tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71541095651398903802024-03-13T18:15:57.762-04:00Mark's OpusA blog on all things that go bump in the night.OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-77216107009046729242012-10-14T11:04:00.001-04:002012-10-14T11:04:26.076-04:00What's Wrong with America [ P ]Here is what is wrong with America, from a beer standpoint.<br /><br />Say one finds a pico-brewery in Belgium, beneath the radar of other US importers. You realize you could import the beer and distribute it to a few stores, keep some for yourself, and friends, and the profits cover the operating costs. <br /><br />Now, to import beer into America, to distribute in Connecticut:<br /><br />Create an LLC - limited liability corporation in Connecticut (this assumes all other items work out)<br /><br />Register in my town in CT as a business.<br /><br />Register in CT with the Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division, as a distributor.<br /><br />Register in CT with the Department of Revenue Services to pay beer tax - $0.20 per gallon<br /><br />Register in CT with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (?) for the bottle deposits.<br /><br />Create a separate bank account to put in bottle deposits, and pay beer stores back $0.05 for each bottle returned; the remainder (if people do not redeem the bottle for $0.05) is sent to the CT general funds. Note there is a possible exemption if you sell less than 250,000 bottles per year; applications are reviewed annually in November.<br /><br />Register with US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; US BATF will among other things:<br />- review an "Application for and Certification/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval" for each beer type; BATF approves bottle label additions to comply with US regs (distributor name, deposit in CT, etc.)<br />- inspect my storage area (fortunately I have a secure locked area inside a barn protected by cameras).<br /><br />Register with BATF for excise tax - $0.10 per bottle.<br /><br />Register with US Customs and Border Patrol, and define Port of Entry where beer will be imported to (note this is clear as mud, is it to me c/o the POE? to my house address via POE?). Federal import duty on bottled beer - $0.0 (woo hoo!)<br /><br />Act as an agent to register the Belgian brewery with US Food and Drug Administration, including the port of planned entry, under the FDA's Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002.<br /><br />If the beer is not primarily a "malted beverage" it should have ingredients listed as part of FDA's Labeling of Certain Beers Subject to the Labeling Jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration.<br /><br /><br />In Belgium, to export it's €50 and a set of forms.<br /><br /><br />But you know I'll do it.<br /><br /><br />- Posted - BlogPress iPhone<br />OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-60248152480839461052012-03-04T12:27:00.001-05:002012-03-04T12:31:09.929-05:00Taxes as Beer [ G ]I did not write this; it has been attributed to David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D., Professor of Economics at the University of Georgia.<br />
<br />
<br />
Explaining Income Taxes with Beer<br />
<br />
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100.<br />
<br />
If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:<br />
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.<br />
The fifth would pay $1.<br />
The sixth would pay $3.<br />
The seventh would pay $7.<br />
The eighth would pay $12.<br />
The ninth would pay $18.<br />
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.<br />
So, that’s what they decided to do.<br />
<br />
The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. ‘Since you are all such good customers,’ he said, ‘I’m going to reduce the cost of your daily beers by $20. Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.’<br />
<br />
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected.<br />
<br />
They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men – the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his ‘fair share?’ They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody’s share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer.<br />
<br />
So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man’s bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.<br />
<br />
And so:<br />
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).<br />
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).<br />
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).<br />
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).<br />
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).<br />
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).<br />
Each of the six was better off than before and the first four continued to drink for free, but once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings. “I only got a dollar out of the $20,” declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man, “but he got $10!” “Yeah, that’s right,” exclaimed the fifth man. “I only saved a dollar, too. It’s unfair that he got TEN times more than I!”<br />
<br />
“That’s true!!” shouted the seventh man. “Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!”<br />
<br />
“Wait a minute,” yelled the first four men in unison. “We didn’t get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!”<br />
<br />
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.<br />
<br />
The next night the tenth man didn’t show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something very important….they didn’t have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!<br />
<br />
And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works.<br />
<br />
The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-48141055756592027712012-01-04T22:08:00.001-05:002012-01-04T22:08:55.282-05:00Useless Superpowers [ H, PI ]- X-ray vision, works through any wrapping paper.<br />
- Able to speak with dogs, only if dogs know Swedish.<br />
- Ability to tell - at a glance - who is ovulating.<br />
- Invulnerability to bullets, but only if shooter believes you are truly invulnerable.<br />
- "Spider sense" that warns of impending freshness date expiration of milk in the 'fridge.<br />
- Stretch-ability to reach dozens of feet in the air, if reaching for a sweater.<br />
- Like a cat, you always land in your feet when you fall; however you also land on your eyes.<br />
- Can tune a TV with your mind, however the sound remains set to the last channel.<br />
- Semi-immunity to any poison consumed. It still kills you, but you know to the exact millisecond the moment of your impending demise.<br />
OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-85638075674914885312011-12-09T20:10:00.001-05:002011-12-09T20:10:36.168-05:00Tough App Reviewer [ A T ]Good but not complete<br />
<br />
Where is Peyton Randolph, the first elected President of the Continental Congress? Seven men served as President of Congress, well before George Washington was elected.<br />
<br />
What about President John Hanson, the first president of the US under the Articles of Confederation? For complete accuracy there were seven other "Presidents" elected under the Articles, before the US adopted the current Constitution. <br />
<br />
And there should be a footnote about the 1849 "president for a day" David Rice Atchison. Although the claim has been refuted, technically he could be considered to have been the acting President before Zachary Taylor was officially sworn in; a statue in his honor in Kansas City, MO says "President of the U.S. [for] one day".OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-54139592085496681312011-11-18T01:38:00.001-05:002011-12-09T20:12:08.359-05:00Occupy Wall Street may be metastasizing [ P. PI ]Warning 'Occupy Wall Street' may be metastasizing!<br />
<br />
I was finishing filling up with gasoline at a Mobil station near work. A clipboard-carrying black youth approached me. His attire - including béret - suggested Sociology Major with a semester or two of Art History.<br />
<br />
He said "May I ask you a question"? <br />
I said "You mean besides that one."<br />
He paused for a moment, possibly realizing he may be dealing with a different IQ level than he was accustomed to. <br />
<br />
He then asked "Do you know what 'banks' are"?<br />
<br />
Thinking my earlier response to his question had stripped some gears in his head, I replied "What????!!"<br />
He said again very clearly "Do you know what 'banks' are"?<br />
<br />
Sighing inwardly, I realized this was either a very bad trick question - sort of like when you sign up to 'win' a 'free' rug shampooing at the county fair - or I was in the presence of a drug-addled sociopath. I replied calmly so as not to agitate the hipster; "yes, I know what 'banks' are".<br />
<br />
He then said rather ecstatically, "That answer qualifies you for our survey".<br />
"Great" I thought; "the only people who COULDN'T answer correctly would be infants, people who can't understand English, and those in 6th or 7th stage Alzheimer's".<br />
<br />
Cursing to myself that the Venn diagram intersection of me and the above three items is a 'null set', I said "Let me ask you a question, do you know how a 'gas station' works"?<br />
<br />
Blank stare back at me; I swear if he had gulls they would have been flapping.<br />
<br />
"Here's how it works, I just filled my car with gas, and now I'm leaving. <br />
<br />
(cue Foley artist for engine rev and tire screeching)OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-76503274351859098422011-09-23T11:07:00.001-04:002011-09-23T11:07:50.874-04:00The Strutt [ Be ]I had the pleasure of going to The Strutt in Kalamazoo MI. Sort of an unusual name, it nonetheless offered very good food, a great beer selection, and what appeared to be good coffee (based on those who partook of it). <br />
<br />
I tried the vegetarian fajita, which included eggplant - it was very good. The beers as you note include chupacabras, which was actually better than expected.<br />
<br />
Also had a bit of a beer scoop - Craft Bräu will be brewing at The Strutt by 2012. That's why they moved out their coffee roaster.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq3p-m1QVkgus4-OQqjKLVXXz4f0gsvf54Qg_597Nd0qkEbjTX5HQlGng2ALvPeuU2Yn2IS0MvxzDh-G54ggE0-B0YNH22HbvAFyDt2ydpf4acvnSZpTUIrUQB2ibMq-QKIBsoSg3aexg/s640/blogger-image--637148197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq3p-m1QVkgus4-OQqjKLVXXz4f0gsvf54Qg_597Nd0qkEbjTX5HQlGng2ALvPeuU2Yn2IS0MvxzDh-G54ggE0-B0YNH22HbvAFyDt2ydpf4acvnSZpTUIrUQB2ibMq-QKIBsoSg3aexg/s640/blogger-image--637148197.jpg" /></a></div>OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-7353410680737462102011-09-15T06:29:00.000-04:002011-09-15T06:29:45.356-04:00Moderate in Maumee [ Be ]<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Went to the Granite City Food and Brewery brewpub in Maumee OH last night. Beers were good, nothing exceptional except the IPA; food was very good. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In summary:</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><style>
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</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Granite City Food & Brewery - Northern Light Lager - 5.5</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Granite City Food & Brewery - Pilsner - 6.0</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Granite City Food & Brewery - Wag's Wheat American Wheat - 6.5</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Granite City Food & Brewery - Brother Benedict's Bock - 7.5</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Granite City Food & Brewery - Duke of Wellington IPA - 8.5</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Granite City Food & Brewery - Broad Axe Stout - 7.0</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I did not try the abomination of Northern Light and Bock called Two Pull - apparently there's a whole slew of "mix and match" beers available. Note this is punishable by death in Belgium.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRbCoorsRbb3KBJRwQIaFfhwo72gT7hmrXWvsGQPeOmLIB1f3iYAP5Sb4rdJ8SlAQlNX5hrKGJSdNqz5rb5jXTwnBONj4UyetVeU5u0T2MfWAGMjUYAQ2t_eRjc2AWg6dok-mAn59Y1yz/s1600/mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRbCoorsRbb3KBJRwQIaFfhwo72gT7hmrXWvsGQPeOmLIB1f3iYAP5Sb4rdJ8SlAQlNX5hrKGJSdNqz5rb5jXTwnBONj4UyetVeU5u0T2MfWAGMjUYAQ2t_eRjc2AWg6dok-mAn59Y1yz/s320/mix.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-33491856448671687402011-09-13T21:54:00.002-04:002011-09-15T06:22:08.766-04:00Nirvana in Boardman [ Be ]Let me first say I plan to update my blog more on a day-to-day basis especially when I am traveling.<br />
<br />
It's very hard to be impressed. <br />
Let's start out with that concept. <br />
We've seen men allegedly land on the moon, the twin towers fall, implants surpass the 800 cc mark, and the Red Sox win the Series. So how can a simple bar/restaurant impress. Well, let me tell you, the Vintage Estate Wine and Beer establishment ( a.k.a. V.E. Tasting Lounge) in Boardman OH is amazing. <br />
<br />
Less than 1 hour northwest of Pittsburgh, this store has 20 great beers on tap, good food, free wifi, as well as the ability to buy any beer (or wine if so inclined) in stock and you can drink it in the bar! <br />
<br />
I had a nice conversation with one of the principals - PR - and sent him an email of the Belgian breweries and beer restaurants I have visited. I was VERY surprised that they had Poperinge Hommel Bier, one of my and IC's favorites.<br />
<br />
So a great start to a short trip, as well as more daily blog updates. Note I still have to finish writing up a Portland OR trip, a trip to Chi-town and Kalamazoo area, as well as a west coast vacation that includes the Portland OR BrewFest.<br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">And in summary:</div><div class="MsoNormal">New Holland - Golden Saison - 7.5</div><div class="MsoNormal">Avery Brewing - The Kaiser - 8.0</div><div class="MsoNormal">Two Brothers - Atom Smasher - 8.5</div><div class="MsoNormal">Abbaye Des Rocs - Grand Cru - 8.5</div><div class="MsoNormal">New Holland - Ichabod - 8.0</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span></span>Ducato - Nuova Mattina - 7.5</div><div class="MsoNormal">Young's - Double Chocolate Stout [nitrogen] - 9.0</div><div class="MsoNormal">Moa Brewing - Moa Noir - 7.0</div><div class="MsoNormal">Breckenridge - Agave Wheat - 8.0</div> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQZtpNM-Lyxa3mp2DSE2YEOGhYJXlpiZh6q0JD_2Um7ynL8GNHr4NuWC8rLaMakX0_nZaQntdpzOuG__SJcFP8DPe5i2hnQn7USbrAK6StOyyT3Nh5GOydtLu7AwOsOVRHZw6BsQHu45k/s640/blogger-image--52823667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQZtpNM-Lyxa3mp2DSE2YEOGhYJXlpiZh6q0JD_2Um7ynL8GNHr4NuWC8rLaMakX0_nZaQntdpzOuG__SJcFP8DPe5i2hnQn7USbrAK6StOyyT3Nh5GOydtLu7AwOsOVRHZw6BsQHu45k/s640/blogger-image--52823667.jpg" /></a></div>OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-812728295236505242011-09-09T18:18:00.001-04:002011-09-09T18:21:40.445-04:00Why a Mac [ A ]Why do I use a Mac? Well, let's look at the 1st 9 days of September using Mcafee's iPhone "threat update App." We see one Mac issue, whereby if - when playing an infected movie and click "yes" to a permission request (that you never usually see when playing a movie) the QuickTime movie App will crash. <br />
<br />
Compare that to PART of but ONE DAY for Microsoft and Windows.<br />
<br />
NOTE - edited with the new native Google Blogger App for the iPhone - I like it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8URPvzHuIP1AEcbRrDTeSbMUGdkULAnoK5Bd_3GSdsmPEe9vnH9X43SQSEKJWkCoOMvRMbqBWsKRdoLFtQa-sO6YapXdLyawl-Rlyu8j1m_yESaMKu40MH_zX2uCmhXCAtToeDtk38r2C/s640/blogger-image-1097521242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8URPvzHuIP1AEcbRrDTeSbMUGdkULAnoK5Bd_3GSdsmPEe9vnH9X43SQSEKJWkCoOMvRMbqBWsKRdoLFtQa-sO6YapXdLyawl-Rlyu8j1m_yESaMKu40MH_zX2uCmhXCAtToeDtk38r2C/s640/blogger-image-1097521242.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvN3Gd-tIhi3A1ZIJCLunjv4njbkCoBmZ0nS-YpLcwoELEctYWQcR1sZGto8f6XnW7vDyWczAbSpRH3c2gRu8H7RZ9K3kLOc09l6dAeZVQNMXHRAkg4Dwi2e8_v5PMEuy1ll0C1QuJy9T/s640/blogger-image--1460766600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvN3Gd-tIhi3A1ZIJCLunjv4njbkCoBmZ0nS-YpLcwoELEctYWQcR1sZGto8f6XnW7vDyWczAbSpRH3c2gRu8H7RZ9K3kLOc09l6dAeZVQNMXHRAkg4Dwi2e8_v5PMEuy1ll0C1QuJy9T/s640/blogger-image--1460766600.jpg" /></a></div>OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-89506286222311356952011-01-29T09:44:00.015-05:002011-01-29T09:48:06.919-05:00Beer Tasting [ Be G H I ]<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, I finally made the plunge - I had a beer tasting event at my house. The best part was how the weather in CT wasn't helping - so much snow I had to send a parking diagram to everyone.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We had all the beers set <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/5359294850/">around the dining table</a>, with a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/5396269769/">description of each</a> below the bottle(s). The description even included what foods and desserts went well with the beers. I had even gone to the trouble of setting some smoked Gouda cheese and bacon near the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/5398202516/">Rauchbier</a> - smoked beer. Although it's not clear in the photo, we even had bottles of water to rinse out the tasting glasses, and even "spit buckets." As luck would have it a local discount store had beer-branded (e.g. Corona)!</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My very understanding, tolerant and wonderful wife made her famous guacamole and spinach-artichoke dip, but the rest of the cooking was my job. We had foodstuffs in the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/5396429181/">following categories</a>:</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Meats</b>: roast pork, barbecue roast pork, chicken breasts, hamburgers, smoked salmon, German bratwurst, bacon and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">soupy</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Veggies</b>: carrots, celery, mini corn, various olives, sweet pickles, tomatoes, peppers, coleslaw, ceasar salad (w/optional anchovies), guacamole and spinach artichoke dip and peiorgi<br />
<b>Cheese</b>: smoked Gouda, Brie, Stilton, Monterey Jack and Gorgonzola<br />
<b>Bread</b>: miscellaneous grains and rackers, Ritz, mini buns, corn chips, Ruffle, rye bread </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dessert</b>: pecan pie, various cheesecakes, oatmeal-raisin and lemon shortbread cookies, strawberries and chocolate</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><style>
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</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The beers were a mix, I tried to go from <b>Anheuser-Busch</b> <i>Budweiser</i> to <i><b>Brewdog</b> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/5396907750/">Sink the Bismarck</a></i>. Yes as a special treat I had the <strike>strongest</strike> <strike>2nd strongest</strike> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/5396429237/">3rd strongest beer</a> in the world. We used small communion cups to taste it, so as not to waste it - plus it was a sublime, nearly-religious experience!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In no particular order, as I put the beers around the table to "break it up" so to speak:</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Hooker Old Marley USA CT Ale Barleywine 10.0%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">De Ranke Guldenberg Belgian Abbey Ale Belgium Ale Belgian Abbey Tripel 8.5%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">St. Benedictus Abbey Trappist Achel Belgium Ale Belgian Abbey 8.0%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Van Eecke Hommelbier Belgium Ale Belgian Blonde 7.5%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Franches Montagnes Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien 2005 Switzerland Ale Belgian Strong 15.5%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Bosteels Kwak Belgium Ale Belgian Strong Pale 8.0%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Brewery Het Anker Gouden Carolus triple Belgium Ale Belgian Triple 9.0%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Coniston Brewing Premium XB Bluebird Bitter UK Ale Bitter 4.2%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Cottrell Old Yankee Ale USA CT Ale English Brown 5.0%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA USA PA Ale India Pale Ale 9.0%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Boon Kriek Belgium Ale Lambic w/cherries 4.0%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Sierra Nevada Pale Ale USA CA Ale Pale 5.6%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Dog Brewing Stillwater Artisanal existent USA MD Ale Saison 7.4%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Brooklyn Black Ops Stout USA NY Ale Stout 10.6%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Samuel Smith Tadcaster Oatmeal Stout UK Ale Stout, Oatmeal 5.0%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Beijing Yanjing brewery Yanjing China Lager American lager 5.0% </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Ayinger Jahrhundert-Bier Germany Lager Dortmund 4.4</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">New England Brewing Elm City Lager USA CT Lager Pils, German 5.0%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Ayinger Bräu-Weisse Germany Lager Hefeweizen (wheat) 5.1%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Sünner Kölsch Germany Lager Kolsch 5.2%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Anheuser Busch Budweiser USA Lager Light Lager 5.0%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Modelo Corona Extra Mexico Lager Light Lager 4.6%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Ayinger Oktoberfest Marzen Germany Lager Marzen 5.8%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Hofbrau Hofbrau original Germany Lager Munich Helles 5.1%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Blossom Industries Taj Mahal India Lager Pale 4.5%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Heller Aecht Ochlenterla Rauchbier Germany Lager Rauchbier (smoke) 5.1%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;">Williams Brothers Fraøch Heather Ale Scotland Ale Pale, Classic 5.0%</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">So we have beers from light lagers to barleywines, alcohol from 4% to 41%, and brewery size from </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Van Eecke in Belgium (not the smallest I've seen) to </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Beijing Yanjing brewery (550 acres!). I have also tried to now (why not years ago?) put <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/sets/72157625588701147/">photos of beer bottles on the Net.</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">There were several handouts provided, some of these were just ones I made up based on an Internet reference, such as the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/5397027868/">hymn to Ninkasi</a>, the Sumerian Goddess of Brewing; as well as many beer references. This includes (in no particular order) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/5398101068/">what beer should I drink</a>, beer types in the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/5398100852/">beer universe</a>, a whimsical <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/5397027134/">periodic table of beer</a>, the <a href="http://www.bjcp.org/index.php">Beer Judging Certification Program</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/5396428861/">color guides</a>, beer <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/5396429649/">CO2 amounts</a> for those concerned with non-man-made, unstoppable <a href="http://opusmark.blogspot.com/2008/03/global-whining-g-p-pi-t.html">global warming</a>, the </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Babylonian</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/5397027580/">Code of Hammurabi</a> from 1700 BC, and last but certainly not least the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/5396429493/">Reinheitsgebot</a>.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I think everyone had a fun time. There were some surprises, such as how much people enjoyed the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/5397589155/">Hooker barleywine</a> and the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/5309350851/">Boon Kriek</a>. And I was told by many that the food/beer pairing info as well as the foods available made it even more fun.</span></span></div>OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-20887218501192992132010-11-28T09:27:00.014-05:002010-11-28T17:23:21.542-05:00Beer Trip UK Belgium [ Be G H I ]<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Arrived Sunday, November 14, 2010 in Manchester UK.<br />
[#] = beer number sampled, [B#] = brewery #.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYF-6KeZ43uyCXgU9HTMEyQLxUolOh8fphCvS6hSlayaEh0jdASSo4NLqsFHjKzLGriXCEieoeM5ZjsmzrWMKDz0UgUohHD11Wt-I2MKGZX0ZLuS5F60noihypXPNaZTdbhMNGR83IC9Y/s1600/IMG_1710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYF-6KeZ43uyCXgU9HTMEyQLxUolOh8fphCvS6hSlayaEh0jdASSo4NLqsFHjKzLGriXCEieoeM5ZjsmzrWMKDz0UgUohHD11Wt-I2MKGZX0ZLuS5F60noihypXPNaZTdbhMNGR83IC9Y/s200/IMG_1710.JPG" width="149" /></a>On the drive up to Cramlinton UK, visited the <a href="http://www.hawksheadbrewery.co.uk/">Hawkshead Brewery</a>, Staverly, Cumbria UK. [B1] They open at noon on Sundays. Great selection of beers, and they served half-pints. Tried: Bitter [1], Windermere Pale Ale [2], Red [3], Brodie's Prime [4], and Lakeland Gold [5]. Note for all the time that driving was involved, half-pints or "piffle"-sized glasses were used where possible. We also used the iPhone App "BloodAlc" to calculate our BAC; at no point when driving was it ever over 0.026%, with driving while intoxicated in the UK being 0.1% and Belgium being 0.05%.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiL9cJqdeDPgCJNfnciKbiDhq8uYCjLT7X_HYhu-O2L_qknmfLhAAjHq8NZeB0ye_hxCXgvmBv3MBk3tzI0j4BP12WPsOsWE3RCZMVndZ9TpG89N-6ZuKzWiCthsIBBGEQ2goTlDXWHNu/s1600/IMG_8555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiL9cJqdeDPgCJNfnciKbiDhq8uYCjLT7X_HYhu-O2L_qknmfLhAAjHq8NZeB0ye_hxCXgvmBv3MBk3tzI0j4BP12WPsOsWE3RCZMVndZ9TpG89N-6ZuKzWiCthsIBBGEQ2goTlDXWHNu/s200/IMG_8555.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Also visited the "Lakes District" briefly - I never knew the UK had a section of the country that looked like this.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbzjjD4cOSPTxfa2JaDqY3WQLEo2j9eXCRuGcqySznPHfKu3IpwCxqEIocBXBkXEAcGbeV65wk4gcp0MhVUjKJK38NJxm6fcG9HV84mscCZNFtIdebwcGXtB-JmGnylhIR_b1ieFuI8BL/s1600/IMG_1716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbzjjD4cOSPTxfa2JaDqY3WQLEo2j9eXCRuGcqySznPHfKu3IpwCxqEIocBXBkXEAcGbeV65wk4gcp0MhVUjKJK38NJxm6fcG9HV84mscCZNFtIdebwcGXtB-JmGnylhIR_b1ieFuI8BL/s200/IMG_1716.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>We were told that about 1 mile away from Hawkshead was the <a href="http://www.watermillinn.co.uk/">Watermill Brewery</a>, Ings, Cumbria UK. [B2] This is a brewpub serving the following dog-themed brews: Collie Wobbles [6], W'Ruff Night [7], Dogth Vader [8], Isle of Dogs [9], A Winters Tail [10]; we also tried Salamander Brewing's Stout Underbelly [11].</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5El9as3BTGDIlKBK2yamNfdYZNhWGIlqDVSc6Asa32JMJVx2fmU45KyEFupmRc3VKMP45oq7AT2XskEbE5ucF0vCJt_eHX_MLxx3poyD9bPeX-JyFjbqOdIMWHZtKes8HiQRVDJGZOsWj/s1600/IMG_1721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5El9as3BTGDIlKBK2yamNfdYZNhWGIlqDVSc6Asa32JMJVx2fmU45KyEFupmRc3VKMP45oq7AT2XskEbE5ucF0vCJt_eHX_MLxx3poyD9bPeX-JyFjbqOdIMWHZtKes8HiQRVDJGZOsWj/s200/IMG_1721.JPG" width="149" /></a></div> We then stopped at the <a href="http://www.tanhillinn.co.uk/">Tan Hill Inn</a>, Reeth, Richmond, Swaledale, North Yorkshire Dales, UK. This is the highest pub in the UK, in a pretty desolate area. We had the house ale - Ewe Juice [12], and from the Black Sheep Brewery tried Black Sheep Bitter [13]; also had a glass of Abbaye de Abdij van - Leffe Blonde [14] as a foretaste of what was to come.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4hy1CB7aoIHzp3GxHmJNwcSZZUv1-8p_cj8kYy2sPWdOAoprSltJ6xQYnDcYClEjPwKcFRJdb7wCkIvBvwdgFXP5RPYFJF0Y2ykPwymb0v-7IhU9dFOTqejMKGR9e2WbEO8qWxc513JI/s1600/IMG_1719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4hy1CB7aoIHzp3GxHmJNwcSZZUv1-8p_cj8kYy2sPWdOAoprSltJ6xQYnDcYClEjPwKcFRJdb7wCkIvBvwdgFXP5RPYFJF0Y2ykPwymb0v-7IhU9dFOTqejMKGR9e2WbEO8qWxc513JI/s200/IMG_1719.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>This place is truly remote; weak cell signal, well for water, and the electricity comes from a diesel generator; and that "snow cat" is not just for show!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKx8igJ1Pb-au1NA3aUAKKVcT6qZyO57_kceDjHQAWWIHViK82f1QUN2Odkie1B79D6bi4wDYpoQyiOuibFAvPBlmNFa8MIgFEwkrosTZRd3qByEUxVikwjPh4fFg-Fku2ckK4Dexiii5J/s1600/IMG_1736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKx8igJ1Pb-au1NA3aUAKKVcT6qZyO57_kceDjHQAWWIHViK82f1QUN2Odkie1B79D6bi4wDYpoQyiOuibFAvPBlmNFa8MIgFEwkrosTZRd3qByEUxVikwjPh4fFg-Fku2ckK4Dexiii5J/s200/IMG_1736.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>Monday November 15 late afternoon was a quick stop at the <a href="http://www.morduebrewery.com/">Mordue Brewery</a>, North Shields, Tyneside UK, [B3] to pick up some beer - motto "what Mordue want." None were sampled as they had no setup active.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatOPJXGFvfwpiUh67WUlhcKUqWCtiKOeUIAemSVaCLs4XDm-XK063-JwysXLoIpTby0kmfISv9XC8srT_IhbGUbi4NgtnG4fcAM1b2XoSBKfQ9JD4oDOGgjR1KG9ZVCr3V9KB-50i5V2M/s1600/IMG_1743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatOPJXGFvfwpiUh67WUlhcKUqWCtiKOeUIAemSVaCLs4XDm-XK063-JwysXLoIpTby0kmfISv9XC8srT_IhbGUbi4NgtnG4fcAM1b2XoSBKfQ9JD4oDOGgjR1KG9ZVCr3V9KB-50i5V2M/s200/IMG_1743.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>We then decided to stop in <a href="http://www.dentbrewery.co.uk/">Dent Brewery</a>, Hollins, Cowgill, Dent, Cumbria UK, [B4] the most remote brewery in the UK. When we asked a couple driving by "are you local?" I felt like I was in an episode of "<a href="http://www.leagueofgentlemen.co.uk/">League of Gentlemen</a>" and even thought we might disappear or be taken captive by someone like <a href="http://www.lunacynet.com/league/char_tubbs.html">Tubbs and Edward Tattsyrup</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiAuXPTKUbm5dlOn3rqb6MIoFCCaQKI5aaasiATMslzI58rEKXct0PabNZy-TaSLxQ9vVzKeMRaOB9jyIa4qoVJJA2tDYPtJbKhGb1AfK-m4FhAf5Tt9AxSTojlOctiDn8V0v1BXDzmeg/s1600/IMG_8588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiAuXPTKUbm5dlOn3rqb6MIoFCCaQKI5aaasiATMslzI58rEKXct0PabNZy-TaSLxQ9vVzKeMRaOB9jyIa4qoVJJA2tDYPtJbKhGb1AfK-m4FhAf5Tt9AxSTojlOctiDn8V0v1BXDzmeg/s200/IMG_8588.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>On the way to find the brewery we found Pendragon castle...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN54TmStn81Q9UWaZ8sUcuLY4NngPbLcUxIkMN6xCCsJqTL8P3b0pZCz91RNDHpqiDI6eGqteZMh7IVxyJiJrSfEElbtKpUz3bDM9oKGgD5w1rz2PnxxgaW8VDxJI05eT3mkyI2L89ankG/s1600/IMG_8599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN54TmStn81Q9UWaZ8sUcuLY4NngPbLcUxIkMN6xCCsJqTL8P3b0pZCz91RNDHpqiDI6eGqteZMh7IVxyJiJrSfEElbtKpUz3bDM9oKGgD5w1rz2PnxxgaW8VDxJI05eT3mkyI2L89ankG/s200/IMG_8599.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>and saw some spectacular railroad viaducts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FAKmitVmueCyI2Rz56sgGbXTjxyOlFeV4X5TmfAUnybKqEWIDUnObRrlpIi7u6MY6SwXoSfEtC1TvwCFj-BpDh5AmyFRYK43M60YTvbDzl94tCn_uYhWKtym-XZ3xyuFm11eK1CNrvi6/s1600/IMG_1742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FAKmitVmueCyI2Rz56sgGbXTjxyOlFeV4X5TmfAUnybKqEWIDUnObRrlpIi7u6MY6SwXoSfEtC1TvwCFj-BpDh5AmyFRYK43M60YTvbDzl94tCn_uYhWKtym-XZ3xyuFm11eK1CNrvi6/s200/IMG_1742.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>I was texting my son in college informing him of what could be the location where we disappear; I mean we were joking and it was funny at the time. Some of the texts didn't even make it, which did make it confusing. When we arrived as there was no one at the brewery we joked they must be out back liming the bodies of the previous visitors. No slight on the Dent Brewery mind you, the ales were great and the folks at the George and Dragon (see below) were very hospitable; it's just my bizarre sense of humor. We kept up this "disappearing tourist" theme the whole week, but also figured like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity%27s_Rainbow">Pynchon</a> said, you "<a href="http://www.blogger.com/">never hear the one that gets you</a>."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLrvy-6jvdsrlN__lnlbQTEcP85dJH1xF4a5MpJh7XZaGWGJLXJuFW4lzrh_qHNVQPR-8eGatCNwM4ZzpnHahvpSygTDi-4YaISeYU0YXARZxOMeWXCX8N0Ly2AsdgMVDU-mR0vepuTY4/s1600/IMG_1750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLrvy-6jvdsrlN__lnlbQTEcP85dJH1xF4a5MpJh7XZaGWGJLXJuFW4lzrh_qHNVQPR-8eGatCNwM4ZzpnHahvpSygTDi-4YaISeYU0YXARZxOMeWXCX8N0Ly2AsdgMVDU-mR0vepuTY4/s200/IMG_1750.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>As mentioned, we did not see anyone at the brewery, but did stop at the <a href="http://www.thegeorgeanddragondent.co.uk/">George and Dragon</a> in Dent, which is the owned by the brewery. Tried the Aviator [15], Kamikaze [16], Premium Bitter [17] and T'owd Tup [18]. Also purchased a smart Dent Brewery shirt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOWIBPRqOwG8Eh0WGXVz-Dhhs4ISYA7DJIOaa5CXMLWI1tAmnA7oSNgykRQMjbJBvicP6x4KvnN0esiAqRjYtB0QPUtGmHokCDgqFo_8Hq6a12nU_7g1jfpJhCJGhm28BJyNq1Sv757kU/s1600/IMG_8611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOWIBPRqOwG8Eh0WGXVz-Dhhs4ISYA7DJIOaa5CXMLWI1tAmnA7oSNgykRQMjbJBvicP6x4KvnN0esiAqRjYtB0QPUtGmHokCDgqFo_8Hq6a12nU_7g1jfpJhCJGhm28BJyNq1Sv757kU/s200/IMG_8611.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>The George and Dragon is in a nice picturesque part of the UK. Maybe a good place to stay for vacation and hike the weekend.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Later that Monday night back in Manchester area tried a Wheatwood East Gate [19], Brimstitch Scarecrow [20], Woodward and Falconer Piffle [21], a York Brewery Guzzler Ale [22].<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkP4Uo7n5TNdAYmiwDEBidjg-1WxAIE4Ml2ZRIOzdYp8zpZeIZmA2zE_oGQ2EHlgYlaCguC_3AV_M2dBcQdq_idDbKFkyF3j2vxwhGRsezpapp4Hxt9t8n5kxwbd8VItt0mUMKKnFCDd8T/s1600/IMG_1754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkP4Uo7n5TNdAYmiwDEBidjg-1WxAIE4Ml2ZRIOzdYp8zpZeIZmA2zE_oGQ2EHlgYlaCguC_3AV_M2dBcQdq_idDbKFkyF3j2vxwhGRsezpapp4Hxt9t8n5kxwbd8VItt0mUMKKnFCDd8T/s200/IMG_1754.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>For a real treat my co-traveler <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT0r-QPkeaY">opened a Belgian beer</a> he had saved for over a decade - 3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze from 1999 [23]! This aged very well, and the harshness one sometimes may experience in some geuzes was completely absent.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqlOcsU6nXGJnHtWEnjdefeq-GeUsBKGOE_B37BPG8k-73CSbzoE_5yDPqlyhhGeHIB2lx8-IuqJAoWr76m1ntGSTMr6-3hJ2gInTWUE4bjBpEAuc7G0IGW7KJ_G8Od5kEaDqyxR3fmiu/s1600/IMG_1756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqlOcsU6nXGJnHtWEnjdefeq-GeUsBKGOE_B37BPG8k-73CSbzoE_5yDPqlyhhGeHIB2lx8-IuqJAoWr76m1ntGSTMr6-3hJ2gInTWUE4bjBpEAuc7G0IGW7KJ_G8Od5kEaDqyxR3fmiu/s200/IMG_1756.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>Tuesday November 16 at lunch we stopped briefly at <a href="http://homepage.ntlworld.com/johncostello/Dunham/index.html">Dunham Massey Brewery</a>, Dunham, Cheshire UK. [B5] I have been here before and even tasted a stout right from the clarifier. Picked up several beers; at dinner that night had a Whitbread Bitter [24] and an Adnams Broadside [25]. After dinner enjoyed a Dunham Massey Deer Beer [26] at the hotel.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZtPUG0iZtbnAbOyD-Kqh_UR_WDvbnD-Xnw1DgigIRXh_gw2rgaep3VLUKITnczClL7amBUgiTU-pocAVsvocW49533HZlXGT4eOBsa6cd_N4CwToOTJZXKh0IXeegvu4oMWX3xZ86KPz/s1600/IMG_1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZtPUG0iZtbnAbOyD-Kqh_UR_WDvbnD-Xnw1DgigIRXh_gw2rgaep3VLUKITnczClL7amBUgiTU-pocAVsvocW49533HZlXGT4eOBsa6cd_N4CwToOTJZXKh0IXeegvu4oMWX3xZ86KPz/s200/IMG_1761.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>Tuesday evening we called on <a href="http://www.spittingfeathers.org/">Spitting Feathers Brewery</a>, Waverton, Chester UK. [B6] The owner Matthew has a nice farm and very nice brewery. We had a good discussion on pelletized VS plain hops, and he showed the advantages of the former. He feeds the mash waste to pigs, and makes cider from apples in the orchard.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMWWq7SOiQcT30tU9nZkKzZQnMRs7MbC5AzQtuTjsQHXCfdoiwAJyPauCGAFafHpFjxBngVe88qoOUhJI7GjkQGXarI_OONRtI0twrbioqykmANXtPSAFGPjwXPUI5XuK50iB1dLt0LHT/s1600/IMG_1763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMWWq7SOiQcT30tU9nZkKzZQnMRs7MbC5AzQtuTjsQHXCfdoiwAJyPauCGAFafHpFjxBngVe88qoOUhJI7GjkQGXarI_OONRtI0twrbioqykmANXtPSAFGPjwXPUI5XuK50iB1dLt0LHT/s200/IMG_1763.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>The farm also has their own bees for honey. We were so surprised to be <i>given a case of beer - <b>gratis</b> - for being beer fans!</i> Even one brand he makes only for private consumption! Tried the Devastation [27] and Northgate Ale [28] at the hotel Tuesday night. Also a Dunham Massey 2010 Vintage White Barleywine [29].</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9TPZsuRor0YgSoiDmBX0psTwQ_HZ8W79RBla7l_J3OFE0To_Yzc0tS4Ps9sipw-gb8V1d3QtK6wGGeKgU0LNq7T4dLNhY7iAVFmzgObF0ki6nSgkyoNbuwwxGFwzpGY2QfFJwokYANAJ/s1600/IMG_1783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9TPZsuRor0YgSoiDmBX0psTwQ_HZ8W79RBla7l_J3OFE0To_Yzc0tS4Ps9sipw-gb8V1d3QtK6wGGeKgU0LNq7T4dLNhY7iAVFmzgObF0ki6nSgkyoNbuwwxGFwzpGY2QfFJwokYANAJ/s200/IMG_1783.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>Wednesday November 17 at night at the <a href="http://www.whitehartcharteralley.com/">White Hart Inn</a>, Charter Alley, Tadley, Hampshire UK we had a great dinner at the inn's restaurant. I tried pheasant and wood pigeon, replete with real birdshot shot in the pigeon! (that's birdshot on the plate)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqshwg3C-tjZiCgZ8t2L81V4aQDICe7Oi5xsWDQnL-6yP9Sy_twg6fDZ7WSw335puf1hWgWOyb0EIf-CIVFudygl1I7JR9WVSMU0hC-ewXpDeiwyotF-k_w0afsHd8abICgFuLBvDBhan/s1600/IMG_1780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqshwg3C-tjZiCgZ8t2L81V4aQDICe7Oi5xsWDQnL-6yP9Sy_twg6fDZ7WSw335puf1hWgWOyb0EIf-CIVFudygl1I7JR9WVSMU0hC-ewXpDeiwyotF-k_w0afsHd8abICgFuLBvDBhan/s200/IMG_1780.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>For beers we had Teignworthy Neap Tide [30], Butts Blackguard Porter [31], Harveys Elizabethan Ale (Heritage ale produced to honor coronation of Queen Elizabeth 2) [32], Moor Beer Company's JJJ IPA [33] and Palmers of Dorset Best Bitter [34]. As always, none of these beers were put on an expense account, just the food and cup of decaf. Later in the hotel we had Mordue Brewery IPA Proper Maha Raj Bitter [35] and a Dent Porter [36].</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKxfgclRJSuPvvMO4jK6uPRvgDDe-QLSdcMzTrJfvnqhCpNk7cLaQJouR1QJn0_pf4UfUiOvwYp515wP05GGkjV99Y97wZ13QRTJWiHSKFnBFdQd-xdJtqMjfOASqQDsItPx-zlGTqax-/s1600/IMG_1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKxfgclRJSuPvvMO4jK6uPRvgDDe-QLSdcMzTrJfvnqhCpNk7cLaQJouR1QJn0_pf4UfUiOvwYp515wP05GGkjV99Y97wZ13QRTJWiHSKFnBFdQd-xdJtqMjfOASqQDsItPx-zlGTqax-/s200/IMG_1787.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>Thursday November 18 evening we stopped at the <a href="http://www.hogsback.co.uk/">Hogs Back Brewery</a> in Tongham, Surrey UK [B7] which had quite a beer store. That evening we had a Moore Beer Company Peat Porter [37] and Castle Brewery Hung Drawn and Slaughtered [38]. A glass of Hawkshead Organic Stout finished the night [39].</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWUdKL0_TTg5ZiImXaq4PtHei441OhzNBAAtgNBRI-gZrPnX4KWxPEkwlCgnbnmXPj4wuqDMrZeSLSUrfHS4weR0JN_omrIxFsu0DR-zmxsksnnzivBYTOnEJ3vUF1VgYMlDt1caQK6_L/s1600/IMG_1799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWUdKL0_TTg5ZiImXaq4PtHei441OhzNBAAtgNBRI-gZrPnX4KWxPEkwlCgnbnmXPj4wuqDMrZeSLSUrfHS4weR0JN_omrIxFsu0DR-zmxsksnnzivBYTOnEJ3vUF1VgYMlDt1caQK6_L/s200/IMG_1799.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>Friday afternoon November 19 on the way to the ferry stopped in briefly at the <a href="http://www.hopdaemon.com/">Hopdaemon Brewery</a> Newnham, Kent UK [B8] which was unusual in that there was no sign. Picked up some of their beer for maybe later; certainly bottles are shippable; FedEx be damned!<br />
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(NOTE FedEx and UPS will ship wine all over the world, but not beer. So you call it "wine" and they ship it. If there's at least one bottle of Barleywine Ale, it's not technically a lie). Any beers not tried will be sent to me for a beer tasting party sometime in December.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1I2Jp-GL59cJShIw4-uDGGnAKm26mMi36RjBvsGiv0P_QTF081RpCgERSfg7njW88HXXpRC1iBVCUw0cT3FjZj-CiDv6PdRm7M5UQ-vTf3r8imgB7eexoJVPpifynOjk171KozSEXHhMU/s1600/IMG_1813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1I2Jp-GL59cJShIw4-uDGGnAKm26mMi36RjBvsGiv0P_QTF081RpCgERSfg7njW88HXXpRC1iBVCUw0cT3FjZj-CiDv6PdRm7M5UQ-vTf3r8imgB7eexoJVPpifynOjk171KozSEXHhMU/s200/IMG_1813.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>Friday evening we met at the <a href="http://www.brouwerijvaneecke.tk/">Brouwerij Van Eecke</a>, Watou, West-Vlaanderen Belgium [B9] for a tour with retired brewery employee Michel R.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgR0LNnG_pZRvksKfQpkeF0gI2xQYjC8rJUxgJPpWqzYZZtsJoZgLf87NkmU1PDxP-_j6Pb_bUME83sosGv23q2tf2G4-_QdrErzAkgV1b7zjtI855H_k8wr1ewOVM-fyz3CX4IxWnYf-8/s1600/IMG_1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgR0LNnG_pZRvksKfQpkeF0gI2xQYjC8rJUxgJPpWqzYZZtsJoZgLf87NkmU1PDxP-_j6Pb_bUME83sosGv23q2tf2G4-_QdrErzAkgV1b7zjtI855H_k8wr1ewOVM-fyz3CX4IxWnYf-8/s200/IMG_1812.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>We had a nice tour and history of the site - which started in 1862 - and a couple of glasses of beer at the café (not pub) next to the brewery. Tried a van Eecke Blonde [40] and a van Eecke Kapittel ABT [41].<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQ3Q_0eaykPcMCnVSigPoUP6xia0MUCy780mqs77fwn-Fs5bo6GGSZ6kROdxAE9j3HCplhZ3NazJa74lzqPOgcrLdXEr1bTqt1scXBhjR1DWSecyFw0quPgmWExq0b8IHl4x-Med_OmNI/s1600/IMG_1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQ3Q_0eaykPcMCnVSigPoUP6xia0MUCy780mqs77fwn-Fs5bo6GGSZ6kROdxAE9j3HCplhZ3NazJa74lzqPOgcrLdXEr1bTqt1scXBhjR1DWSecyFw0quPgmWExq0b8IHl4x-Med_OmNI/s200/IMG_1815.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>We had a great chat about beer and work and the history of the area. Michael said we should be sure to see the cemeteries from the "great war.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbQvw3YfiEej1DU1gKu8tAwsKN8mVEI_kDMsWr3rbMZhpUuilE-jf-Tah0q3bTqHZiJ8Y7N6fi87HerfsKYcoWv4hFhJ7h7BMzVr4rE15kIdOW4GtfXNBKpV3Rzj_wKnuCsVpu2JTg5oU/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbQvw3YfiEej1DU1gKu8tAwsKN8mVEI_kDMsWr3rbMZhpUuilE-jf-Tah0q3bTqHZiJ8Y7N6fi87HerfsKYcoWv4hFhJ7h7BMzVr4rE15kIdOW4GtfXNBKpV3Rzj_wKnuCsVpu2JTg5oU/s200/IMG_1817.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>He also realized he had picked up my co-worker a few years ago when he was on a tour of Belgian breweries with his friends. Some of them had set out to walk to the brewer from the hotel, and a brewery employee went out to get them so they would not have to walk so far - it was Mr. R - small world!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWK3JJjD52f3MtxFuNwCDoNxQ74ixMVR5lGSTgNVCZHcB_IbOSVAzVuRSuq64XLPhYtsX4WE9BR-WfXLmu5VNf4o6u4R4vudGhUa5Gky_p1hHrocejNwopSJ6DbqcjzzUvPs4JAe914sz4/s1600/IMG_1822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWK3JJjD52f3MtxFuNwCDoNxQ74ixMVR5lGSTgNVCZHcB_IbOSVAzVuRSuq64XLPhYtsX4WE9BR-WfXLmu5VNf4o6u4R4vudGhUa5Gky_p1hHrocejNwopSJ6DbqcjzzUvPs4JAe914sz4/s200/IMG_1822.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>Friday night at the <a href="http://www.hotelpalace.be/index2.php?lang=en">Palace Hotel</a> in Poperinge Belgium I had to be on a conference call at 9 PM local time, and the Internet connection at the hotel was dead, and that goodness for my iPhone which allowed me to email files for the meeting and run the meeting!! After this call we tried a van Eecke Poperings Hommel bier [42], Rodenbach Rodenbach [43], Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel [44] Saint-Bernardus Tripel [45], van Eecke Kapittel Pater [46], Verhaeghe Nunnbier [47] and Lefebvre Hopus [48]. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIq33E5nXrHJN2EqGjxM1buXfFLDBt1xRZBsXV1mUHiGVadmyX59oaVxkFnlS-n5Ueoopi0QTuIlKYw_OYpyhuwySJlLgIlgfWX2mX3yJDFBTThu8rdrTvXcVWY3SVVjtJy2KlRGwQFfLt/s1600/IMG_1828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIq33E5nXrHJN2EqGjxM1buXfFLDBt1xRZBsXV1mUHiGVadmyX59oaVxkFnlS-n5Ueoopi0QTuIlKYw_OYpyhuwySJlLgIlgfWX2mX3yJDFBTThu8rdrTvXcVWY3SVVjtJy2KlRGwQFfLt/s200/IMG_1828.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>We wandered outside in Poperinge, speaking to several highly-intoxicated individuals. NB - Belgians like their cigarettes and beer. We along with numerous other night owls found some sort of falafel/gyro place - ambrosia!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_XDSA_5ma5hPgLm7ejsJdL0VnpuWiFgwkUbK6nFPJX7t7b6RZydjy_PSQsEKnJ3QqsG5_p-ory17CzHRzK-mWDS9R1iX-rJtJE68x5dbX6ipgseaKFRGPqZJGDzzpDTwtFcOSPdgDyXi/s1600/IMG_8621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_XDSA_5ma5hPgLm7ejsJdL0VnpuWiFgwkUbK6nFPJX7t7b6RZydjy_PSQsEKnJ3QqsG5_p-ory17CzHRzK-mWDS9R1iX-rJtJE68x5dbX6ipgseaKFRGPqZJGDzzpDTwtFcOSPdgDyXi/s200/IMG_8621.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Saturday morning November 20 found us present at a birth. Not a person or animal, but a new brewery. We met Björn at the <a href="http://www.brouwkot.be/">Brouwkot</a> in Gullegem, Belgium. [B10] However, the Brouwkot (Brew Shed) now had a more elegant name - Gulden Spoor. This refers to the gold spurs used by Belgian cavalry to repel the French.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIGbULLZYP9lkSHifXWiPI39-FbcjkKhlQMeSUPwxMYicpdTgdt7c-Ni49gIw25McgRwrBUimkKIJKRaMdxT4Msy1raiEl_4h1T1uE0xt9TkbvDz1pf2Fw0d3w_vT6VYL2bCQiLb_adWq/s1600/IMG_8618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIGbULLZYP9lkSHifXWiPI39-FbcjkKhlQMeSUPwxMYicpdTgdt7c-Ni49gIw25McgRwrBUimkKIJKRaMdxT4Msy1raiEl_4h1T1uE0xt9TkbvDz1pf2Fw0d3w_vT6VYL2bCQiLb_adWq/s200/IMG_8618.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>The young guy was a very enthusiastic brewer, and in my opinion an engineering genius. He had "compressed" a bottling line to be much smaller than as it was made from the manufacturer. His brewery was not at the exact location you think it is; that address was the café selling his beer. We tried a Gulden Spoor Luxuria Seven Sins [49]. We also found there was an unlisted (on Google Maps anyway) "picobrewery" - Alvinne.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11dXFX3xQBKfHzpcJ9k7OBWKdp8h0WZlU75G6GMSe_DmlqLDPR_2m74lW9YPkD81dMYtaCDcye1xckS2zdGg6PErxAnnFxgrIiVAHtnU9JnI3-hzeBXhZSbvQg7unPoNVN0U8YDR4OdWv/s1600/IMG_1833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11dXFX3xQBKfHzpcJ9k7OBWKdp8h0WZlU75G6GMSe_DmlqLDPR_2m74lW9YPkD81dMYtaCDcye1xckS2zdGg6PErxAnnFxgrIiVAHtnU9JnI3-hzeBXhZSbvQg7unPoNVN0U8YDR4OdWv/s200/IMG_1833.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>Picobrewery <a href="http://users.telenet.be/biertoeren/deacik/alvinne/html/index.html">Alvinne</a> is also in Gullegem, Belgium [B11] and you would never find it unless you had the address. They had a huge beer shop, as well as their own beers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbACtfwQZMD2X1TRztxvfdh1U0I2Lav0W9Rocnv3oH6f_Lk9YMRF4JUem8glkP2h7eO8iWscJrsidAt6yW8hypPsquIrVlnS6ZaV8a36IVdm__xlofedNmR390NaVBZ4qlsOPInXZ1TuB/s1600/IMG_8624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbACtfwQZMD2X1TRztxvfdh1U0I2Lav0W9Rocnv3oH6f_Lk9YMRF4JUem8glkP2h7eO8iWscJrsidAt6yW8hypPsquIrVlnS6ZaV8a36IVdm__xlofedNmR390NaVBZ4qlsOPInXZ1TuB/s200/IMG_8624.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Tried the Balthezaar [50] and Freaky [51] and chatted with some people on tour learning how to brew. They were impressed with my beer rating iPhone database App I wrote, as well as the number of beers tried over the years.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLiE5ANWmdIACCJ1tFsxD2HUePPy9xw_ugdidemUgZazrn76cOCnIKU3nmt5miBqj4ve38tfNP9lGO6ryAtLddgZtc2XnfEIRZIs68Do7LGBiSUQXpYFvQhWR7ust8epMwK8mdMEaXAlG/s1600/IMG_1834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLiE5ANWmdIACCJ1tFsxD2HUePPy9xw_ugdidemUgZazrn76cOCnIKU3nmt5miBqj4ve38tfNP9lGO6ryAtLddgZtc2XnfEIRZIs68Do7LGBiSUQXpYFvQhWR7ust8epMwK8mdMEaXAlG/s200/IMG_1834.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>I also learned a great snack to "cleanse your palate" when drinking beers. Dark bread, spread with strong cheese, garnished with sliced radishes and chives. *update* Learned from Glenn C. at Alvinne via <a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/Forums/Topic-157137.htm">ratebeer.com</a> that the cheese is Pottekeis.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHszX9IEVgUcTfpUQhtqYowTPVcV3OpiS1i4dbR4Ow0NzQttDCwJxUuJ1rW8KB7bL48iiJEEOEbgIpMXQ0-3D25UG2o_tNNxr76DBI76DAE9J-ghn-mj-TzCGw1_zTjOZdg9gThyphenhyphenu2FgBc/s1600/IMG_8629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHszX9IEVgUcTfpUQhtqYowTPVcV3OpiS1i4dbR4Ow0NzQttDCwJxUuJ1rW8KB7bL48iiJEEOEbgIpMXQ0-3D25UG2o_tNNxr76DBI76DAE9J-ghn-mj-TzCGw1_zTjOZdg9gThyphenhyphenu2FgBc/s200/IMG_8629.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>We then drove to <a href="http://www.3fonteinen.be/">Drie Fonteinen</a> (3 Fountains) in Beersel, Belgium. [B12] We tried their Faro [52], Lambic [53], Kriek [54] and Beersel Blonde [55] beers. Also at the brewery store we were able to try a new beer - <b>Zwet.be</b> [56] - which is sort of a lambic blended with a Stout (in my humble opinion). What was great was this was beer number 1,500 in my list of beers rated.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprEfEd6ZqKQk07HZxKBMqEOgxQP1-kwL79jF7aioBe2NdroizJ5wMh1HY4ENGMm1Ic56epJ15C4ewdRE0VU8jRAQn7l2OX8m6y-SYGyTfvWYD1J9RXuzV5RPlwvHfQPep350VO0CIT57N/s1600/photo-5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprEfEd6ZqKQk07HZxKBMqEOgxQP1-kwL79jF7aioBe2NdroizJ5wMh1HY4ENGMm1Ic56epJ15C4ewdRE0VU8jRAQn7l2OX8m6y-SYGyTfvWYD1J9RXuzV5RPlwvHfQPep350VO0CIT57N/s200/photo-5.PNG" width="133" /></a></div>Earlier my co-worker wanted to have us save the 3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze from 1999 to drink as #1,500; I had said it would not be right to "force it" and Karma would take care of us, and lead us to the appropriate beer for number #1,500. And she did. We were so weirded out we forgot to take a photo!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>As an FYI from Wikipedia: </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Faro</b> - a low-alcohol, sweetened beer made from a blend of lambic and a much lighter, freshly brewed beer to which brown sugar (or sometimes caramel or molasses) was added; </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Lambic</b> - unlike conventional ales and lagers fermented by carefully cultivated strains of brewer's yeasts, lambic beer is produced by fermentation from wild yeasts and bacteria native to the Senne. It gives the beer its distinctive flavour: dry, vinous, and cidery, with a slightly sour aftertaste.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Kriek</b> - Lambic refermented in the presence of sour cherries and with secondary fermentation in the bottle.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3G5mZECMyHtjrfVRlFk0egFegGeMnkZelVaU_LuIMCE2fkYM4TPRRbPcFpBsnsCHScsUFk0Bl4Gfth8h3-yw15HMaRzw9pFQD3raOMCz9_EWNXTEEtg0LnedM0y-dtobM4MSdLKYfpIa/s1600/IMG_8631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3G5mZECMyHtjrfVRlFk0egFegGeMnkZelVaU_LuIMCE2fkYM4TPRRbPcFpBsnsCHScsUFk0Bl4Gfth8h3-yw15HMaRzw9pFQD3raOMCz9_EWNXTEEtg0LnedM0y-dtobM4MSdLKYfpIa/s200/IMG_8631.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>We then left for the <a href="http://www.satanbeer.com/">deBlock Brewery</a> in Merchtem, Belgium (you gotta love a brewery with "satanbeer.com" as their URL!) [B13] There was a birthday party going on, and as we wandered on the sidewalk looking forlorn, one of the people asked if I was the guy who had emailed them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD08IiduGwYq0VeXKpj0gTE7KkAM6vdGqUbSjnk-gBhtzLBAMQRlPQUGoN3fIL7Q6Uq9g87z6p3voVnhDn9OCfKc2HhE0YvPjVwuEyqisdrYBoMc-zr287zS2D6TP57qqbdNtMNkv4Yjft/s1600/IMG_1841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD08IiduGwYq0VeXKpj0gTE7KkAM6vdGqUbSjnk-gBhtzLBAMQRlPQUGoN3fIL7Q6Uq9g87z6p3voVnhDn9OCfKc2HhE0YvPjVwuEyqisdrYBoMc-zr287zS2D6TP57qqbdNtMNkv4Yjft/s200/IMG_1841.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>They invited us in during a private party for an employee's 1-year-old. We shared a great free Demdermonde beer [57] during the birthday party.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazSwN0MzTUN8vJ1cnxauUFpcBCI4sBQgD9xKywPgzDrgHCR8G6Jb2BC-XVmwTpgycU_wu_Qb864uA2xrnSNSjua6LOPgIuFNGHNbgTR5HKKirWgLSWRvXDWlAHR6m_nWjCDgrRr3Z2LMZ/s1600/IMG_1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazSwN0MzTUN8vJ1cnxauUFpcBCI4sBQgD9xKywPgzDrgHCR8G6Jb2BC-XVmwTpgycU_wu_Qb864uA2xrnSNSjua6LOPgIuFNGHNbgTR5HKKirWgLSWRvXDWlAHR6m_nWjCDgrRr3Z2LMZ/s200/IMG_1840.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>I also was shown a tool they use in the brewery - a combination hammer and beer bottle opener - perfect for construction sites and where power tools and ladders are in use!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Some other breweries we stopped at but they were not open.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDVm-zX1Bhb89HA_YdrN4qIHUWY4FbPmjJxaoohPHwyv_UlkdBc9CYMrl-wituOBncrZG9eU-mhU_u_72MIcXjrqPB-ogUk-6naohGdTDopzvK71N6D6FBS2PcUJM0xxQ8scIb3XePpc-/s1600/IMG_8634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDVm-zX1Bhb89HA_YdrN4qIHUWY4FbPmjJxaoohPHwyv_UlkdBc9CYMrl-wituOBncrZG9eU-mhU_u_72MIcXjrqPB-ogUk-6naohGdTDopzvK71N6D6FBS2PcUJM0xxQ8scIb3XePpc-/s200/IMG_8634.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>The includes the <a href="http://www.bestbelgianspecialbeers.be/main_eng.html">Bosteels</a> Brewery in Buggenhout, [B14]<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfE7QlaFeqdJQXOnw8q5KofUW6Mo6ZdxLbe38naP4z6fZvGiqNtc7TCXGZOmDUdUNewoZNFAqR8uT4KaWSr2p34CsnHs6RQ52WFTzO2W__73b2PinOgsmo6ZmJjrZg_PW_SaL6xZKmgvv/s1600/IMG_8637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfE7QlaFeqdJQXOnw8q5KofUW6Mo6ZdxLbe38naP4z6fZvGiqNtc7TCXGZOmDUdUNewoZNFAqR8uT4KaWSr2p34CsnHs6RQ52WFTzO2W__73b2PinOgsmo6ZmJjrZg_PW_SaL6xZKmgvv/s200/IMG_8637.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>De Landtsheer Emmanuel Brouwerij <a href="http://www.malheur.be/">Malheur</a> also in Buggenhout, [B15] and<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyw8_We4FKbQa7zHhpsL2foTb3MidtoWXEqIc4UlxCFggBx9aWNyWsi4CcfGAr5VrBtcL-JSgKt5WEOXmMBsy31chIB5lMjZEEcn9eyeNdJRfL0lHYO2d8EMffb9YC9zERM55bz26kf1Ka/s1600/Bolensbrewery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyw8_We4FKbQa7zHhpsL2foTb3MidtoWXEqIc4UlxCFggBx9aWNyWsi4CcfGAr5VrBtcL-JSgKt5WEOXmMBsy31chIB5lMjZEEcn9eyeNdJRfL0lHYO2d8EMffb9YC9zERM55bz26kf1Ka/s200/Bolensbrewery.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Huisrouwerij <a href="http://www.brouwerijboelens.be/">Boelens</a> in Kerkstraat [B16]. These places were not open; it was late Saturday and who can blame them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvKwLC5Wi_0ZVEZF7UaEAlvHful93whgHFZFbNeVUX5NGN-ZOYTs0I5db3Yw0dqYfOZ8fRGjBGw1_5vMDbdoBCn1UZkjfam7WkVgrpxMl4dW4LaTwU_XCWaG54oeVNRGZQyZWCsEXj-Vz/s1600/IMG_1837.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvKwLC5Wi_0ZVEZF7UaEAlvHful93whgHFZFbNeVUX5NGN-ZOYTs0I5db3Yw0dqYfOZ8fRGjBGw1_5vMDbdoBCn1UZkjfam7WkVgrpxMl4dW4LaTwU_XCWaG54oeVNRGZQyZWCsEXj-Vz/s200/IMG_1837.PNG" width="133" /></a></div>On the way to Antwerp we passed Beer, Belgium. That's right, a town named "Beer." </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUKkCTZZhlA4SGFEPDo-Wu7bB7YktmWny7ywyaq1pcW3XF4CHy_-zn5PZMpUW04_YVwD_wk4iRFQnthy00JGznIRYEVykva6sjgaQXvGsGxBcpZ2y4ZBCu3J02rVyV56aWBYC1TcCaLTV/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUKkCTZZhlA4SGFEPDo-Wu7bB7YktmWny7ywyaq1pcW3XF4CHy_-zn5PZMpUW04_YVwD_wk4iRFQnthy00JGznIRYEVykva6sjgaQXvGsGxBcpZ2y4ZBCu3J02rVyV56aWBYC1TcCaLTV/s200/photo-2.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>Once we got to the hotel in Antwerp Belgium we set out to find some good beer cafes. We stopped in at <a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/Place/state/city/paters-vaetje/1645.htm">Paters Vaetje</a> at Blauwmoezelstraat 1 and had a Trubadour Obscura [58] and a Boesteel Karmeleit [59].</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HIGsZykDIy1OgnUK8K2GEVCgjk35rcbWJenepMM4Cmna-oBL7QsjFpgRO1p_zOeyFAkqGFymY7VjZnfY5DHi5-R7mKQRhS5HT6Mil8uZzBaENZke28yjfAiET9qKCnwITCyKYn8q0rzL/s1600/IMG_1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HIGsZykDIy1OgnUK8K2GEVCgjk35rcbWJenepMM4Cmna-oBL7QsjFpgRO1p_zOeyFAkqGFymY7VjZnfY5DHi5-R7mKQRhS5HT6Mil8uZzBaENZke28yjfAiET9qKCnwITCyKYn8q0rzL/s200/IMG_1857.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>We did find that "holy grail" for beer drinkers, the <a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/Place/state/city/kulminator/533.htm">Kulminator</a> at Vleminckveld 32, this place is classed as a "world famous" beer cafe with a "staggering range" of beers. We started with a Chimay Speciale 1983 [60] (yes from 1983, the year I finished Graduate school) and a Dupont Saison [61].<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUdwM1FbFJE-1Ze8GpSeVMWMydCZ1cGvB2G7XDPjzm9Nsbcn5gAMfLv0wIAdNIYR_fU2RAcZiGCB-HnCpFT28lgcOLTLbYcMO7QndFBXdJDzGHArUrTPjxVCroRtmUWrTrK0k9EmaIioI/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUdwM1FbFJE-1Ze8GpSeVMWMydCZ1cGvB2G7XDPjzm9Nsbcn5gAMfLv0wIAdNIYR_fU2RAcZiGCB-HnCpFT28lgcOLTLbYcMO7QndFBXdJDzGHArUrTPjxVCroRtmUWrTrK0k9EmaIioI/s200/IMG_1860.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>We also had a Gouden Carolus Hops Seignor [63], Westvleteren blonde (green label) [64]. Their beer selection was staggering.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NFCjluTGyuSby3RzNPi3iMTilakVuWw1lF_CSu2z7PckKzmUOybaP2EVsdTIehETP1bylImOaj8Nml6ptboXQHghXrO8gblnL9-X4fayUrucLWbhobiZh2xgEALoco2LGH6luXPznAnS/s1600/IMG_1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NFCjluTGyuSby3RzNPi3iMTilakVuWw1lF_CSu2z7PckKzmUOybaP2EVsdTIehETP1bylImOaj8Nml6ptboXQHghXrO8gblnL9-X4fayUrucLWbhobiZh2xgEALoco2LGH6luXPznAnS/s200/IMG_1858.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>They also had Westmalle Trappist [62] (the white neck beer not available outside the monastery), served reverently in it's own basket.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHze57_hsCjURcM3Teb_ZhimvP0mTe4DyyWkRbf8GG6wIKa518SRAaGO7ChnwQJwRcF44nh4p2smAymTx-CUUZIsknSGXMXmp94T0nT1RlVZZNoKgcYTYKo8hZxuIl0QuXMliRbtOP14m/s1600/IMG_1862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHze57_hsCjURcM3Teb_ZhimvP0mTe4DyyWkRbf8GG6wIKa518SRAaGO7ChnwQJwRcF44nh4p2smAymTx-CUUZIsknSGXMXmp94T0nT1RlVZZNoKgcYTYKo8hZxuIl0QuXMliRbtOP14m/s200/IMG_1862.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>We walked around and had dinner and had some basic ales: a Leffe Brown [65] and a Dekonic [66]. We chatted with a couple of Russian guys who were programmers for <a href="http://www.pwc.com/us/en/index.jhtml">PWC</a> and ate at a fantastic "rib shack" - <a href="http://www.amadeusspareribrestaurant.be/">Amadeus</a>, the place for ribs. The only downside, and you get a hint from the website, is continuous 1920's "swing music" playing in the background.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaig833jutvl0Nb6tyWhtpyfjV-X12C-_ZCqJ8eIMVkT4i8NQNIq3N8H7sV82KgW01xBO3lF7-pPTnCXKKlh3h8NR2mN9dOyJDyyLUoqOdtNleYdapPEYM4azxlnhrAGZ14ZFlun65m0n/s1600/IMG_1865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaig833jutvl0Nb6tyWhtpyfjV-X12C-_ZCqJ8eIMVkT4i8NQNIq3N8H7sV82KgW01xBO3lF7-pPTnCXKKlh3h8NR2mN9dOyJDyyLUoqOdtNleYdapPEYM4azxlnhrAGZ14ZFlun65m0n/s200/IMG_1865.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>We then found another great beer café, <a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/forums/new-beerpub-in-antwerpen_139456.htm">t'Antwaerps Bierhuyske </a>at Hoogstraat 14. Here we found Struise Breweries Black Albert [67] and a Waterloo Brewery Triple 7 Tipel [68]. The barmaid served the Belgian beers the proper way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UY2kNtQDTRJ7-_wzxvqiulI4AmZx0kE9LF4kO4GRwxkn4wxquYQzqGBeFDzgaFJ9w9E54Kw2eWiI1tBeF3gevItW-4aitx4fKX_poXJ_ho2nJRNfYY2tG26oFbk6sUEWwxVFkO8FHmd9/s1600/IMG_1918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UY2kNtQDTRJ7-_wzxvqiulI4AmZx0kE9LF4kO4GRwxkn4wxquYQzqGBeFDzgaFJ9w9E54Kw2eWiI1tBeF3gevItW-4aitx4fKX_poXJ_ho2nJRNfYY2tG26oFbk6sUEWwxVFkO8FHmd9/s200/IMG_1918.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>For those that do not know, each Belgian brewery produces their own distinctive glasses. These are used for only the beer from that brewery. As the beer is poured, a special spatula is used to "sweep" off the head of foam, leaving it flat on the top of the glass. The glass is held by the sides and carefully dipped into warm water up to about 1/2 inch below the rim - this washes the beer off the outside of the glass. The glass is then set reverently in front of you; care is taken to have the label face you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RIB28SRXTZ979zgDuNdXUhIrljbYrbpGVqb_sGqVQVnlCUZ5KZEHDT2LBqRwy7wLDbrc3G3Vxvg3grcu6wsKo8JK5DQQghl_jxv_FJ8LZMo3ypxPw2b5hEJsJDt24MwYQNbv7tPP47XN/s1600/IMG_1872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RIB28SRXTZ979zgDuNdXUhIrljbYrbpGVqb_sGqVQVnlCUZ5KZEHDT2LBqRwy7wLDbrc3G3Vxvg3grcu6wsKo8JK5DQQghl_jxv_FJ8LZMo3ypxPw2b5hEJsJDt24MwYQNbv7tPP47XN/s200/IMG_1872.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>The next morning Sunday, November 21, we set out very early for sightseeing and shopping, especially Belgian lace and chocolate. Extra care was taken to ensure proper presents for wives and friends.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56aG24suJ_Llsm0jIZbmAE3dW1MiKganv9wf1STekgcxclOsHmLPm-Sq04jm0e20CkfTTLL47ohS4u-smBYybTj9EHfhG5XqJrYwRxzLEKJLB8Ah1UNXi9izsa4MNWZaIQZjHLj_ONMXY/s1600/IMG_8675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56aG24suJ_Llsm0jIZbmAE3dW1MiKganv9wf1STekgcxclOsHmLPm-Sq04jm0e20CkfTTLL47ohS4u-smBYybTj9EHfhG5XqJrYwRxzLEKJLB8Ah1UNXi9izsa4MNWZaIQZjHLj_ONMXY/s200/IMG_8675.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>I tried one piece of Belgian chocolate with cognac inside and almost had a fit of apoplexy. I also learned not to joke on FaceBook that one has no time to stop for chocolates for spouses. One would have thought harpies from Hades had been unleashed!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_1ch2TTQOFreJWQHC0IYNNc428hnsurQG2nAhv6DBK1PtUJKAg3BxVg8j4cVUk_D0w63pmGBLBif-u_b2A3ZI1B7_eHeh2ADMvGjyBS1aSOrGqeeKq3QJUPZhpoYzs8ARijZycDcel0A/s1600/IMG_1877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_1ch2TTQOFreJWQHC0IYNNc428hnsurQG2nAhv6DBK1PtUJKAg3BxVg8j4cVUk_D0w63pmGBLBif-u_b2A3ZI1B7_eHeh2ADMvGjyBS1aSOrGqeeKq3QJUPZhpoYzs8ARijZycDcel0A/s200/IMG_1877.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>We later found a nice café we somehow missed the night before. At the <a href="http://www.kathedraalcafe.be/">Het Kathedraalcafe</a> we tried a Feuillien Saison [69], and a Koningshoeven Quadrupel Trappist Ale [70] with lunch.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFyUo-kmSEm3G7IP5F7JHF_ck0JX-jey8pdE23xzgXLILELEzDAlVBzUUKRnFgJRgPix_WLgAjg3uf3HeL6t3tAXJFpE-eVEBOcbrt6ZN_W0POoYxh9j2PPeI6GlLIVNPCvOBoiHvMbXs/s1600/IMG_8690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFyUo-kmSEm3G7IP5F7JHF_ck0JX-jey8pdE23xzgXLILELEzDAlVBzUUKRnFgJRgPix_WLgAjg3uf3HeL6t3tAXJFpE-eVEBOcbrt6ZN_W0POoYxh9j2PPeI6GlLIVNPCvOBoiHvMbXs/s200/IMG_8690.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>The place was amazing in that it had hundreds of religious icons scattered throughout.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5aF0AsKNhj668XJAdAEo0FAwBxVzznRD_De4GuyNzENJL-2Fx5mlyn6f7pXkok3NI-ktrZdld1RvNtQOgeHMVPIs3iOpL2NkrXuMVxXfNjcUhcQMIGjSDmfp1HDmSrZcfR-S75UVh4VU/s1600/IMG_1878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5aF0AsKNhj668XJAdAEo0FAwBxVzznRD_De4GuyNzENJL-2Fx5mlyn6f7pXkok3NI-ktrZdld1RvNtQOgeHMVPIs3iOpL2NkrXuMVxXfNjcUhcQMIGjSDmfp1HDmSrZcfR-S75UVh4VU/s200/IMG_1878.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>We then drove to Herentaals Belgium.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpNWmUrSz5gGzJGllVU3-AUOhfS4yoazF7b2kj7Ce_gEaYrStOOx9xzuuFNFs4iUeGZYPxCdxsRUFBkP5bsyLSYIljilGu-BbICt2yjANfZD7ijAhYqjK-keHoOI-WF1u6NAhbfJkmQfV/s1600/IMG_1881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpNWmUrSz5gGzJGllVU3-AUOhfS4yoazF7b2kj7Ce_gEaYrStOOx9xzuuFNFs4iUeGZYPxCdxsRUFBkP5bsyLSYIljilGu-BbICt2yjANfZD7ijAhYqjK-keHoOI-WF1u6NAhbfJkmQfV/s200/IMG_1881.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>After we checked in to the hotel we went for a walk.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYIXZq6ybFOmNbR0IzEOREnkBHXArgis561w5tnJzBGx6ocboUFkgkyGRdsIrpd2HOdw5Fh6ePYfP7EH2rMni-iEteVqCwNjPbRg2GFZv6KDSRdx-Ej5HoFjgimPIHbOtB_rh-ZcIDgSb/s1600/IMG_1888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYIXZq6ybFOmNbR0IzEOREnkBHXArgis561w5tnJzBGx6ocboUFkgkyGRdsIrpd2HOdw5Fh6ePYfP7EH2rMni-iEteVqCwNjPbRg2GFZv6KDSRdx-Ej5HoFjgimPIHbOtB_rh-ZcIDgSb/s200/IMG_1888.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>Near the hotel was a nice café, the<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g680686-d1368006-Reviews-Cafe_Brasserie_Brigand-Herentals_Antwerpen.html"> Brigand</a> on Bovenru 59, with a very friendly staff and great beer selection. We tried Tangerlo Abbey Blonde [71], Palm Dubbel [72], a Boon Oude Kriek [73], Witkap Withal-Pater Stimulo [74],<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzVoQEIZDjSqiOkYHXJetBNJwZYtOtCHQSanNYCZVWEgEfEQZi697TwoKVgIrBQGl56e8ceGX7Rs27gIBAPOp4Fotz95MnExzmqf5iydksWs8PNzmc6AYXK-gN54XhG1iwKq7RApxUhsg/s1600/IMG_1886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzVoQEIZDjSqiOkYHXJetBNJwZYtOtCHQSanNYCZVWEgEfEQZi697TwoKVgIrBQGl56e8ceGX7Rs27gIBAPOp4Fotz95MnExzmqf5iydksWs8PNzmc6AYXK-gN54XhG1iwKq7RApxUhsg/s200/IMG_1886.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>Schlede Brewery Molse Tripel [75] (with a cute mole on the bottle), DuPont Moinette Brown [76], de Prof Gageleer [77], and a Guy Pirlot Kempish Vuur [78].</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpOThwChMTyBRKofba35TA6h1Ak4c3FpwrZi54WvZoSyPSvO2T0gD5FF9r3AOsOlFJCheR25DssjWSXNQMsM8fx3gGqUIRqM6xjnbAqpSBCZJqBxKMNQGpHlQknSTT4fXY181A0pbTYKx/s1600/IMG_1891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpOThwChMTyBRKofba35TA6h1Ak4c3FpwrZi54WvZoSyPSvO2T0gD5FF9r3AOsOlFJCheR25DssjWSXNQMsM8fx3gGqUIRqM6xjnbAqpSBCZJqBxKMNQGpHlQknSTT4fXY181A0pbTYKx/s200/IMG_1891.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>Back at the hotel <a href="http://www.dezalm.be/">Zalmn</a>, we had dinner and after dinner had some more beer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkkgPk4MXWqBKrR-5kvtf7Y3E7YT7AvZ9mlDDyf4uJEBzDo_vk5KSCGV9fBX0xX7QhIwgGQiI8bBpMS0GiUAylTV7Rv2OS1XwwVMKSwLpgEDpt5uecimsesLKyBDBPZy929l4YFYEKfqP/s1600/IMG_1884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkkgPk4MXWqBKrR-5kvtf7Y3E7YT7AvZ9mlDDyf4uJEBzDo_vk5KSCGV9fBX0xX7QhIwgGQiI8bBpMS0GiUAylTV7Rv2OS1XwwVMKSwLpgEDpt5uecimsesLKyBDBPZy929l4YFYEKfqP/s200/IMG_1884.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>In order, we tried the spectacular Boon Geuze Mariage Parfait [79], Achel Trappist [80], Grobbendonk Grobbendonk Tripel [81], Slaghmuylder brewery Poorter [82], Boon Kriek [83], Chimay Tripel [84], de Koningshoeven La Trappe [85], Bersalis Tripel [86], Brugge Brugge Tripel [87], and a Cantillion Kriek [88].<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbL5xY7vQztHu-PE-14Yiie17E88TkgQYo8AQqcNJQn9WrN_hyjwuf1-wbbIV12f7dVIWve7PjO-uAThN9NaBvUijNI7IIHEr1fTVxNtWJMOueh5f4E_rLxwDPS1FPHFEgvI9GScS1-dA/s1600/IMG_1893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbL5xY7vQztHu-PE-14Yiie17E88TkgQYo8AQqcNJQn9WrN_hyjwuf1-wbbIV12f7dVIWve7PjO-uAThN9NaBvUijNI7IIHEr1fTVxNtWJMOueh5f4E_rLxwDPS1FPHFEgvI9GScS1-dA/s200/IMG_1893.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>The owner Frank was a genteel host and has a nice hotel; he is building a more modern adjunct down the street. He offered us a Girardin Kriek [89] gratis from his private cellar. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0m1uxi0qngBf1bNiLXyz_pK-nQyAQQX_579MxdEjpm_gXQPWy-o9VZt5bMuyE72XqoBL9CbMX8AIvOiGnGMEg9KBI7QfN-ij1FEvKqaaYEYQCv3dJ7dvaWLMhqoON12LHvTMMFo2c7f6/s1600/IMG_1895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0m1uxi0qngBf1bNiLXyz_pK-nQyAQQX_579MxdEjpm_gXQPWy-o9VZt5bMuyE72XqoBL9CbMX8AIvOiGnGMEg9KBI7QfN-ij1FEvKqaaYEYQCv3dJ7dvaWLMhqoON12LHvTMMFo2c7f6/s200/IMG_1895.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>Monday late afternoon on the way to the ferry we stopped in at <a href="http://www.sintsixtus.be/eng/brouwerij.htm">Westvleteren Abbey</a> in Westvleteren. [B17] This is allegedly home of the best beer in the world. It is helped in no small part by the mystique. You have to <a href="http://www.sintsixtus.be/eng/brouwerijactueel.htm">call ahead for beer</a> (good luck getting through), the monks give you the pickup time, and only 2 cases per month; they record your license plate and phone number. We watched the cars wait in line.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSXxbgq5T7u_oz0ep84ZaNd017usrEyq6kcdbBp4rLvNC05Ey4jantMwu2n40kgEuAQXV-dqHQOuUTUvn1g6ynpmeQzDNp7DU4ox3cDi7AfQeDJY4ZmqIyq_1hhpGYOr1mSPLaaFmNOLo/s1600/IMG_1896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSXxbgq5T7u_oz0ep84ZaNd017usrEyq6kcdbBp4rLvNC05Ey4jantMwu2n40kgEuAQXV-dqHQOuUTUvn1g6ynpmeQzDNp7DU4ox3cDi7AfQeDJY4ZmqIyq_1hhpGYOr1mSPLaaFmNOLo/s200/IMG_1896.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>We had a snack of bread and cheese made by the monks, along with a Westvleteren 8 [90] and a 12 [91]. These were even better than I remembered, and frankly the Westvleteren 12 rated a score of 11 out of 10 in my book.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJV_h-ncb29PCbvXubKvuXrnFOA2GUMNpbIG8caFrstTgBn3eCm-Lr_bqczQJDY6x8DsFqXomfhflzvghiLhzS4vlo6zBtFDfAkcSKKdLPqpR7dWITTJBZmkc98Fo6BUMk6lC8BP_GSpkz/s1600/IMG_8729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJV_h-ncb29PCbvXubKvuXrnFOA2GUMNpbIG8caFrstTgBn3eCm-Lr_bqczQJDY6x8DsFqXomfhflzvghiLhzS4vlo6zBtFDfAkcSKKdLPqpR7dWITTJBZmkc98Fo6BUMk6lC8BP_GSpkz/s200/IMG_8729.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>On the way towards the ferry we also stopped at <a href="http://www.sintbernardus.be/">Brouwerij St. Bernard</a>; [B18] no beer tasting but got some beers and shirts.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYl9Co9NuZ-4Dni2eBYnscdLYiuGyZN9q9uPuF5QUSoC3vLuVpaRqXJuJwtIgrXltGXT1OxHglSRCpJ7VapsPBq4suLzWp0osOdcup02cuV40JTU-eE07EuN-U_iubOmOBUAXiMWmpsT4/s1600/IMG_8716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYl9Co9NuZ-4Dni2eBYnscdLYiuGyZN9q9uPuF5QUSoC3vLuVpaRqXJuJwtIgrXltGXT1OxHglSRCpJ7VapsPBq4suLzWp0osOdcup02cuV40JTU-eE07EuN-U_iubOmOBUAXiMWmpsT4/s200/IMG_8716.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>We also saw a couple of cemeteries from WWI, such as <a href="http://www.ww1cemeteries.com/ww1cemeteries/canadafarmcemetery.htm">Canada Farm</a>. I'm thankful that some people still remember: "The land on which this cemetery stands is the free gift of the Belgian people for the perpetual resting place of those of the Allied armies who fell in the war of 1914-1918 and are honored here."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZGoCVc6stKkBm8ssTEqHYCS3GMn-1jbE56vjykfjXEVChbvxKPITFfFeW8TQkEMUJuDzqBj4s7L-82SiHbz5PDEcVL0XA4lvzfESUFo3xZ_-QFGdRNhAYFQge31sJuw7Hlird2CMPr5j/s1600/IMG_8718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZGoCVc6stKkBm8ssTEqHYCS3GMn-1jbE56vjykfjXEVChbvxKPITFfFeW8TQkEMUJuDzqBj4s7L-82SiHbz5PDEcVL0XA4lvzfESUFo3xZ_-QFGdRNhAYFQge31sJuw7Hlird2CMPr5j/s200/IMG_8718.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Of course we also saw 'sprouts! Some may refer to them as hell-infused stillborn cabbages, but I really love them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBQUv2VgBEd44LIctDiA-tdaQarV5s4QDA4qvzr7Pqo5UEv846DJmXYC5Vo8SRrcRXhiSczcL5GWj1k_U9ilAJaWk6x66VdHoiBbw5GFFp_-BKzZVlW9ehsZK_W5Ffj5JWxuSo1zdyOyR/s1600/IMG_1919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBQUv2VgBEd44LIctDiA-tdaQarV5s4QDA4qvzr7Pqo5UEv846DJmXYC5Vo8SRrcRXhiSczcL5GWj1k_U9ilAJaWk6x66VdHoiBbw5GFFp_-BKzZVlW9ehsZK_W5Ffj5JWxuSo1zdyOyR/s200/IMG_1919.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Monday night at the hotel was time for one last beer, an Alvinne Morpheus Extra [92]. What was interesting was the beer had a definite lambic flavor, which may be part of the "Morpheus yeast" used by Alvinne. I will patiently await my shipments of beer from the UK.<br />
<br />
So there it is, a little over a week of hard work, with evenings and weekend to enjoy beer with 18 breweries seen and 92 beers sampled. Also staying the weekend and taking a ferry to Belgium - not to mention staying in small local hotels instead of say the Cowne Plaza - saved my employer at least $900!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-44224985512464378642010-08-09T18:33:00.019-04:002010-08-09T20:24:48.969-04:00My Way [ AN I PI R S ]<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><i>My Way</i>, with profound apologies to the late, great Chairman of the Board, <a href="http://www.sinatra.com/">Frank Sinatra</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">And now, as home is near,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';">And so I face the final worsen.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">My friends, I'll drink a beer; </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I'd </span><a href="http://opusmark.blogspot.com/2010/08/2010-vacation-day-3-g-i.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">tell you the stories</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">, but <b>only</b> in person. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I've went on a vacation that was bliss - </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I drove 700 miles on Scottish highway. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">And as always; I'm right on this, </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I did it my way. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Lagers? Ales? I've had a few, </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">But then again, </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/4865020761/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">too few to numb me</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I did what I had to do </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">And saw it through though others doubt me. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I planned each charted view - </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Each careful <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/4848665070/">stop along the highway</a>, </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I herded kittens, as they mew, </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I did it my way. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Yes, there were times, I'm sure you heard, </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Some thought I acted rough, I was a turd, </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">But through it all, when there was doubt, </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I sucked it up and let them pout. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I let them bitch, then swerved towards a ditch </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">And did it my way. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I'd planned, I'd called and mapped, </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I'd done all the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbVN6nDrfbM">work for this vacation. </a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">But now, as beers subside, </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I am rewarded by damnation. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">To think I did all that, </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">And may I say, not in a shy way - </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Oh no. Oh no, not me. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I did it my way. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">For what is a man? What has he got? </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I clipped three mirrors, that's almost naught. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Can't say the things that make him strive</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Like "shut up whack-job and let me drive."</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The record shows I took the blows </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/4865633540/">And did it my way</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Yes, it was my way.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Note, Mark planned a 9-day vacation for 6 family members and in-laws in Scotland and England <i>(originally just Scotland, but to accommodate others we also included England in the trip, but ironically not the town we thought we had to see</i>…); including hotel, restaurants (ensuring all had vegetarian dishes), and airplane reservations. He mapped out over 25 potential attractions to see, including the "time on site", as well as mapped out obscure locations to distribute his mother-in-law's ashes, such as the hidden "danger waterfalls" in Glen Nevis, Scotland. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">He </span><a href="http://opusmark.blogspot.com/2010/08/2010-vacation-scotland-g-i.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">drove over 700 miles</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> - on the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDK9-gIdTsw">wrong side of the road</a> - and despite what some (wrongly) predicted <i>(N.B. diesel fuel is not technically flammable, so while we might've died in a crash, it certainly would not be a "fiery crash" </i>) I only "clipped" the passenger side mirror 3 times, but so little as to not leave a scratch. Almost like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counting_coup">counting coups</a> among the Plains Indians.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">He may have seemed like a "travel Nazi" (and me without my </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/2647896896/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Nohoki bracelet</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">) but someone had to get us from Point A to Point B to Hotel in allotted Time X. He also tried to ensure that a daily <a href="http://opusmark.blogspot.com/2010/07/2010-vacation-day-1-g-i.html">web log (blog?)</a> was posted; as were <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark">photos</a>.</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-90719022698273865042010-08-09T07:41:00.001-04:002010-08-09T07:42:49.571-04:002010 Vacation Day 9 [ G I ]<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">On August 7 we had a great day in Windsor area. Windsor castle is obviously in Windsor, and as such dominates both the skyline and local economy. The thing to do in Windsor is of course to visit the castle, assuming the Royal Family is out. We got there at about the right time, and the line was not too long. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">It is sort of nice to realize that all the trappings of royalty actually serve a purpose, to bring in boatloads of tourists. One thing I never noticed, and I have been in Windsor castle before and seen the outside one other time, is that the walls have jagged flint chips set in the mortar. This is designed I imagine to either cut the ropes or certainly the soles of the feet of would-be attackers. We did hear that one of the reasons Windsor castle was spared in WWII, was that Hitler wanted to use it as a summer home. Wow, talk about "counting your chickens."</p> <p class="MsoNormal">There was only one set of "line-cutters" today, as opposed to the unwashed hordes of Spaniards at the Greenwich Observatory. From some former Soviet-bloc nation (another reason to bemoan the fall of communism and the end of the cold war) they appeared to be taking a photo, then got in line in front of us across a driveway (as the line was not allowed across the driveway, and the Windsor Castle line attendant was distracted; guess by which senior member of our entourage). Once we caught up with them, we did try subtle hints like, "I guess some people don't know the line goes back that far." However, I do not think that the sound waves from our voice could penetrate the strong odor barrier that clung to these lummoxes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Windsor castle is as one would expect - a castle. However it is the swag inside that makes one almost swoon being overcome with the grandeur. This includes absolute one-of-a-kind works of art such as hand painted china from the mid-1700s, to jade baskets once owned by the emperor of China. And that's just what's in the "loo." Note the English - even though they speak English, it is not our 'merican English. They say "loo" for "toilet," "lift" for "elevator," "crisps" for "potato chips" and "knee trembler" for "happy ending."</p> <p class="MsoNormal">There were some good pictures outside of the castle; I decided - since it would be probably more felonious and considered espionage - to forgo the use of my "spy pen" or iPhone to video tape inside Windsor. We bought a book. We also got to see some of the strapping young guards marching about. These guys were making women from 15 to 50 flush, and they had a great way of calling out before marching "Make way for the Queen's guards." A lot of tourists would stand (or crouch) in their path, intent on getting a picture. Unfortunately we saw no one trampled (which the guards will do), as enough of the castle staff kept warning people to move.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We had planned a teatime (with ale) in the early afternoon, and unfortunately the pub I had been to before would not let Avery stay, as he was under 14. It was a shame as it is next to a green that is sometimes used by the Royal family when in residence, as well as the "long walk" and "Elizabeth's walk." We went to another place, and Cindy and a few others broke off to get tea in the "crooked house" of Windsor. Some then went shopping, and some went over the Thames to Eaton.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Later we went back to the hotel, and then to dinner. We weren't sure what to do, but then decided on this small Italian place we saw. What was odd (yet I suppose in retrospect true of the many pushy Italians we met) was that we were met at the door, and the maitre de just said "no room" and walked away, even though it appeared to be 50% empty. We settled on the same place we ate the night before, the Royal Stag. The food was great, ales were great, even appetizers like "whitebait" were great. Then it was back to the hotel, where along the way I learned never to eat blackberries growing along a public sidewalk near a pub, to pack for tomorrow; as it was a 3:00 PM flight, there would be no rush.</p> <!--EndFragment-->OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-47419376220300000332010-08-08T03:00:00.002-04:002010-08-08T03:04:19.888-04:002010 Vacation Day 8 [ G I ]<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Today (Aug 6) was the Tower of London and the Monument, and whatever else we could see in-between. As Cindy and I had been to the Tower about 5 years ago, I was surprised how things had changed. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The first is that there is no video taping of the Beefeaters giving their (often humorous and irreverent) tours. There was also no "tipping encouraged" hints from these gentlemen; I guess some bureaucrat decided that it was unprofessional for these yeomen of the guard to accept a tip? Who knows. And on the subject of tipping, it does take some getting used to that in Europe in general, tipping is not an everyday occurrence.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The other big change was the "white tower" had been redone inside. This houses mostly arms and armory, and was re-done to be clearer and more interactive. There was an area where kids could interact with old weaponry, such as drawing a longbow and "firing" a catapult. The armor was displayed in some cases mounted on "sprues" so it looked like an enormous plastic model kit.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The ravens were still there, although moved a bit as there was a construction project underway on the white tower as part of external renovation (saw a lot of these, probably similar to Obama's Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Unusually birds of ill omen (think "Poe" and "nevermore", according to legend the future of both Country and Kingdom relies upon their continued residence, for at least six ravens must remain lest both Tower and Monarchy fall. It is difficult to see, as the ravens can fly for short distances, but of course their wings are subtly "clipped" so they can no make it over the wall.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We also walked over the Tower Bridge to have lunch; and coming back we saw an uncommon treat; in that the bridge was up and then coming down after letting a sailboat go through. You have to remind yourself that the span was opened in 1894, and the mechanisms still work today, although the steam engines are for display only.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We then went to the Monument, which was built by architect Christopher Wren in 1677 to commemorate the 1666 Great Fire of London, which absolutely devastated the city. As I had a) already climbed the monument 5 years ago, and b) was now 5 years older, I eschewed a chance to get a certificate for the journey up and down. Evan went up, which he thought was pretty easy; well if you're a 17-year-old track star with 1% body fat, then yes I would agree.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-27684620575578550692010-08-06T02:41:00.005-04:002010-08-06T04:25:17.133-04:002010 Vacation Day 7 [ G I ]<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">For August 5 we had a bit different way of getting around, to get to Greenwich, which requires a bit of planning. We took a cab to Slough (rhymes with "sow") and did the following. Fortunately a 2-day rail pass is relatively inexpensive, and if lost by one of your children is easily replaced:<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">- First Great Western RR towards Paddington Station [20 min]</p> <p class="MsoNormal">- Walk to Paddington tube [8 min]</p> <p class="MsoNormal">- Paddington Underground, take Bakerloo Line towards Elephant & Castle [5 min]</p> <p class="MsoNormal">- Baker Street Underground, take Jubilee Line towards Stratford Underground [15 min]</p><p class="MsoNormal">- Canary Wharf, Docklands Light Railway to Greenwich [10 min].</p> <p class="MsoNormal">What we did do that was different is that me and the boys got off at Island Garden stop of the Docklands RR, and walked across the Thames. I don't mean like Jesus (or Chance, the gardener) but there is a Victorial-era tunnel under the Thames. We met at the Cutty Sark station near Greenwich, home of the Royal Observatory and Greenwich Mean Time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">One item to mention that was an amazing source of frustration was one could have a GPS in one hand, an iPhone with Google Maps in t'other, standing in front of an area map sign clearly showing where you were and where the Docklands RR station was and therefore easily how to get there (it's over that way behind yonder building). Yet some family members and relatives still insist on flagging down a random securityesque person (who of course says "blimey, it's over tha' way behind the building, squire"). Said encounter also requires the requisite "we used to live in England story." Now each of these delays are not great in and unto themselves, but I am reminded of the parable of <i>a mountain that was reduced to a plain, because visitors took a handful of earth each day for centuries</i>, if you catch my obtuse drift.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On to the University of Greenwich grounds, home to the Royal Naval Hospital's Painted Chapel. This was originally built to house injured sailors, but when completed a long time ago it was so beautiful as to become a paid attraction.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We walked past the National Maritime Museum, but we did not have time to go in. I did miss my pre-emptive attempt to approach the guard for a perfunctory "is this the way to the Observatory" (all the while surrounded by 9-foot signs pointing to what looked like an observatory on a nearby hilltop) thereby preventing my father-in-law from doing the same.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We then went to the Observatory to see the Prime Meridian, which is actually more amazing than it sounds. What was also amazing was the fuc... er, tourists that would simply ignore a long line waiting to take pictures, and jump to the front. Mostly Spaniards, but we'll speak of that later. Some tried to jump in front of us, and they seemed quite insulted at my attempts to speak to them in their native gibberish ("that's the line over there,<i> el lino, la linee, la ligna, la cucaracha waitino</i>" but I never said I was fluent).</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After the Observatory, we walked back to the train station to head over to Big Ben. One of the other things I had to do - as master herder - was to keep distractions to a minimal and keep us on schedule. I know some of those on this trip did not like that, but my job was not to be liked but to get us from points A to B to C in the allotted time. As with guards, my in-laws have a fascinating attraction to the canus genus that borders on the pathological. I mean if I see a dog I think to myself "there's a dog." I might say to the owner, "nice dog." But to some people it becomes a discussion of lifetime dog ownership. As with the guards, this discourse may only take 2-3 minutes, but at 1-4 guards and 5-7 dogs per hour (DPH?) this can be an appreciable delay.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As two dogs approached in Greenwich Park, I (and my kids) saw them before my father-in-law. I hissed the order "distract him <b>now</b>" but they looked at me with blank stares, so I quickly asked "what kind of tree is this?" In a scene worthy of Hogan's Heroes, as my father-in-law turned to his left to face the tree, the dogs passed behind him to his right. My kids and I had to hold our laughter, as it was truly one o the funniest things we had ever seen.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We stopped in at a pub to have a snack, and a drink. What happened was very funny, as my father-in-law had what we call an <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/4865020761/">exploding beer glass.</a> He bumped it with his elbow, not hard enough to knock it over, and it exploded in shards of glass; probably due to a hidden stress fracture. No one injured and electronics (which got splashed) apparently none the worse.</p><p class="MsoNormal">We then went back to the other side of the Thames, to see Big Ben, Westminster, Parliment and several other buildings. We were supposed to meet my sister-in-law (as she went in to London by herself once she awoke around noon) but even the breathtakingly simple task of "meet at Charing Cross at time X" was beyond her, as for quite a while she did not know where she was. As I promised I will not dwell on the details and frustration of waiting for over 1/2 hour with two hungry kids, but suffice to say if a trip like this happens again (very unlikely) she will have to be "chipped" or otherwise equipped with a GPS tracking device.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We returned late around 9, just in time to hit the hotel bar for water and beer.</p> <!--EndFragment-->OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-41431563946279193772010-08-06T01:50:00.004-04:002010-08-06T01:59:38.262-04:002010 Vacation Scotland [ G I ]<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdWHAWHSHQoUp67S8GLxBAJHRLcQDsQMZubXXYIoThumoHk0WvQqGkWGiUF-5aE1Gc1YARcIlNPs_lndolQEK948OA_MJglf-wWOb6kzWie8joWqzwRu-4NbYdTD6hNK2h3-bLNKdSaPw/s1600/ScotlandDrive.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdWHAWHSHQoUp67S8GLxBAJHRLcQDsQMZubXXYIoThumoHk0WvQqGkWGiUF-5aE1Gc1YARcIlNPs_lndolQEK948OA_MJglf-wWOb6kzWie8joWqzwRu-4NbYdTD6hNK2h3-bLNKdSaPw/s400/ScotlandDrive.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502170537885984514" /></a><p class="MsoNormal">A) Glasgow airport</p> <p class="MsoNormal">B) Glasgow hotel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">C) Loch Lomond for ash service</p> <p class="MsoNormal">D) Kilmore & Kilbride highland games</p> <p class="MsoNormal">E) Glen Nevis for ash service </p> <p class="MsoNormal">F) Fort William hotel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">G) saw the Commando memorial</p> <p class="MsoNormal">H) Urquhart Castle Loch Ness</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I) Inverness Castle</p> <p class="MsoNormal">J) Balvenie castle and Glenfiddich Distillery</p> <p class="MsoNormal">K) Huntly Castle </p> <p class="MsoNormal">L) Aberdeen hotel</p> <p class="MsoNormal">M) Brechin cathedral</p> <p class="MsoNormal">N) Glamis castle</p> <p class="MsoNormal">O) St. Andrews Cathedral </p> <p class="MsoNormal">P) Cupar B&B</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Q) Falkland Palace </p> <p class="MsoNormal">R) Linlithgow Palace & Scottish RR museum</p> <p class="MsoNormal">S) Rosslyn chapel </p> <p class="MsoNormal">T) Edinburgh hotel, Edinburgh castle, ash service</p> <p class="MsoNormal">U) Edinburgh airport</p> <!--EndFragment-->OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-83703540429005020542010-08-05T17:20:00.005-04:002010-08-06T01:05:02.509-04:002010 Vacation Day 6 [ G I ]<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">August 4 was a slow start, as everyone (me included) slept a bit longer. We scaled back some of my suggestions to just mostly Edinburgh castle and the castle area, such as part of the royal mile. We took a cab up as the road is really steep, and Cindy’s dad uses a cane occasionally. We got to see the setup for the Military Tattoo, a bagpipe and drum corps competition. Thankfully we won’t be there as the entire city is apparently “wild” as the hotel attendant told us.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">One thing I didn’t mention was one of the challenges in driving on the lef <b> LOOK OUT LOOK AT THAT!!</b> (What? Where? Oh you’re speaking about the interesting building over there, and not the traffic conditions.) Yes, Cindy’s dad was very comment-ful and <b>TURN HERE!! HERE!!!!!</b> (no I’m following the GPS) very helpful with directing my driving.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The castle itself is mainly a museum to Scottish history, as well as the castle history itself. It has such things as the war museum, and a museum to Scottish forces in global and local conflicts. There are churches and even a cannon firing. These words do not do it justice at all.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">One thing that was amazing was the absolute pushiness of some of the tourists. I’ll have to write separately but Italians and French are pushy, but no more than the worst New Jerseyians, However the Spaniards are amazing – it is as if any rules of humanity do not exist.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After Edinburgh castle we walked part of the “Royal Mile” which as near as I can tell a craftily orchestrated tourist trap. A lot of nice things, but really with the visitor to Scotland in mind. We did see a cute character in costume outside the Whiskey Museum. He was a large shot of whiskey, and although not named we christened him "<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/4864433106/">Cirrosey, the Whiskey Mascot</a>." I believe he was handing out whiskey-flavored lollipops to the kids. Avery and I went to the Scottish Monument as well.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I also tried to have a beer but in a perfect example of "reverse pendulum" was I couldn't get an ale with him in tow. The first place - Rose Street Brewery - said a child with you couldn't be under 18; I said he wasn't drinking, but the rule was "if the child can see the bar you can't bring him in." I offered to put Avery's eyes out, but I do not think the barmaid understood my humor. The next bar he could go into (he wanted to eat after all) but he had to be 14; and not knowing this I answered honestly "13." I settled for a sandwich with a Mountain Dew.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We then met up with everyone and took a cab to the airport. We arrived late but safe, on to Slough. Tomorrow London, Greenwich, and the Prime Meridian.</p> <!--EndFragment-->OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-7201930711067604962010-08-05T01:29:00.002-04:002010-08-05T01:31:59.535-04:002010 Vacation Day 5 [ G I ]On August 3 we went to Falkland Palace. Before we left I had spoken to the B&B owner Elizabeth and chatted about such things as the "wee beasties" that inhabit Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. I gave her a copy of the Lake Monsters book I illustrated, and she thought that was so nice.<div><br /></div><div>Falkland Palace is an occupied palace. The antiquities and other items of historical significance were amazing. I thought I had been in the Brechin cathedral area before, but it was this palace I had seen. There was no photography but again I may have been able to get some covert pictures. There was also a garden with a giant checkers board. The town of Falkland was also very quaint, with some great architecture.</div><div><br /></div><div>After the palace, we drove to the Linlithgow castle ruins. These comprise some huge remaining structures, four stories tall. The view over the local river is spectacular, when viewed form the windswept crumbling precipice. Linlithgow castle is located just next to the Church of St. Michael, with its characteristic aluminum “crystal” steeple. We had a lot of fun climbing, and Avery (true to form, wonder where he gets it) was able to unlock an iron gate on the 4th floor. This allowed a shot fo the boys that was spectacular (and totally safe, as long as you stayed away from the edge).</div><div><br /></div><div>We left Linlithgow castle and I had seen something about “steam trains” so we made a small diversion. It was the Scottish rail museum, but I resisted the temptation to go inside. We took some photos of the outside of the trains, both running and rusted.</div><div><br /></div><div>We then went to Rosslyn Chapel which is famous (infamous?) as the legendary resting place of the Holy Grail, placed there by the Knights Templar – at least according to the Da VinciCode. The chapel was undergoing extensive restoration so a lot of the outside was not visible, Note the way they clean the outside is to blast with baking soda; this removed decades or centuries of dirt, and impregnates porous stone and mortar with an alkali that wards off the effect of acid rain. Inside and outside the chapel are perhaps the most amazing and intricate carvings of any historic structure. There is a stone column with detailed spirals of animals going to the ark, carved by the apprentice. According to legend when the head sculptor saw it he flew into a jealous rage and killed the apprentice; then he too was hanged. Their faces are allegedly carved into the corners of the chapel, the apprentice’s includes a gash symbolizing his head wound.</div><div><br /></div><div>There it was to Edinburgh to the ROSL (Royal Over Seas League) house and hotel. What I didn’t know was that Princes street (where they were) was not accessible by car, as the street in front was for busses and taxis only. Needless to say I was not happy with a) Garmin or b) the hotel (for not mentioning it) and c) Edinburgh city council. Anyway, let’s just say t was tense driving, but again I hit no one and nothing. I did park and went to the hotel to find that we just have to park on a side street.</div><div><br /></div><div>Evan and I went to the airport to return the rental. When we got gas we were almost hit by some bird texting while she pulled away from the pumps! We took a cab back to the hotel and I found the views of the castle from the hotel were truly spectacular. We all went to dinner, where I had my 1300th beer (Stewart Brewing’s Holyrood). After dinner Avery wanted McDonalds, so we let both boys wander down to McD’s. <!--EndFragment--> </div>OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-81598845354364919522010-08-04T02:13:00.002-04:002010-08-04T02:15:36.064-04:002010 Vacation Day 4 [ G I ]<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Today (Aug 2) we set out to see "Old Aberdeen," as it is called. I had planned to leave the hotel about 8, but I am finding this to be an admirable, albeit unreachable, goal. Unfortunately the plans I laid out do require sort of adherence to them - not like the airlines mind you but if we want to see "point "A" then travel to "point B" before noon then we sort of have to do this. Anyway, as it turned out, "Old Aberdeen" is mostly Aberdeen College, and trying to park there is like trying to park in Cambridge MA. WE decided again to leave for Brechin Cathedral in the town of Brechin. I was happy to see there was also Brechin Castle nearby, and the New Caledonian Railway.</p><p class="MsoNormal">The Cathedral would be a church by most definitions, but there was a Bishop there since like the 1300s; a Bishops sits in a chair called a "Cathedra" so even though the church is smallish for a cathedral, it is one nonetheless. It also has one of only two circular towers in Scotland, as most towers were built with square bases. The cathedral was beautiful, and had some amazing stained glass windows. There was also some Pict stone carvings in their collection. We listened to some stories from one of the church elders who happened by. He explained the history of the cathedral, such as when soldiers were garrisoned there, and why the columns on each side do not match (either bigger plans or lack of funds, or both).</p><p class="MsoNormal">We then walked through town a bit; I had been through her eon business and had seen the outside of the cathedral previously. But couldn't find some of the shops I remembered. I did have a Scottish beef and onion "bridie" (their equivalent of a Cornish "pastie" or meat pie). We drove to the New Caledonian Railway and I was prepared for a letdown as this is a tourist railway (last vestiges of the Caledonian Railway) that runs on weekends. Didn't even get to see any locomotives or rolling stock, but the restored Victorian-era station was a delight.</p><p class="MsoNormal">We then went to Brechin castle, but this was a real shock - the castle is only open 1 month a year for tours, as it is fully occupied. The owners did set up a garden shop and other retail shops on some land they sold. The god news is they had a theater/museum about the Pixcts, the first inhabitants of Scotland. They are obviously long gone now, but left behind pictograms (stone carvings), many place names, and the legend of the "lost Roman Legion."</p><p class="MsoNormal">From here we left for Glamis castle; this is a fully occupied castle that is sort of a living museum. We had a great tour although no cameras could be used. However my pen-movie-camera seemed to function fine and I'll post a movie and/or pictures once I edit it. The castle was full of absolutely priceless artifacts relating to Scottish and English history. It was also haunted, but the nun who accompanied our tour thankfully kept them at bay.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Due to timing, we (I) had to forgo visiting even briefly the St. Andrews golf museum (I mean what's so special, just the birthplace of golf), as well as the Dreel Tavern, which was supposedly one of the best true taverns in Scotland. Buit we had to keep everyone (especially that certain someone) happy. Of course it staggers the imagination to not understand if driving from Glasgow to Fort William to Inverness to Aberdeen to Cupar that we as a group would be together in the same car, and there would not be a lot of "me time." But I digress. Again.</p><p class="MsoNormal">We had a minor problem with the B&B we had arranged, as one guest decided to "stay on" as owner Nick put it. However he arranged a stay for some of us at a place about 7 houses away. Run by a very charming lady (with two hilarious Jack Russell terriers) we had a great stay. She told us a story about a calf they adopted when the mother wouldn't keep it, as it was born at an odd time of year. They raised it in the basement for 6 months!</p><p class="MsoNormal">I also had to really bite the inside of my cheek to keep from making a joke when the lady's aquarium sprung a leak. Not at the leak, but what she said. She told us (and I am not making this up) how her son was an engineer with BP, and when she called him, the best he could suggest to stop the leak was to put some plastic cling wrap on the inside of the tank (which did little). The lady applied some bar soap to the outside of the tank which seemed to stop the leak temporarily; at my suggestion she used a hair dryer to harden the soap. It worked, I guess BP should've called us a few months ago.</p> <!--EndFragment-->OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-37027003786378766332010-08-02T01:53:00.002-04:002010-08-02T01:55:05.427-04:002010 Vacation Day 3 [ G I ]<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Leaving Fort William, we proceeded up the A82 past the unimaginatively named Loch Lochy past Loch Oich to Urqhart castle on the shores of Loch Ness. This castle dates from the 6<sup>th</sup> century in the time of St. Columbia. Although we saw a lot fo Loch Ness we saw no monsters, I think. One thing I am not allowed to write about is what happened with my sister-in-law at Urqhart castle.</p><p class="MsoNormal">As we were a bit behind, we planned to just see Inverness castle in Inverness, When we arrived, we saw it was a really modern, occupied building, so we eschewed this and some other Inverness attractions and left for Balvenie castle. This one is a bit more intact than Urqhart, but not much. A really impressive structure, all of these castle even more impressive when you realize this was built sans cranes, bulldozers, etc.</p><p class="MsoNormal">We also stopped at the Glenfiddich distillery, as it is about 1,000 feet from the castle. Although modern in the inside (no photos) the buildings look quaint and old; the visitor center is the original distillery from over 100 years ago. They sell bottles at prices up to and including 10,000 Pounds for a 50-year old scotch.</p><p class="MsoNormal">From there to Huntley Castle near Huntley (where else). We didn’t have a lot of time as the closed in about 1/2 hour, so we ran through and took lots of pictures. This castle still had some great detailed carvings left, as many castles were stripped of anything ornate (even plain stones) for local peasants to use as building materials.</p><p class="MsoNormal">We arrived in Aberdeen about on time (who was wrong to make a schedule?) and lucked out again. The hotel (Craibstones Suites) was like the Fort William hotel newly-renovated with posh accoutrements and a fantastic mini-kitchen. The Italian restaurant near us was closed, and no one at the time really wanted Spanish tapas, so we chose a Chinese restaurant.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Later Avery and I went walking to get some next day snacks. We found a grocery store that was moving, so everything (beer too) was 1/2 price. However, due to some draconian Byzantine law I could not buy beer accompanied by a minor. I was told (the girl thought 13-year-old Avery was 16 or 17) that I cannot buy alcohol with a minor with me. I thought she meant (like in the States) that he couldn’t carry it. I was told flat-out I couldn’t buy it. Weird; so we wne tnext door and he waited outside.</p> <!--EndFragment-->OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-48948810070664898082010-08-02T01:51:00.001-04:002010-08-02T01:53:00.746-04:002010 Vacation Day 2 [ G I S ]<p class="MsoNormal">Avery and I went out walking near the River Kelvin at around 6:00 AM. We went over the Ha’penny bridge and then back around to the hotel. We all had breakfast and left Glasgow for Loch Lomond. This is one place where Cindy’s mom’s ashes were to be scattered. There we saw the most amazing tree, and then we headed to Oban then to Kilmore for the Highland Games. </p><p class="MsoNormal">We arrived just as the rain broke – it was very sunny for about an hour. We watched hammer throws and other manly events; some of the female contestants were fairly manly, as well. Then up the A828 over Loch Etive (a one-lane converted railroad bridge) and Loch Creran (with a real two-lane bridge) to Fort William. We dropped stuff at the Nevis Bank Inn (just renovated, great score for a hotel) and then to Glen Nevis area for more scattering. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Glen Nevis is this nature preserve with some amazing scenery and a lot of waterfalls and streams. The spot chosen was on the edge of an undercut, deadly raging stream (as opposed to the placid brook Evan suggested that flows into said stream, I could see headlines now: “man watches in mock horror as spouse, father-in-law and sister-in-law perish, but I digress). This done we stopped near the foot of Ben Nevis (highest mountain in Scotland) for pictures. </p><p class="MsoNormal">We then went to the hotel, and back into town for dinner. We ate at a great restaurant, No. 4, and Evan tried Haggis (sheep heart, lungs, liver mix cooked in the stomach, very “hearty”). I had a great Scottish grass-fed steak, cooked as some know just barely.</p>OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-26588254366360112772010-07-31T00:33:00.008-04:002010-07-31T03:21:33.069-04:002010 Vacation Day 1 [ G I ]This is the first vacation we have ever had as a family in Europe. It is usually the sheer logistics (and cost) that has hindered us in the past. Not that we haven't gone on vacations, such as Cape Cod (usually), Maine, Pennsylvania, and DC.<div><br /></div><div>Anyway, to make this short and sweet. Home to work no problem, left car and took a limo to Logan (cheaper actually than parking there). Virgin Atlantic to Heathrow was a bit late but they made up time. Virgin was awesome as usual ( I mean what virgin isn't) with service and food that belies the cost of the airfare. And than my father-in-law for treating us to the "extra legroom" seats.</div><div><br /></div><div>The only real nightmare so far was Customs, seems there's some renovations going on so there were like 5 people for the "non EU" passengers. And I swear there was one "swarthy" gentleman who tied up an inspector for 20 minutes; and after all that - <b><i>rejected</i></b>!</div><div><br /></div><div>After that, on to the train to Terminal 5, then BA to Glasgow. The flight was a bit late, but we got there okay. The rental was ready, and the drive (on the left or "wrong" side) was uneventful, I only clipped one mirror while in the city.</div><div><br /></div><div>The only issue was the on-line reservation with the Kelingrove, the guy was apologetic and called several times to check but he had no record (we had paid a deposit to someone) and only one room. However he called the Ambassador hotel and they accommodated us for the same rate. Cindy and I had an apartment so it was arguably a better deal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Given the lateness we didn't plan much of Glasgow, we just walked to dinner. Evan stayed behind as he was very tired. We walked by the Glasgow Botanical GArdens,and may stop in next morning before we depart for the Highland Games.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/opusmark/"><b><i>See photos here</i></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-51631071723367382022010-05-31T09:47:00.002-04:002010-08-06T01:56:09.777-04:00Texting to my Wife[ FE I ]Now that my company iPhone has texting turned on again, I can send texts.<br /><br />Of course I can send them to my wife (while at a Memorial Day Parade) but if she does not read then it is pointless.<br />[actual text messages below]<br /><br /><br />Please don't encourage loud people if I'm taping<br /><br />Thanks again<br /><br />Please don't tell strangers our son's last name<br /><br />Don't tell where we live please<br /><br />Please, louder, the parade is almost here<br /><br />Please don't talk about son's girlfriend and where she lives<br /><br />Please don't give girlfriend's name to potential pedophile<br /><br /><br />- BlogPress iPhoneOpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-1705829189117575822010-05-30T14:46:00.000-04:002010-05-30T18:07:35.506-04:00Solving BP's Delimma [ AN G PI S ]I'm not going to go into a long rant about BP and the Gulf oil leak, and rehash what others have said; including almost biblical levels of incompetence, and references to their Texas City TX multi-fatality refinery explosion a few years ago. No I won't mention these things. <br /><br />What I will mention are some ways to contain and possibly stop the oil leak. Note this is written the same week after hearing Robert Kennedy speak at the opening session of a conference, where he railed against any "dirty" fuel (oil/coal) gathering of which this oil leak made great media fodder. But I do understand the need for these fuels, hence the offering of my decades of obscure knowledge and facts that could possibly halt this disaster and prevent similar occurrences.<br /><br /> 1) Why not try mercury? We've heard BP tried pumping down some sorts of "proprietary high-density" fluids. Mercury is the densest fluid at the temperatures encountered. I will just about guarantee mercury will at least temporarily staunch the flow, until a more permanent cap can be engaged. What's that - mercury is toxic? I'm not saying spray it over several hectares, I'm saying pump elemental mercury into the wellhead. And so contained, there is minimal chance of sea-based microorganisms turning it into the more toxic methylmercury that finds it's way into out foodchain. Okay Dr.Teller? <br /><br /> 2) What about lead shot? We've heard other bizarre schemes tried including "mud" (Was the well in need of a complexion re-do? Was the mud supplier Clinique?) Lead shot if small enough diameter in a slurry would be pumpable/flowable almost like a liquid. <br /><br /> 3) Don't like lead or mercury due to toxicity? How about Osmium. Or Antimony? Or Wolfram? (Tungsten to you laymen). Trying any dense metal slurry is better than pulling on your pud while trying to blame dead subcontractors, as BP is. <br /><br /> 4) Where's Red Adair's team when you need them? I mean this is different from burning Kuwait oilfields, but these guys are the seminal "pros from Dover." They must have ideas; certainly they ain't cheap, but nothing good ever is. Cost is irrelevant at this juncture; you need to stop the oil leak that has vaulted you into the unenviable position of leapfrogging the Exxon Valdez in terms of horrificness.<br /><br /> 5) Why not just use explosives? I estimate a "Bunker Buster" bomb would reach "only" 60-70 MPH before hitting the seabed, burrowing into the bedrock and exploding and sealing the well. I sense a reluctance on BP's part to explore a destructive end to the oil leak, as this means no chance to reactivate the well in the future, recouping some of their costs.<br /><br /> 6) What about the Gov'ment? (as my Mom would say). No deep sea submersibles? No wire guided torpedoes or other precision explosives deployment?No replacement for the Navy's NR1? Where's the Alvin or Aluminaut? How about deploying one of those classified atmospheric full body "hard suits" that allegedly can operate at depths of the leak? <br /><br /> 7) How about trying cyanoacrylate (Super-Glue to non-scientists)? This glue has one of if not the greatest adhesive tensile strengths known to man. It also reacts catalytically to the presence of moisture to set a mind-numbing rapidity; so it would seal the well quite handily I'd estimate.<br /><br /> 8) How about a combined assault, trying a "reactive metal" slurry. Lithium or Potassium metal would react with the surrounding water in a violent way, releasing H2 gas from the water, and igniting said H2; with the heat of the reaction fusing the pipes shut.<br /><br /> 9) What about trying hydraulic cement. Note that cement and concrete do not just "dry out" to cure like a water-based glue. They form a hard mortar due to a chemical reaction which takes place regardless of whether they are in the water or not. Pumping hydraulic cement may cap the well.<br /><br />10) What about trying a chunky organic slurry made from BP executives and 20£ notes? This coarsely-ground paste would react with the water, and the inherent amount of bullshit would generate elevated temperatures like a compost bin, fusing the well shut. Besides, who would it hurt? <br /><br />- BlogPress iPhone<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=In%20air%20between%20CO%20&%20NC&z=10'>In air between CO & NC</a></p>OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7154109565139890380.post-74839412879512543132010-04-19T21:27:00.001-04:002010-04-19T21:27:27.933-04:00Off to MumbaiMark is having fun with his business trip.<br /><br />He found out this AM that to American Express a "direct" flight to Mumbai is via Brussels, which until recently was shut down. So we now have a flight via Abu Dhabi that gets in at 3:00 AM Wednesday.<br /><br />Since we have business in the UK (which is open now) we have to get back to Heathrow on Friday. Of course the return leg of our original flight from UK to Mumbai was voided as we didn't fly from UK; this was because there were no outgoing flights. The carrier doesn't care as they can sell it for more.<br /><br />Since we HAVE to be back in UK we now leave Mumbai on Friday at 2:00 AM on the only 2 seats - business class via Brussels. The price is obscene.<br /><br />Posted from my 85% solar iPhone<br /><br />OpusMarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08648237012973722383noreply@blogger.com0