Learn how to pronounce Scotch whiskey terms with Evernote Peak
If you're just beginning to learn how to drink scotch, one of the pain points I get when I order is the fear of completely butchering the name of the Scotch. Like ordering at an ethnic restaurant, I usually succumb to my inner demons and point to the Scotch I want to try.
While you'll most likely get the courage to order by name after the second or third drink, here's a little digital flashcard tool to give you necessary courage at drink number one.
You'll need an iPad2, free evernote peak app, and a smart cover.
Download the shared evernote notebook from this link and import it into evernote peak: https://www.evernote.com/pub/somaroovin/scotchpronounciations
Sláinte (pronounced: slán-jah)
Sources: Esquire.com, Scotchdoc, Maltmadness
Things to do in Montevideo, Uruguay
Typically, when I travel, I don't get the chance to really soak in the culture. For 21 days, I'll be in Montevideo, Uruguay thanks to the IBD project. I've been staying in Pocitos, which is a nice part of town within walking distance to the beach. A couple things I definitely recommend if you come to Montevideo:
- Go watch a proper football game. We saw an exhibition game of Uruguay v. Israel.
- Go out at night. The night starts at 2AM. Most people take a nap after work on Friday before they head out.
- Eat a Chorizo. Just not at the stadium. They say that there is a reason there are no stray dogs around the stadium. I made this mistake and spent 4 days in the hotel.
- Try a Milanesa. So much is fried here, just give it a shot. It's a cross between a Tonkatsu and a Chicken friend steak.
- Try Mate, the original wing-maker. It's a complicated process to get some caffeine. But when in Montevideo, you'll see people walking around with a thermos of hot water and a mate at all times of the day.
Venue Discovery with Location Awareness
Foursquare, a mobile social networking game that gets users to "check in" at places they visit in the real world, has experienced explosive growth. While people are acquiring mayorships in droves in the US and the UK, bold users in other countries are marking their territory as well.
While we're all in search of those elusive badges or fighting to retain those mayorships, the real value of Foursquare may be much, much more. For people traveling abroad, it's been a brilliant source of current advice and tips.
Having travelled a good amount, I'm always cautious of my research before getting into the country. Some sites and listings haven't been updated for years, and its not when you get there that a) the place no longer exists, b) the venue isn't what it was like in 2008, c) the crowd is vastly different.
I always check my check-out list with locals just to make sure.
With Foursquare, I have easy access to local tour guides. The desire to recommend and be "in the know" knows no boundaries. Each mayor is potential guide. Here are a few new mayors in Montevideo, where I'm currently traveling.
Surfing through their postings, I can quickly find where I need to be on Thursday Nights. Looks like Francisco V thinks I should head to Lou Bizzarro Bar on Thursday night.
3 Days in Basque Country
It's been three days since I flew from SFO to the Basque region in Spain. Thus far:
- Spent a day in Bilbao
- Took naps on benches in Bilbao
- Went Pinxto hopping in San Sebastián
- Had dinner at a Cider House
Slicing and Dicing [Van Gough]
German art historians posit that Vincent Van Gogh did not slice off his ear, but that Paul Gauguin accidentally sliced it up in a lively discussion about the very nature of art.
The story commonly told about Van Gogh's ear centers around Vincent's love for Rachel. When he gave it to Rachel, he told her to "keep this object carefully."
However, by analyzing the police reports of the event, some art historians now believe that Van Gogh was covering up for Gauguin.
The authors have re-examined contemporary police reports and surviving, second-hand accounts of witness statements, including contradictory declarations by Gauguin. They admit that final proof is lacking, and that the police investigation into a drunken brawl between two artists was half-hearted at best. Nonetheless, they say that all the evidence points to the fact that Gauguin accidentally sliced off his friend's ear.The two men were arguing in the street, the authors believe, partly about their competing interest in Rachel but also about the correct way to paint. Van Gogh argued for painting from the life; Gauguin from the imagination. The French painter was threatening to leave for good, wrecking Van Gogh's dream of founding a utopian artists' colony in Arles. Gauguin, a keen amateur fencer, walked into the street with his luggage and his sword, the authors believe. Van Gogh pursued him. Gauguin brandished the sword in his friend's face to keep him at bay and accidentally cut off part of his ear. Van Gogh then staggered to Rachel's house and handed her the severed part.
After examining the evidence, [the authors] say that Gauguin contradicted himself several times and claimed to have seen events he could not have seen. Other witnesses suggest that Van Gogh provoked Gauguin and Gauguin attacked Van Gogh.
If true, I'm supremely impressed that Van Gough would take his secret to the grave. You can read Hans Kaufmann and Rita Wildegans' 392-page book (in German).
Source: The Independent
A Peephole into the White House [Voyeurism]
The White House now has an official White House flickr stream. If you can't enough of Barack, Bo, Michelle, and the rest of the White House party, check out the stream.
I'm curious, does the White House have to pay the $24.95 for a flickr pro account? Or can they buy a bulk 4 year subscription fee?
Do Re Mi [Choreographed Flash Mobs]
I went to my first Bring Your Own Big Wheels (BYOBW) event last weekend on potrero hill and left a happy, happy customer. While there, I heard of DJ Amandeep Jawa's Flash Dance events (Flash Mob + Dance Party).
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SF seems a bit zany and irreverent. I can't wait till I get a tweet from deepasaurus for the next dance party.
On a related tangent, have you seen what happened at Antwerp's Central Train Station in Belgium:
Econoland [Economist Theme Park]
In tough economic times, it's always refreshing to hear of companies who are able to capitalize on the environment. According to their website, "The Economist Group is delighted to announce the development of a public-entertainment facility that combines the magic of a theme park with the excitement of macroeconomics."
Among the different attractions, rides include:
- The currency high-roller: Float like a butterfly with the euro and drop like a stone with the pound!
- Chamber of horrors:Fiscal fantasyland: Watch the economy shrivel before your very eyes as you struggle to stop growth falling!
- The Severe Contest: Try your strength against a bear market!
Let's just hope its an April fools joke.
Little Red Riding Hood [Animated Fables]
In the age of information, people expect to be able to take a deep dive at any point in time. I can't tell you how many times bets are settled by accessing wikipedia via my mobile phone.
Tomas Nilsson created a 3 minute reinterpretation of Little Red Riding Hood for a (Swedish) university class project.
Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did:
HT: Thingamababy
Executive March Madness [Obama's Picks]
Chris Good from the Atlantic breaks down Obama's NCAA bracket. Key takeaways:
- UNC wins
- Obama is conservative and plays it safe
You can read the breakdown in bracketology here.