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#AlltheThings #TV Top Chef NOLA

I love Top Chef. When I found out Top Chef was going to be in NOLA this year, I was ecstatic. I remember going there as a kid with my parents when I lived in Pensacola, FL. (Oh Florida) Walking around in the French Quarter during the day was fun. The hotel we stayed at was in the French Quarter. I still remember a housekeeper coming in to check on me and giving me a piece of chocolate. Does that sound creepy? I don't care. It was a heart warming moment for me. 

I've always wanted to go back there after I turned 21. So five days years later, I decided to go!

Countdown to NOLA: 144 days

I'm so excited for food, humidity (i love hot weather), beer, to go cups, and more. Watching Top Chef NOLA every week has made me ready for my trip!  This week, I learned how awesome a Boucherie can be. I agree Louis should have gone home. It was a good dish with a lot of stuff going on. Anytime popcorn is involved, you probably are going home. Good thing he won in last chance kitchen! I was wondering how long the Aussie was going to last! 

PSA: If you want to read a funny recap each week, follow @unsilent on Twitter and read his stuff.  

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#AlltheThings #Life I built a table

I bought a table because I felt it was time to grow up. I'm 26 now. I should have a table dammit. At least I think society wants me to have a table. I was searching on Woot and saw this small pub table with storage for various bottles in the middle. It looked like my style, so I ordered it. The table arrived around 1100 yesterday. I heard a rustling in front of my door and thought, "This is it. Someone is finally trying to break in to my place." I looked through the peep hole and saw not one, but two Fed Ex employees trying to put the package in front of my door. I opened the door and said "hello" and one of them was nice enough to place the table inside my place. As I stared at the table I thought, "Damn I really am going to have to put this together by myself." After taking all of the pieces out, I realized the instructions weren't there and started to panic. Luckily they were ripped and stuck to the side of the box. The instructions informed me I needed a hammer, screwdriver and two guys in overalls. I had a screwdriver but I didn't have a hammer (I have a shirt with a hammer on it) or two guys in overalls. Where do you get a guy with overalls Tumblr nation? Anyways, when I look back at the overall experience of building my table, I realized I had a clear mind. My job is super stressful (mostly because I let it be) and I never have a clear mind while working. The only other time I felt like this was when I was home brewing. Well, it's all finished now and I am typing this while sitting at my table. 

It's the little things y'all.

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#AlltheThings-Youtube Series I love Jeff Cannata. I'm really sad I was not able to support his kickstarter for his new show, Newest Latest Best. After watching episode 10 at 2 am this morning (don't judge me), I was relieved to find Jeff still loving things. His enthusiasm is infectious and I'm glad to see him back doing something he loves! Thanks Jeff! 

PS I added About Time to my movie list!

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#AlltheThings #CraftBeer Grandma's Pecan by The Dude's Brewing Company

Disclaimer: I love hops. HOPS HOPS HOPS HOPS. 

Grandma's Pecan is an English Brown Ale coming in around 6.9% ABV. 

Disclaimer: This is my first beer of the night. 

I found out about The Dude's Brewing from a beer friend of mine. I found four packs in my local liquor store but when I saw single cans being sold at BevMo, I pounced on it like a Stevan Ridley fumble. (Yeah, I don't care about Luke Kuechly holding Gronk in the end zone. Tom Brady didn't even tuck that got damn ball against the Raiders in 01. Do you think I give a shit about some fucking holding call on a MNF football game? Go fuck yourself Tom) 

Disclaimer: I hate Tom Brady. 

Anyways, beer. I poured it into a Stone tasting glass and it poured exactly how I expect an English Brown Ale to pour. I actually fucked up and spilled a little in the kitchen but don't worry, I cleaned it up.

Disclaimer: This isn't a Beer Advocate review.

I took my first sip and instantly tasted Grandma's Pecans. Wait, that came out wrong. I tasted a bitter brown ale. The can states "This English Style Brown Ale hits you upside the head with a nose chock-full of toasted Georgia Pecans followed by a rich, full-bodied finish." First of all, I really hope I don't get any brain damage from drinking this beer. Second, I don't get toasted Georgia Pecans. Sorry, Dude's. Er, The Dude's? (Which sounds better?) 

Disclaimer: I've never had my grandma's Pecan Pie

Does that make me unqualified to drink this beer? How about this next one? 

Disclaimer: I do not eat Pecan Pie. 

Is anyone else sad and full of regrets? Back to beer. This is pretty drinkable for a 6.9% beer. I love double IPAs, so anything under 9% is like equivalent to Coors Light for me. I dropped in a Coors Light reference to try to connect to all the dude's (get it?) out there who believe a case of Coors Light is the best thing they can drink in life. Alright, I really don't have much more to say about this beer. I'm going to finish drinking it, recycle the can and it's on to the next one. Shout out to the dude's (get it?) who will bring this beer to Thanksgiving dinner trying to impress grandma. 

Disclaimer: This is one of the many reasons I can't have nice things.

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#AlltheThings #CraftBeer

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#AllTheThings-Scandal

After watching "Everything Comes Up Mellie," for the second time, I finally reached my breaking point. I had to write something about this. This isn't a recap blog. This is just one fan's point of view about her favorite show on TV right now.

I've re-watched every episode of Scandal this season. Of course, I was very excited to re-watch this one because of it's implications. Yes, you are got damn right I am going to start by discussing with the rape of Mellie Grant. First of all, Bellamy Young knocked it out of the park. She had to convey fear, disgust, worry, and anger while her husband's father raped her. I've seen Scandal fans on Twitter tweet that this changed everything for them. They no longer hate Mellie. Others are angry this was used as a plot to device to make the audience sympathetic towards Mellie. Did it change anything for me? No. The rape scene helped me figure out how Mellie became the woman she is now.

At one time, Mellie and Fitz loved each other and were happy. They had goals:To have kids and for Fitz to have a long and prosperous political career. When Cyrus was leaving, he told Mellie he doesn't do family drama and would be unable to help her family. Mellie said she would take care of it. I don't know if she had a plan to achieve this but she ended up alone with drunj Big Jerry later that night. In the course of minutes, he went from explaining Fitz's heroic actions to trying to explain how once again he could be the bad guy for wanting his son to follow in his footsteps to raping his son's wife. I find one major theme is present throughout Scandal: Power. Power has affected all of the characters and shaped their twisted viewpoints. When Mellie arrives at the breakfast table the next morning, she started what ultimately leads to Defiance. She started putting the pieces in place for Fitz to become politically successful. She doesn't destroy her husband's relationship with her father. Instead, she keeps the pieces on the chess board and starts making decisions for Fitz. The version of Mellie Grant we see 15 years later, is damaged, cold and calculating. She doesn't have a sense of right or wrong. She lives by a different code than Mellie 15 years ago. She HAS to believe everything she did, including being raped 15 years ago was worth it. If not, then who is she? What is her identity? 

We still have a long way to go in finding out what exactly made Fitz fall out of love with Mellie pre meeting Olivia. (Remember, they were fighting long before Olivia arrived and told him "you don't screw your wife.") The rape of Mellie made me to see a much clearer picture of the character of  Mellie. Do I sympathize for her anymore than I did before last week's episode? No. To me, the scene that impacted me the most was in "Molly, You In Danger." Mellie says "Marriage is all pretend for everyone...that's real." Fitz says, "Did I do this to you? If it was me, I'm sorry." Mellie's fairy tale marriage ended the night she was raped 15 years ago. That's what that scene made very clear to me. 

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Yulesmith Summer

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I always drink Green Flash beers expecting more. Sigh. Imperial IPA you are no Palate Wrecker.

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Victory beer #2

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Proof of breakfast beer

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Breakfast beer

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I chose the Rayon Vert picture rather than the Victory at Sea one because Rayon Vert reminds me of beauty. I've always described this beer as beautiful. Sound weird? It shouldn't. People find beauty in many things. I tend to find it in beer. The decision to brew this makes me wonder: what else does the word beauty mean to me? Today I was in the gym getting ready to kill myself when I did my usual scan for hot guys. I didn't see any and then it hit me like Ray Lewis coming over the middle: I will always see hot guys, but I will never actively go for them. I'm not going to drop what I am doing in a bar, gym or room and seek them out. So, that means what I am really looking for is someone who makes me laugh and smile. No more Mr. Right now. I'm looking for Mr. Right and dammit its about time.

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Lagunitas Sucks....the beer doesn't (it's fucking tasty) but what really sucks in life? Losing. Losing is terrible. It has always felt like a punch in the gut. Sometimes I can't even think straight after one my teams lose. Is that normal? Probably not but then again, I don't give a fuck. Cancer sucks. Sometimes I feel like I'm destined to love and care about someone suffering from it later on in life. What a morbid feeling. Cold weather. It sucks. I'm talking about any weather where can see your breathe. Nah fuck that. Infected beer. Yeah doesn't that just make ya doubt your favorite brewery? To think something got infected during the making of your favorite beer, sucks. Last calls for alcohol. I get why it exists but fuck the older you get, the longer you should be able to stay at the bar right? What doesn't suck tho is being able to wake up and live each and every day like its your last. Live it up peeps. Life is too short.

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Prost! This is my first beer of the year. I haven't drank since NYE, so this was long overdue. I've been trying to get my lazy ass back into shape. I've been running almost every day. I feel a little better every day. It's like a puzzle trying to figure out when to work out. I wanna solve it so bad too. I feel like I have lost my competitive edge. I used to be all about being active. Now, work has taken over. Oh well. New year, new challenges. Thanks Drakes Denogginizer for being my first beer of the year. I love double IPAs. This is a great one. I can't wait to visit this brewery!

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Pre San Diego Beer Week Apology

This idea was inspired by Aisha Tyler and her fantastic podcast Girl on Guy. 

At the end of every episode, she apologizes for all the fucked up shit she said during the podcast. 

This inspired me to apologize (in advance) 

I'm sorry O'Briens. I can't stay all night long at all of your events. 

I'm sorry Monkey Paw. I will only be able to drink beer during this time. No bloody mary's for me. 

I'm sorry to everyone who plays me in shuffleboard. I'm a winner. Winners win and losers do other things. (I'm not sure what though)

I'm sorry Blind Lady Ale House for bringing a sports element to the bottleshare on Sunday. I need to watch the Raiders lose. I'm also sorry for all the curse words and flailing arms. 

I'm sorry Hamilton's bartenders for not bringing cash. I love my debit/credit card way too much. 

I'm sorry Local Habit. I probably won't be in you more than once this week. Barry, you are still awesome. 

I'm sorry breweries. I probably won't be able to be in you either for more than a hour. You know how it is with all the beer bars around town. They steal my heart for a week. 

I'm sorry Arizona. I will curse you all week for having growler fills at every bar. 

I'm sorry liver. It has to be this way. 

I'm sorry tweets. The pictures are for you and for you only. Don't be afraid to live through me this week. 

I'm sorry sleep pattern. You are dead to me. 

Finally, I'm sorry San Diego Beer Week. You will end, and I will forget about you in a month. 

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Sierra Nevada Juniper Black Ale

From Sierra Nevada.com "Juniper Black Ale: This dark russet-colored beer has an intricate aroma of roasted malt and fruity esters, with a touch of resinous pine note from the use of juniper berries. The flavor is deep and complex with an upfront sweetness and flavors of dark baking chocolate, which give way to a dry finish from a mixture of hops, and a mild touch of juniper. Juniper Black Ale is very drinkable and perfect for a cold winter night."

Is anyone else confused?

Why is their a need in craft beer to put a elegant spin on everything? Beer can be dynamic, classy and exquisite. (sexy words) However, is a description like that going to light a fire under my ass and make me yearn for a Juniper Black Ale? Hell nah. I bought a 12 pack of Sierra Nevada's Beer Camp brews because I was interested in trying 4 distinct brews (Black Ale, Weizenbock, Double IPA, Steam Beer). I was not impressed by 3 out of the 4, (The Double IPA irked me to no end.) but the Juniper Black Ale, despite the pinky waving paragraph above, is actually good. It pours beautifully and I even agree with Sierra Nevada when they say it is very drinkable. The hints of juniper and dark chocolate overtones make me all warm inside. I want to grab a bar of Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate (with the sexy packaging), pop it in my mouth and wash it down with this well thought out beer.

So why did I point out the description of the beer above? I believe just like the documentary HOT COFFEE points out, misdirection is key. The documentary examines several cases involving a wide range of topics, the famous McDonalds case, medical malpractice, secret arbitration, and the railroading of a judge.

The government needs us to believe things like suing a major corporation like McDonalds is ridiculous. I mean, how the fuck can any American citizen sue Ronald McDonald & Co especially if they are ones who spilled hot coffee on themselves? Well, if it burns any of us as bad as it did Stella Liebeck, you would sue Ronald McDonald, the Hamburglar, and that purple thing with no mouth (no I am not looking up the name of that thing)

This documentary does a good job at saying, "look at the bullshit they are feeding us." I did not know their caps could be put on jury verdicts? Colin Gourley could use every penny of that 6 million dollar verdict the jury awarded him and his family after the doctor fucked up royally and caused severe brain damage to Colin. What happens though? The judge goes back and caps the verdict, knocking it down to 1.25 million dollars. I feel bad that I have taught multiple classes stating juries can make statements with punitive damages and verdicts such as these in civil cases. The only statement that really can be made in civil cases is, in the end, judges get the final say and oh yeah, ABIDE BY THE CAP.

It's frustrating to think that I am supposed to read the description of Juniper Black Ale and think about all those flavors and somehow find them in the beer. So should I feel stupid when I don't taste those flavors or continue to drink more of the beer to chase the elegance described above?  My advice is always taste the beer before reading the label or website description. Don't be influenced by what the brewery says. Develop your own palette. It will make for a higher level of beer conversation and nirvana if you do.