Weeknotes: February 9–13, 2026
Monday, February 9
On the television, a hulking blue-clad figure slips down the mountain, video drones screaming overhead, capturing the bird's eye view of his 80mph descent. "He's loose as a handful of sand," says color commentator Steve Porino. At six feet tall, Italian skier Dominik Paris is a mountain of a man, nicknamed "King of Bormio" for the number of World Cup wins (seven) he's claimed in this locale. He's also the frontman for groove metal band Rise of Voltage. Despite his dominance in alpine skiing, he's never made the podium in any of his four previous Olympic appearances. This is his fifth and final shot. He takes home the bronze.
Weeknotes: February 2–6, 2026
Monday, February 2
"I hate how good it is."
I just poured two fingers of Kirkland Signature Islay Malt Whisky, a birthday gift from my brother, who misses no opportunity to troll me for my aversion to Costco.
"Is it ok?"
"It's legit Islay malt… tastes like Laphroig."
"Put it in a different bottle."
"No, I will participate in your cult, albeit second hand."
I'm also wearing the Costco Wholesale sweatshirt he got me for Christmas two years ago — I won't be seen in public wearing it, but I loathe to admit it's become my preferred house hoodie.
I don't understand the Costco obsession so many of my friends have. They'll spend 30 minutes comparing notes about the impressive blocks of cheese, bulk frozen ravioli, or in this case, repackaged booze they managed to score, all of it emblazoned with that godawful black and red logo. Am I just a grump? I appreciate a bargain and I know they have a decent reputation, but being inside a Costco is an aesthetic nightmare. It makes me feel 20 years older.
Maybe I will pull out my decanter after all, and give this good whisky the home it deserves.