Then have been cracks made about the media’s relationship with Barack Obama and the fact that they portray Obama as a messiah.
Well, apparently Rob Wittman gets the same treatment from certain people (The Free Lance–Star):
A silver lining? Yes, with Rob Wittman
America is in a time of foreboding, we are told. Global warming is […]

Check out the new tag line in my header. I’d like to thank Spunky for the inspiration.

Monday 15[th September 1862] We were all together once more for a few days last week — all but my dear Johnny. He is in Tupello with cousin Dabney. Papa and Matsy left this morning for Richmond. They expect to sail for England …

Robert Novak says that sources in the campaign tell him that McCain will select his runningmate some time this week. Also, McCain plans on going down Louisiana to meet with Gov. Bobby Jindal on Wednesday, with a major press conference to follow on Thursday. Hmmmm….
This is a brilliant move by Sen. McCain, if Jindal is indeed […]

Selected comments from the AFA Boycott McDonald’s web site. Warning, if you care about spelling, grammar or equality these comments may cause convulsions. You’ve been warned.

The Soxaholix: Weekend surprise
Best.Soxaholix.Evah. – (adult content)
(tags: baseball, funny, redsox)

After being banned in the U.S. for 95 years, absinthe is now available *legally* in Virginia. Absinthe is made from alcohol and distilled herbs, including wormwood and anise. Also known as “the green fairy”, it has been long associated with a bohemian …

I admit, the only reason I watched this is because Laurie from Stafford, and her dog Andrew, were among the contestants. But The Greatest American Dog on CBS is actually not bad. Laurie & Andrew had no problem making it past the second episode. Especially since grooming and obedience, which are clearly Laurie’s strengths, were the main things the […]

Many people are not aware that wine (organic or not) are full of additives. While most of these are harmless to the vast majority of people, it does bring up the question of what the wine would taste like without them.
This is the whole concept behind the natural wine movement originating in France. In fact a bumper crop of wine shops and bars in Paris feature nothing but. After tasting the Thierry Puzelat KO In Cot We Trust 2006 I am sold. It is one of the most delicious, lovely Malbecs I have had in a long time with deep blackberry and earth flavors. A real stunner. Expect to see more and more of these wines at kybecca.
What is natural/real wine? Here is an explanation from Louis Dressner, the importer for some of our favorites.

The following techniques and guiding principles are what we believe is winemaking with integrity and respect for the traditions of the native region. This is fine winemaking at its purest, most fundamental level.

Wild Yeasts

All wines are made with the natural yeasts on the grapes, in the vineyards and in the cellars. Cultured yeasts to rush fermentation or add “enhancing” aromas and flavors are unacceptable. We look for wines that express their terroir.

Hand Harvesting

Growers harvest by hand, not machine. We want the ripest fruit to be brought into the winery- not a mix picked at random by machinery.

Low Yields

Our growers must seek low yields for greater concentration. We look for growers with holdings in old
vines.

Natural Viticulture

We encourage growers to plow their vineyards to keep the soil an active ecosystem, and to use natural methods in tending their vines.

No or Minimal Chaptalization

We do not want an artificially high degree of alcohol produced by adding sugar to the must. Non- or very slightly chaptalized wines are more enjoyable and healthier to drink.

Non-Filtration

Wines are either not filtered or minimally filtered.

Non-Interventionist Winemaking

We prefer a harmony, not an imposed style – wines should showcase their place of origin and varietal character. We are not looking for oak flavor, particular fruits or overly done aromatics. Minimal use of sulfur dioxide is encouraged.