Powers Gold Label Blended Irish Whiskey

Triple Distilled, est. 1791

Now I’m typically a scotch guy when I’m at home, but if I’m going out and plan on flasking I hit the whiskey cuz let’s face it, scotch in a flask would be weird. It’s better sipped in the company of good friends or a good book with something like Bonnie “Prince” Billy or Curtis Mayfield playing on the stereo. It isn’t conducive to squatting down on a crowded dance floor and knocking back a shot out of sight of security or irritable bartenders who work in places that dole out weak pours with high prices (suck it, 45 North).

So I had a night with the homies planned and went to get my usual Kilbeggan. Next to it was this a bottle of Powers Gold Label and it was on sale, bringing it down to the price of Thee Killa B (OK, I’ll file that nickname. Sorry). Being a shrewd consumer I thought “Well shit, if this is usually more expensive, then it must be better! And I can get it for a limited time at this reduced price. Score one for the AFTS!”

Score one? Not quite.

Cuz this stuff sucks.

For real.

Clearly I fell for the oldest trick in the book. The ol’ “Put gold on it, people will think it’s fancy” ruse. Man, what a maroon I am, aye? A true, dyed in the wool rube.

This stuff tastes like someone took some bottom-shelf shit and snuck it onto the middle shelf. Like your kids had been sipping it on the sly and refilling it with lighter fluid and eye drops so you wouldn’t notice the levels drop.

It tastes like someone distilled it in a plastic gin and aged it in an old metal barrel that mobsters used to dissolve snitches in with lye and acid. Then they stored it for three years in a plastic bottle and right before shipping they transferred it to a glass bottle so no one would suspect.

This just reinforces my distaste for all things gold: gold teeth, gold lamè loincloths, gold spray paint (not even good for huffing since you end up looking like you just ate CP-30’s asshole), I guess now that I brought him up CP-30 is on the list, Richard Scarry’s Goldbug (Google it… OK, I used to love it as a small child. I just needed an obscure gold reference).

And now I can add Powers Gold Irish Whiskey to the list. I haven’t tried Goldschlager but I’m pretty sure anything that has to have gold flakes in it to make it sell is too gimmicky to taste good. You know what, I’m just gonna blindly throw that on the list too.

Anyhoo Powers: This is horrible, horrible shit.

Here's a commissioned piece. The client originally wanted something earlier, but because I was/am backed up, he changed his project to this guy. The goal was to make Jetwing Prime as accurate as possible to the character in Dark of the Moon. Because the online images were so limited, I caved in and bought the blu ray for reference. The project began as both a Jetwing Prime figure, and DMK model kit. Parts from each were switched and swapped all over, so that he's got a convincing look to him, as well stability in the right places (his jet-pack, guns and other add-ons are quite heavy and the DMK joints could not have held him up) The toughest part of this project was getting Prime (mainly his legs) to support this jet pack. The jet pack pivots outward, has 2 LEDs in the main thrusters. The thrusters were also completely redone, flamed, pin-striped, etc. The large wings were cut and beveled (like in movie) These also pivot inward/outward and up and down. the smaller wings are mounted to the large thrusters, and pivot and swivel. Tons of custom colors, mainly house of kolors, but even some acrylics (that blue is a PITA to get right otherwise), bunch of alclad chrome and other paints. There are also TWO LED lights in Prime's head. All the LEDs go to the same (accessible) battery pack and on/off switch located within the jet pack. Also, scratch built the "connectors" which go from Prime's forearms to the jet pack/wings.

Here's a commissioned piece. The client originally wanted something earlier, but because I was/am backed up, he changed his project to this guy. The goal was to make Jetwing Prime as accurate as possible to the character in Dark of the Moon. Because the online images were so limited, I caved in and bought the blu ray for reference. The project began as both a Jetwing Prime figure, and DMK model kit. Parts from each were switched and swapped all over, so that he's got a convincing look to him, as well stability in the right places (his jet-pack, guns and other add-ons are quite heavy and the DMK joints could not have held him up) The toughest part of this project was getting Prime (mainly his legs) to support this jet pack. The jet pack pivots outward, has 2 LEDs in the main thrusters. The thrusters were also completely redone, flamed, pin-striped, etc. The large wings were cut and beveled (like in movie) These also pivot inward/outward and up and down. the smaller wings are mounted to the large thrusters, and pivot and swivel. Tons of custom colors, mainly house of kolors, but even some acrylics (that blue is a PITA to get right otherwise), bunch of alclad chrome and other paints. There are also TWO LED lights in Prime's head. All the LEDs go to the same (accessible) battery pack and on/off switch located within the jet pack. Also, scratch built the "connectors" which go from Prime's forearms to the jet pack/wings.

This commissioned piece is for the same cool guy who commissioned Ironhide. Suiting that these best of buddies be displayed together ;)

Sentinel is non-transforming, but has added articulation; including adjustable wings on his back (from V. SP) fakebuster's awesome articulated hands (via shapeways) head on ball joint, and loads more. I replaced the stock LED with a super bright 3mm blue LED which goes to a switch and power pack on Sentinel's back. His shield and gun clip into a custom 5mm post (via shapeways) also on his back.

Custom rebuilt chest with clear windows. Added custom hoses, attachments, wires, the works. Also built Sentinel his custom "Cosmic Rust Gun" inspired and based on Nizzi's concept work (seen here : images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110707141721/transformer...)

This is a commissioned project for a friend and long-time, repeat customer. Jazz is based off his G1 appearance, and fits in well with the Masterpiece line. Jazz is non-transforming, but his articulation, proportions and details are my best. The majority of the robot parts were scratch-built using styrene and epoxy sculpt. The car parts come off a Porsche 935 model kit part made by Tamiya, as well as the majority of the graphics/decals on him (wow, some of those were difficult) Some decals were hand painted to fit and match up to the new curves given to those parts. The arms started as MP seeker arms with styrene additions/modifications. The lower legs were almost entirely scratch-built. Jazz's head came from a meister alternator. His visor lights up with a blue LED which is wired to a small battery pack and switch on his back. 1 small screw to access and replace those batteries if needed. He also has his trusty g1 style pistol, built from a variety of weapons in my arsenal.

His articulation includes :

- ball jointed head

- fully articulated shoulders

- swivel at bicep

- fully articulated elbows

- hands articulated and swivel at wrist

- car doors on hinges

- waist articulation

- full articulation w/ tight ball joints at hips

- swivel at knee

- full articulation at knee

- swivel feet

This is a commissioned piece of War for Cybertron's MEGATRON! The main modification done here was the swap in of new hands, which can hold 5mm weapons. These new hands split into halves (like the stock toy's) and hinge into the tank (alt modes) treads. Speaking of 5mm weapons, this custom created Megamace is c/o fakebuster, it's amazing! I went to town with tons of battle damage, colors, details, etc. The "glowing" parts were custom blended, from purple on the outsides to white in the middle, to give a nice glowing effect. Megatron's ready to lay a whooping on Prime. His arm canon also has a 3mm purple LED, with easy-access batteries and an on/off switch up top.

This was a commissioned piece. Optimus Primal is ultra class (larger one) and the original version. Few things bugged me about the figure, so I did my best to improve those. To begin with, the original figure only had fists, and when in Gorilla/alt mode, those fists weren't facing a convincing direction. I added articulated, rotating hands. (c/o cast Customs by Z) Another issue was the spring loaded mechanisms everywhere. I removed these springs and made those features friction poseable, during this process - I also omitted the "kung fu grip" style arm(s) gimmick. There were areas (especially on the gorilla/alt mode) which were given matching sculpted fur. I also gave his robot mode working LED eyes, with easy-access batteries located on the back. Lastly, I gave Optimus a pair of cool swords, c/o Movie Leader Prime. The black fur is actually like 4 types of black and gray, to really help make the fur and details pop. I did a lot of tedious blending styled paint on the red and white areas.

We started eating it, then Anna decided it had a funny face, and kept cutting slices to make more funny faces.

I've given up on image names. Yep. This was before I even finished my coffee and without a tripod or remote. Where is my gosh darn remote?!

Designed by Robert J Lang.

Folded by Phillip West.

Access to this hot springs requires a hike from the trailhead which starts at the end of the county road. The first 1/4 mile of the trail passes through private property with public access provided by an easement. Dogs must be leashed while crossing the private property. Please protect access to the hot springs by respecting private property. www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-activities/idaho On the right navigation, check under Quick Links for the Idaho Recreation Guide.

www.blm.gov/visit/goldbug-hot-springs

This commissioned piece is for the same cool guy who commissioned Ironhide. Suiting that these best of buddies be displayed together ;)

Sentinel is non-transforming, but has added articulation; including adjustable wings on his back (from V. SP) fakebuster's awesome articulated hands (via shapeways) head on ball joint, and loads more. I replaced the stock LED with a super bright 3mm blue LED which goes to a switch and power pack on Sentinel's back. His shield and gun clip into a custom 5mm post (via shapeways) also on his back.

Custom rebuilt chest with clear windows. Added custom hoses, attachments, wires, the works. Also built Sentinel his custom "Cosmic Rust Gun" inspired and based on Nizzi's concept work (seen here : images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110707141721/transformer...)

This commissioned non-transforming Generation One Devastator stands over a towering 15 inches tall! Built using the typical components, the Constructicons have been fused together, but given improved articulation. Head is on a ball joint, shoulders allow more posability, lower arm swivel, hands articulated, elbows, hips, waist, knees, lower legs swivel, foot pivot (Scrapper leg) and Mixmaster foot rotates and pivots at the heel. Heels add extra support for cooler more dynamic poses. Added lots of light battle damage and 3D dirt, mud and rust; the way Devastator should be! Painted a custom blend of paints the neon green is accurate to the original Generation 1 Constructicon toys.

Salmon-Challis National Forest. This is near the top of the trail to the hot springs. We were told that it was a 1 mile hike in, but after actually doing the hike and thinking that it was longer, I looked it up and it was a 3 mile hike (as the crow flies it is 10,000ft). There were also 2 steep sections, but it was worth it though. There are manmade pools made of the surrounding rocks, where the hot water and cold water mix gathering in the pools. The stream is still rushing into the pools from the waterfalls all around you. The view from in the pools is amazing looking down the little valley with peaks all around.

The sun was setting about the time we made it to the hot springs, so the hike back was in the dark. It was a clear starlit night so we could mostly see the trail.

Masterpiece Galvatron is a commissioned piece. he began as an Ultra scale/size Energon Megatron, added new articulated hands, arm mounted cannon and other stuff. Several parts come off a G1 Galvatron. Matrix of Leadership & custom chain included too.

This is a commissioned piece of War for Cybertron's MEGATRON! The main modification done here was the swap in of new hands, which can hold 5mm weapons. These new hands split into halves (like the stock toy's) and hinge into the tank (alt modes) treads. Speaking of 5mm weapons, this custom created Megamace is c/o fakebuster, it's amazing! I went to town with tons of battle damage, colors, details, etc. The "glowing" parts were custom blended, from purple on the outsides to white in the middle, to give a nice glowing effect. Megatron's ready to lay a whooping on Prime. His arm canon also has a 3mm purple LED, with easy-access batteries and an on/off switch up top.

Masterpiece Galvatron is a commissioned piece. he began as an Ultra scale/size Energon Megatron, added new articulated hands, arm mounted cannon and other stuff. Several parts come off a G1 Galvatron. Matrix of Leadership & custom chain included too.

Here's a commissioned piece. The client originally wanted something earlier, but because I was/am backed up, he changed his project to this guy. The goal was to make Jetwing Prime as accurate as possible to the character in Dark of the Moon. Because the online images were so limited, I caved in and bought the blu ray for reference. The project began as both a Jetwing Prime figure, and DMK model kit. Parts from each were switched and swapped all over, so that he's got a convincing look to him, as well stability in the right places (his jet-pack, guns and other add-ons are quite heavy and the DMK joints could not have held him up) The toughest part of this project was getting Prime (mainly his legs) to support this jet pack. The jet pack pivots outward, has 2 LEDs in the main thrusters. The thrusters were also completely redone, flamed, pin-striped, etc. The large wings were cut and beveled (like in movie) These also pivot inward/outward and up and down. the smaller wings are mounted to the large thrusters, and pivot and swivel. Tons of custom colors, mainly house of kolors, but even some acrylics (that blue is a PITA to get right otherwise), bunch of alclad chrome and other paints. There are also TWO LED lights in Prime's head. All the LEDs go to the same (accessible) battery pack and on/off switch located within the jet pack. Also, scratch built the "connectors" which go from Prime's forearms to the jet pack/wings.

We started eating it, then Anna decided it had a funny face, and kept cutting slices to make more funny faces.

This is a commission for another patient and very cool client of mine. Ironhide no longer transforms, but has added articulation, major paint details, LEDs (blue in eyes, 2 in canons, 2 in headlight) retains voice action, and custom built ass-kicking canons.

Here's a commissioned piece. The client originally wanted something earlier, but because I was/am backed up, he changed his project to this guy. The goal was to make Jetwing Prime as accurate as possible to the character in Dark of the Moon. Because the online images were so limited, I caved in and bought the blu ray for reference. The project began as both a Jetwing Prime figure, and DMK model kit. Parts from each were switched and swapped all over, so that he's got a convincing look to him, as well stability in the right places (his jet-pack, guns and other add-ons are quite heavy and the DMK joints could not have held him up) The toughest part of this project was getting Prime (mainly his legs) to support this jet pack. The jet pack pivots outward, has 2 LEDs in the main thrusters. The thrusters were also completely redone, flamed, pin-striped, etc. The large wings were cut and beveled (like in movie) These also pivot inward/outward and up and down. the smaller wings are mounted to the large thrusters, and pivot and swivel. Tons of custom colors, mainly house of kolors, but even some acrylics (that blue is a PITA to get right otherwise), bunch of alclad chrome and other paints. There are also TWO LED lights in Prime's head. All the LEDs go to the same (accessible) battery pack and on/off switch located within the jet pack. Also, scratch built the "connectors" which go from Prime's forearms to the jet pack/wings.

This is a commissioned project with a cool twist to it. The client actually owns a 2010 Camaro SS, which he had detailed and named "Cliffjumper"

The project uses a Revenge of the Fallen, super giant Battle-Ops Bumblebee as it's base. I've swapped out the original LEDs with new ones; eyes now are blue, headlights are now white. Cannon/gun arm is now blue. The headlights and eyes are powered to the original batteries in the toy. He still retains all his noises/sounds/etc, but an on/off switch toggles the eyes/headlights on their own. The cannon/gun arm has a new SUPER bright LED in it, with it's own easy-access batteries. The blue LED light has 3 modes, fast blink, slow blink and constant-on. The stripes and details were redone and painted up to best represent the client's car and Cliffjumper concept art (he had someone do for him) I used a mix of House of Kolors and Testor's model masters (enamel) as well as some tamiya acrylics. Clear coated with my favorite : Alclad's aqua gloss clear.

This is a commission for another patient and very cool client of mine. Ironhide no longer transforms, but has added articulation, major paint details, LEDs (blue in eyes, 2 in canons, 2 in headlight) retains voice action, and custom built ass-kicking canons.

The shiniest and most metallic insect on the planet. And it has no metal in it ..: -)

Masterpiece Galvatron is a commissioned piece. he began as an Ultra scale/size Energon Megatron, added new articulated hands, arm mounted cannon and other stuff. Several parts come off a G1 Galvatron. Matrix of Leadership & custom chain included too.

Here's a commissioned piece. The client originally wanted something earlier, but because I was/am backed up, he changed his project to this guy. The goal was to make Jetwing Prime as accurate as possible to the character in Dark of the Moon. Because the online images were so limited, I caved in and bought the blu ray for reference. The project began as both a Jetwing Prime figure, and DMK model kit. Parts from each were switched and swapped all over, so that he's got a convincing look to him, as well stability in the right places (his jet-pack, guns and other add-ons are quite heavy and the DMK joints could not have held him up) The toughest part of this project was getting Prime (mainly his legs) to support this jet pack. The jet pack pivots outward, has 2 LEDs in the main thrusters. The thrusters were also completely redone, flamed, pin-striped, etc. The large wings were cut and beveled (like in movie) These also pivot inward/outward and up and down. the smaller wings are mounted to the large thrusters, and pivot and swivel. Tons of custom colors, mainly house of kolors, but even some acrylics (that blue is a PITA to get right otherwise), bunch of alclad chrome and other paints. There are also TWO LED lights in Prime's head. All the LEDs go to the same (accessible) battery pack and on/off switch located within the jet pack. Also, scratch built the "connectors" which go from Prime's forearms to the jet pack/wings.

This is a commissioned project for a friend and long-time, repeat customer. Jazz is based off his G1 appearance, and fits in well with the Masterpiece line. Jazz is non-transforming, but his articulation, proportions and details are my best. The majority of the robot parts were scratch-built using styrene and epoxy sculpt. The car parts come off a Porsche 935 model kit part made by Tamiya, as well as the majority of the graphics/decals on him (wow, some of those were difficult) Some decals were hand painted to fit and match up to the new curves given to those parts. The arms started as MP seeker arms with styrene additions/modifications. The lower legs were almost entirely scratch-built. Jazz's head came from a meister alternator. His visor lights up with a blue LED which is wired to a small battery pack and switch on his back. 1 small screw to access and replace those batteries if needed. He also has his trusty g1 style pistol, built from a variety of weapons in my arsenal.

His articulation includes :

- ball jointed head

- fully articulated shoulders

- swivel at bicep

- fully articulated elbows

- hands articulated and swivel at wrist

- car doors on hinges

- waist articulation

- full articulation w/ tight ball joints at hips

- swivel at knee

- full articulation at knee

- swivel feet

our elusive current fave

This is a commissioned project with a cool twist to it. The client actually owns a 2010 Camaro SS, which he had detailed and named "Cliffjumper"

The project uses a Revenge of the Fallen, super giant Battle-Ops Bumblebee as it's base. I've swapped out the original LEDs with new ones; eyes now are blue, headlights are now white. Cannon/gun arm is now blue. The headlights and eyes are powered to the original batteries in the toy. He still retains all his noises/sounds/etc, but an on/off switch toggles the eyes/headlights on their own. The cannon/gun arm has a new SUPER bright LED in it, with it's own easy-access batteries. The blue LED light has 3 modes, fast blink, slow blink and constant-on. The stripes and details were redone and painted up to best represent the client's car and Cliffjumper concept art (he had someone do for him) I used a mix of House of Kolors and Testor's model masters (enamel) as well as some tamiya acrylics. Clear coated with my favorite : Alclad's aqua gloss clear.

Ingredients:

*12 Pampers Swaddlers

*5 Carters onesies

*2 Mam pacifiers

*1 Carters cushy blanket

*1 Goldbug pair of butterfly sandals

*1 plush butterfly

This is a commissioned project; Ultimate Bumblebee (Dark of the Moon) While he is non-transforming, he's got tons of articulation and LED work; Cannon, Headlights, and eyes (x2) Each LED goes to it's own independent power source and on/off switch which are all neatly organized and easily accessible (to replace batteries) Also articulated Bee's left hand (on ball joint with finger and thumb articulation) Added new deco to his legs and back, fixed feet so that they sit flat footed in dynamic poses.

This is a commissioned project; Ultimate Bumblebee (Dark of the Moon) While he is non-transforming, he's got tons of articulation and LED work; Cannon, Headlights, and eyes (x2) Each LED goes to it's own independent power source and on/off switch which are all neatly organized and easily accessible (to replace batteries) Also articulated Bee's left hand (on ball joint with finger and thumb articulation) Added new deco to his legs and back, fixed feet so that they sit flat footed in dynamic poses.

This is a completed VERY old commission for one of my most understanding and patient customers to date. This is one of the LAST Devastators to ever leave my shop.

I made several improvements to Devastator this round. Starting at the top, the shoulders/arns require NO extra parts to mount to the torso. Hook (upper torso) snaps into combined mode via specially designed custom parts via Shapeways. His cement barrel now clips into a peg/hole system. Devastator's also got a nice custom gun and the all important waist articulation. Devastator stands 15" tall, and has articulation: head (ball joint) full shoulder movement (ratcheting) elbows, forearms (swivel), hands (each finger w/ 2 point of articulation, waist, hip (ratchet) knee, swiveling lower leg, and some articulation in the feet (mixmaster's got double jointed heel for example)

Motion blurred. Hotttt...

This is a commissioned piece of War for Cybertron's MEGATRON! The main modification done here was the swap in of new hands, which can hold 5mm weapons. These new hands split into halves (like the stock toy's) and hinge into the tank (alt modes) treads. Speaking of 5mm weapons, this custom created Megamace is c/o fakebuster, it's amazing! I went to town with tons of battle damage, colors, details, etc. The "glowing" parts were custom blended, from purple on the outsides to white in the middle, to give a nice glowing effect. Megatron's ready to lay a whooping on Prime. His arm canon also has a 3mm purple LED, with easy-access batteries and an on/off switch up top.

Classic Sunstorm started as Starscream. The client wanted this set (3 of 3) to resemble the MP seekers I did in the past, yet with subtle changes to the effects.

Here's a commissioned piece. The client originally wanted something earlier, but because I was/am backed up, he changed his project to this guy. The goal was to make Jetwing Prime as accurate as possible to the character in Dark of the Moon. Because the online images were so limited, I caved in and bought the blu ray for reference. The project began as both a Jetwing Prime figure, and DMK model kit. Parts from each were switched and swapped all over, so that he's got a convincing look to him, as well stability in the right places (his jet-pack, guns and other add-ons are quite heavy and the DMK joints could not have held him up) The toughest part of this project was getting Prime (mainly his legs) to support this jet pack. The jet pack pivots outward, has 2 LEDs in the main thrusters. The thrusters were also completely redone, flamed, pin-striped, etc. The large wings were cut and beveled (like in movie) These also pivot inward/outward and up and down. the smaller wings are mounted to the large thrusters, and pivot and swivel. Tons of custom colors, mainly house of kolors, but even some acrylics (that blue is a PITA to get right otherwise), bunch of alclad chrome and other paints. There are also TWO LED lights in Prime's head. All the LEDs go to the same (accessible) battery pack and on/off switch located within the jet pack. Also, scratch built the "connectors" which go from Prime's forearms to the jet pack/wings.

This is a completed VERY old commission for one of my most understanding and patient customers to date. This is one of the LAST Devastators to ever leave my shop.

I made several improvements to Devastator this round. Starting at the top, the shoulders/arns require NO extra parts to mount to the torso. Hook (upper torso) snaps into combined mode via specially designed custom parts via Shapeways. His cement barrel now clips into a peg/hole system. Devastator's also got a nice custom gun and the all important waist articulation. Devastator stands 15" tall, and has articulation: head (ball joint) full shoulder movement (ratcheting) elbows, forearms (swivel), hands (each finger w/ 2 point of articulation, waist, hip (ratchet) knee, swiveling lower leg, and some articulation in the feet (mixmaster's got double jointed heel for example)

This commissioned non-transforming Generation One Devastator stands over a towering 15 inches tall! Built using the typical components, the Constructicons have been fused together, but given improved articulation. Head is on a ball joint, shoulders allow more posability, lower arm swivel, hands articulated, elbows, hips, waist, knees, lower legs swivel, foot pivot (Scrapper leg) and Mixmaster foot rotates and pivots at the heel. Heels add extra support for cooler more dynamic poses. Added lots of light battle damage and 3D dirt, mud and rust; the way Devastator should be! Painted a custom blend of paints the neon green is accurate to the original Generation 1 Constructicon toys.

this commissioned piece is for another very patient customer. Warpath started as a Marvel Crossover Hulk figure. I removed the springs in his shoulders and waist, add replaced articulation with friction. His head was custom built using a variety of orther existing heads (I think Universe Onslaught, Alternator Ratchet (?) and sits on the neck via ball joint. His chest was built using random parts. Tank turret clips onto Warpath's back while in robot mode. Turret aim screen flips up for maximum accuracy for BLAM, POW and KAZOWIES. Every detail meticulously painted, highlighted accent areas with a nice bright blue, and stuck to his original color scheme for the rest of the details.

Idaho

This custom Soundwave commission started as a Reveal the Shield Perceptor. The mold just screams Soundwave, so I painted him up in classics/Generation 1 Soundwave colors. I added weapons and head from the War For Cybertron Soundwave, swapped in a new front fender slightly modified the shoulders/backpack to give him a little more bulk up top, and went to town with details.