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Feuds, Film Critics & Around Town |
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Written by Don Chaddock
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PIC PICK – This week’s snapshot of the Reiner family comes courtesy of the new “Family Feud” show. The Reiners are, from left, siblings Jason, Lisa and Krissy and their parents, Denise and Tom. The Auburn area residents played against a Georgia family in the show hosted by John O’Hurley (best known for his role as J. Peterman on “Seinfeld” and winner of “Dancing With the Stars”). Of the family, O’Hurley said, “(They have) a long history of watching the show. All that research will make them a tough challenge.” You can watch the families battle it out beginning Monday. Check local listings for showtimes.
NOW EVERYONE CAN BE A CRITIC – Early in my career, in an effort by my editor to woo younger readers, I was tasked with penning movie reviews. For me, it came naturally. I had a passion for films thanks to my parents, who watched movies with their “critic’s filters” fully engaged, discussing themes, character development and storytelling on the car rides home from the theater.
In my early 20s, I was slaving away at my hometown fish wrapper (the Merced Sun-Star) as a lowly copy editor and general assignment reporter. At the time, I was writing movie reviews for another publication (a science fiction and fantasy tabloid that’s now defunct) that specifically targeted a younger audience. Sun-Star Editor Norm Martin, who was aware of my extracurricular actitives, decided I was just the guy to handle the same task in a new publication the newspaper was launching called Gateway, an entertainment and weekly “things to do” guide. I shared duties with longtime entertainment and wire editor Rick Albright, a great guy who worked at the paper for 35 years. Those were wonderful times and I will always look back on them with fond memories. Heck, getting paid to watch movies isn’t a bad gig. So, when the Old State Theater in Auburn announced they were launching a new program called “Off Hours,” I was intrigued. Theater owner Theresa Cote and Beverly Lewis, of the Placer-Tahoe Film Office, have crafted a series of lectures and seminars to be held at the theater. The first two will be Saturday, May 10 and Wednesday, May 14 from 10:30 a.m. to noon and features Michael Callahan, a former film critic for two national publications and a professor of film at the University of Southern California and Loyola Marymount University. Dubbed “How to Watch a Movie,” the interactive presentation and open discussion will help teach moviegoers how to better appreciate films. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for students. For more information, or to take part in an online survey to help develop the “Off Hours” program, visit www.oldstatetheater.com.
WATERING HOLE MUS-INGS – Last Wednesday night I visited the Club Car to sip cold brew and listen to the DoubleShots. Others enjoying the tunes were Auburn Mayor Keith Nesbitt, local attorney Dave Mackenroth and his wife Gail, Bertie Rau and John Rompala. ... A Friday night dinner at Carpe Vino found us seated at a table next to Brenda and Jon Newsom, of Newcastle. Brenda is the former chief of the Loomis Basin Chamber of Commerce. It was certainly nice to see them again.
AROUND TOWN –Annie, one of the lovely ladies who serves good grub to scores of diners at Edelweiss Restaurant in Downtown Auburn, is taking a trip across the pond. She plans to visit the British Isles for two weeks and we wish her a safe journey and a great vacation. ... Speaking of Edelweiss, while having lunch recently with Frank Crowley of Granite Community Bank, we bumped into Richie Ladyman (a bartender at the Club Car a few years ago). He’s now sporting an Army Reserves uniform and had stopped in with his other military buddies between training sessions at the fairgrounds.... The Karfluki Festival is always a nice time. Pirates, belly dancers, jugglers, sassy beer-serving ladies and some great music make the festival a “must attend.” It’s too bad the fairgrounds bumped Karfluki off their schedule next May, forcing organizers to move it into June. I hear the rodeo folks wanted the weekend Karfluki had already reserved so the rodeo would have less chance of rain. Oh well. ... The Krates, an Auburn area band, was named “Best Local Band” in the KCRA 3 A-List. Other Auburn winners include Mickey’s Boots for “Best Men’s Shoes” and Awful Annie’s for “Best Breakfast.” The view the complete list, go to www.kcra.com/alist. ... Locals turned out in force for Monday’s Cinco de Mayo bash in Old Town Auburn. Some of those enjoying the festivities were Rob Haswell, Dennis Arrieta, Dave Werkley, Paul Ogden, Rich and Peg Johnson, Steve Conklin, Nancey Holland, Pat Aiello, Sonja Vargas and Shari Smith. ... Placer Land Trust will hold an “early bird walk, brunch and walking tour” with Brian Williams and Joe Medeiros on Saturday, May 10 at Big Hill Oak Woodland Preserves. For details, call 530-887-9222. Cost is 10 bucks.
Don Chaddock is the executive editor of the Sentinel. His column, “Biscuits & Gravy,” publishes weekly. He may be reached at
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or by calling 530-823-2463.
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