Naw, not the bar in San Francisco.
Walking around the bar the other day, we noticed a spot in the stucco on the back of the bar that'll be needing repair. I'm beginning to hate stucco.
Of course, my first thought on seeing the hole was, "Uh, oh. Is it a problem?" And it is. Water and other moisture is getting in and causing the stucco to break away from the building. ("Crap!")
Next on the list, "How much is it going to cost?" And I don't know. I've never repaired stucco before and I have no idea what the associated cost is; I'm hoping no more than a couple hundred dollars. I guess we chalk this one up to "Cost Over Runs".
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Logo Rising
Have you happened to notice the logo now on our web site? It's smack dab in the middle of the header. In addition to using it on the website, we have some rather neat plans for the logo. (Some of 'em may cost us a pretty penny so they may have to wait until we have income.)
But there it is! What d'ya think?
But there it is! What d'ya think?
Friday, January 28, 2011
World's Tiniest Homeless Encampment
I think I'm a nice guy for the most part. Generally, if I'm not able to use something I'm fine with someone else using it instead.
Which brings me to the bar. I don't mind that a couple of (apparently) homeless folks have taken to sleeping behind the bar. I'm fine with providing them with a shred of shelter from the cold and rain.
What I'm *not* fine with is the mess these folks are leaving in their wake. I'm not fine with them apparently destroying one (or more) of the benches that used to be out there. (If they're using it for firewood, that's a bit different but I see no trace of fire behind the bar.) I'm not fine with them randomly ripping out water and gas pipes.
These people have begun to cost me money. And, in this case, that's where my charity ends.
Look, Apparently-Homeless-People, nobody else is using the space so go ahead and use it for shelter. Although I think I should, I have not called the cops on you for trespassing. And you are probably a liability for my insurance. But treat the space with some shred of respect. Clean up after yourselves. Be a good temporary resident. Don't rip stuff off the building because you think you need it more than we do.
Since the apparently-homeless-people are unlikely to read this, we're putting in a fence (hopefully within a week) to keep them out. They've outstayed their unspoken welcome.
Which brings me to the bar. I don't mind that a couple of (apparently) homeless folks have taken to sleeping behind the bar. I'm fine with providing them with a shred of shelter from the cold and rain.
What I'm *not* fine with is the mess these folks are leaving in their wake. I'm not fine with them apparently destroying one (or more) of the benches that used to be out there. (If they're using it for firewood, that's a bit different but I see no trace of fire behind the bar.) I'm not fine with them randomly ripping out water and gas pipes.
These people have begun to cost me money. And, in this case, that's where my charity ends.
Look, Apparently-Homeless-People, nobody else is using the space so go ahead and use it for shelter. Although I think I should, I have not called the cops on you for trespassing. And you are probably a liability for my insurance. But treat the space with some shred of respect. Clean up after yourselves. Be a good temporary resident. Don't rip stuff off the building because you think you need it more than we do.
Since the apparently-homeless-people are unlikely to read this, we're putting in a fence (hopefully within a week) to keep them out. They've outstayed their unspoken welcome.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Doors Deemed Done
New doors!
Yesterday, David and Karl finished muscle-ing in the doors. We now have two, gleaming white steel doors on the building! Yay! (How long the doors will actually stay gleaming white? Who knows...)
We'll have pictures up later. Just don't laugh too much when you see how badly I stuck on the address numbers on the door. They're temporary anyway.
With as slow as the process is going, I'll take any bit of progress I can get; no matter how small it seems.
Yesterday, David and Karl finished muscle-ing in the doors. We now have two, gleaming white steel doors on the building! Yay! (How long the doors will actually stay gleaming white? Who knows...)
We'll have pictures up later. Just don't laugh too much when you see how badly I stuck on the address numbers on the door. They're temporary anyway.
With as slow as the process is going, I'll take any bit of progress I can get; no matter how small it seems.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Clean up! Aisle, uh, Everywhere!
Man, oh, man. Have we got our work cut out for us.
These are pictures of the mess the fire left behind that we need to now go and clean up. Some of these pictures were taken several weeks ago and more recently and some of the clean up has already been done. But they all show what needs (or needed) to be cleaned up. Ugh.
These are pictures of the mess the fire left behind that we need to now go and clean up. Some of these pictures were taken several weeks ago and more recently and some of the clean up has already been done. But they all show what needs (or needed) to be cleaned up. Ugh.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Ever-Tightening Budget
We're getting bids in from contractors. And, a couple of them are much higher than our original uneducated guesses. But, they do seem to be in line with the going rates for the type of work so we think they're correct.
Perhaps our experience with the home we bought doesn't correlate well to commercial work. And maybe that's the issue. Most of our guesses have been pretty damn close to the actual figures we're getting from contractors. But the couple that have been off -- there's only been two so far -- have been way off.
Although the budget noose may be getting tighter and tighter and the margin of error may be shrinking (at least we still have one), I think we'll be just fine.
BONUS: Stock tip for today: Buy stock in Top Raman. It's going to go to the moon!
Perhaps our experience with the home we bought doesn't correlate well to commercial work. And maybe that's the issue. Most of our guesses have been pretty damn close to the actual figures we're getting from contractors. But the couple that have been off -- there's only been two so far -- have been way off.
Although the budget noose may be getting tighter and tighter and the margin of error may be shrinking (at least we still have one), I think we'll be just fine.
BONUS: Stock tip for today: Buy stock in Top Raman. It's going to go to the moon!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Posting Posted Post Prescribed Period
(Why am I so fond of alliteration?)
Well, it's been thirty days that the required "Notice of Pending Transfer" for the liquor license has been posted. Actually, it's been more than 30 days now. (Hence, "Post-30 days" in the title.)
We're only waiting for the ABC to clear the license and to hear back from the State Board of Equalization (The Sales Tax people) before we can close the license transfer and have it in our names. Then, we can OPEN! YAY!
Now. If we can only solve that tiny little problem of not having a roof for the bar, we'd be set...
This is one of the major Magical Hoops™ and we're about to jump clean through it. Through this process the ABC has been remarkably helpful and friendly. I highly recommend anybody who needs a liquor license deal with them and them alone. ("....What's that?.... They have to go through the ABC? ... Oh. Well, I stand by my recommendation anyway.")
Well, it's been thirty days that the required "Notice of Pending Transfer" for the liquor license has been posted. Actually, it's been more than 30 days now. (Hence, "Post-30 days" in the title.)
We're only waiting for the ABC to clear the license and to hear back from the State Board of Equalization (The Sales Tax people) before we can close the license transfer and have it in our names. Then, we can OPEN! YAY!
Now. If we can only solve that tiny little problem of not having a roof for the bar, we'd be set...
This is one of the major Magical Hoops™ and we're about to jump clean through it. Through this process the ABC has been remarkably helpful and friendly. I highly recommend anybody who needs a liquor license deal with them and them alone. ("....What's that?.... They have to go through the ABC? ... Oh. Well, I stand by my recommendation anyway.")
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Error!! Page Found!
One of the things that makes a website well-rounded is styled error pages. You've seen the ugly ones. They say "404: File not found" on a white background and that's about it. (There are a lot of other error types, by the way.) And let's face it. They're ugly. They serve their purpose, of course, but, Damn! They be UGG LEE!
So, I like to make 'em at least match the rest of the site. (But not too much, otherwise it's not obvious you're on an error page.) And, given the opportunity, I'll toss some humor into 'em, too.
All of this is to say that I've gone and completed the major HTTP Error Status pages I think we'll need for the site. Big deal, eh? Sorta like patting myself on the back for not spiling water out of my sippy cup.
What's strange about styled error pages and them fitting into a site is that, if all goes well, they'll never, ever been seen. (Like the SEO I talked about earlier.) It's kind of like a Van Gogh on the middle layer of 3 ply toilet paper. So, to show off 'em off (and it'll probably make 'em indexed by search engines; not terribly crazy about that) here they are:
400 Bad Request
403 Forbidden (Probably my favorite)
404 File not Found
500 Internal Server Error
So, I like to make 'em at least match the rest of the site. (But not too much, otherwise it's not obvious you're on an error page.) And, given the opportunity, I'll toss some humor into 'em, too.
All of this is to say that I've gone and completed the major HTTP Error Status pages I think we'll need for the site. Big deal, eh? Sorta like patting myself on the back for not spiling water out of my sippy cup.
What's strange about styled error pages and them fitting into a site is that, if all goes well, they'll never, ever been seen. (Like the SEO I talked about earlier.) It's kind of like a Van Gogh on the middle layer of 3 ply toilet paper. So, to show off 'em off (and it'll probably make 'em indexed by search engines; not terribly crazy about that) here they are:
400 Bad Request
403 Forbidden (Probably my favorite)
404 File not Found
500 Internal Server Error
Friday, January 21, 2011
Free Money Going Poof?
Governor Brown has proposed eliminating redevelopment agencies to help with the California budget problem. He says that the money can be better spent in schools and other places.
I'm on the the fence on whether or not I agree. I do believe that we all have to give up benefits as our part to help the entire state; it's part of being in society. But I also believe that redevelopment agencies help everybody's community.
About 15 to 20 years ago I was living in and around San Jose. Around that time the San Jose Redevelopment Agency revitalized downtown San Jose and did a terrific job at it. Downtown San Jose is a nice place to be and safe and all the good things it should be. I believe that success can--and should--be ported to other cities and communities.
Yes, I know there is sometimes fraud and nepotism involved with redevelopment agencies. But, for the most part, they do their job at creating jobs and pretty-ing-up areas well.
In our case with The Phoenix, if the redevelopment agency budget is gutted, we'll probably be out the matching funds to improve the front of the bar.
I'd like to have those matching funds, but, honestly, I'm kinda willing to give it up if it will help the vast majority of people in the state. So, I take a wait-and-see stance on what happens.
Sometimes, being in the middle of the road on things is annoying....
I'm on the the fence on whether or not I agree. I do believe that we all have to give up benefits as our part to help the entire state; it's part of being in society. But I also believe that redevelopment agencies help everybody's community.
About 15 to 20 years ago I was living in and around San Jose. Around that time the San Jose Redevelopment Agency revitalized downtown San Jose and did a terrific job at it. Downtown San Jose is a nice place to be and safe and all the good things it should be. I believe that success can--and should--be ported to other cities and communities.
Yes, I know there is sometimes fraud and nepotism involved with redevelopment agencies. But, for the most part, they do their job at creating jobs and pretty-ing-up areas well.
In our case with The Phoenix, if the redevelopment agency budget is gutted, we'll probably be out the matching funds to improve the front of the bar.
I'd like to have those matching funds, but, honestly, I'm kinda willing to give it up if it will help the vast majority of people in the state. So, I take a wait-and-see stance on what happens.
Sometimes, being in the middle of the road on things is annoying....
Thursday, January 20, 2011
About Patric Hipp
It is with a heavy heart that I post this message.
Paul's partner, Patric, died this past Tuesday. He was 70. Our thoughts are with Paul and Patric's family during this time.
There will be a celebration of Patric's life at 8:00pm on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the Red Lantern.
Paul and Patric were the owners and the heart of The Den.
Paul's partner, Patric, died this past Tuesday. He was 70. Our thoughts are with Paul and Patric's family during this time.
There will be a celebration of Patric's life at 8:00pm on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the Red Lantern.
Paul and Patric were the owners and the heart of The Den.
"...Who's There?"
One of the absloute delights of owning a building more than 50 years old is some of the adventures that go on when trying to do simple things like, reinstalling a door.
Building sag; they go off square, they go off level, and they go off plumb. It's just charming how those things can screw with something made new that is plumb, level and square. You know, like a brand new, custom-made door.
After hours of pushing and sweating and otherwise shoving the old building in directions it didn't really want to go, Karl and David got one of the two doors installed. And that took all day. But it's in and it's solid and it opens the right direction. All is well in the world. (At least until they go do the other door.)
Building sag; they go off square, they go off level, and they go off plumb. It's just charming how those things can screw with something made new that is plumb, level and square. You know, like a brand new, custom-made door.
After hours of pushing and sweating and otherwise shoving the old building in directions it didn't really want to go, Karl and David got one of the two doors installed. And that took all day. But it's in and it's solid and it opens the right direction. All is well in the world. (At least until they go do the other door.)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
"Knock! Knock!"
Early this morning, Karl stole away from the house under cover of fog. He stole away silently--barely disturbing the dogs--and left me to sleep. Perhaps he waved goodbye from the bedroom door as I lay in bed sleeping and dreaming. Perhaps I wax too pedantically poetic.
He had an appointment in Fresno. A vital appointment. An appointment so vital that, without having made it to the appointment, the doors of the bar would never be opened. An appointment made with the promise of forever changing the face of Fresno's gay night life. An appointment that ... Oh, hell....
As I type, Karl and David are at the bar installing our new doors. That is all.
Let's hear it for progress!
He had an appointment in Fresno. A vital appointment. An appointment so vital that, without having made it to the appointment, the doors of the bar would never be opened. An appointment made with the promise of forever changing the face of Fresno's gay night life. An appointment that ... Oh, hell....
As I type, Karl and David are at the bar installing our new doors. That is all.
Let's hear it for progress!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Waiting For the Waiting to Be Over...
This is beginning to wear on both Karl and me.
Seems all we do these days is wait. We wait for doors to be made. And then we wait for a phone call that says the doors are done. That phone call never came; we had to make the call ourselves. We wait for the City to approve the plans (which they did--sorta--more quickly than I expected). We wait for the engineering firm to finish the requested changed. We wait for garbage service. We wait for waiting periods on the liquor license transfer to expire. We wait to stop waiting.
We wait a lot. And we're impatient.
I think part of the "problem" is that I believe people when they say, "We'll have that done in about a week." Two or three weeks later, they're finally finished. Or, "I'll have a bid for you on Monday." On Friday, we call and they just haven't gotten to it yet.
I knew from the start that there would be periods of doing nothing and that the entire process would take longer than anticipated. But sometimes the reality of inactivity is unpleasant.
Seems all we do these days is wait. We wait for doors to be made. And then we wait for a phone call that says the doors are done. That phone call never came; we had to make the call ourselves. We wait for the City to approve the plans (which they did--sorta--more quickly than I expected). We wait for the engineering firm to finish the requested changed. We wait for garbage service. We wait for waiting periods on the liquor license transfer to expire. We wait to stop waiting.
We wait a lot. And we're impatient.
I think part of the "problem" is that I believe people when they say, "We'll have that done in about a week." Two or three weeks later, they're finally finished. Or, "I'll have a bid for you on Monday." On Friday, we call and they just haven't gotten to it yet.
I knew from the start that there would be periods of doing nothing and that the entire process would take longer than anticipated. But sometimes the reality of inactivity is unpleasant.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Did We Choose A Bad Name?
Perhaps.
Both Karl and I rather like the name, "The Phoenix". Unfortunately, it's made finding us in Google (or other search engines) kinda difficult. A quick search of "The Phoenix Fresno" brings up a lot of airline information and plenty of information about both Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix and Fresno International. Not exactly what I'd hoped for. So, I gotta fix that.
That's called SEO or "Search Engine Optimization". It's the act of changing a web site so search engines like Google and Bing and Yahoo! (and others I can't remember) rank the site higher in their listings so the site appears closer to the top of the list. (For example, searching for "Den Fresno" in Google brings up The Den's website as the first listing.)
SEO is one of those things that, if done well, you don't notice. Much like the soundtrack to a movie.
We're in the databases (Searching for "Phoenix Fresno Gay Bar" we're mentioned on a GayFresno.com site and that's close.) I just have to re-work the site so our site is near the top. I have my work cut out for me here....
Both Karl and I rather like the name, "The Phoenix". Unfortunately, it's made finding us in Google (or other search engines) kinda difficult. A quick search of "The Phoenix Fresno" brings up a lot of airline information and plenty of information about both Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix and Fresno International. Not exactly what I'd hoped for. So, I gotta fix that.
That's called SEO or "Search Engine Optimization". It's the act of changing a web site so search engines like Google and Bing and Yahoo! (and others I can't remember) rank the site higher in their listings so the site appears closer to the top of the list. (For example, searching for "Den Fresno" in Google brings up The Den's website as the first listing.)
SEO is one of those things that, if done well, you don't notice. Much like the soundtrack to a movie.
We're in the databases (Searching for "Phoenix Fresno Gay Bar" we're mentioned on a GayFresno.com site and that's close.) I just have to re-work the site so our site is near the top. I have my work cut out for me here....
Friday, January 14, 2011
To Auction!
Later today, we should be bringing a bunch of stuff that we aren't going to use to the auction house. Older equipment, older cash registers, older bar owners, that sort of thing. (Ok, I'm not really going to set Karl out to auction; that'd be rude.) (But he is older than I am.) They'll (hopefully) be sold off and help make the check book fatter rather than it just getting skinnier and skinnier.
(I know it ain't much of an update. But not a lot has been happening that's actual work.)
(I know it ain't much of an update. But not a lot has been happening that's actual work.)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Construction Bids Galore
I feel like I am spending all my time with construction workers. I know that sounds like a fantasy, but after a while you get tired of it. And they all seem to want to do things their own way. (Just like a man.) I ask for the same things of three or four different companies so I can compare them later but no two are alike when they send me the bids.
One of our latest wanted to install 10 bright fluorescent light fixtures. That would be great if we were lighting a basketball court, but I prefer soft lighting. I want lighting that makes me look 10 years younger, if possible. (Not sure how much that would cost.)
But don't worry, I will spend as much time as it takes with dozens of construction workers. And I'll have a big bottle of aspirin, too.
One of our latest wanted to install 10 bright fluorescent light fixtures. That would be great if we were lighting a basketball court, but I prefer soft lighting. I want lighting that makes me look 10 years younger, if possible. (Not sure how much that would cost.)
But don't worry, I will spend as much time as it takes with dozens of construction workers. And I'll have a big bottle of aspirin, too.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Free Money Update
Late last week, I spoke with the Redevelopment Agency. And they had good news for me. (Though, not as good as I had hoped.)
Free money is, in fact, available to me. But only up to $3,000 and only for storefront improvements such as paint, signage, awning, etc. We might be able to squeeze in the doors in there but not certain.
Unfortunately, improving the exterior of the bar facing the street isn't exactly 100% necessary to open the bar. And just getting the bar open is my major, primary, single-minded focus right now. The guy I spoke with at the Agency was nice and had some good ideas on how to improve the front of the bar; but that part of the bar is kinda gonna get the scraps of the rebuilding fund. If there's anything left at all.
Good news is, I don't need to improve the front of the bar to open and I can use that money from the Agency for improving it later. It's not like it's going away next month. So, this part will probably end up waiting until a couple months after we open.
Free money is, in fact, available to me. But only up to $3,000 and only for storefront improvements such as paint, signage, awning, etc. We might be able to squeeze in the doors in there but not certain.
Unfortunately, improving the exterior of the bar facing the street isn't exactly 100% necessary to open the bar. And just getting the bar open is my major, primary, single-minded focus right now. The guy I spoke with at the Agency was nice and had some good ideas on how to improve the front of the bar; but that part of the bar is kinda gonna get the scraps of the rebuilding fund. If there's anything left at all.
Good news is, I don't need to improve the front of the bar to open and I can use that money from the Agency for improving it later. It's not like it's going away next month. So, this part will probably end up waiting until a couple months after we open.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Are You an Artist or Cartoonist?
Wanna make some money?
I may be good at putting things together in a visually appealing way and making inanimate stuff but I'm not so skilled at the creation of characters. So, I want to see what y'all might have to offer.
If you (or someone you know) is an artist or cartoonist (or anything similar) and can create a mascot to use in ads, online, t-shirts, etc. I kinda wanna know. (A logo is forthcoming so we don't need that.) I'm looking for a style somewhere along the lines of the images below. (Not specifically and only these styles, mind you. These are from my clip-art collections.)
In general, muscular is better than soft. Doesn't have to be a bear but we are primarily a bear bar. A team mascot look or super hero look are nice places to start. And we are open to non-human ideas. (A dog? Something else? I'm not sure a phoenix or other bird would work for a mascot as it may contrast too much with a logo but we can see.)
I'd like to be able to ask the selected artist to "Put the mascot in a boat; happy and waving" or "Peeking out from behind a wall with just his head and a confused look" (or similar requests) and within a reasonable amount of time (two weeks?) receive said image with any requested revisions. Such requests would be infrequent (maybe once a month).
I'd prefer to receive the image as a vector, but I'm sure we can make raster images like .jpg, .png, .tiff, etc. work as well. I'm pretty darn certain we can even work with pencil and/or ink sketches on white paper; the darker the lines the better (not unlike a comic book). Scratch board would work too, but who wants to send a scratch board through the mail?
If you're interested, send me (Bryan) a note on our Contact page or leave a comment on this blog post with a link to your portfolio. (Free advertising for yourself!) I will want to see samples of previous work (paid and/or published is nice but not necessary). I'll also want to know whether or not you'd charge by the hour or by the piece and about what your rate would be for such a job.
You do *not* need to create me a mascot to be considered; that will come after being hired. All I'm interested in now is seeing what you've done before and whether you can do again in the future.
This would be an ongoing paid gig. Copyright ownership is negotiable. Usage rights are negotiable as well.
Please share, pass along, and spread the word.
I may be good at putting things together in a visually appealing way and making inanimate stuff but I'm not so skilled at the creation of characters. So, I want to see what y'all might have to offer.
If you (or someone you know) is an artist or cartoonist (or anything similar) and can create a mascot to use in ads, online, t-shirts, etc. I kinda wanna know. (A logo is forthcoming so we don't need that.) I'm looking for a style somewhere along the lines of the images below. (Not specifically and only these styles, mind you. These are from my clip-art collections.)
In general, muscular is better than soft. Doesn't have to be a bear but we are primarily a bear bar. A team mascot look or super hero look are nice places to start. And we are open to non-human ideas. (A dog? Something else? I'm not sure a phoenix or other bird would work for a mascot as it may contrast too much with a logo but we can see.)
I'd like to be able to ask the selected artist to "Put the mascot in a boat; happy and waving" or "Peeking out from behind a wall with just his head and a confused look" (or similar requests) and within a reasonable amount of time (two weeks?) receive said image with any requested revisions. Such requests would be infrequent (maybe once a month).
I'd prefer to receive the image as a vector, but I'm sure we can make raster images like .jpg, .png, .tiff, etc. work as well. I'm pretty darn certain we can even work with pencil and/or ink sketches on white paper; the darker the lines the better (not unlike a comic book). Scratch board would work too, but who wants to send a scratch board through the mail?
If you're interested, send me (Bryan) a note on our Contact page or leave a comment on this blog post with a link to your portfolio. (Free advertising for yourself!) I will want to see samples of previous work (paid and/or published is nice but not necessary). I'll also want to know whether or not you'd charge by the hour or by the piece and about what your rate would be for such a job.
You do *not* need to create me a mascot to be considered; that will come after being hired. All I'm interested in now is seeing what you've done before and whether you can do again in the future.
This would be an ongoing paid gig. Copyright ownership is negotiable. Usage rights are negotiable as well.
Please share, pass along, and spread the word.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Ah! A day off!
Took yesterday (mostly) off. Did a little bit of behind-the-scenes work on some software-type stuff for the bar that should help things behind the bar run smoothly.
But the rest of the day, I spent doing, well, mostly nothing. Played some computer games. Made soup. Stuff like that. (Exciting to know, isn't it?)
Regardless, today, we're meeting with more contractors for bids. These are for electric work and A/C work. After those two bids come in and (I think) one or two more, we'll be ready to make a decision on who to give the jobs to. Hopefully, that means we'll be able to hit the ground running as soon as our building permit is issued.
But the rest of the day, I spent doing, well, mostly nothing. Played some computer games. Made soup. Stuff like that. (Exciting to know, isn't it?)
Regardless, today, we're meeting with more contractors for bids. These are for electric work and A/C work. After those two bids come in and (I think) one or two more, we'll be ready to make a decision on who to give the jobs to. Hopefully, that means we'll be able to hit the ground running as soon as our building permit is issued.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Our Mobile Website Is Working!!
Mostly. Kinda.
Just put the first iteration of our mobile-friendly website together yesterday! There are still some issues with it but at least it works right on any mobile device that identifies itself as a "handheld" device to the .css file. (Well, it should anyway. At least the horizontal scrolling is has been minimized.)
There are still a few things to address (the forms are sometimes way too wide, for example) but, for the most part, it's good to go. (I think. I've only tested it on an iPhone simulator-like thing and on my Treo.)
I think it might be time to throw money at an iPhone. Or maybe an Android...
Just put the first iteration of our mobile-friendly website together yesterday! There are still some issues with it but at least it works right on any mobile device that identifies itself as a "handheld" device to the .css file. (Well, it should anyway. At least the horizontal scrolling is has been minimized.)
There are still a few things to address (the forms are sometimes way too wide, for example) but, for the most part, it's good to go. (I think. I've only tested it on an iPhone simulator-like thing and on my Treo.)
I think it might be time to throw money at an iPhone. Or maybe an Android...
Friday, January 7, 2011
Future Staff, Atmosphere, Etc.
Thanks go to everybody who has sent us suggestions through our Suggestion Box. They really do help.
One of the things many people are concerned about is the atmosphere of The Phoenix and whether or not it will be similar to The Den. The short answer is, "Yep. It will be."
The long answer is:
We absolutely plan to maintain the same casual, friendly, relaxed, neighborhood bar feel that The Den had. That formula worked well for The Den and I see no reason to change it. We won't be turning it into the tiniest dance club with the biggest attitude and lowest ceiling in all of California. Sure, there will be some changes (a new vaulted ceiling, a new roof, a changed patio, better (I hope) lighting, etc.) but those changes are mostly cosmetic.
We have asked three bartenders from The Den to come on board for The Phoenix and they have agreed. (We'll probably eventually hire one or two more folks, too.) Not to mention Karl who also was either behind the bar or getting rid of "undesireables". So those folks who have expressed concern that the entire staff will change can rest easy. In fact, the only guy currently invovled in The Phoenix that wasn't a bartender at The Den is me. (I was The Den's webmaster for those who may not know.)
But, as time wears on and the delays from the City take their sweet time, these three guys may be forced to take other employment; it's just the nature of the situation. I can't expect all three of them to just wait for us to get open as they sit at home twiddling their thumbs. So I really want to make sure these guys (and everybody) are treated well and fairly. I can do that best by opening quickly. This seriously weighs on my mind. Each delay means these guys sit on the sidelines longer and I don't like that.
On the plus side, it looks like we might (MIGHT!) begin demolition and construction by the end of January here.
One of the things many people are concerned about is the atmosphere of The Phoenix and whether or not it will be similar to The Den. The short answer is, "Yep. It will be."
The long answer is:
We absolutely plan to maintain the same casual, friendly, relaxed, neighborhood bar feel that The Den had. That formula worked well for The Den and I see no reason to change it. We won't be turning it into the tiniest dance club with the biggest attitude and lowest ceiling in all of California. Sure, there will be some changes (a new vaulted ceiling, a new roof, a changed patio, better (I hope) lighting, etc.) but those changes are mostly cosmetic.
We have asked three bartenders from The Den to come on board for The Phoenix and they have agreed. (We'll probably eventually hire one or two more folks, too.) Not to mention Karl who also was either behind the bar or getting rid of "undesireables". So those folks who have expressed concern that the entire staff will change can rest easy. In fact, the only guy currently invovled in The Phoenix that wasn't a bartender at The Den is me. (I was The Den's webmaster for those who may not know.)
But, as time wears on and the delays from the City take their sweet time, these three guys may be forced to take other employment; it's just the nature of the situation. I can't expect all three of them to just wait for us to get open as they sit at home twiddling their thumbs. So I really want to make sure these guys (and everybody) are treated well and fairly. I can do that best by opening quickly. This seriously weighs on my mind. Each delay means these guys sit on the sidelines longer and I don't like that.
On the plus side, it looks like we might (MIGHT!) begin demolition and construction by the end of January here.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Perturbed Plan Check Picture
That first time we went to the City to submit the plans, we had great joyous plans to take some delightful pictures of me handing over the plans to the City of Fresno for plan check and then the subsequent celebration. But, we know how that went. (grumble, grumble...)
So, as I was standing there at that counter those many days ago watching the Magical Hoop™ moving as I prepared to jump through it, Karl took this picture. I've obsurced the guy's face mainly because I didn't get his permission to put this picture up and other reasons.
So, as I was standing there at that counter those many days ago watching the Magical Hoop™ moving as I prepared to jump through it, Karl took this picture. I've obsurced the guy's face mainly because I didn't get his permission to put this picture up and other reasons.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Doors and City Hall
Yesterday I spent about half of my day meeting contractors. But as I was finishing with them Bryan called and I was off to City Hall. First to get the plans. The over view sheet consists of a lot of "do this and not this", "now do this", "now don't do this." Luckily we have engineers who can explain a lot of this to me. I was glad to find out that some of it was good news since it all sounded bad to me.
My next stop was at the water and garbage department. I had previously called them and found out what was needed. All that changed in person. For the first time I was told about a deposit. And it was a large one for a business. After much discussion, and patience, it was the clerk who kept pestering her supervisor until all we needed was escrow documents and a smile. Bryan and I will do that on Friday. My hat is off to that clerk.
My next stop was to order new doors. The firemen were not very careful with the old ones, ya know. To order them I felt like I needed a class in "doorway technology". Are they right swing, or left? In or out? Do they need kerf? What is your jamb size? And of course they have to be a custom size. They will be ready next week. I think they will make the place look better even before we get a new roof.
My next stop was at the water and garbage department. I had previously called them and found out what was needed. All that changed in person. For the first time I was told about a deposit. And it was a large one for a business. After much discussion, and patience, it was the clerk who kept pestering her supervisor until all we needed was escrow documents and a smile. Bryan and I will do that on Friday. My hat is off to that clerk.
My next stop was to order new doors. The firemen were not very careful with the old ones, ya know. To order them I felt like I needed a class in "doorway technology". Are they right swing, or left? In or out? Do they need kerf? What is your jamb size? And of course they have to be a custom size. They will be ready next week. I think they will make the place look better even before we get a new roof.
So Many Contractors, So Little Time
We both had a busy day yesterday.
I spent much of the day working on features for the website and replying to email sent to our Suggestion Box. Late in the day, I got a very long form for the website completed. I saved the form, previewed it in the web browser, made a change that should have been simple, saved it again, cleared away the somewhat familiar error message that hasn't been a problem before, and accidently over-wrote about 2 hours of work with no Undo feature. That was frustrating. I went for a walk and came back and re-did the work.
Meanwhile, Karl was meeting contractors for bids on electrical and insulation work. As you may have seen from yesterday's mid-afternoon update, the plan check at the City was finished and ready to pick up. Yep, it was earlier than I expected.
So, Karl had a sudden change of plans: Drive to City Hall, give them even more money (Why didn't they charge us everything we needed to pay the first time?) and drive the plans back to the engineering firm so they can make the City-requested changes. Despite the earlier statement from the City that no handicapped upgrades are needed, one of the changes is that we now need to do some accessibility upgrades. (And the magical hoop moves once again.)
The amount of bureaucracy that is present in this process is staggering. It's almost as if Fresno doesn't want anything to be done ever within its limits. As I've said before, I don't mind jumping through hoops; just keep the hoops in the same place.
I spent much of the day working on features for the website and replying to email sent to our Suggestion Box. Late in the day, I got a very long form for the website completed. I saved the form, previewed it in the web browser, made a change that should have been simple, saved it again, cleared away the somewhat familiar error message that hasn't been a problem before, and accidently over-wrote about 2 hours of work with no Undo feature. That was frustrating. I went for a walk and came back and re-did the work.
Meanwhile, Karl was meeting contractors for bids on electrical and insulation work. As you may have seen from yesterday's mid-afternoon update, the plan check at the City was finished and ready to pick up. Yep, it was earlier than I expected.
So, Karl had a sudden change of plans: Drive to City Hall, give them even more money (Why didn't they charge us everything we needed to pay the first time?) and drive the plans back to the engineering firm so they can make the City-requested changes. Despite the earlier statement from the City that no handicapped upgrades are needed, one of the changes is that we now need to do some accessibility upgrades. (And the magical hoop moves once again.)
The amount of bureaucracy that is present in this process is staggering. It's almost as if Fresno doesn't want anything to be done ever within its limits. As I've said before, I don't mind jumping through hoops; just keep the hoops in the same place.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Plan Check Pick Up
Wow. That's a surprise.
The City of Fresno just called and said that the plans have gone through Plan Check and are ready to be picked up. (After we give them more money, of course.)
I wasn't expecting that phone call for at least another week or two.
The City of Fresno just called and said that the plans have gone through Plan Check and are ready to be picked up. (After we give them more money, of course.)
I wasn't expecting that phone call for at least another week or two.
Bears!
Stephen Colbert better watch out!
In going through some of the stuff at the bar last week, we found this. Hurray! (Looking at it now, I think he's holding the flag backwards. Oops.)
In going through some of the stuff at the bar last week, we found this. Hurray! (Looking at it now, I think he's holding the flag backwards. Oops.)
Monday, January 3, 2011
Back to the Grind
Ok, City of Fresno. It's January 3, 2011. Your week's furlough (i.e., imposed delay of my project) is over. Get my plans approved!
I expect the plan check to be complete in about 2 weeks. Maybe a little longer. We're busy getting bids for all the construction work we need to do and Karl can fill you in on that information (if he ever gets off the phone with what seems like every contractor in Fresno County).
Couple of things to do this week including calling the Redevelopment Agency to talk to them about the potential of matching funds for reconstruction. If that works out, I don't think I can adequately convey how much help that would be. But I'll try anyway.
I expect the plan check to be complete in about 2 weeks. Maybe a little longer. We're busy getting bids for all the construction work we need to do and Karl can fill you in on that information (if he ever gets off the phone with what seems like every contractor in Fresno County).
Couple of things to do this week including calling the Redevelopment Agency to talk to them about the potential of matching funds for reconstruction. If that works out, I don't think I can adequately convey how much help that would be. But I'll try anyway.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Puttin' on the Patch
Braving the elements and risking falling to the floor, I climbed onto the roof of the bar this past week to patch the giant 4-foot square hole in the roof. Sorta. It's not a great patch and it certainly will not keep out all water but it'll help both Karl and me sleep better at night. Especially during rain storms. And here are some pictures!
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| Picking the perfect patch panel. |
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| From the old stage. |
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| Is that a rat!? |
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| My new umbrella. It's a tad unweildy. |
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| "Put your shoulder to the ladder." |
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| "Rise! RISE!" |
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| Does this make me a drag queen? |
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| ACK! What's that behind me!? |
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| One, poundy, poundy.... |
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| Two poundy poundy. |
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| More than Two-poundy-poundy's later.... |
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| Nice work! (Ok, not really.) |
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year
Happy New Year! We're taking the day off but here's a picture that some might find midly amusing. This is a the billboard that was up during the fire and hasn't had anything done to it other than a brief paint job. That's Fresno Mayor Ashely Swearingen. Poor Ashley.
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