Tonight, come ‘blow smoke’ with us at Blowin’ Smoke – the newest and hippest BBQ joint in town.  Join us outside on the patio for a little cornhole (I know, funny), BBQ munchies, cold beer and cSpot schmoozin’! 

Who: cSpot (what the heck is cSpot?)

What: Monthly cocktail and schmoozing shenanigans

When: Tonight, April 30th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Where: Blowin’ Smoke BBQ

Details: 514 MLK Jr Blvd.

This is a little old in the news cycle, but I still thought it worthy of conversation: Apparently, a new economic study is claiming money does indeed contribute to personal happiness.

I can hear your thoughts: “Duh.”

Personally, I know if I had a little more disposable income (ahem, Fitz, a raise?) I’d sleep easier at night. But can an income level really affect true life satisfaction? Two University of Pennsylvania economists think it can.

Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers presented their findings to the Brookings Institute several weeks ago. Their theory, while generally accepted by everybody and their mother, proved controversial among economists as it rebuts a 34 year old theory positing just the opposite. The Easterlin paradox, named for economist Richard Easterlin, was published in 1974 and has been widely accepted since as a “key concept in happiness economics.”

Easterlin’s findings indicate that, contrary to expectation, happiness at a national level does not increase with wealth once basic needs are fulfilled (think Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs). Further, he theorizes that relative income – how much you earn compared to a counterpart – matters more than one’s absolute income. Admit it, you’re smirking because you make more than your cubiclemate.

Miller’s at it again… and this time he’s come up with one stellar excuse to throw a party.  With the help of TCCa, he’s resurrected a local cocktail club with a community-minded mission.  Now, why didn’t I think of that?! Oh wait. I did (shout out to GreenDrinks).

The Savannah International Cocktail Club (SICC) began last fall with several gatherings at Bonna Bella Yacht Club, drawing close to 80 folks the first meeting. With the weather once more begetting of an evening out, Chris has now passed the torch to TCCa and re-engaged the group for 2008.

And this time of year, we’re all wary of the sand gnats (gross).  So Bonna Bella no more, this month SICC will meet at the new, the fabulous Bacchus Wine Lounge.

If you are in Savannah by way of another country, globally minded, looking for a foreign mate or even just like to travel, this is one happy hour you shouldn’t miss. If you haven’t looked at a world map since the fall of the Berlin Wall, you are commanded to attend for a little lesson in geography. Kyrgyzstan, Vanuatu or Kiribati are not figments of Borat’s imagination (real countries).

I came across a great website this week via our very own Chris Miller: Walkscore.com.  And on this, our very own “Dump the Pump” Day, I thought it particularly appropriate.

What is ‘Walk Score?’

We help homebuyers, renters, and real estate agents find houses and apartments in great neighborhoods. Walk Score shows you a map of what’s nearby and calculates a Walk Score for any property. Buying a house in a walkable neighborhood is good for your health and good for the environment.

Well I can certainly jive with that.  So, I hop on their site, fill out some pertinent information (my address), and VIOLA… my Walk Score.  It happens to be 42 out of 100.  Below average, bum.

To help me interpret my results, I use their handy scoring chart:

• 90 – 100 = Walkers’ Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car.
• 70 – 90 = Very Walkable: It’s possible to get by without owning a car.
• 50 – 70 = Some Walkable Locations: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a bike, public transportation, or car.