It's That Time of Year Again

As I did last year, I've decided to participate in November's National Blog Posting Month (not to be confused with National Novel Writing- or the copycat National Blog Writing Month). I'm motivated largely by a recent (though by no means unusual) lack of motivation. (If anyone actually reads this, they'll have noticed the paucity of updates lately.)

Here's an unadulterated photo of Sutro Tower that I took from my bedroom window.

Five Things I Miss About Mountain View, CA

1. The sun and its warmth
2. Dana Street Roasting Company
3. Well-paved roads

Hmmm... That's only three, right?

And then...

After I finished up my little tour of the local bibliothèque municipale, I stopped by Ritual for a cup of joe. I reached there in time to catch the tail end of the weekly Public Cupping. Led by Head Roaster Steve Ford, it's much like a wine tasting. Complete with cups to spit in. I made it to the third selection before the ambient noise made it entirely impossible to hear Mr. Ford speak and I gave up. So I queued for a cup of the Los Chacones from Costa Rica and a slice of the vegan nectarine bread. The cafe was jumping, so I had to share a table. The seat I chose just happened to be next to a couple of guys, one ABCD* who looked and sounded familiar. Did I know this guy? Then I overheard some snatches of conversation. The desi guy was talking about some of the bits he was planning to do and in what order. Then it hit me: this was comedian Hari Kondabolu, whom I had seen perform on late night tv. He's performing at the Punch Line tonight.

*American Born Confused Desi (Indian)

The Cathedral of Books

When I arrived at the Mission branch of the San Francisco Public Library this afternoon, I was surprised to find myself just one of more than twenty people awaiting the 1pm opening. Once inside, I applied for a card.

The friendly woman who granted me my first SFPL card asked if this was my first visit. It was. The children's books are on the ground floor, the adults' upstairs, she informed me. Then she recommend that I check out the upstairs. "I call it the Cathedral of Books." It does have some nice architectural features.

Iconic

From Alamo Square. Note the fog in the distance. If you look closely, you can see the dome of City Hall between the fourth and fifth houses.

If You're Still Eating Meat

Better to think twice about that hamburger. And educate yourself on where your meat comes from.

(Inspired by this article in the NY Times.)

The Newest Addition