In Memory of Paul Newman

When I think of Newman, I immediately think of Seinfeld. Of course you know Newman. Even if you barely know Seinfeld you know Newman.

Even though Paul Newman isn't the Newman from Seinfeld, he too was a pop culture phenomenon. Unfortunately, this September 26th, 2008 Paul Newman passed away at age 83 as a result of Cancer. He was an amazing humanitarian, Academy Award winning actor and to boot a wine enthusiast.

He is most well known for his film Career from the 60's well into the 90's and he also starred in Road To Perdition in 2002. Not only was Paul Newman a Movie Star, he was also an avid entrepreneur, philanthropist, had a deep passion for theatre, car racing, political activism, food and also served in the US Army in World War 2.

Newman was very philanthropic and truly believed in giving back to the community. In fact over his lifetime he donated over 250 Million Dollars to such organizations such as The Hole in the Wall Gang, which is a Summer camp for seriously ill children.

Newman, The Entrepreneur also Founded with Newman's Own Food Company. Which included items such as Salad Dressing, Popcorn, lemonade and pasta sauce, just to name a few. For More on Newman's Own Food Company visit www.newmansown.com

Paul Newman Vino?
Paul Newman is amazing. He left doing his best to make the world a better place, and he has made many a lives healthier by producing his own wine, (both red and white). Yes, Paul Newman has made his own Vino. Because acting just isn't the same without a great bottle of wine to enjoy with a well directed drama! This wine has yet to be released, but you can drink the wine before it gets released at Our Celebrity Wine Tutored Tasting at the 2008 Gourmet Food and Wine Show. Click Here to Buy Tickets

Paul Newman, You were an inspiration and you will be greatly missed. Your vision statement "Shameless Exploitation in Pursuit of the Common Good," should be more widely adopted to truly improve the quality of life around the globe.

Cheers to you my friend! You will be greatly missed.

*The YouTube Video below is a snipit of Paul Newman's Bio from the Biography Channel

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To learn more about Paul Newman - visit Wikipedia here
To see more You Tube Videos of Paul Newman Click Here
To ready the Toronto Star Article about the passing of Paul Newman click here

Paul Newman Films Include:
(Exodus (1960), The Hustler (1961), Hud (1963), Harper (1966), Hombre (1967), Cool Hand Luke (1967), The Towering Inferno (1974), Slap Shot (1977) and The Verdict (1982). *

He teamed with fellow actor Robert Redford and director George Roy Hill for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and The Sting (1973). *

He appeared with his wife, Joanne Woodward, in the feature films The Long, Hot Summer (1958), Rally 'Round the Flag, Boys!, (1958), From the Terrace (1960), Paris Blues (1961), A New Kind of Love (1963), Winning (1969), WUSA (1970), The Drowning Pool (1975), Harry & Son (1984) and Mr. and Mrs. Bridge (1990). *





September 30th, 2008

How much of a VIRGIN are you?

I didn't really realize there were layers to virginity, but it seems that virgins are like onions, filled with layers and full of promise and opportunity.

When I think about "Virgin" the name to me has more of a branded connotation than anything else. Maybe it is because I am an entrepeneur who's dreams run alongside those of Richard Branson. But more so because my dreams are big and encompass many things, just like the Founder of all things VIRGIN.

Now we all know Virgin is a BIG brand, but I bet you don't really know how big they actually are. Check out the list below of some of the the things that Branson as called broke into his "Virgin" brand, including the reason for this writeup...VINO!

Actually to be completely blunt I am a Virgin Virgin (actually I did test listen the radio station, and not too shabby I might say!). I don't think I have tried anything from the Virgin brand lineup. Sorry Branson, but you're still my hero and would love to meet you, over a glass of virgin wine, in a virgin plane... wow now that would be the day!

Virgin Wines
http://www.virginwines.com/

Now obviously, being a wine enthusiast, you know I am going to chat about Virgin Wines. Now to be honest, I have to yet to actually drink this wine as of yet, so technically I am a Virgin Wine Virgin. However, the name has some interesting connotations like Apple and Eve, the Forbidden fruit, Vines, evil, innocence, women, and more. check out more info on the wine http://www.virgindrinks.com/drink-details.asp?ProductID=52. I get a very authentic and biblical type of feel as well as a very up-beat, urban, and touche, type of branding to the wine.

Virgin Radio
http://www.virginradio999.com/shows

In a recent walk down downtown Toronto, I notice a poster ad for Virgin Radio and thought, "What?... Now Virgin has its own Radio Station?! - where to next, space?" . I actually gave it a listen to this past weekend, and I have to say it was a great station, obviously pop oriented and still not as clear of reception as my amazing XM radio, but it is alright for an FM station.




Virgin Galactic
http://www.virgingalactic.com/

Yes that is right, I said VIRGIN GALACTIC. So it seems after radio ande wine, comes space! I just read an article in the Globe and Mail recently that mentioned that tickets cost $200,000 per person for the very first flight to Space - which is set to launch in 2010. But don't worry the second and third launch tickets are much more affordable, they are called the Pioneer and Voayger tickets. Now to me, If I had millions and millions of dollars, I think it would be pretty cool to be able to have a glass of virgin vino, on the Virgin Galactic - besides I would be a virgin space traveler, so it would all make sense! I bet the wine would be out of this world! :P

To read the Globe & Mail Article from September 15th click here

Virgin Festival
http://www.virginfestival.ca/
Is this where are the Virgins hang out and drink wine? Now a music festival, that is where it is at! Are they serving Virgin Wines and giving away Free Phones? Music, phones, space, festivals and wine - that is my kind of business.

Virgin Records
http://www.virginrecords.com/
Music and Records both pair well with wine and I'm sure all the musicians use a Virgin Mobile phone to boot!

Virgin Mobile
http://www.virginmobile.ca/vmc/en/home/language_selection.html
Is your virgin on the move, track her down with a mobile phone made for virgins and wanna be virgins! The Real Question is does it come with a free bottle of wine?

Virgin Music
http://www.shopemi.com/label_page.asp?id=80
We all know that music pairs well with wine! A great Pinot Noir with Feist, or a glass of sauvignon blanc with Coldplay would pair quite beautifully!


Virgin Green Fund

It is always nice when you see an empire taking note of the environment. Branson has donated 3Billion dollars to finding renewable fuel sources and sustainable business practices. To read the Press Release click here

Virgin Airways
http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/us/index.jsp
Yes I want to drink wine while I am flying, that shouldn't even be a question! Bring on the Virgin Wine!


So there you have it. And I'm sure there are many more Virgin Brands out there, that I may have missed- but this is a good start at least. If you weren't Virgin lover before this article. You may have just become one. Richard Branson, if you're out there, I hope one day we get to meet. I very much look up to your entrepreneurial spirit and would love to chat you over a virgin glass of vino!

Check out Paxton's blog on all things Naked! www.paxtonswineblog.blogspot.com

Cheers!
Ange

September 17th, 2008



RED VERSUS WHITE
This is a pure competition.

When you think of the colour palate you don't really think about competition - you think about contrast, continuity, and shades, but not a competition. Yellow doesn't really compete with brown, does it? But, outside of the colour wheel isn't life filled with a million little (or big) competitions? Who is going to the get the raise first, who is going to get that promotion, who owns more, who does more or who gets the last glass of wine. Competition is really everywhere, happening everyday.

Sometimes the worst competitor is you. You may have high expectation of success, for your relationship, your friendships or you and your job. Your own high personal expectations mean you compete against yourself. You work hard and play hard. You challenge yourself to cross the finish line faster than anyone, even if there is no one running against you. This is what I like to call healthy competition.

Ok, healthy competition I get it. Now what? Well now we are going to digress the Red VS White campaign. With elections around the corner and decisions about to be made, it is time we sat down and discussed a true competition. When people ask me if I like white wine better than Red, or if I like red better than White, I always say "No, I like them both the same, and besides I never turn down a glass of wine", but I am truly going to test that theory. What do I like better, Red or White Wine? Besides a little healthy competition never hurt anyone? :P



Red Wine
Ok so I do love red wine that is for sure, but here the exact things I like...
  • I like the dark fruit, smoky, tobacco, and leather smell when it enters my nose the second you pour it into your glass and dig your nose right into the glass. So good.
  • I like the decanting part of red wine, even though you can decant some white wines, red wines are much more fun to look at and to watch come to life.
  • I love the way it makes feel to drink a glass of red. I love how red wine just warms my blood and pairs perfectly with a hot date and chilly November night
  • I enjoy the velvety taste in my mouth of a great satin and silky red wine.
  • I love how it looks completely authentic in the glass and reminds me of something out of a history, very historical
  • Red wine goes great with Food
  • The Big glasses that come with Big Red wine
  • Has the ability to take the edge off after a stressful day at work
  • I love Pinot Noir... by far it is the Ultimate Red... in my Opinion

Things I don't like about red wine:
  • It stains cloths - trust me I have spilled my fair share of clothes
  • It stains teeth - however I have found a cure - Listerine Whitening Strips - my new favourite find, are great for red wine drinkers, and far surpass the other tres horrible whitening strips.
  • it stains my nice white table - I have to use over and over the Lysol with Bleach (another fav product, especially when it comes to wine)
  • Somestimes it can be too dry and not so yummy after a few sips
  • Stains your lips - but if it matches your lipstick, it could be a good thing
  • Red wine reminds me of communion


Favourite Red Wine (s):
1- Trius Red - If you have tried the Trius Red, you understand.
Click here to buy Trius Red
2- Wayne Gretzky Merlot

White Wine
What I like about the world of White Wine (from here on referred to as WWW):
  • It is the most refreshing drink available to man (& woman)
  • Rieslings (especially reserves) have earned my gold medal. They are my Top dog of white wine.
  • I am building a place in my heart for Chardonnays (especially Reserves)
  • I love giving a bottle of white, especially a good bottle. People are always stuck on red wine for some reason, and whites are so diverse that sharing and teaching should be expected.
  • I love the screw top on many white (and red for that matter). Using a corkscrew is very romantic, but sometimes I just like to get her open.
  • I love that a bottle (or 2) of white wine and 4 girls, can have the best night ever!
  • It doesn't stain. sorry red, but sometimes you suck.
  • I love Riesling, if I were a wine I would be a Riesling

What I don't like about White Wine:
  • I am not such a fan of Gewurztraminer, still haven't found one I honestly have loved and would buy again. Sorry G!
  • Chilling wine takes time, sometimes a glass of wine is needed right now, not 20 minutes from now. And if you don't have a wine fridge (which I am guessing is about 90% of the population) you're sol.
  • The chilled section of the LCBO honestly sucks. Limited chilled availability can wreck my day.
  • To fully enjoy the wine you need to drink them out of very dainty, glasses, sometimes I pour my white wine into my sweet red glasses - Chardonnays work well in them anyways - especially the Reserves.
  • It has a stigma of being not overly Male Friendly, because apparently some guys are afraid of white wine. Seriously, Suck it up boys.
Favourite White Wine
  1. Peller Estates Private Reserve 2007 Riesling - click here to buy Peller Estates Riesling
  2. Henry Pelham Chardonnay Reserve - click here to buy wines from HoP

So the competition comes to a final match. Who is going to win, Red or White? I guess the winner is dependant upon mood, environment, associations, experiences recommendations and well, taste buds. So overall, I think I'm still tied in my love affair with both Red an White wine. I think the only solution is the drink more of both (and some Rose) for more long term research ;P

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Cheers
ange




September 7, 2008


Production, The Green Roof & The Cellar
Part 1, 2 & 3
[click on picture to view video]


Sept 4, 2008


First Class jitters....

I remember the first day of school nerves. My stomach would ache the entire weekend before going back to school. Especially during the 5 years I was at HighSchool (SLHS represent). My backpack was always filled with the new stuff I needed for all the terms classes. There was a always a pencil case filled with new pens, pencils, erasers, pencil crayons, and highlighters. There were new binders, new shoes (my favourite part), a new backpack, new deodorant for gym class ( I hated the "O" Block run). I also had my first week of new school clothes all picked out and ready to wear over the next first 4 first days at class. I was never the stylish one in HS, in fact I barely cared about what I wore, clothes were the last thing on my mind, come the first week of september my mind was on school and work. I spent the last 2 weeks prepping for my first day back at school. Exams, essays, books and whatever else they threw at me, I had to be fully prepped to handle all of it and get the "A" in every place possible. All I knew was that school came first, even if I was working full time at the Winery. Homework, intramurals, school council and report cards, my mind switched from making money to making the grades and making the money.

I think back on those class room jitters and reminise about being in school. There were times I (and I'm sure you too) hated every second of it and just wanted out the entire school system. Then there were times you skipped french class (Sorry Madamme Netherway) and would watch the football team practice. Now that was never me, but I always wished I had balls to do that kind of thing. :P

School Rocks. Or at least that is what they train you to think. I loved every second of High School and I miss the time I spent at University too. You got to see so many people every week, in every lecture and seminar, and never had to make time for them, they were just there and you got to spend class time with them, cath-up, gossip and hang out. I know many a teachers who work hard at school and teach. I have a great friend who teaches drama and music and is my hero. Honestly, she rocks. I remember my English, Drama and Music teachers, they made the most impact on my life, and they were all women to boot.

So all in all we say thank you to mother nature for making the past weekend, fit to the perfect weather conditions and true relaxtion. Come Sept 2, the real work begins. Real work should always be followed by real wine. As far as I am concerned, my creativity starts with a glass of vino! But that is just me!

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First day of school jitter wines:

Niagara College Deans List Chardonnay - CLICK HERE
Because the more Dean's List Chardonnay you drink, the more likely you will be to be on the Dean's List at the end of term.

Mad Dogs & Englishman Wine - CLICK HERE
I picked this wine because it has the word "English" in it, and well it has a lot to do with school doesn't it?

Bat Cat Wine - Forks of Cheat Winery - CLICK HERE
Be the bad cat this year. Be the popular bad girl/guy, and cheat your way through school. I don't recommend this as it is more than likely to put you into the principles office, however, in theory it does sound like a good idea. So instead I will just drink some bad cat wine, and think about all my bad cat friends!

Sept 1, 2008