Friday, July 31, 2009
Beer Nerds
This sort of thing happens often enough that of course the Onion had to take a dig at it....
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Beer Fixes All Problems
Much has been made over the Henry Louis Gates and James Crowley flap--the officer arresting the black Harvard professor, cries of racism, and President Obama foolishly getting involved (if there was a stand to be taken on the issue of racial profiling and injustice, I can imagine there are far better cases out there than a shouting match between a Harvard man and a cop who felt disrespected). But, as always, this situation may be resolved the best way how--with a beer at the White House.
Personally, if I'm ever invited to the White House for a beer (it so too could happen!) I'd probably ask for a Schenkerla Rauchbier Marzen, as the smoky good taste would put me in a right conciliatory mood--and maybe the President would learn a thing or too about great German ales! But if for photo-op purposes we can only drink American beers, I'd go with something solid like Yuengling or Gearys.
Personally, if I'm ever invited to the White House for a beer (it so too could happen!) I'd probably ask for a Schenkerla Rauchbier Marzen, as the smoky good taste would put me in a right conciliatory mood--and maybe the President would learn a thing or too about great German ales! But if for photo-op purposes we can only drink American beers, I'd go with something solid like Yuengling or Gearys.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Signs of the Recession
Well, the economy has certainly been having its effect on the quality of beer people are drinking. Ultimately this may result in some downward pressure on the price of good beer. But it's not great news for those in the industry.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Hangover Cures
If you're like me, and unfortunately you probably are, you experience hangovers on a fairly frequent basis. If you don't get hangovers, it's probably because (a) you're young with a high metabolism that burns off alchohol quickly, so wait a few years and you'll know my suffering; (b) you're an Islamic Mormon who has never tasted the sweet elixir of booze, preferring instead your culture's allowing you to have several wives, in which case stop gloating; or (c) you're a wussy drinker who has one Cape Cod and calls it a night, in which case go back to Russia (in which case good luck, since the Russians probably won't have you either). So what to do about the dreaded hangover?
I've liked to go with the "ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure" plan, by working a fair amount of water into my system the night before, and allowing for several hours of uninterrupted sleep. Also, I find it helps to avoid low-grade drinks with lots of impurities, as those tend to be more painful for me (though some of that could be psychological). But ultimately, the morning hits you, and you often still are hurting. Sometimes a dip in a pool can help--the cold water has a way of soothing the entire body, and this helps the headache--but often there is no pool around or it's winter. That's when a greasy meal (bacon, eggs, more bacon) comes in handy (and chicken fried steak seals the deal), and a good milkshake with banana in it can work wonders.
In the comments section below, share your own advice for curing hangovers.
I've liked to go with the "ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure" plan, by working a fair amount of water into my system the night before, and allowing for several hours of uninterrupted sleep. Also, I find it helps to avoid low-grade drinks with lots of impurities, as those tend to be more painful for me (though some of that could be psychological). But ultimately, the morning hits you, and you often still are hurting. Sometimes a dip in a pool can help--the cold water has a way of soothing the entire body, and this helps the headache--but often there is no pool around or it's winter. That's when a greasy meal (bacon, eggs, more bacon) comes in handy (and chicken fried steak seals the deal), and a good milkshake with banana in it can work wonders.
In the comments section below, share your own advice for curing hangovers.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Drinking Films
Posting on "Beerlympics" made me think of "soon to be a classic" film that came out a few years back called "Beerfest", in which a group of rapscallions represent the USA in a beer-game tournament in Germany, both for pride and to win an old family brewery. It's one of the films that features beer drinking so prominently, you really have no choice but to crack one open while you're watching. It got me to thinking what other good drinking movies are out there?
1) "Lost Weekend" with Ray Milland, from the 1940s--he's a recovering alcoholic in that one and you can really sympathize with the demons he's fighting with in his attempt to go sober.
2) "Animal House"--this one's an obvious one, as the scene-stealer--Bluto Blutarsky--was drinking heavily throughout the film, which also featured keg parties and assorted hijinks at bars that had many "negroes" who wanted to "dance with their dates".
3) "The Big Lebowski"--this film featured a great deal of sipping of White Russians (or "Caucasians" as the Dude called them).
4) "Road House." Taking place in a blues bar, this film didn't actually show much drinking--just the results of too much drinking!
5) "The Notebook". I can't watch this film without being completely plastered.
In the comments, please leave your nominees for other great drinking films.
1) "Lost Weekend" with Ray Milland, from the 1940s--he's a recovering alcoholic in that one and you can really sympathize with the demons he's fighting with in his attempt to go sober.
2) "Animal House"--this one's an obvious one, as the scene-stealer--Bluto Blutarsky--was drinking heavily throughout the film, which also featured keg parties and assorted hijinks at bars that had many "negroes" who wanted to "dance with their dates".
3) "The Big Lebowski"--this film featured a great deal of sipping of White Russians (or "Caucasians" as the Dude called them).
4) "Road House." Taking place in a blues bar, this film didn't actually show much drinking--just the results of too much drinking!
5) "The Notebook". I can't watch this film without being completely plastered.
In the comments, please leave your nominees for other great drinking films.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Rest in Peace Michael Jackson, no not that one...
Yesterday saw the passing of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The beer world lost it's Michael Jackson back on August 30, 2007. Now, while they share the same name, that is where the similarities end. Author Michael Jackson wrote many influential books about both beer and whiskey with such titles as "Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch" and "Michael Jackson's Great Beer Guide". I own, and have read a few of his books, and he is great about teaching you about the many different beers of the world, describing taste, giving comparisons to more commonly known beers and just doing an overall great job giving you an idea what each beer is all about. If you ever get the chance to check one of his books out, I would highly recommend it.
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