Books read in 2026: No. 8 -- Space Battle

by Jamie Lendino

Started: June 14

Finished: June 18

Notes: Anyone old enough to remember the home video game market of the late 1970s and early 1980s will know the Atari system was king, but second was obviously the Intellivision system. I had both and enjoyed both for different reasons. Here I'm taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane with this book which covers the history of the Intellivision.

Mini review: This one was a fun read and also informative without becoming bogged down. Still, sometimes it got a little tedious reading section after section about the details of various video games of the era, though not enough to keep me from reading. Many of the games for the Intellivision are covered here, and no small number of those not covered in depth still receive mention, and there's also a fair amount about the history of the console itself, most of which I knew though there were still a few surprises. Fans of 1980s video games will want to read this. Fans of the Intellivision definitely should read this.

Beer of the Week: Old Milwaukee Beer

Beer score: 2.1

Company: Pabst Brewing Company
ABV: 4.6
IBU: 12

Yesterday was my birthday, and this is what I get.

Before I even have a taste of this stuff, it looks green and smells nasty.

Okay, after that sip, the verdict is weak, watery, a little sweet. Thank goodness it doesn't taste as bad as it smells.

This beer would go good with a meal at any restaurant that serves battery acid.

Books read in 2026: No. 7 -- Dungeon Crawler Carl

by Matt Dinniman

Started: May 24

Finished: June 14

Notes: The girlfriend has been reading this series, which has become quite popular, and she suggested it to me, so I thought I'd give it a go, at least the first book in the series.

Mini review: Fans of silly fantasy and LitRPG, and those who like their D&D or video game RPGs on the funny side, should like this one. It was a fun read, but it didn't really fit my mood of late, though I don't blame that on the book or the author.

Beer of the Week: Doggie Style

Beer score: 7.1

Company: Flying Dog Brewery
ABV: 5.5
IBU: 35

This pale ale pours a light copper color while giving off a rather large foamy head.

There's a little citrus in the scent, maybe some lemon or orange, and a touch of sweetness.

Smooth and wet, the way a pale ale should be, but this one is a little too bitter for a typical pale ale. There's some more of that citrus in the flavor, but not as much as in the smell.

This one is worth drinking.

Beer of the Week: Shock Top Belgian White

Beer score: 4.7

Company: Shock Top Brewing Co.
ABV: 5.2
IBU: 10

In my search for a good warm-weather beer, I thought about trying a Shock Top, which I've not had in more than a decade. At first I feared this beer was no longer in production, but then I had a pleasant surprise and found out Anheuser-Busch had sold this Belgian white ale off. So, some beers have an extended life beyond their original brewer.

Anyway, this one poured a light golden color with some haziness and maybe the barest hint of orange. Funny enough, it has a bit of that orange in the smell and more in the taste. However, there also is a light wheat smell, but most of that is overpowered by the citrus in the flavor.

It's not the best Belgian white around, but it's pretty decent and worth drinking with lighter foods, like fish or baked chicken. I wouldn't turn up my nose if handed one.

Beer of the Week Blast from the Past: Wild Goose India Pale Ale

Beer score: 5.4

Man, I've had no luck of late when looking for some beers I hadn't tried in a while. This is another one no longer on the market, and even the brewer is out of business. At least I've got memories and some old notes.

This one poured a light brown color with a little malty smell and maybe a touch of corn.

The taste was pretty bitter with just a hint of the fruity sourness common to most IPAs and the barest touch of sweetness. A little fizzy, even in the aftertaste.

People who like bitter beers that go down a little rough would have enjoyed this one.

Books read in 2026: No. 6 -- The Mystery of Smuggler's Cove

by Retro Myrtle Beach Guy

Started: May 23

Finished: May 24

Notes: The author of this one is a YouTube content creator who focuses most of his material on the Myrtle Beach area. His content tends to be fun and family oriented, and he's created a couple of indie films as well as a number of other projects, including a handful of books, such as this one. As I'm entertained by him and enjoy his work, I thought I'd give one of his books a shot for more fun.

Mini review: Just a fun, silly little adventure of two pals, Retro and Tiki, as they attempt to thwart a villain in the Myrtle Beach area. Fans of Myrtle Beach should enjoy this one as there are a number of local landmarks and establishments mentioned, and the focus is on building community and helping local, smaller businesses. The Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce should stock copies of this book in their offices, especially as they turn out to be one of the heroes of the tale!