Posted by Douglas Derda
Beer: Slyfox Christmas Ale 2011 Listen Now! Download audio (22.1MB – mp3 format – run time 37:07) Show Notes We dial in a special Christmas call from Santa Claus Phill Reda of Vintage Estate to get some holiday cheer on the show. Get the latest on Big T...
Posted by Douglas Derda
Beers: Delirium Noel, Penn Brewing Company St. Nikolaus Bock Bier, Penn Brewing Company St. Nikolaus Bock Bier Brewers Reserve, Stone Brewing Vertical Epic 11/11/11 Listen Now! Download audio (44.6MB – mp3 format – run time 77:55) Show Notes Spoon dia...
Posted by Brad Brown
We all know that the Christmas season is upon us when you hear the ringing bells of the Salvation Army at your local storefront, your neighbor’s house adorned in lights, and candy canes on the shelves shortly after the Halloween season. But the best...
Posted by Douglas Derda
Beers: Troegs Perpetual IPA, Full Pint Perc E Bust, Penn Brewery 25th Anniversary Imperial Pilsner, Lavrey Stingy Jack Pumpkin Ale, Sam Adams Utopias 2007 Listen Now! Download audio (49.1MB – mp3 format – run time 85:56) Show Notes Welcome to Boc...
Posted by Douglas Derda
Beers: Dogfish Head Punkin’ Ale, Dogfish Head Raison D’etra, Yard’s Brewing, Helltown Brewing IPA, East End Bigger Hop, East End Brewing Old Nebby Stock Ale, Helltown Brewing Mischevious, Hoppin’ Frog Barrel Aged Naked Evil BBW Listen Now! Download audio (51....
Posted by Douglas Derda
Beers: New Holland Brother Jacob, New Holland Black Tulip, Bullfrog Brewing IPA, All Saints Chili Beer, All Saints Wet Hop Barley Wine, Listen Now! Download audio (33.1 MB – mp3 format – run time 57:55) Show Notes Welcome to Steel City Big Pour 5!...
Posted by Mark Domnick
I died today. You got tired of me and took me to the shelter. They were overcrowded and I drew an unlucky number. I am in a black plastic bag in a landfill now. Some other puppy will get the barely used leash you left. My collar was dirty and too small, but the lady took it off before she sent me to...
Posted by Douglas Derda
We have a lot going on with SIDT in the next couple of months and here’s what you can expect! Podcast Awards It’s that time of year again kids, time to nominate your favorite craft beer podcast (that would be us) for a Podcast Award! Nominations take place from now until November 29t...
Posted by Douglas Derda
New episode of Should I Drink That craft beer podcast! In Episode 72 "Beer on the Bay 4" we feature Pittsburgh homebrewing group T.R.U.B., Laurel Highlands Meadery & Lavery Brewing Company! Fr. Spoon with Jason Lavery of Lavery Brewing (photo credit: uncle crappy) Beers: TRUB Saison, T...
Posted by Douglas Derda
Shortly after the release of EP71 “Caribbean Cool down”, Facebook and Twitter were blowing up once again with news on privatizing the PLCB (Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board) and where people stand. We decided to call upon craft beer author and advocate Lew Bryson to set the...
Posted by Douglas Derda
Beers: Kalik, Eclipse, Palma Louca, Quilmes Listen Now! Download audio (44.7MB – mp3 format – run time 65:07) Show Notes Sickpuppy is on a motherfarkin boat! | Puppy the Beer Blogger | Beer made for the cruise | Kalik | Eclipse | CONTEST TIME! |...
Posted by Karin Gerber
In the wake of the success of this year's Tony-award winning musical "The Book of Mormon", I highly recommend John Krakauer's book "Under the Banner of Heaven", published in 2003, regarding Mormon fundamentalism. This is amazingly (and I know that is an...
Posted by Douglas Derda
(photo credit: uncle crappy) SHOULD I DRINK THAT 5th ANNIVERSARY SHOW! special message from sickpuppy & father spoon Beers: MSB Black Watch Ale, MSB Ale of Avalon, Hoppin Frog Cask Conditioned B.O.R.I.S., Marietta Paw Paw Wheat, Tallgrass Oasis, Tallgrass Buffalo Sweat Stout, Tallgrass H...
Posted by Douglas Derda
It was 5 years ago that the first episode of Should I Drink That was released. Since then the show has been downloaded over 1.25 million times, featured in countless print/radio/tv outlets across the country and are recognized as an entertaining and educational resource for craft ...
Posted by Karin Gerber
It's been 10 years since the success of the publication of Anthony Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential" and now I just finished reading his follow-up to that excellent book. Jeff and I both are big fans of Tony's books as well as his hit Travel Channel show, "No Reservations" (as is Greg). ...
Posted by Greg Barnett
I can't believe a year has gone by and I'm talking about one of my favorite local Faire's again. Thats right Topanga Days is upon us, where we get 3 days of great Festival music under the sun surrounded by good food and vendors selling everything from art to jewelry, much an so on! If you ...
Posted by Douglas Derda
Father Spoon gets his early Irish on with John from Founders Brewing at the KBS release party for Pittsburgh, chats up Chris from Bocktownon an update aboutBocktown 2 and shares a pint with the newest member of the Steel City Derby Demons, Pittsburgh roller de...
Posted by Sandy Stefan
I watched the movies... Winter Bone and The Fighter this weekend. That makes 3 movies that were nominated that I have seen so far. The kids are alright being the first. So far The Fighter takes the prize for the best. Obviously I have a few more to see, but I have noticed that 2 of...
Posted by Brad Brown
While Father Spoon is away being a new dad again, sickpuppy fires up the cam and brings to you the first of many more video reviews. In the first installment the puppy cracks open a Stone Lucky Bastard(Beer Advocate | Rate Beer). You can either watch on ...
Posted by Greg Barnett
What if Disney animators got a hold of Superman? This animated short was created by Rob Pratt, who animated other Disney films like Hercules, Tarzan and many others. Check it out… totally classic!
Posted by Karin Gerber
Holy crap, has it really been since last May that I posted a book review? Okay, the drought is over. But let's not be mistaken; it certainly doesn't mean that I haven't been reading since last spring, only that I have been neglecting my reviewing. In any event, this latest book w...
Posted by Mark Storer
I imagine that before lines are rehearsed or props are set, before cameras are turned on and trained onto marks and before actors walk onto the set-that Joel and Ethan Coen spend days, weeks-even months or years, pouring over language in their scripts. I’m not a Coen followe...
Posted by Mark Storer
I am, at heart, a bit of an Anglophile. Just a bit. I have affection particularly for British literature and I love Shakespeare, teaching a course on the Bard every spring. So, when I get to see English movies, it’s always a bit of a treat for me and if it is a movie based on some hist...
Posted by Douglas Derda
Thousands of shows were nominated in multiple categories and now it comes down to this, the final 10 and Should I Drink That is one of them! We need your help to make this dream a reality for us and bring the hardware to the Steel City for the first time! Starting today and running until Dece...
Posted by Mark Storer
Russell Crowe smoulders and slow burns better than just about any actor working, past or present. It is for this reason that whatever movie he makes, I go and see it. Robin Hood got panned, but I saw it and loved it. I thought it was a fine prequel to the original story and it was Crowe at his smo...
Posted by Douglas Derda
Beers: Bayerischer Bahnhoff Leipziger Gose, Super Baladin, Brasserie Dieu Du Ciel Équinoxe Du Printemps, Dansk Mjød Klapøjster Mjød, Trojniak Trybunalski Listen Now! Download audio (35.2MB – mp3 format – run time 76:57) Sh...
Posted by Charles Olson
It’s less than two weeks before the marathon and I am woefully ill prepared. I don’t expect to be able to run the entire thing and just hope to cross the finish line. This will probably be the greatest mental challenge I will have ever faced. I know I will be walki...
Posted by Douglas Derda
Beers: Terrapin’s Monk’s Revenge, Founder’s Looking Glass Listen Now! Download audio (44.9MB – mp3 format – run time 78:29) Show Notes Welcome to Big Pour 4 | Roundtable with Matt from Voodoo, Sean and Mark from Full Pint brewing | Nam...
Posted by William Rozner
Call Me with Lyrics - Skyy Call me if you want to be put out of your misery after listening to this strain wreck. I could have opted for the 1982 Sold Gold version of this but I thought that it would be too outrageous. Sometimes 'funk' can go horribly wrong. It's not Ghost Hunters bad but still ...
Posted by William Rozner
The Aweful Battle...blah...blah - Cats "Aweful" is right!!!!! Remember the horror of this video for future reference / use. When your girlfriend tells you that you are going to the theater. Say this: "You better mean the movie theater and by no means anything like 'Fried Green Tomatoes' or it's ...
Posted by William Rozner
Cool Daddy - Boney M It's all in this video, tiny man, deep voice, hot backup singers, strange outfits and wicked dance moves. It may not be "Ghost Hunters" bad but it sure is funny. Helen Thomas Rating
Posted by William Rozner
Can't Fight This Feeling - REO Speedwagon I know that many of you have been asking yourselves the same this; "Why has he not selected that horrible song, Can't Fight This Feeling, by REO Speedwagon yet. Well your wait is over so let the pain of this song begin! This song is Ghost Hunters bad and...
Posted by William Rozner
Tommy Seebach Band - Apache I don't know the title of this song but everything about this video is AWESOME BAD!, sans the hot chicks. They are just AWESOME! This is a great video to watch and make fun of, alone or with friends. The guy on keys has some really sweet moves that I will be addi...
Posted by William Rozner
Some Russian Band - Sucky Music Video THAT'S RIGHT!!! He said, "hey babe, wake up from A your sleep." It just goes down hill from there. The video is a blending of bad 80's camera effects, anime that will give you seizures and some ideas brought forth by a Kiss Army fanatic living in his parents...
Posted by William Rozner
The Best Music Video Ever Made WOW! I thought Devine died in the late 80's. Guess I was wrong. Compare the image of Devine below with the singer in the video. Note: I am using the word "singer" very loosely in this case. Do you think she high-fived everyone after laying down these swee...
Posted by William Rozner
Right Stuff - New Kids On The Block This is a shout out to all of you tea bags that went to this show in Providence. Glenn, I'm talking to you. You ask yourself the question: "Self, how can the RIGHT STUFF be so wrong?" Answer: "This is how!" For your reference, NKOTB, in Russian, means douchbag...
Posted by William Rozner
Fireflies - Owl City This is one of the worst songs to be sent out over the air waves in the recent past. This guy takes shemale to a new level and/or class. My guess is that, in a UFC match, Boy George would kick the c$%p out of this pinhead with ease and I would cheer him on ever step of the wa...
Posted by William Rozner
"Only Women Bleed" - By: Someone that SUCKS!!!! Sorry but when I hear this song women aren't the only thing that bleed. My eyes do as well. I don't care for any version of this, even the one by Guns and Roses. At least Velvet Revolver didn't put this song in their lineup. Oh...If ...
Posted by William Rozner
Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover - Sophie B. Hawkins Whenever I hear this song all I can think is, "Damn...When will this song end?!" Helen Thomas Rating
Posted by William Rozner
Violet - Hole At least she got the name right. It's hard to just choose one of here songs. Luck or unlucky for me any of them will fit the bill so I chose Violet. Everything related to or associated with HOLE is bad. Enjoy...but I don't think you can. Helen Thomas Rating
Posted by William Rozner
Auld Lang Syne "Happy New Year" I have always disliked this song with great intensity. And. To lessen the pain I have found a video with some nice imagery and a vocal group that knows how to sing. You can't polish a turd but they sure tried. Helen Thomas Rating
Posted by William Rozner
Total Eclipse Of The Heart - Bonnie Tyler Really Bonnie...Really? This is what you give us? This song is bad on so many levels and it also goes well with that glitter vampire movie that's out now. Both the song and movie should be relegated to the darkest pits of hell where they belong. Was ...
Posted by William Rozner
Working For The Weekend - Loverboy Bad singing, bad dancing, bad hair, bad song...Everything about them is just BAD! If I was given the choice of working for the weekend or going to see Loverboy in concert I would say, "see you after work." Helen Thomas Rating
Posted by Greg Barnett
Have a great 4th of July weekend! Hi everyone, I came upon a great list of places to go watch fireworks in L.A. with ticket prices and links. Enjoy! Los Angeles fireworks locations Artesia: Fireworks at 9 p.m. Artesia Park, Elaine Avenue and South Street. (562) 860-3361. Baldwin...
Posted by William Rozner
Lotta Love - Nicolette Larson "The Glenn's" brother told me of a touching story about how TG would cry himself to sleep while singing this song. Apparently it helps him get through some of those dark time that crop up in life. So here's one for "The Glenn." Oh yeah, this song blows! He...
Posted by William Rozner
Beaches: Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler I got trapped into seeing this movie and the nightmares have never lessoned. When ever I hear this song I get flashbacks and now understand why the Colonel went up the river. He knew that this movie and song were coming and the only safe place was to ...
Posted by William Rozner
Small Wonder TV Show Theme Song I'm glad that I worked nights when this show aired. What a train wreck! Hey look at me I'm an engineer and built a daughter robot how great. Isn't she a wonder? "NO! She's not a wonder. The only thing I am wondering is how the heck this thing g...
Posted by William Rozner
Star Trek: Enterprise Theme Song - Russell Watson This thing is 5 Helen's BAD!!!!! If anyone should be caught in a dangerous situation wearing a red shirt it's this guy, Russell Watson. The show in itself was bad but couple that with this horrible song and BOOM. You got an hours worth o...
Posted by William Rozner
Statues Without Hearts - Larry Gatlin All I can say is, "get me a Gatlin(g) gun!" Helen Thomas Rating
Posted by William Rozner
Half Breed - Cher This song is kind of lame. I'm posting it here, today, since it is catchy enough that you will most likely start humming its tune at some point today. Then you can think to yourself, "Damb! Bill is a total ass for posting that song." And you would be correct. I was thinking...
Posted by William Rozner
The Firm live - Radio-active Everything about the Firm is bad but this song tops them all! AND, this song sucks even more live. Helen Thomas Rating
Posted by William Rozner
Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes What does a women get when she drinks heavily, smokes continually and cleans the back of her throat with a wire brush? That's easy! You get a voice like Kim Carnes! Enough said. Helen Thomas Rating
Posted by William Rozner
Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd Welcome to Hillbilly Pop. Enter at your own risk. I remember that every lame high school band played this cr&#y song. And the one part that they all got right was they sucked as well. Hopefully someone will one day catch this bird and soundly put it out of OUR mise...
Posted by William Rozner
Send In The Clowns - Judy Collins You all should know the phrase, "You can't polish a turd." Well this is so true with this piece. No matter who you hear singing this song it still blows. Over the years, I have been asked, would you rather be set on fire or listen to the song 'Send In ...
Posted by William Rozner
Sky Pilot - Eric Burdon & The Animals I like the Animals but I absolutely HATE this song. All I can hear over and over and over and over and over in this F$%^ing song is "skkkkkkkkyyyyyyyyyyyyyy pilot. This song sucks so hard that even the video was so ashamed of itself that it refused to wor...
Posted by William Rozner
Candy - Cameo This song may be bad but it sis FUNNY bad. From the strange Kid'n Play hair cut to the red codpiece, nothing can shame this singer. Helen Thomas Rating
Posted by William Rozner
Kenny Rogers - You decorated my life I thought I would stick with a sort of Home Depot DIY theme started yesturday. First you heard "You light up my life" and now "You decorated my life." I'm not a fan of this song but I feel it doesn't deserve a high Helen Thomas rating. So turn up t...
Posted by William Rozner
Debbie Boone - You light up my life I'm not totally sure why but hearing this song has the same effect as nails on a chalk board. It required a 5 out of 5 on the Helen Thomas scale. I could have blown the scale out of the water if I chose Barbra Streisand's version but even I have limit...
Posted by William Rozner
Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville - Don't Know Much I don't know much ether but I know I don't care for this song at all. And Aaron, what is up with that vibrato thing you do? Drop it already. Note: I have updated all of the "Bad Song" posts with the new Helen Thomas Suck Meter. ...
Posted by William Rozner
Dionne Warwick - That's What Friends Are For I'll tell you what a real friend is for... If they hear you listening to this tripe they should then reach back like a pimp and slap you down. I say to myself, "Walletboy, why all the hate... Because this song blows like Tracy Lords! But in a...
Posted by William Rozner
Shaun Cassidy - Da Doo Run Run Run What does Helen Thomas and Shaun Cassidy's version of this song have in common...They both totally SUCK!!! Helen Thomas Rating Someone had to be the first to get a 5 on the Helen Thomas Suck meter.
Posted by William Rozner
Expose - Point Of No Return The title of this song says it all. When I hear this song I feel as though I am being taken to the point of no return. But lucky for all of us the song does end or you can do the smart thing and turn it off ASAP. The one redeaming quality is that the women are/were eas...
Posted by William Rozner
Bonnie Tyler - Turn Around The "BAD" song selection is just in time for the anniversary of D-Day. If the allies played this as they stormed the beaches the Germans would have turned tail and ran ending the war. Helen Thomas Rating
Posted by Karin Gerber
This memoir, by Hungarian author Ferenc Mate, written in 1998 is based on the experience of living in Tuscany, buying a home with his wife & settling down after having lived on a sailboat for 2 years. The subtitle is "A New Life in an Old Land". I picked up this book at the library don...
Posted by Greg Barnett
Warner Center's Valley Cultural Center is once again presenting their Annual Food, Wine and Micro-Brew Festival for the 11th year in a row at The Westfield Promenade May 13th from 5:00 to 8:30pm. This event is always fun featuring Local Favorite Restaurants, Breweries, Live Music and Wineries...
Posted by Greg Barnett
Topanga Days is approaching on this Memorial Day weekend, May 29-30-31 with 3 Days, 3 stages of LIVE music! The festival has food vendors from all over the City of Los Angeles as well as Local favorites, cold beer and wine booths sprinkled all over the grounds, Local artists, selling t...
Posted by Mark Storer
When Disney’s The Princess and The Frog first came out, there were all kinds of pontifications. Many pundits thought it Disney’s best work, sublime, thoughtful and artfully crafted. Risky, said others. Other still said the film was racist. When it failed to show at the box office as inte...
Posted by Ines Hegedus-Garcia
Tarpon Bend Coral Gables 65 Miracle Mile Coral Gables, FL 33134 (305)444-3210 www.TarponBend.com
Posted by Jeff Turner
starring @respres (Jeff Turner) and @tinainvirgina (Tina Merritt) Fire and Vine 1556 Laskin Road Suite 134, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (757) 333-4824 www.FireandVine.com
Posted by Douglas Derda
Beers: North Country Firehouse Red, Magners Cider, Dogfish Head Chicory Stout, Listen Now! Download audio (26.1MB – mp3 format – run time 57:05) We’ve gone Spinal Tap We ended up recording in the new Piper’s Pub construction zone next door but for a great reason. ...
Posted by Douglas Derda
This is from the now infamous $400 Beer Run that sickpuppy and I took to Vintage Estate in Boardman, Ohio; the mecca of beer stores. This was bought solely because of the name and label. Brew Kettle Dark Helmet brewery: The Brew Kettle Taproom and Smokehouse – thebrewkettle.com style: S...
Posted by Ines Hegedus-Garcia
KUMQUAT MARTINI You are going to think I'm crazy but bought Kumquats for the first time in my life and didn't even know how to eat them so I went to Twitter to ask. The best answer came from @stevewitsen who said "@Ines I've also muddled them up with a bit of sugar then added some...
Posted by Greg Barnett
George Washington: Beer Enthusiast The father of our country was also the father of American craft brewing. Washington housed a serious English-style Porter brewing operation at his Mt. Vernon estate for two reasons; he wanted ...
Posted by Douglas Derda
Show Notes CONTEST TIME! | Bière de Miel biologique | Buying beer and Spoon’s issues with Pine Township Giant Eagle | Spawn of the Year | Scaldis Refermentee | There’s an Ewok in my beer | Karaoke night on SIDT and spoon’s love for THE Huey Lewis | Flying Dog on Food Netw...
Posted by Glenn Birkemeier
5.5 reasons the Colts will cover -5.5 Jim Trotter from SI is a terrific writer and has five really good reasons why the Colts are going to win. Here are 5.5 others, since you asked. 1. Freeney is going to play. And Raheem Brock is really good anyway 2. Dungy says the Colts will ...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Precious, based on the novel "Push" by Sapphire, is a hard-core realistic, gritty and very very raw book about a teenage girl living in Harlem who is sexually and emotionally abused by both her parents. If this turns you off, it's ok. It is an extremely hard subject matter, yet it is...
Posted by Mark Storer
I’ve dreamed of opening a true brewpub for years. Many friends of mine have flirted with it and I’ve come close on a couple of occasions. But I tend to agree with Gordon Ramsey on this that if you’re opening a restaurant to make money, and that’s your goal — don&rsquo...
Posted by Douglas Derda
I know what you’re thinking. Spoon, a gimmick beer? wtf! I couldn’t resist. If I want to have a justified opinion I need to taste it for myself otherwise I’m just as lame as those cowboy Bud/Coors/Busch drinkers. Yeeehaw! Think you may know who Donnie Iris is but n...
Posted by Mark Domnick
Horn Dog Barley Wine Style Ale The Horn Dog Barley Wine Style Ale brewed by Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick, Maryland pours out a light, mahogany brown in color with a little haze and a one finger, light tan, tightly knit head that sticks around for a bit. Cherry, candied apple, caramel, and a ...
Posted by Douglas Derda
Beers: Conundrum IPA, Bill’s American Amber, Capt. Lawrence St Vincent’s Dubbel, Capt. Lawrence Xtra Gold – American Style Tripple Ale, Avery Brabant Show Notes SIDT on tour | Beers from Bill | Conundrum IPA | The Pear Cares | Tropic Thunder and hate for Ben Stiller | Bill&rs...
Posted by Ines Hegedus-Garcia
I have to share my mom's WHITE SANGRIA recipe with you (not just because Greg Barnett asked me to) - she's been making it for years and it's refreshing and delish! White Sangria 1 bottle of Freixenet (sparkling wine or good champagne) 1 can of sprite 2 oz of Coin...
Posted by Greg Barnett
A rookie secret agent is faced with a problem seldom covered in basic training: what to do when a curious pigeon gets trapped inside your multi-million dollar, government-issued nuclear briefcase.
Posted by Ines Hegedus-Garcia
Mojito Review Balans – Biscayne Boulevard Miami 6789 Biscayne Blvd Miami, Florida 33138 (305) 534-9191
Posted by Jeff Turner
I had been trying to ge to an event at The Studio Bar for a long, long time. So when Greg asked me to attend the Christmas party on the same day I was speaking in San Francisco, I had to say now. But damn, Greg is a persistent man. So, after my delayed flight landed at 10pm that night, I headed str...
Posted by Greg Barnett
I've been walking to work alot lately since one of our cars was totaled in an accident a few months ago and the other day I just hit shuffle on my iPhone and put alittle Zep in my step. "Going to California" was one of the songs that played and it was a LIVE version. Truly one of my favorite Ze...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Yes, I know it's been way too long since my last review. I, of course, have read literally dozens of books since then (but can't post a review on every one; then it would feel like homework and not a pleasure). So I pick and choose my reviews. This novel was written by R...
Posted by Douglas Derda
(click on image for 3264 x 2448 - 2.08MB) To most of you outside of Pennsylvania this may seem like a normal thing but here in the fine SW corner of the commonwealth this is a first. For the first time we are able to buy beer in a grocery store and Giant Eagle's Market District is the pla...
Posted by Douglas Derda
Lagunitas Hop Stoopid brewery: Lagunitas Brewing Company – lagunitas.com style: Imperial IPA abv: 8% serving size: 22oz glass used: snifter price: $11.99 Overview 102 I.B.U. – nuff said What I think It’s not as bitter as the 102IBU’s make you think it might be. I...
Posted by Douglas Derda
Beers: Hiding Nocis Passion Fruit, Oatsnbrau Nightmare on Hop Street, Greg’s Hop Shortage Pale Ale, Brunetti Brewing DaleStone IPA, JP’s Great Pumpkin Ale, Lance’s Smoked Wit by God Show Notes Brewing Up A Cure | John Ciroli | Mr. Baconpants recaps the Blue Ribbon Bacon Tour ...
Posted by Douglas Derda
Hey yinz! It's time for the 2009 Podcast Awards and this year we're pushing the Pittsburgh party. The city is already home to the Super Bowl and Stanley Cup champs so its time to add to the trophy case! This year, along with SIDT, we ask that you nominate friends of ours who produce t...
Posted by Douglas Derda
Join Father Spoon and Tony the Beer Guy for the first ever LIVE Craft Beer School podcast. Recorded 9/15/09 at the Theater Square Cabaret in beautiful downtown Pittsburgh's historical Cultural District. Beers Victory Festbier, Dogfish Head Punkin, Brewdog Punk IPA, Troegs Java Head Stout ...
Posted by Mark Domnick
I tried two different Japanese beers recently. Both I had never had before and both were excellent. The only problem I found with them is that they are 3-4 more expensive than domestic craft beers which I am sure will hurt their influx into the US market place. They are both American Pale Ale style ...
Posted by Mark Storer
This will not be about the President’s presser. My feelings on the man’s policies are fairly clear. I only mention it here because everyone else is mentioning it and I have to jump on that train. But I’m jumping off now… When I write, whether here or an article, or whatev...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Keeping up with my former monthly reviews, here's my July's blog. This novel is brand new, having just been published this year by Arabic female author, Randa Jarrar. It was on the "new books out" shelf at my local library. I really enjoyed it but have to categori...
Posted by Mark Domnick
The Premium Lager Beer from Kingfisher Brewing Company (United Breweries) is brewed and bottled in Saratoga, New York. The lager pours out pale gold in color with a little cloud that goes away as it warms and a one finger white head. On the nose aromas of grain, malt and some sweetness. In the mouth...
Posted by Brad Brown
Hey fans of SIDT and craft beer! Episode 53 - Bocktown Beer Dependence Day Celebration is now LIVE! http://tinyurl.com/n8pkyk Enjoy!
Posted by Brad Brown
Over the past three years, since the inception of shouldidrinkthat.com, I have been faced with the comments from folks that we are beer snobs. Lately I have been thinking about this stereotypical term that is laid upon any and all craft beer lovers from their peers. While part of me is quit...
Posted by Mark Domnick
The Alaskan Stout from Alaskan Brewing Company in Juneau, Alaska pours out an opaque, jet black in color with a one finger coffee colored head that dissipates quite quickly. On the nose aromas of coffee, caramel, roast grains, licorice and chocolate. In the mouth you first taste the the coffee and...
Posted by Mark Storer
Author’s Note: I saw this film a few months ago as Cyrus Nowrasteh is a friend of mine, father to a former student of mine, and a one-time guest speaker in my Composition class. It is why I refer to him by his first name here and so I come at this with intimate knowledge of the making of the...
Posted by Mark Storer
What’s funny about Night at the Museum: The Battle of the Smithsonian is that it’s a movie that you assume you know from watching the trailers on TV. Even if you didn’t see NATM 1, you can tell from the trailers what it’s about-or so it seems. But, it’s not really ...
Posted by Karin Gerber
#1 Nat'l bestseller, I'm sure the majority of you have heard of this book since it was made into a fantastic motion picture by the Weinsten Bros. (Kate Winslett had the starring role and won her 1st ever Oscar for that title role this year). The novel was published in '97 and ...
Posted by Mark Storer
Reviewing a Pixar movie is rather like reviewing a piece of chocolate cake or a freshly made pizza; you know it’s going to be good, the question is just how good? How rich is it? How fresh are the ingredients? I stand by my claim that Pixar, for all their mastery of the art and craft of s...
Posted by Greg Barnett
Were any of you watching the 2009 Tony Awards last night? Well if you didn't you missed it! Brett Michaels of Poison gave a whole new meaning to Headbanging after Posion finished peforming. When they came back from commercial the emcee Neil Patrick Harris told everyone he was okay. Here is the...
Posted by Greg Barnett
A lego animation to one of comic Eddie Izzard's most popular jokes, 'Cake or Death?' Once you are done watching the Cake or Death Video, there are more displayed ...enjoy!
Posted by Jenna Harris
Hey Everyone! I have entered a competition called The Big Stage Singing Contest at The Palmer Room in LA. I REALLY NEED YOUR SUPPORT. This competion is based on Fans! So hopefully you guys can come out an see me on Monday Night June 8th. I hope to see you all there Bar Folk!! You can get ticke...
Posted by Ian Blackburn
LearnAboutWine on Indie 103.1’s “Wino Wednesdays” LearnAboutWine on Indie 103.1’s Wino Wednesdays! Tune in at www.indie1031.com! If you missed the show, we will provide a link to the podcast as soon as it’s available.
Posted by Ian Blackburn
About German Wine Part I Imagine making wine for 1000 years and developing an evolving number of rules to improve the wine and celebrate the best wines of the region. It was a good idea, until the label was decorated with so many terms that it looked like a war hero where all their bags and...
Posted by Mark Storer
I’ve posted before about music and my playing of it, listening to it and my concert going years. No need to rehash that I suppose. I still have a vivid memory of the day I went down to the Topanga Plaza shopping mall (which isn’t called that anymore) in the San Fernando Valley and bou...
Posted by Greg Barnett
This Memorial Day weekend for all three days TOPANGA DAYS 2009 COUNTY FAIR will going strong with 75+ LIVE Bands, Arts Games and Food. Bring your family and friends. Take a look at the show schedule and see what bands you want to see, bring a blanket to sit on on the lawn (bring suncreen) and kick...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Brand new novel, written by Esteban Martin and Andrew Carranza that just came out this year. Maria is the heroine and her boyfriend, Miguel is a mathematician; together they succeed in solving a long- kept secret of Christianity and have to search for an ancient relic that Maria&#...
Posted by Greg Barnett
The recent outbreak of Swine Flu claims its first Celeb victim today … … And we all know who gave it to him … Recieved this in my email, pretty funny! Poor Kermit!
Posted by Glenn Birkemeier
My McSweeney's piece from 2005, with a few minor changes. In the big inning, God created Heaven on Earth. And it was without form, and void. God separated the dirt from the grass. He called the grass Outfield and the dirt He called Infield. God made the Infield a 90-foot square and the Out...
Posted by Greg Barnett
To start this blog off I have to say that I am a native Angeleno. And when I grew up there was only one area code for Los Angeles... The (213). In 1984 The Valley saw the area code change with the birth of (818) and the City learned all about the (310). More time has passed and newer overlays as th...
Posted by Greg Barnett
Yum!! Saw @bentoboxx post this on Twitter 4 out of the Top Ten were in the San Fernando Valley 1. Casa Vega (Santa Monica) - Huge Burrito Ranchero is filling enough for dinner -- and lunch the next day. Open daily until 2 a.m., order one of Vega’s famous margaritas and stay for awhile. 2....
Posted by Karin Gerber
This novel, written by RiCHARD YATES, was nominated for the National Book Award in 1961. Of course, it was made into an academy-honored film this past year which I saw. I prefer reading the book before the film, but this time I saw the film first. The book was excellent, portrayi...
Posted by Greg Barnett
Pretty amazing stuff, could this be the future for personal computing and communication? Really Cool, New Sixth-Sense Technology - Watch more Funny Videos
Posted by Brad Brown
My start in home brewing began years ago as a young man simply because it was legal to brew at age 18 but legal consumption did not start until the age of 21. I found it odd that it was legal to make but illegal to drink the beverage made by my own hand. That dream turned into an obsession...
Posted by Greg Barnett
you have to watch this! What a great presentation by Adam Savage, cohost of Mythbusters.
Posted by Greg Barnett
Just thought It would be nice to have a link to the Studio Bar Party Flickr Group here
Posted by Greg Barnett
Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony, Chad Smith have a new band coming... pretty funny flash intro... I guess we will have to wait and see wait and see, but what a lineup huh? Chicketfoot Rolling Stone write up October 6th, 2008 by Austin Scaggs below Ex-Van Haleners Sammy Hagar an...
Posted by Glenn Birkemeier
I wrote this for you because, as you know, you are more interesting than me. 1. This isn’t even close to what you thought adulthood would be like. 2. You don’t spend enough time outside. 3. Your parents are secretly disappointed in you. 4. You are secretly disappointed in them as ...
Posted by Greg Barnett
The other day I saw this very cool image come thorugh the Brightkite Stream of someone being very clever with U.S. Currency in our country's capital with some of our monuments and places of government and residence. So next time you are in Washington DC, make sure you have your camera, and a $5...
Posted by Greg Barnett
I love Flickr. This is a group by @ines I follow on Twitter. I have one pic on there so far. Also @ines husband has a video on here making one of his famous Mojitos. They live in Miama.
Posted by Ian Blackburn
Australia the trip. It was almost a year ago that I was able to take my first trip to Australia, time flies doesn’t it? I think we all need to think about the most meaningful things we have ever done, and do more of it! Personally I can connect most of the meaningful moments with...
Posted by Greg Barnett
Now I want a bagel, we're upgrading the WB site to 1000 pixels wide. The site originally done in 2006 was designed for smaller monitors and was 800 pixels wide. Now that tech has improved with larger monitors we program all our sites to 1000 pixels. This now allows for new Blog Snippets and bet...
Posted by Mark Storer
What a unique opportunity I had this evening. My principal was called by the Reagan Library and Museum which is not far from where I live and where our school is. I don’t think he was interested in having a big contest and as the journalism teacher and such, he asked me if I would serve on ...
Posted by Greg Barnett
Yet again another great widget created for all your folks on Twitter. Its called The Daily Mug Shot. Requirements are a computer, a web camera and taking your picture every day. The result is a funny mosaic of daily pictures of yourself. LMC has jumped in a few times. Its pretty funny. They also jus...
Posted by Glenn Birkemeier
The following people, to my surprise, are older* than the new President of The United States who was born August 4, 1961. * - or would be. Michael Stipe Dominique Wilkins Greg Louganis Kirby Puckett Bono Brad Garrett Valerie Bertinelli Jeffrey Dahmer John Elway Chuck D. Figh...
Posted by Mark Storer
Joe’s Knows…Mediocrity By Mark Storer From the moment it opened, Joe’s Crab Shack was a bone of contention for Ventura. Reports of a sweetheart deal on arguably one of the best plots of land for a business, near Pierpont, caused a stir. When the restaurant finally opened, three-hour...
Posted by Mark Storer
Central Coast Winegrowers redefine permit process—and industry. By Mark Storer It’s been said that if you want to make a million dollars in the wine business, start with 20 million. Though hyperbole, simply put, starting a winery is an expensive and daunting proposition. One of the ...
Posted by Mark Storer
Fetzer’s Five Rivers Ranch leads California toward sustainable vineyards. By Mark Storer Steve Peck stands atop a hill, soaking in a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside with a smile on his face. He might well smile as he surveys the 460 acres of vineyards on the 640 acre ranch...
Posted by Karin Gerber
by Phillip Margolin, published this year. A new book by a new author (for me). This is a very fast, speedy read, along the lines ala Baldacci. Jeff read it in a matter of 2 days. I took a bit longer. It's about the abuse of government power at the highest level...
Posted by Karin Gerber
This novel, published in 2001 by British author Ian McEwan, was the first book I read by him. As many of you may know, this novel was made into an epic-sweeping saga film from 2007. It garnered academy award nominations and stars James McAvoy and the lovely Keira Knightly. I haven’t seen the...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Bill Bryson Author; published in '98. I actually completed this read in October, but have been backed up in my reviews. So here goes: I have to first preface this by saying that Janet commented (when we had a girls' night out on Friday with Kathy at the Sagebrush for...
Posted by Karin Gerber
by John Grisham, published in 2006 Greg was nicely "pestering me" to review my latest. I still have 3 more, been backed up. So this work of nonfiction (Grisham's 1st ever nonfiction book; the guy has written 20 novels!) was given to Jeff recently by Greg in the book exchange.&nbs...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Of course, by JK Rowling. The 7th and final book in this fantastic series, published this year. Jeff & I both read all of these books and now it has sadly come to a conclusion. Harry is in the 7th and final year of his school, a 17 year-old. It's another long one, 75...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Jane Fonda's autobiography published in 2005. I got this book from Janet who recently gave me a few books to choose from. I haven't read an autobiography in a rather long time. This hardback is very lenghty, almost 600 pages, but the chapters read very fast.&...
Posted by Karin Gerber
A novel by Kim Edwards published in 2005. This gripping book tells the story of a doctor who rushes to get his wife to the clinic in a blizzard where she gives birth (after she passes out) to twins, one of which is a "mongoloid" (what they were called at the time). The doctor, be...
Posted by Karin Gerber
By David Farren. This novel was originally written in 1979 and re-published just this year. David Farren is actually the pseudonym of my very own stepfather, Douglass McFerran. Yes, that's him on the cover with a friend. This was Doug's first novel. ...
Posted by Karin Gerber
By Kathleen Tessaro, author of Elegance. Published 2005. "Love. The greatest temptation of all", so it says on the cover jacket. This hardback was given to me by Janet. I've never read her before. It's a very fast read and entertaining. Truly a...
Posted by Karin Gerber
by Dean Koontz Published May 30, 2006 NY Times #1 bestseller written just last year; my 1st time reading this exciting author. I'm sure many of you have read him being that he's so unbelievably popular. It's a thriller, for sure. A very, very fast-paced paperback novel about...
Posted by Karin Gerber
by Alice Sebold Published in 2002 The Lovely Bones is a book I've been wanting to read ever since it came out. I especially was anxious to get my hands on it now that I learned that it will be made into a movie. I read it pretty fast. I have to say it's more a "gi...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Been a while since my last book review (St. Pat's Day), and Greg was reminding me to post. So here goes.... You actually get a "deal" this time, 3 for the price of one. Hence the name; yes it 's a trifecta, 3 reviews in one. I finished reading 3 books since March. ...
Posted by Karin Gerber
This is Crichton's (MC) latest novel, published in 2006. I've read and reviewed some of his other books (see my review on State of Fear). But to my dismay, this one doesn't rank as high as others. However, like Jurassic Park, it explodes with scenarios that become...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Written in 1990 by bestselling author Nelson DeMille. It's a bit dated (mobile car phones, no e-mailing yet), but soooooo well written. I've read this wonderful writer before (he's had many published books). I read "The General's Daughter" made into a movie, ...
Posted by Karin Gerber
by Carol Goodman As described on the glossy red cover, "An atmospheric thriller, but a smart one with a racing story line". This is my 1st time reading this author. My step-dad read and gave me this novel. It was pretty good, not great. Forgettable. In fact, I actua...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Wow, another totally awesome book. Greg read this one, as did Jeff. It's my first time reading the scintillating "foodie documentary" of this great chef written in 2000. I only heard of Bourdain about a year ago, not being a regular Food Network viewer. I missed his "B...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Wow! I just finished this utterly fantastic read by author Eric Blehm published this year. If you liked "The Perfect Storm" or "Into the Wild" (both of which I read & loved), you will certainly want to to read this. It's a hybrid of "Into the Wild" meets "Grizzly Man".&n...
Posted by Karin Gerber
National Bestseller "The House of the Spirits" by author Isabel Allende is one of the best books I've ever read. This was the Chilean author's debut novel and spans 3 generations. It was made into a movie starring Jeremy Irons (great pic). Jeff's sister, KT, is&nb...
Posted by Karin Gerber
I've read Michener's books before, as I'm a great fan of his. I've always thought him to be the preemminent U.S. storyteller. This historical fiction novel was penned in 1978 and, like so many other Michener tales, is a lengthy read, surpassing 1000 pages. Yet...
Posted by Karin Gerber
"The Tree of Hands", a mystery by British author Ruth Rendell, is a fast, short novel. I read one of her other books, "The Killing Doll" a while ago. That book was better, in my opinion. This book started out very good, but 1/2 way into it, I got lost, a bit confused, and just b...
Posted by Karin Gerber
This debut novel #1 NY Times bestseller by Wally Lamb is a huge winner! Written in '92, this author writes like a woman. Hard to believe that a man actually wrote it. And he's not even gay. It's a coming of age story about tragic heroine Delores Price, an obese teen ...
Posted by Karin Gerber
by Maya Angelou First time reading this disntinguished poet/author. She penned this autobiography in 1981 but it takes place in late 50s- early 60s. It's 3rd in a series of autobiographys. Ms. Angelou recently spoke at her good friend, Coretta Scott King's funeral; she's ...
Posted by Karin Gerber
1st time reading this author, Arthur Golden. You'd think it was written by a female. It was a bday gift to Jeff from another male and they both read it (so it's not just a chic book). Janet read it, too. Takes place in Kyoto, Japan, during the Great Depression...
Posted by Karin Gerber
#1 NY Times bestseller by Lance Armstrong is a terrific, engaging book. I believe it's Lance's 1st time writing a book; he's gifted in writing, though there is a co-author, but all the emotions are pure Lance. The title reflects on his ordeal w/cancer & is a metaphor of his life; it...
Posted by Karin Gerber
The 6th book authored by J.K. Rowling in this 7-book series is my 2nd favorite. Jeff & I both have read every book in sequence. The Sorcerer's Stone is my all time favorite, but this one definitely ranks second. This is my 1st review of a "children's book", thou...
Posted by Karin Gerber
by Khaled Hosseini, a first time novelist. This man just has to write more, he's an incredibly gifted writer. Very impressive for a first book. It takes place in Afghanistan (where he's from) and covers Pakistan and San Francisco, as well. It's about a strong c...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Don't let the title fool you: Harvest is not about autumn and food. "Harvest", by Tess Gerritsen is a medical thriller along the same premise as "Coma" by Crichton. My first read by this author, who has a complete medical background (she was an internist turned author), but wo...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Yes, it's another Carl Hiaasen book. This one was one of his earlier ones, written in 1986, and it's obviously dated: typewriters, Lacoste shirts, Jane Fonda workouts! Alas, mucho memories of my college days! Like my last Hiaasen review (Sick Puppy), this, too, foll...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Finally a "chic" book for those lovely ladies of the Bar (though guys can certainly read it too)! Warning: it is a downer. My first read by author Alice Hoffman (a well-renowned writer). This is the fastest I've ever posted a review (my last one was only posted a week ago) and also this i...
Posted by Karin Gerber
One in a series of books by Carl Hiaasen, this novel screams with humor. First time reading this author, who was recently featured on 60 Minutes regarding his outlandish books. My stepdad is a fan & has given us many of the books, all of which Jeff has read. So I thought, my turn. As you may r...
Posted by Karin Gerber
This book has to be one of the most poignant I've read in a long time. It's written by Jamling Tenzing Norgay, son of the famous Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay, who was the 1st to summit Mt. Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary. I've always been fascinated with Everest (Chomolungma in Sherpa...
Posted by Karin Gerber
I'm finally reviewing a current book, so new that it's still only in hardback! Michael Crichton's latest novel, a "techno-thriller", ponders the idea of eco-terrorists and environmental terrorism. Crichton, one of my favorite authors, once again researches i...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Written in '03 by Robert Harris, this novel has a Michener style which I love: "historical fiction", combined w/accurate geological description of the volcanic events. This coincides w/quite realistic characters; the ancient Romans during the reign of Cesar. Jeff read this, too...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Authored by Nelson DeMille (who also wrote "Up Country", which I read; that one is fantastic, a MUST read). The subject book, although written in '78, is certainly not dated in the least. In fact, it retains it's exhilarating tone and appeals to the modern age. It's a...
Posted by Karin Gerber
Mystic River, which was made into an incredible film. 1st time I read this author. Fast reading, took me 6 days. Riveting, gripping. Yes, it's sad but worth it. The writing is raw & realistic w/true to life dialogue. Surprise ending that blows you away.
Posted by Karin Gerber
My 1st time reading a "horse story". Incredible book by first time author (impressive on that merit alone) Laura Hillebrand. What a beautiful writer. She delves into the 3 characters (owner, trainer, jockey) & you grow to love each of them & REALLY feel like you know them. Well, I didn't "love"...
Posted by Greg Barnett
Here was the recipe from New Years Eve, been dreaming about them... maybe I'm just dreaming about bacon ...mmmmbacon *drool* Parmesan-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 25 min Servings: Makes 6 hors d'oeuvre servings. Ingredien...
Posted by Greg Barnett
It all started off Friday Night with Glenn and I heading down to the Nokia Theatre next to Staples Center to go see the once in a life time evening with John Wooden and Vin Scully being interviewed in front of a televised audience by Times columnist T.J. Simers. All the proceeds from this event was ...
Posted by Greg Barnett
Guinness Chocolate Cake on Christmas Day 1 cup of the Yummy Guinness 1 stick of unsalted butter plus 2 more tablespoons 3/4 cup of cocoa - unsweetened 2 cups baking sugar - superfine 3/4 cup sour cream 2 eggs 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract 2 cups of flour 2-1/2 teaspoons of baking...