The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 278 - Christmas & Holiday wine traditions around the world

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!

In this show, we're talking about holiday wine traditions around the world. From England to Italy, Germany to the USA, we'll explore how different cultures celebrate the holidays with wine.

England: Port Wine and Stilton Cheese

In England, the holidays are a time for tradition. One popular tradition is to enjoy a glass of port wine with Stilton cheese. Port wine is a fortified wine from Portugal that is often enjoyed after a meal. Stilton cheese is a blue cheese from England that is known for its rich, creamy flavor.

Germany: Glühwein

In Germany, Glühwein is a popular holiday drink. Glühwein is a mulled wine that is made with red wine, spices, and sugar. It is typically served hot and is perfect for a cold winter night.

Italy: Feast of the Seven Fishes

In Italy, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is a traditional Christmas Eve meal. We revisit last years talk and explore wine pairings.

USA: What is the tradition?

In the USA we discuss what is the Holiday beverage of choice?

Holiday Gift Buying Advice

If you're looking for a holiday gift for a wine lover we give a few tips,

Cheers 

Happy Holidays 

Merry Christmas

Kim and Mark

Audio link -> https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-278-christmasholiday-wine-traditions-around-the-world?

Episode 278 - Christmas & Holiday wine traditions around the world

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 278-Christmas/Holiday Wine Traditions Around The World

Your food is more expensive – are US corporate profits to blame? | Inflation | The Guardian

"As inflation shot to its peak around mid-2022, Chipotle’s prices also rose, pushing up what customers paid for burritos and bowls by as much as several dollars. Since then, the fast casual restaurant’s costs have broadly fallen. Prices have not.

Chipotle’s decision to maintain high prices helped boost profits 110% in recent years, while its executives boasted to investors that they raised prices higher than inflationary costs.

Chipotle’s sparkling financials are representative of much of the food industry, according to a Guardian analysis of financial documents and earning calls transcripts from 36 top US food corporations.

It reveals that while you may be feeling the pain from high prices at restaurants and supermarkets, many companies making and selling the products are doing remarkably well. Most have seen their profits jump as they continue raising prices on customers, the analysis found.

Some companies say they have no choice but to pass inflationary pain on to consumers. Others, however, acknowledge they are exploiting the inflationary atmosphere to raise prices, or to shrink product sizes, a strategy dubbed “shrinkflation”.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) ->

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/26/food-price-inflation-corporate-profit

Your food is more expensive – are US corporate profits to blame? | Inflation | The Guardian

4th of July Celebration - Sunday, July 7, 2024

The Franklin 4th of July Coalition schedule of events for Sunday, July 7, 2024.

Carnival

• Ride Wristbands: 12 - 5 PM

Food

• pizza, hot dogs, water - Franklin Democratic Town Committee
• ice cream sandwiches, cold soft drinks - 4th of July Coalition
• French fries, fried dough - Franklin Rod & Gun Club
• root beer floats, nachos, corn dogs - Franklin Republican Town Committee

Music

• 12:00 - Zajac Brothers Band
• 2:00 - Brandt Taylor Band
• 4:00 - Gary Hoey

The 4th of July Celebration is totally supported by donations, consider contributing to the cause -> https://www.franklin4th.com/

4th of July Celebration

4th of July Celebration - Saturday, July 6, 2024

The Franklin 4th of July Coalition schedule of events for Saturday, July 6, 2024.

Carnival

• MEGAPASS: 12 - 10 PM
• Ride Wristbands: 12 - 5 PM

Food

• pizza, hot dogs, water - Franklin Democratic Town Committee
• ice cream sandwiches, cold soft drinks - 4th of July Coalition
• French fries, fried dough - Franklin Rod & Gun Club
• root beer floats, nachos, corn dogs - Franklin Republican Town Committee

Blues Festival

• 12:00 - Jr Krauss & The Shakes
• 1:45 - Neal & The Vipers
• 3:30 - Professor Harp
• 5:15 - Mike Crandall Tribute Band
• 7:00 - Bruce Katz
• 8:45 - Delta Generators

Fireworks

• 10:00 - Fireworks at Franklin High School

The 4th of July Celebration is totally supported by donations, consider contributing to the cause -> https://www.franklin4th.com/

4th of July Celebration

4th of July Celebration - Friday, July 5, 2024

The Franklin 4th of July Coalition schedule of events for Friday, July 5, 2024.

Carnival

• MEGAPASS: 2 - 10 PM
• Ride Wristbands: 2 - 6 PM

Food

• pizza, hot dogs, water - Franklin Democratic Town Committee
• ice cream sandwiches, cold soft drinks - 4th of July Coalition
• French fries, fried dough - Franklin Rod & Gun Club
• root beer floats, nachos, corn dogs - Franklin Republican Town Committee

Music

• 2:00 - Padula Trio Plus One
• 3:30 - Two Guys Who Like Sharks
• 4:30 - Attleboro School of Rock
• 7:00 - Neon Wave

The 4th of July Celebration is totally supported by donations, consider contributing to the cause -> https://www.franklin4th.com/

4th of July Celebration

4th of July Celebration - Thursday, July 4, 2024

The Franklin 4th of July Coalition schedule of events for Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Carnival

• MEGAPASS: 12 - 10 PM
• Ride Wristbands: 12 - 5 PM

Food

• pizza, hot dogs, water - Franklin Democratic Town Committee
• ice cream sandwiches, cold soft drinks - 4th of July Coalition
• French fries, fried dough - Franklin Rod & Gun Club
• root beer floats, nachos, corn dogs - Franklin Republican Town Committee

Music

• 12:00 - Matt Zajac
• 1:15 - Jamie Barrett
• 3:00 - Ken Freeman & The Sunset Brothers
• 4:30 - Jesse Liam Band
• 7:00 - Neon Lighthouse

The 4th of July Celebration is totally supported by donations, consider contributing to the cause -> https://www.franklin4th.com/

4th of July Celebration

4th of July Celebration - Wednesday, July 3, 2024

The Franklin 4th of July Coalition schedule of events for Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

Carnival

• Ride Wristbands: 6 - 10 PM

Music

• 6:00 - Smoke & Whiskey
• 7:30 - Backyard Swagger

Food

• pizza, hot dogs, water - Franklin Democratic Town Committee
• ice cream sandwiches, cold soft drinks - 4th of July Coalition
• French fries, fried dough - Franklin Rod & Gun Club
• root beer floats, nachos, corn dogs - Franklin Republican Town Committee

The 4th of July Celebration is totally supported by donations, consider contributing to the cause -> https://www.franklin4th.com/

4th of July Celebration - Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Washington Post: "Ultra-processed foods linked to 32 health problems"

"A review of research involving almost 10 million people has found a direct association between eating too many ultra-processed foods — those breads, cereals, snacks and frozen meals that have been industrially manufactured with flavors and additives to make them more palatable — and more than 30 health conditions, including heart disease, anxiety and early death.

The facts

• In recent years, dozens of studies have found that people who consume a lot of ultra-processed foods have higher rates of weight gain, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
• Now, a team of international researchers has undertaken a comprehensive review of the evidence on adverse health outcomes to date — examining 45 “pooled meta-analyses” from 14 review articles involving nearly 10 million people. All were published in the past three years, and none was funded by companies making ultra-processed food.
• The researchers’ findings, published in the British medical journal BMJ, “show that diets high in ultra-processed food may be harmful to many body systems.”

Shared from (subscription maybe required) ->   https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/02/29/ultraprocessed-foods-health-risk/

Direct link to research study -> https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-077310

Washington Post: "Ultra-processed foods linked to 32 health problems"

Looking ahead to Franklin's 4th of July Celebration

The schedule for the 4th of July Celebration in Franklin, MA is ready. Mark your calendars! 

• When are the wrist band days?  https://www.franklin4th.com/schedule-1
• What bands are playing & when?  https://www.franklin4th.com/music
• What food booths are there?  https://www.franklin4th.com/food
• Is the Blues Festival back? Yes -> https://www.franklin4th.com/blues-festival

Check out all the details on the 4th of July Celebration page ->    https://www.franklin4th.com/

The volunteers organizing this event can use your help in person or with a financial contribution:

• Sign up here ->  https://www.franklin4th.com/about
• Donate to the cause here ->  https://franklin-july-4th-coalitin.secured.atpay.com/

When are the wrist band days?  https://www.franklin4th.com/schedule-1

Is the Blues Festival back? Yes -> https://www.franklin4th.com/blues-festival

Board Of Health hears from Curry House representatives among the normal monthly Health Dept activities (audio)

FM #872 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 872 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. All three board members were present. All Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. 

Representatives from Curry House were present at the start of the meeting and left when their portion of the discussion was completed.

The meeting runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Nov 2, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-872-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-11-02-22

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Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/11-2-22_2.pdf  

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1smRk0DIgOilk62lbiyZzHYVY9faPWjE-/view?usp=share_link 

Some background on the reflexology discussion provided by the Franklin Observer -> https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/129652/making-sure-its-just-right-touch-and-nothing-more

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin Dept of Health: Health Care Resources and Services

The Guardian: "how ultra-processed meals are unhealthier than you think"

"As the UK is estimated to draw more than 50% of its calorie intake from UPF, this is no passing health scare but an issue that goes to the very heart of our culinary lifestyle. But before looking deeper into the issue there is an obvious question: what is a UPF?

NOVA (not an acronym) is a widely used food classification system that separates foods into four categories based upon their level of processing. Almost all foods, aside from fresh fruit and raw vegetables, undergo some degree of process. Cooking is a process, and it usually involves added ingredients such as oil and salt.

In NOVA’s first category, Group 1 is unprocessed or minimally processed foods (fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, milk). Group 2 is made up of processed culinary ingredients such as sugars, oils and butter. Group 3 is processed foods (canned vegetables and fish, bread, jam). Group 4 is ultra-high processed foods, which are mostly low in protein and fibre, and high in salt, sugar and fat, and have undergone industrial interventions such as extrusion, moulding and milling."

Continue reading The Guardian article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/oct/16/ultra-processed-food-unhealthier-harder-to-avoid-than-you-thought

The Guardian: "how ultra-processed meals are unhealthier than you think"

4th of July Celebration - schedule for Monday, July 4, 2022

Monday, July 4 = Independence Day

12:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS 12-5 - save $ buy the wristband/card online -> https://www.franklin4th.com/)

12:00pm - 4th July: Jamie Barrett (solo acoustic)

1:30pm - 4th July: Granite Brass

4:00pm - 4th July: Jesse Liam Band (Their deep catalog of cover songs spans popular music)

4th of July Coalition home page   https://www.franklin4th.com/

• Schedule -> https://www.franklin4th.com/carnival-hours

• Music line up -> https://www.franklin4th.com/schedule-of-events

• Food -> https://www.franklin4th.com/food 

• Donation info -> https://dashboard.atpay.com/giving_portal/org_hSjdZIXVngDI7KDJ_AeUeQ 

• Mail to    

Franklin July 4th Coalition

c/o Dean Bank

P.O. Box 307

Franklin, MA 02038

Download a copy of the recent Franklin 4th July mailer with the complete schedule of events  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sALIW_iu5PT84eQ_p3kUCncZaUnJB0NM/view?usp=sharing

an annual favorite returns

Food -> https://www.franklin4th.com/food 

4th of July Celebration - schedule for Sunday, July 3, 2022

Sunday, July 3

1:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS FROM 12‐5 - save $ buy the wristband/card online -> https://www.franklin4th.com/)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm - 4th July: Attleboro School of Rock

3:00pm - 4th July: Michael Ravelis

4:30pm - 4th July: Matt Zajac

7:00pm - 4th July: Backyard Swagger (high energy country rock show covering hits by top artists)

4th of July Coalition home page   https://www.franklin4th.com/

• Schedule -> https://www.franklin4th.com/carnival-hours

• Music line up -> https://www.franklin4th.com/schedule-of-events

• Food -> https://www.franklin4th.com/food 

• Donation info -> https://dashboard.atpay.com/giving_portal/org_hSjdZIXVngDI7KDJ_AeUeQ 

• Mail to    

Franklin July 4th Coalition

c/o Dean Bank

P.O. Box 307

Franklin, MA 02038

Download a copy of the recent Franklin 4th July mailer with the complete schedule of events  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sALIW_iu5PT84eQ_p3kUCncZaUnJB0NM/view?usp=sharing

one of several rides for smaller folks

the nonprofit food tent lineup

4th of July Celebration - schedule for Saturday, July 2, 2022 - 2nd Annual Blues Festival - No fireworks

Saturday, July 2

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

12:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS 12-5 - save $ buy the wristband/card online -> https://www.franklin4th.com/)

12:00pm - 4th July: Padula Trio Plus One (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

2:00pm - 4th July: Neal & The Vipers (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

4:00pm - 4th July: Ed Peabody and the Big Blue Thang (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

6:00pm - 4th July: Mike Crandall Bandblues (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

8:00pm - 4th July: Sugar Ray & The Bluetones (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

10:00pm - 4th July: fireworks CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

4th of July Coalition home page   https://www.franklin4th.com/

• Schedule -> https://www.franklin4th.com/carnival-hours

• Music line up -> https://www.franklin4th.com/schedule-of-events

• Food -> https://www.franklin4th.com/food 

• Donation info -> https://dashboard.atpay.com/giving_portal/org_hSjdZIXVngDI7KDJ_AeUeQ 

• Mail to    

Franklin July 4th Coalition

c/o Dean Bank

P.O. Box 307

Franklin, MA 02038

Download a copy of the recent Franklin 4th July mailer with the complete schedule of events  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sALIW_iu5PT84eQ_p3kUCncZaUnJB0NM/view?usp=sharing

"Pharaoh's Fury" returns

The food lineup

4th of July Celebration - schedule for Friday, July 1, 2022

Friday, July 1

6:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open

7:00pm - 4th July: Duppy Conquerors (the quintessential testimonial to Bob Marley's spirit and his music)

4th of July Coalition home page   https://www.franklin4th.com/

• Schedule -> https://www.franklin4th.com/carnival-hours

• Music line up -> https://www.franklin4th.com/schedule-of-events

• Food -> https://www.franklin4th.com/food 

• Donation info -> https://dashboard.atpay.com/giving_portal/org_hSjdZIXVngDI7KDJ_AeUeQ 

• Mail to    

Franklin July 4th Coalition

c/o Dean Bank

P.O. Box 307

Franklin, MA 02038

Download a copy of the recent Franklin 4th July mailer with the complete schedule of events  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sALIW_iu5PT84eQ_p3kUCncZaUnJB0NM/view?usp=sharing

yes, a Ferris wheel

The food lineup