The Suburbs of San Francisco

Ten Years Later

2011-09-11T10:59:00.001-07:00

It's been 10 years since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The media, and all social media for that matter, is all atwitter about it. "Remember, Never forget, etc." I'm not feeling this collective sadness. Is my extreme liberalism preventing me from honoring the dead? Can my ingrained cynical outlook on politics and world events overpower the national tragedy that Americans call 9/11? Or is it something more banal, like my hateristic nature towards the east coast vs. the west side? WEST SIDE!

The terrorist attacks launched America's War on Terror. Has terror been defeated in 10 years? Did we really believe that it would? American corporate hegemony has been the true terror these past 10 years. While 9/11 events killed thousands of people, it has been the actions of our elite class which have thrown millions of Americans in hell.

How much safer do you feel today? Do you think improved TSA screenings have reduced your chances of being turned into a flying rocket? Or, are you more worried about losing your job and being pushed into poverty?

I don't know that answers to these rhetorical questions. All I feel is dumbness, not because of the events of 9/11, but because this is how I feel everyday.

Happy Birthday Paulo

2011-08-18T22:43:00.001-07:00

Paulo turned 3 today and we celebrated by going out to Fresh Eats in Colma with a coupon.

We had ice cream, pizza, mac and cheese, and a bunch of other supposedly healthy foods. As usual, I of course had the coffee at the end of the meal. They must have just made it because it was very strong. So strong that earlier tonight I actually felt my heart start beating a little bit faster and I was, if I dare to admit it, a little short of breath.

Is that healthy for a man of my age? I've never had to worry about my mortality before. However, as I age and my body starts to feel just a little bit more sore each morning I wake up, and my knees start to feel tight, and the balls of my feet start bruising, I have to consider my own mortality - it's a harsh reality that weighs on my back.

So instead of doing anything about my impending doom, instead of some carpe diem type shit, I'm typing and tweeting and blogging and computing and networking and all that fucking shit to stay "connected." To what exactly, I'm not so sure. I say this because living lives and long distance loves, online, will get you nowhere. I want to physically interact with my environments and touch the people around me. And when I finished touching them and inevitably getting slapped, I would then proceed to touching myself just to make people feel uncomfortable.

Aheeeeem, "but that's my life as Neil Hamburger!!!"

Shutdown and Restart

2011-07-25T23:03:00.001-07:00

I was once hit by a car around the age of 13. Paulo was almost hit by a car today. He's going to be 3 next month. Are kids today growing up too fast? Our inquiring minds would like to know.

My weekends are active, there's never a moments rest, and the sleep is sporadic. The latest world events are irrelevant to my daily life, yet I follow them and want to believe they somehow shape my economic status. Instead, they serve as distractions to the grind which I call my life. This slow, long march into nothingness.

I'm only consoled by the knowledge that I'm alive and able to type on the go. Things really aren't that bad, but the comfort in sad feelings is an addiction. It's always a passing phase, but relishing in it, if only for a minute, makes me feel good.

Tweets (random thoughts)

2011-07-08T22:17:00.001-07:00

Here are a few that I want to post, but not so much all over the twitterverse.

I'm constantly asking myself, "Do you think you made the right decision this time?"

I recently watched a movie from the 90s called, "And then there was one," about an upper class Caucasian couple who try all the fertility methods to get pregnant. When they're finally successful, the baby is born with AIDS. Dum Dum Duuuumb! And the bigger kicker is that the mother gave it to the entire family. No, she wasn't creeping around being promiscuous; instead, she got AIDS from a blood transfusion. No shit?!? Talk about AIDS panic.

So the movie goes on about their slow deaths, breakdowns, and their poor baby daughter who suffers strokes and brain damage. Yes, this movie from the 90s is that extreme. The only one left is the mother, "and then there was one." OMG!!! So, so dramatic.

Really, have I made the right decision this time? I'm continuously asking myself this as I spend my free time watching Netflix movies and trying to come up with clever hashtags. My life is a brown, chipped tooth that protrudes from your measly mouth. And somehow, I'm happy with it.

Skyfalling

2011-06-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

OK, new band in the works and we've recorded something! Also, we're about the go into the studio next, next Monday to record another one. I'm super excited to be playing music again, and even though it isn't in a "banding" setting with music spaces, brews, sweaty practices, gear bates, etc...I'm happy to say that I'm at least creating music once again.

And to be real, I just don't know how capable I am to be doing the two practices a week, a show every two weeks, and promoting non-stop band model. That model works for sure, and lord knows I had a blast when I was doing it, but now, with the family, extra work, and a general lack of funds and free time, the way Skyfalling is shaping up is feeling like it could be sustainable.

Here's the link to our stuff, check it out and enjoy: http://www.skyfalling.bandcamp.com/

http://rocketsciencerecords.blogspot.com/

2011-05-30T23:10:00.000-07:00

This is the BEST blog out there right now, still: http://rocketsciencerecords.blogspot.com

Work Guilt

2011-05-19T18:00:00.001-07:00

I would consider myself to be a hard worker. I think I do more than what's required for the job. That being said, I can't help but feel guilty for leaving work right now and leaving one of my co-workers having to complete mundane tasks on her own.

Should I feel guilty? Or is this just my typical, unfounded, liberal, bleeding heart guilt? This isn't technically my responsibility, but that "leadership" Jimmy Cricket yapping in my ear is telling me I should have stayed and helped out. My emotional tendencies are to make others happy at the expense of my own happiness. Typical middle child syndrome.

You know what? I'd like to give a big middle finger to guilty feelings as I have things I want to do for myself. I'm not owned and I have free will, so whatever.

Ah, I feel better. On to the L train to head back to my San Francisco Suburb.

Wish fulfillment

2011-05-15T11:04:00.001-07:00

(Wrote this yesterday, barley getting to posting it today.)

I'm not really feeling the fulfillment at work so I'm starting to work with others in initiating a new band. Who knows what it will be called, but I do know that the idea of playing music again is enough to keep me motivated to breathe.

As of right now, I'm demoing tracks on garage band and sending them to my potential bandmates. It's gone well so far, and we were even lucky enough to record something for free. Here's to hoping it develops into a legitimate band/project.

I'm typing this on my iPhone waiting in parking lot of the Alemany Farmer's Market. Diego is asleep in the car so I'm standing watch while Eve and Paulo shop for fruits and vegetables. They like spending time together and I like to write, so it all works out perfectly, I think.

I need to be engaged with creativity. I'm not sure if that's who I am or if it's just a symptom of too much monotony. Not that routine is all that bad, it's just very predictable.

Time Moves Backwards

2011-05-08T23:30:00.000-07:00

I'm still playing music, not with a proper band mind you, but still making recorded sounds. (How's that sound for pompous?)

Anyways, so new tracks will be released soon. Please stay tuned.

Mediocrity in Action

2011-04-06T22:36:00.001-07:00

This afternoon I attended a San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting. I was there to hear about the latest budget info from DCYF, however the first agenda item dealt with the San Francisco Botanical Garden charging an admission fee.

I haven't been to a board meeting since the new class of supervisors took the oath of office. But guess what? Nothing has changed. The room was packed with union representatives, neighborhood activists, and the randoms who were waiting for the public comment period to push their personal agendas.

Much grandstanding from the politicians, much clapping and hissing from the gallery, and a ton of closed minds who were unable to value opinions other than theirs. Basically, business as usually in San Francisco politics.

What irks me the most is when supervisors ask minutiae details about day to day operations, as in who pays who, where the money goes, etc. This is all great info to have in order to make informed policy decisions, but shouldn't this info already be in front of the supes? When they ask these questions, they sound like two bit lawyers trying to catch someone in a "gotcha" moment.

Sigh, it's lame to think so much money, resources, and brain power are being used to fuel our mediocre version of democracy and public discourse.

The Passing of Time

2011-03-04T17:03:00.001-08:00

The ability I have to blog while on the go is something I don't take lightly. Information and data is accessible at my fingertips and it truly makes my life more connected. If that's a good or bad thing is up for debate, but there is no arguing that manmade nanotechnology has changed the way we interact with one another.

So why the profession of love for all things tech? No reason in particular. There hasn't been a revealing quote or newsworthy event that got me thinking about it. Rather, in my boredom waiting for the train to arrive, I instinctually reach for my phone to share my thoughts with the internets.

In years past, I most likely would have tried to call somebody. Before that, I would have tried to strike up a conversation with a random stranger. And before even that, I would have pulled out my notebook and scribbled these thoughts down on paper where they would eventually sit in a closet somewhere collecting dust.

Have things changed for the better?

Riding Home

2011-03-02T17:26:00.001-08:00

I just missed the Muni train, the L Taraval, the one that takes me home to the Outer Sunset. Or is it called Parkside now? Who knows? The point is that I'm on my way home and have a minute to blog about the Suburbs of San Francisco.

The house I'm renting is nice. It has a yard, a garage, and even an extra room on the ground floor. This would be ideal if I had time to indulge in extracurricular activities, but in reality, I don't.

When I get home tonight I'm going to be handed a 6 month old baby boy and my 2 year old is going to want me to chase him around. We're definitely loud, and that's why we're renting a house. Apartment neighbors don't take too kindly to families and parents with active children.

I wonder, is San Francisco the place to raise a family? I'm away from the house most of the day, so the kids are left alone with their mom in a nice big house with empty, residential streets. Is this the right thing for them? If we live in "the city," shouldn't we rent/own in a denser neighborhood with more cultural attractions? This is the eternal conundrum I'm faced with as I commute back and forth to work every day.

I mean, it's not all bad. When we lived on Post Street our drama was almost unbearable (for the full details, check out my former blog, aptonpoststreet.blogspot.com). Now that we're living in the city's suburbs, things are safe, predictable, and unbelievably boring. Is that what parenthood is about? I'm not sure and I oftentimes wish I had friends who could help me understand.

Valentines Day Monotony

2011-02-14T17:59:00.001-08:00

There is one day that happens each year where people are encouraged to shower roses, candy, and general gifts of admiration upon loved ones. But what about all the other days of the year? Those days are humdrum and meaningless when it comes to matters of the heart? Probably not, but that's what it seems like.

This valentines day holiday, I'm left to the monotony of work and babies. There is no romantic dinner, no night on the town, nothing. Instead it's all about routine. That's where I'm at right now: Going through the motions and biding my time until my love and I can celebrate together. It's hard, but only temporary, right?

Gotta push myself on the L Train now and dodge the hordes carrying flowers for their sweeties. Another day, another day.

Social Networking and the Demise of Human Interaction

2011-02-10T15:53:00.001-08:00

I think the advent of social networks has led to the complete demise of meaningful human interaction. For myself, I'm consistently typing away on my phone or computer, updating my twitter or facebook, hoping that someone will respond to my idle thoughts. It's not like they're revolutionary in any way, they're just mine. They should be shared with another individual, but instead they're posted on a social network.

I ask, what ends are we as individuals trying to accomplish with these informal means of communication? If a tweet or facebook update goes unliked or not retweeted, did we even say it at all? Moreover, if we consistently live on social networks, are we really human in the first place?

My humanity is in question as I'm posting this train of thought to my blog and not telling this to another living person. I am what you've grown to loathe: An aging generation X'r who thinks their random musings are earth shattering.

A month of work ahead of me

2011-02-04T12:28:00.001-08:00

I'm at Starbucks waiting for my lunch across the street. These days I've been trying to balance work and home. For me, this means running home as fast as I can to help out around the house with the babies. Moreover, this means that I work throughout the day and have stopped searching the internets for a second job and my vice, musical equipment.

I haven't played in a band since 2010. I would love to have this back in my life but alas, my time is spent handling responsibilities and "dad stuff." Sometimes I feel that I'm overcompensating because my father was absent most of my childhood, and when he was there he was drunk and abusive. I hope my kids are happy.

So, this month is going to be busy with a ton of work. I don't like working (who does?), but my job is planning on giving me a raise so I guess I have to work hard, right?

Who knows these days?

Time for Some Action

2011-01-14T12:18:00.000-08:00

I want this blog to be my main forum for online communications from this point going forward. I will try my best to keep this blog as the one people are directed to. Forget Gather, twitter, facebook, etc...they will all be just roads that lead them to this blog, the true voice of my social networking voice/profile/image.

So, with that said, what can I talk about? There is the new house I've moved into last December, so now I'm closer to Lincoln High School and definitely in the Suburbs of San Francisco. It's not that bad, just further out there to get to anything. I have to drive places now whereas before I could easily have walked. My bike experience is increasing, but even still it's a far ride.

I'm writing this at work right now about to leave for lunch and a funder meeting. Tonight, I hope to update this blog and all my other social networks to reflect a renewed dedication to blogger.com. I'm sure their investors are happy.

For the Sake of Productivity

2010-10-18T23:23:00.000-07:00

Oh my, it has been since September that I've updated this blog?!? That's criminal, so so horrible.

So, for the sake of productivity, I'm planning on achieving the following by some undetermined time in the future:

1. Update this blog's look, or not, we'll see
2. Write at least on post on this per month (that's manageable)
3. Finish, record and mix at least two new songs and post them to myspace and bandcamp (this one has been more of a challenge than I thought it would be)
4. Continue to look for other job opportunities in the field of writing, because why the hell not? It's not like my writing is gonna get any worse/better.

Baby Number Two

2010-09-23T22:37:00.000-07:00

So, it's been too long since I've updated my main blog. I've been too busy on facebook, twitter, and now my $10 monthly income generator Manuelrod.gather.com.

However, I still love you blogger.com and hope to keep this blog relevant in the mixed up world of social networks.

So, since I've last updated, I've had a second baby to deal with, same job woes, a band dissolve, and more of the same in terms of suburban San Francisco life. It's weird because if I moved just a couple miles south, I would be in Daly City, which is cheaper, but has lame weather and is a REAL suburb.

It kinda sucks. I don't think I'm moving there. Until then, remember to check out my gather page: Manuelrod.gather.com.

Enduring an Active Little Boy - Falling Asleep While Eating a Tortilla

2010-07-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

For the last 4 months my kid has been digging his heels into the ground about me giving him a bath. He just doesn't want it, doesn't want his dada to do it, and he cries for his momma each time I bring up "bath!" When he hears this, he immediately runs away and starts throwing his body all over the place. I have to wrestle him down and overpower him, but man, this kid is strong! (Not to mention wily.)

So he's been throwing these "fits," if you will, and last night I think was the breaking point for him because tonight, he actually walked himself to the bathroom without any incident. What a good boy. I told him I was proud of him and glad that he decided to do the right thing. I think he understood me, I hope.

Nevertheless, I do think this may be a turning point in his growth and emotional development. The fact that he comprehends the consequences of his actions shows me that he's capable of reasoning. And, IMHO, a young child who can begin to learn how to reason at an early age is probably (read: hopefully) going to be more well adjusted as he begins to enter school.

In any case, here's some recent video of him not wanting to sleep and falling asleep eating a tortilla.

1967 Fender Silverface Bassman

2010-07-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

Here's my amp and I'm finally getting rid of her. She's been the best and I've taken good care of her. Gear comes and goes and deserves to be played.

Gather.com

2010-06-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

Hey readers (all three of you), I've gone ahead and signed up as a socialwriter on Gather.com.

You can find my profile here.

Check it out and read my stuff. The more people who read, the more money I make. What a business model...

Walking around Golden Gate Park at dusk

2010-06-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

Right when the sun starts to set, I like to take walks in the park next to my apartment. The trails look so inviting during the day, but when the light falls, walking through the woods of the San Francisco suburbs gives off an eerie vibe that scares the shit out of me. The trees are tall and the grass is as high as my kneecaps. And I KNOW people are living in those little pockets of branches, fallen leaves, and trash.

When you really think about it, living in Golden Gate Park sounds sort of appealing. You'd be roughing it in the great outdoors and "living off the land, man." You would be sticking a huge middle finger to the system that says you have to turn down, pay rent, and get a job. No, not you. You don't fall for that shyt!

So you take your showers in public bathrooms and eat pizza all day. You sit around sleeping on the streets and moving through the park at night. I bet it's possible.

Whoa, there's a guy/gal screaming outside my window right now. SWEET! I bring the crazies with me wherever I go. TL blood in'em.

Self Medicating

2010-06-05T21:28:00.003-07:00

Is something I fight to do. Something I acknowledge. What should I do? Life is too short to have regrets.

Maybe trying to achieve a happy balance between the two is the ultimate goal. Can people even do that? Or is that just trying to rationalize inappropriate behavior?

Sprained Ankle (Like father, like son)

2010-05-22T22:46:00.000-07:00

Paulo sprained his ankle today while I was at an afternoon band practice. He was going down the slide with his mom and his right foot got caught on the side.

My wife called me four times (I was practicing w/the band so I didn't hear my phone!) and said she was going to take an ambulance to the hospital. When I heard that, I hauled ass over there in my new Scion and picked them up on 4th and Howard. I immediately hugged him, took off his crocs, and started rubbing his feet; asking him questions like, "Where does it hurt?" and "How did you get hurt?"

He eventually calmed down when I sat in the backseat and played with him. He didn't need to go to the hospital, but it was a serious sprain. I hear they call them fractures. Naw...j/k. It was a sprain, just like his old man used to get.

SO, he's R.I.C.E.ing it and trying to keep it immobile. I think he'll be fine.

The Trenderloin

2010-05-06T15:57:00.001-07:00

Ok, I don't live in the TL anymore, but I can't stand all this "TRENDERLoin" adoration! Check it:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/12/us/12tenderloin.html

http://www.asterisksanfrancisco.com/v1i2/tlpeople.html

http://ingenmagazine.com/mag/index.php?option=com_flippingbook&view=book&id=12&Itemid=23 (Pages 46 - 49)

In Mexico

2010-05-02T01:38:00.000-07:00

Or I guess I should say, "out of Mexico," where everyone is hustling to make a dollar and grown dudes can't help but dance on stage. Fricking hilarious! I love Mexico. So does Morrissey, check it out: Mexico

Missed Opportunities to stand up for what's right

2010-04-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

I'm a bad dada sometimes. I try to do what's right in my daily life, but when it comes to individual interactions with others, I miss opportunities to stand up for what I think is right. AND, I wind up regretting it many hours after the fact - reliving the scene over and over in my mind and wondering why I didn't stand up for my own kid.

We were at the Art Explosion in Mission this afternoon, Paulo started playing with some big kids and they were picking on him. I told them not to, but they still did it. And instead of intervening again, I watched them once again bully my kid and didn't do anything about it. He was 2 and his other friend was 3. Paulo is 1 1/2.

The kid's dad was next to me. Some white dude wearing tevas and taking out his blackberry to shoot video of his kid running around. I didn't like him, and I think he knew this.

So when the kid fell back on purpose to intentionally make Paulo fall down, I grabbed Paulo and picked him up and hugged him. I rubbed his eyes and his back and told him, "Don't worry about this kid, I got your back, I got your back." I told him that I wasn't sure why this kid was beefing on him.

In hindsight, and this is what steams me about the whole situation when looking back at it, I SHOULD have told the kid to apologize to Paulo. Instead I blew off responsibility for the kid and looked to the father to say something. When he didn't, I felt like punching him in the face and getting in a fight. Get all tenderloin on'em!!!

But that's just stupid, and I should have been smarter about the situation when it happened. Lesson learned, but next time for sure you know I'm gonna stand up for my kid.

Reality Creeps In

2010-04-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

I played a show with my new band last night, the REC set. We found the show through craigslist and the bands didn't really match our style (as if any band ever does!).

It was one of those blow out nights where the schedule is late and bands play/sound check for way too long. Basically, it was a rock show.

I had fun, the REC set sounded decent for our first showing, and given the fact that it was like 12:30am by the time we got to play, I think we had a fair amount of people watching. Which brings me to my next point...

As much as I tried, I could not for the life of me get anyone to come out on my behalf. Was it the late show? The weekday night? The fact that my "friends" don't enjoy live/loud bands? Is it my lack of connections with people?

OR, and this is the simplest answer (meaning it's probably the right one), maybe I just suck and should throw in the towel? This last one scares me the most, but growing up and getting wiser means seeing things for how they really are; calling a "spade a spade" if you will.

I got some thinking to do.

1993

2010-03-31T22:18:00.000-07:00

This is an awesome Beavis and Butt-head clip from season 1. The music videos are great.

Robot Envy

2010-03-28T00:43:00.000-07:00

Just got finished recording three songs at Robot Envy Studios in Berkeley. This place rules, if you need some affordable pro recordings done, go here now!

Also, just found this blog for Rocket Science records, found an old college band called Flex Lavender on here. So, so awesome.

Life is ok right now.

The Rantings of a Lunatic

2010-03-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

I'm glad the Democrats grew some f'n balls and were able to "ram this thing down the throats of the American people?" Let the Republicans whine about how this is "Armageddon" and how "people will remember this vote." Yeah, sure we will. With media hitting us from all over and flashes of the latest celebrity trends available on thousands of television channels, I don't think we'll remember it.

However, I do believe that the "Party of No" (Republicans) have the ability to make "the American People" remember this for years to come. What else do they have? Every talking point, every opportunity to pontificate on their morality high horse will be used to remind the American people that "It was Barack Hussein Obama, that communist, that socialist, I don't even think he was born in the good'ol USA, HE was the dirty jungle bunny who led us to where we're at now."

And where exactly are you at, you ol' Fay?

"Why, why, we're in the midst of the greatest recession of our time. And it's all Health Care, or specifically, OBAMAcare's fault. The Republican party is free of any wrong doing. We’re trying our best to enact the will of the American people!”

I love how there's this revisionist history being written in 2010. Are we so soon to forget the crimes of George Bush, tax cuts for the rich, and continuing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan?

The Tea Party Movement would like you to. That way you can turn a blind eye to their racism, bigotry, and downright ignorance.

Unclear on the Concept

2010-03-10T20:56:00.000-08:00

I have friends who I share a practice space with. We split our rent 3 ways. It works out well b/c my band is a four piece. SAVE'em!

One of the bands I share the space with is leaving on a month long tour. While they're gone, and I just learned this last night, they plan on "sub-leasing" their side of the practice room to their friends. They just TOLD us this. No asking, no courtesy call before the deal was done, nothing.

Needless to say, myself and the other guys in the band became pretty upset. It's one thing if you bring your friends to a shared practice space to hang out and jam; that's a different story. BUT, when you cut side deals with people and put your space-mates' gear in jeopardy of randoms, that's a little shady, disrespectful, and a bit arrogant.

I said this to my friends through text messages. Well, not in so many words, but they got the jist of it, right? RIGHT?!?

This is how I now communicate with people, through online emails, texts, facebook, twitter, etc. and I'm a little unclear on concept. Specifically, how is all of this connection meant to make me feel connected? Is it just me, or does anyone else feel alone? I guess it's just me.

DCYF Checklist

2010-02-27T23:28:00.000-08:00

It's Saturday night, why the f am I working? Here's what I'm working on:

1. Starr King OST –School Partnership Form, Budget, and In-kind Budget forms
2. MXA OST – Budget and In-kind Budget Forms
3. El Dorado OST – Budget and In-kind Budget Forms
4. Starr King Summer Program –School Partnership Form, Budget, and In-kind Budget forms
5. El Dorado Summer Program – Budget and In-kind Budget Forms

6. ISA Workforce Development – All docs completed just need to upload

7. SF Team, James Denman Middle School – Budget, and In-kind Budget forms (Joni/David to complete narrative sections)
8. OMI/E Beacon Summer Program – Budget, and In-kind Budget forms (Joni/David to completed narrative sections)
9. TailorMade-YGB – Budget, and In-kind Budget forms (Joni/David to complete narrative sections)

10. SF Team, Starr King Elementary – Completed OST Forms, Narrative, Completed School Partnership Form, Budget and In-kind Budget Forms
11. Heritage Camp at Malcolm X Academy – Summer Forms (Demographics, Staffing, Program Activity Schedule), Narrative, Completed School Partnership Form, Budget, and In-kind Budget Forms

12. OMI/E Beacon Core Funding – Compiled/completed docs to be sent to Manuel for copying and delivery

THIS IS Ridiculous!

Even Gavin Newsom is Moving to the Suburbs

2010-02-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

Is that what all this nonsense is about?

With people talking about the San Francisco Mayor's "long-term" political career and him wanting to be Lt. Governor of California, is it really just a ploy by Gavin to move away from SF and into the suburbs? He did just have a kid, and I would be the first to attest that San Francisco is inhospitable to families with young children. We have a ton of resources that’s for sure, but connecting in authentic ways with families is an ongoing challenge.

So, does Mayor Newsom just want to throw in the towel for SF and move away? His recent purchase of a house in the Haight is more of a rental investment than it is a home. And most definitely, the city is no place to raise the daughter of Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who looks stunning as always. Not sure how Gavin landed a lady like that. Maybe, the hair, perchance? :P

Remember that Chris Daly went this route and decided to move his family out to Fairfield – Which is, BTW, the ultimate diss to residents of District 6. In da words of George Lopez, Fuck Dat PUTO! However, Daly speaks truth to power and fights hard for his homies who are funded by the city. He’s done some ok things, and he is DEFINITELY not worse than these guys:

"Anthem's defense gets no sympathy in Assembly"

The insurance giant Anthem presents an awesome, and accurate, representation of 2010 corporate America: "Yes, I'm making tons of money. Yes, we're exploiting our customers. And yes, you're drafting legislation that's going to mandate all US citizens be required to purchase health insurance from me or else pay a fine for not having it. But no, I'm not going to apologize for this behavior and no, there's nothing you can do about it. Have a nice day."

The thing about my generation is that we're so passive. We don't want to look bothered with anything, just want to keep our cool persona where “we've seen it all” but aren’t that jaded. We can enjoy things with a detached ironic self awareness that says, "Hey, I've done this before, and things waaay cooler than this as well." This self taught lethargy has numbed and dumbed our senses. We're unable to look up from our electronics, stand up from our desks, and actively engage with one another. I believe this is the reason we will never rise up again as they did in the 60s. No, we're in a slow decline like the 30s and 40s where 2020 will be World War 3 and we'll blow up the Statue of Liberty. WATch ouT@!....

Great, now my blog is on the FBI watch list for conspiracy. Well, at least one person will be reading it. AND, if I ever have a crazy killing spree like this guy who hated on the IRS, then the evening news can always look back at these online journals and piece together a picture of my tortured life. I wonder who would star in my television reenactment. Hey, maybe people will even get to finally hear some of my music on myspace. SHAMELESS'em!

Decisions decisions

2010-02-03T21:27:00.000-08:00

Remember that stuff I posted a while ago? The stuff where I talked about my job? Well, I'm interviewing for a new position on Friday and it's looking like I'll get it. BUT, it's a paycut. Ugh. Not good.

"I was looking for a job and then I found a job, and heaven knows I'm miserable now!"

Sympathy For the Tycoon Sector

2010-01-28T22:03:00.000-08:00

This past week I visited the Mirant Powerplant off 23rd Street. It was definitely an experience.

The workers had just ordered some tasty food as celebration for an accident free month. They had BBQ ribs, brisket, beans, and so much more. I wish I could remember the name of the place...BUCK FORTY! Yes, that place is good.

I was attending on behalf of my job. Since I'm the Development Director, I have to be there to accept the big checks and stuff. I take photos and schmooze with the help. (Incidentally, I'm surprised that my spellchecker didn't flag the word "schmooze." I had no idea that was part of current lexicon.)

Anyways...

My Sympathy for the Tycoon Sector is when I started really listening to these blue collar guys talk about how they're going to be losing their jobs and displaced out of the city b/c San Francisco wants to shut down ALL power plants in our County. It's a noble idea for sure. It's as noble as eliminating plastic bags from grocery stores, closing streets for 6 hours at a time, 4 days a year for a total of ONE FULL DAY worth of "healthy streets" time. While the rest of the 364 days of the year are filled with cars, big rigs, and other polluting shit. Frikkkin awesome! Thanks Mayor Newsom. Too bad you dropped out of the Governor's race.

BUT, in all honesty, it's probably good that Mayor Newsom put himself out on a limb like that. I'm sure there are people like you and I who would be scared shitless if our job was a national politician.

Ewww...I think I just quivered a little.

(HERE'S THE BOOK REFERENCE OF THIS BLOG ENTRY'S TITLE)

To Take the Edge Off

2010-01-17T22:20:00.000-08:00

I've been sick these past two days. No sleep, perhaps? The raining weather? Remember, I don't blame you for the weather (OLD CERVANTES VIDEO FROM 2007!).

This video goes on too long. I can see how people weren't into it. Hmmm...what to do, what to do?

I spent Friday playing music at Rocker with some friends, then DROVE MY NEW CAR down to Club 6 to watch the Your Music Magazine Band Olympic Finals. Company Car won. Congrats guys. I heard the prize money was down to $1,000 b/c of the economy. ;)

Even if that was true, $1,000 would still be a nice chunk of change to make off playing a show.

My musical ambitions are on my mind right now. My job, not so much. Maybe I'm burned out. I could always take some time off, cash in on all my sick days, and live a chill life. I could feign nervous breakdown to even collect disability. haha!

Yeah right. The thing is, when they do send me for a diagnosis, as they are legally obligated to do, the "job coach" will commit me to an institution. "I'm not crazy!"

Furry Happy Monsters

2010-01-11T21:06:00.000-08:00

Eve just came back from the library and picked up some CDs for our boy. She got the complete Sesame Street Songs collection. It's awesome!!!!

Here's my favorite song from it.

Human Resources

2010-01-10T22:11:00.000-08:00

This past week I had a run in with my boss. He freaked out on me to the point I had to contact our human resources department to report a hostile work environment. I'll spare you all the details (as much as I'd like to post the email I sent to our VP of HR, my better/professional judgment is telling me not to). If you're really interested, let me know and maybe I'll forward it to you for reference.

I'm glad it's all over, at least for now. The options I gave to my job were basically: 1.) Create a new position for me; 2.) Transfer me to another branch; or 3.) Peace out and have a nice life. I guess they value me b/c they're going to work towards the first option, which, in all honesty, is pretty damn nice of them. Jeah.

SO, this San Francisco suburbanite may soon have a new position within his organization. No word yet if I get any more money, but as long as I'm under a different supervisor I'll be happy. It's been a long six years I've been under his direction. It'll be nice to get away and try to pave a path on my own that doesn't credit another for my accomplishments.

2010, as the cliche goes, is "full of big changes."

Here's thinking Good Good Things About me!

2010-01-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

These guys rule! The Descendents.

It's a full moon tonight

2010-01-03T00:06:00.000-08:00

Happy new year is what everyone posted on facebook. I recently read an article about some guys who were talking about quitting facebook cold turkey. I can't find the link to it, but here's something else about the mass "exodus" from facebook.

Trying to Piece it All Back Together

2009-12-28T21:49:00.000-08:00

Well, Cervantes has officially called it quits. Ironic that it happened now b/c I finally got a car to transport gear. It was a good run for sure, and I'm hoping I can continue playing music with some band in the city. We'll soon see.

As of right now I'm back in the Suburbs of San Francisco, got the week off from work, and doing a lot of grocery shopping. I just got off craiglist lurking for new band opportunities, but nothing. I've been updating my personal music site www.myspace.com/musicbymanuel but I really should get back to recording more new music. I have a bunch of ideas in my head and a couple of tunes written out, it's just committing them to a recording is what I've been procrastinating on. I'll get to it soon, I promise.

Last thing, my downstairs neighbors are moving out.

New tennants and new things for 2010...I hope.

I've been through the south bay too many times this past week

2009-12-19T22:37:00.000-08:00

AND here's proof of that. This is the book I've been thinking about lately.

Don't Cut Your Hair

2009-12-17T22:58:00.000-08:00

Many changes in my life right now heading into 2010. Well, not really. BUT, it's always better to make it sound more dramatic than it really is. Kinda gives our pointless existences some real meaning.

Anyways, here are some pertinent quotes that describe my current state of affairs in the Suburbs of SF.

"Take my name off of the lease. You can even keep the name, it never suited me." - Jets to Brazil

"Bands break up each and every day. I saw another band just the other day, a special new band." - Pavement

"Cookie crumbs and alcohol. Crooked hands, the band's on hold." - Jets to Brazil

"What happened to you? You're not the same." - Minor Threat

And my personal favorite, "Being mean is worth the time." - Unwound

The Problem with Health Insurance in America

2009-12-05T23:06:00.000-08:00

I have a full time job. Thus, I get free health care.

Since I put in 40 hours each week at my corporation, they provide me with free health insurance through Kaiser. Up until this year, I've also had my wife and kid on it to the tune of $750 each month. A lot of money, right? Well it's gonna go up even more this year to $825!

That substantial increase being the situation, my family decided to buy health insurance on our own. Notwithstanding the fact that we have to "BUY" health insurance, I was hoping that the process to obtaining insurance would be a simple one. I was so wrong.

As soon as I logged in to the local hospital website search on Google, I find all the links to different insurance providers. All of their websites have pictures of smiling families, testimonials about how great their insurance package is, and links to healthy living. It's when I click on the, "apply for a health plan here" links is when I start to see the true nature of these blood sucking, cold-hearted businesses. The health plan explanations on these websites are intentionally confusing so the consumer can stop at the first one and just buy it because they "need to have insurance."

We put such an emphasis on our health insurance system in America that we can't agree between leading political parties on how to provide treatment to all. Instead we have bi-partisan bickering with Tennessee Mayors accusing President Obama of being a Muslim and intentionally canceling A Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving television special to pump his war plans. This story is true!

What race wars? ;-)

Obama has made American health care his signature issue and we still can't seem to get it right. Whatever health care bill comes out of the Senate by the end of the year, I'm sure it'll be a far cry from Universal Health Insurance. And it's sad because, as a nation, we're so rich and so many of us are so well fed, that it's a damn shame we can't, as a society, take care of our less fortunate.

The San Francisco Mayor

2009-11-20T12:55:00.000-08:00

This is ridiculous: Our mayor ladies and gentlemen. Ugh.

In Cars

2009-11-08T22:07:00.000-08:00

When you live in the Outer Sunset like I do, and have a 1 year old boy, like I do, you need to get a car. I'm sorry citycarshare, I tried and tried to make you work for me, but alas, San Francisco Suburbs weren't made for city living. No, instead I've been relegated to scouring craigslist for car deals, going to used/certified pre-owned car lots and getting a lot of phony smiles and handshakes from people. It sucks.

If anyone has a car they want to sell me (I'm looking at Scions!), let me know. Don't sell me a lemon or a car that has a ton of mileage on it. Damn, I hate cars.

When did things get so complicated?

NEXT POST - The Trouble with Health Care (Insurance Costs for the Middle Class)

Epiphone Valve Junior and Musican's Friend

2009-10-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

Last week I ordered an Epiphone Valve Junior combo online from Musican's Friend. Well, I got it yesterday, opened it with salivating tongue, plugged it in, got ready to rock and then...nothing. The amp was DOA and didn't work at all. I felt like a kid who's x-mas just got canceled.

SO, I'm sending it back and gonna start looking for another one. DAMN!

Sunset Dusk

2009-10-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

Nick's Crispy California Burrito in the Sunset

2009-10-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

I spent the last weekend in San Diego where the weather was warm and sunny. Ahh...Daygo!

The Mexican food in San Diego is da bomb. It's straight from the border and made for other Mexicans. Not like the Mexican food in San Francisco where it's made for the melting pot of of people who live here. I mean, it's the same ingredients, they may have added in an organic onion or tomato or something, but it's still carne, beans, and tortilla.

The latest thing is the California Burrito. I had one in San Diego at Lolita's and I had one at Nick's Crispy Tacos in the Sunset. I liked them both.

Catching up

2009-10-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my band Cervantes played a Band OlymPicks Show for Your Music Magazine. I think it went well, we placed second, made it to the top 7 finals, but you know...these things are popularity contests so I'm not really basing my musical success on how many people I can arm wring to a show to cast a vote for me. Am I jaded?

I must have stayed out too late on Friday though (the night of the show) because I got hella sick this weekend. Bad cough, running nose, fever...I thought I had the swine flu. BUT, I'm feeling much better now. Went to work on Monday and took tons of Thera-Wal-Flu.

This afternoon for lunch I traveled back to the Tenderloin to visit one of my favorite spots, Cordon Bleu. I miss that place, and quite frankly, I kinda miss the Tenderloin. Things are nice and quiet out here in the suburbs of San Francisco, but I ain't gonna lie: Flavor is definitely without in this neighborhood.

Folsom Street Fair

2009-09-28T22:34:00.000-07:00

Here's what I did yesterday at the Folsom Street Fair.

Cupping

2009-09-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

This Sunday I went to a Chinese masseuse (no, not that kind of masseuse, get your mind out of the gutter). I went to a lady's home on 30th and Ortega to iron out some cricks in my neck. I've never had a massage before, I'm not really into the whole pain thing, so I was weary to say the least.

I get there thinking I'm only going to do a half hour, but as soon as she starts laying into my back, neck, and "chicken wings" she's like, "You need at least an hour!" Great, I'm thinking, more money I have to spend.

However, my stinginess was subdued once she actually made my back feel a little better, I think. I'm not sure because when she was done with the massage (she gave me an extra half hour), she went on to do some cupping. I've also never had this done to me, so needless to say, I was a bit uncomfortable having my skin pulled up into hickies that are as big as mason jars.

So now, my right side is all messed up. She said it'll get better in three days, it's day one right now, and it's still swollen. I feel like I've been beaten up, like I used to feel after a freshman football game: tired, sore, and a little dazed. I hope this helps.

I need to return to her this weekend so she can finish the job. More to come on this for sure.

Out to Polk

2009-09-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

Going to leave the suburbs for an evening and see what's going on in my former neighborhood. I'm renting a citycarshare b/c I'm too tired to bike it out there. Wish me luck.

The Suburbs of San Francisco

2009-09-18T00:51:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!

I finally got around to starting my new blog. Now I can update my facebook, my twitter, my myspace, etc., etc., etc...I need to let people know I have a visible online presence. This is very important to me because without this visibility, I may as well as be forgotten. Long forgotten in the Suburbs of San Francisco!

When I refer to the suburbs of sf, I'm talking about the avenues of the Sunset District. Here, cars have tons of room to maneuver, there are 3 homeless people, young college kids dress nice, and Chinese families run real estate. It's an interesting mix of individuals, and I have since become one of them.

Since being here I've purchased a bike and given up on sk8 tricks. I still cruise around when I get a citycarshare, but no serious shred sessions. And you read correctly, I still don't have a car. I am proof that you can live in San Francisco's suburbs and get around just fine being car free. I have purchased a bike though as my main mode of transportation, so not having any type of wheels is definitely a downer in this neighborhood.

Needless to say, the area is a lot safer for my family and I - the Tenderloin was getting a little too crazy for me.

So what's this blog going to be about? Well, I'm hoping to share some of my thoughts as I transition into my thirties and supposed "2nd Stage" of my life. I would like to think my thoughts have some sort of redeeming value...if not, fuck you, and let me have this one goddamn thing for christ's sake! :)

I will do my best to update this daily.