I can explain it like this: most people think NASCAR (or any type of racing) is the most boring thing in the world. And despite basically being raised in a garage (planning a post on this), I’ve converted many a girlfriend into thinking racing is exciting. How? Go to a race. It engages all of your senses. Bet you never knew you could smell racing, did you? It’s amazing. You get such a feeling of speed. At NHRA events, you can literally feel the energy from the engines (gives you a subtle vibrating sensation throughout). You see the cars completely differently than on TV. You can see them working. You get a new respect for the show. That’s exactly how boxing is.

Now, I had pretty awesome seats, so I can attribute some of my zeal for boxing to my proximity to the ring. But my girlfriend loved it as well. She wants to go back. I want to go back.

In a way, boxing is kind of like a baseball game, but sped up to a much more enjoyable pace. Each round is like an inning- there are usually some hits, the occasional home run, some strategy and a whole bunch of swinging. Then the round ends, each fighter returns to their corner where they’re showered in water, Gatorade and praise/suggestions to improve. After a short rest, they’re back at it. See, just like baseball

So, I will be back. Soon. Perhaps May 29, the next big event at UIC Pavilion. You should join me. It’s fun

Disclaimer: I received free tickets to this event, courtesy of 8 Count Productions, and I also received a free week membership to Jabb Boxing for attending the fight. That said, I was not required to write a post, nor am I compensated in any way for this post. These are my 100% honest thoughts.

Check out these photos I took from the fight.

I was lucky enough to be the +1 for Doni* at the Nintendo enthusiasts appreciation dinner (I have no idea if that’s the official name of the event, but that’s what I called it). * Your guess is as good as mine as to why she invited me. Aside from being a lesson in marketing, the evening was a pretty fancy event for a bunch of crazy women.

So, get this:

• I was the only guy among about 35 or so Nintendo-crazy, blogging divas.
• Nintendo commissioned horse carriages to transport us to and from dinner.
• The dinner was at The Signature Room on the 95th floor in the Hancock Building.
• The views were out of this world.
• There was an open bar.
• We had table wine during dinner.
• Some even put booze in their coffee.
• Our table had cat scratch fever.

Yeah, it was pretty insane, but fun nonetheless. Possibly the best part- Nintendo gave everyone DSi’s at the end of the night. I’m not much of a gamer, aside from some Halo 3 and Madden, but I’m totally looking forward to playing some Mario Kart on this little guy. Maybe I’ll be able to beat Rachel one day… doubtful.

Naturally, the marketing guy in me was impressed by how Nintendo handled the entire evening. Not just the class of the horse ride and Signature Room venue, but just how nice the representatives were. They introduced themselves to me and thanked me for attending. Yes, well I was hard pressed to attend a free-event of this magnitude, so they better have thanked me.

Where I was most impressed, however, was when they invited Erini to come along, even though she hadn’t been initially invited. She was nearly brought to tears from surprise. What a gesture. Big props to Amber and her team.

Lastly, there was not one bit of Nintendo branding anywhere, and the only reason you really knew Nintendo was involved was the free DSi giveaways at the end of the night. No need for banners and cheesy collateral when you’re thanking your enthusiasts. Well played.

Well, I better get back to enjoying being out in front while it lasts.

Krispy Kreme is giving away free donuts on Election Day

And of course you’ll need something to wash down that donut with. Fear not, Starbucks has your back.

UPDATE:

If you’re around downtown Chicago on Election Day, stop by Berry Chill for some free, Presidential nominee inspired yougurt couture.

The Berry Obama is five ounces of Original chilled yogurt topped with fresh blueberries, blue (candy-covered) almonds and blue sprinkles. The McCain Crunch is Original chilled yogurt topped with fresh strawberries, red (candy-covered) almonds and red Craisins.

Had a good time volunteering, meeting some nice people and cheering on the runners.

Here’s a list of what we ate:

• Roasted corn on the cob with Cajun/Creole spices
• Stuffed sausage pizza
• Cheesburger from Billy Goat Inn
• Coconut rice with Goat
• Italian Beef from Buona
• Gazpacho with avocado
• Chicago-style hot dog
• BBQ Pork and teriyaki chicken Bao
• Tiramisu gellato

As you’ll notice, we didn’t completely stay away from the classics, but we sure tried some different foods.