3 on Thursday

Between now and Christmas break, I think I have one weeknight to myself.  Maybe two.  I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

My Mom has always been good with brooches and bangles.  I, on the other hand, tend to stick to one or two jewelry pieces and wear them every day.  I am too afraid I'll get it wrong when mixing and stacking jewelry so I don't even try.  That sort of meek attitude won't get me anywhere in life!  It's time I amped up my jewelry collection and Bauble Bar is the perfect place for me to stock up on fun, trendy pieces.  Not only is everything very "now," the prices are great.  They get even better when they offer their deeply discounted buried baubles each week.  When I decided to put together a pleated skirt/turtlneck combo I knew It needed a chunky statement necklace to complete the look and this is the best place to get it.

I'M TUMBLING!  I always thought tumblr was basically another blog platform (like blogspot vs. wordpress) so I assumed I was good to go with the blog I've got.  After reading an article about the year's best tumblrs I realized a blog and a tumblr are two different beasts.  While blogs are all about writing, tumblrs use more mixed media and typically feature snack sized content.  tumblr is also a more social environment.  While blogs are destinations, they're not usually viewed in a stream.  tumblr is all about streaming so you can see what your friends or favorite writers post constantly.  Because posts are usually small, they lend themselves to sharing more than a typical blog.  I am in NO way abandoning this blog.  If anything, I am more committed to posting regularly.  However, as a media professional, I see the benefit using different social media avenues.  Plus, I think it's cool.  When it comes to social media, don't just be there to be there.  I can't tell you how many companies use Facebook or Twitter without thinking how to best leverage those platforms for their brand.  In some cases, doing social media poorly is worse than not doing it at all.  While I could talk about best business practices for a while, I won't bore you.  I will, however, mention one of my rules of thumb.  (::Free advice!::)  Don't repurpose content.  Instead, play up the assets of each space.  For me, that means using this blog for [by internet standards] longform content.  As I'm sure you've noticed, this is basically a food blog, with the exception of book reviews and "3 on Thursday" (which still features lots of food).  It will remain so.  My tumblr, She's Mad, She'll Get Glad  is based on one of my Mom's best pieces of advice.  When someone is acting pissy for no good reason, her motto is "If she's mad, she'll get glad."  Basically, it means the brat's gotta buck up and put a smile on her face and we need to not let her get us down.  An example: "Mom, I put so much effort into this huge dinner but Jane is upset because I'm serving pasta instead of rice.....Well, Tess, if she's mad she'll get glad.  You've put too much time into this to worry about one person."  I try not to walk around like a Negative Nancy and don't like having any of those around me so my tumblr is going to have regular posts meant only to put a smile on your face.  It's a lot easier to go from mad to glad after seeing this stuff.  I don't plan on repeating what I've already posted on Instagram or Twitter so this will be something totally new - follow me!

When scaffolding went up right in front of the new, upscale florist by my apartment, he used it to his advantage.  I didn't even notice the pile of trash on the sidewalk after through this Winter Wonderland.

Book Review: Decoded

I didn't think I would pick up a book by Jay-Z and I certainly didn't think I would relate to a book by Jay-Z. I was wrong on both counts.

When my office reviewed a case study of a Bing/Jay-Z cross promotion, I was impressed by the innovative marketing.  For the month prior to the book's release, actual pages were released (5-10/day) in places relating to the content (i.e.: the housing project where he grew up).  Using "bing.com/Jay-Z", people could locate the pages online or in person.  Once they found it, they received credit to be entered into a drawing for a signed copy or the grand prize of concert tickets.  The game itself relied on Bing's technology like Bing Maps and Bing Entertainment features like song clips.  I discovered the campaign after it was over, but I figured if Jay-Z was willing to participate in an out-of-the-box campaign, perhaps his book was out-of-the-box as well.

I don't really follow hip hop and only know the big rap songs that crack the Top 40.  I like them fine enough and can tell when some artists are more talented but don't know the genre well enough to understand what sets some apart from others.  If Jay-Z is right (and based on his hoards of followers, he is), the hip hop masters are the ones who are dedicated.  As a boy, Jay-Z poured over the dictionary to increase his vocabulary in an effort to make his rhymes the sickest.  As he dissects his own songs, you see how each word is meticulously chosen to convey complex themes and metaphors throughout each verse.  I'm going to make a bold statement: Jay-Z is a genius.  Like most successful artists, his brain just works differently and I am in awe of the poetry he creates.  Even the narrative pieces of the book have a rhythm that flows like one of his raps.

I also respect how self aware he is.  I am not sure if this is a trait he possessed as a young man, but after years in the game, he has a clear view of his own position within the bigger picture and doesn't apologize for much.  This "realness" is what got me hooked.  Politically correct or not, he is comfortable throwing around the word "nigga" and talking about his experiences on the streets (even if they sound stereotypical).  Whether you agree with the lifestyle or not, it is/was his life and I appreciate him sharing it with the general reader in his own words.  If I felt he was holding back, I would not have been able to take him or hip hop as seriously.

As the title implies, this book decodes Jay-Z's songs as well as his life.  Breaking down his childhood and background as a hustler, you understand the story he was compelled to tell through his music.  It would be easy for Jay-Z to write a tell-all, but this gossip-free book offers more than petty gossip ever could.  It has the power to change one sheltered white girl's perception of hip hop.  I can respect authors and enjoy their work without feeling like we can be buds.  I don't know if we would be besties, but by the time I finished reading, I felt like Jay-Z and I could sit down to a conversation and have no problem finding common ground.  So, HOV, thanks for changing my outlook on you and the hip hop genre.  If you want, I'm up for grabbing a burger at Spotted Pig or even babysitting Blue Ivy so you and Beyonce can have a night out on the town.  Just let me know.  Holla.

3 on Thursday

After a two day work week, I am currently relaxing in Savannah with the fam for Thanksgiving.  Could not be happier.

The last 5+ years in NYC have been great.  This city has nearly everything but has been lacking in the country music department.  If this weekend is any indication, the musical tide is turning.  In three short days I packed in not one but two country music concerts.  The first was Eli Young Band who turn out a more rock and roll sound when playing live.  They have recently started tearing up the charts and people have begun taking note.  Not sure if country is for you?  Well, if you're a Tom Petty fan, this group will be for you - we may make a country believer out of you yet.  Concert number two was Zac Brown Band.  I can't tell you how happy this concert made me.  First, I was just happy to see some boys from my beloved home state make it to the big time where even New Jersey kids are belting out all the lyrics to their down home tunes.  It was tough to swallow such an expensive ticket when I used to see them for $10 in Athens, but they deserve it.  Second, they put on a great show.  They are all incredibly talented, especially the fiddle player.  And finally, in addition to hearing all their great songs, I went nuts over the covers.  Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" led into John Mayer's "Neon" (a fellow Georgian whose first album was huge for me in high school...though I felt seriously old when none of the other people at the concert knew the song), "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" was one of the best things our group could hear, and hearing "America the Beautiful" followed by Metallica's "Enter Sandman" just before "Chicken Fried" was a fabulous way to end the show.  As much as I love it up here, homesickness is inevitable.  Getting to see concerts like this is the best antidote.  

Elizabeth Banks is a great actress.  I think the world has figured that out by now.  Did you also know she's an Ivy League grad - magna cum laude, no less?!  Combine beauty, brains, and a sense of humor and the woman is bound to be unstoppable.  She's built a cute lifestyle website filled with recipes and social commentary.  It's a great place for a little mental health break.

Saw this magazine spread and could not help but audibly "awww".

3 on Thursday

I thrive in a busy environment, but after a month of living inside the belly of a whale of busy, I am ready for things to slow down a bit.  Things have become blissfully normal.

After I posted a picture on Twitter of me sipping my coffee (not the one pictured above), the coffeecupview tumblr asked if they could use my photo for their site.  Wary that this was a porn scheme, I checked out the site to make sure I wasn't getting myself into something I would regret.  Not only did I determine the site was legit, I got lost scrolling through the peaceful images of coffee cups all over the world.  I guess an addiction to caffeine is universal.  

A new favorite site is Design Taxi.  It aggregates news within the creative and design world and the breadth of topics covered is wide.  On Tuesday, for instance, top stories included designers' versions of Disney princess dresses, Jack Daniels' white whiskey, and a graphic designer's resignation letter.

I became a fan of Jennifer Westfeldt's movie writing skills when I first saw "Kissing Jessica Stein" in high school.  She's done it again with "Friends with Kids," this time taking on the additional role of director.  It's an unconventional love story between two platonic friends who decide raising a baby together is the best way to avoid the disintegration of fun and love they've seen happen within the marriages of their friends with children.  It is a funny and touching story that hits on the realities of family life both in general and in Manhattan.  Rent it.       

3 on Thursday

Last weekend afforded me no time to rest and this week has been no different as I run around preparing to host a full scale Passover Seder on Saturday... 

Newsweek has been stumbling in the last few years, but if the issue they released two weeks ago is any indication, I think they're on the way back up.  Newsweek capitalized on the excitement around the Mad Men season (after an unbearably long 18-month hiatus) by putting their issue into a time machine set for 1965.  Not only did they revert to the same fonts and style they used then, they convinced the advertisers to do the same.  I'm not an avid news magazine reader, but I was completely engaged while reading this issue.  I still can't bring myself to throw it away.  If you can, try to get your hands on it.

Yes, I have DVR and often fast forward through commercials.  But sometimes, when I'm watching per-recorded show I let it run straight through and attempt to multi-task (check my Twitter or Pinterest feed, browse recipes online, flip through a magazine) during the commercial breaks.  When this commercial came on I stopped and watched the whole thing then rewound and watched it again.  The "one of a kind" and "know who you are and own it" messages gave me the warm fuzzies.  I'm not a Dr. Pepper drinker, but now I won't discourage others from sipping away.

 If you're single, this video will give you a serious chuckle.  If you're not single, you'll still probably laugh your pants off.

Surfs Up

I've been pretty slack with the posting in the last week, but that's only because I thought I had nothing to say.  But then I realized I completely forgot to blog about the going away party I helped throw for Greg and Susan.  I'll admit, this party was thrown begrudgingly on my part since I really don't want them to leave.  Greg was one of the two people I knew when moving to New York.  He let me sleep on his couch for weeks while I was interviewing and getting settled, and when I wasn't sure this small town girl could handle the big city, he convinced me it was the right move to make.  I have spent almost my entire life within walking distance from the boy I refer to as Bosephus, so the fact that he's moving all the way across the country is not something that makes me happy.  I am, however, happy that he landed a spectacular job.  Greg is quite the advertising genius.  He is the man behind those great American Express ads and was nominated for an Emmy for the Conan O'Brien spot that I've included at the bottom of this post.  I'm not the only one who recognized his great work.  Apparently the guys over at TBWA took note, hunted him down to work on the Apple account out in LA, and made him an offer he simply couldn't refuse.  Am I sad?  Incredibly.  But friends like these deserve a nice sendoff, and since they're moving to the land of blondes, beaches, and boobs, we decided it was only fitting to throw them a California Beach Party.

True, its the middle of December so sun and sand is not something you think you'd find in the middle of New York, but Jen found just that.  In Williamsburg, immediately off the L, is a little place called Brooklyn Surf Bar.  This restaurant/bar is tiki heaven.  The entire floor is covered with a thick layer of sand and there are surf boards adorning the walls.  You'd think you were in Hawaii, but one look at all the skinny jeans, thick glasses, and ironic Members Only jackets and you'd realize you were in Brooklyn.  Since we took over the bar at 2 PM on a Saturday in December, there was no need to make a reservation and we were able to have the entire back room to ourselves.  We got several orders of the plantains and yuca for the guests to enjoy (and enjoy we did - they were perfectly fried and came with a spicy tomato-based sauce) and then it was every man for himself when it came to the drinks, which included some fun beach cocktails.  We also brought in a cake and the bar was kind enough to waive the cutting fee - in fact they were nice about pretty much everything.  A cake from a real bakery serves 8 and costs $40.  I decided to pick up a $15 sheet cake from D'Agostino's, have them write a cute message on it, and put on my own swedish fish.  It may not have tasted as amazing as the Momofuku cakes our family buys each other on bdays, but it was dirt cheap, served more people, and matched the party theme.

I'm already planning a California visit - I'll miss you, Greg and Susan!    

Tyra: From Model to Mogul

Last night I was too full to go straight to bed (more on that meal in a later post) so I stayed up late and watched Jimmy Fallon interview Tyra Banks.  When she walked on set I was kinda blah about her.  But then she started talking about her new business venture, Type F, and my opinion of the supermodel-turned-businesswoman changed.

Type F is a website with general beauty/fashion content, BUT if you register and tell them a little about yourself, the Type F crew will tailor the site to your needs.  Do you live in the Midwest?  Well then you probably don’t care about LA’s beachy look and that’s A-OK because those folks in La La land don’t love the black career-driven style typical of the Big Apple.  It’s not just about where you live; it’s about your body type.  If you are a blond- haired, blue-eyed, tan size 2, G-d bless ya, but I am a pale, brunette size 4, which means we have different beauty and style needs.  I would love to be fed info that applies to me without all the waste. 

A personalized site like this is genius and something we have been talking about in the magazine industry for a while.  I believe the future of publishing could lie in allowing the reader to create their own experience.  I know there are plenty of people who love reading 75% of one given magazine’s content and 60% of another’s.  How happy would they be if they could design one publication comprised of all the best parts?

I haven’t gone through all the nooks and crannies of the site, so I’m not sure if there are kinks to work out, but I think Tyra is onto something.  I also learned on Jimmy Fallon that she is attending Harvard Business School so she can grow her brand and give her the proper foundation to become an even savvier business woman.  I’m impressed, Tyra.  You’re way more than a pretty face.

We're Not Curing Cancer

I love working in Advertising.  I think it's pretty cool that in some small way, we may be affecting consumers.  When you spend 10 hours a day at your desk, you want to know that your work matters.  Did that campaign I just worked so hard on really reach my target in a meaningful way?  That may seem like the most important thing ever; however, at some point, we have to take what we do with a grain of salt, which is why I am a pretty big fan of the blog Things Real People Don't Say About Advertising.

THK + DVF

For years I've been talking a big game about how I am going to take full advantage of all the cool lectures that happen in NYC but for all my talk, I haven't done much.  That all changed on Thursday when I attended a chat with Diane Von Furstenberg, DVF herself, at the 92nd Street Y.  92Y always brings in top talent, but it usually sells out before I have a chance to get my [reasonably priced $35] ticket.

In fact, that was the case for this lecture, too, but it just so happened that a magazine I work with was the event sponsor, and they had an extra ticket lying around.  They also had access to a small pre-event cocktail reception that DVF actually attended.  And, man, does that woman know how to make an entrance!  She completely busted on her way down the stairs.  I turned around to find the fashion phenom on her ass.  Stars, they're just like us.  Ever the classy lady, the 64-year-old (her b-day was on New Years Eve) got right up onto her 4.5 inch heels and started mingling.

The talk itself was great.  DVF was an incredibly dynamic speaker, which must be due in large part to her background.  Her mother was a Holocaust survivor who emerged from the concentration camp weighing a mere 49 lbs and was told she shouldn't have children.  Thank goodness she didn't listen.  DVF claims her fierce desire to become an independent woman is rooted in her mother's no-fear-allowed attitude.  While bopping around Europe, the royal socialite (she married a legit German prince) made connections and popped out a couple of kids...all while building her empire by age 24.

Her approach to fashion and the iconic wrap dress have revolutionized the way women dress.  All this must be a result of the humor and smarts I was able to see firsthand.  DVF was funny, honest, and intelligent.  She had no problem speaking about the difficulties of watching her brand saturate the market and having to give it a second life or to the state of advertising in publishing and its effect on the fashion industry.  She clearly has her finger on the pulse of the business world.  It was a pleasure sitting in the auditorium, soaking up her experiences as she related them.

If you've never looked into the events at the 92nd Street Y, I encourage you to do so.  Their roster of speakers is impressive.  If you plan early enough, you may just get the chance to spend an hour listening to one of the greats.

During the talk, DVF described how her famous advertising campaign - the one that started it all - evolved from a whim. The whim worked:

That's All She Twote

I finally caved.  First Foursquare, now this.  I kinda feel like I sold my soul.  It's not that I think anyone will care to know what I'm doing on a second-by-second basis, but I decided to jump on the bandwagon so I can keep up with marketing trends and follow others.  More specifically, I would plan to follow the food trucks.

I don't know the lingo.  Tweet?  Twit?  Twat?  Ew.

Follow me if you wish.  I may surprise you (and myself) with pithy insights in 140 characters or less.

McAwesome

Who here has checked out any of the McDonald's that's been through its make-over yet?  You may laugh - and go right ahead - but I think they look super snazzy.  What up, new color scheme?!  New typefaces, bold green and black added to the red/yellow color palate, and funky tables and chairs make Mickey D's look like quite the happening spot.  I've seen the commercials for their new smoothies, but I'm thinking they should market this new, hot look.  Emily agrees and would like to go on a double date there.  So come on boys, step up because she's quite the catch.  We may not be cheap, but based on our love for McDonald's, we just may be cheap dates.

Foursquare Four Life

In new news, I just joined Foursquare.  I was very anti until I read on the Pinkberry website (yes, I was on the Pinkberry website) that you can get coupons if you're on Foursquare.  It's amazing how quickly hatred can turn to love when discounted Pinkberry is involved.

Now that I'm on, I'm turning into a little Foursquare fiend.  If you're unfamiliar, Foursquare is a social networking program that allows you to "check in" to whatever place your at (bar, restaurant, office, street lamp, etc) and let your friends know where you are (or not if that feels too Big Brother for you).

The more you check in, the more points and badges you accumulate, to the point where you can become Mayor of a destination.  Basically, it's a big game, and I love games.  More pointedly, I love winning games.

Now that Foursquare is one of the social networking biggies, I'm interested in seeing how advertising will evolve around it and just how long it will remain cool.  I'm still a Twitter holdout, but I'm pretty proud at how well I'm embracing technology.

For the Person Who Has Everything

I think I can say I've seen it all.  Last night, I left work at a reasonable hour due to a fire that caused us to evacuate the building at 7:30.  We still have not regained lights, AC, or full elevator use (but don't worry, we all came to the office like the good little worker bees we are).  Anyhoo, since I left work early, I headed to Macy's for some towels (not sure why I feel the need to tell you that).  When I got home, I further unwound by watching some mindless TV (90210 - embarrassing to admit, but those hottie patotty boys walk around shirtless, so I like it). 

After that full day (thank you again, evacuation), it was time for bed, but I was still feeling the stress of the workday weighing on my shoulders.  And then I saw it.  A commercial for the Chia Obama.  Did you know Chia Pets still existed?!  I didn't.  And I certainly didn't think I would see one featuring greenery growing out of our president's normally shiny bald head.  Maybe it was the old-school style infomercial that got me, but somehow this calmed me down after a very stressful day.  I'm not saying I'm adding it to my b-day wish list (exactly 2 months away to the big 2-5, hint hint), but it made me laugh.  Ch-ch-ch-chia! 

Who's Your Daddy...er Uncle

So I love my job.  I am helping create some incredibly impactful ads that can really shake up the industry (don't worry about not being able to reach through the computer screen, I am patting myself on the back).  It is pretty cool to realize that our teams are recognizing a need and determining how to fulfill it through advertising. 

That said, such genius can translate into late nights, tonight being one of them.  I have no problem putting in the time because I can anticipate the end result.  I especially don't mind when staying late means expensed din din at the office.  Tonight's restaurant of choice: Uncle Nick's.

Uncle Nick's is a small greek spot in the Midtown West/Hell's Kitchen/Theater District area.  It has become a regular on the rotation due to the consistently good food.  Being a creature of habit, I always order the gyro (no red onions, in case you wanted the specifics), but today I decided to mix it up.  I went on a limb and got the vegetable mousaka.  I am a huge lover of greek food (it's one of my faves), but can be picky about my mousaka, so this was a true test of Uncle Nick's cuisine.  Verdict: loved it!  The hearty eggplant/potato/zucchini dish was paired with a flavorful rice pilaf.  I'm stuffed - and all for $9.95.

Nick may just be my new favorite uncle (sorry to my Mommy and Daddy's bros - when you learn how to make mousaka like this, you can reclaim the title).

Jingle Jangle

One of my favorite jingles has been the Starburst Berries and Cream .  Now there's a newbie in the mix.  I can not stop singing the words to McDonald's' "Gimme that filet o'fish" song.  It has the makings of a great jingle in that it is extremely catchy.  I can't get it out of my head.  While I think this is some great marketing - bringing a less sought after menu option to the forefront - I still don't think I'll be ordering it anytime soon.  I will, however, probably be singing this song in the Mickey D's line as I order my double cheeseburger.

Super Duper Bowl

In my mind, "Superbowl Sunday" equals "sinful food with a side of commercials."  Because I'm a college football fan who has yet to really get into the pros, food and advertising is pretty much my focus on the most famous Sunday of the year.  This year, we gathered at Richy and Lauren's apartment to watch the Colts and the Saints throwdown; however, I didn't really see this game as Saints vs. Colts.  To me, it was more Kim Kardashian vs. Kendra Girl Next Door.  It was the battle of the E! reality stars.

I love Superbowl food.  It's all about dips, beer, and greasy-ness.  In addition to the usual suspects (pigs in a blanket, salsa, and chili), there were a couple of standouts.  Hopefully my contribution was among them.  I brought lamb and goat cheese sliders in puff pastry with a roasted red pepper aioli sauce for dipping.  Way easier and less messy than it sounds.  Lauren made an amazing hummus layer dip.  I plan to get the recipe and pass it off as my own at my next party.  I kid; I'll give her credit.  I couldn't stop eating.  I made the mistake of placing my chair too close to the buffet and was slightly embarrassed when Dave looked at me wide-eyed and said "wow, you really are hungry."

Onto the ads:

• Tebow's pro-life ad: hated it.  This has NOTHING to do with my stance on abortion (my views on which I will not state here).  I just didn't want to see Tim Tebow on the screen while I was watching the Superbowl.  The boy plagues me throughout the college football season and now invades the one day I care about the pros.  Get outta my face.
• As always, Bud/Bud Light (particularly T Pain - because he makes an appearance in everyone's songs, why not their Superbowl commercials), and Doritos were solid
• Boost Mobile Shuffle: left me confused
• Why were there two no-pants commercials in a row (Dockers and Career Builder)?  Slightly disturbing.  Has ANYONE heard of boxers?!
• Charles Barkley's Taco Bell rap: he just looked uncomfortable, which made me uncomfortable - not a good cycle
• Hyundai's 2020 Favre MVP: Ha.  Because it's true.
• Google's Parisian Love: This one made me go "awww".  It was pretty much as cute as a box of puppies.

In The Year 3000

Wednesday was a big day in my world, aka the print advertising community.  With the introduction of the iPad, is this the future of the publishing realm?  I think so.  The Kindle was close, but Steve Jobs just took it five steps closer.  I, myself, am not a big fan of the e-reader.  I love my books and magazines in their original forms.  I love the smell, the textures, and the proud feeling I get when displaying their spines in my overstuffed bookshelf.  However, while slightly averse to change, I understand that times are a changin.  What's next?  A chip in my brain tat will automatically upload info?  Maybe.  For now, I'll continue to flip the actual pages of Oprah's latest book club pick.

iPad is a shiny new toy.  Though I do not plan on spending $500 on what is basically a flat-style computer, I think it's cool...or at least I did until someone made me realize the name sounds like a feminine hygene product.

Two other things that were cool about Wednesday: 1) Queen Latifa opened up my company's State of the Union event and 2) on my way there I spotted Matthew Settle (aka: Rufus Humphrew on Gossip Girl).  Though we both attended Us Weekly's Hot Hollywood party last year, he didn't seem to remember me.

Taco Bell Update

Per my previous post, I am a lover of all things Taco Bell, which makes today a sad day.  I just learned that Taco Bell founder, Mr. Glen W. Bell, Jr. died Sunday in his California home at the age of 86.  This man has done so much for me and my waistline.  He will be missed, but I'm sure he's enjoying that big drive thru in the sky.  I hope this wasn't a result of adhering to The Taco Bell diet.  That would be really bad press.

Stumble In

I have a new favorite website.

I debated long and hard over whether or not I should encourage navigation away from my own blog (please don't leave me!), but eventually I decided the public must know about this.  In all likelihood, the public already knows, but I didn't, so tough noogies if you're reading old news.

In an attempt to expand our horizons, my office wisely organized "Digital Illumination Week" to get us traditional media planners into the digital mindset.  My head is now crammed with information concerning the world wide web and how to best use it to market our clients.  While I found the sessions involving online capabilities and metrics informative, the biggest takeaway was a brief mention at the end of yesterday's session.  Our instructor charged us to check out one new website a day.  This seems like a daunting task.  Where do I start?!  Our instructor then provided us with a helpful hint: http://www.stumbleupon.com/.

Intrigued?  You should be.  Bored at work?  Say hello to your savior.

When you enter the site, you provide your interests, click "start stumbling", and wait to get lucky as it sends you to a random site.  My first "stumble" was a usage chart on Spice Advice.  What do ya know?!  I love to cook but never know what to do with the spices in my cabinet.  How handy!  Thanks, Stumble Upon!

Once a day?  I think I'll be checking out new sites once a minute, thanks to this nifty tool.

And no, when providing your interests there is no checkbox for porn, so don't think you're gonna get lucky like that...and get your mind out of the gutter!

Embrace the Fat

Taco Bell is my favorite fast food establishment.  I love it.  I once ate $10.73 worth of food there.  Do you realize how much that is when the cost of an item hovers around $.89?!  That said, I must comment on those awful new Taco Bell Diet commercials.

If you're really trying to lose weight, how's this for a Taco Bell Diet - don't go to Taco Bell!  While it pains me to say such a thing (I dare say it's darn near blasphemous), we can all admit that it's not the healthiest option.  If you really want to lose a whopping 54 lbs like the gal in the commercial, it may be time to skip the drive thru altogether. 

Taco Bell, you are fast food, and great fast food at that. In fact, I would go as far as to say that you have become a master of speedy cuisine. Own it. Don't try to be something you're not. When I roll up to The Bell, I don't want to be reminded of the fact that I could be eating something healthier. Of course I could; I'm just trying to forget it, and throwing such a reminder in my face is sure to ruin the taste of my Cheesy Gordita Crunch.