Late Nights at The Office

My latest guilty pleasure is the relatively new NBC TV show: The Office.

Sure, it's another American rip-off of a BBC creation. But there's something about their combination moronic/ irreverent/ mockumentary style that makes milk come out my nose one moment and makes me cringe the next. And I'll pay good money for that experience any day of the week.

I've purchased and watched the entire original BBC version (only 12 episodes and a special) starring Ricky Gervais as David Brent as well as the first two seasons of the American version starring Steve Carell as Michael Scott. Both actors bring their own brilliance to the endearingly pathetic regional manager role, and the supporting casts of both series are frighteningly accurate in their quirky portrayals, too.

I highly recommend both series. And apparently the BAFTAs and EMMYs agree.

For a sneak peek at some of the episodes, try these links at Youtube.com.

Just remember to enjoy with paper towels handy if you're drinking milk.

Nano-Nano

One of our sometimes commenters here in the Realm, Wanda, reminded us last night about one of her passions: writing an entire novel in only one month.

Turns out November is that month. So, you aspiring writers still have some time to dust off that Great American Novel that's been rattling around in your brain, do a little research, and head on over to the NaNoWriMo website for more info.

BTW, Wanda's looking for someone to jog her memory about two women missionaries who were kidnapped in the Middle East of couple of years ago. So, sound off if you can point her to some info for her research.

This is Dork from Ork, signing off.

Hay por aqui un buen restaurante?

Great Mexican food is definitely one of my weaknesses. So when I find a restaurant with especially tasty enchiladas, fajitas, or chile rellenos, I don't forget it. Here are my personal Top 5 Mexican places in this country, and I promise you can't go wrong with any of them.

And PLEASE, let me hear yours, too! Camarero!

Number One: El Meson, Chattanooga, TN -- No afterdinner belching or Mexi-mouth after a meal at El Meson. It's easy on the stomach and the palate. And their green chile salsa... Mmmm!

Number Two: Chope's, La Mesa, NM -- Pull up a chair in Chope's living room-turned-restaurant. It's a little bit of a drive from Las Cruces (when you cross the Rio Grande you're getting close), but it's worth it. Everything is good, but the chile rellenos melt in your mouth like a good dessert. Also, make sure that you don't confuse it with Chope's Bar which is nearby.

Number Three: Casa Blanca, Madison, AL -- To some around these parts it may seem as though Casa Blanca is taking over the world. They have a new location seemingly open every week. But for good reason. They have a nice atmosphere, a friendly waitstaff, and great food. The fajita taco salad is my favorite. And the pico de gallo is cilantro heaven.

Number Four: Cervantes, Albuquerque, NM -- I just have two words for you: Sopapilla.

Number Five: La Fogata, San Antonio, TX -- The food is fabulous, but to me it's the combination of lush patios, neon lights, bubbling fountains, and festive music that put it over the top. Definitely go near sunset to enjoy the best of the daytime and nighttime atmosphere.

We'll Miss You, Steve

We here at the Realm were somewhat shocked and certainly saddened to learn yesterday of Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter's tragic passing.

If you've missed this terrible news, you can find more details here.

On the one hand, it seems fitting that he should go while doing something he loved. But on the other like such a careless, thoughtless risk, especially with two small children.

We'll miss you, Steve... but not nearly as much as Bob and Bindi will.