Digital, film, and one hour photo services

As the world has immersed itself digitally, the need for one hour photo services may seem a thing of the past. However, there are still places that offer such services. Walgreens is one such place. Built into the chain of pharmacies, one hour photo services remain. They also appear to be in decent demand, at least in the Sacramento area.

One of my best friends and I participated in the Survivor Mud Run in Rancho Murieta this weekend (review to come). Knowing that we didn't want to risk damaging our good cameras or our cell phones, we looked into alternatives. She first purchased an under-water digital "disposable" camera from Rite Aid. Upon working with the camera ahead of the event, we realized it was not compatible with our computers and would have difficulty getting the pictures, so we decided to return it and go for the film option.

We stopped at another Rite Aid en route to the run. While the return required manager approval, the procedure seemed to go quite smoothly. We immediately turned around and purchased the under-water film camera. Everyone at the Rite Aid near Arden Fair Mall was friendly and our experience was very positive. We inquired about one hour developing services which they do not offer. The woman behind the counter had previously worked as a pharmacy assistant for Walgreens and suggested we try a Walgreens store as she knew they offered one hour photo services.

As we ventured out for dinner that night, we first stopped at a Walgreens that was nearby. I had called earlier to confirm their services, but by the time we arrived, they had experienced a problem with their machine and were unable to accommodate us. However, the young man suggested another Walgreens down the road. Off we went only to find that their machine was down as well. We found yet another Walgreens in Rancho Cordova. Their machine was up, but by this time we were facing a time constraint due to their closing time. Still, we had not given up. We simply decided to wait.

This morning, I was scheduled to visit a family member. I found a Walgreens in North Highlands that was perfectly convenient. It was on the way to her house and I would need to go by it again on my return trip home. I stopped in and their machine was working. There were two rolls ahead of mine, so the technician cautioned me that it could take as long as two hours. I mentioned to her that I did not live in the area and would need the film ASAP. She assured me it would not take any longer than that. I trusted what she said. I returned after my visit which got me back to the store slightly over two hours later, but I was still on schedule for my return home. My film was not ready. She explained that there had been a problem earlier with the machine, but it was fixed and my pictures would be ready in 35 minutes. Again, I trusted her.

I will give people the benefit of the doubt. I consider myself somewhat forgiving, especially in the service industry and I felt confident that she would get this done. I again reminded her that I did not live locally and I needed to get on the road. I also mentioned to her that I would have to contact my babysitter because of the delay. She said she would call my cell as soon as they were ready and I looked at her and confirmed that they would be ready in 35 minutes, stating what time that would be. She agreed.

I returned 40 minutes later (giving her an extra five minutes). She very apologetically told me that my pictures were not yet ready. At this point, I grew frustrated. She said they would come out of the machine any moment, then it would take five minutes to finish up the prints. This time, I stayed put. I did not go more than about five feet from the photo counter. During this time, she mentioned that she had gone on break (which I am sure contributed to the additional delay). I heard her mention to another employee that I was waiting for my pictures. At this point, she appeared to grow nervous. She started making different statements and promises to try to put my mind at ease. I repeatedly reminded her that I needed to get home to my children. At one point she asked me how much time I had. I said, "I have no time. I'm out of time. I needed to pick up my children an hour and a half away" at a time that was 35 minutes from when she asked. She offered me discounts. She apologized. After about 20 minutes of this, with me texting to check in with my friend who was watching my kids and posting about my frustration on Facebook, she walked over to the machine, checked a couple of buttons, opened it up, and pulled out my roll of film still yet undeveloped! Not only did I not have pictures well over three hours after dropping off my film, but she hadn't event processed the film yet! Now, I was very upset. The level of customer service here was the most frustrating part. I felt that I had been misled through the entire ordeal. I took my roll of film, and I left.

At this point, I have no reason to recommend Walgreens one hour photo services. Their equipment breaks down, as evidenced by not one, but three stores. One hour photo does not seem to take one hour, particularly if there are people ahead of you. Lastly, the customer service, particularly at the North Highlands location is severely lacking. If I had been aware earlier that the film hadn't even begun to be processed, I could have left. I felt misled and there is nothing that can bring back the loss of time. This not only affected me, but my friends and my children, as well.

I will use more caution in the future when seeking such services and will not rely on one hour developing being one hour. I suggest you use someone you trust for your photo developing and printing needs. Obviously, this is not something that can be decided on hastily, particularly if you are operating under any sort of time constraints. It is far better to allow the extra time and use someone you trust to have the job done right. Walgreens in North Highlands will surely not get my business in the future and I will be letting them know. I will also share this with my local Walgreens store. Using Walgreens at all but especially for photo developing services is not something I am in any sort of hurry to do. In the meantime, I was quite impressed with the ease of returns at Rite Aid and the friendly service we received.

Variety abounds at 10 East Kitchen and Tap House

In just about two weeks, what was a British Pub (Wellington's) in Turlock transformed into a kitchen and tap house that prides itself on its beer variety and offering some interesting variety of cuisine as well. 10 East has a new look and a new appeal that brings fresh flare to Turlock.

The appetizer menu includes some interesting options. The rice paper spring rolls have a kick to them that satisfies an appetite for something spicy. The vegetables that fill it are fresh and delicious. the sauces that accompany this appetizer can be unnecessary as the flavor is full and bold without any addition.

I need to preface what is about to follow with a couple of notes. One, when I saw upon the re-opening and introduction of the new menu that bacon-wrapped meatloaf appeared on the menu, I knew in an instant it would be the first entree I would try. I've craved it for close to a month. Two, I don't like ketchup and sometimes even chili sauce is too sweet for me. I fear perhaps I had built up an image, or an appetite, that would be difficult to satisfy. The longer it took me to get to 10 East, the more this craving grew for me. When I finally made it, I felt slightly disappointed because it just wasn't quite what I had hoped. Whether it was ketchup or chili sauce slathered on the top, it was far too sweet for me. The bacon lacked a certain crisp that I especially like. That said, I enjoyed layered meatloaf and mashed potatoes. I certainly would recommend people try it and decide for themselves whether or not it fits their appetite. I would likely try it again, but first there are a few other menu items I want to try. I will likely focus on appetizers, but I am anxious to try the Grilled Cesar Salad.

As for beer, I highly recommend using the "flights" to sample your way around the the taps. As someone who enjoys amber ales, Derek Walker was able to make some good recommendations for me and I enjoyed each of his recommendations. I went out on a limb and tried "Le Freak" which was far too "hoppy" for me; however, I am glad I tried it. It was worth trying and I finished all five ounces. According to Walker, "people either love it or hate it." Truly, there is no in-between. I will never order it again, but am thankful I gave it a try. I know people who will enjoy this and I for those who like like hops, it's worth a try. 104 IBU

Do you know what IBU means? I didn't, so I looked it up (after trying Le Freak). It refers to the International Bitterness Units scale. Had I known that ahead of time, I probably would not have tried Le Freak. So, I can say I am thankful I did not know that ahead of time because I am glad I gave it a try.

If you're looking for a place to sit and get your drink on and party with friends, this may not be the place for you. If you're looking for something with a little more class and a variety of beer selections that offer something for every taste, then give 10 East Kitchen and Tap House a try. You won't regret it. I will return and look forward to sampling some other dishes. Conversation with my dining companion was easy as background noise wasn't too bad. The Giants game was on television. And, yes, they still Guiness on tap. I fully recommend trying 10 East and finding the beer you love and a dish to eat that you can enjoy.

Merced Shakespearefest breathes new life into classic tragedy

Originally written (and posted elsewhere as a portion of another blog post) March 4, 2013

Don't let the headline fool you. The deaths that make "Hamlet" the classic tragedy that it is still occur. The dialogue holds true to William Shakespeare's original work. However, the cast in Merced Shakespearefest's "Hamlet," as directed by Heike Hambley, brings something refreshing to this play, and some special additions bring a bit of something new and bold to the play.

   Performed at the Merced Multicultural Art Center, the audience sits around, and at times essentially within, the action of the play. Hambley took some artistic liberty, and incorporated modern dress and cell phones into the play which offer a new perspective on an old favorite.

   Modesto JC theater instructor Michael Lynch brings classic style to the role of Claudius, and at one point, you almost have sympathy for the character who really is the villain who sets everything in motion leading to unfortunate, untimely deaths of many. Colton Dennis delivers Hamlet's lines with such passion that pulls in the audience and captivates them in each and every moment. He does not simply deliver the lines, but he is Hamlet.

   Hamlet and Ophelia (Emily Wilson) have a magical chemistry that ignites on stage. The possibility of the tragic end to their relationship comes through and the audience is left hoping that perhaps this time it will be different. Of course, it isn't.

   Wilson's portrayal of Ophelia  shows the transformation the young lady undergoes as her life unravels. The devastating blow comes with the death of her father, Polonius (Bert Roper). Wilson shines as Ophelia. Roper's delivery of lines at the beginning of Sunday's performance left something to be desired, but as the show continued, Polonius came alive, and Hambley's casting decision is justified. Another shining star in the cast is Greg Ruelas who's portrayal of Horatio moves play-goers in new ways. A whole different chemistry exists between Horatio and Hamlet.

   From leading roles to all of the smaller parts, the cast pulls off interesting choices and brings the work of William Shakespeare alive. Though the Merced run has ended, the cast will take the show to Mariposa for two nights. Performances are scheduled for Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9 at the Mariposa Playhouse. If you have the opportunity to go, do. You don't want to miss this! "Hamlet" kicks off the Merced Shakespearefest's 12th season. Later this year, "As You Like It" will be performed at Applegate Park.