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First of all, let it be loudly and clearly stated that this is not a list of the best wines of the world. It is merely the list of the best wines that I have tasted during calendar year 2008. At a rough estimate, I tasted or re-tasted some 10,000 wines in the last twelve months. That may sound like a great many wines (it comes to about 30 daily) but there are so many wines and so few hours in the day that I make no apologies whatsoever for either my tastings or my idiosyncrasies.
Second, I have, as always, listed wines in order of the scores they received. I am the first to agree that scores say little about the nature of a wine. In my oft-stated opinion, they do however, once one comes to know a critic and his/her tastes, say a great deal about what that critic thinks of the overall quality of the wine. It is far more important that the reader actually go to the trouble of reading the tasting note, for once in tune with a given critic that may give valuable clues as to whether the wine will be to one's personal taste. Within each score category, wines are listed by a more-or-less alphabetic order.
As to the "lower end" of the list, in which wines earn a "mere" 94 points, I had to play around a bit, for well more than a hundred wines tasted earned that score and there, I confess, my personal taste most definitely comes to the fore. As I offered no apologies for my idiosyncrasies, nor do I offer no apologies for that personal touch.
As is said at the end of every lecture offered at the College de France: "Questions, objections and complaints will be entertained".
Score 100
1. Krug, Brut Champagne, 1996: A truly great wine! Light shining golden, full-bodied but so elegant that it seems more to float than to sit on the palate, opening to show intense but never forward or vulgar aromas and flavors of citrus and apples, toasted white bread, malt, yeast, roasted nuts and Oriental spices, all on a mineral-rich background. With a long, long lasting mousse and miniscule bubbles that seem to go on forever and a superbly long finish. Unbeatable. Approachable now but best 2010-2035 and very possibly longer. Score 100.
2. Chateau Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, 2005: How nice it is from time to time to be proven correct and this is one of those cases in which I can comfortably pat myself on the back as my barrel tasting note holds firmly. One of the very best ever from one of the very best chateaux. Almost impenetrably deep garnet in color, full-bodied, with enormous concentration and generous soft tannins and just the right dose of spicy oak, all in superb balance and with structure that bodes well for a very, very long future. On the nose and palate rich blackcurrants that yield to red and black berries, spices, a hint of orange peel, all leading to a superbly long and generous finish. Grandiose but elegant. Approachable and enjoyable by 2015 but best from 2025 and well into mid-century or beyond. Score 100.
3. Chateau Leoville Las Cases, St.-Julien, 2005: A great when tasted at barrel-tasting and great yet. So dark purple in color that you might think of it as black, full-bodied, with the tannins now settling in beautifully and showing finely-tuned balance between those, the wood and fruits. On first attack blackberries, black currants and a hint of freshly cut Mediterranean herbs, those opening to show notes of a pine forest after a light rain and finally, on the incredibly long finish, the fruits rising along with hints of mint and tar. This one will be approachable by 2015, will start to come to its peak only in 2020-2025 and will cellar comfortably until mid-century. Score 100.
4. Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes, 2003: On of those Yquem wines that is destined to be among the immortals. Full-bodied, with generous botrytis influence, honeyed dried apricots and apples and fresh pineapple, those matched beautifully by hints of baked pie crust and a light peppery-spicy sensation that runs through and then lingers on and on, seemingly without end. Superb even at this stage but best only starting in 2015-2020. Keeping in mind that the 1847 and 1921 wines are still drinking mangificiently and the 1986 and 1989 wines are still in the infancy I would have no fear whatever as to how long the wine is cellarable. This is one that will comfortably outlive everyone alive today. Score 100.
Score 99
5. Gaja, Barbaresco, Sori Tildin, Piedmont, 2004: A truly great Barbaresco, full-bodied but with such gently caressing tannins that it seems to float in the mouth. On first attack tar, spicy oak, sweet cedar and spring flowers, those yielding to red and black fruits, licorice and finally, on the super-long finish a distinct reminder of dark chocolate mousse. Magnificent. Approachable by 2010 or so but best only starting in 2015 and then cellaring comfortably until 2025 or longer. Score 99.
6. Gaja, Barbaresco, Sori San Lorenzo, Piedmont, 2004: Deep and dark, concentrated and intense, muscular but at the same time with a gentility that amazes. Full-bodied, with still firm tannins integrating nicely and showing superb balance and structure, all of which bode for a long, long future. Opens almost explosively in the mouth, subjecting you first to blackberries and tar, then to red berries and mint, then to chocolate and tar rising again and finally, on the unbelievably long finish hints of black tea and cured cigar tobacco. Unless you own a case or more don't even dream of opening this one until 2012 and even then try to hold off as this will be at its best only from 2015-2035. Score 99.
7. Emilio Lustau, Oloroso Sherry, Almacenista Pilar, Aranda y Latorre, 1918: So dark, thick and chocolate-laded that you might easily mistake this for a fine, well-aged Pedro Ximinez. Dark brown towards black in color, full-bodied, but remarkably light on the palate, showing dark chocolate, molasses and, walnut, orange peel and raisin notes that linger on and on. Oily, powerful and bone-dry, the ideal accompaniment to a fine cigar. Alas, I have no accurate tools to suggest how long this exquisite wine will hold its own. Considering its age and current status, I'd have to suggest drink now or in the next hundred or so years. Score 99.
8. Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, Masseto, Tuscany, 2004: At its best one of the world's best Merlot wines and this is indeed one of the very best. Dark, almost impenetrable garnet in color, opening with a remarkably rich nose of berries and spring flowers, goes on to show aromas and flavors of currants, wild berries, and exotic tannins Full bodied, with generous firm tannins, this is a simultaneously fresh and dense wine, one that shows its muscles and elegance simultaneously. Approachable by 2010 but give this to 2014 to show at its best and then cellar without fear until 2025, perhaps longer. Score 99.
Score 98
9. Chateau de Beaucastel, Chateauneuf du Pape, Hommage a Jacques Perrin, 2005: All that one hopes for in a fine Chateauneuf. Full-bodied and concentrated but so well balanced even in this youthful stage that it seems at first to float on the palate, only after a few second bursting forth with a remarkable array of aromas and flavors. On first attack raspberries and cherries with floral overtones, those followed by blackcurrants and sweet herbs, and finally revealing notes of cigar tobacco and leather all of which linger long and comfortably on the palate. Try this one now if you must but the wine will be at its best only starting in 2012 and will cellar comfortably until 2035, perhaps longer. Score 98.
10. Chateau Guiraud, Sauternes, 2005: Guiraud at its very best! Honeyed golden in color, full-bodied, with an abundance of botrytis spices and funkiness. On first attack lemon custard and baked apples, those opening to ripe yellow peaches and, throughout a deep, well-balanced sweetness. Finishes with a long spicy peaches and cream note that lingers on and on. This one is going to be fascinating as it ages, darkening, losing some of its sweetness and picking up a deep, rich spiciness. Approachable by 2010 but best 2015-2045. Score 98.
Score 97
11. Chateau Hosanna, Pomerol, 2005: Even better than the fabulous 2000 from this chateau. Dark garnet, full-bodied, with soft, gently mouth-coating tannins and tantalizing hints of spicy wood. Opens to show a generous array of black and red berries, blackcurrants, chocolate and cigar tobacco, all on a lightly spicy background. As long as it is complex. Needs time. Best from 2018-2040, perhaps longer. Score 97.
12. Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia, 2005: A wine that rarely surprises us when it attains scores of 95 or higher (which happens fairly frequently) but this year there are some surprises. Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of Cabernet Franc blended in, showing even darker garnet and more full-bodied and concentrated than is usual, this is, to coin a phrase, a super Super Tuscan. Opens with blackcurrant and blackberry fruits on a background of near-sweet herbs, moves on to reveal notes of tobacco and white chocolate, and finally, on the super long finish what you will swear is peppery raspberry jam. In short, fantastic. Approachable by 2010 but best from 2015-2035. Score 98.
13. Domaine Georges Vernay, Condrieu, Coteau du Vernon, Rhone, 2006: No matter how you cut it, the very best Condrieu of the 2006 vintage and indeed Viognier at its very best. Deep gold, with orange and green reflections, a full-bodied wine that builds in power as it sits on the palate. Opens with summer fruits, those with a creamy overtone, goes on to reveal spring flowers and generous stony minerals, and finally notes of freshly baked croissants and melon. An unusual wine in that despite its power it almost floats on the palate, the flavors playing gently through and lingering long and comfortably. Approachable now but best 2010-2018. Score 98.
14. Chateau Rauzan Segla, Margaux, 2005: As Aliza Doolittle sang so nicely "Loverly". Full-bodied with super soft, almost silky tannins and notes of spices flowers on the nose. Opens to show blackberry and blackcurrant fruits on a soft, round and superbly balanced and structured with a finish that goes on seemingly without end. Drink even now and you will be delighted but to find this one at its elegant best hold until 2015 and then count on cellaring comfortably until 2040. Score 97.
15. Vega Sicilia, Alion, Bodegas y Vinedos Alion, 2004: Even better than the truly outstanding 1994 wine, certainly the very best Alion ever! Dark, almost impenetrable garnet towards royal purple, full-bodied, with generous tannins but those near-sweet and gently mouth-coating. On first attack you cannot escape the toasty oak and floral notes, those yielding comfortably to currant and berry fruits and all supported by notes of chocolate, black licorice and freshly cured tobacco. Remarkably long and generous. Approachable and enjoyable now but best from 2010-2018, perhaps longer. Score 97.
Score 96
16. Antinori, Solaia, 2004: Every bit as superb as the 1997 and 2003 releases. Full-bodied, intense and concentrated with chewy but gently mouthcoating tannins and a light hand with spicy oak, opening in the glass to reveal layer after layer of blackcurrant, black cherry, wild berry and floral notes. From mid-palate on look for notes of dried, candied fruits and, with the tannins rising a long and generous finish. Approachable and enjoyable now but best from 2010-2022, perhaps longer. Score 96.
17. Arvay. Aszu, 6 Puttanyos, Tokaji, 2000: The best ever from this producer. Generous botrytis influence in this medium- to full-bodied oak-aged wine. On the nose and palate candied citrus and berries along with cinnamon, cloves and minerals, all leading to a long crème patisserie and espresso-rich finish. Elegance on a grand scale. Drink now-2035, perhaps longer. Score 96.
18. Banfi, Brunello di Montalcino, Poggio all'Oro, 1999: The sixth time I have tasted this wine and I have not a single regret about all of the good things I have said about it in the past. Full-bodied with soft tannins integrating beautifully with layer after layer of sweet and smoky cedar, spicy oak and cherry wood. On the nose and palate plums and black cherries playing beautifully with hints of porcini mushrooms, freshly roasted coffee and nuts and dark chocolate. Elegant and long, a truly superb wine. Drink now-2018. Score 96.
19. Barossa Valley Estate, Shiraz, E&E Black Pepper, Barossa, Australia, 2002: One of Australia's consistently best and most interesting Shiraz wines and this year no disappointment whatever. Impenetrable royal purple in color, full-bodied, with gripping tannins and tremendous concentration. On opening attack black cherries and blackberries and Oriental spices, those opening to reveal notes of stewed plums, bitter-sweet chocolate and licorice all on a generous background of black pepper. Long, mouth-filling and intense yet coming together as a round, coherent and elegant whole. Best 2010-2020. Score 96.
20. Chateau de Beaucastel, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 2005: Dark garnet towards royal purple in color, full-bodied and at this stage of its development so closed as to make enjoyment difficult. One need have no fear though, for everything is here in just the right proportion and all that is needed is time As it develops in the bottle look for a concentrated and mineral-rich wine opening slowly on the palate to reveal notes of black and red berries, figs and minerals, those supported by hints of freshly ground coffee, leather and dark chocolate. Best 2010-2030. Score 96.
21. Domaine des Baumard, Quarts de Chaume, Coteaux du Layon, Loire, 2006: Made entirely from Chenin Blanc grapes, showing generous Botrytis spiciness and funkiness that make way for tropical fruits, figs, mineral and candied citrus peel, all of the elements coming together seamlessly with generous sweetness in fine balance with fruits and acidity. Fine competition for the best of Sauternes! Drink now-2035. Score 96.
22. Bertagna, Corton, les Grandes Lolieres, 2005: Full-bodied, concentrated and intense, with still firm tannins and generous oak, those parting slowly to reveal generous ripe cherry, raspberry and blackberry fruits on a background of spices, generous acidity. A super-long finish. Barely approachable now – needs at least two hours in the glass to open, so put this one in a corner and hold until it starts to reach its peak somewhere about 2018 and then cellar without fear until 2030 or longer. Score 96.
23. Bollinger, Brut Champagne, La Grand Annee 1999: A fine Champagne from a fine vintage year. With a superbly long mousse and tiny, concentrated bubbles that seemingly last forever, the wine opens with a rich floral, fruity and light toasty nose and then goes on to just delicate enough citrus and citrus peel fruits, all on a background of freshly baked brioche. Remarkably long and elegant. Drink now-2022. NIS 720. Score 96.
24. Domenico Clerico, Barolo, Pajana, Piedmont, 2004: Full-bodied, concentrated and intense, with mouth-coating tannins and generous toasty oak that give the wine an almost chewy texture. No far though, for the balance and structure are here and the wine simply needs time to revel its true charms. Opens to revel generous plum, blackberry, cherry and licorice notes, those going on to a superbly long finish. Destined to always be muscular but beyond that, showing controlled elegance. Approachable by 2010 but best only starting in 2013. Score 96.
25. Disznoko, Aszu, 6 Puttonyos, Tokaji, 2001: Full-bodied, with generous sweetness and botrytis overlays set off by crisp acidity. On first attack, oranges, lemon and honey, those followed by quince and peach fruits, all leading to a mineral-rich finish that goes on and on seemingly without stop. The stuff of which dreams are made. Drink now-2030. Score 96.
26. William Fevre, Chablis, Les Clos, Grand Cru, 2004: My fourth encounter with this wine. My earliest tasting note holds firmly. Fevre did some marvelous Chablis this year but this is by far the best of the best. Medium- to full bodied, on first attack showing generous minerals and a light hint of sea-water, those opening to reveal white peaches and green gage plums, those followed by the unfolding of green apples and once again, flinty minerals. Long, generous and elegant. Approachable now but best from 2008-2015. Score 96.
27. Gaja, Costa Russi, Langhe, 2004: On first attack what amazes is the concentration and intensity of this wine, so deep that one wonders if it will manage to open before the tasting is long finished. No fear though, for within minutes in the glass the wine blossoms and, like the hundred year blooming cactus the flowers are well worth waiting for. Full-bodied and almost muscular but with tannins that coat the mouth with a gentle kiss and showing layer after layer of raspberries, blackberries and purple plums, those parting to show generous hints of dark chocolate. On the long, long finish look as well for as hint of charcoaled steaks (I know it is unreasonable but it was specifically T-bone steak that came to my mind). Approachable by 2010 but best 2012-2018. Score 96.
28. Gaja, Barbaresco, Piedmont, 2004: Full-bodied, deeply aromatic, showing fine balance and structure and with soft tannins and vanilla opening to reveal a dazzling display of raspberry, blackberry, cassis and strawberry fruits, those on a background of tar, all leading to a finish that seems to go on without end. Approachable and enjoyable now but best only starting in 2012 and then cellaring comfortably for 25 or more years. Score 96.
29. Chateau Pontet-Canet, Pauillac, 2005: Deeloping beautifully and every bit as superb as at barrel tastings. Dark almost impenetrable purple towards black in color, and with still firm tannins integrating nicely but needing time. At this stage showing great concentration, structure and balance. Given tie, however, this is going to prove truly elegant. A gnerous array here of blackcurrant, blackberry, spicy cedar wood, licorice and, on the long finish a note of what at one moment seems to be vanilla, at another chocolate. Approachable by 2012 but best from 2015 and then well into mid-century. Score 96.
30. Paolo Scavino, Barolo, Carboric, 2003: Full-bodied enough to be thought of as chewy, with firm tannins still holding on tightly but with balance and structure that show very well for the future. Opens with purple plums blackberries and basil, those leading to notes of vanilla and spring flowers. Long, generous and complex. Built for aging. Approachable by 2010 but best starting in 2013. Score 96.
31. Fratelli Seghesio, Barolo, Vigneta La Villa, Piedmont, 2004: Intense and concentrated, super-dark garnet in color, full-bodied, with soft tannins, notes of leather and tobacco on first attack, those yielding to blackberry, cassis, licorice and bitter-sweet chocolate As the wine develops look as well for notes of asphalt and a lingering spicy note. At this stage a muscle-bound "hunk" showing off at the beach but give this one time and it will show true power and elegance together.Best 2012-2025, perhaps longer. Score 96.
32. Zind-Humbrecht, Riesling, Turckheim Brand, Grand Cru, Alsace, 2005: Another rousing success for this wine, even better than the already superb 2003 and 2004 releases. Opens firmly with minerals and notes of citrus flowers, and then opens first to reveal orange, grapefruit and nectarine fruits and finally to generous hints of white peaches and spices. Crisply dry with a smoky note that runs through to a super-long finish. Long, deep and elegant, the wine is comfortably approachable now but can be cellared comfortably until 2022. Score 96.
Score 95
33. Aalto, Ribera del Duero, 2005: Even better than the memorable 1999 wine! Full-bodied, with firm tannins and judicious wood notes integrating nicely now, the wine opening slowly to reveal blackberry and blackcurrant fruits, those backed up generous hints of smoked meat, Oriental spices and, on the long finish hints of chocolate and licorice. Approachable now but best 2012-2025. Score 95.
34. Domaine Comte Armand, Pommard, Coles des Epeneaux, 1999: Super-dark ruby in color with a rainbow of reflections, full-bodied with huge tannins and gentle notes of sweet cedar, those in fine balance with fruits, alcohol and acidity and needing only time to settle down. Opens even now in the glass to show ripe, a generous array near-sweet black fruits those supported nicely by hints of bitter-sweet chocolate, licorice and on the super long finish a hint of vanilla. Needs time for the elements to integrate. Best 2010-2025. Score 95.
35. Domaine d'Auvenay, Chambolle-Musigny, 2004: Raspberry towards dark cherry red, opening with earthy and citrus peel notes, opening in the glass to reveal raspberry, currant and citrus peel, all on a background of minerals. A deeply aromatic, fat wine with just the right level of acidity to keep it all in balance and on the super-long finish a tantalizing hint of bitter herbs. Approachable and enjoyable now despite its youth but don't hesitate to cellar this one until 2025. Score 95.
36. Chateau de Beaucastel, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, 2006: Deep golden straw with orange and green tints, full-bodied enough to be thought of as creamy but with finely tuned balancing acidity. On the nose spring flowers and almonds, and on the palate a tempting array of peaches and cream, that followed by notes of cinnamon, apples, and biscotti all coming to a long and generous finish. Approachable now but best from 2011-2022. Score 95.
37. Chateau de Beaucastel, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Vieilles Vignes, 2006: Full-bodied, with a texture that at first calls to mind sweet cream. On first attack melon, freshly baked croissants and a hint of anise, those yielding to apples, quinces and, as so often typifies the best wines made from Roussane grapes, a clear note of herbal tea. Exquisite now but even better from 2011-2020. Score 95.
38. Domaine des Baumard, Coteaux du Layon, Clos de Ste. Catherine, Loire, 2006: What might be called a double "oh wow" wine, the first exclamation coming with a nose resplendent with figs and apple butter, the second as the flavors, of quince, mangoes and green almonds sneak up on the palate. Concentrated and intense while simultaneously rich, complex and elegant. Drink now-2025.. Score 95.
39. Albert Bichot, Pommard, Domaine du Pavillon, Les Rugiens, 2005: Wow. Full-bodied, with still intense tannins but opening in the glass to reveal a generous array of black and red berries, cassis, red plums, all in fine balance and with the structure that bode very well for the future. Complex, long and destined for elegance. Best 2012-2030, perhaps longer. Score 95.
40. Domaine Bouchard Pere & Fils, Chambertin, Grand Cru, 2004: Deep ruby in color, full-bodied, with firm tannins and spicy oak notes nicely. On first attack raspberries and red cherries, those going on to red currants and cranberry notes all on a light spicy and herbal background. Generous and chewy at this stage, destined always to be a big wine but one that will show elegance if given time. Best 2010-2020, perhaps longer. Score 95.
41. Chateau Canon la Gaffeliere, St. Emilion, 2005: Showed beautifully at barrel tastings and even better now. Remarkably full-bodied and concentrated, with silky-smooth tannins that caress gently. On first attack blackberries and espresso coffee, those going on to blackcurrants, black cherries and bitter-sweet chocolate and on the super-long finish a tantalizing note of mint. Approachable by 2010 but best only from 2015-2035. Score 95.
42. Domaine Louis Carillon, Bienvenues Batard Montrachet, 2005: Opens slowly in the glass but when it does open it does so with a "boom". Full-bodied and intense with a nose generous with citrus and cherry flowers, opening to show an exciting array of summer fruits, walnut oil, marzipan spices and minerals. One feels the oak here but even that seems to fold seamlessly into the wine, leading to a long spicy and toasty finish. Drink now-2022, perhaps longer. Score 95.
43. M. Chapoutier, Ermitage La Pavillon, Rhone, 2001: Made entirely from 65 year old vines of Syrah. Dark, dense and concentrated. Full-bodied, with soft tannins integrating beautifully with toasty oak and fruits. Opens with aromas and flavors of currants and espresso coffee, those yielding to plums, wild berries and white chocolate, all of which linger beautifully on a long and generous licorice-rich finish. Drink now-2018. Score 95.
44. M. Chapoutier, Vionie de Paille de l'Ardeche, 2002: A dessert wine made entirely from Viognier grapes that are allowed to partially dry on the vine and then spread (reccioto style) on straw mats before pressing. Deep golden towards bronze in color, with generous honeyed sweetness balanced by finely-tuned acidity. A marvelous display of aromas and flavors here – at one moment dried apricots and melon, at another mango, at yet another, a hint of marzipan. Creamy in texture, lingers beautifully on the palate. A wine that leaves you wanting more. At its best with fruit-based desserts, but at its very, very best with desserts containing frangipane cream. Score 95.
45. Inniskillin, Riesling, Icewine, Niagara Peninsula, 2006: One of the best ever from Inniskilin, Light gold with orange and green tints and reflections, medium-bodied, with moderate sweetness set off nicely by lively acidity. Opens with a generously but not cloyingly floral and honeyed nose, goes on to open in the glass to reveal apple, summer fruits, and a hint of pineapple, those on a lightly peppery background. Try this one with an éclair filled with vanilla pastry cream and you'll know what paradise is all about. Drink now-2020, perhaps longer. Score 95.
46. Louis Jadot, Corton Charlemagne, 2005: Gorgeous! Full-bodied, creamy and packed with smoke and minerals, all parting to reveal apples, spices and nuts, those then yielding to citrus peel and hints of toffee. With a tantalizing hint of sweetness that runs through this is one that will show very, very nicely as it develops. Best 2010-2025. Score 95.
47. Chateau Leoville Barton, St.-Julien, 2005: Showing every bit as beautifully as at barrel tastings. Dark garnet towards purple, full-bodied, with smooth tannins settling down nicely to reveal currant, berry and purple plum fruits, those complemented by gentle toasty oak and, on the long fruity finish a hint of red licorice. Best 2015-2035, perhaps longer. Score 96.
48. Domaine Leroy, Vosne-Romanee, 2004: Medium- to dark ruby qua garnet, a concentrated, intense and finely-tuned wine. On the nose and palate a tempting array of red and black berries, red plums and black cherries, those matched handsomely by spices that play nicely on the palate, at one moment simple salt and pepper, at another a complex mixture of Oriental spices. A powerful wine at this stage, needing time to show its elegance and smoothness. As this one develops look for notes of wild flowers, forest floor and tantalizing hints of near-sweet smoked meat that will come into play. Approachable now but best 2010-2025, perhaps longer. Score 95.
49. Albert Mann, Riesling, Grand Cru, Schlossberg, Alsace, 2007: A fuller-bodied than usual Alsace Riesling, at this stage showing mostly a floral nose and apple and peach notes, those almost closed down because of the wine's heaviness. No fear though, for all is here in fine balance and all that is needed is time in the bottle for the elements to come together. As it does look for a mineral rich white with generous ripe peach, green apple and green melon notes, those with generous granite-like minerals in the background. Destined for elegance. Best 2011-2020. Score 95.
50. Rocche de Manzoni, Barolo, Pianpolvere, Soprano Bussia Riserva, 2001: Full-bodied, with silky smooth tannins that caresss gently and open to reveal concentrated plum, berry and dried apricot fruits, those matched by Oriental spices and notes of toasted rye bread. Long and complex. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2010-2020. Score 95.
51. Masi, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva, Costasera, Veneto, 2003: At one moment dark ruby, at another dark garnet, and at all times casting purple and orange reflections, Masi's first Amarone Riserva and a success story from any point of view. Full-bodied, with tannins that are simultaneously soft and intense, and reflecting its 30 months in Slavonian and French oak with surprisingly gentle, near-sweet cedar wood. A blend of 70% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 10% Oseleta and 5% Molinara grapes, on first attack showing cherries and red plums, those parting to reveal notes of wild berries, raisins and chocolate and then, leading towards a super long finish, hints of vanilla and spices. Approachable and even thoroughly enjoyable even now but best 2010-2030, perhaps longer. Score 95.
52. Vina Montes, Alphya M, Santra Cruz, Rapel, Colchagua, Chile, 2005: Every bit as excellent as the 2004 release. Full-bodied, with fine concentration and with soft tannins and generous but not imposing spicy and vanilla rich oak parting to show blackberry, currant and coffee notes, those yielding on the finish to notes of tobacco and leather. Long and generous and still in its infancy. Approachable now but best 2010-2016. Score 95.
53. Bodegas Muga, Torre Muga, Rioja, 2004: One of the very best ever from Muga. Dark garnet with purple and green reflections, full-bodied, with generous but softly mouth-coating tannins in fine balance with fruits and a gentle cedar overlay. On first attack currants and bitter-sweet chocolate, those leading to notes of wild berries and purple plums, all on a light earthy background. Approachable now but best from 2010-2020 when the wine will start to show leathery and mineral overtones. Score 95.
54. Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes, Chateauneuf du Pape, Rhone, 2005: Medium-ruby towards garnet in color and giving the visual illusion of a light wine that awaits us. An illusion indeed, for this blend of 80% Grenache blended with Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvedre is a monster. But what a beautiful monster this is waiting for our pleasure. Full-bodied, intensely concentrated but superbly well balanced. On opening attack currants, figs and tar, those yielding in the glass to smoked meat and tobacco. Tannins rise on the finish, so drink this one now only if you feel up to tackling the beast. Best 2009-2015, perhaps longer. Score 95.
55. Domaine de Pegau, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cuvee Reservee, 2005: As might be said, a Chateaneuf for Chateauneuf lovers! Dark garnet in color, full bodied, with tannins that start off firmly but meld nicely in the glass. On the nose and palate blackberry, wild berry and fig fruits complemented nicely by notes of garrigue and strong coffee. Rising on the remarkably long finish a note that calls nothing to mind more than a fine boeuf Bourguignon. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2010-2025, perhaps longer. Score 95.
56. Perrin et Fils, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Les Sinards, 2006: Made from the younger vines of the estate, it might be fair to call this one the baby brother of the Beaucastel Chateauneuf. Medium- to full-bodied, with soft, gently mouth-coating tannins parting to reveal a tempting array of blackberries, black cherries and citrus peel, those supported nicely by hints of spices and a light note of sugared toasted brioche that comes in comfortably on the finish. Approachable now but best 2010-2016. Score 95.
57. Chateau Pichon-Longueville-Baron, Pauillac, 2005: An "oh wow" wine, not because it is "great'" but simply because it is luxurious and absolutely delicious. Full-bodied, softly tannic, a remarkably round wine even at this stage showing generous red fruits, tobacco and chocolate on first attack, those opening from mid-palate to reveal hints of sweet herbs, and spices. As this one develops look for the meaty notes that typify the chateau's wines. Best 2014-2030. Score 95.
58. Chateau de Rayne Vigneau, Sauternes, 2005: One of the best ever from Rayne Vigneau. Full-bodied with notable botrytis influence and great concentration. Light golden in color at this stage of its development, opening with citrus and spices, going on to ripe, honeyed summer fruits and generous hints of roasted Brazil nuts. A remarkable wine, with generous sweetness well balanced by acidity and almost floating on the palate. Approachable now but what a waste that would be unless you have a carton or more at hand. Best from 2014-2040. Score 95.
59. Francesco Rinaldi& Figli, Barbaresco, Piedmont, 2004: Full-bodied and at this youthful stage of its development tight, tannic and intense, but showing fine balance and structure that bode well not only for the future but for a long future. Opens with notes of crushed berries, strawberries, peaches (yes, peaches) and rose petals, those followed by notes of fresh raspberries, all long-lingering and generous. Destined to always be a chewy wine but one that given time will show distinct softening of the tannins and a muscular elegance. Best from 2011-2022, perhaps longer. Score 95.
60. Ruinart, Dom Ruinart, Brut Champagne, 1996: Medium- to full-bodied but so well balanced that it seems to float on the palate. Crisply dry, with fine balancing acidity and showing a tempting array of lemon, grapefruit, and candied apples. A superbly long mousse, sharp, concentrated bubbles that go on and on and a finish on which you will find hints of honey and vanilla pastry cream. Drink now-2020, perhaps longer. Score 95.
61. St. Cosme, Gigondas, Valbelle, Rhone, 2003: Dark, youthful royal purple in color and full-bodied, concentrated and tannic enough to be thought of as massive. Opens slowly, but with grace, almost as if it is trying to release its aromas and flavors one at a time – at first showing cassis and toasty oak, those yielding to cola and plum notes, those yielding to blackberries and black pepper notes, all in the end coming together marvelously on the palate and leading to a tannic and fruit-rich finish that goes on and on. Old vine Grenache at its very best. Drinking well now but best 2010-2022. Score 95.
62. The Standish, Shiraz-Viognier, The Relic, Barossa, 2004: Full-bodied, with soft tannins that almost "kiss" the palate and showing fine balance between the tannins, wood, acidity and fruits. On first attack red cherries and plums, those yielding to pomegranate and black pepper aromas and flavors, and finally on the finish cloves and would you believe a hint of peaches and cream. Tantalizing from first sip to the long, long finish. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2010-2020, perhaps longer. Score 95.
63. Paolo Scavino, Barolo, Bric del Fiasc, 2003: Full-bodied, with gently mouth-coating tannins. Opens with a burst of blackberries, those going on to reveal strawberries, Oriental spices and, towards the long finish an appealing hint of porcini mushrooms. Remarkably long. Destined to be a powerful as opposed to an elegant wine but, as might be said, "what power!" Best from 2010. Score 95.
64. Valdicava, Brunello di Montalcino, 2003: A fine wine, Brunello at its best. Full-bodied, with generous but soft and gently mouth-coating tannins, and showing a rich array of red plum, raspberry and cherry fruits, those on a background of spicy chocolate. Tannins and a note of tar rise comfortably on the long, long finish. Best 2010-2022. Score 95.
65. Domaine Georges Vernay, Cote Rotie, Maison Rouge, Rhone, 2005: Dark and youthful royal purple in color, full-bodied, with super-soft and gently caressing tannins. On the nose and palate a gorgeous array that seems to shift from moment to moment at first sip but then comes together very nicely indeed with black and red currants, black cherries, bitter-sweet chocolate, and stony-earthy minerals, all leading to a long and generous finish. Already elegant and complex but destined to show even better in a few years. Drink now if you must but best from 2012-2025, perhaps longer. Score 95.
66. Bodegas Vega Sicilia, Unico Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero, 1996: Ten years after the vintage and showing remarkably youthful in its ruby towards royal purple color, firm tannins and cigar box influences still waiting to integrate. On first attack red currants and cherries, those followed by herbal and herbal notes and finally, on the long finish blackberries and sweet cedar. Long and elegant. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2010-2018, perhaps longer. Score 95.
67. Giovanni Viberti, Barolo, Buon Padre, Piedmont, 2001: Best ever from this producer. Dark garnet towards royal purple, full-bodied, with firm tannins starting to integrate nicely and opening in the glass to show a variety of red fruits (raspberries, strawberries and plums) all on a spicy and smoked-meat finish. Concentrated, mouth-filling and long. Needs time. Best from 2009-2022. Score 95.
Score 94
68. Allegrini, La Poja, Verona, Veneto, 2000: Another fine La Poja. Made entirely from Corvina grapes, reflecting its oak aging with appealing spicy notes and gently mouth-coating tannins. Opens in the glass to reveal generous blackcurrant and blackberry fruits, those supported nicely by mineral and meaty notes, all lingering nicely. Perhaps not the very best La Poja ever (that honor continues to go to the 1997 edition) but perhaps the one destined for longest-term cellaring. Drink now-2020. Score 94.
69. Antinori, Guado Al Tasso, Bolgheri Superiore Riserva, 2005: Full-bodied, with chewy but gentle tannins parting to reveal spicy red and black berries, currants and notes of Mediterranean herbs. A blend of Cabernet Sauvigjon, Merlot and Syrah. Long and generous. Best 2010-2018. Score 94.
70. Antinori, Tignanello, 2005: A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, showing full-bodied, with gently caressing tannins and an appealing trace of spicy wood. Opens on the palate to reveal a generous array of red and black berries, cassis and minted chocolate notes. Showing just fine now, thank you, but the wine will be at its best only starting in 2012 and then cellaring nicely until 2018. Score 94.
71. Bodegas Ismael Arroyo, Val Sotillo, Grand Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 1996: Full-bodied, with its once gripping tannins now integrating nicely with near-sweet cedar wood notes. On the nose and palate generous plum and currant fruits, those with overlays of earthy minerals and tar. On the super-long finish appealing hints of bittersweet chocolate. Drink now-2018. Score 94.
72. Bodegas Los Astrales, Ribera del Duero, 2005: Modern Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero at its best and almost as good as the exquisite 2004 release. Dark ruby towards garnet, a rich, well-balanced wine with wood, still firm tannins and fruit coming together nicely on both nose and palate. Opens with black cherries and smoke, those yielding to wild berries, minerals and freshly picked sweet herbs, and finally on the long finish hints of mocha. Concentrated but elegant, approachable now but best 2009-2017. Score 94.
73. Chateau de Belle Rive, Quintessence, Quarts de Chaume, Loire, 2003: Sauternes and Barsac have their honey and Tokaji has its molasses but the wines of Quarts de Chaume, as this splendid example, are set aside by their distinct date, sugared nuts and maple syrup notes. Golden towards bronze, almost apricot in color, opening to show hints of licorice and salt water as well as of maple syrup and date notes. With almost intense sweetness, but that balanced nicely and set into proportion by fine balancing acidity, develops in the glass to show candied citrus peel, browned butter, minerals and, coming in on the finish a note of ginger. Remarkably long and complex, deserves to be served entirely on its own. If you do insist on serving it with a dessert, only a light baba will do. Drink now-2020. Score 94.
74. Cheval des Andes, Mendoza, 2004: Dark towards inky garnet, full bodied enough to be thought of as dense, and with still firm tannins are just now beginning to integrate. Have no fear though, for this is a wine that opens beautifully in the glass, its muscles balanced by its elegance. Aged in French oak for 18 months, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot (56%, 40% and 4% respectively) opens with blackberries, currants and vanilla, those going on to reveal near-jammy raspberry and espresso coffee notes. In a blind tasting you would probably be willing to take an oath that this one comes from Bordeaux and not South America. Drink now-2014. Score 94.
75. Domaine des Baumard, Trie Speciale, Savennieres, Loire, 2003: Golden straw in color, opening with a nose that calls to mind the aroma of sculptor's clay. Medium-bodied, opening to reveal notes of quince and white peaches, those with a hint of citrus peel and always in the background earthy minerals. On the long finish a generous hint of fits that is bound to make itself more dominant as the wine develops in the bottle. Drinking nicely now but will be at its best only from 2010-2017. Score 94.
76. Chateau Beasejour Duffau Lagarosse, St. Emilion, 2005: Not the very best from this chateau but darned close to it! Full-bodied, with gently mouth-coating tannins, with a remarkably floral nose and then going on to reveal blackberries and currants on a lightly peppery background. Finishes long and generously with hints of licorice and chocolate. Best 2015-2035. Score 94.
77. Chateau Brane-Cantnac, Margaux, 2005: Dark ruby towards garnet in color, full-bodied with soft, gently mouth-coating tannins and hints of spicy wood. Fine balance and structure here as the wine opens with dried currants, plums and black cherry notes, those opening to show notes of bitter-sweet chocolate and earthy minerals and finally, on the super-long finish hints of licorice and the peel of bitter oranges. Long and generous, a fine combination of gentility and power. .Approachable by 2010 but best 2014-2030. Score 94.
78. Clos de Gat, Syrah, Sycra, Israel, 2004: Oak-aged for 20 months. Full-bodied, with oak that at one moment seems spicy and at the next smoky but never dominating; with firm tannins integrating nicely now. A dense, almost muscular wine but one that sits gently and opens to show a tempting array of cherry, berry and currant fruits, those on a just spicy enough background to highlight hints of freshly roasted coffee. Well focused, intense and long. Drinking nicely now but best 2009-2012. Score 94.
79. Weingut Donnhoff, Riesling, Auslese, Nedeerhauser, Hermannshole, Gold Capsule, 2006: Deep gold, with a rich petrol and floral nose, a concentrated and intense wine with dried apricot, citrus and peach notes supported by flinty mineral notes. Fine balance between deep sweetness and acidity. Finely tuned and elegant, as the wine continues to develop in the bottle look for deeper petrol and mineral notes and, if my guess is correct, a note of red licorice. Approachable now but best from 2012-2030. Score 94.
80. Dosio, Barolo Riserva Speciale, Piedmont, 1982: Deep garnet, full-bodied, with once firm tannins now integrated. Fully mature but holding its peak beautifully, the wine opens with near-sweet almost stewed fruit aromas those parting to make way for remarkably fresh raspberry and, cherry notes, the tannins rising along with hints of spices and licorice on the long and intense finish. Drink now-2011. Score 94.
81. Luigi Einaudi, Barolo, Nei Cannubi, Piedmont, 2001: Dark, surprisingly youthful ruby towards royal purple in color, a full-bodied, mineral rich wine with gently caressing tannins. On the nose and palate generous ripe red plums and blueberries, those leading to a long and complex finish. Drinking beautifully now-2014, perhaps longer. Score 94.
82. Luigi Einaudi, Langhe Einaudi, Piedmont, 2004: A somewhat unusual blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Nebbiolo and Barbera places this wine somewhere between Bordeaux and Piedmont. Whatever, the result is splendid. With a dark and youthful royal purple color, opening with firm tannins that go progressively softer as the wine sits on the palate, and gently oak aged. Shows intense aromas and flavors of purple plums, currants and blackberries, those matched very nicely indeed by notes of white pepper and anise. Long and mouth-filling. Drink now-2013. Score 94.
83. William Fevre,Chablis, Bougros, 2005: Tasted in the same flight with the Fevre's 2003 Vaudesir. Two excellent, even fascinating wines, but lawsy, lawsy, what a difference. The first a mineral rich and crisp wine, this one creamy and so fruity that it hints of sweetness. On the nose and palate candied citrus peel and a note of near-ripe apricots, those leading to a long, sugar-and-spice finish. Elegance and power come together very well indeed here. Drinking nicely now but best 2009-2016. Score 94.
84. Gaja, Barolo, Dagromis, Piedmont, 2003: Made entirely from Nebbiolo grapes, aged for 12 months in barriques and then for an additional 12 months in large oak casks. Dark garnet in color, with mouth-coating near-sweet tannins integrating nicely and well on its way to demonstrating elegance. On the nose and palate red and black berries and cassis fruits, those supported nicely by notes of licorice, tobacco and bitter-sweet chocolate and, rising on the long finish appealing notes of Mediterranean herbs. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2009-2015. Score 94.
85. Bruno Giacosa, Barbaresco, Asili, Piedmont, 2004: Concentrated and elegant at the same time, with firm tannins and generous toasty oak melding nicely to show rich plums, red berries and cassis fruits. In the background, playing on the palate red licorice, notes of tar and a hint of smoked meat. Needs time for its elements to come together. Best from 2012-2025. Score 94.
86. Golan Heights Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Elrom Vineyard, Yarden, 2004: Developed in French oak barriques for 18 months, deep garnet in color, full-bodied, with firm tannins and spicy wood integrating well with fruits and despite its youth already showing elegance and finesse. Look for layer after layer of currant, blackberry and both red and black berries, those supported beautifully by notes of cedar, sage and tar, all leading to a near-sweet fruity finish that lingers on and on. Approachable now but best 2010–2018. Score 94. K
87. Louis Jadot, Grands Echezeaux, 2006: Ruby towards garnet, opening with a nose that reflects spicy wood and generous spices, and then going on to reveal a lush array of aromas and flavors, those including black and red berries, purple plums, spring flowers, and hints of freshly turned earth. A big. wood-rich wine, with all of the balance and structure that one could want. Needs time to show its best. Start drinking in 2012. Score 94. (
88. Krug, Grand Cuvee, Champagne, n.v.: The color of freshly wet golden straw, a truly elegant full-bodied wine. On the nose and palate rye and oats that yield nicely to citrus, green apple and vanilla, all leading to a super-long finish on which one can find hints of minerals and espresso coffee. Powerful but elegant. Score 94.
89. Chateau La Fleur Petrus, Pomerol, 2005: Showing every bit as well as at barrel tastings. Dark ruby towards garnet, full-bodied, softly tannic and showing a tempting array of aromas and flavors. On first attack ripe berries and cherries along with gentle spices, those yielding to minerals and plums and, on the long and generous finish notes of bitter-sweet chocolate. Best 2015-2035. Score 94.
90. Lanson, Champagne, Noble Cuvee, 1998: As elegant a Champagne as you will find. Medium-bodied, with a long mousse, concentrated bubbles and subtle citrus, roasted nuts, toasty white bread and flinty minerals on the backkground, all of which lead to a long and satisfying finish. Drink now-2015. Score 94.
91. Domaine Leroy, Gevrey-Chambertin, 2004: Medium-dark red towards garnet with a somewhat pale rim, again belying the richness to come. Still an infant but already showing balance and structure that bode very well for the future. On first attack generous earthy minerals and a note of jerked beef, those followed by red and black berries, black cherries, and spicy oak notes and from mid-palate on an appealing note of fresh forest floor. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2011-2025, perhaps longer. Score 94.
92. Domaine Leroy, Nuits-St.-George, 2004: Dull garnet, almost appearing watery, but that is misleading because this rich, almost muscular and generous medium- to full-bodied wine opens nicely on the nose and palate to reveal spring flowers and generous red berries and cassis fruits, those complemented nicely by notes of espresso coffee, garrique and, on the long, near-sweet finish, notes of smoky cedar wood. Give this one time to show its elegance. Best 2010-2020. Score 94.
93. Domaine Leroy, Chambolle-Musigny, 2004: At one moment bright garnet, at another somewhat dull in color with a hint of brown, another of those Leroy wines whose color belies its excellence. On first attack raspberries and red plums, those opening to reveal generous granite- and flint-like minerals, garrique and a distinct note of iron (am I the only one to find that iron imparts a somewhat salty note?). Excellent balance between dense but soft tannins, acidity and fruits lead to a long and generous fruit-rich finish. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2011-2025. Score 94.
94. Domaine Albert Mann, Riesling, Schlossberg, Grand Cru, Alsace, 2007: As close to stone-dry as you will find in a Riesling, but don't let that hold you back for this simultaneously intense and elegant wine shows a marvelous array of aromas and flavors. Opens with apples and minerals, goes on to reveal spiced pears and Oriental spices and finishes long and generously with notes of grapefruit and a hint of peppermint. As is said "elegance on a grand scale". Drink now-2015, perhaps longer. Score 94.
95. Domaine Albert Mann, Gewurztraminer, Steingrubler, Grand Cru, Alsace, 2005: "Where the wild things grow". On the opening nose aromas of freshly forest floor and garrigue and on first attack on the palate the distinct flavor of litchis and kiwis. A generously sweet wine, balanced nicely by acidity and settling down in the glass to show tropical fruits, spices and bitter orange peel. Long and generous. Best 2009-2012, perhaps longer. Score 94.
96. Weingut J. J.Prum, Riesling, Spatlese, Wehlener Sonnenhur, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, 2006: In its infancy now but already showing light gold with orange and green tints and opening in the glass to reveal apricot, orange and orange peel notes. Give this one time and it will develop overlays of lime, flinty minerals and crème patisserie. With fine balance and structure that bode well for the future, the wine is approachable and delicious even now but will be at its best only from 2012-2030. Score 94.
97. Recanati, Special Reserve, Israel, 2005: Full-bodied, dark garnet towards royal-purple, with once firm tannins now integrating nicely with spicy and vanilla-rich wood. Aged in barriques for 19 months, this blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot, all from the Upper Galilee, shows fine balance and structure. On first attack blackcurrant, blackberry and a hint of anise, those followed by lightly toasted, near-sweet cedar and oak along with an appealing hint of black licorice. Approachable and enjoyable now but best 2009-2014. Score 94. K
98. Tedeschi, Amarone della Valoplicella Classico, La Fabriseria, Veneto, 2003: Very tempting Amarone, with an enchanting interplay between sweetness and bitterness. Full-bodied, with soft tannins integrating nicely and showing fine balance and structure. On first attack dried currants and a note of cinnamon, those yielding to purple plums and blackberries, all on a background of black pepper and licorice and on the long finish irresistible notes of milk chocolate, Brazil nuts and raisins. Approachable now but best 2010-2025, perhaps longer. Score 94.
99. Poggio al Tesoro, Sondraria, Bolgheri, Tuscany, 2005: A Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc (65%, 25% and 10% respectively), but with a distinct hint of the Bolgheri terroir with its blackberry, herbal and rose petal notes. Oak aged for 18 months but showing gentle wood influences. Round and soft, with caressing tannins and a hint of licorice leading to a long and generous finish. Approachable now but best from 2010-2018, perhaps longer. Score 94.
100. Yatir, Yatir Forest, Israel, 2005: A full-bodied Bordeaux blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot and 10% Merlot. A third aged in new and two-thirds aged in old wood barriques for 15 months, this deep royal-purple wine casts intense orange and green reflections. Soft tannins integrating beautifully and the intentionally gentle hand with the wood come together nicely to let the wine open with spicy berry and cassis aromas and flavors, those going on to show blackberries and an underlying and fascinating mélange of bitter herbs. Long, generous and destined for elegance. Drink now–2014. Score 94. K


text:
Never seen it before...but we succumbed to the Living Scriptures stuff when we were newlyweds...and our girls hate them (but John likes to watch them!)
That looks way funner than what we've got!
Never seen it before...but we succumbed to the Living Scriptures stuff when we were newlyweds...and our girls hate them (but John likes to watch them!)
That looks way funner than what we've got!
I might have to try them and if they don't work I can give them away
Here is a link to see all the short they have
Me = Alison, DH = Evan, DS #1 = John 09/05/06, DS #2 = Alan 07/21/09
We don't have that DVD. I wonder if there is anyting LDS about it? I know some stuff from Deseret is just random Christian stuff (some isn't Christian at all, like Spiderman coloring books ). We have Buzby DVDs which are pretty cute. Not nearly as obnoxious as Veggie Tales. I HATE Veggie Tales!
We also have Living Scriptures. SOOOOO BORING!!!
Our kids LOVE The Prince of Egypt and Joseph King of Dreams. Both are fully animated and have good music. Truman's favorite movie, in fact, is "Moses," which is what he calls the first one.
I think it is an lds video. The production company seems to only do LDS stuff I've never seen veggie tales just hasn't interested us I guess.
I got the prince of Egypt and Joseph King of Dreams recently. John really wouldn't watch much of the Prince of Egypt but I think it was just his mood that day, we haven't tried the other one yet though!
Me = Alison, DH = Evan, DS #1 = John 09/05/06, DS #2 = Alan 07/21/09
Hope you ladies don't mind me posting in here. I have to admit that I come in this thread often looking for good links to modest clothing. It's so hard to find appropriate clothing today. Anway, so I just looked at that J Jill site and found about 50 things I wanted! :doh: So, I am curious to what the LDS standards for clothing are, if you don't mind me asking. I go to very conservative Independent Baptist church, and our standards are pretty high too. And are your standards like an actual "rule?" Forgive my ignorance, I really don't know too much about the LDS church, although I have been learning a lot through you ladies. My Pastor is not shy about telling the church what his preferred standards are, but they are not actually a "rule" unless you are employed by the church, or when you are taking part in a ministry there. How does it work with your church? What does your church say about women wearing pants? And what about beach attire?
~ Brooke & Luke ~
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
It's Sunday tomorrow already. Does it feel like it's always Sunday to anybody else? The week always flies by and *bam* it's Sunday again.
momma2Luke, if you want to use my coupon for the J. Jill site PM me and I'll send it over.
To add to the modesty question, women wear pants shorts without issue, except to church. Then it's knee-length of longer skirts and dresses.
Speaking of dresses, where do you ladies buy cute dresses? I only have a couple and neither one are BF'ing friendly. I'm looking around for a couple new ones.
Last edited by HollyJo; 08-09-2008 at 07:13 PM.
Holly I never could find a BF friendly dress. I always had to do shirts and skirts. I do think I've seen some at Kohl's that might work, though you are really tall (really? what am I, telling you like you didn't know? ) so I guess that makes it harder. hmm.
And I wonder about pants in the chapel too. I remember finding an old 70's or 80's missionary tract inside a BOM at an old boyfriend's house and seeing where it said "What to expect when you visit an LDS church" or something, and said "women will be in dresses." Which seemed like an odd way of saying, "Wear a dress." But where does this come from? I've also heard other women at church say things like, "Well is this activity going to be in the chapel? Because if it is, we can't wear pants."
Funniest thing about THAT imho of course is that when I cleaned the temple one time, I was wearing a white jumpsuit (pants!!!) and I was able to go into every single room (even the men's changing room oddly enough ) in pants. I just wonder where the whole 'no pants on ladies in the chapel' thing started? Is it official somewhere or just a Mormon culture thing? I understand the need for reverence and to be respectful but at the same time, I wonder if it's something that can be carried a tad too far?
I don't think "no pants in the chapel" is official. In fact, I'm pretty confident it's not. We have a handful of ladies in our ward that only wear pants. They're nicer black jeans, or whatever, but it's not like they're wearing slacks or pantsuits. They just only wear pants and a t-shirt. Always clean. And I'd never dream of "wondering what their story is" the way I've overheard some of the older biddies in the ward yammering about. It's no one's business what each person declares as their "Sunday best" so long as they, as an individual, are confident that they're doing their best.
I remember a couple families in my ward growing up that were diehard about us not even walking through the chapel on activity nights if we weren't in dresses. They literally stood as sentinels outside the chapel doors on Wednesday nights! I guess to me that's where you get back into the spirit vs letter of the law! Now, the Temple...I don't know. I know my dad has arrived in his work clothes before because that's all he was able to do when filling in as a Priesthood holder for the youth baptisms...and his work clothes are, um...mechanic's clothes. He was fine to go in and change. I believe it's not stated publicly, but they PREFER you be wearing church dress, but once again, since that's interpretive and not an edict, take it as you will.
So I don't know what lesson y'all are on tomorrow, but in our ward it's #...dang, can't remember. 12 or something. It's the one about death. And my RS Pres called me 2 weeks ago to let me know and also to let me know that she happens to know that even though not a whole lot of the actual lesson is dedicated toward child/infant loss, the ladies in our ward will essentially make that the focus. She was giving me an out, I think. I think I'm going to brave it, though. We'll see if I make it through. Tomorrow is 9 months since Taela passed. I honestly can't wait until I hit a year and quit counting the months. In my mind once we hit November then I shouldn't feel the 10th of every month come along and hit so hard...here's hoping.
Tif I hope it goes okay for you this morning. Man... I hate the death lessons. Didn't we JUST have a lesson on that? "words of consolation at the time of death" or something? Seems like the ladies in RS really, really love to talk about death, especially the deaths of their babies. I guess it's therapeutic or something, but really, it's so tragic I just feel awful hearing it. Like I'm an intruder on their grief or something, yk? Anyway I hope it goes ok for you.
I did learn something from that lesson that I didn't know before. I always thought when we are resurrected, we will be adult form, perfect, big, grown up bodies. But in the lesson, it says that children who die will have the opportunity to grow up in the resurrection, and that parents will have the opportunity to raise those children into adulthood. I just had never thought of it like that before (I guess b/c spirits are all in adult form I assumed that meant all resurrected beings, no matter their age at death, would be in adult form as well).
Well anyway. David is at PEC, again, so I have to get clothes on these heathens.
On another note, listen to this. That daughter of hers, with her first loss she lived in ID. The laws there were such that they confirmed Trisomy 18 around 25 or 26 weeks and she was able to be induced and that was the end of it. But with this baby she lives in Utah. They confirmed around 24 weeks. But Utah laws will not allow induction or delivery without medical necessity between 24 and 32 weeks, I believe. Something like that. It's considered an illegal form of abortion, regardless of the morbidity issues with the baby. So this poor poor girl had to be pregnant for another two months feeling baby grow and kick and hiccup, knowing that she wasn't going to get to have her. Finally at 32 weeks they induced her and the baby was born and didn't even take a breath. What pain. RS pres told me that this loss is being worse on her, not just because it's the second of it's type, but because she had that much longer time to bond with the baby inside of her. I think I'd move to Idaho if I'd been in that situation
That's terrible about the laws. I know a woman in our neighboring ward who lost a baby to Trisomy 18 last fall, but she stayed pregnant until 37 weeks, when the baby died in utero. She said that the delivery really was hard on the baby's body and she wished she could have had a c/s just so she could have seen her baby. Something about the disorder made the baby's bones so soft that delivery crushed her. It was so terrible. I think they found out about 18 weeks or so, so for months they knew their baby would die.
We're actually a lesson ahead, you are right.Zion was our topic today. It was like, really, really boring to me! And we had the WORST behaved kids in sacrament meeting. David and I need to re-vamp our whole Sunday routine I think. It's just not working anymore. I don't think we do anything WRONG, but the kids just need to be reminded more that Sunday is different & special. Also Pen turns 17 months today so you can bet we're doing the nursery-countdown.
Today's lesson could have gone worse. It wasn't great, but I was proud of myself for staying in there for it. I probably wouldn't have, but I was on the back row and would have had to walk to the front and ACROSS the entire room to get to the door.
So here's a nice little "small world" happenstance. I think being in the church makes the already-small world even smaller!
Tuesday I found out my visiting teaching companion is sisters with a girl I knew before we moved down here. So I thought that was about as small a world as it was going to get. And then after Sacrament today I walked into nursery with the girls and there was a guy with is little boy that I knew from before we moved. He was a great nice guy...but I couldn't seem to warm up to his wife because she just wasn't friendly. Anyhow, he got accepted to grad school down here and they happened to move into our ward this week. So then John got to talking to his wife and come to find out they live not 4 blocks from us (most of our ward lives in a totally different area from us). AND...she's nice. I like her. I've known her for years but I don't think I'd ever had a conversation with her. I've decided that we just sort of needed to be put on even ground-she'd been in our old ward for a long time before we moved into it and already had her own friends established, and I SUCK at making new friends, so it was a lose-lose combo. But here, where I still feel like the new girl, she's new, too! I'm excited about this. She's got a little guy Scharae's age and then one that's 5 or 6 months old, too.
It really is a small world!!
So ladies I'm feeling very inactive. I have missed 2 weeks now. I do not start to feel even a little better until later in the afternoon. This morning sickness is literally kicking my butt. I got up this morning to get ready for church when I started throwing up. I laid back down for a few minutes and felt great, got up and showered to get ready to go and BAM it hits like a ton of bricks.
Tif, I'm glad you were able to stay in there for that lesson. I know when we had that lesson, everyone who ever lost a child needed to talk about it. I ended up crying. It was such a sad time. But, the lesson is really about having hope and words of comfort. I know a lot of ladies were saying, yeah sure, there's comfort in the gospel, but at the time, you don't WANT it. You just want to be angry and have your child back. The comfort has to come later. I think it was helpful for those of us who haven't gone through that, because it reminds us how we should behave in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy like that. Don't try to give comfort. Just meet the sister's and her family's temporal needs, and just 'be there' but don't say anything.That's what I got out of the comments anyway - that they appreciated it when people would just be with them, or just agree with them that it was awful, but not try to make them feel better.
Brandi I'm so sorry you are STILL SICK!!! This is terrible. It's got to get better! Have you talked with your doctor about it? I know some women have needed a rx medication to get through it (Reglan I want to say?)
We went for a super long walk this evening! Oh man.It was sort of an accident! We were going to walk to a neighborhood park, but we forgot it's pretty far (about a 25 minute walk). Then we got there and remembered the playground is really in bad shape, so we took this woodsy trail to another park, so another 10 minute walk. Then the kids played for like half an hour, and we walked home. So we were gone almost 2 hours total! Whoops. It was a good way to kill a Sunday afternoon though.
We went to our new ward yesterday. Just sacrament meeting, we're still trying to ease ourselves (and our baby - who isn't used to going to church) into going. Seems like a really nice ward. I have a friend in the ward (she's the one that told me about the apartment), so that makes it a slightly easier transition.
It's the 50th anniversary of our stake, so most of the talks were about that, but the youth speaker had a really interesting talk that I liked a lot. She talked about talents and abilities and blessings in general, and how we shouldn't focus on what others have and wonder why we don't have it too, but rather focus on what we have been given. I know that's a really simple concept, but something about the way she expressed it really made a difference with me. I've been struggling for a while with self-image/self-confidence/just feeling like I'm worth anything, and I really enjoyed her talk, it gave me a fresh perspective.
So, a pretty good experience. I'm actually really looking forward to getting to know everyone (despite my social anxieties), and making new friends.
Yay! Glad you guys went and it went well
Me = Alison, DH = Evan, DS #1 = John 09/05/06, DS #2 = Alan 07/21/09
Hey Mattswife, I'm glad you had a good experience!
You know, the book that looked interesting to me in the new desert catalog was something like "Odds are, you're going to be exalted." It just cracked me up, the title. I was like, well okay then, I should stop stressing out right?
I got a new person in my visiting teaching trio. I tell ya, the trio thing is awesome most of the time. But one of my other members has turned into like hyperdrive mormon or something. I always feel like she's trying to "outdo" me in everything - be th first to meet the new person, be the first to invite her over, be the first to know everything about her.... like it's a weird unspoken competition with her. I really don't have the energy for a competition anyway so I just let her do it, but it does kind of get on my nerves. I mean, the lady moved here Saturday night. We met her at church Sunday morning, and Sunday evening got the email from the RS president that we are in a new group with her. Well my other companion has already been to her house with maps of our city and a welcome pack (driving a literal welcome-wagon no doubt!), and emailed her. I used my smarts (!) and realized she may not have her internet connection up yet, so I called her today (she hadn't gotten the email) and we talked for a little while. We'll try to get together next week.
~ Brooke & Luke ~
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Do you or people in your ward wear jean skirts to church? Our stake has asked us and our youth not to wear jean skirts or flip flops in the chapel. The flip flop guideline has been hard on our ward youth, that is all they wear year round, so some still wear them and others don't. I just wondered what everyone else was doing.
Our youth are not to wear shorts to mid-week activities. They're told which ones are specifically ok (like the lake trips, hiking ones, etc) but as a general rule Wednesday nights there are not to be shorts for the boys or the girls. This was because of shorts getting shorter and shorter. i can understand that. Now, they're not stopped at the door and asked to leave, but they will be reminded individually.
I don't get the whole denim/flip flop thing. Sure, my mom wouldn't be caught dead wearing a denim skirt of thongs to church. But even as strict as my parents were, so long as my skirt was long enough it could be denim, faded cotton, whatever. And as long as my shoes were clean, they were fine. To me, the spirit of the law gets lost when you start getting nit-picky like that.
All I can say is...I'm glad I'm not in your stake, Lacy I should ask my SIL in Kuna what theirs says...
In our old stake, the SP didn't want anyone to wear denim, but he didn't ask. He just said, "Well no daughter OF MINE is going to wear denim in the chapel." He had five daughters. Funniest part... one of them got married, and when she came back to visit with her new husband, she was wearing a denim SKIRT and a matching denim JACKET! I mean, she looked very nice & pretty. But a good many of us had a little laugh over that!
I can understand flip-flops but I still wear them sometimes. Mainly because my church shoes are hot and do NOT go with summer dresses & skirts. But I do feel bad wearing them because they aren't very nice looking and they do make a slight noise when I walk. (But then again, so do my thighs, but I still take those to church...)
dang it, Heather. LEAVE THOSE THIGHS AT HOME!!!
i dunno. I'm just adverse to some of the more mundane things. I feel like Stk Pres have a bit more important things on their plates than telling us that came home from COLLEGE for the summer, after going to COLLEGE wards, that we were not to attend the UNIVERSITY ward unless we were 21 or over...yeah, that was so 8 years ago and STILL rubs me wrong!
I wear denim skirts to church. Infact thats the only maternity dress that I could find long enough. I also have a bad habit of wearing flip flops. I hate tights so its easier to just slip on some flip flops. However, they are nice flip flops. Our bishop did talk on wearing flip flops to church but he didnt say we couldnt do it, he just said it wasnt our best dress. *sigh* when my feet are swollen I just wanna wear those flip flops lol.
FHE note: When teaching 3yo's about the sacrament and the symbolism behind it...do NOT spend much time on the water being LIKE Jesus' blood. Especially when said 3yo had a nice bloody injury earlier that day.
Keira really picks up on things we talk about. 3 weeks ago we causally talked about Jesus coming to the America's and whenever she hears Jesus she talks about that now. She says in her prayers "in the name of Jesus Christ to Ameericuhs, Amen" And that was just after a casual evening of talking about it, not a FHE lesson. Should have been my first clue. She's pretty intrigued by Testimony meeting. Probably because John and I both got up this month and bore ours and she followed me up. So last week's lesson was on Testimony and this week we decided to focus on Sacrament because she's really got the whole "1 piece of bread" thing down. So me and my bright self decided to just really launch into it. She didn't seem to know what blood was when I talked about the water being LIKE Jesus' blood ("what? what blood, Mommy?") and once I mentioned the word there was no going back....so at the end when we had her practice her testimony it went something like this:
"I Keira. I start K. I 3. Jesus loves me and mommy and daddy and Scharae and nana and Papa and Erik and Liz and ...(you get the picture). Jesus loves ebrybody. Baby Jesus to Mary (don't ask me where she picked that one up! We haven't done Baby Jesus stories since Christmas!) and daddy. Mommy on donkey-like-a-horse. Baby Jesus a man. Jesus cross like a T-people sad and cry. Jesus hurt. (no concept of death yet). Jesus come from rock and make people happy! Jesus come to Ameericuh and make hands and eyes all better (we watched that little "My Joy is Full" blurb like 5 times because she loved it so much). Jesus gave luvs to the kids and said prayers for them. I eat ONE, ONLY ONE KEIRA, ONE piece of bread at church when I sit quiet. Only one. Think of body. I drink water-like blood. Jesus prayed at a tree before like a T and he loved ebrybody. He prayed and blood came out, like blood out of Keira's foot. Keira's shoe hurt me and blood came out of my foot. Like Jesus. Keira like Jesus-blood came out. Drink water, think blood. Name of Jesus Christ in Ameericuhs, Amen."
I kid you not, she went on and on and on with her arms folded up in front of me and John with no prompting! I'm almost nervous now for the next Testimony meeting because I KNOW she'll want to be up there!
On another note...I agreed to speak in church with John on the 31st (this is a huge thing because I have a HUGE phobia of it. Irrational, really). Last time I did that I was POSITIVE my talk was at least 10, if not 15, minutes long...John broke it to me afterwards that I didn't hardly hit 5 minutes...maybe I should have Keira get up and give it for me! Do you think it's kosher to incorporate her bearing her testimony into my talk? She's going to be up on the stand with me, anyhow, there's no way around that fact...
Last edited by DucksLikeRain; 08-12-2008 at 04:58 AM.
Tif your girls amaze me! I think it was a pretty darn good little testimony!!
It is crazy how quickly she picks up on things.
As for denim skirts, yep I wear them. I only have 3 skirts that fit right now and a denim one is one of them hehe. I don't usually wear flip flops only because mine are pretty gross. I did just get a nicer pair though that I would wear in a heartbeat.
Speaking of "dress code" (or in that area of discussion). Did this happen everywhere? - My FIL told us that now for men to serve in a calling you cannot have facial hair and must have a clean haircut? This of course rubbed my DH the wrong way, he ususally has some kind of facial hair going on and has hair down to his back.
Me = Alison, DH = Evan, DS #1 = John 09/05/06, DS #2 = Alan 07/21/09
I'm not positive. I just asked John. I know that in order to be in the Bishopric they need to shave. My dad was in the bishopric and in a rare facial hair mode of life when that came out. John just said that he doesn't know of any church-wide policy regarding it. To work in the Temple (not attend, but be a Temple worker) and the Bishopric, and probably Stk Pres and on up, you do. But not to be a SS teacher, or anything like that. One of the longest-term seminary teachers in the stake I grew up with had hair down to his waist. He always had it tied back in a nice pony, but he refused to cut it (he also wore paper ties when they came out saying seminary teachers had to wear dresses and ties).
ETA: John's in the EQ presidency and was EQ president before we moved. He would have likely been ASKED to shave, but it would not have been a deciding factor in him keeping the calling.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Wayne County Building Authority voted Thursday to stop all work on the new jail project and cancel the contracts.
Now there are a couple of things you should know Wayne County. First, we just blew $140 million plus interest over 30 years equaling $300 million.
Second, the company AECOM that was in charge of managing the site was put in charge of monitoring itself for six months, and then after that six months it was unclear who, if anybody, was looking after the county's interests on the job.
"So who's supposed to be looking out for those kind of things for we the people?" I asked Eileen Dehart from the Wayne County Building Authority.
"That's what I thought that our onsite project manager would do, and that's why the board members were adamant about having one, and there was like a year lapse that we did not have one," she said.
What we also learned is that the project was never fully funded with things like a fire suppression system left out of the deal.
So the project becomes $100 million over budget. Normally what happens in public works, the contractor simply comes back to the government and asks for more money. That is called an add on, which is perfectly legal. However, this time it wasn't happening because we were all looking.
"In a nutshell, we had government contractors who know what we wanted wasn't what we bid for and we can simply come back later and get another governmental body to rubber stamp more money," I said to James Saros from the Wayne County Building Authority.
"I'd be a fool to tell you that's what happened," he responded. "Is that one of the possibilities that happened? Of course."
"This happened before not too long ago when we bought the Guardian Building, which seemed like a pretty good deal at the time, and they said they needed $30 million to do the build out and get the floors ready for the county to move in. That was a lot of money, but, okay, reasonable given the size of the building and everything. But then they came to us again a little later and said we need another $30 million. That's when I started wondering why didn't you just come for $60 million to start with because you just expect this is going to fall into place," said Wayne County Commission Chairman Gary Woronchak. "I voted against the second $30 million, but it still passed."
"$300 million for a do over. Do you want to take ownership?" I asked Ficano on Wednesday
"At this point, there's still going to be a sale price on the land. That cuts into the cost," he said. "It's going to be a win-win for everybody."
So now the project is over. The plan from here is to sell the site, the courthouse and the other downtown jails to a developer and then rebuild them at the defunct Mound Correctional Facility. How we are going to get those hundreds of millions of dollars is anybody's guess because the county is broke and its ability to borrow is junk. Taxpayers, I'm sure somebody is going to be asking you for something.
Meanwhile, the Wayne County auditor general has given his report on the jail project to county prosecutor Kym Worthy. We were told her office is now opening an investigation.
35 Skyline DriveLake Mary, FL 32746
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Stung my eyes!
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Every time I used this eye cream my eyes stung really bad. The product never got in my eyes but I think there are ingredients in it that produce invisible fumes that caused the stinging. I really wanted to like the cream because it has good ingredients. It would have otherwise been a good cream if it wasn't for that one problem. I never finished the product. May use it on my hand or feet.


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Until recently, organizations have primarily used business intelligence solutions to analyze customer information on who, what, why and when.
Soon, the world will come together to watch the World Football tournament take place across a dozen different cities in Brazil.
Recently, I found myself reading an infographic published by analyst firm, IDC in November, titled, "Welcome to the Connected Age with Internet of Things and M2M."
Insurance companies have known the power of geocoding for years.
Memphis, a city that put its mark on the map with its passion for music and food will also soon be on the map for… mapping!
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This paper introduces the basic concepts associated with social networks, describes its advantages and applications, and closes with a leverage Social Network Analysis (SNA).
Find out how Goverment agencies are using Location Intelligence to reduce crime with this white paper about hot spot mapping.


text:
So earlier this week, TMZ broke the story that Farrah Abraham has been reaching out to Charlie Sheen via text message because there was a possibility that she would be making a guest appearance on his show "Anger Management". Well things sort of escalated to the point where it looked as if Charlie and Farrah were going to be hanging out and maybe going on a date.
I think Charlie has pulled the plug on that ever happening now.
Charlie is irate that Farrah allegedly leaked their private text messages for the world to see and decided to so nicely let her know just how mad he is with this letter as posted by tmz.com.
hey, you desperate guzzler of stagnant douche agua; I truly do not recall giving you permission to globally reveal any communication between us. congrats on surviving your lobotomy and an even bigger congratz on the recent attempt at porn.
your daughter must be so proud.
send my number to middle earth and if allowed, eagerly follow it into
said abyss and slam the door behind you. the world will collectively
sigh as the pungent memory of you vanishes into the pedestrian
troposphere of lame-suck and zero-life.
oh and I'm sure they'll wave the cover charge when they see your tranny-boobs and five o'clock shadow.
Just another day in the life of the most wonderfully tragic Charlie Sheen.


text: Sister Rosa Hawkins Stanley was born on Oct. 24, 1925 to the union of Joseph and Mary Hawkins of Minden. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Mt. Comfort Baptist Church. She later moved her membership to New Light Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member.Subscribe to Read!


text:
When evil threatens the world... the world calls upon BROFORCE! Don't let the name fool you, this game is fun, addicting... it's BRO-brilliance!
We downloaded the Brototype. Check out how this baby plays!
Sorry about the audio, it improves a few minutes in, but you get the idea. Broforce is a co-operative patriotism simulation. You play as 80's and 90's action heroes waging war against terror in almost entirely destructible settings. It's a BLAST! While the Brototype shows the kind of combat being developed, it's missing the content, narrative and depth that the full release will include (plus all kinds of other things they won't giveaway details on yet... trophies? bonus levels? unlockables?)
I would love to play this at a bar on one of those old Contra set-ups. Four screens, four seats and hours and hours of beer and gaming! Someone should make that happen.
In the meantime, you need to play this game when it comes out. Actually, screw that, play the Brototype to get a real feel for how FUN this game really is.
It's now available for pre-order (and totally worth it, we pre-ordered right after a few minutes of play). Check it out and get yourself a copy HERE!
Can't wait to play the full game!!
LUcy is a regular guest on gaming streams at www.twitch.tv/bobbychampagne


text: Hi all, My husband & I have been married for 2 1/2 years and for the first time I think I may be pregnant. We had sex 11/24 and 11/25. My period is due last night/today and nothing yet. I have a regular 28 day cycle. I felt noticeable cramping about 4 days after we had sex. My nipples are sore and my breasts on the sides and under parts are sore too. I had to go into urgent care on monday (11/10) due to being extremely dizzy. They tested me but I was BFN, I took another test 11/12 (yesterday) and it too was negative. Thoughts?


text:
By Kelsea Stahler, Hollywood.com Staff
Stop the madness, please. Year in and year out, we're plagued with the worst of the worst celebrity stories. Somehow the most obnoxious tales are the ones that garner our whole-hearted obsession. It's just the way we're wired. But who says we can't dream of a 2013 full of Kimye babies instead of Amanda Bynes' inability to drive like a human with functioning eyes?
In the spirit of that hope, we're laying out 2013's celebrity contract. If only we could get a few stars to (actually) sign...
Follow Kelsea on Twitter @KelseaStahler
[Photo Credit: Alex J. Berliner/BEImages]
Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris Ring in 2013 With a New Year's Eve Wedding
Nora Ephron, Neil Armstrong, and Whitney Houston: In Memoriam for 2012
Kim and Kanye's Baby: 6 Ridiculous Clothing Items for Their Newborn
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'American Idol' Winner Hospitalized After Head-On Car Crash
20 Hottest Bikini Bodies of 2012: Miley and More!


text:
Word up. Or as hip dictionaries like to say: "Word look up." But lately we define a lot of the words you might need to look up differently than this musty relic. And for that, we can thank the Internet.
"Sometimes my e-mails and especially my text messages are just completely full of jargon," says Christina Warren of Mashable.com.
In other internet words, she's never Googled a dongle lost a poke-war or confused Myspace with your space or his space or her space.
"You can have a word that used to exist in one context and now has a completely new context," she says.
Trolls no longer live under bridges waiting for Billy goats. Birds tweet less often than trolls. And you can use 3Gs to toss your valuables into the cloud without spending a single dollar. The Internet somehow made Spam even less appealing. It taught us CrackBerries don't grow on bushes and some cookies contain no butter, sugar, or eggs.
Today the World Wide Web lets mice without tails diagnose and treat viruses and parasites.
More than 2,000 years ago the back-slash gave Rome a new leader. Now it grants hackers access to just about anything they want.
Et tu, selfie?
In a world of trending hashtags, lifeless landlines, and waterless streams where thumbs drive, flash mobs neglect to include real gangsters, and cyberspace grants us access to the final frontier --mankind's once-lofty standard of language may seem a victim of a total system meltdown, sacrificing Shakespeare, Faulkner, and Steinbeck on a digital funeral pyre fueled by your network's firewall.
Not so, says blogger, e-mailer, Skyper, dot-comer, senior-tech-analyst Warren.
"The Internet is going to continue to create words and phrases and it's going to be exciting to see what we're talking about in 10 years," she says.
If you ask the techy among us the new speed of communication has launched our language into its golden age.
For more, just ping me on LinkedIn or download my podcast.
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