eing the media hound I am, I’ve noticed a common theme to the news coverage of the last few weeks: It’s snowing. A lot. Except in Vancouver, where it's raining. Fortunately, we Bostonians are (at least by this measure) significantly more competent than the hapless fools in Washington (where the federal government of the world’s greatest superpower was shut down by the weather). We’ve also been lucky enough to have gotten a lot less snow this season than, say, Texas.

Another truism of the Winter of 2010 is that the weather forecasts have been laughably inaccurate. But just in case we get hit with a wicked nor’easter, here are my favorite things to do:

Have a beer at a friend’s house.

Stay warm and travel the world at the same time.

Feel more bourgeois than I really am with some melted delicacies.

Enjoy a steaming bowl of clam chowder.

Chow down on some ice cream. Don’t make fun. I have needs.

Mardi Gras

Sure, Mardi Gras was technically Tuesday, and Boston doesn’t feel much like New Orleans, but if you want to celebrate a belated Fat Tuesday, the weekend awaits. My top pick? The Mickey Bliss 18th annual Mardi Gras Party at Johnny D’s Uptown. Not only is this one of the longest-running Mardi Gras parties in the city; it also features funk-soul maestros the Chicken Slacks. There’s no better soundtrack to Mardi Gras, so the Slacks’ vacation from their usual gig at the Cantab is especially welcome. Friday (February 19), 9 p.m.

Speaking of Friday funk… The Parliament Funkadelic mothership is stopping at the House of Blues this weekend. I had the privilege of seeing P-Funk in New Orleans during the Jazz and Heritage Festival, and all I can say is: Damn.

If you’re looking for some other Mardi Gras secrets, here’s half a dozen of them.

In Your Ear

There’s nothing I love more than righteous lyrics and afro-beat sensibilities. With that in mind, world music sensations Rubblebucket are playing their homecoming show upstairs at the Middle East Saturday (February 20), coming off a serious Northeast tour and touting a set list jam-packed with new material. 8 p.m., Middle East Upstairs, $10, $12 day of show, 18+)

Check It

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is known for its rich collection of art (obvi). What you didn’t know is that it’s also one of the best places in town to schmooze and booze…if you know when to go. Every third Thursday, the museum hosts After Hours, featuring open galleries, live music, and a well-stocked (cash) bar. This locale is best in the summer, but if you’re looking for a sneak peak before the season picks up, now is the time. This is my go-to after-work spot, so if you get enough of me through Hidden Agenda or via Twitter, you may want to steer clear. 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., $12, $5 for students, free for members.

Speaking of museums, the Institute of Contemporary Art is free on Thursdays. BOOYAH. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Bottoms Up

Cheryl already scooped me on this in Fork & Dagger, but American Craft will replace the defunct (as of this week) Roadhouse in Brookline. Among other things, the new restaurant—owned by the people who brought you Publick House—will have 40 American craft beers on tap. If Beer Advocate gave it a shout out, that’s good enough for me. (I guess that’s another secret, too: Beer Advocate is one of the best beer mags, well, ever.)

Don’t want to go all the way to Brookline? Hit up the Harpoon IPA brewery for a daily tasting or weekend tour. There’s a limit, but, hey, free is free.

…And I’m Spent

This video’s a little old, but I’ve been saving it for a special occasion. President Barack Obama invited GOPers to a summit on health care last week to see if there was even a remote possibility of compromise. Republicans and conservative pundits are, however, wary. Why? Let Jon Stewart tell you via clip montage:

What? You don’t think Admiral Akbar is funny? For shame. Keller