Dude, is that a purse?!?

Before drowsily falling into a post-Memorial Day food coma last night, I caught an episode of "Rules of Engagement" on CBS.

This particular episode delved into the controversy that is the man bag (as seen sported above by Robert Downey Jr.).

In the episode, one of the characters, Adam, receives a messenger bag from his fiance after she catches him taping up his worn out back pack.
Adam's pals Russell and Jeff then proceed to, well ... bag on Adam's "man purse" with a tirade of insults that would make any man insecure to sport his new leather satchel.

I personally don't have a problem with men carrying messenger bags. I already joke with my boyfriend that he needs a purse to hold all of his belongings (wallet, keys, pens, reporter's notebook, pocket change, etc.)

So what are your thoughts on the subject? Should men forgo the man bag?

Can you spare a summer snack tip?

Moms and Dads, I need to pick your beautiful minds!

I am working on a piece for the Enterprise on great summer snacks for kids. If you have any recommendations, please comment below. I will be most grateful.

I can't print anonymous tips, so please sign off with your real name if you don't mind it printed in the paper.

Thanks!

Go on, tell dad he stinks this Father's Day

The Day of Dads is rapidly approaching.
And if you are looking high and low for the most unique (and awful) Father's Day gift for good ol' dad, you're in luck.

The Brondell corporation is hoping you'll consider the Breeza Deodorizing Toilet Seat for pop June 21.

"Rather than giving the same old shirt and tie, give the gift that everyone in the household will appreciate, a toilet seat that eliminates any manly odors the moment that he takes a seat," a news release I received from Brondell reads.

Another line continues: "This Father’s Day, present the man of the house with an opportunity to leave his throne smelling like flowers. Throw the matches away and present Daddy-O with a Breeza from Brondell."

Call me crazy, but this gift STINKS!

Whirlwinds and surprise vacations

Greetings from Washington D.C.!
I am on hiatus this week after my amazing plus-one surprised me Friday night with a whirlwind adventure and plane tickets.
We left Houston Saturday for D.C. and on Tuesday are heading up to NYC on a train.
Check out some of our photos from the Newseum and around D.C. Be back soon.


The top right photo was taken in the Newseum's G-man exhibit with my favorite mobster. Above, I am taking in all of the Sept. 12, 2001 front pages from around the world in an extremely emotional exhibit at the Newseum.
Look over my left shoulder for a great view of our nation's capital.

Checking out a section of the Berlin Wall at the Newseum with my plus-one's brother. Still questioning its authenticity. All of the graffiti was written in English. Makes me wonder. Anyway, have a great week.

Mother's Day Rerun

Care to show mom how much you loved her ... in 2005?

Then get her an Everybody Loves Raymond e-card for Mother's Day.

I got an e-mail yesterday announcing "The popular family sitcom, Everybody Loves Raymond, has joined forces with American Greetings to present Mother’s Day eCards featuring one of TV’s funniest moms, Marie Barone (played by Doris Roberts)."

Well that would have been a great gift four years ago. The show breathed it's last laugh May 16, 2005. True, it has been in syndication ever since. But come on! Unless you've been living under a rock, pop culture has moved on since Robert and Amy wed and Ray and Deborah last spat.

Call me crazy, but it feels like some CBS execs just wanted to milk the final drops of a once hit.

Besides, my favorite Doris Roberts' maternal role was as Frances Smith in 1989's "Christmas Vacation". Can we get a Mother's Day card of Frances swilling martinis and saying "Talk about pissing your money away. I hope you kids see what a silly waste of resources this was"?

I think that would be an awesome card. Of course, it would be even better if it was affixed to a Jelly of the Month certificate.

Dunkin' moms this Sunday

Sunday is Mother's Day. It's time to pick up Hallmark cards, snap photos for picture frames and order up the spring bouquets.

For those of you strapped for cash or just plain forgetful, you can show mom how much you love her Sunday with a whole 'latte' Dunkin' Donuts love.

The breakfast chain announced today that they will give moms a free small latte on Mother's Day. Not to be left out, Dad's will be celebrated June 21 with the same deal.

Just some cautionary advice, bring a little extra cash in case mom wants a bear claw to accompany her free beverage.

Doing a little moonlighting on the side

Looking for something free and uber trendy to do Friday night?

Check out Beaumont's Moonlight Bicycle Madness from 7 p.m. to midnight at Rogers Park.
Billed as "easy, fun and safe" you can ride your bike with pals or the fam. Participants must wear a helmet and have bike lights. And, you can choose your own speed; cruise at the beginner level or take on a 14 mile trek.

So have fun, be safe and if you have questions, call (409) 860-5065.

Get your fiesta on!

It's Cinco de Mayo y'all!
I already got my fiesta on with a fajita taco lunch at Elena's on College. If you're looking for dinner and drink plans tonight, check out these cheap finds BE reporter Matthew Danelo uncovered:

Casa Ole, Nine locations in Southeast Texas, www.casaole.com
At all locations, you can get four Cornitos for $5.99. Drink specials vary at each location.

Elena's, 6290 Phelan Blvd, Beaumont, (409) 861-2800 and 1865 College St, Beaumont, (409) 832-1203
Tecate beer is $1, margaritas are $1.95 and both nachos and quesadillas are $4.95.


Crazy Jose's, Three locations in Southeast Texas, www.crazyjoses.com
Top shelf margaritas for $4.99 and live music on the patio at the Beaumont location only.


Cafà del Rio, 2830 I-10 East, (409) 347-1644
Specially priced margaritas and Mexican folk singers all evening.


La Hacienda, 7700 9th Ave, Port Arthur, (409) 724-1477
Happy hour all day long. Small margaritas are $2.50, flavored margaritas are $2.75, draft beer is $1.25 and domestic beer is $1.95. Live music in the evening.


Pancho Villa's Restaurant, 230 Crockett St., Beaumont, (409) 833-3700
Half-priced margaritas, $1 Tecate beers and fajita's for two for $17.95 from 4 p.m. to close.

King of Pop predicts the swine flu?

'You know I'm Bad. I'm bad! You know it!'
Couldn't resist sharing this pre-Swine Flu pandemic photo of Micheal Jackson.
We could all learn something from the Gloved One about how to properly mask ourselves in the event of an outbreak here in Beaumont...or if we need to hide unsightly plastic surgery mishaps. Your choice.