Fave Spot

I'm in love, love, love with my new neighborhood find, 5 Spot. It's not so new, but I only just discovered its charms in the last few months.

5 Spot sepcializes in regional American cooking, and is a great choice for breakfast or lunch. I can't vouch for dinner (or know if they are even open) as I have not been there for that meal. They offer a city theme that rotates every 3 months, and they offer specials that correcpond to it - this month its North Beach and San Francisco. They change out artowrk, decorations, and the menu each time.

They offer lots of scrambles, hash borwns to die for, and french toast made from Briche toast that is so thick and delicious, it will meake you head spin. I recently had their Toad the the Hole special (a French Toast with a hole in the middle, filled with an egg) and their chocolate sauce and almond slivers French Toast (for their North Beach theme) that was so utterly decadent and delicision (ask for the chocolate sauce on the side if it can get too much for you like I did)

The staff is super polite and friendly and, even though they usually have a line outside, if you go at around 9 am or later in the day, you are golden.

We took various visitirs in town to 5 Spot and they all enjoyed it. Check it out!

Down but Not Out!

Hello friends. Red Slice has been out recovering from a brain aneurysm and subsequent hemorrage for the last few months. But recovery is going well and we are extrememely lucky things were not worse than they were.

I have been touched by how many friends and family members reached out to me during this time. Talk about knowing who your real friends are! I think that was the best part of this whole experience - realizing how loved and valued you really are.

So,Red Slice has not had a chance to really get out wining and dining (and the fact that I need to stay off alcohol for a while does not help!). But I am slowly getting back to normal and hope to resume my dining and drinking adventures very soon.

The one thing that has been really interesting about this whole experience is that, while I'm just trying to get back to the level I was at before all this hoo ha, many of my friends have been so moved by my experience that thay are taking drastic actions on theor own lives: aiming for those goals they always thought they would ":get to:; taking that trip around the world before it;s too late, etc. Everyone keeps asking me if I have a different perspective on life from all of this. While I do know how lucky we are and how precious life is, I guess for me it's all about the little things: I was thrilled to be able to walk my dog again. So my world travels/bestselling novel/higher calling occupation are a little on the back burner these days! But I am so happy to see that others have been inspired to follow their bliss from my experiences.

And i guess, for me, that's the big thing: I always wanted to inspire people in some way. So maybe I was able to achieve my "big dream" through all of this as well!

To my friends and damily, THANK YOU for being so wonderfully supportive! :-)

Hit by an Italian Asteroid

Following up on a recommendation, my hubbie and I sought out a "hidden" Italian gem in Fremont this weekend, Asteroid. Sure, that immediately conjures up red and white checked tableclothes, jugs of Chianti and mounds of fettucine, doesn't it? Well, technically their name is Asteroid Ristorante e Bar Italiani and believe me, this Italian was more than satisfied and happy with the goods.

First off, they offer a stunning array of innovative and traditional Italian cocktails, ranging from Negroni to Bellini to a lovely peach concoction my husband ordered called a Fellini. Campari flows from this bar like water at the Fontain of Trevi. I tried to be adventurous and sample the Negroni, a mix of Campari, gin and other treats, but that bitter taste knocks me over each time, so the waitress graciously traded it for a refreshing Pear Martini.

The place is in an odd location: it looks like the bottom floor retail space of a 2 or 3 story office plex in downtown Fremont. There is a lovely sculptured fountain in front and Asteroid places bistro tables there for al fresco dining. After you get used to it, it's quite peaceful and lovely. Inside, the restaurants and bar looks like it'd be a fun time for meeting friends and even dining indoors.

We started with salads. I was not overly nuts about my dinner salad of mixed greens (way too much arugula made it oh so bitter) but the vinaigrette was lovely. My husbands spinach salad with goat cheese was a better choice. Complimentary bruschetta was served up and it was delicious with a bean/red pepper puree on crostini.

Boasting tons of things we would enjoy, the menu will keep up coming back to try more delectables. We opted for this Spaghetti alla'Amatriciana and a Ravioli made with marscapone and artichokes dressed in a butter/white wine sauce. Both dishes were delicious. The ravioli was just pure joy going down your throat. My only beef was that the Amatriciana did not taste like the ones I am used to (although it was great) and they used a very thin, almost Ramen-type noodle - this sauce begs a thicker noodle like bucatini, which it is traditionally served with in Rome, or a fettucine. This way, the noodle can hold the thick sauce better with each bite. But overall, the dishes were wonderful.

Too carbo-loaded for dessert (until we walked down the street to Simply Desserts, more on this below), we left Asteroid full and happy. The service was excellent, they have not one but TOW happy hours a night, and they showcase jazz and wine tastings. I managed to find out why the heck they call it Asteroid. Seems the owner had another spot in Ballard, which he named after the large prop "asteroid" on the roof of the building they occupied (according to the maitre'd, this was a real prop from "Armageddon"). And then they opened up the Fremont location and christened it the same thing. Interesting.

As for Simply Desserts, all I can say is the Truffle Cake was to die for, and we felt better about it since we packed it to go and walked home before gorging ourselves. They bave a variety of scrumptious cake slices or you can order the whole damn thing, which I'm pretty sure would fill you up for a month. Mmmmmmm is all I can add to that.

So now we have not one but two yummy Italian joints in the Hood. Ah, all is right with the world.

Feed Your Marketing Head

For those of you Red Slicers who wanna hear more about marketing, branding or business, don't forget to tap into the Brand Slice blog. Would love if you'd set up a feed to this newly christened site and lend me your feedback.

More Red Slice urban musings coming - I know I have been lax!

Introducing Red Slice Brand Slice

Programming note to all the fans: the Red Slice blog will continue to deliver fun, sassy content around food, wine, film and trash talk. But I've launched a new blog to focus on marketing and branding.

Introducing Red Slice Brand Slice!

Here you'll find the same sassy attitude focused on the world of marketing. Musings and observations on what companies are doing, great ideas being implemented and general Seinfeld-esque discussions ("What is the deal with Pay per Clicks?"). This new blog can also be found from the new Red Slice LLC company website set to launch on June 27th - that's Friday, baby, yeah!!

So remember: Red Slice blog for urban life fun and frolic; Red Slice Brand Slice for marketing-based fun and frolic.

Feedback welcome.....

Chicks Rule

I had the rare opportunity to go to two very special women-oriented events in the last two weeks. And overall, I am amazed at how many smart, sassy, creative women exist in this world - and how over the past few months, I have been blessed to have them in my world.

First up: Make Mine a Million $ Business - Seattle event

This organization out of NY has a nationwide network and events in many cities where they bring speakers and content to women entrepreneurs. But the piece de resistance is the contest they run in each city where 16 women business owners must deliver an elevator pitch on why they deserve to win the Make Mine a Million $ Business 2008 Award, which offers them mentors, free advice, technical and other support by big sponsors like Dell, Cisco and Amex and overall a huge wealth of resources to help them grow to a million in revenue.

Sixteen local women took the stage to pitch their business and why they should win in only 3 minutes. The businesses ranged from marketing agencies to affirmation blankets to promotional items to a school for animal massage. Not sure when they entered the contest, but it was prior to the event and so they had received coaching on presentation skills and content prior to the big day. It was electric to be in an audience of 400 supportive, proud, successful women and want to root for them, and not be pitted against then as women often are in life.

We heard from WA state governor Christine Gregoire; Anne Levinson, one of the 4 women who now own the Seattle Storm WNBA Basketball team; Valerie Morris, an award winning journalist from CNN who moderated a lot of the events; and we even had an emcee known as a "journey agent" named Isasara Bay who used to be the VP of Corp Affairs of Sony Music and is now a consultant. Other highlights included past award winners; a consultant named Simon Sinek who did a wonderful presentation on being a "Why?" organization and not a "What?" organization to better create customer loyalty and be a cause rather than a company (a la Apple); and Nely Galan, Latina media dynamo, founder of Galavision, and recent contestant on Celebrity Apprentice. This chick is full of spicy advice for how to be innovative, jump on opportunity and get ahead in life.

Overall, I was left empowered by what women can do when we put our minds to things. The sky really is the limit.

Second, my client The Broader View held their inaugural workshop for women at the top who are looking for what's next.

Over 40 of Seattle's top women - CEOs, philanthropists, business owners, etc gathered in the beautiful Columbia Club high atop Seattle with a view to die for and heard inspiration and thought-provoking soul food. We heard from Catherine Meeks, an electric, strong, African American professor, scholar, author and motivational speaker talk about celebrating how far we've come and acknowledging our own inner voice as we move forward into whatever is next in our lives. She used Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise" as the foundation of her talk. Some of her gems:

• Your mind gets in the way. Listen to your heart.
• Negative voices – we all have them, but we need to make choices about what to do with them
• We live in a world where no one knows what women are all about so they put us in our place and if we “forget” our place they jump on us
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (what Catherine has at age 62 and has had for 20 years) could have defined me, or made me a “cripple”. Instead, I choose to see it as my best teacher. It taught me to say “no” to things that would drain my energy and to take care of myself, to treasure taking care of ME before I could do anything for others
• People don’t really want to listen to what’s in their heart – especially if they are successful. They think they have no right to this, that they are being selfish. When really everyone just has a fractured person inside of them looking for a warm blanket. No amount of success or blessings shields us from those feelings sometimes. Material things do not speak to the hunger of the heart, so no one is immune. We need to be sisters to each other so we have a place to fall apart
• It's okay to have nervous breakdowns on the weekends. I find I’m in a much better place on Monday if I let myself cry in a ball sometimes!
• Carl Jung talked about “individuation” – which is the process of separating the particular from the general. We are not “everywoman” but our own woman. We need to know where others stop and we begin.
• We put on a persona of ourselves to the world, but behind that is a “shadow” – these are things we haven’t encountered yet (our unconscious). But there is untapped wealth there if we pay attention and do not ignore it or try to hide it. Fragmented people are those who are indecisive and don’t know who they are – they try to ignore or bury their Shadows. If you do this, you’ll live as half of a person, you won’t allow new things to come up.
• You must let things die in order to give birth to new things. This is the cycle of change and growth. All change is a death in a way. Before you allow rebirth, you have to make space for it. So let things die. New things will be born.
• What message do I need to get from the people in my life that I think I don’t want there? What is in my energy system that attracts these people and thoughts?
• Listen to your inner voice and respond to the repetitive messages – they are trying to tell you something!
• “Energy vampires” they take without you knowing (not necessarily bad people). So be careful who you tell your dreams to. Tell them to people who get it, and choose not to discuss with people who don’t – doesn’t mean you have to cut them out of your life if you don’t want to.
• Figure out how to replenish. Where is your energy going? What is the clutter in your soul weighing you down? What is the baggage holding you down?
• Journal, journal, journal and reflect
• We live in a culture that doesn’t want us to pay attention, to be still, to reflect. We must ignore that pressure and take the time we need.
• What does your heart require? What brings you joy and peace? YOU DECIDE, not the culture, not your parents, not your co-workers, but YOU.
• Gratitude and generosity creates space and open up energy.

Then, Carrie & Danielle, who I've blogged about before, talked about Style Statement and living your authentic life. Defining who you are on your own terms and not letting all the noise or other distraction prevent you from being who you really are. They asked some very thought-provoking questions that are often the key to understanding who we are and what makes us happy - and that leads to us knowing how to best give back to the world in which we live.

I met some amazing women in the last two weeks that I hope to help and who I hope will help me on my next journey. The possibilities are endless when you open yourself up to them and quiet the voices in your head enough to listen to their call.

Sex, The City, and Product Placement

OK, I've had a few days to digest the new SATC movie. First off, I was against this film from the first whiffs of a rumor that it might come to pass. The girls went out on top. The last episode left us hopeful for the future, but provided some closure and happy endings at the same time. The Cosmos, high fashion, countless bad dates and - most importantly to those males out there who just don't get it - the amazing friendships single older women can have with each other, were all tucked nicely in my "fond memory" vault, as I myself moved on from my urban diva single gal days.

But no. Like Michael Jordan or Dennis Quaid's pathetic character in "Everybody's All American", they just couldn't leave well enough alone.

I admit I got sucked in. The movie was out and I WAS curious as to what happened to my girls. Especially after hearing SJP on In the Actor's Studio talk about making a movie that was true to the characters and that had to address that four years had passed and lives had changed. Hmmmm, I thought, what does become of them? And is their transition going along as mine is?

So, I rounded up some gal pals and Fandangoed last Saturday night.

Observation #1: The previews for several romantic comedies (some smart, some sappy) along with about 100 women and 2 hapless chaps giggling at the trailers' predictable moments would have been my husband's idea of his own personal Dante-esque hell. But I have to admit, I loved it!

Observation #2: Kudos to the writers and everyone involved with SATC. They really did present a realistic portrait of the evolutionary yet grounded friendship of these women and did not attempt to show them stuck at the same crossroads as four years ago. Samantha had moved to LA, Charlotte's daughter actually aged in real-time, not film time, and Miranda was feeling the pressures of sacrificing for her marriage. And Carrie's career had moved forward in the ensuing period, as did her relationship with Big.

Observation #3: Thumbs down for the "you're hurting my eyes" product placement and overemphasis on the materialism. This played into every stereotype men have about this show. Now I'm not getting all sanctimonious. I LOVED the urban landscape of this series, the fantastic shoes, the clothes, the swanky lifestyle. But in my opinion, it was merely a backdrop to the strong bond between these women and their seach for love as a mature adult. That is what this show was about for me. Identifying with these women who had careers, were self-sufficient, and who were still looking for love in their 30's and 40's. Every image of female friendships on TV and film seems to suggest we're all either single and miserable or married with kids and friends with other women who are married with kids. This is not reality. I can't identify with "According to Jim's" beautiful wife who puts up with his slovenly behavior, has 3 kids by the time she's 35, and her best friend is her sister. Not judging here, just saying this is not my life. But the film was over the top with the shopping and the designers and the whatnot. Vivienne Westwood, Manolo, Louis Vuitton, yada yada. Maybe I'm just jealous, I don't know, but I was like, "Stop it this instant!"

Observation #4: Another kudos for the beautiful "Circle of Life" subtlety that was represented by Jennifer Hudson's character, Louise. Carrie's new assistant was a smart, hopeful, excited girl from St. Louis who admits she moved to NY to "find love." Rather than trying to box the four friends into the same people they were "back then" the writers deftly showed how some women grow up and leave and the next crop shows up at the door. There's even a cute moment in the opening sequence showing Carrie walking down a NY street, and she passes a group of gals in their 20's or 30's, doing what she used to do with her friends, and she smiles to herself. It's lovely. When I left San Francisco's Marina district, I felt the same way. I would pass the gaggle of ladies heading off to Balboa for the evening in their sparkly tops and their fabulous clutches, all excitement and happiness as they had no idea what the evening had in store for them. And I would laugh as I saw this proverbial changing of the guard. I'm sure, like me, Carrie had an impulse to try to impart years of advice into the 30 seconds those girls might grant her! But we all have to learn those lessons on our own, for better or worse, don't we?

SATC as a movie did not change lives or push any boundaries. But it was like catching up with old friends and seeing how they are doing. Minus the fact that most (not all) of my friends don't own that many $500 shoes or $2000 handbags. But that was never really the point.

Holographic Madness

Star Trek really was ahead of its time.

Click here to see how people like my husband will not have to fly over 2000 miles (with a Denver connection) just to give a 45 minute presentation is sticky-hot Orlando.

I'm all about the personal touch and being able to interact with attendees, but sometimes this will do.

Urban Growth and Mobile Societies

Interesting post from my friend Christine on Richard Florida's recent lecture here in Seattle. He discusses urban trends and growth based on his new book: book: Who’s Your City?: How the Creative Economy Is Making Where to Live the Most Important Decision of Your Life.

I read about this guy a few year's ago in the context of how certain cities were trying to do something to combat the "brain drain" of college grads leaving for the bright lights and better restaurants of the New York's, San Francisco's and even Austin's of our great nation. At that time, he was serving as a consultant to cities trying to improve their situation and become, at most shallow, "hip and cool", and at best, thriving centers that serve a diverse and well-educated population more effectively.

Florida seems to have expanded into the migration of people globally, not just here in the states, and which places are defined as "super cities." This includes the likes of Seoul and Sydney.

I did not get the chance to attend this lecture, but Christine did a great summary. Check it out. Poses some interesting questions not just about the macro consequences of such growth concentrated in certain urban centers, but also at a more personal level, why do we choose the cities we choose to live in - and more importantly, why do some of us remain stuck in cities that do not make us happy always wishing we lived somewhere else? Discuss.

Know Thy Audience

Think all chocolate is created equal? Think again.

In a very enlightening snippet from the Champion Assistants newsletter, principal Heather Nelson talks about the different between Hershey Kisses and Godiva. Studies (don't ask me which ones) have shown people prefer the taste of the cheaper chocolate brand over the elegant well-branded version. Why? Seems to be perceived value. People who like to eat chocolate prefer Hershey Kisses, while those who like to give chocolate prefer the brand and experience of Godiva. Seriously, single ladies out there, would you be more impressed if the date of the month presented you with an exquisitely wrapped, decadent Godiva or threw a bag of Hershey Kisses at you that he picked up at Walgreen's, along with razor blades and mouthwash?

Herein lies an important lesson about target audience. Your value propositions to the gift giver are much different than those to end consumer. Not saying taste doesn't factor in, but you could think of it in this very cursory way:

Gift Giver needs:

• Nice packaging
• Cache brand/quality
• Higher price point to be perceived as acceptable gift
• Delicious Taste

Chocolate consumer needs:

• Taste
• Value for money

"Give a gift that makes her feel special" is a very different positioning than "The most delicious chocolate." But too often marketers try to lump everyone into one category and forget about the different needs of different audiences. Tech companies do this constantly with "Our audience is line of business users and technical buyers." Yeah, right. Those two groups are discussing politics over the lunch table. One group needs usability and ease at any price; the other needs technical integrity, security and ROI. Not saying one group might not also care about what the other needs (ie, an IT department who is measured on user adoption and usage) but the lead is different.

As for me, I have to admit: I'd prefer popping some Hershey's Kisses but I'd prefer the pretty Godiva box come Valentine's Day.

PS: Champion Assistants is a virtual assistance company that can help you with anything that takes up your time in an unproductive way and hinders your ability to work on your core business: bookeeping, translation, graphic design, website programming, newsletters, contact database management, Internet research - you name it, they'll help you get it done. They are actually helping me with my bookeeping so I can focus on my clients. Tell Heather I sent you!

Making Microsoft Cool

If you get the chance, pick up the latest issue of Fast Company and read about advertising guru Alex Bogusky and his firm's quest to help Microsoft connect with its market and become "cool." It's a fascinating read into a monolith trying to steer clear of the iceberg and change its image. I don't agree, however, with the controversial F.C. website comment of "All Microsoft needs to make products like Vista and Zune cool is better advertising" (Hello? Have you used Vista? Maybe if it didn't freeze up every 5 seconds, I might think it's, like totally hellacool, without needing any ads featuring funny Daily Show comedians, thank you). The print article is a voyeuristic journey into a company's high school insecurities and how they are taking on the bullies with their checkbooks:

MSFT: Mom, all the kids want to play with Apple and they picked me last for dodgeball again.

MOM: Well, dear, let's go to store and buy you some new clothes and pricey sneakers because I hear that's what all the cool kids are doing.


MSFT: You mean, all I have to do is change my clothes? Don't I need to be more user-friendly, less prone to viruses and hacking, not need to be restarted so often, and play obscure European indie musicians in my ads to get attention?

MOM: (laughs) Don't be stupid, dear. This is America. Just look the part.

In all seriousness, I am proud of MSFT for taking this $300 million look at their reputation and attempting to finally get their branding house in order. For too long, each group within MSFT has acted like a completely different company, even those targeting the same audience groups (One of the article's treats is it's timeline through MSFT's bad advertising). Now, stepping across the aisle, I don't think any company can "buy" their way to cool with sexy advertising. And part of what makes Apple great is what is at it's core (pardon the pun) - the advertising is just a representation, an extension of that inner soul. You can't glam up even the worst products - what is that famous quote that good advertising will just make a bad product fail faster?

But again stepping back over the aisle, bad product is not all together MSFT's problem. This company has a lot of smart people making amazing products. Indeed, companies have been built and serve the masses based on MSFT products, and even this blogger runs her life on Outlook and Vista. But the company's problems to date can be summarized as follows:

1) lack of cohesive brand
2) lack of cohesive messaging
3) lack of thinking that any of that is important for growth

It's like the smart kid in class who stubbornly scoffs at others, saying, "I'm smarter than all of you so that should be enough to bag the prettiest girl in school" and yet, the Homecoming Queen will settle for a guy of average intellect is he takes a shower and smells nice. Sometimes, you just have to try a little bit, you know? I'm also haunted by visions of Dr. Evil in the Austin Powers movies. While trying to endear himself to his son, Scott, he says, "Look, I'm cool" and proceeds to do a robotic version of the Macarena. Scott rolls his eyes and storms out. Most likely to pour out his angst onto his iBook.

MSFT does has glimmers of genius in the branding world. Just ask any gamer about the marekting blitz for Halo 3. It included mockumentaries with "interviews" of the war "veterans" and the story of a monument to those killed to create an even more realistic and intricate world for fans. You can't fake that kind of cool. Unfortunately, I think it was a purposeful decision to create an "XBOX" brand that separated itself from the MSFT brand for a reason. I mean, that rebellious Goth kid doesn't want you to know his dad's really a preacher and a pretty boring, stable guy.

Even as a branding and marketing consultant, I would never advocate that "all it takes" is good advertising. I'm just saying branding in general (which BTW goes beyond just advertising) can and will make a difference if you get the core of your house in order. You can't just buy cool - you have to walk the talk. Otherwise, everyone would be doing it. And I'm thinking MSFT's own worst enemy in the branding war is itself; when asked for a comment for the article on this exciting effort to really connect with its market, all MSFT would say, from an undisclosed spokesperson, was "They understand our company and where we want to take it." Seriously? A whole article on how MSFT is trying to overcome it's "out of touch", nerdish, self-conscious and self-absorbed image and one bland sentence of ink is all you can spare for the reporter? Ladies and gents, actions speak louder than words. MSFT has a ways to go to creating a rabid fan base - and understanding how brand needs to permeate everything you do.

The new branding efforts are due to arive in July. I can't wait as I really do want them to finally get it. The most humorous quote in the article was from Rob Enderle, an influential advisory analyst for tech companies. He said, "Nobody messes with anyone in the tech industry the way Apple messes with Microsoft. It's the first time I've seen a major national campaign that disparages a competitor, and the competitor just sits back and takes it. If somebody tried to do that to Oracle, you wouldn't be able to find the body."

Let the games begin.

**In full disclosure, I am a consultant on a MSFT project - unfortunately, not the branding one.

Wild About Wildwood

Mon dieu! It's been a bit since last I wrote. There was travel galore and catching up, while also prepping for a parental visit in a few weeks.

Excuses aside, I must tell you about the amazing B&B adventure we had in Oak Harbor, WA - on the north side of Whidbey Island. A recent new friend, Heather Carder, and her boyfriend Gregg Lanza own a spectacular working horse farm called Wildwood Farm. Acres of rolling hills, horses quietly munching on grass in the early morning mist, the pounding of hooves and the whinnies of playful comrades sparring in the pasture - this is what awaits you if you stay in this "get away from it all" paradise.

Heather breeds horses, as well as boards them for others. The main house contains some B&B guest rooms, but we opted for The Mustang Bunkhouse, a tricked-out 1914 shed with lovely warm wood walls, ceilings and floor that couldn't have been more than 200 sq feet. With just a queen size bed (with single bunk on top), a nightstand, closet and a charming heater, this was the perfect rustic respite from city life. We even got to take Eddie the Wonder Dog, as Heather allows pups in the bunkhouse only.

Oak Harbor didn't have too much going on (there is an army base in town and lots of government houses) but we did find a gem of a gourmet restaurant in Frasers Gourment Hideaway. Lovely goat cheese salads, fresh local mussels, and steak cooked to perfection were the order of the meal, served in a clean, open, chic setting. We nestled into our leather chairs and enjoyed every moment of our "spare no detail" meal.

And even thought it rained on us, we ventured out to see the sights and landed in breathtaking Deception Pass. This is what your image of the Pacific Northwest is in your dreams. As we braved the drizzle, we were rewarded with a sweeping vista from the tall bridge of green trees, stone-lined shoreline and little islands. Just gorgeous.

If you're thinking about camping for all it's peace and stripped down serenity, but the thought of laying your head on cold, wet ground leave you yearning for a warm blankie, then Wildwood is just the antidote for the gray city blues. Remember, chickens: summer is just around the corner. Get those feet pedicured.

Images: A Mental Photo Album

I've been fascinated with images lately - little snippets of a moment that just resonate with me somehow. Part of it is going through the book Style Statement, written by my new faves Carrie and Danielle (who I adore - a group of us are working with them on a Seattle event and they are deliciously inspirational). The book helps you "know yourself" and what makes you tick - things we don't often spend time doing. The goal of it is to simplify your life by coming up with a two-word statement that defines your style, essence, preferences - and not just for fashion, but applied to relationships, career, outlook, etc. In doing so, you define your "brand" and often can make better decisions. I'm stuck on mine right now towards the end (too many words to choose from!) but it's a wonderful process. "Hello, self, nice to meet you! What are your likes and dislikes? What is your favorite flower? What moves you?" It's like a really nice first date with your soul.

Anyway, I spent the weekend in NY at a wedding of a dear childhood friend and also got to catch up with one of my best friends and her 17-month old. It was lovely to talk and laugh and be myself with those who know me best. I carried the following images and snippets home with me from this trip:

• Slowly strolling through an Upper West Side street fair with my gal pal, with baby in tow, and talking about life as NY bustles around us.
• Relaxing on a brown fluffy cushion in a wine bar at 4 in the afternoon
• A simply beautiful new church built in the classic style, surrounded by lawns of bright green with a lighly clouded sky framing the steeple.
• Casually sipping a latte in a rustically tan and brown cafe, complete with exposed brick walls and French country bric-a-brac (I love that word)
• A gorgeous bride silhouetted by the sun through the doorway as she makes her walk down the aisle

Take some time this week and capture these "mental photos" in your own life. Simplify and pare it down so you can carry it with you. You'll be amazed at how it helps you not only enjoy the moment, but enables you to keep a piece of that joy with you after you leave.

Rant Rattle and Roll: Global (not) Warming

Seattle apparently is experiencing its worst "coming out of winter" weather in years. So I'm told. It's been raining, it's been cold, and this past weekend, we actually had hail. HAIL.

This, after the tease of 70 degree weather the Saturday before. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may or they might freeze on the bush tomorrow.

Before I lived here, I visited here. Many times. And it can be utterly gorgeous in this city when the sun deems us worthy to shine upon. But no, our first winter/spring living here and it blows.

Well, Mother Nature is kicking my ass and I'm not gonna take it anymore. Last week, I got a pedicure, closed toe shoes be damned. And this weekend I wore a tank top. That's right, I said it. It's hailing outside and I wore a tank top (well, and a coat of course, but that's beside the point). The point is, I have rows of open-toed strappy sandals and sassy platforms dying of neglect. Bitter and confused, they stare at me from the dark depths of my closet like ex-lovers wantonly discarded for something better. "But didn't we have such a great time at that new restaurant in the Mission? Didn't you feel proud when someone complimented you because of us camel-colored 60's hoochie mama sandals at the cast party last fall? What have we done to deserve this? We give and give....." And little do they know I am so over wearing boots.

Spring will be here soon - the sun is out today and most likely, it will be a gorgeous weekend since we'll be elsewhere. But soon, soon, the clouds will part and the sunny Seattle I know exists will shine down on us once again. So just hang in there, lovely stilletos. Mama's coming......

Italy in Fremont - and Wine in Woodinville

I found it.

Long in search of a neighborhood Italian joint where I could savor my garlic-laden, carb-chocked, straight-talkin' favorites from the Mother Land, I stumbled on Pontevecchio. And I did not want to get up and leave.

With a decor leaving something to be desired but reminding me of some of the best random European cafes, this place dishes out hard-core Italian specialties, friendly service, and ample wine pours. I devoured a garlic spinach ravioli special (homemade, duh) filled with ricotta and topped with a Pinot Grigio, olive oil, butter and garlic heart-attack-in a gravy boat sauce. Freshly grated cheese blanketed the puffy pillows in motherly goodness. Hubbie ordered a Penne Alla'Amatriciana that was a wonderful kaleidoscope of green and red fantasy. Piping hot, full of herbs and flavor, and a lingering smell of garlic that I think is still with us 2 days later. But I don't give a crap. This place absolutely rocked and I am going back again and again and again.

The colorful spot right past the Fremont Bridge borders in cheesy kitsch (there's even Italian soccer posters from what looks like the 80's in the window) but chalk it up to authenticity and treat yourself to some of the best Italian food I've had in the US. Period. It's dubbed the "Place for Lovers" and I understand they even have opera nights each month.

This place is living proof that swanky Pottery Barn votives, fussy waiters and small portions do not a great dining experience make. I felt like I was in someone's house and we enjoyed the glimpse of Summer that God gave us on Saturday as we ate and sipped in the window of this joyful little find.

Sunday brought us to the Woodinville Wine Passport 2008, a festival of open winery's and lots of smiles in nearby Woodinville Wine Country. Skipping the typical pretty winery tasting rooms, we headed straight to the office parks that house many of the region's budding wineries. Tents were set up in parking lots, and office suites flung open their doors, revealing modest but lovely tasting room set-ups and barrels of wine being stored it what would pass for temp agency offices or something. Given the close proximity of most of the place in the office parks, you could gleefully hop from one to another in minutes. This was how we managed to hit about 12 wineries in 2 hours.

Top picks: Des Voigne's lovely Untitled (a happy accident) and Solea Cab; Covington Cellars Sangiovese and Viognier; and Arlington Road Cellars' Monolith. More to come on the wines and how to handle a tasting festival in my www.intowine.com monthly column.

We stopped in at some traditional wineries with full property and tasting rooms before we left Columbia nd Januik. Januik, while voted Winemaker of the Year or something from Seattle Magazine, was the worst, most commercial, "cattle-driving" wine tasting I've ever been to and not the greatest wine I've ever had - will not be back. Gray concrete, steel everywhere, and pourers who just poured and didn't share any knowledge or passion about the wine. Horrible.

I will take the passionate, friendly, talkative folks at the office parks any day. This was the true spirit of winemaking and wine culture full of passion, warmth and accessibility for anyone. Loved it.

Serious Pie and Quirky Qube

Last weekend was about celebrating a big account I just landed - and diving back into our culinary exploration of Seattle. Much like getting back on the horse with a lapsed exercise routine: you tend to go big your first time back and spend the next day or so nursing sore muscles, or in this case, eating light because you're still so damn full.

Friday night brought us to Qube, a Asian-French fusion of savory bites and hip decor. Running in to escape the drizzle and cold, we were greeted with an industrial space of soft lighting, quirky fixtures and accents of orange, steel gray and lime green. The adjacent bar with its wide couches and votives was nicely offset from the eating area. And in the center of the place lived a long, high communal dining table a la Asia de Cuba.

For the adventurous diner who wants to try a bit of everything, Qube offers 3-course "Qube sets" - each course consists of 3 sample dishes and each course stars a main ingredient. A vegetarian set, surf set and turf set is yours for the asking. Or you can mix and match among them to form your own masterpiece, which was our cup of tea. For me: the cauliflower, Pacific halibut and chocolate trios. Hubbie had artisan duck, organic squash and banana for his selections.

Artfully displayed, the dishes boasted ample-sized portions that left me sated and happy. My starter cauliflower trio featured creamy soup served over chanterelle and carmelized floret and truffle oil (like silk, only more fattening); fennel and nicoise salad; and Madras curry vinaigrette gratin with yucca root, fontina and toasted almonds. I would have eaten cauliflower every day of the week if I knew it could be this delicious. The gratin in particular was like a healthier play on mac and cheese.

Aside from a glitch where they got my husband's first course trio wrong and had to quickly whip up another one (which, due the dish complexities was not so quick) I was already a fan.

The halibut trio I ordered for my main surprised me with how generous the portions were. One came dressed in whit soy consomme, edamame and trumpet mushroom for a real Asian flair. Another was crusted in hazelnut and served over a roasted fennel puree and mission fig butter delight. And the third was paoched with citrusy goodness of tangelo and a dash of tarragon.

Saving a little room for my decadent dessert, I dived gleefully into my last trio: the dark chocolate. I salivate as I type what was included: a Qube 'Peanut Butter Cup', Gianduja Cake, with star anise caramel, toasted hazelnuts, and a unique Hot Chocolate "dipper" for a Lychee & cinnamon marshmallow (not your childhood s'mores, my friends).

My husband's dishes were equally delicious, although he found the ample portion of foie gras almost too much for one person. I have a girlfriend who would say there can never be too much foie gras, but there might be congressmen in Illinois who disagree.

Overall, I really enjoyed the taste, texture and smell of the whoe experience - simple unique ingredients in varying combinations without overdoing each individual dish with ego. Gordon Ramsay would be proud.


Our second treat last weekend was getting a taste of Tom Douglas' classic, Serious Pie. No, it's not dessert pie, it's pizza pie and it's fabulous. Wood-fired with the perfect melted blend of cheese, fresh mozzarelly and seasoned just right with basil and herbs. Mmmmmm.....the charming, casual wood tables and wine racks felt like a little European wine cellar was was perfect for an easy lunch. There are many varieties of pie and they cook them with perfect crunchy thin bliss of a crust. And the tomato sauce - the most difficult element for any pizza place to get right for this ex-New Yorker who knows from good pizza-- was delightfully sweet and thick with the right touch of spices. I'm sold.

Less exciting was our foray with friends on Sunday night to Ten Mercer. Great space and would love to go back for drinks or apps to this upscale eatery - the layout was similar to Jardiniere in SF if you've ever been. The food was good, but not great. I had a very heavy lobster risotto that was just too many flavors vying for attention. That seemed the theme - each dish was trying to hard and it just created an overcomplicated mess with all those fresh wonderful ingredients. Gordon Ramsay would NOT be proud of this one. If they pared down some of the dishes to let them shine naturally, they'd be much better off. But the company was great and the wine was yummy.

The weekend is almost upon us once again and we are significantly downshifting from last week's fall off the budget wagon. But another lunch trip to Serious Pie just might be in order. So sue me.

Rant, Rattle and Roll: Stop Sign Chaos

Brace yourself. This might be unexpected news for many of you who know me well. I am pretty sure that, from a very early age - from the time I was 6 and grabbed the mike at my brother's confirmation party to belt out "Rhinestone Cowboy (twang, twang) - and up to and including the present, people may have briefly flirted with the idea that...well...I might be a drama queen.

I'm in my mid 30's now, so instead of being offended, I think I'm just going to embrace it.

In that spirit, I present a new little snippet on the Red Slice blog: Rant, Rattle and Roll. It's my way of offering a light sample of the "woe is me", put upon vibe my poor husband endures (and luckily, laughs at) on a daily basis. These episodes are often extinguished rather rapidly when I turn on the World News and realize my life is pretty damn good and I should shut up and count my blessings. Still, ya gotta admit: it IS fun to rant a little.

Today's rant: People who can't figure out 4-way stop signs.

I seem to recall this being a very important lesson when I took Driver's Ed. Whoever is at the stop sign goes first. If two of you get there at the exact same moment, you yield to the driver on the right. Simple. Done. Boom, Right?

Wrong. Put aside the "But what if all FOUR people get to the sign at the same time?" Slow down, Sparky: A) that ain't ever gonna happen and B) let's get the 2-car yielding down right first before we tackle the next level, shall we?

Did they take this question off the test? Is this a rule that was suddenly abolished during the dot.com boom? Why can't people get it right?!?! And I've got news for you, especially Mr. Schlobbo in the Hyundai in Queen Anne the other day: it's who gets to the sign first, not the fact that you were behind the first turning car before I got to my corner. You don't get to go right behind the guy in front of you just because he took so long. Sheesh. I bet you don't use turn signals either, but that's for another bedtime story.

Rant accomplished. Ok, now back to more important things like life, liberty and vodka tonics.

Cravin' That Mac and Cheese Action

My foodie friends from Indy came for a happy visit this weekend due to some work stuff so we hit the dining scene. They discovered some great spots we have yet to try on their own, but we did manage to take them to our neighborhood fave, Betty, which once again did not disappoint. And then Carrie and I bopped to lunch at Crave in Capitol Hill the day before she left. This is a spot about which I've read fab reviews, in the much beloved "gourmet comfort food" category. While I had been planning to dive into dinner there on my first visit, it was open and the menu looked amazing so we tried it out.

Nestled in a smal nook of a building that also houses an arts center and a pilates studio, Crave is like a mad chef's delighful playpen. It is grounded and earthy: no fluff, just yum. If you didn't know about the culinary delights tucked inside this itty bitty spot, you'd be tempted to write it off as a artsy Capitol Hill sandwich shop. But nooooooooo......trust me.

Aside from serving up brunches to die for (an omelette with duck confit and shitake mushrooms?!) Good Lord...), Crave delivers with the lunch crowd as well. We started with salads. Hers: the organic beet and arugula salad. Mine: the amazing spinach salad with red onions, pears, Cabrales bleu cheese and warm bacon vinaigrette. Heaven.

Speaking of bacon bliss, Carrie's main was a unique take on a grilled cheese sandwich; this one served with thick-cut bacon and Braeburn apples. Not your Mom's Wonder Bread and Kraft singles, that's for damn sure. I surrendered to the siren call of the Shiitake Mac & Cheese with New York sharp cheddar and fontina, parmesan, shiitakes, pasta shells & toppped with seasoned bread crumbs. The smaller of the two portions offered was just right with my glass of Sauvignon Blanc. I am really starting to wonder if my "last meal" will indeed be filet mignon cooked in butter and Roquefort or a mac and cheese like this. Maybe both. Why not.

Enough writing about this place. Get thee yonder hither with much haste. Or whatever. Just go!

Gourmet Comfort Food

Having fallen prey to the charms of Seattle's Restaurant Zoe long before being a resident, I couldn't resist checking out its sister joint, Quinn's Pub, in roughly hip Capitol Hill. Actually, that should be "brother" restaurant, since Zoe and Quinn are nods to owners Scott and Heather Staples' two children. Lucky kids. I bet they actually like eating their veggies.

With simple dark wood tables and chairs, a modern, warehouse space feel and a European gastropub menu, Quinn's is a great spot for a casually upscale Saturday date with your spouse. The open lively atmosphere still manages a cozy edge and is also perfect for a girls night out or first live meeting with your Match.com wink.

Lithe, tall 20-something waiters breeze by in jeans and t-shirts, lending a relaxed "not trying too hard" hipness to the place. But don't let the slacker vibe fool you. These guys know the ins and outs of the unique menu. Items like pear salad, rabbit pate, duck, house made sausage and Wagyu beef burgers adorn the simple yet innovative menu. Quinn's also features some interesting specialty cocktails as well as a cornucopia of domestic and some very unique world beers. Their wine list is yummilicious as well.

Hubbie and I opted for pear salads to start. served with frissee, endive and stilton. You gotta love the sharp bite of a bleu cheese with the sweet nectar of a soft pear. Drizzled with some sort of vinaigrette that neutralized the sharp contrasts, this salad was wiped clean off our plates.

For our mains, I was torn between the Spanish-style smoked hangar steak served with romesco cabarales (like a bleu cheese) and frites or the pork roulades served with squash risotto and mango. When in doubt, always ask the waiter which he recommends. Without hesitation, he gleefully suggested the pork. Hubbie ordered the 8 oz. Wagyu beef burger, served with cheddar, bacon and fries.

My pork was yumminess wrapped in yumminess served on a bed of squash risotto yumminess. The moist meat melted in my mouth and the sweet aspects of the squash and mango paired divinely. I am a huge fan of pork with any sort of fruit compote (the most notable being Peter Brady's favorite, pork chops and apple sauce) and this blend hit all the right notes. The burger was juicy and robust with a very large fresh bun and the fries were crisp and piping hot.

Pre-dinner cocktails included one whose name escapes me and is not on the website, but it had Vodka and some sort of lime kir. It was a subtle, lighter alternative to our traditional vodka tonics. I also had a glass of Sangiovese (again, recommended by our Abercrombie and Fitch model waiter) that was a classic companion to the pork dish.

Quinn's rocked as both a casual gourmet hangout or even a night out for two. It's not often you can find a place that does both extremely well. Do Scott and Heather have any more kids? If so, I can't wait to see what divine deliciousness pops up next.

Wine Pick: Hey Walla Walla

Sunday, I used my wino skills for good rather than evil at the 2nd Annual Bags and Bottles Event at the W Hotel Seattle, benefitting Gilda's Club. Gilda's Club is the charity started in honor of comedienne Gilda Radnor, who fought a long battle with cancer. They help cancer patients and their families during a very difficult time.

Bags and Bottles was a designer purse auction and wine tasting. Hundreds of gorgeous Prada's, Kate Spade's, and Gucci's lined tables like so many dead carcasses, circled by lusty fashionistas drunk on the thrill of landing one of them for $10. Attendees were asked to bring a gently used designer bag to the auction, and they also had new bags filled with goodies in the live auction as well.

Around the perimeter of the purse extravaganza were wine tasting stations from multiple Washington wineries. It was heaven. Highlights included Covington Cellars, DaMa Wines, Flying Trout, Animale, Airfield Estates and oh so many others.

And right before I left the event, I fell in love.

My girlfriend insisted I not leave before trying the Stella Maris. It was lovely, lush and creamy vanilla smooth on the finish for a Merlot/Cab blend (with just a hint of Petit Verdot). I find some of the WA wines need time to open up but this was just lovely. I could see hunkering down for a Law & Order marathon and Beecher's mac and cheese with this baby.

I'm still unclear which winery this is. The website leads me to Northstar Winery in Walla Walla, but the Stella is kind of hidden. Also, the card I got from the tasting table was from Chateau Ste. Michelle, so I think this might be an offshoot. Whatev. Just get me some more.

More Washington wine finds to come as I gear up for Woodinville Passport Weekend on April 12 and 13th. Oh, and I've covered some WA wines for those interested in past articles of my wine column, Red on Reds for IntoWine.com. Saluti!

Logos Gone Wild

Check out this great site that critiques reinvented logos for companies small and large. Very good insight into why and how certain brands are reinventing themselves or delving into new markets. Of particular note is the Rossignol brand shift and the horror show that is the new Animal Planet log (as a former employee of Discovery when they launched Animal Planet, this makes me feel like I've lost a favorite cousin to a cult or something). And don't miss the "How Not to Logo" ridiculousness that is the South Dakota State University logo redesign project. Let's just say never let too many cooks (or jackrabbits) into the kitchen - regardless of the fact that the end logo turned out pretty damn good. The lesson here is that this result happens in 1 out of 10 billion cases of logo by committee or contest.

PS: Did you know Discovery initally had the old logo design with the elephant's trunk facing down, but changed it when they found out that this meant bad luck in a particular culture (which one escapes me right now). Also the globe was part of that logo to associate it with the parent network, Discovery Channel and bring new viewers over.

"Law and Order" is Laced with Crack

Can someone please explain to me how the hell "L&O" lures you into it's greedy clutches, hypnotizes you for an hour, and renders your legs paralyzed, leaving you physically unable to divert your attention and get up from your coach for hours on end - even if you have babies crying or water boiling over on the stove?

When the natural disaster strikes, screw canned goods and jugs of water: I want an endless supply of "Law and Order" episodes - and that includes all said franchises of Criminal Intent, SVU or just the good ole' fashioned original (which BTW debuted in 1990 - that's eighteen years ago! Kids born when this baby hit the screen are now eligible to vote.) And I bet they're learned more about police procedure and constitutional law from this show than in any classroom.

Nothing is as powerful as a story, well-told and this hit factory is a testament to that fact. The show's original tagline was "The Story is Everything" and man, is that true. Through countless cast changes, save for the lovely and talented S. Epatha Merkerson as the hard-hitting, calm in the face of insanity Lt. Van Buren, this show is all about story. It subscribes to the fundamentals of strong plot development and follows the same formula in each show: Strong, surprising start reveals the crime and sucks you in immediately; police investigation leads them from one clue to the other until the criminal is (sometimes seemingly) caught and an arrest is made; DA's office readies their case and uncovers more clues and plot twists; and we end in court where justice is sometimes served, something not, or something extraordinary happens to twist things up.

The rotating bevy of beauties that have played ADA's over the years has had hits and misses. Hits: Angie Harmon, Jill Hennessey, current hottie-smartie Alana de la Garza. Misses: Elisabeth Rohm (My 7-year old nephew reads lines from a script with more believability.) And the police detectives have had their share of home runs and strike outs in their rotation as well: Jesse Martin, newcomer Jeremy Sisto, Mr. Big Chris Noth (who I'm so glad to see back on CI) lethal duo Mariska Hargitay and Chis Meloni from SVU, and the irreplaceable Jerry Orbach. But hopefully someone got fired (or is getting fired) over casting the wooden Milena Govich or the current talented but unbelievably miscast CI chick Alicia Witt. And my most recent twist of a surprise: Linus Roache as ADA Michael Cutter on the regular L&O - I HATED him on his first episode and thought his character (and, I have to admit, he as an actor) was tight, unemotional and arrogant. But I have come to just love his multi-faceted performance that reveals more of his personality in each episode we see.

The other amusing part of viewing hours upon hours of old L&O's? The shows are a veritable rite of passage for now more famous actors. I'm always amazed at who has passed through the police station or court on these shows - and I love it when I see the ones that do the rounds of ALL the shows in the franchise. One guy was a murderer in one episode and a recuring CSU technician in another. Neat! He gets to be on both sides of the law.

Oh, and for fun - shout out to the unsung hero of the franchise: The voice that brings us the iconic, "In the criminal justice system....." opening narration: a guy named Steven Zirnkilton. Is there anything more delicious than rain falling outside while you snuggle by the fire in a handmade quilt and hear that sultry voice that ends with: "These are there stories. (thonk thonk)" Mmmmmm.....24-hour marathon, here I come!

In my dreams of a parallel life as an actress, I would give my right arm to have a career that spanned 18 years on a brilliantly written, high-quality, expertly acted show and stay under the paparazzi radar. Thank you, Dick Wolf, for creating such a masterpiece that never panders and never forgets that the story is indeed everything.

SHOP '08: Inspiration on a Rainy Day

Yesterday I had the good fortune to be in a room with over 100 women for 8 hours - and I wanted to hear every one of their zany and inspirational stories. How often do you get to attend a conference where everyone in the room is an interesting person? Exactly.

I'm talking about SHOP '08, a conference for independent women business owners here in Seattle. Networking diva and my new best friend Melody Biringer brought together women who have launched everything from eco-boutiques to consulting businesses to crafts shops to catered meals on the go to production companies to design firms to spas to you name it. The day featured panels for each session, not just one speaker, which offered a triple play of content for each hour. I even got to moderate a panel in a pinch when the fabulous Kelley L. Moore, lifestyle editor, could not make it due to illness (I'm not one for questioning opportunities when they land at my feet - I just snatch them up). My panel was "How to Turn Your Passion into Profit" featuring gorgeous smarties Anne-Marie Faiola of Bramble Berry, Larisa Goldin of DreamClinic and Rachel Brandzel of Real Card Company. Other panel topics ranged from to "Capital with Confidence - Decreasing your costs and improving your bottom line to "Be True to Your Brand - Do you have a business soul?" to Building Your Brand" to HELP! Can you build me a website?" All of the panels were chock full of sage wisdom from women who bear the scars and want to save you the hassle.

I thoroughly enjoyed the branding discussion (brand diva that I like to think I am) and the focused point that "Brand is not just a logo." Amen, sisters. Founder Sharelle Klaus of Dry Soda has created a lifestyle brand that is elegant and cool - all from her dilemma of not being able to drink wine when she was pregnant. They are so fanatical about their luxury, sophisticated brand, they carefully choose the types of paper clips used in the office. I think I've totally found my people. Oh, and their Rhubarb soda zips along your tongue like a firefly on a hot summer night in Eastern Long Island. Now I know why the French Laundry serves Dry Soda (and why they won't let discount blue box chains of which we will not speak sell them and spoil the brand image - at least not yet.)

Overall, it was a great day of inspiration and wisdom that I will not soon forget - both for the content and the lively connections I made. This beats my old IT/Application Development/Data Warehousing trade shows I was forced to endure for so many years where attendees care more about which booth has better free giveaways than the actual content presented. Thanks Ladies!

Geeked out on the WSJ

As a writer, I've always been a sucker for a good news story, well told. I never subscribed to the paper, because I was either a) traveling and preferred the USA Today soundbites and colorful graphs on important topics like Most Popular Pickle Varieties Around the World; b) stealing reads of abandoned papers or magazines in doctor's waiting rooms; c) catching Good Morning America each morning - when they actually had more real news on then they do now; d) listening to NPR which my husband got me hooked on during our former 1 and a 1/2 hour one way commutes/death marches down 101 in San Francisco; or e) Trying to read news sites online.

With the recent move and job changes in my life, I got out of my news-thirsty habits and was feeling a bit adrift. So we recently got a subscription to the Wall Street Journal (after chucking the poorly written Seattle Times) and I gotta tell ya, I'm hooked. I've never devoured a paper like I do this one - there are so many enticing stories, brilliantly written that I often jump from one to the other like a fat kid in a candy factory.

I get a good view of political and world news that is interesting, informative and seemingly unbiased - at least to me. But I also get fascinating marketplace coverage and even the lifestyle articles seem more evolved and make me see things - and people - in a new way. For example:

Today I learned that there's more to Ryan Seacrest than bleached teeth and Paula Abdul wrangling. He's a savvy businessman, this one. This 33-year old not only hosts "Idol", he co-anchors E! News, hosts American Top 40, does something with Dick Clark Productions, does a 5 hour morning radio show in LA and produces one show for E! and has another in the works. Now, in partnership with Clear Channel, he's syndicating his talk show in a mini-format of 3 hours for markets all across the nation. But here's the kicker: he's keeping a percentage of the ad space to sell to sponsors he's already personally affiliated with through TV. Most radio personalities own their show but let the network deal with selling ads. But Ryan has found a way to keep his sugar daddies coming back for more and imbedding promos in his content. He recently hosted a VIP dinner at his house (Wolfgang Puck prepared Kobe steaks and mac and cheese with truffles - oh yeah) for top execs and clients of Coca Cola to pitch his proposal and get their support for rejuvenating radio advertising. They were ga ga for it. Ryan, from a brand standpoint, is a squeaky clean, perfect pitchman with his finger on the pulse of the youth market. I like the way he rolls. What raised him up a few notches in my book was that he learned from one of the best personalites/deal makers in TV: Merv Griffith. Nice.

Kind of makes you wonder whatever happened to that other guy from Season 1 of "Idol", Brian Dunkleman. Do you think he sits on his shabby couch in his boxers, torturing himself by watching new episodes of "Idol" while downing Jack Daniels, screaming "Curse you, Seacrest! I shall have my blood!" Or maybe that's just me.

Oscar 2008: A Whole Lot of Yawn....and Red

Only 3 blog posts this month? Egad! Sorry dear readers (reader) but starting a business requires much more time than anticipated. But last night brought us the star-studded bonanza that is Oscar Night. And with the writer's strike becoming a memory, Hollywood came out in full frontal glamour.

First, the event itself. You really can't go wrong in my book having Jon Stewart host anything from the Academy Awards to a Junior High Spelling Bee. His monologue was witty with just the right balance of political and entertainment references and thankfully, he didn't beat us over the head with Writer's Strike jokes, which I had feared. One of his greatest moments was quipping about the historic Democratic race for the White House: "Normally when you see a black man or woman president, an asteroid is about to hit the Statue of Liberty. It's the future!" which cracked me up since it was so dead on. Stewart's stock also rose in my book when he allowed the co-winner of best original song to come out after the break and give her Thank You speech after her partner ate up all the time before the Speech Nazi's in the orchestra pit drowned them out. It has to be said that on more occasions than not, the orchestra does a service to helpless viewers everywhere by cutting short the likes of rambling or annoying winners, but sometimes have a heart, man. As my friend Melanie so eloquently put it: "Not that I needed any other reasons to love Jon Stewart but that was quite nice of him to bring her back on stage to say her thank you after stupid Bill Conti and his band of egotists played her off. " Oh, and sassy Mel has started her own blog - finally - to regale the world with her post-Awards show musings. Hurrah!

Secondly, random commentary on the awards and people themselves:

1) Great crop of good movies this year, from what I hear as I have not seen them all and hats off to the Coen Brothers for No Country for Old Men. These guys are geniuses and men of few words. Or at least one of them is. My husband commented they were like Penn and Teller, when one of them talks all the time. The other just said, "Thank you." Given their roster of amazingly unique films over the years, I have no doubt this one delivers. Juno was excellent and I was so happy to see Diablo Cody win for Best Original Screenplay. Her FIRST screenplay. After a career as a stripper. You go girl. Jon Stewart made a great joke about her going from an exotic dancer to a Hollywood writer: "How's that pay cut treating you?" Love Diablo. Loved her lack of a designer gown. Loved the fact the she wore sleeveless so her tattoo was boldly exhibited to the world. I'm all for Hollywood glamour, as we'll discuss later, but I'm also a fan of a woman with chops.

2) This year, the theme was "Actors from Abroad" as Europeans swept the four main acting categories. Nice to see globalization hitting Hollywood. And ya just gotta love acceptance speeches that begin with hesitant broken English and then break into rapid-fire native tongues just because they are short on time and just so damn happy.

3) We had an Oscar competition during the telecast and I won by virtue of every sound and editing award going to "The Bourne Identity." If you want suspense that moves you and a story that never lets you take a breath, but that doesn't require a lot of brain cells, rent it today. It's excellent.

4) We will not see the last of Ellen Page, even though that Marion chick from France won for playing Edith Piaf. Whatever. Juno Rules. And I have a rule to try to see anything that Laura Linney is in. I love her, I want to be her and I hope she wins someday.

5) Tilda Swinton may have looked like death warmed over wrapped in a Hefty bag, but she is a sarcastic chick and I dig that about her. Her speech referencing her admiration for George Clooney donning his Batsuit for the Batman movies "nipples and all" was bizarre but very dry and fun. I could see doing shots in a pub with this one. I have not yet seen "Michael Clayton" but hear it's great and this woman has had a long career of great work going back to "Orlando" so good for her. I saw her at Sundance a few years ago and she's as skinny as my pinky and has twins. I'll have what she's having.

6) Miley Cyrus? Seriously? SERIOUSLY? God, who the heck invited her to present and why and when will her 15 minutes be up? Oh yeah, probably a second after the cast of "High School Musical." Please.

7) In the MIA department: Keira Knightly, the makers of "Atonement" called and thank you for your support even though you weren't nominated and decided to bag it as a "non-event". I hope she was filming or had the flu to excuse not showing up. But James McAvoy, her co-star made it and presented and he's delicious (my husband will only let me say this since he's Scottish as well). Ben Affleck, your brother gets nominated, your wife is presenting, and - for anyone who saw it - was neck-licked by Gary Busey on the Red Carpet to her shock and embarassment. Where the heck were you?

8) In the "Why" department, aside from Miley Cyrus who everyone was confused about: Cameron Diaz presenting? Why? Does she have a new movie coming out or something? And The Rock? I do not get it.

9) Please do not hold the "Enchanted" musical number against Amy Adams. Please. She's better than that and a luminously gifted actress who I adored in "Junebug" a few years ago. She had a film at Sundance this year with Emily Blunt called "Sunshine Cleaning" about two sisters who form a bio-hazard cleaning service (ya know, like to clean up murder scenes and stuff) and I can't wait to see it. It sounds dark and funny and fabulous.

10) Speaking of which....will the Senate be voting on if being exposed to not one, not two, but THREE musical numbers from "Enchanted" counts as torture? I think I know a few folks who might want to opt for waterboarding.

11) Nicole Kidman Urban (Kurdman?) is pregnant but where the heck is she hiding the little thing? It is simply against natural law to be blessed with beauty, height, flawless skin AND the ability to look stunning pregnant.

Thirdly, THE FASHION!

The Carpet was ablaze in red this year and, while not consistently popular, I thought it looked great on so many. Overall, old Hollywood glamour is making a comeback and my Audrey Hepburn-idolizing heart can't get enough of it. Long dresses that fit like gloves, slicked back men's hair, temperate jewels.....it was so dreamy.

Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Garner (I don't care about the haters, I thought she looked great in black), Jessica Alba, Renee Zellweger (the dress - she herself has seen better days), Katherine Heigl (a vision), and Anne Hathaway just wowed. I also would like to know what I need to sacrifice to which God to look like Helen Mirren when I'm 60. How does this woman have a better waist than most women half her age? Sigh....

What I was not so in love with was the HAIR. What happened here? All this time and money spent on fabulous dresses and everyone either went for one of two looks: the "throw your hair in a ponytail after running from the gym" look of Cameron Diaz, Ellen Page, and others; or the "I tried to channel Veronica Lake but just have a chunk of hair in my eye" look of - everyone else except Anne and Penelope. Jennifer Garner, Marion what's her name, even Johnny Depp got a piece of the action. I'm all for escaping romantic tendrils, but there's a line, people.

As for men, I really don't have much to say as they can wear what they want and then people forget it. But George Clooney was classic debonair and handsome, Daniel Day-Lewis looked like he beat up an AMC Theatres movie usher in the bathroom and stole his jacket, and I was happy to see Javiar Bardem has better hair (and is clearly more good looking) than in the trailers for his film. And Jack, we'll keep telling you this and you'll keep not listening but..."Sunglasses in a dark auditorium are not cool. Despite what you've been told, the 'young people' are not wearing them inside. Leave them in the car."

Overall, the show was not racy, unexpected, trashy or emotional. It just WAS. I, unlike many others, love when they show old clips from Oscar's past and you get to see the movie stars of yesteryear. I also like the In Memoriam tribute, or as my husband says, The Parade of Dead People, because we get reminded one more time of many great movie folks who have long been forgotten and who in many cases, blazed a trail. Call me a sentimental old fool, or a morbid voyeur. In any event, dreams were realized last night and as I always say for those who won, its a feeling of achievement in their chosen career that not many people get to experience, so kudos to you. Party hard.