Colonial library closing for remodeling

Colonial Heights Library

Wife just came from Colonial Heights Library and reports that the branch will be closed July 23-September 23 for remodeling. With the Sac Library hours cuts that started last week, this really puts a damper in library hours as this was one of the only branches open until 8pm three nights a week.

However the library had apparently not had a revamp since it opened in 1986. I wouldn’t say it was desperate for an update–it was just sort of a serviceable “your library here” look. Unless of course they are updating the exterior entrance pictured above which really shows its age. But the children’s section at Colonial has already gotten a refresh and it is looking really nice.

Free Slurpee on 7/11

Today, July 11, 2011, 7-11 is offering up free slurpees to celebrate their birthday.

Our Birthday, Your Bash Stop by for a FREE 7.11 oz Slurpee drink, general merriment and a one-man dance party should you choose to start it. (“Running Man” and “Raising the Roof” welcome. “Macarena” NOT welcome. Ever.) RSVP today and Facebook will remind you to claim your free-ness on 7/11/11. They’ll also tell you who else is celebrating a birthday, but let’s focus on us, okay?

Notice how along with the growth of social media in marketing there has also been an increase in this hipster, cutesy style of writing? At any rate, free stuff.

“Rise Guys” leaving for SF with Don G move, new show for Carmichael Dave

I had heard on the Twittersphere that Don Geronimo would moving to mornings, and that Carmichael Dave would now have his own show. But what I didn’t hear is that the reason for the shakeup is that the Rise Guys are leaving town! (sans The Phantom) The article mentions the 12 years Whitey and The Phantom have hosted on KHTK, but I thought they had been around much longer. Help me out, how long has it been really? I’d look it up but their page on CBSSac is gone already and Wikipedia doesn’t have anything. Am I thinking of something else?

I don’t think about them much these days, though they are on my morning commute from time to time. I’m no prude, but I don’t dig on gross “in your face” morning shows or put down comedy, though I do acknowledge that Don G puts together a fun show. I am bummed this morning to see that there will be no more Rise Guys!

UPDATE Thanks to Scupper for helping me pinpoint the Rise Guys history. I don’t know why more people aren’t mentioning this today. They have been on Sac radio for more than 20 years probably! Maybe close to 30?

I vividly remember their “You Can’t Win” trivia contest with super hard questions. Radio is the best.

UPDATE 2 @DonGeronimoShow Tweeted me to confirm he will be leaving Good Day Sac.

Miniburger truck delivers

Miniburger Truck stops in Sacramento, CA
Burgers the size of schnauzers, but they're cattle.

I finally had a chance to catch up with the very popular Miniburger truck yesterday as it came to my neck of the woods during lunch time. I had been following them on Twitter for a while, but it was never worth hopping in the car and chasing them down to wait in line for a burger.

For those of you not in the know, the Miniburger truck (or is it Mini Burger? Their website is all over the place) is a food truck that hops around town serving up burgers and fries to those that follow them via Twitter, Facebook, and their website. It’s a clever concept and seems to be paying off.

The Miniburger OG' and Cowbell with fries
The Miniburger OG' and Cowbell with fries
You can check their menu online, but I went with the Cowbell and The OG’ combo (they are mini burgers remember, you buy them in packs of two or three) and the hand-cut fries. I got there within a few minutes of receiving the location tweet and was already 10th in line (this grew to 30 rather quickly). They served up the food rather quickly considering I only say three dudes working inside and one takes orders and money. The burgers were really good while the fries were just okay. I am no sac-eats, so I can’t really dissect the subtle nuances of each, but my general opinion of the food was that is was pretty darn good. It’s a bit pricey ($8 for two minis and fries, no drink) and I am not sure I would scramble to find this truck again if it wasn’t close to me, but it’s worth checking out for sure.

Explosively Fun Art Show this Saturday

Looking for the best of Second Saturday? The coolest party will be at The Urban Hive, 1931 H Street, from 6 to 9 pm, where the talented, outrageous and funny artist Jose Di Gregorio will be joined by musician and visual artist Neil Haydon playing acoustic folk songs.

Di Gregorio, born in Puerto Rico and raised in California, graduated from Herron School of Art and Design in 2006 and currently serves on the Board of Directors at Verge Center for the Arts, where he is also an artist in residence. If you’re familiar with Verge, it’s a local hub for the area’s most talented contemporary artists. Di Gregorio’s residency there, in addition to his outstanding artworks, speaks volumes about his credibility as an artist. His exhibit Saturday will feature 15 mid- to large-scale drip paintings on wood and paper.

Plus, it’s going to be fun. Di Gregorio is not only a painter; he’s also a performance artist. Known for over-the-top karaoke performances and doing cannon balls into pools at fancy affairs where everyone else is dressed in suits (I know; I was there), Di Gregorio entertains. The magnitude of his creativity explodes onto his paintings and into his everyday life with joyful fervor.

Don’t miss the excitement!

Are you into the corporate chains?

I was reading this story on sacbee.com about the pending closure of California Pizza Kitchen’s downtown Sacramento location (bummer, the CPK site still says “NOW OPEN”) when I came across this interesting quote.

“I think what we learned is that the downtown-midtown Sacramento crowd is not into the corporate chains (like CPK),” he says. “They’re more into locally owned businesses that are more aware of the city.”

The restaurant will be replaced by a sports bar called Firestone Public House which will feature pizza, “fun” appetizers and 30 to 40 different kinds of beer. So, are the appetizers not fun? At any rate, do you think this is true about the downtown-midtown Sacramento crowd? Could they just not like gourmet pizza?

World Masters visitors experiencing senior moments?

We_Are_Here
Creative Commons License photo credit: peterworsley

KCRA’s headline says it all: “Confusion Among ‘World Masters’ Athletes.” You know, because they are over 50. Rumors hold that they are also unclear as to how to program the VCRs in their hotel rooms to record “Matlock” as well.

Last night as my family exited “Fresh Choice” on Howe Ave (kids eat free midweek!) we passed what I now realize must have been a group of foreign WMAC visitors staying at the Larkspur Landing. We remember seeing them pointing at the street signs at the corner of Feature Drive and Cadillac Drive, and we now realize they may have been among this number of lost foreign visitors. It is funny to picture people getting lost at that corner, as if it is part of a big confusing metropolis! I’m guessing they were heading to CSUS and I’m hoping they made it there via the bike trail.

Xmas in July: Trust me, it’ll be awesome

My air conditioning has been out all week, so I’m looking for anything to cool off. It turns out, this Friday, one of the coolest events of the year is coming to Sacramento. On Friday, July 15, The Yule Logs, the world’s funkiest Christmas/rock band will be gracing our fair city with a show at Luigi’s Fungarden in Midtown.

I’ve seen these guys before and they are one of the most fun acts you will ever see. Whether it’s December or the middle of summer, there’s no wrong time to see the most rocked out (and clever) versions of your favorite Christmas tunes. Check out their website http://www.yulelogsmusic.com/, for a sampling of their insane, seasonal sound.

Xmas in July featuring The Yule Logs, Uni and her Ukelele, and Musical Chairs

Friday July 15th, 9pm. Luigi’s Fungarden- 1050 20th St, Sacramento

Who is the superhero we need, Sacramento?

Who is the superhero we need, Sacramento?


Rainn Wilson in “Super”

I finally saw “X-Men: First Class” over the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. The recent spate of comic book pictures has me thinking about what Sacramento could use in a superhero. (Okay, let’s be honest, I didn’t need any help thinking about this.)

You know that things are bad all over because of the budget, and that our crime problems continue apace. (Being facetious there.) But what exactly does our area need? Continue reading “Who is the superhero we need, Sacramento?”