dispatches from the new world of work

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

Uncle Vito's, San Francisco

Speaking to Taleo today—an SF-based software company that provides sophisticated stuff to abet Talent acquisition, development, productivity enhancement, and retention. E.g., it takes about $100,000 to recruit an employee, and $500,000 to find and train a replacement. (LONG and FINAL versions of slides attached.) Above and below you'll see a couple of slices of my favorite city in the world (along with London). An "Uncle Vito's" "restaurant" is as SF as the Golden Gate—though I can assure you that San Franciscans didn't name the street—see the sign—after the current resident of the shack at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Below is one of the premier reasons for my love affair with San Francisco—incredible diversity; not so many cities with dispensers of the Philippine News, I'd judge.

Philippine News in a newspaper vending box

Tom Peters posted this on 09/10/07.

Comments

Never visited SF but I was attracted to 2 words in your posting i.e. â€˜Londonâ€™ and â€˜diversity.â€™

Weâ€™ve just had a fabulous weekend in London and the diversity is a joy to behold. I am proud to live in a cosmopolitan society made up of so many interesting and different cultures. I learn so much by meeting people who are different from me. It is fantastic to see the way our capital is made up of people from all over the world. Limiting immigration may be required is some settings but I am so pleased we are an open country. The glass is more than half full. How wonderful to be part of creating a legacy of openness rather than insularity.

Posted by Trevor Gay at September 11, 2007 1:29 AM

What I miss most about the Bay Area (and, frankly about all I miss) is the great diversity in food. My office was in downtown Oakland. I could walk out the front door and be within easy walking distance of several great places to eat. There were Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese. There was the wonderful deli owned by a Lebanese immigrant who has black bean soup that he began cooking when he opened the restaurant 15 years before. There was great little hamburger place (Schiller's) and a French style Vietnamese restaurant. And seafood at Jack London Square.

Ah and, until the city tore down the building for renewal, there was Nick and Gus's with its famous sign: "This ain't Burger King. You don't get it your way here. You get it my way or you don't get the son of a bitch."

Posted by Wally Bock at September 12, 2007 1:48 PM

I remember Fran's Nightclub, owned and operated by the legendary Sam Fran. I used to play the harp there on open-mike night. You know, I haven't seen that instrument in a while...I wonder where it is. Now I remember, I forgot it one late night at the club. Yes, I left my harp in Sam Fran's disco!

Posted by Gotcha at September 13, 2007 8:26 AM

If you are going to come to San Francisco and not invite me to the glass of wine (YOU OWE ME remember???), you should have the decency not to post about it. love, Robin

Posted by Robin Wolaner at September 13, 2007 7:15 PM

yes love both london and sf... both have great china towns.. and great food

Posted by rondella at September 16, 2007 9:15 AM