Don't Look in the Mirror

In recent weeks, we were once again faced with drug-addled, psychotic mutants going around killing innocent people. And once again, we see the usual suspects screeching about the dangers of guns, and ignoring the real issue.

But then again, it's not really that surprising that the left fears a focus on mental illness.

It is my belief that we're seeing the result of a decade of the progressive ideal of "everybody's a winner" and a move away from personal responsibility. No longer do we teach that there exists absolute truth in morals, and actions have consequences. It's no wonder we have a generation in despair.

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there...

Cheers!

Those Rights Are Not Granted by the Constitution

I was engaged in a Facebok conversation recently regarding the carrying of firearms in a church. Specifically, the discussion centered around the Virginia statute that vaguely states that carrying a weapon "without good and sufficient reason" in a church is not lawful. I reminded the participants that former Virginia Attorney Cuccinelli opined that "carrying a weapon for personal protection constitutes a good and sufficient reason under the statute to carry a weapon into a place of worship while a meeting for religious purposes is being held there."

That evoked a reply from another who stated "Our CWP [concealed weapon permit] and the 2nd amendment should be a valid sufficient reason!"

While I applaud the sentiment, I felt obliged to remind the commenter that it's natural law, not the 2nd Amendment that provides our rights to self-defense. The Bill of Rights only affirms rights that we already posses. That document is meant to protect our God-given rights from those who would seek to restrict them. If anything, the need to obtain a permit to exercise that right directly infringes on the "shall not be infringed" clause.

This is a detail that many in the pro-2A movement often overlook. The anti-gun crowd seeks to disarm law-abiding Americans by focusing on invalid interpretations of the 2nd Amendment. We should take care not to fall into their trap of relying on a man-made document to defend that which exists naturally.

Five O'Clock Friday: Lock Me Up!

It's time.

Please.

Bloodline Blood Orange IPA

Along with Flying Dog Easy IPA, Bloodline Blood Orange IPA is a formerly limited release beer that has now graduated to a full-time member of the brewery's lineup. Unlike the almost sessionable Easy IPA, reviewed here, Bloodline is a full-on hoppy, big IPA.

Flying Dog Bloodline Blood Orange IPA was originally created for the Washington, DC Brewers Craft Brewers Conference in 2013. It became available full time, on draft, in April of this year and in six packs in June. In what was perfect timing, Colleen visited a local beer shop last week, just in time to pick up the only six pack left on the shelf. (Ironically, she was there in search of the still elusive Flying Dog Dead Rise OLD Bay Summer Ale.)

Bloodline Blood Orange IPA pours a clear amber color with an off-white head. A persistent and sticky lacing is left behind in the glass. The enticing aroma is citrus and fruity, which is an accurate summation of the flavor as well. The orange citrus flavors are fresh and "juicy" with just a hint of bitterness. In fact, I was struck by just how un-bitter the citrus profile was in the beer. The finish is dry. Despite an ABV of 7%, it's a fairly light-bodied beer.

Like the English band so good they had to name it twice, Flying Dog Bloodline Blood Orange IPA has a bit of a redundant name. But fortunately the beer lives up the extra effort required to order it. We don't often manage to bring home a new beer so soon after it's made available, but the finding of this IPA was a tasty happenstance.

Storms and an IPA

We went over to Park Lane Tavern for a mid-week dinner last evening. There were severe storms in the area but we avoided any issues during our travels. We did see a bit of excitement as a fire alarm had been sounding outside of the shops prior to our arrival, but had ceased by the time the fire department arrived. Apparently there is no central control as the fire fighters were walking from shop to shop looking around, as well driving their trucks around the area, trying to find the source. A group of them came into Park Lane to look around and we joked that the fireman with the pike pole looked like he really wanted to tear out a ceiling somewhere. Fortunately, no fires were found.

Park Lane was having a "Steal the Glass" night featuring Widmer Brothers Upheaval IPA, so I opted to pay the glass premium and try out a new-to-me beer. Widmer Brothers is known for their ubiquitous Hefeweizen, but I don't recall trying anything else from them. But of course, an IPA always intrigues.

Upheaval IPA pours a cloudy caramel orange color with a decent white head. Grapefruit citrus and pine aromas are moderately strong. The beer itself is rich with bitter grapefruit citrus. It's a pithy and resinous combination. A slightly sweet malt base peaks through, but the bitter citrus notes linger in the finish. I was surprised at just how strong the flavor profile was in this beer. I've generally written off Widmer as just another "grocery store" beer. Honestly, I didn't even think about them beyond their flagship Hefeweizen. I know now, they have a pretty decent IPA too.

Park Lane keeps a rotating cask beer on their menu, though the wait staff should really stop introducing it as "warm and less carbonated." This evening's selection was RJ Rockers Son of a Peach, a wheat beer made with peaches, which Colleen selected. I had a small sip, and stated, "Wow, fuzzy peaches." I expected syrupy sweet, but I tasted peaches. It's not my choice in beer, but still interesting, and Colleen enjoyed it. The other beer in the picture one of Checkered Flag's favorites, and a staple at Park Lane, Belhaven Scottish Ale. And that's our son's glass of water too.

It was an enjoyable evening watching the storms pass through, while partaking in some good food and beer with family and friend. That's always a nice way to celebrate getting halfway through the work week. It's all downhill to the weekend from here!

What's in a Name?

What does "Musings Over a Pint" mean? To me, it brings forth thoughts of sitting around with friends, good beer in hand, talking, laughing, pontificating, about anything of interest. It's not wholly unexpected that one thinks first of beer when hearing the blog name. In fact, the first three years or so of this blog was devoted almost exclusively to that topic. And frankly the task of writing on a single topic became, well, boring. Those that read regularly know that besides good craft beer, it's God, family, country, and the shooting sports that top my interests.

Recently, one of my long-time Twitter followers dropped my feed. He's a passionate craft beer fan, and frequently "retweeted" my beer-related posts. Personally, I would still enjoy his conversations even though we are of different political views. However, his leaving is not an uncommon reaction among craft beer-only fans. Though frankly, I'm not aware of any shooter who's ever gotten upset over my choice in beer (though they frequently don't understand it.) The header at the top of this page was created specifically as fair warning to the more sensitive types. Staying around to be offended by these Musings is self-inflicted.

Selfishly, these Musings are written by me, for me. I enjoy the reminiscing that happens while writing the posts. Very frequently I go back and read older posts just to relive a good time. I don't see that changing. The craft beer reports aren't going away. The shooting range reports aren't going away. The Catholic commentary isn't going away. The occasional right-side commentary isn't going away. More often than not, those subjects even come up within the same post.

Sitting at a pub with family or friends enjoying a beer is still one of my favorite pastimes. And if I'm sitting around with true friends, those are the topics we're most likely discussing. So have a seat, and a pint, and join in the musing.

As a side note, it's interesting to me, that the leading all-time most popular post in these Musings is the Starfire .380 Ammo Review from 2012. Something ammo distributors might take note of. ;-)

And the Two Shan't Meet

I've mentioned frequently how we are very adamant that shooting firearms and enjoying alcoholic beverages have a relationship that must be properly ordered. Often I find myself skipping a chance for a beer, simply because I might shoot later in the day. However, I firmly believe a good beer tastes even better after a day at the range.

Recently I was enjoying a beer at the pub with a friend and he lamented, "I have a project I wanted to work on today, but table saws and beer don't mix." I could empathize with his quandary.

Our choices made for the day, we opted for another round.