To listen, click HERE. To download .mp3 audio, right click HERE, and "save audio as..."
Showing posts with label aahour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aahour. Show all posts
Thursday, August 26, 2010
"Broadway North Beach, Part 1" (VIDEOCAST)
Broadway, in San Francisco's North Beach, was the epicenter of spicy adult entertainment back in the early 60's. The Condor Club, at the corner of Columbus and Broadway, was the birthplace of Topless, and soon after the entire street followed suit. Join me as I walk with former saloon keeper, and author of "Broadway North Beach- the Golden Years", Dick Boyd, as he tells us about the characters and clubs that made this street famous.
To listen, click HERE. To download .mp3 audio, right click HERE, and "save audio as..."
To listen, click HERE. To download .mp3 audio, right click HERE, and "save audio as..."
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
1800 Tequila has a new arty look
The recipe for 1800 Frio Limonada is like a Mojito with a Tequila kick. Mmm-mmm, good! (recipe is below the article)
(from Shannon O'Neill, Blast.com) 1800 Tequila is offering a chic, grown-up way to spice up your liquor cabinet: the limited edition Essential Artists Series, a collection of 12 bottles designed by up-and-coming artists from all over the country.
Eleven original, cutting-edge designs were chosen from over 15,000 online submissions. The 12th bottle was designed by a “celebrity artist” from Studio Number One, a group founded by artist Shepard Fairey (you know, the talented guy who was arrested for creating outdoor art in Boston).
The Essential Artists Series bottles are sold at an average price of $24.99. To find out more information about the featured artists and where you can find the Series, visit 1800Tequila.com. The website also has a “design your own bottle” feature, and 1800 Tequila plans to hold another contest at the end of the year. One lucky artist took home $10,000 as the grand prize winner.
1800 Frío Limonada
1.5 oz 1800 Silver Tequila
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
1 oz club soda
6 medium-sized mint leaves
Muddle mint with simple syrup in a tall glass.
Eleven original, cutting-edge designs were chosen from over 15,000 online submissions. The 12th bottle was designed by a “celebrity artist” from Studio Number One, a group founded by artist Shepard Fairey (you know, the talented guy who was arrested for creating outdoor art in Boston).
The Essential Artists Series bottles are sold at an average price of $24.99. To find out more information about the featured artists and where you can find the Series, visit 1800Tequila.com. The website also has a “design your own bottle” feature, and 1800 Tequila plans to hold another contest at the end of the year. One lucky artist took home $10,000 as the grand prize winner.
1800 Frío Limonada
1.5 oz 1800 Silver Tequila
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
1 oz club soda
6 medium-sized mint leaves
Muddle mint with simple syrup in a tall glass.
My Favorite Bartender of All Time is Retiring
Anyone that knows me knows that my Favorite Bar in the World is Gino & Carlo. One of the true Good Guys is about to hang up the bar tools. Frank Rossi has been a part of San Francisco's North Beach scene for decades. He's a good friend and a great person. I wish him all the best in retirement! To hear my my audio podcast with Frank and the Gino and Carlo crew, click HERE.
So when I want to take a look at an older San Francisco, I head for North Beach, and the single block of Green Street between Columbus Avenue and upper Grant Avenue.
There's a bank on the corner with a handy ATM; Caffe Sport, the Sicilian restaurant; Amante, another good restaurant; the Columbus Cafe; Sotto Mare, a fish place; and Gino and Carlo, which may be the best old-time bar left in the city.
A tourist who walks in is sure to think it looks like some fictional bar they've seen on television. A San Franciscan is sure to see somebody he or she knows. A big difference.
"We treat everybody like family," said Frank Rossi, one of the owners.
Rossi has spent 42 years behind the bar; though he has two other partners, he's the padrone of the place in the Italian sense, the host. He is old school, a husky man with curly gray hair and the gravelly voice of a man who has spent a lifetime in the bar business. He remembers what you are drinking, never forgets an old customer's name and treats a new customer like an old pal.
In a city where there are no real celebrities or famous chefs, bartenders like Rossi, like Michael McCourt at the old Washington Square, Seamus Coyle at Amante, Paddy Nolan at the Dovre Club in its prime, are the stars.
"Frank's the kind of guy that when you come in the bar you are glad to see him," said John Pesenti, who has been coming in to Gino and Carlo for 35 years on and off. "When he's here, people don't want to leave."
The bad news is that Rossi himself is leaving, retiring at the age of 67. He had a stroke a couple of years ago, and had to learn to walk and talk again. He's been back at work a couple of days a week but has slowed up a bit. His last day will be the 30th.
Rossi's leaving is a blow to the habitues of Gino and Carlo, a place that's like the living room of North Beach, with its own customs and rhythms.
It opens at 6 a.m., and on some days there's a line to get in, even at the crack of dawn.
"Early in the morning is when bakers get off, and people who work at night - off-duty cops, garbage men. Happy hour for them is 6 to 8 in the morning," said Tony Dingman, a regular.
There is a lunch crowd - and food on Thursdays - and an afternoon crowd, ducking in about 3. Sometimes there are billiard players, sometimes card players, dealing a hand or two at a table. Sometimes politicians are huddled in the corner, talking with their cronies.
There is a nighttime crowd, of course. North Beach comes really alive only at night.
If you listen, you can hear the accents of the old city: people talking fast, running their words together. San Francisco talk.
"An institution that has never changed," said Warren Hinckle, the writer.
"How can you not love this place?" said Patricia Sing, who usually comes in on Mondays or Tuesdays.
Rossi has been the center of it, especially since his brother, partner and mentor, Donato Rossi, died five years ago.
"Frank's a very kind guy, too," Pesenti said.
Sometimes, a big city bar and its patrons really are a city person's only family. When a few of these people died, alone and broke, Frank Rossi would close the doors and throw a wake - the old kind with free food and drink, and a toast to the departed.
"We take care of our people," he said.
So now it's time to drink a toast to Frank Rossi himself. He is the father of three girls and two boys - two sets of twins.
His son, Frank Jr., "a good kid," Rossi said, will take over his share of the place.
 |
| Frank behind the bar at Gino & Carlo |
(from Carl Nolte, SF Chronicle) As everybody knows by now, there is more than one San Francisco. There may be a dozen or more, with different people, different scenes, shifting all the time, like a kaleidoscope.
So when I want to take a look at an older San Francisco, I head for North Beach, and the single block of Green Street between Columbus Avenue and upper Grant Avenue.
There's a bank on the corner with a handy ATM; Caffe Sport, the Sicilian restaurant; Amante, another good restaurant; the Columbus Cafe; Sotto Mare, a fish place; and Gino and Carlo, which may be the best old-time bar left in the city.
A tourist who walks in is sure to think it looks like some fictional bar they've seen on television. A San Franciscan is sure to see somebody he or she knows. A big difference.
"We treat everybody like family," said Frank Rossi, one of the owners.
Rossi has spent 42 years behind the bar; though he has two other partners, he's the padrone of the place in the Italian sense, the host. He is old school, a husky man with curly gray hair and the gravelly voice of a man who has spent a lifetime in the bar business. He remembers what you are drinking, never forgets an old customer's name and treats a new customer like an old pal.
In a city where there are no real celebrities or famous chefs, bartenders like Rossi, like Michael McCourt at the old Washington Square, Seamus Coyle at Amante, Paddy Nolan at the Dovre Club in its prime, are the stars.
"Frank's the kind of guy that when you come in the bar you are glad to see him," said John Pesenti, who has been coming in to Gino and Carlo for 35 years on and off. "When he's here, people don't want to leave."
The bad news is that Rossi himself is leaving, retiring at the age of 67. He had a stroke a couple of years ago, and had to learn to walk and talk again. He's been back at work a couple of days a week but has slowed up a bit. His last day will be the 30th.
Rossi's leaving is a blow to the habitues of Gino and Carlo, a place that's like the living room of North Beach, with its own customs and rhythms.
It opens at 6 a.m., and on some days there's a line to get in, even at the crack of dawn.
"Early in the morning is when bakers get off, and people who work at night - off-duty cops, garbage men. Happy hour for them is 6 to 8 in the morning," said Tony Dingman, a regular.
There is a lunch crowd - and food on Thursdays - and an afternoon crowd, ducking in about 3. Sometimes there are billiard players, sometimes card players, dealing a hand or two at a table. Sometimes politicians are huddled in the corner, talking with their cronies.
There is a nighttime crowd, of course. North Beach comes really alive only at night.
If you listen, you can hear the accents of the old city: people talking fast, running their words together. San Francisco talk.
"An institution that has never changed," said Warren Hinckle, the writer.
"How can you not love this place?" said Patricia Sing, who usually comes in on Mondays or Tuesdays.
Rossi has been the center of it, especially since his brother, partner and mentor, Donato Rossi, died five years ago.
"Frank's a very kind guy, too," Pesenti said.
Sometimes, a big city bar and its patrons really are a city person's only family. When a few of these people died, alone and broke, Frank Rossi would close the doors and throw a wake - the old kind with free food and drink, and a toast to the departed.
"We take care of our people," he said.
So now it's time to drink a toast to Frank Rossi himself. He is the father of three girls and two boys - two sets of twins.
His son, Frank Jr., "a good kid," Rossi said, will take over his share of the place.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
What To Do And Say If You’re Stopped For A DUI in California
My friend, Nafise' Nina Hodjat, is a defense attorney in Southern California. Of course, no one is condoning drinking and driving. Designate a damn driver! But s**t DOES happen. So, if you are involved, here's some wise advice:
(from Avvo.com) If you’re stopped and the police believe that you have been drinking, the police will only be doing their job if they try to determine whether or not you’re intoxicated. There are two problems: (1) The tests the officers use are flawed and (2) You can be charged with a DUI if your BAC is below .08.
1- How You Can Be Charged With A DUI Even If Your BAC Is UNDER .08!
That’s right, even though the legal limit for DUI in California is .08 BAC, you can still be convicted of a DUI if you’re under that limit! Why, you might ask? Well because there’s a little law in California that says so…California Vehicle Code 23152(a) provides: “it is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage…to drive a vehicle.” Therefore, if you’ve have had one drink, say a .05 BAC, you may have violated the law! To top it off, the science behind the way the BAC is calculated is questionable, leading to errors that may lead to the conclusion that you were over the legal limit when in fact you were not! So if you're ever stopped and have had even one drink, remember these tips...you might even want to keep a copy of this article in your car to refer to.
2- Remain Calm And Only Provide Required Documentation
By law you are required to show proof of insurance, a valid driver’s license and valid registration. You want to stay calm when you’re reaching for your glove box and wallet…the officer will be building a case against you and being nervous and clumsy can be indicators of intoxication in the officer’s eyes. Any such information or so-called indicators of intoxication will be noted in the Police Report. So just say “Hello Officer, I will now provide you with my license, insurance and registration.”
3- Do Not Answer The Officer’s Questions
Remember, anything you say or do can be used against you. From the time that the officer pulls you over, they will pay attention to everything in order to build a case against you. The only time you should answer any questions is if you have information that would aid in your defense such as a medical condition that would cause your eyes to twitch, etc. Keep in mind that the police assume that you will not be truthful about how much you have had to drink, so if you think it wont be harmful to say something like “I’ve just had a beer” think again...they take that to mean “I’ve just had 5 beers.” It’s not that they necessarily think you’re lying; it’s just that they believe that if you’re intoxicated, your memory will not be clear about how much you have actually had to drink. To be on the safe side, just repeatedly say: “Under the advice of my lawyer, I respectfully decline to answer that question.”
4- Never Do Any “Test” That The Police Ask You To Do
The police will ask you to follow their finger or pen to see how your pupils move…if your pupils move in a way that the officer determines is wrong, it will be taken as evidence of intoxication. Similarly, the officer will ask you to do field sobriety tests such as walking on a real or imaginary line, balancing on one foot or touching your finger to your nose. Do NOT do any of these tests! These tests are NOT objective indicators of intoxication and are hard to perform even if you’re relaxed and in great athletic shape, let alone tired and intimidated while you have an officer shining a flashlight in your face on the side of the street! Again say “I respectfully decline your request.”
5- DO NOT BLOW INTO ANYTHING
Unless you’re under 21 years old, decline doing any type of breath test. The breath testing devices are extremely flawed and there will be no evidence to retest after you’re arrested, so don’t take them! When asked to do any type of breath test say “I respectfully decline to submit to a breath test – I will consent to a blood test.”
6- REQUEST A BLOOD TEST
You've got to submit either to a breath test OR a blood test...If you refuse both a breath test and a blood test, you’re going to be violating another law and will automatically lose your driver’s license. Since the breath testing devices are extremely flawed, make sure you request a blood test. The officers will try to scare you into taking a breath test…they will say that you’re going to spend the night in jail and that a breath test is so much faster and easier. Don’t be fooled, it is easier – for them to arrest you more quickly. They’re planning on arresting you anyway, so you’re going to be spending the night in jail regardless! Again say “I respectfully decline to submit to a breath test – I will only consent to a blood test.”
7- Its Easier Said Than Done, But Don't Be Intimdated!
I realize that all of this sounds easy, and if you’re pulled over you may get nervous and the officers will probably try to intimate you into answering their questions and doing their tests. Remember that at the same time the officers are doing their job, you also have rights that you are entitled to. Just try to remain respectful towards the officer while keeping in mind that you’re entitled to respect of your rights as well. There’s a lot at stake…a DUI conviction can have very serious consequences that can harm your career and family. Remember the few sentences in quotes above, be respectful to the officer, and you will be in much better shape than 99% of anyone else stopped for a DUI.
(from Avvo.com) If you’re stopped and the police believe that you have been drinking, the police will only be doing their job if they try to determine whether or not you’re intoxicated. There are two problems: (1) The tests the officers use are flawed and (2) You can be charged with a DUI if your BAC is below .08.
1- How You Can Be Charged With A DUI Even If Your BAC Is UNDER .08!
That’s right, even though the legal limit for DUI in California is .08 BAC, you can still be convicted of a DUI if you’re under that limit! Why, you might ask? Well because there’s a little law in California that says so…California Vehicle Code 23152(a) provides: “it is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage…to drive a vehicle.” Therefore, if you’ve have had one drink, say a .05 BAC, you may have violated the law! To top it off, the science behind the way the BAC is calculated is questionable, leading to errors that may lead to the conclusion that you were over the legal limit when in fact you were not! So if you're ever stopped and have had even one drink, remember these tips...you might even want to keep a copy of this article in your car to refer to.
2- Remain Calm And Only Provide Required Documentation
By law you are required to show proof of insurance, a valid driver’s license and valid registration. You want to stay calm when you’re reaching for your glove box and wallet…the officer will be building a case against you and being nervous and clumsy can be indicators of intoxication in the officer’s eyes. Any such information or so-called indicators of intoxication will be noted in the Police Report. So just say “Hello Officer, I will now provide you with my license, insurance and registration.”
3- Do Not Answer The Officer’s Questions
Remember, anything you say or do can be used against you. From the time that the officer pulls you over, they will pay attention to everything in order to build a case against you. The only time you should answer any questions is if you have information that would aid in your defense such as a medical condition that would cause your eyes to twitch, etc. Keep in mind that the police assume that you will not be truthful about how much you have had to drink, so if you think it wont be harmful to say something like “I’ve just had a beer” think again...they take that to mean “I’ve just had 5 beers.” It’s not that they necessarily think you’re lying; it’s just that they believe that if you’re intoxicated, your memory will not be clear about how much you have actually had to drink. To be on the safe side, just repeatedly say: “Under the advice of my lawyer, I respectfully decline to answer that question.”
4- Never Do Any “Test” That The Police Ask You To Do
The police will ask you to follow their finger or pen to see how your pupils move…if your pupils move in a way that the officer determines is wrong, it will be taken as evidence of intoxication. Similarly, the officer will ask you to do field sobriety tests such as walking on a real or imaginary line, balancing on one foot or touching your finger to your nose. Do NOT do any of these tests! These tests are NOT objective indicators of intoxication and are hard to perform even if you’re relaxed and in great athletic shape, let alone tired and intimidated while you have an officer shining a flashlight in your face on the side of the street! Again say “I respectfully decline your request.”
5- DO NOT BLOW INTO ANYTHING
Unless you’re under 21 years old, decline doing any type of breath test. The breath testing devices are extremely flawed and there will be no evidence to retest after you’re arrested, so don’t take them! When asked to do any type of breath test say “I respectfully decline to submit to a breath test – I will consent to a blood test.”
6- REQUEST A BLOOD TEST
You've got to submit either to a breath test OR a blood test...If you refuse both a breath test and a blood test, you’re going to be violating another law and will automatically lose your driver’s license. Since the breath testing devices are extremely flawed, make sure you request a blood test. The officers will try to scare you into taking a breath test…they will say that you’re going to spend the night in jail and that a breath test is so much faster and easier. Don’t be fooled, it is easier – for them to arrest you more quickly. They’re planning on arresting you anyway, so you’re going to be spending the night in jail regardless! Again say “I respectfully decline to submit to a breath test – I will only consent to a blood test.”
7- Its Easier Said Than Done, But Don't Be Intimdated!
I realize that all of this sounds easy, and if you’re pulled over you may get nervous and the officers will probably try to intimate you into answering their questions and doing their tests. Remember that at the same time the officers are doing their job, you also have rights that you are entitled to. Just try to remain respectful towards the officer while keeping in mind that you’re entitled to respect of your rights as well. There’s a lot at stake…a DUI conviction can have very serious consequences that can harm your career and family. Remember the few sentences in quotes above, be respectful to the officer, and you will be in much better shape than 99% of anyone else stopped for a DUI.
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