Photo by: www.ChuckLantz.com © 2004
Here's a taste of the San Francisco scene, Rugged Elegant Living style, created to inspire you this weekend, September 17-19, 2004.
HEALTHY LIVING
Surfs Up!
Photo by: www.ChuckLantz.com © 2004
Every week day that's feasible, I jog 3-4 miles. This week, I've been on San Francisco's Crissy Field-to-Fort Point path.
Each day has been one quintessential Indian Summer morning, not to be missed, after another.
On Wednesday, there were more than twelve surfers out at Fort Point close to the Golden Gate Bridge attempting to catch a wave, or two. One of them, wearing a white helmet, succeeded, at least once in the five minutes I stopped to take notice.
Yesterday, almost as many surfers were out as on Wednesday. Only one of them forgot to wear his wetsuit. Actually, he didn't forget. He chose not to wear it. The guy's name is "Odd Todd." Todd's friend, Mark calls Todd crazy. Todd says he doesn't have time to put it on.
Two resources for both novice and veteran surfers:
Surfline.com
SurferMag.com
If you're interested in surfing lessons call thirty-five year veteran Steve St. Clair at (650) 359.5400. He is based out of Pacifica, and has been teaching for twenty years.
If you're looking for a surfboard, Rich Landerer of Rickland Surfboards has been making boards and custom painting them for the past three years. To date, he has made 235 boards which cost $550 in the local surf shops. His price: $300 - $400. He uses uni posca water based paint and airbrushing to customize your board. Send him an email at rich@ricklandsurfboards.com
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Rock Solid Fitness
Teresa Marchese
At the end of my run I try to pump it out to the St. Franciso Yacht Club parking lot.
This week, in addition to catching a glimpse of the big boats getting ready to race, I had extra incentive when I saw my old trainer, Teresa Marchese, owner of Rock Solid Fitness putting away her weights.
Teresa teaches two women's classes five mornings a week: one at 5:45 am and the other at 6:45 am.
She starts her clients out with a 16 minute multi-pace jog -- from walking to full-on sprint. (In crew, we call it "a Power Ten"). She then brings everyone over to their own mat which she has set up with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Each day she rotates from an upper body work-out to a lower body work-out. On Fridays, she often offers everyone a break, a chance to breath through yoga moves and stretching.
Teresa said "Three old students just came back. The classes are filling up again, now that I've completed law school. Before I get ready to take the bar, I'm currently exclusively focused on Rock Solid Fitness and Jay's art studio."
Teresa's husband is Jay Mercado, a prominent San Francisco realist painter, who has three large paintings currently hanging in Garabaldi's Restaurant in Presidio Heights.
The couple just returned from Southern California area where they spent a week learning how to eat organic. "The experience changed my life, significantly," Teresa said. "We are no longer drinking caffeine. And we have pretty much eliminated all dairy products from our diet."
Jay lost twelve pounds. She lost eight. More significantly, they are both focused less on "how they look" and more on the longevity of life. Contact Teresa directly for more information, if you're interested.
If you're a woman looking to get into shape or maintain your shape, and you like to work-out outside, go to:
SF.RuggedElegance.com/RockSolidSF
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Other San Francisco Bay Area Resources for Healthy Living
Free Breast Cancer Detection Screening Services
For women who are 40 years of age or older; have low income; who don't have medical insurance, or who have medical insurance that does not cover these type of services; or who have a high deductible or co-payment; and are not getting these services through Medi-Cal.
Sponsored by Bay Area Breast and Cervical Health Collaborative.
Call Mon-Fri 9am-7pm 1-800-511-2300
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ADVENTURESOME LIVING
San Francisco Big Boat Series Presented by Rolex
Attempting to park near the St. Francis Yacht Club was impossible yesterday morning. That's because the club's annual Big Boat Series, sponsored by Rolex, is under way on the San Francisco Bay.
Racing is in two Americap rating classes and eight one-design classes: Transpac 52, Santa Cruz 52, Farr 40, J120, Express 37, J105, 1D35 and Beneteau 40.7.
1,000 sailors and 109 boats have entered in the series. Competitors include local amateurs and pros from around the globe, including Olympic sailors, America's Cup veterans and ocean racers.
This year, there are seven classes plus two handicap divisions, from 35-footers to boats up to 70 feet long.
The largest boat expected: Grand Illusion, a Santa Cruz 70 from Hawaii.
Last year, the St. Francis Yacht Club cancelled the races due to the events of September 11th. The 40th annual series is one of the world's premier sailing events. The four day event began yesterday morning at 11am and will finish on Sunday with the traditional Round the Bay race.
Greek Sailor Nicholas Lykiardopulo’s Kerr 55 AERA, Winner of both IRC Class A Races - Day 1
Photo Credit: Dan Nerney, Rolex
This weekend, the place to watch is where the races end: Crissy Field.
Other locations include: Pier 39 and the northside of the Golden Gate Bridge - from the Vista Point.
For exact schedules, a list of competitors, go to: StFYC.com
For those unable to join in the fun, in January you will be able to TiVo the races as they are being broadcast under the title "The Spirit of Yachting."
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Tantalizing Television - People & Performances
Speaking of TiVo, a few shows / events to consider recording this weekend:
Barry Bonds' Attempt at His 700th Home Run
Tonight, the six-time MVP's 700th homer will likely come at SBC Park, where the Giants begin a nine-game homestand against the San Diego Padres. Friday's game begins at 7:15pm on FSN. Both Saturday and Sunday's game begins at 1:05pm.
The Miss America 2005 Pageant celebrates their 50th telecast on Saturday night.
Saturday's two-hour program, 9-11 p.m. ET on ABC, will be hosted by The Bachelor and The Bachelorette host Chris Harrison. Viewers will only see the top two finalists perform their talent the night of Atlantic City's live broadcast.
The Emmy Awards on Sunday night
ABC hosts the 56th Annual Primetime from 8-11pm. The event takes place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
The Ryder Cup Golf Championship - All Weekend
Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, USA Network; Saturday, 8 am-6 pm, NBC; Sunday, noon to 6 pm, NBC.
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Other Local San Francisco Events
Friday, September 17th
Graham Nash's "Eye to Eye" book signing and reading at Border's (400 Post) in Union Square/Financial District at 7pm.
Saturday, September 18th
Children’s Storytime and Family Walks at The San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum (Ninth Avenue and Lincoln Way) at 10:30am
Garden stories are read and then a tour of the botanical garden is provided. Admission is free.
Sunday, September 19th
From 10am-6pm on Sunday, The Valencia Street Fair brings our city rich with culture and diversity: Live music, vintage clothing, food and drinks. All the action is taking place on Valencia at 21st Street.
If you're in the neighborhood, we highly recommend La Luna Restaurant on 24th Street at Shotwell (415) 282.7110. They serve Sunday brunch and dinner beginning at 5:30pm.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
If you didn't get to go to Athens for the Olympics, you can still experience the best of Greek traditions -- food, music, dancing and cultural exhibits in San Francisco.
Their annual "Taste of Greece" Celebration takes place at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral (245 Valencia in the Mission/Bernal Heights) from 11am - 10pm, Friday and Saturday and noon - 9pm on Sunday.
Admission costs: $3
"Places of Taste" on the Radar Screen
If you want to get out of San Francisco but don't have the time or means, head to Daniel Patterson's Frisson in Jackson Square. "This is so sophisticated and hip you'd think we were in LA or New York" said Jennifer Kelly on Tuesday night. The "aroma" cocktails and appetizers alone are worth the trip.
Ongoing
Portrait by Rive Nestor
Do you own a pet? Would you like to make him or her a star? If so, take your dog or cat to The Urban Pet in Presidio Heights where they will help you enter your "pup star" in ThePetStar.com, the new online community launched this week by Rive Nestor, Laurie Martin and the UDOGZ Designs team. Every three months, the master of the animal with the most votes will receive a two-night stay at the Diva Hotel in San Francisco (the Star is welcome), dinner for two at Moose's, and a $250.00 shopping spree at The Urban Pet.
In addition, the top pet in each category (dog or cat) will receive an original portrait of their pet by well known san Francisco Pet artist, Rive Nestor.
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SOULFUL LIVING
City Church, Sunday at 9am and 10:45am - Sutter between Divisadero and Broderick
Volunteer Requests
Are you a painter, photographer, writer, dancer and actor?
The San Francisco public school system is looking for volunteers who are willing to share their artistic talent with students.
Please call 415-749-3700 x3009.
RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) encourages men and women 55+ to offer their patience, experience and enthusiasm as tutors in San Francisco elementary schools.
Training and support is provided.
Please call or email: 415-731-3335, bmarre@ncphs.org.
Experience Corps is seeking adults 55 and older to tutor or mentor children at Malcolm X Academy Elementary School in Hunters Point.
Read with a child, help out in a classroom, or participate in an after-school activity. We provide comprehensive training, team support, and personal in-school orientation. Volunteer just a few hours, or serve 15 hours a week and receive a monthly $150+ stipend. 415-759-3690 (ask for Janet).
For further information, go to: ExperienceCorps.org/SanFrancisco
Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful living -- whichever path you're on this weekend!
~ Jennifer King
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fresh content posted
It is Aftel's infusion of aromas and Patterson's flavors that make this cookbook collaboration published by Artisan Publishers (August 1, 2004) a winner. 
Chef Daniel Patterson