Mark "Vanilla Heat" T.'s Profile
Date
Listed in: Sexy and I know it...I work…
I really like Harkins Theaters. I was a big fan of Regal when I lived in Atlanta, sometimes went to AMC, but here in Arizona Harkins is my choice. In comparing it to other options, the ticket prices are around the same. What really sells it for me is the t-shirt & cup loyalty program. This year the cup is the same $4.95 price, but the shirt is a little more than last year. Still, if you are a regular movie watcher it is well worth it. I typically go every weekend so it pays for itself quickly. With the loyalty program the cup can be refilled for $1 and bringing the shirt (you don't even have to wear it) gets you a free medium popcorn. If you are with someone, upgrade it for $1. My friend and I usually go to the movies together. We each have a cup and we have 1 shirt. For $3 we walk away with 1 large popcorn and 2 drinks. When traveling to New England last fall and going to the movies we were reminded that not all movie chains are created equal especially when the concession prices for a large popcorn and drinks were $15!
My typical Harkins has been San Tan, but occasionally I liked to go to this Superstition off of Power Road. The advantage is at San Tan there is mall traffic to deal with. I usually go early so getting in isn't a problem, but getting out is a different story. At Superstition you don't have to contend with that - easy in, easy out. The lobby is big and usually has several lanes of concessions open to speed customers through the process. Now that I moved to Gilbert Road, this location is closer for me anyway, so it will be my new regular. Plus there are many restaurants nearby to make it a full night of dinner (or lunch) and a movie.
My typical Harkins has been San Tan, but occasionally I liked to go to this Superstition off of Power Road. The advantage is at San Tan there is mall traffic to deal with. I usually go early so getting in isn't a problem, but getting out is a different story. At Superstition you don't have to contend with that - easy in, easy out. The lobby is big and usually has several lanes of concessions open to speed customers through the process. Now that I moved to Gilbert Road, this location is closer for me anyway, so it will be my new regular. Plus there are many restaurants nearby to make it a full night of dinner (or lunch) and a movie.
1700 W Washington St
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(866) 732-4264
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(866) 732-4264
P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half…
Category:
Active Life
I have completed this event five times now and it is one that I continue to support because it is local. In the past the event started at the state capital and finished at Sun Devil stadium. This year the course was changed. Full marathon runners started downtown while the half marathon runners started on Mill Avenue. The finish was the same location.
I still do not like the finish line because that home stretch is a long and winding road that never seems to end, and the headliner concerts still are weak. This year was the B-52's. Someone who has been relevant in the past decade would be nice.
I did like the new course for the half marathon, although I did feel it was a little hillier in miles 7-10 than in the past. After the hill around Papago it is mostly downhill from there to the finish. This year they had a booth where runners who also ran in Vegas could pick up their double down medal there instead of waiting 6-8 weeks to get it in the mail. That was good. The frozen yogurt was a nice touch (thanks, Mojo!) The volunteers were great as always and the event overall is a good time. Plus this year I beat my personal best time not only for the PF Chang but for a half marathon. Wooo!
I still do not like the finish line because that home stretch is a long and winding road that never seems to end, and the headliner concerts still are weak. This year was the B-52's. Someone who has been relevant in the past decade would be nice.
I did like the new course for the half marathon, although I did feel it was a little hillier in miles 7-10 than in the past. After the hill around Papago it is mostly downhill from there to the finish. This year they had a booth where runners who also ran in Vegas could pick up their double down medal there instead of waiting 6-8 weeks to get it in the mail. That was good. The frozen yogurt was a nice touch (thanks, Mojo!) The volunteers were great as always and the event overall is a good time. Plus this year I beat my personal best time not only for the PF Chang but for a half marathon. Wooo!
Listed in: Sexy and I know it...I work…
1 Previous Review:
-
2/8/2010
This year's run I thought was better than previous years. The headliner concert was in the afternoon rather than later in the evening, which made it easier for people to attend...from what I hear - I passed out after the run and missed the concert again.
The course is flat with minor hills in the back portion around mile 10. Despite flat and fast, I always seem to run a little slower here than other courses. This year they presented a nice running tech shirt rather than the cotton ones in the past.
The shuttle service is great - but the past two years I have preferred to take the light rail. It is about a 1 mile walk from the light rail to the start, but it is a nice warm up. This years 50K was cool and I find the expo is always nice. Big names with Dean Karnazes, Ryan Hall and Deena Kastor. My company now has jumped in and started sponsoring us, so I will continue to sign up. A good way to start off the year!
This is my new apartment. Stop by and say hello. Having been here for a couple of months now the experience has been good. I visited initially in early November and took a tour of the property. It is very large and has amenities such as a work out facility and 4 pools (one behind the office is heated). As large as it is it is surprisingly quiet. Yes, I do hear my upstairs neighbor walking around and he likes to play his radio, but I don't hear people talking, I don't see people hanging around outside, and actually I haven't even bumped into any of my neighbors yet. When I first moved in I had a maintenance request and it was completed the next day. My mailbox key also didn't work and that too was fixed the next day. The grounds are kept clean.
A couple of things to point out - the workout room requires a one-time fee of $30. Parking is a little unusual from my prior apartment experiences - the listed rent fee is a base fee. Add to that taxes and also $10 for parking in an uncovered spot. If you want a covered parking in front of your building, that's $20 per month. I went with uncovered and thankfully I don't ever go grocery shopping or having anything to carry in because that would be challenging. Also rent is due on the 1st of the month and there is no grace period. If rent is paid on the 2nd, there is a $75 fee for that and $10 per day thereafter. It is best to pay in check or money order at the office. You could do bill pay through the bank, but they are not responsible for delivery and if the bank gets it there late those fees will apply. There is a credit card payment that can be made for the move in expenses (at no additional charge); however, paying rent via credit card is possible but does incur a fee.
I like the community because it is quiet and clean. The location is great - on Gilbert Road right off I-60 and Baseline is the street just on the other direction. A Tilted Kilt, Starbucks, Appleebees, Fry's, Pizza Hut, and Trader Joe's are within walking distance. Expand the radius to a short drive and there are several places to enjoy.
A couple of things to point out - the workout room requires a one-time fee of $30. Parking is a little unusual from my prior apartment experiences - the listed rent fee is a base fee. Add to that taxes and also $10 for parking in an uncovered spot. If you want a covered parking in front of your building, that's $20 per month. I went with uncovered and thankfully I don't ever go grocery shopping or having anything to carry in because that would be challenging. Also rent is due on the 1st of the month and there is no grace period. If rent is paid on the 2nd, there is a $75 fee for that and $10 per day thereafter. It is best to pay in check or money order at the office. You could do bill pay through the bank, but they are not responsible for delivery and if the bank gets it there late those fees will apply. There is a credit card payment that can be made for the move in expenses (at no additional charge); however, paying rent via credit card is possible but does incur a fee.
I like the community because it is quiet and clean. The location is great - on Gilbert Road right off I-60 and Baseline is the street just on the other direction. A Tilted Kilt, Starbucks, Appleebees, Fry's, Pizza Hut, and Trader Joe's are within walking distance. Expand the radius to a short drive and there are several places to enjoy.
3411 W Northern Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85051
(602) 680-7726
Phoenix, AZ 85051
(602) 680-7726
Caffe Sarajevo
Categories:
Restaurants,
Ethnic Food
I had never had Bosnian food before, but I was waiting for CVS to fill my prescription and had an hour to kill, so I turned to my trusty Yelp mobile app to see what was in the area. Caffe Sarajevo was in the area and I was up for a new experience. Once I located the resultant (not far from 35th & Northern intersection) I was a little skeptical judging from the outside of the restaurant. Don't let that hold you up - go inside. When I did I was surprised. It was big and had an excellent décor. The server was very friendly and quickly brought out the Turkish coffee that I started with. I have never had Turkish coffee, but the reviews talked about it so I ordered it. The photo describing it as mud is accurate. It was very thick. The server said "this is the real stuff".
What to order at a restaurant where one is unfamiliar with any food from the region? Again, the prior reviews led the way. Each talked about the cevapci, so that's what I went with. Wow! It was great - it came with sour cream and a relish with excellent flavor. A large helping of onions ensured I wouldn't be kissing passersby... The sandwich was large bread that was soft, warm, and flakey and loaded down with little sausages. It tasted like a gyro, which is to be expected since other reviews indicate it is beef & lamb. The server checked up on my a few times to make sure I was enjoying the meal.
This may have been my first experience, but it will not be my last. I would highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the area.
What to order at a restaurant where one is unfamiliar with any food from the region? Again, the prior reviews led the way. Each talked about the cevapci, so that's what I went with. Wow! It was great - it came with sour cream and a relish with excellent flavor. A large helping of onions ensured I wouldn't be kissing passersby... The sandwich was large bread that was soft, warm, and flakey and loaded down with little sausages. It tasted like a gyro, which is to be expected since other reviews indicate it is beef & lamb. The server checked up on my a few times to make sure I was enjoying the meal.
This may have been my first experience, but it will not be my last. I would highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the area.
Great Wall provides a large menu and a clean dining room with a lot of seating. There are two sections for seating in the Dim Sum area. I was ordering off the lunch menu and chose to sit separately. The menu provides a lot large selection of typical Chinese food. I didn't see a General Tso (my favorite) option on the lunch menu, but I went with Sesame Chicken. The lunch special was $5.50 and included an egg flower soup, egg roll with mustard and sweet & sour dipping sauces, rice, and a good portion of chicken. It was crisp and had a good flavor, but was a little bit salty.
A server came by with a cart asking if I wanted dessert. There were several options available, but I did not select any (I wasn't sure if it was included or extra, so I passed).
All in all, Great Wall was a good and low-priced, good service option for a Chinese food. The staff was fast and friendly. With most restaurants in the area being Mexican, this is a good place to get quick Chinese.
A server came by with a cart asking if I wanted dessert. There were several options available, but I did not select any (I wasn't sure if it was included or extra, so I passed).
All in all, Great Wall was a good and low-priced, good service option for a Chinese food. The staff was fast and friendly. With most restaurants in the area being Mexican, this is a good place to get quick Chinese.
I have completed this run (obviously not the 27th annual edition) 5 times now. The course is always the same - a bit hillier than other Papgo courses as it takes a right along the sidewalk behind the zoo, but the organization is always excellent. The t-shirt is another good draw to this event - a long sleeve shirt that changes color in the sun. There is always food at the end, a raffle, and a great crowd. One of the best events on the racing calendar each year and an excellent way to start the new year off right!
Listed in: Sexy and I know it...I work…
502 W Roosevelt St
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 256-6995
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 256-6995
Arizona Theatre Company
Category:
Performing Arts
I recently attended a showing of Daddy Long Legs by the Arizona Theater Company. I was unfamiliar with book by Jean Webster or the prior movie adaptations, so I was uncertain what to expect. Robert Adelman Hancock and Megan McGinnis starred in the two-person performance about an early 20th century orphan and an unseen Robert benefactor sponsoring her through college. Although much of the interaction was confined to letter writing between the two characters, the story was engaging. The story turned to romance which caused my companion to say "awwww" and she reported being misty-eyed by the plays conclusion.
I enjoyed attending live theater performances and have now had two experiences with the Arizona Theater Company, both of which I highly enjoyed. The Herberger Theater Center is a remarkable location with ample-spaced seating and great acoustics. The seats I had were close and provided an intimate setting with the characters; however, there isn't a bad seat in the house. Supporting local performing arts is very important. The Arizona Theater Company is definitely a local treasure. I have seen Title of Show and now Daddy Long Legs - I will definitely keep an eye on the calendar for future shows.
Thanks to Jami from the Arizona Theater Company for making the event a wonderful experience.
I enjoyed attending live theater performances and have now had two experiences with the Arizona Theater Company, both of which I highly enjoyed. The Herberger Theater Center is a remarkable location with ample-spaced seating and great acoustics. The seats I had were close and provided an intimate setting with the characters; however, there isn't a bad seat in the house. Supporting local performing arts is very important. The Arizona Theater Company is definitely a local treasure. I have seen Title of Show and now Daddy Long Legs - I will definitely keep an eye on the calendar for future shows.
Thanks to Jami from the Arizona Theater Company for making the event a wonderful experience.
Listed in: Places I've lost my man card
1 Previous Review:
-
2/19/2010
My first experience with the Arizona Theater Company came last night at the OYE for [Title of Show]. The reviews proclaimed the show to be quirky, and it was indeed that. I was unfamiliar with the show, and even after a recent television commercial, I wasn't sure what to expect. The event also was my first experiencing with the Herberger Theater.
The theater and the show were excellent. I am a fan of the musicals, so I was interested in this event. The company put on an excellent performance and I enjoyed the show. I was kind of hoping for an intermission because the seats, although velvety-plush, were a little narrow. My knees were up against the seat in front of me and I could have used a stretch to bring the feeling back - but overall it was 90 solid minutes. Thanks to ATC & Gabi for organizing the event and the $9 discount tickets. I called the box office and although the flyer says "selected performances" I was surprised to discover that instead of 1 or 2 showings discounted in the middle of the week, the discount was good for about 80% of the performances. I am going again tomorrow with a friend and took fliers to coworkers.
I look forward to supporting ATC in future performances.
This Christmas breakfast screams bah-humbug! The restaurant was busy Christmas morning. It appears I'm not the only one without things to do on the holiday. The menu highlighted three holiday items: a spiced ham, pumpkin pancakes, and bread pudding french toast.
I ordered a chocolate milk, eggs, hash browns and chose the French toast and pancakes.... I do love pumpkin...This completed the Grand Slam, but this meal was more like a swing and a miss.
The food arrived quickly and looked good. The hashbrown and eggs were average fare. The pancakes looked good - (as seen from the photo). But while the flavor was good, the pancakes were not hot. They arrived with a lump of butter and were so cold that never melted. It didn't attempt to melt. It just sat that like a big lump of butter that it was. I had to scrape it off to the side. That was disappointing but maybe the French toast will be better? Not so much. The slices were also cold, thick, dry, and a wee bit hard. Bleck!
Looks like Denny's left me a lump of coal for Christmas.
I ordered a chocolate milk, eggs, hash browns and chose the French toast and pancakes.... I do love pumpkin...This completed the Grand Slam, but this meal was more like a swing and a miss.
The food arrived quickly and looked good. The hashbrown and eggs were average fare. The pancakes looked good - (as seen from the photo). But while the flavor was good, the pancakes were not hot. They arrived with a lump of butter and were so cold that never melted. It didn't attempt to melt. It just sat that like a big lump of butter that it was. I had to scrape it off to the side. That was disappointing but maybe the French toast will be better? Not so much. The slices were also cold, thick, dry, and a wee bit hard. Bleck!
Looks like Denny's left me a lump of coal for Christmas.
I recently moved from Queen Creek to Mesa and needed help moving my furniture. I originally called another company that I previously used, but the price was much higher than I expected and was willing to pay. Looking like I was going to have to do it myself I booked a truck on the U-Haul web page - that's when I noticed a link that said Get Help. I needed help, so I clicked it and it pulled up a list of movers in my area. I chose A Moving Company Called Often about 8pm the night prior to the date I wanted to move. The price was very reasonable and I was surprised to receive a phone call that night to confirm. I picked up the truck and drove to my house. The two guys were already there waiting for me. I had most of my items downstairs, but a few remained upstairs. These two guys loaded the truck, followed me while I drove to the new place, and unpacked it for me all in under the two hour time I booked. They put the big furniture in the rooms I wanted, I pulled up the payment confirmation I made via the U-Haul web page, and i was as simple as that. The best moving experience I have had! I would definitely recommend these guys if you are needing moving help.
6 Lists
1. 27th Annual Resolution Run
I have completed this run…
2. LA Fitness
This is a newer LA…
3. Road Runner Sports
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Free Group run! Hundreds…
1. Pure Nails and Spa
First off, yes, I visit…
2. Dance Matrix
I recently enrolled in…
3. Urban Yoga
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I know what you are…
6 Events
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Arizona Color Run
Saturday, Jan 28, 7:30 am -
Arizona Centennial Best Fest Phoenix
Saturday, Feb 11, 10:00 am - Tuesday, Feb 14, 3:00 pm -
Yelp Helps Arizona Blow Out Their B-Day…
Saturday, Feb 11, 10:00 am - Sunday, Feb 12, 5:00 pm
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"Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you." Satchel Paige"
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Location
Mesa, AZ
Yelping SinceNovember 2008
Things I LoveDancing with the Stars, Running, Athlinks, Pubs, history, the smell of rain, Marshall Thundering Herd, Xavier Basketball, Banff, Traveling, Intelligent and beautiful women, zumba, ballroom dancing, Newcastle
Find Me Ina zumba class near you
My HometownYellow Springs, OH
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I am planning my next traveling adventure
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI am a charming, witty, and all-around great guy
My Second Favorite Website The Last Great Book I ReadThe Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer
My First ConcertQuiet Riot - 1982
My Favorite MovieThe Hangover
My Last Meal On EarthBen & Jerry's Coffee Heath bar crunch
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I color outside the lines
Most Recent DiscoveryGilbert & Baseline
Current CrushLatin ladies
I don't use the training here, I don't use the weights, and I don't take any classes except Zumba. I used to come to the Monday 9:45 AM class when I was out of work, but now I am limited to Monday 5:45 and Thursday 4:30 Zumba, both with Scheyla. There is a new Sunday afternoon with Maria that I would also recommend. Both ladies are high energy, so get ready to sweat - and the classes are packed so get there early.
When I am not doing Zumba I attempt to use the treadmill. Often that is a challenge because lately every time I have attempted they have all been full. The machines are older unlike other locations such as University & Stapley, but they get the job accomplished when you can get on one.