Ft. Collins the town has a lot of good microbreweries. New Belgium is probably the most famous but Odell brewing company makes a good IPA and a great wheat beer, Easy Street wheat. I doubt Odell's circulates that far east. I really like wheat beer and it's tough to find a quality one that circulates in Spokane.

Ever had Boulevard wheat beer? Can't get it in Washington, but it's a good one.

PL: I'm actually not much of a white wheat beer nut. I like the IPAs, Brown Ales, Stouts and blonde/golden Belgians, but not the whites.

I can get Odell's, I think, and I will. Thanks for the recommendation.

I do respect your right to vote however way you choose, but when you claim Obama is a person who "doesn't know jack" about the economy, perhaps you should consider why Warren Buffett (who as of today is the world's richest man) would choose to endorse him over McCain. Your site is one of my top five on the internet but it's just not prudent for friends to discuss politics. . .

PL: I meant both of them. I don't have confidence in Obama or McCain's grasp of economics. However, I do agree with you that Obama probably has superior ability in that area. McCain hasn't been impressing me on that front.

It's prudent for friends to disagree. That's how people gain a better understanding of issues. When people join into ideologies and buy whole hog into "movements," that's when we get stupid. If you disagree with me, hit me between the eyes with the reasons I'm wrong. You'll probably teach me something.

You two raise some good questions and do a fine job of giving real answers. There is a focus on being happy and it is done without sounding like some cheesy hallmark card.

I think what I like most about this discussion is that here are two like minded intelligent people that give me hope. I see so many people everyday who are really unhappy and it seems like they don't even address it. The biggest message I get is not to give in to the 'system'. That and stay the hell out of the law profession.

PL: Thanks. Hard to do this without sounding corny. If you;re happy doing it, you can give in to the system. Hell, you can clean clogged sewage pipes for a living and if it works for you, it's a good move. Just so long as you enjoy doing it.

I absolutely agree that buying into movements and ideologies is the epitome of stupidity. People are sheep, which can be evidenced by how much we love to wait in lines where ever and whenever possible. . .I totally identify with the theme of this discussion: I am a potsmoking, skateboarding, jazz guitar player masquerading as an Accounts Payable Supervisor for a major sports team (hint, we like to spend the most money). I try to placate my anxiety in regard to my seemingly everlasting employment as temporary, until I graduate school, but it's much more difficult when a company views their employees as "lucky to be here". . . Shit, they match only 25 cents on the dollar for our 401k! I put up with it because, I hope, it will look great on my resume if I'm forced to resign myself to a life of nine to five drudgery, plus I can leave whenever I want to handle school stuff. I only get ten paid days off a year and I always end up taking at least 5 more unpaid and catch shit for my "lack of work ethic", but because I figure fuck it, I don't see myself wishing I'd spent more days working when I'm old and decrepit. . . .Your ability to put into words what we think is unparalleled and I can't wait to read the book.

PL: Thanks. "Movements" have utterly ruined this country. The "Pendulum Effect" created in our policies by ideologues has destroyed our ability to cooperate. The answer to every wrong act is an extreme policy or act diametrically opposed to it. Instead of getting together and saying, "Hmmm. Perhaps we should meet in the middle," the "advocates" and their apostles grab the debate and expand the degree of separation between moderates who might otherwise come to agreement.

I can only hope Obama is smart enough to resist the impulse to placate ideologues in his party. He's already proved himself post-racial. Now we'll see if he can prove himself post-two-party-system. I keep my fingers crossed.

very underrated movie. Watching it with 4 friends in the theater with absolutely no expectations at all was one of the funnest things I did that summer. Guess that's still kinda lame.

PL: One of my favorites of all time:

Unforgiven
Rushmore
Zissou
Shakes the Clown
The Lives of Others
Jaws
Apocalypse Now
Lebowski
No Country for Old Men
2001
Clockwork Orange
Animal House
Stripes
Caddyshack
Goodfellas
Casino

Many more, but I'm traveling, so...

"The Lives Of Others?" Really?

Aside from your biting social commentary and your obvious insight into human interaction, you're quickly becoming one of my favorite reads. I still haven't picked up the book as of yet, but I will. Keep doing your thing. There are definitely people out there that need you to do so.

PL: It's just such a well done movie... Depressing, but it really holds you to the screen.