I'll Remember You

Slowly Falling

This kid is amazing...and his music is helping me heal today.

February Musings

Westfield Atrium

Mark Rothko at the SFMOMA gallery

We got some much needed rain this past long weekend in the Bay area. And what better time to visit my favorite hangout, SFMOMA. I really enjoy the space designed by Mario Botta, especially the large bookstore and modern design shop. I recently scored a great purchase, The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture, for almost 70% off the list price. It was a combo of clearance, sale and membership discounts. Plus, I had an old gift card with almost exactly the sale price...now that's serendipity!

The poor Metreon next to SFMOMA has been going through tough times. It was just announced that Sony is closing both the Sony Style and Playstation stores in the mall, leaving the cinema as the only reason to visit this once "state of the art" technology and entertainment complex. Of course there is still hope for a revival. In fact, Westfield (which owns the popular new mall SF Center) just bought the complex and is planning a big facelift. Also, Tavern on the Green has plans to open this year on the 4 th floor. I would love Apple to move in as well. They could certainly use a larger retail space in downtown SF, and they have shown they can make old concepts new and exciting. Strangely (and I don't remember this at all), Microsoft had a retail space in the Metreon back in the late 90's but closed in 2001. Apple has had a little more success in the retail front.

By the way, the two posted photos of the Westfield mall and SFMOMA were taken with my iphone camera and my favorite apps PANO and Panorama.

Oscars are going to be given out this Sunday. I've got my favorites, but I'm not emotionally attached to any one film or performance. Here are my picks, and the likely winners:

Best Picture: I like Milk, but it will likely go to crowd pleaser Slumdog Millionaire.

Best Director: I like Gus Van Sant, but it will go to Danny Boyle (pic and director usually go together, except one disasterous year...)

Best Actor: I like both the likely winners Sean Penn and Mickey Rourke - probably the most exciting race to watch.

Best Actress: I like Anne Hathaway, but it will likely go to Kate Winslet (or Meryl the great)

Best Supporting Actor: I like Josh Brolin in Milk, but it's already engraved with Heath Ledger.

Best Supporting Actress: I like all the actresses, but Viola Davis really stood out. Penelope Cruz is the most likely, but her momentum is dying.

Let's see if I can win the pool at the Oscar party!