Did you know anyone can purchase an iPod at the Macy’s in Westfield Valley Fair? That’s right. On the second floor next to some racks of womens’ blouses, you can find an iPod vending machine.

I wonder who’s brilliant idea it was to put another opportunity to buy iPods in Valley Fair. Didn’t they realize there already is an Apple Store in the mall? People know it. It’s big, bright, and has giant white-lit apples in the storefront. You can not miss it! I bet you didn’t even know there was a vending machine tucked away in the back of Macy’s now, did you?

The iPod vending machine is a conversation-starter, but does it really sell any iPods?

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.

This Tuesday April 17 is Ben & Jerry’s Annual Free Cone Day where their scoop shops give out free ice cream cones between 12pm and 8pm, in all flavors. This will be the 29th annual Free Cone day.

Local shops participating in Free Cone Day…

115 East San Carlos

377 Santana Row, Suite 1120

3155 Mission College Boulevard

Check here for other locations. This is a worldwide event.

Enjoy!

While growing up in Modesto I never really tried anything outside of chain restaurants or the few local ethnic restaurants - one Japanese restaurant, one or two Chinese, and a few Mexican. It wasn’t until I went to college that the world of food opened up at my feet (and therefore my belly and the terrible Freshman 15+)

I must say that’s one thing I LOVE about San Jose - plenty of options! In Modesto, it was Modesto. If you’re in San Jose you can travel to Campbell, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Willow Glen, Milpitas all within a short period of time.

So for today… let’s talk Sushi!
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April 15-21 is National Library Week, a time to celebrate the contributions of all libraries, librarians and library workers. If you haven’t been to a library in some time then visit the library this week and check out all of the resources available, including new books, DVDs, CDs, books on tape/CD, technical books, cook books, the list is almost endless. Many libraries have computers to access the Internet or write a document. There are also reading areas, study rooms, and some have Wi-Fi. Best of all, it is free.

San Jose Public Library

Santa Clara County Library

Santa Clara City Library

Los Gatos Public Library

Sunnyvale Public Library

As I was approaching Original Joe’s I noticed a sign on the window. The first thing I saw was, Closing June 4; then the part about the retrofit and remodel. After the initial shock that I would be without Original Joe’s Italian Sausage & Eggs and Cheese Ravioli all summer I hoped that the remodel would not take away the look and feel of the original 1956 style.

Update:
I just drove a man, in my taxi, who knows the owners and according to him the top will become condos and the restaurant will retain the same early 60’s feel.

For years now downtown San Jose’s South of First Area (SoFA) has been on the brink of finding that magic mix of hot sophisticates, cool unconventional artists, and community who will make the district come alive.

With tonight’s Grand Reopening of the “Works” we find the downtown one step closer.

This afternoon at the “Works”, I spoke with John as he was adding some finishing touches to the gallery.  He told me that the public was welcome tonight at 7pm and tomorrow would be a special day for children.

451 South 1st Street
San José, California 95113
Gallery Hours: Mon-Fri: 1pm-5pm
408.295.8378
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Peregrine (pair-a-grin) Falcons usually nest on ledges but when they find themselves in cities they will nest on tall structures, such as City Hall here in San José.

Thanks to the 2006 City staff and the UC Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group, our San José City Hall Peregrines, Clara and Jose, have a nest box on the roof.

Did you know that Peregrines can reach speeds close to 200 miles per hour in a downward dive to catch birds in mid-air? Their prey range in size from sparrows to large waterfowl such as ducks.

To watch Clara and Jose on the Falcon Cam click here.

Peregrine Falcons have suffered from exposure to DDT* and other chemicals, but the Peregrine Falcons are making a comeback.
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Earth Day is Sunday April 22nd.

To celebrate Earth Day the UCSC Recreation Department will present the premier of the film Making Tracks by Santa Cruz photographer/filmmaker Kennan Ward. Making Tracks is a story of grizzly bear cubs growing up in the wild learning life’s struggles, challenges, survival, competition and community. Kennan and wife Karen will be there to discuss the film.

The film is on April 20th at 7:30pm at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz. For location, ticket info, and a teaser of the film check here.

Proceeds benefit the Conservation Alliance and UCSC Recreation Department.

photo by Kennan Ward

The sight of graffiti looks ugly, and it may create an atmosphere that encourages fear and acts of vandalism. The City of San José is making it easier to return a Graffiti-filled neighborhood back to one of beauty, calm and safety.

Anti-Graffiti Community Volunteer Day 
Saturday, April 14, 2007
9am - Noon

Free Anti-Graffiti kits are available from the program office -  501 Vine Street.
(Cross Streets: Almaden Blvd. and Woz Way - kitty-corner from the blue Sobrato building.)
Wednesday - Friday 7am - 7:30pm
Saturday 7am - Noon
For more information, contact the Anti-Graffiti Program @ (408) 277-3208
The only parking I found were the spaces behind the program office on Woz Way.
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When I walked out of the door this morning, it was nice to see the rain. Ironically, the first thing I saw on the the front page of the San Jose Mercury News was “Drought Worries Are Back.” But, according to the story, San José  is in better shape than some of the other Bay Area cities.

The Santa Clara Valley Water District isn’t nervous. Not yet anyway. We, here in San José, have more than one source of potable water and water for irrigation, etc. Still it would be wise to practice using less water in the event a dry rain season continues over the next several years, plus it will lower your water bill.
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