Microsoft has taken the unusual step of promoting Windows 7 in Japan with Burger King’s launch of a Windows 7 Whopper. Fitting in with the software theme, the burger stacks seven patties in an otherwise normal Whopper and measures 5.1 inches tall. It also has an appropriate 777 yen ($8.53) price.

The stunt isn’t unique for Microsoft’s Windows 7 launch, which in the run-up to Thursday’s introduction has repeated the “seven” theme in multiple publicity events; it launched a giveaway of the new OS for every resident of the Dutch village of Zevenhuizen (“Seven Houses”) and decorated parts of the Spanish village Sietes (“Sevens”) in Windows-themed colors. The campaign contrasts sharply against the more traditional ads of Vista and earlier Windows releases, highlighting Microsoft’s desire to turn around its public image.

In North America, most of the developer’s less conventional advertising has centered around promoting Windows 7 house parties and its first retail stores.

On another unrelated note, I’ve realized how low my vegetable intake has gotten since moving out on my own. I’ve decided to start adjusting my eating to remedy this. The one vegetable I do eat a lot of is broccoli, which is good because it’s one of the better one’s for you, but I still need more variety. I’d like to add more vegetable side dishes into my meals and make at least one of my dinners per week a salad of some sort. So I put the question out to you, my readers (assuming there’s anyone actually reading this); how do you prepare your favorite vegetable sides? What are your favorite kinds of salads?

After dinner, Robin had dessert (consisting of yogurt and strawberries) and worked on reading Watchmen so she’d have it finished before we saw the movie. I passed the time by playing some Burnout: Paradise. The picture below took me several attempts because Robin kept laughing, but I ended up capturing the “captivated reader” look. Hmmm…a girl curled up in a Batman blanket reading Watchmen? I’d certainly say, “that’s cool”. (in a Carlito voice of course)

Saturday morning we had some egg sangwiches (not a typo) and strawberries. Robin wanted to go running so I had mapped about a route that was around 3 miles. While she was out, I did my yoga balance postures. I think I did my best set yet actually. Right before I was finished, I got a call because Robin had taken a wrong turn and was lost. It really wasn’t her fault though. The road sign of the road I had told her to take a right on was totally covered up by an “Entering Westport” sign and could only be seen coming from the other direction…my bad. I ended up hopping in the car and picking her up so she didn’t have to run all the way back. Even still, she ended up doing about 3 miles anyway. Once I’m back in better running shape I’ll be able to do that loop too, which will hopefully be soon.

For lunch we had some leftovers from other stuff I had in the fridge and watched Unbreakable. After movie #1, we headed to Seekonk to see Watchmen (movie #2). Without giving anything away, I thought it was a pretty accurate representation of the comic. At times it was overly gruesome for seemingly no reason, but all and all it was a very good movie. For dinner we attempted going to Bugaboo Creek, but sadly the wait was an hour long and we were starving after seeing a nearly 3-hour movie. Instead we hit up Panera which most likely resulted in a healthier dinner. On the way home, we stopped at Stop & Shop again to get some ice cream and more strawberries. Since the strawberries were ridiculously cheap (which is why we’re eating so many), Robin wanted to get some to bring home. Once back at the apartment, we made ice cream sundaes, with strawberries, and watched Ratatouille (movie #3). After starting to watch it about a year ago, we finally made it through the whole thing! We followed that up with a little TV before finally turning in for the night.

Sunday morning we woke up around 8:00 9:00. Stupid daylight savings time. Robin went out for her run again and went around the 3-mile loop successfully. We had some more egg sangwiches (still not a typo) and more strawberries and got ready to head out. She had some shopping she wanted to do on the way home in addition to having lunch with her bro. I had plans to go hiking with Matt & Sarah because it was SO nice out. We parted ways  on the highway because we were both heading in the same general direction.

Even with the time shift working against me, I made it to Matt & Sarah’s place only a few minutes late. We headed out to a hiking path that they frequent, and despite it being a little soggy, it was a very nice 5-mile hike. After the hike we headed to Panera for lunch. Woohoo, Panera on back-to-back days! And no, that’s not a sarcastic complaint, I love Panera! From lunch we headed back to their apartment to chill out for a little bit before they had to leave.

So now I’m back at home at the end of my weekend and about to head to bed. I had a very busy but great weekend. It was really nice seeing Robin again and spending a bunch of time together after not seeing each other for nearly a year. Hopefully she’ll decide to come visit more often! (yes, I know you’re reading this) I also got to spend time with my two favorite people on the planet…and Matt too! (just kidding buddy) PLUS I get to see them NEXT weekend as well because Matt’s getting older and his birthday is coming up…heh heh. I clearly have to get my shots in while hiding behind my computer, where crucifix holds are a safe distance away. Tomorrow night I’m planning on getting back into the ring for some wrestling training, and Tuesday night I have a meeting with the NCW crew. More busyness ahead, but it’s all good!

For more pictures, details, & another perspective on the weekend, check out Robin’s posts where I stole the pictures from for this one:

• Strawberry Weekend
• It’s Over!

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: Low 5 hours OR High 2 1/2 hours
Makes: 4 Servings

1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces
(2) 9-ounce jars sweet and sour sauce
(1) 16-ounce package frozen loose-pack broccoli, carrots, and water chestnuts (vegetables clearly can vary)
2 1/2 cups hot cooked rice (this made a LOT more than I needed)
1/4 cup chopped almonds, toasted (optional, I didn’t use them)

1. In a 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker (came out fine in my 6-quart) combine chicken, sweet and sour sauce, and frozen vegetables.

2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 5 1/2 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 hours. Serve with hot cooked rice. If desired, sprinkle with almonds.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 430 cal., 2 g total fat (0 sat. fat), 66 mg chol., 418 mg sodium, 70 g carbo., 3 g fiber, 31 g pro.
Daily Values: 56% vit. A, 36% vit. C, 3% calcium, 17% iron
Exchanges: 1 Vegetable, 2 Starch, 2 1/2 Other Carbo., 3 Very Lean Meat

The biggest of recent events is unfortunately a sad one. A couple weeks ago, a first-grade teacher at my school died suddenly. It caught everyone off-guard. From what I’ve heard, she had trouble breathing that morning, was rushed to the hospital, then her heart stopped and there was nothing they could do. At this point the school is back to a somewhat normal functionality, but for a few days it was a strange feeling. On one hand, it was very sad and tragic. There were both teachers and students hit hard by the loss, and it was a noticeable one. On the other hand, it showed a beautiful side of people. During an all-school meeting, it was amazing to see children hugging and comforting each other, really caring about one another. For a little while, we were a lot less of a school, and a lot more of a big family. That’s by far one of the things I like the most about where I work.

WrestleFest has come and gone, not without it’s own drama. JC was worried about the attendance the whole time, but I assured him frequently that it’d be fine. I don’t know how I knew, I just knew. The turnout was good, and the crowd itself was great! They were very much into the whole show. My return match was decent, and my “death” sequence was cut short. I was disappointed at the time that it didn’t play out how I would have liked it too, but myself and Volpe have already figured out a work-around that’ll make it work. Lots of work to do in the off-season, including several creative meetings and making entrance videos for everyone.

There’s a craft fair in Rochester coming up on Dec, 6th (I’ll post more specifics about the event soon). Every year several teachers from the school participate by selling one thing or another. After some discussions in the lunch room, I was asked to participate and sell the chocolates that I make around Christmastime every year. I’ve thought of selling them in the past, but never actually got around to it. The fair gives me a good opportunity to start that process. Maybe I’ll get into making different stuff around holiday seasons year round. I’ve already gone out and bought about 58 lbs. of chocolate, so I’m gonna be a busy guy between now and Christmas. I started production the other night and made about 50 peanut butter cups in 2 1/2 hours. I’m a machine!

That’s a long enough post for now I think. Stay tuned, I’m sure there’s more on the way.

The recipe is here: Chocolate Chocolate-Chip Muffins