10.07.2010

And... we're back.

Please excuse the dust and cobwebs while I changed some settings.


After allowing my hosting service to expire, not renewing my domain registration, and blatantly neglecting my DNS settings, I am proud to announce that my blog is back online.


With the emergence of other methods for keeping up with friends (read: Facebook), I don't know how much I'll be publishing, but I at least wanted to get back online again.

2.24.2009

The Big Eat SF: 100 Things to Try Before You Die


I saw this list posted on a friend's FaceBook page (thanks CarOline!!) and am definitely inspired to start eating out more often in SF. It's a list of 100 dishes and drinks to try at various restaurants around SF:

The Big Eat SF: 100 Things to Try Before You Die


I'm also totally inspired to write my own East Bay version... but that will come later.

Of this list, I'm surprised I've actually had a fair number of these. I'm mostly surprised because I don't eat out in SF 1/10th as often as I do in the East Bay. There are sooooo many wonderful restaurants in Oakland, Berkeley, etc, I only eat in The City when I'm there for work, partying with friends, or going to a show or something.

I'm definitely going to have to write my own list. I'll probably put it on Yelp.

For the curious, of this list so far I've tried:

#7. Shaking beef at the Slanted Door is absolutely worth the hype. Totally and completely delicious with super tender steak.

#10. Baja-style fish tacos at Nick’s Crispy TacosI absolutely love taco's Nick's Way (crispy taco wrapped in a soft tortilla with melted cheese in between and a HUGE scoop of guacamole on top. Completely and totally delicious.The fact that it's the same location as Ruby Skye is hilarious. I think it's perfect decor for a taco joint. I haven't tried the baja fish yet. I'll have to go back.

#22. Vietnamese roasted pork sandwich at Saigon Sandwich enjoyed on a wild adventure of a night before boarding the Applause bus to watch drive-out theater "The Big Lebowsky" with a guy named Chicken John and a bunch of strangers. Then we all went bowling.

#29. Spaetzle at Suppenküche is delicious. I also recommend the venison steak and the hunter's platter.

#40. Cheeseburger at Taylor’s Automatic Refresher should be enjoyed on their front patio on a hot sunny day, preferably with garlic fries.

#53. Garlic soup at Piperade I used to work just across Green St. from this Basque restaurant and and always appreciated the custom iron work on the front porch. I went for dinner with Myshelle once. We had our puppy with us and sat on the patio. The servers brought her a bowl of water and all pet her. Our waiter growled at her. It was really funny. It would have been funnier if he weren't serious. Never tried the Garlic soup.

#57. Goat stew at Kokkari Estiatorio I'm glad Kokkari made the list, this place is AWESOME. I haven't tried the goat stew but now I've got a good excuse to return.

#84. A margarita at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant they've got great tequila, just don't bother with the food.

#87. Fresh spring rolls at Out the Door I love me some fresh spring rolls. These are an excellent specimen.

#98. Basil gimlet at Rye is one of the best drinks I've ever had. Inspiring. Their Black & Blue is also very good.

2.08.2009

Courage Campaign: Fidelity

Ken Starr -- and the Prop 8 Legal Defense Fund -- filed legal briefs defending the constitutionality of Prop 8 and attempting to forcibly divorce 18,000 same-sex couples that were married in California last year. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in this case on March 5, 2009, with a decision expected within the next 90 days.

The Courage Campaign has created a video called "Fidelity," with the permission of musician Regina Spektor, that puts a face to those 18,000 couples and all loving, committed couples seeking full equality under the law.


"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

The more people who see this video, the more people will understand the pain caused by Prop 8 and Ken Starr's shameful legal proceeding.

After you watch the video, please join me and over 70,000 people who have signed a letter to the state Supreme Court, asking them to invalidate Prop 8 and reject Starr's case.

http://www.couragecampaign.org/Divorce

Thanks.

/Aaron

12.05.2008

First Full Day in Tulum, MX

Tulum is BEAUTIFUL. The trip took a little longer than expected, but
after a fun filled 24 hours outside of DFW, we finally made it (looong
embarassing story involving my passport). The adversity makes the
reward that much sweeter. Our cabana at Ocho Tulum is a stone throw
away from the crashing surf.

Today we went touring with Mani from Edventure Tours. He took us on a
zip line over the Cenotes. Afterwards, we snorkled one of the most
famous Cenotes, Dos Ojos. It was BEAUTIFUL. Amazing stalagmites over
crystal clear blue water. I'm looking forward to returning on Tuesday
to dive the same caves.

We continued on to the town of Akumal to swim with the sea turtles and
sting rays. After lunch, our last stop was snorkeling at Yal-Ku
lagoon. The brakish water is protected from the ocean so it was almost
perfectly still. Lots more fish to see.

Right now we're exhausted and hanging out back at the lodge sipping
Coronas and writing in our journals. Myshelle's convinced we'll have
enough energy to go Salsa dancing at the Friday night party at the
hotel down the street. We'll see.

I wish I had a computer so I could upload pictures. I'll have to take
some iPhone pics tomorrow, after our reef scuba dive.

Wish you were here.

/A

Sent from my iPhone

11.11.2008

Anybody Need An IT Guy?

Sorry for the dramatic headline. No, I'm not leaving ArcSource, just looking for more clients. I'm still very happy with my current employment situation. Working with small businesses is exciting and fun, I love being able to really help people, while getting to play with technology at the same time. Case in point, Kyle and I have recently revamped a pretty spiffy looking IT blog. Check it out if you're feeling curious. You'll find more of my favorite iPhone apps, a comparison of the new IE7 vs FireFox vs Google's new Chrome browser, all kinds of good info. So yeah, ArcSource has been great for me. My work week is VERY flexible which I also have really been enjoying. I'm also serious as cash about new client referrals. Email me if you know any small businesses in need of an awesome IT team.

I'm also sorry I haven't written in a while. I guess I haven't had much new to say. Halloween was fun, Myshelle and I stayed home and gave out candy to kids. Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays and I enjoy being a part of the experience for other kids in our neighborhood. Plus, it's fun to torture the dogs with silly costumes. This year, Batdog and Superpuppy kept a watchful eye over the dangerous El Cerrito suburbs. They wiggled around a bit when we first dressed them up, but after a couple minutes they're resigned to it and trot around the house looking all cute.

Not much else new going on. Myshelle and I are going to Tulum (90 minutes south of Cancun) in December. We're both really excited about that. I'm looking forward to hanging out on the beach, exploring the famous Mayan ruins, and also stoked about scuba diving the Cenotes (rivers that run through old caves).