Dining & Wine

GREEK TRAGEDY AVOIDED?

Despite the Greek economic storm, the sun is still shining on the tavernas, beaches, ancient sites and the vineyards are still open for business.

The country of Greece needs the whole world's help. Tourists should go and get a fistful of euros and visit with their friends and have a good time with the help of some of the the best deals, hotels, food and wine one could ever find.

Euro lenders to pass bailout judgment as Greece backs reforms http://reut.rs/1dRkTYR via @Reuters

Valentines Day Celebration

V Day is days away. Are you wondering about ways to treat that special person in your life? Are you considering fancy chocolates and fine wine, or perhaps a sensual massage?

Our recommendation is simple and direct. Gratitude Kudos... This year on February 14th, while many couples are spending the big bucks at restaurants, drinking overpriced wines, try cuddling on your couch and saying nice things to each other. Because it turns out that despite all the efforts to impress on V-Day, simply appreciating each other does more for your relationship than almost anything else.

Reasons for Giving Thanks!

Our family members and most of all our parents and grandparents for giving us life, for taking the time to teach us to love and for being our closest kin in the whole world...

Our friends for being the greatest companions in life and our Lord for it all...

Our health, our sight for letting us see the colors. Hearing for listening to the voices and sounds of music. Touch for letting us feel the breeze of the wind and our loved ones.

DRINKING ALCOHOL

Does your drinking alcohol put you at risk? Guidelines for low-risk drinking are based on the average level of consumption that increases the chance of illness, injury, or death. Every human body is different but in general health risks increase at the following levels.
For men:

Excessive drinking is defined as 5 or more drinks in a short period of time, such as a 2-hour period, or

More than 14 drinks in a week.

For women and people 65 and older:

Excessive drinking is defined as 4 or more drinks in a short period of time, such as a 2-hour period, or

Classically Cannabis Concerts

The Colorado Symphony is pleased to announce Classically Cannabis: The High Note Series, benefiting the Colorado Symphony. Launching with three summer events at Space Gallery, located in the Santa Fe Arts District, Classically Cannabis: The High Note Series is a BYOC-friendly experience for music lovers, featuring performances by Colorado Symphony ensembles. The series is curated by Edible Events Co.

NY WINE BEER SPIRITS AND CIDER SUMMIT

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Today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo successfully hosted the second New York State Wine, Beer, Spirits and Cider Summit, where he announced that he's launching a $6 million marketing and promotional commitment to raise the profile of New York’s beverage producers, a dramatic increase from the campaign launched at the first summit in 2012.

Today’s summit brought the farm-based beverage sector together with agricultural producers and government officials in an effort to accelerate and prolong the rapid growth exhibited by the State’s beverage industry.

Liberals Drink More Alcohol

Findings from the study into the relationship between drink and politics across 50 states in the US over the past 50 years suggest a direct correlation between political beliefs and the demand for alcohol.

Economists from Pittsburgh’s Duquesne University reveal that, as states become more liberal politically over time, their consumption of beer and spirits rises – while their consumption of wine tends to fall.

Weekend Bridge and Street Closures

SUMMER HEATWAVE

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NYC Emergency Management (OEM) and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene have advised that hot weather could be dangerous to vulnerable populations is forecast through Sunday, July 7.

According to the latest National Weather Service forecast, the heat index is expected to reach or exceed 95 degrees Friday through Sunday. OEM urges New Yorkers to take precautions to prevent serious illness that can result from the heat, especially among vulnerable individuals such as seniors and those with chronic health problems. New Yorkers who are vulnerable should use air conditioning to stay cool, go to a place that has air conditioning if it is not available at home, drink water at regular intervals, and limit strenuous activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day. New Yorkers are urged to check in on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors to help them stay cool.

City cooling centers will be open Sunday, July 7, to help New Yorkers stay cool. Cooling centers are air conditioned places, such as Department for the Aging (DFTA) senior centers, libraries, and community centers, that are open to the public during heat emergencies. To find the cooling center closest to you, call 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit OEM’s Cooling Center Locator at www.nyc.gov/oem.

FACTS ABOUT HEAT ILLNESS

Heat illness is serious. Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. The added stress caused by heat can also aggravate heart or lung disease even without symptoms of heat illness. The risk for getting sick during a heat wave is increased for people who:

Do not have or do not use air conditioning
Are age 65 or older
Have chronic medical or mental health conditions
Take certain medications, which can disrupt the regulation of body temperature
Confined to their beds, trouble with being mobile, or are unable to leave their homes
Are severely overweight
Consume alcohol or illegal drugs

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT STRESS

If you (or someone you know) feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

Call 911 immediately if you have, or someone you know has:

Hot dry skin OR cold clammy skin
Trouble breathing
Rapid heartbeat
Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness
Nausea and vomiting

CHECK ON THOSE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO THE HEAT

A small but crucial gesture can help ensure that we all have a safe and healthy summer: Get to know your neighbors, and contact neighbors and relatives — in person or by phone — at least twice a day during heat waves.

Pay special attention to the elderly, the very young, and anyone with a medical condition. New Yorkers should check in on older neighbors who may be isolated from friends and family.　
Air conditioning is the best way to keep cool when it is hot outside, but some people do not have an air conditioner or do not turn it on when they need it. Encourage them to use air conditioning. Help them get to an air-conditioned place if they cannot stay cool at home. Make sure they are drinking enough water.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT

Stay out of the sun—avoid extreme temperature changes.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect some of the sun’s energy.
Drink fluids—particularly water—even if you do not feel thirsty.　 Your body needs water to keep cool. (Those on fluid-restricted diets or taking diuretics should first consult their physician.) Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid beverages containing alcohol and/or caffeine.
Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours—11 A.M.
to 4 P.M. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 A.M. and 7 A.M.
If possible, go to an air-conditioned building for several hours during the hottest parts of the day.　
New York City may open cooling centers around the five boroughs. When cooling centers do open, call 311 or go to nyc.gov to find the nearest center.
Cool down with a cool bath or shower.
Participate in activities that will keep you cool, such as going to the movies, shopping at a mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.
Cover all exposed skin with an SPF sunscreen (15 or above); wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head.
Never leave your children or pets in the car.

EAT LESS SALT

Sodium chloride, AKA salt is essential to the body. The sodium in salt helps transmit nerve impulses and contract muscle fibers. Working with potassium, it balances fluid levels in in the body. But you only need a tiny amount of salt to do this, less than one-tenth of a teaspoon. The average American gets nearly 20 times that much.

The body can generally rid itself of excess sodium. In some people, though, consuming extra sodium makes the body hold onto water. This increases the amount of fluid flowing through blood vessels, which can increase blood pressure.