Month: May 2007

More development strong-arming on K Street

I still do not understand the tactics that the City of Sacramento is employing to “revitalize” downtown, K Street in particular. Read today in the Bee that the city is suing developer Moe Mohanna to force him to trade property with Joe Zeiden. This would give Zeiden the 700 block and Mohanna the 800 block. I have ranted about this in the past, and you’ll be happy (or much more likely, unhappy) to know that I’m still up for more ranting.

Continue reading “More development strong-arming on K Street”

Spell it on

It’s go time for Josephine Kao, our favorite spelling bee champ!

The 2007 Scripps National Spelling Bee is on as we speak. A look at the list of contestants will take you not just around the United States but also around the world.

With something to prove this year, Josephine, contestant #19, has made it into round 3 . More updates as they become available!

UPDATE 2: As mentioned in the comments, Josephine dropped out in round 6 on the word “tournure“. The contest went on another seven rounds, but the title was still brought back to NorCal when Evan O’Dorney from Walnut Creek knocked “serrefine” out of the park. Great job in representing NorCal, Josephine and Evan!

UPDATE: My sources tell me that Josephine is still standing after Round 4. Only 72 entrants out of 286 are still standing, putting her in the top 24.8 percent. Call in s-i-c-k tomorrow and catch the bee live on ESPN from 7 to 10 AM.

I’ll take “Awkward Photos” for $600…

Carlos and AlexDid anybody else catch Bee columnist Carlos Alcala on “Jeopardy” last night? His take on the appearance from Monday’s Bee is a fun little read.

Carlos, who’s visited the Rag a few times, was up against a 2-day champ, a young grad student from back East. He started the first round off slow but had a great run in double jeopardy that almost put him in the lead. During that run I thought it was notable that he got the champ to change categories a few times. Also I thought it was notable that he started the “Star Wars” category. He was down going into Final Jeopardy (“Who is Nancy Pelosi?”? Seriously, that’s your “final Jeopardy” notable woman?) and since that usually takes a really obscure category to force the leader into a low wager or an actual wrong answer by the leader, he bet big but finished second. Good work, Carlos!

Sushi Roundup: Part Ni (two)

mmmmm, sushiIt’s been a while since we took on the topic of sushi here on the ‘rag.  Our first round of reviews garnered more than their share of comments, and one particular standout was highlighted for its complete inadequacy.  Much like the oceans from where we find our tasty swimming friends, the tides of sushi consumption are changing.  Here’s your update:

Continue reading “Sushi Roundup: Part Ni (two)”

Now That’s Progress

For months, residents of the Arden/Arcade area have wondered what was to become ofsmear
the Lyon’s restaurant on the corner of El Camino and Watt.  Having stood for over fifty years, the Lyon’s was a unique architectural reminder of a glittering and inventive time gone by.  When a crew of demolition workers started to bring the building down in March, rumors flew as to what the new spot would morph into.  Mrs. Eats and I really hoped for a Peet’s Coffe and Naia Gelato combo, but both agreed that we’d settle for a Dos Coyotes or even a Fuzio (that’s fusion pasta for those in the know).  Well, the bulldozers are gone and the fence has come down and the new location has been unveiled to reveal- TA DAH- extended parking for the Wal Mart.  That’s right, the building was demolished so that Wal Mart could have 20 more parking spaces in a parking lot that already sports over 500 spots.  Well done Wal Mart.  Thanks for keeping the neighborhood relevant.

CBS13: Watch your back, Sacramento

CBS13 last night reported a story about a local mom who left her baby in the car seat, covered by a blanket, while she went shopping. Parents in the audience, and also anyone with a pulse and a lick of common sense, are duly horrified. Fortunately the baby is safe and the mom is out on bail. Somehow the baby was allowed to return home with mom–apparently this is a possibility if authorities determine it’s okay.

But to CBS13, the real story is at the perp’s house. Continue reading “CBS13: Watch your back, Sacramento”

I Heart Armstrong & Getty

If your radio dial hasn’t quite made its way to 650 on the AM, do yourself a favor and move it there between 6am-10am Monday through Friday.

Once Shawn & Jeff left the airwaves, I quickly became a convert to the Armstrong & Getty morning drive program after hearing my friend Elizabeth start virtually every sentence with, “This morning on Armstrong & Getty they were talking about…” Continue reading “I Heart Armstrong & Getty”

Don’t go around in circles for PC repair

Last week I was in need of some specialized computer repair on an out-of-warranty laptop computer. I asked around for recommendations and nothing really turned up, so I took a chance on Circular Systems, also known as that weird little computer shop on 28th and T. I had a great overall experience. Turns out the problem with the laptop’s monitor was fixed by giving the insides a little tuneup, which didn’t cost me much at all. And even though the tech had mentioned the possibility of needing replacement parts and therefore could easily have milked me for those parts and additional labor, he was honest and speedy in telling me he had fixed the problem.

So if you’re in the market for some more advanced PC repair and don’t have a nerdy friend or coworker who can do it for you and you don’t want to take it to Best Buy and can’t use a warranty, Circular Systems is your place.

Circular Systems
455-6888