San Diego Computer Consultants Review

Like everyone else, when friends make a referral to me, I take note, but when I have several friends telling me about a business, then it shoots to the top of my list. Good for me that fortune smiled on me when it did, because I had a nightmare scene recently with my laptop. Despite being cautious in my surfing, I caught a pretty bad virus somewhere, and was stuck. Literally stuck, I couldn't even boot up my computer. So, I went here on the recommendation of several friends and it was a lifesaver.

These guys know what they're doing, but more, they're honest. Good car mechanics and computer repair guys are hard to find, and when you find an honest one, they deserve your business because of all the sharks out there just waiting for you to open up your wallet. Within about 2 days, they had managed to get rid of the nasty virus, and provided me with an anti virus solution. But perhaps the most important part is the attention to serving you, the customer. Highest recommendation for these guys.

3916 Adams Ave
(between 39th St & Bonnie Ct)
San Diego, CA 92116
Neighborhood: Normal Heights

(619) 640-6444

DC Computers Review

As if these guys need another fantastic review; however, 5 stars truly does depict how they do business. I walked into DC Computers with almost no knowledge about Macs and asked to be brought to the "dark side". They took the time to go over my needs and find a machine that would suit me perfectly.  Once we had decided on the Aluminum Body Macbook, the owner of DC Computers even took the time go over the entire operating system with me to ensure I felt comfortable using my new purchase.  This in itself would have been a great review but this is where things get interesting.

I left the store very satisfied with my new purchased.  So satisfied that the computer never left my side for the next 4 days.  Unfortunately, that meant it was also subject to all the clumsy s*** that I do.  After 4 days of pleasurable use, I decided that it would be a good idea to accidentally spill a full class of iced tea all over my new Macbook.  Obviously, this quickly ended my computing enjoyment. Frustrated, I returned to DC Computers to see if they could help. Slightly shocked to see my back so soon, they asked me how they could help.  After explaining my mishap they couldn't help but laugh...I was laughing too so it's all good.  They then quickly diagnosed all that I ruined and put a rush on repairing it.  They finished the repairs exactly when they said they would for the cost they originally quoted me (they definitely cut me some slack here).

I will never take my "computer" business anywhere else.  The owner and employees are great plus their business model is spot on with customer service. Do yourself a favor and if you are already a Mac owner or thinking about making the leap, stop in and see these guys.  You won't regret it!

1080 University Ave
Ste H115
(between Ibis St & Cleveland Ave)
San Diego, CA 92103
Neighborhood: Hillcrest

(619) 255-4333

DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival Review

It's that time of the year again for the DC APA Film Festival. It's taking place all over DC at venues like Landmark E St. Cinema, GWU, Freer Gallery, Nat'l Museum of Women in the Arts, the Goethe, and AMC Loews on Wisconsin. The festival goes from Sept. 28-Oct. 7.

I've volunteered with the festival for the past 2 years, and I really think that this year's films are better than last year's. Plus, there are a lot more afterparties during the festival this year, most of which are free/discounted if you attend the film screening before it. Most of the events also have free/discounted drinks. Verizon is our big sponsor this year, and that means lots of free goodies. There will be gift certificate givaways to local restaurants at some screenings...and swag bags at others.

My film recommendations for this year's festival:
*Americanese-Opening Night at Landmark
*Sentenced Home-a documentary about Cambodian refugees being deported, at GWU
*Mighty Warrors of Comedy-about an Asian-American comedy troupe in LA, also at GWU
*Queer Shorts on 10/3 at NMWA
*Women's Shorts on 10/4 at NMWA
*Eve & the Fire Horse-Closing Night at AMC Loews on Wisconsin

There are full descriptions/details online so check it out! I hope to see some of you at the screenings or parties!!!

3268 N Clark St
(between Belmont Ave & Aldine Ave)
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview

(773) 883-8813

Video Game Voters Network Review

The grassroots network for the video game enthusiasts where gamers can register to vote, get educated, and unite against legislation that is fundamentally unconstitutional.

video games are a protected form of speech under the first amendment of the constitution. yet local, state, and federal representatives constantly attempt to regulate video game content by proposing patently unconstitutional laws. even worse, governors of states such as illinois, louisiana, michigan, and oklahoma have signed these proposals into law.

the video game voters network exists to prevent unconstituational proposals from being signed into law. when these bills are signed into law they have all been overruled when faced with a challenge in the courts. what results is an absurd waste of taxpayer funds used to defend these laws AND pay for the legal fees associated with challenging the laws.

1422 W Willow St
Ste 201
Chicago, IL 60642
Neighborhood: Noble Square

(312) 204-7320

AMC Loews Uptown 1 Review

Just came here last night for a little bit o' Indiana Jones. It had been many years since I'd visited the Uptown, and now I know again why it's so well-regarded. What a great and well-designed cinema! I am not a tall guy, so I've had quite a few movie experiences destroyed by an enormous basketball player who decided to sit their enormous noggin in front of me. Worse yet are those ladies with the humongous hair - that was supposed to go out in the 80s, along with every other trend it birthed.

But the Uptown has a nice design scheme so that most people can get a nice unobstructed view of the screen. Factor in that it's a great facility to begin with, and you've got a nice movie experience. If I ever care to see another movie while it's still in theaters, it should be at the Uptown.

601 Eddy St
(between Larkin St & Polk St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Neighborhood: Civic Center/Tenderloin

(415) 829-2316

Misdirections Magic Shop Review

This is a REAL magic store for REAL magicians.

Sure, you'll find whoopie cusions and itch powder for the casual practical joker, but the emphasis is on the magic here.
Joe will set you up with the magic you need (and he's smart enough not to just send you home with the magic you WANT- there is a difference, trust me!)  and he'll help you learn how to do it.
My tastes in magic are quite esoteric (go figure) and in all but a few instances, Joe has had or been able to find what I need.
The quality and quantity of guest lecturers he's had is AMAZING!
This is a world class magic shop!!

1236 9th Ave
(between Irving St & Lincoln Way)
San Francisco, CA 94122
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset
(415) 566-2180

Isotope Comics Review

One of, if not the best comic shops in the Northern California area. In fact, I would have to say that this place shouldn't even be considered a comic shop. That would only make you think of some long box heavy location full of nerds and the stench of desperation.
No, this place is a new level of nerdom and enjoyment of the comic industry that if you're ever in the S.F. area and you're a fan of the medium, by all means come here. It will probably change the way you see comic shops forever more.
It's a hip comic shop, which I guess will be lumped together with being a Hipster comic shop. May I slap you across the face to get you out of that mindset?
Mainly because this place doesn't have any of the pretentiousness that comes with most comic shops in terms of their thumbing their nose upward when asked if something that is on the Marvel and DC label is in stock.
It's clean, it's roomy, it's a way to improve the comic going experience. This place is just that awesome. Go now.  This place makes comics fun again.

326 Fell St
(between Gough St & Octavia St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
(415) 621-6543