The Last Dance: Tipping

Ah the tip jar. How many of you out there just drop your change without a second thought? Have you ever stopped to think that perhaps you're giving a little extra for a service that took little to no effort on the part of the server?

Dizzy and I decided to touch on a subject that is quite controversial: Tipping. Just prior to our scheduled radio segment, I did some research and engaged in conversations with others about this very subject. The conversations definitely got heated. Generally the pro-tippers talked about the hard work service workers do that deserve an extra something. Others argue that servers earn a minimum wage and are just doing their job. The one fact they bring up is people who work in fast food. Carl's Jr. actually brings the food to your table. Why don't they get tips? Good points all around.

The discussions always get me thinking back to this classic scene: Reservoir Dogs. WARNING: Very colorful language.

For Mobile Users: Tipping Scene

Back in 1992, Mr. Pink makes a very convincing argument on his stance against tipping highlighting the societal pressure that is put on people to tip. Fast forward 22 years later (Gadzooks, has it been that long? I actually saw this film in theatres during its original run), and the pressure only seems to have gotten worse. Now you see websites devoted to disgruntled waiters who post their poor tippers' receipts. There are articles about those who pay an astronomical tip. In my humble opinion, it has gotten out of hand. What went from simple appreciation of generosity has now gone to an expectation, if not demand, for tips. Some tip jars even carry notes that guilt the customer into throwing in their change. It is very off-putting.

Don't get me wrong. I do tip when it's well deserved. In fact, I'm pretty generous, but there are times when I refuse to tip. I rarely walk into a corporate chain for any type of service, but if I do, I don't tip. These workers have a living wage AND get healthcare. However, if it's an independent, "mom and pop" type shop or restaurant, I always give something beyond the standard 15% rate. Other service industries require that the employee give a portion of their earnings to the business and for renting their space. This is most common in salons and tattoo parlors. I generally tip my hair colorist $20. My tattoo artist usually gets $50.

But what of those who perform minimal to zero to absolutely horrible service? Well you'll just have to stay tuned this Sunday, September 28th. Below is a snippet of our broadcast.

For Mobile Users: Radio Sausalito: Tipping

My setlist for this month included the following songs:

• Tip Light by Slim Gaillard (on the accompanying video)
• Tipping In by Erskine Hawkins and his orchestra
• Ain't Gonna Give None of This Jellyroll by Earl "Fatha" Hines

As always you can listen to The Last Dance on Radio Sausalito. The show will air this Sunday, September 28 at 10am and 6pm. Be sure to tune by clicking the link below.

http://listen.radionomy.com/radiosausalito.m3u

Silent Autumn

This season, the San Francisco Silent Film Festival descended upon Castro Theatre to showcase recently restored The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. I've seen this film before (though in very poor quality) and really enjoyed the German Expressionism so evident in this film: low budget set designs with geometric landscaping; painted walls and floors to represent lights, shadows, and objects; story lines that primarily deal with the psyche.

Dr. Caligari is considered the first psychological thriller that employed the plot twist. The film is presented in a framing format. That is, the first and final scenes are set in the present with everything in between a storytelling in flashback. Its title cards are written in German but contained the English translation. The writing was stylized to reflect the mood and tone of the film. The restoration was excellent with a crisp and clear image quite possibly not seen since its original run in 1920.

Another film showcased at the festival (and one that I also had previously seen) was The General staring the Great Stone Face, Buster Keaton. He was known for his deadpan humor and physically exhausting stunts. This silent comedy premiered in 1926 and, at that time, was considered the most expensive film ever made. The story focuses on a train engineer who embarks on a mission to retrieve his stolen, beloved train named "The General". Set during the Civil War, the majority of this film centers on a great chase along the railroad tracks. Keaton performed all of his stunts on a moving train. Perhaps the most iconic scene is when he sits on a moving coupling rod.

For Mobile Users: The General

What I enjoy most about watching silent films is the live music accompaniment. You have to give a lot of credit to the musicians who have to maintain their precision for an hour and half film. Dr. Caligari was performed by a solo organ player and The General performed by a mini-orchestra. 

SIDE NOTE

Speaking of music, there was an advert on screen for the San Francisco Symphony. In January, the symphony will be performing the music accompaniment for The Godfather. I am definitely going to be in attendance. 

The festival experience wouldn't be complete without a few photos of Castro Theatre itself.

2014 Hike #16: Old St. Hilary's

It was back to Marin County, but I didn't do the trail I wanted to hike. Originally I was planning to hike Cataract Falls, but with the recent rains and the potential for slippage, I opted for Old St. Hilary's. Plus, I didn't want to risk injury when I had a performance with my dance troupe that very evening.

This was a rather simple hike on the Tiburon peninsula. The locale offers spectacular views of Angel Island, the San Francisco skyline, The Golden Gate Bridge and Richmond Bridge. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate. There was overcast and fog.

The open space is an expansive grassland with one main trail that branches out to several smaller trails. Each of those trails provided different sites.

My favorite area was along a dilapidated fence. It just looked so rustic.

Though the weather wasn't too great for breathtaking views, there was a nice one of Angel Island.

And Richardson Bay.

This time I remembered to take a snapshot of Daisy who loved exploring this trail.

Next week for sure will be Cataract Falls

Levi's Stadium

When I was just a whippersnapper. Circa 1982

I am a 3rd generation 49er Faithful having cheered for the 49ers since I became aware of the world around me. I grew up during the Joe Montana era when his go to wide receiver was...Freddie Solomon (RIP). Bet you thought I'd say Jerry Rice. Well, #88 was the man before Rice joined the team. During my high school and college years, the man under center was Steve Young.

Since I grew up in Southern California, I only got to see them at least once a year. The Rams played in Anaheim at the time, and each year, the 49ers came for their division game. We were always in attendance. (A bit of trivia: Joe Montana NEVER lost in Anaheim.) Sometimes we'd see the Niners at the L.A. Coliseum to play the Raiders or in San Diego against the Chargers. Believe it or not, the 49ers do have a large fan base in Southern California, but nothing is better than being in 49er territory.

I didn't move to San Francisco until 1995 to attend USF. I would always go down to the local pizza parlor located on Clement Street (in what is now called Pizza Orgasmica) to be among my fellow 49er Faithful. I didn't go to my first Candlestick game until...flash forward to 2011. I went to only two games that season. In 2012, I went to six games. During it's final season in 2013, I only attended four games, including the final home game.

Final game at Candlestick

Yesterday was the 49ers regular season home opener at Levi's Stadium. It is now located 40 miles south in Santa Clara. I wasn't planning on attending, but my dad convinced me otherwise. He kept saying, "you gotta go. It's history!" But it's so expensive now; to which he replied, "I'll buy your ticket. Consider it your birthday gift." Well if you insist. So I got a ticket for the game.

I was in awe of the new stadium which sits right next to the 49ers practice field and headquarters. It is absolutely beautiful and definitely state of the art. Free wi-fi! The seats were a lot more comfortable than those at "The Stick". It was also more open with its wide corridors.

When it comes to the concession stands, this stadium considers every type of diet. Finally, there are more options available for vegetarians. They even have vegan dogs!

The field was stunning. I was so used to a faded out field at The Stick. This was more vibrant and the grass much healthier. Though I sat up in nosebleed section, it was still a pretty good view of the field. This stadium also has two megatrons. The Stick only had one, so sometimes if you were on the north end of the stadium, you wouldn't see the replays. But at Levi's, there is always a view of the scores and highlights.

The view from my seat

But that ever glaring sun! At the Stick, there was always shade due to it's cradling design. But Levi's is open. There wasn't any shade until the sun finally set at 7:30. This was a night game, so I can imagine how hot the afternoon games will be. Bring a hat! (The stadium provided free sunscreen.) Although, I'm thinking it is more worth buying a "Standing Room" ticket. You don't get a seat, but at least there is shade. Besides, there is still a good view of the field and more room to roam (and easier access to restrooms and concessions).

Standing room

I couldn't help but notice the terrific view of the Santa Cruz mountains in the distance. It's absolutely breathtaking.

Due to the proximity of San Jose airport, expect to see low flying airplanes above the stadium. You can actually read the airline name on each plane.

Levis wanted to retain some of its Candlestick heritage. They brought the foghorn to signal the time before kickoff as well as a celebration for each score. What I really liked was the return of the old chant GOOOOOO! NINERS! That brought me back to the 1980s when the entire crowd would chant in unison during blowout wins. We did this prior to the kickoff but not during the game. I'm hoping, though, this will be a continued practice for future games. It was always a better chant than the faster rhythm "Let's Go Niners" followed by the clapping.

Though the game didn't end as expected...let's be honest, I was pissed! I'm still upset with the loss...moving along...I may go to one or two more games this year; most likely in December when the temps are cooler and the tickets are generally cheaper. I would love to go when the Seahawks come to town but that is on Thankgiving night and hella expensive. We'll see.

Below is a highlight from the game. Enjoy and GO NINERS!

For Mobile Users: 49ers Home Opener

2014 Hike #15: Thornewood

I'm on a roll! Two weeks straight!  I really want to get back on my weekly hiking habit. I was planning on a hike in Marin, but I decided to stay on the Peninsula and save the Marin hike for my birthday weekend. 

I was researching some dog-friendly trails (I felt bad leaving Daisy at home last weekend) and came upon Thornewood Open Space Preserve. It was a little further down highway 84 just past Huddart Park and just beyond where Woodside becomes La Honda. I nearly missed the entrance; it looked like one of those private gated driveways.

Oh, but before I continue on this reflection, I first need to mention that on my way to Thornewood, I saw this beautiful vintage car.

The driveway actually leads up to a private residence, though it's currently uninhabitable. From what I researched, it's an old 1920s estate that is currently in restoration. Once completed, it will be open to the public. I'm definitely going to need to return to this trail for two reasons. One, to see the opulence of the 1920s. Two, to hike the path toward Schilling Lake. There were a couple trails that splintered off the Bridle trail. Schilling trail was blocked off before reaching Schilling Lake; some county workers were there to cut down some trees. 

Along Schilling, the trail is lined with maple trees and black oak. The leaves are just now starting to change colors for the coming Autumnal Equinox (my birthday!) The pops of color contributes to the picturesque setting. There is also a great view of the Portolá valley and beyond to the East Bay. 

The setting changes abruptly once you turn onto the Bridle trail. It's a redwood forest with towering Douglas Fir trees all around you. In a way, I sort of felt like Red Riding Hood walking through the woods. Oh and the smell. It was like Christmas. 

Deep into the woods, I came upon the realization that this trail is an "out and back" type of trail. It ended abruptly at Old La Honda Road. And it was back UP the trail. It was definitely a cardio workout.

I really want to see Schilling Lake and from what I've read on the MidPeninsula Preserve website, there a waterfall. Although, with this drought, there probably isn't much flowing water. But, I can imagine the colors once we get deeper into autumn. Until next time...

2014 Hike #14: Huddart Park

Life gets busy and exhausting to a point where you just can't make time for hikes. I've only been on short walks around the peninsula, but nothing like my previous excursions. After a long absence from nature, I am finally back on the trails. 

This weekend's hike brought me to the little town of Woodside just off 280 and 84. The town lives up to its name: Redwood trees everywhere. After meandering about 2 miles through the winding road lined with arched eucalyptus trees, I arrived at Huddart Park. 

There were several trails throughout the park, and I opted for the Dean/Crystal Springs loop trail. I should've gone with the shorter trails but I jumped right into a 4-mile loop. My feet are extremely sore. (Of course I had to get a pedicure soon after.)

The trail was absolutely breathtaking with its tall redwoods, chaparral, and wildlife. Although the only wildlife I encountered was squirrels and birds. It's a good thing I left Daisy home (no dogs allowed) because she would've gone wild chasing those squirrels.

The trail sort of reminded me of my hike through Muir Woods in Marin County. Then I came upon this bridge:

It immediately took me back to an amusing memory. I hiked Muir Woods with Demian. He had to go to the restroom so badly, and I mean he had to really go. We stopped at a bridge similar to the one above. He ran up the hill, and I waited. And waited. And waited to the point that I was worried that he could've encountered a mountain lion. Then he came running down. That look of relief got me laughing. He said he felt bad for the tree to which I said, "I hope you apologized to it." I'll never forget that. Happy times.

What I like most about hiking is the sound of nature. The crackling of the trees. The leaves rustling in the breeze. Birds fluttering and twittering above. Small animals scurrying unseen. It's absolutely peaceful. 

Unfortunately along the trail, my phone died, and I couldn't take anymore pictures. But I managed to capture this cool shot of tunnel through a stump.

And the burst of color as depicted below.

I'm so glad to be back on my nature hikes. Next week it's back to Marin County. Stay tuned.