Yahoo! 2011 Year In Review - Video

Please enjoy this video compilation of the Most Astounding Moments of this year: Yahoo! 2011 Year In Review - Video

I bet you cannot watch this video only once!


Hat tip: MCRWS

Prevent, Shape, Win

General Raymond T. Odierno became the 38th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army on Sept. 7, 2011. Recently, GEN Odierno published an article outlining his vision for the Army. Read it here: Prevent, Shape, Win

First, our Army must prevent conflict.  Prevention requires a credible force with sufficient capacity, readiness and modernization.  Our ability and will to win any fight cannot be open to challenge.  As part of a joint force, we must be clear that we can fight and win across the full spectrum of conflict.  That means realistic training, expert leaders, modern equipment, and quality Soldiers.  Prevention is achieved by convincing your potential opponents that armed conflict with your force would be extremely unwise.  Our land forces must continue to be a credible force around the globe.

Second, our Army must help shape the international environment so our friends are enabled and our enemies contained.  We do that by engaging with our partners, fostering mutual understanding through military-to-military contacts, and helping partners build the capacity to defend themselves.   This is an investment in the future, and an investment we cannot afford to forego.  It is cultivating friends before you need them, being a reliable, consistent, and respectful partner.

Finally, we must be ready to win decisively and dominantly.  If we do not, we pay the price in American lives.  When MacArthur said, “In war there is no substitute for victory,” he was making a plain statement of fact.  Nothing else can approach what is achieved by winning, and the consequences of losing at war are usually catastrophic.  With so much at stake, the American people will expect what they have always expected of us: to never lightly enter into such a terrible endeavor, but once there to win and win decisively.

I first met then-BG Odierno when he was shaping the Army in DAMO-FD. He was promoted and given command of 4th ID just before OIF. Then-MG Odierno's outfit captured Saddam Hussein. He was promoted again to become commander of III Corps and given the mission of commanding MNC-I. It was here that I served with then-LTG Odierno again. Now he is once again my boss as GEN Odierno, CSA.

Watching his rise to the top has been a lesson in adaptive and strong leadership. I am proud of him and of the outstanding senior leaders our Army produces.

Hat tip: MFL / LT

Thinking about thinking

"We in America have everything we need except the most important thing of all--time to think, and the habit of thought." --Norman Cousins

Professor P.M. Forni has written about and taught courses in civility at Johns Hopkins U (http://krieger.jhu.edu/civility). This subject has led him to concentrate on critical thinking skills which are the basis of enlightened discourse. Forni contends that thinking is what separates our species from all others, therefore we should hone our thinking skills as a path to greater fulfillment. Twitter may be useful, but he laments the impact on scholarship of the 140 character soundbite mentality. He asks, Do we really need external stimulation via phone, Internet, email, text, etc. 24/7? Does external stimulation paradoxically reduce our ability to think for ourselves by helping us avoid thinking at all? 

In his interview with NPR's Diane Rehm ( http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2011-12-19/pier-forni-thinking-life ), Forni contrasts prayer and meditation. Buddhist meditation is good for slowing down the pace of life, for finding one's center, and for relieving stress by eliminating desire. While there is benefit to meditation, Forni is looking for an increase in deliberate periods of internal concentration and deep thought: a workout for the brain. Prayer is closer to this preferred form of mindfulness. Ideally, people would set aside large chunks of time for concentrated thought. We cannot thrive as humans without thinking. The quality of our lives follows from the quality of our thinking. 

Here is an excerpt from an Amazon review of Forni's new book (http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Life-How-Thrive-Distraction/dp/0312625715/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312816526&sr=8-1). Professor Forni, founder of The Civility Initiative at Johns Hopkins, is America's civility expert. In his first two books, Choosing Civility and The Civility Solution, he taught readers the rules of civil behavior and ways of responding to rudeness. Now, in The Thinking Life, he looks at the importance of thinking in our lives: how we do it, why we don't do enough of it and why we need to do more of it.

In twelve short chapters, he gives readers a remedy for the Age of Distraction, an age fuelled by the Internet, Blackberries and cellphones, all of which make constant demands on our attention, diverting it from one thing to another. After suggesting ways we can find time to think more, Forni shows readers how we can improve our abilities of:

—Attention
—Reflection
—Introspection
—Self-control
—Positive thinking
—Proactive thinking
—Effective decision-making strategies
—Creative thinking
—Problem-solving strategies

Personally, I believe that a good life starts with identifying one's passions and central values. This is followed by critical thinking which challenges (or confirms) and ultimately aligns with those values. Finally, one's actions implement plans and unite people around common causes creating positive social change.

Odds-On Favorite?

Have you noticed the Flag Counter near the bottom of the Home page on this blog? I'm keeping track of the people from various countries that have visited PhilosFX one or more times. Each unique visit from a country increases the flag count from that country by one. Repeat visits from the same URL are not tracked.

Each of the following countries has two (2) unique visits to PhilosFX. The most recent visit occurred on the date shown. My flag counter shows only the top 48 countries to visit PhilosFX. Thirteen countries are tied for 48th place with two or more unique visits. Georgia is currently in the 48th position by virtue of the fact that it has the most recent 2d visit.

• Georgia December 12, 2011
• Slovenia December 9, 2011
• Bosnia and Herzegovina December 8, 2011
• Iraq December 2, 2011
• Hong Kong December 2, 2011
• Singapore December 2, 2011
• Peru November 17, 2011
• Croatia November 15, 2011
• Lebanon October 27, 2011
• Bahrain October 27, 2011
• Argentina October 24, 2011
• Serbia October 17, 2011
• Vietnam October 16, 2011

One of these thirteen countries will most likely be the 48th country to boast three or more unique visits to PhilosFX. Of course, it’s also possible that a country with one or fewer visits now could get to three faster.



Questions:

1. How would you calculate the odds of any one of these countries becoming the 48th country to boast 3 or more unique visits to PhilosFX?

2. Using your approach, which country do you predict will be the 48th country to boast 3 or more unique visits to PhilosFX?

DC BRAU - A BREWERY BREAK IN

I got a kick out of this video!

Brandon of DC Brau goes on a quest for the Brewer's Cup, sneaking into Mad Fox Brewery to steal the traveling trophy. Funny stuff!

Check it out HERE

Burgeoning Brewing Scene in Our Nation's Capitol

UPDATED VERSION IS POSTED >>HERE<<

Version 8, as of December 3, 2011

This is a great time to be a craft beer fan in the Nation's Capitol! Here's my list of breweries and brewpubs in a 100-mile radius of the Capitol Building. Have you heard of all the breweries, brew-pubs, and tied houses below? Have you been to a few to sample the wares?

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

Here is a summary of changes from the previous version, published August 6, 2011:

·         Total venues up to 126 from 120.

·         Added a category called, "ONCE ROAD-TRIPPABLE BREWERIES OR BREWPUBS NOW CLOSED (Chronological)" for defunct breweries of note over 100 miles away.

·         Shooting Creek Farm Brewery closed May 2011

·         Farmer's Cabinet Brewery opened in July in the former Shenandoah brewery site, Alexandria

·         MacDowell Brew Kitchen opened in Leesburg

·         Choc City Brew opened August 18, 2011

·         Burley Oak Brewing Co., Berlin, MD (near Ocean City), opened Aug 29, 2011

·         Beltway Brewing announced planned operations in 2012

·         Adroit Theory Brewing Company announced plans to begin brewing in Sterling, VA in 2012

While I am mainly interested in LOCAL brewers, the list includes some categorized exceptions:

·         Non-locally owned chains are included separately for completeness.

·         I have a short list of tied houses which are retail outlets for particular brewers with no on-site brewing.

·         I also show a list of breweries and brewpubs that are not open but coming soon.

·         I added a select group of current and future breweries and brewpubs outside the arbitrary 100-mile radius and worth a road trip.

·         Finally, I even included former breweries and brewpubs (both local and non-locally owned) for reasons of nostalgia.

>> 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. CURRENTLY OPEN BREWERIES AND BREW-PUBS (LOCAL)

·         Barley and Hops Grill and Microbrewery, Frederick

·         Battlefield Brewing at The Pub, Fredericksburg, VA

·         Baying Hound Aleworks, Rockville, VA

·         Blue & Gray Brewing Co, Fredericksburg

·         Brewer's Alley Restaurant & Brewery, Frederick

·         Brewer's Art, Baltimore

·         Burley Oak Brewing Co., Berlin, MD

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

·         Chocolate City Beer,  Washington, DC

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

·         Corcoran Brewing Co., Waterford, VA

·         DC Brau, Washington, DC

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

·         Dogfish Head Brewery, Milton, DE

·         Dogfish Head Brewings and Eats, Rehoboth, DE

·         DuClaw Brewing Company, Bel Air

·         DuClaw Brewing Company, Bowie

·         DuClaw Brewing Company, Hanover

·         Ellicott Mills Brewing Company, Ellicott City

·         Evolution Craft Brewing Co., Delmar, DE

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

·         Franklin's Restaurant, Brewery & General Store, Hyattsville

·         Growler's of Gaithersburg

·         Heavy Seas Beers, Baltimore (Clipper, Pyrate, and Mutiny lines)

·         Holy Brew, Leesburg, VA

·         Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Wilmington, DE

·         Legend Brewing Company, Richmond

·         Lost Rhino Brewing Co., Ashburn, VA

·         MacDowell Brew Kitchen, Leesburg

·         Mad Fox Brewery, Falls Church

·         Port City Brewing, Alexandria

·         Pratt Street Alehouse, Baltimore

·         Red Brick Station, White Marsh, MD

·         South Street Brewing, Charlottesville

·         Starr Hill Brewing Company, Crozet, VA

·         Sweetwater Tavern, Centreville

·         Sweetwater Tavern, Falls Church

·         Sweetwater Tavern, Sterling

·         Vintage 50 Restaurant and Brew Lounge, Leesburg

B. CURRENTLY OPEN BREW-PUBS (LOCALLY AVAILABLE BUT NOT LOCALLY OWNED)

·         Chophouse & Brewery, District, Washington, DC

·         Gordon Biersch, McLean

·         Gordon Biersch, Rockville

·         Gordon Biersch, Washington, DC

·         Hops Grill & Brewery, Alexandria

·         Rock Bottom, Arlington

·         Rock Bottom, Bethesda

C. TIED HOUSES (FRESH, LOCALLY MADE BEER NOT BREWED ON SITE)

·         Capitol City Brewing Company, New York Ave

·         Dogfish Head Ale House, Fairfax

·         Dogfish Head Ale House, Falls Church

·         Dogfish Head Ale House, Gaithersburg

·         DuClaw  Brewing Company, BWI Airport, Southwest Terminal

·         Fire Station 1, Silver Spring (outlet for Red Brick Station)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

D. COMING SOON (LOCAL)

·         3 Stars Brewery, Washington, DC

·         Adroit Theory Brewing Company, Sterling, VA (2012 or 2013)

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

·         Farmer's Cabinet Brewery, Alexandria

·         Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Richmond

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

·         Robert Portner Brewhouse and Beergarden, Alexandria, VA (Portner's great-great-grandchildren plan a revival as a brewery incubator. Coming in 2012).

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

·         Washingtonian's Brewing Co., Washington, DC

E. CURRENTLY OPEN (ROAD TRIP!)

·         Blue Mountain Brewery, Afton, VA

·         Devil’s Backbone Brewing Co., Roseland, VA

·         St George Brewing Company, Hampton

·         Williamsburg Brewing Co., Williamsburg

·         Wolf Hills Brewing Company, Abingdon, VA

F. COMING SOON (FUTURE ROAD TRIP!)

·         Bedford Alehouse, Bedford (near Roanoke)

G. FONDLY REMEMBERED LOCAL BREWERIES OR BREWPUBS (Chronological)

·         Arlington Brewery (1904-1920)

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

·         Bardo Brewing (Closed 2004)

·         Blue-N-Gold Brewery, Arlington (1996-1998)

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

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

·         Capitol City Brewing Company, Baltimore (Closed 2007)

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

·         Clipper City (reorganized in 2010 as Heavy Seas Beers)

·         Consumer Brewery (1896-1904, became Arlington Brewery)

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

·         Fordham Brewing Co (Bought 2009 by Coastal Brewing)

·         Founders Restaurant & Brewing Co, Alexandria (Closed 2002)

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

·         Globe Brewing Company (Arrow Beer) (1748-1963)

·         National Brewing Company (National Bohemian) (1885-1978)

·         Old Dominion Brewing Co (Bought 2009 by Coastal Brewing)

·         Olde Heurich Brewing Company (1872-1956)

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

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

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

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

·         Rock Creek Brewing, Richmond (1996?-2005?)

·         Shenandoah Brewing Company, Alexandria  (Closed June 2011)

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

·         Virginia Brewing Co (Bought by Founders in 2000)

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

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

H. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN NON-LOCALLY OWNED BREWERIES OR BREWPUBS

·         John Harvard's Brew House, Washington, DC (Closed 2006)

I. ONCE ROAD-TRIPPABLE BREWERIES OR BREWPUBS NOW CLOSED (Chronological)

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

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

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

J. DYNAMIC REGIONAL HOME-BREWING AND BEER APPRECIATION CLUBS

·         Baltibrew

·         Brewers United for Real Potables (BURP)

·         Chesapeake Real Ale Brewers Society (CRABS)

·         Cross Street Irregulars (CSI)

·         DC Homebrewers

·         Frederick's Original Ale Makers (FOAM)

·         Fredericksburg Area Brewing and Tasting Society (FABTS)

·         Fredericksburg Brewing Insiders  (FBI)

·         Goddard Zymurnauts

·         Libation Association

·         Maryland Ale & Lager Technicians (MALT)

·         Midnight Homebrewers' League

·         Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood (SPBW)

·         The Killer Ales

·         The Wort Hogs, Herndon

·         Wootown Brewers, northern Maryland

By this count, there are (39) currently open local breweries and brew-pubs within 100 miles of the Capitol, plus an additional (24) non-local brew-pub chains and "tied house" brewery outlets with no brewing on premises.  Added to these establishments, we have (9) more breweries and brew-pubs coming soon to this area. Lots of choice, and more on the way!

Going slightly further afield, I highlight (6) current and 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 (32) 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 (16) local home-brew clubs.

In all, this list highlights (126) past, present and future fresh beer outlets that are part of the lively and growing beer scene in the National Capitol Region.

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