As seen on the internets months ago.
What I learned: The cord will still tangle, but it’s way easier to untangle. The flat type of cord does not wrap as prettily as round cords do.
I used variegated embroidery floss for maximum snazziness while also maintaing maximum laziness.
“Cuba Libres in Space” comes from a mashup of random trivia and a video game. I am not Cuban and I don’t even like rum. I do, however, like space.
I happened to be reading Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void while my husband was playing Catherine. Packing for Mars is a nonfiction work from Mary Roach, the woman who wrote Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers. Mary Roach is my idol, and if you didn’t enjoy reading Stiff, we probably can’t be friends.
The chapter about food in space had this interesting tidbit of information:
“From time to time, there was talk among the astronauts that it might be nice to have a drink with dinner. Beer is a no-fly, because without gravity, carbonation bubbles don’t rise to the surface. […] Since bubbles also don’t rise to the top of the stomach, the astronauts had trouble burping. ‘Often a burp is accompanied by a liquid spray,’ [Charles] Bourland [consultant for the NASA Food Technology Commercial Space Center] adds.”
This is on page 296 in the paperback, if you want to follow along at home.
Meanwhile, my husband was playing through Catherine while I watched. I would have played myself, but I am embarrassingly bad at puzzle games. The game came recommended (and loaned) by our friend, Johnny. And when Johnny thinks something is worth recommending, it is guaranteed to be interesting on some level.
Catherine is “a puzzle-platformer psychological horror adventure game,” according to Wikipedia. In addition to being about eight genres in one game, it’s also a story within a story. And the game has a playable fictional video game within the game within the story within the story. Let me put it another way: I couldn’t find an original trailer that both explained the plot and showed gameplay.
The game rewards you for drinking at the bar. Finishing your drink not only makes gameplay easier, it also results in fun facts about what you just consumed. Here’s a poorly filmed yet relevant example:
So, there are actually no Cuba Libres to be had in space. Sorry to get your hopes up.
Sounds less cool, now that you know the story.
Here are some delightful things I’ve discovered recently.
Blowfish’s Romiro boots.
I’ve got black boots covered – I already have two pairs – but I could definitely find a few outfits to wear with these earthen-colored faux suede numbers. Swoon!
Mike Birbiglia’s What I Should Have Said Was Nothing.
Birbiglia should be on your radar these days, thanks to Sleepwalk With Me and This American Life. This special makes me laugh every time I watch it. Maybe it’s because we both had the Catholic-in-Massachusetts upbringing. Or because we both have the gift of making awkward situations more awkward. Or fathers that show off impeccable pronunciation of Italian food items.
Here’s a clip for your entertainment. You can find the rest on Netflix streaming.
Finding Breaking Bad everywhere.
…Like when my husband and I are goofing off in a church before a friend’s wedding. There is a reason everyone gushes over Breaking Bad – it really is that good.
A summer snowperson.
Found at aforementioned friend’s wedding. I didn’t get around to asking if this snowperson identified as male or female.
And finally, a follow-up to the gorgeous dress: I bought it and it fit like a dream! Now I want it in every color.
Have a great weekend!