Why I Love San Francisco: Reason #42

Proposed George W. Bush Sewage Plant makes ballot
Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO — A measure seeking to commemorate President Bush's years in office by slapping his name on a San Francisco sewage plant has qualified for the November ballot.

The measure certified Thursday would rename the Oceanside Water Pollution Control Plant the George W. Bush Sewage Plant.

Supporters say the idea is to commemorate the mess they claim Bush has left behind by actions such as the war in Iraq.

Local Republicans say the plan stinks and they will oppose it.

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Proud to Be a Georgian

This lovely local wedding has been making the rounds this weekend. Be sure to check out the slideshow at the end of the article.

Scattered, Smothered, Covered and Hitched
Couple marries at Waffle House

By Alex P. Joyner
Staff Writer

DACULA — As the famous twang of Hank Williams Jr. blasted from an SUV stereo Friday afternoon, about 30 folks socialized, sipped soda and puffed on cigarettes.

No, this wasn't a Fourth of July backyard barbecue. It was the run-up to a wedding.

In a Waffle House parking lot.

The lucky couple, George "Bubba" Mathis and Pamela Christian — both 23 and employees at the Dacula diner located at the Ga. Highway 316/U.S. Highway 29 interchange — wouldn't have it any other way.


"I don't know, it's something different," Mathis said while fixing his tie prior to the ceremony.

For years, the couple tried to marry on their Independence Day anniversary. But the bride was always scheduled to work. Instead of waiting any longer — she got the day off at the last minute; Mathis had to report for the morning shift — the couple of nine years decided to seal the deal at work.

The result was what a NASCAR tailgate might be like if Hank Jr. himself stopped by with all his rowdy friends: Loud and proud — country music, storytelling and plenty of Dale Earnhardt paraphernalia — and not an iota of pretentiousness.

Shortly after exchanging vows under the shade of a tree next to the parking lot, both man and wife let out sighs of relief as they picked up their two little blonde girls and chatted with family and friends. But there was not time to relax — the wedding cake had to be cut inside.

"It's been crazy, madness," the bride said. "Finally, everything worked out."

Standing nearby, the father of the newly minted Mrs. Pamela Mathis, William Christopher, wondered if anyone had videotaped the ceremony. He wants to send it in to CMT.

"I think it's pretty redneck myself," he said, laughing. "But I'm a redneck anyway, so."

The couple plans to honeymoon Monday and Tuesday, but then it's back to work.

The destination?

"I don't know yet," Mathis said.

As Countess DeLave (The Women) would say, “L'amour, l'amour.”

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Cup's Getting Serious

Things with Favorite Boy are going relatively well. He lives a few states away, but I get to see him regularly. (Not as much as I’d like, of course. Damn fricking long-distance romances.) He’s funny, and kind, and smart, and naughty. We’re having a good time — I want to keep it that way — so I passed a rule that we cannot talk about Where This Is Going until at least the end of this month. I want to enjoy Phase One as long as I can. And, although I'm a girl, I really don't enjoy The Big Talks.

But Favorite Boy broke the rule, bringing up a serious relationship topic the other night, one that kept us talking into the wee hours of the morning.

The topic that broke the rule? Our Freebie Fives.

I love talking about my Freebie Fives. There’s something wonderful about fantasizing and objectifying men. Here’s the problem: Every time I think I’ve settled on those lucky five and head to the card-laminating shop, I think of someone else I wanna get all freebie with.

Help me, kids. Help me anoint the boys worth a throw-down.

Here’s my list so far:

1. Bruce Campbell

2. David Duchovny

3. open slot

4. open slot

5. open slot

Three open slots. And who’s in contention for the coveted three through five? These lovelies (listed alphabetically to avoid jealousies):

Anthony Bourdain
Peter Buck
Michael Chabon
George Clooney
Johnny Depp
Jeffrey Donovan
Colin Firth
Tom Glavine
Hugh Grant
Jon Hamm
John Krazinski
David Letterman
Ewan McGregor
Chris Noth
Keith Olbermann
Clive Owen
Paul Rudd
Nick Simmons

Convince me. Throw some pros and cons on these tasty male-morsels in the comment box.

Who made Favorite Boy’s Freebie Five list? He has three definites — Jennifer Aniston, Liz Phair, and Laura Linney — which make sense, since they look a lot like me.


And, yeah, I think I’m back. Some great stories to tell — including finally checking off one of my Before I Dies last weekend — so come back in the coming days.


Photo credit: The lovely and talented Str8jacket

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