Pandora, an internet radio “station” resulting from the Musical Genome Project. Basically, the MGP “maps” the various intricacies of songs (i.e. vocal style, lyrical semantics, timbre of instruments etc) into genetic “codes”. Then you can take this info and, for instance, start with one group or song you like. The database then tries to find other tunes that might suit you. It isn’t perfect, and quite frankly kind of creepy –ala amazon’s “other people who bought this book” thing. Still, not a bad way to hear some new music.

Here’s an article.

BTW

See you on test day, lads.

Wine taster’s tip #154

Most people don’t realize that the foil seal on wine bottles comes right off whole with a little twist and tug.

So next time you and your guests are eagerly awaiting the uncorking of another merlot, just wrap your fist round the end of the bottle and nonchalantly pull the foil off–all the while looking jadedly upwards and to the left. Believe me: they’ll crap their pants.

Alternatively, while wringing the foil cap off, casually mention that “most people don’t realize that…” while you do it. Then you’ll earn extra SP (snotty prick) points. It’s even better when you do this and the foil doesn’t come off easily; then you can cattily observe that it of course doesn’t work on such an inferior vintage. Oh, how they will love you.

Happy wining, and ’till next uncorking!

Hoopla. We’ve missed the bus back to Dresden and have decided to stay in {{popup seinepan1.jpg seinepan1 2008×460}}Paris forever. I’ll have more pictures in a few hours.