beer stock list!

I was thinking about doing this after I created a list of books and CDs in Google Docs that I wanted. It allows me to view the list on my phone while I'm in the store which sometimes happens unplanned. So I created my beer stock list (see link below). Not only will it show me what I already have, but it keeps track of purchase date and location as well. Important things to know when you get around to tasting it. Hopefully the spreadsheet will stay updated.

Once I've enjoyed the beverage and it's no longer in my fridge I'll move it to the second tab. The second tab isn't so complete being that I've just started keeping track.

I'm thinking I'll get a second fridge with a special thermostat for higher temperatures to store my precious beverages.

beer stock list

back in business

My mobile computer is back in action with the latest hacked software.  It's running oh so smooth and fast.  I originally hacked my phone back in March but about a month ago my number one app, the Opera Mobile browser, started crashing after 5 seconds. And the device would freeze up on me many times a day. I had to do soft resets all day long and sometimes more than once at a time. Without Opera Mobile, I had to use Pocket IE (PIE) with no iphone-like finger scroll or tabs! I felt like I was back in 2005. I don't think I'm necessarily that busy of a guy but for some reason it took about a month to find the time to fix.

After a bunch of research to make sure I won't end up with a useless brick and a few initial stumbles I got it updated with the latest OS and radio ROMs.  It works quite well.  Apparently Verizon did release a WM6.1 update but the GPS only works with the Verizon Navigator app.  So this hacked release doesn't use whatever code is on that official Verizon update, rather I believe it is derived from the XV6900.  I documented my steps this time so I can make quick updates in the future.

Some day when I have more time I'll get the aGPS working.  Currently it takes a few minutes for the GPS to get a fix and it only works outside.  It is possible to get it to work instantly and indoors with some added configuration.

The guy who created this hacked ROM included remote desktop and internet tethering.  It has improved memory management and unnecessary applications removed.  I installed a little flashlight app that lets me use my camera flash as a flashlight.  That would have come in handy as I checked a friend's oil level in the dark two nights ago.

I can't wait for Firefox Mobile and Opera Mobile 9.5 to be released.

another Harvest Ale

I saw Sierra Nevada's 2008 12th Release Harvest Wet Hop Ale at Whole Foods today.  Unfortunately I'm sick and can't taste it.  I'm curious how it compares to the Southern Hemisphere Harvest Fresh Hop Ale from this spring.  I'm sure its mmmm tasty good.  Here is a little bit about Sierra Nevada's Harvest Ale series:

To make this project happen, we selected hops from regions where the hop harvest occurred at different times of the year. Southern Hemisphere Harvest uses hops from New Zealand that are harvested in our spring. Our Chico Estate Harvest uses hops grown at our brewery in Chico, California that are harvested in late summer. And our original Harvest Ale uses hops from Yakima, Washington harvested in early fall. The result is three fresh hop ales that will be released at different times of the year, each providing a unique experience with hops from different parts of the world. We aptly call this trilogy of fresh hop ales our Harvest Series.

UPDATE: One of two Chico Estate Harvest Ale casks that are east of the Mississippi will be tapped at the Brickskeller on Thursday.  

my Arlington bike loop

I finally rode a big loop around Arlington that I've been thinking about since I got my road bike. Its about 17.5 miles and uses parts of the Mt Vernon, 4 Mile Run, W&OD, and Curtis trails. See the map below. If interested check out the Arlington bike trails here.

I've been using my bike as transportation around DC lately and it was nice to get out without my heavy lock and in more suitable clothes.  I felt swift like the wind!  The weather was perfect and the trails were not too crowded.  I ate more bugs than usual on this ride and found a few in my hair and on my face afterwards.  

There were about 100 people at the park at the end of the runway at the airport.  A week or so ago Kirby and I were on a night ride and surprisingly found the spot to ourselves.  A few people were fishing at the mouth of 4 Mile Run which is quite nasty.  I didn't realize I was going to ride right through downtown Shirlington.  Once I got in the parks along 4 Mile Run past Shirlington I came across about two dozen dogs hanging out in the stream.  Their owners were mingling and the dogs were having a good time.

There are at least four parks between Shirlington and I-66 along 4 Mile Run.  The W&OD trail is along one side and the 4 Mile Run trail winds along the other.  The 4 Mile Run trail often splits in different directions around the parks and through the woods.  A few side paths go up and away with lots of elevation change which allowed me to dream I was on my mt bike.  I saw some single track that I might have to tackle some day.  At one point I came across a rather large and elaborate public rose garden.

It's not long but you could run that 4 Mile Run leg a few times and not get bored (or run the same trail twice). The whole ride was almost all on off-street paved bike paths.  It was a good time. Bummer winter is upon us.

mmm beer!

I haven't been to the store in a month or two and was able to hit up Total Wine & More today. Oktoberfest time of course! Last night I tasted Avery's Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest Lager and it was damn good. Today I stopped by the store and picked up some Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest, Sam Adams' new Hallertau Imperial Pilsner "An Intense Hop Experience", Dogfish Head Pumpkin Ale, and my old stable North Coast Prankster.

The Hallertau Imperial Pilsner is quite unique; I dig it. I haven't had the DFH Pumpkin Ale yet this year.

ridiculous money

People in this town have way too much money. Of course it's true of any large city. There will always be those with shit tons o cash to spend on whatever they please. Oh I wish I were one. Really I don't need to buy a 500K or 1 million $ car; I'd be happy with a $130,000 Porsche Turbo. 

I've seen so many nice cars lately. Over the summer I saw an Audi R8 twice in my neighborhood. The other day while at the race shop near the Lamborghini dealership we heard a V12 fly by. Surprisingly in Missoula I saw an Audi S5, and there are a few around town here. Two nights ago I was downtown near a club and quite a few $90K BMWs and Mercedes where getting parked. Just today I saw a 6 series BMW, a new M3, two Jaguar XKs, and a Ferrari F430. How many of those guys have actually been anywhere near the limit of their cars on the track do you think? Someday I'll be old, make silly money, be insensibley rich, and buy ridiculous toys. Till then I'll appreciate what I have. 

I remember lapping the track with a Ferrari 360 in my four banger although I'm sure he was a bit more timid than I. That was fun.

yet another Beerfest!

Its that time again. The semi-annual World Beer Festival took place in Durham and of course my sister and her friends hosted us out-of-towners. For four hours you get your choice of 300 or so beers from around with world. Raleigh hosts the event in the spring and Durham in the fall. It was a new Durham venue this year and for some reason they like baseball stadiums. If you were in the know you were aware of the restrooms underneath the stands. This event seemed to have more local NC brews. Although there was still lots of good representation throughout the globe. Thanks to Mark and Michelle for driving me there and back. No real big discovers other than Smittynose which for some reason I've never really tried and the IPA they had seemed very fresh and tasty. I made the mistake of having two 10% brews before the fest and I don't remember much after the 3rd hour of the event.

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