Go big, or go home. Or, according to the Dana Point Ocean Institute, Go big AND go home. Forget about the economic hardship and the housing crisis, because The Ocean Institute is announcing their 5th Annual Laguna Beach Million Dollar Home Raffle, where you could win - you guessed it - a brand new home, OR (bet you didn't see the 'or' coming) 1 million dollars! We know it's hard to trust your future to the capricious hands of fate, but if you're willing to hand over the $150 it costs to buy a ticket for this raffle, by this time next year you could be lounging in a deck chair with a glass of wine watching the sun descend behind Catalina, all from the comfort of your new Laguna Beach home. Even if that lucky devil enjoying his ocean views doesn't end up being you, I think we can all agree that ending up the guy who wins the Toyota Prius, the $5,000 dream vacation, the South Coast Plaza Shopping Spree, the $10,000 in CASH, or any of the other 400 prizes up for grabs has gotten a pretty good return on his $125. The earlier you enter the better the prizes, so head over to the Ocean Institute website at http://www.ocean-institute.org/raffle for more details and entry forms, or call the Ocean Institute at 949-542-3600.

Good luck and may fate deal you a kind hand!

- Amy

On my iPod right now: Keith Urban's Somebody Like You

Local OC Surfers Compete With The World's Best

[Brett Simpson shredding in HB- courtesy of Mike Kingsbury]

The US Open of Surf is still going on in Huntington Beach today! Go support local surfers Pat Gudauskus (of San Clemente), Nate Yeomanns (also a San Clemente Boy) and Brett Simpson (of Huntington Beach). The boys will be competing against the world's best surfers for the Hurley US Open of Surfing Men's Title and a giant check for a record setting first place purse of $100,000! The event has drawn up to 500,000 spectators and this year should be no different as the Orange County institution is celebrating it's 50th birthday. So grab your friends, bring the best parallel parker you know and wear your walking shoes, because parking will be heinous, and head up to Huntington Beach for some first class entertainment! Festivities end on the 26th.

- Amy

On my ipod right now: Kings of Leon's Manhattan

For more info: www.usopenofsurfing.com

Stay Tuned...

We're really excited about the feature article on Ciell Cycling that will appear in the South OC August issue of The Gazette-- written by our very own Jen Hood!

You won't want to go miss it!

To find out more in the meantime, check out the Ciell Cycling website,
or read a testimonial by one of our graphic designers here!

- Blythe

On my iPod right now: The Talking Head's Once in a Lifetime

MaeMae Paperie

Don't miss our Artist Review this month, featuring local graphic designer/typographer Megan Gonzalez of MaeMae Paperie!



MaeMae Paperie provides one of the most affordable (and visually stunning!) custom stationery design services in California. Megan pays great attention to color, type, and composition- and her work shows it!

Be sure to check out Gracy Wilkins' article on MaeMae Paperie in the Gazette this month- now available on The Gazette's website (but be sure to pick up a print copy too)!

Find more about MaeMae Paperie by going to the website and the blog!

- Blythe

On my iPod right now: The Shins' Young Pilgrims

Office Shenanigans & Cupcakes

Although I would say our office is a much happier and lively place than Dunder Mifflin, office shenanigans do go on here as well. We here at the Gazette pulled our own prank in honor of our editor Kim's birthday.  We didn't match Jim Halpert's classic stapler in the jello gag on Dwight Schrute perhaps, but the look of wonderment on Kim's surprised face as she opened her office door to a wave of balloons was fulfilling nonetheless.  A good laugh was had by all... and to make up for all the calories we burned in laughter, we all partook in some of the best cupcakes we've ever had from Divine Desserts Etc. off La Paz in Laguna Niguel. If you haven't had one, you MUST. It has the official Gazette seal of approval.

- Amy

On my iPod right now: Dramarama's Anything, Anything