So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

North Cyprus Villas - The Different Side Of Cyprus

By Tim Martins

As far as religion is concerned, North Cyprus remains neutral and this has developed it into a very cosmopolitan region. After Sardinia and Sicily, Cyprus is the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and it can be positioned at about 65 km south of Turkey. Other countries close by to Cyprus include Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Israel and Greece.

In 1974 Cyprus was divided into 2 countries with the Turkish Cypriots living on the north and the Greek Cypriots in the south. Real estate tends to be a lot more cheaper in the North than anywhere else in the Mediterranean Sea, so you will always be able to find a bargain there or a cheap rental.

The island's present shape is formed mainly because of the side pressures formed during different geological ages. 'Capes' have been formed where the land has strength against the erosion of the sea and 'Gulfs' have been formed where the land was weaker and so gave way to erosion.

Cyprus in fact hides 2 capes called the Zafer cape which is located on the edge of the Karpaz peninsular and then there is the Korucam Cape on the western side of the island. You will also find 2 gulfs which are found in Guzelyurt and Famagusta so you can imagine the real beauty that North Cyprus has to offer, and this is one of the main reasons for it having become one of Europe's top holiday destinations. You will find that there aren't many vacancies in the North Cyprus holiday rental villas throughout the year.

The most prominent feature of North Cyprus is the range of mountains situated in the northern region, known as the Kyrenia Mountains, or Five Finger Mountains. It is a narrow range and is approximately 130 km long. It runs parallel to the coastline and occupies an area of about 260 sq km. This range is composed predominately of limestone, dolomite, and marble. Many North Cyprus Villas can be found to be located around this range. These villas allow one to view the beauty around and they are economical too.

The northern coast is very fertile and lies home to great vegetation including olive and carob trees. There is also a large natural spring in the Five Finger mountain region which also has great access from the North Cyprus villas. The villas themselves hold great views of the Mesaoria plain, which is found in the centre of the island between the Kyrenia and the Troodos mountain ranges.

You will find North Cyprus villas located on the northern and eastern coast lines which truly have a great advantage point when it comes to views of the blue Mediterranean waters. You will find small coves and bays along this stretch of coast where both swimming and sunbathing can be enjoyed to a maximum. If you aren't really a beach person then don't worry as the North Cyprus Villas also offer private Swimming pools.

So as you can see North Cyprus really does mark the difference when it comes to staying in holiday rental villas with such splendid views, places of interest and a mild climate throughout the year. Don't waste any more time looking at holiday destinations and come and explore the different side of Cyprus with North Cyprus villas.

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What Are The Most Popular Types Of Special Effects Lenses?

By Amy Nutt

In recent years, there have been many innovations in the types of special effects lenses that are used by the theatrical industry to transform the eyes of their actors. Special effect lenses are used to create eye appearances that cannot be obtained in any other way and because the eyes are considered to be the windows to the soul, having dramatic eyes on the actors in the movie can pull the entire look of the character together in a way that is incomparable. Because of the growing popularity of these types of color contacts lenses, some people that are not in the theatrical industry have chosen to purchase and wear these lenses as a fashion statement.

One of the most popular types of special effects lenses on the market today are the ones that are individually hand painted by artists to create the appearance that the purchaser desires. These lenses are made out of some of the softest plastic available for contact lenses and the designs for the lenses are hand-painted by some of the leading artists in the industry, making each set of lenses a unique creation. These hand-painted lenses are much more highly prized that the theatrical lenses that are mass produced by machinery in a factory.

Hand-painted special effects lenses can be purchased as either standard lenses that are used only to change the appearance of the eyes or prescription lenses that provide vision correction as well as altering the appearance of the eyes. To obtain the prescription lenses, the person will first need to see an optometrist for an eye examination to be sure that the prescription lenses will allow them to see properly. Having an incorrect prescription for the lenses could can damage to the eyes and prevent the person from seeing correctly while the lenses are in.

Many of the artists that hand-paint the theatrical special effects lenses are able to create virtually any design that the person can imagine. Purchasers can email or fax their design to the company that creates the special effects lenses and receive a reply of whether or not the design is possible within a matter of days. After the lenses have been painted in the design that the purchaser desires, the lenses are carefully packed in a sterile solution and shipped to the purchaser using one of the main package delivery services in the country.

These hand-painted special effects lenses can last for a number of years as long as they are cared for properly. The lenses can be cleaned and disinfected with regular contact lens cleaning solutions and stored in typical contact lens cases without damaging the lenses. It is not recommended for individuals to share a pair of contact lenses, even if they are not prescription lenses, because diseases could be transferred by the lenses from one person to another. As special effects lenses become more and more popular with members of the general population as well as individuals in the theatrical industry, hand-painted special effects lenses will continue to make an appearance at theaters near you.

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Leather Motorcycle Jacket Comfort is Key

By Frank Medley

For riders who like to take their bikes out throughout the year, the amount of comfort their jacket provides is important. You need a jacket that can keep you both warm and cool out there.

Leather motorcycle jacket comfort can help you to stay your most comfortable whenever you're riding. The material is also durable and tough enough to protect you in a crash, keeping you safe.

In the summer, a leather jacket can actually keep your cooler than a t-shirt. This is because it's shielding your skin from the sun. This is also protecting you from burns while you ride.

Any leather jacket that's worth buying should come with several air vents, to help you to stay cool as you're riding. These will be located on the front of the jacket, and also on the back for the air to flow.

A good jacket will provide you with excellent leather motorcycle jacket comfort, even in the winter months. It does so by keeping the cold wind from hitting your chest and arms as you're riding.

Another way to stay warm when riding in the winter is to wear a sweatshirt under the leather jacket. To ensure that you'll have enough room to do this, always make sure to wear one when you're trying the jacket on.

One way to ensure leather motorcycle jacket comfort is to buy a jacket with an insulated lining. This will help you to stay both warm and cool. It should also be removable, for easy washing and maintenance.

It's easy to find leather motorcycle jacket comfort. A high quality jacket with the right fit and nice safety and comfort features will be an accessory that you can wear and cherish for a long time.

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Cordless Hedge Trimmer

By Dane Masters

A landscaper a person who creates art from basic raw resources provided by nature. They spend their time creating new and different eye-appealing landscapes for everyone's enjoyment. The peaceful, energetic and beautiful landscapes often last centuries and they are the landscaper's gift to the future.

Like an artist, a landscaper cannot do their job properly without the proper tools. There is more to being a landscaper than a shovel and a bucket. Landscapers have to deal with trees and bushes, rocks and hedges. They will work with large equipment and small, power tools and trowels. The most important thing that a landscaper can do is to take the time to purchase quality equipment that will allow them to do their jobs under any circumstances.

The cordless hedge trimmer is one of the most important tools required in landscaping. Shaping hedges is not as easy as it looks. One has to deal with nasty conditions at times and all sorts of climates. In fact, most times there is not even sufficient standing space, but still the work is done with care and precision. It's not just about cutting out branches here and there. It requires skill and good tools.

This job becomes a lot easier if they are not also being forced to deal with the fact that when Mother Nature created the great outdoors she did not see fit to equip it with power outlets. A cordless hedge trimmer does not restrict the landscaper to the length of their extension cord, nor will it cause the project to come to a grinding halt while more cord can be found. In addition, many cordless hedge trimmers can be purchased with an extendable pole to allow the landscaper even more access to hard to reach places.

Cordless hedge trimmers can be purchased through most major landscaping equipment retailers and through many home improvement stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot.

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Production of scotch

By Roger Gordon

The production of Scotch whisky is a very slow process that takes years; A specialised craft in its own right, and a source of pleasure to many when the final product appears.

For approximately three days Barley is submerged in water in deep tanks. During that time as the moisture increases the process of germination takes place. Once that is achieved the barley is then transferred to the malting part of the distillery, sometimes described as the malting floor, and placed in drums.

To convert the starch in the grains into fermentable sugars that will feed the yeast in the fermentation stage is the sole purpose of the process of germination. To ensure that the temperature will remain consistent the barley is turned frequently. Wooden shovels known as Sheils are used to turn the grains on a traditional malting floor. If the temperature rises above 22 degrees they will die and the whole process will stop as the starch will not become sugar...

The grain then goes to the kiln, halting any further sugar consumption and drying up any moisture. It is usually a building two stories high with a perforated top that allows heat to escape. On the lower floor of it peat bricks are heated to dry the grain and consequently it acquires a peat like odour one of the most notable characteristics of a distillery is a pagoda type roof. A further matter of interest to take note of is that the malt will be damaged and unusable if heated above 70 degrees.

Centralised malting companies supply most distilleries with their malt these days, but there are still a small number who prefer to remain traditional and do it themselves.

The grain is milled into grist and combined with water in mash tubs to be heated to sixty degrees. During the mashing period the water is changed at least four times to remove sediment. The bi-product of this mashing is called wort. The wort must be cooled prior to mixing with yeast in what is called a wash back. This large container is never filled to the top as the wort froths a lot due to carbon dioxide. After two or three days all the yeast is killed by the alcohol. The end product of this cycle is called wash. It contains an alcohol percent of five to 8 percent.

The 'wash' is then placed in copper stills made in a regulation shape to allow for perfect distillation to occur. The still method usually takes place twice, though some distillers perform it three times or more. When that has been completed .the final brew is placed into casks usually made of oak, and left to mature for a period of eight to twelve years at least.

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Nissan Rogue: This Crossover SUV Continues to Win Awards

By Casey Copeland

Since its introduction in 2007, the Nissan Rogue has won a wide range of awards from critics, industry experts, and consumer advocacy groups. Perhaps most notably, however, Nissan Rogue owners who love this crossover SUV's style, performance, and design rate this model very highly. This compact SUV, which seats five passengers comfortably, defies easy categorization.

This crossover SUV model has an SUV's higher profile and sports a spirited, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood that, like many compacts, sips fuel instead of guzzling. The Rogue's compact body size holds a surprisingly roomy, comfortable, and generously-appointed interior. The Rogue's low sticker price implies a sensible economy car, but the lengthy list of standard features, including air conditioning, cruise control, power accessories, and other amenities usually offered as options, suggests a mid-level luxury car costing many thousands of dollars more.

Nissan Rogue Safety Awards

A vehicle's safety rating is one of the biggest concerns for buyers these days, and the Rogue has earned two safety awards from notable American highway safety testing and research organizations. Safety certification can make or break sales for any car, truck, or SUV. These two awards assure prospective owners that the Rogue is structurally sound and designed to protect occupants in an accident. These Nissan Rogue Crossover SUV safety awards include:

2008 IIHS Top Safety Pick Award-The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) only bestows this award upon vehicles that have earned the highest possible rating in all impact categories, including front-, side-, and rear-impact tests. To be considered, a vehicle must also provide head-protective air bags and electronic stability control (a function that assists with handling during sudden braking).

2008 NHTSA 5-Star Highest Side-Impact Safety Rating-The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a widely respected and impartial organization whose mission is saving lives and preventing vehicular injuries. The Rogue SUV's 5-star rating proves that it has achieved top safety marks in a variety of side-impact tests.

Nissan Rogue Customer Satisfaction Awards

Customer satisfaction awards may be extremely influential for buyers. Customer satisfaction data is compiled by research organizations. These organizations contact owners of various vehicles; track owner satisfaction in an array of broad and specific categories; compile the data, and finally, provide a comprehensive view of what owners really think about a given car, truck, or SUV model. The Nissan Rogue's customer satisfaction awards include:

2008 AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Compact Crossover SUV-In the fiercely competitive small crossover SUV segment of the automotive industry, the AutoPacific survey of Rogue owners found that the Nissan Rogue Crossover SUV scored highest in its class for fuel economy, reliability, durability, exterior styling, safety features, and in the all-important "fun-to-drive" category.

MotorWeek's 2008 "Driver's Choice Award for Best Small Utility Vehicle-For over 25 years, this television magazine series on PBS has tested over 150 different vehicles each year, and has issued annual awards in a variety of categories. Their panel of judges determined that the Nissan Rogue "...delivers a strong balance of practicality, front- or all-wheel drive performance, style, and affordability. Plus, this sharp little crossover is fun to drive, can carry plenty of stuff, and won't beat you up at the gas pump."

Nissan Rogue Automotive Review Award

In a relatively short period of time, Edmunds.com and its affiliate automotive review sites have become some of the most respected sources for vehicle information on the Web. When buyers are weighing the virtues of different vehicles before buying, they turn to Edmunds.com for unbiased, factual, professionally-written vehicle reviews. When Parents magazine wanted authoritative input for their annual vehicle awards, they turned to Edmunds.com, and together they concluded the Nissan Rogue was worthy of:

Parents Magazine's "Best Family Cars for 2008" Award-Based on their criteria for overall vehicle safety and family-friendly features, Parents magazine and Edmunds.com chose the Rogue as one of its Best Family Cars for 2008. The magazine stated, "The brand-new Rogue has two irresistible qualities: a sleek, modern design and a very modest sticker price. And the advanced transmission makes for a quiet ride and quick acceleration, so it's a blast to drive."

For people considering a compact crossover SUV for their next vehicle purchase, awards indicate that the Nissan Rogue Crossover SUV stands out from the competition in a variety of categories important to buyers and dealers alike. Nothing informs and reinforces a purchasing decision better than awards from respected, impartial sources. Given that the Nissan Rogue is only entering its third year of production, there is every reason to expect that the Rogue will continue to win awards for many years to come.

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Are Discount Tires Safe To Use?

By Will Treps

You are probably not alone in looking for a discount tire. Many people are probably after the same thing. This is probably because maintaining a car these days is becoming more and more expensive. You can't just get any tire with a discount though. There are some things that you should consider.

Tire Safety

Tires with a discount are never synonymous with worn-out tires. The tires that you buy for a discount should be made of quality materials and durable. Look for reputable tire brand names when looking for a discount bargain

Where to Get Them

There are many sources for the best deals. Tire dealers and sellers may advertise their discounted products through promotional ads and may even offer limited discount coupons to lucky clients. Here are some of the great places to shop for discounted tires:

- Store outlets located near you may offer seasonal discounts on their tires. You just have to keep your eyes peeled for sales so you can take good advantage of it.

- Retail stores and individuals may also sell tires with a discount on online page ads and auction sites. Sometimes though, it may be a little difficult shopping in sites like these. Unless the ad poster is a well known tire retailer, you may never know if a scam artist is trying to rip you off. Make sure you have some knowledge and experience with shopping for discount tires in auctions.

- Reputable online stores selling tires at regular prices may also be offering discounted tires at the same time. Check the discount section of these sites to keep updated on their offers.

Why Online Stores are a Good Idea

Looking for tires in these reputable online stores are often the best option. Here are a few good reasons:

- It's more convenient to shop online. You simply have to provide some information about your tire preferences and your tire gets delivered right your doorstep. All you have to do is to sit in the comfort of your home in front of a computer.

- Online shops that have been around for some time have reputations they would want to uphold. You'll never get ripped off if you shop from a good store. You can even get good warranties or guarantees.

- There are staffs and personnel from these online tire shops who can offer you suggestions and answer your questions. They can also provide the perfect tire match for you. You simply have to provide online store personnel with data such as vehicle type, driving conditions and style of driving, to get the right tires.

- They usually offer more than just tires. They also provide great online information about other important factors that can affect driving safety and car performance.

- A good store will also be able to offer you suggestions on how to install your tire or where to have it installed.

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Useful Information On HDTV

By Don Pedro

One of the wonders of latest technology is HDTV, which stands for high definition television. Really it has taken the audiovisual entertainment to the next level. What is unique about HDTV? These televisions are programmed to function digitally, using digital video streams. So encoding, decoding and video compression is possible and you can use the latest video formats, allowing the device to produce uncompromised quality of sound and picture.

Yes, this is what HDTVs for, high definition and the name itself indicates the evolution of television from traditional Standard definition television (SDTV) to HDTV. High definition televisions are digitally programmed and operated and therefore they are able to handle super quality video streams.

With the advancement in television industries, television channels are also upgrading their broadcasting system to digital streams. Moreover digital broadcasting needs lesser bandwidth because there video encoding and compression is possible. So, you wont need to miss your favorite program at all.

When you are about to buy the well-cherished television, what you should look for is the warranty that the brands are offering. Their warranty and customer service should be up to meet your needs. Its so important and no doubt, you wont want to find yourself in troubles with the new television.

Its always wise to do some research before the final expenditure. And you can do so easily with the help of the internet. Thanks to those unlimited number of blogs and forums that allows experts to share their reviews, tips and experiences about almost any electronic devices.

You can even buy the television online from many popular online e trading sites. Some of those sites even often offers discounts that may save you a lot. There are sites like Amazon.com where you will find myriads of brands producing HDTV. From there you can easily choose the right one within your budget.

A HDTV is gorgeous. The quality of picture and sound is of a new world. Its obvious HDTV will replace the older versions of television in the coming days.

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