It’s not a champagne party. It’s research.

Okay.  It’s kinda a champagne party.  But here it goes.  Many of us assume we know what we like.  We have brand loyalty, good memories associated with a certain kind of wine or beer or champagne.  For example, my family always gets Mumms Cordon Rouge for celebrations.  But is that really our preferred champagne?

For the party you need two or three good friends (any more and it’s hard to differentiate) who each bring a different split over, a set of stickers (the more fun the better as in, I think the fairy princess is crisper than the fuzzy rabbit) and a designated pourer.  Also, I suggest that everyone brings over their own champagne glasses as different sizes and shapes affect the amount of bubbles you get in the glass.   The designated pourer assigns a sticker to each bottle, fills up the marked glasses with the corresponding sticker, and then administrates the champagne.  Sip and chat, discover your favorite.  Repeat with other brands until you’ve narrowed down your favorite.  

This can obviously be done with beer or wine or whatever else you choose, but it’s important to remember you’re doing some really serious research here.  It’s soul searching.  It’s getting beyond stereotypes and advertising.  It’s very, very deep.  

It’s champagne.

the 411 on dialing 911

Okay, I’m still sick.  This is day eleven.  It sucks.  The only good thing is I’m getting a lot of reading done, and I have another tidbit to share.  Call it a public service message.

Turns out when human beings panic, they revert to learned behaviors.  This is why soldiers are constantly drilled, so when they’re in combat and their brains turn off, they still function in ways that can save their lives.  So, cut to normal, everyday panic, and something that requires dialing 911.  Most of us have never actually done it, and if you’re in a situation where a loved one is in peril, chances are “panic” is a good description of what you’re going through.  What most of us HAVE done, however, is dial 411.  Apparently, it happens all the time, freaked out people dialing 411 over and over, thinking they’re calling for help and unable to understand why they keep getting freakin’ information.  In they’re head they’re thinking “911″, but their fingers are drilled into dialing “411.” 

 The solution?  Every once in a while, unplug your phone and practice dialing 911.  Sounds stupid, but wouldn’t you rather do something stupid a few minutes a week and know that you’ll be capable if it ever comes down to it?

 There you go.  Homework for the night.