Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Random Heat Wave Thoughts

It is hot here in LotusLand and we're not used to it.

Next year I swear I'm going to study Farmer's Almanac and buy a truckload of fans at Costco in June then flog them on Craigslist at 100% markup and take the month of July off.

I really believe the BlueJays are only a shortstop away from the playoffs. I can't believe JP Riciardi will let this year slip away and hope he can pry Julio Lugo away from Tampa in time to make a run. Barring a trade I think Troy Glaus at shortstop and Hinske back at third is a better alternative than watching Russ Adams airmail throws into the seats a la Uncle Donny.

Why do people ask to sit on the Patio and then complain that it is too hot ?

Summer drinking is a different beast; Malbecs and Pinot Noir rule the "Wine with Dinner" Roost, Rieslings and Chenin Blancs are back on the list at my house and "Dark and Stormys" have replaced Scotch on the rocks as my post dinner cocktail.

My "Dark and Stormy" recipe is: 2 ounces good quality dark or amber rum (Havana Club or Appleton's are just fine) and the juice of one lime shaken over ice until your tongue would stick to the shaker. Fill a tall glass with ice and pour rum/lime mixture over then top with Ginger Beer - repeat until you are convinced that your version of "Day O" is perfect.

Daughter has a new bike - 6 speeds with front shocks .................. yeah Baby !!!!!!!

George passed away, peacefully, on Friday July 21st. he lies in state in a jewelry box somewhere in Daughter's room and has been quickly replaced by Julian.

Michael Peca is a Leaf - I have mixed feelings. On one hand Peca is a very good player who does all the little things that make winners but his acquisition spelled the end of the Eric Lindros era in Toronto and I just have a sneaking suspicion the the "Big E" will stay healthy enough this year to score 30 goals in Dallas.

Sometimes watching a grown man walk into a glass door is the funniest thing you can imagine.

Jean-Claude Van Damme was in the restaurant last night and I'm pretty sure I could kick his ass.

I will try and post more often.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Whisky Watch

I was recently introduced to Grant's Sherry Cask Reserve blended Whisky - BCLDB 171082, $23.70. For this introduction I must say, Thank you G.

I had long ago basically abandoned blended whisky, as I rarely found them to have the depth of flavour I seek from my Scotch, but am happy to return to the blended fold.

Blended Whiskies are the backbone of the Scottish whisky industry, roughly 90% of all "whisky" sold is blended whisky. Blended whisky are composed of "single malts" (minimum 10%) and grain whisky. Much mystery and myth surrounds the % of "malted whisky" in each blend, Johnny Walker Red Label is said to contain 15% with Chivas Regal rumoured to be 50% malt.

The higher percentage of malts leads to deeper flavour as grain whisky is basically neutral. Aging is another component of flavour, blended whiskies rarely carry an age but if they do then that is the minimum age of any components in the blend.

Grant's Sherry Cask Reserve is blended in "first fill" Oloroso sherry casks which provide a lovely amber colour and nice spicy, fruitcake component to the whisky. Served on the rocks or with a splash of water this is a lovely dram and excellent value.

Highly Recommended.

Monday, July 10, 2006

World Cup Recap

Well I was bang on in my predictions, remember I said France would under achieve.

What the Hell was Zizou doing ? I don't believe that anything "new" in the insult department could have come up but if it did then all power to Materazzi for finding it.

England were brutal and will continue to be for quite some time.

Brazil need some rebuilding and quite frankly I don't see a great team out there right now. If I had to handicap World Cup 2010 I'd pick Germany.

The diving has to be eliminated, the bottom line is that a penalty kick is just too valuable at this level for it to be awarded unless somebody gets killed.

Tony Blair wants to field a "Great Britain" team - aaaaaaaah, I don't think so. I'm Scots and I would rather see Germany/Italy/France anybody else win than England so I'm not thinkin' "the lads" will play under St. George's banner anytime lately.

FYI - the "official" final of the Cup Final was Italy 6 France 4, but the penalty kick goals don't count as goals scored by the individual players. Huh ?

Canada is not a soccer nation.