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I used to think people who walked on fire were nuts.

Then my wife did a firewalk, so I had to change my opinion.

I also did an arrow break against my throat.

Another opinion change. Hmm. Perhaps there's something to this . . .

Then I met Heather Keeso, of Firewalk Niagara, whose personal experiences with firewalking are quite profound.

I'm very glad to welcome Heather and Firewalk Niagara to The Niagara Guide!

I hope you'll take the time to learn about the path to personal empowerment that firewalking can provide. It may just change your life.

Been through a bit of a rough patch with elderly family members and the inevitable stresses summer vacation brings. However, there's still some fun to be had.

This afternoon from 4:00 I'll be at the 3rd Annual Business Tail Gate & BBQ being put on by "KNOW it ALL" Niagara at the Staples in Niagara Falls.

Hope to see you there!

Just wanted to let you know about a few changes in The Niagara Guide's services.

We've recently added self-management to company information. Anyone who wants to add their business for free (name, address, phone number) can now do so and can also update their information themselves. Just register for our client portal to do this.

Because of the above change, we'll be phasing out some, but not all of our static free listing pages. Why? Well, when you consider how many companies are in Niagara, it's a lot of work to keep the database updated. For the most part, we'll only be providing information that was submitted to us. There will be some popular categories that will have listings inputted by our staff. We're not going to spam everyone in the region to get them to add their listings - but we certainly encourage you to tell your friends and colleagues to add their businesses to our directory.

Press releases can now be submitted directly in .txt, .doc or .pdf format to us. Again, visit the client portal to register and submit your press releases.

There are more changes coming to our forums in the next few weeks. Never a dull moment here. Enjoy your weekend!

There's been a lot happening behind the scenes at The Niagara Guide and we're happy to welcome our newest advertiser who is the first added under our new system.

Please welcome Sharon Linwood to The Niagara Guide!

As a Mobile Mortgage Expert, Sharon will work around your schedule and process your application “on-the-spot” at a location and time that is convenient for you. Her goal is to take the “stress” out of financing and help you make an informed decision in order to obtain the mortgage that best meets your needs. Providing professional service in a relaxed atmosphere and going the extra mile for her clients has always been my top priority in providing excellent customer service.

Sharon has also contributed several articles to The Niagara Money Guide and we welcome her expertise in the mortgage and leasing areas.

Click here to learn more about Sharon's services!

It is with pleasure that I announce the addition of the Carousel Players to the Niagara Arts Guide.

How did they get there? Easy - they applied for a free listing through the Non-Profit Niagara website.

Your organization can do this as well and get free online exposure.

Check it out today!

Welcome aboard Carousel Players!

What did over 6000 students in Niagara do last year? Visit the Niagara Region Children's Safety Village!

This safe, controlled environment teaches children how to recognize and deal with dangerous situations. Police, Fire and Ambulance crews all participate in the various classroom and street scenarios making this a one-of-a-kind educational experience for kids.

We are pleased to announce the addition of the Niagara Region Children's Safety Village to the Niagara Non-Profit Guide website. This is a free service offered to all Niagara non-profit organizations and we encourage them to take us up on our offer.

If you haven't heard of the Niagara Region Children's Safety Village, have a look at their listing.

Just look both ways before you click this link : )

We are happy to welcome TMK Limousine to The Niagara Bridal Guide!

When you need classy transportation to special events, weddings, proms or just to the airport, call Tim at TMK Limousine.

Visit them online in The Niagara Bridal Guide!

http://www.niagarabridalguide.com/tmk-limousine/

Unbelievable in this day and age...

A 1928 law makes it illegal for consumers to transport even a single bottle of wine across a provincial border. The same applies for beer. This archaic law was originally designed to prevent the flow of liquor to provinces that still had prohibition in place.

Kelowna MP Ron Cannan is putting forth a proposed amendment to allow a "personal use" exemption so out-of-province tourists taking home wine from their trip to the Okanagan are not breaking the law.

Isn't this stupid? Thought you'd think so. How can you help?

Visit www.FreeMyGrapes.ca where you can email your MP to support Ron Cannan's efforts.

If it's illegal in BC, it's illegal here, so let's help get this law amended and add some common sense to the legislation.

I picked up a green tea from Tim Hortons today, primarily because I couldn't get to my favourite tea shop (LM Teas in Niagara Falls). At the first sip, I began regretting my choice. Not because it was undrinkable, but because I've had so much better tea.

First off, Tim Hortons staff don't seem to know diddly-squat about tea. Some would say they don't know anything about coffee either...but we'll stick to tea. Two bags of green tea in a cup is enough to turn the tea so dark it might be mistaken for black tea. In addition, it makes it so strong and bitter that while it does an admirable job of keeping one awake (perhaps its only redeeming feature), it's rather unpleasant to drink.

I wonder if Tim Hortons staff ever drink green tea. I strongly suspect they don't. One of the reasons their tea gets so bitter, I believe, is because they're using boiling water to make it and then they're allowing it to steep for longer than it should. High water temperatures bring out the bitterness in green tea and letting it steep too long is another evil they could avoid.

According to the folks at LM Teas, the idea water temperature to make green tea varies on the variety. Some teas can be brewed starting at 50°while others do fine at 80° to 90°. Again, it depends on the tea. Perhaps Tim Hortons tea is specially picked to be made with scalding hot water. I'll have to ask.

Anyway, if you're in Niagara Falls and need a good cup of tea, I recommend my friends at LM Teas. With over 200 varieties of loose-leaf teas, you'll find something you'll like.

Today I received an email chastising The Niagara Guide for not including Vincor Canada in The Niagara Winery Guide. The page for Niagara Falls wineries had previously stated there were no wineries in Niagara Falls. Technically, the writer was right, but it made me wonder what people expect when they hear the word "winery" or the phrase "Niagara winery".

Various government and industry associations have spent the last few decades promoting Ontario wines and lauding the "winery experience". Here are two quotes from the Inniskillin website. (Note: Inniskillin is one of Vincor's brands.)

"Many of those who appreciate and collect wine have discovered that a journey to the heart of wine country adds an indescribable dimension to the appreciation of the distinctiveness of each fine wine."

"Come to experience, firsthand, the full range of Inniskillin's Premium Estate Wines, while enjoying the spectacular sights, the regional culinary specialties and the outstanding hospitality . . ."

I think these statements capture the essence of the image the various Niagara tourism and wine industry members have worked so hard to create about Niagara's wine region. That's why I found the message about Vincor so interesting.

Vincor is a company that produces wine. Does that make their retail and tasting center in the middle of suburban Niagara Falls a winery? What do you think?