It’s In The Glass . . . by Joel Mann, Staff Wine (And Beer) Tasting Guy
Beverage producers spend a great deal of thought and effort into making the best tasting drink possible. Brewers source just the right hops. Winemakers fuss over the proper ripeness in the vineyard. Distillers concern themselves with the proper moment to cut the heads and tails coming off the still. There’s aging, blending, packaging decisions, and even fussing about the proper temperature to store and serve everything. One of the least emphasized aspects of the final flavor, but one that has a noticeable impact, is the glass itself. The size, shape, and general condition of the glassware used to serve your…
No News from Doodlebug Island . . . by William F. Jordan
As if enduring the remodeling that has swept Doodlebug Island were not enough—dust, debris, and inconvenience—we husbands are now being asked to tour the newly created masterpieces our wives have created, where, by implied but nevertheless implicit expectation, we are being given the opportunity to pronounce the changes way past due, very much worth the cost, and encompassing perfection itself. Now, this is not on any great order of difficulty for us old timers, for we have had the practice of several prior remodelings to guide us. Newly minted husbands might stumble, understandably. In my own home, everything is white…
Stress Secrets Revealed . . . By Bishop, Special Excentric Winter Tryout
Stress is an ignorant state. It believes that everything is an emergency. ——N. Goldberg Emergencies are everywhere! No one really knows how many emergencies have been declared since World War II, so it is little wonder that citizens feel wrapped in blankets of stress. Concoctions of all sorts have been bottled and canned to alleviate various nerve-wracking stress conditions, but so far, none seemed to have worked. Whatever the potion, neighbors still fear other neighbors, and run hot over any hint of hearing jazz music in the air after dark. In the hunt for treatments, one fell into my lap,…
Weasel Words . . . by Joseph G. Evrard, Staff Kentuckian
Television news now follows a strict format that cannot be violated. There a certain number of standard phrases, which MUST be included in every newscast. The subject matter may change slightly from day to day, but the basic format remains the same. See if you don’t agree… Experts say… When was the last time you heard the news anchor report a story and wrap it up with “Experts say this trend is likely to continue.” Or, Experts say the sky will remain blue unless it changes.” Or, Experts say “most people prefer breathing to not breathing.” I’ll bet the last…
SIX FLAGS IS TO BUILD HERE?
Pictured is Six Flags Mexico Park, located south of Mexico City. It boasts one of the largest and fastest roller coasters of Mexico. One of them, Boomerang, was the first in the world with an outdoor round trip, Batman the Ride is the only inverted roller coaster in Mexico and Superman, the last escape is the highest and fastest in all of Latin America. While the Sedona version of the famous Six Flags theme parks may not be as colorful or extravagant as some of the other park locales, anything involving anyone, especially children, who want more than to hike…
No News from Doodlebug Island . . . by William F. Jordan
Home remodeling is all the rage on Doodlebug Island these days. Contractors and sub-contractors have been engaged for a hundred miles in every direction, and they’re busier than a team of psychiatrists at a Tea Party convention. Delivery trucks are lining up to cross the narrow bridge leading to the Island, while a few impatient drivers have found their own crossing, and all but a couple have made it. Those two learned to their regret that the placid waters of Oak Creek can be treacherous, especially when augmented by runoff from summer rains. Both the matter of change and the…
Typical Excentric Reader
This month’s typical Excentric Reader is Tom Buroojy Well – it’s where Tom was supposed to be. He had a copy of his favorite paper, February 2014 issue with him on vacation in Scottsdale one very hot day. Rather than fry or misuse the paper for a sun screen, he rested it in the shade, along with a plastic spoon. According to Tom, the spoon was laying in wait for the ice cream vendor due to arrive soon. Tom went inside and waited for the familiar tune blasting from the truck. Take heed of the headline, Tom. Related posts: Typical…
Butter and Cream . . . by Joel Mann, Staff Wine (And Beer) Tasting Guy
Buttery, creamy tastes in wines are quite popular, particularly when it when it comes to Chardonnay. The flavor adds a richness to wines, and generally is a pleasing and comforting taste sensation for many people. There are numerous instances where buttery flavor is highly undesired though. Brewers consider the flavor a defect in most beers. Whether sought after or cursed as a flaw, the buttery, creamy flavor of fermented beverages all come from the same source – diacetyl. This month I wanted to delve a little deeper into diacetyl and better explain what the buttery flavor is, and where it…
Truth Or Myth . . . By Bishop, Outgoing Summer Trainee
Why beauty? It breaks us free of the domination of economics; it is the path for living well. Dandy Randy Huge snails were seized at LA Airport, a delicacy in Hollywood salons, when not being eaten or eating paint and stucco off the side of brick houses if veggies are not available. Not far away, a famous movie star is building a nine-foot fence to protect her family from noise and neighbors. Meanwhile, in a hotel nearby, a peevish, angry rage has been unfolding in a massive ballroom. Men’s faults, failings and foibles are the target of third-wave feminism. A…
Dueling . . . by Joseph G. Evrard, Staff Kentuckian
“I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the Commonwealth and be faithful and true to the Commonwealth of Kentucky so long as I continue a citizen thereof, and that I will faithfully execute, to the best of my ability, the office of Election Official according to law; and I do further solemnly swear that since the adoption of the recent Constitution, I, being a citizen of this state, have not fought a duel with deadly weapons within this State nor out of it, nor have I sent or accepted…
That Really Bunches My Panties . . . by Brendon Marks
I read once that you shouldn’t make your work environment too much like home, or you may not want to leave and therefore become dull by falling prey to the ‘all work and no play’ syndrome. Many occupations (like coal miner, hog farmer, or honey wagon operator) rarely worry about this situation, but office workers must ever be on their guard. I’m an early riser and usually was the first to arrive at work. While wandering the halls one morning it occurred to me that cubicle content says a lot about the occupant. I use to work for a major…
Automotive Breakdown . . . by Denny Mandeville
In all your life have you ever seen the government be proactive? Try as I might, I can’t remember anything I would call proactive in the domestic field. Well new technology has some, in government, actually being proactive- although the term “proactive” is not quite right. California and Nevada have laws and regulations on the books concerning autonomous automobiles, and other states are scrambling to copy the regulations as autonomous cars start to loom closer on the horizon. We are not talking the “slot car” autonomy of Popular Mechanics magazine from the 50-60’s, we’re talking no driver in the car….
SEDONA MOVES TO CANADA?
Pictured is the location the Canadian guy who now resides in Sedona is considering for the new City Hall that will house political and staff offices. While at first it may seem far removed, some residents agree that you can be right next door and still be far removed from issues of interest. At least at this new location, there would be no concern about dark skies, for the council and staff, that is. And having to conduct business within the confines of the walls of City Hall would mean council and staff would need to take up residence at…
The World’s Most Popular White Wine . . . by Joel Mann
Wine is often described in terms of masculinity or femininity. In that regard, Cabernet Sauvignon is considered the king as the world’s most popular red variety. The queen is undoubtedly the world’s most popular white wine, Chardonnay. The popularity of Chardonnay is a relatively recent event, dating back to the beginnings of post-World War II viticulture in new world locales such as California and Australia. Its true dominance came recently, as modern palates fell in love with the wide range of flavors the grape provides, and the malleability for winemakers to alter those tastes in the cellar. While a few…
Typical Excentric Reader
This month’s typical Excentric Readers is Nan Anders, who hails from Sun City, AZ. Nan is pictured here on vacation in front of the Lone Cypress, one of the most photographed trees in North America. The really old tree is located between two of world’s most well known golf courses. The cypress has been scarred by fire and has been held in place with cables for 65 years. While Nan is considerably younger than Lone Cypress, and not held together with wires, she stands a majestic figure in her own right. Related posts: Typical Excentric Reader Typical Excentric Reader Typical…
Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction . . . By Bishop, Special Excentric Savant
Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth. H.D. Thoreau While they were drinking shots of primordial vodka, gorging on caviar and sharing philosophies, the then-jolly Soviet leader gave the then-President Nixon a slice of advice: Alleged Khrushchev: “The trick is tell the people there is a river over there. And if they say they don’t see it, if they say there is no river over there, tell them to look harder, there is a river over there.” Of course, the Soviet propaganda was nurturing Nixon’s imaginings, perhaps thinking such a tip would help Tricky Dick get some…
Mustard . . . by Joseph G. Evrard, Staff Kentuckian
Do you have any idea how many types of mustard are out there? If you thought there were a lot of different brands of hot sauce, you ain’t seen nothin’ until you’ve investigated mustard. There’s good old fashioned yellow mustard (the kind you put on your hot dog at the ball game), coarse ground mustard, sweet mustard, vinegar mustard, spicy brown mustard, honey mustard, horseradish mustard, and on, and on, and on. My Daddy (who was a mountain man, through and through) used to make his own mustard. He took great pride in his patch of mustard vines, which needed…
That Really Bunches My Panties . . . by Brendon Marks
Whenever two or more runners get together to chat, invariably the subject of chip timing comes up. It’s the rare runner who is ambivalent about the subject. You’re either for it or you’re against it, and usually with great passion. For those folks who don’t know what chip timing is, I’ll explain. For those folks who don’t care, bear with me and you may change your mind. You buy or borrow a chip that’s about the size of a quarter that is associated with a unique serial number, fasten it to your shoe, stuff in your sock, or duct tape…
NUDISTS’ CONVENTION HERE
Pictured is one of the locations being consider by leaders of a group of people representing vacationing nudists from around the world. Each year they seek out a new beautiful location to do a little sun worshiping and fill in their tan lines. They do their best to avoid places where ogling spectators gather, whistling and cat calling and generally harassing the peaceful, unfettered clean air lovers. At times, unsuspecting hikers or campers stumble across a person or group sunbathing without the constriction of clothing. For some nudists, it is a medical issue, as they have allergies to GMO cotton seeds….
