A Gourmet Getaway in the Playground of Palm Beach MarketWatch (press release) To book a Garden-View room at the special Festival rate of $250 per night, plus tax, please call 1-800-432-2335. For access to this rate from December 6-14, just mention the Festival. With enthusiasm, attendees of the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival … and more »

Michelin Guide 2009 San Francisco (Michelin Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & Wine Country)

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Opal Enterprises, A Company Offering Window Replacement In Naperville, Attends … Online PR News (press release) Opal Enterprises, a company that provides and installs Andersen Windows in Naperville, is attending the upcoming Naperville Wine Festival. The company also handles James Hardie siding replacement in Naperville for area customers. Online PR News … and more »

Behind the Vines: Jada –jewel tucked in the woods – Paso Robles Press

Behind the Vines: Jada –jewel tucked in the woods Paso Robles Press Her brother, formerly an analyst in online advertising in San Francisco, is now working under Galzignato, learning hands-on how to grow grapes and make wine. Everything at Jada revolves around family. The name of the winery is homage to Messina's … and more »

The Last of the Wine
In The Last of the Wine, two young Athenians, Alexias and Lysis, compete in the palaestra, journey to the Olympic games, fight in the wars against Sparta, and study under Socrates. As their relationship develops, Renault expertly conveys Greek culture, showing the impact of this supreme philosopher whose influence spans epochs.

Customer Review: Good novel for GLBT young adults.
What makes a novel for “young adults”? Is it one written for them, one marketed to them, or one which they will like? The correct answer is, of course, “any or all.”

I cannot find the reference, but I remember reading an interview with an author who had been quite successful in writing novels for adults, who had been asked to try her hand at a young adult novel. She was advised that the best way to do that was to make her main character the right age, and go on from there.

Given that the main action of the novel starts when the narrator, Alexias, is fifteen and ends when he is in his early twenties, this would classify the work as a young adult novel, although it is usually marketed and criticized as an adult novel.

The story is set in Athens, during and just after the Peloponnesian War. Alexias and his lover Lysis become pupils of Socrates. However, it is not all dry philosophical discussion. Alexias is a middle-distance runner and Lysis is a pankratist. (Pankration was a Greek combat sport; it means ‘all power’ and involved anything short of biting, gouging, and hair-pulling. Kicks, punches, throw-holds, grappling, and joint-locks were all parts of the pankratist’s repertoire. I suppose the nearest thing we have would be full-contact karate.)

Now, why would a teenager be interested in this? Well, the popularity of such films as Troy and The Three Hundred shows that Classical civilization is still of interest to young people; so does the continued growth of enrollments in high school Latin classes. Both war and sports–subjects which young men in this age group find interesting–are important parts of the plot. And, last of all, it is such a well-written, interesting story that one can hardly fail to be sucked into it.

Lastly, for GLBT teens, it offers us a view of a society in which same-sex relationships are seen as normal, even expected. Indeed, Alexias’ year-mate Xenophon–yes, the same person who later wrote the Anabasis; Renault is famous for putting real and made-up characters together–is totally heterosexual. At least Alexias suspects that he may be, but says that (a) he couldn’t bring himself to ask in so many words and (b) if it were he felt rather sorry for his friend who would thus have missed out on an important part of life. When Alexias’ father goes off to Sicily with the army, he and his son sit down for The Talk–but it isn’t about girls. Renault presents all this very matter-of-factly. That such a society could exist once implies that it could exist again.

In spite of this, Renault does not idealize Ancient Greece. The evil of slavery, the low place of women, and the casual cruelty are unblinkingly presented. (For example, the way prisoners of war were treated makes recent US violations of the Geneva Conventions look tame.) Contrast this with the thoroughly judgmental tone of Frank Yerby’s Goat Song, which imposes early-twentieth century values on Classical Greek culture.

For a more extended discussion of Mary Renault’s writing, see http://www.glbtq.com/literature/renault_m.html (accessed 6NOV07); I would recommend this–and indeed all of her mature period novels–for high school on up. The Mask of Apollo is set about a generation later, and sets things up for her trilogy about Alexander the Great (Fire from Heaven, The Persian Boy, Funeral Games.)

Recommended for high school and up.

Customer Review: Perfection
I did not read this book, I devoured it…. In THE LAST OF THE WINE I walked through the ancient streets of Athens, I lived among her people, I loved, fought, and died beside them. It is that kind of novel, pulls you right in and never lets go. Even after I finished it, I kept going back to it again and again.
The message of this story is revelant even today. Who can not think of Iraq now, upon reading of foolish, proud Athens sailing off to destroy Syracuse?
A few thoughts on earlier reviews…. this book is an easy read, the prose is simple and straight forward. One does not need a deep knowledge of Greek history or language to follow this story.

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Woolwich Township to hold Tomato & Wine Festival Saturday – NJ.com
WOOLWICH TWP. — The township’s annual homage to its agricultural history, the Tomato and Wine festival, will take place Saturday at Locke Avenue Park. Designed to celebrate the storied history of Woolwich Township’s agricultural business, the

Plum Wine
Bottles of homemade plum wine link two worlds, two eras, and two lives through the eyes of Barbara Jefferson, a young American teaching at a Tokyo university. When her surrogate mother, Michi, dies, Barbara inherits an extraordinary gift: a tansu chest filled with bottles of homemade plum wine wrapped in sheets of rice paper covered in elegant calligraphy—one bottle for each of the last twenty years of Michi’s life.

Why did Michi leave her memoirs to Barbara, who cannot read Japanese? Seeking a translator, Barbara turns to an enigmatic pottery artist named Seiji, who will offer her a companionship as tender as it is forbidden. But as the two lovers unravel the mysteries of Michi’s life, a story that draws them through the aftermath of World War II and the hidden world of the hibakusha, Hiroshima survivors, Barbara begins to suspect that Seiji may be hiding the truth about Michi’s past—and a heartbreaking secret of his own.

Customer Review: Overcoming our past
This love story confronts the issues of how our own personal pain from past experience affects our ability to love in the future. The setting of this book takes you to post Hiroshima Japan. The affects on the people of this place and how it has affected others around the world. Not only does it look at war it also embraces the issues that are placed on children who are not given the love that most children take for granted. Sometimes we can overcome our past and sometimes we cannot. I especially liked the setting of Japan and the descriptions of the beauty of the land. Being able to have a small window into the world of another culture was a pleasure for me. While this was a Love Story it was more about our ability to look at what responsibility we each have to take in our own personal decisions. I believe this to be the best part of this book. While the stories themselves were adequate it was the ability to cause the reader to explore their own feelings regarding themselves and the world that truly made it worth the read.

Customer Review: Reading Between Cultures
I throughly enjoyed this book. Since I lived six years in Japan (from 1993-99) while immersing myself in the culture, I was delighted to see the accuracy of Angela’s DAvis-Gardner portrayal Japanese way of thinking and relationships. The story caught me up in its suspense as I read on to discover where Barbara was going to find intimacy and how she’d manage these strange cross-cultural relationships, and what the writing on these plum wine bottles revealed. Descriptive language in this novel was beautiful and some passages brought an amused smile to my lips.

I was astonished by the range of reviews by others. Several talked about how they couldn’t understand how Barbara could be attracted to Seiji. Some found both characters unsympathetic or shallow. I don’t find fault with these characters but with others reading and understanding of these two protagonists.

I think critics who are harsh on these characterizations haven’t lived alone in a foreign land and felt the keen loneliness inherent in that situation, especially in a land where the ideal of men and the values they lives by (work has priority over relationships, relationship with mother has priority over spouse) are so different than western values.

Both Barbara and Seiji were sympathetic characters for me because I understood and felt their dilemmas and could see the cross-cultural issues at play. I could understand how Barbara would waver between going along with Seiji’s ways and trying to change him to American romantic ideals.

I thank Angela for a compelling read that enlightened me to the shame and sadness experienced by survivors of Hiroshima.

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MommyJuice to the Rescue – TMCnet
Some Mother’s Day 2011 advice for Dads: Combine a bottle of MommyJuice with the adorable MommyJuice wine glasses or include some homemade coupons for massages and household chores. Both MommyJuice Red and White Wines retail for $10. MommyJuice Red Wine is

Victoria Pure White Wine Vinegar

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Birmingham pizzeria, wine bar to close, reopen with new theme – Detroit Free Press
The Dali Restaurant Group closed its Quattro Pizzeria & Wine Bar in downtown Birmingham today and will reopen the space in May as Barrio, a Mexican restaurant with “a lively … edgy” interior and “clever flavor combinations rooted in Mexican cuisine

Present Wine Gift Bag
A Durable reusable gift bag for wine. Black with a multicolored gift embroidered on the front and braided handles.

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Branham and Hobo wineries pair up San Francisco Chronicle The Hobo Wine Company shares a tasting room with other vintages just off the Plaza in downtown Healdsburg, Calif. Gary Branham and Kenny Likitprakong began …

Oklahoma Wineries Buying Grapes Out of State – Tons Left on Vine to Rot – Gather.com

Columbus Dispatch

Oklahoma Wineries Buying Grapes Out of State – Tons Left on Vine to Rot Gather.com It is unfortunate for the Oklahoma wine industry because it is actually cheaper to buy the wine from California rather than grow true Oklahoma grapes and … Chaddsford, Pinnacle Ridge, Crossing Vineyards piling up more awardsPennLive.com (blog) Wine Festival brings big crowdEvening Observer all 38 news articles »

Liquor Beer Wine Neon Sign
13″H x 32″L x 3″D – Liquor Beer Wine Neon Sign (made with quality)

Summary of Features:

• Attract customers, high visual impact
• Cool, quite, and energy efficient
• Easy install, all hardware included
• 100% hand crafted (Made in the USA)
• UL approved (110V)
• 1-year warranty

Today, neon signs are a must for every business because of their high visual impact. There is nothing quite like a neon sign. The bright display virtually burns your store name, identity, logo, or products into the minds of both existing and potential customers. They can be seen from quite a distance. At night, stores can be distinguished by those that have neon signs against those that do not. Neon signs offer a wonderful return on investment. They can be left on 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, advertising for you around the clock.

Our neon signs are made with a real glass tube and is 100% handcrafted, only made by experienced neon glass benders. Each sign is mounted on a strong black acrylic backing, with protective sides on the top and bottom. The sign operates on 110 volts, and has a UL 2161 listed transformers that plugs directly into a standard outlet. The sign stay stays cool, quiet, and energy efficient – it actually uses less power than a standard 75-watt bulb! They are easy to install, as hanging hardware and chains are both included. Each sign has a 6-foot power cord with standard transformers. These neon signs should be used for indoor only. It comes with a 1-year warranty on electrical components and on standard transformers (does not cover glass breakage). 100% guarantee against shipping damage (must be reported with 24 hours of delivery). We safely pack each sign for shipping. Customization available upon request.

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What you can buy for $1 million in the Bay Area San Francisco Chronicle There's also a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops as well as a wine cellar, office and a carpeted lower-level game room. …

Staycation Specials: Save early for Bodega seafood festival – San Jose Mercury News

Staycation Specials: Save early for Bodega seafood festival San Jose Mercury News Save $2 when you buy advance tickets to the 16th annual Bodega Seafood, Art & Wine Festival. The event in Bodega, which runs Aug. …

Evangelina’s Traditional Greek Cookies – Olive Oil & Wine (5 Ounce) by igourmet.com
Evangelia’s traditional Greek Cookies are named after Esther Luongo Psarakis’ mother-in-law who runs the family farm on Crete. It is her picture on the box. She shared with Esther all of her favorite recipes,and these were among the first. These healthy cookies contain No Trans Fats, No Cholesterol, No Eggs or Butter and No Preservatives – just Unbleached Wheat Flour, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Wine, Sugar, Orange Juice, Sesame Seeds, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Cinnamon. They have a lovely fragrance and delicate flavor. They are not too sweet and are a nice compliment to cheeses, tea and coffee. Try them with goat cheese and heather honey.

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Festival poster has seven tales to tell Baltimore Sun While most pictures tell a story, this year's Wine in the Woods poster has seven tales to share. For Woodbine artist Brenda Kidera, who was commissioned by … and more »

La Piana Chili Pepper Infused Wine Vinegar, 8.8 Fluid Ounces
Lapiana chilli pepper infused wine vinegar, from Alimentitalia, is all natural with no artifical flavors or colors. Superb quality wine vinegar has been blended with chilli peppers for a refreshing light taste. For excellent flavor, use whenever wine vinegar is called for.

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Travel calendar: Pebble Beach Food and Wine arrives in April San Jose Mercury News Make new discoveries about a wide variety of bugs through interactive games, puppet shows, art projects, nature walks and displays designed for kids. …

Texas & Neighbors: Galveston birding festival marks spring migration – Dallas Morning News

Texas & Neighbors: Galveston birding festival marks spring migration Dallas Morning News Also in town April 16-17 is the inaugural Galveston Island Food and Wine Festival. A wine-tasting April 17 in Saengerfest Park will feature South American … and more »

The World Atlas of Wine

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Times LIVE (blog)

CWG Update Times LIVE (blog) While he does make wine in SA, he probably wouldn't attend sufficient Guild tastings, hence breaking the rules. But surely the thing about rules in wine is …

How wine helps children: Festival, David Lawrence turn focus to kids’ mental … – Naples Daily News

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Oz Clarke’s Pocket Wine Guide 2008 (Oz Clarke’s Pocket Wine Guides)

Customer Review: Pocket guides: Clake vs. Jhonson
Since 2006 I have been buying the Jhonson’s guide, this year (2008) I tried Clarke’s since his book on Australian wines is superb. The guide turn to be a disapointment, I didnt find a couple of top Rioja (LAN) & California (Avalon)producers, it is layed out in a wierd order so it takes long to find the wine you look for. In the front cover it says that Wine Spectator rates it above Jhonson’s for easy of use, not true. I gave it away and bought my 3rd Jhonson’s guide.

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