Wine and Country

What's an excellent way to expand appreciation for your favorite varietal wines? Try sampling them from across different regions, geographies, countries and continents. By doing so, you will discover a world of subtle complexity in drinking varietals, since they derive some unique characteristics based on their geographic locale. Various Shiraz wines from across the globe fit this bill nicely. For example Shiraz wines from Australia and California tend to exhibit more potent fruit flavors as compared to those from the Northern Rhone. There are many other different tasting qualities based on climate and geography that all fall under the Shiraz(also known as Syrah) dominion.

The Reserve 2004 from Banrock Station is an Australian Shiraz we recently enjoyed, and their own description of Banrock Shiraz sums it up nicely:

"Vibrant purple with deep red hues, this wine epitomises the depth of colour and flavour Australian Shiraz's are renowned for. Aromas of black currant, cherry and spicy oak precede a soft and supple palate. Fresh fruit characters of cherry and red berry fruits are balanced by licorice and tantalising chocolate flavours. Hints of cinnamon, vanilla and oak add complexity to this exceptional wine."

Tags:
Wine, Varietal, Shiraz, Spirits, Viticulture, Wine Tasting

Shaving Update

This should be a final installment about the vagaries of trying to obtain a quick and easy trauma free shave. In a prior post entitled "Razor Blade Rules" I expressed some skepticism regarding razor blade technology and discussed some methods to reduce nicks while shaving with a blade. It then occurred to me that shaving cream might be a culprit as well, and I had some success shaving without it while keeping my face and the razor blade completely wet. This method was described in "Why Use Shaving Cream?". Although shaving without cream did work fairly well, I began to experience some skin irritation around the neck region, and this prompted me to try other shaving methods yet again. I've finally settled on a combination technique using an old electric shaver to remove most of the facial hair, followed by a razor blade shave with a dollop of shaving cream. Removing most of the hair with an electric razor is quick and allows for an easy, fast and close finishing shave with the blade. Of course this means a humble retraction of my prior stance against the use of shaving cream, but the compromise is using only a small amount to aid lubrication. I'm still convinced that using too much shaving cream can increase the risk of nicking your skin during a shave. Happy shaving everyone!

Tags:
Shaving, Shaving Cream, Razors, Electric Razor, Personal Hygiene, Razor Blades

Online Poker in Limbo

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act recently passed by Congress has been an exercise in hypocrisy - all under the murky guise of protecting American citizens and their values. Somehow U.S. financial institutions will be required to block all transactions that might be connected to online gambling. Credit card companies have already done this by virtue of a built-in code that easily identifies such transactions. In the case of other transactions such as electronic checks this will likely prove to be a logistical nightmare. In a country already rife with widespread legal and illegal gambling including Las Vegas - the greatest mecca to gaming and vice ever created by man, you might think that online gambling would be considered as just one of many frivolous ways to risk money. This doesn't mean that unregulated, off shore Internet gaming doesn't raise serious concerns and questions, but most of those issues could be dealt with in other ways. Instead of criminalizing a form of entertainment that millions of U.S. folks participate in, and for better or worse one that's not going away, why not come to terms with the situation in a realistic, practical fashion. The U.S. gaming market is huge with billions of dollars going to Internet gaming sites. It's likely that many of these sites would be willing to cut some deals with the Department of Justice and other federal authorities in order to maintain "legal" access to U.S. patrons. For example, these sites could kick back 5-10% of their revenues to the government as a form of taxation for being allowed to offer their wares within U.S. borders, and still make tremendous profits. Rather than arresting executives of e-wallet companies (see Neteller news) the government could tax these third party transaction companies as well. In a regulated environment many aspects of Internet gaming could be scrutinized and monitored - such as the integrity of the gaming sites and their owners, preventing under age gambling, mandatory spending limits by customers, audits of financial transactions and prevention of money laundering. Personally, I think the spread of electronic gaming is wrong in many ways, but Pandora's box was opened long ago, and trying to hide behind ill conceived laws will only complicate the situation. The Department of Justice must have more important enforcement issues and investigations to spend tax payers money on. Since poker is perceived to have a significant skill component, it's likely that poker players will be the most resistant to legal attempts at restricting access to gaming sites. They have already joined to form a significant lobby group called the Poker Players Alliance that is actively lobbying the government to legalize online poker. In view of recent developments, it would seem that high profile online poker players are now at risk for potential arrest by the DOJ, by being nabbed for illegal online transactions, and possibly tax evasion unless they have been scrupulous in their win/loss records of playing. Of course, those who enjoy betting on horse races can rejoice, since there is a specific exemption in the act that allows legal Internet betting on horse races within the U.S. - as stated before, an exercise in hypocrisy.

Tags:
Poker, Online Poker, Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, Poker Players Alliance, Internet Gaming, Gambling, Texas Holdem, Civil Liberties, Prohibition

New Golf Season: Part II

Alright then, after doing some soul searching and weighing the pros and cons, you've made the decision to dedicate yourself to another season of golf. In fact, you've decided to try and play better golf as well. Congratulations! So what's next? Do you pull out the clubs and start whacking ball after ball at the driving range, or pour through golf instruction books and magazines looking for swing patches and quick fixes? Most golfers including myself have enacted similar scenarios early in the golf season, and discovered that such approaches ultimately don't work. They often create false expectations about improved performance that simply fall flat when trying to bring it to the course. We need to start out with broad "strokes", so to speak. Unless you are physically fit and active throughout the year you should spend a few weeks getting in shape for golf. Physical fitness will definitely increase your chances of playing better golf - no guarantees, but strength, balance, flexibility, and stamina all contribute to improved performance. Your routine should include core training (working your extremities and body parts while keeping your torso centered or in place to strenghten the muscles that stabilize the body), some cardio work, stretching, and strength training. If possible, you should maintain a workout schedule throughout the golf season. Next time we'll discuss incorporating mental preparation techniques for starting the golf year, but your physical fitness regime will form a basis for an enhanced golf mind as well.

Go to New Golf Season: Part III

Tags:
Golf, Golf Fitness, Golf Physique, Golfer, Golf Training, Golf Game, Mental Golf, Sports, Sports Psychology

New Golf Season: Part I

For those of us who live in more northern climes the golf season will soon be here. Before you dust off the clubs this spring why not do an honest appraisal of your expectations for the new season? Do you really enjoy playing the game while spending significant time and money on it every year, or has it become another social routine, or misplaced passion that leaves you feeling drained and empty too frequently? In other words, don't play golf out of habit or obligation, or the expectations of friends. You should play golf because you truly love being out there whacking an indifferent little white ball around an unforgiving course. For some it may be the competitive challenge or a desire to improve, for others it may be the camaraderie and health benefits, and for many it may be a combination of qualities, or even intangible benefits that create a desire to play golf. Golf has become a trendy sport much glamorized by television and phenoms like Tiger Woods - all of this buzz can excite you to play golf when it really doesn't speak to the real you! We shouldn't try and manufacture the desire to golf as there are many things in life that are far cheaper, less time consuming, and every bit as enjoyable as a round of golf.

In the five hours (excluding travel time) spent during a golf round you could:

Spend some quality time with your kids or spouse

Visit or contact an ailing or otherwise neglected friend or family member

Volunteer for some community work

Plan your next vacation

Complete unfinished business or chores around the house

Update your web site

Engage in a myriad of other neglected activities unique to your situation and lifestyle

Have you addressed the motivation, priority, and lifestyle issues related to playing golf? Having done that, are you still determined to get out on the links? If the answer is yes, then you have accomplished Step One for the new season without even swinging a club. Go to New Golf Season: Part II


Tags:
Golf, Golf Season, Golfer, Golf Game, Golf Psychology

The Art of Espresso

At times it's an unexpected, creative surprise that can make you smile during the course of a trying day. An extra bit of thoughtful artistry to help shake off the doldrums, and awaken a world of possibilities. You might venture into a local coffee shop and order your favorite espresso drink, and there it is - a little bit of magic on the surface of your brew crafted delicately with the frothed milk. At the New Shelton wet/dry site you can find wonderful photos of this espresso art - a swan, a lion, and a butterfly among other images. After consuming the artful brew you just might exit the java joint with an extra spring in your step and a lighter heart.



Tags
Espresso Art, Espresso, Coffee, Java, Culture, Latte, Health, Creativity

Paris Morning

"Paris Morning"
Original Art by Heather Keenan

"An artist has no home in Europe save in Paris" - Friedrich Nietzsche

"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a movable feast" - Ernest Hemingway

"To err is human. To loaf is Parisian" - Victor Hugo

The City of Light Eiffel Tower The Louvre Arc de Triomphe Notre Dame Cathedral Grand Palais

Tags:
Paris, Artists, Art, Paris Quotes, Paintings, Heather Keenan, Paris Landmarks, Culture

Day After Gifts

I committed a major faux pas on Valentine's Day this year by arriving home after work without any gifts or a card for my wife. She had prepared a sumptuous dinner including wine, and presented me with a gift and card. Despite my offering of lame excuses I knew she felt slighted by my lack of consideration and selfishness this year. This added salt to the wounds, because she is usually very understanding about the occasional missed gifting on Valentine's Day. We managed to get through the dinner with our emotions in check, and I made a silent vow to never forget important marriage dates again.

The next day I decided to make some amends by purchasing a nice flower arrangement, and beautiful card at a local greenhouse. There were no line ups, a good selection of valentine themed arrangements, and everything was half price! The clerk was even glad to see me as business was slow. It was absolutely painless, and it caused me to think - what if my wife and our immediate family agreed to start purchasing all gifts for various occasions a day or so after the event? The time and money saved would be fantastic. This could even work for Christmas. Have your normal Christmas celebrations and festivities, then everyone could go on a shopping spree for gifts a few days later - missing line ups and getting some great deals. Buying online gifts would also be cheaper and more hassle free (don't believe the myth perpetrated by retailers about vanishing inventory as the big holidays approach). We would all have a knowing smirk watching the herds of sheep like shoppers scrambling to buy gifts on time while anticipating our own low stress post event purchases. For now I'll start by getting my wife to agree that February the 15th will be our Valentine's Day regardless of tradition. Wish me luck.

Tags:
Valentine's Day, Gifts, Presents, Holidays, Humor, Marriage, Romance, Shopping, Budgets, Love, Thrift, Spouse, Relationships

The Illusionist

The Illusionist is a cinematic spectacle. It's a great mix of romance, suspense, and mystery with a rich visual texture set in early twentieth century Vienna. Edward Norton is superb as the mysterious Eisenheim, an enigmatic purveyor of the "dark arts" who seems to have taken the skill of magic beyond mere tricks into the realm of the supernatural, spiritual, and mystical worlds. He is backed by a talented cast that includes Paul Giamatti as Chief inspector Uhl, hired by the corrupt and jealous Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) to discover the secrets of Eisenheim's illusions. Jessica Biel is more than credible as the beautiful Sophia - caught in a triangle of amorous intrigue between her childhood friend Eisenheim, and the calculating, evil Leopold. There are enough plot twists to provide intrigue, but they only serve to enhance the grand crescendo of events leading to the final scenes. The early childhood scenes border on being overly sentimental, but do not detract at all from the screenplay. It would be fascinating to discover if any of the more elaborate illusions depicted in the movie could actually be done - then or now. For my taste, one of the best movies of the decade.

Tags:
The Illusionist, Movies, Cinema, Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell, Jessica Biel, Magic, Entertainment, Culture

Personal Aircraft On The Way

Will it be another toy for the super rich, or the coolest way to commute? The Skywalker VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) personal aircraft coming soon from the folks at Mirror Image Aerospace could be the next elite way to fly for a mere $200,000 or so. This compact, two person, helicopter style craft will fly at 95 MPH using premium grade pump gasoline, have a gross weight of less than 900 pounds, and have a range of 250 miles with a ceiling height of 8,000 feet. Among other safety features, it will sport a ballistic BRS designed emergency parachute to deploy in 4 seconds, so the aircraft can land in an upright position while the occupants stay inside the craft. No need for a runway - it will fit in a standard sized garage. It will require a pilot's license, and as a Kit-built VTOL the anticipated assembly time will be approximately 300 hours. No mention yet of optional accessories, customized kits, or color choices, but you'll be the envy of every luxury car owner in your city as you cruise over the gridlock. It will also give new meaning to the phrase Fill 'Er Up!


Tags:
Skywalker, Personal Aircraft, Experimental Aircraft, Helicopters, Flight, Flyers, Flying

Sick Day

Between dislike of corporations, resenting our jobs, and general laziness creeping into our work ethics you'd think there would be advice out there on how to miss work. Of course there is! From the category of lame advice check out this WikiHow page titled How to Call in Sick When You Just Need a Day Off. If you need this advice - your employer would likely be better off without your services - you are probably an imbecile at work - you should get a new job - or worse yet, you are a chronic, habitual liar. Does this sound harsh? Not when you consider the huge economic costs when people avoid work for frivolous reasons, and the disrespect for those at your job who have to pick up the slack. Even when somebody has a legitimate illness they should be honest with themselves about their ability to work. You shouldn't spread a contagion around the office, but is having the common cold really a good reason to phone in sick? Perhaps it depends on your occupation. On the other hand, if you are an arms/drug dealer, or your job harms others in some way, then by all means find every reason under the sun to call in sick.

Tags:
Absenteeism, Missed Work, Work Ethics, Culture, Work Lies