Oktoberfest Courtesy of Boston Globe's Big Picture

The reliably amazing Big Picture photo blog at the Boston Globe covers Oktoberfest this week. Here's my favorite. Or maybe it's this one.

(Photo: JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images)

Climate Change Affects Quality of Pilsners

From the New Scientist:

Climatologist Martin Mozny of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute and colleagues say that the quality of Saaz hops -- the delicate variety used to make pilsner lager -- has been decreasing in recent years. They say the culprit is climate change in the form of increased air temperature.

No wonder I don't really like Pilsners. Do you think climate change accounts for the tinny flavor in lower quality pilsners or is that something else entirely?

(h/t kottke.org)

Georgia's Sunday Alcohol Ban -- Turning Beer Buyers into Felons

Robert Keefer Dell, guy who wanted to by beer in Georgia on a Sunday, was arrested on charges of DUI, fleeing police, and aggravated assault.

Dell walked into a convenience store, ignored the orange tape indicating "no Sunday alcohol sales," and put $6 on the counter. When the clerk followed him out the door Dell showed off his handgun. He then led deputies in a car chase, attempted to run over an officer, and struck a police car.

Obviously this guy is already a few cereal box tops short of a secret decoder ring, but Lord knows what would've happened had he actually been able to buy beer on Sunday. Thank you, State of Georgia, for keeping everyone safe on the Sabbath.

beer graphic

found somewhere on the interwebs. check it in its full glory.

edit: click here for the link to full/high-res graphic

Not today, fella. I've got my Beer Gauge.

You love beer. You're also the type of person who tells it like it is, doesn't take sass from anyone, and who knows the truth is better than lying -- even if it would have spared Grandma's feelings. She'll be fine.

Here you are at your favorite local brewpub, enjoying a draft. What's this?! Your pint glass isn't filled to the brim? Son of a bitch. In fact, there's almost half an inch of vacant space -- space that should be filled by beer you paid hard-earned money for, dammit. And lord knows that because of the idiotic design of the pint glass, that vacant space up top could account for upwards of 15% of your beer. Unacceptable.

What does that jerk behind the bar think you are -- some kind of sucker?! Looks like he tried to swindle the wrong guy this time. Nice try, but no dice, chief.

Why will justice be served today? Because you have your beer gauge with you. Now you have evidence that you deserve -- nay, require -- a full pour.

No doubt that when you show your harried barkeep your pitiful pour, chart in place and evidence undeniable, s/he will graciously amend the issue. And definitely not mutter "jackass" under his or her breath. No, that was probably just a menu rustling or something.

Would it be going too far to call the beer gauge part of the arsenal in the fight against malfeasance worldwide? Probably not. Weird that it's so hard to get the bartender's attention for your next beer, though.

The Beer Gauge. Perfect for:
Beer drinkers
Douchebags

(Thanks, Consumerist.)