#SanCarlosCA

[mrrockcandy]

THIS IS Tom...Growing Old?

One of my earliest live concert experiences was unforgettable: at an iconic venue, watching the epitome of cool pour his heart (and sweat) into every note. OK, the fact that my parents took me may not be very cool. Also the fact that it was one of my parent’s artists, not cool. I was 12 years old so I wasn’t going to argue because we were seeing Tom Jones!  The year was 1975. The venue was The Circle Star Theater in San Carlos, CA. Just last month (October 2024) 50 years later, I had the pleasure, once again, of seeing SIR Tom Jones perform at the Fox Theater in Oakland, CA. This got me thinking about Tom Jones, his staying power and how special he has been to me throughout my life.

I Heard it In The Womb

Source: via City of Minneapolis Archives / Flickr I didn't have a choice regarding Tom Jones. His music was part of my childhood. My mother was a big fan of his. All the mothers in my neighborhood were fans.  In the late 60’s, early 70’s, Tom had the housewife market locked up, All the moms were stay-at-home and listened to the same radio station. There were days when Tom Jones could be heard coming through the open windows up and down the block. Besides digging his music, hearing his voice reminds me of my mother and that’s really great.  I remember watching his short-lived TV variety show. “Ladies and Gentlemen….THIS is Tom Jones!” . He was so dynamic and exciting. A Tom Jones performance must be so exciting to see in person. Luckily for me, my parents were music fans.  They had a good collection of records and attended live shows every now and then. They had, of course, seen Tom Jones already a few times so when they saw that he was coming back to town, they made plans to see him again. 

I’m Going

I am not sure how I ended up going with them. Did they invite me? Did I ask to go? Did I beg to go? Did I bug the hell out of them so they took me? Any of these are possible. Whatever it was, the three of us plus my sister and her boyfriend, hopped into the family Granada and headed down Highway 101 toward San Carlos and the magic that was The Circle Star Theater.

The Circle Star Theater was a one-of-a-kind venue. It opened in 1964 in the sleepy peninsula town of San Carlos.  Surprisingly, the venue was backed by big Hollywood types, including Sammy Davis Jr., Debbie Reynolds and others. It was located 25 miles south of San Francisco. The name refers to the stage which was a circle and rotated. Capacity was 3,700 and no seat was further than 50 feet from the stage. In 1971, the stage became rotating. It would take 8 minutes for the stage to make a complete circle. The performers would enter by walking down the “Star Aisle” from the back of the venue to the stage. I once saw Chuck Berry there (another great story). He stood behind the mic and stated, "I guess I have to start playing for this stage to start turning, so here goes!" It was quite an impressive place and, for a time, attracted the biggest stars, including  Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., The Jackson 5 and Cheech and Chong. I, personally, attended a good number of shows there until it tragically closed in 1993.

Circle Star-Struck

Needless to say, I was sufficiently blown away by the whole situation at the Circle Star. I was beside myself to see Tom Jones run down that “Star Aisle” and take the stage in all his hairy-chest glory. In 1975, Tom was 35 years old, in fantastic shape. It was Tom’s 10th year in show business. 

His vocals were still full-throated baritone. His head of hair had big 70's volume, his attire was a silk shirt, unbuttoned, big crucifix hanging around his neck and black slacks. The pants seemed to have a full salami stuffed in them. I soaked up everything. His performance, his look, his moves, the Circle Star: all left a lasting impression on me. 

Call It "TJ Confidence"

A little secret I am revealing here: As a teen, I used to listen to Tom Jones music as I prepared to go to a dance or on a date. I was hoping that some of his swag and coolness would wear off on me. Looking back on it, the ritual was a confidence builder. It worked.  Watching Tom Jones helped me figure out how to move on a dance floor. I was never mistaken for a good dancer but I successfully blended into the crowd. Listening to my parent’s “Live in Las Vegas” album and it’s infectious energy always helped me awaken my Joe Cool mojo. 

That Voice Stayed

My Tom Jones fandom has continued on until this day. I spent my adolescence making my way through popular music and, definitely, making my own choices. Whether my latest obsession was Huey Lewis and the News or Metallica, I always tried to keep tabs on Sir Tom. He would fall in and out of favor over the years but he continued to work. In the 90’s, however, he had a big resurgence based on the popular TV show “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and it's character, Carlton. Tom continued to make music and some songs actually charted. His voice, THAT voice never, ever faltered. This is the true appeal of Tom Jones. Yes, the ladies love his sex appeal and all the guys want to be cool like him but it’s his voice that has stood the test of time. 

Sir Tom

Fast forward to today, Tom is now called Sir Tom after being made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1999, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 at Buckingham Palace for his services to music. Tom has also had a resurgence due to his judgeship on the UK’s version of the TV show “The Voice”. He has been back in the studio and produced a few serious chart contenders. He has appeared ageless save for the full head of silver hair. His voice has survived the years. Can he still hit those full-throated baritone notes? Most would say he ‘almost’ gets them. Tom Jones’ ‘almost’ is better than most singers.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofQcvPezclk Tom’s “Surrounded By Time” Tour made a stop at the Fox Theater in Oakland this year. I was very happy to attend. Tom is 84 years old. He has, understandably, slowed down.  His signature stage movements are mere suggestions now. Both hips have been replaced and he has to sit down a few times over a 90 minute show. His show is a good mix of the big hits and poignant newer songs that are more appropriate for a man of Tom’s age.  In fact, the show starts off quietly with a song from his “Surrounded By Time” album called “I’m Growing Old”. Tom sits on a stool and laments about aging, looking old and feeble. What a fake-out that was! He may be growing old but he is not withering away.

He IS Growing Old

Tom Jones is the VOICE and that voice shows no sign of growing old. After that opening number set the tone, Jones spent the rest of the night proving it wrong. He wasn’t moving like he did in 1975 but he sure was hitting all the notes. An amazing 49 years later, I am still amazed and entertained by the same man. Tom and his young, energetic band ripped through the greatest hits, playing them in a stripped down way. There was no orchestra, just a small group of musicians who could recreate the magic. Even on those classics from the 60s. The stripped down versions of “Delilah” and “What’s New Pussy Cat” sounded as fresh as the day they were released.  There is still the glimmer of a sex symbol even at his advanced age. Ceremonial panties were thrown on the stage. Ladies of all ages were swooning at an 84 yr old man. For Tom, it’s business as usual. He knows exactly how to act and exactly what to say. Lately Tom has been talking about his relationship with Elvis. The two were apparently good friends during Elvis’ Vegas years. I can only imagine!! Seeing Tom STILL killing it at his age only makes me think of what Elvis would be doing these days. I’d like to think he has grown old gracefully with his voice still intact. Just like Tom Jones has done.  Read the full article

[cerev1ty]

Why CEREVITY is the Leading Therapy Practice in San Carlos, CA

Looking for the best therapy practice in San Carlos? CEREVITY offers virtual therapy with experienced therapists who specialize in personalized care. Learn why so many trust us with their mental health needs.

[beerselfie]

#Repost @kootonyd I really enjoyed this brew after a #dallascowboys win yesterday! From the @drgnmstr214 collection: #SpareTheAir #HazyIPA from @devilscanyon out of #SanCarlos #california! 🍻 #beers #beerific #beerme #beerlove #beergeek #lovebrew #hophead #craftbeer #beercraft #beerporn #sancarlosca #beerenthusiast #craftbeerlover #ibeer #brewery #beergasm #vote #ilovebeer #drinkcraftbeer #instabeer #nobeerbelly #beerpics #beerstagram #beerphoto https://www.instagram.com/p/CjQyOR2P104/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[gh-photo1]

We are having a 10% OFF sale on our 1 hour portrait sessions from now until 03/11/2020. Book your session today. We look forward to hearing from you! . . . . . #sale #discount #springsession #springiscoming #springportraits #portraitphotography #sanjose #santaclara #cupertino #campbellca #sunnyvaleca #mountainviewca #losaltos #paloaltoca #stanford #sanmateo #menlopark #redwoodcity #sancarlosca #fostercity #sanbruno #sanfrancisco #dalycity #milpitas #fremontca #haywardca #oakland #shop #sbn #2hand (at California) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8_vmzOJ1TP/?igshid=1c55avy12mi9a

[kennytheclown]

#sancarlosca https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt-bHlvBzgm/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=sk1c2x73t1ea

[greenbergconstruction]

New custom house getting framed in #sancarlosca #❤️ the look of new walls getting built one by one. Greenberg #development and #construction Inc 844-349-4411 #💪 #🏡 #customhomes #workhard #wood #frame #framework #luxuryliving #lumber #architecture #engagementring #roughframing #freshlumber #build #woodconstruction #strongwall #bayareacontractor #generalcontractor #buildthewall #builtbygreenberg #designbyGreenberg #greenbergconstruction (at San Carlos, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsLddZABznS/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1rszt1xdcwx9i

[ashlionheart]

#bunny #bunnies #rabbit  #rabbits #backyard #pets #sancarlos #sancarlosca #chicken #chickens #hen #hens #chicks #garden #mehrdad_roudsari

[cadayspa]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by California Skin Care & Day Spa (@cadayspa)

#Free #Chocolates with purchase of #GiftCards #GiftCertificates #Egifts #SpaTreatments #CaDaySpa #NewarkCa #FremontCa #UnionCityCa #HaywardCa #SanJoseCa #SanFrancisco #Sacramento #CastroValleyCa #SanLeandroCa #SanCarlosCa #AlamedaCa #OaklandCa #LivermoreCa #PaloAltoCa #MenloPark (at California Skin Care & Day Spa) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-upuyqpfaN/?igshid=fozoaghtda2p

[cliffkeith]

Real Estate Market Update - Redwood City, CA: June 21, 2019

Real Estate Market Update - Redwood City, CA: June 21, 2019

El Camino Real Arch c. 1934 As of June 21, 2019 what is the offer on a home to make? This post gives you the results for the Past 7-Days for Redwood City. Additionally, there’s a link (Click here to see other communities updates), which provides a monthly picture of ALL communities in both San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. This proprietary information is provided by Cliff Keith, of SF Bay Homes and the local Multiple Listing Service, MLSListings. The criteria use for these numbers is based on Year to Date, (YTD) figures. MLS’s numbers for the past seven days for housing in Redwood City, CA. They are keyed how they compare to the previous week with an up or down arrow. The ± symbol is for numbers that were unchanged from previous week. Provided by Cliff Keith, of SF Bay Homes and the local Multiple Listing Service, MLSListings. The criteria use for these numbers is based on Year to Date, (YTD) figures.

Market Update for Redwood City, CA Real Estate: June 21, 2019

↑ 18 new homes brought on the market for sale ↓ 19 homes went under contract as pending sales ↑ 21 homes closed escrow and now have new homeowners ↑↑ 30 Average days on market ↑ 1.4 Months of inventory available ↓ $ 1017 Per square foot for sold homes ↑ 3.2% Above asking price was average selling price ↓ $1,746,431 Average Sale Price of a home in Redwood City

Cliff’s Viewpoint:

Seller’s Market

Redwood City CA: We are seeing changes in the average sale price for homes settling in $1.7 range. And the length of time on the market is moving up. These trends still favor home sellers. The Sale Price vs List Price ratio is down from 2018 and is hovering between 3.1% - 4.5% for 2019.  The months of inventory available continues to less than 2 months. The number of new homes brought on the market for sale is one house under the homes sold. We are seeing home prices being reduced in price or cancelled and being relisted at a reduced price. This has been unheard of for the past few years. This is making home buyers happier. The Economy… “The Fed kept policy rates unchanged at this week's FOMC meeting. However, the policy statement left the door open for possible rate cuts later this year. The 10yr Treasury yield dropped below 2% this week for the first time since November 2016. Falling yields could indicate that lower rates are yet to come. Bonds aren't the only ones improving. Stocks are also hitting record highs after global central banks have signaled a willingness to stimulate growth.  Housing News… Home builder sentiment retreated slightly in June, according to the monthly NAHB index, despite lower mortgage rates and demand for single-family homes. Housing starts dropped in May, but groundbreaking activity the prior 2 months was stronger than previously thought, pointing to housing market improvement.​ Building permits rose 0.3% in May, for a second straight month. Permits to build single-family homes were up 3.7%, after 5 straight months of declines.”​ Stability is the flavor of the month for the current real estate market. The demand for housing is still very strong. And mortgage interest rate remains stable. I am seeing some loan product out there where rates are softening.  Home buyers are facing exceptional good loans now for their purchases. The raw numbers New listings (18 homes) came on the market for sale. Still low inventories, (134 homes: 71 Active and 63 Pending), which is still favorable for home sellers.  This month, price reduction on homes (17), this past week 5 vs. 31 for the month of May. April had 14. Costs per square foot has remained stable for the past 10 months. The bench mark of $1000/sq.ft. has been consistent for all of 2018/9. The past week the price was $1017/sq ft. Home Prices for Redwood City new homes remained level. They have been closing escrow in the range of $1.6- $1.7 for 2017 and 2018. Last week the Average Sale Price in RWC was $1,746,431 Last week 17 new homes were listed over one million dollars. There was a total of 18 homes brought onto the market. The means 94.11% of the homes listed last week for sale were over $1M! In Redwood City there are 4 homes for sale under $1M! They are all Condos. 4 - Homes under $1M of the 71 listings available - (5.64%)!!! Basic Real Estate Truism: Question: When is the perfect time to purchase your home? Answer: Today is the correct answer! If you said yesterday you were correct, however, too bad those prices are gone. I don’t see any let up on the current strong demand for homes either. I believe this trend will continue to be supported of upward, at least for the rest of 2018. Open Houses stay alert. When you go to a Sunday Open Houses in Silicon Valley you will see Redwood City real estate agents, and many home buyers looking at the homes along with you. The home buyers from the tech industry like  Oracle, Electronic Arts, Google, Facebook, Intel, Box, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Buffer are out in full force, along with the bio-tech home-buyers from companies like; V Biosciences, Abbott Vascular, AbGenomics, and Genotech ready to place offers on their new homes. And, they all seem to have large sums of discretionary income to spend too. As you can see the real estate market in Redwood City is still very strong and homes are selling faster and receiving higher priced offers. What is the “get-around”? If you are looking to purchase a home in San Mateo or Santa Clara counties Cliff Keith and Team have many homes for you to choose from. Some of these homes are not in the MLS and some are in MLS. The point being if you are trying to buy or sell a home we would love to help you find that perfect home. Especially, if you have not found a home and have been looking for one over 3 months. What to Do Next?

Call Cliff (650) 346-7366 To find your new home all you need to do is an easy 3-Step Process. Pick up your cell phone, Look up my number (650-346-7366), Call me immediately. When you do call, we will discuss the best way we can meet so you can get the best information you need that will help you locate and purchase your new home as quickly as possible and receive the highest value possible at an amount of money you want to spend. Do it now.  It’ll be the smartest decision you’ll ever make. We may also discuss with you the idea of looking at a duplex for sale in Redwood City as a suitable alternative. #appraisalmethod #appraiservalue #fridaymarketupdate #trendsforhomes #redwoodcityca #sancarlosca Read the full article

[murmur21]

#fountain #gardenhacienda #sancarlosca (at San Carlos, California)

[greenbergconstruction]

Lumber is getting delivered and a brand new custom home in #sancarlosca Is getting build. Greenberg #Development and #Construction Inc. 844-349-4411 #💪 #👷‍♂️ #framing #strongwall #contractor #design #designbuild #jobsite #newconstruction #plywood #clearsky #sunnyday #californialiving #modernfarmhouse #home #homebuilder #woodframe #sfbayarea #newhome #steelwall #roughframing #freshlumber #build #workhard #woodconstruction #customhomes #designbyGreenberg #builtbyGreenberg #GreenbergConstruction (at San Carlos, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsLVvs9h2lM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1cv47zvatumod

[ashlionheart]

#polishchicken #punk #chicken #chickens #hen #hens #eggs #chick #backyard #pets #chicks #sancarlos #sancarlosca #mypetchicken #sanctuary #home #mehrdad_roudsari

[greenbergconstruction]

#beautiful master bathroom addition done... #designbyGreenberg & #builtbygreenberg In the city of #sancarlosca Greenberg #development and #construction inc 844-349-4411 #generalcontractor #bathroomremodel #bathroom #tileinstallation #freestandingtub #modernstyle #modernshower #woodvanity #blackandwhite #customshower (at San Carlos, California)

[greenbergconstruction]

#Progress picture from our #sancarlosca #project, adding #secondfloor above existing #house / #garage #💥. Greenberg #development and #construction inc 844-349-4411 #generalcontractor #contractor #remodeling #extension #woodframe #framing #framework #frame #newhome #new #beautiful #lumber #architecture #engineered #insulation #stairs #milgardwindows #greenbergconstruction (at San Carlos, California)

[greenbergconstruction]

Progress picture of our #sancarlosca project, pair of #roomaddition, we built a new #masterbath which looks #amazing. Greenberg #development and #construction inc #generalcontractor #contractor #remodeling #renovasi #designinterior #interiordesign #interior #bathroom #bathroomdesign #sanfranciscobay #tile #tileinstallation #tilework #drywall #texture #blackandwhite #unique #underconstruction #greenbergconstruction (at San Carlos, California)

[greenbergconstruction]

#redwood siding getting installed in our #sancarlosca project. Greenberg #development and #construction inc 925-400-7421 #generalcontractor #contractor #custom #customhomes #roomaddition #newconstruction #woodworking #waterproofing #milgardwindows #gaf #siding #extension #exteriorwork #greenbergconstruction (at San Carlos, California)