World War 1 lasted for over 4 years from July 28, 1914 through Armistice Day November 11, 1918.

Over 9 million combatants lost their lives, seven million were permanently disabled, four empires disappeared completely, four European dynasties and their ancillary aristocracies fell and the world as we know it was changed forever.

The reason most people will site as the starting point for World War 1 was the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria; the real reason was the spread of imperialism throughout the modern world.  

Imperialism, as it is defined by the Dictionary of Human Geography, is an unequal human and territorial relationship, usually in the form of an empire, based on ideas of superiority and practices of dominance, and involving the extension of authority and control of one state or people over another.

The reasons for the relevance of this short history lesson are twofold.

Firstly, any world, nation, state or market dominated by anyone or anything is not good for the individual.  

We are all familiar with competition; it is a fact of our everyday lives.  

You may compete for a parking spot, a little league victory, a new career opportunity or the sale of a bottle of wine.

Competition drives us and some say it makes us better. I am not here to debate that.  

I am however compelled to mention that competition in any venue needs to include a fair balance of resources, within reason, in order to ensure the stability of the world, nation, state or the market.  

When unfairly meted out resources, or support if you will, creates an unfair competitive advantage and can be destabilizing to the environment or market in question.  

All of us are able to compete if we all have reasonable access to the same tools.  

This is precisely why both competitors in the Stanley Cup Finals have the same number of players on the ice.

Secondly, the World War I victory was not an individual effort. The list of combatants include France, Russia, Austria-Hungary, United Kingdom, the Central Powers of Germany and the United States of America, to name a few.  

Regardless of the political background or ideological differences none of these countries fought alone; none of us should either.

MMBA is unique in its member approach.  

For example, Northbound Liquor and Rogers could easily be viewed as indirect competitors but we readily share information.  

I have learned more from Dave and Steve than they have learned from me but that is the subject of another As I See It column and will not be discussed further here.  

The point is that you NEVER have to do this alone and that there are many smart people like Dave and Steve out there only an internet connection or a phone call away.  

Your department may be the only enterprise fund in your community and it is very valuable to your city!

In summation I must add that even though it seems like a war sometime it's not really even close to that!  

I am grateful to all of those brave and selfless individuals and their families who made sacrifices that have given me the freedom to write this column.  

I am also grateful that I am part of a knowledgeable hard working group that is willing to assist in our mutual success.  

I also implore those with the resources, if you will, to distribute them equitably and fairly to ensure the continued success of all of us who have occupied this market for many years.  

Gary Buysse

Rogers 

From New York Daily News 

A global boom and a stateside resurgence have whiskey distillers in Tennessee bracing for a possible shortage, according to The Tennessean.

Whiskey sales are outpacing production by "at least 2 to 1," industry experts told the paper.

Now, some of Tennessee's 25 distilleries are scrambling to meet the growing demand both in the U.S. and abroad.

Whiskey - particularly the kind made in Tennessee - and bourbon have found new fans in countries like China, Australia and South Korea thanks to reduced or eliminated tariffs on imported spirits.

According to the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS), these new markets helped bourbon and Tennessee whiskey exports surpass $1 billion in 2013.

Back home, annual domestic sales of bourbon and Tennessee whiskey have increased 10.2% in the last year, the DISCUS said.

This means big bucks for big-name distilleries like Jack Daniel's.

The Lynchburg distillery said it had been expanding and building new warehouses to keep up with whiskey's growing popularity.

"We're very thoughtful and serious in projecting our supply needs," senior vice president and managing director John Hayes told the Daily News. "I feel comfortable with where we are right now."

But smaller distilleries worry they will end up scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Part of the problem is that most quality whiskey is aged before it can be sold.

"It's not like you can ramp up production today and have that whiskey on the market tomorrow," TennSouth Distillery's chief distiller Clayton Cutler told The Tennessean.

Another issue facing smaller distillers? An oak barrel shortage.

Culter said TennSouth is searching for a new supplier because the company it uses has sold out of 53-gallon barrels "for the rest of 2014."

But Phil Prichard, another Tennessee distiller who also makes rum, said he would benefit from a whiskey shortage.

Ingredients:  

* 2 tablespoons of one or a combination of the following: witch hazel or vodka  

* 2 tablespoons of one or a combination of the following: grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, olive oil, or neem oil (which contains natural insecticidal compounds)

* ½ teaspoon vodka as preservative (if not already using)

* 100-110 drops essential oils (where to buy 100% pure essential oils)

Sample Bug-Repelling Essential Oil Blend:  

* 55 drops lemon eucalyptus (reported by the CDC to be a good natural substitution for DEET in repelling insects, but not recommended for use on children under 3 yrs.)

* 15 drops cedarwood

* 15 drops lavender

* 15 drops rosemary

Directions:

Add carrier liquids to small spray bottle (3 or 4 oz. works well so there is room for shaking). Add essential oils. Shake well before each use. Natural bug repellent will need to be reapplied every few hours for maximum effectiveness.