From The Car . . .

This past week San Francisco hosted the 54th Annual SF International Auto Show.

As a self proclaimed "car whore" this was my first time attending an auto show here in San Francisco.

In relation to other auto shows I have been to this was pretty small in comparison.  Despite the lack of real exciting concept cars and full lines not being represented there are some advantages to a smaller auto show. Mainly a smaller auto show meant a smaller crowd which made it easy to get up close to the vehicles and there was limited to no wait to sit in the drivers seat.

One of the coolest things was in the Ford display.   A Mustang pool table!

I really liked the Scion IQ which should give the SMART car a run for its money.

I was underwhelmed by the updated 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.  This package was OK, but the stripped down model that was also on display left much to be desired.

I was very intrigued by the 2012 Mini John Cooper Works Coupe.

Bonus points to AutoTrader.com who was holding a video game driving competition where I won this blanket.

Perhaps the coolest thing at the Auto Show was the large portion of the Moscone Center convention floor that was dedicated to the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle test drive.   Yes, you read that right.  I got to test drive a car inside the convention center!

Another cool booth was set up by the Academy Of Art University students who where demonstrating different techniques for designing cars.

Here is another car I was fascinated with.  The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet.  This car was so cool I thought it was a concept car.  I didn't realize it is already available for purchase.

I was really hoping J Lo would be the spokesmodel for the Fiat 500.   No such luck.

The Academy Of Art University, which it known for its extensive classic car collection had many vehicles like this one on display.

I am already looking forward to next year's Auto Show!


The Song Of The Day - Migrate by Mariah Carey featuring T-Pain

Live Your Life (Nov. 20) . . .

"Create What You Want Instead Of Being Stuck In What You Don't Have."   

Iyanla Vanzant

Today starts a new post category - "Live Your Life"- quotes I find inspiring.

The Song Of The Day - Live Your Life - T.I. ft Rihanna

Something Good . . .

As I approach the first anniversary of moving into my neighborhood I thought I would share some of my favorite local food finds.

First up is Yvonne's Southern Sweets.  This bakery makes a killer butter cookie.   How killer is it?  I don't even like butter cookies but I LOVED this cookie.  While you are there be sure to also pick up a sweet potato pie.

The only downside to Yvonne's is her hours of operation.  She is not open after 5pm and is closed on Sunday and Monday so the commuter will have to find her treats in several other restaurants in the neighborhood.

For a filling omelet that you can enjoy while taking in a pretty cool view of the City try Bayside Cafe.

If barbecue is your thing than you must try Smokin' Warehouse Barbecue.  I recommend the tender Pulled Pork Sandwich.  

Also, just as an FYI; the first time I went to Smokin' Warehouse Barbecue I asked if they sold desserts.  The cashier told me, "No."   As I started to pull out my wallet to pay for my order I saw a display of cookies behind the counter.

"What are those?" I pointed and asked.

"Cookies," the cashier replied.

"Isn't that dessert?" I said.

"No, dessert is pie.  These are cookies," she said.

"Well, then I want some "not dessert" cookies," I said.   

So if you want something sweet to top off your meal like I do, Smokin' Warehouse Barbecue does sell cookies.

Last but not least, try this unique offering at Frisco Fried called the "Burger Dog."  The "Burger Dog" is a hamburger shaped to fit into a hot dog bun.   This meal is fun and tasty even though the meat is a little on the dry side. The "Burger Dog" comes with a large serving of really good fries.

Enjoy!

The Song Of The Day - Tell Me Something Good by Rufus and Chaka Khan

Baker Baker . . .

Tuesday is the Annual Turkey Day Pot Luck at work.

I volunteered to make the cornbread.

After getting home from work; I put on my Just Jon Apron, set out the ingredients and then realized that my cake pans were a casualty of moving last year.

So the corn "bread" became corn "muffins."

Happy early Thanksgiving!

The Song Of The Day - Baker Baker by Tori Amos

You Dropped A Bomb On Me . . .

Allegedly "Yarn Bombing" is a hip new trend that started in 2004.   According to Wikipedia "Yarn bombing, yarnbombing, yarnstorming, guerrilla knitting (my personal favorite) or graffiti knitting is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colorful displays of knitted or crocheted cloth rather than paint or chalk."

This was all news to me because I had never seen or heard of "Yarn Bombing" before Wednesday of this past week when I found out that the Gap was going to be "Yarn Bombing" the stores for their 2011 Holiday decorations.

 Not to be out done by the stores, we "Bombed" the corporate office!

Joy It Up!

The Song Of The Day - You Dropped A Bomb On Me by The Gap Band (<----How Funny Is That?)

Alright . . .

In honor of Heavy D who passed away earlier this week; here is Janet Jackson's 1990 video for the song Alright which Heavy D was featured on.

The Song Of The Day - Alright by Janet Jackson f. Heavy D

Baby Boy . . .

image courtesy of www.traderscity.com

In the cafeteria at work there is a small framed piece of art near the cashier.  If you stop to read the type written note inside the frame you are bound to smile.

"Dear Fork, 

I understand that we haven't spoken since I ran away with dish, but I thought you should know that you have a son.  His name is spork.  He has your hair.

Sincerely, 

Spoon"

First was the Ear Of Corn whose pat of butter disguised the thermostat and now this.  I am loving the Gapeteria sense of humor.

The Song Of The Day - Baby Boy by Beyonce (f. Sean Paul)

These Precious Things . . .

If you want to see masterpieces by Cezanne, Dali, Matisse, Monet, Picasso, van Gogh, Lichtenstein, Pollock, Warhol and others be sure to set aside a day in New York to spend at the MoMA.

This museum does not feature little known pieces by these great artists; they have the pieces you study in books during art class in college.

Even better, as long as you don't use a flash, they let you take pictures of most of the artwork.

Below you will find some of my favorites from my visit.

Not only is MoMA a study in art, it is a fascinating master class in people movement.   In what can be only described as a well choreographed dance; the museum guides people from long ticket lines to crowded coat check rooms to popular exhibits and then on to exceptional cafes.  The desire for culture and art was definitely alive in this museum.

The Song Of The Day - Precious Things by Tori Amos

Fit To Burst . . .

I had to share the ridiculous sandwich I ordered at a deli in New York.

This is the Turkey Bacon Lettuce and Tomato.

Yes, it was mostly bacon! (and you are only looking at half of the sandwich.)

Needless to say most of the bacon never left the plate.

The Song Of The Day - Tiny Meat by Ruby