The Joys of a Tavern on a Rainy Day

Let's consider a couple of truisms as we sit at the bar of The Royale.We'll start with the notion of "the hive mind," a hot topic in the world of pop sociology. Can't listen to two-hours of NPR without hearing about the idea that "the hive mind" is taking over our world, especially with social networking becoming a daily part of our lives. (Look! We're all involved in it right now!) In the broadest terms, we're apparently getting smarter through our immediate interactions, as we take in influences from those in our vicinity. Meantime, a world of links take us to places that we can't, on our own, find. We need assistance. We need comforts. We need collegiality. We need tips and leads and motion, in order to learn on our own.We offer those things today at The Royale. In one corner of the room, a pair of young people are planning to launch a podcast. In another sector of the bar, a young man crunches through word puzzles. Music has been selected by all parties, adding to the unpredictability and ambiance. Together, we're not just having lunch, or a mid-day sip. We're engaging in "the hive mind," with discussions already having taken place on meteorology, the values of home-schooling and audio design.We also have beer on-tap, so don't assume it's all Poindexter-ish up in here.Tonight, Robert Griffin's walking the slats. He'd probably be talked into making some of the drinks found on last night's Cocktail Museum menu. At some point in the day, the late afternoon drinkers will roll in, and there's no better conversationalist than a member of that tribe. We'll listen to album sides until then; already, we've segued from Stereolab to The Who.With stores down to the barest of supplies - some rock candy, lamb shanks and sweet-'n'sour Polish relish is all that's left at the local Aldi's! - we can offer you the basic needs. Food, drink, collegial hello's and a spot at the bar where you can add your voice to the chorus.Maybe today's not a day to get crunk, though. We've been hearing something about ice.