Disqus - Latest Comments for Joe Power

Re: Cheap Pinot?

Joe Power — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 08:53:47 -0000

Glad that you liked it, Steve. I read that issue of Wine Spectator, it had some good stuff. If you get a chance, pick up this month's issue. It is what they are calling their "Ultimate Buying Guide." It's a lot of fun seeing the $20 bottles that are ranked higher than the $80 ones. Now if I can just find a few of those $20 bottles still hanging around on a shelf somewhere...

Re: Where is the best place to buy wine?

Joe Power — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 08:59:43 -0000

The downtown Spec's can be a little intimidating due to the warehouse-style displays. The one down here in Clear Lake is a lot more shopper friendly, although the selection is a little smaller than downtown, but I don't think it is by too much. The wine is displayed in a way that you can stroll the aisles and see every bottle.

As for children, I can assure you that it is EXACTLY like spending the afternoon shopping with mom, except that mom or dad are enjoting themselves (due to the samples) a whole lot more.

Re: Viognier

Joe Power — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:38:39 -0000

Thanks for the tip, Chuck. I'll have to see if I can get my hands on some that down here.

Re: Cooking with wine

Joe Power — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:41:30 -0000

Papa Lou: Unfinished bottles of wine? I'm confused...

Re: Cooking with wine

Joe Power — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:43:03 -0000

Steve: I don't wait for a bottle that I don't want to drink, but those tend to pile up now and then. I'll go buy a bottle for cooking if need be, but I rarely waste any of what I am drinking. ;)

Re: Viognier

Joe Power — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:09:26 -0000

I hear you, Papa Lou. Then again, what varietal isn't a mixed bag in some way? For me, part of the fun is seeking out the wines that I like then tasting them again and again. But you're right, viognier seems to have more extreme swings in taste. Maybe that is why is makes such fascinating wine, because it is so hard to define exactly what it should taste like. I suggest we all do a lot more research.

Re: Cooking with wine

Joe Power — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:31:26 -0000

I was kidding, Papa. ;)

While it is rare that a good bottle ever has anything left in it at my house, the same things you describe happen here, as well. While I've never been able to develop much of a taste for mulled wine, around the holidays there are few things that can make a house smell as festive as a pan of it warming on the stove.

Re: Italian Wines

Joe Power — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 13:36:13 -0000

Good advice that can be applied to almost all wine regions, Rachel. Thanks for the comment.

Love your olive oil blog!

Re: Wine is for Wimps

Joe Power — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 08:12:02 -0000

Exactly! Maybe it was the cheese that they found girly?

Re: Staying home for Valentine’s Day?

Joe Power — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:44:45 -0000

That sounds like either the end or the beginning of a John Cusack movie. Did she give you a pen?

Re: Wine is for Wimps

Joe Power — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:51:01 -0000

That one is bad, too. This was the one where the guys show up for a dainty wine and cheese party but have their Bud Light stashed in fake cheese. Exceptionally dumb commercial.

I'm with you on beer. With all of the choices available to the consumer, why would anyone drink that tasteless swill?

Re: Staying home for Valentine’s Day?

Joe Power — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 08:07:00 -0000

Hi Mark,

Feel free to post recipes in any thread that you think would be appropriate. I will have a new post later today that should fit the bill nicely.

Re: Staying home for Valentine’s Day?

Joe Power — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:21:20 -0000

Maybe if you had made fondue for the girl in high school she might not have dumped you. Just a thought.

If you HAD done the boom box thing, my money would have been on Public Enemy instead of Peter Gabriel. ;)

Re: Staying home for Valentine’s Day?

Joe Power — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:13:56 -0000

Well Natalia, maybe you should make him read the follow-up column and tell him that you want him to cook for you next Valentine's Day AND take you out to swanky place the following weekend. Sounds like a fair trade-off to me. :)

Re: Lasagna from Hell

Joe Power — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:28:25 -0000

Steve,

I get a little better with the pasta maker each time that I use it. Well, provided the eggs don't decide to go over the wall and make a break for it. Kneading seems to be the key. Lots and lots and lots of kneading. Then some kneading, followed by a bit of kneading.

The Mac Cheese is pretty cool because it tastes different depending on what beer and cheese I have on hand. Not surprising considering that, out of boredom, I decided to make the sauce like fondue.

Re: Wine Wankers

Joe Power — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:33:08 -0000

Good point on the ranking system. It can be a helpful tool, but if it becomes the be-all and end-all of how wine is judged then it becomes a joke.

Re: Bubbles for every day, all day?

Joe Power — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:54:02 -0000

I like the way you think, Steve. It scares me how you get where you are going, but you always seem to get to the right place eventually.

As for signing up, get to the back of the line, I was here first.

Re: DIY Wine Tasting Party

Joe Power — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 20:19:06 -0000

That's a great idea, Kathleen. Nice blog!

Re: Pairing Food With Wine (and vice versa)

Joe Power — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:47:05 -0000

Jon, that is an interesting point. While I doubt it will change how I pair food and wine, it is something to think about. There is no way that I am serving a white Zin to anyone with anything under any circumstances, but perhaps planning the menu by taking my guest's tastes into consideration, and then matching wine to that is something that I will take into account more. Food for thought. BTW, all wine (except white Zin) goes with food for thought.

Re: Pairing Food With Wine (and vice versa)

Joe Power — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:50:40 -0000

Omyword (great name, btw), thanks for stopping by, and you're welcome. Your example sounds delicious.

Re: Pairing Food With Wine (and vice versa)

Joe Power — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:23:46 -0000

Good point, Papa Lou. Matching the right note in the sauce and the wine can make almost any food and wine pair up.

Re: Rock and Roll and Wine

Joe Power — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:14:26 -0000

I'll bet you get to meet a lot of very interesting folks in your line of work, Mark. I stopped at Cohn's winery on my last trip out that way, but he wasn't in the tasting room that day. I'd also be willing bet that he has some great stories to tell.

Re: Easter Dinner

Joe Power — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 08:37:53 -0000

Hi Mark,

Let me know how you like it. Just the way the smell fills your house makes it worth it, in my opinion.

Happy Easter!

Joe

Re: Trouble brewing in wine blog land?

Joe Power — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:07:17 -0000

Thanks, Pamela. Let's spread Budo-Kun across the Web! :)

Re: Trouble brewing in wine blog land?

Joe Power — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:05:41 -0000

Jill, my very reason for blogging is to make Budo as happy as possible. ;)

Re: Google Wine Maps

Joe Power — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:49:11 -0000

You're welcome! And thank you for giving me something to write about tonight!

Re: Trouble brewing in wine blog land?

Joe Power — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 20:26:47 -0000

Exactly!

Re: Sliders Recipe

Joe Power — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:20:11 -0000

Skyline "Chili" is an abomination on so many levels that I hardly know where to start. There are many reasons why Ohio keeps Cincinnati tucked away in a corner near Kentucky, but Skyline tops the list. ;)

Re: How the light gets in

Joe Power — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:35:40 -0000

Hey Steve! Glad to see you back. I hope school is going well for you. Are you enrolled in the ISG class this Fall?

With brett, I tend to side with the Aussies and consider it a flaw, but I disagree with them that it always ruins a wine. As for oxidation, I am never a fan, but sherry lovers don't seem to mind. I guess that was my point, what one person sees as a flaw another might enjoy. Some folks look at Cindy Crawford and see a beauty mark, some see a big-ass mole on her face. Et ainsi il va! ;)

Re: A little bit of everything

Joe Power — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:50:58 -0000

My most semi-sincere apology about the keyboard. ;)

Re: How the light gets in

Joe Power — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:53:48 -0000

Well, let me know if you are going to skip town so we can polish off a bottle or two before you go.

Re: Wine and Sexual Preference

Joe Power — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:00:42 -0000

LOL! You know what I think it really says about you, Memarie? I think it says that you like rich, red wines. I also think that not only is the winemaker full of crap, but foolish for even caring. ;)

Re: Happy New Beers Day!

Joe Power — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:37:12 -0000

Sounds like an appropriate response to me. :)

Re: Sliders Recipe

Joe Power — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:47:01 -0000

Thanks for stopping by, Gerry. Believe it or not, they went pretty well with wine.

Re: Asparagus and Wine

Joe Power — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 08:02:38 -0000

I think a Chenin Blanc would work pretty well, too. Another reader emailed me that she thought a Muscadet would be a fine match, too, so apparently I missed the boat by not adding some Loire wines to the list.

Are you planting the herbs outside? What considerations do you have to take given the climate extremes down here?

Re: Asparagus and Wine

Joe Power — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 17:18:01 -0000

Good luck and when is dinner?

Re: 2004 Paradigm Cabernet Sauvignon

Joe Power — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:29:38 -0000

I agree. It is my new favorite wine bar in Houston.

Re: Finally, a true social networking site for winos!

Joe Power — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:32:12 -0000

You're welcome! Hope you stop by often.

Re: Asparagus and Wine

Joe Power — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:34:20 -0000

Welcome Diane!

Re: The Miracle of Braising, or How to Never Waste Wine Again

Joe Power — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:41:25 -0000

Hey Mark! Glad to see you stop by. My wife and I are starting to talk about visiting your part of the world again soon, but we haven't decided on when yet. Let me know how those ribs turn out!

Re: The Miracle of Braising, or How to Never Waste Wine Again

Joe Power — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:51:20 -0000

good recipe for it from a master.

As for wine, duck is a very versatile meat and can be paired with a lot of wines, including reds. In fact, red is probably a better match due to the rich meat and high fat content. However, it does depend on the cooking method. Some wines that would probably be good to try are Riesling, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer for whites and Pinot Noir or a Zinfandel on the red side. Of those, the Pinot would probably be my choice for the widest variety of cooking styles.

Re: The Family That Drinks Together…

Joe Power — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:58:49 -0000

You both make excellent points, which demonstrates just how complicated this issue is.

Re: How to: Attend a Wine Tasting Event

Joe Power — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:17:25 -0000

Hey Wineoaf, thanks for visiting! I'd be honored to be added to your blogroll. I only had a second to check out your site, but I liked what I saw. I will go back later and read more, and add you to my links page. Cheers!

Re: America Ponders Brunello Ban

Joe Power — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:48:50 -0000

Maybe they would offset?

Re: Rules to Live (and Laugh) By

Joe Power — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:33:05 -0000

You're welcome. Love your site!

Re: Good Wine for BBQ

Joe Power — Mon, 26 May 2008 09:24:37 -0000

Great suggestions, Pamela! Zinfandel, especially, can go very well with BBQ. Although, down here in Texas, I think I'll stick with nice chilled whites this time of year. :)

Happy Holiday to you and all of the enobyters!

Re: Rules to Live (and Laugh) By

Joe Power — Tue, 27 May 2008 09:47:44 -0000

I'll bet that would be one hell of a post in English! ;)

Re: What wine would taste best drunk from the Stanley Cup?

Joe Power — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:42:47 -0000

Thanks for the congratulations and for sending Osgood back! I am thinking a nice Oregon Pinot Gris might be good with octopus. :)

Re: Greatest Salad EVER!

Joe Power — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:45:07 -0000

Thanks! Let me know if you give it a try.

Re: Greatest Salad EVER!

Joe Power — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:15:12 -0000

Glad that you enjoyed it, Pamela! It is nice to know that someone actually tried it. Let me know if you come up with any new variations that you like. :)

Re: Back to BBQ - Lamberts

Joe Power — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:22:43 -0000

Glad you liked the article!

Re: Wine Can Make You Skinny

Joe Power — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:30:13 -0000

I plan to work on my waistline a lot this weekend.

Re: Interesting Wine Question

Joe Power — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:50:59 -0000

Hey Steve, glad to see you are back!

We have been to Cova, but I believe we were at the Kirby location. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I wrote about it.

http://www.anotherwineblog.com/archives/112

Let me know what days and times you are working and we will stop in soon.

Re: Interesting Wine Question

Joe Power — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:30:03 -0000

Amy corrected me on the location already. We'll be in soon.

Re: Wine and Cheese Pairing Article

Joe Power — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:35:10 -0000

I could not check out the link that you provided as it seems to be broken, nor do I know offhand the exact molecular reasons for why tannins and fats are a perfect pair. However, from both my personal experience and my studies, I believe this to be true. Fats soften harsh tannins, making them less astringent, allowing the fruit to shine. Conversely, the aforementioned atsringency cuts the fat, which allows for a better mouthfeel, revealing more of the food's flavor. This is why we drink big tannic Cabernets with fatty cuts of steak. In addition, for me, it is hard to top a funky Rhone wine with some strong cheese. The flavors and aromas just go well together, and yes, that is an opinion.

White wine's acidity can do much the same thing with fat, but it works best with lighter fare. Cream sauces, fish such as salmon, and lighter cheeses (I love goat with white wine) are spectacular when paired with a Riesling or a Muscadet.

In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. Neither my experiences, the wisdom contained in books, nor science can trump that. Esters and alkenols can only be indicators of how a food and wine might match up. We all have wildly varying number of tastebuds, which is a huge factor in determining preferences. Our diets can effect how we taste, as can our health. Factor in memories, associations, even weather and mood, etc. and it becomes impossible to say for certain why things taste good together to the majority of people, but we know that certain things do.

Peanut butter and jelly may not appeal to everyone, but it is hard to think of one without the other. Some folks might adore a nice Stilton with a Pinot Noir, and that is fine, too. In general, however, I stand by my statements. Red wine is typically a better match for cheese than white wine.

Re: Wine vs. Beer

Joe Power — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:08:14 -0000

Who knew you were an even bigger beer geek than I am, Chuck? Very impressive!

Re: Plume Bleue - Great Bargain Wine for Grilling

Joe Power — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:24:00 -0000

Thanks for the review, Chuck. I will have to give that a try. After filling up my gas tank and buying a bag of dog food set me back $70, I need too find all of the bargains that I can.

Re: Interesting Wine Question

Joe Power — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:30:39 -0000

Thanks for your nice comment, Michelle.

Re: Budweiser is bought by company that brews Stella Artois

Joe Power — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:08:49 -0000

LOL! I would be truly surprised if you weren't right about that, Bill.

Re: Pinot Grigio - Even better in the Summer

Joe Power — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:20:11 -0000

That sounds like a great tasting, Steve. Easy on the wallet is always a good thing, especially these days.

Re: Disturbing Trends

Joe Power — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 10:18:37 -0000

Amen to that, Wineoaf! Glad to see you back.

Re: Glorious Beginnings

Joe Power — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:52:24 -0000

It is some of my favorite guitar work, as well. Thanks for the link!

Re: Eat, Drink, or Die!

Joe Power — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 22:08:14 -0000

Damn, being late to a party where you are doesn't make me too optimistic about the prospects of there being anything left to drink. ;)

Re: Bennigan’s Closing - Who Gives a $#@&?

Joe Power — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:25:03 -0000

Hi Faye! Thanks for the stopping by and commenting.

These places have driven out small, individually owned restaurants. Just like Walmart, they can't be dismissed with a shrug and a "What can you do? That's what people want."

You make a very valid point about bad economic times being the wrong time to open a new restaurant, but if you go back and read what I wrote, I was suggesting that perhaps these current dark times will be followed by better ones that, if we are lucky, will allow for the return of real restaurants.

However, I am fully in agreement with you on one point. I like when there is more of the good stuff for me, too. Cheers!

Re: Bennigan’s Closing - Who Gives a $#@&?

Joe Power — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:22:06 -0000

While I agree with many of your points, overall we will just have to agree to disagree about the damage done by chains, and especially by Wal-Mart. I realize that free-market Libertarians such as the (exceptionally funny) South Park folks need to deny the unfair and downright evil practices of Wal-Mart to be able to cling to their political beliefs, but that doesn't actually change what they do.

Besides, isn't the lesson of South Park that Chef has salty balls? :)

Re: Delicious Egg Dish

Joe Power — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:36:36 -0000

Hi Golly,

Let me know how that turns out for you. That sounds delicious, but I don't know hwo you will make the cups either. :)

Re: Bottle Shock

Joe Power — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:45:33 -0000

Thanks for the review. I haven't seen it yet, but I hope to soon. Rickman can, indeed, do no wrong.

Re: New Wine Discussion Forums

Joe Power — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:47:40 -0000

No problem, Mark. I wouldn't talk about your site if it weren't one of my favorites.

Re: Eat, Drink, or Die!

Joe Power — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 19:34:48 -0000

The cops probably just follow you! ;)

Re: In Defense of Head Cheese

Joe Power — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:52:12 -0000

Memarie, you're welcome! Let me know if you try it. As Chuck's story illustrates, you have to choose the variety carefully. The Wikipedia link in the post is a good place to see what kind you might like and what sort sounds gross to you.

Chuck, quit whining and eat your head cheese! ;)

Jessica, count me in for both wine and olive oil. I am a fan of both together. However, given the choice you pose in that article, I would certainly take the excellent wine and the Big Mac over the fine meal and a Slurpee. Wine enhances the taste of food while super sweet, sugary stuff like that would kill the taste for me. However, I am at a complete loss as what wine would go with the Big Mac. :)

Re: Hurricane Ike

Joe Power — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:45:15 -0000

Thanks guys! We're all safe and sound, and back home.

Re: Coming home to Hurricane Ike

Joe Power — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:07:08 -0000

Thanks guys. Even better, my wife tracked down a gallon of milk, and our local wine store is back open!

Re: Natural cork, synthetic cork, or screwcap?

Joe Power — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:54:07 -0000

Glad to see you made it through, too!

I was signed up, paid my money, and was all set to go to the classes, but then I saw that they were during the day. There was no way I could manage that with my work schedule. So, it looks like I will be switching to the Court of the Master Sommelier. I will retake the test we already finished in Tuscon next December.

What style of beer are you making? I can't wait to taste it. Are you still at Cova?

Re: Natural cork, synthetic cork, or screwcap?

Joe Power — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:16:13 -0000

Sounds good. No Pats/Lions suck-fest, mercifully, though.

Are you working any weekends?

Re: Coming home to Hurricane Ike

Joe Power — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:50:58 -0000

Hey Mike, sorry for not responding. I don't hit MySpace much anymore. There are too many malicious gremlins hanging out there these days. It may be the most insecure site going these days. Considering the scummy wingnut douchebag that owns it, small wonder.

Thanks for checking in with me!

Re: Comcast ate my blog!

Joe Power — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:51:05 -0000

Rachel, I am very happy that I have a very fast connection from Comcast right now, but that doesn't make up for the months of frustration and the loss of my readers. I would highly recommend using Twitter to get their corporate folks involved. Good luck!

Re: Comcast ate my blog!

Joe Power — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:21:25 -0000

I'm very glad myself! My wife and I are very grateful to you for your help. :)

Re: Comcast ate my blog!

Joe Power — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 21:39:05 -0000

Thanks Chuck. Good article.

Re: Be a Superstar Home Chef (Intro)

Joe Power — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 15:08:59 -0000

Hey Mark, good to see that a well respected, experienced chef agrees with my advice. One of my big fears as part of the "new media" is steering someone wrong in any of the areas that I write about.

If you could only have one pan, what would it be?

Re: Belated Happy Anniversary to Drinkplanner!

Joe Power — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 15:12:54 -0000

Thanks, DP! I am soon to be heading to a wine and food festival to take my drinking offline. :)

Re: Comcast ate my blog!

Joe Power — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:14:37 -0000

Oh, they have a reputation, Dan. Just not the one I would want for my business. ;)

Re: Be a Superstar Home Chef (Intro)

Joe Power — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:11:04 -0000

Thanks, Heidi!

Re: Champagne is in order!

Joe Power — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:14:12 -0000

As long as you don't celebrate when Toledo loses! Then again, this year, very few people could do that much celebrating. ;)

Re: Who said that drinking wine is easy?

Joe Power — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:22:26 -0000

Dani, I wish you were here. You have to make it happen for next year!

Re: Palate Shock

Joe Power — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:44:47 -0000

Chuck, I really found little of note in the whole tasting. In fact, I only enjoyed two wines out of the entire group. I will be posting about both soon.

Re: Thoughts about or inspired by the Wine Bloggers Conference

Joe Power — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:48:11 -0000

I will most definitely see your "WOW!" and raise you one "HOLY CRAP, WHAT AN EVENT!"

Re: Thoughts about or inspired by the Wine Bloggers Conference

Joe Power — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:52:15 -0000

Denise, it was wonderful meeting you and hanging out this weekend. I hope our paths cross often. Btw, sorry for making fun of your post walk sandwich just because we had such a fantastic meal at Michel-Schlumberger. Oops, did that come off as taunting again? Sorry! ;)

Seriously, I wish I had gotten to taste the Rockaway, as well.

Re: The final days of the Wine Blogger Conference

Joe Power — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:20:24 -0000

Denise, maybe we can talk them into organizing a monthly conference! :)

Re: Local Wine Festivals

Joe Power — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:23:39 -0000

Kinky for Governor - Why the hell not? was the greatest political bumper sticker EVER!

Re: October Surprise - Michel-Schlumberger Vineyard Walk

Joe Power — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:11:23 -0000

It sounds like all of the walks were great, but Michel-Schlumberger did it up EXTRA special. It was easily a top ten morning for me. Glad I didn't try and stick to my guns on my original choices. :)

Re: Who said that drinking wine is easy?

Joe Power — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:23:27 -0000

While I usually just need a good nights sleep to get my tastebuds back in shape, it certainly does diminish your desire to have your palate challenged. Thanks for stopping by, Chef E!

Re: PUSH It Out, STRETCH It Out… WAYYY Out

Joe Power — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:50:17 -0000

Actually, stretching before a workout can be counterproductive and even harmful when training for either strength or size. Stretching does just what it says to a muscle, and a stretched out muscle is both weaker and less stable. What is important is to warm up the muscles to be used prior to a workout. Get on a stair climber before doing squats, for example, use light weight before moving on to heavy weights. Save the stretches for after the workout. Stretching a muscle that has not been properly warmed up can cause injury before the workout even begins.