20 Million Bubbles in that Bottle of Champagne

A bevy of bits and pieces this evening.

• Ah, the spoils of international mega rock stardom. Via MercuryNews.com:

MARIN COUNTY — Metallica rock band leader James Hetfield has donated to Marin County a 330-acre agricultural conservation easement near his home on land overlooking Lucas Valley.

…The donation is adjacent to another 438.5 acres that Hetfield donated previously as an open space easement. Both donations essentially vacate development rights on the land, preserving it for open space and agriculture, while also providing a massive ring of open space around Hetfield’s home and property.

• Wired on why geologists love beer.

Rick Saltus of the U.S. Geological Survey explained that because geologists often don’t have enough data to say definitively what went on millions of years ago, creativity is needed to fill in the gaps.

“You have to think outside the box, you’ve got to release your inhibitions, and beer is one way to do that,” Saltus said.

Right the fuck on.

• More booze. The WSJ on the chemistry of carbonation in sparkling wine. There are apparently 20 million bubbles in a bottle of champagne. 20 million!

• Dog Gone lists top albums for 2009. While we’re at it, here’s MPomy’s ’09 playlist.