Monday, July 19, 2010

Party Food

Having the right party food can really make a big difference at your next gathering. A lot of parties have a certain kind of traditional food that goes with them, but if you aren't afraid to mix it up, you can make the party even better. Who says you can not improve on tradition?

I am a pretty typical man's man in many ways, but I love to cook. Nonetheless, when I would have Super Bowl parties, poker parties, and that sort of event, I would use the typical party foods. I would have chips and dip, beer, and some sodas in case anyone wanted them. Everyone was always pretty happy with the food for parties, and no one ever complained.

Then one day, I decided to try something different. I figured that there were so many delicious and easy party foods that there was no sense in sticking with the same thing every single time. I made some hors d'oeuvres, a seven layer bean dip, and even a light meal of sandwiches. When I set up the sandwiches, people were ecstatic. Although they made fun of me for being such a cook, I can tell that they really liked what I had brought. People had even more fun than usual, and they all came back for the next party

when I was making food for Halloween party, I also decided to be a little bit adventures. Firstly I dressed up in an Evil Clown costume and then I had tried out this new recipe on my wife, and she absolutely loved it (after she got scared to death seeing me, he he he).

I know that there are some very traditional Christmas party food dishes, but I wanted to try a few other things. Instead of having ham, I decided to make game birds. I took some roasted pheasants, prepared bread putting, and all in all, went against normal holiday tradition. Although I was taking a risk, it turned out great. People loved the party food that I made. It is all about a design, design, design...

Of course, it is always nice to have a few classics. You should not, for example, have Christmas without eggnog. This is obvious to a lot of people, but some people forget the candy at Halloween parties. Candy might seem like an unnecessary party food, but it is part of the spirit of the holiday. Without it, Halloween feel somehow empty and hollow. Even cupcakes won't make up for it not being there. There are some traditions, after all, that you should never mess with.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Skirts and Dresses to Go Dancing

Dancing is a passion for some. In order to give your best on the dance floor it helps to have the right attire. Dance skirts are fashion necessities for females who are serious dancers and there are as many different styles are there are different types of dance routines.

Finding the right products begins with finding the right style of dance skirts for the type of dancing you will do. Considering what type of routine interests you is a wonderful first step to finding the right gear. Following are three typical types of costumes that go with three typical routines.

Ballroom dancing is very popular right now and the costumes are just as appealing as the moves. Famous dances include the foxtrot, tango and the waltz. These are just a few of the many forms of ballroom routines out there. Even though these dances are quite different, they do have certain elements in common.

One of those elements is the beautiful dancewear that goes with the routines. You really want to look for dance skirts that have a lot of movement. The skirt should twirl and flow with your motions. This will help create a marvelous presentation during your routine. These dance skirts are usually embellished with sequins or beading.

The belly dance is a Middle Eastern routine that has been in practice for centuries. This routine calls for colorful dance skirts that have a scarf-like design. These costumes are adorned with lots of shiny accents and beading and they are come in a wide array of colors. Ideally, the dance costumes used in the belly dance routines accentuate the woman's figure. Arabian Nights are coming to mind and a women dressed up in Arabian Nights costumes make the most remakable entrance.

Swing dance includes old-time favorite routines like the Charleston and the Jitterbug. These fun-filled dancing routines are typically accompanied with fun dance skirts that twirl and move with swing. The trumpet skirt is a favorite choice for many dancers while others prefer a cute sailor style costume for Swing routines.

While knowing the type of dancing routine you will perform is essential to finding the right dance costume there are other very important things to consider as well. First and foremost, the dance skirts have to fit well. Correct fit is essential to getting a great look and comfort.

The dance skirts should be made of quality material that will stand up to use. In additional, you want to look for apparel that is well-crafted. Investing in quality dance skirts is a wise choice for ladies who really want to put their fashions to good use.

Monday, January 18, 2010

The Introduction to Joysticks For PC

Most games for PC can be played using simple mouse and ordinary computer keyboard: if you are a simple, average gamer, that is. But if you are a serious and hardcore gamer, those peripherals are not enough. That is why manufacturers created and developed different gaming tools to provide more fun and real-life experience. And one of these great tools is the joystick.

Joysticks are usually compatible with game consoles like X-Box or Play Station, but they were redesigned to be compatible with computers as well. Joysticks for PC are used for arcade-like games and flight simulation games. Different joystick models are designed to fit specific game types.

When choosing a stick for your computer, determine first what kind of device you need. Think about the games you are usually playing. So, if your games that require joystick controlling, you are in the right direction.

Next is the features and design of the controller: hot keys, throttle, trigger, etc. Different manufacturers created different PC joysticks, so be keen but diligent. And lastly determine how much you are willing to spend and stick to your budget. Ordinary PC game joystick can go for as low as $20 while high-end PC joystick can cost as much as $300. Most of the time the extra features on the joystick means additional bucks. So again, ask yourself what you really need. Will you go for quality, brand name or features? Always check if the game control device is compatible with your machine and that your computer meets the minimum requirements for the joystick. If you do all those things, you will surely not waste your money.

There are different brands of computer game controllers available in today's market. One of the most talked about is the Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 joystick. It was the newest joystick model from Microsoft, a better adaptation of their first joystick version: rebuilt and redesigned. Force Feedback 2 is sleeker, slimmer and lighter. It has built-in AC power supply and is USB compatible. It has a 16-bit on-board processor and digital-optical technology for close to reality flight experience. With its 16 programmable action buttons, hat switch, rotating handle and rock-solid base you will definitely enjoy and feel the game:. a bestseller then and still a bestseller now.

Another well-known brand of joystick for PC is Logitech. Logitech has been creating great gaming peripherals and their PC joysticks line is one of the best in the market. The Attack 3, Extreme 3D Pro, Freedom 2.4, Forces 3D Pro and Flight System G940 Force are gaming community's most wanted.

  • Logitech Attack 3 is highly recommended for entry-level gamers because of its simple and smooth set-up and layout; although it is suitable for all gamers. Attack 3 comes with ambidextrous handle which offers comfort for both left and right handed gamers. It has eleven programmable buttons, rapid-fire trigger, force feedback mechanism and throttle control for excellent and precise gaming experience. It is compatible with PC and Macintosh computers and can be connected through USB port.
  • Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is design to deliver realistic gaming experience. With its twelve programmable buttons, high-precision throttle, eight-way rubber hat switch and easy-grip twist handle, accessing multiple commands is easier, faster and smoother.
  • Logitech Freedom 2.4 provides gaming freedom with its 2.4GHZ wireless technology that gives you gaming access within 20 feet range. Its features includes eight-way hat switch, aluminum trigger and throttle, ten programmable action buttons, twist handle and weighted, rubberized base. Logitech Freedom 2.4 is battery operated and has an ergonomic brushed-metal and rubber design. And with its tag price you will also get three "AA" batteries.
  • Logitech Forces 3D Pro belong to the top ten "best PC devices" list. With its improved force feedback mechanism, eight-way rubberized hat switch, high-precision throttle, twist handle and twelve programmable action buttons you will get maximum control and realistic gaming experience. Logitech Forces 3D Pro is PC and Mac compatible and can be connected through USB port.
  • Logitech G940 Flight Force System is not for the faint hearted. This one is definitely for hardcore gaming enthusiasts. This is crafted to look, work and feel like the real commercial and military aircrafts. With its dual-throttle system, toe, breaks, force feedback mechanism, rudder pedals, programmable throttle-base buttons and light indicators, you will feel G-forces, turbulence, wind shear and buffeting within your game. Logitech G940 Flight Force System will kick your gaming experience up to ten notches. If you are a real gamer, the hefty $300 or more tag price will not be an issue.

Besides Logitech, another popular and highly rated PC joystick brand is Saitek. Saitek released four joystick models; ST90, ST50, Aviator, Cyborg X and X52 Flight System.

  • Saitek ST90 is a perfect PC joystick for beginner. It has a unique retractable tripod design provides stability and easy storage. It is designed with four-position digital throttle, LED indicator, two fire buttons, rapid-fire trigger and single-spring gimbals mechanism for easy and fast control. And for the beginner it is quite affordable.
  • Saitek ST50 comes in a simple and compact design. Its features include rapid-fire trigger, force feedback system, built-in throttle, three action buttons and pistol-grip palm rest. Saitek ST50 can be connected through USB port.
  • Saitek Aviator belongs to the top ten "best PC devices" list. It is the first dual-throttle PC joystick released in the market. It has a rugged military design with high-quality performance and features. It comes with eight-way hat switch, rapid-fire trigger, illuminated missile fire launcher, rudder twist, two-mode switch and dual-throttle lever. Saitek Aviator uses Saitek Smart Technology (SST) that can program up to 40 commands.
  • Saitek Cyborg X has been around the market for ten years and still remains as one of the best selling PC joysticks. This futuristic device was design to combine cutting-edge engineering and innovative design. For superior performance, Saitek packed this Cyborg with twelve programmable action buttons, dual throttle lever, adjustable POV hat switch, tilting head mechanism, shift button, twist axis rudder and adjustable handle.
  • Saitek X52 Flight System is design for maximum aeronautical authenticity. It is designed with full rubber grips, part-metal construction and multifunction display. It uses Roger Wilco Chat Software and Saitek Smart Technology that can program 282 commands. Its features include toggle switch, three-way mode switch, wheel on throttle, trigger buttons, eight-way hat switch, five-way rotating handle and rudder control.

Another well-known manufacturer of joysticks and PC gaming devices is the Thrustmaster. They utilized the HOTAS system for computer flight simulation games and they have licensing agreements with prestigious brands like Ferrari, Splinter Cell, Top Gun and others. They have released five PC joystick models; USB joystick, T-Flight Stick X, T16000M, T-Flight HOTAS X and HOTAS Cougar.

  • Thrustmaster USB joystick is the cheapest in Thrustmaster PC joysticks line. It has simple and basic design that is perfect for entry-level gamers. It comes with basic joystick features like thumb throttle, three axis button, trigger, four action button and easy camera control.
  • Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X is ergonomically designed for comfort and easy control. It features include motion-sensor function, internal memory, 12 programmable action buttons, air-break trigger, rotating handle, four axes, multidirectional hat switch, throttle lever and rapid-fire trigger. Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X is compatible with PC and PS3 and can be connected through USB port.
  • Thrustmaster T16000M is a fully ambidextrous joystick that has three removable components to tailor fit both left-handed and right-handed people. This joystick has an exclusive HALLEFFECT ACCURATE TECHNOLOGY (HEART), twelve switch-enable buttons, 16 action buttons, multidirectional hat, rudder control and four axes.
  • Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X comes with a detachable throttle control, wide hand rest, dual-system aerodynamic system, internal memory, 12 programmable buttons, 5 axes, high-precision stick, rapid-fire trigger, multidirectional hat, mapping buttons and break triggers. Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X is under licensed.
  • Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar is the joystick for hardcore gaming enthusiast. It is an exact replica of the legendary F-16 fighter aircraft. With 28 programmable action buttons, Foxy programming software, full metal construction and multiple hat switch. This virtually realistic PC joystick is a must-have if you have $200 to $270 to spare.

So when you have decided to treat yourself and buy your very own PC gaming devices be ready for a hunt. A hunt for the cheapest, a hunt for the best and a hunt for what you need. You can find the best PC joystick in the nearest electronic and computer store near you or you can source online. If you are not ready for high tag price but you want great deal; try some online auction or second hand store.

If you want to know more what PC Joystick is, visit http://pcjoystick.org, your source for PC Joysticks online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_M_Everskemper

Friday, January 11, 2008

Monounsaturated Fats Are Good For You And You Know It

Monounsaturated fats have a protect blood cholesterol levels. They doing it by lowering LDL known as “bad” cholesterol and increasing HDL levels known as “good” Monounsaturated fats tend to have a protective effect on blood cholesterol levels by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) and increasing HDL levels (good cholesterol). Therefore, monounsaturated fats are good for your health.

Cholesterol is a chemical compound manufactured in the body that helps the body to make steroid hormones and bile acids. It is a soft, waxy substance used to form cell membranes and some hormones. Therefore, it is a normal part of all our body cells. Cholesterol is essential for health and key to production of certain hormones, including estrogen and testosterone, and in production of bile essential for digestion

Because monounsaturated fat is lowers the “bad” cholesterol levels, it may assist in reducing heart disease. Adding monounsaturated fats to your diet shouldn’t be difficult as they are found in natural foods like canola, olive, and peanut oils, as well as most nuts, and certain cold water fish species such salmon, halibut, mackerel, and rainbow trout. They are also the main component of tea seed oil and olive oil. Most monounsaturated fats are rich in Vitamin E. Fat helps the body absorb fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. If you live long enough on the planet Earth, you KNOW Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant vitamin and is called the youth vitamin.



Monounsaturated fats are at the center of the popular Mediterranean diet in those countries heart disease, bowel and breast cancer are less likely than the other parts of the Western world. Those fats are more stable than polyunsaturated fats, so they can tolerate higher temperatures for cooking.

Fatty acids are long-chained molecules having a methyl group at one end and a carboxylic acid group at the other end. Fatty acid fluidity increases with increasing number of double bonds. Fats, along with protein and carbohydrates, are one of the major macronutrients in the diet. Fat is used by your body to make hormonelike substances that control blood pressure and other heart functions.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Janet Jackson Feedback Video


Janet Jackson is back with vengeance and sexy as ever. If you fan of Janet, you must take a look at the preview of her "Feedback" video. It’s been today at 7:30 EST you could watch Janet Jackson’s Feedback video on yahoo. Tomorrow there will be yahoo’s worldwide premiere. Wow!

Additionally, Janet launches her new website: JanetJackson.com tomorrow. The special about Janet’s website is that her funs can participate in the contest in creating their own video adaptation of Feedback that would go through Janet’s YouTube channel: “Destination Discipline”. You may enter the competion because if your video is in the ten most viewed videos, you are for a treat of a brand new iPod with Janet Jackson’s videos and music.

So, the single “Feedback” is here and the rest of the album “Discipline” is due in February.

Here is what Janet says about her new album “Discipline”:

I love the dance. I love the mid tempo stuff. I love slow songs and the baby making songs. I still has the element to it. (…) You don’t know how many people come up to me and say – ‘This child was conceived listening to you’”.

Thanks, Janet!

Watch the "Feedback" on YouTube here.

Nicole Kidman Confirms She Is Pregnant


Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman will take a step back from movie-making this year after announcing that she is pregnant.

The Australian film star ended weeks of speculation, releasing a statement confirming she and husband Keith Urban are expecting their first child together.
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"Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban confirmed today that they are expecting a baby," Kidman's publicist Wendy Day said in a statement.

"The couple are thrilled."

Pregnancy rumours have been circulating for some time, with scores of paparazzi photos focused on her "baby bump".

Ms Day said she learned only on Tuesday morning that the 40-year-old actress was expecting.

"I personally didn't know, so I'm excited today, very excited," Ms Day told AAP.

"For years I've seen speculation, and for years it's never been right, so I didn't think it was right this time.

"And then she's just rung this morning."

It is understood the star couple enjoyed lunch together at Lucio's Italian restaurant in the inner Sydney suburb of Paddington just hours after making the news public.

The pair have been relaxing with friends and family in Sydney over Christmas, after Kidman finished work on Baz Luhrmann's epic film Australia on December 21.

Ms Day said Kidman had announced her pregnancy after withdrawing from her next planned film project, the Stephen Daldry-directed post-World War II drama, The Reader, which was due to begin shooting this month.

The New York Post reported Kidman, who has suffered a miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy in the past, quit the film because she was "so concerned about the welfare of her unborn child".

"I understand she's had to withdraw from the film and therefore she's had to give them the reason, and therefore she's now able to confirm that she's pregnant," Ms Day said.

"I don't know how far pregnant she is, or when the baby's due.

"She just simply rang me and said, 'Wendy, I always told you I would tell you first, and I'd confirm it and you could make the appropriate announcement.'

"So I guess that statement ends all the rumours and... I guess the poor girl will be hounded by paparazzi and all that."

A pack of media was camped outside Kidman's Darling Point residence in Sydney's eastern suburbs, as flowers were delivered to the expectant parents.

Kidman and country singer Urban met in Los Angeles at a G'Day LA event honouring Australians in January 2005, and married in Manly, on Sydney's northern beaches, 18 months later.

It was Kidman's second marriage. Her first, to fellow Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, broke down in 2001.

During their 10-year union, Kidman and Cruise adopted two children, daughter Isabella, now 14, and son Connor, 12.

The children live with Cruise and his new wife, actress Katie Holmes.

Kidman has said she had an ectopic pregnancy at the beginning of her marriage to Cruise and suffered a miscarriage at the time the couple split.

Nicole's mother, a clearly thrilled Janelle Kidman, hinted that the baby may arrive around Nicole's 41st birthday.

"I think it's in July," Mrs Kidman told the Seven Network, adding that she and husband Antony were excited about the news.

And in Queensland, Urban's father Bob also welcomed the news.

Yahoo News

Nose Bidet Helping Thousands Allergies Sufferers


Nose Bidet may be the answer for endless sufferers of sinuses and allergies. Nose bidet finds its way to the American medicine cabinets with this alternative medicine this winter. You may ask what is nose bidet is. As funny as it may sound, it is pot or nasal irrigation pot looking a bit like an Aladdin’s magic lamp and rumored to help with allergy symptoms. It is known also as Jala net pot. Nasal washing has been has been used for centuries but with the development of modern medicine has been nearly forgotten.

Newly nose bidet became popular again, mainly because of the appearance of Oprah’s favorite doctor, Mehmet Oz on her talk show. As Dr. Oz is becoming slowly becoming a household name with the segment: Ask Dr. Oz, Americans are excepting his endorsement of nose nasal irrigation with the help of the nose bidet on that show. Nose bidet suppose to irrigate or rather clear nasal passage way and helps treating inflammation of the sinuses and allergies.

It is good to know that nasal cleansing has been a part of folk medicine in many parts of the world and belongs to ancient Indian yogic tradition.

So, what to use with nose bidet? According to Dr. Oz, not just regular water as it can irritate your nostrils and certainly not cold water. The best in your nose bidet is warm water mixed with a quarter teaspoon of non-iodized salt.