The World's Most Dangerous Dogs

I imagine that there should be a piece on Animal Planet, the History Channel, et al, that needs a new angle: perhaps to uncover the world's most astounding, vicious, and dangerous dogs. After all they've covered everything else and they're probably running out of material. So it could be as I would depict it...The most dangerous dogs in the world. The show begins...

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...Our attention must focus on the world's most dangerous dogs. We will rank the danger dogs starting with the number 10 on the Dog Danger Scale.

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10. The Sub Toy Chihuahua. Our experts consider it to be one of the most dangerous dogs in the world partially because of its extremely minute size. A Sub Toy Chihuahua attains an average height of 102 millimeters. When they bark as all Chihuahuas do, the pitch of their tiny barks is high enough to crack car windshields making the hapless driver unable to see oncoming traffic... often resulting in fatal accidents. For the reason that the deaths are almost always unintentional, we rate the Toy Chihuahua at number 10, yet still one of the World's Most Dangerous Dogs.

9. The number 9 position is held by the Pug. Often referred to as the Chinese Pug because of its prominence in Chinese History. In the past, many of the Chinese emperors had them as lap dogs; however, there is a darker side to the Pug. They were utilized initially as attack dogs to keep out the barbarians from entering to the Chinese side of the Great Wall. However, when placed in roles of high stress, i.e., attack, guarding, etc., the Pug ran and hid in nearby streams. Regardless, they were utilized by the Chinese primarily as attack dogs because that's all that they had at the time. In fact, the only way a pug would ever attack an armed barbarian was only in the unlikely event he had a piece of beef attached to his sleeve or shield. However, because the Pug was used historically as an attack dog despite, their battlefield incompetence, we have to rate them Number 9 in the Danger Dog Scale.

8. In the 8th Position is the Romanian Hockey Hound. So named because during the communist era in Romania, under a plan masterminded by Nicolae Ceausescu, the former megalomaniac leader, Romanian hockey coaches would train these usually docile dogs to attack any member of an opposing team that was hitting the puck. It was believed that the Hungarians had brain washed their dogs using a form of Veterinary Transference Psychology (VTP) into believing that a hockey puck was their master. As soon as the opposing team hit a puck, the dog was placed on the ice with specially fitted skates and would immediately attack the opposing team. This so spooked their competition that Hungary's team typically placed at least in the top 5 in the Olympics. Because this type of dog is not normally a menace to Hungarian society, but only aggressive when placed on the ice, we have to give the Number 8 ranking to the Romanian Hockey Hound.

7. Number 7 on the Danger Dog Scale is the Ukrainian Saint Bernard dog. Traditionally, Saint Bernards are known for saving downed skiers with a little bit of brandy and the ability to drag almost anything, including a NY City Bus down a mountain side. However, the Ukrainian breed has a very checkered past. They invariably find skiers and always attempt to rescue them, but because of their incredible clumsiness, the Ukrainian breed usually winds up causing an avalanche resulting in the death or maiming of the stricken skier. Because Ukraine has so few sizable mountains, and the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant meltdown has kept the mountain passes at a pleasant 73 Fahrenheit year round, the death toll is only a fraction of what it would be if these same dogs worked the Alps. When asked why they keep on using the Ukrainian Breed instead of the more sure footed Western European varieties, the Ukrainian Ski Patrol always answers this way, "Well...they're cheap!" accompanied with a shrug of their shoulders. For this reason and for the many deaths caused unwittingly by this dog, we place the Ukrainian Saint Bernard at the Number 7 ranking.

6. Number 6 on the Dog Danger Scale is held by the Mini-Schnauzer. While the miniature variety is completely non aggressive, they do have a dangerous side to them. When they meet a new person, they become so excited and joyful that they dance around crazily and almost always urinate on the ground. This is normally not a problem, but when indoors, they will typically only mess on tile floors or any other slippery surface. When the dog jumps around spreading its little puddle, it renders the floor dangerously slippery. There have been almost 1,100 fatalities attributed to the mini-schnauzer. Despite its sunny disposition, for this reason, the friendly little mini-schnauzer takes the number 6 Spot on the Dog Danger Scale.

5. The number 5 spot is occupied by the "Trick" Rapscallion Hound. It gets its name not by performing cute little tricks like rolling over or shaking your hand or other friendly antics. Rather, the Rapscallion Hound hails from the Island of Crete where the original inhabitants, who were mostly gypsies, cross bred a Turkish Elkhound with a Pomeranian and developed this strange breed of dog. While very intelligent, Rapscallions are furtive little dogs that tend toward being...just plain sneaky. The Gypsies used them as decoys in large cities and often would pose with a dagger in their hand in a threatening posture as if to kill the dog. Passersbys might see this 'cute' dog about to be killed and immediately come to its aid. The gypsy would then turn the knife on the hapless savior and rob him or her on the spot, with the dog being totally complicit in the crime. This behavior has, of course reached the 21st century with the dog owner now using a.357 magnum or other powerful handgun. (See illustration) While there have been no known fatalities resulting from this type of crime, the fact that the dog works closely and knowingly with his criminal master is enough to place the Rapscallion at the Number 5 place on the Dog Danger Scale.

4. The Four Spot belongs to the Plains Beagle. The Plains Beagle is very similar in appearance to the standard Beagle a' la the comic strip, "Peanuts", however, that is the only similarity. The Plains Beagle was originally the lap dog of the Norse Invaders, then called the Norse Imperial Beagle. During the 11the century, The Norse Men, under the leadership of Leif Erikson, purportedly made their way to North America and got as far west as what we now know as the Loop area in Chicago. When food supplies went low, The Norse exploration party attempted, out of desperation, to eat their prize beagles. Sensing danger, the beagles bolted and were lost in the green expanse of the mid west. Over hundreds of years, they formed small wolf-like pods and hunted down the wild mustang horses. When the Indians first saw the Plains Beagle, they mistook them for a friendly variety and attempted to house break (or more correctly, tent break them). It was Chief Left Handed Warrior of the LaPrinze Indians that first cursed them after being viciously bitten on his right hand. It is said today that the Plains Beagle is to the plains what the Piranha is to the Amazon. Legend has it that the Laprinz were almost completely decimated by the Plains Beagle, however this has not been completely substantiated by the western media outlets of the time. For their fierce reputation, they will take the Number Four Spot on the Dog Danger Scale.

3. The Number Three spot is held by the Micronesian Sea Lion Dog, a close relative, in appearance (only) to the Toy Manchurian Retriever. The Sea Lion Dog is a fierce predator not of ugly sea lions, but rather, seals. Micronesian Islanders wanted to maintain a vigorous tourism base on the idyllic island of Pohnpei and having wild dogs attack cute seals would definitely put a crimp on this area as a tourism destination. Therefore, they were able to convince the world that this predatory dog only hunted ugly Sea Lions. However, it is obvious that Sea Lion Dogs attack seals as their major source of food. When seals are not available, one would think that the dogs would go after Sea Lions. Wrong! Their second favorite dish is SCUBA divers. Maybe it's the taste of the neoprene rubber of their wetsuits or the suntan oil they rub on their skin while waiting to go to a dive site. Whatever it is, when you're diving in the South Seas, beware. In 1947 Jacques Cousteau refused to dive in the water referring to the menace of those "...devil dogs!" as the reason he wouldn't dive when the dogs were within 30 miles. We don't know how many deaths can be attributed to the predations of the Micronesian Sea Lion Dog, but whatever the number, it is will make this vicious predator Number Three on the scale of the world's Danger Dogs.

2. The Hot Dog. While actually not a real dog, but sort of a near food, the Hot Dog probably has taken more lives than all of the wars put together over the history of the world. I was starting to run out of dogs and I thought that the hot dog concept would fit. Do you have any idea what goes into the making of a hot dog? The ingredients of the average hot dog is more toxic than model airplane glue or cobra venom. However, when fiendishly blended together, stuffed into a brown red colored tube, the hot dog, while it tastes pretty good, is a lethal weapon. It was said that Mao Tse Dung, the former dictator of red China, suggested that China should ship over 11 billion tons of hot dogs to the U.S., Britain and Canada as a way of destroying the western powers, "...from the inside." Fortunately, the plan was never implemented. And so, we have to grant the lowly Hot Dog as the Number Two member on the Dog Danger scale.

1. We have to go back in time to on or about 730 A.D. to find the Number One Danger Dog of all Times. This brings us to that most infamous of all dogs on the Dog Danger scale. This would be the creature that Beowolf was really afraid of...Grindel. This monster may or may not be related to the dog or canine family at all, but it's pretty sinister that BeoWulf was really afraid of Grindel. Besides Beowulf seems to have some tie in with dogs himself. Anyway, Grindel was a ferocious monster of some kind. The heroic Beowulf was able to use a concoction similar to silly putty and wine to lure Grindel to a grassy knoll (historically a very dangerous place) and kill Grindel. However, let the reader by aware that prior to his death, Grindel killed nearly the entire populations of Iceland, Greenland and what we now know as Finland. He also ate most of the codfish, swordfish and sturgeon populations off the North Atlantic Irish coast.

If beef jerky were a fish swimming in those waters at that time, he would have eaten all of it. And if Beowulf hadn't stopped this creature, he probably would have killed all of the sailors in Western Europe, Asia and the Americas. The 8th Century world of Beowulf would be a much different place if this had occurred. And so we owe a debt of gratitude to Beowulf and hand over the Number One Spot on the Dog Danger Scale to Grindel, the most dangerous (possibly a) dog.

This wraps it up for the most dangerous, deadly dogs of the world. Often when we see the friendly little puppy, we can easily forget that behind that affable dog charm and friendly demeanor could possibly lurk a dangerous and bloodthirsty killer, the Danger Dog." Author's note: You dog may not be a dangerous dog, but he may smell and have fleas,,,ugh!! The way around that is to go to the orange-dogs web site that will help you to take care of these problems..

The World's Most Dangerous Dogs
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Toddler Glockenspiel Black Watch Nature Bee

Dordogne Gites

If you plan to visit the Dordogne region of France for a holiday, you may be wondering where to stay. Many tourists will automatically head to the nearest hotel, however this will dismiss one of Frances specialties; the French gîte.

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A gîte is a holiday home, available to be rented by tourists. Originally the word referred to a form of shelter, however modern day gîtes can range from very basic apartments to luxury holiday cottages. Generally, the word gîte now refers to any form of holiday accommodation. Quite often they will take the form of converted farm buildings and are well kept, with more and more featuring the standard appliances you would find at home, including kitchens, entertainment systems, en-suite bathrooms and more.

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Gîte owners will often manage bookings themselves, advertising their properties via websites. If following tradition, the gîte owner should live nearby in order to provide a warm welcome and offer any assistance when it is required. Realistically this isn't always be the case, as some gîtes will be owned by people not living in the local area.

Depending on the type of holiday you are planning, there are different types of gîtes available. A self catered property in a remote location would be known as a Gîte Rural and would contain everything that a normal home would, with multiple bedrooms and modern facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens. The owner of a gîte would not normally stay there; often a gîte would be a separate building which sits on the same property as the home of the owner.

If you are planning a walking holiday then you may be better suited to a Gîtes d'Etape. These usually sit in less obvious places and give groups of walkers and cyclists a base from which to operate. A similar concept is the Gîte Equestre - a Gîte which includes stabling so that people travelling the countryside by horseback will have somewhere to keep their horse when they bed down for the night.

Gîtes are liberally scattered throughout all regions of France, and are encouraged by tourist boards and planning authorities as a way to attract investment and tourism. Gîtes in the Dordgone region can often include converted barns and other farming buildings. Usually these have been restored and converted into luxurious residencies.

If you plan to stay in the Dordogne department, you may well have already looked into the availability of Gites. Dordogne is a very beautiful region, filled with breathtaking scenery, rural charm and containing more than one thousand and five hundred castles in addition to the chateaux and important historical museums scattered around the area. In addition, the region boasts the Lascaux caves, a series of complex cave systems near Montignac which were made famous in the nineteen-forties after the discovery of upper Palaeolithic art dating back seventeen thousand three hundred years.

The Lascaux caves were closed to the public after exposure to light, carbon dioxide, and changes to the air circulating within caused damage to the historical artefacts. A fungus began to grow in the cave, which scientists have been unable to remove. A duplicate of the cave, known as Lascaux II, was created just two hundred metres from the original and contains reproductions of the original artwork. This cave is still available for viewing by the public whilst the original is now permanently closed.

The Dordogne is famed for its golden stone houses set amidst stunning scenery. There are also a number of stone villages including Monpazier, Rocamadour, Domme and La Roque Gageac. Whatever part of the Dordogne you choose to visit, make sure you leave yourself with enough time to get around in a relaxed manor. And when you've finished your pursuits for the day, head back to your holiday Gîte and relax for the evening with a glass of the local wine.

Dordogne Gites
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Beading And Jewellery Making - Blending Gemstone Healing With Stunning Design

Gemstones have long been attributed with healing powers. Gemstones were used for healing in ancient Persia, India and Greece. Ancient Indian scriptures contain descriptions of gemstones complete with prescriptions for their use.

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The western system of birthstones traces its origin to the Bible, where Moses set rules regarding the "Breastplate of Judgement" which was set with 12 gems. To this day gems adorn the mitre of the Pope and Bishops of the Christian churches.

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During the renaissance period in Europe, the great physician Paracelsus used medicines made from crushed gems. Kings and Queens from around the world wore gems on their crowns, originally as a means of expanding their influence throughout the kingdom. Most crowns sat upon the head so that the main gem in the centre would touch the middle of the forehead (third eye).

Gemstones have had little place in modern medicine, although in recent times they have enjoyed a revival in popularity. Whether you wear gemstones for their sparkle, colours and beauty, or for their healing properties, they remain as popular as ever.

In gemstone healing, the greatest benefit is generally achieved by holding the stones close to the skin. What better way then to take advantage of any energies they may hold, than to use gemstones in jewellery. Below is a guide to the healing properties of many gemstones, which may aid the jewellery designer in deciding which combinations of gemstones to use to gain the maximum beneficial effects for the wearer. Combine the beauty of colour with the mystical properties and you can both heal and sparkle!

The healing properties of gemstones

African Turquoise / Chrysocola - Strengthens and aligns all chakras & subtle bodies, Brings any & all energies to a higher level, Stimulates Throat & Navel Chakras. Grounding, healer of the spirit. Calms & soothes the mind. Dissipates negativity.

Agate - A cooling stone, it reduces fever, quenches thirst, beneficial in stomach area. It quiets the pulse and heart palpitations and insures good health and a long and prosperous life. Botswana Agate: Use with high-pressure oxygen therapy. Fire Agate: Master healer with colour therapy, enhances all essences. It grounds and balances, binds sexual & heart chakra, burns energy. Moss Agate: Emotional priorities, mental priorities; circulatory, pancreas & pulses, blood sugar balance. Agate guards against danger. Wearers become temperate, continent and cautious. It helps one view oneself with more clarity, and see the world through a broader viewpoint. Wearing Agate is believed to cure insomnia and to ensure pleasant dreams.

Alexandrite - Helps fight low self-esteem. Improves central nervous system disorders. Alexandrite relieves spleen & pancreas problems. Alexandrite is a stone of good omen. Alexandrite can assist one in centering the self, reinforcing self-esteem, and increases ones ability to experience joy.

Amazonite - Improves your skin. Releases fear and anxiety. Amazonite makes your married life happier.

Amber - Excellent for eyes, and for glandular swellings of the throat and lungs. Amber balances endocrine and digestive network. Amber brings good luck. It is associated with time, cycles and longevity. Amber is also regarded as being highly sensual and magnetic. Amber has long been associated with healing energy and mental stimulation, and is said to balance aggressive traits.

Amethyst - Magnifies psychic abilities and right-brain activity. It strengthens immunity, while energizing and purifying the blood. Amethyst relieves headaches, improves blood sugar imbalance. Named from the Greek word "amethystos" which can be translated as "not drunken", amethyst was believed to protect its owner against drunkenness. As the myth goes, drinking wine from an Amethyst goblet would prevent one from becoming inebriated. The gemstone still symbolizes sobriety. Amethyst was thought to encourage celibacy. Because of that, amethyst was very important in the ornamentation of churches in the Middle Ages. Bishops still often wear amethyst rings. Amethyst is associated with a number of superstitions, being regarded as a love charm, and as a protection against thieves. In Tibet, amethyst is considered to be sacred to Buddha and rosaries are often fashioned from it. Placed under the pillow at night, the beautiful amethyst is believed to produce a calm and peaceful sleep. Amethyst is given as a symbol of sincerity, security, and peace of mind.

Adventurine - Is said to increase libido. Releases fear and anxiety. Green adventurine strengthens one's blood and muscle tissues. Adventurine is said to increase confidence, and gratitude, promotes emotional tranquillity and positive attitudes. Adventurine is a wonderful stone to use daily, especially during meditation and prayer.

Bloodstone - in ancient times bloodstone was thought to be able to stop haemorrhages with the merest touch. Bloodstone relieves stomach and bowel pain. It strengthens blood purifying organs and improves blood circulation. Bloodstone has a positive influence on a bladder. Bloodstone is used to help one become more knowledgeable in the ways of the world. Bloodstone is also believed to be a very magical stone.

Calcite (Orange)- Balancer, Alleiviates fear, Lightness of being.

Carnelian - Governs and increases passion, Solar Plexus Chakra.

Chalcedony - Believed to banish fear, hysteria, depression, mental illness and sadness. Chalcedony reduces fever. Wearing chalcedony is believed to be excellent for eyes. Chalcedony prevents from touchiness and melancholy. Worn by many to promote calm and peace. Chalcedony also stimulates creativity.

Charoite - Put beneath your pillow, especially if you are prone to disturbed sleep or fears which surface in dreams. In combination with amethyst, it will help to release these fears. Charoite is said to be useful for the cleansing and purification of one's energy body as well as for the transmutation of negative energies within oneself. Work with Charoite to foster a synthesis between the heart and crown chakra, walk your spiritual path with awareness, and manifest your soul's wisdom and light in daily life. The purple colour of Charoite, among its other roles, helps to bring us closer to spirit by showing us that everything, even the thoughts we hold as true, can be dissolved and replaced with more empowering energies. The colour black in this stone grounds the purple ray, and enables us to explore the nature of our fears; while white represents the connection to spirit.

Citrine - Valuable in the treatment of depression, it eliminates self-destructive tendencies. Citrine is said to stimulate memory. It aids digestion, and removes toxins from the body. Citrine is a good healing stone, especially for heart, kidney and liver. It helps fight diabetes. Citrine symbolizes light-heartedness, joy and happiness. Citrine is a great protective talisman. It calms and soothes. Citrine is the signature of wisdom and peace. It stimulates the mental body and aids the opening of the bridge between higher mental body and intuitional levels. Citrine is said to help one connect with Spirit. It enhances creativity, and motivates writers.

Coral - Used in difficulties of the lungs and digestion. It relates to the circulation of the blood and to the heart. Coral helps restore harmony in the event of emotional conflict. It works against nutritional deficiencies, depression and lethargy. Coral is said to cure madness and give wisdom. Coral is used to build an emotional foundation. Coral protects children. It aids in the safe crossing of rivers, passages through tempests. It excites nerve power, brilliancy and gladness and is a true health-giver. Note that coral loses its powers when broken.

Diamond - Assistance for all brain diseases. It is beneficial in stomach area. Diamonds strengthen the owner's memory. Diamonds symbolise faith, purity, life, joy, innocence and repentance. They assist in developing concentration and in being honest. It is believed the diamond loses its brilliance with the health of the wearer, regaining it only when the owner recovers. Diamond is an antidote to poison and is capable of detecting poison by exhibiting a moisture or perspiration on its surface. Supposedly, the higher quality the diamond, the better it supports these qualities.

Emerald - Extensively used for physical and emotional healing. Emerald has refreshing soft green colour, which has amazing healing powers for eyes, and it is a good talisman for any eye trouble. If worn about the neck or finger, emerald prevents convulsions in children. Emeralds are also an antidote for poisons and poisonous wounds. It aids with ailments of the spine. Emeralds help fighting all mental illness and neurological disorders. It is said to drive away evil spirits, and to preserve the chastity of the wearer. Emerald is said to bring wisdom. Believed by the ancients to empower the owner with foresight into the future, an emerald is regarded as an amulet for good fortune. The emerald gives faith and success in love. It changes colour in the presence of false friends or false witnesses. It promotes constancy of mind, true friendship, and felicity in domestic life. As a love token, it registers the degree of love. If pale, love is waning. An emerald symbolizes rebirth and youth. According to legends, emeralds strengthen the owner's memory, quicken the intelligence and assist in predicting the future. When worn, the stone is supposed to prevent epilepsy attack, and when held in the mouth it is believed to be a cure for dysentery. It is supposed to assist women at childbirth.

Fluorite - Gives courage and dispels anxiety. Aids sleep. Heart Brow & Crown Chakra (Purple).

Fossils - Enhance telepathy to past worlds. Heightens business accomplishments. Stimulates the thymus.

Garnet - Excellent for blood deficiency diseases. It stimulates bloodstream and pituitary gland, relieves rheumatism and arthritis pain. Garnet combats depression and lethargy. Garnet also stimulates the spleen. Cures fever and promotes good health. Garnet should be carried close to the body. Its energy is balancing and peaceful. This stone of passion stimulates the sexual drive. Garnet gives energy and courage. It is said to encourage robust good health and sexual desire, enhance the wearer's imagination. Garnet symbolizes fire, faith, courage, truth, grace, compassion, constancy and fidelity. It also offers protection to the traveller.

Goldstone - Vitality, contains copper which helps blood flow. Cleans out toxins and brings back natural energy.

Hematite - Anti-depressant. Aids oxygenation of the bloodstream. Hematite helps fight against venereal diseases. It has a positive influence on a bladder. This stone also helps to treat hysteria. Hematite is said to be a good healing and grounding stone, it strengthens the body and improve resistance to life's stresses. Hematite inspires inner life and helps to keep inward peace.

Howlite - Aids & deepens sleep. Helps bring back wisdom from dreams. Strong calcium content/vibration so excellent for bones & nursing mothers.

Jade: Nephrite - Balances male/female energies. Talisman of protection. Blood cleansing.

Jasper - Energy, Planet: Mercury, Element: Air. All mottled jasper should be worn for protection Medicinal values were long attributed to jasper, including a belief that wearing it strengthened the stomach. Jasper was also believed to cure gynaecological problems. Leopard skin jasper is said to bring its wearer whatever they need. Poppy Jasper is said to help bring joy into life. Opalite Jasper is said to help one sleep. Jasper was thought to drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites. Picasso Stone Jasper - Aids Digestion. Promotes weight loss. Helps circulation & anxiety/stress. Picture Jasper - Understanding. Happiness. Red Jasper - Good Luck. Passion. Happiness. Brecciated (Poppy) Jasper - Harmony. Happiness.

Labradorite - Communication. Reactivate ancient/future memories.

Lapis Lazuli - Self-Confidence. Understanding. Third Eye & Throat Chakras. The stone is said to increase psychic abilities. Lapis is said to be a cure for melancholy and for certain types of fever. Lapis lazuli eliminates negative emotions. It relieves sore throat pain. Traditionally believed to increase mental clarity, virility, and calm. Lapis Lazuli is energy focuser for teachers, lecturers and speakers. Enhances creative self-expression. Lapis Lazuli is also powerful during meditation.

Malachite - Thoughtfulness, Romance, Assists tissue regeneration, Aids sleep. Malachite is worn by many to detect impending danger. This beautiful green stone offers bands of varying hues and is believed by many to lend extra energy. It is believed that gazing at Malachite or holding it relaxes the nervous system and calms stormy emotions. Malachite is said to bring harmony into one's life. It is also believed that malachite gives knowledge and patience. Malachite is used as a children's talisman to ward off danger and illness. It is attached to infant's cradles.

Marble - Dark Green & White - Gives strength of self-control & serenity, Enhances common sense, Helps disorders of bone marrow, viral & bacterial infections, Helps lower back pain.

Mookaite - Aids concentration.

Moonstone - Aligns vertebrae. Is a good digestive aid. Moonstone also soothes and balances the emotions. Moonstone is believed to be protective for women and babies. It's also associated with the sea and planting cycles. Moonstone is said to balance yin and yang. In India, moonstone is regarded as a sacred stone. It is believed to bring good fortune. Legend says that Moonstone is a highly prized gift for lovers as it arouses tender passion.

Mother of Pearl - Aids money and financial issues.

New Jade (Bowenite) - Romance. A great Talisman. Causes enemies to withdraw feeling danger. Eases clean break from past traumas. Brings success in pursuits. Increases abundance in trade. Dispels sorrow.

Nunderite (brown with bright green spots, Australian) - Safety for water travel. Helps one to blend with environment to remain unnoticed. Helps the recording of diaries/journals. Stimulates hindsight.

Obsidian - Often used for gaining clear insight into problems. Obsidian stabilizes and is a chastiser. Mahogany Obsidian influences friendship. Male energy. Stomach & Digestion. Clears subconscious blocks.

Onyx - Used as a heart, kidney, nerve, capillary, hair, eye and nail strengthener. Onyx is said to help one sleep. This gemstone helps to eliminate apathy, stress and neurological disorders. Onyx eliminates negative thinking, it is also believed to sharpen the wits of the wearer. Onyx is said to bring spiritual inspiration. It is a great assistance in holding emotions and passions under control. Black Onyx is used to help one change habits.

Opal - A cure for diseases of the eye. Fire Opal: Red corpuscle & blood disorders; depression; apathy; lethargy. Black Opal: Reproductive organs; spleen & pancreas; filters red corpuscles & aids white corpuscles; bone marrow; depression, especially of sexual origin. White Opal: Balances left and right brain hemispheres for neurological disorders; stimulates white corpuscles. Black opal is regarded as an extremely lucky stone. In ancient times opal was accepted as a symbol of faithfulness and confidence. It has reputed healing properties, especially to increase mental capacities such as creative imagination. Black opals worn near the heart on necklaces made of gold are said to protect one from the evil eye and protect travellers on journeys to far away lands. Opals have been ground up and used as magic potions to heal the body, ward off bad dreams, and used an energy enhancement tools.

Pearls - Eliminate emotional imbalances. They help one master the heart chakra, aid stomach, spleen, intestinal tract & ulcer problems. Pearl is said to help improve self-worth. As an emblem of modesty, chastity and purity, the pearl symbolizes love, success, and happiness.

Peridot - Increases strength & physical vitality. Peridot protects against nervousness and aids in healing hurt feelings. It helps liver & adrenal function. Peridot is also thought to protect lungs, sinuses, and wrists from illness and injury. Peridot is used to help dreams become a reality. This very popular stone is believed to attract love. The deep green hue of the peridot also suggests a connection in wealth-attracting. Peridot calms a raging anger. It is also useful to dispel negative emotions, and it is believed to promote sleep when worn to bed.

Quartz - Strength, luck & fortune. All the chakras. Dispels negativity. Smoky Quartz - Stability, reassurance, releases old negativity. Mildly sedative. Blue & White - Throat Chakra, promotes speaking of what's on one's mind. Comfort. Spleen, endocrine system & the blood . Rose Quartz - Love, Heart Chakra, increases fertility. Rutilated Quartz - All the chakras, clears mental & spiritual blockages. Eases depression.

Rhodonite - Positive thinking, Root Chakra.

Sardonyx (Red) - Combines properties of Onyx, Carnelian & Chalcedony. Assists in happiness in marriage & live-in relationships. Use to attract friends & good fortune. Diminishes hesitation.

Serpentine Chrysotile - 'Serpentine': Clear clouded areas of Chakras, stimulates the crown, helps with disorders of the body. 'Chrysotile': Helps to find the true self, helps telepathy, helps with disorders of veins & arteries & skin pores.

Sodalite - Cleansing, enhances communication.

Snowflake Obsidian - Power, balance of polarities, Root Chakra.

Tiger Eye - Tiger eye relieves high blood pressure. Very helpful with bronchial asthma, kidney diseases, rheumatic heart disease and psoriasis. Tiger Eye is used for focusing the mind. It is said that Tiger Eye offers protection during travel, strengthens convictions and confidence. This very warm stone is beneficial for the weak and sick.
Tourmaline - Calms nerves, regulates hormones, fights against genetic disorders. Tourmaline induces a tranquil sleep. Tourmaline is said to dispel fear, negativity and grief. According to legend, the tourmaline of all colours protects the wearer against many dangers and misfortune.

Rubellite - Is believed to enhance creativity, to increase fertility, to smooth away passive or aggressive nature.

Turquoise - Is said to guard against all diseases. It assists in tissue regeneration, subtle body alignment & strengthening. Turquoise has been thought to warn the wearer of danger or illness by changing colour. In the 13th century, turquoise was thought to protect the wearer from falling, especially from horses. Turquoise is also believed to bring happiness and good fortune to all. It's said that turquoise attracts healing spirits, making it a premier healing stone. Believed to be a protective stone, turquoise is worn to guard against violence and accidents. Turquoise is also a valuable amulet for travellers.

Unakite - Self-Growth

Zircon - Relieves pain. It is said to whet one's appetite. Zircon also prevents nightmares and ensures a deep tranquil sleep. Zircon supposedly helps one be more at peace with oneself. Zircon is believed to provide the wearer with wisdom, honour and riches. The loss of lustre on a Zircon stone is said to warn of danger. Jacinth (orange zircon) helps raise one's self-esteem.

Beading And Jewellery Making - Blending Gemstone Healing With Stunning Design
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Hot Air Balloons Rides Across Suffolk

Vast open spaces, rugged coastlines and unspoilt ancient market towns make Suffolk a county of great contrast. A hot air balloon ride over Suffolk provides the perfect opportunity to view the county from an entirely new perspective - or more specifically anything up to 5,000 feet.

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The county town of Ipswich is an ideal place to explore scenic Suffolk. Combining a bustling high street, cobbled lanes and picturesque parks, Ipswich is infused with English charm. The town's historical role as the gateway to Europe has contributed to its extensive architecture. The impressive collection of buildings include the Cornhill, which has been a focal point of the town since Anglo-Saxon times and is still home to a thriving market, as well as the Grade One listed Unitarian meeting house, one of the finest Dissenters' meeting houses in the country. A balloon ride from Ipswich may allow you to glide above these landmarks, or perhaps you will drift over the vibrant and cultural waterfront, having undergone dramatic regeneration it has become a hive of activity with a variety of leisure establishments.

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Just outside of Ipswich and nestled in over 40 acres of woodland, Jimmy's Farm is a great launch site to explore much of Suffolk's acclaimed countryside. Cruising over the farm you are sure to see some of England's favourite farmyard animals. As the patchwork fields and woodland dwindle into the distance you may also see the River Orwell snaking its way from the Suffolk coastline to the docks and city centre. Alternatively you may be blown gently towards the bluebell woods in Haughley or maybe you will see the Church of the Holy Trinity which rises majestically from the marshy estuary of the River Blyth and is adorned with carved angels.

Another great launch site is Stowmarket, set on the banks of the River Gipping amid the Suffolk countryside it is also home to Suffolk's infamous Punch Horses at the Museum of East Anglian Life. As you soar skywards you may catch a glimpse of Bury St Edmunds, a medieval market town and home to the National Trust's Ickworth House with its distinctive central rotunda and Italianate gardens. Or perhaps you will see the many rural villages steeped in English character including Lavenham, where fine Tudor townhouses mingle with small crooked cottages.

Further north in the county, and ideally situated on the Norfolk and Suffolk border, Brome is another fantastic location for a balloon flight. From here you may spy the Gothic architecture of Diss and its unique four courtyard shopping district, alternatively you may be presented with panoramic views of the lakes, rivers and windmills of the Norfolk broads.

Wherever the wind may take you, you are sure to be captivated by the peace and tranquility of Suffolk.

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The Pride Of A Woman

A LOST GLORY

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God, the excellent creator of every life, and the world entirely, made all things without any mistake. There was neither amendment nor problem. He saw the important of man that He has to create him in His own image and resemblance. Adam the first man was in the garden for a long time. But he wasn't an ally to any living thing on earth. There was no equal for him. There was no companion when he felt lonely. Things were running off hand because there was no helper'. God was worried for the state of man. He tested animals, especially the dog, but to no avail. He tried the water and non-living things, but failed. God has to commend a woman. God designed woman and beautified her with relevant and expensive qualities. Woman was made from the rib of a man (part). Immediately when Adam had a harbinger of song, he waked up from the deep slumber, and discovered a treasure, a splendid life form more than gold. In a jiffy Adam said, "This is the bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh". Adam saw what is beyond human description in the woman God created for him, that he has to claim her quickly before God changes His mind. God made her wonderfully that the least thing in her is costly than silver. She is created to be of good important to man.

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The pride or glory of a woman is just that affectionate and great exquisiteness like the elegant of a sunset which has a special cause for delight, respect or happiness more than the glories of nature and the lilies which God allege in a woman for his pleasure. God made them to have more glory in their outward show, at the result of their work and a sense of dignity and respect for themselves. Pride is a feeling of pleasure of satisfaction that one gets from being responsible for something excellent or widely admired. The knowledge of ones own worth or character. Glory can still be a very pleasant and enjoyable quality when it becomes an adjective, glorious. Women were made to appear better or nobler than they really are.

Among all people on earth, it was only Solomon in the Holy Scripture that was able to discover the astonishing glory and gorgeousness of a woman. According to his discoveries, that was originally true. Women are circlet with glory, honor and power to have a second dominion. All parts of their body are precious and elegant. The young king compares her to a more of pharaoh's chariots. Their cheeks are comely with ornaments, like a bag of myrrh, and cluster of hewn blossoms in the vineyard of gold. Their eyes are beautiful like dove, which can control the heart of warrior and bring peace in the midst of troubles. They are the lilies among brambles, as an apple tree among men. With great delight men regards them. They are like a young stag upon rugged mountains. Woman makes man complete. When a man is upsets, distressed and confuse of life, let men only see the face of their love, in the clefts of the rocks, in the covert of the cliff, then the hypertensive situation will automatically change, and an angry mind will turn to sweet mind, for their voice is sweet and their face is comely. Their hair is like a flock of goats, moving down the slopes of Gilead. Their teeth like a flock of shorn ewe that has come up from the washing. Their nose is like a tower of Paris, overlooking beauty. Their head crowns you like purple; a tower of hope and victory, a king is held captive in the tresses. They are pleasant and delectable, the weakness of a mighty giant of heroism. Their kisses like the best wine that goes down smoothly gladding over lips and teeth, that if a man offered for love, all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly scorn, and can foolishly sign his death warrant.

The precious thing in a woman has been and will still be what God made it to be if it is well preserved otherwise it loses its worth. Solomon was made to see these glories in woman, which led him to adultery and fornication even idolatry. I am surprise that even women have not discovered what they are and what the have, forgetting that knowledge is power. Some have discovered to about fifty percent. If a woman recognizes what God had made her to be, she will never be a holler or a small fry in the sight of men. Women are not created to service men's sexual desire or to destroy the heart of men, but are created to be a personal assistant to man, a representative. Are women still precious and wonderful with an arrayed glory as God made them to be? Are they still pleasant? Can they be recognized as human nowadays? Are they what Solomon described above or is it on the divergent?

Nowadays observation has shown that women have taken the wind out of their sails. Majority of them are not what they were made to be in the sight of God and men, even in the sight of animals. All over the world women have depreciated in terms of beauty, valuable, pleasant, and when we are talking about beauty, we meant natural elegant, pretty; and not artificial or as a result of attachments. Because it is possible that you use makeup and look more attractive before the eyes of men, but different before your creator, you are just a filthy rag. Of those composition or makeup are originated from the pit of hell, that's why it encourages prostitution and lust, because when you give yourself to any kingdom, you must be influenced. So God doesn't take pleasure and glory from them. Women are now cheap, and easy. Men no longer see women the way they suppose i.e. the level, King Solomon saw them. But the world entirely sees them as a dog that should satisfy their lustful and evil desire. And such cheap women are later abandon, because a free and easy thing can never be cherished. That is to say that majority of women have lost their precious glory, their pride, honors, right, high merit, potentials and power. Some of the fundamental things that led to the downfall of a destined child could be cheat, hypocrite, greed, and ignorance.

Women sold their glory and pride to money and perishable gift, material possession. What an exchange of a precious gold to a devalued penny. In the early time when there was no love for money nor being greedy for filthy lucre, then true love still existed, women marry and not prostitution. Marriage was according to the bone of their bone and the flesh of their flesh, but nowadays they marry by the wealth of their flesh and the gift of their bone. Marriage cannot be mistaken belief with wealth, royal family, provided the man has the marriage statistic, and able to take care of his responsibilities. But in this time, girls evaluate marriage with flashy cars, wealth and family background, selective and greedy, thereby missing their opportunity. And that is why they are treated as a horse bought with money. And such women are did not get it right, some women went into prostitution because they are not satisfy with what they have, or they want to be like other women. But if you become a nanny before any man, you are bound to one day look like those abandon refuge out there in the street. Women became useless when they sold themselves for money. Some it cause their life or infected with dangerous evils. Prostitute has only a short life -span, they die young at times. Remember a bingo dog is still a dog before the owner, but nowadays dogs are more regarded than women. Women don't have a choice; they can sleep with animals, provided the animal has some money to offer. Prostitution is never a job. Before women are one, but today we have two categories of women, first category are those women for some particular men, while the second category are women for all men, and that is prostitution. It make them non -discipline and foolish, with a rascal personality, thereby loosing their repute. Prostitution started when women lose insight of what they are, when lust came to play in life. Women now tempt men to go into adultery by their conduct of dressing. Today we don't have any record of rape even when the laws seem inactive. They are now greedy of what they don't merit, and to get that demand, there go outside and appear like masquerade in the street and every place. Prostitution was encouraged by some makeup and several attachment which some are not genuine. Such make up could be a braided hair, gold or pearls like necklace etc and even costly attire, which expose most of their receptive part. Because of some influence behind such apparel, a man is forced to do contrary to his mentality. If a bone becomes fasces in the sight of dogs, bones will suffer humiliation, because dog will no longer remember when bone was his messiah. When abomination become a great deal, it turns to a normal life. The abomination of sex before marriage, living with an opposite sex without the union of them both because of it is now rampart; people take it for a normal life. Men use women and dump them, as a result, not having any regard but rather denigrating them in the street because women are not regimented. Most men are now developing high sexual life and high libido, some are looking for means to increase their life, because of the way women are inexpensive in the market. Men may give money and gift, but what did they want in return. Men may not lose their wealth for spending on a woman, but a woman must without doubt; loose her precious potentials in her. Marriages are having problem because the man believes, he bought the woman with his wealth, and so he can do as it pleases him and the woman become a slave. Women should maintain their respect and regard in same measure being guided with principles.

Women lost their glory and pride when they invented prostitution. Prostitution is the act of offering oneself for sex with somebody in return for money. It is also to use one's abilities, talent, glory, pride, destiny etc wrongly or in a way that is not worthy of them, especially in order to earn money. Some girls are lazy, some are born wretched, some are abandon one's while some are hopeless, and then in order for life to continue, they went into prostitution to make some money. But that is not how God made it to be. It might be possible that the medicine for your survival may attend your funeral when you die. It is one thing to be born as a woman, while it is another thing to discover your opportunity because women became a nonentity and nuisance, when movie come to life. If you go to the movie market, women are like banter, because the way they consent to their body out in exchange for money or fame. Prostitution is at it peak in the movie industry. People write script that will involve women that dress half necked and people that jumble them in the screen in the name of acting, but polluting and encouraging prostitution, making the future of our youth bleak. All such are pornographies which are illegal. Women will be used and later be chuck in a refuge can. Such movie has no positive impart, because it leads to a falsified mind. That is why many people are moving to the movie industry just to play an immoral life in the name of acting. They don't act but do it practical. This also makes women of less importance in the society.

Also, women lost those excellent things God impute in them when they were used in advertisement in the movie, magazine and television network. They, you are coach how to dress and appear sexy, just to attract viewers. People don't know the importance of the night because it comes perpetual and not seasonal, so when women keep appearing naked or half-naked in the advertisement medium, their respect and regard is automatically lost. Because the precious unseen gold is now an underdog, just that it is a blot on the landscape. It is unfortunate because those men that misuse women cannot take them for a wife, because they accept as true that, there are many women but no wife. Women no longer have a right. Some of these stars are first, used by their employers, because of the quest for money and fame.

They start encountering this lost glory when they were used to commit some evils like murder assassination and robbery. They are paid to commit murder or assassination of people that felled victim to their enticement. Such women have sold their precious psyche. They came in the form of prostitute and on the process they kill their victim. Such life makes them most miserable. The quest for wealth has made them to be law unto themselves. Some don't want to be married, but flutter in every man's bed, losing their worth. Woman pride and glory were lost when they start appearing naked in the Internet and other communication devices like the global mobile system. Sex is not a currency to buy things you want emotionally or physically. Sex is not a strategic move, like in a game. It is so much more God created sex for husband and wife. It is powerful part of their commitment, love and intimacy, because two of them as twain shall become one body.
Nowadays women are anxious of calls from wherever and wherever they are moving, on the street or before any man, that's why they dress to kill. They yearn for to have sex and not men. Why are they inviting men to hotels, where most of them are residing? They can even kill and do some illegitimate things, just to get a man. They can even use charm. This day you don't toast women twice. Are they not offering their body for at no cost? Some immoral and adulterous spirit now influences some. Men are now deadbeats of them. Before, we believe that for a man to approach a woman or to have some chat, the man must be prepared and be compose, so that he wouldn't behave insane in their presence, because there is something in them that controls the whole lot. A man says that, men have seven senses, while women have three, but one sense in a woman can control the three senses in a man. But hence phenomenon is false these days. Really, the love of money is the root of all this evil.

Let us trace the origin of this great downfall. A woman introduced the first sin on earth. How? When she became greedy, despite the number of wealth in the Garden of Eden, the woman desired the fruit (sin) before she was tempted. Her response to the tempter tells us that she is really interesting, but pretending for all this while. She wasn't content with what she had. The bible said; the fruit was good and one to be desired in her eyes. She did not oppose the toast, tricks of the devil and his crafty, but allowed him to work over her intelligence. Men easily deceive women. Money, cars, wealth and promises confuse them. There's nothing in a man to deceive a woman or fool her, rather women have some qualities to fool a man. Women don't know how to apply their minds unto wisdom. Must men see your inner most part on the wrong time and wrong way before they marry? When you take an orange, you have the right to throw it peel away. Women should be nobody's fool, when men use some diction without root, but with an interior intention. When you become cheap, you will be treated cheap. If you allow a monkey to control you, monkey will control you like a monkey. Women definitely don't know their value, unless they loose it.

Don't forget that anything evil has a secret behind its motive. Devil is responsible for this lost glory, from the beginning and today, so that he will cause humans to offend God; today he still uses women for his strategy. He actualizes this by promoting the activities that encourages evil like prostitution. By the production of indecent attire, sexy perfumes, pornography shows in the screen, paper, Internet etc so that human beings will continue disobeying God, thereby engulfing into God's wrath. All these have some spiritual influence over a carnal person. Some of these productions are from the pit of hell having their human agents fulfilling their assignment on earth, which anybody without a defense (Christ) must submit to their enticement and bait. Some are from environmental and territorial demons, while others could be in the school, offices, company, industry, church, and streets, all over the globe.

The consequences' for this lost glory is factual. Although some are already mention above. Women don't have regard, respect, value and trust. Women can easily give-up. Now, before a woman gets any appointment, she must first commit herself to evil, because they made it so. Most of them are used and later is discarding; some are used for rituals, public shame. Some die after being mal-used or because of the drugs abuse and certain compromise. Some have developed sterility. Some are frustrated and abandon, while some suffer broken hearted. Many married women don't have right in their homes; they can be beaten and wounded. Woman easily contact disease and die quick, selling their destiny to the devil. Remember hell fire is still eternal. Some women hardly marry, which is some of the prides of a woman. An abandon property, is still an abandon proper, no matter how it may look like, it has no value. If a woman eats the forbidden fruits she has definitely lose her glory. Problems like infidelity, premarital pregnancy etc. a prostitute has some hidden limitation to life. But, can such glory of a woman that was lost be restore? YES.

Any woman that wants to be what God made her to be, and still be recognizing as a precious gold, must rather work in the newness of life, after her repentance from every dead work. On the beginning of this fall, God was automatically making a way for her to be restored. She needs to acknowledge her sins and confess them to Christ Jesus their savior and not to any man, then asking for forgiveness, promising to forsake them all. As she surrounds herself to the will of God, God will make her a new person, and all her old life shall never be recalled. Then Christ will transform her messed body into a new body and restore all what she had lost, making her a virgin again. This is real; God is ever ready to receive us as sinners, only that, we don't give him a chance. When this is done, she will then be such model.

Woman should be all right with the much they have. For nothing can be too much and nothing can be too small .You don't need to compare you with anybody. The car, resident or attire of another person may not fit you. Go and look for what will fit you. God made everything that is, as it pleases him and for his purpose. If you are not beautiful, you must be wealthy or brilliant. All fingers may not be equal, but all humans are equal. Because you may have what I don't have or I may have what you don't have. Don't feel cheated by some of your lacks, they may lead you to what you don't want dream to be. Your problem may be that, you are yet to discover some or all of your talents. Any woman, privilege or not, should not be hopeless and visionless, your destiny is still unchanged, unless you change it. If a mosquito can still be classified as an insect or if a girl can still be a woman some other time. It is just a matter of time. The different between today and tomorrow is time, for what must be, must be. It doesn't matter the circumstances before you, remember every bridge must be cross, every tree must be climb and every ocean must be swim.
Woman should not be subjected to any man outside marriage and should not fill inferior before any man, though you shouldn't be arrogant, and violent, but always avoid any appearance of evil. They shouldn't consider themselves as nothing or cheap before any wealthy or handsome man. Women are costly than wealth. So there is no need for a woman to stop for unnecessary calls or arrogant toast, it doesn't show respect and regard. Why must a person that don't really appreciate what God made in you, use you and abandon you? Why must you expose every delegate part of your body? Why must an employer visit your body before he offers an employment? Why must you give yourself to advertisement media or any screen show? Is it better to give yourself to the devil or to God? If you give your totality to God, he will change every aspect of your life, though it may tarry, but patience is the key, since God cannot be unrighteous to give you wickedness.

Woman should remember that they are also God's image as human. So if man has some attractive things, a woman has more than them. The rat first attracted a hunter that sets an attractive trap for a rat. You have some qualities that men don't have. So why must you make yours cheap and easy. Women should not allow, what happen to them in the beginning by the devil, repeat it self. They have right in the community and the world at large. Why must you say yes to every man that is not your future? Giving every person an attention is never they key to your success. Because when there are too many unripe mangoes in the basket, one might not know the very ripe mango amongst them midst. Not every person that say hello! Is the real hello? We don't mean class, but your future.

Woman should not kill their goose that will lay a golden egg. No circumstances lasts forever, and no condition is permanent. Don't loose your gold for a penny, as they say, "use what you have to get what you want, or heaven help those that help themselves, or use every opportunity at your reach and get your dream. This language's are absolutely wrong, but comes out from the pit of hell. What you have is not made for what you want, but what God want. You don't make yourself as you are, remember, you are God's creature. Every opportunity at your reach may not be for what you think. Sex is way too powerful to use, to get what you want, outside marriage it can easily backfire on you, resulting in emotional let down, guilt, possibly an unwanted pregnancy or many possible diseases. Save it for what it was made for.

Woman/human beings entirely should be wise enough to discern what is morally good as God imputed it in us, except we are reprobates. Do not be deceived by sight. The glittering of the fruit deceived Eve, not knowing that it is worse than bad. Some of the attachments we use first consider their origin, the motive, source and their effect. It may look good and fancy, desirable to use, but dangerous to life. Do not say it makes me look good or loved by all, but remember love have many type, Natural and artificial love etc. to stay in your clique you don't need to follow the media closely, or join the multitude, because is where you can best find out what other teenagers do and think nor wear what other wear, because is how you can best belong, but you have to be yourself because people like you just as your altitude is normal.

The Pride Of A Woman
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The Province Of Quebec - Canada

Quebec is a Province with unique scenic wilderness and modern cities with old world charm. Quebec is divided into 20 tourist regions all full of interesting attractions and history, heritage, monuments, lighthouses, covered bridges and more. Each region covers an immense area of exceptional natural beauty and each has as its predominant features the St. Lawrence River, virgin forests, lakes, streams and mountains. Each region reflects a different aspect of Quebec unique in North America.

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Here are some of the wonderful places to visit in Quebec.

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Iles-de-la-Madeleine

This beautiful island offers some unique tourist attractions as well as museums, parks, plays, golf course, horseback riding, bird watching, hunting, fishing, sea cruises, scuba diving and windsurfing.

Gaspesie (Gaspe)

The Gaspe region is well-known for its "Rocher Perce", this region offers magnificent beautiful landscapes, fine sand beaches ideal for swimming, unique ancestral houses, the smell of the sea, and a wide variety of bird species.

Quebec City- A taste of Old Europe

Quebec City is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in North America. Palace Royale is the site of the original settlement of the city of Quebec, set inside the old walled city. Traditional stone buildings line the river and cobblestone streets are lined with artists displaying their work. The famous Fairmont Chateau Frontenac is situated in the heart of historic Old Quebec City, set high on a bluff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, close to boutique shopping and quaint restaurants. From the moment you arrive you will see that life around the Frontenac is reflective of this vibrant city.

A city sightseeing tour should include a journey through the old walled city to the Place d'Armes and the Citadel, the official residence of the governor-general in French Canada, and the largest fort on the continent. Everything you want to do or see is within easy walking distance. The charm of the streets and buildings in the Petit Champlain is reason enough to visit, and the shops offer items that are unique to Quebec. Horse drawn carriages, sidewalk cafes, street entertainers, brightly covered building, flowers and a warm welcome, all add to the enjoyment of this wonderful city.

Charlevoix

Breathtaking views at every turn Charlevoix is a beautiful region with magnificent scenery that attracts painters, poets, writers and visitors. If you leave the highways and travel along the secondary roads of the towns and villages you will witness the way of life that ensures the livelihood of local residents. These secondary roads offer irresistible breathtaking scenery.

Montreal

Montreal is a modern Cosmopolitan City and the second French-speaking city in the world. This dynamic and modern region has preserved its architectural heritage. A bustling cosmopolitan city with life at the foot of its mountain, while its history is rooted in the old quarters near the river. With its year-round party atmosphere, Montreal beats to the rhythm of its festivals: jazz, comedy, cinema, fireworks and more!

A visit to the Province of Quebec will leave a lasting impression a part of Canada you won't ever forget.

The Province Of Quebec - Canada
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Ancient Greece Citizens

When we use the word "citizens" we are usually referring to a group of people who live in the same city, with a common origin, language, customs and laws. According to Plato, the ideal city should have no more than 5000 inhabitants, so that they would all know each other. But in 5th century Athens, things were somewhat different, with approximately 40,000 citizens, 20,000 metoici (resident aliens) and about 100,000 slaves. To these we must also add the women and children, who were never included in the numbers of inhabitants.

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The male inhabitants of Athens were divided into three groups: citizens, metoici and slaves. Athenian citizens were only men 18 years of age and older whose forebears had been Athenians for three generations. These fortunate people enjoyed all the rights of free men and could be elected to all the offices of the State. The villager who arrived at dawn from Acharnes in order to take part in the daily draw for participation in some service, had the same possibility of being elected as the son of the old-time aristocrat. This ability to concern one's self with public matters naturally persupposed the existence of leisure time. Athenian citizens preferred not to work, but rather tried to be men of independent means, having others look after the cultivation of their lands and the administration of their property. Manual labour, even artistic creation, was considered by many to be degrading. Despite this, Socrates made a speech urging the poor people to work, even though he himself did precisely the opposite. The need for manpower was often covered by the thetes who were the poorest of the citizens and made their living as workers or as rural day-labourers. In this way, wealthier Athenians were absolutely free to occupy themselves with public matters, primarily with politics. But the poor citizens were obligated to present a certain minimum attendance at the Assembly, and for this reason the state had the foresight to provide some money for those who represented their tribe at sessions and trials, thus at least making good their lost earnings.

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All inhabitants paid the same taxes. In addition, the wealthy undertook sponsorships thus acquiring both the moral satisfaction of their contribution and the social prestige. They served in the army in accordance with their income: as knights with their own horse and a suitable retinue, or in the navy as captains of trirenes, which they themselves took care to man. The poor but proud thetes frequently preferred the harsh life of the oarsman, solely to show their identity as free equal citizens, even though the earnings were meagre. Wealthy, poor or destitute, Athenian citizens were all extremely proud of their origin, so proud that they never called their city "Athens" but the "city of the Athenians". Participating in the administration of the Polis was taken for granted for the citizen who voted, judged and, like all people with plenty of free time, took care to be informed about what was happening in the city. This dedication of the Athenians to public life made them obey the laws and worry about any possible breach of the law which would cause them to be downgraded through the loss of their citizen's rights.

One might say that the biographers of the Athenian citizens were Aristophanes, Plato, Xenophon and Plutarch, each from a different point of view. Much of what we know about the working classes is taken from peevish references in the comedies of Aristophanes, whose sharp tongue conceals nothing. He may have been making fun of the village lout, who went to the Agora reeking of garlic to hear a philosopher speak without realising it, but he also gave us information about each person's chances of acquiring knowledge. From the kindly villager Strepsiades in Clouds, we hear complaints about his wife, a woman from the capital city, who makes him wash and take off his comfortable but dirty clothes, and we realise that an unsuitable marriage has always been a disaster. Xenophon, also, was a practical man of the city who fought far away from his homeland, became acquainted with the people of other countries and developed the taste for a city open to all kinds of positive influences, even foreign. This breadth of mind may perhaps have been the natural destiny of a dynamic man who undertook to lead his fellow soldiers from distant Mesopotamia, through the highlands of Armenia, to the shores of the Black Sea, and finally home. Plutarch, too, who was born in Chaeronia in the first century AD, has left us invaluable information about public life and chiefly about certain famous Athenians whom he included in his Lives.

Plato, one of the most significant figures in the history of philosophy, was born of a father who came from the Kodros family, and a mother from that of Solon. He usually wrote in the form of a dialogue in which he himself did not appear, although he put his views into the mouth of Socrates, his teacher. Plato enlivened his social environment in which refined men went to symposia and exchanged views about philosophy or music. At the home of the enormously wealthy Kallias, for example, intellectuals speculated on whether virtue could be taught; they would spend their evenings with music from a lyre accompanying their conversation or perhaps with the occasional song. Although all had some musical training, no one would agree to play the flute, because to do so one had to disfigure one's face by puffing up one's cheeks to make sound. At the most famous supper in history, the participants selected eros (love) as the subject for the evening. This was the Symposium at which well-to-do Athenian citizens represented by aristocrats, men of learning, poets, politicians and philosophers joined together in a lively discussion. Together with Socrates, the invited guest, they also welcomed a poor barefoot man who was fortunate enough to be Socrates' pupil and follower. Each one spoke on the selected topic, expressing his views in a witty and pleasant way. At some point the handsome Alcibiades appeared, roaring drunk, leaning on a courtesan and garlanded with Attic pansies. Even though a great deal of wine was consumed, the discussion continued without exceeding the bounds of propriety, while other groups of revellers were constantly coming and going.

They all agreed that eros has the greatest power since it awakes in human beings abilities to distinguish themselves and that it also is a factor deterring unseemly behaviour, as one is afraid to lose face in the eyes of the beloved. Everybody distinguished the transient physical attraction of Aphrodite from the uncorrupted beauty of Urania who brings souls closer together, approaching perfection. They would say in jest that eros always looks young because by leaving, he avoids growing old; and perhaps he is always immortal because he lives, is lost and is reborn again. They concluded that what is important in love is quality, to whichever sex one's love is addressed, because eros is the purpose and not the object of desire. Such were the surroundings of the golden youth of Athens who, listening to such lofty discussions, would fall in love at will, admired physical beauty and the intellectual vigour of wise men with equal ardour, and whenever required, went into battle where they won awards for valour. Athenian citizens were people who could live in a democratic world with the subtlety of an aristocrat; they obliged Plato to say how praiseworthy was the man who could distinguish between the three gradations in the human personality: free speech, courage and base desires. The ideal citizen never allows the first two to be subjugated by the last.

The large number of metoici was a purely Athenian phenomenon, as xenophobic Sparta kept those who were not from its region at a distance. Athens on the contrary, was open to Greeks from other cities and even to foreigners who wished to live and work in Attica. The metoici had all the obligations of the Athenian citizen but enjoyed very few of his rights. They lived scattered over the townships, paid taxes and served in the army only as hoplites (footsoldiers). They were able to acquire goods and slaves, but were not permitted to own land. They could worship any gods they chose, but had no right to vote nor could they be elected to any important office, only to the lower ones, e.g. as heralds or contractors for public works. Most of them were artisans, merchants and a good number acted as bankers.

Since they constituted the productive class, many of them became wealthy and distinguished themselves through sponsorships, indeed some became legally accepted into the class of citizens. On the contrary, if a metoicos attempted to usurp the rights of the free citizen illegally, then he was downgraded to a slave. In trials, metoici always had to have the support of an Athenian citizen as guarantor and it is characteristic that if a metoicos killed a citizen, he was condemned to death, while if he murdered another metoicos, the punishment was only exile. The children of marriages between citizens and metoici were not considered to be Athenians unless they won general esteem through wealth or special acts. Many famous artists and philosophers in ancient Athens were metoici and it seems that they accepted their treatment as second-class citizens without protest. Generally, Athenian citizens treated metoici with the politeness of a host toward a welcome guest, up to the point where vested interests were affected, and above all the inherited tradition of the state.

Women, in the homes of both citizens of Athens and metoici, had absolutely no right to hold an opinion or to participate in public affairs. The Athenian imagination justified depriving women of their rights since the goddess Athena had won the contest for the naming of the city by just one female vote. It was then that the matriarchy was nearly set aside in favour of the warrior protectors, who never tolerated female initiatives, which is why women were punished by being excluded from any future important decision. This happened at the time of Kekrops who established marriage as a consolation, making it the primary goal in the life of Athenian women. And of course, marriage meant having children, which is why from birth to death, the female Athenian remained confined inside the home. Girls were married very young to a husband selected by their fathers, to whom they owed absolute obedience. They had to be fully familiar with housekeeping, command the respect of the household slaves and be imbued with a spirit of economy. If an educated slave happened to live in the house then there was a possibility that the girls would learn some reading and writing; but more frequently they were taught only music and dancing.

If a daughter happened to be the sole inheritor of the patriarchal fortune, she would be given in marriage to the closest relative on her father's side, even with a brother of the same father, but never one by the same mother, because the genuine blood line was regarded as being only from the side of the mother. In the event of a request for a divorce, the interested woman had to present herself to the Archon, a virtually heard-of procedure. But even if some desperate women dared, the possibilities of being heard were minimal. There is the example of Hipparete, wife of the incorrigible Alcibiades, who at some point, could no longer stand the incongruities of her marriage. The courageous lady took her application to the Archon, but Alcibiades was notified by his friends, and instead of being divorced, caught her and shut her up in the women's section of the house, without anyone objecting.

We have a good deal of information about Athenian women from Xenophon who wrote about a certain Isomachos, about 30 years old, who married an ignorant 15year-old girl and announced her duties to her: to cook, weave, oversee the slaves, avoid waste and above all to be obedient to her husband. Plutarch also spoke of the dignity of Athenian women and the modesty of their dress, as opposed to the athletic young Spartan women whom he referred to contemptuously because they wore short tunics that showed their thighs. But it was Aristophanes who castigated the dynamic women who dared to protest; his Lysistrata demonstrated the opinion of the ancient Athenians about where the power of women lies. In the Ecclesiazouses, he notes sarcastically that everything has always taken place behind closed doors, without disturbing the calm of ignorance and custom.

Perhaps the most succinct indication of the status of women in Athenian society was that of an orator who said that women fall into three categories: courtesans for the delight of the spirit, concubines for pleasure, and wives for the acquisition of legitimate children. It appears that things were so difficult for wives that Solon instituted a law demanding that Athenian men who happened to have property from their wives, visit them in their chambers at least three times a month in order to produce a male heir to carry on the family name. In the Symposium, Socrates noted that men have fewest conversations with their wives, and mentioned the name of a certain Nikiratos who was bound to his wife by true mutual love, a very rare occurrence. Plato, too, suggested that marriage based on love would be better; but this was for the ideal utopian "Republic" and not for the Asty of reality.

The instruments of pleasure, the hetaeres (courtesans), were of two types: the common ones who were called walkers and the special ones, who lived on the support of their rich patrons. Selected from childhood for their physical beauty, they were especially trained to be pleasing. They were the only women who could circulate freely and thus many of the courtesans had the opportunity to receive an education by listening to the various philosophers. In all symposium scenes, we can see young hetaeres. Orchistrides danced and the avlitrides played the flute and chatted with the carefree revellers whom they were entertaining, whose homes were supervised with the zeal of Cerberus by the dignified lady of the house, who always carried bunch of keys at her waist. The homes of the famous hetaeres were open to philosophers and artists, who would meet in a highly intellectual atmosphere; many of these women used their charms for diplomatic or spying purposes: situations as old as society. One famous hetaera was the beautiful, learned Aspasia from Miletus, who so influenced Pericles and so provoked the envy of the Athenians.

Representations on ceramics show us scenes from a very controversial phenomenon, pederasty, which was one outlet for the instincts in a society where women were confined to their apartments and were without interests or education. Another reason was that constant wars kept the male population far from home. The rise in pederasty coincided with the cult of the naked male body which we admire in the young kouroi. But also, in a society where the father, when he was not at war was busy with public matters, it was natural for a boy to seek guidance from some older friend of the same sex, creating a relationship between an experienced person and someone to whom he passes on his knowledge. It is noteworthy that the lovers were always very masculine and never appeared to be feminine or dressed in women's clothes. Plutarch said that when the young man's beard began to grow, that was the end of the relationship, which was socially acceptable.

It was noted earlier that Plato in his Symposium presented a unique analysis of the concept of eros, the beginning and end of which was intellectual unanimity. It is possible that at this very famous supper, Alcibiades in a jest created a jealous scene over Socrates, but he himself, whom Plato called the "image of eros" died in the arms of a famous courtesan Timandra, mother of the equally famous Corinthian Laida. Of the ten people present at the symposium, only two were conscious homosexuals: the host Agathon and his companion Pausanias. As for Socrates, he was presented there as paragon of abstinence, even though he had had too much to drink, and even though he was provoked shamelessly, because in any relationship, what was important was the mind and not the instincts. It seems that pederasty rarely turned into homosexuality. This male companionship was usually limited to teen-age. Moreover, the phenomenon was restricted after the 4th century, when the various presentations on pottery show the great majority of couples to be heterosexual. But let us leave the private life of the Athenians and talk about another social presence in the Polis, that of the slaves.

In order to expand their businesses, metoici bought ever more slaves. Thus a third group of inhabitants of Athens was created: people who had few hopes of improving either their own lot, that of their children or of their children's children. In Attica, slavery had begun in the mythical time of the Pelasgians. The construction workers brought in from elsewhere to build the first Athenian walls annoyed the women and children of the local people at the well from which they all drew water, and for this reason, the angry Athenians took them prisoner and began to use them as servants. According to Plato, true slaves had to be foreigners, mainly prisoners of war; he recommended that his fellow citizens avoid buying enslaved Greeks from other regions. The slave trade flourished in ancient Greece and we wonder how a wise man like Aristotle can refer to these unfortunate creatures as being like wild animals.

The largest slave market in Attica was in Sounion, obviously for the needs of the mines in Lavrion. The slaves who were bought and became metallevomenoi (mine workers) were the most unlucky because few of them lived very long, due to the hard work and appalling conditions. To this day, the Greek word ekmetallefsi means exploitation. Family slaves had a much better fate, even though they too were considered to be a type of property.

When someone bought a slave and took him home, the lady of the house made him sit at the family hearth and the other members of the family sprinkled him with nuts, giving him a name. From that moment on, the slave was an inseparable member of the family and had to participate in sacred rituals. If he had children, they belonged to the family and when he died, they buried him in the family grave. He had no rights, apart from the possibility of appealing to the altar in the Agora, and to request sanctuary if his life was unbearable. But he had to prove his case.

No Athenian citizen or metoicos considered himself to be worthy of respect without a few slaves. It is believed that every home had an average of about 10 slaves, who looked after the household tasks and also accompanied their masters in their public appearances. In wartime, slaves followed on foot, carrying their master's weapons or holding slingshots. In the event that a slave was educated, he served as a teacher of the young people of the family, passing on his knowledge to them and accompanying them to the higher schools and gymnasia. Information has come down to us that quite a few slaves were given their freedom, promoting them to the group of freemen, but the bonds with the family always remained very strong.

Looking at the various inhabitants of Athens, we are often surprised by their way of life and by their values which are frequently incomprehensible to people living today. But we have an enormous obligation to all of them for their contribution to the heritage they left behind: to the wealthy for the mind, to the workers for the art, to the women for maintaining the family, to the slaves for the endless free and creative hours enjoyed by their masters. Pragmatists and poets, merchants and philosophers, warriors and peacemakers, the ancient Athenians cultivated clear thought with their minds which, with boldness of inspiration and freedom of expression, made them the epitome of their age, and the founders of Western civilisation.

Ancient Greece Citizens
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Temecula Old Town - Where Southern California Charm Thrives

Passing the Time

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During any time of the year, try taking a brief journey throughout Temecula Old Town and you may find a couple celebrating their anniversary on a horse drawn carriage ride or tourists taking in the sights of historic gems, including the Welty Building or the former First National Bank of Temecula. Local museums include the Imagination Workshop Childrens Museum, where science and interactivity collides.

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As you come to the Old Town Temecula Community Theater, keep in mind that this venue has a reputation of delivering a variety of musical and theatrical performances with dance and melodic orchestra events decorating the annual calendar of events. The sounds of bluegrass, country, blues, and jazz often fill the air of the theater as a multitude of solo and group performers pay a visit to Temecula throughout the year. Concerts, touches of Broadway, and even comedy presentations entertain the masses at this venue.

Temecula Old Town Events

Every Saturday a marketplace is held, embracing the interests of those looking for mesmerizing arts and crafts, fresh produce, and vibrantly colored blooms. AnotherTemecula Farmers Market is held on a Wednesday at the Temecula Mall.

Festivals and fun local get-togethers, such as "Western Days" bring guests from out of their local hiding places, as well as from neighboring towns, to enjoy reenactments, food, games, art, and entertainment. Car shows take to the streets, highlighting the shine of custom paint jobs on prized vehicles put on display at the Temecula Rod Rod. This event takes place two times per year in the spring and fall season, filled with music, food, and a chance to learn about the cars and trucks that have caught your eye.

Specialty Shops

Specialty boutiques and shops provide an assortment of interesting wares, including sewing and quilting accessories to a store especially dedicated to British products. Bring home a painting for the living room or add to your already growing collection of coins by checking out the collectibles at All Valley Coin & Jewelry. Stop by Olde Town Mercantile to discover Country Décor at its best with vintage tools, toys, trains, and attractive pieces of furniture.

Old Town Spice Merchants is the perfect place to add just the right amount of flavor to your dishes, including blends, rubs, sea salts, and even rice. Allow the Temecula House of Wine to tease you into your next trip to the local wineries, where helpful maps and brochures are also on display. Seasonal bargains; collectible delights; and a multitude of summer outlets are other perks enjoying during a visit to Temecula Old Town.

Restaurants

When your stomach starts to grumble, Old Town Temecula [http://www.best-temecula-guide.com/temecula-old-town.html] also offers many different eateries to consider, whether you are in the mood for Asian delights, hot steaming pizza, or spicy Mexican dishes at Rosas Cantina. Some of the best barbeque is served at Sweet Lumpys, while the largest steak in town is found at Texas Lils Mesquite Broiler. The sweet and spicy blend of tropical cuisine comes alive at Arriba Grill [http://www.best-temecula-guide.com/caribbean-temecula-restaurant.html] with delicious Caribbean cooking specialties.

In Old Town, locals and visitors usually find that a trip into the thick of Temecula is never the same twice, as the food, events, restaurants, shop selection, and company is an ever-evolving experience each time.

Temecula Old Town - Where Southern California Charm Thrives
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Story Behind Winemaking Fining And Fining Agents

No wine fining agent is 100% specific in what it does. As well as fining out phenolics (tannins), wine fining agents typically take out some aroma and flavor. Whichever wine fining agent is selected, winemakers will use as little as necessary to produce the quality of red or white wine that is required.

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Free run juice typically contains very low levels of phenolics. Phenolics originate in the grape berry and affect taste, bitterness, astringency and color. They are the key wine preservative and basis of long aging. Free run juice is not in contact with skins or seeds for any length of time and, therefore, does not pick up any of the undesirable phenolic substances.

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"Press fraction" of juice is phenolic rich and typically harder, sometimes more bitter, will age far more quickly, and usually makes a lower quality wine when compared to wine made from free run juice. The wines are simply combined; the two juices are mixed and fermented together.

The finished wines are subjected to processes that strip out the phenolics. This process is called wine fining.

Wine is supposed to be very clear and completely free of any suspended particles, so wine makers go to great lengths to clarify it. Wine fining agents typically are natural proteins or substances that have been synthesized (the process of producing a chemical compound) to mimic the action of proteins.

Through winemaking history, a variety of agents have been used for wine fining: ox blood, egg whites, milk casein, isinglass which is prepared from the swim bladders of certain fish, horse gelatins, seaweed, and clay, to name a few. Almost any protein will work at least somewhat, by binding to other proteins and forming solid deposits.

Wineries use industrial filtration machines and wine fining agent chemical additives both organic and inorganic to precipitate out suspended solids, no matter how small, to clarify wine before bottling or long term storage.

Probably the best known commercial wine fining agents are mixtures of pure inorganic bentonite, aluminum silicate clay from Wyoming, quite popular among Californian wineries, and polyvinyl-polypyrrolidone or PVPP, used to fine white juices. Activated carbon is sometimes used to strip the color out of Pinot noir juices for sparkling wine production.

All the particles clouding up wine have an electrical charge. Positively charged wine fining agents like gelatin, Claro K.C. and Sparkolloid, attract negatively charged particles, binding with them, making them too heavy to float. They then sink to the bottom, leaving the wine free of any cloudiness and brilliantly clear. The wine may also be allowed to sit still for long periods so the solids that have fallen to the bottom can be racked out. Clear wine is then siphoned off from the top, leaving the sediment at the bottom of the tank or barrel.

Story Behind Winemaking Fining And Fining Agents
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Our Best Wine Corkscrews Come With A Rich History

Wine corkscrews are great gift ideas for people who love wine. The search for the best wine bottle corkscrews takes us to the history of cork removers. Cork removers, originally called corkscrews, were invented as an easy way of removing the cork from a bottle.

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Wine bottles weren't the first bottles to be corked. Many things were often stored in corked containers, such as beer, medicine, cosmetics and food. Many of these corked items required small corkscrews. The very early cork removers or corkscrews were manufactured by the gunsmiths of the day and, records have shown, also crafted by the Worshipful Company of Loriners, one of the livery companies of the City of London. The Loriners were not gunsmiths, but originally a trade association for makers of metal parts for spurs, harnesses, bridles, and other horse apparel. The first corkscrews were made from a tool called the bulletscrew or gun worm, a tool with a single or double spiral end fitting used to clean musket barrels or to extract an unspent charge from the barrel.

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Early in the 17th century, corkscrews for removing corks were made by blacksmiths, and using a cork to stopper a bottle was well established. The heyday of corkscrews coincided with the middle of the 19th century, the great period of British manufacturing and invention. The earliest patent for the wine bottle cork remover or corkscrew was granted in 1795 in England to Reverend Samuel Henshall. He attached a metal button between the shank and the worm, the worm penetrated the cork, the button would contact the top, and by turning the handle, the grip between the cork and the bottle neck would be broken.

The English were the first to seal wine bottles with a cork, thus necessitating the creation of the wine bottle corkscrew. Looking to create an improved wine bottle corkscrew, the German Carl Wienke invented a single lever waiter's type of wine corkscrew called the "Butler's Friend". Wienke was granted a German patent on May 26, 1882, a British patent on April 20, 1883, and a French patent on May 7, 1883. The corkscrew was called the "Waiter's Friend" or "Butler's Friend" because it could easily remove and easily replace a wine bottle cork. Wienke's corkscrew design is still used today. This is the best wine bottle cork removing corkscrew of choice for the waiter. Slim and comfortable to use with practice, once mastered, it's fast, efficient and comfortable to carry in your pocket. The worm (screw) and the small knife are tucked safely away. The servers can put it into their pocket or apron without fear of getting poked.

Always endeavoring to produce the best wine bottle corkscrew gave way to another common corkscrew design, the double winged lever, and it is credited to H.S. Heeley. Heeley wanted to improve upon the best wine bottle cork remover corkscrew of the day and was granted a British patent on April 23, 1888. Heeley's design was called the "A1 Heeley Double Lever", using pivoting links to gain an improved mechanical advantage to pull the cork.

Not to be outdone in the best wine bottle cork remover corkscrew creation, the "Walker Bell wine bottle corkscrew" was patented in 1893 by American designer Edwin Walker, a self-pulling cork remover corkscrew that incorporated a bell shape, and was often used for promotional messages. The bell shape rested on the bottle top. As the cork remover corkscrew was turned the cork was pulled inside the bell. Walker's first bells were manufactured by E.S.M. Company in Erie, Pennsylvania in the early 1890's. Walker also patented a method for making wine bottle cork remover corkscrews in 1912.

Dominick Rosati developed the first double winged lever patented in North America and was granted a U.S. patent on April 1, 1930 and a Canadian patent on November 25, 1930.

There are so many types of wine bottle corkscrews with interesting mechanisms, all based on the original conceptions, that one could develop a desire for an interesting collection of past and present wine bottle corkscrews.

Our Best Wine Corkscrews Come With A Rich History
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Vacationing in Texas

Texas is a great place to visit no matter what time of the year it is. Each part of Texas has a unique scenery to offer and it tends to stay pretty warm down south. You are sure to find a lot of great events whenever you decide to visit. Head down to warm San Antonio for the annual Wine Opener. This is an annual event held by the San Antonio Express-News. The wine festival features gold-medal winning wines from American and Foreign Vintners. San Antonio's River Walk also hosts the Bud Light Mardi Gras River parade. The event turns the River Walk into Bourbon Street on water. There parade runs from 3 to 5 pm and features live entertainment and costumed revelers.

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The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world's largest stock show and rodeo. The competition lasts 20 days and features rodeo events, concerts, livestock and horse shows, carnivals, educational exhibits and children's activities. There is also great shopping and food. Rodeo Houston features a large number of entertainers including George Straight, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, ZZ Top, Alan Jackson, Los Lonely Boys, Gretchen Wilson and more.

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The Dallas Mavericks are full swing in their season. You can't miss the NBA 2006 Western Conference Champions compete against other great NBA teams for a chance to make it to the Finals. The American Airlines Center hosts the Mavericks' home games and there are several home games in the month of February. While you are in Dallas, don't forget to hit the West End for great dining and entertainment. The West End features a large number of popular restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

If you are looking for some place a whole lot warmer, head down to Port Arthur for the Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas and Holiday Razzle Dazzle. The event features huge Mardi Gras parades and events. They also feature a large number of bands including Pat Green, Robert Earl Keen, and a whole lot of zydeco music. The Amarillo National Center hosts the National Cutting Horse Association World Finals. This is a cutting horse event that draws competitors from all over North America. Exhibitors and horses make their way into Amarillo for a chance to be world champion and win up to ,000. More than five hundred of the top cutters come to compete at this show. Texas is a huge state and each region has its own special attributes and sites to see.

Vacationing in Texas
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