Because I Said So

I know at least half of you reading this can never make up your minds about anything so I’m going to make some decisions for you.

What to Listen to: The Trashcan Sinatras - No matter what mood you’re in the Trashcan Sinatras’ album Weightlifting is sure to leave you craving for a bottle of Prozac. My favorite depressors include “A Coda,” “Got Carried Away,” “Country Air” and “Trouble Sleeping”. Guaranteed to have you in tears in no time. So fucking beautiful, so fucking sad.


What to Watch: Ballets Russes - You may not know a pirouette from a plie but that’s okay. This easily-accessible documentary chronicles the rise and fall of one of the 20th Century’s most influential dance troupes. Ballet battles, jealousy, greed and glamour are highlighted through humorous and poignant dancer interviews, rescued footage and one helluva storyline. I saw it in late November when the directors had a Q & A session following the showing. At the end of the session an elegant old man raised his hand and said he had seen at least half of the performances featured in the film and that it brought back so many wonderful memories. It was the perfect ending because time, as much as dance, is the subject of the Ballets Russes.

It’s now playing in San Francisco at the Richmond District’s Balboa Theatre and at the Opera Plaza on Van Ness. In Berkeley it is showing at the Albany Twin.


Where to Eat: Crepe o’ Chocolat - Across from the Macy’s Men’s Store near Union Square is a tiny café where one can unwind from the downtown hustle and bustle with a cup of cocoa and a sweet or savory crepe. The soups are flavorful and filling and will instantly warm you up from the inside out. There is always a plateful of freshly made sinful concoctions ready to be sampled, sometimes it’s banana bread bits, sometimes it’s crunchy chocolate coconut chunks. It’s never a disappointment. Located at 75 O’Farrell St. between Stockton St. and Grant Ave.


Where to Dance: Bamboo Hut - Vowing the week before to never hang out in North Beach for nightlife again, I reluctantly found myself there on Friday night at Bamboo Hut on Broadway. Always bypassing it but always intrigued, I stepped inside and was quite pleased. Starting off with a frothy fruit drink called The Volcano, which is literally on fire, the tiki hut décor and odd mix of people gradually became more and more acceptable. The music was really good throughout the evening and the place was packed from 11pm on. There was a sprightly little indie Dj who was pumping out Pulp, New Order, Bowie, the Postal Service and so on alongside hip-hop and classic rock. The single men there were not afraid to show off their dance moves no matter how ridiculous they looked. That alone provided me with plenty of entertainment and a reason to return. Located at 475 Broadway St. (right next to the XXX rated movie rental place).