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

Thursday, September 17, 2009

A Really Basic Introduction To The Main Kinds of Wine Making

By April Kerr

Wine making is a really old and traditional and people have been wine making around the world for hundreds of years. There are loads of different parts to wine making though and there are precise steps taken depending on the sort of wine you are making. Anyone can do wine making and there are loads of resources accessible for those novice wine makers.

The main purpose of wine making is the same no matter what kind of wine you are planning on making. Yeast is utilized to change sugar into alcohol. A byproduct of this conversion is the production of carbon dioxide and flavor and aroma compounds. There are many different kinds of yeast that can be used in wine making as some yeast are preferred for white wine making and others for red wine making.

There is one major difference between white wine making and red wine making. With white wine making you take the juice and ferment it using yeast. With red wine making the skins are also incorporated into the juice so as the yeast is making alcohol the color is extracted from the skins. You do not need to only use white grapes to make white wine and red grapes can also be used to make white wine.

Sparkling wine also has an added step. The wine is fermented akin to white wine. Once this still wine is produced there is a second fermentation.

Once you have still wine, the wine is put into bottles, a little bit of juice or sugar solution is added to the wine with some extra yeast. The bottles are then capped and a second fermentation occurs in the bottle. The CO2 produced builds up in the bottle so that when you open the sparkling wine it fizzes.

There are sweeter wines for example fortified wines and dessert wines that also have their own special step. The wine maker does not allow the yeast to finish fermentation so there is still sugar left in the wine and it tastes sweet. Examples of these sweet wines are fortified wines, late harvest wines and ice wines.

Late harvest wines are made of highly ripe grapes so that they are shriveled and like raisins. This creates juice that has high sugar. The fermentation is stopped before it is done by chilling. In this way the alcohol content is low and the wine is really sweet. There is much more to wine making but what is described above are the major differences between the styles of winemaking you can use.

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Surfing And The Spirit Of Exploration

By Damian Papworth

When I hit the beach to surf I usually head down to Mermaid Beach. Though the waves are not among the best of the Gold Coast's offerings, I choose this spot because of the ability to dodge the swelling crowds. Crowds and surfing: they've got a funny relationship. No serious surfer out there will tell you that they enjoy surfing in a tightly packed spot, yet nonetheless we all tend to exacerbate the matter by obeying certain sheep-like behavior (i.e. the "follow the pack" mentality).

On the average day, Mermaid Beach has three or four peaks, though only one will be taken advantage of and by a big, poorly distributed mob. When I get there, instead of jumping in right away and paddling out, I take a moment to ponder the scene and choose my spot wisely. Ultimately, my decision will be shaped by the quality of the waves rolling in and the amount of surfers in a given area of water. Personally, I am always willing to give up a bit of wave quality to be able to have plenty of room, though that's just me.

I'll sometimes end up walking about a kilometer in either direction to determine which wave I really want to catch. Once I've caught one however, it's almost invariably the case that one of the surfers crammed into the pack will branch off and come surf the spot I'm at. It's not clear to me why they didn't do so at an earlier point, since the wave had been breaking there all day long. It seems to be a matter of a lack of imagination on the other surfer's behalf, not realizing the wave was there until I chose to catch it.

This generally reflects the fact (which also bewilders me) that most surfers don't take any time to survey the water in search of the best wave before getting in. On the contrary, they simply get in and paddle out to the same spot where everybody else is already bunching up, assuming that by default, that will be the spot with the nicest waves.

Often I am out surfing on days where ideal conditions exist all up and down the beach, with nobody else on their board except for me. Then another person gets into the surf and ends up at precisely the same area of the water where I am surfing. Of all the places they had at their disposal, they decide to compete with me at my break. In these cases, I just paddle off to catch the next wave down the beach and keep surfing, pondering in the process about the other person's intelligence.

In the end, this prevalent behavior obliges me to wonder: what ever happened to the exploratory spirit that used to be so essential to surfing? Where has it ended up? When did it get substituted by this sheepish behavior where everyone just follows the rest? Perhaps I am peculiar now in my eagerness for uninterrupted surfing; maybe the crowd dynamic is what most people enjoy now? It's beyond me, yet I can't help thinking this type of behavior is odd.

A token piece of advice: next time you go down to the beach to surf, stop for a moment and contemplate where you'll position yourself. The spot with the big, unwieldy crowd is likely not to be where you'll surf the most or the best waves!

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The Best Ways to Maintain and Enhance Your Outdoor Water Features

By Paula Alford

Big or tiny you can make your yard a space of beauty and tranquility with a small pond. By employing a little creativeness and some cash saving techniques you can maintain a one of a kind focal point that won't break your bank.



Keeping It Clean

Use an aquarium vacuum that you can get at any pet store or pet area of a department store. This easy tool is fundamentally a long hose with a broad based suction head to travel over as much area as workable while being comfortable to grip. This should be done once a week in the summer months. You will want to restore the water you take out in the course of cleaning.

Add a waterfall or other water aeration to keep algae down. A waterfall or aerator adds oxygen to the water which is beneficial if you wish to maintain fish in your pond as well as to limit algae levels. They also help keep the water circulating and temperature lower to evade an algae bloom that will make your water green.

Light It Up

Place lights in strategic locations in the region of the edge of your pool in the plants, rocks, or even under the surface of the water. Set the timer to turn on a few minutes before sundown, and set it to turn off a few minutes after your typical bedtime. Using timers will reduce the cost of lighting your pond so that the lights are only on during the times you are most likely to see them.

Save Money on Water Use

Make use of self contained pond and filter elements so that you only have to restore water once a week when cleaning your pond. Buy the best filter you can afford and make sure it is the appropriate size for your pond so that you have to replace grimy water less frequently

Plant Care

Plants can add visual allure to your pond as well as help keep the water in sunny condition. Letting plants grow out of control, however, can have the reverse effect as well as letting them acquire mold and mildew. Keep your plants pleasantly pruned and check on them often.

Chemicals

If your water gets out of hand on you in spite of your regular efforts you can apply chemicals to contain algae or other contaminants that can trigger gray water. If you have your pond stocked with fish be sure any chemicals are safe for use with living animals. Most pond supply stores only have in stock algaecides and enzyme products that are safe to use with fish.

Conclusion

A pond is ordinarily a highlight of any landscape and requires monitoring and maintenance. It can become a hobby of sorts, because after you have one you sense a craving to keep improving it. Stay within your means and remember to enjoy it. By following the easy ideas mentioned you can manage your pond and appreciate its intended natural and emotional beauty.

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SUV Review: The 2009 Ford Edge

By Andy Zain

Ford has manufactured the 2009 Ford Edge as a premium crossover SUV that is based around the Ford CD3 platform, which it shares with the Mazda6 and is effectively modified from the Lincoln MKX. The Mazda CX-9 crossover, the Mercury Milan, the Lincoln MKZ and the Ford Fusion sedans all share its platform.

As a crossover vehicle, the Edge bridges the gap between those minivans that are like the since discontinued Freestar, and truck-based sport utility vehicles such as the Explorer. The Edge officially slots below the Taurus X in Ford's crossover SUV lineup, although it is not much smaller than that model.

The 2009 Ford Edge is the latest model in the Edge range and that attempts to live up to the demand for a spacious, yet stylish, car. This five-passenger utility vehicle has several interesting features. Ford insists that this is much more than just a car, suggesting that it is a cross between a minivan and a truck.

A 3. 5 liter V6 engine powers the 2009 Ford Edge, which kicks out an impressive 265 horsepower through a 6 speed automatic transition. All-wheel drive is available, but front wheel drive is the standard. The SUV boasts many safety features such as anti-lock brakes, a tire-pressure monitoring system and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control. The airbags are front seat-mounted side-impact, front/rear curtain and front impact as standard.

The Edge series made its debut at the 2006 NAIA Show in the January of 2006, and production of the 2007 model began in the October 2006, with the first ones being released just before December 25, 2006, due to issues with one of the suppliers. The 2009 Ford Edge utilizes Ford's innovative front end design, with its usual three bar chrome grille.

The 2009 Ford Edge has a fuel economy that is rated at 15 to 16 miles per gallon in the city, and 22 to 24 miles per gallon on the highway. As mentioned above, the Edge is available in both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive and uses Ford's front end design with its distinctive three-bar chrome grille. Although the 2007 series was introduced with the three trim levels of SE, SEL, and SEL Plus, the 2009 series has dispensed with the SEL Plus version.

Standard accompaniments on all versions of the 2009 Ford Edge includes air conditioning; lumbar support on the driver's seat; cruise control; power windows, door locks and mirrors; a remote keyless entry; tilt and telescopic steering wheel; and P235/65R17 tires with alloy wheels. The safety equipment on the car includes standard front airbags as well as front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. There are anti-lock brakes, a innovative system to monitor tire-pressure and an electronic stability control.

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What Kind of Motorhome Furniture Do You Need? The Secrets You Must Know!

By J.C. Campbell

If you are planning to travel or live in a motorhome, you are going to need furniture. You'll need storage, furniture, and other accessories for both inside and outside use. There are many styles and colors from which to choose, which will let you be creative with your motorhome furniture choices.

You will need to begin with the basics: a bed, toilet, kitchen table,chairs, refrigerator, etc. If you have a small space, you can pick furniture that can be used for more than one use, such as a sofa with a bed built in or multi-use table.

There are many quality convertible beds available, along with magic beds, jackknife beds, and easy beds. They typically have pop-out foot rests as well. You can relax during the day and sleep on it at night. This style of motorhome furniture comes in many sizes and styles, so you shouldn't have any problem finding one to suit your needs.

As for tables and chairs, you'll find that the selections can be very versatile. You can choose from dinner tables that can be doubled as a computer or office desk, living room chairs that have storage room underneath them, folding chairs, and so forth. They all come in a variety of styles and colors.

Maybe the most important piece of furniture you choose is a captain's chair. Consider the quality and comfort more than anything else. This is absolutely something on which you should not compromise quality. Comfort is something that you need when traveling by motorhome.

When buying RV and motorhome furniture, you can't neglect the accessories, such as electrical items. You'll need a fridge and cookers after all. You'll also need heating if you plan on taking your home to colder climates, and air conditioning for warmer climates.

For the necessities, you'll need a swivel toilet, water tank, pumps, waste carriers, etc. Do not scrimp on the little things that make life easier and convenient. There are some great deals to be had, so take time to look for discounts and sales.

Whatever you do, never, ever compromise on quality when it comes to RV and motorhome furniture. Quality, durability, and comfort should come first, and color, style, and design should come second. You need to make your home away from home a truly, nice place to live.

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The Black Cat Superstition

By Russ D. Edwards

Most people won't admit to being superstitious. Maybe that's because the definition of superstition' is an unreasonable belief based on stupidity or fear, or both. Nobody wants to appear ignorant or fearful. Yet you may find well-educated, awfully successful people who won't walk under a ladder or who will bury the pieces of a broken mirror or who throw salt over their shoulders if salt is spilled. You will find people who, if a black pussy crosses their path, turn around and go back home or take another path to their destination.

Black cats are somehow related to malicious, with magicians, and even with sickness. Black doggies have been assigned the blame for everything from a run of bad luck to the plague and all the injustices of the Earth.

essentially, gullible ideology change from country to country and even from region to region. Having a black cat cross your path in England or Japan is claimed to bring' luck, but having a black moggy cross your path in America and another European states is said to bring' luck.

Having a black moggy cross your trail isn't the only legend that relies on black cats :

* In Scotland, it is believed that a unusual black cat on your porch brings prosperity. * Italians believe that when a black pussy sneezes, all who hear it'll have good luck. * Egyptians believe the life-giving rays of the sun are kept in the eyes of a cat at night. * In Ireland, murdering a pussy brings 17 years of bad luck. * In America, it's 'bad' luck to see a white cat at night, but 'good' luck to fantasize about a white cat.

ancient Egyptians worshiped pussies, and anyone who killed a cat was executed. In the Middle Ages, when magicians turned into a concern, the black cat was linked to magicians and to devil. Some assumed that a magician has the power to transform herself into the form of a black cat, so the notion that a black pussy that crossed your path was actually a camouflaged hag was born.

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Caring For Your Container Garden And Garden Pots

By David Haines

You only need basic gardening skills to have a successful container garden. Let's start with the containers. Make sure that if your garden pots are made from a porous material such as wood or terracotta, that they are properly sealed on the inside with a quality water sealant. If not, a lot of the water that is meant for the plants will be soaked up by the pot causing them to dry out sooner than expected.

Water

It is just as important not to over water as it is not to underwater. Most garden pots will have a saucer or bowl underneath to catch any extra water and keep it from rotting your patio or deck. The best way to water your container garden is by filling the saucers up with water. This helps you avoid over watering and the water from spilling over the top of the saucer. The water will seep up through the hole in the bottom of the pot feeding the roots of your plants.

Watering your plants on the top surface of the soil is another way you can water. However, if you do, avoid over watering by filling it a little at a time (about a cup or so) and be sure to keep an eye on how much water seeps into the saucer. Try not to overfill the saucer. Use a hand sprayer to spray your houseplants with rain or bottled water. This will keep calcium from forming on the leaves.

Plant Food

Because garden pots are generally small, nutrients don't last much more than five or six weeks in most potting soils. Vital nutrients in the soil will need to be replenished with plant food. It usually comes in either a granular form or a liquid form. For really low maintenance, it is recommended that you use slow-release granules since they last a long time and they keep a steady supply of food going to the plants.

Controlling Insects

The two main types of insecticides are Systemic and Contact. Systemic works by pouring the insecticide onto the soil. It is then absorbed through the root system then up through the plant. This works best for pests under the soil and for leaf eating bugs as they ingest the poison.

The other type, contact insecticide, is sprayed directly on the pests. You may need to repeat this method depending on how much infestation there is but contact insecticides work rather quickly.

You are sure to have a thriving container garden with a small amount of monitoring and loving care.

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Helpful Tips On How to Clean Your Tungsten Rings

By Olivia Johnson IIV

People will love tungsten rings because they are maintenance-free.

One of the main selling points of tungsten rings is its strength and ability to endure a life time of usage. Made from a hard metal called tungsten and carbon, tungsten rings have become the wise choice for both men and women.

Tungsten rings are maintenance-free because aside from the fact that it can't be easily damaged, it has the ability to maintain its natural shine. This means you don't have to polish or clean it regularly. You can wear tungsten rings all the time. No need to take them off when getting your hands wet and dirty.

One of people's concerns is how to clean their rings. They find it very inconvenient to constantly take off their rings and clean them to make them look new and beautiful. With tungsten rings, you won't have that kind of worry simply because they will always look new. It would seem like you've just bought the bands yesterday.

However, you are very much welcome to clean your tungsten rings if you want to. Here are some tips on how you can clean your tungsten rings:

1. Fingerprints can cause your rings to become oily and add some spots to them. This can take away the ring's luster and overall shine. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away the prints from your tungsten rings and they will look as good as new.

2. Using a brush and a detergent solution, brush off the extra metals and other elements attached on your rings. You will find that this doesn't happen all of the time, but it will occasionally happen.

3. Naturally, the liquids used in cleaning your rings can leave a mark or stain on your rings. Use a soft cloth to wipe them dry.

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