Peter Frampton...in concert @ Mandalay Bay! Nostalgic pangs for "head" culture!

Whenever I spy a poster of rock icon Peter Frampton - with his lustrous long locks framing his pretty face like a halo - I get nostalgic for the "head culture" of yesteryear in bohemian communities in Toronto (Yorkville), Vancouver (4th Avenue), and - of course - San Francisco (Haight/Ashbury)!

So, a promotional ad for Peter Frampton's upcoming live! concert at Mandalay Bay at the end of the week, triggered romantic adventurous memories of my rebellious youth.

Today, I took a pause to wonder.

Will the audience be packed with old hippies, a new generation of music buffs, or both?

News at 11!

Mandalay Box Office

http://www.mandalaybay.com

Ticketmaster

http://www.ticketmaster.com

http://www.thetattler.biz

San Francisco Giants...roar of fans deafens! Jets fly-by! Fireworks erupt! Brian Wilson cheered!

Fans roar approval when Beard puts in appearance!





With a twang in his voice, and after a wild roar from the fans in the stands, the leader singer of “Train” belted out the last few bars of the National Anthem just seconds before two jets flew overhead – fireworks erupted in the pristine blue sky – and the festivities started up with a celebratory ring at AT & T Park.

Earlier in the day, locals who elected to hop on MUNI for a trek across town, found themselves packed into the trains like sardines alongside excited Giants’ fans decked out in the ubiquitous Orange & Black team colors– and, of course – sporting specially- crafted gear with eye-catching logos featuring the names of their baseball heroes!

Outside the stadium the sound of the applause was deafening!

Because of a recent attack on a Giants fan at a Dodger’s game in Los Angeles, security was beefed up today, but the city’s finest managed to remain low-key in the shadows without any intimidation factors spoiling the mood.

Kudos!

Meanwhile, on every occasion there was an opportunity to do so, die-hard Giants’ aficionados ecstatically hollered out their approval as they munched on mighty tasty over-priced hot dogs - and quenched their thirst with ice-cold beer - packed along for the much-ballyhooed match against the St. Louis Cardinals.

When the team banner - etched with the words “World Champions” on its face was unveiled in the opening ceremonies – everyone in attendance just about lost it!

Then, it was time to play ball!

In the “Public House” – a bar on the street level - sports enthusiasts without tickets were tossing back  brewskies, hungrily downing chips and dip, and keeping a keen watchful eye on all the plays with great intensity.

At one point, when I took a swig of beer, a patron knocked my arm - at which point - a few dollops of the frothy ale spilled to the floor.

A pretty brunette turned, broke into a smile, and proceeded to snatch up a few napkins to wipe away the slippery mess.

Security guards in chic black tailored suits tend to hover in the shadows- but glide swiftly and discreetly to trouble spots -when they need to. 

Very classy!

Uh-huh!

The mood was definitely upbeat in the trendy watering hole - and fans were terribly forgiving of any unpleasantries they were forced to endure - because of overcrowding.

Other locals, unable to gate-crash, gathered at the side of the stadium to catch every delicious moment through the cracks in a gate on the pier that hugs McCovey Cove.

Folks have got the Giants fever bad, alright.

Well, it’s time to down my Pacifico Clara (Mexican beer) and head back to town to finish up some chores.

Updates on the "Home Opener" later!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Fan in McCovey Cove scores big-time!

Enlightenment...quote by Julian Ayrs!

Throw the clutter

of

the mind

to the wind

So,

the seeds

of

enlightment

may

spring forth

and

blossom!

Julian Ayrs

Zen Thoughts

Collection of Poems

San Francisco

(2011)

http://www.thetattler.biz

San Francisco...Chinatown street festival attracts thousands! Year of Hare blossoms!

On the heels of the jubilant celebrations at the annual Chinese Parade in the streets of San Francisco last evening, throngs of locals - and tourists alike - trotted down to Grant Street in Chinatown to participate in the Community Fair today.

The rains let up - and the sun shone through - fortunately for optimistic merchants who offered up samples of exotic Asian cuisine, chances to win prizes at roulette wheels, and bargain-basement prices on goods and services under a flurry of sprightly-colored canvas tents erected at the curb.

I made out like a bandit!

During the course of my joyous trek along the narrow picturesque street - packed a few people deep - I managed to scoff up a beautiful decorative Chinese fan, a pretty oversize calendar for my office, eye-catching key-chain, and an assortment of nifty pens that'll undoubtedly come in handy.

If you stumble on this post early enough in the day, you may be able to hot-foot it down there and take in the festive event first-hand.

May your "Year of the Hare" blossom, eh?

www.thetattler.biz



San Francisco...annual Chinese Parade! Streams to viewers in China!



When the annual Chinese Parade zig-zags through the downtown Streets of San Francisco tomorrow (Saturday February 19th) locals and tourists alike will feast their eyes on a dazzling twenty-five festively decorated floats, captivating Lion Dances, inspiring marching bands, and upwards of 5,000 participants celebrating the year of the Rabbit with joyous abandon.

Viewers overseas - in China and neighboring Nations - will also have the golden opportunity to catch the exotic celebrations via streaming video over the web site at www.sina.com

The 1st parade was launched way back in 1858 by a rag-tag band of railroad workers bent on celebrating the Chinese New Year in their new homeland.

Today, the much-anticipated event is expected to attract over 1,000,000 strong who will swarm the streets to catch an up-close gander at the spectacle.

A picky few will also splurge - and cough up $30 a head - to hunker down in bleacher seats on Kearny Street at two locations (Sacramento & California Streets or at Pine & Bush respectively).

Mayor Ed Lee - the first Chinese American Mayor voted into office this past election - has been named the Grand Marshall this year.

According to Mr. Lee, the San Francisco Parade is the most-watched of its kind around the globe!

Thanks to technological innovations, jubiliant onlookers will be taken by surprise when firecrackers - approximately 600,000 in number - spontaneously erupt along the route (which starts at 2nd & Market Streets, and proceeds up Geary, along Powell, and down Post to end on Kearny at Columbia) by way of remote control.

The exciting cultural display is sure to be a crowd-please.

See 'ya there at my perch in the Financial District!

http://www.thetattler.biz



Parade Route

Giants...lose it with sloppy plays! Fans rally! Groin pull a secret well kept!

One minute I was crouched in front of the TV screen cheering on the giants - the next - shaking my head in disbelief.

What just happened?

In the final analysis, sloppy ball-playing finally caught up with the giants - at which point - Lincecum and Cody Ross meekly limped off the field to lick their wounds.

There weren't any deafening roars  from the stands last night.

Not even a whimper.

Outside, reporters glumly noted that the mood was ugly, too.

“There were a few long faces. And, quite a bit of cussing."

The failed clincher brought a whole new meaning to the term "the finger".

One aggressive fan thrust his face into camera and made a vow.

“We’re going to Philly to bust some ass.”

The managers - and the players - remained optimistic.

Tim Lincecum confided that he didn’t feel comfortable with his pitching until the 4th inning.

In spite of that, he noted that he felt good about his rhythm.

“I tried to mix things up. Used sliders. And, there were a couple of lucky strikes,” he recalled solemnly, without grumbling, in spite of the fact sports analysts were blaming the loss on poor defense and a failure on part of giants to play crisp.

Baseball reporters rallied behind Tim, though.

“He performed better tonight than in the 1st game,” one reporter exalted.

When asked about the challenge ahead, the "freak" - as he is affectionately known - was  confident all the way (just maybe he's a good actor with a convincing poker face?).

Meanwhile, throughout the day, the bustling downtown streets were awash in orange and black.

Fans - who were polled in the streets impromptu - admitted there was an undeniable chemistry between the players which was inspiring

"The Giants have that intangible something," one resident conjectured.

Two cops noted that they got caught up in the hysteria surrounding Giant "fever", too.

Failing to spy the ubiquitous Halloween colors, a reporter was inclined to hazard a guess, that the otherwise talkative men-in-blue were sporting boxers patterned in appropriate motifs beneath their uniforms.

"We're on duty, so he can't say anything," they chuckled with devilish grins on their mugs.

Locals gave Kudos to the Giants for leaving their egos at the gate.

"No one is a superstar on this team. It's a  collective effort," one sports enthusiast observed.

To many, they're true underdogs, in every sense of the term.

So, the town is rooting for 'em.

“I feel we're  ok. If we do things right next game. And, the balls fall our way," Linescum summed up.

Tensions were high throughout the game.

In fact, one heated back-and-forth exchange - between Halladay and a team mate - underscored the obvious.

There was a lot of testosterone surging in the ranks.

Doc (Halladay) stood his ground.

Though his baseball cap was pulled down tight over his forehead and eyes - effectively hiding emotions lurking underneath - he was still an awesome study.

As the seasoned pro scanned the terrain, it was obvious to anyone with a keen eye, that Halladay was at the top of his game.

Fans and sports enthusiasts were inclined to size up both of the pitchers side-by-side.

“Halladay gets a ‘w’ on the scorecard,” one news anchor conceded.

But, no one blamed Tim for the dribbles, the club manager labeled unfortunate mistakes.

“It wasn’t exactly crisp.”

But, he asserted the team was resilient.

“Philly is tough,” he acknowledged, on the heels of noting that the giants were keenly aware of that fact.

To fans, they’re the underdogs, who have pulled together as a team.

“A couple of ball players on the old team only cared about money,” one animated fan accused.

The giants have an intangible something that has rustled up widespread enthusiasm and support.

“People I used to pass in the elevator with heads down, showed up today in orange and black, with rally caps and rally towels,” another upbeat local noted proudly.

At club, and trendy watering holes around town, the mood was still optimistic.

“It would be great to have a game without all the tension.

That’s the nature of the beast, eh?

It didn’t escape anyone’s attention that the play-offs were a big boost to the local economy.

"So, let it play out, for that reason alone."

“An emotional roller coaster ride”-  best described - how most fans felt about the torture they endured to the bitter end last night.

If you were looking for an intense nail biter to sink your teeth into, this was it, for sure.

In fact one astute observer referred to fans as the tenth player.

Most agree, for sure, that the Giants have brought the community together.

“They’re hungry for a winner.”

A whole generation has never experienced or witnessed a world series win.

Actually,  I spied folks catching the game in the busy rush-hour on TV sets in the windows of electronic stores along bustling Market Street.

The loss last night - a score of 3-2 in favor of the Phillies - means much of the same on Saturday.

More so, because the game takes place on Philadelphia turf.

Will the giants be forced to play out a 7th game at the AT& T Stadium next week?.

If so, fans will be there, raucously cheering the Giants on.

Time to cinch it , at long last, eh?

http://www.thetattler.biz

Barack Obama...touches down in San Francisco! Don't Ask! Don't tell!

The beleaguered President is touching down in San Francisco tomorrow - and expected to perform a few perfunctory political duties - before he jets off in Air Force One the following Friday morning.

Essentially, the trip is an over-nighter!

A stiff night cap. Fresh towels. Nourishing breakfast on-the-go courtesy of room service!

And, a plea for big bucks!

Speaking of which - handlers have noted that Mr. Obama is a headline speaker at fundraising events for the Democratic National Committee and a political candidate by the name of Kamala Harris who is running for the office of California Attorney General.

Obama's visit falls in the shadow of a recent poll which rated his job performance as just so-so.

According to pollsters - 49% of the voters disapproved of the job President Obama is apparently "not doing" - while 45% were inclined to give the Commander-in-Chief a nod.
 
The trip out West is viewed - by many - as a sly attempt to swing public favor in his direction.
 
If he stalls a lot of traffic over the next couple of days in the picturesque Bay area, it is doubtful he'll be able to bootstrap his image up at all.

The riots he nearly caused in Hancock Park (Los Angeles) over gridlock last summer are a surefire   indication of that.

If 'ya don't ask, I won't tell!
 
San Francisco is a quaint provincial two-wheel town, after all!
 
Big city slickers are generally frowned upon when they breeze into town with their nose out of joint whack.
 
In Obama's case, time will tell.
 
News at 11!
 
http://www.thetattler.biz

Funky Monkey...delicious fruit crunches! Explode with flavor...

Yesterday, a posse of beaming teens were enthusiastically handing out free samples of a new snack in the downtown core of San Francisco just off Union Square.

Funky Monkey is a scrumptious crunchy freeze-dried fruit that explodes with flavor in your mouth!

The tasty treat is fat-free, made from real fruit, and all natural.

The pink pineapple sample I was handed-off (with guava) was delicious.

I'm hooked!

Their web site is a blast, too!

Check it out:

 http://www.funkymonkeysnacks.com/

http://www.thetattler.biz

Howl...Life & Times of Allen Ginsberg! Screens @ Roxie!

Because I came of age in the late sixties, I was able to follow Ginsberg’s celebrated antics as they splayed out in that heady - at times turbulent - era of political activism.

In addition to his outspoken controversial views on "Big Brother" - and issues related to intellectual freedom and the right to unchecked artistic expression in the land of the free - the well-educated writer also sought acceptance for homosexuals long before the term “gay” had ever been coined.

For this reason alone, young men and women of the same-sex persuasion, should hustle over to the Roxie theatre to catch a documentary on his life, with the ultimate aim of paying homage to a free (but troubled spirit) that helped pave the way to tolerance.

There were many highs-and-lows in his remarkable life.

Mostly up, though.

Ginsberg was not only in top form when he attended the Chicago 8 trial back in the sixties - but in his element - when he stridently marched through the “politically-charged” streets alongside a mob of angry protester's in a highly-volatile moment in U.S. history.

As the frenzied media scrambled to document the unprecedented events running rampant in the mean streets of Chicago - which appeared to be rooted in revolutionary anti-establishment philosophies - many shocked Americans around the Nation became familiar with the outspoken poet for the first time.

“Pinko fag,” was the cry of the day!

Years later, in the documentary “Chicago 10” - a filmmaker strategically embedded a handful of potent news clips of Ginsberg into the footage - to underscore the Beat poet's  important contributions to the cause.

Chicago 10
Movie Review

Post: 02/28/08

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/02/chicago-10documentary-distorts-truth.html

Although I was not inspired to join in with the dedicated political activists of the day, I casually observed from the sidelines without venturing too close to the Ginsberg gang.

I was influenced by Ginsberg’s creative sensibilities, though.

When I flipped open an artsy-fartsy copy of “Howl” in a bookstore one day at the tender age of 16 (at  Coles in downtown Toronto) - and read a couple of stanzas out-of-the-blue - my heart raced.

Understandably.

In plain unadorned English, Ginsberg wailed passionately on the page.

“Your cock is holy! Your ass is holy”

It wasn’t until a couple of years ago, that a series of synchronised events prompted me to delve into the persona of Ginsberg, during a brief stay in North Beach (San Francisco).

One night, I stumbled across a “Jack Kerouac”celebration at the “Beat Museum” (stocked to the rafters with intriguing memorabilia) on Broadway in the heart of the red light district, and the proverbial door opened wide.

Though familiar with the best-selling classic “On the Road” - and its impact in Literary circles when it was first published - background on the writer’s merry band of friends eluded me over the years.

Now, I rested comfortably on a perch surrounded by Kerouac pals and relatives, as they shared intimate moments with rapt fans.

One enthusiastic stranger in attendance informed me that there was going to be an upcoming  live performance of Howl staged at a local Cultural Center downtown in the near future.

So, I snatched up the info, and made a beeline to catch the much-ballyhooed event on the night in question.

For those of you in the dark, it should be noted for the record, that “Howl“ ended up being the author’s profoundest most-celebrated works of poetic fiction.

In part, the lofty accomplishment was due to the fact the poem was at the heart of a landmark legal proceeding, that ultimately tested obscenity laws in the highest U.S. courts.

I penned a review on the theatrical event which was a triumphant success.

Post:  02/13/08

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/02/howlginsberg-controversy-recalled.html

Tonight, as I skirted faceless strangers and silently slipped along the Broadway strip slightly out-of-reach, a sea of emotion swept over me

As a canopy of stars started to play hide-and-seek with a mystical fog that wafted in off the inky-black bay, it dawned on me that Ginsberg and Kerouac once strode this well-worn path - too - in kinder gentler days.

Meanwhile, the “Beat” museum stands a living memorial, that keeps the memory of Kerouac and his cohorts alive.

As I sip on a can of Mike’s Harder Lemonade, and toy with a turn-of--phrase or two, I am humbled by the legacies Mars. Kerouac &  Ginsberg left behind.

Indeed, after God created Ginsberg, he broke the mold.

This weekend intend to take in the documentary - "The life & Times of Allen Ginsberg" - for good reason..

With the upcoming feature film "Howl" (starring James Franco) on the horizon, now may be a good time to catch up on Ginsberg trivia.

The doc screening locally was directed by Jerry Aronson (academy award nominee) and follows Ginsberg from his youth, through the Beat Generation of the '50s (when he initially wrote "Howl"), his political activism in the heady 60's, and into old age.

See 'ya there!

James Franco plays Ginsberg in upcoming "Howl"

http://www.thetattler.biz

San Francisco...Police shake down innocent tourists! Residents think they own streets...

 San Francisco Police Force rife with pigs!

Gosh, what a bunch of losers in San Francisco - starting with the local residents right on down to the Police Force.

Pigs!

"If you're going to San Francisco" be forewarned!

For starters, local residents think they own the side streets (Douglass/Eureka/Castro District) beyond their apartments, homes, whatever.

What's the old saying?

"We be here, first!"

Greedy San Franciscans like the tourist dollars, but don't park in front of their dwellings, or stroll down "their" streets.

Or, they will sick the cops on 'ya!

Yes, the Police Force is run by idiots who couldn't investigate their way out of a paper bag.

Even a wet one!

The two I met this morning are a disgrace to Law Enforcement.

I expect they've got small dicks, too (undoubtedly the source of their ego problems).

This morning, I strode up the street to my parked vehicle to pluck up my laptop, when I spied three suspicious-looking young adults standing "around" a corner not too far off from where I was parked.

So, when I grabbed my computer - and activated my security alarm - I double-checked the doors to make sure everything was locked for fear these unsavory-looking individuals might have an eye on my SUV.

At this point, although a little nervous about leaving my car behind, I proceeded to head off to the cafe.

A short time later, two Police Vehicles cruised by, and continued on.

Then, one of the original police officers who first drove by returned - pulled over - and asked me to put my hands away from the sides of my body as he crawled out of the squad car.

"What is this all about," I asked politely.

"I'll tell you in a moment," he responded in a gruff nasty voice.

At this point, I thought I should point out that I witnessed three characters up the street who appeared to be up to no good, and did so.

"No," he responded.

"We're responding to a report about you."

I was shocked.

Then, in an accusing voice, he proceeded to allege that I was seen trying the car doors on vehicles in the street!

What a joke!

I noted that I was checking the doors of my OWN vehicle to ensure they were locked because I was leery of the three young adults I spied in the street who appeared to be acting a bid strange.

He did a double-take for obvious reasons.

Duh!

He assumed, without checking the facts, that I was simply a pedestrian without a vehicle.

Then, subsequently - because of his obvious lack of intelligence - he proceeded to conclude that the doors I was checking were on a vehicle I was trying to enter illegally or to burglarize!

What an idiot!

Obviously clued in to his grievous error at this juncture - and worred about the legal ramifications (I studied law and the man is in deep shit for Violating my rights and making false accusations without checking the facts first) - he proceeded to interrogate me about why I was walking (and not driving) and where I was going.

For starters, whether I choose to take a stroll - or drive -  is my perogative.

Even President Obama savors a long walk now and then.

Are they going to shake him down, too?

I pointed out that I was going to a cafe for a cup of tea and to check my e-mail.

I noted that it was simpler to just walk the few blocks and get some exercise. 

After all, finding parking on Church at that hour, was usually slim to none.

Now, instead of admitting his error, he quizzed me about the location of the cafe.

When I gave him the basic location, he jumped on my response.

"Is it at 16th or 18th Street?"

I pointed out that I resided in Los Angeles and that I was not familiar with the exact address, but when I physically walked into the area (or drove), I could locate it by sight.

Golly, this guy had sh** for brains, didn't he???

One of those cocky snippy types, if you get my drift!

He was rude, insulting, and accusing.

The second cop that drove up a few minutes later wasn't as bad.

He appeared to have a little common sense and some ability in the logic department.

I noted that my security alarm turns the lights off and on when I exit and enter the vehicle, and that should have signalled to the resident spying out their window, that I had a key.

Without doubt, I was entering and exiting a locked car that I owned!

That resident obviously had no powers of deduction, reasoning ability, or even an ounce of intelligence.

The individual called the police for one of two reasons.

They were either just plain stupid and made a judgment in error.

Or, they called the police deliberately, to shake down tourists (like myself) who choose to park on
 the side street.

Sorry, folks, you don't own the streets.

Dream on!

And the next time you pull a stupid stunt like that - (this message is also for your bozos in the Police Department) I'll haul your sorry butts into court to prove my point.

Tourists, beware!

San Francisco is rife with idiots and cops who don't know their asses from a hole in the ground.

Amen!

San Franciscans howling at the moon!

(a**holes)

http://www.thetattler.biz

P.S.

Should I have demanded all the vehicles on the block be dusted to twist the knife in?

San Francisco...meter maids have sh*t for brains! Harassment of tourists...

Meter maid in San Francisco a dumb fuc*!

Quite a few tourists were startled to return to their new vehicles and spot a parking ticket on their windshield this morning in San Francisco in view of the fact their meters were either paid up to the max or a disabled placard was posted visibly for any city official to spy.

Upon close scrutiny - after determing why the ticket was issued - the victims were mad as hell.

Obviously, the meter maid had sh** for brains, and was ignorant of the law.

In spite of the fact the subject vehicle(s) bore "dealer" plates - and there was a prominent temporary registration in the front windshield - the officer issued a citation!

What a useless worm!

On the tickets issued, the piece of ka ka's initials appear (T.C.) with Badge No. 0179, if you are one of those unfortunate individuals who crossed paths with this mean-spirited loser.

In California, T.C. - and other states around the country - a "dealer's plate" and temporary registration visibly affixed to the windshield - is acceptable under the law until the new plates arrive from the DMV!

In sum, the actions of the officer amount to harassment of innocent motorists, plain  and simple.

I trust the Mayor will investigate this matter, void the tickets in question, and put an end to this shocking stupidity designed to frauduently extort money from local residents and tourists alike!

San Francisco a sophisticated intelligent city?

Not on your life.

City of a**holes!

No, you can't ticket a cable car, dummy!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Proposition 8 Judge...gay! Ethical questions arise...

Apparently, the San Francisco Chronicle reported earlier this month that Judge Vaughn Walker - who is presiding over the same-sex marriage case in Federal Court in San Francisco-  is "gay".

According to the news report, an anonymous tipster revealed the sexual persuasion of his Honor, to set the record - um - straight.

Due to the sensistive nature of  the case - the caller was reluctant to provide many details (including his or her identity) - save to state the following:

"He (Judge Walker) has a private life and he doesn't conceal it (the fact he is gay), but doesn't think it is relevant to his decisions in any case."

On the contrary, one could easily argue that it is especially "not true" in this instant case, which arises from the Prop 8 initiative banning same-sex marriage.

For instance, early on in the proceedings, Judge Walker ruled that there would be "no jury".
.
Why is that?

So he could control the outcome, of course!

The National Organization for Marriage was quick to jump on the issue.

The spokesperson for the group asserted that Judge Walker was more "akin to an activist than a neutral referee."

I agree!

Andy Pugno, who is the lawyer in charge of general counsel for Prop 8 supporters, has allegedly taken sides with Judge Walker.

For the record, NOM has stated that if they lose the case, they will not make his sexual persuasion an issue.

I have to wonder, though, is that just a political posture they've taken to avoid angering the Judge before he hands his ruling down?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

San Francisco...Chinatown librarian lacks empathy or compassion!

City Librarian has no common sense!

On the outside, the Chinatown library fits right in with the neighborhood, in respect to architectural style and period design.

Inside however, the cozy - but cramped space - has been enlivened with a few practical modern  renovations that allow the eye to flow through with ease.

Unfortunately, the natural light - that struggles through a couple of the only unboarded windows above, is insufficient to elevate the space to a decent stature in the city proper in the overall scheme of things.

As a result, mediocrity reins the day in that regard.

The furnishings (is it my imagination or have they been crafted in miniature?) are spindly and sparse - and hence - uncomfortable for anyone over the age of thirteen or fourteen to relax into comfortably.

The librarians are crunched into a little nook that belittles them in the eyes of the patrons who wander in off the street.

In view of what transpired today, I expect bad karma is the reason for that.

For example, around 5:45 p.m. in the afternoon just before closing, a book-lover strode over to relieve himself in the unisex restroom.

When he found the door locked, he assumed that it was occupied, so sweated it out.

Sometimes the old bladder just cries out for instant relief, 'ya know?

A few minutes later, a clerk strode up to the xerox machine to shut it off, when she spied the patron waiting patiently at the door of the water closet (he's an English bloke).

At this juncture, the young lady persed her lips a tad, then pointed out that the facility was usually locked up fifteen minutes prior to shutting down the library for the night.

"Check with the Librarian," she shrugged without any sympathy.

So, the hapless tourist walked over to her desk, a bit anxious now since an emergency might be in the offing if he wasn't permitted access to the facility soon.

Unfortunately, the young Asian lady didn't converse well in English, so at the offset there was a communication problem.

"Men's room," the dude tried to convey with his hands in a desperate effort to hasten the urgent matter along.

"Closed at 5:45," she coldly responded.

Her lack of empathy - and  failure to recognize the obvious (which underscored her low IQ and lack of common sense) sure-as-heck surprised me.

Don't they urinate or do No. 2 in Asia?

Surely she understood the dilemma, or was she really that clueless?

I thought it ironic that a librarian who handled books and publications daily - that dealt with enlightenment and knowledge (and the all-encompassing flow of documented wisdom of the great minds of this or any other century) - was totally unfamiliar with the meaning of the word "empathy".

Empathy
–noun

1. the intellectual identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.

2. the imaginative ascribing to an object, as a natural object or work of art, feelings or attitudes present in oneself: By means of empathy, a great painting becomes a mirror of the self.

Nor, did she show any compassion, in spite of the fact she was charged with the authority to overlook the rule on occasion, and provide much-needed relief for a tourist in need.

Compassion
–noun

1. a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

For starters, she was obviously not a Christian!

It was bad enough that the city employed a woman who primarily spoke a foreign language, to the disadvantage of the locals and tourists born in this country, who had a problem communicating with her in a facility backed by U.S. tax dollars.

Further, her failure to respond to an obvious need, underscored that the woman in question was not only unqualified for her post - but, bottom line - lacked the experience and basic intelligence to carry out her duties professionally as well!

Shame!

Insulated Chinatown out-of-touch with reality

http://www.julianayrs.com

San Francisco...chattering birds a sign! Storm warning...

The other night I strolled out of the Embarcadero shopping mall and suddenly found myself on the edge of a well-manicured little park off of a sidestreet.

When a bronze sculpture caught my eye in the distance, I proceeded to head in that direction in order to inspect the artwork up-close.

As I drew near, hundreds of birds alighting in the branches of trees all above me, began to chatter quite excitedly.

In fact, at one point, an eerie feeling swept over me.

The scene was reminiscent of one from Alfred Hitchcock's horror thriller "The Birds".

Fortunately, I am familair with signs and portents in nature.

When birds slightly alight (or hover) in the sky - and chatter incessantly in the branches of the trees overhead - it is usually a warning of inclement weather or the eruption of some other force of nature (such as an earthquake).

In fact, if you pay keen attention to your own pets - or wild animals in the vicinity of your neighborhood - oftentimes they'll tip you off that some unexpected natural event may be on the horizon.

Sure enough, after I witnessed the bird phenomenon the other night, a huge storm blew into town.

Uncanny!

Birds Chattering (San Francisco)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHJwDx2sz2I&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij_cITqb9r4

http://www.julianayrs.com

Me & Orson Welles...charming popcorn movie! Pretty Zak Efron surprisingly good...

Me & Orson Welles is still packing film buffs in.

Yesterday afternoon, for instance, the movie house at the Embarcadero was filled to near capacity.

For good reason.

The period film - which lifts a ficitionalized chapter from the famed director's life (and focuses on a stint at the legendary Mercury Theatre in NYC) - is upbeat, rife with witty lines and quick repartee, and boasts a cast of charming characters to root for (or against).

In particular, there are quite a few "inside jokes" about the theatre scene (and movie-making), so industry types are sure to have a big chuckle over the smart bang-on dialogue.

Usually, when actors portray a celebrated stage performer or well-known politician, there is a big emphasis on mimicking their mannerisms and an over-the-top attempt to carve out a characterization on stage or in a movie that is physically indentifiable to the audience.

Consequently, the performance ends up being stilted and phony, and the personality comes across like a overblown cartoon version.

Here, the lead actor inhabiting the role of Welles (Christian McKay) actually gets under the skin, and breathes life into the Welles psyche.

I was particularly impressed with the depiction of Joseph Cotton (one of the theatrical players at the Mercury who greatly impacted theatre-goers during his run there) as performed by James Tupper.

Instead of hitting the audience over the head with a flashy performance to draw attention to his characterization (look at me! see what a great job I'm doing!) he settled into the role with a naturalness that allowed Cotton's likable personality to shine through and touch the little people below the floodlights.

I was fascinated because when I was younger - folks in the business who actually met the man - often noted in passing that I reminded them a lot of the talented actor (what a compliment!).

Surprisingly, I was also intrigued (and impressed) with Zak Efron's acting style, too.

On occasion, I was taken aback, when he reacted out-of-the-norm in a handful of key scenes.

Less competent (less adventurous) actors would have taken a steadfast by-the-book standard approach.

Here, his take on the layers of the character of the individual he was potraying, caused me to sit up and take notice.

Undoubtedly - Efron thought out his role - and likewise prepared for it.

As a result, the young actor was able to fathom what made the character tick.

Efron is also quite photogenic and literally lights up the screen; in fact, the camera loves the young heart-throb.

A handful of admirers will take in the film just to gaze upon his handsome (at times downright pretty) face.

I chuckled during one scene when a bird fluttered  into a museum hall and an attendant scurried about  and tried to flush the hapless creature out.

Earlier that afteroon, before purchasing a ticket, I was sipping on a hot tea at the Posh Bagel when one of the feathered creatures flew in the open door of the cafe and alighted on the tile floor near my foot.

Ah, auspicious signs for both me and the film.

In another little bit of synchronicity, it should be noted, that I also share the same birthday with the enigmatic Orson Welles (May 6th).

For me, it was a simple matter to figure his personality traits (stubborness, for one).

The production values are excellent.

In fact, the cinematography is literally a smorgasbord for the senses.

This is one of those films where audiences actually clap spontaneously when the credits roll and the lights go up.

The hell with the critics.

Me & Orson Welles is a romantic comedy that satisfies until the last drop of soda is slurped up and each kernel of buttered popcorn is wolved down.

http://www.julianayrs.com/

San Francisco Public Library...funds wasted on slovenly guards & incompetent staff! Clean house, Mayor!

At a time when local, State and Federal governments are cutting funds - especially in the area of health services where they are crucially needed - the downtown library continues to expend untold sums of money on a security detail and front end staff (clerks, wannabee librarians, book-sorters, and assorted hangers-on) that are a waste of tax dollars.

Frankly, it's somewhat shocking to saunter into the Main Library and spy a half-a-dozen or so overweight guards, shuffling along with scowls on their faces, intimidating patrons( as they wander aimlessly about trying look busy and in charge).

These ill-bred losers are under the mistaken impression that tossing on a poorly-fitting monkey-suit and tarnished badge gives them the right (and authority) to push folks around when nothing could be farther from the truth.

It's sad when you consider that a large percentage of the visitors they harass needlessly (due to ignorance and misplaced egos) are street people who seek a little shelter from the storm for an hour or two each day.

Staff in other departments are just as bad.

Quite a few of these undeserving workers generally loll around on their fat butts during a shift - where the precious hours are predominantly wasted on selfish pursuits - as the county payroll clock ticks away.

Yessir!

Quite a few hours are expended during the course of the week, checking e-mail, catching up on personal reading, cruising web sites for the lastest gossip on celebs (you name it).

God forbid a partron should waltz up to their station to ask for assistance.

They'll pause for a moment, give the guest a squinty-eyed look, and appear to be lamenting inside heir demented twisted minds:

What the fu** are you bothering me for?

Yeah, you're only filling up space, darling.

If Mayor Gavin Newsom is serious about reducing the number of homeless on the busy city streets, then I recommend that he cut about half of the budget at the Library, and put those ear-marked funds towards truly helping the needy by providing warm beds and a hearty meal for their gut.

Then, they wouldn't have to hang out at the library all day and be constantly insulted by ignorant guards and ne'er-do-wells who are under the mistaken impression they are bona-fide librarians with an ounce of intelligence.

I expect that once a dozen-or-so unnecessary staffers and security guards are shown the door, that the city may finally realize an increase in productivity, at the library.

Who knows?

Once the remaining sticks-in-the-mud are prodded off their butts, and pressed into service to fulfill the duties they were hired to perform originally, a scant one or two of  'em might just end up thanking  the Mayor for helping them burn off a lot of excess fat around their waists, butts, and lumpy God-awful-looking thunder thighs.

Yeah, what we need at the library are more lean efficient machines, and less of the lethargic pig-headed dimwits who are in employ there now.

Amen!

Peek-a-boo!

(what you see is what you get)

http://www.julianayrs.com

Senator Dianne Feinstein...supports candidate Wendy Greuel for Controller!

Senator Feinstein has been a busy bee zipping off e-mails to voters around the country touting political candidates she'd like to see end up with an "x" beside their name on ballots around the country in upcoming elections.

Here's what the politician had to offer up in her latest e-mail communication:

Dear Julian:

"Having worked for 18 years in city government, I think that I know a good leader when I see one. Wendy Greuel is determined, thoughtful, caring, and resolute. Her work on the Los Angeles City Council has been forward looking and marked by her personal integrity."

"I am happy to support Wendy Greuel's candidacy for the office of Controller of the City of Los Angeles. She has the capacity to be a strong, independent City Controller who will ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely and that programs are administered efficiently and effectively."

"Wendy needs your help in her campaign to bring reform to L.A. city government. "

"Wendy Greuel, in my book, is a win-win."

Sincerely,

Dianne Feinstein

Well, tomorrow's the big election day Ms. Feinstein was referring to.

You decide!

http://www.julianayrs.com

AIDS WALK LOS ANGELES...October 19th! Battle not over!

Over the years, events have come and gone.

But, the AIDS walk has been a mainstay.

In fact, in these parts - the Annual AIDS walk, West Hollywood's Halloween Carnival (go figure!) and the Gay Pride Parade have always been the three largest "must-attend" celebrations of the year.

When the epidemic first broke out a couple of decades ago - virtually nothing was known about the disease - except that once a patient displayed symptoms he probably would not survive.

Troubled by inaction on the part of the government - and the frustrations which hindered the medical community - a group of compassionate, dedicated, and capable San Franciscans founded the San Francisco AIDS Foundation in 1982. (SFAF).

It was in this climate of paranoia and uncertainty that SFAF held its first AIDS Walk (originated by 26-year-old Craig Miller) and his newly formed organization of activists in 1985. (MZA Events)

Miller's crusade launched the world’s first successful AIDS Walk in Los Angeles which was followed by another on the eastern seaboard in New York in 1986.

The money raised at that event - and the annual AIDS Walks that have followed - enabled SFAF to engage in critical work and provide services to more than 100,000 men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

A portion of the AIDS Walk proceeds have also been distributed to important AIDS organizations within the Bay Area.

There was a breakthrough in 1986 when scientists isolated the virus that causes AIDS and named it the Human Immune-Deficiency Virus (HIV).

Researchers determined that HIV was transmitted sexually or intravenously from one individual to another - man or woman - gay or straight.

In spite of the urgency for action, HIV remained shrouded in ignorance and bigotry.

Shockingly, the Federal government turned a blind eye and was slow to respond to the crisis!

In the early days, the AIDS walk was mainly comprised of gay men afflicted with the disease, their loved ones, family members, researchers, support groups, and concerned health-care workers.

Over the years, I was personally heartened to witness many jump on the bandwagon - young children from schools learning about compassion and understanding and the need to give a selfless helping hand to others - walkers en masse from the "straight community" - and a host of commercial sponsors.

Biggie corporate supporters today include: Bank of America, Target, Toyota, Disney, and 20th Century Fox.

Today, the AIDS walk is hosted by the Hilton Family.

Seems like a scant few years ago the hint of an HIV infection might result in loss of employment, a shunning by society - and worse - a productive useful life to end in despair and misery without hope!

Today, everyone stands in unison, walking tall and proud.

Thanks to people like Elizabeth Taylor, Craig Miller, and SFAF, who have worked tirelessly over the years to raise funds and end discrimination against the infected.

The stigma is on the way out.

Can the cure be far behind?

I have fond memories of the events.

I've "walked the walk" in Los Angeles on numerous occasions - and in San Francisco, Toronto, and on the West Coast of Vancouver - as well.

In spite of the seriousness of the occasion, there's usually a throng of festive walkers in tow, all in good spirits.

Along the route, there are usually a handful of pit-stops, with plenty to snack on to sustain energy levels.

If you attend this year's walk (October 19th) be sure to snap up the - yogurt, fruit, and thirst-quenching water - to buoy yourself up on the energy-sapping journey to raise consciousness and funds for the sick and needy.

And, take a moment to splash in the "water-misters" scattered along the stretch of the "AIDS HIGHWAY" to stay hydrated and fresh for the joyous celebration at the end of the journey.

And, don't forget your cash, checkbooks, and donations!

After all, funding is still needed for research so that a cure may be found to end the deadly reach of this insidious disease.

I have a dream...

Registration info: http://www.aidswalk.net

A Profile of Judge Robert Beezer...Corrupt Judge of 9th Circuit Court of Appeals!

On occasion, a review of court documents reveals that a Judge presiding over a case not only failed to adjudicate an issue correctly, but made grievous error(s) which resulted in a gross violation of a party's Constitutional rights.

In addition, the facts may also signal a lack of integrity on the part of the Judge, which may have resulted in a corruption of the court.

Such is the case with Robert R. Beezer, a Senior Judge sitting on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals - who has demonstrated in one case that I know of - that he is not fit to "warm" the bench.

For example, in a case Beezer presided over a few years ago, a litigant appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on several issues - one of which - was pertaining to a lower court ruling denying a right to proceed IN FORMA PAUPERIS (waiver of filing fees).

In respect to the fee waiver issue, Beezer incorrectly ruled that because the "Petition for Relief" was denied in the lower court, and the appellant subsequently paid the filing fees thereafter, that the issue was "moot" in the Appellate court.

On the contrary.

Judge Beezer not only established his ignorance of applicable statutes, but a shocking willingness to deceitfully ignore his duty to uphold Justice in a "Court of Law" and openly discriminate against an IN PRO PER litigant.

Notwithstanding, his grievous legal error caused considerable hardship to the litigant involved, for which he should be ashamed.

For example, in the lower court the litigant was entitled to a "waiver of fees", based on his low income. That right was protected by Statute.

When the court failed to issue a ruling, and serve him with notice, the litigant was forced to pay the fees out of his meager earnings to salvage his "case".

Just because the appellant paid the filing fee, did not make the issue "moot". In fact, it made it more grievous and ripe for legal issue.

In sum, the litigant was denied his right to a waiver of fees. Because of this, he was forced to use funds - that would normally be used to pay for food, rent, and the necessities of life - to pay court costs to which he was legally entitled a waiver.

Was Judge Beezer too stupid to figure this out, or was he demonstrating his distaste for disadvantaged litigants without the benefit of funds to secure legal counsel?

The fact the appellant paid the fees under great hardship - and "did without the necessities of life" to do so - does not negate the fact he was denied his legal right to a waiver of fees, nor does it make the issue "moot".

In sum, Judge Robert R. Beezer's ruling is a bunch of hokus-pokus bullsh**.

In fact, the erroneous ruling - in the public record and available for close scrutiny by the wise, the mighty, and the compassionate - calls attention to a man who has not only fallen from Grace, but - ultimately - "is a disgrace" to the Judiciary and in the eyes of the Lord.

As Martin Erdmann aptly put it,

Appellate Division judges [are] the whores who became madams.”