• Muni’s repeated derailments

    MrEricSir

    You’d think that the title of 6th best public transit system in the country would mean something. Or at the very least you’d think that at the point where you’re the 6th best at something, you’re not repeating your own mistakes.

    But you’d be wrong.

    Today’s Muni Metro derailment sounds awfully familiar. A train suddenly came off the tracks between Castro and Forrest Hill station, and nobody knows how it happened.

    Why does it sound familiar?

    Because the same thing happened in November of 2009. And if that wasn’t bad enough, the exact same scenario happened in August of 2006.

    Allegedly, Muni tried to fix the tracks in 2007, several months after the first derailment. But that didn’t solve the problem.

    Obviously, train systems are not a new technology; the basics are old and well understood. There’s no excuse for deferred maintenance and half-assed fixes.

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  • Muni: 6th best in the country!?

    MrEricSir

    It should come as no surprise that Muni isn’t the best transit agency in the country, what with all the waiting, slow speeds, and crashes. But would you believe they clock in at number 6? No, neither do I.

    In this video from CBS 5, Mike Sugerman interviews a number of Muni riders about this startling allegation, including Greg Dewar of The N-Judah Chronicles.

    (Note: video is linked from cbslocal.com, which can be a bit flaky. If you don’t see the player, try reloading. If that doesn’t work, try channeling spirits.)

    Update: The above video is no longer available as of 2023; if you know of a backup somewhere let me know.

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  • Coffee roasting at home

    MrEricSir

    Coffee roasting

    You’re looking at me like I’m crazy, but roasting your own coffee is where it’s at.

    It’s pretty damn easy and it doesn’t take much to get started. I tinkered with roasting for years using nothing but a $3 electric popcorn popper I got from Goodwill. But you don’t even need that — Blue Bottle’s James Freeman got his start roasting coffee in his oven.

    I got this particular roaster because it has a catalytic converter to reduce the smoke output. I also like the humor of the word “Professional” written on the plastic housing. It’s great for home use, but professional? Please.

    There’s a number of places to buy raw coffee beans. Oakland-based e-tailer Sweet Marias is the best.

    Anyway, I’ve been using the Nesco roaster for almost a month now, and give it two caffeinated thumbs up.

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  • Mural of Lone Star Swan

    MrEricSir

    As long as we’re on the topic of 16th Street’s favorite pigeon feeder, there’s a mural of the guy over on Clarion Alley that you should check out.

    img_1837

    Actually, you should check out Clarion Alley in general. The murals tend not to last too long there, which is both a blessing and a curse. But the quality and creativity is outstanding.

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  • Walk, don’t walk, drop acid

    MrEricSir

    Sometimes I have to stop an ask myself if I just took a mind-altering drug, or if what I’m seeing is real. When I went to hit the walk button the other day, I had to question the state of my consciousness and do a double-take.

    IMG_1827

    Spotted at 16th and Mission.

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  • Lone Star Swan, poet, pigeon caretaker and schizophrenic

    MrEricSir

    Those of you who live in or visit the Mission are likely familiar with Lone Star Swan, the homeless poet and pigeon caretaker of 16th Street.

    He’s lived on the streets of the Mission for over a decade, often hanging out at Adobe Books. But like all homeless people, there’s a sad story to his life that isn’t immediately apparent.

    The other day on MissionMission, commenter Pedro directed me to a TV news report about Lone Star Swan, who’s birth name is John Ratliff. It’s a fascinating portrait of the man, and I encourage you to watch.

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  • Marilyn Merlot

    MrEricSir

    Really, Safeway?

    IMG_1822_1
    IMG_1821_1
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  • Locanda opening pushed back until March

    MrEricSir

    Last we heard about Locanda, the new Roman-style eatery in the Delfina family, it was scheduled to open in January 2011 at the shuttered Ramblas space in January 2011.

    Now that January is almost gone, the work on the space looks like it’s far from done; the kitchen space was torn out and still not replaced; no new windows or seating area; the exterior wall isn’t even in place.

    Now along comes a Craigslist ad from Delfina looking for experienced restaurant managers. The nugget in the add is the opening for Locanda: March 2011.

    The ad follows:

    Our small group of restaurants is expanding and we need You in order to grow.
    We are currently seeking MANAGERS of all levels to add to the mix, helping to bring out the best at each of our Italian restaurants:
    Delfina Restaurant, Pizzeria Delfina (two locations) and Locanda, a modern Roman osteria/taverna opening in March 2011.
    Candidates must have prior supervisory experience and a solid background in fine dining (Italian experience a plus).
    Potential hires must be passionate about food and wine, mature, professional and serious about their career.
    Benefits include: vacation, medical, dining benefits.

    delfinasf.com
    pizzeriadelfina.com

    Please include your resume in the body of your email and NOT as an attachment. attachments will not be read.

    Thank you for applying!

    Is this a realistic date, given the work to be done? Or will Locanda be yet another Valencia restaurant that takes it sweet time between announcement and opening date? Time will tell…

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  • Sheep are hipsters

    MrEricSir

    It occurred to me the other day that sheep are hipsters.

    Look, I’m not saying that hipsters are sheep, that would be redundant. I’m saying that sheep — those cuddly wool and cheese producing mammals — are hipsters themselves.

    Here’s a handy table explaining the similarities.

    SheepHipsters
    SheepMore hipster action
    Sheep wear wool sweaters naturally Hipsters wear wool sweaters ironically
    Sheep follow each other Hipsters follow each other
    Sheep have sheep dogs Hipsters have trendy dogs
    Sheep eat a vegan, gluten-free diet Hipsters eat a vegan, gluten-free diet

    Maybe these are all coincidences, you say. Maybe there’s nothing to this.

    Well then here’s one last piece of evidence, courtesy of MissionMission contributor Ariel Dovas:

    The People In Dolores Park Are Sheep

    Yes, sheep hang out in Dolores Park! I rest my case.

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  • Beings Of Nibber Glux Six

    MrEricSir

    Back in the winter of 2004 when I was in college — and perhaps a bit stoned — I created a short-lived comic strip series called “Beings Of Nibber Glux Six.”

    Here they are, reprinted, in their long-forgotten glory.

    Episode 1:


    Episode 2:


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About Eric

Travel, movies, comedy, tech, and whatever I find on the streets of San Francisco.

Contact: mrericsir “at” gmail.com

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