San FranCelia » Arts & Entertainment

Oh Oscar, I’d love to…

courtney — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:28:53 +0000

It’s officially Oscar season, and while I don’t usually enter pools or contests surrounding this illustrious period, I’ve found some great contests through my friend Jamie that are fun and easy. Why not win something for time online that you know you’d have normally spent messing around on StumbleUpon?

Factery Labs, which is a cool site that delivers ‘just the facts’ of any given news story is giving away $25 iTunes gift cards daily all next week, and all you have to do is provide them with your juiciest Oscar fact in answer to the daily question on their Facebook or Twitter page (half of you probably know more than you think – you know how the Oscars go…. Sometimes it feels like the whole year is awards season with us talking about who wore what well into the next season. Its great. Sick a little bit, but GREAT!). Just be sure to use #Oscars and #FacteryLabs if you’re on Twitter. Super simple – and again, why not enter a contest via Facebook or Twitter instead of stalking that guy you knew in middle school who just started dating that new girl and now you know ALL about their budding relationship even though you haven’t talked to him in 10 years (yes, we all do it, but a contest is way more productive and fun, right?!).

Another site giving into our Oscar lust is Square Eyes, which gives great articles and introspection on shows that we’re watching. Their Starry Eyes Oscar prediction contest starting on March 2^nd gives you a chance to win 6 months worth of Netflix. I know I always have an opinion, so why not get something free out of it? Just be sure to visit their site on the 2^nd to get all the details.

These two contests seemed fun and easy, and are a great way to bring the excitement of Oscar season into your daily life. Plus winning free stuff is always awesome. Good luck!

Peace and love Xo

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Meditation on the Mind

courtney — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:16:20 +0000

There are many reasons to be stressed, but none of them is more important than your health. In my recent state of health flux, I have definitely felt this to the fullest extent, and decided that being healthy needs to encompass not just my body, but my mind, as well (I mean, we all know this, but what do we really do about it?). All this being said, I’ve been trying to meditate and be super calm, but as you can imagine, this is always a hard prospect. Determining that I could not do it alone, I decided to pull out the big guns in the form of a meditation class. I found a great one near where I live in the Richmond District, and best of all, it’s free (donations encouraged, of course). What a great way to bring everything back to center and create inner peace! I am a San Franciscan, after all, and you know we’re about the peace. The class I took is through Urban Dharma and is held at the Cultural Integration Fellowship center on Fulton Street.

As you walk into the center, a sense of calm washes over you. The people attending are friendly and ready to relax their minds. Good vibes abound. Once the instructor comes in (we had Gene, who was AMAZING. What a comforting presence, and a cute smile, to boot…), you set straight to meditating. It’s guided, so initially, Gene led our breathing. Then you meditate on your own – take whatever thought comes in and reflect, observe. An almost trans-like state comes over you as this occurs, and it’s truly empowering. Taking 30 minutes to feel your body and feel your mind is incredible. Why we never do this is now beyond me.

After the meditation ended, Gene led a discussion on participant questions, observations, etc. Being a gifted orator, in my opinion, he brought humor, emotion, and comfort to all aspects of what he taught. It was truly amazing to hear him clarify questions we all had on how and why to meditate.

This is one of those experiences that I feel blessed to have had. Best part is, it’s every Friday at 7:30pm, and so I’m able to go back time and time again. Definitely check it out if you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or if you need to find some clarity. The calm that meditation brings to the mind is a true gift, and thankfully for me, I’ve now opened the box.

Peace and love Xo

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Falling into Autumn

courtney — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:15:31 +0000

Fall, one of my favorite times of year in San Francisco! I love the way the City smells when it’s turkey-time and feeling that particular crispness that grips the air. The chill soon turns into the catalyst for pretending we’re in New England and busting out huge scarves and cute boots. It’s divine. It also seems that people are in their bustling winter spirits, giving a sense of purpose to everything done. San Franciscans take their fall seriously, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. Some of my favorite activities are even better when the leaves start falling.

To be outdoors but also keep you from freezing, take a trek and go boutiquing in Pacific Heights. The hills are intensely steep, making the cold bearable. It’s the only time of year that these hills don’t make you sweat uncontrollably when hiked. This is such a fun activity this time of year as all of the holiday essentials are out and affordable in small doses. Visit ‘Heidi Says’ or ‘Nest’ on Fillmore for some great holiday ideas – expensive, of course (being in Pacific Heights and all), but cute.

For a cozy meal in an eclectic atmosphere, check out The Café at Café du Nord. Next door to the affiliate music venue on Market, they have great sandwiches and gigantic cups of coffee. Delish! The best part is if you are catching a show next door, you can finally grab a bite to eat for a reasonable price. If you aren’t catching a show, it’s a great location for a Mission/Castro shopping break, as well as the obligatory people watching – my favorite.

Since being indoors is something to cherish during these months, I like to hold off during the summer and visit museums and art exhibitions now. Next weekend, the Second Annual Erotic Art Exhibition comes to the California Modern Art Gallery, and is only $15. What a fun way to spend a fall day! I went to the Sex Museum in Paris once, and it was incredible. The show will definitely keep the blood pumping, to say the least.

I can’t wait to experience more of the City as we delve into winter. It’s the perfect time to explore and see what hidden treasures are at our fingertips. While I love summer in San Francisco, the cold is starting to warm on me.

Peace and love Xo

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Woodstock in the Park

courtney — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:37:57 +0000

San Francisco will never leave you wanting more music. One of the best remnants of the hippie era is the City’s love of music. Outdoor, indoor, local, international – we love it all. Throughout the summer there is the festival season, which we all love, but there is also a plethora of outdoor concerts, most of which are free. And what’s awesome is that they go well beyond the summer months. What other city is this great? Tell me that. This coming weekend is no different. In honor of Woodstock’s 40^th anniversary, they will be playing a free tribute concert called “West Fest” on Sunday in Speedway Meadows of Golden Gate Park. The massive span of lawn is the perfect venue for a concert. Gorgeous views of every type of foliage and tree, completely blocked from the City, and lots of space… lovely. Every type of person gathers for these events, so it’s sure to be energetic, fun, and colorful! Many of the original musicians will be involved in the show, too, including Ray Manzarek of The Doors and Denny Laine of Moody Blues. How cool! And it’s FREE people! I consider the many, many things to do for free in San Francisco as part of my rent. It makes me feel ok spending so much, since really, I’m getting so much free of charge, and in my case, since I’m a block from the popular concert spot that is Speedway Meadows, I’m in the perfect locale to enjoy it with ease. Lucky me. West Fest lasts all day starting at 9am, but getting there early will be best if you have to park. Try to take public transit though – better for everyone’s sanity. Enjoy – it’s on of the last ones for the season, so take it all in!

Peace and love Xo

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All You Need is Love

courtney — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:03:13 +0000

I love San Francisco this time of year. Because we generally only get two months out of the year that are shining with sun, many of the festivals, events, and outdoor city activities take place during this time – September and October, specifically (the latter being the best month of the year as far as I’m concerned… ah, Indian Summer… love it!). I’ve been organizing an apartment search lately in my attempt to get my own digs (which I did!!), and it’s been taking up a lot of my time. However, I have to fill everyone in on some of the great things the city has been offering lately. And, since many of these activities are on a yearly basis, it’s great to learn about what is going on each year, so you can map out a game plan for when the next year comes around. Many weekends during these early fall months are packed with more than one event that, I believe every person should go to at least once. This past weekend was no exception, and on the docket was Love Parade (or LovEvolution for 2009 – I like Love Parade better), and boy oh boy does this event mean fun.

Love Parade, for those of you who aren’t familiar, originated in Europe as a way to bring people together through song and dance and celebrate the simple (yet never simple) emotion of love. In San Francisco, this is no different. This isn’t really an event for the conservative crowd (as many San Francisco activities aren’t), but if you have an open mind and are ready for a peaceful day of dance outside, you will love it – no pun intended. The parade starts on Market Street, and like the Pride Parade, lends itself to hosting a plethora of nude, interesting, and colorful people. If you ever wanted to buy a brownie from a hippie on the corner, this would be the time. The parade, which is made up of various floats that are all playing different types of house and trans music, ends at San Francisco’s Civic Center, where every person that is along the route and following the parade (there are no barriers people – the more the merrier) ends up. The floats encircle the city hall and proceed to host hours of dancing delight, where everyone spends their time showing others kindness while dancing in the streets. A payment of about $10 is needed to pay city fees, but other than that…free. You will see every type of person at this event, from the bridge and tunnel crowd who come to the City to view something so wildly different than the suburb can offer, to the people who want to shock and awe peaceably. While some things will make you double take, it’s such a wild and fun time, it only adds to the charm. If you really want to get into it, dress up. You will just end up blending in, to be honest.

These types of events bring the spirit to the City to the people as far as I’m concerned. Everyone being able to get together and celebrate love is something that San Franciscans have been striving to continue since the 1960s, and while we may not always get there (hello Muni fight!), these types of happenings remind and inspire us to live, laugh, and most importantly, love.

Peace and love Xo

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A Saturday Symphony

courtney — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:43:39 +0000

When deciding what do to on a Saturday night, there are endless options in San Francisco. You can hit up a new restaurant and sit for hours through all the courses, check out the bars for the perpetual draw of ‘the scene’, or go see a show in one of the many musical venues the City offers. Deciding that the latter was something I don’t usually do, we decided to go old school and visit the San Francisco Symphony. What a rare treat that’s so close yet feels so far away. The Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall is a nod to modern art as it’s exquisitely lit exterior draws crowds into its simple, yet effective interior. You look around as the music is playing, and you begin to appreciate the true architectural genius of the space in regards to acoustics, as well. There are movable convexacrylic reflecting panels that can change position with each performance to optimize sound. Brilliant! I love orchestral experiences like this, as I feel it’s not only something that I remember from being involved in music when I was young, but also it’s a way to understand and keep in mind our musical roots in today’s ever changing musical environment. Last night was a part of the Symphony’s Mahler09Festival, where they paid homage to a true orchestral genius, Gustav Mahler. The effervescent music ebbed and flowed perfectly, and was only broken up by brief explanations of the music by the conductor. What a great idea, as it really helps you understand what you are listening for. Very accessible to those of us who love music, but don’t necessarily go to the symphony all the time. This is one of the best parts of events like this in San Francisco; the easy and relaxed feel of the people involved. It’s such a plus, as the events are truly accessible for the every day person. Yes, the people you see at intermission are dressed nicely and are probably a board member of some sort of artistic endeavor, but you wouldn’t know it. Everyone is there for the music alone.

While an older crowd for the most part which can be a turn off, I believe it’s important to support artistic treasures that are truly San Francisco. Don’t let it deter you, as the music is definitely worth it. If you feel a little too chi-chi afterwards, you can always do what we did and hit up a divey (but delicious!) taqueria for a late night dinner. Nothing better than mixing up your nightly experiences, which thank God for us, is so easy in our illustrious city.

Peace and love Xo

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Tea Time in the Valley

courtney — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 06:57:21 +0000

‘What is High Tea?’ one might ask? Only the best thing ever would be my answer. Do you have to be living in 1700s Great Britain to feel the true experience, might be another query. Answer? No, but someone should invent how to do that. If you’re fortunate enough to live in San Francisco, however, you can head over to the quaint and lovely Noe Valley neighborhood and take a spot o’ tea at Lovejoy’s Team Room. This adorable locale is full of cute antiques and a charming décor that brings you right to the teahouses of Jolly ol’ England. We were able to reserve their couches, where you sit on several cushy and plush sofas around a large coffee table that allows them to set up of the tea. High tea, specifically, for those of you who haven’t had it, is a full tea service. So not just tea, but the crumpets, scones, mini sandwiches, and fruit, as well. You also receive an entire pot of tea with this spread – at Lovejoy’s, this full service it’s called the Queen’s Tea – and your job is to simply sit back, eat, drink and be merry. While this pastime seems to me to be something that is very feminine and girly, I was surprised to see several men there enjoying an afternoon tasting and along with some warm goodness. My group of girlfriends and I deducted that they must be there to meet girls. This place has an interior that’s the epitome of Shabby Chic goes to England, so I can’t picture many men in there just for kicks, but it’s a romantic spot to go on a date, so you never can tell.

The food was fresh and delicious, at times seeming to have come right out of the oven. Particularly wonderful were the Apple, Chicken, Walnut Salad sandwiches and raison scones, which both about melted in your mouth they were so tasty. This huge spread and a perfectly brewed pot of their house special, Lovejoy’s Blend, was a perfect way to start the weekend afternoon.

This teahouse offers a wonderful spot to bring your girlfriend or a spot for just the ladies. It offers a complete escape, from its ambiance to it’s enveloping warmth to its delicious homemade fare. If you haven’t done High Tea, try this place before you try one of the larger hotels – while those are also fun, and a bit fancier than Lovejoy’s, this local spot‘s more endearingly charming, making it more special with every sip.

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‘Tis the Season for Sporting Dates in Berkeley

courtney — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 06:43:24 +0000

So I am not the type of girl who gets really excited over sports. They’re great and all, but I don’t get all crazy and competitive. There was a girl at my last job who was obsessed with college basketball – like called in sick days in order to watch the game obsessed -not me… what can I say? However, I happen to love going to most sporting events live. I don’t know what it is – maybe the overly priced pretzels and coagulated cheese, or the feeling of everyone being in a frenzy over a common goal (it’s like a strange forms of patriotism), but it is SO much fun. And one of the best events to go see is college football. People at the live games are into it. I mean… they are into it. It brings about some sort of nostalgic throw back feeling, to the good old college days, when having your team kick ass was the most important topic of the day.

Living here in the City, there are only two real teams you can root for – Stanford or Cal Berkeley. And since my boyfriend bleeds blue and gold, I have become an honorary Cal fan. Although my alma mater is Arizona, and I’ll always be a fan there first (Go Cats!), Cal is a great team to root for. They are exciting andgood, which makes it a fun journey to take with them each game. Football season is starting up this weekend, so if you want to have a fun day date, try catching a game. I’ll be there Saturday, and can’t wait! Be sure to wear blue if you’re on the Cal side, or you might be thrown out of the stands… especially if you wear red… BIG no, no. Lovely trees and the Victorian houses around campus surround the stadium, and the sun shines right in the center during a day game, to keep you warm alongside the constant Bay breeze. There’s almost nothing better than a Cal game day – all of the Greek life are throwing parties and there’s that adrenaline and buzz throughout the whole city. A quick BART ride away, and surrounded by enough brunch places to make a day out of it (check out Café Durant), I highly suggest catching a few games during the season. It’s exciting, fun for everyone, and let’s you enjoy being outdoors during our wonderful Indian Summers.

Boyfriends will go missing these next few months, so it’s better to join in on the fun than never see them, I say. Go Bears!

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Playing with Swords

courtney — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:49:27 +0000

It’s been a week since I last posted, but it’s all for good reason, as I started a new job, and therefore have been getting into a new (and wonderful!) life rhythm. Now that life’s calmed down a bit, I have to describe this fantastic event that I went to at the Asian Art Museum last Thursday. MATCHA Night, or the Way of the Sword, was a cocktail reception that included everything from sword training to samurai demonstrations. What a great event for a museum, in particular, to hold. Going to a museum of all places, and actually being able to interact with docents and presenters alike while enjoying music and cocktails, is a concept every museum should promote as far as I’m concerned. The Asian Art Museum is an amazing facility that boasts some spectacular architecture and gorgeous ancient art. The cool thing about Asian art is not only it’s intricacy, which is obvious, but it’s age, as well. It dates so far back, it’s hard to believe it’s that elaborately made. Being able to walk around and view these masterpieces, all while sipping a cocktail is just heaven.

Throughout the evening, guests were able to experience various aspects of ancient culture – from sword play to kimono wearing – create artwork, walk the various galleries, and check

out the super popular samurai warrior demonstrations, which gave a true vision of the ancient soldiers’ skills. All this with a DJ’ed backdrop and a hip vibe – so San Francisco. As their host for the evening, the museum welcomed host Esaka Seigen Sensei, one of Japan’s best Iaido practitioners. Iaido is the ancient art of throwing the sword in combat, which has grown over time into an art of social integration and personal improvement. I say this unique cultural evolution is a great reason to throw a party.

The Asian Art Museum is trendsetting new ways to experience art, do definitely keep an eye out for more events from them in the near future. This is just one of several coming up, from their present Samurai exhibit to their Thai River Festival in October. It’s a great place to experience so many amazing cultures – some that are major influences in the City – and feel like you’re at a party at the same time. Good thinking.

Peace and love Xo

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A Love Story, Finally, About… Well, Love

courtney — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:01:59 +0000

A great date night this summer is to check out the newest indie hit ‘500 Days of Summer’. This quirky and smart comedy, which states at the beginning that it’s not a love story, may actually be the truest love story I’ve seen in awhile. Tom, played by Joseph Gordon- Levitt, is a greeting card writer who is immediately enthralled with the new office secretary, Summer, played by one of my favorite actresses, Zooey Deschanel. The film, which cuts and pastes memories and pieces of their relationship together (in no particular order, mind you), spans a full 500 days – from the glorious beginning to the ultimate demise. Now it starts off with the break-up, so in truth, it isn’t a love story, it’s a love reflection. What makes this film so special, however, is its clever weaving of feeling and emotion; the pinnacle of happiness and the lowest lows, all with acting so flawless you become utterly captivated. This milestone – a.k.a., the break-up – in Tom’s life, leads him to transform things in his own existence in a way he couldn’t have imagined before, leading to a new perspective and ultimate hope. It makes you feel like you have seen this somewhere before – maybe in our own whimsical and sometimes bleak love lives, perhaps. Relationships start off being this magical thing, and love is what fills your days from morning to night, but unless each person is on the same page, the truth behind love can get a bit foggy. The film captures this reality so well – you actually sympathize with the dumpee and the dumper, which usually isn’t the case in these types of tales.

This is definitely a great film to see at a lazy Sunday matinee. It makes you laugh and feel, which as far as movies go, is pretty rare in my case. It seems like every summer movie, in particular, is as far away from the intrinsic truths of our daily lives as possible, where the order of the day is visiting an alien planet or seeing machines blow up verses showing us our own lives and loves reflected back. In the midst of all the action, this one stands out as a light and capricious work of art.

Peace and love Xo

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