Here is a letter I just wrote to a Beer company. No really…If I get s’more time, I’ll post more. Got a lot to talk about, it was a busy weekend.

Dear Two Brothers,

Hello there. I just wanted to take a minute to tell you how much I enjoy the particular beer noted above (Cane & Ebel’s).

Here’s the story: A couple of years ago, my girlfriend (now my wife) and I lived in Milwaukee. While checking out the beer selection of a local liquor store we came across a six pack of the Ebel’s Weiss. This caught our attention because the brew was made in none other than Warrenville, Mary’s hometown (where her parents still reside). So, because of hometown pride, we gave it a shot. Needless to say, it was delicious!

Fast forward to earlier this year. Mary was working at Trader Joe’s in Lincoln park with S. We were told that here husband, W, was helping create a special brew with Two Brothers. Ironic. We finally made it to the Hopleaf one night to try it out. Needless to say, it was probably one of the best beers I have tasted! Unfortunately, although I have very much wanted to, I have yet to go back to the Hopleaf for another round. Luckily, however, Mary and I were in the Binny’s in Lakeview yesterday, looking for a seasonal Pumpkin beer. On a side note, all of the Pumpkin Beers we’ve tried recently have been very bland, without the spicy kick and strong pumpkin taste so fervently sought after. It’s really kind of disappointing, because we had a really good one once, but forgot who made it. So, if you decide to lend your hand to this style, we will most certainly drink it proudly. Any way, while at Binny’s, I saw the Cane & Ebel’s in the 22oz bottle and snatched it up without a thought. It is now waiting in the fridge for my thirsty return home tonite!

Thanks so much for taking care and creating a wonderfully tasty beer!

Thanks,

Chris Chaney

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Now that we have gotten settled in the new home, the press is back in operation. Boxes have been unpacked, supplies put away, and all cylinders are firing.

Just recently we have come to set up shop at the amazing craft site known as Etsy. The beauty of this is that the books have been exposed to a brand new audience. Unfortunately this is a double edged sword–with many successful sales leading to extremely low stock levels. Therefore, Mary and I are focusing on finishing some very! exciting new projects. Not only that, but we will be reprinting some of the older books in preparation for the Madison Zine Fest, which is about a month away.

**Upcoming Releases**

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It seems that the late summer is getting away from us, Mary and I. Weekends have been blurring into one and another with parties, birthdays, and obligations. Not to mention work–with the busy text season and all. Guess we need to start thinking about the Holidays too. It’s never too early, right? Soon the streets will be covered with grey slush and we will be grumbling about how we can’t wait for the Spring. Maybe we should make time for enjoying what is around us now, before the city turns us into hermetic shut-ins once more. By the way, we made a trip to an Apple Orchard this past weekend. We’ve eaten so many apples in the last two days. But they taste so good! There is something about seeing and believing they ACTUALLY grow on trees and not in the back room of a grocery store.

Down to the nitty gritty I suppose. First, to turn this into a Punk Rock Wednesday. Some time last week I had the pleasure of speaking to a one Mr. George Tabb. He had called my work to get information for a review of the new CRP book: The Heebie Jeebies at CBGB’s. Look, I’ve answered the phone to have none other than: Chevy Chase, Richard Roper, and Martin Mull(!) at the end of the line and never have I done what I’m about to tell you. Here is an excerpt of a reenactment of how the conversation went:

Ring! Ring!

Me: IPG/Chicago Review Press

Caller: Hi, can I speak to XXX.

Me: Sure, can I tell them who’s calling?

Caller: Yeah. It’s George Tabb from so and so magazine.

Me: …THE George Tabb? From Furious George?

George: Yeah, wow…

Me: (Something about reading his column in MRR) I read your book too, the one with the green cover. It was really good.

Then we get back to business. I wasn’t going to say that I loved his band, cause I don’t. Actually had a hard time listening to it. BUT I do love his writing and found it much more accessable the Rev. Norb’s (even though I immensly enjoy Boris the Sprinkler). He was a super nice guy.
So, on the book tip, here is what is currently on my wish list (hint, hint).

Fight is a short run independent publication put out by the good people at Bully Records. Check out the 7″ they put out by Maker (1/3 of Glue).

This is a Limited Edition book w/ 7″. I’m not so sure who put it out, but with Aesop Rock and Jeremy Fish, can you really go wrong? Buy the way, JF did the album artwork for Less Than Jake’s B is for B Sides (their last decent album). You can get it at Quimby’s in Chicago or Umbrella if you are not lucky enough to live in Chi-tilla (thanks, Tito).

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