WE'VE MOVED!

SixPackTech has moved, lock, stock and beer fridge to a new location.

Please point your browsers to the new place, which is...

SixPackTech.com, then bookmark it.

This Blogger site will no longer be updated but will remain "as is" for awhile. Everything at the new place will be the same, only different, almost exactly, but unique, and different. Did I already say "different?"

Click the link above and c'mon over.

New Site News

The new site will go live tonight or tomorrow. A lot of it is ready to go, some stuff still has to be done. Please bear with me through this transition period and forgive my shortcomings.

Once the DNS servers are aimed at the new place, it may take a day or two to propagate through the Web.

For tonight, no new babes here; they're already up over by dair. The Brew Review is here and there. However, the same goofiness, humor, manliness and inanity will continue.

Sunday will have only one post. I'll start fresh on Monday with new posts in a new format.

See you there.

Saturday Night Blue Collar Brew Review

My Friday sojourn to the highly acclaimed, world renowned Morris Beer Store brought me face to face with Gail, the Beer Store Maven. We briefly discussed the Walter Payton Pilsner and we opined on my comments of its lack of carbonation from last week's review. She said she'd call them to see if they perhaps had a bad run.

I mosied to the primo beer shelves and began ogling the stock. Hmm, that looks good. I might try that one, or that one. Then a small axon triggered in the deep recesses of my brain and one beer bore looking into. It was a recommendation from a friend at work who suggested it weeks ago. The price looked ok, so I picked up a sixpack of Smithwick's Imported Irish Ale brewed by the good people at Guinness. Gail remarked, "Oh. You're going to try 'Smittick's.'" Then I remembered the Wiki article I read weeks ago on this beer and this name.

"When pronouncing the name, the 'W' is silent. In Ireland, it is generally pronounced as 'Smithicks', 'Smitticks', 'Smidicks' or 'Smeth-icks'. The variation of pronunciations is mostly due to differing accent and dialects of the Irish. When ordering in the US, 'Smithicks' is the preferred method, while 'Smiddicks' is the most prevalent pronunciation in Canada." - Wikipedia

This is why Gail is the "Maven." She knows her stuff. I happily paid her the 8 bucks it cost and made my way home.

Saturday came all cloudy and cold here in corn country, USA, and I was glad to be inside. Spring? Bah! We're going right into 90 degree weather next week. Typical Illinois climate. When beer reviewin' time came, I snatched a bottle of Smittick's from the fridge, sat down at the Mac, and started enjoying life.

A popped cap and a sniff at the hole in the bottleneck revealed a very slight but pleasant scent that smelled like a well prepared recipe for beer. Not strong, not hoppy, perhaps a slight sweetness. No surprises on the horizon. I poured it into my beer reviewin' mug and the head rose up mighty and very thick like creme froth. The color is a dark amber, not quite brown but definitely reddish. Lots of micro-bubbles rose up from the bottom.

The first taste was almost silky to the palate and the flavor had a tinge of maltiness without being predominant. Successive sips accustomed the palate and initial maltiness blended into the great overall taste of this beer. There was absolutely no bitterness that I could discern. I'm surprised at how smooth this beer is. The second bottle was more pleasurable than the first. It's a downright delight to drink.

This beer has to be on the top ten lists of many beer advocates around the world. It's well rounded, has a thick creamy head which lasts to the bottom of the glass and a taste that just doesn't give up. This is one of the best beers I've had so far.

The SixPackTech ratings for Smithwick's Imported Irish Ale are:

Taste: A - A veritable treat for the tongue.
Smoothness: A - The tinge of malt will win your heart.
Drinkability: A - One round deserves six more.
Bang for the buck: B - A real treat with change back.
Wife's all-encompassing opinion: "I was expecting it to be bitter, but it's not. It actually tastes pretty nice." (Ah. Whatta woman.)

George Carlin and airline announcements

George Carlin has a way with words. He's a great comic and a mesmerizing storyteller. As long as his beliefs don't cloud your judgement.

His routine on airline announcements had me laughing at my computer screen when I first viewed it. If you're like me, one who cringes at the misuse and abuse of English, then you'll enjoy this video.

(It's about 15 minutes. Come back l8r if you don't have time now.)

20 worst foods in America

Before you consider getting that Whopper with cheese check out these delicacies. Guaranteed to make you appreciate your aorta all the much more.

This graphical slide show put together by NBC11 lets you scroll through all 20 dishes. You'll start off thinking, "Yuck. Who would eat that?"

Somewhere along the line you'll think, "Hmm. That doesn't look too bad."

The 20 worst foods are here.

Not quite on the level

This is a very funny British comedy sketch which is a bit long in the tooth but still a classic.

At first you may think the guy is drunk. Not so.

Clever idea and well executed. Oh, and funny.

Classical Metallica

Here's something you don't see every day, Metallica performed by a trio of cellos.

"Cellos? Why are you wasting my time with this tripe?"

No, wait! This is actually quite good. Start the video and wait for the drums to finish. Then it's headbangin' time.

Trust me, this is good.

New Get a Mac ads

The new Mac ad features the same two guys in a bit called, "Office Stress."

Check it out.







Interestingly, the format for the Get a Mac ad has now been emulated with a great ad for the television show Numb3rs. It's quite good, actually. Great pants (cuffs) on the guy on the left.

Japanese commuters

Perhaps you've seen images of Japanese commuters getting assisted sardine packing while boarding the morning train. Yeah, they really pack 'em in there.

The people know that this is a way of life. I would imagine that it's generally accepted. But imagine what happens inside once the doors close. The sounds. The smells. The groping. Yeesh!

Check out this human sardine packing video. Unbelievable.

SixPack o' Comix

The history of the Italian crotch grab

Many of us have seen the gesture of the "horns," where only the index finger and pinky are extended. And the widely known flipping of the bird. The Italians, however, have a history of some the gestures they use and the crotch grab is one of them.

This is not to poke at Italians, as I would never belittle a nationality. However, this is an interesting history of a gesture, somewhat like etymology, or the origin of words.

"'Ey, I gotcher hand gesture right here."

Setting up the space shuttle

I've run across some very interesting pictures of the arrival of the main fuel tank and the preparation of the space shuttle prior to lift-off.

The photos are amazing and gives one a perspective on the overall enormity of the shuttle hangar.

Check it out right here.

Japanese car mods

You ain't never seen nuthin' like dis ever. An' needer have I.

Those whacky Japanese have their own way of modifiying the body styles of their vehicles to make them stand out.

Check out the pictorial right here.

(CrookedBrains)

TV reporters - dangerous jobs

Every channel has them. They're all over the place when news happens.

What happens when it's a slow news day?

Danger rears its ugly head.

Watch below.

(BitsandPieces)

50 greatest comedy sketches

Ernie Kovacs was the first to pioneer comedy over the airwaves, even before Lucy and Desi. Since then there have been many good comedy shows but the great sketches are peppered all over, few and far between.

However, Nerve.com has compiled a list of 50 of the best comedy sketches ever made right here. With videos.

Skim through these and see what's there. Then come back after work and jump on your home computer to spend some more time.

(BoingBoing)

Chain surfing

What in the Wide World of Sports is "chain surfing?"

I didn't know until I spotted this video.

It's unbelievable! Dude starts surfing right after the traffic passes.

Watch this.

Lost in translation

Here's a great take on signs in Engrish. They try so hard to get the message across, but miss by ->| |<- this much. There's a great collection here, three pages worth. 'Tis to laugh.

Troeg's Beer Babe

Troeg's Beer? Never heard of it. But now I have.

And after watching the babe at the left do a sales pitch for this beer, how could I ever forget it?

Watch it below.

The girls of Formula 1

I'm a pushover for a pretty girl. But you knew that already.

With the Indy 500 race just down the road a piece I offer up some pretty faces with tight curves and meandering s-turns.

Check out the F1 girls here.

(Funtasticus)

PT Bruiser

It never fails. At least once or twice a year I'm cruisin' somewhwere and I spot some car modified into a 4-by-4 rock crawler or some such.

I have no idea why people do this, but maybe it's proof that there's a rampant Redneck gene invading peoples' immune systems.

Here's the latest. A modded PT Cruiser which is/was up for sale on eBay. Dubbed the PT Bruiser, its Buy-it-Now price is 10 grand. Pfft!

Autoblog has a picture gallery here.

The best game ever!

Not quite a flash mob, not quite Candid Camera, this is a heartwarming video of a classy prank played an a California little league team. There's no cruelty involved but perhaps rather a gesture of faith in our youth.

Let's take an average little league baseball game and make the players feel like they're in the big leagues.

You'll be tickled.

Watch the video below, then check out this link for more info on this event.

(Neatorama)

SixPack o' Pix

Acrophobia

The most sweartastic movies

Find a stick. Better yet, find about ten sticks. Then start shaking them one at a time at each instance. When one breaks, get another. Shake the stick.

Why?

Here's a list of movies which have more f-bombs, curse words and foul language than you could shake ten stcks at.

Pratfalls and faceplants

Here's a video collection of funny mishaps.

Don't try to follow along with the soundtrack; it's a mishmash of music and Dutch and four-necked guitars.

Watch below.

Mind boggling inventions

All is well with the world and we all have too much money. Pfft! Right.

Here are a coupla new doodads have been sprung on the American consumer by those clever marketing geniuses.

First, a motorcycle engine USB hub for your desktop. With this you can plug in numerous USB devices and bug the crap out of the guy in the next cubicle when you "fire" it up.

There's more here with a video demo.







Next comes this battery powered spaghetti fork. It does the twirling for you. How lazy can you get?

"We can't have pasta tonight, George, because we don't have any batteries!"

Just go here to see.

CRAP! We just missed it!

The "object" shown at the left is a four-necked guitar-bass-mandolin-banjo. It was sold on eBay with the winning bid of $255.

Someone has to be pretty talented to play one of these. Probably look ridiculous at it too. That and luggin' the damn thing around from show to show. The investment in strings alone probably cost a bundle. Tuning it? I'd say if yer not ready in a half hour we're starting withoutcha.

Check it out here.

Every man should carry a pocket knife

I've been carrying a pocket knife since I was a Boy Scout when me and Robert Baden-Powell hung around together. It has been an indispensable part of my "wardrobe" and a very handy tool at any given time. The one I have I bought at Sears in 1974 and I still have. Sharpened it 116,596 times. Every Christmas, I have to pull it out and pass it around for everyone to zip open their gifts. It is now fondly referred to as the "Christmas knife." The style I have is called a "toothpick." It's similar to the one shown above except for the curved part of the liner.

If yer a man, you will have a pocket knife; no ifs, ands or buts about it. Why? You must read this very interesting article on why every man should carry a pocket knife.

(ArtofManliness)

Car logo evolution

Auto emblems have evolved through the decades, some for the better and some that make you go, "meh."

The histories behind each insignia are quite interesting, if you have the time to read them.

Otherwise, just look at the pretty pictures right here.

(Neatorama)

9 words that don't mean what you think

Here's a little English lesson sprinkled with some gratuitous cleavage for no reason.

Let's start out with "irregardless." Hearing that word is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me.

Surprisingly, I was under a few of these misguided word definitions myself.

Cracked.com has the word list waiting right here.

Stupid and ironic game show answers

Yes, people still watch game shows on TV.

Some of those people become contestants on game shows.

Some of these contestants are sorta stupid.

Some of these stupid contestants are very lucky.

Watch below.

(Neatorama)

Amazing web cam scene

A young lady sends a web cam message to her boyfriend.

She's sitting there in her robe and decides to reveal some amazing cleavage.

It's truly not to be believed. You must see this.

(Safe for work.)

3 steps to becoming a rock star

Step 1: learn to play the guitar.

Step 2: Get $4,500.

Step 3: Buy this custom-made, one of a kind stringed musical instrument.

The Angel Sword guitar is up for grabs. First come, first served. Stay in line. No running. Behave.

Check it out here.

(Spluch)

Charlton Heston has passed

The man who played Moses is gone. Alas.

Planet of the Apes, Omega Man, Ben Hur and many other films had him in a major role.

Known for his leadership of the National Rifle Association for some time and a bad toupee, ol' Charlie became the brunt of some jokes. He had a nice long stint of being the manliest man in film.

His most memorable role was that of Moses in The Ten Commandments. Shown below is a seldom seen trailer for the movie.

New site news

A lotta stuff goin' on. Wordpress got itself upgraded to version 2.5 and I'm runnin' v2.3.2. I had some decisive moments whether to upgrade the new place manually or wait until the Host has it as a one-button install. I decided to stick with what I have and wait.

The last, needed graphic header came in and was put in the queue in the header file. Now the new place will have a random graphic header any time the screen is refreshed. I've tried to keep within the topic of what SixPackTech is all about. Cars, tech, beer, humor and a babe or two. You will love it.

For now, I'm concentrating on getting the old good stuff into the new place with easy navigation. The large chores are done. Now comes the coolie labor and repetitive copies and pastes.

Finished or not, I will probably go live next Sunday night. Even if there's more stuff to do. (Jeez, I'm such a perfectionist!)

Next week. It's my goal. New Brew Review, new site. Going LIVE!

Hope to see you there.

Babes for the Week

As is the custom, late Saturday means new babes for the next week viewing.

Here are the babe thumbnails:

Butt of the Week -










Nat or Not -











Check the ladies out in the left column and don't forget to vote.

Saturday Night Blue Collar Brew Review

I was pretty much out of ideas as far as what to review on Saturday night. Since I had the time, I ambled up the beer shelf aisle at the highly acclaimed, world renowned Morris Beer Store and... wait a minnit. There's something I haven't seen before... Then it hit me. It's Spring. Brewers sometimes come out with a seasonal beer with a different take on one of their famous recipes. And there it was, as if to slap me in the forehead, New Belgium Springboard Ale. Made with oats, of all things. I was surprised at the price of $8.50 but Gail, the Beer Store Maven said that pretty much all the beers have gone up in price. I grabbed the sixpack and ambled out the door. When one has time, ambling comes easy.




Saturday arrived and the weather was nice enough that I took some time to gather and cut some firewood and set up camp out in the Manly Garage. The nights still get a little chilly. It felt so strange. Like trying to get back into the groove with an old friend after a long absence. After awhile, my ass found the old cheek ruts in the stool and I was home again. After getting a nice fire going in the ol' Sotz Super Stove, I settled in on my new MacBook and garage stool and popped open the first beer.




Into the mug it goes. Up comes a nice white head with medium to large bubbles. The liquid is a very light and a tad cloudy yellow with a smallish amount of micro-bubbles. I wonder if this is going to be a repeat of a bubble-less beer. The aroma it gave off was a pleasant beery smell, not heavy on any particular ingredient. The first taste gives forth a nice body and a nice smooth taste. Not overbearing in any degree. This beer is similar, but not quite, to others I've had from New Belgium. The feel in my mouth was one that left my tongue wanting another sip, ever so slightly dry. This is a nice well rounded beer with all of its assets in place and not overstated. It's smooth, flavorful and has "beer" written all over it. The head didn't dissipate, and hung around 'til the bottom of the mug along with the bubbles. This beer is great all the way through the sixpack.

I'd recommend snatching up as many sixers as you can afford of Springboard. Try it against a Blue Moon or a Fat Tire. You'll be hard pressed to tell the difference, but the difference is there, unique to this Springboard brew. This beer will make you smile and never even think about how much you paid for it. It's well worth it.

The SixPackTech ratings for New Belgium Springboard Ale are:

Taste: A- : Contender for the nectar of the gods.
Smoothness: A- : Like a freshly paved stretch of road without the tar smell.
Drinkability: A- : What? Only one left??
Bang for the buck: B- : A half a buck more for two times the taste.
Wife's all-encompassing opinion: - "Yeah. That's good. It's a lady's beer. With a bag o' chips or something salty." (We have something in common after all. Except for the lady's beer part.)