Bottom of the Bowl, a wee dram, and hearts..

Before we move on to Basketball, Hockey, golf leading up to Masters, and other sports, I do want to make a (serious) comment on the recently completed American Ritual of the Super Bowl (where IS that jersey?).  In recent years, the commercials embedded (and seemingly dominating) the game itself have become a secondary competition.  I did watch some, but the quality seemed to decline this year, with maybe the exception of the Lumber 84 piece involving “the wall”.  Regardless of your political leanings, you must admit it was well done, impactful, and made a statement.  If you didn’t hear of or get a chance to see the “censored” ending, it might be worth a look..

But I digress.  I don’t think there is anybody in the country that would disagree that violence both domestic and civil has taken a dramatic increase over the last few years/months.   We decry the seemingly senseless use of guns and meaningless deaths that occur over things like road rage and escalating disagreements.   Yet, it seemed that every other “commercial” this year was devoted to things like Arnold Schwarzenegger in full military uniform, urging a call up of some military force, followed by animated images of explosions with bodies flying through the air, or some young gentleman with a stylized automatic weapon blasting away at something.   Well, all of those are just games played on an (expensive) computer for fun, correct?  But, what about the players who (IMHO) probably are young, and just learning about life.  Situation you don’t like?   POW!  Somebody who is a perceived threat?  KAWHAMMY! I dunno, just seems like we “glorify” that kind of behavior and then are amazed that it gets translated to “real” life.  Okay, stepping down.

Not quite! While I’m at it, there is another genre of (more harmless but annoying) commercials that appear every year leading up to April 15^th.  Somebody now even has Watson on your side, and there’s some arrogant person who urges us to “don’t get your taxes done, get your taxes WON!”.   I guess the premise is that every schlub in America is so ignorant that the “government/IRS” is cheating you out of your own money beyond your small brain to comprehend, and by God, just have us do your taxes and we’ll chisel your money back.  We’ll close those conspiritory loopholes designed to dupe you out of your cash..  Ha ha…

Okay, Feeder you’re getting out of control.----You’re right almighty muse!  Let’s get back to more familiar territory. 

Whiskey River take my mind...

Last weekend I joined a lot of folks at the first (?) annual “Spirits of Maryland” event hosted by the Maryland Distillers Guild, in the newly opened Pax River Naval Air Museum with the catchy title of “Where the Right Stuff Meets the Strong Stuff”.  Clever, no?   The old "Bottle to Throttle" axiom went out the window for this gathering, with a mix of aircraft and spirits!

Not a Boeing person’s favorite air machine…BTW

Distilleries, like craft breweries are springing up in Maryland, and all of the distilleries providing tastings were from Maryland. There is now a distillery in good old St. Mary’s County, the Tobacco Barn Distillery (an odd juxtaposition of two “vices”) and they were displaying and dispensing their products.

While those Tobacco Barn folks produce Whiskey (can’t call it Bourbon!), Rum, and Rye, others are more specialized such as the Sagamore Distillery which (apparently only produces straight Rye), in two strengths, regular and “Cask”.  The former is a more common 83 proof, while the latter tips in at around 112.   “Tips(y)” is probably apt.  I did sample the tamer variety and kind of liked it.  By the way, we don't have space nor time to go into the history of Rye in Maryland...another time.

The fledgling Patapsco folk (from Sykesville) brought some Vodka and also T shirts! They plan to expand their line (spirits, not T shirts) soon.

There were nibbles to help soak up the alcohol, and music to please the ears

It was a nice event, well managed and everybody had a good time..  A list of the distilleries that participated can be found here

Heart to heart

And I can’t let February the 14^th (today) pass without a nod to the special day.  Although common parlance calls it “Valentine’s Day” it is really “Saint Valentine’s Day” which has roots in ancient history:  “From Feb. 13 to 15, the Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia. ... Emperor Claudius II executed two men — both named Valentine — on Feb. 14 of different years in the 3rd century A.D. Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day” it is left to the reader to ponder how a holy day honoring martyred saints turned into candy hearts, roses, and candy boxes..Remember these?

Although the day can mean something different to everybody, I hope it serves to remember loved ones, either here or in memory..

The day at the digs:

And if your particular method of celebration calls for dining out, for heaven’s sake
DFD

PS:  MFO are greatly enjoying watching coverage of the Westminster Dog show, with extended coverage on National Geographic Wild if you can find it on your particular video lash up.  Lots of "behind the scenes" stuff.   Go Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, aka Grifs!  (our granddogs: Stanley and Smoke)