Level Up
The Capital Region is cashing in on the big business of comic conventions
Comic-themed conventions, or cons, have been around since the 1970s. Even the Capital Region has had its own Sac-Con since 1989. In those days, the events were small affairs attended by a hard-core smattering of lonely youth and middle-aged men speaking their own jargon-filled language. But in the past five years, something changed. Cons became cool.
East Meets West
Indo Cafe spices up Old Sacramento’s food scene
New Yorkers Jim and Tessa traveled west from New York to California. They met up with friends in the capital who gave them a tour of Old Sac, pointed out Indo Cafe and mentioned casually that the owners were looking to sell. It was kismet.
Above the Bottom Line
State Treasurer John Chiang on California’s credit rating, tax increases and investing for the future
As California’s banker, Treasurer John Chiang has the responsibility of managing the state’s investments and financing. We sat down with him recently to talk about the California economy and his calls for the state to increase affordable housing and for corporate boardroom diversity.
Brain Traffic Control
With new brain-scanning methods, scientists aim to make Alzheimer’s disease history
According to Dr. Charles DeCarli, director of UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Center, finding the catalyst (or catalysts) could help researchers determine ways to stop Alzheimer’s disease before it even starts. “One of the things we’re pretty sure of right now is that the earlier we intervene, the more likely we are to prevent dementia,” he says.
Comic Crash
How offing Superman almost killed the comic industry
The day Superman died, I was one of millions of people in line throughout the country. It turned out that I could not have picked a worse time than the early 1990s to start collecting comics. I knew nothing about speculation, and larger economic forces of which I was completely ignorant were at work. Shortly after Superman died, he nearly took the entire comic industry with him.
Crazy for Comics?
Comic fandom is sweeping the country — and California. On a scale of 1 to 5, how into the scene are you?
The New Hip Chick
With the spotlight on commercial egg farming, will the pasture-raised bird steal the show?
The implementation of California’s Proposition 2, which expanded space requirements for hens that produce eggs sold in California, has had ripple effects impacting producers, distributors and consumers throughout the nation. But as animal rights activists and demanding consumers realize the law hasn’t reflected their ideals, and as the price gap between commercial and specialty eggs narrows, will the elite pasture-raised egg enjoy a rise in popularity?
Smarty Pants Don’t Always Fit
Critical thinking and communication skills are more valuable than fancy credentials
Hiring is a confounding game. Some people have a great knack for it and an intuitive sense about people — but even they can get it wrong. The world-renowned Disney Institute hires “attitude versus aptitude,” and you would be wise to do the same.
Toxic-Content Cleanse
Make sure you're getting the most out of your website
Old or poorly planned content can render your website ineffective and obsolete. Here’s how to flush it out.
Where’s the Best Bike Path?
We want you to tell us
May is Bike Month, and we’re looking for the best bike path in the Capital Region. If your favorite path isn’t listed, let us know in the comments!