Rolling Stones urinal

Are you honored that I thought of you, my blogging audience, as soon as I saw this urinal at the Mantashoff Beerhouse (Karechuradun) on Mashdots?

That wasn't the only highlight of the weekend. I finally ate the famous ghapaman, a dish made famous by the Harout Pampoukjian song, "Hey jan, ghapaman, hamov hodov ghapaman...". I'd been bugging Arousiak to make it for perhaps a year, before I finally tasted the fruit of my whining. I must say she did a great job on her first try, and I might have to try making it myself. It's basically a baked pumpkin, stuffed with rice which is spiked with cinnamon, nuts and dried fruits. Very light and healthy... it should be on every Armenian Thanksgiving/Christmas table I'd say.

And finally, I'm happy to see that Skeptik Sinikian has included my suggestion for peoples Christmas lists, when it comes to Armenian gift ideas. To quote him (quoting me):

From Raffi in Cilicia--"An interesting option for you to consider is Liberty Orchards. Back in 1920 these Armenians started selling "Lokhum" as Aplets and Cotlets and they have become pretty popular in the NW. But elsewhere they are virtually unknown and we should be eating them instead of "Turkish Delight." Promoting this among Armenians could give them a big boost in the Southwest, and the Northeast... especially if they get their non-Armenian friends hooked. You can check out their website for more info: www.libertyorchards.com/. "

Raffi, I couldn't agree with you more. First of all, thank you for writing. Second of all, who doesn't like "Lokhums?" So what if they sound like a character from the "Lord of the Rings" Trilogy? I'm all for getting non-Armenians hooked on products of Armenian origin. Let's just get a copyright on the stuff before it becomes too popular so the next time I'm at the local Trader Joe's, grocery store I don't pop a vein when I see bread being sold with the following label "Original Hawaiian Lavash Bread." (True story! I was so upset, I almost didn't accept the free sample of the cocktail weenies they were offering I said ALMOST)