We don't usually read the Op Ed pages of the Chronicle, because it's always either rehashed columnists from other papers or something like "give birth control pills to deer in Point Reyes" -- but can you believe it? The Chron actually got someone local to write about a local issue today -- if we're going to build out the MUNI underground, why not actually build it out and have a subway that runs to Fisherman's Wharf?
MUNI Underground
Cow Palace May Say Its Final 'Moo'
We'll 'fess up. We haven't been to the Cow Palace since the 2005 Tattoo Expo. With that said, we're a bit torn with how to feel about the possibility of the Cow Palace being demolished. With such historical events as the Beatles playing there and John F. Kennedy speaking to the masses about starting the Peace Corp, on that hand alone, we'd hate to see this place go.
Tastes Great AND Less Filling
The Chron got all investigative reporting today and discovered that after getting raises in 2002, the Board now meets less than when they did before the raise. Let's see...more money...less work hours...how do we get that job?
Chronicle Endorses Chain Smoking Muslim for President
It's that time of the year for all the big papers to weigh in on their choice for President and yesterday, the Chron weighed in and announced that they are going to support the guy who gives pretty, pretty speeches. You know, the Muslim dude who doesn't pledge allegiance to the flag, and just might be on the downlow: Barry Hussein Obama. And, yes, we know most of that stuff comes for a vicious, nasty email smear that's been going around and isn't in any way true, but come on, you gotta let us have some fun.
November January Rain
Got that parapluie? The Chron reports that the skies are going to open up starting tomorrow, with not one, not two, but three separate weather systems barreling on in from Alaska. They're expecting 2-4 inches of rain in the city, possibly up to 8 inches in the hills, and a "paralyzing" amount of snow in the Sierras. There's also the possibility of flooding, so if your house is prone to it, pick up some free sandbags at the DPW yard on Cesar Chavez and right before the 101 N onramp (2323 Cesar Chavez). Friday is supposed to be the worst day, anyways, so plan ahead. (though it always seems when we actually plan for rain, it turns out to be a beautiful day.)
Marie-Antoinette and San Francisco: Match Made in Bourgeoisie Heaven?
While the pairing seems unlikely (despite San Francisco being the "Paris of the West"), the Legion of Honor has received the, uh, honor of hosting the Marie-Antoinette exhibit. The show specifically focuses on Petit Trianon—Marie-Antoinette's personal retreat in Versailles—as well as the life and times of the lady herself. Paintings, furniture and anything else not bolted down in her house have been flown over here for display while the "cottage" (ahem) is being renovated.
Chess King
Hey, a local 12 year old from Foster City just won the world chess championship for the boys 12 and under age bracket. Champ Daniel Naroditsky won 9 games, lost 1, and played to a draw with the previous number 1 ranked preteen male. The Chron was unable to talk to him because of the time difference in Turkey (where the championships were held), but Daniel's proud father reports that Daniel's first question after winning was "do I have to go to school on Friday?"
Pelosi V. Sheehan
Someone else viewed as unbeatable has a hail-Mary opponent from the progressive left -- and we're not just talking about Gavin Newsom and Chris Daly! That's right -- the stridently anti-war soldier's mom Cindy Sheehan has declared her candidacy against San Francisco's House representative, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
News From The Animal Point Of View
They settled the Alameda County garbage strike lockout! After a nine-hour mediation, Oakland mayor Ron Dellums announced late yesterday night that all the parties had managed to resolve the four-week dispute. No one can disclose the details, but the union will vote on whether to accept the proposal this Saturday. If the union approves the deal, regular garbage pickup could resume as early as Monday. Meanwhile, the Chron, giving us all the news from the animal perspective, reports that a woman is suing the garbage company for making her dog sick when he ate trash they hadn't picked up.
What? More Contests? Win Dinner With The Breakaway Cook!
Hey foodies! We've got a giveaway for you! Wanna grab dinner at Michelin-rated Maverick with Yahoo food columnist Eric Gower, the Breakaway Cook?
Behold! (A Very Young) Gavin in Uniform
The Chron's Beth Spotswood lands a most delicious photo: a pre-Mayoral Gavin Newsom poured into a baseball uniform. Oh my. Well, then. (Not sure if this has been around, but it's the first time we've seen it, and clearly worth some sort of revival.)
Toilets and Tickets
There's two stories about BART today and while they have nothing in common, both are still noteworthy. So we'll start with the bad then move to the good.
Media Critic Singles Out Chron For Most Likely To Go All-Electronic
When we talked to Phil Bronstein, the publisher of the San Francisco Chronicle, a few weeks back, he told us that "the Chronicle will continue to be packed with talented journalists who will keep providing what (SFist) Rita called 'an essential public service.'"
Oh No, Ed Jew!: Borderline
YES!!!! Thank you, CUIP-SF, for passing along your YouTube clip of the guy singing his pro Ed Jew version of Madonna's Borderline at the public comment session of yesterday's Board of Supervisors meeting! Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Fireworks-Related Injury To Punk Band Drummer At Dolores Park Yesterday
Roisin Isner, who is a drummer in a punk band called Tinkture, was the victim of a stray firework. The Chron article is unclear about what type of firework it was or who may have done it -- but there is a letter purported to come from Isner's father floating around the Internet that fills in (at least his opinions on) those details. For now, the article at least confirms that Isner was seriously injured by a stray explosive that detonated near her right hand.
Day Around The Bay
--Picture of a woman collecting bottles from people in the iPhone line by reader zombie. Thanks for sending them in, zombie! [ZombieTime.]
Day Around The Bay
--A guy jumped onto the field to say hi to Barry Bonds yesterday. Arrested, drunk. [The Chron photo pool, the Snitch.]
iPhone San Francisco Debut
We got these great pictures of the iPhone debut at the Apple Store in Union Square from Matt Johnson, a visiting staffer from our sister site Phillyist. Hope you had a nice time in San Francisco, Matt!
Day Around The Bay
--Apple iPhone madness begins! That's a picture of the line in SF yesterday night by photo genius Steve Rhodes, who reported around 60 people in line by midnight. We're hoping to have more pictures of the madness starting at 6 p.m. today by tomorrow! [Steve's Flickr picture; Justin.tv video footage; Gizmodo; the Chron; the Merc News; the Trib; CBS 5.]
Oh No, Ed Jew!: Chris Daly
Matier and Ross have both our obsessions covered in tomorrow's column! (The column's dated for tomorrow's paper, but went live this evening which is why this is going up now.)
New Coke: The Chris Daly Fallout
We're already getting tired of this story. Can we please get back to the Ed Jew investigations? The only coverage we're enjoying is Bad Reporter's! (We're enjoying Bad Reporter's coverage very, very much, though. "No oxygen: He could die.") Here's the latest in Daly Fight 2007:
Day Around The Bay
--Gavin Newsom angrily denies Chris Daly's cocaine allegations, calls them "sleazy," and calls for everyone in the Board of Supes to condemn them. Tom Ammiano says he thought it was one of Daly's better speeches. [The Chron (and audio clip), CBS 5 (with video of Daly at the meeting and Newsom's denial), ABC 7 (also with video), Fog City, Beyond Chron, Examiner, SF Sentinel. Watch the video from SFGov here, around item 36.]
Oh No, Ed Jew!: Deadline
Quick, what was yesterday? Besides a lovely day -- it was also the deadline for Ed Jew to respond to the City Attorney with additional documentation of his residency.

