Author: Wetbrain

What Happened To The Beer Balls?

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What Happened to The Beer Balls?

One winter day Dr. Wetbrain walked into the living room where Harold was sitting back watching TV.

“Your balls are showing.” The doctor mentioned. Harold quickly checked himself out.

Wetbrain laughed. “No, your Beer Balls that you buried a few months ago are now showing with the spring melt. Those Beer Balls were certainly a blast from the past. How many of these old balls do you have left Harold?”

This great blast from the past became mostly famous at college parties during the 1980’s and 90’s. Awe the good old days.

How did this Beer Ball start. In 1976 the first Beer Ball was produced by Matt Brewery in Utica, New York, US by the president J. Kemper Matt Sr., filled with Matt’s Premium Lager. These Beer Balls held over 5 gallons, which is equal to 55 beers.

Beer Balls became more popular by other breweries jumping on the band wagon. Beer companies like Coors, Guinness, Anheuser-Busch (Budweiser) develop their own Beer Balls in the future years.

Easy to use. Fill a cooler or box with ice, put the beer ball into the ice, insert the tap handle and pour. The tap handle was sold separately and noted as reusable, but users found out that they were good for 3 uses at the most.

Coors, Anheuser-Busch and Guinness Breweries also developed their own Beer Balls. Coors coined their beer balls as the Party Ball. Here is a 1989 TV commercial for Coors Party Ball.

The sad Beer Ball ending. The last of the cherished Beer Ball era came to an end in 2011 with last 2 companies that produced the beer ball, Coors and Budweiser (Anheuser-Busch).

Doing the research on the fall of the Beer Ball I came across too many excuses that range from environmental to financial. The last 2 excuses make sense from some of the other excuses I read about. Trends do run out. That poor Pet Rock.

Ending.  Harold finally replied to Dr. Wetbrain on how many Beer Balls he has left from the past.

Harold’s reply, “Only 8 or 9 left.”

Money hungry Dr. Wetbrain thought.” You should sell the last one at an auction.” Harold just sideway nodded… NO.

The Famous Sourtoe Cocktail.

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The Famous Sourtoe Cocktail. 

One day on vacation Dr. Wetbrain and Harold ended up in Dawson City, Yukon. They found what they were looking for. The Downtown Hotel with the famous Sourtoe Cocktail. An older looking building with lots of charm. Painted red with white trim. Also, on one side of this bar there is a Jack London Grill and Grace’s Gift Shop on the other side.

The Dr. and Harold parked the truck and went in.

“You and I are going to have the Sourtoe Cocktail, Harold.” Dr. Wetbrain insisted.

Scared Harold replied, “Okay??”

Sitting in this Yukon bar having a beer the Doctor told the story of the famous Sourtoe Cocktail.

The history of the Sourtoe goes back to the 1920s when a rum-runner Louie Linken froze his big toe during a blizzard in the Yukon. To prevent gangrene Louie’s brother amputated his big toe and put it into a jar of alcohol. This toe somehow ended up at the Downtown Hotel in Dawson City.

Be A Sourtoe Club Member.

So now to become an honorary certified member of the Sourtoe Club which has been around since 1973 and has over 100,000 members from around the world. You have to drink a shot of whatever whiskey you wish. Normally Yukon Jack. With a preserved human toe in the shot.

#1 – Order a shot and pledge the Sourtoe oath.

#2 – Watch the human toe get dropped into your shot.

#3 – Drink your shot fast or slow as long as the human toe touches your lips. You are good to go to be certified.

You are now the proud owner of the Downtown Hotel Sourtoe Cocktail Club signed certificate.

Harold gagged a little when the toe touched his lips.

Fun Facts – 25 people have donated dehydrated to the Downtown Hotel in Dawson City, Yukon. These donators are trying to toe the line.

The World Of Beer Bikes.

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One quiet afternoon Harold and Dr. Wetbrain were sitting back on the porch, sipping on a beer.

Interrupting the quietness Dr. Wetbrain began. “Picture this Harold. A nice European warm sunny day, sitting at an open bar which is slowly moving through an ancient cobblestoned street. Meeting, drinking and cheering the people you are sitting with and the smiling people on the street. Once in awhile this moving bar would stop at a historic pub for a pint or two. Drunk when dropped off at your hotel.”

“Snap out of it!”, Harold yelled.

“What!” The doctor retaliated. “This dream is possible. Have you heard of Beer Bikes which are all around the world. Except in Muslim countries. Yes there is such a thing as party bikes. Famed tourist countries such as Netherlands, US, Canada, Belgium, Germany, France, Australia has one somewhere, Italy, Holland and Japan all have Beer Bikes. These slow traveling bars are great for birthday parties, company outings, bachelorette parties or just friends on the town.

Beer Bikes – Beer Bikes are a smart marketing ploy to promote a bar and get supplemental income. The Beer Bike is basically an over sized rickshaw. Instead of a 2 seat bench behind a peddle bike you have a fair size trailer. A bar in the middle and 8 to 17 stools around the bar that has beer taps to refresh your mug. The pilot in the front is the sober driver who just steers and brakes. It’s the drunk patrons who are peddling to give power to this beer bike. The tour that each bike usually provides is a stop at a popular pub or brewery. Unfortunately in 2017 in Amsterdam the Party Bike was banned due to traffic jams and lots of noisy vehicle honking. This tour attraction in 1997 was invented by the fine folks of Het Fietscafe BV in the Netherlands.

Few examples of Beer Bike Tours in the world with their links….

US – Pedal Pub.com – This company is located in 14 states like California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Missouri and more. Plus Canada. What! No Quebec.

Belgium – Beer Bike Tours – Reservation of minimum 8 party participants. Lets party!

Canada – Calgary Beer Bike – Craft beer tours.

Germany – Berlin Beer Bike – Up to 16 people. With the privilege of an English speaking sober driver – big barrel of beer in the front – 2 pints free – and a roof.

Japan – The Ichiroku Onomichi is a 16 passenger bike that does a historic beer tour of Onomichi, Japan. Saki is the most popular drink on this Beer Bike.

Australia – Cheekies Bike – This Beer Bike caters up to 12 partiers. The Cheekies Bike will tour you from Cullen Bay to Esplanade and Mitchell Street. Check out map.

Still on the porch Dr. Wetbrain was checking out Harold who was deep in thought. “Still thinking about my Beer Bike dream, aren’t you Harold?”

 

 

Alcohol Prohibition Penalties.

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Alcohol Prohibition Penalties.

Harold listening to a podcast on his earbuds spoke up loudly like he is deaf. “Wetbrain! People are getting whipped for having a drink of whiskey. W.T.F.”.

Through the history of alcohol there were alcohol prohibitions in certain countries. These days mostly prohibition is in Muslim territories with severe penalties.

There is a small town in Alberta, Canada. Raymond, Alberta with a population of 4000 has a type of alcohol prohibition where you can not possess or purchase alcohol or be fined.

Then there is the famous United States Alcohol Prohibition from 1920 to 1933 where there will be NO manufacture, sales and transportation of any alcohol products. First offence had a penalty fine up to $1000.oo and up to 6 months jail. 2nd offence we are looking at $5000.oo fine and up to 1 year imprisonment. $1000.oo in 1927 is now worth $23000.oo. WOW!

Most of the alcohol prohibition places still these days have the punishment for drinking alcohol in public are flogging, fines, imprisonment or death. Below are countries I will never visit!

   Countries these days with alcohol prohibition and the penalties.

Pakistan – In 1979 Muslim citizens caught drinking alcohol would get painful 80 whips or 2 years in prison. For having a shot of whiskey! What is wrong with these people!

Sudan

Saudi Arabia – God forbid if you sold alcohol to a Saudi national. You would be looking at 3 to 9 months in jail. Flogging would be involved.

Somalia

Libya – No whipping here but there is some jail or a fine.

Iran – July 8, 2020, a man was executed for drinking alcohol. W.T.F.

Kuwait – Do not get caught drinking alcohol here. A fine is $1700us to 3.4 million. Jail is 6 months to 5 years. Plus, deportation or a death sentence! When is the next plane?

Bangladesh

Afghanistan – Only 60 lashes here or imprisonment. Just a little better than Pakistan. W.T.F.

 

Dr. Wetbrain thought about these ridiculous punishments. The whole world is going nuts with the wars and international fighting that are going on now. The wrong people are getting the lashes.

Cheers!  

Social Media Made Guinness Beer Scarce.

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Social Media Made Guinness Beer Scarce!

Did social media have a play in the scarcity of Guinness Beer?

Right now, there is a shortage of that fine tasting Guinness Beer. This beer devastation is not from climate change with droughts and floods effecting the barley harvest. Or lack of fresh water. No, the desolate depletion of Guinness Beer was brought on by a marketing campaign which lasted for a few years in the UK, along with a social media hype. The main group devoted were women and Gen Zs. Guinness Beer is getting sold out. “No drops of stout left in my stein me laddies!”

 

Guinness Beer produced by Diageo for 265 years, limited the purchase on how much British pubs can get. Usually half of their regular orders. One pub owner noted that we must have Guinness for the Six Nation Rugby Championship which kicks off January 31, 2025! These nasty limits only apply to pubs in Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.

Also, the Irish security stock of Guinness Beer was commandeered for the UK shortage. North America will also suffer from the lack of Guinness in the pubs due to Diageo putting a large shipment on standby. Diageo spokesperson thanked customers for their patience due to the demand at unprecedented levels and working hard to increase the volume.

Arthur Guinness on December 31, 1759, signed a 9000-year lease on the St. James Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. The Guinness Beer was born. Is Guinness still paying 5 cents a month??

This brewery is now owned by Diageo a multinational alcohol beverage maker based in London, England. Out of their over 200 brand names include Smirnoff, Baileys, Captain Morgan and Gordon’s Gin.

Very sad for the Guinness Beer shortage especially for the Six Nation Rugby Championship. Life is life but marketing and social media does not always help.

Update: 35200 pints of Guinness Beer were just stolen due to the shortage.

Health and Culinary Products Made With Beer.

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Health and Culinary Products Made With Beer.

One day Harold mentioned to Dr. Wetbrain how much he loved crispy Walleye fish in beer batter and recently tried a beer can chicken dinner. Both dishes were YUMMY!

Dr. Wetbrain had to educate Harold.

So many other products are made with beer. Such as BBQ sauces, body lotions, soaps and hair shampoo. You can even make bread and cake.

Apparently BBQ a beer-can-chicken also. Never tried this, but what it looks like is a cooked chicken with a beer can up its ass.

“Yes it actually does,” Harold replied giggling.

Beer has medical benefits from the hops for all these products with vitamin E, B6 and C. Besides vitamins, beer also has restorative nutrients such as antioxidants and protein. Excellent for your immune system and helps to detox your hair and skin. Cleanse, repair and protect your hair and skin without harsh chemicals.

Drinking beer on the other hand has no evidence for medical benefits and making your hair healthy, shiny and looking great.

Remember ‘Body on Tap’ Shampoo, which was launched in 1978. Made with a natural beer produced by Anheuser Busch, better known as Budweiser.

There was the TV commercial aired in July 1978 starring Kim Basinger. “Made with one third real beer, but don’t drink it.”

‘Body On Tap’ Shampoo Commercial.

So, Harold besides getting drunk, beer is great for health and culinary uses. I also love eating Walleye fish in beer batter. Funny to note that there is even Beer Belly Lotion available. You should take note Harold.

WTF, Microplastics Are Now In BEER!

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WTF, Microplastics Are Now in Beer!

WTF! Microplastics are now in BEER!

What are microplastics, Dr. Wetbrain thought.

Well apparently, everything made these days are made with these tiny little plastic beads and everything of no use is thrown away as garbage which breaks down through time and turns back into these tiny plastic beads.

The microplastics are into the whole environment such as air, water, sea water and soil. We are all consuming this plastic for our survival, like eating and drinking. Also, wildlife is dealing with this human caused fate.

These nasty beads can cause in humans and animals a variety of cancers, digestive problems, defects to respiratory, reproductive and immune systems.

The microplastics were first detected in shellfish and other fish used for human consumption. Ends up that the average human ingests 11,000 plastic particles a year. WTF!

These tiny plastic beads are in everything we drink like bottled water, soda, juice drinks and BEER. Water is needed to grow and raise all we eat. Vegetables, fruits and grains all have plastic particles. So do poultry, pork and beef, which are eating the microplastic added grain. A tasty T-bone steak on the BBQ will have microplastic in it. So sad.

How do these microplastic beads get into the system?

These tiny 5mm plastic beads are sourced from discarded clothing, plastic bottles, cosmetics, paint and detergents along with tire wear and more, which all eventually gets back into our drinking water through sewers and water treatment plants. These beads still get through in the treatment plant even though ultraviolet lights, chlorine and micro filtering is used to prevent this.

WTF! Microplastics are now in BEER!

“Maybe that’s why my face looks so shiny,” Dr. Wetbrain thought after and acting like a robot.

Star Wars Bar Drinks on Movie.

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Star Wars Bar Drinks on Movie.

 Dr. Wetbrain walked into the living room and saw a weird hairy creature. “Harold, why are you dressed like a very short Chewbacca?” The Dr. questioned.

“It’s May 4th. May the 4th be with you.” Harold replied.

“Sick. You are all ready for the Star Wars marathon tonight.” Wetbrain mentioned and continued.

I love the bar scene from the movie Star Wars, A New Hope, Episode IV.

On the planet Tatooine there is an alien filled, dimly lit tavern with very cool looking aliens, strong drinks and modern jazzy music.

The famous bar is named ‘The Mos Eisley Cantina’ and filled with unique alien customers listening to a song called ‘Mad bout Me’ and performed by Bith aliens called, ‘The Cantina Band’.

The patrons in this space bar consisted of…

Ariel Schous – the wolfman with glowing eyes.

Hem Dazon – big eyes and a head with big round head sides.

Kardue ‘sai’ Malloc – you devil you.

Many more alien creatures like Myo, Little Kabe, Momaw Nado and let us not forget the bartender Wuher. The list goes on. Find more at screenrant.com.

Star Wars Drinks on Movie 

Drinks on the menu at The Mos Eisley Cantina tavern on the planet Tatooine…

Tatooine Sunset – fermented fruit and tea. Warm brown colored drink suitable for Humans.

Blue Milk – Bantha Milk which is a blue liquid produced by female Banthas.

Tatooi Junko – a powerful Hutt beverage.

Parkellan Sling – a brown beverage from the planet Takodana.

Med Nog – this drink gives you a buzz and helps heal war wounds faster.

Spotchka – this drink is made from a killed creature called a Krill. Safe to consume for Humans and Klatooinians. Bring it on.

Ruby Bliel – Anakin Skywalker loved this drink in his younger days. This non-alcohol drink is, believe or not, still a gooey tasty beverage. WTF. Many more drinks noted for the Mos Eisley Cantina at Wookieepedia.com.

“So, Harold, you tiny Wookie. I’m going out to warm up the truck. Off to the movie marathon we go.” Dr.Wetbrain excitedly concluded.

The Kraken and Rum.

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The Kraken and Rum.

In the 1700’s large merchant ships were attacked by huge sea creatures that had large heads and long fat octopus like tentacles. Stories would tell that this huge sea creature would quickly swim around the ship to create a whirlpool thus sinking the boat then eating the floating crew members.

“So, Harold.” Dr. Wetbrain blurted out. “You know how much I love stories about cryptids.” Harold sighed and replied with, “yes, I do.”

Of course, I had to look further into the Kraken and rum story.

The rumor of the Kraken started in 1700 somewhere in the Norwegian Sea between Iceland and Norway. Described somewhat by Italian Catholic Priest Francesco Negri.

Same Kraken description was given in detail in 1734 by Hans Egede, The Apostle of Greenland.

Description of The Kraken:

Huge sea serpent which has many heads, several claws and the body measured many miles in length. OK… too much rum.

In reality the first written account of the Kraken was in 1180 by King Sverre of Norway.

The Jules Verne’s novel, ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea’ was influenced by giant squids sighted by fishermen. The giant squid theory came into true view in 2005 with film footage from Japanese oceanic researchers T. Kubodera and K. Mori.

View Kraken Footage

Note: The name Kraken comes from the Norwegian ‘Krake” which is closely related to a German word for Octopus.

So, what got me thinking about the Kraken was me wondering around the liquor store seeing what’s new. Came across a bottle of Kraken Black Spiced Rum and went into a deep cryptid thought for about 15 minutes until the store worker shook me and said, “Are you alright sir?”

After gathering his faculties, Dr. Wetbrain replied with, “yes”.

This Caribbean black spiced rum of 47% alcohol made by Proximo Spirits of New Jersey, turned out to be quite tasty with a splash of apple juice.

Kraken Rum story is that a lone ship carrying barrels of spiced rum across the Caribbean Sea was attacked by a Kraken. One barrel survived, thus the Kraken Rum Company.

Note: At 47% alcohol, if you drink too much Kraken Rum in one night you may turn into the Kraken. Dr. Wetbrain snickered.  

Artificial Intelligence Changes Brewing Beer.

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Artificial Intelligence Changes Brewing Beer.

 

Artificial Intelligence is really getting into too much of our human lives. These days A.I. is involved in medicine, art, music and duplicating people’s image along with their voice and even bars. Scary!

And now A.I. is used to make great tasting beer by redesigning the recipe. Remember that a computer does not have taste buds! Also, with all the senses us humans have and the nonsenses that the internet has, would artificial intelligence make better tasting beer? Dr. Wetbrain had to investigate this crazy idea.

A.I. has a large data base on the beloved beer which links chemical data with sensory features to accurately predict a beer’s taste and smell, apparently.

Beer has basically 4 main ingredients of hops, yeast, grains and water. What I have seen is that A.I. beer brewing can predict how beer tastes from its chemical make up and then comes up with great recipe ideas, but the ingredient numbers are off. That’s where the human touch comes in to make the beer perfect. Otherwise, bad tasting, 2% beer.

KU Leuven Brewery in Belgium developed an artificial intelligent model which works with expert beer taster’s decisions, 180,000 public ratings and measurements of 226 chemical compounds. The end results still needed tweaking from their brew master.

Dalen Landis, owner of the Grain Bin Brewing Co. in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada wanted 100% A.I. made beer. Still, they needed staff to tweak the technology.

Vancouver Island Brewery in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada wanted to do the same as Grain Bin. Yep! The internal brew master had to fix the brew.

Co-owner Alan Norman of Tire Shack Brewing Co. in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada used Chat GPT to come up with a recipe. Their new A.I. beer is called Garden Party, if you want to try it.

Dr. Wetbrain investigated further by tasting some of these A.I. beers and concluded that the extra human touch made a much better tasting beer. But I could see that beer with the new artificial intelligence is an interesting novelty to try. Human made beer is the best.

180,000 public reviews can be found on RateBeer.com

Check out ‘Eight Different Robotic Bartenders’.