Eric Felten on the famous bartender Jerry Thomas and the one cocktail that was truly his creation in yesterday's Wall Street Journal (sub req):
Because Thomas was the first to write most American drink recipes down, he was mistakenly credited with having invented many of them (it was a mistake that Thomas did his best to encourage). But Mr. Wondrich is able to identify with confidence only one cocktail as having originated with the Professor himself -- the Japanese Cocktail, a drink that the Minneapolis Tribune, in 1885, would label a "liquid attack of spinal meningitis." Thomas created the mix of brandy, orgeat and bitters in 1860 to commemorate the ballyhooed and bibulous visit of the first Japanese embassy to America.
2 oz Cognac
¼ oz orgeat (almond syrup)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 slice lemon peel
Muddle lemon peel in orgeat and bitters in the bottom of a short tumbler. Add cognac and ice, stir, and serve. Or, shake all with ice and strain into a stemmed cocktail glass.
Do you have the backbone to try one?
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Fifty-two Beer Pickup
Sampling a different Minnesota beer each week for a year and sharing your tasting thoughts with others? Brilliant. Check out Brew52 and sign up today to join the fun.
Friday, January 04, 2008
What's The Deal With Jesus Christ?
Despite the somewhat Seinfeldian sounding title and a not so enthusiastic review in National Review (sub req) by David Klinghoffer, I found Dinesh D'Souza's What's So Great About Christianity? to be one of my favorite books of 2007. It's D'Souza's best work since The End Of Racism and a well-penned rebuttal to the spate of anti-religious (mostly anti-Christian) tracts penned by aggressive atheists such as Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens, and Harris (sounds like a law firm from hell--literally).
D'Souza's book is a good companion piece to Vox Day's The Irrational Atheist: Dissecting the Unholy Trinity of Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens and like Vox, he uses reason--which aggressive atheists seem to believe is in their exclusive domain--to hammer gapping holes in the various arguments against the existence of God. In doing so, he examines the real reasons many atheists deny God (no moral code to follow sure makes life more fun) and the inherent problems with "I" centered morality.
Sections of the book also focus on the impact Christianity has had on Western Civilization, the future of Christianity (D'Souza is mostly positive), why Christianity is unique among world religions, and the relationship between Christianity and science, philosophy, and morality. Very weighty subjects to be sure, but D'Souza covers them in an easy to understand and rather brisk manner (the book checks in at just over 300 pages).
D'Souza will be joining us on the First Team of the NARN in a couple of weeks. Plenty of time to pick up a copy of "What's So Great About Christianity?" before the interview.
D'Souza's book is a good companion piece to Vox Day's The Irrational Atheist: Dissecting the Unholy Trinity of Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens and like Vox, he uses reason--which aggressive atheists seem to believe is in their exclusive domain--to hammer gapping holes in the various arguments against the existence of God. In doing so, he examines the real reasons many atheists deny God (no moral code to follow sure makes life more fun) and the inherent problems with "I" centered morality.
Sections of the book also focus on the impact Christianity has had on Western Civilization, the future of Christianity (D'Souza is mostly positive), why Christianity is unique among world religions, and the relationship between Christianity and science, philosophy, and morality. Very weighty subjects to be sure, but D'Souza covers them in an easy to understand and rather brisk manner (the book checks in at just over 300 pages).
D'Souza will be joining us on the First Team of the NARN in a couple of weeks. Plenty of time to pick up a copy of "What's So Great About Christianity?" before the interview.
Fly The Bitter Skies
NWA is official airline for GOP convention:
Northwest Airlines has been named the official airline for the Republican National Convention in St. Paul Sept. 1-4, the party announced Thursday.
The airline, based in Eagan, will offer convention guests a discount on airline fares, said convention spokesman Matt Burns, although he declined to be specific.
The airline will also offer guests the surliest, least attentive flight attendants in the industry (more on that later). We better have an extra helping of "Minnesota Nice" to serve up when the guests hit the ground.
Northwest Airlines has been named the official airline for the Republican National Convention in St. Paul Sept. 1-4, the party announced Thursday.
The airline, based in Eagan, will offer convention guests a discount on airline fares, said convention spokesman Matt Burns, although he declined to be specific.
The airline will also offer guests the surliest, least attentive flight attendants in the industry (more on that later). We better have an extra helping of "Minnesota Nice" to serve up when the guests hit the ground.
Sixteen Years And What Do You Get?
Michael Barone on the "sixteen year itch" at OpinionJournal (free for all):
The metrically minded will see a common thread. Every 16 years--in 1976, 1992 and now in 2008--American voters have seemed less interested in experience and credentials and more interested in a new face unconnected to the current political establishment. What can explain this 16-year itch?
Barone asks and answers:
My thought is that, over a period of 16 years, there is enough turnover in the electorate to stimulate an itch that produces a willingness to take a chance on something new.
Over time, the median-age voter in American elections has been about 45 years old. This means that the median-age voter in 1976 was born around 1931--old enough to have experienced post-World War II prosperity and foreign policy success, and then to have been disgusted by Vietnam and Watergate.
The median-age voter in 1992 was born around 1947 (the same year as Dan Quayle and Hillary Clinton, one year after Messrs. Clinton and Bush, one year before Mr. Gore). These voters came of age in the culture wars of the 1960s. They experienced stagflation and gas lines of the 1970s, and the prosperity and foreign policy successes of the 1980s. Mr. Clinton persuaded these voters to take a chance on change by promising not to radically alter policy. They rebuked him when he tried to break that promise, then for 14 years remained closely divided along culture lines as if the '60s never ended.
The median-age voter in 2008 was born around 1963, so he or she missed out on the culture wars of the '60s, and on the economic disasters and foreign policy reverses of the 1970s. These voters have experienced low-inflation economic growth something like 95% of their adult lives--something true of no other generation in history. They are weary of the cultural polarization of our politics, relatively unconcerned about the downside risks of big government programs, and largely unaware of America's historic foreign policy successes. They are ready, it seems, to take a chance on an outside-the-system candidate.
With Huckabee and Obama emerging victorious, the Iowa caucus results seem to back up Barone's theory. We'll see if voters continue to scratch the sixteen year itch going forward.
By the way, Michael Barone will be appearing on the First Team of the Northern Alliance Radio Network tomorrow at noon to provide a complete breakdown of the results in Iowa and a look ahead to Tuesday's New Hampshire primary. You can listen live locally on WWTC AM1280 The Patriot or on the internet stream from anywhere in the world.
The metrically minded will see a common thread. Every 16 years--in 1976, 1992 and now in 2008--American voters have seemed less interested in experience and credentials and more interested in a new face unconnected to the current political establishment. What can explain this 16-year itch?
Barone asks and answers:
My thought is that, over a period of 16 years, there is enough turnover in the electorate to stimulate an itch that produces a willingness to take a chance on something new.
Over time, the median-age voter in American elections has been about 45 years old. This means that the median-age voter in 1976 was born around 1931--old enough to have experienced post-World War II prosperity and foreign policy success, and then to have been disgusted by Vietnam and Watergate.
The median-age voter in 1992 was born around 1947 (the same year as Dan Quayle and Hillary Clinton, one year after Messrs. Clinton and Bush, one year before Mr. Gore). These voters came of age in the culture wars of the 1960s. They experienced stagflation and gas lines of the 1970s, and the prosperity and foreign policy successes of the 1980s. Mr. Clinton persuaded these voters to take a chance on change by promising not to radically alter policy. They rebuked him when he tried to break that promise, then for 14 years remained closely divided along culture lines as if the '60s never ended.
The median-age voter in 2008 was born around 1963, so he or she missed out on the culture wars of the '60s, and on the economic disasters and foreign policy reverses of the 1970s. These voters have experienced low-inflation economic growth something like 95% of their adult lives--something true of no other generation in history. They are weary of the cultural polarization of our politics, relatively unconcerned about the downside risks of big government programs, and largely unaware of America's historic foreign policy successes. They are ready, it seems, to take a chance on an outside-the-system candidate.
With Huckabee and Obama emerging victorious, the Iowa caucus results seem to back up Barone's theory. We'll see if voters continue to scratch the sixteen year itch going forward.
By the way, Michael Barone will be appearing on the First Team of the Northern Alliance Radio Network tomorrow at noon to provide a complete breakdown of the results in Iowa and a look ahead to Tuesday's New Hampshire primary. You can listen live locally on WWTC AM1280 The Patriot or on the internet stream from anywhere in the world.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
The One Beer To Have When You're Having More Than One
Jim writes in with a drinking find:
I listen to you guys as often as I can on Saturday, and I know that you like beer. I was just in Salt Lake City on business and discovered a local beer that at first I thought was a joke -- "Polygamy Porter."
The label says "Why Have Just One?" and "Take some home to the wives."
I thought it was a fairly amusing marketing concept. No doubt, it is NOT sanctioned by any church organization. I plan to purchase some to bring home on my next trip in a few weeks. Keep up the good work!
According to the Mitt Romney campaign, the candidate's ancestors disavowed drinking this beer generations ago.
I listen to you guys as often as I can on Saturday, and I know that you like beer. I was just in Salt Lake City on business and discovered a local beer that at first I thought was a joke -- "Polygamy Porter."
The label says "Why Have Just One?" and "Take some home to the wives."
I thought it was a fairly amusing marketing concept. No doubt, it is NOT sanctioned by any church organization. I plan to purchase some to bring home on my next trip in a few weeks. Keep up the good work!
According to the Mitt Romney campaign, the candidate's ancestors disavowed drinking this beer generations ago.
To me the dialogue rings true
I'm not usually one to be swayed by advertisements and it's rare that I experience an ad that seems directed especially at me. So when I saw this ad copy in the latest USA Hockey magazine, it definitely caught my attention:
Full Day At Work.
Few Hours With The Kids.
30 Minutes To The Rink.
9:00PM Game.
Will You Be Ready?
Damn, that hits close to home. Almost too close. The next 'graph really sealed the deal:
This isn't like all the other energy drinks you've tried. Slapshot Energy is geared to help you release your natural energy for a Saturday afternoon game and those late-night league rivals. We don't load you up with tons of caffeine and sugar so you can get to sleep afterwards. Because we all know you're gonna have to get up tomorrow and do it all over again.
Bullseye. Slapshot Energy shoots and scores.
Full Day At Work.
Few Hours With The Kids.
30 Minutes To The Rink.
9:00PM Game.
Will You Be Ready?
Damn, that hits close to home. Almost too close. The next 'graph really sealed the deal:
This isn't like all the other energy drinks you've tried. Slapshot Energy is geared to help you release your natural energy for a Saturday afternoon game and those late-night league rivals. We don't load you up with tons of caffeine and sugar so you can get to sleep afterwards. Because we all know you're gonna have to get up tomorrow and do it all over again.
Bullseye. Slapshot Energy shoots and scores.
Separated At Birth?
Larry e-mails with a special Iowa Caucus day SAB:
Last seen jumping into the woods of the Pacific Northwest, notorious bank robber D.B. Cooper and...
...last seen jumping to the top of the GOP race in the cornfields of Iowa, notorious weight loser Mike Huckabee?
Larry continues:
Tell me this ain't the same guy. Would explain why he gained all that weight in the first place.
Indeed. The added weight would make for a brilliant disguise. What was Mike Huckabee doing back in 1971 anyway?
Last seen jumping into the woods of the Pacific Northwest, notorious bank robber D.B. Cooper and...
...last seen jumping to the top of the GOP race in the cornfields of Iowa, notorious weight loser Mike Huckabee? 
Larry continues: Tell me this ain't the same guy. Would explain why he gained all that weight in the first place.
Indeed. The added weight would make for a brilliant disguise. What was Mike Huckabee doing back in 1971 anyway?
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Thirty Days At The Rock
Joe Carter details his 30-Day Crash Course In Presidential Politics:
In the meantime, I'll share some of what I learned on the campaign trail. Although I can't share any secret inside-the-campaign information there are a few lessons I learned during my 30-day adventure. None are particularly profound and some are quite obvious. Much of it may even be particular to the fact that I worked with such a small team. Still, I thought it might be worthwhile to share some of them in order to confirm what you might already suspect about Presidential politics.
The lessons that he learned while working on the Huckabee campaign are actually quite insightful and in a few cases even a bit surprising. The most important one may be the need to keep things in perspective:
Primary Politics Isn't Worth Losing Friends Over -- People often ask me what I think about the "Huckabashing" carried on by my friend Hugh Hewitt. While I am concerned that his shift from candidate-favoring pundit to propagandist for Team Romney may hurt his reputation, it hasn't affected the affection I have for my "blogfather." Hugh's wrong--dead wrong--about Romney. But he's right about enough other stuff that I still respect his opinions. And aside from his poor taste in candidates, he's still the same great guy that I've admired for years.
The same holds true for my friendships with pundits and bloggers that differ with me about which candidate will make the best President. I've had some heated disagreements and have said things that have likely damaged my reputation with some people (i.e., all fans of Romney). But when all is said and done, I care more about people than punditry or partisanship.
No matter which candidate you're supporting, his entire piece is definitely worth the read.
In the meantime, I'll share some of what I learned on the campaign trail. Although I can't share any secret inside-the-campaign information there are a few lessons I learned during my 30-day adventure. None are particularly profound and some are quite obvious. Much of it may even be particular to the fact that I worked with such a small team. Still, I thought it might be worthwhile to share some of them in order to confirm what you might already suspect about Presidential politics.
The lessons that he learned while working on the Huckabee campaign are actually quite insightful and in a few cases even a bit surprising. The most important one may be the need to keep things in perspective:
Primary Politics Isn't Worth Losing Friends Over -- People often ask me what I think about the "Huckabashing" carried on by my friend Hugh Hewitt. While I am concerned that his shift from candidate-favoring pundit to propagandist for Team Romney may hurt his reputation, it hasn't affected the affection I have for my "blogfather." Hugh's wrong--dead wrong--about Romney. But he's right about enough other stuff that I still respect his opinions. And aside from his poor taste in candidates, he's still the same great guy that I've admired for years.
The same holds true for my friendships with pundits and bloggers that differ with me about which candidate will make the best President. I've had some heated disagreements and have said things that have likely damaged my reputation with some people (i.e., all fans of Romney). But when all is said and done, I care more about people than punditry or partisanship.
No matter which candidate you're supporting, his entire piece is definitely worth the read.
Going Postal
Another day (actually Monday), another piece of glossy Ron Paul literature in the mail. This one focused on the economy and hit the hot buttons of rising energy costs, falling home prices, and the declining dollar. It was more detailed than previous Paul mailings and that detail may have muddled the message a bit, but all in all it was another impressive piece.
It's hard for conservatives to argue with the sentiment expressed in this quote from Paul taken from the mailer:
"The time has come to rein in the federal government, put it on a crash diet, and let the people keep more of their money and liberty."
With a fresh infusion of some significant campaign cash...
Republican presidential long-shot Rep. Ron Paul may be in the single digits in most opinion polls, but he's raking in millions of dollars in cash to fund his campaign.
The Texas congressman raised more than $19.5 million during the fourth quarter, his campaign said, the first of the 15 White House hopefuls to reveal their most recent fund-raising just two days before Iowa voters hit the caucuses.
...I expect that I (and other Republicans) will be receiving more mail from Dr. Paul in the weeks ahead.
It's hard for conservatives to argue with the sentiment expressed in this quote from Paul taken from the mailer:
"The time has come to rein in the federal government, put it on a crash diet, and let the people keep more of their money and liberty."
With a fresh infusion of some significant campaign cash...
Republican presidential long-shot Rep. Ron Paul may be in the single digits in most opinion polls, but he's raking in millions of dollars in cash to fund his campaign.
The Texas congressman raised more than $19.5 million during the fourth quarter, his campaign said, the first of the 15 White House hopefuls to reveal their most recent fund-raising just two days before Iowa voters hit the caucuses.
...I expect that I (and other Republicans) will be receiving more mail from Dr. Paul in the weeks ahead.
A True Classic
A slew of meaningless college football bowl games? Meh.
An NHL contest between Buffalo and Pittsburgh? Played outdoors in front of 70,000 hearty fans? With snow flying by the third period? That ends up in a shootout? And is won by a goal by the new face of the NHL, Sydney Crosby (I told you to remember his name)? Now you're talking about a happy New Year's Day.
An NHL contest between Buffalo and Pittsburgh? Played outdoors in front of 70,000 hearty fans? With snow flying by the third period? That ends up in a shootout? And is won by a goal by the new face of the NHL, Sydney Crosby (I told you to remember his name)? Now you're talking about a happy New Year's Day.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Keep 'Em Separated
Father Robert A. Sirico writes on the promise of liberty (not liberation) theology for Latin America in yesterday's Wall Street Journal (sub req):
At least 100 years of evidence stands contrary to the claim that a more powerful state (and that is all liberation theology really offers) is the proper means to material advance. Nothing is to be gained for anyone but the state by smashing the rich. What society needs is not expropriation but ever widening opportunities for all classes to improve their living standards.
There is only one way toward liberation, and that is a genuine liberalization of economic and political life, one that separates the state, not only from the Church, but also from the culture and the commercial life of the nation.
In my travels in the region, I detect an honest reassessment taking place. Leaders and future leaders seem to be recognizing that if the middle class is to grow, there needs to be more vibrant understanding of how the market, where people make their livelihood, actually functions. There is also a need for a deeper understanding of the moral hazards and opportunities that the political economy presents.
The Church, despite terrible blows to its credibility in recent years, is in as good a position as any institution to provide leadership and assume a teaching role in this. Pope Benedict's own writings provide a solid basis. He warns of the dangers of power and its morally corrupting effects, as well as the materially corrosive effects of socialist policies.
At least 100 years of evidence stands contrary to the claim that a more powerful state (and that is all liberation theology really offers) is the proper means to material advance. Nothing is to be gained for anyone but the state by smashing the rich. What society needs is not expropriation but ever widening opportunities for all classes to improve their living standards.
There is only one way toward liberation, and that is a genuine liberalization of economic and political life, one that separates the state, not only from the Church, but also from the culture and the commercial life of the nation.
In my travels in the region, I detect an honest reassessment taking place. Leaders and future leaders seem to be recognizing that if the middle class is to grow, there needs to be more vibrant understanding of how the market, where people make their livelihood, actually functions. There is also a need for a deeper understanding of the moral hazards and opportunities that the political economy presents.
The Church, despite terrible blows to its credibility in recent years, is in as good a position as any institution to provide leadership and assume a teaching role in this. Pope Benedict's own writings provide a solid basis. He warns of the dangers of power and its morally corrupting effects, as well as the materially corrosive effects of socialist policies.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)