The Euro-Condon Web Log

In case you are wondering, I’m using this site to test how the Google Adsense program works. If you see something interesting, check it out. If not, please ignore it. Thanks, Jim

LONDON: Michael Jackson, a leading beer critic who praised the brews of Belgium especially and acknowledged he would never be as famous as “that Michael Jackson,” died Thursday. He was 65.

Jackson, known as the Beer Hunter, died of a heart attack at his home in west London, Paddy Gunningham, his partner, said Friday. She said that he had kept traveling despite suffering from Parkinson’s disease and that he had planned to write a book about the ailment.

Tim Hampson, chairman of the British Guild of Beer Writers, said, “He was simply the best beer writer we’ve ever known. He told wonderful stories about beer, breweries and far-away places. He told the story of beer through people, and he was humorous and erudite at the same time.”

Belgian brews were his special favorite. Two of his books, “The Great Beers of Belgium” and “World Guide to Beer,” introduced them to many export markets, including the United States.

By identifying beers by their flavors and styles, and by pairing them with particular foods and dishes, Jackson helped lead a renaissance of interest in beer and breweries worldwide that began in the 1970s, including the North American microbrewery movement.

His television documentary series, “The Beer Hunter,” which popularized his nickname, was filmed in many parts of the world and then was shown in 15 countries. He was a beer critic for more than 30 years and wrote books about beer and whiskey.

Jackson knew he would never be as famous as the rock star of the same name, and that was reflected on the beer critic’s Web site. “Hello, my name is Michael Jackson. No, not that Michael Jackson, but I am on a world tour,” the site says. “My tour is in pursuit of exceptional beer. That’s why they call me the Beer Hunter.”

Migle and I would like to wish everyone a wonderful Easter! I spoke with my Mom, Tom and Stephanie, Chris, and left Dad and Dale a message. Hopefully I will talk to them later today. Last night, Migle dyed eggs while I made pizza by scratch (homemade crust and all). Turned out pretty decent for my first attempt. And, of course, her eggs dyed with all natural things (like onion skins and sage) were as beautiful as always. If you haven’t seen this Lithuanian tradition, you should check it out someday. Today (Easter) I made her grits. She has never had them before and she liked them. She is roasting a chicken, along with a bunch of other stuff, for Easter dinner. Well, off to eat…
Love, Migle and Jim

And now for a little dry Easter humor … click on the image to see it better …

Migle is at 39 weeks today. We could have the baby any day now. So I am not traveling and am staying close to the house or celphone. She is doing very well other than the normal aches and pains. We have been going to the doctor alot for checkups and everything is good so far. We will do some immediate family calling, email everyone else, and post a picture or two and the announcement here once he is born. Exciting times!

We dropped some cash today on a cool stroller - the Bugaboo Cameleon.

This was the first year I did not go out on St. Patrick’s Day and drink far more pints than was good for me. We had a bunch of friends over for Irish Food, Beer, and Whiskey. I couldn’t find draft Guinness in the can so I got bottles. An OK substitute. I bought a nice bottle of Irish Whiskey. And Migle made a delicious Shepard’s Pie. A good time was had by all.

Big John’s on the other hand, had its record night!

Well, I tried condonj@googlepages.com and didn’t like it so then I stood up Wordpress at condonj.wordpress.com and loved it. But then I wanted to manage the blog myself vice have it hosted at Wordpress.  So I grabbed the domain name jimcondon.net and some web hosting through Dreamhost and here it is. Please let me know what you think.