Fox in the Valley

Fox Brewing is in the Valley Junction area of West Des Moines. A nice comfortable little brewery on the industrial side of Railroad Avenue. I don’t think we got the bartender’s name, but he was super personable and our visit was an extremely pleasant experience.

Quick Brown Fox (Oatmeal Brown Ale)
5.9% abv
Light sweet roast with a nutty malt flavor…very drinkable.
Overall Score: 89

Cluster-Füchs (Hefeweizen)
5.4% abv
A slightly sour hefeweizen as if someone poured lemonade in the batch. I liked it, and it could have me drinking hefeweizens again.
Overall Score: 93

Fox Tail (Irish Red Ale)
5.8% abv
This red has a funk to it and it’s quite hoppy. No mistaking this is a red.
Overall Score: 87

Foxy Blonde (Belgium Blonde Ale)
6.3% abv
Solid. Soft instead of crisp with a normal Belgium funk…and it’s SWEET!
Overall Score: 90

Bromper (Hazy IPA)
5.4% abv
0 ibu …that’s right ZERO IBU’s
It’s hard to believe there are no bitter units because it’s definitely an IPA. Cool hopped rather than boiled hopped…Man, that’s good! Sweet, low hops. Bruh!
…pour me another!
Overall Score: 95

And the best for last…

Broken Lawnmower (Summer Shandy)
4.8% abv
This is a saison with lemons thrown in after the fermentation process. WOW…this could be the best shandy ever and I mean that. Good job guys!
Overall Score: 97

We will definitely be back!

Small Town…Big Flavor

What do you get when you find a wooden nickel for a free pour? You plan a short trip and day drink. On a random Friday (or last Friday to be specific) afternoon, we did just that.

Sacrilegious Ciderworks is an extension of a winery (Vine Street Cellars) right in the middle of the town square. It was a comfortable and well-kept establishment with a decent wine selection. We didn’t go there for wine, which gives us a reason to go back.

Bitter Melon
6.0% Abv
This one has just the tiniest taste of tart with a melon flavor.

Black Cherry
5.0% Abv
Slightly sweeter than the Bitter Melon, but also slightly drier.

Grandma’s Butter Cookie
5.5% Abv
You won’t taste the cookies that you anticipate, but you can get a hint of butter.

Jalapeno
6.0% Abv
You can definitely smell the jalapeno, and the flavor is there without the heat of the pepper. We tried these in order from dry to sweet, but this one seemed to take a step back.

Peach Fuzz
5.0% Abv
Super sweet! Good strong peach flavor and aroma, but you can tell this was accomplished by adding syrup.

Strawberry Basil
6.0% Abv
Great aroma and strong flavor. Not sure I tasted the basil, but there were bits of strawberry floating in the cider (hopefully on purpose).

Overall Score: 89 for taste and 75 for the process. I would have appreciated their process more if these were infused flavors (even though I’m not a huge fan of that process), but instead, they took their base cider and added a variety of syrups. This makes a HUGE difference, and I probably expected more from a winery. Mainly because the process is not that much different.

Keg Creek Brewing is gearing up for a big move (9/18), so I’m glad we were able to visit the current location (old Kizzier Fuel Station). Dave gave us the 25¢ tour, and it was awesome! He simply talked about all the beers on tap, but his enthusiasm and hospitality made it great! Thanks, Dave!

Sharp Street Stout
5.3% Abv
Overall Score: 91
Dave told us that once you taste this one you won’t want any other stout. He was right about! No bullshit flavoring…very robust flavor that almost tastes like roasted or burnt (on purpose) coffee.

Waseya Cream Ale
4.8% Abv
Overall Score: 90
This was their lightest beer, clear and very light cream taste and creamy texture. Good light beer…refreshing choice if you need a beer after doing yard work.

Barrel Age Breakdown Brown
7.8% Abv
Overall Score: 87
Bourbon barrel roasted plain brown…decent beer with a strong alcohol taste, but nothing special.

Apricot DIPA
9.44% Abv
Overall Score: 96
Oh man, that’s good! Cloudy, sweet and slightly tart. Thicker texture and apricot funk…Damn, that’s good! IPA’s are among my least favorite beers and this DIPA has stolen the show. Get this one!

Jake’s Big Honey
8.7% Abv
Overall Score: 92
A saison that has twice the honey and is stronger than the normal saison batch. This was an apprentice mistake with an amazing result. It’s so smooth you’ll get drunk and forget that you were even drinking beer. Farmhouse honey sweetness!

…a few others to mention.

Citrafiable Pale Ale
6.02% Abv
Dry and bitter
Overall Score: 89

Bunny Style IPA
6.6% Abv
Tastes like a pale ale or super light IPA. Easy drinking but nothing distinguishing.
Overall Score: 86

Bespoke IPA
8.5% Abv
Malty finish, perfect bitterness…good IPA.
Overall Score: 88

We’re looking forward to the grand opening of the new location! I think mostly because Dave gives great tours!

Fitgers Brewhouse – Duluth, MN

Fitgers Brewhouse is a classic and a staple in Duluth. It has been around since before breweries were cool. It’s a very popular restaurant in the Old Fitgers Hotel located in the downtown area overlooking Lake Superior. I stopped in on a Wednesday evening and it was fairly busy so the bartender(s) was somewhat stingy with the samples.

Bumbleberry Session Sour:
4.1% abv.
Overall Score: 84

–This was more tingly than it was sour. Blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry…light but not berry sweet. Actually wasn’t that good. 😦

Morning Grind Coffee Brown
5.4% abv.
Overall Score: 92

–Awesome head! A little thin for a coffee beer, but this is my first coffee brown. Excellent coffee aroma and slight brown bitterness and strong coffee flavor without the roasted taste. It’s pretty good.

Big Boat Oatmeal Stout
6.6% abv.
Overall Score: 86

–Staple. This one was slightly bitter with a robust malty-ness. It was thinner than most stouts, and I wasn’t able to distinguish the oatmeal flavor.

Thunder Mountian Rumble Dunkle
5.1% abv
Overall Score: 86

–There was a slight funk, not super smooth, tiny bit of sweetness.

The Haze IPA
6.5%
Overall Score: 90

–Fantastic grapefruit smell with a backend hoppy note. Almost un-noticeable sweetness. Solid IPA

Wildfire [Spicy] Lager
5.7% abv.
Overall Score: 86

–Eight kinds of pepper just tossed in; 35 pounds per batch! The smell is super potent…and by that I mean its’ super spicy aroma. The flavor is pepper blend and that was all you could taste. There was no distinction between peppers. Amber-ale based, but you can’t tell. My lips are still burning. That was probably the spiciest beer I’ve ever had.

Welcome to the Friend Zone.

Question: There’s this girl, who I really like a lot. After expressing this to her she let me know that she really only likes me as a friend. I’m not completely positive if there is another guy she likes…at least for the last few months or so. But I’m not sure what to do. I like her and I want to know if I should keep trying? Does she have a reason? What do I do?

Answer: No. Here’s why…the ‘friend zone’ can be a challenge to get out of and there are better things to channel your energy on. Also, women are weird…they will later realize they liked you when you aren’t paying them any attention. So…do you bro! Do things that make you feel good rather than get her attention. If you’ve heard that saying: if you love it set it free…well this also works when you like someone. The timing could be against you and she may not be in a position to like you in the same way (whatever her reason is). I would also like to point out that women don’t respond well when men come on tooooo strong (this may or may not be the case for you). I could go on all day with the reasons because women are complex in that regard. Trust me…I am a woman and I know how difficult we can be. Do some things that make you smile and make yourself a little less available to her. If she only wants to be friends…BE FRIENDS…don’t be an ass. But don’t sell yourself short waiting for her to love you. If it was meant to be, the universe will show her the light.

Best of Luck!

Everyone Loves a Beef Stick.

Right?! I know I take them on just about every road trip. Well, what if I told you there was a healthier option? I know what your thinking…beef jerky is supposed to be bad for you. Well…I suppose, but it can be good for you! Everyone loves a Slim Jim…I’ve eaten my fair share, but these are a healthier option.
Let me tell you about something different…but the same. Yes, that’s what I said.

Chomps Snack Sticks. I know what your thinking; what’s different about these sticks? First, the beef is grass fed. Second, there are no artificial ingredients. AND…third, they taste amazing! I don’t know about you, but it’s hard to find things that taste good and good for you. It’s usually one, not both.

Chomps was kind enough to send me a few sticks to check out in order to tell them what I thought.

Overall: Awesomesauce! I actually like the idea of a jerky-like snack without all the extra stuff that’s not so great for you.

Original: Simply put, it tasted like a beef stick. Perfect for the kiddos who need more of a pedestrian flavor. Most children prefer the non-spicy jerky stuff and this is the way to go.
Crackin’ Cran: Fruit and peppers. Habaneros and cranberries to be exact (with some other stuff…like beef)  I’m not sure how I feel about this one and it could be the habanero that thru me off. I don’t like things too spicy…but if that’s your thing.
Hoppin’ Jalapeno: YAAASSS!!! My favorite no question. For someone who isn’t a fan of spicy food, I was a little surprised. I like the flavor of the pepper more than the spice of it…and there was a lot of that going on here!

So, my advice, visit GoChomps and order some so you can see what I’m talking about!!

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Crazy Legs. (Influenster Review)

Product Name: Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs — What it actually is: Leg Makeup.

I wasn’t sure about this one because I’m a medium complexion and I pegged this as a product used by the population who was un-tanable (that non-word is strictly for this review). However, It was sent to me to try and review…so I did. First, let me point out I was sent the right color; I usually struggle to find a good match with face makeup. I tried the product both with and without lotion and it was much better with lotion. My legs felt dry otherwise. For the most part, it worked and I made sure to take a photo that shows the difference. But, I’m not a fan of the makeup like feeling. It rubbed off on anything my leg touched and in order to get an even coverage I needed to use more than directed. Overall, I would not use this product, but it does what it says.

3 out of 5 stars.

Update…and long overdue.

First of all, I am not going to explain the amount of time since my last post. Well, simply because I don’t have anything clever to say about it. HOWEVER…I’ve been busy trying to make sure I graduate on time…among other things.

I have learned through experience that there is never a perfect time to go back to school. It will always seem like it’s the wrong time. I do recommend that you go back if you are thinking about it. It’s hard work, but it will be worth it. Isn’t that what they all say? Yeah…we all know the saying:  “nothing easy is worth it” …or something like that.

I did check my stats and I LOVE that you fine people are still reading my posts…THANK YOU! Actually what I said in my head was “awesomesauce”…

The spring 2014 semester has finally come to a close which means I can breathe. I might even get some sleep.

Okay. So here is what I’m up to these days: Sleep, work and try to take over the world. But isn’t that everyone’s plan? 😉

I didn’t have a second of all…

Another season down…

Well, as we know the Creighton basketball season has come to an end. It was a challenging road at times, but the Bluejays finished alright…considering. OK, this is not about the season or how good/bad the team did. This post is about me and my seat in the corner under the basket.

I have to admit, my photos are getting better. (yes, I just tooted my own horn…*shrug*)  I am learning to challenge myself and I am seeing the difference with each game. I’ll be honest, when I’m sitting down on the floor, this is not what I am thinking. It is not until I sort through my shots that I decide whether it was all worth it or not.

It’s funny to hear people say; “Wow, you sit on the floor? …you’re that close!?” Let me point out, it is NOT as glamorous as it looks. When I’m working, it’s extremely hard to actually watch the game. I end up watching the game one still at a time, or I catch the highlights…later. Don’t get me wrong, I love doing it and I plan to turn it into a career. I just want to point out that where I sit is not all peachy, it’s work.

To end my season, I traveled with the team, for the first time, to the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Coincidentally, it was the last time the team would play in this tournament so it ended up being a bigger deal. It was an opportunity to gain valuable experience. Shooting a game at the tournament level is a lot different from being on your home court. There are strict regulations on what you can and cannot do while on the floor. I was not opposed to these regulations, I guess I just was not prepared. If there was anything that I did learn it would be: plan ahead and bring knee pads.  If it wasn’t for our sports information director, I would not have even had the media credentials necessary. In addition, my spot on the floor was behind taller people…having to kneel for two hours is really a pain in the knees.

I’m glad I went and I had a great time!! My only gripe would be the last 50 miles of my drive, in a snowstorm. Thank you winter.

Here are a few [of my favorite] shots from the tournament. (If you click on the photos, I promise they get bigger)

Were you there first??

The news industry has been going through changes since the beginning of its time (or has it).  Did this change come as technology began to develop into what it is right now?

Let me tell you what I think the main problem is. Here comes my opinion (that’s my disclosure).

Based on what I know and what I’ve seen, it’s all about being FIRST. I guess working out the corrections later [if any] is okay. Really? And this is becoming normal. Our society is under some impression that this is expected. Why? Because this is what happens in the news. It’s an amazing race; the credibility of the reporter AND the news organization is on the line. Was there a time when the news was accurate as it’s reported? Yes. My guess is many of us today don’t remember.  Here’s an idea: be the first to be 100% accurate. Can we set a new standard? It sounds like one of those ‘easier said than done’ moments, right? It is.

I think we have the consistent advance in technology to partially thank. Among other things. There is the convenience of getting information immediately. In addition, anyone with a device who can capture a moment is a journalist. The term citizen journalism is one that bothers me. Here I am spending nothing short of 100k in order to say I’m a journalist and just anyone can provide content to an organization. Oh wait, I forgot to add…they get paid for this content. It’s like making a song about your shiny lip gloss and making the top ten. You don’t need talent/experience/education…you just need something juicy. I still don’t understand where the loyalty [from the audience] comes from. I do believe that because of this term, everyone thinks they are an outlet for breaking information. I blame technology and the desire to know NOW. So, who is supposed to be right?

How do you assure your audience and gain their loyalty if being first supersedes being accurate? The answer may not be so easy, but someone has it.

I’m not the only one who is questioning this issue. Here are two articles to continue reading:

1. Accuracy outweighs being first

2. The pros and cons of ‘citizen journalism’

 

 

 

 

Take a digital self-portrait. What do you see?

Here is the question of the week: how does technology define you? Let me actually think about this for a minute. Technology provides some definition to our identity in some way. What this question is asking is; how much or how does it effect/affect each of us?

Side note: Affect=influence – Effect=result (just in case you were not sure of the difference)

Imagine if this was still the norm…

OK, here is myself and technology. Affects and effects all wrapped into one.

I like gadgets and this means I have to upgrade them…often. This is who I am and I am trying to steer away from this habit because these things are not getting any cheaper (neither is upgrading). I often wonder if this habit stems from not being allowed to own any gadgets growing up. It all started with a pager…or beeper. Yes, I had a beeper. I’m laughing too.

Nonetheless, when I was the age of my youngest child it was one television and you watched what was on it (without complaining). Today, the televisions outnumber…nevermind. We have a TV or two. What does that say about who I am? I like having a television, or two. Nothing more, nothing less. Ok, maybe it also says I don’t want to force everyone to watch the same thing. Options. We won’t get into computers. Wait, do you want to buy one? Hey, it was worth a shot.

Now let’s talk about social media. *sigh* I’m actually disappointed with what it has done to society. Personally, I can still go to dinner and be at dinner. Yes, this means missed notifications later. I think I will survive if I don’t check my phone every two seconds. I try not to let it take over my life. I see this happen to a lot of people. Someone help me understand why you need to have a private Facebook page with 2,000+ friends…?? If I let that happen, someone slap me. Random thought, I know.

If there is one piece of equipment/technology that would define who I am it would be my DSLR. I’m a sports photographer. I don’t mean one who takes pictures all willy-nilly, I adjust the settings on my camera based on my lighting conditions. I could get into all the mumbo jumbo, but unless you are a photographer also, the lingo will be lost on you. Click Here to view a previous blog post with a few published photos from last season.

 

So, what’s your technical definition?