The only thing you really know about Labor Day is that, after it passes, a certain sect of fashionistas will prey on you for wearing white. You fear these people like you feared trans fats before the ban, because they could be lurking anywhere. But forget the snooty, overly fashion-conscious set--the people probably least likely deserving of celebration in the name of a holiday associated with labor. You, on the other hand, working man or woman, are entitled to some rest and relaxation this weekend. So use our Labor Day Planner to find outings, restaurant deals and shopping specials in New York. And, for at least a few more days, be fearless about wearing white.

Photo courtesy of Bunny Mendelbaum's blog

You used to be an athlete--back when Madonna was a regular, misbehaving pop-tart and you actually paid for music on things called CDs. Now you have things called responsibilities. You're the person you promised you'd never be--the one with a "skill set," who goes to meetings and writes memos. And so, by necessity (if by "necessity" I mean the increasing need to feel numb), you've honed a new talent: Drinking for sport.

Tonight (August 8, 2008) while the "real" athletes parade themselves at the Opening Ceremonies in Beijing, you have the opportunity to showcase your stuff officially at the Beer Olympics. Beginning during happy hour, you can enter the games at The Village Pourhouse (64 3rd Avenue, at 11th Street). The cost of $25 earns you playing beer, which you'll need for events like flip cup, beer pong and quarters. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers and competitors are encouraged to show their patriotism by dressing in their country's colors. So chug some beer, display your finest ping pong ball tossing form and go for the gold. Then laugh at the gymnasts and shot putters on TV, because none among those amateurs could handle more than a six-pack.

Also, in the interest of staying elite, check out our restaurant and bar deals for more ideas on where to booze.

West Coast luxury car rental company Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car is bringing its deluxe fleet of whips to the Big Apple, starting this week with a reception on Wednesday at Tavern on the Green. Personally I can't really imagine why I'd ever need to rent an Aston Martin Roadster for the price of $11,700 a week, but apparently some people do. (And just in case any of them were wondering, I'm available indefinitely and can be reached via email.)

If necessity is the mother of invention, then perhaps longevity is the mother of reinvention. Marc Meyer and Vicki Freeman's first attempt at resurrecting Soho's Provence didn't quite work out as planned. But the tenacious couple won't give up the spot just yet. It's now Hundred Acres, a farm-forward eatery much in the vein of their Cookshop and Five Points restaurants. At the unveiling last night, new design details were exposed, like the subway-tiled bar, potted herbs galore (pictured) and warm wood paneling. Passed snacks: potato and wild nettle croquettes; asparagus tempura (billed as "Long Island asparagus fries"); oysters with smoky cocktail sauce and cheddar-topped sliders. Oh, and my sluggishness today reminds me of the nice pinot poured.