a zone 1 number. I was starting out with people who actually RAN... and made good time. I went to pick up my number on Saturday and ran into an old friend from art school in Kansas City. I hadn't seen him in years, and I ran over and gave him the biggest hug. Everything was more than I could have imagined. I was beaming. Then, I had to figure out the costume. Now, that was a harder than I thought it would be. I thought I knew what I was doing, but I was like that kid that changes his mind the day before Halloween after his mom sews his costume all week long. Yeah. I settled on a combination of my original costume idea (80's runner style) with my new idea (kitty) and came up with a cat that looked kinda jazzercizey. Meow! The race was sooo much fun. Everyone's costumes were so great. I have a lot of favorites -- the boys in pajamas with booty flaps, the people who all together form Tetris, the superdelegates, the salmon who swam downstream from the Hayes hill, the bees, the Ghostbusters, the vikings (even though they almost steamrolled me with their float). I loved the people with house parties along the route. I have never seen a bigger group of people dance to and sing along with "Sweet Home Alabama" since leaving Arkansas. Awesome! We didn't make it all the way to the ocean, but we did make it really far. And according to Sally, who I reported my results to, going that far in a cat costume means that I've officially arrived into the world of fitness. Who would think that Bay to Breakers would be where I would begin? p.s. check back for photos when they get developed... yep, I took a film camera :)

Let the sun shine in

cynthiasays — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:17:56 GMT

"Those who are willing to be vulnerable move among mysteries." ~ Theodore Roethke I've had an interesting turn of events these last couple days. And it is odd how some very minor shifts and my sense of awareness must be showing on me. I've noticed that people have been talking to me differently. When my heart is heavy, friends lend a hand. They want to be there to provide, to care for me. When my heart is shining, they want to be in that light. So, even with challenges, I am finding that I am trying to keep present. I am keeping my heart open. I am staying vulnerable. And I am able to give so much more. And I am shining. And I am beginning a new chapter in service to the community. Last night, I was appointed the new Cashier for the Society of Janus. I am excited. It means a lot to me to be able to give service. My life has had so many changes recently. Endings and beginnings. And perhaps symbolically, this morning, I finally sold that thorn in the side bed frame that has been haunting my hallway for months. I feel so freed with it gone. I want to clear out more, physical and mental cobwebs. These past couple weeks, I have taken to wearing a favorite necklace that my mom gave me when I was a teenager, a heart shaped rhinestone pendant on a simple silver chain. I love wearing necklaces that have a clasp that drifts to the bottom... so I can make a wish. This morning, I was at the bus stop, and this man in Army fatigues and a huge sparkly cross necklace smiled and said, well, don't you look pretty with you heart necklace on today. It made me smile, and I touched it, noticing then, I could make a wish on the clasp. He added, I bet you have a beautiful heart too. I am feeling loved, very loved, indeed. ----- Photo: Destined For Heartbreak by Fifila

Thursday, May 15 is Bike-to-Work Day!!!

cynthiasays — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:50:40 GMT

The Bay Area’s Bike-to-Work Day is tomorrow, Thursday, May 15. By the way, bicyclists ride free on the Oakland/Alameda ferry on Bike-to-Work Day. If you are unfamiliar with bike routes, bike maps for all over can be found at http://www.511.org/. Also visit http://www.bayareabikes.org/btwd/index.php. “Join the thousands from all around the Bay Area on Thursday, May 15! Hop on your bike and bike to work! Stop by one of the over 190 Energizer Stations strategically located throughout the Bay Area where you will be greeted and cheered by volunteers handing out complimentary treats and tote bags and bicycle commute-related information.” Oh, and don’t forget your helmets!!!

Good things come to those who wait...

cynthiasays — Thu, 08 May 2008 22:38:51 GMT

November 2006, while on a work trip, I piggy-backed a trip to my friend's house in Florida where I debated a pair of Michael Kors clogs versus the absolute coolest brown suede moccasin boots with a thick wooden heel. Well, you can guess which one I came home with - the boots. And to be quite honest, they are still my favorite boots of all time. But the clogs. Dammit, I didn't see another pair of those same Michael Kors clogs at another Shoe Pavilian. They were over $120, down from retail of $165, and I just couldn't bear paying that much online. Months later, I saw a similar pair at a Ross for $79, but I was *supposed* to be buying dressy shoes and shoes for work. Clogs were casual. How could I legitimately justify them? A few months ago, I saw a similar pair, but they had this garish print on the fabric. Not exactly what I had in mind, but they were only $39. Still, I couldn't get past the fabric. Which brings me to today. A quick trip into Ross at lunch to see if I could find any flats to replace my beloved Jessica Simpson LEVE flats. I've worn them so much they have holes on the sides. I had no idea Jessica Simpson made shoes, and I'm not really a fan, but I thought it was hilarious that I have a pair of them. Especially, since I didn't realize it until I had gotten home with them. Anyway, I'm scanning the shelves, and I come across the clogs, the freaking Michael Kors clogs. In black suede. And get this. They are $13.99. Total savings = $151.01 Damn, I'm good.

You're evicted!

cynthiasays — Wed, 07 May 2008 19:49:39 GMT

If Prop 98 passes, we don't just lose rent control, we lose the protections of just cause, meaning that you can be evicted for any reason the landlord wants - including your lifestyle choices. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but if a landlord doesn't like you, they can just decide to raise the rent....over and over and over and over. And there you go. Rent control makes it possible for us to live in our cities. These laws and protections were put in place to protect working class people, people with disabilities and seniors from evictions and unlawful rent increases. *Please vote yes on Prop 99 and No on Prop 98.* If we pass Prop 99, then Prop 98 cannot be implemented. It addresses the eminent domain questions of Prop 98, but leaves these protections in place. Election day is Tuesday, June 3rd. Don't forget to vote!

Farewell easy rider

cynthiasays — Mon, 05 May 2008 05:58:44 GMT

Nooooooo! No, don't fall! And then you fell backwards across the marble stairs. I was so concerned that the overstuffed bag of blankets and towells not spill onto the sidewalk that it took me a minute to realize the damage. And then, well, then I had to try to pry you open to remove my other bag of laundry. Easy rider, you were the coolest cart on the block. You were shiny silver chrome where other people had lame colored carts. You had a high handle so that I could stand upright. Yes, I cursed your non-steerable wheels, but I never thought.... I never thought you would die such a bent and broken death. You served me well. Farewell, lover. Dirty love and dirty laundry, Miss Cynthia

Fun stuff for political geeks

cynthiasays — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:35:23 GMT

Tuesday, April 29, Rescue Muni - General Meeting - Come Hear About The SFTEP (SF Transit Effectiveness Project) 7:00 pm SPUR, 312 Sutter, fifth floor -Detailed briefing on the most extensive plan to improve SF transit in a generation, from Julie Kirschbaum of the SFMTA and Transit Effectiveness Project. Come with your tough questions on proposed service changes including expanded Rapid service, and improvements to wayfinding, fares, and more. -Consider the endorsement of long-time Rescue Muni member and Supervisor Tom Ammiano for Assembly (district 13), and District 7 Supervisor Sean Elsbernd for re-election. (Our Board has recommended early endorsements in these races; we will consider all endorsements for Supervisor in August of this year.) Saturday, May 3rd, NOPA sidewalk sale – The Western Addition (a.k.a. NOPA, North of the Panhandle) is having their annual sidewalk and garage sale. Since I had very few visitors at my indoor apartment sale, I will be trying to unload things at this, including that the antique bed frame that is making me crazy in my hallway. Starts at 9am. Friday, May 9th, Re-election Party for Sup. Ross Mirkarimi (Dist. 5) 5:30 – 7:30pm Yoshi’s Jazz Club 1330 Fillmore Street $25 - $500 per person RSVP iaform@yahoo.com, 415-994-0067 REMINDER: Upcoming Election: Consolidated Statewide Direct Primary Election, Tuesday, June 3, 2008 Polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Last day to register to vote is May 19, 2008. The last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot is May 27, 2008. Early voting at City Hall begins May 5, 2008 http://www.sfgov.org/site/elections_index.asp Shameless plug for No on 98, Yes on 99. Vote to save rent control and provide real eminent domain reform. http://www.no98yes99.com/

I yam what I yam

cynthiasays — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:10:42 GMT

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” ~ Dr. Seuss It is Sunday, and I find myself sort of reflecting on Sunday afternoons. I can snuggle into the sofa and both kitties camp out on me, while I check email and whatnot and catch up on bad cable (not to be confused with good cable, i.e., Bill Maher). I can kind of reflect on things. It has been a good week. I got to spend time with people who are special to me, including seeing one of my oldest friends from elementary school who was in town for a bit. I got to play with two of my most favorite people ever in an unforgettable evening. And as I plan for next week, I am a feeling really content. I'm looking forward to my bike ride tomorrow and starting a new art project, and I am, as usual, wondering how long I can get away without doing laundry. Perplexing thing happened this weekend, though. I had a great feeling of being in and a part of the community, but also felt this sort of visibility of being known that was kind of odd. Every once in a while I trip up on the nonsense - the gossip, the silliness, the assumptions that people can make. I constantly have to keep reminding myself (or have others remind me) that if I am happy, it doesn't make a difference what others say. Which brings me to a little disclaimer on the topic of my little self indulgent bloggy bits. I try my best to keep folks' names out of my blogs. I never know if you want to be called out, especially on the nauhtiness. Some people, I can just refer to in other ways, especially when I am using my blog as a personal flirting tool. I realize that this leads to a lot of assumptions. It is a blog, though, not a memoir. It really doesn't have to make sense to everyone. ;-)

Ursa Minor musings

cynthiasays — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 05:17:43 GMT

I never felt magic crazy as this I never saw moons knew the meaning of the sea I never held emotion in the palm of my hand Or felt sweet breezes in the top of a tree But now you're here Brighten my northern sky. [From Northern Sky by Nick Drake] Today is Earth Day. And it smells amazing after the rain tonight. And this song always reminds me of the smell of crisp nights in Northern California or when I dream of seeing the northern lights someday soon. Take care of your planet and your heart today. XOX Cynthia

"Logo" and the infinite wisdom of children

cynthiasays — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 01:07:49 GMT

I am almost nearly hyperventiliating from laughing too hard. I've been corresponding with my sister. She asked me if I remembered when I was about four years old, I used to call people logos. Yeah, not to be confused with Legos. Legos were toys that you could grow bored of, but people, yeah you. You were a logo. Try explaining to a four year old that a logo is something's name. They start playing with it in everyday speech. So was born the phrase "logo loogie dumdum bobber clinger". I would assume bobber and clinger have *something* to do with fishing, but I can't really remember. I did have a bobber collection. I was fascinated by them. My sister says, and I quote "You gotta make sure not to repress any of the funny stuff!!! ..... it helps you keep in touch with the retarded side of yourself." No, you don't say?