ARCHIVE: The Beer In Review (ca. 2002)

The following is a copy of "The Beer In Review" as it last appeared in 2002. Only the last names of individuals appearing in the original document were edited to protect those people. Otherwise, it appears in its original form. The original review was a project that I had undertaken when I was in college, and much of it probably isn't terribly relevant at this time due to the fact that some information has become obsolete as the years have gone by.

Anyways, as per request, I give you The Beer In Review:


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           *****  The Beer in Review  ******
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            Introduction
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    Welcome to The Beer in Review. As you probably guessed, this
is where we'll be checking out some beers. Each review will be done
firsthand, that is to say, as I'm drinking said beer. I'll try not to
do more than three reviews at a time as to not taint my taste buds.
(I'd hate to miss something.) Each beer will be chilled at standard
refrigerator temperatures, and poured at as close to a 45 degree angle
as possible into a transparent mason jar at the time of review. There
are exceptions to this standard practice of mine, and those exceptions
will follow reviews I do outside the home office.

    The review process banks upon a few variables. I won't necessarily
explain these variables for fear of becoming too predictable (heh heh), but
I will explain what these variables are right here:

    1. Aroma
    2. Carbonation
    3. Texture
    4. Taste
    5. Aftertaste
    6. Stomach's Acceptance

    I'll be rating, if you will, the beers that I try on a five point
scale. Why not a six? Because five is a nice round number. At some point in
time I may switch to a ten point scale, but probably not. Anyways, here's
how the rating system works:


    The Bob Scale:

    5.00.......................This beer is Awesome, and should be immortalized.kronen
    4.00.......................This beer is a good beer, and would be a pleasure
                    to drink anytime.
    3.00.......................This beer is average, and not worth anymore mention.
    2.00.......................This beer stinks, and holds but one neutral or
                    positive quality.
    1.00.......................This beer is an embarrasment to both the art of
                    brewing and the taste buds.

    I'll use a simple definition of beer. Any such alcoholic
beverage that is regarded as a beer or ale. Ciders are not included
in the review (unless for some reason I get too drunk, and on a
whim, review one.) Therefore, any of the following may be reviewed:

    1. Ales
    2. Lagers
    3. Flavored Beers
    4. Barley Wines
    5. Belgian Ales
    6. Saison
    7. Pale Ales - English, India, American
    8. Wheat Beers
    9. Bitters
       10. Porters
       11. Stouts
       12. Altbier
       13. Bocks
       14. Pilseners
       15. And most anything else regarded as "beer".

    [SOURCE: http://www.RateBeer.com/]

    Now, on with the reviews:


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         Table of Contents
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1.     Bass Pale Ale             [Burton-on-Trent,England]
2.     Heinekin Lager             [Holland]
3.     Guinness Extra Stout         [Dublin, Ireland]
4.     Sierra Nevada Wheat Beer     [Chico, CA, USA]
5.    St. Pauli Girl             [Bremen, Germany]
6.     Pete's Wicked Ale         [Tumwater, WA, USA]
7.     Bud Lite             [St. Louis, MO, USA]
8.     Anchor Steam             [San Francisco, CA, USA]
9.     Dos Equis Amber             [Mexico]
10.    Southpaw             [USA]
11.     Harp Lager             [Dublin, Ireland]
12.     Sierra Nevada Pale Ale         [Chico, CA, USA]
13.     Moosehead             [Canada]
14.    Abita Turbodog             [New Orleans, LA, USA]
15.    Tennent's of Scotland         [Glasgow, Scotland]
16.    Two Dogs Lemonade Brew         [Who Cares?]
17.    Veltin's: A German Pilsener Beer [Germany]
18.    Carta Blanca             [Irvine, CA, USA]
19.    Liberty Ale             [San Francisco, Ca, USA]
20.    Rogue: Oregon Golden Ale     [Newport, Oregon, USA]
21.    Heinekin Special Dark         [Holland]
22.    Rolling Rock Extra Pale         [Pennsylvania, USA]
23.    Beck's Dark             [Bremen, Germany]
24.    Pete's Signature Pilsner     [Tumwater, WA, USA]
25.    Kilarney's Red Lager         [St. Louis, MO, USA]
26.    Czech Rebel             [Mestansky Pivovar, Czechoslovakia]
27.    John Courage Amber         [Edinburgh, Scotland]
28.    McEwan's India Pale Ale         [Edinburgh, Scotland]
29.     Pete's Strawberry Blonde     [Tumwater, WA, USA]
30.    Birra Moretti             [Udine, Italy]
31.    Anchor Porter             [San Francisco, CA, USA]
32.    Murphy's Irish Stout         [Cork, Ireland]
33.     Abbaye de Leffe Blonde         [Mont-St-Guibert, Belgium]
34.    Pilsner Urquell             [Plzen, Czechoslovakia]
35.    Abita Amber             [Abita Springs, LA, USA]
36.    Theakston Old Peculier         [Masham, England]
37.    Spaten Premium             [Munich, Germany]
38.    Cerveza Tecate             [Monterrey N.L., Mexico]
39.     Beck's                 [Bremen, Germany]
40.    Rogue: Dead Guy Ale         [Newport, Oregon, USA]
41.     Dinkel Acker Dark         [Munich, Germany]
42.     Sierra Nevada Porter         [Chico, CA, USA]
43.     Samuel Adams Boston Lager        [Boston, MA, USA]
44.     Samuel Adams October Fest     [Boston, MA, USA]
45.     Spaten Oktoberfest UR-Marzen     [Munich, Germany]
46.    St. Pauli Girl Special Dark     [Bremen, Germany]
47.    Newcastle Brown Ale         [Newcastle, England]
48.    Modelo Especial             [Mexico City, Mexico]
49.    Modelo Negra             [Mexico City, Mexico]
50.    1664 de Kronenbourg         [Strasbourg, France]
51.    Molson Canadian Lager         [Toronto, Canada]
52.     Red Stripe Jamaican Lager     [Kingston, Jamaica]
53.    Pete's Wicked Red Rush         [Tumwater, WA, USA]
54.    Cerveza Pacifico Clara          [Mexico]
55.    Kirin Ichiban: Spec. Prem. Res.     [Japan]
56.    12 Horse Ale             [Rochester, NY, USA]
57.    Genessee Premium         [Rochester, NY, USA]


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           Reviews
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Bass Pale Ale

    Well, I've consumed quite a bit of Bass Pale Ale (BPA) in
my time, and it never lets me down. The taste is smooth. The foam
is moderate in consistency, and it has a nice red-brown color.
Compared to the mainstream beers, it packs a bit of a punch
(however latent). BPA does, however, leave a small bitter taste in
the back of the mouth when it is on tap. I never seem to get that
taste when I drink BPA from the bottle. Anyways, my rating of this
beer is 4.75 stars.

Heinekin Lager

    "Green Doubles" have been around for many years. It seems
to me that they have only really gotten popular within the past
decade, however. Their taste is smooth as a blonde beer should be,
but not watery like so many domestic beers (bud*cough*weis*cough*
er*cough*). Heinekin has a very characteristic golden color unlike
so many blonde beers. Also, as it seems to characteristic of
carbonated drinks, it doesn't burn. It's smooth right down to the
core. I suggest drinking this stuff from the keg -- color is darker
(redder), the foam is thicker and tastier, and it just tastes more
like a beer should taste. I give this beer a 4.00 in the bottle,
and a 4.75 out of the keg.

Guiness Extra Stout

    Guiness is well known throughout the world for its fine
blend of beer. In the years, my palate has grown accustomed to the
taste. Its texture is smooth like water, but it is indeed heavy. It
has a very characteristic foam that can only be called "Guiness"
(similar to a fine cappucino). The wondeful flavor is reminiscent
of baker's chocolate with a hint of the typical beer aftertaste,
however slight. Also, there are few (at least in the states) that
can deny its distinct coloring: dark as the chocolate it is
comparable. I'd recommend Guiness Extra Stout to anyone. This is
why I give it a 4.75 stars. It's not perfect, but it is close.
Plus, it packs a wallop, so don't stand-up too quickly after a
six-pack or so.

Sierra Nevada Wheat Beer

    A good buddy of mine introduced me to this beer. At first,
I was hesitant, but I tried it nonetheless. The taste is very
fruity, however it gives way to a latent brewed taste that can only
be "beer". Its texture is not unlike that of Guiness, but the
bubbles are slightly bigger. The head is even, and the color is
reminiscent of homemade apple juice. (Perhaps that is where it gets
that fruity taste.) Overall, SNWB is a fine beer. It is best served
cold for after tasting it warm it got a bit "loopy" -- as if one
mixed BPA with Sangria. For the adventurous types, I give this good
beer a 4.00. It's worth a try. Why, some might even call it "yummy".

St. Pauli Girl

    St. Pauli Girl (SPG) has been around ever since I started
drinking beer it seems. Its white foam is reminiscent of Miller
Genuine Draft -- white as frost, however not superfluous. The
color is golden like young wheat. The taste reminds me of both
Heinekin and Becks' beer: a smooth tasting blonde beer that lets
a sharp aftertaste slip into the picture. I think it is, however,
important to note that the aftertaste does not linger like so many
mediocre beers. While sharp, it lasts approximately five seconds,
and doesn't leave the tongue saturated with a bitter film. It's a
good beer, all in all. But it provides no more punch than a typical
Shiner Bock or Icehouse, and it smells like a irony Anheuser-Busch
product. I'll rate this beauty at a modest 3.85. I'd like to try it
in a keg, but I don't see that happening soon due to distribution
problems.

Pete's Wicked Ale

    I first had Pete's Wicked Ale (PWA) when I journeyed to the
prolific land of New Orleans, Lousiana. I would most compare this
beer to a SNWB. While it  lacks the fruity taste that SWNB exhibits,
it is a darker beer by far. It's color is similar to that of a deep
brown beer mixed with am equally deep red wine. Its honey colored
foam layers its throne of fermented hops, and emanating an acidic
sweet smell mixed with a subtle metallic aroma. The aftertaste is
bitter, and lingers upon the tongue for about fifteen to twenty
seconds (it would be hard to get laid with this kind of breath).
Overall, it is a good beer. But it's aftertaste hampers its rating.
I give PWA a 3.50. My suggestion: Drink it alone, or in the company
of good friends.

Bud Lite

    At first, you probably didn't think that I'd be reviewing a
bud-type. Alas, necessity is the mother of invention, no? Therefore,
I must say this: Water. While it is definitely smooth, I would
compare it to a bubbly slick of thin oil laced with water and
flavored with beer and a single grape. I know you are probably
wondering about the grape comment, but the truth is that I don't
know any other way to describe that first taste of every bud lite,
but as a slight grape taste. The after taste is slightly acrid as
it lingers and emanates its bitterness on the back of the tongue.
The foam is light, and bleached white. Bud Lite's consistency is an
accurate reflection of its obvious main ingredient: water. I give
this beer as modest 2.50 on the Bob Scale for beers.

Anchor Steam

    Oddly enough, I first tried this beer in New Orleans (it is
from San Fran.) I was suprised to find this beer as light in color
as it is. It has a full body taste, but the color is a light reddish
brown. The aftertaste is not unpleasant, though slightly bitter, and
will sit on the sides of your tongue for a moment or two. The first
taste, however, might remind one of Guinness: a slight baker's
chocolate taste, but not near as prevalent or intense as Guiness
itself. Anchor's consistency is as equal as its taste: smooth. The
bubbles are moderately sized, and only permits a small, comforting
buzz in one's mouth. After drinking it in the bottle, it was, indeed,
better than I had originally remembered. I give this beer a 4.50.
Good beer. Try it.

Dos Equis Amber

    I'm not entirely sure where to start on this beer. It is
indeed different in many respects than the beers that I have
reviewed up to this point. I'm speaking, of course, taste wise.
I'd go as far as to say it has a strange, latent nutty taste.
Now, mind you, it is not an unpleasant taste by any means. But that
nutty taste mixes well with the texture: small, plentiful bubbles
and light foam -- similar to that of AS. The aftertaste subsides
quickly which is nice, and is local to the very back of the tongue.
The color is a translucent red color -- as if you took a red crayon
and burnt it slightly under an open flame. The consistency is, well,
ordinary. It is neither smooth, or thick. All in al, it's a pretty
decent beer. This is why I would give this beer a 3.50. It's not
great, but it's worth a try for you conoisseurs out there. Enjoy.


Southpaw
   
    I do have something psitive to say about Southpaw. For the
price, it's better than most beers at this price. It still has that
"drunk redneck" taste and smell. The taste is like a slightly better
Milwaukee's Best, but not nearly as green. By no means does it have
more water than BL, but the consistency is thin, nonetheless. The
foam is a bleached white typical of almost all of Anheuser-Busch
beers. The color is about as blonde as one could get -- downright
yellow. I don't really have much else to say for this beer, except
it makes a good, cheap beer to feed to people who are already drunk.
I give this brew a 2.25. Have at it.


Harp Lager

    "Brewed for Guiness in Ireland." This defintely says it
best. This beer has the taste of a Guinness, but yields a
slightly lesser "chocolate" taste. The aftertaste is not terribly
strong, and it goes down smooth. At first, it is a sweet tasting
brew, but gives way to a subtle bitter taste. The texture is,
again, smooth and signified by small bubbles tantalizing the tongue.
It plays itself off like a heavy beer, but ends up acting more like
a pale ale similar to BPA. It is downright tasty. I give it a 4.50
on my scale. I'd recommend it to anyone.


Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

    When I first saw this beer, and decided to take it home and
give it a try, I had expected it to be similar to the SNWB. The
taste hit me in a similar fashion: kinda fruity, however, this time
that fruity taste tapered off too quickly. A bitter taste quickly
takes it over, and lingers like cheap beer. The texture of the
bubbles is nice, but the texture of the beer itself reminds me of
BUD. Finally, after a minute, the aftertaste gives way to yet
another aftertaste which is sweet like the taste of BUD. Overall,
to use an analogous expression, it is a bitter Budweiser. I give
this beer a 2.75.


Moosehead

    I first encountered this beer way back in highschool during a
band meeting of sorts. The taste is soft and thin, and exhibits a
very mildly bitter after taste that subsides quickly after each
drink. Accordingly, the color is thinly blonde, and its foam is not
a full one. I can only really say one thing bad about this beer,
and that in comparison to all the beers that I have had, Moosehead
seems to have the most water. But mind you, it is not so much water
that it spoils the beer. In fact, it is an even concentration. This
used to be my favorite beer before I got into heavier beers. If you
want a beer that tries to be a light beer, then this is a good
choice. I give it a 4.00 on the Bob scale. Enjoy.


Abita Turbodog

    Brought to us by Abita Spring, LA, this beer is a tough one
to drink all night. The taste smacks you on the sides of the back of
the tongue with a bitterness that won't quit. It tries to be fruity,
and just can't quite do it. A woody taste sneaks in under the
bitterness, but then is again overtaken by the bitter taste. Its
dark color only lets the smallest amount of light pierce its body,
and the foam is a light brown to match. Unlike its taste, Abita
Turbodog's smell is a light one whisping traces of alcohol into the
passages. Personally, the taste is so strong that I can't stand to
drink more than about three in a row. This is why I'm giving this
beer a 3.25 on the Bob scale. Sorry, Abita.


Tennent's of Scotland

    This is the first time I'm trying this beer. In fact, I've
never seen this beer on the shelf anywhere before until now. Tennent's
reminds me of how beer looks in the commercials: bright golden with
about half an inch of snowy white foam on the top. The smell is
light, and full of vigor. This beer tastes like a lightened Beck's
green label, and the aftertaste is sweetened like an american
domestic. The aftertaste does, however, linger, but it is not an
unpleasant lingering, mind you. The texture is smooth, and not
watery. Tiny bubbles contiue to dance in merriment through every
taste, and maintains Tennent's pleasantness. I have nothing bad to
say about this brew. At first glance, however, it reminds me
somewhat of a Heinekin in its smoothness. Good beer. If you like
blonde beers, and don't care for heavy tastes or heavy feelings in
your stomach, give it a try. You might like it. I give this beer a
4.25 on the Bob Scale. Enjoy.


Two Dogs Lemonade Brew

    Now, I don't usually do such things. In fact, this is the
first of its kind for this review. But given the cirumstances, I
shall do this review. I would, more or less, put this in the
categories of "ciders". The color is similar to that of watered-down
yellow lemonade. However, it displays a white foam not unlike that
of aspartame impregnated kool-aid. In taste, it hides its alcohol
content, but squeezes it out in an aromatic celebration (you can
smell it, but probably won't taste it). The texture is slightly
carbonated and seems to resemble that of fine bubbles of cheap
champagne. All in all, it's a fruity drink better left to the
palates of those who prefer 'malted beverages' like zima, or those
varieties of such drinks as champale. It is cheap sounding, and
cheap tasting. It shall surely leave the experienced beer drinker
wondering, "What sacrilege is this?". I give it a 2.85 on the Bob
Scale. If you love beer, then forget about such things. This is a
waste of time.


Veltins: A German Pilsener Beer

    I was first introduced to this brew at a jazz bar in Jackson, MS.
Yes, go ahead and laugh at me, but the idea is true and factual. At
first glance, the bottle may strike one as a personal champagne
bottle, but I assure you that it is a beer. The color is golden like
wheat. The aroma is even, and pleasant as it should be -- rich and
as if if someone took a dropper of honey, and placed a single drop
inside the bottle. The taste is slightly bitter, but reveals a
robust taste hiding underneath the first impression. At second
glance, Veltins reveals a bold carbonation that pounces upon the
back of the tongue like a prowling cat. The foam surveys the
surface like clouds upon the first layer of the atmosphere -- light
and seemingly lounging among the currents. The taste, overall, is
pleasant. As a good refreshment on a hot day, Veltins makes a good
choice, but there is nothing bring it out above all the other good
beers. I give this Veltins a 4.00 on the Bob Scale. Enjoy.
   

Carta Blanca

    At first glance through a clear glass, Carta Blanca (CB)
looks like diluted apple juice. The aroma is sweet in comparison to
many beers -- almost fruity. Its foam is reminsicent of warm fruit
juice -- thin, but the bubbles aren't as big as something like
orange juice. It's texture is smooth with the subtle feel of light
carbonation. At first taste, it is only mildly bitter, and mixes a
taste of sweetness into the array at the front and sides of the
tongue. It is a pleasant beer, but overall it is kind of thin. You
know how some beers just seem to settle one's stomach as if to
massage the abdomen? Well, Carta Blanca doesn't do this, and it is
kind of a let-down. Tasty, though. I give this brew from Irvine, CA
a 3.75 on the Bob Scale. Enjoy.


Liberty Ale

    From the makers of Anchor Steam comes a misty brown-gold
concoction that is both sweet tasting and sweet smelling. Liberty
Ale's foam is thick and lathery. While densely foamed, it comes
across soft and compelling. It's smell is sweet, and gives a light
sense of that typical beer bitterness. The first taste is bitter
and slightly metallic, but not unpleasant -- it does not burden the
tongue by any means. The aftertaste is light, and lasts but a few
seconds. Liberty Ale's texture is smooth and tapers off as quickly
as its taste. In fact, the texture of the carbonation reminds me of
that first beer I had with my grandpa: ever present bubbles, slightly
coarse, but pleasant as the rush of the one thing that can only be
"beer". Good pick. I give Liberty Ale a 4.15 on the Bob Scale. Enjoy.


Rogue: Oregon Golden Ale

    "Dedicated to the Rogue in all of us." Those are the words
one can find at the small banner on the neck of these beers. This
beer, by no means, makes me feel like a rogue, or instigates any
sort of brotherhood from rogues of the world. Through some clear
glass it is golden, indeed, but could be mistaken for a red beer in
a darker room. The foam is a bit on the thin side of things, and
it's aroma almost smells as if someone dropped a smidgeon of citrus
into the brew by accident. It's a sweet beer that is best related
to Blackened Voodoo out of the New Orleans region of Louisiana.
ROGA has a very distinct aftertaste similar to Beck's green label,
but as it tapers it begins to sweeten and dissolve on the tongue.
It does, however, have a nice texture similar to Liberty Ale which
is nice. At first taste, however, it leans a little to the "skunk"
side of beer, but it diffuses quickly into the aftertaste. I, for
one, do not prefer skunk beers. This is why I'm giving ROGA a 3.00
on the Bob Scale. Enjoy.


Heinekin Special Dark

    Heinekin Special Dark (HSD) may be dark, but it's not special.
Poured into a clear glass, it looks like cold coffee. The foam is
thick and lathery, and colored a brownish-cream. The smell is sweet,
and adds a hint of chocolate-nut aroma to the mix. This part is
pleasing. The chocolate-nut taste embraces the tongue, but quickly
gives way to a deep bitter taste. This secondary taste latches onto
the back of the tongue and bites viciously into the flesh. This
beer has a skunk taste that lingers, and it almost dehydrates me if
I drink many more than about three. I mean, it makes me thirsty --
completely and utterly. After about four, I have to quit drinking
beer altogether, and grab a quart of water to settle my buds. This
part is displeasing. This would be a great beer if it werent for
those two points: skunk, and dehydration. Therefore, I'm forced to
give this beer no better of a score than a 2.75 on the Bob Scale.


Rolling Rock Extra Pale

    I think I first tasted this brew back in high school on the
notion that it was new to me, and that it was the featured beer in
the classic movie "The Deer Hunter." It was a disappointment at that
time, but I also recognize that one's tastes are liable to change
over time. In a glass, it reminds me of a cold BUD. It's a very
thin looking beer with bright white foam like MGD, and smells like
an AS with an apple chip floating inside. The bubbles are small and
unobtrusive. The taste is textured like water, and skunky. It
almost gives me goosebumps. It tastes green, but doesn't leave a
slick taste in the mouth. Instead, it leaves its less-than-
impressive taste on the tongue for a long while. I can't imagine
how Robert DeNiro could have consumed this beer with a straight
face. Upon a second experience, I see my taste in beers haven't
really changed as much as I had hoped, and therefore award RR a
2.75. Enjoy.



Beck's Dark

    This is truly a dark colored beer. Light barely penetrates
this mixture which is even darker than coffee. The foam is a light
cream color, but not lathery like so many dark beers. The aroma is
equally as light, and gives no hint of bitterness. Characteristic
of Beck's regular beer, it does have a sharp bitter taste, but it
tapers quickly leaving a clean taste behind. The bubbles are small,
and remind of that first beer that I had with my grandfather. I
remember it leaving that same aftertaste in my mouth. This is a
pleasant beer. It is both refreshing and smooth to the palate. I
give this beer 4.25 on the Bob Scale. Enjoy.


Pete's Signature Pilsner

    One thing I like about Pete's brands of beers is that they
come in twist-off bottles. The thing that struck me odd about this
brew is that is has almost zero smell. In fact, it isn't until one
pours it out of the bottle and lets it breathe that I could smell
it at all. It has a very light aroma; it is pleasant and sweet.
The foam outlines the sides of the glass evenly and thinly with
small, white bubbles. The color reminds me of Welch's Apple Juice --
copper in color, and inviting. The taste is very straightforward --
bitter and clinging, but not unpleasant by any means. In fact, it's
really not that different from what I'd expect a Beck's aftertaste
to present. Its texture is coarser than a BECKD, and more "in your
face" than a lot of beers sold in the states; but I like it. Its
texture is bold. As many pilsners that I have tasted, the sharp
aftertaste lasts a good while, and tempt those who would drink it
to keep washing it away and refreshing the tongue. All in all, this
is a pretty good beer, and thusly, I give it a solid 4.00 on
the Bob Scale. Enjoy.


Killarney's Red lager

    Well, Anheuser-Busch has done it again. They've managed to
slip another beer into the market, and almost get away with making
the "Anheuser-Busch" label invisible. (Read the fine print at the
bottom.) This beer is barely red. It is more of dar orange in color
to be totally honest. The foam is characteristic of the Anheuser-Busch
(AB) beer -- white. Any other "red" lager typically has a thicker,
cream colored foam in my experience. The smell is light, and the
effervescence of the medium sized bubbles tickle the nose ever so
slightly. Killarney's texture is a typical lathery AB foam, and
slides down the throat without effort. The aftertaste lingers
bitterly on the tongue, and turns gradually into a slight sour taste
as it moves through the back of the nose attempting to escape with
the next breath. Overall, this is a valiant effort for AB in
comparison to their past efforts, but this beer is neither
impressive nor terrible. I give Killarney's Red Lager a pretty
average rating of 2.80 on the Bob scale.



Czech Rebel

    Yes, that's the name. I get the feeling that it's targetted
to folks in the Mississippi. At any rate, this beer is kind of
interesting. Light penetrates this yellow brew like watery low-grade
kool-aid. The head is really light, and white like a Bud Lite. It is
a suprisingly smooth beer, but the bubbles are, indeed, persistent.
The taste is sharply bitter, but it doesn't wear the tongue out like
a cheap rag. The aftertaste tapers fairly quickly, and only leaves
the lingering memory that it was there. The first time I had a Rebel,
I think I got a bad batch -- as if it was an older lot number or
something. But since I've got this sixer for review, it's turned out
to be a decent beer. In that, I'll give this brew a 3.75 on
the Bob Scale. Enjoy.


John Courage Amber

    Coming in from Scotland, John Courage's Amber beer slips in
to the limelight. At first, it reminds me of Kilarney's, but better.
The white-headed, apple colored brew yields a slightly fruity taste
that disappears quickly behind the rush of a mildy bitter display of
equally mild, tightly grouped bubbles. The aroma is barely sweet,
and pleasant. The aftertaste clears itself away quickly, and leaves
nothing more than a insignificant carbonation taste. Pretty decent
beer, but it's a bit rich. I give John Courage Amber 3.50 on
the Bob Scale. Enjoy.


McEwan's India Pale Ale

    Could someone explain to me what's pale about a walnut
colored beer? Interesting brew brought in from Scotland (in case
the "McEwan's" didn't give it away). At first glance, this beer
reminds me of sun tea. An acidic aroma emanates from it's sweet,
light froth. A deep, rich, woody taste breaks out of this beer, and
gives way to something indicative of tea soaked sugar. The taste
then subsides to a minor bitter drop on the back of the tongue
(this of course, disappears relatively quickly, too). McEwan's
India Pale Ale is a thin beer, and its bubbles are not as prominent
as in many other beers. The most characteristic thing about this
brew is that there appears to a lingering taste not unlike watered
down butterscotch; but it's important to note that this particular
taste is very subtle. In fact, about five of ten folks asked could
taste it when asked while the other five could not. Make your own
choice. I give this beer 3.75 on the Bob Scale. Enjoy.


Pete's Strawberry Blonde

    Man, the only reason I'm trying this right now is because
someone left it at my house this weekend. Opening the bottle lets
forth a rush of strawberry smell not unlike sticking one's nose to
the side of a two-foot jolly rancher. It's completely sweet smelling.
The color is, indeed, a blonde. PSB's taste is suprising, however.
I expected an incredibly sweet taste, but the bitterness from the
beer mixes well to taper things to a minimum. Now, it's still a very,
very sweet beer. (I suggest drinking it with food. I believe this
is probaly one of a few brews that have appeared recently in order
to tap into the alcohol market that regards beer taste as something
to avoid.) Much like Pete's Wicked Ale, the strawberry blonde has a
taste as it goes down the back of one's throat that grab the throat
and hang on for fun. This is not unpleasant in my opinion, but it
is characteristic of a few beers -- notably the "Pete's" flavors of
beers. This would be a pretty good beer if it weren't for the
strawberry taste. I'm a purist. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. In
the immortal words of Marie Antoinette, "Let them eat cake." This
one gets a 3.00 from the Bob Scale. Enjoy.


Birra Moretti

    I believe I've said the phrase, "This is the blonde beer
that every blonde american wants to be." Yes, it's blonde, and it's
quite tasty. Topped with a thin, white foam, the apple sweet smell
tantalizes the senses. Small bubbles drift heavenward, and almost
appear as if they are trying to avoid notice. First taste reveals a
mild mannered beer that is both pleasant to the mouth and palate as
it is to the stomach. There is no such full feeling to this beer.
The bitter taste is light in comparison with any of the beers
preceding this review. At first glance, its sweet taste is lightning-
quick to give way to its stronger bitter counterpart. This is a good
beer. I can drink this anytime, anywhere. I give Birra Moretti a
4.80 on the Bob Scale.

Anchor Porter

    As I said just now after pouring Anchor Porter into my mason
jar, "Now THAT is a dark beer." Light will not penetrate this creamy
brew from California. I say "creamy" because the foam is indicative
of a cheap hot chocolate lather, and the smell and taste complements
this perfectly. The smell, while light, reminds me of a mocha coffee.
Achor Porter's taste is like drinking liquified chocolate covered
coffee beans. It's aftertaste lingers like a mocha, and the bitterness
tries to escape, but only is allowed until after the creamy taste
subsides after about thirty seconds. I have to admit that I like
this beer. It sets in the stomach well, and while the other senses
would make one think that it might be full bodied, it really doesn't
feel like a full bodied beer (except maybe on the tongue). It's a
great coffee house sort of brew. I give Anchor Porter a 4.60 room
temperature. Otherwise, I don't suggest drinking this beer completely
frosty. For some reason, its taste degrades somewhat to what I would
call a 3.90 -- The bitter taste overtook the enjoyment last I drank
it frosty. Enjoy.


Murphy's Irish Stout

    No, that's not sediment or even a pebble from a nearby stream
or lake. That's the "floating" design you can find in beers like
Guiness Draught. It's a little piece of somethin-or-other designed
to make your experience better. Well, my hat's off to you guys at
Murphy's Brewing. This is a damn fine beer. Much like our buddy
above, Anchor Porter, light does not penetrate this brew. The head
is a thick, cream colored lather invites the palate with a temptuous,
sultry Mae West sort of style. Murphy's Irish Stout (MIS) pours
like water. One can almost imagine the feet of little men running
over the lip of the bottle as MIS spews forth in its brewed grandeur.
The texture is also like water, and a bitter, slightly chocolate,
taste dances on the back of tongue like a leprechaun gloating over
his gold supply. Man, this is a pretty darned good brew. I could
drink this anytime and anywhere. It doesn't leave the stomach feeling
full and weighted-down. I'd recommend this beer to anyone. I give
Murphy's Irish Stout a grand 4.80 on the Bob Scale. Enjoy.


Abbaye de Leffe Blonde
    You know, I've yet to give a truly bad review. Therefore,
here we go. In fact, I'd probably be able to tell you more had I not
gagged after the first taste. Even the smell of this brew turned my
stomach sour. This is the kind of thing, perhaps, they should have
kept in Belgium. Moreover, maybe I just don't have enough Belgian
in me. I hate to do this to a beer, but I give this piece of manure
a fat 1.00 on the Bob scale. (Damn, I hope that I just got a bad
batch.) Enjoy.


Pilsner Urquell

    Boasting being "The Original Pilsner", Pilsner Urquell slides
from its bottle displaying a nice wheat colored beer. Through the
clear glass of this mason jar one can see that the carbonation is
really quite low -- there aren't many bubbles floating around. In
fact, there isn't much foam at all. A single thin, white foam lines
the small meniscus of beer. Urquell's smell is very characteristic
of pilsners, and displays an obvious bitterness as it tickles the
nasal passages. In addition, it has a distinct wood smell intermingled
within its aroma. Upon the first taste, a small rush of bitter taste
gains momentum and explodes into the back of the mouth. The aftertaste
is sharp and equally bitter, but subsides relatively quickly leaving
the familiar taste of carbon dioxide. Urquell's taste is very straight-
forward. It doesn't release a full feeling along with its golden
goodness, and I like that. When one gets past the bitter taste, Urquell
is actually a quite pleasant brew. I give Pilsner Urquell a solid
3.80 on the Bob Scale. Enjoy.


Abita Amber

    From the makers of "Turbodog" comes Abita Amber. This smooth
orange-red beer has a very light white head, and an equally light aroma.
Not only is its aroma light, but slightly sweet as well. Abita Amber's
carbonation density is similar to the laxidaisical wanderings of a child's
goldfish aquarium filter bubbles. At first taste, the bubbles barely let
one know of their involvement. A light bitter taste strikes the back of
the tongue, and hangs on for a moment or two as it gradually gives way to
the natural juices of the mouth. Secondly, the decay of bitter leaves
a subtle sweet aftertaste. Unlike many brews, Abita Amber doesn't leave
a full feeling in the belly, and that is a pleasurable experience. This
is a good lazy summer afternoon brew. Its dissipation inside the mouth is
even, and is delightfully quenching. I give Abita Amber a 4.40 on the Bob
Scale. Enjoy.


Theakston Old Peculier

    Pouring this concoction into the mason jar yields a brew that runs
down the side in a lazy fashion. Old Peculier has a strong smell not unlike
pure Hershey's chocolate. If you've ever driven into Hershey, Pennsylvania
then you know the smell of which I speak. Theakston's brew blocks nearly
all light from penetrating it's body. The only light I see making its way
through this witche's cauldron of goodness is at the bottom -- yielding a
mollasses coloring. The head is creamy, and displays a linen colored foam.
The bubbles tantalize the tongue, and massage it as the brew slips down the
back of the throat. The taste is sweet, and gives way to a suprisingly
smooth beer. In fact, the taste is only bitter for half a moment. Old
Peculier's aftertaste subsides quickly after coating the tongue; its coating
dissappears quickly as well. The only feeling I have experienced in checking
out this brew is the cold of the liquid sitting in my stomach as the natural
heat of my body takes it over. What a splendid brew. Though Old Peculier is
deceptive at first sight, it is quite a nice brew. A grand pub brew, or
perhaps even an after dinner beer. I give Theakston Old Peculier a 4.65 on
the Bob Scale. Enjoy.


Spaten Premium

    Traditionally in the states, malt liquor was reserved for the likes
of semi-famous brews such as Colt 45 or perhaps even Crazy Horse. From
Germany comes Spaten Premium. Spaten's aroma is sweet like apples are sweet.
It's head is a bright sterling white foam reminiscnet of a soft seltzer,
but not sparkling. At first taste, it coats the tongue slightly, and brings
forth a sweet, balanced taste. The aftertaste is reminiscent of some
champagnes, but with a small amount of bitterness that is barely noticeable.
spaten is a very thin, yellow looking brew, and it's label is very much
like I would expect from, perhaps, a champagne bottle's label. The texture
is very even, but heavier than the traditional beers from the states. This
combination of beer and champagne feel is very strange, but not entirely
unpleasant. Also, it leaves the stomach only mildly affected, and feeling
slightly gassy. All in all, not a bad brew. I give Spaten Premium a decent
3.75 on the Bob Scale. A most turn-around from my previous experience with
malt liquors. Enjoy.

Dinkel Acker CD-PILS

    From Munich and spaten once again comes a strong smelling brew by
the name of Dinkel Acker CD-PILS. (Can anyone tell me to what "CD-PILS"
refers?) This beer has a strong, skunky aroma. Picture perfect are the
bubbles that evenly drift in unison towards the top of this mason jar. It's
color is a light golden hue, and its head is a thin white. At first taste,
Dinkel Acker bites into the taste buds on the back of the tongue, and bursts
forth like a fireworks display of bitterness. Second taste is just as strong,
but the aftertaste subsides quickly. The stomach reacts with a momentary
grumble as the heavy carbonation reaches its inner parts. In fact, one could
call the carbonation deceptive as the head gives no hint of its staunch
texture. It gives me a shiver as it hits the back of my tongue, but this
shiver is merely a reaction to the largely bitter style of this beer. It's
not unpleasant, but rather, simply, strong. When I drink this brew, I know
I'm drinking beer, and that's a good thing. I give Dinkel Acker CD-PILS a
3.60 on the Bob Scale. Real bitter beer for real beer drinkers. I would not
count this beer as a daily drinker by any means. Enjoy.

Cerveza Tecate

    Everywhere I seem to go that has beers from Mexico always have this
red labeled bottle of beer named Tecate. Through the clear glass of this mason
jar, a light what colored beer peers back at me. Floating laxidaisically upon
the meniscus is a light, white foam staring back with its own set of eyes.
Tecate has a very traditional beer smell similar to the American Lagers, but
with a very slightly heavier strength to it. It's mildly sweet, and the aroma
of carbonation pierces the senses gently. The texture is mild, and alludes to
the fizzy nature of such drinks; it tickles the back of the tongue as the fluid
slides down the throat. The taste of Tecate is very light, and the aftertaste
is equally as light -- only barely bitter, and subsiding to a sweeter taste.
The stomach makes no mention of tecate's intrusion into its innermost lair. The
most prevalent part of Tecate is its lack of punch or individuality. This is
mildly depressing, but I'll get over it. Therefore, I give Cerveza Tecate a
modest 3.25 on the Bob Scale. A very easy beer to drink, but I can buy a
domestic beer and get the same effect. Enjoy.

Beck's

    I've been drinking Beck's for years, but haven't ever taken this objective
sort of look at it before. I've been meaning to do so, but never quite got around
to it. I've never actually drank Beck's outside of its dark green bottle, and
am kind of suprised to find out that it's a really light colored brew; it's a
very pale yellow in color. The most notable part of Beck's initially is its
strong aroma. This beers breathes heavily when compared to the everyday beer. This
smell is sweet with a grassy, bitter twinge that fairly strong. The texture is
light, and not as thin as the coloring might make one think. The texture is quite
light, and the bubbles seem hesitant to make their presence known. The taste itself
is slightly metallic with a deep bitterness pushing its way through to the forefront.
The aftertaste hangs on, and changes its hue, so to speak, several times very quickly
before settling upon an all-encompassing light bitterness. This aftertaste lasts for
a while. Beck's is quite light on the stomach, but moderately coats the stomach, and
doesn't let one forget its there. It's not unpleasant; it's kind of nice and gives
a comforting massage. I give Beck's a 3.90 on the Bob Scale. A good daily drinker
when you're in the mood to drink beer, but don't wanna be full. Enjoy.

Rogue: Dead Guy Ale

    After popping the top on this brew from Oregon, my nose was instantly
hit with a large, muscular fist of a sweet brewed aroma. In fact, it smelled
like grandma's fruitcake that nobody eats. But knowing it was beer, I peered
back at this misty, brown-red beer as it winked at me with its off white colored
foam. You know that white -- the same white that clings to the walls of sheet
rock fifty years old. Well, this lather was no different. At first taste, a sharp
bitter taste scraped my tongue, and mixed with a tiny sweetness. I shivered.
This wasn't a pleasant bitterness, but rather the kind of bitterness that
make's one's stomach beg for a quart of water. My tongue wondered where all the
moisture went. The texture of Dead Guy Ale is smooth, and the bubbles are even
across the grade of this brew. I quickly made the decision: This was probably
the last Dead Guy Ale I will probably have for a long while. It's just too
dehydrating, and the taste isn't very refreshing. The aftertaste moves in
and becomes the friend that won't leave at the end of the party. The
aftertaste is that grape juice stain on the white carpet that stares at you
day in and day out. My dear Dead Guy Ale, I give thee a 2.25. Enjoy.

Dinkel Acker Dark

    Back again from the land of Germany is the Spaten distributing company
and their blackberry colored brew, Dinkel Acker Dark. The aroma of this brew is
like its taste: nutty. But the aroma is far more persistent that the flavor, and
displays a sort of depth, if you will. It's strong, you see, but it doesn't breathe
like, say, McEwan's India Pale Ale. The custard colored foam dances around the
side of the mason jar as this brew entices one to try it. Allowing one's tongue
to take in the goodness reveals that this very smooth brew is a pleasant one. A
very light bitter taste accompanies the mild, thirst quenching eruption. The
nutty taste is a perfect complement to its mild texture. The bubbles almost seem
as if they are nonexistent, but it does not display a watery feel by any means. Dinkel
Acker Dark's aftertaste tapers off fairly quickly leaving only a hint of its
departure after about 45 seconds. This is a good beer. A great daily drinker. I
give this Dinkel Acker Dark a 4.45 on the Bob Scale. Enjoy.

Sierra Nevada Porter

    Back once again from Chico, CA comes another Sierra Nevada brew. This time
it's a porter, and not a bad one at that. Sierra Nevada Porter is a very dark colored
brew. So dark that light doesn't penetrate except at the very bottom of the mason jar,
but I'm think that has something to do with something that is non-beer related. At
any rate, the aroma is very light, but with an opening of the passageways, one can
smell a sugar sweetness about this porter. Unlike the color of its liquid, SNP does
not have a dark head, and given the chance, this foam with gather thickly. SNP's
texture rates right in the middle, and neither displays a coarseness nor mildness.
The taste is much like so many porters that I've tasted. SNP tastes like a smooth,
slightly bitter coffee bean covered in Suisse Mocha. (You know Suisse Mocha -- that
coffee in the tins from International Foods Coffee. Don't look at me like that.) SNP
doesn't leave one feeling full, or dehydrated like so many beers of this type. With
their porter, Sierra Nevada definitely draws the line between porters and stouts. A
great evening drinker. I give Sierra Nevada Porter a 4.35 on the Bob Scale.

Samuel Adams Boston Lager

    Once this brew is freed from its constrictive cell we tend to refer to
as a bottle, it reveals it's suprisingly light colored head and its ade-like
dirty-orange color. A completely even bittersweetness rides along the waves of
aromatic goodness, and incites no wrinkling of the nose nor an unwanted tear of
the eye. Without even tasting it yet, this isn't a bad looking brew. Unlike the
aroma, the bitter comes out with a commanding lead over the sweet latency. In
fact, the aftertaste reminds me of apple peels, but with a bitter twist.
Unfortunately, the bitterness, again, seems to win the struggle in the end.
This isn't a terribly pleasant bitterness, but it's definitely not the worst.
All in, this ain't too bad of a beer. The belly doesn't get that dehydrated, full
feeling associated with so many brews, and the overall taste and smell is
easy-going. The letdown in this brew lies within its aftertaste. This is why
I must give Samuel Adams Boston Lager 3.75 on the Bob Scale. Enjoy.

Samuel Adams October Fest

    Once given the chance to fly, this bird, now free, reveals a much deeper
color than its predecessor, Boston Lager. October Fest gives us an elusive
set of bubbles, and an equally ade-like appearance, however redder. In fact,
October Fest makes it look like Wyler's (TM) has hit the market with a beer. I
almost mistook it for cranberry juice at first glance. The aroma leaves a little
to be admired by its successors, but remains sweetened by some unknown additive.
Like a swarm of ghosts around a keg of grenadine, the white head persists with its
feathery surface. At first taste, everything gets turned upside-down (so much so that
I feel the need to make a second drink to assure my taste buds of their accuracy).
On the second drink, the choas is tamed, and the texture rebounds within my stomach.
Somewhere, a burp is brewing. This beer isn't really all that bitter. In fact, the ade-like
appearance is relflected in its overall taste. The only bitterness in this beer is
hiding out on the back of tongue on a lunch break watching the game, and it's fourth
and four. But we must take into account that the taste is NOT bad, either. No hint
of unpleasantness rears its ugly head. Also, there is no dumpy feeling within the
belly, and that is always a good thing.  (But, yes, again, somewhere, there is a burp
out there in the future. This one seems latent in its carbonation approach. ) All
things considered, I must bow, and give Samuel Adams October Fest 3.50 mainly because
it has no balls, to put it plainly. However, it's still better than most domestic
beers (speaking from the ethnocentric, United States, point of view.) Enjoy.

Spaten Oktoberfest UR-Marzen

    From the vats of Spaten once again comes its Oktoberfest brew. This sienna
beer brings forth a sweet smelling aroma topped with a perfectly white, lathery head.
The carbonation peers through the aroma, and barely tickles the eyes, and gives a
hint of bitter goodness locked inside. At first taste, the bubbles' presence is small,
and give a small, but pleasant, burn on the back of the tongue. Also with this taste,
the effects on the stomach is slight, and doesn't give a full feeling nor a parching of
the palate. The taste sweet as the aroma would whisper. Spaten's Oktoberfest seems to
whisper a soft lullabye as it slides down the back of the throat. In other words,
there is an element of thickness to this brew, but not the kind of thickness that may
be found in many stouts. Rather, a thickness that reminds me of olive oil, however, we
musn't be deceiving in our word choice. There's no oily slickness, and definitely no
typical oil taste. This is purely a textural observation. Moreover, this is pretty light.
The bitterness of this brew is very gentle, and only is equaled by Spaten's lulling
foam that seems to affect the entire beverage. This is a supringly smooth drink, and
worthy of a positive note. I give Spaten's Oktoberfest UR-Marzen a 3.90 on the Bob Scale.
I have a feeling this would be best served with food as the taste would obviously
complement an light, easy dinner at home after a long, hard day's work. Enjoy.

St. Pauli Girl Special Dark

    This strong smelling brew from the makers of St. Pauli Girl brand of beers is
indeed dark as its name suggests. Emanating from my characteristic mason jar, the
special dark version of this beer line gives way to a bitter, powerful aroma. One
can definitely begin to understand that there is a great potential for a powerfully
bitter brew as the stomach seems to wince in anticipation of this dark beer's entrance
into the temple of digestion. Differing from this morbid display of nasal sensation is
the quickly dissipating cream-colored head that floats on the surface of an almost black
mixture. Diving in to taste the goodness hidden inside this alchemic-seeming jar of beer,
I shiver as the aroma hits me full throttle in the nose. Alas, I persevere in hopes that
this one will be deceptive. Thankfully, to some degree, it is. Despite a mild metallic
flavor typical of beers like St. Pauli Girl and Beck's, the texture is moderately inherent
of beers like Beck's Dark or as I've mentioned before, that first beer with your dad. In
a whiplash effect, the carbonation makes a u-turn and bubbles warmly within my breast as
the alcohol strikes my system. I take another drink. The bitterness seems all too similar
to many american versions of mainstream german beers. Now, this is not disappointing, and
I kind of like it. In fact, it's quite comparable to Beck's beer, only darker. The stomach
only mildly complains as the carbonation seems unwilling to settle at first, but doesn't
give yells to make one stop drinking this beer. St. Pauli Special Dark is actually pretty
good in most respects, but the originality of its taste leaves little to be admired. I've
tasted this beer in several other variations and labels. Therefore, I'm forced to give
St. Pauli Girl Special Dark a modest 3.50. Like the spaten Oktoberfest, I'd drink this
one with a sandwich as the digestion wants to bubble a little more than usual. This is
probably the most apparent differentiation between the other similar mainstream beers.
A pretty decent beer otherwise. Enjoy.

Newcastle Brown Ale

    For years, Newcastle Brown Ale has made its presence along a vast line of
import beers that have created the standards for the mainstream import beers. In the
past, I shrugged at its presence, and I'm sure that this treatment was probably, for
the most part, undue. I come to this decision because I've apparently received some
bad batches. Moreover, it is this bad luck of mine that leads me to believe that the
shelf life of this brown brew isn't as long as some of its competitors. However, on
with the actual review. Through this window pane that is my trusty old mason jar,
Newcastle presents a light coffee colour, or perhaps a color not unlike sun brewed
tea. Its aroma is nice and hearty with no depiction of bitterness. If anything, the
aroma is subtly sweet. An egg nog colored foam sluggishly floats upon the surface, and
invites the weary traveller into its embrace. Newcastle's texture is smooth, and its
bubbles are no more coarser than a cotton bedsheet of an aged weave. Tasting of caramel
and nuts, this brew tapers quickly into a nice dessert-like aftertaste. With a small
bitter linger on the back of the tongue, Newcastle leaves the stomach alone. In exemplar,
it does not weigh down the stomach. No parching of the palate remains. I shall assume
this is the way Newcastle Brown Ale is supposed to taste, and decidedly so, I give
this ale a 4.20 on the Bob Scale. Enjoy.

Modelo Especial

    From the makers of such popular brews from Mexico as Corona comes a favorite
of mine from the lighter beers on the market. When I'm in the mood for a light beer, I
turn oftentimes to Modelo Especial. Truthfully, it's not a light beer, but compared to
the other beers I frequently drink, Modelo Especial might as well be labeled as a light
beer. Like Hollywood faux gold bullions, Modelo Especial shimmers with a golden hue.
Topped with a foam that is the definition of white, this cerveza comes across as a fairly
straightforward beer. The aroma is lightly sweet, and taps on the lining of the inside of
the nose with a finger not unlike that of a child, but made of carbonation. Modelo Especial
gives the palate a break from the every-so-often beating of bitternesses, and reminds us
that a beer can be relaxed on flavor, and still command attention. While Modelo Especial
has a distinctive bitter beer taste, it's taste is very light without being watery. Its
texture is of a typical coarse domestic -- like a soda with small bubbles. Without grumbles
from the stomach or palate, Modelo Especial makes its way through the system en route to
please the heart. It is with this note that I must give Modelo Especial a 4.35 on the Bob
Scale. If Modelo did, indeed, have a more distinct taste all its own, it would have scored
higher. It appears as if Modelo has stolen a few great things about several othger lighter
beers and packaged them all together for a good product. Think of it as Mexico's version
of Red Stripe. Anyways, enjoy.

Modelo Negra

    With the reviews of Modelo's Especial, I couldn't resist reviewing the beer on
the opposite end of the spectrum: Modelo Negra. I've heard pretty good things about this
beer from a several of my acquaintances. You see, this will be the first time I've ever
had this beer. So, it's a treat, perhaps, for both of us. Modelo Negra's aroma reminds me
of honey with one added ingredient: aluminum foil. This isn't an unpleasant smell, it's
just distinctive. Modelo Negra's foam isn't what I would call typical of a dark beer. It's
really quite a light colored foam, but heavier and slightly tinted from its sister brand,
Modelo Especial. The texture of Modelo Negra is also comparable to the Especial with a very
moderate accentuation on the carbonation. As far as taste goes, Modelo Negra makes me
think that they just revamped the Especial, added a bit of nuttiness, and colored it dark.
I think the most distinctive part of Modelo Negra is its aftertaste. Unlike its cousin, Especial,
Negra's aftertaste is like dull, nutty seltzer. It's interesting. I'm guessing it has one
or two things to do with the water in Mexico. (No, that's not a cheap poke at Mexico's
water.) Overall, this isn't a bad beer. Disappointing in that it is so similar to the Especial
in some respects, in others not. The stomach complains mildly as whatever they put in here
to make it dark apparently dehydrates me very slightly. Now that I think about it, a good
brisquet sounds good aboiut now too. (I'm sure that's unrelated.) At any rate, I give
Modelo Negra a 3.75 on the Bob Scale. Enjoy.

1664 de Kronenbourg
=====================

    Hailing from France, we have our first French "biere" to grace The Beer in Review.
At first, I wasn't familiar with this beer. In fact, France and beer don't usually occupy
the same thought process. But alas, I went into this review with a clean slate that was
my mind. The end result of that was that it didn't really matter. 1664 is a strange beer.
Moreover, it's ironic that it comes from France because this is truly a champagne of beers.
Let's take a closer look. The aroma comes across pretty straightforward, and not too unlike
many modern brews: a slight must combined with a moderate carbonation effervescence,
and mildly sweet. The head is a very nice, tight foam like the froth of a really cold ice
cream float with bourbon. Alongside its visual appearance, 1664's texture is tightly
carbonated and is very mild. 1664 begins to reveal its true nature after about ten
seconds. 1664 is like champagne in that 1) it seems to simulate a drying of the mouth,
2) it seems to breathe straight throught my ears and cheeks, and 3) has a very distinct
60/40 split between typical beer taste and everyday champagne. (Andre to be exact.)
As an added bonus ( I say "bonus" loosely), it reminds me of the last drink by sizzling
in my stomach for a tiny moment. I'd probably do best to drink this sort of thing with
a meal. At any rate, a bit disappointing. Thus, I'm compelled to give
1664 de Kronenbourg a 2.90. This one is too much of a letdown to try the
deception route. Enjoy.


Molson Canadian Lager
=======================

    Sporting the title of "North America's Oldest Brewery since 1786", Molson gives us
a taste of Canada in the form of a lager. This fragrant beer is golden yellow with a thin white
head. The aroma is sweet and strong with a hint of carbonation. Looking through its body, I
can see a small amount of bubbles. They appear small, and don't seem to disturb the
surface too much. Tasting it reveals a light texture inherent of many domestic american
beers without the lathery effect or the overly watery taste. The stomach accepts this beer
with open arms, and no burn or dehydration accompanies this Molson Canadian. The
aftertaste is quick to depart. Moreover, this aftertaste leaves us with a tidbit of carbon
dioxide taste coupled together with a mild taste not unlike that taste of hay in the back of
the mouth. The overall taste of Molson Canadian is one of mild bitterness, and again
inherent of american beers, but a slightly stronger taste. Well, actually, I'd give it one
extra consideration beyond american beers. In all its glory, I can't imagine paying too
much for imported beer if it all tasted like a stronger version of Budweiser or Coors.
Still, I wouldn't turn down a free one any day of the year. In all this, I give Molson
Canadian a 3.75. Enjoy.


Red Stripe Jamaican Lager
==========================

    Red Stripe has been around in the states as a mainstream import for several years.
It is a fairly well established beer, and deservedly so. A foamy white head tops this
pretty golden wheat colored beer. A medium carbonated aroma emanates from Red
Stripe as it entertains the thoughts of an easy-going summer evening's relaxation. I've
often thought that, perhaps, Red Stripe is comparable to Modelo Especial which isn't
necessarily a bad thing. The difference is that Red Stripe has a fuller taste. This is why
I like to turn to Red Stripe when I want a beer that still has the robustness of an import,
but still keeps a sense of lightness. Red Stripe is a smooth beer with very mild
carbonation. It brings forth onto the palate a sensation that does not burn, but rather
massages. Red Stripe's a pretty thirst quenching beer. It is, however, not watery.
(Keep in mind this is a full flavored beer blonde.) Chock full of bubbles, Red Stripe
leaves a small, unencumbering aftertaste reminiscent of its evervescence and a minor, wispy
bitterness. Equally as nice, the stomach barely gives Red Stripe a second notice as it
passes each drink a ticket for the train to the body. Good beer. A very easy beer to
drink. Red Stripe has the feel of a light beer, but the taste of a full flavored beer. This
kind of thing is hard to do, and therefore is deserving of a 4.25 on the Bob Scale. Enjoy.

Pete's Wicked Red Rush
==========================

     Well, Pete's has come out with yet another flavor of beer.  I'm beginning to the that there
are no bounds that are yet met by this company.  Ok, that's not entirely true.  With the
introduction of Red Rush, Pete's Wicked certainly doesn't present any instance of pioneering
mastery in the art of brewing.  Red Rush's (RR's) aroma is very fruity, and reminds me of the
way apple sauce used to smell when I was eight.  the only difference is that my apple sauce
didn't have alcohol nor carbonation, though, I imagine that my memories of childhood would
have been that much more pleasurable if that were the case.  Like the name suggests, this
beer is indeed red in color. No suprise there as it is the age of marketing.  The carbonation
of this beer is pretty smooth -- in fact it's pretty much just right.  If I were to stop right
here, however, I would be sure to give them a high rating.  The problem is that the taste is
quite dusty and sharp.  The bitterness becomes the beer, and any sense of fruitiness is
knocked over like a ming vase on an iron floor.  The aftertaste heavy, and RR immediately
removes all liquid from the top of the tongue.  This makes me thirsty, and my stomach
begins to find it unfavorable pretty quickly.  All said and done, I give Red Rush a 3.35.
Enjoy.

Cerveza Pacifico Clara
==========================

     Thanks to NAFTA, we can check out some of these beers from Mexico like Pacifico. 
While Mexico is is known moreso for its Tequila than its beer, Gambrinus makes a bold
addition to any international treaty.  Pacifico is a light beer in color, and the light passes
through its golden goodness without a second glance.  The head of this beer is stark white,
and without the bottle, one might mistake it for a beer domestic to the USA.  Pacifico
doesn't play around with fruity colors or aromas; it gets right down to business.  In some
ways this is a clever sort of deception.  In other ways, it could be part of the reason I don't
see it more often down here where we're a mile away from the sororities.  At any rate,
Pacifico's texture is quite mild, and the bubbles of this beer are really small and plentiful. 
This beer is quite good on taste though, and its aftertaste doesn't latch on to your tongue
like a seed tick like the texture, the taste of Pacifico is quite light, and causes no sort of
dehydration like so many other beers. This beer won't make me foam at the mouth if I get
the chance to drink it,  and I doubt that it would replace my standbys.  However, Pacifico
is worth a mention, and is quite good.  That's why I'll give Pacifico 3.90 on the Bob Scale.
Enjoy.

Kirin Ichiban: Special Premium Reserve
=========================================

     Our first beer from Japan is none other than Kirin Ichiban's Special Premium Reserve.
The color of this beer is really similar to a lot of american domestics in that it has a
very yellow hue.  Likewise, the head is thin and stark white.  The first thing I noticed
about this beer, however, is the strong aroma that breathed like an asthmatic with a case
of emphysema as I popped the top off with my church key.  That aroma reminds me of how
beer used to smell when I'd sit down at the end of a hard day's work with my grandpa when
I was twelve, and he'd say "Don't tell your mom, but have a beer." Naturally, this is a
fond memory, and the aroma of Kirin Ichiban is no different in that respect.  I first had
Kirin whilst eating sushi in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Yeah, I know. Tuscaloosa -- great sushi
capital of the world. Ha!) Anyways, the first taste of Kirin's premium beer brings a nice,
moderate rush of carbonation, and the texture is even bordering on coarse.  The aftertaste
is a tad bitter, but this beer has girth. The carbonation can be felt all the way down into
the stomach.  The taste is quite mild, overall, with a slight bitter sting as the intial
taste begins to subside. The tummy doesn't seem to complain at all, and that is a good
thing.Kirin Ichiban is a very easy beer to drink. In fact, I'd say that it's the lager that acts
like a light beer. Good beer. I give this dry beer a 4.10 on the Bob scale. A definite
lazy day drinker for when the 'rents come over.

12 Horse Ale
==============

     When I first saw this, I was thinking about what a very tasteful label. So, I bought
some, naturally, and brought it home. Peering through the clear glass of this mason jar,
a nice reddish amber colored beer causes the condensation to collect upon the outside,
and a thin white foam of tiny, tightly grouped bubbles float around the the inner
circumference. The aroma is light, and not unlike many other domestic beer aromas that
I've smelled over the years.  But like most beers, we begin our real pursuit with a
simple taste.  The texture of 12 Horse Ale is really mild, and seems to have a fair
amount of water as do most domestic US beers, unfortunately. The taste is thin in
comparison to many good beers that can be found on this list of reviews, but the stomach
seems to like it, and has no complaints. The taste of 12 horse ale is kind of like
a generic Anheuser-Busch beer with a hint of fruitiness.  In actuality, I'd probably
prefer it over about halfof domestic US beers. Given the chance, however, I'd probably
grab for something with more weight and less water.  The head that they give this brew
seems pointless, and just for show. with all that said, I give 12 Horse Ale a resounding
3.20 on the Bob Scale.

Genessee Premium
==================

     As I recall, when I lived up north in the grand state of Pennsylvania, I was
bombarded by commercials of Genessee ale. I had heard that it was pretty popular, so,
naturally, I jumped at the chance togive it a try once I became of age.  Too bad I had
to wait fifteen years to do so. But rather than try their ale, our little town here in
the south has only been able to produce its premium variety. well, let's hope it was
worth the wait.  Genessee Premium starts with a bright golden yellow color and the
all-too-normal white foam. Nothing fancy here. The aroma isn't terribly strong, but
that's ok too. In fact, I'd give it a typical aroma known to many doemstic beers, but
you can smell that it has a bit more weight that your typical domestic US beer. I'm not
sure if I can explain why I know that, but I think it has something to with the thickness
of the effervescence rather than the pop and sparkle from carbonation. At any rate, let's
give it a taste. At first taste, Genessee Premium snags the middle of the tongue like a
linebacker, and injects it with a very champagne-like taste. Why, it reminds me a bit of
Kronenburg 1664 in that respect. The texture is, indeed, mild, and a very slight sweet
taste overcomes the dryness quickly.  I wouldn't charactize this sweetness in terms of
a fruit, but rather an all purpose sweetness.  Like champagne, Genessee Premium breathes
through the nose with a fluidity of a tailback (to continue the football analogies). The
aftertaste is interesting though as it stays around for a while, but doesn't burn or turn
sour or bitter. strange beer, but somehow I think it's refreshing to have a different beer
like Genessee Premium every once in a while. Especially since the stomach doesn't seem
to mind, and it's awfully easy to drink.  Thus, I give Genessee Premium a deserved, but
modest, 3.50 on the Bob Scale. Enjoy.


************************************
            Disclaimer
************************************

    I hate to do this sort of thing over and over, but some people just
like to spoil a good time. All material printed herein is the author's own
work, and is meant as a medium of entertainment and education. All material
printed here is the property of me, and may not be reprinted, reproduced,
copied, borrowed, or otherwise implicitly or explicitly duplicated without
concretely expressed permission by me. Any questions regarding this policy
may be forwarded to the following email address: aquaman@netdoor.com .

Copyright 2000 by [Invino Veritas]


======================================
Last Updated: Saturday, August 17, 2002
======================================


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Invino Veritas
EOF

Imports From The MySpace Archives Vol 1.4

The following has been archived from my abandoned blog on MySpace.com:

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May 14, 2006
------------------------


Birthday 2006

First of all, I'd like to thank each and everyone of you helped me celebrate my brithday this weekend. This annual celebration was not only the first celebration of its kind in years, but reinforces my belief that birthdays should be an outward experience rather than an inward experience. Having my birthday fall on both Mother's Day and Sunday this year was a direct reason as to why the festivites actually took two days to complete.

In the previous birthdays, I had neglected to receive my free birthday pizza at Dave's Dark Horse Tavern. One of the bad things about having a birthday around May 14th when living in a college town is that all your friends are graduating, gone home, or on vacation when your birthday hits. I'll blame this as the reson for why we only got two pizzas. We tried to invite more folks, but that's ok. Sometimes the smaller, intimate crowds have the greatest impact. I had expected to hop to a few more places, though. After pizza, Rez and I went over to Zach and Ansel's where we stayed until about 4:30 a.m. (By the way, thanks Ansel for getting the grub at 3:30 at the cafe.)

Transgressing into Sunday, we grilled out. On the grill was some Shark and Pork Chops. Nothing special, but it still tasted pretty good, though I still think that perhaps we should have traded the sourdough with something more complementing of the garlic bread. The nice thing about grilling on Sunday is that I get leftovers throughout the week. Thanks, guys, for being there for me to help me create my menu for the week's dinner. I have no doubt that we'll do it again soon. Maybe I'll do the English Roast next weekend since I have all the ingredients. We'll see.

Now, I didn't forget to give Mom a call on Mother's Day. Having your birthday on that day is kind of weird. After all, it's strange giving out presents on your birthday - there's something slightly out of place. But no matter; it's all good. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. Maybe next year you won't have to spend part of the weekend sending the graduates off into the world.

Well, again, thanks guys for helping me celebrate my birthday this year. I wish everyone could have been there, but c'est la vie. I plan on having more birthdays, so we'll just have to wait for those. Boondocks is about to come on, and it's time to catch the last bit of Morel Orel.I have to keep my Sunday evening routine or else I'll eventually become unraveled. In the meantime, I leave you with this quote as is my trademark I guess:
  

"Morel, you know the rules. Dont' upset your brother until your father's had his first Highball!" 


Enjoy.

-------------------

Invino Veritas
EOF

Imports From The MySpace Archives Vol 1.3

The following has been archived from my abandoned blog on MySpace.com:

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May 21, 2006
------------------------

Honey, I Shrunk The Liver!

I must be getting old or something because my body isn't recovering as quickly as it used to. Ok, perhaps the half case of Modelo Especial wasn't a great idea, but damn it tastes good. So, I'm exercising my right to be a Nerd last night by playing some Table-Top RPG. In the process of said activity, I take down a 12-pack of Modelo, and depart at 4:00 a.m. At 8:45, I awake from my slumber dehydrated as hell and with a topsy-turvy stomach complaining to me with the fury of a hundred raging elephants. I sluggishly slide off the bed and grab some water, and return to be bed in hopes that things will alleviate themselves. "Not so fast", say my eyeballs as they start in on the Timpani. At this point, it is time to hit the Blood Pressure meds. "There. Now fuck off." I think to myself as I hop back into bed. The stomach's still bugging, but it should be ok. "Did you forget something?" my ass rumbled. I hopped out of bed twenty minutes later and found the rest of my Modelo and Pizza exiting the Lincoln Tunnel.  Finally, I get back to bed and fall asleep at around 9:45ish. I get to wake back up at 12:45 and the stomach went away, but now I feel like baker's dough after having the rolling pin used. Looks like a day of rehydrating my body and washing clothes. Isn't life grand?

Flashback. I meant to make a blog yesterday when I changed my picture and added a caption. After completing that process, I was disappointed to find that one of those advertisements from MySpace gave me a dual punch of AdWare. My machine became infected with a parasite that would create me an advertisement to look at everytime I viewed an image. How annoying. How could they allow their advertisers to infect their users' machines like that? Thankfully, I keep a copy of AdAware SE on here, and that removed it quite nicely. If you are unfortunate enough to run into this problem on here, I'd suggest downloading a copy from Download.com or directly from Lavasoft.com and get the latest update for it. It's one that we recommend at work, too. Best of all, it's FREE!

Now, the pictuire to the left there is one from a Keg Party in 2003. I have some pictures from that party, and myabe I might return again to that stockpile and let you guys see if you recognize anyone from that shindig. The guy blowing the flame is Dave who was the boyfriend of a friend of mine from Memphis. Ron, a local to the 'Patch and musician, took this wonderful picture. There is actually two of these pictures from different angles. Maybe I'll post the other later. (I'm feeling marvelously lazy today.) I noticed 20 people looked at my profile today -- eithere that or someone just sat on it and refreshed nineteen times. Either way, I'd like to think it's because of the picture. After all, that's the only thing that has changed since the last viewer came to my edge of MySpace.

In the meantime, take it easy. I'm out of here.

Enjoy.

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Invino Veritas
EOF

Imports From The MySpace Archives Vol 1.2

The following has been archived from my abandoned blog on MySpace.com:

------------------------
June 1, 2006
------------------------

CorpuCornea: Amusement of the Dead, or My Eye Is Rotting and I can't Look Up!


Anyone remember when Will Smith was a rapper? ("Ok, here's the situation: my folks went off on a week's vacation...") I guess I showed my age with that outburst. It's amazing to me how the universe seems to unfold ever forward. This remains true even when it appears to be taking a step or seven backwards. On the other hand, things are pretty cyclical. This may be partly why I think of Rez when I hear that tune in my head. Coincidence? Perhaps.


Good luck with your ventures, Ed. May you find what you're looking for. Don't forget to give us a look at the new paintings that shall unfold in the future. Never forget: Stream of Consciousness is really just a fancy way of saying "Talk Salad". In otherwords, turds always taste like shit no matter how much sugar you put on them. Bullshit is bullshit no matter where you end up. Rednecks can be found anywhere, and in any class of people. Next time you are in town, we'll grab some dinner and hit some NTN Trivia. Then we'll drink a sixer of Old Milwaukee and watch the bug zapper until dawn. (Ok, not really.)

Yes, I missed the party at Ansel and Zach's. I came by early with the full intention of returning after I ate with some co-workers. Turns out that the dinner engagement dragged on longer than I had expected. By the time I got done playing some after-dinner pool, it was time to hit the late night cinema for some X-Men action. (Pretty good flick, though I have some beefs.) If I knew that you guys where going to do it again the next night, I'd have tried to join you. Such is life though: everything is just a symptom of another symptom, usually.

I'm planning to hit St. Louis from June 28th to July 2nd. (That's a Wednesday until Sunday.) My dad lives up there, and I been meaning to go visit since he got another divorce. It's strange, though, when I call and there's obviously a woman in the background, but he doesn't mention her in coversation. It's like he's drawing the attention away from that fact. No matter, though. I'll be able to stick my nose into things when I get up there, I suppose. On the other hand, he might as well be a million miles away - out of sight, out of mind, right? Bah, no matter.

Have fun in Tejas, Punky. I'd have called the other night, but you didn't give me your phone number. I guess someone finally gave you a buzz. No matter, you're heading out soon anyways. If I don't see you before you head out, have a good trip.

I guess that covers everything up to this point. Tomorrow's Friday, and that's a good thing. It was a short week with Memorial Day intruding upon the work week. With the lull in school days, business was slow. I've a feeling things will pick back up next week. I wonder when the day will come when I get tired of doing my job. Just when I think I see it over the horizon, it disappears in a small, soft puff of down. Life is weird like that. I'm out. Take it easy.

Enjoy.

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Invino Veritas
EOF

Imports From The MySpace Archives Vol 1.1

The following has been archived from my abandoned blog on MySpace.com:

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June 4, 2006
------------------------

Fool Me Once, Fool Me Twice

I'm pretty down on a lot of things, and primarily for the same reason. One of the credos of this very country is Give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, and then I'm reminded of George Carlin's note about the NIMBY principle ("Not In My Backyard"). Then I take a look at the supposedly all-inclusive exploits of Christianity in all its various forms and fashions, and see an entire religion built on elitism, too. You would think that even the innocence of youth would be immune from such things, but even that is infested with the elitist extreme; children can certainly be cruel as we all know. Is this brutality of youth really just an allegory for unbridled truth? Is it the truth that is brutal, or is it the kids? I think it's because this idea of maturity is a fallacy created to once again draw lines and create an elitist point of view.

Let's go back to the tired and hungry line. In theory, this country is supposed to be tolerant and inclusive of all types of people. But we all know this is bullshit. Inclusion is the lie on the lips of everyone selling something in the name of democracy, freedom, capitalism, and the USA. Freedom is an apparition sought only by those who aren't in the club. Democracy is the urban legend whispered to children in promises of a good future. The central government destroyed the idea of inclusion when they created parties and lobbyism. Those ideas destroy unity, and ever sever the ties between the masses. It divides people, and says aloud that "you are not like us, and therefore we are better than you." On the smaller level, we've divided our nation into fifty states each with personalities and their own sense of smaller nationalisms. This statewide unity is reinforced by the idea of Representatives and Senate, and the ever-popular sports figures and teams. Did you see the Ohio State-Purdue game? Boy those Boilermakers sure whooped those damn Buckeyes. Breaking it down further, each community (small town america) is comprised of groups of people who further constrain and restrain other groups of people for the same basic elitist reason. This can be seen up-close by a few of us with the recent law changes regarding smoking in public places. Why couldn't the owners of the public places just choose to allow smoking, not allow smoking, or provide accomadations for both? Nope, they had to say once again you are not like us, and therefore we don't want you here. We're going to take away your favorite places, and remove you so we don't have to be burdened by your existence. The health issue really isn't the central issue. It's another lie concocted by some arstocracy to draw attention from the larger issue. The elitist ideal is ingrained in almost everyone in this country. It existed in a days of slavery. It existed on the racist tongues of everyone who acted against Muslims during scare of 9/11. Elitism is the very reason why peopel came to this country in the beginning - to escape religious persecution by an elitist church in England (which brings up an interesting question: is it simply human nature, rather than the country's ideal alone, to separate ourselves from one another?).

Christianity and many other religions tout the idea of being able to enter some sort of fine afterlife if certain conditions are met. These conditions may be a predisposed set of behavioral qualifications, and in many cases they are just that. Either way, if they don't like you, you can't belong to their club (i.e. heaven, Elysium, Valhalla, etc.) Is it coincidence that they gods and supernatural forces behind such theologies are portrayed in human personas? Mary Magdelaine is portayed as a human woman. Jesus is portrayed as a human male. The Greek and Roman gods were portrayed in a very human aspect with human emotions and personalities (with the exception of Pan, but even he was partly human in appearance). Allah and Mohammed are portrayed like humans. Imagine if Jesus was portrayed a a goat, and Mary portrayed as a whale. Atleast the anti-christ is supposed to be born of a Jackal, but then again he's the enemy of the people and faith once again. Coincidence? I think not.

I love american tackle football. I love college basketball. I'd even watch the NBA and college baseball semifinals and tournaments. Maybe that makes me an elitist. I try to pay attention to all teams. Hell, I'll even be watching the World Cup soccer when it begins. The sad thing is I'd probably only watch the World Cup soccer because Team USA is involved. I love the fact that any small town team can become the winner in the NCAA Basketball tournament. This is what is missng from some of the other NCAA sports. (No, this is not a cry for a playoff scenario in college football. That would be too off-topic even for me.) The NCAA governing body is just another example of the existence of elitisim and the driving forces(s) behind the "beautiful people" ideal (by beautiful I mean rich). I don't find much fun in the Olympics anymore. This could be a loss of some sense of nationalistic pride because it's too easy to see the celebritism and hypocrisy that this country breeds. But why do I feel national pride with the World Cup and not the Olymics? I admit I haven't really given it much thought. I thought about moving to Japan or Europe because of some sort of disattachment from the nationalistic pride, but then I realized I'd miss some of the material things that are inherently characteristic of this country. I guess, if I'm going to be down on the ideals that this country creates and maintains, maybe I should blame myself, too, for liking Gin & Tonics, apple pie, and porn. I should blame myself, perhaps, for watching football and buying armor-all for my tires. I should tear out my hair for wearing an MSU hat and driving to the convenience store instead of walking the fifty yards. I should kick my own ass when that guy won't move from his pizza pie pan when we're trying to shoot a game of pool. Finally, I should be tortured for allowing the media to shape my mind and my body through marketing, forcing me to draw lines between me, and my brothers and sisters.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me, bitches.

What a piece of shit.

Enjoy.

-----------------------------

Invino Veritas
EOF

Imports From The MySpace Archives Vol. 1.0

The following has been archived from my abandoned blog on MySpace.com:

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November 24, 2006
------------------------

Generalizations Painted With The Color Dissonance

The past few months have been infused with change. To begin, I've got a new job. My boss referred to it as a promotion, so I'll take that same approach. I now train people to do what I used to do before I was a dispatcher. I now have a salary and make considerably better money than I once made. For these things, I'm happy. I don't have to squeak by to find pennies at the end of the month like I used to do. On the other hand, I haven't really signed-up for a lot of things that I probably should have as result of having deeper resources. But I didn't really start this expression to talk about that sort of thing. 

I find myself working longer hours which is something I kind of expected from the beginning. But I find that when I can't be around to talk to my friends and acquaintances, they begin to fill in the gaps with assumptions. I suppose it's natural to want to know the details of any one thing or set of ideas. This didn't used to happen when I had time to spend with my friends. I would imagine that's because I was there to fill in the gaps between informations of all types. I don't mind missing the events as most of them are things with which I already have expreince. I had a conversation with someone the other day explaining how most people just like to hear themselves talk about themselves. After I said it, that idea stuck in my mind. The following part of this post is a generalization, and nobody should take it personally as it is not designed to be directed at any one person.

People are innately selfish. In fact, they really do like to hear themselves talk much like parakeets must have someone at which to chirp. I try to avoid minor selfishenesses in myself, but I still catch myself every once in a while. My mentors used to tell me that every once in a while you got to be selfish because nobody will think about you and your needs, generally speaking. I tend to believe that this is true so far as it relates to the vicious cycle of innate human selfishness. People who spend their time observing and listening to other people talk are often ridiculed.  By listening rather than talking, I've learned to try to imagine other people's perspectives and empathize. Maybe this blog is my way to bring attention to myself. Hell, I don't know. I can tell all of you one thing that is absolutely true: people really aren't as interesting as they would like to believe. I used to think that they would be interesting before I knew the truth. (I could be mistaking the idea of interest with entertainment at this point, but we'll take them to be synonymous at this juncture.) I guess the revelation I get from all of this is selfishness makes you boring. People don't really relate to people, but rather they relate to experiences, ideas, and even objects. Since people aren't either of those three things, people don't honestly relate to other people. Perhaps that's why they are so damned selfish and prefer to talk about themselves. At this point, you are probably ready to shout to the world that this idea isn't true. But think about it. Use the intellect that was instilled in a grape and THINK about it.

I may change my mind tomorrow, but for the time being I will reassert. People are selfish. People don't relate to people. People aren't interesting. Again, these ideas are a generalization and are taken on the whole. These statements aren't directed towards any single person. In a nutshell, I'm just thinking aloud (so to speak).

Peace & Enjoy.

Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving!

---------------------------------

Invino Veritas
EOF