Sunday, January 29, 2017

Mighty's Birthday

TE4M
My favorite person on earth spends her days with me, holy shit am I lucky. I feel loved because of her. She is the sun around which I orbit. It's no secret that she's my light. Thanks for all of your love and encouragement. You're the best Agent M. I Love you so damn much. Happy Birthday Mighty! 

My Long Haired Lady


Your Husband,
eightychoices.

Saturday, January 28, 2017

The Year of the Rooster

@domchi
The Rooster reigns. Saturday, January 28th, marks the start of the Chinese calendar. Every year is represented by one of 12 amazing creatures (I'm partial toward the Dog, Monkey, and of course, Rabbit). The lunar new year, or spring festival as it's also called, is observed by more than just China. There are 15 days that carry with it ritual; traditional foods, symbolic items, such as red envelopes and festivities, are key components to the celebration.

The year of the rooster will also mark a departure of sorts for this digital journal (or blog). There will be far fewer posts. However, topics such as The Besty's, So Far So Good and So Good So Far, along with my year-end review of my favorite beer, will continue to surface. With a new year comes change. I'll be posting one more extremely important January event and then...on to the future. Thanks for tuning in. Adios for now.

eightychoices.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States of America.
President Barack Obama will surely be missed. He epitomized American diversity and national progress; he embodies that which is presidential. Thanks for working toward the betterment of every man and woman in this great country. I wish President Obama and his wonderful family all the best as they transition into their life outside of the White House. Our 44th President exemplified intelligence, patience, tolerance and decorum, along with a myriad of other top-notch qualities. Thank you for serving us to the best of your abilities and for putting the constituency first.

eightychoices.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Call To Arms

Sturgill Simpson is American. The shit you're about to view is real. It's also fiery and raw. It feels and sounds angry, full of energy, almost scolding us. He's keeping an eye on the state of fecky-ness, seemingly seeping out of everywhere these days. If this doesn't stir you up or get you going..? Watch him and his band rip it up and throw it down (literally) on SNL.

Sturgill Simpson | Call To Arms | Live on SNL

eightychoices.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Halfway in the NBA

NBA Midseason Report
Where has the time gone? It's 2017, duh, and the NBA's regular season is pretty much at its halfway point. Most teams have played roughly 40 games at the time I was typing this. Before the start of the NBA calendar I made predictions as to which teams would end up in the top eight spots from each conference. Reviewing those selections is an obvious way to see how my potential playoffs seeds look. I'll also discuss some other NBA topics; who doesn't love the Association? Don't answer that...

In the East I had:
1. Cavs 2. Raptors 3. Celtics 4. Hornets 5. Pistons 6. Pacers 7. Knicks 8. Bucks
In reality the standings look like this...
1. Cavs 2. Raptors 3. Celtics 4. Hawks 5. Pacers 6. Wizards 7. Bucks 8. Hornets

Out West I had:
1. Warriors 2. Spurs 3. Clippers 4. Blazers 5. Jazz 6. Grizzlies 7. Thunder 8. Wolves (ouch)
In reality the standings look like this...
1. Warriors 2. Spurs 3. Rockets 4. Clippers 5. Grizzlies 6. Jazz 7. Thunder 8. Blazers

...So, I hit the top two teams from each conference (not the toughest call). I also had the Celtics in the right place. The Knicks are turning into the dumpster fire I feared they would. Derrick Rose went AWOL and lacked every shred of professionalism. I hope Darth Triangle buys Rose out like SVG did to Josh Smith in Detroit. Rose isn't worth the coin whatsoever. He may also not be capable, both on and off the court. The Pistons and the Dumpster Fires are two teams I had in, who are currently out, which probably won't change. Six of the squads I picked in the East would be in the playoffs. Regardless of seeding, does it really matter after the Celtics? My apologies to the Hawks and Wizards. The ATL was shedding contracts; they definitely helped an in-conference foe, now they seem reluctant to trade Millsap. We'll see what else shakes out leading up to the trade deadline on February 23rd. John Wall is the engine that drives it in the District. The best players find ways to push their team into the playoffs.

If you were betting with me, the West looks pretty solid. I obviously underestimated the revamped Houston Rockets. Holy Shit does James Harden look good in his new offense with systematic position players Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson. It's The Beard or Westbrook for MVP at this point—you can always put LeBron in the conversation as well. I was way to over-zealous on the Wolves, sheesh, they just rip your soul out if you're a fan. I'm actually fearful that Thibodeau's personality and continuous barking is not what the young guys in Minneapolis need/want/respond to. Maybe the Wolves will be players in the trade-market (Rubio anyone?). Portland might need to make a move too. Other than my exclusion of Houston and my T'Wolves inclusion, I'm doing pretty well out West. The playoffs are going to be awesome on this side of the bracket.

I'll dish on some hoops throughout the rest of the season, including some college hoop nuggets along the way. Before the start of the playoffs I'll review the standings one last time. Until then, only in the NBA.

eightychoices.


Thursday, January 5, 2017

PUBlication: Accumulated Knowledge

Accumulated Knowledge IPA
Modern Times is straight crushing it. Their marketing/ad team is, in my opinion, the best of the burgeoning breweries. But advertising only gets you so far. The beer is top-notch too. I've found that they're willing to take chances, to invent, helping them to stand out in a crowded craft beer world. Accumulated Knowledge is a dank, juicy IPA that hybridizes the murky, unfiltered appearance of east coast IPA's and marries it to the characteristics one expects out west.

Accumulated Knowledge smelled fruity when I opened the 22. Surprising it pours like pineapple juice, clouding the glass, almost opaque. A doughy head forms atop the nectar. A mix of fruit-like forwardness and subtle bitter greens (think arugula or dandelion), make this a super drinkable special release. I thought the tasting profile presented new flavors; I wanted more. Find this beer and drink it fresh. Enjoy responsibly. 6.2% | 65 IBU

eightychoices.