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Beer Keg Party Pump Basics
Whether the doldrums of winter or the elation of summer seize the seasonal spotlight, there is never a bad time for a party. Keg Party Beer may seem like such a “guy thing,” but it can be the simplest, most economical solution to your next big gig.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art54749.asp


Beef & Beer - Two Easy Classic Recipes
Beef and beer is a merging of classic design. Add to your repertoire of beef cuisine with these two easy, yet delicious, gastronomic delights.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art54714.asp

Seven Barbarian Beers for the Spartan Warrior
We are positioned as the voyeur, peering through a mirror, into a society that is foreign in nature – violent, inhuman, and harsh, yet intoxicatingly sensual and filled with beauty. In a sense, it would be uncivilized to raise a glass in their honor...
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art54670.asp

Hangover Symptoms - Hangover Treatments
There can be a world of difference between what defines my hangover experience and what defines yours. How do you know you didn’t just wake up with a world class virus?
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art54649.asp

What is a Cicerone ?
Although the craft beer movement is surging ahead at the speed of lightning, those who simply wish to enjoy good beer with good food may not have the time or resources to stay updated on the myriad of beer styles available to them. You might say that the Cicerone champions the Rights of the Consumer
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art54637.asp

From the Beer Fox Archives:

Articles you may also enjoy:

Beer & Molasses History - The Great Molasses Flood of 1919 
You raise a glass of Old Peculier Ale to your lips, and the kinesthetic tips of your olfactory senses awaken with malty caramel, nuts, dark fruit and...molasses.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art43093.asp

Beer Fox Tip of the Week:

The Cicerone Certification Program is up and running. No longer does the beer community need to copycat the wine community with a term like "beer sommelier." Cicerone is the proper term for those who are qualified to present and serve beer, and recommend compatible beer and food pairings for a stellar gastronomic experience. Certified Beer Server is the first step within the program.

A 60 question exam is now activated online as the Level I qualification. The exam consists of multiple choice questions, with a few true/false queries thrown in for good measure. Those who wish to take the exam have 30 minutes to complete this closed-book test (honor system), and must score 75% or better to qualify. The cost is $49.

More advanced levels cannot be achieved without this initial qualification. Level II is Certified Cicerone, which includes 30 days as a Certified Beer Server and experience of 1 year in the beer industry or one recommendation from a brewer or beer retailer, as well as passing a written exam of multiple choice and essay questions, and a tasting test. The fee for this exam is $295.

Level III is Master Cicerone. To qualify for this designation, the applicant must have 3 months as a Certified Cicerone, and 2 years experience in the beer industry or 3 recommendations from brewers or beer retailers. They must illustrate Master competency in all phases of beer knowledge and tasting, pass an exam consisting of an essay exam, taste test, oral exam, and oral tasting trial. The fee for this exam is $495.

Are you qualified???

Beer Fox Laugh of the Week:

Why men don't write advice columns

Dear Walter:

I hope you can help me here. The other day I set off for work leaving my husband in the house watching the TV as usual. I hadn't gone more than a mile down the road when my engine conked out and the car shuddered to a halt. I walked back home to get my husband's help.

When I got home I couldn't believe my eyes. He was in the bedroom with a neighbor lady making mad passionate love to her. I am 32, my husband is 34 and we have been married for twelve years.

When I confronted him, he broke down and admitted that he'd been having an affair for the past six months. I told him to stop or I would leave him.

He was let go from his job six months ago and he says he has been feeling increasingly depressed and worthless. I love him very much, but ever since I gave him the ultimatum he has become increasingly distant. I don't feel I can get through to him anymore.

Can you please help?

Sincerely,

Mrs. Sheila Usk

* * * * * * * * * *
Dear Sheila:

A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there is no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the jubilee clips holding the vacuum pipes onto the inlet manifold. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty, causing low delivery pressure to the carburetor float chamber.

I hope this helps.

Walter

Beer News:

Fourth Annual Cask Ales Festival 2008 - January 26, 2008 from 1:00-5:00 - Blue Point Brewing Company, 161 River Avenue, Patchogue, New York, USA featuring over 30 cask ales. For tickets and information:
http://www.bluepointbrewing.com/

Celebrator Beer News 20th Anniversary Brewers' Mardi Gras Party - February 17, 2008 - 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Oakland Convention Center / Mariott Hotel, Oakland, California, USA - More than 35 breweries pouring 200+ beers! Cajun/Creole food catered by the Marriott Hotel, music from Dixieland Jazz and Zydeco bands and beer are included along with a souvenir Belgian-style glass! Silent auction, prizes for best Mardi-Gras costumes, special VIP session one hour before the festival, and more. For tickets and information on the Party and Beerapalooza 2008:
http://celebrator.com

8th Annual Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywine Festival -  January 10 - 12, 2008 - Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa, Vail, Colorado, USA - Features Brewmaster's Dinners, Commercial Tasting Event, Homebrew Competition, and Seminars presented by Doug Odell, Sam Calagione, Tomme Arthur, Julia Herz, JoAnne Carelli-Stevenson, Peter Bouckaert, Will Meyers, and Adam Avery. For tickets and information:
Big Beers Belgians & Barleywine Festival

2008 Great Alaska Beer & Barley Wine Festival - January 18th & 19th, 2008 - William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, Anchorage, Alaska, USA - Special guests Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and Tom Dalldorf of Celebrator Beer News. For tickets and information:
http://www.auroraproductions.net/beer-barley.html

Craft Beer of the Week Award

Tripel Karmeleit - Brouwerij Bosteels,Buggenhout, Belgium

Style: Tripel - 8% ABV

The golden, hazy amber body glows with depth after the pour. A capacious head of billowing white crowns the top, releasing aromas of golden fruits - pineapples, peaches, pears, tangerines, and citrus - spiced by white pepper, honey, and yeast. A lively carbonation touches the tongue, and awakens your titillated mouth to enjoy the fruity flavors that continue into the honey-like middle. An alcoholic warmth spreads across the tongue, holding your attention while complex flavors of herbs, spice, and pepper mix with the ever-present lemon zest.
 
Cheers!

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Carolyn Smagalski, Beer and Brewing Editor
http://Beer.bellaonline.com

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