Drinking Jet Pilots
Thank you Jeff Berry, Thank you Shipwrecked.
In my haste to post a couple of cocktails on the birthday of one Donn Beach, I neglected to add in some photos that are arguably more important. At the most recent Shipwrecked event at The Warehouse in Marina del Rey, California, the Shipwrecked crew brought out Jeff “Beachbum” Berry. Without the Bum, none of this tiki cocktail revival happens. Full stop. Jeff led us in a toast to Donn on his birthday, February 22. It’s always an honor to be in the same room as Mr. Berry (you can see my endless adoration over on 5 Minutes of Rum).
Okole Maluna!
Oh, and this is a swell group of people, every single one of which is incredibly creative and talented (not including myself).
Happy Birthday, Donn Beach
Without Don the Beachcomber, things are a lot different.
The Era Is Over
The writing has been on the wall for the Los Angeles Kings for a few years now. They haven’t done much in the postseason since the 2nd Stanley Cup in 2014. Heck they aren’t even making the postseason most years. And I’m on record as being annoyed that they perpetually pan to the 2 Stanley Cup banners during the National Anthem. I know 2014 was an eternity ago, especially when it comes to SPORTS.
And still, with the 3 transactions in the last 3 weeks…with the departures of Clifford, Toffoli, and Martinez via trades…it now really feels like that winning era is well and truly over. I’m used to the Kings not being good. I’m used to them trading for players that used to be good in a futile attempt to get 7% better (or bring in Friends of Gretzky). I’m used to them losing players to free agency…or not getting them via free agency to begin with. But watching fan-favorite players go in trades for futures...players who were instrumental in those magical Cup runs…that’s…new. Different. Sad. Final.
So I wish nothing but success to Kyle Clifford, Tyler Toffoli, and Alec Martinez. Enjoy playing in meaningful games in April. And none of you will have to buy a beer in Los Angeles ever again.
LEGO Chronicles 2: Y-Wing Starfighter
Why do the LEGO Chronicles start with #2? Because technically, Steamboat Willie was Chronicles 1. I just didn’t know it at the time. Then, with the Star Wars Y-Wing set in September, 2019, the floodgates had opened (as will soon be evident).
When I picked this set up, I was actually looking at the Disneyland Railroad set that had just been released, But I balked at the $350 price tag on that set. Somehow, this sub-$200 set was more palatable. Plus it had some really nice detail and presentation (including a stand). The set is just a shade under 2000 pieces. For fans of the original Star Wars trilogy, there’s a lot to like in this set. More details? Maybe in future posts on future sets. On to photos!
