MOvember MOtto: vultus capillos est sapientia

vultus capillos est sapientia

"In facial hair there is wisdom."

This shall be my motto (MOtto?) for MOvember 2020

MOvember is coming...

How to Say "ten" in Over 80 Languages

Ahoy! Happy 10th PhilosFX Day!

At midnight GMT (8 pm Eastern) between 6 and 7 Aug, we ended 10 years of blogging on PhilosFX. Thanks for coming along for the ride!

In our first decade, we've attracted at least one visitor from 224 of 242 countries around the world.

To celebrate both the 10-year milestone and our international audience, please find below a table for how to say the number "ten" in over 80 different languages, everything from Afrikaans to Zulu!  

References:

• In Different Languages (Russian is missing)
• Rocket Languages 

Here is a compilation of links to previous PhilosFX Day celebrations. Enjoy!

9. Happy 9th PhilosFX Day!    
8. Happy 8th PhilosFX Day!
7. Happy 7th PhilosFX Day!
6. Happy 6th PhilosFX Day!
5. The 2015 version
4. Musings from the Batman
3. Lots of stats
2. Basically, a one-liner
1. First-year in review 
0. Launch!


Cheers!

DBD

1000!

1000!

Grazie Mille!

This, our 1000th post, is a Major Milestone for PhilosFX. 

A thousand thanks!

or, as we might prefer to say,

Thanks a million!

May I offer an interesting commentary on the use of the letter "M" to represent the quantity of 1,000 as I have done for today's celebration? I am aware that this choice is not without controversy.

Most readers will be more familiar with the use of lower case "k" to mean 1,000. In this case, "k" is an abbreviation for "kilo" which in turn is derived from the Greek word χίλιοι (chilioi), meaning "thousand." Side note--a capital "K" is the abbreviation for Kelvin, a unit of heat, so don't sign up for a 10K run. You'll freeze! 10K is -441.7 deg F. Stick with the traditional 10k runs, as they are much more comfortable.

Meanwhile, the letter "M" is also used to represent the quantity of 1,000. This is distinct from the lower case "m" which means meters. In this case, "M" is an abbreviation for mille, the Roman word for 1,000. Investors and accountants will be familiar with "MM" which means a thousand thousands, or one million. The Italian expression, grazie mille does not transliterate to English well. We don't say, "Thanks a thousand." However, "a thousand thanks," seems too formal for the American tongue. Instead, we say, "Thanks a million."  May I suggest a twist? How about, "Thanks MM"?

My work here is (almost!) done. If you want symmetry (and really, who doesn't?), the Cyber Dictionary defines KK to mean okay, as in, message received. This expression may have originated from the use of KK in Morse Code (a communications system developed in the 1800s) to mean "End of message."

Now we know the differences between

KK, K, k, m, M, and MM

Or, do we? 

When you see $10M are you thinking 

$10,000

or

$10,000,000?

Minds blown. Mayhem prevails. Madness reigns.

Meanwhile, the folks at English Language & Usage are tossing up their hands on the k vs. M controversy. Dr. Peterson of the Math Forum has offered a rational solution that does not seem to satisfy all readers. Experts at Quora advise checking with local customs and traditions  That works for moi.

Moving along...

Metrics: The first of 1,000 (thousand? kilo? mille?) posts here on PhilosFX was published Saturday, August 7, 2010 (3,412 days ago). Since then, new posts have been published at the rate of one every third day, garnering an average of 416 views each (range is 0 to 62,829). PhilosFX get about 3,662 views per month (range is 300 to 11,589). Not bad for the mishaps and meanderings of a mercurial madman...

Motivation: I have 149 posts in various stages of pre-publication right now, and a seemingly endless supply of topics to write about. I only wish I had more time to explore the fascinating universe we share. Intelligent and curious people are always welcome here. Thanks for reading along and encouraging me with your comments and suggestions!

On to 2,000! 
aka 2k! aka 2M! 
Why not 2MM? 
KK!

Celebrating Nine Years of PhilosFX!

Ahoy! And, Happy PhilosFX Day!

At midnight GMT (8 pm Eastern) between 6 and 7 Aug, we ended 9 years of blogging and started year 10. Thanks for coming along for the ride! 

Here is a compilation of links to previous PhilosFX Day celebrations. Enjoy!

8. Happy 8th PhilosFX Day! https://philosfx.blogspot.com/2018/08/happy-philosfx-day.html

7. Happy 7th PhilosFX Day! https://philosfx.blogspot.com/2017/08/happy-philosfx-day.html

6. Happy 6th PhilosFX Day! https://philosfx.blogspot.com/2016/08/happy-6th-philosfx-day.html

5. The 2015 version: http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2015/08/happy-philosfx-day.html

4. Musings from the Batman: http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2014/08/happy-philosfx-day.html

3. Lots of stats: http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2013/08/happy-3d-birthday-philosfx.html

2. Basically, a one-liner: http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2012/08/happy-2d-birthday-philosfx.html

1. First-year in review: http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2011/08/happy-birthday-philosfx.html

0. Launch! http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2010/08/launch.html


Cheers!

DBD

Happy PhilosFX Day!

Happy PhilosFX Day!

At midnight GMT (8 pm Eastern) between 6 and 7 Aug, we ended 8 years of blogging and started year 9. Thanks for coming along for the ride!

Happy PhilosFX Day!

Happy PhilosFX Day!

At midnight GMT (8 pm Eastern) between 6 and 7 Aug, we ended 7 years of blogging and started year 8. Thanks for coming along for the ride!

A Week in the Life of Deve

I'm working on a personal philosophy of life. The book is tentatively titled, The Tao of Deve. This is obviously a riff on the movie titled The Tao of Steve, with the name modified to a nickname I sometimes use.

That being said, this past seven days has been rather, um, "interesting." Pull up a stool, sit a spell, and hear tell about A Week in the Life of Deve. Have you ever had a week like this?

• Last Thursday, a person I did not know committed suicide in the parking garage under the building in which I work. Crime scene tape went up, and we are all left wondering what happened to this poor soul to cause this irreversible outcome?
• Friday, while riding home from work on my motorcycle, I came upon a fatal accident involving a fellow motorcyclist and a truck. The collision had occurred moments before I arrived at the intersection between Richmond Highway and the street that goes to my house. The biker was traveling at a high rate of speed and the impact with the turning truck was so violent as to require life-flights for the driver and the two passengers... of the truck. Let's just say out of respect for the dead that life-flight was not required for the biker, who obviously died on impact. More crime scene tape, and hundreds of stunned neighbors. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, at the fateful intersection, family and friends held nightly vigils for the motorcyclist.
• Wednesday morning, a gunman started shooting at people practicing for the Congressional baseball game. This national news occurred minutes after I rode my motorcycle right by the Alexandria park on my way to the office. The camera crews were still there at noon when I went home for lunch. Five people were injured and the gunman, who shot some 50 rounds from his rifle before Park Police and Special Agents protecting Congress-persons stopped him, is dead. More crime scene tape. More questions.
• Wednesday, continued. While driving my daughter to pick up her car over our lunch break, we witnessed a driver in the lane to our left swerve to his right, over-correct to the left, lose control of his car, and sideswipe the Jersey barrier separating inner and outer loop of Beltway traffic. His side airbag deployed and we watched him safely slow his vehicle to a stop in the breakdown lane. Thankfully, no other vehicles were involved. What-if questions abound. What if he had completely lost control? What if there had been no Jersey barrier and the driver went head-on into opposing traffic? What if he were injured by the impact with the barrier--would we have be competent to render aid? What if there had been more traffic--and more cars involved in a pile-up? Lastly and most hauntingly--what if he had careened into our car?

I share these four vignettes to express my grateful heart and to encourage others to find things to be grateful for amidst the occasionally terrifying events around us. Yes, sometimes we must look a little harder to find the good, but it is always possible and always worth the effort.

Life is stochastic. I personally believe in something I call God-authored randomness. In other words, the Universe is intentionally and deliberately uncertain--by design. I don't believe that there is no plan. Rather, I believe that the plan is to allow random forces to work. If nothing else, this keeps us on our toes. But it also explains why good things happen to bad people.

The effect on me of being in close proximity to any one of these four recent events? I feel lucky. Nothing more. I do not feel protected by the hand of God, though I appeal to God for protection and believe that such appeals have a positive effect. I am only vaguely aware of how often I've dodged bullets like these. I am grateful to be alive in terrifyingly interesting times.

The effect of all four of these events in a week? I take a step back. I get a bit philosophical. I realize I must pay attention to my surroundings. I vow to never take a single day for granted. We should all consider that fate is fickle. Life is good, even when it seems chaotic, unfair, or tragic.

Speaking of chaotic, I had a friend ask me if my concept of God-authored randomness wasn't just a new name for Chaos Theory. Not really, not in my humble opinion anyway. Chaos theory states that underlying the apparent chaos is an unseen order. The oft-cited example is the butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil and causing a a tornado in Texas--"causing" being the key word. Chaos theory depends on the inter-connected-ness of all things. Unbroken chains of events only appear to be chaotic but are actually predictable.

Perhaps God is the Master Watch Maker and the Universe is an inconceivably complex watch, as Chaos Theory implies. But it is simpler and saner (IMHO) to imagine God as an all-powerful but somewhat laissez faire Creator who unleashed the life force and who delights in all its many manifestations as it struggles, adapts, and overcomes all obstacles in seeking its Source. The God-authored randomness theory states that life happens according to the biological imperative (which could be seen as a Divine charter) and the circumstances of daily living are completely random--no underlying order can or should be inferred.

Believe it or not: we are where we're meant to be. Some of us are more successful, some less so. Every moment is a gift. The wind is at our backs. The sun is in our faces. Rain falls gently on our fields. Storms do come and go--some wreaking devastation and leaving destruction in their wake. That's part of the deal. None of us knows what will happen tomorrow, but we can all know that, come what may, life is good. Bad things happen to good people, yet we must strive to be good, just, and compassionate. I am happy, and grateful to be alive.

It's been a rather interesting week in the Life of Deve.

Happy 6th PhilosFX Day!

We're celebrating 6 years of PhilosFX with a Public Service Announcement.
"Got Your 6" is a nonprofit empowering veterans and strengthening communities.
Keep reading PhilosFX, and check out "Got Your 6" at https://gotyour6.org/

You know how they say that time flies when you're having fun? And that time flies faster as you age? For your humble correspondent, this past year flew by like a Perseid meteor. At midnight UTC (8 pm Eastern) between 6 and 7 Aug, we at PhilosFX completed 72 months (6 years!) of musing, writing, sharing, and inquiring about this wonderful world of ours. 

Six years! Time is flying, so I must be having fun or getting older or both! Here's some evidence to support our claim of a good, productive year worth celebrating:

• Total views have climbed 31% to 263,229 from 201,692 this time last year. We crossed the Quarter of a Million Visits mark!
• First-time views rose 83% to 78,197 vs. 42,619 after five years. 35% of all first-time views are from outside the United States. Lots of new viewers came from Russia to look at the Demitri Martin posts.
• Countries with at least one unique visitor increased to 196 from 189 a year ago. It's getting pretty difficult to attract viewers from the few remaining "never" countries (or, as I prefer to call them, "not yet" countries!). All of the top 48 countries have at least 42 unique visitors. I love being part of an international network.
• In terms of content, we have now published 879 posts (this will be 880), which is a 5% increase over the 836 we had last year. Any bets on when we'll hit 1000? Any requests on a topic?

Speaking of 6, I want to call attention to "Got Your 6," a great non-profit organization that is focused on empowering veterans and enabling them to make lasting positive contributions in communities across the USA. The phrase, "Got Your 6" is mil-speak for protecting you from threats to your rear, or 6 o'clock position. It means, "I got your back." 

As a public service announcement in honor of our favorite blog's 6th birthday, I recommend all PhilosFX readers--especially those with a soft spot for veterans and a passion for community activism--check out "Got Your Six."

"Got Your 6" believes veterans are leaders, team builders, and problem solvers who have the unique potential to lead a resurgence of community across the nation. Got Your 6 uses six pillars to strengthen veterans–jobs, education, health, housing, family, and leadership. Got Your 6 continues to ensure all Americans see veterans as indispensable assets that make our Nation stronger. For more information, please visit https://gotyour6.org/

Bottom line, friends: be focused, happy, and productive. Find and maintain your center. Align your priorities to worthy goals. Unite others on your quest for success. Thanks for reading and celebrating six years of Philosophy + Special Effects here at PhilosFX! Here's to many more...

For the insanely curious or terminally bored, here are links to previous PhilosFX Day posts, which you may enjoy at your leisure:

5. The 2015 version: http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2015/08/happy-philosfx-day.html
4. Musings from the Batman: http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2014/08/happy-philosfx-day.html
3. Lots of stats: http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2013/08/happy-3d-birthday-philosfx.html
2. Basically, a one-liner: http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2012/08/happy-2d-birthday-philosfx.html
1. First year in review: http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2011/08/happy-birthday-philosfx.html
0. Launch! http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2010/08/launch.html

Happy PhilosFX Day!

At midnight UTC (8 pm Eastern) between 6 and 7 Aug, we completed 60 months (5 years!) together. Five years of musing, writing, sharing, and inquiring about this wonderful world of ours. Five years! 

As a bit of a numbers geek, I thought it would be fun to celebrate with a statistical snapshot illustrating a year of growth and change:

• Total views have climbed 52% to 201,692 from 132,500 this time last year
• First-time views rose 43% to 42,619 vs, 29,770 after four years. 35% of all first-time views are from outside the United States.
• Countries with at least one unique visitor barely increased to 189 from 187 a year ago. It's getting harder to add new countries. However, all of the top 48 countries have at least 35 unique visitors.
• In terms of content, we have now published 836 posts (this will be 837), which is a 12% increase over the 746 we had last year. 

Thanks for reading and helping celebrate five years of Philosophy + Special Effects here at PhilosFX!

How to Focus a Wandering Mind

The title, "How to Focus a Wandering Mind" says it all and I *really* enjoyed this article by Wendy Hasenkamp posted July 17, 2013

New research reveals what happens in a wandering mind—and sheds light on the cognitive and emotional benefits of increased focus.

Have a gander and report back.

• Does your mind wander? 
• If so, are you OK with that? 
• How much wandering is OK?
• At what point does wandering become detrimental? 
• What do you do to refocus your mind? 
• What could you do differently?

In addition to gratitude for a great and timely article, I'd also like to praise Greater Good for a really cool tag line, to wit: "The Science of a Meaningful Life."

Nailed it! 

H/T: Nth BarFields

Happy New Year!

Welcome Twenty Fourteen! 

Welcome a New Year, with brand new 

opportunities, directions, challenges, and 

possibilities, and with renewed hope and faith. 

Ah, Twenty Thirteen, we hardly knew ye! 

Fare-thee-well and God be with ye. 

Welcome Twenty Fourteen! 

The Rich Perspective of Age + Experience

A portrait of Colonel Collins the week before he retired from the U.S. Army

Today is Christmas, and I received a wonderful gift in the form of a Thank You letter. With the author's kind permission, I'd like to share his words which so beautifully capture the spirit of living on purpose and giving back.

By way of the briefest introduction: I am a member of a group called the Warlord Loop (http://www.warlordloop.org/). John Collins is the 92+ year old founder and leader of the group. Though John is very active, he recently handed the reigns of Warlord to a successor. We now reverently refer to Colonel (Ret) Collins as Warlord Emeritus. Today this dear old gentleman took the time to express his gratitude to the 500 members of the Loop he created and has nurtured for 15 years. 

Please take a moment to read John's words. We have so much to learn from our older brothers and sisters, and we can only hope to have as much to offer others, should we reach such a venerable age. 

=============================== 

Your Grandest Gift to Warlord Emeritus

Thank God every day when you get up that you have something 

to do that day which must be done whether you like it or not.

Being forced to work and forced to do your best will breed in you           

temperance and self-control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness

and content, and a hundred virtues which the idle will never know. 

--Basil Carpenter

Gainful employment in my case ceased on January 6, 1996. Beginning sometime in 1998, for the last 15 consecutive years to be exact, members of the Warlord Loop have blessed this nonagenarian with the grandest gift possible by giving me intellectual stimulation every day in ways that almost literally are keeping me alive. Basil Carpenter, who checked out of the net in 1979, would applaud their assistance from his afterlife perch. 

Most email nets devoted to national security consist of predictable input from particular segments of the opinion spectrum, whereas daily debates by this broad-based group open up endless windows on the real world. Back channel correspondence bolsters me whenever I wonder whether the time we expend every day of every month is worthwhile. One message from Captain (now Vice Admiral) Mike Rogers gave me particularly great aid and comfort when he was Special Assistant to JCS Chairman Peter Pace and Director of his Chairman's Action Group: "I am one of those silent members who normally chooses not to engage directly....but I can assure you that your thoughts and the thoughts of so many other members of this strong dialogue are a part of the input I provide my boss (and by extension which he provides to his bosses) on the national security challenges facing us today - and tomorrow." 

God bless you all for enriching the twilight of my life. I wish you and yours the happiest holiday season imaginable, good fortune throughout the coming year, and hope that your most treasured dreams come true.

JOHN COLLINS (aka Warlord Emeritus)
Age 92.5 Years and Counting

===========================

Beautifully written, Sir.

I thank you for expressing such profound gratitude on Christmas Day. Your words offer proof that the gifts one gives really do come back magnified. The group you created and have nurtured has flourished and now gives you back something even more valuable to you than what you offered in the beginning. Your verse is like a homily for Christmas and good living.

Respectfully,

Dave

Aged 52.9 years and counting

HaPpY 3d BiRtHdAy, PhiLosFX!!

Big Splash birthday party invitation by Persimmon, for sale on popscreen.com

6 Aug: At midnight GMT (8 pm Eastern) between 6 and 7 Aug, I ended 36 months of blogging, and officially started month 37.

Whether this is your first post or #637, thanks for reading. You are helping celebrate three years of Philosophy + Special Effects here at PhilosFX!

Let's have a look at some of the performance metrics we have used to spark and track progress:

In closing, please come with me on a little trip down memory lane and review our most viewed, personal favorite, and most commented on posts:

Our most popular post, and with good reason, is the illustrated history of the Road King
http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2011/09/illustrated-history-of-harley-davidson.html

My personal favorite post is the one about the burgeoning brewing scene in the DC area.
http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2013/01/burgeoning-brewing-scene-in-our-nations.html

Winner of the "Most Comments" badge is this spam-magnet. Before Google fixed the problem with spam comments, everyone and his brother chose this post to share their links to weight loss, hair growth, and penis enlargement formulas.
http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2012/06/need-long-saturday-tonight-timekeepers.html

Finally, here are our celebratory posts from the past two birthdays (2011 and 2012):
http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2012/08/happy-2d-birthday-philosfx.html
http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2011/08/happy-birthday-philosfx.html

It's been a great adventure so far. Here's to many more months of exploring, discovering, and sharing! And now that we have made it to this august milestone, I won't be tracking these statistics quite as aggressively anymore...

Blog Stats	6-Aug-13
Cum days	1095
Page views	90,700
View / day	83
% chg	5%
Posts	636
Post / day	0.58
% chg	3%
bit.ly clicks (last 30 days)	15
Flags Views	18,609
Country Flags	137
US State Flags	51
Other Region Flags	11
Monthly income	0.47
Cum income	20.98
Month	36.0

Remaining Clear and True to the Pulse of Life, Part II

Welcome to Part II of a three-part meditation on Mark Nepo's July 2d entry, "Wrong View," from The Book of Awakening. Our mental well-being depends, Nepo says, on "...how clear and true we remain to the pulse of life...". In Part I, we concluded that the Pulse of Life may be described as the quest to commune in Oneness. Here in Part II, we'll explore how to remain clear and true to the quest for Oneness in our current age. Part III? That will be some ideas about moving toward a future age of increased Oneness. 

Remaining Clear and True to the Pulse of Life

The Western World stands on what some believe is the brink of a fate similar to that of the Roman Empire: collapse. The European Union is showing weakness. The income gap is huge and only growing bigger. People do not trust elected leaders. The leisure class demands more for less with a sense of entitlement, and the working class is increasingly and humiliatingly unable to get by. In addition to gaps in the health of Nations and gaps in the wealth of individuals, a generation gap as wide as the one in the 1960's divides Americans on a whole range of social and fiscal issues. For the first time in the history of this Nation, middle class parents worry that their children will not inherit a better life.

I have children. For me, this topic is real, personal, and real personal!

Under these circumstances, it is useful and good to think about the health of individuals and Nations going forward. Not just physical health, but mental and spiritual health, as well. Can we put health in a broader context?  If we go deep enough, is there something at the core of humanity that ties us all together? Does Nepo's "pulse of life" meet that contextual need?

Our goal is to develop an understanding of how we as individuals and groups remain clear and true to Nepo's pulse of life, i.e., the quest for oneness.  We must understand what is meant by the pulse of life before we can discuss how to remain true and clear to all which that phrase implies. Let's see what insights emerge when we examine Oneness in these seemingly unrelated topics: technology, innovation, morality, religion, genetically modified organisms, sustainable food, mental health, warfare, national security, and the elements of national power.

Grab your Bud Lights, sports fans, because "Here we go!"

Technology & Innovation

Is technological innovation inevitable? Absolutely. We humans are tool-makers, and we could not stop if we wanted to. Furthermore, this is a very good thing for humanity--to a point. And the point is that moment when our brains can no longer keep up with the pace of change and innovation. How many people never learned how to set the clock on their VCR? Isn't it ironic that this is a moot point, since the more advanced DVRs automated the challenge away. How many people are even aware of half of the functions on their digital watches? How many people have given up on simple automotive maintenance tasks? The gap--or digital divide--between the technologically savvy and the Luddites who cannot or will not keep up is big and growing. Do you think it will ever shrink? Of course not. You know intuitively and rationally that the digital divide will continue to grow. Which side of the gap are you on? Which side do you want your children to be on? The pace of change is increasing. What happens to those who are left behind?


Technology will continue to advance at increasingly rapid pace. Until now, the diffusion of innovation has occurred through a spectrum of innovators, early adopters, mainstream consumers, and laggards (see Fig 1.). This spectrum has been defined largely by choice, not ability. In other words, laggards did not adopt the innovation because they did not want to, not because they were not able to. However, as the control of wealth and influence concentrates in fewer people, the ability of average people to keep up with technology will be adversely affected. The inability of many people to enjoy the best technology creates a perception of imbalance. 

Fig. 1: the diffusion of innovation and market share

Technological innovation can either be a tool to bring us together, reduce barriers, and promote harmony and oneness, or a weapon with which to divide us.

Morality & Religion

Of what practical use are ethics? From whence do ethics spring? Is it possible for people in a society to have shared morality and ethics without a common God and a common religion? What is the connection between religion, politics, and law? Consider this premise: Individuals do not need ethics, but groups do. People are born without religion, culture,or politics, but they have an inherent sense of right and wrong. Groups of people invent religion, culture, policies, and laws to codify "the way we do things around here," i.e., what behavior is and is not accepted. 

The social fabric holds together so long as information is shared, rules are clear, justice is swift and fair, and liberties are not unduly infringed upon.


Genetically modified organisms & Sustainable food

We are repulsed by animal farms where chickens and cows are treated, not like sentient beings, but like inanimate potatoes and corn: grown, harvested, and processed for human consumption. Yet we are also repulsed by muscle cells grown in a test tube which have the texture, flavor, and nutrition of animal flesh.

We are repulsed by Monsanto's efforts to make a better tomato by inserting a gene that repels pests. This genetically modified organism is no longer the same species as the garden-grown one we remember.

Can we reamin clear and true to the pulse of life in something so basic as the food we eat?

Mental, Physical, & Emotional Well-Being

What does it mean when we see increased rates of depression and suicide in society? In the first 155 days of 2012, the US Military suffered more deaths due to suicide (154) than combat (124). Look at divorce rates. Look at drug use and abuse. Look at sexual harassment and sexual assault crimes on the rise within the military. Look at the adrenaline junkies coming home from war and racing high-powered motorcycles in an unsafe manner to get a rush--and the sad result of increased injuries and fatalities. Is it possible that the stress of life as we have defined it is too much for the human psyche? Looking just within the military, could it be that 12 years of war have taken more of a human toll than we could have anticipated? How do we stop suicide, bullying, sexual assault, and risky behavior and restore balance in the military?


Warfare, National security, & the Elements of National Power

Is technology all about power? Is power all about technology? Could a smaller, weaker nation control the United States through superior technology? The Nation of Israel is surrounded by larger neighbors, many of whom pose an existential threat. Peace is maintained through superior technology and powerful allies. This simple reality carries the implication that changes in technology will dictate changes in alliances. The geo-political world will likely break down into smaller tribes or divide into two very large and diametrically opposed coalitions.

The DRONES are taking over. Consider horse cavalry replaced by tanks, and bombs replaced by nukes. There is no putting the drone genie back in the technology bottle. The question then is not whether drones are moral, but whether drones can be used in a moral manner and precluded from being used in an immoral manner. To my way of thinking, pressing a technological advantage in conflict is moral if the conflict itself is moral.

Remain Clear and True to the Quest for Oneness in our Current Age

I know that in my own case, I have cultivated a skill for planning. I also have developed a skill for archiving. I have the future and the past covered. But where I am weakest is in living the present! The vectors of technology, innovation, morality, religion, genetically modified organisms, sustainable food, mental health, warfare, national security, and the elements of national power are just some of many vectors with long tails and far-flung trajectories. One can study the past of any one of those topics and use that knowledge to project into the future. But is Nepo's "pulse of life" a frantic race to an inevitable death? Will Oneness come about because of technological advances in every aspect of our lives, or in spite of them? I believe the answer lies in being fully present in each and every moment: neither under- nor over-reacting; neither dwelling in the past or projecting to the future; but sentient, awake, mindful, and grateful.

At first blush, mindfulness classes for the military may sound as incongruous as ballet classes for the football team. Dig a little deeper into Nepo, though, and the conclusion is inescapable. The quest to commune in Oneness is a deeply held human need. Our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being depends on the sort of connectedness, peace, and balance that comes from, and is evidenced by, mindfulness.

EnJoy: Feel free to comment and share.

Part I: http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2012/06/remaining-clear-and-true-to-pulse-of.html

Part III will be some thoughts on how to make the world a better place by applying these thoughts toward a future age of increased Oneness.  

Who are your Role Models? Part 2: Michaelangelo

Michelangelo Buonarroti (6 March 1475 – 18 February 1564) was a painter, sculptor, and architect. As a young 12 year old aspiring artist, I was so impressed by a photo of Michelangelo's sculpture of my namesake, David, that I went to the library and checked out the biggest book about the artist I could find.

The book told of how young Michelangelo became a professional artist at age 13. This inspired me to hurry and sell something of my own creation, so that I, too, could claim to have been a "professional" at age 13. In fact, I did sell an elephant sculpture carved out of a bar of Ivory soap for $5, and a pencil rendering of the crucifixion of Christ in a clunky frame for $10. I went on to sculpt a bust of JFK in clay and take many classes in drawing, drafting, and painting before becoming an architecture student at Notre Dame.

I admire the "art for art's sake" approach to creativity. When you hire Frank Gehry to design a building, you don't just want a building--you want an iconic Frank Gehry. You don't tell him too much about how to do his work. He wouldn't listen anyway!

Unlike so many famous iconoclastic artists and architects, such as Gehry, Frank Lloyd Wright or Andy Worhol, Michelangelo always had a patron. He worked for wealthy customers who employed him to tell stories. Michelangelo had great gifts, but he is one of my role models because he used his gifts in service.

I have since made my pilgrimage to many of Michelangelo's timeless gifts to the world: the aforementioned David in Florence, and the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Cathedral at Vatican City, or San Pietro in Vincoli
 in Rome. My favorite Michelangelo work is the powerful and poignant Pieta.

Read more about Michelangelo:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelangelo


See the other Role Models in this series:
http://philosfx.blogspot.com/2011/08/who-are-your-role-models-part-1.html

Time to replace GDP with Aggregate Happiness, Respect, and Dignity (AHRD)?

My brother is a brave and blessed cancer survivor who has waged a remarkable and truly inspirational battle with his deadly foe. This battle has changed his outlook on life and his personal testimony. In a recent post on my brother's Caring Bridge site, he shares the following quote from Dutch-born Catholic priest and author, Henri Nouwen. My brother includes the introductory comment that this Nouwen quote inspires him to be confident in his faith and in who he is.

“At issue here is the question: 'To whom do I belong? God or to the world?' Many of my daily preoccupations suggest that I belong more to the world than to God. A little criticism makes me angry, and a little rejection makes me depressed. A little praise raises my spirits, and a little success excites me. It takes very little to raise me up or thrust me down. Often I am like a small boat on the ocean, completely at the mercy of its waves. All the time and energy I spend in keeping some kind of balance and preventing myself from being tipped over and drowning shows that my life is mostly a struggle for survival: not a holy struggle, but an anxious struggle resulting from the mistaken idea that it is the world that defines me.


"As long as I keep running about asking, 'Do you love me? Do you really love me?,' I give all power to the voices of the world and put myself in bondage because the world is filled with 'ifs.' The world says, 'Yes, I love you if you are good-looking, intelligent, and wealthy. I love you if you have a good education, a good job, and good connections. I love you if you produce much, sell much, and buy much.' There are endless 'ifs' hidden in the world's love. These 'ifs' enslave me, since it is impossible to respond adequately to all of them. The world's love is and always will be conditional. As long as I keep looking for my true self in the world of conditional love, I will remain 'hooked' to the world-trying, failing, and trying again. It is a world that fosters addictions because what it offers cannot satisfy the deepest craving of my heart.” 

― Henri J.M. Nouwen

When I read the Nouwen quote on my brother's website, the words cut me in half.

I would describe myself as achievement-oriented, and I know lots of people like me in that regard. But Nouwen's series of "ifs" points out the weakness of this otherwise productive outlook: nothing is ever quite good enough. When we evaluate the relative worth of our own efforts as well as those of other people around us by the "make more, sell more, buy more" metric, we set up life as a race where only the most able competitors are valued.

Wow, the Gross Domestic Product explains athletes and hedge fund traders making millions while inner-city schools crumble the old and sick are taken advantage of until they die forgotten, doesn't it?  


What if we measured "struggle" instead of "achievement"? What if achievements were not ends unto themselves, but merely means of learning our gifts? Rather than a race to an inevitable and frightening death, what if life could be an endless cooperative matching of strengths to weaknesses?


I do not consider myself a Marxist just because I complain about income inequality. Many super-rich voluntarily share their good fortune through their foundations and through charitable giving. Once a certain level of wealth has been achieved, the next marginal dollar has no impact on happiness. But we may need an incentive for some super-rich to voluntarily shift their focus from acquisition to distribution.
 

If the next marginal dollar does nothing to increase my personal happiness, but that same dollar contributes  to the dignity of another and to the respect and esteem in which I am held, might I be more willing to voluntarily cross the line from greed to largesse? I think so.


This leads me to the question, "Which approach would lead to better outcomes for Americans of all income levels: measuring Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? or measuring something more transformational and aspirational, such as the Aggregate Happiness, Respect, and Dignity (AHRD)?"


We describe God’s love as unconditional. Ideally, a parent's love is unconditional. We also understand the Golden Rule. With these examples, we know what right looks like. Meanwhile in the USA we are still using the Gross Domestic Product to keep score. The GDP is an Industrial Age transactional framework rewarding makers, sellers, and buyers. I think something like the AHRD could be just the kind of transformational metric we need to get us closer to a more perfect Union.


H/T: TJD


Read more:

• GDP vs GNP is explained here: http://www.factcheck.org/2008/02/gdp-vs-gnp/
• Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen (Nouen), (Nijkerk, January 24, 1932 – Hilversum, September 21, 1996) was a Dutch-born Catholic priest and writer who authored 40 books about spirituality.

 

Beginnings (Redux)

Image accessed 13 Dec 2012 from http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/2011/11/thursday-think-tank-73-waning-days-of.html 

"...[W]henever you feel urgent or overwhelmed, whenever you feel pressed to figure things out or rethink the unthinkable . . . rest . . . so that the endless beginning--which some call the voice of God--might break through what has happened....

"...And you will wake feeling like dawn." 

                                     --Mark Nepo, The Book of Awakening, p. 390 

This passage in Mark Nepo's day book (from the entry for Nov 27) strikes a chord within me. Until now, I have lived life linearly. I have imagined myself moving from beginning, through middle, toward the end. I look to my left and right and compare my progress with others. I am a little ahead of someone, and I feel proud. I see someone ahead of me and I feel jealous. Sometimes, I am so caught up in the race that days go by and I do not even notice the passing of time. I come home to a pile of unfinished projects and unformed ideas and unrealized dreams. I feel overwhelmed.

Perhaps it is time to begin living more iteratively. Perhaps life is more a series of new beginnings than a linear race to the inevitable end. Every morning when I wake up, I realize I have a new day to make the most of--and so do you!


This Ash Wednesday post is a follow up to my earlier thoughts on Beginnings:

Burgeoning Brewing Scene in Our Nation's Capitol

Version 10.2, as of Mar 25, 2013

This is a great time to be a craft beer fan in the Nation's Capitol! And you are looking at my most recently updated compilation of breweries and brewpubs in the National Capitol Region. Have you heard of all the breweries, brew-pubs, and tied houses below? Have you been to a few to sample the wares? Our mantra: think global, drink LOCAL!

>> Comment below about any new discoveries or to share your impressions! <<

One quick introductory note before you dive into the compilation. I am mainly interested in currently "open, local, craft" brewers. I define "local" as those within 100 miles (2 hours) of the US Capitol Building. I use the Brewers' Association's definition of "craft:" small, independent, and traditional.  See http://bit.ly/VgVzeH.

In the interest of promoting the regional brewing scene, the list you see includes some categorized exceptions to the "open, local, craft" rule:

·         Beer brewed locally by non-locally owned chains, e.g., Gordon Biersch, is included for completeness, but listed separately.

·         I have a short list of "tied houses."  These retail outlets, such as the Dogfish Head Ale Houses, have no on-site brewing but they are essentially extensions of a regional brewery's tasting room.

·         To further wet your whistle, I also show a list of breweries and brewpubs that are not yet open but coming soon to a location within 100 miles of the Capitol Building.

·         I added a select group of current and future "road-trippable" breweries and brewpubs. They may be outside my arbitrary definition of LOCAL, yet if you have the time, they are well worth the drive.

·         I mention the region's two large brewers (i.e., those producing over 6 million bbls per year), Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors. Why not? The big boys can make some good beer, too.  More importantly, they employ local brewers, and they brew gateway beers on which most of us craft beer lovers cut our teeth.

·         For reasons of nostalgia and historical completeness, I even include closed breweries and brewpubs (local, non-locally owned, and some further afield).

·         Finally, let's not forget the region's dynamic homebrew clubs! These talent incubators have given rise to many of our area's top brewers. We celebrate home-brewers who have turned pro and encourage all who may follow.

>> Questions or updates are welcome in the Comments section. <<

Note: some brands you can buy are brewed by contract. One cannot visit the Stillwater Artisanal Brewery, for example, because Stillwater beers are currently brewed using facilities at DOG Brewing. "Currently Open" means a physical place you can go and visit, like DOG Brewing. Look for Stillwater under "Coming Soon."

 

A. LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED BREWERIES & BREW-PUBS (Sorted Alphabetically)

1.     3 Stars Brewery, Washington, DC

2.     Adroit Theory Brewing Company, Loudon Co

3.     Antietam Brewing at Benny's Pub, Hagerstown, MD

4.     Appalachian Brewing Company, Gettysburg, PA

5.     Barley and Hops Grill and Microbrewery, Frederick

6.     Barnhouse Brewery, Leesburg

7.     Battlefield Brewing at The Pub, Fredericksburg, VA

8.     Bawlmer Brewing, Baltimore, MD

9.     Baying Hound Aleworks, Rockville, MD

10.  Blue & Gray Brewing Co, Fredericksburg

11.  Brewer's Alley Restaurant & Brewery, Frederick

12.  Brewer's Art, Baltimore

13.  Capitol City Brewing Company, Arlington  (now brews for all Cap City locations)

14.  Center of the Universe (COTU) Brewing Company, Ashland, VA

15.  Chocolate City Brewing Co.,  Washington, DC

16.  Coastal Brewing Dover, DE (Old Dominion and Fordham brands)

17.  Corcoran Brewing Co., Waterford, VA

18.  DC Brau, Washington, DC

19.  Dempsey's Brewpub and Restaurant, Baltimore

20.  DOG Brewing Co, Westminster, MD (DOG and Stillwater Artisanal brands)

21.  DuClaw Brewing Company, Bel Air

22.  DuClaw Brewing Company, Bowie

23.  DuClaw Brewing Company, Hanover

24.  Eastern Shore Brewing, St Michaels, MD

25.  Ellicott Mills Brewing Company, Ellicott City

26.  Firestation 1 Restaurant and Brewing Co.

27.  The Flying Barrel BOP and Homebrew Shop, Frederick, MD

28.  Flying Dog Brewing Regional Brewery, Frederick (Corporate HQ in Denver)

29.  Franklin's Restaurant, Brewery & General Store, Hyattsville

30.  Growler's of Gaithersburg

31.  Gunpowder Falls Brewing, New Freedom, PA

32.  Heavy Seas Beer, Halethorpe, MD (Clipper, Pyrate, and Mutiny lines)

33.  Holy Brew, Leesburg, VA

34.  Lost Rhino Brewing Co., Ashburn, VA

35.  MacDowell Brew Kitchen, Leesburg

36.  Mad Fox Brewery, Falls Church

37.  Mad Hop Brews, Ellicott City, MD

38.  Mad Horse Brewpub, Lovettsville, VA

39.  Monocacy Brewing, Frederick, MD

40.  Mud Hound Brewing Company, Purcellville, VA

41.  Picadilly's, Winchester, VA

42.  Port City Brewing, Alexandria

43.  Pratt Street Alehouse, Baltimore

44.  Red Brick Station, White Marsh, MD

45.  Ruddy Duck, Solomons Island, MD

46.  Sweetwater Tavern, Centreville

47.  Sweetwater Tavern, Falls Church

48.  Sweetwater Tavern, Sterling

49.  Union Craft Brewing Co, Baltimore

50.  Vintage 50 Restaurant and Brew Lounge, Leesburg

B. CHAIN BREW-PUBS AND TIED HOUSES IN OUR REGION (Sorted Alphabetically)

1.     Capitol City Brewing Company, New York Ave

2.     District Chophouse & Brewery, Washington, DC

3.     Dogfish Head Ale House, Fairfax

4.     Dogfish Head Ale House, Falls Church

5.     Dogfish Head Ale House, Gaithersburg

6.     DuClaw  Brewing Company, BWI Airport, Southwest Terminal

7.     Frisco Tap House and Push Brewing, Columbia, MD

8.     Gordon Biersch , Annapolis

9.     Gordon Biersch, Dulles International Airport (IAD-Terminal D, Gate D14)

10.  Gordon Biersch, McLean

11.  Gordon Biersch, Rockville

12.  Gordon Biersch, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA-North Pier)

13.  Gordon Biersch, Washington, DC

14.  Heavy Seas Alehouse, Baltimore

15.  Hops Grillhouse and Brewery,  Alexandria

16.  Lee's Retreat, Fredericksburg (outlet for Blue & Gray)

17.  Old Dominion Brewhouse, Hyattsville (Outlet for Coastal's Old Dominion line)

18.  Old Dominion Brewhouse, Washington, DC (Outlet for Coastal's Old Dominion line)

19.  Pub Dog Pizza & Drafthouse, Columbia, Maryland (outlet for DOG)

20.  Pub Dog Pizza & Drafthouse, Federal Hill, Baltimore (outlet for DOG)

21.  Ram's Head Tavern, Annapolis (Outlet for Coastal's Fordham line)

22.  Ram's Head Roadhouse, Annapolis (Outlet for Coastal's Fordham line)

23.  Ram's Head Shore House, Stevensville (Outlet for Coastal's Fordham line)

24.  Ram's Head Tavern, Savage (Outlet for Coastal's Fordham line)

25.  Rock Bottom, Arlington

26.  Rock Bottom, Bethesda

C. LOCAL VENUES COMING SOON (Sorted Alphabetically)

1.     BadWolf Brewing Company, Manassas

2.     Bardo BrewPub, Washington, DC

3.     Beltway Brewing, a brewery for hire, coming to Loudon County in late 2012

4.     Bluejacket, aka NRG's Brewery and Restaurant at the Yards

5.     Bluemont Brewery, Purcellville

6.     CasaNoVa Brewing & Sound, Arlington

7.     Charm City Brewing, Baltimore

8.     Crooked Run  Brewery, Waterford

9.     Frey’s Brewing, Mt. Airy, MD

10.  Full Tilt Brewing Co., Baltimore

11.  Gordon Biersch, Washington, DC (Navy Yard)

12.  Hellbender Brewing Company, DC

13.  Leesburg Brewing Company, Leesburg

14.  Logan Shaw Brewing Company,  Washington, DC (will brew Logan Shaw and Wild Goose brands)

15.  Low Brau DC

16.  Mad Science Brewing Company, Thanksgiving Farms, Adamstown, MD

17.  Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm, Mt Airy, MD

18.  Mully's Brewery, Prince Frederick, MD

19.  Peabody Heights Brewing Co, Baltimore

20.  The Raven, Baltimore

21.  Right Proper Brewing Co., Washington, DC

22.  Robert Portner Brewhouse and Beergarden, Alexandria, VA (Portner's great-great-grandchildren plan a revival as a brewery incubator. Coming in 2013).

23.  Ruhlman Brewing Co., Hampstead, MD

24.  Stillwater Artisanal Ales, Baltimore (currently contract brewing at DOG)

25.  VRG's The V Virginia Eatery and Brewhouse, Ashburn, VA

26.  Washingtonian's Brewing Co., Washington, DC

D. REGIONAL ROAD-TRIP WORTHY BREWERIES & BREW-PUBS (Sorted on distance in miles from the US Capitol)

1.     16 Mile Brewing Company, Georgetown, DE (101)

2.     Stewart’s Brewing Co., Bear, DE (103)

3.     Beer Hound Brewing, Barboursville, VA (104)

4.     Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Richmond (106)

5.     Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Wilmington, DE (107)

6.     Dogfish Head Brewery, Milton, DE (108)

7.     Legend Brewing Company, Richmond (111)

8.     Midnight Brewery, Rockville, VA (114)

9.     3rd Wave Brewery and Tasting Room, Delmar, DE (115)

10.  Evolution Craft Brewing Co., Salisbury, MD (117)

11.  Champion Brewing Co., Charlottesville (117)

12.  South Street Brewing, Charlottesville (118)

13.  Appalachian Brewing Company, Camp Hill, PA (120)

14.  Dogfish Head Brewings and Eats, Rehoboth, DE (123)

15.  MillerCoors LLC, Shenandoah Brewery, Elkton, VA (123)

16.  Tall Tales Brewing, Parsonsburg, MD (124)

17.  Starr Hill Brewing Company, Crozet, VA (129)

18.  Troeg's Brewing Company, Hershey, PA (131)

19.  James River Brewing Company, Scottsville, VA (135)

20.  Blue Mountain Brewery, Afton, VA (136)

21.  Burley Oak Brewing Co., Berlin, MD (140)

22.  Brass Cannon Brewing, Toano, VA (142)

23.  Wild Wolf Brewing Company, Nellysford, VA (147)

24.  Williamsburg Alewerks, Williamsburg (150)

25.  Devil’s Backbone Basecamp Brewery, Roseland, VA (150)

26.  Blue Mountain Barrel House, Arrington, VA (153)

27.  Anheuser-Busch Inc, Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, VA (157)

28.  Free Will Brewing Co, Perkasie, PA (164)

29.  Selin's Grove Brewing Company, Selinsgrove, PA (166)

30.  St George Brewing Company, Hampton (176)

31.  Jefferson Street Brewery and Pub, Lynchburg, VA (179)

32.  Devil's Backbone Outpost Brewery, Lexington, VA (190)

33.  O'Connor Brewing Co, Norfolk, VA (193)

34.  Blue Lab Brewing Co., Lexington, VA (193)

35.  Smart Mouth Brewing, Norfolk, VA (200)

36.  Roanoke Railhouse Brewery, Roanoke, VA (244)

37.  Bull and Bones Brewhaus & Grill, Blacksburg, VA (269)

38.  River Company Brewery, Radford, VA (275)

39.  Wolf Hills Brewing Company, Abingdon, VA (363)

E. REGIONAL VENUES COMING SOON (Sorted on distance in miles from the US Capitol)

1.     Archangel Brewing Company, Richmond (107)

2.     Haxall Brewing Co, Richmond, VA (109)

3.     Ajax Aleworks, Richmond, VA (109)

4.     Strangeways Brewing Co., Richmond, VA (109)

5.     Ardent Craft Ales, Church Hill, Richmond, VA (112)

6.     Treehaus Brewery, Charlottesville, VA (117)

7.     Licking Hole Creek Craft Brewery, Goochland, VA (126)

8.     Three Brothers Brewing, Harrisonburg, VA (132)

9.     Fin City Brewing, Ocean City, MD (146)

10.  Shorebilly Brewing Co, Ocean City, MD (146)

11.  Red Beard Brewing Co, Staunton, VA (159)

12.  Shenandoah Valley Brewing, Staunton, VA (159)

13.  Apocalypse Ale Works, Forest, VA (193)

14.  Bedford Alehouse, Bedford (near Roanoke) (206)

15.  Young Veterans Brewing Co., Virginia Beach, VA (210)

16.  Parkway Brewing, Salem, VA (240)

17.  Creek Bottom Brewing, Galax, VA (325)

F. FONDLY REMEMBERED VENUES (Sorted Chronologically)

1.     Consumer Brewery (1896-1904, became Arlington Brewery)

2.     Robert Portner's Tivoli Brewing Co., Alexandria, VA (Closed in 1916--possibly being revived?)

3.     American Brewery, Baltimore (1887-1920)

4.     Arlington Brewery (1904-1920)

5.     Olde Heurich Brewing Company (1872-1956)

6.     Globe Brewing Company (Arrow Beer) (1748-1963)

7.     Queen City Brewing Company, Cumberland, MD (1901–1976)

8.     National Brewing Company (National Bohemian) (1885-1978)

9.     Chesapeake Bay Brewing Co., Virginia Beach (1982?-1989?).

10.  British Brewing Co., Glen Burnie (1988-1992), sold to form Oxford Brewing

11.  Globe Brewing (Key Hwy) (1994-1996)

12.  Dock Street Brewing (later John Harvard DC), (1994-1997)

13.  Oxford Brewing Co., Linthicum  (1992-1998, then part of Clipper City 1998-2009)

14.  Potomac River Brewing Co., Chantilly, VA (1993-1998)

15.  Brimstone Brewing Company, Baltimore, then Frederick (1994-1998)

16.  Blue-N-Gold Brewery, Arlington (1996-1998)

17.  Virginia Brewing Co (Bought by Founders in 2000)

18.  Sisson's Restaurant and Brewery (1979-2002) sold brewing equip to Mountaineer

19.  Founders Restaurant & Brewing Co, Alexandria (Closed 2002)

20.  Virginia Native Brewing Co., Alexandria  (1998-2003).

21.  Baltimore Brewing Co., aka DeGroen's (1989-2004)

22.  Bardo Rodeo Brewpub (Closed 2004). Possibly coming back?

23.  Rock Creek Brewing, Richmond (1996?-2005?)

24.  John Harvard's Brew House, Washington, DC (1997 - 2006)

25.  Capitol City Brewing Company, Baltimore (Closed 2007)

26.  DuClaw  Brewing Company, Fells Point, Baltimore (Closed in 2009)

27.  Fordham Brewing Co (Bought 2009 by Coastal Brewing)

28.  Frederick Brewing (Bought by an Ohio brewery that itself was bought by Flying Dog in 2009)

29.  Old Dominion Brewing Co (Bought 2009 by Coastal Brewing)

30.  Clay Pipe, Westminster, MD (closed 2010)

31.  Clipper City (reorganized in 2010 as Heavy Seas Beers)

32.  Wild Goose Brewery (Cambridge > Frederick > Flying Dog > Closed 2010 and sold recipes to Logan Shaw).

33.  Mountaineer Brewing Co., Martinsburg, WV (Closed Apr 2011)

34.  Calhoun's, Harrisonburg, VA (Closed 2011)

35.  Capitol City Brewing Company, Massachusetts Ave  (Closed Jul 2011--possibly reopening in Union Station?)

36.  Shenandoah Brewing Company, Alexandria  (Closed June 2011)

37.  Shooting Creek Farm Brewery, Floyd, VA‎ (Closed May 2011)

38.  Cabinet Artisianal Brewhouse, Alexandria (2011-2012)

G. NON-COMMERCIAL HOME-BREWING AND BEER APPRECIATION CLUBS (Sorted Alphabetically)

1.     Alexandria Brew Crew (ABC)

2.     Arts District Homebrewers, Hyattsville, MD

3.     Baltibrew

4.     Brewers United for Real Potables (BURP)

5.     Chesapeake Real Ale Brewers Society (CRABS)

6.     Cross Street Irregulars (CSI)

7.     DC Homebrewers, Pres. Josh Huber. Home of Brian Barrows of "Your Favorite Foreign Movie" fame.

8.     Frederick's Original Ale Makers (FOAM)

9.     Fredericksburg Area Brewing and Tasting Society (FABTS)

10.  Fredericksburg Brewing Insiders  (FBI)

11.  Goddard Zymurnauts

12.  The Killer Ales

13.  Libation Association

14.  Maryland Ale & Lager Technicians (MALT)

15.  Midnight Homebrewers' League

16.  Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood (SPBW)

17.  Wootown Brewers, Northern Maryland

18.  The Wort Hogs, Herndon

CONCLUSION

By this count, there are (50) currently open local breweries and brew-pubs within 100 miles of the Capitol, plus an additional (26) brew-pub chains and "tied house" brewery outlets.  Added to these establishments, we have (43) more breweries and brew-pubs coming soon to the local area. Lots of choice, and more on the way!

Going slightly further afield, I highlight (39) current and (17) future breweries that are not far outside the arbitrary 100-mile radius and well worth a road trip.  And because brewing, like any other business, follows a lifecycle, I list (38) breweries or brewpubs no longer in operation: gone but not forgotten.

And while we're at it, let's not forget to highlight the amateur brewers who meet, greet, and compete in (18) local home-brew clubs.

In all, this list highlights (214) past, present and future fresh beer outlets, each an important part of the lively and growing beer scene in the National Capitol Region. Today's brewers are enhancing and extending the American brewing tradition from our Nation's frothy founding to its foam-filled future.

Support Your Local Breweries!

Join me in hoisting a pint supporting the burgeoning brewing scene in our Nation's Capitol!  Cheers!

Rock on, DC-Area Brewers!  We're thirsty!

Here is a summary of changes from Version 10.1, published Feb 10, 2013:

·         Total venues up to (214) from (208), an increase of (6).

·         Of the (6) additions, (2) are current, (3) are coming soon, and (1) are closed.

·         I updated (2) breweries (changed status or category).

·         I processed (2) comments (corrections, suggestions).

·         These contributors or resources were especially helpful: Tom Cizauskas (2); Scott Nestler (2); Steve Mitchell (1); Paul Milligan (1); and Chuck Triplett (1).

In addition to helpful comments from readers like you, I also use the following references:

·         Ale Street News, www.alestreetnews.com, publishing editor, Tony Forder

·         All We Can Eat http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/all-we-can-eat

·         American Breweries II, by Dale Van Wieren, and published by the Eastern Coast Breweriana Association, 1995.

·         American Homebrewers Assn (AHA)

·         Arlington Now http://www.arlnow.com/

·         Beer Me! www.BeerMe.com

·         BeerPal.com, where I am an Admin and a Regional Manager

·         Beers In DC Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/beersindc

·         Brewers Assn. (BA)

·         Brewery Collectibles Club of America http://www.bcca.com/services/brewery_listing_virginia.asp

·         DC Beer (listserv moderated by Dan Brown) http://www.dc-beer.org/

·         DC Beer (website) http://www.dcbeer.com/

·         Google Maps, to check distance and travel time to venues

·         Gut Check, Northern Virginia Magazine http://www.northernvirginiamag.com/gut-check, Melissa Lyden

·         Mid-Atlantic Brewing News, published by Bill Metzger and Jamie Magee, and edited by Greg Kitsock

·         The Beer Mapping Project http://beermapping.com/

·         Washington City Paper's Young and Hungry column featuring Tammy Tuck http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/youngandhungry/

·         Washington Post's Food column featuring Greg Kitsock

·         Washington Post's Going Out Guide featuring Fritz Hahn

·         What's On Tap? The Entertainment Guide http://www.ontaponline.com/

>>> Questions, Comments, and Corrections are Welcome <<<