Archive: Jan 2014

It's almost springtime already! You know how we know? It's not the blue skies or the buds popping out on the trees. No, the real sign that spring is almost here is the annual Farmer's Insurance Open Golf Tournament at the Torrey Pines Golf Course. Even if you don't play, the PGA Tour tournament is sure to be a great time. Golf is only the tip of the iceberg during that week – the crowds will also be treated to delightful food and drink, the opportunity to celebrity-watch, and be surrounded by gleaming, vintage cars. It's also for a good cause, as the tournament works closely with local charities that provide help for schools and childrens' centers!  They're also looking for volunteers, which is a great way to take in all the sights while giving back to the community.  That's…

Normally, we try to keep things lighthearted around here, but today we want to talk about something that's near and dear to our hearts: drinking and driving. Or rather, NOT drinking and driving. We don't advocate it; in fact, we abhor it.  There's no getting around it — driving under the influence can be costly. It can cost lives, dignity, self-respect, and if you're only deterred by cold, hard cash, if you're caught, it will break you financially.  Here's how the costs add up for the average first-time offender over legal drinking age, courtesy of the Auto Club. The minimum DUI fine is $390. County penalties are $1,245. Average cost for your vehicle, towing and storage is $350; a mandatory alcohol education class is $575; your booking and fingerprinting fee is $170; and your license re-issue is $125. You're already…

As we’ve said before, we don’t really believe in New Year’s resolutions. However, we do believe in constantly working toward lifelong goals and making ourselves and everyone around us happier. This is nothing new.  The New Year’s celebration is as old as humanity itself, although many cultures wait until spring to throw their parties. The Romans were the ones who fused Christmas with the New Year, which was in and of itself an offshoot of Saturnalia.   We’re particular fans of that holiday, because Saturn, as the god of agricultural bounty, and his consort Ops, the goddess of resources and wealth, were both celebrated with toasts and consumption of a lot of beer and of wine (which in those times was occasionally mixed with seawater; we don’t recommend it!) Both were also associated with the notorious Bacchus, also known as…