Protest

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Obama won on November 4, but the citizens of California lost when Proposition 8 passed. The people may have spoken, but what they said was a bunch of jive talking in my opinion. And, given the turnout at the protest at San Francisco's City Hall the following Saturday, a lot of people agreed with me. Music is by The Bee Gees.

Mission Wanderings

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Spend the day walking in my neighborhood, and you might see discarded toys, Presidential phone banks and recycling in action. Music is "A Daisy Through Concrete" by The Eels.

Smoky Mountain Memories

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Mark and I enjoyed a fall vacation in western North Carolina, in the heart of the Smoky Mountains (and just a stone's throw from Dollywood). The weather was great, the fall leaves were coming into color. We ate a lot of BBQ. Music is "Travelin' Prayer" by the one and only Dolly Parton.

A Wedding Parade

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Our friends Ellen and Charles wanted to celebrate their recent nuptials with a costume parade through the Berkeley Hills. It was a joy to be a part of it. It was fun, it was festive, and good exercise to boot! Music is by the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band.

Labor Day

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It was a beautiful day and Mark & Stephen's new backyard was the perfect place to enjoy it. There was delicious food, delightful company, and a deliriously happy cat named Griffin. Music is "Hot as Sun" by Sir Paul.

Home Sweet Home

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Congratulations to Mark and Stephen, who recently bought their first home. Wow. This is our first visit -- unpacking boxes, exploring the attic, and assembling a coffee table were the order of the day. Music is "Hold on Tight" by ELO.

Offsite

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Sometimes a company likes to get everyone away from it all -- for inspiration, team building, and steam tray tables of food. Music is a theme song you'll recognize.

Slots!

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Sharon and I were in Vegas a few weeks ago and I was as transfixed as ever by the singing, flashing slot machines. Music is by the great showman Tom Jones.

Cloverdale

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We recently got to stay at a KOA campsite up in the Anderson Valley. The forest fires made the sky a bit overcast, but the bizzare mini golf course and lovely local culture made it a very nice stay. Music is "Heart of the Country" by Sir Paul.

While We Were in Portland

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Parents Visit

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A few months ago, Mark's Dad Gene and his wife Diane came to town, and we showed them the greatest hits of this great city, including Stephen's braised short ribs. Music is "Honkey Cat" by Sir Elton.

Mountain Boys

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Meet Slava and Steve, two nifty guys I'm happy to call friends of mine. We all went for a picnic at our favorite spot the other week, and of course the weather was perfect. The music is "Sawing on the Strings" by Alison Krauss.

Oakland Sights

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The summer is getting away from me! I have too much footage, too little time to edit it all. So my new plan is to just. get. stuff. up. Last weekend Mark and I cat sat for Laura and Krista while they were on their honeymoon, so we got to pretend to be Oak-town locals. Saw lots of beautiful homes, vintage signage. Music is "Center of the Universe" by Built to Spill.

Al Fresco Feast

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We just went to our second Outstanding in the Field dinner, held at Route 1 Farms down near Santa Cruz. There was lots of sun, food, wine, and talk about local and sustainable food. If it comes to your neck of the woods, I recommend checking it out. It's worth doing once. The music is "Chained to the Moon" by The Folk Implosion. 

Happy Birthday Mark

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A wonderful thing happened on this day in 1969. Someone was born who makes my life a lot more fun, so I feel like "mark" ing the date. The music is one of his favorite songs, by Van Morrison.

The Library

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When I was growing up in Ft. Wayne, paying a visit to the public library was a weekly tradition. I visit the San Francisco library less frequently, but when I do I'm never bored. A library is a wonderful resource -- do yourself a favor and visit yours soon. Music is "Blistered Heart" by Badly Drawn Boy. 

Windows II

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Here's another (brief) installment featuring glimpses into the windows of San Francisco. Music is "Peekaboo to You" by my Dad's favorite, the great Glenn Miller.

Sweet Lafayette

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Sharon and I recently spent a weekend in lovely Lafayette, California. It's not a very big town, but it has quite a few interesting things to see. Music is "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb" by Spoon.

Yosemite in its own words

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The TV show 'CBS Sunday Morning' was very popular in my household when I was a kid. My Mom especially likes the last few minutes of the show when they show wildlife scenes without comment. So while editing some of my video from my annual trip to Yosemite, I decided to forgo the music and let nature speak for itself.

Picnic on Mt. Tam

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I spent my Easter Sunday sitting on top of the world, with the San Francisco skyline to my left and the Pacific Ocean to my right. It was a lovely picnic on a lovely day in my favorite spot on Mt. Tamalpais. Music is "Stoned Soul Picnic" by The Fifth Dimension.

The Ventana

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Mark and I stayed at The Ventana in Big Sur recently, and did nothing but relax the entire time. Reading, napping, and eating cheese sure make for a great vacation! Music is "Goodbye Sadness" by Astrud Gilberto.

Happy Birthday Mary

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April 3 is the birthday of Mary C. Matthews, whom I met at Emerson College in 1989. She's one of my oldest and dearest friends, and I thought I'd cobble together a short and sweet video birthday card for her. The music is a tune you should recognize.

Lunch at Cielo

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Our vacation in Big Sur included a stay at The Ventana, where you walk along a woodland path full of wildflowers to enjoy a lunch al fresco with an ocean view. Sigh. Music is "Our Man in Bombay" by The Minders.

Big Sur Hike

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Mark and I just got back from a wonderful weekend in Big Sur, which is a breathtaking piece of the central California coast. This was a hike we went on, and we will definitely be back to hike again. Music is "Around and Around" by Mark Kozelek.

Saturday City Walk

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When Spring has sprung in beautiful San Francisco, it's nice to take a walk with no particular destination in mind. Music is "Take a Walk" by Edie Brickell.

Full House

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Nothing goes better with Poker than a 7 month old baby. Meet Brendan, the adorable son of Dina and Davin. Music is "Colours" by Donovan. 

A Night at The Oscars

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Consider this your calorie-free Whitman's Sampler of the night's glitz, glamour, and veneers. Music is "From Blown Speakers" by The New Pornographers.

Windows

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Some interesting, amusing, and confusing things I see in the windows of my neighborhood. Music is "C'est Lui Que Mon Coeur" by Edith Piaf.

A fine day off

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Mark and I took a Friday off and enjoyed a beautiful day in a beautiful city. Music is "Let's Save Tony Orlando's House" by Yo La Tengo.

Scenes from a super bowl

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I only watch one football game a year, when I go to Sharon's (always fun) super bowl party. This year I brought my camera along to record some images I liked. I hope you like them too. The music is "Sunday Afternoon" by The 88

iPhone Love

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Just a typical love story about a boy and his gadget. Music is "At Last" by Eva Cassidy.

Game Night

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Laura and Krista join Mark and I for a night of nonstop board games and feetie pajamas. Soundtrack by Grandaddy.

And so it begins.

This vlog is inspired by the talented and funny Mary C. Matthews, whose support and encouragement have been invaluable to me. Thanks, Mary!