Sherman's Head

cupcake

2008-01-27T14:59:00.000-08:00

So, I was running errands in the city ( San Francisco) and I went to check out a cupcake place I'd heard about in the Marina District, Kara's Cupcakes. I have been wanting to try this place out since I heard about it so I decided that I would try it out today. A friend of mine is having their birthday today and she encouraged me to go out and eat a cupcake in her honor and I decided, why not?

So I picked out a half dozen to take home and decided to eat two there. I picked the following flavors (the descriptions are as they are stated on the menu):
(2) Passion Fruit- vanilla cupcake passion fruit filling and vanilla buttercream
(2) Meyer Lemony Lemon- vanilla cupcake with tart lemon filling and lemon buttercream
(1) Fleur de Sel- Chocolate cupcake with caramel filling, ganache frosting and fleur de sel
(1) Java- chocolate cupcake with rich espresso buttercream
I decided to try out the Meyer Lemony Lemon and the Fleur de Sel, as pictured below.

The Fleur De Sel was tasty. The chocolate cupcake was moist without being too soft. The chocolate ganache was rich and sweet. I could've done with more caramel filling to contrast the chocolate flavor but it was good. The fleur de sel (sea salt) rpovided a great flavor contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate and the caramel. The pic below is of me eating one.

The Meyer Lemony Lemon was very good. It had a lot of good lemon flavor and the tartness of the filling was a good contrast to the sweetness of the lemon buttercream. I love Meyer lemons and I would definitely order that again.

PS: Happy Birthday, Leslie

Seventy

2008-01-10T20:32:00.000-08:00

After 23 Days, 14 hours and 13 minutes of gameplay, my first World of Warcraft character (an orc hunter on Shadow Council) has reached level 70. WOOT! Now I just need to work on getting my flying mount and better armor.

I know that a lot of you are probably thinking that I'm some kind of a dork for posting about this but I'm not that hardcore a player and this is a major accomplishment for me.

Turkey

2007-11-22T21:45:00.000-08:00

I cooked for Thanksgiving again. The turkey was brined and cooked Good Eats style.

Corn Pudding (always a favorite)

Stuffing (used a sourdough loaf)

Mashed potatoes and gravy (The gravy was from a bottle but the potatoes were made from scratch)

webcams

2007-09-18T09:26:00.001-07:00

I've always thought they were kind of cheesy. Yesterday changed my mind.

Recently I've been falling for a girl I haven't met and only know through RoFo, emails, IMs and subsequently, on the phone. I was already deep into infatuation with her before last night.

Last night, she logged onto IM and, naturally, I said hello. She then pops up a window I've never seen before, it asks me if I'd like to view her webcam. I pushed the button to accept and there she was. I'd seen pics before (she'd sent them to me via email and cellphone picture mail). I had heard her voice before over the phone lines. I'd seen her thoughts and words typed out onto the screen in front of me. But this... this was different.

Yes, she is pretty. I had seen that in the pictures before. But, the way she moved was what drew me in. The way her face lit up when she smiled into the camera is indescribable. I was mesmerized by this expressive face on my screen. As I watched emotions pass over her face, from a frown, to a questioning look and back to her sparkling smile I realized I was falling harder. I knew she was a real person but seeing her face move on my screen made it all the more real for me... made HER all the more real.

That's really all I have to say. Thanks for listening.

star**cks

2007-07-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

I was driving up Highway 101 with a friend. We were coming up from Mountain View heading back to Daly City and we spotted the following sign. We both did a double take and I asked him if he "just saw what I think I saw." Answering, "Yes," we decided to take the nearest exit and double back to the billboard. I took the following picture with my phone and I thought I'd share a little "anarchy in the Bay Area" with everyone. Note: there was an upside-down star (?pentacle?) drawn over the logo on the cup but my camera phone didn't pic it up too well. Click the pic for a bigger view.

ratatouille

2007-06-28T22:32:00.001-07:00

Thanks to my sister's knack for getting movie passes, I saw Ratatouille tonight. I loved it but, then again, I am a bit biased. I'm truly into this movie because it takes place in a kitchen. Patton Oswalt voices the rat Remy who feels out of place in the Rat World because he wants to "a maker, not a taker." His refined palate and great sense of smell help him when he finds himself in his hero's Parisian kitchen fixing a soup. There he meets Linguini, a garbage boy who is mistaken for the creator of Remy's tasty soup. Remy sets to helping Linguini keep his job and becomes the puppeteer that helps Linguini succeed in the kitchen. Torn between being a rat and wanting to be more than another taker, Remy straddles the fine line and succeeds. An uplifting story and lots of kitchen action, now that's my kind of movie!

cut

2007-06-17T00:44:00.001-07:00

I polled my friends via text message and asked them whether i should just trim my long hair or cut it off altogether. The overwhelming majority chose cut the hair.

Results were as follows:
Cut it short: 8
Leave it long but trim: 2
And my cousin, in his infinite wisdom, created a write-in vote: "rock the hawk"

Before

After

For nostalgia's sake a pic of the hawk

Once

2007-06-08T23:19:00.000-07:00

I watched a movie for the third time in the theater today. I would think that's pretty unusual these days with the rising cost of movie tickets and the increasingly mediocre quality of movies making it to production. but this one was/is different. The movie I'm talking about is called Once.

The story is simple and yet effective. Girl meets Guy. Guy is singing songs on the street corner. Girl gets Guy to fix her vacuum cleaner. Guy finds out Girl is a musician/songwriter like him. Guy and Girl get together to write songs and record a demo. Guy and Girl's lives are changed forever by their meeting each other.

The truly great part about this movie is how it intergrates the music as a part of the film experience. The two main characters (not named anything more than Guy and Girl even in the credits) are writing songs throughout the entire movie. When they sing, not only does the music become the soundtrack of the movie it almost becomes another character in the film. The song lyrics seem to narrate the feelings and thoughts that the scenes try to portray visually. This was the first time I have seen music used in this manner and it was amazing.

I hope everyone gets a chance to see this film. I recommend finding it when it comes out on DVD if you can't catch it in the theaters. A definite MUST see.

poster

2007-05-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

I bought a CD poster almost 5 years ago. I thought it was a novel idea to put up CDs as an "art piece." I've always liked the look of some cover art and I thought this would be a great way to display them. The poster allows me to display the entire CD (case cover and all) while still being able to access the disc inside (See picture one and then 2 with the open cases). I finally put it up this week (yeah, way to procrastinate) And put a bunch of CDs in it. I actually went more for favorites and "classic album" value over good cover art. Though I think that my choices have good art as well.

Here's a list so far if you're interested (from top left, row by row) The blanks are blank for now but I ut in some thoughts for that space:

blank (John Mayer- Room For Squares)
Paolo Nutini- These Streets
blank (John Mayer- Continuum)
Astrud Gilberto- Astrud Bilberto's Finest Hour
blank (Jon McLaughlin- Indiana)
Death Cab for Cutie- Transatlanticism
Green Day- Dookie
Stan Getz- Getz for Lovers
blank (Dave Barnes- Brother, Bring the Sun)
Pearl Jam- Vs.
Steve Miller- Young Hearts: The Best of Steve Miller
Stacey Kent- Let Yourself Go
My Chemical Romance- Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge
Lemonheads- It's a Shame About Ray
Dixie Chicks- Fly
They Might be Giants- Flood
Dashboard Confessional- MTV Unplugged
Harry Connick, Jr.- When Harry Met Sally Soundtrack
Counting Crows- August and Everything After
Jeff Buckley- Grace
Ben Folds- Rockin the Suburbs
Pearl Jam- Ten
Kyle Riabko- Before I Speak
Lauryn Hill- The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

vampire

2007-04-23T21:31:00.001-07:00

Which Vampire: The Masquerade clan do you belong in?

Some Kindred, either from ignorance of their linneage or dilution of clan traits due to thin blood, have no distinguishable clan to speak of. These Caitiff are often seen as little more than pawns by most factions, especially the Camarilla. Cannon fodder at best and hunted outcasts at worst, they keep to themselves or others of their kind for the most part, viewed by those of "purer" blood as clueless proles or weak-blooded, useless drones. Of course, at times, their independance from clan politics can prove significantly advantageous.
Take this quiz!

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poem

2007-04-09T21:55:00.000-07:00

So I haven't posted in a while and I post a crappy quiz result. Well, I will try to post more soon, but until then, here you go.

Find the full poem here.

Which poem are you?

The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot

God, you're indecisive. You're not that great, but you don't know if you want to accept that. You appreciate beauty and observe things others may not, but you're also hopelessly impaled on your own foolish romanticism. Go you.

Click Here to Take This Quiz
Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests.

Birthday

2007-02-21T18:10:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all the well-wishers for my birthday. This year's birthday was pretty quiet. The family dinner will actually come on Saturday. I got a few good presents. My mom gave me a check which is always appreciated. My brother got me a book from Television Without Pity called 752 Things We Love To Hate (And Hate To Love) About TV. My sister extended her christmas present by getting me some accessories for my KitchenAid stand mixer. My friend James got me an early present last month in the form of the expansion pack for the World of Warcraft.

Pictures to come when I take them.

Foodie-mas

2006-12-25T15:45:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, everyone!

So I opened up my presents and got some fabulous surprises this year. A lot of them are food related (You guys know me so well!). Quite possibly the best present I got this year, and certainly the most extravagant. came jointly from my sister and my mom. A Kitchenaid Stand mixer! YES! I finally have one!

I also got a couple of cookbooks, which are a pretty safe present to give me. My brother got me my first Joy Of Cooking. I've wanted one for quite a while now and I finally got one. It's really quite a comprehensive book and is a must for all cooks. My friend Joe got me a copy of Jacques Pepin's Fast Food My Way. It looks like an interesting read and a nice reference for quick dinners and fast meals.

A pic for everyone:

Elf

2006-12-24T21:34:00.000-08:00

So I was cruising the internet and came upon this site sponsored by Office Max. It's called Elf Yourself. It a website where you can upload a pic of yourself and, using the software on their site, place your likeness on an elf body and watch the "elven you" dance. It's sounds kind of lame but it had me cracking up so I thought you all should check it out.

So click the Elf Yourself link to create one yourself or just click here to watch Elf Sherman dance.

PS: I know I've emailed this link out to most of my friends but I'm going to post about it anyway

beer

2006-12-23T23:12:00.000-08:00

So, I just got one of the coolest presents from my best friend whom I've known since 5th grade, Tim (today just happens to be his birthday as well). He lives out in Connecticut with his fiancee, Bessie. Apparently he's been doing some homebrewing out in CT and decided to send me out some of samples. I got a total of 9 bottles in 6 different varieties. Ranging from a light pilsner to a robust chocolate stout. He even made labels for his brews and has started to make his beers aunder the "Angry Monkey Brewing Company" label. I've always liked Tim's determination to learn something when he's motivated to do so. I can't say I have the same drive he has to learn something new and push through with it. I 've watched him these many years work for what he wants and get lots of return on his "investements." I'd be lucky to say I have half of his determination. So this year I'll raise a toast to Tim and Angry Monkey and enjoy some of the fruits of his labor. Thanks, Tim, not just for the gifts and the beer, but for the friendship these many years and for always being there when I need you.

Here's to good friends! *raises glass* and, by the way, Happy Birthday!

Benefit

2006-10-22T00:59:00.000-07:00

Went to the Bridge School Benefit tonight. For those not in the know, the Bridge School Benefit is an annual concert put on by Neil Young to raise money for the Bridge School, a school for children with severe physical and speech impediments. The concert is traditionally all acoustic and this year was no different. My sister, in her infinite talent for winning stuff, scored me two tickets and I decided to take Brett. I would've taken her but she had tix to a Jamie Cullum concert in Reno.

Now, a little review:

Neil and Pegi Young: They open every year with a few songs. Very sweet and good as always.

Devendra Banhart: Never heard of him until today and after his set I can say I'm not a fan.

Gillian Welch: Not liking her but not hating her either. Very slow, folky ballads. Not really my cup of tea.

Death Cab For Cutie: One of the bands I was looking forward to today. Have liked them since I got Transatlanticism a year or so ago. Plans solidified my love of their music. They did not disappoint and every song they did was well done. I only wish they had more time.

Trent Reznor: By far the biggest sleeper of the bunch. I knew it was going to be interesting to see how Trent's brand of layered electronic industrial music was going to translate into an acoustic performance. He blew me away with a creative use of a string quartet and his piano and vocal performances. It was definitely cool and quite creepy. Very much Trent's style but so much more organic in sound.

Foo Fighters: The Foo Fighters toured acoustically this year so I knew they wouldn't disappoint. They played exceptionally well. No complaints.

Brian Wilson: By far the most excited the crowd got through the show. Played mostly Beach Boys songs. Everyone was up on their feet and sang every song with the band. Good times.

Pearl Jam: The band I came to see. Eddie and the boys were great as usual and though the set was shorter than I expected it was still great.

Dave Matthews: Wandered about the Shoreline while Dave Matthews played. Never really been a big fan of his music. Sounded good from what could hear. Crowd response was very enthusiastic.

Neil Young: Was tired and decided to head out before his set and the finale.

Mayer

2006-10-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's October already? My October started out really good. I went to see John Mayer and Sheryl Crow perform at the Shoreline Ampitheater. Sheryl Crow rocked the house. I 've never seen her perform before and she was awesome. She could really belt out those tunes! She came out, rocked the house and came back with an unexpected encore cover of Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll" that brought the house down.

Mayer sounded great and with brilliant guitar work as usual. It was nice to see him back with DeLa, DRH and the band. I especially loved that he played, Heart Of Life, my favorite track from the new album, Continuum. On the way out, there was an unexpected surprise, they were hnding out posters for the show. It was a sweet souvenir of a great show. It also brought me back to those good old days when I worked at the Fillmore and got a poster at the end of the night.

John Mayer
10-01-2006
Mountain View, CA
Shoreline Ampitheater

Setlist:
Belief
Good Love is on the Way
Vultures
Why Georgia
Slow Dancing in a Burning Room
Daughters
Bigger Than My Body
Gravity
Heart Of Life
Waiting on the World to Change
No Such Thing

encore:
Dreaming With a Broken Heart
In Repair

hurt

2006-09-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

So I was cooking at the Elk's Club in San Rafael. I do this a couple of times a month for various events they hold there. Yesterday, it was a charity golf tournament that was holding their dinner there after wards. Simple menu: Steak (with sauteed mushrooms and onions), baked potato, veggie (green beans or glazed carrots), and dessert. I was chopping green onions for the potatoes. I was using proper knife technique and I slipped and let one of my guiding hand's fingers uncurl. I sliced through my left finger (see photo). I stopped cutting and found a first aid kid. Using some gauze and some scotch tape, I jerry-rigged a bandage for myself and was able to slow the bleeding so I could keep working. About three hours later, most of the meal had gone out and things were winding down. I asked permission from Joe, the guy I usually cook these meals with, to head out early and deal with my injury.

I went to the ER at work. After triage, I was placed on my very own guerney and waited for someone to help me out. This cute blonde nurse first saw me. She removed my blood-soaked "bandage" and irrigated the wound as gently as she could. She then told me a doctor would be in to assess the injury and how to proceed. A ginger-haired doctor came in and assesed the wound. He told me that they would numb the area, remove a piece of the nail and stitch it up.
He came back with a filled needle and proceeded to inject my finger to numb it. He left for a few minutes to let the numbness set in. he came back, poked my finger with the needle and injected me again when I winced at the poking. After a few more minutes he came back, poked again and was satisfied with the numbness. He then proceeded to open a kit and pried the loose nail piece off. He opened a package that contained a needle and thread and sewed the loose flap of skin back onto my finger with 3 stitches. I didn't feel a thing.

Drove back home but passed by the mission to grab a super quesadilla suiza from El Farolito on 24th and Mission. A little hurt, but trying to heal.

femtroopers

2006-09-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

So how come never told me about this before? I would totally join the Imperial Forces if there were storm troopers that looked like her. I'd even learn to shoot off center like a true stormtrooper. I found out about this concept reading about the new Star Wars DVDs that came out today. The article I found is here. I thought I'd post it on the blog just for some fun. Nerdy, geeky girls that get dressed in stormtrooper outfits are hot!

bittersweet

2006-09-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

So I headed down to Fillmore Street for a stroll today and went to Bittersweet: the chocolate cafe on a recommendation from Jalapeño Girl. I had actually visited on Wednesday with a friend after reading J-Girl's article. I got the "Spicy" on Wednesday. It was chocolate and steamed milk with a kick of pepper and a hint of cinnamon. It was good but I think I desired more of a rich chocolate flavor. In the "Spicy," the chocolate flavor was diluted by milk but it also allowed the pepper and cinnamon to come through clearer and stronger.

Today I decided I would forgo the peppery heat and just go for full on chocolate flavor. Today's choice was the "Bittersweet" (on Jalapeño Girl's recommendation, as well). It was full bodied and very rich. It reminded me of the chocolate that my father used to make for us when we were kids. I remember he'd boil some water and drop in some chocolate discs. We'd pour the chocolate drink onto our rice and eat it with eggs and longanisa (sweet sausage). It was very reminiscent of Mexican chocolate and I'm sure it's existence has something to do with the Spanish influence in the Philippines. That's one of the things that I love about food is how it takes on journeys in our minds and evokes memories from our past. Though my Dad is long gone, I can still see him in mminds's eye stirring the pot of chocolate with breakfast, pouring out each cup and asking me to place them out on the table next to each setting. I can still remember my family gathered around the table eating breakfast, the scent of dark chocolate as I pour it over my steaming rice and the slightly sweet flavor of the chocolate rice as I ate it with my eggs and sausage.

So I think I'm a Bittersweet guy now, although I think I might try the other things on the menu if I get the chance to wander down to Fillmore on my lunch break again. There's a white chocolate drink I had my eye on to try.

64

2006-06-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

Paul McCartney turned 64 today. The former Beatle wrote a song for his father when he was 16. He didn't end up recording it until he was 24. Here it is:

The Beatles - When I'm Sixty-Four.mp3

sister

2006-06-17T23:15:00.000-07:00

Today was my sister's birthday. As a present, I got her tickets to tomorrow's Jamie Cullum concert at the Paramount Theater. We also had dinner at Boulevard in San Francisco. But before all this, this morning I went to the Ferry Building Farmer's Market. It's a seasonal market that is held every weekend from spring to fall at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. I normally wouldn't go to the Ferry Building Farmer's Market. The cost of the produce there is rather prohibitive for my budget. Also, it's in the middle of San Francisco and very far from my home in the suburbs. I only go as a treat and mostly to browse around. This weekend I went because Anthony Bourdain, a NYC chef and a personal hero of mine, was doing a book signing at the Sur La Table. I didn't get to talk to him at all. I basically got up there, handed him my book, said hello, he signed it, posed for one pic and then shook I his hand goodbye. But I did pick up some nice Rainier cherries and some blood oranges at the Market.

Boulevard was great. My mom, my sis, my brother and I split two appetizers to start. One was a soft shell crab that came with a corn relish, aioli and a crab-stuffed, fried tomato. The second was a pan-roasted squab that came with a short rib-stuffed cipollini onion and some seared foie gras. Both appetizers were very tasty and well seasoned. I took the pan-roasted duck breast for my entree and it was terrific. The breast was done to medium rare, sliced and placed onto a bed of risotto. They then drizzled a sauce made from cherries around it. The risotto was nice and rich and I was pleasantly surprised by the crunchy pieces of nuts sprinkled into it. The duck breast was very tender and succulent and the sweet cherry sauce complemented the salty sear on the duck perfectly. I took a meyer lemon cheesecake brulee atop a blueberry buckle crust for my dessert. It was basically a blueberry buckle (kind of like a cobbler) used as a crust for a lemony cheesecake layer with sugar burnt on top like a brulee. It was tasty and the slight tang of the lemon complemented the sweet buckle underneath it. It's very strange that I don't have pics because for a nice meal like this I usually like to take pics course by course. I guess you'll just have to take my word for it that everything was spectacular.

new

2006-06-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

So I like the idea of Free Music Fridays and I'm stealing it from Manta. I may not post music every Friday but I'll try. This week only three tracks. They're all new though. The first is a new Track from Outkast. It's a track from their next album, the soundtrack to their upcoming film, Idlewild. It's called The Mighty O.

Outkast-The Mighty O.mp3

The next two tracks are from Dashboard Confessional. The first is the single, Don't Wait, from their upcoming album, Dusk and Summer. The second is a cover of an Eighties song, In a Big Country. Enjoy!

Dashboard Confessional - Don't Wait.mp3

Dashboard Confessional - In a Big Country

1993

2006-06-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

Stole this meme from The Sheriff over on Myspace.com. I thought it was fun and It got me thinking about how much has changed from those high school days.

Fill this out about your SENIOR year of high school! The longer ago it was, the more fun the answers will be.

1. Who was your best friend?
Robert- We "broke-up" over a girl in high school (stupid, I know). Haven't really talked to him since.

2. What sports did you play?
None.

4. It's Friday night, where were you at?
Probably at home hanging with my family or maybe playing D&D with some friends.

5. Were you a party animal?
Not really.

6. Were you considered a flirt?
I was so clueless about such things that when a girl actually flirted with me ONCE I couldn't take the hint. Finally, she got bored and left.

7. Ever skip school?
Yes, a couple of times. Only as a senior. Once on ditch day and a couple of times to hang out in the city (San Francisco).

8. Ever smoke?
The only cigarette I ever smoked was in college and it never took. I smoked out once in college too and that didn't take either.

9. Were you a nerd?
Yeppers

10. Did you get suspended/expelled?
Nope. Detention once.

11. Can you sing the Alma Mater?
I don't think we had one. If so, then no.

12. Who was your favorite teacher?
Mr. Petty. Ironically, one of the toughest teachers I had. He made us do 20 minute oral presentations each semester. We were only allowed one 3x5 index card for notes.

13. Favorite class?
Cooking

14. What was your school's full name?
Westmoor High School

15. School mascot?
Rams

16. Did you go to Prom?
Yes, my group of friends all went together and it was fun. Until I was consoling a friend near the end because he was fighting with his girl.

17. If you could go back and do it over, would you?
Maybe. So many different choices. I definitely would've been more outgoing.

18. What do you remember most about graduation?
Nothing really.

19. Favorite memory of your Senior Year?
Magic Mountain during Grad Night and the ride home. The company on the ride home alone was worth the drama that day.

20. Were you ever posted up on the senior wall?
What's a senior wall?

21. Did you have a job your senior year?
Nah.

22. Where did you go most often for lunch?
I worked in the cafeteria during lunchtimes so I got a free lunch there every day.

23. What did you do after graduation?
We had a dance on a boat. Went with friends.

24. Did you have a bf/gf?
HAHAHAHHAHAH..... no.

25. When did you graduate?
1993. Geez, I'm old!

So since there are only three people I know that read this blog that have blogs, Manta, Andy, and Rekkid.... you're it!

wants

2006-06-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

So I was looking in MySpace and I saw this this. It's a bulletin that someone posted regarding "What MOST females want." I just want everyone's opinion here. Is there really something to this? Are any of them bogus? if so, which ones? Are any of them true? if so, which ones? Help a guy out. Not that I'd be using them any time soon...

What MOST females want

1. Leave her cute text messages.

2.Kiss her in front of your friends.

3.Trust her over everyone else.

4.Tell her she looks beautiful.

5.Look her in the eye when you talk to her.

6.Tell her stupid jokes to make her laugh.

7.Let her mess with your hair.

8.Mess with HER hair.

9.Just walk around with her.

10.Include her in most things you do.

11.Surprise her with flowers or a small gift everyonce in awhile.

12.When she crys do whatever to make her smile.

13.Forgive her for her mistakes.

14.Look at her like she's the only girl you see.

15.Tickle her even if she says stop.

16.Hold her hand even when you are around your friends.

17.When she starts swearing at you tell her you love her.

18.Let her fall asleep in your arms.

19.Get her mad, then kiss her

20.Tease her and let her tease you back.

21.Stay up with her all night when she's sick.

22.Watch her favorite movie.

23.**KISS HER FOREHEAD**

24.Give her the world.

25.Write her letters.

26.Let her wear your clothes.

27.When she's sad, hang out with her.

28.Let her know she is important.

29.Let her take all the photos of you she wants.

30.***KISS HER IN THE RAIN***

31. *** KISS HER NECK***

32.When she's sick bring her flowers or a card to make her feel better... even though it's not medicine it really does make her feel better.

33.And when you fall in love with her, tell her.

34.And when you do tell her... Love her like you never loved before.

raiders

2006-06-04T16:37:00.000-07:00

So I have a bit of a confession, I've never seen Raiders of the Lost Ark, at least in it's entirety. I've caught glimpses and seen fragments here and there while flipping up and down the channels. Nope, never seen it. That is until last night.

On Friday afternoon, I was sitting down with Brett during his break and taking a cursory glance at the paper. He spotted a picture in the paper (same af the one one the left) and asked me what the "Raiders" picture was about. I read a bit of the copy and the caption and told him that the Castro Theatre was running Raiders of the Lost Ark because of the 25th anniversary of the film. His eyes lit up and, with the mention of me never having seen the movie, he decided we should go. I agreed and it was set for the the next evening.

All in all it was quite an great evening. I knew exactly what we seeing because I'd seen bits and pieces of it on TV all these years. I got there at 8:30 PM for a 9:20 PM show. I bought my ticket, walked across the street for a slice of pizza and a coke, and then got in line. Brett and his friend, Aaron, got there a little later and we stood around and talked a bit. The Castro had gotten a hold of new 35mm print for this run and, according to the theater owner, it was an original print with no added CGI and other "special edition" crap. We watched the 7:00PM show getting out and marveled at all the people that brought their kids to see this classic that was probably part of their own childhood. We watched as a new crop of wide-eyed, curious kids shuffled out into the night air talking about the cool movie they'd just seen. One kid was leaving sporting a leather jacket and talking about Indy. His father was ecstatically talking to him and commenting about how he and Indy had "matching" jackets and now he just needed the fedora.

The Castro is a historic old theater. I'd been there once before for a San Francisco International Film Festival Event. At that time I wasn't privy to seeing the organ at work. There is a pipe organ in the theatre and an organist plays before the movie. It was awesome and everyone cheered as he went into the Indiana Jones theme.

The movie was great and holds up very well after 25 years . The effects were kind of hokey but it is a 25 year old film. The action was great and Marion is as beautiful as ever (man, I love freckles). Indy rocks and now I probably have to go watch Temple of Doom and the Last Crusade. Maybe for next weekend.

show

2006-05-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

Went to the Mat Kearney show at Cafe Du Nord last night with my sister. I was actually there to catch Joshua Radin who was opening. I found out about Josh on Grey's Anatomy where two of his songs, Closer and The Fear You Won't Fall. have been featured. I know it kind of seems hokey to learn about new bands through a TV show but this artist really struck me. So, I did some research and when I found out he was coming to town with Mat Kearney, I jumped at the chance to catch him.

(Justin King and I)

Justin King opened the night. He's doing a solo stint away from his band as an opener for Mat. His show was very lively with alot of what I would call "acoustic guitar gymanastics." What I mean by that is that he played a couple of instrumentals where he woud play on the neck strings of his guitar, on the body's strings and drum on the body of the guitar as well. Not to say that it was a bad thing, in fact I actually liked it. I was also impressed with the songs that he played in his set. Lyrics being a thing of mine, I was impressed with his actual songs more than just his "acoustic guitar gymnastics."

(Left : Joshua Radin and Me, Right: Priscilla Ahn and me)

Joshua Radin was awesome. Granted his set was far mellower and softer than Justin King's and Mat Kearney. In fact, he referred to himself as the "soft, gooey marsh-mellow-ey" center to their harder "rock." He was joined up on stage by Priscilla Ahn, pianist and background vocalist, and a cellist (whose name escapes me at the moment). The music was very ethereal and dream-like. Very mellow.

Mat Kearney- Funny enough I spent most of his set seated at the rear of the venue. He was a singer/songwriter act that was infused with some hip-hop elements. He sings well and plays well and then in the middle of the song he'll start rapping. I was okay with the music but, it was a bit disconcerting at first since I wasn't aware of what Mat's music was about. I did enjoy a couple of his songs. In the Middle and Nothing Left to Lose were, in my opinion, the two stand-out tracks.

So while I liked Mat Kearney and Justin King, Joshua Radin made the night for me. I really loved his music and the only down part of that night was that he only had a 3-song live EP available for sale at the concert. His indy EP, was no longer available and the new album won't be released until June, although it is available on ITunes (I may just have to break down and buy it). I was able to get Justin King's album (but not the ones with new songs he played on stage last night). I picked up Radin's EP and both King's and Kearney's album. Sample below...

Joshua Radin
Closer
The Fear You Won't Fall
Only You
Winter

Justin King (songs from his old solo album, good songs but not the ones he played in concert)
Ashes
The Mill Creek

Mat Kearney
Nothing Left To Lose
In The Middle

sausage

2006-04-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

So you're saying to yourself:

"Self... Sherman hasn't written on his blog in like forever. I know he promises updates to it. Especially with regard to his NY/Connecticut trip, or his birthday meal or even finishing up the blog about his LA trip way back in September... But alas he fails me again. On a daily basis... Like sooooo many times before...

But, I digress, Self, because he's posted on his blog once again. Maybe this will be good. Maybe it will be special. Maybe this will be the day that he posts that climactic piece of prose that gets me to think about my life in a new way. The one that will compel me to make that move that will forever change my life and make me those millions of dollars and earn me the respect and adoration of the world. Maybe... just maybe..."

But no... Sherman will just disappoint you today, like many days before and likely many more days to come. I'm here to post a link to an auction. An auction that is over. The only thing that remains is the posting that made me laugh out loud. So here it is.

I was scanning the Food Forum on Craigslist, as I am wont to do when I am semi-bored at work. It is fun to read. I get a lot of inspiration from it. I also like to post when I have an opinion or I can help. Someone put up a post called the "Summer Sausage of Life" so how could I resist?

So now you're saying to yourself:
"Self, is he kidding me? IS HE F&#*ING KIDDING ME! A LINK to an auction POST about a f&#%ing summer sausage? He's gotta be off his rocker! Where's the writing? Where's my life-changing piece of prose? " (OK, maybe with less swearing)

So, yeah, it is a link to an auction. About a sausage. An auction that is over. But don't think I'm crazy. There is a story with the auction. I'd like for all of you to read it. Also check out the questions area. The questions are great and are also creatively answered. The reason I posted the link is it made me laugh out loud... at my desk... with people wondering what the hell I was laughing at. So read it and leave me a comment if you thought it was funny. Because I did, and I hope you do too.

The Summer Sausage of Life

souvenir

2006-04-04T16:52:00.000-07:00

I like to buy things for my friends whenever I go on trips. I sent out some of my souvenirs yesterday. Today, a souvenir I bought while I was in New York came in. I bought a cheesecake from Carnegie Deli. A couple of cheesecakes, actually. I bought one for myself to enjoy with my family and I bought one for the Respiratory department in the hospital I work in with the intention of it arriving before I got back from New York. Apparently, it wasn't as easy as that. It actually took some time before Carnegie Deli shipped out my cheesecakes and by the time I got back from NY, the cakes hadn't even been shipped out yet.

Well, they were sent out yesterday and I received the above box at work along with another larger box. I asked my boss, Joe, to open the large cheesecake (12-inch plain) and set it out in the Respiratory break room for all to share and place the smaller one(6-inch chocolate) in the fridge so I could take it home. I was at a different "campus" (our Hospital is made up of three three different hospitals/campuses around SF) when they arrived so it was almost like how I'd originally planned it. That the cakes would get there and be a surprise for my co-workers. Well, they got their cake and I got mine. When I got home, I unwrapped it (as below left), removed it from it's vacuum packaging (as below right) and placed it in the refrigerator to thaw a bit more. I'll have a slice later, but, I'm sure it will be heavenly. Like the one I had on the east coast not so long ago...

Eastbound

2006-03-22T10:16:00.000-08:00

Heading to New York this evening. I'll be taking a red-eye flight into Chicago then into Hartford. I'm flying into Hartford because I'm visiting my friend Tim who lives near Hartford. I am going to be in Long Island for another friend's wedding on Saturday then hanging with Tim after that. If you want anything from NYC (Manhattan or LI) or Hartford drop me a comment or shoot me and email. I'll take most normal requests. For instance, my brother wants me to scour some used record stores in Manhattan for an OOP(out-of-print) CD that he's been looking for. Also, if you have any idea as to what is a "must see" in LI, Hartford or Manhattan tell me so I can put it on my list. As for my friends in the Northeast, see you all soon.

birthday

2006-02-21T11:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to me!

ETA: New pic of my actual cake

mixes

2006-02-15T04:59:00.000-08:00

Thinking about things all Valentine's Day and I decided I wanted to make a mix tape. The concept behind this would be to build 2 mix tapes, actually. I want to make a mix tape containing songs of lust. Songs that describe all those things you wanted to do to your partner (basically, SEX songs).
The second tape would be a mix tape of love songs by the SAME artists. Just as juxtaposition to their "sex" song I want a song describing all those feelings and things you do when you love someone (not just wanting to get in their pants).

For example, I think that one of John Mayer’s most romantic and “love” filled songs is a ditty called “Comfortable.“ I would pair that with his most famous “sex” song, “Your Body is a Wonderland.”

So this is where you come in...

I need songs. Pairs of them from the same artist. One “sex” song and one “love” song. If you have any suggestions, just post suggestions in the comments section (they end up in my email).

Thanks.

Also, if you do help out, I'll send you out a copy of the two discs.

song

2006-01-31T11:50:00.000-08:00

So I literally started to well up tears on a shuttle at work today. I was listening to my IRiver and the song "Do You Remember" by Jack Johnson came on. I was looking out the window of the shuttle just swimming in my thoughts and started thinking about the lyrics. Jack basically sings a song about meeting his wife and his relationship with her. He sang about how they met, how he locked his bicycle to hers, their first home and a tree they made a retreat in. Then the tears started slowly coming to my eyes. It's truly a beautiful and sentimental song. Some may even call it schmaltzy. I don't, but some might. I think the song's use of just one acoustic guitar and Jack's voice is very effective in showcasing the simple beauty of his words. Sparse and but more than enough.

I don't know what it is about this song that makes me tear up. I think it's just the reminiscent quality of it and how it seems that he truly loves his wife. I guess it also has to do with the fact that I've never had that relationship. My only real relationship was with a girl named Judy and only lasted about a month and a half. I've never had the length of relationship where I can even have memories of the relationship while still being in it. I've had many "platonic" relationships with girls that only wanted me as a "friend." I've been a substitute many times, as well. I think I understand Jack's memories even though I've never had that long of a relationship. I've had those feelings for a girl before and, though they may not have been reciprocated, I can understand that kind of love. I can only imagine what it would be like to have those feelings returned.

So I'll close out this entry with the lyrics from that song:

Do You Remember
by Jack Johnson
From In Between Dreams

Do you remember when we first met?
I sure do,
it was some time in early September
You were lazy about it,
you made me wait around
I was so crazy about you
I didn’t mind

So I was late for class,
I locked my bike to yours
It wasn’t hard to find,
you painted flowers on it
I guess that I was afraid
that if you rolled away
You might not roll back
my direction real soon
Well I was crazy about you then and now
but the craziest thing of all is
over ten years have gone by
And you’re still mine,
we’re locked in time
Let’s Rewind

Do you remember when
we first moved in together?
The piano took up the living room
You played me boogie-woogie
I played you love songs
You’d say we’re playing house
now you still say we are
We built our getaway
up in a tree we found
We felt so far away
but we were still in town
Now I remember watching
that old tree burn down
I took a picture that I don’t like to look at
Well all these times they come and go
And alone don’t seem so long
Over ten years have gone by
We can’t rewind,
we’re locked in time
But you’re still mine

Do you remember?

pet

2006-01-24T22:34:00.000-08:00

Got a pet from Bunnyhero Labs today. His name is Cushion and he's a hedgehog. Meet him in my sidebar below. Click the link by Cushion or above to adopt your own pet. He's a little skittish, so be careful when you pet him.

fanfest

2006-01-22T20:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I went with my sister to the Giants Winter Fanfest. Free admission with a chance to see and get photos and autographs of Giants players and coaches? We were there!

Came to Pier 49 at 11am and there was a long line already. The line was for the autograph and photo tickets. You needed a ticket to get autographs or a picture. I opted for a photo ticket as I didn't have anything to have signed. My sister is quite an autograph hound so she opted for the autograph ticket.

I got a picture with Ron Wotus, a bench coach for the Giants. My sister got autographs from Scott Munter and another pitcher she couldn't identify.

The pictures below are as follows (clockwise from top left): Lou Seal (Giants mascot) and me. Omar Vizquel (shortstop) during a question-and-answer session with fans. Replica of Willie Mays' jersey. Ron Wotus(coach) and me.

change

2006-01-17T17:44:00.000-08:00

I changed the template of my blog because the text on the other blog was small and hard to read. I also thought the light blue text on the dark blue field was kind of straining on the eyes. Enjoy the new format and hopefully the new content soon to come.

lyrics

2006-01-13T23:26:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Rekkid. So here goes...

DIRECTIONS:
1. Go to your iTunes playlist - or whatever's on your computer
2.Hit shuffle.
3. Choose the first 13 songs - YOU CANNOT SKIP ONE. If it's embarrassing you just have to live with it.
4. With those 13 songs you must post your favorite lyric from each of the songs.
5. See if anybody can guess what songs they are from. If they are guessed you can cross them out. Try to get rid of all of them.

The lyrics

The daily dramas/She made from nothing/So nothing ever made them right
~~You know I work all day/To get you money to buy you things/And it's worth it just to hear you say/You're going to give me ev'rything~~ Beatles- Hard Day's Night
Some time later I met a young graduate/When I had nobody to call my own/I told her I was looking for somebody to appreciate/And I just couldn't do it alone
~~Daylight is climbing the walls/Cars start and feet walk the halls/The world awakes and now I am safe/At least by the light of day~~ John Mayer- Quiet
~~Like the north wind whistlin’ down the sky/I’ve got a song, I’ve got a song/Like the whippoorwill and the baby’s cry/I’ve got a song, I’ve got a song~~ Jim Croce- I Got a Name
Not guilty, he who does not feel me is not real to me/Therefore he doesn't exist/So poof...vamoose son of a bitch
People knock on my door, ringing my phone/Telling me the things I gotta get done today/To satisfy them, but what about me?/Lately I've been wishing I was brain dead
~~Clearly I remember pickin’ on the boy/Seemed a harmless little fuck/Ooh, but we unleashed a lion../Gnashed his teeth and bit the recess lady’s breast...~~ Pearl Jam- Jeremy
~~Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love?/Can the child within my heart rise above?/Can I sail through the changing ocean tides?/Can I handle the seasons of my life?~~ (this one's tricky because the song I have is a cover I'll give credit for either answer) Fleetwood Mac- Landslide (the version I have is actually a Smashing Pumpkins one)
~~Well you got your reasons/And you got your lies/And you got your manipulations/They cut me down to size~~ Tonic- If You Could Only See
Think about the lonely people/Then think about the day she found you/Or lie to yourself/And see it all dissolve around you
Confidentially.../I never told you of her charms/Confidentially.../we never had a home/But this railroad apartment/was the perfect place/when she'd sit and hold me in her arms
Come on mama/Heal this lonesome man/Grow the tree of wholeness/In this desert land

Please don't cheat and use Google!

gift

2006-01-08T23:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks, Rekkid. I really appreciate the gift. It's beautiful. I only wish my gift to you was as unique.

ETA: for those of you curious , it's folk art pottery from the Georgia Mountains. On the bottom it says "Grace Nell Hewell 11-6-2003" ( couldn't make out the letters in the last name but I did a Google search)

new

2006-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone. May all of our hopes and dreams come true or closer to true in the new year.

2006 Y'all, best recognize.

trio

2005-12-31T22:14:00.000-08:00

The pics above were taken from JM's Myspace.com account. They are rare snaps of him in his old band back in 1974. HeHe.

Saw the John Mayer Trio at the Warfield Theater last night. I had a great time. It's my first time seeing the Trio but I had seen John Mayer before. There were some technical difficulties in the beginning. John vocal levels kept getting changed. One minute he'd be drowned out by the music the next he'd be so loud that he sounded distorted. A couple of songs into his set, he finally talked with the some crew guys and they worked out the problems in the next few songs.

Technical difficulties aside, it was a phenomenal show. John seemed really in his element up there on stage with Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino. When I first heard about the Trio, I was skeptical. I've been kind of a die hard fan of his band that I couldn't see this next step. I was kind of crushed that he left his other members behind and started new with other people. Even when I got in some of the trades, I still couldn't see it. I heard good music but I wasn't " feelin' " the change. I wasn't sold on the Trio. I even watched his interview with Matt Pinfield, when he tried to explain the new challenges the Trio presented him with and the new heights he felt his music reaching. I really couldn't see it.

I was blind but now I see... All of that changed last night. I saw the pure elation in his face in the first few notes Everyday I Have the Blues (the opening song) and I knew he was going to take me somewhere I'd never seen him before. I fell hook, line and sinker for the John Mayer Trio. He looked more at home on that stage than I'd ever seen him. Maybe it was the fact that he's a veteran now, but I don't think that was it. I think it was that he was having fun and doing what John wanted to do. His guitar playing was better than ever. I could feel his life and his emotion with each strum. So needless to say I am convinced. I can see now how he has evolved. Evolving may cause us to part company with dear old friends. But for better times and better music, I can truly say... lead the way "Brother" John and I will follow.

And this was WITH technical difficulties....

done

2005-12-28T15:12:00.000-08:00

I got this from another blog. I don't remember where. The basic premise is that you copy this onto your blog. Place an x in front of the ones you have done and leave the ones you haven't empty.

1. (x) Smoked a cigarette. tobacco once. other kind... once.
2. (x) Crashed a friend's car. Yes, my car into his... I was changing the radio and didn't see him stop in front of me.
3. ( ) Stolen a car.
4. (x) Been in love.
5. ( ) Been dumped. Not really. I've only been in one relationship. I broke that one off. Gotten the "let's just be friends" speech many times, though.
6. (x) Shoplifted.
7. (x) Been fired/laid off.
8. (x) Been in a fist fight.
9. (x) Snuck out of your parent's house.
10.(x) Had feelings for someone that didn't have them back.
11. ( ) Been arrested.
12. ( ) Gone on a blind date.
13. (x) Lied to a friend.
14. (x) Skipped school.
15. (x) Seen someone die.
16. (x) Been to Canada.
17. (x) Been to Mexico.
18. (x) Been on a plane.
19. ( ) Purposely set a part of yourself on fire.
20. (x) Eaten sushi.
21. ( ) Been skiing.
22. (x) Met someone in person from the internet.
23. (x) Taken pain-killers.
24. (x) Love someone or miss someone right now.
25. (x) Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by.
26. (x) Made a snow angel.
27. ( ) Had a tea party.
28. (x) Flown a kite.
29. (x) Built a sand castle.
30. (x) Gone puddle jumping.
31. (x) Played dress up.
32. ( ) Cheated while playing a game.
33. (x) Been lonely.
34. (x) Fallen asleep at work/school.
35. ( ) Used a fake I.D.
36. (x) Watched a sunset.
37. (x) Felt an earthquake. I live in California, of course I have.
38. (x) Touched a snake. Owned one for a time.
39. ( ) Slept beneath the stars.
40. (x) Been tickled.
41. (x) Been robbed.
42. (x) Been misunderstood.
43. (x) Petted a reindeer/goat.
44. ( ) Won a contest.
45. (x) Ran a red light. Oops!
46. ( ) Been suspended from school.
47. (x) Been in a car accident. A couple.
48. ( ) Had braces.
49. (x) Eaten a whole pint of ice cream in one night.
50. ( ) Had deja vu.
51. ( ) Danced in the moonlight.
52. (x) Liked the way you looked.
53. (x) Witnessed a crime.
54. (x) Questioned your heart.
55. ( ) Been obsessed with post it notes.
56. (x) Squished barefoot through the mud.
57. (x) Been lost.
58. (x) Been to the opposite side of the country.
59. (x) Swam in the ocean. Pacific and Atlantic
60. (x) Felt like dying.
61. ( ) Cried yourself to sleep.
62. (x) Played cops and robbers.
63. (x) Recently colored with crayons.
64. (x) Sung karaoke.
65. ( ) Paid for a meal with only coins.
66. (x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't.
67. (x) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out your nose.
68. (x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue.
69. (x) Danced in the rain.
70. (x) Written a letter to Santa Claus.
71. ( ) Been kissed under the mistletoe.
72. (x) Watched the sun rise with someone you care about.
73. (x) Blown bubbles.
74. (x) Made a bonfire on the beach.
75. ( ) Crashed a party.
76. (x) Gone roller-skating
77. ( ) Had a wish come true.
78. ( ) Worn pearls.
79. ( ) Jumped off a bridge.
80. ( ) Ate dog/cat food.
81. ( ) Told a complete stranger you loved them.
82. (x) Kissed a mirror.
83. (x) Sang in the shower.
84. (x) Had a dream that you married someone.
85. ( ) Glued your hand to something.
86. ( ) Got your tongue stuck to a flagpole.
87. ( ) Kissed a fish. A banana slug once but never a fish.
88. (x) Sat on a rooftop.
89. (x) Screamed at the top of your lungs.
90. (x) Done a one-handed cartwheel.
91. (x) Talked on the phone for more than six hours on one occasion.
92. (x) Stayed up all night.
93. ( ) Didn't take a shower for a week.
94. (x) Picked and ate an apple right off the tree.
95. (x) Climbed a tree that had a tree house.
96. ( ) Been told by a complete stranger that you're hot.
97. ( ) Ever had a one night stand.
98. (x) Ever missed someone so much it still hurts to think of them.
99. (x) Ever loved someone that you knew wouldn't love you back.
100. (x) Ever been to a professional baseball, football, or hockey game in a stadium. All 3
101. (x) Went hiking in the mountains.
102. (x) Smoked a cigar.
103. (x) Had a crush on someone you worked with but never told them.
104. ( ) Wished you had the chance to change your profession.
105. ( ) Ever cremated and kept the ashes of a pet you cared a lot about.
106. (x) Wished you could live your life over again beginning at age 21.
107. (x) Been baptized.
108. ( ) Rode a horse.
109. (x) Sent flowers to someone you never met.
110. (x) Changed a flat tire.
111. ( ) Told someone you loved them just to try and have sex with them.
112. (x) Been on an island.
113. (x) Double dipped.
114. (x) Written an anonymous 'love letter'

Christmas

2005-12-25T12:41:00.000-08:00

Just popped in to share with you the lyrics to perhaps my favorite holiday song.

Christmas Time Is Here
Written by Vince Guaraldi, Lee Mendelson

Christmas time is here
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year

Snowflakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Of love and dreams to share

Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there

Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year...

Have a Merry Christmas everyone and good wishes to everyone through the New Year.

information

2005-12-21T12:49:00.000-08:00

Well I am at a loss for things to write so I will implore you, my readership, to ask me questions. Ask me anything. I may use your question as an entire entry. If I do, you will receive credit and a mention. No topic is off limits I guess(I think?). Try to keep it PG-13, people. Click on the following link to email me or if you think of one later, click the link in the side bar.

Ask Sherman Anything

habits

2005-12-19T12:42:00.000-08:00

So I was tagged by Rekkid and it's really late but here goes.

My 5 Weird Habits

I am a piece-eater: Except for Chinese and Filipino food, I will eat each part of my meal separately. I will eat the fries then eat the burger. I will eat the potatoes, then the veggies and then the steak. In the case of the exceptions, the routine is generally rice with a little bit of meat/entree. For example, a piece of mongolian beef with white rice is one mouthful.
I like to touch things: I am a Tactile Learner. I have come to accept this as a fact for me. I learn best when I am doing what I'm learning. I will touch things as a first instinct. When I was in bake shop, the chef/teacher was not very happy with me putting my hands on every piece of dough that came across my table and every ingredient that I used.
I pick up conversations down the road with no warning: I'll be having a conversation with you and during a lull I'll pipe up with something totally unrelated. It's usually because I've been mulling over a topic we were talking about in my head and I have more to say on that. It's kind of unnerving to people who aren't used to talking to me. Most of the time, I can keep a linear conversation and I'll warn you most of the time if I'm switching gears but sometimes I'll just hop conversations.
I bring knives wherever I go: I have this knife set. It's always in my car. Many people in foodservice would probably think this is not weird but a lot of my friends do. I have this thing about using other people's knives so I carry my own.
I have this weird tendency of falling for my friends' interests: I have had crushes on any of my friends' crushes and girlfriends. I can't explain why I do this. I just do sometimes. I chalk it up to me and my friends having such similar tastes that they even run into our tastes in women. I've never acted upon these infatuations without discussing it with my friends beforehand. I think I've only ever lost one friend because of it. It was in high school and I chose to stay friends with the girl instead of my friend whom she dated and eventually broke up with. It was kind of shitty of me. I 'm still good friends with the girl now but I don't think I would've stayed friends with him. I guess I'll never know though.

So there you they are, very late, but I did finish and since I know no one that blogs ( that hasn't already been tagged and/or hasn't done this meme) I can't REALLY tag anyone... but on the hopes that they start their own blogs someday I will tag James, Tim, Dorothy, Chris (my cousin) and Julie.

game

2005-12-17T10:19:00.000-08:00

Here's a little something I picked up from the JMTP. I thought it was fun and I thought I'd bring it here for discussion.

There are 72 bands represented in this photo. (Click on the pic to get a larger version)

Try to find them. I'll start you guys out with 3 obvious ones:
1. the guns the lady are holding are "the Sex Pistols"
2. on the ground there is a "Matchbox 20"
3. The guy with the hammer is "Smashing Pumpkins"

69 more to go guys and gals... get cracking!

oh and for a bigger version of the photo click here

memories

2005-12-03T19:24:00.000-08:00

I had a great time playing this over at Rekkid's blog so I'm posting this here.

The instructions are as follows:

1. Reply to this post, and I'll tell you one reason why I like/love/adore you. Then put this in your own journal, and spread the love.

AND

2. If you read this, if your eyes are passing over this right now, please post a comment with a COMPLETELY MADE UP AND FICTIONAL memory of you and me. It can be anything you want -- good or bad -- BUT IT HAS TO BE FAKE. When you're finished, post this little paragraph on your blog and be surprised (or mortified) about what people DON'T ACTUALLY remember about you.

thanks

2005-11-24T20:55:00.000-08:00

So, in following a trend across the blogoverse (wow, I can't believe I just said blogoverse), a list of things I am thankful for:

- Good friends and my family and their love and support
- the fact that after a half-day tomorrow I get to go to my favorite vacation city, Las Vegas.
- this blog and how is has helped me express myself more.
- new friends I've made (you know who you are)
- old friends I've kept (you definitely should know who you are)
- the roof over my head

That's it for now, if I think of more I'll add them on. These seem pretty generic and not"this year" specific. I should be thankful for all of these things everyday and every year not just today and this year. So to all my friends and family, if I haven't said it often or enough, I love you all and thanks for putting up with me.

Now here's what you've all been waiting for, Thanksgiving Dinner:

The Turducken: Bought frozen from Andronicos's. I roasted it for about 3.5 hours covered over large mirepoix. I then put in a probe thermometer and roasted it uncover to an internal temp of 160 deg. Farenheit. It was pretty good. A little dry, but then again, it is turkey. Note the holes on the left and right side my the base of the legs. The turducken split there and spilled stuffing.

The Sides (in order: left to right, top to bottom)

Stuffin' Muffins: Got the idea from Rachael Ray. Baked the stuffing in muffin cups so there were "individual" cups of stuffing. Makes for more crispy "edges" for everyone.

Creamed Spinach: Followed recipe and got very little cream to spinach ratio. Next time will double "cream" quantity. Otherwise it was tasty.

Corn Pudding: Hard to explain. close to spoon bread, looser than cornbread, described as being similar to the tomalito you get with your meal at Chevy's. Best explanation is that it's like a savory/sweet corn "flan." Easy as heck. Just measured out all ingredients in food processor, processed until almost smooth and poured into buttered dish to bake. Many requests for repeats, will do again.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Good recipe. Probably should have made a paste out of the roasted garlic cloves instead of just mixing in whole. Would probably do again.

Well, I hope your Thanksgiving was as good if not better than mine. Now off to that packing I've been procrastinating about...

jack

2005-11-23T11:49:00.000-08:00

Went to see with my sister to the Roxie in the Mission District last night. She got a pass for two to a screening of Jack Johnson's new DVD release Jack Johnson and Friends: A Weekend at the Greek. Now, I'm not the fan of Jack Johnson that my sister is but I have nothing against his music. I would say I can like his music but I'm not in a hurry to go buy the album. This movie, however, definitely changed that perception. I am deifinitely being won over slowly by Jack. The movie also featured some other acts from Jack's label, Brushfire Records. Of the acts that were featured, I definitely liked Matt Costa and enjoyed the Animal Liberation Orchestra the most.

As for my starter Jack Johnson CD, my sister recommended the new one, In Between Dreams. She says it's a good starter for me because it's all love songs. apparently he wrote all of them for his wife (or, "Lucky Girl," as my sister calls her). I can get behind a CD written with one particular muse in mind. I was also told by a good friend, with impeccable taste in music(*cough*Rekkid*cough*), that it was "makin' happy music" and there's "nothing wrong with that." Besides, CD that has a song about banana pancakes can't be all bad.

plan

2005-11-21T22:16:00.000-08:00

So here's the plan:
Tuesday 11-22
defrost turducken
grocery shopping
roast garlic for potatoes
prep herbs
defrost corn

Wednesday 11-23
make corn pudding to bake next day
defrost spinach
cube and toast bread for stuffing

Thursday 11-24
mirepoix
start turducken
mise en place
make stuffing/place in cupcake containers
cook potatoes
make mashers
cook spinach
set turducken aside to cool
bake pudding and stuffing
eat

Well, the next few days will be busy.

seat

2005-11-08T23:35:00.000-08:00

So tonight, I went to the Palace of Fine Arts and watched Henry Rollins. He was a front man for Black Flag and the Rollins Band. I didn't go to see a concert however. I went to see a spoken word show. I've never heard more than a couple of minutes of Henry's music, but I think I have every spoken word album he's put out and I've been to 3-4 of his spoken word performances. This one at the Palace of Fine Arts was as funny, insightful and thought-provoking as usual but that's not what this blog-post is about.

As I took my seat in the venue I noticed more than one couple coming in. That wasn't the thing, I always notice couples. I think it's what happens because I'm not in a relationship. The one time I was in a relationship and the many times I was in pseudo-relationships I don't think I noticed any couples at all. However, today I noticed more than ever. As I sat and the auditorium started to fill up, I noticed that all the seats were sold in pairs. I sat there wondering what single would be seated next to me. Well it ended up staying vacant. What’s that you say? More room to spread out? No elbows to knock against? Yeah well there IS that. But, all I could think of was how I didn’t have anyone in my life and how it’s been years since I’ve had a warm soul to cuddle up to, even one that wasn’t truly mine. That empty seat was taunting me.

Maybe it’s all in my head but it is tough sometimes. I like my life. I enjoy my job. I wish I was making more money but you can’t have it all. But there are many times when I wish I had someone to share it with. A pair of eyes to gaze into. An ear to listen to my words. A set of ribs to dig my elbows into and share a laugh with. A pair of lips to softly kiss. A torso to hug tightly. A pair of arms to hold me, as well. A soul to share my life.

frappr

2005-11-07T20:26:00.000-08:00

So thanks to rekkidbraka, I was turned on to this site frappr.com. I created my own map so, the two of you that read this blog can put up a pic and give me a shoutout.

I named my map I Tappa Kegga. To those of you in the know, check in, "brothers." To those that don't, It's the name of my crew at UNLV but I've pretty much "intiated" all my past friends and newer friends.

Click the link. Type in your name. Put in a zipcode (yours preferably). Give me a shoutout. Post a pic, if possible. That's it. No email address= no spam.

language

2005-10-30T15:27:00.000-08:00

So today was when we had to "fall back" according to Daylight Savings Time. I had to call my friend James in Las Vegas just to announce to him, "Time changed!" It's an inside joke between us. There are only 3 people privy to that joke and we haven't talked to the other one for quite a while. I have a lot of these inside jokes with most of my friends. I've heard many comments about these jokes and inside sayings. The best has to be by James's wife who said something like "it's weird how you guys can talk to each other and suddenly switch to a conversation you started years ago without missing a step."

So, yeah, I do have this almost "secret" language that only me and my friends can understand. Our lingo was born of pop culture references and personal "you-had-to-be-there" experiences. I wish I could write down where all our references come from and how we came up with the phrases that we repeat, ad nauseam, to each other. I wish there was a small Shermspeak-English guidebook I could sell to all of you to help you understand my slang. But I can't. The words come all too quickly to explain and some meanings have been lost in time. The language comes along with my friendship and there's no shortcut to learning it. Just hang out with me, it'll come, all will be explained and you can add to the lexicon.

fortune

2005-10-27T18:20:00.000-07:00

Your Fortune Is

Man who snatches kisses when young, kisses snatches when old.

The Wacky Fortune Cookie Generator

The weird thing is, this works for me.

I actually stole a kiss once. When I was a kid in the Philippines, I remember sitting around with a couple of new friends in the yard near my grandma's house. My aunt (dad's sister) yelled out from the house, "Halika na" (translation: come here, now). One of the boys in the group convinced me that she actually said "Halikan na" (translation: kiss, now). So, I went up to a girl and kissed her on the lips. Her response: she started crying. I drew a crowd of onlookers wondering how/why this girl was crying. I had to explain everything and, of course, the adults laughed out loud at my folly.

Sherman=Georgy Porgy

taylor

2005-10-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

So today, I went with my sister to see Ben Taylor. My sister, who has an uncanny ability to win things from radio stations, got a pass for her and a friend to see Ben Taylor at the Hard Rock Cafe. I had never heard any of his music, save one track from a CD that my friend, Mandi, gave me(Thanks Mandi!). I enjoyed that track so I thought I'd catch the show with my sister when she asked.

The show was great. He started the show acoustically because the theater above the Hard Rock had a show going on and he was asked to keep it down for the first part of his set. I have to say that he sounds a lot like his father, James Taylor. He admits it himself and even performed a song that speaks about it. After about 4 solo acoustic songs, the band joined him up on stage. Ben stayed on the acoustic guitar with his band except for the last band song when he switched to electric. After that Ben played two last songs alone to close out the set. The last two songs were the only ones I recognized. The first of the two Surround Me was the track Mandi sent me. The last song was a wonderful cover of Prince's, Nothing Compares 2 U.

The concert was very much a treat. I enjoyed seeing him and he was very friendly at the signing after his show. I definitely welcome him into my musical consciousness and look forward to hearing more from him.

substitute

2005-10-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

So again with the movie reviews...

I watched Elizabethtown last Friday and loved it. Not only because Cameron Crowe can make one hell of a soundtrack, but he seems to know how to write for me. Somehow, he seems to "write" women that I can instantly fall for. In the last three Crowe movies I saw (Almost Famous, Elizabethtown and Jerry Maguire), I fell for each of the leading ladies. Not because they are played by beautiful women, but because they each had this intangible quality about them that I wasn't able to place until this last movie. They all had faith in their importance in their man's life. In Elizabethtown, it seemed like Claire (Kirsten Dunst) had this uncanny sense that Drew (Orlando Bloom) needed her when his life was turning into a fiasco. Ditto for Renee Zellweger's character in Jerry Maguire. These women's ability to inspire and, in a sense, save the men they loved was what attracted me to them. Much like Penny Lane in Almost Famous,each of Crowe's women was a muse to her man. They knew they were needed and believed in their destiny to inspire.

Elizabethtown, introduced a concept that struck a chord in me. The concept was one of being someone's "substitute person." The way I understood it, a "substitute person" is a person that one can get caught up in to fill a momentary void in their life. Not the love of one's life, but a reasonable "substitute." I was this guy many times in life. I filled that need for companionship and intimacy for many women in my life. I was always the friend they could cuddle up with, that guy that would make them chicken soup when they were sick (happened once) or would fill their arms when they longed to feel someone close to them. Dunst's character, Claire, felt that way. She felt that she was always the substitute and never “the one.” I, Like Claire, am tired of being the substitute. I’m tired of being the one who always hears, “Why can’t my boyfriend be more like you?” or, “If I ever get a boyfriend, I hope he’s as nice and sweet as you.” I’m tired of it. I’m ready to be the person in the red hat that will show her a new plan, take her down a new path and draw a new map for her, whoever she may be.

The other great thing about this movie was the road trip. This movie made me yearn to take a road trip, drive around the country, and see what there is to see… just me, my map and a handful of mix-tapes. The road trip scenes in this movie were powerful. Set to an eclectic soundtrack of Claire’s design, Drew’s trip was moving and cathartic. It was the drive he’d always dreamed of and could never have imagined. I want to live that road trip. I want to drive.

So… needless to say I highly recommend this film. Some critics have said it’s wandering and slow. I think it’s thoughtful and pensive. Cameron Crowe gifted this hopeFUL romantic with this film.

spaghetti

2005-10-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

If you've read this blog in the last 3 entries you would think I was some sort of hack movie critic.

Well, I am, sort of. By putting them in my blog I am recommending these movies. I can't always explain in words what it is about these films that make them "must-sees"in my book but they are.

So, recently, the only thing I've done save going to work and hanging out at home is attending a spaghetti feed at the San Rafael Elks Club last Friday. It was fun and I did a little bit of serving and food running. I wasn't there to do so but I did. I ended up serving on the line a bit, running food from the kitchen to the line, and I also helped clear the dining room after the meal was over. They served over 100 people that day. I took some meatballs home and they became meatball sandwiches for dinner earlier this week. I don't know what it is about food events when I know the cook staff, I always end up helping in some way. I went to a wedding once of a friend I made at City College of San Francisco. He hired another student in our program who did some catering on the side to cater his wedding. Needless to say, I ended up helping that evening with the clean-up, even though I was invited as a guest.

At these events, when I am comfortable with the staff, I always end up doing something. I have always felt more comfortable serving and doing work than trying to socialize. I think that the helping out actually helps me to socialize better. I approach people easier and I am less afraid to make small talk when I am serving. Hosting has always been my social outlet. Even in college, a lot of the parties for my group of friends were held at my house. I always served food and the bar was always open. I had a full bar in my house. I bartended most of the time (I learned how from my friend James) but a few of my friends ended up learning to mix drinks, as well.

Next month is a roast chicken and tri-tip. Joe says I can help cook and serve again. I say, "Great!"

within

2005-10-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

Saw The War Within today. It was an intense film given current societal circumstances. The story is of a Pakistani suicide bomber named Hassan who's "cell" gets caught before they can carry out their plans. He goes to his friend, Sayeed's, house under the guise of interviewing for engineering jobs. As new plans are made to carry out their mission, Hassan's resolve begins to wane. Upon seeing his friend's life in America, a dilemma begins within Hassan. He sees the life that is possible for him in America and that the Pakistani living there have not become the greedy, evil people he has come to associate with the the U.S. We see his internal struggle between what he believes is the right thing to do and hurting the people he loves. All-in all the film was well made. The acting was amazing and the characters were fleshed out and three-dimensional. The War Within is thought-provoking and is highly recommended viewing.

klatu

2005-10-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

Klatu barada nikto!

So this evening I went to a San Francisco Film Society's annual event, Film in the Fog. Basically it's a classic film they show outside for free. This is the first year I went and I really didn't know what to expect. I had only gotten wind of the event two days before from a postcard my sister had picked up. This year's film was "The Day the Earth Stood Still." I had only heard about the movie through friends who were fans of classic films. I had gotten the impression that this picture was kind of a cult film. I had that impression in mind when I walked into this performance and was pleasantly surprised. When I think of a cult film, I get the feeling of "so bad it was funny." I was totally expecting a cheesy scifi flick and in actuality watched a genuinely great science fiction picture.

Yes, there were moments of laughter in the film, but those were more due to the age of the film and the changed values of our society in relation to the time of the film's release. Like when Klatu said " ...and we hire policemen to enforce them," in regard to the rules of society. The laughter was more elicited by our present day cynicism that policemen break the rules instead of truly just enforcing them. The Day the Earth Stood Still was a great tale of morality in a time when the Cold War was at it's height and nobody trusted "red" Russia. It was trying to send out a message of peace and unity before our own distrust and petty squabbling might destroy the Earth. I walked into this picture hoping to be entertained by cheesy special effects and over-the-top acting. Instead, I came out with a good feeling that I had watched a great film with a universal message that was ahead of its time.

were-rabbit

2005-09-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

Saw a free preview of Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit tonight. It was impeccable animation as usual from Aardman Studios. Wallace and Gromit movies were always reliable to me as funny and good entertainment. This movie didn't fail to deliver on that. The story was funny, as always, and the storytelling IMHO was tighter on this story than any other Wallace and Gromit movie I remember seeing. I always remember kind of feeling drowsy during some parts of previous W&G pictures and I was entirely captivated by this one. It was faster paced than previous films and the action was definitely non-stop. A few of the visual jokes were kind of risque but you'd have to be an adult to see that. Definitely good and safe entertainment for kids of all ages.

The bunnies were really cute, not in a sickeningly sweet way, but funny and clever. they definitely were outstanding as wry comedy relief in many different parts of the film. Ralph Fiennes does a hilarious turn voicing a pompous English gentleman, Victor Quartermaine. Helena Bonham Carter does a great job as the voice of Wallace's love interest, Lady Campanula Tottington.

All in all it was great entertainment and much fun to be had. I haven't laughed out loud in a theater like this in quite a while.

jump

2005-09-29T15:53:00.000-07:00

This is in addendum to my earlier post in August about the Jonny Moseley Ski Jump on San Francisco streets. It happened today at around 12:00 pm. Had I know about it I might have taken myself down there to check it out during lunch. it got moved to weekday from a weekend presumably so that there would be a smaller crowd. It's interesting to me in a different way. I've never skied before and I don't think a ski jump would be in my near future but it's interesting still from an engineering standpoint. How do you get that much snow to stay still on one of the hottest days that San Francisco has had this year? Further more it would have been cool to see skiers jump that thing if only for the photo opportunities. Imagine an action shot of a skier jumping up in the air framed by San Francisco houses on either side. I'll look for some online in the weeks to come but it would've been "trippy" ( to coin a Sixties phrase) to see it live.

luau

2005-09-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

After spending all yesterday prepping, I arrived at the Elks Club at 11am to an empty kitchen. Upon my second trip to the car to unload some groceries, Joe had come into the kitchen and was worried about dessert. His Haupia (coconut pudding), which he made the day before and put in the fridge had failed to set. We scrambled immediately to create another one. After that, we put the Pork Lau Lau (pork roasted in banana leaves) that we made yesterday in the oven and put the Chicken Long Rice (chicken with cellophane noodles) on the stove to reheat. Joe scrubbed and cut the sweet potatoes then placed them in the ovens to roast. I set out to make more wontons to add to the ones I made yesterday. We took the salmon out of the fridge, scaled them, filleted them and put them in the miso marinade.

As we neared appetizer time, I started to cut pineapples. I quartered each pineapple whole. I then cut a "U" into the wedge, cutting most of the meat out. I then cut each wedge of the pineapple meat into slices and placed then back in their respective "skins." I then alternately shifted each slice to the left or right, resulting in the design you see here.

After dealing with the pineapples, I proceeded to start on appetizers just as the first guests started to arrive. Two platters of wontons and maui onion rings were placed out (pictured). Joe made a simple dip for the onion rings using mayonnaise and ketchup. Joe also started to cut up the haupia and placing them onto plates for the dessert. Joe put me to the task of cutting up the mango to top our haupia. As more people showed-up, we finished the appetizer platters and cooked all the wontons and rings for service. After appetizers, there was some hula dancing to kill some time until dinner.
As we got closer to service, the salmon was trayed and placed in a preheated ovens to cook. The rest of the food, which were on warming trays, were placed in serving pans to place out on the service line(like the Chicken Long Rice on the left). After the salmon finished cooking, we placed them under the salmanders to color the tops and then moved them to service pans to place on the line. The servers got their instructions from Joe and I started to clean the kitchen a bit for the dessert stage. I was called out for a bow before dessert was served.

Back in the kitchen and onto dessert. The haupia (pictured), which was plated onto service plates with a square of banana leaf, were pulled out of the fridge. They were topped with chopped mango and some toasted coconut. The desserts were then taken out to the luau by the server on trays.

As the luau started to wind down, I went out to mingle a bit and meet the guests. I hung out for a bit with Joe's daughter and her friend. They had redubbed me "puffer fish" because of my puffy cheeks. As everything went back to the kitchen to be cleaned, Joe relieved me of my duties and gifted me some leftovers. He even gave me some of the marinated salmon that hadn't made it to the oven to take home.

As I packed up my stuff to head home, I was tired. But it was that good kind of tired. It's the kind of tired that I seem to get from a job well done in the kitchen. Kitchen work always gives a high and adrenaline rush that keeps me up for a while even with my aching bones. I should do this more often. Cooking can be stressful but it always makes me happy.

Aloha everyone!

gabriella

2005-09-23T23:47:00.000-07:00

I hung out tonight with my boss, Joe, and his family. We were doing some pre-planning for the luau the Elks are going to throw on Sunday. We mostly did some surveying of the kitchen we were going to work in as well as some planning about what needed to get done tomorrow and the day of the event. We also did a test run of some of our recipes. All in all pretty laid back and quiet. Gabriella, his 5 year old daughter, was there and was good enough to keep herself entertained most of the time, even after her mom had left to go home to do some work. I went to Amici's and picked up a pizza for dinner. It was a good pizza but the best part was the dressing for the Caesar salad. It was made fresh and quite tasty, with just the hint of anchovy that all good Caesar dressings have. The entire time Gabriella and I spoke about a ton of things, her love of parmesan cheese on her pizza, what she wants to dress up as for Halloween (Snow White) and what the big red and yellow swirly thing was on the TV(Hurricane Rita). She's quite talkative and intelligent for her age.

After we were done at the Elks Club and cleaned up. Gabriella didn't want to go home quite yet. So, when asked what she wanted to do, she said she wanted to head to San Rafael Joe's for dessert and to listen to her favorite musical performer, Tommy Rocks. Tommy recognized Gabriella and greeted her mid-song as soon as she came into sight. He then proceeded to take a break so that he could talk to Gabriella and have a drink. After giving Gabriella a big hug, he sat at our table to talk to her and her father for a bit. We ordered dessert and sat around to wait for Tommy to start again. He hadn't learned Green Day's "American Idiot" yet so Gabriella asked for "'Brown Eyed Girl,' please." Tommy started in and Gabriella climbed into her father's lap to listen. As she sat on Joe's lap, he placed his arm across her. She hugged her father's arm and lay her head against his upper arm. They whispered to each other in the way parents and children do and worked out a three-song set agreement. After the first song, Tommy went into "Yellow Bird", a song that Gabriella learned from her grandfather and apparently taught him. Gabriella sang the entire song right along with Tommy.

With the third song, the Beatle's "Blackbird," (we started an avian theme) coming to a close. Gabriella's eyes looked to be growing heavy. As I watched her lay in her father's arms, I thought about what I might be like as a father. Whether I would have those moments that with my own child. I wonder if Joe realizes and cherishes moments like those that other people see and smile at, if not envy a little.

As the last song ended, Gabriella, waved goodbye to her friend and we walked out to our cars. Gabriella asked for my hand to walk her out and when we got outside I lifted her up on my shoulders and carried her to the car. After a hug and waving goodbye I smiled a bit because it felt great that Gabriella enjoys spending time with her Uncle Sherman.

hooligans

2005-09-22T23:17:00.000-07:00

Saw Green Street Hooligans tonight. It was a great film. Very violent. It's about an American, Matt (Elijah Wood), who gets drawn into a "firm"(akin to a gang) of soccer hooligans by his sister's brother-in-law, Pete(Charlie Hunnam). He learns about loyalty, knowing when to stand ground or when to walk away and a little about football (soccer to us "Yanks"). The film's fast pace draws you into a fight in the very first minutes and the story runs quickly from then on. I'd say the breakout star was Charlie Hunnam who plays Pete, the leader of the Green Street Elite. Pete is very charismatic and as the "firm's" natural leader he shines. He doesn't glorify the violence and brutality of hooliganism he seems to merely "live" it in a frank manner.

Great movie. Great acting. Highly recommended.

scab

2005-09-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

A strike started today at the hospital I work in. I don't know all the details of why the SEIU Local 250 are striking, but they are. It was 6:00 in the morning when I came in to work and they were out in full force. As I was trying to enter the hospital, the strikers rushed the parking lot shuttle bus and some security had to push their way through the crowd to open a a path to the door. Quite possibly the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me at 6:00 in the morning.

Even as I sit here during the portion of my day that I do administrative work, I can hear them through my open window chanting and screaming into their megaphones. I have had friends who were adamant about not crossing picket lines. I've never had a problem with the concept and I didn't have a problem with it this morning. Even amid the yelling and the megaphones in my ear screaming "SCAB!" at me (though I've worked at the hospital for two and a half years now), I still crossed. I agree with their right to strike and that, if they believe they're being unjustly treated, they should strike. But the thing is, I have to go to work. I can't spare time off without pay. I understand that that this is the sacrifice that the strikers are making but, I can't. Bills to pay and debts to pare down are my reasons to stay. Good Luck to you strikers. It'll be tougher days because you aren't here.

help

2005-09-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

Lately, as we all have, I've been inundated with scenes of destruction and devastation from Hurricane Katrina's aftermath. I have really been at a loss as how to help out myself. I really have no money to give. So I think I'll give blood. I've done it before and there's no reason I shouldn't again. In times of crisis, like this, is when our blood banks really need the help to keep the supply from dwindling. So, I urge all of you, if you are unable to contribute money, take some time to give blood. It's free and all it takes is a bit of your time and a little pain. Isn't your fellow man worth at least that?

FYI:
If you like to eat out and want to help, Share Our Strength is holding an event on September 27, 2005. Restaurants for Relief is a nationwide promotion of restaurants that will donate a portion of dinner sales on September 27 to Share Our Strength's Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.

karaoke

2005-09-09T22:53:00.000-07:00

So tonight, I went to an event held by Alice 97.3, a local Radio station here in the bay area. It was their morning show's annual karaoke party. The party was held at Ruby Skye, a popular club in the City. When you show up for the party, if you so choose, you can sign up in a "lottery" to sing karaoke. If' your name gets picked, you get up on stage and sing and dance your heart out. The show is staged ala "The Gong Show." Everyone gets a minute to perform. If you're good, or the karaoke operator isn't paying attention, you can get way more than that. If you last your entire minute without getting gonged (yes they have a gong), your performance gets rated on a scale of one through ten by the three judges. There's a $1000 first prize for the act that gets the highest combined score. So, needless to say, there were lots of gongs and some great acts.

The stand-out act was actually a duet that called themselves "Vanilla Thunder." Picture a pasty white male, say late 30's, head shaved bald, wearing large sunglasses, tight jeans and a pink half-shirt dancing frantically with a cute, waify, freckled redhead and belting out the tune Love Shack by the B-52's. The guy actually did a great impersonation of Fred Schneider's singing but the girl was just off tune. The thing that actually sold that act was the poppiness of the song and the guy's off-beat dancing. As No-Name, one of the morning show DJ's/co-emcee, said, that was the first time we'd seen "the chicken dance" combined with "the running man." I only wish I had brought my camera.

The two top acts of the night were Lucas and the winner ?Tiffany? (actually, I forgot her name, I'll have to check the website on Monday to re-clarify). Lucas did a soulful rendition of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On." It was IMHO better than ?Tiffany's? overly diva'ed version of Whitney Houston's "I'm Every Woman." I preferred Lucas' performance over ?Tiffany's?. I've never been a big fan of the big flourishes and the elongated high notes, but, she did them well and sang the song well. I've just more of a fan of the soulful and simple singing that Lucas did. My 2 cents.

Anyway it was mad fun and I screamed my head off cheering at the performances or yelling for the gong. Next year, I think I'll actually sign up....

home

2005-09-05T23:55:00.000-07:00

Came back from a long weekend in Los Angeles. My friend, Trung, and I did a bit of a food thing in the "City of Angels"(mostly on my insistance). I'll be retro-posting the trip in a few days complete with pics and stuff.

Visiting Los Angeles was fun. The drive was a great time to clear my head. We headed out in late in the night on Friday to try and get there with as little traffic as possible and get in as early as possible. Came back yesterday evening and had dinner before I headed back up to Daly City.

Being out on the road is great, but it's nice to sleep in my own bed.

hollywood

2005-09-03T23:48:00.000-07:00

Met up with Dorothy and Brett. I've known Dorothy since we were in junior high school together. I didn't really get to know her until about junior year of high school but we've been good friends since. She's been living in Los Angeles and promised to show Trung and me around Hollywood.We went to Pink's for lunch. Pink's is a hot dog stand. But much more than that, it has transcended into a Los Angeles institution. It's world famous as a Los Angeles landmark and for their chili dogs. So I had 2 chili cheese dogs and a peach Nehi. Trung had a Harry Potter Dog (Polish sausage, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, bacon and nacho cheese), an Ozzy Osbourne Dog (spicy Polish sausage, nacho cheese, american cheese, grilled onions, guacamole and chopped tomatoes) and a Coke. Brett and Dorothy ate a coleslaw dog, a Mulholland Drive Dog (10" stretch dog, grilled onions and mushrooms, bacon and nacho cheese), a Pastrami Reuben Dog (pastrami, mustard, sauerkraut and swiss cheese) and a peach Nehi. They also split some fries and a side of chili.

They then took us around Hollywood. First, we parked at Hollywood & Highland Center which is free as long as we bought something in the mall. We walked to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre to look at the stars’ foot and hand prints. We took a few pictures there. We then walked across to check out the some of the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and to take more pics of the theatre. We then walked down the street to check out the lesser known Grauman’s Egyptian Theater. As we walked down the street, I stopped every so often to take more pics of the stars on the ground. We headed down the street to check out a movie poster place that Brett and Dorothy like to visit. We headed back down the street on the opposite side to check out the stars on that side. We stopped at a costume shop just to look around a bit before we headed back to the mall for our car.

After the trip around Hollywood, we headed up to Hollyhock House. It’s really close to where Dorothy lives and offers a fantastic view of the Hollywood sign. It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and was being restored when we went up to it. After Hollyhock, Trung and me dropped off Dorothy and Brett at her apartment and headed to our hotel in Manhattan Beach. After we checked in and went upstairs to take showers and freshen up, we went out for dinner. Trung took me to Irvine so we could catch some dinner. We ended up going to see Bob Saget at the Improv instead and just ate dinner there.

south

2005-09-03T23:28:00.000-07:00

Headed south today on a road trip to Los Angeles. Met up with my friend Trung in San Jose, loaded my stuff into the rental car (Taurus), programmed the navigation system (it came in very handy on this mapless trip) and drove out at 12:30ish in the AM. Night driving is fun. Trung drove first and we switched places just before we got off the CA-152 to I-5. Interstate 5, for those that don't know, is a long, straight, boring freeway that runs smack dab north-south down the center of California from Mexico to Oregon. It's a pretty uneventful drive except for the ginormous Harris' Ranch that left me trying to hold my breath for a good 15 miles. Harris' large cow farm edges the interstate for a good couple of miles but can be smelt from miles away.

Pretty uneventful trip down, Trung slept most of the way after I took over driving. At a gas station before the ascent up the mountains that open up to the valley where Los Angeles sleeps, I change our navigational system's destination. It was aimed at our hotel in Manhattan Beach most of the trip but I switched it to Randy's Donuts which was to be the first stop in the "foodie" part of our trip. ( Not really a "Foodie" trip per se, but, we visited some of the more famous, "quirky" eating destinations in LA)

You've probably never heard of Randy's Donuts. It's actually not much of a place to quell your donut cravings. The donuts themselves were quite average at best and the coffee I got in their souvenir commuter mug was little more than flavored water. But it is famous for one thing... The gigantic donut-shaped sign on top of the building that proclaims its wares. See to the left, a picture of Trung enjoying an "apple crepe" beneath the sign (note the commuter mug on the car trunk near the bottom right corner). Being 7:00 in the morning, we weren't able to contact my friend Dorothy who promised us a lunch at a famous LA joint and a tour of Hollywood. We headed to a Rite Aid to pick up a few things we forgot to pack and found an IHOP to enjoy a sit-down breakfast. We also stopped at nearby LAX to officially add me to the driver list of the rental car.

After the trip to the airport, it was still too early to call my friend, so, we decided to consult our navigation system for a destination nearby to kill an hour or two. Venice Beach was on the list so we entered it in and drove on over. Now 9:00 in the morning is not the time to come to Venice Beach. The place had people milling about but most of Venice was still asleep and most of the merchants were just starting to set up their shops. It was still quite overcast at the beach that morning but the palm trees gave hint of the sun and fun that this place was noted for.

At 10:30ish we gave Dorothy a call and she promptly gave us her address to get to her apartment to pick up her and her boyfriend, Brett. We were inputting the address into the nav. system and it crashed on us. After a few tries at restarting the console and starting and restarting the car I called tech support and Trung got his lap top out of his car. Tech support finally told us that the system's harddrive probably crashed and we'd either have to drive without it or exchange the car for one with a working system. We chose to exchange the car and that led to an hour of checking the car back into LAX, grabbing all our stuff, getting a new rental, a Ford Five Hundred (yeah, never heard of it before either) and then off to pick-up Dorothy and Brett.

To be continued....

Wicked

2005-09-01T23:28:00.000-07:00

I saw Wicked the musical today. I haven't enjoyed a theater production this much since I saw The Scarlet Pimpernel in New York a few years ago. The musical, based on a novel by Gregory Maguire, is the story of Elphaba and the circumstances that lead to her becomng the Wicked Witch of the West.

The singing was spectacular in this play. I loved all the songs. The actress playing Glinda had great comic timing. Her rendition of "Popular" was well done and very funny. She even kept her composure in one scene where she was having trouble standing up from being seated on the ground in a large ball gown. The audience cheered and laughed in appreciation of the little "blooper." I'd have to say my favorite songs of the night were "As Long as You're Mine" and "For Good." Both songs almost had me to tears, especially "For Good" when Glinda and Elphaba were finally realizing how much they'd changed each other's lives and were saying goodbye. I was truly choked up at that moment.

Highly recommended to everyone. Have to head to Best Buy tomorrow, after work, to find the album. Got a roadtrip coming up tomorrow and I just may have a CD to listen to in the car.

Best lyrics of the night, IMHO, from "As Long as You're Mine":
"Kiss me too fiercely
Hold me too tight
I need help believing
You're with me tonight
My wildest dreamings
Could not foresee
Lying beside you
With you wanting me"

All I can say is..... ::RAWR::

6th floor

2005-08-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

This is the view from the 6th floor where I work. You can kind of make out the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. I took it with my camera phone so it is a bit blurry. I should take my phone out and take pics for a tour of SF.

ice cream

2005-08-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

I've had the strongest craving for cheese and corn ice cream. I remember having this concoction in the Philippines when I was a kid. There's something about the saltiness of cheddar cheese (I assume it was cheddar) contrasted with the sweetness of corn that made for good eating. It may sound like a strange combination but it really was tasty. It's probably the fact that it's warm here in San Francisco that is making me have this craving. I guess I should go to a Philippine market to see if it tastes as good to me as I remember.

jump

2005-08-25T16:20:00.000-07:00

So, one of the big stories here in San Francisco is the fact that they wanted to put a ski jump on Fillmore Street. Yes, you heard me, they wanted to place a ski jump on a street in a major metropolitan city. Presumably because of San Francisco's notoriously cool summer days, Jonny Moseley and friends wanted to dump over 200 tons of snow onto a steep hill in San Francisco and erect a ski jump. They were going to have a competition and have it filmed by MTV. They had procured the proper permits to stage the event and was set to ski in San Francisco this Saturday. Today, they announced that the event was postponed until further notice. Mayor Gavin Newsom said due to the fact that there has been too much publicity and there are fears of crowd control problems.

I'm kind of disappointed. I was actually thinking about going to see it. It sounds like a great idea. Use the streets of San Francisco for something other than wearing out my truck's brakes. I'll probably have to wait for it to come around again. It would've been cool to see snowboarders and skiers jumping the city streets.

I posted some pictures below one is a conceptual picture of what the jump and the event might look like. The other is a picture of the street as it is.

A view from the top of Fillmore Street.

A Photoshopped pic of what the jump would've looked like.

Listening

2005-08-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

Ari Hest -Someone to Tell
Today I was listening to Ari Hest on my way home from work. Highly recommended for anyone that likes the singer-songwriter genre. I love all of the songs, especially, "They're On To Me" and "Anne Marie." I've always wondered about songs named after a person. I wonder, sometimes, if they're actually people that the artist knew or just stories where the name happened to rhyme . I've always wanted to make a mix CD with all songs with names as titles, like Elvis Costello's, "Alison;" Sponge's, "Molly" and the aforementioned "Anne Marie." Just a thought...

John Doe

2005-08-22T21:50:00.000-07:00

So, I work in a hospital. Many of you may not know that, but I do. I have two positions in that hospital. I do clerical work for the EEG (ElectroEncephaloGram) Lab but I am primarily an equipment tech for the Respiratory Department. So, today, through the printer comes a "stat" inpatient order for an EEG for a "John Doe." We've gotten these orders before but rarely do they have no real name. One of the techs wondered why we name unknown people or anonymize people using the name John Doe. I did some Google-ing and found a page that answered my question. Just a little piece of history and trivia for you.

Luau

2005-08-21T00:06:00.000-07:00

A friend, actually my boss, just offered me a chance to work in a professional kitchen again. His wife is an Elk. He's helping the Elks out by putting together a Luau for a fundraiser. He's asked me to join his kitchen just to help out. It's been quite a while since I worked in a professional kitchen. I do miss the work. I've always liked the process of taking raw ingredients, putting them together , throwing in a little fire and some spice and out comes a dish that is an amalgam of all its parts but also so much more. The Luau won't be happening for another month but I'm excited about the prospect.

Now I'm hungry...

More driving

2005-08-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

As I was coming into work today at 5:30 (my shift starts at 6:00AM), the streets of San Francisco were still in night mode. The streetlights shone on the streets and cars were whizzing by, their headlights piercing their dark surroundings. There are lots of cars driving with me towards the City, dozens of little red lights in the highway ahead of me. I wonder what all these people are doing up? I know most people don't head to work until about 8:00. I know the circumstances that bring me to this place at this time of night. But what are their circumstances? What compels them to be driving with me as I rush to work? My silent companions and I all speed down the road towards our various destinations. We are each aware of the cars that flow along the road but also just as unaware of the many stories and twists of fate being played out in the surrounding darkness.

I still think I get up at an ungodly hour. I know that my circumstance compels me to be at the hospital at such an early time. But it still amazes me that all these people are up and about as early as I am. It also amazes me that even more people will be up soon and rushing towards the myriad of places they need to go. It's kind of lonely somehow to feel lost in all that rush. And yet, not so lonely, to be moving along with countless others, all finding our little places in the world.

Driving

2005-08-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

I was driving from San Jose to get home to Daly City (that's the next city south of San Francisco for those unfamiliar with the Bay Area) . I had just visited with my friend Trung who lives down there in San Jose. He helped me burn some DVDs for a couple of friends after which we proceeded to have dinner, which we ALWAYS do. I've known Trung for almost 10 years now. It's funny that we had to meet at UNLV when we lived just a short drive from each other. We'd always had our best times over food or drink so I guess that's why we always meet with the intent to dine. We even took a class at UNLV together where we learned to manage the kitchen of a restaurant. We cooked many dinners in that class and bonded over the stoves and grills of that kitchen. I even took a wine tasting course with him. Like I said, our best times always involved food or drink.

But I was actually talkng about the drive...

The drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on whether you drive like a bat out of hell or MST ( Mother Standard Time= the average time it takes our mother to drive somewhere because we assume she follows all speed laws). Yahoo! Maps says 58 minutes. I love long drives. I love long drives alone, with one other person or with a group of people. I think you really get to know a lot about yourself on long drives. If you're traveling with others, I think a long drive is the great way to get to know them. But tonight, I was alone. With my thoughts. And a radio. This is my favorite kind of driving. You can choose to ignore your thoughts and let yourself get caught up in the music. But, for me at least, that never works out. I get caught up in the music and the words (cause I'm a lyrics guy). Then, the mind starts to wonder (and wander) and get lost in my own thoughts. Mostly about the future. What I want to do with my life, finding love down the road, and even my own mortality (sometimes). I don't know if I ever really learn what it is I am searching for in these drives. I only know they fill my head with thoughts and let me mull over things. The drive becomes a time to let my mind breathe and relax. A time to let some thoughts go and to dwell on the some I've pushed to the back of my head.

My friend, James, from Las Vegas had dropped an interesting proposal that I was sorry to turn down. He offered me a road trip to visit our scattered friends all over the country. After I made it down to LV, it was to be a straight drive (one of those I sleep while he drives and vice versa things) to Savannah, GA to visit his family and some friends. Then, to Atlanta to visit some friends. Up to Rochester, NY to visit with more friends. A stop in Hartford, CT to visit with my oldest and dearest friend, Tim. Down to Indianapolis, IN to visit with my cousin. Then, straight back to Las Vegas and finally home to SF for me. He knows I become more centered after long drives and knew I needed the break. I had the PTO to make the trip but, the one thing I needed were the funds. Even staying with friends (which would save us lodging), we'd still have to gas the car, feed ourselves and pay for various other sundries along the way. Even with as much as I need the break and the vacation, it was still a no go for me. I'll just have to wait it out, save up my nickels and dimes and maybe next year...

A drive would've been nice though...

celebrity

2005-08-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I'm always slightly star-struck when I meet celebrities. I'm always amazed by this reaction of mine. I really should be used to meeting rock stars and such by now. I cooked at the Fillmore and met a great deal of them when they came through the dinner line. I also have a sister that has a knack for winning stuff on the radio and always takes me to these private performances and meet-and-greets. Recently, My sister and I went to an "Alice Lounge." It's basically a local radio station's private performance series to promote artists they play. This particular afternoon it was Anna Nalick. She was supposed open for Howie Day, but, one of his crew came down with a medical emergency and he couldn't make it. Nevertheless, she was just a singer. But something about having heard her music before on the radio and having seen her on TV made her other-worldly to me. I got her to sign my CD cover and took a pic on my camera phone (and my friends told me I'd never use it). She seemed real down to earth and was very personable, but still that aura of fame was around her. I just couldn't shake it. Star-struck I was. Again.

Like I said, I REALLY should be used to this by now.

Sherman's Head

2005-08-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome!

Finally got myself a blog. I've always been one of those types that would love to write down my thoughts but have never had the nerve or the drive to actually start. Well, regard this as my start...

Sherman's Head is a take-off on the title of an old Fox sitcom, "Herman's Head") Not to say that I hang out in an office all day with the voice of Lisa Simpson and Ross's lesbian ex-wife. Also not saying, that my head has 4 people living in it. Believe me, the one voice is bad enough as it is. Four would just drive me crazy. This is meant to be a collection of my thoughts, opinions and rhetoric. So, read on and I may post a nugget of brilliance in here someday.