Wort's Going On Here?

Satisfying Google Ads

2017-08-16T09:33:00.003-05:00

I got this email from Google Ads:

8:31 AM (52 minutes ago)
to adsense-noreply
Hello,
This is a warning message to alert you that there is action required to bring your AdSense account into compliance with our AdSense program policies. We’ve provided additional details below, along with the actions to be taken on your part.
Affected website: homebrewer2005.blogspot.fi
Example page where violation occurred: http://homebrewer2005.blogspot.fi/
Action required: Please make changes immediately to your site to follow AdSense program policies.
Current account status: Active

Violation explanation

ADS AND CONTENT OVERLAP: As stated in our program policies, publishers are not permitted to alter the behavior of Google ads in any way. This includes placing ads so that they cover any part of the site content or parts of a webpage to cover any portion of the ads. If your site has drop-down menus they are not permitted to cover the ads.

I don't own a blog with a .fi domain. I assume it is a copy generated by Google itself, since I found domains for Franch, China, Russia, and Italy. The pages at those domains are exact copies of the page at .fi and are NOT in violation.

I assume that the second post below this, poste on June 7, 2016, slightly overlaps the Good ad and that the .it domain is different somehow.

I cannot find a login for blogspot.fi. When I enter that into the address bar the Google search page comes up.

So I am writing this post to push the offending picture on this site (.com), and that Google will copy that over to the .fi website. I hope this is enough verbiage to accomplish this goal.

Of course, since this post it not in the them of the blog, this may get flagged as well.

2016-06-07T15:23:00.001-05:00

2016-06-07T11:57:00.001-05:00

East to West IPA at Ballast Point

2015-06-10T16:47:00.001-05:00

Stone Liberty Station Wheat Surrendet

2015-06-10T13:44:00.001-05:00

Pliney the Elder

2015-06-09T15:43:00.001-05:00

Oak Street Draft House

2015-04-17T14:50:00.001-05:00

Pioneer Porter

2015-04-13T16:31:00.001-05:00

Whiskey and Bourbon Documentaries Worth the Watch

2015-04-08T09:46:00.000-05:00

This is a Guest Post by Maria Ramos, a TV and Film blogger. She has noticed a trend in documentaries about craft beer and whickey and bourbon and offered this article. Since I have been a little busy lately, I took her up on her offer.

Bourbon is more than a drink for people who live in Kentucky - it's a way of life. Now it’s a lifestyle that's rapidly gaining popularity not only in the United States, but worldwide. New, whiskey-themed bars are opening in cities around the globe, reflecting an international interest in the era of smoky bars and speakeasies. Gone are the days of Prohibition gangsters, but today's (legal) speakeasies seek to recreate a similar aura of excitement. If you haven’t heard yet, bourbon is the next big thing in alcoholic beverages. Here are a few films charting its rise to modern-day fame.

Great Scotch Whisky (2006)
Great Scotch Whisky, produced in 2006, encourages viewers to appreciate Scotch and see it for the art form that it is. The documentary primarily concerns itself with single malts and peaty-style spirits. It takes viewers on a journey around Scotland from Islay to Speyside and back again to learn about legendary whiskies including Bowmore, Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, and Lagavulin. The spectacular scenery and rugged Scottish landscape fill the documentary with imagery fit for a Robert Burns poem - perfect for connoisseurs of all things Scotch.

Addicted to Pleasure: Whisky (2012)
Whisky, for all it’s done to benefit Scottish culture, also presents it’s own set of problems.
While it remains one of the biggest growth industries in the United Kingdom, it is also a highly addictive substance, often claiming the lives of those who becoming dangerously infatuated with it. Addicted to Pleasure: Whisky, a 2012 BBC production, explores the early days of whiskey in the British Empire. The documentary also strives to explain how whiskey became the national drink of Scotland, leading to high rates of alcoholism. Unique in it’s candid discussion of the issue, it highlights the differences between “problem drinking” and “social drinking”, and ways in which viewers can enjoy the spoils of Scotland responsibly.

Bourbontucky (2015)
More than 200 years of bourbon history is shared by bourbon aficionados, master distillers, and historians in Bourbontucky. Currently airing on Direct TV’s AUDIENCE channel, it has already received praise from members of the Kentucky whiskey community. Against the spectacular backdrop of Kentucky’s bluegrass country, viewers will learn about how bourbon is made, from the oak barrels used to age the spirit to the myths and legends associated with it’s sale and consumption. This one will leave you thirsty!

Made and Bottled in Kentucky (2003)
Made and Bottled in Kentucky was originally produced in 1992 for the state's bicentennial, and is a unique documentary in that it traces the history of bourbon going back to its early days in the 18th century. Viewers learn to gain an appreciation for Kentucky's favorite drink through tours of some of Kentucky's most famous distilleries - even including the ruins of distilleries past. Charles K. Cowdery, the producer of the film as well as its writer and director, has been inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame for his work on this documentary and similar projects.

Rumrunners, Moonshiners and Bootleggers (2002)
Rumrunners, Moonshiners and Bootleggers is a History Alive production that explore the love and hate relationship with alcohol that's manufactured and sold illegally. It chronicles how bootleggers, moonshiners, and rumrunners helped to build the United States. The documentary explores the history of bootlegging and making illegal alcohol from the Colonial era and John Hancock, who was a smuggler, to the present day. Viewers learn about fishermen who became rumrunners in the 1920s, and gangsters who made their millions from bootlegging. One segment of interest to racing fans is about how moonshiners helped to make NASCAR what it is today.

As bourbon continues to grow in popularity, more programs exploring its unique history are sure to reach audiences. Bourbontucky, the latest to the list, only further proves that films exploring the nature of finely-crafted alcoholic beverages can not only entertain but elucidate, giving us a deeper sense of appreciation for some of our favorite spirits.

Open The Taps Call to Action - SB1386

2015-03-26T03:00:00.000-05:00

Open The Taps, the beer consumer lobbying group, has issued an important call asking you to contact your Quokerwodger (a wooden toy that moves when a string is pulled, and, by extension a politician who does what lobbyists pay him to do) about SB1386:

SB 1386 Update

SB 1386, the bill that would allow consumers to buy directly from breweries for off-premise consumption, is currently delayed.

OTT members and friends:

As you may have seen on Twitter or Facebook, the planned-for-today Senate hearing for SB 1386 was postponed, and we need your help to get it back on track!

Just to recap: SB 1386 would allow consumers to purchase up to two cases of beer per month directly from breweries (think of special, limited releases or a six-pack after a tour, for example). You have consistently emphasized the importance of this as members of Open The Taps, and we strongly support this bill.

The postponement reportedly comes due to some distributors pressuring some members of the committee to make this issue into a big fight. As a result of these distributors' actions, the Business & Commerce Committee has decided to delay the initial hearing and discussion, most likely until next week.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please, contact your Senator immediately, via phone if possible, especially if they are a member of the B&C Committee (Listed below).

Senator Kevin Eltife (chair & author of this bill - SD 1): (512) 463-0101 / (903) 596-9122

Senator Brandon Creighton (vice-chair - SD 4): (512) 463-0104 / (409) 838-9861

Senator Rodney Ellis (SD 13): (512) 463-0113 / (713) 236-0306

Senator Don Huffines (SD 16): (512) 463-0116

Senator Charles Schwertner (SD 5): (512) 463-0105 / (512) 863-8456

Senator Kel Seliger (SD 31): (512) 463-0131 / (806) 374-8994

Senator Larry Taylor (SD 11): (512) 463-0111 / (281) 485-9800

Senator Kirk Watson (SD 14): (512) 463-0114

Senator John Whitmire (SD 15): (512) 463-0115 / (713) 864-8701

We need phone calls and we need them badly. Let's not let this bill get stalled because a few big distributors have more ears than the residents of Texas.

Contact Open The Taps

Open The Taps

15702 Brookvilla Dr

Houston, TX 77059

Bare Arms Brewing To Open in Waco

2015-03-24T10:02:00.000-05:00

Bare Arms Brewing founder Keith Collier, announced that he has received his TABC permit to open his brewery/brew pub at 2515 LaSalle Avenue in Waco.

Bare Arms Brewing will offer an American lager, an India pale ale, a chocolate stout, and a tart Berliner Weisse-style beer flavored with cranberries and apples.

The brewery will have a tasting room, and will self-distribute to local retailers, including The Dancing Bear.

Tasting Room at PBC

2015-03-12T14:19:00.001-05:00

Midnight Porter on tap!

Pedernales Brewing Company Spring Break Schedule

2015-03-10T10:33:00.002-05:00

Pedernales Brewing Company will expand their tasting room hours Friday March 14th and Saturday March 15 from 1:00 to 6:00 PM. And from Monday March 16 to Saturday March 21 from 1 to 6 pm.

Beer is available by the pint for $4, and tour/tasting/glass is $10.

Alamo Beer Company Grand Opening - March 6

2015-03-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

Grapevine Craft Brewery Raises Funds for Grapevine Charity

2015-03-02T11:54:00.000-06:00

Grapevine Relief And Community Exchange (GRACE) a community service organization that runs a food pantry, transitional housing, and a community clinic. In mid Februray their donation center was robbed and set on fire. Grapevine Craft Brewery Founder Gary Humble went to GoFundMe and pledged to match donation of up to $2500. Within days, the GoFundMe page had collected almost $15,000, bringing the total money raised to almost $20,000. You can read all about it here.

New Belgium Brewing Sues Oasis Brewing

2015-02-28T11:42:00.000-06:00

New Belgium Brewing Company in Colorado and Oasis Brewing Company in Austin both have a beer named Slow Ride. New Belgium says they filed a trademark application before Oasis did. Oasis on the other hand, maintain that they started selling their beer in May, before New Belgium's application was made.

Both sides have dug in their heels, and until the matter is settled, New Belgium's Slow Ride Session IPA will be called New Belgium Session IPA in Texas.

Pop & Stop Ends the Horror of Wasted Beer!

2015-02-26T10:28:00.000-06:00

Joe Hackel, a Denver area ~~rocket scientist~~ aeropace engineer, has come up with Pop and Stop--a 3D printed, silicone combination bottle opener and stopper. This device could end Beer Abuse around the world.

He's started a Kickstarter to finance production of the device, so head over there and donate, already!

Or you could just buy the BottleTool here. Either way...

This is the Droid I'm Looking For: Keg-a-Droid

2015-02-24T10:58:00.000-06:00

Keg-a-Droid is made by a veteran robot manufacturer, SuperDroid Workshop. It consists of a wheeled platform with a modified, half barrel keg on top, and a tap tower, complete with CO2. Put a 1/6 bbl keg, or one of your Cornie Kegs, into the modified keg, full with ice and attach to the tap. A remote control system will bring your beer to you, not the other way around!

Finally!

It is a tad pricey, though. You need to pony up $2100 on their Kickstarter page to get your own Keg-a-Droid complete with a charging station (which I imagine to look like something Seven of Nine used on Star Trek: Voyager).

Siege Week Set Ahead of Alamo Beer Company Grand Opening

2015-02-22T09:00:00.000-06:00

San Antonio, TX – Alamo Beer Company will be touring local establishments to commemorate the historic “Siege of the Alamo.” The beer company will be visiting 11 locations beginning February 23 through March 5. The tour concludes on March 6 with the public grand opening of the beer company’s beer hall, beer garden and the start of regular brewery tours.

The Siege Week tour kicks off at Tucker’s Kozy Korner located at 1338 East Houston Street, on Monday, February 23 at 6:00 PM. Other stops include Tycoon Flats, Bombay Bicycle Club, GS1221 plus others. A list of tour stops can be found at Alamobeer.com or by visiting the company’s social media sites.
(Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlamoBeerCo or Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlamoBeerCo)

The Siege Week tour will be a way for fans to interact with the brewery team and take in the locally brewed beer. In addition to brewing its Golden Ale, Alamo Beer Company will add a German Pale Ale, Amber Lager and Pilsner to their line-up at the grand opening.

“The story of the Alamo is timeless and evokes the spirit of Texas. Our beer carries this tradition,” stated Eugene Simor, President and Founder of Alamo Beer Company. “To bring attention to this story and share our beer with our city is important to us as we expand our presence,” he concluded.

Alamo Beer Company introduced ALAMO Golden Ale in October 2003. Since then, it has continued to grow locally and has quickly expanded to West Texas, South Texas, Houston & Austin. It is currently sold in HEB Grocery Stores, Whole Foods, Gabriel’s, Specs, and other retail outlets. ALAMO Golden Ale is also available in a number of bars and restaurants within those markets.

Fort Bend Brewing Closes

2015-02-20T10:06:00.000-06:00

I thought I posted this last week, but I didn't.

Ty and Sharon Coburn announced the closure of two year old Fort Bend Brewing Company on the brewery's Facebook page.

Sad to see a craft brewery shut down.

Please Let it be Gillespie County! Please Let it be Gillespie County!

2015-02-18T10:16:00.000-06:00

Freetail Brewing Company recently announced they would expand to surrounding counties. (YES!) Comal, Guadalupe and Gonzales counties, in fact. (Damn.)

Well maybe someday...

Small BREW vs BEER Acts Comparison Infographic

2015-02-16T10:24:00.000-06:00

Contact your National Quackerwodger and tell it that you support the Small BREW Act.

Reminder! “Beer Talk” at Pedernales Brewing Company - February 21

2015-02-14T11:23:00.000-06:00

The brewers at PBC will host a discussion with home brewers or others interested in beer. There is no charge for the event and if you like talking about beer with a beer in your hand, you will be able to purchase pints from the adjacent tasting room.

1 pm at 97 Hitchin' Post Trail on S. US Hwy 87. (Look for the big beer bottle.) Call (830) 998-7486 for details.

Picture From Rowena

2015-02-12T11:01:00.002-06:00

A picture from the Hubble Telescope?

Horny Toad Brewing Open House Saturday - February 7

2015-02-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

Finally!

This Saturday, I don't have to work the same day as the Horny Toad Brewing Company open house. So my brother and I will meet Satan in Rowena.

According to Mike, the owner, there will be six beers on-tap: Concho Cream Ale, Angelo Amber Ale, Kickapoo IPA, Mesquite Bean Brown Ale, Pump Jack Porter and Chocolate Cherry Stout. There will also be brisket, pulled pork, sausage, beans and potato salad.

I spoke with David, who helps Mike brew, a few weeks ago, and he sold me on the Mesquite Bean Brown Ale, so I am looking forward to that. And the Chocolate Cherry Stout sounds fun, too.

I'll be wearing my Brewing Network cap, so if you see me, say hello. I'll be standing next the guy making everyone laugh.