Month: January 2010

Aw, SNAP!

I’m just now reading this article on sacbee.com from Monday about the increase in food stamp use in Sacramento.

With more people on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the marketplace is shifting as more retailers accept food stamps and some retailers consciously market to those customers.

Well, that’s a catchy name isn’t it? And now even Whole Foods Market accepts your SNAP stamps. Our society sure loves to react to the symptoms of problems rather than the causes, huh?

Since 2004, SNAP benefits have converted to Electronic Benefit Transfer, or what is essentially a debit card loaded with the benefit amounts that are deducted by retailers. As discreet as gift cards, EBT cards lessened the social stigma and simplified the process for retailers, Berg said.

Wasn’t the “social stigma” sort of the deal you made with the government when you accepted the assistance? That is, regardless of where you stand politically, isn’t shame the one constant social regulator we have left?

That and the “Pants on the Ground” song, of course.

The California Automobile Museum

TESLA Motors Roadster electric vehicle sports car EV
Tesla girls, Tesla girls

I had occasion to visit the California Automobile Museum (formerly The Towe Auto Museum) this weekend and boy was I impressed. I’ve never been much of a “car guy” but I appreciate a sweet ride when I see it. The inventory is quite remarkable and with the new “Born to Ride” exhibit showcasing the evolution of motorcycles you get quite a bang for your buck ($7 for adults with an AAA card). I enjoyed the “Going Green” exhibit as well and got my first look at a Tesla Roadster which will be up for auction on January 22, 2010.

Check out the fact sheet for more details or visit them on Facebook or Twitter. Great reviews on Yelp, too.

It’s a bit tricky to get to with downtown construction (link to Google map), but there was plenty of free parking once I got there. They also participate in Sacramento Museum Day (free admission!) which will be held on February 6, 2010.

I want to ride my bicycle, part deux

The Sacramento Business Journal reports that Sacramento ranks fourth in the U.S. and first in California for bicycle commuting among the 70 largest cities.

“I think the city has been good about making conditions better for cyclists,” he said, noting a number of changes the city made last year in midtown.

Several streets, including P, Q, 19th and 21st, went from three lanes to two with bike lanes. The city also converted a number of parking meters to bike racks.

Remind me where midtown is again?

At any rate, we are very fortunate to have the American River Parkway (great article here, btw) and other trails that help make bicycling easier and safer in Sacramento. I do think that employers can make it easier to commute by bicycle (many have already, I know) by providing secure bike lockers and storage areas for equipment. A lot of bicycle commuting has to do with the type of job you have, too.

What have your experiences been with bicycle commuting? When HeyMeg wrote about this topic in 2007, safety was a big concern. Still a major issue? Access to trails from outlying cities?

What the CLUCK?!

What you are about to hear is truly fowl. You may want to cover your ears. According to the Sac Bee, a local family has been issued a notice by the city to have their unruly chickens removed. Keep in mind, we’re not talking about roosters here, but chickens. According to the story, a neighbor complained about the hens’ raucous “cooing.” The nerve!

I for one would like to create a top ten list of the most horrible ways to wake up in the morning:

10. Oven door shutting, followed by the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls
9. Wind chimes tink-tinking
8. Kittens purring
7. Waves lapping the beach
6. Rain drops pattering on the window pane
5. Birds singing
4. Hummingbird humming
3. Water fountain splashing
2. Leaves rustling
1. Chickens cooing

Indeed, I’m sure the disturbed neighbors would rather wake up to my top ten list of the absolute best ways to awake each morning: Continue reading “What the CLUCK?!”

Two former Marauders named to all-decade Rugby team

Kirk Khasigian and Kort Schubert, late ’90s graduates of Jesuit High School (my alma mater), have been named to Rugby Magazine’s team of the decade for the ’00s. Khasigian is labeled “far and away the best hooker of the decade.” So the one fact most of us now know about rugby is that it has a position called hooker.

All kidding aside, Khasigian and Schubert were early members of a Jesuit Rugby program which won national championships in 2003 and 2004. I’m sure they had more than adequate hookers on those squads. Congratulations dudes!

The Crumbling of America

The History Channel amuses me, as many of their shows seem to be fact checked by contestants on “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader” (the adults, not the kids), yet I still tune in to their shows. Today, I watched The Crumbling of America, which details the disasters that American cities face from our dilapidated infrastructure.

Of course, Sacramento’s levee system is highlighted. My favorite part is their computer simulation of a levee breach in Natomas, which consists of a picture of water superimposed over a picture of Arco Arena. Woo, high tech!

Continue reading “The Crumbling of America”

Simpsons 20th Anniversary DVD Release Tomorrow

Doh! Slather on some cologne and grab a Duff beer, because tomorrow’s gonna be a special day! It’s the DVD release of The Simpsons 20th season. Woo! Hoo!

If you missed the delightful 20th Anniversary documentary hosted by Morgan Spurlock last night, don’t have a cow, man. Rumor has it the feature is part of Disc 4 on the DVD.

Where can you buy the complete DVD set? Shop locally and head down to The Beat at 1700 J Street. It’ll cost you $49.98.

But that’s just a fact, and as we all know, the wise Homer once said, “Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that’s even remotely true!”

What’s your limit on the current economic turmoil?

boarded up
cc by takomabibelot

The impending closure of a Sam’s Club in Natomas is less heart breaking than Saturday’s closing of Wishing Well. (Though it should probably freak us out more, since Walmart (parent company of Sam’s Club) was cited as the reason Wishing Well can’t compete.) Only the coldest market capitalist robot isn’t sad to see his or her favorite local business go under. Wishing Well was one of my favorite local establishments and I’m actually saddened to see it go.

Continue reading “What’s your limit on the current economic turmoil?”

Sac Rag sponsors Sacramento Beer Week

The Sac Rag is happy to announce that we are one of the first sponsors to jump on board to support Sacramento Beer Week. Check out the official website and get on the mailing list to keep updated as more than 100 beer-themed events are added over the next month.

Sacramento Beer Week will not only feature Sacramento’s fantastic local breweries, but will present domestic and international breweries in beer tastings, beer dinners and more. What beer or brewery do you hope to see featured during Sacramento Beer Week?