"I drank myself single again"

Last night, my colleague Andrei F. invited me out to go and listen to some Bluegrass. We went to listen to The Mighty Crows out at a bar called The Riptide, way out at the self-proclaimed "end of the Western World" at 46th and Taraval. Those of you who are familiar with San Francisco geography know that Ocean Beach is a mere two blocks from this bar.

A theme you all might have picked up on is my love of Bluegrass music. Some of you may wonder how a Chinese-American like me would love this classically American (Appalachian/Southern more like it) type of music. But last night, I was witness to something even more mind-blowing. During the last set, the five guys of the band (three of then rotund sweaty white guys) invited up this young Asian-American girl to play the fiddle with them. Stop and picture what I'm describing. Five middle-aged white guys playing along with this Asian girl who is blowing the crowd away with her ability to play Bluegrass fiddle. It was a sight to behold.

Another highlight for the evening was when the band sang and played a song that had the tag line, which was suggested by a bar patron, "I drank my self single again". I mean, if that title isn't made for Bluegrass or country, then what is? If the Mighty Crows ever record that song, and it's good enough that they might, I will claim to have been there the night it was premiered at the Riptide in San Francisco.

The West Wing

Back in Febraury, I decided to start watching the entire series of The West Wing, which ended its run just last May. Just this morning, I finally finished all seven seasons. It has been quite a journey with C.J. and the gang. What I found to be most interesting for me is the change in my attitude towards some of the main characters. At the start, I was a big fan of Josh but came to really find him abrasive and annoying. The reverse happened with Toby as I grew to really love the character and find him the most authentic. By far, the character I found most endearing was the Republican Associate White House Counsel from seasons 2 and 3, Ainsley. There was not nearly enough screentime for her.

Other factoids. This series finally allowed me to get over my dislike of the actress Teri Polo. For some reason, she always bugged me, but her portayal of First Lady Elect, Helen Santos made me a fan. After having watched some 140 or so episodes each clocked at 42 minutes, I began to have biorhythms set to where I was able to need to go to the bathroom right around the end of an episode. I appreciate the writers not ending the series with a big sentimental episode the would have generated tears. However, I do get a bit misty-eyed at the prospect of not having the Bartlet gang to hang with for an hour or two every day.

It's onward I guess, and I have started in on the series, Six Feet Under. Fisher family, here I come.

Thank God I've Been Preparing For This Moment

This morning, I got a call from my friends David C. and Thom B. in Florida asking me whether or not I had seen footage of the collapsed freeway that occurred in the the East Bay. I quickly jumped onto my computer and looked at the pictures and from the descriptions, it appeared that they weren't kidding. Then, I concluded that the collapsed freeway is the the overpass I drive over on my way to work. I have been driving on that stretch of freeway pictured above for the past decade, and well, it is no longer.

Somehow, I have was precient this year to start using my bike and BART to get to and from work. Over the past three months, I have started driving only once a week. I drive to work with my bike in the car on Monday and then bike and use BART until Thursday evening when I drive my car back across the bay to San Francisco.

Tomorrow morning will be the first weekday commute with the new traffic patterns. Usually I'm on the road and over the bridge by 7AM. I am going to leave an hour earlier tomorrow.