June 11, 2005
A nightmare week of computer mayhem and chaos has stimulated the nostalgic, anti-digital-technology side of my brain, and inspired me to talk about my newest old-school adoption: the straight razor!
In short: I bought a vintage German razor, it’s an absolute beauty, and I risk my life every morning as I step in front of the fogged-up mirror.
Speaking of Germany, I want to mention my very favourite podcast in the world — it’s called Schlaflos in München, a daily five minute dose of charming German-language stream-of-consciousness from my friend Annik Rubens in Munich. She is so entertaining that you’ll love it even if you don’t speak the language! (and if you do, then lucky you… have a listen!)
Sparkletack was the blog and podcast of a guy obsessed with diggin' up San Francisco history. The site is on permanent hiatus.
1-click updates
Join me on Twitter!
February 23, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Hi, Richard!
My friend Tim recently turned me on to your podcasts, and I’ve spent the last week listening to the first 31. I have practically given up listening to music on my iPod (except for the gym, or when I just can’t concentrate on the words) since I began.
I want to let you know that I find your tellings of the history of the City in which I was born and raised (but for a couple of years under the age of 10 when I was forced to live on a commune in Mendocino County) not only fascinating, but magical, entertaining and very educational as well. I’ve never known most of what I’ve heard so far (with a few exceptions), and I am thoroughly enjoying it all. I’ve sent the link to a few friends as well, although I don’t know if they have tuned in yet. (Well, one I can be sure will if she hasn’t already.)
This is my first comment, because although I’ve greatly enjoyed the previous 10, no doubt, this is the first one that stole my heart. I LOVE knowing that you enjoy that straight razor! I think this world moves too fast, and often I go right along with it. But it’s so nice to slow down and enjoy the life we have, and if that means spending the time to use a straight razor in the morning for you, I think that’s wonderful! And yes, it’s also very romantic.
There are times when I wonder if I’d have been happy back in the mid-late 1800’s. While I wouldn’t give up what I have and am in today’s San Francisco, I am curious as to who I would’ve been back then. Hearing your stories helps me imagine what my life would’ve been like in the days of the horse and buggy, and I can’t thank you enough for your podcasts.
I take that back. I can thank you by buying you an Anchor Steam. In fact, both my friend Tim and I would like to. We live in your neighborhood, on Church between 15th and 16th, and would enjoy taking you out for a beer at any of the local watering holes. However, I completely understand if you are not ready to meet your fans face to face. In the alternative, I would like to send a check to you (I’m not a fan of PayPal), so if you have a PO Box or other anonymous address to which I can send said check, I’d very much like to buy a few beers for you.
If somewhere down the line, after I’ve commented on more of your podcasts and you realize I’m not a crazed killer searching for my next smotth-voiced, pocasting victim, you’d like to take us up on the offer of a drink, just let me know.
From one San Francisco native to another (well, close enough – I know, you weren’t born here, but as Herb Caen said, you got here as soon as you could), keep up the amazingly fantastic work, and I look forward to continuing my education!
Chloe
PS – Sorry if I’ve written too much, and may do so in the future. I’m NOT a writer, but I do go on at times.