Walter Rhoads composes everything

Ignore the egregious self-promotion. Rhoads is an interesting local artist and worth linking to.

Headline FAIL @ KCRA

“PD: Men Urinated In Park, Beat Girl With Pipe”

The headline makes sense once you read the article, but as it stands it reads like this:

“OMG, the men peed where? IN THE PARK? I can’t believe it.”

(Cue sound of crickets chirping)

“Hey, did that headline say something about a girl getting hit with some sort of pipe or something?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“But, goddamn, men pissing in the park!”

“No shit.”

(Did I just do a Sac Rag skit?)

The uses of fashion (blogs)

I disregard fashion. I don’t think about it when I shop for clothes, and other people’s clothing does not usually catch my eye unless it is appealing to me in a sexual way. As a result, my taste in fashion is doubtlessly quite vulgar, which is yet another incentive for me not to pay it any mind.

However, the Sactorialist is one of my favorite local blogs. Its author, Tosca, posts photos of people she meets in the downtown/midtown vicinity and describes, in clear and concise language, what she found so interesting about a person’s clothes that she had to stop him or her in the street and document it with a photograph.

I suppose I like the Sactorialist because it puts a method of people watching in my rss reader. Perhaps you’ll have a more sophisticated reason for bookmarking this blog, but I urge you to check it out in any case.

El Dorado County Vineyards

Last Saturday, a former coworker breezed into town. Though we’d been experiencing endless rainstorms, this particular morning the clouds parted, the sun shone, and the average daytime temperature increased about 15 degrees. This former coworker friend has an interesting childlike appreciation for natural beauty, and so all of us were bemused that nature would oblige him so sincerely.

We had previously determined that we would go wine-tasting in Napa, but our driver, another coworker who graciously offered to play chauffeur, decided that a shorter ride up to El Dorado Hills would be better suited to the day. Having never been wine-tasting in Placerville Wine Country, and having spent a fair amount of time in Napa, I was amenable to the change of plans.

We had lunch in downtown Placerville at a moderately fancy restaurant masquerading as a cantina, where I indulged in brocheta— grilled steak with bacon and onions served with cilantro rice, beans with queso fresca, and salad, and the obligatory tortillas (I always choose corn). It was quite tasty and everyone seemed to enjoy their meal.

From the cantina we headed to our first winery, Boeger Winery. Boeger has lovely grounds and a well-appointed tasting room. The complimentary tasting flight offers a choice of five tastes from a reasonable selection of whites, reds, dessert and rose wines. I sampled the Sauvignon Blanc, Primitivo, Vin Rose, Hangtown Red, Muscat and one of their Zinfandels. All were decent, but none blew me away. I can’t help but wonder whether my lunch was interfering with my ability to appreciate the wine, because I was fairly receptive to the wines (not to mention the presentation) at the next spot we hit: Madrona Vineyards.

Madrona’s tasting room is overseen by a regal black cat named Theo, who will bite you if you hover too long or he simply isn’t in the mood. Madrona’s tasting room is a wooden box, cozy with a pot-bellied stove in the corner, next to Theo’s throne. Apparently, this vineyard is also home to the largest Madrone tree. Madrona offers an extensive and generously poured complimentary tasting flight (and a nominally priced reserve flight too) presided over by a very very knowledgeable and deservedly proud staff. I very much enjoyed most of the Madrona wines, but the Shiraz/Cab and Dry Riesling were good enough for me to part with my hard-earned credit dollar.

Our last stop was per my request, the well-decorated Lava Cap Winery. I’ve sampled Lava Cap at various locations about town and recently heard good things about their wine club, and so I was curious to sample their oeuvre. Unfortunately, and confidential to the people who pour the tastes at Lava Cap, it takes more than a little splash to actually taste the wine. It’s barely enough to get a flavor on the tongue, and not sufficient to get a sense of aroma and bouquet. Even so, I purchased a bottle of the 2005 Reserve Cabernet Franc.

I was pleasantly surprised by the bevy of great local wineries just east of Sacramento. It is truly a wonderful thing to live in this place, surrounded by mountains, lakes, rivers, farms and of course, wineries. A trip to any number of wine countries (Lodi, Amador, El Dorado, etc.) awaits!

Sacramento in the NYT

Hat tip to heckasac for noticing this bit of ignominy.

Wildflower season has begun

I name some wildflowers over at Sacramento Press.

from susangfx

Sick day (or, how I almost went to a gay bathhouse)

susangfx:

So, I wake up one morning this week, all scratchy-throated, sniffly and sinusey. What with all this rain, you would not think it possible for me to be as dried out as I felt. My skin was chapped, and it felt like the Mojave in my sinus cavity. I did the only reasonable thing and took the day off work and went on a quest for a sauna in Sacramento.

Last year the hubs and I went to the greatest spa in Santa Cruz. It had whirlpools, steam rooms, spa services, a sauna and was the most Zen-like, peaceful place to while away an afternoon. I emerged refreshed and way healthier than when I arrived. In other words, exactly what I needed the other day, only I needed it to be located at, say, F65 (such an odd place in Sac that I have to say I’m strangely drawn to it, and wouldn’t it be perfect for a modernist, hip spa-type-dealy?).

I also recall hearing about a Japanese spa in San Francisco that would have been the perfect cure for my malaise. But again, I just needed it to be here, in our fair Sactown.

The only way I know of to get information such as “where in Sacramento has a spa with a sauna?” is to check online, and not much came up, except a place out toward Rancho Cordova (I’m specifically not mentioning the location or the name, you’ll see why).

So I drive out there, walk in and politely inquire about their services. I am equally politely informed that the facility only welcomes men. I ask if he means like, on certain days? Then other days its women? Like at the Kabuki place in SF? Uh, no. Men all the time.

I’m bummed. There were no other places listed in Sacramento (besides gyms). So I do the only logical thing. I go have lunch at the Limelight. Why there? I don’t know. They do have good food, and if I can’t sweat out my ick, then maybe gorging on delicious food will help (didn’t). So in my (delightful) chat with the friendly barkeep, I mention my day’s failed quest and after he stops laughing he informs me that I’ve visited my first gay bathhouse. Nice. And other friends have confirmed it is true. I should have known — Rancho Cordova being the home of much of Sacramento’s seedy underbelly (i.e. Centerfolds, etc.). Hey I know, there’s also some good stuff in Rancho (Sky High Sports, Rascals, and the air shows at Mather) but I’m making a point here.

Now, while I’m happy for the gays of Sacramento that they have such a resource at their disposal here in our little cowtown, I want to know: where can I spend an afternoon at a spa/sauna and perhaps get a massage, without joining 24 Hour Fitness or California Family Fitness (or turning into a gay male)?

Rumor has it that I can drop in to Alhambra Athletic Club and use theirs, but will it be all gym-ish and smell of sweat and socks instead of massage oil and incense?

I’m banking on someone out there knowing how to solve this important question.

Posted By susangfx

“But the weirdest moment in local government this week was happening just up the street from City Hall in the chambers of the County Board of Supervisors.  While the city council was trying to get the drifters out of town, the BOS got an unexpected visit from followers of political cult leader Lyndon LaRouche.”

— SNOG > Garvin

Here, if you’re like me and need to quickie-wiki Lyndon LaRouche

Returning to Sacramento

Look, I get it; Sacramento is going through hard times. Between the plight of our state workers, to our worsening housing market, not to mention the drought on top of the fact that the price of beer keeps going up. Things look bad all around. Except when you’re flying home from Las Vegas.

Yesterday I left Vegas: dry, brown, extremely quiet, scarily devoid of people, with casinos in bankruptcy, attendance at events down, many bars & restaurants closed (or not open certain days), and a housing market that seems much bleaker than ours. I couldn’t believe how empty the casinos were. And the horrible, horrible tourists with their pushiness and tacky outfits.

I got on the plane and, as we approached Sacramento, I saw all the lush green farms, the river and irrigation channels flowing, and the trees (oh, the trees). I am aware that this picture doesn’t negate the fact that we’ll face a drought this summer, but seeing all that green just makes you feel, what is it? Healthier? More optimistic?

And I always know I’m getting on a Sacramento-bound plane because the people are just a little nicer. We look up, say hi, hold the door, wait for our friends who get randomly chosen for a security check, move our bag so someone else can sit, listen attentively to the safety instructions. Sacramentans are, generally speaking, good people.

I came back from Vegas with more than just gambling losses and chapped lips — I gained perspective. It could be a whole lot worse.

City Closer to Eliminating Design Commission

You’ve probably already seen this article at Sacramento Press, but I’m linking it anyway. The dialog in the comment section is very lively. I especially like when Burg says to Maviglio, “Steve, it seems like your answer to every public concern is to tell the general public to shut up and just let their betters run the city for them.”

More blood, toil, tears, and sweat, Bretón

Bretón’s column today concerning the brouhaha around the City’s plans to subsidize a mermaid bar on K Street punts big time.

Bretón shrewdly points out that the controversy arises from a “a neighborhood skirmish,” namely, Midtown restaurateurs don’t want the City subsidizing their competition.

But instead of exploring the very interesting question of whether there is a zero sum game between the business prospects of Midtown and Downtown, he gives us the tired Mayor-Johnson-must-now-be-tested-in-a-crucible routine.

I seriously doubt Bretón is so naive that he believes the fate of Sacramento really rests on whether or not Kevin Johnson can summon the proper Churchillian resolve. He is probably filling space with empty rhetoric like the rest of us.

But the Bee’s column inches aren’t some dippy blog (not yet at least). They are valuable media real estate, and they ought to be filled with worthwhile analysis.

Who doesn’t like llamas?

A great animal interest story today in the Bee. I love this quote:

Last year, Thormahlen, 79, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. These days, she can hardly walk to the barn to feed the llamas.

“It’s a pretty dastardly development, and I resent it,” she said.
I feel the same way about my own mortality.

Cozy and cavernous

I had occasion to visit one of Sacramento’s newest establishments this week: De Vere’s Irish Pub. I found it to be a nice, though rather large, take on the pub. I have never been to Ireland, so I cannot vouch for its authenticity, but I did appreciate the layout of the space, which has partitions strategically placed throughout in order to create a more cozy atmosphere in what would otherwise be a cavernous space. These dividing walls section off “rooms,” each with their own character. I sat in the “library.” Windows and light fixtures adorn the walls. As you’ve heard, the decor is decidedly old world; the upholstery on the seats reminds me of King Arthur’s court. One of the things I like best about it is the lighting. Unlike the Irish pub chain Fado’s, de Vere’s has thoughtfully left the lights high enough to avoid causing me to suspect sudden macular degeneration upon gaining entry. I do think the place could use a dartboard, and it has a most unfortunate traffic whorl near the door that is going to cause problems in the long term (just ask the waitresses trying to navigate it on Saturday following the Amgen prologue).

Enough about the aesthetics, tell us about the grub and libations, you say? Fair enough. I ordered the grilled cheese sandwich with Irish bacon. It came with my choice of soup, chips (aka fries) or crisps (aka chips). I opted for the soup, which was a thick white bean variety. Irish bacon is a little more like Canadian, meatier, less fatty and gristle-y than American bacon. It was a nice addition to the sandwich, which came on some very hearty bread and included a tomato. All told, I got dinner and lunch the next day for a mere $7.50. My dining companion ordered the chips with a side of cheese dip that was quite tasty— blue cheese-ish. We made short work of two containers of the stuff.

Now, down to brass tacks. It wouldn’t be a pub without beer, and so that is what I got. There’s a decent selection of brews, including Murphys, Boddington’s, the ubiquitous Firestone DBA and Smithwicks— which is what I ordered first (don’t pronounce that “w” unless you want to look dumb). Sac Brewing Company makes two beers just for de Vere’s— a lager and an Irish red. Since I learned to drink in Chicago, I opted for the red, while my friend imbibed the lager. We snagged a taste of each others, and both found the other’s wanting.

If de Vere’s has one flaw, it is this: the price of the beers. The Smithwicks was $6. I experienced a momentary flashback to my time in DC, the land of expensive beer, upon receipt of my bill. However, the presence of the owners and the staff’s friendly demeanor indicate otherwise.

Next time I go, I plan to sample their whiskey and scotch selection. Yum.

Rain is good for business

I’m sitting in Coffee Garden, and they are packed. More to the point, their primary sitting area is packed, and their study area is packed. Normally, there are mostly empty tables in the study area.

First, the rain helps. It shuts down their outdoor seating, and it makes people stir crazy.  Instead of hanging out at home, bemoaning the rain, people go to somewhere where they can still sit inside, but pretend they’re doing something productive. Sometimes they might actually be productive.

Second, props to Coffee Garden for having this gallery/study area combination. It is incredibly inviting to those of us who need a quiet place to study.

Lance Armstrong's bike stolen - sacbee.com

Lance Armstrong and Trek Bicycle employees are reporting on their Twitter.com accounts that four Astana team bikes, including Armstrong’s custom painted time trial bike, were stolen from a team truck in Sacramento overnight, according to a report posted on velonews.com.
I can see this kind of thing happening in Davis, but not in our sweet Sacramento! The thieves must have been out-of-towners.


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