What do you get for the country music legend that has everything? A Christmas sweater that says “smoke weed every day,” of course. At least, that’s what Snoop Dogg got Willie Nelson for the holiday this year.
The sweater—which, in a missed opportunity, does not appear to be made of hemp—is the rare Christmas item that can be worn on December 25 and April 20. Featuring stark reds and greens (emphasis on the green), the sweater appears to be one of a kind. But if you keep an eye on Etsy, they’re sure to start popping up so that you can be prepared for next year.
And also because, hell I don't know, every single cabinet appointment feels like trolling? Jesus, Rick Perry is a real POS.
Rick Perry, a swaggering idiot who found a pair of glasses on the street one day, is about to become the head of the Department of Energy, according to CBS News. The Department of Energy’s job right now is to develop the next generation of nuclear weapons. What this means practically speaking, of course, is that we are spectacularly and incontrovertibly fucked.
One of my very first video game memories, this and Jumpman.
Lode Runner was probably the first video game I was ever obsessed with. I finished all 150 levels and designed countless custom levels to stump my younger sister with. That level editor was my first taste of design and I loved it. Simon Hung has built a version of the game in HTML5 that includes the 150 levels of the original game as well as almost 300 levels of subsequent versions and and! AND!! the custom level editor!!! (I actually squealed when I discovered this in the options.) I’ll see you in a few days, I guess. (via @pomeranian99)
Hamiltonclearly isn’t a show that needs to rely on stunt casting to succeed. But if there’s one part tailor made for a celebrity cameo, it’s King George. The comic relief role is basically only onstage for three quick songs, which is a pretty cushy schedule for a Broadway star. And the part is all but designed as a scene-stealing one. Now after having been played by Brian d’Arcy James (off Broadway), Jonathan Groff (on Broadway), and Rory O’Malley (as Groff’s replacement), Taran Killam is the first non-Broadway celebrity to step into the role.
The former Saturday Night Livestar will make his Broadway debut in Hamilton on January 17. No end date has been announced yet, although Groff played the role for about a year while O’Malley’s tenure will total about 10 months. Killam is a pretty natural fit for King ...
Built by NEXT architects in the Chinese city of Changsha,1the Lucky Knot bridge is a wonderfully inventive piece of architecture and engineering. It does not, however, appear very accessible to cyclists or the handicapped in the way that their Melkwegbridge project is. (via @robinsloan)
I’m guessing you’ve never heard of Changsha — I hadn’t. It’s the 36th most populous city in the world, with a greater population than any city in the US except NYC. The scale of China’s population is incredible…16 of the most populous 50 cities in the world are in China and many Americans would struggle to name more than 3 or 4 of them.↩
"More than two out of three middle-schoolers couldn’t see any valid reason to mistrust a post written by a bank executive arguing that young adults need more financial-planning help. And nearly four in 10 high-school students believed, based on the headline, that a photo of deformed daisies on a photo-sharing site provided strong evidence of toxic conditions near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan, even though no source or location was given for the photo."
The ghost of Edward R. Murrow wept in the afterlife today as a Stanford University study revealed that 82 percent of middle-schoolers were unable to tell the difference between a legitimate news story and “sponsored content” from an advertiser. This is a significant finding, especially as America reels from the results of a bitter presidential election that some have theorized might have been swayed by the proliferation of fake news via social media. According to The Wall Street Journal—a reputable, fact-checked news source that has existed since 1889 and is beholden to certain professional standards of accuracy and integrity—Stanford surveyed over 7,800 students from middle school to college in order to determine how teens were interpreting the information they received online. The results were disheartening. More than two-thirds of middle-schoolers neglected to “mistrust a post [about financial planning] written by a bank executive,” while nearly 40 percent ...
The Mastodons of Fort Wayne sent Indiana back to Bloomington with its first loss of the season after an overtime shocker that resulted in one IPFW student... drinking bleach?
Neo-Nazis around the world have made it clear that they’re optimistic about what a Trump presidency will do for their cause. And while countless people have already pointed out just how dangerous Donald Trump’s rise to power has been, the historical parallels to other authoritarian regimes is still shocking. Take, for…
This is the trailer for the animated film Bee Movie, except that the action and audio is slowed down every time someone says “bee”. That is a little bit clever.
Like the passing of a particularly enormous uric acid kidney stone, Donald Trump has finally cleared a path for other famous Americans to freely piss and moan about the things they were too blocked up by “political correctness” or common decency to say out loud. For some it’s been an obvious relief—like Clint Eastwood, who’s finally been allowed to drop the careful tact for which he’s known and just straight-out call people pussies. But that’s easy to say for Clint Eastwood; he’ll be dead soon. What about the other five or six other celebrities who have come out for Trump, and how will their speaking truth to power on behalf of privilege affect their careers? Whither, indeed, Antonio Sabato Jr.?
Along with his fellow reality stars Scott Baio, Willie Robertson, and Donald Trump, Sabato Jr . was just one of the impressive Cavalcade Of Two ...
Love this concept, especially in the restaurant of an art museum.
In Situ is Corey Lee's new restaurant in the recently refurbished SFMOMA. Like the museum does with art, In Situ brings culinary masterpieces from chefs around the world and presents them to guests. The current menu, which provides the name of the chef and the date the dish was first made in the style of the info cards next to artworks, includes Shrimp Grits from the now-closed WD-50 (Wylie Dufresne, 2013), Spicy Pork Sausage Rice Cakes from Ssam Bar (David Chang, 2007), Meyer Lemon Ice Cream and Sherbet from Chez Panisse (Alice Waters, 1980), and Wood Sorrel & Sheep Milk's Yogurt from Noma (René Redzepi, 2005).
This sort of thing is not exactly without precedent. From the very beginning of Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas' Next, one of the ideas was to present the menu from the French Laundry from Achatz's first day on the job there in October 1996 (which is happening this fall) and the Chicago restaurant has already featured menus with dishes from El Bulli and Trio (Achatz's first restaurant as head chef). Ssam Bar used to have cocktails from other places (Milk and Honey, Death & Co., etc.) on their beverage menu, properly credited. But as Pete Wells explains in his positive NY Times review, In Situ takes the concept further:
Would any chef have dreamed of building a restaurant like this 25 years ago? Would anyone have gone there? In Situ probably requires a steady supply of customers who care about restaurants in Lima and Copenhagen enough to have seen some of these dishes in cookbooks or at least in the Instagram accounts of the chefs in question. Mr. Lee depends on, and caters to, a class of eaters who pay attention to the global restaurant scene the way certain art hounds follow the goings on in Basel, Miami Beach and Venice.
One thing In Situ proves, just by existing, is that certain chefs are now cultural figures in a sense that once applied only to practitioners of what used to be called high culture: literature, concert music, avant-garde painting. A Redzepi dish can be visited in an art museum in 2016, and nobody finds this very strange.
What In Situ is doing also underscores how context and the renown of an artist can affect our perception of what is creative appropriation versus theft or plagiarism. That In Situ is helmed by one of the best chefs in the US and affiliated with a world-class museum matters. The similar work of an unknown chef might not get the same treatment, as Robin Wickens found out in 2006, when he presented dishes from WD-50 and Alinea on the menu at his Australian restaurant:
That's what happened three months ago on the eGullet.com Web site. Sam Mason, a pastry chef at WD-50 in New York, set off an international dust-up when he posted a link to the Web site of Interlude, a restaurant in Melbourne, Australia, and asked: "Is it me or are some of these dishes strikingly similar to a few American restaurants?" Interlude's site showed photos of such unusual fare as noodles made of shrimp and a glass tube full of eucalyptus jelly and yogurt, dishes pioneered at WD-50 and Chicago's Alinea, respectively. Interlude's chef, Robin Wickens, had worked for a week at Alinea as a stagiere, or unpaid intern, and had dined at WD-50 while visiting the U.S.
EGullet's administrators then juxtaposed Interlude's images to nearly identical ones from WD-50 and Alinea. Within a few days, restaurateurs and chefs from around the country and dozens of eGullet members added to the thread, many branding Mr. Wickens a plagiarist.
Mortified, Mr. Wickens says he removed the dishes from his menu and his site, and sent letters to the chefs whose work he'd copied explaining that he only wanted to utilize what he'd learned on his travels. "I never tried to claim them as my own," says Mr. Wickens, who says he told many patrons that the dishes had originated at the American restaurants.
I wish I had San Francisco travel plans...In Situ is the first new restaurant I've been excited about visiting in ages (for obvious reasons). Soon, hopefully.
(Sidenote: I don't think I ever stepped foot in that gymnasium. Is it up on Avenue des Pins? I might've had to take a final exam there, which would of course invalidate my initial claim.)
The Wichita State Shockers played an exhibition game against McGill University in Montreal yesterday, a meaningless game that was supposed to be played at half-speed and produce zero headlines. Neither of those things happened.
I had this same thought a few months ago too. But instead of researching the kids featured and writing an article about it, I just starting thinking about my fantasy football team and who I can drop if I pick up Spencer Ware.
Soul Asylum’s 1993 power ballad “Runaway Train,” penned by frontman Dave Pirner, became a defining hit of the ’90s thanks in large part to its memorable video directed by Tony Kaye. Though the song is about depression, Kaye used the video to spotlight the issue of teen runaways, even including the names and images of real-life missing persons. In fact, there are numerous versions of the “Runaway Train” video, because children’s names and pictures were removed once they returned home.
In a story for Mel magazine called “The Lost Children of ‘Runaway Train,’” Elon Green discusses how the video came to be and what impact it had on the young people featured in it. Green interviews one woman who tearfully reconciled with her mother after seeing her own picture in the Soul Asylum video. She’d run away from home a few years earlier to live with her ...
@phil - am I in a fever dream, or is this a real Swedish dish?
In Acquired Tastes, The A.V. Club takes a deep dive into the food and drinks we can’t live without.
The recipe for Flying Jacob reads like a stoned dad’s trip to the bodega. It starts with rotisserie chicken, heavy cream, and bananas baked together, then it’s all topped with fried bacon and peanuts, like a casserole mated with Elvis’ favorite sandwich. The story behind Flying Jacob is all the more remarkable—and unlikely. This beloved delicacy/monstrosity all happened thanks to one humble Swede who, with a single letter, changed his country’s culinary culture.
In 1976, the Swedish food magazineAllt Om Mat (All About Food) published a recipe that sounded downright bizarre on paper. Mailed to the magazine by an air freight worker named Ove Jacobsson, Flying Jacob was billed as a perfect-for-parties dish that’s “easy to make and tastes great.” Jacobsson dubbed ...
Most introverts find small talk cumbersome, but I actually hate all sizes of talk. I especially hate talking on the phone, even with friends. If a friend texts me, “Hey, you’re twenty minutes late! You promised you wouldn’t flake again, are you still coming?” or “emergency i need your help please call me asap,” I just won’t do it. When you think about it, it’s sort of selfish of them to demand that I talk to them on the phone even after I’ve told them multiple times that I’m an introvert.
As an introvert, I hate donating money to charity. I’m just too shy to think about my money going to help some stranger.
Really Bad Chess is an iOS game by Zach Gage that randomizes the distribution of pieces when the board is set up, so that you might start a game with 4 queens, 3 knights, and only 2 pawns in the back row. The result is that you get a completely new strategic game each time, but you still play with the familiar tactical rules of chess. What a great idea…I can’t tell if people who really love chess will love or hate this.
Knightmare Chess is played with cards that change the default rules of chess. The cards might change how a piece moves, move opponent’s pieces, create special squares on the board or otherwise alter the game.
It employs the same board and pieces as standard chess; however, the starting position of the pieces on the players’ home ranks is randomized. The random setup renders the prospect of obtaining an advantage through the memorization of opening lines impracticable, compelling players to rely on their talent and creativity.
• With Latavius Murray (toe) out for Week 5, rookie DeAndre Washington could see a bunch of work for the Raiders. Washington made a few splashy plays in the preseason, and he’s been sharp in limited action through four games (184 yards on 29 touches). The Chargers allow a modest 3.6 YPC, though they’ve also surrendered seven rushing touchdowns.
• Stefon Diggs (groin) didn’t practice Friday and is listed as doubtful for the home game against Houston. Look for tight end Kyle Rudolph to become the featured target.
• According to our old friend Michael Gehlken, Antonio Gates (hamstring) has a shot to play Sunday. Look for Hunter Henry to keep a chunk of snaps no matter what Gates is able to do.
• Tyler Eifert had a setback with his back injury this week and won’t play at Dallas. The waiting is the hardest part.
• LeSean McCoy insists he’ll play Sunday at Los Angeles despite a hand injury. If you need to handcuff McCoy, Mike Gillislee is the target.
• The Lions need all the help they can get with Philly’s defense coming to town, so it was encouraging to see Marvin Jones (foot) have a full Friday practice, after some missed time earlier in the week. Eric Ebron (knee) isn’t going to play.
• Julian Edelman (foot) had two limited days this week and could be a game-time call at Cleveland. Context clues point to Rob Gronkowski (hamstring) playing, though he was limited for another week of drills. I’m in “show me” mode with Gronkowski, and I’ve moved him down my ranks accordingly.
• I don’t expect Eric Decker (shoulder) to return anytime soon, though the Jets keep treating him week-to-week. So coy. Quincy Enunwa (knee) rested Friday after two full days; give him a quick injury check on Sunday, just to be sure. Matt Forte (knee/ribs) is downplaying his ailments and expects to play at Pittsburgh.
• Dez Bryant (knee) is another week-to-week case; don’t look for him against the Bengals. Brice Butler showed some rapport with Dak Prescott last week.
• When’s the last time Alshon Jeffery (knee) looked close to 100 percent? He had another limited week of practice, and is listed as questionable. Eddie Royal (calf) is in even worse shape, and looks like a game-day decision. Second-year WR Cameron Meredith is the next man up. As for tight end Zach Miller, he’s expected to go despite sore ribs.
• The Buccaneers backfield could be a mess for their divisional showdown at Carolina. Doug Martin (hamstring) remains week-to-week and won’t play Monday, and it sounds like Charles Sims (knee) could be sidelined as well. Sims has yet to practice this week. Satellite back Jacquizz Rodgers is the next man up on the Bucs depth chart; either way, look for Jameis Winston to throw a bunch of passes Monday, hoping to take advantage of Carolina’s inexperienced secondary.
• So much for all the Dwayne Washington steam — he’s dealing with a balky foot and ankle and is considered doubtful for the home game against Philadelphia. Perhaps training-camp legend Zach Zenner will finally get some significant game action.
• Hurry up and wait with Arian Foster (groin/hamstring), who is considered doubtful for the home match against Tennessee. It’s now or never for Jay Ajayi, with Kenyan Drake, Isaiah Pead, and Damien Williams also in the mix.
• Jonathan Stewart (hamstring) isn’t ready to return, if you want to talk yourself into Fozzy Whittaker or Cameron Artis-Payne against Tampa Bay.
• Rashad Jennings (thumb) had a limited week and might be a game-night call at Green Bay. I’m not going to risk anything on him.
• I never know what the Eagles plan to do with Ryan Mathews, but he’s not on the injury report, for whatever that means. Philly comes in rested off its bye, and there are plenty of capable backs here.
• Context clues point to LeGarrette Blount (hip) playing at Cleveland, though he was limited in Friday’s session. It’s an early start for the Pats, so we’ll know in advance.
• Although Kenneth Dixon (knee) has been working all week, the Ravens list him as questionable. See it on the field, first. Terrence West figures to be the primary back against Washington; keep in mind Justin Forsett didn’t play last week and was subsequently released.
• The 49ers are reportedly considering Colin Kaepernick for a Week 6 start at Buffalo; in related news, player and team are also discussing a restructured contract. Say whatever you want about Chip Kelly’s offense, it’s often friendly to the quarterback. Consider this — although Blaine Gabbert’s play was bench-worthy in Thursday’s loss to Arizona, Gabbert still scored about 21 points in a standard Yahoo league. Kaepernick could be of interest in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues.
• Trevor Siemien (shoulder) could come down to a game-time decision. The Broncos host Atlanta on Sunday, and it’s a second-wave start. Rookie Paxton Lynch closed last week’s victory at Tampa Bay.
• Jay Cutler (thumb) missed the full week of practice, setting up Brian Hoyer to start at Indianapolis. Hoyer might be playing for the job; if he performs well, it’s believed Cutler could easily return as the backup, not the starter. It will be interesting to see how the Colts perform, a week after their Europe sojourn — most teams take a bye after the international game, but Indianapolis told the league it preferred a different holiday week.
• I have no idea how long Kenny Britt will keep producing, but he’s been a handy player for a month (281 receiving yards). He’s dealing with a sore thigh, but should go against Buffalo.
• Clive Walford is off to a slow start, and his knee injury has him questionable for Sunday’s game against the Chargers. You need to do better.
• With Larry Donnell (post concussion) out for Week 5, Will Tye could be in for a busy game at Green Bay. Tye had a credible four catches for 43 yards, on six targets, in last week’s loss at Minnesota.
• Jacoby Brissett had thumb surgery Friday and was placed on injured reserve. With Tom Brady back, Brissett can return to watching, learning, and maybe handling the occasional clipboard or headset.
Watch Sarah Tubert perform the opening number from Hamilton in ASL. You might want to put on some headphones to hear some of the signs Tubert performs (snaps, claps, etc.)
"Scully addressed the crowd after the game, and played for them a version of “Wind Beneath My Wings” with himself on vocals."
Man, I'm gonna miss Vin Scully.
The Dodgers came back from a 3-2 deficit in the bottom of the ninth as Corey Seager’s solo homer forced extras and Charlie Culberson homered in the tenth for a walk-off win—one that claimed the division for L.A. and gave Vin Scully the chance to call one final walk-off in his last time behind the microphone at Dodger Stadium.
Did you ever wonder what the auctioneer is saying when they’re trying to get people to bid on things? They talk so quickly it’s hard to tell sometimes, so Barry Baker of Ohio Real Estate Auctions slows down the action to describe exactly what auctioneers are saying.
See also one of my favorite silly things from recent months: Auctioneer beats.
In SE Asia, particularly in Laos and Thailand at the start of the rainy season, residents hold rocket festivals at which homemade rocket competitions are held. The device shown in this particular video is lit by a small group of people, who then flee as a massive amount of smoke goes up. And then, well, just watch…I don’t want to ruin what happens for you, it’s wonderful.
by Timothy Burke on Screengrabber, shared by Timothy Burke to Deadspin
Nebraska honored punter Sam Foltz by sending out a punterless punt team after going three-and-out in its first drive tonight against Fresno State—taking a delay of game penalty while the ten remaining players stood in memory of their teammate.
