Rapid Eye Recommendations

I've never known whether I'm qualified to review or recommend, but in recent months, I've become a fan of certain things that I feel compelled to share with the class.

Footwear

Ecco shoes--I've never eally thought of the Danes as a bastion of shoe-making. In fact, when I privately recommended these shoes to friends, I mistakenly told people they were made by the Dutch. Nonetheless, Ecco shoes are among the most comfortable and long-lasting I've put on my feet. I was sold on them by a department store saleslady who learned that my job keeps me on my feet for hours at a time. As a poker tournament reporter, I can spent 16-18 hours in any given day walking around. Plus, I travel a great deal, which leaves me walking, and walking, and walking. I chose the laceless, black business shoe (can be worn casually or with suits) and is easily slipped on and off in airport security lines. I bought mine four months ago and have worn them exclusively. I may never buy another brand of shoe again.

Caffeine

I didn't realize until I started writing this that there is an entire affiliate marketing scheme out there surrounding energy drinks. Nonetheless, I have never been a huge fan of energy drinks. In fact, it was only through necessity that I started drinking them. I can now stomach them all, but due to wanting to keep my girlish figure, I try to stick to the sugar free variants. The only one I really, really like is Sugar Free Full Throttle Fury. You'll find it in the red can in the Coca Cola section of your drink aisle. It tastes quite a bit like Sunkist and there is barely a diety aftertaste.

Music

Because many of the readers here are readers of the Tao of Pauly, you will already be aware of this. However, I feel compelled to pass on what Pauly passed on to me over the summer. If you don't know The Wood Brothers or Galactic, you are really missing out.

Beyond that, for the first time in a long time, we festival-goers are going to LEAF. If you're the type of person who loves the mountains in the fall, music from every genre, and camping with friends, we'd welcome you to come along.

Beer

Wil introduced me to this one. If you like hops, you need to drink Arrogant Bastard Ale. It's not easy to find east of the Mississippi, but it's out there. I drank this beer for six weeks over the summer. Careful, though. It packs a higher alcohol content than your average beer.

That should be enough to keep you busy for a while. However, as I love, love, love giving my opinion, feel free to suggest categories and I tell you how I'm living and loving life.