Watch The Wine Ladies TV out on location at the Georgian Bay Club for the Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic http://www.gretzky.com/golf held in July 2010 in support of the Wayne Gretzky Foundation.

Roll out the “green carpet” for the 3rd annual http://www.gretzky.com/golf/ that took place July 8-11th, 2010. Gretzky fans had the opportunity to watch 160 professionals play with celebrities and amateurs in a pro-am style tournament.– with proceeds from the tournament to benefit the Wayne Gretzky Foundation http://www.gretzky.com/foundation/ . The Wine Ladies caught some star dust as A list celebrities from the world of sports, entertainment and business were there to support Wayne and his foundation all for the kids.

The “Great One” becomes the “Grape One” with No 99 Wayne Gretzky Estate! Wine is not a beverage you would associate with hockey, but now that Wayne Gretzky is coaching behind the bench, rather than scoring on the ice, he can allow himself that indulgence. “Janet and I have, for many years, wanted to fulfill a dream of launching a winery that makes world-class wines,” he says. And he has with his No 99 Wayne Gretzky Estate award winning wines.
No 99 Wayne Gretzky Estate wines http://www.gretzky.com/wine/ flowed at the “Star Power” party sparkling with sports legends including Brett Hull, Sir Charles Barkley and Damon Allen, “the Dragons” Jim Treliving and Robert Herjavec and Jerry Ferrera (Turtle from HBO’s Entourage) just to name of few. We were there to catch some of the star dust with The Wine Ladies out on location at the Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic.

Wayne Gretzky Foundation Creed; Put Every Kid in the Game http://www.gretzky.com/foundation/

Perhaps the most famous coaching advice in all of hockey came from Walter Gretzky. He told his son not to focus on where the puck is, but where the puck is going. That’s good advice for life too. The puck is going to our kids. Our future. Hockey is our game. It promotes fitness and personal development. That’s why the Wayne Gretzky Foundation is focused on putting hockey and well being within every kid’s reach. It’s not just about equipping kids for hockey. It’s about equipping kids for life. You’re guaranteed to miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take. Every kid deserves a shot. Let’s put every kid in the game.

Watch The Wine Ladies TV LIVE at http://www.thatchannel.com 2:30-3:30 PM on Wednesday July 28th and tune in on the http://www.jewelradio.com Sunday August 1st, 2010 at 8:30 am for The Wine Ladies radio show.

Many thanks to Gina and Deborah for the fabulous fashions provided by and Silkeborg http://www.silkeborg.ca ,with two location in Oakville and Niagara-On-The-Lake as well as the stunning jewellery provided by SNÖ OF SWEDEN http://www.snoofsweden.com/ so we looked “Green carpet” ready to meet Wayne. As well as to T-Zone Oakville http://tzonestudio.ca for keeping us in tip top shape to meet the stars. 

If you missed last week’s TV show not a problem, watch The Wine Ladies TV podcasts and archived shows on http://www.thatchannel.com/TheWineLadies from anywhere and anytime. Also, don’t forget to set that radio dial to The Jewel Radio Network at 88.5 FM in Toronto, 98.5 in Ottawa and 107.7 in Hawkesbury on line at http://www.jewelradio.com every Sunday morning at 8:30a.m. to connect with The Wine Ladies radio show.

On the heels of the most successful VQA brand Colio Estate Wines http://www.coliowinery.com/ has expanded the Girls’ Night Out brand http://www.girlsnightoutwines.com/ to include flavoured wine beverages.... Tropical Tango, a grapefruit, pineapple and lemonade flavoured wine beverage; and Strawberry Samba, with strawberry and watermelon flavours at just $6.95 each per bottle. Joining us in studio today V.P. Marketing Doug Beatty and Alison Modesto Sales and Marketing Coordinator Colio Estate Winery will give us the scoop why these wines are just perfect for your summer parties, a casual get together and cottage weekends. What’s the perfect food to go with these fun and casual wines, not to worry, author, media spokesperson, and actor prepares Peter Wright of Guerrilla Gourmet Corp http://www.cooklikeamother.com/ designs and prepares the delicious menu to make every summer get together just right. Make dinner… not reservations that’s what Peter says!

WIN! Girls in New York City Contest with Girls Night Out Flavoured wines

To celebrate the introduction of the flavoured wines, enter to win a trip for four to New York City brought to you by Girls Night Out Wines. Shop till you drop and enjoy some girls night out talk! Value $4000.00 Contest closes August 15th, 2010. Enter here.

Would you like to join us on an evening lobster cruise July 16th?Tabasco Evening Lobster Cruise on the Empress of Canada.
Win four (4) tickets valued at $360.00 to the Tabasco Evening Lobster Cruise taking place on July 16th http://torontolobsterfestival.eventbrite.com/ on the stunning Empress of Canada http://www.empressofcanada.com . The boat leaves at 8:00pm from Polson Pier , Toronto Canada for a spectacular 4 hour evening cruise.

Lobster, lobster and more lobster. Chef Rob Mac Isaac Chef Rob MacIsaac the award winning chef and native of Cape Breton will be there offering up a cooking style that reflects the authenticity of his homeland!, http://www.atlci.com Enjoy his specialty ...the lobster crepe. Also Chef Ralph of Tabasco http://www.tabasco.com will create a jelly on lobster claw appetizer sure to satisfy the most discriminating palate. Seven (7) lobster food stations to please you.

To enter the contest, simply LIKE The Wine Ladies Face Book FAN Page.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wine-Ladies/74962673175?ref=ts. The winner will be picked at random Wednesday July 14th, 2010 and announced on The Wine TV. Good luck to all!

Loving Lobster All Month Long!

The stars will be out November 4th, 2010 for the 2nd annual Dancing with a Vision Gala- A fundraising gala to support the building of the Acorn to Oak Youth Centre. Join us The Wine Ladies as we host the red-carpet and the festivities along with super funny man Jay Martin http://www.JayMartin.TV .The evening promises to be a sparkling one as guests will be entertained by the “Super Stars” including the legends Tina Turner, Shania Twain, Sonny & Cher, Roy Orbison and Neil Diamond, the sparkling guest list will feature dignitary speakers Dr. Pat Francis http://www.patfrancisministries.net/contact.php, Honourable Margarett Best MPP http://www.margarettbest.ca and Andrew Kania, LL.M., Member of Parliament Brampton West http://www.andrewkania.com/index.html all the while enjoying wonderful cuisine, a sparkling crowd and all for an important cause.

Acorn to Oak Youth Services exists to restore, equip, and transform lives, propelling youth to achieve their full potential regardless of their circumstances. The program includes mentorship, restorative justice, counselling, the collegiate, sports and recreation. The Acorn to Oak Youth http://www.acorn2oak.ca services youth within the GTA and is in need of a youth centre. The future is in our children! This Gala will help get them one.

A night of memories, entertainment, exquisite food ,silent auction and more. We invite you to join us all for a good cause. See you there.

Date: Thursday November 4th, 2010
Time: Cocktail reception: 6:00pm, Gala dinner and program: 7:00pm
Place: Mississauga Convention Centre, 75 Derry Road West, Mississauga, Ontario, L5W 13G
Cost: $130.00 per ticket/$240.00/couple
Dress Code: Formal
Website: http://www.bocapublishing.ca
Sponsor the youth gala event by contacting us at 905-840-4591 or 647-638-3687

Support our Youth
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW ($130/person)

The Dancing with a Vision Gala is being produced by Boca Publishing Group Inc. http://www.bocapublishing.ca . BOCA specializes in desk top publishing, book publishing, wedding planning and corporate and social event production.

Win! Pair of tickets. Value $160.00 Lobster Dinner Fireworks Cruise Canada Day July 1st

Celebrate Canada Day July 1st in style with a Lobster Dinner Fireworks Cruise by http://www.MaritimeLobster.ca & Empress Of Canada http://www.empressofcanada.com . Win a pair of tickets valued at $160.00. Simply enter here at info@thewineladies.com or visit The Wine Ladies Face Book page to enter http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/The-Wine-Ladies/74962673175?ref=ts Winner will be drawn at random and announced on The Wine Ladies TV show June 30th,2010. Good luck everyone.

31 Days to Celebrate Lobster this July http://www.torontolobsterfestival.com as maritime lobster http://www.MaritimeLobster.ca takes center stage at various tasting events which will surely excite the lobster connoisseur or seafood lover looking for something truly unique. There is nothing more amazing than enjoying Canadian Grade A Maritime Lobster recipes while enjoying the most beautiful Toronto city views on the luxury floating venue, the Empress of Canada http://www.empressofcanada.com. This festival was not meant for the street it was born to live on the water!

Joining us on the show today where the world is definitely their lobster proprietor Tyler Murphy and Louise Artichuk-Murphy Branding and Events Manager Maritime Lobster. http://www.maritimelobster.ca. All aboard as Brian Hall proprietor Empress of Canada, the floating lobfest venue also shares his passion for the water. Also Executive Chef David Penny showcases his talent and the allure of the lobster while be paired with the award winning wines of Inniskillin winery http://www.inniskillin.com .

If you missed last week’s TV show not a problem, watch The Wine Ladies TV podcasts and archived shows on http://www.thatchannel.com/TheWineLadies from anywhere and anytime. Also, don’t forget to set that radio dial to The Jewel Radio Network at 88.5 FM in Toronto, 98.5 in Ottawa and 107.7 in Hawkesbury on line at http://www.jewelradio.com every Sunday morning at 8:30a.m. to connect with The Wine Ladies radio show.

On the heels of the most successful VQA brand Colio Estate Wines http://www.coliowinery.com/ has expanded the Girls’ Night Out brand http://www.girlsnightoutwines.com/ to include flavoured wine beverages.... Tropical Tango, a grapefruit, pineapple and lemonade flavoured wine beverage; and Strawberry Samba, with strawberry and watermelon flavours at just $6.95 each per bottle. Joining us in studio today V.P. Marketing Doug Beatty and Alison Modesto Sales and Marketing Coordinator Colio Estate Winery will give us the scoop why these wines are just perfect for your summer parties, a casual get together and cottage weekends. What’s the perfect food to go with these fun and casual wines? How about a great picnic lunch under a big old oak tree?

WIN! Girls in New York City Contest with Girls Night Out Flavoured wines

To celebrate the introduction of the flavoured wines, enter to win a trip for four to New York City brought to you by Girls Night Out Wines. Shop till you drop and enjoy some girls night out talk! Value $4000.00 Contest closes August 15th, 2010. Enter here.

BREAKING NEWS! Get Personal Twitter Messages from The Wine Ladies! We’ve just started, come and tweet with us! http://twitter.com/TheWineLadies.

BECOME A FAN on FACEBOOK! Updates, wine reviews, give aways and more! http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/The-Wine-Ladies/74962673175?ref=ts

SEE US ON YOU TUBE! New videos every week! http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=BAC922F31D95EF06&search_query=the+wi
ne+ladies

Dear Wine Ladies,

A white wine from Argentina made by the company Torrontes was a real hit at a barbeque I attended last weekend. Unfortunately I missed out as it was consumed all too quickly. Always open to something new, I’d like to know a little about this wine, it’s availability and price point thinking it might be a good choice for Canada Day celebrations.

Susan
San Diageo, California

Dear Susan,

Indeed it would be. Torrontés is actually the name of several white grape varieties mainly grown in Argentina, with one in particular the Torrontes Riojano being the most planted white wine grape in the country (according to our latest figures).  The last several years we have seen these wines grow in popularity, due in part to producers paying closer attention in the vineyard and at the winery bringing fresh, well made, well priced and delicious wines to the market.

The beauty of the wines this grape produces is in the fragrant and elegant aroma; enticing and inviting with floral notes, light peach and fresh apricot often with a touch of lemon.  This coupled with good acidity and crispness on the palate allows the wines to pair well with a variety of summer fare.

A wonderful sunny wine, both a palate and a pocketbook pleaser usually selling for approximately $12-$16.00.

Dear Wine Ladies,

War and Peace wine lists make me nervous. I don’t know where to start and feel totally intimidated. I end up glossing over the pages taking way too much time trying to find something familiar and appropriate.  Recently back on the dating scene, any advice on how to navigate such a wine list and order a suitable wine would be greatly appreciated.

Kevin, Chicago

Dear Kevin,

Indeed, that epic wine lists can instil sweaty palms and shake one’s confidence.  Why not take advantage of the services of the sommelier? Offer him/her as much information as you can, such as the style of wines you typically enjoy, perhaps you are in the mood for experimenting with something a little of the beaten track, indicate the price point you are comfortable with and what menu items you are considering ordering.  The mandate of the sommelier is to make the wine selection one of ease, of interest, make it a pleasurable experience, finding something that is both to your liking and within your budget.

Cheers. The Wine Ladies, Georgia and Susanne

Watch The Wine Ladies TV every Wednesday LIVE on http://www.thatchannel.com 2:30-3:30pm. And if you happen to miss the live show not too worry you can catch the podcast and all the archived shows at http://www.thatchannel.com/thewineladies.Click on http://www.thatchannel.com/thewineladies , click on PODCAST ARCHIVE, scroll down to The Wine ladies page and click on the show.

Set that dial to The Jewel Radio Network at 88.5 FM in Toronto, 98.5 in Ottawa and 107.7 in Hawkesbury on line at http://www.jewelradio.com every Sunday morning at 8:30a.m. to connect with The Wine Ladies radio show.

BREAKING NEWS! Get Personal Twitter Messages from The Wine Ladies! We’ve just started, come and tweet with us! http://twitter.com/TheWineLadies.

BECOME A FAN on FACEBOOK! Updates, wine reviews, give aways and more! http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/The-Wine-Ladies/74962673175?ref=ts

SEE US ON YOU TUBE! New videos every week! http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=BAC922F31D95EF06&search_query=the+wi
ne+ladies

The well-known Canadian Tenors will perform at the 1st annual Doors Open Niagara Benefit Concert on Friday, July 16 at Jackson-Triggs’ Niagara Estate Amphitheatre. Now in its 9th year, Doors Open Niagara showcases built heritage, architecture and design in the Binational Niagara Region, and is part of the international Doors Open/Open House program that began in France in 1984.

This benefit concert is a first for Doors Open Niagara program, thanks to funding from Celebrate Ontario and the support of our venue sponsors Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery,” advised Arlene White, Executive Director of the Binational Economic and Tourism Alliance. “We are extremely fortunate to be working with these performers and the professionals at Jackson-Triggs to deliver this new component of the Doors Open program. Proceeds from this event will be used for new program development in 2010 and 2011, which will be the 10th anniversary of Doors Open Niagara and the preparatory year for the 1812 Bicentennial celebrations.”

Jackson-Triggs’ Niagara Estate Winery is pleased to co sponsor the Doors Open Benefit Concert with such dynamic headliners-The Canadian Tenors.  This concert falls the day before their already scheduled and sold out Saturday, July 17th performance within the existing Twilight in the Vineyard Concerts which is celebrating the 10th season of the Amphitheatre

THE CANADIAN TENORS

The Canadian Tenors - Victor Micallef, Clifton Murray, Remigio Pereira and Fraser Walters - deliver an eclectic blend of classical and contemporary pop. They’ve received rave reviews appearing with Andrea Bocelli at the Tel Aviv Opera, headlining ONE NIGHT LIVE with Sting and Sheryl Crow at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre and performing alongside Celine Dion on The Oprah Winfrey Show

VIP PACKAGE FOR THE CANADIAN TENORS
Jackson-Triggs is pleased to offer a limited special “VIP Package” for an added experience with the performers.

The “VIP Package” for The Canadian Tenors Includes:
Guests will be greeted with Sparkling Wine upon arrival and enjoy reserved seating! Watch a magical performance under the stars followed by a exclusive reception with The Tenors in the Estate Lounge overlooking the Amphitheatre.  Each VIP ticket holder will take home three items-a bottle of Jackson-Triggs premium VQA wine autographed by The Tenors and winemaker Marco Piccoli as well as a signed DVD and CD. $175.00 a ticket - limit to the first 30 guests.

Celebrating the 10th season of The Twilight in the Vineyard 2010 concert series, the confirmed all Canadian line-up includes:

Tom Cochrane with Andrew Cole (July 3)
The Canadian Tenors - July 17 (SOLD OUT); Just Added July 18
Gord Downie and the Country of Miracles - July 24 (SOLD OUT)
Chantal Kreviazuk & Raine Maida - August 7 (SOLD OUT) & August 8
Michael Kaeshammer and Jill Barber - August 21
Mark of Zorro Silent Film - August 27 - CANCELLED
Jesse Cook - (SOLD OUT) August 28
Sarah Harmer- September 4
Back by popular demand the second annual ROOTSTOCK will return (date and line-up TBC).

Friday, July 16th show time 8:00pm.Tickets: $61.00 CDN plus $2.50 service charge and applicable tax. For tickets and further information call (905) 468-4637 ext. 2 or toll free in Canada at 1-(866) 589-4637 x 2 or visit http://www.jacksontriggswinery.com.

The open-air Roman style Amphitheatre features general admission with seating provided. Video cameras and any other sound or image-recording devices are strictly forbidden. Rain or shine the show will go on.

We are pleased to offer a variety of culinary options under the direction of Chef David Penny which feature Niagara’s outstanding wine and local fare.

CONCERT VINEYARD DINING (food prices only):

Vineyard Escarpment Package: Seared flat iron steak on Soba noodle salad, heirloom tomato panzanella salad, local charcuterie and Artisan cheese, vegetables and humus dip - $25.00 plus applicable taxes (Vegetarian option available). Must be pre-ordered at time of ticket purchase.

Vineyard Terroir Package: Rustic sandwich with local Pingue Prosciutto . Niagara Gold local cheese and arugula pesto, quinoa salad with Rick’s beets and fresh herbs, baby vegetables and hummus dip - $15.00 plus taxes (Vegetarian option available) . Must be pre-ordered at time of ticket purchase.

For those guests looking for a more casual experience we will have available the following options:

Under The Hospitality Marquee: Starting at 5:30 p.m. enjoy delicious concession snacks ranging from truffled popcorn, Artisan Cheeses to house made potato chips. ($2.50-$5.00 including taxes.)

The Tasting Gallery: Will remain open until 7:45 p.m. with its lighter fare menu of Panini on Artisan bread, soup, salad, cheese & charcuterie. ($5.00 and $10.00 plus taxes).

A wide variety of VQA wines from winemaker Marco Piccoli are available for purchase by the glass.

Founded in 1993, Jackson-Triggs has enjoyed a reputation for producing some of the country’s leading premium VQA wines since its inception. Both its Okanagan and Niagara Estate wineries have been uncompromising in their pursuit of crafting Canadian wines that compete with the world’s finest. Jackson-Triggs Estate Wines is proud to be an Official Wine Supplier of The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. For more information, visit http://www.jacksontriggswinery.com.

Watch The Wine Ladies TV TODAY out on location at the Angus Glen Golf Club for the Anne Murray Charity Golf Classic http://www.coloncancercanada.ca/charity_golf.php held in May 2010 in support of Colon Cancer Canada.

Canadian icon, singer songwriter Anne Murray http://www.annemurray.com/ also known as the #1 female celebrity golfer in the world joins us for a glass of wine and discussion on her career in music and the cause dear to her heart, Colon Cancer and much, much more. Anne Murray’s life has been personally touched by this illness and she has made it her goal to get the message out to as many people as possible goal that Colon Cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable! Colon Cancer is 90% preventable if detected early. In 2009 and estimated 22,000 new cases were diagnosed in Canada. Close to 9100 Canadians lost their lives that same year. Speak to your doctor and get the test, Colon Cancer Canada http://www.coloncancercanada.ca/

Also joining Anne on the golf tee and on the show multiple Juno award winners the very funny Jann Arden http://www.jannarden.com/ and humanitarian Tom Cochrane http://www.tomcochrane.com/ , hockey legend Darryl Sittler http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darryl_Sittler and CTV Sports caster Brian Williams http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Williams_%28sportscaster%29 . All for a great cause, raising over $165,000 in support of Colon Cancer Canada. To our health and yours! Cheers!

Many thanks to Michael Da Costa of Fortune Fine Jewellers http://www.fortunes.com/ for the jewellery worn on the show, from the Harmony Phi necklace and earrings worn by Georgia to the stunning black and white diamond necklace by Susanne. Also a big thank-you to Gina and Deborah for the fabulous fashions provided by and Silkeborg http://www.silkeborg.ca ,with two location in Oakville and Niagara-On-The-Lake. The Wine Ladies and guests also enjoyed from the iconic Penfolds http://www.penfolds.com ,the Penfolds Koonunga Hill Cabernet/Shiraz 2008 while speaking to their celebrity guests on the show.

If you missed last week’s TV show not a problem, watch The Wine Ladies TV podcasts and archived shows on http://www.thatchannel.com/TheWineLadies from anywhere and anytime. Also, don’t forget to set that radio dial to The Jewel Radio Network at 88.5 FM in Toronto, 98.5 in Ottawa and 107.7 in Hawkesbury on line at http://www.jewelradio.com every Sunday morning at 8:30a.m. to connect with The Wine Ladies radio show.

Carrie and the girls strut their stuff with Sex and The City 2 well watch out so do Swiss Wines in The City! https://sites.google.com/site/swisswineinthecity/home. Swiss Wines Rock!

The “Big Apple” beckons for a remarkable and historical wine adventure at New York’s innovative winery and concert venue, The City Winery http://www.citywinery.com.  Discovering Swiss Wines in the City in the heart of Manhattan to witness the bottling of two barrels of Switzerland’s finest wines from the Valais wine growing region, from two different wine producers Provins-Valais http://www.provins.ch/en/ and Jean-René Germanier http://www.jrgermanier.ch/ . With only 2% of Swiss wines ever leaving the country, the secret of Swiss wines are finally out. Swiss wines rock!

Watch The Wine Ladies TV out on location in the “Big Apple” on http://www.thatchannel.com this Wednesday, June 2nd at 2:30pm-3:30pm! All the way from Switzerland we welcome to the show Chandra Kurt, wine writer, author and consultant http://www.chandrakurt.com/ ,”Wine Woman of the Year”, winemaker Provins-Valais, Madeleine Gay and Director General Provins-Valais Roland Vergeres. Also from Jean-René Germanier winery CEO Jean-René Germanier and Gilles Besse winemaker and TV personality. Welcoming us all to City Winery the founder Michael Dorf also drops in for a chat.

ARTE VINO — SATURDAY JUNE 19, 2010 from 12:00pm – 4:00pm

The 6th annual Arte Vino http://www.artevino.ca art and wine festival takes place on Saturday, June 19, 2010 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm at the Crystal Palace in Picton. The afternoon event showcases local artists and art organizations, wine sampling from regional wineries and fabulous food from local chefs and restaurateurs.

Entrance Fee and 10 Tasting Tickets $35.00 each

Tickets: https://artevino.ca/tickets/buy/

Toronto, June 4th,2010:

Warm weather, sunshine and over 4500 people with big hearts were out in force at the LCBO 19th annual barbecue in support of Camp Oochigeas http://www.ooch.org , a year-round camp for children affected by childhood cancer. Located at the Queens Quay LCBO parking lot the BBQ was a huge success with $130,000 been raised for the camp that day.“Many of these children, inner city kids, suffering with this awful illness, have never had the opportunity to enjoy a canoe ride or campfire,” said Paul LaRose, former LCBO Queen Quay store manager,” now they can feel like a kid and just have an amazing time.” “It’s hard to stay away and I want to still be part of it all.”

This wonderful day was all made possible by the generous donations from many LCBO suppliers including food, beverage, alcohol purveyors.“With this donation, the LCBO and its suppliers will have raised more than $1 million for the Camp over the last 19 years, indicated Chris Layton Spokesperson LCBO. “We have come a long way with the 1st BBQ just raising $500 those many years ago,” he indicated.

It was an awesome day with amazing food, many fundraising activities included skill-testing games, a huge silent auction tent and more. Way to go everyone! Looking forward to the 20th Annual next year!

About Camp Oochigeas

Located on a private lake outside Rosseau, Ontario, Camp Ooch http://www.ooch.org , as it is affectionately called by the kids, offers eight weeks of summer camp for children with cancer. It also provides weekends at camp throughout the fall and winter, day camp programs and year-round programming at The Hospital for Sick Children and in the community.  Camp Ooch remains the only residential camp in Ontario to provide on-site chemotherapy and blood transfusions