Wondrous Punch, Red Dragon; Minneapolis, MN

So, you may have heard about this place in Uptown that has pools of pink vomit outside of it nearly every weekend. Or maybe you din't know quite where you lost it last night and can't figure out how you got home (or not home).

This place and drink is the culprit. If you scroll really really fast, it'll look like a flip-book. (and you may want to puke again).


> this is the drink that causes all the trouble, aptly named 'Wondorous Punch'. At $10.25, you may think you're being ripped off, but after seeing what goes into it, you may want the price to go up (so you don't buy any).


> it starts off innocently enough, a big, handsome, glass of ice - easy peasy


> then the bartender (who looks like he could be an MMA fighter) starts off with the "light rum". now I know the pics look like I took them in a poorly lit bar, which is good b/c i did, but he's got TWO bottles of light rum. Shots one and two

> then add the "dark rums". yes, Mary, he's adding two more shots of rum. that's shots three and four, still in just one glass per person. and you maybe thinking, "I'll want to drink that?". yes, you will... at least for the first couple

> finally, some common sense into the drinks (I mean, I can't drink four shots of rum, can I?): a splash of OJ and a splash of, what appeared to be, grenadine. it gives the drink a nice camoflaugue, this-isn't-four-shots-of-rum look

> pretty little maids, all in a row (movie quote reference, anyone?)

> he's giving out the last two. 5 more people will be under the spell of wondrous punch soon enough

To be fair, I did have one whole drink. It nearly killed me and the next day I was not fully functional until 3PM. They sneak up on you. Finally, don't forget to have dinner there first... mmmm, Polynesian food! (no, not really)

First Real Snow.

What to do with the first real snow storm of the season - How 'bout a
run?The snow slowed the pace down and the hands still got cold, but it
was fun to be out in the white stuff (esp after driving home in it).
Oh, minus 3 tomorrow night - sweet.

Chicago in the morning, a pictoral.

What does one do in the city when given a 60 degree day in November? How about some quick, sunlight, pics along the riverfront. Check it out:


> the venerable Wrigley Building, sitting so nicely in the sun


> wouldn't you love to have the office where the sun beats in everyday around 10AM?


> interesting to see the old and new right next to each other - Wrigley and Trump

> look down the river and just drink it in

> name the building? (or be banned from the t.c. blog)

> should the Chicago Flag be my first tattoo?

Brrrrrrr!!! Run?

Even these temps couldn't make my legs beat my best run time. I blame it on my cold hands, very distracting. And it looks like I better get used to it... winter's here.

Lululemon, Wicker Park, Chicago.

If you have a little bit of time, happen to like yoga, athletics, or simply well-merchadised retail shops, do yourself a favor and check out Lululemon in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. I don't believe you will be disappointed (plus, you can combine a weekend shopping & deliciously sugary brunch trip and really make a stop here worth your while).

What makes it so unique? Well, see for yourself...


> as you walk in you are greeted by a local info board, including Bike Info - Javisst!!!


> they also make use of their local "athletes", asking them to wear (and I suspect, promote) Lululemon to their clients. This isn't a new idea, but this time it seems well done - the athletes all look buff and well-outfitted

> right next to the info is the yoga accessories and a small sitting area (they hold classes in most stores everyday/weekend. they place all product on shelving with wheels and move it all out of the way so people can get their yoga on

> now now, it's briefs and tops, not what I would wear... but this is a great example of how well-done and inviting their displays are - chalkboard names, great colors, and organized

> a view from the back-to-front

> "would you like to sit down while your wife/girlfriend/boyfriend/etc tries on some clothes? (for a few hours)" - please, take a load off. this is basically nicer (ok, waaay nicer) than my living room

Silk Soy, Seasonal.

These are only around for the holidays and I wanted to try them - quite tasty. I prefer the spiciness of the Pumpkin Spice, but both have great holiday flavor with a bit lighter, easier to drink mouth feel than traditional egg nog (like with whole milk). I don't think you'll be disappointed and you won't be ingesting any cow's milk or eggs. I have not mixed rum or whiskey in yet, but let me know if you do. Also note, they both have a good amount of cane sugar, so the calories can sneak up on you.

New Bike, Civia Hyland!

I wanted to introduce a new member of my family, a sage green, 54cm, Civia Hyland with SRAM Rival drop-bar build. It's been a great bike so far (slick looks, light weight, solid as the day is long), I only hope I can ride it enough to do it justice.

> this is my own pic from my apartment, with the bike as built (right now)

> and this is the bike from the Civia website, all pro-photo and shit

If you're thinking of a new bike and want more info about Civia, please ask.