Beer

If you haven't figured it out by the whole theme of my blog, and the many references to tipping a glass, I like beer! I believe it may have been the ancient Egyptians who first made a form of sour mash alcoholic drink, at least that seems to be the consensus. I looked up the origin of the name, (it's Latin, just like every other species or category), the word "beer" comes from the word "bibere", meaning "to drink". I realize not everyone in the world has the same heartfelt fondness for the drink that I do, but you don't have to like it for it to be an enhancement to your life. I know what you've just said. "What? Have you been drinking?" Try to follow my train of thought. Do you have friends or family that enjoy a cold one every now and then? Do you like to cook? Do you like to laugh? If you answered "yes" to any one of these questions, then "beer" may help you out in this regard. Offering friends an occasional beer (provided there's not some medical or personal issues), is an act of kindness in my book, and endears the friend even more. Don't be afraid to cook with beer. There are many recipes that actually call for beer, and the alcohol cooks off, so the flavor is all that remains. My wife has a pot roast recipe that requires Guinness Stout. Wonderful flavor, and she's teases me with it about once every other year. She makes that about as often as I buy her flowers. I know, my bad. Now keep in mind, I'm not advocating drunkenness, but a couple of lagers under the belt, at a get together, help keep the party lively and fun. And I will admit, it is funny to see someone let their inhibitions down, and make a clown of themselves:) What I really appreciate now as opposed to my "formative drinking years", is the fact that beer drinkers tastes have become more sophisticated, almost like wine drinkers. Do you like the way I carefully worded that last sentence, so I didn't incriminate myself? There are many microbreweries that offer different flavors and types of beers with very distinct taste. The price might be a little more, but definitely worth it. I thought it rather amusing when Anheuser-Busch was bought last year, from a foreign company. Americans were rather upset by this transaction. Please keep in mind though, the company that bought Anheuser - Busch, is from Belgium. There are extremely good beers from Europe, and if anything, they're going to make the product taste better. I know it means money going to a foreign land, but nothing made in mass quantity is made here anymore regardless. This just seems to matter more to Americans, because they're passionate about brew. So if you're a teetotaler, try not to be "Reich" about it, as long as folks are enjoying it responsibly. And any of you decide to invite me over for ANY reason, you will thrill my taste buds by forcing me to lighten the load in your cooler! Here's to ya!