Spotted in Danville outside the restaurant Sideboard.
Jack London Discussion:
Swans’ Fine Books
1381 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Thursday, January 22nd, 2015
7:30pm – 8:30pm | FreeJack London is one of the most iconic names in American Literature.
He was the author of 55 books, more than 200 short stories, and almost 200 newspaper and magazine articles and essays. He was the master of the short story genre who helped mold it into its modern form with “To Build a Fire” being a primary example.
He also wrote such classic novels as The Call of the Wild, The Sea-Wolf, Martin Eden and The Valley of the Moon. He traveled the world reporting on wars, politics, sporting events and culture. Because of his writing and his travels, he became one of the greatest celebrities of his time. His fiction was greatly influential in the transition from realism to naturalism in literature, and his nonfiction was equally influential both politically and culturally.
Please join us on Thursday evening, January 22nd for an informal discussion about Jack London’s fascinating life, and an overview of his books and his writing style. Leading the discussion will be Dan Wichlan, a member of the Jack London Foundation (please see full bio below).
Since seating is limited, please R.S.V.P. to hold a space. There is no charge to attend and light refreshments will be served.
Photo by Flickr user dennis
Alaskan Adventure: A Sierra Club Talk:
Ygnacio Valley Library
2661 Oak Grove Rd, Wanut Creek
Tuesday, January 20th, 2015
7:00pm – 8:30pm | FreeCome see Alaska through the eyes and lens of botanist, photographer, and author Yulan Tong. Yulan’s presentation will feature photos of the Inland Passage, Denali, Katmai, Glacier Bay National Park and more.
For Yulan, Alaska is a land of surprises and contradictions. She witnessed native peoples building traditional totems, yet traveling around by airplane. She saw fishermen sending their catches to both rustic smoke houses and modern canneries. Yulan was impressed by the contrast of slow growing, small trees in a land of fast growing giant cabbages. She’ll tell us of her canoe trip that required a quick detour because of fighting bears.
Everyone is welcome and no reservations are necessary.
3616 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Construction is finally picking up at the California/Mexican/Spanish rancho-style restaurant Rancho Cantina, Check out inside construction photos with their latest Facebook page update here. In the above photo you can see the metal arch going up. Their menu can be viewed here.
1349 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Back in May we learned that the House of Beads spot in downtown Walnut Creek was up for lease and they are now closing at the end of February. One person working there mentioned that they’d like to relocate so check out their website here for updates. Could the parking meter changes made last year in downtown Walnut Creek be affecting local businesses?
Whimsy & Virtuosity Violin – California Symphony:
Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
Sunday, January 18th, 2015
4:00pm | $40 – $70Ring in the New Year with selections from celebrated composers including
Rimsky-Korsakov, Sibelius, Copland’s Rodeo and Rossini’s spritely
Overture to The Barber of Seville.Rossini: Overture to The Barber of Seville
Tchaikovsky: Capriccio italien Listen
Saint-Saëns: Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso for Violin and Orchestra
Alina Ming Kobialka, violin
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol ListenSibelius: Valse triste
Copland: Four Dances Episodes from Rodeo Listen
Free pre-concert lecture begins at 3 PM.
Yesterday we learned that the karaoke/pool club 9 Game Zone intends to serve beer and wine in Pleasant Hill and I noticed the shopping plaza nearby also had a karaoke lounge. These places offer private rooms for rent with songs in English, Korean, Chinese and Korean generally. What is your favorite karaoke spot?
