Most wines should be consumed within year or two
Have you ever saved a great bottle of wine thinking it would get better with age and then opened it a few years later - only to discover that it was past its prime? That’s because the vast majority of wine is meant to be consumed now or within one to two year’s time at the most. The wines that tend to age well are the more expensive Cabernet Sauvignons and other highly tannic, red wines. Through time, the tannins (which have a bitter flavor) will soften with the wine becoming smoother, richer and more balanced. Whenever in doubt, ask the winemaker or shop manager for advice on if and how long to age the wine.
A thoroughly modern romance
OK, gotta set the scene, get a mood going; see, it’s one of those TV commercials to which we are subjected approximately every 10 minutes day and night intended for men of a certain age and condition to make us – I mean, them, not me, no sir – believe (1) that there is something, ummm, missing in our, I mean their, lives and (2) how truly miraculous it is that there is a handy pill which will, ummm, bring it all back. So … Barry White music in the background, a homey scene bursting with potential romance, a handsome guy with a slightly loopy smile, and action! – which means a soothing voiceover.
Memories are the ornaments on my Christmas tree
The other day I was admiring, er … critically assessing my Christmas tree and its many ornaments. Ever notice a trend in ornaments? Back in the ’50s there were bubble lights and fragile but brightly colored glass retro ornaments – although in the ’50s you wouldn’t exactly refer to them as “retro.” But we can trace the trends of the decades just by looking at our Christmas trees.
Summertime and the birth of the eBay blues
For some inexplicable reason, I wax nostalgic in the summer. Perhaps it’s the gentle, warm breezes blowing my bedroom curtains or the far-away drone of a small airplane that brings to mind my childhood back home in Colorado.
Sontag: Eight reasons to love garlic
You know you've lived in Gilroy for an incredibly long time when
Surviving the recession: A report from the front lines
Today some urgent news: we are in a recession! Yes, I know this
Move beyond the familiar and try something new
At a recent high school commencement ceremony, Yale University President Richard C. Levin offered valuable advice to college-bound students on how to benefit the most from the experiences lying ahead. His message was not only directly relevant to the graduating seniors, but virtually for everyone else - even those who graduated from college decades ago.
Eco-notes: It’s Fall and time to fall back
Fall is here. You know it, your plants know it, but does your
