Holland's finest was brought into the office today by one, Laurie Massi. Her lighter taste in beer made me expect a more common flavor, one that is seen in beers like Miller Lite or Coors Light. However, Grolsch packs a punch. The lager left a very skunky taste in my mouth, one that I am not fully accustomed to. Flavoring during the drink was quite good, but the aftertaste was bitter, and as previously mentioned, skunky. The coolest thing about the beer was the bottle, which had a cool cork-like top. Although it wasn't up my alley, the lager was enjoyed by several at the office. I'll give Grolsch 3 stars out of 5.
On a good note, I've golfed the last two days straight and have played my best of the year. Monday, I shot an 86 at Sandy Pines and followed it up with a 92 or 93 (drunk, can't remember) at the Red and Gray Courses at White Hawk. The 86 could have been a 78 with my putting the following day; I was lights out putting yesterday.
The work week is now over for me, tonight I may end up facing Papa Absinthe. Pray for me. The song of the day is "Heart of Gold" from Neil Young, who won't be with Crosby Stills & Nash when I go see them in a few weeks. God I wish he was. Anyway, this is the first time he played this famous one in front of a crowd. Can you imagine that?
Have a great 4th all. Eat, drink, and be merry.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Beer of the Week: Bad Elmer's Porter
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.
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.
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.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Comeback
What a game. Unbelievable. And I actually stuck through it.
We were down 9-1, I was complaining about how I missed my class for a blowout, and then it happened. Slowly but surely, a couple hits strung together. A home run here or there. All of a sudden its 9-4 going into the 7th. I am thinking what the hell, the Rockies pen has been weak.
And it was. The bottom of the 7th came after a horrendous rendition of the Stretch by the Hawks greats that was about 7 seconds too fast. In addition, I'm quite sure Bobby Hull had NO idea what he was talking about. Referring to the great Cubs teams of the 60s? Umm, they never made the playoffs during those stretches. Saying he wanted a 9th inning stretch? This guy had to be high. Anyway, the hit parade came. Edmonds hit a huge two-run double after a Blanco dinger and we were down 1. Then "The Pulse" came up and launched a 2 run wind-aided jack. Awesome.
Marmol was filthy as usual, and Wood was shaky as usual. But they got the job done, that's all that matters. A nine run comeback. WOW. 5 game win streak, 4 of those wins of the comeback variety. Amazing.
Meanwhile, the Lakeshow moved on after a great Kobe performance. 17 4th quarter points. In addition, that shot he hit at the elbow of the free-throw line fading away over Tim Duncan was just unconscious. I was in pure awe. Great show.
I say the Celts lose tonight and head to another Game 7. It's gotta happen, they hate road games. Even though they did win one in the series, I can't see another coming.
Alright, neighbors just swung on by to play some Xbox 360 on the big screen. And they are bringing the system. Sweet.
Song of the day - "Go Cubs Go." It had to happen today, great win Cubbies.
We were down 9-1, I was complaining about how I missed my class for a blowout, and then it happened. Slowly but surely, a couple hits strung together. A home run here or there. All of a sudden its 9-4 going into the 7th. I am thinking what the hell, the Rockies pen has been weak.
And it was. The bottom of the 7th came after a horrendous rendition of the Stretch by the Hawks greats that was about 7 seconds too fast. In addition, I'm quite sure Bobby Hull had NO idea what he was talking about. Referring to the great Cubs teams of the 60s? Umm, they never made the playoffs during those stretches. Saying he wanted a 9th inning stretch? This guy had to be high. Anyway, the hit parade came. Edmonds hit a huge two-run double after a Blanco dinger and we were down 1. Then "The Pulse" came up and launched a 2 run wind-aided jack. Awesome.
Marmol was filthy as usual, and Wood was shaky as usual. But they got the job done, that's all that matters. A nine run comeback. WOW. 5 game win streak, 4 of those wins of the comeback variety. Amazing.
Meanwhile, the Lakeshow moved on after a great Kobe performance. 17 4th quarter points. In addition, that shot he hit at the elbow of the free-throw line fading away over Tim Duncan was just unconscious. I was in pure awe. Great show.
I say the Celts lose tonight and head to another Game 7. It's gotta happen, they hate road games. Even though they did win one in the series, I can't see another coming.
Alright, neighbors just swung on by to play some Xbox 360 on the big screen. And they are bringing the system. Sweet.
Song of the day - "Go Cubs Go." It had to happen today, great win Cubbies.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Another Sweep
Hey all, its been awhile. It just so happens that our last time together has something in common with an instance that happened tonight; the Cubs again swept a top NL West team. This time it was the Dodgers, and they did it in extraordinary fashion. Two late comeback wins at home, right on the heels of two late blown wins on the road. I know it's still a small sample size, but I think we know two things. The Cubs are very good at home, obviously. And two, the Cubs don't have the same energy on the road. Several times in the Houston series, I would see several Cub players swinging at first pitches and falling into the ruts that Soriano has created for us (By the way, I do not want to talk about his dropped ball that sent us to extra innings).
So, I don't want to bore you all with Cubs talk; I'll move onto music talk. Recently I saw Dickey Betts, the great guitarist of the Allman Brothers, with his band Great Southern. Real good show, they rocked out the whole place, I really enjoyed. Best of all, Back Door Slam is now only a few days away, on the 10th.
Also, Coldplay's new album Viva la Vida comes out on June 17. Pretty stoked for that. I guess that's how you guys know I'm gay...hope you caught the reference. Anyway, they have a couple singles off of it out already: "Violet Hill" and the title track, "Viva la Vida". I like both; "Viva la Vida" is in a new iPod commercial, just for reference.
NBA Playoff time. Looks like the Lakers will move on. Real good performance the other night in San Antonio. And I don't care what anyone says about the last play, because those types of plays even out throughout a game or series. For example, Fisher's shot with 7 seconds left drew iron, but the Lakers did not get a new shot clock, and thus had to put up Kobe's fadeaway doo-doo shot.
I watched Game 5 in the East tonight, and I really think the Celts will pull this out. I mean, they have to don't they? All year they've been hyped to win; I just think if they failed at this point it would have to be a severe meltdown. I can't see the Celts letting down the fans if they go back home, and vice versa...those fans are strong.
That will give us a good old '80s battle - Celtics/Lakers. I wasn't even born for more than half of them and I'm excited. I'll take the Lakeshow.
Ok, that's all for tonight. Short and sweet, school has been a complete bitch lately. But, my writing class is pretty cool. Maybe we'll see the effects on here eventually.
Song of the night has got to come off of the new Coldplay album since I hyped it so much. Let's go with "Violet Hill," off the new album and "Politik," off of A Rush of Blood to the Head. Hope you enjoy, the latter is probably my favorite of theirs.
So, I don't want to bore you all with Cubs talk; I'll move onto music talk. Recently I saw Dickey Betts, the great guitarist of the Allman Brothers, with his band Great Southern. Real good show, they rocked out the whole place, I really enjoyed. Best of all, Back Door Slam is now only a few days away, on the 10th.
Also, Coldplay's new album Viva la Vida comes out on June 17. Pretty stoked for that. I guess that's how you guys know I'm gay...hope you caught the reference. Anyway, they have a couple singles off of it out already: "Violet Hill" and the title track, "Viva la Vida". I like both; "Viva la Vida" is in a new iPod commercial, just for reference.
NBA Playoff time. Looks like the Lakers will move on. Real good performance the other night in San Antonio. And I don't care what anyone says about the last play, because those types of plays even out throughout a game or series. For example, Fisher's shot with 7 seconds left drew iron, but the Lakers did not get a new shot clock, and thus had to put up Kobe's fadeaway doo-doo shot.
I watched Game 5 in the East tonight, and I really think the Celts will pull this out. I mean, they have to don't they? All year they've been hyped to win; I just think if they failed at this point it would have to be a severe meltdown. I can't see the Celts letting down the fans if they go back home, and vice versa...those fans are strong.
That will give us a good old '80s battle - Celtics/Lakers. I wasn't even born for more than half of them and I'm excited. I'll take the Lakeshow.
Ok, that's all for tonight. Short and sweet, school has been a complete bitch lately. But, my writing class is pretty cool. Maybe we'll see the effects on here eventually.
Song of the night has got to come off of the new Coldplay album since I hyped it so much. Let's go with "Violet Hill," off the new album and "Politik," off of A Rush of Blood to the Head. Hope you enjoy, the latter is probably my favorite of theirs.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sweeeeeeeep!!!
Sweep away your pain, folks. Those enigmatic Cubbies did it again, this time against the best team in the league. The bullpen was fantastic (with the exception of Chad Fox), and the late game, clutch hitting could not have been better. Daryle Ward comes up with two huge pinch hits in the last two games. Alfonso Soriano plays great, which is a fantastic change. How I love in to the wind homers from Reed Johnson, you just can't beat it. Carlos Marmol is still untouchable. But the big news is Woody getting things done this weekend. Whether it is warm or cold weather, everyone is working together when we are at home.
Which brings me to my next point, home-court advantage in the NBA Playoffs. Nothing is more important at this point. The only team to win on the road was the Pistons, who surprisingly were without Mr. Billups. Shows how little I know. Anyway, big time home wins by the Cavs in Game 3, who just embarrassed the Celtics when they are not home. Very strange. The other series-tying wins came from the Spurs and Jazz, to make both of those Western Conference series exciting. Those are going to be some exciting finishers. I'll still stick with Hornets-Lakers in the West, and Celtics-Pistons in the East. Seems too easy in the East, but the West is very intriguing.
Short post tonight, I just finished all my homework and had to share my excitement about being back in 1st place in the Central. Seven more games left on the homestand, let's wear 'em out boys.
First song of the night, "I Feel Home," by O.A.R. This one really makes me feel good, and I just so happen to miss home so I thought I would put it up for the night. The song in general isn't fantastic, but it has some sentimental value. Plus the night before my roommate left for summer, he played this song for us. Let's just say that what ensued was the gayest thing that has happened this year.
Song two, we'll make it a lean cut, since that is how we do things here at A Lean Night. "Helplessly Hoping" by my boys, Crosby, Stills & Nash. Great harmonies, it's really just a beautiful tune. When you add in the fact that they are going to be in both Chicago and South Bend in July, I could not be happier. I am fully prepared to see them. Enjoy these and have a lean night.
Which brings me to my next point, home-court advantage in the NBA Playoffs. Nothing is more important at this point. The only team to win on the road was the Pistons, who surprisingly were without Mr. Billups. Shows how little I know. Anyway, big time home wins by the Cavs in Game 3, who just embarrassed the Celtics when they are not home. Very strange. The other series-tying wins came from the Spurs and Jazz, to make both of those Western Conference series exciting. Those are going to be some exciting finishers. I'll still stick with Hornets-Lakers in the West, and Celtics-Pistons in the East. Seems too easy in the East, but the West is very intriguing.
Short post tonight, I just finished all my homework and had to share my excitement about being back in 1st place in the Central. Seven more games left on the homestand, let's wear 'em out boys.
First song of the night, "I Feel Home," by O.A.R. This one really makes me feel good, and I just so happen to miss home so I thought I would put it up for the night. The song in general isn't fantastic, but it has some sentimental value. Plus the night before my roommate left for summer, he played this song for us. Let's just say that what ensued was the gayest thing that has happened this year.
Song two, we'll make it a lean cut, since that is how we do things here at A Lean Night. "Helplessly Hoping" by my boys, Crosby, Stills & Nash. Great harmonies, it's really just a beautiful tune. When you add in the fact that they are going to be in both Chicago and South Bend in July, I could not be happier. I am fully prepared to see them. Enjoy these and have a lean night.
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