If You Need To Ask How Much It Costs – You Can’t Afford It!

Usually I'm into boutique style, small batch produced Cognac's and try to stir clear of the big market brands. I will make an exception right here; The Fillioux family, that runs Hennessy for generations now has decided to blend its seven most exceptional vintage eau-de-vie of all time: 1830, 1848, 1875, 1932, 1947, 1972, and 1995 all together masterfully blend into what Hennessy calls Hennessy Ellipse. They bottle it into a Baccarat decanter designed by Thomas Bastide. At slightly greater-than-usual 43.5 percent alcohol, this Gognac is disarming, elegant and just sensational. Intense layers of flavors, vanilla, spices and dried fruit. The price? Don't ask!

Perpetuum Mobile - At Last!

The Latin term perpetuum mobile means perpetual motion machines. These are a class of hypothetical machines which would produce useful energy in a way which would violate the established laws of physics. It is generally accepted that perpetual motion machines cannot exist. In particular, perpetual motion machines would violate either the first or second laws of thermodynamics. A small Irish technology firm issued a challenge to the world's scientific community to give its verdict on their technology, it says smashes one of the basic laws of physics by producing "free energy."

Dublin-based STEORN has placed an ad in The Economist magazine, looking to find 12 top physicists to examine their technology -- based on the interaction of magnetic fields -- and then publish their results.

The STERON Chief Executive Sean McCarthy fully accepts the current cynicism surrounding this but challenges the world of science to prove them wrong. The concept of "free energy" -- which contradicts the first law of thermodynamics that in layman's terms states you cannot get more energy out than you put in -- has divided the scientific community for centuries.

Off course the Internet is polluted with claims to have cracked the problem using magnets, coils and even crystals. STERON apparently discovered the technology while using magnets to try to devise more efficient wind generators and has spent the past three years developing it. Just in case that this turns out to be the worlds first confirmed case of real "perpetuum mobile" technology - remember you heard it here first!

The Ultimate Caviar!

On August 21st I was ranting about Iran'’s insignificance as a peasant State. Bothering the world, with stupid statements about Israel, the Holocaust, financing and arming Hezbollah, per suing nuclear technology and producing a few million barrel of crude oil per day, I thought was pretty much the resume of Iran. Then over the weekend I had a talk with one of my gourmet brothers from the Netherlands, which reminded me of an outing that we had many years ago at the famous Restaurant Kaefer in Munich, where we were served fresh, unpasteurized Iranian Imperial Caviar. And the light bulb went off in my head. Oh my God. The best caviar in the world is harvested and distributed exclusively by Iran's State owned company Shilat. Unfortunately there is nothing that compares to the Iranian Imperial caviar. So I guess whatever happens in and too Iran, we need to pray and hope that the most precious Caspian Sturgeon (specifically the Acipenser Perscius) will survive the horsdeal! The Iranian Imperial Osetra caviar, is the perfect mid-size egg. This roe has a bright golden hue and an incredible delicate nutty flavor, a flavor that has been the choice of presidents and royalty through out the world. Until a few years ago, this caviar was not to be sold and was exclusively distributed by the Iranian top clerics's. The Acipenser Perscius can weigh up to 600 pounds taking at least 12 years to properly mature in the Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea. When at Kaefer'’s in Munich we had a whole 2 kilo ( 4,4 pounds worth about $ 10.000) can presented to us, from which we ate until everybody was satisfied. There is only three things you need with this delicacy; a boiled, freshly riced Yukon Gold potato, creme fraiche and a bottle of 1992 Krug Clos du Mesnil!

Caution - This Is Not An After Dinner Drink!

Taylor Fladgate 2003 Vintage Porto





I know that many of you will consider port wine "only" with your dessert or maybe something that you drink by the glass in a bar. Taylor's Fladgate Vintage Porto's are real wines that need your respect. As one of the oldest houses to produce port wine in Portugal, Taylor only declares about 3 vintages per decade. The 2003 has been elevated to Vintage and Robert Parker has already bestowed 98 (of a possible 100) points on this port. This port is sensational to say the least. This 2003 is deep, dark and robust in structure. It carries a robe of pure berry fruits with a touch of vanilla. Long and powerful, it will have a lifespan of many, many decades and best of all ; you can enjoy it now or cellar it away. Try this port and tread it like another bottle of wine. Have it with a nice cheese selection, specifically blue cheeses and you will be in heaven. This vintage port is available in 375ml which is the perfect size for two people.

The War On Terror Oxymoron!

War on terror is as useless as wagging war on the Mafia, street gangs or drug dealers. The business of war is about uniformed, armed forces and the use of assault rifles, tanks, war ships, missiles, bombs and fighter jets. The military is not about international intelligence, law enforcement and policing. The US Government and the world media insists on using the slogan “war on terror. The war in Iraq was over after about one week. Militarily speaking the Presidents mission accomplished” faux-pas was ironically true. The problem does not end when the war is over. It really starts right there. Nobody wants to understand that armed forces are not a tool to police urban dwellings and establish law and order long term. The war on terror is not fought and won on battle fields with armed forces nor with airport security anywhere in the world.

Terrorism is not material. It's ideological and it can easily escape border controls, army checkpoints, eavesdropping and everything else altogether. The best example is Great Britain. There is no need to bring Muslim extremists into the U.K from Pakistan, Iran, Syria or any other place. The potential terrorists are already there. Born and raised in the UK with British Passports. Not long from now that same phenomena will arise in France, Germany, Italy and yes - also in the US.

Homeland Security, Airport Security, beefed up Immigration and FBI cannot guarantee any level of security with regards to terrorism. Factor in US cable network news stations that compete with each other everyday with so called security experts. They educate anybody that owns a TV with a cable how and where a terror attack could be done most successfully. You get complete security weakness status updates and even estimates with regards to the potential carnage. They also inform us that shipping containers into the US are still not screened and that most of the air cargo in the US is still not screened either. The boarders to the South are so unprotected and wide open that millions of illegal immigrants can literally walk into the US. What good is it to put all this security hoopla up at airports and talk about homeland security all day?

Does anybody in his right mind believe that any of the current security and war strategies will stop any terrorism? These are all late reactions to events that have already come to pass. Yes - the current airport security procedures would most likely have prevented 9/11. But unfortunately 9/11 already happened and it is highly unlikely that the same tactic will be used again. Seeing the US and the Brit'’s scramble on the airports to collect all the soda bottles from the passengers after the MI6 pulled the plug on the latest terror plot makes me very uneasy. With everything going on since 9/11 you would think that by now we are ahead of the terrorists and able to anticipate their next move and therefore proactively prevent all possible threats. Instead we still run around like chickens without heads now chasing liquids in bottles. That just tells me that there are no think-tanks or counter terror agencies in place that try to meet the challenge on the intellectual and mental level. Like in the criminal field, where we use profilers to chase the most notorious criminals we need a whole new ideology to combat terror. And one thing is for sure, successful measures will not be established on the level of border control, airport security, home land security nor the army.

We are facing an enemy that can easily look like us and move amongst us undetectable. Terrorists are not afraid to die in the process and therefore have nothing to lose. They do not wear uniforms and are practically invisible.

At this time there is no winning strategy in place and therefore there is no security for anybody. The next incident will happen. It's not a question of if, just a question of when. The current war on terror show is strictly a tool to win or lose elections and to keep the masses at ease. The truth is that like in the latest war between Israel and Hezbollah, there is no winning strategy available at this time. No solution to the Hezbollah problem, no solution to the North Korea situation, no way to stop the Iranian's, no feasible exit from Iraq and no way to protect the homeland from the next terror attack. That'’s the real inconvenient truth of 2006. We are in desperate need of new ideas and strategies - forget about the war on terror!

A Tremendous Shyraz At Great Value

Next time you are having a nice roast, some stew, maybe game or anything on the robust, earthy side, consider a Shyraz from the Rhone region in France. One of my favorites is the brilliant Crozes-Hermitage, 2003 Domaine Thalabert by Paul Jaboulet Aine. This Shyraz boasts a deep purple hue as well as gorgeous aromas of tapenade, blackberries, cherries, incense, and licorice. Voluptuous and full-bodied, with low acidity, ripe tannin, and gobs of fruit and glycerin, it should be consumed over the next 10-15 years. (Robert Parker 90 points)

"Go-To-War-Checklist" For World Leaders

Its seems that in the recent past some countries have gotten themselves into wars that they never really intended to conduct. Here is a "Go-to-War-Checklist" for world leaders that is strictly based on common sense and will definitely help to establish whether or not they are ready , able and willing to use armed forces:

1.
Do you want to avoid casualties amongst your troops at all cost?
2.
Are you concerned about civilian casualties amongst your own population but even more so amongst your enemy's population?
3.
Does the expression "Humanitarian Crisis" cause you anxieties?
4.
Do you threat to be publicly critiqued and personally attacked in countries like France, Germany and the UK etc.?
5.
Do you believe that a war can be conducted, won and concluded mainly by the use of your Air Force?
6.
Do intend not to invade and/or occupy your enemy's territory in the course of the war?
7.
Are you opposed to the use of disproportional and overwhelming force?
8.
Do you intend to negotiate details of your conflict at the UN and would you be willing to accept and adhere to UN resolutions?
9.
Are you opposed to the deployment of troop forces by the ratio of 1:10 in proportion to the troop strength of your enemy?
10.
Are you opposed to be personally called a killer, criminal, murderer and warmonger for the rest of your life?

If you have answered any of the above questions with Yes, I do strongly recommend not to consider to go to war. You are definitely not ready to conduct a war in a way to finish it by winning it!

The World's Top 3 Chef's 2006 - according to me!

As I'm constantly asked; Who is the world's best Chef according to you? This question is strictly about personal taste and beyond that a sure fire way to get into serious disagreements with a lot of people. The hell with it. I shall show some courage and therefore bravely post my personal and therefore strictly unimportant choice for the 2006 world's best three Chef's nominations.

Let me start with Heston Blumenthal that owns and head's the cuisine of The Fat Duck (www.fatduck.co.uk) over in England. My second choice is Ferran Adria that is the Master of El Bulli's cuisine (www.elbulli.com) in Spain. You will find his picture on my blog and that would also be a clue where I would rank this man at this time. Last but not least Jean-Georges Vongrichten (www.jean-georges.com) and his flagship restaurant Jean Georges in New York.

Regardless whether or not you agree with me; anybody that considers himself a Foodie needs to follow these three Chef's and their body of work and should you have the opportunity to experience their foods, do not miss out on it!

Big day for the Iranian A-Holes!

This year August 22ND, a supposed day of reckoning for the Shiites, has arrived. Iran, with over 80% Shiites Muslims will commemorate the return of the 12TH Imam. Some Shiites believe that this day corresponds to the end of the world. And off course after much hype Iran finally announced today that it will continue to develop it's nuclear program. And again the Iranian President Ahmadinejad, delivers a well-timed affront to Israel, the United States and the World. The United Nations had given Iran until the end of the month to respond, but Ahmadinejad had made it clear to all Iranians and the world that he intended to respond on the eve of August 22nd. The Iranian President is without a doubt a masterful disruptor and a virtuous terrorist.

Like other third world country menaces (Chavez in Venezuela, Kim Il in N.Korea and Assat in Syria) Ahmadinejad heads a nation that is economically and culturally totally insignificant. Iran runs a State Budget below $ 50 billion (in yearly revenues) which would not be nearly enough to make it into the Forbes top 10 list of US companies and just simply dwarfs when compared to the US Federal Budget that is well passed the $ 2 trillions. As a matter of facts countries like Austria and Denmark, amongst the smallest European countries, run slightly bigger operations than Mr. Ahmadinejad. Ad to this the fact that more than 20% of his fellow Iranians are illiterates and about 50% of them live below the poverty line. That leaves us with the only economically notable contribution of Iran, which is the daily production of about 3.9 million barrels of oil. Again compared with the 7.6 million barrels that the US produces on a daily base, not exactly impressive either. At this point roughly 70 million Iranians under the leadership of Mr. Ahmadinejad, sitting on significant oil resources are not capable to outperform 6 million Israelis that have no oil or any other natural resource whatsoever. Maybe some of that hatred for Israel is not based on religious envy nor on any of the territorial problems between Israel and it's direct neighbor's but more on the reality that this tinny little, multi-cultural, multi-religious, democracy is taking this big and powerful, oil based Shiite theocracy of Iran to school on every aspect of live. Science, economy, social services, military, agriculture, industry, public health, education you name it and there is simply no comparison between Iran and its most hated enemy Israel.

Like in every aspect of life one can drive to be a contributor and performer or go the other way and be the great disruptor. The likes of Ahmadinejad, Assat, Kim Il and Chavez's of this world have long understood that they are too small, too underdeveloped, to insignificant and way too under performing to make a mark in this world, let alone to force other Nations to adopt any of their views. So they have decided that they must resort to the only other strategy, which is disruption. If you cannot dictate the course, you can always try to disrupt the life's of those others that can. Its is the art of disrupt the normal and orderly flow of things and make other peoples life's miserable.

So whilst other State leaders are busy with things like national economy, welfare, health services, international treaties, science, economy and education, the Iranian President Ahmadinejad is busy to further build his a arsenal of disruption. A strong extremist Shiite base, preferably not only in Iran, but also in Iraq, Lebanon, London and Detroit etc., a strong affiliated terrorist militia like Hezbollah that operates outside of Iran, out side of any control, State body or jurisdiction, off course a healthy amount of oil and last but not least some nuclear arms can't hurt either. Does Ahmadinejad seek nuclear arms to really use them? Nehhhh I don't think so. Even a disciple of Armageddon understands that the minute he would use nuclear arms Iran and much of its surroundings would be pulverize by retaliation. After all what fun is it to destroy Israel if you don't live to enjoy the spoils!

But disruption and more disruption and the constant undivided attention of 6 billion people on this planet to these totally unimportant 70 million Iranian A-holes! That's a lot of fun and in the process you can corrupt some of these westerner institutions, like the UN and play with the world media. And maybe, just maybe you can influence the outcome of elections in other countries and cause problems and inconveniencing for everybody.

Combine these basics with the fact that these people worship death instead of life and that the places they come from have made them oblivious to any hardship and deprivation versus the Western world that has become completely soft and incapable to withstand any hardship of any sort and yes, after all the politics of disruptions work. You can terrorize, provoke wars, disregard the world community and is rulings and disrupt the peace and prosperity and yet you will get away with it because vast amount of people in our Western world prefer the illusions of peace and ceasefires and the calm that comes with that over the resolve of putting and end to the disruptors of this world. That would potentially cause bloodshed, claim innocent victim's and make the gas prices go up and whom wants that kind of stress?

So here we go again. The President of Iran wont bring the end of the world tomorrow but he certainly enjoyed the fact that we all have asked ourselves whether or not he would. But he will also not put and end to his nuclear program, his support for Hezbollah, his support for the insurgency in Iraq and everything else that guarantees him good potential for disruption and the attention of the world. Whipping Israel off the maps' and the promotion of the holocaust myth are sure fire ways into the cable network news. And maybe, just maybe he will buy a second suit for the announcements of tomorrow.

When will we (the rest of the world) finally have the guts to put an end to the terror and disruption that comes form these tinny peasant states that can hardly feed their own and yet they want to take on the whole rest of the world. Only when the politics of terrorism and disruption stop working will these guys consider other avenues. So far things work out well and Iran has no reason whatsoever to change anything.

So lets enjoy another entire day where Iran and it's leader will bully any other topic off the world's agenda and enjoy another day of disruption made in Iran!

(I have enjoyed a beautiful Ghurka Grand Reserve Churchill whilst typing this post! This sensational cigar is slightly perfumed with Gognac and is just a pure pleasure stick!)