Brooklyn Nets

 A few things to know about the Brooklyn Nets:

1. The team used to be called the New Jersey Nets. Prior to this, the team was also once the New York Nets as well as the New Jersey Americans. Yeah, because none of the other teams in the National Basketball Association can also claim to be American. Original.

2. Along with being the first season that the Brooklyn Nets are the Brooklyn Nets, the 2012-2013 season is the first season that the team is playing at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. The Barclays Center is pretty nice, but then again, Jay-Z likes it. Whatever Jay-Z likes is cool in my book.

3. Though previous team mascots included Sly the Silver Fox and Duncan the Dragon, the team's move to Brooklyn brought about a new mascot, the "BrooklyKnight." Personally, I'm not sure why they ever got rid of Duncan the Dragon.

4. Among the current players sporting the Brooklyn jersey is Mr. Kardashian himself, Kris Humphries. That's all I've got for you. I'd consider a joke along the lines of "the Nets have been playing in Brooklyn longer than his marriage to Kim," but that's overdone (and I haven't done the math but not sure if they've even reached that yet).

5. As of today, the firing of Avery Johnson leaves the head coaching position vacant. May I suggest the team replace him from their own coaching staff? Perhaps assistant coach Popeye Jones?

6. The Brooklyn Nets have an assistant coach, and former power forward in the NBA, named Popeye Jones.

"Paris vs. New York"

When thinking upon my favorite cities, I have often desired some sort of formal documentation that compares and contrasts the places near and dear to my heart. Well, throw any city in Wisconsin against pretty much any other city, and my guess is that sales potential is limited. What about New York City and Paris? Yeah, that will work too.

I have seen previous reviews about this book, in which it is referred to as a "love letter" to these great places. While I am familiar with the two title cities, I imagine that it's less like a letter and more like a note you'd pass on to your high school crush, in which you use a significant number of inside jokes. 

Yes, there are many icons universally known to both cities (example below: Statue of Liberty and Eiffel Tower), but beyond that, it is a lovely collection of images best appreciated by those familiar with The Big Apple and The City of Light. Ever taken a ride on the Metro or the Subway? If not, then the images of public transportation maps and tickets will have much less meaning. 

The book isn't really something you read but more something you admire and leave on a coffee table in your home for others to admire and think highly of you for being so worldly (just assuming that's what they would think).

Source: The Cut

Classic Christmas Music

As my family opened Christmas gifts, I introduced them to the joys of "Christmas Radio" on Pandora. However, as the day progressed, a few songs were absent from the playlist. These songs also happen to be accompanied by exceptional music videos. Our loss* is your gain. I now bring you two of my Christmas favorites.

"Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" - *N Sync

"Last Christmas" - Wham!

*It wasn't really a loss, because I made my family listen to/watch both songs on YouTube after all the presents had been opened. Not everybody was as excited about this vintage music as I was.

Chimay Brewery

While recently examining a local restaurant's extensive beer menu, assistance was requested to help out with a friend's selection. The waitress suggested a Chimay and began to explain that it was an exclusive beer from a monastery in Belgium, easily noted on the menu with small pictures of a passed out monk (actually not that easy to spot but really entertaining once you do... it really IS a a little drunk monk).

I had never heard of this before, but apparently I'm missing out. Another friend began to explain it as, "yeah, the monks were going out of business, so they started selling beer." While I cannot find a source to add credit to that story, it's a good place to start when discussing Chimay. In the Trappist monastery of Scourmont Abbey in Belgium, four beers are made, three of which are distributed in limited quantities. And this beer is GOOD.  

Source: Wikipedia

The French equivalents of Red, White, and Blue (Chimay Rouge, Blanche, and Bleue) are available for purchase in a select number of locations, but the exclusive "Doree" is the only one available at the monastery itself and is the beer the monks themselves choose to drink. In other words, who's up for a road trip to Belgium? And by "road trip, I mean whatever mode of transportation will get us there, because there are no roads from America to Europe...

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"

For a Saturday night, I'd consider a trip to the movie theater to definitely be an unexpected journey. However, that's not the point of this post, because while my harrowing trek to the cinema was very much a real journey, I'm sure people are more interested in hearing my thoughts on the classic, though very much fictional, prequel to Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. It also happens to be, first and foremost, a screen translation from the pages of J.R.R. Tolkien. Yes, it was also a book. Just wanted to make sure I reinforce that point.

Okay, back to the movie. I grew up reading the classic books and also grew up in a household of Star Wars fans, which I somehow parallel to Lord of the Rings (there are fans of both franchises that I definitely just offended with that comparison, so I want to quickly just send out a sweeping apology). I enjoyed the acting of Elijah Wood and Orlando Bloom. I even thought that guy from The Matrix was pretty awesome. I was a fan.

Bring in another movie to the franchise, and I was ready for it. Here's what I've got for you. Though a lengthy film, the plot was at least somewhat engaging though not as good as the other films, the special effects were realistic enough for non-realistic situations (but not as cool as the other films), and that guy from The Matrix was still pretty awesome.

"Birth of an Icon: DURACELL"

This video, courtesy of Procter & Gamble, really says it all. The Duracell battery is an icon. Now before you start rolling your eyes, let me just give you a little preview. Duracell batteries landed on the moon with NASA astronauts. Not a big deal or anything... 

And in true P&G fashion, they select the most sentimental music possible. Heartwarming. 

The "Fiscal Cliff"

With all of these talks regarding the "fiscal cliff," I naturally had to get in on the action. Considering the majority of my blog posts contain an abundance of nonsense and sarcasm, you may not have expected me to choose this topic (I did post a video of a dancing dog yesterday, after all). Surprise! Let's talk about the fiscal cliff!

Before I lose most of you at the thought of politics, I've decided to make this a "choose your adventure" kind of deal. You are presented with an option of two cliffs between which to decide...

Source: AP

(A) The first cliff puts our country's financial future in jeopardy! Budget cuts, tax rate increases, and bipartisan collaboration, oh my! (Let's allow this photo gallery from Forbes do the talking. It would do a much better job at explaining the situation than I would anyways..) Interesting, right? Nothing screams "cool blog post topic" like national debt-to-GDP ratios!

(B) Even if you didn't want to read about the fiscal cliff, you probably had to skim the above paragraph, meaning you were just tricked. As consolation, I'll give you the second cliff anyways. And if you read the above article, this will be your reward!

Puppy Chow

Among the many time honored holiday traditions I hold near and dear to my heart, puppy chow is possibly the least "holiday specific" but certainly among the most delicious. Crispy cereal, peanut butter, vanilla extract (yes, vanilla extract), and powdered sugar. What more could a person want in a dessert item?

I wanted to look up a video on how to make puppy chow, so as to enable you all to go out there and make this a holiday tradition of your own... but when this video, titled "Dancing Chow Puppy," appeared near the top of the search list on YouTube, I decided that you're all smart people. You can go out and search for a puppy chow recipe on your own. In the mean time, enjoy this video of a chow puppy dancing.

Holiday Greeting Cards

Use these as inspiration for a good holiday greeting card (at least in my opinion). That's all.

Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta: Where Are They Now?

I'm letting this one speak for itself. The song is called "I Think You Might Like It," which is really selling it short. I'm going to tell you that I know you will like it (or at least find it highly entertaining to watch an older version of Danny and Sandy two-step in a low budget holiday song).

Barry Alvarez

One of the most difficult transitions one must make when moving out of the Midwest and into the remote lands of the "East Coast" is the removal of St. Nick's Day from your life.

And as a true Midwesterner from the heart of America's Dairyland, the recent events surrounding my alma mater's football program were enough to nearly derail my stocking hanging and holiday celebration. But don't worry about me, because the greatest St. Nick's gift of them all is the fact that even though now-former head coach Bret Bielema decided to turn his back on the Badgers with only a month to the Rose Bowl, Wisconsin Athletic Director/former head football coach and Rose Bowl Hall-of-Famer Barry Alvarez is taking over. The Badgers are probably better off.

Need another example of why this is such great news, and you're either (a) not a Wisconsin fan or (b) not Facebook friends with any Wisconsin fans, most of whom all posted the following quote from Barry's press conference today?

"We aren't going to screw around, we're going to go out there and win." 

Source: Sconnie Nation

(This is a tee-shirt design. It will only run you $16.99 and would probably make a great St. Nick's gift.)

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Every year, Victoria's Secret is able to lure us in and convince us that we're watching a fashion show and not a one hour commercial for their stores. And every year, I end out that hour thinking that maybe this year, I'll actually go to a Victoria's Secret location near me and buy something when it ISN'T the Semi-Annual sale. 

I would just like to say that last night's show did not do any better at (1) getting a non-discounted purchase out of me or (2) convincing me that models are normal people just like you and me. While it's cute to hear the background stories of a few select "Angels," this isn't the Olympics. The stories aren't really inspiring or motivational when success follows being singled out at a mall somewhere and carted off to New York to toss your hair around and make faces at a camera. I digress..

Long story short, the people in the Victoria's Secret marketing department are brilliant, and even though I bitterly rant against it year after year, I still watch and still clearly love watching the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Admitting you have a problem is the first step, right?

In addition, I might now be obsessed with this playlist from the screening party for this year's show.. and all of the other Victoria's Secret themed playlists on this site..

Kate Middleton Pregnancy Headlines

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting a baby. You probably know that at this point, so I'm a little behind the times. However, my delayed reaction to the news is by design. I wanted to wait in order to bring you my favorite headlines and news stories related to the announcement. No further explanation necessary.

Source: Getty Images

"Queen of the Yummy Mummies and her tiny trendsetter"

 (Queen? Don't you mean Duchess?)

"Stylish maternity clothes are in Duchess of Cambridge's future"

(Maternity clothes will probably become stylish, regardless of pregnancy.)

"Prince William vows to protect wife and child"

(I'd certainly hope so.)

"Is this what royal baby could look like?"

(Somebody had fun with Photoshop.)

"Snooki gives Kate Middleton motherhood advice"

Secret Santa Gift Exchanges

Either I'm really feeling the holiday spirit or I'm simply enraptured by the mystery of the always traditional, always entertaining, always slightly awkward office Secret Santa gift exchange.

From the drawing of the names, during which nobody ever seems to get a person for whom they'd like to buy while everybody prays that fate won't allow "that guy (or girl)" to select their name, to the first gifts and theories on the unknown present providers, I'm all about it.

People lurk around areas of the office in which they'd normally only visit if pressing business matters led them there, and when you complain about that bar of soap or pair of hearing aid batteries you received (don't forget, I work at Duracell), you hope to yourself that the person to whom you express distaste isn't the one who carefully chose that gift for you.

But to the co-worker that purchased a goofy-faced pizza slicer for me (pictured below for reference) to fulfill the first day's low spend gift obligation, you either know me very well or took quite a successful shot in the dark. I actually needed a pizza slicer, so without any hint of sarcasm, I say thank you. And without any hint of shame, I also say that I think this pizza slicer is a little ridiculous but entirely awesome.

Source: Amazon (Kitch Gadgets)

Whiskey Advent Calendar

The holidays continue to bear down upon us and advertisers continue to do the same, though slightly more forcefully, and it seems you're constantly confronted with finding the "right gift for that special someone."

Look no further. This is the gift that's perfect for everyone (unless they don't drunk alcohol, either by choice or by recommended legal obligation). Gone are the days of subjecting yourself to the cardboard Christmas countdown calendars filled with frail chocolate squares that taste of plastic. Say hello to the whiskey advent calendar and replace the not-so-sweet-tasting sweets with a carefully curated selection of whiskey samples.

The month has already started, but that only means catching up with the days you missed will be even more fun! The price tag is a little steep, but you're not buying one gift so much as you're buying 25 really awesome gifts.

Source: Uncrate

Walt Disney World House Hunters

As Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida prepares to open the new Fantasyland expansion in the Magic Kingdom park next week, they've gotten pretty clever with their promotional content.

Okay, let's rewind a little. Walt Disney World is EXPANDING Fantasyland. The place that brought us "It's a Small World," "Snow White's Scary Adventure," and that fancy Cinderella carousel will have even more to offer than ever before! More attractions, more rides, more characters, and more food. Yes, more food. Who wouldn't be excited about a restaurant themed to look like the ballroom from "Beauty and the Beast?" No guarantee on the talking dishes, but as someone who spent part of their childhood thinking they were pretty much going to grow up to be Belle, the "Be Our Guest" restaurant sounds fantastic. What's even more fantastic? The fact that they gave Belle and Beast a chance to get on the House Hunters International train.

And now that I'm thinking about it, does Beast have a real name?

St. Andrew's Day

Being of Scottish heritage (we won't get into the question of "How Scottish are you?" because I know it's pretty insignificant when you break it into a fraction of my lineage), I enjoy celebrating what many consider to be Scotland's national holiday: St. Andrew's Day.

Who's St. Andrew? Even though I know who he is, I thought I'd ask this same question to Wikipedia  where I was told that he "is a Christian apostle and the brother of St. Peter." Understatement of the millennium. St. Andrew is pretty awesome, and I don't think he appreciates being put in the shadow of his brother Peter.

More important question. What does one do to celebrate St. Andrew's Day? Based upon my research, the day's festivities traditionally include: flying the flag of Scotland, wearing kilts, eating Scottish shortbread,  playing the bagpipes, and watching Sean Connery movies. Okay, I added that last one on my own, though I'm sure it's more than an acceptable way to pay homage to the great nation of Scotland.

Finally, and I believe this to be the easiest way to celebrate St. Andrew's Day and really the least you can do to honor Scotland (whether Scottish or not), drink Scotch whiskey.

 

 Source: Johnnie Walker

Homes with Taxidermy

Saw this article on The Huffington Post (link below photo) with a slideshow of houses filled by taxidermy. It's hunting season and the holidays, so maybe this is a logical fit for the season. Either way, all I want to say is, "wow." I've seen some interesting taxidermy before, but this assortment is something to truly behold. Again, I say, "wow."

I also have to appreciate an entire article about finding these kinds of photos on a real estate website. And I have to appreciate the fact that I'm writing an additional post about that article. Taxidermy is fascinating.

Source: Huffington Post

Powerball Lottery

Though the only source of this statistic is a casual office conversation (i.e. no idea how factual it is), I was told that you have a better chance of being elected President of the United States or being born with an extra finger than winning today's $587.5M Powerball. Among those three highly unlikely scenarios, I'd take the money.

But you can't win if you don't play, so I definitely bought a lottery ticket. What's even more significant here is the fact that I've never purchased a lottery ticket before, making this my first time getting a lottery ticket and hopefully my last time going into a bodega in New York City and excitedly proclaiming to a line of complete strangers, "I'm playing Powerball for the first time and don't know what I'm doing! But let's buy a Powerball ticket!"

Source: Getty Images

Melissa Rycroft

After Donald Driver won the previous season of "Dancing with the Stars," could you blame me if I didn't really think the All-Star edition of the show was quite as exciting. However, I had enough interest to at least check out who would win it all. Between Kelly Monaco, Shawn Johnson, and Melissa Rycroft, I can pretty much say I had zero preference for who should win, but when victory earns a disco ball (and to somebody that doesn't play for the Green Bay Packers), it's hard for me to make some kind of emotional investment.

Source: Access Hollywood

Congratulations to Melissa Rycroft! She went from Dallas Cowboy cheerleader to rejected contestant on "The Bachelor" to contestant on another ABC reality show, and she succeeds! That's all I've got.

Teamwork = Championships

My title is intended to say it all. Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls of the 1990's were awesome, and though it doesn't take an infographic to tell me that, it kind of makes me feel validated.

Source: Fast Company

"The Best Tourist Attraction on the East Coast"

The holiday weekend is over, and it's time to go home to New York. After watching this, I sort of wish I was heading for a different East Coast destination. Either that, or it's time to gather up the crew and take a road trip. Judging my what I'm seeing here, it's totally worth the drive.

T.G.I. Friday's

Did you know that T.G.I. Friday's had REALLY great drink specials on Saturday nights? Me neither.

Daily. 4 to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close. Cheap drinks. Franchise atmosphere and restaurant chain mediocrity mean nothing when you pay less than $5 for a Long Island Iced Tea.

Source: TGIFridays.com

And did you know that the second "I" in the T.G.I. Friday's logo wasn't capitalized, unlike every other letter in the logo? Me neither.

Flow Free

I don't see my five year-old nephew too often and like to think that our limited time together will be special and precious. And when the first words uttered to me are, "Aunt Whitney, where's your phone?" I know that  these precious moment will involve me downloading and playing apps on my cell phone.

Ordinarily, he picks out some sort of counting or throwing, logic or puzzle-type game with farm animals or ninjas or something that I will play and pretend to lose for a few minutes before ultimately deleting the game and claiming my battery was probably dead. But this time, he got me. I'm hooked on this game and will admit my addiction.

Download it. If you dare.

Holiday Wine

What would two consecutive days of holiday posts be without wine to go with that cheese (see: yesterday's post)? And who doesn't love (and need) a little wine to go with all of the family festivities? Clearly, all this "Thanksgiving" business has just gone ahead and made me hungry... and thirsty.

Today, I'd like to introduce the world to two different wines from my two most recent former home states (as in, the last two states in which I lived), both of which I am unofficially claiming to be perfect holiday wines: 

 Jones Family Farms: Harvest Time Apple and Pear Wine

A wine of apples and pears grown entirely in Shelton, Connecticut can't be bad. The description claims it to be a "marvelously light fruity table wine with just a touch of sweetness," and all I can say in response to that claim is: Marvelously light and fruity? Yes. Touch of sweetness? If I'm drinking that wine and enjoying it, you better believe it's sweet. 

Side note: if you ever make it to Connecticut and can swing by the farm, they do a wine tasting of over 5 different wines in both the "dry" and "off dry" varieties that costs under $10. Let's just say it's worth it and leaves you feeling marvelously light with just a touch of buzz.. and also leaves you with a souvenir wine glass.

Spurgeon Bay Vineyards: Ruby Lady

This "sweet grape table wine" is basically like drinking spiked grape juice. Granted, that's pretty much what most wines are, but this one is a Wisconsin classic. And even if it's not officially a "Wisconsin classic," it's at least a classic at my Wisconsin family Thanksgivings. Drinking attire of a white turtleneck not necessary but highly recommended (Image Source: snooth.com).

Cheese (yes, cheese)

Made my return to the great Dairyland of America, and though I've made this same journey many times before, what still amazes me is the state's actual commitment to dairy products.

Tell me that after spending months shopping in the corner markets and basement grocery stores of the urban East Coast, you wouldn't also be amazed at this sight:

And let me be clear that this was not the only display of cheese at Gordy's Country Market but rather just one outpost within the massive landscape of packaged food products. Some might call it heaven.

Snapette / Nine West Vintage America

What I had originally intended to be a quick post on the new Nine West Vintage America store I visited this evening in SoHo was quickly stolen by the evening's featured social shopping mobile application, Snapette.

We'll get to that, but because I feel guilty that I'm not giving the collection and a few select items their fair attention, here are a few select items:

If my discretionary income didn't feel like it was continually getting smaller and smaller, I'd probably buy all of this. Not like I need another pair of heels to exaggerate the height discrepancy between myself and others even further, but I wouldn't complain if I was doing that in a pair of these heels.

Back to Snapette for a hot minute. If you're like me, the photo gallery on your phone has random pictures of shoes, clothes, and accessories mixed in with everything else, even though pictures of family and friends should probably beat out cute inanimate objects that you want to show people and possibly buy at a future date, if you had the self-control the resist them the first time around.

This is where I believe Snapette comes into the picture (pun intended). Yes, it's basically Instagram and Pinterest for only fashion finds, but I'm good with that. And people that don't want to deal with my random in-store photos on their Instagram and Pinterest sites will probably be good with that too.

My Favorite Oprah's Favorite Thing

The holidays are nearly upon us, and if you haven't started listening to "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer," drinking peppermint mochas, or watching "Love Actually," you definitely haven't started gift shopping yet. But have no fear, Oprah is here!

 She may no longer be on ordinary network television, but thanks to the wonders of the worldwide web, you can still stalk down the hit wish list of every holiday season known as "Oprah's Favorite Things." While I oppose her theft of lyrics from one of my favorite Julie Andrews musicals and criticize the outlandish and unnecessary nature of her selections, I fall into Oprah's product placement trap every year.

Right next to the bizarre yet stylish Dyson blade fan, the nouveau chic Microsoft Surface tablet computer, and the Josh Groban holiday album (not surprising) is the one item on the list that stood out best to me. The Corkcicle.

Source: Oprah.com
Corkcicle.com

Sky Mall-worthy and more reasonably priced than the $238 set of bar soaps, this gift simply screams "I'm perfect for people that drink wine and are classy enough to care about the temperature of the wine, because they can tell the difference in taste!" Took me awhile to figure out it's not actually frozen water, but I'd still say that it's perfect for people that like novelty ice cubes and throw practicality to the wind. So really, it's perfect for everyone.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2

Some have called this movie the "perfect ending" to the Twilight Saga , and I have to agree in the sense that I feel any end to this franchise is perfect for me. No offense to the so-called "Twihards" out there, and maybe it's because I have never read the books or seen any of the other movies beyond the first, but I believe it to be a wonder that Twilight is as popular as it is. And for having the kind of dedicated fan base it does, I have to give Twilight credit.

Source: Wikipedia 

Going out to see a Sunday evening movie and planning to pick upon arrival at the theater, the options that greeted us were essentially 80% Twilight. If we're going to talk supply and demand here, it was a super-surplus of Twilight. However, as the undisputed #1 film at this weekend's box office, I was not entirely unhappy to take part in the cultural phenomenon.

I was not surprised by thinking that the plot was a little ridiculous, but I was certainly surprised by the very passionate audience of fans. I have never heard such a positive reaction to the prospect of decapitated vampires or such a content and happy sigh in response to a werewolf creature in love. Even though I didn't entirely understand it, did I applaud right along with the audience? You bet I did.

And then, when the overly extended credits rolled at the end, did I sit through them in entirety with the rest of the audience? Yes. But only because they didn't turn on the theater lights until it was over, and I felt the darkness created unsafe conditions for walking down the aisle steps. 

"It's Thanksgiving"

Yes, I know that it's not ACTUALLY Thanksgiving Day. I also know that this would be slightly more timely if featured on the actual Thanksgiving Day. However, I think that bringing it to your attention earlier will allow you to (1) fulfill your Saturday night party music needs and (2) memorize the words prior to this upcoming Thursday as a way to impress your family (or at least fill some awkward voids in conversation).

Still thinking that Rebecca Black's "Friday Night" wins on bad songs, but this comes pretty close. Of all the holidays to write amazingly terrible pop songs about, you pick Thanksgiving Day?

Hostess Brands

This goes out to Hostess and some of the greatest snack brands of all time. I keep hoping that this is all a bad dream, and I'll be able to go to the grocery store and buy Ding Dongs and Wonder Bread. What am I going to do when I'm preparing for the end of the world in about a month and need Twinkies that won't expire during the apocalypse?

Hey, labor disputes. Thanks for taking away one of America's greatest treasures. Looks like this world record might be undisputed for awhile..

Pantone Spring 2013 Colors

As winter settles in, we begin to pull together our cold weather gear, drink hot beverages in seasonal flavors, and almost instantly think about how winter was fun for all of five minutes and it can end any day now..

This brings me to my point. The season of spring. Let's just skip thinking about winter and go straight to thinking about spring and a forecast of slightly warmer weather as well as a forecast of spring's best colors, courtesy of Pantone. Namely, THE color of Spring 2013: Monaco Blue.

Appreciate it. Soak it in. Start stocking up on clothing in this color and the colors that are the runner up colors to Monaco Blue while still remembering that the colors will change for the following season. You now have no excuse for wearing ugly-colored clothing.

Source: WWD

People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive 2012

Just when I thought the week of announcements couldn't get any better, People magazine announced Channing Tatum as Sexiest Man Alive for 2012! It has been previously reported that Channing Tatum cries during "The Biggest Loser." I won't say it.. but I'm going to say it. This makes me question only one part of his new title, and that's the word "man."

And while he's had some recent popularity from a couple of movies (let's be honest, mostly "Magic Mike"), let's all go back and remember when he was the love interest of Amanda Bynes. "She's the Man" is more of a classic, if you ask me.

Source: "She's the Man" Tumblr

(There really is a Tumblr for everything.)

UK Word of the Year

The moment you've all been waiting for. Better than Christmas. Better than Thanksgiving. Better than those other random holidays and celebrations throughout the November and December months. Today is the day that the Oxford Dictionary announces its word of the year.. 

Source: Oxford Dictionaries UK Blog

Yes, "omnishambles" is your 2012 word of the year.. in the UK. I don't know that there's a US equivalent, but I've decided to disregard it if it exists, because I like the word omnishambles. Upon further examination of the word, you'll see that at its root it essentially means "everything's a mess." Next step? Incorporate into everyday conversation. Easily done.

Final note. Spell check doesn't formally recognize the word yet (which is an outrage in the word world, I'm sure). Lots of red underlining as I type this, but it's a real word just like Pinocchio is a real boy.

Gossip Girl

The Monday night tradition continues. Since September 2007, this CW drama has increased national sales of headbands and inspired a generation of girls to believe that the Upper East Side of Manhattan is a magical place filled with eligible, wealthy young men and girls that eat their breakfast yogurts on the steps of The Met.

Source: Wikipedia

Disregarding any discrepancy between melodramatic primetime and reality (I live in the Upper East Side and prefer to eat bagels at The Met, thanks), I'd like to focus on how this is the show's final season. Filled with awkward romantic relationships, high school drama, been-there-done-that plot lines, and a little more Barry Watson (of "7th Heaven" fame) than I was prepared for, it's probably a good thing it's the last season.

I'm not impressed. McKayla Maroney is not impressed. What's that? London 2012 Olympics jokes are outdated? Don't care. Starting to think that Gossip Girl may be the same way. Less relevant than they used to be but I'm still going back for more. (And yes, I still think McKayla Maroney jokes are funny.)

Source: Bleacher Report

Hurricane Sandy Relief

After reading the title of this post, just know that the basic theme here is that people are awesome.

Only two weeks since Hurricane Sandy hit the shores of the East Coast, and it's still being felt in New York City. While you may walk through the streets of Manhattan and feel as though nothing is out of place, it only takes a ride on the Staten Island Ferry (and a trip down the local transit a few stops towards the shore) to show you something a little different on a neighboring island borough.

I was fortunate enough today to make my way to Staten Island with a major group of Big Ten Conference alumni to see the area and to help the people there with their recovery efforts. What impressed me, besides how super cool the Big Ten and Wisconsin alumni are, was seeing the amount of people besides us that were also super cool and also out to help. And even last week, while some ran the unofficial NYC "Run Anyways" Marathon, hundreds of other runners made their way out to also help others.

Source: Christina Wallace (Instagram: @cmwalla) via USA Today

Outside of just the groups of volunteers, there were people with extra working gloves and face masks to help us make our way into the homes of residents to clean debris from yards and pull down walls submerged by the water. People came out with clothing as well as donuts, coffee, and even meals that they gave away, and you'd be surprised how great a home-cooked cupcake can be. Everywhere you looked, you saw the damage of the hurricane. But what's amazing is that you also couldn't look down a street without seeing crews of volunteers working to clean up that damage.

Like I said, people can be pretty awesome.

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez

Don't panic. America's sweethearts (unofficially), Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, are rumored to have broken up. It's been quite the journey for these two lovebirds, but on the bright side, I'm guessing we might get some pretty great music out of Bieber from this.

By "pretty great music," I'm not talking about another Christmas album.

"Crazy In Love"

Don't read too much into this post. I just had a realization today that has me convinced this is not only one of the best Beyonce songs of all time but just one of the best songs in general. Tell me you don't hear that opening and want to stop everything so you can dance. Or tell me and know that I won't believe you.

Happy Friday Night!

Jimmy Kimmel Halloween YouTube Challenge

I'd say that these parents are all horrible to do this to their children, but I can't say I wouldn't do the same.

As someone that frequently employed the threat of boycott as a child whenever my parents did something I didn't agree with, I can really identify with the girl who claims she'll never trick-or-treat again. That will teach them a lesson. Don't bite the hand that feeds you, especially when that hand is feeding you fun sized candy bars.

"Skyfall"

Got into an advanced screening of the new James Bond film "Skyfall," courtesy of Klout and the Cadillac ATS (quite a natural partnership). Let me just say a few things. And I promise that none of these things will ruin the movie for you. If anything, I hope that it will serve as a delightful complement to your viewing experience of the film.

First thing of those few things I'd like to say. Go see this movie. It's good.

Source: 007.com

Outside of recommending this film (and it's not the free drinks from before the film talking here.. thanks again for that, Klout and Cadillac!), here's what I'd like to say. Seeing "Skyfall" made me want to (1) immediately download the Adele theme song, (2) drink Heineken, (3) watch other movies that star Javier Bardem while knowing that they can't compare to how amazing he is in this movie, and (4) buy a Scrabble mug. Start to finish. I was a fan.

No further questions, please. But listen to this song and tell me you aren't considering a change in career paths to become a British spy.

Suffrage

In other words, let's talk about voting. Voting is important, and voting is awesome. On this, the day of the 2012 Presidential Election, let's remember that. No matter who wins, we can all have a say in that winner if we choose. Allow me to repeat myself. Voting is awesome.

A good friend of mine has an unwavering passion for the history of voting, so much so that she dressed up as a suffragette for Halloween this year (you know who you are, if you happen to be reading this). And it caused me to think about how proud our American female predecessors would be to see our country as it is today. Where women can not only vote, but they can participate in democracy while looking fierce.. in fake nails, bling, and highlights. Beyonce makes democracy look good. 

Source: usmagazine.com

Redskins Rule

Happy Election Eve! Today I bring to you a fable as old as time itself (considering 1940 to be close enough to "old as time itself") that brings together U.S. politics, U.S. sports, and U.S. data analysis. Well, the data analysis could probably hold a number of national affiliations, but U.S. probably did this best. I'm feeling patriotic.

Wikipedia best describes this one: "There is a high correlation between the outcome of the last Washington Redskins home football game prior to the U.S. Presidential Election and the outcome of the election: when the Redskins win, the incumbent party wins the electoral vote for the White House; when the Redskins lose, the non-incumbent party wins." 

Source: Geoff Burke, US Presswire

In the Washington Redskins last home game, they were defeated by the Carolina Panthers. If we're going with that one, look for a Mitt Romney win tomorrow, folks. You're a disbeliever and not a Redskins fan? Well, at least the Panthers finally won a game. I'm Cam Newton, and I approve this message.

Unofficial New York City Marathon

Source: Robert Caplin, The New York Times

You can cancel the race, but you can't stop people from waking up early, putting on spandex, and running in circles to say they completed a marathon.. even if it's an unofficial marathon.

After the Friday announcement of the first NYC Marathon cancellation since 1970, the participants in one of the largest marathons in the world were left wondering what to do with their Sunday morning. I, like many of the other participants, did not need to wonder for too long. After a post-cancellation margarita, it seemed clear. Run anyways.

But more than loving the fact that thousands of other marathon runners from around the word flooded into Central Park to finish the race that has been a longstanding tradition in the great city of New York, you have to love the New Yorkers that also came to Central Park to cheer and support the runners with a little New York hospitality. You have to love the children passing Halloween candy to the athletes and the crews of Uptown-ers holding signs like "you've been training for this race longer than Kim Kardashian's marriage" on the side of the road. 

Mostly, you have to love that one guy in Harlem holding up a 2 liter bottle of Diet Pepsi and a Dixie cup yelling "Hydration!" and "You're almost there!" When you're running in circles (4.5 circles to be exact), it's hard to know exactly where "there" is.  I love New York.

Uniqlo

One of my favorite Fifth Avenue retailers and places to marvel at the excitement of khaki-clad tourists as they marvel at "New York City fashion," Uniqlo is an affordable and fashionable place to get every item you could probably ever need for your closet.

This includes "Ultra Light Down" winter jackets... and, though I couldn't find them on the sales floor, what appeared to be "Ultra Light Down" SKIRTS. Yes. Almost like a puffy vest, the mannequins of Uniqlo (at least the female ones) were dressed in puffy skirts. That's really all that I wanted to say.

I didn't get a picture, but that will force you to go to a Uniqlo to see. At that point, you will probably buy a few things, having made this post a source of revenue to that store location. You're welcome, Uniqlo.

Source: Uniqlo

Grana Padano

When you go to a marathon expo, because most people go to those quite frequently, you probably expect to see Gatorade and Adidas well represented. You probably suspect there will be people selling shoelaces and track jackets that would make Sporty Spice weak in the knees. But would you think to see wheels of cheese?

Me neither. But I didn't hate it. Seriously, this is some fantastic cheese. I'm from Wisconsin. I should know.

Kobe Bryant

(Photo: Jaime Valdez, US Presswire)

After a one month hiatus, I will guess that nobody thought my first topic would be Kobe Bryant. Well, it is. Even though Los Angeles added Steve Nash and Dwight Howard to their line-up (that's a big deal, for anybody who isn't a basketball fan), the Lakers haven't won a game this season. Out of two games. No need for alarm.

The fans are not happy about this 0-2 record, and elicited this response from the Lakers' guard and guy who took Brandy to his high school prom (yes, that happened and I'm bringing it up again):

"I just I don't understand. The city here, for me, not trying to bite my tongue and not calling them dumb, which I kind of just did, but they've seen us win multiple championships here playing in an offense that was tough to learn. ... They know how that stuff works."

"I won't say idiotic, but it's close."

I'm not saying this because I love Shaquille O'Neal, but I think that things really took a turn when Shaq left that team. I'd like to think that Kobe is channeling Shaq in the above finger wag (not Dikembe Mutombo, but guessing not many people know the difference, so let's just say Shaq and go with it). 

Who says the NBA can't be exciting??? Fear the Deer!*

*I'm a Milwaukee fan, and that's what Bucks fans say. In case you didn't know the Bucks had catchphrases... or fans.

OCTOBER HIATUS

Just like the title says, I'm taking a brief hiatus. During the month of October.

Though not explicitly declared, I will be returning to the blog on 1 November (again, maybe not entirely obviously, but 1 November 2012).

09.30.2012 "32 Reasons to Watch Football"

It's only four weeks into the NFL regular season, which means it's not too late to become a fan. Not sure which team is best for you? Outside of the geographical preferences that most people have when selecting where to pledge allegiance, use this to guide your choice.

Courtesy of Stacy Lambe at BuzzFeed, I bring you "32 Reasons to Watch Football." (and here is the link to get there).

Source: http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8ut2yilFZ1qhpvj5o1_1280.jpg

My thoughts on the list? It's sad that the best they can do for the Chicago Bears is Jay Cutler. 

09.23.2012 Emmys

It's been awhile since I've posted, and I'm sure this is not the most intuitive return to my writing but happening either way. Welcome to the 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, and let's not talk about the Emmys. Let's instead talk about the red carpet coverage provided by E! this year.

Aside from listening to Ryan Seacrest chat up random celebrities and act like he's totally besties with everybody (I said "besties," because it's how I imagine Ryan Seacrest talks about his best friends in show business.. not because I like that word), there was one particular aspect of this year's red carpet that I loved.

The "mani cam."

Yes, you heard me correctly. Let's not just talk about the dresses (because, honestly I could talk about that all day) but let's force actresses to "walk" their fingers down a miniature red carpet in a box to show off their manicures. If you thought American culture was ridiculous before, no ordinary eye roll will be sufficient here.

09.05.2012 Community Laundry Room

Doing laundry is a necessary evil. If you think otherwise, you should consider changing your mind. Do laundry. Don't be disgusting. Public Service Announcement.

If, like me, you no longer have the luxury of your own washer and dryer and are subjected to the trials of a shared laundry room in the basement of your apartment building, you have experienced the shared dryer. All dryers suggest that you clean the lint trap BEFORE each load. No, thanks. I'd rather not be touching the lint of a neighbor-stranger. I'll clean my own lint, and you do the same. Deal? 

09.03.2012 Made In America Festival

Source: Made In America

How did you celebrate your Labor Day weekend? Did you relax with your family? Did you partake in an old fashioned, American barbecue? Did you appreciate the end of summer (and an extra day away from the office) by going all in on some outdoor sports? Possibly. Probably. But did you go to Philadelphia, see Jay-Z  perform with Kanye West (not to mention also see the Liberty Bell), and charge the cell phone of a DJ named Milkman while working at a phone charging tent during the Made In America Festival? I'm guessing you didn't.

If you weren't partying in Philadelphia this past weekend, you weren't partying. I don't need to really say much about it, considering the line-up should speak for itself. Add in Budweiser as a sponsor along with  more mid-calf high socks than any frat house could handle, and what more could you want (beside Duracell Powermat phone charging tents- I work for Duracell, don't worry about it) from a Labor Day weekend?

Question answered. You could want this photo. Jay-Z curated the music festival, so it's only natural that Beyonce would make an appearance. But RON HOWARD? Hold on. RON HOWARD? Seriously. Ron Howard makes it a party. Always.

Source: popdust.com

08.30.2012 Street Parking Standards

Instead of making this a story about my first experience with street parking in New York City, let's not put the focus on my near panic attack driving around the Upper East Side and instead focus on the nature of street parking in Manhattan.

I'm not going to park somewhere with a MuniMeter (who pays for street parking?), and I'm definitely not parking in a garage (we're not even going there). Hence, I found myself driving back and forth on the one-way streets between 1st and Park Ave., slowing losing my mind the further north I migrated. By the time I reached the 80s (street numbers, not the decade, though I'm not sure why I'd need to clarify that), I had started hallucinating open spaces where fire hydrants, driveway entrances, and bags of garbage overflowing from the sidewalks would eventually stop me.

Then, I park. Floating gracefully above the front of my car was a simple sign, much like this one:

It's a Thursday night, and I am parked under a sign that would quite clearly tell most people that you won't be able to keep your car there through the following evening, which was my intention. In the momentary insanity induced by the parking spot search from hell (even worse than a suburban mall during the holiday season sales), I decided that a broom through the "P" was not the same as a normal "no parking" symbol.

My car is still sitting under this sign, and I will be moving  my car in the morning. Who cleans streets from 11 to 12:30 on a Friday anyways?