This week Simon Rich kills Hitler…Muhammad Ali vs. the U.S.A…and a sweet and sour honeymoon.
Icebreaker: Anthony Bourdain Author and chef Anthony Bourdain crosses the line while crossing the road.
Small Talk: Tan Tax, Beard Ban, and Humans in Jeopardy
The staff at Marketplace tell you about some news items your dinner guests probably missed.
A History Lesson With Booze: Muhammed Ali vs. G.I. Joe and the “Butterfly Sting”
This week in back in 1967, Muhammad Ali — a practicing Muslim — suffered a major blow in his battle to be recognized as a conscientious objector; a jury sentenced him to 5 years for draft-dodging. But Ali wouldn’t go down with out a fight… and we relive the battle in liquid form with a “mocktail” even the teetotaling Ali wouldn’t mind going a few rounds with.
RECIPE (c) 2009 Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, TheLiquidMuse.com
In a cocktail shaker, muddle:
• 1 thyme sprig
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
Then add:
• 1 ounce honey syrup (1 part honey to 1 part water)
• 2 ounces apple juice
Strain into chilled martini glass and add:
• splash of club soda or nonalcoholic sparkling wine.
Lay another thyme sprig across the surface of the drink for garnish. Float like a butterfly… and sting like a butterfly.
Guest of Honor: Simon Rich
Former editor of National Lampoon, writer for Saturday Night Live, frequent contributor to the New Yorker, and author of two books of short comedy, Simon Rich, wrote a novel in his spare time. It’s called Elliot Allagash, and it’s about an evil billionaire high schooler who decides to entertain himself by transforming the class chump into the class champ. Rich introduces himself and talks about killing Hitler and stealing from Roald Dahl.
The Main Course: A sweet and sour honeymoon
Brendan crashes Rico’s honeymoon and learns about the Dodger Dog of Venice.
One For The Road: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin – “Sink/Let It Sway”
Yes, this band’s name is up there with Hootie and the Blowfish in the pantheon of bad names, but their sweet, medium-power pop, will win you over before you you can raise your hackles. Originally from Springfield, Missouri, SSLYBY, make indie-pop so pure, we recommend you cut it with some country ballads or risk having your heart flit away.
