Bike Party Survey

Interesting survey results from San Jose Bike Party participates. As soon as a bike sharing program comes to San Jose, I'm going to join the next run!

Survey Results

Bike Party’s goal is to build community through bicycling.  In order to determine if we are achieving our goal, we surveyed our riders and participants.

Over 500 participants responded to a self selection survey. (We posted in on the website and sent it out to the facebook group).

These are the results (with 585 completed).

34% of particiapants have attended 1-2 rides

28% have attended 3-4

13.6% have attended 4-6

15.3%  have attended more than 6 rides

After Riding with Bike Party,

30.3%  have purchased a bicycle

78.6% have purchased bicycle accessories

39.6% have paid for bicycle repairs

76% of riders have made friends because of Bike Party.

Because of Bike Party,

57.9% ride their bicycle more often for transportation

77.3% ride their bicycle more often for recreation

79.8% feel more confident riding solo or with a small group of friends

75% have learned more about local bicycle routes

79.8% have learned more about the local community

75.8% have learned more about safe riding

22.7% have participated with other groups

San Jose Sharks: The Last Eight Games

The San Jose Sharks are in a great position right now: first place in the Pacific Division, third place in the Western Conference (only one point behind the Detroit Red Wings), and currently riding the momentum of a four game win streak. Additionally, today's main roster is full of healthy players (with the exception of Scott Nichol, currently on injured reserve) ready to take on the post-season. All-star defenseman Dan Boyle recently made a return after missing several games due to an upper-body injury, and talented rookie Logan Couture had been able to play the very next game after suffering an ugly spill into the boards during the Sharks’ game versus the St. Louis Blues.

Many feared Couture would be out indefinitely due to his difficulty leaving the ice, although reports confirmed, in addition to Couture himself confirming on his Twitter account, that his injury was not as bad as expected and he would return for the very next game. Not only did Couture return, but he did so with flair, scoring another goal to contribute to the Sharks’ 6-3 victory over the Calgary Flames last night.

For the rest of the season, the Sharks will be pitted against their tough Pacific Division rivals: two games against the Los Angeles Kings, three games against the Phoenix Coyotes, one game against the Dallas Stars, and two games against the Anaheim Ducks. The Sharks by no means have their first place position in the Pacific Division clinched, especially since their Division is, by far, the strongest performing in the Western Conference, with four out of the five Pacific teams currently in the top eight.

Fortunately for the Sharks, their current year acquisitions have all been big winners, each performing well: Ian White stepping up as a tough offensive defenseman, Kyle Wellwood as another Scott Nichol-type hard working player, and Ben Eager as a solid checking line player not afraid to use his size to his advantage (as many of us remember from last year’s playoffs when he was playing on the Chicago Blackhawks).

The Sharks’ scorers have also been performing.
- Patrick Marleau, after not scoring for much of the season, has had a recent point-scoring burst, hitting the 30-goal mark for the season during the game against the Flames last night.
- Joe Pavelski has displayed his masterful ability to set up plays, similar to teammate Joe Thornton.
-Fan favorite Ryane Clowe, the gritty corner master and enforcer, is very close to hitting sixty points already for the season (as is Dany Heatley).
- Veteran defensemen Douglas Murray, Marc Edouard Vlasic, and Jason Demers have been handling the blue line well, keeping standout netminder Antti Niemi well protected from wayward pucks.

Niemi has also been doing well in his own right, now being particularly famous in San Jose for his ability to see through screens to make amazing saves.

To give a proper “shout out” when it is due, based on last night’s game, I would like to congratulate on Torrey Mitchell’s two-goal game and to Mr. Number 69 Andrew Desjardins for his first NHL goal.

The Sharks play the Los Angeles Kings TONIGHT at the Staples Center, the start of the Sharks’ eight game campaign against familiar Division rivals. Let us hope the rest of the season goes well for the Sharks so a favorable playoff spot can be clinched!

SJBound: Clubhouse

Xanadu Contest!

Just a reminder that we are giving away 2 pairs of tickets to Xanadu at the Retro Dome (valued at $88 each pair). This is the Broadway version that has become a huge hit, winning multiple awards and a Tony nomination. 

To win your free tickets, email your favorite San Jose-related memory from the 80s to josh@thesanjoseblog.com. If you weren't alive or can't remember the 80s, then steal a memory from your parents or friends!

Winners will be selected on Friday, good luck!

Every great while, along comes a musical that shows mankind the power of hope over despair, that illustrates in story and song the injustices of society and the common good of the common man. That musical is...Les Miserables.  THIS IS XANADU!

XANADU is the hit musical that took audiences and critics by surprise when it transformed an obscure film into the hottest comedy on Broadway. For the first time since its Broadway run, XANADU hits the Bay Area and takes over The Retro Dome. With its score of pop gems, a script that redefines musical theatre satire, and a finale lit by glitter balls and glow sticks, this hilarious, roller disco musical adventure rolls along to pop hits “(You Have to Believe We Are) Magic”, “All Over The World”, “Suddenly”, “I’m Alive”, “Evil Woman”, “Have You Never Been Mellow” and “Xanadu.” Based on the Universal Pictures cult classic movie, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, XANADU is the most ridiculously wonderful time you’ll ever have in a theatre!

"I LAUGHED THE ENTIRE TIME! IT'S A GREAT MUSICAL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!" - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN "HEAVEN ON WHEELS! CRIMINALLY FUNNY!" - THE NEW YORK TIMES

What is it? Xanadu is the hilarious new hit musical on wheels that is based on the Universal Pictures’ cult classic movie of the same title, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. This roller skating musical adventure was winner of Outstanding New Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Award) and Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Award) during its recent Broadway run. The show received raves from the New York Times, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Daily News and Time Out News, among many others.

Xanadu’s clever tale surrounds a Greek goddess (on roller skates, of course) who seeks to inspire a hapless artist in 1980 to create the world’s first roller disco! Now appearing for the very first time on the west coast at The Retro Dome, the best-reviewed musical of the 2007-2008 Broadway season brings a score of all the songs from the film plus three supersonic pop gems from Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, a script that redefines Broadway satire, and a finale that pulls out all the (roller skate) stops directly to local audiences.

When is it? Xanadu previews the weekend of February 25-27 and premieres March 4, 2011. Showings are on Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm.

Where is it? The Retro Dome is conveniently located near the intersection of three cities: San Jose, Saratoga and Campbell, CA, at 1694 Saratoga Ave in San Jose, Calif. 95129 (at the corner of Saratoga Avenue and Prospect Road).

Who's in it? An extraordinarily talented cast of triple threats headline the production. Click here to get to know the artists.

Where can I get tickets? Tickets can be purchased online (click the link above), over the phone at 408-404-7711 or in person. The Box Office window is open Tuesday through Friday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm and by appointment, and phone orders can be placed Tuesday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. During event days, The Retro Dome is open 90 minutes prior to showtime.

How much is it? Tickets are $44 and there are discounts available for students, seniors and military ($34) and children ($24). There are also discount for groups. Parking is free there are no additional box office fees.

Want to learn more? Click here for an interview with Director/Producer, Scott Evan Guggenheim

Guy Kawasaki is Speaking at the Computer History Museum, Mar 29th

A Silicon Valley legend takes the stage a week from today to promote his latest book: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds and Actions. If you are an entrepreneur or are currently dreaming of starting a company someday, you need to be at this event! Guy Kawasaki is the ultimate guru for starting companies in the valley. His books provide you with realistic expectations and guidance based on his vast experience--starting way back when he was the key evangelist and marketer for the original Apple Macintosh. For anyone looking to start a Silicon Valley company, this will time very well spent. The full press release is below.

As a side note, Guy also runs one of my favorite blogs... How to Change the World. This site is entertaining for anyone, even non-entrepreneurs!

NEWS RELEASE                                     

Contact:  Janet Poses

e-mail:    janet@ccice.org

Phone:    650 380-9432

Fax:        650 330-0649

For Immediate Release

Chamber of Commerce International Consortium for Entrepreneurs (CCICE) welcomes Guy Kawasaki on Tuesday March 29^th at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA.  Guy Kawasaki will be speaking about his tenth and latest book, “Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions”. 

Register today at CCICE:

http://www.ccice.org/Guy-Kawasaki-Enchantment.html

Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions

PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA—March  9, 2011-- As a managing director of Garage Technology Ventures and Founder of Alltop, Guy Kawasaki will be sharing his wisdom and perspectives relating to his new book, “Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions.” 

This is a rare opportunity to hear Mr. Kawasaki along with Jenn Lim, Chief Happiness Officer for Zappos and Kate Bennett Eriksson, Ericsson Head of AT&T Innovation Centre, speak at the iconic center of Silicon Valley, the Computer History Museum in Mountain View.

In Guy Kawasaki’s push for innovation he continues to motivate entrepreneurs to get creative and enchant partners, customers, clients, teams and more. In his latest book, Guy explains how to influence what people will do while maintaining the highest standards of ethics.  The book explains when and why enchantment is necessary and then the pillars of enchantment:  likability, trustworthiness, and a great cause.

”Enchantment” subsequently discusses:  launching, overcoming resistance, making enchantment endure, and using technology. There are even special chapters dedicated to enchanting your employees and your boss. Finally, because there are times you may want to resist enchantment, there’s even a chapter about how to do this.

Guy Kawasaki is a managing director of Garage Technology Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm and a columnist for Entrepreneur Magazine. Previously, he was an Apple Fellow at Apple Computer, Inc. Guy is the author of nine books including Reality Check, The Art of the Start, Rules for Revolutionaries, How to Drive Your Competition Crazy, Selling the Dream, and The Macintosh Way. He has a BA from Stanford University and an MBA from UCLA as well as an honorary doctorate from Babson College.

Read the latest from Guy Kawasaki at the American Express Open Forum:

http://www.openforum.com/connectodex/how-to-change-the-world

Xanadu Contest!

It's time for yet another contest! This time for one of San Jose's newest performing arts venue, and a place that I've been meaning to check out for some time now, The Retro Dome! What was once Century 25 near Westgate is now home to musical theater, retro film, live music, and comedy.

We're giving away 2 tickets to their latest production, Xanadu. Despite being based on a bad 80s movie, the Broadway version has become a smash hit, winning multiple awards and a Tony nomination. This is the very first time Xanadu is being performed in the Bay Area.

To win your free tickets, email your favorite San Jose memory from the 80s to josh@thesanjoseblog.com. If you weren't alive or can't remember the 80s, then ask your parents or friends. Feel free post your memory in the comments as well. I'll share some of the best ones at the end of the contest.

Winners will be selected on Friday, good luck!

Every great while, along comes a musical that shows mankind the power of hope over despair, that illustrates in story and song the injustices of society and the common good of the common man. That musical is...Les Miserables.  THIS IS XANADU!

XANADU is the hit musical that took audiences and critics by surprise when it transformed an obscure film into the hottest comedy on Broadway. For the first time since its Broadway run, XANADU hits the Bay Area and takes over The Retro Dome. With its score of pop gems, a script that redefines musical theatre satire, and a finale lit by glitter balls and glow sticks, this hilarious, roller disco musical adventure rolls along to pop hits “(You Have to Believe We Are) Magic”, “All Over The World”, “Suddenly”, “I’m Alive”, “Evil Woman”, “Have You Never Been Mellow” and “Xanadu.” Based on the Universal Pictures cult classic movie, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, XANADU is the most ridiculously wonderful time you’ll ever have in a theatre!

"I LAUGHED THE ENTIRE TIME! IT'S A GREAT MUSICAL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!" - OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN "HEAVEN ON WHEELS! CRIMINALLY FUNNY!" - THE NEW YORK TIMES

What is it? Xanadu is the hilarious new hit musical on wheels that is based on the Universal Pictures’ cult classic movie of the same title, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. This roller skating musical adventure was winner of Outstanding New Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Award) and Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Award) during its recent Broadway run. The show received raves from the New York Times, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Daily News and Time Out News, among many others.

Xanadu’s clever tale surrounds a Greek goddess (on roller skates, of course) who seeks to inspire a hapless artist in 1980 to create the world’s first roller disco! Now appearing for the very first time on the west coast at The Retro Dome, the best-reviewed musical of the 2007-2008 Broadway season brings a score of all the songs from the film plus three supersonic pop gems from Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, a script that redefines Broadway satire, and a finale that pulls out all the (roller skate) stops directly to local audiences.

When is it? Xanadu previews the weekend of February 25-27 and premieres March 4, 2011. Showings are on Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm.

Where is it? The Retro Dome is conveniently located near the intersection of three cities: San Jose, Saratoga and Campbell, CA, at 1694 Saratoga Ave in San Jose, Calif. 95129 (at the corner of Saratoga Avenue and Prospect Road).

Who's in it? An extraordinarily talented cast of triple threats headline the production. Click here to get to know the artists.

Where can I get tickets? Tickets can be purchased online (click the link above), over the phone at 408-404-7711 or in person. The Box Office window is open Tuesday through Friday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm and by appointment, and phone orders can be placed Tuesday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. During event days, The Retro Dome is open 90 minutes prior to showtime.

How much is it? Tickets are $44 and there are discounts available for students, seniors and military ($34) and children ($24). There are also discount for groups. Parking is free there are no additional box office fees.

Want to learn more? Click here for an interview with Director/Producer, Scott Evan Guggenheim

Rock Climbing is Coming to SoFA!

Let's start off the week with some good news. The remnants of Club WET in SoFA will soon become a 14,000 sqft Rock Climbing Gym called Touchtone. WET was frequently wrought with issues--such as fights and a few stabbings--that I think created a negative perception of the area. I'm pretty confident this will be a better use for the space and hopefully they can incorporate a little artsy SoFA character into it.

By the way, there used to be a Touchtone in Downtown San Jose. It was right next to Camera 12 and had what might have been the smallest rock wall in existence. No, seriously it was maybe 10 feet tall. I had to chuckle at it every time I walked by. The new SoFA Touchtone won't have that same problem as the climbing walls will be at least 35 feet tall.

March 2011 Downtown Dimension Highlights

Here are my notes from the latest edition of Downtown Dimension:

• Christmas in The Park is being planned for 2011, but the organizer needs to replace $370,000 of funding that used to come from the city.
• The city has developed a master plan for the area around Diridon Station incorporating  5 million sqft of office space, 420,000 sqft of retail, 2,600 residential units, 900 hotel rooms, and an underground train station.
• MACLA (a center for Latin American arts) in SoFA has received a $100k Ford Foundation grant and is looking to expand its presence Downtown. There were only 12 organization to receive the grant from the 700 applicants
• CJ's Cafe and Catering at 303 Almaden is under new ownership.
• Us Studio Hair Salon is now open at 54 W. Santa Clara and also features vintage and custom designed clothing.
• Team San Jose and Groundwerx have come to the rescue of two downtown Heritage clocks that stopped working. They are now operational again.

To read the full newsletter, click here!