In case you want just one more look at how 2008 came in here’s a look at Time Square in New York 2008 courtesy of YouTube.

A couple of days ago we talked about things to do in Sacramento for New Year’s Eve, but one thing we didn’t mention was how you can have safe transportation if you plan to ring in the new year with a few drinks.  There are lots of alternatives to drinking and driving and here are a few tips to help you stay safe in Sacramento on New Year’s Eve:

1. You could have a designated driver (but can you really trust someone to not drink when everyone else is having so much fun).
2.  Call a taxi (click on this link for a list of taxi services).
3. Hire a limo (click on this link for a list of limo services).
4. Ride the RT for FREE!
5. Call your Mom!

Don't Drink and Drive

SMUD is helping recycle Christmas trees through January 3, 2009.  Recycling trees will keep them out of our local landfills.  Click on this link to find times and places for recycling Christmas trees in your area.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree

You can ring in the New Year with the kids down in “Old Sac” at the waterfront watching fireworks and taking part in all the free kids activities like magic shows and children’s music. Or if your budget has more room you can make your Gold VIP reservation at the Park Ultra Lounge for eight to ten of your friends for only $1100; that includes a VIP host and waitress, a bottle of  Piper Heidseick champagne and fresh strawberries.  There are lots of in between options for those of us without an unlimited budget.  Just click on this link for a look at some New Year’s Eve things to do in Sacramento.

Happy New Year!

Christmas is only two days away so if you still need a boost in your Christmas Spirit here’s a little tune courtesy of YouTube to help you out.

Grant won the state’s Open Division Bowl game Saturday night over Long Beach Poly.  Heavy underdogs entering the California Interscholastic Federation Open Division State Football Championship Bowl Game, the Pacers upset Long Beach Poly, ranked No. 1 in the state by Cal-Hi Sports and second nationally by ESPN Rise, 25-20 at the Home Depot Center.

 A parade for the Grant High School football team is planned for Tuesday, coach Mike Alberghini said Sunday afternoon.  Alberghini said the parade was expected to run about 2 p.m. from the Del Paso Heights School to downtown Sacramento.

Grant Wins State Title

Personally I think winter started at least a week ago with snow in the Sierras and cold wind and rain for Sacramento, and don’t forget that snow in Las Vegas.  But if we are going to be politically correct we have to observe the first day of winter on December 21st this year.  What it truly boils down to is that this is the shortest day of the year when measured in hours of daylight; then the days gradually get longer until sometime in June the longest day of the year marks the beginning of summer.  Sounds like a simple process, but I’m just glad someone else has to measure and keep track of these things.  If I were in charge of deciding when winter starts and when summer is officially here, I would just say winter starts when it’s cold and summer is here when it’s hot.  But, since I’m not in responsible for the changing seasons, we’ll just go with the official date of December 21st.  So you better get up early because daylight is going to be scarce; “old man winter” is coming to town!

First Day of Winter December 21st

This was the first time in 30 years they had this much snow in Las Vegas.  The ski resorts in the Sierras were happy to see the snow that started falling last weekend, but vacationers were surprised to find snow on the strip in Las Vegas.  So if you are planning a “hot trip” to Las Vegas, maybe you should just stay in Sacramento and snuggle up by the fireplace instead.  Click on this link to check out snow pictures from last night in Las Vegas courtesy of lostinhenderson.com.

Snow in Las Vegas

Holy Tango, Batman!  Dancing With The Stars is coming to Sacramento on Monday, December 22, 2008.  With all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood the dancing stars will hit the stage at Arco Arena on Monday night at 7:30PM.  This dancing phenomenon has swept the nation and now we get to experience a little bit of the toe tapping right here in River City.

 The tickets are a little pricey; the range is from $52.75 to $168.25.  But if you really have that dancing spirit grab your partner and head on out to Arco for a night with the stars.

Courtesy of YouTube here is a little dancing inspiration with Brooke Burke the last winner on Dancing with the Stars.

Check out Sacramento Gas Prices in the right column called Sites To See under Services and Things to buy!  The Costco at 7000 Auburn Blvd. near San Thomas Drive has gas for sale for $1.49 per gallon.

Banks are failing, Wall Street is crashing, the “Big Three Auto Makers” are talking about bankruptcy, but the good news is if gas prices hang in there maybe we can afford to drive to Grandma’s house for Christmas dinner. 

On the Road to Grandma