Posts Tagged ‘south’

“Korean Comics: A Society Through Small Frames” Coming to the Main Library March 13th

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Here’s what’s coming up at your free San Francisco Public Library:

“Korean Comics: A Society Through Small Frames – Exhibition in the Library’s Jewett Gallery, March 13th – June 13th, 2010. San Francisco Public Library is pleased to present, Korean Comics: A Society Through Small Frames, an exhibition of 83 framed works by 21 of Korea’s most talented cartoonists drawn over a period of four decades, on view March 13–June 13 in the Jewett Gallery at the Main Library, 100 Larkin St.”

O.K. then.

I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords. Oh, wait a second, this is the cover of North Korea’s version of Animal Farm. I forget which one is the Queen Bee, is it the Dear Leader, the Great Leader? One of them, anyway. Good times:  

Cho Pyŏng-Kwon (Story) / Im Wal-Yong (Art), The Great General Mighty Wing (1994), Published in 1994 by Gold Star Children’s Press

All the deets, after the jump

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Photovoltaic Solar Panels Have Come to San Franciscos Public Housing Projects

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

That big residential solar project in the Lower Haight / Western Addition / Hayes Valley from SunWheel Energy Partners just went live. The juice, she  is flowing.

See all the deets in this 15 minute video - it’s just like being there.

San Francisco Assessor-Recorder Phil “The Thrill” Ting was there for the ribbon-cutting…

…as was District 5 Supervisor Ross “The Boss” Mirkarimi:

San Francisco Affordable Housing Sites Power On Solar Energy
 
Federal, State and Local Officials, Site Residents and Community Members Celebrate Green Energy and New Jobs at Western Addition Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
 
San Francisco, CA, January 26, 2010 – On Monday, January 25, 2010, Sunwheel Energy Partners, which provides turnkey solar energy systems for urban and community partners, celebrated the commissioning of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at three affordable housing community sites in San Francisco’s Western Addition and Hayes Valley neighborhoods — bringing solar power, green jobs and financial relief to residents and owners.  The ribbon cutting ceremony at Plaza East Apartments was widely attended by a notable group of federal, state and local officials as well as the site’s residents and community members who were hired to install the solar panels.
 
Dignitaries in attendance included Henry Alvarez, Executive Director, San Francisco Housing Authority; Timothy Alan Simon, CPUC Commissioner; Phil Ting, SF Assessor-Recorder; David Rubin, Director of Service Analysis, PG&E; Michael Carlin, SFPUC Deputy General Manager; Neola Gans, Vice President, SF Housing Authority Commission; Caroline Krewson, Deputy Regional Director, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Stephen Schneller, Director, San Francisco Office of Public Housing; Ross Mirkarimi, San Francisco Supervisor; and representatives of Speaker Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer’s offices. Senator Mark Leno issued a proclamation commending the site.

Even more deets, after the jump

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Alameda-Based 11th District Coast Guard Kills Cocaine Smuggler with Shot from Chopper

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Well there’s a whole lot I don’t know about this incident involving a purported cocaine smuggler killed on January 19th, 2010 somewhere in the “Eastern Pacific Ocean.” But, apparently, this smuggler and his boat weren’t too far away from Guatemala City because that’s where he ended up dying after the Coast Guard shot at his engine with a massive rifle mounted on a helicopter.

Feel free to read the account below – it was just released from the 11th District HQ in Alameda, They’re looking into the theory that the purported smuggler died due to “engine fragment or shrapnel injuries.”

Did this shooting get any coverage in Guatemala? No se. Did this shooting get much coverage in any English language publication? Not that I can see. Do the Coasties have video of all this? Oh yes, I’m sure. Does the Coast Guard even know this guy’s name? Maybe not, they haven’t released it, anyway.

Here’s your 21st century Coast Guard – a machine gun for warning shots

 

…and when you ignore that, a massive rifle to take out your engine block, presumably a Barrett M82 .50 cal.

I don’t have a photo of one of those helicopter-mounted rifles, but how would you like .50 caliber rifle bullets like these sailing by your head from a chopper one at time?

Click to see the ammo - it’s the most powerful commonly available cartridge not considered a destructive device under the National Firearms Act. So don’t be surprised when the unarmored engine block of your “go-fast” boat blows up after you pretend not to hear all the warnings you’ve just been given: 

 

Last year, the Alameda-based “maritime security cutter” USCGC Bertholf (WMSL-750), which is like a destroyer, basically, bigger and badder than anything else the Coast Guard has ever had in warm waters, was on a maritime security mission in the same area. So I suppose this is how the smallest branch of the military is spending part of its time these days, just hanging out near Central America looking for drug boats and submarines. It’s like Miami Vice, West Coast or something.

And that’s it.

Maybe the Coasties will issue a more-detailed report sometime.

Read all about it, after the jump

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The Dos Equis Most Interesting Show in the World Tour 2009 is a Must See

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

As promised, the free, “hella entertainingMost Interesting Show in the World rocked San Francisco’s SoMA district last night at The Mezzanine. Dos Equis picked up the tab and brought a truckload of smooth, refreshing  XX Ambar (Amber?) and XX Lager to hand out for free. Verily, it was “dope.” If this is how our corporate overlords want to spend their money during a recession, whom are we to argue?

See below to discover if this show is coming to your town next. If you’re in Houston, Texas, you can get your ticks now. Otherwise, you’ll have to figure things out on your own. (You had to go through ShowClix to get tickets in S.F.)

[UPDATE: Now you can get tickets for all shows by clicking on TOUR DATES here and then on "RSVP" for your town. Still a few ticks left in Fun Diego, I see...]

Sax-playing host Angelo Moore of Fishbone is the high-energy MC on the MISW ‘09 tour:

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The crowd seemed to be in a good mood:

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It’s Melody Sweets!:

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Beatboxer Butterscotch accompanying what must be the world’s largest saxamophone – a purple bass:

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The Human Spring!:

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There were whips and crossbows in the house, but edged weapons were the order of the day:

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Mr. and Mrs. G have a Mr. and Mrs. Smith thing going on, apparently.

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Aiming a crossbow using a mirror to pop a balloon. Love hurts:

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The whole shebang was a benefit for the San Francisco Food Bank

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This was the line early on going up Jessie Street betwixt 5th and 6th Streets. But everybody got in so long as they had their printed-out ticket. The Mezz at Triple Four Jessie appears to be a well run nightclub, with an aware but mellow staff that enforces rules without any unneccesary vitriol. Hurray!

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Is it the Most Interesting Show in the World? Check it:

MISW 2009 TOUR SCHEDULE

 Oct. 20        San Francisco        Mezzanine
 Oct. 21        Los Angeles          Avalon
 Oct. 22        San Diego            4th and B
 Oct. 23        Scottsdale           Venue of Scottsdale
 Oct. 26        Denver               Cervantes Masterpiece Bllrm.
 Oct. 29        Houston              Warehouse Live!
 Oct. 30        San Antonio          Scout Bar
 Oct. 31        Dallas               Granada Theater
 Nov. 1         Austin               La Zona Rosa
 Nov. 2         Austin               La Zona Rosa
 Nov. 6         Chicago              Park West
 Nov. 10        Atlanta              Variety Playhouse
 Nov. 11        Charlotte            The Visulite Theater
 Nov. 12        Baltimore            Recher Theater
 Nov. 13        New York             Webster Hall
 Nov. 18        Tampa Bay            Skipper’s Smokehouse
 Nov. 19        Ft. Lauderdale       Revolution Live

Orchids Everywhere at the Asian Art Musuem – Tribute to Doris Duke Runs Through Sunday

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

In between downpours yesterday, made it over to the Asian Art Museum where they were getting ready for Orchids: A Tribute to Doris Duke, starting today and running through Sunday, October 25, 2009.

Turns out that Doris Duke was heavy into orchids, she was “collector, cultivator, and preservationist” all in one. Plus, some of her pieces will be on display in the Emerald Cities: Arts of Siam & Burma, the new exhibit starting this Friday, October 23rd. So why not turn the AAM into a mini Conservatory of Flowers for a little while, huh?  

Orchids: A Tribute to Doris Duke
Tuesday, October 20 through Sunday, October 25
Main Lobby, North and South courts
FREE with museum admission

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Roll credits:

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“Orchids (Orchidaceae) are flowering plants commonly found in Southeast Asia and other tropical parts of the world. This is a botanic description of orchids, but for most of us orchids are the most exotic of plants with an enormous diversity of shape, size, color. Doris Duke, who collected many of the artworks presented in Emerald Cities: Arts of Siam and Burma, was an avid orchid collector, cultivator, and preservationist. As an homage to Doris Duke and her passion for collecting, for the first time and for five days only, the museum will present a striking display of orchids. The display features arrangements by members of Ikebana International and Ikebana Teachers Federation, San Francisco Orchid Society, San Francisco Garden Club, Asian Art Museum Flower Committee, de Young Flower Committee; floral designers, orchid aficionados, and others.”

See you there!

“USF Steps Up” Program Offers Half-Price Tuition to Visiting Students at Regional Campuses

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Did you know that the University of San Francisco has satellite campuses in Cupertino, San Ramon, Santa Rosa, and Sacramento*? (I didn’t.) Anyway, the Jesuits are riding to the rescue for students “trapped” by the University of California and California State University, or something like that. Read all about it:

USF has stepped up to offer select courses to Californians at its regional campuses and we’ve lowered tuition more than 50% for these courses. The courses are offered through USF Steps Up, a new program to help non-USF students trapped by the devastating budget cuts at California’s public universities and give them the classes they need to graduate.

“The University of San Francisco is committed to California’s students and is swinging open its doors in Cupertino, San Ramon, Santa Rosa, and Sacramento to help students fulfill their General Education (GE) coursework. Classes start January 25th and federal student aid may be available for eligible students attending other area universities.

USF’s main campus as it appears when Sausalito has Fourth of July fireworks: 

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“For over 150 years the University of San Francisco has excelled at educating California’s students. In these tough times, we hope to serve your educational needs as well. Come learn with our excellent faculty at one of our regional campuses.

What: Transferable General Education courses for spring semester 2010
When: January 25 – May 13, 2010
Where: Cupertino, San Ramon, Santa Rosa, and Sacramento
How: Attend USF as a visiting student
How much: Tuition is $560 a unit for classes in the USF Steps Up program

‘USF Steps Up’ to Offer Half Price Courses

Response to California’s Budget and Education Crisis

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 15 — The University of San Francisco, a private Jesuit university, will offer a limited number of general education courses for half price at its regional campuses starting in January 2010. The courses are offered through USF Steps Up, a new program to help non-USF students trapped by the devastating budget cuts at California’s public universities and give them the classes they need to graduate.

Budget cuts at the University of California and California State University systems have resulted in layoffs, course reductions, and higher fees and left students scrambling for classes, many of which have been cancelled. “I’ve heard heartbreaking stories from my colleagues at state schools,” says Jennifer Turpin, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of San Francisco.  “Students are begging to get into classes, but they can’t graduate because they can’t get the classes they need. We realized we could help these students and California by offering these classes at our regional campuses, where USF already has a presence.”

More deets after the jump

* Sacramento, where you at Sacramento?

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Sutro Tower Has Regrown Its Antenna Antlers – Now Ready for a Digital Future

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

San Francisco’s famous Sutro Tower (owned by Sutro Tower, Inc., the buyer-offer and $hutter-upperof San Francisco’s mid-town NIMBYs) has a new look for Fall.

Here’s Before (a way back in August 2009)…

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und jetzt After, the way it looks these days (when being buzzed by a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 NG heading to El Lay, camera right, see it?)

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Très chic! Non?

Now, she’s all set for the next meteor shower:

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Courage.

PETA Protester Totally Pwns Ronald McDonald in South San Francisco

Monday, September 21st, 2009

Hey, did you catch South San Francisco Day in Orange Memorial Park over the weekend? Well, then here’s a little Rorschach test for you.

What do you see in the following sequence of photos? What do you think the kids thought? What does the performer playing Ronald think about this now? How about sponsor Genentech? And how about the pie? Was it egg-free vegan custard? Natch!

Anyway, get up to speed here and then take a peek at the following:

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The color match between the bird and Ronald is impressive.

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More deets and commentary here.

Let’s leave the last word with PETA:

“A man dressed as a giant chicken and identifying himself as a PETA member took Ronald McDonald by surprise and pied him in the face with vegan custard this afternoon during Ronald’s appearance onstage at the South San Francisco Day in Orange Memorial Park. The protest is part of PETA’s campaign to convince McDonald’s to switch to an improved slaughter method that would eliminate the worst abuses of chickens, including having their legs slammed into shackles, often breaking them, and being scalded to death. To see pictures from this event and get more information, please visit http://blog.peta.org/archives/2009/09/ronald_mcdonald.php?c=pfrmpsf09

“”McDonald’s can stop a great deal of cruelty simply by requiring its suppliers to render chickens unconscious before they are roughly handled and slaughtered,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “McDonald’s is responsible for forcing millions of chickens to experience an agonizingly painful death.”

Home Country of Assault Victim Rests Easy After San Francisco Attack

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

I’ll tell you, the reason why the home county of the exchange student who was recently sexually asaulted in San Franciscois resting easy these days is that the media of said home country isn’t aware of the attack. And why’s that? Apparently, it’s the policy of San Francisco to not give out that kind of information. Per the SF Appeal:

“Police are not releasing information about the country the alleged victim is from in order to protect her identity, Tomioka said.”

I’m wondering how small a country has to be such that saying its name discloses the identity of any particular tourist in San Francisco.

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Like if there’s a famous exchange program in Monaco (population 30k) and they send ten students a year to the States? That would seem to fit the bill, fair enough.

But what if the exchange student is from one of the following Big Ten tourist-producing countries (countries avec concomitant robust, aggresive media, of course)?

Germany

United Kingdom

France

China

Italy

Japan

Canada

Russia

South Korea

Mexico

If the student is from one of these countries, I’d be hard-pressed to see how saying the name of the country would identify any particular person from that country. Maybe there’s a written policy, or maybe there’s an unwritten rule, the way the MSM won’t report routine cases of Golden Gate Bridge jumpings?

That is all.

After a Late Rutting Season, Sutro Tower Starts to Lose its Antenna Antlers

Monday, August 10th, 2009

Well here’s this scene this morning up on Mount Sutro (former home to the SF-89C Mount Sutro Nike Missile Control Station, don’t you know.) Can you see what’s missing?

Sutro Tower is losing antennas (that’s right, not antennae or antennea or anything else) and getting other updates all in the name of Our Digital Future. Get some deets here at the Burrito Justice.

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The West Stack appears all nubbed out these days, no? Click to expand.

Make your necessary adjustments and your Wheel will come in just fine every evening, as per usual. 

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Touch me.

How can it be.

Believe me

The Sun always shines on TV