Archive for May, 2011

Michael Lewis Hits Another Home Run

Posted in EVENTS on May 24, 2011 by Julie Nachtwey, the Claremont Hills Real Estate Expert

Bestselling author Michael Lewis kept his audience laughing for two hours last Friday at Head Royce School.  He was in conversation with journalist Linda Schacht for a special evening event to raise funds for Vincent Academy.  The new Oakland charter school is scheduled to open in August www.vincentacademy.org  Lewis said his mother is “a dynamo” and is involved with charter schools herself.  This connection heightened his interest in supporting the fledgling charter school.

Journalist Linda Schacht and Author Michael Lewis listening to questions from the audience

Lewis lives in Berkeley.  He praised his adopted home as the only place he’s ever felt at home, other than his birthplace, New Orleans.  In the late 90’s Lewis accepted a teaching position at UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. Since then he’s risen to the “the top of the heap of great narrative journalists,” according to Graydon Carter, editor of Vanity Fair. 

Michael Lewis autographs books after the fund-raising event held at Head Royce School

 

Lewis’ narrative genius was certainly in evidence Friday night.  As audience member Esther Hirsh commented, “He is a wonderful story teller who is able to view events with eyes untainted by conventional thinking.”

Lewis is the prolific author of numerous articles and 14 books, including: Liar’s Poker, The New Thing, Blindside, Moneyball, Home Game, and The Big  Short. He recently left the staff of The New York Times Magazine to become a reporter for Vanity Fair.  Lewis has been devoting his attention to what he calls “financial disaster travel journalism” – writing articles on the economies of Iceland,Greece, and Ireland.  He will soon head to Spain and Portugal. There seems to an abundance of subject matter. 

http://vincentacademy.org/donate/

 

WAVY GRAVY — Far Out!

Posted in EVENTS on May 17, 2011 by Julie Nachtwey, the Claremont Hills Real Estate Expert

Wavy Gravy is groovy as ever! Although a man of few words last Saturday night, he still delighted the sell-out crowd at his 75thbirthday extravaganza at The Craneway Pavilion

http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_18012883

The rain held off until the last party-goers got inside the 45,000 sq foot venue on SF Bay in Richmond, near Pt Richmond www.craneway.com  The 500,000 ft architect-designed building was Henry Ford’s largest auto plant on the West Coast in the 1930’s. In 1941 Rosie the Riveter took over making tanks for WWII.  People were free to explore outside spaces, walk along the water’s edge, and take in magnificent City Views across the Bay.  Before, during and after the event,  many people dined next door at Boiler House Restraunt   www.boilerhouserestaurant.com  and Boiler House food and drink stations.

Tie Dye Rules!  

Wavy attracts fans of all ages. Some had not even been born when Wavy was in his prime in the Sixties. It was Woodstock all over again, well, sorta. More than 4,000 people came to see Wavy and support his favorite charity, Seva (service to human-kind) which he co-founded 33 years ago. Their mission? Treat children in Africa and Asia to prevent and cure blindness.  A number of local artists donated art, photography and other items in a silent auction that continued all night long.

To discover more about the historic Craneway Pavilion and other upcoming events, visit     http://www.cranewayblog.com/   Email public event questions and inquires to fun@craneway.com. Signup for the monthly event-newsletter  www.craneway.com Visit  Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/The-Craneway-Pavilion/380053411803?ref=ts.

Enjoy some of the Wavy Gravy fans as pictured below:

Oakland Museum Lecture

Posted in EVENTS on May 10, 2011 by Julie Nachtwey, the Claremont Hills Real Estate Expert

OAKLAND MUSEUM lecture – THIS THURSDAY MAY 12 at 2pm

Friends,

A neighbor brought to my attention an interesting program this THURSDAY May 12 at 2 pm. Everyone’s invited to The Oakland Museum’s special lecture about “Rosie the Riveter.” While men left their jobs to be soldiers, women across the country filed an important role in achieving victory. Again, the lecture is titled, “Rosie the Riveter and the World Ward II Home Front Oral History Project.” The event is free with the price of admission, just $12. “We Can Do It” remains a national slogan.

http://museumca.org/calendar/omca-lecture-rosie-the-riveter-and-the-world-war-ii-home-front-oral-history-project  See you there!
Julie Nachtwey

Happy Mother’s Day!

Posted in NEIGHBORHOOD on May 5, 2011 by Julie Nachtwey, the Claremont Hills Real Estate Expert

All,

We are sharing flowers from our garden to honor Mother’s everywhere.

Celebrate!

Here are a few links for Mother’s Day quotes: http://www.mothersdaycelebration.com/fifty-inspirational-quotes.html & poems: http://freebiesandstuff.freeyellow.com/mothers_day/poems/

Determined to Succeed

Posted in EVENTS on May 4, 2011 by Julie Nachtwey, the Claremont Hills Real Estate Expert

All…

We are joining other neighbors and friends this SAT MAY 7th for the fun and inspiring “All Oakland Talent Show.”  The event begins at 7pm at Laney College Theater,Oakland. As Toni Garrett explained in her recent email, the event is sponsored by Oakland Leaf.  Oakland Leaf has a number of worthwhile programs run by young educators which also include: after school care, schoolyard gardens, media arts leadership training and a three-week summer “Peace Camp.”   

Remember: “Love is an Action” – Nate Walrod

Hope to see you there!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0dktoLG96w 

“This year’s Oakland Leaf All-Oakland Youth Talent Showcase is just around the corner.  Titled “Imagination for the Imagined Nation,” the show will take place on Saturday, May 7th, at the Laney College Theater in Oakland, beginning at 7:00PM.  This year the venue is more intimate than last year’s show, and the talent will be better than ever.  

“Oakland Leaf’s board of directors has been allocated 100 VIP tickets to sell.  I am writing to ask you to purchase tickets from me to guarantee you a reserved seat as well as an invitation to a VIP reception prior to the show.  We will have wine and hors d’oeuvres, Oakland Leaf after school director Freddie Mesa Djing in the VIP lounge, along with Leaf board members, event sponsors, and  Oakland Leaf Leadership Team members.  

“VIP tickets are $25 each and all proceeds will go toward supporting Leaf’s programs, which include two after school programs, two family resource centers, two schoolyard garden programs, Youth Roots high school media arts leadership program, a three week summer Peace Camp and, of course, the Talent Showcase.  With this array of programs Oakland Leaf strives to fulfill it’s mission of “Community Transformation Through Creative Education for Youth and their Families.”  

“If you would like to reserve VIP tickets for yourself, your family, and friends, simply reply to this email letting me know how many tickets you would like.  I will get back to you with the details of how to make payment, and we will place your name on a reserved seat VIP list. Don’t delay, as tickets are limited and the show is sure to sell out.  

“Begun in 2000 by a group of young educators, the Talent Showcase counters negative stereotypes of Oakland’s youth by presenting the extraordinary talent, creativity, and positive aspirations of a new generation of young people determined to succeed and cultivate the best in themselves and their communities. ”

– Stephen Walrod