Beer Review: Smithwick's Irish Ale

Overall (5.1/10) - Smithwick's is a heavily carbonated beer with a powerful, almost fruity-like, front end bitterness and mild finish. It is a good "ball-game" beer that isn't too heavy, but due to it's heavy carbonation is better for sipping than guzzling. Smithwick's is a notch above the standard American Ale (Budweizer).

Appearance (1.0/2.0) - Smithwick's has very little head which dissipates quickly. It has a dark, almost red, amber color.

Smell (1.2/2.0) - Floral and very mild.

Taste (1.8/4.0) - The front end taste is heavily carbonated, mildly fruity, and very hoppy. The bitterness of the hops does not linger leaving the back end flavors quite smooth. Smithwick's kind of reminds me of a well done mass produced American Ale.

Mouth Feel (1.1/2.0) - Drinking Smithwick's is dominated by its carbonation. After the carbonation dissipates there is no lingering texture or burn. Smithwick's is surprisingly smooth and doesn't leave the burning sensation found in other carbonated beverages.

Pairing - Due to the beer's strong front end, heavy carbonation, and quick finish Smithwick's is a good pallet cleanser. An ideal meal would be a thick salmon filet served with a side of garlic mashed potatoes.

Places Where AdBlock Plus Does Not Actually Block Ads

If you use the popular Google Chrome browser extension AdBlock Plus you may be surprised to learn that the extension does not actually block ads from every website. In fact there are over 4000 websites that the extension doesn't block ads at all.

A quick snip of its code called the "exception list" reveals a few interesting ones including Amazon.com, 1&1 websites, numerous sponsored Google searches, Reddit.com, and thousands of others.

I do not necessarily have a problem with AdBlock allowing certain ads past their extension - the fact is that they have to make money too. It is just ironic that an ad blocking application makes money off...ads.

There is also an important lesson to learn here: Understand every application or browser extension you install. They all have their pitfalls - some of which include gathering your personal data - others that pick and choose what content you see on the internet.

Edit 2/5/2014: It was brought to my attention that you can change the settings within AdBlock Plus by un-ticking the box within the options to "block all ads" that will correct this problem. Some users claim that each update to the broswer and/or the application the box is re-ticked, which again allows some ads through. You then have to re-untick the box after the update.

The End of Mobile Phone Bloatware

Two years ago I switched from iPhone to Andriod. I switched because I didn't like the idea of being locked into Apple's universe. I wanted control and flexibility - which I got to some extent - but not totally. My new smartphone still has applications that I cannot remove - even if I want to or totally dislike the product.

For example, I deleted my Facebook account months ago, but can't remove the app from my phone.

I see this as a very counter-productive to a product like Android who wants to poach users from Apple. Especially when most would-be converts are probably looking for something more flexible in the first place. Why limit flexibility and user-control? Why inhibit the very thing most Android converts are looking for?

As it turns out the problem is so wide spread that South Korea has implemented legislation banning the practice:

"The South Korean Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning has banned the common practice of mobile manufacturers and networks putting un-removable apps on smartphones. 

Telcos will now be required to make all pre-installed apps deletable, except for those that enable Wi-Fi connectivity, near-field communication, customer service, and an app store."

Mobile phone designers should take notice. I doubt new legislation will (or should) be enforced here in America to ban bloatware, but it is only a matter of time before people start "talking with their wallets" and switch to a mobile phone manufacturer that gives users more control. The same reason I switched from iPhone to Droid in the first place. 

Beer Review: Left Hand Milk Stout

Overall 9.2/10 - Left Hand Milk Stout is perhaps my favorite beer of all time. It has an excellent, creamy-coffee flavor, with a thick head and smooth body. It is easy to drink, sweet, and not too bitter. Drink this beer at a slightly warmer temperature (50-55 degrees) to really taste the milk-coffee flavors. Brewed in Longmont, Colorado.

Appearance 1.8/2.0 - The appearance of this beer is highlighted by its amazing head retention. I think it held up for the entire beer. The webbing and legs of the head are equally impressive. The body is black and the head is a warm caramel color.

Smell 1.7/2.0 - Left Hand Milk Stout has a chalky/cocoa smell. The smell of malts and roasted coffee like scents are strong. There is also a hint of milk.

Taste 3.9/4.0 - Left Hand's Milk Stout is one of the best beers I have ever tasted. There is a perfect balance of coffee, cream, malts, and sweetness. The front end is very malty, the middle taste is sweet, and the back end tastes like roasted coffee with hints of milk. I did notice that the flavors became more pronounced as the beer warmed up a little (above 50 degrees).

Mouth Feel 1.8/2.0 - Smooth and velvety, thick, and creamy. There is an absence of carbonation which is perfect for a sweet cream stout.

Pairing - Because Left Hand Milk Stout is so flavorful and thick the beer stands well on its own. I would serve as an appetizer beverage with peanuts and cheese. The sweetness of the beer would go great with a sharp cheddar, goat cheese, and/or peanuts. Many people have also mentioned that Left Hand Milk Stout goes great mixed with coffee. I have not tried it, but sounds like a great idea. (1/3 cold coffee, 2/3 beer)

Beer Review: Wells & Young's Brewing Co Banana Bread Beer

Overall 8.0/10 - Wells and Young's Banana Bread beer is brewed in Bedford, England. It has a delicious banana finish and would probably have mass appeal among beer drinkers. The beer is fairly light and very smooth with excellent drinkability.

Appearance 1.4/2.0 - Very little head which is white in color, nice red-gold-brown colored body.

Smell 1.9/2.0 - Smells surprisingly like bananas. Not floral or hoppy like many beers. Very unique among beers.

Taste 3.4/4.0 - Bitter and crisp front-end flavor. Has a banana taffy flavor especially toward the finish and after taste. Very smooth and crisp, slightly sweet, and unique.

Mouth Feel 1.3/2.0 - Nice carbonation, crisp, light and easy to drink.

Pairing - Because of the sweet banana flavor this beer would go great with breakfast or brunch or any salty dinner dish. As a dessert it would be delicious with fresh baked banana bread or peach cobbler. Could also be served with fried chicken and mac-n-cheese. Would be ideal for brunch with blueberry pancakes.

Beer Review: Breckenridge Brewery Avalanche Ale

Overall 6.7/10 - Avalanche Ale is brewed in Breckenridge, Colorado. It is an American Amber with 4.40% ABV. It has a pleasant flavor that is full flavored and not over-powering.

Appearance 1.4/2.0 - Beautiful amber color. Brownish-red. Nice bubbles from carbonation. The head is white and soda-like. Nice bottle art from Breckenridge.

Smell 1.5/2.0 - Sweet, floral, very hoppy, a slightly sour-metallic.

Taste 2.5/4.0 - Not overly bitter or carbonated, but it does have a pallet cleansing affect. The back-end has a hoppy and malt flavor, not sweet or fruity flavored.

Mouth Feel 1.3/2.0 - Smooth, mildly carbonated, typical ale with an appropriate amount of crisp-fizz that allows you to enjoy the flavor instead of overpowering it.

Pairing - An ideal meal would be grilled salmon, buttered spinach, and couscous.

Smart Car: Privacy In Your Car

A few months ago I bought my first new car. I sprung for all the "bells and whistles". It has voice control, GPS, satellite radio, and pretty much all of the latest technological devices. Truth be told I couldn't really find any new car that didn't have most of these options - I was almost (and happily) forced into it.

All of this technology means more than just cool features in a new car, it also begs the question: "How concerned about privacy should we be?" A lot of people say very concerned - just as concerned as you are on the internet or with your credit card.

In fact, as reported by the NY Times most people may not even realize that your smart-car comes equipt with a "black box" "that records data collects information like direction, speed and seatbelt use in a continuous loop. It is in nearly every car today, and in September (2014), it is set to become mandatory."

The question of what information is being gathered, it's disclosure, and who has access to the data is becoming such an issue that "early next week (January 2014), Senator John Hoeven, Republican of North Dakota, and Senator Amy Klobuchar, Democrat of Minnesota, will introduce a bill stipulating that car owners control the data collected on the device called the event data recorder."

To take it a step further, there was also a video circling the internet where a few technology consultants proved it was possible to take over a car completely from a remote device.



As an IT Risk and Security Consultant I am always thinking of how new technology could be inadvertently or perhaps maliciously used against people or corporations. So with all of this new technology what safeguards are in place to prevent malicious access of personal data - or maybe even the car itself? Who is monitoring it? And even more troubling: Why aren't manufacturers disclosing these risks and data gathering techniques to their customers?

As it stands manufactures and car dealerships say almost nothing about the privacy implications of buying a new car. And with tech giants, whom have privacy controversies of their own, like Google and Apple teaming up with car manufacturers privacy concerns are only expected to become more potent. Just something to think about going forward.

Gmail: More Privacy Concerns

A new article written by the Huffington Post reveals that Gmail is about to become less private than ever due to it's integration with Google+.

"If you're a Gmail user, you probably also have a Google+ account.

Until now, that likely meant nothing to you. However, with a new Gmail update, random people on Google+ will be able to send emails to your Gmail account without you ever having given them your email address, according to a new post on the Official Gmail Blog.

These messages from strangers will arrive in your Gmail inbox just like emails, but the stranger won't know your email address unless you respond. "Your email address isn't visible to a Google+ connection unless you send that person an email, and likewise, that person’s email address isn’t visible to you unless they send you an email," Google explains."

If privacy is a major concern for you or you would rather avoid the impact of strangers being able to flood your inbox with unwanted mail Google has made it fairly easy to opt out.

Unfortunately, Google has made the "Email from Google+" system an "opt-out" instead of "opt-in" method so have to change your settings so "no one" (see above) can reach you via email through Google+.

I'm still not sure what advantage Google felt it's users would gain from this system since it would be just as easy for someone to send you a message on Google+ and you would receive notification of that in your email anyways. Maybe it is another push to get people involved on Google+?

The Future of Surveillance

Today I read an article from the tech magazine Gizmodo that pointed out a new laser surveillance technology that "Will Instantly Know Everything About You From 164 Feet Away".

The surveillance system was developed in Montreal in 2009 by PhDs with specialties in lasers and fiber optics used to attempt to identify individual cancer cells in a real-time scan of a patient and to detecting trace amounts of harmful chemicals in sensitive manufacturing processes. Government officials saw the opportunity to utilize this same technology for surveillance.

Gizmodo reveals how the machine may work in real-life:

"[The Machine] fires a laser to provide molecular-level feedback at distances of up to 50 meters in just picoseconds. For all intents and purposes, that means instantly...The small, inconspicuous machine is attached to a computer running a program that will show the information in real time, from trace amounts of cocaine on your dollar bills to gunpowder residue on your shoes. Forget trying to sneak a bottle of water past security—they will be able to tell what you had for breakfast in an instant while you're walking down the hallway."

There are still a number of questions about this technology before it will be implemented. Questions like how the device and the data it collects can be used, where, by whom, and where information like this would be stored. The legal limits and requirement to use such a device still aren't clear either.

Road Trip 2014

Typically, I am hesitant to agree to any sort of road trip. Sitting in the car on an empty expressway for fifteen hours sounds like more of a daily commute in Atlanta than an exciting vacation, but this time I agreed. I agreed because the idea of seeing a few distilleries, a couple of great cities, and a giant cave sounded too great to pass up. You can see all the photos of our trip here.

Atlanta, GA -> Jack Daniels Distillery, Lynchburg, TN -> Nashvile, TN -> Mammoth Cave, KY -> Makers Mark Distillery, Loretto, KY -> Chattanooga, TN -> Atlanta, GA

Jack Daniels Distillery offers a free tour or a tasting tour for $12. Even if you dislike whiskey I suggest the tasting tour. It's a great way to sound like an expert next time you're at a networking event and your boss loves whiskey.

It is an hour and a half drive from Jack Daniels Distillery to Nashville, TN. Nashville if famous for great live music and Southern cooking. It is easy to take advantage of both. There is also a "dueling piano" bar with a few very talented musicians. I suggest you stay the night in Nashville because it is the last bit of civilization for the rest of the trip.

The drive from Nashville, TN to Mammoth Cave is pretty barren. My cell phone didn't have service most of the time and even my GPS until got lost. The good news is that Mammoth Cave is beautiful and a guided tour is only about $10. As it turns out, Kentucky has the biggest cave system in the United States.

The last stop before you turn around is Markers Mark Distillery in Loretto, KY. This place is almost impossible to find and there is no direct route. Luckily, the route is mostly back roads with beautiful rolling hills and Kentucky farmland. The tasting tour at Makers Mark is very classy and the gift shop is probably the best I've seen. You can dip your own bottle of Makers Mark in the classic red wax for $20 (whisky included).

The drive back to Atlanta is around seven hours so we decided to spend the night in Chattanooga, TN on the way back. Chattanooga is a great family town, but also has a decent selection of bars and restaurants. There is also some great hiking and camping in the area if you feel so inclined. The drive back to Atlanta from Chattanooga, TN is about an hour and a half.