I’d like to start today’s blog post with a “thank you” and a “congratulations” to my friend Pete the Trivia Guy. He completed his 4th plate at the Flying Saucer, commemorating that he drank 200 different beers there for the 4th time. They rewarded him with a $125 tab to throw a party, and he had it last night. Good to see Pete (who actually isn’t the trivia guy anymore) and catch up with him.
One of the other party guests told me about a style of beer I hadn’t heard of before – chili beer, which is beer flavored with chili peppers. He said that there’s one brand of chili beer where there’s actually a pepper in the bottom of the bottle. I know the Saucer doesn’t carry it – can you buy chili beer at Raffe’s or Whole Foods? If so, I’d be willing to make a field trip beyond the Parkways.
Quote of the night from the plate party: “I’ve been shitting Gus’s for the past 24 hours”
This morning I got an email from the Memphis Flyer about upcoming shows around town, and one name rang a bell: Loudon Wainwright. For some reason I thought I’d seen him in the credits on M*A*S*H. I checked Wikipedia (which is back online today) and sure enough, I had. Wainwright guest-starred as the “singing surgeon,” Captain Spalding, on several episodes during the Henry Blake years of the show. I remember him singing about Tokyo being a town with clean sheets and kimonos. He plays the Buckman Performing Arts Center Friday. Details about the show can be found here.
The blackouts yesterday in protest of SOPA and PIPA appear to have worked. Many Congressmen, including sponsors of the bills, have dropped their support after learning more about what a bad idea these bills are. You know what? What happened yesterday is the real Occupy. Not pitching a tent in front of a government building. It’s about making a statement that the public won’t allow large corporations to buy legislation anymore.
I also want to point out that SOPA and PIPA were backed by the entertainment industry more than anyone, and about 90% of that industry’s political donations go to Democrats. Although I don’t really consider myself affiliated with either party, it’s no secret that I lean left on most issues. For that reason, I am VERY DISAPPOINTED with the Democrats in the House and Senate who allowed their support of these bills to be bought. The problem with our government is not a Democrat/Republican issue, but rather that Corporate America has more influence with our legislators than the average Joe who pays his taxes. That’s not what our Founding Fathers envisioned. I bet Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, et al. are rolling over in their graves. Corporate America is the new King George III.
So, last night after the plate party, my friend Mike showed up, and he wanted to check out the Blind Bear. It doesn’t take much of a reason to talk me into going to the Bear, so I happily went along. I had a few PBRs and caught up with him, then ordered chicken tenders and fries to go. Not only did I want to try the Bear’s tenders for the first time, but I wanted to try out these sauces on them:
Jim Ross (J.R.) used to be the lead announcer on WWE Monday Night Raw, and was the announcer on Mid-South Wrestling which I watched back in the ’80s. He has a line of BBQ sauces and jerkys. Last week I came home from the bars and placed a drunk order. Pictured above: Main Event Mustard, All-Purpose Rub, Slobberknocker Hot Beef Jerky, and Chipotle Ketchup. I used the mustard, rub and ketchup with the chicken tenders and fries last night, and was quite happy. Normally I hate ketchup, but the chipotle flavor is different enough that I like it. You can view his product line here. If you’re a wrestling fan, he has a blog that is good to read.
Attention Foursquare users: The mayor of the Silly Goose, who has had that bar pretty much on lockdown since November, is out of town for the next nine days on a ski trip. This is likely the best chance you’ll have all year to steal it. The Goose mayor’s first beer is free every day, so there’s a very real incentive beyond just bragging rights.
Tonight would be a good night to start stealing. The Goose’s 3rd anniversary party is at 9. (Sorry to those who went by yesterday, after I published the wrong date.)