Fortuna Ron Reserva Exclusiva: 8 Year Old Rum

   Straight from Nicaragua and the brilliance of Master Blender Don "Pancho" Fernandez, come a fine new 8 year old light golden rum.     Fortuna Ron Reserva Exclusiva, is the latest of a string of fabulous rums from the mind of Don "Pancho" Fernandez, this rum has the sweetness of Caribbean fruits and spices, an especially peppery taste with a long lasting somewhat sweet finish.    

     The rum is aged in American Oak bourbon casks for at least 8 years and as many as 10 years.     This  five pass column distilled  masterpiece is made form molasses that produces a very clean and flavorful corn husk colored rum.   Bottled in a short and stocky bottle that brings nautical images to mind as you grab it by the neck.    The surprise comes when you uncork it and the flavors released are so very sophisticated and elegant.

     This is a new rum that I have added to the inventory at the Rum Bar in Key West, and one that is being  loved by all who have tried and enjoyed it's wonderful flavors.    This is a must find rum to add to your collection that you will find yourself enjoying as I do on the aft deck at sunset.  ;o)

Underage Consumption of Alcohol: When is it OK?

     With the starting of college and a lot of high school graduates are leaving home for the first time.     With the temptation of alcohol all around, how should you prepare the 18ish for this.     I do not have children, having said that, I've never faced this question as an adult.   I do have a friend who has just dropped his daughter off at college and I'm sure that the subject has crossed their dinner table once or twice in the recent months.

     In an article for CNN, Allison Gilbert has looked into the subject with some interesting perspectives.

Editor's note: On Labor Day and other holidays that call for cheerful gatherings, many parents wonder whether to allow their underage children a celebratory sip of beer or wine. Allison Gilbert asks experts if giving kids a taste of alcohol is asking for trouble or preparing them for the real world. 

(CNN) -- Before dropping off his son at Colgate University a few days ago to begin his freshman year, New York advertising photographer Robert Tardio went on one last summer vacation with his family. While his wife and youngest son were out exploring the quaint streets of Montreal, Robert took his eldest, college-bound teen out for a beer. "My son is an incredible, conscientious young man. But at 14, 15, 16 -- alcohol was out of the question. We made it very clear what our expectations were and that he would not be drinking."

The rules shifted for Tardio's son Ames when he turned 18. Now, a beer here or there was no longer out of the question. 

"In our minds, he became somewhat of an adult, and we were willing to set new limits. He understood that if he was going to have a drink he had to be responsible and in control at all times. We also had many discussions with him about the consequences of his actions if he wasn't under control."

So the Tardio's did what many parents across the country do: They made up their own rules, inside their own home, when it came to alcohol consumption and their underage children. As a mother of a 10-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son, I've often wondered if it's OK to give my children a sip of wine at dinner. Would I be sending an irresponsible message, or demystifying alcohol and thereby weakening its allure later on?

Read more at: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/02/living/labor-day-underage-drinking/index.html

     There are a lot of people that I have talked to in different parts of the world on this subject, and I've gotten almost as many different ideas on the subject as I have had conversations.    I do believe that if alcohol is made available to a teenager under strict control in the home, then when the teenager goes away from home the values and the knowledge of the effects and the consequences strike a balance that will keep them safe.    I remember going to college back in the 60's and the fraternity house was a place of comradely and drinking most anytime that you wish to partake.   The real trick was that I knew " when to hold them and when to fold them" if you will.  This was because of the values that were instilled in me by my parents of being responsible for your actions.     It isn't anyone else's job to watch over me when I choose to have a cocktail, I am the only one that is responsible for what I do when I drink.   I feel that is more people would teach the kids that there is a time and a place for alcohol comsumption and to know their limits, that the "escape from the house will lead to a far less bit of crazy drunkenness the minute they get away from the parents.

    The last point is when the spring break time arrives, this is the first real test for a young person out on their own.   Peer pressure and the want to be a part of the crowd  is real important at that age and some will do what ever it takes to be a part of the group.

     I just hope that a lot of parental preparation has been instilled in the new group of freshman college students that are breaking away for the first time this year.   It is a tough age, to young to be allowed to drink, but old enough to be a voter and a soldier that will defend the country.    I remember that age very well, but we weren't allowed to vote back then.   Keep your head on and let the adult in you be your guide, I won't be the one to say yes it is OK to be drinking, but if you get yourself into that situation, be responsible for your decisions and your actions.   ;o)


    

Labor Day on Boca Grand Key

Approaching Ballast Key

     The day could not have been prettier and the winds light out of the Southeast, perfect to cruise out to Boca Grand Key.    The puffy clouds and the blue of the sea and the sky blending together was just what the doctor had called for on a day off.     This was to be a day of the dinghy, just because it was a day to be in the sun and not under the cover of the bigger boat.    The day just seemed to get better as we approached the different keys in the Lakes Passage  cruising out to Boca Grand Key.  

     Upon arriving at our destination, we got out a nice lunch and a bottle of Atlantico Private Cask rum and a can of Barritt's Ginger Beer, great beach day combination.    This was the first trip back to Boca since January, and the flowers are bringing the wildlife preserve to life.    The fish were swarming at the edge of the beach and the sandpipers picking up pieces of food as they scurried along the water's edge.   All of the activity of the boaters on the beach had little effect on the everyday life of the birds, fish, and lizards as they went about their gathering of food.

 

 

All things considered I guess it was one of the better days that I have spent on the water this year.   Still I wish I had more time to spend there and get to know the little keys that make up the Lakes Passage.   Someday I know I'll have more time that I currently do for such adventures and when I do I'll be out there a lot more often.    ;o)








It Seems that Lascelles DeMercado is Now Part of Campari

In a Bloomberg Report today by Sarah Shannon it has been reported that Campari has acquired a controlling interest in Lascelles DeMercado in it's third largest deal.    

    

     Davide Campari-Milano SpA (CPR) said it will purchase Lascelles deMercado & Co., the Jamaican maker of Appleton Rum, in a deal worth $414.8 million to hasten the Italian distiller's push into overseas markets.  

     Campari agreed to buy a controlling 81.4 percent stake and will make a formal tender offer for all the shares, the Milan- based company said today in a statement. 

     The acquisition is the third-largest by Campari, and marks the company's entry into the rum category. The distiller said the deal will give it a market-leading position in Jamaica and provide growth potential in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Lascelles deMercado's brands include Wray & Nephew and Coruba. 

     "The acquisition of a family of premium rum brands will allow Campari to leverage its growing portfolio of premium vodka, bourbon and tequila, while allowing it to boost sales and efficiencies of its network," Mauro Baragiola, an analyst at Citigroup Inc. in Milan, wrote today in a note.

 

Read More:  http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-09-03/campari-buys-rum-maker-lascelles-demercado-in-third-largest-deal

 

     This is an interesting acquisition for Campari, and it appears that it is trying to expand its global footprint and open up new markets for the company in the rum arena.   This is a deal that the results are going to be worth watching in the near future.    ;o)   

 

 

There is Nothing More Relaxing

It is hard to beat a hammock that is tied between palm trees on a beach, with the surf rolling in as a background noise to turn off the stress.  ;o)

Blue Moon: 2012

     For the first time in 2 years we have a Blue Moon.   The moon was full on August 2, 2012 and again on August 31, 2012.   This is a great and rare anomalies that occurs as they say, "once in a blue moon", and is usually one of the more spectacular moon appearances.   There are 12.36 lunar cycles per year, so the blue moon only appears every 2 to 3 years.     As I left the boat this morning, I was struck by a really great view of the blue moon and its reflection on the gulf.

Ernest and Julio Gallo Introduces Shellback Rum

West Indies Rum Distillery  Bridgetown, Barbados

Ernest and Julio Gallo the wine giant of Modesto, California has partnered up with West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados to produce the rum for their new Rum Shellback.   There are two versions being marketed initially, a "Silver" and a "Spiced" versions.    The rum is made in Barbados and shipped to Modesto where it is bottled and flavored.   

    

"Our opportunity in the marketplace is focused on consumers who wish to progress in the rum category to a modern, premium, progressive rum," Gerard Thoukis, Gallo's senior director of marketing, said Wednesday. 

    

A variety of natural flavors go into Shellback Spiced, including cinnamon bark oil from Sri Lanka, ginger oil from China and Africa, clove oil from Madagascar and India, nutmeg from Indonesia, cassia from Vietnam and China, vanilla from Madagascar and allspice from the Caribbean.      Shellback Silver is just rum, but a news release tells of "floral overtones layered with the suggestion of vanilla and tropical fruit, followed by a smooth, clean finish."     "Shellback" is an old naval term bestowed on sailors who crossed the equator for the first time. Also on the label is the motto "Rum Found Worthy."     Shellback could find favor with the "younger cocktail crowd," said Lexy McCallum, general manager of Bistro 234 in Turlock.   "We love to support local vendors," she said.   

     "We are actively looking at all of the major spirits categories," Thoukis said, "and as opportunities arise, we will take advantage of them."

You can read more at http://www.modbee.com/2012/08/30/2352097/gallo-makes-move-on-rum.html .

     The website offers a story of how the name was derived, and some of the details of the rum's story.   

     A Shellback is an experienced sailor, revered for his nautical progression and courage, who has achieved the landmark triumph of crossing the equator. Shellback Rum honors the proud naval tradition of these sailors with its Caribbean roots and refined taste. Shellback allows experienced rum drinkers the opportunity to experience a modern ‘progression’ within rum.

     Shellback is proud to partner with a Barbados-based rum distillery in the production of its two bottlings, silver and spiced rum, debuting this Fall. Shellback Silver Rum is a clean and flavorful rum for the sophisticated palate featuring notable tropical, fruit, and sweet aromatics notes. Shellback Spiced Rum features no added sugar or artificial flavors and a medley of all natural spices resulting in a smooth, clean taste with notes of caramelized honey layered with hints of dark roast and brown spice. Shellback Rum delivers the authenticity of traditional Caribbean rum, while articulating the sensory cornerstones of an improved, full-flavored rum experience.

read more at http://www.rumforall.com/producers/rum_producer_shellback.html.

 

     I am looking forward to seeing this rum come on line here in Florida and placing it on the shelf here at the Rum Bar in Key West.   ;o)

 

 

 

 

,

 

Read more here: http://www.modbee.com/2012/08/30/2352097/gallo-makes-move-on-rum.html#storylink=cpy

Are Rums Heading Down the Trail of Vodka?

     I'm wondering if the rum world is going to follow suit and head down the path that Vodka has with the insane flavors.     Jim Beam has just purchased the Pinnacle Vodka and Calico Jack brands and they are going to be producing the rum for this brand.    

     I can't believe that there are going to be a bunch of really dumb rum flavors coming at us now like the have in the vodka world.  I can't wait for the arrival of cookie dough or who knows maybe chewing tobacco flavored rums will appear next.     There is a place in the teenybopper bars for these kinds of rums, but I really have to question the validity of  the market potential in the big picture.

     There has been another line of really inexpensive rums that appeared at the  2012 Rum Renaissance Festival called Flip Flop rums that are aimed at the quick grab a bottle to take to the party or lake group.  Maybe these flavored rums might fit the same group as well.

Who knows, I've seen stranger things succeed, so lets look and see what happens to this group of wild ideas.   ;o)  
  

Hurricane Bob: Magic Elixir Revealed

If you are wondering about the "magic" cocktail that we drink on the docks to ward off the hurricanes, well here it is.   It is made in 2 gallon batches and will do wonders for every one on the docks before the arrival of a tropical storm or hurricane.   The flavors of the rum can be worked with to suit your taste, and the amounts of the fruit juices can be played with also.

    This is the same magic that keeps us protected here in the keys and you might want to try it in your neck of the woods also.   This has no guarantee to keep you safe, so please do all your preparation for the impending storm before starting to consume this magic elixir to drive the storm away.

     This is a great cocktail to take to the beach as well it dispenses well from a Gatorade cooler.   Just add ice and enjoy.   ;o)   

Carbonated Fountain Style Cocktails

     There have been several soda fountain systems available for the home to create any type of soda pop you want, but if you use the system to create cocktails that you can carbonate on the bar, this would be open the doors for some great new cocktails.     Just think, Mojito's that are carbonated in the glass instead of just adding soda water to them.     It is the addition of soda water to a cocktail that give it the light airy taste that is so refreshing.   The possibilities are virtually unlimited as to what you can create.    This is perfect for tiki creations and for updating of traditional cocktails as well.   

     My pea brain idea is to create syrups to flavor the cocktails then turn them into soda pops and then put them into the cocktail, adding flavor and fizz at the same time.    You can create carbonated rums, wines, even vodkas.   If your mind can create a new idea or flavor you can carbonate it with these soda gadgets.

     There are also some professional bar units that work off of a CO2 tank that can be placed at the bar so cocktails can be carbonated right in the glass.   The other alternative is to put something like rum into a keg and put through a tap just like draught beer and straight into a glass as fizzy as beer, but it is really "draught rum"   The Perlini System can be used to offer both bottled and carbonated cocktails right at the bar.   These are not mass produced, but your favorite bartender's own mix bottled or carbonated right in front of you at the bar.


     Today I'm headed to the store to try and locate one of these units and see what new things can be created in the "Rum Lab".    I really feel that the possibilities are endless and that you can many time over multiply your recipe book through the use of one of these systems.    This is really not such a new idea I remember "seltzer bottles" that you just filled with water and put a CO2 cartridge in and "Wa La", you have fresh soda water for your cocktail.   Now you can take the cocktail place it in the carbonator and "Wa La" you have a carbonated cocktail.    I can't wait to get this idea into motion.  ;o)

Isaac Passes Key West with Only a Wimper

   Issac is gone past Key West and headed up into the Gulf of Mexico.   The effects in Key West were a lot of work boarding up houses, businesses and many miles of extra lines applied to boats.    The really great thing that came out of Isaac is people took the time to clean up their loose debris around their houses and docks.  

     Duval was only occupied with weather people from the media and a few chickens as I drove to the Rum Bar yesterday morning.    By the time I got my inventory work done and the bar ready to open, there were people waiting outside ready to come in and start the "Hurricane Party", even though it was still only a tropical storm.  The good news is it still remains a tropical storm today.   The big event came and passed with a fair amount of rain and some gusty winds.   The  winds were strong enough to clear all of the dead fronds from the palm trees on the island.   Driving my scooter home at 6ish last night, the winds were still blowing around 30 mph and a little bit of rain was still falling.    I've gotten wetter in a normal every day thunder storm, but still it was nice to be back aboard the boat. 

     Today there are still some gusty winds blowing around, and they say there will be a few rainy times, but I met the sunshine when I got off of the boat and headed down the dock heading to the office.     I am happy to report that there were only very minor bits of damage that I noticed as I went to town this morning and the boards are virtually all off of the windows and doors this morning.   

     Last night the last of the "Hurricane Bob" magic potion was consumed to make sure that the winds didn't get out of control.  As usual, the magic in the mix decimated the storm before it got to Key West.   Do I really believe this, well, probably not.  Althrough the past 10 or so storms that have approached since the residents on the docks have sat and raised our cups in defiance, none have strengthened and most lost their strength or turned away.   Is this a coincidence, I really don't know, but until it fails us we will continue to make the "Hurricane Bob" and drink it up in defiance until it does fails us.   By the way, we were all prepared for the worst long before we started the traditional defiance party.

     This is the last official Bahama Bob Rumstyles Hurricane Report form The Rum Lab in Key West, until the next storm.   ;o)

This is NOT Reality TV Anymore

     Things are starting to go down hill fairly quickly here in Key West.   The winds are sustained at about 21 mph and so far this morning it is dry.   We are at the center of the cone of uncertainty with hurricane warnings all around us.

Stephanie Abrams

     As pretty as Stephanie Abrams is, you know that it isn't a good thing when the Weather Channel comes to town.     We are the center of the media blitz for Isaac, at least for the moment, or until Isaac moves past us later today and heads up into the gulf.  It is interesting that we are getting as much media coverage as the politicians are on the week of their conventions.   Cool.

     At least this one is just going to be a minimal hurricane, or maybe still a strong tropical storm, the difference is little and because of the direction that it is coming from the storm surge will be minimal as well.    Hurricanes are really no joke, and if you don't prepare the price can be very high.   If you haven't gotten ready, time is running out and you need to begetting on it with earnest.  You are not only effecting yourself, but your neighbors and friends as well. 

    The preparation is done for most of us, and it is time to hunker down, party a bit, and wait for this thing to blow on through and get life back to normal again.     All of us are enjoying the break from the hot and humid weather that led us into the storm, but Isaac has brought a nice respite from the summer.

     I'm off to the Rum Bar now and getting ready for Rum Church which will get started as soon as the congregation arrives at noon or so.  We will be stay open for as long as the weather will let us today, and I can still jump on the scooter and head home without being blown into the sea. 

     Depending on what happens in the next 24 hours, I may or may not be able to get a blog out for tomorrow, but tip a great rum and keep yourself safe and we'll report what we see tomorrow.  Hopefully any how.   ;o)

Cone of Uncertainty Getting Smaller

      Saturday morning and we are awakening to rain and gusty winds.    The storm itself is still a day and a half away, but this storm is very large and feeder bands are already lapping against the keys.
     I've already got most of the preparation  for the storm completed, the boat is retied, and the loose things have been brought inside.     We have groceries, the water tank is full, and the holding tank is empty, these are very important things if the power is out for any length of time.   One other thing, the generator is in top notch operating condition, we will have power and air conditioning even if the power is out for an extended period of time.     We also have a good supply of my "Hurricane Bob" to keep the party happening for the duration of the storm.

     All kidding aside, this is a real storm hurricane warnings are in effect.   We have been serious about our preparation, and once that is completed, keeping the spirits up is probably the most important part of the riding out the storm.   We will get to spend from 12 to 24 hours inside waiting for the storm to blow over us.

     Today it is off to Duval Street, the bar is open and as long as it is safe and there are people stopping by we will stay open.    Then back to the boat as usual, hoping we don't have to head inside until Sunday night.

     I will keep you abreast of what is happening here, the fun and the preparation as the next few days until Isaac has blown itself out of the keys.   ;o) 

Go2TheKeys: The New App for The Keys

Go2TheKeys, The Definitive Guide to The Florida Keys, Creates New Model for Travel Apps

 

App delivers comprehensive and constantly updated information coupled with an

instructive guide.   It allows tourists to navigate like locals.

 

     Go2TheKeys, the first in a series of localized ‘Go2’ Apps from Flying Fish Interactive, breaks away from the impersonal data intensive approach common in travel Apps. Instead, Go2TheKeys delivers information gathered from a local perspective and then provides a guide in order to make sense of it all.

 

     Go2TheKeys delivers the most up to date and robust information available anywhere, period.  Each of the more than 2,300 listed businesses and points of interest were visited prior to inclusion. Go2TheKeys let’s visitors navigate and enjoy a destination as if they were locals.  “Each business in The Florida Keys represent more than a data point to us. Each is an owners dreams and investments, an employees job and profession, a families income. Each represents a customers memory of a great vacation with family and friends.” Says Carlton Grooms, cofounder and CEO. “We could not create this best in class App for The Florida Keys without having spent time getting to know our neighbors. I think that unique level of commitment and knowledge comes through in the App.”

 

     “Go2TheKeys is a result of applying cutting edge technology and programming in new creative ways.” Said Lee Jones, the co-founder and CTO. “We constantly pushed the envelope of the Apple iOS. We applied our own location based services solutions to create something consumers have never seen. I am personally excited about our proprietary coupon system.”

 

     Go2TheKeys can be used by visitors before their trip to The Florida Keys in order to plan their itinerary and highlight things they want to do and see. Keys businesses will be able to send customized offerings to users based on their interests as they plan their vacation. Once in the Keys, users can easily navigate The Keys, explore points of interest, and take advantage of Go2TheKeys unique coupon system which delivers customized offers to the traveler.   With Go2TheKeys loaded on their iPhone, visitors to The Florida Keys will no longer be lost due to no information or paralyzed by too much information. The App will help lead users off the traditional tourists paths and introduce them to a broader experience in The Keys. It will also help them save significantly more than traditional, non-earth friendly, paper based coupons and advertising.

     Go2TheKeys is now available in the Apple App store for iPhone. The Android version will follow soon. It is being offered for FREE for a limited time.

 

Read More:  http://www.go2thekeys.com

2012 Hurricane Season Becomes a Reality

   


Predicted path for Isaac

Isaac is making the 2012 Hurricane Season a reality for those of us that live in the tropics. It has been several years since we have had to prepare for the reality of a hurricane coming at us here in Key West, but it looks like this one, even though it will only be a minimal one is nevertheless headed our way.

 

     Very few here is taking it lightly, many of the snow birds houses are seeing the hurricane shutters going up and preparation for the blow is well underway at many of the residents. Tomorrow, I will be adding the necessary additional lines and fenders to secure the boat and putting away any loose objects that could blow around and cause damage.

 

     After the dock and the boat have been secured it is time to get all of the preparations for the "voodoo" ritual by residences of the marina to have a party and consume glasses of my magic "Hurricane Bob" cocktail that has been successful at warding off hurricanes for many years. The only really good thing about an approaching hurricane is the "Hurricane Party", and then it's off the where ever we go to ride out the storm and wait for it to pass.
 

     Today is a bit gray, but the sun is still shining and the day will go on here in "paradise" as usual. It is a work day and one that is usually fun, but with the tourists becoming hesitant about heading into the face of an imminent hurricane, this could be a rather slow day at the Rum Bar. If you are here and your preparation is complete it might be a fun afternoon to stop by. We can have a bit of fun and swap some stories. The funny thing about hurricanes is that it doesn't get cold, just windy and rainy. That is exactly what the weather predictions are for Sunday and Monday temps in the upper 80's with rain and windy.
 

     I'll keep everyone aware of what is happening here during the storm as long as the internet is still functioning, and believe me I have an adequate supply of good rum to get me through as I sit on the back of the boat and watch the wind, rain, and the waves. ;o)
 

Plantation 3 Stars White Rum has Arrived

   Cognac Ferrand has introduced its first white rum to the market.     This is a white that I was lucky enough to try as a part of the rum tasting competition at the 2012 Rum Renaissance Festival in Miami last May.   This is an ultra premium white rum that is blended from rums that come from three of the finest rum producing countries in the world, Barbados, Trinidad, and Jamaica.     If you haven't guessed by now, that is where the name comes from, Plantation 3 Stars White Rum.

     Cognac Fernand owner Alexandre Gabriel was quoted as saying," Most white rums on the market today are either too neutral and too vodka-like or too rough and rustic.  We wanted a rum that shows character, elegance, complexity, and a great finish - ideal rum for cocktails."   "This is the beauty of blending."  "You can capture the best of each - Trinidad brings elegance and refinement, Barbados brings character and aromatics with fruit notes without being too heavy, and Jamaica brings the funk, the touch that makes the product complete."

     When Plantation takes on a new project, they do so with a spirit and drive that is not found anywhere else.   It is in the fact that they are finishers of fine rum, and have the ability to finish and blend rums in a way that is unparalleled in the rum world.   This is a perfect example of a rum that the raw materials were sourced from three stars of the rum world and blended in a way to create a rum unlike any other white rum available today.    

     Winner of the most prestigious award of the 2012 Rum Renaissance Festival, this little white rum is destine to become a giant in very short order.     This well balanced flavorful white rum can be an asset to any cocktail, with the addition of very subtle spice and floral notes and a touch of vanilla at the finish.   Plantation 3 Stars White Rum is the next winner in the Plantation arsenal of ultra premium rums.   ;o)

Caribbean Rum Producers "Won't be Bullied" According to WIRSPA

Dr. Frank Ward

     The West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA) will continue to lobby regional governments  looking for a solution to the dispute over the rum subsides to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Monday, August 20, 2012 - The West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA) is continuing to lobby regional governments to find a resolution to the dispute over unfair subsidies being given to its competitors in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) before ‘terminal damage’ is caused to the industry.

This was made clear by chairman of WIRSPA, Dr Frank Ward, in a release issued this morning (August 20) in which he stressed that the matter required urgent action and early resolution if the rum industry of the Caribbean Forum countries (the Caribbean Community plus the Dominican Republic) were to survive in their present form.

Dr Ward also made veiled opposition to the recently publicised stance by multinational rum producer Diageo that it might re-think its operations in the wider Caribbean if the Caribbean did not stop agitating for an end to the USVI incentives that allowed Diageo’s rum to flow into the US market at a cheaper price than WIRSPA’s member could offer, which Diageo strongly denied was the case. 

“Documented threats have recently been made in public against the rum industry in CARIFORUM countries. Such an approach threatens Caribbean economic sovereignty and suggests a failure by those involved to understand how small nations and their communities react to external hostility whether from multinationals or from governments. Such an approach will only strengthen Caribbean resolve,” stated Ward.

Read more: http://www.caribbean360.com/index.php/news/barbados_news/608248.html#ixzz24CHJYj4t

     Dr. Ward feels that the dispute is truly between the Caribbean independent countries  and the United States , and not between the rum producers.  It is in the area where ambassadors from thee countries must sit down and figure out what is really est ofr all involved.  This is something that need to be settled sooner rather than later, if not there could be some serious damge done to the growth of a spirit that has made some monumental steps forward in the past decade.   

Study shows marriage stops men drinking – as their wives hit the bottle instead

Marriage appears to drive women to drink but has the opposite effect on men, a study has suggested.

 

By John Bingham, Social Affairs Editor

 

Far from encouraging men to patronise a local pub to escape from domestic duties, marriage actively reduces their alcohol intake, according to research being presented at the American Sociological Association today.

However, the effect on women of walking down the aisle appears to be the opposite.

The researchers found that married women generally drink more heavily than single women, widows or divorcees.

By contrast, men who are happily married drink less than their bachelor friends and significantly less than divorced men.

The reason, the researchers conclude, is that while women can help keep their husbands’ drinking habits under control, men are simply a bad influence on their wives.

Read More at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9482871/Study-shows-marriage-stops-men-drinking-as-their-wives-hit-the-bottle-instead.html .

     This is an interesting revelation, after years of country songs talking about husbands out all night and getting drunk, it turns out that today women's freedoms have driven them to out drink the husbands.     It just might be that the marriage has drive the women to drink and the men to focus more giving them less time for hanging out and drinking.    This leads me to believe that married men are much calmer emotionally and marriage is tending to stress women for some reason, anyway an interesting article on the Mars and Venus ideas of the difference between men and women.   ;o)

  

 

What a Concept!!

I guess that at some time or another that this idea as crossed your mind.

The Things that Surround Us that We Never See

Hermit Crab

Isn't it funny how we walk around every day and so many things that we don't even see.  I took the camera out recently and started looking for things to photograph, when it dawned on me to look a little closer.   These are some of the things that I found.  As you walk around you are usually in the scan mode and really don't see anything but things that you are about to trip over, but when you really start looking there are many things around you that are truly beautiful.

Unusual Plant



Lizard

Passion Flower

Try it, just look at your environment, you'll be surprised at what will appear around you when you take some time to look.    Notice your world, it is very enjoyable no matter where you are.  ;o)