There's so much going on in Talk week to week that we almost can't keep up. If you're in the same boat, here's a small selection of topics and responses that have piqued our interest this week.

The Food Lab: Real Texas Chili Con Carne

"Cook your chili con carne, and cook a pot of beans at the same time. When they are done, throw the beans out and eat chili like it was meant to be eaten. - Another Texas Ex " —Johnston

Wine Protips Video: How To Send Wine Back Without Looking Like A Jerk

[Photograph: Jessica Leibowitz]

"I like to yell "I WOULDN'T SERVE THIS SWILL TO A RABID HYENA!" and throw the bottle against the wall." —redfish

Hangover Helper: Waffle House Hash Browns

""I want you smothered want you covered like my Waffle House hashbrowns"

I can't go to Waffle House without wanting to sing that song. Which means I can't bring my 10 year old cousin to Waffle House." —cycorider

9 Taco Spots We Love in the Washington, D.C. Area

"How could you not mention El Chilango (aka taco truck by the side of route 50)??? These tacos were given to us by Jesus (literally--he's a nice guy to boot)." —katie570

Pizza Delivery BLACKOUT!?

"Call them up, tell them your friend is staking out the driveway from an upstairs window with a Mauser and a night vision scope. Tell him you both used to be in special ops and you can guarantee their safety in and out of the neighborhood and will provide cover fire if necessary." —meatntaters

Sauced: Hummus

[Photograph: Joshua Bousel]

"We were having a family dinner about 10 years ago for my husband's uncle who cooks Lebanese food. I made hummus and realized it was too lose. Too much olive oil. I added instant mashed potatoes. He loved the hummus and wanted my recipe. I hemmed and hawed and never did tell him what was in it. My husband wanted to know what was the deal, why wouldn't I give him the recipe? I finally fessed up and husband said "Yeah, just keep that to yourself." Thankfully uncle forgot about it. When ever he comes to our house for a meal I DO NOT make hummus. " —finsbigfan

These Beans are Killin Me!

"Beano could be your friend. And a friend of your friends if you know what I mean. " —Shecooks

The Times They are A-Changin'

"In short, the topics in Talk are cyclical in nature, and some folks stay for a long time and never post....some post constantly....SOME POST ONLY IN ALL CAPS... others only post from time to time. I myself have been here since hmmmm, 81' i think....I had to wait a while for @Akuban to catch up, (Nice of you to come as well @Ed) but it was worth the wait....Either way, there is a constant ebb and flow of people here and that will continue in perpetuity.

As far as people getting their hackles up over what this one or that one have said....don't be distressed gentle readers....after all, the offenders are more than likely sitting in a metal folding chair, naked, eating Cheetos and drinking Mellow Yellow out of a 2 litre bottle while wearing 7" stilettos and a cowboy hat...and how can you find that upsetting?! There are far worse sites where the folks are not as kind.

...I hope this has helped some of you, and for some perhaps eased your therapy bill...Either way.... I'll see you all later....I just ran out of Cheetos." —pavlov