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, October 27, 2009

New Technologies Involved In Self Storage Systems

By Edward Spencer

The self storage concept involves renting out segmented spaces of a huge warehouse to clients for any time span that is desired by them, no matter how short or long. As the industry has developed, self storage companies have started offering more and more novel solutions to the customers to suit their requirements better. These companies have obtained radical enhancement in self storage through the use of advanced technology.

The need for technology was realised by self storage firms primarily in order to ensure higher security of the items and to shield the goods from degradation because of the conditions inside the storage. The storage and retrieval process too was made technologically advanced at a later stage to make sure clients don't face any issue in the procedures.

You will find closed circuit cameras in any good self storage unit which guarantees a safe storage of valuables. This system enables the storage managers and guards to constantly monitor what is happening inside the warehouse and render futile any attempts of theft in the beginning itself. Besides, with other technologies like electronic door access and door alarms in place, any nuisance inside the storage premises is easily detectable.

For every single storage unit, the customers are now given an access card instead of a mechanical lock and key system. There are also biometric access systems in place in some facilities that use the hand scanning technology at main doors. Such foolproof systems are ideal for storing goods that are extremely valuable or secretive.

Some facilities have now begun using radio frequency technology to ensure even greater security of your items. In this technology, a very small RFID tag, which is barely visible to the bare eye, is attached to each one of your articles. These tags are found by scanners attached to the doors, and if there is suspicious movement of your goods, the scanners rings an alarm.

A lot of people need to store valuable items made of wood or paper. Improper atmospheric conditions inside facilities can have a destructing effect on such items. Similarly, severe heat may damage medicines and hi tech goods like television sets or cameras. Hence most storage facilities install climate control systems in the warehouse to control levels of temperature and humidity inside the units for safe storage of such delicate and precious items for a long period.

There are several other groundbreaking technologies being utilized by storage companies for better and safer storage, with their importance in the industry increasing rapidly. This is ensuring full protection and security of your valuables at affordable costs.

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Trampoline Spring Cover - Knowing What To Look For When Shopping For One

By Rowan Queen

Do you need a trampoline spring cover? The answer is a resounding yes. A spring cover is also more popularly known as a safety pad. Often, this is more than just a decorative feature. There are three major reasons why you should not miss getting an appropriate cover:

- One of the three major purposes of the trampoline spring cover is to ensure safety. Plain covers simply go over the frame and springs. These can help prevent users from injuring their toes and fingers. Pads that also double as covers do more than this. They can also additionally prevent injury due to bad landings close to the trampoline frame.

- Covering your trampoline springs with safety pads also makes sure that it is preserved from premature weathering and avoidable damages. Although trampoline steel parts are meant to withstand weathering, a good cover can extend a trampolines lifespan even longer.

- Putting on safety pads help remind the jumper of the boundary of the trampoline. This is especially useful for young users who may occasionally forget to stay at the center. A brightly colored pad can be their guide to safe jumping.

Shopping for just the right cover can be challenging. They come in different colors, sizes and types. You would have to keep a few good tips in mind to find the right fit for your trampoline.

- Trampoline safety pads and spring covers can be elastic or not. Its entirely a matter of personal preference since both types are usually made of durable materials. Some would suggest though that elastic covers are a better buy. Their stretchable feature may allow them to last regular periods of rigorous use.

- Make sure your trampoline spring cover fits your trampoline perfectly. As you may already know, trampolines can be large, small, circular or irregularly shaped. Hence, not all covers are made for your particular model. To ensure a perfect fit, make sure you measure the diameter of your trampoline. Measure from the outer edge of the frame to the opposite edge. Irregularly shaped trampolines can also be measured in the same way and additionally from point to point to make sure that the right measurement is obtained.

- Covers should be water or weather proof. This is the best additional protection that you can provide for your trampoline frame and springs.

- It is advisable that your primary choice of cover be from your trampoline manufacturer. This will save you a lot of trouble. You simply have to pick the cover model that is made for your trampoline. If this is not possible, you should opt to shop in a trampoline specialty store instead. Make sure they specialize in trampolines and their accessories. Check too if they have a responsive customer service desk to help you figure out the right cover and pad for your specific trampoline model.

- Select a cover with a different color from your mat. Brightly colored covers are a visual reminder to users where the edge is and where they should position themselves for a jump.

Every trampoline must have its trampoline spring cover. Do keep in mind though that you should not become too laid back just because you have a pad. Always supervise young kids on trampolines.

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Christmas is all about Money

By John Adams

Christmas is a time of year that draws strong reactions from a wide range of people. As much as it is a time for family and theoretically to be enjoyed, Christmas does have its opponents. Or, to be more accurate, there are people who are thoroughly displeased by the idea of a holiday which used to be about family togetherness and happiness being turned into a corporate festival which relies on rampant consumerism. Looking at the supermarkets which have Christmas related lines on their shelves from September onwards it is not hard to understand their points.

However it is inevitable that this kind of commercialism will take a grip on a holiday where gifts play a major part. Knowing that people will spend money to get the best gift for those who they love, the companies with something to sell will put a lot of their advertising budget into the Christmas period. The inevitable knock-on effect is that other companies will do the same to compete. Add this to an element of competition among families to get the "best" (read: most expensive) gifts, and you have a recipe for a commercial holiday.

Is it possible to have a Christmas holiday without being carried along on the waves of consumerism? Well, yes, of course it is. It is important to keep the message firm in your family, that Christmas is about people and not products. Gifts are wonderful, no doubt. But without the emotion behind them, they are still just things.

If you were to run a word association exercise where you say one word and your counterpart says an associated word, then the word "Christmas" could have a series of associated terms. One person will say "tree", another will say "present", and still others will say "decoration". Some people, conscious of what they will be getting up to in the run-up to Christmas, will supply the word "shopping", because Christmas makes a lot of people think about what they will be buying for others. Some people love it, others hate it. but if you do not want to be considered a "Scrooge", then you will not be able to avoid Christmas shopping.

Christmas shopping is something which has many different approaches that can be applied to it. The fact is that many people leave their shopping to the final few weeks before the holiday, and when the things that they are looking for turn out to be in short supply they curse that course of action. Others do their shopping in advance, by a few months (and some even do it in the January sales), but this can demand a level of prescience that most of us do not have.

If you embark on a relationship in the weeks running up to Christmas, you will then be forced into coming up with a gift that will keep the relationship running smoothly. Should you use the Internet to buy it, knowing that it will be in stock but may not be delivered on time? Or should you brave the crowds and go into the stores to look for the right gift? Only you can decide.

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How To Enjoy Remodeling Your Home And Add Capital Value

By Samuel Milby

Investing in a property make over can be an excellent action. For the few thousand dollars spent\invested you can usually double or even triple your money as long as you spend it on the correct areas. As well as adding value to the building you can also increase the salability. Any time lost in renovation doesn't go waste, as rich buyers always make a beeline for a property that looks new and well-furnished.

A quick example of increasing the building capital value as well as salability and rent ability is adding a garage or car port. If the property has the space to add a car shelter and it does not have one, future buyers or tenants will see the added value. When you rent a property you can often recover the cost of the work from a tenant within two years. After that the extra rent you charge will be pure profit. On top of the rent amount if you are making additional changes to the property at the same time, your bank will take the renovations into consideration when you get the property revalued.

Property renovations are usually carried out on the whole structure and area of the property and this also includes the electrical fixtures, furniture and even the colour combinations. The whole concept of renovation revolves around making the property both more functional and more cosy for its inhabitants. A 50% increase in property value is possible through an elaborate renovation.

Any good renovation must primarily target at enhancing the looks of a property. Most buyers are fully aware of the latest styles and incorporating them in your new interior design and property structure would surely draw more buyers willing to pay a lucrative price.

It is advisable to engage a seasoned interior design expert for renovation of your property. If complete renovation is not on your agenda, then the interior designer can suggest certain smart alterations on a few sections of your property that will satisfy the objective of roping in buyers.

Only an interior design specialist knows how and where you can go for small architectural changes at nominal cost to give your house that irresistible look so that buyers can't find anything against it. Things like floor designs, wall colours etc can give you a feeling of brighter and spacious rooms. An interior designer is also required for advice on structural aspects of the house and can tell you whether any parts need reinforcements. From his experience, he will be able to make recommendations while considering your budget and preferences.

Another factor that justifies engaging an interior design expert for renovation is the opportunity to make a significant saving on the makeover materials. Getting the best tools and materials at rates that won't pinch you much is what interior designers excel in. They can also inform you how much time would be needed for the entire restoration project to complete.

It is also advisable to consult a property broker who can tell you about the current trends in the real estate market with reference to the likes and preferences of buyers. After all, the most significant aim of the renovation is to impress a potential buyer and get him to purchase your property at a price that will send you smiling all the way to the bank.

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Easy Meals With Sandwich Wraps

By Laura Cokherell

For busy people who want a quick grab-n-go meal, sandwich wraps are the perfect choice. Using only simple ingredients that you have on hand, you can put together delicious and healthy meals in minutes. They are perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks whenever you are short on time or energy.

Here is a simple procedure to put a healthy and delicious wrap together in just a little bit of time. It's quick, easy, and flexible and allows for your own tastes, the seasons, or for what you may have on hand at the time you make your sandwich wrap. Just take the ingredients you are using and layer them down the center of the wrap, leaving an inch or so at the bottom to close the wrap when you are finished.

1. The type of wrap you choose can be anything from soft tortilla shells (plain, whole grain, flavored varieties like spinach, tomato, etc.), kale leaves (just be sure to cut out the hard stem and use the soft leafy portion and use raw or steamed), or large lettuce leaves, or even some steamed cabbage leaves.

2. Pick a spread. This will be the flavoring that goes underneath all your ingredients. Spread a layer of your chosen spread over the surface of the wrap. Some simple ideas for spreads are cooked, mashed beans (like black beans, cannellini beans, kidney beans), nut butter, mustard, or cream cheese (either the whipped or regular variety).

3. Pick a hearty filling. Place a filling or combination of fillings on the wrap down the center in a strip. Some simple ideas are: cheese (sliced, shredded, or crumbled varieties), tempeh, tofu (baked varieties), leftover cooked chicken (sliced thinly), canned or fresh cooked tuna or salmon, or hard-cooked eggs, etc.

4. Add some vegetables or fruit to the wrap. This is a painless way to get vegetables and fruit in your diet. Place your chosen vegetables or fruit on top of your filling. Here are some simple and flavorful suggestions:

Vegetable Suggestions: choose from sliced roasted red peppers, sliced scallions, shredded lettuce, peeled and thinly sliced jicama, thinly sliced cucumbers, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, fresh tomato slices or diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, chopped or diced onion, sliced sweet bell peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, thinly sliced fennel, etc.

Fruit Suggestions: use banana slices, fresh berries, diced or sliced apples or pears, sliced grapes, peach slices, sliced strawberries or mango, raisins or dried fruit of choice, etc.

5. Add a little flavor topping. This just puts a little extra zip into the wrap. Place as much of the flavor topping as you like on your vegetable or fruit layer. Depending on the type of wrap you are making, here are some topping suggestions.

Crunchy/Salty/Spicy Flavor Toppings: salsa, pickle relish, peanut sauce, oyster sauce, a sprinkling of soy sauce, cooked and crumbled bacon bits (regular or vegetarian), chopped nuts, a little chopped fresh herbs of choice like basil, dill, oregano, mint, or cilantro

Sweet/Spicy/Crunchy Flavor Toppings: a spoonful of marmalade or all-fruit spread, nutmeg or cinnamon, a little chutney, or something crunchy and/or sweet like granola, chopped nuts, mini-chocolate chips, shredded coconut, etc.

When you have everything added to your wrap sandwich, just fold up the bottom flap over your ingredients and then fold in each side, one over the other to close it.

A few simple and flavorful wrap sandwich ideas are listed to get you started making these quick meals in minutes.

- whole grain tortilla wrap, mayonnaise, cooked boneless chicken breast (thinly sliced), shredded lettuce, mango chutney

- whole grain tortilla wrap, tahini, chayote slices, chunky applesauce mixed with some plain, Greek yogurt, cinnamon

- spinach flavored tortilla wrap, cocktail sauce, (shelled, cooked, and chopped) shrimp, (canned and drained) mandarin orange slices, feta cheese

- whole grain tortilla wrap, almond butter, sliced peaches, sliced strawberries, honey, cinnamon

- lettuce leaf, mustard, smoked turkey slices, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, ricotta cheese

- whole grain tortilla wrap, tomato pesto, sliced hard-cooked egg, fresh spinach leaves, pitted and chopped black olives, spoonful of sour cream

- spinach flavored tortilla wrap, garlic hummus, canned tuna (packed in water, drained, and flaked), cottage cheese, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, radish sprouts, capers

- whole grain tortilla wrap, mayonnaise, cooked and flaked crabmeat, chopped celery and scallions, lemon zest, diced avocado

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Finding the Best Kids Toys : Many Times Simpler is Better

By Dan Ellenwood

Parents and grandparents often agonize over the kids toys they buy for the special little ones in their life. With so many choices today, it can often be overwhelming.

Technological, and gadget like toys tend to be the most advertised and talked about, but these are always stocked in toy stores in addition to the more traditional, simpler, types of toys - not as replacements for them.

These toys that perform scripted actions are limiting as to how imaginative kids can be with them. For example, a robot that has a lot of flashing lights, but only says stop, is not going to offer a whole lot of options for imaginations to run wild. At our house a cardboard toy box gets played with more often than the toys inside it.

The kids toys that will keep them entertained time after time are those that can be completely different each time they play. Building blocks, dress up clothes, dolls and toy soldiers are great examples of this. They are using the same toy each time, but each session can have a wildly different theme, or even no theme at all.

My kids, even though I have a boy and a girl, want to turn everything into a sword. They assume the role of whatever takes their fancy at the time, with pirates, ninjas and superheros being particular favorites. Countless times the toys they practically begged me for last weekend have been deserted whilst they run around the garden with tree branches in hand trying to take each others 'treasure'.

A childs imagination really is a wonderful thing! That's not to say that you should let them run wild with it unsupervised though, as the situations that they want to play out can be as dangerous as they are creative. Whilst modern fancy toys undergo rigorous safety testing, their simpler alternatives can only be tested in a limited fashion. After all, how much testing can really do on building blocks and plastics swords? It's that the toy in itself can be dangerous, it's the way that children find to utilize them. So, always be on your guard and keep an eye on them.

For small babies, make sure the baby toys are soft. Even little babies will close a fist around objects placed in the palm. They don't have the motor control, however, to keep from hitting themselves in the face and body with their flailing arms. So be sure the baby will not harm itself with the toy by making sure it is soft, and does not have hard parts like buttons or eyes.

So, the next time you are out and wondering what toy to buy for your little special ones, do not automatically go straight for the latest fad, instead, give at least a little thought to the toys that will encourage and develop their imagination.

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Bridal Ring Sets - Would It Be The Perfect Choice Than Separate Engagement And Wedding Rings?

By Fred Gagnon

Bridal ring sets are ideal for those who want their engagement rings and wedding band to look perfect together. These are engagement ring and wedding ring designed to be worn together.

While engagement ring is a woman's most cherished piece of jewelry, it is her matching wedding band that becomes the engagement ring's lifelong mate. However, finding a wedding band that will match beautifully with the engagement ring is a difficult feat. This is why jewelers created a solution, the bridal ring sets. Bridal ring sets are made up of two rings - the engagement ring and the matching wedding band.

Bridal ring sets are designed to fit snugly together to form one ring. A common example of a bridal ring set is a wedding ring with a channel or bezel setting, coupled with a solitaire engagement ring. The solitaire engagement ring may or may not have side stones. Other popular bridal ring sets include those with criss-crossing diamonds and those with the same kinds of side stones on both the engagement ring and the wedding band.

Bridal ring sets are designed to fit snugly together to form one ring. A wedding ring with a channel or bezel setting coupled with solitaire engagement ring is one example. Other popular choices include the criss-crossing diamonds bridal ring set and those with the same kind of side stones on both engagement ring and the wedding band.

Here are the reasons why you should buy bridal ring sets instead of separate engagement rings and wedding rings.

1. Bridal ring sets are cheaper than individual rings. You save a lot of money because these sets cost cheaper than individual rings. The price is one of the advantages of bridal ring set.

2. Bridal ring sets are well crafted to look good together. Bridal ring sets are designed in such a way that they will fit and look good together. This way, the bride will not worry about her rings not matching or looking awkwardly askew on her finger.

Tips in buying the perfect bridal ring sets.

a. Narrow down your search by setting parameters. Set your price limit and know what type of stone and cuts you prefer, the specific design and setting and or type of precious metals and the colors etc. In this way, your search is easier and faster.

b. Find the perfect bridal ring sets that she will treasure forever. Most couples shop together for bridal ring sets, but if you want to surprise your future wife you must check out what she really prefers for engagement and wedding rings. Know her fashion jewelry for materials and styles she likes. After all, she's the one who's going to wear them, not you.

If she prefers elegant understatement, find a classic diamond solitaire ring set. If she prefers glamorous jewelry, find a bridal ring set with multiple diamonds on both rings.

Inspire her colorful personality and surprise her with the gorgeous bridal ring sets offered at bridal-ringsets.com. Our bridal ring sets are of exceptional beauty and style. There are classic and enduring styles as well as unique and elegantly sophisticated bridal ring sets that she'll wear for a lifetime.

Our bridal ring sets are carefully handcrafted for comfort and perfect fit. Also available are traditional and modern looking bridal ring sets. We have cutting edge style to express your taste at bridal-ringsets.com. So express your love with our bridal ring sets.

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Learning To Drive: How To Make It Easier For Your Son Or Daughter.

By John Robertson

I was reminiscing the other day about the time I was learning to drive. How I got behind the wheel of my dad's shining old V8 gas guzzler - I could barely see over the steering wheel! The mirror was all wrong so it had to be adjusted, the seats were way to far from the steering wheel, so my feet couldn't reach the pedals. And when I turned the key I heard a sound that at that moment sounded to me like the beginning of Armageddon. Yet, deep down there was a rising feeling of excitement, a knowledge of things to come, roads to conquer.

The information below is so you can help your teenage son or daughter to go through a little less stress when he/she is learning to drive. Of course it's also useful to protect you from serious bodily harm during the whole process...

It's all-important that you don't try to teach him everything there is to know in one lesson. Take things slowly, one at a time. First make sure he knows the rules of the road - all the theoretical knowledge he heeds to have to be a good drive. Then starts teaching him about the controls of the car - what they do, and where they are. The indicators, the windscreen wipers, the emergency brake and the light switch. These things can save his life in an emergency one day, when there is just no time to think where on earth did they put the switch for the windscreen wipers.

Secondly, remember that practice makes perfect. Even if your student can't wait to get going, let him practice all the basic skills over and over. Once again, in an emergency situation they have to react instinctively. There is no time to think what your next step should be. Let them practice in an empty parking lot after hours.

Parking a car is something that many people don't master during a lifetime, so be patient with your student, especially when it comes to reverse parking. Teach him how to reverse the car while watching the rear view window at the same time - many learner drivers find this frightening.

Something else that does not come naturally to a new drive is to slow down BEFORE you get to a curve, and how far from a stop sign you have to start slowing down and apply the brakes. Discuss this with him before you even leave the parking area and venture into traffic. One of the most terrifying experiences for a learner drive is to stop at a stop street, and then pull away while there is a car coming in the distance. It is therefore better to practice this after hours, in a quiet part of town.

A few other things that greatly scare learner drivers can be summarized with three words: Things that move. People walking right in front of the car, bicycles swerving in front of you, and if you are in the suburbs, dogs and cats running across the road. A student driver can have a terrible fright when this happens, and do something that neither he nor anybody else could predict. It is therefore a good idea to talk about all this before the time, and discuss appropriate reactions.

Something that few driving schools or instructors concentrate on, is to prepare the student for unusual circumstances and conditions. Driving in the rain or snow, or at night, or where there are road works require particular skill, and you must not lose your presence of mind in such a situation. It's hard to prepare someone for something not even you can foresee, so it's probably a good idea to get a professional driving instruction video that covers this, and to watch it together with your student. You can then discuss the conditions it portrays and what a proper reaction would be under each set of circumstances. This is a better way of learning to drive than losing your life while trying.

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