Latest news with #Whiskey
Mint
30-04-2025
- Health
- Mint
How pet parents can guard against bladder stones this season
Golu, a five-year-old Shih Tzu, was rushed into our clinic one summer afternoon, trembling and unable to pass urine. He'd been straining to urinate for a day but managed only a few drops tinged with blood. The family had assumed it was a urinary tract infection, and hoped it would clear up. But Golu had a cluster of tiny, sharp crystals in his bladder—stones that caused pain with every attempt he made to relieve himself. This is the story of countless dogs and cats across the country, especially during summer when the risk of bladder stones increases. Bladder stones, or uroliths, are mineral formations that develop in the bladder when urine becomes concentrated and certain minerals start crystallising. In dogs and cats, they can vary in composition and each has its own causes, implications and treatments. The stones may be single or multiple, large or gravel-like, and can be so many and so tightly packed that they resemble a bag of marbles on an X-ray. These stones irritate the bladder lining, cause pain, inflammation, blood in the urine, and most dangerously, obstruction—especially in male animals, where the urethra is narrower and more prone to blockage. Symptoms can be subtle at first. Dogs may start urinating more frequently, dribbling small amounts of urine, or licking themselves excessively. Cats will go to the litter tray repeatedly, straining, vocalising or peeing outside the box in frustration. Sometimes, you'll notice blood in the urine or a colour change. I once saw a Persian cat named Whiskey who had been assumed to be protesting a new brand of litter by peeing in the living room, only for us to discover he had bladder stones and was desperately trying to find a comfortable position. In India, the summer plays a huge role. With high humidity and temperatures, pets may dehydrate more quickly. This concentrates the urine, creating an ideal environment for mineral precipitation. If the pet is on a diet high in minerals or if their pH balance is off, the risk multiplies. The causes of bladder stones vary by species and even by breed. In dogs, struvite stones often form secondary to urinary tract infections, especially in females. Calcium oxalate stones, on the other hand, are more common in male dogs and have no infectious component, and instead relate to genetic predispositions. Breeds like Miniature Schnauzers, Lhasa Apsos and Pomeranians are more prone. Neutered male cats, particularly Persians and British Shorthairs, appear predisposed. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of urine analysis, X-rays and ultrasound. Crystals in the urine give us the first clue, but imaging helps locate and size the stones. Occasionally, stones don't show up well on X-rays. I remember once removing nearly 30 small oxalate stones from a Dachshund whose X-ray had looked unremarkable until we did an ultrasound. Treatment depends on the type of stone, the size, number, and if there's an obstruction. Struvite stones can often be dissolved medically with special diets that acidify the urine. This, however, demands strict compliance and careful monitoring. Calcium oxalate stones don't dissolve and typically require surgical removal. Obstructed animals are medical emergencies and must visit a veterinarian immediately. Prevention is the golden strategy. For dogs, routine urine tests, dietary modification and encouraging water intake are key. For cats, it's also about reducing stress because feline lower urinary tract disease, including stones, often flares up during times of environmental stress. While bladder stones often recur, knowing the type of stone your pet formed the first time around helps in crafting a customised prevention plan. I once treated a Golden Retriever whose struvite stones returned twice before his family understood the importance of completing every antibiotic course and sticking with his diet. He hasn't had a recurrence in three years. Bladder stones are painful, disruptive and, in some cases, life-threatening. Yet they're also one of those conditions where early intervention and informed care can drastically alter the outcome. Nameeta Nadkarni is a veterinary soft tissue surgeon and pet blogger from Mumbai.
Forbes
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
A Milwaukee Finance Professional Has Found Bliss In His Boozy Cookies
D'Araun Brown is the founder of Whiskey Brown Whiskey Spiked Cookies. In front of him (left to right) are the Big Friendly Giant, which is a gluten-free monster cookie made with Great Lakes Distillery Kinnickinnic Whiskey and Chardonnay wine; Salted Caramel Peanut Butter, which is made with Skrewball Whiskey, and Whiskey and Toffee, which is made with Uncle Nearest. A Milwaukee finance professional started one of the country's only boozy cookie companies. Every single cookie in the Whiskey Brown collection starts with a boozy base. D'Araun Brown had always been a baker in his spare time, but his whiskey-laden cookies took off once he realized he was the face of his burgeoning cookie company, Whiskey Brown. 'That's when everything changed,' says Brown. Brown's journey as a whiskey baker was both serendipitous and almost a step back in time. As a freshman in high school, he was inspired to start a cookie making business after he saw a girl who appeared on David Letterman's late night show to promote her own cookie business. So, he started his own cookie making business, which he did until he went to college where he majored in finance, eventually working as an expert in mergers and acquisitions. Brown kept baking, and as an adult, one night, he did an experiment. 'I was baking a batch of cookies one night, and I was drinking a glass of whiskey at the same time,' he says. 'I wondered what would happen if I added the glass of whiskey to the batter.' Brown added the whiskey to the batter, then added toffee and caramel to match the aromas of the whiskey. 'I realized it was a good cookie, and I called that one Hemingway,' he says. 'I knew I was on to something different, something good.' Brown kept working in finance, but the seed of a baking business took root. Then, with some help from friends in the food business, in 2015, Brown started Crumbles Confectionary, but the whiskey-spiked cookie company started growing into something something bigger in 2019. Things started getting even more serious in 2020 when he realized his brand was 'Whiskey Brown.' 'It all changed when I realized I was Whiskey Brown,' he says. 'That's when we rebranded.' The name came after he worked with his friends, and they worked up a list of 20 names. 'Everyone loved the name Whiskey Brown,' Brown says. 'My friends helped me realized that it wasn't just a brand - that I was the brand, and Whiskey Brown could be bigger than what I thought it could be.' 'Everyone loved the name Whiskey Brown,' Brown says. 'My friends helped me realized that it wasn't just a brand - that I was the brand, and Whiskey Brown could be bigger than what I thought it could be.' Originally, though, he wasn't in love with the name - he preferred Crumbles Confectionary. 'That name was my first baby, but it didn't speak to what we did, that we are the whiskey spiked cookie company,' he says. 'Once I realized how much the name resonated with other people, and once I realized I was Whiskey Brown, things changed.' Today, people can find his cookies online, but as soon as his new packaging is implemented, it will be back on the shelves at Outpost Natural Foods, Fresh Thyme, and several other locations. His cookies retail for $35 per dozen online, and by early 2026, they will be expanding nation-wide in stores. Whiskey Brown's whiskey and toffee and smoked chocolate banana cookies are made with Uncle Nearest 1884 Whiskey, which enhances the flavors of the toffee and the banana and chocolate Brown bakes 40 different flavors of cookies, and each cookie contains at least two types of alcohol in them. Hemingway, for example, contains two different types of whiskey. Dark Matter is a salted bourbon caramel chocolate cookie contains bourbon, chocolate stout beer, rum and creme de cacao. His salted caramel peanut butter features bourbon and peanut butter whiskey. 'When you use more than one type of alcohol, it layers the complexity of the cookies,' Brown says. 'When the alcohol bakes off, you're left with the flavor profiles of each spirit. Depending on the flavors and spices, it will hit your palate differently. For example, Dark Matter contains cayenne, but you don't taste it while you're eating the cookie. It hits your palate after you're done.' Brown also can make each of his cookies gluten-free by special order, but he also regularly makes a signature gluten-free cookie, The Big Friendly Giant, which has bourbon, whiskey, and chardonnay, along with kettle chips, movie theater popcorn, M & M's, peanut butter, peanut butter cups, caramel and toffee. 'You can't even tell it's a gluten-free cookie,' Brown, says. Brown also hosts a Whiskey with a Buddy podcast with his friend, Buddy Robinson, which addresses complex themes in a conversational and convivial atmosphere while drinking whiskey and eating cookies, as each episode features a cookie and whiskey pairing that they try. 'The premise is a show about nothing and everything,' Brown says, adding that their diverse backgrounds inform their conversations. 'We're a middle aged black guy and a middle aged white guy, and we come from different backgrounds. It's a genuine conversation.'
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Central Florida business react to sweeping new tariffs set to take effect Saturday
From the furniture you buy to the food you eat, new tariffs on products not made or grown in the United States could trickle down to stores across Central Florida. On Wednesday, President Trump announced a ten percent tariff will be in place on imports from all foreign countries. 'Of course, right now, the price is going to have to rise a little bit, but in the long run, it'll be better for us,' said Tom Le, the owner of Oviedo Fine Wine and Liquor. Le told Channel 9, about 80 percent of the bottles in his store are made in the United States, with notable exceptions including some kinds of Rum, Tequila, and Whiskey. A 25 percent tariff remains in place for goods from Mexico and Canada, but alcohol from those countries, including tequila, is exempt from new tariffs. Overall, Le told Channel 9 that even if prices rise for some wines and liquors, his customers likely won't be deterred. He thinks the new tariffs will spur American manufacturing in the long run. 'I love to use and sell American-made products, anyway,' said Le, 'I'm willing to pay more for American-made products than import products.' On Thursday, two specialty grocery stores told Channel 9 they will have to pass on their increased costs. The owner of the International Food Market which specializes in authentic Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Turkish groceries told Channel 9 his local distributors will feel the pinch first. Meanwhile, Giovanni Torres is a regular at the International Food Market who said while he doesn't support the tariffs, he will continue to support the local store. 'It only makes sense that they're gonna kind of raise the prices on certain things, if they have to pay more in order for them to import it in the first place,' said Torres, 'So, If i have to pay it, then I have to pay it.' Several dozen countries will be subject to additional reciprocal tariffs announced by Trump. This chart shared by the White House on X details the new tariffs. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Axios
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Ballantyne events guide 2025: Concerts, festivals and things to do
Ballantyne, once a corporate office park in south Charlotte, is quickly becoming a destination for outdoor concerts, seasonal festivals and a growing lineup of new restaurants. What's happening: We've rounded up the biggest events coming to Ballantyne this year — from live music to food fests — plus a few favorite spots to hit while you're in the area. Zoom in: At the center of it all is The Bowl at Ballantyne, a recently developed walkable town center with shops, restaurants, fitness studios and events. Most events are at The Bowl or in Ballantyne's Backyard, a nearby 100-acre community park full of green space and walking trails. Festivals and markets From BBQ tastings to holiday light shows, here are four major festivals and open-air markets happening in Ballantyne between now and the end of the year. 🛍 Shop local vendors at the Bowl Street Pop-Up Market on April 5, 10am–3pm. The outdoor market will take place on the first Saturday of the month from April to November. 🍖 Try over 60 beers, 40 bourbons and lots of BBQ at the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Fest in Ballantyne's Backyard on May 17, noon–6pm. General admission is $45. 🥃 Find whiskey bars and open-fire cooking at the Whiskey, Wine and Fire Fest in Ballantyne's Backyard on Oct. 25, 5–9pm. General admission is $59. 🎄 Feel the Christmas spirit at the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular in Ballantyne's Backyard. 2025 dates haven't been announced, but the display typically runs most of December. Concerts The AMP is Ballantyne's 3,500-seat outdoor music venue, and the 2025 lineup is stacked. From country icons to reggae legends, here are some shows to put on your radar. April 23: Chris Young June 7: The Beach Boys Aug 22: Ben Rector Sept 21: Ziggy Marley & Burning Spear Fitness/parks and rec Ballantyne boasts more than 20 parks and ponds and over 20 miles of walking paths and bike lanes. 🏃🏻♂️Set a new personal record in the 21st annual Run! Ballantyne 8K, 5K & Fun Run on April 5 at 7:30am. ☀️ Soak up the spring sun with a picnic, walk or bike ride at parks like Stream Park, Brixham Park, or Ballantyne's Backyard. So much to do, so little time If you're just in Ballantyne for a short time, here are some suggestions to get a quick taste of the neighborhood. ☕ Start with a coffee from Fly Kid Fly. 🎯 Pretend you're on a TV game show with your friends at Game Show Battle Rooms.
The Independent
29-01-2025
- General
- The Independent
2 dogs get new homes after surviving plane crash that killed rescue flight pilot
Two dogs that survived an animal-rescue flight crash that killed the pilot have found new homes as the late aviator's friends work to honor him by helping more pets, a shelter director said Wednesday. The Nov. 24 crash in New York 's Catskill Mountains killed Seuk Kim of Springfield, Virginia, a dedicated volunteer who transported cats and dogs from disaster areas and overcrowded shelters to rescue groups. He was bringing three dogs to an Albany, New York-area organization called the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley when his 1986 Mooney M20J went down. Kim told air traffic controllers that he hit moderate to heavy turbulence at 5,000 feet (1,520 meters), but then he descended to about 4,300 feet (1,311 meters) and reported that conditions improved to light to moderate turbulence, according to the National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report on the crash. The report said he didn't contact air traffic control again or make any distress calls. Two of the dogs, a Labrador-mix puppy named Whiskey and a young Yorkshire terrier mix called Pluto, survived. Pluto was internally bruised, while Whiskey was found huddled in the snow with two broken legs. The Lab pup subsequently underwent surgeries at Pieper Memorial Veterinary emergency and specialty hospital in Middletown, Connecticut. After those procedures and lots of physical therapy, 6-month-old Whiskey is on his feet and playing at his foster home in Middletown, and the family that took him in has decided to keep him, said Maggie Jackman Pryor, the executive director of the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley. The foster family is set to adopt Whiskey formally this weekend. Pluto, meanwhile, recovered quickly and was adopted a few weeks into a home in Averill Park, a community near Albany, Pryor said. The remains of the third dog, a little one named Lisa, went to Kim's relatives at their request. The Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley fielded inquiries from people around the country interested in adopting the canine survivors, said Pryor, who urged some callers to look closer to home. 'These two dogs are amazing, but there are so many amazing dogs" in shelters, she said in a phone interview Wednesday. Meanwhile, Kim's friends and fellow rescue pilots are forming an organization to further his legacy, Pryor said. She said plans include sponsoring mobile spay and neuter clinics and creating pet food pantries like one that he and his children started.
