If Metblogs is a city, hub.metblogs is the playground. We kept hearing from people that one of their favorite parts of Metblogs was meeting and interacting with readers and writers from other parts of the world, as well as getting requests for more ways that readers could be involved besides just posting comments. We thought about this for a while and decided that with a network like this, a giant community area where folks from all over the world could hang out, post photos and videos, talk with each other, form groups, play games, send messages, and do about a million other things was probably a pretty fun idea. The Hub is that.

If you have any tech ideas or suggestions join this group and speak up. See you on hub.metblogs!

San Jose Group

Short and sweet: I’m a journalism/business student at SJSU, a downtown dweller, a restaurant addict and a bit of a soccer freak. And as a new Metblogs author, I will be combining all of these things hopefully into content of quality for the San Jose Metblog-verse. Not all in one post, though, as I am merciful.

So let’s get on with it. K? THXBAI!

If Metblogs is a city, hub.metblogs is the playground. We kept hearing from people that one of their favorite parts of Metblogs was meeting and interacting with readers and writers from other parts of the world, as well as getting requests for more ways that readers could be involved besides just posting comments. We thought about this for a while and decided that with a network like this, a giant community area where folks from all over the world could hang out, post photos and videos, talk with each other, form groups, play games, send messages, and do about a million other things was probably a pretty fun idea. The Hub is that.

If you have any tech ideas or suggestions join this group and speak up. See you on hub.metblogs!

San Jose Group

While at SJC I could not help but notice this young man. So that he could get up to speed on local dress, customs, and what’s happening - I gave him a ‘San Jose Metblogs’ card.

We are very happy to welcome readers old and new alike to the brand-new version of SJ Metblogs, which has been providing independent coverage of the greater South Bay for over a year now. 

One thing I love about going to Cinequest, especially to the premiers, is mingling with the cast and crew. They are often around before, and after the show. I was able to have a few words with Director Craig Saavedra and Cinematographer Joaquin Sedillo. I met Enrico (Rico) Colantoni. He plays D. J. (short for Dijon - like the mustard) The guy he was with liked my brown Nikes. (?)

Sherman’s Way was filmed, for the most part, in Northern California up in Lake County. I am already making plans for a spring road trip.

The town of Kelseyville, thanks to the beautiful work of Joaquin, is now a must see vacation destination.

I didn’t want Sherman’s Way to end. I kept hoping for one more scene - I wasn’t ready to say goodbye…

Screenings: Dates and Times

I met Nina Hautumm while waiting in the lobby of the San Jose Repertory Theatre. We were both there to see the World Premier of Sherman’s Way. I discovered that Nina herself was a moviemaker. Sharp Cookies is a short comedy (17 minutes) and is one of the winners of the ‘Vuze Audience Favorites.’ I told her that I would catch it on Sunday.

Reaching into her Cinequest Gift Bag, she came up with a 12oz bag of Peet’s Coffee. She asked, “Do you like coffee?” Nina doesn’t drink coffee is the reason she gave it to me.

Nina asked me, “Where are the shops?” She wanted to pick up a few things, maybe some new shoes. Without going into the whole where in the heck are the shops in San Jose debate, I directed her to Santana Row and Valley Fair.

Sharp Cookies

Vuze Audience Favorites

Metroblogging San José was officially launched on Valentine’s Day 2007. Thus, we are celebrating our 1-year anniversary.

Thanks to all who have dropped by to visit and to those who have left comments.

Those of you new to the blog will find a sampling of the types of posts we do on the blog listed here…

Smoke Tiki Lounge
Great food and the atmosphere is fun and interesting.

Dial 2-1-1 for community services
Number to call for information about community services available in Santa Clara County.

Berlin Wall
Two sections of the Berlin Wall in Mountain View.

Sushi
Sushi restaurants in the South Bay.

History San Jose
History San Jose in Kelley Park is a collection of homes and businesses from various periods of the valley’s past.

Japanese Friendship Garden
The garden is modeled after Korakuen Garden in one of San Jose’s sister cities Okayama, Japan.

Barefoot Coffee
Yummy coffee!

Downtown Trip
History San Jose, Downtown, and St. James Park.

Lick Observatory
A trip up Mt. Hamilton.

Los Altos History Museum
An interesting look back to the early days of Los Altos.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake?
The Counter - A mini clipboard with a checklist of toppings makes customizing your burger super easy.

Redefine your [music] library! Buy, Sell, or Trade
StreetLight Records

Indian Restaurants in South Bay
A dozen Indian restaurants.

San Jose Flea Market
May be closing down.

Chitactac Adams Heritage Park - Gilroy
A discovery of the rich history and some of the artifacts of the Ohlone tribes that once flourished in the area.

IBM Building 025: San Jose’s historical landmark unrealized
The building has architectural significances like no other from the mid 50’s era.

Brookdale Lodge
An old lodge in the Santa Cruz Mountains; the dining room surrounds a running brook.

Sunnyvale Baylands Park
Short trails to walk or cycle, picnic areas, a large meadow, lots of trees (in the Wave Walk), an amphitheater and a small flower garden provide variety.

If You’re Young at Heart
The San José Courtyard Garden.

Lost and Found pets: What to do
What exactly should you do if you find an animal which you’ve determined is safe and friendly?

Shoreline Park @ Mountain View
Miles of paved multi-use trails and the Aquatic Center is a great place for windsurfers.

From Rusty to Tasty
Tostadas, Enchiladas, Tamale, Fajitas, Burrito, Nachos, Tacos…

Redwoods @ Big Basin
The redwood trees at the Big Basin Redwoods State Park is less than an hour’s drive from the South Bay.

MetroFi Free Wi-Fi
Available in Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Foster City, Concord, and downtown San Jose.

Flagship Detroit DC-3
Information about the vintage DC-3.

A Zeppelin Over Los Gatos
No, not Led.

San Juan Bautista Vertigo
San Juan Bautista, where Vertigo’s shocking climax was filmed.

Today, February 14th, marks the one-year anniversary of Metroblogging San Jose. The blog was launched with the idea that San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, needed to be represented. After all, we are the renowned home to high-tech startup companies. In addition to Internet industries, The City of San José enjoys a professional ice hockey team, outdoor recreation opportunities, world-class museums, and restaurants.

Here’s to a new year of sharing our interests and observations.

Do the survivors trust the rescuers, or do they heed Charlie’s warning?

‘Lost’ is back: ABC 7 tonight from 8:00p - 9:00p and 9:00p - 10:02p
(Note the 2 minutes it will run past 10p)

Last year while covering Cinequest interviews, one of my favorites was ‘A conversation with J.J. Abrams.’

Mr. Abrams shared the surprising way in which ‘Lost’ came about. His love for his craft was apparent, as was his genius. ABC had called on J.J. to take the premise of a plane going down; stranding the passengers on an island. He was then unbelievably asked to come back in just a couple of days to present his scenario for a two-hour pilot. In twelve weeks he was able to pull the story, the characters, and the crew together-’Lost’ was a two-hour pilot, and the rest is history.

The Cinequest Film Festival promises to be even more exciting this year. To be revealed in future posts!

Clear your calendar from February 27 - March 9, 2008

Tickets are available