John T. Stewart, MD

This has been my doctor for the past 5 years. I was alway impressed with how friendly Dr. James was, but never completely satisfied with the service he provided. When I tried his brother, Dr. John, he was no better. These guys are so busy, they jump from room to room and answer phone calls while they are "seeing" me. I would even rehearse my questions while they were out of the room so when I had my 30 seconds with them, I could use it to its full potential.
The reason I give this placae 4 stars, is because of Dr. Cortez who I accidentally stumbled across when neither of the Stewarts were available. Dr. Cortez has got to be one of the best, most attentive doctors I have ever had. He spends all the time with me I need. On my last visit, he sat down to draw a diagram to explain to me what my sprained ankle needed to heal. I couldn't believe the attention he was giving me. And finally, I want to mention that he does not just tell me what he thinks I want to hear and give me a prescription just so I think he is taking care of me. If I need something, he gives it to me. If I don't, he doesn't, and explains why. So often I get prescribed something from a doctor and I end up not taking it because I would rather let me body heal itself naturally without putting foreing substances in it to block symptoms. I love you Dr. Cortez!

The Home Depot

I extremely dislike this store. I always tell myself I will never go here again evertime I walk out the doors. But it seems like there is often a circumstance that forces me to go back. The last time I went here, I walked around for 1 hour looking for a mold test kit. EVERY employee I talked to told me something different and NONE of them acted like they cared. I had called the night before asking if they carried the test and was told they did. After asking 4 different people who would not help me, I used my cellphone to call the customer service desk. Finally somebody helped me. I hate this store and hope I never have to go back.

PROS: Have lots of stuff
CONS: Can't find that stuff and noone will help you find it

Target

When I need to go to Target (see my other Target review), I generally try to avoid this one. It is usually a bit chaotic. It is often dirty. The shelves can be a bit messy. The lines are too long. I would go here before I go to Wal-Mart, but try another Targert first, if you can.

PROS: Has the goods
CONS: Crummy enviroment

Target

Target is my store of choice when I need to go one place to get several items in different categories. It is a little more expensive than Wal-Mart, but I like thier style and attention to detail. This store, now that it has been updated, always seem to be organized and clean. There is lots of room in the aisles to get around, and they carry things that seem to have a bit more attention to detail than those other discounters. The checkouts are usually pretty quick; I never wait more than 3-5 minutes in line. One major problem, though, is I have been charged the wrong price for an item 2 different times. When I returned to get the mistake corrected, I didn't get as much as a "sorry". In my opinion, they should guarantee that the price of items will ring up correctly.

PROS: Nice Style
CONS: Watch the register!

Vagabond Inn Executive-Pasadena

The funny thing about Pasadena is the lack of motels. When my uncle was visiting he stayed here because it was the closest motel under $100. Still a bit pricey, but you can't be too choosey in these parts. I went up to see his room and was actually pleasantly suprised with how decent it was. The place seemed kept up well with no trash and clean paint. The only scary part was the parking in the back.

Hilton-Pasadena

There is nothing terribly wrong with this hotel, it is just that there is nothing terribly right, either. My wife and I stayed here a night for our anniversary and we regret it. The price makes you think you are getting luxury, but our room felt like a motel. I was in the mood to take a dip in the pool until I got down there and saw it. It is in a little fenced in area with a small sidewalk space sandwiched in by the fence and building. Either spend an extra 50 bucks and go somewhere really nice, or check out the Vagabond on Colorado Ave.

PROS:
CONS: Why does a place like this cost so much?

El Centro Animal Clinic

I don't know what this guy's problem is, but he never seemed happy to have my business. One time he made me feel like I was bothering him when I stopped by to have my dog checked. His hours are quite sporadic and he is hard to get ahold of. I also never felt like he gave a good diagnosis of my dog.

PROS: close to home
CONS: see review, there are lots.

Zankou Chicken

This is my wife's and mine favorite place to eat lunch. You get a lot of food and can easily split a plate. Just get some extra pita and hummus, which, by the way, is some of my favorite in town. My favorite on the menu is the chicken tarna sandwich. SOOOO Good. Service is fast and the place is clean.

Senor Fish

really good food here. I wasn't a big fan of fish tacos until I tried this place. the burritos are really good. I don't know what type of sauce they use, but it is hard to get enough of. This place is always busy and they cook thier food fresh made to order. The ingredients always seem fresh and high quality.

Trader Joe's

I buy everything here I possibly can (except vegetables). Everything as great prices (except vegetables) including milk, meat, bread, oils, cereals, nuts and new stuff you've never tried. The vegetables are a little pricey, so go for the frozen section in that category. People are always nice here, and don't forget this place for flowers.