In Search of the Champagne Life
by Jennifer Barnick

 Click here for introductory column

The Better Drink Turns One

         Welcome to another new issue of The Better Drink. Summer 2005 marks our one-year anniversary, and we could not be more pleased. This magazine genuinely has been a labor of love and I have many, many people to thank who have been integral to the process, growth, and continuation of this brave adventure I call “the magazine”. Oh, how many people have heard me say that phrase “the magazine” over the course of this past year. As the editor I had one mission and that was to make each new issue better than the last and with this issue I believe I have achieved my goal. The contributors of this issue all deserve mansions and yachts for their hard work and incredible writing…and instead of big cars and Rolex watches they get paltry checks and calls from me asking where their rough draft is. I still am so utterly honored by the dedication and brilliance of my staff and by the many other contributors I convince to write for the magazine. I owe you all some of my cooking and lots of my wine! Thank you. Thank you. One million times over.

         Our Sparkling Wine Section has grown a bit, and I am proud to present a brand new column: Industry News. The interview for this issue was done by none other than our illustrious Paul Donaldson who interviewed the ultimate Champagne Lifer Liz Dueland. Also I would like to thank Liz for taking time out from her incredibly packed schedule to do the interview. Personally, I was inspired by Liz’s energy and her immense sense of personal integrity…a true Better Drinker! Paul, you know you are awesome and I am really wondering when you are going to take over the world. The amazing father and son team Dr. James and Dr. Timothy Smith wrote an impressive feature for this issue: “War in Champagne”. Definitely check this one out. My two impeccable gents really put their hearts into this assignment and one will not find a better historical survey regarding the history of war in the Champagne Region.

         Our First Person section is, once again, amazing. Many of my original staffers contributed, and we all saw just how much they have grown as writers over this past year and how much I have improved as an editor. Suzie Sims-Fletcher wrote the “goodbye” of our “HelloGoodbye” column and it is amazing. She tackles the complex emotional relationship one has with their roommates…for roommates are not family, lovers, or even really friends and yet the bond is often as strong. J. Blake Gordon wrote the “hello” this time around and tackled an extremely delicate issue regarding beauty and attraction and love. I was so completely proud and surprised by Mr. Gordon’s bravery in his piece and his willingness to be honest both with us, the readers, and with himself. Anna Luciano is back giving us a great ride through her life, and we get to join her on a champagne drenched slumber party. I don’t know about anyone else, but nothing to me sounds like more fun. Fredrik Bergström is back with a grandly researched and finely tuned manifesto regarding architecture. I love Fred! He is intense, and sensitive, and really (with some convincing) gave us all a “Passion Forum” that will not soon be forgotten. Lastly, Dave Brown, my long time friend and most loyal staffer, has written The Better Drink’s newest column “Life Before Ten”. Dave takes us on a funny, deviant flash back to his youth. It is a great read, and I found this new addition to the First Person section really does place one back into ones little shoes.

         Our Art and Literature section is truly one of our best ever. Painter and gallery owner Heather Somershein shares with us a collection of her complex and beautiful works. She is a very busy woman, and I was amazed just how much time and enthusiasm she lent us in putting the show together. This is one art show not to miss so please check out Heather’s work in this issue’s “Marcia Reed Virtual Gallery”. Ian Detlefsen returns to The Better Drink with one of the darkest, funniest short stories I have read in a long time. Do not skip the fiction section of this issue…this sci-fi story is (I repeat) is not to be missed. You will be grossed out, intrigued and you will laugh hysterically…a rare combination to be sure! Poet Felipe Victor Martinez is also back with two of his poems. Felipe as a poet is of rare enthusiasm and dedication. I feel honored that he has shared a few of his newest poems with us and I heartily recommend you all read them.

         I would also like to thank all of my friends and family including the behind the scenes efforts of Felisha Foster in spreading the good news…The Better Drink. This past year has involved more time and work than I could have ever imagined when I decided to join forces with Dr. Timothy Smith. Making this issue was intense for Dr. Smith and I and we both feel that we have really only just begun with what we could achieve with The Better Drink. We are both still so incredibly stunned and honored by all of the great response and support we have received from friends, family, our writers, and especially our readers.

         Thanks Tim we’ve made it a whole year….

         Jennifer Barnick, Editor

P.S. And for you my beloved Sailors and Patrons our journey towards the Champagne Life will commence this Wednesday, May 18th...so pack your bags, kiss your best girl goodbye, and prepare to set sail!