Tag Archives: alcohol

VieVité Cotes de Provence Is Ideal Wine For Victoria Day And Memorial Day

For many people, an ideal Victoria Day in Canada or Memorial Day in America depends on two essential things: SUN and BOOZE. VieVité’s Rosé #ROSEALLDAY is the weekend’s beach towel, boat, or post-brunch bag’s best friend. I mean.. is there really another way to kick off Summer celebrations?

“Perfectly pale pink. That perfectly chilled, hot weather day rosé is the ultimate dream.” – Women everywhere.

NEW YORK – The acclaimed Côtes de Provence region in France has long been known for its exceptional climate, soil and as the world leader in the production of premium rosé wines. VieVité (pronounced Vee-Veetay) is created at Domaine Sainte Marie, a renowned vineyard dating back to the 18th century and known for its true expressions of Provencal Rosé wine.
Located just 21 kilometers west of Saint Tropez, Domaine Sainte Marie stretches over 45 hectares of land; with bountiful southern exposure and land rich in filterable siliceous soil containing michaschists, schists, and white quartz, adding to the depth and quality of VieVité Rosé. Year after year, Domaine Sainte Marie receives critical acclaim and industry award recognition for its consistently excellent wines, which benefit from the soft gradient slopes, and hot, dry days and cool summer nights.

As one of the leading wines within the esteemed portfolio of Turquoise Life Beverage Brands, VieVité is offered in two varietals: the fresh and delicate VieVité and the limited cask VieVité Extraordinaire, sourced from older, time-tested vines. Both exceptional expressions of Provencal Rosé wine pride themselves on their unique vinicultural history, with the wines exemplifying the rare and old Grenache vines from which they are harvested.

VieVité is produced from grapevines averaging 25 years old, and offers a fresh and delicate aroma of cherries and strawberries coupled with notes of spice to create a satisfying sensation on the palate with a forward fruit nose of peach, grape and apricot.

VieVité Extraordinaire is sourced from 80-year grapevines and produced in smaller quantities, capturing the attention of true rosé connoisseurs for its opulent fruit flavors and exuberant panache. This deliciously vibrant Rosé delights with its intense and well- balanced fruit flavors, dominant with strawberries and berries, and structured with an intensity that highlights the old vines it is made from. Both wines have been declared as exceptional examples of true Cotes De Provence Rosé by wine lovers and critics alike.

Rosé wine has been gaining in popularity here in Canada and also in the U.S. and Mexico each year as more and more new wine drinkers are educated about the production methods used to make it; how the process of allowing the red skins of the grapes to macerate for a shortened amount of time gives it its signature hue.

Not to be confused with the similarly colored White Zinfandel wine of years past, true Rosé wines are absent of an overly sweet taste, which allows their quality and flavors to shine.

Turquoise Life Beverage Brands offers both VieVité and VieVité Extraordinaire across the United States in fine restaurants & bars, luxury resorts and hotels as well as wine boutiques. VieVité is also available internationally in the Netherlands, Turkey, and Greece.

Whether paired with a brunch, dinner, an ocean breeze, a poolside lounge, yachting or barbequing, VieVité is an ideal choice — any day — and all day. For the Silo, Jessica Kirk.

Making Sexual Decisions You Are Comfortable With: Dry January

Some of us are participating in Dry January – (giving up alcohol for the whole month after enjoying it during December festivities) has become pretty popular worldwide. We must agree it`s giving the New Year a quite strong health kick.  

Dry January`s popularity is not a surprise at all and has a lot of benefits; it saves money, makes people sleep better, no hangovers (hello morning sex), and brings numerous health welfare – reduced blood pressure, improved skin, more energy – the thing that people really need, according to LELO survey. For 61.28% of respondents, low energy level makes them hard to make it through January

And even though you might not be a regular drinker, you (and your liver) surely deserve a small break. With this in mind, LELO endorses Dry January with a small note on a side – not everything has to be dry (wink, wink). 

While Dry January has its charm and a good cause, there is a widespread myth that it is also quite a challenge – especially if you want to continue enjoying your sex life. An encounter without the help of that small something that makes you relax your nerves might sound less exciting, but actually, it turns out, all that not drinking has some pretty positive effect on your sex life.  

And no, it`s not just about the “being present at the moment”; being sober significantly improves the physical side of sex. If you have ever experienced drooping after drinking, you`ll know that erectile dysfunction is a real thing.

Drinking can cause struggles to get and have an erection, leading to disappointment in sex.

Besides that, studies have shown that women are more likely to orgasm when they are entirely sober because alcohol reduces physical sensitivity, meaning it`s also harder to feel pleasure. Also, women might struggle to get aroused in the first place when drinking. Making your vagina free from the influence of alcohol gives sex a whole new dimension. 

Also, it is a fact that alcohol leads to irresponsible sex encounters; people are more likely to forget to use condoms because alcohol lowers inhibitions, leading to unwanted pregnancy and STIs. Being alcohol-free sounds pretty responsible here, right? 

Men are not being left out- Lelo F1S Red.

Studies show that alcohol often leads to having partners you might not actually be that keen on, as well as post-sex unsatisfaction. Knowing this, Dry January will ensure you choose people you want, make sexual decisions you are comfortable with, and enjoy it without regret. Additionally, according to the LELO survey, 93.7% of people would be willing to try something new sex-wise to cheer themselves and/or their partner. Is there a better timing than “depressing” January? 

Some of LELO’s new and best selling adult products.

To wrap it all up, cutting out alcohol (a well-known depressant) will make you well rested and more energetic, which automatically increases your libido and improves your sex life. The highlight of Dry January will be more exciting and engaging sex – the one you actually remember. And if we add 51.7% of our survey respondents who will consider buying a new toy to incorporate into their love life, January will be anything but dry.  

Exploring Growing Popularity Of Party Buses

When it comes to parties and get-togethers, one of the hottest new trends is the party bus. Surprisingly, this trend has grown in almost all age ranges. The appeal is understandable as a party bus allows a group of people to celebrate in one place while also traveling to one or more destinations. Why exactly has the party bus trend taken off? Let’s look at some of the primary reasons why they’re so popular today.

Convenience

Unlike having to hire a taxi or other ride service when people want to go out with their friends, a party bus is an inclusive party. After hiring the bus, they can enjoy drinks on the bus while going to and from their desired location. Some party buses may also come with their own entertainment such as a minibar, TV, dance floor, and more.

Cost Effective

If you’re trying to get a group of people together but don’t want to break the bank, a party bus is probably the way to go. Choosing a party bus Toronto based is more affordable than ever. There are usually several packages to choose from, and for an inclusive fee, you can enjoy a wide range of entertainment options. The party bus is usually a more cost-effective option than going to a restaurant or bar with a large group of people. People also have the advantage of knowing what they’re paying for instead of having to worry about extra costs.

High Capacity Buses

Although you may not need one of the larger buses, some party buses can accommodate up to a whopping 454 passengers. Not only does this have an economic advantage, people can easily party with a larger group. On the other hand, finding a restaurant or other space that seats this number of people is virtually impossible. However, many people are finding that a bus meets their needs for large or medium sized groups.

New and Exciting

When it comes to partying, everyone has been to a bar or club before. However, a party bus offers something new and interesting. From the fun decor to the added interest of traveling while partying, this popular new trend is an innovation. Chances are, party buses will only continue to become more popular over time.

Majestic Limo Services Toronto Party Bus Interior

Multi-Purpose Use

Another thing about party buses is that they’re not designed for one specific event. While you may think about them for bachelorette parties or birthday get-togethers, they’re appropriate for any number of events. From Christmas office parties to anniversaries and even wedding parties, you can find a number of reasons to rent a bus. This is also why people of all ages are choosing party buses.

There is no doubt that party buses are changing the industry and becoming more popular every day. They are perfect for any number of reasons, and who knows, maybe you could consider renting one for your next event. If you’ve been one of the many people who has partied in one of these buses, then you already know what the hype is about.

Featured image- Majestic Limos Toronto Party Bus interior. 

Spiritual Counselor: Illness often comes with deeply felt stress

Illness From Stress
Sometimes, not knowing the truth about something of immediate importance can create some of the most intense stress, says former chronic pain sufferer Janet Komanchuk.

“The families of victims who’ve been missing for years or decades – identifying the body of their loved one, for example, can bring closure. For me, being diagnosed with fibromyalgia was also a relief – it meant that I had a name for my chronic pain,” says Komanchuk, whose pain was so intense over a period of several years that she had to retire as a schoolteacher.

Studies of Monkey's may help solve causes of stress in humans- http://wabe.org/post/study-monkeys-may-help-solve-stress-humans
Studies of Monkey’s may help solve causes of stress in humans- http://wabe.org/post/study-monkeys-may-help-solve-stress-humans

“My diagnosis meant I wasn’t crazy, that the pain wasn’t ‘all in my head,’ as some had suggested. It meant that my flu-like symptoms,
accompanied by intense waves of pain, finally had form and dimension. I understood I was just one of many suffering with chronic pain that at last had a name.”

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a complex, chronic condition of widespread muscular pain and fatigue. It often includes sleep disturbances, impaired memory and concentration, depression and other debilitating symptoms. The syndrome is one of the most common chronic pain disorders, affecting nearly one in every 60 North Americans.

When medical leave, morphine patches, codeine and myriad pharmaceuticals brought no relief, I tried a different approach in combination
says Komanchuk, (www.jkomanchuk.com), who has since enjoyed more than 13 years of pain-free and prescription-free living after finding an alternative healing therapy that works for her. She now works as an educational writer and public relations assistant with Joy of Healing, the alternative healing modality that she says brought about her remission.

Is Yoga a 'healing therapy'? Forbes thinks it is and more- see Supplemental below CP
Is Yoga a ‘healing therapy’? Forbes thinks it is and more- see Supplemental below CP

“Through the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about dealing with the psychological trauma of illness.” Komanchuk shares tips to keep in mind for those suffering from an indeterminate condition.

•  Trust in yourself. “At times, the pain was so intense that I was certain my flesh was tearing away from my bones,” says Komanchuk, who was just like the more than 100 million Americans who suffer from chronic pain, which costs nearly $600 billion annually in medical treatments and lost productivity, according to the Institute of Medicine. Despite her unmistakable pain, the critical doubt from others as to what she was experiencing was disheartening, at times causing her to doubt herself.

“Trust in yourself, for you know what you’re feeling,” she says. “Don’t fall victim to the judgment and criticism of others who doubt your illness and the limitations it places on you or your activities.”

•  Don’t quit! Despite the immense scope of chronic pain, very little is spent on research to find better ways to manage pain. Komanchuk was faced with the prospect of spending the rest of her life in a nursing home.

“Yes, the pain was excruciating, debilitating and fatiguing, yet I still felt as though my life had the potential for vitality,” she says. “The idea of going to a nursing home – reasonable for some – felt like a kind of death to me.”

Convinced that there was hope for her in overcoming fibromyalgia, she persisted in her search for wellness answers.

•  Seriously consider alternatives. She was able to achieve what she thought was impossible – not just temporary relief, but permanent, lasting mind-body-spirit wellness. She had been to orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, rheumatologists, psychologists, underwent MRIs and took all manner of medications for her unbearable pain. In a narrow sense, it would seem as though she exhausted her options – until she looked beyond traditional Western medicine. Alternative treatment guided her to recognize the layers of stress throughout her life that she believes were a primary driver of her chronic pain.

“Every day, I am filled with gratitude for the fact that I am free of the torment from fibromyalgia that had plagued me throughout my
life,” she says. “I just wish I could give others a piece of the relief that I’ve found. All I can say is keep your eyes open, keep the hope alive and don’t give up!” For the Silo, Ginny Grimsley

Janet Komanchuk, www.jkomanchuk.com, is a retired schoolteacher who has experienced the miraculous remission of chronic, debilitating fibromyalgia, which was the result of many overlapping stressors and unresolved issues throughout her life. While weathering extreme fatigue and  pain, she’d tried everything from traditional Western medicine to alcohol  consumption and various holistic treatments. It wasn’t until she experienced the healing work of medium and healer Andrew Overlee, and his wife, Tamara, a  dedicated spiritual counselor and author, that she was able to regain her life.  She is now pain-free without any use of prescription medication. She is an  educational writer and public relations assistant with Joy of Healing, Inc., in  Valrico, Fla. USA
Janet Komanchuk, 

Supplemental- The Science of Yoga http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2011/06/16/penetrating-postures-the-science-of-yoga/

How Cardiovascular Disease Connects To Inflammation

 I bet we all have someone near and dear to our heart, who has been touched by cardiovascular disease. 

swelling

Public health and agencies such as Heart and Stroke Society have done an excellent job highlighting some of the key factors that are risk factors to cardiovascular disease.  These risk factors can include hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, alcohol, smoking, and stress. 

An overarching factor that exists within all of these risk factors is; inflammation. 

Inflammation can be defined as “the body’s attempt at self-protection; the aim being to remove harmful stimuli, including damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens – and begin the healing process.” The symptoms of inflammation are represented as heat, redness, swelling and pain.

There have been links made between chronic inflammation and some cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, periodontitis and hay fever. 

One of the key modifiable factors affecting inflammation that has been researched is diet.  Meals that are contain excess calories and inflammatory fats have been linked to causing spikes in c-reactive protein, a measureable maker of inflammation.  The Standard American Diet has been linked to higher inflammation rates due to the higher intake of omega 6 fatty acids compared to omega 3.  In contrast the Mediterranean Diet has been linked to lower inflammation levels due to higher content of omega 3 fatty acids, low glycemic foods, higher amounts of carotenoids and flavonoids found abundantly in fruits and vegetables. 

AmericanDietPyramidvsMediterraneanDietPyramidWEB

Excess body fat is also a component of inflammation as it a factory for inflammatory cytokines within the body, resulting in higher levels of inflammation. A study of postmenopausal women who where overweight or obese who lost 5% or more of their body weight had measurable decreases to their inflammation levels. 

Type 2 diabetes, the result of insulin resistance also has its roots deep in inflammation.   Again research has shown that more fat cells in the body result in a cascade of cellular signalling within the immune cells that results in inflammation. 

In the case of acute inflammation such a healing cut finger, physical symptoms would be typical; heat, swelling, redness and pain. Chronic inflammation does not display these same symptoms, instead havoc on the cardiovascular system can go undetected.  The process of atherosclerosis, the origin of cardiovascular disease is a result of the activation of the immune system during inflammation leading deposition and accumulation of cholesterol and tissue along the cardiovascular system.

From a preventative health standpoint it is important to combine the current treatment of cardiovascular health treatment with strategies to reduce inflammation.

Naturopathic Medicine as a preventative form of treatment has many options available to decrease overall inflammation within the body and can be used alongside conventional medical treatments.  For the Silo, Ashley Beeton.

Cooking With Toronto’s Steam Whistle Beer Is Versatile

Steam Whistle Beer RecipesSteam Whistle Brewing recently surveyed their fans, friends and followers on the brewery’s Facebook and  Twitter pages to find out if they had any interesting alternative uses for beer.

While many indicated that they prefer their beer for drinking, an overwhelming majority of the alternative uses for Steam Whistle involved using it when cooking, in one way or another.

“Beer is great for cooking because it is so versatile,” said Sybil Taylor, Communications Director for Steam Whistle Brewing. “Though wine is more commonly used in cooking, beer offers a balanced flavour, not too sweet or not too bitter, and adds a rich, earthy undertone to foods without overwhelming the dish.”

"Cheers" Sybil (Browne) Taylor Marketing Communications at Steam Whistle Brewing
“Cheers” Sybil (Browne) Taylor Marketing Communications at Steam Whistle Brewing

 

The following are just a few of the alternative cooking uses that came out of the survey:

Marinate Meat

Beer is slightly acidic, which makes it an excellent meat tenderizer. Beer also won’t alter the meat’s flavour as much as wine or vinegar-based marinades will. Slice halfway into the meat in rows of ridges to tenderize tougher cuts and to expose more of the tissue to the marinade. Pop into a covered dish, tupperware container or freezer bag with the marinade and refrigerate preferably overnight or at minimum a few hours before cooking.

Do not drink the marinate!

http://www.steamwhistle.ca/fun/recipe_detail.php?id=36

Braise Chops

Cook chops in a pan until browned on one each side. Add the beer to the pan and swirl it gently to combine all of the ingredients. Continue cooking the chops to your desired temperature, about 4 minutes for medium. Once the chops are finished, remove them to a plate and continue reducing the liquid in the pan until it reaches a glossy, gravy-like consistency and pour it over the chops.

http://www.steamwhistle.ca/fun/recipe_detail.php?id=136

Make Pizza Dough

Everyone loves beer with pizza, but what about beer in your pizza! Using your favourite beer in a pizza dough recipe will create a great tasting beer pizza crust. Then serve Steam Whistle Pilsner with your pizza – beer cuts through spicy heat and the carbonation cleanses the oil from the cheese and meat toppings and leaves you ready to taste more.

http://www.steamwhistle.ca/fun/recipe_detail.php?id=142

 

 

Steam Clams or Mussels

In a large steamer pot, mix a bottle of beer with a few cloves of garlic and some other tasty ingredients, then add a pound of clams or mussels. Steam until the shells begin to open. Easy as that! The beer imports a nice flavour.  http://www.steamwhistle.ca/fun/recipe_detail.php?id=116

 

Bake Beer Bread

Beer bread can be a simple  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quick_bread  quick bread or a   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bread  yeast-bread flavored with beer. Both  beer and bread have a common creation process: Yeast is used to turn sugars into carbon dioxide and alcohol. In the case of bread a great percentage of the alcohol evaporates during the baking process. Click here for a link to of our http://www.steamwhistle.ca/fun/recipe_detail.php?id=133  Steam Whistle Beer Bread recipes.

Want more? Try one of Steam Whistle’s 150+ recipes for http://steamwhistle.ca/fun/recipes.php Cooking with Beer at your next dinner party.  For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Gimme Steam Whistle

 

About Steam Whistle Brewing:

Steam Whistle Brewing, an independent brewery in Toronto, Ontario has a singular focus of making one beer of exceptional quality that Canadians can be proud of. They make their refreshing Pilsner with traditional brewing methods and only four, all natural ingredients (spring water, prairie malted barley, hops and yeast – all GMO free). Opened in 2000, the brewery was named Steam Whistle, drawing from the inspirational sounds of steam rushing from factory whistles, signaling the end of a fulfilling workday and a time for personal reward.  The brewery is housed in an old CP Rail Roundhouse, once home to the steam locomotives that helped pioneer this nation.

 

Canada’s Chic Choc Spiced Rum uses these Six indigenous Spices

Chic Choc Rhum Epice Spiced RumIt’s time to prepare for the cool autumn weather so why not warm up with a Cider Buttered Rum made with Chic Choc Spiced Rum.

 

 

 

 

Chic Choc Spiced Rum, made in Canada, is produced with six indigenous spices, creating a fresh take on rum that features a spicy bouquet with nuances of sugar cane and cinnamon, complemented by a subtle peppery tone.

Epices Boreales

The full recipe is below.  For the Silo, Erika Navarro.

 

Cider Buttered Rum

Chic Choc Spiced Rum – 1.5 oz.

Apple cider – 4 oz.

Orange juice – 0.5 oz.

Vanilla extract – 2 dashes

Salted butter – 0.5 oz.

 

Yield is one portion.

 

Method:

Load all ingredients in a pan, except butter

-Bring to heavy steam then remove from heat

-Add room temperature butter and stir

-Pour into mug and enjoy

 

North American Society A Madhouse Says Former US State Hospital Doctor

deranged "Joker" killer James Holmes
According to reports, deranged “Joker” killer James Holmes (in this July 2012 courtroom photo courtesy of thesun.co.uk) still believed that he was the fictional comic book and film character The Joker.

“Insane” has a clear meaning when we can look at it next to “sane” in the real world. Unfortunately, that has become more and more difficult to do, says Mike Bartos, former chief of staff at an American state psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane.

“It’s not just because the media rely so much now on bizarre behavior to entertain their audiences,” says Bartos, author of “BASH” – Bay Area  State Hospital – (www.mikebartos.com), a fast-paced tongue-in-cheek novel that stems from his decades of experience as a mentalhealth-care professional.

“Take a look at what have become the ‘normal’ problems in modern America – some of them could be textbook examples of psychological dysfunction.”

Case – or rather, cases – in point:

Obesity epidemic: Denial, compulsion, addiction and sublimation are just a few mechanisms at work in the psychology of a largely obese population. Sublimation is the mature defense activity perpetrated when socially unacceptable impulses, such as sexuality, are redirected, in this case to the consumption of salty, fatty and sugary food. With more than two thirds of the U.S. population and almost two thirds of the Canadian population [http://tinyurl.com/78o9z66 CP] either overweight or obese, there is nothing sane about this health crisis.

Banking: The financial crisis that changed the world in 2008 can be largely owed to a cluster of “too big to fail” U.S. banks and their employees who thought they could continuously repackage terrible debt loans. Meanwhile, unqualified customers snatched up properties they couldn’t afford. This was an undiagnosed mega-scale gambling addiction. Many in the financial world knew it simply could not be sustained but the players continued to ante up.

Climate change: Denial, denial, denial. The raw data from objective scientists overwhelmingly tells us man is largely responsible for warming global temperatures, yet we continue to use fossil fuels and to fill landfills with methane-producing waste. It’s a classic case; we completely ignore symptoms and evidence to maintain the status quo.

What the Bradley Report had to say about Rush Limbaugh's much-publicized addiction to oxycontin
What the Bradley Report had to say about Rush Limbaugh’s much-publicized addiction to oxycontin

A drugged nation: Marijuana, a natural relaxant, is outlawed in most states while tobacco and alcohol – responsible for incalculable violence and sickness, as well as tens of thousands of accidents and deaths each year – are lucrative and legal vice industries.  Meanwhile, some pharmaceutical companies and physicians encourage substance abuse and chemical dependency by promoting pills to ease the inevitable emotional and physical pains that come with life.

“Many of my psychiatric patients suffered from addiction to both legal and illegal drugs. Sometimes it was hard to tell which came first, the addiction or the other mental health issues,” Bartos says.

“The legal or illegal status of certain drugs seems to be completely arbitrary — much like the behavior of a patient suffering psychosis,” he says.

 

photo: usrecallnews.com
photo: usrecallnews.com

 

Spoiled-brat adults: Narcissistic Personality Disorder isn’t only now accepted in society, it’s widely encouraged and celebrated, Bartos says. Reckless driving and road-rage are just two examples in which individuals are so self-absorbed, they believe their time and sense of entitlement are more important than the lives and safety of others. Throw on top of that our obsession with plastic surgery, need for constant attention on social media, and pre-occupation with consumer brands and we have pandemic megalomania.

War: America [with on again -off again support from allies such as Canada,England and NATO allies CP] has been at war for 10 years now, and leaders cannot say with any precision what the US is doing with its current campaign in Afghanistan, nor what was accomplished with the last one in Iraq. It’s as if government leaders have a masochistic, sociopathic relationship with one percent of the U.S. population – the military, and their families. Young men are shipped off in the prime of their health, and often return physically or mentally damaged, if they come back at all.

“Is this sane?” Bartos asks.

Mike Bartos is currently in private psychiatric practice in the San Francisco Bay Area where he lives with his wife Jody.  He has several decades of experience in the mental health field, including serving as chief of staff at a state hospital for mentally ill patients convicted of violent crimes, where he focused on forensic psychiatry. Bartos is a former radio show host and newspaper columnist. For the Silo, Ginny Grimsley.

Supplemental- Oxycontin and the opium epidemic of the 21st century