News of the Week: H20, Bar Tabs, and Why Do You Put Your Mustard in the Fridge?

Water, Water, Everywhere

Here’s a phrase I never thought I’d hear: “water sommelier.”

That’s an actual thing. Forget wine, fancy bottled water is where it’s at. People are going to tastings, they’re spending money on “water from small, pristine sources,” and some even have water cellars. Water cellars!

I think everyone has had a water cellar at one point or another, especially if there’s a heavy rain or leak.

How do you rate water? Do you swirl it in your mouth for a few seconds and then say, “Nice finish … appropriate wetness … subtle notes of H₂0.”

Does Anyone Open a Bar Tab Anymore?

Generation Z: they’re doom spending, they want to know what your politics are before they’ll date you, and they don’t open up bar tabs.

According to the New York Times, younger people are paying for their drinks one by one instead of opening up a bar tab. They don’t want to leave a credit card with the bar because they don’t know how long they’re going to be there, they’re used to one-and-done transactions on their phones when buying something, and besides, they’re not drinking as much as other generations anyway.

Bars don’t like it because it costs them more in fees when tabs aren’t opened.

I’ve reached the age where I don’t go to bars that often anymore, so I don’t know who is opening up a tab and who isn’t. I’ve certainly gone to a bar with another person and had dinner and several drinks during my time there, and the bartender brings us the bill when we’re done. Is that the same thing as “opening a tab?”

I wonder if some people open tabs if all they’re drinking is water?

Ketchup and Mustard and Salsa, Oh My!

The New York Times has a handy chart that tells you whether or not your condiments need to be kept in the fridge after you open them. Butter, jams, and maple syrup? They need to go in the fridge. Ketchup and mustard? They don’t need to, even after you open them. They’re fine in your cupboard.

I’ve always stored all of my condiments in the fridge. I don’t want to chance it. If you notice, even on the condiments the chart says don’t have to stay in the refrigerator, they still say that they’ll stay fresher longer in there.

Headline of the Week

“Hammerhead Shark Falls from Sky in South Carolina, Interrupting Disc Golf Game”

RIP Brian Wilson, Sly Stone, Frederick Forsyth, Pippa Scott, Chris Robinson, Edmund White, Bill Atkinson, and Roger Nichols

Brian Wilson was the leader and visionary of The Beach Boys, known for such classic songs as “Good Vibrations,” “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “God Only Knows,” “California Girls,” “I Get Around,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” and so many more. He died this week at the age of 82.

Uploaded to YouTube by The Beach Boys

Sly Stone was the lead of the band Sly and the Family Stone. They played at Woodstock and had such songs as “Dance to the Music,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” and “Everyday People.” He died Monday at the age of 82.

Frederick Forsyth was the author of such novels as The Day of the Jackal, The Odessa File, and The Fourth Protocol. He died Monday at the age of 86.

Pippa Scott appeared in such films as The Searchers, Auntie Mame, and Cold Turkey, and TV shows like Jigsaw John, Perry Mason, The Twilight Zone, Columbo, and The Dick Van Dyke Show. She died last month at the age of 90.

Chris Robinson starred on such shows as General Hospital and Twelve O’Clock High and appeared on dozens more since the 1950s. He also appeared in a series of commercials for cough syrup where he used the phrase “I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV.” He died Monday at the age of 86.

Edmund White was an acclaimed chronicler of gay life and culture. He died Tuesday at the age of 85.

Apple’s Bill Atkinson was an important figure in computer history, designing ways to make computers easier for people to use. He died last week at the age of 74.

Roger Nichols co-wrote (with Paul Williams) many of the hits for The Carpenters, including “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” and “I Won’t Last a Day Without You.” He died last month at the age of 84.

This Week in History

NFL and AFL Merge (June 8, 1966)

Which one of the names did they keep? If you’re in suspense, the answer is here.

U.S. Army Formed (June 14, 1775)

Saturday there’s going to be a big military parade in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 250th anniversary. Here are the details.

This Week in Saturday Evening Post History: Schick Electric Shaver (June 11, 1949)

A great invention, though I can’t use them because they irritate my skin too much.

June Is National Turkey Lovers Month

If someone could tell me why Turkey Lovers Month is June and not November, I’d appreciate it.

There probably aren’t too many people who cook a whole turkey just when the summer is starting, but there’s plenty to do with the sliced variety, like making this Italian Turkey Club Sandwich from Baker By Nature, a Cracked Pepper Turkey Sandwich from Jennie-O, and this Eggs in a Basket with Smoked Turkey and Asparagus from Ellie Krieger. Wandering Chickpea has a Honey Mustard Turkey Avocado Sandwich, and Allrecipes has a Grilled Turkey Reuben.

Next Week’s Holidays and Events

Flag Day (June 14)

Can you ace this quiz on the American flag?

Father’s Day (June 15)

Hey, get him a Schick Electric Shaver!