Aside from the fact that I woke up to the Mumbai attacks on CNN every morning, which was a little disheartening, everything else was entirely magical. 

1. My concerns about getting completely lost – so not necessary! I have the map permanently engraved in my head.

2. NYC is a great city for walking – Praha is just that AND ten times more scenic.

3. The 2% of the times that I did take the tram and metro, it was gratis! There were no turnstiles…

Well, you’d get a hefty fine of 950Kcs (approx. $50) if you get caught, as the metro police can ask to see your ticket at any given time there. So I took my chances. 

4. Goulash, pork knee, rabbit leg, I tried them all! The food was not as average as expected. I also had some gnocchi with salmon, which was delicious it makes me want to make some myself. 

5. I walked back and forth on Charles Bridge multiple times each day. No joke. Every time is breathtaking, in a unique way.

6. It was kind of brick, but I firmly believe that’s part of the Praha experience. I actually wanted to see snow during my short stay. 

7. The hotel worked out perfect – it was in a residential, non-touristy area, yet still very close to the heart of the city with a metro stop just 2 blocks away. 

8. What better time to visit than the holidays?! There were many Christmas markets set up, and quite a few trees around the squares. Adds more character and romance to the place. 

Probably not the most representative of the city, but I kind of like it. 

PS – It’s easy to not feel alone when you’re there even if you are by yourself. Part of it being magical I guess

Before the shoes and jacket came off 

Congratulations Karen, and your sexy Panamanian Spanish-speaking hubby : ) 

Right on (particularly the last minute or so of the video).

To our new President, although yet to overcome the many obstacles and challenges facing this nation, and to meet the enormous expectations that we, the people have set for him, has for sure, brought an inspiring start of a new era. 

“I think Obama provides Hope – and challenges minds
Of all races and colors to erase the hate
And try and love one another, so many political snakes
We in need of a break
I’m thinkin’ I can trust this brotha
But will he keep it way real?
Every innocent n!gga in jail – gets out on appeal
When he wins – will he really care still?
I feel . . .”

-Nas

Don’t tell me you were not moved even a tiny bit by the nostalgic background music and his voice descriptors. Although the content doesn’t provide additional insight (in terms of where he stands or what he believes) to the presidential debates, the focus on the delivery of its emotional appeal worked its magic. 

The infomercial was well planned and executed as it clearly, strategically strives to engage voters of America through a highly personal message tone. It was also key that they honed in on self-idealization, through your-next-door-neighbor anecdotes — in Ohio, Kentucky, and Missouri. Again, carefully calculated to target those key states where Democratic support is in high demand. Even more effective was the notable absence of any mention of the other guy. Oh yeah, by the name of McCain. 

And what a clever closing remark where the footage takes you to Florida live, just in time to hear Obama’s ending note to rally for a win in the vital state down South, and for the country in the larger scope. Touching.

Well done GMMB/SS&K.

Prague in November. I hear it will be beautiful! If you have already been to the place, please please share your experiences with me so I can ask ten thousand more questions. If you want to join me on the adventures, do let me know so I can give you all the details.

Otherwise, I will bring back some sober stories at the drunken house.

Consider this. Let’s not even talk about the numbers globally. People tend to relate much better when they talk about things closer to home.  In New York, there are 1.5 million people living in poverty (that’s almost an eighth). Meaning, they are struggling to be fed, to get shelter, barely surviving and hardly affording their basic necessities. 

I don’t care how badly the markets have crashed and how much of your stocks have been dwindled. When you’re still able to dine out, to live comfortably, and to have the opportunities to create a better life, it’s really not that bad. Then, it’s also not too much to think of a less fortunate and help to facilitate a cause that does not necessarily result in your personal materialistic gain. 

On a lighter, but related note, Mary and I attended City Harvest’s annual Bid Against Hunger event. Hundreds of restaurants participated. The night was transformed into a gianormous tasting menu, with live and silent auctions (I ALMOST won a bid for four tickets to the Jets game in December). All proceeds go to help City Harvest, world’s first, and New York’s only food rescue organization. 

Soul and Joanne had their wedding last night in Brooklyn. A very Chinese wedding – at a Chinese restaurant with yummy food. I had never ventured out to that area of the town before, and thought I got to Chinatown when I came off the train. 

Our table had plenty fun the entire night sampling Chinese food that I was having for the first time.

Congratulations again to the couple. Sorry I wasn’t able to take more photos throughout the night. We are still good for UFC at your house right??

That is all folks.

Have a great day.