Don't be that dude

Nick says, "I like the trees, you know? I like the way that the trees are on mountains, all the different... the way the trees are. And beer." - Christopher Walken as "Nick" in The Deer Hunter

Nick didn't mention beer, but I like trees and mountains... and beer. Honestly, I guess I'm more of the Michael type. But what about Michael (Robert Dinero) in the "Three Bullet Mow Mow" scene? So crazy, like someone stole his rudder, crazy enough to eat the devil, horns and all. But you know, sometimes it's the bar/party scene that makes us even crazier. For example, like wagering on a game of Russian Roulette? Or maybe when you are the ester-exuding cretin at the bar egging on your drunkest homey to pound another pint? Don't be that dude. Seriously. Don't.

The ethics of friendship, at some point, usually at the ripe age of 23-25, should be inverted somewhat, taking on a more adult-like, mortality-considerate role. It belies the trust and camaraderie of a crony to usher his or her mate into inebriation for selfish reasons, i.e., your own malt-induced torpor; your nettlesome, Red Bull-induced galling; your flagrant and bumptious insistence on having a "friend" shoot "Gorilla's Puke" (3/4 oz. Bacardi 15, 3/4 oz. Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey). My friend, you are being about as dumb as that show about New Jersey twits going out clubbing.

Wether you fancy yourself an lilly-livered imbiber with a list of ABUs in your euro shoulder bag, or a domestic-crushing man-beast sporting an Affliction shirt, or even just a mild-mannered-until-lit, run-of-the-mill "craft drinker," it serves neither the community nor the welfare of a fellow skin bag to act as the catalyst behind a night anchored to urinal, or quite possibly, a trip to the clink, or even unexpected father/motherhood. Be a friend. Sip wisely. Enjoy. Don't be that dude. Don't.

The same can be said for how we view our role in this world. Are you supporting with your cubicle cash the purveyors of quality, sustainable beer? Are you looking past the head and bouquet and considering if these breweries are leaving behind a more verdant world in which to savor earth's bounty of malt, rye, wheat, etc.?

That's the gist of this blog - to dig into the beer scene and find those agents of change and do-gooders for Gaia. And it's not like we are choking on our own patchouli vapors over here. We are savvy in the ways of sustainability and drinkability. The two are happier together than a jackass eating a cactus. Let's do this!