Discovery Community SF

Moving!

2011-04-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

As part of a grandiose plan to modernize our web presence, this blog, our calendar, and our web site will merge and live at discoverycommunity.org. Follow us there! You won't get lost!

Pres Day Weekend Retreat 2011

2011-02-25T10:43:00.000-08:00

What an amazing weekend was had by 27 guys at the Discovery President's Day Retreat at Westminster Woods in Occidental. This was the first winter retreat in four years. Most guys stayed in the lodges with all the comforts of home. A few late-birds were in the more rustic cabins. The topics of the workshops related to Lifelong Friendships - finding friends, managing friendships and special situations for gay friendships. With the cooperation of the weather, the group also enjoyed long hikes through the spectacular redwoods, a couple of very topical movies (Big Eden and Toy Story 3) and, of course, the talent/no talent show. There was plenty of talent to showcase - from coming out stories, to stand-up comedy, drag, singing and the bevvy of beauties. It was a pleasure to have a mix of long-time Discovery members and new people, including a terrific guy in a wheelchair, who taught the group a lot about the differently-abled. The Westminster Woods staff was on hand through out the weekend and could not have been more welcoming. The kitchen gave us good, hearty, nutritious meals. Our hostess, Malika, was a lot of fun and the techboy Randy was particularly easy on the eyes as he moved about the campground doing his chores. Planning will soon start for the Independence Day weekend retreat at Wildwood.

Photos from our 2010 Holiday Party

2010-12-14T23:10:00.000-08:00

The photos from our 2010 Holiday Party are in!

Here is a Link to the Entire Gallery

This is Lorenzo receiving the Harvey Award

July 4th Gathering at Wildwood: Directions and What to Bring

2010-06-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

I'm sending this to every attendee, posted here just in case someone needs it...

Driving DirectionsTo Wildwood Retreat Center
(be sure to eat lunch before you arrive. Our first meal at Wildwood will be dinner)

Plan on arriving between 2pm and 6pm. It's OK to arrive later, however beware that dinner is scheduled to end at 7:15pm (leftovers may be available after that).

Start address: 2200 Market St San Francisco, CA 94114
End address: 20111 Old Cazadero Rd, Guerneville, Sonoma, California 95446

Start on Hwy 101 past the Golden Gate Bridge (or from Hwy 580 in San Rafael)
1. Take US-101 N - 43.3 mi
2. Take the CA-116 exit toward Rohnert Park/Sebastopol - 0.2 mi
3. Turn left at CA-116/Gravenstein Hwy (signs for CA-116) Continue to
follow CA-116 - 8.3 mi
4. Turn left at CA-116/McKinley Ave - 453 ft
5. Turn right at CA-116/N Main St Continue to follow CA-116 - 13.9 mi
6. Turn left at CA-116/River Rd - 0.9 mi
7. Turn right at Old Cazadero Rd - 1.0 mi
8. Turn right to stay on Old Cazadero Rd - 0.7 mi
9. Turn right to stay on Old Cazadero Rd - 1.6 mi

Just be sure to stay on Old Cazadero Rd once you are on it.
Wildwood is at the very end of the road.

In case of emergency you can leave a message at WildWood at 707-632-6406 (the kitchen staff’s phone)

Carpool is coordinated by Guy Tiphane, guy@tiphane.org, cell phone (510) 229-9234 (until about noon Friday, not sure about coverage once at Wildwood)

WHAT TO BRING LIST
Summer July 4th weekend Gathering at wildwood retreat center
Friday, July 2 TO Monday, July 5th, 2010

Bedding:
Linens are provided. This includes sheets, pillow, blanket, and bath towel.

You may want to bring:
Extra Blanket

Towel for swimming/Hot Tub/Sun bathing and if you are participating in the Naked Massage workshop
Suggested Clothes:
Casual summer attire. It will most likely be warm during the day and may get cool in the evening.
Light jacket or sweatshirt
Sunglasses
Hiking Shoes
Sleep wear (if you wear anything)
Swimsuit
Hat to block the sun
Other Stuff:

Flashlight & Batteries
Toiletries; soap, shampoo, etc.
Ear Plugs!
“No-Snore” Nose Strips
Camera
Prescription Medications
Over the counter medicines (aspirin, Rolaids, etc.)
Watch or Travel Alarm Clock
A book (to read and/or share)
Sunscreen/tanning lotion
Insect repellent
Additional snacks or soda (snacks, fruit, and beverages will be provided throughout the weekend)

Also bring a personal item to share during our Salon on Sunday night. This can be a story, a favorite song or piece of music, a poem, a skit, a comedy routine, a magic act, a dramatic reading…well, you get the idea. We’ll try to make sure that everyone who wants to share gets to share. In order to help us do that, please limit the length of time of your act to 5 minutes.

For the Photography and Hiking Workshop
Join us for a hike and to talk about the photos you like to take. Take pictures during the week-end, exploring new ideas, and select a few to show in a slide show during the Salon. Bring your digital camera (and battery charger if needed), as there will be a computer with memory card reader to facilitate the selection (if it doesn’t have card memory, bring its USB cable).

Discovery Guidelines for Behavior and Conduct During the Weekend:
Discovery Men’s Weekends require an atmosphere of safety and respect for all participants. Therefore, any behavior that violates the boundaries of another (i.e. physical violence, sexual activity without mutual consent, etc.), or any behavior that poses a danger to oneself or others will be considered unacceptable for participation in the weekend.
Discovery Men’s Weekend is a clean and sober environment; no alcohol or drugs are permitted. Discovery Community, Inc. reserves the right to deny attendance to any individual and to request an individual to leave the weekend if his behavior warrants it.

Discovery Summer Gathering

2010-06-01T14:12:00.000-07:00

Creating Connection, Authenticity, and the Life of Your Dreams

Date: Friday July 2 at 4:00PM through Monday July 5 (depart after lunch)

Location: Wildwood Retreat Center

Guerneville, CA

Register at discoveryjuly4.eventbrite.com

Dreaming about the future--we all do it. We all strive to live our dreams and we all struggle to make it happen. Come join Discovery Community for a weekend at Wildwood to energize yourself and to connect with an amazing group of men.

The weekend will provide opportunities for self-exploration, making new connections, and having lots of fun. Together we'll explore the things we want, the things that hold us back, and the ways we can help each other move forward.

There will also be plenty of activities to enjoy and participate in if you choose. You can hike through the redwoods, take in the spectacular views from Julie Andrews Point, and frolic in the swimming pool and hot tub. The weekend offers the chance to bond with new friends or just to hang out by yourself.

Wildwood Retreat Center is a great place to experience all of this. Here are some of the fabulous amenities:

*12 Man Hot Tub

*Big Pool

*Dry Sauna

*200 acres of woods, meadows, and hiking trails

*Julie Andrews Point (You have to see this!)

*Great Food (REALLY Great Food)

This year, by popular demand, we will have 3 great nights together and nine gourmet meals at this amazing location.

Berkeley Rep Night Out: Girlfriend

2010-03-11T16:16:00.000-08:00

Sold Out! If you've rsvp'ed and haven't received an answer yet, we're looking for tickets for you...

Extra! Todd Almond will join us for dinner!

Thursday April 15, 6:00pm (dinner) / 8:00pm (show)

We'll have dinner together starting at 6:00pm at Cyprus, a small Mediterranean restaurant situated just half a block from Berkeley Repertory Theatre where at 8:00pm we'll see the new show Girlfriend, followed by the Night Out lgbt party! I have reserved discounted group tickets (instructions on how to get them to follow, they're $27 each).

Cyprus Restaurant (see it on Yelp) is at 81 Shattuck Sq, Berkeley (follow this Google Map, because it comes out wrong if you enter the address), just outside the Addison Street exit of the Downtown Berkeley BART Station, across from Half Price Books and Comic Relief. I'll reserve the upstairs section for us.

Help us by pre-ordering: check the menu here, and e-mail me your selections at guy (at) tiphane (dot) org .

How to reserve your seats: send me an e-mail at guy (at) tiphane (dot) org and I'll send you instructions (send me a check, or PayPal, or meet me on the street,...). Please RSVP as soon as possible because group tickets may sell out.

The Show: Girlfriend

book by Todd Almond

music and lyrics by Matthew Sweet

directed by Les Waters

world premiere

Girlfriend is a new musical about two young men just out of High School somewhere in Nebraska (that's where Todd Almond grew up) and facing the possible reality of falling in love with each other. Remember when you'd make tapes of music for a friend and insert one song as a message? The songs here are from Matthew Sweet, mostly from his album Girlfriend and a couple more from 100% fun. Add choreography by Joe Goode, plus a live all-girl, all-queer band, and this will be the event of the season!

Mike (Jason Hite, above) and Will (Ryder Bach) fall in love during the world premiere of Girlfriend, a new musical at Berkeley Rep wound around the tender love songs of Matthew Sweet’s landmark album.

Photo courtesy of kevinberne.com

More Info

On berkeleyrep.org... Girlfriend: book by Todd Almond; music and lyrics by Matthew Sweet; directed by Les Waters; world premiere

VIDEO: Les Waters and Todd Almond

Highlights from the director’s presentation for Girlfriend (Mar 2010)

On sfgate.com: Berkeley Rep's Les Waters dives into new work

On Rollinstone.com: Flashback: Matthew Sweet’s Early ’90s Power-Pop Perfection

Directions

Downtown Berkeley BART is on the Richmond line. If you get out on the big escalator, go right on Shattuck, across Center St., and then across Addison St (Half Price Books). The restaurant will be on your right, across the street, at 81 Shattuck Sq, Berkeley (follow this Google Map)

From the restaurant to the theatre is half a block.

If you drive, follow these directions and parking suggestions:

Berkeley Rep's Directions on How to Get There

RSVP: guy (at) tiphane (dot) org, mark your calendar, and make sure to be done with your tax return early!

Couples Potluck Brunch

2010-02-21T17:15:00.000-08:00

Sunday, February 21, 11am – 1pm

Where: Home of Mark & Matt, on 14th St, San Francisco (between Guerrero & Valencia)

Join Discovery for a potluck Couples Brunch. This will be e great opportunity to meet other couples and share stories of your unique relationship. We are sure at least one of you can cook (or you'd both be starving, right?) so let us know what you'll be bringing. Mark will coordinate so we don't all bring bagels. Coffee and beverages provided. RSVP to Mark at msrumplersf (at) yahoo (dot) com

Yes, we did it! Annual fundraising drive successful

2010-01-05T06:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all. Discovery ended 2009 with a bang. We met our ambitious fundraising goal, thanks to our generous members and friends. Our six week fundraising campaign raised $2051 in donations to keep us financially strong. In addition we received the $1300 challenge grant for a whopping grand total of $3351. Given the economy and that we were on the brink of folding in 2008, this is an amazing accomplishment. It gives us the push to continue providing the kind of activities that you want and that the community needs and to continue expanding our circle of friends for years to come.

Thanks to Sam, Edward, Charlie,Tim, Bill, Curtis, Bob, Matt, Guy, Peter G, Mark, Ed, Gary, Don,

Ven, Frank, Christopher, Steve S., Joseph, Chris, Andrew, Tom, the Davids, Mikel, Jim, Kevin,

Warren, Thomas O, Tim Sh, Phillip, Lee, Steve D, Peter J, and Henry.

If you have been meaning to contribute and haven't had a chance because of the holidays, it's not too late. To donate, visit our website at www.discovery-community.org. Thank you for your amazing generosity.

Holiday Party

2009-12-15T18:50:00.000-08:00

Everyone pitched in to make a very, very successful Discovery holiday party. We exceeded expectations on every score. Despite the yucky weather, it was the largest turnout ever for a holiday party with 65 guys coming to an East Bay location. The food was sensational and ample. Special props to Warren, John L., Rick, Matt, Mark and Randy for the food and drink. They were also constantly tending the table, replenishing the punch and cleaning.

We raised a lot of money, saw some familiar faces and brought in about ten folks who were at their very first Discovery event. A lot of guys who came to our activities over the year were there, including several from the dating workshops, whitewater and movie nights. Gary worked the door like a pro all evening and made everyone feel personally welcomed.

Peter and Tom cheerfully sold $325 in raffle tickets, which was about as much as the silent auction usually brings in. Kevin C. won the spa certificate, Charlie won Berkeley rep tickets and Michael R. won the Nordstrom's certificate. Ven reported our to-date fundraising campaign total of $1866 with a few more donations and pledges coming in at the party. There was an unexpected Menorah lighting ceremony and a short burst of Christmas carols at the very end of the evening, but otherwise multiple requests for a secular holiday event were respected. About half the group participated in the fun gag gift exchange (some naughty, many nice) and once again we helped a lot of needy kids in Oakland with several dozen stuffed toys, games, dolls, log sets and even Twister.

Above all, thanks to Don for once again making "La Choza" his elegant and spacious home available to us and for being the perfect host.

It was a great way to end a very successful year. Thanks again to all and the best to everyone during the holidays. We'll see you in 2010 with renewed energy for building and expanding our "Community" of truly exceptional and caring gay men.

Lorenzo

Thanksgiving Dinner

2009-11-29T18:19:00.000-08:00

We had our annual dinner at Centro Latino on 15th Street

Was there ever a Discovery event without great food and company?

We were entertained by James the Prestidigitator, three of us selected a different card from a deck

Using a relic, Emperor Norton's own sword, James caught the exact three cards from the deck thrown up in the air! Skeptics verified that the deck was ordinary, and found no obvious trick.

Annual Meeting

2009-11-15T22:37:00.000-08:00

I have posted photos here: http://tiphane.smugmug.com/People/Discovery-Annual-Meeting

Saturday, November 14, we held our annual meeting with our members, telling them how well we're doing after a year of renewed leadership. Lorenzo found out how many of us volunteered during the year, seeing it as a sign of health. Ven told us how much we spent over our revenues, hinting that perhaps someone could make a donation. Guy mentioned that he started a board matching fund, aimed at doubling any donations made until the end of the year, to show our commitment. Who knows, we could be surprised and have to revise our goal (yes, it's a limited fund)!

This year we gave the Harvey Award to our special couple Matt and Mark. If you have been at the Halloween party, well, you know how good they've been to us, but in addition to that, Mark has revived the Social Committee to motivate us to organize events, and Matt takes care of the web site, in addition to his leading of our successful Fourth of July gathering. Of course, I forgot everything when I spoke about them at the meeting and said they were my model couple. After all, where else would I meet couples?

We ended the meeting with a brief talent show. I like a group where it is possible to show what you do on the side, like singing, and writing poetry.

Many of us then walked to Home Restaurant for dinner. Bob noticed that their logo is in the same lettering as the Coca-Cola logo. I noticed that the final e looked strangely like an o. One thing I really like of Discovery dinners at the restaurant, is that the bill is always paid in full at the end!

Greetings from the Aloha State

2009-11-09T04:18:00.000-08:00

Aloha Discovery,

Owen and I are still reveling in the joy of the Discovery July Retreat. And we look forward to whenever we can get back together with our Discovery brothers. We just celebrated Owen’s birthday by taking the cruise around the Hawaiian islands on NCL’s Pride of America. We had a fabulous time on this weeklong cruise. It starts on Saturday in Honolulu, then overnights Sunday on Maui. Tuesday you spend the day in Hilo. It leaves Hilo and passes by the current lava flow (this is an awesome sight and the best way to see Pele expressing herself), then you spend Wednesday in Kona using tenders to go ashore. Starting Thursday it overnights in Kauai, leaving midday on Friday to cruise by the stunning Napili coast before heading back to Honolulu on Saturday. On Board the Pride of America: there is great entertainment, Hawaiian folks to share their culture and history, good food, 11 restaurants, 24 hour room service, 6 hot tubs, 3 pools, a stunning Gym, a spa and lots of activities by a over 930 crew that expressed the spirit of Aloha with graciousness.

Our question is: Would there be interest within the Discovery community for a vacation experience cruising around the Hawaiian Islands together? Is it possible to field this question at the Annual Meeting?

If we get the green light from you, we would be happy to do the footwork to check prices for group discounts and availability. Gary had helped facilitate 5 retreat in early Discovery. We would like to help Discovery make this available to our community. Although it would not be appropriate for a full Discovery Retreat on the ship, we would have opportunity to gather as a group and still have the freedom to explore the ports of call independently or with others.

Streams of Peace, Love and Joy,

Gary and Owen

Saturday Night Songs

2009-10-24T23:42:00.000-07:00

We had a great gathering on Saturday night listening to great music by three great singers. Michael, Phillip and Michael serenaded twenty of us with a variety of songs - from gospel, to broadway to contemporary. Phillip sang a couple Sinatra songs and ended with a rousing rendition of "I Am What I Am" and the two Michaels did a duet of Suddenly Seymore from Little House of Horrors. Thanks to host Daniel for opening his home and for providing accompaniment and to all who contributed desserts of refreshments.

Dating Secrets Saturday, October 17

2009-10-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

Discovery will be doing another fun dating workshop on Saturday October 17th, in San Francisco. This interactive session is specially designed for those who are new to the gay dating scene or who need a few new tools to improve their chances of meeting Mr. Right. The session starts at 6:30pm at the Harvey Milk Recreation Center conveniently located near the Castro in Duboce Park (50 Scott Street). We'll head over to Cafe Flore about 9:30pm to continue socializing. We will also be giving away ten "first date" opportunities. Registration is just $15 and includes food and refreshments and the chance to meet dozens of eligible gay men. More information and on-line registration is available at www.discoverydating.eventbrite.com.

Angel Island

2009-10-12T14:38:00.000-07:00

We had 9 hikers on the Angel Island hike. We hiked up to Mt. Livermore and back down. There were 3 hikers for whom this was their 2nd Discovery event, so relatively new to Discovery. On the ferry ride back we saw the Blue Angels fly over. The board was represented by Guy, Ven and Tom. All in all it was a great success.

Click Here for More Photos

This information for the Angel Island Hike on Saturday October 10, 2009

Ferry from SF Ferry Building (at the foot of Market Street)
Leaves: Ferry Building* at 9:20, Pier 41 at 9:40
Arrives: Angel Island at 10:05
Costs: $7.50 each way (must buy the return ticket too, total $15)
See Blue and Gold's Web Site for complete details
Return trips at 2:55 to Pier 41 only, at 4:30 to both Pier 41 (arr 5:25) and Ferry Bldg (arr 5:50)

*There are no signs at the Ferry Building for the Blue & Gold Ferry, but it does show up! Tickets are available at the travel agency inside the building. Ask. It can be confusing on Saturdays due to the Farmers Market... You can also just walk to Pier 41 (another irony, as you get tickets from a booth closer to Pier 39, let's say 39 1/2).

Ferry from Oakland (Jack London Sq) or Alameda
Through October, the Alameda Oakland Ferry offers service to Pier 41 in time to connect with the Angel Island Ferry
Leaves: Oakland at 9:00, Alameda at 9:10
Arrives: Pier 41 at 9:35
Costs: $6.25 one-way (note that Blue & Gold lists a 14.50 fare to Angel Island...)
See eastbayferry.com for complete details
There's a faster return trip leaving Angel Island at 3:10 to Oakland/Alameda (45 min). Otherwise connect (55 min later) at Pier 41 or Ferry bldg.

Couple's brunch on 10/3

2009-10-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

It was a gorgeous day in SOMA in the courtyard of Triptych restaurant as sixteen guys got together for brunch and to talk about how to strengthen their relationships as couples. Our speaker Alapaki Yee shared some of the unique challenges that gay couples face and the top stressors on gay relationships. There were lots of questions about what keeps gay couples together. He gave us one of 160 exercise he uses with the Gay Couple Institute workshops called Love Maps. Couples get in pairs and go through a kind of interview where they review some of the things that they "think" they know about each other. It was fun. Some folks were new to Discovery and others had not been to an event for a long time. One guy shared a website for bay area gay couples - www.sfcouples.org. There was agreement that Discovery should do more couples activities and maybe a day-long retreat or couples potluck to keep the energy alive. A good time and good meal were had by all in attendance. Thanks to Eric P. for getting the speaker and to Mark R. for working with the restaurant. Definitely an event worth repeating.

Celebrating the Joy of Veg

2009-09-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

Eleven of us got together on Sunday night in Civic Center for a cooking group dinner of delicious home-cooked dishes. The theme was vegetarian dishes. George started us with a smoke salmon platter. We moved to the table and had a feast of Pistachio and Grape-studded Quinoa salad, fresh beans and tomato salad, eggplant salad with pappadam, fallafel with curry sauce, chile relleno casserole, carrot and currant salad, grapes with apple rings and mint and sweet potato lasagne. Dessert was a peach cobbler, made with fresh peaches from Michael's San Anselmo garden, topped with whipped cream laced with Peach Schnapps. George got us talking about our favorite family dishes from when we were kids, which might make for a future cooking group theme. we also talked about recent retreats and our fascination/fear of Facebook. The next cooking group will be October 18th. A good time as had by all.

Dating tip #5: Pacing and Sexual contact

2009-09-17T01:24:00.000-07:00

You can't take a relationship faster than the pace at which both guys are comfortable. In other words, if you tend to be more intensive or serious than the other guy, ease up. Allow him time to discover how he feels and wants to proceed. Let go of needing to control the outcome. Be patient. It's usually not a good idea to have sex until both men have at least gotten to know the basics about one another and respect each other as human and sexual beings. If you are seriously looking for a relationship, give it time to be more than just a sexual encounter. (From 7 Day Dating and Relationship Plan by Grant Wheaton)

Add your comments on when you should have sex with someone you are dating.

Join Discovery on Friday, September 18th to talk about your dating experiences and to learn about Dating Secrets for Gay Guys.

Dating Tip #4: Be authentic

2009-09-16T01:05:00.000-07:00

You must get real and honest about yourself - the best and the worst - and accept yourself as the complete package that you are. Complete does not mean perfect. We are all works in progress. Complete is the acknowledgment of the authentic you - all aspects. If you are looking for someone else to complete you, you will not find yourself in a healthy, fullfilling relationship. (from Mandates: 25 Real Rules for Successful Gay Dating by David Singleton)

Take stock of your positive traits and consider the best ways to use these positive characteristics.

Dating Tip #3: Dating Etiquette

2009-09-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Being respectful when dating Whether your date was a smash hit or disaster, exercise good manners and thank your new acquaintance for the date. If you’d like to see him again, state this and call him in a day or so to ask him out again. Don’t get caught up in the whole dating game of “How many days should I hold off to call him to avoid looking desperate?” or “I’m going

to let him be the one to call me.”

If you like him, take charge of your life and make that call. If you didn’t feel a “love connection” with the guy, thank him for the date and kindly and tactfully tell him that it’s not a match.

While this may be extremely difficult, it’s always best to be honest and direct in a gentle, polite way. If you’d like to try to develop a friendship instead, suggest that. But be honest and direct and don’t tell him you’ll call him again if you really have no intention of doing so. That’s cruel!

(fromGay Dating Tactics: First-date Do's and Don't by Brian Rzepczynski)

Add your comments on other dating rules that gay men should follow.

On Friday September 18th Discovery will have an exciting workshop on dating for gay men, called "Dating Secrets for Gay Guys". This two-hour workshop and social is being held in response to requests from many of our members to have more opportunities to meet some of the nice guys who attend Discovery retreats and events. It's also an opportunity for folks who are new to gay dating or just needing a "few new tools" or a chance to brush up their skills. It's not speed-dating or matchmaking, but a chance to learn about where to meet eligible guys, what goes into a good date, how to be respectful and how to take it to the next level.

Dating Tip #2: Conversation topics on a first date

2009-09-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

What to talk about on a first date. Focus on the other guy. Relate directly to him and listen to what he has to say. Compliment the things you like about him. Balance the conversation and don't monopolize the conversation with rambling verbal resume about your self or your accomplishments. Stay away from controversial topics. When dating a new guy NEVER talk about ex-boyfriends or dating horror stories from the past. Concentrate on the here and now and on interests or points of view you have in common. Remember that every first date is a new beginning and should be treated like one. So feel confident and be optimistic, stick to the present and the future. (From the 7 Day Dating and Relationship Plan for Gay Men by Grant Wheaton)

Add your comments on good conversation topics for a first date.

Dating Tip # 1: Where to meet on a first date

2009-09-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

Today's dating tip: Choice of place to meet for a first date. Make it a quiet, neutral place outside your home or apartment and away from noisy gay bars or unusually loud, busy restaurants. You want to be able to communicate easily and without distractions. On a first date it's usually best for both guys to meet at a designated place. That way either is free to leave when he feels like it's time to go. (From The 7-day Dating and Relationship Plan for Gay Men, by Grant Wheaton)

Feel free to add your comments or suggestions below for places to go for a good first date.

Iceskating in August

2009-09-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

Six of us took the the ice at Yerba Buena gardens on Saturday, August 15th. We had different levels of experience, but had great fun together. Some of us had grown up on skates and others hadn't skated in a while. We suspect that we were not the only gay guys on the ice, but certainly we were among the best dressed. Pedro from Columbia joined our outting after finding out about us at Gay Pride and arrived in a rather unusual skating attire, his racing biking gear with DIscovery emblazoned across his chest and a light helmet. Peter organized this one and we went to Chevy's afterwards for a nice dinner. We'll probably return to the ice in the winter, but also decided that we want to polish our skill by going roller skating next. Look for details on a roller skating trip with Rainbow Skates in early October.

Discovery, Schools and Geese

2009-09-07T18:06:00.000-07:00

Don’t know if the following is true (which I heard quoted at a Gay Buddist Fellowship Meeting) but it’s a story which, as my mentor Russ Ackoff used to say, “if it isn’t true, it should be”. Perhaps it might even be a thought to put it on the Discovery website as an indication of who we are (or hope to be).
Lee Robbins

The Goose Story

Next fall when you see geese heading south for the winter flying along in a "V" formation you might be interested in knowing what science has discovered about why they fly that way.

It has been learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.    People who share common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone, and quickly gets into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are going.

When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. It pays to take turns doing hard jobs

The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. An encouraging word goes a long way.

Finally, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by a gun shot, and falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow him down to help and protect him.   They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead and they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with the group. If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.

~Unknown~

Discovery's Whitewater Adventure

2009-09-03T22:31:00.001-07:00

Twenty of us went out to Coloma, near Placerville for overnight camping and a thrilling day of class III and Class IV whitewater trips. We got there Saturday afternoon and set up our tents. As we did introductions, we quickly discovered that we had four Michaels on the trip, so we picked out nicknames for each other them. We had a hearty barbecue dinner, prepared by American Whitewater Enterprises. After dinner we watched videos from the trip that the other groups had gone on earlier that day. Later we went back to our camp area and told jokes and stories around the campfire and eventually played a game of Assassins led by a very animated Paul Davis. Jerry Locsin, who was one of the six guys on their first Discovery adventure, fooled us all and won the game. We finally settle down to a sultry night and a few hours of sleep in our tents. We were up early on Sunday morning for breakfast, followed by a one and half hour drive up the river to our put-in. It was a hot gorgeous day and the water was refreshing. We given helmets, lifejackets and helmets and a stern instruction by the lead guide. We split up to be six to a boat with a skilled guide gave us thrilling trips down the river. No one fell out of their boats, but we all got soaking, soaking wet. Our first rapids was the famous Tunnel Chute which left us almost vertical to the water and inches from the sides of the rocks. Around 1:30 pm we stopped for a lunch and potty break on a small embankment. It felt good to get out of the boat for a while, stretch our legs and fill our bellies with hearty sandwiches. Once back on the water a few guys got out of the boats for swim in the calmer waters. Then as we neared the end of the trip there seemed to be more and more rapids and out guide showed us how to "rapids surf" when he would push the raft right back up against the waves coming off a rapids waterfall and keep us there for minutes until we were all thoroughly soaked. Around 3:30 pm we came out of the American River, exhausted, drenched in water and roaring in laughter and ready to do it all over again. We went back to camp to collect our things then had dinner at Durango's a Mexican restaurant in Placerville, where we got to know each other a little better as we recounted our day's whitewater adventures. Special thanks to Peter Graney for organizing this wonderful Discovery getaway.

A Hike in Tilden Park

2009-08-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

this hike is scheduled for September 12, 2009

Those of us using public transportation will meet at the Downtown Berkeley BART from where the cute little AC Transit #67 bus will take us up the hill (about 15 minutes). The others who drive, walk, or bike up will meet us at the park, at the Big Leaf picnic area across the Pony Ride (no ponies these days however).

We'll hike up Meadows Canyon Trail (1.5 mi) to Inspiration Point and admire the view of the valley. Then we'll come back down via Curran Trail and Wildcat Gorge Trail with a loop around Lake Anza. Back to our start point, we'll enjoy a picnic (bring your Frisbee and your own picnic).

Others can join us just for the picnic at Big Leaf.

Hardy guys can walk down to Berkeley to enjoy the bay views.

Schedule, subject to revision:

- meet at the top of the escalator of the Berkeley BART Station at 9:40
- proceed to bus stop (next to Bank of America) and board #67 at 9:50 (it's $2)
- meet at Big Leaf picnic area at 10:10
- picnic at 12:00

AC #67 returns every hour at 12:15, 1:15, 2:15 etc.

AC #67 Schedule on 511.org

BART Schedule on bart.gov
hint: from 16th & Mission, buy a $3.75 ticket, take the 9:09 train (Pittsbrugh/BayPoint), transfer across the platform at Oakland 12th Street to the Richmond train, then the fourth station from there is Berkeley (a.k.a. Downtown Berkeley) arriving at 9:40. Go up the big escalator and look for a guy holding a Discovery postcard. Get there earlier if you need to buy a sandwich (there's Blimpie two blocks up and a Subway too).

Google Map: Big Leaf Picnic Area, Tilden Park

Tilden North Map (PDF)

Tilden South Map (PDF)

Globetrotters: Bali and Australia

2009-08-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Bob Kevess showed us his beautiful photos from Bali, where he travelled several times in the past two years. He unexpectedly became the official photographer for a cremation ceremony that occurs only every decade, capturing people of all ages in their traditional gear and rituals. The cremation ceremony occurs only every ten years because it's expensive. The Balinese bury their dead for ten years, in waiting for the day they'll be able to complete the cycle of life with this ceremony.

The Balinese are apparently friendly and warm, the island beautiful. Bob also had photos of a monkey and a parrot that just happened to be about. Expect warm and humid weather.

If you missed this meeting (we apologize for the confusion caused by the late arrival of the key), Bob wrote a blog at bobinbali.blogspot.com Here's the wikipedia page about Bali, which is an island in the country of Indonesia.

To get there, airlines connect from SFO to Taipei, Hong Kong, or Tokyo. Fly to Denpasar (airport code DPS). Costs vary from one airline to another, but should be under $1500 (I just check orbitz, found $1200 with Cathay Pacific, and the same flights, code shared by AA, were $1600). It's a long way from here, so make sure you get the right connections. While the airfare may seem high, you'll save on lodging and food. Bob showed us a photo of a vegetarian plate (yes, vegetarians are welcome!) for about a dollar.

Internet cafes abound, and the surroundings are calm and safe, especially compared to large cities of Indonesia like Jakarta (not to worry, you won't have to go there).