Cricketers Arms: Keeper’s Lager – A Keeper of a Review

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December 9, 2016

Although technically no longer a craft brewery since being purchased by Asahi Premium Beverages in 2013, today I’m reviewing Keeper’s Lager from Cricketers Arms, the third and final beer in my Australian beer review series. Check here and here for my others.

Cricketers Arms’ website relates to visitors how the brewery started in 2009 as Paul Scott’s tribute to his cricket-playing father. But one wonders how this brewery’s mandate to honour friendships and celebrate communities has withstood the trials of three years of corporate ownership.

It seems that either Asahi owes a lot to Dermot O’Donnell, Cricketers Arms’ brewer, or the other way around. O’Donnell’s brews for Cricketers Arms received lots of attention at the 2016 Australian International Beer Awards. Among other wins, Keeper’s Lager received gold and bronze medals in the Australian Style Lager category.

I’m not sure whether Asahi’s corporate takeover has affected Cricketers Arms’ ability to celebrate communities, but it doesn’t seem that it’s affected Cricketers Arms’ ability to make good beer.

Now, quit handling the ball and join me in a post-match brew.

Cricketers Arms: Keeper’s Lager – First Sip

Keeper’s Lager pours a transparent golden colour. Its lively bubbles create a thin layer of foam around the rim of my half-pint glass. I smell lots of grain when I take my first sip: its aroma matches its flavour. Keeper’s Lager’s fizzy mouthfeel supports its subtle tart aftertaste, which helps Keeper’s Lager stand out from other easy-drinking lagers.

Cricketers Arms: Keeper’s Lager – Last Sip

This gold medal winning beer offers a relatively low 4.6% ABV. And, since it’s a lager you won’t miss much if you drink it from its 330-mL bottle.

Like the Asahi website suggests, seafood and fish are great companions of this beer. If you’re enjoying it in a pub, try it alongside some fish & chips. Or, if you’re anti-fish then try it with some guacamole and chips. Keeper’s Lager’s tart taste goes well with just about anything salty.

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Best New TV Shows of 2016

By

Ashley Carter

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December 9, 2016

Before you know it, 2016 will be over, and for some, not fast enough.

Despite the dour feelings this year seems to invoke in people, television was definitely a bright spot.

From a sci-fi gem bursting with 80s nostalgia to a refreshingly different take on a superhero tale, here are the series that stood above the rest.

The Best New Series of 2016…

Atlanta (FX)
Atlanta is one of the most innovative shows released this year. Donald Glover plays Earn, a broke guy who decides to be manager to his aspiring rapper cousin Paper Boi. The show was a refreshing take on rap culture and the “dirty south.” It’s real. It’s raw.

Westworld (HBO)
Westworld could easily make the list of most confusing shows of 2016, if such a list exist. The show takes place in a theme park that allows people to live out their fantasies with artificially intelligent hosts. With each episode, viewers are urged to question what’s real and what’s not and what it means to be human. Because of its high-concept, complex characters and overall mystery, HBO’s sci-fi juggernaut is among the best.

Stranger Things (Netflix)
No “best of” list would be complete with mentioning sci-fi phenomenon Stranger Things. Ripe with 80’s pop culture and nostalgia, Stranger Things tells the story of The shows young stars are the real bright spots. Eggos have never been more popular.

Luke Cage (Netflix)
A day after Luke Cage was released, Netflix experienced major technical issues. No surprise, it was one of the most-anticipated Marvel show to hit the platform. And, Luke Cage didn’t disappoint. With a top-notch cast that included Alfre Woodard, Mike Colter and Mahershala Ali, the show told a very different kind of superhero tale. Luke Cage tackled issues of race, culture and faith.

The People v O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (FX)
The O.J. Simpson trial was the must-watch event of 1994. In The People v O.J. Simpson it’s easy to see why. Starring Cuba Gooding Jr. (Simpson), the show follows the entire trail and its colorful cast of characters. Even though the show ventured too far over the melodrama line, it’s hard to argue that it wasn’t compelling television.

The Crown (Netflix)
This historical drama allegedly cost Netflix $100 million. Money well spent. For anyone remotely interested in Britain’s royal family, particularly Queen Elizabeth, The Crown is the series to watch. It’s lavish backdrops, lush costumes and talented cast create one of the most emotionally complex dramas on television.

Better Things (FX)
Here is a show that didn’t get enough love or attention. Starring Pamela Adlon as Sam Fox, Better Things is an unflinching, complex and humorous look at motherhood. Sam has to juggle three hectic daughters while trying to maintain her own life.

The Night Of (HBO)
This gripping eight-part crime drama debuted in the summer. Set in New York City, the series takes a broad view of the American criminal justice system, race and religion. It’s a slow burn, perhaps too slow for some viewers. The biggest complaint about The Night Of is its finale, which offers a hefty build-up without a satisfying resolution.

Preacher (AMC)
Although it took a while to find its footing, AMC’s comic book adaptation eventually managed to live up to the hype. It’s an unconventional story of a bumbling preacher who embarks on a journey to find God in a world inhabited by hellish characters. Preacher contains enough gore and action to satisfy fans of that other AMC show.

The Exorcist (FOX)
Reboots and adaptations of popular films have become the norm. So, it wasn’t a surprise when Fox decided to adapt one of the most iconic horror films into a TV series. What is surprising is how good it turned out to be. Starring Academy Award-winner Geena Davis, The Exorcist is full horror and plot twists. The acting is impressive. The cinematography does a great job of capturing the tone of the series.

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Danny McBride’s Bro, James Franco, Joining Him in ‘Alien: Covenant’

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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December 9, 2016

Danny McBride starring in Ridley Scott’s Alien: Covenant is an odd enough development, but now the comedian will have his long time movie bro alongside him in a supporting role.

According to AVP Galaxy, who have been on top of things for months now, say Franco will have a small part:

Alien vs. Predator Galaxy can exclusively reveal that James Franco will be making an appearance in Alien: Covenant.

Franco will be appearing in Alien: Covenant as Branson, the captain of the Covenant and husband of Katherine Waterson’ Daniels. Franco’s appearance in Alien: Covenant will only be brief, though. He appears in the first ten minutes or so of the film with later small appearances.

Who knows if the two will share any screen time. Maybe Seth Rogen or Jonah Hill will swing by the set as an extra.

Alien: Covenant opens May 19.

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Episode 103: Our Favorite Crazy Christmas Films

By

Matthew Sardo

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December 9, 2016

What starts out as an innocent review of ‘Office Christmas Party’ quickly spirals out of control into a discussion about the crazier Christmas films to entertain viewers.

Matt and EJ also have strong feelings about how HBO’s first season of ‘Westworld’ ended, and the second trailer for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.’

Strap yourself in buckaroos! Episode 103 of the Monkeys Fighting Robots podcast is here.

Check out EJ’s review of ‘Office Christmas Party’ – Is This All It Takes To Shock People?

Do you want to be our SUPER-FAN of the week? All you have to do is comment on this podcast to be eligible.

Do you have a question that you would like answered during the show? Email your questions to matt@popaxiom.com.

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‘The Fate of the Furious’ Teaser – Unleash Fury!

By

Matthew Sardo

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December 9, 2016

Universal Pictures released a teaser trailer for ‘The Fate of the Furious,’ the eighth film in the ‘Furious’ franchise. Oh man, the shit has hit the fan! Jason Statham v Vin Diesel and The Rock.

The past 24-hours has been a trailer bonanza .

The cast keeps growing in the film franchise that stars Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Charlize Theron, Scott Eastwood, Lucas Black, Helen Mirren, Jordana Brewster, Kurt Russell, Michelle Rodriguez, Nathalie Emmanuel, Elsa Pataky, Kristofer Hivju, and Tyrese Gibson.

F. Gary Gray directs ‘The Fate of the Furious’ which explodes in theaters on April 14, 2017.

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Wheat Beer: From American to German, Beer Style Guide

By

Devon Kenney

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December 9, 2016

Hefeweizen, wheat, wit, white. All names we are used to, but what exactly is a wheat beer?

According to BeerAdvocate.com, “Simply broken down, Hefe (yeast) Weizen (wheat) is of German origin and traditionally means an unfiltered wheat beer with yeast in the beer. It is often referred to as “weissbier mit hefe” (with yeast). Crafted with up to 50%-65% malted wheat, the remainder of the grist is malted barley. This addition of wheat is what gives this beverage a very crisp and refreshing profile.”

Created and mastered by the Germans, layering light and crisp taste together, making it a staple, not only in their culture but all over beer culture. Oktoberfest is a German Volksfest, all about beer and food culture. Oktoberfest is so large, it’s a celebration all across the world. That’s how serious the Germans take their beer.

Wheat beers have several different types, so let’s explore a few:

Hefeweizen: Literally meaning yeast and wheat, the Hefe is a mixture of the two, with a ratio of 50/50. Added notes of banana, bubblegum, spices, and apples are the usual suspects. They can range between 4.0- 7.0 ABV (UFO Hefeweizen, Harpoon Brewery)

American: Obviously, the Americans came up with this option. High carbonation and a strong head keep this style the same as the traditional German, although the regular flavors are absent. They use a high amount of wheat malt, with very little fruit in the taste. The Americans also made it popular to add the lemon wedge. 3.5-5 ABV (Gumball Head, Three Floyds Brewery)

Witbier: Spiced with orange peel, and coriander, occasionally brewed with malted oats and barley. Also referred to as white beer and wit beer. There is very little alcohol taste in the Witbier, and they are very mild. 4.8-5.6 ABV. (Hoegaarden White Ale, Brouwerij van Hoegaarden)

Blue Moon is probably the most accessible white beer on the market. Find it on tap at the littlest dive bars, and sold almost everywhere.

Try one, try as many as you can. You cannot go wrong with a good witbier.

Until next time, beer snobs!

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Woody Harrelson Goes Next Level In ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ Trailer

By

Matthew Sardo

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December 9, 2016

20th Century Fox released the first trailer for ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ and viewers get their first glimpse at a Woody Harrelson unlike no other. The studio also released an amazing poster and several photos.

In ‘War for the Planet of the Apes,’ the third chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster franchise, Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet.

The film is directed by Matt Reeves, and stars Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Karin Konoval, Amiah Miller, and Terry Notary.

The final battle begins on July 14, 2017.

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Cinematic Romance: 10 Examples Of Great On-Screen Chemistry

By

EJ Moreno

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December 9, 2016

Magic Happens When 2 Actors Bring Chemistry To Movie Romance. Here’s 10 Great On-Screen Pairings!

Remember how cringeworthy Natalie Portman & Hayden Christensen were in the Star Wars prequels? That’s an example of bad chemistry. Any love movie would fizzle if the two stars didn’t have amazing chemistry.

With the newest romance film ‘La La Land‘ being released, I decided to take a look at the best on-screen pairings throughout film history.

Let me know in the comments if your favorite couple is on this list!

Honorable Mentions:

Gugu Mbatha-Raw & Nate Parker (‘Beyond the Lights’)
Sanaa Lathan & Omar Epps (‘Love & Basketball’)
Heath Ledger & Julia Stiles (’10 Things I Hate About You’)

10. Ryan Gosling & Rachel McAdams (‘The Notebook’)

One of the most cliched choices on the list but it does fit the description. Gosling and McAdams deliver to the full extent during their time in ‘The Notebook‘. They burn up the screen with their passion, making it easy for them to succeed. You cheer for them when you need to and you get angry when you need to. This pairing takes the viewers on such an emotional rollercoaster.

9. Adèle Exarchopoulos & Léa Seydoux (‘Blue Is The Warmest Color’)

French love film ‘Blue Is The Warmest Color‘ has to be one of the most stunning love films ever made. Every aspect of love is dived into as we see first sexual encounters, the struggles of sexuality, and ever-changing feelings. When Adele and Lea first meet in their teenage years, I had no idea we’d see them grow together as women so realistically.

8. Taye Diggs & Sanaa Lathan (‘Brown Sugar’)

These two have such magic during ‘Brown Sugar‘. Going from childhood friends to lovers is a common tale that’s told very simply in this movie. Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs have great chemistry not only as best friends but play the notes of a complicated relationship to perfection. Something about Sanaa Lathan’s smile when she’s with Taye Diggs seems so honest.

7. Julia Roberts & Richard Gere (‘Pretty Woman’)

90’s romance is summed up amazingly well with ‘Pretty Woman‘. In the time of excess and acceptance, nothing says that more than a hooker having her life changed forever. In such a contrived plot, Julia Roberts and Richard Gere have such magically chemistry with each other that you can believe anything the movie throws at you. Their romance in ‘Runaway Bride‘ is another good example.

6. Barbra Streisand & Kris Kristofferson (‘A Star Is Born’)

I debated putting Barbra Streisand & Robert Redford in ‘The Way We Were‘ here but the spark between her and Kristofferson is magic. ‘A Star Is Born‘ tells the story of two musicians falling in love with each other and the drama they face working in such a hard industry. Both of these actors know those aches and pains so well so bringing it to the screen seemed simple for Barbra and Kris.

5. Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie (Mr. And Mrs. Smith)

The chemistry so good it caused one of the biggest Hollywood break-ups. One of the most infamous examples of on-screen chemistry comes from this mid-00’s action film about a couple with many secrets. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie chewed up the scenery with their passion and it seems like it worked off-screen as they pair were together before the film even debuted.

4. Ali MacGraw & Ryan O’Neal (‘A Love Story’)

Romantic movies tried to recapture the chemistry from ‘A Love Story‘ for decades to come. ‘A Love Story‘ is one of the most classic love stories and the heartbreak in this film feels all too real. Not filled with petty drama, all of the strain the couple faces comes from one being diagnosed with cancer. Ali MacGraw throws herself into this role and you can feel the pain on O’Neal’s face.

3. Leonardo DiCaprio & Kate Winslet (‘Titanic’)

Probably the most cliched love movie of all time but man did these two feed off each other. They both have struggled after this film to land this kind of connection with anyone else. DiCaprio played the young and hopeful Jack that helped awaken this passion in Kate Winslet’s Rose. The pair tried to rekindle this magic in 2008’s ‘Revolutionary Road‘ but didn’t come close.

2. Jake Gyllenhaal & Heath Ledger (‘Brokeback Mountain’)

The passion between these two men literally radiates off the screen. On paper, Ang Lee directing Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal in a movie about the love between two cowboys sounds ridiculous but the love in this movie is powerful. Surpassing being a novelty movie about two men, the chemistry shown here makes this one of the best cinema romances ever.

1. Ethan Hawke & Julie Delpy (‘Before’ Trilogy)

What makes Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke’s on-screen chemistry so special is that they had three movies to perfect it. As viewers, you grow with this couple as they grow throughout each film. Delpy and Hawke give such a beautifully organic performance and it was perfectly brought to the screen by director Richard Linklater. Their chemistry is wonderful and so are these three love films.

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First Look At Donald Glover, Shocker From ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’

By

Aric Sweeny

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December 9, 2016

The first Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer + international trailer recently dropped, and we’ve gotten our first look at both Shocker and Donald Glover’s unknown character, via Heroic Hollywood.

First we have a look at Glover, who seems to be playing a villainous character solely from this shot.

Next we have the first look at Bokeem Woodbine playing the Shocker.

Who do you think Glover is playing? Did you like the trailer? Let us know in the comments!

Spider-Man: Homecoming hits theaters on July 7, 2017.

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We’re Human Too – Celebs Who Love A Game Or Two

By

Matthew Sardo

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December 9, 2016

Behind the glitz, the makeup, the gym, the diets and the glamour of the big screen, celebrities let loose by browsing social media, posting selfies and playing online games with friends, family, and fans. At the end of the day, they are just like us – they’re human. They’re players. Whether it be online, in person or on the field, celebrities alike are fans of the world of gaming.

Bill Murray is likely to be the most legendary golfer to play in many Pro-ams and tours around the USA and the world. He has played rounds with Tiger Woods, and recently Jordan Speith. Murray is such a passionate golfer, who plays off a 7 handicap. He has recently launched a brand new irreverent clothing line to match his incredible personality and playing style.

While you might refer to him as a figurative ‘player’ a man that claimed to drink tiger blood also knows how to have some fun; Charlie Sheen has taken the gaming world to a whole new level. It became public knowledge in 2006 when his second wife, Denise Richards, said in divorce papers filed in court that he was spending about $200,000 a week on gambling.

The Hollywood starlet Megan Fox is known for her love for hardcore gaming. Fox confessed to being totally addicted to first person shooter game Halo. She also plays online against gamers from around the world – imagine the sheer surprise some of her fans experience when learning that they’ve been playing against the mega-babe Megan Fox. Fox has admitted that gaming, including games like Mortal Combat, challenge her and get her brain working, and develop her acting skills.

Ellen DeGeneres is renowned for her incredible creativity when it comes to games and always goes over the top to excited viewers from around the work. Her guests, like Rebel Wilson, Lena Dunham and even the mighty Oprah are avid players of “Heads Up” – a game similar to Pictionary, but can be played with a smartphone. Heads Up allows players to guess names, locations, actions and places by reading the cue on the opposite player’s iPhone that is placed on their forehead. A weird, but truly wonderful digital game.

Believe it or not, Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones have always been enthusiastic bingo players! There is a thrill in stacking up your board and getting close to the full house. Many legends play bingo games for fun to relax and unwind, since Bingo is both an exciting but relaxing game to play with friends and family.

It’s comforting to know that while many of us lie in bed late at night, playing words with friends, solitaire or candycrush, celebrities around the world are likely to be doing the exact same thing too.

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