This Day in History–Sept 30th Part 2

James Dean was the epitome of cool.   Sadly – his life ended to soon.

At 5:45 PM on this day in 1955, 24-year-old actor James Dean is killed in Cholame, California, when the Porsche he is driving hits a Ford Tudor sedan at an intersection. The driver of the other car, 23-year-old California Polytechnic State University student Donald Turnupseed, was dazed but mostly uninjured; Dean’s passenger, German Porsche mechanic Rolf Wütherich was badly injured but survived. Only one of Dean’s movies, “East of Eden,” had been released at the time of his death (“Rebel Without a Cause” and “Giant” opened shortly afterward), but he was already on his way to superstardom--and the crash made him a legend.

I usually do not believe in Movie Stars influencing people with their image…..but ever there was one who did, it as James Dean.  I wonder how many kids took up smoking to look as cool as he did.

As a side note, I would like to thank my Sophomore High School Teacher – Mr. Robert Ort, for introducing me to James Dean, Bartleby the Scrivener and the true meaning of being Sophomoric.  I don’t know where he is now – but I am pretty sure he has passed on.  Wherever he is, I hope he remembers Eddie the Bell (“Ding Ding”) and smiles. 

Cheers -

This Day in History–Sept 30th Part 1

I love Babe Ruth.  He single handily changed Baseball – and did so as a womanizing, hard living drinker and smoker.

You can read two other posts about him HERE and HERE, but today we honor one of his greatest achievements.

On this day in history – Sept 30th 1927, Babe Ruth hits his 60th home run of the 1927 season and with it sets a record that would stand for 34 years.

Of course – if I needed any other reason to love The Babe – all I would have to do is look at these two pictures taken in Chicago in 1927 – for the ND vs USC game.

Beer and Politics

You can definitely tell it is election year – ie, the year of made up/skewed surveys.

Apparently the Scarborough Research Center interviewed 200K people, and two of the questions they asked were Political Affiliation and the Beer they drink. 

Personally, I call Bullshit – especially when they say Blue Moon is drunk by High Turnout Republicans.

If you want to read an article about it ( and see where this graphic came from) – visit What Your Beer Says About Your Politics

Bad News–Summit Late Winery

I heard about this last night, and was just able to confirm.

Good Wine, Excellent location – Summit Lake, you will be missed.

 

 

That’s One Expensive Beer

Talk about overreacting.

As I have stated many times, I have lived in Europe (and even visited Zagreb on a contract) and if there is ever a culture for having a beer during the day….it is there.

I really do not get the big deal for popping one open – to me it doesn't warrant kicking the guy of the bus, and definitely not such a crazy fine.

In 2011- there wasn't an NFL fine that came even close to this (if you exclude the BountyGate).

I guess it just goes to show that Management and League officials in Soccer are just as melodramatic and overreacting as their players.

Footballer fined €100,000 for drinking can of beer

Croatia champions Dinamo Zagreb have ordered defender Domagoj Vida to pay a 100,000 euro (£79,717) fine for opening a can of beer on the club's bus en route to a game.

"It was the most expensive beer Vida has ever had," the Jutarnji List newspaper joked.

Coach Ante Cacic immediately ordered Vida, 23, to leave the bus, which left on Monday for a cup game against lower flight side NK Vrsar later on Tuesday.

"The Dinamo management has decided to punish Vida, a Croatia international with 14 caps, with a financial penalty of 100,000 euros for his behaviour," the club, which have won the last seven Croatian championships, said on their website.

In August, Brazilian-born Dinamo midfielder Sammir was fined 270,000 euros for partying in a Zagreb night club on the eve of a Champions League qualifying match against Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol.

The average monthly salary in Croatia is around 750 euros.

Butt Chugging

The Highlight of my day…..Anderson Cooper saying “Butt Chugging”

 

Arthur’s Day 2012

 

Even though I will be at the Firestone Walker Beer Dinner – I will be making a point to have at least ONE pint of the black stuff – raising a toast to Arthur – hope you will too.

Cheers -

Arlington Cemetary–a Friend remembers

I hope I have friends like this -

This guy was at Arlington Cemetary. He visits his buddy every Friday night and continues the tradition of having a beer together. Then he packs up, pats the tombstone, and heads back to his truck.

I have a new favorite song

Its funny how things turn out.

Today, I logged onto FB and saw that TommyG was going to be a radio guest on our friend Rex’s Radio show on KOPN 89.5

Of course, as fate would have it – TommyG was talking about Porch Light Storyteller Series at Cafe Berlin in CoMO – and I tuned in just as he was telling the story – How Much Scotch to kill a Freemason.  This is a story I play a part in and I loved hearing it on the radio.   We are even thinking about getting it here on S&B to help promote the Porch Light– so stay tuned.

Anyway, as Rex was wrapping the show – the bumper out music was Whiskey in the Jar – and it was sung by a little kid…..and I loved it.  Later, Rex told me it was Adam and the High Kings, but that isn’t the full story.

Linked below is Adam O’Sullivan’s story, followed by a rendition of the song performed live.  Please read the story and watch the first video before jumping straight to the song….it makes it that much better.

Damn is it Dusty in here -

Adam O’Sullivan -

On the eve of Darren Holden leaving for Tanzania to complete the 'Climb for Kids' Kilimanjaro Challenge in aid of the Crumlin Children's Hospital and National Research Centre, the High Kings performed Whiskey in the Jar on the Late Late Show with 8 year old Adam O'Sullivan. Adam has a brain tumour and is a patient at the Crumlin Hospital and a huge fan of the High Kings. The song is being released as a charity single for Crumlin Hospital and Temple St Hospital.

http://adamosullivan.me

 

Beer and Radiation

In early 1955, the US Government conducted a series of nuclear test explosions as part of a project named Operation Teapot.

One of the purposes of this, was to help establish military tactics for ground forces in nuclear battlefield – and part of that included survivability, thus Project 32.2a: The Effect of Nuclear Explosions on Commercially Packaged Beverages.

Buy setting various beverages throughout the blast area (in basements, exposed and buried), they wished to learn what could survive as a viable source of fluids for human consumption in the event of a nuclear blast.

Interestingly, aside from physical damage – Canned/Bottled Sodas and Beers faired well and are (reasonably) safe to use as an alternate hydration source.

I will admit – this story has made its rounds quite a bit lately, so I almost didn’t write about it due to media saturation…..but, Debi sent me some interesting information that somewhat ties to it, and it is so seldom she submits to the blog, that I knew I had to put everything else out there.

From Debi -

Food

Every food has some small amount of radioactivity in it. The common radionuclides in food are potassium 40 (⁴⁰K), radium 226 (²²⁶Ra) and uranium 238 (²³⁸U) and the associated progeny. Here is a table of some of the common foods and their levels of ⁴⁰K and ²²⁶Ra.

Natural Radioactivity in Food

Food	40K pCi/kg	226Ra pCi/kg
Banana	3,520	1
Brazil Nuts	5,600	1,000-7,000
Carrot	3,400	0.6-2
White Potatoes	3,400	1-2.5
Beer	390	---
Red Meat	3,000	0.5
Lima Bean raw	4,640	2-5
Drinking water	---	0-0.17

Ref: Handbook of Radiation Measurement and Protection, Brodsky, A. CRC Press 1978 and Environmental Radioactivity from Natural, Industrial and Military Sources, Eisenbud, M and Gesell T. Academic Press, Inc. 1997.

So there you have it folks – when the Shit Hits the Fan…..stock up on Beer, its the healthier alternative.

My thought on World Affairs

Firestone Walker Beer Dinner

I make no bones about it – I love eating and drinking at 44 Stone Public House.  With an ever changing tap line-up (so much so that they have Tap Cams) and an excellent kitchen staff – this is probably one of the best dining experiences in Columbia Missouri.

Back in June, I had the pleasure of attending a Beer Pairing Dinner with Perennial Beer.  Everyone had a great time and the evening was perfect – and this with a beer that I am not a strong advocate of, so I cannot imagine what it will be like imagine what it will be like with the announcement of the upcoming Firestone Walker event.

Firestone Walker Brewing Company is a California Based brewery that has slowly been building a following in the Craft Brewing arena – especially with their four time World Beer Cup Championships (2004, 2006, 2010, 2012).  An excellent brewery, but sadly – not a lot of penetration in Missouri, so we’ve had to enjoy it via bottles….until now.

Thursday September 27th sees them brining in some excellent beers, to be paired with a 6-Course Meal.

The thought of the following beer list paired with Mark’s Cooking definitely sets my mouth watering.   If you are like me, you are definitely jumping out to BrownPaperTickets.Com to book you spot – Hopefully I will see you there.

Cheers -

Union Jack IPA -

• Rate Beer - 99 Overall 100 Style
• Beer Advocate – BA Score 94 The Bros 100

Walker’s Reserve Porter

• Rate Beer Overall 97 Style 99
• Beer Advocate – BA Score 84 The Bros N/A

Double Jack IPA

• Rate Beer Overall 100 Style 99
• Beer Advocate – BA Score 94 The Bros N/A

Double DBA

• Rate Beer – Overall 99 Style 96
• Beer Advocate –Only rates the Experimental with one review, rated 4.25 of 5

Wookey Jack Black Rye IPA

• Rate Beer – Overall 100 Style 99
• Beer Advocate – BA Score 93 The Bros N/A

Parabola

• Rate Beer – Overall 100 Style 99
• Beer Advocate – BA Score 99 The Bros N/A

The Pipe is BACK!!! Beat Michigan!!!

Notre Dame is doing everything right this year. 

They are beating teams, playing OUTSTANDING Defence and even Coach Kelly is maintaining his cool on the sidelines.

Now we know what a quality person Manti Te’o is, the ushers at the stadium are letting people stand and cheer under the new Take A StaND program, and now the final piece of the puzzle is falling into place – traditions are being revisited.

THE PIPE is BACK!!!

I should have known something was up – when I got a Father’s Day gift from my son, and I saw the University was bringing the pipe back into the marketing.   As I alluded in Where Did the Pipe Go, it seemed that political correctness had over swept one of the most storied programs in College Football.  I openly doubted the Pipe would return.

Well – I was wrong, and what a perfect week to be wrong.

Go Irish, BEAT MICHIGAN

PS – if you are wondering about the Leis this weekend, this explains it

A MASH Martini Quote

Since TheProfessor reminded me of it, here you go -

"I'd like a dry martini, Mr. Quoc, a very dry martini. A very dry, arrid, barren, desiccated, veritable dustbowl of a martini. I want a martini that could be declared a disaster area. Mix me just such a martini."

Hawkeye Pierce
"There Is Nothing Like a Nurse"

PS – if you want to be the Complete Series of MASH – it is called Martinis and Medicine Complete Collection

This Day in History Sept 17 1972–MASH

My Dad loved the TV Show MASH.  He loved the books and the movie too – but the TV Show ran constant in our house as I was growing up.

I learned everything I know about Medicine from this, and to this day I call my pocket knife a “Tom Mix”. 

It was this show that made me believe everyone in the Army were drunks – and I honestly tried to live up to those shenanigans during my service (did we succeed Alby?).

Here is the synopsis of the first episode -

The eponymous pilot episode of M*A*S*H was filmed and completed in December, 1971. The episode's original airing took place on September 17, 1972, and it was repeated twice, on April 1 and August 5, 1973. It was written by Larry Gelbart and directed by Gene Reynolds, who received the Directors Guild of America Award for it. It was also nominated for Emmys in Directing and Writing.

Ho-Jon, the houseboy of Captains Hawkeye Pierce and Trapper John McIntyre, has been accepted to Hawkeye's college, but they must first raise a tuition for him. They hold a party while their commanding officer, Lt. Col Henry Blake, is away. There, they raffle off a weekend's R & R in Tokyo along with the company of a nurse, much to the chagrin of Majors Frank Burns and Margaret Houlihan.

It was in the Pilot episode that Frank first destroys THE Still from the SWAMP (pictured above)– and it was the research for this quick post that lead me to MASH4077thTV.Com – where they have a comprehensive look at THE Still throughout the series.   Its like a trip down memory lane…..one that ends with the Smithsonian

USC Blows

I guess now we know why USC lost to Stanford.

First Picture of Beer Drinking?

Believed to be one of the earliest (if not first) picture of someone drinking beer – I love the fact that we even know the brand….and that one of them is named Bell.

Cheers and Thanks to Mike C. for passing it over to me.

Edinburgh Ale: James Ballantine, Dr George Bell and David Octavius Hill

The skills involved in producing calotypes were not only of a technical nature. Hill’s sociability, humour and his capacity to gauge the sitters’ characters all played a crucial part in his photography. He is shown here on the right, apparently sharing a drink and a joke with James Ballantine and Dr George Bell. Bell, in the middle, was one of the commissioners of the Poor Law of 1845, which reformed poor relief in Scotland. Ballantine was a writer and stained-glass artist, and the son of an Edinburgh brewer. On the table are three glasses of ale. According to a contemporary account, Edinburgh ale was "a potent fluid, which almost glued the lips of the drinker together".

A Beer Bottle DYI Project

Need an artsy type of project to do with your kids, but still need a beer (or two) to keep calm?

Why not combine the two?  Follow this link to learn How To Turn A Beer Bottle Into A Glass

The Presidents and Beer

In honor of Constitution Day – lets talk about our Presidents and Beer -

First, over at 11points.com, they list the Top 11 Drunk Presidents and the reason they listed them as such.

While I would have expected Grant to rank higher, I found it interesting none the less.

Here is the list, but hear over 11 Drunkest Presidents in US History for more on the subject.

1. John Adams
2. Martin van Buren
3. Franklin Pierce
4. James Buchana
5. Ulysses S. Grant
6. Chester A. Aurthur
7. Grover CLeveland
8. William Howard Taft
9. Franklin D. Roosevelt
10. John F. Kennedy
11. George W. Bush

Meanwhile, NPR has an interesting article on President Obama – and him trying to “Polish his regular guy image with beer”. 

I’ve noticed this for some time, and he has the perfect rival to pit himself against – Mitt Romney, a devout Mormon who doesn’t drink.  Now, I really dont think the President is all about beer – and that this is all grandstanding – but at least it got the White House Beer Recipe released.

Happy Constitution Day to everyone – and long live America.

Cheers -

Whisky and whiskey in PI – A Brief

I lifted this from my friend KG’s FB Page – as I enjoyed and related to his perspective.  I once lived in Germany, and if you said Whiskey – you only got Jack Daniels.  In fact Jack was GOLD at that time, and bringing a bottle to a party immediately made you a Star.  But I liked other whiskeys and beers (dont get me started on their love of Bud) – and luckily I stumbled onto Murphy’s Law in Augsburg. 

Here is KG’s brief – hopefully he will write more for us in the future, especially about his experiences in the PI.

Cheers -

Whisky and whiskey in PI – A Brief.

Searching for a favorite Scotch or Bourbon can be both frustrating and enlightening. Unless you are in one of the larger cities, Manila, Cebu etc. your chance of finding a liquor/spirits shop is about 0%.
Even in those cities that do have independent shops, their selection is minimal and replete with odd-bits and few familiar names.
The majority of your time you will have to hope against hope that your local Mega-mall grocery store has some whiskey/whisky stocked.

Let me say it now and be upfront about it. Jack Daniels and Jim Beam are NOT bourbon! But they are the only "bourbon" I've seen here so far. Most certainly there are none of the wonderful small batch bourbons (or single malts) that I carried in my long lamented shop. Don't waste your time attempting to explain what bourbon is to the local clerk, he hasn't a clue and bourbon IS Jack Daniels in PI.
The mega-groceries will usually have Jack, and only sometimes Jim. Their Scotch selections vary dramatically from shop to shop. Oddly, some of the ones I found hard to get in the US are mainstays here, Glendronach and Ben Riach for example. There were others that I hadn't seen before in the US as well.
Irish is in very scarce supply with only Jameson's being seen so far. Canadians are virtually non-existent.
The majority of whisky/whiskey found here are blendeds, from the ubiquitous Johnny Walkers, Crown Royal and Chivas, to lessor knows like Ben More 4 Casks and Sir Edwards Blended Whisky.
Which actually brings me full circle to the reason for this post. I purchased a bottle of Sir Edwards and sipped it neat as well as on the rocks. Yes, barbarian I know, ice in whisky. Get over it.
For about $10.00.... not a bad watch-the-sunset-go-down kind of whisky. The taste is a bit smokey, not a bit rough and passably drinkable. I preferred mine over ice, but then I'm in the tropics so cold is good. I'm a single-malt snob kinda guy, but considering the selection available as well as the inexpensive cost of Sir Edwards, I could get used to it.
If you happen to see a bottle on the shelf, I'd recommend picking one up for a try. It would go especially well with a chewy Maduro cigar, Camacho double Maduro comes to mind.... *sigh*

The Brent Musburger Drinking Game

In honor of the Notre Dame vs Michigan State game tonight, the only game Alby and I cheer for opposite teams, I lifted this from NDNation – The Brent Musburger Drinking Game.

Anyone who has watched a game with me, will know how critical I am of two things – The Refs and the Announcers.   The Refs is for another time (over beers) – but the worst announcer of them all is Ol’ Mushmouth.

Until someone puts him out to stud (I just got an icky feeling) – at least we have a drinking game.

If anyone makes it through the half under these rules – let me know.

The Brent Musburger Drinking Game

This is from 2007 but you get the idea of the game…

WARNING! Play at your own risk. It is conceivable your whole party will be passed out with 8 minutes remaining in the first half.
*Note: Partner is spelled “Pardner,” because that’s the way Brent says it.

1. “The Pardner”  A person is picked to be the Pardner at the beginning of the game. The first time Brent says “Pardner,” the Pardner has to take 1 drink, and then picks someone else to be the Pardner. The next time Brent says it, the new Pardner has to take 2 drinks, and then pick a new Pardner, and so on and so on. The Pardner must wear a special “Pardner” hat.
   
2. “Folks”  Everyone drinks 1 when Brent says “Folks.” However, if Brent says “Hold on Folks”, everyone must drink once but the first person to drink has to finish their drink for not holding on. 
   
3. “It’s a foot race!”.   Whenever Brent says “It’s a foot race” everyone has to finish their drink. The first one done becomes “That Man” and gets to punch the Pardner in the arm.
   
4. “There’s that man again”.   After someone becomes “That Man,” they get to give away 3 drinks to someone of their choosing the next time Brent says “That Man.” That person then becomes “That Man.” If Brent says “That Man” before “It’s a footrace,” The Pardner becomes That Man. If The Pardner becomes That Man first, he gets to punch the new That Man in the arm twice after giving away the 3 drinks. There must also be a special hat for “That Man.”
   
5. “Dr. Pepper”. - (This works in bowl games; whichever food or drink is the title sponsor)
   Every time Brent says “Dr. Pepper” everyone has to yell out “I’M A PEPPER!” and take 2 drinks. Afterwards, each person must give out a satisfied “AAAAAAAHHHHH!”, as if in a Dr. Pepper commercial. Anyone who fails to do so must drink again.
   
6. “Jack Arute”.  Whenever Brent says “Our ol’ buddy Jack Arute” everyone has to say “AROOOOOOT!” Last one to do it has to do a shot. If everyone does it simultaneously, the Pardner must do a shot.
   
7. “In the college game”.  Whenever Brent says this little gem, everyone must say “Shut the fuck up Brent”, drink 2, and punch the Pardner in the arm. 
   
8. Mentioning a Big 10 school during a game involving no Big 10 teams.  Whenever Brent does this, the first person who names the Big 10 school’s mascot gets to make somebody drink for 11 seconds, since there’s 11 schools in the Big 10.
   
9. Calling a touchdown before the player actually scores.
   For example, during an interception return, Brent says “It’s a touchdown!” before the player actually scores. In this case, everyone must start drinking and continue to drink until the player actually does score. If by some odd event, the player does NOT score, everyone must finish their drink. 
   
10. “Kirk, my man”.  Whenever Brent says “Kirk, my man”, the Pardner gets to choose someone to be Kirk. From that point on, that person must be referred to as “Kirk, my man” until the game is over. “Kirk, my man” gets to give away 5 drinks the rest of the game any time Brent says “Kirk, my man”. If someone talks to “Kirk, my man” without calling him that, they have to do a shot. If there is someone playing the game actually named Kirk, that person is automatically “Kirk, my man”. 
    
11. “The Major”.   If Brent has a pet nickname for one of the players during the game, for example calling Major Applewhite “The Major”, everyone must drink 5 anytime Brent uses this nickname. However, “Kirk, my man” does not drink but gets to give away 5 drinks since this person already has a nickname of their own.
    
12. “Matt Winer”.  The first time Brent quips with Matt Winer, everyone must drink 1. The next time, everyone must drink 2, and so on and so on.
    
13. In the booth.   Whenever there’s a camera shot of Brent in the booth, the Pardner must make a toast to Brent. After the toast, everyone must drink 1.
    
14. “My Friend”.  Every Pardner gets to choose a “Friend.” The friend must always get up to get the Pardner another drink (since the Pardner will be doing quite a bit of that). However, when Brent utters “My Friend” the friend gets to punch the Pardner in the arm for making him get up so much.
    
15. Reminiscing.  Everyone must take a drink everytime Musburger remininsces about former players… “And that play there folks reminds of THE BIG KAT… ANNNNDDDYYY KATZENMOYER”
    
16. Gambling.   Anytime Brent mentions the point spread or the Over/Under on the air (which all the Disney people hate), everyone takes a shot.
    
17. “LIVE”.  Anytime Brent says “you are looking LIVE! at “x” Stadium” , or the like…. it’s worth a shot.
    
18. YARD LINE.   You’ve got to add a rule about the use of the words “Yard Line.” A run is never to, say, “The 30.” It’s always “The 30 YARD LINE.” The Pardner gives away drinks to one person. If he screams it – no matter how unimpressive the play – double drinks for that person.
    
19. Time of Day.  Brent sometimes thinks he’s a radio D.J. by the way he mentions the times of day. The Pardner gets to give out three drinks when he mentions something along the lines of – “we’re all tied up here at the top of the hour…”
    
20. OVER THE MIDDDDDLLEEEEEE”  Whenever a quarterback throws a slant pattern, you’ll hear Brent say “Over the midddddlleeeee”. When he does that on slants, or on any other plays, everyone takes a shot.
    
21. A penalty situation.  If a penalty flag flies and Brent says “Now hold on folks” … yep… a shot for everyone.

Swag Fierce Torpedo Review

Our good friend TheProfessor has provided us a Cigar review this week – Enjoy

Swag Fierce Torpedo

Thanks to one of the Usual Suspects (S.M.) I again had the opportunity to enjoy a Swag Torpedo and again I will say this stick is not for the meek. In the past I had smoked this stick as well as other’s from this vendor. (Aging Room 101 and M-356) and this was by far the most bold.

Swag Fierce Torpedo 6 ½ X 52 by Oliveros

• Wrapper: Ligero Habano Dominicono
• Binder: Ligero Habano Dominicono
• Filler: Ligero Habano Dominicono
• Price: Average $5.00 U.S.
• Light: Easy to light with a very easy initial draw

First Third: Bold full body and right from the start you think of a room full of men (real men) playing stud poker, sitting in leather chairs with a wall of books in the background. Wood working, monkey wrenching, a good dog, guns, hot rods and all that other real men stuff!

Second Third: Still bold and lots of spice and leather are very apparent.

Last Third: One thing you will notice is that this is a nice slow smoke. A somewhat uneven burn and you have to light a few times during the smoke. This is probably due to that bold full body nature of the stick, however this really allows you to slow down and enjoy a relaxing smoke. You still had the spice up to the end of the smoke.

Overall: I will have to again state, this is not a Cigar for a newbie smoker, but very enjoyable for a long 90 minutes of relaxing smoking. As you reached the end you did notice that the Cigar became noticeably hotter.

Links:

• The Professor – mysideofthebar.com
• Swag Cigars - http://www.oliveroscigars.com/swagcigars/
• Oliveros Cigars http://www.oliveros.com/

This Day in History–September 14th 1814

Very Fitting for a Red Shirt Friday and with the world in a turmoil -

On September 13th, 1814 a man named Francis Scott Key witnessed Fort McHenry in Maryland go under attack by the British Army during the War of 1812 called the Battle of Baltimore. The next morning, he noticed a tattered and torn U.S. flag still flying after the long day of battle and the smoke had cleared. Inspired by the sight of the flag is still flying, he wrote a poem called "Defence of Fort McHenry". Exemplifying American patriotism, his poem was later set to music and became a song, This song which was renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner" official became the United States' national anthem in 1931. U.S. president Woodrow Wilson by Executive Order named the the song the U.S. national anthem in 1916.

 

O say can you see by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Sam Adams Milkshake

It might not have bourbon in it, and I am pretty sure it will be more than $5 – but this milkshake sounds intriguing.

Sadly, there is no Red Robin around me to try it out.

Has anyone else seen these around?

Burger chain unveils beer-spiked milkshake

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers has unveiled a special beer milkshake made with Samuel Adams Octoberfest, soft serve vanilla ice cream, vanilla syrup and caramel.

"Nothing says Oktoberfest better than a beer, so I incorporated the fun spirit of Red Robin into this innovative milkshake," said Donna Ruch, master mixologist with Red Robin. "Now, our guests don't have to choose between a beer or a shake to go with their burger. They can have the very best of both in our new Octoberfest Milkshake."

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/09/11/burger-chains-unveils-booze-spiked-milkshakes/#ixzz26TFRXA81

Sally Struthers OUI

Oh Sally Struthers – I can’t believe someone thinks you are a celebrity.  I guess a D-Lister carried over from the 70’s counts (in somebody’s mind), so I will give you your 10 seconds of shame.

If we are lucky, maybe the Christian Children’s Fund will distance itself from you – and we won’t have to look at your (well fed) mug soliciting for children.

Of course, this wouldn’t be S&B if there wasn’t some side story – and it is tied to the aforementioned CCF.

While I find the commercials annoying, I can tolerate the fund raising efforts of most organizations – because I can easily change the channel.

HOWEVER – the CCF drew my ire back in 2008, and I can’t get over it:

From Wikipedia: In 2008, CCF was reported to have turned down a $17,398 donation from GenCon Live Game Auction, which took place in August at Gen Con, a role-playing and board games convention. The donation was made in honor of Gary Gygax, who died in 2008, and who was a frequent donor to CCF.Some individuals within the gaming community expressed disappointment about the decision; prominent author and game designer Rich Burlew, for example, called it "insulting," and the response by gamers led both the CCF and Gen Con to issue official statements explaining what had happened. When questioned, the CCF replied that reasons for the rejection included "the possible misinterpretation of CCF’s role in regard to the event." ... "The information presented to us gave the appearance that CCF (the organization) was an endorser or supporter of the event instead of a beneficiary." A later statement issued by a representative of Gen Con explained that Gen Con had contacted CCF before the convention was held in August, and asked permission to use CCF promotional materials, which they believed CCF declined to provide because of Gen Con's association with the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons; after that, according to the statement, Gen Con chose to support a different charity in 2008 before becoming clear of the charity's actual position; at which point it was too late to change.

As a long time gamer – I recall being appalled that the CCF would turn down funds raised by Joe Citizen – especially in honor of one of my Childhood Heroes.  I don't feel it would have appeared that the CCF had a role in the event – but instead was skewed by (ill-informed) personal/religious beliefs. 

I will be curious to see how the CCF distances themselves from Ms Struthers – although, one could argue….as a “Christian” Organization, shouldn't they be about forgiveness?

 

Sally Struthers DUI: Actress Arrested For Drunk Driving In Maine

Another day, another celebrity who shouldn't be behind the wheel.

TMZ reports that Sally Struthers was arrested for drunk driving in Maine on Sept. 12. The actress best known for her role on "All in the Family," and as a spokesperson for Christian Children's Fund, was arrested at 12:30 a.m. and charged with an OUI -- operating under the influence.

An OUI charge is only used in a few states, and encompasses more than just driving the vehicle. Persons under the influence can still be charged even if the car is stopped and not running.

According to TMZ, the 65-year-old actress was handcuffed at the scene, and released shortly after she was taken into custody and posted $160 bail.

Her arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 14, and as a first time offender the actress could get a $500 fine and a 90-day suspension on her license, but risks no jail time.

BTW – if you have read this far down, and you have a few dollars laying around, the Gygax Memorial Fund is raising money to erect a memorial/statue in honor of Gary in Lake Geneva.

Original Packaging

I like wine.  Its not my top drink of choice, but hey – it can be fun. 

In particular, I like some of the marketing going on with it right now – and I must say Vernissage Wine seems to be winning right now with their clever “Bag in Big” Wine.

From their Website -

The Bag-in-Bag wine Vernissage has taken both wine-lovers and the press by storm, in Sweden as well as internationally. The successful project was created by Takis Soldatos, Oenoforos, in cooperation with Sofia Blomberg Art Direction & Design. The result is elegant design combined with high quality wines from the French wine region Pays d'Oc.

The thought behind Vernissage is a playful approach to the curious and modern wine consumer. At the
same time, a woman´s touch has propelled the Bag-in-Bag wine from the practical to the elegant.

I’m a guy – but this looks like something fun I could get my wife that she would really enjoy (if you know her, you know what I mean).  It even comes in Pink.

I have contacted Vernissage to see where they are distributed in the US, and when they respond – I will let everyone know.

Cheer -

An Interesting Event in CoMO–a Glass Tasting

This was sent to me on Twitter by @JBloss, and we really appreciate the heads up – as this sounds like a fun event.

At our house, we do support the Riedel Crystal Wine Glass – so barring a scheduling conflict, I (at least) plan to attend  - as I cant wait to see the impact on beer.

Specially thanks to the Sunrise Southwest Rotary and Riedel Crystal for bringing a different kind of event to Columbia MO. 

I hope to see you there.

 

Talk about loyalty to your favorite pub

Cheers to Arthur.  If more people showed this kind of loyalty to local businesses vs the Box Restaurants – the country would be in a better place.

UK's most regular regular: 90-year-old has drunk 30,000 pints in the same pub for 72 YEARS

Beer lover Arthur Reid raises a glass of bitter after being honoured with a plaque on his favourite pub chair... where he’s been drinking for the last 72 years.

Very regular Arthur, 90, has called in into The Griffin almost every day since turning 18.

Back then, in 1940, a pint cost a shilling – now it’s £2.75. And he’s drunk 30,000 of them over the years.

The retired council worker, who left school at 14 and never married or had children, said he had never been tempted to find another watering hole.

He said: “I used to get up very early every morning and was paid seven and sixpence for working an 80- to 100-hour week... there was no such thing as holidays back then.

“I’ve always worked hard and enjoyed visiting the pub – I’ve never seen the need to go much further.”

Asia Matczak, 42, who runs the pub in Warmley, Glos, said: “He missed a couple of days last winter because of the weather, but usually, when it gets to around 3.30 and he’s not here, we’re like, ‘Where’s Arthur?’”

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/arthur-reid-90-has-drunk-30000-1318455

Official Alcohol of the United States

I thought I knew the answer, but I was inspired to look it up after seeing this picture on the Grand Teton Brewing Companies FB Page-

On 4 May 1964, the U.S. Congress recognized Bourbon Whiskey as a “distinctive product of the United States," creating the Federal Standards of Identity for Bourbon.

So – on this day where we are recognizing those passing on 9/11, perhaps it is fitting to fill your toasting glass with Bourbon- just to show that we may be knocked down….but never knocked out.

September 11th–A Tribute

I know I am critical of Budweiser – actually, I often view them as other view Notre Dame Football, the team people love to hate.  Yet, no matter how much you hate them – both have a certain tie to Americana…..and every now and then, they will do something right that even the haters stand up and notice.

I’ll never forget where I was or what I was doing on 9/11 – and this video captures how I feel.

Well done Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser….well done.

R2D2 Kegerator

In particular, I am looking at Dave F.  If you ever host a Tailgate, you need one of these in Mizzou Colors (instead of LSU).

Say NO to the Missouri Tobacco Tax Initiative

I really hate taxes – but this one really boils my blood.

Called the Missouri Tobacco Tax Initiative, this tax calls for a $.90 hike on a pack of cigarettes – and if you read Sen. McCaskill’s reasoning below…its because we have the lowest tax.  In other words, a tax “Just Because”. 

I also like how they hide the tax behind the auspices of “Its for the Children’s Education”.  Bullshit.  What about all the other taxes that pay for education?  As an former State Auditor – I instead challenge Ms. McCaskill to look into mis-spending of the schools and force them to account for the money already provided.

In the end, this is just another attempt by the government to shake us down for more money…..and I know I will be exercising my right to vote, but saying NO.

McCaskill presses students to support Missouri cigarette tax increase

FULTON, Mo. — While campaigning at college campuses this week, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill has repeatedly expressed her support of a ballot measure to raise taxes on cigarette sales in Missouri.

Missouri’s cigarette tax — 17 cents a pack — is currently the lowest nation. Proposition B, which will appear on the November ballot along with McCaskill, would raise the tax 74 cents to 90 cents a pack, still far below the national average of $1.46.

“I’m embarrassed that we have the lowest cigarette tax,” McCaskill said to college students in Columbia. If approved, most of the revenue — estimated to be more than $280 million a year — would be directed toward elementary, high school, and college education, potentially a strong boost.

Missourians have considered cigarette tax increases before and opposed them. McCaskill has repeatedly expressed her support of the tax increase, but other elected officials, she said, have been silent.

“A huge amount of elected officials don’t support increasing it or are afraid to say it publicly,” she told students in Fulton.

One elected official who has stayed mum about the issue is Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat. During a news conference this week in Jefferson City, Nixon made clear he hopes to not be involved publicly in the campaign to raise the tax.

“I do not expect to be active in anyway in that campaign and we will await the verdict of Missourians this fall,” he said.

Secretary of State Robin Carnahan approved language for the November ballot last month. In May, activists in favor of the increase filed 220,000 signatures with Carnahan’s office to get the measure on the ballot.

http://missouri-news.org/featured/mccaskill-presses-students-to-support-missouri-cigarette-tax-increase/19452

RIP Michael Clarke Duncan–1957 -2012

WOW – this one is shocker that I didnt see coming.

Film Star Michael Clarke Duncan passed away today – following a long stay after his Heart Attack in July of this year.

Its a toss up of which role I enjoyed more from Michael – From Bear in Armageddon, to John Coffey (like the drink but spelled different, to King Pin (pictured) or Kilowog from Green Lantern (PERFECT Casting) – there are just so many.

A awesome character actor (I smile thinking of Ricky Bobby) and his voice was very distinct – leading him into many other roles.

God Speed Mr Duncan……you will be sorely missed.

Here he is in one of the most unlikely singing trios ever – from Armageddon.

Bottle Girl? What is wrong with people today?

And yes…..she is from Indiana.  I’m sure many of my friends will get a kick out of that.

 

"Bottle Girl" Is Busted For Lewd Truck Display

AUGUST 31--The Indiana woman who became Internet infamous this week--earning the nickname “Bottle Girl” along the way--has been charged with public nudity for her explicit videotaped performance in a truck bed.

Belinda Dobrowolski, 24, was hit yesterday with a criminal rap for her lewd August 26 public performance in a Terre Haute parking lot.

As seen on an X-rated viral video--which was shot after the close of the Scheid Diesel Extravaganza at the nearby Vigo County fairgrounds--Dobrowolski (seen in the adjacent video grab) removed her dress as various onlookers filmed her standing naked.

Dobrowolski is then seen engaging in explicit sexual acts with liquor bottles (she is, um, aided at points by two unidentified men). The graphic activity is met by hoots from an approving crowd of guys, one of whom exclaims, “This is awesome!”

Terre Haute cops began investigating the clip after it began circulating online this week. After identifying Dobrowolski--and determining when the video was filmed—cops charged her with misdemeanor public nudity.

Appearing this morning in Terre Haute City Court, Dobrowolski waived formal arraignment and had a November 28 hearing date set by a judicial officer.

Dobrowolski, pictured at left in her Facebook profile photo, does not appear overly concerned about fallout from her alcohol-fueled performance.

Yesterday, she sought suggestions on her Facebook page for what should appear on a proposed t-shirt memorializing the incident. Though she did bristle at negative comments posted to her sister’s Facebook page. “anyone has something to say to my sister about this shit say it to me leave her out of this ill fuck someone up,” Dobrowolski wrote this morning.

Head over to The Smoking Gun for the entire police report http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/indiana-bottle-girl-charged-684512

In Case You missed–Irish Jig in the Endzone

Alby and I laughed at this during the ND/Navy Game Saturday – and we also wondered….why is there an Indiana State Police Officer on the side lines? In Ireland?

Irish Jig-Dancing Fan Disrupts Notre Dame-Navy Football Game

A rogue fan made it into the end zone at the Notre Dame-Navy football game in Dublin, Ireland Saturday and danced an Irish jig before security caught up with him.

Instead of cutting away, CBS Sports replayed the incident for the audience at home.

“How many Irish jigs do you get to see?” a commentator asked.

According to Yahoo! Sports, the man is a U.K. resident who goes by the name “Jungle Bird” and regularly disrupts such events to protest deforestation. During Saturday’s game, he was wearing a T-shirt protesting KFC.

 

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/irish-jig-dancing-fan-disrupts-notre-dame-navy-football-game/

Poor Feedback leads to Investigation

I love reader feedback.

If you have followed this blog for any amount of time – you would know, that I never pull down feedback, no matter how negative.  I might (or might not) retort -  but I believe everyone has a right to an opinion.  Hell, its the basis of our Blog.

I’ve had a few clashes with companies in the past –

• Asian Snake Wine – Lead to the Asian Snake Wine Sage, as they tried to lie and steal to keep the money.  I even went out of my way in Belgium to look up their offices to prove what a sham they were.
• Bull Rock Brewery – Responded, but we agreed to disagree.  They are now Closed.
• Perennial Brewery – Had the balls to actually speak to me personally, wanted to get to understand why I felt the way I did – and we parted friends….with me actually being exposed to more of their product line and enjoying some of it.

In all cases, we put our opinion out there and tried to resolve the issues at hand….why?  Because the Vendors were open about who they were and tried to open communications links to us.

I also love (insert sarcasm here) companies that HIDE behind the Anonymous Tag. You people know who you are – and I just wish you would own the comments that you make.

Enter a comment on the post Whiskey Disks vs Whisky Stones -

Anonymous August 31, 2012 11:34 AM

You did not point out fact that these guys basically (the discs) ripped off the idea in the first place from Whiskey Stones people who made the market in the first place..why don't you say some thing about that. Also your conclusions are flawed. Whiskey Stones give greater initial drop in temp....that is when you are actually drinking it....over time? Who cares...that is pretty irrelevant.

As I started to write a response – I thought I would go look to see where this comment came from, since they posted as Anonymous – I’m glad I did.

You see – rather than contact me directly, the good people at Teraforma (I did redact the IP Address) wish to post counter “Arguments” without identifying who they were, nor did they appear to read the entire article. 

Case in Point -

Comment - You did not point out fact that these guys basically (the discs) ripped off the idea in the first place from Whiskey Stones people who made the market in the first place..why don't you say some thing about that.

Blog Article - I do give props to Whisky Stones for being “The Original”, however the stone masons at Hammerstone definitely deserve credit for improving the efficiency and aesthetic.

Further, the individual making the comment misses a key point – Whisky (Whiskey) is not for slamming.  Its a drink you want to enjoy over time – not just knocking back.  So (at least to me) it is relevant that a product maintain the reduced temperature instead of allowing the drink to warm up quickly. 

Overall, I am disappointed in TeraForma for using this type of guerrilla marketing tactic – if you are going to comment, and you represent an organization, please use your name/company.  I always do when I comment elsewhere – its good internet etiquette.

I still stand by my initial review – and have actually had a vendor (Chilly Stones) throw their hat in the ring for a Three Way Contest – just waiting for the right time to do it…….maybe next weekend.

Edit -

PS – The Page in Question – Whiskey Disks vs Whisky Stones is our Third  most viewed page – with over 3000 views in a year.  Interestingly, more viewers exit the blog going to Hammerstone vs TeraForma….almost 3 to 1.  So something must be piquing their interest.

Edit -

PSS – In reply to Impulsively, yes the disks can be to large for some glass openings, especially specialty scotch glasses that are trying to accentuate the nose of the alcohol.  The plan for the next review is to use three types of glasses and put out more data.

I love this movie–Payback

Arguably Mel Gibson’s best performance – all for $70K (if you’ve seen the movie, you’ll get it).

Does DHS really need to be involved with DWI Cheakpoints?

 

Homeland Security to assist with DWI arrests over Labor Day weekend

The Department of Homeland Security is sending out its state watchdogs to arrest drunk drivers and draw their blood over Labor Day weekend.

It echoes of a national trend of the increasing presence of federal police and military troops on our streets. And the state of Tennessee is a pioneer in the ghastly movement.

In Tennessee, suspected drunk drivers will be subject to forced testing for blood alcohol levels. A new law allows police to get warrants and draw blood samples from people who appear to be driving impaired. Additionally, drivers can expect to see more sobriety checkpoints over the Labor Day weekend.

Tennessee has touted itself as the first state in the nation to have Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers conducting random searches on its streets. Echoing DHS’s “See Something, Say Something” program, drivers are also urged to call authorities if they see something suspicious.

The state's Department of Safety & Homeland Security Commissioner, Bill Gibbons, has said, 'Where is a terrorist more apt to be found? Not these days on an airplane, more likely on the interstate.”

Exactly how many acts of terrorism have happened on highways? No worries, though, they're on it. Tennessee has created into 11 Homeland Security districts to “maximize efforts” against man made or natural disasters.

Tennessee's 'award-winning' Threat Fusion Center was named the Department of Homeland Security's Fusion Center of the Year in 2011. Across the nation, Fusion Centers are used to track, monitor and spy on U.S. citizens.

No one wants drunk drivers on the road. But whether we need a zealous arm of the federal Department of Homeland Security involved in local police patrols is another issue.

As InfoWars.com has reported, some fear the economic collapse of the country or some other catalyst for civil arrest could lead to martial law in America. That might be speculation, but there is no doubt the government is preparing for something.

The DHS and the U.S. Army have recently ordered hundreds of items used for riot gear and bought 450 million rounds of .40 caliber hollow bullet points.

Shipments of hundreds of military tanks were also recently seen going to Burbank, Calif. Recent military exercises have taken place in Miami, Los Angeles, St. Louis and Plainville and Worchester in Massachusetts just to name a few.

Additionally, U.S. Army Military police have already been prepared through training on how to control riots, take firearms or kill “Americans on U.S. soil.”

Don’t expect any major public outcry, though. Mainstream media is convincing the sheeple that rolling out federal or military personnel is good for fighting crime.

“Editors and reporters are star-struck by the awesome power of war machinery on parade and if there are any complaints to be reported from citizens, it concerns sleeping children past midnight, not tyranny,” wrote Infowars.com reporter Kurt Nimmo.

Just remember, whether it’s ballerinas in a pink tutus or soldiers in riot gear, no one rehearses anything unless it’s close to show time.

You can find your own state’s DHS coordinator on this list.

http://www.examiner.com/article/homeland-security-to-assist-with-dwi-arrests-over-labor-day-weekend