I got word from Ron Pattison of the extremely excellent European Beer Guide that he has started a blog. In his initial post he considers his lot in life, the prospect of blogging and especially his relation to the masses of beery information he has amassed and fell in love with through the years:

The internet. That's where sad loners, their heads full of words no-one wants to hear, feel at home. Hi! Great to be here. I'm sure we're going to get on really well.

Barclay Perkins. Barclay Perkins. How liberating it feels to say those two forbidden words out loud. It isn't allowed here. How many times have I heard Andrew or Alexei say: "Shut up about your stupid Barclay Perkins." It's weird. My kids have no interest in the changes in Mild grists between 1880 and 1890. What's wrong with them? Have I taught them nothing?