Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Consumer Reports rates light beers (and hot dogs)



Last weekend I was reading a recent Consumer Reports magazine that reviewed hot dogs and light beers. I enjoy a good hot dog from time to time, and I was interested to see their rankings.

Hebrew National won the blind taste test for best-tasting hot dog. I've never had a Hebrew National hot dog before, although I never shy away from kosher foods. If I had a choice between a kosher dill pickle and one that's not kosher (meaning that it probably fell on the floor since it wasn't prepared under rabbinical supervision), I'd take the kosher!

I've now come to understand that a kosher dill pickle is usually not kosher in the sense that it was prepared under rabbinical supervision, which would ensure that no utensil in contact with the pickles had been in contact with food that was not kosher. Rather, it is a pickle made in the traditional manner of Jewish New York City pickle makers with generous addition of garlic to the brine. But that's not my point here.

I respect Consumer Reports and I think that the hot dog test is good one. But then I read the light beer article. The light beer results are oh so wrong!

The big "winners" of the test were as follows:

1. Michelob Ultra Amber
2. Michelob Light
3. Michelob Ultra
4. Coors Light

I've tasted a Michelob Ultra before and it's a perfect choice for people who don't like beer. It basically tastes like water with some sugar and artificial beer flavoring. It's definitely in the bottom 10 beers I've ever had (and I've had pizza beer brewed with garlic cloves and oregano). Beer Advocate even gives it a 96% disapproval rating. It's quite bad.

I've also tasted Coors Light and basically rank it below every beer starting with the letters BUD (and that's a bad thing).

Sam Adams Light was 5th on the list and I agree that it should be up there somewhere. That's the one shining star of their rankings. Miller Lite finished 11th and despite the fact that Miller's own blind tests showed Miller Lite has more taste, Bud Light finished 8th. There were also bunch of other bad beers that finished in the top 10 like Keystone Light, Busch Light, and Natural Light. But those are cheap, light beers and everyone knows what they are getting to when they buy them. Michelob pretends they are a premium drink.

Supposedly the Consumer Reports taste testers focused on "whether a beer tasted fresh and had a balanced mix of floral, fruity, malted grain, hops and other appropriate flavors." I guess I agree that Michelob Ultra tastes fresh - just like water!

I guess I don't like light beer in general, but if I had to drink one it certainly wouldn't be anything made by Michelob (thus by Anheuser-Busch).

Do yourself a favor - skip all the Consumer Reports light beers and have a local craft beer instead. If you're worried about the calories, have one less beer.

All-In-One Beer Making Machine


Some guy invented 'The Device,' the world's first all-in-one beer making machine. Just add the ingredients and go.

There's a video and a little more information on Popular Science's website.

I like how it serves beer too. Brilliant.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Spank My Bachelor Ass!


If you haven't visited my CafePress store lately, be sure to click the link below for clothes and stickers for your bachelor and bachelorette party. Let the ass spanking begin!


We've been using the Spank My Bachelor Ass logo for all bachelor parties in our group since 2005 and a surprisingly large number of people have bought shirts and hats from the CafePress shop I set up for our private use. Since then I expanded it a bit and it's cool just to have it out there.


It's a good slogan and will result in getting your ass spanked by multiple strangers.


http://www.cafepress.com/bachelorass

Miller Brewery Tour

Here's are some pictures from the behind-the-scenes Miller Brewery tour we went on last week.


Movie:





The rest of the set is here.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Wildlife at Work

At my work in Waukesha three wild turkeys live on the campus and occasionally walk up to cars in parking lot and peck at their own reflections in the car doors and hub caps. Normally the birds are pretty skittish and run away when cars or people come by, but sometimes they just sit on the lawn or walk right up to the office windows.

Here's a far away shot of them sitting on the lawn.




A few days ago I also saw a deer wandering the campus. I saw her in the parking lot yesterday when I was driving home and when I stopped my car to take a quick picture, she moved into the brush, where I saw her two fawns too. Sorry for the low quality camera-phone pics.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Sparks


Not only is Sparks Plus 7% the unhealthiest beer that Miller Brewing produces, it's now under investigation for deceptive marketing practices.

From JSOnline:

Miller targeted over Sparks drink
By Tom Daykin

A small but growing beverage made by Miller Brewing Co. is among a group of alcohol "energy drinks" that have engaged in deceptive marketing practices, according to a letter released by the attorneys general from 29 states.

Sparks, a citrus-flavored malt drink with caffeine, has used an advertising scheme that centers on a claim that the beverage provides energy, said the letter, which was sent to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, a federal agency. The letter asks the agency to expand its efforts to prevent misleading health-related statements from being made in connection with Sparks and similar beverages.

In response, Miller said it works closely with the Tax and Trade Bureau to ensure that its products meet federal regulatory requirements.

"We responsibly market our products to legal drinking age consumers consistent with our own high standards, industry marketing codes and applicable laws and regulations," the statement says.

Sparks, which Miller bought in 2006, has sales of around 300,000 barrels - around 0.08% of Miller's annual sales volume. But Sparks is among a group of smaller drinks with high growth potential that have drawn a greater marketing focus from Miller.

Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen is not among those involved.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Madison Breweries


In honor of the Great Taste of the Midwest last weekend, The Isthmus has a good article about the many small craft brewers in the Madison area.

Here's the list from the article. I've tried beer from them all.

Ale Asylum
3698 Kinsman Blvd.

Capital Brewery
7734 Terrace Ave., Middleton

Granite City Food and Brewery
72 West Towne Mall

Gray's Tied House
915 Kimball Lane, Verona

The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.
123 E. Doty St.
2980 Cahill Main, Fitchburg
357 Price Place, Hilldale Mall

The Grumpy Troll Restaurant and Brewery
105 S. 2nd St., Mount Horeb

J.T. Whitney's
674 South Whitney Way

Lake Louie Brewing
7556 Pine Road, Arena

New Glarus Brewing Co.
County Trunk W & Hwy. 69, New Glarus

Tyranena Brewing Co.
1025 Owen St., Lake Mills



Fish Spa

A new type of fish spa is popular in Japan. Small fish feed off your dead skin cells as you sit in a pool of hot water.

The fish is the Garra Rufa, also known as the Doctor Fish. They can live and breed in hot water and consume only dead areas of the skin leaving the healthy skin to grow.

Read the entire article here.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Quick-pop a bottle cap

Here's a great time-saving tip for use while drinking.


Friday, August 10, 2007

UFO in Haiti

I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords.


Thursday, August 9, 2007

Jimmy Kimmel getting bit by a snake on TV

Is this video real?

http://www.flicklife.com/b1a0e95808168e1a8ff8/Bit_by_a_snake_on_Live_TV.html


I doubt it.

MGD Light-er


Miller tests a reformulated MGD Light

Miller Brewing Co. said today it is testing a reformulated Miller Genuine Draft Light that will have just 64 calories per serving-the lowest number of calories of any beer sold in the United States.

Miller will begin test marketing the beer this month in the Madison area. Its target audience will include members of spas and health clubs, where Miller plans to do product sampling.

MGD Light has 64 calories and 2.4 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce serving. Bud Light, the country's best-selling beer, has 110 calories and 6.6 carbohydrates.

The Washlet



The Washlet from ToTo is a toilet seat that claims to make you happier. Their website features pictures of naked butts with smiles painted on them. The owners of these happy butts tell you about the features of this electric water toilet seat in videos on the site.

This might seem like a Saturday Night Live skit, but it's a real product.

Besides having a heated seat and a remote control, these toilet seats have up to five cleansing modes:
  • Front Cleanse
  • Rear Cleanse
  • Pulsating Cleanse
  • Soft Cleanse
  • Oscillating Cleanse
Some even have an adjustable wand feature that allows you to more finely aim the cleansing spray! When you’re done with your choice of cleansing methods, the warm-air dryer takes care of the rest, with 5 cozy temperature settings.

And all these years I’ve been using toilet paper, like a chump.

The Bender Brewer Project


This guy is building a life-sized Bender from Futurama that he can brew beer inside of, just like Bender did in the episode "The Route of all Evil".

Please get me this for my birthday.


Bender: I'm really starting to swell up with beer. I must look ridiculous.
Fry: Nah, you have a healthy glow.
Bender: [Bender belches] Oh my god! I just felt it ferment!
Fry: Ooo! Let me feel.
Leela: Have you thought about what to name it?
Bender: I was thinking Benderbrau if it's an ale, Botweiser if it's a lager.
Fry: I hope it's a lager so I can take it to a ball game.
[Bender belches again]
Fry: Ooo! I felt that one!

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Mo's Irish Pub is #2


I was surprised to read that the Mo's Irish Pub on HWY 100 in Wauwatosa is the #2 seller of Guinness in the entire United States, second only to Nine Fine Irishmen at New York New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

John Vassallo is closing his Moceans and Mo's Cucina restaurants to focus on their Mo's Irish Pubs and Mo's A Place for Steak restaurants. I've never been to either of the places that are closing.

Monday, August 6, 2007

Sign up for a Discover Card - get an iPod Shuffle


If you don't already have a Discover Card, you should get one now. Not only do you get up to 1% cash back on all your purchases, you get 5% cash back on different things every few months (now it's gas, hotels, and other travel things). You can also use their shopping site at http://discovercard.com/shop to get 5% more back at selected stores like Circuit City.

It's a good credit card and if you sign up now through My Easy Rewards you will get a free iPod Shuffle too. The 1GB model is worth about $80.

We did this a few months ago through My Easy Rewards and everything is legit - we received our iPod Shuffle in a few weeks.

Point Brewery introduces Oktoberfest


Stevens Point Brewery is launching a new seasonal brand, Point Oktoberfest, the company said today.

The German-style lager, with Vienna and Munich malts, is being introduced this month, and will be sold throughout the fall. Its packaging will include colorful graphics depicting a festive Bavarian Oktoberfest scene, according to the Stevens Point-based brewer.

Frank Wahle and George Ruder established the Stevens Point Brewery in 1857. From there, a loyal following based on quality beer has been developed. The commitment to brewery-quality beer has been passed on throughout the generations. And now, nearly a century and half later, Point Special Beer remains a favorite specialty brand in the U.S.A. Today, consumers enjoy a complete line of other high quality Point Brews that satisfy a variety of tastes and continue the brewery's rich heritage and legendary tradition.

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Standing room only for Brewer game tonight

Would you buy a standing room only ticket to watch a ballgame? Maybe for the World Series I guess. Also, why does the headline say "Brewer" game instead of Brewers game? Would you say. "I'm going to the Buck game tonight?" Never.

From JSOnline:

Standing room only for Brewer game tonight

If you're planning to attend tonight's Brewers game against the Phillies at Miller Park and you don't already have a ticket, wear comfortable shoes. You'll probably be standing.

Standing-room only and scattered single tickets are all that's left for the game, the Brewers ticket office said.

The Brewers are coming off of a 2-1 win last night against Philadelphia that put them back in first place in the National League Central, one game ahead of the Chicago Cubs.

First pitch tonight is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

Speaking of the Cubs, they take on the Mets at 2:55 p.m. today at Wrigley Field. That one is sold out, too.

Friday, August 3, 2007

The best of Getto

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has an article today about the late Dennis Getto's pet peeves and favorite dishes. Here are some interesting selections:

Most creative cuisine: Sanford (1547 N. Jackson St.) and Dream Dance (in Potawatomi Bingo Casino, 1721 W. Canal St.). I've been to Sanford once and had a great squash soup that was served in the squash shell. I've never been to Dream Dance but I've heard great things about it. The picture on the left is pea soup at Dream Dance - made from fresh spring peas and served like lobster bisque - poured over a lump of freshly cooked crayfish.

Best view: Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro (3133 E. Newberry Blvd.), Roots Restaurant and Cellar (1818 N. Hubbard St.) and Coast (931 E. Wisconsin Ave.). I agree that the view from Roots in Brewers Hill is great and mom and dad raved about the view from their center window seat overlooking Lake Michigan at Lake Park Bistro.

They also list his picks for best steak, best seafood, and more, and have some online chat highlights.

Getto's pet peeves included being seated near the kitchen, being ignored, waiting too long when you have reservations, piped-in music that's too loud - and waiters who don't handle silverware properly.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

New Brew Pub Coming to Milwaukee


OnMilwaukee.com is reporting that Hinterland Brewery from Green Bay will be opening this summer in the Third Ward. I've heard that Hinterland (also known as Green Bay Brewing) has very good food and beer. But unfortunately they won't be brewing beer at the Milwaukee location but instead bringing it down from their Green Bay location.