I suspect it is the casks, although I have had a few bottled English bitters that came close. The bitters in the pubs are smoother and I think the hops make a big difference. By comparison with most American craft ales, bitter isn't bitter at all.

Thank you, Kristin. She is a tough one. I hope the nap helps you feel better.

My current favorite beer is Smithwicks. I don't know how it's characterized, other than as a "red" ale, at least in terms of its hoppiness or maltiness, but all I know is it's damn smooth and doesn't give me any of that nasty bite on the way down that so many beers do (I'm lookin' at you, Sam Adams and Goose Island!). I have yet to pick it for drinking at home (only have had it on draft at bars/restaurants), but I'll probably pick up a 6-pack for home consumption soon.

I can never pick a favorite beer. I'm always looking for new beers to conquer.

Ginger is me. Though I'll have a beer obsessions that'll last a few weeks.

I can never pick a favorite beer. I'm always looking for new beers to conquer.

amen. I have some old favorites, but I'm often hard pressed not to try a new one when the opportunity presents.

Aw, bless Owen's teacher and Kristin's dept. head. Bad cess to amych's workplace's wireless router-ers. Hiss boo and darn to them. And I don't know whether to encourage you to Be Strong, No Beer, or Fuckitall, Go Ahead. Whichever will give you best heartsease, hon.

sj, congratulations on the new place! And the wise ladies are right, you'll figure it out, and on balance, new place SO much better than old place.

Beth! Felicitations on the (belated, sorry!) Anniversary of Your Natal Day! I hope it was happy, and you got to do fun stuff.

Erm. I like beer. But only if it's brown. Or black. Black beer is good.

I thought all my stomach problems from yesterday were gone, but the thought of cooking dinner has brought back all the nausea. I blame the tree sex.

Dear Students: Do not whine and complaint at me about having to leave the building because the fire alarm goes off. Do not bitchface at me when you ask if you can leave your laptop and I answer, "I don't think that's a good idea."

Next time, I've leaving the burning building without you.

Signed, Me

Thanks, Beverly. I am looking forward to being settled in their, once we get all the little details straightened out, like how my new landlord made all the locks in the building open with the same key. He seems nice, but maybe not too bright.

I have come to appreciate beer more since dating TCG. Not enough to want a whole glass to myself, but enough that I will try what he is drinking and I can appreciate the different flavors of different brews.