Check out the new interview with Mary Jane Mahan, author of "Love At The Pub". I love this story that Mary Jane tells about a great pub and more importantly a great place for community and conversation. The Brick Store Pub in Decatur, GA is one of my favorite places in the world, as much for the great community as for the world-class beer. In this interview, Mary Jane and I discuss how she came up with the idea for her book, the importance of "Third Place" for community, and love for great conversation, community, and beer. Cheers! Related links:

• Love At The Pub
• Brick Store Pub
• Buy at Amazon
• Twitter
• Facebook group

Much of the news of the past week has been dominated by the story of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates being arrested at his home by Cambridge police officer James Crowley. At a press conference last week, President Obama addressed this issue and eventually suggested that Gates and Crowley join Obama at the White House to discuss things over a beer. While most talk surrounding this story has been about questions of race and law, I'd like to address the beer question. Specifically, what beer would be appropriate for Obama to serve? Let me first preface my recommendations by stating that I hope and pray that Obama will eschew the typical American offerings of Bud/Miller/Michelob/Coors. Would Obama serve boxed wine or jug wine at a meeting at the White House? I don't think so; therefore he shouldn't serve the beer equivalent. Additionally, while it is often recognized that Belgium makes the best beer in the world along with Germany and England, I think we can assume that Obama is going to serve American beer. So Mr. President, if you are reading this...try one of these world-class American beers.

Items mentioned in this video:

Items mentioned in this video:

• 
  Jon Meacham's Newsweek article
• Joe Scarborough video with Jon Meacham and Tim Keller
• Michael Spencer's article "The Coming Evangelical Collapse"
• "UnChristian" by Gabe Lyons and Dave Kinnaman
• Bill Simmons: "Choosing my EPL team"
• Liverpool FC
• Unibroue Trois Pistoles

In order for this to be a conversation, I need your help and participation. While most people are comfortable with text comments on blogs, I think we miss out on the spoken word and hearing from real people. As such I would ask that you click the icon below to be connected to my voicemail to leave your thoughts on this week's topic. While I would prefer that you leave your name and where you are calling from, it isn't required.