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The apple pie is in the oven, we're watching the parade and chillaxing to the max. There is so much to be thankful for! To all my friends and family, near and far, Happy Thanksgiving! And to those of you reading from outside the US – Happy Thursday!
That picture of Maggie at the bottom has got to be the best ever. It's a family tradition to call each other (preferably early) and "Gobble" them. It involves many, many gobbles without identifying yourself. Just gobbling. Here is Maggie gobbling Grandpa, and Grandpa gobbling her right back. I really should have taken a video, but at least I remembered to put on the flash!

subset: commoncrawl


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A statewide program to rehabilitate roadways has garnered nearly $3 million for Hardin County this year.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has awarded money for asphalt paving on two state roadways in Hardin County, part of a larger package benefiting more than 45 counties as the spring construction season starts.
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Since the mid-1990s, the UMass Center for Industrial Competitiveness (CIC) has been known for its path-breaking research on industrial innovation, regional development, corporate governance, financialization, and sustainable prosperity. Our research and consulting on industrial competitiveness throughout the world provide us with a global perspective on regional development. Learn more
Stock Buyback Research Earns Honors
Menino Covers 20 Years Over Lunch
Student Projects Win DifferenceMaker Funding
Former Apple Exec Advises Students on Careers, Life
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Data Show Men Outpacing Women in Job Market
"Corporate Governance, Employee Voice, and Work Organization: Sustaining High Road Jobs in the Automotive Supply Industry," forthcoming April 2014.
"Building Blocks for an Innovative Economy," August 2013.
Read more working papers.
William Lazonick, "The Financialization of the U.S. Corporation: What Has Been Lost, and How It Can Be Regained," Seattle University Law Review, 36, 2013: 857-909.
William Lazonick and Mariana Mazzucato, "The Risk-Reward Nexus in the Innovation-Inequality Relationship," Industrial and Corporate Change, 22, 4, 2013: 1093-1128.
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By RICHARD SHAWSun Advocate publisher
An expansion at Grand County High School in Moab will likely lead to more College of Eastern Utah involvement in vocational and technical programs in the area.
In early December, the Grand County Board of Education picked a contractor to build the vocational center expansion, which the district anticipates will become a partnership with CEU to operate.
The board said the school district will look for alternative funding for the project to help in the costs of construction.
It is anticipated that a lease arrangement with CEU will help the district to repay loans that may be needed to build the facility.
The vision is to have CEU use the space for two types of purposes.
One purpose would be to provide applied technology programs that are needed in the Grand County area.
The other purpose would be to provide a custom fit program in Moab.
The announcement of the project by the school board came before CEU announced budget cuts for the rest of the fiscal year and the possibility of a 15 percent reduction in funding for next year.
How the situation could affect any partnership remains to be seen.
Last year, CEU and the Southeastern Utah Applied Technical College merged. CEU then became the main provider for technical training in southeastern Utah.
Custom fit programs have been running for many years at the campus in Price.
The programs provide the opportunity for private enterprise and community organizations to have input into the type of specific training they need for employees and workplaces. The programs are set up with particular goals and skills that are taugh to meet local needs.
According to Miles Nelson, associate vice president for workforce education at CEU, the program that is planned in Moab will be of great value to the community there.
"We are planning to expand the programs that we are already doing at the Utah State University building in Moab and to add some other things," said Nelson in a phone interview on Tuesday morning. "I think our biggest challenge right now is to find the funding to help with building the facility."
Nelson said once the facility is operational CEU will be offering nursing and medical assistant training, a basic skills lab, a medical coding curriculum, and many kinds of computer application training courses.
"We are now in the concept phase and are working with architects to give us some concept drawings of what the facility will look like," said Nelson.
It is hoped that the facility can be open for business sometime in 2010.


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The DCCA is grateful for the volunteers who offer their time and talents to support our programs. Volunteer help is needed in our offices, in the galleries and at special events. Training will be provided. Email email@example.com
Alternatives Museum Shop / Visitor Services Volunteer
We are seeking responsible, eager, and creative volunteers to assist with visitor services and our museum shop.
Hours: Thursday 10 am - 1 pm and/or Friday 10 am - 1 pm for the duration of the school year.
General Description: Promote a positive visitor experience while enforcing Museum procedures and ensuring that the visitors' experience at the Museum is a positive one. The Visitor Service Team Member provides excellent customer service through greeting visitors, processing museum shop and gallery sales, and while helping to ensure the safety of visitors and art works in the museum and Alternatives Museum Shop.
Contact: Terry Foreman
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts
Director of Retail and Membership | Alternatives Museum Shop
302-656-6466 x7113


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Exelon Nuclear's Clinton Station will host a Community Information Night on Wednesday, May 4.
Clinton, IL – Exelon Nuclear's Clinton Station will host a Community Information Night on Wednesday, May 4. The information night will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the station's Training Facility, 8401 Power Road, Clinton, IL 61727.
Clinton, IL
Exelon representatives, technical experts and officials from various outside agencies will be on hand to provide information and answer questions with attendees about Clinton Station, including:
Refreshments will be served and takeaway information will be available.
For more information about the event please contact Site Communications Manager Bill Harris at (217) 937-4205.
Clinton Power Station is located approximately six miles east of Clinton, Ill. At full power, the station produces approximately 1,065 net megawatts of carbon-free electricity.
Exelon Corporation is one of the nation's largest electric utilities with more than $18 billion in annual revenues. The company has one of the industry's largest portfolios of electricity generation capacity, with a nationwide reach and strong positions in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. Exelon distributes electricity to approximately 5.4 million customers in northern Illinois and southeastern Pennsylvania and natural gas to approximately 490,000 customers in the Philadelphia area. Exelon is headquartered in Chicago and trades on the NYSE under the ticker EXC.


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Discover Dior VIII
"I dreamt of being an architect; as a couturier, I have to respect the principles of architecture."
Christian Dior
Dior VIII 2013
Watch the video
An iconic collection
Graphic and timelessly elegant, Dior VIII recalls the iconic "Bar" jacket. Its name, as if to highlight the very superstitious Monsieur Dior's lucky number even better, recalls the date of the creation of his couture house, on the 8th of October 1946, the name of his first collection baptised "En Huit" (In Eight) or even the VIIIth arrondissement of Paris, cradle of the House on Avenue Montaigne.
"Black and white would suffice. But why deprive ourselves of colour?" Christian Dior
The ball heritage
Day models with a dial set or not with a trimming of precious stones; cocktail models with a bezel decorated with baguette-cut coloured stones or evening models with the "Dior Inversé" calibre, whose functional oscillating weight placed on the dial recalls the swirl of a ball gown. Dior VIII firmly establishes itself as the reflection of a woman's wardrobe.
Gold: the material of excellence
Precious and refined, gold embodies the values upheld by the House of Dior since its first fashion show in 1947 and is found in each collection. At Avenue Montaigne, gold is, and has always been, everywhere. It is in the workshops, in seamstresses' agile, expert hands.


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Leading the imaginative culinary experience at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is Executive Chef, Chris Masco. From Italian to Southwestern, Mediterranean to Kosher cuisines, Masco's 20 years of experience with diverse culinary traditions bring a fine love and understanding of culture to the Resort's culinary team. Masco leads a team of nearly 100 members in servicing all ten dining establishments at the Resort and also oversees all banquet events throughout the Resort's more than 200,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space.
Chef Chris Masco began his cooking career studying at the renowned Culinary Institute of America, where he demonstrated both his skill and drive for success at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, winning the gold medal for cold food presentation. Since his graduation in 1996, Masco has maintained his commitment to excellence, bringing dining distinction to some of the country's finest restaurants, hotels and resorts including: Japanese American, Sundance Resorts, The Hyatt Regency Atlanta and Westin Hotels and Resorts.
From his early achievements, Masco has brought his superior talent and dedication to his endeavors, earning such recognition as "Best American Cuisine" and a Mobile Four Star award. In 2000, he was chosen to represent Hyatt at the American Food Festival in Thesssalonki, Greece, where he shared his skill and knowledge of American cuisine with the Ambrosia Restaurant, creating menus and performing at food functions for the American Ambassador of Greece. In 2007, Masco spent time in Tokyo, Japan teaching American cuisine to Tokyo locals and implementing American menus at the Westin Kyoto and Westin Tokyo.
David Roldan
With a career in restaurant management, catering, restaurants and hotels that has taken him from the shores of southern Florida to the famed riverwalk in San Antonio to the sun-kissed Sonoran Desert, David Roldan brings a wealth of experience to his role as Executive Sous Chef at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.
A graduate of Johnson & Wales University in North Miami, Roldan honed his culinary skills at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, where he began as a restaurant cook and in-room dining cook, later was named a garde manger chef and was promoted to banquet sous chef. His career led him to The Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio where, as executive sous chef, he was honored with the Manager of the Year Award.
Prior to joining the team at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Roldan served as Executive Chef overseeing all food and beverage operations at the W Dallas Victory Hotel in downtown Dallas.
At The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Roldan uses his expertise to manage the day-to-day functions of the Resort's 10 unique dining venues, to assist in menu development and to inspire and lead the Resort's culinary teams.
Born in Northern Mexico, Roberto Madrid brings a passion for Latino cooking to his role as Chef de Cuisine at deseo. He began his culinary career in Scottsdale in 1982, studying under Chef Tony Fogo at The White Truffle, a local French fine-dining restaurant. He then moved to Jean Carlo to master fine Italian cuisine, and the spent six years with Chef Michael Salvagio at Steven's, helping to build the foundation of modern Southwestern cuisine. Madrid was part of the opening team at The Terrace restaurant at The Phoenician Resort & Spa as well as the Golden Swan at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch.
Madrid was part of the opening culinary team at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa and has led the deseo culinary team since 2006. His colorful and artistic presentations of each dish shares his excitement for deseo's lively cuisine and bold flavors. Madrid adds a modern twist to deseo's unique recipes, using his knowledge of traditional Latin dishes to stay true to the "Nuevo Latino" menu.
Soon after opening, deseo was named among "America's Best New Restaurants" by The James Beard Foundation and the accolades have continued. In addition to earning the Four Diamond Rating by AAA, the restaurant was recently voted "2014 Best Resort Restaurant" by Arizona Foothills magazine readers, was named as one of "America's 100 Best Wine Restaurants 2014" by Wine Enthusiast and has again earned a prestigious 4.5 stars from the Arizona Republic.
Brittlebush Bar & Grill
Chef de Cuisine Cole Chiaramonte honed his skill in creating innovative menus and leading culinary teams while serving in high-end restaurants, boutique hotels and resorts, cruise lines and even at large nationally recognized events such as the Kentucky Derby.
After spending much of his career in San Diego, he relocated to Arizona in 2009. As Executive Sous Chef at the U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix, he directed event operations for all catering efforts, which included executing events for 18,500 guests during the Phoenix Suns' basketball seasons.
At Brittlebush Bar & Grill, he applies his extensive experience to his passion for creating fresh, delicious gastropub cuisine using regionally produced ingredients from local purveyors.
Chiaramonte earned an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Grossmont College and has been a Certified Active Member of the American Culinary Federation since 2006. Past accolades include nominations for 'Best Hotel Dining' and 'Most Creative Cuisine' from the San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter Association and 'Best Restaurant to Splurge At' and 'Best Seafood Restaurant' by the Inland Empire.


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Study of Brain and Spinal Cord Tumor Growth and Cyst Development in Patients With Von Hippel Lindau Disease
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The purpose of this study is to learn more about the growth of brain and spinal cord tumors and cysts that develop in association with them in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease. It will examine how fast the tumors grow and try to determine what factors (for example, puberty , pregnancy, menopause, blood proteins, etc.) affect their growth.
Patients between the ages of 8 and 75 years who are enrolled in NIH s study of von Hippel-Lindau disease may be eligible for this 5-year study. Participants will have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord and a thorough neurological history and examination at the start of the study. A blood sample will be taken for analysis of factors (hormones or other proteins) that may predict tumor growth. Follow-up clinic visits every 6 months will include a physical and neurological examination, blood tests, and MRI scans of the brain and spine. If symptoms or tumor growth requires more frequent follow-up, scans will be done at 3-month intervals.
Surgical removal of brain and spinal cord tumors is currently the treatment of choice when these lesions cause neurological problems. A better understanding of which tumors are likely to grow and which will remain stable may help guide physicians in treatment decisions and avoid unnecessary procedures.
Hippel Lindau Disease
|Study Type:
|Official Title:
|A Prospective Natural History Study of VHL Patients With CNS Hemangioblastomas
|Study Start Date:
|June 2000
Hemangioblastomas of the cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord are frequent tumors in patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. Rarely, these lesions also affect the cerebrum. Patients often have multiple lesions, many of which are associated with cysts or syrinx. The current treatment for symptomatic lesions is surgical resection. Focused radiation is also being used in selected cases in an attempt to provide tumor control. The natural history of central nervous system (CNS) lesions in patients with VHL has not been addressed in a prospective study. It is not clear at which point these lesions will begin to grow, or develop cysts in the cerebellum or syrinx in the spinal cord, and systemic factors that influence tumor growth have not been identified. By identifying factors that predict or influence tumor progression or cyst development, we can more accurately recommend surgical or medical intervention at appropriate times and avoid unnecessary treatment for stable lesions. This study will collect prospective radiological and clinical data on growth of the central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas and associated cysts. We will also prospectively collect information on systemic processes that may influence tumor progression, such as puberty, menopause, pregnancy, effects of hormone therapy, tumor load, serum VEGF levels, hemoglobin/hematocrit levels, and erythropoietin.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|8 Years to 75 Years
|Genders Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
- Ages 8-75.
- Confirmed diagnosis of von Hippel-Lindau disease.
- Presence of one or more cerebral, cerebellar or spinal cord hemangioblastomas on screening MRI.
- Provide written informed consent (or assent).
- Karnofsky Performance Scale Score greater than or equal to 60.
- Clinically unstable condition.
- Being treated by any chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or steroids.
- Allergy to CT or MRI contrast agents.
- Contraindication to MRI scanning such as surgery that involves metal clips or wires which might be expected to cause tissue damage or produce image artifacts.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00005902
|United States, Maryland
|National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike
|Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
|Principal Investigator:
|John D Heiss, M.D.
|National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Additional Information:
Additional publications automatically indexed to this study by ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT Number):
|Responsible Party:
|National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) ( National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) )
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT00005902 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|Study First Received:
|June 6, 2000
|Last Updated:
|September 18, 2015
|Health Authority:
|United States: Federal Government
Keywords provided by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC):
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Spinal Cord
von Hippel-Lindau
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Von Hippel-Lindau Disease
Cardiovascular Diseases
Hemangioma, Capillary
Neoplasms by Histologic Type
Neoplasms, Vascular Tissue
Nervous System Diseases
Neurocutaneous Syndromes
Vascular Diseases
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on October 13, 2015


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Notes: The Loading Zone Cargo Gate will work on almost all top mounted tonneau systems. As long as the Original Cargo Gate* has the ability to make contact with the side rails, without interference with the cover.
Shipping Details: Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
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Cococino signs secret deal on health leader's exit
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has signed a secret agreement with its public health director to resign and not discuss the reasons for her leaving or her job performance.
The county is refusing to release documents to the Arizona Daily Sun about the exit of Barbara Worgess.
Worgess's lawyer is attempting to prevent the Daily Sun (http://bit.ly/UUtCKO ) from viewing the agreement she signed upon leaving Coconino County. A Superior Court judge has put a temporary hold on releasing the documents pending a full hearing next month.
Worgess joined the county in 1998 and led a department responsible for restaurant inspections, tracking and countering infectious disease outbreaks and immunizing the public until September. She is officially an employee until Jan. 4.
Worgess didn't return calls seeking comment.


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Please follow the steps below to ensure that your information is received correctly. Signing in with the wrong option may prevent you from receiving correct orders and information from the Athletic Ticket Office and IPTAY. If you are unsure of which option to use, please contact the Athletic Ticket Office or IPTAY at 1-800-CLEMSON to speak with a representative.
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Irish Internet Radio and TV from Dublin, Ireland.
Lady Boru,
tis always a pleasure hearing from you . am hoping all is well with you and family and wish you all the best from me Irish heart that belongs to that lovely lady Ireland !
yers aye,
Connor Shaw
Hi Lady
An thank you for your card happy belated st Patrics day to you only recived it to day as i started new job yesterday
Pedraich :)
Happy St. Patrick's Day, Lady Boru! Have a beautiful day! So glad you are my LIveIreland friend! Take care and have fun today...it's a grand day for the Irish.
Greetings Lady Boru ! Just stop to say hi and take care ! Slan Mike :))
© 2015


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- Overview
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Sugoi Helium JacketLighter than air, the award-winning Helium weighs less than 100g, resists wind and water, enhances breathability and is amazingly packable. The perfect cycling jacket for complete protection and coverage in variable conditions.
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- Semi-form fit maintains riding comfort
- Full separating zipper with guard blocks the elements
- Contrast elastic bound armholes for extra protection
- 3M Scotchlite reflective piping on front, side and back adds visibility
- Invisible zippered back pocket is wired for MP3
Sugoi Helium Jacket
- video:
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- fabric:
- 100% Polyester
- pockets:
- 1 back zippered MP3
- weatherproof:
- Wind-Resistant and Water-Resistant
- rating:
- 4


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In the past few months, a number of major data breaches have made the news—most notably the attack on Target, which compromised personal or payment information for more than 100 million customers. And with people increasingly digitizing their most sensitive information, these breaches pose significant risks to their online, personal and financial security.
Last month, with fortuitous timing, identity theft protection company LifeLock launched a new campaign that highlights the benefits of using its services to protect customers' data. In an upbeat commercial, LifeLock shows a series of people going about their lives, with digital technology at the center of what they do—sending text messages, transferring money, sharing photos, etc. Eventually, LifeLock notifies each person of potentially fraudulent behavior taken under their name, asking if they've done such things as opening a credit card account or applying for a mortgage. All the customers have to do is select no, and continue with their days.
A voiceover acknowledges, "The thing is, you live in a digital world, and you're not turning back. And that's OK. Shop, post, browse, follow, bank and stream. Knock yourself out. Because while you do your thing, we'll be here at LifeLock, doing our thing." In its campaign, LifeLock shies away from presenting a foreboding threat of identity theft, instead choosing to reassure viewers with a positive outlook of protection, letting people live their lives as normal.


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Thursday, October 8, 2009
Sweet Talker
On a recent trip to Von's, Bob spied a box of fruit roll ups on the shelf. He pointed aggressively at the box but words failed him. He let out a yelp.
"Bud, what are you pointing at?"
"I want… want… I want!" He got louder as he became more frustrated.
"What are we looking at? The granola bars?"
"I want!" Now he was yelling.
"Come on sweetheart, let's take it down a notch."
"I want… I want... I want a gorgeous mama! I want a gorgeous mama! Want one! May I please have a pretty mama?"
Aisle 4 was amused. I made a mental note to get my highlights touched up.
10 comments:
I want a behind like that lady in the picture. I want, I want, I want.ReplyDelete
My kid just points and says, "MIIIIINE!" Then I tell her to be nice so she gives a cheesy grin and says, "Mine! Pleeeeez?" I'm a sucker and she usually gets it.
Sorry Bob,ReplyDelete
I have a copyright on that last line. I am ok with you using it in certain circumstances, except like, when we are both in the aisle this shopper is in.
Very cute!ReplyDelete
I always make my kids say, "Can I have that my beautiful, princess, Cinderella, Belle mommy?"
laughing out loudReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 8, 2009 at 9:45 AM
That is awesome! I just got my laugh for the day!ReplyDelete
Karen Peterson Matchinga
Manipulation is an art. The art of manipulation is a skill. Teaching children early is just plain smart.ReplyDelete
And you are both smart and beautiful.
He is definitely starting young wanting a pretty momma .... ?ReplyDelete
My wife has a new title now. I'm going to get whatever I want. Mwahahahaha. Thanks Lisa and Bob!ReplyDelete
rotfl and also lmao, lucky i'm all alone here at home!ReplyDelete


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Listen in a new window or your own player: 64k mp3 | 128k mp3 | 320k mp3
Turn It Up
Being Good Isn't Always Easy: Cool
Something I wrote almost a year ago now is this: "As I get older I find myself facing more and more of the emotionally complicated moments of life.
These experiences have led me to believe that, when I do occasionally get a break from complicated concerns, I should spend that time experiencing things I find to be simple, beautiful, and good. With people I find to be beautiful and good. (But never simple.)"
And, man. Time is moving so fast and so slow for me. On the one hand, I feel that the me-of-ten-months-ago had seen NOTHING of "emotionally complicated moments", bah! On the other, I know she had, and this world-weariness in the me-of-today is only its own form of immaturity.
Regardless, I stand by what I said. And ever more so.
To me this song is a neatly wrapped package of sexy coolness, like the highest-end ice cream cake you can imagine.
The song: Dusty Springfield, "Son of a Preacher Man"; 1968
It was Dusty's last Top 10 hit for nearly twenty years; her next one, "What Have I Done To Deserve This?" I posted on my blog, a long time ago. I also featured her song "What Do You Do When Love Dies?" when someone broke into my apartment and, for a few days, it was the only song I wanted to hear. (And I still don't exactly know why.)
Long story short, I truly love Dusty Springfield and I often find myself turning to her when I want to feel settled in my emotions rather than distressed by them -- when I want, in other words, to be okay with having feelings.
This is a VERY valuable function of music, in my mind. I mean, maybe one of the most valuable.
I also have to say, on the subject of experiencing things that are simple and beautiful and good with people who are beautiful and good:
I miss a friend who used to live in Ann Arbor and has since moved to Ukraine. When she lived here, there were a few late nights when one or both of us felt restless. So she'd pick me up in her car, which I will affectionally call a "jalopy", and we'd make a trip to Meijer.
Like all establishments that are open 24 hours, Meijer has a special character late at night. It also has air-conditioning, a good thing in a Michigan summer. We'd browse the DVD aisle and sometimes I'd buy something impulsively (my vast collection of romantic comedies can attest to this). Or maybe the makeup section. Or maybe the baked goods.
The point was, we were together and we were not where we didn't want to be. One of these nights, driving back, my friend put on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack and she skipped it forward to this song. Windows down, very late and very warm, we zipped down Packard Rd turning this song up and singing along -- which is a very hard thing to do if you care about sounding good, which fortunately we did not.
I had already loved this song but now I'll love it even more, because it is inextricably linked to a moment. That's another one of my favorite things that music can do.
Just Turn Around Now: In Plain Sight
I enjoy being able to truly listen to a song that I have heard a billion times, and to hear it for what it is, if it is a great song. It's not something I can always do though, more like a magic-eye puzzle where the picture pops in and out depending on how I angle my head.
Anyway, I enjoy doing this and I also really enjoy, when I can, doing this with other people. Like pop music group therapy. Perhaps this is my mission in life.
This is a song that is highly associated with cheesiness, but I don't think it's in itself a cheesy song.
The song: Gloria Gaynor, "I Will Survive"; 1978
This song was not set up to be a hit, but became one due to the sheer force of its nature. Originally released as the B-side to a cover of a Righteous Brothers song (hello 1978), it was more popular with DJs than the A-side -- a factoid that I cannot help but love. Unusually for a disco song at the time, Gloria Gaynor had no backup singers and her voice was left at its natural register, not pitched up.
These things I learned from reading the Wikipedia article about "I Will Survive". What I know for myself is that this song is a universal anthem of self-respect, an underrated theme in pop music and culture. I also know that this song is one of a very few that is recognizable to the great majority of the population within about 5 seconds of it starting. I think it is, truly, a great song.
And I love this video with the dancer on her skates who just spins and spins. Is that what self-respect is, disco pants and a spotlight on an empty floor? Seems like it could be, to me.
Just A Little Close To Me: Figuring
Hello. There seems to be something in the air about Fleetwood Mac today.
I appreciate this because I've been thinking recently about how dearly I love Fleetwood Mac and how this love seems to be -- like my things about Motown and Morrissey and my attraction to the scent of bay rum -- one of those things in myself that is a signpost, a marker of something that I am.
As I am still kind of experiencing a quarter-life crisis, I find these markers valuable because they give me something to hang on to. But because I also eventually want to leave my quarter-life crisis, I am moved to try to understand this in terms beyond myself.
The Motown thing is about the fascination of glamour and style and collaboration, not to mention the endlessly (to me) interesting idea of singing about sad things in a happy way. The Morrissey thing is about productive self-absorption, and about being open with your esoteric sources of inspiration. Bay rum just smells like goodness. And Fleetwood Mac is a group that uses high skill to make interesting, yet accessible, things.
All of these boil down even further to a word I first used on this blog on March 4, 2012 and not often since then, a value I increasingly pursue in pop music and in life: authenticity. I felt afraid to use it the first time around because it seemed, I don't know, maybe self-evident? Maybe taking on something I didn't know if I wanted to or was ready to take on?
It's a slippery thing, but I think it may be the most important thing. The last time I wrote about Fleetwood Mac I said, "This blog is about relationships." I still think that's true, but I also think deeper down this blog is about authenticity: not only songs that exemplify it, but my own search for it -- stumblingly, and over time.
The song: Fleetwood Mac, "Never Forget"; 1979
"Never Forget" is interesting to me because it is off the 1979 album Tusk, their majorly ballsy follow-up to mega-hit Rumours. Nobody really liked Tusk at the time but now I think everyone probably loves it, just because it is very hard not to love. As an album, it's a little strange and off-kilter. The songs don't seem to be in the right order. And you're not really quite sure what it's about, thematically, at least not in the same way you are sure that Rumours is about love and its dissolution. (Maybe Tusk is about the dissolved pieces.)
And it ends with this song, written and sung by Christine McVie who may be the least appreciated member of the band (including by me). At her best, her contribution to Fleetwood Mac is this fatal sweetness, a sweetness that seems too much to be real. In this song, "the stars must be my friends to shine for me" and "just remember that love is gold" sometimes stick in my throat because, like it or not, I am still a product of my time and my time just does NOT get down with that kind of un-self-conscious dreaminess. (I wish it did, though. I read recently on some strange person's Internet blog [no, not this one] that soon we'll all become more comfortable with mysticism and move away from the obsession with logic, science, and reason. He offered no evidence for this naturally, but I believe it wholeheartedly because I want to.)
But whenever this song comes on, a little burble comes up in my heart and I feel like I should look up at the sky just to see what's going on out there. This is a decision I never regret.
And Women Make Mistakes Too: "New Year's Resolution"
As I mentioned in my last post, I'm a little sad that I didn't have more time to focus on Christmas music here when it was seasonally appropriate. There's so much to say! I don't know what any of it is yet, but I guess now I have most of a year to figure it out.
HOWEVER: I do have one more seasonal card up my sleeve. And oh, it's a good one. Get ready.
The song: Carla Thomas and Otis Redding, "New Year's Resolution"; 1967
From King and Queen, Otis Redding's last studio album, and one of my current (and recurrent) favorites. A song like this could easily be cheesy or gimmick-y, but this one really does it for me. Maybe because in my interpretation, it's not actually New Year's at all. It's March or something, and they're just wanting to start over somehow. I like that. I do that sometimes. And why not? A new year can start any time you want it to.
Here's to this one.
But I Haven't Got A Stitch To Wear: Happy Birthday to Me
I still feel a bit remiss about not having written more about Christmas music this year, as this is one holiday to which music -- and particularly pop music! -- is closely tied.
However, time marches on and, as is always the case in my life, I have to swoop directly from Christmas-thoughts to birthday-thoughts. My birthday is today. December 26. And it always has been!
Last year on this date I posted a Morrissey song, and my half-baked thoughts about the nature of aging (as seen through the lens of my continuing interest/obsession in modern monarchies).
Incidentally that Morrissey song, "That's How People Grow Up", is an amazing song and also holds the personal distinction of being the very first song I ever played on air at WCBN. Not unintentionally.
I think it would be a fun tradition to, as long as I have this blog, do the Morrissey thing on my birthday. Not least because a birthday should be a day of self-indulgence (in this case intellectually AND aesthetically, whee hee) but also because it should also be a day of self-honesty. And when I am truly being honest with myself, I see that my Morrissey "thing", my "thing" about Morrissey, is pretty revealing.
I have now been 26 for approximately 26 minutes. I can already sense it will be an interesting age. Old enough to know how young I actually am, and young enough to worry that I am getting old. But one thing I am (thankfully) realizing as I get older, at the rate of approximately one day per day, is that once you've been through enough environments and iterations as a person you start to get a sense of what about you is the environment and what about you is you.
When I was a twenty-year-old creative writing major, it made sense for me to love Morrissey -- albeit, even then, in a somewhat self-consciously nostalgic, wet-behind-the-ears sort of way. (It was, after all, not that long ago objectively speaking.) But it was always me who loved him, and that knowledge is the kind of thing I now think is precious. Which knowledge? That this, is just, who I am.
If you know anything about Morrissey you know that this is maybe his chief quality: being exactly who he is, this being a melodramatic individual who teeters between pitiable and completely insufferable. But also! Also, well-read. Great with wordplay. With a totally unique voice. A presence. Some pretty snazzy dance moves. And -- and THIS is the kicker -- an actual sense of humor about himself.
I just love him, and love can forgive so many things. I don't mean any of this to say that now that I have reached the venerable age of 26 that I've decided to indulge all my flaws henceforth in service of Being Myself. That idea is pretty horrifying to me. What I do mean to say however, is that in the grand slalom race that is life, it is an excellent feeling to know at least what shape my skis are.
Why pamper life's complexities when the leather runs smooth on the passenger seat?
The song: The Smiths, "This Charming Man"; 1983
Who Have I Become: Growing Up
It has been a long since I have written to you, which I could explain but the explanation doesn't matter.
What matters is that over the past few weeks, I have had much cause to feel that a) I may be having a quarter-life crisis and b) I am experiencing a lot of personal growth. As anyone who has been through a personal growth spurt will know, it is often unpleasant and often makes one sort of an unpleasant person. Like the teething of the soul.
I don't think I'm fully teethed at this moment, and maybe won't be for a long time. But I do feel a lot better than I did at this time last week.
As always, music is a valuable tool for this sort of thing and the music I've been focusing on is the extremely recent EP Fade Away by Best Coast. If you asked me to sum up the moment of mid-twenties uncertainty in which I currently find myself, the instability and the low-level angst and the problems that I objectively know are not THAT bad but that feel bad, I'd say, "listen to this."
The song: Best Coast, "Who Have I Become?"; 2013
Because when I listen to it, I realize that this is just a passing moment, and I can see the beauty in that.
Nuh Nuh Nuh Nuh Nuh Nuh Nuh Nuh: Ode to Joy
The above is my best attempt at representing in words that line that we all know how to hum, which came to me out of the blue when I was in the shower today, which is Thanksgiving.
It took me a few times through to remember what it was, as it was just one of those things that occasionally comes through on the radio receiver in my head. Although I am working on my skills to appreciate classical music, they are not very good -- and so I think it appropriate that, of all the classical pieces that could come to me as an idea for a blog post, it would be this one. It IS a pop song, after all. Interpreted and re-interpreted many times, too commonly heard to be really listened to, but one of the musical themes that shapes our lives.
Like many people, all I really know of this song is that main line. It might be because of the name that this song comes to me in moments of idle happiness -- of THANKSGIVING, one might say -- but I also think there is something special captured there.
All I want to say here is, good job Beethoven. And good job to the people behind this very cool video featuring visual accompaniment. And Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.
The song: Ludwig van Beethoven, "Symphony No. 9 (Fourth Movement)"; 1824. Performed by the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra.
To Let You Know I Can Really Shake 'Em Down: Keep It Light
This song I would put in the category of, things you've probably heard too many times to actually hear.
But it's SO GOOD.
(For a long time, it was in that category for me too.)
Interesting things about this song:
1. It's Motown, but really does not sound like it at all. Mostly due to that squeaking, soulful vocal line (which is SO great).
2. Not only is it Motown, it's one of the few Motown hits actually written by Berry Gordy himself!
3. Not only was it written by Berry Gordy, in his frenzy of writing he became convinced that this song had to be recorded immediately if not sooner (it seems like he did this a lot). It was supposed to go to the Temptations, but he actually literally could not FIND the Temptations, so grabbed another group and had them do it instead.
Which is a very charming story and only feeds my Martha-Reeves fantasies of being some unassuming office-type in the corridors of Hitsville USA and being called in to pinch-hit as a backup singer on what turns out to be a mega-hit and then having a whole fabulous life filled with sparkly dresses and doing for a living what I currently do only in the privacy of my own home, ie perfecting my snapping-along technique to the music of the Four Tops.
AHEM. In any case, I love this song. If only because it reminds me to remember that life goes a lot better if you can dance about it. Incidentally these dance moves look a lot like mine although I can only hope to one day be this stylish.
But isn't there something just so endearing about these relatively unpolished moves, particularly with the distance of time and our current culture of HD hyper-quality? I think so. This is so much of what I love about watching Motown artists: they truly are having fun, and it shows.
The song: The Contours, "Do You Love Me"; 1962
(After all, she may not love him any better now that he's got a rockin' Twist, but you gotta know that'll serve him well.)
PS Important research for this post came from the excellent blog Motown Junkies, which is a must-read for any fan of Motown or of intelligent, unpretentious, serious writing about pop music. Thank you, Motown Junkies!
Don't Stop Let's Party: The Fame Monster
I am very interested in fame.
Not so much for myself, although I do fantasize several times a week about being on Dancing with the Stars, but certainly as a concept and one that affects all of our lives regardless of what we think our level of buy-in to mainstream culture is.
Without a doubt one of the most interesting commentators on the subject of fame these days is Lady Gaga, not least because she has always made it explicit that she IS interested in commenting on fame through her image and music. (Some of my other favorite mega-famous women, like Katy Perry and Rihanna, are less obvious about it.)
Although in this day and age, it seems that everything is a comment on itself. I think that's why I appreciate when it's made explicit, because there's got to be a straight line to something in order for me to feel motivated to navigate the maze of meta-commentary.
There was a time (roughly 2009) when Lady Gaga was mega-famous the first time around and it was au courant to discuss which was your favorite Lady Gaga song. (Either it was au courant or I have some very indulgent friends. Or both.) Sometimes I would say "Alejandro" (which IS a really good song) but in my heart of hearts I always felt that this song was the alpha and omega of Lady Gaga, the one that would endure to show people what she was all about.
It's still too soon to make that call but at least in my opinion, this song holds up.
The song: Lady Gaga, "Paparazzi"; 2008
First off, ooh this song is still REALLY catchy is it not?
Secondly: "Paparazzi" links romantic obsession to cultural obsession by blurring the lines in the figure of the amateur paparazzo/fan who only knows she wants to possess, somehow, the object of her attention. It doesn't seem to really matter how. In this song, the song itself, Gaga plays the obsessor. In her life at the time, she was the obsess-ee.
Which is I find her latest single such an interesting follow-up to "Paparazzi".
The song: Lady Gaga ft. R Kelly, "Do What U Want"; 2013
Like "Paparazzi", this song compares the public (fame) with the private (sex). As such, like "Paparazzi", it works both as a pop song and a statement, depending on how deep you're in the mood to think when you hear it.
She pushed this song to greater heights in three ways:
- By collaborating with R Kelly, an artist whose image currently epitomizes (fairly or not) the washed-up. This is why I really believe and respect him when he says "we're laying the cut like we don't give a fuck", because I think not-giving-a-fuck is precisely what R Kelly needs to do right now. That's the only way back.
- By referencing Marilyn Monroe, the ultimate touchstone of poisoned fame. (For more on that, see this somewhat crazy post I wrote forever ago about Marilyn, Rihanna, Tupac, Kanye, and "Candle in the Wind".)
- By, in the opening lines, providing at least the illusion of a glimpse into her personal life. Lady Gaga has always been, for better or worse, a highly constructed celebrity. What she says about herself rarely has the ring of truth. But Lady Gaga has always been out to shock, and to engage in meta-commentary, and to provoke conversation. I believe she's reached a point of fame -- and what's more, that the culture has shifted such between 2009 and 2013 -- that the most shocking and provocative and au courant possible move to make is. . .simple honesty.
To me this song feels like mega-hit. I'm interested to see if it is.
(Writing this post reminded me of a relatively similar, although less cultural and more personal, entry about Eminem's songs "Lose Yourself" and "Till I Collapse". Read it here if you like.)
Tell The Truth: "A Woman's World"
It seems that I always turn to Cher when I want to brush on the topics of feminism or humanism. The reason for this is two-fold: for one thing, Cher is one of my favorite women/humans of all time, and secondly, she represents something that is important to me.
Given that she has been mega-famous continuously since 1965, it seems to me there's no denying that Cher is a living legend and a force of nature. What's truly remarkable about this in my eyes is that her chief talent seems to be "being herself".
I don't mean that in a derogatory way. This is what makes her singing and songs resonant -- they seem to be reflective of something true, something she has lived. And if you've seen her acting in Moonstruck (which I hope you have), you'll know that she brings unforgettable transparency to that character. (The incredible writing of John Patrick Shanley is also a factor in what makes that movie SO GREAT, it must be said. "I ain't no monument to justice! I lost my hand! I lost my bride!")
Cher is always willing to be herself, but what's more, she has a sense of humor about that self. For instance, do you know that she once starred in a mini-production of West Side Story. . .playing all the characters? It's completely insane and brilliant. Watch it here.
And I have complete confidence that Cher will be Cher until the day she disappears from this planet in a cloud of purple glitter (I'm pretty sure she won't "die" like the rest of us). A confidence that is reinforced by her most recent single:
The song: Cher, "Woman's World"; 2013
The song may not be your taste, but please give it up for a 67-year-old woman who wears a gigantic headdress made of cut-up newspapers in the video for her ENTIRELY CREDIBLE club song.
The amazing thing about "Woman's World" is that it sounds so like a Cher song, but it also sounds like a 2013 song. This tells me Cher can adapt to the world as it is, which is something that I admire in everybody but particularly in people who are on the older side.
Cher is one of those artists, like Amy Winehouse, Dusty Springfield, and Joni Mitchell, for whom I feel my appreciation is uniquely colored by being female. It is hard to be a woman.
That feels like a controversial statement to make, although I am not quite sure why. Perhaps because it carries a huge weight of implication: that it's hard to be woman because men make it that way, or that it shouldn't be hard to be a woman any more because of the 1960s, or that (the old chestnut) the feelings that give rise to the idea that it's hard to be a woman are because of an individual woman's personal failings instead of something universal or systematic.
I don't know that I'm trying to make a political statement, and I certainly don't want to make a statement of victimhood. I know it is also hard to be a man; I have read novels. My theory is, and it's not exactly groundbreaking but okay, but my theory is that it's just hard to be a person and the way in which it is hard is determined by what kind of person you are.
This is why I respond so much to Cher's music, which contains not only her trademark message of self-actualization but also the exhortation to join together instead of working apart. Speaking personally, that's the only thing I've ever found to make it easier.
Gee My Life's A Funny Thing: Plastic Soul
Hi friends.
I just came back from a brief trip to Scotland.
Sometimes I Told You You Was Beautiful: *~*~Memories~*~*
In the summer of 2007 I ran to this song.
Baby, Go On and Live: "Tell It Like It Is"
I've wondered what the first song to be featured here twice would be.
I knew it would happen, given how much I love to listen to songs repeatedly and how much the meaning of songs can change over time.
So You Used to Shake Em Down but Now You Stop and Think About Your Dignity: "Rock and Roll Never Forgets"
Those who know me these days know that I spend a fair amount of time listening to various flavors of Comcast Music Choice, also known as those weird 400-level channels just after the Mexican wrestling and just before pay-per-view porn.
And That's A Pain I Can Do Without: Fall
As I've written about here before, I have what I call (in a tongue-in-cheek fashion) Chronic Existential Pain Syndrome.
A Change of Key Will Let You Out: "Strange Overtones"
David Byrne is really doing it for me right now.
This morning as I did my radio show, I found his album Here Lies Love and experienced a gradual dawning of increasingly exciting revelations:
1. It's a disco/club album by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim.
Can't You See It's We Who Own The Night: Stop
Although this blog is generally what I would describe as "aggressively UN-topical", I'm going to veer into the current for a second.
You may have heard that Miley Cyrus performed at the VMAs this Sunday. You may have heard this from pretty much every news outlet, mainstream and niche, feminist, socio-cultural, and otherwise.
I too have heard this.
The Past is Gone But Something Might Be Found To Take Its Place: "Hey Jealousy"
Recently, for a reason that is boring, I was faced with the knowledge of what is the very first song I ever purchased from iTunes.
It's "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers.
We Got The Gift of Melody, We Gonna Bring It Till The End: "Pop"
Things that have happened to me recently:
1. Two viewings in one week of the 2010 future-cult-classic film Burlesque starring Cher and Christina Aguilera.
We Belong To The Sound Of The Words We've Both Fallen Under: A Dedication
Do you believe in coincidences?
I sure do. There are a lot of them in this life. Some of them even seem to make patterns. But it's all in the interpretation.
It's a coincidence that this song has come on several times in the last weeks when I've been feeling blue and down.
A Place Where You and I Could Sing This Song: The Same Side Of A Different Coin
I like a theory. I'm always working on a few, mostly ridiculous, ones. Like for a long time I had this whole matrix of food choices that was supposed to say something about your personality (Wheat Thins vs. Triscuits, spearmint gum vs. peppermint gum etc), and while I am not willing to abandon this entirely, I'm also open to a few more theories of personality and humanity.
It's Something That Just Gets Down In Your Bones: Al Green Explores Your Mind
I think I may be a silicon-based organism, because my mind just does not work very well in the heat.
But here's a good song! It's off the album Al Green Explores Your Mind, which held the distinction of "my new favorite album title" for about a week until it was knocked off by Everybody Hertz (by Air.)
Let's Make The Best Of This Situation Before I Finally Go Insane: "Layla"
I hope we can all agree that Eric Clapton's (or Derek and the Dominos if you want to get pedantic) "Layla" is an amazing song.
It's got all the things: technical complexity and innovation, more than enough emotion to go around, and a backstory encompassing several grand figures of rock history.
We Sang Every Song That Driver Knew: More America
Because I've been mulling over American songs this past week, I thought I'd share two more classics of the genre.
And I Can't Pretend That That Doesn't Mean A Thing To Me: "#Beautiful"
Like I said in this post with this Sam Cooke song, some songs are to get the party started and some are to keep an existing party going. Cruising songs, one might say.
Baby Are You Down Down Down Down Down: Summer
Summer is the best time for pop music.
In fact I would even venture to say that it is THE time for pop music, and pop music at all other times of the year is just trying to recreate the feeling of summer.
I should clarify my terms: in this case I mean "pop music" as in the stuff of the current day (and oh what a day it is currently).
So I'm Back To The Velvet Underground: Communication
Music is a form of communication that is sometimes direct and sometimes ineffable as heck. For instance, this particular song has been for the last few months something I listen to when I want to feel like myself again, after not feeling like myself. (Which is a distressing feeling as I am sure you understand.)
I'm Just Trying To Find A Decent Melody: For the Anxious
There is a particular topic that I want to start writing about more often.
Want is maybe not the right word. I mean something more along the lines of "don't really want to at all, but feel I should in order to stay true to my own personal values" (but that doesn't condense well).
And I Love Everybody Since I Fell In Love With You: "Everybody Loves A Lover"
Get ready, because this song is just ADORABLE.
The song: The Shirelles, "Everybody Loves A Lover"; 1962
And It Could Work For You: "Something Good Can Work"
Here's a nice summery song that will make you want to participate in a montage of fun activities with a group of attractive people:
The song: Two Door Cinema Club, "Something Good Can Work"; 2011
Once I Figured It Out You Were Right Here All Along: Modern Love
Usually I would just link to the entry where I said this, but for the first time in my life I am feeling the urge to quote myself and I kind of want to ride this wave into shore.
Because You Made Me A Winner With Your: "Sweet Understanding Love"
I can only ever realize in retrospect how much the music I showcase on this blog (and on my radio show, more on that later) reflects my mood.
Some Days I Just Pray to the God of Sex and Drums and Rock N Roll: A Talk
I recently had the opportunity to speak in front of about 130 people about "any subject related to writing", which as you can imagine was extremely exciting but also extremely intimidating.
But When I See You Hanging About With Anyone: "It's Not Unusual"
I really, viscerally do not get why Tom Jones was as famous as he was.
Am I too young? Cynical? Just squeamish about men who wear their shirts unbuttoned too far?
(Yes, yes, YES.)
Similarly, I really viscerally Do Not Get the song "It's Not Unusual". But I still love it. And here's why.
Way Out Of Sync From The Beginning: A Song for When
For those moments when life seems a little bit too close and real, like when I saw hyenas in a zoo in Singapore. It's a modern zoo, so you can't see they're in a cage.
The song: The National, "Slow Show"; 2007
I'm Sorry I Don't Understand Where All of This is Coming From: Modern Love (?)
I mentioned a few weeks ago that my house was broken into, and posted a Dusty Springfield song.
Keep Those Records Playing: Another Spring
One cool thing about having had this blog for over a year: I can now start to see patterns in the way I listen to and enjoy music, which is really interesting because usually when I am in a Phase I pretty much feel like that Phase is the alpha and omega, the way things have always been and the way they always will be.
So Tell Me Now And I Won't Ask Again: Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?
Girl groups: I recently mentioned them!
This song is notable for being the first song by an all-girl group to reach #1 in the United States. (Just think of the many all-girl groups that have come along since then! And what we would do without them! Our worlds would be so much darker.)
The Sounds of the City, Baby, Seem To Disappear: Roots
It makes me respect somebody to learn they love the music of what we call "girl groups".
The Past Is My Shadow, My Shadow Is You: Home Invasion
Last Friday night an unknown person kicked down the door to my apartment, rifled through my possessions, and stole some of them.
Just Because You're In It: Connections
Hi everybody.
I've been thinking a lot recently about country music.
I keep thinking I'll write one post where I just break it all down, country music and why I love it and what's unique and special about it, and these ideas always seem within my grasp when they're inside my head but completely ineffective when I try to put them outside.
But Ooh Baby I'm A Fool For You: Not Guilty
One of the greatest things about the time I spend at WCBN is how often I get to read liner notes.
I think these are generally an underappreciated art form.
Back in the summer I read the liner notes to Paul Simon's latest album, which were written by Elvis Costello, and I've not forgotten this line:
Love Is A Losing Game: Entirety
I briefly mentioned this once but not in very much depth: I don't think of myself as an "albums" person.
I just respond to the song for the song. And think of songs for themselves.
Clock Strikes Upon The Hour And The Sun Begins To Fade: Love
I started my blog with a post about the Mature Break-Up Song.
In the almost-year since then I've wrestled a lot with the question of what my blog is about and for.
I Called Your Cell Phone My Love But You Didn't Respond: A Conversation
Editor's Note: The following post is presented in the form of a conversation between myself and my dear friend Emma Claire Foley, who recently revived her own blogging efforts with Having An Empty Mind. When I asked her to describe her blog, she said, "Uh. .
With Your Carefully-Designed Topless Swimsuit: Travel
I've told you before that I spend time thinking about what songs I would put into a Wes Anderson movie if my life were a Wes Anderson movie,
Because It's Such An Unusual Sight: The Pursuit
Hi friends,
it's been a while since I wrote here, although I have been thinking about it every day, because that's what you do with something you love.
My mind has been occupied with a million other things, most notably and tangibly a very large upcoming international trip,
but more ineffably, the question of happiness.
And The Saddest Fear Comes Creeping In: A New Leaf
One thing I am completely willing to admit about myself is that, where it comes to matters of media and culture, I am so stubbornly conservative as to be, like, one of those mountain trolls post-turning-into-stone.
A Plaque of Platinum Status is Whack if I'm Not the Baddest: Songs to Drive to
And I don't mean like drive like drive in a car, I mean like drive like be driven.
Earlier today I was in a situation that does not hit me where I am strongest: a large dark room filled with mostly-strangers having emotions.
(Cigarette smoke used to crowd away some of the overwhelming emotion-ness of bars but now there is just no respite!)
I Was Wasting My Life Always Thinking About Myself: Happy Birthday to Me!
By the time you read this, it will be my 25th birthday.
Also the first birthday LITERALLY IN MY ENTIRE MEMORY OF MY ENTIRE LIFE that I have not felt some angst about being a year older.
Wild And Sweet The Words Repeat: Merry Christmas.
Here's a Christmas carol you don't hear too often, based on an 1864 poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow lamenting the state of the country during the Civil War.
Let's Be Like Children This Christmastime: Modern Love
The modern Christmas song is a tough thing to pull off.
For years my dad and I have joked that all we need to do to strike it rich in this life is somehow write the next hit Christmas carol, one that will be covered by generations to come, and then live easy forevermore on the royalties.
And Wonder If You Are Watching Snowflakes Too: A Tearjerker Christmas
By night I am deeply embroiled in an intensive cultural-criticism training program (eating microwave popcorn by myself and watching cable television) but my day job is about children.
Just One Psychological Drama After Another: Wild!
It will most likely come as no surprise that I'm a person who can get really melancholy and self-pitying and just terrible. (Have I ever hidden how much I truly love Morrissey?)
If I Had To Do The Same Again I Would My Friend: "Fernando"
As I've mentioned before, I often have to force myself to turn outward.
But I Can't Stop Trying I Can't Give Up Hope: Don't Put This On Your Mix CD
When it comes to romance, the older I get the more I find myself turning into a fascist.
I Know I'll Often Stop And Think About Them: Songs for Thanksgiving
I used to not like this song. The implication that One True Love should somehow supersede a person's entire previous life ruffled my feathers, although I appreciated the beautifully simple and distinctive drum line and the sweetness of those notes at the beginning.
Well I'm Sorry I Don't Pray That Way: No, This Version Wins
"Tainted Love" is by FAR my favorite song to sing in the shower, so I was delighted to come across this lesser-known original version of it. Before clicking, I thought to myself,
"Great! I will do a Version v. Version of this because what's better than listening to 'Tainted Love'? Listening to 'Tainted Love' five times in a row!!!!!!!"
I Know They Don't Sound The Way I Planned Them To Be: TK TK
A few months ago, around when I moved into my new place, I got on a real kick for self-improvement. Now I drink water with lemon in it (according to the highly reputable text Alkalize or Die! by Dr. Theodore Baroody, this is all I need to become immortal) and I try not to talk unless I have something interesting to say.
Don't You Know Me I'm Your Native Son: "City of New Orleans"
What I think a lot of people don't realize about being American is that part of being American is feeling kind of weird about it.
You Always Wanted A Lover I Only Wanted A Job: "What Have I Done To Deserve This?"
Okay so there's a lot of pretending that goes on in my life. I think it's a natural consequence of a) living alone and b) an overactive brain.
You May Never Fall In Love With Me But It Don't Matter: "Midnight Flower"
I usually steer clear of posting songs or theme-ing posts to holidays just because I feel that's establishing what could only be called a dangerous precedent,
but this song struck me as something good for Halloween and I'm trying to put my finger on why.
And I Understand Your Feelings Girl I Really Do: "Get Out Now"
There's two kinds of hobbies in this life: the ones that exist outside your head, and the ones that don't.
One of my personal favorites of the latter genre is "pretending my life is a movie and I am the music director".
Longing To Sail On: "All Through The Years"
This is a really great song and I recommend that you listen to it ASAP.
The song: Erasure, "All Through The Years"; 1994
The moment: 1:25
Let's Make The Most Of the Night Like We're Gonna: Fight or Flight
If you've turned on a TV or the radio in the past three months, you've heard these songs.
My argument is essentially, not to put too fine a point on it, that these two songs represent Everything That Is Wrong With Everything in the Year 2012.
(in a metaphysical sense.)
Here we go.
I'm Always Running Behind The Times: "Just Like This Train"
I really love October (who doesn't) but I find that it can sometimes really exacerbate what I'll call my Chronic Existential Pain Syndrome.
Like most chronic things, it's low level most of the time and then occasionally flares up, usually in the form of thoughts like so:
Oh Make No Mistake My Friend All Of This Will End So Sing It Now: "Sing Your Life"
The things you love most are the things you return to again and again.
Hence the concept of the dog-eared page. Or buying DVDs in an age when it's just as easy not to. The desire to own and mark what you know you will want to see again.
The things I return to are usually things I hardly realize I am returning to, because they never feel old, they just feel good.
You Got Back To My Name In Your Little Black Book: Version v. Version
Friends, it's that time again.
For that unanswerable question: who sung it best?
THIS TIME, a special twist because all of the artists featured here have ALSO been previously featured on In Bed With Amy Wilson. Because I love them all. A conundrum is before us.
The song? Only the one everybody should have in the back pocket of their emotional register:
Wish You Could Touch Me With The Colors Of Your Life: "Invisible"
As I've hopefully made clear, I'm really into things that seem kind of bright and upbeat but in fact are DARK and TWISTED and MORBID. The contrast is just really zesty to me.
It's Not That The Problem Lies Anywhere In There: "Please Forgive My Heart"
I really like doing radio, as evidenced by the fact that for the last four months I have been willing to drag my carcass out of my burrow between the hours of 3am and 6am to do it.
There are a lot of things that are addictive and magical and wonderful about the radio, and I've done a lot of thinking about them recently. Here are two:
At the Movies with Amy Wilson: Impassioned Defenses of Universally Panned Films
I recently submitted to the McSweeney's Internet Tendency Column Contest, which I did not win (evidently) but which required me to write one full example column for the submission.
I Refuse To Give Into My Blues, That's Not How It's Going To Be: "King of Wishful Thinking"
Oh, BLOG.
I have been occasionally known to say I am in a relationship with my blog, which is only about 25% a joke.
Well The Men Come In These Places and the Men Are All the Same: "Private Dancer"
Hi friends,
Please excuse the recent radio silence. I have been moving, an endeavor which takes relatively little time in the physical world but which has CONSUMED MY BRAIN with a potent mix of dread and excitement and a catlike desire to pee everywhere in my new place (but the pee is colors and music).
And One Day We Will Die And Our Ashes Will Fly: "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea"
Several (many) months ago I made this statement, which has periodically resurfaced to haunt me ever since: Neutral Milk Hotel's "In The Aeroplane Over the Sea" is the greatest folk song of our time.
And I, I Am Feeling A Little Peculiar: "What's Up?"
Gonna talk about something I don't really talk about: I was on Jeopardy! and I won.
I was 22 years old and it was not College Jeopardy!, it was regular.
Gray Hair Ain't A Crown of Wisdom: "Who's Feeling Young Now?"
There are two kinds of people - people who get crushes, and another kind of person I don't want to contemplate.
I have a crush on this song, which I have played on Turn It Up with Amy Wilson each of the last three weeks, for some reason always between 5AM and 5:30.
Remember No One Is Big Enough To Go It Alone: "Ask the Lonely"
The song: The Four Tops, "Ask the Lonely (a cappella)"; 1965
By all accounts Levi Stubbs, the lead singer of the Four Tops, was a well-adjusted and contentedly-married person despite having a voice that can get into your soul and stay there.
I Have Always Been Your Love: ENGAGING IN THRILL-SEEKING BEHAVIOR
In this world fun is where you find it.
And if it's murderously hot and a once-a-year festival has descended upon your town and everyone is united by a shared feeling of irritation and rage (not a bad way to be united frankly),
You Can't Write Laws, And So: "Nunca"
The song: Trails and Ways, "Nunca"; 2012
I want to let this song speak for itself, because I think it can.
Please enjoy.
But If He Loves You More Go With Him: Playing Pretend
If I were in charge of the music for a Wes Anderson movie,
I'd put this song on the soundtrack.
The song: The Beatles, "Anna (Go With Him)"; 1963
At the Movies with Amy Wilson: Katy Perry Part Of Me 3D
I'm not asking you to like her music; that's a matter of personal preference.
But I just can't help but want to throw my hat in the ring of first-flush reactions and comments to Katy Perry: Part of Me 3D which hit theaters near you on Thursday.
Must Be The Clouds In My Eyes: What They Left Behind
One of the most wonderful and also difficult things about music is how closely it can be associated with certain people, times, and places.
But You Were Up To Your Old Tricks In Chapters Four Five and Six: Narrative Urges
I started my blog with a Grocery Store Song.
This is another, of a slightly different genre: perhaps I could call it the Department Store Song.
When It Comes To Being Lucky She's Cursed: Version V. Version
Version v. Version (v. Version v. Version) RETURNS with a track that -- just like "The Tracks Of My Tears" -- is just, essentially, such an amazingly good song that it can sustain the interpretations of many different artists.
When It Comes Down To It It's All Just Game: "In My Head"
When I tell this story I never feel that people believe me, but deep down inside I really think this actually happened:
When I was in third grade, I had this grand epiphany that writers could just SAY THINGS. And that writing could be just that, the art of just saying things. "She had green eyes." Etc.
There's Only One Way Up, So Your Heart's Gotta Go There: For the Love of Cher
What is art?
Who knows!
But here's what I think:
It's what is beautiful and meaningful and universal and yet also very specific.
Never Understood A Single Word He Said But I Helped Him Drink His Wine: A Song for When
you find yourself on an inner tube on a series of man-made cascades and you have flipped over several times and lost and found the same helpful stick several times and you are paddling furiously to put yourself back in the current but not moving a single inch and you have just seen a dog in a shirt in a kayak and you just feel the urge to just open your mouth and just SING wha
Gotta Slow It Down Baby Gotta Have Some Fun: You Only Live Once
Since everyone (including myself) seems to be interested in songs that remind us to Do Crazy Things because Who Knows What Could Happen (this one is probably my personal favorite of the genre, because the image of grabbing somebody sexy and telling them 'hey!' never fails to produce a quiet internal chuckle, which is a pleasant feeling)
She Said Just Be Nice To The Gentlemen, Fancy, They'll Be Nice To You: Story Songs!
In continuing my recent efforts to turn outward, I have found myself attracted to the Story Song.
(you know, those with a defined setting and characters and a plot arc and [usually] an AWESOME narrator)
It's Always Been the Same, Same Old Story: To the Revolution!
(Given the subject matter of this song and given that my parents just left from a weekend visit to my town, this might be taken as some kind of commentary on our relationship. But FEAR NOT, PARENTS. It is not.)
Here's why my parents shouldn't worry: I like this song because it doesn't reflect on my life in the slightest.
You Cry And Moan And Say It Will Work Out But Honey Child I've Got My Doubts: Sentimental Reminiscence
I wrote a thesis.
I don't talk about it much.
It was a collection of short stories told from the alternating points of view of two women living in a town in Central Washington called Wenatchee.
Every Day is Feeling Like Friday, I'm Getting Paid And Doing It My Way: A Song For When
you just want to feel alive and thankful for the existence of good slow jams.
The song: John Legend, "Live It Up"; 2004
The Needle Has Landed Again: Let it Play
I am finally at an age and state of mental clarity wherein I feel like I am not living my life by blindly stumbling around in some kind of very large, very dark, very cluttered room.


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Buffalo, NY - There's no age limit on helping children. You can see proof of that at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo Masten Club House.
Curtis Gardner, Sr., commonly known as the Rev, volunteers every day. He says, "Our children are our future, and coming here we have an opportunity to catch them before the street catches them."
That's a serious concern according to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo'sown statistics. The organization serves over 4,000 youth between the ages of 6 and 18. 87% are at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo Diane Rowe explains, "They need to have good, strong mentors around them. They need to have people who care about them, and also know what they're dealing with back in their own communities."
The Rev uses his artistic talents to reach the children and discover their hidden talents. It's a skill that knows no age limit. He hopes his experiences will help motivate the children he mentors along with these lessons; Be true to yourself, be patient and never give up your dreams.
If you would like to contribute like the Rev, contact the Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo at 825-1016 and ask for the volunteer coordinator.
The organization does background checks on volunteers for the safety of the children. If you are not interested in working directly working with children, there are other ways you can help.


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- Destinations
- Hotels
- Vacations
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- Special Offers
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Offers valid on new bookings only. Prices shown are per-person, land only based upon double occupancy, except if expressly noted otherwise on the offer. Offers are subject to availability at time of booking and may be changed or discontinued at any time without notice. Blackout dates, minimum night stays, minimum stay requirements on air, seasonal surcharges, resort fees (if any), and other restrictions may also apply. Individual offers may require purchase of Travel Smart Plan or travel waiver. Offers are not valid for Group Travel. Some booking and travel dates may vary. Other promotions and departure dates available which may result in a different rate and/or hotel inclusion. Customer may be responsible for hotel taxes and fees on free nights and other offers, where applicable. Ask your Travel Specialist for details. Classic Vacations CST# 2079429-20
Save up to Value Added
Oceanfront Luxury Room
Oceanfront Junior Suite
Travel from 01/03/2012 through 12/18/2012
Blackout Dates: May Apply
Minimum Night Stay: 3 Nights
Book This Now
Cap Juluca
Hotel Ratings
Insider Tip
- Lying just 150 yards from the main building across a low headland, uninhabited Cove Bay offers beachcombers 1 mile of sand to explore. The beach is especially attractive at sunrise.
Hotel Overview
What to Expect:
- Cap Juluca offers 179 oceanfront acres of tropical romance, beginning with a 60-foot-diameter white-canvas dome fronting the main building and lighted at night to resemble a rising full moon. From December 20 through March-with the exception of Christmas and Easter holidays-the resort does not accept children under age 6. The remainder of the year children age 2 or older are acceptable. (This policy does not apply to guests of three- or five-bedroom villas, who may bring children of any age at any time.)
Amenity Highlights:
- Composed of sand as fine as sugar and nearly as white, a half-mile beach shaped like an elongated C provides plenty of room for tranquil sunbathing on lounge chairs (or snoozing in the shade of white umbrellas). The beach rims Maundays Bay, a turquoise extension of the blue Caribbean lying between the resort and the mountainous island of St. Maarten/St. Martin 8 miles south. Picnic coolers filled with complimentary bottled water line the beach. Attendants deliver drinks and sorbet is served afternoons. As a freshwater alternative, the resort offers a large swimming pool surrounded by a terra-cotta-tile deck and decorated by a mosaic tile.
British West Indies,
- Anguilla
Airport:Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport AXA
- One Bedroom Patio Suite -
The One Bedroom Patio Suites are 1550 sq. ft. comprising of a single tub bathroom with a solarium and marbled shower, separate sitting room with an additional shower only and connecting doors to the bedroom. They have covered terraces and an ocean views.
- Two Bedroom Patio Suite -
The Two Bedroom Patio Suites are the same as the One Bedroom Patio Suites with an additional bedroom. The two bedrooms are identical and are on either side of the sitting room with connecting doors in the center.
- Two Bedroom Private Pool Suite -
The Two Bedroom Private Pool Suites are the same as the One Bedroom Private Pool Suites, with an additional Luxury room. They are comprised of a master bedroom, single tub and marbled shower bathrooms, central large sitting room, full kitchen, dining atrium, ocean front dining terrace, and a private fresh water swimming pool which is approximately 26 x 16 ft. The suite has a pool view from the bedroom and an ocean view from the sitting room, which does not connect or adjoin. One has to walk around the pool from the master suite to the luxury room.
- Three Bedroom Private Pool Villa -
Comprised of a 2 Bedroom private pool suite, and an additional luxury room, these rooms do not connect!
- Five Bedroom Private Pool Villa -
The Five Bedroom Private Pool Villa is comprised of the Three Bedroom Private Pool Suite on the top level and 2 luxury rooms on the ground level, with double tubs. The rooms are interconnecting. From the top level to the ground level one has to come outside the master suite and walk down the stairs to the luxury rooms on the ground floor. These rooms are located in Villas 16-19.
- Luxury -
Luxury rooms are 790 sq. ft comprising of single or double tubs with a marbled shower, covered terrace, and an ocean view. These rooms have a solarium, roof terraces, or an ocean view from the bathroom. The single tubs are located in Villas 4-10 top or ground levels, with solariums or roof terrace (there is only one room top level with a roof terrace in each villa) and the double tubs are located in the pool Villas 14-19 on the ground level only with an ocean view from the bathroom.
- Junior Suite -
Junior Suites are 1100 sq. ft. with a double tub and marbled showers, covered terrace and an ocean view. For privacy, the Junior Suites have solariums, roof terraces, or ocean views from the bathrooms. There are only 6 of these rooms to a villa.
- One Bedroom Private Pool Suite -
The One Bedroom Private Pool Suites are approximately 2500 sq. ft. They are comprised of a master bedroom, single tub and marbled shower bathrooms, central large sitting room, full kitchen, dining atrium, ocean front dining terrace, and a private fresh water swimming pool which is approximately 26 x 16 ft..
- Superior -
Superior Rooms are 700 sq. ft. with a marbled shower only (no bath), covered terrace, and an ocean view. (This is described by property as a standard type room not recommended for honeymooners).
Room Amenities:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Bathroom telephone
- Bottled water in room (complimentary)
- Ceiling fan
- Climate control
- Cribs (infant beds) available
- Designer toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Housekeeping
- In-room safe
- Internet access - dial-up
- Iron/ironing board
- Minibar
- Non-smoking rooms
- Premium bedding
- Rollaway beds
- Turndown service
- Voice mail
- Wake-up calls
- Window opens
Property Amenities
Massage, facials, and body treatments are available in a treatment room or on guests' balconies and terraces. Choices include the Cap Juluca Ritual for Two, Javanese Lulur Royal Ritual, Balinese massage, and aromatherapy. Treatments feature Anguilla's flowers and herbs. Nail care is also available. An air-conditioned fitness center contains cardio and weight machines and free weights. Located in the main building, a 24-hour Media Room contains a large-screen television (video movies shown nightly) and a complimentary Internet-connected computer. During spring and summer months, complimentary supervised children's activities are available daily. Complimentary golf-cart shuttle service transports guests around the resort.
- 24-hour front desk
- Bar/lounge
- Complimentary breakfast
- Concierge services
- Currency exchange
- Doorman/doorwoman
- Dry cleaning service
- Fitness equipment
- Garden
- Internet access in public areas - surcharge
- Multilingual staff
- Parking (free)
- Poolside bar
- Porter/bellhop
- Restaurant(s) in hotel
- Room service (limited hours)
- Safe-deposit box - front desk
- Secretarial services
- Security guard
- Spa services on site
- Swimming pool - outdoor
From December 20 to March the resort does not accept children under age 6. The remainder of the year children age 2 or older are acceptable. This policy does not apply to guests of three- or five-bedroom villas who may bring children of any age at any time.
Extra person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Rollaways and cribs are available and should be requested at the time of booking. A fee is charged for a rollaway. Cribs are complimentary.
Photo identification and credit card or cash deposit are required upon check-in for incidental charges.
All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in.
- Resort fee charged at hotel/condo
Check-in time:
Check-out time:
- Noon
Guests receive of Cap Juluca a complimentary Continental breakfast served on their balconies or terraces daily. Complimentary afternoon tea is served on the main building's sea-view terrace.
Two of the resort's restaurants, Pimms and Spice, occupy an open-air pavilion featuring Moorish arches situated on a coral outcropping lapped by turquoise water at the east end of Maundays Bay. From here, diners see the villas along the curve of the beach and sunsets and are able toss bread to fish drawn by lights on the water.
PimmsEuropean cuisine, with emphasis on local seafood. Choices include caviar, rum cured foie gras, pan-roasted lobster, roasted lamb, ahi tuna steak, and sea bass with saffron reduction all paired with the ideal wine. Open-air seating under draped-white-canvas ceiling. Glassed-wall air-conditioned dining room for five-course meals, with diners' choice of foods (fee charged for room). Dinner only Tuesday through Sunday.
SpicePan Asian cuisine served at a seaside table. Local fresh herbs and spices grown on property create a complete menu of Pan-Asian cuisine with an Island flair. Choices include miso island soup, hibachi lamb chops with plum glaze, and crispy rice pudding with roasted mangoes. Late fare 3:00 - 6:00pm daily, dinner 6:00-10:30pm Sunday through Thursday (closed Friday), and bar daily 3:00pm to 11:00pm.
BlueFreshly-prepared beachfront dining with a casual atmosphere. Located right on Maundays Bay Beach, with breathtaking panoramic views of St. Maarten and the Caribbean Sea, offering an array of international cuisine and dining options. Full breakfast menu that ranges from Brioche French Toast to Lobster Omelets and Oatmeal Brûlée. Choices for lunch include Anguillian Bouillabaisse made from local herbs or Jerk Spice Corn-fed Chicken Breast or a Blue Lobster BLT. Open for breakfast and lunch daily. Beach front Buffet Dinner available Mondays and Fridays.
Maundays ClubLocated directly on Maundays Bay Beach. Guests enjoy live music, scenic beauty and food and beverage offerings throughout the day. Freshly-prepared pastries and fruit selections along with a coffee station and juice bar are available in the morning. Light sandwiches, biscuits and a variety of tea flavors are available for Tea Time at four o'clock. Open Daily.
Snorkeling gear, small sailboats, windsurfers, kayaks, and water skiing are complimentary. Tennis on three artificial-grass courts (two lighted) and croquet are complimentary.
Other recreational opportunities include a golf driving range-with balls landing in a pond-a putting green and sand bunker (fees charged for balls; clubs complimentary); yoga classes (fee); a 0.5-mile nature trail beginning at a garden containing endangered plants; and horticulture tours.
The resort's 34-foot power launch offers snorkeling and other excursions (fees). Tennis and water-sports lessons are available (fees). Bicycles are available for rent.
The recreational activities listed below are available at or near Cap Juluca; fees may apply.
- Bicycle rentals
- Boating
- Fishing
- Golf - driving range
- Hiking/biking trails
- Horse riding/rental
- Kayaking
- Parasailing
- Running track/path
- Snorkeling
- Tennis
- Water skiing
- Windsurfing
Special Offer Details
Discover Cap Juluca3 nights from $2299 per person
Save up to Value Added
What's Included?
- Complimentary Continental Breakfast each morning
- $100 resort credit per night that can be redeemed anywhere within the resort
- Complimentary mini-bar setup
- Select exercise classes, water sports, tennis
- DVD library
- Afternoon tea
Available Room Types:Oceanfront Premium Room
Oceanfront Luxury Room
Oceanfront Junior Suite
Important Dates:Book from 11/21/2011 through 12/15/2012
Travel from 01/03/2012 through 12/18/2012
Blackout Dates: May Apply
Minimum Night Stay: 3 Nights


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Gifts are prior to lowest priced items.
Gifts are limit to items in the same promotion.
This Promotion is only for ordering the same item no.
Each purchase can only enjoy this promotion once.
This offer is valid while stock last.
This promotion is only available online at Sasa.com.
Helps to add volume to breast, help you tone and improve the tissues of the breasts. It delivers a visible lift and helps redefining the cleavage and leaves breasts with fuller and firmer shape.
Effects of Major Ingredients:
Use-by Date: Use within 36 months after production. Consume immediately after opening.
Storage: Avoid direct sunlight and high temperature. Store in dry places. Taste best when chilled.
Note: Seek medical or professional advice before use if pregnant. Suitable for expectant mothers in general.
Soybean isoflavone 20mg , Pueraria mirifica extract 1000mg, Papain 500mg, Fish Collagen 8800mg, Vitamin C 700mg, Elastin 30mg, Cranberry Juice.


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Sold Out $15.99
2011 vintage is available for $13.99
Santa Ema Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile, South America
Winemaker's Notes
Deep violet to ruby-red in color, this Cabernet Sauvignon is elegant, sophisticated, and complex with fruity notes that blend cherries, prunes, tobacco, and roasted coffee. Santa Ema Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is well-rounded and very well structured with ripe tannins and plenty of texture. It has a long finish.
Critical Acclaim
Wine Spectator - "Dark and rather toasty, with firm coffee and black licorice notes around the core of roasted fig and black currant fruit. A firm, toasty edge holds sway on the finish. For fans of the style."
The Wine Advocate - "The 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon also spent 8 months in French and American oak. Slightly reticent aromatically, with coaxing it reveals notes of cedar, tobacco, violets, spice box, and assorted black fruits. More structured than the Reserve Merlot, it might evolve for 1-2 years although there is no need to defer gratification."
Santa Ema Winery
Over the years, Santa Ema has been recognized by the most important national and international organizations and has earned numerous medals in competitions such as the Concours Mundial de Bruxelles and distinctions in the prestigious international trade magazines. It was recently added to Wine Spectator's list of Top 20 World's Finest Value Brands, Wine Advocate rated four Santa Ema wines above 90 points, and Wine & Spirits named it Value Winery of the Year. But for Santa Ema, the most important distinction of all is the preference of its consumers around the world to appreciate the work of three generations dedicated to the production of consistently high quality wines. View all Santa Ema Winery Wines
About Chile(CHEE-lay)Long and thin, Chile has a lot of land north to south. The wine region here is a series of districts based near Santiago. The vineyards are protected by the Pacific on the west and the Andes mountains on the east. This could help explain why the climate changes more from east to west than north to south – also why the country has remained phylloxera free. Quite a few wineries in Chile were founded by large French wine companies. Seeing the potential of the country, vineyards were bought and planted by these French folks and the results tell of a smart investment. Some of these wineries include: Los Vascos, Casa Lapostolle and Cousino Macul. And while the inspiration may have been French, but the wines here are quite Chilean.
Photo of the sun break following morning fog over the vineyards of Veramonte Winery (located in the Casablanca Valley)
Notable FactsThe main regions of Chile include Maipo (pronounced MY-poh), known for reds like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere; Casablanca Valley, a region producing delicious Sauvignon Blanc, as well as other whites & some reds; Colchaugua, an inland district creating amazing red wines from Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, particularly in the Apalta sub-region; and Rapel Valley, settled right under Maipo and producing the same red varietals. A couple of smaller regions to watch include Limari and Elqui, two valleys further north, producing some delicious cool-climate Chardonnay and Bio Bio, an area further south, which is also focused on cool-climate varieties. Chilean wines are growing in exports and more consumers are enjoying the delicious values coming from the country. Red wines of the region, though they cannot be generalized, make the whole gamut of wine quality – quaffable to collectible. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Carmenere are the main players, though Syrah is also making a splash. Some of the best reds are blends of the above varieties. As for whites, Sauvignon Blanc is typically crisp, herbal and racy, while Chardonnay is richer in style with full-bodied texture and tropical fruit flavors.
About South AmericaRelated Links:
Young, organically farmed Carmenère at Chile's De Martino estate vineyard
Customer ReviewsSign In to Add Your Review0 }div>
Alcohol By Volume GuideMost wine ranges from 10-16% alcohol by volume. Some varietals tend to have higher (for example Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon) or lower alcohol levels (Pinot Noir and many white varietals), but there is always some variation from producer to producer. Some wine falls outside of this range, for instance Port weighs in closer to 20%, while Muscat and Riesling are usually a bit below 10%.
Wine Style Guide
Light & Fruity
- Red wines that are more fruit-forward and lighter in tannin and body.
Smooth & Supple
- Medium bodied reds that go down easy, with smooth tannins and supple fruit.
Earthy & Spicy
- Wines where earthy and/or spicy dominate the flavors – typically medium to full body.
Big & Bold
- Full bodied wines that have concentrated fruit and are higher in alcohol and/or tannins. Some need age.


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Today, we're taking you inside our Super Bowl promo shoot, showing you that it's not easy to always get your lines right.
[RELATED: Local 6 Super Bowl promo | Mark Lehman backstage | More video]
Troy Bridges had a bit of an adventure with some of his lines, which you can see by clicking the video at the top of the page.
Watch Troy as he battles his umbrella while trying to remember the right words.
In addition, click the links above to see Local 6 photojournalist Mark Lehman behind the scenes.
Be sure to visit the Facebook pages of Matt Austin, Bridgett Ellison, Troy Bridges and Jessica Sanchez and let them know what you think of the promo.
[MATT: Backstage | Cutting room | BRIDGETT: Backstage | Extra | TROY: Backstage | More | JESS: Backstage | Video]


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Annual Washington Post Bucket Event 2010
Stanley Moore of DC is pictured reflected in a mirror at the bar. The... News PhotoHorizontal,Human Interest,USA,Washington DCPhotographer The Washington PostCollection: The Washington Post 2013 The Washington PostWASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 21: Stanley Moore, 60, of DC is pictured reflected in a mirror at the bar. The 2013 Artist's Inaugural Ball featured live music, fire performances, Djs, dancing, a hookah lounge and more. It was spread among six areas in the Rock and Roll Hotel and Gallery O on H. A portion of the proceeds went to local charities, Miriam's Kitchen and One Common Unity. The hosts were Mischief, Rogue Wave Project, Artomatic, and Meso Creso. (Photo by Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post via Getty Images)