Stern-tology

Before you have a gag-reflex, just listen for a minute, won't take much time.

One morning, en route to becoming your "alternate ego," whether it be a hairdresser, custodian, CEO or lowly account executive, take a few minutes and catch Howard Stern.

Yes, I know that some of you think he's just a filthy old man, and you may be right, but listen to what he is standing up for. Beyond the audio T&A, there is a major debate raging, and if you aren't already, you should be VERY interested.

Under the rule of W, Michael Powell, son of Colin Powell and chairman of the FCC, is trying to put an end to free speech. I won't bore you with the minutiae, but take a minute to try to imagine the world we live in without the rights empowered to each and every one of us by the FIRST AMENDMENT.

George W, along with the assistance of Powell, is trying to turn this country into a bunch of self-righteous Christians, who believe "the cause is just," and feel no reason to try to think otherwise.

We AMERICANA are NOT PROTECTED unless we stand up for ourselves! Don't let this country become a dictatorship! Don't give up your voice!

Everyone Loves an Impeachment

There are many guilty pleasures among americans. Car wrecks, boxing, bullriding, fast food, a good execution, and britney spears come to mind at this minute. However, I also feel that each american has within them a drive to join a cause and rise up to see it through. As it has been proven in several historic revolutionary movements, all we humans need is the proper motivation.

Ralph Nader is at it again. Although every elephant and jackass in the house has made it a back-burner mission to publicize him as delusional, the truth disagrees. Nader's latest efforts have won me over. It seems it's Bush-wackin' time and Ralph has found the right tool. Using a documented recent history of "at least five(5) untruths" and the resulting mayhem in Iraq, Nader has formed a petition to impeach both Bush and Cheney. I think many of us have watched and wondered how this hasn't been brought up earlier, but at least now we have "the proper motivation." It is the classic mob mentality, and Nader is proud to have the courage and the connections to rise for the cause. The basic proposition is to gain enough public approval to bring an investigation committee to congress. The investigation will lead to a motion to impeach, and bring change regardless of another potentially fixed election (that's right government monitors...fixed).

You can join the efforts of the brave Ralph Nader by signing the petition to impeach Bush and Cheney at www.VoteNader.org/get_involved/impeach.php

I ask america to drive by the car wreck, come to the rodeo wearing a Britney Spears t-shirt, and just see how this one pans out. We may as well help our fellow americans see how deep the "untruth" has perculated. Thanks for listening.

Also, thanks to Joel for keeping me posted on the latest from the Nader camp.

Brew Speak

Yes indeed, 'tis time to unwind and let loose with a little brew chatter. In my last beer segment, I asked the difference between an ale and a lager. I have finally sorted through the countless responses to the piece (sarcasm), and can now share the brewer's truth about this family feud.

The difference comes in the fermentation process, so first let's define the most important step in the brewing process. Fermentation is the chemical breakdown of sugars by yeast (a single-celled microorganism) to yield consumable ethyl alcohol (a buzz) and carbon dioxide (suds).
A Lager is brewed with bottom fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures. This usually creates an aged, smooth, full bodied taste. Pilsners, such as most domestic beers, are brewed as lagers.
An Ale is brewed with top fermenting yeast, usually at warmer temperatures and for a relatively short period of time. The ale family includes most of my favorite beers, such as wheat beers (wheat and barley based with fruity aromas) and stouts among other groups. Many microbrewers stand by the ale family due to the ability to brew quickly and at room temperature with minimal equipment.

Since this is beginning to write like a school essay, I will not elaborate on this part of the brew process. I do think it is useful for beer drinkers to appreciate the process and definitions within the brew world in order to take drinking the end result to a new level.

It would be great to get some new info and ideas on the subject, so feel free to email us and share some new sites or brews to try. Also, we are opening up the great gates of blog to anyone who emails some text to be considered. Peace, and enjoy your beer.

Another Day, Another Dollar

I have tried all too long to hold down this beast of a frustration with our social matrix. Those of you who know me may be choking on your spritzers as you read yet another one of my many descriptions of an embellished problem with no tangible solution.

As I drove home tonight, from my newly acquired retail position at a shop designed by and for people in a tax bracket that I will never block print on my 1040, I finally understood a growing issue in this nation formerly known as great. (how's that for a run-on...f- you)

The problem can be boiled down to a concentrated over-generalization as follows. Wages, particularly in this part of the country, don't seem to be proportionate to the increased standard of living. I have many theoretical explanations for this, and will provide only a few to make my point. Most businesses are obviously driven to make a profit, meaning as little overhead as possible. Gasoline prices, taxes, material costs, and energy demands are all on the increase due to economic and foreign affairs management plans that are unacceptable. These costs force businesses to offer minimal wages even in areas with outrageous standards of living, including Connecticut. Many production companies are even encouraged to seek labor overseas by the same economic, foreign affairs, and trade policies that drive up the production costs initially. The result seems to be a greed powered steam engine barreling out of control and polluting along the way.

If there is no control of the standard of living combined with efforts to keep wages in proportion to these social standards, how is this economy to evolve? More over, how will I and my family survive? Then again, maybe someone is in control and everything is going according to plan. Good luck to you, young working class.

Email us...thegoldenrationale@yahoo.com

Beer is Proof

I will skip a pompous self-introduction to the blogger scene and begin with a tribute my favorite human discovery...beer.

"Beer is proof that the good lord loves us, and wants us all to be happy."
Our goofiest founding father, and life-long brewer, Benjamin Franklin claims rights to that statement. Whether you agree with his theological reference or not, you must admit the man had a point.
I say favorite not only because of beer's reliable ability to make things better, but more because of the complex chemical reactions and intricacies that each brewer tweaks to create an original and creative product. This is a blog for another day. For now, I give you my tribute in the form of a review of my current top 5 best loved brews. Like a bad VH1 feature, I too will begin with number 5.

5. Sierra Nevada - Although taxonomists tend to overclassify this gem as an IPA (India Pale Ale), its fruity kick and smooth darker finish put it in a category all its own on my list. Unfiltered and brewed micro style, each bottle seems to taste different, and even leaves sediment to keep me feeling like a man. If price is no object, this is my favorite all night drinkin' buddy.
4. Shipyard, Pumpkinhead Ale - The Shipyard sold me quick on the pumpkin. Its seasonal, but I am fortunate to have a packy nearby who over stocked long enough to hook me. Its actually brewed with pumpkin and ginger in the mash, making for an awesome bud shocker, but I find it is good only in moderation.
3. Oak Creek Amber Ale - The scenery may have something to do with this one. I found this in Sedona, Arizona brewed by Oak Creek Brewing Company. After a long day in the red-rocks, I was revived by the greatest tasting depressant west of the Apache Trail. Smooth, dark, full, and hoppy.
2. Fat Tire - Brewed by the New Belgium Brewing Company; Fort Collins, Colorado. I have yet to see this one on the east coast, and we yanks are surely missing out. Its micro blended after the classic belgium beauties in style. An awesome toasty malt flavor blended with a fresh hoppy fruit kicker. A reason all its own to buy a ticket westward.
1. Magic Hat #9 - Thats right, of all that I have had and have loved, this is my all time cake-taker. Magic Hat (in South Burlington, VT) tends to skip around on styles and blends, but they have remained true to me and stuck by the obvious bread winner. In short, it is a darker pale ale with hints of fruity apricot flavors and just the right amount of hop tang. I had a friend take one sip for the first time and say, "I could drink the shit out of this!" Whatever that meant, I agreed.

So there it is my top 5. What's yours? I would love to hear some new must-tries. Hit us with a note if you care to spread the good word.
I will end this one with a quiz question for any brew nut out there, and for the rest of us to share as party wisdom.

What is the difference between an ale and a lager?
Email the answer or wait until this brewdork writes again. I would like to say there is a prize for the right answer, but this is america. Cheers!

Global Warming Sux and so do You!

That's right boys and girls--OK, let's be realistic, we're all just consumers, regardless of race, ethnicity or gender.

Call me a bleeding heart liberal, and you'd be wrong. I'm a realist. Within 100 years, the earth will be no more, at least not as we know it. It will more resemble Mars.

We're killing the earth, quite quickly. And the worst part is, none of us can do anything about it, but sit idly by and keep consuming. And our grandchildren will ask why we did just that.

Spring Filet de Sole

Its amazing what a beautiful spring day can do for ya. I feel like a new man, transformed from the lax individual who has been skimping on gym days to instead mire in the cavernous split-level dwelling, suckling sweet Anheiser nectar hypnotized by the misery of non-hunks searching for true love from Fabio’s ex. There’s nothing better than terrible unreality television to a soggy sot.

But now Helios has brought me back to life. I am a new man!

Bring on the Scoundrels.

OK, so, an update... nothing hard-hitting here for the first blogging on GRA, just a Weekend Update.

Said owner of this blog raced at the Orange County Airport during the Poughkeepsie Sports Car Club's test and tune day on Sunday. Wide open and VERY fast course. Much fun, but the day got progressively difficult as a lack of sleep and a lingering hangover basked in the summer-like sun. Tired, headache, dehydrated... not a great combo for precise driving. Still fun nonetheless.

Good afternoon and welcome to Golden Ratio-n-ale, a blog dedicated to all things bizarre, conspiratory or otherwise... and beer...

Periodically updated will be various thoughts of the blog owners and blog owners acquiantances. We hope you enjoy. Please feel free to share your comments/thoughts with us by contacting us at thegoldenrationale@yahoo.com.

Enjoy!!!