Almost four years to the day of the release of Radiohead’s In Rainbows and approximately three years since the discovery of the cryptic code for engineering the easter egg soundtrack, prosthetic knowledge, I learned about it thanks to my buddy, Marc. Apparently, In Rainbows, originally titled 10 is supposed to act as a companion album to OK Computer which was originally titled 01 playing off of binary code. Continue reading
Fall Beer Guide 2011: Pumking Down!
19 OctThe fall is undoubtedly the best season for craft brewing in the country. The Great American Beer Fest kicks things off in Denver, and countless beer gardens and taprooms celebrate Oktoberfest across the country. As we approach the holiday season, another shift in seasonal beer availability is not too far off. (In fact, Magic Hat has already been shipping it’s holiday sampler pack.) So to honor the now fading harvest moon, here is a list of the top ten pumpkin beers I have had this season.
10. St-Ambroise Pumpkin Ale (Citrouille) (Montreal, QB) – Labeled “The Great Pumpkin” in the US, this Canadian offering doesn’t leave much room for interpretation. Bland, but not at the risk of saying it was bad. Drink it if you’re curious about Canadian ideas regarding pumpkin.
Requiem for a Center
19 OctA news bulletin caught my eye earlier today regarding the sudden passing of former Buffalo Bills center, Kent Hull. Hull played during what can only be described as the golden age of Buffalo Bills football. I am a Buffalo native, born a year after Hull joined the team. Growing up the Bills were not a football team, they were a religion. In the front foyer of my old elementary school huge signs hung showing the Bills entire schedule, as well as win/loss information. This was an elementary school. During this time, the Bills were a powerhouse in the NFL. The oft-mentioned factoid of losing four straight Super Bowls notwithstanding; Hull was the anchor of the offensive line for over a decade. At one point he played in 121 consecutive games. Hull played a key role in establishing the “K-Gun” offense Buffalo used to reach all four of those Super Bowls. Between 1989 and 1993, the Bills ranked no lower than sixth in total rushing yards, not to mention leading the entire league in 1991 and 1992. His blocking certainly contributed. Hull retired in 1996, and was inducted into Buffalo’s “Ring of Honor” in 2002.
Hull played a non-glamorous position on a team with lots of star power. He didn’t score touchdowns. He wasn’t on the magazine covers. He wasn’t the player you picked the Bills for in Techmo Super Bowl. (Thurman Thomas was a BEAST.) He was simply the man who snapped the ball to Jim Kelly before he threw to Andre Reed. Before I wrote this, I wondered to myself if there was anyone else on the past Bills teams that would prompt me to wax nostalgic. I don’t think there are. Kent Hull represented the workman-like qualities a city like Buffalo can appreciate. He showed up. He played hard. His passing is made even more tragic by its sudden nature. Kent Hull was 50 years old.
Shia Labeouf Gets Pummeled
18 OctI’ve been waiting for this since he was cast as the lead in Transformers (my favorite childhood cartoon and a movie franchise that I have avoided like the plague). Finally, Shia Labeouf gets his ass kicked Continue reading
Long Trail Brewing Co. – Triple Bag Ale
17 Oct
Forgive me for not following the guidelines to a traditional beer review. Websites like Beer Advocate and others have a formulaic process with lots of things I don’t know what has to do with beer. I’ve had a lot of craft beer over the last year attempting to sound even remotely like I know what I am talking about. Most extended trips I’ve taken have involved trying to find local brews and bombers exclusive to the given area. I’ve bartered with friends from across the country for seasonal selections and other microbrews. I still feel I have no idea what I am doing. Be that as I may, I am here to give it a try. If you know me well enough, you’d know I am a card carrying supporter of the Long Trail brewery located in Northern Vermont, about 120 miles from Albany. Their flagship Long Trail ale is my favorite everyday beer. Their strong ale Double Bag is a darker, nuttier brew that was once only reserved for those who came to visit the brewery as a token of appreciation. It’s popularity led the brewery to brew Double Bag throughout the year. Occasionally they up the ante to their version of an American Strong ale, the subsequent Triple Bag. It’s a lot like Double Bag of course, but just with the volume turned up. The chocolate aroma and malty flavor are ever present, with enough hops to balance things out. The alcohol content increases from 7.2% to 8.2% providing a warm finish like most higher alcohol beers. This isn’t your average Sunday afternoon beer. This will put you on your ass. If you’re interested in trying it, I’d start with a Double Bag. If you’re not impressed, I can’t say this will do much more for you. On the contrary if you’re into it, be sure to pick up a four pack at your local beverage center.
The Ethical Slut: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships & Other Adventures
16 Oct
by Dossie Easton, Janet W. Hardy (2009)
“For anyone who has ever dreamed of love, sex, and companionship beyond the limits of traditional monogamy, this groundbreaking guide navigates the infinite possibilities that open relationships can offer. Experienced ethical sluts Dossie Easton and Janet W. Hardy dispel myths and cover all the skills necessary to maintain a successful and responsible polyamorous lifestyle–from self-reflection and honest communication to practicing safe sex and raising a family. Individuals and their partners will learn how to discuss and honor boundaries, resolve conflicts, and to define relationships on their own terms. “
Sounds nice, right? Continue reading
Lil’ Buddha Cafe
16 Oct274 Lark St
Albany, NY 12210
During a Bills game halftime a few weeks back, Joeboy (I’m sick of referring to him as joeb87) and I decided to take a stroll down to Lark Street. We had both consumed more than two bowls of chili and thought we could use a drink. Water would have been the best choice of course, but we decided on smoothies; cold milk and fruit on hot chili (guh).
The café itself is pretty tiny with Continue reading
Lagunitas IPA
16 OctAmerican IPA
Rating: B+
On tap at City Beer Hall in Albany, NY.
Very clear dark amber in color with a ½ inch bubbly, off-white head. Nose has piney hops, citrus and a bready malt back. Initially, the taste is aggressive and bitter with the hops, though that is quickly balanced by caramel malt sweetness. Light-medium body with mid-hi carbonation. Creamy on the tongue with a clean, satisfying finish. It has a great drinkability and although it really should not be a session beer with a 6.2% ABV, I have made it one on a number of occasions. Not my favorite IPA (Smuttynose IPA), but I will definitely order this beer out again or bring a 6’er home to slam with a pizza.
Ex-Girlfriend Sightings
15 OctWhy do I have to look like absolute shit every time I run into an ex?
My dream is to bump into an ex girlfriend at some formal event where I’m in a suit, looking sharp, hair did, holding a high ball of scotch, with a better looking girl on my arm; Continue reading
the self-hating hipster 