The rhizome–root–of the blue ginger plant is known as “galangal” and is the one ingredient I couldn’t track down for the tom yum soup I made on Saturday. It’s also called “laos.” But it’s also called “John the Conqueroo,” a frequent player in blues songs and a component of a mojo bag. Coooool.

Via Dave, whose parents were never married.* We have to post these rules before we give you the facts. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules. At the end of your blog post, you need to

(fragment) I have this talent for sideways time, so when I graduated from high school, I got recruited by TimeLines Unlimited, Inc. Which is just a glorified bus company, for shuttling people around. Since most people can’t do sideways time, we just load ’em up on the bus and let them “sleep” the whole time

…on the Internet! Author Stephen Brust posts the following in his blog: “Does anyone remember the given name of Vlad’s father? I think I do, but I’m too lazy to look it up, and it would be so embarassing to be wrong.” –One the commenters responds: “Maybe Sethra Lavode is his father too…Vlad, I am

“Crazy” played on a theramin. …and here’s the original song, by Gnarls Barkley.

At first, it was shocking to see Martin–but she called him the Bibliophage–eat her books. First, he would inhale, savoring each part of the book, sometimes individual pages. Then he would remove the pages–either with a scalpel or by hand, keeping the edges as neat as possible–a sensual purr of torn fiber. And then, while

ataraxia (at-uh-RAK-see-uh) also ataraxy, noun A state of freedom from disturbance of mind. [From Greek ataraktos (not disturbed), from tarassein (to disturb).] -Anu Garg (words at wordsmith.org)

“A burglar? Of a sort,” the man whispered. His voice was as worn as Marinas, but rougher. “My name is Martin. I’m here to kill you and eat your books.” “My books?” she asked. “You’re going to eat my books?” At that, she stepped forward, flicked on the lights, and took a good look at

Isn’t there a world’s record category for the most awe-inspiring (geek inspiring?) Rube Goldberg machine? (via bOINGbOING.)

(via Doyce.) WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?Sort of; I think one of Dad’s ex-girlfriends was involved. Not Deanna Durbin. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?A week ago? DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?I used to; now it’s just my handwriting. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?Really good ham for a tomato, ham, and mayo on