Views at the deYoung Museum

"San Francisco" --Judy Garland

San Francisco Critical Mass on Van Ness Avenue

"Bicycle Race"
by Queen

Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle

I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

You say black I say white
You say bark I say bite
You say shark I say hey man
Jaws was never my scene
And I don't like Star Wars
You say Rolls I say Royce
You say God give me a choice
You say Lord I say Christ
I don't believe in Peter Pan
Frankenstein or Superman
All I wanna do is

Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my

Bicycle races are coming your way
So forget all your duties oh yeah
Fat bottomed girls they'll be riding today
So look out for those beauties oh yeah
On your marks get set go
Bicycle race bicycle race bicycle race

Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle
Bicycle bicycle bicycle
Bicycle race

You say coke I say caine
You say John I say Wayne
Hot dog I say cool it man
I don't wanna be the President of America
You say smile I say cheese
Cartier I say please
Income tax I say Jesus
I don't wanna be a candidate for
Vietnam or Watergate
Cause all I wanna do is

Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

Check out San Francisco Critical Mass at www.sfcriticalmass.org

Socialism in the City

 

When you visit Coit Tower, spend some time looking at the murals surrounding the hallway inside the structure.  At first glance, you may just bypass them and concentrate on the views and getting into the elevator, but the murals themselves are an amazing attraction.  Created in 1933 as one of the first public works projects, the California School of Fine Arts faculty and staff worked hard to create paintings that would reflect life in California.  There are cowboys, 49ers, fruit pickers, industrial workers, etc.

During this time, Rockefeller Center removed Diego Rivera's artwork because he had painted in an image of Lenin.  The artists who were working on Coit Tower protested and painted in several leftist images to show solidarity with Rivera.  These paintings created quite a stir, and one of the pictures entitled "Workers of the World Unite" was removed before the opening.

Today, you can still see the socialist influence in the murals that line the hallways of Coit Tower.  You can see it in the man who is pulling Karl Marx's Das Kapital off a bookshelf, or the man who is portrayed reading a newspaper with the headline talking about Rivera's artwork being removed from Rockefeller Center.  It is also in the painting of a man who is reaching for the Daily Worker from a newsstand, and in the scene of a poor family panning for gold as a rich family looks on.  In addition, closely check out the industrial paintings, especially the one showing a sea of diverse workmen joining together.

It is definitely worth going to Coit Tower for the phenomenal views, but also take some time to really study the murals.  You won't be disappointed.

Cheers,

Mike

Bay to Breakers: The Event

Bay to Breakers is definitely something you have to experience to believe. It has to be the largest costume party in the world. Thousands and thousands (55,000 plus) showed up to run and walk their way across the city from the bay to the ocean. Costumes included Angry Birds, I'm with Charlie Sheen girlfriends, underwear gnomes and regular gnomes, witches, Scooby Do, Napoleon Dynamite, fairies, etc. It is so San Francisco, and absolutely fabulous. Happy 100th anniversary to the Bay to Breakers 12K race. 

Bay to Breakers

Wikimedia Commons:  Geoffrey Weber

It is finally here. The 100th anniversary of Bay to Breakers will be this Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. This is a 12k race from the San Francisco Bay to the ocean breakers, and it was established as a way to raise the city's spirits after the tragic 1906 earthquake and fire. It is the oldest foot race in the world that has never changed its course. During W.W. II, attendance dropped to below 50 participants, but it has continued to grow. This year they are expecting 55,000 registered entrants and an untold number of bandits who "crash" the race. In 1986, the race had 110,000 participants, enough to make into the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest footrace in the world.

This is not your mother's footrace. Over the years it has evolved with a San Francisco feel and vibe. When you go and view the race tomorrow, don't be surprised by the large number of runners/walkers/drunk crawlers who are wearing costumes. You may see Egyptian princes, super heroes, pink gorillas, spacemen, and any number of people dressed up. In addition, you may also see those who declined to wear a costume, or a running suit, or anything at all for that matter. Yes, they must be cold.

Stay tuned to this blog for pictures of the event. G-rated pictures of course.

Cheers!

Mike

Maiden Lane

Have you been to Maiden Lane yet?  No?  Well, then hail a cab and head down to this quaint little alley near Union Square where high end fashion lives.  Retailers like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Marc Jacobs all have cozy little stores nestled away in this posh alley.  In addition, you will find the Xanadu Gallery which is housed in a space designed by the infamous Frank Loyd Wright.

Before the 1906 earthquake and fire, this little street was known for its "red light" activity.  One can only imagine all the whoring, opium dens, and general crime that found it's home in these short blocks.  The fire destroyed all of the buildings and left piles or rubble, but a jeweler saw potential in the mean little alley and transformed it to its current glamour by first changing the name from Morton to Maiden, and then courting businesses that would help the little lane to compete with the Maiden Lanes in both New York City and London.

Get up, catch a cab, and go window shopping in Maiden Lane.  While you are down there, you might as well stroll over to Union Square for some light shopping, and then you can end the excursion with a cup of tea in Chinatown.  

Cheers,

Mike

Source:  Wikipedia

Chinatown: San Francisco

Macy's 2011 Flower Show: San Francisco

Every year people flock to the Macy's store in Union Square to view the real floral displays and breath in the wonderful scents.  To many, this is a ritual that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.  This year's event occurred on March 27th - April 10th, and it included a Zen, rooftop, and enchanted garden.  In addition, the floral designers created a walk through the tropical rainforest.

If you missed this year's event, don't worry.  Just keep an eye out for it next year and welcome spring in with a San Francisco tradition that has been around for 65 years.

Happy Easter!

Mike

The Barbary Coast Trail

If you find yourself in San Francisco with a little time on your hands and yearning to take a 3.8 mile journey across the city, then the Barbary Coast Trail is for you.  This trek starts at the steps of the old Mint Building at 5th and Mission and takes you on a historical journey through the Financial District, China Town, Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Telegraph Hill, North Beach, and many more streets, alleys, and creative walkways.  All you have to do is follow the 170 brass markers embedded in the sidewalk like the one pictured above. 

Try not to get too distracted by all the shops and stores that you pass along the way, although a quick dash into City Lights Booksellers and Publishers can't really be prevented.  As you make your way through the city, also consider taking a break and getting a drink at Vesuvio, Specs, or Tosca, better known as the Holy Trinity Bars of North Beach.  As an added bonus, if you stay alert you may just catch a glimpse of the wild parrot flock that roams freely in the trees of San Francisco.

Your San Francisco Odyssey will take you by a staircase on Telegraph Hill marked only by a modest plaque stating that it is the Jack Early Park.  Hike up the steps and you will find one of the best views in the city.  The SF Gate promotes it as the best place to propose marriage.  

Put on your walking shoes, fill your water bottle, and get out there and explore this incredible city by the sea.

Cheers!

Mike

Nowruz: Persian New Year

If you were around Union Square on Saturday, March 26th, you may have found yourself tapping your feet to the sounds of the Persian New Year's Celebration.  The sound of music and the joy of dance surrounded the Square and made it a welcoming place.     

Nowruz, the name for the Persian New Year, means "New Day" and marks the beginning of spring.  It lasts for 13 days and is a time for visiting and large family gatherings. 

Happy Nowruz!

Mike

Castro Theatre: Wizard of Oz Sing Along

It's time to put on your ruby red slippers, comb down your mane, or oil up your joints because the Castro Theatre is about to present the Wizard of Oz Sing Along from March 25th - 31st.  If you want to practice ahead of time and need your memory jogged, you will find below a list of some of the more popular songs:

• Somewhere over the Rainbow
• Munchkin Land
• Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
• Lullabye League and Lollipop Guild
• Follow the Yellow Brick Road
• If I only had a Brain, Heart, Nerve
• Were off to see the Wizard
• If I were the King of the Forest
• Courage

Cheers!

Mike

San Francisco Festivals of Note

Below are a list of festivals and events that you may want to mark on your calendar:

•  Bay to Breakers.  May 15th, 2011.  This year we celebrating the 100th anniversary of the race that was originally started as a way to increase the morale of the city after the devastation of the 1906 earthquake.  It is now a tradition which defines the eccentricity that is San Francisco.  There is a race component, but most people watch and participate for the costumes.  Yes, I said costumes.  Organizers are limiting the run/walk/crawl to 50,000 participants, and they do not allow alcohol this year.  Really?  No rolling kegs this year?

• Folsom Street Fair.  Sunday, September 25, 2011.  Even if black and blue are not your colors of choice, you will find the Folsom Street Fair interesting.  Over 400,000 people attend each year, and it covers 13 city blocks.  I can't really describe it here.  All I can say is that you have to see it to believe it.  

• San Francisco Pride Celebration & Parade.  June 25th & 26th, 2011.   This year's theme is "In Pride We Trust."  Around 1,000,000 visitors will flood the city in order to attend the events and show their pride and support.

• San Francisco Fringe Festival.  September 7th - 18th, 2011.  The fringe festival will present over 200 different theatrical performances by local actors and playwrites.  This will get your creative juices flowing.  The link shows a list of the plays from 2010, and it will give you an idea of what you will see in 2011.

• Castro Street Fair.  The first Sunday in October, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.  Originally organized by Harvey Milk in order to build community, this event continues to thrive and grow with hundreds of artist booths, vendors, live entertainment, and dance stages. 

• Santacon.  2011 - TBA.  Grab your big black boots, your red velvet suit, fur lined hat, and head out on the town with hundreds of other similarly dressed individuals to bar hop the afternoon and evening away.  Elves and the Mrs. are also welcome.

Smuggler's Cove

Three nights ago I visited a great little bar in the Hayes Valley Neighborhood called Smuggler's Cove; it looks and feels like a pirate ship inside.  We worked our way down the winding staircase to the basement where we felt like we were in the hull of a ship as we drank and socialized the night away with friends.  The drinks are "Traditional Drinks of the Caribbean Islands, classic libations of Prohibition era Havana, and exotic cocktails from legendary Tiki bars."  Be careful though, these drinks are strong.  I only had two drinks, but I was very glad that I lived around the corner and had walked to the bar.  The drinks are good, fruity, and strong.

If you find yourself in the Hayes Valley Neighborhood, this bar is worth looking up.  Take the address with you because you won't find it otherwise.  It is one of those places that if you didn't know it was there, you wouldn't notice it. 

Cheers!

Mike

S.F. Weekend Events

Saturday, September 25th, 2010

- The First Polk Street Blues Festival in San Francisco
   10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
   Polk District
   Free

- Comedy - Maz Jobrani,
   10:15 p.m.
   Cobbs Comedy Club
   915 Columbus Ave.
   $28.90 each

- 46th Annual Big Book Sale - Fort Mason
   10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
   Laguna St. and Marina Blvd.
   All books are $5.00 and under.  They are $1.00 on Sunday.
   Proceeds benefit the S.F. Public Library.
  

- Off the Grid, Street Cart Festival - Mission District
   11:00a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
   Corner of McCoppin and Valencia St.

- S.F. Cocktail Week Bar Crawl, Drinking w/Dominick (S.F. Legendary Bartender)
   Free Event.  You can join at any of the locations below:
   11:30 Buena Vista Cafe
   12:30 Walking Tour Begins
   12:45 Las Margaritas
   1:15 The Parlour
   1:45 Walk N. Beach and stop for historic facts about the Barbary Coast and S.F. drinking lore.
   2:15 Tony Niks
   2:45 Walk up Green Street towards Grant and hear stories.  Maybe get some pie at Golden Boy.
   3:00 Savoy Tivoli
   4:00 Romolo
   4:30 Maybe more bars and discuss the Chinatown watering holes.
   5:00 Comstock Saloon 15.  Discuss the history of the Comstock and the rest of the historic bars on
             Kearny.

- Movie Night in the Park:  The Pursuit of Happiness
   7:00 p.m. in Duboce Park

- Film Night in Dolores Park:  The Big Lebowski  (Please no chairs)
   8:00 p.m.

- Killing my Lobster - Sketch Comedy Night
   10:00 p.m., Zeum
   $10.00

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

- Folsom Street Fair
   11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

- Polish Harvest Festival, Golden Gate Park
   11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
   S.F. County Fair Building (formerly Hall of Flowers).  Golden Gate Park at Lincoln Way and 9th Ave.

- 97.3's Alice Now and Zen Festival 2010 - Golden Gate Park
   12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
   Sharon Meadows, Golden Gate Park / John F. Kennedy Drive and Kezar Drive.

- Irish Music, Costumes, Singing, and Dancing w/Golden Gate Park Band
   1:00 p.m. - 3:00p.m.
   Spreckels Temple, Spreckles Temple of Music, S.F. Golden Gate Park

Exit Theatre and the Fringe Festival

Last night we went to the Exit Theatre and saw one of the plays in the Fringe Festival.  It was called "Eat Our Shorts," and it was a collection of plays that tell the story of what happens on a particular evening in different neighborhoods in San Francisco.  It was awesome.  The material was great, and the acting was even better.  I would definitely give this collection of performances a two thumbs up.

This is the first time that I have gone to the Fringe Festival, but I can assure you that I will be going to more than one play next year.  This year they staged 43 shows over 12 days.  From what I understand, these plays were created by local playwrites.

I can't wait for next year's festival to come around.  See you there?