I was perusing the internet, as I’m wont to do (I found out “wont” is synonymous with “accustomed,” and I plan on using it liberally), and I came across the Sacramento Comedy Spot website, as I’m wont to do, and read this (I’m wont to reading too):

“Talent Show Auditions (The Kong Show)
September 24, 2007
7:00PM- 9:00PM

Sacramento Comedy Spot
1716 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 410-7090

Call for appointment or just show up. Win prizes!
The Kong Show is a new amateur talent contest inspired by the popular 1970’s television show The Gong Show. Talented and not so talented contestants are judged by Sacramento Comedy Spot comedians and special guests. Not so talented contestants are whisked away by a Gorilla, or at least a guy dressed up in Gorilla Suit. The show is produced by Jason Casey.”

Perhaps a few metroblog readers have a talent? Show it! You could win prizes, or snuggle with a guy masquerading as a gorilla. This could be your big break!

We went to the State Fair about a week ago and oohed and ahhhed the bungee ride (looked like rubber bands flying) like most fair goers. But reading today’s Sac Bee article about the “unexpected shredding” of one of the cords and that two teenage girls were stuck in the malfunctioning ride gave me serious goose bumps.

Is a bungee thrill like that worth the risk? Ask the two girls who were in the ride when the cord shredded. Ask the parents.

It surely is a State Fair to remember–for those kids. And I won’t be letting mine ride a ride like that any time soon. No matter how much they whine and plead. I’d rather have them whining than have nothing at all.

Good Morning. Care to donate some blood?

Okay you know it’s a slow day at the blood bank when a Blood Donation vampire blood gatherer phlebotomist asks you as you’re passing by on the street on a walk break to donate blood.

And it was for a Sacbee blood drive. Come on Bee-workers?! I find it ironic that a group often accused of being bloodsuckers (not by me) is strangely stingy in giving it up.

For the rest of us: when was the last time you donated?

I do. I love it. It’s a great work out.

I also like swing dancing.

Try it - swing dancing - you’ll have so much fun. The premiere place for Sacramento Lindy Hoppin’ you ask? Midtown Stomp. They’ve been organizing dances, and coaxing swing bands to perform here for years, and it’s paid off. Their Friday night dances (at the Eastern Star Ballroom, 2719 K Street) continually bring in 100+ dancers, and performers like Steve Lucky and Stompie Jones (trust me, they’re good.). Admission is reasonable; $6 on DJ’d nights and $10 on live band nights.

Oh, and your paid admission includes a free lesson. I know! Great deal!

8-9pm - Beginning East Coast Swing
8-9pm - Series Classes
9pm - midnight - Dancing!

You get a lot for a few bucks. Groups like this deserve our patronage. They offer a great product for a reasonable price, and contribute to Sacramento’s fledgling nightlife. Let me know if you’re going. Maybe I’ll see you there.

The Sacramento Comedy Spot is getting more interest these days, especially with all their free shows. Take advantage this Friday, July 11, with another free performance at 9:30pm. This time Paul and Tiffany, two experienced improvisers take the stage for a show aptly named Paul and Tiff.

Think Battling Bickersons! Think Laurel and Hardy! Think Marx Brothers! Think I’m crazy? You be the judge! This Friday, take advantage of free hilarious improv. It won’t last forever.

Below, you’ll find the address and contact information for the Sacramento Comedy Spot.

D’oh! Margaret sent a message to Metroblogging Sacramento about Astronomy Day at Sac City College last weekend, and we missed it. Just like that. And it sounded like a treat.

If you’re a stargazer or would like to be one, check out the Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society. They meet monthly at CSUS and it looks like there’s some serious stargazing to be had, right here in Sacramento. Last year they had a Star-B-Q in July.

So tell us, SVAS, is there another Star-B-Q in our future? And we’re not talking about a Paris Hilton roast. We want to see some real stars.

May is Bike Commute Month and there’s a local effort to collectively log one million miles. Today there was a bike ride downtown to start the month off and there are more events all month long. Anyone can add their miles to the total by going to www.bikecommutemonth.com. There are weekly raffles and some other great offers. You can also find out about other bicycling-related events happening this month.

“What do you want to do tonight?”
“I don’t know. What do you want to do?”
“I don’t know.”

I think we’ve all been in this bit of nothing speak. I hate it. In fact, I hate it so much, I want to save you from these doldrums. Here is something you should do tonight:

Sac Comedy Spot Improv Battle

Sac Comedy Spot has been around for five years performing sketch and improv comedy, and tonight their very best improvisers compete for a $300 cash prize. Sacramento has limited options when it comes to comedy, so support the Sacramento Comedy Spot. If you like Whose Line is it Anyway? (you know, that show hosted by the portly Drew Carey) you’ll love the battle. And, for $7 it’s well worth the look.

Oh yeah, it’s time for picnic day once again. It’s in downtown Davis and on the University of California, Davis campus, a mere 15-20 miles from Sacramento’s city center. A parade, ice cream…maybe a dachshund race (do they still have the little dog races?), battle of the bands…it’s all about picnicking and having fun as the University opens its doors for the annual event.

I still recall the fun we had as kids going to picnic day. There was always an informal shaving cream fight before the parade. Loved that. There was always music, and shows, and then there was that weird cow who had a plug in the side so they could watch its stomach. Oh yes, and usually a freshly hatched batch of chicks to ooh and ahh over. I don’t know if they still do that anymore. But the best part of the day was that aside from feeding yourself…everything was free. (Looks like it still is.)

The parade begins about 10 am on Saturday April 14…you’ll want to get there early to beat the crowd.

I love penguins. Adding them as temporary residents to the Sacramento Zoo is going to mean a mandatory trip to ogle them sometime soon.

But these birds are just in from the city. Or should I say “The City” for all you SF snobs out there? I can’t help but think that this little Magellanic penguin family, just in from the cool coast, is in for a hot summer. It’s as cruel as putting a desert snake into the freezer. (Don’t try this at home.)

But I gotta hand it to the zoo-marketers in Sactown. I’m already researching the best time to visit. You have to make good plans these days, because it’s a real zoo over there (and now they have penguins!).