I would like Jemaine Clement (he's the one with the glasses) to be my imaginary boyfriend. Actually, when I think about it, he's already my imaginary boyfriend. And it's been incredibly rewarding.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The Wiki Game
What you need: Two computers outfitted with the interweb.
What you do:
1) Go to Wikipedia.
2) Click "random article."
3) Agree with your opponent that the random article is, indeed, a random article.
4) Open another window.
5) Go to Wikipedia.
6) Click on "random article."
7) Opponent does same (say, for example, your goal is to get to the page "Lord Snowdon." "Lord Snowdon" is Article 1. Opponent 1 tries to get to "Lord Snowdon" from "Theoretical Mathematics" and Opponent 2 tries to get to "Lord Snowdon" from "The Beatles.").
8) Try to get to Article 1 from the links in Article 2.
9) First one to get to Article 1 from Article 2 wins.
10) Repeat ad nauseum.
What you do:
1) Go to Wikipedia.
2) Click "random article."
3) Agree with your opponent that the random article is, indeed, a random article.
4) Open another window.
5) Go to Wikipedia.
6) Click on "random article."
7) Opponent does same (say, for example, your goal is to get to the page "Lord Snowdon." "Lord Snowdon" is Article 1. Opponent 1 tries to get to "Lord Snowdon" from "Theoretical Mathematics" and Opponent 2 tries to get to "Lord Snowdon" from "The Beatles.").
8) Try to get to Article 1 from the links in Article 2.
9) First one to get to Article 1 from Article 2 wins.
10) Repeat ad nauseum.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The Greatest Rock Band Ever Debate
For several months now, whenever there's a lull in conversation between friends over beers, I ask them their opinions about the greatest rock band of all time.
I don't have the answer, but what interests me is the people who think they do (those people always, always — unequivocally and without hesitation — answer The Who). The rest of us have to think about it.
The criteria for this discussion:
1) It has to be a rock band. Derivatives of rock, such as punk, are accepted. Folk is not.
2) The band has to be an actual band, not just one person.
3) Things to take into consideration: how the band stands the test of time, influence on other bands, etc., etc.
4) You will know a valid contender when you hear it. Rush is always the wrong answer.
5) Your favorite band and the best band of all time may not necessarily be the same.
Almost no one has said the Beatles, which I can't figure out. Are they too pop? No one has said the Replacements. Girls vote for Led Zeppelin. No one has considered the Jimi Hendrix Experience or the Stooges or MC5 or Fleetwood Mac or Big Star or the Ramones or the Sex Pistols. Most people choose bands that were defunct long before they were born (the cockroach-like Rolling Stones are the exception).
If I had to pick ... well, I still can't pick definitively. It'll take a few more beers.
I don't have the answer, but what interests me is the people who think they do (those people always, always — unequivocally and without hesitation — answer The Who). The rest of us have to think about it.
The criteria for this discussion:
1) It has to be a rock band. Derivatives of rock, such as punk, are accepted. Folk is not.
2) The band has to be an actual band, not just one person.
3) Things to take into consideration: how the band stands the test of time, influence on other bands, etc., etc.
4) You will know a valid contender when you hear it. Rush is always the wrong answer.
5) Your favorite band and the best band of all time may not necessarily be the same.
Almost no one has said the Beatles, which I can't figure out. Are they too pop? No one has said the Replacements. Girls vote for Led Zeppelin. No one has considered the Jimi Hendrix Experience or the Stooges or MC5 or Fleetwood Mac or Big Star or the Ramones or the Sex Pistols. Most people choose bands that were defunct long before they were born (the cockroach-like Rolling Stones are the exception).
If I had to pick ... well, I still can't pick definitively. It'll take a few more beers.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
That's How I Got to Memphis
We are trying to swing an Avett Brothers/My Morning Jacket weekend. It could be the greatest. Weekend. Ever.
Check out a few new songs from the Avetts.
Check out a few new songs from the Avetts.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Picon Punch
Depending on your drunk, Picon Punch is either the best thing you'll ever have or, in the words of our friend Noble, "ass Coke." It is not for the faint-hearted. It is the raw oyster of drinks, the fastest way to a hangover this side of the Rockies, and it leaves one hell of an aftertaste. It could have only been invented by Basques.
Picons are a rare breed; you will find them in Basque bars in Boise, Nevada, Bakersfield ... and that's about it. Picon is a liqueur made from oranges and some mysterious "flowers." All you really need to know about it is that it is red and tastes a bit like liquid Ricola. Flora Aldazabal at the Basque Center makes the best Picon Punch in Boise, but even she admits that if you want to encounter some serious Picon drinkers you have to venture south to Nevada.
This video is from the Star in Elko, which is where I have had some of the best meals of my life.
Picons used to be made with Amer Picon; depending on whom you talk to, the absence of Amer Picon these days is due to a trade war (you figure that one out) or low profit margins. Picons are now made with the American Torani Picon, but my husband is making his own. It involves steeping orange peels in alcohol for eight months. I don't ask too many questions, but I'll let you know the end result.
Picons are a rare breed; you will find them in Basque bars in Boise, Nevada, Bakersfield ... and that's about it. Picon is a liqueur made from oranges and some mysterious "flowers." All you really need to know about it is that it is red and tastes a bit like liquid Ricola. Flora Aldazabal at the Basque Center makes the best Picon Punch in Boise, but even she admits that if you want to encounter some serious Picon drinkers you have to venture south to Nevada.
This video is from the Star in Elko, which is where I have had some of the best meals of my life.
Picons used to be made with Amer Picon; depending on whom you talk to, the absence of Amer Picon these days is due to a trade war (you figure that one out) or low profit margins. Picons are now made with the American Torani Picon, but my husband is making his own. It involves steeping orange peels in alcohol for eight months. I don't ask too many questions, but I'll let you know the end result.
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