And the survey says...

I was pleased to see that 70% of people taking this StarTrib poll voted as I did.

Click here for results.

F St. Louis

First, I got in a fight with Kenneth for the fact that St. Louis had a Kenneth Cole store but MN can't seem to reel one in.

Now, an f-ing Container Store is slated to open in St. Louis in March!!! Seriously. What does St. Louis have that Minneapolis doesn't?!?!?

They are actually CLOSER to Chicago than us (where there are both KC and CS stores). I can't believe incomes are higher there than here. The only thing St. Louis has going for it is that St. Louis people never leave so if you want to sell them something, you have to bring it to them. Literally, that's the only reason I can come up with.

H-E-L-P this make sense to me?!?!?

I think this might be my new nightstand

What do you think? It's super cute from the Container Store.

I like the NYT

I recently subscribed to a few newsletters put out by the New York Times and while the articles within the newsletter aren't always relevent to me, I often link to one and end up finding a bunch of other stuff to read on the site. I came across this today, and it makes so much sense. However, I'm sure there are many people who don't discuss this stuff before they get married. People are dumb. Here's the list:

1) Have we discussed whether or not to have children, and if the answer is yes, who is going to be the primary care giver?

2) Do we have a clear idea of each other’s financial obligations and goals, and do our ideas about spending and saving mesh?

3) Have we discussed our expectations for how the household will be maintained, and are we in agreement on who will manage the chores?

4) Have we fully disclosed our health histories, both physical and mental?

5) Is my partner affectionate to the degree that I expect?

6) Can we comfortably and openly discuss our sexual needs, preferences and fears?

7) Will there be a television in the bedroom?

8) Do we truly listen to each other and fairly consider one another’s ideas and complaints?

9) Have we reached a clear understanding of each other’s spiritual beliefs and needs, and have we discussed when and how our children will be exposed to religious/moral education?

10) Do we like and respect each other’s friends?

11) Do we value and respect each other’s parents, and is either of us concerned about whether the parents will interfere with the relationship?

12) What does my family do that annoys you?

13) Are there some things that you and I are NOT prepared to give up in the marriage?

14) If one of us were to be offered a career opportunity in a location far from the other’s family, are we prepared to move?

15) Does each of us feel fully confident in the other’s commitment to the marriage and believe that the bond can survive whatever challenges we may face?

I can't stop giggling at this...

Can you teach me the "Wedding Dances" ???
I have to go to a wedding in 2 weeks and want to learn the Electric Slide, the Chicken Dance, Macarena, Cotton Joe, and more.

In return, I can probably buy you drinks or teach you accounting or Excel.

I am serious about this :)

I'm a 28 yr old male in NYC

I'm in a foul mood

and I'm not exactly sure why. Part of it I think is due to the fact that I haven't had internet or TV in my house in the last month and I'm getting damn sick of it. Seriously, can't deal with any more issues pushing off these two events.

Otherwise, I just feel like I have too much to do and too little time. As usual.

E-newsletter or blog...

I love reading the little stories from the Brandweek blog (they also have an e-newsletter if you're not down w/ blogs - but clearly you are or you wouldn't be reading this...) I thought this was a super fun little blip about this cheeky (pardon the pun) Brits:

Over in the U.K., the folks at Virgin Mobile have noticed a trend that they’re more than happy to promote. According to British industry newsletter Brand Republic, women have taken to handing their camera-phones to clerks in lingerie shops, asking them to snap a photo of the women themselves wearing the knickers they’d like to receive for Christmas. The women then (If you can believe Virgin Mobile; but why would they lie?) send the photo, along with their measurements, to that “special someone,” accompanied by a not-so-subtle hint that the garment would make a lovely gift. Virgin Mobile has dubbed the trend “Knick Pics.” Can’t wait for that one to hit these shores…

I'd feel bad

for making fun of this woman's appearance because it's shallow.

BUT her "hairstyle" is seriously, seriously, out of control. I saved this pix from an e-newsletter I subscribe to, and it's labeled "VickiHeadshot_Nov05". Seriously?!?!? This picture isn't from Nov85? Are you sure?

I'm sorry for making fun of the nutritionalist at Stonyfield Farms, but it has got to be done. Add "mullets" to reasons not to live in New Hampshire - they're acceptable which is a bad thing for that state...

What's the catch?

I just got an email from United - not an airline I fly a WHOLE lot but I've got probably 35K miles w/ them so I like to stay in the loop on their news. Check out their current offer - sounds too good to be true to me?

Now thru June 1, 2007, you can redeem 1,000 miles for an e-Certificate in the amount of $25 or 5,000 miles for an e-Certificate in the amount of $75. These are good toward a discount on your next qualifying roundtrip purchased on united.com for travel on United, United Express® or TedSM within the 48 contiguous United States.

Based on frequent flyer common knowledge, miles are worth about $0.01 thus 1,000 miles is worth appx. $10 and 5,000 miles equals $50 -- so actually the 1,000 mile cash in is the better deal but since you can only use 1 certificate/ticket I'll probably do the 5,000 cash in since I'd rather take 1 flight with them than multiple.

I read the fine print and this looks legit - 6mo expiration on the certificate but that's not so bad. So check it out!

I was in the Lou

I was in St. Louis for 2 days - got in Sun night and flew home tonight. Sunday night, I spent watching TV w/ the Flores' (on their 6 month anniversary, ooh, sweet) and got to watch their Tivoed 1 hour "The Office" holiday special. SOOOO funny. Jenny was unfortunately hurtin' because of an alcohol related incident - tripping on her bridesmaid dress Sat night resulted in a badly sprained left wrist. She was on painkillers and a little out of it but hopefully will be feeling better soon.

Monday night was spent with the boys watching Monday night football at whatever the name of the strip mall bar they go EVERY Monday night. The standard people were in attendance, less Turdell. It was a nice sweet short trip to the Lou, I'm hopefully headed back for a long weekend in March after our big meetings in St. Louis...

How happy would this girl be?!?!?

Talk of Northwest-American merger resurface

Fun article - I concur on most if not all

Most Overrated (and Underrated) Destinations 2006

Overrated includes:

• Florida - YES, YES, YES
• Florence, Italy (3 days was 2 too many when we visited)
• Cape Cod (in the summer at least - it's nice in fall)
• St. Thomas, USVI (St. Johns, however rocks)

Friday fun

Try it (not porn)

It's easy

Julie turned me on to the Twin Cities Original restaurant association a few years ago and unfortunately, I've done a crap job of remembering to take part in this promotion. Maybe you can do a better job?

Here's how TCO Tuesdays works:

1. Visit a participating TCO member restaurant and have dinner on a Tuesday evening.
2. At the end of your meal, your server will present you with a slip of paper with a form for you to fill out. It's short: just your name, address, phone number and e-mail address. Be sure to include your full address in order to receive your gift certificate in the mail. If your server does not offer you a slip, please do not hesitate to ask for one.
3. Return the form to your server.
4. Repeat again for three more Tuesdays! (Each time must be at a different restaurant)

At the end of this delightful tour through Twin Cities independent restaurants, you will receive a gift certificate to one of the member restaurants.

Roll out the red carpet...

Christina is coming to town!

For good!

Yeah!

Congrats to Christina on accepting a job with the general. Can't wait to see her this summer. Ooh, and it looks like Jen/Ali and maybe other fun MBA friends may be headed to Mpls as well. I'm already planning on signing them all up for drinking club :)

Spending less time on iTunes?

Sales at Apple Computer's online music shop iTunes Music Store fell off a cliff in the first six months of 2006, according to a recent survey.

I think I've spent a lot less time/money on iTunes Music Store in 2006 vs. 2005 - it's less tempting and *new* and a lot of the time I've figured out it's better to go to half.com, buy the CD, and rip it rather than buying songs one at a time at $1/pop.

What have your habits been?

Engagement Advice for Guys

In honor of engagement season, read up if you're lookin' to get hitched.

Minneapolis vs. St. Paul

My friend Nate told me he found his new favorite bar in the Twin Cities - the Muddy Pig on Dale in St. Paul. Knowing Nate is from St. Paul and currently lives in St. Paul, I still questioned how it could be that great since it's in St. Paul.

If you know me, you know I love lists, thus, his response is super fun:

Haven't you learned that most of the best things in the Twin Cities reside in Saint Paul?

1. Best pizza
2. best sushi
3. best bar
4. best Mexican (restaurant)
5. best stadium/concert venue
6. best Irish bar
7. best German restaurant (best German bar is still Gasthof, however)
8. best Italian deli
9. best steak/lobster dish
10. best Russian restaurant
11. best airport
12. best ice cream

I'll give Minneapolis

1. best club
2. best downtown
3. best pool hall
4. best lake
5. best German bar
6. best strip club
7. best $ex store
8. best bridge
9. best coffee shop

Okay, so maybe it is closer than I thought, but still: advantage Saint Paul.

I'd like him to fill in a few details (I could guess but why not go straight to the source) and get your take. Minneapolis vs. St. Paul - what do you think? And don't just say "Minneapolis" but give your lists of why and what. It'll be fun people...

Goldy - a permanent suitcase item

I am only disappointed by the fact that I've been to appx. 15 countries, and go on 82 vacations a year, but have YET to take a single picture of Goldy on vacation with me so it can be posted on the University of Minnesota Alumni Association website. Almost 100 photos are posted for your viewing pleasure - SO fun.

Christmas wish list item - Goldy doll small enough for easy packing.

I likey

Netflix but for Audio Books - fun idea :)

Tee of the day

From BustedTees.com

The beautiful couple

Kerry was a very beautiful bride - here are the pictures from her wedding if you care to browse.

PS Ker - if you didn't want these posted to the interweb lo siento.

Wedding etiquette tip #1

While I often act unladylike, I do usually know my etiquette. Which is why I was surprised to find out that if you know people can't come to a wedding, you should NOT send them an invitation. I had no clue this was the proper was to handle this situation - did you? Thanks to Yahoo.ask.com for this info.

Should I send a wedding invitation to people I know can't come?
Michael, NJ

Dear Michael:

We admit it -- we know zilch about etiquette. We can barely remember to keep our elbows off the table, let alone keep track of when it's acceptable to wear white shoes. At weddings, the stakes are even higher. Screw up the bride's big day and you might not live to regret it. Given our reputation for boorish behavior, we thought it best to look up an expert's opinion.

Peggy Post from WeddingChannel.com addressed this tricky and somewhat subjective question in her Q&A column. She suggests that instead of sending invitations to people you know can't attend the service, you send them a "wedding announcement" (preferably the day after the ceremony). It lets them know you care enough to think of them, but doesn't put them under any obligation to buy you a gift. Everybody's happy.

Of course, whether you're in the ceremony or just a guest, there are a zillion ways to screw up a wedding. So remember -- turn off your cell phone, always compliment the bride, and never place bets on how long the couple will last. Stick with that and it won't matter where you stick your elbows.

Money tips for the new year

I like to think I'm in the know on how to be financially smart but this tip from Ms. Suze Orman's top 10 tips for a prosperous year was new to me. I've got to do my research on my credit cards - have you heard about this?

Dump 'Universal Default' Credit Cards

The term may not ring a bell, but "universal default" could be costing you a lot of money.
Under the universal default policy, your credit card issuer scours your accounts every month, looking for any instance where you've tripped up. If they find a blemish, they'll use it as an excuse to change the rate on your credit card.

A car payment that's a day late can be enough to jack up a zero-percent intro rate to 15 percent, 20 percent, or more. In some cases, the default policy can even be triggered by an application for a new credit card or mortgage.

Almost half of credit cards issued use the universal default policy. Call customer service to find out whether yours does, and if so, seriously consider transferring to a card that doesn't. (http://finance.yahoo.com/creditcards)

Oh yeah

I don't think I mentioned to blogland that I closed on Monday and moved on Wednesday. My new house is appx 82 million times better than my old house but thankfully does NOT cost me 82 million times more. Pix and dets to follow.

Weird

I keep track of people's birthdays more than anyone I know. So I was surprised when MySpace told me I had birthday alerts but I was only aware of 3 of the 6 birthdays happening the first week of December. Crazy.

PS I logged into MySpace when I was in London in Sept so now MySpace thinks I'm British and puts things in pounds and the dates with d/m/y. I'm not complaining, but don't have any idea how to fix it.