If you are like me and don’t want to get drunk intentionally during Sunday football, I have a game for you. Take a drink every time you see a Fan Duel or Draft Kings commercial advertising the next big winner could be YOU!!!! By the end of next Sunday you will A.) Swear off drinking for the rest of your life B.) Call in sick to work at 4:00pm on Sunday or C.) Sign up for one of the sites, enter in a weeks’ worth of pay and be divorced by the following Sunday. In other words, nothing good really will come of this game, but you can say to yourself, ” I didn’t intentionally get drunk, it just happen because of the commercials.”
I cannot remember when I saw such a blatant in your face push of gambling. I mean Vegas doesn’t even push gambling that much. The commercials were almost running one after another. It got to a point that I didn’t even know who was who. I truly believe right now that you could go to either site, sign up and enter the promo code “poop,” it would double your deposit. All in the name of fantasy football which is somehow not gambling.
So you are saying that I put money down, pick my team and compete against other people in games ranging from $1 to $1000 (maybe more, but I am too afraid to even look, being the degenerate gambler that I am) in a winner take all at the end of the games each week and that is not gambling? This is ok to promote as not gambling? So, if I want to bet $100 on the Chiefs beating the Broncos on Thursday night, that is illegal except in three states. However, picking players from the teams is ok in any state? What am I missing here?
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The two fantasy leagues that I am in both require money to be paid out at the end of each season and I am trying my luck at starting and benching players week in and week out to win. That sounds like gambling to me. If there is money exchanged with a chance of losing it by luck and not by your action, then I would say it is gambling.
They don’t even hide behind the option that this is not a gambling site and you can play for free like the old poker site commercials. They are loud and proud to say “Enter you deposit, double your deposit, and win your millions.” And for some reason, the NFL is ok with all this, but won’t support gambling directly per game.
The NFL will waste time, money and resources on deflated balls for the integrity of the game, but it will allow fantasy football gambling’s sites to dominate week 1 commercials. Not to mention the Draft Kings or Fan Duel spot light on ESPN or the push of the Draft Kings or Fan Duel promo on the NFL network. The integrity of the game just got sold out to promo code “Poop” and nobody even is batting an eyelash. Oh well, at least I will be drunk during afternoon and evenings games.
One gambling tip I forgot to share. Usually a safe bet is betting against any West Coast team playing an East Coast team in the early time slot, especially college. Those poor West Coast teams just can’t get up for a noon game East Coast time. Easy money and you can tip me when you win big. Man, I am glad football is back.
Let’s Transport Back into Time...
Take a walk on the dark side – they have more than cookies. While the cookies may be immaculate and
satisfying to the wildest of sweet tooths (sweet teeth?.. oh well) there is something else that may satisfy
the gullet, and that would be Porter beer.
Porter beer was developed in London, and so recorded as Porter in the 1800s, but was developed in the
1700s by a man named Ralph Harwood. Porter is the first beer to be made at breweries instead of pubs
themselves, as the process of making Porter was quite different, and required much more work and
space than did “regular” beers. Entire (the original name for Porter – which was named Porter for its
popularity among the British transportation workers) was actually a blend of three different beverages,
those being ale, beer, and strong beer.
Porter is often compared and contrasted to Stout. It is no wonder: as time went on people developed
versions of the drink – plain Porter (or simply Porter), Export, Stout, and Extra Stout (the latter being
known simply as Stout). These versions developed in Ireland when Porter reached the land in 1776, but
mostly with pale malt. Black malt had not been available until 1817. Just enough dark malt is added to
give the signature color and ‘burnt’ flavor.
The Russians eventually got a hold of this Porter stuff and made a variation known as Imperial Stout.
There was also a large British community in Russia at the time – hence the importation (the diplomats
loved the stuff!) .
At some point or another Porter beer reached the grand US of A. Porter beer had almost been
completely wiped out of existence – thanks lagers and Prohibition! The Anchor Brewing Company in
1972 saved this brew of beer from becoming extinct in the US. Later, other breweries began to brew
Porter. It was not long before the British followed suit in brewing again as well.
Porter. Stout. Extra Stout. What’s This about?
Let us be clear on the Stout versus Porter issue. Stouts are generally more dry and have a distinct
‘crispness’ to them, while Porters have a distinct malty taste to them. It is in the taste. They can be the
same in alcohol content, color, process for fermenting – all of that. It generally comes down to taste.
Both drinks are opaque ranging from a dark, dark shade of brown to just about black. The differences
between the two are oh-so marginal. Their smells differ marginally as well – while both may air essences
of chocolate and coffee, Porter will (sometimes!) have a smoky note to it as well. It’s safer to bet on the
higher notes of chocolateliness of Porter to identify it, as Stouts are more noted by their “nuttiness.”
The flavor of Porter is more creamy than is Stout. They both may share a hoppy taste (as neither must
be hoppy). Stout may have a more caramel flavor while Porter will have a roasted malt flavor (not to say
that Stout will not ever have a roasted flavor). Stout will come in many varieties from sweet to dry,
whereas you will find that Porter is more malty and more hoppy in general. Porter will have less of a
hoppy aroma than will Stout (which may or may not have a hoppy aroma). It’s a really weird situation...
But let’s keep it in the family of Porters.
Types of Porter Beers
Okay, let’s talk about three types of Porters: Baltic, Brown, and Robust.
Baltic Porters are going to be rich in maltiness, in sweetness, and contain notes of caramel, coffee,
toffee, and/or licorice. This is going to have a rather fruity flavor – it will not be hoppy, sour, or burnt
tasting. It will most likely be the most delicious of all beers for those who do not even care for beer. It
will feel much like lager when you swish it around in your mouth. It may also at times be called an
Imperial Porter. While the color of this will come very close to black (even with hints of red) it should
never be black.
Brown Porters are going to be less roasty than the Baltic variety, and have greater caramel, toffee
and/or nutty overtones. Trace amounts of black malt characterizations may be present for a higher
chocolate profile or depth. Brown Porter is more of a pretense to Stouts than other versions, as the
color can be noted as just about the same – ranging from light brown to dark brown, having the faintest
of red tinting. The smell of if may be hoppier than the Baltic Porter, but is not a necessary characteristic.
Robust Porter, as can be guessed, is the most roasty in smell, and will be characterized by a burnt smell
and taste (of course, a pleasant burnt – think of a flavor-enhancing burn, like grilled food has, versus a
flavor conflagration, like what happens to toast after 3 minutes). You will definitely be able to taste the
malt, and with the maltiness, chocolatiness, and coffeeness, you will get a range of sweet balance from
dry to moderately sweet. Fruitiness will be at a bare minimum, if present at all. The color – it will be the
darkest of the Porters, even black, with deep red tinting.
Best Breweries in the US
If you are looking to try some of the best Porter beers in the US, there are quite a few breweries that
rank quite well amongst the consumers. But to keep the list shorter than this article, here are three as
cited from Paste Magazine:
Ale Syndicate Richie uses more of a malty and fruity taste for their Porter. Their use of the fruit tones in
their brew makes them a huge name as one of the best brewers of unflavored Porter there is, being
extremely rich in flavor.
The Alaskan Brewing Company delivers more of a smoky flavor to their brew being the overtone, and
the fruitiness and maltiness being supporting roles for the robust smokiness. It’s so distinct that the
brand can be smelled.
Founder’s Porter prefers to brew heavily with a dominating chocolate tonality. It is definitely a robust
Porter with a reversed flavor profile than the Alaskan Brewing Company – as Founders is heavy on the
chocolate, coffee, and fruit notes, and light on the smokiness. They are a force with which to be
reckoned.
The Conclusion of the Matter Is:
Have a Porter beer. Any brand. Try them all.
Drink responsibly!
Glacier National Park – located in Alberta, Canada and Montana, and established more than a century ago, covers more square-footage than Rhode Island and Washington DC together – is a most glamorous and adventurous park to stay for, what would need to be, an entire vacation! While established independently in May of 1910, it was also established as Waterton-Glacier National Peace Park 22 years later. A Peace Park, Glacier National cooperates with wildlife management, scientific research, some visitor services, holding the same status as a neighboring park, Waterton Lakes National Park. Park officials and conservation groups are working with the U.S. Forest Service, the Canadian government, the Blackfeet Tribe, and private companies to try to protect critical habitats. Within some 1600 square feet of land, there would definitely be some habitats worth saving. This is the place you will find silver-tipped bears and wildflowers living in a harmoniously orchestrated masterpiece of a getaway. The glaciers found here are reputed to be the headwaters of the continent, flowing gracefully into the Gulf of Mexico, Hudson Bay, and Pacific Ocean. It has been established as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1974, being home to over 300 species of animal, and nearly 2,000 species of plants. To call the Park ‘breathtaking’ would serve it absolutely no justice.
Things To See
There is almost nothing that cannot be seen or done here – as far as the natural aspects go. Glacier is home to more than 700 lakes, almost 600 streams, 71 species of mammals, almost 300 documented species of birds. There is no room for want. The most noted activity is that of traveling Going-to-the-Sun Road. This road gives amazing opportunity to see wildlife and amazing scenery along the 50-mile path. Logan Pass is the highest point of (as the Park officials call it) The Sun Road, standing at 6,647 feet in altitude.
A direct result of glacial carving is Lake McDonald. The size of a small town, this is the largest lake in the Park. The 10-mile long lake sit at home in a self-named valley where visitors can participate in hiking and sightseeing.
While often considered a visitor favorite, Two Medicine is an area frequented and most noted for the scenery (which is said to be the best in the Park). This used to be more popular when visitors arrived more-so by train, which speaks to the reason for its popularity in the past. It is, however, a sight for sore eyes for anyone who decides to take a trek to Two Medicine.
Mountain Goat
Running Eagle Falls
Siyeh Mountain
Logan Pass Waterfall
St. Mary’s Lake View From Logan Pass
Mountain Goat Kid
St. Mary’s Lake
Logan Pass
Logan Pass
Logan Pass
Lake McDonald Lodge
Lake McDonald Lodge
Logan Pass
Lake McDonald Lodge Totem Pole
Logan Pass Waterfall
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Time To Go
There is no bad time to go. Glacier welcomes guests to the Park every day of the year. Depending on the amenities and activities one may seek, this will dictate when one should go. For the months of May through early September, guests of the Park can expect to have full service at the facilities for visitors. Therefore, if the wanderlust in you needs a helping hand, you will most likely fine the help you need during these months. Many services are available through mid-to-late September, however, all concessions will be unavailable starting at the end of September. Many will not reopen until May/June of the following year. If you should choose to visit during off-peak seasons, visitor information is available year-round at the Headquarters during the week, and the Apgar Visitor Center on the weekends. Coming in various seasons will yield different experiences. Autumn visits will give you the most colorful experience with less of a crowd than summer would. Visiting in winter offers visitors the opportunity for cross-country skiing December through April (yes – Spring here offers cross-country skiing!). Coming in “Spring” will yield a unique experience in itself. It will be extremely quiet, as this is when the least amount of people come to visit.
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Where To Stay
While many of us like the uncanniness of nature and long to sleep amongst the wilderness, this is not an absolute must if you decide to ‘sleep in the park.’ You will find all sorts of accommodations from great, historic hotels, to camping outside (which is free in winter – go figure). There are food and accommodations services at Apgar, Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, and Rising Sun, while there is simply accommodation at Backcountry Chalets. Many Glacier will offer the most comforts, as it has a hotel with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in their dining room. You can also get foodstuffs from the Swiss Lounge and Heidi’s Snack Shop. For anyone who is not so good at camping, and may have forgotten some critical supplies, there are camp shops that can be found at Apgar, Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, Rising Sun, and Two Medicine.
For camping, there are 13 available drive-in campgrounds, and range in price from $10-$23. If you plan on using a generator, there are some campgrounds on which you cannot camp, such as Spraque Creek, fourteen of Many Glacier’s sites, and Cutbank Campground, just to name a few. Cutting and gathering firewood is permitted along the Inside North Fork Road from Dutch Creek to Kintla Lake, along the Bowman Lake Road.
Hidden Lake
Glacier National Park Sign
St. Mary’s Lake
View From Logan Pass
Jammer Bus
Eastern Glacier National Park
Going To The Sun Road
Avalanche Lake Area
Two Medicine River
Going To The Sun Road
Bighorn Sheep Ewe
Logan Pass View
Lake McDonald
Avalanche Creek
Avalanche Lake
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Best Hiking
For the adventurous hiker, the best hikes will be found at Glacier! Here there are 745 miles worth of trails to be hiked, including the some in Lake McDonald Valley and Two Medicine. The beauty in having 151 various trails is that there is a trail suited for everyone – whether you are looking for a trail that gains close to no altitude (such as the Grinnell Lake trail – which gains 40 feet), all the way to 2,650 feet (in Piegon Pass)! And these few trails are in Many Glacier Valley. There are many more (namely 149 more) that can be found throughout Glacier National.
With the climate that Glacier has, it is best to always check the status of a trail before planning on going for a hike. There is often snow (and sometimes snow storms) during times the rest of the country generally does not – and therefore, some trails may not be available.
