Kevin Marshall's America
BEST BLOG (Times Union)
AMANDA TALAR
As much as I love a lot of the TU blogs (including recent additions like A History of Here and Daniel Nester), there’s no denying that reader-blogger Amanda Talar is a machine that was constructed in a lab to create evocative reading material.
Amanda’s writing is consistently entertaining and, more importantly, honest in a way that few others are. She’d shrug off the suggestion that it’s brave, and maybe it’s not; for those that have her natural gift for the written word and motivation to consistently churn out intriguing pieces of self-examination, often it’s not even thought about.
Either way, it’s a Hell of a blog and hands down the most consistently intriguing one in our little circle at the TU.
NOTE: It should be noted that 2010 also brought a loss to the TU blogosphere when fellow blogger Jay Gallagher passed away. Much of his struggle – and passing – was chronicled on his blog, which I hope can bring comfort and solace to all who suffer from cancer or know the pain of seeing a loved one fall to it. Though I never had the pleasure of meeting the man, I was definitely a fan. Rest in peace, Mr. Gallagher.
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BEST BLOG (non-TU)
FUSSYlittleBLOG
There is definitely an audience for foodie blogs, since in the last two years they’ve broken out in an epidemic of food snapshots and amateur critiques.
That audience isn’t me.
This is largely due to the fact that I have the palette of a toddler and am less than refined in my tastes. I also find many of them to be, from a pure writing standpoint, uninspired and droll. Unless your name is AJ Liebling, I’m not interested in reading your descriptions (or lack thereof) and thoughts on food. Also, if you’re AJ Liebling, you’re not blogging at all because you sir have been dead for years.
FUSSYlittleBLOG is the lone exception. I think it’s because its author, Daniel B., inserts so much of his own personality into it. I’ve met him a couple times and he’s an engaging and fascinating individual.
What’s most most disarming to many – including myself at times – is that much of what he says seems off the cuff, but the more you read or talk to him the more you realize he’s thought long and hard about his stances. His prose is light, but still comes across as educated and reasoned.
It’s his conviction, as well as his highly underrated talents as a writer, that make him the exception to my non-foodie reading interests and the best blog in the 518.
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8 Responses to Best TU Blog of the 2010: Amanda Talar & FUSSYlittleBLOG
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strangest blog authors picture… Kev, buddy you take the cake !
Wow. Thank you, Kevin. This is truly flattering and what amazingly kind words! You made my day.
*grabs mic* I just want to take this moment to thank all bloggers…on the TU and beyond for inspiring me and offering an escape and place to visit. I’d also like to thank the readers…for giving me a bigger reason to write. I’d like to thank Taylor Swift for being so damn annoying but yet interesting enough to find her way into 45% of my blog posts as a reference. And finally, I would like to thank Kevin Marshall, for hosting such lovely awards this year. Open bar rocks. *hands mic to Daniel B.*
I’m with ya on that Amanda thing, Kev. That girl can write. I think it helps that she sees the magic in Phil Mickelson better than she used to, too.
Gman — Totally. Phil is the man :)
You nailed it again. Amanda’s is hands-down the best TU Blog.
It’s true – Amanda rocks! Admit it, you’ve got a little crush… we all do.
Amanda is most certainly the most entertaining. I enjoy ready every one of her blogs. She’s an amazingly talented writer.
Kevin, this is high praise indeed. I can’t remember the last time I was called engaging and fascinating.
Quirky, yes. That guy who just talks and talks about food, most definitely. And I’ve been called much much worse.
But I like what you called me better.
Thank you. In 2011 I will continue to try and be my best. And maybe I’ll even get a chance to meet this Amanda person. I do keep meaning to attend these TU blogger events, but I’m kind of afraid that Mike Huber is going to punch me in the kidneys for falling behind on the Guilderland Blog.