Pinot Noir Battle: Canada vs. South Africa

We here in Ontario are certainly familiar with Niagara’s Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay, Rosé, Gewurztraminer and Riesling all jolly well top end. How about their Pinot Noir? Having visited the winery within certain lockdown periods their Pinot Noir is good stuff!

So let us get the cockfight going here with a sharp clawed Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir in one corner. While the aroma is definitely a PN it is laid back like a hooker in the shadows of Niagara Falls not wanting to draw to much attention to the wares for sale. Given COVID on my last visit there were a whopping 50 tourists at the Falls. One rare advantage of COVID and that is having the Falls to yourself! And free parking!

As for aromas on the delicate side a bit like Joe Biden. Rather like a mature raspberry and strawberry essence. Smooth on the palate. Perfectly measured tannins and acids. A short finish. Very light and aristocratic elements of raspberry, strawberry and rhubarb pie. Moderate finish. Really discrete oak here and I suspect older French oak that refuses to interfere with the essence of Pinot Noir. Can I say restrained and bordering on elegant and a classic Niagara Pinot Noir at an affordable price?

As for a rooster in the ring a real dancer evading devastating claw slashes by its fancy footwork. Certainly not in the Gangs of New York super champion category which rarely succeeds with a Pinot Noir.

(Flat Rock Cellars 2019 Pinot Noir, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Flat Rock Cellars, Jordan, Ontario, $22.95. LCBO # 1545, 12.5%, 750 mL, Robert K. Stephen a little birdie told me so Rating 89/100).

In the other corner is a Sutherland Pinot Noir from South Africa. On the nose some mid weight raspberry and red cherry with some strawberry. On the palate a bit grippy. Dilute raspberry and cherry that just is not consistent with its attractive aroma. I am encountering this disjoint between aroma and taste more frequently in the past few years. Don’t get me wrong. This is not a crappy wine it just lacks more assertiveness on the palate. It is very drinkable but if only the palate contained more character and charisma. It definitely needs decanting for at least 45 minutes to make its claw slashes more devastating.

The label notes the wine has been aged 9 months in French oak which I suspect to be older French oak i.e. used 3 or 4 times. 15% was aged in new French oak.

It just may improve by 2022 but I would not go beyond that.

Unfortunately, not having visited South Africa a food matching might be difficult but I might suggest a match with Pasta e Ceci a recipe for which you can find here. Chickpeas with pasta a classic Roman dish!

https://www.greatitalianchefs.com/recipes/pasta-e-ceci-alla-romana-recipe

(Sutherland Pinot Noir 2018, WO Elgin, Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Helshoogte, Stellenbosch, South Africa, $19.95, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 624924, 750 mL, 14%, Robert K. Stephen a little birdie told me so Rating 89/100).

Mindfulness as a Tool To Vanquish Hatred?

Has anyone done something so egregious to you that you ended up hating them heart and soul? Yes it has happened to me. Over 21 years ago involving an employment relationship you might say I suffered from an incident that was hurtful and possibly today I would have gone to the police and reported it. You might say it was a dirty and underhanded blow. Perhaps you or one of your good friends was severely injured when struck by an impaired driver. Maybe you loaned money to someone you thought was a good friend and they never bothered to repay it. Whatever the case hate can be nurtured by you over an unjust, immoral, criminal or any range of nefarious acts.

OK you are angry perhaps even at the boiling point. Now mindfulness may lead you to forgive and move on. But in my case the act was so hurtful and heinous 21 years later I could not forgive that evil person. My mindfulness instructors over the past couple of years surprisingly agreed with me some acts are unforgiveable and one gave me a valuable piece of advice that indeed some acts are unforgiveable but at least she said don’t let it take up any emotional real estate. A profound way of dealing with emotional pain and it reinforced my attitude of what happened to me was a past event which took me several years to not let it take up any emotional real estate. I was not obsessed with the “Bad Act” done to me but when I did think about it I was full of hatred.

Pursuing my studies of mindfulness I converged upon a certain vortex of the topics of self-compassion, vulnerability and viewing the world with an open heart that during my daily meditation somehow I was drawn to the hatred within me. Don’t ask me why but I realized I was a vulnerable person and my heart opened up to this Bad Act and with self compassion I realized in somewhat of an objective fashion I deserved a bit of self compassion. Tears started flowing and perhaps inexplicably the hate vanished in minutes. 21 years of hate vanquished in a meditation? I felt on the edge of a huge let go sob but it wasn’t really the time and place for that. That may come later. No I have not forgiven but the hatred has gone.

Whatever this vortex was it might have been the maturing of my mindfulness practice. I can explain that self compassion is nurturing the pain you may have suffered and forgiving yourself and consoling yourself for the Bad Act. As for an “open heart” I believe that that involves a connection between the brain and the heart and invokes an open investigation of the pain that the Bad Act has caused you.

Pain and hurt is often a necessary and often a healing reaction but if it persists be honest with yourself and accept that it lives within you. Perhaps it may be finally time to accept it and feel it and let it go. Get tangled up in hate without definitively dealing with it you let the hurt continue to negatively affect you. What a feast to you if the perpetrator of the Bad Act can escape the delight of hurting you! If you can escape the hatred for what has been done to you have you not scored a victory over the perpetrator?

What hatred has been vanquished from my soul vanished in a matter of minutes but it may have taken 5 years of mindfulness to make that 5 minutes possible.

I do not think forgiveness can be the next step but I am trying to work on it.

Passage of the Day: William Thackeray’s “Vanity Fair”

William Thackeray (1811-1863) was a British satirist compering for popularity with Charles Dickens.

“The world is a looking glass, and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. Frown at it, and it will in turn look sourly to you: laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly companion: and so let all young persons take their choice.”

Beware Long Nappers!

Long naps may be bad for health

Date:August 26, 2020Source:European Society of CardiologySummary:Many believe that lying down for a snooze is a harmless activity. But in newly presented research, scientists show that drifting off for more than one hour could be risky.Share:    FULL STORY

Many believe that lying down for a snooze is a harmless activity. But today, scientists show that drifting off for more than one hour could be risky. The study is presented at ESC Congress 2020.

“Daytime napping is common all over the world and is generally considered a healthy habit,” said study author Dr. Zhe Pan of Guangzhou Medical University, China. “A common view is that napping improves performance and counteracts the negative consequences of ‘sleep debt’. Our study challenges these widely held opinions.”

Previous research on the link between daytime naps and death or cardiovascular disease has produced conflicting results. In addition, it did not account for the duration of night-time sleep.

This study summarised the available evidence to assess the relationship between napping and the risks of all-cause death and cardiovascular disease. A total of 313,651 participants from more than 20 studies were included in the analysis. Some 39% of participants took naps.

The analysis found that long naps (more than 60 mins) were associated with a 30% greater risk of all-cause death and 34% higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease compared to no napping. When night-time sleep was taken into account, long naps were linked with an elevated risk of death only in those who slept more than six hours per night.

Overall, naps of any length were linked with a 19% elevated risk of death. The connection was more pronounced in women, who had a 22% greater likelihood of death with napping compared to no napping, and older participants, whose risk rose by 17% with naps.

Short naps (less than 60 minutes) were not risky for developing cardiovascular disease. Dr. Pan said: “The results suggest that shorter naps (especially those less than 30 to 45 minutes) might improve heart health in people who sleep insufficiently at night.”

The reasons why napping affects the body are still uncertain, said Dr. Pan, but some studies have suggested that long snoozes are linked with higher levels of inflammation, which is risky for heart health and longevity. Other research has connected napping with high blood pressure, diabetes, and poor overall physical health.

He concluded: “If you want to take a siesta, our study indicates it’s safest to keep it under an hour. For those of us not in the habit of a daytime slumber, there is no convincing evidence to start.”

Story Source:

Materials provided by European Society of Cardiology. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

“Mutantism on the March”: Chapter 7 “Off to Zlano”

Chapter 7 “Off to Zlano”

Attis read from some official looking papers he pulled from a brown envelope. The monastery was to be expropriated by the fascist junta led by George Papadopoulos and was to be turned into a tourist resort! Well, it looked as if a vote was not necessary as the God’s home was going to be transformed into a rustic tourist retreat.

Zeus rose and spoke, “I believe it is time we depart from this stinking rotten mess. In fact I have found a rather pleasant dimension named Zlano with animals being the only form of life. Conditions and terrain are similar to those of our present island Samos. We can relax and escape the pressures of this commercialized tourist trap. Perhaps we can make another attempt at creating humankind as we have learned much from our mistakes. The thought of starting over again rather excites me. I move we depart from Earth!”

The vote by the Gods was unanimous except for Montenez pleading with his fellow Gods calling for a new activism, one that would aid humanity struggle through some of the bleakest moments of its history. He made it known he would be staying on Earth.

Who could not admire the selfless qualities of this man? Although the Gods were despondent that Willie would be remaining on the island, they all felt comfortable they had an “ambassador” on Earth who could keep them informed of important events. After all Earth had been their home for centuries and is not without sadness that they left.

But Willie did address the Gods before they left saying, “When I was washed up on these shores from goodness knows where it was you Gods that gave me salvation. I feel I owe the inhabitants of Earth something! When I look at them in all the pity I have I do have some hope. When you see their greed, drunkenness, backstabbing and cheating it is a sickness borne of desperation and fear. They are self-destructing but they will never admit that. I just cannot leave them, but at the same time I understand your decision. You created humankind and have seen them develop from day one. I know you had the goal of creating a perfect human race. It must have been a severe blow to see what you had created failed to meet your expectations. You think you failed but I am not ready to concede that fact. I may be a fool but let me try. There rests so much potential in humankind. It is going to require much hard effort. I think there is potential and I will do my best to cultivate it. Please understand me. I have no hard feelings for your exit plans but at least me test my tenacity. And believe you me friends that I do not see myself as a Christ figure. I am not doing it for myself but for them.”

After this short address, the Gods heaved a collective sigh. Dr. Zodiac was visibly upset as he would enjoy his earnestness, joviality and companionship. They had spent many an evening sipping wine and debating resulting in a close friendship.

Before they parted Willie drew Zodiac aside. Willie was pained as well as he had tears rolling down his face. Zodiac spoke, “Will I am proud to see that you decided to remain here. I gave some thought whether I should remain behind with you. But I have been here with Gods far longer than you have and it would be impossible to leave them behind. Perhaps one day I shall join you but let time see to that. I am going to miss you and I considered you a son the moment Zeus and I found you washed up on the beach. You have matured well. You are a God of action rather than most of us Gods who are full of contemplation more than action. I wish I had the guts and stamina to stick it out. I wish you the best of luck and please remember to pay us a visit from time to time in Zlano.”

A snap of Zeus’ fingers and the Gods disappeared. Although the departure was depressing he had been expecting it for some time. The Gods were trampled by the New Civilization fleeing it in exasperation. They were the old-fashioned types who liked everything, including humanity, within their reach and control. Events of the past few years emphasized just how powerless they were.

In the morning he walked over the steep path to the Co-Operative of Displaced Subsistence Farmers. He signed over the deeds to the monastery and land to them. Whatever expropriation monies were made off the property and lands would be theirs.

After running some errands in the main town of Samos Willie sat outside for a coffee as a ship with 500 elderly English tourists was sailing into the harbour. Unfortunately, their tourist agency’s CEO had absconded with all funds in the agency’s accounts and there were no rooms that had been reserved for these aged tourists ,many hobbling about on walkers. It was going to be a long day mused Willie Montenez.

Battle of The Pinot Noirs: Canada vs. The United States

We saw in the New Zealand vs. Canada fight recently there was a draw.

In this corner from Pelee Island Winery in Ontario, Canada a Vinedressers 2017 Reserve Pinot Noir weighing in at 13%. On the nose a very familiar raspberry and red cherry aroma with a hint of blackberry all contained in a pure and clear way. On the palate this is no delicate PN but a moderate bodied one with good grip. There is strawberry, black cherry and some strawberry jam with a moderate finish. A few more years in the bottle (3-4) might see this wine develop into something more elegant. I would pair with Cornish Hen herbed up with rosemary with lots of garlic and roasted potatoes.

(Pelee Island Vinedressers Reserve Pinot Noir 2017, VQA South Islands, Pelee Island Winery, Kingsville, Ontario, $19.95, Liquor Control Board of Ontario, 750 mL, 13%, Robert K. Stephen a little birdie told me so Rating 90/100).

In this corner from Monterey County in California is a Sea Sun California Pinot Noir. It’s one of those darker Pinot Noirs. On the nose raspberry, black cherry, blackberry and red plum. On the palate smooth with few noticeable tannins. On the palate full of raspberry cream wafer cookies and a brackish taste which might be because of the fact that most of the grapes were grown on the Pacific Coast so perhaps some salt absorption? The palate is very unimpressive and this wine is knocked out in the second round.

(Sea Sun Pinot Noir 2019 California, Sea Sun Vineyard, Fairfield, California, $ 24.95, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 16027, 750 mL, 14.2%, Robert K. Stephen, a little birdie told me so Rating 86/100).

Canada wins this match.

“Nitro Rush”: Seen this Before?

I am not quite certain why Breaking Glass Pictures in the United States has picked up a 2016 Quebec produced film for distribution? Is COVID hitting film production so badly the film vault must be scrounged for 5-year-old films for distribution?

Narco Party meets Nitro Rush with tragedy

As far as films go there is not much creativity or originality in this film and the fact that it is dubbed into English from French rather reeks at a desperate attempt to integrate itself into the North American Anglo market. I can’t recall seeing a dubbed movie since the Spaghetti Western days of the 70’s. Actually avoid looking at the lips and the dubbing is bearable but less authentic than subtitles.

Now the plot is rather hackneyed Hollywood with a hardened criminal Max (Guillame Lemay-Thivierge) behind bars striving to help his son Theo (Antoine Desroches) escape from the clutches of thug kingpins Daphne and “the Lawyer” who are running a credit card and identity theft ring and an even more nefarious attempt at stealing a designer drug Nitro Rush formula from “The Scientists”.

Max is in prison for murdering a police officer and his son Theo for some reason has not forgiven him for the death of his mother. Theo, a brilliant hacker, is working with a criminal gang headed by The Lawyer and Daphne and Max is offered an opportunity to infiltrate The Lawyer’s gang by state security types as the gang attempts to infiltrate the compound of “The Scientists” to steal the formula for Nitro Rush. How dangerous Nitro Rush is amply portrayed in the opening scene of the film when three narco crazed Nitro Rush party goers leap off a rooftop party to their death after ingesting Nitro Rush. This may be the most majestic moments of cinematography of the film. The remainder is tried and true formalistic elements of Mad Max, Italian Spaghetti Westerns and Bruce Willis “Die Hard”.

If you are looking for some simplistic revenge film you will find it here but there is nothing of originality perhaps except the technology behind the criminality.  That’s why I say have you seen it before?

The bad guys go down. Theo and Dad Max are reunited and Max is being set up at the end for a sequel as the cops say a freed man is more likely to protect his family.

If here is anything of any degree of originality in this film it is the blackmail of the police over criminals in their desperation to take down criminals more threatening than those in custody.

Yes Max is a lean and mean fighting machine in search of justice and reconnection with his family. Seen that before.

If you like action films add this to your list of films to see. You just might appreciate the Quebec takeon a Hollywood formula refreshingly different. Canadian film has often a certain loveable roughness to it and to be fair you’ll see glimpses of it here.

Treachery and two timing. Seen that before.

Criminal turned as a weapon against criminality. Seen that before.

Absolution of a criminal seen that before.

Continuing blackmail of criminal by police and justice have not seen too many times before.

The acting is fine but the plot line somewhat tired. Unfortunately too shrill and obvious to descend into a good film noir.

The pursuit by The Scientists almost takes us into the unintended comedic realm.

If you are looking for retreaded 97-minute excitement you can catch it here. But a 6 year old dubbed film are you scraping the bottom of the barrel?

This 97-minute film is directed by Alain Desrochers and is dubbed into English (oooh!). Hang em High!

This film will be available as of March 2rd on Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, Fandango and InDemand. Check this out https://www.bgpics.com/movies/nitro-rush/

You can see the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U_U-2_mBw8&feature=emb_logo

This 97-minute Quebec film is directed by Alain Desroches. As an ex Montrealer I felt more than a slight connection to the film shoot!

Tara Brach’s “Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of the Buddha”: The Importance of Pausing

“Pausing is the gateway to Radical Acceptance. In the midst of a pause, we are giving room and attention to the life that is always streaming through us, the life that is habitually overlooked. It is in this rest under the bodhi tree that we realize the natural freedom of our heart and awareness.  Like the Buddha, rather than running away, we need only commit ourselves to arriving, here and now, with wholehearted presence.”

COVID Poetry Corner: “Someone Has to Pay The Price”

Someone Has to Pay The Price

Yet another grim fatality statistic for the United States
with over 500,000 meeting their final fates
how much longer will this vile viral attack continue hammering the world?
when all is over
the blame game will start with a roar
with a particular vengeance for deaths among the poor
politicians and medicos will be booted out the door
and the sensationalist media will act like a boor
and feast on the lies, half truths and political blunders
which have torn the spirit of nations asunder
is it best to take time to heal
or let the guilty squeal?

Before you point the finger at someone else perhaps that is cowardly blame
perhaps by our indifference and failing to speak up at the appropriate time
you and I are the ones that committed the crime