American home brewing adapts to the changes in the political and economic climates of the country. Back in the 90s, America had been the top producer of beer. However, with the global recession that is happening now, many companies are closing. Although of course, some argue that as the economy worsens, beer sells more – many get depressed and thus forget their economic woes through the messy route of drinking. Some people, instead of wasting precious money by raking the bars every night, adapt to the situation – and that is by turning towards home made beer.
As was mentioned, American home brewing has been very flexible through time. Back in the old America, home brewing was already a part of colonial lives. Even famous personalities such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were home brew aficionados.
During the prohibition, no one was allowed to brew their own drinks at home. A penalty of one thousand dollars was imposed on those who were caught – and back then one thousand dollars went a long way. Either that or they were sentenced one year imprisonment. Everybody had to content with a watered down lifeless beer – well not really beer but something which was a very poor substitute for it. Nothing substantially alcoholic was allowed and few took efforts in making their drinks less alcoholic but tasty. Thirsty daring beer lovers stealthily bought ingredients and beer brewing equipment. Some very enterprising shop owners found ways of selling them without associating them with beer making or anything about beer at all. Beer ingredients, after all, are as normal as other ingredients – grains, yeast, etcetera, and the equipment – buckets, vats, what really is there to question when they are put up for sale? The situation varied from state to state. In some states, only those selling home brews were caught while in some, brewing for personal consumption also meant facing legal charges. And since ingredients and materials had to be sold and bought discreetly, there really was nothing much to experiment on. Those years could probably be considered the dark ages for home brewing.
Before beer was allowed to be brewed at home, a change in law allowed people to make their own wine at home, but now people had to obtain a permit to brew beer at home… strange but true. Even though there were strict regulations, this breath of fresh air was welcomed by the home beer brewing community. One off this first home beer brewers was Charlie Papazian, and he took it to himself to start teaching others how to brew their own beer at home… it was tough going as for those that didn’t have a permit it was illegal, but Charlie kept the dream alive.
Over time, all the ridiculous rules about brewing beer at home were fully relaxed with Jimmy Carter signing an amendment in 1978 to allow home brewers the opportunity to brew up to 200 gallons of beer a year without any permits or other silly nuances. This then sparked interest far and wide for the American Home Brewer and really led the emergence of a beer nation like no other.
American Home Brewing is happening and booming today, so of-course it’s time to sit down, relax, and have a home brew. For those still not up to scratch with home brewing beer, follow the link to discover more!
by Violet Jameson
If you couldn’t identify wine goblets when asked what they are, you’re probably not alone. The word goblet isn’t really a part of our everyday vocabulary, yet in all likelihood you probably know what a goblet is, even if you don’t think so. Pewter goblets aren’t as popular as they were centuries ago, but they’re still all over the place.
The wine goblet, though essentially the same thing as a glass, does have a different shape. You’ll find a wider composition that almost resembles a bowl, and the thin handle of wine glasses is much thicker when it comes to the goblet.
Wine goblets were first introduced to the world in about 400 AD. The original ones were made of materials like clay and ceramics, as local potters produced them. While they were in fact used for red wine, they were also used for other occasions at many ceremonies and rituals.
These days, you’ll still find wine goblets for sale all across stores nationwide, as well as inside the kitchens of many households. Restaurants will use them as well, often for desserts and other dishes. If you’ve ever been to a wedding and can remember the best man speech, you might remember the use of pewter goblets during the speech.
The original wine goblets were typically reserved for high society. They were by no means a common accessory used by the masses. To own pewter goblets symbolized status and wealth.
They were also seen as a mark of class, and the best ones were used at high profile events (in a way, they still are when you think about weddings). Materials such as pewter and silver were most popular in the past, but crystal and glass are the most popular form of wine goblet today.
Though their use is nowhere near as common of that of glass, you can see that wine goblets are still a popular item, over 15 centuries later. How many other things can you say that about?
by Estee Taschereau
Dragonflies are ancient insects dating back over 180 million years old. In the USA alone there are over 650 species of dragonflies in the US alone. These amazing creatures have been a symbol of grace in teachings of Feng Shui, and a symbol in shamanism for transformation and seeing in a new light.
Dragonflies spend their first two years in the water as nymphs. Then they climb from the water and transform completely into winged insects with great agility and speed. Their agility in flight is similar to that of the hummingbird, another powerful totem spirit.
During its two year incubation cycle in the water the dragonfly sheds up to fifteen skins. The dragonfly also holds the qualities of the water, contributing to its grace. Water holds deep seated thoughts, emotions, and the yin quality of introspect.
The ability to transform from a creature of the water to a creature of the air ties the dragon fly to the evolutionary process we are able to create within our lives. Any transformation takes time, so be patient.
The eyes of a dragon fly give many perspectives, reminding us to look past the illusions we carry in life. The wings, though transparent, hold the luminous reflection of many colors, offering us a doorway into the many spectrums of energy we have in our spiritual realm.
The dragonfly can be utilized as a symbol for understanding an aspect of our evolutionary process in life. Taken as a whole our life is very transformational, seen or unseen. We can learn patience and faith that the steps we take will lead us in the right direction.
You can use the qualities of the dragonfly totem in your daily meditation. With the dragonfly we have that transformational quality, and we can transform thoughts and perceptions into understanding and growth. We can look beyond the illusions and stories for the greater world of clarity and connectivity with self.
About the Author:
Stories of totem animals is an simple way to learn more about our own deep seated abilities. Exploring our own totems is a step into
self discovery, and can bring clarity to our own vision and understanding. Learn more about
totem spirits, and the collective qualities that empower and embrace our creativity in life. Visit http://intuitivemeaning.com for more about totem spirit guides.
