Reviewed: Clean Vent Inc.
: 186 East Sunnyoaks Avenue, #D · : Campbell · : 888.448.7970 · Review Title: Clean Vent!
My Rating: Thumbs Up!

My Opinion: Clean vent did a great job!
I easily passed my inspection and my cooking equipment looks like new!
thanks clean vent!!!

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Other: Airline ·

Description: Airline that flys from San Francisco to Taipei.
Review Title: Awesome airline
My Rating: Thumbs Up!
My Opinion: My husband and I recently took this airline when we went to Vietnam for 12days. The flight went from San Francisco to Taipei. Then from Taipei to Saigon. Total time was about 17hrs, which is pretty long but they made it so easy. You could watch a movie on your own screen or listen to a variety of music. The food was pretty good and the staff was really nice. I would take this airline again if I go back to Asia.


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Street: Vasona Park · City: Los Gatos, CA ·

Description: Your neighborhood will have better Xmas lights displays! Unless you don't mind waiting 3 hours....
Review Title: Don't wait 3 hours for Xmas lights
My Rating: Thumbs Down
My Opinion: We were all hyped up for the annual Los Gatos Fantasy of Lights this year...boy were we foolish! We bundled up the kiddies, got our hot cocoa at Starbucks, and headed over to Los Gatos/Vasona Park.

This year, the line was outrageous! We waited 3 hours to get in! Not worth it! Normally, I'd turn around and leave, but we promised the kids so we had to stay.

Ridiculous! First, it isn't clear where the entrance is. So we went one way and then ended up having to go all around the park to get in. If it was clear where the entrance was, one could take side streets and cut wait time in half.

Second, the displays were no better than when we went 5 years ago. So they added a few dinosaurs? The best display was at the end as you leave. All of the others are lacking. The only other "cool" part was going through the tunnel of lights, which is all but 7 or 8 rows of lights. And the displays are ruined with ugly sponsor ads posted right next to them.

Although the kids enjoyed it, I will never visit again. I recommend going online and looking up private residences that are known for large Xmas light displays. You can often find entire neighborhoods lit up with much better displays and very little wait time. And not have to PAY for 3 hours of taking in exhaust from the cars in front of you. Very disappointing.

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City: Casa De Fruta, California (near Gilroy) ·

Description: Renaissance Faire held annually at Casa De Fruta near Gilroy, California.
Review Title: Don't pay to be solicited to buy things!
My Rating: Thumbs Down
My Opinion: I was super disappointed after paying $25 to enter the Renaissance Faire only to be bombarded by costumed sales persons!

I had always wanted to attend the Renaissance Faire and experience what it would be like to be in a small village back in time and marvel at the costumes, art, crafts, food, entertainment, etc.

Once we entered, we did see a bit of costumed folks and hear a bit of strange language from back then; however, nothing like I had heard about. I had heard it was a highly interactive event that really submersed you in the culture back then; instead, it was like any other Art & Wine Festival with booths set up all over to sell patrons overpriced items. What made it worse was the fact that the costumed sales persons were very pushy in trying to get you to purchase things. My kids were admiring a live owl on one man's arm and he told us, 'You can touch the owl or take a picture with it if you want...all you have to do is buy something inside...anything...even a $1 card." That is verbatim! It totally ruined the atmosphere and the entire day was full of solicitations like that. Overt, even rude, solicitations all throughout the day.

There was not enough role playing or interaction from staff toward patrons. Food was ridiculously over priced and at times ran out. Items for sale were ridiculously over priced for the quality being provided. It was dusty and you inhaled dust throughout the day, there were horse piles all over and quite smelly, and the pushy solicitations were over the top!

Do not waste your time or money! Create your own Renaissance Party at home with family and friends. You'll have a better time and enjoy it much more.

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Description: 150 E San Fernando St, San Jose, CA 95112
Review Title: Nice library
My Rating: Thumbs Up!
My Opinion: This library has lots of areas where you can sit down and read or study. It has a nice childrens area. The movie selection is ok. There are plenty of computers to use to look up books. I lke coming here when I am in the neighborhood.

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Make/Model: Fully Loaded · Manufacturer: Haworth ·

Description: The Zody Chair is the premier chair from Haworth's lineup of office task chairs. It's made to be as environmentally friendly as it is ergonomically friendly. It was the first chair to get a seal of approval from the American Physical Therapy Association.
Review Title: The Best Chair I've Ever Owned. Fits Like a Glove.
My Rating: Thumbs Up!
My Opinion: There are two things that I'm very picky about. My keyboard and my chair. I'm still looking for that perfect keyboard (oh what I'd do for one of the Apple Design II keyboards in mint condition), but I can cross the perfect chair off of my list at least.

I've owned two chairs from Herman Miller (including the Aeron) and the CXO Chair. All of them said to be award winning chairs for their design and comfort. All were excellent chairs, but I had pet peeves with all of them that eventually made them unfit for the heavy hours that I'd put into them. I'm in my chair for 10 to 12 hours on most days. What feels great after one 8 hour day may start to become painful after your seventh 12 hour day in a row.

The Zody Chair is the first chair that doesn't have some design quirk in it that would cause me to have to compensate my posture to get comfortable after extended use. The adjustability of the Zody is awesome. I'm really able to mold it to fit my body, something that was not totally possible with any of my other chairs. It has all of the adjustments you'd expect out of a premium task chair, but there's one that's done so cleverly that I have to call it out.

Like a lot of chairs, you can adjust your seat back tension to adjust how easily the chair or the back of the chair tilts backwards. This is usually done through some spring on the bottom of the seat pan where it's hard to reach and impractical to adjust frequently. They put the seatback tension in a crank on the side of the chair that you can adjust very easily throughout the day to give your body some relief from being in one position for too long.

They really tout their super adjustable lumbar support, but really I'm not sure what all the hoopla is about there. You can isolate your lumbar support by adjusting a dial for right side tension and left side tension. The problem is that I can't figure out exactly how much tension should be applied per side and I have a Master's Degree in Physical Therapy. The other thing is that the settings on the two sided lumbar support don't stay. I've toyed with the left and right side adjustments only to find that the settings slip back to their defaults a few days later.

The Zody is built with a slightly flexible seatback that gives it a kinda flimsy feel. I'm used to my chairs being built like tanks from top to bottom so I have to admit I was a bit concerned about the worksmanship of the chair when I felt the seatback bend a bit. I knew it was that way by design, but it was still disconcerting until I sat in it. It really makes a difference when you're leaning back in your chair. It supports your back, but allows you have a little bit of natural movement from side to side so you don't have to resort to slouching if you find the rigidity of your "ergonomically perfect" chair tiring after a long day.

My only real complaint about the chair is that one of the adjustable armrests is a bit loose and moves too easily. It hasn't been a problem, but it is a bit annoying sometimes.

Finally, if you want to get one of these chairs, you might want to see if you can find a local office furniture dealer who carries them. I found a local salesguy who sold me a fully loaded chair customized with my pick of trims, leather, and fabric for at least $300-400 less than what you could find it for through online discounters. If you're in the Silicon Valley or East Bay area, contact me and I'll give you his contact info.

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Street: 747 Howard Street · City: San Francisco ·

Description: The 49th Annual San Francisco International Auto Show is presented by the San Francisco Chronicle|SFGate.com and supported by the California Motor Car Dealers Association. Featuring over 40 of the world’s major Manufacturers displaying their 2007 model cars, SUV’s, trucks and vans…almost 800 vehicles in all.
Review Title: Fun time
My Rating: It's OK
My Opinion: You can sit in most of the cars on the floor without the hassle of a sales person trying to get you to buy the car or to take it for a test drive. I was disappointed not to see too many concept cars or older cars. I have been to this show before it seems that had more to see.

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Street: 125 Great Mall Drive · City: Milpitas · Phone: (408) 262-0600 ·

Description: Glow in the dark miniature Golf
Review Title: Fun
My Rating: It's OK
My Opinion: This is kind of a neat place to play miniature golf. I like the fact that it is in doors.

This is an automatically generated post created when a new opinion has been posted to the Opinion Boards. You can comment on this opinion directly or post your own opinion]]> Reviewed: Center Stage Productions
Street: 1195 Clark Street · City: San Jose · Phone: 408.294.1828 x116 ·

Description: Review of main stage production or "Ravenscroft."
Review Title: \"Ravenscroft\" quite the thriller!
My Rating: Thumbs Up!
My Opinion: Center Stage Productions in WIllow Glen has another hit on their list with "Ravenscroft." It would be easy to make the actors get bogged down in the words of this Don Nigro murdery mystery, but director Bryan Freeman keeps the dialogue flowing with a cast that is nothing short of sublime. Five women, one Inspector and one dead body make for the perfect Hallowe'en outing! Bring your friends and go see "Ravenscroft!" It's funny, suspenseful, and poignant all at the same time and one heck of a value for the talent you get to see!

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Street: 2780 El Camino Real · City: Santa Clara · Phone: 408-296-7200 ·

Description: Bowling Alley
Review Title: Fun place
My Rating: Thumbs Up!
My Opinion: This is a fun place to go bowling. They have music videos going while you are playing. It is also pretty dark while you are playing but they have the black lights which makes everything glow. I did not know this place existed until we were invited to go this past Saturday. I would go back.

This is an automatically generated post created when a new opinion has been posted to the Opinion Boards. You can comment on this opinion directly or post your own opinion]]> Reviewed: San Jose Improv
Street: 62 S. Second Street · City: San Jose · Phone: (408) 280-7475 ·

Description: The San Jose branch of the Improv Comedy clubs. There are over 20 Improv Comedy Clubs in the US, each featuring laughs, food, and drink. Seating is available on two levels (balcony and floor/deck).
Review Title: Very Comfy For a Comedy Club!
My Rating: Thumbs Up!
My Opinion: A couple of weeks ago, we went to The SJ Improv to see Don McMillan, a former Silicon Valley geek who does his comedy routine on PowerPoint slideshows. Tickets were reasonably priced. They were about $20/person, but we got in for half off through Artsopolis for the Thursday night show. The half off tickets came with the condition of spending at least $8/person on food or drinks.

The venue was surprisingly comfortable for a comedy club. I've only been to a handful of comedy clubs, but all of them can be split up into two categories: cramped fire hazards or pub-like venues where it smells like people laugh and spill their beer on the floor.

The SJ Improv didn't fit into either of those categories. It was clean, easy to walk through, and the stage lighting was proper and made for comfortable viewing. The sound system was crisp and clear (but not overly loud) so there were no missed jokes from being unable to hear over the crowd laughing.

You can get theater style seats in the balcony or seat yourself at tables that seat from 4-6 people on the main level. 6 people at a table is a squeeze, but you can do it. If you want to go in a large group, you probably won't be able to all sit together.

The food? Well, we didn't go there for the food. It was serviceable. I wouldn't choose to eat there unless there was a kitchen minimum to meet like we had with our tickets. The food prices are about on par with what you'd expect to spend at a sporting event or a concert... maybe just a tad higher.




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Street: 55 Hawthorne · City: San Francisco · Phone: 1-800-300-kfog ·

Description: Classic rock played daily. 10 great tunes from one great year played at 10 am and again at 10 pm. Acoustic sunrise on sunday mornings. Live performances, new releases and
more!

Review Title: KFOG · Overall Score: 10

My Opinion: I have listened to KFOG since 1983. They turned to rock in 1982 when the DJ played the Stray Cats, instead of elevator music. They recieved MANY calls that day and the rest is history. They have sent me on trips, to concerts, to movies and more. They really now how to take care of their fans.

This is an automatically generated post created when a new opinion has been posted to the Opinion Boards. You can comment on this opinion directly or post your own opinion]]> Reviewed: Water-Efficient Landscaping Workshop SeriesManufacturer: Santa Clara Valley Water District ·

Description: Santa Clara Valley Water District offers free workshops for gardeners who want to learn how to make their home gardens more water-wise.

Review Title: Great gardening workshops! · Overall Score: 10

My Opinion: This past weekend, a friend and I attended a free 3-hour workshop on gardening with native Californian plants. Sponsored by the Santa Clara Valley Water District and held at their headquarters in San Jose, I expected this to be a rather hum-drum affair (you get what you pay for, right?). Well, was I ever wrong! The workshop, led by landscape architect Stephanie Morris, was engaging, entertaining, and very informative. My friend and I are both interested in gardening with native plants, but this workshop got us so excited we decided to plant a native garden within the year! Already, I'm searching the web for more information, and getting ready to buy a couple of books to increase my knowledge.

Stephanie Morris was intelligent, fun, and a great speaker. What's more, she got us excited about what she does. Her accompanying Power Point presentation was helpful and nicely done.

And Santa Clara Valley Water District puts its money where its mouth is. They had lots of great free brochures available with more information on water-wise gardening, they offered everyone at the morning workshop coffee, juice, bagels, and doughnuts, and each of us walked away with a new watering hose spray device as well as a handy SCV Water District canvas sack. The conference room was also comfortable, if a little chilly.

I would recommend checking out future gardening workshops run by this organization!

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Street: 628 Divisadero · City: San Francisco ·

Description: The Independent is the latest incarnation of one of San Francisco’s most diverse live rooms. 628 Divisadero has been showcasing music in San Francisco for over 30 years.


Review Title: Went here for a concert · Overall Score: 8
(Overall Rating: 8, Value: 8, Fun: 10, )

My Opinion:
I recently went to the Independent to see Erasure. I like small venues because then that way you are closer to the artist. I love Erasure and they always put on a great show. I had a great time, but there was one problem. This place has not ventilation, so it was really hot. Of course they were selling water but still it was like being in a sauna with 300 people.

This is an automatically generated post created when a new opinion has been posted to the Opinion Boards. You can comment on this opinion directly or post your own opinion]]> Reviewed: Cambrian Bowl
Street: 14900 Camden Ave. · City: San Jose · Phone: 408.377.2354 ·

Description: Family owned and operated bowling alley in the Cambrian neighborhood of San Jose featuring 32 lanes, a cocktail
lounge, video games, coffee shop, oddyssey bowling, and leagues for all ages.

Review Title: Pleasant & Fun Staff, Nice Bowling, Lanes in Good Condition · Overall Score: 8
(Overall Rating: 8, Value: 10, Fun: 8, )

My Opinion:
I'm not exactly the bowling extraordinaire. In fact, my main claim to bowling fame was my development of a dive to the ground move that I had to make after releasing the ball for a few months when I had to protect a back injury from any twisting.

Still, I've been in enough bowling alleys and have bowled enough bad games there to know a good alley. I've only bowled at Cambrian Bowl a few times, but it was a good experience each time and notably, the staff was part of the experience. Usually the staff is what makes you want to never go back again. We did a Social Wave event there once and the manager snuck up behind us and start sweeping her hand from side to side quickly at us while making a funny face. She baffled us, but she was trying to wave at us in a social manner, get it? That caught us all by surprise, next time we'll be ready for offbeat humor and a staff that's not just waiting to get off work.

Although the building is old and there's nothing fancy at all about the interiors, it was pretty clean each time I was there and stuff that needs to be well maintained was in good condition. Cambrian Bowl advertises that they're family owned and operated since 1958. Indeed, you really get the "throwback" sort of feel when you walk into this place, but that's part of the charm. Be sure to see the displays of antique appliances set up near the oversized front entrance.

Other pluses: Special bowling deals, cheap bowling during low-demand hours, special contests held regularly, special events, birthday parties.

This is an automatically generated post created when a new opinion has been posted to the Opinion Boards. You can comment on this opinion directly or post your own opinion]]> Reviewed: Samsung SyncMaster 930B
Make/Model: SyncMaster 930B · Manufacturer: Samsung · Other: 19" ·

Description: The SyncMaster 930B is an earlier version of the the current line of Samsung SyncMaster LCD flat screen monitors. As of May '05 this monitor is popping up in discount outlets like OfficeMax and Circuit City.

Review Title: Great Quality LCD Display for the Price · Overall Score: 8
(Overall Rating: 8, )

My Opinion:
If you own a Mac this is especially for you because you might be one of the people who won't stray too far from buying "Mac-approved" hardware. I'm generally hesitant to stray too far away from equipment that feels familiar and going with a "bargain" 19" LCD screen that very few Mac users use, was a leap of faith and a little scary for me, but I'm quite happy with it! It's not perfect, but I had to make an emergency purchase to replace a much more expensive monitor that abruptly blew out on me and I find it more than acceptable (and in some ways better than the monitor I lost).

My previous monitor was a 17" Formac Electronics LCD screen that abruptly died a little more than a few months after the 1 year warrantly ran out. The Samsung monitor can't compare to the image sharpness of the Formac monitor which truly has amazing crispness, but it only costs half as much and so far is proving to be a worthy replacement for the overpriced and "injury-prone" Formac monitors.

Although this monitor is a couple of years old, it's become widely available at disount computer equipment outlets. I purchased mine at Circuit City and the after rebate price was $360. I just saw the 17" version of this model on sale at OfficeMax today for $250 after rebate.

Pros: Fast pixel response time. It had no problems at all with video and performs perfectly in fast paced first person shooter online games like Unreal Tournament 2004. Surprisingly good image quality.

Cons: Excessively complicated controls to make adjustments to the image. Image quality just slightly flawed enough that you may not want to use it over 10 hours a day (which I routinely do unfortunately).

This is an automatically generated post created when a new opinion has been posted to the Opinion Boards. You can comment on this opinion directly or post your own opinion]]> Review of Almaden Lake Park
Street: Almaden Expwy & Coleman
City: San Jose
Website: http://www.sjparks.org/parks/almadenlake.htm
Description: Almaden Lake Park is 64.9 acres, has restrooms, 95 picnic tables, 19 BBQs, and one playground.

Review Title: Very nice park
Overall Score: 8
(Overall Rating: 8, Value: 8, Fun: 8, )

My Opinion:
I went to this park on Saturday with A.C. We walked around the whole area and it was a nice walk and we noticed a lot of people who were picnicing. A.C. told me that when it gets hotter you can swim in the lake and rent little peddle boats.

This is an automatically generated post created when a new opinion has been posted to the Opinion Boards. You can comment on this opinion directly or post your own opinion]]> Review of A Reckoning
City: San Francisco
Website: http://www.magictheatre.org/shows/reckoning.shtml
Description: A year after her mother's death, Irene arrives at her father's house with an unannounced agenda. As their personal confrontation goes public and threatens to ruin both their lives, A Reckoning charts the emotional complexity of our most intimate family relationships. Featuring gripping performances by a real-life father and daughter.



Review Title: A great play
Overall Score: 8
(Overall Rating: 8, Value: 8, Fun: 8, )

My Opinion:
A RECKONING
an american premiere play
by Wesley Moore
directed by Richard Seyd
featuring Kevin Tighe and Jennifer Tighe
February 26 ñ March 27, 2005
Originally produced at SoHo Theatre Company in London, UK (Abigail Morris, Artistic Director).

It was interesting to watch this play, there are only 2 people in the play which makes the staging interesting. I thought both actors did a great job. It was a serious subject and it was tense and sad at times.



This is an automatically generated post created when a new opinion has been posted to the Opinion Boards. You can comment on this opinion directly or post your own opinion]]> Review of Davies Symphony Hall
City: San Francisco
Website: http://www.sfsymphony.org
Description: San Francisco Symphony

Review Title: Beautiful concert
Overall Score: 10
(Overall Rating: 10, Value: 10, Fun: 10, )

My Opinion:
MTT conducts Beethoven's Symphony No. 7

Schoenberg's Violin Concerto, once thought too difficult to play, is now mastered by only a handful of virtuosos. At the head of the list is Christian Tetzlaff, who has garnered international acclaim as ìone of the most brilliant and inquisitive artists of the new generationî (New York Times). Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 is wildly exuberant, abounding in tantalizing color and rhythm. This was an evening of orchestral brilliance and artistic virtuosity.



This is an automatically generated post created when a new opinion has been posted to the Opinion Boards. You can comment on this opinion directly or post your own opinion]]> Review of Le Petit Trianon
Street: 72 N. 5th Street
City: San Jose
Description: Built in 1923 as an adaptation of the oft-replicated Petit Trianon in Versailles, this building, nestled in downtown San Jose, is home for many of the city's arts groups and possesses a lovely concert space in which to experience live performance.

In addition to serving as a performing arts venue, the building also houses 20 executive business suites and spaces for meetings as well as corporate and private events.


Review Title: My Favorite South Bay Concert Hall
Overall Score: 9
(Overall Rating: 10, Value: 8, Fun: 10, )

My Opinion:
Ah, Le Petit Trainon, gem of the South Bay. This is one of the nicest little concert spots for classical music I've found in San Jose. The accoustics in the main concert hall are divine - just right for chamber ensembles - and, as far as I can tell, every seat in the house is a great seat.

I'm always surprised by my friends who haven't heard of the place before. It's a well-kept secret, located just off busy Santa Clara Avenue in downtown San Jose.

The building is beautiful and well maintained, and it's a great place to bring a friend or a date for a nice night out. The accoustics are so good that you'll find some very fine musicians performing there from time to time - it's worth keeping an eye on their concert calendar. Ticket prices vary depending on the event, but, in general, they seem reasonable.

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