Sunday, June 15, 2014

Monday, June 9, 2014

VAUDVELLIANS

VAUDVELLIANS - This is a review of “The Vaudevillians” featuring Jinkx Monsoon previous winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race on Logo. By the time you read this review, “The Vaudevillians” will be long gone, from San Francisco. However, based on what I’ve seen, you’ll still continue to be able to catch the show, from coast to coast. I have to say my expectations were surpassed in every way imaginable. To call this show cabaret is a gross injustice. While it does feature live music, it’s so much more than that. The premise centers around a pair of resurrected vaudeville performers (Jinkx Monsoon and Major Scales) who were frozen for a century and have now been defrosted. The husband/ wife team claim to be the original writers of much of today’s pop/ rap music. WTH? I know, right? It sounds convoluted. But, the beauty of the show--besides formidable talents as a songstress and playwright--is Monsoon’s comedic timing. There was a portion of the show where she wandered into the crowd and started messing around with the audience. This may sound blasphemous, but I was reminded of the comedic talents, of the late great Lucille Ball. Yes, she was that good. As a side note--it showed at the Verdi Club, a very cute little theater which I hadn’t even known existed--after two decades in the city. I hope to see shows there more often because I really enjoyed myself. To sum it all up, do yourself a favor, go check out “The Vaudevillians”!

Friday, June 6, 2014

GETTING AROUND SF

GETTING AROUND SF- The recent Muni “sick-out” pretty much caused the city to grind to a halt. Sure, it’s only 7 by 7 square miles. But, I challenge you to walk up and down unforgiving hills after a long workday. So, in the spirit of get-up-and-go, here are a few ways to navigate the hellish nightmare that we just lived through. 
  1. Bike share- Members electronically unlock bikes with a smart card/ credit card and there’s a lot of stations along Market Street.
  2. Zipcar/ van - Wheels by the hour or day with gas and insurance included.
  3. Walk - Just be careful to use crosswalks, pedestrians become roadkill in SF, all too often. I’ve had my share of close calls! Seriously, walking in a city this small is often practical. 
  4. BART - Impractical for many due to limited stops, but if you’re lucky, it’s the fastest way to get around the bay. Hence the name rapid transit. 
  5. Yellow Cab - It’s hard to beat! Make a one minute phone call, then a car pulls up to your door, and takes you wherever you want. 









Wednesday, April 23, 2014

MICHAEL ALIG CLUB KIDS CO-FOUNDER TO BE RELEASED FROM PRISON

MICHAEL ALIG CLUB KIDS CO-FOUNDER TO BE RELEASED FROM PRISON

The following is a snippet from a longer article on the Huffington Post. I have always found Alig to be a fascinating infamous celebrity. The stuff from which horrific nightmares are made.

'90s New York nightlife icon and Club Kids co-founder Michael Alig is slated to be released from prison on May 5 after serving 17 years for the murder of friend and fellow club kid Andre "Angel" Melendez in 1996.
Alig, whose story was documented in the film "Party Monster," will reportedly not immediately re-enter the club scene as a way of life. According to Black Book:
His transition to the real world will be eased by a support group who, for the most part, have stuck by him for more than a decade and a half. Michael has never used a computer or cellphone but he has remained keenly aware of the world we live in. There is no chance that he will return to clubs as a way of life, but he will paint and write, and as always, try to impact the way we think.
Alig's release comes at a interesting time, with a resurgence in New York nightlife occurring following the regulatory and velvet-roped nature of the scene throughout the 2000s.
Alig has also been active on Twitter recently, using the editor of his memoir to communicate his thoughts to the outside world.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/17/michael-alig-release_n_5166796.html



CLUB KIDS

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

THRILLER

Thriller: Stories To Keep You Up All NightThriller: Stories To Keep You Up All Night by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THRILLER - How can I get a snapshot of thirty established—and, rising writers--in the thriller genre? I love to read but don’t always have as much time as I would like. That’s the phenomenal thing about Thriller, edited by James Patterson, something not seen often in publication. Sure, there are anthologies focused on single authors, examples like the Norton Anthology or the Best-of-the-Year compilations. It’s awesome to have these short stories compiled. I read one when I have time and take long breaks between, when I get busy. As an added bonus, you get a smattering of everything: western, legal, police, military, etc. If you love thrillers, action and horror as much as I do, this is the book for you!


View all my reviews

Sunday, February 16, 2014

HAIGHT STREET

HAIGHT STREET - In 1967, Hunter S. Thompson immortalized the Summer of Love, in the Haight Asbury district of San Francisco, in his sensational article (The Hashbury Is the Capital Of the Hippies) from the NYT. Also, the notable song named for The City sung by Scott McKenzie (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair) endures to this day as an anthem of a generation. At one end, the Upper Haight features rows of remodeled Victorians with intricate color schemes. Buena Vista Park connects to the Castro on one side and the Haight on the other. There are many colorful murals along the way for aficionados of street art. The Red Victorian Hotel is a bed and breakfast near the Red Vic Theater which has an indie movie vibe. Recently, much to the chagrin of SF purists, a number of chain merchants (such as the Gap) have established themselves along the Haight. However, clothing re-sellers such as Wasteland appear to be alive-and-well, along with many other business models. There are very few remaining record stores to be found, having met their demise due to the internet, yet check out Amoeba Records. Finally, at the foot of Haight Street, there is the entrance to Golden Gate Park which is also quite near the Cole Valley neighborhood. In 2014, it’s easy to find plenty to do here. But, don’t expect to see any long-haired hippies dressed in paisley tunics and bell bottom pants.


Thursday, February 13, 2014

Friday, February 7, 2014

THE BAY BRIDGE IN PROGRESS

THE BAY BRIDGE IN PROGRESS - In February 2014, the de Young (a fine art museum) will feature a new exhibition, on the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge. As you may already know, the new Eastern Span was opened to traffic in September 2013. The exhibit is a story of a structure but also a tale of the city. We live in a changing technological landscape, with community patterns in flux, the bridge is firmly embedded in our self-image, as an urban society. See below for a link featuring examples or art pieces which will be on display.







#ChadSchimke  #SanFrancisco  #ArtGallery #SFMoma  #VisualAid  #Picasso  #Haring  #Koons  #Warhol  #Calder  #Lichtenstein  #ReclaimedRoom  #Gallery1044  #LowerPolkArtWalk  #BayBridge #CityArtGallery #Bansky #SirronNorris #Solis