One More First Friday Plug, Because it's Worth It!

Phantom Galleries:

Join us for South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk February 4th!
An eclectic evening of arts and culture in downtown San Jose's SoFA District (& beyond)!
Venues are open 7pm-11pm & are free of charge

HIghlights include:

Phantom Galleries in the windows of 386 South First Street:
Two exhibitions featuring Yumiko & Reiko Miyagawa and Mike Park
Miyagawa sisters' first collaboration photo show. The sisters came up with themes that have contrastive ideas, and each one took photos with "our weirdo heads' imagination!"

Mike Park exhibits the different colors of VINYL.


Phantom Galleries at Caffé Trieste - 315 South First Street
Opening Reception - Around the World in 30,000 Photographs by Frances Freyberg
In 2008, emerging photographer Frances Freyberg left her job in high-tech communications to travel the world for a year, taking photos and writing about her experiences. Over the course of the year, she took more than 30,000 photographs across 41 different countries. This exhibit includes some of her favorite photos from Asia, India, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North and South America.
First Fridays are Opera Night! at Caffé Trieste with some of the Bay Area’s best opera singers performing your favorite arias and duets.


Phantom Galleries at Good Karma Vegan Café - 37 South First Street
Opening Reception: Art Alive by Trina Merry A rich collaboration with a variety of talented Bay Area photographers- wet plate, fine art, fashion, and maternity photography.
Trina Merry has been exploring and focusing on bodypainting solely since her installation "The Television Totem Pole" at the SubZERO Festival 2010. This exhibit showcases her explorations that have spawned and informed her other bodypaint series, music videos, and current work.


Phantom Galleries at Pho69 - 321 South First Street
Opening Reception- Just In Time: Abstracts by Jane Peterman. The series of paintings is a meditation on time and space beginning March 2009 and ongoing.
Join us for a Vietnamese New Year celebration with Lion Dancers, traditional New Years food tastings, and lucky red envelopes fortunes.


Anno Domini // the second coming of Art & Design - 366 South First Street
Artist's Reception- Auroral Dreaming new sculptures by Derek Weisberg
Derek Weisberg returns to Anno Domini for his second solo exhibition with a brand new body of ambitious and courageous work. Weisberg continues to examine his own life and the world around him, attempting to answer questions, which have plagued humans since the beginning of time.
Live music by Suzanne Vallie


The Education of Hopey Glass: Day by Day with Hopey, Jaime Hernandez, ink on paper, 2010
MACLA - 510 South First Street
Join MACLA for an extraordinary evening of art: In MACLA’s Gallery: Novelas, Love and Other Adventures Featuring: Jaime Hernandez, Favianna Rodriguez, Rio Yañez and Mayra Ramirez.
Please join us for our Opening Reception & Artist Talk: at 7:00pm Join Jaime Hernandez of famed comic book series Love & Rockets and Bay Area Artist Rio Yañez for an engaging conversation about their work.


Higher Fire Clayspace & Gallery - 499 Market Street
Artist's Reception- Joy Imai: Soda-Fired Porcelain
Botanical elements dot the surface of Joy Imai's soda-glazed pottery, but her work is pure pyromaniac in origin! Joy sprays baking soda & water into a 2300 degree kiln causing the solution to break down into sodium vapor glaze. The vapors flash her pots with color - all surprising, unique, and a tangible record of what pieces endured in the kiln.
Reception for the featured artist will be held in conjunction with South First Friday festivities on Feb 4 from 7pm 'til late... plus an evening of pottery wheel demonstrations, kids' clay table, and light refreshments too.


SLG Art Boutiki & Gallery - 577 South Market Street
SLG Art Boutiki presents the art of Vesha Valentine by Des Taylor. Celebrating the release of the new storybook by Taylor, SLG will be showing unseen art from the book. Live music and of course all the things that make The Art Boutiki the best comics art gallery in town!


Targets by Myrrh, acrylic on wood
Works San José - 451 South First Street
Opening Reception- Better Luck Next Time
Have you ever heard these words? It is defined as “an expression that comforts someone for a minor disappointment.” Whether it’s a matter of the heart, life experiences, work or leisure, there is almost always a time when this applies. It might be that piece of art that is loved but just didn’t fit the bill. Engaging in a conversation, examining social or political issues, creating humor, capturing history or chronicling a new work—this exhibition will reveal the artistic expression for the meaning behind the phrase. These artists are making the choice to be lucky this year, presenting some great art that will empower time and again discovering hilarity in Better Luck Next time. Presented by Works in collaboration with South Bay Area Women’s Caucus for Art.


METRO Photo Exhibit - 550 South First Street
Come join us in the Metro building for Pulp Female, photography by Jen Anderson and Ian Healy


Blue Boy by Jay Ruland
KALEID Gallery - 88 South Fourth Street (at San Fernando)
Surgery.Art presents Dark Matter a group study of the dark and immeasurable.
Featuring dark analytical work by: Matthew Pugh, Marie Dvorkin, Alla Viksne, Jay Ruland, Alex Yanushkevich, Kelly Nelson, Emily Feucht, Haley Goodlett, J. Marie Valdivia, Centa Schumacher, Mike Dvorkin, Genevieve Hastings, Shauna Mork + more. Fashion study by Mike Kemling. Auditory guidance by Audrey Stats, Kevorkian/Dvorkin, Geoffrey Smith. Curated by: Marie Dvorkin, Dora Lee


Patty, John Renzel, acrylic on canvas
Psycho Donuts - 288 South Second Street
On view: Local Characters - Crazy, quirky and colorful characters populate this favorite donut shop art gallery! San Jose's Psycho Donuts has new original art by local artists: John Renzel, Lacey Bryant, Michael Foley, Christine Benjamin, Laura Callin Bennett, Valery Milovic, John Hageman, Murphy Adams and Michael Borja.


South First Billiards Club & Lounge - 420 South First Street
The Prophecy - A night of music, art, and good energy with Audiopharmacy
Hip-Hop, Reggae, Funk, Soul, World, Latin featuring Kaotic Souls and Special guests. Beats By Teao N Offerings. Live Acrylics by- Nice Onem, Mia Ante, Jaiv1. Art Works by- Deth Brain, Nice One, Jaiv1, Dee Jae Pa'este, Mia Ante, Majick, Soil
5-9pm ALL AGES. 9pm-close 21+


San Jose Jazz at Eulipia Restaurant - 374 South First Street
8pm- Joe Bagale
A San Francisco based singer songwriter/composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer; he is pushing the envelope of what we know as pop music. His compositions are a blend of old-school funk/R&B mixed with the sounds of late 60's/70's rock and topped off with a jazz/avant-garde influence, coming together to create a style entirely all his own.

For full listing of events and information: please visit www.SouthFirstFridays.com or call 408-271-5155

Media Sponsor: Metro Newspapers
Enjoy FREE PEDICAB RIDES between art venues courtesy of South First Fridays and Eco City Cycles!

This event is produced by Two Fish Design with additional support provided by the San Jose Downtown Association, the San Jose Redevelopment Agency and 1st ACT Silicon Valley.

South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk Tonight!

One of my favorite Downtown events is having their 2011 premier around 8pm tonight and it'll go well into the night! This month's South First Friday is bigger and badder than ever with 20 venues, including 2 new ones: Pho 69 and Eulipia (partnering with San Jose Jazz). For an almost complete list of participants, keep travelling down the page or click here!

Participating Venues

• Anno Domini
• Art Ark
• Art Glass Center of San Jose
• Caffé Trieste
• Downtown Yoga Shala
• Good Karma
• Higher Fire Clayspace & Gallery
• KALEID Gallery
• MACLA
• Metro Photo Exhibit
• Phantom Galleries
• Pho69
• Psycho Donuts
• San Jose Jazz
• San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles
• SLG Art Boutiki & Gallery
• South First Billiards & Lounge
• Works/San Jose

Vietnamese New Year Celebration at Pho 69!

My favorite Pho restaurant is having specials for Vietnamese New Year starting tonight and running all the way through Saturday! As icing on the cake, they're kicking off their first month of participation in South First Fridays with a dragon dance and opening reception at 8pm tomorrow. More info below:

Come join us bring in the New Year.

Starting at 5:00 pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Beers $3, Wine $4, Starters $4, Pho $6

Come join the Vietnamese traditions of testing your luck with:
- Blackjack
- Tien Len
- Binh
- Bau, Cua, Tom, Ca
- Poker Tournament (Proceeds to Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Group)

Poker Tournament $35 buy in
Starts at 5:00 pm, 7:30 pm, and 10:00 pm
16 seats per session
Payout
1st: $250
2nd: $75
3rd: $50
4th: $35

Sign-up by calling 408-289-8521
Hours 11 am - 8 pm

**Friday Night - Dragon Dancing at 8:30pm, SoFA Art Walk Opening Reception at 8:00pm

-- 
Thank you,
Darren & Teresa
Pho 69 Noodle, LLC

321 South First Street

San Jose, CA 95113

408-289-8521

www.pho69noodle.com

Join us on Facebook | www.facebook.com/pho69noodle

Sharks Defeat Rival Ducks In Fierce Battle

The San Jose Sharks may have played a phenomenal game against the Phoenix Coyotes, but already less than a day later, they suited up to battle the Anaheim Ducks in their very own Honda Center.

With a big win, the Sharks emerged triumphant in a fierce battle with the Ducks in Anaheim. After the first puck drop, it did not take long for the Sharks to strike first, with Dany Heatley scoring his 19th goal of the season just fourteen seconds into the first period. Only seven short minutes later, Ben Eager ripped a beautiful top right corner wrist shot to score his first goal as a Shark on Anaheim's netminder Jonas Hiller. Eager's shot almost made it seem like he was recruited to the Sharks for his sniping ability. Following Eager's goal, Jason Demers fired the puck into the net from the blue line, increasing the Sharks lead to 3-0. Only half of the first period had elapsed, and Hiller already was pulled from his post in the net. Definitely a bad night for the goaltender who had enjoyed an NHL-best 25 wins (tied with Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins). This lead continued to the end of the first period.

As all Sharks fans understand from yesterday's match, a three-goal lead never guarantees a winning effort, especially with forty minutes of regulation time left in the game, and with the fast paced anything-can-happen speed of professional ice hockey.

Anaheim began to chip in their goals early in the second period, with the Ducks' Joffrey Lupul decreasing the Sharks' lead to 3-1. Up until the Ducks' even strength goal, the Sharks had been able to kill two of what would come to be many penalties against them. Ryane Clowe increased the Sharks' lead back to three goals with a nice power play opportunity, although the Ducks' Cam Fowler answered right back with a power play goal, as he had been in a fortunate position to the right side of Niemi when the puck bounced over to his stick. The second period ended with a 4-2 Sharks edge.

The Ducks again contributed to their late surge early in the third period, increasing the score to 4-3, which then turned the game into a highly defensive battle, as the Sharks kept their defenseman strong in front of the net and the forwards not taking any risky chances to enter the offensive zone. After Ben Eager's Delay of Game penalty by shooting the puck over the glass, the Ducks emerged with a powerful offensive strategy, effectively keeping the puck in the Sharks' zone and unleashing a barrage of shots on Antti Niemi, who fortunately played very well to keep the shots out.

By the end of the third period, the Sharks managed to hold their 4-3 lead, beating the Ducks at their home and placing them in a more comfortable playoff position. Although the standings still remain the same, a continued momentum by the Sharks can help solidify their position in the Western Conference standings with more big wins like the last two games.

Although it seemed the Sharks would break down and succumb to the large Ducks offensive effort near the end of the third period, the team earned their two points and overall played a solid game, playing well to kill the many penalties they had in the Ducks' favor.

Honorable mention goes to Ryane Clowe, who not only scored the game winning goal, but played the corners very effectively, setting up his linemates with great opportunities to score.

The Sharks continue their road trip against the Boston Bruins on Saturday, February 5th in Boston.

Charlie's Cheesecake Works Discount!

A lot of nice "group buying" discounts lately for San Jose.  Here is another place that I have been meaning to try and now there is a lucrative offer to justify the trip. This cheesecake shop has a perfect 5 star rating on yelp with 150 reviews, so my expectations are high!

$9.50 for the Big Game Party Special including two twelve packs of Charlie’s Cheesecake Poppers™ at Charlie’s Cheesecake Works ($19 value)

Link: http://www.kgbdeals.com/san-jose-sf?utm_source=a1a&utm_medium=p&utm_campaign=d

who & where

• Charlie's Cheesecake Works
• www.charliescheesecakeworks...
• 1179 Redmond Ave.
• San Jose, CA 95120
• 408.268.4555

by the way:

• Valid until August 5, 2011
• Limit three vouchers per person
• May purchase unlimited vouchers as gifts; same conditions apply
• Can combine up to three vouchers each visit
• Cannot combine with other offers
• No cash value, credit, or change given
• In-store pickup only

need to know:

• Get two twelve packs of Charlie’s Cheesecake Poppers™ for the price of one
• Includes assorted flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, key lime, and more
• Makes a great Big Game snack

what & why

The Big Game is fast approaching, and if you’re planning a party or just going to one, you’ll need a dessert that will properly complement the experience. Fortunately, today’s kgbdeal has the answer: Charlie’s Cheesecake Poppers™ from Charlie’s Cheesecake Works, which can be yours for just $9.50. That’s two twelve-count packs of assorted Charlie’s Cheesecake Poppers™ for the price of one, which will give your party guests something to smile about. Charlie’s Poppers™ take the legendary taste of Charlie’s Cheesecakes and packs them into bite-sized cheesecake wonders. Enjoy an assortment of delicious flavors sure to satisfy any palate including classic vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, key lime, and more. Regardless of which flavor you pop, you’ll be sure to have the perfect cheesecake dessert for the biggest game of the year.

Sharks Stage Legendary Comeback, Assist to the Shark Tank

The second period nears its end, and the San Jose Sharks trail the Phoenix Coyotes 0-3. As the Sharks fans make their objections known, the Sharks struggle to come together, being thoroughly dominated by the Coyotes team in every category: goals, shots, and puck control. In frustration, Coach Todd McLellan pulls the goaltender, Antti Niemi, to give backup Alex Stalock (who had just been recalled from the Worcester Sharks farm team) an opportunity to play.

It clearly does not appear to be a favorable day for the Sharks.

With just under a minute left in the second period, Phoenix takes a penalty, and the Sharks quickly take control of the power play and gain the Coyotes’ zone. Ten seconds left, nine seconds left, eight seconds left…the time continues to tick away as the Sharks try to score…seven seconds…then GOAL! The loud, triumphant goal horn echoes through the Tank, the fans growing with increasing enthusiasm. Joe Pavelski has scored with seven seconds to go!

If there is any team that feeds on emotion, it is the San Jose Sharks. As the Shark Tank is infamous among visiting NHL teams, Sharks fans are the fuel to the Sharks’ flame, and responsible for their historically dominant home game campaign. Although Sharks fans are extremely supportive of their home team, they are also not afraid to show their disapproval when their team plays below expectations, whether it is a visible lack of effort or failure to convert power play opportunities into goals. This 2010-2011 season has had its fair share of ups and downs, with the current standings as proof, as the Sharks are currently tied for seventh place in the Western Conference standings with the Chicago Blackhawks, effectively making them tied for last place for teams that qualify for playoffs.

The Pavelski goal that brought the Sharks to a 1-3 game gave the fans hope, perhaps a spark that would perhaps give the struggling team a chance. After all, a twenty minute third period is plenty of time for the Sharks to regroup and stage a comeback.

And come back the Sharks do.

Just over a minute into the third period, Joe Pavelski scores again from the same spot (and into the same upper left corner) to make the score 2-3. Only a few minutes later, newcomer Kyle Wellwood crashes the net to beautifully tip in a Ben Eager rebound, scoring his first goal as a Shark, bringing the score to a 3-3 tie.

The fans become ecstatic. (Perhaps that is what drove the team to play better.) Suddenly, the defense comes together and the offense becomes more aggressive. Star player Patrick Marleau, who had just been recognized before the game for his 1,000th game with the Sharks (Congratulations, Patty!), charges the Coyotes defense while on a penalty kill for a very questionable call against Ben Eager to earn a breakaway, where he promptly scores a SHORTHANDED goal.

With the 4-3 lead, the Sharks increase their defensive potency, preventing the Coyotes from scoring for the rest of the game. Joe Thornton manages to score with ten seconds left on an empty net from a last resort opportunity for the Coyotes to tie the game.

With the final score of 5-3, the Sharks execute a fantastic win, with their five unanswered goals becoming one of their greatest comebacks. (Assist goes to the Shark Tank for their exuberant support.)

With some final thoughts about the game, I commend the Sharks with some effective net crashing during the third period, which I believe is the reason for their scoring. My greatest criticism for the Sharks’ playing style is they typically fail to have players open for the “back door” goals. I tend to watch the Vancouver Canucks (since they execute it best), since they can frequently manage to get one of their players open in front of the net, usually from a well-placed pick in front of the net to draw an opposing team defenseman, leaving another player wide open for a shot. Once the Sharks can set up their offensive zone shot positioning, they will be an awfully difficult team to beat.

Satori Discount!

I found this discount today for my favorite tea shop. Unfortunately it's a one day deal. To take advantage of this, just click here.

Satori Tea Company

$20 to Spend on Tea and Accessories

$10	buy now!send as a gift

• 50%
  savings
• 144
  purchased
• 10 : 09 : 43
  remaining

As Bill Murray said in Lost in Translation, "For relaxing times, make it Satori time." Well, not exactly, but that's what he would have said had he known about today's deal: $10 for $20 worth of tea, pots, cups, and infusers from Satori Tea Company. Opened in 2008,... (show more)

Get yours free! Buy, share, and if three friends buy, yours is free.

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La Vic's on Santa Clara Street is Now Open!

The remodeled and expanded La Vic's is now open on Santa Clara Street! This was pure serendipity. As my wife and I were driving by I noticed a decorated horse dancing on the sidewalk (literally). Of course we had to go check it out.

The remodel is surprisingly upscale. All counter tops are granite, there are crown moldings, and plenty of comfortable seating. This is a dramatic improvement over the old storefront. My favorite touch is the bright orange wall in honor of their famous sauce. The menu is exactly what you would expect... whatever your feelings for La Vics were before the remodel, expect them to stay more or less the same. I'm hoping for the same hours as their SJSU location, but they may need to file new permits to stay open that late (3am).

La Vic's, welcome back!