Hello-Hello! Happy almost-weekend to everyone.
It’s that time of year again, the US Open is just around the corner. Qualifying rounds have been underway and the first round matches begin on Monday. Below we see Rafa Nadal at Wednesday’s practice.
Rob Loud/USOpen.org via US Open Facebook
That means it is also time for our annual whineathon look at the Ralph Lauren uniforms worn by officials, ballboys and girls, and others. Here we see two styles from the collection.
Via Fashionologie
More from Tennis.com
For the ninth consecutive year, Ralph Lauren returns as the apparel provider of all U.S. Open on-court officials, including chair umpires, linespersons, and ball kids. The official uniforms—in patriotic red, white, and navy—include polo shirts, dresses, shorts, and skirts.
Below, the women’s Full-Zip Mesh-Paneled Jacket ($185).
Ralph Lauren
The Men’s Fullzip Ball Boy Jacket will set you back $198, but look at what you get: two Ralph Lauren ponies, front *and* back!
US Open
From the US Open website:
This association is one of the most significant sports marketing partnerships in the company’s 46-year history and includes the creation of an official Polo shirt designed by Ralph Lauren that will be worn by all on-court tournament staff, including ballpersons, lines judges and chair umpires.
Accessories include a good-sized Canvas Tote ($125).
Ralph Lauren
And things for children, like the boys Big Pony Pieced Polo ($65).
Ralph Lauren
Some readers may recall that Mr. Lauren’s company is also the outfitter for Wimbledon.
Ralph Lauren Facebook
The Open also brings the annual collection of varying promotional events and announcements, like this one.
Maria Sharapova Facebook Page
Maria Sharapova launched a candy line this week.
SugarPova
The sweets are called SugarPova, above you see some of the tennis ball bubblegum offered by the brand. (Ms. Sharapova isn’t playing in this year’s tournament, withdrawing because of injury.)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Our other item is via the Wall Street Journal, from a story on the food at State Fairs around the country. The piece was really about what an enormous investment it can be to become a food vendor at your State Fair. From Caroline Porter’s story:
The 59-year-old owner of an automotive upholstery shop said he depended on the allure of his “deep-fried pepper jack and bacon macaroni and cheese on a stick” to woo fairgoers and increase his profit margin after lukewarm sales at last year’s fair.
One of last year’s big winners at the Texas State Fair was Fried Bacon Cinnamon rolls.
Texas Monthly
That made me think about delicacies made for other fairs. For example, you can also have your bacon chicken fried at the Texas Fair.
Kevin Brown/Fair of Texas via Delish
At San Diego’s County Fair there is Deep-Fried Kool-Aid.
Cuttlefish Flickr via HuffPo
In Florida you can enjoy a cheeseburger topped with a deep fried ball of ice cream.
Dennis & Cheryl Reas via HuffPo
Deep frying seems important to many of the more peculiar foods. Chocolate and donuts are also popular; below we see a chocolate covered corn dog from the Orange County Fair.
My Burning Kitchen via HuffPo
We leave you with these gastronomical visuals: the deep fried White Castle burgers (also from the San Diego Fair) and chocolate covered bacon from the Ohio State Fair.
© JoAnn Maxwell Stougaard / © A. Bill Miller via Food and Wine
I hope your plans for the weekend are…tasty.