All posts by The Silo

Travel

How to Select the Best Suitcase For Stress Free Adventures

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Travelling can be an exhilarating experience, whether you’re setting out on a spontaneous weekend getaway or embarking on a long-awaited international trip. One of the most important decisions to make before any adventure is choosing the right suitcase. Your luggage plays a crucial role in the ease and comfort of your travels, and selecting the best one can save you from many headaches along the way.

Fantastic Beasts released in 2016 featuring Newt Scamander’s Magic Suitcase

With the variety of options available on the market today, finding the perfect suitcase can be overwhelming. From materials and sizes to wheels and handles, there are several factors to consider to ensure you make the best choice for your needs. This guide will help you break down the essential features to look for when picking out a suitcase for your next trip.

Size Matters: Choosing the Right Dimensions

The first thing you need to consider when selecting a suitcase is its size. Suitcases come in various sizes, ranging from compact carry-ons to larger checked luggage. The right size for you will depend on the length of your trip and how much you typically pack.

  • Carry-on size: If you’re planning a short trip or prefer to travel light, a carry-on suitcase is likely your best option. It’s important to check airline guidelines as each carrier has specific size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage.
  • Checked luggage size: For longer trips or if you tend to pack more, a larger checked suitcase may be necessary. These suitcases offer more space but can be bulky to handle. Always ensure that the size adheres to airline regulations to avoid additional fees.

For a variety of suitcase sizes and to compare top-rated models, you can explore Meilleurs.ca, which offers expert comparisons and guides to help you make informed decisions.

Spoiler alert- topping Meilleurs.ca list of suitcases is the Swiss Gear La Sarinne 28″ Suitcase.

Durability: Materials That Last

James Bond 007’s- Spy attache case.

Suitcases are typically made from one of three primary materials: soft-shell fabrics, hard-shell plastics, or hybrid combinations. Each material has its own set of pros and cons.

  • Soft-shell suitcases: Made from durable fabrics like nylon or polyester, soft-shell suitcases offer flexibility and expandability, which is ideal for squeezing in extra items. They’re generally lighter and more forgiving when you’re trying to fit your luggage into tight spaces like an overhead bin. However, they may not provide as much protection for fragile items as hard-shell options.
  • Hard-shell suitcases: Constructed from materials such as polycarbonate or ABS plastic, hard-shell suitcases provide better protection for your belongings, especially for breakable items. These suitcases are more rigid and usually more secure, but they can also be prone to scratches and cracks over time.
  • Hybrid suitcases: Some suitcases combine soft and hard-shell elements, offering the best of both worlds. These can provide flexibility while still offering a decent level of protection for your belongings.

Weight: Lighter Is Better

Airlines have become stricter with weight limits, especially for checked luggage. It’s important to choose a suitcase that is light yet durable. A heavy suitcase can quickly eat into your weight allowance, leaving you with less space for your belongings. Look for lightweight materials that don’t compromise on durability, such as polycarbonate for hard-shell suitcases or ballistic nylon for soft-shell suitcases.

An antique art deco Cheney brown crocodile skin suitcase made in England in the 1950s.

Wheels: For Effortless Maneuvering

One of the most crucial features of a suitcase is its wheel system. The last thing you want is to struggle with a suitcase that doesn’t roll smoothly through airport terminals or crowded streets. There are two main types of wheels to consider:

  • Two wheels: Traditional two-wheeled suitcases tend to be more stable when pulled in a straight line and are ideal for rough surfaces. They also don’t roll away when left on a slope. However, two-wheeled suitcases are more cumbersome to maneuver, especially in tight spaces.
  • Four wheels (spinner wheels): Four-wheeled suitcases, also known as spinners, offer a full range of motion, allowing you to roll the suitcase upright and in any direction. This can be especially useful when navigating through busy areas or small spaces. While they provide better mobility, spinner wheels can be less stable on uneven surfaces and may roll away if left unattended on an incline.

Handles: Comfortable and Sturdy

The handle of a suitcase may seem like a minor detail, but it’s vital for ensuring comfortable and easy transport. Look for a telescoping handle that can be adjusted to multiple heights and locks securely in place. A comfortable grip is also important, as you’ll be using the handle frequently while pulling the suitcase.

Additionally, consider a suitcase with side or top carry handles for when you need to lift it, such as placing it in an overhead bin or into the trunk of a car. Make sure these handles are sturdy and padded for comfort.

Compartments and Expandability: Maximizing Space

Good luggage design should include plenty of compartments and organizational features. Look for suitcases that offer:

  • Multiple compartments: Interior pockets and compartments help you keep your items organized, from shoes to toiletries to important documents.
  • Expandable sections: Some soft-shell suitcases have expandable zippers that allow for extra space when needed, perfect for travelers who tend to overpack or pick up souvenirs along the way.
  • Compression straps: These interior straps help keep your clothes in place, reducing wrinkles and maximizing the space inside the suitcase.

Security: Keeping Your Belongings Safe

Travel security is always a concern, especially when you’re carrying valuable or personal items. Look for suitcases that come with built-in locks, especially TSA-approved locks, which allow airport security to open the suitcase without damaging the lock during inspections.

In addition to locks, hard-shell suitcases generally offer more protection from theft, as they are harder to cut through than soft-shell models. Zippers should be sturdy and smooth to operate, minimizing the risk of breakage during your trip.

Style: A Reflection of You

While functionality is the most important factor when choosing a suitcase, style can’t be overlooked. Your luggage is a reflection of your personal style, and with so many colors, patterns, and finishes available, you can find a suitcase that suits your personality. Whether you prefer sleek, minimalist designs or bold, vibrant patterns, the style of your suitcase can add a touch of fun to your travel experience.

Conclusion: Invest in the Right Suitcase for a Stress-Free Adventure

Choosing the best suitcase for your next adventure requires balancing practicality, durability, and personal preference. By focusing on key features like size, materials, weight, wheels, handles, and compartments, you can ensure that your suitcase not only meets your travel needs but also enhances your overall experience.

A good suitcase is an investment in stress-free travel, and with a little research and attention to detail, you can find the perfect one to accompany you on all your future adventures. To explore and compare the best suitcases available in Quebec, check out Meilleurs.ca for expert reviews and recommendations that will guide you toward making the best choice for your journey. For the Silo, Vinayak Gupta.

Featured image- Del’s steamer trunk case in the classic holiday film Planes, Trains and Automobiles 1987.

Fashion

Legendary Sneakers Worn For Combat

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What is with the connection between running shoes and combat? Comfort and stealth? Style and speed? Whatever the case it is time to take a look at another “fighting sneaker”. The Cheetah is made in Pakistan by long-lived footwear juggernaut Servis.  A sneaker so intrinsically tied to wartime Afghanistan, it’s been the subject of controversy ever since a few western stores started stocking them on their shelves, our friends at kommandostore included. With it’s looks that embody a time capsule of 2000s shoe design, and its ties to legitimate warfighting in Afghanistan, it’s cemented a legendary status on our store. 
 Outside of Afghanistan, these runners went viral for their apparent association with insurgency – but inside Afghanistan, as one NYT article reports, they’re a “status symbol worn by warfighters” including the Afghan security forces that also took a liking to them. But tales of internal squabbles and “forever wars” aside, we’re inclined to agree: You’d never guess it based on the design of the shoes alone, but the men who wore them earned them their status as shoes you can literally trust to go to war with. 
 But reputation only brings a pair of shoes so far — any sneakerhead among you is going to want to look for finer details. And Alhamdulilah, you’ll be pleased. Being made in Pakistan instead of China, you really don’t see the common corners cut. The materials are nice, the outsole surprisingly durable. It’s no wonder that like many throughout history, Afghan warfighters on all sides wore cheetahs as a lighter, nimbler alternative to heavy boots. 
 And of course they love how they look too. Looking fresher than pre-creased Jordans never had such a close vicinity to the country of Jordan…

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Earth

Plants That Cure With Real Healing Powers

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A fever, stomach pains or a simple case of the sniffles can send people rushing to the pharmacy for a drug to cure their symptoms.

But Mother Nature provides a number of medicinal plants with healing properties that also can nurse you back to health, a fact more North Americans are beginning to discover.

Doctor Sodhi -" More North Americans Realize The Effectiveness Of Remedies Found In Nature"

Doctor Sodhi -” more North Americans realize the effectiveness of remedies found in nature”

“The use of herbal medicine, although traditional in many Eastern cultures, had been only a minor fad in Western medicine until recent decades,” says Dr. Virender Sodhi, founder of the Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Medical Clinic , which provides complementary and alternative medicine.

That trend has been shifting as a growing body of studies and research has demonstrated the effects of traditional remedies on chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, says Sodhi, author of the new guide, “Ayurvedic Herbs: The Comprehensive Resource for Ayurvedic Healing Solutions”.

That’s not necessarily news to ailing people in other parts of the world, such as Asia and Africa. For centuries, they have found relief through herbal medicines derived from shrubs, vines, trees and other plants, Sodhi says.

Here are four examples, a couple of which are recognizable by better known names and purposes.

American licorice is a native, perennial legume that grows in temperate climates of North America. Licorice, which grows in Europe and Asia, is the root of varieties of the Glycyrrhiza plant.
American licorice is a native, perennial legume that grows in temperate climates of North America. Licorice, which grows in Europe and Asia, is the root of varieties of the Glycyrrhiza plant.

 

•  Glycyrrhiza glabra. Most people would recognize this plant by its more common name – licorice. It has been used for centuries in the traditional and folk medicines of Asia and Europe to treat ailments ranging from the common cold to liver disease, Sodhi says.

Most Americans likely encountered licorice as children because the sweet root of the plant is used to make candy. Licorice can cure more than a sweet tooth, though. It can protect people from the influenza virus. In cell line studies it was shown to reduce titer of the influenza virus by 90 percent and have strong immune modulation properties.

It’s an important ingredient in many herbal preparations, Sodhi said, especially for bronchial conditions. Because of its expectorant properties, powdered licorice has been used for centuries to treat coughs. Modern cough syrups often contain licorice extract.

Piper negrum

•  Piper nigrum. This flowering vine’s berries, when still unripe, are used to produce black pepper, but spicing up food isn’t its only talent. Piper nigrum has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-spasmodic properties that make it ideal for treating digestive disorders, Sodhi says.

It doesn’t stop there. Drug resistance is a major concern in cancer patients. Piper nigrum can reverse multiple drug resistance many fold and significantly increase the apoptotic effect of many pharmaceutical drugs.

CLICK me to discover more about Frankincense
CLICK me to discover more about Frankincense

•  Boswellia serrate. Commonly known as Frankincense, this herb has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Several patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s colitis have gone in to remission using a Boswellia preparation.

In brain tumor patients it has reduced cerebral edema by 75 percent. Sodhi has mentioned case studies of many patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica and ulcerative colitis who went into remission.

Bael

•  Bael. Commonly known as “golden apple”, this fruit-bearing tree indigenous to the hills and plains of central and southern India has numerous uses. The fruit promotes healthy digestion and is used medicinally to treat such conditions as diarrhea, dysentery and cholera. The leaves, roots and bark of Bael also have medicinal value.

They help relieve acute bronchitis, heart palpitations, intermittent fevers and many other ailments. Dr. Sodhi has observed 100 percent success in treating patients of clostridium difficile, who did not respond to standard medical protocol of metronidazole (Flagyl), Dificid (fidaxomicin), or vanconycin.

 

Fashion

Elegantly Simple- New Raketa Aviator Watch

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Creating specialized watches for extreme professions is a tradition at  the Raketa Watch Factory and now they have just presented a new version of its popular Pilot model.  

The history of aviator watches dates back to the early 20th century when aviation and wrist watches evolved side by side. The first aviator watches were built as professional tools, eschewing decorations in favor of durability, reliability and readability. They had a strict and minimalistic design: a round case, a high-contrast dial, wide hands and large numerals. Everything you need to make note of the passage of time while controlling a warbird and flying upside down.

KISS- Keep It Simple Soviet!

In  designing  its  new Pilot  model,  Raketa  tried  to   recreate   the spirit  of  early  aviator watches following the principle of “nothing superfluous”.

Designed in a classic style but with Raketa’s recognizable identity, the new case with its clean facets combines a glossy polish and a satin finish. This look is harmoniously continued with the stainless steel bracelet, which emphasizes the masculine character of the timepiece.

 A  genuine   leather   strap   is   also   included   in   the   set.   The  movement   is protected by a screw-in crown which provides a water resistance of up to 200 meters.

Several   features  ensure  easy   readability   in   all   lighting   conditions. Super-LumiNova coating is applied to the markers and large numerals of the dial, but also to the hour and minute hands. Contrast is created through color combinations- all the hands including the bright yellow second hand perfectly stand out against the matte black dial stylized in the same manner as a precision aircraft dashboard instrument gauge.

A double-sided anti-reflective coating on the sapphire crystal provides additional assurance of accurate readings.

The heart of the Raketa Pilot is its automatic movement manufactured from A to Z at the Raketa Watch Factory in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Price

The cost is 1950 EUR (including VAT)/ $3,110 CAD at time of posting. For the comfort of customers, Raketa watches are delivered worldwide free of charge by DHL directly to your front door. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Specifications:

Culture

Canada Next? Rise Of Driveway Tiny Houses In America

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Accidental Landlords: ADU Owners Disrupt Rental Markets From Driveways

Here in Canada we have been pre-programmed to some extent about the possibility and perhaps inevitability of living in a tiny home- and one that we won’t even own. In some cases, these homes seem to be little more than utility sheds fitted with utilities and small appliances but there are exceptions like this exceptionally designed ADU.

In America, many ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) owners didn’t set out to be landlords, but new laws and economic pressures there are turning suburban homeowners into accidental real estate moguls. With situations the same here in Canada and with migrant levels increasing month after month, can we expect to see more and more cities following Ottawa’s lead in tiny home renting? It sure seems like a strong possibility.

Let’s Look At The USA

As state and city-level ADU laws continue to loosen across the U.S., a growing wave of suburban homeowners are becoming first-time landlords, many without ever intending to enter the real estate game. These decentralized landlords are renting out backyard cottages, granny flats and in-law suites, garage conversions and prefab units—quietly changing the economics of their neighborhoods and offering a hyperlocal solution to the housing shortage.


Accidental Landlord Essentials: What to Know Before Renting Out Your ADU

Right after housing family, passive rental income is one of the top reasons people want to build an ADU on their property, and we can definitely see why. Becoming a landlord is a great way to supplement your income and create a healthy nest egg for retirement or savings. But, it’s important to remember that being landlord is still considered a job with responsibilities. There are certain expectations that should be adhered to in order to ensure your tenant(s) are comfortable in your ADU, ensuring prolonged success.

So, what makes the difference between an “okay” landlord and a fantastic landlord with happy tenants? Here are some key things to know before you start renting out your new unit.

What do I need before I rent out my ADU?

Before renting out your ADU, you will need two crucial things: a Certificate of Occupancy and landlord insurance.

Certificate of Occupancy

In the USA, there is an important document called a Certificate of Occupancy, issued by the local building department, confirming that the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) complies with all relevant building codes and regulations and is safe for occupancy. To obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, you will need to schedule an inspection of your ADU to ensure it meets all required standards for habitability, fire safety, and structural integrity.

Once you have obtained the necessary Certificate of Occupancy and ensured compliance with local regulations, you can proceed with renting out your ADU.

Landlord Insurance

It’s also a good idea to consider obtaining landlord insurance to protect your property and assets as a rental property owner. Landlord insurance, also known as rental property insurance, is a type of insurance policy specifically designed to protect property owners who rent out their properties to tenants. Here are some key aspects of landlord insurance:

  1. Property Coverage: This aspect of landlord insurance typically covers the physical structure of the rental property, including the dwelling itself and any structures on the property, such as garages or sheds. It can protect against damage caused by covered perils like fire, vandalism, or natural disasters.
  2. Liability Coverage: Landlord insurance often includes liability coverage, which protects you financially if a tenant or visitor is injured on your rental property and holds you liable. This coverage can help pay for legal fees, medical expenses, and damages if you’re found responsible for an accident or injury.
  3. Loss of Rental Income: If your rental property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, such as fire or storm damage, landlord insurance can provide compensation for the lost rental income during the time it takes to repair or rebuild the property. This coverage can help mitigate the financial impact of a temporary loss of rental income.
  4. Additional Coverages: Depending on the policy and insurer, landlord insurance may offer additional coverages or optional endorsements to address specific risks or circumstances. These could include coverage for landlord liability arising from wrongful eviction or discrimination claims, coverage for theft or vandalism by tenants, or coverage for legal expenses related to evictions.

It’s important to note that in America, landlord insurance is distinct from homeowners insurance, which is intended for owner-occupied properties. Landlord insurance policies are tailored to the unique risks and responsibilities of rental property ownership, providing coverage for situations that may not be addressed by standard homeowners insurance.

Once you have these two things in place, you can move on to establishing the lease terms of your ADU.

What should rental lease terms be for an ADU?

The great thing about owning your own ADU is that you can set any rules you want. All of this should be laid out in a lease so that all parties can have the rules in writing and you can avoid any conflict in the future. Here are just a few things you should think about including in your lease:

  • When is rent due?
  • Is this a long-term lease (1+ years) or month-to-month
  • Do you allow pets? Size, type, and quantity restrictions? Is a deposit and pet rent required?
  • Is smoking allowed?
  • Are utilities included?
  • Is parking included?
  • Will the tenant have access to yard space or other outdoor areas?
  • When do quiet hours begin?

This is just a sample of things you should be thinking about when drafting your lease.

While you do have free reign in placing any rules for your ADU (as long as you don’t violate any laws) you should also think about what will be on people’s checklists in your area. Living close to a college campus for example, will likely attract students looking for short-term housing. Living close to a high population area where parking can be tough, you’ll have tons of rental applications if you offer free parking.

There are plenty of lease agreement templates that you can find online, but make sure you read them carefully and edit as needed to make sure they cover everything you require.

If you’d rather go the easier route, you can always hire a property management company who can draft the lease and collect the signatures for you. We’ll go more into property managers later.

How do you figure out the charge for rent?

There’s no one-size fits all answer to this question. The rent you can charge for your ADU will depend on city, neighborhood, ADU size, amenities, number of bedrooms and more. But, by doing some quick research you can arrive to a baseline number that makes sense for your ADU.

To start, check out similar listings in your area to get a general range of how much rent you can charge for your ADU. Sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, Craigslist, and Trulia are great places to look first. Especially look at going rates in your specific neighborhood. Rental rates can fluctuate heavily from neighborhood to neighborhood within the same city, so you want to make sure you’re not pricing your ADU too high or low for your immediate area.

Next, take your amenities into consideration. A washer and dryer in the unit is a hot commodity that people will be willing to shell out a few extra dollars for.

If you want to add these types of amenities to your unit, make sure you discuss it with your designer so that they can make the space for them in the designs. 

Also, look back at your lease and what you’re offering. Qualities like included utilities, pet friendly, and a month-to-month lease mean you can charge a little bit extra.

Take a look at where your property is located. Units closer to popular locations like a trendy shopping strip or a university call for slightly higher rent whereas ADUs in more suburban or rural areas will benefit from having lower rent.

Once you’ve settled on a final price, consider knocking back a few dollars. Doing this, you’ll attract a larger pool of tenants. The tenant ultimately get approved will feel like they’re getting a great deal and will be more likely to hold on to that rental for longer. It’s a win situation for you too since you won’t have to worry about losing money replacing tenant after tenant that’s searching for a more affordable home.

With your rental rate and lease terms ironed out, you can start advertising your ADU, but it’s critical you adhere to anti-discrimination laws like the Fair Housing Law.

What is the Fair Housing Law?

“The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing related activities.” -Hud.gov

This law in America protects individuals from housing discrimination based on the following:

  • Race or ancestry
  • Religion
  • Disability, mental or physical
  • Sex, gender
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender identity
  • Marital/familial status
  • Source of income (e.g., alimony, child support, Section 8, vouchers, etc)

When Americans are listing their ADU, they should also avoid using terminology like “ideal for a student” or “looking for a couple” as these can be considered discriminatory. Keep listings simple and stick to just mentioning the great features of your ADU.

What’s expected from me as a landlord?

Being a landlord isn’t just kicking back and collecting rent checks. Keep in mind that as a landlord you have a few responsibilities.

You should be the first point of contact for repairs, complaints, upkeep, etc. Accidents are bound to happen. Having a list of reliable professionals that you can contact to fix things around the unit is a smart idea. Here’s just a quick list of professionals you should consider having on your list:

  • Plumber
  • Electrician
  • Gardener
  • Roofer
  • General handyperson
  • Exterminator

If you want to save an extra dollar, you can also teach yourself to do easy beginner level repairs like unclogging drains.

Being easy to reach and quick to act when your tenant needs something fixed is an excellent way to keep your tenant happy and ensure they’ll stick around for the long run.

But, what if you own multiple properties or work full time and can’t be on-call 24/7? That leads us to our next topic.

Do I need to hire a property management company?

If you’re mostly home or have a lot of free time, you can probably handle all of the responsibilities on your own. Otherwise, you’ll want to hire a property manager.

They’ll be in charge of preparing leases and getting them signed, repairs, advertising and finding tenants, collecting and depositing checks, and pretty much everything else.

Property management companies will typically charge 5-10% of your rental revenue for their services, so think carefully before you decide to hire them on. As we mentioned before, if you’re capable of handling the responsibilities on your own, then you’ll probably be able to skip on it.

Can any American rent out their ADU on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms?

It depends on your local laws. Many cities in America have placed restrictions on short-term rentals (typically stays under 30 days), especially when it comes to ADUs. Some jurisdictions allow it only if the homeowner lives on the property, while others ban it altogether or require a permit. These rules are often different from those that apply to your main home, so it’s important to research carefully. Violating local ordinances could lead to hefty fines.

The main purpose some states have made ADUs so accessible is because the government wants to encourage the development of more long-term housing. So, renting your ADU as a vacation rental defeats the purpose and is often not encouraged.

Defining your goals and what you want to get out of your rental is the first step towards becoming a successful landlord. For the Silo, Paul Dashevsky.

With several decades of experience in the construction and renovation business, Paul Dashevsky is Co-CEO of MaxableSpace.com—the industry-leading ADU property design / build / construction resource website for granny flats, in-law suites, guest houses, casitas and other types of Accessory Dwelling Units. Paul is also Co-CEO of GreatBuildz—a freeservice that matches homeowners with reliable, pre-screened general contractors. He may be reached at www.greatbuildz.com.

Reviews

Winning Wines For Backyard Summer Barbecues

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Summertime is about many things: outdoor activities, music festivals, sports, holidays, celebrations, and gatherings. For foodies, summer signals the start of barbecue season. It’s nothing fancy, just friends and family gathering in the backyard or on the rooftop, sharing delicious food and memorable moments. Like any good gathering, a barbecue isn’t complete without the perfect drinks. While cold beer is a common choice, wine lovers may ask: what’s the best wine for a summer barbecue?

https://luxelistreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/moldova-4353224_1280-pixabay.jpg

Below wine consultant Sylvia Ba, a vinicultural expert with the “VinoVoss” AI Sommelier wine search engine and recommendation system developed by BetterAI, gives guidance:

What Sommeliers Would Recommend

Whether you are hosting a barbecue party or attending one but wonder what wine to serve or bring, both traditional human sommeliers and innovative AI sommeliers like VinoVoss generally recommend bold reds for barbecue. Grenache, Syrah, and GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre blends) are at the top of the list for pairing with barbecue foods. The rich flavors of charred meat, combined with spices, harmonize beautifully with fruity, round red wines that have spicy, smoky, or oaky notes. Zinfandel and Primitivo pair wonderfully with caramelized foods, while other bold reds like Malbec, oaked Tempranillo, or a Bordeaux blend are also popular choices.

Summer Wine and Barbecue: An Unlikely Pair?

From a food and wine pairing perspective, bold reds are indeed suitable for barbecue. However, bold reds can taste heavy and often have high alcohol content, which might not be the best fit for hot summer days. This is why many people opt for cold beer instead. In summer, we crave refreshing white wines to cool us down, but does that mean summer wines and barbecue are incompatible? The answer is no. There are plenty of summer wines that pair perfectly with barbecue.

Pork-based barbecue favorites like sausages and short ribs, seasoned with flavorful spices, not only pair well with red wines like Grenache, Syrah, or Zinfandel but also shine with high-acidity white wines like Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. The acidity cuts through the grease and adds freshness. Riesling is known to complement savory sauces, while Grüner Veltliner, with its herbaceous, white pepper notes, is perfect for sausages. In their home countries, Riesling and Grüner Veltliner are preferred wines for pork-based German and Austrian cuisine. Additionally, these high-acidity white wines, by nature, pair well with vegetables.

All-Rounder Barbecue Wines

If you’re concerned about going to extremes between bold reds and refreshing whites, don’t worry. There are versatile barbecue wines for your summer gatherings. Barbecue covers a range of foods from vegetables to mushrooms, from fish to meat skewers, so it’s ideal to have a master solution.

Light-Bodied, Chillable Reds

If bold reds feel too heavy, light-bodied red wines are perfect summer reds. Wines like Gamay, certain Pinot Noirs, Loire Valley Cabernet Franc, Frappato, Schiava, and many carbonic or semi-carbonic maceration reds are excellent choices. They have enough body to pair with meat but the fruit-forward character makes them food-friendly, so they won’t overpower vegetables or grilled fish. Most importantly, they are best enjoyed slightly chilled, bringing freshness to a hot summer afternoon.

Orange Wine

Some say orange wine is a white wine that tastes like red. It combines the vibrant acidity and refreshing character of white wines with the depth and structure of red. Orange wine is an all-rounder for food pairing, matching perfectly with well-seasoned, spicy foods, grilled asparagus, or sausages.

Pet Nat

For some, bubbles and barbecue are the ultimate pairing. Champagne and other traditional method sparkling wines are good choices, but Pet Nat (pétillant naturel) is even better. Its refreshing acidity and bubbles enhance the summer vibe, and its yeasty flavors and slight residual sugar add body, making it suitable for a variety of foods and barbecue seasonings. Plus, Pet Nat is ideal for casual, fun moments with friends. It’s an approachable wine to enjoy without giving it too much thought.

Are you ready to spice up your summer barbecues with the perfect wines? Share good moments, delicious food, laughter, and exceptional wines with your loved ones! For the Silo, Merilee Kern.

Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. As a prolific lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, Merilee keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications.

Vintage

These Classic Cars Gaining Value In A Slowing Market

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We’ve passed the mid-way point in the year, and driving season is in full swing. In the classic car market, the first half has been a roller coaster with an optimistic start in January, then a steady softening as we made it through spring. Moving into the second half of the year, and with this week’s newest release of the Hagerty Price Guide, it seems that trend is primed to continue.

That’s not the case with everything, though.

Our friends at Hagerty did watch some vehicles buck the trend and post some meaningful gains in value. Here are just a few of the more newsworthy winners this past quarter (measured by average value increase across all four condition ratings).

Got questions about how they arrived at these changes? You can read more about the methodology behind the Hagerty Price Guide here.

1970-76 Plymouth Duster

Plymouth-Duster-rear-three-quarter-crop
Plymouth

Average increase: +32%

Based on the A-Body along with the Valiant and Dodge Dart, Plymouth’s Duster offered the Mopar faithful a sporty, compact car on a budget. Much like its market competitors (Chevy Nova, Ford Maverick, AMC Hornet), Dusters could be had with everything from a fuel-sipping six-cylinders to fire-breathing V-8s, along with some truly outrageous graphics packages. A Duster 340 making 275hp was king of the hill for this series, eventually being replaced by a more moderately rated Duster 360, choked down by smog regulations and lower compression. Like the Mopars of today, a dizzying number of different packages were available, from the Gold Duster and Space Duster to the efficiency-minded Feather Duster.

This spring, Dusters performed exceptionally well, racking up big gains in public sales, listings and insurance quotes. Standard 318-powered cars can still be had cheaply, and $18,000-$20,000 usd / $24,640 cad- $27,380 cad (via exchange rate at time of posting) will land you a good (#3) condition car. The spicier 340-powered cars will reach into the $30,000 usd- $41,060 cad range, which is still a lot of muscle for the money, but an average increase of 32% is shocking for a 50-plus-year-old car from a brand that’s been dead for nearly 25.

So, what gives? Why the sudden jump?

Well, for one, cheaper cars are still performing well, and even though the majority of muscle cars are softening in value, they’re still inexpensive fun. Our theory, though, is pop culture. Around the time Duster prices started climbing, a new crime series debuted on Max. The name of the show, funny enough, is Duster, and it prominently features a Duster 340. Coincidence? Perhaps, but we’ve seen this phenomenon before. As an honorable mention, the sibling Dodge Dart also experienced a bump, but at a more modest 17% average gain. You can bet that Dusters will be a car to watch for a while, strong sales usually bring more and more quality examples to market, offering further insights into this unexpected jump.

2024 Porsche 911 S/T

Porsche 911 ST heritage appearance package
Porsche

Average increase: +25%

Yes it’s exclusive and yes it’s expensive, so it’s probably easy to tune out and move on, but hear me out. The S/T is not just some badge-engineered 911 that Porsche overcharged for. It’s an obsessively lightened 911 with the high-revving engine out of the GT3, and it’s actually both quicker and lighter than a GT3. It’s more exclusive as well, with just 1960 cars produced worldwide. Not necessarily rare, but you’re gonna have to work to stumble across one. Ultimately, if you’re a Porsche fan with the money, this is a car to have.

Just as impressive as the raw performance is the market performance. The standard MSRP last year was $292,000 usd – $399,689 cad without optional extras, and that’s if you could manage to secure an allocation from your local dealer. The market for these cars is simple supply and demand. Porsche made them just scarce enough that buyers are willing to shell out major money. Public transactions have shown that buyers are willing to pay $700,000 usd- $958,160 cad or more to get their hands on one. The case of the 911 S/T also shows the world that there is still an appetite for cars geared towards hyper-enthusiasts; they want performance-focused cars, and they want them with a manual transmission. More companies should get the hint. While most of us will never afford something like a 911 S/T, or perhaps wouldn’t care to own one if we could, the insane enthusiast response to it may be the wake up call to all manufacturers to start making cars we actually want.

1979-94 Saab 900

Saab-900-Turbo-Cabriolet-front-three-quarter-yellow
Saab

Average increase: +20%

This sweet Swede is one rad ride. I know because I have owned and enjoyed three Saab 900 cars over the years including a beauty 5 speed with moonroof which I regret selling to this day. If Saab does anything well, it’s coming up with something truly unique. This company, which is also well-known for its aeronautical division, does an exceptional job of combining practicality and safety along with a dash of the sportiness of a Saab 37 Viggen fighter jet. This mid-size automobile came in standard commuter trim, but a warmed-over Turbo and SPG version could be had to satiate the hot hatch enthusiasts.

The Saab might be a bit of an oddity or a cult vehicle here in the states, but it does carry strong enthusiast interest. It is really everything that embodies the coolness and nostalgia of the 1980s and 1990s, and they’re generally affordable. Even with the strong percentage increase, a base 900 can be scored for under $10,000 usd- $13,690 cad in good condition, while a Turbo can be picked up in the mid-teens. If you’re after the more taut and sporty SPG, be prepared to shell out around $26,000 usd- $35,590 cad for a decent one. If you’re after a fun and funky car from the ’80s, the 900 is worth a look, and with market activity picking up, more may be coming out of the woodwork. Fortunately they remain relatively affordable, just not as dirt cheap as they used to be.

1978-87 Subaru Brat

Subaru Brat studio rear three quarter
Subaru

Average increase: +18%

Subaru’s Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter, or Brat, was one of many small Japanese trucks coming into the US in the 70s and 80s. Except it wasn’t a truck, technically, but we’ll cover that in a minute. Based on a car chassis, much like the Ranchero or El Camino, it was small yet capable, featuring a single-range four-wheel drive system, not far removed from the all-wheel drive setup for which Subaru is so well regarded today. Where things go off the rails a bit is when you look in the truck bed. Like I said, it’s a truck, but not technically. In the back, there is a pair of jump seats affixed to the back, which in the legal sense made the Brat a car. This was a workaround from the U.S. tariff scheme, which taxed imported cars at a rate of 2.5% instead of the 25% for trucks.

These are funky vehicles that could only have existed in the 1980s, when Japanese manufacturers were trying everything. They’re incredibly well loved around the world and are seeing an uptick in popularity here in the U.S. They’re still moderately affordable; a good example will fetch nearly $20,000 usd- $27,380 cad these days, but due to recent transactions, that’s up noticeably from the recent past. While not as commonly seen as other Japanese trucks of the era, these things are cool as hell and certainly a conversation starter, so we expect interest will stay strong.

1973-91 Chevrolet/GMC Suburban

1974 Chevy Suburban front three-quarter
GM

Average increase: +12%

North America’s longest serving nameplate is still the mighty Suburban, lasting an astonishing 90-years, and counting.

It began as a truck-based station wagon in the 1930s, but the Suburban we know and love today saw its roots planted in 1973. The update to GM’s truck line, known by enthusiasts today as the “square body” saw the Suburban go from a three-door to four-door for better passenger accessibility, and it dripped in creature comforts missing from previous models. Better sound deadening, cushy seats and multiple trim levels evolved the Suburban from a utilitarian people hauler to more of a luxury truck. This design stuck around until 1991, when GM added the Suburban and Blazer to the GMT400 line. The rest, as they say, is history. Suburbans would become more and more cushy (and expensive), making them somewhat of a discreet status symbol today.

The 1973-91 Suburban is a sweet spot for enthusiasts; they’re plentiful compared to earlier series, parts are easy to come by, and they are extremely usable. They’re also still pretty affordable compared to the pickups and Blazers from the same era. A good condition Suburban can be scored for under $20,000 usd-$27,380 cad , even for the 4×4 versions. We’ve observed an uptick in sales and market activity with these trucks, and combined with our quote data suggesting that Suburban owners are averaging on the younger side, this could be a strong indicator that this bump in value will stick or even grow over time.

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker courtesy of friends at Hagerty Insurance.

Gaming

Feizal Satchu Wins Historic Moneymaker Tour Stop at Playground Poker Club in Canada

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Photo Credit: Moneymaker Tour on Instagram

For the first time in its young but impactful history, the Moneymaker Tour crossed into Canadian territory, and it did so in style.

Last May, poker fans flooded Playground Poker Club just outside Montreal, Quebec, for a highly anticipated series backed by a whopping CAD $1 million guarantee. As one of the fastest-growing live tournament series in North America, the Moneymaker Tour, founded in 2023 by 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Champion Chris Moneymaker and Executive Manager Tony Burns, had already lit up the US poker scene with events in Cincinnati, Houston, Florida, and Maryland.

WSOP Champion Chris Moneymaker

After a breakout 2024 that saw the tour expand to 10 US locations and its first international stop in Aruba, its Canadian debut marked a historic step in the tour’s global expansion.

The Playground stop quickly became a magnet for the country’s poker elite, recreational grinders, and railbirds alike. The $1,150 buy-in Moneymaker Main Event attracted an enormous field, smashing the CAD $500,000 guarantee and reinforcing Canada’s hunger for high-level live poker. As poker fans cheered on, the tournament transformed from a typical live event into a landmark moment for the Canadian poker community. And when the final hand was dealt, Toronto local Feizal Satchu hoisted the Moneymaker Trophy and took home a life-changing $150,000 payday, forever etching his name into the tour’s history.

Feizal Satchu’s Breakout Victory at Playground and What’s Next in Aruba

Feizal Satchu’s win was a defining moment in a career that had, until now, been largely under the radar. A regular on the Canadian poker circuit, Satchu had cashed in several events in the past, but nothing on this scale. Overcoming a talented field of seasoned pros and ambitious up-and-comers, he maintained composure throughout a rollercoaster final table to secure his first Moneymaker Trophy and his biggest career win to date.

As the confetti settled at the Playground, the buzz turned to what’s next for the Moneymaker Tour. Fortunately for fans and players, the momentum isn’t slowing down. From September 18 to 28, the tour heads back to paradise for its second-ever Aruba stop, a sun-soaked series that’s already being billed as one of the hottest poker events of the fall. The crown jewel of the Aruba schedule is the $300,000 guaranteed Main Event, with a $1,700 buy-in and an experience unlike any other.

Thanks to Chris Moneymaker’s ongoing partnership with Americas Cardroom, players worldwide can qualify for Aruba through online satellites that offer full poker vacation packages. These packages include airfare, hotel accommodations, and Main Event entry, bringing the dream of mixing poker with palm trees to life for a fraction of the cost. “We’re all about making poker fun and accessible,” Moneymaker said. “Whether you’re chasing the title or just chasing the sun, this is your shot.” With Feizal Satchu’s dramatic win in Montreal now in the books, all eyes are turning to Aruba to see who will be the next breakout star. As the tour builds momentum internationally, it’s clear that the Moneymaker Tour is not just about the cards but about creating unforgettable stories.

Americas Cardroom’s Crypto-Friendly Platform Powers the Moneymaker Dream

At the heart of the Moneymaker Tour’s explosive growth is its partnership with online poker powerhouse Americas Cardroom. More than just a sponsor, US online poker site Americas Cardroom is the engine behind the tour’s global accessibility. By offering a wide range of online satellites (many of which start at micro-stakes), Americas Cardroom helps everyday players turn their dollars into dream live poker experiences. For Canadians eager to compete on the tour, the platform provides a vital entry point without needing to travel or bankroll large buy-ins.

One of the key reasons for Americas Cardroom’s enduring success with its player base is its innovative embrace of cryptocurrency and e-wallets. Players can deposit and withdraw funds using Bitcoin and other popular cryptocurrencies, offering them quick, secure, and low-fee transactions. This forward-thinking approach resonates particularly well with millennial and Gen Z players, who value both speed and privacy, as discussed by Elizabeth Kerr in a previous article. Crypto deposits on Americas Cardroom often process in minutes, which is a stark contrast to the delays and fees associated with traditional banking methods.

As the gaming industry shifts toward digital-first solutions, Americas Cardroom has positioned itself ahead of the curve. Alongside its crypto integrations, the platform also supports a variety of e-wallets, allowing users to manage multi-currency accounts and enjoy seamless transactions across borders. In a market where convenience and reliability are king, Americas Cardroom delivers both, and that synergy with the Moneymaker Tour’s ethos of accessibility and excitement is no coincidence. Ultimately, this partnership is creating a feedback loop that benefits everyone: online players qualify for real-world events, local legends like Feizal Satchu emerge on live stages, and fans get to witness poker’s next great stories unfold. Whether you’re grinding online in Toronto, chasing the sun in Aruba, or watching from the rail, the Moneymaker Tour powered by Americas Cardroom delivers the kind of poker that dreams are made of.

Conclusion

Feizal Satchu’s landmark victory at Playground not only secured him a place in Canadian poker history but also signaled the growing relevance of the Moneymaker Tour beyond US borders. With its perfect blend of big guarantees, accessible buy-ins, and a strong online partnership with Americas Cardroom, the tour is redefining what it means to go from ordinary to extraordinary in poker. As the action shifts to Aruba, the next Feizal Satchu could be just one satellite away.

Sci-Tech

Buckminster Fuller’s Fascinating Unbuilt Buildings

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Buckminster was a genius and his geodesic dome buildings were not only revolutionary in their construction but were also incredibly unique and memorable. Perhaps your grandparents attended Expo67 in Montreal (you guessed it, waaay back in 1967) and visited the United States Pavilion- read this snippet for a time capsule account:

“The United States exhibit, entitled Creative America, is designed to illustrate technological and esthetic inventiveness in the U.S.A.A huge transparent geodesic “bubble” contains a multi-level system of exhibit platforms interconnected by escalators, and walkways. The platforms support a variety of exhibit components specially selected or designed for the new environment created by the structure. Situated on Ile Sainte-Hélène close to the Métro station from which there is Minirail connection with the Expo-Express, the bubble is 20 stories high and has a spherical diameter of 250 feet .By day, the bubble glistens as the sun highlights the structure and, by night, the bubble “glows” from interior lighting. The interior exhibits reflect different aspects of the United States and include folk art, cinema and fine arts displays, as well as a space exhibit which is reached by a 125 foot escalator and a simulated lunar landscape supporting full scale lunar vehicles. A 300-seat theatre features a 3-screen color film showing the games children play.”

Photo- National Archives of Canada

If you think that was pretty amazing check out some of Buckminster’s buildings that unfortunately didn’t make it past the planning stage.

Fascinating Unbuilt Buildings

Finance

No Federal Budget Until Fall? Canada Spending Lots In Meantime

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The Fiscal Update the Government Should Have Produced and the Budget Canada Needs

by William B.P. Robson, Don Drummond and Alexandre Laurin

Introduction: No Budget, No Plan

The federal government has said it will not release a budget until the fall. Delaying a budget until the fiscal year is more than half over is never good, but Canada’s current high spending trajectory makes this delay especially bad. The government is making costly commitments without showing us the key numbers: how much more tax it expects to collect; how far its new spending will exceed its revenues; and what the resulting higher deficits imply for interest costs and our debt burden.

To fill in at least some of the information the government should be providing, we present our own fiscal update: the outlook that provides a context for the next federal budget. We then discuss possible measures the next budget could contain to address runaway spending, perpetually high deficits and debt, and vulnerabilities Canada should avoid at a time of severe economic challenge.

A Deteriorating Fiscal Outlook

To calculate the federal government’s bottom line in the current fiscal year, 2025/26, and the three following years, we followed the steps summarized in Table 1 (on page 3):

  1. We started with the Liberal Party’s costing document for its election platform (Liberal Party of Canada 2025). Based on a March 2025 economic scenario from the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), it did not reflect the impact of US tariffs or Canada’s countermeasures (PBO 2025).
  2. We updated the economic assumptions based on the Bank of Canada’s April 2025 Monetary Policy Report, using the more optimistic of the two scenarios examined by the Bank, both regarding the severity of tariffs and resulting economic damage (Bank of Canada 2025).
  3. We calculated a revised baseline fiscal projection by including policy initiatives that appear firm – either because of definitive statements, such as the cancellation of the proposed changes to capital gains taxation and the June 2025 plans to first accelerate defence spending to 2 percent of GDP and then gradually increase it to 5 percent by 2035, or because legislation is currently before Parliament, as is the case for cuts to the bottom personal income tax rate, the GST break for first-time homebuyers under Bill C-4,1 and the government’s announcement that it will not proceed with the digital services tax (DST).
  4. We added the spending measures from the Liberal platform’s costing document that were not included in the previous step.
  5. We added platform proposals for increasing revenue from higher fines and penalties and, more significantly, for reducing spending through a review of public sector operations to boost productivity. We show these as a memo item, since the lack of concern about the bottom line evident in the platform and subsequent announcements, and the lack of urgency evident in the government’s decision to delay the budget, makes it reasonable to doubt that these savings will materialize.

The resulting bottom line represents a marked deterioration, as Table 1 shows. As recently as the April 2024 budget, the government projected the deficit to decline to $20 billion by 2028/29.2 With this baseline, and even if the imagined fines and savings were realized in full, the deficit that year would be more than three times that level. Even in this optimistic scenario, the deficit would average $78 billion annually over the four years, and the net debt-to-GDP ratio would remain stable around the elevated level of 2025/26. Excluding the speculative savings, the cumulative deficit would be almost $350 billion over four years – or an annual average of $86 billion – and the net debt-to-GDP ratio would increase to 44 percent. Further, the baseline deficit without any of the non-implemented initiatives in the electoral platform is still elevated at $66 billion per year on average.

These projections include our estimates of the potential impact of the new defence spending commitments made at the recent NATO summit. At that summit in The Hague, Canada joined a pledge to raise defence and security-related spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035 (3.5 percent for direct military needs and 1.5 percent for security-related investments).

No details on the year-to-year increases have been announced, but countries are expected to submit multi-year roadmaps by mid-2026. Prime Minister Mark Carney also indicated that some of the 1.5 percent for security-related investments – such as critical mineral infrastructure, ports, telecommunications, and cyber – could be counted from existing budget envelopes.

In Table 2, we present a hypothetical scenario where annual defence spending rises gradually from 2 percent of GDP to 5 percent of GDP over 10 years, with half of the spending allocated to depreciable capital assets. Under this scenario, we estimate the increase would add $2.3 billion to the deficit this fiscal year, rising to $11.8 billion in four years. Assuming half of the new spending on security-related investments comes from existing envelopes, the deficit would be $17.8 billion higher in four years. These amounts continue to grow over the 10-year period as the 5 percent target approaches and the stock of amortized capital outlays increases. By year 10, new defence commitments could add a staggering $68.4 billion to the deficit under this scenario.

Separating Operating and Capital Spending is Unhelpful

The large deficits projected in this update cannot be downplayed or disguised by dividing the budget into two new categories – operating and capital – and targeting a balanced operating budget only, as proposed in the election platform. No firm details have been released about what each category will include, but logically, the operating budget will consist of whatever does not fall under the new capital category.

The rationale for introducing a capital budget is unclear. Under Public Sector Accounting Standards, the federal government, like all Canadian governments, uses accrual accounting. So its capital costs are amortized over the useful life of the assets. As a result, the government’s Statement of Operations already shows costs related to capital investments: depreciation (about $7 billion per year) and interest on debt incurred when the outlays occur. As more capital assets are added – such as ports or defence equipment – amortization expenses will rise. But amortization reflects the current consumption of capital assets and should remain part of the bottom line. Excluding it would disconnect the federal budget presentation from the audited financial statements – a serious blow to transparency and accountability.

More troubling is the pledge to recharacterize as capital spending “new incentives that support the formation of private sector capital (e.g., patents, plants, and technology) or which meaningfully raise private sector productivity” (Liberal Party of Canada 2025). Governments like to call many categories of spending “investment.” Would the new classification mean the government would exclude subsidies for housing construction or incentives for first-time homebuyers from the bottom-line target? Would it reclassify other subsidies – for clean technology, artificial intelligence, or training programs, for example – as capital? What qualifies as capital under this framework appears open to subjective interpretation, undermining accountability. Without clear standards audited by independent sources, this approach is ripe for abuse.

And for what purpose? The government appears intent on showcasing how much it is doing for growth. But this does not require a new accounting convention. Their efforts could be highlighted through words and dedicated tables – not by altering the definition of the bottom line.

What Canada Needs in the Next Federal Budget

Notwithstanding rhetoric about transforming Canada’s economy in the face of US trade threats and prioritizing growth, federal fiscal policy and promises do not support the transformation of Canada’s trade relations or promote investment over consumption. Adding $300 billion in federal debt while doing nothing to raise investment and productivity will make Canada more vulnerable, not less. The new 5-percent defence commitment, even if its fiscal impact will be felt mostly in the later years, further highlights the need for difficult tax and spending trade-offs. Given the scale of the new defence commitment, on top of the fiscal challenges created by the old one, it is all the more important for the government to ensure proper accountability.

For that reason, the next federal budget – which should come as soon as possible – should have the following features:

  1. Dropping more costly platform initiatives. Recent developments, including diminished US support for environmental action and related impacts on Canada, suggest that some potential spending items may cost less or be delayed. Still, it seems surreal to contemplate introducing another $28.3 billion in deficit-increasing platform measures this fiscal year, when the projected deficit would already be close to $60 billion. One of the more straightforward options for the government in the 2025 budget is to forgo implementing some of its platform commitments or fund them through existing envelopes. The list is extensive. For example, the platform proposes to allocate over $10 billion to various infrastructure transfer funds, including nation-building initiatives, trade corridors, digital infrastructure, rural transit, critical healthcare, and community development. In addition, more than 64 small-scale platform measures, each costing under $200 million, collectively amount to over $3.1 billion. These areas clearly present opportunities for reallocation or funding within existing envelopes.
  2. Finding deeper savings from existing operating spending. The C.D. Howe Institute’s 2025 Shadow Budget contemplates $97 billion in non-defence direct program expense savings over the budget horizon (Robson, Drummond, and Laurin 2025). Such savings are possible, but not achievable without strong leadership from the very top.
  3. Rely more on less damaging taxes. Canada’s personal income tax rates are already high – the top rate is over 50 percent in most provinces – and our corporate income taxes are uncompetitive, undermining the investment we need to become more productive and raise workers’ wages. Those rates should come down: if the federal government is determined to fund spending that requires higher revenues, the least damaging option is to raise the GST rate, as proposed in the Institute’s Shadow Budget.
  4. Cut federal transfers to provinces and territories. The Institute’s latest Shadow Budget also proposed cuts to transfers that fund programs that are not in the federal government’s jurisdiction (Robson, Drummond, and Laurin 2025). Provinces and territories would not welcome such a move – indeed, many might raise their own consumption taxes in response – but deficit-financed federal transfers are less consistent with fiscal sustainability and accountability than tax-financed ones, and the Canadian federation will be healthier if provinces and territories become more fiscally self-sufficient.

The Need for Clarity and Serious Choices

It is widely accepted that Canada’s economy is at a critical crossroads. So are Canada’s public finances. Beyond the economic drag of high deficits and rising debt, it is unfair to pass these burdens onto the current young and future generations.

The fact that the 2025/26 Main Estimates are before Parliament does not mean that the government has made itself accountable to the legislature for its fiscal plans.3 The Estimates support the appropriation bills through which Parliament authorizes funding for program spending not already provided for in existing legislation. They exclude any forward-looking policy initiatives typically included in a budget. They omit revenues and only account for a subset of expenses. They are prepared on a different basis of accounting than regular budgets and financial statements, making direct comparisons difficult. And they cover only a single fiscal year, making it impossible to assess the medium-term outlook.

The federal government itself should release full economic and fiscal projections to enable a proper national debate. But in their absence, this informal update will have to suffice.

Canada is on a troubling path. We need Parliament and the public to discuss the best way forward – economically and fiscally. The next federal budget should launch us on that path.

The authors extend gratitude to Colin Busby, Jamie Golombek, John Lester, Daniel Schwanen, and several anonymous referees for valuable comments and suggestions. The authors retain responsibility for any errors and the views expressed.

References

Bank of Canada. 2025. Monetary Policy Report. April. Ottawa: Bank of Canada. https://www.bankofcanada.ca/publications/mpr/mpr-2025-04-16/.

Leach, Cynthia, and Salim Zanzana. 2025. “What does greater defence spending mean for Canada’s economy?” RBC Economics. June 13. https://www.rbc.com/en/thought-leadership/economics/featured-insights/what-does-greater-defence-spending-mean-for-canadas-economy/.

Liberal Party of Canada. 2025. Canada Strong: Fiscal and Costing Plan. April. https://liberal.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/292/2025/04/Canada_Strong_-_Fiscal_and_Costing_Plan.pdf.

Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO). 2025. 2025 Election Proposal Costing Baseline. Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer. March 24. https://www.pbo-dpb.ca/en/additional-analyses–analyses-complementaires/BLOG-2425-011–2025-election-proposal-costing-baseline–cout-mesures-proposees-pendant-campagne-electorale-2025-prevision-reference.

Robson, William B.P., Don Drummond, and Alexandre Laurin. 2025. Putting Canada’s Economy First: The C.D. Howe Institute’s 2025 Shadow Budget. Commentary 679. Toronto: C.D. Howe Institute. March. https://cdhowe.org/publication/putting-canadas-economy-first-the-c-d-howe-institutes-2025-shadow-budget/.

Sourang, Diarra. 2023. Digital Services Tax. Legislative Costing Note. Ottawa: Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer. October 17. https://www.pbo-dpb.ca/en/publications/LEG-2324-013-S–digital-services-tax–taxe-services-numeriques.

This article courtesy of our friends at www.cdhowe.org The Fiscal Update the Government Should Have Produced and the Budget Canada Needs for The Silo by William B.P. Robson, Don Drummond and Alexandre Laurin.

Culture

Are Fetishes Hereditary? Research Says….

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Is it time for an open talk with your parents? Read on…..

Most of us have a specific preference when it comes to sexual arousal and being turned on. As long as it’s safe, sane, and consensual, hey… you do you! But, as we become more open about sexuality and the diverse ways people experience pleasure, it’s natural to start wondering if your preferences and sexual needs are something that is passed down like fear, eye colour or hair type. You might not want to hear it, but your parents are responsible for the way you see and have sex. Well, at least partly. And it seems like there is so much more that comes into play than the dreaded sex talk we all had at one point or another.


There is science behind it, and our friends at LELO are here to explain it.


Turn-ons, kinks, and fetishes – what’s the difference?
Before diving into the possibly interesting family discussion, let’s quickly get our definitions straight:
● A turn-on is something that excites you sexually. It could be anything from a cologne scent to a dirty text.
● A kink is a non-conventional sexual interest, like bondage or role play.
● A fetish, however, is typically a more intense and specific need. Often, it’s a need for an object, body part (like feet), or material (like latex), without which arousal is difficult or even impossible.


In short, all fetishes are kinks, but not all kinks are fetishes.


How do fetishes develop over time?
You may wonder where fetishes actually come from. A study published in the Journal of Personality highlights that personality traits, like openness to experience, neuroticism, and extraversion, are partially
heritable. Since personality plays a huge role in how we approach sex, it’s not a stretch to imagine that certain people might be more genetically inclined to develop unconventional sexual interests.
But here’s the kicker: fetishes are rarely the product of one factor. They’re more like a mix of factors, like:

● Biology: Brain chemistry, hormone sensitivity, and neural wiring contribute.
● Psychology: Your experiences and formative moments matter.
● Environment: What you’re exposed to, media, culture, and family attitudes, can all influence sexual development.
For example, researcher Samuel Hughes at the University of California identified five stages of fetish development, from childhood exposure to community belonging and sexual practice:
● Childhood: This is when a kink or fetish has been encountered before the age of 10, very often before the concept of a kink or fetish has been realised and before said kink or fetish causes sexual arousal.
● Self-exploration: Between the ages of five and 14, one might seek out certain kinds of erotica whilst learning about their bodies and what they like.
● Introspection: Between the ages of 11 and 14, one realises that they have particular interests and can evaluate how they impact their lives, positively or negatively.
● Community: This phase is about realising that others share the same kinks and fetishes as you, and it happens after age 11. This community is often discovered via the Internet and at events, groups, or conferences after the age of 18. This sense of community usually gives the person a
feeling of belonging and allows them to see their kink or fetish in a positive light.
● Outside exploration: This is when a person actively participates and engages in their kink or fetish. This is often being with another person and practicing their preferences.

Are fetishes hereditary?
Here’s where things get interesting. Science hasn’t landed on a definitive “yes” or “no” when it comes to whether fetishes are hereditary. At least, not yet. But there are clues suggesting that at least some aspects of our sexual preferences might have biological roots.
If you were raised in an environment where certain materials or aesthetics were normalized or eroticized, either openly or subtly, your brain might wire arousal around them. Even pre-conscious experiences can shape sexual arousal pathways. This helps explain why someone might associate arousal with very specific, seemingly random things, like rubber gloves or the sound of heels on tile.


The psychological terrain you grow up in and your unique biology can set the stage. If your parents are open-minded and you’re genuinely curious about family sexual history for the sake of understanding yourself better, having an honest, light-hearted conversation could be enlightening (and oddly bonding).


Asking questions like “Do you think our family tends to be more sexually open?” or “Have you noticed any patterns around desire or relationships in our family?” can be a healthy start.
So, the conclusion is no, fetishes aren’t directly passed down like grandma’s porcelain collection. The way we feel about sex is not written in our DNA. What you like in the bedroom and what things about other
people turn you on are not ingrained in your brain, nor do they come from your astrology chart.

All those things are learned the same way you learned to speak and walk. We don’t have proof that fetishes are inherited in the way eye colour is, but traits that influence fetishes (like personality and openness) may be. And since sexual preferences are shaped by a mix of biology, experience, and culture, they might feel hereditary even if they aren’t technically passed through genes. At the end of the day, you are unique, just as your kinks and fetishes, so enjoy and celebrate them. The possibilities are endless.

For the Silo, Emilie Melloni-Quemar/ LELO.

LELO is not just a sex toy brand; it’s a self-care movement aimed at those who know that satisfaction transcends gender, sexual orientation, race, and age. We’re offering the experience of ecstasy without shame, the pleasure of discovering all the wonders of one’s body, thus facilitating our customers with confidence, that leads to a fulfilled intimate life. LELOi AB is the Swedish company behind LELO, where offices extend from Stockholm to San Jose, from Sydney to Shanghai.

Culture

Happy Canada Day- Remembering Canada’s Penny And Why Coins Matter

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Thirteen years ago, the Canadian mint circulated fresh pennies for the very last time.

Back then I looked out the window at my favorite Café , I noticed one of the employees was sweeping the pavement. He had one of those stand-up dust pans in one hand, and a pole-like brush in the other. In the dustpan were wrappers, cigarette butts, and coins. I couldn’t believe it. Yes, it was money! I watched with disgust and dismay as pennies (which were the majority of the money) and nickels and dimes were swept into the waiting dustpan.

Then Finance Minister Jim Flaherty presses the button that stamped the last penny at the Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg on May 4, 2012.

Brief flashes of light came from the dust as the sunlight reflected off the coins’ surfaces.

The employee was very efficient and obviously had done this before. He walked around to the side of the Café where he emptied his dustpan filled with garbage and the “change” into a larger plastic container. “I can’t believe it!” I said out loud. “Give me a break. How can anyone just throw away change?”


The local Humane Society had a campaign asking for pennies. This was a fundraiser toward building a permanent structure for the stray animals they house, feed and adopt out. While running their campaign a few years ago, they had a large old trailer as their “shelter” and office. The fundraiser  “Pennies for Paws” was successful and with the end of the penny it may be difficult to find a replacement. With the news that the government has decided to stop minting pennies, it is even more important and applicable to see the importance of what “small change” can do for others.

Instead of throwing away all those pennies that I felt had no worth, I just put them in a container with a lid and added the label “Pennies for Paws” that I printed off from the Society’s website. I started collecting pennies in January of 2012  when I first heard of the campaign and had filled one coffee container and was working on my second one by June. My father-in-law had one at his house in Hamilton. Somehow soliciting friends and neighbors for pennies isn’t as daunting as asking for donations for other causes but with the end of the penny, charities have seen a downturn in contributions.

A friend of mine only uses paper money to pay for things.

He saves all his change which ranges from pennies up to Toonies. He deposits this money into jars and cans. When his vacation time comes around in August, he has enough money to take his wife and four kids away for much needed “family time.” He has accumulated $1,500-$2,000. Making a habit of saving “change” not only helps with expenses later, but it makes you feel as if you are getting a “bonus” every year from your work.

A few years ago, I parked at the end of the large parking lot of my favorite grocery store and was walking toward the front door. As I neared the entrance, I noticed people going in the store seemed to be streaming to the left or right of the main entrance. I soon saw why. A group of kids in their early 20’s were standing with their backs to the center of the front entrance flipping quarters, dimes and nickels onto the payment. These kids were throwing away all their loose change as if they were playing “Tiddly Winks” or “Beer Pong”.  “Are you throwing them away?” I asked as I got closed to this group. I’m sure I sounded upset and looked very bewildered.

“It’s only change man,” the larger kid replied to me unaware of why this would draw attention. I swooped down and picked up two handfuls of coins in front of them.

“This is stupid!” I declared. “Didn’t your parents teach you about the value of money?” As soon as I said it, I realized I sounded just like my parents. The response from the group was shrugs as they walked quietly away unaffected by my actions and questions. I counted the change and it was almost $8.00.

I had another friend several years back that I stopped associating with because his wastefulness upset me so much. One of his worst habits I witnessed was when my wife and I went over to have supper with them. He threw all the supper leftovers into the garbage along with his change he had taken out of his pockets.

I wouldn’t have believed it if I had not personally witnessed this.

He let his kids play with loose change he took out of his pockets and placed on the kitchen table, then at the end of the week, he would take it and any other coins lying around the house on other tables, floor, or on the couch, and throw it into the weekly garbage he put out on the curb. I was so upset. So, I gave him a large jar to fill and would collect it every week showing him the error of his ways, and how much money he had saved. His reply was, “Blair, you are so silly.”

For months, I would visit weekly and collect the jar of money which my friend put his loose change into, tally up the amount, and tell him the total. He didn’t care and didn’t want the change. I would replace the jar and take the filled one to the local Food Bank. They appreciated this very much and bought baby food which they always had a shortage of for the mothers who came on a regular basis.

Eventually, I felt I could no longer be involved with a person so wasteful in his life, and who set such a poor example for his children.

So everyone out there, keep and collect all your unwanted change.

There are many charities that would gladly take it. It is simple to collect with containers left by your front door, on your dresser in the bedroom, by your flat screen, or other places where you spend a lot of your time. You would be helping others, and teaching your children the importance of giving to others. All money, including “change” has value. For the Silo, Blair Yager.

Sci-Tech

New Moon Rover Readies For 2030 Launch

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VENTURI SPACE PRESENTS MONA LUNA, 
THE EUROPEAN LUNAR ROVERMONA LUNA, designed by Sacha Lakic

Paris Air Show, Le Bourget, June 2025 – Venturi Space unveils MONA LUNA, its 100% European-built lunar rover. Designed to support the ambitions of the European Space Agency and the French CNES, the vehicle will be built at Venturi Space France’s facility in Toulouse. The ultimate aim is to provide Europe with a lunar-capable rover by 2030.

European autonomy in lunar mobility is a major strategic challenge. Venturi Space is helping to make that a reality with MONA LUNA, its upcoming lunar rover designed to meet the needs of ESA and national European space agencies. The vehicle will further Europe’s efforts to achieve technological independence in the field of lunar mobility, enabling it to get ahead of the industrial curve and achieve its space ambitions.

A project led by Venturi Space France 
Venturi Space France will oversee MONA LUNA’s development and space qualification from its base in Toulouse, coordinating every aspect of the process: onboard electronics, avionics, space-to-ground links, energy management systems, assembly, final integration, and acceptance testing in readiness for space flight. All with one clear objective: to deploy MONA LUNA at the Moon’s South Pole by 2030.

Backed by the ESA and CNES
The European Space Agency is supporting Venturi Space’s efforts to design and develop the critical technologies required for a large lunar rover, capable of surviving multiple lunar nights. ESA’s support validates Venturi Space’s approach and highlights its expertise. The project will draw on the experience acquired from the programmes to develop the FLIP and FLEX rovers under a strategic partnership with US-based company Venturi Astrolab, Inc. Venturi Space is currently designing and building the hyper-deformable wheels that will be fitted to those vehicles, along with the associated electrical systems (in Switzerland) and high-performance batteries (in Monaco).

Using technology made in Europe
MONA LUNA is designed to be carried into space by the Ariane 6.4 launch system and landed on the Moon’s surface by the European Argonaut lunar lander, while the rover itself will be equipped with a robotic arm to handle scientific instruments and payloads. It will be:
– electrically powered, recharging via solar panels,
– designed to move autonomously,
– equipped with three high-performance batteries,
– capable of carrying a wide range of payloads,
– designed to survive multiple lunar nights,
– capable of a top speed of 20 km/h,
– designed to weigh a total of 750 kg.

The rover could also be used in an emergency to carry an astronaut in difficulty, as envisaged by the ESA and CNES in their feasibility studies.
A clear commercial purpose
MONA LUNA’s maiden mission will focus on purely scientific applications, but future deployments could be organized to meet demand from the European private sector for a variety of purposes, including carrying payloads to the South Pole, exploiting lunar resources (such as helium-3) in situ, or even public outreach campaigns. This approach will help establish a sustainable long-term economic model for the rover, in much the same way as the early development of terrestrial mobility.


Gildo Pastor, President of Venturi Space:
“I’m still an explorer, first and foremost. Space is a new frontier, and MONA LUNA is how we are actually going to broach it. Alongside Europe, we aim to build an autonomous lunar exploration capability to meet the scientific, economic, and strategic challenges of tomorrow.”

Dr. Antonio Delfino, Director of Space Affairs at Venturi Space:
“Our primary focus is to make ourselves fully available to the ESA and European national space agencies. With MONA LUNA, we aim to deliver major technological breakthroughs that will pave the way for extended lunar mobility.”

For The Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Earth

Marineland Canada’s Possible Closure Raises Concerns About Remaining Animals

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https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfuko5xPxkOE1vvxN7G_iEr-lrj9uWVsfMDU0KBUidLPvqlFqCmmmdp0oGUyBZZnTcT-5PmRM1rNp1YPCQRpoT1wyZ7f9tqTvm8QGgi8EBeq_fMou5t7vB7_9Pz7NOReteIanJ3Pw?key=_wfhxQUcDHWXD7HX7XIx1g

NIAGRA FALLS, Ontario (June, 2025) — In Defense of Animals joins concerned organizations and activists in urging the Canadian government to protect the remaining animals at Marineland Canada as the beleaguered park officially announced the sale of its rides. The organization is calling for transfer permits to be denied that would send them to similar substandard facilities where they would continue to be bred and exploited for entertainment. 

Shocking new footage captured this month by TideBreakers has exposed many marine animals languishing in rapidly deteriorating tanks as the park is demolished around them, intensifying concerns for their safety and wellbeing.

Marineland has faced widespread scrutiny and multiple investigations for failing to provide adequate care for the animals confined there. Since 2019, 18 belugas, one orca, and one dolphin have died. Dozens of marine and land animals remain trapped in the now for-sale park, including31 belugas, four dolphins, three seals and two sea lions. 

Marineland Canada has long been a focus of national and international criticism for its treatment of marine mammals, particularly its population of beluga whales and orca Kiska, who passed away in 2023 after decades in solitary confinement. A series of government investigations, public protests, and evolving legislation have steadily increased pressure on the park to shut down.

For the past couple of years Marineland Canada has been seeking new ownership. Earlier this year, Marineland was permitted to split the park into four parcels to secure mortgages intended to fund the relocation of the marine animals. However, there are no safeguards requiring the animals to be moved to appropriate facilities. One potential destination reportedly under consideration for the belugas is Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, China — a facility criticized for its poor conditions and animal exploitation. 

Such a transfer would violate both the spirit and intent of Canada’s federal Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act (Bill S-203), which prohibits cetacean captivity and breeding.

“The possible permanent closure of Marineland represents a turning point for how we treat animals,” said Hannah Williams, Cetacean Consultant for In Defense of Animals. “However, the government must step in to ensure these animals are properly cared for and prevent permits from being granted that would consign them to somewhere even worse. In Defense of Animals is calling on the Canadian government to ensure all remaining marine mammals at Marineland Canada are transferred to sanctuaries — not another marine park where they will suffer continued exploitation.”

For the Silo, Hannah Williams.

Culture

Diamond Cutter Sutra- Oldest Printed Book In The World Teaches Manifestation

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In this TEDx talk, Michael Roach shares a teaching from the oldest printed book in the world—the Diamond Cutter Sutra—which helps us get everything we want in life, and in a way also helps the entire world.

We will be learning an ancient method known as the Four Steps, which can be applied to five different goals: financial independence for the rest of our life; great personal and professional relationships; vibrant health and energy; a clear, happy, and focused mind—and most importantly, how we can use all these to find out why we came into this world, and how we can live a life of great purpose and meaning.

Geshe Michael Roach is a Princeton University graduate who spent 25 years in a Tibetan monastery and is the first American to be awarded the degree of Geshe, or Master of Buddhism. He utilized his monastery training to help build a major New York corporation which reached $250 million usd in annual sales, and was sold to super-investor Warren Buffett in 2009.

Michael used a large portion of his business profits, and support from companies like Hewlett Packard, to found a 25-year effort to train and pay Tibetan refugees to input thousands of their endangered ancient books and make them available online for free.

We are not affiliated to Michael Roach in anyway. We are helping to spread his message to make this world a better place. Please share with your friends if you find this helpful.


The Diamond Sutra – printed May 11 AD 868
“The Diamond That Cuts Through Illusion”
A new translation In English by Alex Johnson
Read by Chris Johnys.

For The Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Vintage

Historic Mid Century Modern Case Study House #16

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case study house announcement mid century modern historic homesDownload
Los Angeles’s Case Study House #16
Vintage mid-century modern homes are as popular today as they were when built in the 1950s and ’60s. Arts & Architecture magazine’s post-war Case Study Houses, for example, rarely come up for sale, and when they do, are usually snapped up by aficionados almost as quickly as the listing goes into print. Case Study House #16 is now for sale and priced at $5.4 million usd/ $7.4 million cad.

When World War II ended and the American troops were returning home, it was the start of the baby boom and a monumental housing shortage. Well-known architects in the country were asked to design simple, affordable homes that could be built en masse.


The magazine Arts & Architecture put out a challenge to architects that included Richard Neutra, Raphael Soriano, Craig Ellwood and Ray Eames. The Case Study Houses were numbered 1 through 28, and two apartments were included. They were built from 1945 sporadically through 1966. Thirteen were never built, and from the ones that were, at least three were later demolished. A couple of them have been renovated rather than restored, and the rest are lived in and cared for today.

NUMBER 16

Number 16 was the first of three Case Study Houses designed by Craig Ellwood. Completed in 1953 in Bel Air, the house was innovative in its use of exposed steel-structural framing and floor-to-ceiling glass walls to optimize the views and open to the grounds, making it feel twice the size.

Ellwood was actually an engineer rather than an architect, and placed a lot of emphasis on the stability of the structure using steel, glass, and concrete built on a slab. The 1,664-square-foot home with two bedrooms and two baths is just as contemporary today as when it was built. The living room has a dramatic stone fireplace set into the glass wall that extends beyond it into a terraced area. Set into mature landscaping, the house appears to rest on a cushion of greenery.

Study 16 MCM House vintage magazine article arts and architectureDownload

The historic Case Study House #16 is for sale in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California. Priced at $5.4 million usd/ $7.4 million cad, the listing agent is Veronika Sznajder with Crosby Doe Associates. For the Silo, Bob Walsh/ toptenrealestatedeals.com

Transportation

5 Tips for Regularly Driving Your Vintage Car

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Summer, and thus driving season, is currently in full swing for much of Canada. Most of us that have them are trying to drive our classics every chance we get. Here are some vital reminders to heed if your vintage ride gets called up into everyday action.

Where I live is currently in the beautiful pocket of time where the mornings are cool yet bright and the sun only really gets hot in the middle of the afternoon. All of my cars love this weather, and I love driving just that little bit more. So I’m trying to drive as much as I can, and if you are doing the same, here are a handful of reminders for the times your vintage ride gets called up into more routine service.

Before we dive in though, it’s worth mentioning that old cars were once new cars. Someone drove and treated my Chevrolet Corvair the way I currently behave while behind the wheel of my wife’s Jeep Renegade—a daily driver. Traffic 30, 40, or even 90 years ago was radically different than traffic today, and many of our common-sense habits have shifted meaning to the point that what makes total sense for you in your old car will look insane to a common road user. While old cars require an additional amount of care and attention to be used regularly, driving your car is the best thing you can do for it. Don’t be scared of using the car exactly how it was intended.

Old cars have old brakes

Model A cast brakes
Fresh wheel bearings and drums made for a big improvement in drivability and safety on my Model A Ford.Kyle Smith

It’s easy to get lured into driving like those around you, but be careful. Without notice, you’ll find yourself tailgating at the same distance as the modern cars, and when that line of cars taps the brakes, suddenly the concept of 5-mph bumpers doesn’t seem so comical.

Vintage brakes can be made to work very well with a bit of care and attention, but even I have to admit vintage designs and materials just cannot compare to modern brakes—that is before even mentioning driver assist systems like anti-lock braking or emergency braking. Give yourself plenty of room.

Check your fluids often

Triumph spitfire hood up
Kyle Smith

Modern cars have spoiled us with the ability to drive thousands of miles without opening the hood. Regardless of how you feel about the separation between driver and mechanic over time, driving your vintage car on more than just a couple weekends a month requires staying on top of topping of fluids.

Old engines can and often do consume oil at a rate much higher than modern engines. Add in even just a small leak and suddenly the bottom of the dipstick is bone dry and before long, so is the oil pickup. Engine oil also helps cool an engine, so keeping oil topped up helps for multiple reasons beyond just proper lubrication. Also keep an eye on brake fluid and coolant.

Get used to the gauges

1966 Ford Mustang dashboard
Kyle Smith

Modern car gauges are “normalized,” meaning that they often will be basically stationary while driving despite slight fluctuation in the pressures, temperatures, and levels they monitor. On older cars, a coolant temp gauge might rise slightly when caught at a long stoplight, but it might not actually be a cause for concern. Most automotive engines operate best when coolant temps are between 180 and 210 degrees Fahrenheit. Modern gauges will be stationary for that entire range, but an old-school mechanical gauge will transmit everything. This means coolant temp could drop slightly when you turn on the heater, or increase some with long periods of idling or while an air conditioner is cycling.

Make your escape plans

Traffic on the IH-10 Katy Freeway viewed facing west near Loop 610
Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle/Getty Images

Even in great condition, aging cars can and do break down. Think through what common failures might occur with your car and formulate a plan for how you will handle the situation. This can mean packing a tool kit, re-upping your roadside assistance membership, or choosing routes and times of day that will help ensure you have a smooth trip. Some vintage cars will have zero trouble in modern traffic, but if yours tends to overheat or get cranky sitting still, make sure that you scout an escape route, should you get snarled in traffic. Being stuck on the side of the road is infinitely better than being stuck in the middle of the road. Trust me. There are a few roads around town that I avoid in my vintage cars due to the lack of shoulder or safe place to veer off. Paranoid? Maybe a little, but I don’t want to get hit while sitting on the side of the road.

Be aware of your tires

Classic Car Tires Ganz Alfa Romeo
Andrew Ganz

Modern tires are downright amazing and often go underappreciated. Since vintage cars get less mileage than their modern counterparts, a lot more people are willing to drive on older or poor-condition tires, sometimes out of pure ignorance or from lack of inspection. Tread depth and age are big considerations, but if you’re running modern reproductions of older tire designs, there is also the way those tires handle water. Siping and water control have a huge impact on handling and braking. You might have brand-new tires, but if the design is 50 years old, they are going to handle that way. Again, not a bad thing, but something to adjust to. For the Silo, Kyle Smith.

Culture

LELO Guide To Love Making During Canadian Heatwaves

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NOTE THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS MATURE THEMES AND IS INTENDED FOR ADULTS ONLY

As Canada braces for another scorching summer with record-breaking temperatures, there’s one burning question on many couples’ minds: how do you keep the spark alive when it’s already too hot to move?

Our friends at LELO, the world’s leading intimate wellness brand, has just released a timely and refreshingly practical guide: “Guide to Sex During the Canadian Heatwave” – featuring ten clever tips to turn sweltering weather into an opportunity for sensual exploration.

When the temperatures rise, so does the passion, but getting hot and sweaty in the middle of a heatwave isn’t always as fun as it sounds. Sticky sheets, dehydration, and exhaustion can all dampen your steamy plans. But fear not! LELO has the ultimate 10 step guide to keeping things sizzling without overheating.

  1. Location, Location, Location
    Forget the bedroom; heatwaves call for creative cool-down solutions. Try the bathroom floor (hello, cool tiles), the kitchen counter (refreshing and thrilling), or even a shaded outdoor area if privacy allows. If you have air conditioning, position yourselves strategically for maximum airflow.
  2. Time It Right
    The sun isn’t your best friend when it comes to high-energy activities. Opt for early mornings or late nights when the temperature dips, giving you a more comfortable setting to let loose.
  3. Keep It Cool – Literally
    Turn your pleasure into a cooling experience. Ice cubes, chilled massage oils, and refrigerated sex toys can heighten sensation while keeping things refreshingly cool. A strategically placed fan can also provide a light breeze that intensifies every touch.
  4. Dress (or Undress) Smart
    Silky, breathable fabrics or nothing at all are the way to go. Lightweight lingerie, or even just a damp towel under you, can prevent that sticky, uncomfortable feeling that heatwaves bring.
  5. Hydration is Sexy
    Sweat is inevitable, so keep a bottle of cold water nearby. Not only will this keep you both refreshed, but a little playful ice cube action on each other’s bodies can add an erotic twist to your session.
  6. Adjust Your Pace
    Heat can make vigorous sessions feel draining. Go for slow, sensual movements, incorporating tantric techniques to build deeper intimacy without exerting too much energy.
  7. Shower Together
    Take advantage of a cool or lukewarm shower as part of foreplay or even the main event.
    Water play can be an erotic and effective way to beat the heat while staying connected.
  8. Change Up Your Love Making Positions
    Some positions create more body heat than others. Try ones that minimize full-body contact, like doggy style or spooning variations, to keep things hot while staying cool.
  9. Say Yes To Sensory Play
    Heatwaves are the perfect excuse to explore sensory play. Ice cubes on the skin, cooling gels, or even minty lubricants can create exciting temperature contrasts that heighten pleasure without overheating. Consider incorporating sex toys with added cooling lubricant to elevate
    the experience.
  10. Try Mutual Stimulation
    If full-body contact feels too overwhelming in the heat, mutual masturbation is a fantastic alternative. You can still share an intimate, erotic experience while keeping some personal space.
    A heatwave doesn’t have to put a stop to your sex life – it’s just an opportunity to explore new ways to keep things cool and exciting. With the right mindset (and maybe a few ice cubes), you can turn up the heat in all the best ways without breaking a sweat. Stay cool, stay playful, and
    let summer lovin’ take on a whole new meaning.

For the Silo, Emilie Melloni-Quémar.

More About LELO

LELO is not just a sex toy brand; it’s a self-care movement aimed at those who know that satisfaction transcends gender, sexual orientation, race, and age. We’re offering the experience of ecstasy without shame, the pleasure of discovering all the wonders of one’s body, thus facilitating our customers with confidence, that leads to a fulfilled intimate life. LELOi AB is the Swedish company behind LELO, where offices extend from Stockholm to San Jose, from Sydney to Shanghai.

Gaming

It’s Still The Greatest Videogame Battle For The Donkey Kong Crown

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It may be hard for you to believe, but a very passionate group of game players are still contesting video game records, new and old, and vying to become champion in their particular game of skill in  order to be immortalized in the on-line video game record bible “Twin Galaxies”.

Go check it out.

Maybe it’s time to limber up those fingers and go for the record. Every great wrestling match is predicated on a simple concept that holds for the ages: A ‘babyface’ (good guy’) with a seemingly overwhelming challenge vs. a ‘heel’ (bad guy), who has the cards stacked, usually unfairly,  in his favor.  As humans, we have an innate need to create an emotional investment in our favorite character, which in turn makes the outcome of the contest be something that we care about seeing.

That tried and true formula is fully rendered in a great documentary that I regularly watch  called  “The King of Kong: Fistful of Quarters”.  Instead of wrestlers though, we’re dealing with elite-level, arcade-version Donkey Kong players facing off for the world record.  As well, and unlike a wrestling match, our outcome is not predetermined and this reality adds oh-so deliciously to the drama as it unfolds.

Now, bring in the chief combatants in our story: social pushover Steve Wiebe, a stuck in second place, life-long loser that just can’t seem to get a break in life vs. chicken-wing sauce kingpin Billy Mitchell; he of the hypnotizing mullet and Charlie Sheen-type zeal.

Here we’ve got classic good guy vs. bad guy at its finest!

Watch how Wiebe finds great difficulty becoming accepted into the ranks of high level players even though his skill and scores are right up there with the best of the best.  Billy Mitchell and his team of disciples manage to cheapen and disrespect Wiebe throughout, holding him back, and in turn making the viewer desperate for a little ass-kicking payback.  Can Wiebe come through?  The answer will surprise you.  The climax is better than any made for Hollywood movie, and will keep you on the edge of your seats.

It doesn’t matter if you like video games or not, the emotional pull of this story cannot be denied, and I guarantee that you will dig it.  “King of Kong” gets my five silo rating.  There’s the full movie up above but the DVD has some great extras that get right to the root of some true video game nerd-dom. For the Silo, John McIntosh.

Earth

The Many Factors Of Orange Sails for Safety at Sea

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How well will you be spotted at sea by other ships, in rough and nasty weather? As Rolly Tasker Sails are making sails for some of the world’s most ardent ocean sailors, this was a natural question to ask. Three highly experienced ocean adventurers give a unique insight into their thoughts on orange sails. The one thing they have in common? Serious ocean sailing and sails by Rolly Tasker Sails!

André Freibote, Skipper

André Freibote: North Sea and Atlantic

André Freibote from Germany is sailing a Beneteau Oceanis 473 out of Bremerhaven on professional offshore sail training trips across the North Sea and out into the North Atlantic Ocean – in fact, he very nearly met up with Eric Aanderaa in Iceland in the 2024 summer! See his website “Segelpartner Nordsee” for more information on his cruising schedule and how you can join (in German language).

storm jib in bright orange color

Erik Aanderaa youtube sailor

Eric Aanderaa: North Atlantic Ocean

Eric of course also offered his thoughts and needs no further introduction other than himself being Mr. No Bullshit Just Sailing. The crazy guy from Norway who sails from Haugesund out into the northern ocean no matter the weather or the season, on his Contessa 35, becoming a YouTube sailing star in the process.

1 Orange Sails for Safety at Sea

pat lawless, circumnavigator

Pat Lawless: on Golden Globe Race

The vastly experienced professional seaman and sailor Pat Lawless from Ireland, who is currently preparing his Saltram Saga 36 to compete, for the second time, in the non-stop, single-handed around-the-world retro “Golden Globe” race (GGR) that will start in 2026. Needless to say, he will again put his trust into Rolly Tasker Sails. Find out more about Pat on his website.

2 Orange Sails for Safety at Sea

So, are sails in bright orange a good idea to increase visibility of your boat? We know that many storm sails are made in orange for this reason, but what about your standard sails?

“Orange colours stand out from sea and sky far away. It will definitely make it easier for other traffic to spot you. It will also make it much easier to find you in a distress situation”, says Eric. “In all cases orange is the most visible colour of them all, I believe.” Pat is yet looking at colour choices for his new sails for the GGR: “I have been thinking about safety orange sails for a while. The Notice of Race for the Golden Globe Race says all the sails have to be the same colour with safety yellow or orange at the top of the mainsail. That means that all the sails can be safety orange or yellow. I know from using an orange storm jib and having a bright orange spray dodger that it’s easy on the eyes. Probably better than White. Am I brave enough to go all orange sails?” Finally, André is quite clear on the subject: “The situation will arise when you just can’t be orange enough at sea!”

Pat Lawless' boat with orange tip mainsail

And this despite AIS and radar?

“AIS is actually clear in the information, giving name, call sign, course, speed and so on. However, if a sailing yacht is detected by radar in poor visibility, the lookout on a commercial vessel should be diligent. Here on the North Sea, we have already received radio messages along the lines of: “Fantastic, how well we can see you, sailing yacht Polaris!” It is imperative, so it seems, to be seen by eye and not only rely on radar or AIS, although all commercial ships and some fishing vessels receive and send AIS signals and rely mostly on AIS and radar for their lookout. However, visual contact also is extremely important.

Pat confirms this: “In the Golden Globe Race we don’t have a plotter or other modern equipment. We do have an AIS transmitter, and active radar reflector. Any ships I spoke to while at sea all said that they saw me a long way off, no problem.”

Would you have the entire sail in orange or just a patch or the top part?

Eric says: “I like to have at least the top part orange, as its the highest point on the boat, letting the sails easily be spotted in between big wavetops.”

André: “The upper area of the mainsail and all the sails on the cutter stay are completely orange. Since the cutter stay is on a furling system, the UV protection of the sails is also in orange to ensure better visibility even when furled.”

What about other parts of the boat?

Eric: “I have painted the sides of the rooftop in orange, changed my blue sprayhood to orange and changed the cutter sail-bag to orange. This way the boat will be much more visible.”

Pat also plans to brighten up his boat in a similar way: “In storms the hull is so important. I will put an orange stripe over the white about 150mm just under the gunnel and the same on the top of the cabin sides. This should stand out with the white underneath it. I had about 3sq meters of safety orange on the deck in the GGR 2022. This will be freshened up when I apply the stripes. Apart from that, the Saltram Saga 36 is a good dry boat. I don’t use dodgers on the lifelines. In the Southern Ocean they are wind pollution in the wrong place and sometimes block areas of sight. My spray dodger will be safety orange. But in storms, it will be folded down.”

André, on the other hand, seems happy for now with his orange sails: “At the moment I am not planning to change any other parts on board to orange. However, I could see my lazy bag for the mainsail in orange.”

bright orange storm jib

Will orange sails, sprayhoods or dodgers not be too bright on the eyes in fair weather and sunshine?

Eric has taken this potential problem into account: “The sails in orange are not quite as intense as the bright signal colour painted on deck. Still, the sails will be visible from far away.” André believes that this will not be an issue at all: “Never too bright!”

sailing with bright orange storm jib and reefed mainsail

How Orange Will You Be?

How orange would you dress up your boat for ocean sailing or offshore passages? Pat is still in the decision-making process: “My quandary is mainly about the colour of the sails. I need to make a decision early in 2025. While sailing in the longest, loneliest, sporting event in the world, I need to be seen as easy as possible. The sails are the biggest area of the boat most of the time.” But will he really have all sails completely in orange? At Rolly Tasker Sails, we offer suitable sail-cloth in “Storm Orange”. However, if you want to go for specific types of sail fabric, the solution will probably come down to having orange sail tops or patches.

The View From the Bridge

It’s always good to see also the other perspective, so we spoke to a commercial Captain, Master Mariner Reemt Remmers, about visibility of yachts at sea. He fully confirms the fact that orange sails are a true safety factor for yachts at sea, especially in rough weather with limited visibility. Which is when, according to him, there will often be an extra lookout on the bridge.

orange tip at the main and bright orange jib

Orange, AIS and Radar

Orange, incidentally, is also the signal colour for ship’s lifeboats. Obviously not without reason. And if a ship’s officer from the bridge spots an orange object somewhere out there, this officer will then instantly be on full alert. AIS, on the other hand, is just as important. There will be times in ship’s routine when only one officer will be on the bridge who will rely on AIS and radar. Obviously, also at night, these technologies are essential to remain visible.

Between these two, Reemt Remmers also confirms that yachts are often easier to spot and identify on AIS rather than by radar. In heavy seas especially, the radar signal response from a yacht can be quite weak and might not be noticed by the watch-keeping officer. An AIS signal, on the other hand, will be clearly seen and also contains all essential information about the type of boat and her movements in a clear and precise way. For the Silo, Sven Cornelius.

Art

King’s Award For Canadian Inuit Artist Ashoona

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 Inuit artist Shuvinai Ashoona, recently received the King Charles Award III Coronation Medal for her long-standing contributions to the arts, which has brought international attention to Canada’s northern landscapes and contemporary Inuit art.



She is the first Inuit artist from West Baffin Cooperative to receive the prestigious award, and adds to her international acclaim as one of Canada’s preeminent visual artists. She previously was awarded a Governor General Award in Visual and Media Arts in 2024 and the prestigious Gershon Iskowitz Prize in 2018

West Baffin Cooperative. Established in 1959.

“It’s something like a strange thing to get an award from the King of England,” said Shuvinai Ashoona, who works from her home studio in Kinngait, Nunavut. “He probably hasn’t seen my drawings, but I hope that someday, he’ll get to know what my art is all about.” 

Photo: William Ritchie

Never content to follow rules and expectations, Ashoona’s unconventional artistic vision has successfully challenged and revolutionized how the public perceives Inuit art and contemporary Indigenous art more generally, helping to create a new space for expression and artistic freedom.

SHUVINAI ASHOONA
UNTITLED,2009
Graphite,Coloured Pencil
56 x 76 cm

Her artwork has been showcased across Canada and around the world including at the National Gallery of Canada,  the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami, and the 59th International Art Exhibition, also known as the Venice Biennale. In September 2025, Ashoona’s artwork will be featured in Brazil at the 36th São Paulo Biennial.  For the Silo, Paul Clarke.

Culture

Rock Star Haven Egg House In Topanga Canyon Is For Sale

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Topanga Canyon’s One of a Kind “Egg House”
Topanga Canyon is one of LA’s most unique neighborhoods. Nestled in the Santa Monica mountains, the tight-knit community is known for its spectacular nature and Bohemian vibes. During the 1960s and 70s, the neighborhood was a haven for rock stars, including Canada’s own Neil Young and Joni Mitchell along with Jim Morrison, several members of The Eagles, and even country legend Linda Ronstadt among its talented residents. R&B superstar Marvin Gaye described Topanga as “a place where I can create my masterpiece,” and numerous artists agreed. Local venue The Topanga Corral hosted some of the all-time greats and inspired The Doors’ hit “Roadhouse Blues.” Simultaneously accessible and remote, the region remains a sanctuary for artists of all kinds. 

The opportunity to own a piece of this special neighborhood presents itself with the listing of Topanga Canyon’s “Egg House” for $4.995 million usd/ $6.790 million cad. This sculptural masterpiece of brutalism and organic design proudly sits at 225 Powderhorn Ranch Road.

Designed and built by artist couple Chad Hagerman and Allison Ochmanek of Rascal Makers, the home is inspired by the concept of the embryo – the origin of life, potential, and transformation. Combining brutalist architecture with organic materials, the bespoke home offers a serene aesthetic with touches of Japanese minimalism. The home is a true statement piece, with handcrafted plaster walls,  stone floors, artisan fixtures, and thoughtful details throughout. With four beds and five baths, the stunning home offers 3,350 square feet of living space. 

For The Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Travel

Exploring the Timeless National Hotel Miami Beach

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A Silo Travel spotlight. The Art of Escape: Inside the Enduring Miami Beach Property Where Vintage Glamour Meets Contemporary Luxury

Those looking for a SoFlo escape exuding art, culture and timeless sophistication need look no further than the National Hotel Miami Beach, where the city’s vintage glamour meets contemporary coastal luxury. Perfectly situated in South Beach’s iconic Art Deco district, this adults-only, pet-friendly, oceanfront retreat offers a distinctly cinematic experience—from its sweeping palm-lined pathways to Miami Beach’s longest infinity-edge pool.



Whether unwinding in a newly redesigned ocean view suite or indulging in craft martinis and natural wines at the hotel’s Spanish tapas restaurant, Mareva1939, guests are immersed in a sensory celebration of both past and present. It’s the quintessential backdrop for a Miami Beach escape—and the perfect setting for a candid, deep-dive conversation with Stephane Mercier, Managing Director at The National Hotel Miami Beach, who shares insight into what makes the National Hotel such a standout destination.

MK: The National Hotel is known for its strong commitment to art. Can you describe the philosophy behind incorporating artwork into the guest experience—both in the copious common spaces and guestrooms and suites?

SM: The National’s philosophy behind incorporating artwork into the guest experience is deeply rooted in its iconic Miami Beach Art Deco hotel identity. We want guests to feel immersed in a unique, sophisticated revival of a golden age of Miami Beach, while enjoying contemporary hospitality. Designed by renowned architect Roy France, credited with creating the Miami Beach skyline with his string of Art Deco and streamlined towers, the hotel remains a testament to his visionary work.

Though renovated to offer the modern, yet sophisticated, classic look and feel experienced by guests today, the hotel continues to stay true to France’s philosophy and artful design. Signature architectural elements, including corner windows, original terrazzo floors, chrome wall sconces and era-inspired details, preserve the National Hotel’s timeless elegance, seamlessly blending classic style with contemporary luxury.



MK: What about the property gives it overarching appeal in the luxury travel sector?

SM: The National Hotel is one of the few South Beach properties that remains true to the iconic Art Deco era, preserving its timeless elegance and charm, and is the only beachfront, adults-only hotel in the destination, promising an elevated experience for a discerning set of travelers. Guests can be assured that the amenities and atmosphere onsite cater to adults that value culture, history and curated experiences. Since its opening in the 1940s, Bar 1939 has embodied the hotel’s rich history, capturing the glamour and sophistication of the period. This luxurious open space features suede lounge chairs, copper cobras emerging from side tables, flooring embedded with hundreds of shiny coins and a grand piano. Guests and locals alike can enjoy our vibrant cultural happenings onsite, including live music on Saturdays, seasonal highlights—including holiday celebrations and New Year’s—and musical collaborations like the Musimelange chamber music series, occurring now through May 19. Solidifying the vintage feel of the Art Deco era is the show-stopping bar, a monumental slab of ornately carved hardwood flanked by elaborate stools.

While design throughout the hotel pays homage to the property’s history, the exclusive Artist Collection Suite embodies the uniqueness found at the National Hotel Miami Beach. Designed by world-renowned artist Elizabeth Fatone, the accommodation features one-of-a-kind, hand-painted murals and Art Deco-inspired furnishings, celebrating the artistic spirit and distinctive character that define the unique experience at the hotel.

MK: How do the art pieces showcased at the hotel enhance the overall ambiance and storytelling of the property?

SM: The hotel’s carefully curated pieces do more than enhance décor, they immerse guests in the timeless elegance of the Art Deco era. From the grand Bar 1939, with its carved hardwood bar and vintage-inspired furnishings, to the Artist Collection Suites featuring the aforementioned Elizabeth Fatone and Renoma Suite, every detail tells a story. Upon arrival, guests can find a sculpture by Carole Feuerman at the property’s entrance, colorful murals by the pool and revolving art present across the hotel throughout the year. Each artistic touch reinforces the hotel’s rich history, ensuring a seamless blend of past and present.

MK: How does the property’s distinctive style, both in architecture and décor, influence the guest experience?

SM: The National Hotel’s Art Deco architecture and décor offer a modernized tribute to the classic Miami Beach style. Miami Beach holds the appeal of having an artful combination of heritage and modernity. Art Deco hotels sprung forth from this intrigue and the National Hotel Miami Beach has solidified its place in the region’s history by achieving, and long maintaining, a sense of artful timelessness with modern appeal. On a year-round rotating basis, local and famed artist showcases or classics can be found in the hotel’s lobby, restaurants and additional common spaces. The hotel also works with local art and design communities to support and be included in Art Deco history tours. This seamless fusion of history, artistry and elegance not only enhances the ambiance, but also invites guests to become part of the hotel’s timeless legacy.

MK: Are there any architectural elements or décor pieces that are original to the hotel?

SM: The hotel has maintained its traditional foundation including corner windows, original terrazzo floors, chrome wall sconces and preserved the original check-in desk that is now on display for guests to enjoy during their stay. In front of the long pool, guests can see the mosaic Girl With The White Glove and the Compass, two pieces exclusive to the property.

MK: The National Hotel has a fascinating and storied history. Can you share some of the most intriguing or lesser-known anecdotes about its past?

SM: Since its inception, the hotel has drawn sun-loving socialites and celebrities, from the glamorous 1950s crowd, to the South Beach revivalists of the 1970s, to modern-day travelers looking for a boutique, sophisticated stay along the beach. Designed by Roy France, the National Hotel’s timeless Art Deco style and its striking 14-story tower are a testament to his influence in shaping the Miami Beach skyline. A Midwest native, France relocated to Miami Beach after a trip to Florida with his wife in 1931. The hotel remains true to France’s vision, maintaining its Art Deco charm while seamlessly integrating modern style and elevated amenities, services and culinary highlights.

MK: Can you describe the unique features and amenities of the ocean-view and other premium-level suites at the National Hotel?

SM: Ranging from the city vie rooms to our penthouse suite, guests can find roomy accommodations and relaxed luxe amenities with stunning views of the blue ocean and our infinity pool. Favorite features in our upper room categories include radios, slippers and a robe beginning in our cabana rooms and suites; balconies in our Cabana rooms; bold, fun murals in our Artist Collection Suites designed by Elizabeth Fatone; and the tri-level space of our Penthouse Suite.

MK: The property’s Mareva1939 on-site restaurant has become a standout feature of the National Hotel. What inspired its culinary concept and name?

SM: Mareva1939, the National Hotel’s signature, award-winning Spanish tapas-style restaurant, was inspired by the year the hotel began welcoming guests. The restaurant’s culinary concept was designed to take guests through a gastronomic journey to Spain, offering a curated menu that blends traditional dishes with a modern, locally driven Miami Beach twist. The family-style menu encourages a convivial atmosphere, keeping the Spanish culture alive by inviting guests to connect around the table. To elevate the meal, the restaurant offers an extensive selection of organic, natural wines and handcrafted cocktails, thoughtfully paired to enhance the flavors of each dish. The creative culinary team ensures that dining remains exciting year-round with seasonal menus for holidays, local events and the hotel’s participation in Miami’s celebrated Miami Spice program. As an extension of Mareva1939, the Martini Bar takes guests back to the hotel’s opening era with original 1939 design elements, a specialty cocktail menu and live music over the weekends, offering an intimate and elevated space for unwinding.

MK: How does the menu reflect—or complement—the hotel’s overall brand and history?

SM: The culinary experience at Mareva1939 takes inspiration from the hotel’s artistic history in the plating and ingredients from the coastal setting, infusing Spanish traditions and tropical influences.


MK: The property features bars reminiscent of a speakeasy that are a draw for guests and even city locals. To what do you attribute the appeal?

SM: Their nostalgic charm and intimate ambiance, which transport guests and locals into this Art Deco era. The rich, vintage design elements paired with expertly crafted cocktails create a sophisticated setting that encourages relaxation and socialization. The hotel’s Bar 1939 and Martini Bar offer classic 1930s-era cocktails alongside modern drink options in a refined setting, with live music on Saturdays. The intimate nature of these bars, combined with their elevated atmosphere, makes them not just a place to enjoy a drink, but an immersive experience that draws both guests and locals looking for a unique, upscale night out.

MK: What are some of the other standout amenities that set the National Hotel apart from other luxury properties in Miami Beach?

SM: The National is adults-only, creating an intimate escape for couples, groups, friends and diners seeking a quieter, more sophisticated experience. The hotel is also pet-friendly and offers amenities for furry friends, so travelers can enjoy their Miami Beach getaway together with their pups.

MK: The expansive pool is a defining feature of the hotel. Can you share more about its design and guest appeal?

SM: The National Hotel’s expansive infinity pool is a standout feature that perfectly complements the hotel’s sophisticated, adults-only atmosphere. Stretching 205 feet, the longest infinity pool in the area offers guests a space to relax and take in breathtaking views, with a design that complements the hotel’s chic Art Deco style, creating a luxurious and serene environment to soak up the year-round sunny weather. Guests can unwind in the comfort of a poolside cabana or lounger, taking full advantage of the idyllic coastal setting. The Aqua Bar & Grill enhances the experience by offering delicious poolside bites and drinks, allowing guests to stay refreshed without leaving the water’s edge. Just steps away, guests can access a prime bit of Miami Beach shoreline.

MK: How does the property balance its legacy as a historic landmark with vintage charm with the needs of modern travelers, and what technology helps facilitate the guest experience?

SM: The hotel incorporates convenient technology solutions to deliver an elevated guest experience, such as providing QR codes on the beach to order food & beverages, Smart TVs in all the rooms, an elevated new fitness center and Apple Pay at all outlets.

MK: As the National Hotel continues to evolve, what future plans or updates can guests look forward to?

SM: The National continues to evolve and adapt its offerings while hosting anticipated annual events among some of Miami Beach’s most vibrant happenings, like South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Miami Swim Week and Art Basel. Guests can continue to spend these exciting occasions at The National, while looking forward to continuous and more experiential events and activations that speak to the history of the hotel and the story of The National.

MK: How do you see the hotel’s role in the Miami Beach hospitality scene developing in the coming years?

SM: As an original Art Deco hotel and mainstay of the city’s cultural landscape, The National will continue to embody the classic Miami Beach experience merged with an independent approach, adults-only atmosphere and arts-focused cultural calendar. Guests know to expect an intimate hospitality experience marked by authentic, historic features not found in newer developments.

MK: Are there any famous guests or notable events in the hotel’s history that stand out as particularly memorable?

SM: Mariah Carey performed at The National during the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards. Another legendary artist, Whitney Houston, filmed her ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ music video onsite. The hotel has also played host to international artists during Art Basel each year.

As Mercier reminds us, the magic of the National Hotel Miami Beach lies in its ability to blend nostalgia and novelty, creating a stay that’s both storied and stylish. Whether it’s lounging by the shimmering infinity pool, savoring curated culinary experiences, or exploring the pulse of South Beach just steps away, every element is designed to transport guests to a timeless version of Miami. For travelers seeking both serenity and sophistication in the heart of the city’s most iconic neighborhood, the National remains an unforgettable destination—elegantly redefined.

For the Silo, Merilee Kern. More from Merilee- https://www.thesilo.ca/?s=merilee+kern

Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. As Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee is a prolific business, lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker. She keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Sci-Tech

Why So Many Struggle With Brain Fog

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Why are so many people still struggling with brain fog, chronic fatigue, low energy, impaired memory, diminished focus, high stress and ADHD symptoms—even despite years of trying treatments for many? Neurotologist Dr. Kendal Stewart believes it’s because we’re too often treating symptoms, not causes. He’s spent the last 25 years addressing that with science-backed ways to help people at every age improve how they feel and function, both immediately and long-term. As an authority in everyday brain health, Dr. Kendal Stewart helps individuals optimize focus, memory, resilience and other brain health concerns by transforming complex neurological science into simple, actionable lifestyle-based strategies.  


Dr. Stewart has spoken at length and has written many editorials to discuss real-world habits, tactics and solutions to reduce brain fog, feel more energized, support focus, maintain emotional balance, and preserve cognitive health as one ages. A variety of related topics that include:

  • What brain fog, anxiety, and immune dysfunction have in common—and how to address all three holistically
  • Fueling your brain and immune system based on your unique DNA
  • Actionable daily habits to support brain and immune system health
  • How your genetics dictate your brain & immune health–and how to decode it
  • Why the future of medicine is personalized and already here
  • What are neuroimmune disorders, and why are we seeing a rise in conditions like chronic pain?
  • How genetic testing removes guesswork in treating complex neurological conditions
  • Hope for the undiagnosed: Dr. Stewart’s approach to finding the ‘source’ when other treatments fail
  • Why we’re still getting brain fog wrong—and what to do instead
  • A neurotologist’s take on impaired memory, focus, stress and fatigue: stop treating just the symptoms
  • Easy ways to support your brain & immune system every day
  • Does your DNA hold the key to focus, energy & emotional balance?
  • Genetics meets neuroscience for personalized brain health

What distinguishes Dr. Stewart?

  • Medical Maverick: One of the few specialists bridging neurotology (brain-ear balance) and neuroimmune genetics to treat complex disorders.
  • DNA-Driven Results: Nearly every patient receives genetic testing to eliminate guesswork—a game-changer for conditions like autism, chronic fatigue, and concussions.
  • Science Meets Storytelling: From IV therapies to nutrigenomics, he translates cutting-edge science into actionable steps for families and high performers.
  • Media-Ready: A charismatic speaker and podcast personality with patented tech, a supplement line (Neurobiologix), and a mission to “recover” patients, not just manage symptoms.


About the Expert
Dr. Stewart is a board-certified neurotologist and nationally recognized expert in neuroimmune disorders—including genetic abnormalities, chronic pain, ADD/ADHD and autism spectrum conditions. With advanced training in both surgery and cellular science, he’s made it his life’s work to uncover root causes and tailor individualized solutions through genetic testing, functional medicine, and integrative care. His approach emphasizes prevention as much as treatment, using lifestyle, nutrition, and nervous system support as daily fuel for better brain function. Through his work, he provides practical tools to regulate stress, stabilize energy and boost mental clarity.

He’s also a sought-after keynote speaker, inventor, and founder of multiple healthcare innovations, including GX Sciences, SensoryView, and Neurobiologix—a company dedicated to improving individual well-being by developing cutting-edge nutritional supplements rooted in the science of nutrigenomics. Dr. Stewart brings not only clinical authority but also an empowering, real-world lens—helping families, patients, and professionals better understand and improve nervous system and immune function. For the Silo, Karen Hayhurst.






Sci-Tech

Seriously, What The F**k Do We Know About Reality?

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Just over two decades ago in a small theater in Yelm, Washington a little film called What The Bleep Do We Know?!? screened to its first audiences and the term “I Create My Reality” was thrust into the collective consciousness. One of the themes explored is the idea that individuals have the power to create their own reality through their thoughts and intentions. This concept is illustrated through Amanda’s experiences and supported by discussions on the nature of consciousness and its potential influence on the physical world.

Since then countless films and books have extolled the wonders of quantum physics and how understanding the nature of reality could change your life, often in just 3 easy steps. I too thought it was easy, heck I made a movie about it! And for a while it was easy, until I realized that I had only scratched the surface of what “it” all means.

For sure, at a party I could rattle off the wonders of quantum this and quantum that, I could throw around words like entanglement and heady concepts like The Copenhagen Theory, I could wow you with the double slit like nobody’s business. But the truth was, it was really all just smoke and mirrors.

Fewer Than 42 Facts About Douglas Adams

What did understanding quantum physics have to do with my happiness?

What did understanding the workings of the brain mean to my life, in reality, at least this reality, the one where I have kids and bills to pay? I mean it’s fun to dream about other dimensions and my life as electron popping in and out, but in the end I felt as though it was becoming mental masturbation an easy way to escape from the fact that even though I knew I wasn’t really touching that chair, that it is possible I wasn’t even real.

Betsy was one of the three filmmakers (along with Willliam Arntz and Mark Vicente) involved in What the Bleep Do We Know !?
Betsy was one of the three filmmakers (along with Willliam Arntz and Mark Vicente) of What the Bleep Do We Know !?

What I was truly seeking was not the facts about how that chair manifested itself into my reality, but how I could be happy whether I had that chair or not.

Happiness has nothing to do with quarks and the discovery of the Higgs Boson was not going to bring me ever-lasting peace and joy. That I was going to have to find all on my own.

I began to explore the sacred cows, not only in my life, my beliefs about who I was and what I wanted, but also the sacred cows of spirituality, new thought and yes, quantum physics and how I could take all this knowledge and use it to create the happiness I sought, because after all, that is what we are all after. It is why we ask “why?”. It is why we explore the deepest depths of the quantum foam and so far quantum physics hasn’t found the happiness particle, because it doesn’t exist within the particles out there, it exists within the immeasurable particles within me.

For the Silo, Betsy Chasse.

image courtesy of: science.howstuffworks.com
Image courtesy of: science.howstuffworks.com

What the Bleep Do We KnowSupplemental-

Roger Ebert review Photo of Roger Ebert In Memoriam

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/what-the-do-we-know-2004

Sci-Tech

What Makes A Gas Mask A Great Gas Mask?

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Sometimes great things can come from unexpected places. When our friends at kommandostore.com were hit up by an Italian scuba diving company for CBRN-Rated Gas Masks a few years back, they were very intrigued.
Mestel Safety, under ‘Ocean Reef Group’, makes the “SGE 400-3” — a gas mask that thinks completely outside the box — a favorite all-rounder on the gas mask market. 
SEE THINGS CLEARER.
 As usual, kommandostore will be offering the full suite of masks (a CBRN-approved and non-CBRN approved version*), filters, and eyeglass inserts.*More on that later below
A look under the sea – how military scuba diving had an important impact on the design of this unorthodox gas mask… 
UNDER-WATER ORIGINS
Ocean Reef Group, Mestel Safety’s parent company, actually specializes in all kinds of equipment for undersea exploration. AndiIt all started with rubber — Giorgio, Ruggero, and Gianni Gamberini worked at a tire repair shop in Genoa, Italy.​ During their experimentation with rubber compounds at the time, they were approached by pioneer of scuba diving and legend of the Italian Navy, Luigi Ferraro. He wanted to make rubber masks and fins for scuba diving based off his experience. From the successful designs that resulted, a sprawling Italian scuba industry was born. 

Commander Luigi Ferraro pictured in his diving gear. He was part of the “Gamma” sapper group, who performed some of the first major underwater stealth operations in WWII with the aid of very-early SCBA equipment. He would go on to sink 3 enemy ships by himself during a long sabotage operation, becoming one of the few people to have received Italy’s highest Naval honor (the Gold Medal) and live to tell the tale. The gif shows examples of some of the equipment he really used, including a damaged Panerai dive watch, and the aforementioned scuba fins. Quite the backstory.
 But like all good materials sciences, one of its breakthroughs resulted from a mistake. An “Incorrect” mix of rubber ended up also being the first buoyant rubber compound, incredibly important in the making of flippers.The Gamberini brothers would also pioneer some of the first rubber watch straps, which were a massive upgrade in comfort & security in comparison to leather straps that would degrade in the salty depths. 
This is about as good as scuba gear got in the 50s and 60s. On this gentleman’s left hand, you can see his dive watch with a stainless steel wrist strap. While still incredibly popular today even amongst avid scuba divers, they weren’t ideal for military use due to their reflectivity.
 Their company Ocean Reef would go on to pioneer the design of the first ever full-face mask for snorkeling use. It featured an almost entirely transparent facepiece with an incredible field of view, which would “float” in front of the rubber that sealed to your face, reducing felt weight.  Sounds like these would be great features on a gas mask, eh? They had the same feeling too… 
 “Mestel Safety”, their medical & safety division, would use everything they learned with their pedigree in undersea engineering, and the very gas mask we’re presenting today would be born. From the depths of the Mediterranean to a position of respect in military & civil applications, Ocean Reef has come a long way, and they definitely earned their spot amongst the best. 
COMBAT CAPABILITY
 Don’t be spooked by the unconventional design — these masks are tough as nails.Mestel safety tested their masks by barraging the facepiece with, quote, “6.35mm steel spheres going over 300 mph”. For some reason the specificity makes it sound hilarious, but that’s practically like being shot directly in the face with a BB gun over and over and shrugging it off – not bad one bit. So, rest assured, this thing can probably handle some projectiles from common workshop incidents and Airsoft matches. 
 Probably its most visually obvious feature is, once again, the insane Field of View. It preserves nearly 90% of your vision without significant “warping” and makes it pretty usable with firearms like many mil-contract masks on the market. But when you put on the average military mask, you’ll be stunned at how much you can’t see in comparison. 
Having a massive split in the mask reduces the ocular overlap for your eyes and does, in fact, impede your vision right away. It’s why masks like the Avon M50 feature a single unified eyepiece instead of the classic two-piece styled masks of the cold war.
 Lastly, these are comfortable to wear over very long durations thanks to the “floating” facepiece design.  It allows the rubber to seal perfectly to the shape of your face, and takes the “felt weight” off of your face and onto the harness, where it should be. 
 We could go on about the cool factor of this mask for a lot longer but if you want to take a closer look at the mask you should investigate the product pages 👇 
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!
 An important side note on “CBRN” capability: If you’re looking for the model with 90% of the capability at a reduced price, the silicone-rubber based model is what you’re going to want to pick up. So what’s that other 10%? We’ll keep it simple: the butylated rubber, or just “butyl rubber” adds the ‘R’ and ‘N’ protections to CBRN, (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) *.  *If you’re actually planning on dealing with those extra threats or the ‘blister agents’ that can also bypass a silicone seal, you’re going to need way, way more than just the mask to protect yourself anyways. Think a full HAZMAT suit with chemical tape, gloves, booties. And that’d only be for an hour or two of exposure to some of these more deadly agents. In addition to having the right equipment, the best plan is to simply GTFO. 
 The TL;DR is that this mask will cover you (literally) in most other incidents where a civilian might want full-face protection, from civil unrest to forest-fire evacuation, and of course common household projects.It’s simple: pick up the ‘BB’ model if you are interested in having the full ‘CBRN’ capability at the cost of slightly reduced comfort.And remember: A gas mask is only as good as the filter you’re breathing through, and we have a plethora of information about the excellent filters we’re also stocking from Mestel. 
Another cool feature: there’s 3 different positions for filters to be placed to your heart’s desire.
 One other note: the lack of ‘NIOSH’ approval for these masks is a bit misleading. Since these are European-made masks, they fall under ‘CE’ standards, which work a bit differently than NIOSH approval. An explanation of these standards can be found on kommandostore’s product page. 
 Whether this is your first serious use gas mask with actual pedigree or you’re looking for an affordable alternative to the mil-contract priced (expensive) masks, we’re confident that the SGE 400/3 will be the baby bear’s porridge. Once again, take a look at the product pages — you’ll find everything from sizing info to a free copy of the user’s manual if you’d like to read up. 

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.