Here's a link to a video study of the wonders of mixing Mentos and Diet Coke. Funny ending. Share this with your DC-drinking friends. :^)

A little bit of original material (for a change).

Topic: Grilling

When grilling, you can get a quick start on your charcoal (better flavor than gas) by using a hair drier as a bellows.

After the starter fluid has burned down and given you the slightest hint of gray on the edges, apply hot, fast air from your hair drier. Very quickly, you will have a raging, hot set of coals. Let them simmer for a little while, put the cooler edge-coals in the middle of the hot ones and add more air. Move the hair drier around to get the heat out the sides that aren't blazing yet. When the coals are very gray, spread 'em, let your grill heat up and start grilling.

Since they'll burn down quicker this way, don't skimp on the coals.

Don't leave your food unattended for long, as you are using more heat than you may be used to.

Don't expect your wife to use this hair drier again. It will add a certain smokiness to her hair -- she probably won't like it. :^)

It's a good thing(tm) (Attribution requested when sharing this tip, please. (Hey, I have to get famous somehow... ;^))

More later...

After a long hiatus, brought on by travel and general lethargy, I bring you:

A two course helping of video commentary on Minneapolis:

1st course.

2nd course.

Editted for content - but not by me.