Wednesday, December 30, 2009

New Years Eve Tomorrow, What To Do?

So many things going on tomorrow, but what to do? L.A. is certainly filled with many events, but the drive + hotel plus all that is really not attractive right now. Staying home seems a bit better, but I've done that too much in recent years.

Well, ran into some friends in Downtown Pomona on Monday and I think I've decided on what to do. Looks like it will be an early night of Jazz at the Hip-Kitty in Claremont, to begin. It is right up the street from me (about a mile) and I can certainly have a beer while there. Following the Hip-Kitty, they are planning to attend a Rock-A-Billy/Swinging Music Night of some sort at the Fox Theatre in Downtown Pomona. In fact, here's the flyer:



I can pop in back at home after Hip-Kitty and catch a cab to Downtown Pomona. Yeah, it's only 3 miles but drinking and driving do not mix. Let's see if this plan holds up. If not, oh well, this is the best I can do. Sorry L.A., once again not this year.

Interesting Truth

Monday, December 28, 2009

California Toxic Waste Expansion


Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Kettleman City! Especially from the Kings County Board of Supervisors, which has approved the expansion of the largest toxic-waste dump in the West, despite concerns about an increase in birth defects.

The town boasts about 1,500 residents, but I guess they're the farming Spanish speaking sub-class, so I guess that makes it ok. Not! Pretty sad, not only for people in the area, but for our environment as well. Get this:

"About 400 truckloads of waste are hauled to the dump each day. In 2007, the last year for which complete statistics are available, that meant more than 3 million pounds of lead compounds, nearly 2 million pounds of asbestos and more than 118,000 pounds of arsenic, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. It's the state's only facility that accepts cancer-causing PCBs."

But then again, Chemical Waste is Kings County's biggest business, contributing as much as $3 million a year to the county's general fund. The sad part is the little town of Kettleman City doesn't even have sidewalks or stop signs! I'd at least do some road paving or something to keep the residents at bay.

I had to mention this because it sickens me what we're doing to our State and Environment.

Read the full report HERE.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas To All!

Merry Christmas to everyone and anyone out there. Hope you all got what you wanted this Christmas. Was out last minute shopping on Wednesday night and it wasn't as bad as I thought. Went to the Santa Anita Mall, which I must say, if you haven't been there in the past several years, you will be amazed at the size of this new and improved HUGE mall, with outdoor shopping as well! Amazingly was there for less than 2 hours in the afternoon and had time to grab a bite with the kids.

Made a late evening stop at the Montclair plaza, and was in and out even quicker and painlessly. Despite somewhat larger crowds, this is nothing compared to the good old days of the 1990's. The recession shows very clearly, at least to me, a shopaholic.

Hope the new year brings and end to the horrible mess Bush and Co. put us into since the early 2000's. Obama may not be the answer, but I say the lesser of two evils at least buys us time. Perhaps until 2012... LOL. Anyways, this wasn't meant to be a rant, just wishes from me to whoever is out there.

Here's a great video of 'Do You Hear What I Hear', sung with a sound I can deal with. Cheers!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Top 10 Reasons to Kill Senate Health Care Bill


Top 10 Reasons to Kill Senate Health Care Bill

1. Forces you to pay up to 8% of your income to private insurance corporations — whether you want to or not.

2. If you refuse to buy the insurance, you’ll have to pay penalties of up to 2% of your annual income to the IRS.

3. Many will be forced to buy poor-quality insurance they can’t afford to use, with $11,900 in annual out-of-pocket expenses over and above their annual premiums.

4. Massive restriction on a woman’s right to choose, designed to trigger a challenge to Roe v. Wade in the Supreme Court.

5. Paid for by taxes on the middle class insurance plan you have right now through your employer, causing them to cut back benefits and increase co-pays.

6. Many of the taxes to pay for the bill start now, but most Americans won’t see any benefits — like an end to discrimination against those with preexisting conditions — until 2014 when the program begins.

7. Allows insurance companies to charge people who are older 300% more than others.

8. Grants monopolies to drug companies that will keep generic versions of expensive biotech drugs from ever coming to market.

9. No re-importation of prescription drugs, which would save consumers $100 billion over 10 years.

10. The cost of medical care will continue to rise, and insurance premiums for a family of four will rise an average of $1,000 a year — meaning in 10 years, your family’s insurance premium will be $10,000 more annually than it is right now.

Ream More: Pam's House Blend

Friday, December 18, 2009

Weekend Joke / Checkpoints



By the way, this weekend will be a HIGH CHECKPOINT weekend all over the San Gabriel Valley. Several cities such as Alhambra, Pasadena, Pomona, and Baldwin Park are scheduled. Also inland in Ontario. Watch your drink and be careful!

No Health, No Care, No Reform.

The American Insurance Cartel IS the death panel. Looks like HB 3590 aka Health Care Reform, will not contain the single payer system, public option and medicare buy-in. It has now been raped, cut-up and left for dead, all for what appears to be another HUGE gift to the private insurance industry. We're now at the hands of the health care industry. Oh and thanks Mr. Obama, for sitting back and doing nothing about this. You gave in to these selfish greedy Republicans and corporate sellouts, not to mention the stupid people the media is paid to show on TV constantly against this. Those same stupid people will now be worse off than ever, especially our seniors. The Health Care Industry thanks all stupid, gullible, easily-led Americans. They cannot wait to profit off each and everyone of you while you lose your jobs, home and health.

Enough, listen to Keith Olbermann here, this is what YOU NEED TO HEAR!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Wine Message


To paraphrase W.C. Fields:

"I don't drink water, because fish screw in it."


To my friends who enjoy a glass of wine... and those who don't.

As Ben Franklin said:

"In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria."


In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. coli) - bacteria found in feces.In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop.

However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer (or tequila, rum, whiskey or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.

Remember:
Water = Poop, Wine = Health


Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, than to drink water and be full of shit.

There is no need to thank me for this valuable information: I'm doing it as a public service!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Enjoying The Wonderful Rain All Week!


Haven't blogged much but it's just so beautiful with the rain outside! You can go out into the streets and it's just gorgeous. The garden is swollen with water and it's great! I'm sitting here with my laptop and a cup of the ol'Joe staring at my yard. The wife is busy crocheting scarves for Christmas. My daughter is hopping around the house with her Nintendo DS. What a beautiful day!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Aetna Forcing 600,000+ To Lose Coverage For Profits

Boy, am I in a political mood today. And here's more crap from the corporations who continue to push for continued economic depression, while raking in profits.

Are you still one of those morons who are helping the health/insurance corporation by fighting health care for those who can't afford it? Wake up and smell reality (if you haven't already). Stop believing all the paid-for talking points and B/S they're feeding you.

It's simple, PROFIT before PEOPLE. That's what they're doing with your health and money.

"Health insurance giant Aetna is planning to force up to 650,000 clients to drop their coverage next year as it seeks to raise additional revenue to meet profit expectations."

"The pricing we put in place for 2009 turned out to not really be what we needed to achieve the results and margins that we had historically been delivering," said chairman and CEO Ron Williams.


Oh, and Aetna actually made a profit in 2009 but not at levels that it anticipated.

Read the HuffPost article here.

oh, and here's a video from MSNBC on the subject:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy



And while we're at it, here's another little bonus. Do you know what an MLR is? Never heard of it? Wall Street sure knows what it is, and I think you should too: Click here for a quick article on MLR

Someone Who Gives A Damn About The Middle Class?


Thank you Senator Bernard Sanders of Vermont! Looks like he will try and block the Senate from confirming Ben S. Bernanke to a second term as chairman of the Federal Reserve.

"The move is unlikely to derail Mr. Bernanke’s reappointment, but it could slow the confirmation process and give the Fed’s critics additional opportunity to press their case. As a practical matter, it means Senate Democratic leaders will have to line up 60 votes in favor of Mr. Bernanke rather than a simple majority at a time when the Federal Reserve is under increasing populist attacks from lawmakers on both the right and the left."

Mr. Sanders also said in an interview:

"In this country, there is profound disgust at what happened on Wall Street. People want a new direction and people are asking, where was the Fed? How did the Fed allow this to happen, when one of their mandates is to oversee the safety and soundness of the banking system?"

You can read more at: NYtimes.com

Monday, December 7, 2009

Rain Around Town

Had to get out this morning and run some errands. Took my handy little camera with me. Got some snaps of the surrounding rain around town for you to enjoy.


The New Montclair Police Department HQ:



The Claremont Post Office:



A Random Pomona Tree-Lined Street:

Monday WalMart Funny

I'm not a big WalMart supporter, so if there is something funny about it, I enjoy seeing/reading about it. This might also apply to many retailers nowadays.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Flagstone Brew Walk

Just wanted to show off a 'green' idea that I've created, uh, let's say a while back. To be honest, I thought of it this summer while pondering to purchase some moss or something for the in between of the flagstone walkway. This is just a small walkway to the side of the house, but as you can see, it needs no irrigation, talk about drought tolerant! I just love the colors of the blooms, or caps I should say.

(click to enlarge image)


After a while though, some caps might become rusty. That's okay, these little caps can always be found in my home. Guests at my home love this, not only can they drink a nice beer, but they can also partake in helping the earth and my garden look cool!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Happy Holidays From The Woods Family


The media circus frenzy begins. Poor Tiger Woods, this one is going to hurt for a bit. When will he begin to lose endorsements? Not to worry, once our attention span on this b/s dies, they'll re-endorse him.

I hate this 'celebrity private life' fascination that America has. But that's just me. Go on, drool and get into the tabloids. At least we don't have bigger problems in this country, right?

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Recycle Trash Bandits Update

I have previously blogged about the recycling trash can bandits here in Pomona, and it sure applies to other cities as well. One of the problems was that the recycling truck would always be the last to pick up, and very late.

I'm posting this message to compliment the City of Pomona Utility Services for doing something about it. The last 4 weeks I've noticed that the recycle truck has been the 1st to pick up! Yes, they are doing it at an average time of 7:30am. What a difference it makes from picking up after 11am. In fact, I heard it this morning about 7:30am, I looked out and actually saw 2 recycle thieves at the same time! One was right behind it and the other was on the next street that 'T's. The recycle truck was moving fast picking up, much faster than usual. It seemed he was trying to beat the bandits.

Although this doesn't solve the problem fully, it definitely makes a difference!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Niagara Falls

Has it ever froze since then?

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving, Hold On.. Ok, Yeah.


Haven't been too active around here this week. Been super busy with many things. Not to mention, the kids got a FULL WEEK off for Thanksgiving, so looks like Mr. Mom has his hands full this week. Yeah, a frickin' FULL WEEK! Where was this concept when I was in school?

Nevertheless, wishing all who stumble upon this internet wasteland I call my blog a Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 23, 2009

The Stupid Virus

If you like political funny stuff, especially one that takes aim at fox news right wing type of teabagging crazies, then you'll enjoy this animation short.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Googly Eyes Gardener

For all my Gardening friends...

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Tuts My Barreh = LOL

If there's a camel up a hill... Come on and give me water dessert!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Sarah Palin Book Cover

Perhaps these were some ideas thrown around before the final print? Probably not, but these are some 'alternative' covers for her crappy book I found. Might be offensive to some, but oh well, I didn't design them.

(click on any picture to enlarge)





Monday, November 16, 2009

Cool Downtown L.A. Shots

Strumbled across a few cool random shots of Downtown L.A. that I'd like to share. I love the way they've captured these, especially the first and last. The middle shot has a very cool view from above.

Credit: Daniel Modin


Credit: Helaine Cummins


Credit: Gary Winterboer

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Did U Know?: Misleading Titles

French Fries: Come from Belgium, not France.

Rice Paper: Has absolutely no rice in it.

Your Funny Bone:: Is actually a nerve, not a bone.

Great Danes: Come from Germany, not Denmark.

Fairy Tales: Are seldom about fairies.

Brazil Nuts: are seeds, not nuts (they are from Brazil though).

Coconuts: are giants seeds as well, not nuts.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Manbungo, African Warrior = LOL

This guy cracks me up.. made me spit my coffee on the desk this morning.

Tired & Can't Think Today


Thursday, November 12, 2009

You Didn't Get Mad...

Saw this over at Bartcop, found it interesting and true:


You didn't get mad when the Supreme Court stopped a legal recount and appointed a President.

You didn't get mad when VP Cheney allowed Energy company officials to dictate energy Policy.

You didn't get mad when a covert CIA Operative was revealed.

You didn't get mad when the Patriot Act was passed.

You didn't get mad when we illegally invaded Iraq looking for WMD'S that didn't exist.

You didn't get mad when we spent over 600 Billion dollars(and counting) on Iraq War.

You didn't get mad when over 10 billion dollars just disappeared in Iraq.

You didn't get mad when Bush was illegally wiretapping us at home and work.

You didn't get mad when Bush borrowed money to give to the oil companies.

You didn't get mad when we didn't catch Bin Laden.

You didn't get mad when you saw the horrible Conditions at Walter Reed.

You didn't get mad when we let New Orleans drown.

You didn't get mad when Bush got 4,500 soldiers killed.

You didn't get mad when the deficit hit the trillion dollar mark.

You finally got mad when---- The government decided that people in America deserved the right to see a doctor if they are sick.

Illegal wars, lies, corruption, torture, giving your tax dollars to super-rich, are all OK with you?

But helping other Americans is the last straw?

Seven presidents have tried to pass a Health Care Plan of some sort and have failed. None have had the "hate filled" opposition of this president.

THE WORLD IS WATCHING AMERICA.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Next Wave Of Spamming: FLOGS

The next generation of spammers... Companies now using fake blogs, also known as 'FLOGS' to peddle their products to alot of people out there who can't tell the difference.



How does the fakeosphere work? Here’s one example tracked by msnbc.com:

"Starting in September, visitors to many newspaper Web sites in the Northeast were confronted by an unexpected pop-up ad. A Web site named WebAnswersPro.com interrupted their surfing, displaying what seemed to be an open debate about a get-rich-quick product named the Google Wealth Connection. The entry began with a question from an apparently curious user about the service's claims that participants were earning up to $4,800 a month. An apparently spirited conversation followed, with some posters questioning the service while others shared their personal success stories. One attractive poster even claimed the site helped her pay for college.

“You've convinced me! I just ordered my Google Wealth Connection kit. I will report back with the results later,” concluded user marie09."


Full story on MSNBC: Click Here.

Happy Veterans Day


We honor our troops now and for all time. We'll never forget what you did or continue to do, no matter what the cause. It's the balls to do your job that I respect.
Thank you Soldiers!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Did U Know?: L.A. Dodgers Name Origins


Whether you're a Dodgers fan or not, everyone knows the Dodgers came from Brooklyn, New York. But do you know how they got the name 'Dodgers'?

Well, I'll tell ya, since I know alot of people do not know. They were formed (obviously) in Brooklyn during the year 1890. At that time, Brooklyn had hundreds of trolleys zig-zagging through its streets, and pedestrians were constantly scurrying out of their way. That's why their baseball team was called the 'Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers' (Later shortened to just 'Dodgers'). The team moved to L.A. in 1958.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Too Early For Christmas Decorations, No?

There are people starting to put up Christmas decorations around Southern California already... it's not even Thanksgiving yet! Damn you Target & WalMart and you greedy stores putting stuff out so early! I remember in late August already seeing some Halloween stuff out at stores.

Anyways, don't put your stuff up until after Thanksgiving please, or else you might be like this unlucky fellow:

Friday, November 6, 2009

Claremont Weekend Happenings

Looks like a busy weekend as the first weekend of the month arrives in Claremont. For those of you coming from L.A. or anything west of here, take the 10 east and exit Indian Hill making a left. After you pass Arrow, it's right after the train tracks. Fairly simple to get there.


FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK: 5:30-8:30 pm
(Special events held at The Claremont Forum and at select Village locations.)
The ART WALK is a FREE EVENT held at The Claremont Forum in The Packing House, 500 W. First St, Claremont and various businesses throughout the Claremont Village. Phone Claremont Forum (909) 626-3066.

FIRST SATURDAY VILLAGE WALKING TOUR: 10:00-12:00 noon
Sponsored by Claremont Heritage. Tour begins in front of the historic Claremont Metrolink Depot, 200 West First St. and ends with a tour of the newly restored College Heights Lemon Packing House, 500 W. First St. Led by a Claremont Heritage tour guide, this enjoyable walk includes the city's commercial, civic and college buildings bringing to life more than a hundred years of Claremont's history.
Cost: $5 per person. Reservations recommended.
Call (909) 621-0848. View website

see ya there!

Chardonnay Or Cab, By 7-Eleven?


Yes, 7-Eleven, the mini marts with the panhandlers all over town, are now making their own wine. It will be labeled as 'Yosemite Road' and available in Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The price? It will be selling for $3.99. At that price, I might as well get some Sutter Home... or go even cheaper and pick up some 'Boones Farm'.

Oh, and it won't be available until next week. I'm sure you are anxiously waiting for it's release.

Don't believe me? Here's the Press Release.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Election Results For Pomona & Claremont

CLAREMONT UNIFIED SCHOOL - GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER

Winner:
MARY A CAENEPEEL
Votes: 3,023
Percent: 30.31%

Losers:

JEFF K STARK
Votes: 2,975
Percent: 29.83%

STEVEN LLANUSA
Votes: 2,121
Percent: 21.27%

JEFF HAMMILL
Votes: 1,855
Percent: 18.6%


POMONA UNIFIED SCHOOL - GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER

Winner:
ANDREW S WONG
Votes: 3,014
Percent: 20%

Losers:

ROBERTA A PERLMAN
Votes: 2,897
Percent: 19.22%

ADRIENNE K MACKLIN
Votes: 2,309
Percent: 15.32%

JOHN J AVILA
Votes: 2,186
Percent: 14.5%

FRANK C GUZMAN
Votes: 1,914
Percent: 12.7%

HANK MOLLET
Votes: 1,768
Percent: 11.73%

ROBERT S TORRES
Votes: 985
Percent: 6.53%



POMONA UNIFIED SCHOOL - GBM TERM ENDS 12/11

Winner:
JASON A ROTHMAN
Votes: 2,113
Percent: 36.16%

Losers:

STEVE LUSTRO
Votes: 1,984
Percent: 33.96%

NANCY A MATARRITA
Votes: 1,746
Percent: 29.88%


POMONA CITY SPECIAL MUNI - MEASURE
PC - UTILITY TAX ORDINANCE

Winner: YES
Votes: 2,668
Percent: 59.65%


Loser: NO
Votes: 1,805
Percent: 40.35%


OTHER:

For other races such as Mt. Sac, Chaffey, Citrus Colleges, please visit: Daily Bulletin's All Precincts Results.

(Some of these board elections might result in 2 positions as opposed to only 1. But for numbers sake, I just listed the actual winner of votes/percentage.)

Sources: Daily Bulletin
Heads Up Thanks to M-M-M-My Pomona

Did U Know?: Caesar Salad


Did you know that the name of this one of a kind salad doesn't refer to the famous Roman conqueror, but to a man from Tijuana who created it? This restauranteur's name was Caesar Cardini.

"Cardini started several restaurants in Tijuana, Mexico in the early 1920's. He devised the salad in 1924 during the 4th of July weekend at Caesar's Place. He served it as finger food, arranging the garlic-scented lettuce leaves on platters. Later, he shredded the leaves into bite-sized pieces. The salad quickly became a hit with the Hollywood movie stars who visited Tijuana, and soon enough it was a specialty of such prestigious restaurants as Chasen's and Romanoff's."

(Food for thought, literally... I didn't know until recently, thought I'd share it with anyone out there. In fact, I should do these little 'Did U Know' segments once in a while... hmm, nah.)

Monday, November 2, 2009

So-Cal Weather With A Dash Of Global Warming


Amazing isn't it? The last few days its been about 90-92 degrees in the afternoon, with a low of 50 degrees give or take at night. Thats a frickin' 40 degree weather difference every day. This type of day isn't necessarily unusual, for a day or two at most. When we're doing this for several days and even a week or longer, this is just nuts.

The plus side of it is the garden confusion. It wants to go dormant at night, but the day brings in sun, so it doesn't. I guess we should be thankful for this weather compared to the east and north parts of the country. I can't be thankful if it's killing our planet. But might as well enjoy it for now.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Bud Light Wheat... It's Here.


Something new from A/B has hit the shelves. They seem to notice how Coors' Blue Moon has been a big hit. This is their version, or light version of that wheat beer sensation that's sweeping the nation (or night clubs & bars). At least I think it is, again, I'm no expert.

Well, how does it taste? I don't mind a regular Bud Light once in a while, they're okay when ice cold. I am also not a snotty beer person, I will drink whatever ya got as long as it's cold, but I do prefer pale ales and other micro brews. Getting back to the question, this isn't bad at all.

At first, it tasted like someone dropped a bunch of cheez-its into the beer and let them soak. It sounds gross, but it has a nice flavor to it. Although it seems that if you drink these all night, ya might get some funky garlicky breath. But after my 2nd one, it is a smooth drink with a salty-like flavor. I am trying desperately to taste the oranges and coriander. I can barely taste any coriander, and a very light orange taste. I expected the flavor to come through like Wicked's Strawberry Blonde, where you instantly taste strawberries.

I generally love to mix Clamato Juice with my Bud Light and add a splash of lime and some hot sauce (called Michelada in Spanish). Bud Light wheat for some reason seems similar to it, but a very very light version of it. Anyways, Bud Light Wheat is a step up from it's regular beer, more of a delight that I think may stick with men and women alike. For a light wheat lager, I give this a 3.5 out of 5.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Pictures: Pollution in China

This article from China Hush: Stories From China made me sick to my stomach. It's the side we don't really see here in the USA. This pollution affects us all. This is what such things as lower prices at Walmart brings. We need to understand the damage we are doing to our world and ourselves. It's so frustrating that we're so stupid to expand our minds and look deeper into things. Fortunately, there are people out there trying to do this for us. They don't have the power of a corporation to make us believe whatever they're selling. But still, I am thankful for photographers like Lu Guang, who somehow manage to get these things out.

Here are some examples of this silent pollution:

Guiyu, Guangdong province, (广东省贵屿镇) rivers and reservoirs have been contaminated, the villager is washing in a seriously polluted pond.
November 25, 2005:



In Ma’anshan, Anhui province (安徽马鞍山), along the Yangtze River there are many small-scaled Iron selection factories and plastic processing plants. Large amounts of sewage discharged into the Yangtze River
June 18, 2009



Jiangsu province Changshu City Fluorine Chemical industry land sewage treatment plant (江苏省常熟市氟化学工业园污水处理厂) was responsible for collection and processing of the industrial sewage. However they did not, the sewage pipe was extended 1500 meters under the Yangtze River and releasing the sewage there.
June 11, 2009



For more the whole article: CLICK HERE

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Q3 Foreclosure Update

The latest word is that there's some good news out regarding foreclosures.


Well, guess what? It's the exact opposite, in fact, for the 3rd Quarter of 2009, there were a total of 937,840 homes foreclosed. Yes, you read that right. 1 in every 136 homes NATIONWIDE received a foreclosure filing!

According to this article from the consumerist, in California that means 1 in every 53 homes! And poor Nevada, they get 1 in every 23! Check out the following chart:

(Click image to enlarge)

Friday, October 23, 2009

Looking At The Garden With A Fisheye

Got a new toy for our camera, a 0.35 HD fisheye lens! Went out for a quick test in the garden this afternoon. Here are 2 images, edited slightly for color:

(click image to enlarge)



This thing looks like it's going to be fun!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Tower IPA & Red Trolley Ale


After dropping my son off for his evening football practice in La Verne, I decided to stop by North Pomona's Albertsons, located on Foothill & Garey. I Picked up some home necessities as usual. And as I always do, took a stroll by the beer section. Took a look, some decent brews displayed. Saw the great Stone Brews for $10 a 6-pack. Nah, look for a bargain, there must be one somewhere.

Wait? What's this? Red Trolley Ale? Hmm, I remember the Red Trolley in San Diego when I used to visit relatives as a kid. I looked closer, and San Diego it is! Right next to it, an IPA named Tower 10, by the same brewer Karl Strauss of San Diego, CA. To my dismay, on sale for $7.99 a 6-pack. Done, it is purchased and hauled off home for a taste of the ol' Skrip palate.

According to Karl Strauss, The Red Trolley Ale is "A bold red ale with a toffee maltiness and slightly sweet finish."

Opened the Red Trolley instantly after gnawing on some chicken wings. First impression, whoa, this is a bit heavy and sweet. I don't know about a slightly sweet finish, in fact its a bit past the medium of sweetness. It comes on very sweet at first. I don't know if this is one brew to drink quick. This is a slow drinking beer no doubt. It feels as if they tried to put too much flavor into this, in a cheap way. Not your backyard BBQ brew for sure. A bit too forced of a flavor. This baby gets a 3 out of 5.

The next day, I tried the Tower 10 IPA. Karl Strauss says this brew is "An American-style India Pale Ale with a citrus and pine hoppiness, followed by a dry balanced finish."

Hmm, okay this one tastes better. Indeed, it has that hoppiness and bite that most IPAs offer. It is a little bit thicker than the better IPAs. But the flavor isn't bad at all. Maybe the bitterness goes a bit overboard, oh so slightly. But if I had to choose between this and the Red Trolley, I'd take the IPA. This one gets a 3.5 out of 5.

Friday, October 16, 2009

This Sunday In Pomona For Art, Music & Skate Fans!

MIRAMAR & 5IFTYBUCKS GALLERY will be hosting a fun filled day this Sunday for all. Many artists' work will be feautred and tons of cool bands performing. Skateboarding will also be taking place. I personally will be helping out for the event. Hope you can all make it! Click on the below pictures for more info:

The official invite for all:



The list of performing bands and their scheduled times:



Featured Artists:



Event Sponsors:



Doesn't get any better than this!