Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
Beautiful skies
I saw these mesmerizing skies above at the Chase Center The sky is adorned with cirrostratus clouds, which are high-altitude clouds that appear as long, thin bands stretched across the sky. These clouds often create a hazy veil that covers the sky, giving it a fibrous, streaked appearance, and are known for creating a halo…
Oaxacan Flavors on Calle 24
Check out Donaji for some Oaxaca flavors. The restaurant’s approach to Mexican food—with a nod to vegetarian and pescatarian options—offered a refreshing variety. The space itself mirrored the food: bright and inviting. Lots of colors in the space. These are tostadas topped with scrambled eggs, avocado slices, red onion. The quesadilla was a savory hit,…
Cruise Robotaxi Service Under Scrutiny
CBS reports General Motors’ self-driving robotaxi service, Cruise, is in the spotlight for the alleged cover-up of an accident in San Francisco. California regulators are considering imposing a $1.5 million fine after a Cruise vehicle was involved in an incident on October 2, striking a pedestrian who had already been hit by another car. This…
Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts, built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition by architect Bernard Maybeck, stands as a testament to classical beauty in San Francisco. At night, it’s a sight to behold, especially with performers juggling fire, known as “fire spinning.” This mesmerizing spectacle adds a touch of magic to the already enchanting evenings at…
Christmas Tree at Chase Center
Thrive City, the dynamic district around Chase Center in San Francisco, is now home to a grand Christmas tree that outshines even Union Square’s. Towering with festive splendor, it becomes a centerpiece of holiday cheer. This vibrant area is known for its mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Tsukemen at Taishoken
After trying various ramen attempts in Mexico City, we found ourselves craving the authentic taste we remembered. Tsukemen, also known as dipping ramen, consists of two separate bowls: one with thick, chewy noodles, and the other with a rich, concentrated broth. The magic happens when you dip the noodles into the broth, allowing you to…
Cute robotic building
Right next to Cherin’s Appliance stands out with its eye-catching facade painted to resemble a giant robot head: It’s not a Diego Rivera but it fits the character of the city!
Someone didn’t like the bike lanes
It looks like the SF Small Business Coalition is against having the Valencia bike lanes. Personally I really like that it’s there and I could get used to having it in the center actually. Here’s the general views of the San Francisco Small Business Coalition (SFSBC). They are rallying against the Valencia Quick Build Project…
Dandelion Chocolate in San Francisco
Back at home, we decided to visit Dandelion Chocolate in the vibrant Mission District. The artisanal chocolate factory’s along Valencia Street. Dandelion Chocolate was founded by Todd Masonis and Cameron Ring in 2010. These two chocolate enthusiasts embarked on a mission to bring high-quality, bean-to-bar chocolate to San Francisco. Walking into Dandelion Chocolate on Valencia…
Property taxes in 2023
Owning a home in San Francisco, especially when it’s your primary residence, comes with its unique challenges, not least of which is grappling with property taxes. If you’re like me, the arrival of that annual tax bill can send stress levels soaring. Ad Valorem Taxes The assessed value is typically set at the purchase price…
Visiting Grocery Outlet
We just returned from a trip to Mexico, where the vibrant markets of Mexico City left an indelible impression on us. Back in San Francisco, we decided to visit our local Grocery Outlet, curious to see how it compared with the bustling markets of Mexico. The first thing we noticed was the abundance of pozole.…
Growing potatoes in London
In the heart of London, my friend’s home has become an unexpected potato farm. Their backyard has some potato plants. This urban farming adventure challenges conventional gardening, proving even in a bustling city, one can harvest homegrown, earthy goodness.
Taqueria Vallarta reopening
Taqueria Vallarta, a cherished local eatery in the heart of our community, has recently reopened its doors in the Mission after a lengthy closure of over six months. The closure was linked to health department concerns, prompting the owners to undertake extensive cleaning. Patrons of Vallarta have long praised the authenticity of its offerings, likening…
End of an Era: Anchor Brewing
For 127 years, Anchor has been a symbol of brewing innovation and tradition. Its current state, segmented for sale in three parts, marks the end of an era for America’s original craft brewery. The Sale Components Formed by former Anchor employees, this group is eyeing just the intellectual property, estimated to sell for at least…
10 Freeway fire found to be intentional
A recent blaze under the 10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles, now believed to be an act of arson, has caused significant disruption and raised urgent safety concerns. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass held a press conference to address the situation, emphasizing the severity of the incident and its implications…
Waymo’s Self-Driving Car in San Francisco
San Francisco’s vibrant streets just got more futuristic with Waymo’s self-driving Jaguar I-PACE. We booked the vehicle through Waymo’s app. Boarding is pretty straightforward, the car didn’t stop at where we indicated and we had to go to the adjacent block to board. There’s an interactive screen offers options including music selection. You can set…
Biden and Xi to Meet in San Francisco
President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet next month in San Francisco during the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. This is a significant development in international relations, marking the first meeting between the leaders in the United States since Biden took office. The APEC forum is a cornerstone for…
Brunch Gem on Valencia Street: Alnico
Tucked amidst the bustling eateries and cafes is Alnico Restaurant, a cozy spot that has taken brunch to the next level. We opted to share the Ube Hotcakes ($17), a dish that didn’t just live up to its reputation—it exceeded it. Fluffy, flavorful, and generously portioned: To wash it all down, we each got a…
Views from Bernal Heights and Dolores Heights
Dolores Heights offers a somewhat more urban view, framed by quintessential San Francisco homes. From this vantage point, Salesforce Tower not only dominates the skyline but also becomes part of the neighborhood’s own unique aesthetic. Perched atop a hill, Bernal Heights Park is a local favorite for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle…
Volunteers Mobilize for Recall Against Alameda DA Pamela Price
The recall campaign against Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price is gaining traction as volunteers and activists hit the streets of East Oakland on Sunday. Many of these volunteers have lost family members to gun violence and are deeply dissatisfied with Price’s criminal justice policies, which they claim prioritize criminals over victims. James Burch, deputy…
Foggy day at Bernal Heights
On a foggy day at Bernal Heights, the iconic San Francisco fog turns the hilltop into a surreal landscape of muted hues and softened features. As evening falls, the Salesforce Tower glows, piercing the fog with modern elegance, adding a sense of beauty to the gray.
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