Iron City Beer

Iron City Beer. Paul Rating: A. It goes down great win a Steeler win!!!!!! Next up: Broncos.........Another BIG Game!!!!

Self Portrait 10-23-09--Paul Mordente

Give me room to lay the law and let me go ..Fiona Apple--Paul Mordente

The Letting GO is the hardest part--Paul Mordente

Palm Beach Zoo---Best Bargin in SoFlo?

A while back, the family went to The Palm Beach Zoo. It has to be the most affordable, kid friendly place I've been to in South Florida. One, its shaded. Your not going to die from the sun. That's good. But there is a chance, depending on the day, you might die from humidity. Be warned. It offers plenty of shade for little ones and adults alike. A big plus. Two, it's cheap. It cost around $13 something dollars for adults, a steal in my opinion. So you can imagine the relative deal for children. Three, they have a great Interactive water park fountain thing, so you can bring the kiddies swim trunks as well. Four, the animals are close. It doesn't get any better than this! Its the perfect day get-a-way for us Broward/Dade folks...Not that we need to get-a-way or anything..... So parents looking for something to do for the weekend now that school is back, this is your answer...... Go!

Thoughts After Disney

After spending a couple of days in Disney World, some Florida thoughts..

-I've never seen so many overweight people in my life. Europeans are right, we are disgusting.

- Why doesn't Broward or Dade have a gigantic, professional water theme park? Remember Atlantis anyone?

- Our local news blows Orlando's away.

-The Marlins should drop the black out of their uniforms. It's to hot a color in summer to wear.

-If I was a teenager, I'd much rather live in Orlando. The options

in South Florida for teens isn't that great.

-Who is better suited for the future, Orlando or South Florida? Disney is a Global Monster that isn't going anywhere. What do we have beside the beach?

-It was strange to wake up this morning in Orlando and say "Man, it feels cool outside....."

Selling The Sunshine State/ A Celebration of Florida Tourism Advertising/Tim Hollis

When I saw this book at Barnes and Noble, trumpets and horns echoed throughout the entire store. It hit on all the things I been into lately. Florida History, Propaganda/Tourism posters, design, art, lay-out, color, advertising...you get the picture. Simply a great book to have in your library(If you have one..I do...). If you love poster design and old school photos of Florida, when everything seems so pure and endless, then this will be nirvana to you. Paul Rating: A+. Who's been to Pioneer City? Who's been to Storyland?

A Land Remembered/ Patrick D.Smith

Yes, another required Florida book one must read. This would be a perfect book to give a middle or high school student over the summer to read. I wish I read it when I was younger. It's a book about the least known or talked about frontiers in America......Florida. From Tallahassee all the way down to Fort Dallas, I mean, Miami. A very easy read. Remember, your dealing with historical fiction here, so there are a lot of details to chew on. Paul Rating: A.

The Swamp/Michael Grunwald

Most of us have driven through the Everglades a million times. Most of us still don't understand it. This book is really a history lesson for all of us who have lived in South Florida our whole lives and haven't given the Everglades a second thought. The history of "Man" trying to control the Everglades will change your perspective on how you view South Florida and its future. The best part of the book is the description of the early years when the Everglades was in its natural setting, with no dikes and ditches, birds and wildlife all over the place. It makes you yearn for that old time Florida that you now and then get to experience in certain parts of the state. The raw untouched beauty. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in South Florida history and it's future. Paul Rating:A+.

Mango Etiquette

With Mango Season upon us, one should probably review the "Mango Picking Rules" with your neighbors. See, everyone with a mango tree has a different set of rules. My neighbor across the street has a "Take them, Please!" attitude regarding her mango tree. The lady up the street has her mango tree pruned so high that no-one can get them unless you have a 10 foot ladder. There is a house in Ft.Lauderdale that has a FENCE around their mango tree, in the front of their house! If your new to the area, and want to plant a mango tree, try your best to plant it in the backyard. And even then you'll probably have a Mango Burglar trying to steal them. Good luck, the mad mango season is upon us! Dig in!

SouthFlorida.com/Must see TV

Your kidding me, right? This is probably the greatest thing that has crossed the morning airwaves for me in quite a while. I need a good laugh at 6 in the morning, and SouthFlorida.Com provides just that. I got accustomed to terrifically "bad" news during my college days in Tallahassee. You could only imagine the knuckleheads they rolled out, and watching the news was always a must see for me. SouthFlorida.Com is just as good and even better because these people know better. Who decided to place the midget in between two beautiful Glamazons? Who picks out the weatherman's clothes? I don't even watch Channel 10 anymore with this type of entertainment going on. I highly recommend this show to anyone who needs a pick-me up before heading off to work. Your day can't be as bad as these people!

Don't Look Back In Anger/Oasis/Paul Mordente

This is the first collage I've done in quite a while. It felt good to get back to doing things you really like to do. With a new baby aboard and back surgery, life has been very busy, with no time to do my art. I have just been surviving.........Its good to get your head above the water...........I finally can see land.

Hoegaarden

Summer is upon us, cutting the yard and drinking a beer afterword. This will definitely do. Paul rating:A.

Gulden Draak

Alright......Would I of drank another? Probably not...Paul Rating:C.

Black Sheep Ale

Yes! This is what I am talking about. A real beer! This one knocked my socks off. Excellent. Highly recommended. Paul Rating:A+

Stoudts Red

Paul Rating:C.

Three Philosophers

9.5 alcohol %. It's too bad, because I didn't even want to finish this one. I man'd up and finished it, because sometimes you need a beer or two to get an appreciation of a beer. Not this one. One is enough. I'll call this a sipping beer, because it doesn't taste like beer. Paul Rating:D. I'm on a beer losing streak of 2.

Delirium Nocturnum

Yes, life is becoming more normal as you can see. My back is still very stiff at times which isn't a whole lot of fun, but anything beats how it used to feel. Surgery was necessary for me, I had no choice. And if I had my choice again, I wouldn't of bought this beer. 8.5 alcohol % level does give it a kick, but it's not worth it. Paul rating:D.

Lennon In America 1971- 1980 / Geoffrey Giuliano

If your a Lennon fan (I am),then you'll probably not want to read this. If you hate Yoko and blame her for the destruction of the greatest band on earth(I do), then this book will confirm all your hatred for her. It's an entertaining book, it gives you all the behind-the-scene drama after the break up of the Beatles. It gives some early Beatle drama as well. I won't spoil any of the good stuff in here, plus, it will take too long to tell. Paul Rating: B-.

I'm "Back"

Well, at least its over!!! I had to have surgery on my back last week. I ruptured a disk in my lower back (L4 -L5) that the doctor called" the largest ruptured disk he has ever seen". A steroid shot wouldn't cut it this time. I've been out of commission basically since Feb 17. I probably wont go back to work until the middle of April to recover. I'll post more about it as times goes, since sitting down is not very good for my back. Looking forward to Fridays Marlin vote, if it ever happens. I need some entertainment at this point. Peace

NYC

New York City. WOW! You realize how small town and backward South Florida is when you visit there. Sure we've got the weather, but New York City has the balls. Had a great time. My problem is I can't stop looking up. I love architecture and being there is like pure metallic heaven. We hung out with our friend Dave and a couple of his friends at Bar-Coastal (1st & 78th). Great bar and wings. I would say they are 'bout even with Wings n Curls in Hollywood, FL (My favorite wings (Hot)). That says a lot. Tried three different beers as you can see. My favorite was the Lucky 13(Middle) Paul Rating :A. Love the logo as well. Future tattoo possibility. Next is Reuben and the Jets. Paul Rating:B. Finally was the Maximus, a bit too hoppy. Paul Rating:C. The Ken Burns documentary on NYC is calling my name.

You'd think they'd be a little nicer.

Is it just me, or does Sawgrass Mills Mall have the worst customer service you can imagine? You'd think being one of the largest tourist attractions in Florida that they could be a little more "Disney" in their approach to customer service. Whether its going to the movies or just going to buy or eat something, their lack of professionalism always comes up. South Florida is well known for its poor customer service relations and I see no near term solution in sight. Although having to spend your workday dealing with Capri-wearing European tourists might drive anyone who works there over the edge. I can understand the anger. Why do Europeans wear such tight shirts with big guts? Why don't they understand personal space??? Its puzzling..... Next time your at Sawgrass, watch out for them Europeans, and definitely watch out for the Service.

R.I.P Beer Fridge( I loved you)

Yes, my World Famous Beer Fridge has fallen by the way-side. I adopted this old hunk of a beauty from my neighbors who were putting it out for bulk pick-up. "It runs cold" they said.......Indeed, perfect for a beer fridge! But lately shes gone Arctic on me, freezing and destroying all my beer and making it impossible to keep anything in it. I probably could have fixed it, but it was leaking as well and mold was starting to accumulate on the outside of it. So, I had to let her go. But don't worry, I put her out for bulk pick up this month and someone already took it from my pile. The Beer Fridge LIVES ON !!!! I have two little mini-fridges I am going to use now for beer. It should save some space for me in my garage. R.I.P Beer Fridge, I loved you!

Kona Pipeline Porter

This beer is either a "Morning Beer " or "After diner" beer. Tastes like coffee and is very good. You don't even feel like your drinking a beer. More like a strong iced coffee. Drink it while reading the Sunday paper, it will make Local and World events seem more interesting. Paul Rating: A.

Harpoon IPA

Well made beer. Yes! Great Logo and design as well. Very good. Paul rating:A.

Cool, but isn't education a little more important? Not Really.

I'm not going to get hysterical about the new Marlin Stadium. We're talking about Miami-Dade County here, so trying to think logically about what they should do will get you nowhere. Just accept and move on, shrug your shoulders and move to Broward. What else can you say???? Sure they should put it towards education, sure they should put it in transportation, sure they should put it towards a billion other things, but that isn't their priority. The "image" of what Miami projects towards the world is their main concern(" World Class City" etc.). It's really messed up. I'm glad Ft. Lauderdale didn't pursue the Marlins. Who wants to get into business with Loria and Sampson? Well you guessed it, Miami-Dade County. Don't get me wrong, I love the Marlins and want them to stay. Indeed, I'd like thank all the poor people of Miami-Dade County for paying for it for me!

Ps. I'm not going to park in anyones yard! 6000 parking spaces for 37,000 people? You've got to be kidding me.

Publix Premium Chocolate Trinity

I'm normally a vanilla with colored sprinkles guy. But lately I've been gorging myself on Publix Premium Chocolate Trinity. Wow! This is pure cocoa heaven. I mean, can it get anymore chocolate-TY? Its dark chocolate thick with fudge and chucks of chocolate. I recommend it in a nice crisp waffle cone. Great after dinner treat. Paul Rating: A+

The Emptyness When a Clown leaves the Room

Did this really happen? Was this man really our President? It's been a week since The O-Man took office and I'm still having problems adjusting. Its a shock to the system. We've been force fed so much Republican garbage for the last eight years that the body doesn't know what to do with the new food its getting. To now have a President that can speak well and have tremendous brain power is almost surreal. It's going to take some time to get used to. I have a feeling the Bush Hangover will be one we will never forget. I'm still throwing up.

Sun Sentinel v. The Herald

Which paper is better? Or should I say, which paper is worse. It might depend on which side of the county line you fall on. I happen to fall on the 954 side. I cancelled my subscription to the Herald about a year ago. I just got tired of reading the endless "Miami" propaganda that the Herald gets caught up in. I needed a change. So I went with my friends and family's' wisdom and subscribed with the Sentinel. Boy are they wrong. I can honestly say that The Herald is a better newspaper than The Sentinel. They have better writers for one, and the layout of the paper is much more readable. I find they cover Broward just as good or better than The Sentinel. Reading The Sentinel is like eating an unseasoned piece of tofu. So I am going to switch back to The Herald. I'm sure in these times they'll appreciate my or any ones business.

X Saves the World By Jeff Gordinier

I love reading books about Generation X . My people. My crew of knuckleheads who I grew up with and shaped my life. X Saves the World is sort of like a therapy book for us Generation Xers. Silly mantras like "Our time is still to come!" or "We've accomplished so much already" permeates this entire book. Its fun and all, but somewhat depressing. Why do Xers continue to try to compete with or capture a time long ago that will never exist again? Its a losing battle from the get go. The Beatles are never going to be topped!!!! Lets just admit it and move on. Our closest thing to the Beatles was Nirvana. I'm happy with that. I'll take IT. Nirvana stands miles above any of the music today. Music today is garbage. I mean, there is good stuff out there but you have to hunt for IT. Back then, IT came to you........ An easy entertaining read, nothing more. Paul Rating:C.

Anchor Porter

With the cold front coming, you'd better get yourself a hearty beer. A nice porter will be fitting for the bitter cold that awaits us in South Florida. Anchor Porter is good, but I would like a stronger finish. Paul Rating: B.

Harp Lager

Harp beer is a pretty common beer. It produces a good foam head and has a clean taste. Nothing really special about it except its drinkability. And that's what some people want. Paul Rating:C.

Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier

Didn't dig this beer that much either. It would be good on a hot summer day, unfortunately, today wasn't one of them. Paul Rating: C.

Unibroue-Don De Dieu

Another "wine-e" beer. I don't like these. I usually can tell if a like a beer by the first sniff. Paul Rating: C-

Chimay Ale

This is one the Trappist Priests got right. I was very nervous about this beer, but it did not disappoint. Great flavors. Paul Rating:A.

UniBroue- Trois Pistoles

Very Good. Paul Rating: A

Tombstone Pizza

In an earlier post, I declared that Angelo's Corner on Hollywood Beach has the best pizza in Broward(Of all I tasted). In the frozen pizza department, I'm digging Tombstone lately. See, I like the taste of cafeteria pizza, its comfort food (Like they always say in Top Chef) to me. It calms my soul. Another added bonus is that lately, Publix has had them on sale for 2.99. When you break it down my wife and I are spending a $1.50 each to have dinner. You can beat that. We usually go through frozen pizza cycles, from Digiornos to California Kitchen Pizza to Red Baron,then we'll switch it up on you punks and go granola with Kashi. We probably have one frozen pizza per week. You don't want to over do it.

Genius and Heroin/ Michael Largo

Is everyone famous F't up? Its a fair question. This book is like a dictionary of famous people, their addictions and how it eventually leads to their death. Truly fascinating and at times disturbing. Why does society hold so high a place for these unstable people? A great bathroom book, but pray you don't die on the toilet like some of the famous people in the book. But your not famous, right? Paul Rating:A.

St. Peter's English Ale

Wow! What a different type of beer, Delicious! I'm still thinking about this beer, which is a very good sign. Beautiful color and taste, somewhat "orange-e" but very, very subtle. Great cleansing finish. Highly recommended again, that makes two in a row. Visit Total Wine to get these beers. Paul rating: A.

Samuel Smith Famous Taddy Porter

Yes! Now this is a real beer. I am liking porters more and more. This has great flavor and is very drinkable. So far I love all of the Samuel Smith beers. Just look at this label on this beer, you know it's gonna be good. Highly recommended. Paul Rating: A.

Unibroue- La Fin Du Monde

Here's another one of those beers that doesn't taste like a beer. I want to use the term "wine-e", but it could even be some other form of alcohol. I am getting a taste for it though, but its not a beer you would want to drink regularly....and what type of beer is that. Paul Rating:C.

Ficus and Garden Update

My ficus has been infected with the whitefly for some time now. I'm not sure if because the weather has cooled somewhat (Don't laugh!) but they seemed to have slowed down on the destruction of my beloved ficus hedge. I refuse to spend thousands of dollars to buy treatment for it, although I know to put up a fence would be probably be triple that. Can't somebody smart find a solution to this?

Before I ruptured a disk in my back, I decided to take out the garden in the back of my yard( A wise move in hindsight). It became too much work, especially the weeding aspect of it. I could never catch up. I am going to container garden now and have bought a couple of books on the subject. I'll probably start a container garden after football season is over.

Samuel Adams Holiday Porter

Samuel Adams puts out good stuff. You can trust these people with beer. The Holiday Porter is solid..... Good flavors, nice finish... What more can you ask for on a New Years Day morning. Paul Rating: A.