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    trendysomething in somo

    Introducing The Intoxication Index: A real world drunkenness rating (nobreathalyzer required)

    Steven Devadanam
    Jul 9, 2010 | 2:12 pm
    • "Where's my SCRAM anklet?!" (On my way from jury duty to an ex's civil unionceremony.)
      Photo by Justin Bogert
    • We coach each other before interviews each morning.
      Photo by Haloise Redding
    • "LOL did you just come out to me?" "Let's do more shots!"
      Photo by Justin Bogert
    • Be sure to pass out on the grass before you start hitting on your ex's newsister-in-law.
    • Fall in love with your RFL atop an H2 - it's worth the $225 fine.
      Photo by Allison Burnham

    Living in one of the nation's most diverse cities presents a broad spectrum of experiences: Ethnic eateries, obscure art exhibitions, completely inaccessible HOV lanes. While absorbing this cultural mélange, the wide range of accompanying drinking states is not to be overlooked. To make sense of the confusion, I recently sat down with my RFL (Roommate for Life) and compiled this worthy list of options to sip away the majority of your leisure time:

    Concert Drunk: Standing through the mediocre opening act of a band (which could be equally disappointing) at Walter's or Mango's can be one of the most excruciating experiences known to hipsterkind. The only option is to drown out the noxious sounds by smashing empty cans of PBR on the ground or the harsh crinkle of a plastic water bottle filled with "purse gin."

    Interview Drunk: In this tough job market, interviews have become a daily experience for some. So why not make it a party? It's only honest to let your future employer know what a mess you are. Interview trick: Eyes open, mouth shut. It will prevent you from saying something sloppy (or vom-ing on your cover letter).

    Funeral Drunk: The word "callous" isn't in my vocabulary, so there's no reason not to excuse yourself midway through the eulogy for a sip of something strong. If you're commemorating the life of a fun pal, then it's expected to get a little tipsy. Or a lot tipsy. Note: People will judge when you suggest they go home with you for the "after-party." Don't fret it — this is the time to celebrate life!

    Intervention Drunk: Sometimes when your "fun friend" gets a little too fun, it's time for an intervention — which is most likely at a time when you're ripe for being cut off as well. Isn't it beautiful to take a friend aside at a bar and tell him to "get it together" as you mindlessly slump against the wall? Or if you're carrying out a full-scale rehab-bound intervention, it's a good idea to ease the pain with a blender of fruity mixed drinks.

    Ex's Wedding Drunk: "We're still friends" is one of those awful phrases whose cruel reality is the most poignant at the ex's nuptials. If the event doesn't have an open bar, then you at least have the closure that it wasn't meant to be.

    Coming Out Drunk: Whether it's with family or friends, letting people know what's up can be an awkward moment, so serve up your new sexual orientation on ice. Whether margaritas at Cafe Adobe (so subtle!) or a little house party, wetting one's whistle makes the hard news a little easier to swallow.

    Jury Duty Drunk: For the time being, jury duty is not the most glam way to spend a morning. Accompany your early summons with a swig of an Odwalla mimosa — if you're not immediately sent home, you'll at least be arrested and completely avoid jury duty.

    METRORail Drunk: I'm not talking about drinking on public transit — I got that out of my system after consuming a two-liter mixed drink I brought onto a commuter train in college (I passed out somewhere in the foothills of the Pyrenees). What I'm describing is that surprising state that follows a hard night of partying, in which you awake miraculously still intoxicated.

    I admit, there have been a few Friday mornings in which I walk myself to the Museum District station, sloppily whistling and pretending that I'm not sweating mojito. Riding the rail is green, prevents drunk rush hour driving, and you're sure to make friends with the professional alcoholics who call light rail cars home.

    Terminal B Drunk: The wretched middle child of George Bush International Airport, Terminal B is like an Express Jet graveyard — so why not treat it like a funeral? The terminal houses a wide array of solidly mediocre eateries, making it easy to indulge in overpriced margaritas. Don't feel bad about letting yourself go — you can always catch the next flight, and if you forget to close your tab, then you'll know exactly where you left your credit card upon your return.

    Museum Drunk: In recent years, museums have been staying open late in a move to lure in twentysomethings with cocktails and culture. This is one of those nights to bring out the friend with parents on the museum board: You'll cut through the lines, save up to $3 on drinks and, best of all, be showered with stares of jealousy by your peers. Deny any accusations of a drunken hookup in the science museum's "Journey through the Earth" elevator — but definitely keep the photos.

    H2 Limo Drunk: Limos have a use between prom and funerals: Nights of ironic hedonism. "My goal for 2010 is to end up in as many Hummer limos this year as possible," attests a close friend, adding, "This weekend will be number three."

    You can even make a drinking game out of "Who can break the most champagne flutes?" while contemplating the joys of drinking beneath the watchful gaze of LED-laced mirrors.

    unspecified
    news/city-life

    This Week's Hot Headlines

    Historic Houston hotel unveils major makeover and more top stories

    CultureMap Staff
    Apr 11, 2026 | 11:00 am
    Sam Houston lobby
    Historic Houston hotel glows after top to bottom renovations
    Sam Houston Hotel is refreshed and ready for guests.

    Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, featuring a downtown hotel's major glow-up and a toast to our Tastemaker Awards nominees. Read on for more of the week's top stories, then find the best things to do this weekend right here.

    1. Historic Houston hotel glows after top to bottom renovations. As downtown Houston street construction smothers locals ahead of the FIFA World Cup, a Lamar High School alum has quietly restored a Federalist-style landmark hotel to its former glory.

    2. Houston's 10 best bars of 2026 power a diverse drinking scene. It’s been a brilliant year for Houston’s bar scene, and the 10 contenders for the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Bar of the Year category are all heavyweights in their own right.

    3. The 11 best restaurants of 2026 showcase Houston's world-class status. The time has come for our final categories leading up to the annual Tastemaker Awards. Meet the 11 nominees for Restaurant of the Year.

    Credence food spread Credence is a ranch-inspired live fire restaurant. Courtesy of Credence

    4. Texas sees 5th highest surge in gas prices in the U.S. since 2025. Houston residents who are feeling the sting at the gas pump aren't alone: Residents all around Texas are seeing soaring prices for regular and diesel fuel in 2026.

    5. Texas' 2 national parks boast best scenery in the U.S., per report. Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Big Bend National Park out in far west Texas offer the best views of the American wilderness in 2026, according to a new national list.

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