SAT 6/5
The simple children’s game of Rock-Paper-Scissors is a fine example of the mathematical concept of non-transivity, but it’s also a great way to settle who has to take out the trash at the fraternity house. And, if you are Roshambo Winery, it’s an excuse to throw a party. As this weekend’s host of the Southwestern US Rock Paper Scissors Pro-Am Invitational, the three-year-old winery in Healdsburg distinguishes itself on the Sonoma County wine circuit as postmodern, anti-wine-snob and yes, maybe a little kooky. “We are committed to promoting physical fitness as well as mental fitness,” said owner Naomi Brilliant in the press materials. “[Roshambo] can be a grueling activity for both mind and body.”
Credits: Al Cameron
If you plan to be one of the 128 competitors vying for a $1,000 first prize on Saturday, start practicing now. Rules and strategies can be found at the tongue-in-cheek Web site of the World Rock Paper Scissors Society, WorldRPS.com (note: presentation of a “vertical paper” is considered bad Roshambo form). Last year’s winner riled network TV censors on the late-night Jimmy Kimmel Show with the trophy, which features a gold-plated hand with middle finger extended. When plugged in, the trophy spins slowly on its base. $15 entry for participants; $10 spectators. Wine, drinks, food, and music begin at noon. Registration and info: RoshamboWinery.com. 3000 Westside Rd., Healdsburg, 888-525-WINE. — Annika Dukes
7/19-8/20
New Landon Donovans?
Talk all you want about Little League baseball, but soccer has the world’s best player-development system. Beginning around the age of six, young players — both boys and girls — are encouraged to play youth soccer and attend the numerous Major League Soccer Camps taking place all over the country. Camps are for young players six to eighteen, and the training — by players and coaches recruited in the UK — is age-specific, and designed to develop future stars as well as to have a good time practicing footie fundamentals. Team camp in Alameda begins July 19-23, and there are MLS camps this summer in Castro Valley, Clayton, Dublin, and Pleasant Hill. For more info or to register: MLSCamps.com or 1-800-680-6272 (SJ Earthquakes Camp Office). — Kelly Vance
SAT 6/5
Breezy Riders
The Hills have Hogs
Hey, Hoss. Ride a Harley? Wanna take a nonstop fifty-mile cruise through the Gold Country foothills on a sunny (we hope) Saturday afternoon for a good cause? Hop on your hog and join the Sierra Hope Ride. More than three thousand Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders are expected for the event — the tenth annual — which starts in Modesto at 11 a.m. and ends in Sonora, where live music and festivities will entertain the bikers. There’s music on the Modesto end of it, too. Proceeds support Muscular Dystrophy Association programs and research. To learn more: 916-921-9518. — Kelly Vance
