Well, this is a great way to start off the Beer of the Week series - a beer straight from my 2nd home, Bloomington, Indiana. Located there is Upland Brewery, makers of Bad Elmer's Porter. The label calls it "Nature's idea of beer;" I'm not sure I could agree more.
Bad Elmer's Porter has a rich, slightly bitter taste to it. Full of flavor, Upland's treat leaves a dark chocolate flavor in this taster's mouth, which is honestly something I've never had in a beer. The beer is not as thick as I first thought, but due to the high flavor content it still packs a nice punch to the pallet. I give Bad Elmer's Porter 4 out of 5 stars.
Now, this isn't the first eclectic beer I've had this week. Last week there were a few leftovers of Mad Anthony that I tapped into. Mad Anthony had a very sharp, biting taste, but in the end was refreshing. Or, it could have been that I was dehydrated and just needed a drink. I give Mad Anthony a 3 out of 5 stars.
This is my first week back at the office this summer, and as expected it's still a pretty damn good way to pass the day. Today's song is "Sun's Gonna Rise," by Citizen Cope, who quite frankly looks like a hobo. I love the beat, his voice rocks, and he's a very talented musician. Hope you enjoy.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Smooth Crosstown Sweep
I've made it a point not to attend any of the Crosstown Series games for the past 8 years or so. I've been there a couple times and always determined that the fans on both sides were complete jerks. It's just not a real fun experience.
However, I would have really liked to be there for tonight's sweep. It was our 14th win in a row at home and a huge rebound after we got swept down in Tampa. Now, don't get me wrong, Tampa is a very talented team, but I've come to expect more out of a 1st place team. I'm glad they answered the call again at home and extended the home streak.
It's always fun to see a complete game, but I thought Lou handled it perfectly. He gave Demp a shot, and it just so happened that all those balls put in play landed for a couple more hits. No big, Howry cleaned up the mess and we sent the South Siders home easy. The real test will be to show up down south next weekend. I'm really looking forward to seeing how they can compete in their own city, albeit on the road.
The road record has become something of a mystery to me. If this were a normal franchise, with fans that didn't travel across the country to see the team play, then I'd understand. But, with so many Cub fans going along on road trips, it's interesting to me why there is such a differential in the home/road splits. Regardless, they are only 4 under .500 on the road, so it's not a pressing concern yet. We'll have to revisit this if there is a continued struggle.
My dad got surgery on his tonsils and uvula on Thursday and I wanted to take this space to wish him the best return. His first two days were real rough back home, but today he had a good hop in his step, which was nice for everyone. It really makes it easier to take care of someone when they are cooperative. I hope that answers the questions that many of you guys have asked. Thanks for looking out for him. Uncle Mark will be back up and running in no time; make sure you grab him a beer the next time you see him out.
My buddies went to Vegas this weekend and had a blast, even though they got cleaned out. I'm getting the feeling that I may be in the same situation when I head out there this December. But again, I can't wait. It should be a blast.
Well, I'm exhausted so I'll wrap this up. Hope everyone is doing well, I'll be up at Wrigley Tuesday night so hopefully I can see the win streak at home continue. If they lose, you may want to put it on me, even though I am the same guy who cut the long hair away and over the next 18 games we were 15-3. I'll continue to say it wasn't a coincidence.
Song of the night, "Where Did Our Love Go?" by The Supremes back when Diana Ross wasn't crazy. Don't read into it any. I'm just in a Motown mood. Go Cubs, let's keep up the home win streak Tuesday night!
However, I would have really liked to be there for tonight's sweep. It was our 14th win in a row at home and a huge rebound after we got swept down in Tampa. Now, don't get me wrong, Tampa is a very talented team, but I've come to expect more out of a 1st place team. I'm glad they answered the call again at home and extended the home streak.
It's always fun to see a complete game, but I thought Lou handled it perfectly. He gave Demp a shot, and it just so happened that all those balls put in play landed for a couple more hits. No big, Howry cleaned up the mess and we sent the South Siders home easy. The real test will be to show up down south next weekend. I'm really looking forward to seeing how they can compete in their own city, albeit on the road.
The road record has become something of a mystery to me. If this were a normal franchise, with fans that didn't travel across the country to see the team play, then I'd understand. But, with so many Cub fans going along on road trips, it's interesting to me why there is such a differential in the home/road splits. Regardless, they are only 4 under .500 on the road, so it's not a pressing concern yet. We'll have to revisit this if there is a continued struggle.
My dad got surgery on his tonsils and uvula on Thursday and I wanted to take this space to wish him the best return. His first two days were real rough back home, but today he had a good hop in his step, which was nice for everyone. It really makes it easier to take care of someone when they are cooperative. I hope that answers the questions that many of you guys have asked. Thanks for looking out for him. Uncle Mark will be back up and running in no time; make sure you grab him a beer the next time you see him out.
My buddies went to Vegas this weekend and had a blast, even though they got cleaned out. I'm getting the feeling that I may be in the same situation when I head out there this December. But again, I can't wait. It should be a blast.
Well, I'm exhausted so I'll wrap this up. Hope everyone is doing well, I'll be up at Wrigley Tuesday night so hopefully I can see the win streak at home continue. If they lose, you may want to put it on me, even though I am the same guy who cut the long hair away and over the next 18 games we were 15-3. I'll continue to say it wasn't a coincidence.
Song of the night, "Where Did Our Love Go?" by The Supremes back when Diana Ross wasn't crazy. Don't read into it any. I'm just in a Motown mood. Go Cubs, let's keep up the home win streak Tuesday night!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Back Home
I'm back after a somewhat long absence. So here are some thoughts for you from my terribly run web page.
I finished school and came back home for summer, but not before having a few great times back in Bloomington. Two of my roommates came back down for the Back Door Slam concert at the Bluebird and Davy Knowles rocked the house...I couldn't have asked for better. After the show we got his autograph and bought into the freight train that is marketing. Translation, I dropped a few bills on some Back Door Slam stuff.
Anyway, the Finals are over. To my surprise the Celtics finished the Lakers off handily. While I'm not real happy about the situation, it's always cool to see teams that haven't won before take home a title.
Back to Bloomington stories. Nick and Sev came down for the concert and ended up taking me home a couple days later. However, they managed to get me hammered drunk the night before my Macroeconomics final. I needed a 43% to pass the class; I did so, although I'm not completely sure how it happened after I put up a 12/40 on the practice exam. Just about as surprising, I ended with a B in the class and an A in my journalism class. I guess my writing may be getting a bit better. Who woulda thought?
Coldplay's new album came out today. I'm still in love with their first two songs they released, and I'm anxious to see how the album grows on me. In addition, Death Cab for Cutie had their album come out not too long ago, and as I have fully dove into it, I love it. I think the key song on the album is "Cath." Great opening guitar riff that transitions into a great rhythm throughout. Ben Gibbard is amazing on vocals in the song, he always seems to pour himself into every song, as cliche as that sounds.
While I was away and alone in Bloomington, I got around to reading a few books. It just reminded me that reading is really good, and when you actually get around to putting yourself into a story it's kinda cool. Like I said, just some thoughts from the beginning of the summer.
To make a few of you laugh, I shot a 110 the other day in the biggest breakdown of golf history. Palmira Golf Course in St. John ate me up and I think I had over 44 putts. I really mean it when I say it was the worst round of my life. Now while I wasn't happy with the 92 I shot two days later, it still relieved me that I was not in fact the worst golfer on the planet.
My buddies are going to Vegas this weekend, and good luck to them. It's only about six months until I get out there myself. I can't wait.
The Cubs tough road trip here is making me angry. While we took 2 out of 3 against the Jays, the Rays have had their own thoughts for us, giving us fits down in the Trop. In addition, our ace and only way we have any shot in the playoffs may be injured. Pray he's okay.
As of today, I am jobless. This may change in the near future, but I forgot how fun it was to have absolutely no worries (Immediate apologies to everyone finding their guns to come after me).
New addition to the blog. Starting next Thursday, two of the office boys, Mo Pete and CP will be writing their weekly takes on beers they try. Now, this won't be reviews on Keystone Light or other fine beverages that I enjoy in Bloomington. These are beers like Boddington and other high class beers. Because I know nothing about them, I will allow my companions to put in their two cents about them. And hey, maybe we'll end up enjoying a $6 bottle of beer. Everyone's a winner.
That's all for tonight. I have to hit the PS3. It's almost like a job at this point.
I finished school and came back home for summer, but not before having a few great times back in Bloomington. Two of my roommates came back down for the Back Door Slam concert at the Bluebird and Davy Knowles rocked the house...I couldn't have asked for better. After the show we got his autograph and bought into the freight train that is marketing. Translation, I dropped a few bills on some Back Door Slam stuff.
Anyway, the Finals are over. To my surprise the Celtics finished the Lakers off handily. While I'm not real happy about the situation, it's always cool to see teams that haven't won before take home a title.
Back to Bloomington stories. Nick and Sev came down for the concert and ended up taking me home a couple days later. However, they managed to get me hammered drunk the night before my Macroeconomics final. I needed a 43% to pass the class; I did so, although I'm not completely sure how it happened after I put up a 12/40 on the practice exam. Just about as surprising, I ended with a B in the class and an A in my journalism class. I guess my writing may be getting a bit better. Who woulda thought?
Coldplay's new album came out today. I'm still in love with their first two songs they released, and I'm anxious to see how the album grows on me. In addition, Death Cab for Cutie had their album come out not too long ago, and as I have fully dove into it, I love it. I think the key song on the album is "Cath." Great opening guitar riff that transitions into a great rhythm throughout. Ben Gibbard is amazing on vocals in the song, he always seems to pour himself into every song, as cliche as that sounds.
While I was away and alone in Bloomington, I got around to reading a few books. It just reminded me that reading is really good, and when you actually get around to putting yourself into a story it's kinda cool. Like I said, just some thoughts from the beginning of the summer.
To make a few of you laugh, I shot a 110 the other day in the biggest breakdown of golf history. Palmira Golf Course in St. John ate me up and I think I had over 44 putts. I really mean it when I say it was the worst round of my life. Now while I wasn't happy with the 92 I shot two days later, it still relieved me that I was not in fact the worst golfer on the planet.
My buddies are going to Vegas this weekend, and good luck to them. It's only about six months until I get out there myself. I can't wait.
The Cubs tough road trip here is making me angry. While we took 2 out of 3 against the Jays, the Rays have had their own thoughts for us, giving us fits down in the Trop. In addition, our ace and only way we have any shot in the playoffs may be injured. Pray he's okay.
As of today, I am jobless. This may change in the near future, but I forgot how fun it was to have absolutely no worries (Immediate apologies to everyone finding their guns to come after me).
New addition to the blog. Starting next Thursday, two of the office boys, Mo Pete and CP will be writing their weekly takes on beers they try. Now, this won't be reviews on Keystone Light or other fine beverages that I enjoy in Bloomington. These are beers like Boddington and other high class beers. Because I know nothing about them, I will allow my companions to put in their two cents about them. And hey, maybe we'll end up enjoying a $6 bottle of beer. Everyone's a winner.
That's all for tonight. I have to hit the PS3. It's almost like a job at this point.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
