Radio Sausalito

"The Last Dance"

One of my friends, Dizzy, hosts her own radio show based out of Marin County. The format consists of classic jazz music, a music or dance hall review, the tip of the week and the quote of the week. Sometimes she will invite a guest for a Q&A. Previous guests include members of local swing bands (including members of Stompy Jones), DJs, swing dancers and instructors. Dizzy asked me to guest spot and talk more about my dance troupe as well as provide my own tip and quote of the week. I thought, why not? It's a good way to promote our dance troupe.

I drove out to Sausalito where the radio station is based in a lovely (and ginormous) private home with a built-in studio. Dizzy gave me a tour of the ground level that is currently under construction. The owner is having the floors re-done to accommodate dancers. It also has a stage and bar; perfect for hosting a swing dancing event. Dizzy is hoping to have an event there in the not too distant future.

Dizzy explained the schedule before we sat before our microphones to record the one-hour show. We had a great time laughing and discussing swing dancing, music, and the thrill of being a chorus girl. I won't give away too much as the show will air next Sunday, March 2nd. I urge you to take a listen not just for my show but for all shows. Dizzy has a great voice and great show. The music is always swinging. She can count me in as a loyal listener.

Her show, The Last Dance, airs every Sunday at 10am and 6pm on Sausalito Radio 1610AM. Unfortunately the station's frequency doesn't go past southern Marin, BUT it is always accessible on the internet. For a direct link to the program: RADIO SAUSALITO This can be played on a computer, mobile phone and tablet. Supposedly it's on iTunes Radio but I couldn't find it. Just click on the link provided. Tune in tonight! But definitely tune in next Sunday to hear me shoot the breeze with Ms. Dizzy.

Top: (L-R) My post. Me in headsets and no make-up! Dizzy getting busy

Below is a short segment of my radio interview. Tune in on Sunday, March 2nd at 10am and 6pm.

For Mobile Users: Chorus Girls

The Palace Hotel

Unlike most of the working world, my full time schedule is a 4-day week. That's right! Three day weekends every weekend. Fridays are usually my days to get errands done; grocery shopping, hair appointments, etc. Once I get home, I just want to unwind. I decided to give my cousin a call since we hadn't hung in nearly a month. Then, my buddy, Burnie, sent me a text about coming over to The Palace Hotel for some swing dancing. On a Friday? There never is a Friday gig unless it was a special show organized by A-Town. Au contraire, says he. The Klipptones play a weekly Friday gig in the hotel's bar and restaurant. Dizzy will be there! Well if Dizzy goes, I'll go since we had an upcoming radio gig to discuss. But I'm in casual attire! He said not to worry. There's no dress code. So I persuaded my cousin to come along and boy are we both glad we went. We had a great time.

There were many swing dancers both familiar and new to me. Unfortunately, I was wearing sneakers which were not ideal for this particular dance floor. I had to either take quick steps to make a turn or, for more swinging tunes, spun in the air so as not to stick to the floor. The Klipptones definitely had a unique musical style. They took more contemporary songs (and New Wave music) and jazzed it up. I kept laughing as I heard the familiar lyrics, I remember that song! 

The hotel itself is absolutely stunning. When I looked into the dining hall I kept thinking of the Titanic. It was that elegant. And here I am in jeans and a Pendleton. The bar is home to the Pied Piper painting which was in the news recently when the bar manager decided to take it down and sell it. It caused an uproar and it was ceremoniously placed back at its mantel. I had one of their signature cocktails to settle into the ambience.

I'm really glad that Burnie persuaded me to come. This is definitely a place to frequent for free swing dancing and great music.

2014 Hike #8: Mt. Sutro

All this time I've lived in San Francisco, and all the local trails I've traversed, I am surprised I never once thought to hike Mt. Sutro.

It is a forest nestled in San Francisco's geographic center. The trees tower to at least 200 feet to shield you from the sun. And today was definitely a sunny day (in fact, this whole weekend has had great weather). There are a number of trails that go into the woods from various points around the mountain, and I chose to enter off Clarendon into the UCSF campus. From there, other trails splinter off into their own paths: The Fairy Gates, Historic, North Ridge, East Ridge. I started at the Fairy Gates and crossed over to the Historic trail. It led me to the Summit where there is a clearing to view Sutro Tower, The Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Park, Marin County, etc. 

I read that the best time to hike Mt. Sutro is during foggy weather when you walk into the mist as though walking through the clouds. I may try that and create an update on this post. We'll see.

Look closely; It's the Golden Gate Bridge

Birds flying above

The Planes! The Planes!

I've been doing quite a bit of field research of the residential areas along the peninsula. I have a wish list of what I'm looking for in a house. Must haves are: garage, back yard (with grass!), lots of natural light, and safe neighborhood. Nice to have: peace and quiet. Cities to avoid: San Francisco, Daly City, and Pacifica; I want sun!

Quiet is not likely to happen. SFO is very centralized along the peninsula. There is no getting away from airport noise. I've canvassed Brisbane, Colma, South City and San Bruno. No matter where you are in either of those cities, there's a plane flying over; even west of 280. So I've accepted the fact that no matter where I settle, it'll be noisy. (Though I would love to live around Half Moon Bay, it is out of my price range.)

So far, I have put offers on three different houses and all to no avail. Although I did get close with one (a counteroffer), ultimately, they all sold to someone else. So I move on to the next house and the next. It amazes me how little homeownership means to the current occupants. Have they no pride? Some of theses houses are in terrible condition.

I found another house this weekend, and it has potential. Let's see how far this goes. And yes, there are planes flying over. It's just part of living on the peninsula. 

2014 Hike #7: Junipero Serra Park

After an extremely busy week of teaching during the day and moonlighting as a DJ and chorus girl in the evenings, I finally had a day to myself. I didn't make it to Marin County this weekend since I had to view an open house this afternoon. So I opted to stay on the peninsula and hike Junipero Serra Park.

I traversed the Quail Loop Trail all the way to the peak where there was a nice bay view (if you can look past SFO). I then made my way down to the meadow view for a peaceful look across the bay once again ignoring the jet engines (a post on that later). Monterey pine, cypress, and eucalyptus tower over grassland. At times they create a natural canopy shading you from the sun. Within the trees chirped bluejays and other birds. High above were the hawks hovering and screeching.

There are several picnic areas along the trail and I kept thinking how nice it would be to have a BBQ among friends (complete with veggie dogs, of course). This is definitely a place I'd like to return and spend the day exploring other areas of the park.

Chorus girls!!!

Our dance troupe had a rehearsal shoot not too long ago. These are by far my favorite. Don't we look lovely? Enjoy!

Bobby D.

Ahhhhhh Bobby Milk. 

"Who?" you ask? 

Why none other than Robert De Niro, perhaps the greatest actor of his generation. 

I've been a long, LONG time fan. I don't know what the appeal is, but for as long as I can remember, I've always been drawn most to him. I've seen many of his films; not all because he has done a few box office bombs. Perhaps it's my preference for noir of which many of his films fall under that category such as Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Angel Heart (a horrid movie, by the way), and Heat. Then of course there are the mafia/crime films like The Godfather II, Once Upon a Time in America, Untouchables, GoodFellas, A Bronx Tale, Casino. There are just too many to list. Or maybe it's his devilishly good looks that often morphs into a mean mugging face. 

When I decided to finally have a male figure tattooed on me, I asked my tattoo artist, Bud, to make an Edwardian era gentleman with a caricature of Robert De Niro. When it came to placement, he put the stencil on my right forearm. I shook my head no. "I'm not ready to go below the elbows." He was understanding and placed it on my bicep.

When I flew down to L.A. last month, I made my requisite stop at mi amiga's (Wendy) house in Long Beach. She showed me her latest tattoo that Bud did before he went on medical leave. I was in awe. It was a portrait of Johnny Depp; her all time favorite actor. That was when I realized that I am finally ready to go below the elbows. I messaged Bud and said when he's back at work, we're doing a De Niro portrait. He's definitely stoked to do it. I'm hoping we'll get it done this summer.

So in the meantime, I've been researching the right image for a black and grey portrait. Wendy keeps pushing me to get Travis Bickle. EVERYONE does that character that it's become a cliché. But I did come across some great examples.

This is my favorite one. 

Then there is the ever popular Jimmy Conway.

It's too bad this artist put the mole on the wrong cheek.
I hope it's a mirror image.

And this great color portrait from De Niro's role in Machete (which I've not yet seen).

Then there's this curiosity. Frankenstein's Monster. I guess the person who owns this tattoo really loves Mary Shelley's classic novel.

I even saw one Max Cady tattoo though I don't know why anyone would want to tattoo a homicidal, sociopathic rapist. I've only seen this movie once and that was enough. I really disliked that character immensely. I know De Niro's rolls aren't usually the nice guy types, but this character is just too extreme for me.

Of course there is the classic Vito Corleone which is the character I used as a model for my caricature.

I was surprised to find that the character I plan to use isn't among the most sought after design. Neil McCauley. I LOVED him in Heat. It is my favorite De Niro movie. I also think this was when De Niro (at age 50) was at his most handsome. Of course, I am a sucker for goatees. It makes any man more attractive. What I also liked about this character is that despite his tough exterior, he really had a soft spot with some vulnerabilities. It's what made him human.

So this will be my portrait. Hopefully Bud will be back in the shop when I go back this summer. The spot will be my left forearm and a gateway to full sleeves.

2014 Hike #6: Fort Cronkhite

As I hiked the Lagoon Trail last week, I noticed the adjacent hillside with a different trail. The headlands have several trails that branch off in myriad directions. It's not possible to traverse every trail in a single day, so it was back to the Marin Headlands at Fort Cronkite. 

It was a serene walk along the coast with the waves crashing, birds chirping, ship horns blowing and the buoy bell tolling.

As I ascended the trail, I came across a split where I could continue on the current trail or on to a paved trail. I decided to stick with the rocky trail. The views were breathtaking. Waves crashing agains the rocks below. Cliffs with layers upon layers of sediment. The pine trees that curved over the trail providing a natural canopy.

Eventually, the trail grew thinner until is disappeared completely. Unfortunately, I was along side a steep hill. That meant continuing along the makeshift trail of previous hikers who carefully descended. I thought about going along the paved road once I returned to the split, but the weather went from a light rain to a near downpour. Perhaps next week when the weather is better; when I don't have to put Daisy in a sling and carry her along the trail (she's still in her walking cast). Until then, enjoy the beauty of the Bay Area...even during rainy days.

MOAH

After my 49ers devastating loss to the Seahawks, I stated, "I REFUSE to watch the Super Bowl." Most everyone doubted that a football fan as myself would forgo watching the biggest game in sports. Have they forgotten how much of a loyal 49er Faithful I am? I kept my word and avoided all media related to Super Sunday. 

My plan was to shop the Alameda Antique Fair, but it was rained out. Instead, I opted to spend the day in Palo Alto. I'd been wanting to go to the Museum of American Heritage (MOAH), so I finally made it a point to go. MOAH is housed at The Williams House; a 1907 custom built home by and for Dr. Thomas Williams, who established his medical practice there making him the first to open a doctors office in Palo Alto. The home currently houses five exhibits, one of which is a rotating exhibit of different artifacts. This season's exhibit is the history of television. I'd always thought that television was invented in the 1950s when in fact it came out decades before. TV sets appeared in the American home in the 1940s. The exhibit had several early models on display.

The other, permanent exhibits feature the following: a 1930s kitchen, a 1920s general store, a print shop and a 1920s garage & automobile workshop. I absolutely loved the kitchen. Though I currently own a 1940s WedgeWood stove, I'm considering purchasing a 1920s-30s working stove. (Of course, I have to buy the right house for it, first...yes I'm still on the house hunt.) The refrigerators of that time looked like pieces of furniture more than an appliance. The laundry area was somewhat reminiscent of my grandmother's house. Which reminds me, I have a 1930s electric laundry machine that would make a great addition to my future house.

The house garden is currently in its winter state, but I can only imagine how beautiful it will be come spring. 

After the museum, I decided on lunch at Palo Alto Creamery only to find that it has changed its name. It is now Peninsula Creamery, but at least everything else has remained the same. Good selections and good service. 

And since it was still early enough in the day (which meant the Super Bowl was just getting started), I walked down to my favorite movie house, Stanford Theatre. The current festival is Frank Capra (It's a Wonderful Life). On the bill was Mr. Deeds Goes to Town  and the pre-code Forbidden with a very young Barbara Stanwyck. Both wonderful films that highlight the ordinary Joe/Jane in extraordinary situations. At times, I was a bit teary eyed because some the themes hit close to home. But that's what makes Capra a cinema genius.

I must say that this was a lovely and enjoyable Sunday.

It's a Bitter Little World

One of the best SF festivals is the Noir City Film Festival held each January at the Castro Theatre. This year's festival featured Noir Films from around the world; Europe, Latin America, and Japan. I missed opening weekend because I was in Los Angeles, and I was unable to view the original production of  Brighton Rock since I had a scheduled performance with my dance troupe. I was able to catch 2 double features on Friday and Saturday. So of course I adorned myself in 1930s true vintage attire and transformed into a femme fatale that was often the central character is noir cinema.

Friday's films were El Vampiro Negro and Le Sailare de la Peur. Both films were very well made. I was impressed with Vampiro's cinematography with its sharp lines and downcast shadows. The music enhanced the melodramatic atmosphere. The acting wasn't too over the top as most low budget noir films had been during its hey day. Le Sailare was a stark contrast. This film was indeed, suspenseful but I saw no elements of noir. In fact, more often than not, the mood was lighthearted. What I enjoyed, though, was the actors' abilities to code switch between four languages; English, French, Spanish and Italian. I'm fluent in English and Spanish with a good knowledge of Italian. I felt dizzy at times as I was trying to adjust to the abrupt code switching. The film also appeared to be a bit anti-American with its tongue-in-cheek reference to the U.S. obsession with oil (apparently it's something that has always been and will always be an issue). I laughed it off since I agreed with most of the sentiments. Apparently everyone in the audience did, too. 

The Outfit

Saturday's bill was two French films; Duex Hommes dans Manhattan and Du Rififi Chez Le Hommes. Both films were very well made. Duex Hommes brought some memories of my times spent in New York; usually spent roaming the streets at night because that's when you see real life in NY. That life was well represented on screen. Rififi is a heist film. It reminded me so much of The Asphalt Jungle and Heat; the organization,  implementation, and the aftermath of a successful heist. The best scene was the actual heist; 30 minutes without dialog or music which added to the suspense. Like Le Sailare, some actors code-switched between French and Italian so it was nice to hear some dialog without having to rely on subtitles.

I loved my hair; a la Rita Hayworth

After the showcase, I met with a friend (and fellow dance troupe member) where we discussed noir fiction. I'm a longtime fan of Raymond Chandler and James Ellroy, and I've read all their novels. I'm looking into other authors and found a Gil Brewer pulp anthology. I never heard of him but I purchased it anyway based solely on the title Redheads Die Quickly. My friend also bought a copy. We had a good laugh since we're redheads (though she's a natural blonde and I'm a brunette). I also purchased a small book for my coffee table. A small book comprised of the greatest quotes in film noir cinema.

Though the festival lasted a mere 10 days, there is always a noir feature throughout the year. This Sunday will be a Rita Hayworth double feature: The Lady from Shanghai and one of my all time favorite Rita films, Gilda. 

2014 Hike #5: Lagoon Trail Loop

I'm back home in the Bay Area after a brief trip to L.A., and it's back to hiking the Marin Headlands this weekend.

Since Daisy is a bit handicapped at the moment (she's healing from a freak accident with an escalator at SFO. The floor panel sliced her paw and she has stitches), I decided to do an easier trail that wasn't too strenuous for her.

How is this comfortable? She really does sleep this way.

So we went back to Rodeo Beach and walked the Lagoon Trail Loop (a little more than a mile around the lagoon). It started off with a soft foundation, yet difficult to traverse: sand.

The trail led up to a steep incline before leveling into what seemed like a walk through the woods to grandma's house. I felt a bit like Red Riding Hood as I stepped slowly forward. I stopped to take in the sounds of the humming birds' fluttering wings. The soft sway of the branches through the breeze. Even with the twisted branches, the surroundings were beautiful.

As the trail neared its end, there were stunning views of the headlands and along the path galloped a horse. 

The Marin Headlands is quite expansive and there is plenty more I've yet to explore. Until next weekend, enjoy the photos.