Nay-saying on the IKEA carts

Bear with me as I get back into the swing of things here at the Rag by posting a few short bits to “prime the pump” as it were.

I’d like to say nay to the shopping carts at IKEA. While they might be great for maneuvering the the narrow aisles of the store (Note: Apparently the carts that look like normal shopping cars are not allowed on the second floor) have you ever tried covering a large distance with them? Like from your car to the front door? It is next to impossible without spinning out. If Volvos turned like this, East Sac would look like a demolition derby. However, they do spin in tight circles which is extremely fun for the kids.

Second item: Does anyone know a brick-and-mortar source for cheap, plain collar stays for point collar dress shirts? I’m hoping something like a Walgreens?

No right just rules

Today, I’m looking to complain. Specifically, I’m looking to complain about my gym. I’ve been a member of California Family Fitness for many, many years. So many years, in fact, that if I were to quit and try to re-enroll I couldn’t afford it. Therein lies my problem. You see, what bugs about this gym (and many other gyms, I am sure) are the rules.

For example, it used to be that you couldn’t access the gym without your gym card. If you did, you were hassled about not doing it again and to please pee in this cup. Then they came up with keychain cards. Great idea, problem solved. Alas, people still forgot their cards. So Cal Fit came up with a photo identity feature where your account included your basic information AND your photo to identify you if you forgot your card. Great idea, problem solved. Not so fast, you still need your card because it was taking the staff too long to look each person up who forgot their card, back to being hassled.
Continue reading “No right just rules”

Sacramento loses an original

Cbs13.com reports the passing of Zelda’s Original Gourmet Pizza owner Zelda Breslin.

Friends remember she ran a tight ship, riding herd on restless customers waiting in line, discouraging patrons from lingering after meals and insisting on cash-only payments.

Wow, I had no idea. I have only been a handful of times and have enjoyed the pie. I’ve never had the opportunity to experience Zelda herself, however. How disappointing. I’d love to hear from you down/mid townies on your experiences there and with Zelda.

Any way you slice it (waa waa waa), she’s a part of Sacramento history and deserves recognition on this here web log.

Independence, shmindependence

The President of the United States of America has spoken many times about our need to become less dependent on foreign oil by reducing consumption and using alternative energy sources. In a true show of defiance, Sacramentans said “No way, dude!” and increased their demand for the popular gas guzzling Hummer sport/war utility vehicle/tank.

According to news10.net:

“People are still wanting them,” Hummer of Sacramento spokesman Andy Mullins said. “People are still buying them.” In fact, Mullins said Hummer sales at the dealership quadrupled in April 2006 over the same period last year.

That’s right, what does the President know anyway?

“People definitely mention (fuel economy),” Mullins said. “It’s not like they’re oblivious to what’s going on with the market, but it definitely doesn’t seem to get in the way of their purchase decision.”

Booya! Take that, Powers That Be!

Some may argue that the folks that can afford a Hummer can also afford the gas to put in it. While I agree, I find it odd that those in that tax bracket see no need to lead by example and do right by their President. But that’s just me, I could be wrong.

YUMMY WEEKEND EVENTS

This weekend is abuzz with eating and drinking events throughout the area. Please visit some or all of these events for the betterment of your outlook and the worsening of your liver.

SUSHI-FEST: (scroll down to middle of page) The Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce host the 3rd annual Sushi Fest at Mikuni’s in Elk Grove. Event is an “all-day” sushi feast, but website lists hours as only noon-3PM. $75

LODI ZINFEST: Noon-8PM at Lodi lake park, the 2nd annual Zinfest will include live entertainment, cooking demos, wine shopping and, of course, wine tasting for $25 per person. Nothing like being stuck in Lodi with about 100 cases of Zin.

WESTCOAST BREWFEST: At Miller Park (west end of Broadway), $30 for 5 hrs of food, fun and unlimited beer tasting, including my favorite, Moose Drool beer from the Big Sky brewery in Missoula, MT.

BFD: 3rd annual Dad’s Boil & Fry Day. This is where I’ll be on Saturday, supporting the Make-A-Wish foundation with the crew from Dad’s sandwich shop (best sandwiches in town), enjoying unlimited fried fish and crawfish boil with live punk and rockabilly bands and several great microbreweries. On S St. between 13th and 14th. $5 at the door or $25 for all you can eat! Dad is no wimp, he’s going 3PM to 2AM, so go get liquored up at the brewfest then join me for some charity loving fried goodness.

Check this out!

Check this out!

Has anyone else received these freaky hand written letters with “newspaper” clippings inside from your friend J, or P, or insert letter here, alerting you to some great new offer for used cars or home loans? The envelopes are seriously addressed by hand with a stamp. The post-it-note is also hand written. Gives me the creeps. The writing is ransom note-esque, too. I guess this form of advertising works because based on an informal poll many folks have been receiving these for years.

On the other hand, I wonder how much money folks are being paid to sit at home and address these evelopes all day? This is the sort of business that advertises at stop lights.

Work at home! Professional salaries, call now.

At any rate, it’s a slim shady marketing tactic and I certainly won’t be buying a used car for $29 this weekend.

“City of Trees” receives positive review

Popular travel site frommers.com recently published an article about Sacramento naming it “the most attractive big-city state capital in the Western 48.

“By “attractive,” I don’t mean just in physical appearance, but in amenities, ambiance and attitude. I was surprised by the magnificent rows of trees (they call Sacramento a “city of trees”), the well-scrubbed downtown and government area, and the careful waterfront development. But I was equally impressed by the wide variety of cultural attractions available, from all kinds of music to plenty of art displays, from outdoor sports activities to ballet, opera and theater.

It’s always fun to hear the opinions of our out of town visitors. I especially enjoyed the dining recommendations (Esquire Grill? really?) and the fun facts (California is one of 5 states which do not have official residences for their governors…).

Now then, who has a snarky take on this?

E*TRADE Closing Its Doors on Sacramento Location

Employees of E*TRADE Financial were told yesterday that the company’s Rancho Cordova location, home to several hundred employees will cease operations this August. The company, headquartered in New York (ne Palo Alto), has been slowly scaling down the employee base in their White Rock Rd offices for the last 12 months.

For those of us that worked at E*TRADE, we’re going to miss the place. Many of us agree that it was one of the worst working environments around. We hated the ceaseless 50-60 hr weeks, the subtle intimidation by incompetent managers, the break of dawn or late night shifts and the turnover rate that made the position of drummer for the band Spinal Tap seem like a steady gig. Nevertheless, for most of us, it was our first real job out of college and taught us a lot about getting along in the business world.

So, if your business is looking for about 400 college educated workers with a financial services experience and a high tolerance for poor working conditions, just wait a few months. The market is about to be flooded.

What are you, yellow?

Sacramento County has adopted a variation of the restaurant rating system used in Southern California. Rather than assigning a letter grade to each restaurant, either a red, yellow, or green card will be handed out for display.

Some officials had concerns that while customers will understand the green and red cards, yellow may be too vague and that not enough information will be available about the restaurant’s health issues.

You think? I’m all for inspections and government involvement in the food service industry, but I have to side with the restaurant owners on this one. Doesn’t it seem that a yellow card could falsely label a place unsafe? Currently we have the option to view all the infractions a restaurant received during their inspection and make our own conclusions before deciding to purchase food.

While the restaurant association has said that it is not opposed to the new rating system, I have to wonder as a customer what sort of impact this will have on our city. Sac-eats, will you not try a yellow carded Fish & Chips dive? SinghCity, what if our beloved La Fiesta has a tarjeta amarilla hung on its door?