Sue’s List #24
Sue's list is here to take you on a whirlwind journey from the immersive wonders of The Sphere to the most eccentric and mouth watering new foods on the block. Enjoy!
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For Statistics
The Sphere Unleashes Unparalleled Entertainment
Get ready to have your mind blown in Las Vegas because The Sphere is about to take the city by storm! This $2.3 billion "immersive spherical entertainment venue" is gearing up to open its doors, and it's unlike anything you've ever seen. The Sphere made its grand entrance by illuminating its colossal external LED skin, aptly named the "exosphere." Talk about making an entrance!
Inside this mind-bending structure, you'll find an 18,600-seat auditorium that's out of this world. Prepare to be dazzled by its immersive LED ceiling and get ready to feel the music with a whopping 170,000 speakers. It's a sonic experience that will make your heart skip a beat (or two)!
But wait, there's more! The Sphere isn't just an entertainment venue; it's a giant billboard too. Recently, it flexed its advertising muscles by promoting the NBA Summer League. Who needs regular billboards when you have a colossal spherical masterpiece?
Speaking of colossal, The Sphere is a record-breaker. Standing at an impressive 366 feet tall and stretching 516 feet wide, it proudly claims the title of the world's largest spherical structure.
And guess what? The excitement doesn't end there. The Sphere has a musical treat in store for us. The legendary band U2 will be rocking the stage for its first shows this fall. It's going to be an event like no other, but prepare your wallet because tickets start at $500. It seems like experiencing this extraordinary venue comes with a price tag, but hey, sometimes you've got to splurge for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
So get ready to be amazed, Las Vegas! The Sphere is about to unleash its immersive wonders upon you. It's big, it's bold, and it's bound to leave you in awe. This extraordinary venue is ready to take entertainment to new heights, and it's bringing the iconic sound of U2 along for the ride. Buckle up and prepare for an unforgettable experience that will have you saying, "Viva Las Vegas!"
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For Unusal
Chips La Vie en Rose
From lavender-infused potato chips to hot sauces with a supermodel's touch, the world of food is taking a walk on the wild side. There are some new food trends that are downright bizarre. Who would have thought that bedtime cookies, ice cream, and cereal could send us off to dreamland? Yes, sleep-inducing foods are a thing now, offering a tasty way to catch those Z's.
But it doesn't stop there. The flower power has taken over the food scene, with lavender and rose adding their fragrant touch to everything from cocktails to confections. Fancy a "Bridgerton" lavender fizz? It's just a sip away.
Now, let's dive into the snack attack phenomenon. Salty snacks, like pretzels, chips, and popcorn, have skyrocketed to the top of the specialty food charts. The Specialty Food Association (SFA) reveals that sales in this category reached unprecedented heights, surpassing $6 billion in 2022. It seems that as social events and entertaining regain momentum, indulging in personal salty delights has become pandemic-proof and inflation-proof. So, grab a bag of chips and join the snacking revolution!
Speaking of chips, the Specialty Food Associtaion’s "products of the year" are causing quite a stir. Imagine salted butter with impressive environmental credentials and vegan passion fruit mochi with hints of coconut cream and oat milk. These innovative creations take taste and consciousness to a whole new level. And let's not forget about the lobster grilled cheese appetizers, dill pickle ketchup with bourbon, blintzes with a chocolate, hazelnut, and cheese twist, and Guinness macaroni and cheese with Cabot cheddar. But wait, there's more—a rose-infused potato chip called "Chips La Vie en Rose" adds a subtle floral note to your snacking repertoire.
But hold your horses, because we have a hot sauce sensation in the mix. Somali-Canadian supermodel Ubah Hassan is bringing the heat with her line of hot sauces called "Ubah Hot." Developed out of a longing for the flavors of her youth, these sauces have been a hit among her model friends and even found their way to hedge fund parties. Get ready to spice up your life with a touch of glamour!
It's no secret that food and drink makers are adapting to the tastes and preferences of Gen Z consumers, whose palates are heavily influenced by TikTok and Instagram. Lighter beers, colorful drinks, and colder coffees are just the tip of the iceberg. And chicken is taking center stage, nudging beef aside as the preferred protein choice for this generation.
To keep things interesting, food purveyors are unveiling a smorgasbord of mash-ups. Just take a look at IHOP's "pancake tacos" available in sweet flavors like strawberry cheesecake and savory options like chicken and gravy. Innovation knows no bounds when it comes to creating unique and Instagrammable experiences for the discerning Gen Z foodies.
But it's not all about flavors and combinations. The food industry is also embracing sustainability and environmental considerations. From sustainable packaging to regenerative agriculture, there's a conscious effort to minimize the impact on the planet. And let's not forget the fun consumer experiences, like self-pour walls that allow us to become our own bartenders, and edible plant-based coatings inspired by fruit skins and peels. Who knew a ball of hummus encased in a snackable shell that tastes like a red bell pepper could be so intriguing?
So, get ready for more snacking, saltiness, and even charcuterie at home. The Specialty Food Association predicts a crunchy snack-fueled growth in specialty foods throughout the year. Let's embrace these unusual food trends, venture beyond our comfort zones, and satisfy our taste buds with a dash of daring and a sprinkle of surprise. Bon appétit!
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For Explore
Unleash the Fun: Sniffspot, the Airbnb for Dog Parks
Calling all dog lovers! Get ready for a tail-wagging revolution in the world of pet-friendly adventures. According to Axios' Karri Peifer, Sniffspot, an Airbnb-style service that offers spaces for dog parks, is expanding nationwide, and it's causing quite the stir.
Picture this: instead of searching for a traditional dog park, Sniffspot allows you to rent backyards and open fields specifically designed for pup playtime. It's like having a private playground for your furry friend. The service launched in Seattle in 2019 and has been spreading its paws to cities like Austin, Denver, Richmond, and beyond.
What makes Sniffspot unique is the attention to detail in their listings. Want to know the fence height, acreage, privacy level, or even the amount of shade available? Sniffspot has got you covered. They understand that a well-equipped dog park is a happy dog park, so they provide amenities such as toys, pools, ponds, trails, fire pits, and even beverages for the humans who accompany their four-legged companions. And for those looking for extra playmates, you can even opt for additional dogs to join in on the fun. It's like a canine paradise!
Using Sniffspot is as easy as chasing a ball. Just like Airbnb, create an account, browse the listings, and contact the host to book your spot. Whether you're in the mood for a quick romp or a leisurely day of adventure, Sniffspot offers flexible pricing ranging from $3 to $20 per hour in the Richmond area. Plus, if you're planning an extended playdate or have multiple dogs in tow, there are discounts available. Sniffspot even offers membership options for those who can't get enough of these doggy wonderlands.
So, dog lovers, rejoice! Sniffspot is bringing a new level of adventure and fun to our furry friends. No more settling for the same old dog parks. With Sniffspot, you can treat your pup to a personalized playtime experience that will have them wagging their tails with joy. It's time to fetch some unforgettable memories and let the canine adventures begin!
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For small peeps
Pirates Weekend
Ahoy, me hearties! Prepare to set sail into a world of pirates and adventure at the Pirates Weekend hosted by the Seaport Association in Norwalk. Join the scallywags, rogues, and she-pirates aboard the C.J. Toth Ferry as it cruises towards Sheffield Island on July 22 and 23. Once ashore, young buccaneers can hunt for treasure, sing sea chanteys, witness swordplay, and listen to captivating tales of pirates from distant shores. Secrets will be revealed, and the lore and history of these mischievous marauders will come to life. It's a weekend filled with swashbuckling fun, and who knows what treasures and surprises await those lucky enough to join this pirate escapade? Avast, me hearties, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the high seas!
All pirate fun and games are free with the purchase of a ferry ticket. The ferry departs the dock at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. It is best to arrive 30 minutes before the boat departs the dock located on 4 North Water Street in Norwalk in the parking lot of the Maritime Aquarium. Parking is available at the Maritime Garage.
Thanks for reading the entire list.
See you next Tuesday-
Sue
