The Wiki Room - Learning with Friendship

On Episode 61, we talk about how to make cooking more fun. Grilling is a method of cooking that has been adopted by almost every culture. In places like the United States, it is even the focal point of social events like barbecues and cookouts. Although not all of us have a grill, we all know someone that does. For me, that is my lovely co-host Ryan Hicks.

On Episode 60, we talk about a drink that gets us tipsy. Vodka is known to be one of the purest creations of alcoholic beverages. It is mainly composed of ethanol and water due to its distillation and filtration processing. As a result of its neutral flavor albeit burning sensation, it can be drunk neat or added to your favorite mixed drink.

On Episode 59, we talk about the superstore with a long line. Costco isn't like every other supermarket. It offers products in high quantities with extremely low prices, with a yearly membership fee. However, people don't just go for the great prices, they go for the experience and the happiness it gives them. So on this episode, not only do we talk about Costco, but we talk about how it m...

On Episode 58, we talk about cheese with an unknown expiration date. Cheese ripening, also known as aging, is process that has been developed throughout history. Aging cheese not only preserves it, but also gives it a unique taste and flavor. It is a process with so much biology and chemistry involved before the science was even understood.

On Episode 57, we dig into our favorite cookies and cream obsession. Oreo cookies are seen as one of a kind, but they started off as an imitation of another cookie sandwich. For decades, they strictly stuck with their original formulation, but in recent years, they have branched out into various flavors and concoctions. Although nothing beats the original Oreo, their drive for constant product cre...

On Episode 56, we throw a little beer into the mix. Pabst Blue Ribbon is a beer that has made it through the ebbs and flows of American history. It has evolved from being a beer drank by civil war veterans into one that is beloved by hipsters. If only they knew what we know now.

On Episode 55, we talk about one of the main struggles when you're trying to survive. Frostbite is a realistic possibility for anyone if you don't prepare for extremely cold conditions. As someone who has lived in LA their whole lives, it is not something I normally consider. However, when I do decide to venture out into the cold wilderness, this wiki article will be my North Star.

On Episode 54, we talk about countries and their favorite bevs to pour. National drinks can tell you about a lot about a country's culture and their use of resources. Russia has vodka, France has wine, and for some reason, Belgium has monks who brew exquisite beer. Usually, we love to talk about our favorite things, but now we want to find out theirs.

On Episode 53, we talk about Arnold's journey to the land of the free. His story of an Austrian-born kid coming to America to become one of the most famous bodybuilders and movie stars is unparalleled.

On Episode 52, we talk about what keeps your food as good as new. Food preservation techniques have been around since ancient history. People have always wondered how to keep their food shelf-stable not just as a hobby, but for a means of survival. As time has gone on and technology has evolved, these old techniques have been refined into new ones.

On Episode 51, Ryan and I try to make bad breath more fun. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a condition that has affected all of us at one point. Sometimes it can be an acute condition that is easily remedied, and other times it points to an underlying condition. Regardless, we try to learn more on this topic so that we can expand our knowledge further, and talk closer.

On Episode 50, we talk about the dystopian novel that makes the wiki crew giddy. The Hunger Games is one of many book trilogies that has been turned into a feature film, but this is one that we hold close to our hearts. For the young adult. this trilogy had everything you needed; violence, romance, and a little competition.

On Episode 49, we talk about the liquor that goes well with lime. Tequila is a liquor like no other. It is a distilled beverage that is heavily preserved by culture and can only be crafted in Mexico. Some theorize that it makes them act an eccentric way when consumed in moderate quantities, and who are we to judge? Until the next morning. So join Ryan and I while we talk about Tequila, and appreci...

On Episode 48, we talk about our favorite holiday before it's too late. Christmas dinner is an event that comes around literally every year. It is a time to gather with family to make up for any time lost. It is an opportunity to be with the ones you love and to share great food. You laugh, you recollect old memories, and maybe play a game or two. It doesn't have to be perfect, but it does...

On Episode 47, we talk about adhesives with Ryan and Kevin. We know that adhesives might not be the most interesting topic to discuss, but Ryan knows how much I love the science behind the scenes, so he indulged my curiosity. So, we know superglue is sticky , but why is it SUPER sticky? And why does it go bad so quickly?!? These are questions you might not ponder in daily life, but we definitely h...

On Episode 46, we talk about a coping mechanism we use as a quick fix. Projection is a natural behavior that we use as a defense mechanism to boost self-esteem, but also as a tool to relate to others. It has been theorized that we use it as a way to empathize with other people by utilizing our own personal experiences. It is a term mostly used in a negative connotation, and we all try to avoid doi...

On Episode 45, we talk about the one day turkeys thrive, kinda. Thanksgiving dinner is a tradition that is founded on historical origins, but has evolved more into a day that families in the United States gather to spend quality time with relatives, and most of all, eat good food. There is so much that is brought to the table including a variety of meats, side dishes, drinks, and desserts. So let...

On Episode 44, we find some theories to explore. Conspiracy theories are a human phenomenon that mixes some reason with a little imagination. It is natural for us to question significant historical events that happen around us, and wonder if there is more to it. Maybe a president's assassination was masterminded by a secret group of intelligent elitists, or the earth is just a fun video game f...

On Episode 43, we talk about an artist with limitless popularity. Frank Ocean has quite possibly been one of the most influential artists of the 2000's. His unique sound and lyrics seem to resonate so specifically with us, making us feel seen and acknowledged. Through his music, he paints a story of his own life experience and also finds a way to make us reflect on our own.

On Episode 42, we learn about wine and its process too. The production of wine started long, long ago before the process was even understood. It was something that happened by chance. Some fruit was probably left out for too long, someone took a taste and liked how they felt. That's probably not exactly how it happened but it was definitely a happy accident. Then as humanity and science develo...

On Episode 41, we discuss a psychological concept that is known to some. Gaslighting is a term used quite commonly nowadays to describe the "perception of deception." Its origins are rooted in a more psychiatric context, but it has evolved into a broader term that is used to describe arguments in personal relationships. So, the Wiki Crew decides to sift through the article to see if we c...

On Episode 40, we decide to get a little corny. Breakups are an emotional event that we've all experienced one way or another. Whether it be a romantic breakup or one between friends. It's an experience full of emotion and hardship. It is something that we all try to avoid, but is sometimes inevitable. And with that recognized inevitability, Ryan and I try to come to terms with our own reality.

On Episode 39, we talk about the most popular energy drink of all time. Red Bull was one of the global pioneers of the energy drink trend. However, it was actually inspired by another energy drink that originated in Thailand. Red Bull saw the potential mass appeal of a drink that can cure sleepiness and jumpstart productivity. So, with a little bit of creative marketing and a dash of capitalism, t...

On Episode 38, Excedrin is the topic up for debate. Excedrin has been known for decades as the go-to pill to stop headaches and migraines. We know it as a brand, but sometimes don't think twice about its active components. It is an elixir of 3 active ingredients that come together to dissolve any pain or ache. We choose to use to it with no hesitation, but as usual, the Wiki Crew wants to know...

On Episode 37, we get into our favorite topical obsession. Food is something we all enjoy, but we all have different ways of enjoying it. Based on the region we live in, we have different ingredients at our culinary disposal. Our ancestors worked with what resources they had and developed the national dishes we've learned to love in present day.