The Saint Louis Rams are now 2-12 and not a very good football team. Part of the team's reversal of fortunes this season from last year has been the numerous injuries on both offense and defense. The Rams are on their fifth set of corner backs and the offensive line is just as banged up with only one starter from the season opener still playing and he is out of position.
So, will the Rams win anymore this year? I doubt it. But, I didn't think they could ever beat the Saints back in October. But the Rams won that game easily.
Anyway with Christmas fast approaching the Rams have put together a nice video card that is much better in quality than this season. To view the video card just follow this link
December 22, 2011
December 08, 2011
Albert signs with the Halos
Reports this morning indicate Cardinal All-Star First Baseman Albert Pujols has signed a $250 million contract with the Anaheim Angels of Los Angeles. Pujols has played with the Red Birds for the past eleven years and has been the team's, no the Major League's, best and most productive player over that period. He was also a huge part of the 2006 and 2011 World Series Champion St. Louis teams.
My initial reaction is I'm certainly sorry to see Pujols leave St. Louis. Not only is he a giant among all players all time who have played the game, but he is also a giant of a man with a heart for charity as large as his skills are on the field.
But, in reflection I have to say thank you Albert for all of the great times, big hits and memories of the last decade. It has been a wonderful ride, but all good things must come to an end. Albert, may God bless you and continued success and best wishes for you as you begin the next phase of your career with the Angels.
My initial reaction is I'm certainly sorry to see Pujols leave St. Louis. Not only is he a giant among all players all time who have played the game, but he is also a giant of a man with a heart for charity as large as his skills are on the field.
But, in reflection I have to say thank you Albert for all of the great times, big hits and memories of the last decade. It has been a wonderful ride, but all good things must come to an end. Albert, may God bless you and continued success and best wishes for you as you begin the next phase of your career with the Angels.
November 27, 2011
Some Tasty Beers
This weekend was a good one for sampling new beers in the St. Louis area. Schlafly has just released it's Imperial Stout. The brewery has created a potent beer that checks in at 10.5% ABV. I sampled it last night at the Tap Room. It is one of my favorite styles of the year. In addition to being a filling beverage for a cold night, it has been aged over whiskey barrels. It pours black and has the viscosity of motor oil. Be careful at 10.5 it will kick your butt. I had several water backs when I drank it with dinner.
Charleville Brewing of Southeast Missouri has also come out with it's version of an Imperial beer aged over Whiskey barrels. It's called "Charleville Whiskey Scented Santa Ale". I tried it at the suggestion of my server when I asked for a Bourbon barrel aged beer. I am glad she recommended it. It has a very dark head to it and is in the Christmas style with dark toffee, fruit and vanilla. It too is a big big beer. I sampled it at iHop in Soulard.
On the downside, I learned this week Anchor Brewing is no longer distributing in St. Louis, at least on the Missouri side of the River. This means my favorite Christmas Ale of all, Anchor Christmas Ale will not be available this Holiday season. That is a bummer. But, perhaps, it will give me a chance to expand my horizons.
Charleville Brewing of Southeast Missouri has also come out with it's version of an Imperial beer aged over Whiskey barrels. It's called "Charleville Whiskey Scented Santa Ale". I tried it at the suggestion of my server when I asked for a Bourbon barrel aged beer. I am glad she recommended it. It has a very dark head to it and is in the Christmas style with dark toffee, fruit and vanilla. It too is a big big beer. I sampled it at iHop in Soulard.
On the downside, I learned this week Anchor Brewing is no longer distributing in St. Louis, at least on the Missouri side of the River. This means my favorite Christmas Ale of all, Anchor Christmas Ale will not be available this Holiday season. That is a bummer. But, perhaps, it will give me a chance to expand my horizons.
Tigers Win the All Time Football Series
Missouri and Kansas have been playing football for 120 years. It is the second oldest rivalry in the US and the oldest west of the Mississippi. That will change for good next year when Missouri moves onto the Southeast Conference (SEC). Kansas' Athletic Department is not taking it well that their old arch-rivals are leaving them behind. Missouri is leaving the Big 12 because of the instability brought about by the University of Texas' greed in creating it's own Longhorn TV Network.
So with Missouri winning the game yesterday 24-10, the Tigers have won the all time series 61 games to 59 games. I find this amusing in that the day Mizzou said it was leaving the Big 12, KU claimed it was the "winner". What? The Chickenhawks 2-10 team is a winner? In what Universe?
The Jayhawks aren't happy so they say they won't schedule the Tigers as a non-conference opponent. They may be unhappy about the loss of Mizzou from the Big 12 conference, but my guess is, they don't want to risk another loss by playing Missouri and then having to play a full conference schedule on top of it. So for now Jayhawkers, Missouri is the "winner" and you've been exposed for what you are: losers.
So with Missouri winning the game yesterday 24-10, the Tigers have won the all time series 61 games to 59 games. I find this amusing in that the day Mizzou said it was leaving the Big 12, KU claimed it was the "winner". What? The Chickenhawks 2-10 team is a winner? In what Universe?
The Jayhawks aren't happy so they say they won't schedule the Tigers as a non-conference opponent. They may be unhappy about the loss of Mizzou from the Big 12 conference, but my guess is, they don't want to risk another loss by playing Missouri and then having to play a full conference schedule on top of it. So for now Jayhawkers, Missouri is the "winner" and you've been exposed for what you are: losers.
Thanksgiving 2011...Come and Almost Gone
This weekend has flown by to say the least. Seems as if I was just walking out of the office on Wednesday afternoon, looking forward to two days off. Thanksgiving with the family involved me smoking the Turkey outside on the Weber. Inside we had all of the trimmings including a fresh baked Cherry Pie. It was a lot of work but it was a lot of fun to spend time with family.
Friday was just the opposite. Very laid back with nothing on the agenda and my butt wasn't anywhere near a shopping center or strip mall. Ugh, I can't imagine why anyone in their right mind would want to get in with all of that pushing and shoving for Christmas gifts. Nope, I spent my time watching football, drinking beer and eating leftover Turkey sandwiches like you're supposed to.
Saturday was another quiet day watching football and relaxing. I was pleased to see my Missouri Tigers beat Kansas 24-10. The Tigers ended the regular season at 7-5 and are now awaiting a bowl game invite.
And today the Saint Louis Rams played as expected and lost to a bad Arizona Cardinals team. The final was 23-20. Some things just don't change, including going back to work in the morning.
Friday was just the opposite. Very laid back with nothing on the agenda and my butt wasn't anywhere near a shopping center or strip mall. Ugh, I can't imagine why anyone in their right mind would want to get in with all of that pushing and shoving for Christmas gifts. Nope, I spent my time watching football, drinking beer and eating leftover Turkey sandwiches like you're supposed to.
Saturday was another quiet day watching football and relaxing. I was pleased to see my Missouri Tigers beat Kansas 24-10. The Tigers ended the regular season at 7-5 and are now awaiting a bowl game invite.
And today the Saint Louis Rams played as expected and lost to a bad Arizona Cardinals team. The final was 23-20. Some things just don't change, including going back to work in the morning.
November 02, 2011
What a Weekend
The Cardinals won the Series on Friday night. Then on Saturday Mizzou came from an eleven point deficit to win on the road, and the St. Louis Rams pulled off a huge upset on Sunday afternoon against the powerful New Orleans Saints.
What do the football wins have in common? Both of their coaches cited the Cards never say die attitude. Coach Gary Pinkel guided his Tigers to a 38-31 OT win over Texas A&M. It was the first time in years Missouri had beaten a ranked opponent on the road. Afterwards he told reporters, the Cards were his team's inspiration.
On Sunday, the Cardinals were on the sidelines at the Jones dome prior to kickoff and players from both St. Louis franchises mingled and traded handshakes. The Rams then went out and won their first game of the year over New Orleans who had been a huge 13 point favorite on the road. When the game ended coach Steve Spagnuolo gave credit to Cardinal manager Tony LaRussa for bringing his team to the game and cited them as the Ram's inspiration.
What do the football wins have in common? Both of their coaches cited the Cards never say die attitude. Coach Gary Pinkel guided his Tigers to a 38-31 OT win over Texas A&M. It was the first time in years Missouri had beaten a ranked opponent on the road. Afterwards he told reporters, the Cards were his team's inspiration.
On Sunday, the Cardinals were on the sidelines at the Jones dome prior to kickoff and players from both St. Louis franchises mingled and traded handshakes. The Rams then went out and won their first game of the year over New Orleans who had been a huge 13 point favorite on the road. When the game ended coach Steve Spagnuolo gave credit to Cardinal manager Tony LaRussa for bringing his team to the game and cited them as the Ram's inspiration.
Congratulations Cardinals!
It's been almost four days now and I am still celebrating the St. Louis Cardinals latest World Series Championship. I won't go into a lot of detail but this World Championship is sweeter than the first four I've experienced in my lifetime.
I had written this team off back in August when they were playing like, well...crap. They weren't hitting, the bullpen was terrible and the defense was making stupid mistakes 10 year old kids don't make. But after falling back 10 1/2 games on August 25th, it turned around. Why, I don't really know. Injuries started to heal, the bullpen started getting batters out and the starting pitching came up with solid starts almost every night. Top it off with timely hitting and you can see how the club won 15 of 20 down the stretch. Twice, in the playoffs they got behind teams that were better on paper. The Phillies had more wins than any team in baseball this year and the Brewers were six games better than the Cards during the regular season. But still it was the Redbirds who found themselves in the Series.
The Cardinals again fell behind the Rangers after five games. In fact they were down to their final strike, twice, last Thursday night in Game 6. But, they rallied and went on to win this Series described by many baseball writers as the best World Series in years.
David Freese was named the MVP of the series, but really almost every player stepped up at one time or another down the stretch and during the playoffs. In my book (and yeah I know this will sound corny) they are all MVPs. Congratulations World Champion Saint Louis Cardinals!
I had written this team off back in August when they were playing like, well...crap. They weren't hitting, the bullpen was terrible and the defense was making stupid mistakes 10 year old kids don't make. But after falling back 10 1/2 games on August 25th, it turned around. Why, I don't really know. Injuries started to heal, the bullpen started getting batters out and the starting pitching came up with solid starts almost every night. Top it off with timely hitting and you can see how the club won 15 of 20 down the stretch. Twice, in the playoffs they got behind teams that were better on paper. The Phillies had more wins than any team in baseball this year and the Brewers were six games better than the Cards during the regular season. But still it was the Redbirds who found themselves in the Series.
The Cardinals again fell behind the Rangers after five games. In fact they were down to their final strike, twice, last Thursday night in Game 6. But, they rallied and went on to win this Series described by many baseball writers as the best World Series in years.
David Freese was named the MVP of the series, but really almost every player stepped up at one time or another down the stretch and during the playoffs. In my book (and yeah I know this will sound corny) they are all MVPs. Congratulations World Champion Saint Louis Cardinals!
October 18, 2011
Good Luck Redbirds
Here it is 19 days later and the Cardinals are still playing. I really didn't have much hope for their playoff chances but...they are still playing. In fact the World Series starts tomorrow night at Busch Stadium.
It's the Cardinals against a very good Texas Rangers team that tore through the American League playoffs and destroyed the Rays and Tigers along the way. At the same time the Cardinals edged out a tough Philadelphia squad and then got past a good Milwaukee team that hit the ball hard.
But, bottom line it's the Cards in the Series for the 18th time in their history. This has also been one of the most enjoyable baseball post-seasons for me in a long time. Maybe it's because of the Cardinals underdog role. Maybe, it's because of their never-say-die attittude. But, it's a great group of guys and they seem to be having a lot of fun and seem unfazed by any pressure. Witness the teams catch phrase #HappyFlight and tweets from Allen Craig's pet tortoise @TortyCraig. Whatever it is they are having fun and so am I. I won't make a prediction on the World Series this year but I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see this team win it all. Go CARDS!!!
It's the Cardinals against a very good Texas Rangers team that tore through the American League playoffs and destroyed the Rays and Tigers along the way. At the same time the Cardinals edged out a tough Philadelphia squad and then got past a good Milwaukee team that hit the ball hard.
But, bottom line it's the Cards in the Series for the 18th time in their history. This has also been one of the most enjoyable baseball post-seasons for me in a long time. Maybe it's because of the Cardinals underdog role. Maybe, it's because of their never-say-die attittude. But, it's a great group of guys and they seem to be having a lot of fun and seem unfazed by any pressure. Witness the teams catch phrase #HappyFlight and tweets from Allen Craig's pet tortoise @TortyCraig. Whatever it is they are having fun and so am I. I won't make a prediction on the World Series this year but I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see this team win it all. Go CARDS!!!
September 29, 2011
Congratulations Cardinals and Rays
Six weeks ago I gave up on the St. Louis Cardinals and declared them to "officially suck". Apparently, I was wrong. The team completed an improbable run to the playoffs with an 8-0 win last night over the hapless Houston Astros and finished the season as the National League Wild Card champion.
This Cardinal team trailed the Atlanta Braves by 10 1/2 games in late August and to be honest I had stopped watching. I just couldn't stand the poor defense, mediocre relief pitching and crappy management by Tony LaRussa. But, with the aid of one of the biggest chokes of all times by the Braves, the Cardinals are now in Major League Baseball's 2011 World Series tournament.
As amazing as the Cards were in overcoming that huge deficit, the Tampa Bay Rays overcome even bigger odds. The Rays clinched the Wild Card spot in the American League with a come from behind win over the evil New York Yankees. The Yanks led at one point 7-0, but the Rays kept battling and came back to tie it with a two out solo homer in the bottom of the ninth. Then in the bottom of the 12th Evan Longoria hit a walkoff homerun to win the game 8-7. At the same time an even bigger choke artist, the Boston Red Sox, blew a lead to a bad Baltimore Orioles team, and the Rays are in the playoffs. Hey Boston, don't let the door hit you in the ass.
Watch out now, because while the Yanks (the best team money could buy) had the best record in the American League this year, I believe the Rays are to them what Kryptonite is to Superman. It should be a fun post season.
This Cardinal team trailed the Atlanta Braves by 10 1/2 games in late August and to be honest I had stopped watching. I just couldn't stand the poor defense, mediocre relief pitching and crappy management by Tony LaRussa. But, with the aid of one of the biggest chokes of all times by the Braves, the Cardinals are now in Major League Baseball's 2011 World Series tournament.
As amazing as the Cards were in overcoming that huge deficit, the Tampa Bay Rays overcome even bigger odds. The Rays clinched the Wild Card spot in the American League with a come from behind win over the evil New York Yankees. The Yanks led at one point 7-0, but the Rays kept battling and came back to tie it with a two out solo homer in the bottom of the ninth. Then in the bottom of the 12th Evan Longoria hit a walkoff homerun to win the game 8-7. At the same time an even bigger choke artist, the Boston Red Sox, blew a lead to a bad Baltimore Orioles team, and the Rays are in the playoffs. Hey Boston, don't let the door hit you in the ass.
Watch out now, because while the Yanks (the best team money could buy) had the best record in the American League this year, I believe the Rays are to them what Kryptonite is to Superman. It should be a fun post season.
Lee Enterprises Sued by yet Another Post-Dispatch Union
If you've read this blog with any regularity, you'll know I believe Lee Enterprises is in over it's head.
Well, the large media company out of Iowa has been named as a defendant again by one of it's labor unions at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Riverfront Times has done a nice job with the story so I will just refer you to this link.
Well, the large media company out of Iowa has been named as a defendant again by one of it's labor unions at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Riverfront Times has done a nice job with the story so I will just refer you to this link.
September 17, 2011
If You Want to Call Them a Team
As I write this I am watching Georgia Tech, stomp the living crap out of the Kansas chickenhawks. I am taking great delight in this as it is 52-17 Tech in the third quarter.
This reminds me of a conversation a couple of years ago while watching football with some friends. A buddy's wife says "I didn't know Kansas still had a football team". Almost in unison everyone responded..."they don't". Stupid Jayhawks.
This reminds me of a conversation a couple of years ago while watching football with some friends. A buddy's wife says "I didn't know Kansas still had a football team". Almost in unison everyone responded..."they don't". Stupid Jayhawks.
September 11, 2011
The NFL is Back
What a great day. I just got back from watching the 10 year old play his first tournament of the fall season...and he played well.
Now, I'm watching football at a local watering hole that has the NFL Sunday Ticket. It Rocks. This place has over 500 beers and WiFi. I think this is (outside of sex) as good as it gets!!!
Now, I'm watching football at a local watering hole that has the NFL Sunday Ticket. It Rocks. This place has over 500 beers and WiFi. I think this is (outside of sex) as good as it gets!!!
September 10, 2011
Whew What Happened to Summer
So, here it is the weekend after Labor Day and the weather for now is cooler and crisper than all of those 100 degree days this summer. But, what happened to those hundred days between Memorial Day and Labor Day? Just like life in general, they come and go much too quickly. I know I have been busy working a full time job, a part time job and many side jobs. Not to mention a lot of volunteer work at Church and the Church's school. Oh and did I mention taking care of my home and two yards?
I'm not complaining because I would much rather have way too much on my plate than not enough. But, I'm just saying summer sure did fly by this year.
I'm not complaining because I would much rather have way too much on my plate than not enough. But, I'm just saying summer sure did fly by this year.
August 06, 2011
Craft Beer Week in Saint Louis
It's almost over but wow, what a week for sampling craft beers in Saint Louis.
This afternoon I had the chance to stop by iTAP which was featuring 12 beers in the cask. At the risk of sounding redundant..."So many beers, so little time".
I started with a Green Flash Imperial IPA. (Green Flash is from San Diego). If you read this blog at all, you know I am a huge hop-head. And this is a big, beer. What are the metrics on this beer you ask? Well it is 9.4% ABV and a huge 101 IBUs. It has the citrus smell to it and it goes down smooth despite it's huge ABV.
After trying the Green Flash my friendly waitress Emily suggested the New Holland Dragon's Milk Stout. This beer was amazing. It is 10% ABV and I had two of them as well as a water back. It tasted of Chocolate Milk. Now I drank Chocolate Milk as a kid, but if I had known about this beer, I probably wouldn't have anything to do with the milk. It pours like oil, but it tastes like heaven. The bourbon notes are noticable immediatly. I wish this beer was available year round in St. Louis. Cheers to Green Flash and New Holland!
This afternoon I had the chance to stop by iTAP which was featuring 12 beers in the cask. At the risk of sounding redundant..."So many beers, so little time".
I started with a Green Flash Imperial IPA. (Green Flash is from San Diego). If you read this blog at all, you know I am a huge hop-head. And this is a big, beer. What are the metrics on this beer you ask? Well it is 9.4% ABV and a huge 101 IBUs. It has the citrus smell to it and it goes down smooth despite it's huge ABV.
After trying the Green Flash my friendly waitress Emily suggested the New Holland Dragon's Milk Stout. This beer was amazing. It is 10% ABV and I had two of them as well as a water back. It tasted of Chocolate Milk. Now I drank Chocolate Milk as a kid, but if I had known about this beer, I probably wouldn't have anything to do with the milk. It pours like oil, but it tastes like heaven. The bourbon notes are noticable immediatly. I wish this beer was available year round in St. Louis. Cheers to Green Flash and New Holland!
Yankees and Red Sox are on TV again
Just like last time they played, this is what 90 percent of the baseball world thinks of this matchup:
WHO CARES?
For some reason the thought of watching these two overpaid teams compete unfairly against the rest of baseball just doesnt seem right. They play at a snail's pace which is just downright boring. I'm watching golf on CBS instead and that's not exactly exciting. Hey Fox get your head out of your ass.
WHO CARES?
For some reason the thought of watching these two overpaid teams compete unfairly against the rest of baseball just doesnt seem right. They play at a snail's pace which is just downright boring. I'm watching golf on CBS instead and that's not exactly exciting. Hey Fox get your head out of your ass.
July 18, 2011
Another Awesome Ale
So, I get off work last night and I ask the bartender at one of my favorite watering holes, what new big IPAs do you have? And without missing a beat he says have you tried the Lenny's RIPA? As fast as I sampled a taste of it I was sold.
It's a big big beer; a Double IPA. As the Shmaltz Brewing Company literature says it is brewed with an obscene amount of hops and malt. Then it is aged in Rye Whiskey barrels. The combination and aging work to perfection. You might think something that big would be undrinkable. But, no it was amazing. I would like to have ordered another but at 10% ABV I decided not to since I was driving. But, the next time I am the bar I will have several more glasses of this wonderful beverage.
It's a big big beer; a Double IPA. As the Shmaltz Brewing Company literature says it is brewed with an obscene amount of hops and malt. Then it is aged in Rye Whiskey barrels. The combination and aging work to perfection. You might think something that big would be undrinkable. But, no it was amazing. I would like to have ordered another but at 10% ABV I decided not to since I was driving. But, the next time I am the bar I will have several more glasses of this wonderful beverage.
July 15, 2011
ESPN Screws Up...Again
I've said it before and I'll say it again, ESPN needs to stick to televising sporting events and stop pretending to be journalists. They're NOT. They are biased. A number of their so called experts are NOT and they are a fraud.
For the latest ESPN screw up, check out this Rivals.com piece about how the ABC owned network conspired against former Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach. ESPN is a damn joke and no one wants to call a spade a spade. But Rivals.com has gone after ESPN. If you have a few minutes make sure to read the story.
For the latest ESPN screw up, check out this Rivals.com piece about how the ABC owned network conspired against former Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach. ESPN is a damn joke and no one wants to call a spade a spade. But Rivals.com has gone after ESPN. If you have a few minutes make sure to read the story.
July 09, 2011
Happy Birthday USA!
This is about a week late, but Happy 235th anniversary to the United States of America! May God bless her and may he bless the armed forces of this great nation. Here's a big thank you to the men and women of the military who keep this land free and allow me to put my head down at night and sleep soundly. This country has some extremely serious problems with which to deal, but there is no where else on this planet I would ever live. GOD Bless America!
June 09, 2011
Maharajah IPA is awesome
You know from reading this blog I'm a fan of big big beers. I had the chance to check out Avery's Maharajah IPA a few nights ago at one of my favorite watering holes. Now, I've had it in this Boulder based company's bottles previously and didn't know what I had. But this time it was on tap and it was amazing. If you get the chance to try it straight from the keg do it. Simply amazing!
Congrats to the Mizzou Women's Softball Team
No, the Tigers didn't win the Women's College World Series but they played extremely well before being eliminated from this year's NCAA Women's College World Series.
The Tigers tried to bounce back from an opening round defeat to Florida by winning their way through the consolation bracket. They defeated fellow Big 12 conference team Oklahoma and eliminated the Sooners. But, then the Tigers ran into outstanding pitching from Big 12 member Baylor and ultimately lost 1-0 in 13 innings. That ended the Tigers season at 49-12.
This was the third consecutive trip to the WCWS for Mizzou. And the team took a step this year they hadn't taken previously by knocking another team out of the tournament. So, with that to build on the future looks bright for the Mizzou women and Head Coach Ehren Earleywine.
The Tigers tried to bounce back from an opening round defeat to Florida by winning their way through the consolation bracket. They defeated fellow Big 12 conference team Oklahoma and eliminated the Sooners. But, then the Tigers ran into outstanding pitching from Big 12 member Baylor and ultimately lost 1-0 in 13 innings. That ended the Tigers season at 49-12.
This was the third consecutive trip to the WCWS for Mizzou. And the team took a step this year they hadn't taken previously by knocking another team out of the tournament. So, with that to build on the future looks bright for the Mizzou women and Head Coach Ehren Earleywine.
June 02, 2011
Six Row Delivers a Unique Beer
I like beer. I like bacon. But until tonight I had never thought of them as being paired.
Six Row Brewing Company in midtown St. Louis combined the two and came up with a unique brew. It was called several names but the one I like is Piggy Porter. The beer was on cask. The brewers took a cask and used the already good Six Row Porter as a base. Then for the last few days they put in a half pound of very lean smoked bacon into the cask. The result was a drinkable beer.
I wasn't sure what to expect. The smokey smell was immediately noticeable. But, when the beer hit my tongue it was subtle. The beer was the same Porter that is already served year round at Six Row, but it wasn't overwhelming. My expectations had been that the beer might punch me in the mouth with the bacon flavor.
My only criticism of it was that it was slightly salty. (Go figure. Bacon has a lot of salt in it). And the beer was a little too cold to be called Cask beer. In fairness to Six Row and it's brewers, they had to keep it cold until earlier in the afternoon to keep it safe.
Bottom line is this beer went fast and I look forward to the next time the folks at Six Row do this again.
Six Row Brewing Company in midtown St. Louis combined the two and came up with a unique brew. It was called several names but the one I like is Piggy Porter. The beer was on cask. The brewers took a cask and used the already good Six Row Porter as a base. Then for the last few days they put in a half pound of very lean smoked bacon into the cask. The result was a drinkable beer.
I wasn't sure what to expect. The smokey smell was immediately noticeable. But, when the beer hit my tongue it was subtle. The beer was the same Porter that is already served year round at Six Row, but it wasn't overwhelming. My expectations had been that the beer might punch me in the mouth with the bacon flavor.
My only criticism of it was that it was slightly salty. (Go figure. Bacon has a lot of salt in it). And the beer was a little too cold to be called Cask beer. In fairness to Six Row and it's brewers, they had to keep it cold until earlier in the afternoon to keep it safe.
Bottom line is this beer went fast and I look forward to the next time the folks at Six Row do this again.
Go Mizzou Women's Softball
If you've been asleep all week, the Missouri Tigers women's softball team is back in the NCAA Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. How did they get there you ask? Good question.
The Tigers qualified for the regional tournament and came back through the elimination round to beat DePaul twice and advance to the NCAA Super-Regional, which just happened to be held in Columbia. The Tigers then demolished the Washington Huskies of the Pac-Ten in two straight.
Up next is Missouri against Florida. The Tigers bring in a slightly better record than the Gators, but the Gators play in the always tough SEC. Still, don't sell Mizzou short. They played a rugged season in the Big 12 and saw some really good teams. How Good? Well, four of the eight teams in the College World Series are from the Big 12. (Baylor, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and the Tigers are all there).
The Tigers have been blanked in the previous two tournaments bowing out after two games in each of the tourneys. But, I have a good feeling this year is going to be different. So with that in mind let me say: Go Tigers. M-I-Z Z-O-U!
The Tigers qualified for the regional tournament and came back through the elimination round to beat DePaul twice and advance to the NCAA Super-Regional, which just happened to be held in Columbia. The Tigers then demolished the Washington Huskies of the Pac-Ten in two straight.
Up next is Missouri against Florida. The Tigers bring in a slightly better record than the Gators, but the Gators play in the always tough SEC. Still, don't sell Mizzou short. They played a rugged season in the Big 12 and saw some really good teams. How Good? Well, four of the eight teams in the College World Series are from the Big 12. (Baylor, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and the Tigers are all there).
The Tigers have been blanked in the previous two tournaments bowing out after two games in each of the tourneys. But, I have a good feeling this year is going to be different. So with that in mind let me say: Go Tigers. M-I-Z Z-O-U!
May 28, 2011
Happy Memorial Day
Thank you to the United States Armed Forces present and past. As we celebrate this weekend, with barbecues and get togethers with family and friends let's not lose sight of what Memorial Day means. Memorial Day is set aside to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation, and to those who are ready to step into harms way to keep us all safe. I give my personal thanks to the hundreds of thousands of US Troops who are currently serving in various posts around the world. Your bravery allows me to sleep better at night knowing that people who want to destroy the United States are being kept held at bay. So, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
May 11, 2011
Osama Bin Laden Joke
So, this guy walks into a bar and says "Bartender make me an Osama Bin Laden".
The bartender says I've never heard of such a drink. How do you make it"?
The guy answers: "Two shots neat and a splash".
The bartender says I've never heard of such a drink. How do you make it"?
The guy answers: "Two shots neat and a splash".
Cardinals in First Place in May
If you had told me the St. Louis Cardinals would lose Adam Wainwright for the season and that Chris Carpenter would have just one win on May 11th I would have thought the team would be well back of the National League Central leader. But, surprisingly, even with Albert Pujols slumping, the Cardinals are a game ahead of the Cincinnati Reds.
Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday are hitting well and three young pitchers have stepped their game up to the next level. Kyle McClellan has five wins, and Jaime Garcia and Kyle Lohse both have four wins.
I really don't think the Cardinals have the horses to win the division and the wild card team will not come from the Central. I believe in the end the Reds have more depth than the Birds. But, then again last year I said St. Louis would win the division by ten games. So, what do I know?
Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday are hitting well and three young pitchers have stepped their game up to the next level. Kyle McClellan has five wins, and Jaime Garcia and Kyle Lohse both have four wins.
I really don't think the Cardinals have the horses to win the division and the wild card team will not come from the Central. I believe in the end the Reds have more depth than the Birds. But, then again last year I said St. Louis would win the division by ten games. So, what do I know?
May 06, 2011
Welcome Stone Brewing
In keeping with the previous point of keeping it short and to the point I want to tell you about a couple of beers I've tasted in the past few weeks. Stone Brewing Co. of San Diego came to Saint Louis. I had the chance to sample several of their products at a local watering hole in the Soulard neighborhood.
If you get the chance try the Bourbon Barrel Porter and their Imperial Stout aged over Bourbon. They both knocked it out of the park. Both are a little on the sweet side, but my are they good. If you get the chance check them out.
If you get the chance try the Bourbon Barrel Porter and their Imperial Stout aged over Bourbon. They both knocked it out of the park. Both are a little on the sweet side, but my are they good. If you get the chance check them out.
May Already
Well, it's been a month since we last visited. I hope you are doing well and that life is treating you okay. I am fine, just working my butt off. I have been working a full time job, a part time job and picking up more side jobs than I care to admit. Add taking care of the yards at my residence and another house and there just hasn't been too much time for blogging.
My thought is rather than writing long articles I will post with what is on my mind. That way I can express more in less time. So, let me know what you think and stay tuned for more posts. Have a good evening.
My thought is rather than writing long articles I will post with what is on my mind. That way I can express more in less time. So, let me know what you think and stay tuned for more posts. Have a good evening.
April 08, 2011
St. Louis Cardinals...Ugh
The St. Louis Cardinals are 2-5 at this point and not off to the start I had hoped. The offense has been sluggish and the defense has been lackadaisical. Albert Pujols has not produced to this point and the team struggles when it's star player struggles. But, we all know it's a long season. To speak in a cliche, this is a marathon not a sprint. I know Pujols will produce as the season progresses. This is just a bump in the road. So Cardinal fans get off of Albert's back and leave him alone.
If this team is going to win, he will have to carry it. I just hope management has given Albert enough of a supporting cast to be competitive in the always lame National League Central division.
If this team is going to win, he will have to carry it. I just hope management has given Albert enough of a supporting cast to be competitive in the always lame National League Central division.
OK so I'm Not a Hoops Guru
Well, if you read the post below this one, you"ll see I picked the Butler Bulldogs to win the NCAA tournament. OK, I was wrong, sue me. I sure hope you didn't bet any of your hard earned money on either of those teams. The game was uh, how should I put it....UGLY to say the least. As a friend of mine put it "if that game were a girl, I would have had to have really thick beer goggles to take her home". I thought Butler would shoot better from three point land than what it did. I did not think UConn would play defense as well as it did. So, the bottom line is congratulations to the Connecticut Huskies. I still think the Big East is a bunch of thugs.
April 04, 2011
NCAA Tournament Goes to the Dogs
The match up is between Huskies and Bulldogs. The Connecticut Huskies and the Butler Bulldogs. Personally I will be cheering for Butler. I think they will win the game. They have a better defense, and championship game experience that UConn doesn't. And if Butler is able to hit their threes, Connecticut will have a long night. The so called experts have installed Connecticut as a three point favorite. And the CBS talking heads are unanimously picking UConn. I disagree. Butler will win by three. Let the game begin.
April 03, 2011
Reporting Fact and Reporting Gossip
In the past month, the Missouri Tigers played poorly and exited both the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments early. It didn't come as a surprise, because for the last three weeks of the season they played selfishly and out of control. I am not sure why or how that happened, but the head coach of the Tigers, Mike Anderson left town and took the head job at Arkansas. So, the Tigers are looking for a new coach. I have no idea who will get the job, but I hope it is filled quickly so the recruiting process can continue. If you use Twitter or other social media, some of the so called experts blew it this week when they told their followers that it was going to be Purdue coach Matt Painter. Obviously that did not happen. The Columbia Tribune has an excellent article on how several outlets proclaimed Painter the new head coach earlier this week. To read the story CLICK HERE to get to the Columbia Daily Tribune's website.
Happy April!
Beer, baseball and bad media are some of my favorite topics on which to write. Too bad I've been so busy. But, hopefully as it warms up I will have more time to blog. So stay tuned.
March 10, 2011
Brew Pubs and Breweries in STL
In the past several weeks I've had the chance to re-visit a few of the micro-breweries around St. Louis and some are doing a great job and others may not be around too much longer. I will write more about the various locations as time permits. (Gee what is free time)?
Urban Chestnut Brewing is the latest member of the St. Louis brewing family. I visited them on a recent Friday night and was not impressed. I know it is early and the brew team is still working out the bugs in their production. From a beer drinker's point of view, the service was outstanding. The bartenders know their stuff and were willing to share their knowledge of the product.
I was able to sample all of their new offerings that evening and settled on a Pilsner. The Pilsner was nice, but it was not by any means the best I have had. Apparently, the philosophy of the brewery is to serve styles that are popular in Germany. There are many fine German brews. But, this is St. Louis and many craft beer drinkers want bigger beers despite what they tell you. I sampled the half IPA Urban offers and found it disappointing. In fairness to the brewer I am a hop head, so I am biased. But, why bother making the half IPA, when there are so many other styles on which he could have focused?
I wish Urban Chestnut well but this brewery may be too sophisticated for the average micro-brewery customer. The night I visited, Urban Chestnut was crowded and I didn't hear too many complaints. So, I really hope I am wrong in my assessment and this venture is around for quite some time.
Urban Chestnut Brewing is the latest member of the St. Louis brewing family. I visited them on a recent Friday night and was not impressed. I know it is early and the brew team is still working out the bugs in their production. From a beer drinker's point of view, the service was outstanding. The bartenders know their stuff and were willing to share their knowledge of the product.
I was able to sample all of their new offerings that evening and settled on a Pilsner. The Pilsner was nice, but it was not by any means the best I have had. Apparently, the philosophy of the brewery is to serve styles that are popular in Germany. There are many fine German brews. But, this is St. Louis and many craft beer drinkers want bigger beers despite what they tell you. I sampled the half IPA Urban offers and found it disappointing. In fairness to the brewer I am a hop head, so I am biased. But, why bother making the half IPA, when there are so many other styles on which he could have focused?
I wish Urban Chestnut well but this brewery may be too sophisticated for the average micro-brewery customer. The night I visited, Urban Chestnut was crowded and I didn't hear too many complaints. So, I really hope I am wrong in my assessment and this venture is around for quite some time.
Missouri is Lucky to Still Be Playing
My beloved Missouri Tigers are in a funk. It seems they couldn't fall out of a boat and hit water. Lately the shooting has been horrendous and Kim English continues to fire away. Mr. English is a lot like Will Rogers, except that English has never met a shot he didn't like. And the poor shooting hurt the Tigers down the stretch as they lost their last three conference games. I have a feeling that will come back to bite them in the butt when the tournament committee makes it's selections for the "Big Dance".
The Tigers dodged a bullet last night against Texas Tech and held on to win 88-84. At times they look brilliant and at other times they look like mental midgets. I am not sure what the problem is. But, Mike Anderson has better figure it out fast. Up next this evening is Texas A&M in Kansas City. The Aggies won earlier this season down in College Station. Hopefully Mizzou will defend it's home soil, but I'm not holding my breath.
The Tigers dodged a bullet last night against Texas Tech and held on to win 88-84. At times they look brilliant and at other times they look like mental midgets. I am not sure what the problem is. But, Mike Anderson has better figure it out fast. Up next this evening is Texas A&M in Kansas City. The Aggies won earlier this season down in College Station. Hopefully Mizzou will defend it's home soil, but I'm not holding my breath.
February 13, 2011
"Little Darling It's Been a Long Cold Lonely Winter"
Any true Beatles fan knows that line comes from the Abbey Road song "Here Comes the Sun". It has been a long and cold six weeks for the area. But, yesterday the temperature got to 50 degrees and today it made 63. Yes it is very welcome after the ice and snow of the last few weeks. Just to give you an idea of how nasty the ice was, I still have about an inch of ice on portions of my driveway and sidewalk even after the sun shone it today.
So to celebrate, I have four split fryers on the Weber Kettle and a nice Lagunitas Maximus IPA in my right hand. (Well, I have had to set it down to type). With warm weather, barbecue cooking on the grill and sipping a great beer...life is good!
So to celebrate, I have four split fryers on the Weber Kettle and a nice Lagunitas Maximus IPA in my right hand. (Well, I have had to set it down to type). With warm weather, barbecue cooking on the grill and sipping a great beer...life is good!
Hail to the Packers
The dust has settled from last Sunday night's Super Bowl 45 and the fans have all gone back to Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. But, the score stands. Packers 31 - Steelers 25. I thought it was a good game and for the most part pretty well played. I think if it got played again 100 times, the Packers would still win the majority of the games. Bottom line is Aaron Rodgers (who won the MVP) did turn out to be a better quarterback than Ben Rothlisberger even if his receivers (ie; Jordy) decided to drop a bunch of passes they should have caught.
My forecast had been the Pack by two. Well, I missed it by four points, but it doesn't matter. The NFC Green Bay Packers are the 2011 Super Bowl Champions. Congratulations Packers!
My forecast had been the Pack by two. Well, I missed it by four points, but it doesn't matter. The NFC Green Bay Packers are the 2011 Super Bowl Champions. Congratulations Packers!
February 01, 2011
Two Big Rich Beers I'd Been Wanting to Try
I was on my feet all day Sunday and was tired when I got home. But, not too tired to open a fine beer. I had a bottle of Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti in the fridge and decided it was a good night to sample it. I was not disappointed. WOW! As I poured it I could smell Oak, the rich malts and a little coffee. And when I tasted it, again WOW! The complex flavors of this Imperial went down really smooth. Sometimes when I get a big beer like this (9.5% ABV) I can taste the alcohol burn. But not so in this case. Oh did I say it's complex? I tasted chocolate and coffee in the beer and when I licked my lips I could also taste notes of Vanilla. Believe me the next one I get won't sit in my refrigerator very long.
So, as I write this I am tasting a Southern Tier Oak Aged Un-Earthly IPA. As I poured it I could pick up notes of Peach and Orange. As I sipped it the Citrus hops were readily noticeable along with the Peach and what I think is Caramel. The Oak is not overwhelming but is evident and I think holds down the flavors of the hops. As my glass and the brew warm I can taste a slight alcohol burn. Bottom line; this is a very big hoppy beer that achieves what it sets out to accomplish. On this cold icy Winter night it fills the bill.
So, as I write this I am tasting a Southern Tier Oak Aged Un-Earthly IPA. As I poured it I could pick up notes of Peach and Orange. As I sipped it the Citrus hops were readily noticeable along with the Peach and what I think is Caramel. The Oak is not overwhelming but is evident and I think holds down the flavors of the hops. As my glass and the brew warm I can taste a slight alcohol burn. Bottom line; this is a very big hoppy beer that achieves what it sets out to accomplish. On this cold icy Winter night it fills the bill.
Packers 23 - Steelers 21
Nine days ago I told you the Green Bay Packers would defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers to win Super Bowl 45. The Pack will win by two. Why you want to know? I see both teams as very similar. Both have better than average defenses and each has a good offense. But, the difference at this time is Aaron Rodgers is a better quarterback than Ben Roethlisberger. Check out the stats for this season.
It should be a great game. As far as the prediction, this one is as worthless as every so called experts out there. So, here you go. Rodgers marches the Pack down the field in the final minute and they come from behind to win it 23-21.
It should be a great game. As far as the prediction, this one is as worthless as every so called experts out there. So, here you go. Rodgers marches the Pack down the field in the final minute and they come from behind to win it 23-21.
Great Comedy on the Local TV Stations
So, I've been watching the talking heads off and on today (mostly off) seeing them make asses of themselves in trying to forecast what they want to call "The Snowpocalypse". For starters these Bozos have been repeating themselves ad nausea since yesterday afternoon. They started forecasting a blizzard warning about this time yesterday. And by golly they are persistent. But, now the frantic weather dude on KMOV (CBS affiliate) says they might have "erred slightly". How much did he err, well now it appears as if St. Louis might get two inches of snow instead of the 20 inches he originally forecast. "Might have erred"?...Seriously.
During this onslaught to the senses the talking heads have among other things, scraped ice from the street, scraped the ice off of a strangers car and told us how really "dangerous this storm is". But, if you're looking for a good laugh turn on KSDK (NBC). They have a no talent hack of a reporter who has been screwing up repeatedly trying to anchor news conference coverage from the City of St. Louis' Emergency Center. I don't know this woman's name but she is hilarious and stood be doing stand up comedy somewhere.
During this onslaught to the senses the talking heads have among other things, scraped ice from the street, scraped the ice off of a strangers car and told us how really "dangerous this storm is". But, if you're looking for a good laugh turn on KSDK (NBC). They have a no talent hack of a reporter who has been screwing up repeatedly trying to anchor news conference coverage from the City of St. Louis' Emergency Center. I don't know this woman's name but she is hilarious and stood be doing stand up comedy somewhere.
January 23, 2011
The Stage is Set
Well after 17 weeks of the regular season and three weeks of playoffs the NFL has the two teams that will play in Super Bowl 45.
The Green Bay Packers jumped on top early and held on to beat a feisty Chicago Bears team 21-14. I have to wonder what would have happened had Bears QB Jay Cutler not been injured just prior to halftime. Also, Aaron Rodgers looked like a deer in the headlights in the second half after the Bears upped the pressure on him. The Pack is fortunate to have held on to win.
Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers on going to their 8th Super Bowl. The Steelers jumped on top of the New York Jets early and got up 24-0 before New York scored just before half. The Jets came back in the second half and made it close but no cigar. The final was Steelers 24-19.
If I had to speculate at this point I would predict the Packers by two over the Steelers in the Super Bowl. But, that's two weeks away. Stay tuned for the reasons why I feel Green Bay will win that game.
The Green Bay Packers jumped on top early and held on to beat a feisty Chicago Bears team 21-14. I have to wonder what would have happened had Bears QB Jay Cutler not been injured just prior to halftime. Also, Aaron Rodgers looked like a deer in the headlights in the second half after the Bears upped the pressure on him. The Pack is fortunate to have held on to win.
Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers on going to their 8th Super Bowl. The Steelers jumped on top of the New York Jets early and got up 24-0 before New York scored just before half. The Jets came back in the second half and made it close but no cigar. The final was Steelers 24-19.
If I had to speculate at this point I would predict the Packers by two over the Steelers in the Super Bowl. But, that's two weeks away. Stay tuned for the reasons why I feel Green Bay will win that game.
January 13, 2011
Football Part - II
The St. Louis Rams season didn't end as I had hoped. They ended up losing to the Seahawks in Seattle 16-6. The Rams didn't move the ball all night long and you have to credit the Seahawks defense for coming up with a game plan that shut down Sam Bradford and Steven Jackson. (Although part of the blame has to go the Rams receiver corp which dropped numerous catchable balls). The Rams had too many three and outs and never did get un-tracked. The squad ended the 2010 campaign with a 7-9 record. While it tied Seattle for the NFC West title, Seattle won the tie-breaker by having a better division record than St. Louis.
If you had told me in July the Rams would win seven games in 2010 and be battling for a playoff spot the final game of the season I would have been ecstatic. The seven wins surpassed the team's win total for 2007, 2008 and 2009 combined.
After seeing the team win some tough games, my expectations going into Seattle were a lot higher than where they were a year ago. After all the Rams had beaten up on Seattle on their visit to the Jones Dome. But, alas it wasn't meant to be.
I am looking forward to the 2011 season (if there is one) because of the improved defense and the talent that will be back on offense. With a good draft this spring the Rams could not only make the playoffs but be playing late into January.
If you had told me in July the Rams would win seven games in 2010 and be battling for a playoff spot the final game of the season I would have been ecstatic. The seven wins surpassed the team's win total for 2007, 2008 and 2009 combined.
After seeing the team win some tough games, my expectations going into Seattle were a lot higher than where they were a year ago. After all the Rams had beaten up on Seattle on their visit to the Jones Dome. But, alas it wasn't meant to be.
I am looking forward to the 2011 season (if there is one) because of the improved defense and the talent that will be back on offense. With a good draft this spring the Rams could not only make the playoffs but be playing late into January.
January 08, 2011
Football Part I
I have to say I was disappointed with the way the Missouri Tiger football season came to an end. If you slept through the past month, Mizzou got beat by Iowa 27-24 in the Insight Bowl. Yep, that's right, the freakin Insight Bowl. I don't think quarterback Blaine Gabbert was at his best that evening, but you also have to give credit to the Hawkeyes who kept pressure on him and did a good job of covering up the Tiger's receivers.
I had to get up early the morning after the game so turned it off with the Tigers up 24-20. The first thing I did when I got up the next day was to get on the 'Net and learn that Mizzou had lost on a pass interception. Quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who has decided to turn pro, tried to force something that wasn't there. He said so after the game. And there are those in the St. Louis media who took potshots at Gabbert. But, I really can't be critical of him. He is a tremendous athlete with a gift and has made that pass many times in the past two years. (So Bernie Miklaz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch get off of Gabbert's back). I was sad to see Mizzou lose it's bowl game for the second year in a row, but still this team had ten wins this year. Not too shabby.
With ten wins the Tigers should have been playing in the Cotton Bowl ahead of Texas A&M. Missouri had a better record than (A&M) and destroyed the Aggies back in October 30-9 in College Station. But, the bottom line is bowl committee's are nothing more than greedy businessmen looking to line their pockets. Not only wasn't Mizzou invited to the Dallas bowl game, but A&M was invited to play prior to BCS Sunday. Is it fair? Heck no. But as long as Missouri stays in the Big 12 Conference, it will continue to get hosed in the bowl selection process. First of all the conference leadership has done a terrible job of aligning itself with all of the bowl committees. The Big 12 had two teams playing on New Year's Day this year. The Big Ten (which is a weaker conference) had five teams playing on New Year's Day. (And all five lost).
The Cotton Bowl took A&M because it would sell 25 thousand tickets. Missouri sold about 18 thousand tickets four years ago when it was there. And at about $100 a pop that meant 700 thousand dollars in revenue to the Cotton Bowl committee. Enough said.
I had to get up early the morning after the game so turned it off with the Tigers up 24-20. The first thing I did when I got up the next day was to get on the 'Net and learn that Mizzou had lost on a pass interception. Quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who has decided to turn pro, tried to force something that wasn't there. He said so after the game. And there are those in the St. Louis media who took potshots at Gabbert. But, I really can't be critical of him. He is a tremendous athlete with a gift and has made that pass many times in the past two years. (So Bernie Miklaz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch get off of Gabbert's back). I was sad to see Mizzou lose it's bowl game for the second year in a row, but still this team had ten wins this year. Not too shabby.
With ten wins the Tigers should have been playing in the Cotton Bowl ahead of Texas A&M. Missouri had a better record than (A&M) and destroyed the Aggies back in October 30-9 in College Station. But, the bottom line is bowl committee's are nothing more than greedy businessmen looking to line their pockets. Not only wasn't Mizzou invited to the Dallas bowl game, but A&M was invited to play prior to BCS Sunday. Is it fair? Heck no. But as long as Missouri stays in the Big 12 Conference, it will continue to get hosed in the bowl selection process. First of all the conference leadership has done a terrible job of aligning itself with all of the bowl committees. The Big 12 had two teams playing on New Year's Day this year. The Big Ten (which is a weaker conference) had five teams playing on New Year's Day. (And all five lost).
The Cotton Bowl took A&M because it would sell 25 thousand tickets. Missouri sold about 18 thousand tickets four years ago when it was there. And at about $100 a pop that meant 700 thousand dollars in revenue to the Cotton Bowl committee. Enough said.
January 05, 2011
Happy New Year
Well I suppose it's better than late never, so Happy New Year to you! You probably wonder where the heck this was five days ago. Well, working my butt off and partying some too. So, with that explained. May 2011 be your best year yet and may it bring you health, peace, happiness and hopefully prosperity!
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