tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35566260629981845592024-03-13T04:23:32.285-07:00coffee & donutscoffee. donuts. celebrities. and a few things more...onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-338041235113381902012-09-10T03:57:00.000-07:002012-09-10T03:57:38.325-07:00trendy dining in various localesso, what makes dining trendy? is it the upscale, exclusive location? the foreign sounding (and occasionally unpronounceable) name? the stylish decor and menu? the clientele? the highly credentialed chef and/or snooty staff? or that extra star rating? you tell me.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hRJCzcBVDGE/UE24dnAJtGI/AAAAAAAAAx8/kga8hhynJ0E/s1600/trendy%2Bcoffee%2Bbreak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hRJCzcBVDGE/UE24dnAJtGI/AAAAAAAAAx8/kga8hhynJ0E/s400/trendy%2Bcoffee%2Bbreak.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>if trendy dining means i'll have to stir my drink with a weird-looking contraption (which looks like a safety pin?), er you can count me out</i> [<b>String</b>, Sodermalm, Sweden]</span></div>
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whatever makes the case for you, sometimes trendy dining can be a way to prop up one's self-esteem. the thought of dining in the company of colleagues, friends or family while watching the rest of the world go about its business is a like a declaration that we belong -- like an extension of our identity as part of a group, company, or a family.<br />
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occasionally, dining out can be a much-welcomed break in our daily routine -- a sort of necessary reminder that we are still part of the human race. this is best exemplified when you're in a sidewalk restaurant. sometimes the absence of <i>wall</i> can make a huge difference in how we view or eat our meal.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_265G4GDPUE/UE24eONLQtI/AAAAAAAAAyI/rPVNFkJXlVU/s1600/sidewalk%2Bdiner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_265G4GDPUE/UE24eONLQtI/AAAAAAAAAyI/rPVNFkJXlVU/s400/sidewalk%2Bdiner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">watching the world go by while sipping your coffee/reading a newspaper is a nice way to spend those precious moments when you're not in a hurry to be somewhere else</span></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[Zante, Zakynthos, Greece]</span></div>
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other times, the idea of dressing up to dine in some fancy restaurant/bistro can be daunting prospect especially when you're feeling a wee bit leery of company, and not up to making small talk or churning out witty repartee (to appear more interesting).</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_5KXZ1KgNg/UE24e4T1btI/AAAAAAAAAyg/716N4YpJHyo/s1600/trendy%2Bdining%2B-%2Bsouth%2Bafrica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_5KXZ1KgNg/UE24e4T1btI/AAAAAAAAAyg/716N4YpJHyo/s400/trendy%2Bdining%2B-%2Bsouth%2Bafrica.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sometimes being in the right company is all it takes to turn your dinner/lunch into a great experience </i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[<b>Java</b>, Stellenbosch,</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Western Cape, South Africa]</span></div>
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for some, it can be a way to show off how far they have advanced in the scheme of things or to impress certain people (clients or dates). and yet for most of us, dining out in the right company and under the best circumstances can be oddly comforting, so we generally go to places that make us feel at home.
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQGQ-H75yyk/UE26X9z070I/AAAAAAAAAy4/JV5--d17-IA/s1600/outside%2Blooking%2Bin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQGQ-H75yyk/UE26X9z070I/AAAAAAAAAy4/JV5--d17-IA/s400/outside%2Blooking%2Bin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">inside, looking out... occasionally, a quaint setting does the trick admirably well </i>[Beijing cafe, Beijing, China]</span></div>
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bon appetit</div>
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onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-70001411890470050572011-08-27T05:58:00.000-07:002011-08-27T06:00:59.131-07:00Gwyneth Paltow on Elle (September)For its September 2011 edition, <i>Elle</i> magazine is featuring <b>Gwyneth Paltrow</b>, a perennial favorite among designers and fashion editors. although she doesn't always photograph well, i must say Gwyneth Paltrow looks quite good in these series of images, taken by well-known photographer Carter Smith.<br />
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here, the photographer opts for a laid-back and natural shot. the black-and-white presentation emphasizes Gwyneth Paltrow's relaxed air.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cFfQDbVEYyY/TljmTokiPQI/AAAAAAAAAxc/OHNYXmRpUD8/s1600/serene%2Bgwynnie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cFfQDbVEYyY/TljmTokiPQI/AAAAAAAAAxc/OHNYXmRpUD8/s400/serene%2Bgwynnie.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>...effortlessly evoking classic Hollywood allure and glamour with stylish pumps, sleek black dress and a great pair of legs.<br />
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poised and pensive gwynnie... the harshly lit background provides a nice backdrop to give her a soft, wistful air.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">all in all, this is a nice blend of deft camera work, a great photographer and a good subject. nice work, <i><b>Elle</b></i>. definitely worth a grande-sized soy strawberry frappuccino on a hot, lazy afternoon.</div><br />
onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-81162556002192229852011-07-01T01:32:00.000-07:002011-07-01T01:38:34.314-07:00celerbrities & coffee: Elle Fanning & Starbuckscurrent It girl, <b>elle fanning</b>, getting her caffeine fix courtesy of <b>Starbucks</b>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bfUD-p9BZ7Q/Tg2FtVyXbCI/AAAAAAAAAxE/BHDQ4RZMx14/s1600/Elle+Fanning+%2526+Starbucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bfUD-p9BZ7Q/Tg2FtVyXbCI/AAAAAAAAAxE/BHDQ4RZMx14/s1600/Elle+Fanning+%2526+Starbucks.jpg" /></a></div>basking in her recent success as one of the teenage leads of <b><i>Super 8</i></b> (directed by JJ Abrams), elle fanning (yes, the younger sister of <b>dakota fanning</b>), is set to work on <i>Twixt Now and Sunrise</i> (a film by Francis Ford Coppola) and <i>We Bought a Zoo</i> (a film by Cameron Crowe).<br />
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at the ripe old age of 13, elle fanning has already compiled an impressive array of films (<i>Babel</i>, <i>Somewhere</i>, <i>The Nutcracker in 3D</i>), attracting the notice of many critics and industry watchers -- a feat that would be an object of envy for many aspirants twice or thrice her age.<br />
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looks, abundant talent, excellent prospects -- what more could a girl want?onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-77568719422475307902011-01-17T03:14:00.000-08:002011-01-17T03:18:47.383-08:0010 restaurants to watch out for in 2011 (New York Times)here are 10 dining places that, according to <i><a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/travel/09restaurants.html">New York Times</a></i>, are worth spending your hard-earned $$ on this year (2011).<br />
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nope, we're not just talking about the tab (although i'm willing to bet half of my annual salary that it would be quite hefty, too). you also have to factor in travel expenses (fare, accommodations, etc.), because these restaurants are located in various parts of the globe.<br />
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1. <b><a href="http://aponiente.com/aponiente/">Aponiente</a></b><br />
<i>El Puerto de Santa María, Spain</i><br />
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2. <b>Benu</b><br />
<i>San Francisco, CA (USA)</i><br />
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3. <b>Dinner by Heston Blumenthal</b><br />
<i>London, UK</i><br />
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4. <b>M. Wells</b><br />
<i>Long Island City, NY (USA)</i><br />
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5. <b>Mirazur</b><br />
<i>Menton, France</i><br />
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6. <b>Mamofuku</b><br />
<i>Sydney, AUstralia</i><br />
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7. <b>Restaurant Andre</b><br />
<i>Singapore</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TTQh7fDE0GI/AAAAAAAAAqw/G574f6Y9s94/s1600/restaurant%2Bandre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="261" width="392" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TTQh7fDE0GI/AAAAAAAAAqw/G574f6Y9s94/s400/restaurant%2Bandre.jpg" /></a></div><br />
8. <b>Restaurante Garzon</b><br />
<i>Garzon, Uruguay</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TTQga8UiXjI/AAAAAAAAAqA/w6UKI4ovm0k/s1600/garzon%2Brestaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="260" width="392" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TTQga8UiXjI/AAAAAAAAAqA/w6UKI4ovm0k/s400/garzon%2Brestaurant.jpg" /></a></div><br />
9. <b>Tickets</b><br />
<i>Barcelona, Spain</i><br />
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10. <b>Willows Inn</b><br />
<i>Lummi Island, WA (USA)</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TTQhu08zI-I/AAAAAAAAAqo/Ah1hnthrCbI/s1600/willows%2Binn%2Brestaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="260" width="392" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TTQhu08zI-I/AAAAAAAAAqo/Ah1hnthrCbI/s400/willows%2Binn%2Brestaurant.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thesign03-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0823045404&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>hmmm... this makes for a nice screen cap but frankly, for most of us these establishments will remain as interesting items on a vaunted list -- like exotic species to be gawked at but unlikely to be savored.<br />
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but for those with deep-lined pockets, <i>bon appetit</i>!onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-86292367641521883922011-01-10T23:29:00.001-08:002011-01-10T23:43:21.982-08:00Seattle's Best new ads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TSwKCTA2W-I/AAAAAAAAApA/sQirzhGLqu4/s1600/seattle%2527s%2Bbest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="138" width="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TSwKCTA2W-I/AAAAAAAAApA/sQirzhGLqu4/s200/seattle%2527s%2Bbest.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.seattlesbest.com/"><b>Seattle's Best Coffee</b></a> (Seattle, WA), a Starbucks subsidiary, recently unveiled its latest batch of ads, which i found droll and to the point (see below).<br />
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<b>Seattle's Best</b>, which positions itself as more yuppie-centric, is currently focusing on a new marketing slogan as part of its first major ad campaign -- Seattle's Best: Anywhere great coffee is needed.<br />
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<object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vMIUgM32jtg&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vMIUgM32jtg&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object><br />
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hmmm... i wonder what they'll come up with next.<br />
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RATING: 4 cupsonyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-17998818305110165702011-01-08T04:04:00.000-08:002011-01-10T23:45:05.790-08:00Starbucks bentoif you're ready for lunch and still want a dose of your daily caffeine fix, what could be more perfect than this...!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TShRUuq7nWI/AAAAAAAAAoA/in_LTeOYbl4/s1600/starbucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TShRUuq7nWI/AAAAAAAAAoA/in_LTeOYbl4/s400/starbucks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">ahhhh... my cup runneth over.</div><br />
a veritable feast for your eyes and your palate, this. don't fret. you can still have your coffee to go along with your dessert later.<br />
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RATING: 4.5 cupsonyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-40737084751222800912011-01-03T10:34:00.000-08:002011-01-10T23:45:59.455-08:00latte and cheesecakeafter 2 days of staying within the confines of my quarters, i decided to go out. as great as it was being on my own, i needed time to clear my head and check out my surroundings.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TSIRzcg6q3I/AAAAAAAAAnI/60nvzmIO1lg/s1600/coffee%2B%2526%2Bcheesecake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TSIRzcg6q3I/AAAAAAAAAnI/60nvzmIO1lg/s400/coffee%2B%2526%2Bcheesecake.JPG" /></a></div><br />
funny thing was, i didn't really do anything much. after my usual stop at a favorite bookshop, i just bought a couple of things and looked for a place to sit.<br />
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i eventually ended up spending a couple of hours at <b>Starbucks</b> (mall of Asia) (big surprise). good thing i brought along my laptop because i actually got some work done. i guess looming deadlines have a way of setting your priorities straight even when the view gets kind of hazy<br />
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and oh, i had an Oreo cheesecake. i normally don't go for cheesecake when i'm having toffeenut latte, but this time it felt right. yummy.<br />
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RATING: 3 cupsonyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-27945081153304768802011-01-01T07:29:00.000-08:002011-01-10T23:47:01.621-08:00coffee and iPhonehere's another mouth-watering item to go with your coffee -- an <b>iPhone cookie</b>!<br />
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nope, i kid you not.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TR9DCnZu9CI/AAAAAAAAAmY/1MKDlRaysFs/s1600/iphone%2Bcookie%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="399" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TR9DCnZu9CI/AAAAAAAAAmY/1MKDlRaysFs/s400/iphone%2Bcookie%2B1.jpg" /></a></div>on a cool rainy day, a nicely baked cookie is always a welcome sight, but when they look as good as this one -- a great idea that sprung from a Japanese country bakehouse -- your first instinct is to look at it and exclaim over its details, followed by a quite-understandable resolve to keep the cookie instead. surely, such a yummy-looking creation was made to be displayed and not eaten! <br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thesign03-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0041E16RC&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>ms. kumiko kudo, the owner of <b><a href="http://greengables.chu.jp/">Green Gables</a></b> (Japan), started baking and selling iPhonecookies in 2008. apparently, the making of these meticulously crafted cookies (each sells for 2730 yen, or roughly $33) is rather time-consuming -- she can only make 20 pieces a day. this should explain why the waiting list for this hot-selling yummy item (online orders only) could be as long two months!<br />
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oh man. now, i really want one.<br />
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RATING: 5 cupsonyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-8179577693774342712010-12-30T21:15:00.000-08:002010-12-30T21:20:43.896-08:00new year's eve musingyesterday, while i was doing my year-end mall inspection, i stumbled into a familiar sight that warmed the cockles of my heart.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TR1hhFoK2jI/AAAAAAAAAlE/EtzLysHg5YA/s1600/coffee%2B%2526%2Bdonuts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="242" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TR1hhFoK2jI/AAAAAAAAAlE/EtzLysHg5YA/s400/coffee%2B%2526%2Bdonuts.JPG" /></a></div><br />
it seems like a nice portent as i begin to wonder if 2011 will be a better year (i have vague hopes that it will be). of course, <b>Krispy Kreme</b>'s theme doesn't exactly match my header -- but hey who's quibbling, right?<br />
<br />
it's pretty much the same point. and with so many coffee chains springing out of the woodwork these days, i guess you gotta go with something that many people can easily relate to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TR1hR2TwlPI/AAAAAAAAAk8/Jxyf2en47a8/s1600/krispy%2Bkreme%2Bxmas%2Bdonuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="183" width="275" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TR1hR2TwlPI/AAAAAAAAAk8/Jxyf2en47a8/s320/krispy%2Bkreme%2Bxmas%2Bdonuts.jpg" /></a></div>and since it's the holidays, it feels right to feature some holiday donuts from Krispy Kreme (note: i'm sticking with the US spelling for consistency). these days, of course, i have to keep a tight watch on my sugar intake but these yummy goodies really hit the spot.<br />
<br />
<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thesign03-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002Y27P3M&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:left;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>it looks like we're all set for the new year (no major mishap yet, thank heavens for small mercies). so HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone.<br />
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*<i>raises a mug of celebratory latte</i>*<br />
<br />
meanwhile, i'm back to tinkering my new <b>Kindle (3G/Wi-Fi)</b>. it handily beats down twiddling your thumbs when you've got time to waste.onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-13595588561620560362010-12-30T09:20:00.001-08:002011-01-10T23:46:34.982-08:00coffee and croissantstoday was one of those days -- i just had to have coffee and croissants.<br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TRy_hWaCaZI/AAAAAAAAAkM/CJXE8-5_5fI/s1600/coffee%2B%2526%2Bcroissants.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:2 2 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/TRy_hWaCaZI/AAAAAAAAAkM/CJXE8-5_5fI/s320/coffee%2B%2526%2Bcroissants.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556526619939727762" /></a>normally, i'd go for donuts or maybe a blueberry muffin, but since i'd been ingesting too much sugar lately i decided to even things out a bit by going for croissants instead.<br />
<br />
and it was great -- the smell of coffee and the yummy croissant was a perfect backdrop to start a cool rainy day.<br />
<br />
RATING: 3.5 cupsonyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-46637483445009813062010-12-26T21:59:00.000-08:002010-12-30T22:37:35.029-08:00before 2010 winds down...wow. i can't believe it's been more than a year since i last dropped in here.<br />
<br />
i have no excuse. chuck it up to a combination of blogging burnout (would you believe i have about 5 other blogs, of which i could only manage to update two regularly?) and preoccupation over other areas of my life.<br />
anyway, let's get over that and move on to other things.<br />
<br />
first off, here's <span style="font-weight:bold;">gwyneth paltrow</span> stamping her indelible presence in <span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://www.fox.com/glee/">Glee</a></span></span> (Fox TV) with her hilarious portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln.<br />
<br />
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/z_btsMoXdaE?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/z_btsMoXdaE?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
i'm no <span style="font-weight:bold;">Gleek</span> though. in fact, the episode that guest-starred <b>Gwyneth Paltrow</b> ("The Substitute") is the ONLY <b>Glee<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=thesign03-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0049IHY30&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align:right;padding-top:5px;width:131px;height:245px;padding-right:10px;"align="left" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe></b> i have ever watched. i'm not even sure if i would want to sit through another hour of <b>Glee</b> -- although i just might when ms. paltrow returns to reprise her role as the wonderfully zany Holly Holiday in 2011.<br />
<br />
hopefully, when that happens we'll get another glimpse of Mary Todd Lincoln when that happens.<br />
<br />
okay, <span style="font-style:italic;">ciao</span> for now.onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-17900185903177437252009-02-06T22:38:00.000-08:002009-02-06T22:42:00.120-08:00coffee ads and celebritieshere are several coffee advertisements featuring several hollywood names -- <span style="font-weight:bold;">george clooney</span>, <span style="font-weight:bold;">arnold schwarzenegger</span>,and <span style="font-weight:bold;">david lynch</span>. these commercial spots aren't quite new, but i get a kick out of watching these stars hawking various coffee products in their own inimitable style.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mOtCjT6WHGk&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mOtCjT6WHGk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />cool and suave, much like the guy himself. oh, and funny, too.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oi-FA6cDqYU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oi-FA6cDqYU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />ah-nold in fine form. he gulps 'em down like there's no tomorrow. 'atta boy!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CDgQp__xaco&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CDgQp__xaco&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />david lynch lays it on rather thick, but he does his pitch well.onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-30737374285693856562009-01-30T21:46:00.000-08:002009-01-30T22:02:31.661-08:00tom & giselleone of my favorite couples (and two of the world's most famous and good looking celebrities) -- finally <span style="font-weight:bold;">engaged</span>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SYPomUSlfBI/AAAAAAAAAiY/c_EgN6Znu4w/s1600-h/tom+%26+giselle+date.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SYPomUSlfBI/AAAAAAAAAiY/c_EgN6Znu4w/s400/tom+%26+giselle+date.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297333331697171474" /></a><br /><br />after a passel of questions -- "<span style="font-style:italic;">are they or aren't they?</span>", "<span style="font-style:italic;">was that a stunt?</span>", "<span style="font-style:italic;">what the heck was that all about?</span>" -- football star <span style="font-weight:bold;">tom brady</span> and supermodel <span style="font-weight:bold;">giselle bundschen</span> have made things official: the games are over and they are intending to marry. when? that's for us to find out. in the meantime, let us enjoy these pictures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SYPomDTKATI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/Hiu78l8VMvY/s1600-h/tom+%26+giselle+boston.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SYPomDTKATI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/Hiu78l8VMvY/s400/tom+%26+giselle+boston.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297333327136162098" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SYPomOANX-I/AAAAAAAAAiI/-j2Ps0csEqY/s1600-h/tom+%26+giselle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SYPomOANX-I/AAAAAAAAAiI/-j2Ps0csEqY/s400/tom+%26+giselle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297333330009481186" /></a>onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-15221235743019990622008-11-14T10:00:00.000-08:002008-11-14T10:31:15.798-08:00got this in my emaili signed up over at <a href="http://www.goog.com"><span style="font-weight:bold;">goop</span></a> (<span style="font-weight:bold;">gwyneth paltrow</span>'s website) a few days ago, just to see what would come out of it and today i got this in my email.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SR2-oLu3KeI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/cy8V8tQbFBo/s1600-h/goop+gwyn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SR2-oLu3KeI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/cy8V8tQbFBo/s400/goop+gwyn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268576736646736354" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">great ensemble, this</span>.<br /><br />hmm... gwynnie definitely has a way with clothes. she makes simple clothes look "interesting" simply by wearing them. i know a lot of her detractors are always more than ready with their negative comments (regardless of what she says or does, the knives are always sharpened for quick response), but you have to admit they can't help but take note of her dress, her shoes, her accessories, her movies, her kids, her activities, etc.<br /><br />incidentally, i like goop's spare, understated pastel layout. it doesn't sport much in the way of flashy designs or bold arresting colors (some have described it as rather bland), but i like it nonetheless.onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-63331688163384280692008-11-12T11:08:00.000-08:002008-11-12T11:49:05.082-08:00celebrities & their kidsthere is something humanizing and endearingly sweet about celebrities who try their hands at parenting (never mind those excellent photo-ops and favorable publicity it automatically generates).<br /><br />notwithstanding the usual intense media and public scrutiny that surrounds the arrival of each celebrity offspring, there is always that part of you that's curious as to how this particular child or that kid will turn out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SRsqj-UdsBI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/0cONX8L-dkU/s1600-h/jolie-pitt+clan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SRsqj-UdsBI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/0cONX8L-dkU/s400/jolie-pitt+clan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267850986652545042" /></a><br />and so we keep our eyes (and flashbulbs) open to record and exclaim over each smile, gurgle and wail, or any other tell-tale moment, and then tell the whole world about it -- rather like officious relatives who like nothing better than to stick their oar in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SRsqjYGlkbI/AAAAAAAAAZs/5gF5j8hgPs0/s1600-h/paltrow+martin+kids.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SRsqjYGlkbI/AAAAAAAAAZs/5gF5j8hgPs0/s400/paltrow+martin+kids.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267850976393793970" /></a><br />and so, we like to tell ourselves it's all part of the cycle that keeps their parents in the limelight and keeps the industry alive. in any case, the unending routine feeds the whole process: it provides reporters and photographers material to fill up pages of those entertainment magazines and online sites that we buy and subscribe to. and, in turn, in stimulates us to know more.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SRsqjWFTMlI/AAAAAAAAAZk/uCU-uc57s0Y/s1600-h/cruise+family.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SRsqjWFTMlI/AAAAAAAAAZk/uCU-uc57s0Y/s400/cruise+family.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267850975851524690" /></a><br />when you come right down to it, we like seeing these pictures because these folks are darn photogenic.onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-11215785624793788242008-10-24T11:44:00.001-07:002008-10-24T12:00:48.944-07:00more coffee newsbeing a huge coffee fan, i'm always on the lookout for any news or interesting developments that could put a positive spin on the art of drinking coffee in particular and coffee industry in general.<br /><br />so, now if you're looking for a something that's a bit more rooted in hard science, you ought to check this article from <span style="font-style:italic;">New York Times</span>, <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/23/heart-warming-news-on-coffee/?ref=science">Heartwarming News on Coffee</a></span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SQIaSfHgahI/AAAAAAAAAZU/PT8XPfVpaBM/s1600-h/coffee+group.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SQIaSfHgahI/AAAAAAAAAZU/PT8XPfVpaBM/s400/coffee+group.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260796219615111698" /></a><br />or if you want to get down to the nuts-and-bolts of the whole thing, you can go straight to this online piece on <span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://www.sciam.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=holding-hot-coffee--warm-and-fuzzy-2008-10-22">Scientific American</a></span>.<br /><br />there's some caution for lady coffee drinkers though. according to an <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24539922-36398,00.html">Australian news website</a></span>, women who drink an average of at least 3 cups of coffee a day may be in danger of 'shrinkage' -- in short, a Swedish study found a link between coffee intake and a decrease in women's breast size.<br /><br />hmmm... i guess what we ought to keep in mind here is that most sensible of all warnings: "everything in moderation"onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-57844063811053796322008-10-24T10:31:00.000-07:002011-01-03T10:39:13.712-08:00coffee after meali don't know exactly when i started taking coffee after meals, but i think it must have occurred when i was trying to cut down on my dessert intake.<br />
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the first time i did that wasn't exactly fortuitous, but for some reason i decided to stick with it. the next day, i added a teaspoon of sugar -- which seemed to do the trick. and so a new habit was formed.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SQIOqbZClqI/AAAAAAAAAZM/o2MJcqPZ_38/s1600-h/coffee+after+meals.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SQIOqbZClqI/AAAAAAAAAZM/o2MJcqPZ_38/s400/coffee+after+meals.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260783436792239778" /></a><br />
as my new beverage of choice, it solved a couple of problems for me. aside from the cutback on my dessert bills (and the calories it shaved off from my usual intake), it also eased my fondness for soda drinks.<br />
and as my sister never fails to remind me, hot beverages are a better choice during meals (except on hot days, of course -- <span style="font-style:italic;">that's where i draw the line</span>).onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-90547754356716287472008-07-31T10:38:00.000-07:002008-07-31T11:22:51.771-07:00cofffee-guzzling celebsso, who else guzzles their latte and mocha by the barrell? why, red-hot celebrities on the go, of course.<br /><br />it seems like everywhere you go these days there's some coffeehouse sprouting overnight so it's really no wonder why it's the most likely place to spot a celebrity these days.<br /><br /><p style="text-align: center;">1. <span style="font-weight:bold;">keith urban</span> & <span style="font-weight:bold;">nicole kidman</span> -- <span style="font-style:italic;">sweet</span>!</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SJH5rP-NpQI/AAAAAAAAAW0/zbr3VusrvVk/s1600-h/keith+%26+nicole.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:10px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SJH5rP-NpQI/AAAAAAAAAW0/zbr3VusrvVk/s400/keith+%26+nicole.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229235163771020546" /></a><br /><br /><p style="text-align: center;">2. <span style="font-weight:bold;">jude law</span>, his canine pal & his coffee</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SJH5rGGcwiI/AAAAAAAAAW8/KQGvGzOLg-s/s1600-h/jude+law.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SJH5rGGcwiI/AAAAAAAAAW8/KQGvGzOLg-s/s400/jude+law.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229235161121210914" /></a><br /><br /><p style="text-align: center;">3. <span style="font-weight:bold;">vanessa hudgens</span> of <span style="font-style:italic;">High School Musical</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SJH5rfKCJGI/AAAAAAAAAXE/UhCVl5POthI/s1600-h/vanessa+hudgens.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SJH5rfKCJGI/AAAAAAAAAXE/UhCVl5POthI/s400/vanessa+hudgens.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229235167847130210" /></a><br /><br /><p style="text-align: center;">4. <span style="font-weight:bold;">hilary duff</span> (<span style="font-style:italic;">uhh... is she doing anything these days?</span>)</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SJH5r7QTHPI/AAAAAAAAAXU/viDmUmsNm10/s1600-h/hilary+%26+coffee.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SJH5r7QTHPI/AAAAAAAAAXU/viDmUmsNm10/s400/hilary+%26+coffee.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229235175389601010" /></a><br /><br /><p style="text-align: center;">5. even <span style="font-weight:bold;">brooke burke</span> and her baby are getting into the action</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SJH5rmQvadI/AAAAAAAAAXM/Bu2u5uS0IgY/s1600-h/brooke+burke.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SJH5rmQvadI/AAAAAAAAAXM/Bu2u5uS0IgY/s400/brooke+burke.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229235169754311122" /></a><br /><br />well... <span style="font-style:italic;">down the hatch</span> mates!onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-501475735122037972008-06-21T06:47:00.000-07:002011-01-03T10:41:30.890-08:00over a cup of coffeeafter going through headlines, i decided to search for news relating to coffee houses and came up with a few interesting articles that might amuse some of you coffee drinkers out there.<br />
<br />
here's an interesting item regarding best-selling <a href="http://www.thecheers.org/news/World-news/news_28409_Rowlings-coffee-shop-writing-spurs-Brit-author-towards-best-seller-status-.html"><strong>authors and coffee shops</strong></a> -- or rather, the way coffee shops seem to inspire would-be authors to reach their goal.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SF0GzumDZvI/AAAAAAAAAPo/WBRuPKTlPNU/s1600-h/cafe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SF0GzumDZvI/AAAAAAAAAPo/WBRuPKTlPNU/s400/cafe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214331429315634930" /></a><br />
and here's also a way for aspiring <a href="http://www.hendontimes.co.uk/display.var.2355146.0.share_your_poems_over_a_cup_of_coffee.php"><strong>poets to share their work</strong></a>, although this seems to be more or less geared towards a specific group. nevertheless since this involves cafes, we might as well check this out.<br />
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now, here's an intriguing question: are there simply <a href="http://blogs.roanoke.com/storefront/2008/06/too_many_coffee_shops.html"><strong>too many coffee houses</strong></a> out there? this article should provide with some sort of an answer.<br />
<br />
happy reading folks. and here's a toast to you all!onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-74284473971521077192008-05-30T12:02:00.000-07:002011-01-03T10:44:44.583-08:00time for a break!what else could be better than to gulp down a cup of coffee and toss in a few yummy goodies fom <strong>krispy kreme</strong>? mmmmm!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SEBQf4GGv3I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/JCStAcEyUMw/s1600-h/03302008074.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SEBQf4GGv3I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/JCStAcEyUMw/s400/03302008074.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206249677804453746" /></a><br />
<br />
or how about a cold soda to cool you down and some sticky rolls from <strong>gonuts donuts</strong>. yum!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SEBQhIGGv4I/AAAAAAAAAOY/xGPYI9WK4ZE/s1600-h/sticky+rolls.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SEBQhIGGv4I/AAAAAAAAAOY/xGPYI9WK4ZE/s400/sticky+rolls.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206249699279290242" /></a><br />
<br />
for me, anything goes. right fido?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SEBOsIGGv2I/AAAAAAAAAOI/LJ_F0m3BAy0/s1600-h/fido.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SEBOsIGGv2I/AAAAAAAAAOI/LJ_F0m3BAy0/s400/fido.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206247689234595682" /></a>onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-5319739227962860492008-05-17T12:45:00.000-07:002008-05-17T13:24:31.910-07:00muggy mugs<p></p><br />like all things, mugs have a way of asserting their own personalities, too -- an extension of its owner's relationship with his/her surroundings. sometimes it can pass for cheeky statement.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SC8-Om753PI/AAAAAAAAAMA/HHbxMqBcyQw/s1600-h/simple+mug.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SC8-Om753PI/AAAAAAAAAMA/HHbxMqBcyQw/s200/simple+mug.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201444515327106290" /></a><br /><em>it can be simple, no-nonsense, and functional</em><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SC8-OW753NI/AAAAAAAAALw/A0d287bVuNg/s1600-h/darth+mug.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SC8-OW753NI/AAAAAAAAALw/A0d287bVuNg/s200/darth+mug.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201444511032138962" /></a><br />or a must-have accesory for a dyed-in-the-wool star wars geek<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SC852W753HI/AAAAAAAAALA/hlF8y67EO1Q/s1600-h/bee+mug.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SC852W753HI/AAAAAAAAALA/hlF8y67EO1Q/s400/bee+mug.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201439700668767346" /></a><br />or even a perky, fuzzy bee mug<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SC86_m753JI/AAAAAAAAALQ/ApZ2LjU-9T4/s1600-h/shop+mug.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SC86_m753JI/AAAAAAAAALQ/ApZ2LjU-9T4/s400/shop+mug.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201440959094185106" /></a><br />a snazzy statement from a shop-a-holic?<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SC8512753FI/AAAAAAAAAKw/phQsFpPr0Hc/s1600-h/dainty+cup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SC8512753FI/AAAAAAAAAKw/phQsFpPr0Hc/s400/dainty+cup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201439692078832722" /></a><br />a low-key celebration of life's joys<br /><br />whatever your choice, it all has to do with you -- it's your coffee mug after all<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SC8-OW753OI/AAAAAAAAAL4/Mo_q204J2ak/s1600-h/my+mug.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SC8-OW753OI/AAAAAAAAAL4/Mo_q204J2ak/s200/my+mug.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201444511032138978" /></a><br /><br /><p></p>onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-18674359204297587172008-04-30T13:29:00.000-07:002008-04-30T14:06:30.551-07:00tales from a coffee addict<em>this is an old post from my <a href="http://onyxx.i.ph">other blog</a>. i found this while i was rifling through my old files and since the main topic revolves around coffee, i thought it would be nice if i post it here among my other coffee tales...</em><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SBja1ZB_w1I/AAAAAAAAAIc/7D-4PlY3pFw/s1600-h/tree+of+cups.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SBja1ZB_w1I/AAAAAAAAAIc/7D-4PlY3pFw/s200/tree+of+cups.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195142780959048530" /></a><br />we've had a series of good news lately, so i'm writing this post in a better frame mind. one is work-related (you should see the ear-splitting grins on my officemate's faces), the <em>san antonio spurs</em> won the play-offs (yayy, go <strong>spurs</strong>!), and the last one is more personal in nature but certainly welcome. [Note: <em>i wrote this last year, hence the note on Spurs, which eventually won the series</em>]<br /><br />so yesterday, after an enforced 2-day inactivity, due to a lingering, half-baked cold that refuses to go away, i decided to go out for a brief spell (i was literally climbing the walls in sheer boredom). after an hour of aimless meandering, i dropped by at Cibo (Glorietta). Looking over the menu and realizing that i couldn't stand a strong dose of caffeine at this stage, i finally asked the waiter if they had latte and then he assured me it was available. and darn, if he didn't bring me a steaming cup of — milk! — 10 minutes later.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SBjZcJB_wzI/AAAAAAAAAIM/SWPlE3KGzUc/s1600-h/cuppa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SBjZcJB_wzI/AAAAAAAAAIM/SWPlE3KGzUc/s320/cuppa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195141247655723826" /></a><br />nonplussed i stared at it for a full minute. because we were discussing hot drinks (coffee) while he was scribbling down my order, i naturally assumed that the waiter would know i was referring to cafe latte.<br /><br />frankly i didn't know whether to laugh or feel insulted. [fortunately, the place was half-empty and the other patrons were too absorbed in their own affairs to notice what was going on.]<br /><br />finally, i shrugged, and stirred in some brown sugar and gulped it down as quickly as i could. i shudder to imagine what that waiter thinks of me, but i suppose i can always take refuge in the fact that i was obviously not at my best — surely he couldn't fail to notice my stuffy nose and occasional fits of muffled coughing? (gosh i hope so). the terms "wishy-washy", "namby-pamby" and "insipid" were floating before my eyes like red flags, but i ignored them with a virtuous air of indifference.<br /><br />in any case, i suppose that cup of milk wasn't exactly a total loss because i felt better afterwards. i had a good laugh when i finally got up to leave (i left some tip for the waiter, too). it looks like i will be avoiding <strong>Cibo</strong> for awhile…onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-58957750057745744472008-04-17T09:57:00.000-07:002008-04-17T10:04:37.831-07:00ebbs & flowsafter 3 weeks of ever-changing, crazy work schedule and deadlines that never seem to end, things finally grinded to a merciful halt today. and not too soon, mind you.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SAeCQTRD2YI/AAAAAAAAAH8/SthLe8Z6k7k/s1600-h/Sunny+Flowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/SAeCQTRD2YI/AAAAAAAAAH8/SthLe8Z6k7k/s400/Sunny+Flowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190260312129132930" /></a><br />this past weekend, i was slowly creeping up to that maudlin stage where i begin to wonder if i had made the right decision after all. fortunately, i pulled back long enough to realize that it was basically exhaustion and lack of sleep that were warping my mindset. i just needed a moment to catch my breath, and push on again.<br /><br />after a 1-day break, i'm happy to note that i have somehow regained my equilibrium. and to top that off, today we were basically back to our laidback routine. i'm not sure how long this lull will last, but i'm grateful for it at least.<br /><br />who knows, maybe this weekend we will be hurtling through space again, falling over our feet and imbibing barrels of coffee as we race to meet our latest deadlines, all the while wondering if this race is ever going to end.onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-70728548561647650912008-04-06T10:23:00.000-07:002008-04-06T10:42:25.083-07:00blue funki'm in a weird mood these days...<br /><br />i can't explain it. it's just that whenever i find myself doing something worthwhile i'd end up feeling morose and dispirited in the middle of everything, then somehow convince myself that it wasn't worth the effort anyway.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/R_kKViwNcoI/AAAAAAAAAH0/QujCx52QYUM/s1600-h/Australia.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/R_kKViwNcoI/AAAAAAAAAH0/QujCx52QYUM/s400/Australia.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186187811116380802" /></a><br />it's gotten worse lately. sometimes it feels like i'm going in circles.<br /><br />i think i may need somebody to walk up and to me and give me a shake and say "snap ouf of it!"onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556626062998184559.post-3274260675599527672008-03-29T23:13:00.000-07:002008-03-29T23:42:52.353-07:00miyazaki masterpiece: my neighbor totoroAmong <strong>Hayao Miyazaki</strong>’s animated films, I’ve always found <em><strong>My Neighbor Totoro</strong></em> (<em>Tonari no Totoro</em>; 1988) the easiest to appreciate and relate with because, notwithstanding its supernatural elements, the story is essentially grounded in reality (with subtle autobiographical brush strokes) and takes place in a sleepy rural setting.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/R-8y9ywNclI/AAAAAAAAAHc/fEu4bhfAgb0/s1600-h/totoro5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/R-8y9ywNclI/AAAAAAAAAHc/fEu4bhfAgb0/s400/totoro5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183417733304119890" /></a><br /><em>My Neighbor Totoro</em> has no overt violent scenes, which should make this animated feature fairly suitable even to young children, although it does deal with the threat of loss and pain as only a child can sense it. The film radiates with childlike wonder, discovery and ready acceptance of extraordinary incidents. Basically, it’s one anime title that I’d be pleased to recommend to anyone regardless of his/her age.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/R-8wnCwNckI/AAAAAAAAAHU/CAWz63hBl5Q/s1600-h/totoro8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/R-8wnCwNckI/AAAAAAAAAHU/CAWz63hBl5Q/s400/totoro8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183415143438840386" /></a><br />The animation, as expected for a <strong>Studio Ghibli</strong> offering, is top-notch, and the characters are well delineated. The story focuses on two young girls who, along with their father (a college professor), move into an old country house — a quaint, rustic structure complete with cobwebs, rotting posts and rattling windows — in order to be near the hospital where their mother is being treated. In one of her rambles, 4-year-old <strong>Mei</strong> (and later, along with the her older sister <strong>Satsuki</strong>) stumbles into the slumbering guardian spirit of the forest — a huge, cuddly, bear-like creature called <strong>Totoro</strong>, who’s apparently only visible to young children… <br /><br />Without giving away the rest of the story (I really don’t want to spoil the experience for those who still haven’t seen it), there are several items in this film that should be fairly obvious to a <strong>Miyazaki</strong> enthusiast. The main protagonist is a young girl (or in the case, girls) who’s learning to grapple with the complexities of life (a recurring theme in many Studio Ghibli films such as <em>Spirited Away</em>, <em>Kiki’s Delivery Service</em>, <em>Laputa Castle</em>, <em>Porco Rossi</em>, etc.). There’s also an endearingly clumsy young boy, <strong>Kanta</strong>, who shows an abiding interest in planes/aviation (<em>Kiki’s Delivery Service</em>, <em>Laputa Castle</em>), a trait that Miyazaki shared as a child.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/R-81viwNcnI/AAAAAAAAAHs/fiWbFRPJyzM/s1600-h/totoro6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UBXVlM70j-I/R-81viwNcnI/AAAAAAAAAHs/fiWbFRPJyzM/s400/totoro6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183420787025867378" /></a><br /><em>My Neighbor Totoro</em> likewise highlights, in unobtrusive but touching instances, the way the Japanese show respect for their old and the ‘natural’ spirits around them.onyxxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348796602199726004noreply@blogger.com