It's a Treehouse. It's a Brewery. It's The Treehouse Brewing Company.

The other night I was watching Treehouse Masters on Animal Planet and caught an episode where Pete Nelson and his crew from Nelson Treehouse and Supply were constructing a 200 foot treehouse that would function as a brewery tasting site for the craft-beer loving folks who own The Mohican Cabins and The Grand Barn, a popular wedding venue in Ohio.



Nelson's team, along with three Amish Carpenters, took four weeks to construct the 200 square foot treehouse. Suspended 22 feet off the ground, the charming micro-brewery has a 40 foot extension bridge that leads you to the front door.




The treehouse was designed to look like an old Ohio barn from the 1800s, painted bright red and outfitted with a $10,000 Gothic stained glass window.




Inside, a custom bar was designed with old wine barrels, a fully functional brewing set up and a European-style draft system.







The tap pull has a special hand crafted wooden tree house atop it:


And there's even a plumbed outhouse neatly tucked on the side:


This is actually the second treehouse that Pete Nelson and his crew built for property owner Kevin Mooney, the first being a honeymoon cabin suite with with three queen beds, two showers, a full kitchen and satellite TV.

The Treehouse Brewing Company (not to be confused with the Tree House Brewing Company in Massachusetts) will be run by Mooney's son and, in addition to their own craft beer, they have others to taste as well. Check it out next time you're in Ohio.



Catch Treehouse Masters on Animal Planet Friday nights at 10PM  (ET/PT)


some images courtesy of Nelson Treehouse and Supply, other images by Quin Mooney and courtesy of Animal Planet and The Mohican Grand Barn blog.

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Game Of Thrones and HBO Unveil Their Second Brew, Take The Black Stout.

If you hadn't already heard, Brewery Ommegang and HBO partnered on a series of beers inspired by the critically-acclaimed drama Game of Thrones.

The first release, the golden amber Iron Throne ale, sold out quickly due to small quantities and great demand. The second, soon to be released "Take The Black Stout", is said to be doubled in volume, so there's enough to go around for avid fans.



Take the Black Stout is a 7% beer, brewed with base, caramel, chocolate and roasted barley malts. Hopping includes Great Northern hops; spices are licorice root and star anise. Hue is black with full tan head. Aromas include chocolate, caramel, and earthy hops, light roastiness, a touch of fruitiness. Tastes include chocolate, coffee, rich malts, and balanced roastiness. Clean hop bitterness joins with slight woody character and spiciness; the finish offers sweet malt character leading to spicy, earthy, hop bitterness.



Take the Black Stout is named for the oath taken by those who stand the Night’s Watch at the Wall, defending Westeros against northern.



above: The label features the Weirwood trees considered sacred by the people of the North. It was designed by a52, the same studio that designed the impressive opening sequence for "Game of Thrones."


above: screengrab of a Weirwood tree from Game of Thrones

Take The Black Stout will be available in limited quantities in 750ml bottles & 1/6 BBL kegs beginning October 2013.

Brewery Ommengang and HBO are said to be releasing four game of Thrones Beers in total.

If you never heard about the first release, Iron Throne Ale, here's some info and pics for you:



Iron Throne is a blonde ale at 6.5% ABV and brewed with a robust amount of pils, honey malt, aroma malts and red wheat. Gentle hopping includes Styrian Golding and Hallertau Spalter Select, appropriately noble hops. Spiced with grains of paradise and lemon peel. Hue is a slightly hazy golden amber. Head is full and fluffy. Finish is crisp, backed by a touch of spice and hops. Aroma is a bit grassy with a hint of lemon fruitiness from the lemon peel. Taste is lightly malty, rounded out by honey malt sweetness.



info and images courtesy of Ommengang Brewery.

As a fun aside, check out this "Beer of Thrones" parody video by Comediva:


Don't miss this post on Geekologie where they share some fun faux beer labels inspired by fantasy drama.

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Actor of Screen and Stage, James Gandolfini Dies Far Too Young.

Best remembered as mob boss Tony from seven seasons on "The Sopranos" for which he won three Emmys, actor James Gandolfini has sadly and unexpectedly passed away. The New York Times reports, with confirmation from HBO, that the actor died Wednesday morning in Rome of a massive heart attack while vacationing with his family.


above: Still of James Gandolfini, Steven Van Zandt, Michael Imperioli and Tony Sirico in The Sopranos

The 51 year old New Jersey native was both a superb stage actor (he appeared as Michael in God of Carnage on and off Broadway) and screen actor who helped to make HBO Sunday Nights an occasion in homes worldwide.

His loss will be felt by family, friends and fans alike.

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Limited Edition Star Trek Wines Feature Labels With The Artwork of Juan Ortiz.

STAR TREK, the wine, is a limited edition of varietals that features artwork designed by artist Juan Ortiz in celebration of Star Trek: The Original Series. Fans will recognize three of the wine labels as three of the most beloved episodes of all time: “The City on the Edge of Forever,” “The Trouble with Tribbles” and “Mirror, Mirror.”

The Collection
These first ever Star Trek wines are being released as a limited edition collection with limited production. Each wine commemorates one of Star Trek's most famous episode from The Original Series.

From the delicate Bajoran spring wine of Kendra province to the fruity bouquet of rare Tulaberry wine, Star Trek has a longstanding appreciation for wine and its many varietals and complex flavors. STAR TREK, the wine, sourced from Viansa Winery in Sonoma, California, is a medium bodied red blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Franc. This beautifully developed blend shows its unique character for a balanced and complex wine that’s pleasurable from start to finish. A limited 1701 cases of wine have been produced, all of which are available for sale exclusively on Vinport.com.

Episode: The City on the Edge of Forever


Often voted by Trekkies as their all-time favorite episode from The Original Series, "The City on the Edge of Forever" first aired in April of 1967. In order not to disrupt and change the course of history, you should consider adding this wine to your collection. (The poster above which was used for the label is available for purchase here)

Episode: Mirror Mirror


One of the most iconic and memorable Star Trek episodes ever created, "Mirror Mirror" first aired in October of 1967. Be careful not to travel through any ion storms, as your savage counterpart will surely try to steal your wine!
(The poster above which was used for the label is available for purchase here)

Episode: The Trouble with Tribbles


One of the most beloved Star Trek episodes ever created, "The Trouble With Tribbles" first aired in December of 1967. While the Tribbles were quick to multiply, the wine will unforunately be quick to disappear.
(The poster above which was used for the label is available for purchase here)

The Labels
Each of the labels has been designed by famous artist, Juan Ortiz. Commissioned by CBS, Juan Ortiz has created a collection of 80 original prints to commemorate each episode of The Original Series (including the unaired pilot episode).



The book, Star Trek: The Art of Juan Ortiz is a new hardcover book available September 2013 and can be pre-ordered here.

The Wine


The wine used in this collection is produced from the award-winning Viansa Winery in Sonoma, California. It is a special blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Dolcetto, Tinta Cao, and Tempranillo. The blend comes together to create a medium-bodied, easy drinking red wine that is full of depth and character.


STAR TREK, the wine, is licensed by CBS Consumer Products and retails for $24.99 on Vinport and can be enjoyed with pizza, grilled meats or vegetables, or your favorite Romulan dish.


Shop for the Star Trek Wines here

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An Ad To Which We Can Relate. Tempur-Pedic's You Are How You Sleep (The :60 and the :30).

The best and most powerful ads tap into a reality to which people can relate. Minneapolis based ad agency Carmichael Lynch's debut creative for the Tempur-Pedic brand, "You Are How You Sleep" commercial, does just that.

A lousy mattress leading to a poor night's sleep may not be a genius insight, but it doesn't have to be when executed this well. Those who require solid slumber to be their best will certainly notice themselves in the big grumpy Mama bear when deprived of shut-eye.

The likeable and memorable television commercial has been cut as a :60 and a :30 (both are shown further down in this post).




Great casting of and performances by the twin actresses along with adept direction and excellent editing make the spot both poignant and funny simultaneously. Full credits are at the end of the post.



The 60 second cut:


The 30 second cut:





Full Credits
Agency: Carmichael Lynch
CCO: Dave Damman
Client: Tempur-Pedic
ECD: Marty Senn
Art Director: Brad Harrison
Art Director: Doug Pedersen
Director of Integrated Production: Joe Grundhoefer
Producer: Jon Mielke
Prod. Co.: The Directors Bureau
Director: Mike Mills
DOP: Kasper Tuxen
EP: Lisa Margulis
Line Producer: Youree Henley
Editing: Rock Paper Scissors
Editor: Grant Surmi
Producer: Joanna Hall
Producer: Marguerite Olivelle
Composer: Roger Neill
Sound Design: BWN Music and Sound
Sound Design: Carl White

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The Walking Dead Guitars & Accessories From Peavey With Artwork By Charlie Aldard.

A big hit at the Long Beach Guitar Expo and The NAMM 2013 Show was the newly licensed product line from Peavey Electronics® featuring graphics from The Walking Dead, the award-winning comic and TV show.





Designed for serious collectors and musicians alike by Peavey electronics, one of the world's largest manufacturers and suppliers of musical instruments and professional sound equipment, these new musical instruments will feature highly detailed artwork on guitars and accessories such as the straps and picks shown below.



Order The Walking Dead Zombie Guitar leather and Poly Straps here

“We are very pleased to be working with Skybound, the creators of The Walking Dead,” commented Hartley Peavey, founder and CEO of Peavey Electronics. “The immense popularity of The Walking Dead comic and cable TV show will allow us to get our products in the hands of an entirely new market and will expand our range of designs.”



Order The Walking Dead Characters Guitar Pick Packs here

Shawn Kirkham, Director of Business Development at Skybound Entertainment, added, “The merging of The Walking Dead’s iconic art and the equally iconic Peavey brand is a no-brainer. I’m excited to see fans and musicians strapping on guitars featuring gruesome Walking Dead artwork from Charlie Adlard. These guitars, straps and picks are going to look brutal!”


above: musician Nikki Stringfield with the Walking Dead Guitars

Below are prototype images of the guitars available. The actual products ship in July and will look more like the photographs shown above.

The Walking Dead Issue 100 Cover Rockmaster Electric Guitar:

This guitar will feature the cover art, shown below, from Charlie Adlard's Walking Dead Issue #100:


• The Walking Dead Issue 100 Cover Rockmaster Electric Guitar!
• Features the cover art by Charlie Adlard of The Walking Dead's issue #100 (shown above)
• Full-size electric guitar with a basswood body, maple neck, and rosewood fretboard.

Designed for serious collectors and musicians alike, this The Walking Dead Issue 100 Cover Rockmaster Electric Guitar from Peavy Electronics features The Walking Dead comic book artist Charlie Adlard's highly-detailed art seen on issue #100 of the comic book series. This guitar is a full-size electric guitar with a high-gloss finish of the cover of issue #100 on a basswood body that provides excellent balance and tone. The maple neck and rosewood fretboard on The Walking Dead Issue 100 Cover Rockmaster Electric Guitar enable fast rhythm and lead playing!

Order The Walking Dead Issue 100 Cover Rockmaster Electric Guitar here

The Walking Dead Michonne Rockmaster Electric Guitar:

This guitar features Charlie Adlard's cover art of Michonne from The Walking Dead comic book series:


• The Walking Dead Michonne Rockmaster Electric Guitar!
• Features an illustration by Charlie Adlard of Michonne from The Walking Dead comic book series. (shown above)
• Full-size electric guitar with a basswood body, maple neck, and rosewood fretboard.

Designed for serious collectors and musicians alike, this The Walking Dead Michonne Rockmaster Electric Guitar from Peavey Electronics features The Walking Dead comic book artist Charlie Adlard's highly-detailed art of Michonne from the series. This guitar is a full-size electric guitar with a high-gloss finish of Michonne on a basswood body that provides excellent balance and tone. The maple neck and rosewood fretboard on The Walking Dead Michonne Rockmaster Electric Guitar enable fast rhythm and lead playing!

Order The Walking Dead Michonne Rockmaster Electric Guitar here

The Walking Dead Riot Previews Rockmaster Electric Guitar:


above: Guy Dobson, Chief of Content for Southern Cross Austereo, with an actual photo (albeit blurry) of The Riot Walking Dead Guitars 

This guitar features Charlie Aldard's illustration of The Walking Dead shown below:


• The Walking Dead Riot Previews Rockmaster Electric Guitar!
• Features art by lead artist Charlie Adlard from The Walking Dead comic book series.
• Full-size electric guitar with a basswood body, maple neck, and rosewood fretboard.

Designed for serious collectors and musicians alike, this The Walking Dead Riot Previews Rockmaster Electric Guitar from Peavy Electronics features art from the lead artist in The Walking Dead comic book series. This guitar is a full-size electric guitar with a high-gloss finish on a basswood body that provides excellent balance and tone. The maple neck and rosewood fretboard on The Walking Dead Riot Previews Rockmaster Electric Guitar enable fast rhythm and lead playing!

Order The Walking Dead Riot Previews Rockmaster Electric Guitar here

Shop all the Peavey Electronics Walking Dead Items here

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