CD

'Sweet Spot'

Cabaret singer Mark Winkler has come up with a truly addictive jazz-tinged set on his latest CD, "Sweet Spot," which includes fresh takes on standards ("But Not for Me," "On Broadway") and some terrific original numbers ("This Side of Loving," a moody torchy tune about lost love; "Catch Me If You Can," a nifty take on the Spielberg film/Broadway musical). Winkler's voice is sometimes a savvy whisper, sometimes warmly tawny. And his collaborators, including vocalist Barbara Morrison and pianist Eli Brueggemann, are knockouts.

Michael Upchurch,

Seattle Times arts writer

Books

'Very Short Stories: 300 Bite-size Works of Fiction'

At the far end of the spectrum from "War and Peace" is Sean Hill's collection of tiny tales (each is 100 words or so) about romance, family, death, work and other compartments of life. Some are touching, some ring true, but most are laugh-out-loud funny. Think of it as a tasty hors d'oeuvre that tides your brain over until its next full meal (Ulysses Press, $14.95).

Melissa Davis,

Seattle Times Weekend Plus editor

Movies

'It's a

Wonderful Life'

"Merry Christmas, movie house! Merry Christmas, Emporium! Merry Christmas, you wonderful old Building and Loan!" Now in its 41st year, the Grand Illusion's annual run of Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life," featuring Jimmy Stewart and enough holiday cheer to fill anyone's stocking, is under way through Dec. 29, screening daily including Christmas Day. 1403 N.E. 50th St., Seattle (206-523-3935 or www.grandillusioncinema.org). And remember: every time you hear a bell ring, it means some angel's just got his wings.

Moira Macdonald,

Seattle Times movie critic