Sacramento, CA

There is nothing more befitting the Halloween spirit than a horror movie. Usually, during this time of year, there are tons of them to choose from. Sadly, this year my beloved horror movies are–for the most part–strangely absent from the theater. I was beginning to fall into a deep well of despair when I saw an ad on tv last night for the latest installment in the Saw franchise.

I was so excited for three reasons. The first is that it means there is actually going to be a horror movie in theaters in time for Halloween which I really didn’t think would happen. The second is that it is a part of a franchise that has become very dear to me. I know it’ll be good because the others have been as well. Finally, the thing I’m most looking forward to is the sheer level of innovation that these films continually deliver. I consider myself to be something of a horror movie expert. I almost always know the endings long before the half way point happens because they’re so formulaic after you’ve seen as many of them as I have. The first Saw film was the first movie in a VERY LONG TIME that I didn’t anticipate the ending to. In fact, I was so shocked that I’m still kind of reeling from it after all of this time. Furthermore, it’s one of those franchises that has somehow managed to retain its sparkle and creativity through all three movies so far. And Saw IV looks to be no different…

…I’m not going to lie, that is seriously fabulous. I’ve been craving something magnificently grotesque this Halloween season, but until now not even something as seriously twisted as a ballet about the Donner Party could sate my morbid appetitie. The best part though is that it will be playing at the good theater, Century Stadium 14 on Ethan Way. There are a ton of different showings, but they’re all probably going to be very busy as well since it is so close to Halloween now so you might want to buy your tickets online.

If dealing with the crowds isn’t really your type of thing–and believe me there will be TONS of people out and about–then there is an alternative option for you too this Halloween. You can always run down to Blockbuster and pick up and oldy but goodie. Liz at Cinema Hype wrote a wonderful review that reminded me of one of my favorites–The Ninth Gate. It’s another one of those creative masterpieces that keep you guessing until the end. Plus, it has Johnny Depp in it, so really, how could you go wrong?

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This won’t be my normal type of Music on Mondays post because, sadly, there aren’t any scheduled concerts for October. However, the Sacramento Ballet is putting on A Woman’s Journey: The Tamsen Donner Story which I think is quite fitting for the Halloween season.

The show is a special brain child of the Sacramento Ballet’s Art Director for the past twenty years–Ron Cunningham. The ballet has been a work in progress for the past thirty years and Sacramento is to be treated with it’s world premiere on Thursday October 25th at 7:30PM. It tells the story of the infamous Donner family as told through the journal entries of Tamsen Donner.Their infamy stems from centuries of accusations suggesting that the family resorted to cannibalism while they were trapped in the mountains on their way to California. The sheer gruesomeness of such a deed makes it ample “entertainment” of the Halloween sort–especially when considering that the characters involved are real.

In the same token, scientists have reently begun debating the validity of these accusations. Thus, it will be extremely interesting to see which direction Cunningham takes with his ballet. My personal opinion is that the cannibalism will have to be dealt with since his inspiration was from the diary of Tamsen Donner. The allegations of cannibalism stem from letters and diaries from the party so to base a ballet and completely omit it would be absurd at best. In any case, it is efinitely worth checking out just on the chance that cannibalism will be an issue. There is little else in the world that can so readily remind us that human beings are also animals and can be just as barbaric and inhuman as any other creature. In short, it is a perfect Halloween activity for those of us who want something a little bit more frightening than pumpkin patches and corn mazes…

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The Professionals Guild is hosting a huge Halloween party for singles at the Doubletree Hotel located at 2001 Point West Way. The party is on Friday Octber 26th from 8:00PM to midnight. Complimentary light appetizers will be served from 8:00PM to 9:00PM.

They expect hundreds of local singles to show up for one of the biggest Halloween bashes in Sacramento. The dress code is either a Halloween costume or dressy cocktail attire. They even offer a discount for people who show up in a costume. Tickets are $12.00 if you are wearing a costume and $25.00 if you are not. They must be paid for in cash at the door. It looks to be a good opportunity for dancing and mingling. In any case, it is definitely one of only a hadnful of adult-oriented Halloween activities in Sacramento. Most of them are geared towards families with young children–like the world’s largest corn maze in Dixon. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity as there won’t be many more of them this season.

If you’re as hopeless as I am at dating, then you also might want to check out some tips before you head out for your big night out on the town. Sandy at Dating Outlook always has some really wonderful ideas on her site. She also offers great advice and a chance to commiserate with other singles on all of the misery and stress that accompanies the dating scene. Have a great time and remember to play safe!

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According to Guinness World Records, the world’s largest corn maze is now located at Cool Patch Pumpkins in Dixon, CA!!! The farm is run by the Cooley brothers who started their pumpkin patch in 2000. The corn maze itself has grown progessively every year, now spanning across more than 40 acres. The brothers refer to it as “a kind of test…[where] you have to have enough patience and problem-solving skills to make it through…enough resolve to solve the puzzle and get out.”

The Sacramento Bee eloquently referred to the maze as ” an emerald green world of 7-foot cornstalks and damp clay walkways, where visitors can see only to the next turn, and disembodied voices float through the air.” The owner himself admits to reluctance to enter the center of the maze where the twisting pathways are the darkest and most confusing! As if this weren’t enough to make you suitably terrified, they even allow people to enter the maze at night for an extra bit of eeriness. The combination makes it the perfect activity to get the whole family into the Halloween spirit.

There are also a plethora of other family activities aside from the gargantuan corn maze. To begin with, there is a small one acre corn maze for the little kids to enjoy. They have a $3.00 hay ride as well as Big Tricycles and Pedal Karts to ride around the pumpkin farm. They are also hosting a Scarecrow Contest. There are already some pretty terrifying–and amazing–pictures up of some of the entrants on their website. And, of course, the highlight of the day is picking out the perfect speciman from the pumpkin patch to trasform into your Halloween Jack-O-Lantern. You might want to pick up an extra pumpkin to do a little baking. Jackie at Kids Dish has an amazing recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies up that I am already addicted to. They are relatively healthy and still manage to be absolutely delicious!

When you set out to obtain your perfect baking pumpkin, make sure that you enter the pumpkin patch at either 8550 Currey Road or 8700 Sievers Road both of which can be accessed from I-80, about 30 minutes west of Sacramento. The farm is open every day until October 31st from 9:00AM to 9:00PM. Be sure to bring your own falshlight if you will be entering the maze in the evening and plan on spending anywhere from one hour to three hours inside the maze depending on how good your navigational skills are. Also, you may want to keep in mind that the weather here is still likely to be wet during the early part of the week. However, the weather is set (fingers-crossed anyway!) to warm up a bit when the sun comes out this weekend so I’d recommend that you plan to embark on your adventure Saturday-ish. Have a wonderful time and be on the lookout for other fabulously frightening things to do this Halloween season!

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I just wanted to wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day! Sadly, I am writing this from work–per usual–and I can’t be out enjoying the beautiful sunshine with everyone else because life (well mostly just my boss) is not fair. Anyway, go and do something for me down at the Sacramento River. Hop on a boat, get in some fishing, or just enjoy the gorgeous weather we’re having today. Make it worthwhile since I can’t =(

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The 2007 Great Sacramento Duck Race will be held on Saturday, August 18th at Waterfront Park in Old Sacramento. Up to 20,000 rubber ducks will be dumped off of the I Street Bridge into the Sacramento River in support of local Special Olympics programs. They will float down the river to the Tower Bridge, with the first ducks to arrive winning prizes for their adoptive parents. Some of the grand prizes include a hot tub, a home energy makeover, travel packages, and–of course–lots of moola!!! You don’t need to be present to win and it isn’t very expensive to participate so why not adopt at least one? =)

There are different packages available so that everyone can participate. The cheapest is a Lone Duck for $5.00. There are two options for mid-level packages which both cost $25.00. The first is the Quack Pack. It includes five entries into the duck race, a souvenir duck, and coupons for local merchants. The second option is the Six Quack. Choosing this option will earn you six entries in the race, but no souvenir duck. The final package, the Quacker’s Dozen, is only available online. This package gives you thirteen duck adoptions for the price of ten, the souvenir duck, and the coupons. If you don’t like to use your credit card online, you can also adopt a duck at one of our local adoption agencies. If you’re feeling motivated enough, you can even become part of a sales team and earn more chances to win great prizes like a BBQ grill or a cruise vacation!

The ducks are all “dressed” in different costumes from their various sponsors. There is even a contest to vote for the Best Dressed Duck! The only catch is that you have to be 18 or older to participate, but who’s to say that you can’t purchase ducks for your children too…hehehe. Anyway, it is a really fun and creative way to earn money for a really good cause so, if you have the means I fully urge you to participate. Have fun…and may the best duck win!!!

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John Barbas WGAS Monster and Tough Trucks are coming to the Dixon Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday as the grand finale of Dixon’s 4th of July celebration!!! The pre-show will begin at 5:45PM with the Monster Trucks coming on at 6:15PM. They are also allowing people to enter the Tough Trucks competition themselves if there are any brave souls out there who don’t mind trashing their cars! To participate, contact WGAS Motorsports at 530-745-0100 or via email. If you come to the stadium early enough, they will also be giving rides in the Monster Trucks–which is always a real crowd pleaser!!! The best part though is that it is relatively inexpensive. Admission to the park itself is $4.00. Then, admission to the show is $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for kids. However, if you purchase them online you get a 30% discount, making them $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for kids. You can also purchase all day wrist bands for Monster Truck rides for $25.00 each. In any case, my roomie works for the Dixon Tribune and was lucky enough to score us free tickets to the event. We’ll be out there on Sunday–probably hanging out by the fried twinkie and fried snickers stand–and hoepfully I’ll see you there! Have a good weekend everyone…

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It’s that time of year again and there are a TON of places to check out some amazing fireworks displays in and around Sacramento. I think the general idea was to guarantee that you could pretty much go outside and see them anywhere in the area–that way they can try and cut down on all of the fireworks related fires. In any case, there are ten within thirty minutes of downtown Sac alone…and even more in the surrounding areas.

There are a couple in particular that look like they would definitely be worth checking out. Citrus Heights‘ celebration will start at 9:40PM which will act as the grand finale for their Sunfest arts and crafts celebration. They are calling the actual fireworks display a sky concert, featuring live simulcast of 98 Rock. It will be located at Sunrise Mall where Shriners Children’s Carnvial will also be enjoying its final day for the summer.

In Rancho Cordova there will be a huge celebration at Hagan Park. Legendary 70’s rock band America, whose hits include “Sandman” and “Lonely People”, will be onstage from 8:15PM until 9:45PM when the fireworks will begin. Admission will be free with an $8.00 parking charge.

The big one of course will be tonight at 9:30PM at Cal Expo. They are boasting the “largest scale pyrotechnics display in the history of the area” so I’m sure it’s bound to be spectacular! Innersoul will also be performing live at 7:30PM. Admission will be free, but there is a $7.00 charge for parking. If you’re not from around the area–or if you will be drinking!!–I suggest that you consider getting a hotel room somewhere in the area. Best Western Expo Inn wll be offering a fireworks special on our queen suites. The discounted rate will be $110.00 plus tax and will include a view of the back of Cal Expo where the fireworks will be set off.

If you’re willing to drive though, I’d reccommend heading up to South Lake Tahoe for Lights on the Lake. It is ranked as one of the top five displays in America by the American Pyrotechnics Association. It will run for over thirty minutes and features a wide variety of patterns, lights, designs, and shapes that are all synchornized to a soundtrack via computer. The accompnaying music can be heard on KRLT-FM 93.9 and KOWL-AM 1490. The fireworks themselves will be launched from an off-shore barge creating the illusion that they are coming from the lake itself. Even with the recent fire troubles in the area it is sure to be a stunning display like no other.

Regardless of what you choose to do, remember to be safe. If your county or city has ordinances regarding fireworks it is FOR A REASON!!!! Please do not disregard them as home fires are a devestating tragedy that no one wants to go through. Just please be careful and have a very happy 4th of July!!!!

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If you’re wondering where to take your husbands and fathers on Sunday, then I would highly reccommend that you check out The Firehouse 1112 Second Street in Old Sacramento. It was originally the home of Engine Company No. 3 in 1853 and was the first of Old Town’s buildings to be restored. Since it’s reopening it has become a popular favorite here in Sacramento. It has receievd numerous awards including the “Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator Magazine and the “Award of Ultimate Distinction” from Wine Enthusiast.

Anyway, they’ve put together a pretty impressive brunch menu just for Father’s Day. It sounds a little bit pricey ($36.95 for adults and $14.95 for children 12 and under!!) but it also sound like one of the few places where it’s actually WORTH the steep prices. Brunch will begin with a starter buffet of crudités of assorted fresh vegetables, exotic fruits, cheese, salad, and pastries. The adults will then have a choice of five entrées such as Crab Cake Benedict, King Salmon, and Coconut Prawns. Children get to choose between Penne Pasta, Crunchy Chicken Tenders, and Scrambled Eggs with Ham Steak. I thought this was pretty thoughtful since most fancy restaurants don’t really offer a good selection for children–especially not on menus designed for specific days like Father’s Day. They even carry this thoughtfulness on to the dessert course where the children get a special ice cream sundae dessert instead of having to eat one of the fancier desserts (Pistachio-Almond Chocolate Bombe or Strawberry-Key Lime Cheesecake) that children often dislike just from hearing the complicated names.

Brunch will be served from 10AM-2PM on June 17th and reservations are required as it is sure to be a very popular selection for Father’s Day. You can call for more information at 916-442-4772.

If you are unable to get reservations (or if you’re like me and prefer to stay in bed a little later!!) then you can still enjoy the restaurant’s regular menu as a special treat for dad as well. Dinner will be served from 5PM-9Pm and will consist of three courses and a variety of delectable dishes including everything from oysters to foie gras, roasted pheasant to live Maine lobster, and rack of lamb to Atlantic King Salmon. (And their dessert menu isn’t too shabby either!!) Either way, you’re guaranteed to have an excellent gourmet meal and an elegant ambience that is sure to make ANY hardworking dad realize how very special he is!

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Since the weather is starting to get to the normal and UNBEARABLE heat that characterizes the typical NorCal summer, I figured it’d be nice to find some sort of relief for all of us. I had thought (along with pretty much everyone I know who lives here) that the water park at Cal Expo had been torn down. However, I recently found out that it’s just under new management now and is no longer being called Waterworld. Instead, it is now being run by Raging Waters. There are now a total of eight thrill rides to choose from including the Shark Attack Complex featuring the tallest and fastest inline water luge in Northern California–The Great White–and the Hurricane Bay Slide in which riders have to navigate through complete darkness. They also have a brand new slide that just opened this year called the Dragon’s Den. In addition, there are other attractions geared more towards children–such as Hook’s Lagoon–so that everyone can have a good time.

The newly rennovated park also now features a variety of activities to make the day more complete. They have sand volleyball pits, horseshoes, and even private cabanas that you can rent for $80-$125 a day if you want somewhere a little bit more private to hang out. The best part though is that they have set out to improve customer satisfaction as well. To that end, they have set up a variety of different sales promotions. To begin with, if you purchase an adult day pass for $29.99 anytime before June 30th, you will automatically receive a free Splash Pass. This will gain you free entry to the park for the rest of the summer–with the exception of a couple of Holidays like the 4th of July and Saturdays before 3:00PM. For ten dollars more, you can get a non-restricted Season Pass. However, you should be aware that prices will be a little bit more during the California State Fair because the park is located at the fairgrounds.

Also, starting this year, the Season Pass is now valid at the other Raging Waters locations in San Jose and San Dimas. The best part though is that they are also now offering a 100% Money Back Guarantee. If you’re not happy with the park, you can get your money back as long as you’re there for no more than an hour. This is pretty nice since it gives you a chance to kind of see what they have to offer (and how busy it is!) and not get penalized if you decide it’s not really your cup of tea.

If you’re not going to be in the area often enough to need a Season Pass, there is an additional discount that you can receive. Stop by the Best Western Expo Inn (located at 1413 Howe Ave) before you go to the park and pick up a flyer next to the Front Desk. On the back, you will find a coupon good for $4.00 off of General Admission. This is extremely worthwhile as the park is located less than a mile from the hotel at 1600 Exposition Blvd. If you’re more into saving time and avoiding lines, you can also purchase your tickets online.

Throughout the summer, the park is open from 10:30AM-6:00PM Monday-Friday and from 10:30AM-7:00PM on Saturdays and Sundays. You can find detailed driving directions here or you can contact the park directly at 916-924-3747.

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…If you’re going to be in twon tomorrow, the Sacramento Zoo is having a California Celebration tomorrow, June 2nd, from 9AM-4PM. They will be celebrating California’s cultural diversity with live entertainment such as the California Middle School Band, the Hmong Women and Men Circle, and Folklorico Aztlan de Sacramento. These performances will take place at the Reptile House Lawn Stage. There will also be special exhibits by Bug Planet, Sacramento Area Beekeepers Association, and Norcal Bats among others. The Zoo will also be celebrating their 80th birthday–a very special occasion as it is also the 80th birthday for their oldest animal on exhibit–Herkimer the Desert Tortoise. They will even be giving him a special veggie cake at 12PM. Be sure to take enough time to just enjoy the many things that the zoo has to offer too. There are over 400 animals on display including Sumatran Tigers, a brand new exhibit of Magellanic Penguins, and the ever popular array of primates =)

The zoo is located at 3930 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822. For more information, call 916-264-5888 or visit saczoo.com. Admission costs are $7.50 for adults and $5.00 for children on the weekends. However, if you take a detour to Best Western Expo Inn (located at 1413 Howe Ave, Sacramento, CA 95825), we have a flyer that doubles as coupon for 50% off for up to six people. If you need directions, you can call us at 916-922-9833. It’s definitely worth the sidetrip–especially if you have a large family like mine

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