The event was held at Rick’s Wine Cellar in Corte Madera. It seems last night was a national Pinot Noir Twitter tasting event. People across the country drank Pinot Noir at the same time and discussed it live via Twitter using the hashtag #pinotnoir.  Our event had the special added twist of trying the new glasses made by Andrea Robinson, The One glasses.

When I arrived to Rick’s Wine Cellar I was greeted by the bartender who asked if I was there for the Twitter event. She showed me to the back room where the event was happening. This room had a lovely table and chairs set up with a big plate of cheese and wine glasses on the table. The walls were filled with selections of fine wine.

The first guest to arrive besides Alana (@girlwithaglass) and I were Doug (@sfdoug) and Jason (@Jasonswineblog). At this point I knew I was already in over my head. Here I was getting ready for a wine tasting with 3 wine experts. Rick, the owner (@rickswinecellar) asked if we were ready to start the tasting. He brought out 3 mystery glasses. He asked us to try each glass and to then guess where the grapes were from, what year the wine was and who the winemaker was. I’m thinking to myself yeah right. I wouldn’t have even known it was Pinot Noir if they hadn’t told me. One by one my 3 wine expert friends made their guesses on Bottle #1. Bottle #1, Bottle #2 and Bottle #3 made me think of The Dating Game: Bachelor #1, Bachelor #2 and Bachelor #3.

As you can see my head was not in the same place and my 3 new friends. While they were swirling the wine around, smelling the bouquet, twisting and turning the glass and talking about the taste… well, I was visualizing the 3 bottles sitting behind the wall on The Dating Game. When Rick got to me I said, “I plead ignorance”. Rick gave me a free ignorance pass on the first round but after that he forced encouraged me to play along. Of course, I never guessed anything right but my 3 wine expert friends were pretty far off in their guesses too so I didn’t feel so bad.

We tasted, we guessed, we talked wine. Alana was so sweet, she took the time to answer my questions about the wine and the tasting in English (ie. not in Wine language). I actually enjoyed myself and did not feel like a big dufus. Rick the owner was awesome; he took the time to sit down and explain to Nancy, Mike (@ATOMsanRafael) and I how important it is to match the right glass with the right wine. I’d heard this before but didn’t really believe it. Rick had us try the same wine in 3 different glasses, and you know what? It did taste and smell different! Nancy actually went home with some new @AndreaWine glasses.

Alana who is an expert at pairing food and wine taught me all about how different cheeses work with different wines. The food you eat can change your wine tasting experience.

I learned a fun little insider tip for Marinites. If you purchase your bottle of wine at Rick’s Wine Cellar and bring it to many of the local Marin restaurants and show them it is from Rick’s Wine Cellar, the restaurant will not charge you a corkage fee. Pacific Catch in Corte Madera is one of these restaurants. The full list of restaurants that offer free corkage of Rick’s Wine Cellar wine is on the Website: http://www.rickswinecellar.com/

Even though I’m more of a beer or champagne girl I really enjoyed the Pinot Noir Twitter Tasting last night. I learned that good wine paired with good people is a great combination!

Instead of boring you with my rant (because I could go on and on about this) I’m just going to say one thing.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, according to the Massachusetts 2006 Youth Risk Survey.

-About.com

Okay two things… for those of you who wish I wouldn’t be so “out”…  I get emails, tweets & Facebook messages from closeted people around the country thanking me for what I do. People terrified to come out of the closet because of their fear of how other people might treat them. People living is less tolerant places around this country and the world. People whose parents, friends and family have rejected them because they are gay. To quote Rodney King, “Why can’t we all just get along?” Just a thought: Maybe we could all start celebrating our commonalities instead of fighting about our differences. Imagine a world where we all get along.

Here are some of the gay Pride events going on this weekend:

Saturday, June 26, 2010
San Francisco Dyke March
Rally in Dolores Park 3–7 p.m.
at 18th St. & Dolores St.
World music deejay 12:30–3 p.m.
Stage performances begin at 3 p.m.
March begins at 7 p.m.
$5–$10 suggested donation.

SF Pride Celebration in Civic Center
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Noon to 6:00 p.m. – Civic Center

Sunday, June 27, 2010
San Francisco Pride Parade
Kicks off at 10:30am
If you are coming from Marin be sure to take the special Pride Ferry leaving Larkspur at 8:45am.

SF Pride Celebration
Noon to 7:00 p.m. – Civic Center
The Backstreet Boys will be performing at the Main Stage! (located in Civic Center next to City Hall)

Visit: SFpride.org for more info about all Pride events.

Pride events in Marin & the North Bay
Faces of Spectrum

Sunday, June 27, 2010
Golden Gate Ferry adds extra service for the Pride Parade

Saturday, August 14, 2010
Marin Pride 2010

Photos from the 2009 SF Pride Parade

Nikol Elaine is what some might call an artist of the face. A makeup artist by day, born and raised California girl by night, she is clearly on a mission to show you how less can enhance more. Known for her delicate use of false eyelashes and crafty ability to make subtle or dramatic changes, she winks at any challenge. Nikol Elaine works solely on location across the bay area and specializes in wedding makeup.

nikol elaine makeup artistry

What do you love most about the Bay Area?
-I love how lucky we are to be surrounded by mountains and ocean and I love that San Francisco is a mecca for travelers and culture from all over the world.

Where is your favorite place to hike/bike in the Bay Area?
-I enjoy hiking and the view from Mt. Diablo

Favorite place to take your dog?
-I love taking my dog downtown Danville to Sideboard cafe as he loves sitting outside to people watch.

What is your favorite restaurant in the Bay Area?
-My favorite resturant changes often as I am a self proclaimed foodie, however this month is Esin in Danville.

What is your favorite place to get coffee or tea?
-I could not live without coffee and my first choice would be Cafe 504 in Oakland

What is your favorite place to shop for clothing?
-I love shopping vintage in SF and for gently used clothing at local consignments or at SF’s own ClothingSwap.com!

If you had an out of town guest coming to visit that had never been to the Bay Area where would you take them?
-I would take them wine tasting in Napa valley followed by a nice dinner in SF.

More information:

http://www.youthinarts.org/ispf.html

http://twitter.com/youthinarts

***

I’m a member of the San Rafael Dominican University Toastmasters group. I’m actually the VP of Public Relations.

I joined Toastmasters because I realized I was losing the art of verbal communication. I was spending so much time on my computer networking online with others that I was starting to lose my voice, literally. You know the saying, ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’.

I joined Toastmasters because I wanted to get more comfortable with public speaking but I’ve learned there is so much more you can get out of Toastmasters. Since joining a year ago I’m more confident negotiating deals, I’m a better listener and I’m comfortable taking charge in group situations. I’m also quicker to think on my feet.

In the past while at dinner parties I’d often freeze up during interesting conversations. My mind would just go blank and I’d have nothing to contribute, until later that night after the party was over I’d think of all sorts of interesting and intelligent things to say. Since joining Toastmasters and regularly taking part in the activity called Table Topics I’ve found that I’m now able to “think on my feet” and participate in these conversations.

Our group meets every Tuesday from 12-1. We meet at Dominican University but the group is open to the public. Our members consist of students, teachers, faculty, staff and community members (like me). We are a very relaxed and fun group.  Our number one focus is on having fun. We welcome guests and new members! If you’d like to visit our group please stop by any Tuesday at 12.  Currently we are meeting in Guzman Hall, Room 201. Check our Website to confirm location, we occasionally change room locations.

For more information visit: Dominican Toastmasters
We’re also on Facebook and Twitter.

To find out about Toastmasters in your area visit the Toastmasters International Site.

PS. If you are thinking about joining Toastmasters but feeling a little intimidated… just do it! If you want to talk more about our group feel free to contact me directly. And if you are worried about the cost, it is very affordable. There is a one time $20 new-member fee, then $27 dues every six months. (pro-rated if you join in mid-term).

I have to admit, I had never heard of Vin Antico before Twitter. Thanks to Twitter I discovered this wonderful little gem in downtown San Rafael.

Vin Antico uses local, mostly organic food. They cure their own meat and make their pasta by hand.

I was impressed with the turnout of our lunch group on this very rainy day. I told the restaurant to expect 10-12 people, we ended up with 18! For many of us this was our first time at Vin Antico (example of how the power of social media brings new customers to restaurants). I heard many people (including myself) say they would be back!

Thanks Vin Antico and Chef Justine for the wonderful food and the great experience!

If you are a restaurant that would like 10-20 paying customers to come dine at your place, 10-20 customers who will offer FREE amazing word of mouth advertisement about your establishment to thousands of people via social networking then contact me (@Sally_K) to coordinate a TweetUp at your place (and maybe even offer me a complimentary drink or gift card… Thank You’s go a LONG way with me. Hint Hint).

Hello! Did you read that? 10-20 paying customers who are going to be your evangelists! What more could you ask for? I seriously do not understand why there are still restaurants who are not tapping in to the power of social media to connect with their customers and future customers. If you’re not sure how to do that, I can help you.

Saturday, June 5th – 8 a.m. – Mill Valley Bike Swap

Saturday, June 5th – 6pm – Women of Dirt: The Film
A great night of Film, Fashion, Food and Fun!

Access4bikes and Bicycle Trails Council of Marin Present:

Women of Dirt: The Celebration
Fairfax Women’s Club,
46 Park Rd., Fairfax, CA, 94930

Celebrating the mountain bike while celebrating the women who love them!

A special screening of Awesome Land: Women of Dirt. A Bicycle Fashion Show-featuring some of the best bike fashions in the west, by Sheila Moon Athletic Apparel, LUNA Sport clothing and My Alibi Clothing. Q & A with bike celebs, Marla Streb and Rachel Lloyd. Come on down and party, have a brew and wine, sponsored by Lagunitas and Peleton Cellars, and tasty food treats. Also, raffle-drawing and local live music!

A party and fundraiser for Access4Bikes, your local voice for trail access in Marin.

$20-donation advance tickets $25- donation at the door.

For more information visit http://access4bikes.com/events.htm

Sunday, June 6th – Tamarancho Dirt Classic

Wednesday, June 16th – Coed Special Downhill Clinic – Youth Only with Mountain Biking Marin

Saturday, June 26th – Coed Cross Country Clinic with Mountain Biking Marin

When we tell Pacific Catch we are coming for lunch they get excited, they reserve a table for us, they prepare us some appetizers, they are attentive and they join the party by sitting down and getting to know us. Pacific Catch we love you!

We all enjoyed some of Pacific Catch’s Fresh Hawaiian Poke (sushi-grade ahi tuna in a sesame-soy marinade with wonton crisps) along with some other wonderful treats. I was so busy socializing I forgot exactly what I was eating but I do remember it was tasty. I ordered the California Roll for my meal and had a refreshing juice blend called the POG to drink made of Pineapple, Orange and Guava. Perfect on a warm sunny day!

I also want to thank everyone that comes out for the Twitter Tribe lunches!

We had some special guests at this last TweetUp. @MelRovens brought some little tweeps of her own. She had recently rescued some baby birds and since they needed around the clock care she brought them to the TweetUp in a basket. They were SO tiny and cute. (Don’t worry, she knows what she is doing. She’s rescued birds before.)

Our next Marin Twitter Tribe lunch is at Toast Novato this Friday at 1pm. I hope you can join us. If you are on Twitter and in the area you are invited. I hope you can join us. Toast has some great salads!

SATURDAY MAY 22^nd, 11am – 2pm

Town Center Corte Madera’s center courtyard will be buzzing with satisfied sounds and enticing aromas as more than a dozen of the center’s food vendors and restaurants serve up complimentary samples of their most popular items – from sweet potato fries, to smoothies, to burritos, Hawaiian poke, pizza, shrimp rolls, BBQ and cupcakes.  Taste of Town Center will take place outside in the center courtyard on Saturday, May 22^nd from 11am to 2pm. Activities for children include free face painting and free balloons. This will be a perfect time to bring the whole family to sample the delicious offerings that are available at Town Center Corte Madera all year long, as well as a chance to visit their many unique shops.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to showcase the many terrific food merchants at Taste of Town Center,” said Stan Hoffman, General Manager of the Town Center Corte Madera. “We hope everyone will come bring the family and spend the day sampling some of the amazing food that we have here. We hope that Saturday May 22^nd marks the start of a new culinary celebration to add to our community event calendar.”

Restaurants and food merchants participating in Taste of Town Center include A.G. Ferrari, Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, Barnes & Noble Cafe, Bryan’s Fine Foods, California Pizza Kitchen, Champagne French Bakery and Cafe, The Counter Custom Burgers, Il Fornaio, La Maison de la Reine, Pacific Catch, PF Chang’s China Bistro, Sur La Table, Teacake Bake Shop, Tully’s Coffee and World Wrapps.

Town Center Corte Madera, located on the West side of Highway 101 at the Tamalpais Drive exit, has become known as the Marin location for delicious healthy food, specialty clothiers and stores boasting unique home furnishings and gift items.  Throughout the year, the Town Center hosts a number of community-driven events like the annual Trick or Treat Day for kids, the world’s largest Thanksgiving turkey which collects donations for Marin Community Food Bank, and free Christmas holiday gift wrapping by volunteers from Hospice by the Bay.  For information, call 415-924-2961 or visit the Town Center website at www.shoptowncenter.com.

This inaugural Giant Steps Charity Classic is a five-day horse show highlighting California’s finest professional and amateur equestrians who will compete in fantastic events to benefit Giant Step’s Therapeutic Equestrian Program. Sonoma Horse Park, a newly completed world-class facility located off Lakeville Hwy in Petaluma, will be the host. Ashley Griffin, owner of Sonoma Horse Park, says “Giant Steps greatly improves the lives of so many children and adults with disabilities who live here in our community. It is an honor to host these outstanding equestrians who come from all over California to compete in this thrilling Charity event.”  Giant Steps provides unique body/mind/heart-opening experiences to special needs children and adults. They are provided with a catalyst for life-changing opportunities that combines sensor motor integration with a deeply satisfying experience of accomplishment and social interaction.

Olympic Show jumper, Guy Thomas says, “I am both excited and proud to compete at the 2010 Giant Steps Charity Classic! I am looking forward to a very challenging course and great competition. It is an absolute honor to be able to compete at the highest level against some of California’s best riders and to benefit such an incredible charity.  I’m so excited about meeting Bridget and talking with her about the possibilities that lie ahead for her.”

“Pleasures of Petaluma” featured on Thursday during the Equitation Classic Competition, will highlight local artists and their work exhibited alongside local restaurants & wineries.  Friday afternoon will feature the Ultra Motor A2B Ride & Drive combining show jumping with a rowdy vehicle obstacle course. On Sunday afternoon professionals, amateurs and juniors will all compete for a large cash prize in a Hunter Derby.

On Saturday, the premier event of the week, the Grand Prix Gala (formerly Giant Steps Annual Steppin’ Out Charity Auction), will feature California’s finest horse and rider teams who will attempt 12-14 extravagant 5 feet jumps. “Saturday’s Grand Prix will be an evening of nail-biting, electrifying competition, followed by an amazing live auction, and gourmet dinner. This will be a celebration of the incredible sport of show jumping, and in tandem will allow Giant Steps to continue changing the lives of children and adults with disabilities,” says Ms. Griffin.

In addition to the competition, this event will showcase all the culinary delights that Sonoma & Marin Counties’ have to offer including wine tasting and pairing and dishes prepared by celebrated chefs. Local restaurants, vendors, artists and farmers as well as the community are invited to participate.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and will provide an ideal venue for a captive audience to see your company name and logo. There are also volunteer opportunities for getting in on the ground floor of this historical event that will surely become an annual highlight on the Petaluma calendar. To sponsor this event or become a volunteer, please call Giant Steps at 707-769-8900.

# # #

For more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with Executive Director/Founder, Robert Pope, please call Lissa Ferreira at 707-769-8900 ext. 13 or email Lissa at lissa@giantstepsriding.org

About Sonoma Horse Park
Sonoma Horse Park is Northern California’s newest horse show facility.  This world-class facility offers nine beautiful rings for the 2010 English horse show season.  Its goal is to offer superior shows that not only cater to the equestrian world, but also showcase all that Sonoma County has to offer.  It is inviting wineries, local vendors, artists, celebrated chefs, restaurants, and farmers to its various events.  Watching the shows are free and there are also VIP tables

Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center  is located on the same grounds as Sonoma Horse Park at Riverside Equestrian Center.  Giant Steps helps children and adults with physical, emotional, and developmental challenges, such as, ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy.

The upcoming event for Giant Steps will be held on Aug. 4-8.  It is a Charity Classic Horse Show and should be loads of fun for the whole family.  Guy Thomas, Olympic Show jumper, will be competing.  There will also be a gala on the Saturday of the event.

Upcoming horse shows at Sonoma Horse Park
Equestrian Challenge (C) May 19-28
June Classic (A) June 16-20
Equestrian Classic I (AA) July 27 – Aug. 1
August Classic (A)  Aug. 25-29
September Classic (A)   Sept. 8 – 12
Strides & Tides Sept.(A)  15-19