The road to the Stanley Cup – 2012
Sixteen hockey teams are about to hit the road, searching for the magic that will lead them to the Stanley Cup. It is the most difficult prize to attain, in all of the major sports. We are in early April, and the struggle often lasts into late May, even early June. My early morning chuckle […]
Water of life
In the past few weeks, we’ve seen how Europe’s introduction to the secret of distilling arts opened a veritable Pandora’s box of alcoholic “evils.” And yet everyone described the resulting cornucopia as the “Water of Life.” The Latin “aqua vitae” underwent a variety of local interpretations. The Swedes gave the name “aquavit” to their grain […]
The smart County—in a box
It’s all just a theory at this point. But you can join a few dots and a picture begins to emerge. You start with the County commissioners’ proposal to sell off our libraries, museums and town halls. Obviously, they are trying to find that big fix that will shake up Shire Hall and still keep […]
Greetings
I love to travel. It isn’t about geography. It’s all about the social studies. The world is a great big mall and I get to people-watch. And, for your information, I had the highest mark in Social Studies eight years running at St. John’s School. Eight years, folks. Anyway, back to social studies and travelling. […]
Dear Sears Canada Inc.
Someone told me, and recent news stories have confirmed it, you’ve fallen on hard times, financially. I want to feel sorry for you but, I don’t. I will say, welcome to our world, Sears. You know, the world of people who are your customers. Your customers know all about hard financial times. It’s been tough, […]
Meet Marc
In last week’s article on the grappas of Italy, I noted that many other European countries make brandy from pomace. France produces several types of this brandy, which they collectively call “marc”: the most notable being “Marc de Bourgogne” that is distilled from the pomace of Pinot and Chardonnay grapes. There is, however, a distinct […]
Nicole Jeray – professional golfer
To my good fortune, I often meet the most interesting people. Not long ago, my wife and I attended a golf tournament, in the Champions Series at the Twin Eagles Golf Course in Naples, Florida. We followed a group of golfers for 18 holes, including Canadian Rod Spittle. Also in the group was a golfer […]
Preparing for the playoffs
In late January, things did not look good for the Florida Everblades. At that time, coach Greg Poss hoped that he could pilot his team into the ECHL playoffs. With their win last night against the South Carolina Sting Rays, the Blades locked up a playoff spot, even moving up to fifth place in the […]
The fruit of seeds and skins
Many wineries throughout Europe complete their cycle by distilling the “pomace” of seeds, skins and stems left over from pressing grapes. In Italy — and the Italian Swiss Cantons — this spirit has the E.U. protected name Grappa. Its raw form packs a wallop. Distillation is done by steam since the pomace solids would burn […]
Toying with the digital divide
I didn’t believe it when a friend told me she had received an overseas call on an iPhone from her four-year-old granddaughter—without her mother’s assistance. But now I do. That’s because the New York Times now reports that “more than a third” of children eight years and younger use iPhones, iPads and Android devices. More […]