Travels of the Fighting Kitten

2010-03-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

Oh my God, time does go by fast. It’s been almost 3 years since my last post.

Well I’m finally getting inspired to blog again, primarily because I’m tweeting on Twitter and while I like the format I find the limited space for tweets at times constricting. So I’m going to work on slowly updating Travels of the Fighting Kitten and take advantage of the space to write about the events and places I visit and add my commentary regarding some of the events of the day.

2007-07-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

Bay Area living provides many opportunities to enjoy camping trips not too far away from home. Finding places to go is the easy part, dealing with the weather or other environmental factors can be the real challenge.

To deal with the weather we decided to have flexible travel options based on how the temperature flowed and fluctuated. We started our trip by visiting Big Basin State Park, the oldest California State park. North of the City of Santa Cruz, Big Basin is known for it's Redwood trees and waterfalls.

Leaving Sunday, driving to Big Basin is pretty easy, only 65 miles from San Francisco the route we took went through the quaint City of Saratoga and some curvy mountain roads which didn't compliment my driving skills but the scenic Route 9 and Hwy 236 provided an enjoyable entrance to the park.

When we checked out our campsite we found our neighbors had three large tents. We decided to request another site and received a walk-in campsite at the, Huckleberry campground. When making reservation's through ReserveAmerica I was only able to designate the type of site I wanted. However, at the park you can request a specific location or reject the one you received based on availability.

Our campsite was quite lovely peaceful and surrounded by redwood trees, the site contains a picnic table, locker and fire pit. The bathrooms were a few yards away but clean with showers. Best showers were on the RV side of the campground. They were under used by the RVers. My only complaint was the mosquitoes, we were near a creek, and during the evening protection was required. Insect repellent and our fire pit produced enough smoke to discourage the biting varmints but it did get a little rough.

Big Basin has several miles of hikes at various levels; it was easy to join trails near our campsite. Pleasant walks through redwood trees abound. For a more challenging hike we chose the Pine Mountain Trail to Buzzards Roost, a nice moderate hike that rewards you with views from one of the highest point in the Basin. Hiking on a Monday was great we barely saw 5 people. When we arrived at Buzzards Roost we had lunch and enjoyed the views that we shared only with the wildlife around us.

We left Big Basin on Tuesday and drove to Monterey. We were going to camp in the Ventana Wilderness near Big Sur if the weather on the coast looked good. Unfortunately it was completely foggy, after a few phone calls I found out the temperate in Big Sur was 59 degrees. A bit chilly so we headed east through the Salinas Valley to Pinnacles National Monument.

While driving through the Salinas Valley we stopped at Mission Juan Bautista. A nice location to stop have lunch or just stretch your legs. There are picnic tables on the grounds. The Mission is also available to the public for touring. I have mixed feeling about the Missions they are apart of California History and I enjoy viewing and touring them. But many native people died in the development of the Mission System across the State. I can't look at the Missions without remembering the great suffering they caused for so many. After our break we continued to through Hollister everyone favorite biker town to Pinnacles.

Pinnacles is the remnants of a volcano, It's a beautiful place with fascinating geological formations, bat caves, plus it's a condor habitat. However, the temperature is hot during the summer. We arrived around 7:00 PM and stayed at the Pinnacles Campground, it was empty and about 75 percent of the campsite were closed to the public. Since the joint was empty we had our choice of the sites and picked one with some tree cover. Most of the available sites did not have trees and were completely exposed to the sun.

Well the campsites were devoid of humans but there were plenty of raccoons. Before we could get dinner started a raccoon was on top of the car testing the doors handles. Another climb a tree right above our site apparently doing reconnaissance. Humans versus the raccoons was our evening activity. They were very persistent and bold, one camp mate tent was unzipped during the night and their cloths were found outside the tent the next morning. The raccoons didn't dare enter my tent it must have looked like a lighthouse with this beacon of light shooting out over the campsite every few minutes. I was constantly using the flashlight whenever I heard a rustle. Didn't sleep too good especially when the coyotes started to howl but somehow I got a few hours in.

Next morning I awoke to the sound of pecking woodpeckers. They greeted me when I exited my tent by flying low and close to my head but at least the raccoons were gone. We drove over to the trail head at the Bear Gulch Visitors Center. We started hiking early in the morning and missed most of the morning heat. The hike Condor Gulch High Peaks Loop also has climbing but the rewards were very beautiful views. At one point we could see the fog on the coast and breeze at the top of the climb was appreciated. We stopped for lunch and again enjoyed the privacy on the trail.

We returned to the visitor center chatted with the ranger and made our way back to the campground. CampPinnacles may not have partially exciting campsites excluding the wildlife but they have a nice pool. We had the pool pretty much to over selves. One side has grass and is shaded with trees; it was cool, comfortable and fun. When we left the pool around 2:00 PM it felt like the low 90s and it was time to leave Pinnacles. We slowly packed our campsite, no raccoons but we enjoy the presents of a few shy wild pigs. They were not on or in the car so everything was good.

We made our way out of the park back through Hollister where we found a Diary Queen. A place loved in childhood may only provide mild enjoyment and a larger tummy ache for an adult. But is was cold, retro and tasty in an artificial favor sort of way. After our ice cream stop we were back in San Francisco in a couple of hours.

In a few days we enjoyed redwood forest, ancient volcanos, nice hikes with beautiful views and wrestled with raccoons. Our trip was modestly priced the most expensive part was the rental car. I can only encourage folks to get out and explore the natural world that is so close to home.

2007-03-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

Spring in San Francisco is here and we're celebrating the begining of the season with the most drab weather we've had in months. The fog is laying very low and wet in the Richmond District it not rain but a thick wet mist that slowly soaks your cloths and chills your bones.

But we need the rain-mist and the weather didn't detour a walk on Saturday. I started at Inspiration Point, which is a vista point for viewing Alcatraz Island and the San Francisco Bay, just inside the Arguello Blvd. Gate in the Presidio and walked the Ecology trail. Short, 2 miles and family friendly all ages can enjoy the hike. Within minutes you have escaped the city and are strolling by a red wood forest.

Afterward I headed south-west past the Presidio golf course course to Mountain Lake. Nicely landscape and quietly pretty even on the most foggest of days. Mountain Lake feels like a neighborhood park but is part of the Golden Gate National Park Recreational Area. The park has a children playground, lake seating and a fitness trail (which needs some TCL). Finding the park can be a little tricky one entrance is at Park Presidio Blvd. and Lake (North East Corner).

In the spirit on drab weather I escaped into a double feature of two 2006 Oscar contenders, a British filmfest The queen and Notes on a Scandal. I have to admit doing double features is pretty challenging I usually only partake in one or two annually. But when you watch films that catch your fancy then back to back films can be a pleasure.

The first movie was The Queen a film main appeal for me was to see the performance by Oscar winner Helen Mirren. Her performance is excellent, if you have any interest in the British royal family and/or their response to Princess Diana Death in 1997 you may find the film fascinating. Also, if you enjoy films for good performances you'll find plenty in this film. If you needs lots of explosions to enjoy a movie this one may not be for you.

Notes on a Scandal seems to be a movie either people love or hate. I really enjoyed the movie Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett both gave great performances. Judi Dench was really fightening but both women were scary in their own ways. The film is about how bad choices can escalate and destory lives. So beware, those of you who live only for today. A bad decision today may affect you beyond the end of this movie. This is definitely an adult film with adult themes if that's your cup of tea enjoy!

2007-03-20T18:49:00.000-07:00

Each year I try for at least one weekend skiing. My annual trek is to Yosemite National Park where I can avert the crowds and ski in a mellow environment. Traditionally, it's an adult trip but times are a changing. This year we had a car full of kids and visiting Yosemite will never be the same.

For those who don't know, the ski season was a bust in California. Unlike the East Coast, where we heard news reports about snowstorms weekly, California’s rainfall is below level and this means poor ski conditions. Last weekend when we arrived in Yosemite it felt and looked like spring. Driving into the North Gate of Yosemite on Hwy 120 nary a flake of snow or clump of ice was found. At Crane Flats there was some snow/ice but the conditioning didn't look too inviting for skiing.

We stayed on the valley floor at Camp Curry (pic on left) in the Stoneman Lodge. The Lodge is a collection of simple rooms located near shuttle / bus stops, the outdoor ice-skating rink, and a few concessionaires. It's a good location for those with little children. The rooms are pleasant, TV free and clean but a little pricey, the best deal is to reserve the loft room. With an upstairs bedroom it gives the kids a place a play in the evening and a hiding place for an adult looking peace when the action is downstairs

Saturday, we took the bus to Badger Pass where Yosemite’s skiing facilities are located. The bus is a service that is provided from the valley floor free or charge; it’s very comfortable and convenience especially when snow chains are required for driving the parks roads.

We played with the kids in weather that deserved shorts rather than ski gear.At Badger Pass you can’t bring your own tube in their designated tubing area and you pay hourly for tubing, they provide the gear. There was plenty of snow for down hillers and tubing but the crowds were sparse as the snow was old. While not hanging out with the kids I relaxed at one of the several picnic tables available for Badger Pass guest at the lodge. Protecting our snacks, listening to a musician and watching the down hillers kicking back was sweet.

After tubing and snow play we ventured back down to the valley floor and walked to Ansel Adams gallery for a children storytelling program and afterward to the lower Yosemite falls which looked majestic Saturday evening with blowing mist and water flowing with primal strength. It was a very pleasant day; my only complaint was the ice skating rink was closed, which was very disappointing. It only seems fair that the rink would stay open as long as Badger Pass is open for skiing especially considering the cost of lodging. Fortunately all the walking and snow play had worn out the kiddies but there was still disappointment.

Sunday, was another beautiful day, we hiked to Mirror Lake a good choice for small children and strollers. At the Lower-Pines Campground trail head we were greeted by a small herd of deer and other wildlife. It’s a three-mile round trip, very flat and the trail parallels the Merced River and provided some scenic spots with mini-waterfalls.

At the lower lake there is a beachhead that's perfect for picnics. The kids had a chance to play a bit in the water at a very scenic spot. We stayed at Yosemite until the evening and headed back the Bay Area. We’re planning next year trip and hoping for snow in the mountains and spring on the valley floor.

2007-03-05T22:51:00.000-08:00

Two of my favorite authors, Jimmy Baca and Ntozake Shange writings were used to create the play, A Place to Stand currently showing at Intersection of the Arts. The play is part of Intersections Prison Project, which is a multi-disciplinary exploration of the California Prison System. The play combined their writings to speak of the prison experience from multiple voices. Prison within this play is also not always the physical space but also mental prisons are explored. I found the play exciting to watch and sophisticated: in it's development and presentation.

Afterward we literally ran to Mi Linda Peru a Peruvian restaurant in the Mission District, the restaurant closed at 10:00 and we left the theatre around 9:25. I had visited Mi Lindo Peru over a year ago and enjoyed the meal. This meal was not as successful. Maybe the problem was we arrive late, if so I wish they had sent us on our way. First my guest who spoke to the waiter is Spanish was told to hurry the order because they were closing soon. He also told him but not me in Spanish the restaurant was out of bread and a course offered nothing in replacement. We order Calamari which was dry and salty, tasted like Calamari you would expect at a cheapie happy hour. My friend feeling the waiter was rude didn't order an entree but didn't tell me until after we left; based on a recommendation from the waiter I ordered a seafood dish. The dish's portion looked smaller than the lunch portion I had previously which turn out to be fortunate because the dish gave me blurps the rest of the evening. I have a slight feeling the seafood was not very fresh, all I can say is gross, gross, gross.

We went to The Boom Boom Room , a bar in the Fillmore district which keeps a good mix of live music. At the Boom Boom the conversation was limited as old clams and other surprises from the sea kept reappearing from the deep. Mi Lindo Peru has become Mi Feo Peru.

The only thing I could do after that ugly experience was drink pear ciders and check my stomach for status reports. The ciders didn't help my breath but at least I was feeling better. The music was pretty good, the drinks were reasonably price and we were able to get a table. I wasn't complaining for more reasons than one.

2007-02-25T21:43:00.000-08:00

Friday evening I walked the city, San Francisco is known for its’ hills but its really an accessible city on foot. One of the best things about walking the City is that within short distances you can transverse through different neighborhoods with completely different feels. I started at the Embarcedero Bart downtown, walking West on Sutter Street. From downtown to Van Ness, up Sutter Street is a good choice, the street is a pleasant walk with galleries and shops. While not as scenic as California St. it doesn't have the hills and isn't as funky as Geary.

From Sutter to Polk Street, one of the most gentrified Streets in the City. Still with an edge but nothing compared to the old days 1980's. Onward to North Beach, my path wasn't direct but it was good exercise.

Traditionally an Italian neighborhood knowns for it cafes and Beat Poetry scene North Beach is now tourist central. Columbus St. was teeming with restaurateurs, and outdoor heat lamps and tables sharing the sidewalk, just walking a block takes an amount of patience and skill.

My destination for the evening was Jazz at Pearls, a North Beach jazz club.
Jazz at Pearls has many positive, the club is stylish with an intimate feel and wonderful acoustics. The negatives, the drinks are sky high to the point that Pearls isn’t a place I can regularly visit as a local spot to hear music. Also there is a cover every night with and a two drink minimum (no credit cards accepted) Pearls burns a hole in my humble pockets. I wished they had a locals' discount (Mon - Wed) or rush something!! Help!!

At Pearls, Howard Wiley and the Angola Project was performing. Wiley is a local artist who is currently an Artist in Residence Residence at Intersection for the Arts for the Arts. A local multiple discipline alternative arts organization, the oldest, in San Francisco.

The program began with a discussion by Daniel Atkinson providing a foundation for themes that inspired Wiley's compositions. Daniel Atkinson was conducting research in Louisiana at Angola Prison collecting prison songs. What he found during his research was the songs haven't changed substantially from the recording contained in Angola Prison Spirituals, the Arhoolie compilation of recordings. The themes and melodic motion are simular. Angola Prison is known for it's isolation a prison where most prisoners do not leave. Daniel Atkinson exposed Wiley to this music and the catalyst for the Angola Project was lit

Wiley music works to captures various aspects on African-American culture; you can hear spirituals, New Orleans Dixieland rhythms, the suffering of imprisonment and the celebration of life. The set was really hot....it was Mr. Wiley birthday and I felt we were getting a birthday treat. The musicians were tight everyone was playing with energy and passion. The trombone and trumpet players solos really moved the crowd.
I appreciated seeing/hearing women musicians two in the band, violin players. His group was string heavy with two base violin players. One of my personal frustrations is the lack of woman musicians in almost every genre of music. I'm hoping to get another opportunity to hear the Angola Project and other works by Howard Wiley in the future.

Pearls doesn't serve food and I was starving like Marvin after the show. Fortunately we were surrounded by restaurants and grabbed a late meal at the House of Nanking
located on the edge of China Town and North Beach it's a popular hole in the wall.
I'm not a Chinese cuisine connoisseur but I was satisfied. It was a satifisfying Friday evening.

2007-02-09T20:52:00.000-08:00

When I started working on my blog my goal was to create an environment that would encourage me to write weekly. Not just cryptic emails sentences but paragraphs, something other than work babble. My 9 to 5 is computer support which usually doesn’t require much writing a day-to-day. But my blog entries stopped in September 2006 and I haven’t written since. Why? Well, part of the problem is related to my job’s 1 ½ hour commute each way. When I get home my time is limited plus I’m tired; at work I’m much too busy to write. I’m lucky if I have time to review my emails. Well it’s 2007 and now I have a new approach. Why not use my commute time to work on my posts. At least the draft could be completed by the time I get home. I don’t drive, using public transit BART provides me with free finger time and a laptop gives me the medium. Let’s see how this new approach goes.

Now if I can make the time to redesign my blog site --- oh well one goal at a time. There’s a lot to write about but I’m not going to attempt a recap all the events I’ve checked out in the last 5 months. However, I would like to mention 365 Day Project which is happening throughout the United States including the Bay Area.

The 365 Days/ 365 Play Project was developed by Pulitzer winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks. In 2002 she decided to write one play a day. The series of plays are now being performed in the Bay Area different venues weekly. The programs present one week of plays per event, the plays are free, some theatre groups ask for donations but most don’t. Also, the plays are being presented in different methods. One group presented its’ week of plays as radio works another as short films. Beyond seeing Parks’ work going to the programs provides an avenue for introduction to different artist groups.

2006-09-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

After a stressful week a work I was ready for a change and fortunately I got the invite to travel south to Monterey for beaches and Jazz at the Monterey Jazz festival. I've never been to the festival before and I was excited to checkout how the festival was presented.

Since we didn’t have reservation at a hotel in Monterey we decided to do the best frugal thing. We camped in the City of Monterey for a very reasonable $20.00 a day. Unknown to me Veteran Memorial Park existed 8 blocks from downtown Monterey with campsites, showers, picnic tables, and playgrounds facilities

My only complaint about the Veteran Memorial was the bathroom cleaning was maybe once a day but it never delved into the super gross category. After arriving at Veteran Memorial and setting up our campsite we toured Monterey, Pacific Grove. and Carmel.

Monterey small but cute it's really a small town with cute shops, a world class aquarium and some of the most beautiful protected coastline you will see in California. The wildlife is abundance with seals, pelicans, dolphins easily spotted What struck me about the area was also the abundance of homes so close to the coast, it’s quiet an act that both have been able to survive (wildlife and million dollar houses in such close proximity

Acourse we had to stop and enoy the beaches. We went to a beach near Silomar not crowded and warm, we had our first taste of relaxing. After the beach we retruned to our campsite changed and headed out to the festival.

The festival is held at the Monterey fair grounds, I was expecting this huge expansive event where attendances would be required to walk miles between acts. But what I found was an intimate environment where walking between the acts was comfortable. Where people are relax, into the music and ready for a mellow good time.

There was so much good music it's difficult to begin but two artists that I wasn't familar with but now have me looking for more are Charles Lloyd and Geri Allen. Charles LLoyd quartet which included Geri Allen was bopping full of energy and intensity. Their performance brought excitement to the festival.

2006-07-31T22:22:00.000-07:00

I went to the matinee and saw A Scanner Darkly - the new film based on the Phillip K Dick novel. I thought the film's concepts were interesting and the rotoscope animation something old returned to a new audience as something new was effective within the film. I saw the movie at the Landmark Theatre at the Embarcedero which is not the bargain movie chain of my choice. I appreciate the selection of films they present but I'll take one of the smaller local theaters any day.

Afterward I strolled from downtown through the Stockton tunnel to Chinatown packed with shoppers. My goal was the North Beach Jazz festival Washington Square (Saturday and Sunday) in the park and free.
I went to the matinee and saw A Scanner Darkly - the new film based on the Phillip K Dick novel. I thought the film's concepts were interesting and the rotoscope animation something old seen by a new audience, as something new was effective within the film. I saw the movie at the Landmark Theatre at the Embarcedero, which is not the bargain movie chain of my choice. I appreciate the selection of films they present but I'll take one of the smaller local theaters any day. Afterward I strolled from downtown through the Stockton tunnel to Chinatown packed with shoppers. My goal was the North Beach Jazz Festival at Washington Square (Saturday and Sunday) in the park and free. The festival is a multi day and venue event in North Beach, because of politics in the city there was a possibility the festival was not going to occur in the city this year. Fortunately the fighting subsided and the festival was able to occur.

The music selection was eclectic, not a day of pure jazz. My favorite was the Stooges Brass Band – they are a fusion of Brass Band, Hip Hop and Soul. Their set was a lot of fun hopefully they will tour San Francisco again soon.Afterward I walked from Pier 39 to Fort Mason. It's a great walk plenty of people watching and nice views. I'm always amazed how tourist seem flock to the wharf. But with the great views, cable cars, shops and restaurants it easy to understand.

2006-07-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

Right in the middle of a heat-wave, is it global warming or just a strange weather pattern causing havoc to our Bay Area Micro climate? Well grab a hat, water and add some sun block it’s time to go. Except for the heat I had a very nice weekend. Saturday I went to the De Young Museum, at Golden Gate Park, admission was free (Sponsored by Target) to showcase a new Chicano art exhibition. Musicians performed throughout the day, a local favorite John Santos was there with his group performing great Latin Grooves and Loco Bloco a youth drumming group performed outside the museum.

The museum was crowded and visiting the exhibit was really an introduction. I’ll return to enjoy on a more peaceful day. Another exhibit at the museum I wanted to get a taste of was Quilts of Gee Bend an exhibit of works by African-American women quilters. Their pieces remind us how ideas are not isolated inventions of one group of people. The patterns on the quilts can’t help but remind the viewers of modern abstract painting we’ve all seen in museums.

John Santos and Saul Sierra tearing it up.

However, these ladies were making quilts from their own visions not books or instructors from an art school. Since this exhibit was also bustling with folks I headed to sculptor garden for relief from the crowds.

Sunday I went tothe Stern Grove Festival and I got a picnic table!! Hey it's possible but you have to dial like you've returned to your teenage days. Now I know why people have autodialers. I was on the phone over 30 minutes just to get on the waiting list but lady luck was with us and we got a comfortable place to enjoy the concert.

For those who don't know Stern Grove is an actual grove in San Francisco where every summer for the last 69 years their is a music concert series. The program is diverse it is a wonderful opportunity to introduce yourself to various types of music and admission is free to every program. The Grove is woodsy and green and shelters folks from the wind and fog. For those who can't get a picnic table there is plenty of lawn seating and terrace seating.

Mavis Staples from the Staples Singers was the headliner. She sung several songs from her days with the Staple Singers and she also performed some of her own inspirational songs. I spent the afternoon listening to good music, good food and company.

2006-07-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

One reason I enjoy the theatre is it provides the opportunity to see themes/issues grappled with in a sophisticated and immediate manner.
The power of live performance!

I had the opportunity to see Permanent Collection at the Aurora Theatre in Berkeley. The Aurora theatre is in Berkeley's downtown Art District, sandwiched between the Berkeley Repertory Theatre and the Jazz School I was discovering the Theatre for the first time.

The space is intimate and very comfortable with seating surrounding three sides of the stage (black box) type, wonderful views come with every seat.

Permanent Collection is a fictionalize story of the Barnes Foundation an art foundation in Philadelphia known for its' extensive collection of French impressionist and post-impressionist paintings which the foundation's establisher left to a historically Black College to manage after his death. As the new Black directors attempted to make changes conflicts arose.

Permanent Collection is about power and race within one of the most perceived civilize environments, the art community. But the play is a metaphor for racial conflict throughout the culture.

2006-07-09T22:58:00.000-07:00

Hello folks, posting is a slow proposition this year I can't say that I've been suffering from blog posting block. But keeping the discipline to regularly write was the primary reason I started this blog, so the struggle to persist is never-ending. Hence, I revive posting and again the battle ensues.

I've enjoyed many programs this summer but I was compelled to informed folks about a mini-concert series of evening music held by Nextarts.org a non-profit organization that is holding free evening concerts at Potrero Park in the Mission District. Last Saturday concert was local jazz musicians Paula West and the Fillmore Preservation Jazz Big Band so I decided to check out the program.

Getting over to the Mission was a struggle yusually I would ride my bike or either partially walk the route while waiting for the bus. Well I wasn't feeling great and waiting for Muni bus 33 Stanyan turned out to be a nightmare. At this point I cannot recommend riding this route on Saturday, saying it was off schedule and slow is an understatement Simply a gross waiting experience would be a better description. If you're going to use this slow bus from hell try the GPS based Nextbus website to determine when the 33 will arrived. (Good Luck and bring a book)

Fortunately, a car-owning friend rescued me from the bus stop and we headed to the park dreading our future search for parking after arriving late for the program. However, we had no problem finding parking; we soon found out the concert was woefully under attended. So much good music so few people yikes. I found out about the concert because I subscribe to the yahoo group FunCheapSF, which provides a weekly mailing of free events in the Bay Area otherwise I would have known nothing about the program.

Having a private concert should be a good thing and the uncrowded evening was a very pleasant experience. But the concert was benefiting the Malcolm X Elementary and those attending the concert were asked to bring a donation of school supplies. I had my goodie bag, but I couldn't but help and think about how many supplies would have appeared with a stronger attendance.

This week the Project Homeless Connect is the benefiting organization, The Everyone Orchestra will be performing and the donation are socks amd underwear. I like this concept very much I hope this week their PR machine kicks in.

Fillmore Preservation Jazz Big Band
It was an evening of the American-Songbook and
Straight ahead Jazz under the urban Sky

2006-06-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

As usual with 2006 I'm late posting my urban outings with the last few weeks I walked Bay to Breakers, watch the parade at San Francisco's Carnival and on Bike to Work Day rode my bike to the San Francisco Modern Museum of Art to see the Alexander Calder exhibit.

But I especially wanted the mention the play The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Wide World currently being performed at the Exit theatre in the TL AKA The Tenderloin. By the Pulitzer winner playwright by Suzan-Lori Parks, her works are always challenging and very engaging. I can count the avant-garde plays I have seen on one hand or maybe two if you include Butoh theatre but as with all arts forms you can find experimental works that speak to you and works that expand your understanding of the art form. The Beauty of theatre is it presents these stories and concepts in an intimate immediate environment. It is what makes theatre such a treat and relief from TV and cinema.

I won’t try to provide a synopsis but only say the play takes a historical look of the African-American history from African to today.

I will say this about the Exit Theatre, I’ve always found their staff friendly, helpful and professional it one of the theatre houses I enjoyed supporting in the city.

Now for the photos of Carnival I enjoyed the parade this year and the weather was wonderful.

Winners of Carnival Fogo Na Roupa

Parade Revelers

2006-05-04T18:52:00.000-07:00

I haven't seen to many movies this year but I got the chance to see a documentary that had peaked my curiosity, Sisters in Law. I was pleasantly surprised to see it showing at the Balboa Theater in San Francisco, with the film's limited release I made a sprint to the movie house.

The film's focus is Prosecutor Vera Ngassa and Court President Beatrice Ntub, magistrates in Kumba, Cameroon. We watch these women deal with cases of spousal and child abuse within a traditional patriarchical society.

Two litigants in Sisters in Law

Unlike many documentary films today where the filmmaker makes their presents known with voice-overs and other techniques. The director Kim Longinotto lets the camera roll as we see life in the courtroom and the City of Kumba. We meet the litigants and their struggle to leave their abusive relationships within a culture that accepts this behavior from husbands and divorce is frowned on. We also see the magistrates educate and adjudicate as they work on changing old values.

Watching the film is another vision of how women and children are abused over the world but in response their are women everywhere fighting to change the values within their societies.

2006-04-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

Well I'm in hazy but sunny Southern California this weekend, I'm here for my annual trek to the Los Angeles Festival of Books at UCLA. In the Bay Area there isn't a book festival as extensive as the one at UCLA. The festival has a selection of events to meet everyone's taste except maybe the most erudite and scholarly. However, you can find some esoteric titles on various subjects if you dig around.

The event is free however, you have to pay for parking. we found parking on campus for $8.00 not bad. Have on your walking shoes the event is spreadout around campus and to reach the main drag you'll have a good walk. If you haven't been on UCLA campus the festival will give you a chance to eye the place. There's plenty of food and acourse a cooking/cuisine book stage. If you decide to pack a lunch there many comfortable places on campus to enjoy sandwiches from hom.

One aspect of the festival I enjoy is visiting to the different authors panels and readings. They are very popular and you should reserve your tickets prior to event day. This year I didn't plan to see any specific authors but cruising the festival with my sister and niece we stayed primarily in the children sections this year. There were two entertainment stages, we arrived at the main stage to watch Barney shake his purple thang. We also visited a second children area where the Children's Museum of Los Angeles had setup craft heaven. My niece was able to glue, cut and add sparkles to her heart's content.

A pleasant way to spend a weekend day, I'll be back next year.

2006-04-21T21:53:00.000-07:00

It’s Friday night and I’m home tired but happy to be resting after a week full of work. Commuting to Fremont is exhausting, waking up so early in the morning. But it’s extra rough after an evening so staying up late. Thursday night I went to Yoshi’s at Jack London Square to see one of my favorite Pianist Omar Sosa. Getting off at Lake Merritt Bart Station in Oakland I felt relief walking through a City with character. Transversing only ½ a mile in Oakland I walked through Chinatown, Old Oakland and Jack London Square, downtown Oakland was warm with just a slight breeze in the air. It was a great weather for walking.

When I arrived at Yoshi’s I purchased my ticket, it was two hours before the show and most of the prime seats where already taken. Ticket holders are allowed to reserve their seats in Yoshi’s it’s a perk for those who arrive early. Even if you don’t plan to eat at Yoshi’s prior to the show arrive early and reserve your seat and grab a bite some where else.

Omar Sosa’s concerts are never the same; he is willing to challenge his audience with experimentation, different music genders, and an absence of a greatest hits song list during his performances.

The program included the saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis known for his arrangement for James Brown I was expecting some funk Thursday night and I receive it plus more. Omar Sosa Quartet jammed integrating so much within their performance. From JazzyCuban riffs, electronica sounds effects to funky solos from Ellis, Sosa's group delighted.

2006-04-06T22:49:00.000-07:00

I was curious, after reading several articles extolling the virtues of the Environmental Cabins at Steep Ravine in Mount Tamalpais State Park, why is this location so popular? So about 6 months ago I woke up on the first day of the month and at 8:00 AM struggled to make reservations for two days (Friday and Saturday) at the park. I wasn't successful getting Saturday just one day Friday March 31st was available.

Well six month later the upcoming weekend didn't look good, March was one of the wettest months in memory, I didn't cancel my reservation and the rain Goddess was kind.

The Steep Ravine Cabins are about 20 miles North of San Francisco on Hwy 1 about one mile south of Stinson Beach. The cabins are not for those who cannot live without luxury, they are without water, electricity, toilets or even curtains treatments on the windows.

The toilets are pit and the water facets are shared with other cabin dwellers and campers. There is a wood-burning stove in the cabin for cooking and heat, I think it's fair to say this is a primitive campsite.

The lack of interior amenities did not bother me, when we arrived at the cabins it was dark but not raining. We started a fire had dinner and enjoyed hearing the ocean crashing on the shore and the general quiet of the night. Because of the rainy weather half the cabins weren't occupied.

In the morning we received the treat of the most beautiful ocean view from our cabin. I left the cabin and enjoyed the solitude of the park, it's quite pretty with great coastal views including waterfalls flowing into the ocean and beautiful lilies gracing the park. The other treat, it was not stormy only a few drizzles. The sky was mostly blue and slightly overcast.

One of the perks of the park is its' location only 1.1 miles from Stinston Beach and minutes from the City of Bolinas. We left the cabin around 12:00 PM, checkout time, and drove to Bolinas for lunch at the Coastal Cafe. For those who don't know the Bolinas' Road signs were removed from Hwy 1. To get there drive pass Stinston Beach continue pass Bolinas Bay after the lagoon ends make a left on the first road you see. When the road ends make another left and within minutes you will be driving through the downtown Bolinas. The cafe was reasonably priced, the service was friendly and professional

After lunch we returned to the entrance of the cabins on Hwy 1 and parked. Across Hwy 1 is a trail head for the Steep Ravine Hike, it's a popular hike known for it crowds but it was relatively empty because of the rains damping the Bay Area. Walking into the Steep Ravine took us into a moss covered fern and redwood forest it was a dramatic change

After the hike we headed back to City, a day of site seeing and hiking without substainal rain I could only thank the Ancestors and the Rain Goddess for her generosity.

Steep Ravine Trails

Butterflies on the trail

View of the Environmental Cabins from Hwy 1

2006-03-23T22:37:00.000-08:00

Brought a new computer and I've spent last weekend setting up my PC transferring music and other good things. Well after an exhausting morning and afternoon I decided to stop greeking out and listen to some music.

Eartha Kitt was performing at the Masonic Center and I was determined to see her. From her days playing Cat Woman to singing Santa Baby I've always thought she was cool.

Riding the bus I arrived a little late, but the 1 California drops you off only a couple a blocks away from the Masonic and without hills to walk and horrible parking it the best way to visit Nob Hill

The Masonic is not my favorite auditorium in San Francisco it feels cavernous, with the ability to swallow entertainers, so even if it puts a hole in my pocket I buy tickets on the floor it's worth the cost without question. By the time a purchased a ticket the show had started, a kindly usher allowed me to slip into the show while Eartha was singing. I slid into a seat in the back and watched this amazing 80 ish yo women performing on stage looking youthful and sexy.

I felt like I had stepped into a time machine and was transported to maybe the early 1950's when seeing wonderful singing, comedy and playful sexuality on stage could be expected for adult entertainment. It felt like an evening of cabaret, intimate eventhough I was sitting in a large auditorium.

Personally I was very excited to hear her sing Saint Louis Blues, a sing made popular by Bessie Smith, Ms. Kitt acted in the movie with the same title in the 1950's. Her tribute to Edith Piaf was wonderful singing her songs in French. Also, her rendition of Here's to Life was a knock-out.

The audience circled the stage vying to touch and thank Ms. Kitt. Graciously, Ms. Kitt took the time to thank and acknowledge those who appreciated her performance that night. I had never seen anything like this at a SFJAZZ program before and I happy to have the opportuntity.

2006-03-09T22:06:00.000-08:00

Hello, it been over 1 month and I haven't post. My impediment was a new job in Fremont California doing computer support for another agency. Fremont is a suburb/ town in the East Bay more suburb than town it's pretty but not the most happening place.

My commute is now 1.5 hours each way and starting work at 8:00 AM means I have to get up early. I'm a night person and this change has been extremely difficult. Fortunately I actually like the job and I'm starting to get use to waking up before 6:00 AM. but it's difficult.

The actual commute isn't that bad I'm using public transit (Bart and Muni) and I'm able to zone out or read. So anyway I'm back to my blog, I missed it dearly.

2006-01-16T12:04:00.000-08:00

Moscone Convention Center is well known in San Francisco as the city's main facility for conventions and conferences. Located downtown, South of Market near the Yerba Buena Gardens it's positioned for maximum exposure. However there is another facility in San Francisco, the Cow Palace. Not glamorous in any sense of the word, located in Visitation Valley one of the remaining working class neighborhoods in the city. The Cow Palace is where the Rodeo and Circus comes annually to the City, the space feels like an different era. I went there to see Hot Rods and Low Riders at the San Francisco Rod, Custom and Motorcycle Show

Ok, I don't own a car and my desire to have one is rather low. I'm the type of person who normally doesn't notice one model from another. But as a kid I liked Funny Cars, owned a Demolition Derby Electric Racing Set and always admired low riders and older model cars for their creative design and engineering. Few new cars catch my attention in a positive way but the oldies well that another story.

The show at the Cow Palace had a wide variety of cars, motocycles, trailers/campers and even bikes. My favorites were some of the older campers/trailers many for me were new views, the mini-campers with their super functionality with stoves, refrigerators, and tables were fun.

It was a fun afternoon and who knows everyone needs their toys.................

One of the many cool cars of the show

Custom bike, cool but maybe not the best choice for
City Crusin

2006-01-11T16:28:00.000-08:00

How is history shaped in our consciousness? Why are so many people who contribute to society forgotten so quickly? I couldn't help but mull over these questions while watching the documentary Negroes with Guns at the San Francisco Main Library.

Negroes with Guns is about Robert Williams who organized his community to defend itself against the KKK in Monroe, North Carolina and how his struggle for freedom took him around the world from Cuba to China while in exile on escaping false kidnapping charges. Williams was not an advocate of non violence but of self defense against racist violent behavior. This made him controversal and dangerous.

As an activist,Williams worked as a community leader, started the newspaper The Crusader after being suspended by the NAACP for speaking out for self defense. He and his wife Mabel also created and produced Radio Free Dixie while in Cuba, a black power radio program. I'm amazed how I knew nothing about this man growing up or his communities struggles in North Carolina. The first time I heared about him was either 2004 or 2005 when KPOO , my favorite radio station, was playing an excerpt from the Freedom Archives audio documentary on his life. I recommend the audio documentary it's very educational and Mabel Williams tells their life through interviews.

The film was a community screening event, part of ITVS community outreach program which screens independent filmmakers films. The program was successful with a good turn-out. My only complaint is the panel at the end of the program did not include the filmmakers, I felt they were sorely missed.

Negroes with Guns, will be shown February 7th 2006 in the San Francisco Bay Area at 11:00 PM. Check on the Independent Lens website to see when the film is showing in your city.

2006-01-05T21:55:00.000-08:00

Hi folks I'm finally starting to feel normal, I'm not 100 percent but this evening I was able to keep my sinus headaches at bay and the pink eye seems 98% gone they only feel a little dry-ish. Fatigue is still the queen but I'm planning to go out this weekend socialize and exercise the body and test it out a little.

I haven't gone out much this year so I'm posting a few pictures from the end of 2005. Places I visited but were previously too burnt out to post.

Walking in downtown San Francisco I couldn't resist photographing MOAD, the Museum of the African Disapora.

Talking about walking, this is the Moraga Stairs located in Golden Gates Heights a neighborhood in the Sunset District. Located south of Golden Gates Park you can transverse Golden Gates Heights by its' stairways. I found this walk in Stairway Walks in San Francisco, a books that provides stairways walks throughout the City. I recommend it for those who want to explore San Francisco neighborhoods.

At the opening weekend of the De Young Museum the lines were long but somehow we gained quick access. The Olmec sculpture, one of many fascinating items on exhibit.

2005-12-31T23:53:00.000-08:00

It's New Year Eve and I'm at home still recovering from my membership in the "Bird Flu Crew" ....ok it's not really the bird flu but it's bad. Today I went for a short walk the first one in over two weeks and I was exhausted it was only about 30 blocks but I returned home with a stumble in my strut. I was happy to get back up stairs and put on some veggies. Thank goodness my Pink Eye is starting to resolve itself.

Well, I'm glad to see 2005 end, the year began with the tsunami aftermath, spring and summer brought us the Downing Street memo , the Valerie Plame outing, more torture and Katrina. We're finishing with the year with our Government's acknowledgment of spying on American citizens without warrants no checks and balances. 2006 gotta be better.

I wish peace for everyone and success for those whose goals don't include the oppression of others.

2005-12-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays Folks hope you're having a festive season, I'm sick with the flu or something I'm into my third week and today and I celebrated with a disease blast from the past PINK EYE yuck, I though this unsightly illness was for children only. Well I'm quarantined at my parents home so it feels like childhood has returned. I celebrated this predicament with a cable TV movie watching marathon I Robot, Fat Albert and the Manchurian Candidate 2004 all were ingested in one evening with 2 NBA playoff games. (GO SHAQ BABY) Ay Caramba after all that TV watching no wonder I got pink eye!

I've spent this evening trying to get a phone prescription from my out of state HMO processed. I won't rant. but it's been ugly.

Hopefully, after my medication arrives I can get started on a year end post with photos and comments on 2005.

2005-11-30T23:42:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm back in the City and after an exciting day at the office, it was time to indulged one of my pleasures enjoying the arts. Tonight was a special evening in San Francisco, I was able to visit The Museum of the African Diaspora (MOAD) a new museum opening in the City. The Museum's Mission is to provide a focal point to present art and cultural elements of the African diaspora.

The museum conceptually is a wonderful idea, people of African decent are spread across the globe, the themes for exhibits and programs are endless. Personally I've been curious about the African disapora in Latin America and would like to learn more about Afro-Peruvian and Columbian culture.

The Museum is located downtown on Mission St. near Third, with the development of Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, downtown SOMA (South of Market) has because a center for the City's Museums. SOMA has the advantages of great public transportation and easy access to food, shopping, etc. it's a nice contrast to the De Young Museum and Golden Gate Park.

The program at MOAD tonight was the Artists' Invite, the sponsors of the museum were quite generous, the wine and delicious hors d' oeuvres were flowing all evening. The museum has three spacious, well designed floors. The space presents a variety of different mediums, film, sound pieces, and computer interactive works on the second floor and a gallery space with paintings, scupltures, and other works on the third. With several of my friends I enjoyed the exhibits, socialized, listened to live music and fully enjoyed the evening. I'm submitting my membership tonight and I'm excited to support MOAD's growth and development.

First Floor at Museum Of African Diaspora

From: Peter and Eileen Norton Collection

2005-11-28T10:20:00.000-08:00

This is one of the best times to visit Las Vegas, the weather is cool and sunny. Why suffer under the desert heat, you can visit Las Vegas when the weather is pleasant. Today started with a Brunch in the El Cortez Casino and Hotel, a downtown dive, the first casino owned by the gangster Bugsy Siegel. We had Chinese /American Breakfast, the service was good, the brunch included glazed donuts and Champaign very El Cortezish.

After brunch and shopping, we went to see Walk the Line the new film about Johnny Cash at the Neonopolis at the Fremont Street Experience. I've been a fan of Johnny Cash since I was a kid, my father is a Cash fan and I have many memories of hearing A Boy named Sue sung at home.

The film is well made, the music is good and I enjoyed the performances of Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter. However, while watching the film I realized that I didn't know anything about Cash except his music, he wore Black and had performed at Folsom prison. His drug addiction and his pre-martial issues with June Carter were news for me. The film focuses on his addiction and desire to marry June Carter, but I felt the film portrays Cash's world as small, it was the 1960's and so much was happening with the country and music. After the watching the film I'll read Johnny Cash's autobiography.

2005-11-27T01:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Turkey Day everyone, I'm in Las Vegas chillin with the family, went to see the movie Rent today at the SunCoast Casino. I haven't seen Rent live and knew little about the play, other than it is based in New York and its' protagonists can not pay their rent.

Seeing this film in Las Vegas was kind of a shame, it reminded me of many people I've meet through the years in San Francisco. Broke artists struggling with their dreams and demons, that is a story I've watched through the years. The film is a Rock Opera and really has a 1980's feel, how things changed in the 90's.

The Las Vegas audience was quiet and a bit subdued, I couldn't help but think the story of these artists, gays, bohemians, and misfits must have felt very distance from their lives.

My sister told me over the holiday weekend that while conversing, a man told her that he didn't get Rent and maybe she would because she is Black. I'll leave that without comment, but it captures my concerns about the lack of empathy folks have for people they don't perceive as similar to them....oops I guess that was a comment. I think some people relate only to the Friends TV version of New York which lacks large segments of the population....oops another comment.

Talking about Black folks and Rent I loved Tracie Thoms, she has a great voice. I wasn't familiar with her and no I haven't seen Wonderfalls but hopefully I'll get the chance to see her in other works soon. Rent an interesting musical, I'll see Rent next time at the Castro Theatre.

2005-11-21T16:40:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a long time sorry. My camera is full of photos, I've been to several events
I need to write about but I'm lagging, well the best time to get started is now.

Saturday was spent walking through the city enjoying the usually beautiful weather for November. I had a guest from Sacramento visiting and we strolled through Union Square, Horton Plaza, The Ferry Building's farmer's market and boutique shops and the Embarcedero. We stopped at Pier 23 Cafe for lunch enjoying views of the Bay from their patio. Pier 23 Cafe is a pleasant place, their food is descent but pricey but a course you're paying to sit outside with a nice view.

We finish the evening back at Union Square, eventhough it's a pricey tourist spot, the cafe at Union Square is one of my favorites in the City. The service pastries and meal selection , and coffee are all good. Your coffee portion is generous and seconds are free. Also, there is outdoor seating, a bit competitive to get a table, but worth it. Union Square is a good spot to people watch you'll see a little bit of everybody.

Afterward, my visitor headed back to Sacto and I hopped on Muni making my way to the Haight. At the Red Vic they were showing Miles Electric: A Different Kind of Blue, eventhough I'm a self proclaimed Anti supporter of Miles because of his treatment of women, I have to acknowledge his intelligence and talent as an artist. The movie, documentary worked for me, it shows the debate that Miles electric musical transition caused, the influences for the change and the artists that surrounded him during this period. Seeing a young Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Carlos Santana and other great musicians was just fun. Also, within the film a healthy portion is dedicated to showing Miles performance at the Isle of Wright. It's not just talking heads concert footage is included.

After the movie I went to Amoeba Records and brought a CD by his wife for one year Betty Davis, While their marriage was short lived she was influential in his life, inspiring Miles to drop the Italian Suits and explore his musical range.

Betty Davis album Nasty-girl is one of the best funk albums I've ever heard -period. She is the unknown Queen of Funk, I can't believe she wasn't played on the radio and during the 1970's when funk was so hot, we weren't even given the chance to hear her. Maybe she was before her time, I just wish the decision was ours.

Miles, I'll still take my time buying his music but Betty Davis I'm going to grab whatever I can find!

2005-11-15T23:09:00.000-08:00

For work I was assigned to visit the California's Central Coast, we have a telecommuter who lives in Santa Maria, a city 300 miles south of San Francisco. I drove South down Hwy 101, a route I haven't driven to Southern California within the last 10 years.

Hwy 5 is the standard route to LA, it's faster but not very scenic, in contrast I found Hwy 101 scenic and offering tempting side trips.

While driving down Hwy 101 you see the mission bells and realize you're on the Mission trail. Hwy 101 follows the old Spanish Royal Road, El Camino Real which connects 21 missions across the State. Since I was not on vacation but actually on a work trip I noted the different Missions while traveling south but I wanted to minimized my stops. Minimizing my stops included driving by Pismo Beach, and ignoring sidetrips to Hearst Castle and Morro Bay.

However, after I found my Hotel in Santa Maria I decided to drive down to Santa Barbara. After leaving Santa Maria, Hwy 1 and 101 merge providing many scenic places to stop and enjoy the ocean views. I did take a pitt stop at two coastal State Beaches north of Santa Barbara, El Refugio and El Capitain. You can stop at California State Parks for 20 minutes without playing the entrance fee. This is great for a bathroom room breaks and for peeking at parks to checkout their facilities. El Refugio is small pleasant park, the campsites weren't very private but access to the beach was just a few yards away.

At El Captain State Beach, I didn't see the campsites but the day use sites were very nice, perfect for a picnic with beautiful coastal views and picnic tables on well kepts lawns. While standing on the shore a pod of dolphins swam by it was wonderful. Hopefully, I'll be able to camp at one of the parks before the summer crowds come.

After enjoying the dolphins and a wooded nature trail, I was ready to finish the drive to Santa Barbara. When I saw the Santa Barbara exits I took Mission and followed signs to the Santa Barbara Mission. There was plenty of parking and no entrance fee, I followed a self-guided tour which took me through the church, cemetery/gardens and facilities.

Missions are historically interesting places, Mission Santa Barbara was originally built in the 1700's, but there is also a sadness. I think of the indigenous people who lives where changed so dramatically with the arrival of the Spanish. 4000 Chumashan Indians are buried at Mission Santa Barbara.

After touring the Mission, I cruised Santa Barbara's main drag State Street, the restaurants had a nice crowd even for a Sunday night. The area has a trendy college community feel with 20 something skaters zipping between cars and cafes decorated with alluring twinkling lights enticing diners. The day was a nice re-introduction to the area my next trip will be leisurely and lengthy.

El Refugio State Beach -Inlet

El Capitain State Beach - chillin Seagull style

El Capitian Coastal Nature Walk

Mission Santa Barbara

2005-10-23T23:40:00.000-07:00

Friday evening at Ameba Records in the Haight, the store was crowded full of shoppers,I was trolling around about the buy albums by Betty Davis and Lamont Dozier when I received a call from a friend. She had two tickets for the Balinese Tempest showing at Fort Mason in the Marina, the program began in 40 minutes. Well, I'm carless and taking the bus from the Haight to the Marina District is challenging but I was going for it. I laid the CDs down and headed out of the store. I was able to catch the 43 Masonic, its' a cross town bus which goes through the Presidio. I arrived near Fort Mason about 5 minutes before curtain time, sprinted for the theatre and just made it, public transit can work.

The show was wonderful, it was my first experience watching Balinese shadow puppetry. What I found fascinating was the integration of cinematic techniques within theatre, the use of closeup and wide shots with smooth film-like transitions. Did shadow theatre create this visual style or was the theatre company borrowing? I'll have to watch more traditional Balinese plays and do a little reading to find out.

I hadn't read or seen Shakespeare's Tempest , it was a fun play with romance and magic.
However, I couldn't help but focus on the character Caliban the enslaved. Caliban was portrayed as the evil character while the slave owner Prospero, the playÂs protagonist was good. Also, Caliban is described as a savage, shown in silhouette as furry with a round nose but I felt I was seeing a representation of a black man hidden in fur. Was Caliban a justification of European colonization or symbolize native people? Ok I just googled and this discussion isn't new at least I was playing attention.

After the Tempest we headed over to the Great American Music Hall, Omar Sosa was performing as part of the SF Jazz Festival Fall Season. Omar Sosa is one of my favorite Jazz musicians, I find his piano playing exciting, energetic, and creative. The accompanying musicians were tight and included guest musician John Santos the hardest working musician in the Bay Area.

What was fun about the concert was the use of electronic instruments within the pieces mixers and turntables intergated with live jazz....very nice. While electronica fussion is not new, when see you Omar Sosa anything can happen musically this makes his shows so fresh.

2005-10-20T15:59:00.000-07:00

The San Francisco Jazz Festival, opened it's series with Abbey Lincoln performing at the Herbst Theatre in San Francisco.

The Herbst Theatre is a favorite spot, it's comfortable and has an old world charm with beautiful murals that grace its' walls. The acoustics are descent, sitting in the balcony you can enjoy the show. Another plus, they offer student rush tickets before many shows, half price tickets make my wallet happy!

Well, the concert was very interesting, I've heard Abbey Lincoln's music but I've never read an interview or had a feeling about her as an artist or individual. After the concert I'm reading.

Abbey performed a full set, she sung standards like Skylark and favorites composed by her, like The Music is the Magic but I've never seen a show before where the artist starts to fuss and almost cussed out her musicians. At first I thought it was an act, then I started thinking she's pissed off.

Whether her agitation was an act or the worst scenario possible a musician could have on stage without falling or barfing, they were flat at times. Sometimes her cajoling seemed to help other times rebellion or just plan confusion was occurring. She sung several songs acapella shutting down her trio.

I enjoyed the concert her singing and phrasing were good and it's always a treat to see the master jazz performers. But the concert will always be remembered for being a hot event on stage in the most unusal way.

2005-10-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

October 9th 6:00 AM, predawn I'm at Ocean Beach for the 10th Annual MAAFA commemoration ceremony. The MAAFA is a Kiswahili term for "Disaster" or "Terrible Occurrence". A term used to describe the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and the thousands of deaths it caused for profit. The MAAFA ceremony is a time to remember and honor our ancestors and to give strength, prayers and support to the living.

The MAAFA ceremony included drumming, poetry, prayer, song, dance, ancestor remembrance and the communal sharing of food. One of the more special moments for me is the laying of flowers at the Ocean a beautiful tribute our ancestors.

As the sun rose the morning blossomed into a beautiful day. The ocean waves large and magnificent seemed to give us approval. The people participating provide an energetic and positive energy I'm sure the ancestors our proud.

MAAFA SLIDE SHOW.

Father and Child

The MAAFA Dance

Flowers for the Ancestors

2005-10-03T22:46:00.000-07:00

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass , an annual free roots festival was happening Sunday at Golden Gate Park. This year the sponser made the festival bigger than ever before, there were several stars, not all Blues Grass but within the County Western Genre Dolly Parton being the largest.

Well, I can decribe the festival simply as huge and mellow, I have never seen so many people in Golden Gate Park. It felt bigger than Bay to Breakers, probably because the people weren't moving. Police Officers were few, problems appeared to be non-existent, except for the inability to see certain artists because of the crowds.

My favorite was Rosanne Cash, for her performance I found a wonderful tree shaded spot with a nice view.
Ms. Cash sung her songs and a few by her dad. Like her father she finds time to sing about love and relationships but also about the injustices of our time. I wasn't able to see Dolly, the crowds were too large and I ended up staying at Rosanne Cash performance longer than originally plan.

Also checked out Emmy Lou Harris and Ralph Stanley, both were good but I felt the venue was
too big for Stanley hopefully I'll get the chance to see him one day in a smaller venue.

My only complaint about Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is where's the Blues? It would really be nice to either
have Gospel or Country Blues performers. Without Blues or Gospel the festival won't live up to it potential of being a fantastic program featuring American Roots Music.

2005-09-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday there was a Katrina fundraiser A "Poetic Protest" at La Pena in Berkeley. The program consisted of short alternative films of the victims affected by the disaster. The Film by Gloria La Riva of the ANSWER Coalition interviewed young men who saved over 200 other residents during the flood.

The program also had a silent auction of art by local artists and a continuous presentation by local poets, spoken word artists, musicians and singers. La Pena was full, the funds from the fundraiser were donated to the Center of Independent Living in Berkeley. The center provides services for the disabled in our community and funds were to be sent to assist hurricane victims.

I volunteered for the event and made myself available to assist the organizers. Mailing out PSAs, delivering and setting up artwork, working the door, and other tasks, I was happy to participate in the event.

A little about La Pena, the facility is a restaurant and performance space with a Latin-favor. La Pena was one of the first places I attempted Salsa dancing many moons ago. It's friendly and has a Berkeley community feel.

2005-09-15T17:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend I need to give myself a break and return to my favorite activities of enjoying the arts, outdoors and cultural scene of the bay area. during its' 1960's heyday Golden Gate Park was known for it concerts which some claimed were weekly.

If true, weekly concerts are a thing of the past but concerts do occur and last weekend 911 Power to the Peaceful was the happening in Speedway Meadow. The event was a music and arts festival with a social justice vibe,
Angela Davis spoke and Michael Franti and Spearhead, Zap Mama and others performed. The huge crowd was mellow and had the world beat hippie aesthetic groove happening.

It was a feel-good event for me but sometimes you should just relax and enjoy a pleasant energy.

The Dancing Dove of Peace

2005-09-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

No Photos of the Dead

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is not allowing photographers and journalist to accompany them on the search and recover of decease flood victims. and they are not allowing photographers to accompanying them requesting no photographs are taken of decease storm victims.

Please contact your Congressional Representatives let them know that there should be an Independent Commission to investigate FEMA's response.

2005-09-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

Ms. Rice the people do not have shoes!!
Well responded Rice, let them buy Ferragamos

Last week while New Orleans and the Gulf Coast was being ravage by floods and hurricane Katrina, Condoleezza Rice was busy enjoying her New York vacation, seeing the Broadway show Spamalot and Shoe Shopping in New York City.

Everybody wasn't amused, a disgusted shopper seeing Condi on a shopping spree confronted her and was removed by security. We won't even ask where was Cheney.

2005-09-04T01:23:00.000-07:00

My mood is still somewhat sour, I spoke to an Aunt today in Alabama she lives South East of Birmingham Alabama in theCity of Sylacauga. Her town received light damage from Katrina nothing serious.

The fog has returned to my neighborhood so I escaped again this time to Oakland which is hosting its' Labor Day Weekend Arts and Soul Festival. The entrance fee is $5.00, usually paying for a street festival is a big negative but it is well organize, ample programs, clear directions to the 5 stages and new beecher seating at the stages.

My focus was the Blues Stage which featured Cajun/Zydeco music today. The talk on the stage was Katrina, the MCs encouraged the audience to donate money to the Red Cross for the storms victims. They challenged the spin in the press/news stating that the citizens of New Orleans are not refugees within their own county but evacuees. They also asked for our compassion and prayers. Listening to the musicians and watching the Gumbo Ya Ya dancers on the World Dance Stage reminded me of the cultural contributions New Orleans - Louisiana has given this country.

On Monday George Duke and Roy Ayers will be performing at the festival I'm hoping to visit Oakland one more time before the weekend is over.

The NAACP has started a relief fund and HurricaneHousing.Org offers ways to contribute.

Afro-Cuban Dance Troop perform ENESE M.O.T.A.D performing at the World Dance Stage

2005-09-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

Why is it that the most powerful country on the face of the Earth takes so long to help so many sick and so many elderly people?" he asked.

Tens of thousands of people are still waiting to be evacuated
"Why? That's all I want to ask President Bush."

2005-08-31T22:18:00.000-07:00

Ok I'll admit it! I'm a Giants fan, that's the only logical way I can explain my enthusiasm for a team 14 games below 500. I'm still hoping they can make it to the playoff. I went to an afternoon game today, it was an incredible day warm with blue skies. The Giants hit four homeruns and earned a victory. It was my first Giants' victory to enjoy this season.

At the game we talked about the hurricane Katrina and the people stuck in New Orleans and the surrounding destruction on the Gulf Coast. It's so striking that
the wealthiest country in the world is so unsuccessful removing it's sick, poor and old from the storm's path.

Today the Governor of Louisiana curtailed reach and rescue operations to prevent looting. It isn't difficult to tell what has more value human life or private property. Where's the National Guard to secure New Orleans from looters? Oop I forgot they're in Iraq oh well we have our priorities. Also, you're not looting when you're getting food for survival. The spin on the suffering of fellows Americans to blame the victim is gross.

Now instead of just ranting I need to find out to help. A source for what's happening the Times-Picayune.

2005-08-29T00:22:00.000-07:00

Wednesday in the middle of the week isn't usually a movie evening but considering the weak choices on network TV any night is movie night. But the summer selection of movies has been pretty weak so my choice was a blast to the past France 1957, Elevator to the Gallows.
What attracted me to the film was a review on NPR, which stated the film's score was by Miles Davis. A movie with a jazz score cool, I have to admit my bias against Miles Davis his spousal abuse lowered his star with me but noir cinema and jazz is a difficult brew to ignore.

Elevator to the Gallows is playing at the Lumiere Theater on California St. I believe the neighborhood around the theater is called Polk gulch it's a lively urban area. You can take the cable car the runs in front of the theater East up to Nob Hill or you can walk South on Polk street and watch the dance of a quickly gentrifying neighborhood.

The theater was pretty disorganized I probably could have walked in without paying and to my shock the small screening room was crowded, I got stuck in the third row having to read subtitles well above eye level.

The film was cool, a very French noir crime-love drama. I felt like I should light a cigarette after watching such crime, tragedy and love ah how French. Miles' score worked in the film, it was subtle adding to the mood of the film but not creating it.

2005-08-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

Escape from Fog City, It's a cold and gloomy night, oh wait a moment it's morning. Who can tell with the constant fog in the Richmond District. I haven't seen the blue sky from my living room window in weeks. August is usually a warm month, well that might be true in other parts of the Bay Area but not in my hood by the sea. Well if the sun doesn't come to me I'm heading to the sun in San Jose.

This weekend San Jose is hosting one of the largest free Jazz Festival on the West Coast, the San Jose Jazz Festival. I rode Caltrain our regional train system, to travel down the peninsula to San Jose. The round trip is kind of pricey at $13.00 but you do have off and on privileges for the day, nice for the weekend traveler. Daily commuting cost would be a killer, but with gas around $3.00 a gallon it's probably a wash. The train Station has had a face lift since my last visit. The Station is South of Market near SBC Park and the whole area is changing so fast with new shops and condos. At the station I purchased my ticket, grabbed a coffee and boarded, the seating was comfortable, clean and uncrowded.

The Jazz Festival is the one event that spurs me to San Jose, the Festival is held downtown in and around Plaza de Caesar Chavez Park , there are several stages, excluding the Main Stage my favorites are the Youth Stage in the Tech Museum of Innovation and the San Jose Rep Theatre. The Youth Stage features young musician, I'm encouraged seeing Jazz being played and appreciated by another generation. The San Jose Rep is indoors and air conditioned it's a comfortable place to hear music and beat the heat. Best surprise was hearing The Bad Plus this group could swing, flow into the avant garde and has a rock aesthetic. I really enjoyed them and their percussionist Dave King was skilled and entertaining. Eddie Palmieri the great Latin Jazz Pianist is always a must see. Since being introduced to him at Yoshi's I'll see him whenever possible. I have to mention the pleasure of seeing Ernestine Anderson a performer whose singing career spans over 50 years and sung during the big band era.

It was a mellow day my only complaint was a rude vendor...but I won't elaborate just someone who lost a customer for life.

2005-08-07T23:26:00.000-07:00

Some days are made for chores, this Sunday was made for straightening up the pad, washing dishes, laundry, vacuuming, and grocery shopping were the happenings. But during the day's productivity I gave myself a break and saw two documentaries a double feature, a yin and yang of cinematic energy, The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill and Rize.

The movies were showing at my neighborhood theatre The Four Star, this is my favorite movie, spot, walking distance from my apartment it's a small family run theatre with two screens. The second theatre has back rows with only two seats, great to get comfortable in...a home theatre away from home.

Rize is an interesting documentary capturing the creative spirit of adults and children in Los Angeles developing new styles of Hip Hop dancing, Clowning and Krumping.

The film focus was Tommy the Clown, the man who started by performing at children parties and develop an urban style of clowning and dance. He also opened a dance academy and now has a troupe of young dancers/performers. The film gives a sense about the these dancers struggles in their communities where there are few options for young people. Dancing provides a means for achievement, therapy and balance for lives assaulted with so many negative distractions and dangers.

David LaChappelle was given a wealth of material and I would have enjoyed learning more about individuals dancers. Also, because of his background he has a tendency to stylized images and there's a thin line between dance documentary and extended music video. Sometimes I felt like we were slipping into music video land.

Chappelle has received many compliments for juxtaposing African dancers with the Hip Hop dancers but I felt this was a cheat. We don't learn anything about the African dancers, were they participating in religious ceremonies, funerals, wedding? Who, what and where in Africa? We have no idea, we all know dance styles, body movements of African-American still retains many Africanism. I don't believe this is some type of mystical genetic link but one element of African Culture that wasn't stolen away by slavery. Like the non- traditional language structure used by many Black American, to Bill Cosby displeasure, it has African roots. The images visually were nice but told us very little.

The movies strength is it portrays how in environments with limited resources people continue to strive and make their way in our callous world.

A totally different vibe, The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill was shot in San Francisco in the beautiful Telegraph Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. The film is about the Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill and the man who took care of them Mark Bittner.

Parrots is a quiet film, simply and beautifully shot we get to know the parrots as individuals as they live within their birdland urban community. Mark Bittner is our tour guide into their lives, he documents the parrots for three years. We learn about how the parrots probably arrived in San Francisco and survive.

Mark Bittner life is another element in the film, a man searching for his place on the planet. He ends up living rent free in one of the most exclusive areas of San Francisco documenting wild parrots. Once homeless and usually unemployed his desire to not compromise his life has taken him on an interesting journey.

I call the films ying and yang of energy maybe this is true. Spiritually I felt the films were very close both dealt with individuals working to find their place in this world. Going against the roles society has placed on them to achieve for themselves.

2005-08-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

I have to admit to crying about the dearth of good young black vocalist and the waning of soul music. Black pop music seems super slick today, pretty faces shaking their bodies singing mediocre songs and lacking a heart felt soulfulness. Where are tomorrows Gladys Knights, Millie Jacksons, Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan and Aretha? I know each generation creates their own music. It reflects their experiences and how they want to express themselves to the world. I always feel the majority of music being produce is for the market that young artists aren't challenging themselves or their audiences.

Last night renewed my faith that soul music won't completely fade into bling bling plastic soulless songs. We drove to Concord, a suburban town in the East Bay to the Chronicle Concord Pavilion for the Sugar Water Festival featuring Queen Latifah, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and Floetry. It was fantastic program, these women can sing, the stage wasn't filled with 100 dancers or ultra special effects but talented vocalist and musicians. Each artist had something unique to bring to the stage, a realness in the performances that allow the audience to feel a real connection a soulful experience. Intelligent thoughtful lyrics with jazz, reggae, rock, hip hop, and blues influences interwoven in the music.

Jill Scott

A few comments about the Concord Pavilion, we purchased general seating tickets on the lawn, the night was warm and the hill's grass was well manicured. We had blankets and snacks, everything went well getting a comfortable spot. Monitors perched around the stage provide us distant attendee's artists' close-up, I forgot my binocular so this was appreciated. The sound quality was good except the BASE was too high and reverberated like the boom from cars when their drivers get hyped. We might like the cars that go BOOM but not during a concert please. Erykah Badu performance had the Base under control - but everyone else had problems. Even with some questionable sound engineering it was an inspiring show, yes there is soul out there. Now if we can get some radio airplay...........

Erika Badu

2005-07-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday I had to drag myself up and out. It was foggy in the Richmond District and looking out the window didn't inspire me to action - but I needed to get some exercise and there were happenings I wanted to checkout. The first stop was very close Tour De Fat in Golden Gate Park.

Tour De Fat is a bike fundraiser for the San Francisco Bike Coalition and the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. The festival was small but lively with bike parade, live music, fun bikes to ride and plenty of beer for festival goers. I'm not a daily bike commuter but I try to use my bike(s) on the weekend for getting around the city, incorporating my biking into normal activities. One group that helps provides this option is the San Francisco Bike coalition, they are advocates for bike riding and the creation of bike paths and bike friendly streets in San Francisco.

One great perk at the Festival was a bike shop was offering free tune-ups, Mike's Bikes of Sausalito. The guy tuning the bikes was very nice he actually put some time into my beloved rust bucket. It had a sticky brake that needed some TLC. After much troubleshooting the brake mobility did improve, I appreciated his effort and I'll take my bike(s) to Mikes when they need some work.

After leaving Tour De Fat I rode through the City with a friend, who I hooked up with at the Tour De Fat, to the Mission & 16th Bart Station . Taking your bike on Bart is not a problem on the weekend just keep away from the first car. We were able to find a unpopulated car to situate our bikes and ride comfortably. We exited at the West Oakland Bart Station, the first station after the transbay tube. We knew where we wanted to go we just didn't know exactly how to get there. We were riding to the Middle Harbor Shoreline Park to PortFest World Jazz and Music Festival. PortFest is a brand new program being held at the Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, I wanted to see Hugh Musakala the father of African Jazz.

The ride down 7th Street was direct but somewhat scary. I was really happy that the traffic was light. 7th Street could use a bike lane or at least some cleaning there was quite a bit of gravel on the road. Beyond my nervousness we made it without any problems. The park has wonderful views of San Francisco and the Bay, comfortable picnic space, green space and bike parking. Car parking appeared limited as we passed many cars parked on the street. PortFest was blessed with the sun, I had escaped the fog.

The music was great Kenny Garrett and his quartet was on when we arrived and he was getting down. Hugh Musakala had the crowd on their feet, seeing Mr. Musakala was seeing living history. As he sung freedom songs I thought about the struggle to end Apartheid in South Africa and the continued struggle for social and economic justice within his and all countries for oppressed people.

Hugh Masakala moving the crowd at PortFest, Oakland

Hugh Masakala at Middleshore Habor Shore Park

2005-07-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

July is ending with a bang, it's summer and festival season and there is with a plethora of musical choices to explore in the Bay. Friday Chaka Khan was performing with the San Francisco Symphony and part of their POPS program. It was great seeing and hearing Chaka Khan, I've always wanted to hear her sing Jazz and other genre pieces other than her R & B hits. She did sing some songs off her latest album Classikhan that has everything from Jazz Standards to County. I didn't know about the existence of this album until Friday night! It drives me crazy how difficult it is the hear music on the radio that isn't marketed for teenagers or shoppers in a supermarket and they want to know why music sales have been slipping. Anyway I don't' want to go into a rant.

The concert was enjoyable, it's always a treat to visit Davis Symphony Hall and seeing artist perform in a qualify (acoustic-wise venue). My main complaint was the Symphony's lack of performance with Chaka Khan. It was strange and disappointing seeing her sing song after song with only her band accompanying her and the Symphony sitting silently in the shadows. Since Chaka sings Jazz and standards I don't know why they didn't have the arrangements together.

One good note, unlike at SF Jazz I didn't get jammed up for taking a few pictures, ah what a different a volunteer usher makes.

2005-07-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

I'm sore and tried this evening, two days of bike riding has reminded me that being a weekend warrior is fun but conditioning is crucial. Saturday was the first bright sunny morning we've had in the Richmond District in days. It was warm by 9:00 AM and when I looked out the window at a fog free Golden Gate Bridge I knew the beach would be visited before the day was over.

My first stop was Books by the Bay held at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in SOMA (South of Market). Riding my bike downtown took me around 30 - 40 minutes. The path was almost completely on bike paths or bike friendly roads and only complaint was my backpack which was filled, my aching back was dragging me down. Books by the Bay is a small independent book store festival, Gus Lee the author of China Boy, San Francisco official book of the summer as part of the One Book One City program, was speaking at the festival I've wanted to read the book for years. This event gave me the incentive to purchase and start reading the book.

After checking out of festival, I rode down to the Embarcadero to Fisherman Wharf. FYI it's a flat bike ride and walk, if you're visiting SF walk the walk if you're in fair shape. You'll enjoy some nice views, there're plenty of restaurants and spots to relax. From Fisherman Wharf I fought the tourist human traffic jam rode by the Maritime Park, Fort Mason, Marin Green and into Crissy Field. I could have stopped and enjoyed the beach at Crissy Field but I kept riding. So far the ride was completely flat expect for a small hill which takes to you Fort Mason but now I was in the Presidio and I wasn't sure if my legs were in shape to handle these climbs, this is not a compliment they are not super steep. But I was able to handle it and made it to Baker Beach my final destination. Oh my Goddess, it was crowded it looked like every person in San Francisco was on Baker's Beach. But I had my towel, book, and hat and I was ready to sun and read. Next time I won't forget the CD player, after I squeezed on beach I had to deal with conversations swirling around me but a day without coastal fog and a spot to rest my legs was feeling very good to me.

Ok where's the fog ?
Bakers Beach - Golden Gate Bridge in background

Folks enjoy a rare warm day at Bakers Beach

2005-07-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I left the big city for a camping trip but the drive wasn't very far about 45 minutes from my home and I've never visited the spot before. We drove over the Bay Bridge went from fog to sun, a few exits into Oakland we left the freeway and I kept thinking - how could there be camping sites so close that I'm completely unfamiliar with?

Our destination was Anthony Chabot Regional Park part of the East Bay Regional Park District. The campsites were nothing fancy clean and pleasant with tables, fire pits and trees to shade the sites. There are hiking trails to explore the park area and to reach Lake Chabot for fishing or whatever. The Lake has a Marina were you can grab a snack, rent a boat or picnic. We rented a motorized boat for our group and cruised around the lake. Next time I'll rent either a paddle boat or kayak. The views from the campsite hid the city which was seconds away and provided the urban break I needed, never discount what's close by.

The East Bay Regional Recreational Area has a variety of places to see and activities to enjoy. Before the summer is over I'm coming backup over to explore and see something new in my hood.

Lake Chabot from hiking trail

Folks chillin at the Lake Chabot Marina

Peaceful Lake Chabot

2005-07-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

Sunday I went to the Silent Movie Film Festival to see the Scarlet Letter. I've been a fan of silent movies, old radio shows, an early American Music since I was a kid. Why the interest, it must be the luddite in me or maybe I prefer technology of a different time.

Since it was Sunday I rode my bicycle to the theatre, that's a win-win for me! I get a little exercise and I make much better time a major improvement over standing on a corner waiting for a bus- which I loath. I road to the Castro district where the City's most beautiful movie house exist "The Castro." it's a wonderful example of Art Deco 1920s architecture. The theatre has an organ the Mighty Wurlitzer which is played not just at silent films but as a regular part of the theatre experience.

One of the reasons I was planning to see this Scarlet Letter was included in the evening program was news reel footage of the filming of Greed in Death Valley. I'm a big fan of the movie by Erich von Stroheim and the book McTeague by Frank Norris.

The Scarlet Letter was enjoyable and this was my first time of seeing the story told in film, I like many read the story in high school. Lillian Gish, played Hester Prynne and her performance was powerful. Apparently she pushed to have this film made and it was a good vehicle for her. I thought it was ironic that the film starts with a statement about prejudice and intolerance and Lillian Gish starred in and defended Birth of a Nation. She apparently never found the story questionable or inaccurate. So much for empathy for the ones around you? It's easy to have empathy for Hester Prynne she lived in a puritanical society over 300 years ago. How about your neighbors.

2005-07-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

Well, it's July, I've been so busy that I haven't been blogging lately. Between summer school at City College San Francisco (CCSF) and IT fires at work, a crashing server with multiple hardware failures and without warranty. I've been too exhausted to write about the entertaining activities I've been squeezing in my schedule. Currently, I'm in Los Angeles for the 4th of July weekend it's been a quiet weekend visiting family and friends. I'm actually getting a chance to catch up on my sleep and post a long overdue entry in my blog.

Last Friday I was working on the crashed server, the parts had arrived from the vendor but the server wasn't booting properly I was a resident of frustration city. Having won tickets on Pacific KPFA for some international music saved my day and was a pleasant way to start the weekend. The tickets were for a show at Ashkenaz in Berkeley to hear some North African Berber music by Moh Alileche with Danse Maghreb. Ashkenaz is one of my favorite places to dance in the Bay Area. It is relaxed, children are welcome it's very Berkeley. The program was a mixture of Berber music and dance I haven't read much about the Berber people experiencing their music inspired me to learn more about them.

Saturday afternoon game, Oakland A's versus Giants I entered the Devil's layer to watch my beloved but slightly struggling Giants battle the Oakland Athletics. It was my first time in the Oakland Coliseum we rode Bart from the Civic Center Station in San Francisco and arrived in under 30 minutes. I was very impressed, the Oakland Coliseum Bart Station is a short walk to the actual Coliseum. The stadium isn't the most impressive piece of architecture in the Bay Area but the $9.00 bleachers provided us a good view to watch the game and the weather was great. What I didn't like? The $9.00 seats were not assigned our group was spread across the stadium. The food selection sucked, it seemed like the only item the concessions had in abundance was peanuts. The score, the Giants made 5 errors I though was watching a pre-school little league game seeing so many balls popping out of gloves.

June 26th was Gay Pride Day in the City, with the parade, street fair, and general Street traffic it's a rough day to traverse the City by car. Fortunately I was on bus heading toward the San Francisco Memorial Opera House. This was my first traditional Opera and my expectations were high, what unique qualities of Opera has sustained the art form through the years, how is Opera different from American Musical Theatre, how elaborate are the productions and would I enjoy the singing or find it a distraction? Ah so many questions what were my answers?

The Opera we saw was the Pearl Fishers it was an Opera about two Ceylon brothers being in love with the same girl AKA the Priestess and what ensues. The plot may have subtleties but it was still very simple. The music and singing was enjoyable, the jump from foreign cinema to foreign theatre wasn't difficult especially with the leisurely moving subtitles above the stage. I enjoyed the Opera and hope to see others soon but my first experience didn't rise above a Andrew Llloyd Weber musical, except for the Orchestral music which I found outstanding. Opera struck me as an Old World experience imported to the New World that is define by our culture as an upper class activity. Opera gives folks a reason to dress up and experience a certain pre-defined class of art. After Opera we headed out for a good German Dinner in Hayes Valley at Suppenkuche I'm a fan of German food it's good sturdy pleasant food. Suppenkuche is a minimalist restaurant simple wooden tables, with little decorations on the walls. We had a window seat ate Pork Chop with Sauerkraut and watched festival goers from Pride Day make their way home.

2005-06-09T23:31:00.000-07:00

2005 is the year of Othello, I've seen the play twice this year, Wednesday evening at California Shakespeare Theater an outdoor theatre near the City of Orinda and May 22nd at Theatre Rhino in San Francisco by the Impact Theatre. While I knew the basic plot of Othello I didn't know to subtleties of the play. For me Iago is really the central character of the play, his hatred of Othello and his actions made his character the most interesting and memorable. Seeing two interpretations of the play provided me with two portrayals of Iago, actors using the same dialog to prevent this character in completely different styles of menace.

Both presentations modernize the clothing, added certain touches, elements to the play, but kept Shakespeare's words. The California Shakespeare Theatre production was quite good the actors and staging were wonderful. Their production gives Othello more character and presents
his jealousy with much more power than Impact's

The Impact Theatre actors also gave good performances, especially Iago.
I found the direction tighter in their production and this gave the end an intensity I felt missing from the California Shakespeare Theatre presentation. The Impact's production changed the genre of Othello to female, which didn't add anything to the story as Othello male of female is being hoodwink by Iago and follows his/her path to tragedy.

2005-06-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

Last week San Francisco was near perfect, blue skies across the city with enough breeze to keep the City's climate temperate. Yesterday was the closing day of the UN World Environment Day activities. I decided to walk through the Presidio to Crissy Field with the goal of reaching Fort Mason to view an environmental art exhibit and the closing festivities of the event.

Hooked up with a friend, we took the ecology trail, which begins near the Arguello Gate (entrance of the Presidio) it was a pleasant walk around 2 miles. While walking on the trail it's hard to believe you'll in a major city. We were quickly transported out of our urban environment.

From the trail we walked through ex-military housing and headed toward Crissy Field to the Golden Gate Promenade, this area is completely flat and is a wonderful place to jog or stroll. One thing I really like about Crissy Field is how well it's utilized, people are walking, biking, wind sailing, fishing with beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. It's one of the most scenic spots in San Francisco.

Finally we reached Fort Mason a multi-purpose facility another part the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Fort Mason holds a variety of classes, theatres, restaurants, and museums. The Environmental festival was ok for me. The event had a very corporate feel Coca- Cola had a booth. I'm sorry but I don't think environmental friendly when I think soda pop.

The artwork was interesting but a lot was cliche, pictures of natural "beautiful" sites and sculptures made to toy soldiers and other plastics. Interesting but not thrilling, I'm not sure what I was expecting from the UN and local government. I was spoiled on Saturday when I stopped at a Grass Roots environmental justice event at City Hall.

Without fancy exhibits or big sponsors the rally had interesting speakers from around the country talking about everything from drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuse to closing the PG&E Hunters Point Power Plant due to the pollution it generates in the Bay View/Hunters Point Community. The diverse environment justice rally had the issues and heart.

Sunday afternoon at Crissy Field Golden - Golden Gate Bridge in Background

Watching Wind Surfers at Crissy Field

2005-06-04T16:51:00.000-07:00

Friday let's just skip work, I met up with a friend in San Francisco's Civic Center on Golden Gate Blvd. Friday evening, we started walking west on Golden Gate Blvd through the Western Addition and made our way to the Richmond District. It was a pleasant walk a few miles, I should have taken some pictures of the homes. There was a cute little salt box house that caught my eye, unfortunately its' sale price is $799,000. Anyway, I didn't eat lunch at work, it was around 7:00 PM and I was starving. Thank Goodness my hood has a collection of restaurants and fast food joints. I headed straight to the Subway, grabbed a footlong veggie sandwich and headed to our neighborhood theatre the Four Star. I'm not a big TV fan and I don't have cable, so Friday nights are movie night for me.

One reason I like the Four Star the small theatre size. I know that's usually an oxymoron
for theatre goers. But the Four Star has rows with only two seats. This is perfect for couples and individuals who sneak in sandwiches, buy popcorn and other goodies. I needed two seats to organize my fast food feast.

The two movies I saw were Sin City and Kung Fu Hustle. Sin City was a little disappointing, like many comic books the artwork was very good, creative set design, lighting, interesting use of black/white. But like so many comics with good graphics I found like dialog a bit played out. Also, it female characters were only pseudo-strong always showing deference to their male characters . Whether they were called warriors or not they were pretty much wimps.

Unlike Kung Fu Hustle whose one fighting female was always a leader or equal partner in her own right. Kung Fu Hustle was fun, it had a few slow parts but overall I was glad it was the second feature. It made me laugh with it's silliness yet provided me with good mindless distracting action for a Friday evening.

2005-05-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning I was lagging after the Giants game I didn't wakeup early and my phone was ringing off the hook. I was planning to do some OT for work and I really needed to get there early but I didn't. When the weather is beautiful who wants to be stuck in a windowless room?

Fortunately, one of my tasks of the day was starting a 7 hour backup which can execute without human intervention. During the backup I took a break and headed over to the Eastside Alliance Malcolm X Jazz Festival, my favorite Oakland festival, great music and poetry plus a mellow crowd with familiar faces. I ran into an acquaintance from elementary school, that doesn't happened everyday!

I missed Amiri Baraka, but was able to see Black Dot Collective and the Brown Fellinis. Friends, conversation, entertainment and warm weather......that's how to spend a Saturday.

2005-05-20T23:16:00.000-07:00

Friday, the sun finally came out, thank goodness, I was afraid the weekend was going to look like Thursday misty and wet. Work was fine, rather quiet, I was definitely living for the weekend and this evening I was going to enjoy my first baseball game of the season.

I met some of my co-workers after work at SBC previously known as PacBell Park for the Giants versus Oakland A's. game. I went to the stadium before the tailgate to pick up my chapper, the evening give away. Walking through the stadium prior to the game provided me the opportunity to enjoy the park without the crowds, seeing the pre-game players warm up and the vendors preparing their over priced goodies.

Afterward I walked to the stadium's parking lots and checked out the tailgate, my first tailgate experience. Everyone was hanging out around the car eating and talking. I was starving, hadn't eaten lunch again and boy I was hungry for a hot dog. I have them so infrequently that they're a treat. My co-worker who organized the tailgate brought tons of goodies, peanuts, cracker jacks, soda, chips I was in junk food heaven and to top it off I bought cotton candy.

Well the group was split between Giants fan and Oakland fans the Oaktown folks had their evening in the Midnight sun. The Giants didn't look very good, without Barry Bonds the fans seemed to lack at certain energy. I stayed true but my Giants but needed the energy of many to help pull them through. I was taunted that evening by rowdy A's fans but remember the words of wisdom "She who laughs last laughs best"

Revenge shall be mine and the three game series

Giants Pre-game warm-up -SBC Stadium

Looking for Barry -Giants pre-game warmup

2005-05-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

The alarm rung this morning and for a moment I thought freak, how did I set my alarm on the weekend. Then I remembered today was Bay to Breakers Sunday and I needed to get up and get going.. My walking partner was late waking up so we actually started the run/ fun walk around Van Ness Ave. we missed the first 2 miles. For those who don't know Van Ness Ave. is a main passageway in San Francisco. It runs north to south; driving north will get you to Fisherman Wharf / Golden Gate Bridge. The Southern route will take you through various San Francisco neighborhoods, I believe it ends in the Mission District renamed South Van Ness.

Starting late was ok we traditionally finish the race early veering off the path to our neighborhood diner, the Video Cafe for breakfast. Today since we started late we actually finished the race by walking to Ocean Beach. For the majority of the participants Bay to Breakers is really an excuse for a nice morning walk and site seeing, there are folks wearing costumes, walking butt naked or sharing music from their homes.

I really like listening to the different types of music as we walk through San Francisco neighborhoods. I heard James Brown more than anyone else today but I also heard Parliament, Sex Pistons, and the Ramones so you really get a mix of high energy tunes.

The sun didn't come out today in San Francisco, at least not on the West part of the City. But we didn't get rain and the fog was a cool canopy as we transverse Golden Gate Park. Afterward, we relaxed with our meals
and cups of coffee a little sore but already thinking about next year's walk.

Hayes Street Hill, a horde of humans as far as the eyes can see

What's Bay to Breakers without a group of nudist jogging around?

My favorite political sign - Arnold in full Pension Raider Glory

Bison trying to sleep in Golden Gate Park

2005-05-07T23:34:00.000-07:00

I went to see Crash tonight, I hesitant after reading the critics reviews which are pretty mixed. The first 30 minutes had me wondering if I was going to enjoy the film. I felt beat up by all the overt racism and the multitude of characters being introduced in the film. Also the scenarios are so over the top as the language of the actors. But the film comes together with so much power.

The acting throughout the film was top-notch, Michael Pena was wonderful and I got another chance to see Terrence Howard who is one of my favorite actors. The complexity of the script provides a good framework to explore racism as the central theme of the film. We see characters from different perspective and through them we can see ourselves and others we know. Sometimes people criticize films for not answering life questions. Crash isn't a film that will provide the answer or the means to end racism. But it does remind us how interconnected we are, how we judge others and focusing and holding on to anger can make us lash out and emotionally takes us down.

See this movie you'll have something to talk about afterward.

2005-05-04T22:43:00.000-07:00

I'm finally getting over my Jet_Lag that took a little too long for comfort. Still working on transcribing the China trip. I've been busy organizing the pictures.

Hey check out the link and let me know if it's streaming properly

China Trip Photos (part 1)

2005-04-30T23:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning my alarm rung for work oops......my chance for a good sleep-in was ruined. Then phone started the ring, ring, ring, many mornings I would be flattered but this morning I just wanted to sleep. With family visiting it was a busy day, we started at my favorite neighborhood diner Big Heart Video Cafe. A 24 hour cafe and video store, Big Heart serves a hearty breakfast, nothing fancy but tasty banana pancakes, descent home fries and a coffee cup which never stays empty for long. The staff is very friendly and makes you feel welcome whenever you come.

Afterward, we hit the Haight and Union Square for shopping, the trips were successful but driving was a pain. Driving this weekend is making me miss riding the bus. Parking is either expensive or a time consuming pain.

We had dinner at Powell's Place, a soul food restaurant which has relocated to the Fillmore District. I've been wanting to check out Powell's for months. First let me compliment them on their new space, it's bright, spacious, and has simple elegance. Also, the restaurant has a soul/jazz juke box which was a listening pleasure. The staff was friendly and down home.

The menu is standard soul flair, I had meat loaf which came with a healthy serving of veggies and potatoes. But we tried to order a side of greens and they were out. Ahhhhhhh..................no greens..........Ahhhhhh oh well gotta try them next time. I enjoyed dining at Powell's, they have a Gospel dinner on Sunday I'm going to check it out soon.

After dinner we headed to Herbst Theatre to see/hear Dee Dee Bridgewater, another wonderful jazz vocalist in the San Francisco Jazz Festival. Dee Dee Bridgewater is a graceful and wonderful performer, she is so energetic that I could only marvel at her stamia. Her singing was powerful and beautiful, the ballads for me were really great. My favorite was Horace Silver, A song for my father, just beautiful, I didn't even know the song has lyrics. Also, Kenny Burrell composition, A tribute to Ella, and Dee Dee 's re-arranged Love for Sale were fantastic.

The concert was enjoyable, also my frugal needs were satified. The SF Jazz festival has student rush prior to many shows and we were able to buy two tickets for the price of one. Go out and support these wonderful artists and check for discounts, stretch your dollar and share the love.

2005-04-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

Friday I skipped out on work today to start the weekend a little early . Started the evening at the Tonga Room at the Fairmont, the Tonga Room is an upscale Tiki Bar, located in the Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill. You pay a premium for drinks cause you're paying for the location which is nice.

The Tonga Room has a buffet $7.00 all you can eat. It was pretty good, ribs, pork buns, veggie rolls, fruits, noodles etc. The drinks were a little disappointing the portion were smaller than my neighborhood tiki bar Trader's Sam and the neighborhood bartender has nothing to worry about. I'm not hatin on the Tonga Room it's a fun change, a Rain Forest Cafe/Bar for adults.

After happy hour we walked over to the Masonic auditorium to see Shirley Horn. She was performing at part of the San Francisco Jazz Festival. Prior her performance the Jazz Festival had a pre-talk it was a snooze but Shirley Horn was a joy to watch. We had great seats and could could see her every move. She sung a variety of songs from Fever to A Song for You with her special style and interpretation. It was very nice evening.

2005-04-28T00:08:00.000-07:00

I haven't been writing about my current events, I've been trying to write about China translating my travel journal but I've been to several events lately and I'm really compelled to write about tonight.

This evening I went to the Berkeley Repertory Theatre and saw The People's Temple a play about the People Temple, the groups' inception until its' tragic end in Jonestown. The Play was directed by Leigh Fondakowski who used the framework of presenting dialogs from interviews of Jonestown survivors and archival material to present the story of The Peoples Temple.

I found the play profoundly sad, I could empathize with the dreams the members to live in a world without racism. To see their utopia deteriorate to a doom days cult was heart breaking.

There seemed to be a cautionary tale within a play about Blacks folks trusting a white leader to lead them from racist society. Jim Jones solution in response to white racism was death but the death of African-Americans is a victory for racist.

It was interesting to see Blacks complimenting the Temple and whites primarily criticizing it. I couldn't help but wonder if living at the commune in Jonestowns was better than living in America for many African-Americans. I feel like there is another story which the play didn't cover.

The play was well and structure and the performances were powerful and interesting. But the play left me with a tight feeling in my chest an angry.

Theatre Night Facts

Bought tickets at Half-Price Tix Union Square (seats were Orchestra front row - but to the left on the aisle)

Before the performance we had dinner at Everett and Jones in Oakland of Broadway. I think it's the cutest BBQ joint in the Bay Area.

2005-04-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

On the Road in China Turpan -

Next morning as usual we were the last people to breakfast, hey it's hard for two people to get washed up and dressed in 30 minutes. The meal was light but decent. After breakfast we headed to the ancient city of Gaochang. It was an interesting drive as we negotiated between vineyards and Gobi desert.

Driving to Gaohang you entered a community that seems as ancient as the city. The poor residents, woman washing clothes in a small bucket in front of her homes. Simple ramshackle mud homes were our pathway to the tourist site. The people in this area used to farm in Gaochang but the government now prevents it, they are allowed to participate in the tourism biz by providing donkey rides within the ruins, selling souvenirs, and children hawk trinkets.

Gaochang was a major commerce point on the Silk Road and central in the spreading of Buddhism in China, it was abandon in the 1300's.
Seeing the ruins of Gaochang, a city that lasted 1500 years emphasizes the fleeting life societies have. We spend so much time building riches; people, countries and the wealth go away, everything has its' cycle.
Close to Gaochang are the Flaming Mountains and they are spectacular. Without a blade of grass, sharp angles and impressive red sandstone, the mountains are a scenic backdrop for exploration.

Afterward we Flaming Mountain, learned about the Karez ancient irrigation system intially built 2000 years ago uses gravity, wells and underground canals to get water from mountain glaciers. Along with the Great Wall, and the Grand Canal it is considered one of China's great ancient engineering accomplishments. What I find amazing is how the residents figured out how to used the water and create an irrigation system in such an inhospitable environment. Humans' capability for great inventions did not appear in the last 1000 years. I wonder how much knowledge have we lost from wars and collapsed civilizations.

Afterward we visited Grape Valley, Turpan is known for it's variety of fruits and grapes are included, the region is known for its wine production. We visited Grape Valley during the off season, unlike the wine country in California there weren't any tasting rooms, we did enjoy local wines with our meal. Unfortunately I didn't get their names but I enjoyed a very good sweet desert wine.

While in the Grape Valley we visited an Urgur home, what was interesting about the home was it hard bed/sofa which had a built-in brick furnace for those cold desert nights. The home was modest and comfortable with a large backyard patio where our host served us raisins (which they were selling) and fruits. Our host played Urgur music and we finish the afternoon dancing and enjoying a pleasant meal. It was a nice way to end the site-seeing for the day.

Ancient City of Gaohang - Buddhist Site

The Impressive Flaming Mountains

Grape Valley were vineyard and desert meet

Grape break in Grape Valley

2005-04-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

On the road in China -April 7th

On the bus again I believe we're in the lli River Valley, I think it's snowing, flakes melting when they hit the ground, the road conditions are good and we're moving well. From my window I'm.....oops our driver is honking his horn at a couple of goats standing in the middle of the road. With all the animals crossing the road (cattle, geese, goats, sheep) I 've seen very little road kill. We're traveling through the Green Plains, grass and snow covered plains as far as the eyes can see with the majestic snow covered peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains on both sides.

Shepherds and their flocks sprinkle the plains, some on foot other's horseback. The horse culture is alive and will in North-West China there is nothing strange about seeing a horse hitched up in from of a home or seeing a horse competing for road space with cars and bikes. We just stopped for a herd of horses....Their coats are longer than what you see in the West they're making their way to more grazing land.

Yesterday we arrived at a Kazak resort, people normally come during the summer to horseback ride and enjoy Kazak culture, we were definitely the off-season guest. It was snowing and the area was blanketed with snow. I was jones-ing for a pair of cross country skis, the snow wasn't very deep but it was powdery, soft and perfect for a little skiing....alas none were found. The resort rooms were very very simple, no heat or hot water. The beds were prepared with electric pads and large thermoses with hot water were brought to our rooms. The bathrooms were challenging there wasn't any separation between the shower and toilet. Don't take a shower and expect to use the toilet without your feet getting wet. Also our bathroom had the smell of old rutabagas. Because of the smell, my roommate was a bit nauseated, we requested and received another room which was less-smelly.

We were the only guest in the facility and the staff took care of us, plenty of good food. I had the chance to try mare milk and horse intestines. Unlike chitterlings or muendo, the horse was a salty dry dish similar to jerky and I didn't notice an unpleasant smell like chitterlings actually I preferred the horse intestines to pork.

We went horse back riding in the late afternoon, I was pathetic getting off and on the horse the men had to remove me crane style, I was a little frozen- numb (that's my excuse for being Queen Slug. That heating pad was looking very good to me after the ride but it was enjoyable!

Actually before the horseback riding, we went for a drive looking for a winter photo spot but our van got stuck in the snow. Our poor tour guide had to run up a snow covered hill looking for a shovel, without any winter gear, and started shoveling out the tour bus without even a pair of gloves. This young lady could be sitting in a cafe in San Francisco but she was digging a tour van out of snow in a remote part of North-West China and keeping it together. We survived our photo shoot adventure, If I didn't mention it - the area around the resort was beautiful a true winter wonderland in early spring.

Sheep herd and herder crossing the road

Kazak Horseman in the snow

Stranded in the Snow? No Problem - Snow Fight

2005-04-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

Entry 3 China Trip - The Silk Road - Irumqi - Heavenly Lake

Today April 4th we're in Xinjiang a province in Northwest China, we flew in the City of Irumqi yesterday on a warm evening. The air smelled smokey when we landed but we were about to experience some very cold weather. A four-hour flight from Beijing, this was our first of three flights within China's territory. Our hotel in Irumqi was very comfortable, when we checked in I noticed a drug store next to our hotel. A few of us went over to get a few supplies. I know labor is cheap in China but this store was extremely overstaffed. At first I thought the staff was watching us then I realized they were just there to help. Unfortunately every isle seemed to contain one or two staff members or someone would appear in a second, it was creeping me out no privacy.

In the morning after a nice breakfast, we drove to Heavenly Lake, it is a beautiful site, very serene. A glacier formed lake, the mountains above the lake were snow covered and a layer a fog floated across their top peaks. The lake was completely frozen seeing it was a first for me. I wanted to explore on the ice but I was nervous about walking on water but a lighter member of our group walked out. Soon about five guards/ police officers were coming our way, we quickly kept on walking around the lake but not on it.

We had lunch in a Kazak Yurt, a tent style housing traditionally for a normadic people. The Yurt was more than just a restaurant, the family that slept there still had their sleeping gear (bedding) in the Yurt. We were having lunch in someone home. The meal was good lots of lamb and the Yurt was comfortable.

Our tour guide spoke about the Chinese minorities of North-West China especially the Uygur, Hui and Kazak. The Kazak are Euro-Asian in appearance and many are involved in livestock. We saw men herding sheeps, goats and other critters in the plains. Many of the people in the region are Muslim. The Hui, who are Muslim and can be distinguish from Han Chinese by their white hats. It's interesting to realize how China has these diverse ethnic communities. It was only makes sense considering all the Counties that border China.

We continued on this incredible bumpy road, truck stop towns, simple villages, men/women on horse, shepherds (probably Kazak) passed our window. We drove to the boarder of Kazakhstan for a trading post. This was kind of a dud it was very late and we visited only one store. We drove all this way for one store? Oh well, everything can't be perfect. Oh well, by this time we arrived at the hotel in Yinging it was 9:00 PM. We had a quick dinner after I went for a Steam/Sauna?Massage for Ten American Dollars.

Heavenly Lake Frozen over April 2005

Lunch Yurt - look for bedding inside

Service Center - Yurt living near Heavenly Lake

2005-04-03T00:29:00.000-08:00

Entry 2 China Trip - Great Wall and Red Snail Temple

We checked out of our hotel, the Beijing Gorge Hotel (a over-rated place) and went to the Red Snail Buddhist Temple. I always feel strange entering a religious space as a tourist invading a sacred place with cameras and gawking eyes. When we first entered the grounds we walked through a winding path surrounded by a small bamboo forest simple and beautiful setting mood . When the space opened we could see a landscaped pond, with statues with a large red shell. The Temple and grounds were really quaint and peaceful.

Entering the temple I wanted to say a prayer to Buddha asking for a safe trip and safety for my family. I said the prayers standing not wanting to publicly pray inappropriately.

Also on the grounds I walked through a forest of Buddha statues and found my personal Buddha. Afterward we snacked on lamb and calamari and watched children play. It would be easy to spend a day there.

When we left the temple we stopped at a farmer market and bought some wine soaks dates they were very very good.

Afterward we drove to the Mutianyu Great Wall, this entrance is a tourist trap, with aggressive vendors everywhere all hawking the same stuff. It was a trail of vendors tears to get to the cable car which took us to the Wall (you can hike up if you have the time) the condition of the Great Wall at this location is fantastic and we had a nice time strolling around with the rest of the tourist. Steep, built to follow the curve of the mountain range, it was a challenge walking from one-watch tower to another. The soldiers who walked these paths must have been very fit.

Well back on the van and back to Beijing airport we're on our way to the silk road.

The Red Shell Temple

The Great Wall

2005-04-01T23:06:00.000-08:00

Entry 1 China Trip On our way

Before I left the USA I looked at my apartment, it was trashed, I did not have time to clean my pad. I'll have to deal with it when I get home. SFO International Airport was a breeze there was no problem with security and the lines weren't very long. The 12 hour flight on Air China went well except for the lack of leg room - I was forced to sit up straight. - well it's better for my back so I shouldn't complain. They provided plenty food, this was not the menu of a domestic flight. I think international flights are the only flights that feed the flyers.

Julie met us at the airport in Beijing after getting our luggage we grabbed a taxi and made our way through Beijing traffic, It was very congested, their rush hour must last late into the evening. We made it to our hotel North Garden Hotel which is near a main shopping drag. The street was full of people on foot and bicycles, the stores were open with prices that caught my eyes.

The weather was rainy and overcast, I was the only person I saw wearing a dress. We had dinner that even at Quanjude a restaurant established in 1864. There specialty is Roast Duck, we dined in a private room, our group seven travelers and one guest enjoyed the evening with good food and conversation. I'm not usually a duck person but the food was very good! We had two ducks, cod, mushroom soup, veggies, mushroom and scallops very tasty. We finish dinner around 10:00 PM, didn't sleep well on the flight but I feel ok

2005-03-17T13:05:00.000-08:00

Hi folks I haven't been blogging lately. My schedule is really full or I'm suffering from a bad case of time management. I've gone to a few programs since my last post - I'm going to write about them LIFO (Last In First Out). Monday after work, I went to the Kabuki Theatre to the What's Wrong with Frank Chin, which is being shown as part of the the San Francisco Asian Film Festival.

Frank Chin is a Chinese American author who is well known for his attacks on popular Asian Authors Maxine Hong- Kingston, David Henry Hwang, and Amy Tan. I have heard about is complaints about their works but I knew about him in a general manner....this angry Asian guy whose mad about the portrayal of Asian men in literature and film. I thought of him as an Asian Spike Lee, well....he's not. Frank Chin in my opinion is more thoughtful and radical than Spike, who feels like an commodified angry person at this stage.

Anyway, the film is good very interesting. You get a sense of Mr Chin, how he became the person he is and his vision as an artist and intellectual. I understand his distaste on Asian images in film and lit....looking at Whites in Asian-face makes me cringe like seeing White in Black-face so weird. I'm going to read some of his words, I'm hoping I can pick up something this weekend. Also, with a little luck I'll checkout some good translated liturature.

Frank Chin was at the theatre to answer questions the audience seemed a little intimidated at first and as the warmed up Frank Chin he answered their questions with the passion.

2005-02-22T17:04:00.000-08:00

Lagging and snagging today, I felt fine until my powerbar and black coffee breakfast, I've had a slight headache ever since. Hopefully a good night sleep will completely remove this annoyance in my noggin.

I'm burnt from my Bay area to Southern California drive, the weather was rough rain, rain and more rain. On Friday I drove Interstate 5 down the State with a friend and her 3 year old daughter. On the drive down we saw a tire blow- thankfully the driver kept control , a horrible accident with a fatality, a landslide and multiple crashes. Driving wasn't actually bad except for the grapevine, the heavy rain, low laying clouds made it treacherous. Thank goodness I enjoy driving, we stopped for dinner at Buena Park at Knox Berry Farm for their World Famous Chicken Dinner. Many evenings there's a hour wait because of the rain we were able to walk right in get seated and enjoy our meal. Knox Berry Farm has three hour free parking which reasonable but you have to ask for directions to the lot.

After dinner we drove to our Time-Share about a mile from Disneyland , the area around the park has changed so much from when I was a teenager. They've completely developed the area I'm still amazed at how things have changed so quickly in the last few years.

Friday night and Saturday morning it rained hard but by the afternoon the rain started to declined and by the late afternoon we headed over to California Adventure. This was my first time checking out this park. I've heard so many stories about California Adventure being boring that my expectation were rather low. Well, I was pleasantly surprised, CA isn't for the speed ride freaks but it was pleasant. There are rides the toddlers enjoyed, a theatrical presentation (Disney Musical of the Alladin) and a decent roller-coaster in California Screaming.

I always have mixed feelings about Disneyland the commercialism and the products and images Disney promotes and sales but I tried to leave my critical eye at the door. However, our second day brought my concerns somewhat to the fore front. The second day we went to Disneyland unfortunately it started raining as soon as we enter the park. We could deal the the weather, the problem was one of the 3 year olds was very frighten by the Disneyland images. Whether is was Snow White the musical, the Mad Toad Ride, or Pinocchio all the images where scary. Actually all these rides and shows contain violent images I really couldn't blame her.

Even in the rain Disneyland was full of people we left after a few hours and had a nice dinner at home. The drive back up Interstate 5 was fine after the grapevine. Folks were passing me up and tail gating at 85 mph. It was a nice trip, the weather put just made slight damper on the activities.

The Golden Gates in Southern California

Hidden Tiger Spinning Turtle

It's a Bug's Life

2005-02-15T16:27:00.000-08:00

Saturday was the last dry day in the bay. It has been raining since Sunday, usually I don't mind. Rain means snow in the mountains, an opportunity to cross-country ski in wonderful conditions. Alas, I'm booked for other activities this weekend -N -E -WAY Saturday morning started with breakfast and strolling with a good friend. The afternoon was spent washing laundry and participating in other necessary but mundane activities. Dirty cloths can create excitement but it isn't the type of excitement you want directed toward you.

In the evening, I hopped a bus (sometimes I feel like I'm the only person in SF who likes Muni- It was right on time) and made my way across town to the Roxie Cinema to catch Blueberry a film showing at the San Francisco Independent film festival. When my bus rolled pass the theatre toward the bus stop, I could see the line in front of the theatre was long and I was 30 minutes early. The movie was soldout but there was a rush line, fortunately a friend was already in line, as 7:00 came and went we were still standing outside and by luck made it in.

BlueBerry is a psychedelic Western, based on a comic book which I didn't know and it's probably good, I could just enjoy the movie as a strange addition to the western genre. What is interesting about the film is it completely fall within the mode of a traditional Western except the ultimate battle happened on a spiritual plain aka psychedelic Western freakout instead of a gun fight. I enjoyed the movie it was fun.

Afterward, we went to the Panhandle to Sacredgrounds Cafe to listen to music. Unfortunately, driving isn't as easy as -the bus fuss- so it took a while to find parking. When we finally arrived we enjoy some wonderful singing, wine, and tea in a comfortable space.

2005-02-13T00:11:00.000-08:00

Friday I was planning to have a quiet evening at home, but it wasn't meant to be. I received a last minute call from a friend who received passes to HBO Northern California Premiere of Lackawanna Blues at Fort Mason in the Cowell Theatre. I saw the play written and performed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson at the ACT Theatre a few years ago and I don't have cable so I was very interested in seeing this TV - filmversion of Santiago-Hudson coming to age story.

Fort Mason is in the Marina District and getting there on a Friday evening was a challenge. I was late when I entered the theatre but a group laggers including me where rushed in and my luck was good I went directly to a seat next the friend who invited me.

The play Lackawanna blues was a solo performance, I enjoyed seeing the difference characters come to life through the wonderful cast of the film. Epatha Merkerson as Rachel 'Nanny' Crosby was great. Macy Gray, my first time seeing her perform in a movie and Terrence Howard one of my favorite actors were both were very good.

The story was full of music and dancing and I have a soft spot for Louis Jordan and the blues. Seeing those party scenes and hearing those great songs performed by Mos Def and Barry Shabaka Henley made me wish for a time machine. Films present stylize memories but I sure wish I could experience a rockin rollin Louis Jordan concert.

After the film, we were leaving and we walked into the after-party - we had no idea. Good sponsership has privilege! It was very nice live music, food and drinks - we danced a little enjoyed pleasant conversation it was a very nice evening.

Look for Lackawanna Blues on HBO if you have cable.

2005-02-08T01:12:00.000-08:00

Back from Yosemite, I am having the ski I wanna be outdoor blues. Dragged myself to work, which was pretty uneventful today but this evening, off the clock was fun. I'm usually a snob when it comes to Pier 39 in San Francisco. It's pretty high on my tourist-only list but this Monday evening I was at Pier 39 arcade playing an old school favorite Air Hockey BABE!

Today, was a good friend's birthday and I'm a total believer in the birthday brat phenomena, everyone should have fun and be spoiled on their birthday. We met at Fisherman's Wharf near Hooters and In and Out Burgers (why anyone would travel to San Francisco for these places I don't get, anyway. We made our way through the shops at Pier 39 to the back where the arcade is located.

The bet was whoever lost at Air Hockey would have to play Dance Revolution and dance their little heart out in the arcade. I played air hockey valiantly but I lost to make my friend feel good on his birthday a course. Fortunately, the arcade was pretty empty so my dancing went pretty much un-noticed. I was so tired after playing air hockey that I was first off beat. I started doing ok until I decided to try a Clash song and Punk took me down. Its' so fast I don't know what I was thinking, probably my arcade-ego got the best of me.

Afterward, we went to the Hard Rock Cafe, this is another place I would normally snob. But the service was friendly and the walls are filled with guitars and rock and blues memorabilia which is cool. The food was ok, I would visit again I'm not going to hate on Hard Rock. Good service and a friendly atmosphere has value.

Since work beckons again we hopped on the F Line the which runs the Historic Muni Rail Buses from Fisherman's Wharf to the Castro District, cleanest buses in the City. Transferred downtown to my favorite 38 Geary for a pleasant ride home. Hope my bud enjoyed the evening, I'm going to practice my air hockey skills.

2005-02-06T22:26:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl Sunday.....well I was cheering for the Eagles but they didn't make it happen. I didn't watch the game, personally I like to celebrate the Superbowl by not being a couch potato but by enjoying the outdoors.

So this weekend was spent at Yosemite National Park, for a weekend of cross-country skiing. I drove up Friday everything went well except I was sadden to hear about the death of Ossie Davis. He was an artist of class, vision, and skill and will be extremely missed.

Driving from the Bay Area to Yosemite has gotten progressively worst as people have moved farther and farther out trying to find affordable housing. But the traffic wasn't horrible and we made good time arriving in the valley.

We stayed at the Stoneman Lodge at Camp Curry. I like the Stoneman because the free bus service that takes you Badger Pass, stops right in front of the building. After a day of skiing, hiking or drinking hot chocolate you only have to walk a few feet to your room. The Stoneman is a motel like facility its' clean the rooms are simple but don't expect a TV set. I brought books, my Ukulele and music if you need more stimulation bring a portable DVD player.

Saturday morning we took the 8:00 AM bus to Badger's Pass, FYI bus is nice and comfortable why drive on icy roads? Badger Pass wasn't very crowded this weekend (GREAT). Badger Pass has downhill, snowshoe, tubing and cross-country. The cross-country usually isn't crowded and the downhill didn't look overly congested this weekend. Food-wise, we made the mistake of not bringing snacks this trip and Curry Concessions, which runs the lodging and food concessions in the park, doesn't have any mercy when it comes to food prices. Don't forget to bring food and drinks. Badger Pass has picnic tables and they're covered with ice chests by folks who were on their game. The park food is expensive I paid about $5.00 for a cup of coffee plus a cheapie pastry (that had a funny taste).

Where did we ski, we started on Glacier Point Road it's closed for the winter and is groomed for Cross Country skiers. The conditions were icy not the best after two weeks without a major snow but since it was warm the snow-ice was starting to soften this helped. The weather was beautiful, blue sky and sunshine we couldn't ask for a prettier day. We turn off the Road toward Bridalveil Campground where we took the Ghost Forest Trail Loop. The snow conditions off the groom trail were better eventhough the trail was more difficult. It was fun and challenging my only regret? I have to get in better shape, the trail was around 11 miles and I was so tired while skiing. I could really tell my aerobic fitness has gone down hill and has to be improved. Well, I'll continue the biking and add some more aerobic activities to my weekly schedule.

Sunday morning we walked the valley floor it was so quiet, the Park felt empty.
After coffee, hot chocolate and walking we heading toward Crane Flats on Hwy 120 for one more chance at skiing. There was plenty of snow but it was too icy. It was cloudy over the park on Sunday and it just didn't warm up for skiing. We had a gorgeous meadow to ourselves which was cool but alas it was too cold and skiing on icy hard snow just isn't very fun.

We decided to head out to the Bay Area, the drive was good except listening to the Super Bowl but it was all good. I wish that I was still in Yosemite for at least one more day to ski at Badger. Comment about Cross-Country Skiers, they are some of the most friendly people in the park. We had some very nice conversations on the trails with fellow skiers. Also, except for my ski buddy the only other soul folks I saw worked in the Park. Actually, we had a very nice conversation with a Park Ranger, Shelton Johnson who presents an interpretive program on the Buffalo Soldiers in Yosemite Park. I'm planning to visit the park in the fall when I'll get a chance to see the program. I encourage everyone checkout the beauty of Yosemite in the winter and all year, support our National Parks and learn about our history.

This Deer literally posed for the Camera

Glacier Point Road - if you look closely you'll see the Cross-Country Tracks

Badger Pass Downhill Ski Area from a Picnic Table

2005-02-01T23:41:00.000-08:00

Life isn't fair..........that little adage is really true. I found out today that a hard working knowledgeable co-worker didn't get the position he deserved. It was really depressing, those who deserve rarely seem to get justice....those who sleaze around many times get rewarded. Seeing this wasn't easy I tried to distract myself after work by going to the Red Vic to see Lightning in a Bottle at blues documentary.

The film was a mix bag some of the performances were great, the theatre audience applauded during the film. Ruth Brown, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Sonny Burke, Larry Johnson Odetta, Mavis Staples, Shemekia Copeland, Robert Cray and BB King just to name a few gave great performances. However, David Johansen this guy was strangely bad where's Simon when you need him!

The concert organizer added these none blues singers like Aerosmith and Chuck D, I would have preferred Koko Taylor and other blues singers. Also, the film implied it was going to provide a blues history let just say the lesson was little weak. Also, as usual the Classic Blues singers were ignored except for a photograph of Bessie Smith, Clara Smith and Ethel Waters. Natalie Cole sung Saint Louis Blues but this didn't cut the muster for me. Anyway, I'm curious about the DVD maybe it will include additional performers from the concert.

The movie worked to distract me until it was over then my mind wandered back to what transgressed during the day. The Blues can lift your spirits and give you strength but we have to take that strength an act.

2005-01-30T23:39:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning I was still recovering from Thursday's night dance fest; I really didn't get to sleep that early Friday night and a friend called early Saturday morning. But it was a beautiful day and I wasn't planning to enjoy it only in bed. Downtown I ventured to San Francisco Modern Museum of Art (SFMOMA) for an Artist Talk by Kara Walker who is known for her socially political silhouette pieces. The themes of her work cover race and slavery in America she's considered somewhat controversal. Unfortunately the lecture was soldout, darn art students, so we made our way to Union Square there's a cafe on the square and it's a great place to people watch. While I was negative on the Union Square upgrade and new design I have to admit the square is now more inviting to people and truth be told while I would walk through the old square I never hung out.

After coffee we headed down to Sutter Street to check out the gallery scene. Sutter Street is one of my favorite streets to walk. It's full of galleries, theatres, interesting shops and the residents are pleasant. The street always feels safe and I've walked the Sutter many evenings just to enjoy the pleasant sites.

First stop was Hotel Des Arts, it's an interesting spot , local artists decorate the rooms with their work. The wall are decorated with mini-murals and art pieces are also for sale. The hotel is a gallery, Hotel Des Arts is a simple hotel with a nice concept its' location is good, small rooms but neat. Afterward we headed to John Berggruen Gallery off Sutter to see Timothy Greenfield-Sanders XXX 30 Porn-Star Portraits. Ok my friend wanted to checkout this exhibit but I was game. I found the photographs somewhat interesting you're trying to interpret something about these individuals by viewing matching photographs one a nude juxtapose with one of them fully clothed. But they're actors/performers who work in the nude I wasn't completely convince the pictures exposed much about the individuals except they're very comfortable nude.

Next stop Hang Art, another space on Sutter Street, the galleries focus is local and new artists. I really enjoyed this gallery it is a large comfortable space and the prices are affordable.

We finished at the San Francisco Museum of Craft+Design the museum was in between exhibits but was still open to the public. It was kind of cool seeing the museum in transition, it felt like some type of deconstruction piece with bits and pieces of exhibits coming and going. Their next exhibit NOUVELLE NUPTIALS: New Visions in Wedding Traditions is opening next week I'll return to checkout the completed exhibition.

Afterward, we continued walking on Sutter until we found a cafe with a good window seat. We ended the evening with pleasant conversation and sugar cookies.

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Didn't make it in this Saturday another injustice!

The Hotel Des Arts - Art Room Funky living SF Style

2005-01-28T22:50:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning singing a Madonna dance tune after about 4- 5 hours of sleep. This was good residue from an exhausting Thursday which started with a deep teeth cleaning which left my mouth aching for half the day and no I don't smoke. Afterward I continued to work, had a beauty salon appointment, a three hour evening Unix Security class, and finished the evening hanging at two clubs Rasseles and the Cat Club .

10:00 PM Thursday the San Francisco streets were wet but the showers had shorten, it appeared that the storm was dissipating. When I headed out to Rasseles I wasn't sure what to expect but my main goal was to find live music and a comfortable spot to chill. Rasseles met these basic requirements the Afro Cuban band Descarga was playing smooth Latin sounds. The clubs' mood was pleasant but not jumping, it was a slow night. My friend desired a more lively venue with dancing and we found it at the Cat Club.

The Cat Club was the direct opposite of Rasseles, packed with people their wasn't a band but two rooms with DJs spinning tunes from the 80's primary New Wave with a little mixing of pop and Hip-Hop rhythms. While Rasseles had an older mixed crowd the Cat Club was filled with 20's year olds who were dancing their butts off or performing an exhibitionist sleazy fantasy. I was people watching as much as I was dancing, it was lively, interesting and fun and the DJ's were doing their New Wave thang. If you're looking for a place to dance on Thursday night and you like 80's New Wave music the Cat Club is a good choice. If your mood is mellow and you're hankering for live music and a fireplace then Rasseles should be your choice. Both are good it's a choice thang they are both pleasant ways a spend a rainy Thursday night.

Made it to bed around 3:00 AM, on Friday I was a zombie ghoula girl but at work who would notice?

2005-01-20T17:54:00.000-08:00

Martin Luther King's Holiday - Monday January 18 - This holiday is usually very quiet for me. I like to read some of Kings writings and I usually don't go to public celebrations. However this year I didn't stay at home and remembered King in a difference way I BARTED over to Oakland to the The African American Museum and Library . To the showing of , Shirley Chisholm Unbought and Unbossed. The film will be showing on POV in February please watch. It's a wonderful documentary that gives insights into Shirley Chisholm, the film focus is Chisholm's 1972 campaign for President and airs her political philosophy, strategies, supporters and detractors from the larger society and the Black community.

After the film, there was a panel to discuss the film and a course the current political climate. Congresswoman Barbara Lee was on the panel, she was mentored by Chisholm. Prior to meeting Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Lee had never voted. Lee is one of the few politicians that I trust at this moment. She will always have my respect to voting against the WAR in Iraq, another woman of integrity like her mentor.

Watching the documentary I remembered a joke Redd Foxx made about Shirley Chisholm, he said that while he generally preferred black women over white women, he sure as hell would take Raquel Welch over Shirley Chisholm. One reason I remembered the statement is how hard my father laughed at this ignorant and sexist joke.

The lack of political support and respect Black Woman receive from our community is one of the reasons that Condoleezza Rice is politically the most powerful Black woman in the country today. It's frightening to think the Bush family is more loyal and rewarding to their female ideological warriors than so-called progressives.

2005-01-16T21:22:00.000-08:00

I'm still on my movie run - met a friend this morning to see Clint Eastwood film Million Dollar Baby. This is one of those films that makes me wonder Am I hyper racially-class sensitive? The first half of the movie is a nice tribute to boxing and life. The performances by Swank, Eastwood and Freeman are all well done. Actually while watching the film I thought Hillary Swank deserves the Oscar. (Assuming entertainment business politics doesn't get in the way) The acting is wonderful and script/direction works so well in so many places.

But the film - makes this twist where instead of boxing we get a WWW match. I don't know why they decided to portray a boxing match that you would never ever see, something completely illegal - just silly. I don't feel audiences are so dull that you have to hit them over the head to prove your point with manipulative dramatics.

Also, Swank's family and her top boxing opponent are such caricatures in the film. They felt like some type of weird stereotypes validating that the poor suck. This is where I thought maybe I'm hyper-sensitive to film images. Swank character was so good (she really portrays an idea. Eastwood surrounds her with a Celtic mysticism. But the poor and those of African heritage (excluding Freeman) where so bad - it bothered me on a gut level. One of the first images we see of Freeman is being called Nigger but a white man of limited intelligence, which he handles, with wisdom of patience. Isn't this a cue of good Negro to the white audience? Like the fake boxing those elements of the film left a bad taste in my mouth.

But these are my criticism, maybe one day I'll get to chance to ask Mr. Eastwood why did he make a potentially great film just good?

2005-01-15T23:55:00.000-08:00

On Martin Luther Kings birthday I wanted to talk about the book I just finished reading Blue Rage, Black Redemption by Stanley Tookie Williams.

I found out about Tookie almost by accident, I heard the film Redemption starring Jamie Foxx was showing at the San Francisco Black film festival. I went to see it partially because it was a free screening and partially to see Jamie Foxx and Lynn Whitfield an actress I wish was more visible.

The film is about Stanley Tookie Williams one of the co-founders of the Crips, who while on Death Row at San Quentin has been nominated several times for the Noble Prize of Peace and Literature for his children books. The film and book are about his life transition from gangster to introspective peaceful man who reformed himself from the gangster mentality.

The hook for me to read Tookie autobiography was in the film Sportman Park was mentioned. I took swimming lessons at Sportman Park (now named Jessie Owens) as a child spent many summer days there. Living in the Black community I obliviously knew about the Crips. But gang violence never felt that bad until the late 1970's - early 1980's when the cocaine trade/war started. I wanted to find out how our worlds were parallel.

There were many parallels Washington High school, were I took drivers ed was Tookie first High school and the place the Crips originated. The Rialto Theatre on Imperial Hwy was a neighborhood theatre where I watched Sinbad films on Saturdays. But it was the place Tookie and some of his homies conjugated. George Clinton Concert at the Forum, seeing the Mothership Land. I was there. No self respecting teenager missed that concert even a nerdy Catholic School Girl like me.

Well I found the tries but our lives were so difference and took such difference paths. Stan Williams is in death row in prison and now reaches out to children to encourage them not to make the choices he did. I went to college, got a job and live a modest but comfortable life in San Francisco not too far from San Quentin.

Within his book he describes the factors that direct African-American children to failure. Poor economic options, lack of community support, institution within the community that don't support it's resident like schools and police and the embracing of self-hate which manifest itself in so many ways in the Black community Black on Black violence the most notorious.

While our lives where different I also knew the police were not supportive or helpful in our community. I remember my high school boyfriend trying to protect me from the police one night who greeted us in silence with a high beam search light, my boyfriend was walking me home. I also remember many neighborhood stores for years didn't have Black employees even though the neighborhood was African-American. The white folks working in those stores didn't live in our neighborhood. I also remember being discourage to attend college in elementary school by a woman who gave our class a test (not a teacher - I believe she was doing something for graduate school) and pronounced that none of us needed to aspire or prepare for college. I'm still amazed by this woman's arrogant and ignorance. These were my experiences Tookies were much worst. Yet he has transcended his environment and the role society has prescribed for him.

Stan Williams, also allows us into his head sharing his struggle in the prison system to find himself and dedicate himself to creating peace. He also shares with us the people who have provided him support throughout the years. I had never considered volunteering in a prison but after reading his book I realize the need to support individuals who want to get a grip on their lives and make productive change.

Read his book and let's all think how we can make our communities more supportive for our youth and peaceful.

2005-01-14T01:41:00.000-08:00

Well the rains finally stop but boy it's cold. Ok it's not snowing and cold to me is 40 degrees but this is all this Californian knows...I took advantage of the dry evening to stroll up Nob Hill this evening by walking up California Street. I'll bring a camera next time it's a pleasant but hilly walk from downtown to the Tenderlion. My goal was the Lumiere theatre to see the Ousmane Sembène film Moolaade.

This film is powerful story about 4 girls who refuse to participate in their purification ritual (female circumcision ) they receive protection or Moolaade from Colle (Fatoumata Coulibaly) a village woman who had previously refused to have her daughter circumcised. Her act to protect the girls sets in motion a power struggle between tradition and change within the village.

The film captures provincial village life, religion as a tool to control people and the influence of globalization among people. The film also shows how people make brave decisions that can have an effect on their and others lives. But it also shows clearly these actions do not happened without consequences.

The film works on several levels, aesthetically it doesn't feel Western. Its' pace gives it an quiet almost real time feel; the cinematography is subtle and elegant. The story unfolds slowly but builds with a tension. It's messages stays with you it's a film that makes you think.

I've just seen two very good films based in Africa within the last month Hotel Rwanda and Moolaade both portrays brave individuals in environments that are not very forgiving. I wonder how these films work with African audiences. As good as both films are they still fit into our perspective of the continent as a basket case.

The females elders who perform circumcisions

2005-01-09T22:21:00.000-08:00

This weekend was really wet, but it didn't completely stop me from getting outside. Saturday went to a Capricorn party - it was fun danced, chatted and slipped a little wine. Ok maybe I slipped more than just a little, Sunday I was lagging.

Went to see House of the Flying Daggers, at the Galaxy in San Francisco, matinee with Entertainment discounts coupons. I still can't get over the price for movies, our tickets were $6.00 that's reasonable. Zhang Yimou is one of my favorites directors, Raise the Red Lantern is one of my favorite films, it's visually beautiful and the film has a layered plot. Yimou films are known for the challenging themes and imagery.

Flying Daggers felt like Hidden Tiger with a dash of Matrix. The film was gorgeous but the execution of the story didn't emotionally capture me. I felt distant watching the film and my empathy for the characters was mild I didn't feel their pain. Except imagining one of those flying daggers also the film a tribute to martial arts films wasn't that fun. They should have named the film Flying Daggers, Groping Men.

2005-01-07T23:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, was spent in the dentist chair, hair salon and work. Fortunately I got a call to see Hotel Rwanda it was showing at the AMC in Emeryville.

It's strange to see a movie about genocide. A true event where 1 Million people were killed in 100 days. It's hard to fathom killing at such a level. The film is rated PG-13 so the level of violence presented in the film doesn't really capture what Rwanda must have felt like when neighbor was killing neighbor. But the film didn't need to become a horror movie visually.

The film's focus is the story of Paul Rusesabagina who saved over 1000 individuals through his skill of negotiation and quick thinking. Don Cheadle plays Rusesabagina, his performance was elegant; he portrays a man transforming as the world around him changes so cruelly and dramatically. The film also captures how the West ignored the Rwanda genocide but sowed the seeds for genocide through colonalisation. I wouldn't call it an enjoyable film but one people should see. The tragedy needs to stay in our memory and should be told in every medium possible.

If you want to read about the Rwanda Genocide I can recommend "Samantha Power's "A Problem From Hell America iand the Age of Genocide". and Philip Gourevitch "We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families."

Also Frontline, The Ghost of Rwanda is very good. I believe the program is online for viewing.

We may be in the image of God but we're surely enveloped in the body and mind of the beast.

2005-01-03T01:56:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness for friends, I was in the process of oversleeping big time Sunday morning. If the phone hadn't rung I would have slept throughout the morning/afternoon. Maybe the pitter patter of rain lulled me into a deep slumber.

I rushed to meet an acquaintance at the Legion of Honor it was the last day of the Courtly Art of the Ancient Maya exhibit. Heed my words, try not to visit museums on the last day of an exhibit. The crowd was crazy, it was very difficult to look at the pieces. I was lucky to hook up with a docent who gave an overview of the exhibit. I think she ended early because some of the rooms were almost impossible to walk through. Afterward I was able to cruise the exhibit with a little insight.

This exhibit focused on the City of Palenque and the warrior culture of the Mayans. There is so little still known about the Mayans that I wonder how much presented about Mayan culture was speculation. But I did learn that the word cigar is Mayan in origin. I couldn't help but think about societies, how they collect wealth, practice militarism, and a course eventually fail. One thing interesting about the Mayan is their "God L" is the prince of the underworld as well as a the wealthy god of commerce and trade. With all their interest in trade and wealth they culturally recognized the abuse of excessive commerce. But who knows if this concern was actually acted on.

The Legion of Honor is one of the most beautiful museum in San Francisco its' location provides wonderful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the California coast. The museum is a grand marble house very stately. It also houses a substantial collection of the sculptor Rodin works.....including the well known Thinker.

Walking in the rain with my museum partner we headed to the Bok Choy Garden a neighborhood veggie restaurant in the Richmond District. It's not a fancy place but the service is friendly and the food is veggie hearty and reasonably priced. It was a full pleasant day to start the New Year.

2005-01-02T01:17:00.000-08:00

New Years in San Francisco was wet and rainy, winter has hit the Bay Area, guess it's time for an umbrella.

On Saturday evening after strolling through the Haight and downtown, I made my way to Bart and headed to Berkerley, I was invited to the Berkeley Repertory Theatre to see Polk County a play written by Zora Neal Hurston and Dorthy Waring. A course Zora the women she's one of the most interesting writers from the Harlem Renaissance do I really need to say more?
Polk County is a musical comedy about Black country folks living in Polk Country Florida. The play is set in the 1920's in a Saw Mill Camp the characters live, love, make music, fuss and fight. Polk County provides an enjoyable night of theatre, if you're looking for something profound you might have some issues with the script. It's a light theatre piece, the country blues music is very good and the writing with it's folk dialect and wit is full of lines that had me laughing out loud. It's the first time I saw the dozens on stage (in a literal sense). The performances were well done I especially enjoyed Kecia Lewis as Big Sweets her strong performance and beautiful voice filled the theatre.

A couple of comments on the Berkeley Rep. it's close to public transit, the theatre is clean, spacious and comfortable, it's an enjoyable space.

2005-01-01T01:54:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Hopefully 2005 will be better than 2004. With the War, Election and Tsunami it wasn't a sad year. Personally it wasn't a bad year but I want to accomplish more in 2005. I had a lot of fun in 2004 but I want to take on some
challenges. Should I state some of my resolutions?

What the heck
1. Lose weight - keeping it off is the hard part.
2. Prepare a will - must protect my asset
3. Set goal for 5 years career and finance
4. 100 mile bike ride - time for the century
5. Date more men this year.
6. Volunteer more this year.

That's enough to keep me busy, I'll come back to this page next year to review on my resolutions and comment on my success.

2004-12-29T16:45:00.001-08:00

Back in the Bay Area!
Well X-Mas break was short but sweet. I had a nice time with my folks just have to watch that German Chocolate Cake. The excluding shopping the only other activity we had was checking out the Phantom of the Opera. Ok I have to admit enjoying Andrew Lloyd Webber plays. They're superlite eye popping septacular productions. The songs lyrics can be pretty suspect, Cole Porter he ain't but it's fun stuff. I think the film is going to become a cult movie

2004-12-29T16:45:00.000-08:00

2004-12-26T20:37:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS FOLKS,
I'm in Las Vegas enjoying the holidays with my family. The day after X-Mass was spent shopping, it was a shop til you drop activity. Now at home I'll surf in the internet, watch the tube and retire to an interesting book.

Hope you're holidays are as mellow.

2004-12-19T01:49:00.000-08:00

Saturday one week before Christmas, well I spent the day working on my Jazz assignment. I can't believe (yes I can) how difficult it is for me to write this term paper. Oh well, I have until Tuesday so I have to get it together ASAP.

Saturday night I met some friend in the Western Addition for dinner and show. We were going to The Independent to see the band Kinky. If you live in San Francisco and partake in clubbing it's impossible not to know the Independent however you probably know the club under another name. The Kennel Club, Crash Palace or the Justice League.

We met in Herbivore a vegan restaurant for dinner. I'm not sure who own Herbivore but I'm always impressed by the diversity of the staff.
The environment was pleasant, price are reasonable and the food was good. Herbivore is only about a block from The Independent so it was a short walk to the club. I'm hadn't been in the "New Independent" so I was curious to see if there were any changes to the club. Well I can say yes!

They moved the bar, added a sitting area and the walls were redone. Previously they were just black. The Justice League had this nasty habit of late, late shows. The main act coming on at midnight. The new management started on time and the main act came on after a 30 minutes stage setup- great. Bye-Bye Justice League long live The Independent. The opening band Bat Makumba came on at 9:00 they were a fun dance band with good musicians. A Brazilian Funk band, I'll keep my eyes open to see when they perform again it isn't everyday I see the clarinet being played at a dance concert.

Kinky came on afterward, Latin Rock seems more funky than American rock these guys were rapping, mixing, using electronica and playing an energetic rock guitar. A lot was happening on stage, it was fun I danced through the whole set. I've wanted to see Kinky for at least a year glad I had some friends to enjoy them with.

Below are a few KINKY PICS

KINKY ROCKING OUT

The Cowboy was really cool - dude with black hat

They kept the club jumping

2004-12-18T01:46:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if it's the elections, the suicide of Gary Webb, the hectic pace of our times or I'm suffering from a bad case of the grumps but I haven't been in the holiday spirit this year. The energy has felt flat this season and I haven't seen anything to give me a little seasonal cheer. Something wrong when the heart tugging story of the season is Scott Petterson getting the death penalty.

Well one way to get the spirit of the season is to give- maybe I need to look beyond myself and see what I can find.

Friday evening I went to the Yerba Buena Center of the Arts to see the third and final film in the series Nigerian Cinema Revolution presents The Video films of Tunde Kelani. The featured film was Agogo Eewo (Gong of Taboo). I have to admit this series was a kick, seeing Nigerian videos made for an African audience was fascinating. Tunde Kelani works are a good introduction to the genre. His films are low budget but he knows cinema; there are wonderful visual touches throughout his films. His films show concern about problems in Africa yet bring out the beauty of the people and their culture.

While on my search for a Merry X-Mass I'm checking how we decorate this City for the holidays. First stop, in praise of X-Mass capitalism Union Square

A Snow flake covered SAKS Fifth Ave
Union Square ok it's really flakey

Monolith Cheer from Macys with a touch
of imperfection

Just in case you desired a closeup

A shot from Union Square with X-Mass tree
for your viewing pleasure.

2004-12-14T01:08:00.000-08:00

Today was a quiet day for me externally, I worked on a few server problems at work chatted with the boss. Went shopping after work for the office x-mass party and came home for dinner and to study for my Jazz History final tomorrow.

But internally I had this nagging feeling of dread all day, Gary Webb was found dead this weekend apparently from Suicide. Webb was the investigative journalist who reported in the San Jose Mercury how drugs were being sold in African-American communities in Los Angeles to help fund the war against the Contras in Nicaragua with CIA involvement-Dark Alliance.

I though about Webb, a white guy who didn't go along with the status quo. An individual who reported a story that created the national outrage for the wrong reasons.His career as a journalist was destroyed. His brethren trivialized and undermined his reporting....I haven't forgot the so-called liberal press with their caustic remarks.

Thank-you Gary Webb, your reporting a story our country didn't want to hear. If this place has any potential it's because of individuals like you.

2004-12-06T01:56:00.000-08:00

It was supposed to rain this Sunday but the weather is stayed dry, great I was able to get a few chores done even with my 11:00 AM wakeup call. I'm biologically challenged this weekend so I'm lagging what can I say????

Sunday evening I went to the Lorriane Hansberry Theatre to see Black Nativity and afterward dined with friends. I've seen Black Nativity for the last few years and after seeing the same holiday production things can get a little stale. Fortunately the production was upgraded this season and the show was very enjoyable. The singing was fantastic; Robin Hodge Williams who's the feature singer was right on it.

Written by Langston Hughes in 1961, Black Nativity is a retelling of the birth of Christ within a gospel musical format. I highly recommend seeing the play. Support the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre and enjoy a joyful musical night of theatre.

2004-12-05T16:26:00.000-08:00

This week after Thanksgiving just zoomed on by, oh well it's Friday and I haven't finish unpacking my single bag from Las Vegas. But the luggage can wait that's not going to stop me from checking out some cinema this evening.

Something has to get back in balance, I hopped on the bus (38 Geary) and headed downtown to the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts for the next three Fridays they are showing Tunde Kelani films. Kelani is a Nigerian Filmmaker whose films are created for the Nigerian local film markets. Shot of video these films are shown in small video theatres in West Africa. I had heard of this film industry in Nigeria but I have never seen any of films. i was expected a light-weight but fun film.

I was late for the movie the bus was moving slowly and a course a Coo-Coo for Koko Puffs Soul brother got on the bus. It's strange to watch someone yelling and people continue to have conversations like nothing usual is happening. ....Anyway I ran to the museum/screening room and I wasn't too late 10 minutes.

The film I saw was Campus Queen, which was described as School Daze -ish the film is based on a campus and it's a musical but after that the similarities ended. The soap opera-ish film dealt with two competing school groups a gang of rich kids and a do-gooders group who uses blackmail is really a different piece.

The film is light weight but I enjoyed the pace and visually the video looks very good. Campus Queen is really a soap opera with a nice political hip hop musical pieces and I'll be back next week to see Thunderbolt.

2004-11-27T11:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! I'm in Las Vegas celebrating turkey day with my family. Thursday morning I woke up around 4:00 am and took Samtrans to the airport and flew to Los Angeles. From there I rode with my sister's family to Las Vegas. They have a Winnebago renamed "Pappa's Bus" by my 3 year old niece. The traffic was rough and the freeway was actually closed at one point for an accident. We made it around 6:00 PM in time for a pleasant family dinner.

I'm not a big Las Vegas gambling fan, I prefer Red Rock Canyon over the casinos but there's something for everyone in the sin city.

2004-11-21T13:50:00.000-08:00

Friday evening was looking like a very quiet evening. I was planning to take in a movie probably Brother to Brother which is showing at the Lumiere Theatre. But around 5:00 Pm I received a call from a friend who had several events on her plate and wanted to see if I was interested. We ended up at the Berkeley Black Group it's a Black Theatre group in Berkeley where we saw a play written and produced by Ishmael Reed, "Who's who in the Touch Love Game." It's a piece about four Black Republicans who work for a Right Wing Think Tank with a philosophy similar to the Heritage Foundation or Manhattan Institute. Their institute is planning to downsize and they only need one Negro to promote their ideology about race, who will survive? The most humorous character is Wad Connerly an obvious play on Ward Connerly our beloved unfavorite negro opportunist. Connerly is portrayed as an illiterate, money grubbing slob whose sly like a fox.

The play's writing was very rough and the production really wasn't ready for prime time but it was enjoyable. The Berkeley Black Group Theatre was spacious and they didn't mind if you brought food inside. It gave the place a very community theatre feel.

Afterward we went to Ashkenaz, a Berkeley dance club, and saw Maria De Barros the God daughter of Cesaria Evora the barefoot diva of Cape Verde.
The dance concert was nice De Barros music is an interesting mixture of African, Latin, and Cape Verdean sounds. This was the second time saw her this year. This concert was more enjoyable because I didn't spend the evening comparing her to Cesaria but enjoyed her sound and style. We weren't pulling any guys that night but we had fun dancing. Ashkenaz is a great place to go and dance the evening away.

2004-11-17T21:05:00.000-08:00

Monday might was a bust theatre-wise. We arrived at a closed and dark theatre, the play had ended last week. Oh well, mis-read the website. How embarassing and disppointing, hopefully I'll get another chance to see 69 Tales.

Trying to make amends I suggested we find a place for a drink. We ended up at the Tunnel Top at hip comfortable bar on Bush Street. The Tunnel Top is located near the Stockton Tunnel and sits above The Green Door Massage Palor.

The bars is my kind of dive, no-cover, friendly service, reasonable priced drinks, DJ spinning music even on a Monday night. No theatre but good conversation and music is always a pleasure.

Inside the Tunnel Top

The Tunnel - Let's just say it was a little unclean - you can skip the Tunnel go straight to the TOP

2004-11-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

FRUGAL ALERT:
Haven't seen it but I'll be there tonight

69Stories: One Pervert's Tale

Exit Theatre

277 Taylor - San Francisco

PAY-WHAT-WE-CAN-NIGHT

It's Monday night let's start the week right by supporting the arts!!

2004-11-14T23:55:00.000-08:00

Saturday in San Francisco felt like spring, it was actually sunny and for San Francisco standards warm. I had plannned to go downtown to checkout a condo available under the city's limited equity program and do a few chores. I ended up staying out the whole day, getting a few things done but primarily enjoying the sun and walking the town.

After viewing the Condo, I walked to the Embarcadero. I took this shot while walking under the Bay Bridge. The palm trees feel false to me in the City, they're the classic symbol of a tourist spot.

The work horse of the Bay Area: The Bay Bridge

Walking to the Ferry Building - one of my favority public art pieces

the giant bow and arrow "Cupid Span". The Ferry building is in the background.

After another stop at the Main Library in Civic Center - (sorry no pics) I made my way to the westside of the city, hooked up with a friend and we headed to Baker Beach.

Baker's beach is located in the Presidio, it has views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the crowd is usually more mellow than Ocean Beach. It's a nice place to hang. The vibe was very nice that evening, the fog didn't roll and folks were out on the beach enjoying the sunset. It's getting dark so I'm going to head home. My feet are a little tired - but I'm feeling good.

2004-11-12T16:01:00.000-08:00

Work is so slow today, everybody is off or leaving early. I'm still chillin at my desk - it's a great day for housecleaning or maybe a better term is desk cleaning.

FRUGAL ALERT: The Marsh Theatre is offering FREE or PAY WHAT YOU CAN Tickets for TRAIN STORIES . It's a wonderful solo piece performed by Wayne Harris, the piece is challenging don't make to many assumptions wait til the end - you'll appreciate the writing and performance. Get out and support the arts, call the theatre in advance (415) 826-5750.

2004-11-09T17:43:00.000-08:00

Sunday I was under the weather, maybe it was the soy chocolate, organic wine or possibly MSG in my dinner but when I woke up my head felt like it was recovering from a hangover. Headaches for me are rare but it lasted the whole day.

That evening, I went to the San Francisco Jazz Festival's Fats Waller 100th Birthday Celebration. The SFJazz Festival is the premiere group presenting Jazz Headliners in San Francisco. The organization uses several venues in the City, this program was at Davies Symphony Hall which is very good because the acoustics are wonderful .

Stride Piano and Ruth Brown are what brought me to the concert, I saw Ruth Brown several years ago and I was hoping for a chance to see her again. She won't be singing her hits tonight but seeing her perform is a treat.

I've been reading a little about Stride Piano players and curiosity about the performance drew me in. I was hoping to see some exciting Stride playing but there wasn't any showboating that night. There were three wonderful musicians, Dick Hyman, Mike Lipskin, and Jay McShann. Seeing and hearing Jay McShann , 9o year old play the piano was inspirational.

The concert was a presentation of Fat Waller's compositions Ain't Misbehavin, Honeysucker Rose, and The Joint Is Jumpin to name a few. The evening included video clips of Fat Waller and I couldn't help but notice how the images of Black culture haven't changed. Girls dancing wildly, men drinking booze and being frisked for weapons some things don't change. Our marketing has hasn't changed one bit.

In second half of the program Ruth Brown accompanied the musicians singing more Wallers songs.

A few pics below- of the evening.

Davies Symphony Hall (inside - during intermission) I almost got kicked out for taking this pic. It's hard to believe you can't a take picture during intermission .... but a usher who wasn't very cordial informed me very sternly.

Davies Symphony Hall at night

2004-11-08T16:33:00.000-08:00

What's a self respecting San Franciscan to do the Saturday after another dismal election? Find the "choir to preach to" so the world doesn't look so mean, I headed over to the GreenFestival, a two day mega convention showcasting green-progressive consumer products, activism, and education. The event was crowed, interesting and fun, I tasted my first soy chocolate - hate to be wrong but yuck! I'm down for supporting free-trade chocolate and products but leave the soy chocolate at home. The soy milk is ok,. The convention featured speakers, I had planned to hear Dennis Kucinich but a scheduling conflict with sleep made me unavailable.

There were many products I wasn't familiar with like green burials, you're buried without embalming fluid, casket or head stone but with a GPS device to allow family members find your resting remains.

After the festival, I went to Cafe Soma, a South of Market cafe and meet a friend we strolled downtown, hopped on Muni, the 30 Stockton and went to Chinatown for dinner and book shopping for North Beach. Now, this was all very cool except I had planned to take a nap because I was meeting another friend a see a Midnight movie.

I didn't get my nap but I made it home changed and was ready to walk to the Bridge Theatre to experience the PURPLE RAIN SING-A-LONG. We left around 10:45, it's a good 30 - 40 minute walk and when we arrived at The Bridge there was already a line around the block. People were playing Prince songs from cars and dancing in line. This was before we even entered the theatre. The show was sold-out and we haven't purchased our tickets. Well, the Purple Prince was giving us blessings that night we got one ticket free and buying a second one was easy - we got our tics and made the show.

Inside people were partying in the isles, I tried to take some pictures but my cheapie camera doesn't work well in the dark. Around midnight the host of the night Peaches Christ and friends did a selection of Prince inspired skits. They were campy and well done the audience loved it. Afterward Purple Rain hit the screen now 20 years old, watching a 80's club film dates me but listening to Prince's songs, I was struck how they're still sound good.

Watching a midnight movie is the one film experience where heckling is expected (if you're funny). There was singing, heckling and cheering for his Purpleship.

Afterward, we walked home safely, we took back the night. It was great to feel comfortable walking home, the Richmond is a safe neighborhood but I wouldn't try it too much.

pics soon .....I hope