Its hard to hold off writing the annual “end of year” Great List when holiday decorations start to go up all over town the 1st Saturday in November.  I held off a little while but ultimately gave in.  Here goes……

Moneyball — great movie about a great sports story, simply told.  Brad Pitt and Phillip Seymour Hoffman fans get to see them too.

Hirsch 25 yr old Rye Whiskey & High West 21 yr old Rye Whisky — somehow when a bourbon bar opens down the street from your office, the brown liquor drinking standards seem to race sky ward.  Mine soared.

The Tedeschi Trucks Band — after years of playing in their individual (or everybody else’s) bands — blues singer/guitarist Susan Tedeschi and her powerhouse guitar playing husband Derek Trucks tossed a monster group of musicians together in the studio, and then on the bus, to take their new band (and new record, Revelator) for a spin.  I saw them in NYC at The Beacon Theatre.  Easily the best of the MANY shows/concerts I was this year.  Just marvelous music.  Watch some.  http://youtu.be/-wVWjl9Kq6U

Randall Bramblett’s song “Nobody’s Problem Now” — If you don’t know Randall’s music, immediately add it to your holiday gift list.   Amazing stuff.  Start with his newest CD “Thin Places” and the 1st song “Nobody’s Problem Now”.  I won’t spoil it for you by talking about it more.  Go listen. http://youtu.be/bxXpUvr1FJU.  “You take a long deep breath, and blow it out, slow”.

Patagonia Tennis Shoes — the official dress shoe of New Kent Capital (well at least in my part of it).  Comfortable, weather friendly, look great new and beat-up.  Mine went all over the U.S from business meetings, to weddings — even propped up on the ottoman by the lazy boy.

Maialino NYC (at The Gramercy Park Hotel) — with the daughter’s move to NYC and a good year for PE/VC firms, I’ve spent a lot more time than usual in NYC.  Best meals while there were at Maialino, part of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality group.  Thanks folks — always stunning. www.maialinonyc.com

Table & Main (1028 Canton Street in Roswell) — we bought a very old building, carefully did a complete rehab and were lucky enough to have Ryan & Ted  come drop a fantastic simple, seasonal, southern restaurant inside it.  I’m very proud of them both and their addition to Canton Street.  PS — they also have a great bourbon bar  www.tableandmain.com

we&co (iPhone app and web site) — don’t forget to thank the people that make your world go ’round.  This simple iPhone app let’s you applaud those that give great service — and it let’s those doing it connect with their best customers and fans.  What a great idea.

The 2011 World Series — eveything you want the payoffs to be from beginning to end (except having the Braves hang along for the fun a little longer).  Congrats to the Cardinals.

Hourly weather forecasts on the iPhone weather app — not sure why this took so long but I really like it.  Now if they’d just add email groups to the address book……

Banks Dropping $3 – $5 monthly Debit Card fees — nice try but……  No one is in the mood to see banks make any more money.  Something about a bailout stills finds a raw spot.  Power to the people.

Hubbard Peanut Company’s (Hubs) Sweet and Spicy peanuts — for years Hubs have been the Curling family holiday food and gift of choice.  This year Hubs added two new selections – Sweet and Spicy & Chocolate Covered peanuts.  What to get for the man (or woman) that has everything (available in 12oz, 20oz or 32oz cans). www.hubspeanuts.com

Steve Jobs biography by Walter Isaacson — not just fantastic because of the puzzlement that was Steve Jobs, but Isaacson interviews everybody who was anybody in the development of the home computer industry and this book is filled with back story and business insight.  Many, many memorable quotes.

Shafer 1999 Hillside Select — I have, and drink, my share of vino.  The best bottle I opened this year was a 1999 Shafer Hillside Select I had stashed for a memorable tasting.  It was.

Breville coffeemakers & Emeril k-cups —I love making one cup of coffee at a time.  Everybody loves being able to choose their own blend.  Win win.  My favorite is Emeril’s Big Easy Bold (although Newman’s Special Bold is pretty tasty too).  No thanks – I’ll pass on the cream and sugar but every now and then a little Kahlua is pretty nice.

The Tea Party & Occupy Wall Street movements — who says an off election year has to be boring.  Left or Right – you choose.  Whacky stuff for all of us.

Stirrings Simple Margarita mix — I can’t keep this stuff in the house.  Real key lime juice and cane sugar.  Just add mexican magic juice and you’re all set.  I get mine at Roswell Beverage!

And last but not least — the best quote of 2011 “Bad People Rarely Win”.  You betcha.

Happy Holidays !  Cheers !  DC