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

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Get Night Vision Goggles Today

By Marcus Rheinold

Technology has always attempted to develop such gadgets that will make everything as easy as possible. Just like the regular goggles that individuals use; who would have imagined that in the years to come night vision goggles could be created for personal and professional purposes.

This new invention introduced in the 20th century has been tremendously useful to countless people and companies because it has many more new specs to enable the users to maximize its functions.

Night vision goggles are very perfect when fishing, peering in the dark or for security applications. These can even be used by normal homeowners to secure their family from any intruder in the dark. We all know that sometimes, unwanted burglars can break into a home as the residents are sleeping. Without the thieves' knowledge, a people inside the house is able to view what's going on and then can manipulate the situation to be able to seek police help.

Military and police squadrons also benefit from the night vision goggles especially when they are working at night. This equipment is truly useful because it does get to a vision of sometimes more than 60-meter distance range.

Night vision goggles are always terribly important for night hunters. One can flip on the night vison goggles and look in a hunting grounds and not disturbing the animals making the hunting much simpler to complete.

Nighttime fishermen can also be one more party to use night vision goggles for many ocean creatures are even more difficult to catch at night as they are incredily sensitive to the moving of the currents and they can sense if anyone trying to get them.

Via night vision goggles, a lot of jobs are being completed in with fewer time leading to a more productive life.

About the Author:

Model Train Shows - Lionel Trains LionelManuals

By Johnny Butt

The hobby of model trains and railroading has been round for some years. In actuality, it's becoming one of the leading hobbies inside the hobby industry. Collecting model trains is a tremendous event in Europe and the United States. It stands to reason, with such an interest, there was sure to be displays and model train shows surfacing. There is big satisfaction taken by these collectors in flashing their collection and particular layouts.

Not every one desires to get involved in that region of the model train hobby. Several like to just buy their favorite parts and keep them on the show case. They are not really into the running of the trains and the setting up of it as well.

Even those individuals that are not into model train collection are suprised with numerous of the setups seen at this shows. They find it amazing how genuine of a replica they really are. The only difference between the real thing and the display is the size.

Needless to say, the model train industry is very effective in a variety of ways. There are huge amounts of accessories that could now be bought to add to the train sets. Then there is a wide selection of train tools, small enough to do those train repairs when needed. Naturally, there is a replica of every last model of train imaginable. All of these things and so much more is available at the model train shows. Some other bonus of going to one of these is getting to see a crew of great people with the same interests as you.

Theres some thing for the beginner right up to the master collector, to be found here. Often at the shows, you will find a real mixed group of people. Several will have zero admiration for the work that went into the lay out and design. And then there will be some others that will congratulate your work respecting it for what it is. It is really a work of true art.

About the Author:

Heirloom Toys - Radio Flyer Toys are Perfect Newborn Baby Gifts

By Edie Mindell

Classic toys from a bygone era bespeak the tradition of the season and a connection with antiquity that is renewed with each holiday season. There are some things which seem impervious to the dimming factor time has on most. Christmas and traditions which are woven into its very fabric stand the test of time year after year. Most folks have great memories of the Radio Flyer wagon they got and if they are lucky, have kept.

Babies and the renewal of life, the freshness and love each tiny little bundle brings is also a timeless experience. Each new parent or grandparent will attest to this fact. Babies and the memory of babies stand forever young.

The marriage of babies and Christmas is almost unavoidable. Parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles the world over wait for Christmas to spoil and love the newest additions to their family circles, just as the childless wait for a baby to complete their Christmas celebrations.

Heirloom Gifts

Babies don't usually need a lot, nor are they very aware of the gifts bestowed upon them for their first Christmases. To this end it is fun, and befitting to select gifts of heirloom quality. This kind of gift has a value which goes beyond the item itself and springs up from tradition, love and the memories of antiquity as well as dreams for the baby's future.

Big bucks

An heirloom gift does not need to be expensive, but is usually of a higher quality than the more disposable counterpart. For example, a silver or pewter cup engraved with the babies name and birth date is not an extravagantly expensive gift. Yet the gift itself will last into future generations honoring the special feelings felt for this child. The grandbabies of this baby will share in that birthright of love as the cup passes hands.

Specifics

Heirloom gifts do not need to be fancy; some of the most beautiful heirloom gifts are the simplest. Toys made from wood like wooden cars and trucks or boats and animals are of heirloom quality. Raggedy Ann dolls are also cherished heirloom toys. This kind of heirloom gift can be played with and enjoyed in ways other than just observing it on a shelf.

Other heirloom gifts are less sturdy in play, but no less valued. Gifting a silver picture frame along with a certificate for a photography session is a gift that will certainly be appreciated long after it is given.

To select the perfect heirloom gift for the babies on your list think about traditional gifts such as: silver cups, bronzed baby booties, a pewter rattle. More modern gifts that still qualify as heirloom gifts include: classic books like those by Beatrix Potter or A.A. Milne, well made toys fashioned after eras past, porcelain dolls, bonnets, layettes and christening gowns.

Or think about any of the Radio Flyer toys, Airflow collectibles for pedal planes or tricycles. As a child, there is nothing like being able to have your own set of wheels to cruise around the neighborhood and many of those children will keep that toy forever and ever and even pass it on to their own children.

About the Author:

35 Ways Acai Helps You Achieve Good Health

By M Taylor

1. Acai is a good source of protein. Protein is one of the building blocks of the human body, especially bodily tissues like the organs and muscles. Protein is also a component of the skin, hair and nails; and ounce for ounce, acai contains more protein than eggs!

2. Acai has been used for centuries as a natural agent of detoxification - it helps to clear impurities from your body.

3. Acai enhances muscle function and recovery following workouts thanks to its mineral and amino acid content. Which makes it a great supplement for those that exercise.

4. Acai is also a favorite of athletes due to its lipid content, which gives your body the energy it needs to play sports; or just get through your busy day.

5. The acai berry can help to regulate stress levels.

6. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of the acai berry support sexual health and improve fertility by combating the effects of free radicals and pollutants which can reduce fertility.

7. The high nutritional content of acai includes the vitamins and minerals your immune system needs to fight off disease.

8.Acai's antioxidant content can reduce the effects of aging by protecting your cells from free radicals.

9.The antioxidants in acai can also help to prevent prostate enlargement.

10. The high calcium content of the acai berry helps improve bone health, preventing fractures and osteoporosis. Acai does a body good!

11. Acai's calcium content also helps to reduce menstrual pain - acai juice is especially beneficial to women.

12. Acai contains polyphenois (a heart-healthy antioxidant), the anthocynanin 3-glucoside, which helps endothelial cells to produce more nitric oxide - which improves blood flow and reduces stress on your heart. These ingredients make acai a great nutritional choice for heart health.

13. Acai contains essential fatty acids that keep LDL (bad cholesterol) low, while boosting levels of HDL (good cholesterol).

14. Acai is great for your circulatory system - the anthocyanins in acai strengthen your veins, arteries and capillaries, while the sterols in acai help to regulate blood pressure.

15. Acai can help to prevent retinopathy in diabetics, which can lead to blindness. Acai strengthens capillaries to prevent eye damage and also helps maintain proper glucose and lipid levels. Acai is a low glycemic index food which is very good for diabetics.

16. The fact that acai is a low GI food means that it can regulate appetite, making it a great choice for those trying to lose weight.

17. According to a study reported in the Journal of Sports Medicine, acai's beta-sitoserol content counters immune suppression and regulates lymphocyte activity, effectively boosting immune function.

18. Acai's antioxidant properties also help support your immune system by preventing damage done to cells by free radicals.

19.The antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties of acai help to prevent disease.

20. Acai is an anti-mutagen, meaning that it prevents damage to your DNA (such as that done by mutagens and carcinogens).

21. Acai contains plenty of dietary fiber, which helps to improve digestive function.

22. Acai can help to treat GERD (acid reflux disease). This is due to the antioxidant properties of the acai berry, which assists in repairing and protecting the lower esophagus from the damage caused by GERD and its ability to reduce stomach acidity.

23. Acai can help fight the ulcer causing bacteria H. pylori, helping to treat ulcers.

24. The anti-inflammatory properties of acai can control the symptoms of Chron's disease.

25. Acai is beneficial to the skin. The phytosterols and anthocynanins found in acai help protect skin and connective tissues (including collagen) from wrinkling and other damage.

26. Acai cocntains lots of antioxidants, which reduce your risk of certain cancers, such as skin, breast, stomach and lung cancers.

27. Acai contains anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce the pain of arthritis.

28. Acai's anti-inflammatory properties can also help to alleviate the symptoms of asthma.

29. A 2004 Archives of Neurology study found that a diet rich in vitamin C and in vitamin E (note: both vitamins are abundant in acai berries) can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

30. Acai helps to support proper eye function; the vitamin C and beta carotene found in acai even help prevent some of the damage from macular degeneration in diabetics.

31. Acai is also healthy for your teeth and gums. Acai's calcium content whitens and strengthens your teeth, helps to prevent gingivitis and other gum and tooth diseases.

32. The omega-3 fatty acids in acai help maintain mental clarity and alertness.

33. Acai helps with restful sleep thanks to its nutritional content, especially B vitamins. These vitamins help reduce stress and promote the production of serotonin and dopamine.

34. Acai Promotes overall good health and wellness.

35. Acai might not be the cure to disease, but by supplying your body with all of the nutrition it needs, it helps your body to heal itself.

About the Author:

Choosing A Beautiful Cactus For Your Garden

By Thomas Fryd

Mealybugs and scale insects can be two of the most aggressive bugs to attack cacti and succulents. New seedling plants are also subject to damage, but the main pest of these plants is when they are over watered by their owners. There are many varieties, more than a thousand to choose from, and we are going to list a few of the more popular ones. For many reasons, these types have proven to be great houseplants.

A Christmas Cactus, which also goes by the name zygocactus truncatus, is admired for its mid-winter flowers. It grows in a cluster of leaf-life joints extending from a single base. The flowers run up to 3 inches long, are deep red in color and will bloom from October to January. This particular cactus is aided by being placed outside during the summer months. It should be only be watered sparsely once it is brought back inside. This is only necessary until it shows signs of blooming again, then watering should be increased. It should be planted in loose soil, and it does not need sand, unlike other varieties of cacti. It tends to be droopy and would be best planted in a hanging basket.

The Peanut Cactus is another popular cactus of the succulent family. It is very different from its cousin the Christmas Cactus. It is a lower growing plant it seldom grows over 3 inches tall. It is made up of clusters of joints that are covered by soft white spines. It has large, funnel shaped flowers and it propagated by cutting the joints.

Another variety is the Night-Blooming Cereus, as the name implies, it flowers will only open at night. There are many different varieties of the Night-Blooming Cactus. Some of which can grow to be very high in stature. In the houseplant variety, it can grow to a height of 3 or 4 feet and it blooms large white colored flowers.

The Orchid Cactus, is also in the same family as the Christmas Cactus. But this cactus blooms in the spring and summer, as opposed to the winter time. There are dozens of types of this cactus, all have exquisite blooms and can reach tremendous height and size. Aloes are in the succulent family, they grow heavy lily-shaped leaves that sprout from a single base. They can be either fully green or green with white and silver stripes and spots.

Aloes can often be mistaken for the Agave, the Century Plant. They strongly resemble each other. The Crown-Of-Thorns is known by the botanical name Euphorbia. It can be grown upright or trained to vine, it has a thick stem and succulent spiny leaves. This plant needs more moisture and humidity than many other succulents or the yucca cane. The Jade Plant, or Crassula, is another typical succulent plant, it has flat, round leaves that are bright green or can be variegated in color as well. This plant is easy for a even a novice to grow, and will withstand almost anything except over watering.

About the Author:

Did you See the Pink Cuisinart DCC-1100 Ultimate Coffeemaker

By Carmen van Houten

When you get up in the morning, there is nothing like a warm cuppa. Coffee is the brew that everyone heads for to jump starting their day. Coffee tastes best when it is properly brewed and in order to ensure this you need to have the right coffee maker.

Check out the Pink Cuisinart DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemakers for the most excellent coffee brews everyday.

What makes this coffeemaker so different from so many others? The first aspect is the quality. This is a coffee maker that gives you the best and strongest coffee brews. Enjoy having coffee with your friends, family and even your office colleagues using this excellent coffee maker.

It features an ergonomic handle and a dripless spout and this enables you to handle it easily. What is so special about it is that you can put a quick cup for yourself, even while the coffee is still brewing Double fresh isn't' it and tasty too.

The Pink Cuisinart DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker is as the name suggests - 'programmable'. You can program it for automatic brewing for any time of the day because has a 24-hour programmability feature.

We all know what its like to want just a half cup, but we get a full cup because that's how the coffeemaker works. Not with the Pink Cuisinart DCC-1100. This coffeemaker gives you one to four distinct cup settings which make only that much as you want to drink. So, you can pour out only how much you wish to drink and enjoy the best tasting coffee wherever you want.

Oops!! The power got cut, when I brewed my coffee you have to do the brewing all over again. You don't have to worry about this with this coffeemaker because it has a 60-second reset feature, which continues the brewing right where it left off when the power went out.

The Pink Cuisinart DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker comes in a very distinct pink color. The unique design, lovely shade and optimal ergonomics makes it a piece that you simply must have in your kitchen.

Enjoy the luxury of the best coffee brews with the Pink Cuisinart DCC-1100. With this coffeemaker from Cuisinart, you can make 12 cups at a time. It has a 3-year warranty on it as well.

If you are looking for an interesting present for someone close to you, consider getting them a Pink Cuisinart DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker. It will surely surprise them as it will also be very useful for them.

About the Author:

Why It Makes Sense to Get a Compass Metal Detector

By Ann Triune

Nearly every experienced treasure hunter has heard of the Compass metal detector. For many hunters, there is just nothing better for finding old coins, pieces of precious metal and many other great items.

The truth is that Compass has been around the block for a few decades now. Many treasure hunters actually still use the detectors they bought many years ago. This is despite the fact that there are now newer models for sale. If you are a just starting out as a coin or metal hunter, Compass might be worth a shot. Here are a few great advantages that Compass users have discovered:

- Compass is apparently as good at pointing directions as its name suggests. There's just no getting lost with such a properly named device. Just like an actual compass, you can find where you want to go with this detector brand. Even coins buried inches below a lot of solids can still be found.

- Compass detectors perk up quite easily when they've found something. This is even if you don't really take a lot of time on a specific area. Even if you make a brief sweep, a Compass is sensitive enough to find buried coins or other metal items. You can find out for yourself just how sensitive a Compass is. Just bury a few coins in trash and try finding it with a few sweeps of your Compass.

- A Compass metal detector often doesn't fool around. Some coin or treasure hunters often face the problem of dealing with false signals. With Compass, you get less of that. Some models of Compass can even give you a clue on its meter if you have found anything less than gold.

- A Compass will carry the features you will need. This includes its D coils and an auto notch function. If you think depth isn't a consideration, than setting to auto notch is all you will need.

There are many other great features to a Compass. If you are still a little uncertain about it, then you just have to ask real users what they think about it. There are many loyal and new Compass users who would be willing to vouch for their units. Head off to metal detector blogs and forums and read what they think about Compass. You can even leave these experts some messages in case there are things you would want to know more about Compass.

You may want a Compass now. Where can you buy one? The best places to look are online bargain and auction sites. Several treasure hunting websites might also have old units for sale. These are great places to shop if you want to shave a few dollars off your purchase.

It is important to be careful online though. There are many disreputable merchants that may sell you defective units. A good way to make sure that you are making a good buy is to find out about the Compass seller. Ask him as many questions as possible about himself and his unit. You can never be too sure when buying online.

A Compass metal detector in itself is already a good find. Don't let go of a good unit when you find one.

About the Author:

Edinburgh Short Breaks

By Craig Walker

Choosing Edinburgh as a city break destination will involve selecting the same criteria as you would use for any other city break in the world.

A good weekend away can depend on what you expect and are looking for. It is always a good idea to do some simple checking prior to choosing your destination. important factors to think about include the time of year you are planning to changeable and wet out with the summer months however there is still plenty of things to do and see.

Edinburgh airport offers even more direct Edinburgh flights than ever before so if you are planning on visiting Scotland's capital city then you should find it easier than ever to get a more convenient direct flight to Edinburgh from an airport near to where you live. There are lots of extra flights from London to Edinburgh on more than one airline so as a result of the competition on this popular route it should be easy enough to get a cheaper flight to Edinburgh.

Why should you choose Edinburgh? Edinburgh is one of the top city break destinations in the UK and Europe and offers a vast range of attractions, pubs, restaurants and options for the visitor.

Probably most famous of all the attractions in Edinburgh has to be Edinburgh Castle itself. Perched above the main shopping street it is a fantastic back drop to this wonderful historical city. Depending on when you visit you may be lucky enough to attend an event at the castle. Obviously the most famous is the Military Tattoo which takes place every August. Other events include Classical Concerts as well as music events with some of the worlds most famous groups and singers.

Another popular attraction is the Scottish Parliament buildings which operate tours all year around the landmark building. Nearby you could complete your day out with a visit to Dynamic Earth where visitors can learn about the planet in a fun and educational way.

There is of course a lot more things to do and see and by quickly checking the options on the internet you will find lists of them. By planning ahead you will make the most of your Edinburgh city break

There is a vast choice of accommodation options available in Edinburgh from small family run bed and breakfasts and youth hostels to the very best five star accommodation. As a general rule you will pay more for accommodation in better locations nearer the city centre than a short journey away.

If you are planning on a short break in Edinburgh in August or at New Year make sure you book well in advance so you get the best deals and actually get accommodation. It is not unusual on certain dates to find people booking accommodation as far away as Glasgow.

Get the best deals and book up as early as possible and you could easily get a great value short break in Edinburgh even during the busy dates such as in August and New Year.

About the Author:

If You Are Unable To Be There But Want To Show You Love Them Then Send -