There comes a time in every man's life when he will be asked to stand up and deliver a toast. Something heart-felt. Something poignant. Something that doesn't begin, "I remember the last time Jack and I went down to Tijuana..."

Most guys, when told to leave out the embarrassing woke-up-naked-in-a-zoo stories, have trouble coming up with what to say. Or, depending on the audience and occasion, what is appropriate and/or necessary to say.

Problem solved. John Bridges and Bryan Curtis have written "Toasts and Tributes, A Gentleman's Guide to Correspondence and the Noble Tradition of the Toast". I know what you're thinking: "A gentleman? Me? Can I still use this guide?" Yes. you can still use this guide.

The book has a wealth of prewritten toasts you can use as is, or modify, for any occasion. Everything is covered from birthdays and anniversaries, to holidays, to the retirement of a coworker. And yes, even weddings.

For those of you who like to email or take pen in hand and actually write a note when the situation presents itself, John and Bryan have included several for you to use as inspiration.

My favorite part of the book? The two pages of classic Irish toasts. Followed closely by the "Things a Gentleman Does Not Say" listed after each proper toast. Who knew it wasn't proper to toast to the groom: "Who am I going to chase hotties with now that you're on lock-down?"

So here's to you, my friends. May you live as long as you want. And never want as long as you live.

$14.99 Available at major booksellers.

I think Spanish Peaks Brewing Company got as close as you can to building a dream company: They have a black lab named Chug for a mascot, their slogan is "No Whiners", and they spend all day making beer. And not just any beer. A highly regarded, award winning, craft beer. My job app is in the mail.

Spanish Peaks first brewed their Black Dog Ale back in 1991 in Bozeman, Montana. After winning several medals at the Great International Beer Tasting, (Yes, there really is one. And you can add International Beer Tasting Judge to the list of dream jobs), Chug passing over to the Great Brewery in the Sky, and a few year hiatus, it is back and revitalized.

Personally I am a fan of beer with a lot of flavor. I like ales, and this is a great English style amber with tons of clean malt flavor. It'll go well with that steak you were thinking of throwing on the grill this weekend.

Bring a six-pack over to your buddy's place to watch the game this weekend. It beats the same old domestic you drink all the time. Just don't forget to toast the memory of Chug. And no whining.

Available nationwide www.spanishpeaksbrewing.com