Introduction

Mostly I'm starting this blog because I'd like to keep better track of what I read and what I drink. I'd like to include other forms of art, but those will be it for the start. I've had blogs before where I tried to keep track of what music I listen to, and back then, I listened to a LOT of music. Now I feel like I barely listen to anything. Maybe that will change.

I also hope to make this a space to toss off some general exercises in writing. I don't expect anyone to actually read this, so it will take the pressure off. This blog is not for public attention. But, it may serve a a place to store things I will later try to expose to a wider audience.

Recent Reading
I started off 2011 by finishing up "Manhood For Amateurs" by Michael Chabon.

Since then, I've plowed through the first four volumes in the Harry Potter series.

I just just started "Absurdistan" by Gary Shteyngart. Harry Potter has been fun, but this is more my speed. Reminds me of Pynchon and Avarind Adiga's "White Tiger"

Recent Drinking
Took a trip to Atlanta last week, so I picked up six packs of Founders Red Rye PA and Bridgeport Hop Czar IPA. The Hop Czar is labeled as Imperial, but the alcohol is only 7.5% so I consider it a regular IPA. The Red Rye is very bitter, but not so much of the full hop flavor. Still, the rye flavor is nice.

While in Atlanta, I stuck to beers on tap. I tried some Southern Tier 2x IPA (it was OK), a couple of New Belgium beers (they were also OK) and a Decatur, Georgia microbrewery Wild Heaven Ode To Mercy Special Winter Ale. This was their bourbon barrel aged version of their regular Imperial Brown Ale. All the things I usually love about barrel aged beer, and nice malty drinkability.

I haven't cracked open any of the bombers I got up there, but I did drink a half liter (my favorite size bottle) of North Coast Old Stock Reserve. Brewed in 2009, and then aged in bourbon barrels. Strong, complex. I love barleywines, but there's a reason I rarely drink them.