My First Home Brew Review - Malfunction Junction from CJ Heinz

So a coworker of mine (and USC- Football Alum) gifted me some of his home-crafted brew to sample. His only request was that I provide my honest opinion with regard to my experience drinking the same. He provided me with 6 different selections and this is how he described this one.

It's named Malfunction Junction and references the infamous joining of Interstate 26 and I-20 in Columbia, SC. Infused with Mosaic, Amarillo, Motueka, and Citra hops, it correctly assumes your taste buds will be nearly as confused as the drivers who attempt to merge into traffic at the previously mentioned Malfunction Junction. The following is my review of this "Double Oatmeal-Double Dry-Hopped-Double IPA.

"Oh My Goodness! What a lovely brew. When it first touches the tip of the tongue, it’s misleading. Light, and subtle at first and then BOOM! The multitude of hops rushes back, flowing ever so gently down the backside of my palette leading me to what ultimately is a wonderfully delicious pale ale delightfulness which urges me to take but another swallow. Although you claim it to be a double, it seems much less so. I admit my taste is still developing but I could drink this all night. As I swirl it around in my pie hole, my fondness grows. Although I’m unable to definitively state I taste the different types of hops you bestowed upon this beer, I recognize the variety of flavors without doubt. It’s soft, yet hardy. The citra is present, but not overwhelming. The mosaic exists but only as a forethought in the shape of an invitation… an invitation to have more! I would not be shocked to be offered this brew in a local craft beer establishment. It’s got presence and staying power. A fine job you’ve done, my friend, on this one!"

🔥 - HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset for PC/PS4/XB1 - Gun Metal - $70 Shipped

This is a great deal on an extremely reliable, quality gaming headset!  #GYSOT

Linky:  http://amzn.to/2iZAv5o

Details:

• USB Audio Sound Card with 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound
• 53mm Drivers Neodymium Magnets
• Noise Cancelling Microphone via Inline Sound Card
• Echo Cancelling via Inline Sound Card
• 15-25kKhz Frequency Response
• Memory foam ear pads with extra set of Velour ear pads and Detachable Microphone
• TeamSpeak Certified - Voice Chat Optimized
• Compatibility - USB 7.1 Connectivity for PC & Mac. Stereo compatible with PS4, Xbox One (Xbox One Stereo Adapter Required, not included)

Hello December, Goodbye Hurricane Season

It's been a busy few weeks for me so I apologize for seemingly being absent.  A couple of weeks back I broke a rib and with the Thanksgiving holiday showing up immediately after, I decided to lay low, get some rest, and attempt to speed up the healing process.  Good news is I'm beginning to feel a little relief.  Bad news is it still hurts like hell.  Doc says to keep the ibuprofen input around 2000mg/day so that's what I'm doing.  Enough about me!

I sincerely hope all of my readers had a spectacular Thanksgiving.  Comment and let us know what you did, where you went, and if something unique, what'd ya' eat?  I'm always on the lookout for a new traditional item to add to the buffet on Turkey Day so bring on your thoughts.

Like many of you I'm sure, I can't believe it's December already.  The last couple of months have really flown by.  But, this day always makes me happy as the Floridian in me loves to see an end come to Hurricane Season.  This year was among the worst I believe our Country has ever experienced and I'm sure I'm not the only one who's ecstatic to see the season end.  Thankfully, none of those closest to me fell victim to the horrific storms from this past year.  That said, I hope the same can be said for you guys!  Natural disasters just plain suck!

Once again I apologize for my absence.  I'll be watching the hot deals closely over the next couple of weeks and I'll be sure to share the best of the best of my deal-hunting scores.  So, keep your eye on the blog.  For now, check out XBOX Live's Games with Gold December deals (linky on the right) and pick up a free game or two.

Lastly, if you're bored this weekend, feel free to check out My Mixer Stream as I'll be doing some more gaming in support of Extra Life For Kids!  As always, your support is very much appreciated.  And if you drop into the stream, make sure you say hi in the chat!

Peace and Love all you awesome peeps,
Your Friendly Neighborhood LzzrdBoy

Black Friday Early Access for XBL Gold Subscribers

Once again Microsoft is giving all Gold Subscribers early access to some super-duper-awesome Black Friday sales.  Early Access only lasts until 11/20/2017 so head on over and check out the goods now, before you forget!
Major Nelson's got the low down right here!

From the Major:  "Starting today, Xbox Live Gold members can take advantage of great deals on Xbox digital games. Xbox Live Gold members not only enjoy an exclusive 4-day head start on Black Friday, with savings up to 65% on Xbox digital games, movies, members also receive up to 10% more in savings on top of existing Black Friday game deals. Gold Early Access lasts until November 20, so now’s a great time to find that perfect gift for yourself, friends, or family."

Veteran's Day Freebies and Deals

https://slickdeals.net/share/android_app/fp/334135

🔥 $1.99 Shipped - Watch Dogs for XBOX One

From 1PM until 3PM EST TODAY ONLY, the Microsoft Store has Watch Dogs on sale for $1.99.  Slow boat shipping included for free.  Just add tax.  Jump on it.

Extra-Life 24 Hour Gaming Marathon Supporting CMN Hospitals

This Saturday, November 4, at 12:00PM EDT, I'll be kicking off my 24 hour Twitch.tv stream in support of The Children's Miracle Network (CMN) benefiting Palmetto's Children's Hospital in Columbia, SC.  This year's event is shaping up to be the best one yet!  With participants from all around the world pledging to Game for 24 hours to raise funds and awareness in support of CMN, one might find it hard to stick to just a few streams.  Therefore, I will be continually updating this post with hyperlinks to many of the streams.  Included will be those of my team's members (Team Rezli), as well as others I come across leading up to, and on the day of the marathon.

If you will be streaming in support of Extra-Life's CMN event, please let me know so I can include your channel.

For those of you who stop by My Stream, here's what you can expect.

• My playlist will include:  Halo 3, Halo 5, Battlefield 1, Star Wars Battlefront 1, Fortnite Battle Royale, Forza 6, Trackmania Turbo, Minecraft, Trials Fusion, and a few others.
• REWARD:  Any viewer who donates $5 gets to "Pick 5 Songs" to be played live during the stream.*
• REWARD:  Any viewer who donates $10 gets to "Pick The Game" to be played by myself and my squad mates.*
• REWARD:  Any viewer who donates $25 will receive an invitation to join myself and my squad for 30 minutes of cooperative/competitive game play in a game of their choosing.*
• REWARD:  Any viewer who donates $50 will receive an invitation to join myself and my squad for 1 hour of cooperative/competitive game play in a game of their choosing.*

List of Twitch.tv / Mixer Channels Supporting This Event:

• https://mixer.com/LzzrdBoy
• https://go.twitch.tv/extralife4kids

My Team ExtraLife Page
My Personal ExtraLife Page

*Donations will be processed in the order they are received.  Donations must be confirmed as received prior to the issuance of any reward.  Rewards are available throughout the event with the exception of the last hour.  Games must be chosen from the list of available games (I will not purchase games during the event).

Trackmania Turbo - FREE for XBOX One Gold Subscribers

https://slickdeals.net/share/android_app/t/10708584

A Piece of JIGSAW Goodness

WINNER winner Chicken Dinner!  Lucky me was drawn as the winner of the Hannah Anderson-autographed JIGSAW movie poster, from writer Josh Stolberg, last night.  I'm super-excited as I have been an uber fan of the Saw series since day one.  And, the giveaway supports one of my favorite selfless acts... Giving Life-saving blood!  The writer of JIGSAW has more goodies to bestow upon his followers so head on over to Twitter and check him (@joshstolberg) out.  Especially if you're a fan of his work.  And, GIVE BLOOD!

Here's a little info and a video of the drawing:
Check out @joshstolberg’s Tweet:
https://twitter.com/joshstolberg/status/920497484547244032?s=09

Why Is Friday the 13th Considered Unlucky?

I've always wondered about this one.  I know it happens at least once a year but why the hell is it a bad/unlucky day?  Personally, I cannot recall ever having had bad luck on this date.  However, that's just me.  If you or someone you know has been unlucky on a previous Friday the 13th, or had a uniquely bad experience as a result of this spooky date, I'd love to hear about it in the comments.

That said, I hope your day is full of luck and good experiences!  Happy Friday the 13th, y'all!

HCS Confirmed for the 2018 Season

There's been a lot of speculation surrounding the longevity of the HCS.  I was one of those who bought into the misinformation, I'll admit.  This, however, brings me great joy.  Have a read and let me know your thoughts!

"What's Next" for Halo, and the HCS? - Tashi

Str8Rippin vs. Inconceivable at the UGC St. Louis 2017 Open

The final moments of the last match of the series.  Epic it was!  What a reversal.

https://youtu.be/m1l_PTcsmOI

Gone Home FREE for XBOX Live Gold Subscribers

Gone Home, the genre-defining Story Exploration Video Game, is now available in the comfort of your living room!

June 7, 1995. 1:15 AM. You arrive home after a year abroad. You expect your family to greet you, but the house is empty. Something's not right. Where is everyone? And what's happened here? Find out for yourself as you explore the house on Arbor Hill in the award-winning game that’s been called “a remarkable achievement” (IGN) and “the greatest video game love story ever told” (The New York Times).

Experience one of the generation’s defining indie games plus more than 90 minutes of behind-the-scenes commentary by the developers, actors, and musicians that made Gone Home possible!

The Rumors are True! Rezli has Released an APP!

We've all been awaiting what we knew was inevitable. The premier online platform for Gamers and Creative Technologists looking to turn their favorite pastime into a possible career, has gone mobile! Check out the article here and download the brand spankin' new Rezli App for your iOS or Android device.

HCS Pro League Fall Season 2017

Welcome to Matchday 7 of the Pro League.  Team Optic vs. Team Liquid.  Who will take the series?

Watch live video from Halo on www.twitch.tv

🔥 - XBOX One S 500GB Battlefield 1 Special Edition Console Bundle - $179 Shipped

This deal is on fire.  Jet.com has this Special Edition XBOX One S Battlefield 1 bundle on sale for $179 Shipped when you use promo code: XBOX50.  Tax may apply depending on where you are located.  See notes below for details.

Bundle Includes:
500GB Xbox One Console (Storm Grey)
Xbox One Wireless Controller
Battlefield 1 (Digital Download Card)
One month of EA Access
HDMI Cable
14-Day Xbox Live Gold Trial

Items sold by Jet are subject to tax when shipped to destinations in: AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, IL, KS, LA, MA, MI, MN, MO, NE, NJ, NY, NV, OH, SD, UT, VT, and WA.

This Week's Favorite Craft Beer

I try to keep an open mind when it comes to trying new brews.  In the past I've compared new tastes to old tastes.  This, I discovered, was quite unfair.  Those who know me well know I prefer IPAs over most other craft beers.  This makes it difficult when trying to experiment with different flavors and tastes.  Although this week's favorite craft beer happens to be an IPA, I promise to mix it up when presenting my thoughts on new selections I have the opportunity to sample.

Last Friday night the Wife and I enjoyed a night out without the small humans.  We picked up a pair of tickets for a local show featuring Problem Child (An AC/DC tribute band) at a venue on the lake called The Pontoon.  They were awesome by the way!  Prior to checking out the show we munched on some awesome eats at Apps & Tapps (located downstairs from The Pontoon) in Mooresville, NC.  Check it out if you ever have the chance.  Anyway, their craft beer menu was quite attractive.  I sampled a few selections but my favorite of the evening was most definitely the Space Dust IPA from Elysian Brewing.  This brew is seriously fantastic.  It's not as bitter as most higher ABV IPAs and was incredibly smooth with a very satisfying aftertaste.  This "Totally Nebular IPA" would be perfect for someone who's not generally a fan of IPAs but would like get in the game.  If you happen to come across this wonderfully crafted brew, give it a try.  Then let me know what you thought in the comments.

Check out the specs!
STYLE
India Pale Ale
BODY
Light to Medium
TASTING NOTES
The hopping is pure starglow energy, with Chinook to bitter and late and dry additions of Citra and Amarillo.
MALTS
Great Western premium two-row, c-15 and Dextra-pils
HOPS
Chinook, Citra and Amarillo
ABV: 8.2%
IBU: 73
AVAILABILITY
Year round — 1/2 Bbl kegs, Six packs, 22 oz bottles

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals | Play Games | Heal Kids | Team REZLI

On November 4th, I'll be playing games representing TEAM REZLI for 24 hours to raise funds for sick kids at my local children's hospital, Palmetto Health Children's Hospital in South Carolina.  You pick the games and I'll play them!  Wanna' join me?  Let's do this!

Here's how it works:
***Extra Life is a 24-hour fundraising and gaming marathon to support Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
***Game Day (Nov. 4th), I will join the thousands of Gamers and dedicate an entire day to playing games and getting donations from Friends and Framily like YOU!
***100% of the donations go to my local hospital (Palmetto Health Children's Hospital, South Carolina, USA). TOGETHER we will make a difference for sick kids!

All donations are tax-deductible and will make miracles happen for families who desperately need them. You can click the "Donate" button at the top of my Extra Life page to make a safe and easy online donation.  Once again, thank you very much for your support!

HCS Pro League Fall Season 2017

Welcome to Matchday 6 of the Pro League. Team Liquid vs. Luminosity is up next. Who y'all rootin' for?
 Watch live video from Halo on www.twitch.tv

HCS Pro League Fall Season 2017

Matchday 5 is LIVE right now! Show some love for the Halo Championship Series by stopping by and clicking all the things.

Watch live video from Halo on www.twitch.tv

Cast-Iron Skillet Calzone

I'll be preparing this delightful spin on the traditional Italian dish for supper tonight. The family always loves it and more often than not, I end up making two just so we have enough for leftovers. I urge you to customize it to your liking and experiment with new ingredients. If you prepare it for you and yours, and/or put your own spin on it, please let me know in the comments.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Baking temperature: 400°F
Standing time: 5 minutes

Required ingredients:
1/2 lb. ground sirloin or ground turkey
1/2 lb. Italian sausage with casings removed (mild or hot, your choice)
6oz. Sliced pepperoni
1/4 cup chopped sweet onion
1 lb. fresh (or frozen) pizza dough, thawed
1 cup marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian cheese blend (8oz.)
1 cup sliced fresh baby bella mushrooms
1 cup chopped red and/or yellow sweet peppers (2 small)
1/2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper

Optional ingredients:
Grated Parmesan cheese
Snipped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley
Extra warmed marinara sauce (for dipping) 

Steps: 
1) Preheat oven to 400°F. In a 9.5 to 10-inch cast-iron or other heavy oven-going skillet cook beef, sausage, and onion over medium-high heat until meat is browned and onion is tender, using a wooden spoon to break up meat as it cooks. Drain meat mixture in a colander/strainer). Wipe out skillet with a paper towel; cool slightly.
2) On a lightly floured surface, divide pizza dough in half. Roll one dough portion into a 12-inch circle (if dough is hard to roll, let stand for 5 minutes and then roll out). Press dough circle onto the bottom and up the sides of the skillet. Spread 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce over dough in skillet. Top with meat mixture, sliced pepperoni, mozzarella/Italian shredded cheese, mushrooms, sweet peppers, oregano, and crushed red pepper. Drizzle remaining 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over filling. Roll the remaining dough portion into an 11-inch circle. Place dough circle on top of filling. Pinch edges of bottom and top crusts together to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut slits in top crust.
3) Place skillet in oven. Bake about 25 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and/or parsley. Cut into six wedges. Serve with additional, optional warmed marinara sauce.

The Black Iron Gathering video single "Heart Song"

"No matter what your belief or disbelief is, we are all trying to pull strength from somewhere."
Ain't that the truth!  Check out the video below and show some love by sharing it with your friends.  These guys just make ya' feel good!

Makeover Time!

Lots of things have changed over here at the Lzzrd Den.  We're making some seriously exciting changes to the blog and will be introducing some awesome new content in the coming days/weeks.  Thanks for sticking with us during our downtime and make sure you stop by again soon to see what we're working on!

Coming Soon...
More HOT DEALS!
Local Music News and Info!
Competitive Gaming with "Names Turbo"!
Cooking with LzzrdBoy!
DIYs and How-Tos for your Reptiles!
Fishing Tips and Tricks from Lake Norman, NC!
Exclusive giveaways and goodies for our loyal subscribers!
Much much more!