With the mourning of Gerald Ford I thought I'd highlight one of the achievements of the President past, let alone any President this country has had.

The Right Turn On Red.

Yes, it was Gerald Ford that passed legislation and encouraged states to adopt the uber-convenient ability that drivers could turn right at intersections with red lights. Of course it wasn't because of convenience or comfort but because the U.S. was going thru the OPEC oil crisis ~1973. Well, either way, it's 2007 and I am pleased to no end that I can turn right on red.

Oh wait, except in New York City because you can't turn right on red in the city.

Oh wait, I don't even have a car up here to be able to 'not' turn right with. Yay.

Labels: editorial, new york

Instead of my resolutions I thought I'd share my favorite things of 2006. Well, 16 of them at least.

16. Golf: My handicap was calculated and it was a sobering moment. A single solitary tear was shed, I'm sure of it. A finally realized that swinging the club with brute force was not going to get that white little ball any further and I think I may finally understand the mechanics of a chip shot.
15. The Gym: It's just happened over the past month but my recent venture back into the gym (six days a week, 1 hour each morning) has been a drastic lifestyle change. A good one... I think. I still hate doing mornings. I'm doing it in the name of physical fitness, but I'm hoping a couple of abs make their appearance on the way.
14. Street Vendor Food: Specifically, the guy on the corner of 53rd and Lexington that sells Halal food. Mixed lamb schwarma & chicken on basmati rice with white sauce and spicy chili sauce served with salad. All for $4. I'll take you thank you very much.
13. Las Vegas: Craps, texas hold 'em, gourmet buffets, champagne, drinks on the rocks. Gambling buddies. It's all too much to explain but it's far too great.
12. Xbox 360: It's the uber-toy.
11. Christian Bale: The guy is one of my favorite actors, not to mention the guy is Welsh. (because you know... Welsh and Korean... are real tight... ummm) Matt Damon is a close second.
10. DVR (TiVo): It took me a while to join the bandwagon, but better late than never. Recording shows on HDTV and watching them later, commercial free is pure bliss.
9. Keane - 'Under the Iron Sea': One of my favorite albums of the year, especially when it rains. Top song is 'Ode To Lonely' by Red Guitar, but I really am obsessed with new bands so choosing just one is a tough cookie.
8. YouTube: Need there be more said?
7. The Bagel: Toasted wheat bagels with cream cheese are a godsend.
6. Bargainist.com: Because just like you, I love a deal. On an entirely different note, Pandora.com has brought me musical joy for many-a-hours.
5. My local tailor: Because he hemmed it, trimmed it, fit it and it all looked fantastic.
4. Women's fashion since 2005: the mini, the skinny, the tunic, the belt, there was little I didn't like... well besides the ballet shoe - still not sold on that one.
3. MySpace: I hate it. I hate it. I like it. I love it. I hate it.
2. E-mail: I hate it. I hate it. I like it. I love it. I hate it.
1. New York City: This was the year of New York City, for me. It was my first year here and easily a turning point for my life. Career change, social melee, family separation (distance), culinary delights (ahhh...), rent flabergastment, fashion forays, physicality, oh and did I mention the street vendor food? This city has affected me in more ways than I can count and in fewer ways than I originally thought. I'm finally feeling more 'settled' so 2007 is going to be one helluva discovery year. Of course, I'll share as much of it as I 'can' here on the ol' midweekpost.

Hope the new years is a great one for you all and your resolutions are fulfilled.

Labels: announcements, editorial, new york