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.
This photo was featured on the BART operators' Union Web site, along with text describing BART spokesman Linton Johnson as the 'Forbidden Fruit of Diligent Union Workers'
Earlier today, we noted that the nastiness level in the ongoing battle between BART and its unions had reached Spiro Agnew levels. Yet it appears the rhetoric may have gotten even a bit more hurtful than the combatants intended.
Posted on the Web site of the Amalgamated Transit Union No. 1555 -- the union representing around 900 BART drivers and station agents -- was a photo of BART spokesman Linton Johnson, dressed as a giant banana for a Jamba Juice event some years ago.
If the goal was to make management's mouthpiece look ridiculous -- well, mission accomplished. But the text accompanying the picture did more than that. "Linton Johnson: Forbidden Fruit of diligent union workers," read the caption. It warrants mentioning that Johnson is openly gay -- making the notion of calling him a "fruit" more than a little offensive. ATU President Jesse Hunt said he was not aware of Johnson's sexuality or that the picture was posted on his union's Web site.
"Well, you know, everything can be taken the wrong way. But I'm certain that [homophobia] is not the intention. I will have to see what is behind this, though," he said, acknowledging he "couldn't say" whose bright idea it was to pair this picture and caption on the union site.
When asked if he thought the statement was malicious, Johnson replied: "I don't know what it is, but my family along with my gay and straight friends are all calling me and are completely horrified, disgusted and offended. At the very least it's in poor taste and doesn't accurately reflect the wonderful, hard working, kind and thoughtful BART Station Agents and Train Operators in ATU who I meet day in and day out."
Bio:
Joe Eskenazi was born in San Francisco, raised in the Bay Area, and attended U.C. Berkeley. He never left.
"Your humble narrator" was a staff writer and columnist for SF Weekly from 2007 to 2015.
He resides in the Excelsior with his wife, 4.3 miles from his birthplace and 5,474 from hers.
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.'"
