Expand your definition of a "session beer"

Per my earlier entry, the Avery Experience beer tasting happened this past Wednesday night at Toronado. And all I can say is that I'm glad I work from home, because despite my best attempts at pacing, I got drunk.. and, consequently, there was a bit of a price to pay, headache-wise, in the morning. haha. But it was all good..

It was my first beer tasting (besides various festivals); I showed up solo, but it there was a friendly crew in attendance and so got to talk beer, learn a new (drinking?) game, meet some brewers (Adam Avery, Richard Norgrove), and drink some awesome beer. Check this line-up; fifteen beers, served in five separate flights:

Flagships
1. Ellie's Brown Ale (5.6% abv)
2. White Rascal Belgian Wheat Ale (5.6% abv)
3. India Pale Ale (6.3% abv) **

Quirky Seasonals
4. New World Porter (6.7% abv)
5. THIRTEEN - Weizen Doppelbock (9.5% abv) **
6. FOURTEEN - Belgian Dubbel IPA (9.46% abv)

The Holy Trinity of Ales
7. Salvation - Belgian Golden Ale (9% abv)
8. The Reverend - Belgian Quadrupel Ale (10% abv)
9. Hog Heaven Barleywine (9.2% abv) **

The Dictator Series
10. The Maharaja - Imperial India Pale Ale 2007 (9.65% abv) **
11. The Kaiser - Imperial Oktoberfest 2005 (8.9% abv)
12. The Czar - Imperial Stout 2003 (11.9% abv)

The Demons of Ale
13. The Beast Grand Cru Ale 2007 (16.42% abv)
14. Samael's Oak-aged Ale 2006 (14.5% abv)
15. Mephistopheles' Stout 2006 (15.1% abv) **

** = personal top picks

My favorite memory of the night was that on several occasions, as he was saying a few words about each beer in a given flight, Adam Avery would note, "This beer is totally sessionable." And he would be talking about a beer like their IPA at 6.3% abv (ok, on the high side, but I'll give him that one), but then later he'd say this about their FOURTEEN as well.. at 9.46% abv! We all had a good chuckle; the man obviously has a highly-optimized liver. ;)

Babies, you don't know what you're missing

Babies, you - those of you under 1 year of age, anyway - don't know what you're missing. Sure, there are a lot of things you can't do: drive, vote, breakdance (at least until you're two), drink fabulous beer; you can't even ride a bike for christ's sake! And you've probably written these things off as activities you'll grow into (maybe - or maybe you've written them off altogether); you feel you can wait a few months, years or whatever to participate in these rituals so important to our culture (and personal well-being). While an understandable outlook, it *is* somewhat naive; it's like your nervous system isn't totally developed or something.

And if that's the case, then that totally sucks for you. What else can I say?

But if you do have any sense - and I hope that you do; stars be not crossed! - you would sink into proto-depression upon realization of the worst of it.. forget the drinking and driving (or drinking and landlording), the true horror is that you cannot eat the most delicious and biblical (and I mean that in every sense of the word) of foods: honey, in any incarnation. Wow, it almost - almost - pains me to think about it (i.e. your stunted life), but then I take another bite of my peanut butter, banana and honey sandwich, a device positively dripping with the most delightfully-hued and edible goodness, and I snap back into an existence filled with hedonist (and gooey) bliss.

My god, when I think of honey, I wish it would waterfall down my walls; I wish honey would *become* my walls, ever-flowing and golden. Can you imagine any greater pleasure than to slip into a shiny porcelain tub of the stuff, to feel its heavy viscosity all about you, and in the process, become a hungry bear's delight (or, a languid bear's envy). Yes, let's enjoy the life's work of a million busy bees; a decadent dip to heal thy wounds! Afterwards, you realize you've never been so fresh, so clean; you're a preservative-free treat, and I'm wishing to shake your hand.

It seems the science behind the baby ban lies in your low-acid digestion system; it cannot handle a certain type of living organism found in honey, even processed honey (and other sweeteners, actually). I don't know: I think it could be worth the small chance of paralysis (or death) to be able to kiss the pollen-dusted and sun-drenched hand of Melisseus before that first birthday (when, apparently, your digestive system wises up). Now, I'm not telling you what to do, but I am saying "think about it"; you've got to grow up sooner or later, and - I can assure you - any experience with honey will make you a hit at the playground.

Splash became hibiscus and jax (and splash)

Today, my kitchen is in the midst of a minor transformation, but one already paying dividends in the personal happiness department; it's amazing what simple pleasures can do for the psyche, huh? You see, I'm signing a new year-lease at my place on Monday and with that new permanence-ishness in mind, I'm doing a bit of reorganization, redecoration and the like (which will extend to my bedroom as well; we'll see about the other rooms).

I won't go into the details here because it seems a bit silly - beyond saying that I got a few new knives to hang on the wall; it's not like I'm constructing a deck or putting a urinal into the bathroom (which would be awesome); I'm moving shizz from one drawer to another, upgrading my bed, etc. But, suffice to say, there will be a party in a few weeks once the changes are in place and we (i.e. my new-ish roommate and I) are all settled.. if only because I haven't had too many parties at my place to begin with - I've been here at my "new place" a year already! - and, well, it's overdue. I just need to clear out my fridge (of good beer and local veggies) to fit a couple of cases of PBR in there. ;)

In semi-related news, I went to City Beer for the first time this evening with a friend, and, really, all I can say is that it was long overdue. Good scene; I brought home two bombers of the aforementioned Kill Ugly Radio from Lagunitas Brewing as a souvenir. And I can't wait to crack 'em open, tastefully, and one at a time, of course..

They left me rambling and corybantic

The rumblings left me left and right, they left me rambling and corybantic. To that (the situation, not her), I said, "how could she have left me?" I mean, I thought I had things under control; I *had* the situation under control.. I know I did (but I guess that reality went the way of my lady). She's gone. And, appropriately and frantically enough, I said - again, I ended up saying this out loud and upon absent ears: "I thought I had things under control!"

Alas, but such was not the case (and I was alone).

In situations comparable, one wonders - and one keeps wondering at all times forever, sometimes via parable - what makes the neglected (like me) tick and tock; and how can I *not* be more conscientious of others lost among the multitudes (again, like me); and perhaps there *is* a place for a derelict-to-be (like me, three times repeated)? For these, I wish for a trinity of positive responses to be winked most immodestly vis-à-vis her carefully groomed eyelashes (they pop!). Say it with me now: "yes, yes, yes!" You see, the ess's slip off *my* tongue so easily, and I can't get enough of that steaming-kettle sound (or, at least, that is how I dream it to be).

Alas, but such was not the case (and I was alone).

People on both sides of the equation are, paradoxically, in favor of a better life, even when they can't agree on the specifics of the definition. So even with - or perhaps because of - these bestest of intentions, caustic splits begin; idyllic designs for the future never come to fruition. And it seems the wicked means of these intrinsic games-in-play are reasonably unintentional, but still, they reverberate internally as confusing conflicts of flippant interest. Finally, when these sorts of thoughts are snagged within your grasp, one wonders - here, via exclamation! - silently and, yeah, to no one in particular: "It does not have to be this way!"

Alas, but such *is* the case; so, let it be..

Prancing nougat in the meadow

I've tried a lot of candy bars over the years; in fact, I go out of my way to do so when I'm galavanting around the world. And the ubiquitous Snickers bar (the orginal) is still my #1. Truth be told, every object of affection needs a creation myth:

Happy peanuts soar
over chocolate covered mountaintops
and waterfalls of caramel.

Prancing nougat in the meadow
sings a song of satisfaction
to the world..

The world.

Wow. You read this sort of thing and you almost feel like there is no hope for you, yourself, as a writer (especially when you write sentences like this one). Still, now that I know these lyrics (and music that goes with), I've got a new song to sing in the shower. In the meantime, can I help you enjoy (your next) Snickers? I believe that I can..

A personal - and delicious - top-tenner

If one has a particular passion, one loves to rank its constituents. Here, let's talk beer; and I offer a very personal top-tenner, in no particular order:

01. Drake's Brewing - IPA
02. Drake's Brewing - Imperial Stout
03. Flying Dog Ales - Classic Pale Ale
04. Moylan's - Hopsickle Imperial Ale
05. Full Sail Brewing - Son of Spot
06. Russian River - Damnation
07. Bear Republic - Racer 5
08. Avery Brewing - IPA
09. Avery Brewing - Mephistopheles' Stout (2006)
10. North Coast Brewing - Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout

honorable mentions (not for quality):
xx. Tecate
xx. Pabst Blue Ribbon

As you can see, I lean towards American beers with bite, which basically has meant Northwest Pale Ales, American IPAs, and Imperial Stouts; I'll mix it up with a Belgian strong ale once in awhile. And as I try more and more (and more), I'm sure to update the list; we'll watch it grow.

Plenty of other folks put in their two cents about "top beers" as well:

Beer Advocate
Men's Journal
The Brew Site
Hedonist Beer Jive

And they all have the same caveat as mine: these lists are simply starting points for some beer exploration (and not set-in-stone declarations of absolute greatness). Find some of these goodies and give 'em a go; you'll be sure to find some you like (and some you don't). Beyond these, I've got a couple more beers on my radar; I'm looking forward to trying them in the next couple of weeks:

a. Lagunitas - Kill Ugly Radio
b. Avery Brewing - The Reverand
c. Avery Brewing - The Czar Imperial Stout (2003)
d. Avery Brewing - The Maharaja Imperial IPA (2007)
e. Russian River - Little White Lie

Salud! Oh, and I'm always open to suggestions, especially if you're buying..

Never been so happy Mephistopheles is in town

Holy moses!

Avery Brewing is coming to San Francisco in a big way this coming week. According to What's on Tap, two tastings and a paired dinner for the brewery are planned (with the latter also featuring some Russian River brews - also a favorite).

August 28th: The Bistro (Hayward, CA), tasting
August 29th: Toronado (San Francisco, CA), tasting
August 31st: Cathedral Hill Hotel (San Francisco, CA), dinner

Check the details at:

http://www.beernewsletter.com/blog/?p=428

Yeah, so I think I'm going to try to get tickets for the Toronado tasting; my only hesitation is that this is going down on a Wednesday.. and I've had my ass kicked by some powerful, high-abv Avery brews before. One bottle of their Mephistopheles' Stout on an empty stomach will put you on your ass; in fact, just looking at the bottle - it's wicked! - could give you a buzz. And here, that 15.1% abv monster is just one of fifteen tasty treats they will be serving! Of course, I'm thinking it'll be a sipping night, but, still, those things add up.

But if anyone wants to go, let me know asap (these things sell out), and I'll be all over it. ;) UPDATE: I bought myself a ticket, so I guess I'll be trying to meet some beer-loving strangers this coming week..

Suprises beyond the master

The "Matisse: Painter as Sculptor" exhibit at the SFMOMA (ongoing until September 13th) just didn't do it for me. But I should say upfront that I'm not a *huge* Matisse fan to being with - in his more well known role as a painter, or otherwise. The weekend crowds (relatively-speaking, anyway) and hubbub didn't help (for this type of show; when I'm in the mood, I sure do like a crazy opening).

That said, I thought it *was* a well-put-together exhibition in an academic sense: thorough and researched, this was sure and apparent. Sculptural works - mostly from Matisse, but a few from other related artists - were placed among a multitude of related artistic devices in all manner of media; commentary by the curator(s) abounded (scripted - on the walls, or sonant - in your ears). The scope of his work, in form, in interval, and in occasion, reminded me of my ignorance of art history. The man was surely a huge and important figure, pushing modern art boundaries at the start of the century.

But, again, it wasn't for me. In short, I could appreciate the care and the positioning of the works, but the whole didn't hit me on a pure enjoyment level (which is where I usually need art to hit me, given my aforementioned lack of edumacation). Actually, in this way, the show reminded me of the Picasso exhibit they had up a few months ago.

Still, there were some unexpected surprises.

I would say to check out the Felix Schramm installations on the same floor (good thing they were on the same floor or else I probably wouldn't have seen them; you know how I only like to visit one floor of a museum at a time!). They struck me in sort of the same way as the Richard Serra pieces at the MOMA in New York City insofar that they play with (i.e. fuck with) your sense of space and personal balance, albeit in a much different medium. Both created pieces that made me slightly uncomfortable on a very primal level (at first, but then, of course, you snap back to the fact that you're in a sterile and eminently safe museum setting - haha); the walls are broken and they are falling in! For the most part, he uses typical and thoroughly modern (i.e. "disposable") building materials, drywall and 2x4's and so forth; this was actually more refreshing than seeing something done with a more "permanent" medium (ex. rock or steel or lead). And, in whole, the installations seemed to be timely: images of the destruction of our houses and infrastructure made out of this stuff stuff (i.e. via war, via hurricane, etc.) are everywhere, left and right. Our land - but moreso "someone else's" land - is topsy and turvy, broken and twisted.

I would also direct you to the projection-based work of Anthony McCall, "You and I, Horizontal"; find it at the top of the 4th floor stairs (as if there was any doubt now); walk straight ahead. It certainly was the most playful work I've come into contact with in awhile (although that might change with the upcoming Olafur Eliasson exhibition this coming month). I won't spoil the experience, but suffice to say that the room is dark (go in; go in!), and the experience is hypnotizing (if you let it be). It was fun to see a bunch of random folks chillin' on the floor; others were trying to catch or manipulate the lights beams as they crossed the room. It still makes me smile to think about it; the sculpture is made out of "nothing". I'm not sure the scene was what the artist had in mind, but sometimes these things develop in unexpected ways.. and that must be pleasing: your art is alive and subject to the swish and sway of the wild!

One man's opinion (and mixtape): "Anger is a Gift"

DJ Prancehall released his new (first?) mixtape, "Anger is a Gift", and it's pretty dope. Find in it all things rap, grime, hip hop, and, yeah, dancehall; find these things moving smoothly from one to another over a solid 72 minutes. It's pure party. Check it at his blog (http://prancehall.com/); it's the August 15th entry.

Here's the tracklist:

01. Intro
02. Virgo feat. B-Live & Flirta D - The Clack Riddim (Prancehall Special)
03. Tempa T - Tempz
04. Terror Danjah - Zumpti Huntah
05. Jammer - Toxic Freestyle
06. Yung Joc - Do Ya Bad
07. Brains - PDB
08. Scratchy, Skepta & Breeze - Vice Freestyle
09. Jitset feat. Jammer - Mary Jane Remix
10. Brains feat. Slinga, 2-Pac & Biggie - Thug Love
11. Matt Shadetek - Bump Bump
12. Lewi White feat. Busy Signal & Mavado - Vice Freestyle
13. Brains - Neva Eva
14. Big Kuntry feat. Yung Joc & T.I. - Yeah (Remix)
15. Mavado - Wah Dem A Do (Dexplicit Remix)
16. Rossi B & Luca feat. Scorcher - Not No Talker
17. Tinchy Stryder feat. Fuda Guy - Sick Ina Head
18. Matt Shadetek feat. Skepta - Reign
19. Jammer feat. Delishus - Vice Freestyle
20. DVA feat. Badness - Prancehall Dub
21. Ruff Sqwad - Untitled
22. Jammer feat. Ce'Cile - Prancehall Dub
23. Syer B - Badboy (Prancehall Special)
24. Slix - Down and Out
25. Statik feat. Faction G - Lily Allen Remix
26. Ce'Cile - Tell Me What You Love (Cheerful Riddim)
27. Ears feat. Flamin - Fergalicious Freestyle
28. Brains feat. Knuckles - Damn (Remix)
29. Riko - Prancehall Dub
30. Statik feat. Tempa T, Kraze & Esco - Bad Guys
31. Statik feat. Cham - Prancehall Story
32. Outro
BONUS TRACK:
Fish Go Deep - The Cure & The Cause (Jitset's 'The Chop & The Screw' Remix)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pretty much I'm saying you need to download this thing now (the link is at the bottom of the page); and turn it up, hands in the air.

An act that blossoms two days a week

At first, the act crossed my mind as a practical matter; I would tie it tight.. but not too tight. You see, my hair is getting longer and longer by the day, and now intersects the plane of my eyes; my hair has arrived at a crossroads of fashion and inconvenience (I know, I know: a common affliction for the fairer sex). The white and tastefully-bepatterned fabric would keep the situation manageable and, therefore, on the side of the former, for now (I think).

In short, the carefullyish-folded bandanna just felt right; I bought it in Japan for god's sake.

It's been awhile since I've wore a bandanna seriously (well, as seriously as it gets, pre-Red-Queen), but I'd like you all to think back to high school: we could probably dig up some pictures that would make us *all* guilty of some swish transgression (cultural or otherwise). And here, while I wear a new - and particular - object (pressed first to my forehead, and, as part of the practical process, drawn around to the back), it is one that echoes the past and, furthermore, it echoes another version of me. The bandanna connects me to a former self; and, I like it.

You see, I am running.

And running.
And running.
And running.
And, well, it's an act that blossoms two days a week (for now).
And, well, I won't say no (to two days a week; there are worse punishments).

Again, the object and the acts (of folding) (and running) connect me to the past; these acts connect the present to a former life. And it feels right. So, regardless of the fashion-sense (or lack thereof) - I shampooed and conditioned today; I shaved - I will take the fabulously limp fabric and fold it upon itself four times (¡no más!); it must end up a certain width before it becomes accessible to my intention and appropriate for my purposes. The (my) hair and the (my) sweat never reach gravity's final destination; physics be damned. In the meantime, I'll keep running.

And running.
And running.
And running.
And, well, it's an act that blossoms two days a week (for now).
And, well, I won't say no (to two days a week; there are worse punishments).

Be part of the chocolate adventure?

TuttiFoodie and Scharffen Berger® Chocolate Maker is sponsoring a recipe contest:

"Create a recipe for any course—appetizer, entrée, dessert, even a drink—using dark chocolate and at least one adventure ingredient (some of you may prefer to use more than one). Recipes can be sweet or savory, with ingredients that are frozen or baked, roasted or fried, blended or infused—you name it. They don't have to be complex or fancy—but definitely delicious. Each recipe submitted to the Chocolate Adventure Contest must call for Scharffen Berger® Chocolate Maker chocolate—containing anywhere from 62% to 99% cacao—and at least one adventure ingredient from the list below.

Ancho Chili Powder
Amchur Powder
Cacao Nibs
Cardamom
Cloves
Curry
Ginger
Green Tea
Grapefruit
Lavender
Lemon Verbena
Lemongrass
Mastiha
Pomegranate
Quince or Quince Paste
Rosemary
Saffron
Sea Salt
Star Anise
Wasabi

The Contest begins at 12:00:01 AM Pacific time on September 1, 2007 and ends 11:59:59 PM Pacific time on December 1, 2007."

More details at: http://chocolateadventurecontest.com/. I happen to have a bit of chocolate at home (and a few of the adventure ingredients), so maybe I can figure something delicious out and enter. Stay tuned for a recipe or two..

Now I think you get some cashmoney for winning, but the real prize is that they will start making and selling your chocolate delight from the Scharffen Berger cafe in Berkeley. Now that would be dope; think of all the culinary cache!

Trapped: A lapse in my cultural currency

Why have I not seen "Trapped in the Closet", the hip-hopera by R. Kelly, yet? 12 episodes have already been released on DVD, and 10 more (13-22) are being released this week - a new one everyday, starting this past Monday - on the IFC website. The NYTimes reminded me this morning of this lapse in my cultural currency (i.e. how does anyone take me seriously without being clued in to this freaky reference point?):

R. Kelly's Killer Serial: Video, Music, Cliffhangers, Midgets
By Melena Ryzik, Published August 16th, 2007

In fact, go right now directly to the IFC Trapped in the Closet page to catch up on all episodes from the beginning. Or, wait until September when IFC airs the "complete saga" on TV. That sounds like an event custom made for a viewing party! "(The Trapped in the Closet series) is the intersection of brilliance and insanity," said Evan Shapiro, the general manager of IFC. Who knew? And how can you say no?

Never been closer, from knife to plate

Do you know where your food comes from? That is, do you know the exact chain of events that brought food to your table today? Think beyond the trip to the supermarket or restaurant: what goes into acquiring land, growing crops, raising animals, transporting products and preparing meals (in no particular order)? I bet it's a lot more complicated - and a lot more "messy" (i.e. unintended consequences galore!) - than most of us think.

Certainly, the topic has gotten lots of "liberal" press over the past couple of years - most notably with the US Senate debate this past Spring over the 2007 US Farm Bill and releases of popular books like Fast Food Nation (by Eric Schlosser), The Omnivore's Dilemma (by Michael Pollan), and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (by Barbara Kingsolver) - but unless you indulge in the actual activities of the farm or slaughterhouse (being perhaps the most "foreign" steps in the process), what you really have is a brainful of intellectual musings to discuss over expensive organic tea and Newman's Ginger O's.. and not a deep and visceral understanding of the actual connection to food. I mean, really, how can that be satisfying (once the awareness is established vis-à-vis a bit of reading, that is): What is more visceral than (the eating of) food?

Admittedly, I am, *ahem*, somewhat of an intellectual snob as well, so let me pass you this salt shaker so that you may sprinkle its contents about the rest of this entry (and therefore be able to continue reading in a comfortable manner). haha.

With that said, I helped to slaughter an animal for the first time in my life - at 28 years of age - this past May as part of the BOSS course I've mentioned before. And it was a totally artificial and symbolic act, since, really, there is no need to do such a thing in this day and age (even being in the wilderness for two weeks). Still, I'm glad I had the opportunity to participate, to deepen - on a very visceral level - my relationship to my food forever, a bit of theory into practice, if you will:

I wielded a knife across a sheep's neck and it was unforgettable.

The blood was warm and very red, fresh from the wound, and, at first, flowing in large quantities. My right hand, vibrating a bit from fluctuating nerves (mine), laid upon the shoulder of the animal as it died; the touch was soft and, in an eerie way (by temperature and effect), the body before me could be confused with something still alive. At this point, the sheep *was* still a sheep, but it could only be so for a few more minutes; an unmistakable and permanent transformation had begun.

The actual act of cutting the throat was quick and almost automatic; the minutes and hours (and days, etc.) afterwards (still, onwards) provided much time for reflection. In fact, I now know that the eyes are true windows to the soul (outpacing cliché); watch their spark fade - most literally - as the brain approaches debility. And upon complete death, the eyelids must be closed manually, an act for the benefit of us still living.

The details are, well, gory details; I couldn't do a play-by-play description justice via prose (which I guess is the point of this entry). But what I can note is that throughout the process, everyone was "there"; there was no misunderstanding of purpose. We saw (and did) it all, and could understand the correlations between each act in the chain: from living, breathing beast to seared, cut meat.

If you know me, I've probably talked about this before en vivo, but I very much appreciate those times in my life when I am fully immersed in a moment, even in something as simple as silently sitting around and breathing after a hard run (never mind the procurement of fresh meat); and when the moment is within the context of a group, I can appreciate it that much more.

Here, everyone and everything smelled of sheep, an odor that does not wash off easily. Again, I will not forget it.

Living life in parallel

I know it seems like I don't have a job, working from home and all (and updating this blog thing), but the truth is that I do. In fact, I've been working at the same (computer) company for almost 8 years now; who woulda thought?

In any case, the past week or so I've been brushing up on new parallel processing technologies (like Intel Threaded Building Blocks) in anticipation of my next work project. And today I received it: Mentor a team of engineers in China as they attempt to multi-thread Open-iSCSI. Basically, I'll be doing program management, and advising them technically, both on an overall architectural level and on an implementation level.

For those interested, iSCSI is basically a protocol that helps implement network storage over TCP/IP infrastructure. While I do need to study the details of the algorithm (and current implementation of it in the Open-iSCSI project), my background is in both networking, and, more importantly, in designing (and writing) parallel programs; lately, I've been doing a lot of teaching on the subject. In fact, most of my "professional life" had been in supporting (crazy-complicated) network processors, which are able to run up to 128 hardware-based threads at once. Making them all play nice together was a challenge. haha.

But that experience proved to be fortuitous; multi-threaded programming is all the rage now (for computer folks, that is). Still, there is much to learn, so I've been checking out a couple of cool - I use the term within the context of work - sources like the Thinking Parallel blog, the Blogs@Intel (specifically under "Research@Intel" and "Intel Software Network Blogs") and the TechRepublic blogs.

While you may not be interested in the actual details of writing multi-threaded software (some days I'm not either - ha!), you may find the analytical method - looking at a problem from this different perspective - curious, and, maybe, even provocative. In these situations, you now have many entities working towards a common goal, but since they are independent for the most part, you'll find unintended consequences galore, including, but not limited to, one stomping on another's set of resources, ruining the whole operation. Again, it's a difficult problem to get everyone to play nice sometimes - especially as the numbers involved go up and up and up.. even if all have the best intentions in mind. And this is a lesson that has application much beyond the computer world..

Where to go for Freakonomics?

As of yesterday, the Freakonomics blog (formerly at freakonomics.com) is now hosted at, and promoted by, NYTimes.com; check it:

http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/

I've read through occasionally, and, like reading Marginal Revolution or Malcolm Gladwell's blog, this one is full of tons and tons of random "food for thought"-type entries. That is, this blog includes a really wide array of subject matter - basically, whatever the authors, Stephen J. Dubner and Steven D. Levitt (and site editor Melissa Lafsky), think is interesting on any given day: why *not* muse about global warming vs. a global pandemic (if you had to choose your poison) or starting a bar where the price of beer is updated in real-time, based on demand? Variety is the spice of life, for sure.

At the least, their entries are good jumping off points - links provided therein - to take a deeper dive into a topic you probably wouldn't have come across otherwise. And, depending on your view, this sort of roulette is an entertaining online resource or a total timewaster. For the latter, "food for thought", without application, is, well, mental masturbation (to put it colloquially). haha. But, yeah, what's wrong with that? Flex them braincells; this is a knowledge economy after all..

Derek and Simon, I'll occasionally frequent you

Well, I'm a man who can appreciate absurdism (sometimes, but more and more as the years pass). So, at times proper, I'll frequent the jocular dreams of folks like Bob Odenkirk, sincerely; they could be so funny. And luckily for us (me?), it seems like he's got some new skits going under the "Derek and Simon: The Show" moniker. Check it here(s):

http://www.myspace.com/derekandsimon
http://www.superdeluxe.com/sd/artist/bob_odenkirk

What do you guys think?

Perfect Lineage; I Couldn't Have Done It Better

Work from the past (2002 risen!), updated heavily for the here-and-now. Enjoy:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Man, oh-man-oh-man,

I can't believe how much I'm entranced with my own smell. Quite primitive, huh? Well, it's a fact that is less characterizing than opiating, really. No, really! So, let's take this fun informatsia at face value and explore the inner workings and forget-me-nevers of time and space, of a nice place for seasoned desire; we'll find reasoning yet! So close your eyes and breathe deep(ly) on this journey, breathe deeply s'il vous plait..

It seems like only yesterday I took a small mammal and threw it in the fire for warmth, later for food. The smell of burnt fur excites me! Bones - the tiniest of bones - are all around, stand-ins for my evolutionary compatriots; they are dead and broken (and teeth-riddled). Still, it's so nice for all of you to stay, laying here and there and everywhere; I can't say no. Lo, the light is going out; the sun is, of course, the one and only constant source (of radiance). And in this moment of shining, I am alive and mating (or, at least, mate-able): I have met the one, the two and the three; we all, eventually, go the way of the cold abyss. Shiver!

Later - so much later to this frisky business - the gardens rang. I awoke, and yet still - at this point - I had no clue this Babylon scene would be a wonder in the future; I simply rose and walked through the garden, wine glass in hand. Drink and be merry, I said (and lived). Nevermind the masses; they are of a different stock and weight; so light and jaded, they've ended up a vague framework for the lives of the elite (I hardly know ye). And who am I to judge? Bang!

Could I have known any better that before long (what is a millennium anyway?) my progeny would be composing symphonies in the key of D minor, playing them in front of kings, queens who would fuck my composer genes if there weren't so many god damn aristocrats faking their love of the eighth note here, now, in an 18th century concert hall. At least these instruments render the electroheliogram of my consciousness perfectly and synchroniphenially, draining the listnessless from my brain stem.. for a brief while anyway. Roar!

Lest I forget, a century or so before, my RNA transcriptions painted the Sistine Chapel with brushes made from the most yielding of goat hair; Asia Minor, you *are* good for something. Each atom of each mechanistic cilium is ecclesiastically bonded to the next; I couldn't have constructed it better myself (though, sometimes, I wish I would have). Dream on: I could have smelled the animals' stables on an odoriferous holiday! Dank!

For now, there is work to be done: the open country awaits the wrangler and his compañeros. You see, a world of rope - tighter and tighter - is beguiling; this world is irresistible! So, regardless of the 10-gallon fashion sense - it is what it is, and everywhere - the herd circulates, the herd obeys without question, though occasionally eddies of aliment - that is, eddies of meat - form around diminutive bodies of water. And I think how quickly things have a'changed. I say: let's lead 'em straight up upon the griddle; my insides be a'rus'lin'. Sizzle!

Before long it was 2007 and clicks and swoons from alpha bit to zeta flit are the order of the day, though everything is less fleshed and carnally-satiating then I remember. But let me temper that thought with the fact that my senses are somewhat dulled; it's been awhile and awhile, and it's been awhile..

Time is a mysterious beast: time renders memories for the living, at times, too flippantly for my tastes, be-grilled or not. Still, there is a need to connect and reminisce, no matter what the outcome for humankind; it's always possible in a manner artificial (and I mean that in every sense of the word). So, when we all go the way of the cold abyss, God save the computer! Blip!

Still, all I want to do is smell my own balls. Good day!

Getting geared up for lap time

Earlier this afternoon, SF public pool locker room:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ME: Hi David.
Older Guy (OG): Eric, right? Haven't seen you in awhile; how's it going?

(at this point, we're just standing around in our shorty bathing suits, getting geared up for lap time; I'm closing up my locker)

ME: Can't complain; things are pretty good. How about you?
OG: Good, good. Hey, you're looking buff. You lifting some weights?
ME: I, uhh; um, no. No. I've probably gained weight this past month, drinking lots of beers and all that.
OG: Nah, looks good; you're lifting weights.
ME: Uh, hahaha; thanks man.
OG: See you in the pool!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm just sayin' you meet the nicest people at the pool. haha.

All hail the Bear Republic!

Racer 5!

It's still delicious.. even after all these years. Ah.. what else can you ask for? It's a favorite; endearment protocol engaged.

Yeah, so, Zeitgeist does not disappoint.. it had been awhile since I'd been there, but the beers were flowing delicious via pitcher (including some Stone Pale Ale) and the back picnic-tabled garden not too crowded (although smelling like porto-potty, per usual); tonite, the temperature was such I didn't even need my hoodie up; I like..

And, I saw a few Bloody Mary's being made at the bar.. while not a nighttime drink for me, it got me thinking of a return trip in the not-too-distant future while the sun still shinin'.

What's the weather report for the weekend?

Marginal Revolution against the grain of intuition

It *is* one of the sexiest professions at the moment: Economist! Or maybe not. Still, I have a thing for numbers and numerical analysis; I have a thing for insights on life pointed out to be existing against the grain of common intuition. Is that sadism or masochism?

In any case - but in this vein - check out the Marginal Revolution (http://www.marginalrevolution.com/) blog from Tyler Cowen, economist and author of a new book: "Discover Your Inner Economist", being released tomorrow. It will certainly be on my reading list, after - or maybe instead of - Demons by Señor (or Herr, if you must) Dostoevsky.

Mr. Cowen seems to be a polymath, or, at least, a man of varied interests, so you'll have blog entries on the viability of "Medicare for everyone" (don't forget Part II) to star players in central banking (in the US and beyond); and food.. especially DC-area restaurants.

But regardless of your locale, read on, and be a hit at your next cocktail party..