| Proper Beer Titles. |
[Mar. 26th, 2008|02:25 pm] |
This recent "list" from mcsweeneys.net (seriously, go there, it's an awesome site if your a fan of "the literature", as they call it) is just plain awesome, and piqued my interest on multiple levels.
WARNING: swear words ahead. Don't read this if you can't handle swear words or indie humor.
Brews
to Accessorize
the Modern Hipster.
BY KEVIN SCHEITRUM
- - - -
I Liked These Guys Before Anybody Else Knew About Them English Bitter
Boys Don't CrIPA
Oh Fuck My Rent Check Didn't Come in the Mail Bock
Fixed-Gear Bicycleweisse
Essentially Empty Yet Always Present Messenger Baggleywine
Almost Stout of the Closet
All My Friends Are White Ale
So What If I Messed Up Your Starbucks Order Porter
Rummage Sale Pale Ale
I Don't Really Like This but I'm Drinking It to Get Back at My Parents and/or Friends With an Overt and Crass Display of Being Cultured Lambic
I Am Entirely Fucking Done With Society Because It Is Run by Corrupt and Criminally Exploitative Man-Machines Who Don't Give One Shit for Anyone or Anything Except for Money and Power Light Lager
Sleeping Pillsner
Lastly, I would like to add a link to an event I found on mcsweeneys.net
http://www.826michigan.org/events/433/mustache-a-thon-2
Man, I wish I lived closer, and could grow one (click the link to see what I mean). |
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| Beer and Food Pairing Dinner!!! |
[Mar. 4th, 2008|12:04 pm] |
First things first, congrats to Dan and Suzanne on their new baby girl. Parker Elizabeth was born last night at 7:20. Everything looks good!
For the next order of business, a beer and food pairing dinner!! Well, for awhile now Brett and I have been wanting to put together a beer and food pairing dinner. Mark your calendars for April 4th. The cost will be $25. We have a great menu planned, so the ticket cost will barely cover the food. Kevin, our friend who is a chef in the area, is lending his expertise. So, you don't need to be worried about burnt food! Brett and I will cover the beer selection. We still have a lot of details to figure out, but I wanted to post a very preliminary idea of what the menu might look like. This will be on a first come first serve. Basically we will only have about 13 tickets left to sell after those who are already comitted to coming. Whoever gets cash to us first will get in. Should be fun. feel free to email me at masonjer1@gmail.com to let me know if you are interested.
Course 1
Food – Sesame seared tuna
Beer – Hennepin (Ommegang Saison)
Course 2
Food – Salad w/ Goat cheese (not finalized yet)
Beer – Bells Best Brown
Course 3
Food – curry soup
Beer – two hearted IPA
Course 4
Food – Balsamic marinated beef tenderloin flank Indian brown ale sauce
Beer - Dogfish head Indian Brown ale
Course 5
Food – applewood smoked chedder cheese course
Beer – Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine
Course 6
Food – Lindeman's Framboise sorbet
Course 7
Food – Flourless chocolate
Beer – Blushing Monk/Expedition Stout |
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| Ahi. |
[Feb. 25th, 2008|03:26 pm] |
I just had seared (basically rare) tuna from the fish market for lunch and it was delicious. Served with Freshly steamed vegetables and a side of garlic mash potatoes. The only thing that would have made the meal more delicious is if Jesus made wine to go with the meal. I am posting this because half the people that read this will say "that sounds amazing" and the other half will say "raw fish is absolutely disgusting".
To tie this post into something you might care about. Seared Ahi (tuna) will be the first course of a 7 course beer dinner that is to be happening soon. More details to come.
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| love. |
[Feb. 18th, 2008|01:56 pm] |
In honor of the recent valentines day, and not blogging in months, I thought I would post on love. Actually, I don't have anything profound to say, but I do have this verse.
Song of Songs 8:6-7
Hang my locket around your neck, wear my ring on your finger. Love is invincible facing danger and death. Passion laughs at the terrors of hell. The fire of love stops at nothing-- it sweeps everything before it. 7 Flood waters can't drown love, torrents of rain can't put it out. Love can't be bought, love can't be sold-- it's not to be found in the marketplace.
This is the verse Kristen and I chose for our wedding. I still love it. I just painted this picture yesterday that's my interpretation of the verse. There is a good chance you can't see it because I took the picture with my phone, but you get the idea. I hope your valentines day was as as passionate as this verse (hopefully the fire of love didn't melt your chocolates).
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| Last Night. |
[Jan. 11th, 2008|01:35 pm] |
So, Eric Craft and I went to a new bar opening in Grand Rapids last night. They are not opening until saturday, but last night was a special night for members of ratebeer.com and beeradvocate.com. Everything was 1/2 off. It is a really cool bar, with over 150 bottles and 48 micro brews on tap, over half of it michigan beer.
Eric and I had ordered burgers and we were hanging out in this cool lounge upstairs when we noticed lights outside. We then realized there was a raging fire in the dumpster. We ran downstairs and told them and then ran outside where they used two fire extinguishers to put it out. Everything ended up ok except for the melted dumpster lid.
It was a great night overall, we met a couple and talked with them for a couple hours. Even sharing our beer. Eventually a brewer from Founders brewing joined us and we talked with him for awhile. It was cool to ask him lots of geeky questions. It was getting late so we headed downstairs to leave. But not before running into Larry Bell (owner and founder of Bells Brewing). I talked to him for a few minutes and couldn't help myself from heaping on the praise.
It was a great bar, great food, great company, and really good beer. The exlamation point for the night came when we found out that they let us eat and drink for free because we told them about the fire. It doesn't get much better than that. |
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| my wonderful personality. |
[Dec. 27th, 2007|11:37 am] |
ENFP - The "Advocate" Myers-Briggs Personality Types (Free Test)
ENFPs are introspective, values-oriented, inspiring, social and extremely expressive. They actively send their thoughts and ideas out into the world as a way to bring attention to what they feel to be important, which often has to do with ethics and current events. ENFPs are natural advocates, attracting people to themselves and their cause with excellent people skills, warmth, energy and positivity. ENFPs are described as creative, resourceful, assertive, spontaneous, life-loving, charismatic, passionate and experimental.
"ENFPs are warm, enthusiastic people, typically very bright and full of potential. They live in the world of possibilities, and can become very passionate and excited about things. Their enthusiasm lends them the ability to inspire and motivate others, more so than we see in other types. They can talk their way in or out of anything. They love life, seeing it as a special gift, and strive to make the most out of it."
"They can't bear to miss out on what is going on around them; they must experience, first hand, all the significant social events that affect our lives."
"Friends are what life is about to ENFPs, moreso even than the other NFs. They hold up their end of the relationship, sometimes being victimized by less caring individuals. ENFPs are energized by being around people. Some have real difficulty being alone, especially on a regular basis."
I would say a lot of this is right on. I am trying to pull the downside from this personality type, I think this quote might help as well.
"outgoing, social, disorganized, easily talked into doing silly things, spontaneous, wild and crazy, acts without thinking..."
-Jer |
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| "Senior citizens, although slow and dangerous behind the wheel, can still serve a purpose" -Loyd |
[Nov. 28th, 2007|01:47 pm] |
One thing I love about Riverview (the church I go to) is the huge population of young people who attend. I think it is unique to have a church that attracts young people. It certainly does not make things easier.
Nonetheless, it is really amazing to see young people with a heart for God. But there is one issue that I keep coming back to. With so many young leaders we have to continue in our appreciation for our elder leaders.
I love the fact that so many of my friends are leaders in various roles at riverview. At the same time, it really scares me. I am 25 years old. I am barely getting used to my first real job, I am in the process of buying my first house and I am still working on the whole having a baby thing (well that's more up to my wife). As far as life experience or wisdom, I feel like I am working from ground zero. It's crazy to think that over half the people at riverview are younger than I am.
Fortunately I am not writing this because I can point to a lot of specific examples where I see this happening. I can only say with regret, that I have been guilty of disrespect before and it did a lot more damage than I thought possible.
So, this is my point. If you haven't thought about this, then start thinking. Ask yourself these questions.
What would riverview (or more specificaly your life) look like without the leadership of our elders (meaning those older than yourself)?
Who are the people in your life who have offered wisdom and advice and how has that changed your life?
What does the bible say about respecting our elders and what warnings does it give if we fail to do so? |
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| Utopias. |
[Nov. 21st, 2007|12:28 pm] |
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Ever wanted to try the strongest beer in the world? Well clear your calendar for Wednesday November 29. Crunchys bar will be serving tiny samples of Samuel Adams Utopias. Go here for more info. http://www.ratebeer.com/Beer/samuel-adams-utopias/12228/ Coming in at over 25% ABV, this beer is not cheap to make. So expect to spend a mint if you want a few ounces of the stuff. Brett and I will be there. |
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| Today. |
[Nov. 14th, 2007|04:02 pm] |
Today Sucks.
-Jer |
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| Beer and Music. |
[Nov. 2nd, 2007|09:43 am] |
This is my contribution to session #9: beer and music.
I graduated from college in 2005. Go spartans. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life so I started working with my dad. Eventually I decided to join him and be a financial planner. I took all the tests, got licensed, and have finally enjoyed my first year being independent. I told myself when I was younger that I would never wear a suit and a tie. I wasn't going to sell out and have an office job. Well, that was then, and this is now. I have a wife, hopefully a family, and just yesterday I signed all the papers to buy my first house. Responsibility is setting in.
Sometimes I feel like I live two different lives. Everyday I go home from work, put on my eclectic clothes, mess my hair up and relax. My car transports me from one life to another. I don't think I am two different people, just one person with different responsibilities and passions. I have learned that this job is one that I can support my family with as well as be passionate about and help others. Which I am really excited about.
But, I still love the arts. I have always loved music. From the punk band I used to play in, to the rock band, to the eclectic band I play in now, there has always been music. Most importantly, there has always been art. I love creating, and I love people who create. I have never been one to wear the same shirt (OK, I have a few favorites), go to the same restaurant, or listen to the same music over and over.
Fortunately, about a year and a half ago, I found good beer. I have not stopped seeking and learning since then. The thing I love about beer is the similarties to music, and the art of it all. If I may compare the two. There is nothing more rewarding than writing (brewing) a great song (beer). Or hearing a song that someone else has written (brewed) that really catches you off guard, leaving you smiling and wondering at the beauty of it. The hard work, the risk, putting yourself out there, doing something that hasn't been done before. But the pay off is huge. There will be failure, loss, sadness. But there will also be rejoicing. Upon first listen (taste) by others, you will know that you have done well. And if you don't yourself compose, share your passion for music (beer) with others. Open their eyes to the newness that exists when all is risked to create (brew) something truly special. We were made to create (brew), we were made to take it in(drink) it, we were made to share it. |
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| Lamentations. |
[Oct. 17th, 2007|10:38 am] |
So, I was reading in Lamentations today. Really cool book. After I read a few chapters, I decided to pull out my handy commentary to get the down low on what I was reading. It's basically describing the destruction of Jerusalem. They think it was written by the prophet Jeremiah. One of the coolest things is that 3 of the chapters are written in alphabetical order. Meaning that each verse starts with the next letter of the alphabet. This would have helped with memorization (don't go running to your bible to look, the bible was not originally written in English, in case you didn't know).
The crazy part of the book is that Jeremiah prophesied that Jerusalem would be destroyed. He basically told everyone this was going to happen. But, even though he knew, the book is just describing some of his sorrow for the agony that is all around him. He hardly makes any reference to his own prophecy because he is so consumed by the pain around him.
The other thing that struck me as I was reading was a character quality of God. We serve an honest God. He doesn't leave us in the dark about his hard to swallow justice. He inspired a book describing the torment that a man is going through after his city has been destroyed. Somehow, that is so comforting to me. If the bible only spoke of God's grace and mercy, I would feel so untrusting of who he really was. But God, in his perfect justice and judgement, holds nothing back. He has included so many horrific and tragic events in the bible. God is not like the dad who irks his responsibility of punishing his child. Or wants to forget the punishment handed down. He follows through, and then he leaves an obvious and lasting retelling of the horror that was. God never questions his judgement. It is good to serve an honest God. |
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| Seattle, God, Beer, God, music. |
[Sep. 20th, 2007|10:38 am] |
So, just got back last night from the "Continuous Worship" conference at Mars Hill Church in Seattle. I went with Ben, Brandon, and Dan. Overall it was really good and it gave me a lot to think about. First off, Seattle is an awesome city and I was able to share some great conversations over good food and great beer. Second, Mars Hill is a neat church. They do some things I like, some things I don't, but I think they are really living for Jesus.
Overall, most of the talks were on what "worship" really is. There is a lot of crap to wade through when it comes to this issue. I was challenged a lot with how I am doing music at Riverview, but I was way more challenged on my relationship with Jesus. And that is the biggest thing I need to work on when it comes to the music I create or play.
One thing is for sure, Mars Hill has some crazy talented musicians. The music was really in a league of it's own. Most of that is probably because it is really my "style" of music. Obviously, there were things I liked and disliked about that as well, but nobody can say that they aren't talented.
Overall, it was a conference that I wish everyone I know could have attended. I am really excited to continue making music at riverview. I am also really encouraged that Riverview has been active in discussing a lot of the issues we discussed at the conference. I don't feel like we were blindsided by anything enormous. We, as a church, love Jesus and are striving to be relevant to the people that come to our services. We have talented musicians who love God and are worshiping him everyday. Nobody ever arrives, but it is exciting to try.
Laslty, how could I end this post in any other way than to talk about my latest shoe purchase. For those of you who like to dress a little crazy, you can find my current favorite shoe company here http://www.cr8tiverecreation.com/ (It is ok if Noel is the only one who clicks this link, making the big assumption he reads this blog.) We happend upon a clothing store which had multiple styles of these shoes for 75% off. A girls dream. I have to admit that I probably wouldn't have gone so crazy on the colors if any other pairs were my size. But now, I am really glad I have my first pair of shoes with pink (forget the salmon talk, I am man enough to wear pink shoes) and yellow. Here is the pic of my shoes. This is so you can wear sunglasses the next time you are around me if need be.
Word,
Jer |
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| Biblioteca. |
[Sep. 7th, 2007|11:52 am] |
It is the little things in life that make me excited. As most of you know, I am stupid. It hit me, after reading Noels blog, that I don't have to buy books, I can just check them out from the library. For some reason, this has not occured to me in years. There is a book I have been wanting to read for about a year but couldn't bring myself to buy it. Now it is sitting on my coffee table at my apartment. It's a beautiful thing.
The book is By Dave Eggers and is called "What is the What". It is a fiction story based on true accounts from a "lost boy" (sudanes refugee) who told Eggers stories over a few year timespan. I don't read a ton, but he is definitely one of my favorite authors. I have read "a beautiful work of staggering genius", one of his first books and it is one of my favorites. By the way, biblioteca does not mean "bible" in spanish. Guess what it does mean.
-Jer |
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| So raise your fist and drive around. |
[Aug. 27th, 2007|03:21 pm] |
If ever I was convinced that the world was going to end, it would have to be now. In August alone I have barely escaped the following natural disasters. Earthquake, hurricane, forest fires, flooding and lets not forget tornadoes. Thanks to Hawaii, California and of course michigan. Also, I saw Rage Against the Machine, and considering their 10 year absence, it adds to my apocalyptic mood.
Despite the rediculous traffic jams due to flooding in the midwest, the rage concert was hands down, without a doubt, not even close, barely even in the same realm as other concerts, definitely, positively, 100%, the best concert I have ever been to. Fittingly, it downpoured for about an hour before the show started. It only took the two opening acts to turn the grass section of the venue into pure mud. It is never a good idea to mix steep and rediculously slippery inclines with drunk people. It made for a dangerous human tobbogan run that ended at a metal fence. There were a few times I saw flashes in my peripheral, only to turn around and realize it was a person flying off a two foot retainer wall that served as a jump. They were landing on cement.
But, alcohol loosens people up, so I didn't see any serious injuries. Once Rage started playing, the shennanigans stopped, it was pure fist raising, word screaming, anti-everything action from then on out. There was about 15,000 people there and if you were to tell me that there was anyone there who didn't know every word, I wouldn't have believed you.
Well, the weekend was wrapped up by a great tour of Three Floyds brewery in Indiana. Between the five guys who went, we didn't taste a beer there that wasn't exceptional. Three Floyds might be my favorite brewery. If you like hoppy beers, this is your place. All in all a great weekend. Now, I have to slow down and get to Riverview, it seems that with all the summer busyness, I haven't been there in forever. I am going into withdrawals. |
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| Hawaii and the lifetime channel. |
[Aug. 16th, 2007|04:20 pm] |
Wow, I have basically forgotten about my blog. Anyways, I barely avoided several natural disasters while making it back to Michigan, so in honor of being alive and well, I figured I would post.
Hawaii was great. Everything you would expect from a tropical island. Lots of ocean, sand and hula dancers. I might have picked up a move or two. I will spare you the details, but somehow I ended up at a tahitian festival doing the hula dance with a couple hundred people watching. I fought as much as a man can, but the forces that were overpowered me, and destiny became fate that day.
Speaking of movies that my sister is in, for all you lifetime fans, my sister Abby's movie will be on the lifetime channel at 6:00 pm this sunday. We are pretty excited to see it. This is her biggest role to date, as she is a lead in the movie. And I can't promise anything, but there might be a familiar newspaper delivery man in the opening credits. I hear the oscar buzz already. But seriously, watch it, even if you don't like lifetime. |
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| boring and exciting! |
[Jul. 10th, 2007|12:51 pm] |
Wow, I havent posted in a long time. In honor of that, I thought I would post on something boring and exciting! Beer legislation! One thing to keep in mind, the state of Michigan is considering slamming small breweries by doubling the already high taxes. This is harmful in a lot of ways. It might mean that some craft brewers will have to shut their doors. You can go to www.michiganbrewersguild.com to find out more. Anyways, read on to see why you should drink good beer this month.
It’s official. July is Michigan Craft Beer Month!
June 29th, 2007
Last night while the Michigan House of Representatives was working late, HR 140 was adopted by the House, officially designating July 2007 has Michigan Craft Beer Month!
Here is the complete resolution as adopted by the Michigan House of Representatives:
House Resolution No. 140.
A resolution designating July 2007 as Michigan Craft Beer Month and commending the Michigan Craft Brewers.
Whereas, Michigan craft brewers are a vibrant affirmation and expression of Michigan entrepreneurial traditions, operating as community-based small businesses and providing employment for more than 1000 workers; and
Whereas, Michigan has craft brewers in every region of the state and more than 70 craft brewers statewide; and
Whereas, The Michigan Brewers Guild is celebrating its 10 year anniversary of its
Michigan Summer Beer Festival this July; and
Whereas, Michigan craft brewers support Michigan agriculture by purchasing beet sugar, cherries, and apples grown in Michigan; and
Whereas, Michigan craft brewers promote Michigan’s spirit of independence through a renaissance in hand-crafted beers like those first brought to Michigan by European settlers and produced here by our forefathers, including Bernhard Stroh, for the enjoyment of the citizenry; and
Whereas, Michigan craft brewers strive to educate legal drinking-age residents about the differences in beer flavor, aroma, color, alcohol content, body, and other complex variables, as well as historic brewing traditions, beer history, and gastronomic qualities of beer; and
Whereas, Michigan craft brewers champion the message of responsible enjoyment to their customers and work within their communities to prevent alcohol abuse and underage drinking; and
Whereas, Michigan craft brewers produce more than 100 distinct styles of flavorful beers, the quality and diversity of which have made Michigan the envy of many beer-drinking states, thereby contributing to balanced trade by reducing Michigan dependence on imported and other regional beers, supporting Michigan exports, and promoting Michigan tourism; and
Whereas, Michigan craft brewers are vested in the future, health, and welfare of their communities as employers providing a diverse array of quality local jobs, as contributors to the local tax base, and as committed sponsors of a broad range of vital community institutions and philanthropic causes, including non-for-profit housing development associations, chambers of commerce, humane societies, athletic teams, and medical research; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body designate July 2007 as Michigan Craft Beer Month as a celebration of the contributions that Michigan craft brewers have made to the state’s communities, economy, and history; and be it further
Resolved, That we commend Michigan craft brewers for providing jobs, improving the balance of trade, supporting Michigan agriculture, and educating residents about the history and culture of beer while promoting the responsible consumption of beer as a beverage of moderation. |
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| Riverbrew! |
[Jun. 5th, 2007|05:18 pm] |
So, we had our first Riverbrew meeting on Saturday. All I can say is that I left the meeting feeling incredibly encouraged. Honestly we didn't know what to expect. About 35 people showed up, comprised of olders and youngers, men and women. There was a general sense of excitement as well as some great discussion. People seemed to really listen as Brett talked.
I don't think it is any secret that this particular ministry has caused a few ripples within Riverview. The main question seems to be "is it worth it". As if we could put the ministry on a scale and see if the "good" outweighed the "bad". Up until this point, I haven't posted anything about the ongoing discussion of this ministry, mainly because I wanted to distance myself from any emotional reaction I might have to peoples objections. If you want to read an excellent response to peoples objections, go to brett’s blog and read this post http://www.brettmaxwell.com/2007/05/riverbrew-friction.html I am not as eloquent in my written response, but I just wanted to comment on the practical positives about the ministry so far.
Technically the ministry has only been going for 3 days now. But, even before the ministry began, we started to hear from people that really appreciate this sort of thing. From a parent encouraged by their childs involvement at Riverview, to a guy who finally was able to see his neighbor come to Riverview, it seems like this ministry is able to reach into hard places where people are at and bring them out. It was so exciting to see olders and youngers, men and women, christians and non-christians all in the same room. My hope is that this will be a "safe place" for people who have been burned by religion. A place where people can come face to face with the reality of who Christ really is.
This means that we are opening ourselves up to the risks of "encouraging" people to drink alcohol. I could say it differently, but in honesty, this is what we are doing. I hope that legalists who come will find Christ’s grace instead, and those who abuse their freedom will find a model of worship and moderation instead. As with so many issues, there is a balance that must be struck. The balance does not come by over indulgence, to prove to ourselves that drinking is ok. It does not come by abstention, just to make sure we don't cross any lines. It comes with a careful study of the guidelines and example that Christ has left for us. The drunk is just as guilty as the legalist of twisting Christ’s words.
I will never hit this balance perfectly. But hopefully this ministry helps others to find this balance better than before. All I know is that I can't wait for the next meeting. |
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