When the ancient Polynesians invented surfing, they often used a paddle to help them navigate. Fast-forward a few millennia, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding, or SUP, finds itself trendy again. Part of its increasing popularity is that standing upright allows surfers to spot waves more easily and thus catch more of them, multiplying the fun factor. Paddling back to the wave becomes less of a strain as well. The ability to cruise along on flat inland water, surveying the sights, is another advantage. Finally, it’s a good core workout. If you’re sold on the idea, schedule an intro SUP lesson, free with board and paddle rental, and you may find yourself riding the waves like a Polynesian king.More
Many of us remember coming home from our elementary schools with freshly glazed pinchpots, cups, or whatever else our young imaginations could conjure up. Saturday mornings at the Randall Museum can bring that memory back, or create a new one for the youngsters. Ceramics make great gifts — especially on Mothers' and Fathers' Day. Hop on board for the Randall's once-weekly class, and for $6 and two weeks to have your work fired and glazed, you'll have all the materials you need.More
December is almost over - the New Year is coming up and everyone is busy drying off from the rain or holiday shopping. Let's take a look at what's happened this month.
Tales of the CircuitWe follow three San Franciscans to the White Party, one in a continent-spanning series of huge, controversial, dance-filled, and drug-doused "circuit parties" for gay men
May 13, 1998
Kurt thoughtfully smooths his goatee with a forefinger and thumb as he surveys the clothes neatly arranged on his bed. Two weeks ago he planned exactly what he'd wear, right down to his snug, black 2(x)ist and white BodyBody briefs,…
One spring evening three years ago, Gessildo Silva and two friends were walking down a street in Rio de Janeiro. Suddenly, they found themselves surrounded by a gang of young men shouting, "Faggots!" and, "Barbie girls!" Silva and his boyfriend…
Rose Tsai does not look like the kind of woman to raise hell. Sitting quietly behind the microphone in a studio at KEST this evening, the petite woman with large round glasses is the virtual opposite of what you'd expect…
Even on this wettest of winter Saturdays, Pier 39 is bloated with tourists. Undaunted by the damp misery, they wander past the Stagg canned chili cart and the plastic "Venetian" carousel by the hundreds, pausing to admire the "I SF"…
Despite two earthquakes and a fire, San Francisco has done remarkably well for itself in the last century. Today, with the high-tech economy booming and construction cranes dotting its skyline, the city is indeed, as Mayor Brown says, "world class."…
With friends like the city attorney in its corner, it's little wonder that the Presidio Heights Association of Neighbors usually seems to get its way. For the last two decades, PHAN has rigorously enforced its code of genteel quaintness along…
At the core of the renovated federal Court of Appeals building in San Francisco is a new library. The room is furnished in a rich, butterscotch-colored maple that stretches from custom-built bookcases to carefully framed ceiling panels. Natural light filters…
Life just got easier for people who want to open businesses along what is probably the most desirable strip of undeveloped real estate in San Francisco -- the city's 7.5-mile waterfront. Earlier this month, the Planning Commission approved significant changes…
More than a dozen eateries cram the busy commercial stretch of Castro Street that runs immediately south of Market, but these days much of the neighborhood's dining activity buzzes around two new restaurants near the corner of Castro and 18th…
Unemployed, overweight, and deeply depressed, Kevin Saunders was spending most of his time smoking grass and telling lies about serving in Vietnam. Saunders' life had been heading steadily downhill for a long while. By August of '96, the end of…
The first thing a visitor sees upon entering Dave Newell's apartment in El Sobrante is the red-and-white vinyl front bench seat from a 1964 truck. But this is no ordinary seat, Newell explains earnestly. It's a talking seat from one…
Sub Pop recording artists 'clipping.' brought their brand of noise-driven experimental hip hop to the closing night of 2016's San Francisco Electronic Music Fest this past Sunday. The packed Brava Theater hosted an initially seated crowd that ended the night jumping and dancing against the front of the stage. The trio performed a set focused on their recently released Sci-Fi Horror concept album, 'Splendor & Misery', then delved into their dancier and more aggressive back catalogue, and recent single 'Wriggle'.
Opening performances included local experimental electronic duo 'Tujurikkuja' and computer music artist 'Madalyn Merkey.'"
