Is a Blu Ray Player Worth Having?

By Billy F Bradford

Home entertainment was rocked with the introduction of the blue ray technology players and discs. Blue ray technology is built upon an optical disc that was designed by Sony and which gives storage on a immense scale. Blue ray discs provide 50 GB of data storage capacity. The movie titles available today to the viewer consists of 1500 plus titles and the players for public use are now very affordable and easy to buy in most larger electronics stores.

The Blue ray disc players use a blue laser (violet blue) to read and write to the disc, using a shorter wavelength. This lets far more data to be stored, up to 6 times more data than on a DVD disc. There are two main types of blue ray discs offered, the standard disc that holds 25 GB of data on one layer or 50 GB on duel layers and the mini disc which holds over 7 GB on a single layer and 15 plus GB on dual layers.

Four player types exist for use, one is for audio only and requires no codecs or video decoding. The other three are for video playing. Each of the three video player types are backwards compatible which means they will also play DVD and CD music discs. This is good for the consumer as it allows them to keep their sometimes extensive DVD libraries in use without forcing them to replace the movies they have on DVD to the blue ray disc technology.

There are many companies who make blue ray players on the market today, and Sony is the leader of the pack when it comes to blue ray technology. Sony players are available in many different structures and you will find a version to fit your entertainment system needs. You will need to decide what you are wanting your cinematic experience to be before deciding on what player to purchase and also what price range you want to stay within.

One Sony blue ray player available today is the Sony BDP-S350. This player offers 1080 p high definition picture as well as 7.1 surround sound and 24p true cinema video. It also brings to the consumer Dolby Digital plus. It comes in standard black which will fit almost every dcor. The BDP-S350 blue ray player is said in reviews to be as close to a movie like experience as the consumer can get without actually going to the movies.

The BDP-S350 blue ray player from Sony plays all available video formats, DVD+ DVD-R/RW as well as CD music discs and has AVCHD playback capability. It can be upgraded in its firmware quite easily by connecting the player to the internet you have at home and then downloading the needed files. You will also be able to download studio content such as trailers and extras for the movies on blue ray disc.

The Sony BDP-S550 blue ray player is a player that brings the consumer a higher level of blue ray technology. The S550 blue ray player is a total home entertainment system providing the consumer with 1080p high definition like the S350 does but it also provides precision cinema DH technology that lets the consumer convert the standard definition video signals up to the 1080p signals by means of an HDMI video cable. This model of Sony blue ray disc player also has a remote that is back lit for use in darker rooms adding to the cinema like experience.

Sony makes a wide range of blue ray players so choosing one will be the hardest part of your shopping experience. The price ranges are easy on the wallet so there is a Sony player for everyone. And blue ray movies are comparable to DVD in price making it fairly easy to switch over to the blue ray format.

About the Author:

Everything they never told you about blu ray players revealed! For more insider tips and information be sure and check out www.digitaldirect.co.uk. For your convenience look at these buy blu ray and top blu ray player

Murad Age Spot Lightening Gel Review

By Kelly Weiren

Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel is a multipurpose contemporary medical product, its main area of effect being the correction of skin tones and reviving parts of aging skin. Hyper-pigmentation is a common problem and lots of people have found in Murad a resolution to their skin problems. Amazingly, while clearing your skin, the gel smoothens out visible freckles and helps you get that fresh look you always wanted.

Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel works deep into the skin to remove damaged skin cells that lead to pigmentation. It also effectively clears sun patches that surface after exposure to the sun. The Gel helps to tone a spoiled complexion which can make the individual feel awful and even get a complex.

Hydroquinone makes about 2% of the formula. It lightens the hyper-pigmented areas to bare a skin that is more clear and shiny. After your regular skin care routine of cleansing and toning, an application of a thin layer on the face and neck is enough. It is advisable to apply the night cream after applying it. It is better to use it with a sun-block in day time.

Other ingredients that compose Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel include glycolic acid, licorice, allantoin and the Advanced Performance Complex or APC that is proven to fade the dark spots. The glycolic acid helps in exfoliating the skin. The combination of these ingredients promotes enhanced penetration of the essential nutrients in the skin.

The licorice and allantoin together assuage any redness or inflammation. Now do not expect the cream to work magically. It can take up to 2 months before the skin shows any visible effects.

The dark spots may not completely fade away, but you will apply less of make-up to cover up the flaws! Moreover, the alcohol like smell may offend some users. Besides side effects like rashes, blisters and inflammation of the skin can be worrying. However, as in all other skin care products, a small patch on the wrist must be tested before it is applied on the face. Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel is worth trying to get rid of darkened spots and patches and having a clear, lustrous skin all over again.

About the Author:

To read more Murad Age Spot Pigment Lightening Gel Reviews, and proper ways to combat age spots and hyperpigmentation visit SkinWhitening.org - site that reviews various lightening creams and educate prospects about proper skin brightening.

How To Spruce Up The Kitchen And The Eat In Area

By Beau Hartwick

Let's face it, there's not a lot you can do to decorate your kitchen without having to incur some major expensive with replacing counter tops, cabinets and appliances or the flooring. You are stuck with those things unless you are ready to sink a lot of money in for a total remodel. So what can you do to make the kitchen look new or newer and change things around?

If you aren't into remodeling but just want a few updates to get your kitchen into the proper style then just do a few changes. Try a fresh coat of paint in a new color or a neutral color. This will brighten the area up and give you that great look it's needed. Curtains are another way to update a space and its design. They are both inexpensive and can be done at any time.

Cabinets and drawers can always be updated with new hardware to give it more of a newer kitchen feels rather than an old one. Hardware is much different than it use to be. You'll have many different options and textures as well as colors to choose from. If you're able to find hardware that matches the paint and other palettes of color which you have going on in the kitchen dcor, place them on the cabinets and drawers. Just the little things will give you a great new look without having to break the bank.

If you have enough sunlight coming into your kitchens window you can always purchase a great hanging plant or even one you can place in the window to give it a great natural feel. If you aren't looking for anything which needs to be watered, silk arrangements are a great way to go as well and still look real. Another great touch is old bottles which you can fill with colored water to look like oil and vinegar. It's a great touch to a traditional kitchen style and will also act as great decor.

Canister sets are great to keep on the counter and if yours are a few years old try replacing them with a different tone which has a design or a different color that blends in with the rest of the area. They are inexpensive and will get their pennies worth! If you aren't someone who likes to spend if they don't need to replace something, add a stencil onto the existing canister sets if applicable. That will create a look of new ones with only spending a few dollars on the paint and stencil.

Most flooring in the kitchen and eat in areas are either some type of hardwood or vinyl flooring. Vinyl floors can come in squares or sheet goods, but it doesn't matter because in the winter it can be cool to walk on. Consider using an area rug in the colors of your kitchen under the dining table. This not only helps with the cool floor but it will also keep the floor from being scratched by chairs being scooted around and if you have hardwood floors, scratches can be detrimental.

Scented and colored candles can also add color and they are wonderful for giving the kitchen that "I just baked an apple pie" smell if you buy those that are scented or "Flavored". Baskets on top of the refrigerator or freezer are also a nice touch and you can change the flowers out to go with the seasons. Another ideal would be seasonal fruits in a basked in the middle of the table. These are not very expensive ideas and the change can be very subtle but awesome as well. Hand towels and pot holders are also a good way to add a little touch of color and decorations as well.

About the Author:

Leading Home Decorators have finally revealed that area rugs are their number one choice for home decorating. And this Anji Mountain Mountain Bamboo Rug Collection, has been very popular this year.

How To Reduce Your Electricity Bill - A Few Easy Steps.

By Cecil Heim

Constantly harassed with huge electricity bills.? Maybe it is time to take some concerted actions to cut your electricity usage. This can be quite easily done and in this article we will have a closer look at various steps you can implement to cut down on your power consumption.

For starters. We can take the room you are in at the moment. You are called away to attend to some or other matter in another part of your home. Be it for a meal or to join the rest of the family. Would you leave the lights and other appliances you may be using on.? Or do you take the time to turn them all off.?

If this is the case then this would be a good place to start. When you leave the room, ever for a few minutes. First look around and make sure you have turned off all the lights and any appliance that may be on. Develop this into a habit. And you will be surprised how these small actions call accumulate to make a big difference.

It is normally our nature to put the blame for the high electricity bills on the number of appliances we use in the home. But, the number is not the problem. It is how we use these appliances that cause the problem of power wastage. Let us have a look at a few steps your can implement to prevent wastage.

The first appliance that comes to mind is the washing machine. Too often it is used to wash only a half load. Rather wait until you have a full load before turning it on. Same for the dryer. Wait for a full load. The odd one or two items could be hung out to dry.

The one appliance in the home that uses the most electricity in the home, is the geyser. If you would turn the geyser off after the hot water has been used for the family bathing. And then only turn it on again a few hours prior to being required. You would benefit from a great saving.

When using the air conditioner. Always set it to the minimum cooling/heating required to keep the room at a comfortable temperature.

When you are doing scans or downloads on your computer. Or anything that does not need your input. Turn off the monitor. It only takes a second to turn it on again.

Another way to save electricity is to consider investing in a few power saving items.

Top on the list and also the most readily available would be the replacing of all the conventional light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Which on their own could make a big difference on the power bill.

There is also a power saving gadget available that monitors the power supply in the home. While using only the minimum electricity required. This could prove to be a worthwhile purchase.

For the geyser. You could have a timer installed. That can be set to switch the geyser on and off at times you select. The advantage would be that you do not have to continue remember to switch the geyser on and off.

A really great investment would be to have a solar power unit installed. This would give you a steady supply of hot water whenever you need it. Without the accompanying huge electricity usage.

If you make a consented effort to apply as many of the above methods as you can. You will be amazed at by how much you are able to reduce that dreaded electricity bill.

And last but not least. By applying these power saving steps. You would also be helping the world to save power for our future generations.

About the Author:

Create power at home with the ever present solar and wind energy available and reduce your electricity bill while making your contribution to preserve our Planet's resources. Visit Solar Power For Home for information on our detailed guide.

Three Short Stories About China And Purple Clay

By Jason Jia

Who was the first person that discovered the distinctive purple clay ideal for making teapots? How deep do purple clay teapot collectors love their treasures? There are many interesting Chinese legends and folklore that aim to answer these questions.

Who found purple clay first?

Long, long ago, in southeast China's small town named Yixing, the locals were enjoying the tranquility of the country life.

But one day, a strange monk showed up at the town. He shouted while walking, "Clay makes you rich! Clay makes you rich!" The villagers looked at the monk curiously. The monk saw the confusion in the villagers' eyes, so he shouted again, "You can be rich if you are not royal family members!" Hearing these words, the villagers grew more bewildered, and gazed at the monk moving about. Soon the monk raised his voice, and set off in quicker paces.

A judicious old man realized there must be something behind the monk's words, so he darted after the monk. Before long, they arrived at Yellow Dragon Mountain, but the monk vanished from view. The old man tried his best to catch sight of the monk again, but he saw nothing except several caves he never noticed before. He looked into the caves, and wow! There was colorful clay everywhere!

At this moment, the man suddenly saw the light: This must be the so-called 'lucrative clay'! So he carried some of it away and attempted to craft some pottery. When his work was done, he just couldn't believe what he saw. They presented distinctive colors unlike any he had ever seen before. He excitedly presented his creations to the locals, and they were amazed as well. As most of the items were purple, they gave a name 'purple clay' to the unusual material.

A panhandler keeps his purple clay teapot

Several hundred years ago, a wealthy man liked drinking tea very much. He would make friends with tea lovers. Regardless of whether they were rich or poor, anyone who paid a visit would be well-received with tea.

On one occasion, a pauper turned up. He asked for nothing but a cup of tea. A servant prepared one and passed to him. The pauper glanced at the tea, and complained that it was not very tasty.

"It seems this man has a taste for fine tea," the servant thought, and then brought in another cup of tea. The pauper smelled at the tea, and remarked, "This tea is all right, but the water is not good. If only you had mountain spring water."

"He must be no ordinary pauper," the servant thought, and then he immediately made another cup of tea with the mountain water kept in the residence. After taking a sip, the pauper made his comment again, "This water is ok, but the firewood is not the best. You know, the firewood from the mountainside facing the sun is too soft, but wood on the other side is usually good." The servant marveled at the pauper's words, so he promptly brewed tea once again using the good firewood, and asked the rich man to come out and meet the strange pauper.

When the tea was ready, the rich man and the beggar drank a cup of it together. Then the beggar remarked, "Well, this time the tea leaves, water, firewood and fire are good, but the pot is not good." "This is the best pot I have," the rich man replied.

The panhandler then reached and pulled out a dainty purple clay teapot featuring soft and inviting luster. "Try again with this one," he said with a smile. This time the tea tasted so good that no one could say no to it. Realizing the true value of this pot, the landlord made a prompt decision: He offered to purchase the teapot from the panhandler on the spot.

The beggar hastened to empty his pot, put it away, and intended to leave. The rich man stopped him right away, and exclaimed, "I'd like to pay half of my family possessions for your pot!" With no response, the beggar just wanted to move away. The rich man was so eager that he raised his voice again, "Ok, I'd like to give you all of my family possessions for your pot!" This time, the beggar laughed, and replied, "I wouldn't have been so poor to this extent today if I was willing to part with this pot."

A purple clay teapot more valuable than life?

In the old days, there was a magistrate who was crazy about collecting and admiring purple clay teapots. At that time, the most famous potter was nicknamed Big Shot. The magistrate had a teapot made by Big Shot, and he thought it was a rare treasure.

One day at tea time, a maid accidentally dropped and broke the precious pot as she served the official. The official flew into rage, and he demanded the maid compensate for his pot with her life.

As this incident reached the potter's ears, he resolved to save the maidservant and teach the administrator a lesson. He ran to the administrator's dwelling with ten choice purple clay teapots he crafted hanging on his carrying pole. He offered, "Choose one of my most precious teapots, and set the maidservant free."

This suggestion made the administrator quite pleased. He picked one of the ten pots, and ordered his guards to unshackle the maidservant.

After that, however, the magistrate said, "Could you sell the other teapots to me as well?" The master potter didn't reply, but with a sweep of his shoulder pole broke all the remaining pots into pieces.

Shocked, the official was at a loss for a minute. Then he asked in confusion, "What did you do that for?" Calmly and firmly the artisan replied, "I smashed them at the cost of no life.

About the Author:

Specialist J. Jia has studied Chinese pottery, paintings, and other art such as Yixing teaware for most of his life. Occasionally, he endorses skilled Chinese craftsmen. View some fine tea sets from China here.

Colon Cleansing and NatraTox

By John Steely

As our colons age, they can be the source of many illnesses and diseases.

The colon keeps our bodies healthy and rids them of harmful wastes.

It also makes sure we get enough nutrition to live each and every day.

There are problems, however, when it becomes filled with toxins and bacteria which can cause long term effects that are not beneficial.

Some of the other short term effects that can occur are a lack of energy, bloating and a loss of motivation as well as constipation.

If you want to stay clean and healthy, a supplement can give you the help you need.

Colon cleansers can keep your body clean and are a natural way to eliminate waste in your colon so that you will look better and not bloated.

They are usually formulated to insure a gentle cleansing so there is no need to worry about side effects.

A natural way combining ingredients proven clinically means that you true aid.

If you want to start living healthier and lose weight quickly, try NatraTox. At the time of this writing, it is available for a free sample so you can get a taste of how it can help you without having to pay a penny for it.

About the Author:

To read more about weight loss, check out NatraTox. Also, check out the NatraTox photos that is now being offered for a limited time.

Fair Nights

By Ian Kleine

The fairgrounds can actually be quite a magical place when darkness settles in, and the lights twinkle their soft glows like frozen fireflies. I would have never thought that the fair grounds would grow quiet and soft-toned when night came. I had arrived earlier during the day and had scowled in distaste at how busy and impersonal the place seemed to be. For me anyway.

From the dusty trails of the morning, it had lain quiet and tamed after during the night. Only the soft footfalls of a few pairs of feet stirred the dust, before it settled down again, as if sleeping. Floodlights pierced the night sky, like pylons of white, only visible when it was dark.

I swear, the popcorn I had brought from the nice, old lady tasted cornier? Well, as how corny popcorn would taste anyway. The soda had an extra sting, and the corndogs didn't taste too oily or fatty at all. Everything was clear and sharp. Going 'round the Merry-Go seemed more magical too. It was just you, the horse, and the enchanting music that seemed less annoying in the night than during the day.

People have that soft smile on their faces, a testament to their long day. You'd know fatigue when you see it, but here you find a bit of peace and relaxation. That in itself, is as enchanting as it can be.

And when you go home from the fair, and look back towards it's gates, you feel like you just left another world. A different one. One that opened only on that very special, one you would think would never, ever open for you again. You find yourself wanting to spend another night inside the fair. If not, at least you want to find it in another place.

About the Author:

Why not give it a go in crafting? Why not make it worth the trip? My Fairs and Festivals. Visit My Fairs and Festivals, and see how you can do with crafts and festivals. It is an opportunity you shouldnt miss!

AWeber, Ali Brown, Direct Sales Power...What Works?

By Garmo's Reviews

Use these reviews as a basis only for getting the tools you need. I've used these and like them, but you may have a different outcome (please don't come yelling at me!) and should do your own fact-finding!

Collecting treasured email, name and contact information from the valuable visitors to your website is a must for online business. This service works well (I've used it for over three years). A few caveats: it's a bit slow and can get frustrating when loading new messages, making changes, etc. I like the service, but sometimes dread making changes because of this fact.

You probably need to do an ezine or online newsletter and Constant Contact is a winner. Doing business on the web basically requires you send out emailers and they have nice formats where you just plug in your info, your list and press send. Pretty easy (but a little pricey).

My sister and I got involved in direct sales (selling Beauticontrol) and LOVE the stuff we got from Direct Sales Boot Camp Success System. It cost about $100 (I think it's a little more now), but it had tons of good info for us newbies. They have some videos and audios now so it's a little more, but probably even better. It took us longer than the advertised 30 days, but we started seeing some good results in about two months (but we only work part-time!)

Alexandria Brown Online Business Success Blueprint. Very good, very pricey, very curious about how she has grown such a big business. She is good, but none of the info is that revelatory. I think it's best for truly new entrepreneurs who need to figure out how to make and online splash. I like Ali, she's is knowledgable and helpful, but she talks a little too much sometimes. Basically good program (but expensive!)

Go Articles articles and posting. This site is super easy to navigate and post. It doesn't create difficult "wait to get approved" programs and it seems to always have good articles. I like others, too, but this is a good, free go to article posting site.

About the Author:

Garmo's Rocking Business Reviews. Get the scoop and learn what you need, what you don't, and get the best in marketing resources.