Style beats piles and piles of fear

In Sofia Coppola’s 2006 Marie Antoinette is exemplified story of fame, fortune and fun. An artistic visionary, Coppola’s eye for color has it. This is a masterpiece to adding depth to her collection of the female protagonist. Anticipation for her 2010 release is brimming with hope to delight.

In San Francisco, where Coppola’s father’s Zoetrope studios resides is a hip quality hair salon that is garnishing oodles of attention. Mercer Street Salon located at 3012 Fillmore Street promises affordable services with exceptional style. As many women (and men) will attest to, their hair is their crown and glory and not to be fettered with. Mercer Street Salon then deems a reputable business which values to be merciful with one’s locks.

Across the bay in Berkeley there is a quaint little French inspired bakery called Sweet Adeline Bakeshop. Located at the corner of 63rd Street and Adeline one can find this local spot warm with friendly service and lovely pastries. Oh, but don’t worry…coffee and sandwiches are served there too with the latter made on homemade focaccia bread. On your way out collect marzipans or blondies or even yet tres leches. It’s a vacation away from San Francisco’s hustle and bustle and who knows you may indulge the need to replenish your own personal Antoinette.

All clamed up

Do you clam up your feelings; your thoughts like the rope used to harness a tent down as if it were capable of flying off. A flying tent of emotions, juxtaposed so as to convey a myriad of ideas ready to transpose into words. The canvass flapping in the wind like astronaut cheeks when catapulted into outer space. An army green or a circus rainbow style would do. Just so much as it is tilting slightly as if it knew its purpose and was determined on getting there. Other tents would be about but not flying rather floating in orbit like stiff magic carpets with total precision of gravity as if they had never left earth. Tables set with candles and linen, chairs occupied with people dressed for an exquisite occasion, perhaps the viewing of the flying tent with purpose. A bowl of grapes, cabernet pouring in voluptuous glasses; and ladies peering out of the curtain door bestowed with sheer layering as if flies would ever get up there.

Do you resist and insist on not listening to yourself. When you do listen, are you being heard?

Those who dare not to care

Everyone has their own problems. Some are petty though real while others are of grave concerns. When basic human needs are met with challenge then the individual’s problems spill over into their community, culture and society. Thus it becomes a problem for the village.

Writing for the SF Examiner in Media Literacy and Anthropology with intent to contribute in Parenthood and Consumer Relations, is a joy. Although it is a pleasure to write daily while pursuing screenwriting, it certainly requires great effort. Working from home offers the opportunity to be a stay-at-home single mom for two young children thus enabling a strong supportive upbringing. The flexible schedule allows parenting to happen as need be. It seems like a perfect situation.

For working single mothers receiving public assistance it’s like a set up for failure. Without a bank account or credit card Examiner.com won’t accommodate wages by sending a check. Without family or support from friends, which suggests how people get into poverty in the first place, this family may suffer albeit the talents, skills and passion to be a success. Having been a victim to scam artists, con artists, straight out rapists, and criminals alike it’s no wonder poverty becomes a vicious cycle; a culture of challenges that bestow little light to meet basic human needs to survive.

If you dare to care please email info@examiner.com and request to accommodate writers who are passionate about their subject and willing to do what’s required to make things work.

Love culture in San Francisco

Love is no stranger to San Francisco. Although the Summer of Love ended many moons ago, one can still find hippies passing out flowers to strangers today. As if it were a custom, love is a contemporary part of everyday life from the civilized traffic during rush hour to community consciousness and awareness. San Franciscans just live and breathe love.

In Berkeley passion is the cornerstone to social politics, a fact in every group big or small. From food to education Berkeley knows how to dig deep and get to the root cause of problems with the intent to resolve. Perhaps, this is just tough love but it is love all the same. In the end, love is subjective and humbling, reminding the individual how precious life is. When bridging the two cities vast approaches to love the result is smart heart.

As of late, the fashion these days with the kids of the 21st century and all the young people is hipster. Love Culture, headquarters in Los Angeles is a fashion Mecca for the smart shopping girl. In the San Francisco Bay Area Love Culture in Roseville offers a broad range of styles that inspire and fulfill the fashion desire. Located at 1151 Galleria Blvd or 1681 Arden Way Sacramento; check them out. You won’t be disappointed.

Phoenix rises back to the San Francisco Bay Area

If phoenix means the universal symbol of the sun, resurrection and rebirth than the French band Phoenix must love the San Francisco Bay Area. For their 2010 tour of their most recent album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, they performed in San Francisco at the Fillmore in January. But if you missed them then catch them live at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz on April 17th located at 1011 Pacific Avenue.

Their 1901 hit doesn’t merely stir the masses to their feet but it is a medley of vintage charm and modern art. That is the song suggests nostalgia for Paris in the early 1900’s while the video kicks it up with a fantastic showcase of strobe-like effects. It’s an anthem for the times as it serves the collective need to simply just dance whilst carrying much more. In the year 2010 it is the first 10 years of the 21st Century where the internet, google and facebook are pushing the envelope in space and time inner-connectedness.

If you go see Phoenix at The Catalyst make a day of it and hit the rides at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Built in the early 1900’s they are the only major seaside amusement park on the west coast. From their oldest roller coaster, The Giant Dipper to their upcoming newly renovated Haunted House this attraction is a must-see. What's more, their Unlimited Ride wrist bands are affordable and make it ultra easy to enjoy the rides to the hilt for the entire day.

Awaken the senses with Sofia Coppola’s Blanc de Blanc

Upon retrieving a chilled bottle of director Sofia Coppola’s Blanc de Blanc from the refrigerator anticipation set in. Wrapped in blush pink cellophane, a gift awaited. Patiently, the plastic tie was pried apart, the crinkling bag removed and the cork popped with sweet arrest. Once one glass was poured, sniffed then met on the palate a new experience was born. The aroma of pear, apples and even pineapple were there and even though the sparkling wine is fermented in stainless steel containers a hint of buttery yams was there as well.

In the opening scene of Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation sets up the audience for the entire film. Pink sheer panties over the bottom of actress Scarlett Johansen simply suggest that this is a story fresh and cushiony. Indeed, the protagonist is surrounded with material wealth but is secretly in search of soul. The color usage of pink proposes a raw approach to love which seems to come to fruition in the end. It’s as if someone whispered in Sofia’s ear and said, ‘Never let go of your child-like nature, it’s too endearing on you’. Her film presents a feminine condition in new cinema that is unlike any other. After seeing this film there is a definite air of power though it beckons like a girl. There is a good reason why pink is associated with baby girls. The softness that she evokes in Lost in Translation establishes beyond a new frontier in storytelling but a plethora of ways to tell it.

Get lost in Blanc de Blanc this Valentine’s Day or any day. It is delicious and can be paired with anything including any occasion. Sofia Coppola’s Blanc de Blanc can be found with other Champagnes at local grocery markets such as Whole Foods and Safeway.

Master the music made for Lucasfilms

The riveting film introduction scores such as Vangelis Papathanassiou’s gripping passion in Chariots of Fire was burned in viewers minds before they knew what hit them. Bernard Herrmann’s irreverent exposition in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho engaged a widespread panic button with the pungent stench of what a sick person can look like, calm and demur as opposed to what he is on the inside, able to do harm without a moment’s notice. Academy Award winner for Best Picture in 1961 West Side Story opened the floodgates for musical fanatics with its ever so prevalent expression of jazz and movement. Romeo and Juliet’s Dance of the Knights haunts hearts today. Clearly the marriage of music and film is sacred. Where the film is seen as a sonata, it is reasonable to appreciate the role of the composer to help tell the story.

San Francisco Film Society has teamed up with Lucasfilm in its second annual approach to Youth Education. The Bay Area kids are so lucky to meet with professionals from various Lucasfilm companies and learn about their work and clandestine views in the industry. Will Files, presents Skywalker: Creating Sound for Film, Thursday February 4th at 12:00pm. This is a fantastic opportunity for educators and homeschoolers alike to fieldtrip their students into the arms of the giant George Lucas and his entourage of creative souls. An amazing experience, The Art and Science of Lucasfilm is just beginning their 2010 year-long four-part series so be sure to check back for more details.

As with last year’s screenings and presentations of The Art and Science of Lucasfilm, this year’s events will take place at Robert Redford’s Sundance Kabuki Cinemas. Don’t miss the chance to expose your students to the venue such as Sundance Kabuki. On regular days, theater tickets can be purchased not only in advance but seats will be reserved so enjoy this gift in San Francisco to the hilt.