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What Guys Want

Can you answer the question of what guys want?  Some guys are looking for high search engine rankings and how those rankings can be increased by publishing better content on the web.  That is a current challenge of mine, and I'm a guy.

Secondly, I'm really interested in writing code, as in Ruby based Rails applications, except, I'm lacking something significant during the course of my day.  Time.  So, in order to accomplish the code writing, another thing that guys want is more time.  I hope this has been helpful, so far.

Besides being in good shape, I think most guys want to be healthier.  That's something I'm continually striving for.  I am amazed on how long it takes to remove fat from the body and lose weight compared to how fast it comes on.  Literally, weeks versus months, or years even.  Stay in shape, that is my advice; once you get there, you've worked too hard to let it go.

Finally, I don't think all guys are this way, but I am a learner -- I want to learn.  All the time it seems.  I have numerous interests, which would be helpful if time would be more plentiful, as mentioned before.  But, currently, if I could knock out some fundamental knowledge of economics, statistics and probability, I'd be pretty happy about that.

I hope this has given you some insight, I'm sure my co-bloggers will put forth their perspectives on what guys want, and help answer this question for you.

Ethan is on

Traveling through Costco

I have learned through the years to always check Costco before making a large purchase or transaction. My bride and I decided to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary on a cruise with friends. I spent an inordinate amount of time shopping the web for the lowest price. Low and behold Costco Travel offered the best value on a Celebrity Cruise to the Caribbean. $749.00 with a $50 room credit for a 7 night eastern itinerary. Booking through the Costco web site was a breeze, like every transaction made at Costco. If you are in the market for a cruise or all-inclusive resort, make sure you check the travel section at Costco. You won’t be disappointed.




New Costco Vodka

Costco has been carrying the Kirkland Signature vodka made in France for some time.  This is a great vodka made in the Grey Goose factory in France.   I purchased it at the Costco in San Jose, California several years ago and it is very good, as good or better than Grey Goose.  It is priced 45% lower than Grey Goose.

While at Costco last week I saw a new Kirkland Signature vodka offering.  This new vodka is made domestically.  I picked up a bottle and will use it for an ice cold martini in the next few days.  Feedback to follow…

Fried Chicken Comparison

Nothing beats home cooked fried chicken.  For instance, we made this recipe from Bon Appetit Magazine  and it was amazing.  But, sometimes you are in a rush for a quick bite, which was my case about a month ago.  I stopped off at Albertsons and grabbed a couple of pieces of chicken and a pop.  The chicken had pretty good flavor, but it wasn't the best, but in a pinch for a quick lunch it was great.

I had another hankering a couple of weeks later, and thought, I'd compare Safeway's chicken to Albertsons'.  I didn't like it at all, the flavor was bland and it wasn't that appealing.  But, I thought I'd surely give it a try, because I feel that there is a difference between the store's departments.  I don't know about you, but I much prefer the bakery at Safeway over Albertsons.

So back to Albertsons I go after running errands all day last Saturday.  I stopped off because it was getting way past lunch, and I was starving.  I grabbed some chicken and headed to pay, as I was walking by the Starbucks, I realized I needed napkins.  I snagged a couple and found a little bonus, Grade A Honey!  I love honey on chicken and realized a great combination with Albertsons having Starbucks in all their stores, there's a little supply of honey for your to go lunch. 

Now, it doesn't beat the high quality, made with love, home cooking fried chicken you make on a cast iron skillet, but it'll do.

Getting Older

Well, as it turns out as I'm getting closer to the 40, I'm finding that I need to purchase some glasses for reading and my computing work. Additionally, it's getting to be a struggle to see those little screws in the remote control toys my kids have. Last week, I ventured to Costco's optical department and went through the rigors of the modern eye exam.

Today, I returned to Costco to order my specs. Much to my surprise, I'd almost label these things as cheap. The cost didn't compare to what I had in mind before I had went shopping around. I found some great frames, which probably fit better than they look, but I didn't spend an arm and a leg. When you walk away with your prescription, Costco doesn't push you right out the door to make a purchase, which I think is probably great that the optometrist is independent. I'll encourage you, shop around if you must, but if you find frames that you like at the store, grab them, they are very affordable. Additionally, I purchased a second pair with a $25 dollar savings, which was a nice little bonus.

 Keep it up Costco, always competitive and with great service.

Kickstarter: The Kelly Cafe

Have you guys been to this place? I haven't but the sound of brick oven pizza calling my name. The have a Kickstarter project here, but unfortunately, no funding has occurred and the project deadline is four days from now. Speaking of brick oven pizza, I think a full blown write up is needed for really good pizza shops.

Update

Unfortunately the Kelly Cafe Kickstarter project never took off, but keep checking Kickstarter.  The projects are great and the process of funding companies is truly an example of creative destruction.

Costco Sweet Potato Fries

Costco has their sweet potato fries on special this month through an instant rebate. The net cost before tax is $4.99 for a 4 pound bag. We eat these fries with hamburgers, salmon burger and Costco fish sticks. They are great dipped in Litehouse Bleu Cheese dressing. These fries contain zero grams of trans fat per serving and are a good source of vitamins A and C. And they are cholesterol free to boot!

Dudefest

This blog is an electronic Dudefest of opinions and thoughts from four Northwest guys who know a thing or two about being alive, middle aged, getting old, and are patriots. Welcome.