A coworker mentioned to me awhile ago that San Francisco is a great city to come home to. I didn’t really get it at first, but this past week, it struck me as unusually insightful.

I was in New York for a good five days last week. I had fun; met a lot of people, had some great food, wandered around for some cool sights, etc. It was my third time in the Big Apple, and I still found myself incredibly excited to be there. Just something about it that gets my adrenalin going. This is all despite the horrendously muggy weather.

But despite my affinity for NYC, I found myself getting just a tad homesick. I wanted the fog, the steep hills, the wider roads, and did I mention the fog? I found it markedly different from the last time I was there (which was pre-911); I had wanted to move to a studio in the East Village, and try to make it as a writer. Now I’m happy to be in foggy loony SF, living amongst geeks, while still, well, trying to make it as a writer. I guess some things are the same no matter where one lives.

So when I arrived back, it was literally like a breath of fresh air. The strong gust of wind, the freezing jackets-required climate, and even the curious lack of a comprehensive public transit system — I felt a great sense of relief that I was HOME. I’m not sure if I’ve ever felt that way in any other city, and I’m not even from around here.

I guess this entry sounds like a love-fest, and I’ll admit that it is. Despite the problems this city has, its pros seem to always outweigh its cons, at least in my book. There are secret little cafes that nobody else seems to know about, hole-in-the-wall Asian joints that serve up the best noodles known to mankind, and let’s not forget the veritable haven this place is for geeks of all kinds.

In short, this entry has been an ode to the City as Home. Just ’cause I feel that way.

In case you missed the billboards at your local bus stop, the Frameline GLBT Film Festival is going on right now. It’s the biggest queer film festival in the country (and held in SF? shocker!) and shows a wonderful variety of films from around the world, ranging from the political to the downright wacky.

Speaking of wacky, last night, I headed to the Roxie last night after work to catch the Scary, Mary! collection of film shorts. The first film was definitely the best: Taco Chick and Salsa Girl featured two Latina superdragheroines fighting crime (in the form of Nazi Barbie and White Supremicist Ken) with the aid of their fellow superhero, Fruity Punch. Director Kurt Koehler is to be commended for his irreverent characters and perfect pacing (perhaps too perfect, as I sometimes couldn’t hear the fast-moving dialog due to the raucous laughter in the theater).

Meanwhile, I’ve returned from vacationing in DC and NYC, and wanted to give a shoutout to Metbloggers there and abroad… especially Art in NYC, who keeps us abreast of the folks on the subway. I had at least one of my own subway encounter, which was so ridiculous it made me wonder if someone was filming a movie or something. Maybe I’ll see it up on the screen at next year’s Frameline.
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Our fine furry friends are under fire, following the recent fatal attacks by pitbulls in SF. Although Mayor Newsom is pushing for breed-specific (read: Pitbull) regulations, which would require a change in the state law, the proposal currently affects canines of all breeds.

The proposed regulations:

• Restriction on “Backyard Breeding”
• Requiring owners of vicious breeds to obtain liability insurance
• Increasing fines on owners of unregistered dogs
• Required spay/neuter of vicious breeds; give city the authority to spay/neuter dogs when impounded or found to be unregistered
• Require that vicious breeds have microchips implanted for quick ID in case of attack
• Require that all dog bites be reported to Animal Control in order to maintain accurate record of problem dogs
• Teach children how to interact with dogs and therefore prevent bites in a school program

You can read a final report from the Canine Response Working Group at the Office of the Mayor’s site.

Are these the right steps to take? It’s a good start.

Some say “punish the deed, not the breed”. Here’s a site that helps you learn about pitbulls, with the argument that “they are just like any other dog”:
BadRap.org

On the other hand, here are arguments against pitbulls:
Pit Bulls ARE DANGEROUS!

And for both ends of the argument, a site specializing in the legal issues regarding dog attacks:
Dog Bite Law

Note: the picture above is not a pitbull. She is just a lonely dog I met at the animal shelter a few months ago.

So the Chron is getting its blog-on, eh? It’s called CultureBlog and features assorted Chron writers being, you know, like bloggy and casual and cheeky and stuff about, you know, like, culture. Today, the always fun Mark Mumford rips virginal Carrie Underwood a new one for being . . . uh . . .cute, I guess.

In their “About” section, they give a nod to Boing Boing, and MetaFilter, which are “group blogs” (also known as “collaborative blogs” – wow) for inspiring the format.

Of course, we here at Metroblogging being a group blog in SF like to think that in some small way we might’ve inspired them too. . . . Or not, whatever.

It’s got some fun stuff – we’ll watch to see where it goes.

Of course, given recent implosions at other papers who’ve danced on the fringes of emerging on-line technology, it will be interesting to see what kind of traction the Chron gets. Especially when they open for comments.

According to my 17 year old daughter she was just about the only high school jr that did not drive herself to school this year. We do not own a “real” car, so she has not even had the opportunity to practice. I drop her off and pick her up in my taxi. She does not seem too embarrassed. But, when I found out my taxi would be covered with an ad for the “Grand PRIX of San Jose” (complete with big red race cars decals on the sides) I was concerned for her. Trouper that she is she just said, “Whatever mom, It’s cool.”

I admit it. I’m a tea freak. I drink twice as many cups of tea a day as most folks do lattes. I have tea, crackers and cheese for dinner. I drink it by the potful, loose-leafed, strainer and all. And when it comes to afternoon tea — with the little finger sandwiches and the scones and the clotted cream — well, if required, I’d even don those stupid white gloves and a hat.

Fortunately, neither is required at Lovejoy’s Tea Room on Church in Noe Valley. In fact, you can walk in off the street and partake of a variety of fine teas, including the classic High Tea for Two. That’s exactly what the boy and I did yesterday and sweet lord, was it good. He boasted that the chicken apple walnut tapenade sandwiches he had were “probably the best sandwiches I have ever had in my life.” Plus, Lovejoys serves Taylor’s of Harrogate loose-leaf tea, which pretty much lays the smackdown on every other tea. (An exception would be the Scottsdale, Arizona-based Leaves’s Earl Grey and Lavender, available at the Bi-Rite and other fine markets in our fair city. But don’t go near that Twinings shit. That’s for tourists.) Plus, they have one of my favorite wee sandwiches, Branston pickle and cheddar. Oh, and the scones are just the world champions of scones. Seriously. Buttery, surprisingly moist and able to stand up to even the heapingest helping of Devon cream and strawberry jam.

I booked tea for three in September when my mother will be visiting me from Pennsylvania, but I’m guessing we make it back to Lovejoy’s semi-weekly. Trust me on this one. Do not pass go, do not collect 200 morning buns from Tartine. Go directly to Lovejoy’s for your beverage and pastry fix.

It’s always an adventure when I get off of work at 2am. Mostly it’s like Mad Max coming home, battling with the drunks that are driving out of the city. A few months ago at about 3am I pulled up to the corner of 4th and Howard. I looked ahead to the front of the line and I saw a few car doors open and I thought, “great, there’s a fight”. I cracked my window a bit to try and hear what was going on. They weren’t fighting, they were dancing. That’s right, dancing in the street. Other people were pulling up to the light, getting out of their cars, and joining in. All of these people, coming from different clubs, going home (or wherever else) joining together in the street dancing together. I didn’t know whether or not to take a picture or join in. As soon as I went for the door handle, the light turned green, and everyone hopped in their cars and went different directions. It was wonderful.

Tonight on my way home as I pulled up to the light at 6th & Harrison, a guy in a white Montero vied to get my attention. Still on work-mode, I rolled down my window, figuring he wanted directions to another club or something. He yelled over, “hey, can you remember a number?”. I yelled back, “sure, why not?”. He replied, “408-407-9347″, and drove away. There was no “how are you doin’ tonight?” or even “what’s your name?”. Just “remember this…” and that was it. And since I have such a great memory, I’ll share it with you.

Why is it such a mystery just what is going on (or off) under those kilts? Does anyone know for sure?

Tomorrow at the 27th Annual Campbell Highland Games & Celtic Gathering you might not get that answer, but you should see some cool kilts in action.

This week, I attended a screening of Bruce Campbell’s newest film venture, The Man with the Screaming Brain. It’s a fun, cheesy B-Movie (what Bruce Campbell flick isn’t?

The Man with the Screaming Brain is now playing exclusively at the Camera Cinemas 7, located the appropriately named South Bay town of Campbell. Hurry, because it’s only playing for a week! It’s a must-see for any Bruce Campbell fan. It has mad scientists, gypsies, robots, brains… and Ted Raimi! Most excellent!

While you are there, make sure to stop by the newest location of the South Bay institution Coffee Society, enjoy their signature iced drink (the “KMJ”) and maybe take advantage of their free wi-fi.

It’s already that time of year again: the annual North Beach Festival will take place this weekend from 10am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday in Washington Square Park, 1200-1500 blocks of Grant Avenue and adjacent streets in North Beach.

Billed as the oldest urban street fair in the country, the North Beach Festival features artists, eats, entertainment, and hopefully nice weather in one of San Francisco’s prettiest and most colorful neighborhoods.

Musical acts this year include Tainted Love on Sunday afternoon – a rockin’ 80s cover band that never disappoints. And make sure to bring Fido and Fifi for a blessing on either day at 2pm at the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi (Vallejo at Columbus).

Oh and while you’re at Vallejo and Columbus . . .

Why haven’t you been to Cinqueterre yet? As my grandmother would say while I pushed green beans around my plate: “you don’t know what you’re missing.”

I’m betting this is going to be a bang-up weekend for the business-wise, so if I were you, I’d call today for reservations: 415-402-0895. Say hi to Santo and Mossimo and enjoy one of the best meals you’ll ever find in North Beach or anywhere else in the city. Forget those mad-houses on Columbus – this jewel is a few steps from the beaten path – and worth the trip! Go, eat, then come back and tell us how right we are about this place . . . .

Cinqueterre Ristorante – 641 Vallejo Street (at Columbus), 415-402-0895, entrees range from $10-$20, wines by the glass and bottle from $6 (glass)- $25 (average, bottle).