Cuuuuute

Love the concept of guys wearing shorts to the office. But...it can be scary if things don't fit right.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/31/fashion/31shorts.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

White Bordeaux: Oft-Forgotten Bliss

Yes, yes, yes...I've been telling people about white bordeaux and how delicious it is. I'm happy the Times wrote about it. Come have a glass with me.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/30/dining/30pour.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

"All the news that's fit to print"

It 's going to cost you more to pick up The New York Times.

The price for the Monday to Saturday newsstand will increase 25 cents, brinking the cost to $1.50. The new price will take effect on August 18. This comes a week after the Wall Street Journal said it will raise its newsstand price by 50 cents to $2 starting July 28.

A State That Never Was in Wyoming

Another story about Wyoming in the New York Times. The article talks about how in 1939, a group of rebellious Wyoming residents wanted to form a new state called Absaroka, pronounced "ab-SOR-ka," with chunks of South Dakota and Montana. It's a great read. So to all my friends who poo-poo'ed me for working and living in Wyoming, I told you so. Wyoming is the one place where you can find the best stories that papers like the New York Times want to cover. Go Wyo! http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/us/24wpa.html?em&ex=1217044800&en=d1f4b3a5d3037d9a&ei=5087%0A

(***This is the fourth MOST e-mailed story on the New York Times Web site.***)

A Healing Touch

Please take a moment to read and watch my friend's New York Times video piece about a chiropractic service for New York City's homeless. It's a great story.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/22/a-chiropractic-touch-for-aching-homeless-backs/

Daddy of 'em All

I went to the "California Rodeo Salinas" last night since I'm a rodeo expert now...hardly. But after having experienced two Cheyenne Frontier Days, I wanted to see how other rodeos were. First, the rodeo in "California Rodeo Salinas" is pronounced the Spanish way, roh-DAY-oh...as in Rodeo Drive. So I went to the roh-DAY-oh to catch rodeo events. They had all the events, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, bareback, steer wrestling, team roping, and you have Professional Bull Riders. (Wow, I do sound like a rodeo expert.) But it's nothing compared to CFD, and now I know why it's the "Daddy of 'em all." I did enjoy my time last night, in fact I had a great time with friends, and it did bring back fond memories of Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming. I'm so lucky that I got the chance to experience that rodeo and the concerts and those humongous turkey legs. Cowboy up!

Nelson Mandela Turns 90

An and amazing and inspiring story.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/19/world/africa/19mandela.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

You Get What You Pay For

Not too long ago, I slightly hinted that I liked Ikea. Their stuff's cheap and cute. But let's be honest, the quality is not the best. My coffee table is wobbly and one of my bookshelves is about to collapse. But for those on a tight budget, it's not a bad option. So these aforementioned attributes made Ikea somewhat attractive to me...that is until I experienced their Returns/Exchanges line.

First, you just don't wait in line, you need to get a number like how you need one at a bakery or a butcher shop. (By the way, do they still do that?) My first attempt at returning a bookshelf was futile. I pulled number 90, and they were serving number 70. I guess, the line could have moved fast, BUT, the employees were extremely slow. After each customer return, they would slowly print out these barcode stickers, place them on the items, and then disappear behind these plastic curtains like the ones in walk-in meat freezers. After about 20 minutes of waiting, I left. I returned to Ikea today, and the wait was much slower, but again, but still draining.

Ikea is like a combination of Costco, Wal-Mart and Target. You push around truck carts, walk down big aisles, get items at wholesale prices but then there's a bit of panache and "artistic flair," if you will. Ikea just opened their 35th store in New York City. My gosh, I can just see mad New Yorkers flock to the Ikea in Brooklyn's Red Hook section just south of the BQE. I guess, as you wait for your number to be called to return a tablecloth, you can enjoy the views of Lady Liberty and Manhattan. Again, Ikea's cheap...but the parking lot, the feeling that you're lost, not finding items listed in their catalog, and the dreaded Returns/Exchanges line. Yep, you get what you pay for.

Lennon's Lyrics Sold

A bit late on this post...but earlier this week John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance" lyrics were sold at auction in London for nearly $800,000. The prior owner was in the hotel where Lennon penned the lyrics. Pretty Cool.

Ha-pi-tu-mi-te-yu

A fun article from the AP about the Beijing summer olympics. Enjoy.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/getaways/07/09/china.beijing.ap/index.html

More Fires

California just can't seem to get a break. More fires, hot weather and gusty winds are fanning wildfires. Gotta give it up for the firefighters. More later. Be Safe.

Ugh, Defeat...

If you were like me and watched the Wimbledon match today between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, you probably yelled, squealed and jumped up and down. I was rooting for Federer, who reminds me of one of my other favorite tennis players, Pete Sampras. I watched in pain as Nadal went up two sets...but rejoiced when Federer -- the consumate athlete that he is -- came back in the third and fourth sets to force a 5-set match. It was an exciting match. My emotions went up and down. I don't care much for Nadal. Sigh, Federer did say that there is always next year. My eyes are on the U.S. Open now, and Federer's appearance. I am definitely going to try and attend a Federer match when I'm in New York to catch a Yankees game. Side: Okay, okay, I know many of you don't care for the Yankees, but c'mon, it's the Yankees, Yankees Stadium...no more after this season.

Happy 4th!

Independence Day snuck up on me! California is on fire...so please, if you plan to do buy fireworks, be safe and smart. On second thought, if you live in California, forego fireworks this year and just watch the fireworks display put on by the city.