Serendipity is a very powerful idea. To the extreme rationalist or scientist, there is no such thing… only random coincidences. To the mystic or artist, it is everything, the reason for breathing for living for creating. In the extremely rational world of the industrialized west, we have lost touch with serendipity. We have forgotten how to get in tune with it, to see it, to let it be the guiding force in our life. How do we remember?
The Think Tank
What is the purpose of a think tank?
1. Create ideas that can benefit the world.
2. Perform services for companies in a variety of industries in order to understand real challenges
3. Provide valuable advice that others can use to make important decisions
4. Incubate organizations
5. Help people grow
The Truth About Resveratrol
The source of red wine’s health benefits has been up for debate for some time now. Is it the alcohol, is it the Resveratrol, or is it some magical blend of all its components?
There are more and more health studies piling up showing the powerful effects of Resveratrol. As we noted over 3 years ago (The Human Elixir), there are companies, such as Sirtris, in existence specifically to synthesize this molecule into an anti-aging drug. Supposedly Resveratrol helps the production of more efficient mitochondria, whereas most antioxidants only neutralize free radicals in the system. This is like creating a more efficient engine that pollutes less vs. sequestering carbon. Beyond this, there have been numerous tests showing Resveratrol’s ability to kill forms of cancer, help with caloric restriction, increase life expectancy through diminished probability of contracting diseases like Alzheimer’s and diabetes, and many say it is the reason for the famous French Paradox. As a result of all this press and consumer awareness, the market is flooding with Resveratrol pills and supplements, claiming to extend life and end all ailments.
However, interestingly enough, there is evidence that suggests that it is not the Resveratrol that gives red wine its health benefits…
Keep Direct Sales Growing
We’ve been connected in with Inertia Beverage Group pretty much since the beginning of our blog as we always thought they were doing great things. Since their recent acquisition of New Vine Logistics, adding fulfillment to their service offering, they have really completed the direct sales equation. It keeps the ridiculous markups of the 3-tier system, mainly from wholesalers, from being imposed on the consumer, allowing people to buy a case of quality wine for cheaper than it would be at their local retailer. It also gives many markets access to our product immediately. The direct sales system, both consumer and trade, has amazing potential.
RayLen Solar Vineyard
North Carolina is slowly building a very respectable wine country, located predominantly in the Yadkin valley north of Charlotte. We recently had the chance to pay an educational visit to RayLen vineyards based out of Mocksville. GT has always seen vineyards as much more than wine, energy environments if you will and RayLen is another winery backing that up, with an awesome solar install. Check out the video below for a quick look. Note: the muscadine (seeds) at the beginning is an indigenous grape to NC, which reportedly has up to 5 times as much resveratrol as other red grapes.
My facts aren’t quite right in the video. Click below to get the full spec on their setup.
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