Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Stupid is as Stupid does
Looking like a long haired caveman and drunk probably doesn’t help when you go through airport security. Saying are Bin Laden and you have a bomb DEFINITELY will get you stopped.
Drunk Man At JFK Airport Tells Ticket Agent 'I Am Bin Laden And I Have A Bomb'
NEW YORK - Dawdling JFK Airport security waited 40 minutes before calling cops after a man told a ticket agent that he was Usama bin Laden and was carrying a bomb, furious law enforcement officials said Tuesday.
Christian Boncorps, 61, told an Air France ticket agent, "My name is bin Laden, and I have a bomb in my bag."
But by the time cops were called, luggage belonging to the boozed-up suspect was already aboard a Paris-bound jet that he planned to get on, sources said.
The incident began around 10:20pm local time Friday, when Boncorps showed up drunk at the ticket counter to get his boarding pass, sources said.
An Air France reservation clerk asked him what he had in his bag, thinking he might be trying to smuggle more booze aboard, one source said, prompting the irked Boncorps to make his comment about the now-dead terror chief.
But instead of calling Port Authority cops immediately, the clerk escorted him to a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening site, where workers simply put him through standard pre-flight screening procedures.
"When a cop finally shows up, [Boncorps] was putting his shoes back on," said a Port Authority police source.
An Air France rep did not reply to an email about what occurred. Ann Davis, a TSA spokeswoman, said the incident was being reviewed.
"TSA continues to look into the circumstances surrounding this matter,'' she said. "However, travelers can be assured that every TSA and airport employee is trained to take any and all threats seriously and notify law enforcement to ensure the safety of the airport and air travelers," Davis added.
But Paul Nunziato, president of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, was furious.
"We got lucky that this passenger wasn't a serious threat," he said.
Boncorps, from Yonkers, N.Y., could not be reached for comment but was charged with filing a false report. He wound up pleading guilty to disorderly conduct at his arraignment in Queens Criminal Court, a violation for which he paid a $250 fine.
Homemade Baileys (Recipe)
Sent to me by Steve. I’m not much of a cook or mixoligist, so perhaps one you culinary types out there could try this out and let me know what you think.
Cheers -
- 1 C light cream
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 2/3 C Irish whiskey
- 1 tsp instant coffee
- 2 Tbspn Hershey's chocolate syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp almond extract
Combine in a blender, on high speed for 1 Minute.
- Bottle in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate.
- Shake before using.
- Will keep for up to 2 months, longer if stored in freezer.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Wal-Mart’s Age Verification Policy
I’m going to go on a little rant about Wal-Mart. This rant is not directed at “Mega-Corporations”, nor is it intended to be anti-capitalism like so many other Wal-Mart musings are.
Instead, I want to talk about their policy on ID Verification for Alcohol Purchases.
I was in Wal-Mart on Saturday purchasing a lawn mower (I can hear all those gasps at the prospect of me doing manual labor), and I happened to pick up a 4 pack of Sixth Glass (Reviewed HERE).
I proceeded to the checkout, only to find 6 lanes open throughout the entire store and at least 5 customers in each of these lines.
While waiting in line (longer in line than I spent shopping), I noticed something interesting. Every person in front of me also was purchasing alcohol, and the cashier was checking everyone’s ID.
When it was my turn, she also asked me for ID, and I noticed the register asking “Does Customer Appear over 40?”
40? Really? Almost twice the legal age to purchase alcohol?
When I queried the cashier, she rolled her eyes and said it was a stupid policy that everyone complains about, yet you could tell that she knew if she didn’t check, she would loose her job. I get it. She is caught in a rough situation, and would rather be employed.
My complaint wasn’t with her, so I thanked her and went upon my way. Instead, when I got home, I exercised the right of every consumer…..I called the Manager.
Wal-Mart conveniently prints the Manager’s Name and Phone Number at the top of every receipt, so I felt I wasn’t over stepping any boundaries.
My call was routed to the Assistant Manager on Duty – “Jack”.
I outlined my frustrations as such-
- Long lines and no additional cashiers
- Questioned the Policy on IDing everyone who “Looks” under 40
- Highlighted that everyone in my line was ID’ed, even though NONE of us looked under 40 (one looked old enough to be my Mom…I kid you not).
I could immediately tell that Jack was out of his element, especially when I started asking him about Corp Policy, and I could hear him searching online to find it (but he didn’t know it himself.
Ultimately, he was able to locate and read it to me…..but it seems at Wal-Mart, there is a policy against emailing outside the company (even Managers and Assistant Managers).
The policy he quoted was dated Sept 30, 2010 and was very similar to this earlier version I found on the web.
"Effective 03/20/08 All customers appearing to be under the age of 40 will be asked to provide proof of age by showing proper id. Customers under legal age or without proper id, will not be permitted to alcohol or tobacco products. This change in Wal-Mart policy is an effort on our part to restrict the availability of these products to minors."
Jack did offer to print and mail to me, or I could pick it up later. I almost wish I had (more on that later).
We then had a long conversation regarding my concerns.
Regarding the long lines – Staffing at this particular Wal-Mart has been difficult and they just can’t get enough people? <Ed Note> Really? I called BS. With this economy, they should have people applying out the door. I believe they are either being cheap or have set their standards to high.
As for the Age Verification Policy, Jack agreed that “the policy was stupid” and that requiring the customer to appear below 40 was “A bit of a stretch”. He stated that he disagreed with the policy himself, and didn’t understand why you had to appear over 40 at Wal-Mart, but at Sam’s the age was 27. <Ed Note> I appreciated Jack’s candidness, and I challenged him to take this complaint up through his chain of command. As a manager, it is his job to be the voice of the customers to the Corp Entities who make policies that are not practical.
As we finished the call, Jack said the Manager would be in Monday around 6AM, and that he would leave him a note to call me.
Come Monday, I waited until 11AM before I called the store again myself. The Manager was unavailable (he was in a meeting), so I left a message to please call me. Again at 1:00, I called and left a message (this time he was out touring the store). In the end, it was 1:30 before he called me back, and even then….he really had no idea why I was calling.
I again outlined all of the above, and while sympathetic….this time, I could tell I had gotten hold of a company man.
It is against Wal-Mart’s policy to provide or disclose internal operation procedures (I wish I would have gone in and gotten it Saturday).
While the Age Verification is not State Law, it is Wal-Mart’s policy. The Manager would take it upon himself to visit the cashier’s station and observe the procedure firsthand (he didn’t know what it was?) and communicate back to the home office my complaint.
In the end, it was apparent that this manger could care less. So after having my say…..I have now resolved that purchasing alcohol at Wal-Mart is off the Agenda. From now on, even if it is easier….I will got to HyVee, Moser’s, Arena Liquor or Nostalgia Shop. At least there, I am not treated like a criminal for doing something completely legal.
What do you think? Please post below in the comments section your opinions our experiences. I would love to read them.
Sixth Glass Quadruple Ale (Review)
This is not the first time we have reviewed the Boulevard Breweries beers here at S&B (and we hope to review more this Saturday at the Missouri Beer Fest). In the past, we have done Single Wide IPA and Nut Cracker Ale, however this is our first foray into their Smokestack Series.
For starters, I really love the label on the bottle. From the color palette to the “retro” Devil with lightning bolts, it just works. It reminds me of the advertisements you used to find in the back of comic books (Sea Monkeys, Army Men, Mental Powers ect), although I don’t want to say that to loud…..least the various Attorney Generals decide to go after Boulevard for “Marketing at Children”.
The brew master from this series, Steven Pauwels, is from Belgium…and I think this really shows in his style of brewing and the tastes of the beer.
A second generation master brewer, he makes a fine addition to the Boulevard Staff. There is a great Q&A with Steven HERE if you have the time. Belgium’s loss is our gain.
- Appearance- Easy to pour and resulting in a slightly cloudy, dark Mahogany color with a lively carbonation that culminates into a large bubble “loose” head.
- Nose – A big nose of a heavy yeast and cinnamon sweetness with hints of fruit.
- Taste – The Malty and Yeast combinations easily distinguish this as a Belgium (inspired) style beer., brown sugar/caramel. Evan at a 10.5 % ABV, there was no hint of malt liquor flavor or alcohol “Burn”
- Finish – Light an crisp, with a fruity aftertaste
Score – I will say up front that I am not a huge Belgium Style Beer fan. That being said, I definitely found this beer enjoyable and would rate it as a 3.5 Stars based on my tastes. I could easily see fans of this style giving it a 4+ Rating, so I would highly recommend it.
Next up out of the fridge, another Boulevard Brewing Beer – Boss Tom’s Golden Bock. Check back tomorrow.
Monday Quick Hits Vol 3
Well, recent news has totally overtaken the Monday Quick Hits.
Unless you live under a rock (RANDY!), you are aware that Osama Bin Laden was killed yesterday.
My Celebratory drinks last night were two-fold. At first it was pretty simple, a (several) pint (s ) of Guinness and then later my last Cohiba Cuban Cigar. Ultimately it lead to a new-
The Osama Bin Laden -
- Crystal Head Vodka
- Spicy V8 Juice
- Stirred with Bacon (sadly, only Microwave Bacon, but it was 1AM at this point).
- On ice and served in a highball glass
Congrats to the my brothers and sisters in the Military (and especially Intel). Great Job.
Now, moving on to my other tidbits from the weekend- We have two bars that I stopped by at locally here in Ashland.
First was El Ranchito, located right off of 63/Route Y Exit next to Moser’s. Obviously, but the name, it is a Mexican Themed Restaurant and is one that we frequent quite often, but I have never thought to write it up.
The food there is really good, and the service is excellent. They have a pretty diverse beer list, the highlight being Dos Equis on tap and their margaritas are pretty good. On Saturday, May 7th, they are having their Cinco De Mayo celebrations starting at 10AM. With live music, I could see this being a pretty happening place. Perhaps we will stop by after the Missouri Beer Fest.
I can’t stress though how much I like the wait staff there. They have gotten to know us on sight, and jokingly refer us to our “Regular Table”. They know the foods and drinks we like, and are always willing make a joke. I even learned that in Mexico, there is a bread company called “Bimbo” and they sponsor a soccer team. I have to get Debi one of those Jerseys
The next place I went was Woody’s Pub and Grub. Also off of 63 (easiest access when going southbound), this is your typical Small Town Bar. Excellent Pub Grub (Huge Portions and try the fried pickles) and Guinness on Tap….I only wish Debi liked this place more (she complains of the smoke).
Saturday night I took Richard and James there, and we were able to watch some PPV UFC, play some shuffleboard (James loves it) and have a great meal (even Richard was full). They also have pool tables and darts…even Kino if you are so inclined.
The bar tab was reasonable and people friendly. A good place for a “Guys Night Out” and definitely worth picking up some takeout.
Next, as a preview….I am working on a story regarding Walmart’s Sales Policy on Alcohol and Tobacco products. I was carded this weekend, and learned their policy is 40 (almost twice the legal age). I’ve already interviewed the Asst Manger (and got some great quotes) and am awaiting a callback from the Store Manager today. This could be really interesting and I look forward to putting it all together. Save your opinions for the upcoming report and survey.
Finally, only one week left before the Missouri Beer Fest on Saturday the 7th. Hopefully you have your tickets….I hope to see you there.
Happy Monday everyone

