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If you do not like roller coasters, you are not my friend. For all you thrill seeking afficianados in the know, Six Flags Magic Mountain is paradise on Earth.
Forget all that negativity about how...
If you do not like roller coasters, you are not my friend. For all you thrill seeking afficianados in the know, Six Flags Magic Mountain is paradise on Earth.
Forget all that negativity about how unkempt the park is, and how unruly the crowds may be. The way I see it is that you come here strictly for the adrenaline rush. Leave all the aesthetics and bells and whistles to Bonfante Gardens. This place is for the whiteknucklers only.
Besides, all the teenagers and *supposed* gangbangers (gosh, that word is dropped more than dishes at a Greek party these days) gives the "Mountain" a unique charm. It is located in greater Los Angeles after all. Did you expect anything less?
As for the rides themselves, there isn't much more to say that hasn't been already. Tied for Cedar Point in Ohio for having the most coasters on the planet (17), not to mention the majority of them being record breakers in their respective categories, I'd definitely stick my neck out to say that nothing on the West Coast even comes close. http://www.rcdb.com/pd4.htm
The best thing about it all is that there are plenty of good deals to be found. Look around, and you might notice Coke cans offering discounts, or even some two-for-one deals at the local supermarkets. I am able to use my season pass from Marine World (here, and at any other Six Flags nationwide), which makes it a killer deal.
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After DNA Lounge has fallen out of favor, I am happy to say that I have found a new spot in the City. Directly across from the infamous Gold Club, Roe has got to be one of the most nondescript...
After DNA Lounge has fallen out of favor, I am happy to say that I have found a new spot in the City. Directly across from the infamous Gold Club, Roe has got to be one of the most nondescript locales you can find (or not find) - an old brick building with no logos - but once inside, you will discover a whole 'nother world. It's nothing too fancy, but it's certainly a more classy crowd than you would find at places such as Space 550, Mighty, or 1015.
How classy? Well, let's just say I randomly run into the likes of gazillionaire pro sports players here on occasion. Troy Murphy, Andris Biedrins, and Zarko Cabarkapa are regulars.
Also, aren't you guys tired of going to clubs to hear only one genre of music? Don't get me wrong, I like hip hop or dance music as much as anyone, but being bomdarded with the same thing over and over, night after night can become quite taxing. I know there are many of you out there with an eclectic taste, who can feel just as comfortable enjoying hair metal, new jack swing, old school rap, 80's, teenybopper pop, or classic rock.
If that's the case, this is the place for you. The DJ literally plays everything under the kitchen sink. Best of all, everyone in attendance grooves along with it. Oh, and must I mention the plethora of incredible scenery?
The old DNA set the bar pretty high, but Roe seems to be up to the task, and primed to take over the position as top dog in the City.
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I hear many people complain about how crowded this place can be, and that the employees are not very friendly. Personally, I have never had any of these problems. The fact that I work out usually...
I hear many people complain about how crowded this place can be, and that the employees are not very friendly. Personally, I have never had any of these problems. The fact that I work out usually around 11 pm to midnight may have some bearing, but there is a reason why it's open 24 hours. If you don't enjoy the crowds during peak hours, you can go any other time you want.
The men's locker room (I haven't been in the women's room, although I'd... uhh, never mind) is in an odd configuration, but very spacious; the weights are set up in a user-friendly, easily accesible manner; and parking is ample. The two floor layout also gives it more character, and makes it more high end looking than the typical former supermarket shell most other 24 Hour Fitnesses are housed in.
The time when I go, it is completely dead, so I can't speak for the amount of meatheads or "scenery" on the premises, but if you are like me, someone who likes to work out in peace, this place is awesome during the not so busy hours.
Dumbbells and plates weigh the same here as anywhere else, so stop your whining, and get pumped up!
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What I hate most about other pearl tea cafes in the area is how crowded they can be, and the infestation of wannabe suburban thugs lurking on the outskirts. This place is different. The more refined...
What I hate most about other pearl tea cafes in the area is how crowded they can be, and the infestation of wannabe suburban thugs lurking on the outskirts. This place is different. The more refined *majority Chinese* patrons here are infinitely more respectful, and can speak properly without dropping the "N" word and "F" bombs every other sentence.
They don't spit all over the sidewalk, smoke bowls in public view, or crank up the JL Audio subs in their whips outside. That alone is enough to give this place at least 3 stars.
The drinks themselves are decent. I wouldn't necessarily drive 100 miles specifically to this location, but if I'm in the area, it certainly quenches any cravings for tea. They also have "two-for-one" deals at various times during the day (usually off peak hours).
The shop is rather large compared to your average. So large in fact, they have another section to the side selling various Chinese and Japanese knick-knacks. They have everything from traditional Chinese design handbags to Hello Kitty-like toys. Most of it appears to be Made in China knockoffs, but prices are extremely reasonable, almost to the point of giving them away for free.
Lastly, if you are the type who enjoys studying and reading at tea shops like I do, this place should suit your needs. It's not too noisy, yet there is also plenty of eye candy to feast upon.
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If you are looking for high end evening wear or Prada bags, look elsewhere. This mall strictly caters to the younger, hip hop generation, and it makes no qualms about it. The second you walk through...
If you are looking for high end evening wear or Prada bags, look elsewhere. This mall strictly caters to the younger, hip hop generation, and it makes no qualms about it. The second you walk through the door, you can immediately tell whether this is your kind of place or not.
Literally, all the corridors are filled with athletic shoe stores displaying the newest SB Dunks and AF1's, to the plethora of hip hop clothing shops peddling the most recent offerings from the likes of Rocawear and Ecko Unlimited.
However, although there is a high percentage of the younger set in here, they are often well mannered, and rarely are there any incidents. It also helps that the security staff always makes its presence known, unlike at other malls, where you might not even know that they existed.
The demographics here is pretty much a cross-section of the city it's situated in, the unmistakable Hayward, CA, and to some extent, the entire East Bay "880 Corridor." It's an eclectic group which is unmatched in any other area of the Bay, and probably the entire state.
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I used to work at the mall, so maybe I am a bit biased, but I think this is a great place to shop. Not only can you find bargains left and right, but it is also a fun place just to hang out and take...
I used to work at the mall, so maybe I am a bit biased, but I think this is a great place to shop. Not only can you find bargains left and right, but it is also a fun place just to hang out and take a stroll. The remodeling they have done in recent years has transformed it into a more classy locale, instead of being known as a cheap outlet mall, ala Gilroy or Vacaville.
The food court seems to change quite often, as less than half the restaurants there now were around when I worked there a few years back, but the selection is decent. Also, most stores seem to be occupied, so that is a good sign that the shops are doing healthy business.
Furthermore, although there are many younger people here, most are not punks or gangsters like you would find at other malls, such as Eastridge, Bayfair, or Hilltop. Obviously, much of this can be attributed to the city, since Milpitas is generally known to be a safe, upper middle class town.
Lastly, I'm still bitter over D&B buying out Namco's contract to be the exclusive arcade at the mall though. Namco WonderPark >>> Dave and Buster's!
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For some odd reason, every time I step into this place, it's like I am magically transported to somewhere in the southern half of the state... only, I'm still in the Bay Area! I guess it's something...
For some odd reason, every time I step into this place, it's like I am magically transported to somewhere in the southern half of the state... only, I'm still in the Bay Area! I guess it's something about the way people dress, but the people here definitely don't look like their Nor*Cal counterparts in terms of fashion and attitude.
Furthermore, this place is absolutely HUGE. It's like our very own version of South Coast Plaza. Pretty much any chain store you can think of, and many more you have never even heard of, can be found here in Valley Fair. The best thing about it is that it is also very clean and classy, with a pedestrian friendly, welcoming layout. Unlike similar malls, such as Stoneridge in Pleasanton, the decor is more upscale, and coming here is more of an experience rather than just shopping for clothes and supplies.
Oh, and did I mention the eye candy here? Trust me. I usually end up having to leave after about thirty minutes due to sensory overload and a sore neck. =P
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I just happened to stumble upon this place on the latenight tip while cruising around after an evening in Venice. I was looking for something, just anything to grub on, but I didn't want your...
I just happened to stumble upon this place on the latenight tip while cruising around after an evening in Venice. I was looking for something, just anything to grub on, but I didn't want your average run-of-the-mill fast food joint. Luckily I noticed this nice spot right on the corner of 17th and Sepulveda in lovely Manhattan Beach. Although it is a chain restaurant, I had never tried any of their other locations, so I figured, what the heck... let's give it a shot.
Wow, quite good! The steak sandwiches taste like something you would find at a more formal sit down restaurant, but at half the price. The menu is simple and straightforward, with the only variation being differing types of sauces. The meat is soft, yet not chewy, and the fries are reminiscent of some of that nice down home cookin' from South of the Mason-Dixon line.
Also, I noticed that the kitchen is extremely clean, so sanitary practices must be a high priority here. The employees are exceptionally friendly and down to earth, which is a breath of fresh air, considering the part of town this is in. The manager even let me stay late to slowly enjoy my meal while they were mopping and scrubbing the grills
The next time I'm down in Manhattan Beach, I'll be sure to hit up Steak Escape once more, and I would recommend everyone else to do the same.
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The food is only a little above average, and the portions are quite tiny, but this place is all about the ambience. Although it is your basic Chinese (Taiwanese) American fusion style restaurant,...
The food is only a little above average, and the portions are quite tiny, but this place is all about the ambience. Although it is your basic Chinese (Taiwanese) American fusion style restaurant, the decor is reminiscent of a high class French or Italian establishment. Once inside, you seem to forget that you are smack dab in the middle of a busy strip mall on a major throughfare, as you are whisked away to another world. This is the classic example of all style, and less substance. That is not to say that it is bad, however.
They really know what they are doing here with the marketing. Simple dishes, such as Taiwanese style bento are served on fancy looking plates that sometimes seem like overkill. In any event, it's amazing how the placebo effect works, as ordinary food is magically transformed into a culinary delight. The service is so-so, and the waitresses are sometimes quite slow with requests, but it's all good, since the whole purpose of visiting this cafe is to just sit back and relax.
Because of all this, I recommend this place for a nice dinner with a girl. Although I haven't had the pleasure of going out on a date in eons, I would assume that this is the type of place that would provide a nice backdrop for some meaningful conversation in a romantic, yet not too pretentious environment. It will definitely be a lasting experience for both parties without having to break the bank.
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I remember this place being here back before anyone even knew what boba was. Well, fast forward almost ten years later, through the many ups and downs of the industry, and it is still standing,...
I remember this place being here back before anyone even knew what boba was. Well, fast forward almost ten years later, through the many ups and downs of the industry, and it is still standing, strong as ever. The drinks themselves are not the most tasty (not sweet enough, in my opinion), but if you are a fan of pearls ("jun jyu" in Chinese), this joint has got all the competition beat down.
Personally, I don't care too much for tapioca, but I must admit, this place has it right. Not too hard, yet not too chewy, as Goldilocks would say, it's "Just right!" To top it all off, nothing beats a nice leisurely stroll in Oak C-town, so now that the days are sunny, after dining on a nice lunch in the area, make sure you hit up Ming Yuen Island to grab yourself some boba before shopping.
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