A Tiger Tale

"The tiger was shot and killed by police after it charged officers." I wonder if they worked for Blackwater?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!, That's right, merry Christmas.None of that "Happy Holidays" crap. 40 minutes or so from now will bring Christmas Day. Happy Birthday Jesus!

"It might be like comparing bargain beer to Chivas Regal"

"Mexican marijuana is inferior. They have not innovated as much as the California hippies"

Irony

From Short News

For the hobbyist

we've come a long way!

Coppola, Burroughs, Heroin, Claymation

It must be Christmas. Read the story here.

A Musical Interlude

A Message from Joe Friday

Nixon

Jimmy posted a holiday photo of Nixon, so I decided to post one of Dick with The King.On December 21, 1970, Elvis Presley paid a visit to President Richard M. Nixon at the White House in Washington, D.C. The meeting was initiated by Presley, who wrote Nixon a six-page letter requesting a visit with the President and suggesting that he be made a "Federal Agent-at-Large" in the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. The events leading up to and after the meeting are detailed in the documentation and photographs included here, which include Presley's handwritten letter, memoranda from Nixon staff and aides, and the thank-you note from Nixon for the gifts (including a Colt 45 pistol and family photos) that Presley brought with him to the Oval Office.

Jorma

Jorma kaukonen celebrates a birthday today. He turns 67. Jorma is best known for his work with Hot Tuna and Jefferson Airplane.For what it's worth,he also made an awesome Christmas album.

No More Borat?!

The end of the line for Borat? If you haven't seen the movie (or better if you have) watch this.

I Like Ike

... and so does Phil. "Ike made Tina the jewel she was. When I went to see Ike play at the Cinegrill in the '90s after his absurd reason for being sent to prison for no reason other than being a black man in America, there were at least, and I counted them, five Tina Turners on the stage performing that night, any one of them could have been Tina Turner." ~ Phil Spector

Feds: "protecting people from their own state laws"

This just in from the Big Sky state.

What Happened?

We used to be a great nation.

"...before you stick it in the wreath

stick it in a sheath!" Britney's sister gets prego!

Sid the Kid

Penguins'captain, Sidney Crosby scores his first Gordie Howe Hat Trick!

An Amazing Feat...

and the Rangers lost!

'Tis the Season...

to be jolly? There's no home like place for the holidays! I think I've reached the point where I'm jealous of cult members. Those poor
deluded fuckers, at least they have a sense of purpose.

Christmas Songs

While for the most part, Christmas music annoys the hell out of me (thank god it's only seasonal ). There are some gems out there. Here's a great resource. Here are the lyrics to my personal favorite by Roy Zimmerman, and lest we not forget my friend Dave, of Zambonis fame, and the other holiday.

Gift Ideas

You can buy gifts and support a worthy cause. Here's one for the patriotic...and another.

Watt up

Mike Watt is 50 years old today! Watt was a founding member of The Minutemen. No, not those minutemen, nor those minutemen, but the influential San Pedro punk rock band (1980-85).Watt is an awesome bassist and continues to stay active with many various pursuits including the newly reformed Stooges with Iggy Pop and even some studio work with Kelly Clarkson (?/!) . He also has a podcast when he's not busy working the "thud staff " (pedro speak for bass). HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!

Like Butter

... only better 'cause it's Budder.

Party Hearty

... ( or is it hardy?) but also smartly. Know what you're up against, state ... by state.

The Governator

Arnold says "it's a leaf."

They've Obviously Never Been to N.Y.C.

Giant rat discovered in Foja Mountains via "Natty-Geo".

One for MC

A goat. A chupacabra. Unrequited love This video
has it all! The best thing is that it's real! Hector is not a fake!!! Gotta love the song.

With Blood Comes Cleansing

... was selected as one of the worst band names of 2007. See the rest from A.V. Club

Don't Buy Trendy Flavored Vodkas

... make your own! This is totally Swanny.

One Day at a Time

Here's a 12 step program to help you get through the day via Modern Drunkard Magazine.

Run Ronnie Run!

No, not the film. Ron Paul gets bombed.

A Sign of the Times?

I fail to see a problem... with the sign. The real problem is the refusal of the hoards to assimilate.

Led Zeppelin Reunion 12/10/07

This is probably old news to most by now, but here's the set list: Good Times Bad Times
Ramble On
Black Dog
In My Time of Dying
For You Life
Trampled Under Foot
Nobody’s Fault But Mine
No Quarter
Since I’ve Been Loving You
Dazed and Confused
Stairway to Heaven
The Song Remain The Same
Misty Mountain Hop
Kashmir

ENCORE:
Whole Lotta of Love
Rock n Roll

New Blog

Founding HOW 'BOUT NOW?! contributor / administrator jb has started a new blog. So please it check out. It's called a little bit of almost everything. It's sure to contain better grammar and considerably less cynicism than the blog you're reading here. We approached blogging from different perspectives. She was more professional and I tend to play a bit more fast and loose. Good Luck jb!, now excuse me I have more self loathing to attend to.

Ike Turner beats Tina

...to the grave. Some say he was an ass, but he was also a driving force in the creation of Rock 'n' Roll. Ike is eulogized as misunderstood.

"Ain't nothin' quite like sittin' 'round the house swillin' down them cans of swine."

Just in time for the holidays, a ham flavored soda has been released by Jones Soda. It's hardly a new idea. Primus frontman Les Claypool sang of such a thing more than 14 years ago.

"Genius is Pain!" - John Lennon Remembered

On December 8th 1980 former Beatle John Lennon was brutally murdered by Mark David Chapman (what's up with all those gunmen with three names?). Lennon was a talented artist. To most, his name was synonymous with peace and love. Some would disagree, including his son Julian. John was the inspiration for a National Lampoon song parody which quoted his own bitter remarks from a 1971 interview for Rollingstone. You can listen to that interview here, courtesy of WFMU. The satire is quite venomous, but I think he would've laughed along with us. R.I.P. Mr. Lennon.

Sure, I've been known to get crazy with “The yellow water that makes you crazy!”

... but those close to me know of my passion for the Belgian Ales.

Life and Death

December 7th is known as Pearl Harbor Day. It also marks the birthday of Tom Waits , and the death of Rube Goldberg. Rube is best known for depicting complex devices that perform simple tasks in direct,convoluted ways. This video presents a fine example.

The Boy Next Door?

Gunman gives new meaning to shop til you drop! , "He was like a lost pound puppy that nobody wanted." "He was depressed , but he looked like he was getting better." Holiday shoppers needn't worry ,time marches on.

December 7th... the original 9/11

Let us all take a moment to remember "a date which will live in infamy". You can listen to F.D.R.'s speech here.
.

Buh-bye.

My upcoming sabbatical, coupled with creative differences, prevents me from continuing to serve in my current capacity at HOW 'BOUT NOW as an administrator and a contributor. I wish Adam the best of luck.

"The Water of Life"

This article reminds me of the journey I took with MC back in '99. We had a great time, from what I can remember.

I Like Ron Paul

but I think I've found my new candidate.

Randy Rhoads

December 6th is the date of birth of Randy Rhoads. I refer to the Ozzy guitarist, not Randi Rhodes the liberal Air America host (isn't that redundant?). Randy was a showman right until the end. Many rock stars have perished in plane crashes or on their tour bus, but how many die in a plane that's hit a bus?! R.I.P. Randy.

Wi-Fi Flies High!

What an age we live in!, internet access reaches new heights. Now you can try this gag on your next trip and see how it flies. Quietly open your laptop and boot it. Close your eyes,tilt your head skyward, and hit this link . BTW, I lifted this bit from The Cleverest. Please read their advisory.

MySpace for Mutts

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/06/fashion/06cyber.html?ref=style

Jackie & Dunlap ask the Republican candidates if they will feel responsible for a second Clinton presidency.

click here for more Red State Update.

I don't condone such behavior

...but I'm surprised it doesn't happen more often.

If "24" hours last a whole season,

then 48 days will seem an eternity!

"Government pot can't match the effectiveness of strains available on the street."

Maybe they're just snobs like me. Via The Canadian Press.

At least I'm not that lonely.

The burglary was a "drunken, stupid thing."

They claim they had no idea, nun.

"The nuns did not know what they were and assumed they were large decorative plants."

America should "grow a set" and take a similar stance

...to the one expressed here by former Australian Prime Minister John Howard. Shouldn't the new wave of immigrants adjust to fit our culture not vice-versa? My ancestors learned English upon arrival on these shores. Why can't they? Why must I "press one for English"? Multiculturalism and diversity are fine and good, but a line must be drawn.

All the Lonely People...

Because Adam's feeling lonely... and everybody else does too, at some time or another.

Reason to Celebrate!

Today (12/5) marks a great day in our country's history, a day when a terrible wrong had been set right. I refer of course to the repeal of Prohibition. What the hell were they thinking anyway? Thank goodness that crap is far behind us now. So let's all drink a toast and be thankful for our elixir of choice. Next up, let's free the hemp!

The Slaughter Rule

No, I'm not referring to the 2002 movie scored by Jay Farrar of Uncle Tupelo fame. I refer instead to that which is also known as the Mercy Rule. It allows the losing team to not feel forced to play out an obviously losing and perhaps embarrassing game. It can be used in sports and games,so why not in life? In poker one has the option to fold (or bluff) when dealt a bad hand. If a movie sucks, one can get up and leave. A bad meal at a restaurant, "check please!" So why is just the mere thought of someone making an "early exit" so socially unacceptable? Why is Jack Kevorkian so vilified? What of free will and the pursuit of happiness? Freedom of choice should refer to so much more than just a Devo album. Oh but I digress,perhaps a better rule to employ would be that "Do Over" thing so often used in child's play. Who knows? Gotta go now, sooo sleepy.

December 4th

I've not really felt like blogging today. I'm just feeling kind of "blah". I fear a bleak future filled with loneliness and despair... anyway, I feel obliged to mention that it was 14 years ago that Frank Zappa, iconoclastic singer, composer, artist, etc. passed on. Numerous quotes from that wisest of men can be found here (updated daily).

Soap Box

For those of you who are sick to death of getting emails that tell you to forward to at least X number of people in the next 15 minutes so that wonderful things and miracles will happen if you do and there will be consequences if you don't, then you will enjoy this. Click here.

What's wrong with cheap beer?

Everyone's always so negative about binge drinking. Maybe The Kaiser should have moved Down Under.

Dan Shelton's Gettin' Hassled by the Man

Someone is harassing one of my beverage heroes... again. The other Shelton Brothers have a fine band.

A Few Words From Hank 3

"I was speaking my mind too much, freaking 'em out, so Curb thought I needed rehab. So, I said "I'll give ya a couple of weeks" and try it. You know, they just... I was telling everybody to fuck off and pop country music sucks, and they were freaking out 'cause I was speaking my mind. So, they thought I had a really bad drug problem. I just smoke pot and drink, have fun." - Hank Williams III Complete interview here.

Whatever, Hugo

We'll just bomb the Hell out of you.....and take your oil!

R.I.P. Evel

The world has lost a hero, but we still have Fonzie and Lance Murdock. On a lighter note there's this and more.

I guess the whole terrorism threat has been neutralized

Tax dollars at work.

Kegger At My House!

Not really. Someone else appears to be well stocked though. How 'bout a mile high keg?

Well, it is Vansterdam...

The mascots have been unveiled for the 2010 Olympic Games to be held in Vancouver, British Columbia. Is that Sasquatch? It looks as if someone's been hittin' the BC Buds. Here's some more Canadian icons, and an unusual movie guide.

More Nanny State Idiocy

The government has no business in regulating my diet! "Salt is essential to life." It's only a matter of time before they attempt to "regulate" freedom of thought. Where will it end? This used to be a great nation.

Are you still talking?!

Since it doesn't look like Adam will be embarking upon a completely monastic lifestyle anytime soon, I'll have to stock up on these...

"Holy Grail of Beer" in short supply

While the Westvleteren 12 is an excellent brew, I still prefer the Rochefort 10. I once toyed with the notion of joining the Trappists, but I doubt they have coed monasteries. Then there's the whole celibacy thing, and worse yet their strict observance of silence (idle talk is discouraged). I'd have tough one with that. Maybe I could answer their Beer Phone.

Damn Tree Huggers!

...always whining about something. Don't they realize we need cold beer to go with our Spotted Owl dinners?

...but the law is the law, right?

medical marijuana makes me sick?

Bender's Big Score

I don't think that Adam was hinting at this in his prior two posts purposely...

Ground Score

This story reminds me of the time jb dropped her keys on the ground outside of CVS. Good thing Ace needed milk.

Beer Bender

The Futurama is just around the Bender!

Oy vey!!!

The rabbi says no smoking! Better stock up on the Manischewitz. Or better yet, these suds. At 11% abv they should call that Jewbelation the Hebrew Hammer!

More Bars in More Places

Adam, this one's for you. Start planning your next move!

"without question the most intimidating pitcher of his era"

Here's an interesting read on Dock Ellis. I sometimes refer to him as Dock Ellis-D. He was one of the most unusual characters ever to play America's great national pastime.

Made in the U.S.A.

My friend MC mentioned in his blog recently that he's in the market for a water pitcher, made in the good ol' U.S.A. I did a Google search, and discovered this site. It's a wealth of resources, information and links to other sites concerning the "Made in the U.S.A." subject.

I think this water pitcher is quite nice.

White Punks On Dope

...or rather Ron Paul on Drugs. I've liked this guy since first he caught my attention. Watch the video. I'm gonna keep an eye on this dude, perhaps our next president? ANYONE but Hillary please! (anyone except Obama) By the way, who'd a thought this.

Album Review: Working Man's Cafe

Working Man's Cafe is the latest solo offering from Ray Davies,the genius and driving force behind The Kinks.The album finds Mr. Davies in top form,in fact the album is superior to 2006's Other People's Lives.Some highlights include the opening cut "Vietnam Cowboys " which denounces the type of corporate outsourcing which is destroying our lives, and the title track in which the protagonist encounters mall sprawl and other types of progress whilst searching for a dive to escape just such things." Morphine Song" was penned during, and recalling, his stay in the hospital recovering from a 2004 shooting in New Orleans. Also of note is "No One Listen" an outcry for help in this over- technological and bureaucratic society that we're all trapped in. It's an outstanding album in my (biased) opinion,but alas the North American release is not scheduled until February 2008. I listened to it on Napster for free.

What Lies Beneath

MC links to this elaborate subterranean temple. It's been called the 8th wonder of the world. Here's something even more wondrous (yes I know it's old news to some).

For the Beer Lovers

This one comes to me via Champagne.....and this from Jimmy. Thank you boys!

Awesome Podcast

I thought I'd pass this one on. An awesome podcast from Mike Watt. Watt is a very interesting character with a lot of history in the world of music. Look for many Watt related posts to follow. I really like the casual manner in which he does his show. Perhaps the HOW 'BOUT NOW?! team could explore a similar avenue. I think we'd do pretty well.

Birthday Wishes

A happy Saturday to everyone else!, but here's a happy birthday greeting to perhaps the finest living Englishman ever to walk the Earth, Mr. Brian Roach. For those who do not know Brian, he is a fine musician and a truly funny person with a very dry wit. For those who do know him, bestow him with the kindest of birthday greetings, call and say "hey!", or maybe treat him to a rinse and some krink. Also , check out his band sometime. Happy Birthday Brian!!!

BANK OF AMERICA SUCKS!!!!!

Bank of America has made the list! I am overwhelmed by their gross incompetence. I chose their bank on November 13th(or maybe 14th),because they are a large, national bank and there is a branch nearby. So I decide to call and find out how late they are open. Upon checking my crappy local yellow pages it appears they have only a toll free number listed. Not too unusual I thought to myself,so I dial the number the menu choice directs me to a rep who tells me I can open the account right over the phone. Wow!, how simple and convenient ............NOT! All it would take , I'm told is a few moments of my time,some information, and a credit card to charge the $25 minimum deposit (for opening the account) to.I was assured it would be open within the next 2 days and that I would be receiving my account info via the U.S. Mail within said time. My friends, you are my friends, right? (not like the others),far be it from so. It takes over a week and no less than 5 (increasingly angry) phone calls to finally get my account open. I try to close the newly opened account,out of spite of course and find this is no easy feat either. Nearly 1 dozen phone calls and over 18 reps later I'm yet to receive satisfactory results! I'm sorry, but I'm just too angry to continue now. I HATE BANKS!!! Perhaps it is time to raise an army of the people,seize the state and redistribute the wealth.I think I know a guy with a leaf blower who'd be down with that.

Too late to enlist?

Maybe I could go smoke out the Taliban!

Ready... Get Set... Shop!

Have your Xmas wishlists ready... it's Black Friday! I'm gonna ask Santa for a new computer!

If you don't feel like battling crowds and waiting on long lines, this site has all the information you need. Or, you could do this...

Thanksgiving Day

Ahhh, It's Thanksgiving Day once again. One of the most exclusively American of the major holidays that we celebrate in this once great nation. This year the holiday falls on November 22nd which is also the birthday of our friend John Develis aka "John Dirt" or "Dirt Man" (never call him "The Dirt Guy"!). It's also the day that INXS (pronounced inks?) singer Michael Hutchence "took a belt and hung himself" ten years ago. More importantly, to us yanks, it is the date on which J.F.K. was gunned down in Dallas 44 years ago. Probably the most noteworthy thing he did as our 35th president. I'll never understand why the American people continue to canonize the Kennedys and all that "Camelot" bullshit. ........anyway, back to Thanksgiving Day. To many it means feasts and family gatherings. To me it means the beginning of the holiday crap and all the faux good will that comes with it. I think not of football,turkey and 'taters,but rather quarreling,loneliness, drunkeness and cracked windshields. I'm not completely bitter though. I am thankful for all my good friends (when I get down off my pity-pot and think about it,I am quite fortunate) and I'm thankful for the bountiful harvest. HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY TO ALL!!!!!

...and now a public service announcement

Who knows? This stuff might just catch on.

SAY NO TO CRACK!!!

A great gift idea and cure for "plumber's butt".

Holy Haunted House, Batman!!!

All I can say is wow!, check out what the 'Mule unleashed on Halloween, a complete 'Zeppelin album from cover to cover (pun intended).

Lawn mower man

if they arrested every guy who had a beer on his mower, our jails would be overflowing (even more so).

Go Cocks!

I've been in South Carolina since Saturday and the only places I've been to, besides the airport and my parents house, are:

The Coosaw Creek Crab Shack, where I had fried green tomatoes that were pretty good, but I never had a fried green tomato up until that point, so how the hell should I know? I also tried the Palmetto Brewing Company's Amber Ale which didn't suck either.

Target, where my mom and I bought a lot of crap, and every sales associate that I encountered asked me if I needed any help... If they only knew.

Dick's Sporting Goods, where I bought (no kidding) a Cocks hat. The big game against rival Clemson is this Saturday.

O'Charley's, where the appetizers are far better than the entrees, and the waitresses couldn't be nicer.

Food Lion, where I bought three packs of cigarettes and a six-pack of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. (My salvation.)

Summerville, what I've seen of it so far, reminds me of Milford or Stratford -- lots of pawn shops and strip malls, except there's a Waffle House on, seemingly, every corner.

Reinstate Hank Williams

Reinstate Hank Williams
his omission is even more criminal than Pete Rose being banned from Cooperstown. What's even more criminal yet is the Opry having a Hank impersonator greeting visitors. Thanks to Jimmy for reminding me about this petition.

Beer Monday

started by David M. Ewalt (hmmm, rhymes w/ Devalt). In this, his first outing, he reviews Sam's Utopias, a brew akin to a personal fav' of mine created by another Sam (Calagione) over at Dogfish Head. One more note,this guy seems to have an axe to grind with Verizon as does mc. I won't be far behind them if this weekend's dsl problems persist.

Must be easier than guitar...

only one string. I could be a virtuoso in no time! I heard some Argentinian-born Brazilian dude who plays one on NPR earlier today.

A Fine Mess

I'm not sure which I find to be more interesting, Adam... Our blog, or our comments on MC's blog.

Mmm Beer

Seeking a super suds site? Check this one out.

One for the Kids

Just in case you were wondering,from this great resource that all travelers should reference or even contribute to.

Paris Protecting Pachyderms?!

Socialite turned activist, Miss Hilton, seems hypocritical speaking out about binge drinking. more on elephants.

Morning Maniac Music

Woke up this morning and listened to some krazy improv from King Crimson's "ConstrucKtion of Light" tour (2000).
That being done I turned on my new favorite radio station, the listener supported Exit 97, and heard Mark Knopfler's latest. I thought it was really good from what I heard. Check it out. It's great to have good radio. It's a station along the same lines as 'PKN, which I used to listen to back in the Nutmeg State. You know? , I nearly forgot the reason I started this post.Mark's new album is entitled "Kill for Crimson" and I'd previously been listening to King Crimson.Coincidence? Perhaps.Anyway....

Going to Carolina...

I'm going to South Carolina to see my parents' brand-spanking-new house over the Thanksgiving holiday, so I rather expect to be blogging from there during downtime in the Low Country... stay tuned!

Expect some pictures too!

"It's no feat if he had to cheat."

F' Bonds! Strip him of his record. Let Pete, aka Charlie Hustle, in the Hall! And for those who cry racism as my anti-Barry motivation, remember that the true Home Run King is Black.

Do you fit the profile?

A great site dedicated to one of my favorite pastimes...

Also be sure to check out the Wino Wisdom... with a contribution by yours truly and jb in pseudonym. Would ya believe we met in a bar?

A new twist on children's books - "See Jack smoke 'jane"

I stumbled across this story last night. Awareness and prevention needn't be based on fear. F#%* D.A.R.E.!!!

Well, hello there!

I'm somewhat ashamed that I have neglected this blog for so long in favor of other pursuits... so I finally got around to posting some things I had saved as drafts some time ago. Therefore, one must visit the archives to truly appreciate.

High Time for the Economy

Looks like a buyers market on the horizon. Happy Daze!

Cleanliness is next to Godliness?

Kook?........or prophet?

Knowledge is Power

...and we the people have a right to know. I believe it is our duty to spread the word. This guy is truly a hero!

Amsterdam

I've just completed a move to Amsterdam... no, not that Amsterdam, the other Amsterdam (NY). I've settled in and now it's time to blog. So grab a drink and a smoke and prepare to read my musings and rantings.

There's a new sheriff in town!

Hey folks! Adam's takin' over this blog which I helped to create with jb (with her blessings of course) so stay tuned.

Been a long time...

Since I posted anything. Not that I haven't had the time, but nary the desire. It's too damn hot to blog.

Beer... what can't it do?!

If only I could trade any of the many handbags in my closet (Adam knows which closet I'm referring to!) for beer! Right now!
Trading Brews for Bags? High Five! - New York Times

For Klara

Beer for Dogs - Featured on BuzzFeed

WTF?! More LOL?!

Just kant get enuf...
Laughing Squid » Roll Your Own LOL, Not Just For Cats Anymore
Boing Boing: LOLCODE: LOLCats meet programming
Leet - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I'M IN UR GOVERNMENT MAKIN UR LAWZ

Expanding upon the Lolcats theme with politicians, past and present.

Boing Boing: Web Zen: feline zen 2007

Boing Boing: Web Zen: feline zen 2007

Buggin' Out

If I remember correctly (which I probably don't) I saw this guy on Letterman. I do, however, recall that it was a very entertaining segment.
Dr. Mark Moffett, aka Doctor Bugs
(Oops! I just revisited Moffett's site and discovered I must have seen him on Conan's show.)

Catz R Us

I was perusing through my RSS feeds the other day, and came across this article on Lolcats via Boing Boing, which made me wonder WTF is a Lolcat? More on the Lolcat phenomenon sweeping the internets here, here, and quite a bit here.

Opinionated Beer

Stumbled upon this website whilst quaffing a Warsaw Porter (perhaps the last one in existence anywhere?) with Adam, in search of info about aforementioned beer...

Two great tastes that taste great... together?!

Anyone else interested in sampling this magical elixir?
via FARK