In our opinion /Sticks and stones may break my bones but words are replaced with emojis

Editorial | January 27th, 2016

What we have here is a failure to communicate

Is the pen mightier than the app?

Social media is saturated with links with pages and pages of lists. One of which included “words that need to die in 2016,” such as “bae,” “fleek,” “hashtag,” etc. With the advent of social media, are we in danger of losing our regionalisms and colloquialisms -- i.e. phrases that distinguish us from the rest of the world -- and be faced with a strange universal social media slang?

Ya sure, you betcha.

Thank goodness the most obnoxious phrases are preserved due to irony… whether it be you betchas, being on fleek, or incorporating some eccentric intoxicated individual you met at a dive bar last week, who communicated with clicks and pops, into your own vernacular.

Will shorthand be replaced by pictures rather than words as we are given the option to order food with emojis rather than communicating with words? Will unity be achieved by the global sharing of cat photos?

Let’s not jump to conclusions, there has to be some kind of explanation. In a fast-paced world full of gadgets and screens, are we seeking a simpler way to communicate? With less and less human interaction and more and more screen time, are we looking for some kind of interaction or emotion without actually having to emote? Maybe the Tamagotchis of the ‘90s were a digital gateway drug.

Tamagotchis were a fad of the mid to late ‘90s and were essentially keychain sized digital pets that had to be cleaned, fed, and interacted with, by the simple pressing of buttons. If you neglected them you would soon find them depressed and eventually belly up with Xs in their eyes indicative of their passing. Then the whole process would have to start over.

At least emojis aren’t that needy -- in 2016 we rely on our devices to console, entertain, and aid in our own self expression.

It’s ON...

As the cocktail showdown drew to a close, the three fearless judges not only got a weekly buzz but a bit of an education from Fargo-Moorhead’s top mixologists. The next step in our boozy venture will be The Bartender’s Battle, which will consist of eight competitors, equipped with a full bar with the finest of ingredients, all aiming to please our panel of judges in front of an audience.

This year’s Bartender’s Battle will be at The Crystal Ballroom (Ramada Plaza and Suites) Sunday, February 28th from 6-11p.m.

We are shooting for a Vegas-themed event this year complete with craps tables, roulette wheels, showgirls ala Blue Belle’s Burlesque, and an Elvis Presley costume contest. Stuck on what to wear? Channel your inner Sinatra… think Rat Pack, old Vegas class, brush up on your showgirl strut, or dress like you’re ready to hit the strip.

This event couldn’t happen without our Sponsors. Republic National Distributing Company will be supplying all of the spirits and will also be promoting new products, along with Whiskey Fest and the Fargo Chapter of the Bartender’s Guild.

Bergseth Brothers will be providing the beer, cider and a new secret product they have been holding on reserve just for the occasion. Thank you sponsors, for not only contributing to our event, but for doing what you do for our bar and restaurant community.

And remember, kids, whatever happens in Fargo can only make you North Dakota legendary.

Last but not least -- our competitors:

Elijah Larson from Proof Distillers

Jared Winmill from Rustica Tavern

Kyle Berglund from Rustica Restaurant

Steve Dahl from The Fargo Cork’ n Cleaver

Mistelle Stein from The Sidestreet

Andrew Hardy from Usher’s House

Matthew Llewellan from the HoDo Lounge

Anthony Dub from the Green Mill