What is the TPP and why you should care.

So yeah, what is the TPP?

It is the Trans‑Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement.
Click on the link to read the whole shebang. But if I may boil it down to you, it is essentially an infrastructure for business and merchants to write law directly.

In it, they decide what is legal and illegal to do, in the name of business. And this on an international scale.

Think of it. It locks your country into agreements that may not be in your best interest, but in the best interest of business. And they will have a court, outside of civil and criminal law, that decides what is or isn't legal. Effectively, criminalizing certain activities that are "bad for business" even if it is unconstitutional to do so. Democracy for sale, if you will.

Did you know that downloading and copying MP3s on a CD isn't illegal in Canada? It isn't. There is a levy paid on each purchase of blank CDs to compensate the artists. That's what Canada had decided was the best solution to sidestep the problem. hat was our law.

Under the TPP, your would be judged a criminal. And Canada has no say in it. Indeed, the trade agreement "trades" some sovereignty on laws, for commercial benefit of multinationals.

I'm not a law student, but this seems like a very dangerous precedent.

Of course, I'm a tech head, so I used the blank CD issue, but until you've gone through the whole thing, you may or not be affected in your daily lives without knowing it!

Here's another example.

Under the new trade rules, grocery stores would no longer be allowed to indicate the country of origin from beef.

If it has the potential to undermine a participant country's profits, you are not allowed to do it, pursuant that the product is under the trade agreement. And a "new" international commercial court will decide if it does or not violate the trade agreement. Effectively removing your democratic right to say that it this is or not in your best interest to do so.

I urge you to to join Open Media's campaign to stop this. Follow this link and "sign" the petition to stop this now before it's ratified.  https://act.openmedia.org/finalbattle

And without "harassing" your friends like I do, talk to them about this treaty that will affect us all.

Thank you!

Beer Review: La résolution

La résolution

Unibroue is famous for being one of the first compelling micro-breweries to offer a world class beer in the province. Yet I had to experience something so distinctive or impressive that was really worth mentioning.

There was the "maudite" beer that was a signature beer they made with a high percentage of alcohol (relative: 8.0 alc vol) for the same price, that made it's mark for obvious reasons. (it's really a fairly decent beer, notwithstanding)

But taste-wise it wasn't remarkable or on my "radar".

Other offerings from the brewery have come and gone, under my palate, but haven't been noticeable enough that I would want to blog about.

I digress.

But finally, I decided to give them one more chance.

Well never neglect the power of second chances. 

This was an absolute delight.

Nice clean flavour, dark and not bitter and the distinctive taste of gingerbread. Smooth and not faint. I would easily consider it an "after dessert" beer. Except that, I can just as easily see it as a an apéritif beer.

Honestly I believe it would be a waste with food. But I am sure one could easily find a perfect dish (or two) that would fit right with it. I will let others decide. I like it clean as it is.

If you are lucky enough to have access to it, do give it a try. It's a powerful drink at 10.5% alc/vol. Cripes, it's almost wine.  And in many ways it's just as fine.

To your health, and to my taste.

Enjoy!

Beer review: Weizenbock

Weizenbock (dark wheat ale)

I rarely get seduced by packaging, but I do have to admit it does have an effect on me. The series of beer from "les Trois Mousquetaires"  have gotten me to pay attention to their wares, more than thrice.

This specific brew took me fo a bit of a loop. The fact is there are very rare opportunities to match a beer and dessert. Though I hear great things about a real beer float, I've yet to try one myself.

So here we are with this brew that has very distinct overtones of caramel, maple and ripe fruit (bananas!). I wasn't ready for this.

As a matter of fact I should probably have finished an evening with this, but instead started my afternoon with it. Since the die was already cast I went with it.

it was a mixed class affair since the only thing that came to mind to mix this up with was kind of a cheesy (no, literally...) chex mix snack. And I got to tell you, it worked out.

It is kind of similar in the experience as having a nice port after dinner... but before.

Anyhow I don't want to "rave" about it, but I did enjoy it. Quite a bit in fact.

At a almost wine-level of 10.5% Alc/Vol it is quite intense. And with it's dessert-y quality it can take you by surprise. At least it's taste did for me. Try some after a meal or an afternoon snack. It is at least as good as it's packaging leads you to expect.

4.5 burps out of five!

Brew review: Nixal (Amber)

Nixal

This was no ordinary brew. As a Canadian, there's always a sense of pride in me when a product of maple has any measure of success.

Since it is malted and brewed with methods that are all very similar to the ones used for beer, you could easily mistake it for another ambered ale. But almost half way through your first throatful that distinct maple flavour will hit you.

To the credit of the people crafting this nectar (Maison Rupicole) the balance of maple flavour is perfectly balanced as not to rise above anyone's tolerance. (unless you simply dislike maple flavour)

This one chimes in at 9% alc/vol and it's light colour and flavour might fool you into overindulging. I recommend pacing yourself. Your taste buds and your head will thank me in the morning. 

Beer Review: La vie de Château

La vie de Chateau

This was a pleasant surprise. A beer with a slight rum taste.

I can see myself enjoying this one, on a warm summer evening sitting next to a small campfire while roasting pieces of cheddar on a stick.

At 7%  alc/vol it's almost a light delight, by my standards. Never does this beverage let itself be rough on the palate. Even the rum taste is rather subtle, all to it's favour.

Nice one to have handy.

 

Brew Review: Vin d'Orge

Le Vin d'Orge.

It labels itself as the adult's candied apple coating (barley sugar).  

It's promise of a different flavour and a 8.6% alc/vol. Enticed me into trying it and I have to say 'Meh. 

Usually when something has gone to market this intensely, it has already a certain measure of success. However I cannot share the interest there is in this drink. 

Don't get me wrong it's worth the try, if not for it's novelty it is a very smooth drink. Almost soft drink-like.

You may like it.

Beer review: L'intrigante. The new IPA on the block

The new IPA on the block

A good friend of mine, enticed me into trying this lovely Saint Arnould IPA and boy what a treat it was. It is without a shadow of a doubt the most savorous ale in it's class.

Simply put if you wanted to show the subtle delight that an IPA has to offer this is the one to find. 

At à smooth 8% alc/vol this is not to be taken lightly and in that regards it just might be considered treacherous.

Lovely treacherousness. Get yours tonight!