Rental in Palo Alto Midtown 3 BR, 2 bath $3500

Last Friday I had to move my Dad to an assisted living house so it looks like I'm likely to rental out his place to help pay for it. The week before was pretty emotional which started with a weekend at Kaiser with my Dad, where he was staying for observation.

I've got a ton still to do as far as sorting out all his stuff and putting it into storage by jan 1 as well as painting the place. I really hope NIMBY gets its new space.
But the first step of letting people know the house is available for rent has started. I just posted some images up on flickr, and a posting on craigslist.

So I am hopeful that folk would pass on the word to various company work email lists ( google, Facebook, Stanford, whatever) that they think may make sense.

Below is the full dets for the place.
I'm also looking for feedback on the write up.

I kinda don't think it can get the full asking price that my brother insist on listing as, but better to start high then low. Believe me I think its insane what places around here rent for.
There aren't any images of the living room and dining rooom or 2 of the bedrooms up yet since I've not yet cleared those rooms.

I might might stay in Palo Alto to make it easier to take my Dad to various doctor appointments with one squishian currently insterested in being a potential housemate. Plus the job market is much better here then Richmond. Though I would actually really dislike to live in what I call Shallow Alto.

That would also save me from sorting and moving the very full garage. Sadly, my brother lives in Paris and is zilch help right now, besides " how soon will you get it done" & " you deserve to be homeless or move to Tucson to live with mom" type comments. Yep, flesh and blood families can be painful. BTW he thinks all my friends are losers, but hey he works at Microsoft and his wife use to market Fen-Phen a drug yanked for killing people. Me, I consider myself lucky that I can count as pals innovative indy business people and artists, internationally recognized artists, marketers, caretakers, professors, programmers, scientists, writers, editors, publishers, sculptors, photographers, and multi-millionaires among others that are just great to share time with. Somehow those market rewarded ( via money and/or fame) people don't count with him and his wife.

Not that I've had any time to look for work yet, and I still have to finish the Richmond house, either as a base to live in or for rent. JoyJoy.

But I will be looking and networking I suspect real hard Mid-January. My work focus will be IT, usability design. graphic design, PR, or project management focused in the live events field. But who knows ? I know that I'm pretty damn flexible for work options. It's all about Taking Care of Business right now and my Dad's needs are priority one. I've already put my life on hold for a year to get the Richmond house done for my Dad so another 2 months is just what has to be done.

Palo Alto is only viable for me to live in if I can find a roomate to kick down $1100 for the master bedroom (with its own bathroom) with me and the other housemate to kick down a combo $1600. Course since my freelance work has been slow or a part time job as well as spare time this could quickly be a challenge.
But I'm pretty lucky despite this hassle, there are many others that are suffering far more then me in this market.
I appreciate the opportunity to let all the stress out.

thanks!

-kevin

The ad:

sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/apa...342.html

This renovated 3 bedroom, two bathroom house is located in Palo Alto's Midtown on a cul-de-sac.

The house is in the school districts of Ohlone elementary, JLS Middle, and Palo Alto High School.

The house was extended and renovated extensively just a few ago with an open kitchen with granite counter tops and all top appliances: Dacor range, Jenn Air oven, Whirlpool Fridge, Built in GE Microwave, Kitchen Aid dishwasher, Franke sink, and Grohe fixture.


Larger and more images of the house can be seen on flickr www.flickr.com/photos/418...0814266572/


The kitchen is open to the dining room.


The bedrooms sizes are: Master Bedroom ( 10x15), center bedroom (10x9 ) , front bedroom (13.5 x 11)


The two bathrooms have also been updated and renovated with new cabinets, sinks, tile floors, and new fixtures.


The master bathroom for the master bedroom has dual sinks in an extended vanity, a Grohe shower, a fan, and tile floor. The center bath has a tub, exhaust fan, and tile floor.

And for your comfort the house has a new central blower furnace system.


The living room has a fireplace and built in real wood Scandinavian ( not IKEA) shelves, drawers and cabinets for display items, books, TV, and stereo.


The backyard abuts the Ohlone elementary school field.


The house has a 2 car garage.


Backyard has space for gardening, grass to BBQ or play on, an apple, lemon, and an orange tree ( of a different varietal then the front yard orange tree).


The front has a driveway for 2 cars and has a lemon and an orange tree.
Nearby shopping and amenities just 6 blocks away include: Safeway, Longs Drugs, dry cleaning, shoe shop, Starbucks, and ethnic food such a Mexican, Thai, and American.


Other nice neighborhood features include the skate park and soccer fields at Greer Park, The Winter Club skate rink ( the only outdoor skate rink in N. Cal), a bike bridge to the Palo Alto Baylands, and the Japanese Cultural center.


The house has easy access to 101 and 280 via Oregon Expressway and Page Mill.


More picture, notably the bedrooms and living room coming soon

See me at Dorkbot next week! Field trip report on Parkfield roadtrip to see PIEQF sculpture

I'll be giving a quick review and report of DV Rogers new work at Dorkbot next week and attempting to raise some money for him.
DV gave a a talk at a previous Dorkbot and is currently breaking the work down but really could use some funds.
So I offered to give a quick talk and hopefully raise some cash for him.

Donation info below.

So come on down and check it out during opendork ( the session right after the 1st three speakers)

www.dorkbot.org/dorkbotsf/
time:
7:30pm Tuesday
25 November 2008

place:
Retox Lounge
628 20th St @ 3rd
San Francisco CA 94107

Below is a link for the images I took on the trip as well a shout out to who attended. It was simply one of the best roadtrips I have ever taken. Ever. And I didn't even have a girlfriend to go with or meet one, it was that great.

-kevin

A bunch of us made it down to Parkfield to see DV Rogers work PIEQF.

pieqf.allshookup.org/

DV specifically thanked SRL as a whole in his closing speech and mentioned Geo Homsy, David Gessel, and Mark Pauline specifically among others. He also thanked Flaming Lotus Girls and various FLG members. Course both groups have a lot of cross over in people and spirit.


I have various images and videos now online so you can get the experience without the 190 mile drive from SF. Though it is hella better in person. The next display of the work is planned for LA in 2010.

www.flickr.com/photos/418...9387351730/

Many of us met DV at RoboDock or via other SRL events and have been really struck what a nice guy he is as well as great to work with.

SRL www.srl.org


Geo Homsy, David Gessel, Peter Luka, Babalou, Michael Shiloh, and likely others I've missed of SRL were core in helping make the piece happen and assemble, as were many Flaming Lotus Girls such as Judy, Lynn Bryant, Charlie and Pouneh, and others.

Other SRL crew or alumni that made it down and witnessed and helped a bit by doing so included: Carolyn Anhalt, Hazmatt Snyder, Michael Werner, Liam McNamara, Johnathan Foote, and myself. Other FLG folk that made it down included: Yasmin Mawaz-Khan, Jessica Hobbs, Rebecaa Anders, Jim Mason, Stella Rubenstein, Kezia Z, Mike Prados, Josh, Mills, and I bet a few others I missed.

FLG www.flaminglotus.com

If you know of someone else of FLG or SRL that helped let me know and I'll add them to the credits for the page I made on Flickr.

I'm certain as D.V. tears down the work in the next few weeks he would love to see a few more faces on tear down. So if you have the time zip on down, its a gorgeous location and the burgers at the cafe can't be beat. Or if you have a few spare bucks send them his way (he is stretched past shoestring right now) via paypal ( if you desire a 501 c tax writeoff) at eilish@thelab.org you can also contact call/ text DV at USA Cell +1 415-298-4624 or paypal him direct dvr@allshookup.org

Email is DV's first preference, then text messaging


If you would like to donate US Dollars and receive a 501(c)(3) Tax Exemption Invoice

Paypal to eilish@thelab.org

and note in the subject: For DV Roger

Or if you don't care about the tax write off send money direct to DV via Paypal dvr@allshookup.org

For those old school send a check for 501c tax benefits to:

The LAB/the.art.re.grup please note on the check for DV Roger
2948 16th Street
San Francisco, CA, 94103
thelab.org
Contact: Eilish Cullen
eilish@thelab.org



More info on the project at:
pieqf.allshookup.org/

Ready to Roadtrip to Parkfield on Sat to see the artwork PIEQF?

Yep, its a unique opportunity to hang out in central California where Cowboys and Earthquakes meet. Bout 190 miles south of SF.

I'm planning on driving down to Parkfield ( about 190 miles from SF) on Sat AM and have space for one more pal.

Its the last weekend to see the phenomenal work.

The weather is expected to be in the 70's. So perfect times for camping. The location even has a restaurant close by so you don't have to be hardcore about your camping. I know DV ( the creator of the Parkfield Interventional EQ Fieldwork ) from the RoboDock event in Amsterdam, he is a totally one of us. There should be a bunch of Shipyard, SRL, and other folk for this entertaining event so fun shouldbe happening.

So if if thinking of getting out of town this is the thing to do.

Its the last weekend to check out this cool kinetic sculpture work.

Ring for more dets or a ride at 415 640 3569

I might might just drive down tonight to see the quake table trigger in the AM.

And maybe have a daytrip to San Simeon / Hearst Castle in the AM.
Or the James Dean Memorial
www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/2791

or while on the coast go to The Nitt Witt building

www.roadsideamerica.com/story/12262
-kevin


Sounds of Seismic: Where Earthquakes and Cowboys Meet (California)
31 views since posting on Wed, November 12, 2008 - 2:55 PM
Date & Time: Saturday, November 15, 2008 - Sunday, November 16, 2008
3:00 PM
Location:
Parkfield, CA
More Info: pieqf.allshookup.org
The closing and final weekend of the performance earthwork: Parkfield
Interventional EQ Fieldwork (PIEQF). Sounds of Seismic celebrates 91
days of continuous machine connectivity with the seismic landscape of
California.

====================
pieqf.allshookup.org
====================

Machine translations by Dr Geo Homsy (SRL & LHPO) mixed with assorted
seismic audio snips, shake rock, pop and hop, cowboys and cowgirls and
Mr Cash. Earthquake Quartet performance by USGS Seismologist Andy
Michael and guests at 12pm (Noon) Sunday 16th November.

quake.usgs.gov/~michael/

Free RV Parking and Camping in Parkfield.

Where is Parkfield?
pieqf.allshookup.org/

Here are directions from San Francisco (BTW it is easy to find!)

Head down the 101 taking the San Miguel (190 miles from SF) exit on
your right, which is the Mission St exit. Head into San Miguel which
is about 2 miles from turn off, then take a left turn at corner store
(Parkfield Sign). Head out of San Miguel about 1 mile turn left after
bridge then veer left immediately onto Indian Valley Rd, travelling
for about 2 miles. Then veer right on Vinyard Canyon Rd following
signs to Parkfield. Up the hill down the other side come to
intersection turning right (Signposted) . You are still on Vinyard
Canyon Rd, travel for 5 miles then you come to left hand turn at
Bridge. Over the bridge and the San Andreas Fault then you are in
Parkfield. PIEQF is between the fire station and the cafe.

There is No cellphone reception once you leave San Miguel unless you
are on the Verizon network.

For more info write to D.V.Rogers at dvr@allshookup.org

Pranking a Wachovia billboard via the Billboard Liberation Front

Too funny the Billboard Liberation Front pulled off a nice prank last night.

Its at Caesar Chavez and Mission.

It looks like a prank on the whole banking bailout .

I thought it was pretty damn funny driving back from the Mission Fri night.

The billboard shows dollar bills on fire with the text "Watch your little ones burn" with the words "way2fail" and "Wachovia, a division of the US Treasury"

I just got confirmation if was done by the Billboard Liberation Front,
check website for more dets:
for images. www.billboardliberation.com/



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 8, 2008
San Francisco, CA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Intersection of Mission St.
and Cesear Chavez, NE corner
San Francisco

Dear Shareholders and Clients,

The Billboard Liberation Front has partnered with Wachovia to release a daring advertising campaign that celebrates Wachovia’s new money management strategy. This campaign emphasizes the silver lining in the economic storm front now threatening to swamp our economy as well as our individual fiscal inner tubes.

“The calamitous decline in the value of all investments and the impending total collapse of the dollar will render the true value of the average savings account or investment portfolio roughly equal to a bucket of warm piss," noted Thomas J. Wurtz, CFO of Wachovia. Dr. John Silvia, Managing Director and Chief Economist noted: “After that golden shower we got from Golden West, we decided to fight fire with fire and start bailing for our clients and stockholders, mixed metaphors notwithstanding.”

This dramatic revaluation of your money has created the opportunity for our team at Wachovia to offer a unique service to our stockholders and clients. “With what promises to be the coldest winter in years now commencing, we’ve instructed our staff in all 21 States that we have offices in to start bundling greenbacks into tight rolls, perfect for small stoves and furnaces,” said Robert K. Steel CEO and President. “We believe this is the soundest application of our clients’ money.”

“’We’re in the money…. we’re in the money…’ they sang in the 1920’s. Maybe we should be singing ‘Burn, Baby, Burn’ in light of the modern era of fiscal management,” - BLF CEO Jack Napier. Rico T. Spoons added, “The true value of this new campaign will be reflected in the “heat” it generates for Wachovia’s clients.”

That’s right, you no longer have to worry about your money. As a matter of fact, don’t bother worrying at all.

The BLF (www.billboardliberation.com) has been improving outdoor advertising since 1977. Prior campaigns have included work for Exxon, R.J. Reynolds, and Apple Computers.

Wachovia Corporation (NYSE: WB), based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a diversified financial services holding company provided via its operating subsidiaries a broad range of banking, asset management, wealth management, and corporate and investment banking products and services.

The Department of the Treasury is a Cabinet department and the treasury of the United States government. It was established by an Act of Congress in 1789 to manage government revenue. The Department is administered by the Secretary of the Treasury.

Rico T. Spoons
Director of Offense

A little Anti-McCain video from Tom Kennedy , Pass it on !

The Strange McCain video and song, Art Car and political street theater by Tom Kennedy


tr.im/rra or www.youtube.com/watch

Its a great song to sing along for everyone voting this year.
I just got the video accessible with the accompanying story on the
website for Tom Kennedy's web site, so please pass this on to all
lists you are on. Thanks!

This should really should be seen today or Tuesday before voting on
Election day. The lyrics for the song are at the bottom of the email.
Blare it from your ipod or car!

www.tomkennedyart.com

As some may know, Tom Kennedy and Haideen Anderson traveled cross
country to the RNC and DNC with his missile equipped art car, the Dr.
Strange McCain.
Performing satirical political street theater with the Missile Dick
chicks all over the place.

Enjoy the new song and video and pass it this url on to anyone you
know planning to vote for McCain.

Or looking for a laugh. Its art, it's political, and its educational.

The video tells a complete story of the presidential candidate Senator
McCain in a pretty humorous way.

You can read more and see other images, and even download the song
for your ipod at
www.tomkennedyart.com

Tom is internationally recognized for his moving sculptures commonly
referred to as art cars and work at the Houston Orange Art Car
Parade, as well as at Burning Man and elsewhere. Tom has received
commissions from such personalities as Ben Cohen ( of Ben & Jerry's
ice cream) and you can see a video endorsing Tom and his work at

-kevin


Dr Strange McCain: lyics by Tom Kennedy

Not even born in the USA
He was born in the canal zone
He left his wife, and went for the money
And gave the Bud girl his b**e
Back in the day, he was a card carrying member
Of a gang called the Keating Five
Like Bob Dole, he likes that Viagra
It keeps his love alive

He's the one they call Dr. Strange-McCain
He's got a Chinese chip in his brain
He was shot down in Viet Nam
He's gonna drop the atom bomb

Campaign finance restrictions ignore
He will swift boat you my friend
Johnny's got it wired, the law's for hire
He's got it made in the end
Got a hundred lobbyists, doin' business all day
Collecting money for his campaign
Giving booze to the press
It's a big fucking mess
Johnny-boy's a real McCain

He's the one they call Dr. Strange-McCain
He's got a Chinese chip in his brain
He was shot down in Viet Nam
He's gonna drop the Atom bomb

Why he's still alive I don't understand (Dr. Strange-McCain)
He's not what you'd call a young man (Dr. Strange-McCain)
When he gives a speech it's pretty lame (Dr. Strange-McCain)
He's the one they call Dr. Strange-McCain!

He'll tell you he's the one lone maverick
Of the hallowed Senate halls
He let Bush ***k him in the butt
And a while back he lost his balls
He's in bed with all the lobbyists
They write new laws for him
He's a big flip-flopper
Shot down like the big bopper
His bad temper's wearing thin

He's the one they call Dr. Strange-McCain
He's got a Chinese chip in his brain
He was shot down in Viet Nam
He's gonna drop the Atom bomb
Let him send us into World War Three (Dr. Strange-McCain)
Sarah Palin is a little empty (Dr. Strange-McCain)
No bid contracts for the war machine (Dr. Strange-McCain)
He's the one they call Dr. Strange-McCain!

Why he's still alive I don't understand (Dr. Strange-McCain)
He's not what you'd call a young man (Dr. Strange-McCain)
When he gives a speech it's pretty lame (Dr. Strange-McCain)
He's the one they call Dr. Strange-McCain!

Vote for me if you understand (Dr. Strange-McCain)
Islam-o-fascism - is my biggest scam (Dr. Strange-McCain)
A few smart bombs - will relieve their pain(Dr. Strange-McCain)
I'm the one they call Dr. Strange-McCain!

www.tomkennedyart.com

Dismal party tonight in W. Oakland

Dismal party in W. Oaktown tonight. Has Kickass lineup including 5 Cent Coffee. Wear your Halloween getup, cheap too just $5

Full dets here with links to bands etc:

tr.im/qdv
I'll be there as a Picnic. Watch out for my picnic basket hat when chatting. It seems to keep bumping folk.

-kevin

I saw the politicos back down on cutting Oakland art funding

I went to the meeting tonight. Tho I'm basically a Richmond resident.

I ran into Suki O Kane, Spyral, Michael of the Crucible, and Mark Brest Van Kempen. NIMBY stickers were at the sign in table so it was getting represented.

Councilmember Desley Brooks (Eastmont-Seminary) is one to watch and she has our back. A really sharp / bright woman and a politician, she made points on possible income streams that would negate the need for cuts .

The room and galleries were over flowing with people. Above the City Hall stairs by the entrance was packed with another 150 people. Downstairs in the simulcast room another 40 watched. The fire marshall cleared the aisles of the council meeting room at one point.

Most folk lobbying for the art funding, a few fighting the cuts in the seniors, and a few for the animal shelter. Also hit.

It was take down the disenfranchised night. Dogs and cats and the youth don't vote. Seniors are weak and not so organized.

The publ'ic had a chance to speak and 180 spots were available at a minute a piece. Some gave their minutes to others that they felt better at representing. Crucible supporters kicked down 7 minutes for his speech. The Oakland Black Cowboy's Association did something similar.

The finest moment was a demonstration of a Chinese string instrument by a teenager. Composed, poised, gorgeous. A complete direct action bit of art that choked me up and moved the room.

The most powerful line from the public was from a Latina of an East Oakland art program" The kids are dying. Dying. Dying" . That raised a chorus of cheers amd shouts.

There was even a real Oaktown Raider Football player. But he was lobbying for the animal shelter. Maybe art is too dangerous to be associated with. When his time went over the one minute the buzzer didn't blare, so I suppose being a Raider counts for something in the City. Kudos for him for participating in the process.

Mark spoke ( or at least had a spot to speak) but somehow I didn't catch him.

At one point the galleries above started emptying. I went up there and realized there were people just standing and watching the tube in front of the chambers and downstairs. Voters, citizens, artists, and activist that should be filling those seats.

So I went out and put the word out. Seats should be filled. " if you want to make a difference go fill those seats" I told the crowd .

People got up from their seats at the the downstairs spill over room and walked up three flights of stairs to get an in person look and grab a seat. Many of those empty seats then filled up. I wanted the council members to know there were more coming in and people were there watching them.

I was so happy to see that happen. That, besides showing up, was my little nudge and help.

Post event ( I wasn't up to more then 3 hours ) I stopped into a local bar, ran briefly into a pal, then drove over to 8th and Peralta to a new place for a slice. Dinner was skipped due to politics.

I didn't find the place, but I did pass ACME ( the home of the Dept of Spontaneous Combustion) . Where the Tues night art demo / work party was going on ( I had totally forgotten it was a Tues) . So I stopped in and caught up with some pals. That was really nice.

Not sure yet of the final vote. but the show of force and emails I really stopped the council members and made them reconsider and changed their plan to cut the 4 million from art funding. Not sure yet how much. But I know something happened in the past week that really screwed with their plans. That something was people , like you and me. .

So good for all of you that stopped for a moment and sent a note.

Heads up NIMBY fundraiser will be on Oct 31 st at ACME. So lock down you calendar and save $10 for this party. We all need to kick down and keep art and our spaces alive.

Kitchen primed for painting!

Looks like progress is visible.

At midnight I finished priming the walls and ceiling above the cabinet area ( more then 2/3rds of the kitchen) . If fate smiles I might be able to start the cabinet install process on Wed.

The drywall mud and tape workers has been a bizarre odyssey of sometimes here, sometimes not. Needless to say, after letting loose on him after he took mud building materials with him today I think he may be getting with the program. But I know I'm pretty sure I've made two bad hires in a row for mudders.

I guess I've been much more careful and less burnt out on all other hires. A lesson learned.

So happy to finally actually be painting.

Now to drive down to shallow alto to take Dad to a Kaiser eye exam in the AM. Hopefully eye surgery is a possibility . Improving his vision would really magnify his quality of life ( and mine).

Fingers crossed. Still so much to do on the house. Mudding might, might be done by Monday. Then it's time to go crazy with the painting.
Hopefully will be able to do some priming in other rooms this weekend.

The shot really shows I need to get another layer on the left. But not up to it tonight.
-kevin

Need Tape and Mud pros for drywall gig

Any suggestions out there?

kevin

Finally passed the rough plumbing test! Brunch and BBQ Oct 12th

This is has been such an ordeal.

Basically learning how to to replumb the entire house has sucked in a major way. Rewiring the entire house took forever as well.

Half the issue was what was to code and OK in 1957 isn't legit or allowed in 2008. So I could not just copy the old pattern
.
I've had the inspector over three times. Each time it has been a different little ( or not) detail to fix.

The original issue was a new sewer line to the street. That set me back $2 K and a bunch of time.

Then it was a leak in the untouched steel piping. Then it was a go around was the requirement for hard plastic plastic supports, not straps. News to me. A minor thing but another delay.

You can't cover the pipes with drywall since they have to visually check for leaks. Supposedly.
The funny thing is that he didn't really even have me run the water through the drain pipes or have me fill the system as a test on this most recent go.

Whatever, I'll do this on my own later today ( after the silicone is really cured on a few rubber fittings) just as proof to myself.

I've easily spent $150 on rubber caps and assorted plugs and rubber baloons for the test. I want them to go to use, and can't return them anywho.

When I drained the system after my last pre-inspection self test I put down tar paper on the subfloor dirt. So if the piping leaked ( or when I drained the system), the floor would not be muddy.

But then I realized that I should have put tar paper on the dirt long ago.

Scrambling and crawling around on tar paper beats dusty dirt everyday. I am so done with crawling under the house for ethernet, copper and drain plumbing, and wiring. So done with that.

Now I can put up the drywall, mud and drywall ( with Jerricho Reese's help), make then pass the shower pan test, paint the bathrooms, put in the toilets, then repaint the rest of the house, install the switches, outlets and lights, tile the shower and bath,
add the shower and tub fittings, install the fan vent for the kitchen range, install cabinets for the kitchen, install sink, connect the final plumbing, install the new kitchen floor, install the countertops, install on window treatments, repaint garage door, trench the uphill exterior wall for drainage ( did not know this in advance either) , put in drain pipe around the house, add 3/4 rock for the drainage, bend the sheet metal for the new gutters, install new gutters.

Throw a loadie brunch and BBQ here in Richmond just up the street from Contra Costa College and down the hill from the fabo ( not ) Hilltop shopping mall,

OK so the Brunch and BBQ date plan is Sunday Oct 12th

More dets later on. I got a few things to get started on.

-kevin