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Saturday, October 19, 2019

S1P34 - Beer Review - Fat Tire

These are the beer segment notes from the Two Old Guys Drinking Beer (2OGDB) S3E12 podcast.

The Brewery - New Belgium Brewing Co.

  • Fort Collins, CO
  • Founders Kim Jordan and Jeff Lebesch. Got the idea during a bike ride through Belgium
  • Founded March 1991
  • First Beers June 1991
  • New brewery October 1995
  • Bike centric
  • Environmentally responsible. Solar power, wastewater treatment facility
  • Becomes 100% employee-owned in December 2012
  • Ashville brewery opens in May 2016
  • Tours - Fort Collins & Ashville - Daily 11:30-4:30 includes samples, free tickets
    • VIP tours available for $
  • Tasting Room - Fort Collins & Ashville - Daily 11-8, food trucks
  • Other beers - about 35 varieties
    • Voodoo Ranger
    • Old Aggie Lager - named for CSU, not A&M
    • Err On The Side of Awesome - sour cherries
    • My Nirvana - sour ale

The Beer - Fat Tire Amber Ale


  • Their first beer
  • $9.49/six pack bottles @ Kroger
  • ABV - 5.2%
  • IBU - 22
  • Hops - Willamette, Goldings, Nugget
  • Malts - Pale, C-80, Munich, Victory
  • Visual - Clear, amber and bright with white lacing.
  • Flavor - Toasty malt, gentle sweetness, flash of fresh hop bitterness. The malt and hops are perfectly balanced.
  • Aroma -  Sweet biscuity and caramel malts, subtle notes of fresh fennel and green apple.

The Review

This is a solid beer from a long time craft brewery. It is crisp and refreshing. At a modest 5.2% ABV, you can afford to have more than one. In the current vernacular, Fat Tire is sessionable. Amber ales are in the middle of the flavor spectrum. More robust and flavorful than the run of the mill lagers and pilsners yet not overpowering like some IPAs and stouts. Both the Two Old Guys rate this beer a solid three (3) out of five (5) bottle caps. Give it a try.

wjh
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S1P33 - Meanwhile


These are my notes for the Politics/News segment of the S3E11 episode the Two Old Guys Drinking Beer (2OGDB) podcast. This episode touched on impeachment, the northern Syria clusterfuck, emoluments, Brexit, Ukraine, a police shooting in Fort Worth, Shepard Smith leaving Fox News, and the death of Elijah Cummings. Despite commenting on all those subjects, there were several important items from the past two weeks we couldn't get to. We have become used to the firehose of news that Trump generates but even by those new troubling norms, it has become almost impossible to keep up in recent days. These rough notes are of items from the two weeks. Many have links to the underlying news story and some have brief commentary/thoughts by me. Remember, these are notes for a podcast, not an edited blog post. Variations in fonts, spacing, and format may also occur due to changing apps of text. Still, you'll get the gist. 

Since 10/04/19

  • Trump lies - As of 10/09 - 13,435 in 993 days. 13½/day. 22/day in last 65 days. Now up to 27 bottomless Pinocchios.
  • Trump golf - 223 visits in 143 weeks, 104 confirmed rounds
  • Trump polls - 538 as of 10/17 - 53.9% disapprove, 41.6% approve 
  • Our founding fathers in the constitution never planned for a president or administration that ignores the legislative and judicial branches. Congress needs a police force and jail. 
  • 10/04 - Apparently, Bernie Sanders suffered a heart attack
  • Stacey Abrams - Fair Fight 
  • It is quite clear that Trump and the GOP puppets do not understand what a whistleblower is or the laws of protection and secrecy are. Bet they will change course as soon as a whistleblower files a report against a Dem. 
  • Trump refers to himself - “I, in my great and unmatched wisdom”
  • Those pictures Trump has of Lindsey Graham must be really incriminating.
  • Shepherd Smith resigns from Fox News. 
  • Trump has gotten more personal in his attacks against opponents and their families. Gloves off against the Trumps or take the high road? 
  • Why are Trump’s political rallies on C-Span? 
  • Schiff needs to tighten up his actions and comments. 
  • Who paid for all of Giuliani’s trips?
  • Facebook will not block untruthful political ads. Thanks, Mark Z.
  • It is amazing and depressing how much damage a rogue president can do. Wake up Congress, take your power back.
  • Trump calls Pelosi a third rate politician. He isn’t qualified to carry her jockstrap. 
  • 10/17 - Elijah Cummings (68) dies
  • 10/17 - 1,000th day of Trump’s administration.


National

International


  • 10/09 - Turkey launches air and artillery strikes against northern Syria Kurds. Our thanks for the Kurdish help fighting ISIS. 
  • Assad-Putin troops to move into northeast Syria. ISIS prisoners of the Kurds escape. 
  • 10/17 - Boris Johnson says a new Brexit deal has been reached.
  • Parliament vote on 10/19
  • 10/17 - Erdogan agrees to a 5-day ceasefire. Turkey gives up nothing, gets relief from pending sanctions. 

Texas

wjh
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Sunday, October 13, 2019

S1P32 - Beer Review - 13 Gold

This is an extra edition beer review. The beer, 13 Gold, was not tasted and reviewed on the Two Old Guys Drinking Beer podcast. Instead, the One Old Guy saw it at Kroger and decided to give it a try. I took a six-pack to one of my son's softball games. They are all twenty-something guys. That means Pudge Rodriguez was in his prime with the Rangers during their youth. Pudge was by far my son's favorite ballplayer. He is also one of my favorites. I also thought that this might be a one-off special edition that would soon disappear.

The Brewery

  • Nine Band Brewing Co. - 9 Prestige Circle, Allen, TX 
  • The name/logo - "Our name and logo come from the Nine-Banded Armadillo. The Nine Banded Armadillo is the state small mammal of Texas. We are proud to have start our business in Texas and share the residence with our Nine Banded friend as our official mascot. The tally marks on our logo represents the Nine Bands on an armadillo in the form of a cluster of five tallies with the diagonal mark and four tallies following for the total of Nine tallies all together."
  • Tap Room - M-Th 5 to 9, Fri 5 to 11, Sat 12 to 4
  • Tours - first Saturday of the month @ 2 pm. $15 includes pint glass and samples.
  • Other beers:
    • Nine Band Pale Ale
    • Cactus Cat Kolsch
    • Hoop Snake Hefeweizen
    • Toad Choker Barley Wine
    • The Badge Honey Blonde
    • Blue Lacy Brown Ale
    • Hellwind IPA
    • 28th State Stout
    • Dubble Vision - Hazy IPA
    • June Bug Summer Wheat
    • Ghost Cow Oktoberfest
The Beer
  • Pudge Rodriguez's 13 Gold Lager - A Crisp Refreshing Lager
  • ABV - 4.3%
  • IBU - 8
  • $7.99 @ Kroger
  • Available on draft and in cans. 
  • The gold can lists some of Pudge's accomplishments around the top:
    • 13 Gold Gloves - hence the name
    • 2003 WS Champion
    • 14 Time All-Star
    • 7 Silver Slugger Awards
    • 1998 AL MVP
    • 2017 HOF Induction
  • "Coming straight down the middle is our American light Lager honoring Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez's record 13 Gold Gloves for a catcher. This lager pours a light gold, mimicking the 13 Gold Glove trophies he has earned over his remarkable 21-year career. Enjoy this refreshing brew while you're behind home plate, tailgating at the ballpark, or lifting your trophy!"
The Review
I was expecting a light crisp lager along the lines of many Mexican and Carribean beers. That is not what I got. This brew is slightly sour and salty. It reminds me of a light version of Salty Lady beer. That is not a flavor profile that I enjoy. The beer also has an unpleasant cloying aftertaste that stays with you. My son and one other of the guys sampled a can at the softball game. Both are in their twenties. My son did not like it because he has good taste that he inherited from his father. The other guy liked it. He also likes Salty Lady so take that into consideration. So as with all beers, your enjoyment may vary. Had this beer been good, I would have included it as our next podcast beer segment. Knowing something about my partner's beer preferences I decided to spare Dennis. I will take a can to our next recording session. He can try it or pawn it off on his son the next time he visits. If you like your beer sour and salty, give it a try. Otherwise, maybe try another Nine Band Brewing selection. Pudge fans may also want to pick up a can to keep as a souvenir. It is obvious to me that Pudge was a better ballplayer than a brewmaster. 

I rate 13 Gold Gloves a two (2) out of five (5) bottle caps. 
wjh
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Saturday, October 5, 2019

S1P31 - Meanwhile

These are the notes that go with the S3E10 episode of the Two Old Guys Drinking Beer podcast politics/news segment This particular episode was dominated by impeachment news and talk as is our current news cycle. Despite this major news story, a lot of other news transpired between podcasts. Much of it very important. In this world of the Trump News Cycle, many normally front-page items are barely covered. These rough notes are of items from the past month. Many have links to the underlying news story and some have brief commentary/thoughts by me. Remember, these are notes for a podcast, not an edited blog post. Variations in fonts, spacing, and format may also occur due to changing apps of text. Still, you'll get the jist. 

Since 09/07/19


  • Trump lies - 12,019 in 928 days. As of 08/05/19
  • Trump golf - 220 visits to properties, 102 confirmed rounds in 140 weeks.
  • Trump polls - 41.2% approve, 53.9% disapprove
  • September is International Podcast month
  • 09/30 is International Podcast Day
  • The House must start impeachment proceedings
    • Emoluments violations
    • Transferring money from FEMA & military to the wall
    • Covering up mistress problems with campaign money
    • Refusal to release tax returns
    • Stonewalling Congressional subpoenas
    • Pardons for those who violate laws
    • Ukraine - Biden pressure and withholding approved aid
    • Failure to provide whistleblower report to Congress
  • During impeachment inquiry, Dems must refrain from saying stupid shit and make sure they get the facts right.
  • 09/08 - Mattis said he would not have been as critical in his book about Obama administration if he knew Biden would run for president. (Face the Nation) 
  • If southern border crossings are falling, why is it still an emergency?
  • Every time Rasmussen goes to 50%, Trump tweets. Really, he is proud of 50% in a biased poll?
  • 09/16 - Sander Vanocur dies @ 91
  • 09/17 - Cokie Roberts dies @ 75
    • Asshole Trump has to get in a dig. 
  • US bird population down by 30%
  • Greta Thunberg at the UN
  • Congress needs some enforcement powers for subpoenas and contempt charges. Maybe a police force & jail. 
  • As of 09/23 - 18 GOP House members to resign/retire. About 40% of GOP House members (241) in 2017 have or will not return. 
  • Next Democratic debate 10/15, moderated by CNN & NYT in Columbus, OH. 
  • Trump to appear at American Airlines Center 10/17
  • Many of our laws, rules, and procedures assumed honorable people would populate our government. Trump ruined that assumption. 
  • The State Department has reopened the probe if Clinton’s emails.
  • 10/02 - Bernie Sanders has two stents inserted for blocked artery.

    • National

  1. 09/07 - Trump cancels Camp David meeting with Taliban and Afghan leaders because of a recent attack that killed 12 including a US serviceman. Why were they invited right before 9/11? 
  2. NOAA told not to contradict Trump on the weather.
  3. Trump’s middle east peace negotiator, Jason D. Greenblatt, steps down. Still no deal, not even a plan, no peace.
  4. DOJ starts anti-trust probe of automakers who negotiated with California for lower emissions. Trump loves pollution. 
  5. Americans are overwhelmingly for increased gun control. 
  6. People of color outpace white new hires for first time ever. 
  7. Wilbur Ross threatens NOAA firings for contradicting Trump.
  8. 09/10 - Poverty rate declines yet uninsured rises. 
  9. 09/10 - Trump fires National Security Adviser John Bolton. 
  10. 09/11 - Mulvaney implicated in weathergate. 
  11. 09/11 - Trump delays China tariff increases by 2 weeks.
  12. 09/12 - Trump to repeal 2015 Clean Water Act. 
  13. 09/15 - Purdue Pharma files for bankruptcy.
  14. 09/16 - UAW workers strike GM. 
  15. 09/17 - Trump administration to revoke California’s emission standards.
  16. 09/18 - Trump appoints Robert C. O’Brien as national security advisor. 
  17. 09/18 - Trump to impose more sanctions on Iran
  18. 09/18 - Joe Kennedy to run against Edward Markey (D) for Senate. 
  19. 09/18 - Fed cuts interest rate by ¼% to 2%
  20. 09/19 - The Manhatten DA subpoenas Trump tax returns.
    1. Trump sues to block subpoenas
  21. 09/19 - A whistleblower report from the intelligence community raises alarm about a Trump discussion with and promise to a foreign leader. 
    1. The whistleblower report. 
    2. The executive branch will not give information to Congress.
  22. 09/20 - Bill DeBlasio drops out of the Democratic race. 
  23. 09/20 - Trump to send troops to Saudi Arabia. MBS’s bitch. 
  24. 09/20 - Trump to send asylum seekers to El Salvador. Maybe.
  25. 09/20 - Ukraine Trump stuff.
    1. Trump did hold up aid to The Ukraine prior to the “Biden” phone call.
    2. The Trump-Ukraine phone call.
    3. Giuliani involvement
    4. White House also sends GOP talking points to Dems.  
  26. 09/24 - Speaker Pelosi calls for formal impeachment inquiry.
  27. 09/25 - 17 state attorneys general will sue the Trump administration over weakened Endangered Species Act.
  28. 09/26 - Eugene Scalia confirmed as Labor Secretary. An anti-labor attorney. 
  29. 09/26 - Trump slashes the number of refugees to 18K. It was 110K in 2016. More Stephen Miller shit.
  30. 09/27 - Kurt Volker, Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, resigns. 
  31. 09/27 - Rudy Giuliani cancels his appearance at a Kremlin-backed conference.  
  32. Trump told Russia it was OK to interfere in our elections. 
    1. It now appears that many of Trump’s conversations with foreign leaders have been over classified and kept secret. 
  33. 09/29 - Cris Wallace & others at Fox News seem to be breaking ranks with Trump to at least take a wait and see stance. 
    1. Wallace gives asshole Stephen Miller a deservedly hard time. His interview with Miller. 
    2. Gillian Turner thinks the phone call is problematic.
  34. 09/29 - Jake Trapper shreds Jim Jordan on “State of the Union”
  35. 09/29 - Guiliani goes berserk on This Week & Face the Nation
  36. 09/29 - Lindsey Graham on Face the Nation argues process, not facts. Tries to discredit the whistleblower. 
  37. 09/30 - Rudy Giuliani and three associates subpoenaed by three House committees. 
  38. 09/30 - Trump asks Australian PM to help discredit the Mueller Report. 
  39. 10/01 - A federal court of appeals upholds FCC’s canceling of net neutrality. 
  40. 10/02 - Pompeo confirms he was on Ukraine phone call.
  41. 10/02 - Ukraine “transcript” looks edited and short.
  42. 10/03 - Trump urges China to investigate Bidens.
  43. 10.03 - Trump removes ambassador to Ukraine
  44. 10/03 - Volker says Giuliani is full of shit.
  45. 10/03 - IRS whistleblower report? 
  46. 10/03 - Trump began pressuring Ukraine president in August.  
  47. Rick Perry to step down as Energy Secretary. We now get to have another acting cabinet member.
  48. 10/04 - US adds 136K job in September, expected 147K. 3.5% unemployment

        International 

          • North Korea continues to test missiles. 8 since July
                • 09/18 - Benny Gantz, Blue & White party get largest % in Israeli elections. 
                  • No majority to form a government
                  • 09/25 - Netanyahu was chosen to try to form a government
                • Justin Trudeau blackface scandal
                      • 10/01 - Hong Kong erupts in protests again. Police now using live bullets.

                          Texas/Local

                        • Ft. Worth Panther Island project. 
                          • Dan Patrick comes out for “stranger to stranger” expanded gun background checks. 
                              • Northeast Tarrant Tea Party rebranding to True Texas Project.
                                  • 09/14 - Shooting at a pee-wee football game 
                                    • 09/16 - Why is this not child neglect? The 5-year-old not only found a gun but found a loaded gun with no trigger lock. Now a 4-year-old is dead. Gun laws need to be strengthened. 
                                      • Two shot in Arlington. 
                                      • One in Arlington dies
                                        • Amber Guyger-Bothan Jean trial. Lots of Christianity at end. Disturbing to me. Judge gives Guyger a bible

                                    wjh
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