Sunday, July 31, 2011

east coast mark recommends:

A few items worth taking note of:

Derek Jeter 3K:
As a Twins fan, I have a painful history of watching my Twins go down in flames at the hands of the Yankees.  I've been to 4 different Twins games at Yankee Stadium (most all of them playoff games) - and I've not yet seen a victory.  Nonetheless, HBO's new documentary following Derek Jeter's quest for 3,000 hits is pretty solid.  By all accounts he's a standup guy, keeps a tight group of loyal friends, won't get behind the wheel after having even 1 beer, and has a smokin' hot girlfriend.  Not to play spoiler, but he hit a homerun for his 3,000th hit - and went 5 for 5 on the day.  Derek Jeter 3K


The appetizing Minka Kelly

CEP Compression Socks:
Compression socks have been a hot topic for a couple years now, and I must say I'm a fan.  Compression socks are nothing new - doctors have been prescribing them to the elderly and obese for 25 years...to help alleviate leg pain.  However, in the last couple years, the endurance athletic community have embraced these socks - and made them the hottest topic amongst any group of runners or cyclists.  The basic premise is that after exercise, you put on these very tight socks - and they help improve blood flow, and reduce lactic acid buildup and soreness.   I use them after runs of 6+ miles - wear them for 3 or 4 hours, and I wake up the next morning feeling completely fresh.  $59.95 from CEP

Johnston & Murphy Slip-Ons:
You ever see frat boys stumbling around town wearing flip flops?  I know, I hate it too.  I have flip-flops, but only for the purposes of going to the beach or walking the 50 paces out to the pool.  My go-to shoe for the summer are slip-ons from Johnston & Murphy.  They're far more practical for walking around in, protect the foot, and you avoid the 'slapping' and stumbling from a normal pair of flip flops.  I probably burn through 1 pair a summer.  Always worn sockless.  $99.00 from Johnston & Murphy




Vesper Martini:
I don't always drink martinis, but when I do - I prefer the Vesper.  I've been making this drink as a bartender for probably 5 years, but only started to drink them regularly about 2 years ago.  A straight vodka or straight gin martini tend to be a bit much for me.  This drink combines them both, and throws in a dash of lillet and lemon.  Extremely agreeable for a hot summer evening.  They won't know how to make this at your local Applebee's (nor have the right ingredients) - but if you go to a half decent bar, one proficient in the art of cocktails, they should be able to help you out.  I drink 6 at a time.

Also, if you've seen either of the most recent 007 movies - Bond drinks them ever so smoothly:

"A dry martini," [Bond] said. "One. In a deep champagne goblet."
"Oui, monsieur."
"Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?"
"Certainly, monsieur." The barman seemed pleased with the idea.
"Gosh, that's certainly a drink," said Leiter.
Bond laughed. "When I'm...er...concentrating," he explained, "I never have more than one drink before dinner. But I do like that one to be large and very strong and very cold and very well-made. I hate small portions of anything, particularly when they taste bad. This drink's my own invention. I'm going to patent it when I can think of a good name."
—Ian Fleming, Casino Royale

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