“Rocky Horror” at Big Screen (West Sac)

I do not, repeat: do not, swing this way but it has been a long time since I have mentioned the Movies on a Big Screen series (which has moved to West Sac, but still) and since the curator mentioned that he’s been lax in getting the word out I wanted to pitch in. Starting Friday at 10 pm Shiny Object will be screening “Rocky Horror Picture Show” in their new location at 600 4th Street in West Sacramento. I have yet to attend an indie flick screening at Shiny Object but I love knowing it is there.

So if you’re into that whole Rocky Horror thing, check out Shiny Object Friday night. And stay away from me and my family. 🙂

BOLO (Be On the Lookout)

We are lucky, here in Sacto, to have a wealth of gifted musicians able and willing to share their talents with us.  We are unlucky, here in Sacto, to have a glut of lowlife nogoodnicks who can’t keep their dirty mitts off of other people’s stuff.   Unfortunately, these two groups too often come into contact.  Such was the case last night when local bass and fiddle player Patrick “Junior” Skiffington had his ride stolen from in front of his downtown (4th & T) abode.

So, I ask you, the good people of Sacramento, to be on the lookout for a 1983 Oldsmobile Omega (nothing but the best in early 80’s sedanage), puce with brown interior, license # 5ZAF758.  If you see said auto, call the local authorities and report.   Thank you, good citizens.

How Does This Bode for Sacramento?

Now that I can hyperlink I can bring your attention to an interesting article on the economic prosperity of family-friendly cities on today’s WSJ opinion page.  Note the dis on SF and the promise that those of us girls with college degrees have a 75% chance of getting married. There’s lots of funny things that could be said but still, it’s an interesting story.   

Daytrip #2: South Shore

Visit Beautiful Lake Tahoe!Eventually it will snow.  I know right now it doesn’t seem like it, but someday the clouds will loose their flaky bounty on the nearby peaks, and you’ll be able to dust off your old tobaggan and hit the slopes.   Now here’s the thing: skiing, snowboarding, or just sliding down the mountain on your ass tends to build up one’s appetite.  So, here’s a quick trio of eateries guaranteed to make your day worth it, even if you flame out on the kick rail and wind up with a split camber (or whatever it is the kids do these days):

#1- The Brewery at Tahoe: When you’re freezing and wind-chapped, there’s nothing you want more than an ice cold beer.  So belly up to the bar at the Brewery and order one of the many craft brews on tap.  While you’re at it, order a pizza from the extensive menu.  You won’t be disappointed.  The pizzas are magical, infinitely customizable, and without peer in the Lake Tahoe surroundings.  The beers are pretty outstanding too.  I can’t recommend this place highly enough.  3542 Lake Tahoe Blvd, 96150 Continue reading “Daytrip #2: South Shore”

Davis Ranch: the best tree bargain around

The Cool family are early Christmas tree people. We are also heavily into Thanksgiving, so care is taken to not go full-bore until Black Friday. But basically as soon as the dishwasher is loaded on Thanksgiving it is Christmas in my house (not that it was my dishwasher).

We are enjoy slaying our own tree, and this year we set our sights on Apple Hill. We missed peak apple season this year so we were excited to make the drive. While there are plenty of lots and a nice website to help you find them, once we got up there we realized the prices are considerably higher up there. Continue reading “Davis Ranch: the best tree bargain around”

Location, location, location … and now opportunity

Long time no post, will try to improve. I’ve been writing a great deal for others, the paid writing kinds of thing that sort of have to take a priority slot when you’re trying to pay the mortgage.

And speaking of mortgages …

Forbes magazine has just named the Big Tomato the nation’s worst housing market. I guess that means I shouldn’t be expecting a new neighbor in the empty house next-door any time soon. Like a lot of people, the owners leveraged their equity and got caught in the downdraft as they tried to sell. It’s approved by the bank for a short-sale — that means you can get it for less than is owed on it — but with so many houses to choose from in similar straights … well, at least it’s not a meth house.

Continue reading “Location, location, location … and now opportunity”

Daytrip #1: Amador County-Wine, Women, Ravioli

In the first of a new series of daytrip recommendations, I offer a few nuggets (no pun intended) of goodness tucked away in the golden hills of Amador county.  And, since good things come in threes–Beastie Boys, incarnations of the Catholic God, Stooges–here are three stops guaranteed to make your Amador daytrip memorable.

Stop #1:  Dry Town Cellars– Perhaps the most casual winery outside of a penitentiary, Dry Town Cellars prides itself on great wines and groovy vibes.  Trust me this place is laid back.  Don’t believe me?  Just check out what the guy running the tasting room is drinking–that’s right, Miller Light.  Winemaker and owner Allen Kreutzer, originally a Santa Cruz dude, has a deft touch with the wine and a heavy (and sometimes dirty) hand when reaching for the tasting room crackers.   Nevertheless, he’ll do right by you with great wines at a fair price.  Try the Barbera, play fetch with the dogs, and don’t forget your antibacterial wipes. Continue reading “Daytrip #1: Amador County-Wine, Women, Ravioli”

OMG a new low for CBS13

They said it couldn’t happen but they have been known to be wrong in the past. Check out Sam McManis’ fresh post: 21Q – ‘Good Day Sac’ reporter gives beer to the homeless

Jay Henderson, a reader from Folsom, writes to say he was stunned on Monday morning to see “Good Day Sacramento” reporter Chris Burrous (left) give a case of beer and a bag of McDonald’s food to a homeless woman during a live segment.

The calorie-free way to kill brain cells this holiday season

Why kill brain cells on eggnog and turkey-tinis when you can just turn on VH1 and catch a local or two on “America’s Most Smartest Model.”

Grass Valley native VJ is still in the running, while Sacramentan Jesse has already been sent home. Some may remember Slavco (also already sent packing) from VH1’s “Kept” from 2004.

Thankfully, I’ve only caught one full episode, so there’s still hope for a full recovery. The one redeeming quality of this show is that it is co-hosted by the wry Ben Stein; although, I’d love to see guest appearances by Tyra, Miss Jay, Benny Ninja — and just for kicks, Michael Kors and Tim Gunn (just keep Padma away, por favor.)

Prieta is not a car

Last night I went to the Three Dollar Thursday at Old Ironsides, or as I like to call it, “343,” since you get three bands for three bucks. (I shoulda had a career in ad writing!) Anyway, the bands were Bright Light Fever, Prieta and Broken Poet. Broken Poet offered up with a serviceable, if unremarkable, set of poppy punky music. It was OK, just not all that exciting. Bright Light Fever is one of the few bands on the local level right now who seem capable of getting a label deal from somewhere. They are tight and have some cool songs in the modern indie rock vein. To me, they sound like Hot Hot Heat only more rockin’.

But the band I really wanted to see was Prieta. Continue reading “Prieta is not a car”