Steel Kaleidoscopes

Not Boffo on Bordeaux

Like any wine nut, I bought into the 2000 Bordeaux hype.

Considered by many wine pundits to be the "vintage of the century," I slowly assembled a few cases of assorted producers. Being budget-conscious, I avoided the first- and second-growths, but still looked for viable producers with good reputations.

After sampling a few bottles from the 2000 vintage, I can honestly say I don't get it. The Bordeauxs I've tried have been on the lean side, lacking fruit.  To be fair, I've only opened the lower-priced ones ($15-$25), but you can get a decent California Cabernet for that price.

Is the good Bordeaux only in the $40 (and above) price range? Do I really have to buy a Margaux or a Petrus to appreciate the opulence of a Bordeaux?

Maybe.

The Priere-Lichine and Clos du Clocher are lying on their sides in the basement waiting for that special occasion, but will these be worthy of the event?

I hope so.

But I'm not convinced.

It will take something amazing to steer me away from California's red bounty.

Musical Questions

Who has a better voice, Greg Lake or Billy Ocean?

Which was the better band, Boston or Chicago? Alabama or Kansas?

River Phoenix would have probably provided good insight.

Jimi

Just because.

Hooverville

Finally caught "Cinderella Man" the other night. Good movie.

What really piqued my interest (and dismay) was Hooverville, a makeshift city in Central Park where the homeless and downtrodden set up camp during the Great Depression. The name is a takeoff of President Herbert Hoover, the poster boy for the dire straits of the times.

Hard to believe these "Hoovervilles" actually existed. Pictured above is the real Hooverville, circa 1931.

Modern-Day Brands

When you think of strong brands, Nike, Coke and McDonald's immediately come to mind.

But over the last several years, four brands have evolved in a bigger way, so much so that they are now part of our vernacular.

Google, Netflix, iPod and Starbucks are seemingly everywhere these days.

Google is obvious. No one searches on the Web anymore. We "Google." It's the way we find information.

When you're talking about a movie or a popular TV show, Netflix inevitably enters the conversation.

And can you go a day without seeing someone with those white earplugs in their head? The amazing thing about the iPod is that it's a sub-brand of Apple, and the iPod has arguably moved ahead of its creator in brand awareness.

When you think of caffeine to go, you think Starbucks. That familiar green storefront can be like an oasis when you're looking for a little pick-me-up. Long lines, unconventionally named cup sizes and no change from your $5 bill do not deter thirsty sleepyheads from that dark cup of Joe.

Big brands, for sure. And very relevant.

Happy Hound

Those Milk-Bones were good. Got any more?

Photo courtesy of American Samizdat.

Harlequins and Mannequins

The harlequin, although taking on the characteristics of a friendly, poorly dressed clown, frightens the children.

The mannequin, usually impeccably dressed in one of life's marketing marvels, can also be scary. Especially when she doesn't blink.

Red Sox-Mets Again?

When you say "1986" to a Red Sox fan, the not-nearly-fading-fast-enough image of Bill Buckner comes to mind, Mookie Wilson's weak grounder skipping under his glove and into right field.

How appropriate would it be for these two teams to hook up again in 2006, on the 20-year anniversary?

Both the Red Sox and Mets are leading their divisions. Both have very good teams. Reliving the Fenway-Shea drama would make for an electric October.

Could happen.

And with the 86-year albatross off of the Red Sox' backs, the result could be different this time.

Quote of the Day

"For the most part, fear is nothing but an illusion. When you share it with someone else, it tends to disappear."

- Marilyn C. Barrick, psychologist and writer

More on Whole Foods

Don't mean to belabor this, but Whole Food's stance that selling lobsters is inhumane is plain silly.

Eating lobsters is a New England tradition. And a special treat.

What's next? Banning the sale of yogurt because it has live cultures? Here's a funny spoof that hits the mark.