Before The Hunger Games....

...there was Battle Royale. Now, I haven't read or seen The Hunger Games, but Battle Royale was all over the concept of teenagers killing each other for sport/survival more than a decade ago. (I guess I'm joining the trend addressed by The Huffington Post by writing about this). Also based on a book, the Japanese film was released in 2000, but never got a U.S. distribution deal due to the controversial subject matter. In 2012, we're apparently cool with it.

I'm not sure I'll see THG. I like Jennifer Lawrence and am intrigued by all the hype/fuss, but....I feel like it's a rip-off of a much cooler, more provocative film. Battle Royale is violent, yes -- but it's also campy and even...funny. It disturbs, but it also undeniably entertains. At any rate, here's a little taste:

Wine Country

A week ago, I returned from one of the best trips I've taken. I traveled with my Dad to Napa and Sonoma. We went to visit wineries since wine is a passion we share. It was a delightful 5 days spent in the company of one of the best people on the planet. And now I'm pleased to report that my wine rack, for the first time ever, is at capacity. I've got a great rack.

Some photo highlights:

Zinfandel at Acorn Winery in Healdsburg


As you can see, we had really shitty weather


Petite Syrah vines planted in 1890 at Field Stone Winery


Barrel tasting at Alexander Valley Vineyards


Our last lunch in Napa at Oxbow Market


The amazing view at Cuvaison in the Carneros Valley

Obviously, it was hard to come home from this trip. I learned a lot, drank a lot, and got to spend some QT with my old man. Who's actually rather spry and crafty -- on our first day, he charmed a proprietor at Ravenswood into giving us a $55 single-vintage 2007 Zinfandel for free. We drank it that night, in front of the fireplace at the hotel. I've said it before on this blog, but in light of this trip, it merits being said again: I'm a lucky gal.