Whiskey in the jAAR - Part Deux-twa

[Chac1]

The ancient one realized he perhaps had imbibed too much mezcal. He gathered his robes about himself self-consciously. One minute he was at the bar, then the next he was by the fireplace. @StrategyGameEnthusiast had popped in and out. The magic and the alcohol were both confusing him a bit. He had stayed quiet because he knew his tongue could betray him. He had said more than a few things here that he had come to regret, not to mention passing out. His constitution wasn't what it was in his younger days.

However, he was moved to speak by the emotional history revealed by @Lord Durham , the relatively new owner of the bAAR.

"We should toast to your mentor and friend, LD," Chac raised his voice and his glass with the remaining mezcal. Even though he knew he should be sipping, the ancient one felt compelled to down what was left in his glass. That soon gave him more energy to give another full-throated response to what Lord Durham had revealed.

"I once lost a friend, a dear friend the same way. Difficult way to pass. But may your friend Howard go as easily as possible, LD. If you send us the link, we can all check out the anthology in his honor once it has been published. It will be great to see The Marsh God and your new essay," Chac noted. "Thank you for sharing this difficult news. But what is this bAAR for if not to discuss the comings and goings of authors, editors, friends, and mentors? Seems appropriate we give you and your friend a toast. I'd say a free round to all, but all the drinks are always free, so I'll just say thank you again for keeping this placing running and sharing with us."

At that, the ancient one realized he had been standing and kept his glass raised. He put the glass down on a side table and slumped into one of the leather chairs near the fireplace. "Oh, and thanks for bringing up the great ballgame too, LD. Yes, the English term is 'pok-ta-pok' but we always called it 'pitz.' Yes, the most popular game from Arizona to Nicaragua for more than a thousand years. You know, only the special games for the clerics or a great chief would end in that bloody way we don't need to discuss and those games might not even happen annually. Most of the time, folks just ended up injured. The ball was quite heavy. Those television ratings folks don't know what they're missing though. Isn't that magic box already filled with a lot of bloody spectacle already?"

At that, he settled back in the chair and became very silent for a stretch.

 

[jak7139]

Jak turned and greeted LD, glad he had joined the discussion. Hearing about LD's editor and friend, Jak spoke up.

"I'm sorry to hear that, LD. Sometimes life can be such a shock. But it's good to have places, like here, to talk about things." Jak then nodded, agreeing with Chac's assertion that a toast was needed. He put down his mug and filled a glass. "To your friend and mentor, Howard Jones. May the end, when it comes, bring comfort and peace."

Jak found a chair nearby and sat, nursing his drink.

 

[Chac1]

The ancient one struggled out of his chair, realizing he was very tipsy. He thought about going to get some cider at the bar but decided that would be a foolish errand. Instead, he turned and looked at @jak7139 .

"Congratulations on being one of only two folks to cast a complete ballot in the ACAs. The other being @coz1 , the longtime manager and bartender here who has since retired from those duties," Chac noted a little too loudly for the three-person huddle of writAARs gathered near the fireplace in the bAAR. "As the signalman is not here, I urge everyone to vote before the deadline runs out on Sunday."

He wavered a bit as he turned to @Lord Durham . "Pity more folks have not come to honor your friend. I must apologize on everyone's behalf. As we have discussed, AARland isn't what it used to be. Gatherings and interactivity don't seem as important these days."

He could see LD nodding his head, but the ancient one's vision was starting to swim. He couldn't find the strength to stay on his feet. He plopped down unceremoniously in his leather chair and fought hard to keep from blacking out.

"Too much good mezcal," he thought to himself dreamily.

 

[coz1]

...the longtime manager and bartender here who has since retired from those duties...

Retired as Mod. Never retired as tendAAR.

 

[jak7139]

"Congratulations on being one of only two folks to cast a complete ballot in the ACAs. The other being @coz1

Jak accepted the Ancient One's praise, but felt he should add a caveat.

"I have to thank @coz1 as well. Without him, my ballot would still be missing a spot. I looked high and low in the Vic 2 and 3 forums, but couldn't find something else to put there. Then he put @Eurasia's Japan AAR on there, and I went and checked it out. I like what I've read so far. It's good. But I think I'm also reaching the limit on the number of AARs I can actively comment on and keep up with."

He wavered a bit as he turned to @Lord Durham . "Pity more folks have not come to honor your friend. I must apologize on everyone's behalf. As we have discussed, AARland isn't what it used to be. Gatherings and interactivity don't seem as important these days."

Hearing the comment, Jak shook his head.

"Wasn't there more activity, even a year ago? I feel like maybe there was. But perhaps folks are just busy this time of year. Too busy, even, to stop and take a drink. Or maybe they come to the bAAR to forget about the struggles of 'the outside world.' And hearing of the news of LD's friend, was too delicate a subject. They did not know how to react. But this is all speculation. I'm sure no one meant offense. It's just...difficult, sometimes, to know the right words to say."

He noticed @Chac1's head start to nod. Yawning himself, Jak decided they both needed a rest. He set his drink down and went off to find somewhere to nap.

 

[Lord Durham]

LD regards Sleepy @Chac1, the Ancient One™ slumped in the leather chair, chin resting on his chest, a line of drool sliding from his half-open mouth. "Remind me to stay away from the mezcal," he mutters. "Thanks for those kind words," he continues, before realizing the man is happily snoring away. Raising a glass to @jak7139, he says, "And thank you, too. Perhaps you are right about it being a delicate subject. I tend to forget that most of the new blood here don't know me from Adam. They weren't here when I literally launched my career thanks to these forums. The vast majority who were with me back then are gone now. So, yeah, I think you are right."

Reaching for another drink as @jak7139 wandered off for a nap, he said to the sudden apparition that was @coz1, "On another note, I have taken direct ownership of the Weekly AAR Showcase, formerly run by CatKnight, and Best Character Writer of the Week, formerly run by unmerged, AKA Fenwick. Both are long gone, but shouldn't be forgotten." With that, LD relaxed to the multiple sounds of snoring.

 

[Chac1]

The ancient one snorted loudly in his sleep. His snorting was so loud it woke him. He startled fully awake in the comfy leather wingback chair. He looked around and quickly surmised the bAAR was deserted. Seeing the words of @Lord Durham left on one of the electronic screens, he hastily wiped the drool away from his face with his hand and then rubbed it on his robes, not thinking to look for a napkin.

How many times was he going to pass out in the bAAR? "That mezcal is wonderful but dangerous," he thought to himself.

"And I'm not sure what that dream with @coz1 eternally tending bar here was all about," he shook his head trying to clear it. "Was he real or a ghostly apparition conjured by the mezcal?"

Then he noticed a more personal note pinned to his robes. Carefully, he unpinned it. He unfolded it and read, chuckled and then almost cried a bit. He gathered himself. He realized he was often emotional after awaking in such conditions. His face slowly turned crimson, embarrassed by his snoring, snorting and drooling.

"Such is the way of an old man, I suppose," Chac said to no one in particular as he tucked the note from LD into his pocket.

But he paused. He thought for a moment and retrieved the note. He folded the note carefully in two places so he could separate one section, then he carefully tore the note along the folds. Quickly, he paced over to the bulletin board and pinned up the important section from what LD had written.

"The deep thinkers and writers are over in the SolAARium discussing how to write scenes, characters and other strategies. Join @jak7139 and me when you emerge from your coma."

The ancient one was happy to post the invitation, thinking it was not just for him, but everyone in AARland. But he thought better than to attend just now. He still had a long list of goals after his travels. He had much reading to do. And he was evaluating his own writing, thinking he should rewrite some chapters because they seemed rushed.

"Too much to do," he rasped to himself and shook his head.

But he remembered to go to the jukebox before he made his exit. "I'll take Jak's suggestion and try to the cider next time," he vowed. Then he punched in his selection and left, as the screens changed from American football, hockey, and basketball to a music video from decades in the past.

"Goodnight Song" by Tears for Fears

 

[Chac1]

A month had gone by and the bAAR lay empty.

The ancient one bustled into the place carrying large paper bags and set them down near where @coz1 often appeared behind the counter. The ancient one was glad folks had wandered off to the SolAARium for some excellent discussions kicked off by @Director on a variety of subjects but those too had fizzled out some time ago.

Immediately, he went to the bulletin board. After fishing in the inner pocket of his robe he found the paper he was looking for and immediately tacked it to the cork board.

Register Your Votes!
The 2024 Yearly AARland Year-end AwAARds (the YAYAs) are underway.
Vote for your favorite AARs in a variety of categories by Feb. 8, 2025.
Rules & details here: https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/threads/the-2024-yearly-aarland-year-end-awaards.1715216/​

"I know folks think it is too early, but time to get working on those ballots, no doubt," Chac1 muttered to himself. "I still have a lot of reading to do to try to fill my ballot out."

He thought of the Signalman and hoped he was doing well wherever in the world he might be. He made a mental note to get back into the Stellaris sub-forum and find the Signalman's latest works. They were on his reading list.

"@Macavity116 is so prolific. You have to work hard to keep up," he remarked to himself again as he stayed determined to his mission.

He searched around behind the bar and found the jug of cider that @jak7139 had recommended. He poured out a hefty portion into a giant mug. Then he searched for the right spice in the area behind the counter devoted to special additives for drinks. He found what he was looking for there: a stick of cinnamon. He broke it in two and plopped it in the mug. Then he went to find one of the magic boxes. This one they called "the microwave." He spun the dials like an expert. (He had been living in this time period for more than two years. Despite his age he had learned a thing or two.) As the cider cooked briefly, he went to take items out of the bags he had brought.

"I really should be preparing for a proper Wajxaqib' B'atz," he thought to himself, but then he remembered the disaster of the flooding that had hit the bAAR when the Signalman's characters had been let loose in this reality. Thinking of that made him realize the bAAR was not the proper place for blessings and prayers, even if sacred waters were involved. He shook his head. He agreed nothing bigger than a bucket of water for mopping should ever be allowed in the bAAR. He would have to find his own way on his spiritual needs. Maybe saying prayers near that large inland sea that bordered the city would suffice, although coping with the seasonal cold was definitely an issue for someone always wearing robes.

Putting those thoughts aside, he pulled the various decorations he had purchased out of the large bags. Certainly, the bags held mostly Christmas decorations. Even though the ancient one was not a follower of any Christian religion he understood that was the dominant cultural force in this place and so he bowed to that convention. But the decorations he had brought with him included menorahs for Hanukkah, candles and wreaths themed to match with Kwanzaa, and even miniature Buddhas to mark Bohdi Day, although it had already passed. Best to make sure everyone was included. He spread the decorations out on the counter top thinking about how he would set them up to make the place festive.

Then he went back to the magic box to retrieve his warm cider. He warmed his hands against the side of the huge mug and that sensation of warmth coursed through his body. A smile crept across his weary face. Finally, he took a sip and was rewarded with a burst of warm pleasure across his taste buds. This was exactly the right drink for a cold, chilly place like Detroit, he noted. He also thought about telling Jak this was the right prescription for what ailed him at the moment as he sought warmth.

As the various hockey and basketball contests, along with a sole U.S. football game played out across the electronic screens across the bAAR, the ancient one set down his cider and went hunting for the broom and dust rags. He resolved to get the dust out of the place before setting up the decorations. But once he had gathered those items, he remembered, it was best to work to music. He was not much for turning the sound on for any of the games, but a good song was always a way to make the work go quicker.

He went to the jukebox to make his selection:

"Are You Gonna Go My Way" by Lenny Kravitz

"That should do the trick," he smiled to himself and began the clean up before the decorating.

 

[jak7139]

Stirring from somewhere in the backrooms, Jak heard the sound of some music. His favorite kind of music, some nice, good rock & roll. Bobbing his head to the beat, he came out to the main room and greeted @Chac1.

"Nice choice," he complemented. "Not very Christmasy though." He smiled. He had a plan to fix that. But first, he decided to help with decorate and clean. They could chat and work at the same time. Hopefully it goes better than in the movies, he thought.

"It's never too early to work on your YAYA ballot," he agreed. "Just make sure you read the date correctly, or you could get called out." He hoped the Ancient One knew he was joking. He was glad the Mayan had said something earlier, in that other place.

"@Macavity116's latest AAR is excellent. There's also a brief prequel that isn't necessary for the other story, but certainly gives some nice background. If you're someone who likes an evil, awful, make-your-skin-crawl antagonist, then you'll certainly enjoy it."

He suddenly had a thought. "Has anyone ever written a Christmas AAR? What would that even look like?"

With the jukebox now silent, Jak made his own selection. "Hope you enjoy."

*
"Please Come Home for Christmas" by The Eagles​

With the music, the decorations, the conversation, and even a fire going under the old chimney, the bAAR was alive and active once again. Maybe some others would join in, maybe not. But Jak was glad that Chac had started the effort.

 

[StrategyGameEnthusiast]

"Has anyone ever written a Christmas AAR? What would that even look like?"

Mr. SGE teleports to the bAAR, and upon hearing this question, suggests:

"For CK, a Christmas-themed religion based in Lapland"
"For EU, building an Empire based only in the Arctic Circle"
"For Victoria, playing as Jan Mayen"
"For HOI, having the world leaders do Secret Santa"

Mr. SGE teleports away from the bAAR.

 

[Macavity116]

"Has anyone ever written a Christmas AAR? What would that even look like?"

Unable to resist the urge to eavesdrop, the Signalman pokes his head out from between the bookshelves of the Inkwell offers a suggestion:

For a Stellaris AAR, the answer is obvious. Santa Claus is a Fanatic Xenophile and someone convinced him to expand his operation Galaxy-wide. Then an empire of space-elves notices his workforce and launches a Liberation War against the North Pole.

 

[Macavity116]

With the jukebox now silent, Jak made his own selection. "Hope you enjoy."

A fun selection.

The Signalman makes his own selection at the jukebox.

This one's from an old Christmas musical... the one and only time I ever got to be an actor in a stageplay, and this song seems rather appropriate now that the big holiday is a little less than two weeks out.

*
"Three Hundred Sixty-Four Days" by Dan Goggin,
performed by the World Premiere Cast of Nuncrackers - The Nunsense Christmas musical​

 

[Chac1]

The ancient one's spirit was further warmed by the appearance of so many good folks in the bAAR. At least three or four, depending upon how you counted the zapped in and out appearance of @StrategyGameEnthusiast . Perhaps with SGE popping in and out the real count was 3.5, but no matter. The bAAR was open, holiday cheer was apparent, and ideas were being swapped.

Now the ancient one smiled broadly. Just this small gathering was enough for him to understand the warmth of the season.

"It's never too early to work on your YAYA ballot," he agreed. "Just make sure you read the date correctly, or you could get called out." He hoped the Ancient One knew he was joking. He was glad the Mayan had said something earlier, in that other place.

"Glad you know I meant well, my young friend," Chac1 responded. "Thanks so much for helping with the decorations. Couldn't have done it without you and your good ideas. By the way, I asked the Microsoft Copilot AI system to render what it thinks the bAAR looks like with the decorations and this was the best result."

"I must say, I'm not sure why the AI wants to include so much U.S. football on the magic screens but there you go," Chac1 mused. "And are those the Dallas Cowboys or the Detroit Lions? The helmets are too murky."

"@Macavity116's latest AAR is excellent. There's also a brief prequel that isn't necessary for the other story, but certainly gives some nice background. If you're someone who likes an evil, awful, make-your-skin-crawl antagonist, then you'll certainly enjoy it."

"Thanks for the recommendation, Jak," Chac1 replied. "It is definitely in the reading queue. But I am still back-reading AARs that I missed during my travels. The best in the Stellaris zone for me right now is Secrets of Kni’thokon by @crisrko . However, there are others there and elsewhere that I have yet to open."

He suddenly had a thought. "Has anyone ever written a Christmas AAR? What would that even look like?"

"For CK, a Christmas-themed religion based in Lapland"
"For EU, building an Empire based only in the Arctic Circle"
"For Victoria, playing as Jan Mayen"
"For HOI, having the world leaders do Secret Santa"

Mr. SGE teleports away from the bAAR.

For a Stellaris AAR, the answer is obvious. Santa Claus is a Fanatic Xenophile and someone convinced him to expand his operation Galaxy-wide. Then an empire of space-elves notices his workforce and launches a Liberation War against the North Pole.

"These are great ideas," Chac1 exclaimed. "I especially like SGE's idea of the CK AAR in Lapland. Of course, the Sámi would be there not only herding reindeer but riding them into battle! And what if you merged SGE's idea with the one from the Signalman?

"Or maybe we could convince @TheButterflyComposer to put a Secret Santa scene into his ongoing HoI4 AAR?"

The ancient one was out of breath from giggling and saying so much about these great comedic ideas. He huffed and puffed for a moment to regain his breath.

"Actually, I hope folks don't mind," he began as he regained his composure, "but I did write a CK2 chapter around a Jul feast with an unexpected result and then there was the missing part of that Jul chapter that came out during the holidays last year. But those are not exactly festive tales."

"Nice choice," he complemented. "Not very Christmasy though." He smiled. He had a plan to fix that. But first, he decided to help with decorate and clean. They could chat and work at the same time. Hopefully it goes better than in the movies, he thought.

"Please Come Home for Christmas" by The Eagles​

"Yes, that Eagles' song is a sentimental favorite," Chac1 agreed. "Great choice. I do think our efforts have gone better than those film scenes. I did like the funny song from the Signalman too. This has been some good fun. I do hope you know, Jak, I chose that first song not as something seasonal but as something that might attract folks into the bAAR. But now that the seasonal music is flowing, something eclectic from me that might be appropriate in a watering hole for gamers and writers at this time of year."

"Star Wars: Imperial March & Carol of the Bells (Epic Version)" by Samuel Kim Music

 

[coz1]

"There is a noticeable lack of an ashtray at the back of that bAAR," coz1 skews an eye towards the graphic, yet gives nod over the decorations, "Applaud I do the festivities nonetheless."

He rounds the counter and produces one from underneath, and wipes it down with the fabled Dirty Rag (TM), "filcat may be respectful and take his outside, but I shall not adhere to such restrictions. At least in this place, I can smoke freely and no one gets any second hand."

coz then turns to jak, "It may be forgiven that it is unknown these long many years later, but this work does include 'Christmas in Wolgast' in the first post."

*The work was an homage to The Lion in Winter.

 

[filcat]

You correct more of your mistakes, grammatical, semantic, typographical, lexical, syntax, and the list goes on reaching no ends, while realising it would be syntactic, although you should check if that is correct and you should read more to learn more, you start again, identify cruder ones, but naah, you are not going to publish in any case, then you hear some chatter around. Drop the pen, leave the keyboard, wake up from the dreams, there is even Lenny Kravitz. Cool.

"Hey how ya doin' - "

Then you see what it is about.

(...) religion he understood that was the dominant cultural force in this place (...)

(...)christmas AAR(...)

<some christmas songs>

"Oh."

Spoiler: A'right. I'm out.

Still, on your way out, getting your coat, scarf, hat, and the lighter you lent to coz some time ago, murmuring to yourself narrative consistency matters, you check your pockets for a cigarette, finding the pack, pick one, and you push the door.

"Wishing all a happy new year in advance, though."

 

[coz1]

...and the lighter you lent to coz some time ago...

I gave it back to you as a present. Merry Christmas, @filcat.

 

[Lord Durham]

LD walks in from the back rooms dusting his hands. "Well, that's done." Noting the festivities, he reaches behind the bar and pours a generous helping of scotch. Seating himself in a Comfy Chair™, he produces the ever present tablet and checks off three items while muttering, "SolAARium index reorganized: check; Weekly AAR Showcase index shortened: check; Best Character Writer index shortened and reorganized: check. Won't be so much scrolling now." Putting the tablet aside, he takes a drink and settles back to listen to the music and relax. Now maybe I can get back to some AARs.

 

[coz1]

coz1 raises his head and tamps down the butt if his heater as LD enters the bAAR, "Always well done, sir. Yet scrolling is half the fun."

 

[jak7139]

Jak chuckles at @Chac1's rendering. "Perhaps the AI heard that this was a bar and automatically assumed 'sports bar.' And we're in Detroit, so I'd assume those would be the Detroit Lions. Regardless, it's a fun take."

He pours himself some cider, tapping the ceramic mug with his fingers. "I haven't started @crisrko's work yet, but I've heard good things. There are many great Stellaris AARs I haven't had the chance to read. It's a part of the forum I rarely visit sadly, not because of lack of quality, but because of lack of time."

Chac mentions his Jul chapter. Jak nods. "I remember reading that during my catch-up sessions. As you said, not very festive. But then, the Norse had different customs (especially the Danes in your AAR. Plots seem to follow them everywhere)."

As the jukebox plays the Star Wars selection, Jak searches the Inkwell and reads the chapter @coz1 pointed out. He quite enjoyed it. "Onto the reading list it goes..." he mutters. His list is long, too long. And time is always short. There's a certain other fella this time of year with a long list and not much time, he realizes. What an odd coincidence.

"Thanks, Coz, for pointing out your older AAR. Eighteen years ago, wow!"

As he's saying that, @filcat pops in for a second and leaves. Jak wonders if the Christmas music turned them off?

He thinks, I don't much like Christmas music if it's overplayed (and the radio stations always seem to only do the same few songs), but it's still early enough in the month that I haven't hit that point yet. Though my family's a bit late this year. We didn't get the Advent calendar out until a few days ago.

"Happy New Year, Filcat, everyone. And Merry Christmas." Jak smiles wide.

 

[Chac1]

The ancient one was enjoying the discussion, the music and the camaraderie. He wondered exactly how many people were in the bAAR and how to count the appearances of @StrategyGameEnthusiast and @filcat .

"Do they each count for a half a person?" he mumbled to himself while trying to tally on his fingers. "If so, do they actually add up to one person? Or is there an argument with so much energy expended for appearing and disappearing that they both account for two people and then they would be four? Or do you then have to divide that in half because they disappeared?"

He shook his head. He was unsure.

"Oh well, I'm glad at least more than a handful of folks have come back here," he blurted out. "We are especially lucky to have the founder with us and the former proprietor of the bAAR too who also has been here quite some time. Always good to have folks who can give us context and reveal further secrets of the bAAR like the private trapdoor @coz1 has behind the counter."

"SolAARium index reorganized: check; Weekly AAR Showcase index shortened: check; Best Character Writer index shortened and reorganized: check. Won't be so much scrolling now."

"You certainly don't hear this enough LD, but thank you for all you have done this past year. Getting AARland cleaned up and organized will make it a better place for everyone," Chac1 said effusively.

coz then turns to jak, "It may be forgiven that it is unknown these long many years later, but this work does include 'Christmas in Wolgast' in the first post."

"Yes, another one to add to the list," Chac1 agreed.

"Perhaps coz1 & LD could share if they know of other holiday AARs or chapters?"

"I haven't started @crisrko's work yet, but I've heard good things. There are many great Stellaris AARs I haven't had the chance to read. It's a part of the forum I rarely visit sadly, not because of lack of quality, but because of lack of time."

His list is long, too long. And time is always short.

"I have the same problem, especially after being away and traveling," Chac1 replied while hanging his head a bit. He gave the cider another sip.

"I promised @Rensslaer I would give his Rex Germania a read, and I have just started to catch up with that one, along with finishing my reading for the challenge of the YAYAs ballot," he noted.

"Oh."

Still, on your way out, getting your coat, scarf, hat, and the lighter you lent to coz some time ago, murmuring to yourself narrative consistency matters, you check your pockets for a cigarette, finding the pack, pick one, and you push the door.

"Wishing all a happy new year in advance, though."

As he's saying that, @filcat pops in for a second and leaves. Jak wonders if the Christmas music turned them off?

"I respect filcat's decision," Chac1 declared. "As someone who doesn't come from here and doesn't have that background, I think you have a choice. You can ignore Christmas. You can detest it. You can protest against it. I've taken those positions. Or embrace it, if you choose to do so. But it's each person's choice. This year, I've surrendered. Why fight when there is peace to make with others? That part of this season can transcend the commercialization and schmaltz. But I respect walking away from it. I hope he comes back if we can keep the celebration going into new year's though."

Then the ancient one had something rare: a revelation. But it was not connected to Christmas, at least directly.

"This is a bar, so we could share some fictional recipes for seasonal drinks. Maybe filcat will come back later with a recipe to share?" Chac1 hoped.

"I hope @Lord Durham will allow it but I will include a recipe here that is likely illegal, certainly in the UK, but likely elsewhere too. Remember it's fictional, and it will only work in the bAAR," Chac1 declared.

Supercharged Irish Coffee​

One cup of dark roasted brewed coffee
One teaspoon granulated sugar
One teaspoon brown sugar
One shot of Jameson Irish whiskey
Top with whipping cream infused with 40 times as much nitrous oxide as usual

"Now, that is guaranteed to have an effect," Chac1 chuckled. "Okay, mull that over for a bit while I refresh the jukebox. Maybe something that isn't Christmas, but seasonal...."

"Hazy Shade of Winter" by The Bangles