Finally scended this kinda scary v2 problem after getting stuck at the crux in the middle forever. Felt really great to top it! At Planet Granite SF.
Finally Back to Climbing after A2 Pulley Strain!
This week, after a few weeks off recuperating from a mild A2 pulley strain, I finally got back on the rock. My first session back was definitely a struggle bus on even the easiest problems. I was just really paranoid about re-injuring myself. But this morning I felt almost normal and really enjoyed climbing again….
On the Importance of Multiple Passions
An older figure I know has devoted his entire life to his profession. He’s excellent at it. It’s also the only thing he has practiced with any kind of dedication or passion for the last 40 or so years of his life. So now that he is in retirement age, he doesn’t have much else…
Rock Climbing Chronicles: A2 Pulley Strains Suck!
At the beginning of the month I got the most common injury that rock climbers get. It isn't a leg, arm or head injury. It's to the tiniest muscles that have to bear all of your weight: your fingers. Specifically, I have what's called an A2 Pulley Strain. Your fingers are composed of tendons, sheaths…
Ksenia’s Hair and Our Continuing Debate over Black Representation in Lindy Hop
NOTE: Originally posted to website Yehoodi.com on March 14, 2018 Earlier this week, the issue of race came to the forefront again in the lindy hop community over something that to an outsider might seem quite benign: a woman came back from a trip to Africa and posted to her social media feed a selfie….
Who Is Steven Mitchell and Why You Should Stop DJing His Music [op-ed]
NOTE: Originally posted to the website Yehoodi.com on March 11, 2018 CONTENT WARNING: Sexual assault. Steven Mitchell has been a very influential figure in the lindy hop community for the past 20 years. Steven and his then-partner Erin Stevens are credited with helping convince Frankie Manning to return to lindy hop in the mid-1980s. Steven…
Designing Your Life: Applying a Designer’s Mindset to Your Career
I just finished Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. A present from a good friend (Thanks, Barry!), it comes at a perfect time in my life, as I contemplate a career shift. Designing Your Life is essentially a guide to applying a design-thinking process to career planning. As someone who has done…
Freestyle Session: “Keep Up” by Slakah the Beat Child
Finally got around to doing another freestyle dance session at Ocean Beach. This time the track was "Keep Up" by Slakah the Beat Child, suggested by my friend Morgan. Such a dope song! It was a beautiful sunny morning to be dancing by the sea.
“Everything Remains Raw”: An Unfinished Video Essay on the Black Roots of Urban Dance
Finally got around to watching all of "Everything Remains Raw" Moncell Durden's ambitious documentary on the Black roots of urban dance. Like the title, the film is very raw and unfinished, at times painfully so. There are parts of the work that have issues with. It diminishes the important role of Latinx dancers and culture…
Health Update: Feeling Stronger, Energetic
I'm entering 2018 feeling pretty great. This month I relaxed my paleo-focused diet to introduce more carbs during one of my meals, which so far has not had much of any impact on anything, other than reintroducing me to the joys of sandwiches and burritos. Mmm, sandwiches. Activity-wise, I'm climbing about three times a week,…