Yesterday, I saw a little boy in my museum just having a blast running back and forth across the long hallways on the public floor. He just seemed so ecstatic about the act of running itself. I sometimes forget that running should feel good. In middle school, after the bus would let me out near my…
Okonomiyaki: As Fun to Say as to Eat
Is there any other food item that is as fun to say and to eat as "Okonomiyaki"? I think not. Just say it a few times to yourself: "O-ko-no-mi-ya-ki , O-ko-no-mi-ya-ki, O-KO-NO-MI-YA-KI!" For those that have not had the pleasure, I'm sorry for you. It's a delicious savory Japanese pancake, typically stuffed with some kind of meat…
Five Swing Event Organizers Talk about Creating Safer Dance Spaces
In light of the ongoing conversations in the lindy hop world on how we create safer dance spaces for all, Nicole Zuckerman, Manu Smith and I produced an online forum for events organizers on February 4, 2015. Participants included an all-star line up of prominent leaders in the swing community: Hilary Alexander, organizer of Camp Hollywood Scott…
“Know the Elements” Hoodie: The Science of Hip-hop
Check out this wicked "Know the Elements" hoodie by 5e Gallery. There could not be a more perfect hoodie for me, combining hip-hop and science nerdery. And it even fits nicely. Hip-hip Heads: Do you get all the references underneath the elements? My colleague Christine and I shot some pics of the hoodie at my museum the…
Google Hangout Fail
Note to self: it is WAY TOO EASY to invite all of your 300+ Google+ contacts to a live Google Hangout from your living room. Particularly if it is 10:30pm and you are totally braindead. Yes, I am a digital media professional.
An Up Close and Violent View of the Uber / Taxi War
VS A few weeks ago, I had a very in-your-face encounter with the death match going on between ridesharing services — particular Uber — and municipal taxis. I've been reading some of the articles and blog posts about how much Uber has cut into the taxi and limo business, and things do not look good…
A Raw and Honest Conversation on Creating Safer Dance Spaces
Since last week, the lindy hop community has been reeling from revelations that well-known dance instructor Steven Mitchell has been sexually abusive to multiple women (including some teens) over the span of many, many years. We've been struggling to find some light in the midst of the darkness. From that context, a bunch of us…
“Shake It Off” Shim Sham (video)
I find it difficult to not like Taylor Swift when she sings earworms like "Shake It Off" and enjoys making a fool of herself in her own music video. Apparently I'm not alone. Here's a bunch of swing dancers at Lindy in the Park in San Francisco doing a modified Shim Sham to "Shake It Off."…
Remy and Ramona at AJW 2015 in Seoul
Here's the incomparable Romona Staffeld and Remy Kouakou Kouame killing this lindy hop performance at Authentic Jazz Weekend in Seoul, Korea a few days ago. After this past week in lindy hop, I really needed this reminder of what is so wonderful and worthy of celebrating and passing on about this dance. The joy, the music,…
Dancing House to Electro-swing (video)
Here's a video I have been sitting on for awhile of a house practice session with my buddy David from last December. We're having a great time rocking out to this electro-swing beat. I think it works really well. I hope you enjoy it.