San Jose Metblogs » sj_mark

Fourth of July Fireworks Viewing - 2007

sj_mark — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:48:09 +0000

Fireworks have been associated with the Fourth of July since 1777, a year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

Since then, parades, barbecues, picnics, and other activities have become traditional ways to celebrate America’s birthday.

Here are some places to view fireworks and enjoy a day of celebration…

San Jose

American Festival for Independance. Guadalupe River Park’s Discovery Meadow. Free admission. Music, food, and arts and crafts. Fireworks at dusk. Event information and special VTA bus and light rail information.

Santa Clara

Picnic and Fireworks Extravaganza. Central Park, 909 Kiely Boulevard. Free admission. Pancake Breakfast at 8 am, followed by games and entertainment throughout the day including a carnival area, petting zoo, face painting, and swimming at the International Swim Center. Bring a picnic lunch or purchase foods at the event. Fireworks at 9:30pm. Event information.

Milpitas

Independence Day Festivities. Milpitas Sports Center, 1325 E. Calaveras Blvd. Free admission. Water activities at Milpitas Sports Center Pools during the day. Fireworks at 9:30pm. Event information.

Airplanes Over Moffett Field

sj_mark — Fri, 18 May 2007 16:05:59 +0000

For the past few days I have been noticing some different types of airplanes flying around the Sunnyvale/Mountain View area. It turns out there are World War II bombers on new tour of duty.

Photo: Victor Maccharoli

iPod Vending Machine

sj_mark — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:19:18 +0000

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?

Adobe Creative Suite 3 Unveiled

sj_mark — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 12:16:43 +0000

Today, Adobe (the guys with the big towers in Downtown San Jose) unveiled the new Creative Suite 3 packages. This is their largest product launch to date. Go have a look at the Creative Suite. Watch the live webcast this afternoon, if you’re interested, too.

Parking in Downtown San Jose

sj_mark — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 23:09:48 +0000

Before you come downtown, don’t forget to consult this excellent guide:
San Jose Downtown Parking Map.

Review: The Smoke Tiki Lounge

sj_mark — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 14:14:32 +0000

If you want to try some food that’s been smoked, come down to Smoke Tiki Lounge. I’ve been there twice - for lunch and for dinner. We got there for lunch at about noon. The lounge was only half full (or half empty). Between 12:30 and 1pm, more and more people filed in. I guess it was because of the amount of people to take care of, but the waitresses seemed to just grab your order and move on. Their patience was limited and, unfortunately, this was my first visit. Beyond that, the food is great! I had a 1/2 portion of smoked chicken breast (1/4 might have been enough for one), seasoned steak fries, and garlic bread.

If you read the reviews on Yelp, you may be discouraged to come in for dinner. On some nights, mainly Thursday, Friday, and the weekend, there is either live or DJ music. But looking passed the reviews about the bartenders, the badly planned dance floor, and whatever else, one thing always shines: the food. We got there at 6pm on a Tuesday. The restaurant was practically empty…perhaps the quiet before the storm. There were a few on the patio, one at the bar, and one eating at a small table. We were seated and welcomed. The service was outstanding. Maybe it’s beneficial to go on a week night before the dinner rush shows up. This time I had more of the same food I had had for lunch. But I also had some chicken on the bone and the Mac & Cheese. The meat just fell off the bone and the Mac and Cheese dish was good and a little spicy. The food was great, spicy but great. Yes, if you have a problem with spicy foods, you may want to check out their menu on their web site to see if something else tickles your fancy. If spicy is fine by you and it’s just you and one other person, I may suggest getting a 2-Way Smoke Combo Plate: 2 meats, 2 sides, and a piece of garlic bread. But you might want to order some extra garlic bread.

The food is great. The music had a jungley tiki theme to it. The atmosphere is fun and interesting. At one point, I felt like I was eating near the Jungle Cruise in Adventureland at Disneyland. Did I mention the Smoke Tiki Lounge is great?

I give the Smoke Tiki Lounge a 8 of 10.

The Smoke Tiki Lounge is located at the corner of Post and San Pedro in Downtown San Jose.