I used to pick up this mag-rag to look at all the pretty shiny people in their happy gowns and…read morecostumes and think - gosh, they really live for this stuff. Then one day I get a call, and someone I know points out the fact that I'm in there! HA! Imagine that!? Guess this means I'm now legit. :) Either that or it's just great to be yourself.

I really enjoy reading this paper. Copies are put in my mail room every month and I enjoy reading…read moreabout local news, updates, and functions going on around town. People should be a little nicer about it, as they don't put anyone down, just show how much fun and exciting life is. With so many problems in the world, it is nice just to read about local attributes. They also have a cute office.

Nice community-oriented monthly free paper. Columns from the…read moreallied neighborhoods, school and new business news. Focuses on good news, which is nice.

Juxtapoz is my favorite magazine and the only one I subscribe to. I have well over three milkcrates…read morefull of issues. (It's hard to say exactly how many issues I have; they're oftentimes all mixed up with other printed matter.) Started by legendary artist Robert Williams in 1994 Juxtapoz covers all kinds of low-brow, graffiti, street art, comics, custom cars, tattoo and outsider art. I don't know how many years I've subscribed but it's been many. And though they've cut back from monthly issues to fatter digest sized quarterlies, there's never a question of reupping when I get that notice saying my subscription is about to run out. (I've even shelled out a bit extra for the subscription and a T-shirt deal Jux used to offer with an impressive array of designs from different artists to choose from.) Juxtapoz features outstanding photography, in-depth interviews, often from people who've known their interviewees for a very long time, guides to cities that go beyond the usual touristy stuff, advice for up and coming artists, the lowdown on the latest art books and a heads up on mural festivals. Sometimes there's a discernable theme covered in an editor's letter at the beginning and sometimes I can't see a thread between that issue's featured artists but it's fascinating nonetheless. I could try to name drop a sample list of some of the artists that have been featured in Juxtapoz but it just seems gratuitous and obnoxious. It would go on for a couple paragraphs worth of text at least and later I'd be kicking myself that I forgot so and so. I've learned about hundreds of artists on account of this magazine. If you're at all into non-stodgy contemporary art you really can't go wrong with Juxtapoz.

Did you know that Juxtapoz is 3rd best selling art magazine?…read more It must be true because Robert Williams told me that himself. I love Juxtapoz because: "It keeps applying pressure to the conventional art world- it keeps pressing on those gates." RW Once upon a time all the french impressionists got laughed out of town. They pretty much died penniless and today we consider them masters. One day we will look back on graffiti in much the same way. NO not every tagger is an artist, but not every sprayer is a criminal. Graffiti is not low-class or low-brow. Twist has a piece hanging in MOMA. Juxtapoz is a magazine for people that don't give a rats a$$ that their art doesent match their sofa. You better recognize!

This is my 200th review…read more I have been pondering what to write for this momentous occasion. All week I thought about it ... I even ran ideas by Candice at Yelp during our yummy lunch I have yet to review. And I realized it is not easy to write sometimes. If it is for your job, it can really suck the life right out of you ... if you HAVE to write. So that is why it is so fun for me to Yelp. Because I do not have too. But for all you media out there exchanging words and wit for a paycheck ... kudos to you if you can get it right. And since I am an Oaklander ... I want to send a big fat kudos to our local rag ... the Oakland Magazine ... with the beee-utiful Grand Lake Movie Theater gracing the cover this month. I am so happy there is a local magazine to highlight Oakland. Oakland is such a fantastic place with a huge heart and lots of charisma! We have access to everything the bay area has to offer ... and we have the best views. (In so many ways)! We are the melting pot of America. So it is no surprise that in a city with 500,000+ people ... we should have a magazine that is for us. By us and for us. But know that it is a lot of hard work to produce a magazine month after month in a slammed economy like this. There are many obstacles for the small business these days. Pinch ... ouch! Every month, Oakland Magazine is reaching out to the community and sharing information about what is going on in Oakland. The community and businesses are paying attention and you are doing excellent work sharing the buzz around town. We Oaklanders and East Bay residents love to come together for a festival or a party, excellent food, celebratory cocktails, great shopping and a healthy farmer's market too ... so keep on keeping us posted of the who, what, when, where, why and how of all things Oakland and its surroundings. And Dear Editor: I am sure you have figured out that it is impossible to make everyone happy. Readers, advertisers, bill collectors, employees and editors all of different definitions of happy. They always will. Just keep pounding the pavement and looking for great angles, good stories, decent advertisers and amazing supporters. And BTW: Thank you for the annual Best of Oakland and Best of the East Bay edition that came out this month. In Montclair, we are proud, surprised and amazed to be recipients of several of the Best of Oakland Awards! http://www.oaklandmagazine.com Best Charity Event Montclair Pet Mayor Contest Montclair Pet & Wildlife Fund 1955 Mountain Blvd., Suite 111 (510) 339-2400 www.petandwildlifefund.org/mayor Best Veterinarian Montclair Veterinary Hospital 1961 Mountain Blvd. www.montclairvethospital.com Best Place to Work Montclair Veterinary Hospital 1961 Mountain Blvd. www.montclairvethospital.com Thank You Oakland Magazine and the East Bay Community for your support. I hella heart Oakland! There is no place I would rather be.

Several years ago I was a subscriber to the Oakland Magazine. There was a period that I had to…read morecancel the subscription due to budgetary reasons. Being on a three day work furlough from state employment meant sacrificing during those lean years when the "guvernator" aka "terminator" was in office...less dining out, less going out to the movies, museums, excursions, baseball games, etc., and a cancellation of a local magazine. Last year I saw a representative from Oakland/Alameda Magazines at a spring event (Mother's Day weekend) on Park Street in Alameda. I wanted so much to subscribe to the magazine and I was given a choice - the Oakland one or the Alameda one. The decision was not an easy one. I am a native Oaklander, living in Alameda since September 1988. However, Oakland will always be in my heart. I may be out of "ghetto" Oakland, but the "ghetto" is still in me when my OCGA is out in the open. Thus, Oakland Magazine wins out over the Alameda Magazine. As I have mentioned in other reviews, I can't think of anything better than having what I consider the best around me...born and educated in Oakland, live in Alameda and work in San Francisco. Most of my reviews are based around these three cities (88%). They all have something that I truly enjoy besides the weather and our local sports teams. Let me not stray off the subject of this magazine, but elaborate as to why I enjoy reading it. The magazine is informative and it also offers me the opportunity to try the different restaurants and attend the events that are advertised, only to form an opinion and present my review thereof on this website. The last two issues (December 2012; January/February 2013) were enjoyable reading. What a pleasure it was to see Dr. Warren Strudwick on the front cover of the December issue. He is considered one of the best treating physicians in the field of orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. He also provided excellent medical care to my husband when he injured his shoulder in an automobile accident. The January/February 2013 issue is as what's noted on the front cover..."Journey Back in Time". I do recognize the architectural designs on the some of the buildings. Location is in the vicinity of 14th & Broadway. In this issue, there is a restaurant review of Hopscotch. I haven't been to Hopscotch yet, but their location is across the street from where I was born - 1966 San Pablo Avenue...a journey back in time to the 50's. I'm not sure what was at 1915 San Pablo Avenue during the 50's and all I could think is Friedman's Appliances. However, a few doors north of Friedman's was a restaurant called Victor's Chinese American Cafe and who owned that restaurant. Well, none other than Victor "Shanghai Kid" G's dad. Here's to you, Victor, and the wonderful memories of growing up in that part of town. (Hey, the Greyhound Station is still there after all these years and it still looks the same...rundown.) Thanks, Oakland Magazine, for this publication. I hope to enjoy more years of reading your magazine and wish you continued success in publishing a wonderful magazine.

Wow, meatpaper! This is a magazine dedicated entirely to the fleischgeist, with illustrations that…read morecapture our carniverous fantasies. The mag's articles are fascinating, and include interviews with the meat-obsessed, like Chef Chris Consentino of Incanto, butchers and even vegan philosophers. I think the parties might be the best thing about meatpaper, though. I just got back from an evening at Serpentine, where the hipsterati were out in full force and lined up for beef tartare, tender ribs, and duck pate, not to mention a full salumi bar from Perbacco AND vegetarian nibbles from Leif. No one was wanting for drinks either, with wine from Verge and dark and stormies with ginger beer free-flowing. Meatpaper, I love you, and your parties. I have a feeling one day you're going to help me accomplish my goal of eating a hog whole. G'night. I'm going to dream about flying pigs.

Meat is the new black - or so I learned from Sasha Wizansky a couple of weeks ago…read more She is the co-editor of Meatpaper, the new journal of meat culture. What is that you wonder. Hell, so did I. The one thing I know after tonight is that they can throw quite a party. Slow Club was hopping with meat enthusiasts for their opening party, and guess what: They were all skinny peeps. How's that you're asking? Heckifiknow. Somehow they managed to wrangle some fantastic meat and sausage producers to give away their wares for free (and so were the drinks). The magazine yourself you wonder? I like it - definitely worth checking out. Not for the faint of heart or vegans, that's for sure, but definitely a very interesting read. In their premiere issue they are covering everything from meat art to kosher butchering. Guten Appetit.

Three months into ordering a year's subscription to the paper. I have called and asked, called and…read morecomplained, several times in the last three months. Still not a single paper delivered. As of today they are unwilling to guarantee a refund even, we have to go to their supervisor's supervisor, although it doesn't seem I can get refund.

Prints Mon. to Sat. with focus on the world economy. Good perspectives on globalization. During the…read morepast few years, there's been a strong and constant focus on the growth in China. Weekend edition includes quality interviews with notable authors. There is a occasional insert called "How To Spend It" & I giggle whilst paging though the islands and yachts for sale. A Dubs on the yacht Told you I was hot.

The best agency in the US for about what, 5-6 years? Started with Got Milk, to HP's Invent to BR's…read moreFind the Art in Everyday - this agency has a brilliant recognition for fine art, creativity and passion for advertising. Their building is of considerable size in China Town, though hooks next to the Cathay House restaurant :)

I could not be more impressed with this agency. The employees are diverse, fresh, original, and…read moreprovide a setting that is successful and fun. They started the "Got Milk?" campaign, and have thrived ever since.

[Best of 2008: http://www.sfweekly.com/bestof/2008/award/best-free-print-music-magazine-1032587/]…read more It's easy to lose track of what's important in life. http://www.yelp.com/biz/west-coast-performer-san-francisco But every now and again, you're reminded, whether it be from seeing a couple kiss in the cold lamp-lit night or watching some homeless crackhead get hyphy in the middle of Market. And you feel fortunate for your relative lack of disfigurement and abundance of resources. You start hearing uplifting voices in your head. Self-fulfilling prophesies and delusions of grandeur. Motivational momentum. Something a big orange cat said in that Disney film. (Free West Coast indie music news.) I consider myself very fortunate. I quit my job, had enough money for traveling, and came back as an Editorial Assistant position opened at Performer. And while the position offered no money, it certainly wasn't without pay. I didn't have a background in journalism or English and, in all respects, I'm still a pretty shitty reader. Changing careers isn't easy, but then if it were it wouldn't be any fun. (Free live show and record reviews.) I've been reading Performer ever since we first moved into H.I.T. Wall Studios a few years back. The fact that the magazine devotes itself to the independent musician, as opposed to the casual music listener, sets it apart from other trade publications like Rolling Stone or Zero. Because West Coast Performer only deals with the West Coast, all the info proves itself useful and relevant. The longevity of the guides and articles ensures that I always have a copy around from each month. And seeing your name skip over time from "Editorial Assistant" to "Contributing Writer" is pretty cool, too. (Free gear reviews and in-depth tour guides.) From Performer, I ably transitioned to my current editing position, which, as luck would have it, was in the process of moving to a more convenient location. And when I finally went full-time and left Performer as an Editorial Assistant, Performer moved to this shinier but more distant location. It clicked like a jigsaw falling into place, and I feel caressed by the blessing of fine timing... and thus, I consider myself very fortunate. (Free at most places you frequent in attempts of looking hip: Guitar Center, record stores like Amoeba, bars like Edinburgh, etc.) "Remember who you are." A 20-something year-old with ten working digits and a guaranteed meal tonight, taking advice from a dead, cartoon lion.