Beer meets DNA science
Researchers in London recently completed a project to map the DNA sequences of dozens of types of yeast. So what does that mean for the beer world? It means, theoretically, brewers will eventually be able to select ideal strains of yeast to create more flavorful and better-tasting beer. There’s also some deal about being able to compare the relative similarities between yeast DNA and human DNA so that researches can eventually isolate strains of diseases and create drugs that could benefit humanity, but, man, how about better-tasting beer?!
Beer pongers unite
Beer pong players in the Baltimore area used an aggressive e-mail campaign to derail a plan by a Maryland state senator to ban the game in area bars and clubs. The Thirsty Beagle is not against beer pong, generally speaking, but is a little perplexed by the fact that there are organized leagues for it. I’m contemplating starting leagues for marbles and pick-up sticks.
A history of beer innovations
There’s a really solid rundown of beer gadgets and innovations here. Some of the gems:
-The Kegerator
-The Beer Machine
-The Beer Helmet
-The Smart Beer Mat
-And my personal favorite, the Beer-a-pult!
Obama: “I’m always good for a beer”
So this Obama fellow, I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there’s something I like about him. It could be his passion for basketball. The Thirsty Beagle also has a passion for basketball. It also could be the fact that the man said during his Monday town hall meeting — at which he didn’t screen every attendee, which is unlike what a certain recent former president did at his town halls — that he’s always good for a beer. The line was in response to a question from someone asking why Obama doesn’t sit down for a beer with right-leaning radio and television personality Sean Hannity. Here’s a video clip of the exchange:
Beer pong warning
According to this blog report, you may be getting more than you bargain for when you play beer pong. And not in a good way.
Sam Adams announces new brews
Sam Adams today announced it is rolling out a trio of new beers as part of its Imperial Series. If you’ve had the extra-hoppy Sam Adams Imperial Pilsner, you can get the idea that these beers will likely not be mild-tasting. The new brews will be Imperial White, Imperial Stout and Double Bock. Here’s a few lines from the SA news release:
“The Samuel Adams Imperial Series will offer beer lovers’ an intense version of some of their favorite traditional beer styles by boosting the ingredients and testing the limits of each traditional style. With more robust flavors and nearly twice the alcohol by volume of your average beer, each style in the Imperial Series is intended to be savored and appreciated like a fine wine.”
The beers are expected to be available across the country this month, according to the news release.
Beer to save fish?
We all know how great beer is, but now two Colorado scientists have found a way to put beer to an even greater good. The men have devised a way to convert spent hops and barley from the brewing process in to fish food to be used at large-scale fisheries. The report is here. Their work is still in the testing and development stages, but if all goes as planned, the process could score on two levels: It could help find a useful home for a large amount of brewing waste and provide a high-protein meal for fisheries struggling with the issue of a dwindling natural food supply. As the guy in the Red Stripe commercial says, “Hooray beer!”
“Bartender, make that three Red Stripes, please.”
Giving beer a bad name: Vol. 9
Here’s a round-up from the beer-related crime blotter. Why are some people so stupid?
-A Salt Lake City teen was arrested after throwing a beer can at a man who wouldn’t let his daughter go out with the teen. Looks like that was good parenting.
-A Connecticut woman was arrested after police found her driving with 22 empty Heineken bottles in the back of her car.
-A man broke into a Colorado Springs pizza parlor and ice cream shop, but only made away with some beer and a brownie.
-Strange story here about a Florida man who robbed a convenience store of a couple beers, than grabbed a seat on a bench outside the store, where police found him when they showed up a few minutes later.
-And finally, from right here in Oklahoma — Ardmore, to be specific — a woman was arrested after she smashed a beer bottle against another woman’s head. The first woman believed the victim to be a rival for the attention of a man at an Ardmore bar. Wild times in Carter County, indeed!
The Beagle goes all TMZ on you
Readers of The Thirsty Beagle will know I don’t often dabble in the world of pop music on 
the blog, but one Web link caught my eye the other day concerning singer Katy Perry. Perry, of “I Kissed a Girl” and “Hot N Cold” fame, apparently fancies herself as quite the beer drinker. Check out this quote from a magazine article:
“I can drink eight beers and feel fine the next day.”
Well, Katy, that’s really good to know. She also tells us that she likes really good beer and would rather drink at home with friends than out at some bar or club.
The Thirsty Beagle admits he is quite impressed. I too prefer really good beer and drinking at home with friends. And, the Beagle has to admit, Katy’s songs are kind of catchy, too.
Leinenkugel to roll out new brew
The Thirsty Beagle has been quite impressed recently with several Leinenkugel varieties, so he is looking forward to the Wisconsin brewery’s next release, Classic Amber, which is on tap now in Wisconsin and set for a national roll-out next month.
