Author: Chris Elliott

An Open Letter to Lebron

On By Chris ElliottIn Basketball1 Comment

Dear Lebron,

I know, I know you’re the greatest player in the world. We are lucky you came back. We should appreciate that we have you. You could go at any time. But really you can’t leave. You care more about what people think of you than any player in the league. You have a desire to be loved. If you leave Cleveland again, no one will love you. Trust me, you thought it was bad in 2010. That was nothing.

I know it is hard having an entire city counting on you. But it is time. Time to man up. Time to be a leader. Time to show some mental toughness. This is your team. You have been given everything you wanted. The Cavs fired the coach when you didn’t like him, they gave you the contract you wanted, gave you the teammates you wanted. No more excuses.

I know you have friends in the NBA. Dwayne Wade is your buddy. Social media shouldn’t matter but it does matter who you follow because people will notice. You should know that. You’re better than that.

I know winning 50 games is an accomplishment Cleveland should be proud of. Hey it was not too long ago the Cavs were picking in the lottery every year. We get it. You’re a franchise changing player. And hey come playoffs you guys will turn it on right? It’s just a matter of time. You’re bored right now, I get it.

I know  you’re on the wrong side of 30. The window is closing. The  pieces are not fitting exactly as they should. It takes time to gel. San Antonio and Golden State have set unrealistic expectation. But didn’t you say ” In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have. I’m ready to accept the challenge. I’m coming home.” It is time accept the challenge Lebron. Best players in the world don’t make excuses. Best players in the world don’t need sidekicks. Best players in the world get it done. You know how you cement a legacy Lebron? You bring a championship to a a hungry city waiting for a savior. Be the savior. Will it. Grab it. Take it. Hell “Just Do It.”

Signed,

Cavs Fan

 

 

When Sibling Rivalry Meets Beer: Sibling Revelry Brewing

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, BreweryLeave a comment

Sometime you fight with your siblings, sometimes you help them sneak in after a late night and sometimes you open up a brewery with them and call it Sibling Revelry Brewing. I first heard about this over a year ago when it was just an idea. A few weeks ago, it became a reality and I have been wanting to try it out as I drive pass it every day on my way to work. Sibling Revelry is a small craft brewery located in Westlake, Ohio about 25 minutes from Downtown Cleveland. The brewery has a great modern industrial  feel and the beers were pretty good too. I was pretty into the Irish American. Probably the best part of the tap room was that they let you bring dogs in. My girlfriend’s little dachshund sat on her lap the whole time and everyone seemed to enjoy his presence. Always a nice touch when a place allows pets to join in. The location of the place is kind of hidden away on a street filled with commercial businesses, but if you’re looking for a good beer out in the west side Cleveland suburbs, it is a great place to check out. Bring your siblings, maybe you’ll be inspired to open up your own brewery. ozziebeersibrev

Brooklyn Brewery

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, Brewery, TripsLeave a comment
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Few things taste as good as a freshly poured beer. While many have tried Brooklyn Brewery beer before, the story behind the beer is not necessarily as widely known. That is part of what appeals to craft beer drinkers. Millennials and your average bro appreciate a story behind their beer. They want to feel like drinking this particular beer is important. While in NYC this weekend, I stop[ed in to the Brooklyn Brewery for a beer, or three. The free tour along with it was an added bonus. While the tour was short, and involved more standing around than anything, it showcased the story behind the beer. How a couple of friends brewing beer in their house said fuck it to their traditional jobs and embarked on a dream every guy has thought about at least once. They opened a brewery. The industrial urban setting in Brooklyn gave the Brewery an edge to it so you don’t feel like you are caught up in another tourist trap like most of NYC and the beers on tap contained a wide range of beers for all types of drinkers. It’s a cool spot that had just the right amount of crowd where you weren’t overwhelmed. A definite must see in NYC for a thirst quenching brew.

Yoga and Beer-Interesting Concept

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, Brewery, Fitness, RestaurantsLeave a comment

When someone imagines yoga, I can say with confidence I do not come to mind. In fact, if you are picturing it now I apologize. However, I do “practice” yoga from time to time. Last week, I went out with some coworkers and my girlfriend to Hofbrauhaus in Cleveland for some yoga and beer.

A local company by the name of Balance and Brews puts on these events at local breweries, restaurants and other beer related establishments. You go, do some yoga for an hour and then drink a couple beers. Kind of an excuse to drink and not feel bad about the calories. And trust me the workout will make you earn that beer. I am in semi decent shape (ok that’s a lie) and that session had me dripping sweat like an old man in a sauna. If you’re looking for a good workout with yoga, it’s something to check out. Overall, it’s an interesting concept and drinking a big German beer, or any beer for that matter, is always something I am up for.

Forget the Election, Worry About the Nomination

On By Chris ElliottIn PoliticsLeave a comment

The last year has been a political reality TV show episode on par with the Khardashians. While who is elected as our next United States President is important, the death of Antonin Scalia created an even more important issue. Scalia was a strong conservative voice on the Supreme Court. His passing leaves an opening for Obama to literally change the political landscape for a generation. His impact on the country will be shaped more by this decision than anything he has previously done.

Anyone that knows me would say I am far from an Obama supporter. In fact, I think he has been a poor excuse for a President. However, it is his responsibility to nominate a candidate for the opening. While it would have been nice for a republican president (if one was to win) to make that nomination, it is Obama’s decision. The republicans can try to oppose his nominations but I am hopeful, and probably naive of me to think this, that we can have some sort of compromise because we do not need another government inefficiency to slow down progress.

But when have politicians ever been able to compromise?

Go for the Beer, Stay for the Tots

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, Brewery, RestaurantsLeave a comment

When people think Cleveland Beer, they think Great Lake Brewery. For good reason of course, it is the top beer in Cleveland. We have all seen someone go ape shit over the Christmas Ale release each year. However, trust me the tater tots at the Great Lakes Pup Restaurant are the not so hidden gem of the place. If you have never been, I recommend going and making sure you get a side of their giant tots. Garlic Parmesan is my favorite flavor but they change from day to day and you won’t be disappointed with any of the flavors.  Great Lakes Brewing company is a place you go for the beer but definitely stay for the tots.
Come on, who doesn’t like tots?

Old Number 5

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol1 Comment

About a year ago, I took a trip down to Nashville. It was my first Nashville trip and like any Red Blooded American Male I wanted to try some Tennessee Whiskey. Walking through Nashville my wish was randomly granted. We came across Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery by accident. This little distillery started by two brothers to revive their historic family distillery and their Old Number 5 Whiskey was a great little spot. We took a tour and then ended with a whiskey tasting that included three delicious whiskeys. It was great accident that we came across it and even better that we were the only ones on the tour as it gave us a exclusive feel to the place. The family history of the place is fantastic as their family had lost the whiskey story till the two brothers came across the old records and brought back a distillery that predates even the famous Jack Daniels, hence the Old Number 5 moniker. People are always trying to travel outside of the country to experience amazing things and tell a great story but I think weekend trips to America’s great cities have some of the most unique sites and great stories around. If you’re ever in Nashville, check out Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. www.greenbrierdistillery.com

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Why I Don’t Like Cam Newton

On By Chris ElliottIn FootballLeave a comment

Well first off he has the same taste in shoes as my late grandmother. But really why do I dislike him so much? Something about the man bugs me. Cam Newton is a very talented person but I dislike him as much as I dislike his biggest fan Steph Curry. They both give off this arrogance that reminds me of that little punk kid on the playground who you wanted to hit because everyone loved him but you found him to be a prick. Yes, I know Cam Newton is a good person. He gives balls to kids after he scores. He is charitable. He doesn’t get into trouble. He is too perfect. Just like that guy in college that was always volunteering but you knew he was a pompous asshole, that is Cam Newton. Call me a hater or say I’m jealous but come Super Bowl Sunday I’ll be rooting for a legend and his name won’t be Newton. Go Broncos!