We expect to get some heat for this, but why would you camp outside the Civic Center overnight in freezing temps for Phish tickets? Driving by there last night, after having Allagash Interlude ON TAP at The Thirsty Monk, folks were just kinda hanging out, huddled up from the cold and partying a bit. This we do not understand. We do not care for Phish. (*gasp* Did she just say that?) It’s not for lack of talent on their part—Phish is an incredibly talented group—it’s just that the whole “jam band” thing eludes us. We like a song structure. And we like songs to end in, let’s say, under 5 minutes. Guided by Voices is one of our favorite bands and some of their older ditties run about 30 seconds, which makes them sort-of the anti-Phish. But people go absolutely bonkers (including our friends) and we don’t know why. And, no, we have never been to a Phish show and, regardless, we don’t think it would change our opinion. That being said, we hope everyone got their tickets! It sold out in 6 minutes.

In completely unrelated business, Jason was on WLOS last night and this morning in the Absolute Le segment, “Do you have a second?”, featuring local businesses doing one-second commercials, a la Miller’s big advertising plan for the Super Bowl. Very clever! (And some free WLOS lovin’.) He’s wearing one of our boxing gloves and “punching” the camera while saying “Bruisin’ Ales.” Then, he got an extra spot in which he laments the end of football season. We believe the complete quote was: “It’s sad.” Man, that is great television right there. We hope WLOS posts a video of the spot! Jason can’t live without his football. This half would just like to see the TV room without the Fat Head.

And just in time for the Big Game Weekend, here are your new beers. (Go Steelers!)

ABITA Abbey Ale
ABITA Andygator
ALLAGASH Interlude ’08
FOUNDERS Double Trouble IPA
FOUNDERS Imperial Stout
SHIPYARD Imperial Porter
SHIPYARD Barleywine
SIERRA NEVADA Bigfoot*
SIERRA NEVADA Early Spring Beer
SIERRA NEVADA Torpedo Extra IPA