I’m quite excited that its almost ski season. Colorado’s Copper Mountain and Arapahoe Basin ski resorts opened their lifts this week. A unique promotion from Intrawest, owner of Copper Mountain and Winter Park: They want Coloradans to head up to Whistler this season. Select passes may also be used up at Whistler, provided you can find an airfare deal to get up there.

I’ve alway thought thought of Iceland as being the most expensive place on earth, however some recent economic calamities, (sounds familiar,) have brought the rates down.

Tips on tipping. Or how to secure a good table – even if you sort of come across like a jerk. From Bitterwallet.

Mel’s Bistro is closing – a local Capitol Hill spot. This wasn’t on my regular rotation of spots, but always sad news to lose a local staple.

The Gay Museum opens in West Hollwood. My first thought on this was high cheese and camp; glass cases of Cher wigs through the years or something. But according to curator Joseph Hawkins it focuses on political struggles and history – including a current exhibit about gay marriage issues from the 50s and 60s. Hawkins is also a professor of anthropology at USC. Kudos to the city of West Hollywood for donating the space. Check it out if you’re in WeHo and its too early to hit Fubar. (my Santa Monica Blvd hangout.)

My Asus and I are going New York this weekend! One of my stops will be the New York Tenement Museum. Earlier this year I watched the entire PBS series “New York” from the late 90s. They frequently interviewed staff of the museum – and it looks like an interesting view into how our immigrant ancestors lived. Also on the agenda (pictured left) is the Bohemian Hall Czech restaurant and beer garden, in Astoria.

Updates from the Big Apple to follow!