In a curious twist of linguistic fate, some decidedly frightening-sounding statements have been lately transformed into vehicles of praise. Mostly refashioned, as far as I can tell, by loquacious members of the surfer/skater culture prevalent in California, the phrases run the gamut of topics and references, but given the time ...

Part One The team at Fitness Ridge Resort and Spa really know their business. They helped me firm up, de-fluff around the mid-section, drop some of those pesky too many cocktails and trying new restaurants pounds, and lose almost 5 % body fat while having … TONS of FUN!!! When ...

Part Two Flash forward one week later. We were both healthier, leaner, and, this is BIG, so much more relaxed and downright happy. Not one complaint had passed Sis’s lips for seven whole days, which has got to be an all time record! Fitness Ridge provides an intimate, structured environment, ...

Two wine thieves have been caught red-handed in a wine cellar in Zurich/Switzerland. They were busy carrying off thier vinous booty...

One quick post about Twisted After Dark. We're trying this. We're not sure what it will be. We may have scantily clad models in bunny suits, but I wouldn't bet on it this time. Still, wouldn't you love to be...

Tanner Vineyard, looking south with Twisted Oak across the valley - click image for larger version - photo by El Jefe, 2005. Tim over at Winecast invited me to review a Twisted Oak Syrah for his Wine Blogging Wednesday #30:...

We’re not promising that Steven Colbert will be there himself (especially since we created this ourselves on a crafty website ), but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t read and heed the sign. Take our advice. BUY YOUR TIX . Oh, and did we mention that it’s a benefit for kids who can’t write so good ? Well, it is, and we’d like to be able to donate some booty to 826 Valencia so that the world...

.  Avast! The Dao booty would be mine, an' mine alone. At Dawn I shook me crew awake ... of the weakest scurvy dogs from me crew. Ar har har. Once near the booty, I would run me blade through ... port stop I would take the cog me-self to a merchant and trade the booty for a large lassie's dress ... ! This wine is a fine grog! I'll be sippin this grape booty fer me remainin days. Aye, I'm now a well...

Looters take home booty, while barrels for South Africa's best whites float by. Photo by Tom Hurley Temperatures are rising. In thermometers and in winemakers’ pulses. Where are the barrels? The grapes are nearly ready. The green is turning golden. The space in the barrel room is ready for the expected new white wine barrels. But the barrels are on a wintry beach, on England’s rocky south...

... direct the booty toward its most advantageous uses is exactly why the wine producers of Europe do...