For those that know me rather well know that I am definitely true Texan, that is to say, Mexican. My mom’s side of my family was in Texas while it was still Mexico and my oldest living relative on that side simply cannot remember a single soul not born on Texan soil.
We didn’t cross the border, it crossed us.
For those that knew me very well during my time on Notre Dame’s campus, know that this weekend will mark the anniversary of one of my all-time dumbest decisions ever: consuming an entire fifth of Jose Cuervo on my own:
Yes, Cinco de Mayo is upon us this weekend. Every year I seem to have to remind someone that, no, today is not Mexico’s independence day, but rather a stunning victory at the Battle of Puebla. While one Frenchman, Father Sorin, was busy establishing our fine university, Napoleon decided he should invade Mexico. However, at Puebla the poorly equipped Mexican army defeated Napoleon’s battled-hardened troops, who were on a 50 year winning streak and had twice the numbers.
Personally, I will be celebrating this weekend by going to a wedding in New Orleans. But, hey, a Mexican going into a French city to celebrate this day makes as much sense as the holiday does to begin with. To start, the celebration is much more prominent in the States than it ever is in Mexico (outside of Puebla) and, on top of that, a year after the Battle of Puebla, France took over Mexico anyways. Mexico wasn’t even able to get their land back for three more years and that was only because of American troops that were finally finished fighting amongst each other.
But don’t let these minor details get into the way of your drinking–it has yet to affect me.
The Roundup
Adding to holiday confusion, I bring you acronym confusion. I wasn’t aware that USC stands for “Failure to Monitor“. Then again, if you are Southern Cal it could also mean “Unbelievably Stupid and Cocky“.
For all other legal problems and things the NCAA doesn’t give a damn about, the Fulmer Cup has you covered (and I’m sure ND will soon get some points on the board, thanks Tommy…).
Continuing the theme of things the NCAA doesn’t give a damn about:Â actual student athletes. If there was ever a case for the NCAA trying to reward a good kid, especially one they suspended for a dumb reason, Tim Abromaitis would’ve been it and I’m not the only one that thinks so.
It’s definitely the offseason. Time for discussions of field turf and jumbotrons! One Foot Down has a great entry in this debate to go along with ones posed previously by Grantland-X and myself. Also, if you’d like to see what a redone ND stadium could look like, you should swing by the Sideline.
Welp, see ya later. BC lost a rather big weapon. That’s just too bad (no it isn’t).
On this week’s Law & Order: Hilarious CFB Lawsuits, Randy Shannon sues the U. Click that link and try not to laugh at this “case”, I dare you.
Perhaps after you burn a bridge, you shouldn’t piss in the ashes. Todd Graham clearly didn’t get that memo. Stay classy.
To conclude, two heart-warming stories. First, Eric LeGrand, the Rutgers player who was tragically paralyzed in 2010 will still able to achieve his dream of being in the NFL. Second, the tragic death of Junior Seau, brought about a surprising ND connection. Classy move by the ex-Trojan doesn’t even describe that story.
The Beer
I spent the beginning talking about my Latino heritage from my mother’s side; however, my dad’s heritage is just as important, if not more so, for this section: German.
Yes, I am a German/Mexican mix, genetically engineered for heavy booze consumption. I consider it the best of both worlds. So with that in mind, I am going to recommend a beer that is also the best of both worlds:
Victoria is a Vienna-style beer much like another well-known Mexican brew, Negra Modelo. Unlike most other Vienna-style beers in Mexico, Victoria is more of an amber, allowing for a fantastic middle ground of taste and ease of mass-consumption.
A note while drinking this though: for the love of all that is holy do NOT put a lime in this beer. For one reason or another, a lot of people think Mexican beer must have a lime in it. If you think your beer really needs a lime, you are likely drinking a crappy beer (and this comes from someone that will happily drink a Corona with lime). Any decent brew, Mexican offerings included, doesn’t need any additional “lime-aid”.
Save a lime, drink a good Mexican beer.
Texan by birth, Irish by choice.
First-generation Domer and a former student manager, HLS podcast host, HLS Sim creator, Extra Life streamer, and technical problem haver. You can find more non-Notre Dame related writing on his Patreon.
- Epilogue - January 3, 2022
- HLS Podcast Finale - January 2, 2022
- The Final Fiesta: Notre Dame vs Oklahoma State NCAA ’14 Sim - December 31, 2021
“He who goes forth with a fifth on the Fourth, might not got forth on the Fifth.”*
* Words of warning from my grandfather the night before the 4th of July. Equally applicable tonight.
I’ve said that for years about beer. A slice of citrus on the rim of the glass is fine for certain styles. It enhances the aroma and consequently the flavor. However, you NEVER put fruit inside the beer itself!
…only the brewmaster is allowed to add fruit to the mash
” Victoria is more of an amber, allowing for a fantastic middle ground of taste and ease of mass-consumption.” – worth repeating.