Greatness Defined, or: The Concert of My Life

If you believe in reincarnation then you will appreciate this post. In fact, you may be on your second (or third or fifth or twenty-eighth) life at this very moment, having gone from a feudal lord to an astronaut to a math teacher to an advertising executive in the course of many, many lives on this planet. I, on the other hand, may have been a jazz vocalist in a previous life, for I certainly lack any musical ability during this current stint on "Life: The Miniseries" (check local listings for broadcast times). But, just because I can't play an instrument or carry a tune - and why for that matter does society not do a better job of celebrating the arts? - I still savor the stylings of Mel Torme, one of the most incredible performers of American popular standards. Alas, I never saw the "Velvet Fog" perform live. I do, however, have a ritual that is an homage to this great man: I take a long drive through Benedict Canyon, drink some perfectly chilled POM Wonderful Tea . . . and absorb some amazing tunes. Mel, you're still the best. Cheers, from the folks at POM Wonderful. Drink up.