RIESLING

The Riesling grape is refreshing in more ways than one. Of course, as anyone who has tried true Riesling will know, it is one of the worlds greatest aperitifs - naturally light and elegant yet racy, with mouth watering citrus and apple fruit and quite a crisp finish. So it's refreshing in the most obvious sense of the word. But Riesling is also refreshing in that it makes a welcome change from all the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc that fills our shop shelves.

It is a quite different style of wine, as will become clear below. But why the need to say 'true' Riesling? That's because this poor grape gets blamed- unfairly - for much of the light, white dross out there. Many have the wrong idea about Riesling; they think it is the variety behind the blandest, least memorable light whites, when cheaper, less well-known grapes are usually responsible. If I handed you a glass of fine Riesling, you'd probably be amazed at how much delicious there is - and how tangy, vivacious and delightfully fresh the wine seems. So, don't confuse Riesling with lesser wines. It's consistently delightful, and remarkably long lived to boot. In fact, for many serious wine buffs, this is the greatest white grape of all.

How Water Helps Your Body Function

Water makes up about 70 percent of the human body and about 20 to 90 percent of animal and plant tissue. Water is so useful because it is a superior solvent, allowing dissolved substances (especially minerals) to be transported throughout the body. In addition, water's magnetic and electrical powers are critically important for cell function.

Without food, we can survive a few weeks - without water, only a few days. Only water can bless us with inside and outside renewal. Not only it does make us feel better, it can also make us look better. The body needs water in every cell to accomplish all its important metabolic and hormonal functions.

T PUSH-UP

Hold a light pair of dumbbells with your palms facing each other and get into the down position of a push-up. Perform a basic push-up. At the top, lift one dumbbell toward the ceiling while rotating your torso in the same direction so you face to the side. (Your body should resemble the letter T.) Return to the starting position and repeat. This time lifting the opposite arm. Do 8 - 10 reps

Source: Men's Health

Good Friend

A good friend will listen to everything you have to say, but will not automatically agree with you. A good friend cares enough about you and is confident enough in your friendship to give you honest opinion. A good friend will tell you when you're out of line, point out when you're being selfish, and confront you when you've been hurtful. Most importantly, though, a good friend will do all of these things in a loving and compassionate way.

Spinach and Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

• 225 g fresh baby spinach leaves, tough stalks removed
• 600 ml milk
• 700 ml vegetable or chicken stock
• 200 g cream cheese flavored with garlic and herbs
• salt and pepper
• croutons

Preparation:

• Put the spinach in a large saucepan and pour in the milk and stock. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 12 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and leave to cool completely.
• Ladle the cold soup into a food processor, in batches if necessary, and process until smooth. Cut the cheese into chunks and add to the soup. Process again until smooth and creamy.
• Pour the soup into a bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover with clingfilm and leaves to chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. Stir well before ladling into bowls. Add croutons, if using, and serve immediately.