Odds And Ends

Just a few odds and ends here. Stuff I could not really fit into any other post format. No matter what crazy ass tangent I go off on. It was just not going to happen.

So here it goes!!!

1. Scarlet Blue is back. I have to assume her screen name was picked because of the eternal question. Which Chimay version do you select? There is the red/scarlet label, and the blue label. And yes - there is a difference.

Chimay Red is a 7% top fermented selection.

First sold in 75 cl (25.4 fl.oz.) bottles, it is noted for its coppery colour which makes it particularly attractive.

Topped with a creamy head, it gives off a light, fruity apricot aroma produced by the fermentation. The taste perceived in the mouth is a balance confirming the fruity nuances noticed in the fragrance.

Its taste, which imparts a silky sensation to the tongue, is made refreshing by a light touch of bitterness. To the palate, the taster perceives a pleasant astringency which complements the flavour qualities of this beer very harmoniously.

This top fermented Trappist beer, refermented in the bottle, is not pasteurized.

Not bad stuff really. I like it. I do not drink it often on account of it being harder to find AND somewhat expensive. But hey - Tappist Monks have to eat too.

Chimay Blue on the other hand.....TOTALLY different.

Named Grande Réserve in 75 cl (25.4 fl.oz.) bottles, it is principally distinguished by its character of a strong beer (9% ABV).

This is a beer whose fragrance of fresh yeast with a light, flowery rosy touch is especially pleasant.

Its flavour, noticed when tasting it, only accentuates the pleasant sensations perceived in the aroma , while revealing a light but pleasant touch of roasted malt.

This top fermented Trappist beer , refermented in the bottle, is not pasteurized.

I prefer the blue label myself - but only on special occasions. The stuff ain't cheap.

Anyhow - this is my theory behind the blog name "Scarlet Blue". Why commit to just one kind of Chimay? Keep your options open.

#2 - Where is Doozie? Apparently she just vanished. And her blog is closed. So if you know where she is - pester her to add me to the approved readers list. Remember - the key to pestering is to do it often!!! 8 or 9 times a day is a good start.

#3 - I made some creations for Dusty. Dusty's blog may not be for anyone - she can go off the deep end from time to time. But hey - what else would you expect from a blog titled "Left Wing Nutjob"? Agree or disagree - you have to admit the title is fitting. Anyway, in the spirit of wasting time and accomplishing absolutely nothing in the process - I made THESE PHOTOS. Not my best creations, but Ill do better at some point. No telling when that might be. I have to be inspired to do really good work. The inspiration for the things I made so far was just a simple matrix of bordem and beer. And it shows. On a scale of 1 - 10, I give the stuff a 3.

But since I am not an asshole who never admits to schlock - there you go. The proof is on the internet, for all to see.

#4 - Skipper The Cat is getting his fur back. This is good. He was starting to look like a mole rat with a long tail. But now he looks more like a cat again. Ill have to remember to post a photo.

#5 - I have taken a bunch of FEMA self study courses. Why? Well I had my reasons. But mostly - they were a good way to pass some time. Go here for the NIMS selections, and here for the ISP selections.

By the way, various jobs now require some of these self study courses. The common ones are ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800. The courses can also be listed a IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800.

And since this is a FEMA creation, the numbers are not exactly in order. IS-100 pairs with IS-700, IS-200 pairs with IS-800. I know, I know - that is odd. But that is just how it is. So roll with it. Trying to figure it out will just drive you insane. The numbers may not make sense, but then again the course numbers are not what is important. The content is.

Other than that - happy Saturday!