Napping with the Cat

V-e-t

2009-01-20T15:53:00.001-08:00

Jeffrey doesn't like going to the doctor.
Posted via Pixelpipe.

2009-01-16T16:53:00.001-08:00

Posted via Pixelpipe.

The Handsome Boy

2009-01-16T16:36:00.001-08:00

Jeffrey... is THE handsome boy.

Posted via Pixelpipe.

2008-12-06T18:26:00.001-08:00

Shoppng at a Chinese grocery store.
Posted via Pixelpipe.

2008-12-06T17:02:00.001-08:00

More shopping.
Posted via Pixelpipe.

2008-12-06T15:48:00.001-08:00

Lunch.

Posted via Pixelpipe.

2008-12-02T17:20:00.001-08:00

Rules are for humans.
Posted via Pixelpipe.

Cup o' the Day

2008-09-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Spencer Alley

2008-07-13T13:09:00.001-07:00

The only decent part.

Afternoon Snacky

2008-07-10T19:32:00.001-07:00

On 15th between Church and Dolores about 5:45 this afternoon.

Did you?

2006-11-07T17:09:00.000-08:00

All the More Reason

2006-10-31T23:26:00.000-08:00

Listening to the distant music and not-so-distant helicopters tonight was annoying enough, but, it looks like Halloween has turned violent in the Castro.

Too many people in too small a space. Given that it's mostly the bridge and tunnel crowd who's surprised?

And what was with that civil defense siren just after 11:00 tonight? Yeah, I heard it at noon today, but that's when we should.

I even need coffee beans from Peet's, but I refuse to get in the mess for any reason tonight. Yes, even coffee beans. (I'll have to use some of my emergency stash for tomorrow morning.)

Noise, violence, bridge and tunnel. All the more reason to end this mishigas.

iTrash

2006-09-04T01:35:00.000-07:00

Need an iMac? Try looking in Golden Gate Park near the polo field.

What would Clyde Tombaugh think?

2006-08-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

Looks like we have outsourced a planet. What would Clyde Tombaugh think? Hell, what would Walt Disney think?

Maybe the good news is that Pluto will now orbit the sun in only 5% of the time it used to.

50,000 Meters

2006-08-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

I just got back from the ~~Lycra® fetish festival~~ bike ride. I rode the 50km route of the 2006 Marin Century. It was really cool. The weather was great... not too hot, not too cold, no fog. Ok, ok. That's the short route but, hey... I'm still new to these events. But, with the Lycra in full display I won't be a stranger. Only two more weeks until the Tour of Napa Valley!

Tour de Somewhere

2006-08-04T00:50:00.000-07:00

Upcoming rides...

Critically Massive

2006-07-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was off to return two DVD's to a store in The Castro. I ended up in the middle of Critical Mass once I reached Castro Street. Fortunately, I was on the bike and not in the Jeep. When I was done in the store it was still going by. So, I joined in.

This was completely unplanned, and I would have never thought I would be part of such. But, it was fun.

Don, be careful what you joke about.

So what else is this bike going to get me into?

But, do they have WiFi?

2006-06-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

Every time I pass this place on 16th Street
on the way to BART I think of software.

Happy Birthday David

2006-06-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

Today is David's birthday. Jeffrey and I baked him a cake!
We love you and we miss you!

No-Win Situation

2006-06-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

Ever get that feeling that no matter what you do... you just can't win?

Sweetie!

2006-05-11T14:25:00.000-07:00

I went by Milford's place today to visit with Lucy. What a sweetheart!

She wasn't expecting me today! After her potty break we played for a bit. She gets very excited when she has company. So much she got herself all worn out!

I didn't see Hattie. I'm sure she was snoozing somewhere like all kitties do. A lot.

The Handsome Birthday Boy

2006-03-29T23:37:00.000-08:00

Today was Jeffy's birthday! The Handsome Birthday Boy turned 12. His Nana sent him a birthday gift box we have been saving until today. He's been sniffing around wondering what was in it. But, we couldn't open until his birthday. Nanas are like Santa Claus. They know when kitties have been naughty or nice.

His favorite part was the fishy snacks! Those are Mrs. Wiggles' favorites, too. Mrs. Wiggles is Nana's ferret who lives with her in Connecticut where they have been snuggling through a cold winter.

Jeffrey spent most of his birthday relaxing, snoozing, and taking a long nap! You know... just like every day.

Windy & Rainy

2006-02-27T01:25:00.000-08:00

I was out and about Sunday. The rain started as predicted. So far the wind hasn't been all that bad. I like the rain. Sometimes.

Salmon. It's the new beefy.

2006-02-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

As you may recall, beefy is Jeffrey's favorite. Well, as cats do, he seems to have changed his mind. Now it's Pacific Salmon. I'm glad he has changed his mind (at least for now) since this is one of the senior diet formulas.

Jeffrey will be 11 on March 29, so it's important that we watch his health as an older kitty.

New Macs Are Far Off

2006-01-25T10:31:00.000-08:00

Those who are excited about the new Macs should take a look at these widgets.

Not everyone is all comfy at home surfing the internet and tinkering with their home computer. All those wonderful things are far off for some Americans.

Until You Need Them

2006-01-24T22:04:00.000-08:00

Looks like the current U.S. administration has sided with Iran and other repressive regimes from around the world to deny two LGBT groups membership in the U.N. Economic and Social Council.

You remember... Iran. The axis of evil. Our president is now joining them in opposing equal rights for LGBT people around the world.

Iran... they're evil. Until you need them to further your own bigotry.

Here's a tip...

2006-01-02T22:04:00.000-08:00

Tonight I ordered a pizza from Marcello's on Castro Street. They were busy so it took a while. An hour and a half actually. That was ok. I guess. But...

The pizza was $15.55 and, believe it or not, was hot when it got here. I was hot (well, sort of) after that. I handed the driver a twenty at which time he quickly took off down the hall. Ok, maybe he's going to the car to get change.

Nope.

I guess he was expecting $4.45 for a tip. Nice try.

I called Marcello's and they sent the guy back with my change. Hey, I don't mind tipping delivery guys, but, hey... at least let me decide.

Damn.

It's My Fault

2005-10-16T00:36:00.000-07:00

David, Nana, and I took a trip to Point Reyes on Saturday. Surprisingly, it wasn't as foggy, windy, and cold as much as I had expected.

Along the way we stopped at Muir Beach Overlook and Stinson Beach.

The next stop was the Point Reyes Earthquake Trail. I have been wanting to visit the San Andreas Fault. Not just the genearal area (I live there!). I wanted to stand on it. Saturday I did. Nana and I took a stroll over to the North American plate and David was on the Pacific plate.

This cute little critter was kind enough to pose for us right in the middle of his afternoon snacky.

Sadly, the lighthouse was closed. That was ok, but hell, it was hidden behind a big hill! You couldn't even see it. And, the wind was almost blowing me down! So there we were on the edge of the continent. Literally.

On the way back we had to slow down at least four times to let critters cross the road: a couple of deer, a raccoon, and a skunk. Well, it is their home, not ours.

Madam, your breast is ringing

2005-10-13T11:24:00.000-07:00

Play music? Why not a full blown cell phone?

Medical and musical breast implants

Religious Freedom: Important (Unless, well...)

2005-09-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

Religious freedom. It's important. Our president says so.

"Freedom is on the march in this world. I believe everybody in the Middle East desires to live in freedom. I believe women in the Middle East want to live in a free society. I believe mothers and fathers want to raise their children in a free and peaceful world. I believe all these things, because freedom is not America's gift to the world, freedom is the almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world."
--Speech in Pennsylvania, October 22, 2004

He has a lot to say about religion and how valuable it is to everyone around the world. He meets with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. He has used the authority vested in him by the Constitution and laws of the United States to proclaim Religious Freedom Day each January he has been president:

Religious Freedom Day, 2005

Religious Freedom Day, 2004

So, why is it that the United States (the government of which is presided over by one George W. Bush) has waived the sanctions on Saudi Arabia for restricting religious freedom? Oh. Right.

Oil. Money.

Money. Oil.

Same thing.

Why should we expect religious freedom (well, I guess we don't now) in Saudi Arabia when women are prohibited from voting, citizens aren't afforded freedom of speech, and people are regularly tried in secret court proceedings. But, just ask Mr. Bush (either/both of them) what great friends and allies of America the Saudis are. He can tell you.

Mr. Freeze

2005-09-30T18:14:00.000-07:00

I was channel surfing earlier today and ran across Batman and Robin on some cable movie station. As you may recall, Arnold Schwarzenegnegnazerager played Mr. Freeze.

This week Arnold Schwa... whatever played the same role again. Sadly, it was in real life as governor of California as he chose to freeze civil, government-recognized marriage as a special right available only to heterosexuals. He is on the wrong side of history, and one day future citizens of California will look upon him in shame the same as we do today at the segregationist governors from only a few short decades ago. Arnold should stick to movies where he can't do any real damage.

Assemblymember Mark Leno spoke at a rally at Castro and Market this afternoon.

Mr. Freeze has struck Batman and Robin once again. Now they can't get married in California either.

Please Drive Safely

2005-09-22T00:47:00.000-07:00

We made it back safely from our trip to Las Vegas. Sadly, other vacationers were not so fortunate.

Car Hits Pedestrians, Kills 1 in Las Vegas

from ABC News / AP

We almost missed our return flight due to the traffic jam. The Strip was closed in both directions.

A Penny Gambled...

2005-09-20T22:38:00.000-07:00

David likes to play the penny machines!

Hot Times in Las Vegas

2005-09-19T20:28:00.000-07:00

Took this out our hotel window on day one of our quick getaway.

Can things get any hotter this!?

TiVo: On the Way Out

2005-09-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

Looks like TiVo is updating their software to enable yet more restrictions on recorded programs.

Over the years TiVo has slowly screwed itself by screwing its [very loyal] customer base. I used to be a bit saddened at the idea that TiVo may go under. Not now. They deserve it. If^H^H When they go under it will be their own fault. The management has compromised TiVo's own ideals in efforts to appease the entertainment industry.

Remember when TiVo used to be about tv "your way"? Soon it will be tv your way except when someone else decides otherwise. Hollywood executives could reach into your TiVo and delete things for you or otherwise disable features. Hell, they could effectively disable TiVo completely!

And TiVo obviously doesn't want to be bothered with any questions about all this.

Have you tried to get in touch with their customer support anyway? Used to we could e-mail them and save everyone a lot of time. But, not now! They took that away even more quickly than they are the usefulness of your TiVo box. If you need them now be prepared to wait on hold for a long time 'cause you have to call them.

How could this happen? Simple. TiVo management is allowing it to. They're too afraid of Hollywood executives and their lawyers.

So what do the little red flags mean? They mean TiVo is on the way out.

Para Servicio en Español

2005-09-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

Oprima el numero dos.

Thank you for calling. Your call is important to us.

I'm sorry. That's not a valid response.

For English...

To cancel your service please enter your 32-digit account number within the next ten seconds.

Ever wish you could talk to a human?

Or TALK to anyone at all?

Not Exactly a Sink

2005-08-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

Tarzan always liked to have little drinkies in the tub.
But, look at these kitties!

Good Thing I Took Transit

2005-08-26T00:53:00.000-07:00

On Thursday afternoon I went for a haircut on 17th Street near where there F-Market streetcar line ends in The Castro. There's a Chevron station across the street at 17th / Market / Castro.

It's a good thing I took transit! But, is it? Muni is increasing its fares, too. Ok, I can understand that Muni must cover expenses (even though they still can't run on time). What bugs me is that token prices will be $15.00 for ten tokens.

$15.00/10 = $1.50 per ride = no discount

So where's the discount for buying tokens? Why not just get rid of them? Sadly, that is was the only discount program available for those who take transit often enough to warrant a discount but not frequently enough for a Fast Pass.

HAIRrison Street Fair

2005-08-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

David and I paid a visit to the Hairisson Street Fair today. It's a bear thing.

I can't imagine a photo that could sum up the entire fair more than this one.

Warszawa

2005-08-11T13:07:00.000-07:00

David says much of Warsaw is new and modern. We both like the kitty!

Trabant

2005-08-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

David sent this Trabant post card. Trabant? What's a Trabant? Well, I figured it was a type of car. David knows everything about cars and all models -- especially fin cars of the late 1950's.

"Our tower should look like this!"

2005-08-07T19:41:00.000-07:00

I got a couple of post cards from David while he was in Berlin. The futuristic radio tower in the photo is what he wishes Sutro Tower looked more like. Me too.

Available in The Castro

2005-08-05T02:18:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist snapping this photo while shopping at Cala in The Castro. Is it any wonder that store does so well?

Just Say No

2005-07-27T03:58:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night we took a trip to LuLu. Nice restaurant. Good food. Well, I guess. I asked to have green olives (which they do have) added to the cheese and tomato pizza I was ordering. Not everyone likes green olives, but they're not all that out of the ordinary on pizza.

The server returned and notified me that the chef said "no".

No.

No, customer, you cannot have green olives on your pizza. Yes, we have them, but no, we won't put them on your pizza.

No.

No.

To the server's credit she returned to the kitchen and spoke with the chef. I did, after a LONG wait, receive my pizza which did, in fact, have green olives on it. I figure the wait was one way (at least) the chef was expressing his displeasure.

I'll be making another trip. To OpenTable.com to edit my profile and remove LuLu as a favorite. I suspect I won't be returning there. I wouldn't want to put them out or anything.

The Art of War

2005-07-22T01:53:00.000-07:00

While watching The Contender (yes, I watched that show, didn’t you? each week 5 rounds of non-stop testoooooooooosterone action!) I recall a discussion about the book The Art of War. It sounded similar to another book I had briefly read through.

If you do a Google search you’ll find lots of information on the Internet about this. It’s an ancient book which is still very contemporary – probably because basic human nature hasn’t changed that much.

The other book I was thinking of which is much more recent is The 48 Laws of Power. It, too, is quite fascinating.

And, by the way, Sergio, the winner of The Contender is the one who brought up The Art of War. Did he win by employing the principles in this book? Perhaps. But, I think it was more his knowledge of how his opponents were employing those principles. Smart as he is cute!

A Home To Return To

2005-07-08T04:14:00.000-07:00

For the second time in five weeks there was an overnight fire in the neighborhood. This morning's started around 3:00 and is being brought under control now. I can still hear the firemen's outfits chirping on the next block. It sounds like those annoying toys everywhere in Chinatown. Of course, in this case the chirping has a purpose… to allow firefighters to be located in thick smoke. Those toys in Chinatown are just plain annoying.

In this photo you can see Mission Dolores in the smoke. The fire was off to the right across the street.

When I first arrived burning embers were being blown liberally by the wind. Many apartments were evacuated and I saw people rushing out of their homes with belongings.

A number of pets had been quickly awakened from their overnight snoozies to get to safety: dogs, a kitty, a hamster, and a goldfish. And, those are just the ones I saw.

Fortunately, when I got tired and ready for bed I had a home to return to.

Help 'em Out

2005-06-21T22:21:00.000-07:00

Next time you sign up for something be sure and take a look at the fine print. Surf on over to http://dsl.yahoo.com and scan through the gray text to find this:

You will also be charged a monthly FUSF (Federal Universal Service Fund) cost recovery fee to help cover charges from our data transport supplier pursuant to state and federal telecom regulations. This fee is not a tax or government required charge.

Oh, ok. An extra fee. It’s not that much. You know, it’s to help out SBC payin’ their bills 'n all. I don’t know about you, but I’m glad I can help 'em out. They need their customers to help out and “cover charges" ya know.

Of course, if you take a closer look you’ll find that SBC’s own financial statements show they had a net income of $5,887,000,000. for the one-year period ending December 31, 2004.

I’m glad I can help ‘em out by “covering” their charges for them. Aren’t you?

When was the last time you went to a restaurant, corner store, or neighborhood dry cleaners? Didn’t you notice a sign indicating that they’re adding a fee to your bill to “cover charges” relating to property tax, electricity, water, paper towels, rubber bands, etc.?

I didn’t either.

Pick Two?

2005-06-21T00:15:00.000-07:00

On cnn.com there's an article that says "Nearly six in 10 Americans oppose the war in Iraq and a growing number of them are dissatisfied with the war on terrorism, according to a CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll released Monday."

Well, duh.

Now where are all the good ol' boys who were ready for us to head off to Iraq and take care of things real quick ?

In the computer industry there's a long running axiom:

      You can have it quick.
      You can have it cheap.
      You can have it right.
      Pick two.

We, the American people, didn't even get to pick one.

Gifts from Afar

2005-06-19T00:51:00.000-07:00

David is back from Greece and Turkey. He was so kind to bring me some coffee cups. But, the most important gift he brought back was himself. Jeffy and I missed him!

He took my 256MB compact flash card with him. He filled it up and bought another 512MB while away!

I Like Them Both

2005-06-19T00:44:00.000-07:00

Cats. And black coffee. (Cats don't have to be black but the coffee does!) Since the address is nappingwiththecat.blogspot.com I thought it might be best to call the blog that. And, it works with me as much as Café Noir does. And, shhh... don't tell anyone there's another blog ::gasp:: at the cafenoir.blogspot.com address. Hey, what do you want from me? This is still new.

Breaking Hype Alert

2005-06-16T01:59:00.000-07:00

The text message arrived on my cell phone at 8:29 Wednesday morning. It read BREAKING NEWS: Autopsy Report: Schiavo Did Not Starve To Death /- Details On KTVU.com

What?! Oh my, oh my!

But… but… but… we watched the whole drama on TV. We saw Dubya make a special trip half way across country to sign the absurd legislation that proved Republicans have abandoned their philosophy of keeping the government out of your life and off your back. We saw him, Tom DeLay, and other grandstanding politicians ignore "the sanctity of marriage" they care so much about, vilify Mr. Schiavo, and cater to the Christian right.

And, now we find out that she didn’t die of starvation! Oh my! She must have been poisoned! Or abused! The truth has finally come out! We were duped!

Well, yes.

Sort of.

But, not by Mr. Schiavo. Not even by Tom DeLay (this time).

Who then!? Who!? Who!?

KTVU.

I’m sure you’ve heard by now the autopsy showed that the cause of death was technically dehydration – not starvation. But, you wouldn’t have thought that from KTVU’s “breaking news” alert would you? The text message could have said “BREAKING NEWS: Autopsy report: Dehydration cause of Schiavo’s death”. But… nah. That’s too blah. That’s not exciting. That doesn’t hype it up enough to get you in front of your computer and find out the real story from those in-the-know boys at Channel 2.

So, now we see what KTVU’s “breaking news” alerts really are. They’re simply a tool to drive traffic to their website. That way KTVU.com gets lots of hits and they demand more advertising dollars.

Remember Ronald Reagan’s funeral? KTVU saw fit to send a “breaking news” alert when his funeral started. Gee… a scheduled event everyone knew about days and days in advance was somehow “breaking” news. Wow. Can't get anything past those crackerjacks at KTVU!

I have the highest respect for Dennis Richmond and Leslie Griffith. I can think of no other word to describe them than “professional”. They deserve admiration and respect for being the journalists they are. Let’s hope some of that rubs off on whoever is managing the website and the “breaking news” alerts. I’m thisclose to unsubscribing.

A Cat's Prerogative

2005-06-14T01:58:00.000-07:00

Monday night was turkey night. Well, it was supposed to be. But, Jeffy was in the mood for beefy. It seems beefy really is his #1 favorite. I recall his Mariner’s Catch phase. Or, maybe there’s something wrong with the turkey? But, most likely it's just Jeffy being Jeffy.

Beefy

2005-06-13T00:48:00.000-07:00

I've been caring for Jeffy this week. He only likes turkey
and beefy. Tonight was beefy night. He was outside guarding the rail when I got there. His routine has been upset, but he's a friendly boy. He was even purring tonight!

Free time to do all those things I need to be doing

2005-06-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

Most everyone I know is out of town. So, am I taking advantage of this time to clean up the apartment? Organize... umm... something? Do the laundry? No! I'm setting up a blog. Lotsa thanks, Milford.

Napping with the Cat

V-e-t

Jeffrey doesn't like going to the doctor.Posted via Pixelpipe.

Posted via Pixelpipe.

Posted via Pixelpipe.

The Handsome Boy

Jeffrey... is THE handsome boy.

Posted via Pixelpipe.

Cup o' the Day

Spencer Alley

Afternoon Snacky

Did you?

All the More Reason

iTrash

What would Clyde Tombaugh think?

50,000 Meters

Tour de Somewhere

Critically Massive

But, do they have WiFi?

Happy Birthday David

No-Win Situation

Sweetie!

The Handsome Birthday Boy

Windy & Rainy

Salmon. It's the new beefy.

New Macs Are Far Off

Until You Need Them

Here's a tip...

It's My Fault

Madam, your breast is ringing

Religious Freedom: Important (Unless, well...)

Mr. Freeze

Please Drive Safely

A Penny Gambled...

Hot Times in Las Vegas

TiVo: On the Way Out

Para Servicio en Español

Not Exactly a Sink

Good Thing I Took Transit

HAIRrison Street Fair

Warszawa

Trabant

"Our tower should look like this!"

Available in The Castro

Just Say No

The Art of War

A Home To Return To

Help 'em Out

Pick Two?

Gifts from Afar

I Like Them Both

Breaking Hype Alert

A Cat's Prerogative

Beefy

Free time to do all those things I need to be doing

Jeffrey doesn't like going to the doctor.
Posted via Pixelpipe.