Table Hopping December 2022

PAGE 1 • December 2022 •

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Brew Time by kristin merritt

Hoppy Holidays!

Thanksgiving is in our rearview mirror and we are now barreling straight ahead into Christmas, Hannukah, and many other important

honest. Mom, Dad, friends, and other family members are always saying, “Oh, please don’t get me anything!” or “I don’t need anything, save your money!” ...But come Christmas Day, we’re lugging a Santa-sized sack to Grandma’s house and passing out gifts to everyone anyways. Perhaps your present will be exquisitely perfect and adored by the receiver, however, the more likely scenario is that it will be returned, re-gifted, or collecting dust on a shelf somewhere. That’s where this article comes into play – identify the beer lovers in your life and gift the people something that they’ll love this holiday season!

Events & Tickets: A great option for gifting someone a good time while also giving you the option to purchase a ticket for yourself to join in on the fun and create lasting memories!

If you missed the New York State Craft Brewers Festival last month at the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse, or you have beer-loving friends and relatives located in the eastern portion of NY State, good news! The NYS Craft Brewers Association is holding another brewfest on Saturday, January 28th, 2023 at The Desmond Hotel in Albany, NY. Tickets should be up for grabs in December for the upcoming event. Head to www. thinknydrinkny.com for all the details.

Subscriptions: The gift that keeps on giving all year long!

The Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club offers 5 different subscription tiers starting at $35.95/month plus shipping and handling: The US Microbrewed Beer Club, The US and International Variety Beer Club, The Hop-Heads Beer Club, The International Beer Club, and The Rare Beer Club. This subscription service has been around since 1994 and one can assume they have not only established relationships and networked their way into providing some of the best beers around, but they’ve been able to work out the kinks in the system to provide seamless customer service. www. beermonthclub.com Shirts On Tap is a custom screen print shop based out of San Diego, CA dedicated to helping breweries, brands, and creators bring their artwork to life via a monthly shirt subscription box. Each month, they have several boxes to choose from ranging from different states and cities to different activity categories, that each feature a brewery. From there, you pick a shirt style (mens, womens or unisex), size, and design. Each box includes the shirt, sticker, discount coupon, and bio of the featured brewery. All shirts are limited edition and only printed during the month that brewery or shirt design is being featured. Boxes range from $25-$37/month.

“Identify the beer lovers in your life and gift the people something that they’ll love this holiday season!” cultural and religious winter holidays... Let the gifting commence! If you’re anything like me, it can be hella challenging to find the perfect gift every December for your loved ones. Especially as adults, because well, we’re all a little boring to be

continued on pg 4

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PAGE 3 • December 2022 •

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PAGE 4 • December 2022

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brewery’s website directly. For example, the Coors Light website has shopping www.shirtsontap.com available with entire collections of items Home Décor & Furnishings: So many options to choose from, and you’re even likely to ranging from beach towels and dog find beer-related items shopping at the big-box stores in addition to perusing online. leashes to coolers and cornhole sets, hats, Tin Tackers, a woman-founded and owned business, has a giant selection of embossed sweatshirts and ski goggles to golf tee aluminum beer signs or “tin tackers” as they’re called in the brewing industry, and provide sets and tackleboxes. www.coorslight.com a great gift option for those who have a home-bar area to decorate. Choose from wellGear & Accessories: ENDLESS options known breweries such as Left Hand or Goose Island, or smaller (and local!) breweries such as exist in this category. All you have to Bagg’s Square (Utica, NY). In addition, they too offer a subscription box: Every month you’ll do is Google “beer accessories” and receive an exclusively curated mini-tacker (8” x 8” or smaller) from a partnered brewery in literally 113,000,000 results are at the US. Extra surprise “swag” your fingertips. Let’s narrow down a is included in each box to few options. boot. www.tintackers.com Recoil Coolers are unique autoNovelties & Apparel: Most adjustable beverage coolers made to all of our local breweries fit all of your drinks, alcoholic and non, (Buried Acorn, Willow alike. They fit 12oz. regular cans, 12oz.

Rock, Heritage Hill, etc.) are skinny cans, 12oz. glass bottles, 15.5oz. swimming in logo t-shirts, energy drink cans and 16oz. tall boys. No glassware, stickers, and need to have several beverage coolers more. Shopping local not when you can just use one! In addition, only pumps money into our the product is locally made right here in local economy and small Upstate NY (Oneida) and is completely businesses, but they are environmentally conscious by utilizing also readily available options to pick-up last-minute gifts. (And maybe even grab a pint in Hemp plastic as the main component, the process!) which reduces overall plastic use If the beer-lover in your life enjoys non-craft brews like Coors or Bud Light, there are by 25%. At $24.99 each and with plenty of gift options for them too. Online is your best bet and especially visiting the free shipping, they’re a great option for everyone on your list! www. recoilcoolers.com The Beer Bible is an essential and entertaining book for any craft-beer lover from snobs to novices alike, to read, self-educate and keep on their coffee-tables as a conversation piece and quick reference. It comprehensively POLISH RESTAURANT covers beer styles and varieties, brewing methods, glassware, history and all Pierogi • Golabki • Kielbasa • Potato Pancakes • Bigos things beer-culture related. The first Poppy Seed Rolls • Babka • & More! edition was published in 2015, but there’s a newer 2nd edition now available, published in 2021. You can find this book available online on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble. In general, books make a great gift, because there are so many different beer-related books out on the market from cookbooks to the book “Goodnight Brew” which is a parody of Get All Of Your “Goodnight Moon.”

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Hoppy Holidays continued from pg 2

Beer-of-the-month clubs

“Shopping local not only pumps money into our local economy and small businesses, but they are also readily available options to pick-up last-minute gifts.”

Tin tackers

Wesołych świąt

Beer books

Ugly sweater beer koozies

PAGE 5 • December 2022 •

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characterful glassware, and you can find vintage items in addition.

Otherwise, it’s a good idea to do your homework when picking out glassware for the beer-lover in your life who loves a particular style of beer. For instance, Wild Ales & Sour beers should be served in tulip glasses, Tekus or snifters. The bulb and the flared lip of the glass allows for capturing and holding the aromas of the beer, thus enhancing the flavors of the brew when you drink from it. Shape is everything. The stem of these glasses give you the opportunity to gently swirl the brew to release the aromatics, much like one does with wine. The stem also serves to keep the warmth of one’s hand away from the brew, so that the liquid retains it’s chilled state. There are plenty of online articles and YouTube tutorials out there to help choose the right glassware to gift.

There are always kitschy options for gifts too – Beer bottle markers in the shape of mustaches that give you a “hairy” upper lip when drinking that make for party fun and great photos for the ‘gram. Ugly sweater beer koozies. Mini table-top beer pong sets. The “Shakoolie,” a suction-cup insulated beer holder for your showerbeer. Personalized and customizable beer-lover bobble-heads. Beer soap.

Beeropoly, a beer-drinking board game.

Or even a beer holster that attaches to your belt, thus allowing you to free up both your hands for other activities. So many fun choices!

Do-It-Yourself: Is a wonderful option for the creative folks out there who may want to give their gifts a more personal touch.

Beer Advent calendars make fun and delightful gifts. To create this, purchase different individual brews at Branching Out Bottle Shop (Camillus, NY), Wegmans, or Green Hills Supermarket – the key here is to have a totally different beer for each day of the calendar. Wrap each bottle or can in festive wrapping paper, adding bows, stickers, glitter, tinsel, etc. – you can really go hog-wild with the holiday spirit here! Mix ‘em all up, then label each Beer soaps by The Gritty Sisters wrapped bottle/can with a number and stow them in a box (the free wine boxes with the cardboard bottle separators that you can get at your local liquor stores are great for this!) then gift the box to your beer-lover of choice with directions to open one each day for either the whole month of December (and perhaps something really special for Christmas Day!), each night of Hanukkah (12/18-12/26), 7-days of Kwanzaa (12/26-1/1), or the traditional 12 days of Christmas (12/25-1/5).

(Tip: you could make an advent calendar with ciders too! Beak and Skiff/1911 Established in Lafayette, NY has single, mix-and-match cans available for purchase of all their hard ciders up at their Tasting Room & Tavern.)

Gift Cards: Perhaps you’re not big on wrapping an actual gift, or need something quick and easy to throw in a card/envelope to gift to someone. Gift cards are a simple and time-efficient option. It also directly supports local businesses when you obtain them from a local brewery, beer-shop or beer-bar such as The Evergreen or Now & Later. This also allows the gift card recipient to pick out what they want – especially if you know that someone likes beer, but perhaps you’re not sure what variety of beer that they actually enjoy most.

To all you Table Hopping readers, have a happy and safe holiday season and see you in 2023! Cheers!

TABLE HOPPING

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Inside... on the

10

business of interest

by Nancy Roberts The Gem & The Preserve at 405

16

dining out

by Keri Micale The Western Ranch Motor Inn

december 2022 VOLUME 44 No. 12

brew time by Kristin Merritt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Preventative medicine by Dr. Barry . . . . . . . .

Tales from the Vine by Brianna Wellen. . . . . . .

Now Playing by Brian Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

My Mind To Yours by Debra Merryweather . .

The Write Stuff by Nancy Roberts. . . . . . . . . sounds of syracuse by Chuck Schiele. . . . .

COMPUTERS by Nancy Roberts. . . . . . . . . . . . . beauty & fashion by Fashion United. . . . . . . streaming now by Brian Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . golf by Jon Sherman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Also...

MUSIC & EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 CLASSIFIEDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Recipe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

18

22

by Mike Lindsley Yankees Stink Up October Again

by Jennifer Nastasi-Guzelak How to Stay Motivated to Excercise This December

sports take

2 6 8 12 14 20 24 26 30 32 34

excercise & fitness

Table Hopping, Inc. will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertising. The opinions, views and comments expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without express written permission from the publisher. © 2022 Table Hopping Inc.

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Preventive Medicine by

by Dr. Dr. Barry Barry

Don’t Shop ‘Till You Drop!

Okay, it’s holiday time and I, of course, have some suggestions for you. Not the usual eat better and get more exercise although you could use a dose of that...rather these suggestions are for holiday gift giving. Why not try something different than the usual sweater or that bundt cake. Not sure what to get the person who has everything?

Problem solved with this article. Looking for something different to get this year? Read on Garth.

First let me recommend Dr. Sheri Rogers monthly newsletter from Prestige Publishing. It’s a health newsletter like no other. Give yourself or a friend a very different perspective on your health. You can get it delivered electronically and it’s very affordable.

Want to go a little deeper?

Is it time to reorient that brother of yours? There are three books that will change your mind about everything you thought you knew about vaccines and all of them are convincing

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need to get the original Kaatsu bands but don’t get the cheapest ones either. My buddy Amazon will kit you up with a lot of choices.

For the person in your life who loves their dog more than they love you I recommend an Advent calendar meant for dogs. I know it sounds funny but it’s filled with dog treats and dog toys.

I saw it at Costo and it will definitely be a winner and get you on Fido or Rex’s good side. The pets don’t even have to be catholic. While you are at Costo get some of their winter socks... these are the most comfortable socks I have ever put on my feet and if you don’t find them when you go it’s because I bought them all. Makes a good stocking stuffer.

Make sure you look for the winter ones because they have all kinds of socks but the winter ones are the winners.

Of course the best gift you can give some people is the gift of time together.

Stop by Aunt whatsername and sit a spell.

Take Uncle whoseitnow for a walk by the canal. Get those old tapes from years ago converted into a format you can watch with the family. Then sit and watch with them.

Making memories while watching memories...then go for that walk. Don’t forget the real reason for the season. It’s about Faith and Family and you don’t need a shopping list for either of those!

Until next month...get well and stay well.

“Sure this is a controversial topic but what are the holidays for if not for controversy.” reads. Dr. Susan Humphries, Dissolving Illusions, The Virus and the Vaccine by Deborah Bookchin and Jim Shumacher and Turtles All The Way Down which is edited by O’toole and Holland. Sure this is a controversial topic but what are the holidays for if not for controversy. This would be an especially good read for the medical person in your life.

What to get for the exerciser in your life who has everything? How about blood flow restriction bands which allow you to get the most out of a workout. You don’t

Don’t forget the real reason for the season

PAGE 7 • December 2022 •

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PAGE 8 • December 2022

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for something you usually pick up at the grocery store for $7 is enough to make your head spin. But if you’re already out at a bar

by Cassandra Harrington by brianna wellen or restaurant, spending more than $7 per glass, why not just go all in? If your table collectively drinks more than three or four glasses of wine, you will end up saving money. And while there is a markup on bottles at restaurants, these probably aren’t the same bottles you’re spending $7 When is it okay to tell a drinker to order a bottle of wine? According to a woman who complained about her bartender, never. Newsweek reports that this woman was on. You’ll be able to taste the difference in quality. drinking several glasses of wine and then a “judgmental” server told her to just buy Having the whole a bottle, saying, “do you know just how much wine you drink?” The commenters, of bottle on the table also course, are divided, some agreeing with the original poster, who saw this as rude, and helps you control your some saying that it sounds like the server was just trying to be helpful. The potential pour.

Sometimes the tone of the comment aside, I’m with the server on this one. Ordering wine by the restaurant pour isn’t quite enough if you’re used to filling your glass generously at bottle is almost always better than ordering by the glass. home; alternatively, if you’re a slow sipper and want to keep your chilled wine cold, Benefits of ordering wine by the bottle The wine bottle menu can be intimidating. Seeing prices in the high double-digits you can pour a little from the bottle at a time. With the whole bottle at your disposal,

Tales from the Vine

Why Ordering Wine by the Bottle at Restaurants is Better

“With the whole bottle at your disposal, everyone at the table can get exactly as much wine as they like in their glass.”

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PAGE 9 • December 2022 •

“Ordering bottles can be a good way to try a few different menu offerings, ones that may not be easily available in grocery and liquor stores.”

everyone at the table can get exactly as much wine as they like in their glass.

Especially if you’re dining in a large party, ordering bottles can be a good way to try a few different menu offerings, ones that may not be easily available in grocery and liquor stores (and which aren’t available at the restaurant by the glass). If you’re not sure about the red that someone else is raving about, you can taste a sip before deciding whether or not to commit to a full serving.

And don’t underestimate how classy you’ll feel when ordering a bottle. Saying things like, “Ah yes, I’ll take a sip, this is delicious, for the whole table please,” and sniffing the cork will make you look like a sommelier in the making. And when others walk in and see that ice bucket on your table chilling a full bottle of rosé they’ll think, Who are they?

They must be famous or something, or at least the most confident person I’ve ever seen in my life. That alone is worth the price.

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Business of Interest

by Nancy Roberts

The Gem & The Preserve at 405 When I got in touch with Doug LaLone to catch up on what’s new at The Gem and The Preserve at 405, he was out snow-plowing. And I can’t say I was surprised.

After all, it’s November and this is Syracuse – though that invisible wall just north of the city did its magic this year, and kept most of the snow from the first big fall of the season north of the city proper. But mainly, talking to LaLone while he was busy plowing snow just reminds me that the LaLone family are energetic and hard-working people. And, LaLone says, they have surrounded themselves with a “working family” that shares that ethic, and for whom, as LaLone tells me, they are very grateful.

“In times like these,” LaLone says, “our employees, and of course our great loyal customers, have kept us thriving.”

The “Little” Gem is a Syracuse landmark. I recall when our family first came to Syracuse, from Buffalo, my new friends were quick to let me know that I hadn’t really moved to town until I’d been to The Gem. Having breakfast at The Gem was a rite of passage. You were “Syracuse” once you’d enjoyed a heaping helping of “fretatta.” For me,

though, any diner that offers biscuits and cream gravy has my undying affection.

The Gem first opened back in 1950, and was reopened in 2011 by Doug LaLone and wife Tammy following its purchase by Montreal Construction. They were soon joined in the business by son, Anthony, who today runs the Gem – from the kitchen, LaLone points out. “When Tammy and I ran the place, it was from the front end. But now Anthony is head cook and manages the restaurant at the same time. But he’s hitting it out of the park, and we’re really proud of him.”

And clearly the customers are happy, as well. You can drive by The Gem any time it’s open

“In times like these,” LaLone says, “our employees, and of course our great loyal customers, have kept us thriving.”

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and expect to see the parking lot full, and the seats inside full of smiling, chatting, happy diners busy tackling a breakfast, a burger, a specialty sandwich, a salad, or a plateful of “the best wings in town.”

In 2018, Len Montreal came to the LaLone family with an idea for a restaurant in the developing Inner Harbor area. And The Preserve at 405 was soon a reality – an upscale location serving pub-meets-fine-dining cuisine, enhanced by specialty and seasonal cocktails, wines, and a range of draft and bottled beers.

Asked about the success of both locations, LaLone doesn’t have to think long. “The people,” he answers. “Our staff – who are incredible. Some of these people have been with us for a long time, and when things got challenging, these people chose to stay with it, to really pitch in and make it happen. So we didn’t just survive, we continued to pack both places. We couldn’t be more thankful and proud of our staff, and happy that we can keep serving our friends and neighbors the best food we can offer.” And,

832 Spencer St., Syracuse, NY 13204 315 . 314 . 7380 • www.thegemdiner.com Located on the west side of Syracuse, just five minutes down the road from Destiny USA Tuesday–Thursday: 6am-3pm • Friday 6am-8pm Saturday & Sunday: 6am-3pm

PAGE 11 • December 2022 •

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LaLone continues, that as of January 1, 2023, the LaLones will celebrate their son Anthony, the next generation, taking the helm of the family business.

He adds that he and Tammy love to visit other restaurants in the area, and make it part of their weekly “fun times” to enjoy some of the other Central New York restaurant traditions. “We love going out and enjoying a great ‘home-cooked’ meal, too. We love the food, and the tradition.

Restaurants are part of the character of a place, and relaxing over great food makes life fun.”

405 Spencer St., Syracuse, NY 13204 315 . 214 . 4399 • www.thepreserveat405.com Tuesday–Saturday: noon-9pm Sunday & Monday Closed

PAGE 12 • December 2022

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TABLE HOPPING

Now Playing by brian miller

Wakanda Forever Crafting a successful sequel is never an easy task, but the main challenge facing Ryan Coogler and the continuation of the BLACK PANTHER franchise was the heartbreaking fact that the Black Panther himself, Chadwick Boseman, passed away before filming even began. The original film was a revolutionary oddity in the cinematic world, a blockbuster that had plenty to say, and resonated in a way that ventured well beyond on the scope of typical comic-book fare. Part of this was because it didn’t feel like yet another cog in the unstoppable AVENGERS machine (in the same way that recent ventures like DOCTOR STRANGE AND THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS or THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER did), but it was also in large part to Boseman’s emotional turn as T’Challa.

Without its anchor, how could the character, and the BLACK PANTHER world, stay afloat? Additionally, how do you make a movie that sensitively tackles the unexpected loss of its hero, while still finding a way to advance the cinematic universe that it is a part of?

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Coogler’s BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER is an admirable effort that pays respectful homage to Boseman and T’Challa, while also forging ahead towards the future.

It never quite delivers in the undeniably powerful and transformative way its predecessor did, but it is as an engaging Angela Basset as Queen Ramonda adventure that excels in ways that the aforementioned Doctor Strange and Thor chapters did not.

After an illness takes the life of King T’Challa, the people of Wakanda are in mourning. The Black Panther no longer serves as their protector and Queen Ramonda (Angela Basset) must deal with the fact that the entire world knows of the nation’s existence, and the vibranium that helps power them. The entire world wants a piece of the priceless commodity, and will go to any means necessary to procure it.

Princess Shuri (Letitia Wright) has taken the loss of her brother as hard as anyone.

She blames herself for not being able to save him, and is keen to let the Black Panther fade into legend. Though she may possess the ability to recreate the powerful heart herb that would provide someone with the power to become the Black Panther, she refuses to do so. She instead wants to focus on technological advances that would help Wakanda grow stronger.

Wakandians have always assumed they were the only keepers of vibranium, but as it turns out, there is another society, deep underwater, that uses the same element. The tribe, lead by Namor (José Tenoch Huerta Mejía) has lived in isolation for hundreds of years. When humanity begins drilling in the oceans in hopes of finding vibranium, Namor approaches the Wakandians in hope of forging an alliance to protect themselves, and crush the human rebellion before it begins. Queen Ramonda and Shuri are reluctant to agree, particularly when the underwater king (who also has

“With a running-time of over two-anda-half hours, WAKANDA FOREVER does drag on a bit at times.”

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wings on his feet and can breathe in the water and on the land) wants to kill a teenage scientist (Dominque Thorne) that developed the technology to hunt for vibranium.

Thus begins a war between the two nations, one that could have cataclysmic results

for themselves, and the human race.

The performances of everyone involved help WAKANDA FOREVER rise above any obstacles it faces. Wright, who spends the majority of the movie on the cusp of becoming the new Black Panther has the weight of the world on her shoulders, and carries this tremendous burden with relative ease.

The emotions she projects are undeniably genuine, allowing the powerful performer to bring a strong sense of humanity into a production that features a flying fish guy. As Namor, Huerta delivers a starmaking turn as a villain who isn’t all bad, but not exactly a hero, either. He is willing to be vulnerable and compassionate, but also isn’t afraid to slay anyone who stands in the way of him or his people.

His conflicted nature aids in his development, and the fact that he considers himself a mutant doesn’t exactly hurt in the Tenoch Huerta as tribe leader Namor eventual involvement of the X-Men in the MCU. With a running-time of over two-and-a-half hours, WAKANDA FOREVER does drag on a bit at times. Some of the action sequences, while entertaining, don’t hit as hard as they used to. The CGI, which is usually a strong suit of this universe, doesn’t hold the same magic as it used to, either. As it did in MUTLTIVERSE OF MADNESS, I found the effects to be distractingly silly on occasion. This time around it was particularly

noticeable, given the serious tone of the production. To top it off, the fact that Namor’s people look as if they were an early prototype of characters from AVATAR certainly doesn’t do the film any favors. I found this choice particularly baffling, considering AVATAR has been in production for years, and everyone has known that the sequel was right around the corner. The residents of Pandora far outshine those in BLACK PANTHER and considering my 13-year-old daughter said as much as the film ended, I know I am not alone in these feelings.

Flaws aside, WAKANDA FOREVER is a ride worth taking, and while superhero fatigue is starting to rear its head more often than not as of late, it serves its fallen hero well while remaining relevant as an advancement in the MCU. BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER- B (Now Playing in Theaters)

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My Mind To Yours by debra Merryweather

Who’s Your Champion?

By the time anyone reads this, a victor will have somehow prevailed in “Jeopardy’s” November 2022 Tournament of Champions. As of the cold, windy November morning on which I am writing this, one winning “question” has been challenged. The “Final Jeopardy Answer” for the November 16 playoff game was: “Paul’s letter to them is the New Testament epistle with the most Old Testament quotations.” Competing Jeopardy champion Amy Schneider, and I answering at home from my sofa, asked, “Who are the Hebrews?” I cheered when “Jeopardy” host Ken Jennings ruled Amy’s (and my) answer correct. For the record, champion Andrew He asked, “…

Philippiaes?” Wrong question and wrong spelling. Champion Sam Buttrey asked, “Who are the Romans?” Wrong.

Truth be told I didn’t know which of Paul’s Epistles had what number of Old Testament quotations. I shouted out, Jeopardy champion, Amy Schneider “Who are the Hebrews,” after quickly supposing that Paul, in his writerly efforts to persuade the Hebrews to follow him, would have referred to stories and teachings that resonated with a Hebrew audience; the Old Testament was and is, after all, a compendium of Hebrew/Jewish stories and teachings.

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Great reasoning!

Not so fast.

Soon after Amy’s victory, media outlets started to hear from “Jeopardy” fans and biblical scholars that the New Testament Epistle with the most Old Testament quotes is Paul’s letter to the Romans because it’s not universally accepted that Paul himself wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews. Of course, there are religious scholars who question the authorship, timing, and modern day understanding of many religious texts. How can anyone in 2022 know for sure who wrote what and when? Today, we accept that ghostwriters, speechwriters, staff writers, and clerks often compose the more famously attributed information we read, hear, and rely on.

It had never occurred to me that Paul didn’t write what I long understood to be Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, and now, computer home page notifications about “Jeopardy” related dissension was distracting me from writing a holiday themed article about how the tree of life has symbolized the cosmos, human consciousness, and societal structure worldwide in diverse cultures throughout history.

So, to clear my mind of “Jeopardy” and get to the writing I intended, I found my store bought “The Jerusalem Bible” so I could see if there were any clarifying footnotes about Paul’s letter to the Hebrews. I found no letter from Paul to the Hebrews. Instead, I found “The Letter to the Hebrews” subtitled “A letter addressed to a Jewish-Christian Community.” Paul’s name appears on all the other letters preceding “The Letter to the Hebrews.” And, lest it sound like I’m going out on some shaking ideological branch of a big tree here, my point in writing about this issue is not to argue about the bible. My point in referencing what I found in my “The Jerusalem Bible” supports any grievances “Jeopardy” Championship contenders Andrew He and Sam Buttrey might have.

“Final Jeopardy” answered and asked? Not quite. Not now.

Will “Jeopardy’s” producers acknowledge there are questions about their question?

“And while biblical scholarship might not be big in the minds of game show writers, discussions of religious texts are big in the world of religion.”

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By the time anyone reads this, we who care will know how the “Jeopardy Tournament of Champions” has been decided. How “Jeopardy’s” producers address the question of their tournament’s final answer connects to how dubious but authoritative answers guide people’s thinking.

Authoritative answers serve as branches in the decision trees people rely on for ongoing analyses. Correct answers determine good grades in school and the workplace. And while biblical scholarship might not be big in the minds of game show writers, discussions of religious texts are big in the world of religion. My “Google search, an activity unknown to anyone not that long ago, concerning “Paul’s letter…” seems to correlate with my receiving a Facebook post discussing the best translations of the bible. Like I said in a previous paragraph, in mentioning a religious text, I stepped out onto the moving limb of a large many-branched tree rooted in a grove of different trees all swaying in the wind.

I’ll go out on another limb. On November 8, I chose not to watch election results; I watched “The Northman” on Amazon Prime. “The Northman” depicts bloody conflict over family trees, archetypal beliefs, with, spoiler alert, many violent champions fighting to the death in a time when people trying to get by, sometimes by being branded as owned by some powerful champion, still believed in the Norse Tree of Life, “Yggdrasill,” which has neither beginning nor end and will, it was thought, survive “Ragnarok.” That’s just one tree of life story.

There are many books in the library and ancient stories online.

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in Syracuse. The thing is, whether you are driving past or stepping into the Western Motor Ranch Inn you might find yourself thinking “Man,

by Kerilyn E. Micale this sure looks like the set of a movie.” And it turns out movie producers have felt the exact same way about this location! As of right now, The Western Ranch Motor Inn has been used as the setting for not one You work hard all year and now we are but FIVE movies! It was also used finally in the season where what should for filming a Nike commercial. Not only have famous people come to the Western be valued most is time spent together.

Ranch Motor Inn to shoot movies, but celebrities have also been known to stay at the This is a sentiment that might remind motel and enjoy a meal you of Christmas from a bygone era, an in the restaurant. The star era maybe we should all strive to return studded list of patrons to when family and friends were more have included Patton important than things. Right now you Oswald, Jeff Goldblum, might be asking, “but Keri, how do we Whitney Houston, and the go back in time?” and although I don’t band members of Three have a time machine I can tell you about Dog Night. Most recently a place that will help you return to Patton Oswald shot a film yesterday in an instant. I am, of course, called “I Love My Dad,” in various places in Syracuse, including the Western Ranch Motor Inn. You can see the Western Ranch Motor Inn for yourself as this movie, referring to the most famous (more on filmed in 2021, is now streaming. this later!) place to dine in all of Central In addition to their brushes with fame, I would submit that the food that they serve New York – The Western Ranch Motor at the Western Ranch Motor Inn should Inn! Let me explain, the Western Ranch also be famous. This is because pretty Motor Inn is absolutely stuck in the past; much everything served is made and they intend to stay that way! The in-house and using only the freshest Western Ranch Motor Inn is a blast from ingredients available! I also love that the the past, the décor is authentically retro nights have weekly themes and specials: and their menu is full of homemade Monday is burger night, Tuesday is wing comfort food. I don’t know how exactly they pull night, Wednesday is Cans and clams, it off with this theme but they absolutely do; it’s the perfect mix of warm and inviting Thursday is Steak night, these steaks and interesting. This time are cut and aged in-house and only of year also boasts perfect the best cuts are used so be sure to seasonal holiday décor, just order the prime top sirloin or the black like you remember! The angus rib eye; Friday is Seafood night Western Ranch Motor Inn is with amazing specials on fresh, never conveniently located at 1255 frozen, fish, so the menu changes State Fair Blvd. in Syracuse depending on what is available each with easy access from the week; and be sure to stop in on Saturday for Beef, Reef, & BBQ. fairgrounds, I-690, and the One other cool note about the Western Ranch Motor Inn is that they strive to use only Thruway. the best ingredients; things are bought local whenever available and when it comes to Now, let me get back to meat and fish, if it was ever frozen it’s not on the menu! Most items are made in-house the thing about this being and they go above and beyond to do things like hand bread their chicken tenders! They the most famous place

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take time to actually make each dish as it’s order and you can really taste it!

We arrived on a lovely November evening and we just knew we were in for a treat. We were seated at a table in the kitschy dining room. The atmosphere is just so cozy and inviting! To begin our meal we absolutely had to order the butternut squash pierogi.

These handmade pierogis tasted like fall in all the best ways possible. We especially loved the maple butter glaze drizzled on top. We also couldn’t pass up an order of the stuffed and bacon wrapped jalapenos, as this is one of my favorite dishes of all time. Since we were with the littles, we had to order some chicken tenders. Who am I kidding; I would have ordered them anyway! Because it was wing night I also asked the chef to send me out some homemade wing sauces to try and with 7 little cups of sauce to sample he absolutely delivered. The sauces I tried were Honey Hot, Medium, Bourbon Everything, Garlic Parmesan, XXX (hot), Mild Boss sauce, Spicy Asian sauce. I really liked them all and had a lot of fun with different combinations. I liked the following combos the best: Honey Hot and Mild Boss, Garlic Parm and medium, and

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the Bourbon Everything and Spicy Asian. For an entree I just couldn’t pass up the fresh haddock, served Nantucket style with Ritz crumbs and butter. It came with an amazing salad and fries and it was a rich and delightful meal. Kyle strongly considered one of the elk or bison burgers but ultimately couldn’t pass up open-face Angus sandwich, which was cooked to perfection and served with fries and onion rings. It is probably the best deal in town. He enjoyed every last bite!

We ended our sweet meal with something sweet: a perfect slice of cheesecake and a generous slice of pecan pie.

Tonight is time to skip the meal prep and skip the dishes because after all it’s the most wonderful time of the year to treat...yourself! One tip I can certainly give you is that when you come to the Western Ranch Motor Inn you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!

Be sure to check out their homemade special each and every night! They also feature events like live music, darts, and trivia in the bar. Meals are available for takeout, just give them a call at (315) 457-9236 and be sure to stop in as soon as you can and see for yourself how fun and flavorful it is to be stuck in the past – on purpose!

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Sports Take

by Mike Lindsley

Yankees Stink Up October Again Just read last year’s article and the year before that and, well, you get the picture. The Yankees continue to fail in October. Pretty soon, baseball fans will start chanting 2009, and I’m not kidding.

The Astros smoked NY in a sweep to advance to the World Series. It was same old, same old for the Yanks. Not enough pitching, a lack of clutch hitting, a manager mismanaging the bullpen, injuries, Aaron Judge being a below average postseason player and Oh, how about just trying stuff for fun? Harrison Bader led off a game and didn’t pre-game scripts in the analytic world that dictate who does what, when, as opposed even know it. The Yanks placed Oswald Peraza on the ALCS roster. What took so long? to actually making in-game decisions and playing baseball.

He should have been playing months before. You don’t just try it out and play him in October. By the way, both teams, Philadelphia and Houston, started rookie shortstops in the World Series for the first time in baseball history. What a joke.

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“All the resources and the huge payroll? It’s a circus in the Bronx.”

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Steinbrenner, cares about winning. He is too busy closing soccer partnerships and collecting checks from the Aaron Judge home run chase and YES ratings. Same GM and same manager and same choking in October. Funny, I haven’t heard from social media trolls after my “no faith in this team” tweet. I guess they are trolling someone else or trying to play spin zone on a different social media application.

Sad to say, this article can be written next year and the year after that and for many years, really, until changes are made.

Hey Hal, go look at the football NY Giants in the same city. New GM. New head coach.

WINNING. New ideas. New defensive coordinator who uses his players correctly. For as much as sports are different, they really are the same. Just not the Yankees. They try to

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outsmart you with arrogance and stupidity when they just keep hurting themselves.

They are the definition of insanity.

I’m not saying you have to get every deal right and win a title every year. But the Yankees? One World Series win in 22 years? Haven’t made the Fall Classic since 2009 and haven’t won it since the same year? All the resources and the huge payroll? It’s a circus in the Bronx.

Other problems for this team: – Gerrit Cole is not an ace.

– The roster is aging fast.

– Giancarlo Stanton is a waste of time and a bad contract.

– They still don’t know how to develop prospects.

– Bryce Harper and Rob Thomson (interviewed for the Yankee managerial job but it instead went to Aaron Boone) dominated in Philadelphia this season. Both wanted to be lifelong Yanks. Another Cashman screw up.

– Aaron Judge is a free agent. No right move here. Sign him to a huge deal at his age with his health problems and the contract kills you eventually. Don’t sign him and you’re even more irrelevant.

– The Astros aren’t going anywhere.

– Derek Jeter and Don Mattingly are sitting out there to be GM and manager and save the franchise. No one knows the market and team and pressure and uniform more than these two. But they won’t even get a look because the owner is sleeping.

– Manny Machado was dominant in 2022 for the Padres. He was available, like Harper.

– Same thing for J.T. Realmuto on the Phillies. An all-around catcher who has been clutch from the start until November.

“The Yankees are a piece of burned toast that has been burning for over a decade. They’re irrelevant and never built for October. Nothing will change in the Bronx anytime soon.”

PAGE 19 • December 2022 •

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The Yankees are a piece of burned toast that has been burning for over a decade.

They’re irrelevant and never built for October. Nothing will change in the Bronx anytime soon.

Our pal Hal is why.

Mike Lindsley has been in sports media for over 20 years and has interviewed the likes of Derek Jeter, Jim Brown, Jack Nicklaus and Jim Kelly. He is the host of the “ML Sports Platter” Podcast and a contributor to the Built in Buffalo Podcast Network. Subscribe to his YouTube page MikeLSports.

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The Write Stuff

Women in the Struggle for American’s Independence

by Carol Berkin

The Onondaga Historical Association, OHA, does more than house great archives, tailor well thought-out exhibits and sell a variety of Onondaga County and Syracuse related items in a fascinating gift shop. The organization also provides area schools, historic groups, social organizations and others with performances presenting a “first person” account from some of our storied ancestors. Among these performances are the yearly “Ghost Walks,” that take place in Oakwood Cemetery, as well as select locations around the county.

I’m happy to say I’ve been part of many a “walk,” as a guide or a Ghost, and one of these Ghosts is the spirit of Hannah Danforth, among, if not the first woman of European descent to live in Onondaga. She’s a delight to play, and to imagine – coming from a well-to-do background and following her husband to the “wilds of Onondaga” back some years after the American Revolution, with nothing but “bark walls and a hemlock branch roof” for shelter when they first settled here.

Recently, I was given a copy of the book, Revolutionary Women, from which some of Hannah’s story is no doubt gleaned. Because, Hannah, at least in our imagining of her, is proud of the role women played in the Revolution, and has

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written up brief stories of some of the more prominent ladies who did their part for “The Cause.”

Needless to say, Berkin goes into a great deal more detail about some of these women, the famous, infamous, and nameless ones, many of whom endured trials hard to fathom – and about whom we rarely think when we think “American Revolution.”

Many of us may have heard of “Molly Pitcher” in grade school, though few of us would have known that there really was, according to Berkin, no single “Molly.” It was a term applied to women who ran water to the men manning the canons, so that they could cool them as they were firing them so they didn’t overheat and fail. (That’s something that, to be honest, I’d never considered as a possibility!) There was a woman who was famous, or perhaps infamous, for taking her husband’s place at the canon, when a canon ball aimed at the Revolutionaries flew between her legs – ripping her petticoats!

While there were women whose lives of gentility were only interrupted insofar as there were few men during the months of fighting for whom to plan dances and dinners (the fighting was, at least in part, more limited during the winter months, and the officers were more free to engage in their social activities in the

“There were many women who had to step up and perform the duties they normally did – cooking, cleaning, sewing, laundry, childcare, and tending gardens and managing the home – but had to undertake those of their husbands, whether managing a farm or a business.”

larger cities), there were many women who had to step up and perform the duties they normally did – cooking, cleaning, sewing, laundry, childcare, and tending gardens and managing the home – but had to undertake those of their husbands, whether managing a farm or a business. One telling paragraph cites a diary entry from a

Homespun became the rage

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housewife, Mary Holyoke, wife of a country doctor, who entered her workweek: “Washed. Ironed. Scoured pewter. Scoured rooms. Scoured furniture Brasses and put up the chintz bed and hung pictures. (I’m starting to feel tired...) Sowed sweet marjoram. Sowed pease. Sowed cauliflower. Sowed 6 week beans.

Pulled radishes. Set out turnips.

Cut 36 asparagus. (Now I’m really weary...) Killed the pig, weight 164 pounds. Made bread. Put beef in pickle. Salted Pork, but bacon in pickle. Made the doctor 6 cravats marked H...” She ends her entry (which goes on) “did other things.”

Aside from managing without the protection and labor of their husbands, many of the women Berkin notes in her book were instrumental in bringing about the war. As with the men, women were loyalists, rebels, or just wished to be left alone – but many felt the pain of the taxes, and did their part to rebel by refusing to drink tea (though it was a much beloved beverage) and refusing to wear British made fabrics.

Women stepping up Homespun became the rage among the rebellious females, who not only had to help harvest the raw materials (like cotton), but had to spin, weave, cut and stitch the clothing for themselves, their husbands, and children. And perhaps dye and embroider the garments, as well.

Berkin dispels at least some of the ideas I’d always had of “camp followers.”

These women might very well have been the “bitchyfox jades, jills, haggs, strums, (and) prostitutes” written about by a colonel who patrolled the “Holy Ground,” a notorious meeting place near St. Paul’s Church in New York City, where the strumpets plied their trade, but a good many more of them were wives, daughters, and sisters of the fighting men, or perhaps simply women who had no other choice but to follow the army and work for pay: washing and mending clothing, cleaning bedding, cooking, fetching wood and water, nursing wounded or ill men, and then packing up all of their belonging, and often their children, and carrying the whole in baskets on their backs.

Berkin also reminds us the great risk to women from not just the enemy, but from soldiers far from home and perhaps a bit worse for a pint or two. “Ravishment” and rape were not uncommon, and the constant fear that one’s husband would be on the list of those lost, or that there would simply be nothing to feed one’s child, were constant pressures on those who remained at home, while “Johnny” went for a soldier.

There is so much more in the book – but I leave it to you to discover it. But the next time I watch a movie about the Revolution, one thing is certain: I won’t just be wondering how it might have felt to be “Johnny.” I’ll be certain to be thinking of “Jill,” as well.

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Have The Right Kit

Exercise & Fitness

by Jennifer Nastasi Guzelak

How to Stay Motivated to Excercise this December Struggling to exercise right now? Are you looking for someone or something to help you stay motivated? If you’re having a hard time finding those car keys when it’s time to head to the gym, I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone.

Getting yourself into the gym or heading out for a run on a cold dark morning takes a lot of guts! For most people, December is a time of indulgence. It’s the time of year where social expectations, particularly around food, are high and our learned behaviors, coupled with our innate preference for sweet foods, can drive a lot of our eating behavior. December also marks the beginning of the winter months that bring us less sunlight, colder temperatures and often, dampened moods. It’s no surprise that most of us feel more sluggish and less motivated this time of year.

If you want to maintain your health, there’s no such thing as a winter break from exercise. Having the strong desire and the willpower to accomplish something needs to be a permanent fixture not a temporary practice. That’s what determination is all about! In order to stay healthy both physically and psychologically, you need a consistent, year-round program. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Central New York delivers its share of bad weather, but there is such a thing as good clothing choices. If you are planning on taking your workouts outdoors then you should invest in some good quality winter activewear. Thermal leggings, gloves, hats and earmuffs are just a few of the things that should be on your list. This will make outdoor training much more pleasurable and it will reduce the risk of catching a chill.

If you’re not the outdoorsy type this time of year, I feel you! However, investing in some new workout gear can really help you stay motivated in the gym, too.

Stick To The Plan

Having a workout plan that you can stick to will help keep you motivated, teach you new things, and make the whole endeavor of embarking on a fitness journey much easier. What will you do to prepare for the challenges that may make reaching your goals more difficult? What are

your fitness goals for the next three months? How will you make sure that you stay on track? Make sure you look ahead!

Workout at Home

Cold weather doesn’t have to put a freeze on your indoor exercise program. Even though a gym provides a dedicated space, home workouts offer more flexibility and can be more effective and efficient. It’s also a great way to explore new methods of working out!

“Getting yourself into the gym or heading out for a run on a cold dark morning takes a lot of guts!”

Show Up to Class

There are so many fun and interesting group fitness classes that are offered at the gym and most of them are included with your membership. The only thing you have to do is show up! Heading to a barre or yoga class definitely seems much more appealing than running along a cold road. It will also encourage you to make new friends or even meet old ones with similar fitness goals.

Make It Routine

For most people, December is a time of indulgence

Most of us love how busy the festive period is, but sometimes it can be overwhelming to have your routine completely overhauled by a hectic social calendar.

Exercise helps to maintain a sense of routine and it will ensure you will have some much-needed time for yourself. Maintaining a regular workout routine can also help combat social burnout at Christmas by helping you find the balance you need in the midst of the holiday chaos.

PAGE 23 • December 2022 •

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Find a Workout Buddy

need to have the grit and the drive to keep pushing forward and working towards a goal, irrespective of the challenges and obstacles that may stand in your way.

Just remember that you’re not alone. If that’s not enough, let me remind you that Staying motivated exercise helps combat seasonal stress. It also encourages the release of endorphins, through these dark, cold fights insomnia, increases self-confidence and helps clear the mind. Those are good months can be tough, enough reasons for me. Good luck to you and happy holidays! so think about finding I have been a personal trainer for over eighteen years and I absolutely love what I a workout buddy. You do.

I honestly feel that I have one of the best jobs out there! The most rewarding part wouldn’t cancel on a friend, of my profession is helping one of my clients succeed at reaching their personal fitness would you? Having a goals.

Making a difference in someone’s life makes it all worthwhile. I am currently scheduled time to meet up certified by the National Sports Conditioning Association, Apex Fitness Group, and the with a workout companion International Sports Science Association. gives you an incentive to

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

do something active. You’ll also have someone to cheer you on, encourage you along the way and motivate you when the going gets tough. Who knows, it may even help change your perspective on working out.

Remember Why You Started

In those moments when you have to climb out of a warm, cozy bed and head into the cold, it can be difficult to remember how great you will feel afterwards. It may be even harder to imagine how you will feel three months from now. On the days that you want to throw in the towel remind yourself why you started and why reaching your fitness goals is so important.

Be Kind to Yourself

The emerging field of self-compassion research is proving that being kind to yourself is one of the best things you can do for your health. Practicing self-care for some people might look like taking a much-needed mental health day or finally scheduling that doctor’s appointment you postponed. For others it may be as simple as treating yourself to a cup of tea and a hot bath.

The Bottom Line

It’s hard for us all to stay active this time of year! You

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Sounds Of Syracuse

by Chuck Schiele

An Interview with Lou Lemos Syracuse Pops Music Director Lou Lemos Receives Ovation Award at 2023 Music Matters Event from the Syracuse Sounds of Music Association, Inc. I was playing with my trio at the Music Matters event last month. The event was in honor of Syracuse Pops Music director Lou Lemos who was receiving the prestigious Ovation award for his merits with the Pops, and his involvements here in Central New York over the years. The event was held at The Links in their impressive ballroom. The event included a lovely dinner, a silent auction and a stellar performance from the Syracuse Pops.

It was here that I met Lou Lemos. I’m very happy that he agreed to this interview.

Chuck Schiele: For how long have you been involved with the Syracuse Pops – and tell us a bit about your experience with them?

Lou Lemos: I started the Pops Chorus 19 years ago to perform with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. We continued to perform with the orchestra annually till today.

The majority of the performances were on the Holiday Pops and occasionally on a variety of Pops concerts. The group has expanded to about 80 singers in concerts and a membership of about 120.

Over the years we have performed with Symphoria in a variety of concerts. We did a touring concert of the 1st movement of the Messiah with a smaller orchestra in a

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variety of towns in central New York. This offered an opportunity for many people to hear professional performances of the Messiah in places where this was not available.

We also sang during the summer in Auburn, Rome and other cities where music played by Symphoria and a large chorus are not typically available.

Today we are opening up and playing in local places such as St. Paul Cathedral, Redhouse Arts Center and soon to be at the Everson Museum Auditorium.

These opportunities are great for our expansion and growth.

CS: How did you get started in music?

LL: I started in music at age 4. I had a father and brother that were involved in music. Especially my brother who was a music teacher for most of his life.

I started with the trumpet and singing at age 8.

Throughout high school I was involved in singing, band playing and also a bass player in the orchestra and other groups. After high school, I went to the Crane School of Music Director Lou Lemos Music at SUCP. CS: Your first or primary instrument is?

LL: My primary instrument is my voice. I have sung solos at different times and loved doing it. Singing helped me get into different conducting opportunities.

CS: What are some of the highlights along the way?

LL: My opportunity to conduct and create organizations has given me my greatest success and joy. I served as Musical Director for local productions of Bye Bye Birdie, Brigadoon, Annie and more, I also received SAMMY awards for Phantom of the Opera and Showboat and a SALT (Syracuse Area Live Theater) award winning production of

“My primary instrument is my voice.

I have sung solos at different times and loved doing it. Singing helped me get into different conducting opportunities.”

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LL: We have a website: Syracusepopschorus.org and feel free to contact www. syracusepopschorus.org for any questions.

CS: Thank you, very much Lou, for taking the time to chat with us here at Sounds of Syracuse.

LL: Thank you Chuck for a very enjoyable conversation and I look forward to talking to you in the future.

Jekyll and Hyde. In 2017 we were also invited by the Albany Symphony to perform the world premiere of the Current Home by Ryan Chase to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Erie Canal.

I have received two awards. In 2015 I received the Paul and Veronica Abel Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Art of Choral Performance. And recently received the Ovation Award from the Syracuse Sounds of Music Association. This is the greatest honor I have ever received.

CS: What are your thoughts on the Central NY music scene?

LL: I believe it continues in a positive direction, with Symphoria, Syracuse Opera, the Syracuse Pops Chorus and so many local community organizations and also so many professional performances at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, Redhouse Arts Center, The Palace Theatre, and the Oncenter; they all contribute to our positive future. In addition with so many school programs that start the future of our music, we are on the right path.

CS: What advice do you have for someone at the beginning of their music life?

LL: Never give up. Music is so great for the future of our young people and we as a group need to continue to encourage this. The Pops has singers from 18 to over 90. That says it all.

CS: What’s in the near future for the Pops.

LL: We are performing at the Everson on December 11 at 4pm a half hour of wonderful Christmas Music. A week later we are part of the Symphoria Holiday Pops on December 17 for a matinee and evening performance. And more to come in the Spring!

CS: Please tell us how to stay in touch with you and your musical involvements?

Happy Holidays & Have a Safe New Year!

Make your Holiday Reservations Now! Open for inside seating at the bar and dining room.

HOURS: Wed-Sat 4:30-9pm

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Computers & the Web

by Nancy Roberts

App-titude Sometimes I look at my phone and wonder when I’m going to figure out what all those apps were that I simply had to have when I downloaded them.

Some of them, naturally, came with a subscription fee and after the trial period I just didn’t care enough

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to buy them, but didn’t care enough to offload them, either. (I will one day when space runs thin.) Others were amusing, or disappointed me, or I’ve simply forgotten. Others I use every day and would feel somewhat lost without.

I won’t bother with things like the built-in necessities like contacts and the camera, or links to apps like Netflix or Prime Video that can quickly find a movie I’d like to watch and add it to my list.

Like many others, I’ve migrated from just Messenger (or the built-in text app) to include others, like one of my favorite options, Signal, that allows for a certain amount of privacy while texting, and WhatsApp are options many favor.

There are shopping apps that are useful.

Since I shop at BJ’s fairly frequently, I use their coupon app, which can also shop for SkyView you – providing your discounts, and, thanks (I say, ironically) to the COVID limitations, allows you to shop and have your purchases brought to your car at the store location when you arrive if you’d prefer not to shop inside.

SkyView is an app that was introduced to me a couple of summers ago, and I must admit I really enjoy it. Turn it on, and it will (if you choose) play some “music of the spheres” to you while you enjoy pointing it in any direction to see what

“It is nice to know that if you’re stuck in a waiting room or on a trip, you do have something useful to read with you.”

PAGE 27 • December 2022 •

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constellations are around you in three dimensional space. It’s particularly wonderful when there’s an unusual happening in the sky, like a Super Moon, or a conjunction of planets that happens only once in a “blue” moon!

An app I’m a big fan of is Shazam. If I’m watching a movie, or listening to music, and hear a song I simply have to have on my playlist, but I don’t know what it is, I pull this app up, tap it, and literally in seconds (I’m somewhat astounded at how quickly it works) it will tell me the song and who is performing it.

Plant Snap and Picture This are frequently invoked when I’m walking in the woods and I want to identify a plant, and I’ve just recently added Rock Identifier, as I’m always curious what any rock outcropping I see is, and why I’m seeing it.

There are a number of apps that are everyday Open 67 useful, like grocery lists year and photo enhancers, Same O s wner Waze will help you get where you’re going with live updates about “One of Syracuse’s Best Kept Secrets Since 1954” traffic and weather, and WorkFlowy will help Authentic you synch your ToDo Italian Specialties lists between your Fresh Fish Everyday! computer and phone Prime Rib Saturday so you always know and Hand Cut what you’re supposed to Ribeye Steaks be doing versus what Takeout & you are doing.

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And with that, my phone has signaled I should be done writing.

I recommend a language-learning app to anyone who has ever studied, or would like to study a foreign language. I refreshed my French, and am (trying as hard as ich kann) to learn German using an app called DuoLingo. While it may not be the very best in terms of how it teaches, and I leave that to language experts to discuss, what I do like is that you can keep it free fairly easily and the lessons are bite sized at about 5-15 minutes depending on your speed and skill. Many apps, especially learning apps, will “trick” you with the free version into running out of errors – and thus not being able to complete a lesson for a period of time, perhaps 24 hours, until your “bank” builds up adequately. DuoLingo will usually let you get through your lesson without running out of “hearts.”

I’m delighted with the Audible and Kindle apps, that allow me to carry books, and listen to books, while traveling. Though I prefer a tablet for reading if I must read electronically (yep, I’m a Luddite when it comes to books), it is nice to know that if you’re stuck in a waiting room or on a trip, you do have something useful to read with you.

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Music

December 3

December 2

King Squiddy and The Sethlapods • 6pm

Western Ranch Motor Inn, Syracuse

December 3

Mike MacDonald • 6:30-9:30pm

The Lost Horizon, Syracuse

December 2

Dark Hollow • 8-11pm

Angry Garlic, Baldwinsville

December 3 & 4

Dirtroad Ruckus Trio • 9am-12am

Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

December 2

Vanessa Collier

Lemon Grass on Walton, Syracuse

December 4

John Spillett Jazz/Pop Duo • 6-9pm

December 2

LeAnn Rimes • 8pm Turning Stone Event Center, Verona

December 2

Steel Panther, Claus & Paws Holiday Party 2022 • 8pm Del Lago Resort & Casino, Waterloo

December 2 Tiger • 6-10pm

Sharkey’s Bar & Grill, Liverpool

December 2

The Dirty Doves • 7-10pm Bagg’s Square Brewing Company, Utica

December 2

Jimmy Roger N’ Over The Top Maplewood Bar & Grill, Liverpool

December 3

Nosmo King’s • 6:30-9:30pm

443 Social Club & Lounge, Syracuse

December 4

Blue Water Grill, Skaneateles

December 4

Lub Dub • 1am-1pm Crazy Daisies, Syracuse

December 4

Honey for the Bees • 6-8pm Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

December 5

Dead Night With Gratefully Yours • 7:30pm Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

The Dirty Doves • 7-9pm

December 7

December 3

443 Social Club & Lounge, Syracuse

Crazy Daisies, Syracuse

December 3

Nosmo King’s • 7-10pm Western Ranch Motor Lodge, Syracuse

December 3

The Dirty Doves • 7-10pm Brian’s Landing, Jamesville

December 3

Mark Zane • 4-4:30pm Plowshares Craft Fair at Nottingham High School, Syracuse

Western Ranch Motor Inn, Syracuse

Chris Duarte • 7-9pm

December 8

Shawn Halloran • 7pm Kitty Hoynes, Syracuse

December 8

Mannheim Steamroller • 7:30pm Landmark Theatre, Syracuse

December 8

Underground Springhouse • 8-11pm Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

The Dirty Doves • 8-11pm The Palisades Hotel, Rome

Mccarthy’s, Cazenovia

December 9

December 10

Dave Jordan

December 9

Grand Funk Railroad • 8pm

December 9

The Dirty Doves • 7-10pm

December 9

Lisa Lee Trio • 6-8pm Crazy Daisies, Syracuse

Fed Ash • 7pm

Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

December 11

Patrick Young • 10am-1pm Crazy Daisies, Syracuse

December 11

443 Social Club & Lounge, Syracuse

December 16

Fourth Fret • 6-8pm Crazy Daisies, Syracuse

December 16 Action! • 8pm

Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

December 17

Dirtroad Ruckus • 9am-12am Average Joes, Baldwinsville

December 17 Lita Ford • 8pm

Del Lago Resort & Casino, Waterloo

Auburn Public Theatre, Auburn

Turning Stone Event Center, Verona

December 12

December 17

Trapper II, Minoa

December 14

December 9

SIRSY Unplugged with Special Guest Erin Harkes • 7-9pm

December 17

December 9

Mark Zane • 6-9pm

December 16

Loren Barrigar & Irv Lyons • 5:30pm

Dead Night With Half Past Dead • 7:30-10:30pm Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

Jamie Cunningham • 8-11pm

Brass Transit • 8pm

In Too Deep • 5-8pm Crazy Daisies, Syracuse

December 17 Tiger

Pasta’s on the Green, Baldwinsville

December 17

Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti Christmas Comes to Town • 8-11pm

The Cobblestone, Liverpool

Beak and Skiff, Lafayette

The Palace Theatre, Syracuse

Eric Scott from Dirtroad Ruckus • 6-9pm The Reef, Memphis

The Dirty Doves • 8-11pm

December 9

Veronica Lewis • 7-9pm 443 Social Club & Lounge, Syracuse

December 9

All Poets & Heroes • 8pm Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

Kallet Theater, Pulaski

December 8

December 10

Lemon Grass on Walton, Syracuse

Pond Pit BBQ, Pulaski

The Green Gate Inn, Camillus

Auburn Public Theatre, Auburn

December 10

December 10

Jazz in the Burbs • 7:30-9:30pm

Bob Piorun & Friends • 7pm

John Spillett Jazz/Pop Duo • 6-9pm Shawn Halloran • 8pm

Eric Scott from Dirtroad Ruckus • 5-8pm

December 8

December 10

December 9

John Spillett Jazz/Pop Duo • 5-8pm Dominick’s Sports Tavern, Oswego

Turning Stone Event Center, Verona

Tangled Roots • 6-9pm

Freeway • 6:30-9:30pm

Del Lago Resort & Casino, Waterloo

Copper City Brewing Company, Rome

December 3

December 9

The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theatre, Syracuse

December 3

Sharkey’s Event Center, Liverpool

Maplewood Bar & Grill, Liverpool

Pasta’s on the Green, Baldwinsville

December 7

Jadakiss

Dirtroad Ruckus • 7-10pm

‘Tis The Season With The Beach Boys Featuring The Holiday Vibrations Orchestra • 7:30pm

Western Ranch Motor Inn, Syracuse

Saving Abel • 8pm

December 9

Dirtroad Ruckus • 8-11pm

December 10

Mark Zane • 6-9pm Stingers Pizza Pub, Manlius

December 10

Lindsey Sterling • 8pm Del Lago Resort & Casino, Waterloo

December 10

Luminare Christmas • 8pm Turning Stone Event Center, Verona

December 10

Bitter Creek Band • 5-8pm Crazy Daisies, Syracuse

December 14

December 15

Jazz in the Burbs • 7:30-9:30pm The Green Gate Inn, Camillus

December 15

Shawn Halloran • 6pm Average Joe’s, Baldwinsville

December 16

John Spillett Jazz/Pop Duo • 6-9pm Lemon Grass on Walton, Syracuse

December 16

Dangerous Type • 6-10pm Sharkey’s Event Center, Liverpool

December 16

Shawn Halloran • 2pm

December 17

Moondance Restaurant, Marcellus

December 17

Blue Star Radiation • 8pm The Westcott Theatre, Syracuse

December 17

The Old Main • 7-9pm 443 Social Club & Lounge, Syracuse

December 17

Sophistafunk • 8-11pm Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

December 18

Eric & Meghan from Dirtroad Ruckus • 5-8pm

Midnight Mike Petroff’s Blues Band • 6:30-9:30pm

La Parrilla, Oswego

Western Ranch Motor Inn, Syracuse

The Dirty Doves • 11:30am-2:30pm

December 16

The Dirty Doves • 6-9pm DeMatteo’s, Rome

December 16 Dangerous Type

Sharkey’s Event Center, Liverpool

December 18

Brian’s Landing, Jamesville

December 18

Shawn Halloran • 11am Crazy Daisies, Syracuse

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December 18

December 30

December 8

443 Social Club & Lounge, Syracuse

Barone’s Hot House, Cicero

Del Lago Resort & Casino, Waterloo

December 19

December 30

December 10

Maplewood Bar & Grill, Liverpool

December 30

ROMMY TORRICO: Columbian Presbyterian Church, LaFayette Cabeza en las nubes

Eric Scott from Dirtroad Ruckus • 6-9pm

The Irish Inn, Oswego

Winter Art Market • 9:30am-4pm

Flipping Chicken, Fulton

December 30

Mike Powell • 7-9:30pm

Nachos and Blancos • 12-3pm

Dead Night With The Long Weight • 7:30-10:30pm Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

December 22

December 22

Celtic Women • 8pm Del Lago Resort & Casino, Waterloo

December 22

Shawn Halloran • 6pm

Jimmy Roger N’ Over The Top

Jamie Cunningham • 7-10pm

443 Social Club & Lounge, Syracuse

December 30

Wxrm + Dash xo + Tskev Music + z7 + Jonny Tsunamiii • 8-11pm

Master Thieves EP Release Show • 8-11pm

Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

Time Trax • 8:30pm-12:30am

December 23

John Spillett Jazz/Pop Duo • 6-9pm Lemon Grass on Walton, Syracuse

December 23

Spring Street Family • 8-11pm Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

December 26

December 31

Western Ranch Motor Inn, Syracuse

December 31 Hairball • 8pm

Del Lago Resort & Casino, Waterloo

December 31

Stephen Phillips • 9-11:55pm Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

The GREAT Salt City BLUES Concert 6 • 7:30pm

January 6

The Palace Theatre, Syracuse

Pasta’s on the Green, Baldwinsville

December 26

Dead Night With Half Past Dead • 7:30-10:30pm Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

December 27

Tony Orlando • 8pm Turning Stone Event Center, Verona

December 29

Eric Scott from Dirtroad Ruckus • 6-9pm The Irish Inn, Oswego

December 29

Tony Bennett Tribute Show • 8pm Del Lago Resort & Casino, Waterloo

Mike Place

Events

Christmas Cookie Café • 9:30am-12pm

Thru January 4

December 12

December 10

ArtRage Gallery, Syracuse

Crazy Daisies, Syracuse

Stephanie H. Shih: My Sweetie Has No Pockmarks

December 10

The Westcott Theatre, Syracuse

The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theatre, Syracuse

December 1-4

Syracuse University Men’s Basketball vs.

Cornell Big Red • 3pm

December 12

Auburn Public Theatre, Auburn

Syracuse University, Syracuse

December 1-31

The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theatre, Syracuse

The Spagetti Warehouse, Syracuse

December 15

Comedy Night • 8-11pm Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

December 16

Trends and Statements • 5pm The Westcott Theatre, Syracuse

December 23 & 24

Thru December 24

The Westcott Theatre, Syracuse

Disney on Ice Presents Let’s Celebrate

Lakeview Lanes, Fulton

December 29-January 2 The Oncenter War Memorial, Syracuse

Thru December 30

Proof Positive: Wine, Beer, and Spirits of the Finger Lakes Cayuga Museum of History and Art , Auburn

December 29

December 3

Art

Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

The Westcott Theatre, Syracuse

Thru December 12

95 Xmas Pajama Jam • 8pm

December 30

December 3 & 4

Western Ranch Motor Inn, Syracuse

The Oncenter Convention Center, Syracuse

Mike MacDonald • 6:30-9:30pm

December 30

John Spillett Jazz/Pop Duo • 6-9pm

Dinosaur Adventure • 9am-8pm

Thru December 6

December 30

The Madison County Historical Society’s Cottage Lawn Farmers Market • 2-6pm, Tuesdays

Turning Stone Event Center, Verona

Madison County Historical Society, Oneida

Lemon Grass on Walton, Syracuse

ZBTB - Zac Brown Tribute • 8pm

The Calamari Sisters

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet • 7:30pm

The McCarthy Mercantile, Syracuse

Frances Marion Brown Theatre, Oswego

December 17

Theatre

Champions of Magic • 4pm

December 2

Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker

December 16

December 11

Nick Saint, Private Elf

Anni Albers: Work With Materials Syracuse University Art Museum, Syracuse

Thru December 12

Anni Albers: Work With Materials Syracuse University Art Museum, Syracuse

Thru December 31 Rebecca Hutchinson: Re-Generation

Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse

December 17

Syracuse Crunch vs. Bridgeport Islanders • 7pm

December 9-18

The OnCenter War Memorial, Syracuse

The Red House, Syracuse

Syracuse University Men’s Basketball vs.

Pittsburgh Panthers • 9pm

A Christmas Story The Musical

December 10

Dashers Magical Gift • 11am & 2pm The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theatre, Syracuse

Crafted Underground Series

The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater , Syracuse

Syracuse University, Syracuse

The OnCenter War Memorial, Syracuse

Landmark Theatre, Syracuse

Syracuse City Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker”

Syracuse University Men’s Basketball vs. Monmouth University Hawks • 7pm

Syracuse Crunch vs.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong • 8pm Syracuse University Art Museum, Syracuse Springfield Thunderbirds • 7pm

December 1

December 29

Paega • 8-11pm

Thru May 15

Syracuse Stage, Syracuse

December 2-4

Syracuse Crunch vs. Utica Comets • 7pm The OnCenter War Memorial, Syracuse

Sharkey’s Event Center, Livepool

Borgore • 8pm

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December 10

Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse

Thru January 8

CoComelon • 6pm

PAGE 29 • December 2022 •

Raymon Elozua: Structure/Dissonance

Name Brand Covers and DJ Dance Party

December 2-11

The Dirty Doves • 6-9pm

Nikki Glaser Comedy • 8pm

Thru December 31

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

January 17-21 Anastasia

Landmark Theatre, Syracuse

December 20

Syracuse University, Syracuse

December 21

Syracuse Crunch vs. Laval Rocket • 7pm The OnCenter War Memorial, Syracuse

December 31

Syracuse University Men’s Basketball vs.

Boston College Eagles

February 15-March 5

Syracuse University, Syracuse

Syracuse Stage Complex, Syracuse

Syracuse Crunch vs. Belleville Senators • 7pm

Espejos: Clean

February 24-March 5

By The Way, Meet Vera Stark

January 6

The OnCenter War Memorial, Syracuse

The Red House, Syracuse

January 7

Sports

The OnCenter War Memorial, Syracuse

Syracuse Crunch vs. Rochester Americans • 7pm

December 6

January 11

Syracuse University, Syracuse

Syracuse University, Syracuse

Syracuse University Men’s Basketball vs.

Oakland Golden Grizzlies • 6pm

December 9

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Georgetown Hoyas • 1pm Syracuse University, Syracuse

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Syracuse University Men’s Basketball vs.

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January 14

Syracuse University Men’s Basketball vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish • 7pm Syracuse University, Syracuse

January 16

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Beauty & Fashion

colors are neutrals, whites, blacks, tan, and cobalt.

Artsy Fashion Style

by Fashion united

Find the Perfect Outfit Which Style Was Born for You?

Classic

Artsy

Casual

Athleisure

A person’s style is the manner in which they express themselves. Your fashion sense reflects your personality, as well as how you perceive yourself and others. There are numerous fashion styles, each with its own distinct characteristics. “How do I find the perfect outfit for me?” The first solution is to match your style to your personality. We’ve also included a few styles below to help you find the one that suits you best.

Classic Fashion Style

The classic look is elegant and sophisticated. With timeless beauty, classic fashion transcends seasons and years. A requirement for an outfit to be considered classic is that it reflect the trends and styles commonly associated with a specific era. Items in the classic style are typically made of high-quality materials. Classic costumes are well-cut, simple in design, with few decorative details and are made of luxurious fabrics. This style’s primary

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Because artsy fashion is a creative style, it usually does not adhere to any particular standard or rule.

This style is for you if you enjoy designing and have a high level of creativity.

The main idea behind artsy style is to create something different from traditional styles. This means you can experiment with different colors and styles of clothing and accessories to develop your own personal style.

Most items in this style are handcrafted, come in bright colors, and some have unique or even strange shapes. Handcrafted items are also excellent additions to your wardrobe. The level of appeal of the fashion style will depend on the wearer’s personal taste as well as his or her creativity, making it a fashion style that allows a person the most freedom. Do you enjoy causing havoc? Are you imaginative? Not afraid to experiment with new looks?

Then find the perfect outfit for yourself.

Casual Fashion Style

The casual fashion style is neither sloppy nor elegant. It could be a set Minimal Bohemian of clothes that makes you feel comfortable while also maintaining a certain level of elegance. The featured garments of this style are relaxed fitted t-shirts and jeans.

Jeans with a fitted T-shirt, black jeans with a shirt, or a sweater with a miniskirt are typical outfits for this look.

Athleisure Fashion Style

Athleisure style is becoming more and more popular because of the comfort and

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convenience it brings to the wearer. This style is a newer form of casual wear, consisting of comfortable sportswear designed to be worn every day. It gives the wearer confidence, dynamism, and a modern, healthy and youthful appearance.

Loose pants, sweatpants, shorts, oversized shirts, t-shirt, crop tops, jumpsuits, sneakers are the typical outfits of athleisure style. Why not try a stylish and comfortable casual jumpsuit? This is an appropriate design for gentlemen who enjoy native styles.

Chic Fashion Style

This look is distinguished by being fashionable, trendy, and always elegant. Chic fashion outfits are understated and often monochromatic. The primary colors are blacks, whites, and neutrals. The combination with luxury accessories is a style signature. Accessories are precious and often have a contrasting color to the overall outfit.

Minimal Fashion Style

Minimalism is a style that strives for the most simple but ideal beauty. The primary colors for this style are white, black, brown, and beige. The outfits are simple with a minimum of accessories. To achieve the most sophisticated look, choose well-cut, simple items, as well as color combinations that are harmonious.

Bohemian Style

The main characteristics of this style are comfort and freedom. This is the look that freespirited and creative people prefer.

Boho fashion is inspired by the nomadic lifestyle and the clothes that aim to break the rules. Because boho designs are inspired by natural elements, there is a preference for handcrafted clothing and accessories made from natural materials. Warm earthy colors, as well as metallics and gemstone tones, are popular.

Bohemian fashion includes voluminous maxi dresses, bell-bottom pants, wide-leg pants, bold patterns and exotic prints, as well as the use of flowy and soft fabrics.

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whatever you feel comfortable wearing are examples of this style.

Trendy Fashion Style

If you can afford it, trendy style is the most convenient and simple style. Fashion changes and evolves all the time, but following the general fashion trend is simple. Trendy people keep up with the latest fashion trends and refresh their wardrobes several times a year as the seasons change.

Academia Fashion Style

The academic style is influenced by literature, film, art, and architecture. It has spawned numerous subgenres, the most popular of which are dark academia and light academia.

The color palettes used in light and dark academia differ. Dark academia’s color palette consists primarily of dark browns, gray, and black, as well as dark green and, on occasion, navy blue. Lighter academic lighter shades of brown, beige, white, and pastels are used.

Turtlenecks, cardigans, wool sweaters, smart trousers, dress shirts, plaid skirts, Oxford shoes, and houndstooth and tweed clothing are all associated with the academia style.

You are not required to adhere to the styles or standards established by others. You can select one or a few basic elements that are most appropriate for you. The fashion you want to wear is determined by factors such as your mood and the weather on that particular day.

You might also want to combine a specific style with your own personal style. Be yourself!

Dress as your soul desires and find the perfect outfit just for you.

Normcore Style

Normcore fashion is appropriate for those who do not want to be associated with participating in trends and fashions that change with the seasons. Normcore wearers purposefully choose clothes that are functional and unobtrusive.

Normcore clothing is simple and timeless, such as polos, t-shirts, hoodies, short-sleeved shirts, jeans, loafers, sneakers...

Because these clothes and accessories can be worn by both men and women, normcore is a genderAcademia Normcore neutral style.

Ethnic Fashion Style

Japanese kimonos, Mexican peasant blouses, Vietnamese ao dai and ba ba, Chinese cheongsam, Afghanistan coats, and colorful bandanas inspired by gypsies…

Geeky (or Nerdy) Fashion Style

Introverts, technology enthusiasts, and readers appreciate geeky style. Loose-fitting pants, t-shirts, long-sleeved dresses, midi or long skirts, loafers, horn-rimmed glasses, and

!

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Streaming Flicks by brian miller

Barbarian ‘Tis the season for merriment and cheer, and so I suppose it’s a little strange that I’m still wading into the waters of modern horror. Last month I reviewed the forgettable and lackluster HALLOWEEN KILLS. This was a title that was familiar to those who had never even seen a single entry in the franchise, and had ad spots running on a continuous loop for weeks at a time. It is the type of big-name Hollywood extravaganza that enjoys success at the box office but does nothing to advance the genre as a whole.

Now available to stream, however, is a lesser known project that certainly didn’t have the same media blitz or name familiarity as a title that has been prominent in pop culture for the past four

decades. Yet it was more terrifying, invigorating, and stylish than Michael Myers has been in years.

BARBARIAN opens on an obligatory rainy night as Tess Marshall (Georgina Campbell) attempts to enter her Airbnb, only to discover that the key is missing from the designated space. She is unable to reach the owner of the property, but to her surprise, finds someone already inside. She pounds on the door and the perfectly-cast creeper Bill Skarsgard opens the door.

Apparently, the property was double-booked, leading to an awkward encounter and a perfect setup for a horror film.

Tess is weary until she finds out that Keith (Skarsard) is connected to a band that she is familiar with, and begins to let her guard down. The two share some wine and laughs, before Tess makes

“A production that playfully toys with and then obliterates expectations, injecting suspense and jump scares in equally delightful measures.”

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her way to bed. The two say “good night” in an expertly “will they/won’t they” manner, and it isn’t until Tess awakens to find her door ajar that she realizes something may be amiss.

From here, BARBARIAN stares headlong into the typical horror abyss, setting the stage for the Bill Skarsgard same scenario we have seen play out a million times before. We already know where this is going, we already know who the bad guy is, we already know most of the steps of the cat-and-mouse game that is to follow. Or, do we?

Writer/Directer Zach Cregger has crafted a film that is every horror fan’s dream come true. A Georgina Campbell production that playfully toys with and then obliterates expectations, injecting suspense and jump scares in equally delightful measures. It takes multiple turns, which were slightly disorienting at first, leading me to wonder if I was watching an anthology rather than one full narrative. Clegger cleverly ties these Justin Campbell different acts together, providing us with a brief glimpse of how this bananas story got started.

The performances by the entire cast, which also includes a spectacularly scuzzy Justin Long are spot-on, with Campbell emerging as the type of Scream Queen that Jamie Lee Curtis became in 1978. There are laughs, gross-outs, and enough shocking moments to keep the viewer on the edge of their seat, and provides enough deliriously disgusting and outrageous moments that it becomes virtually impossible to forget.

BARBARIAN- A Now streaming on HBO Max

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barbarian

RATED: R RUN TIME: 1h 42min GENRE: Horror, Mystery, Thriller STARRING: Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgard, Justin Long DIRECTOR: Zach Cregger Writer: Zach Cregger

GRADE: A

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Golf

by jon sherman

How Does a Wet or Dirty Clubface Affect Spin Rate?

Using my SkyTrak launch monitor to evaluate the ball flight, I was mostly looking for changes in spin rate, which I believe is one of the most critical factors to controlling your wedge distance and trajectory.

I hit a series of wedge shots from various distances. My control was a clean ball, and then I tested shots after spraying the clubface with water and others with dirt on the face.

I also tested on longer clubs like my 7-iron and driver to see if there was any noticeable effect. My theory was that any kind of debris or moisture would influence my ability to generate an optimal spin rate.

“The results might convince you to bring a towel out on the course!”

Are you the kind of golfer who gets a bit lazy and doesn’t clean your clubs at all, on or off the course? I was always curious how much effect a wet or dirty clubface would have on your spin rate (especially on wedges), so I decided to put it to the test.

The results might convince you to bring a towel out on the course!

Hitting great wedge shots requires trajectory and distance control, which are greatly influenced by how much spin you can put on the ball. To generate enough spin, you need clean contact with the clubface to create friction.

I was interested in finding out how much the factors we can control on the course would affect the spin rate. So I decided to test how a clubface with water on it, or dirt, would effect launch conditions.

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Here are the results from various distances with my lob wedge: Club Clean Clubface (LW) Wet Clubface (LW) Dirty Clubface (LW) Clean Clubface (LW) Wet Clubface (LW) Dirty Clubface (LW) Clean Clubface (LW) Wet Clubface (LW) Dirty Clubface (LW)

Launch Angle

Total Spin (rpm)

Carry Yards

32.5 32.4 31.5 29.7 31.1 30.4 28.6 28.9 28.2

4208 3657 3925 5616 4635 5212 7867 6987 7432

25 24 26 51 50 49 89 91 90

I saw pretty consistent results across the board with wedge shots. On the whole, a wet clubface had the most impact on the spin rate. On a 50-yard shot, I saw an almost 20% drop in spin.

Interestingly, dirt did not seem to have as much impact on spin rate as water, but there was still a noticeable drop. My guess is that soil conditions could change how much or how little it would influence the spin rate. But I still believe that dirt is going to limit your ability to spin it correctly (shocking, I know).

On longer clubs, there was far less difference. On my 7-iron there wasn’t a noticeable change with a wet clubface and only a slight drop in spin rate with dirt. With my driver, I only tested with water on the face (who would have a dirty driver???) – there was also no difference in launch conditions.

What Does This Mean For You

In golf, you want to give yourself the best opportunity for success. It’s challenging to control any wedge shot without the proper amount of spin on the ball. Some things are within our control on the golf course, and others we can’t control. For example, if you’re in the rough, it’s going to be more difficult to spin the ball because you can’t create enough friction due to grass interference. But that’s your penalty for landing the ball there!

I think this test shows that it should make sense to wipe your clubface clean before hitting any wedge shot. Also, using a premium golf ball and not using wedges with worn out grooves have a significant impact on how much spin you can generate.

Long story short, I think it makes sense to carry a towel around with you and clean your clubs if there is any noticeable moisture or debris on your club before you hit your shot. You could be leaving a few shots on the table if you can’t create proper contact with your wedges.

THIS MONTH’S from Allrecipes

Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Lemon-garlic shrimp is a delicious appetizer that’s perfect to throw together before a last-minute party. Or, serve this fresh, citrusy seafood over rice or pasta and make it a main dish on a busy weeknight when you’re short on time.

Ingredients 1 tbsp. olive oil, or as needed 16 large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails on, or more to taste 3 large cloves garlic, smashed, or more to taste ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

2 tsp. seafood seasoning salt and ground black pepper 3 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped 2 tbsp. lemon juice 3 tsp. lemon zest

Directions

Step 1 • Heat oil in a large skillet over med-low heat until warm, 2 to 3 minutes. Add shrimp, garlic, and pepper flakes all at once and stir together. Add seafood seasoning, salt, and black pepper and mix until combined.

Step 2 • Cook and stir until shrimp are bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque, 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 3 • Reduce heat to low and stir in parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Prep Time: 10 min.

Total Time: 20 min.

Servings: 4

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