Trip To San Francisco

Fisherman's Wharf Chowder Stand

Pier 39 Fisherman's Wharf

The original Boudin Bakery

Giant Christmas Tree on the Embarcadero

Haight Ashbury

Park at one end of Haight Street

Enjoying Fall, and all its' glory

There is nothing quite like coming up north for Thanksgiving weekend. The air is cool, layers are a must, the gathering of friends and family, rich smells of turkey and pumpkin pie wafting through the air...It doesn't get much better.

After a full day of feasting, my best friend Pansy and I, decided to head up to San Francisco for the day. We got a late start, but managed to find ourselves at Haight Ashbury around 1pm. Grabbing a much needed soy latte, we moved our way through thrift stores and hippie hangouts, leaving with heavier bags and lighter wallets. At a rather expensive thrift, I came to a fork in my previously straight shopping road.

This amazing vintage jacket with a 70's pattern, literally screamed my name, whilst hanging from the tattered paint peeled walls. I grabbed and donned the gem, which I knew would soon be keeping me warm from those chilly San Diego nights. After doing the full spin, left and right, it was a fit. I took it off and checked the final deciding factor: price. "$45!!" Arrgg really? Another thrift store find that undoubtably was picked up by the owner of this store for $5 at the local goodwill, wants to now charge me $45, not including the atrocious SF tax??? Pansy convinced me to leave and think about it for a little. She assured me that if the jacket was here when I came back, then it was meant to be. Ok you little Burmese, I'll follow your words of wisdom. After strategically placing the jacket behind the least likely place for anyone to look for clothing (which happened to be behind the 70's overalls. Yes, the unsightly full-length ones) I took a step back and walked back outside.

We ventured on down haight street, running into random homeless people and snapping photos, which no doubt made me stick out even more as a tourist. We had 30 minutes left, and decided to spend them in yet another overpriced thrift store where everything was dangerously cute. Deciding on a new shopping strategy, I pressed to the back of the store in search of the sale racks. The scraping of metal hangers filled the room, as people all around raced to find their buried treasure. I mindlessly followed suit, until hello, something suddenly caught my eye. It was a dark grey peacoat, about knee-length, with pockets, and buttons on either side. Hmmm, cute... Skeptical, I turned my eyes away from it's physical attraction and hoped to learn it would equally as desirable to my wallet. There it was. $25. My excitement was barely contained as I struggled it loose from the hanger and tried it on. The fit was even better than the last. After doing a full spin and a mini jump in the air complete with jazz hands, I looked at Panz and gave her a smile. Although the jacket was much plainer than the last, it had so much more to offer. Comfort, durability, beauty, and affordable. A success.

After a long day of shopping we headed to the Warf to meet up with Mikee. Walking down the embarcadero we came across Boudin Bistro, where we shared some laughs over chowder and beer. As we walked back to Market and Embarcadero, we were surprised to discover the many different tactics homeless people have invented in order to make money. There were, of course, the silver robot men, who apparently get pretty pissed if you take photos without putting change in their little cup. They are robots you know, they only function with change...The next was a father and son duo dancing to Michael Jackson songs with a pop and lock routine. ehhhh...But by far the best, was the man hiding by the trash can holding two large branches full of leaves. At first glance you would never think someone was sitting behind those leaves if it weren't for the tip jar next to him. When an unsuspecting pedestrian is about to walk by, the bush man reveals himself from his forest dwelling, scaring the crap out of the unfortunate passerby. After falling for the trick ourselves, we felt the need to stay for a few minutes and watch his act from the other side. Pure entertainment to say the least.

Finally drained from the day, we took the BART back to Daly City, and drove back to San Jose. By far, one of the best days of the year. So great to get away, even if for only a moment.

Mars Volta at Soma

Andrew Bird

Does the delicate chirping sound of the morning sparrow excite you? Do you jump for joy at the whistling sound of the tea kettle? If you answered yes to either or both of these questions, then Andrew Bird (aptly named) would have clearly seduced you at the captivating evening this past Sunday night at Soma. 

The show was a definite break away from the usual rowdy, under-age crowd that tends to flock to this unassuming venue. Even the bouncer's were complaining about the "interesting music" of the night, and that they doubted there would be anyone creating a ruckus...alas the mind of a bouncer is a complex one. But nonetheless, Andrew Bird proved to be a show unlike many.

From the moment he stepped on stage, he commanded the audiences' attention. He has a sort-of mystery about him that makes you wonder how he became such a master at whisting, and how he thought of a way to incorporate it with violin. It's a new technique, but intriguing quite the same. His songs have a hypnotizing effect, convincing the audience to sway side to side. 

His unique sound is difficult to put into just any genre of music. Bird put it perfectly when he said, "We kinda fit in that melodramatic but mildly inspiring category." Inspiring indeed when watching the innovative way he plays the violin, such as utilizing his fingers performing the pizzicato method. A master of looping, Bird records sounds (or whistling), and by continuously playing them over one another, creates beats. He does this throughout the show, giving you the feel that you are in the studio with him recording his album. Yes, it sounds that good!

The stage was littered with what looked like musical relics from the 1950s such as Leslie speakers and two gramophones. 

By the end of the show you feel as if you've been walking down a long narrow path near a babbling brook on a warm spring day; pretty relaxed and a bit tired. Bird proved to be a very talented musician with a distinctive style, but also a tad repetitive. Did I mention he whistles? 

Adele

One of the great new artists to hit the scene has to be Adele from London, England. Her soulful voice has massive depth and range, putting her at the forefront of musical talent for her age group. This 20 year old has only really been in the media's eye for 2 years and already has snagged two Grammy's. Definitely an act to catch if you find yourself in the path of her current U.S. tour. 

Dirty Sweet

Dirty Sweet was possibly the best act to hit Anthology in the past year. The local San Diego band brought their unique southern-style rock to the venue along with a huge cult following.