July 2, 2013

July 2: National Anisette Day

Anisette is an anise-flavored liqueur that is consumed mainly in Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France. It is colorless and, unlike some other anise-based liqueurs, contains no licorice.[1] It is sweeter than most anise-flavoured liqueurs.

True anisette is produced by means of distilling aniseed.[2] Pastis, a similar-tasting liqueur, is made by maceration, using a combination of aniseed and licorice.

The liqueur has a powerful flavour when drunk straight, and can even produce irritation to the throat if not taken slowly due to its high alcoholic content. In mixed drinks, however, it produces a sweet agreeable flavour. It is often mixed simply with water, where it produces a milky white consistency. That mixture is called in Spanish speaking countries “palomita”. All the liqueur has to be dropped into very cold water at the same moment. Pouring it from a bottle even quickly does not produce the same result. A very white liquid denotes that a good anisette has been used. A “palomita” with just a drop of anisette can be drunk as a refreshing drink.

The sugar is added in as a syrup. Marie Brizard is a well-known producer of Bordeaux-style anisette. Anís del Mono is a Spanish brand. Sambuca is Italy's version of anisette. Pastis, commonly drunk in France, is flavored with both anise and liquorice.[3]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anisette

July 1, 2013

St. Louis - MetroLink, buses running on time today

Metro's buses and light-rail trains were running on normal timetables today despite fears that labor strife would interrupt service on the region's largest transit system.

Leaders of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 788 promised last week that operators, mechanics and clerical staff would not walk off the job early this week. The union has authorized a strike.

Metro and the Amalgamated Transit Union are meeting with an arbitrator. Metro wants to make changes to retirement benefits for new hires. The union objects to the changes and has also expressed concern about salary and medical benefits.

Metro President John Nations said there was a slight uptick in absences among MetroLink operators this morning. While there might be one or two absences under normal conditions, five operators called in with absences. Metro supervisors filled in for the absent operators.

http://www.stltoday.com/news/traffic/along-for-the-ride/d62a9eb1-418e-58e1-aafe-8e83d0e662b3.html

July 1, 2013

July 1: National Gingersnap Day