Staycation

Saw "The Departed" last night starring Matt Damon, the kid from Titanic (Dicaprio) and Jack Nicholson. Nobody plays evil better than Jack, and he had all the deadly sins covered. I could've done without the scene involving the severed hand, but then I guess you don't get across depravity without showing it. Mesmerizing performances from the three leads. One of the rare movies (for me) that goes over 2 hours but that you can't turn off. Still when I see Nicholson I think of him as an extra Laker coach. Heckuva basketball fan.

Drinking Ceylon beer, Lion Stout, a product I believe of English exiles. They knew what they were doing, that's for sure. It's hot enough outside to evoke those Masterpiece Theatre type shows set in India during the colonial period.

I find it Lion Stout a fine opening salvo, to be followed by a lighter offerings such as the surprisingly good Great Lakes White Ale. I'm not sure if they use Lake Erie water for their brews but I doubt it. One of my favorite names of beers is the mouthful: "Great Lakes Lake Erie Monster Double IPA". It's as flavorful and strong as the name indicates.

Trying a stay-at-home vacation. Thought about going to the spa for a massage but ever since reading about Al Gore's alleged misadventures it's become less appealing. A naked Al Gore is almost as disturbing as that disembodied hand in "The Departed".