Happy Birthday Vida Blue

YO! Let's all wish one of the greatest left-handed pitchers of all time, Vida Blue, a HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Did you know that growing up this Cy Young Award, 6-time All-Star, and former Oakland Athletic, was a star quarterback? In his senior year as a high schooler in Mansfield, LA, he threw for 3,400 yards and completed 35 touchdown passes while rushing for 1,600 yards in football. --Wikipedia told me-- But instead of going to college he headed for the big leagues to play the first 8 of his 17 years in MLB for the A's. Way to blaze your own trail Vida Blue. 
                       Blue pitched with the A's when the A's dominated the Major Leagues winning three championships in a row... the summers of '72, '73, and '74... I can brag that I was there for many of those games during that time climbing over split wooden bleachers, chowing down on cotton candy, and sipping soda through red licorice vines but all I really remember about it is spending time with my fam especially my Pops. We went to a lot of A's games with him. In the meantime watch Vida, who spent his final years pitching for the SF Giants and is currently a baseball analyst for them on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, brag about how the A's set a precedent in Major League Baseball that they only share with the NY Yankees. (Boooo Yankees)

Dance, Eat, Walk!

Today is the first of the month and it’s also the First Friday of June. As an Oaklander, I really look forward to First Fridays because of Art Murmur and the Art Walk that happens from all points downtown Oakland and throughout the Town. The energy is magnanimous! Yes that’s a mouthful but so is First Friday’s. If you followed me on Foursquare or Twitter last month, you had a chance to see where I like to roam. Whether I’m at Oaklandish checking out the live music, the Betti Ono Gallery to see a new cutting edge local artist, or grabbing a bite from one of the many food trucks parked along the streets, I LOVE IT!  

I will be trying something new tonight and if you are looking for something new you should meet me out at the “Night Market,” at Jack London Square. Debuting originally on May 4^th, this June 1^st event will be the second in the series 3 monthly shopping bazaars. There’s live music, fresh farmers produce, delicious food and libations. There will also be an Interactive Art Exhibit and of course artisans and craftsmen featuring their artistry and handmade goods. If you miss tonight’s event the final bazaar is scheduled for July 6, 2012. The festivities get started from tonight 6:00-10:00pm. Visit http://www.jacklondonsquare.com/night-market for further infomation.

courtesy of www.savvycities.com

Tonight will also mark the first in the series of the annual summer series, “Dancing Under the Stars,” on Jack London Square. You can learn to salsa for free with classes provided by the Linden Street Dance Studio . “Dancing Under the Stars,” will happen each Friday with something new to learn each time. For more information about future classes visit www.savvycities.com/dancing-under-stars-jack-london/ Free dance instruction is from 8:30-10:00pm with a dance party to follow.

If you are looking for an activity with substance join BAY-Peace Youth Leaders, and the Resistance Art Projects for “Poetry Murmur.” The open mic poetry reading will take place at the “Champions for Humanity,” monument located at 19th & Rashidah Muhammad Way. “Poetry Murmur,” is the last event of the school year so come on out and support our youth as they confront militarism and other forms of violence through “youth organizing” and “artistic resistance.” It’s an open mic and you are welcomed to bring a poem of your own that honors the legacy that the monument represents. Food will be served potluck style so feel free to bring a dish to share as well.  For more information about the Bay-Peace organization visit www.baypeace.org “Poetry Murmur,” begins at 7pm.