Thursday 16 June 2011

Meet my new lady friend


This small tortoiseshell butterfly has become my friend. This morning, during my breakfast, she was resting calmly for about 20 minutes just in front of me. I meet her (I prefer to think she is a lady) daily during different daylight hours. While not resting, she seems to enjoy visiting some of the flowers in the garden. Nice to have her around!

Wednesday 15 June 2011

The Champagne Index - find out which brand is the most talked about on the net

Champagne is the wine of civilization and the oil of government.
Winston Churchill


My only regret in life is that I did not drink more Champagne.
John Meynard Keynes

There is always a reason to enjoy a glass - or two - of good champagne. But the problem is sometimes, which brand should one choose? I did a little bit of research today in order to make the choice somewhat easier, if you already do not have a favourite of your own.

The new Index of Champagne is based on the Google search brand name + champagne for a number of the more wellknown champagnes. The numbers indicate millions of pages.


Click for a larger image
The overwhelming winner, with 3,5 million pages, is Pol Roger, followed by Veuve Cliquot and Krug. Bollinger is in the fourth place, followed by my personal favourite, Taittinger

The index is by no means a ranking list of the best champagnes, but it gives an idea about which brands have received the most attention.

Congratulations to Pol Roger for its first place! In order to honour the winner, here is a video visit to their cellars:



And while enjoying your glass of  Pol Roger - or any other brand - why not listen to the Danish composer H.C. Lumbye´s Champagne Galop:




Or if you think the classical piece is somewhat "oldfashioned", here is a more modern, popular champagne song:

Monday 13 June 2011

Three beauties in the Sound

This is peak season in Øresund for cruise ships - and also sailing vessels. Here are three of the latest ones:

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Yesterday the Polish sailing vessel Oceania (49 m.) passed Helsingborg/Helsingør on its way to Tromsø,  Norway

Last night the majestetic Costa Magica (271 m.) passed on its way to Oslo.

The beautiful Crystal Serenity (250 m.) was a spectacular sight tonight. The ship´s destination is Hellsylt.