"No point in mentioning those bats. The poor bastard will see them soon enough." - Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Behold! The our jockey box had its first public debut at the 2008 Drinking and Writing Festival.

The crowd was treated to beers from several Illinois Craft Brewers Guild members, including Metro, Goose Island, Flossmoor Station, Destihl, and Rock Bottom. Flying Dog Brewery - a craft micro brewery inspired by Dr. Thompson - also sent along beer for sampling.

A stunningly handsome yet obviously confused lad. When in doubt, dude, just keep drinking.

We had gone out bar-hopping with Frank Kelly Rich the previous evening, which was a tremendous honor. An even greater honor was that everyone remembered each other the next day.

Frank Kelly Rich received the "The Drinking & Writing Brewery's Award For Outstanding Achievement in Drinking & Writing. Write Till You Puke" from Steve Mosqueda, founding member of the Drinking and Writing Brewery as Dr. Thompson looks on approvingly.