I'll bring up beer

The Heineken mini-keg is pretty awesome. I had one before, but forgot how sweet it is.... the beer tastes better than the bottle. I recommend

Need to get off my arse

Jetta: Needs new headlamp and tail light, door lock module is broken (remote won't work and light doesn't come on when passenger door is opened), parking brake is weak... cable needs adjusted or replacement

Cabby: Needs headlight switch repaired, new battery, cleaned out, very soon needs timing belt change

Van: New window lift motor

Jeep: New steering gear box.

Truck: I suspsect I have sticking injectors, as my symptoms match the letter in the mail I got from Ford. The dealer attempted to extract money from me by suggesting I change the spark plugs, 2 ignition coils, and give it an induction service... all for the low price of $1200. Now I need to take it to another dealer that will hopefully recognize the issue for what it is without trying to extract money from me...

This hurts.... I need to pull it together and get on it.

"Taste It", don't drink it

You don't drink scotch.. don't do it in a shot.. it is a waste.
"Nose" the scotch.. as this is more important than the taste.
Nosing involves taking in a quick sniff after lightly swirling it in your glass.

When you "Taste" it, take in just enough to coat your tongue.. Roll it around in your mouth and aerate it. It is good to coat the tongue before you swallow it, as the flavor can be complex and you won't fully taste it without covering all of the zones of your taste buds.

Drinking Scotch

OK, so here's the deal. There are people who butcher scotch and mix good scotch with mixers like coke, or tonic. Others drink it on the rocks, etc. Now, if you are drinking blended scotch on the rocks is OK.

Yet there are others who get all upset if you drink single malt any other way but "neat", which is another word for straight. (Thelonius Monk - Straight, No Chaser is a great tune, btw)

Here is my take on it:

Only drink single malt on the rocks if it is recommended on the label or packaging. And only if you're inclined to. I don't do it anymore at all. The issue is that the ice numbs the senses. Also, the aroma of the scotch is just as important as the flavor. The ice takes away from this. Supposedly, chlorine in the tapwater kills the flavor and the aroma.

I typically mix bottled water with my scotch, for a 1.5 oz, i will mix in a capful just to dilute it. The brings forth the aroma, and also takes away some of the "attack". I will sometimes mix more, depending on the scotch. It is always good to experiment. Some scotch tastes better neat. Lagavulin, a very strong and serious scotch is not so good with water. Laphroaig is good either way, I prefer with a dash. Balvenie is good with a fair amount of water.

Of course, if you like it better on the rocks, so be it....but I recommend acquiring the taste and appreciating the aroma.. but starting out on the rocks may help you get there.