I was looking for a movie to “waste” a couple of hours when I read the reviews on Oliver Stone’s movie W.  This movie seems like a long news reel about the life of George W. Bush, one of our most unpopular presidents in history.  I think we all have so much “Election Fatigue” that a movie about anything political is more like a punishment than an entertaining diversion for a couple of hours.  I didn’t expect to find a movie that would make a lasting impression for the rest of my life, but I don’t want to pay to spend two hours listening to anything remotely connected with politics.  Since we are bombarded with all things political right now, even if Barney the purple dinosaur was running for mayor I can’t imagine paying to see him.  Although it might be fun to see if Barney’s “I love you, you love me” philosophy would sway any voters; and would his purple color better match Republican Red or Democratic Blue? (Or is purple the perfect blending of both?)

Personally I think Oliver Stone should have waited about 20 years to release this movie so it wouldn’t be conflicting with current impressions of a president in office.  Let the next generation decide his fate in the annals of Hollywood.  It’s always easier to keep your perspective when you are looking at something that happened to someone else.  Even though we look at him with admiration I wonder how the people in Washington’s day would have reacted to a movie about his fatherly role in the formation of our country back in 1776.  I can hear the neighbors talking now,  ”What does that young upstart know about being the father of a country?” and “Of course you’re right dear, even though that white wig does make him look a little older.” 

After all that reading of movie reviews, I decided to just stay home and watch “Saturday Night Live” do political spoofs on TV.  Much funnier, and if I’m going to waste time anyway at least it was free. 

Oliver Stone Movie called W.

Sounds like a patriotic rock group, but “Freedom’s Sisters” is really a walk through history.  The exhibit “Freedom’s Sisters,” honoring 20 African American women for their work in the cause of civil rights opens Saturday, October 25, at Sacramento Central Library, 828 I Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, located downtown and will continue through January 4, 2009.  It was put together by the Cincinnati Museum Center, organized for travel by SITES, the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services, and funded by Ford Motor Co.  Sacramento is the second stop, and only West Coast destination, for the exhibit that will tour nationally for three years.  Another fine example of cultural diversity in our Sacramento community.

Freedom Sisters

On Halloween, October 31, 2008, bring your little spooks to the Sacramento Zoo where they can trick-or-treat around Lake Victoria.  There will be a costume parade, pumpkin bowling, and other entertainment, plus fun crafts, games and goodies.  This event is geared toward kids under 10 years old so they can have a safe environment for a fun time.  Tickets are $9 for kids 3 and over while kids under 2 are free.  Admission is only $5 for Zoo members.

Boo at the Zoo

The Sacramento Zoo is located at Land Park Drive and 16th Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95822.  Click on this link for directions.

Starting today October 23, 2008, The Sacramento Ballet begins its 2008 – 2009 season with a performance of “Alice In Wonderland” based on the classic tale by Lewis Carroll.  It may be too late to attend today’s performance but you can follow Alice down the rabbit-hole to the land of mad tea parties and Cheshire cats for a wonderland of fun through Sunday, October 26.  For those of you who think Sacramento is not a destination city because of lack of cultural events you should attend one of these magical performances.  If you have never been to the ballet this is a great opportunity expand your horizons and see what you’re missing.  This is an event that the whole family can enjoy.

Sacramento Ballet Presents Alice in Wonderland

You can buy tickets by phone, on line, or at the box office of the Sacramento Community Theatre located at 1301 L Street, Sacramento, Ca 95814.  Tickets are $38 but worth every penny.  For more ticket information click on this link.

If you look at the Sites to See over in the right column there is a link called Sacramento Gas Prices.  I am pleased to report that at least 15 places in Sacramento had gas for sale under $3.00 within the last 72 hours.  The cheapest price was at Franklin Gas and Mart at 4991 Franklin Blvd, at only $2.93 per gallon.  That may not be headline news, but it’s at least a ray of hope between all the other bad news we’ve been hearing lately.  If you aren’t near Franklin Blvd. check our link to Sacramento Gas Prices to see where you can find cheap gas.  So good luck and save a buck!

Gas Prices in Sacramento

You can get a head start for Halloween!  If you are looking for a safe place for the kids to enjoy their Halloween costumes and the fun of trick or treating, this Saturday, October 25, will be trick or treat with the merchants in Old Sacramento.  Participating merchants will be passing out candy for the kids from noon to 5:00PM.  This is especially great for the younger kids because it’s before dark and not too scary.  Maybe just a good practice run before the real thing next week.  So get the kids all dressed up and head for Old Sac on Saturday afternoon.

kids in Halloween costumes

If you decided to stay home and watch Monday Night Football and missed the Sacramento Kings game tonight, you can still redeem yourself this week.  The Sacramento Kings have another preseason game on Thursday, October 23, 2008.  So you have a chance to go to Arco Arena and cheer on the home team when they play against the Houston Rockets.  Go Kings!

Sacramento Kings

If you haven’t visited a pumpkin patch to find that perfect little golden prize that represents Halloween, Thanksgiving, and even Autmn itself, it’s not too late.  For pumpkin patches near Sacramento just click on this link, and go find your little orange memory making ball of fun.  You can make a Jack-O-Lantern or just keep it au natural and make a pie for Thanksgiving.

Have you got your pumpkin yet?

Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock and Roll, is coming to Arco Arena on Wednesday, October 22, 2008.  It’s incredible to think that someone can have a career as long and successful as Tina Turner, over 50 years and still going strong.  Tina may be old enough, but can you even imagine calling her grandma?  No silver hair and walking canes for her.  She has won 8 grammys, sold over 180 million records and is one of the most successful female rock artists ever.  Tickets are $59.50 and up, for more ticket info click on this link.

Tina Tuner, the Queen of Rock and Roll

Here’s a short video of one of Tina Turner’s best songs “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” courtesy of YouTube.

This Monday, October 20, is a real dilemma for sports fans!  Do we stay home and watch Denver toss the pigskin with New England or do we support our Sacramento Kings in a pre-season game against Portland at Arco Arena?  For some people Monday Night Football is a staple of life, a weekly ritual, and almost a sacrilege to miss a game.  But on the other hand the Sacramento Kings are our team, part of the Sacramento Family, and we all know blood is thicker than water.  But the real question is, does “family” trump football, or will they understand if we don’t show up for all the family functions?

Sacramento Kings