...and this is not cool.
Random things that interest, amuse or disturb me for whatever reason.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Beer Review: Taste Victory Sampler Pack
Victory Brewing Co. is located in Dowingtown, PA and I first came to know them in 2001 when I discovered their Hop Devil Ale. I've been a fan ever since, and it seems like they've grown quite a bit. I now count 19 beers on their roster.
I picked up their "Taste Victory" sampler pack for two reasons: 1) it's been ages since I've had a Hop Devil, and 2) I really wanted to try their Belgian-style tripel called Golden Monkey. The pack also includes their Prima Pils. Here are the reviews I posted on LivingSocial:
Golden Monkey
It's no secret that I don't like Belgian-style beers. Chimay, Leffe, Affligem and even Allagash White simply don't agree with my palate. I respect how well they're made, but the combination of coriander, citrus and whatever other spices isn't what I want my beer to taste like.
Golden Monkey Tripel Ale by Victory stays consistent with everything I just said above. I sold a lot of this beer (20 oz. singles and 6-packs) when I worked at GPS and I promised myself I'd try it eventually. I opted for the Victory sampler pack so I wouldn't have to commit to more than 4 bottles.
It packs a punch at 9.5% ABV and has a very nice citrus/spice nose...you know, if you're into these Belgian-style beers. I found myself enjoying this beer much more than I thought I would. I still couldn't drink too much of it, nor would I buy it again anytime soon, but I didn't not like it. I would strongly recommend this beer to anyone who loves Belgian-style tripel ales.
Prima Pils
Wow, this beer packs a punch I wasn't expecting. Maybe the mass producing domestic beer makers are to blame, but when I think of a pilsner, I think of Miller Lite or Pilsner Urquell. I admit a lack of knowledge of true German Pilsners, and that's what this is. It has some hoppiness and some heft. I'm not a huge fan of it's overall flavor, but I can tell this is a well-crafted beer. My experience with Victory is that all their brews are exceptionally high quality. If you're a fan of a true European-style pilsner, give this a shot.
HopDevil
I've had a history with this beer since 2001, when at the age of 26 I was just coming into my own regarding well-crafted beers. I realized I was a hoppy/IPA-style lover and this beer was one of my favorites.
Today is the first time I've had it in a long time, and I'm happy to report I still love it. It has a beautiful amber color and a nice, smooth mouthfeel. I'm not getting as much as I thought on the nose, but the taste is still the highlight. Aside from all the typical citrusy and hoppy flavors, I'm picking up a little bit of chocolate on the finish. Am I crazy, or has anyone else picked this up? The bitterness has a long finish that doesn't offend. In my opinion, a very good beer.
I picked up their "Taste Victory" sampler pack for two reasons: 1) it's been ages since I've had a Hop Devil, and 2) I really wanted to try their Belgian-style tripel called Golden Monkey. The pack also includes their Prima Pils. Here are the reviews I posted on LivingSocial:
Golden Monkey
It's no secret that I don't like Belgian-style beers. Chimay, Leffe, Affligem and even Allagash White simply don't agree with my palate. I respect how well they're made, but the combination of coriander, citrus and whatever other spices isn't what I want my beer to taste like.
Golden Monkey Tripel Ale by Victory stays consistent with everything I just said above. I sold a lot of this beer (20 oz. singles and 6-packs) when I worked at GPS and I promised myself I'd try it eventually. I opted for the Victory sampler pack so I wouldn't have to commit to more than 4 bottles.
It packs a punch at 9.5% ABV and has a very nice citrus/spice nose...you know, if you're into these Belgian-style beers. I found myself enjoying this beer much more than I thought I would. I still couldn't drink too much of it, nor would I buy it again anytime soon, but I didn't not like it. I would strongly recommend this beer to anyone who loves Belgian-style tripel ales.
Wow, this beer packs a punch I wasn't expecting. Maybe the mass producing domestic beer makers are to blame, but when I think of a pilsner, I think of Miller Lite or Pilsner Urquell. I admit a lack of knowledge of true German Pilsners, and that's what this is. It has some hoppiness and some heft. I'm not a huge fan of it's overall flavor, but I can tell this is a well-crafted beer. My experience with Victory is that all their brews are exceptionally high quality. If you're a fan of a true European-style pilsner, give this a shot.
I've had a history with this beer since 2001, when at the age of 26 I was just coming into my own regarding well-crafted beers. I realized I was a hoppy/IPA-style lover and this beer was one of my favorites.
Today is the first time I've had it in a long time, and I'm happy to report I still love it. It has a beautiful amber color and a nice, smooth mouthfeel. I'm not getting as much as I thought on the nose, but the taste is still the highlight. Aside from all the typical citrusy and hoppy flavors, I'm picking up a little bit of chocolate on the finish. Am I crazy, or has anyone else picked this up? The bitterness has a long finish that doesn't offend. In my opinion, a very good beer.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Undercover Karaoke with Jewel
This was very well done. How cool would it have been to be there? If my dream of becoming a rock star had ever materialized, I'd want to do something similar.
Via Funny Or Die
Via Funny Or Die
Sunday, July 18, 2010
I babysat and lived to tell about it...
My sister Nicole and her son are on an extended visit from Los Angeles and it's been great to see them. My nephew Henry is already two and a half years old and is getting so big so fast. When Nicole asked me to babysit for her, I jumped at the chance. I love getting to spend time with little Henry and for the first time, I'd have him all to myself.
Then it occurred to me... I'd have to change a dirty diaper at some point. This east coast trip has forced a delay in Henry's potty training, so he's still crapping care-free in his pants. Yay for me.
It was probably the 3rd or 4th inning of the Sox game when I smelled it. Yep, there was a bomb waiting for me and action was needed. I sucked it up and bravely accepted the challenge. Many, many fresh wipes later, Henry was clean and ready for his PJs. I even ripped apart one clean diaper trying to figure out how the hell to get it on. I was a pro by the second diaper. Sorry for wasting one, Nicole. There's no need for any further details. Moving on...
The little hyper-active maniac was a bundle of energy even after YOOOUUK won it in extra innings. I knew the moment I started reading about Pooh's blustery day, he'd crash like a log. And that's exactly what happened. Good times.
If you need a babysitter, I'm officially for hire.
Then it occurred to me... I'd have to change a dirty diaper at some point. This east coast trip has forced a delay in Henry's potty training, so he's still crapping care-free in his pants. Yay for me.
It was probably the 3rd or 4th inning of the Sox game when I smelled it. Yep, there was a bomb waiting for me and action was needed. I sucked it up and bravely accepted the challenge. Many, many fresh wipes later, Henry was clean and ready for his PJs. I even ripped apart one clean diaper trying to figure out how the hell to get it on. I was a pro by the second diaper. Sorry for wasting one, Nicole. There's no need for any further details. Moving on...
The little hyper-active maniac was a bundle of energy even after YOOOUUK won it in extra innings. I knew the moment I started reading about Pooh's blustery day, he'd crash like a log. And that's exactly what happened. Good times.
If you need a babysitter, I'm officially for hire.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Giada interviewed by The Daily Sip
The short and sweet interview can be found here.
I loved her answer to the first question:
Bottlenotes: How did you first get interested in wine?
De Laurentiis: As part of an Italian culture, we drink wine at an early age--before the age of 21. I've been told that's not something I should be talking about, but it's the truth. I realize that's frowned upon in the U.S., but that's how it started. My parents had wine around and my family did, and it was part of our regular meals. We only had a couple sips in our glasses, but we enjoyed food and wine together. Wine is part of the entertaining table. What I try to do in my shows is create a wonderful Italian experience you can have at home. Part of that is wine.
I definitely agree that the US has the wrong attitude regarding alcohol, but whatever.
As I always tell my friends and customers at GPS, all that matters when it comes to wine is that YOU enjoy it. Don't care about what other people tell you.
I'm sure you'll enjoy these pictures of Giada:
I loved her answer to the first question:
Bottlenotes: How did you first get interested in wine?
De Laurentiis: As part of an Italian culture, we drink wine at an early age--before the age of 21. I've been told that's not something I should be talking about, but it's the truth. I realize that's frowned upon in the U.S., but that's how it started. My parents had wine around and my family did, and it was part of our regular meals. We only had a couple sips in our glasses, but we enjoyed food and wine together. Wine is part of the entertaining table. What I try to do in my shows is create a wonderful Italian experience you can have at home. Part of that is wine.
I definitely agree that the US has the wrong attitude regarding alcohol, but whatever.
As I always tell my friends and customers at GPS, all that matters when it comes to wine is that YOU enjoy it. Don't care about what other people tell you.
I'm sure you'll enjoy these pictures of Giada:
I'm on a horse
This video is long so I jumped ahead to the interesting parts. It's fascinating to see how such a brilliant commercial was made with very limited CGI. Well done.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Beer Review: Summerfest Ale by Sierra Nevada
An enjoyable alternative to all the wheat/fruit-style summer ales/lagers that are out there. It's got decent hoppiness, yet still "feels" like a summer beer. Well done.
via LivingSocial
via LivingSocial
I am not a crook.
So yesterday my coworker Murph asked me if I wanted a free burrito from boloco.
Duh, of course I did...
If you register your boloco card online, you get a free burrito on your birthday. Well, today is Murph's birthday, but he was taking a vacation day so he left me his boloco card. I was positive they'd ask for my ID and it wouldn't work leaving me to feel like an assclown. The friendly girl at the register never asked for ID and I walked out of there with a free Huevos Chorizo breakfast burrito. I can't think of a better way to kick off the weekend.
Thanks, Murph!
Duh, of course I did...
If you register your boloco card online, you get a free burrito on your birthday. Well, today is Murph's birthday, but he was taking a vacation day so he left me his boloco card. I was positive they'd ask for my ID and it wouldn't work leaving me to feel like an assclown. The friendly girl at the register never asked for ID and I walked out of there with a free Huevos Chorizo breakfast burrito. I can't think of a better way to kick off the weekend.
Thanks, Murph!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Holy vuvuzelas!
Review: Fire Rock Pale Ale by Kona Brewing Co.
I was excited to try this ale from Hawaii, as I can't think of any other beer I know of made there. It does have a beautiful deep amber color and some decent richness, but I feel rather underwhelmed. I'm enjoying this beer, but there's nothing particular about it that's going to make me want it again.
Posted on LivingSocial
Posted on LivingSocial
Well done, Alyssa.
Alyssa's response to the @OldSpice guy commercials.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Get some
After watching this, my coworker said, "makes you almost want to have a daughter." Um...not sure I agree with that, but this is still pretty terrifying.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
July 4th on Duxbury Beach
That amazing sunset is worth another look. Little Jackson is now one year old!
Signs We're Getting Older
A girl I've known since high school posted this on Facebook today:
"just got the mini van today... now all I need is a pair of mom jeans to go with it :)"
Yikes...it's a sad day, indeed.
"just got the mini van today... now all I need is a pair of mom jeans to go with it :)"
Yikes...it's a sad day, indeed.
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