| Rank | Metro Area | Bliss Score |
| 1 | San Jose | 7.404 |
| 2 | San Francisco | 7.398 |
| 3 | Brooklyn | 7.301 |
| 4 | Miami | 7.290 |
| 5 | Charlotte | 7.244 |
| 6 | Washington D.C | 7.236 |
| 7 | San Diego | 7.213 |
| 8 | Dallas | 7.156 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 7.135 |
| 10 | Los Angeles | 7.128 |
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Saturday Stats: San Jose is the Happiest City for Working Dads
Here's a nice statistic that was released earlier this year. A company that analyzes happiness across one's career has released the best ten cities for men that want to balance work and family. At the top of the list... San Jose! Fore more info click here.
Friday, October 14, 2011
San Jose Stage Company Announces Two More Weeks of the Tony Award-Winning Musical: Cabaret
When I think of theater in Downtown San Jose usually The San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, The Rep or the Montgomery Theater are the first places that pop in my mind. The fact is that there are also several smaller, more intimate venues that are featuring quality programming spread across Downtown. Right in the middle of SoFA, you have a 200 seat theater called The Stage which has won many awards for their off-Broadway performances. They have just extended the run for their latest production: Cabaret, which you can read all about below. I'm definitely planning to check out this theater soon (as well as City Lights and the Theatre on San Pedro Square). There are more live performance venues Downtown than many people realize, and The Stage is one of those hidden gems.
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"The Stage's Cabaret is spectacularly entertaining…edgy…provocative…
"Superb production" --- Out&About Magazine
"It is definitely worth your time to see this Cabaret" --- San Jose Mercury News
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Extended Now through November 6
‘What good is sitting alone in your room. Come hear the music play…..’
San José, CA – October 12, 2011
San Jose Stage Company announced that the Tony Award-winning musical Cabaret, the provocative and edgy new production, will be extended two more weeks. The ‘up close and personal’ Stage theatre, set in a cabaret-style atmosphere, has been showing to sold-out crowds.
“The Stage is on a roll,” said Randall King, Artistic Director of The Stage Company. “We are building on the momentum of Avenue Q's eight-week, sold-out run with another incredible ensemble that demonstrates the timeless impact of Kander and Ebb'sCabaret.”
Critics have been raving about The Stage’s season opener, Cabaret.
"The Stage's Cabaret is spectacularly entertaining…edgy…provocative…
"Superb production" --- Out&About Magazine
"It is definitely worth your time to see this Cabaret" --- San Jose Mercury News
“Audiences are finding the show highly entertaining and extremely relevant to today's world,” added King.
The classic Broadway musical, set in the smoky, seedy Kit Kat Klub, reflects the sentiment in pre-World War II, 1929 Berlin.
Based on the book “The Berlin Stories” of 1945 by Christopher Isherwood, who set the foundation for the subsequent renditions, from “I am a Camera” to the 1972 movie Cabaret to the Roundabout version at Studio 54.
“Cabaret has a fascinating history,” said Director Rick Singleton. “The winner of multiple Tony Awards three decades apart, John Kander and Fred Ebb's classic musical is well-set in the Stage Theatre.”
“The 1967 stage musical was adapted into an Oscar-winning film, and the 1998 Broadway revival ran for six years at Studio 54,” adds Singleton. “The Stage's unique intimate setting is the perfect venue as we morph into an infamous Berlin cabaret nightclub complete with cabaret tables, chairs and stage.”
Carmichael ‘CJ’ Blankenship* brings a new edge and sexual energy to his choreographer debut, while also playing the role of Victor.
Most recently from the sold-out eight-week run of Avenue Q, and previously at The Stage in Reasons to be Pretty, Company Associate Artist Halsey Varady* plays Sally Bowles, the English cabaret performer.
A special appearance by Jef Valentine breaks new ground with The Stage Company as the Emcee of the Kit Kat Klub.
Judith Miller, known to audiences for her iconic roles as Patsy Cline and Mae West, portrays Fraulein Schneider.
Also features Company Associate Artist and Musical Director Martin Rojas Dietrich*, Lydia Lyons*, Will Springhorn Jr.*, Matt Bariletti, Christine Capsuto, Clarissa Chun, Chellana Dinsmore, Brandon Mears, and Allison F. Rich.
Book by Joe Masteroff, Lyrics by Fred Ebb, Music by John Kander, Based on the Play by John Van Druten, Stories by Christopher Isherwood, Musical Director is Martin Rojas Dietrich, Choreography by Carmichael ‘CJ’ Blankenship and the Director is Rick Singleton.
Tickets are $33 - $45 and are available at thestage.org or by calling the Box Office.
Premium Cabaret seating is available for the front row of the theatre. Please call the box office at 408.283.7142 to purchase these seats.
San Jose Stage Company is funded, in part, by a Cultural Affairs grant from the City of San Jose and Arts Council Silicon Valley, in partnership with the County of Santa Clara, the California Arts Council and Applied Materials Excellence in the Arts. San Jose Stage Company gratefully acknowledges support from The Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, The Smart Family Foundation, Applied Materials Foundation and The Davidson Family Foundation and the many individuals, businesses and corporations whose contributions make great theatre possible.
The Stage is located at 490 South First Street at William Avenue in the SoFA area of downtown San Jose.
# # #
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Food Social, Oct. 15 @ Motif 5PM-9PM
The third installation of Food Social is coming up this Saturday, featuring aspiring and innovative street food chefs! It's similar to a food truck event, except with all local street food vendors. The cost of admission is $5, but you can get in for FREE with the promo code: "SJ Blog"
More info below and you can register right over here.
More info below and you can register right over here.
What
Food
Social, a street food marketplace, features locally produced fare from the Bay
Area’s next big culinary talent. An incubator for up-and-coming street food
vendors, Food Social brings a whole new meaning to “eating local”. Try new
dishes ranging from $5-$8, mingle with new friends, and enjoy a beautiful
outdoor terrace under the stars. Smooth
sounds provided by Skechmoney.
Saturday,
October 15th, 2011 5pm-9pm.
Motif
Lounge
389
S. First St.
San
Jose, CA
Visit
www.food-social.org to register for the event.
Why
Food
Social was created to shine the spotlight on a different part of the street
food vending journey…The very beginning. The idea behind Food Social is to
provide a forum that showcases up and coming street food vendors in a way never
before experienced in the South Bay. After personally experiencing the long,
arduous path toward building a successful cart, we wanted to open up a channel
for new food vendors who are working their way up the ladder to build fans and
share their fresh food ideas with their local community. Attend Food Social and
take an exclusive look at the delight that is being cooked up right in your
backyard.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Innovative Public Art Installations
I came across this stellar art project that was built in Zadar, Croatia. This is a large public pavilion that has been carpeted with solar-powered LED panels. As soon as the sun sets, this is what happens:
I think this type of project would be right up our alley. Even better if it was interactive. For more info the "Sun Salutation" project above, head right over here.
I think this type of project would be right up our alley. Even better if it was interactive. For more info the "Sun Salutation" project above, head right over here.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Halloween @ History Park
***************************************************************
Haunt History Park is Not Scary
Sunday, October 30 at Kelley Park
San José, CA – October 5, 2011–
Children will be able to trick-or-treat throughout San José’s History Park at Kelley Park in a fun, safe, family-friendly environment. Families can celebrate one of the year’s most exciting holidays on Sunday, October 30 from noon to 3 p.m.
This scare-free annual event has become a tradition and is back again, with trick-or-treating and family-friendly events and arts and crafts activities.
“Families can celebrate one of the year’s most exciting holidays at a non-scary old-fashioned Halloween Party,” said Barbara Johnston, Director of Education at History San José. “There will be plenty of activities for all ages.”
Stations will be set-up throughout History Park at the historic homes in History Park. The admission fee is $8 per person, children and adults, and includes trick-or-treating throughout History Park, trolley car rides, games and crafts, puppet shows, play areas.
Members of History San José and/or Happy Hollow Park & Zoo are $3.00 per person.
Trick-or-Treating hours:
History Park 12:00 pm– 3:00 pm
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Costume Parade around the Plaza 2:00 pm
For more information, visithistorysanjose.org or call 408 918 1047.
The ‘wrap-a-mummy’ contest will take place on the Plaza in the Park at 2:30 p.m. History San José affiliates in each of the historic homes will offer treats to trick-or-treaters.
Speaking of treats, the tradition of trick-or-treating is very well known for handing out sweets. O’Brien’s Ice Cream Parlor at History Park serves San José-made Treat ice cream. Treat Ice Cream Company has been in business in San José since 1951 and produces gourmet ice creams, sherbets, and sorbets.
Kelley Park is located on Senter Road, between Phelan & Keyes. City parking is available for $6. For more information visit historysanjose.org or call
408 287 2290. or call Happy Hollow Park & Zoo at 408 794 6400 or visitwww.hhpz.org
# # #
About History San José:
History San José is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the continuing history of the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology. History San José aspires to provide innovative national leadership in preserving and sharing regional history by engaging diverse audiences in exploring the varieties of human experience that contributes to the continuing history of San José and the Santa Clara Valley.
History San José 1650 Senter Road San José, CA 95112
Monday, October 10, 2011
SJC Passengers & Flights Trending Up
Over the past year passenger volume has risen 2.5%, finally reversing a 3 year decline in passenger numbers. Also the number of daily flights is up 3% over the past 12 months. In fact, during Q2 of this year 35 weekly flights were added. The airport has also cut $54M in expenses that were projected in the 2007 plan. You can read more about this right over here.
Also related to the airport, a South Bay consortium is trying to promote a deeper relationship between Chinese tech companies and Silicon Valley. As part of this goal, they are seriously attempting to establish direct flights between San Jose and China. More info over here.
Good news all around, I hope these trends continue!
Also related to the airport, a South Bay consortium is trying to promote a deeper relationship between Chinese tech companies and Silicon Valley. As part of this goal, they are seriously attempting to establish direct flights between San Jose and China. More info over here.
Good news all around, I hope these trends continue!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Empty our Shelters Campaign
Guest post by Melissa Lisbon:
Starting October 1 through October 16, 6 area shelters have coordinated a plan to get the hundreds of dogs and cats overflowing in their shelters adopted. The campaign is called "Empty our Shelters" and the following shelters are participating:
Of the above six shelters, the San Jose Animal Care Center takes in the most strays, as they provide animal control services for the city of San Jose, Saratoga, Milpitas, Cupertino and Los Gatos (over 1.4 million residents). The San Jose Animal Care Center, like the other participants in this program are offering VERY reduced adoption fees - all of their animals will be offered at a $10 adoption fee! Each shelter has it's own promotional adoption fee during this 2 week special program.
One example of the perfect pet waiting for you is Peanut (pictured below), a 7 year old torbi female kitty at San Jose Animal Care Center. Peanut has been patiently waiting for her special someone for over 2 months and has become a favorite of shelter volunteers. She enjoys pets and sunshine. At 7 years old, she is the perfect middle-aged companion who will always listen to how your day went!
Now is the time to visit your local animal shelter and give them your support. If you are not looking to adopt a pet at this time, they are always looking for volunteers and donations of supplies (newspapers, toys, towels, linens, etc).
Melissa N. Lisbon
San Jose Animal AdvocatesCommitted to helping homeless animals in our community
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Left Coast Live Music Festival in Downtown San Jose (Starts Today)
from Downtown San Jose Real Estate
The grass-roots music festival Left Coast Livereturns to downtown San Jose Saturday, October 8, 2011. In its 3rd year, Left Coast Live is an annual, all-ages music festival which showcases national and local acts in the downtown San Jose area, establishing Silicon Valley as a regional destination for live music. Now in a new home on Post Street between 1st and Market Streets, Left Coast Live will feature 25+ bands performing on three outdoor stages and partner venues.
Left Coast Live is again on the cutting edge of the local music industry. Headliners The Limousines are an indietronica band out of the East Bay. Made up of multi-instramentalist/producer Giovanni Giusti and songwriter/vocalist Eric Victorino, the duo has gained international fame, thanks in part to the release of their singles Very Busy People and Internet Killed the Video Star. Their first full-length album, Get Sharp, was released in July 2010, to critical acclaim. They recently completed a nation-wide tour opening for Neon Trees (another Left Coast Live alum) and have appeared at several major festivals this summer including SXSW, The Bamboozle, Sunset Strip Music Festival, and Outside Lands. Other headliners include the Postelles, a band Rolling Stones hailed as a “band to watch”; funk band Orgōne; Latin freestylist Chico Mann; and sultry songstress Mara Hruby.
Left Coast Live is also bringing back the fan favorite Silent Disco. Picture a giant disco ball hung in the middle of the street complete with lights and fog machine. Then imagine not being able to hear a thing; all you see are hundreds of people dancing in complete silence. All you have to do is pick up the Silent Events personal wireless headset and join in on the fun!
The Urban Food Zone will feature many of San Jose’s favorite food trucks – O’Mi Ninja will be serving up Vietnamese street food; Bigg Shimp’n features shrimp done every which way – friend, boiled, in tacos and bahn mi; and Hiyaaa Roll serves sandwiches, salads, and rice bowls. These are just a few of the tasty treats you’ll find at Left Coast Live. The Beer Garden, courtesy of Good Kharma Vegan Cafe, will be serving up your favorite craft brews from some of the most inventive brew masters around. This year’s offerings include: Lagunitas IPA, Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Flying Dog-Raging Bitch Belgian Style IPA, North Coast Pranqster, Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat, Trumer Pils, Allagash White, Humbolt Brewing Company Hemp Ale, Firestone Walker Brewing Company California Pale Ale, Deschutes Brewery Black Butte Porter, North Coast Scrimshaw Pilsner. We will also be serving some Belgian bottled beers, including Tripel Karmeliet, Duchesse De Bourgogne, Chimay Red, and Delirium Tremens.
Be sure to stop by the Left Coast Live Record Swap presented by Streetlight Records. The swap will be located on the corner of Lightson and Post Streets. Several different vendors will be selling LPs, 45s, DVDs, CDs, comics, graphic novels and more
Your paid wristband ($15 presale/$20 at gate) is good for entrance into the Saturday night outdoor concert with 3 stages and Silent Disco, and exclusive Left Coast Live downtown venues. CASH ONLY will be accepted at the gate on Saturday night. Visit www.leftcoastlive.com to purchase tickets online.
What: Left Coast Live Music Festival
When: Saturday, October 8, 2011. Gates open at 3:00 pm, with performances starting at 4:00.
Where: Post and Lightson Streets between 1st and Market in downtown Sa
The grass-roots music festival Left Coast Livereturns to downtown San Jose Saturday, October 8, 2011. In its 3rd year, Left Coast Live is an annual, all-ages music festival which showcases national and local acts in the downtown San Jose area, establishing Silicon Valley as a regional destination for live music. Now in a new home on Post Street between 1st and Market Streets, Left Coast Live will feature 25+ bands performing on three outdoor stages and partner venues.Left Coast Live is again on the cutting edge of the local music industry. Headliners The Limousines are an indietronica band out of the East Bay. Made up of multi-instramentalist/producer Giovanni Giusti and songwriter/vocalist Eric Victorino, the duo has gained international fame, thanks in part to the release of their singles Very Busy People and Internet Killed the Video Star. Their first full-length album, Get Sharp, was released in July 2010, to critical acclaim. They recently completed a nation-wide tour opening for Neon Trees (another Left Coast Live alum) and have appeared at several major festivals this summer including SXSW, The Bamboozle, Sunset Strip Music Festival, and Outside Lands. Other headliners include the Postelles, a band Rolling Stones hailed as a “band to watch”; funk band Orgōne; Latin freestylist Chico Mann; and sultry songstress Mara Hruby.
Left Coast Live is also bringing back the fan favorite Silent Disco. Picture a giant disco ball hung in the middle of the street complete with lights and fog machine. Then imagine not being able to hear a thing; all you see are hundreds of people dancing in complete silence. All you have to do is pick up the Silent Events personal wireless headset and join in on the fun!
The Urban Food Zone will feature many of San Jose’s favorite food trucks – O’Mi Ninja will be serving up Vietnamese street food; Bigg Shimp’n features shrimp done every which way – friend, boiled, in tacos and bahn mi; and Hiyaaa Roll serves sandwiches, salads, and rice bowls. These are just a few of the tasty treats you’ll find at Left Coast Live. The Beer Garden, courtesy of Good Kharma Vegan Cafe, will be serving up your favorite craft brews from some of the most inventive brew masters around. This year’s offerings include: Lagunitas IPA, Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Flying Dog-Raging Bitch Belgian Style IPA, North Coast Pranqster, Lost Coast Tangerine Wheat, Trumer Pils, Allagash White, Humbolt Brewing Company Hemp Ale, Firestone Walker Brewing Company California Pale Ale, Deschutes Brewery Black Butte Porter, North Coast Scrimshaw Pilsner. We will also be serving some Belgian bottled beers, including Tripel Karmeliet, Duchesse De Bourgogne, Chimay Red, and Delirium Tremens.
Be sure to stop by the Left Coast Live Record Swap presented by Streetlight Records. The swap will be located on the corner of Lightson and Post Streets. Several different vendors will be selling LPs, 45s, DVDs, CDs, comics, graphic novels and more
Your paid wristband ($15 presale/$20 at gate) is good for entrance into the Saturday night outdoor concert with 3 stages and Silent Disco, and exclusive Left Coast Live downtown venues. CASH ONLY will be accepted at the gate on Saturday night. Visit www.leftcoastlive.com to purchase tickets online.
What: Left Coast Live Music Festival
When: Saturday, October 8, 2011. Gates open at 3:00 pm, with performances starting at 4:00.
Where: Post and Lightson Streets between 1st and Market in downtown Sa
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