Just America's Future . . .

Playing Words With Friends against anonymous opponents has given me more reason to fear the future of America if this is an example of a product of the American education system.

Just Old Skool Cafe . . .

If you want to have a meal that will not only feed your body but also feed your soul than you need to make a reservation at Cora Jean's Old Skool Cafe in Bayview.

Old Skool Cafe is a youth-run supper club that provides "employment opportunities and training for youth as apprentice chefs, waiters and entertainers."

Upon entering the club, you are immediately transported back in time as you are greeted by the host who is dressed in 1920's elegance.  Your host leads you up to the tufted banquette seating while a jazz singer and piano player croon away on the main floor.

The food is served tapas style small plates.

I ordered the Grexican Burgers which consist of three flame-grilled slider burgers with feta cheese, oregano, pickled red onion, grilled poblano chile, tomatillo salsa and chipotle aioli.  I loved it!

I also ordered Abu's West African Peanut Butter Stew.  The dish originated in Sierra Leone and has chunky chicken, creamy coconut milk, topped with fresh herbs and garlic chips.  Delicious!

Throughout the evening the servers rotate taking turns on the main floor sharing their personal stories, performing spoken word poems, or singing a song.  While the stories will break your heart you can't help but root for these kids to succeed.

The restaurant is located in Mendell Plaza which is at the heart of Bayview.  Though the neighborhood has a history of poverty and crime; Old Skool is just one of several new businesses that have opened in the community in the last year.

To learn more about the incredible work Old Skool Cafe is doing for the youth of the community please watch this short film.

Just An Ongoing Protest . . .

I am enjoying this ongoing protest of a building in the financial district.

They are small crew of two but come bearing large props that help draw attention to their cause.

So far they have brought out the grim reaper and a giant "thumbs down."

I am hoping they bring the giant rat next week.

Just A Sandwich Sign . . .

Today's oxymoron is brought to you by the people at Togo's!

Because the "Mini" Classics are a new "Bigger" size.

It's signs like this that make me happy in life.

Just The Battle Of The Bay . . .

Friday I lucked out and won a trivia contest at work.  My prize was two tickets into the company's luxury box for game one of the Battle Of The Bay between the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A's.

Even better was the fact that the tickets got me into a free wine tasting event on the suite level two hours before the game started.

My pick of the best wine...

A Sangiovese from Seghesio Family Vineyards.

Now, about baseball; when the series came to a close on Sunday the Giants had won two of the three games.

But what may be most surprising what when my friend Danilo, who also won tickets, showed up wearing an Oakland A's jersey!   Some of you Loyal Readers may remember last year when I told you that he was the biggest Giants fan I knew.

Well they haven't been playing very good the last two seasons so maybe his loyalty has drifted across the Bay.

Just An Eclipse . . .

On Sunday in San Francisco if you weren't drunk from the 101st Bay To Breakers race, at the third game in the Battle Of The Bay between the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A's then you were probably trying to catch a glimpse of the annular solar eclipse.

An annular solar eclipse is when the moon passes in front of the sun leaving a golden ring around its edge.

And while I know you are not supposed to stare directly at the sun, I did try to point my camera in that general direction and capture the eclipse.

Shot after shot I was not getting what I was hoping for.

Then I pulled out my iPhone and snapped these three gems!

I am sure there is something with the refraction on the lens or reflections on the who knows what, but I was pleased with the results.

Just A Blog's 4th Birthday . . .

Happy 4th Birthday Just Jon!

Have a piece of cake and celebrate!