Category Archives: Uncategorized

Top 5 Things Found in Every College Frat House

These are not in any particular order, but when it comes to college fraternities, you will usually find these things in the “house,” and may I remind you, never call your fraternity, a “frat,” you wouldn’t call your country… oh, well, never mind!

1. There will be a huge hole in one of the walls, with a unique, silly, and maybe even shocking story behind “how it happened” if anyone remembers the details, that is to say, if anyone was coherent enough to be aware of what happened on the night in question. I say “night” because it probably did not happen on a Wednesday morning during exam week.

arcade-game

Photo Credit: Brian Siewiorek

2. There will be either (A) an old pinball machine, or (B) an old video arcade game, from the 1970s, such as Space Invaders or Ms. Pac Man, or (C) a Foosball table. There may even be a combination of more than one of these.

3. There will be an old beer keg, empty of course, many old empty wine bottles, now used as candle holders, and some various hip flasks. Some will be in good working order, and some will be broken, due to some crazy stunt, but they are kept for posterity, and as a souvenir of another crazy night.

4. There will be a huge, enormous, big screen television with all sorts of cable channels, and possibly a satellite hook-up where the brothers, and their friends, can watch all sorts of important things, such as reality television shows, a few sporting events, late night infomercials, and replays of movies like Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Animal House, Tommy Boy, and Monty Python episodes.

5. You will also see an old sofa or couch, that is really in need of a trip to the local dump, but because it is so old, so huge, and so heavy, no one wants to be bothered with carrying it out of the house, let alone transporting it to said dump. Besides, it acts as a bed for one or two party guests who pass out, and need to sleep it off in the house.

If we’ve left anything out, please let us know in the comments below! And try to keep it somewhat clean… you know, for the kids…

Liquids on Planes: Are Flasks Allowed on Airplanes?

Rules for bringing liquids on planes

Photo Credit: Paul Johnson

The issue of liquids on planes has become somewhat of a sticky subject in the travel industry over the past decade. No longer can travelers bring water bottles through security, allowing vendors closer to the departure gate to drive up the prices of their goods. Nursing mothers must study a strict set of rules in order to prevent their baby’s food from being tossed in the trash bin while they get checked by TSA. We understand the intention and caution needed when dealing with aerial security, and we’re certainly not implicating that such actions are wrong. We’re simply bringing to light an issue that many travelling people think about when planning their trips.

So what exactly is the deal with liquids on planes?? Can we bring in our carry on or not?? Let’s take a closer look at the details.

No liquids are allowed in bottles larger than 3.5 oz. They will probably take the flask away from you at the Security Checkpoint, or else make you pour out the contents. It is not really worth the risk. If you do get it aboard the plane, and a flight attendant sees you drinking from it, this might cause some problems, and you do not need those.

Airlines generally have rules that only flight attendants are allowed to serve alcohol. This is probably to ensure that passengers don’t get plastered and unruly, and most likely because they want to “sell” drinks to you, while you’re on the plane.

For several years now, travelers have been strictly limited as to the liquids they can bring on an airplane with them, but there are exceptions for formula, baby food, and certain medications.

The TSA even went through the trouble of addressing the public’s concern with a short clip explaining the “Why” behind liquid restrictions.

Liquids in a plastic bag for plane travel

Photo Credit: Jack Kennard

In a nutshell the rules state that; no liquids (gels, creams, or even jams, honey, or salsa) can be brought through the security gate. If you’re carrying a water bottle, you’ll most likely have to throw away the water. You can take toiletry items, but only in 3-oz. sizes, all packed in one clear quart-sized zip-lock type bag.

When flying, it is not worth taking the chance, of creating problems with nosey people, neurotic flight attendants, or representatives of TSA, Homeland Security, or any other authority figure.

If you are going somewhere, and once there, you want to be able to carry a flask, then pack it (empty) in your suitcase. Fill it once you arrive in your destination city. When in doubt, check with the laws where you are, or where you’re going. This blog posting is for entertainment purposes.

In-Law Visits – A Survival Guide!

This is a funny, sometimes sad, yet ongoing problem for some folks, and it is sometimes the spouse of the person who has the folks coming to town, who has to sneak away and take a nip from their flask, in order to deal with the in-laws and their wrath, complaining, annoying habits, controlling deeds, and other “pains in the butt.”

Mother In-Law Sign

Photo Credit: Adán Sánchez de Pedro

Then there are times when the in-laws themselves, are victimized by the spouse of their son or daughter, who is perhaps, obsessed with church, or some other organized religion, or perhaps a healthy lifestyle that does not permit a combination of sugar, fat, carbs, bread, caffeine, chocolate, salt, bacon, and other foods that make life worth living, into the kitchen or the home! They would certainly have to smuggle in a flask of their favorite drink, because there won’t be any in that house!

Yes, you can try to pretend you’re still asleep on Sunday morning, but they will pound on the bedroom door, if they are emphatic about having you come with them to church, and likewise, if you have some chocolate candies hidden in the night stand, and the aroma of the chocolate catches the attention of the astute olfactory senses of the health-nut, they will still be pounding on the door!

Mother In-Law Curry Powder

Photo Credit: kevjblack (Flickr)

So, whichever side of the menu or religious beliefs you are, someone might need to take a nip from a flask, at regular intervals, in order to cope, and a hip flask is the perfect antidote for keeping peace in the house during the visit!

When your wife has her parents coming to visit for a week, during the same week you are off from work, and it is not even a holiday week, that is simply unfair, so in order to keep yourself amused, you take a hip flask, and fill it with your favorite libation, and then as often as you feel the need, you can have a swig and continue to smile and let things go as they will.

If you ever have a little too much to drink, and the mother-in-law or father-in-law asks “What’s with you?” then you can reply, “Oh, it’s just some medicine that made me a bit sleepy.” After all, most spirits can be considered a “medicine” of sorts, so you won’t be lying! Stay tuned for more advice in the future, on how to cope with the in-laws!

Survive A Zombie Apocalypse with These Four Drinks

Zombie Apocalypse

Photo Credit: e_monk (Flickr)

When you are confronted with Zombies, you better get your guard up quick!

Whether you’re fighting off a real invasion of zombies from your front lawn, playing the Konami published video game Zombie Apocalypse, watching the film 2012: Zombie Apocalypse by Syfy or The Asylum (starring Ving Rhames, of course), or whether you’re enjoying the music of a crossover thrash/metalcore band of the same name, you need some hard liquid refreshments to help you cope, win, succeed, evade, destroy, or otherwise tolerate the Zombies and their wrath.

It is your responsibility to make sure you have what it takes for zombie apocalypse survival!

Here are some great drinks you should add to your zombie survival gear list to help you in your efforts:

The Zombie

The Zombie is a cocktail made of fruit juices, liqueurs, and various rums, so named for its perceived effects upon the drinker, and was developed by Hollywood’s Don the Beachcomber restaurant in the 1930s, and was popularized at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.

Death in the Afternoon

Then there is Death in the Afternoon… This potent combination of champagne and absinthe was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway. “Papa” would drink 3 to 5 of these, but always slowly, for there can be truth in the name of this cocktail, you would not want to end up a zombie in the middle of the afternoon, or maybe you would!

El Diablo

You could combine tequila, Creme de Cassis and lime juice in a shaker, and then fill it with ice, shake vigorously, and then strain it into a short tumbler filled with ice, and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge… that is what they call El Diablo.

Flaming Zombie

A Flaming Zombie, can be made with these ingredients;

  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • 1 oz orange juice
  • 1/2 oz apple brandy
  • 2 oz light rum
  • 2 oz dark rum
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 1/2 oz grenadine
  • 1 oz 151 Rum

Chill the mixing glasses with ice. Remove the ice and add the juices, brandy, and the light and dark rums. Prepare Hurricane glass by pouring grenadine around inside of rim and letting it bleed down along the glass. Carefully pour the contents of the mixer into glass. Float the 151 rum and grenadine. Light with wooden match. Be careful not to burn your beard, eyebrows, Mickey Mouse ears, or your tiara (all things that are scientifically proven to evade zombies)!

How To Order A Round Of Drinks Like A Champ!

Let’s say you’re out at a bar and want to treat your comrades to a round of drinks – how do you do it? Well, you could try Morse code, or you can slip a note to the bartender, but they may think you’re nuts and call the funny farm.

Actually, there are an unlimited number of ways to announce your intentions of buying a round of drinks; a megaphone, though some people at the bar won’t like the loud volume of your voice. Then there is the sky-writing airplane you can hire, but it seems a bit expensive and extravagant.

You could call the local radio station, and have the D.J. mention it “on air,” but as Murphy’s Law would have it, someone might change the radio station before the announcement is made.

Okay, here are some great ways to Order A Round Of Drinks Like A Champ:

Old Bartender Meme

“Just look natural, dude. Order that drink like a champ, will you please?”
Photo Credit: Boston Public Library

Hand the bartender a fifty or hundred dollar bill, and politely say, “Please give each of my friends a (fill-in the blank) and take it out of here.” Or… Hand them the same fifty or hundred (a hundred dollar bill works better, for effect) and say, “Please give each of my friends whatever they want, and take it out of here.”

Always be sure to say “please,” which is the magic word, and we were taught this as children. Waiters, waitresses, and bartenders do not hear “please” often enough! When they do hear it, they appreciate it! Especially when people order drinks at a bar.

You can also use the above techniques, when dealing with a cocktail waitress. By handing the money to the waitress or the bartender, it ensures that they will be ringing up the bar drinks with your money. If you simply order the round, and then when it is presented, another friend might pull out his or her credit card, or the cash, and attempt to pay the tab. If you have given the money in advance, the server will be sure to use your payment method. You can also hand a credit or debit card, instead of the cash, but the cash is the cooler way to do it!

If you are showy and pretentious, you can shout out, “Give all of my friends whatever they want to drink, on me, please!” But just make sure you have the funds to put your money where your mouth is! Stay tuned for more tips about drinking, flasks, ordering drinks, mixing drinks, drink lore, stories about drinking, drink humor, and other things drink related.

Five Hipster Trends That Dominate My Peripheral Vision

They’re cool, they’re hip, they know what’s going on! They know the score, have the numbers, are aware of the latests apps, and they are seen in hip places, such as fancy-schmancy coffee shops and cafes. (As long as there’s Wi-Fi there!) These folks are legends in their own minds, and everyone looks up to, well, looks at, well, never mind…

Here are five things commonly owned by the roaming hipsters among us! How do Whether male or female (let’s be politically correct here) the hipsters are so hip, they have to have these items. Although numbers 4 & 5 are also owned by many “other” people as well!

1. Hipster Glasses

It’s all about the “look.” Even if they do not need glasses, some people actually buy expensive, designer-framed glasses with lens that are not prescription. (Go figure?) Of course, when one needs sunglasses, one needs the coolest, hippest glasses that can be found!

Hipster Glasses

Photo Credit: Danisabella

2. Suspenders

Suspenders are usually a requirement for the hipsters, and they may not necessarily be needed to hold up the pants, but they are worn anyway, and they come in a variety of colors, designs, and with fancy emblems denoting expensive name brands.

Suspenders

Photo Credit: Eric Schmuttenmaer

3. Starbucks Card

A Starbucks Card can always be found in the wallet of a hipster. After all, the watering hole that is most hip is the one that disguises their bitter, low-quality coffee with sugary, syrupy flavorings, which are a food staple of the hipsters! They usually pretend to frequent the independently owned, small-time coffee houses, but we all know where they really get their fix ;).

Starbucks Card

Photo Credit: Sarah Gilbert

4. iPhone

Not every Hipster owns an iPhone, but every iPhone surely owns a hipsters.

iPhones

Photo Credit: Gordon Mei

5. Hip Flask!

Preferably a 100% stainless steel, leak-proof, decent sized hip flask with perhaps a mustache design, and it’s probably filled with a fruit flavored designer vodka. After all, you cannot make an Apple Martini with ordinary Gin, as you do in the traditional martini. Someone who drinks apply martinis, as hip as they are, don’t really like the taste of alcohol.

Personalized Mustache Flask

Personalized Mustache Flask – suitable for Hipsters ages 6+

At the end of the day, I’m not one to say what’s stylish and what’s not. Hipsters make their own way in the world, that’s for sure. And maybe they’re on to something with those glasses and suspenders. But as long as they carry a hip flask with them, they’re okay by me. After all, it’s the hip flask that puts the “Hip” back in “Hipster.” 🙂

Does The Open Container Law Pertain To Flasks?

Open Container Law Sign

Photo Credit: Andrzej Szymański

For the benefit of those of you who walked in, after the movie started, there is a law in most states commonly referred to as “the open container law,” and it pertains to open bottles, cans, and other containers, which have alcoholic beverages inside. A bottle of beer, wine, or other spirits, which has had the “seal broken,” or which has been previously “opened” is considered an “open container.” So, if you have filled a flask with anything that is alcohol in nature, it would be considered an “open container.”

If you are going somewhere, and you want to bring your booze with you, it is a great idea to keep the flask in the trunk of the vehicle, because when it comes to driving, the “open container law” does not usually apply to what is in the trunk. There have been people pulled over for something like speeding or running a stop sign, and they were on their way to a recycling center with a back seat filled with soda and beer cans, and they could have technically been charged with violating the law. So, even a bunch of empty beer cans or bottles, should be transported in the trunk.

Laws vary from state to state, and it is best to check with the laws in your state, or county, to be sure you do not bring a flask to a public place or an event where alcohol is not permitted, or where “open containers” are forbidden. But your flask is certainly an open container, even when the cap is securely on and fastened. Always use good judgement when drinking, and when carrying your favorite beverages with you.

Empty Beet Bottle in Car

Photo Credit: Jypsy Gen

During prohibition in the early part of the twentieth century, flasks were commonly used to discreetly hide and carry alcohol, as well as drinking it discreetly. These days, they are simply a convenient way for someone to bring their favorite spirits with them. As an example; dad is going to a wedding where he knows they will have beer and wine only, or a limited selection of “bar brands” or “well brands,” but he prefers his 15 year old, single malt Scotch, so he brings some in a flask!

Popular Groomsmen Gifts That Really Say Thank You

These days, there are many weddings happening everywhere. Most weddings give way to a stellar party, which includes a best man and other groomsmen, as well as a maid (or matron) of honor, and other bridesmaids. The bride and groom usually give special gifts to the groomsmen and bridesmaids, and there is a wide variety of items that can be given to them. And, let’s face it, they deserve something nice! So here are our top 3 suggestions as to what you can buy for your groomsmen to thank them for all they have done.

1. Personalized Hip Flask

One of the most traditional gifts to be given to the groomsmen, is a hip flask, which might be something that is engraved, personalized, or made special in some way. With today’s technology, there are ways to superimpose photos on a hip flask, as well as personalizing it with the name of the bride and groom, and even the date, and then you can still put the individual’s name on the flask as well. A top quality flask dealer will probably do all of this for YOU for FREE!

Top Quality Flasks will usually be tested and leak-proof, and they will usually be made of stainless steel. You might even opt for hip flasks that come along with a pair of stylish shot glasses, and a handy funnel, and all in a handsome gift box!

2. Multipurpose Pocket Knife

Other soon-to-be-married couples choose to give their groomsmen a stylish little pocket knife, and perhaps something with many functions, such as a Swiss Army knife! This is also a nice memento and it can be carried by the gentleman to remind him of his friendship, and it can come in handy in a variety of situations.

3. Compact Digital Camera

Small, compact digital cameras are another fairly inexpensive, yet fun item to give as a gift, and some couples have been known to use these. In fact, they might inspire the groomsmen to snap as many photos as they can at the wedding and the reception. Naturally, a professional photographer will be there to get the “official wedding photos,” but the groomsmen can take all sorts of candid shots, which could be loads of fun to look at in the future.

Overall, the most traditional, and most popular gift to give your groomsmen is a top quality hip flask. These days, there are so many sizes, shapes, styles and options to choose from! We just happen to know a swell source for this kind of gift 😉

But in all seriousness, being a groomsman is tough work! Whatever you end up getting your best guys, make sure it conveys your appreciation for all they have done. After all, it takes a really special friend to be able to clean up after you when you’ve had too much to drink and then be willing to sweat it out in the heat of the day, wearing a spiffed out tuxedo at your wedding ceremony.

5 Best Hangover Cures – Drink, Eat, Move… Baking Soda??

We’ve all been there. Whether innocently attending a social gathering or raging hard at a college party, sometimes we indulge a bit more than we really should in the liquor department. This, of course, leads to the excruciating experience known as a “hangover.”

Hangover

English author and comedy writer Pete McCarthy.
Photo Credit: Steve McNicholas (Flickr)

The only way to avoid a pounding headache and queasiness the morning after exaggerated alcohol consumption, is to drink in moderation, or to stay away from alcoholic beverages entirely… but we know that’s not going to happen. So, for those who overindulged, or even “lost control,” here are five great remedies for that killer hangover!

1. Drink (Water)

Conventional wisdom teaches that the dehydration caused by heavy drinking is what makes you feel so bad the next day. Replacing the fluids you have lost will likely help you feel a little less miserable. Water, juice, and sports drinks are ideal for rehydrating your body the next morning, and might help you feel better more quickly. Many people swear by coffee, but the caffeine actually narrows your blood vessels and boosts your blood pressure, which could make you feel worse. Really, the best hangover cure is replenishing bodily fluids, electrolytes, and getting plenty of rest.

2. Eat

If you can hold down any food, eating constitutes a great hangover remedy. Getting something in your stomach is always a good idea, perhaps fresh fruit, toast, or cereal. Some people think a greasy breakfast, such as sausage or bacon with eggs is good, but this could upset your stomach even more. It might be better to try something gentle on the stomach, and see how it affects you, then you will know for the next time. We personally endorse the consumption of bananas. Just try it and you’ll see why.

3. Baking Soda

Baking Soda mixed with water, perhaps a half teaspoon in 4 to 6 ounces of water, can help settle your stomach, as can the popular remedy Alka-Seltzer* which has been around for 82 years now, and has always been a favorite of many alcohol over-indulgers. The active ingredient is sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) which helps to neutralize stomach acid, but it also contains other ingredients, notably aspirin and citric acid. These two can upset your stomach if you are sensitive to them. 

4. Move

Exercise or taking a walk might help you feel better. It will get your heart beating and your blood pumping, and after a while you might start to recuperate from the effects of the alcohol. Be sure to drink some water, because you are usually dehydrated when you’re hungover, and exercise also dehydrates people.

5. Avoid Commercial “Quick” Hangover Remedies

Hangover Pills may be popular, and the makers of them, always “claim” that they work, but there is very little scientific evidence that they even work at all, and they may just be a waste of your time and money. You are probably better off to try the first four remedies we mentioned.

If you’re truly determined to drink until the point of inebriation and want to try and avoid a doomed “morning after” scenario, then the *BEST* thing you can do to lighten your hangover is to drink a cup of water for each drink consumed during the night. And, remember, if you ever catch your buddy sprawled on the couch, face down in a bucket, don’t forget to take plenty of pictures. They make for great collateral later on in life :).

*Alka-Seltzer and Alka-Seltzer Plus are registered trademarks of Bayer Corporation.

Gallup Polls 2012 are in! Do Americans Drink too Much??

Ladies and Gentlemen, the stats are in! According to Gallup Polls 2012 regarding annual alcohol consumption statistics, conducted July 9-12 in 2012, 66% of Americans said that they “have occasion to drink alcoholic beverages such as liquor, wine, or beer,” a third of these say they had no drinks in the seven days just prior to taking that survey. This means roughly four in 10 Americans (44%) appear to be regular drinkers, consuming at least one alcoholic beverage in the past week before taking the survey.

Beer continues to be Americans’ preferred drink, although wine remains a close second, with liquor favored by 22%. That’s more than one out of five who drink something that can be put into a hip flask. Naturally beer and wine do not go into hip flasks, but most people who drink, will sometimes switch from beer to liquor or from wine to something like cognac or brandy.

Only 12% of the drinkers reported consuming eight or more drinks in the past week leading up to the survey date. That means they each averaged more than one drink per day. Gallup found that 22% of the drinkers said they sometimes “drink too much.”

That number was up from 17% the previous year, but was similar to the percentages in most other years over the past decade of the annual study.

Drinking habits, naturally, vary considerably by age, gender, and race. While approximately equal proportions of men and women say they ever have occasion to drink, men do tend to drink more. Specifically, men who drink report consuming 6.2 drinks, on average, in the past week before the survey, compared with the 2.2 drinks consumed by the women drinkers.

Younger adults seem to drink more alcohol than older adults do, and men from ages 18 to 49 are the heaviest drinkers of any age/gender group. The largest differences are seen in the self-reported “over-drinking,” with 36% of younger men admitting they sometimes drink too much, compared with only 18% of older men, 20% of younger women, and only 8% of older women.

Was that enough numbers for you?? Now they just need to make a flask that has a built in calculator and we’ll be set!

On that note, stay tuned for more goodies tomorrow on the Flask.com blog! And, remember: if and when you do drink, please drink responsibly!