Beer: More Than A Catalyst for Drunkenness

Beer: The dynamic drink

Beer is a pretty dynamic substance and you can use it in many ways. The best thing you can do with it is cook with it. Just like wine, cooking with beer adds a different kind of kick that you might not get with other ingredients. It may be useful to know what you can do with beer just in case a random situation arises. It may also come in handy when you get into those annoying arguments about beer and why you like it so much. You can tell those who despise beer and even the people who just do not understand why beer is arguably one of the best discoveries of man. I mean think of it historically, at one point alcoholic beverages were better for you than water. But if this is not convincing enough give them some other uses for beer. Read this article, 31 Things You Can Do with Beer (Besides Drink It), from Men’s Health magazine by Joe Kita, and discover some other uses of beer.

31 Things You Can Do with Beer (Besides Drink It)—Joe Kita

http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/things-to-do-with-beer/




(picture and Logo for Men's Health obtained from the Men's Health website)
www.menshealth.com

Bar/Socials Etiquette: A Way to Avoid Social Awkwardness

Although most of our topics here will be beer reviews, we will also have some beer related topics because, let’s face it, if you start getting more intrigued by beer and other beverages the more you will be involved in things that can be related to this subject. This first topic is etiquette, more specifically, social etiquette.

Before I get into the details, I do want to say that I do not necessarily think there are universal rules on how to act/behave. I mean, nobody likes “that person” at a party but who am I to say that this person’s behavior is unacceptable everywhere. So I will give you some observations, tips, or guidelines to what I have seen at bars/parties.

General Advice:

Here is a cliché – be yourself. Yeah I know they always say this and you are not supposed to “really” be yourself, but think about it. People do not actually believe in the perfect person bull shit. We all know that everyone has some imperfection whether it be physical or behavioral, not a big deal. Get over it! In the long run people will appreciate that you are not afraid to be yourself. If you are a complete ass or bitch maybe tone it down, but trust me there are very few worse things than to find out than you have been tricked into hanging around a complete douche bag.

Confidence- you can be the <insert negative attribute> type person, but confidence goes a long way. I am not saying it will completely cover up flaws but people will at least gain some respect for you.

Know your audience- who the hell would have thought a high school English lesson would come in handy later on in life? Be unique, but try to be on the same page as others around or at least in the same chapter.

Consistency- It is the most underrated quality. People might not notice this on the surface, but when you think about it people will agree consistency will win the day. (At least good consistency)

Talking- Understand that when talking to a new person they are probably just as nervous as you are so, just go for it. If the person is uninterested, forget about it, there is much more to life than one blown conversation.

Socials:

Socials, for most, are the way people will meet a majority of their friends and acquaintances. They are usually smaller and more close-knit. This can be an advantage or disadvantage- less people easier to talk to but mistakes or embarrassing moments can be amplified.

• Respect the host and their stuff. This should never have to be said but there are dumb asses, so I have no choice but to emphasize this.
• Bring something besides yourself and your self-proclaimed “awesomeness”. Tuck rule applies; you bring it not for yourself but for the party or the host and if you do not finish it, expect it to be gone the next time you show up. (Hint: you probably are not that awesome)
• Moderation- unless otherwise noted by party description or your connection to the host, be cautious with your fun.
• Bringing guests is not usually a problem, but check with the host first. Common courtesy
• Don’t be “that” person. Everyone wants to be noticed, but not all exposure is good exposure. Be the talk of the party not the one talked about at the party. Just Sayin’

Bars:

A bar is a highly social place and can be great for you to meet people and have a great deal of fun. Bars also have some “unwritten rules” where it will not hurt you if you break them but it might make you look a bit ridiculous.

• Bring cash. You do not have to pay with cash, but who knows what will happen.
• Always tip! Even if you become friendly with the bartender and they throw some drinks your way, tip them. Don’t be a dick, no change.
• Know what you want.
• Know what is going on around you, people trying to get by, your turn to order, etc.
• Don’t use an elaborate or demeaning (snapping, yelling, waving money) scheme to get the bartender’s attention. As much as you want to spend money they want to take it. The best way is to build a rapport and tip BIG.

Getting Started!

We should be getting started here soon! We want this to be fun and active. We will do our best to keep giving you various beverages and topics. Thanks!