the homework isn’t always beer. if you have any kind of a green thumb you owe it to yourself to plant a vine or two of hops. that’s right, you to can grow one of the four ingredients of beer in your own back yard (or anyone elses backyard just be sure to ask first).

just so you know, brewing your own beer with hops that you grew is as rewarding as it gets.

it was ShaunO who said, “you know, we really need to brew a beer call Beer School. you can help make it. anything you want to make. seriously, let’s do it!” I was floored, excited and scared all at the same time. and the question “what to make” started pinging around in my mind. oh so many things to make. it was why I was scared.

Join us at 5PM on Monday February 1 for the release of Beer School the beer. it’s pouring at 21st Amendment on 563 2nd St (between Brannon and Bryant) in San Francisco.

we’re celebrating Motors B-Day by recording it. anyone can come. kids are welcome. leave the woofs and kitties at home.

we’ve been going to the Toronado on the Night Before for years. but it wasn’t until last year that we decided to make a night of nights of it. the idea is simple. bring some food. drink beers with bows on them. that’s it. everyone shares the night.

don’t like holiday because you don’t take sides with an invisible man but don’t want to be left out of the fun? join us for Festivus. it’s for the rest of us!

here is the top 25 beer lists to top all the top 25 beer lists. okay, so I’m making fun lists. I’m not a fan of them. but I made one just the same for your enjoyment. and remember, I’m not kidding when I say “get here!”

December 5th marks the 76th year of the repeal of the prohibition of alcohol in the United States of America. the 21st Amendment was passed allowing normal people to become normal again instead of being criminals.

I’m packed. the camera is charged, the SD cards are empty, my iPod is shuffled and the H4 has new batteries. but best of all the boarding passes are printed. all that’s left is to go. maybe we’ll see any of you tomorrow at the Toronado San Diego from around 1PM until 5PM. we’ll make a stop into Hamiliton’s on our way back to the airport which will take us to 6PM. then it’s a bus to the jet to the BART to the 22 to the 547. T that is.

it’s been fun tasting this beer evolve from a 1 time never beer to a second take better and finally to the third time is a charm masterpiece. it’s complex with flavor but is completely drinkable. you know how some holiday beers are over the top with something? pine(sol), cina(bomb), nut(meg), and all that is over done for no reason. Monk’s Blood isn’t that way at all. think balance, sophistication and finesse like that girl in the song who wears a short skirt and a long jacket.

and now it’s here or almost here depending on where you live.