Jay Fletcher

Preview cover-maker person

Top two albums

"Happy Birthday!" Modeselektor, Bpitch Control: I spent a little time in Sweden this past year and electronic music was everywhere, all the time. I grew to really love the stuff, and when I got back I scoured the iTunes store to see what I could find. Of everything I came across, this album's gotten the most air time. So uber.

"Double Up" R. Kelly, Jive: I can't believe I'm actually putting this in the No. 2 spot, but sometimes there's a fine line between ridiculous and genius. My friends and I had this beast on repeat for a solid four months. If you're not familiar, Google some of the lyrics to see what I'm talking about.

Top two movies

"Superbad": Hilarious. Completely grotesque, but so true. Girls, this is a glimpse into your boyfriend's mind when he was a teenager. I'm not kidding.

"Gone Baby Gone": I'm always down for a gritty, Boston flick. This one slowly bobs and weaves, keeping you on your toes. Violence? Corruption? Yankees? Yes please.

Top two concerts

I don't like concerts anymore. Got little whipper-snappers all up in my space. This is why I have CDs. Yours truly, Grandpa

Favorite bar/club

Raval: 453 King St., 854-8466. Raval has blown up a little bit in the last couple of years, but has still managed to maintain a relatively laid-back vibe. Great atmosphere, great food and just the right mix of personality types.

Favorite restaurant

Monza: 451 King St., 720-8787. I'm a designer, so I'm almost just as attracted to the space as I am the food. This place nails it all. The restaurant has a great casual minimalist modern thing going on, and the food is rockin'. Plus, Raval is right next door for a nightcap.

Favorite Web site

www.magicseaweed.com: Great surf Web site. Accurate reports, monthly wave averages, tons of photos, and the whole thing is super easy to use.

Favorite event attended

"The Day the Offshores Started and the Buoys Read 7 Feet at 18 Seconds," Nov. 6, Nosara, Costa Rica: Believe me, it was an event. When the Pacific unloads, it's time to separate the men from the boys. I found myself in the latter category.

Least favorite song of 2007

"Beautiful Girls," Sean Kingston, Epic Records: "... you've got me suicidal, SUICIDAL."

Most irritating celebrity of 2006

Heidi & Spencer from MTV's "The Hills": I'll admit, I like some cheesy reality television, but this is the most annoying duo ever. Who are these people? The word "celebrity" is becoming an insult.

Rory Johnson

Charleston.net online content editor, and music festival junkie who still wears zero patchouli

Top two albums

"West," Lucinda Williams, UMG Recordings Inc.: Williams, an alt-country, gravel-voiced gal, knows a thing or two about heartbreak and isn't afraid to sing about it.

"Cease to Begin," Band of Horses, Sub Pop Records: A (recently) Charleston-based band that made it big, and their sophomore album doesn't disappoint.

Top two movies

"Black Snake Moan": A somewhat silly and somewhat trashy movie about sex and race and redemption in the Deep South. One of the best soundtracks of the year, an essential Mississippi Hill Country Blues album.

"Waitress": A sweet story about a pregnant, small town, pie prodigy.

Top two concerts

Galactic, Music Farm, Nov. 4: To promote their new album, "From the Corner to Block" Galactic hit the road with some amazing MCs, including Boots Riley of the Coup. Couldn't stop dancing to their unique shake-your-butt-funk sound.

Blackalicious, Langerado Music Festival, South Florida, March 10: The entire audience morphed into a sea of hip-hop zombies, mesmerized by lead singer Gift of Gab's poetic rap storytelling.

Favorite bar/club

The Pour House 1977 Maybank Hwy., 571-4343: Always great music, cheap cocktails and nice people. As a Kentucky girl, it's refreshing to meet bartenders who won't let you order Woodford Reserve bourbon with anything but ice.

Favorite restaurant

Lana, 210 Rutledge Ave., 720-8899: The bartenders keep me laughing, and the food is delightful and affordable. Nice wine selection, and order the duck.

Favorite Web site

www.charleston.net/preview: Duh.

Favorite event attended

Bid for Kids, Oct. 11, Francis Marion Hotel: A bachelor and bachelorette auction where people dressed up, drank and bid on dates with local celebrities for charity. The highlight was watching my friend go for the top bid — 600 bucks.

Least favorite song of 2007

"Big Girls Don't Cry," Fergie, A&M records: Between Fergie's digitally enhanced voice and ridiculous little girl metaphors, my ears are still bleeding.

Most irritating celebrity of 2007

Beyonce: I was mostly sick of her last year, then she came out with all of those commercials for America Express, Armani and DirecTV, now I am utterly sick of her. We get it Beyonce, you're rich, now get out of my television.

Marcus Amaker

Page designer, poet, music snob, shama lama ding dong.

Top two albums

'Year Zero,' Nine Inch Nails, Interscope: After nearly 20 years of self-indulgent music about his torchered soul, Trent Reznor went outside of himself and released a concept album about the end of the world. The result was as brilliant as anything he's ever released in the past. 'year zero' is an aggressive, robotic and bass heavy epic not meant for casual music listeners.

'The World Has Made Me The Man of My Dreams,' Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Emarcy/Umgd: Listening to this album is like taking a trip through space. Bassist and songwriter Ndegeocello flawlessly mixes punk, jazz, electronic and soul music in one tight little package. You've never heard anything like this, I promise.

Top two movies

'Falling Together in New Orleans': Local filmmaker Farrah Hoffmire focuses on the volunteer efforts to rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and makes you believe in the power of the human spirit in the process.

'Shortbus': The second gender-bending and genre-bending opus from John Cameron Mitchell, creator of 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch.' Equally disturbing and beautiful, 'Shortbus' is one of the most honest films about intimacy you can experience.

Top two concerts

The Roots, House of Blues, Myrtle Beach, March 3: An absolutely perfect show. The Roots are the best live band on the planet right now. During this two hour show, they showed off a horn section, played a Bob Dylan cover and did a set of classic hip-hop songs. No one left The House of Blues disappointed.

Bjork, Fox Theater, Atlanta, Sept. 17: The most amazing thing about seeing Bjork live was watching her singular, introverted songs come out to play. She pulled from every era of her career, and focused a lot of energy on 1998's brilliant CD, 'Homogenic.' The show was also a sonic and sensory roller coaster. Her stage setup consisted of a DJ, live drums, a choir, and animated TV monitors.

Favorite bar/club

Upper Deck, 353 B King St., 958-0002: Let's see ... The Upper Deck has the best happy hour ($1.75 for liquor drinks), best karaoke (I can sing 'Icky Thump'), best bartenders and the best underground art and DJ shows this side of town. Once you go there a few times, you feel like you are part of a (weird and often drunk) family. Highly recommended.

Favorite restaurant

Blossom, 171 East Bay St., 722-9200: Great staff and even better food. I never feel out of place there, even though it is considered a 'high-end' restaurant. It has an amazing ambiance to match its varied selection of food.

Favorite Web site

www.marcusamaker.com (of course).

Favorite event attended

Um … my Piccolo Spoleto performance at the Dock Street Theater, June 6, 2007 (of course).

Least favorite song of 2006

'Hey there Delilah,' Plain White T's, Hollywood: Things I would rather do than listen to this song. 1) Bathe in gasoline and jump in a bed of fire. 2) Eat a sandwich consisting of mayonnaise, ketchup, fingernails and a palmetto bug. 3) Have a root canal without Novocain. 4) Slam my head in a car door. Twice.

Most irritating celebrity of 2007

Justin Timberlake: And the winner of this year's new reality show, 'Who wants to copy Prince?' goes to …

Michael Fussell

Delivering Preview 24/7 in 0s and 1s

Top two albums

"In Rainbows", Radiohead, ATO Records/Red: Another quiltly album from Radiohead. And you can't beat the price.

"White Moth," Xavier Rudd, Anti: Not as good as his previous album, but still worth a listen.

Top two movies

"The Lives of Others": Best movie I can remember seeing in a long time. A completely satisfying film. If you haven't seen it, rent it.

"No Country For Old Men": This bloody remake of a great book by Cormac McCarthy is the best Coen Brothers film since "Fargo."

Top two concerts

Michael Franti and Spearhead, The Music Farm, March 13: The band's energy was infectious. Franti is amazing live.

Bright Eyes at the Plex on Nov. 8: I've been wanting to see this band perform live since I heard "Fevers and Mirrors," and I wasn't disappointed. I was having a great time until Conor Oberst started talking politics.

Favorite bar/club

Muse. 2-A Society St, 577-1102: Great food and wine. I prefer to eat at the bar, where the conversations with the bartender and other patrons are always lively and irreverent.

Favorite restaurant

Poe's Tavern 2210 Middle St., Sullivan's Island 883-0083: This one's tough, but I've gotta go with Poe's. The laid-back atmosphere and burgers keep me coming back. When friends from out of town visit, I always take them to Poe's.

Favorite Web site

Digg.com: This is where I go to find out what's new or bizarre on the Web. But for what's happening in Charleston, I'd have to go with Preview online.

Favorite event attended

Birbiglia comedy show, Oct. 25 at Charleston Music Hall: I went with my fiance and we both laughed the whole time. Birbiglia is hilarious.

Least favorite song of 2007

"This is Why I'm Hot," MIMS, Capital. Just listen to the lyrics: "I'm hot cause I'm fly. You ain't cause you're not." That's just ridiculous. I laugh every time I hear that song.

Most irritating celebrity of 2007

Paris Hilton: Famous for being rich and ignorant. What's up with that? The only time I enjoyed seeing her on TV was when she was in the back of a police car on the way to jail. Kathie Griffin and Rosie O'Donnell are tied for second.

Bryce Donovan

5-time NBA All-Star

Top two albums

"Blackout," Britney Spears, Jive: Yep, she's still got it. Of course, I'm talking about her gut.

"Now That's What I Call Music!, Vol. 26," Various artists, Capitol: It took them 26 tries, but by God, they nailed it this time.

Top two movies

"Enchanted": I'll watch anything with McDreamy in it!

"Love in the Time of Cholera": I'm a sucker for movies with romantic titles.

Favorite bar/club

Ready, Set, Jump, 2300 Clements Ferry Road, 971-8109: You've got to give it to a place whose specialty drink is a Shirley Temple in a sippy cup.

Favorite restaurant

Chuck E. Cheese, 1610 Sam Rittenburg Blvd., 763-0663: You're never too old to play video games for three hours straight in the hopes of winning that awesome red sweatband you've had your eye on since you first walked in the front door.

Favorite Web site

www.willitblend.com: Every week the folks at willitblend.com put household items, such as Bic lighters, cans of Easy Cheese or even an iPhone into a blender to see if it will blend. And you won't believe the answer. Wait, yes you will.

Favorite event attended

The office Christmas party, Dec. 13, Post and Courier newsroom: Call me old-fashioned, but there's just something heartwarming about standing around the workplace pretending to like your colleagues. And their cooking, for that matter.

Most irritating celebrities of 2006

The paparazzi: Once again, nice people like Britney Spears aren't able to do the simple things in life like drink and drive with their children in the car without some obnoxious camera-person right there to capture it.

Rodolfo Larios

Mexican Ninja of page design and Tecate connoisseur

Top two albums

"The Con," Tegan & Sara, Sire: The sisters make a great album with some help from Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie.

"Our Love To Admire," Interpol, Capitol: It's not their best album, but I couldn't stop listening to it this year.

Top two movies

"Grindhouse": I can't remember when was the last time I laughed so hard at a movie theater.

"The Simpsons Movie": Two words: Spider Pig.

Top two concerts

The Smashing Pumpkins, Township Auditorium, Columbia, Nov. 9: The band still puts on an amazing live show; can't say the same thing for the group's new material.

Silversun Pickups, Village Tavern, Mount Pleasant, March 16: One of those bands that sound better live than on a recording.

Favorite bar/club

Music Farm, 32 Ann St., 722-8904: Totally remodeled, it's a different venue. Now I can go to the bathroom with a smile on my face.

Favorite restaurant

Jim 'N Nicks Bar-B-Q, 288 King St. 577-0406: Good service, good food and the best barbecue sauce in town.

Favorite Web site

Goldenfiddle (i.e. www.goldenfiddle.com): Sarcastic humor, movies, celebrities, comics and free music.

Favorite event attended

Marcus Amaker poetry show, Piccolo Spoleto, June 6, Dock Street Theatre: A great performance by Marcus Amaker and the sweet $10 I'll get for just mentioning his name. (Editor's note: No ethics were harmed in the making of this "staff pick.)

Least favorite song of 2007

"Girlfriend," Avril Lavigne, Record Company: RCA. That song makes me want to punch a cheerleader ("Hey hey, you, you I don't like your girlfriend").

Most irritating celebrity of 2007

Everyone with a reality show including Tila Tequila, Kimora Lee Simmons, Hulk Hogan, everyone from MTV "The Hills," etc.

Abi Nicholas

Preview/newsroom clerk. Ever wonder how the movie times get in the paper?

Top two albums

"Hvarf-Heim," Sigur Ros, Xl Recordings: Two discs of Icelandic experimental rock yumminess.

"Under the Blacklight," Rilo Kiley, Warner Bros. Records: I'm still partial to "More Adventurous," but this album is freeing — it actually makes getting your heart broken seem kind of cool.

Top two movies

"Reno 911! MIAMI": Terry. Terry. Terry.

"300": Greased-up Spartans in loincloths and the best cinematography I've seen in a long time.

Top two concerts

R. Kelly, North Charleston Coliseum, Dec. 27: I realize this hasn't happened yet, but I already know Kels is gonna "Double Up" and tear it up, yo. I hear he runs through the stands in a robe and boxing gloves to kick off the show — genius.

Britney Spears, House of Blues, San Diego, May 1: Sure I only watched it on YouTube, but Britney's comeback concert was perhaps the single-most wonderfully embarrassing display of awkwardness I've ever seen.

Favorite bar/club

A.C.'s Bar and Grill, 1035 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mount Pleasant, 849-2267: All the hole-in-the-wall glory of A.C.'s Downtown with none of the frat guys. Love the Beer of the Month (always an import) and the Classic Burger.

Favorite restaurant

Papa ZuZu's, 370 King St., 534 1666: The best darn gyros this side of the Atlantic.

Favorite Web site

www.mcsweeneys.net: Some of the most creative, hilarious, odd, spectacular and unique bits of literary genius you'll ever read. I suggest reading "Pele Gets a Brazilian" (wax, that is) before you do anything else. Seriously, don't read another word of this. Go online, now.

Favorite event attended

S.C. Native American Indian Sacred Music Concert and Statewide Gospel Sing, Oct. 6, Charleston Southern University's Lightsey Chapel: Sure, I was the only non-American Indian in the place, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see the Little Salkehatchie Drummer Boys.

Least favorite song of 2007

"Tattoo," Jordin Sparks, 19 Recordings/Jive Records: "You're on my heart just like a tattoo. Just like a tattoo/I'll always have you." Really? That's what love is like to you — a tattoo? I get the permanency thing, but doesn't that just conjure up an image of some trashy body stamp of a heart with "I love Bobby Joe" branded across it?

Most irritating celebrity of 2007

Ashley Tisdale: I didn't really mind her up until she pulled an Ashlee Simpson and said she got a nose job to fix her deviated septum. Sure, and Britney Spears got hair extensions because her head was cold, not because she was trying to cover up the unsightly result of her crazed run-in with an electric razor.

Jack Hunter

Sacrificing his liver weekly for the betterment of Preview's bar and club coverage.

Top two albums

None: This might sound like a cop-out, but the top two albums receiving play in my car are from 1977, not 2007, and I have no regrets about the fact that the Sex Pistols and Kiss have kept me blissfully ignorant for a better part of the year.

Top two movies

'American Gangster': In 2006, I was telling everyone that 'The Departed' was the best gangster movie since 'Goodfellas,' and while 'American Gangster' isn't quite up to par with either film, it definitely deserves a prominent spot in the collection of any fan of the genre.

'No End in Sight': This award-winning documentary about the U.S. occupation of Iraq is something I wish every American could see. Billed as featuring the 'ultimate insiders,' multiple interviews from military generals, State Department officials and soldiers on the ground, leave the viewer with a comprehensive grasp of the crisis in Iraq.

Top two concerts

Merle Haggard, North Charleston Performing Arts Center, Aug. 10: This show marked my third Haggard concert, and while I was pleased as always, a few friends complained that he didn't play certain favorites. But with more hits than Mark McGwire, it would be impossible for the country legend to play every gem.

Leslie, Pour House, James Island, Oct. 6: Local band Leslie is one of the best rock acts I've come across in years. The band fully embraces classic rock, yet they make it their own and manage to give audiences a show that is both familiar and refreshing at the same time. Think of how the Rolling Stones took Chuck Berry and Howlin' Wolf, and yet created something entirely new, and you might start to get the picture.

Favorite bar/club

A.C.'s Bar and Grill, 467 King St. 577-6742: For 20 years and counting A.C.'s Bar and Grill downtown has been the no. 1 spot for many a young soul trying to make it in this city. A rite of passage as much as a bar, I've enjoyed spending much of the last decade of my leisure time at the legendary pub and look forward to at least attempting for another.

Favorite Restaurant

Mustard Seed, 1978 Maybank Highway, James Island, 762-0072: In terms of quality and affordability, the Mustard Seed on James Island is hard to beat. Locally owned and operated, the restaurant is the perfect place for everything from a first date to dinner with old friends.

Favorite Web site

www.mikemooneyham.com: Charleston's own Mike Mooneyham is not only a New York Times best-selling author, but writes the longest running pro wrestling column in the country. His Web site features not only extended versions of his popular Post and Courier column but an archive that will keep any rasslin' fan busy for hours. To quote philosopher Ric Flair, 'To be the man, you have to beat the man,' and when it comes to wrestling journalism no one beats the man, Mike Mooneyham.

Least favorite song of 2007

'Rockstar' Nickelback, Roadrunner: When Bob Seger sang about life on the road in 'Turn the Page' or even Bad Company's tune about rock stardom, 'Shooting Star,' for some reason it seemed to work. But every time I heard Nickelback's ode to rock excess 'Rockstar' in 2007, the painfully hokey lyrics made me immediately turn the station out of embarrassment. It still makes me cringe.

Most irritating celebrity of 2007

Bill O'Reilly: I don't think I've ever heard anyone speak more forcefully on subjects about which they know absolutely nothing than Fox News' Bill O'Reilly.

Bates Hagood

Preview's deadline mercenary, grammatical theorist and content philosopher

Top two albums

Two Cow Garage, 'III,' Shelterhouse Records: I'm an alt-country fan, and I really liked this CD from this up-and-coming, Midwestern band. Kind of reminds me of Lucero and old Whiskeytown.

'Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds: Live at Radio City Music Hall,' Sony BMG: This live two-CD set is pretty mainstream. In order to seem like a hip, music critic type, I need to pick something more eclectic like the Arcade Fire's latest to seem in the know. But I always like Dave Matthews acoustic, and I was a big fan of the duo's prior live, acoustic recording, 'Live at Luther College.' This one is just as good, although sometimes Dave should consider against talking too much between songs.

Top two movies

'Into the Wild,': Based on the 1996 best-selling book by Jon Krakauer, it's the story of a young adventurer and recent college graduate Christopher McCandless, who ends up traveling to the wilds of Alaska (on purpose) after giving up all of his worldly possessions. Well done by director Sean Penn, who I think did a great job developing the book's characters. Cinematography of the Alaskan wild is also top-notch.

'No Country for Old Men,': Another of my favorite movies in 2007 that was based on a book I really enjoyed. Cormac McCarthy wrote the book of the same title. The Coen Brothers produced and directed this violent, bleak and wryly funny film. It's one of the only movies I've ever seen that completely eliminates the need to read the book. The movie is almost dead-on.

Top two concerts

My Morning Jacket, The Crystal Ballroom, Portland Ore., Jan. 9: Though not a local gig, I'm a big My Morning Jacket fan, so my brother, who lives in Portland, got some tickets. I can MMJ Radiohead for Rednecks, and I mean that with all the love in my heart. The Crystal Ballroom is an amazing venue. It used to be a true ballroom, and has ball bearings under the old wooden dance floors. So, the whole place seems to be moving, literally, as everyone danced, and the band rocked out. The show was sold out, but despite the crowd, was still a lot of fun.

Drive-by Truckers, Music Farm, March 30: One of a two-night stand, and my bod could handle only one night. My favorite band, and this was one of the group's last shows before the departure of songwriter Jason Isbell. Too bad Isbell left the group. He wrote some of my favorite songs the band performed, and that's not to take anything away from Patterson Hood, Mike Cooley and the rest of the group. Looking forward to the band's new record, soon to be released in 2008.

Favorite bar/club

Anywhere on Upper King: I suppose that's cheating, but that's the area of town where I like to go out.

Favorite restaurant

Taco Boy, 15 Center St. Folly Beach, 588-9761: Love the fish tacos, and a great place to check out some beach culture. It's also easy on the wallet.

Favorite Web site

www.ndbc.noaa.gov: I like to surf, fish and boat, whenever I get the chance. Here, you'll find the local marine weather forecast for our area, and all over the continental U.S., for that matter. So, I suppose I'm a bit of a weather geek. Oh, and Preview's site is looking good these days, too.

Favorite event attended

'Scottish Games and Highland Gathering 2007,' Sept. 20, Boone Hall Plantation: I'm embarrassed to admit this was the first time I've attended this event, but it was great. 'Amazing Grace' on the bagpipes, guys throwing telephone poles around (the caber toss competitions), and lots of plaid. The kids loved checking out the plantation, too. A really cool event.

Least favorite song of 2007

The Chipmunks — 'Big Girls Don't Cry,' by Fergie: The Fergie version of this song is bad enough, but add Alvin and the boys, and it's as painful as a mouth full of bees. If you don't believe me, check this version on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0chKJZmGCk, or keyword search 'Fergie' and 'Chipmunks.'

Most irritating celebrity of 2007

LinDsay Lohan: By a long shot. I'm sorry she's got problems, really. But she has rich people problems, and that can be particularly irritating to those of us without millions of dollars. If I had that much cash, I'd ditch the fame, and purchase a quiet waterfront home in an undisclosed Lowcountry location.

Devin Grant

The guy who's seen a lot more bands than you have. (editor's note).

Top two albums

"Raising Sand," Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Rounder: The last two singers I would have ever expected to collaborate have made my favorite album of 2007. Plant dials it down a notch and Krauss turns it up a bit, and when the two meet in the middle the sounds are heavenly.

"100 Days, 100 Nights," Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Daptone Records: Every song on this insanely good R&B throwback album sounds like a Stax remake thanks to Jones superb vocals. This is all original stuff though, and the Dap Kings are so spectacular, you'll swear the Funk Brothers were back in the studio.

Top two movies

"Eastern Promises": Leave it to director David Cronenberg to put his own distinct stamp on the gangster film genre. Viggo Mortensen should get the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of a member of the Russian mafia. Easily the best movie I saw this year.

"No Country for Old Men": I will go to see any film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen ("Raising Arizona," "Fargo," "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"), but this unconventional thriller is the duo's best yet. Josh Brolin is great as a guy in the wrong place at the wrong time, but it is the villain, played by Javier Bardem, who steals the show. Dig that haircut.

Top two concerts

The 2007 Bonnaroo Festival, a farm in Manchester, Tenn., June 14-17: I went to see the Police, and I wasn't disappointed by that performance. But the beauty of Bonnaroo was that I got to see dozens of other acts, including great sets by the White Stripes, Wilco, Mavis Staples, Flaming Lips, Tool, to name a few. I am already planning a return in 2008.

Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Joe Ely, and Guy Clark, North Charleston Performing Arts Center Jan. 26: Four of the country's finest songwriters together on stage trading stories and songs. Any of these guys alone on stage would have been a treat. The four together were sublime.

Favorite bar/club

Gene's Haufbrau 817 Savannah Hwy., 225-4363: Great food, plenty of beer, and a laid-back attitude keep me coming back. Oh, and it is within walking distance of my house. The fact that it is now smoke-free is icing on the cake.

Favorite restaurant

Fiery Ron's Home Team BBQ 1205 Ashley River Rd., 225-7427: You know how Homer Simpson sort of nods off and drools when he tastes something good? I actually did that the first time I tried the barbecue at this joint. They also have the best collard greens I have ever tasted, and the owners book cool bands, such as the Asylum Street Spankers. Best of all, the place is mere blocks from my house. Mmmm … barbecue.

Favorite Web site

icanhascheezburger.com: Everyone I send to this site at first looks at me as if I were crazy. However, once they begin to peruse the cute pictures of kitties with grammatically incorrect captions, they start to giggle, then laugh out loud. Yeah, I know it's stupid, but after a lousy day I can look at a couple of pages and laugh.

Favorite event attended

The CNN/YouTube Democratic Debate after party, July 23 at the Charleston Visitor Center: Getting to watch the first CNN/YouTube Debate in person at The Citadel was cool, but not nearly as cool as the swanky after-party thrown by Google. The Bus Shed at the downtown Visitor Center was transformed into an oasis of sights, sounds and tastes. One could sample all kinds of food and drink, play pool, surf the Web, or walk barefoot through the real sod that made up the floor of one of the chambers. My wife still can't stop talking about it.

Least favorite song of 2007

Beautiful Girls, Sean Kingston, Sony: Dude, shut up already about the "beeyooteeful" girls. This insipid pop song haunted my dreams after just one listen. Oh, and while you're at it, Ben E. King wants his riff back.

Most irritating celebrities of 2007

Donald Trump and Rosie O'Donnell: It seemed that at times there were more people interested in that pair's petty arguments than the war in Iraq, the crisis in Darfur or our own economy. That is truly scary.