Isabelle Drake

So, let’s talk bucks, but not the kind you save—unless you’re saving up for a new cocktail shaker. A buck is this fabulous little concoction that mixes up a spirit, a zesty citrus twist, and a splash of ginger ale or ginger beer. Legend has it the name comes from the old-school Horse’s Neck, which was just ginger ale. When folks started adding a kick of liquor, it became known as a “buck” because, well, it kicked things up a notch. These drinks are like the chameleons of the cocktail world—refreshing and infinitely customizable, which explains their bar-side popularity. Now, bucks have been around since the mid-1800s and were originally all about whiskey. But guess what? Any spirit can join the party. If you’ve ever sipped on a Moscow Mule (vodka) or a Dark ’n Stormy (rum), congratulations—you’ve already tasted a buck! Brandies, tequilas, and even aquavits can get in on the action. Enter the Gin Buck, the classic choice for when you want to channel your inner flapper. This sweet, bubbl...

  In June I attended a research institute in Ohio. It was a scholarly thing, populated by grad students and independent researchers all studying some aspect of pop culture. My research project was on Betty and Veronica from the Archie Comics prior to and after the Comics Code Authority approval process.  While I was passing through the stacks, I spotted a shelf filled with issues of True Story , a confession genre magazine I published with in the very beginning of my writing career. Naturally, I had to make a video - see above. The confession magazines printed stories they claimed to be the darkest confessions from all around the world. Looking back now, I think they are much like the reality shows of today. The stories fill the same niche. At the time, I was all about the money and learning to be a writer.

  Looking forward to spending the day, Saturday, July 27, at Sterlingfest’sannual author book sale . I’ll be there all day, 10-4, at the Greater Detroit Romance Writers table. Location: Sterling Heights Public Library.