Passion

The fountains mingle with the river
And the rivers with the Ocean,
The winds of Heaven mix for ever
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single;
All things by a law divine
in one spirit meet and mingle.
Why not I with thine?-

Percy Bysshe Shelley (17892 - 1822)

Ah passion. We eat it, sleep it and drink it. Every thought we have includes a morsel of passion. When we are in love more than any other time do we feel this sense of ecstasy and bliss. It is the commingling of hearts and minds that produce these feelings. If only we could feel that bliss every moment of every day.

The fact is we can. Passion resides not only between two lovers but between ourselves and the world around us. Feeling sheer passion is allowing your heart and mind to be open and free in order to experience your own unique creative talents. When you are doing what you love to do just as when you are in love it seems that the world stands still and you are focused on that one activity.

I know I feel that passion when I am writing or listening to music. It’s what gets the juices flowing that your passion is born from within. I’ve seen it and I’ve felt it so I know it can be done.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. When you feel passionate about someone or something, show it. Allow yourself to bask in the passion you feel.

2. Keep a journal. Write about your passions whether it be music, art or simply working in your garden, jot down your thoughts and how you feel while experiencing your passion.

3. Tell those you love how you feel about them. We sometimes either forget or don’t do this for fear of rejection or feeling silly. Don’t allow your inner critic which comes from your ego to stop you from showing love.

4. Read poetry. Even if you’ve never read poetry or don’t even like poetry, read the romantics and try to equate your feelings with that of the poet. Or, read a romance novel - that will certainly get the juices flowing.

Ghirardelli Square Wine Festival - Sights and Sounds

The Ghirardelli Square Annual Wine Festival "Uncorked" was in full swing when we arrived. There were wine tasting booths along Beach Street from Larkin to Polk and above throughout the square plaza. Cooking demonstrations from local restaurants were at hand displaying their epicurean expertise. Live entertainment could be found along Beach Street and the plaza. I was thrilled to see Pamela Rose performing. She is a San Francisco favorite and wonderful jazz singer. I was also blissfully pleased to see some of my favorite wineries including the Martin Ray wineries of Santa Rosa. Cellar 360 as shown above is that type of venue where you just want to grab some wine and cheese and hang out on the plaza all day long. I love it there - any job openings? Seriously though it is the place for wine on the square. Wattle Creek also has some tasty delights waiting for you. We spent many hours at this festival and loved every moment. Thanks to Lindsay Maxon for this local favorite each year. Below are some sights and sounds you may enjoy.

Along Beach Street





Live Entertainment

Pier 39 in San Francisco

Home to world class dining, shopping and entertainment, Pier 39 is located on Beach Street along the Embarcadero in San Francisco. This post will feature important facts and information.

Information: The retail shops within the complex are open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm with extended hours of operation during Summer months. The full service restaurants are open from 11:30 am with some opening earlier for breakfast. There are also many small kiosks where you can buy coffee, hot chocolate, hot dogs, corn dogs, sodas etc…

Security: Pier 39 is patrolled around the clock, 24 hours a day. The head of security is maintained by the SFPD and the security guards are experienced professionals who are certified in First Aid, CPR, The Automated External Defibrillator and Fire and Life Safety. They are well versed in law enforcement techniques and a wide range of emergency response scenarios.

Directions & Parking: Pier 39 is a major destination and therefore accessible by all major thoroughfares and freeways. The Pier 39 garage is located directly across street from the Pier. Patrons of any of the full service restaurants receive one hour validated parking for lunch and two hours validated parking anytime after 6:00 pm. Visit the Pier 39 website for detailed directions.

Accessibility: Pier 39 is handicap friendly and accessible to all. You can also receive sign language for live performances with a two week advanced notice. Call 415-705-5500 for further detailed information.

Anniversary: Pier 39 is currently celebrating it’s 30th Anniversary with special events throughout the year.

California Welcome Center: The welcome center is located on level 2. Pier 39 has two levels. The welcome center is the official California Visitor Information Center for San Francisco and the entire Bay Area. It’s hours of operation are seven days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Internet access and luggage storage is also available. Phone # 415-981-1280.

Public Transportation:

In San Francisco: The following MUNI lines go to Pier 39. The F line streetcar, bus #’s 30, 47, 10, 19 and 39. For trip planning click the MUNI link. On this website you can also plan your trip around the Bay Area by using the handy trip planning tool. Also taxi’s are plentiful and always available within the city.

From the East Bay: Blue and Gold Fleet ferry services from Alameda/Oakland and Vallejo - 415-773-1188. There is also AC Transit at 510-817-1717. My personal suggestion is to take BART when traveling to and from the East Bay to San Francisco. It is the quickest and most inexpensive means of travel. However if you want the scenic route, the Blue and Gold Fleet is the way to go.

From the South Bay: Caltrain or Sam Trans. Again, by going to www.511.org you can plan your trip and find all the information you need.

From the North Bay: The Blue and Gold Fleet ferry service from Sausalito or Tiburon - 415-773-1188. Golden Gate Transit 415-455-2000.

Shopping: There are over 110 specialty shops catering to souvenirs as well as high end gift shops.

Dining: From your favorite catch of the day to Italian cuisine and casual fare there is something for everyone.

Sea Lions: The major attraction of Pier 39 and located at Pier 39’s K dock which is located on the left hand side as you enter the main plaza toward the end of the pier. Just follow the barking.

Bay Views: There are panoramic bay views throughout Pier 39. Alcatraz and San Francisco Bay are the highlights.

Fun and Activities: Pier 39 is fun for the whole family. From the Riptide arcade to the Frequent Flyer Bungee Jumping to the San Francisco Carousel kids and adults of all ages love these attractions. For you music lovers out there the entrance plaza hosts musical performances 365 days a year.

Wordless & Weird Wednesday

A few of the oddities at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, Enjoy!



Upside down jellyfish.


While at the Academy of Sciences I stumbled across this exhibit. I should have taken notes rather than rely on my memory which seems to always elude me these days. However this exhibit was the stomach contents of either a whale, shark or snake. I cannot remember which it was but if any of you know please let me know.


Coral Whiskers


Residents of the Galapagos Islands.

The One Lovely Blog Award

I want to thank Icy over at Reach Beyond Limits for this award. It is always so inspiring to know that my fellow writers appreciate what I do each day. Receiving awards such as these are special and very much appreciated.

To participate, if you so choose, save the award photo to your computer, nominate your favorite blogs with a link to each blog and post a comment to your recipients letting them know they received the award.

So, I would like to pass on this award to those that inspire me each day and make blogging fun and worthwhile.

1. Robin's Nest is a poetry blog which displays passion, insight and a sense of belonging.

2. Reach Beyond Limits allows me to see and appreciate everyday life for its simple pleasures through writing, poetry and photography. Icy has a gift which she so eloquently shares with the world through her creativity.

3. Ratty over at The Everyday Adventurer takes everyday adventures (hence the name) and turns them into fascinating tales of nature's glory and power. I am always left with a profound sense of wonder after visiting this charming blog.

4. Zorlone is a true creative spirit who writes poetry that will leave you spellbound. His insights and traditional style of writing is second to none. As a poet I am in awe of his talents.

5. Betchai over at The Joys of Simple Life leaves me breathless with her stunning photography. This blog is the epitome of appreciating the simplicity of nature and enjoying life moment by moment.

Please do go visit these blogs. I want to thank Icy again for this award.

The Essence of Nature

Shakespeare Garden - Golden Gate Park in San Francisco

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir

Being in and experiencing nature is being in touch with your spirit - your roots. We all live in a hurried world full of chores, errands, work, play dates and so much minutia that we hardly have the time to sleep or eat, let alone become refreshed and in touch with ourselves.

Nature provides us with all we need both physically and emotionally. It provides us with food, water and the basics of life. It refreshes our senses and allows us the freedom to listen to it’s call and understand it’s mantra. It is peaceful and serene and provides tranquility. Just listening to birds sing or the rustling of leaves on a windy day take us to never ending heights of joy and bliss. Going back to earth, to our roots is a journey in finding our authentic self.

To be happy is not to eat, sleep and work. It is to experience the bliss of nature and allow it to refresh our souls.

How can you accomplish this?

1. Allow yourself some time each day or even each week to experience nature. Talk a walk in the park on your lunch break or take a walk down the street and just listen to the wind or the birds. Let your mind wander and drown out the sounds of the streets.

2. Take time to smell the roses. We hear this all the time but it is true. Smell the flowers. Take in the scents of the oceans and parks.

3. Spend time in nature while vacationing. When I was in Hong Kong I trekked up to Wisdom Path which is near the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island. This sacred spot was next to Lantau Peak which is the highest mountain in Hong Kong. It was the most invigorating, inspiring and refreshing experience I have ever had in my life. There is nothing like being high on a mountain top with a gentle breeze and rapturous seas below you.

Find the time to breathe in nature.

The DeYoung Museum

The Mantra

Let us give birth to your carvings
and redesign your gothic symmetry,
let us resurface sacrificial grounds
with tender strokes and brushed etchings.

Silent as a tear
statuesque deities
blessed by
monastic chants
and ancient rituals
pervade dark halls
the triumphant centurions.
Abstract meanderings
the Poe de’artique
peacefully coexist
with aboriginal mediums.

Our ancestry we salute,
on the river Nile, through
ancient Mayan ruins to the
glory that was Rome.
A celebration of culture
that is us, ours, we together
as one family - our city
embracing the diversity.

The Poetry Chapbook

The chapbook was created around the nineteenth century. It was named after writers who would peddle their writing collections on the street. Writers would simply print and write their poetry, ballads and stories on paper, fold the paper in half and sometimes design a sheet of paper with hand drawings and use that as a cover for their book and sell them.

Nowadays, it’s much more advanced. Chapbooks are anywhere from 16 to 40 pages long. Anything over 40 pages is considered a full length book. There is software you can purchase for desktop publishing which allows you to make the chapbook yourself. However this can be very time consuming and if you are not computer savvy, like me, it can be a daunting task.

There are chapbook publishers who can either offer you publishing alone or offer contests which require an entry fee but if you win the contest they will publish your chapbook. I personally am wary of these contests. First, because you need to send a reading fee which is usually pretty steep ranging from $20 on up and if you do not win, you’ve just thrown away the fee you’ve paid. I would say do some research online and find chapbook publishers. There are many out there so see what they have to offer. The one most important factor for me when I was researching publishers for my chapbooks was the control issue. I wanted as much control over the entire process that I could possibly have. I wanted to use my own artwork for the cover, I wanted to choose my own font and style and basically wanted to have a choice for the entire book. In the end I went with Shadow Poetry and there are many others as well. You can also go with Lulu.com who also offers publishing and prints the books as they are needed.

Now publishing a chapbook is not something you should even be thinking about until you have some publication credits under your belt. Of course if you have written some poetry and don’t intend to have anything published but rather a nice little book with your words which you can give as gifts to family and friends, then by all means check out publishing your own chapbook.

If you’re a poet who has some publishing credits to your name such as being published in 10 to 20 different publications then you may want to think about publishing a chapbook of your best work. Chapbooks are great for poetry readings and using to establish yourself within the poetry world. However most bookstores unless they are independently owned do not carry chapbooks. What you can do though is contact your local small bookshop and offer to do a signing of your book in their store and sometimes they will allow that because it creates a buzz for their store. You can also check out local cafes and see if you could host a poetry reading. The bottom line is chapbooks are a good first step in getting your name and work out to the public.

Check out my chapbooks here. Enjoy!

Chinese Calligraphy

Ancient dynasties
as Ming, Qing,Tang
displayed in thematic fashion
a masterpiece of history.

Archaic scrolls
of parchment, sometimes satin or silk
the Buddhist sutra;
an archived honorarium
of the written word.

I study the poems and lyrics
in running scripts
a language unknown
the forbidden city.
I understand the poet
within each character
the Michelangelo of words.

I marvel the artistry
of a simpler time
where poetry was revered
and wonder if this poem
I am about to complete
will live within it's own dynasty.

Wordless Wednesday - Alligators, Lizards, Sharks & Snakes

From the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco I decided to display a photo montage of the attractions which made me shudder in fear yet happy they were all behind glass or confined to exhibits. There is a video as well. Enjoy!

Vocalist Sony Holland In The New York Times

Currently based in San Francisco, vocalist Sony Holland comments on the recession and her career. You can read the story here.

Click here to view the artist slideshow page which includes photos and comments.

Out Of This World by Sony Holland Goes Green

Out Of This World by: Sony Holland

Going green with an eco-packaged design and new vocals produced by Van Ness Musical Productions and HeebaLibra Music this 2009 remix is better than ever. It boasts 13 tunes with 10 classic standards and 3 originals by songwriter Jerry Holland.

The cover stays true to the title and look of the CD. It is an eco-packaged design without any plastic or shrink wrap. Anything sans shrink wrap - I love. The inside cover displays the song list, composers and band members. On the inside right flap, which holds the CD, is a photo of Sony during a recording session along with a personal note autographed by her. The back cover displays each track along with another photo of Ms. Holland during one of her performances.

The songs on this CD will be familiar yet presented in a fresh unique tone. The new vocals are smooth and sensual yet powerful as is evident in the Etta James hit “At Last.” Sony’s voice matures with each and every performance and CD release. “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” is the perfect example. Smooth, soft tones emanating off the lips of this fabulous singer like a rich Cabernet massaging the palate. The title track “Out Of This World” is just that and is indicative of the entire CD. “It’s An Understatement” penned, composed and arranged by Jerry Holland is lyrically a treasured testament to love. It employs a Latin sound and one of those songs that when heard, you just have to get up and dance. “In A Sentimental Mood” is simply delectable and shows the height and range of Sony’s voice. My all time favorite “Old Devil Moon” is performed with a sassy smoothness that tantalizes and beguiles. Her voice just keeps getting better and better and as a result, the CD’s - hotter and hotter!

I’ve Got You Under My SkinOut Of This World 2009 is a classic in it’s own time. For information, song clips, news and reviews go to http://www.sonyholland.com

Enjoy!

Living Green Rooftop At The California Academy Of Sciences

Measuring in at around 200,000 square feet, the rooftop at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco houses the densest population of native wildflowers and plant species in the city. The skylights above the larger domes as you can see in the photo open and close throughout the day to allow sunlight to reach the exhibits below.



The living rooftop with it's seven hills and slopes is designed with the patented Bio Tray. There are 50,000 of these porous biodegradable trays which encompass the entire roof and are made of coconut husks and tree sap and are used as containers for the vegetation. These containers allow the roots to interlock and fit together likes pieces to a puzzle.




The green rooftop keeps the interior of the building about ten degrees cooler than a standard rooftop. The plants and vegetation also transform carbon dioxide into oxygen, capture rainwater and reduce energy needs for cooling and heating. The weather stations on the roof monitor the wind, rain and temperature for the automated ventilation system.




Known as the world's "greenest museum" I thoroughly enjoyed the living rooftop. This is a must see when you visit the museum. For more information visit the Living Rooftop page on the Academy of Sciences website.

Ships Along Hyde Street Pier And San Francisco Bay

Princess Cruise ships docked at Pier 35 in San Francisco Bay.




Pier 35 docks.




View of the Balclutha and the Hyde Street Pier vessels from Aquatic Park.




The Hercules.




The Hercules.




The Eureka Ferry Boat.




Entrance to the Eureka Ferry Boat at Hyde Street Pier.

My Story With Today.com

I've been contemplating for weeks whether or not I should tell my story about Today.com and finally realized after reading some of the posts on their forums by newbies that I should get all the facts out there so that new bloggers are able to make informed decisions about whether or not they should be blogging with today.com

I joined up with them in September of 08 after seeing an ad on Craigslist. At that time I knew absolutely nothing about blogging. When I saw that they paid $1.00 per post for two blogs plus $0.02 per impression I thought well, why not give it a try. So, I signed up, got my two blogs A Poets View and My City By The Bay. I took my blogging very seriously and posted daily. It was like a job for me. I must say that I learned alot from all of my fellow today.com bloggers in the forums. I was always able to get a quick response by other bloggers to my questions. Admin, half the time ignored what they did not want to answer.

In the beginning it was great. My traffic was steadily growing and I was gaining readers each day. I loved writing on the San Francisco blog because it allowed me to be a tourist in my own hometown. It was fun. Then, Today.com decided to change the blog templates to a universal one. I didn't like the idea but went along with it. Then they decide to implement their advertising program. The rates in the beginning were very low at only $4.99 to advertise on any blog for the entire month. This was before they made it public. I admit I thought it was a great idea so I went ahead and bought advertising on some of my favorite blogs including my own. What they did not tell us was that after a months time the rates could skyrocket. When I found out I immediately wrote to them and told them I could not afford those ridiculous rates. I got an email from them telling me that the way it works is that once we buy the ads they will stay in effect until either I or they decide to cancel them. Which basically told me that they stay at the original price until someone else buys them at a higher rate. I knew then, that they could not be trusted.

The new advertising guru HP had told me before this happened that he would be talking to me about being partners with him in the revshare program. When I let all the ads cancel after the month's end, I never heard from HP again.

Then they come up with the affiliate program. Again I thought well why not? It's a way of making some extra money. So, I implemented affiliate ads into each post, which by the way I did not enjoy doing because I didn't want my posts to look like I was selling something. Not to mention, on my San Francisco blog all the affiliate ads for tours, attractions etc... were way overpriced in comparison to actually being in San Francisco and buying tickets and I felt bad about that but again, I did what they asked. I also realized that there was really no way for me to see any stats on these affiliate ads. We had to just go by what Today.com told us. I made one sale for eight cents.

Then comes the Entrecard debacle. I had a problem with a virus from an EC ad at that same time Today.com banned them. Then, they decide not to ban them but threaten if we allow any paid ads our accounts would be closed. The whole thing was ridiculous.

We've always been told that traffic from Google pays the $0.02 CPM well I can tell you for a fact that they are lying about that statement. For almost a month I didn't post on either blog or advertise them. My stats showed traffic only from Google and the amount did not add up to the $0.02 they claimed. Not only that for some reason they disabled Google Analytics so we could no longer track the stats - a second red flag for me.

In March, Today.com gives me the Editor's Choice award for my A Poet's View blog. Of course I'm thrilled to get that and I'm thinking how wonderful they are and even write a post about how they are the most wonderful blogging community around. The day after, that same blog is taken off PPP. I'm obviously baffled as to why so I write asking what's going on and of course, no response. I write again and I'm told that quote "It's just A Poets View and not on My City By The Bay." That didn't really answer my question but I left it at that.

During this same time I do a copyscape search on both blogs as I did on a monthly basis. To my horror I find that since middle March each and every post on my A Poets View blog had been scraped to include not only the text but the photos and affiliate links as well. The text was somehow altered so that it was not verbatim and the posts were on at that time five different blogs. They are now on eight different blogs all located in Russia. I totally panicked, did not know what to do so I wrote to admin. I heard nothing, I wrote on the forums pleading for help and of course I heard nothing from admin but did receive some good suggestions from fellow bloggers. I wrote again to admin and they told me quote "thank you for bringing this to our attention." I would think that since Today.com owned the content they would help in resolving the issue but did nothing. I issued a cease and desist order which I found online but of course they plagiarists ignored the order and there was really nothing more I could do. I blogged about the plagiarism and received many comments including one from another Today.com blogger who mentioned that there was another blogger on Today.com who was posting scraped content from the Washington Post website on pasting it on her own blog at Today.com. A day later I get an email from Admin telling me to delete that comment because it "looked bad" for Today.com I hated censoring a comment but I deleted it.

As a result of the plagiarism I no longer could stomach writing on A Poets View blog any longer so I stopped. At the same time I noticed and began reading about all the bloggers who were locked out with their accounts and being closed for speaking out in the forums. When I heard that I decided that I no longer wanted any part of Today.com.

I checked my stats and realized that I would just make the $50.00 payout for the month so I would wait to do or say anything. Then, as we all know payday is the 10th of the month. So, on May 8th, we all receive an alert while looking at our VIP stats that if we made $600.00 for the year we would have to send them a w9 before we were paid. Well, because of that award I received and the fact that I was still on the PPP for My City By The Bay, I reached that amount. So, on Friday the 8th, I download the w9 in it's entirety, fill it out, sign it and mail it. It was being mailed to PA from California so it would not take more than three days to arrive. I contact them on the13th and they tell me they don't have it. We go back and forth with emails and by this time you have to realize I do not trust anything they say or do so I finally tell them if I don't receive my pay NOW I'm contacting my attorney. They write back and tell me they are sorry I feel this way but they cannot pay until they receive the w9 because they are now based in the USA as opposed to being in Canada. Long story short and I know, I'm sorry this is so long, I tell them that I will send it again and if I don't receive my pay by the 22nd - can you say lawsuit? I then decided since I don't have a scanner I'll take a photo of the w9 and email it. Seconds later, I receive an email from accounting telling me the funds have been deposited.

I then write a post on My City By The Bay blog redirecting everyone to my new blog. I get an email from Today.com a few hours later saying my account was closed. I checked My City By The Bay blog and they deleted my post redirecting everyone to my new blog. I knew they were going to do that.

I'm sure there are some points I'm forgetting here because there were so many things that happened. However what I know now is that having your own blog with the freedom to do and say whatever you want far outweighs any pennies you will receive from Today.com. I do however have to thank all the help I received from my fellow bloggers there.

Also another point I want to make. The latest in their advertising "schemes" If you look at any of their blogs you will see green highlighted words which are basically links to websites that are selling you something. The bloggers obviously had nothing to do with these ads. They were implemented by HP in advertising.

That's my story and I just wanted everyone to have the facts. It is so nice to have my own blog, with my own ads even if all I get is pennies a day with AdSense. I know it will grow and I feel so much better about not having to "pimp" my blog for Today.com's greed.

Sunday Brunch at McCormick & Kuleto's

Sunday at McCormick's
Every Sunday
11:30am – 3:00pm

Start off your Sunday right at McCormick and Kuleto’s as you enjoy brunch overlooking the beautiful San Francisco Bay. From San Francisco treats like Crabcake Omelets to classic Buttermilk Pancakes drizzled with fresh fruit, McCormick and Kuleto’s is the perfect start to any day.

Brunch at McCormick and Kuleto’s will be offered on Mother’s Day serving the standard menu as well as a few special options in appreciation of moms everywhere.

For reservations Click Here

Moon Jellyfish At The California Academy Of Sciences

While perusing the exhibits at the California Academy of Sciences, I became completely fascinated by the Moon Jellyfish aka Moon Jelly. Watching these creatures drift around had me mesmerized. There are several different species of Moon Jelly which are impossible to identify without genetic testing. They are translucent and are very limited in motion. They basically drift within the oceans and are found all over the world close to shores and harbors.

Moon Jellyfish are without a respiratory system and therefore breathe by diffusing oxygen from the waters around them through very thin membranes. They hunt their prey by stinging them with tentacles and dine on crustaceans, mollusks and eggs from fish. Moon Jellyfish are eaten by sea turtles, some bird species and other fish. Humans of the Southeast Asia region all enjoy them.

I enjoyed just watching them and I hope you enjoy the short video clip I took of the exhibit.

The Balclutha At Hyde Street Pier In San Francisco

At over three hundred feet in length and one hundred and forty five feet in height, the Balclutha is a major attraction housed at the Hyde Street Pier in San Francisco. It has just returned home from a Winter’s dry dock.

Launched in Glasgow, Scotland in 1886 this square rigged cargo ship was built to carry everything from grain to fish to lumber and much more worldwide. Over two dozen seafaring crew members are needed to handle the ship while on a voyage.

It is housed along with other seafaring vessels at Hyde Street Pier right off of Aquatic Park . Before the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge, the Hyde Street pier was the main ferry terminal between San Francisco and Marin. It is now a part of the San Francisco Maritime Park Association. The pier is open to the public and offers tours of their ships. There is an annual Hyde Street Pier festival for tourists and locals alike.

Touring the ships is not only a learning experience but an enjoyable one as well. If you love ships and sailing, this is the attraction for you. I’ve toured the ships many times and I never get tired of visiting. While visiting there last week I went a little camera crazy. So, I will have more photos throughout the week. Enjoy!

Yoshi's Jazz Club June Lineup

YOSHI'S OAKLAND AND SAN FRANCISCO ANNOUNCE JUNE 2009 LINEUP CHECK OUT THE NEW AND IMPROVED YOS HIS.COM Monday, June 1 JENNIFER LEE Tuesday, June 2 JULIAN LAGE Wednesday, June 3 WILLIE JONES III QUARTET with GILBERT CASTELLANOS (Trumpet) MARCUS SHELBY (Bass) ADAM SHULMAN (Piano) Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, June 4, 5, and 6 legendary jazz vocalist extremely rare live appearance NANCY WILSON Sunday, June 7 2pm Matinee (one show) JAMES NEWTON & JON JANG Sunday, June 7 7pm (one show) IRIS DEMENT Monday, June 8 UPTOWN TRIO Tuesday, June 9 BRIAN BLADE & THE FELLOWSHIP BAND featuring JON COWHERD, MELVIN BUTLER, MYRON WALDEN and CHRIS THOMAS Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, June 10, 11 and 12 KIND OF BLUE at 50 featuring JIMMY COBB'S SO WHAT BAND Jimmy Cobb - Drums Wallace Roney - Trumpet Javon Jackson - Tenor Saxophone Vincent Herring - Alto Saxophone Larry Willis - Piano Buster Williams - Bass 2009 marks the 50th Anniversary of the original release date of Miles Davis' Kind Of Blue. The album was released in August 1959, stunning the jazz world by practically creating a new language of music. Its influence goes far beyond jazz. Kind of Blue is universally considered to be one of the best albums of all time, of any genre. Fifty years later, Kind of Blue-the epitome of spontaneous invention- is still the best selling jazz album ever. Legendary jazz drummer, Jimmy Cobb (the only surviving member from the original recording) leads a contemporary all-star band (musician detail above.) The group will perform their interpretations of Kind of Blue's five masterpieces: "So What", "Freddie Freeloader", "Blue In Green", "All Blues", and "Flamenco Sketches" plus other classics by Davis, John Coltrane, Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, and original compositions inspired by this era. Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14 CHRISTIAN McBRIDE & INSIDE STRAIGHT Christian McBride (Bass) Steve Wilson (Alto/Soprano Saxophone) Warren Wolf (Vibes) Eric Reed (Piano) Carl Allen (Drums) Monday, June 15 JAZZSCHOOL STUDIO BANDS Tuesday and Wednesday, June 16 and 17 BUCKY PIZZARELLI & BENNY GREEN Thursday, June 18 TIEMPO LIBRE Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 19, 20 and 21 MICHAEL FRANKS Monday, June 22 JUNIUS COURTNEY BIG BAND Tuesday, June 23 THE ADAM SHULMAN QUINTET 'Patterns of Change' - CD Release with Dayna Stephens (Tenor Saxophone) Mike Olmos (Trumpet/Flugelhorn) Adam Shulman (Piano) Jon Arkin (Drums) John Witala (Bass) Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 26, 27 and 28 PONCHO SANCHEZ'S LATIN JAZZ BAND Monday, June 29 BOBBE NORRIS & LARRY DUNLAP Coming Soon to Yoshi's Oakland: Larry Harlow and the Latin Legends - July 17, 18 & 19 Hawaiian World Fest with Hapa, Led Kaapana & John Cruz - July 25 & 26 Orchestra Baobab - August 1 & 2 Dwele - August - 7, 8 & 9 Terence Blanchard - August 28, 29 & 30 Hiroshima - September 11, 12 & 13 YOSHI'S OAKLAND 510.238.9200 YOSHIS.COM 510 EMBARCADERO WEST, OAKLAND, CA 94607 Monday, June 1 JAZ SAWYER PRESENTS 'BAY AREA YOUTH ALL-STARS' Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, June 2, 3 and 4 HERB ALPERT & LANI HALL Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 5, 6 and 7 ABDULLAH IBRAHIM (solo) 'Celebrating Senzo' Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, June 8, 9 and 10 CHARLIE HADEN, BOBBY HUTCHERSON and GEORGE CABLES First ever meeting of "Three Friends" Yoshi's San Francisco Exclusive Thursday, June 11 The Brooklyn Circus SF presents RYAN LESLIE Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 12, 13 and 14 CHARLIE HADEN, GONZALO RUBALCABA and LEE KONTIZ Debut Performance Yoshi's San Francisco Exclusive Monday, June 15 PUNK FUNK MOB part of the 'We Got The Funk' Series Tuesday, June 16 B'NAI REBELFRONT part of the 'We Got The Funk' Series Wednesday, June 17 GREG SCOTT part of the 'We Got The Funk' Series Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 18, 19, 20 and 21 "A Yoshi's Exclusive -- 1st Ever Collaboration" EDDIE PALMIERI AND THE PAN-CARRIBEAN ALL-STARS FEATURING GIOVANNI HIDALGO, DAVID SANCHEZ, BRYAN LYNCH, CARLOS HENRIQUEZ AND HORACIO "EL NEGRO" HERNANDEZ "THE SUMMIT" Monday and Tuesday, June 22 and 23 Yoshi's Inaugural GO LEFT FEST: WHERE CREATIVE ARTS COLLIDE celebrating with Sun Ra Arkestra Leader MARSHALL ALLEN - Distinguished Author ISHMAEL REED - ROSWELL RUDD - MYRA MELFORD/MARK DRESSER DUO - MATTHEW SHIPP - JOE MORRIS - SUNNY MURRAY - OLUYEMI THOMAS - LAFAYETTE HARRIS - BETH CUSTER and more Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 25, 26, 27 and 28 PHAROAH SANDERS QUARTET WITH VERY SPECIAL GUEST ZAKIR HUSSAIN Tuesday, June 30 KURT RIBAK TRIO with special guests 'gone' CD Release Wednesday, July 1 FAREED HAQUE & THE FLAT EARTH ENSEMBLE Coming Soon to Yoshi's San Francisco: Kurt Elling sings 'Coltrane/Hartman' featuring Ernie Watts - July 9-12 Chicago Afrobeat Project - July 13 Seldom Scene - July 14 Spencer Day - July 24-26 Les Nubians - August 26-27 Stanley Clarke - Hiromi - Lenny White - October 9-11 YOSHI'S SAN FRANCISCO 415.655.5600 YOSHIS.COM 1330 FILLMORE AT EDDY, SF, CA 94115

Wordless Wednesday - The Botanical Gardens

Being Wednesday allows me to showcase some of my favorite spots in San Francisco. These photos were taken a few days ago at the Botanical Gardens while I was in the area visiting the Academy of Sciences. Remember to click on the photo to see the full size image. Enjoy!

Wisdom Path ~ Hong Kong

While traveling in Hong Kong one of the highlights is visiting Wisdom Path which is located on Lantau Island in the same area as Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. Wisdom Path is at the foot of Lantau Peak - the tallest mountain in Hong Kong.

The international scholar and poet Jao Tsung-I donated his original calligraphy of the Heart Sutra to Hong Kong in June of 2002. He wanted an open air display of the work to be presented and dedicated to Hong Kong. As a result, Wisdom Path was created and completed in May of 2005.

Situated atop a steep mountain the 38 wooden columns or obelisks which are reminiscent of bamboo tiles which were used in ancient times form the number 8 which means infinity. With an aerial view the number 8 is clearly defined and seen. The heart sutra prayer is carved into each of the wooden columns. The heart sutra defined as “The Perfection of the Wisdom of the Buddha.” The prayer is a sacred treasure revered by Buddhists and Taoists alike.

It was created on the slopes of Lantau Peak so that worshippers could appreciate the inspirational venue mixing art with philosophy. Located within the same area as Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery this spot has a spiritual aura which resounds high atop the mountains.

Lantau island is the largest in Hong Kong in size though less populated than any other island. It is simply stunning and to visit Wisdom Path, the Buddha and the monastery in one day is nothing short of spellbinding.

There are stone steps to walk and immerse yourself among the spiritual setting of the carved obelisks. While I was there worshippers were kneeling at the foot of the wooden columns and praying. Being there and experiencing the peaceful and serene setting of Lantau Peak and it’s surroundings was breathtaking. I have never seen such beauty in one spot. Across from Wisdom Path is Lantau Peak which you feel as if you could just reach out and touch the pinnacle as it was so close in proximity. The sun reflected off the waters which were miles down the lush green mountain slopes. Walking through a forest setting towards Wisdom Path was a refreshing and inspiring journey.

Due to the sacredness of the area of Lantau Island, the Hong Kong government banned the use of vehicles on the island. The only vehicles allowed are buses and taxi cabs. If you live on the island you need special permission to drive a car.

If you ever have the chance to visit Hong Kong this is a must see sight along with Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. A day here will invigorate the senses and have you yearning to go back as soon as you leave.

Below is a map of the Lantau Peak area. If you have any questions or for itinerary planning, please leave a comment and I will get back to you.