Another sure sign of fall: World Beer Festival coming up in Durham, on October 7. Just like last year I'm still waffling on whether or not to go. What it comes down to (for me): real cask ale, probably Dogfish Head on tap, beer geeks vs. crowds, bad music, type-A ex frat types looking to get hammered. I should decide early, cos tix are cheaper that way but I'll probablly wait until the 7th and just see how I'm feeeling that night.

In long-distance beer news, NYC's wonderful Blind Tiger Ale House has re-opened. They were doing craft beers back when Sam Adams was still cutting edge and hard-to-find. Altho I didn't go there as often as I'd have liked -- I had less disposable income in the mid-90s and I had friends who were fans of other bars -- it was always a fine time. They got priced/developed out of their old location. (And the Sarcastic Clerk was right). As you'll note from their site, they've only partially re-opened in the new location as their liquor license has been held up. Even though you've probably never been there, you could cast a vote for craft beers, artisanal food, good coffee, and locally-owned businesses by signing the petition.