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"As Radical As Reality"
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7827 Useful, 4988 Funny, and 7574 Cool
Albany, CA
Yelping SinceMarch 2007
Things I LoveMy Son, Gayle, My Parents and Siblings, My Home, My Work, My Dogs and Cats, Iowa, Canada
Find Me InAlbany or Pleasant Hill
My HometownEstherville Iowa - Home of the Mighty Midgets!
My Blog Or WebsiteEvery Yelp Posting Tells A Story About Me, Past, Present, or Future....
When I'm Not Yelping...I'm With Gayle, My Son, at Work, at Home, or on Facebook.
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI Love America and Freedom!
My Second Favorite Website The Last Great Book I ReadAnderson Valley Advertiser
My First ConcertElton John at the Iowa State Fair
My Favorite MovieField of Dreams, Slapshot, and the Fugitive
My Last Meal On EarthAny Earl's or the Keg in Canada
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I'm a Yankee and an Aggie (Gig Em!)
Most Recent DiscoveryI Don't Roll on Shabbos!
Current CrushGayle V.
Date
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
(925) 256-1273
Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation
Categories: Animal Shelters, Veterinarians
A couple that volunteers together......
So far I have taken the Orientation session, Shelter Essentials, and Tabling/Greeting. And from the legion of dedicated volunteers, to the top-notch facilities, and the impressive animal rescue infrastructure that this supports, it's all very impressive and so worthwhile. It's also a major evolution from my initial introduction to ARF, when they operated a modest storefront at the Willows.
Gayle and I will be working the ARF Table at Broadway Plaza (on the side of Macy's near the 2-tiered parking structure) during the early afternoon of December 5. If you're around, please stop by, say Hi and see why sometimes animals rescue us.
1 Previous Review: Hide »
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5/27/2007
First Class facility, programming, and a super dedicated staff. Tony LaRussa has really taken Tzedakah to a higher and personal level here. I adopted a cat here who has turned out to be one of the best ones I've ever had. All this merits a 5 Star rating. However, I'll subtract a star for what I call charitable dollar extravagance and an interview process that is a bit too severe for my taste. With all the need out there, I wonder if these charitable funds are best spent for pet "condos" and a physical establishment that is much nicer than most "people" facilities.
Bentelino's is tucked within the Ygnacio Valley Shopping Centre (which also has a Trader Joe's) and features a tempting selection of sandwiches. I opted for a chicken pesto sandwich that was perhaps a bit overwhelmed by the sauce and underwhelmed by the rather bland spicing. A little spinach on top would have helped too. However, the sammie did go well with the Dirty potato chips (sea salt/vinegar) and a bottle of Juice Squeeze.
For what I got, it was a little pricey. However, the place was clean and exhibited no strange odors. Deli staff were fast and friendly and I enjoyed looking at the family pictures on the bulletin board. I would probably come back here again for lunch, but first I think I hear Kafe Kevo calling........
Berkeley, CA 94707
(510) 526-8188
Hopkins Street Bakery
Categories: Bakeries, Desserts, Caterers
Neighborhood: North Berkeley
My son and I stopped by last Saturday on the way back from North Berkeley BART and our day trip into the City. All he wanted to do was go home and I really didn't feel like dropping him off and heading out on a separate errand. I convinced him that the Hopkins Street Bakery was on the way home and that it would only be a "few minutes". So after finding my favourite "questionable" place to park, he pulled out his iphone, started the "stop watch", and warned me that I better keep my "promise". And of course when I returned, his only comment was that "it was about time!".
The on-time part was difficult due to 3 gossiping teenage girls who were blocking the display case, while blissfully ignorant to their surroundings. Then there was the chronophage ex-hippie who was happily expressing several concurrent opinions and questions while her order was being rung up. And if they weren't so busy, I would have ducked into Gioia Pizza for a couple or their tasty slices.
I had forgotten how much there was to choose from here and everything looked really good. I settled on a blueberry scone (for Gayle), an almond cognac croissant, and a pecan roll. All were delicious and I'll be back sooner than later to catch up on the other offerings.
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 369-6000
Metreon
Categories: Cinema, Shopping Centers
Neighborhood: SOMA
Or at least in it's next life when someone figures out how to optimize this prime piece of real estate.
My son and I came through here yesterday on the way to the Yerba Buena Gardens and the SF MOMA. His favourites including the PlayStation Store and the floor game projection are gone, as is the Sony Store, the restaurant upstairs, and a good chunk of the food court. The movie theatre and the Chronicle book store are still hanging on, as is the arcade that even bores my teenage son. And then there's the odd and lonely "Farmer's Market" that seems to filling space until something better comes along.
It's kind of sad really. But with the above mentioned surrounding attractions, plus the Jewish Museum and the old Emporium Dome beckoning us on, it's just another place to forget along the road.
I've now brought him in on 3 different and challenging occasions and every time the quality and completeness of his work has been spot on and at very reasonable prices. He even made a trip out to Gayle's house and fixed a number of her plumbing issues and to her complete satisfaction. The thank you card afterward and the doggie treats he provides when he's here is just another example what a great guy and class act that is Michael Your Plumber.
1 Previous Review: Hide »
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5/30/2008 First to Review
Highly Recommended.
Michael was referred to me by Glen Larsen, a great "handyman" contractor that I use. I believe that both are favourably mentioned on the Berkeley Parent's Network.
I have used Michael twice: Once to replace an ejector pump and the other time to replace various toilet parts. I also thought that his advice on other subjects: in-line water heaters, copper piping, and low-flow toilets was valuable and practical. As a homeowner, there's always another potential project down the road......
I have been very happy with the timliness of Michael's response, the quality of his work, and the price I paid for that value. I was also happy with his respect for the security and privacy of my house and his friendly way with my dumb and happy dog.
Growing up in Iowa, this all came together at VFW Post 3388, near the old John Morrell packing plant. Back then, it was more of a private club, including the requirement that you be buzzed in. I was allowed in with my parents for chicken dinners and Friday night fish fries and as part of the Junior High Band (Under the direction of Paul Clague) when we worked fund raising events under VFW sponsorship. The good people of this VFW has witnessed the horrors of war and were doing their best to serve their community in peace.
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 647-2949
Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Category: Performing Arts
Neighborhood: Downtown Berkeley
I first saw American Idiot with Gayle during the Previews in September, and in the Balcony. Sunday's version was seen from the very front row (AA) and was in some ways a different play. The story and staging seemed tighter and more coherent, while certain scenes, sequences, and music had been altered and improved. The only thing I didn't like about sitting up front is that it made the music sound a little tinny and less full. Otherwise, you saw a lot of sweat, spit, and paper (souvenir) flying around and witnessed "up close and personal" how much work these professionals put into their craft.
My son really enjoyed the play, although this father was a little squeamish about the drug scenes. I also concentrated on different aspects of American Idiot than I did the first time. Again, I couldn't keep my eye off the acting, stage presence, and vocals (best of show) of the St. Jimmy character. At one point, I thought there was a little Tim Curry/Rocky Horror going on and half expected a little "action" with Johnny to be thrown in. I also enjoyed the "military" scenes and Tunny's overall performance a lot more, especially Fortunate Son (the best recruitment number since "In the Navy"), Give Me Novocaine, Before the Lobotomy, 21 Guns, and of course the soaring Extraordinary Girl.
At the end, the Cast did a neat curtain call, with guitars all in hand. It was something unpredictable, but in the end is right, I hope we had the time of our lives....
Thank You Berkeley Rep.
2 Previous Reviews: Hide »
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9/12/2009
I attended the theatrical performance of Green Day's American Idiot last Saturday with my Extraordinary Girl. It was also a nice surprise to run into Kimberly V. and her "Theatre Rat" son before the show. We were all excited about what was to come. And we weren't disappointed....
American Idiot is apparently one of Berkeley Rep's few musical efforts, and one that both Gayle and I would love to see again. We were also surprised on how many Green Day songs we actually knew. In one way, it's a modern version of an age old story of youth angst (e.g., Grease, Cry Baby, Rent, or even Tommy). In another, it's Mamma Mia-ish in that the plot is thin and the songs are the play (but urban-gritty and without the cutesy kitsch). The only thing possibly missing was audience dancing, ala Stop Making Sense. Some of American Idiot's dance moves also reminded us of the zombies in the old Thriller music video with their jerky and well choreographed energy.
The staging was amazing and at times it was really hard to keep up as set and costume changes, props, and people quickly coming in and out from all directions. We especially enjoyed the flying grace of Extraordinary Girl and the actor who played the drug dealer (St. Jimmy). We couldn't keep our eyes off of him when he was lurking on stage.
The other acting (and their vocals) was also excellent and well cast. The house band was also so good, that I would love to have a soundtrack recording of this show. And when you wrap this 90 minute production with it's full energy and high talent from start to finish, it was one fun romp. -
4/2/2008
I recently saw Carrie Fisher's "Wishful Drinking" as well and enjoyed the the show and the space greatly. I also saw Daniel Hoch's "Taking Over" on the other stage and enjoyed that too. This is one of the best Theatre experiences around. I probably should subscribe.
However, I'll subtract one star for the difficult parking in general and in particular the screwy garage dynamics across the street (especially leaving). The Bar at Downtown just down the street is a great place to wait it out.
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 213-1985
Maido Fine Stationery & Gifts
Categories: Cards & Stationery, Art Supplies
Santana Row is not Walnut Creek (which has a real downtown and a a contiguous surrounding community), but it's almost the next best thing for a nice outing. It was busy that night and full of happy people who were shopping, dining at one of the sidewalk cafes, or listening to music. After arriving safely and parking the car, my son headed straight for the outdoor chess set and I went into Maido.
Japanese stationary products have a handsome look and feel, offer unique selections of basic office supplies (including pens), come in interesting sizes (A4, B5, etc.), and can be a little pricey (especially when you're a bit OCD about these things). Return visits are also enjoyable as selection and my organization ideas change often enough to make things interesting. In fact, I had just been in the San Francisco Maido a few days earlier, and this branch offered me a different set of options regarding solutions that I wanted, but really didn't need.
I rarely leave Maido without buying something interesting/useful and getting my card stamped. However, I wasn't inside long enough to have my son come in and hunt me down. I had plenty of time to wander over to my son's chess game, advise him on a move or two, check in with Gayle for a few minutes, and most importantly hang out with and admire my smart and handsome boy.
Your write about the moon, and you dream about the stars (or a good burger)...
My son is in town and he had a nice time yesterday catching up with his neighbourhood. He walked the dog, "crashed" a birthday party at Terrace Park, showed off the new iphone his mother had got him, and went off with one friend to the Lawrence Hall of Science. By late afternoon, I was itching to spend some time with him and suggested that we go on a ROAD TRIP!
As our first stop, we would have some "road food" at Val's Burgers. Although I couldn't find Val's within my Jane and Michael Stern Roadfood books, there is a review posted on their online doppelgänger:
http://www.roadfood.co...
I also made sure that I read Toni M.'s review, as this Maven knows her burgers. But unlike Toni's occasional conundrum, my son happily shared his chocolate milkshake with me!
...you sing about the nights and you laugh about the scars....
Val's has been open since 1958 and wears its retro age well. Even at 5 PM, the place was busy and we happily took seats at the counter and in front of the grill. We also enjoyed the curved wood ceilings, the original posted menu boards (with prices long blocked out), watching the diverse community dining with us, and of course the high linoleum factor. Our waitress was friendly and I really appreciated here kindness towards my son and the extra milkshake glass.
We also both ordered Mama burgers, as the 1 pound papa seemed a little excessive. We also skipped the steak fries as a single order would easily feed 3-4 people. Both burgers were delicious and juicy, and with the shake were more than enough food for both of us. We had a great time together and left full and happy.
....forget about the losses, you exaggerate the wins.....
Here are a few other observations:
The directions (via Google Maps) got us there easily. Navigating the "dead end" and narrow parking lot is more difficult.
Val's is "cash only" business, and I immediately realized that when we walked in. However, there is an ATM at the liquor store across the street. At the same time the traffic near this intersection of Center, Kelly, and B is busy and complicated and you risk life and limb going over there.
.....and when you stop to let 'em know you've got it down....
...it's just another town along the road......
23 Lists
After arriving at Pet Food Express, we were pleased to discover that a self-serve dog wash facility was available. Gayle and I immediately agreed that Yogi needed a good bath and proceeded to give him a good wash, dry, and brush. And after the initial surprise of being forced into the tub, Yogi was a good sport about it, and after a couple of good shake outs, he was a pretty happy dog. We were also happy with the quality facilities, the service and friendliness of store staff (including a treat for Yogi), and what looked like a very good selection of pet food, accessories, and of course crickets.