Spain advanced to their first FIFA World Cup Final, Carles Puyol's 74th-minute header securing a deserved 1-0 victory over Germany in Durban.

The two remaining teams left in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Spain and Netherlands, will go head-to-head this Sunday at 11:30 a.m. (PDT) for the final game. After weeks of watching 32 teams play at the oddest times of the day (try waking up at 4:30 a.m.), what could be more exciting?! How about combining the two biggest trends in Seattle right now, that’s right: soccer and 3D entertainment.

Seattle’s Sport Restaurant and Bar is offering a chance to see the game in 3D. With beer and 3D glasses, you can’t possibly get more action than this (unless you are literally playing on the field). This sounds like great fun, but I’m wondering has this 3D trend gone a little too far? Soccer and 3D seem like a good fit, but I can’t help roll my eyes at some of the other 3D entertainment choices out there. Just because Avatar and, I got to admit, Toy Story 3 have been successful in 3D, does that mean everything has to be as “real” as possible? The issue is, it seems like movie, and now TV producers are scrambling to implement the 3D feature as an afterthought, not as part of the development phase, which impacts the overall effect. But why not when people are shelling out cash to experience it? The economy has got to spike upwards somehow. I fear this is the beginning towards living in a Matrix-life world, where humans view reality through a lens without actually experiencing anything at all. It started with video games, e-commerce, then 3D movies, can you imagine the next immobile trend corporate dogs will sink their teeth into? Don’t get me wrong, I’m pro-technological advances, but taking a long walk on a summer day (yes, it is SUNNY in Seattle right now) and experiencing real life with real people is ultimately the best. After all, everything else is just imitation. A Beatles cover band will never outdo the original songs.

Not a World Cup player? Do the next best thing and watch it in 3D: Fisher Plaza, 140 4th Avenue North, 206-404-7767, sportrestaurant.com.

Discover City Centre Open House was held on the first floor vacant space, across from ROAD Apparel.

The job of a concierge is to know the hottest spots in town and they are always on the lookout for any new information. I have a concierge friend who, every day, walks to work a different way in order to keep tabs on what’s going on in the city. This day and age, most people aren’t required to remember anything because of search engines like Google or Bing, but the concierge do, and the pressure is on. Being able to make good recommendations to travelers is a must; after all, their value is in their word. Being a concierge is about maintaining credibility, and I can’t think of another industry where truth holds more of an importance.

This past Thursday, June 17 some of the most well respected concierge in town attended Discover City Centre, an open house that showcased 13 merchants in the building. With the help of City Centre, merchants were able to transform the old Ann Taylor space (now currently up for lease) into a vibrant room full of delectable food and wine pairings, as well as product displays and informational freebies.

Two new merchants, Sandella’s Flatbread Café and Sushi Kudasai, made their premiere debut and are excited to be officially part of the building when they open in early July.

City Centre Participating Merchants:
ROAD Apparel
Palomino
Sandella’s Flatbread Cafe
Facere Jewelry Art Gallery
Fifth Ave Optical
Salon Modello
Starbucks
City Centre Cards, Gifts and Sundries
Capelli’s
American Eagle
Aldo
Soups On!
Sushi Kudasai

ROAD Apparel has created the hottest, best of the best, Gifts for Him (GFH) in time for Father’s Day coming up on June 20. GFH are guaranteed to be unique, practical, fun and reasonably priced, with items starting at only $20! 

ROAD Freedom Jeans are simply the best fitting jean he’ll ever own

Urbanears produce remarkable sounds and come in really cool colors

Sun Reading Glasses by SCOJO – so now he can read in the sun

Tennis Shoes by Sperry Topsider is an easy way to slide into the weekend

Carry-On Bag by Filson transforms into a backpack with its hidden strap

…and there’s more, so check them all out here or at ROAD store locations.

 What’s your GFH?

Quadruple Chocolate Cheesecake from local boutique bakery, The Confectional in Pike Place Market

The description for this cheesecake reads, “Dark chocolate is blended right into the batter with chunks of milk, white and an extra-dark chocolate added to the center for an extra chocolaty surprise and finished with a thick chocolate crust.”

 Doesn’t this sentence tantalize your senses? Even if you’re not a chocolate lover (gasp) you’ve seen how others act when they’re around chocolate. They can’t help but to close their eyes when tasting a sample, as if to block out all the noise in the world. Chocolate centers people, encouraging them to live in the present. All worries are put aside until the treat melts completely into their mouths. And what about after consumption? Immediately I get a chocolaty buzz. Step aside coffee, move over energy drinks- I’ve got a more luxurious treat today. Chocolate is my official pick-me up.    

 But why stop there? You can’t beat incorporating chocolate into already amazing things like wine and cheesecake. That is why ROAD Apparel is hosting A Chocolate Lover’s Treat, on May 26 and 27 featuring complimentary samples of chocolate port from Mission Mountain Winery, supremely decedent chocolate cheesecakes from The Confectional, and an exclusive musical performance by internationally renowned guitarist Andre Feriante. If that isn’t enough, ROAD stores will offer a special shopping incentive, buy any regular priced ROAD labeled item and get the second one half off!  

So bring all the chocolate lover’s you know- hey it might even help out people looking for gifts in time for Father’s Day coming up on June 20.

 A Chocolate Lover’s Treat will be at the Seattle store on Wednesday, May 26 and move the party to the Bellevue store location the following day, both taking place from 5-8 p.m. Andre Feriante will be playing an exclusive performance from 6-7 p.m.at the Seattle location only.

ROAD Bellevue
Bellevue Square Mall
202 Bellevue Square
Bellevue, WA 98004

ROAD Seattle
U. S. Bank Centre/ City Centre
1420 Fifth Avenue Suite #120
Seattle, WA 98101

The 1961 DeHavilland DHC-2 Amphibious Beaver - N126RS

The Washington Pilot’s Association and Paine Field hosted its 15th annual General Aviation Day with the Taste of Mukilteo this past weekend.

Participants saw some of the latest in general aviation aircraft (including some labeled “experimental,”) as well as some phenomenal vintage aircraft and warbirds. If planes weren’t enough, the Tyee Triumph Club showcased some of their classic sports cars.

 What does this have to do with ROAD you might ask? It just so happens I was there on behalf of ROAD to showcase its Amphibious Beaver with a Pratt & Whitney R-985 radial engine. The Beaver is a single engined, high wing, propeller-driven, STOL aircraft developed by de Havilland Canada, primarily known as a bush plane. For the place novices out there, it’s an amazing plane that can take off and land in the water.

 While I was there, I spoke with some plane buffs about the Beaver, listened to the “The Tempos” a swinging, big band, and ate hamburgers from Kiwanis BBQ. The great weather, might I add, guaranteed it was a highly enjoyable day.

 Throughout the afternoon, aircraft from both the Flying Heritage Collection and Historic Flight Foundation flew overhead.  Other activities included a Firefighters’ Fly Day 5k Run to benefit the benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association and free Young Eagles introductory flights for kids.

 The admission was free, open to people of all ages and is recommend as a must do for next year.

Its 6 o’clock and you’re sitting in your office thinking, “where did all my time go today?!” You didn’t get nearly enough done, with meetings scheduled almost every waking hour, and people in-and-out of your office all day asking you for something. You didn’t even have enough time to eat a decent lunch! A big thank you goes out to the guy who talked endlessly over the phone about his business, when all you wanted to do was close the deal. You now have to take some work home, or get up early. No, the gym is definitely not happening today.

Technology follows you around like a sappy puppy, with all the cute little noises it makes. Avoiding it just seems very… irresponsible.  Yet, through the years you’ve come to realize when to power off. There’s no use in driving your car while the tire is blown out, because that leads to serious damage later on. Back in college, they didn’t offer a class on time management, or was it stress management that you needed the most, probably both. No, you’ve had to learn the hard way, to manage the things you could control, and to make workarounds with the things you could not. A Zen guru might believe in letting go of the past and anticipating the future, all by living in the present moment – but you live it. You live it every single day. Your ability to navigate though tough waters is something to be thankful for, as many Seattleites face bigger mental challenges these days.

Since 1966, Sound Mental Health has provided comprehensive mental health and related services to the King County community.  Their goal is to help individuals and families who have been challenged by mental illness and substance abuse achieve the highest level of independence and mental health possible. On Thursday, May 6 the non-profit organization will continue to support the community by hosting a benefit gala called Mental Health Matters. The event will be at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers and feature a talk by former Washington Governor Booth Gardner.

It’s 6:05 p.m. and while you still have a million and one things left to do, you breathe a sigh of relief.  Today, you have been reminded of how fortunate you are; to live in a chaotic world and still be able to function with some clarity, to perform with some peace of mind. Mental health is an overlooked blessing.

If you would like more information on Sound Mental Health, or are interested in being a sponsor, please contact Gayle Johnson at gaylej@smh.org or 206-302-2260

The DOORS silent auction featured a guitar signed by Roger Daltrey (The Who) and other top musicians.

This past Saturday ROAD participated in a charity auction to benefit the Seattle Theater Group. The fundraising event, called “DOORS: Opening Doors to the Arts,” was held at the historic Paramount Theater and turned out to be an incredible evening full of entertainment, complete with a silent auction and dinner. 

 The entertainment set featured the multi Grammy award winning guitarist Bill Frisell who played with tambalist Zakir Hussain, the twice Grammy-nominated alternative rock band The Presidents of the United States of America, and the incredible multi talented, Daniel Bernard Roumain.

Spotted in the audience was Sir Mix-a-lot and Pearl Jam guitarist Mike MacCready.

Performers from STG’s education program included the fabulous Eriam sisters, Shumba Marimba, and bluegrass group Northern Departure. Dance entertainment came from Apna Bhangra, and Massive Monkeys.

Drum head from YES 2007 Euro Tour signed by Alan White

ROAD CEO Raj Shah placed the winning bid on a wonderful collection of rock memorabilia, which included an autographed guitar signed by such legends as Roger Daltry from The Who and drummer Alan White, from YES and John Lennon’s Plastic Ono band. ROAD also received Alan’s signed bass drum face and a pair of sticks from their famed 2007 European tour.

The collection will soon be displayed at the City Center ROAD location.

Pair of Alan White's rugged drum sticks from 2007 Euro Tour.

Last year I realized my family didn’t know how to recycle. They were kind enough to throw empty beverage bottles away, but they would toss their recyclable trash in the garbage instead of our recycling bin. As you can imagine, I am not a huge fan of digging though trash to retrieve somebody else’s wet, dirty bottle. However, I am a fan of the earth, so this undertaking persisted on for a few weeks, until I came up with a solution. I put a sign on the recycling bin that read, “Beer bottles, wine bottles, and beer cans.”  Simple enough, right? And they got my point.

Recycling is easy to do once you know the steps. With Earth Day coming up on April 22- it’s a perfect time to brush up on your recycling skills. According to Earth 911′s recent blog, ReCORK America has partnered up with national retailers to establish wine cork collection locations nationwide. According to ReCORK America, there are 13 billion natural cork wine stoppers sold in the world market each year, most of which end up in the landfill.

ROAD is also doing their part by hosting an Earth Day celebration. From April 22-May 2, ROAD will be collecting clothing donations to be distributed to The MIllionair Club Charity in an effort to help support the environment around us. Participants will receive Ten ROAD Dollars for each donated item to be spent in-store. Additionally, for every ROAD brand item purchased, ROAD will donate 5% to The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust.  

 Be awesome and do something good for Earth Day this year.

Road stories from West Bank, Lagos, Nigeria and the Amazon

Roads can mean a lot of different things. To some, it’s a way to get to and from work; for others it could pose as an environmental issue, or even serve as a sign of prosperity and cultivation. You could say it’s basic human infrastructure. For Ted Conover however, it means something much more. In his recently released book entitled “The Routes of Man,” Conover explores the power of roads and how they impact communities, unite worlds and reveal the hopes and fears of those who travel them. Simply put, the roads we use shape our destiny.

In an NPR interview Conover shared a story about a man, a friend of his actually, who built his dream house on a piece of land that was situated against a large hill. His house happened to be amongst Israeli settlements and Palestinian land. One day the army “improved” the road that connected to his driveway making it so that the road only led to where settlers needed to go. The road was now useless to the man, as he could not go anywhere where Palestinians live.  The man needed to figure out a solution to cope with the two road systems.  He realized that if he could park on top of his house and build a driveway in the back that trailed down the hill, he could connect it to the road system that he was able to use. He created his own road that would actually take him somewhere. Sometimes you’ve got to do crazy, unconventional things like park on the top of your house, in order to go places. 

Check out Ted Conover’s “The Routes of Man,” it will make you think about roads in a completely different way.

In response to the lasting effects from the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Road will donate 20% of the proceeds from its online, Road  brand sales to Medical Teams International, a non-profit disaster relief organization, to support its Haitian relief fund.  We encourage you to shop online through April 18 to help drive the charitable campaign.

To date, Medical Teams International has raised over 4.2 million dollars and sent over 14 disaster response teams, including 83 volunteers to Haiti.  The non-profit has also donated more than 3.5 million dollars in medical supplies to the Haitian relief effort.

Since the devastating earthquake hit on January 12, there are still large numbers of Haitian people who have yet to receive treatment.   Medical Teams International has been moving to the outer regions from where the earthquake hit to assist these victims. With more than 230,000 people impacted by the earthquake and more than one million people without homes, there is still a great need for help.

“We appreciate the generosity of Road and their commitment to donate 20% of their online, Road sales to our Haiti Relief fund,” said Marlene Minor, Vice President of Communications for Medical Teams International.  “It takes just $33 per month to provide a family in Haiti with emergency medicines to keep them alive.  We encourage people to take advantage of Road’s impactful offer and to purchase their spring clothes.  By doing so, they’re saving a family.”

For more information on Medical Teams International please log on to www.medicalteams.org