friend of the built environment

Something significant just happened…

Why is is that a particular Catholic Saint was chosen as the mascot for a day so fraught with hedonistic indulgence? I mean, when I think Catholicism, I think abstinence, guilt, shame. When I think Valentine I think sex, chocolate, food, fun, pleasure. But then, I also like the idea that I’m having such thoughts [...]

Marriage is a red-button issue in America (and maybe beyond?). Queers have spent the past year making strides and taking stock of setbacks. The majority of American voters loathe the concept of universal marriage equality. The war on contract law is taking some unsettling turns in places like Virginia, Ohio and Louisianna. Logical reasoning and [...]

The weekend past saw an enlightening visit to Southern California, which within a few weeks will have successfully been washed away. Pity. Finally managed to meet Drub and Chuck at Pomegranate. Other gastronomic tourist stops included Mister Tiki and Jimmy Carter’s. Much weight was gained and cute neighborhoods seen.

A dinner and visit with Dan last night led to some more rolling around in the psychological quagmire which is my urban outlook these days. I finally got it all out of my system with a long lonely walk through North Beach and Chinatown today.
I think I’ve learned a lot about what I should expect from [...]

An interesting exchange recently regarding the “love it or leave it” philosophy. Coincidentally, the Chronicle also published a rather candid reflection on San Francisco today as well… I knew David and I weren’t the only ones who have recognized the change in malls from one-size-fits-all shopping centres to specialized boutique villiages… Oh, I mean the change in cities from one-size-fits-all living and working [...]

Baby, Location’s What You Make It: An Early Reflection.

I’ve always been iffy about the death penalty. On one hand, I don’t think that the state should kill people as official policy, outside the execution of war. On the other hand, I admit my own desire for retribution should violent crime visit my life…
The problem with the death penalty is that it’s permanent. “Beyond [...]

Going South. Be back next year…