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Thank you

Kristen

The General Assembly designates 19th August as World Humanitarian Day,  to honor and celebrate the work of humanitarian workers.

This year’s focus is on the actual work and achievements of humanitarian workers in the field. This year’s theme is “We are humanitarian workers”. It also serves as an occasion to remember and honor those who have lost their lives while helping others. A total of 102 humanitarian workers died while doing their jobs in 2009.

Humanitarian workers are forgotten heroes, without whom there wouldn’t be any humanitarian assistance. Not only do they work in the worst places of the world, in extreme temperatures (high frost, extremely hot countries), threatened by diseases but in dangerous places as well where they risk their lives to help the destitute, the victims of wars or natural catastrophes, whatever their race, nationality, religious or political beliefs – with total neutrality.

Humanitarian Principles represent the foundation of humanitarian action. Key humanitarian principles include:

Humanity: Human suffering must be addressed wherever it is found. The purpose of humanitarian action is to protect life and health and ensure respect for human beings.

Neutrality: Humanitarian actors must not take sides in hostilities or engage in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Impartiality: Humanitarian action must be carried out on the basis of need alone, giving priority to the most urgent cases of distress and making no distinctions on the basis of nationality, race, gender, religious belief, class or political opinion.

Operational Independence: Humanitarian action must be autonomous from the political, economic, military or other objectives that any actor may hold with regard to areas where humanitarian action is being implemented”.

Click here to view an incredible video of the project:

World Humanitarian Day Project

Thank you to all who help others in this world,

Kristen

The Biltmore Winery celebrates its landmark 25th year anniversary in 2010!

William A.V. Cecil, the grandson of Biltmore’s founder George W. Vanderbilt, started the winemaking program as part of his vision for the estate to remain self-sustaining. It all began in 1971, when the first grapes were planted as part of an experimental project. This project has turned into America’s most visited winery!

In 1985, Biltmore Winery produced 10 different wines totalling approx. 350,000 bottles. Today, Biltmore offers more than 50 different wines and produces 2 million bottles each year.

I had the opportunity to meet the winemaker and sample some delicious wines, including:

• Biltmore Estate Riesling: classic and crisp with delicate fruit flavors


• Century White: unique blend featuring aromas of roses and fresh mint


• Biltmore Reserve Cabernet Franc – Dry Creek Valley: strong tannin structure with earthy aromas

Winemaker Bernard Delille, a Frenchman, has been winemaker at the estate since 1986. He holds a master’s degree from the Faculty of Science in Lyon, France, and served his internship in the Bordeaux region. He received his French National Diploma of Winemaker in Dijon, Burgundy, and was winemaker in the Pyrenees Atlantiques region prior to coming to Biltmore.

You can shop in their online store at shop.biltmore.com for access to their full line of wines, delivered to your home. Shipping is available in 26 states.

Adventure on, and sip up!

Kristen