I love San Francisco, but sometimes it's good to see what they're up to in other places of the world. I have recently come across some items of interest that have not yet made it to SF, but they're worth a look. My thing of the day is going on summer vacation...
Starting really far away. In Dubai.
With all those new luxury condos going up there, I'm sure there's a great market for interior designers to finish the look. If you're lucky enough to be in the Armani or Versace buildings, there's no doubt that they'll come with complete home decor packages as well. But if you are in one of the other skyscraper oases, or want to infuse a more retro-modern look, and less casbah style, you may want to consider the services of Luxe Interior. This London based company has a series of pre-set collections for you to choose from, all assembled by designers like Terrance Conran or Orla Kiely. My favorites are the Conran Partners Lustre Bedroom and the Orla Kiely Colour House Living room. Pick yours for your virtual vacation condo!
All of this can be yours at the low price of roughly 140,000 AED for a 1BR. Whatever that comes out to...
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Flying High
When I lived near DC as a kid, I loved when they had the kite festival on the Mall. There were so many different kinds of kites, and I always wanted to be one of the people who got mine super high in the sky. And of course, we had to check out the selection at the Air and Space Museum.
It seems the Bay Area has their own kite festival, being held this weekend in Berkeley. Held at Cesar Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina, it looks like there will be plenty to see, up in the air and on the ground. Being Berkeley, they have incorporated the kite traditions of many cultures from Japan to New Zealand. There will be lessons on flying acrobatic kites and shows of team kite flying. Their slideshow shows kites as big as the balloons at the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade - but no helium needed here! Just some good wind.
All in all, sounds like a feast for the eyes. Aim high!
It seems the Bay Area has their own kite festival, being held this weekend in Berkeley. Held at Cesar Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina, it looks like there will be plenty to see, up in the air and on the ground. Being Berkeley, they have incorporated the kite traditions of many cultures from Japan to New Zealand. There will be lessons on flying acrobatic kites and shows of team kite flying. Their slideshow shows kites as big as the balloons at the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade - but no helium needed here! Just some good wind.
All in all, sounds like a feast for the eyes. Aim high!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Open those windows!
I usually wake up to KFOG, and today they had on Zem Joaquin, the writer for Ecofabulous, an eco-blog. Now all this stinks of SF-uber-eco-ness to me... Don't get me wrong, I am a friend of the earth, but sometimes all this hippy-dippy hoo-ha is a little much.
But between snooze buttons, I listened to what Zem had to say. The thing that really got my attention was that the air quality inside your home is 2-5 times WORSE than the air outside! Hard to believe, but she had decent back-up info. Mostly the worst offenders to indoor air quality are mold and cleaning products (a contradiction, it may seem). But both of which do make appearances in my home - a cause for concern that opening the windows more often can help cure.
Here's her blog, with the info on the indoor air quality. She could use a few paragraph breaks in there since it made me go a little cross eyed looking at it. But there are some nuggets of info in there to get you breathing easier indoors.
She also mentioned a store on Polk Street called Spring, that carries all sorts of products that you may need to have a healthier home. I may pay them a visit at some point... While I'm a little skeptical about some of this stuff, I'm not opposed to having the air inside my house be a little healthier than that when I'm walking down market street and the bus just went by. Bleech!
And now that the sun came out, I'm going to open my windows.
But between snooze buttons, I listened to what Zem had to say. The thing that really got my attention was that the air quality inside your home is 2-5 times WORSE than the air outside! Hard to believe, but she had decent back-up info. Mostly the worst offenders to indoor air quality are mold and cleaning products (a contradiction, it may seem). But both of which do make appearances in my home - a cause for concern that opening the windows more often can help cure.
Here's her blog, with the info on the indoor air quality. She could use a few paragraph breaks in there since it made me go a little cross eyed looking at it. But there are some nuggets of info in there to get you breathing easier indoors.
She also mentioned a store on Polk Street called Spring, that carries all sorts of products that you may need to have a healthier home. I may pay them a visit at some point... While I'm a little skeptical about some of this stuff, I'm not opposed to having the air inside my house be a little healthier than that when I'm walking down market street and the bus just went by. Bleech!
And now that the sun came out, I'm going to open my windows.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Jazz Fest kick-off
The North Beach Jazz Fest will get underway this Wednesday for the rest of the week, showcasing a whole range of acts adding to the already vibrant North Beach scene. Join the revelers on wed when Jazz on Grant gets going with acts in venues all the way down the street.
The festivities begin with a performance by the Realistic Orchestra at the SF Italian Athletic Club at 7pm. Quoting from their website, "Led by composer/trombonist/bassist Adam Theis, Realistic is a 20+ piece jazz orchestra composed from the "Jazz Mafia" collective. Other announced Jazz on Grant artists include Boca do Rio, Times Four, and NBJF legend BJ Papa."
Looking at the line-up, I don't think you can go wrong heading to North Beach this Wed! Or for any of their other events either! Sunday is Jazz in the park - so grab a slice and head on over.
The festivities begin with a performance by the Realistic Orchestra at the SF Italian Athletic Club at 7pm. Quoting from their website, "Led by composer/trombonist/bassist Adam Theis, Realistic is a 20+ piece jazz orchestra composed from the "Jazz Mafia" collective. Other announced Jazz on Grant artists include Boca do Rio, Times Four, and NBJF legend BJ Papa."
Looking at the line-up, I don't think you can go wrong heading to North Beach this Wed! Or for any of their other events either! Sunday is Jazz in the park - so grab a slice and head on over.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Summer Reading
Some of you may already be on the list to get the next Harry Potter, but others, like me, may be OK waiting for the hand me down from those on the list... I think I can wait to find out if he lives or dies. That is unless the media doesn't spill it in headline news like they did with the Sopranos.
But if you're a little behind, and want to catch up on the older Harry's or just need some beach reading in general, head on over the SwapSF Book Swap this Saturday afternoon at the Phritzery in SOMA. Admission is $5 with books, and that includes a free drink ticket. And then, once inside, any books you want are free! Remaining books are donated to local schools and libraries.
But if you're a little behind, and want to catch up on the older Harry's or just need some beach reading in general, head on over the SwapSF Book Swap this Saturday afternoon at the Phritzery in SOMA. Admission is $5 with books, and that includes a free drink ticket. And then, once inside, any books you want are free! Remaining books are donated to local schools and libraries.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Achieve Clarity and Relevance
The reason you didn't get a post yesterday was because I had a very busy day doing pretty cool things. One of which, I will share with you today here. The other was going to see Polyphonic Spree at the Great American, which was fantastic - highly reccommend going to see them live sometime. But since that's in the past, I won't waste your time.
The thing I did all day was attend a seminar by Edward Tufte on Presenting Data and Information. Sounds dry and boring, but was really great! We studied him in school for his graphic design lessons in clear presentation of information, and I used Gill Sans on all my projects then because he used it in his books. But it was really great to hear him talk about it all in person!
He covers ways to present statistical data, information graphics and do it all with clarity and relevance. He also talks a lot about methods of presentation, and how PowerPoint can actually hinder your presentation. This was not a course just for graphic designers, everyone I talked to did something different - environmental consulting, university recruiting, user interface design, business-types, lawyers, it goes on and on.
The seminar is one day, and you get all 4 of his books with it. I think EVERYONE should take this class, as there's something you can all get out of it. And you could even probably get work to pay for it.
And check out his website too - it's easy to get lost there exploring his Ask E.T. Forum for hours.
The thing I did all day was attend a seminar by Edward Tufte on Presenting Data and Information. Sounds dry and boring, but was really great! We studied him in school for his graphic design lessons in clear presentation of information, and I used Gill Sans on all my projects then because he used it in his books. But it was really great to hear him talk about it all in person!
He covers ways to present statistical data, information graphics and do it all with clarity and relevance. He also talks a lot about methods of presentation, and how PowerPoint can actually hinder your presentation. This was not a course just for graphic designers, everyone I talked to did something different - environmental consulting, university recruiting, user interface design, business-types, lawyers, it goes on and on.
The seminar is one day, and you get all 4 of his books with it. I think EVERYONE should take this class, as there's something you can all get out of it. And you could even probably get work to pay for it.
And check out his website too - it's easy to get lost there exploring his Ask E.T. Forum for hours.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Dark Nights
Dark nights, deep shadows, mysterious guests, dapper detectives. If you like this stuff, you should check out the Film Noir Screenings at the City Club this Thursday, July 19. The featured film this week is the Phenix City Story starring John McIntire and Richard Kiley. The films are shown in vintage 16mm film for full effect.
Admission is free, but you must RSVP to the address on their website. And the venue is pretty swank, so dress the part.
Admission is free, but you must RSVP to the address on their website. And the venue is pretty swank, so dress the part.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Salon de Chocolat
Continuing along the theme of things the French do well... This weekend - Sat and Sun the 14th and 15th is the San Francisco International Chocolate Salon. YUM!
Hosted at Fort Mason, you can participate in chocolate tastings, demos, chef talks, wine pairings, and 2 things that make me very curious - chocolate painting and chocolate spa and makeup. Hmm. And just looking at their schedule of events - you don't have to worry about missing church on Sunday because at 2:30 there's a talk called "Chocolate and Meditation: Demonstration and talk on the spirituality of chocolate tasting," by Rev. R.M. Peluso. Sounds like my kind of religion!
But don't be skeptical of these funky takes on chocolate - the high class favorites will be well represented. XOX Truffles, Charles Chocolates, and many others will be there too.
Vive le Chocolat!
Hosted at Fort Mason, you can participate in chocolate tastings, demos, chef talks, wine pairings, and 2 things that make me very curious - chocolate painting and chocolate spa and makeup. Hmm. And just looking at their schedule of events - you don't have to worry about missing church on Sunday because at 2:30 there's a talk called "Chocolate and Meditation: Demonstration and talk on the spirituality of chocolate tasting," by Rev. R.M. Peluso. Sounds like my kind of religion!
But don't be skeptical of these funky takes on chocolate - the high class favorites will be well represented. XOX Truffles, Charles Chocolates, and many others will be there too.
Vive le Chocolat!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Bastille a Go Go
We just made it through our national holiday, so now it's time to celebrate with the French for Bastille Day, this Sat, July 14! I've seen that many of the standby French restaurants (ie Grand Cafe) are doing a prix fixe in honor of the day. And no doubt Belden Place and Claude Lane will be hopping! It's a sat nite afterall!
But the event that caught my attention was Bardot-a-go-go at the Rickshaw stop. I went to B-a-g-g once YEARS ago and had a blast! It was like a flashback in time to Paris in the 60's. The outfits were fantastic (made me wish I had my white go-go boots!) and the music was fab! The song I remember most specifically, and still enjoy today is the French version of "These Boots are Made for Walkin." You've got to check it out.
I wish I didn't have a zillion other things this weekend so I could go! Ces't la vie.
But the event that caught my attention was Bardot-a-go-go at the Rickshaw stop. I went to B-a-g-g once YEARS ago and had a blast! It was like a flashback in time to Paris in the 60's. The outfits were fantastic (made me wish I had my white go-go boots!) and the music was fab! The song I remember most specifically, and still enjoy today is the French version of "These Boots are Made for Walkin." You've got to check it out.
I wish I didn't have a zillion other things this weekend so I could go! Ces't la vie.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
The new musical
For those of you who think movie musicals are hokey, this one will hopefully help change your mind. And for those of you who enjoy the musical, or just a beautiful, sweet, love story, this movie is for you. It's called Once, and is just a wonderful little film.
I heard about it on the radio, and since then I've read reviews, all of which say the same thing. It's a small movie, but good. It's not too long, not too complicated, has a simple production value, and is full of great music. I came out of the movie sort of hypnotized by the melodies, and was sorely disappointed that the theater had sold out of soundtracks. Luckily it's on iTunes also and I'm downloading now!
The movie is the story of two young people in Dublin, one a singer-songwriter, vacuum cleaner repairman and the other a Czech immigrant who sells roses and cleans houses and has a lovely voice. They find music as their common ground and their love grows, but it's not really that simple. I'll leave the rest for you to see in the movie, and I'm sure you'll want to listen more than once.
And here's a bonus - a charming animation of one of the sillier songs in the movie.
I heard about it on the radio, and since then I've read reviews, all of which say the same thing. It's a small movie, but good. It's not too long, not too complicated, has a simple production value, and is full of great music. I came out of the movie sort of hypnotized by the melodies, and was sorely disappointed that the theater had sold out of soundtracks. Luckily it's on iTunes also and I'm downloading now!
The movie is the story of two young people in Dublin, one a singer-songwriter, vacuum cleaner repairman and the other a Czech immigrant who sells roses and cleans houses and has a lovely voice. They find music as their common ground and their love grows, but it's not really that simple. I'll leave the rest for you to see in the movie, and I'm sure you'll want to listen more than once.
And here's a bonus - a charming animation of one of the sillier songs in the movie.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Roller Derby!
Are you looking for a little flashback fun? Come on out and support our very own Roller Derby team, The Bay City Bombers!
They're competing this saturday at the Cow Palace vs. the Brooklyn Red Devils. Should be a fantastic match-up. There are more bouts this summer - July 14 at the Cow Palace and Aug 18 at Kezar Pavillion.
And look out for Ron #30 - I know him. :)
Roll on!
They're competing this saturday at the Cow Palace vs. the Brooklyn Red Devils. Should be a fantastic match-up. There are more bouts this summer - July 14 at the Cow Palace and Aug 18 at Kezar Pavillion.
And look out for Ron #30 - I know him. :)
Roll on!
Monday, July 2, 2007
Music in the Bay
It's been a while since I've been to an all out, day in the sun, music festival. But those days of Lollapalooza and Laguna Seca Daze were fun! Now, they're trying a new venue - Treasure Island. Check out the Treasure Island Music Festival - the festival in the Bay.
With Sat Sept 15 being the more rave-y day with Thievery Corporation as the headliner and Sunday Sept 16 being the more indie day with Modest Mouse, Spoon and Built to Spill on the ticket, there is sure to be something to appeal to most SF music lovers.
And to make it easy to get there, the organizer are providing transportation via bus from Pac Bell Park to the site so you can not drive, enjoy some beverages while on the island, and not have to sit in as much traffic. Sounds like a smart plan.
I just got my ticket for Sunday - see you there!
With Sat Sept 15 being the more rave-y day with Thievery Corporation as the headliner and Sunday Sept 16 being the more indie day with Modest Mouse, Spoon and Built to Spill on the ticket, there is sure to be something to appeal to most SF music lovers.
And to make it easy to get there, the organizer are providing transportation via bus from Pac Bell Park to the site so you can not drive, enjoy some beverages while on the island, and not have to sit in as much traffic. Sounds like a smart plan.
I just got my ticket for Sunday - see you there!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
