Obviously if you'll be bird watching, bunny watching, or deer watching for fun, your covered carport or the inside of your car will keep your binoculars needs to a minimum.
You'll have protection from the weather, so waterproofing won't be quite as much of an issue as it would be for someone who must use their binoculars in moisture filled occasions on a regular basis. You'll be able to focus on other aspects of the decision making process.
Hunters, on the other hand, have been known to forego weather warnings or get caught in the unexpected rainstorm, or maybe even come across a pond while chasing after the buck that runs off after being shot. Waterproofing and weight would definitely be an important and well-received feature for this area of consumer needs. Night vision might also be a consideration because of the hours hunters must keep to wait for their prey. Getting in the stands before the animals start looking for their breakfast is a must for the dedicated hunter. But hunting isn't just about the prey; it's also about enjoying what the outdoors has to offer besides the prey. The view, the scenery, the other animals that provide enjoyment while waiting, all show good reasons for a trusty pair of binoculars.
Binoculars are almost always carried in toy stores, but judging the quantity of all varieties on the toy store variety isn't fair to the many manufacturers who spend so much time and money perfecting the products. Although it is cute to hear your toddler first say the word binocular.
Photographers, hunters, police teams, the military, snipers, bird watchers, animal enthusiasts, boaters, opera lovers, and sports enthusiasts all have to choose which pair is best for them. They're classified as a pair because they're basically two telescopes that are created to work together; so you aren't likely to hear someone say "What type of binocular do you own?" The word binocular will normally be used in a plural sense.
Your main limit to buying a good, reliable, quality pair of binoculars is how much you can or can't spend. If you invest several hundred dollars, you'll want a good repair service and a good warranty you can count on.
The binocular market offers high powered versions, digital camera versions, versions for different types of sports and theater events, night vision versions, and of course, toy versions. If Dad or Mom has their binoculars, it stands to reason that their little bundle of joy will want to try a pair of their own. It's just too irresistible to hear Mom ooo and ahhh over the birdies and then miss out on a chance to see for themselves!
Night vision binoculars are a must for anyone in a profession that requires secret night work. How far away will you need to clearly focus? What generation of binocular do you require? The first generation is for the general public, the next step up allows you to see further, and so on. Government security would require a higher generation than someone who just wants to study animals for entertainment.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Essentials To Know For A Fun-filled Deep Sea Fishing Trip
If it’s your first time to go for a deep sea fishing
trip, there are some essential things to know to make
it a fun-filled and successful one. Here are some of
the key points when having a deep sea fishing trip.
Overlooked Things To Bring
For sure fishing equipment, food and clothing are the
ones that are always remembered by people to bring on
a deep sea fishing trip. However, there’s still some
other stuff that a lot of people overlook bringing
with them to a trip.
One good example would be a cooler. Bringing one with
some ice, icepacks or even frozen water bottles are
very important, since this is what you’ll use to
retain the freshness of your catch and keep it cold.
Another one would be spare cash. Other than being
vital for emergencies, you would need this just in
case you get the biggest fish and you would have to
get in on the pool. You also need this for mate
tipping purposes for providing you help throughout
your excursion.
Also seasickness medicine would be important too.
Dramamine is one effective solution for that problem.
For those who are already used to boats, this kind of
problem may seldom be encountered. However, it would
still be beneficial if you pack a small first aid kit.
Try to bring band-Aids, stomach medicine, tissues, and
disinfectants in the kit, just so in case minor
injuries occur during the trip.
Best Locations For A Deep Sea Fishing Trip
Some of the best locations to have a deep sea fishing
trip are: Bodega Bay and San Diego in California;
Wildwood, or Cape May in New Jersey; Boston and Cape
Cod in Massachusetts; Daytona Beach, Destin, Key West
and Miami in Florida; Freeport, Galveston and Port
Aransas in Texas; Gloucester in Maine; Ocean City in
Maryland; and Point Pleasant in New Jersey.
These spots can give you a variety of fish to catch.
They also offer you different views and experiences
with nature. Each spot can have their own pro’s and
con’s, however, one thing’s for sure they are great
deep sea fishing spots!
General Deep Sea Fishing Overview
In general, a deep-sea fishing trip could last about
four to eight hours, or more depending on how long you
want it to be. You can arrange trips with your charter
or party boast in the morning or afternoon. In fact,
if you have a special occasion, you can even schedule
evening trips. You can also do this if you’re the
night owl type that might not be back to shore even
until wee hours of the morning.
If you’re having one of these late night trips,
especially during the colder months bringing a thermos
that is full to the brim with steaming tea, hot
chocolate or coffee would be a great way to keep
yourselves alert and warm during the trip.
Freebies On The Side
The great thing with deep sea fishing is that
sometimes you can get freebies on the side. Other than
the adventure of being out in the waters, you may be
graced with the appearance of some dolphins too. There
are cases in which you can also have a glimpse of sea
birds that are chasing each other playfully. However,
the situation would not always be like this, since
factors like location, weather, time of the day and
how many people you are with on your boat could affect
whether you’d see such blessings.
trip, there are some essential things to know to make
it a fun-filled and successful one. Here are some of
the key points when having a deep sea fishing trip.
Overlooked Things To Bring
For sure fishing equipment, food and clothing are the
ones that are always remembered by people to bring on
a deep sea fishing trip. However, there’s still some
other stuff that a lot of people overlook bringing
with them to a trip.
One good example would be a cooler. Bringing one with
some ice, icepacks or even frozen water bottles are
very important, since this is what you’ll use to
retain the freshness of your catch and keep it cold.
Another one would be spare cash. Other than being
vital for emergencies, you would need this just in
case you get the biggest fish and you would have to
get in on the pool. You also need this for mate
tipping purposes for providing you help throughout
your excursion.
Also seasickness medicine would be important too.
Dramamine is one effective solution for that problem.
For those who are already used to boats, this kind of
problem may seldom be encountered. However, it would
still be beneficial if you pack a small first aid kit.
Try to bring band-Aids, stomach medicine, tissues, and
disinfectants in the kit, just so in case minor
injuries occur during the trip.
Best Locations For A Deep Sea Fishing Trip
Some of the best locations to have a deep sea fishing
trip are: Bodega Bay and San Diego in California;
Wildwood, or Cape May in New Jersey; Boston and Cape
Cod in Massachusetts; Daytona Beach, Destin, Key West
and Miami in Florida; Freeport, Galveston and Port
Aransas in Texas; Gloucester in Maine; Ocean City in
Maryland; and Point Pleasant in New Jersey.
These spots can give you a variety of fish to catch.
They also offer you different views and experiences
with nature. Each spot can have their own pro’s and
con’s, however, one thing’s for sure they are great
deep sea fishing spots!
General Deep Sea Fishing Overview
In general, a deep-sea fishing trip could last about
four to eight hours, or more depending on how long you
want it to be. You can arrange trips with your charter
or party boast in the morning or afternoon. In fact,
if you have a special occasion, you can even schedule
evening trips. You can also do this if you’re the
night owl type that might not be back to shore even
until wee hours of the morning.
If you’re having one of these late night trips,
especially during the colder months bringing a thermos
that is full to the brim with steaming tea, hot
chocolate or coffee would be a great way to keep
yourselves alert and warm during the trip.
Freebies On The Side
The great thing with deep sea fishing is that
sometimes you can get freebies on the side. Other than
the adventure of being out in the waters, you may be
graced with the appearance of some dolphins too. There
are cases in which you can also have a glimpse of sea
birds that are chasing each other playfully. However,
the situation would not always be like this, since
factors like location, weather, time of the day and
how many people you are with on your boat could affect
whether you’d see such blessings.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Ways to Beef-up Your ATV
With new ATV’s coming out every year, a quad that is king of the mountain one year may fall back to the middle of the pack the next year. And, of course, the more you ride and get comfortable with your ATV, the braver you are going to get and eventually reach a point when you have perfected the art of riding and run into a mud pit you can’t cross or notice that some other quads can get the jump on you. Many people simply trade their quad when this happens, but there are a lot of things you can do to your quad to get even more power or custom tune your ATV to suit the terrain in your area or your riding style.
One of the easiest ways to tailor your quad to local riding conditions is to simply change your how you grip the ground. There is a large variety of tires on the market that are made for extreme mudding, sand, and all out speed over any terrain. The most obvious factor you can change about your tires is the tread pattern. Mud tires will typically have a deep, well-spaced tread with a lot of surface area, which allows it to push against slippery mud. Although tread pattern comes into play when playing in the mud, so does sidewall strength and tire thickness. A mud tire with a thicker sidewall will give you more consistent performance when you’re axle deep in sludge. Many people find that lighter rims also give them a slight edge in the mud. Like mud, getting through sand is made much easier with tread that can push and grab a lot of sand. However, if you’re trying to get faster, especially through the corners, you might benefit from a knobby open-patterned tire that is designed to grip trails without deep mud pits. You can also get tires to make the ride a little softer or give you a firmer grip, but the tires only affect how you grip the trail. Sometimes it’s necessary add some muscle to your quad to get the performance you’re looking for.
Although there were once many people who would change sprockets to get more low-end power or top-end speed out of their quads, most of today’s quads have balanced gearing based on weight, engine power, and what it was designed to do. Many riders find that tinkering with sprockets don’t change their quad’s performance characteristics as much as they’d like, and instead turn to performance modifications to squeeze more power from their ride. Although you can go deep into your engine and change cams and other parts that will make your engine even more stout, you can get noticeable results from more affordable and less complicated modifications.
The easiest way to get more power from your quad is by adjusting the airflow through your engine. Simply changing the intake on your quad will give you an increase in power because you force more oxygen into the combustion chamber. Switching to a less restrictive exhaust will get more power to your wheels since the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to breathe. Headers are another bolt-on modification that will let your engine work more efficiently and add power to your quad.
One popular modification that makes it possible to take on really deep mud holes is a snorkel kit and exhaust extension. A risk you run when diving into mud is that you will suck some mud through your intake, or it will enter your engine through your exhaust. Getting mud or water in your engine will shut it down in a hurry and may require a trip to the shop to get all the water out of your engine. A snorkel kit may be necessary to get through some mud holes you encounter when riding.
Regardless of what kind of quad you ride, with the horde of new ATV’s that come out year after year, sooner or later it will fall to the middle of the pack. The good news is that aftermarket parts are also getting better all the time, which allows you to custom tune your quad without breaking the bank.
One of the easiest ways to tailor your quad to local riding conditions is to simply change your how you grip the ground. There is a large variety of tires on the market that are made for extreme mudding, sand, and all out speed over any terrain. The most obvious factor you can change about your tires is the tread pattern. Mud tires will typically have a deep, well-spaced tread with a lot of surface area, which allows it to push against slippery mud. Although tread pattern comes into play when playing in the mud, so does sidewall strength and tire thickness. A mud tire with a thicker sidewall will give you more consistent performance when you’re axle deep in sludge. Many people find that lighter rims also give them a slight edge in the mud. Like mud, getting through sand is made much easier with tread that can push and grab a lot of sand. However, if you’re trying to get faster, especially through the corners, you might benefit from a knobby open-patterned tire that is designed to grip trails without deep mud pits. You can also get tires to make the ride a little softer or give you a firmer grip, but the tires only affect how you grip the trail. Sometimes it’s necessary add some muscle to your quad to get the performance you’re looking for.
Although there were once many people who would change sprockets to get more low-end power or top-end speed out of their quads, most of today’s quads have balanced gearing based on weight, engine power, and what it was designed to do. Many riders find that tinkering with sprockets don’t change their quad’s performance characteristics as much as they’d like, and instead turn to performance modifications to squeeze more power from their ride. Although you can go deep into your engine and change cams and other parts that will make your engine even more stout, you can get noticeable results from more affordable and less complicated modifications.
The easiest way to get more power from your quad is by adjusting the airflow through your engine. Simply changing the intake on your quad will give you an increase in power because you force more oxygen into the combustion chamber. Switching to a less restrictive exhaust will get more power to your wheels since the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to breathe. Headers are another bolt-on modification that will let your engine work more efficiently and add power to your quad.
One popular modification that makes it possible to take on really deep mud holes is a snorkel kit and exhaust extension. A risk you run when diving into mud is that you will suck some mud through your intake, or it will enter your engine through your exhaust. Getting mud or water in your engine will shut it down in a hurry and may require a trip to the shop to get all the water out of your engine. A snorkel kit may be necessary to get through some mud holes you encounter when riding.
Regardless of what kind of quad you ride, with the horde of new ATV’s that come out year after year, sooner or later it will fall to the middle of the pack. The good news is that aftermarket parts are also getting better all the time, which allows you to custom tune your quad without breaking the bank.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Archery Supplies
Archery has always been the source of curiosity. It has fascinated people since ages and people are still very much excited about it. There are innumerable archery suppliers all across the world. The archery supplies from them will take care of most of your needs; these archery supplies contain bows and arrows of different varieties. Depending on your preferences you can select bows and arrows. The range of products available is many and the prices are also affordable.
Bows and arrows are the main constituents of archery. Bows are of different types such as Longbow, shortbow, flatbow, recurve bow, crossbow and compound bow. Longbow as the name suggests is very long; the length of the bow is equal to the height of the user and in some cases even exceeds the height of the user. The limb of the Flatbow is wider and the cross-section is rectangular in shape.
Shortbow is shorter in length; it is light weight and has a short range. It was basically used for hunting purpose. In crossbow the limbs are mounted in a horizontal manner and not in a vertical manner. The compound bow is designed in such as manner that the archer is at ease while mounting the bow.
All these types of bows are available in the market. Although some of the bows have become outdated still some of the archery suppliers keep the product for the satisfaction of their customers.
Shaft, arrowheads, nock and fletching constitute an arrow. Aluminum alloy, carbon fiber, wood and fiberglass are used for the construction of the shaft. Depending on the usage the choice of the arrow will differ from person to person.
However while choosing the arrow one should be careful that it is not too flexible and also it is not brittle. The archery supplies take care of the most of the demand of the archery equipment. But if still you are not able to find the one then you can definitely place an order and the suppliers will try their level best to fulfill your demand.
At present arrows made of carbon alloys are popular and are being widely used by the archers. In fact arrows used in popular sports events like Olympic are made of carbon alloys.
The arrow will be able to hit the target only when it is shot at a proper angle; when the arrow is in the air it should be able to use the air pressure to reach the target. The arrowhead and fletching provides the requisite balance to the arrow.
The arrowhead of archery arrows needs to be made of some hard materials like metals. The arrowheads heads plays a pivotal role in shooting the target. Fletching provides balance to the arrows; it is generally made of plastic or bird feathers. Fletching is at the rear end of the arrow and it helps in the projectile motion of the arrow.
Today archery has become a sporting activity; some even use it for recreational purposes. If you are the one who is excited about archery then the archery supplies will take care of all your needs.
Bows and arrows are the main constituents of archery. Bows are of different types such as Longbow, shortbow, flatbow, recurve bow, crossbow and compound bow. Longbow as the name suggests is very long; the length of the bow is equal to the height of the user and in some cases even exceeds the height of the user. The limb of the Flatbow is wider and the cross-section is rectangular in shape.
Shortbow is shorter in length; it is light weight and has a short range. It was basically used for hunting purpose. In crossbow the limbs are mounted in a horizontal manner and not in a vertical manner. The compound bow is designed in such as manner that the archer is at ease while mounting the bow.
All these types of bows are available in the market. Although some of the bows have become outdated still some of the archery suppliers keep the product for the satisfaction of their customers.
Shaft, arrowheads, nock and fletching constitute an arrow. Aluminum alloy, carbon fiber, wood and fiberglass are used for the construction of the shaft. Depending on the usage the choice of the arrow will differ from person to person.
However while choosing the arrow one should be careful that it is not too flexible and also it is not brittle. The archery supplies take care of the most of the demand of the archery equipment. But if still you are not able to find the one then you can definitely place an order and the suppliers will try their level best to fulfill your demand.
At present arrows made of carbon alloys are popular and are being widely used by the archers. In fact arrows used in popular sports events like Olympic are made of carbon alloys.
The arrow will be able to hit the target only when it is shot at a proper angle; when the arrow is in the air it should be able to use the air pressure to reach the target. The arrowhead and fletching provides the requisite balance to the arrow.
The arrowhead of archery arrows needs to be made of some hard materials like metals. The arrowheads heads plays a pivotal role in shooting the target. Fletching provides balance to the arrows; it is generally made of plastic or bird feathers. Fletching is at the rear end of the arrow and it helps in the projectile motion of the arrow.
Today archery has become a sporting activity; some even use it for recreational purposes. If you are the one who is excited about archery then the archery supplies will take care of all your needs.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Cooking on a George Foreman Grill
When it comes to convenience and enjoyment when cooking there are very few appliances in my kitchen that can compete with my George Foreman grill. While there are many different sizes and styles to the George Foreman line of grilling machines I have the George Foreman Next Grilleration Grill, which allows us to do almost anything on our grill. This grill even comes with the ability to make waffles in addition to all the wonderful meals that the traditional George Foreman grill can assist with when it comes to cooking.
This handy grill is completely awesome when it comes to cooking no matter what time of the day it is. For breakfast, you also have the option of using the flat grill in order to make pancakes, sausage, bacon, or eggs if that is your wish in addition to the ability to make waffles. For breakfast, this grill is divine and we're just getting started for the day.
For lunch you can once again use the flat grill for making grill cheese sandwiches if that is your choice or you can use the traditional grilling grills in order to create paninis or quesadillas that are sure to please even the most selective member of your family when it comes to a quick, easy, and delicious lunch. If that doesn't do the trick though you can also use the grills to make hot ham and cheese sandwiches or use your imagination to come up with a tasty combination of your very own. To get a little extra creative you could toss a few pineapple rings onto the grill for a tasty after lunch treat.
In the afternoon you can use your grill, believe it or not, to make homemade chocolate chip cookies. I'd be fairly willing to be that is one thing you never thought you'd be cooking on a grill. I know it was a surprise for me. When you buy the grill, if you decide to buy one of these, you will discover that there is a recipe for making your own chocolate chip cookies in the recipe booklet that comes with the grill. Of course there are other snack foods you can make with your grill as well just use your imagination.
When it comes to dinner, very few kitchen appliances offer quite the degree of diversity of my little George Foreman Grilleration when it comes to cooking. Another surprising recipe in the booklet is one for pizza and I have actually used my grill to make Shake and Bake chicken on more than one occasion. As far as tools for cooking go in my kitchen this is one tool that is definitely tops. You can also make fish sticks or chicken nuggets and French fries on this nifty little grill if that is your wish.
In addition to the things I've mentioned above you can use your grill for making chicken, fish, steaks, pork shops, and many other delightful dishes if that is your wish. When it comes to this particular grill the plates are not only removable but also dishwasher safe. This means that clean up is quick and easy once the cooking is complete.
When it comes to cooking for you and your family, any little short cut to make things easier is a shortcut well worth taking. The George Foreman Grilleration is a great accessory to add to your kitchen that will make cooking easier day in and out.
This handy grill is completely awesome when it comes to cooking no matter what time of the day it is. For breakfast, you also have the option of using the flat grill in order to make pancakes, sausage, bacon, or eggs if that is your wish in addition to the ability to make waffles. For breakfast, this grill is divine and we're just getting started for the day.
For lunch you can once again use the flat grill for making grill cheese sandwiches if that is your choice or you can use the traditional grilling grills in order to create paninis or quesadillas that are sure to please even the most selective member of your family when it comes to a quick, easy, and delicious lunch. If that doesn't do the trick though you can also use the grills to make hot ham and cheese sandwiches or use your imagination to come up with a tasty combination of your very own. To get a little extra creative you could toss a few pineapple rings onto the grill for a tasty after lunch treat.
In the afternoon you can use your grill, believe it or not, to make homemade chocolate chip cookies. I'd be fairly willing to be that is one thing you never thought you'd be cooking on a grill. I know it was a surprise for me. When you buy the grill, if you decide to buy one of these, you will discover that there is a recipe for making your own chocolate chip cookies in the recipe booklet that comes with the grill. Of course there are other snack foods you can make with your grill as well just use your imagination.
When it comes to dinner, very few kitchen appliances offer quite the degree of diversity of my little George Foreman Grilleration when it comes to cooking. Another surprising recipe in the booklet is one for pizza and I have actually used my grill to make Shake and Bake chicken on more than one occasion. As far as tools for cooking go in my kitchen this is one tool that is definitely tops. You can also make fish sticks or chicken nuggets and French fries on this nifty little grill if that is your wish.
In addition to the things I've mentioned above you can use your grill for making chicken, fish, steaks, pork shops, and many other delightful dishes if that is your wish. When it comes to this particular grill the plates are not only removable but also dishwasher safe. This means that clean up is quick and easy once the cooking is complete.
When it comes to cooking for you and your family, any little short cut to make things easier is a shortcut well worth taking. The George Foreman Grilleration is a great accessory to add to your kitchen that will make cooking easier day in and out.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Coffee Maker Glossary
Coffee has a language all its own. Here are a few of the frequently used coffee maker terms.
Auto Frother: device that automatically froths milk for cappuccinos and lattes.
Automatic Drip Coffee Maker: machine that automatically heats water and filters it through the coffee.
Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker: an espresso machine featuring controllable, programmable coffee dosing.
Bean to Cup: fully automated coffee making process. Machines with bean to cup capability do everything from grinding the beans to filling a cup with coffee.
Boiler: steam machine inside coffee maker. Machines with larger boilers usually are more powerful and produce more hot water for beverages.
Boiler Element: electric element that heats boiler in electric espresso coffee makers.
Cappuccino: Italian espresso based beverage.
Cup Warmer: metal portion at top of espresso coffee maker where cups are placed for warming.
Dosing: refers to either the number of grams of coffee per cup or the amount of brewed coffee per cup.
Drip Tray: Part of espresso coffee maker where coffee cup sits for filling.
Espresso: Italian black coffee which preceded specialty coffees. Rich black coffee.
Filter Basket: Metal filter where grounds are placed for brewing.
Filtered Method: process of brewing coffee with a filter, coffee is separate from the water.
French Press: aka plunger pot. A cylindrical coffee maker in which ground coffee is steeped then filtered. Coffee grounds are pushed to the bottom of the pot with the plunger. Coffee stays in the top of the pot.
Fully Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker: machines which automatically manage the brewing process from coffee bean to fresh cup of coffee.
Grind: process of preparing coffee beans for coffee brewing.
Group: Portion of espresso coffee maker that brews coffee.
Group Handle: Portion of espresso coffee maker that holds the filter basket that ground coffee goes into.
Heat Exchanger: heats water for coffee without taking water from the boiler.
Hopper: portion of grinder that holds coffee beans.
French Press coffee maker:
Knock-out Box: container used to knock the used coffee grounds from group handle.
Latte: Hot beverage made with one quarter coffee, three quarters of steamed, hot milk with little froth.
Mocha: term used to describe hot beverage made from espresso, chocolate and milk.
Moka Pot: Classic Italian espresso-maker used on top of the stove.
Percolator: coffee maker that continuously runs water through the coffee grounds to make coffee.
Pod: a self-contained, single serving unit of ready to use coffee.
Pour/Pour Speed/Pour Time: the amount of time required to pour coffee from group into cup. Should be 25 to 30 seconds for espresso.
Pump: device that moves water through the coffee maker.
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker: machine without pre-set dosing capability.
Steam Arm/Wand: metal tube delivering steam to froth milk.
Super Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker: machine which automatically manages brewing process from coffee bean to fresh cup of coffee in addition to other features such as a water filter.
Tamping: act of pressing ground coffee into filter basket.
Vacuum coffee maker: machine using vacuum process to make coffee.
Traditional espresso coffee maker: machine that is not a bean to cup automated model.
Water Filter: filters contaminants from water for better coffee taste.
Water Font: nozzle used to dispense water from machine boiler.
Water Softener: filters lime and minerals from water, preventing build up of scales in the coffee maker. This is a must have for anyone using hard water.
Auto Frother: device that automatically froths milk for cappuccinos and lattes.
Automatic Drip Coffee Maker: machine that automatically heats water and filters it through the coffee.
Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker: an espresso machine featuring controllable, programmable coffee dosing.
Bean to Cup: fully automated coffee making process. Machines with bean to cup capability do everything from grinding the beans to filling a cup with coffee.
Boiler: steam machine inside coffee maker. Machines with larger boilers usually are more powerful and produce more hot water for beverages.
Boiler Element: electric element that heats boiler in electric espresso coffee makers.
Cappuccino: Italian espresso based beverage.
Cup Warmer: metal portion at top of espresso coffee maker where cups are placed for warming.
Dosing: refers to either the number of grams of coffee per cup or the amount of brewed coffee per cup.
Drip Tray: Part of espresso coffee maker where coffee cup sits for filling.
Espresso: Italian black coffee which preceded specialty coffees. Rich black coffee.
Filter Basket: Metal filter where grounds are placed for brewing.
Filtered Method: process of brewing coffee with a filter, coffee is separate from the water.
French Press: aka plunger pot. A cylindrical coffee maker in which ground coffee is steeped then filtered. Coffee grounds are pushed to the bottom of the pot with the plunger. Coffee stays in the top of the pot.
Fully Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker: machines which automatically manage the brewing process from coffee bean to fresh cup of coffee.
Grind: process of preparing coffee beans for coffee brewing.
Group: Portion of espresso coffee maker that brews coffee.
Group Handle: Portion of espresso coffee maker that holds the filter basket that ground coffee goes into.
Heat Exchanger: heats water for coffee without taking water from the boiler.
Hopper: portion of grinder that holds coffee beans.
French Press coffee maker:
Knock-out Box: container used to knock the used coffee grounds from group handle.
Latte: Hot beverage made with one quarter coffee, three quarters of steamed, hot milk with little froth.
Mocha: term used to describe hot beverage made from espresso, chocolate and milk.
Moka Pot: Classic Italian espresso-maker used on top of the stove.
Percolator: coffee maker that continuously runs water through the coffee grounds to make coffee.
Pod: a self-contained, single serving unit of ready to use coffee.
Pour/Pour Speed/Pour Time: the amount of time required to pour coffee from group into cup. Should be 25 to 30 seconds for espresso.
Pump: device that moves water through the coffee maker.
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker: machine without pre-set dosing capability.
Steam Arm/Wand: metal tube delivering steam to froth milk.
Super Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker: machine which automatically manages brewing process from coffee bean to fresh cup of coffee in addition to other features such as a water filter.
Tamping: act of pressing ground coffee into filter basket.
Vacuum coffee maker: machine using vacuum process to make coffee.
Traditional espresso coffee maker: machine that is not a bean to cup automated model.
Water Filter: filters contaminants from water for better coffee taste.
Water Font: nozzle used to dispense water from machine boiler.
Water Softener: filters lime and minerals from water, preventing build up of scales in the coffee maker. This is a must have for anyone using hard water.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Summer Grilling
Summer time is the perfect time for barbequing. Not only is the temperatures perfect for outdoor activities, but often the children are out of school, and families are traveling for their summer vacations. Today in America, it is unheard of for a family to go a full summer without having or attending a barbeque cookout. Today, over 90% of families attend a barbeque at least once a year.
Summer is indeed the perfect time to plan a barbeque party. It is important to remember certain things when barbequing to ensure that your party goes flawless.
Grilling Do’s and Don’ts
1. Always start with a completely clean grill. The amazing fish that you cooked last week was indeed tasty, but unless you want a hint of fish with your hot dogs, you need to clean your grill before cooking. It is recommended that you clean you grill each and every time you use it. Wait until it cools down, and then clean the surfaces with baking soda and the racks with grease fighting dish soap and water.
2. Before you begin cooking, spray your cooking area with a nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent your meat from sticking when you are rotating or removing it. If your meat sticks and tears, you will lose a large amount of juice, and your meat may dry out.
3. Never place food on the grill until the temperature is correct. The fluctuation in temperatures will cause your food to dry out or burn. If you are using a charcoal grill, make sure that the coals are completely gray before putting the meat on the grill. This will allow the temperatures to level out, and the majority of the lighter fluid to burn off.
4. While marinating before you cook will add flavor, covering your meat in barbeque sauces before cooking will dry your meat out, and may even cause it to burn. This happens because most barbeques sauces contain high amounts of fat and sugar, which burn really easy. Alternatively, lightly seasoning your meat will work well, and will not have any adverse effects. If you must use barbeque sauce, only add it in the final minutes before taking your meat off the grill. Just remember that meat has a natural flavor that is only brought out by barbequing, so you do not want to ruin that.
5. Searing you meat will lock in the juices and taste, but you do not want to cook your meat at that temperature for the whole amount of time. Once you have seared both sides, reduce the heat to medium. This will ensure that your meat is full of flavor and tender.
6. Once meat is cooked, never put it back in on the same plate you had it on when it was raw. This could cause the spread of many unwanted illnesses. Do not handle cooked meat with the same utensils that you used when it was raw.
7. Never poke you meat while it is cooking. Poking holes in meat will cause the juice inside to leak out into the bottom of the grill. Not only will this make your food dry and unappealing in the end, but it also could potentially ruin your barbeque grill. At the very least, it will cause a buildup of unwanted grease and juices on your grill, which will make cleanup harder.
Summer is indeed the perfect time to plan a barbeque party. It is important to remember certain things when barbequing to ensure that your party goes flawless.
Grilling Do’s and Don’ts
1. Always start with a completely clean grill. The amazing fish that you cooked last week was indeed tasty, but unless you want a hint of fish with your hot dogs, you need to clean your grill before cooking. It is recommended that you clean you grill each and every time you use it. Wait until it cools down, and then clean the surfaces with baking soda and the racks with grease fighting dish soap and water.
2. Before you begin cooking, spray your cooking area with a nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent your meat from sticking when you are rotating or removing it. If your meat sticks and tears, you will lose a large amount of juice, and your meat may dry out.
3. Never place food on the grill until the temperature is correct. The fluctuation in temperatures will cause your food to dry out or burn. If you are using a charcoal grill, make sure that the coals are completely gray before putting the meat on the grill. This will allow the temperatures to level out, and the majority of the lighter fluid to burn off.
4. While marinating before you cook will add flavor, covering your meat in barbeque sauces before cooking will dry your meat out, and may even cause it to burn. This happens because most barbeques sauces contain high amounts of fat and sugar, which burn really easy. Alternatively, lightly seasoning your meat will work well, and will not have any adverse effects. If you must use barbeque sauce, only add it in the final minutes before taking your meat off the grill. Just remember that meat has a natural flavor that is only brought out by barbequing, so you do not want to ruin that.
5. Searing you meat will lock in the juices and taste, but you do not want to cook your meat at that temperature for the whole amount of time. Once you have seared both sides, reduce the heat to medium. This will ensure that your meat is full of flavor and tender.
6. Once meat is cooked, never put it back in on the same plate you had it on when it was raw. This could cause the spread of many unwanted illnesses. Do not handle cooked meat with the same utensils that you used when it was raw.
7. Never poke you meat while it is cooking. Poking holes in meat will cause the juice inside to leak out into the bottom of the grill. Not only will this make your food dry and unappealing in the end, but it also could potentially ruin your barbeque grill. At the very least, it will cause a buildup of unwanted grease and juices on your grill, which will make cleanup harder.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Buying Your First Model Train
Selecting the right model train can be a difficult task for the newcomer to the model-railroading hobby. There are so many trains out there, each in a different size. In this article, I am going to discuss a couple important things to know before buying your first model train. I know firsthand how that very first trip to the model train store can feel. After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of what to look for.
Space and Scale
Before you even think of building a model train set, you need to know just how much space you’ll have for it. When you purchase a model train, it has a “scale” associated with it. The scale informs you of the size of the train. The majority of model train enthusiasts love the HO scale because it takes limited space for a regular setup and the detail is nice. If space is at a premium for you, look into N scale trains. These can be run in the smallest of spaces. One of my favorites is the O Scale, sometimes called O Gauge, trains. These are big boys and come with great detail. If you have at least a 6 foot by 6 foot space, you can setup a decent O scale layout. O scale model trains and accessories are typically more expensive, but they are worth it in my opinion.
Requirements
It is possible to setup your own model railroad piece by piece or to buy a complete kit. Generally, a complete kit will lack the frills associated with model railroad setups like scenery, but you can be up and running in minutes. If you end up buying a ready-to-run complete set, you can add-on to it easily by simply buying the parts you desire. Also you can run other trains on the track. Just make sure to buy the same scale as your setup. For example, if you bought a HO scale set, you want to buy HO model trains in the future.
Some Things to Look For
When buying your new model train, look to see if it is DCC enabled. This is a big one. You want to have your train DCC enabled, if possible, so you can run other trains at the same time with ease. Should you decide one train is enough for you, this is less of an issue, in my opinion. However, you never know. Your model train store will only have a very small fraction of the model trains and accessories that are out there. Don’t feel like you have to buy what they have. The Internet is full of model train stores.
Finally, I recommend that you look for a model train store in your area and go talk to them. You can learn a lot very quickly by talking with someone in person who cares about the hobby. While hobby stores are ok, a store dedicated to model railroading is far superior in every aspect. The probability of finding someone who really knows about model railroading in detail at a general hobby store is minimal at best.
Space and Scale
Before you even think of building a model train set, you need to know just how much space you’ll have for it. When you purchase a model train, it has a “scale” associated with it. The scale informs you of the size of the train. The majority of model train enthusiasts love the HO scale because it takes limited space for a regular setup and the detail is nice. If space is at a premium for you, look into N scale trains. These can be run in the smallest of spaces. One of my favorites is the O Scale, sometimes called O Gauge, trains. These are big boys and come with great detail. If you have at least a 6 foot by 6 foot space, you can setup a decent O scale layout. O scale model trains and accessories are typically more expensive, but they are worth it in my opinion.
Requirements
It is possible to setup your own model railroad piece by piece or to buy a complete kit. Generally, a complete kit will lack the frills associated with model railroad setups like scenery, but you can be up and running in minutes. If you end up buying a ready-to-run complete set, you can add-on to it easily by simply buying the parts you desire. Also you can run other trains on the track. Just make sure to buy the same scale as your setup. For example, if you bought a HO scale set, you want to buy HO model trains in the future.
Some Things to Look For
When buying your new model train, look to see if it is DCC enabled. This is a big one. You want to have your train DCC enabled, if possible, so you can run other trains at the same time with ease. Should you decide one train is enough for you, this is less of an issue, in my opinion. However, you never know. Your model train store will only have a very small fraction of the model trains and accessories that are out there. Don’t feel like you have to buy what they have. The Internet is full of model train stores.
Finally, I recommend that you look for a model train store in your area and go talk to them. You can learn a lot very quickly by talking with someone in person who cares about the hobby. While hobby stores are ok, a store dedicated to model railroading is far superior in every aspect. The probability of finding someone who really knows about model railroading in detail at a general hobby store is minimal at best.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Building Model Ships
Building models can be a great hobby. There are all kinds of models to choose from including: cars, trucks, plane, trains, and ships. For those that have a connection to the sea, it seems only natural to choose to build model ships.
You might start by purchasing a model kit online and waiting for it to arrive. You’re probably excited and can’t wait to get started. The kit arrives, you open it, and are overwhelmed by the number of pieces. You open the plans, which appear to be written in a language you cannot understand, and you wonder if your choice was wise. Not to worry!! You’ll have that model together in no time.
Chances are you’ve chosen model ships because you have a connection to the sea and boats, which means you are familiar with some of the nautical terms like deck, bulkhead, stern, port and starboard, caulk a plank, and even some of the decorative knots that are used. If you aren’t familiar with these terms, you can quickly become familiar just by doing a little research online.
When you are ready to start building, there are many online sites that offer classes on how to build model boats and model ships. Some cater to a specific level of building or a specific type of boat. You’ll be able to find classes for the beginner along with classes for people who are more advanced.
These sites also offer forums where you can discuss building with others, get help, and solve problems. Some also have live chat available with staff that can assist you with specific questions or problems you have.
There are also some excellent model ship building books on the market. Again, there are books that cater to the beginner and those that cater to the more experienced builder.
The first ship you buy should be relatively easy. Leave the complicated models for when you’ve got more experience. You don’t want to get discouraged and give up on the hobby.
Models come in different scale sizes. The larger the scale the more the model will cost. It doesn’t make a better model; it just makes a bigger model. Start with a small scale, low cost model. These kits won’t be as detailed as high priced kits, but what they will do is provide you with a great learning experience and a finished product that is nice overall.
Once you’ve completed your first model, you can move up to a model that’s a little more detailed and costs a bit more. As your skills grow you can progress in the types of ship models you choose to buy. Most models indicate the skill level required for completion.
You’ll want a work area that’s adequate. The larger the table or work area the better, and it’s always nice to hang your plans for easy referral. You also need good lighting with no shadows. Your work area should be broken into areas such as preassembly, working on, and waiting to dry. It will make the process much easier.
Always read your plans in advance of starting to work on an area. That way you’ll know exactly where you are headed. It might take a couple of reads to makes sense of the directions, but be patient – you’ll get it.
There are all kinds of model ships – tall ships, cruise ships, sailboats, speedboats, wooden boats, and antique boats are some examples. So whatever you fancy, you’ll find plenty of model ships to choose from.
You might start by purchasing a model kit online and waiting for it to arrive. You’re probably excited and can’t wait to get started. The kit arrives, you open it, and are overwhelmed by the number of pieces. You open the plans, which appear to be written in a language you cannot understand, and you wonder if your choice was wise. Not to worry!! You’ll have that model together in no time.
Chances are you’ve chosen model ships because you have a connection to the sea and boats, which means you are familiar with some of the nautical terms like deck, bulkhead, stern, port and starboard, caulk a plank, and even some of the decorative knots that are used. If you aren’t familiar with these terms, you can quickly become familiar just by doing a little research online.
When you are ready to start building, there are many online sites that offer classes on how to build model boats and model ships. Some cater to a specific level of building or a specific type of boat. You’ll be able to find classes for the beginner along with classes for people who are more advanced.
These sites also offer forums where you can discuss building with others, get help, and solve problems. Some also have live chat available with staff that can assist you with specific questions or problems you have.
There are also some excellent model ship building books on the market. Again, there are books that cater to the beginner and those that cater to the more experienced builder.
The first ship you buy should be relatively easy. Leave the complicated models for when you’ve got more experience. You don’t want to get discouraged and give up on the hobby.
Models come in different scale sizes. The larger the scale the more the model will cost. It doesn’t make a better model; it just makes a bigger model. Start with a small scale, low cost model. These kits won’t be as detailed as high priced kits, but what they will do is provide you with a great learning experience and a finished product that is nice overall.
Once you’ve completed your first model, you can move up to a model that’s a little more detailed and costs a bit more. As your skills grow you can progress in the types of ship models you choose to buy. Most models indicate the skill level required for completion.
You’ll want a work area that’s adequate. The larger the table or work area the better, and it’s always nice to hang your plans for easy referral. You also need good lighting with no shadows. Your work area should be broken into areas such as preassembly, working on, and waiting to dry. It will make the process much easier.
Always read your plans in advance of starting to work on an area. That way you’ll know exactly where you are headed. It might take a couple of reads to makes sense of the directions, but be patient – you’ll get it.
There are all kinds of model ships – tall ships, cruise ships, sailboats, speedboats, wooden boats, and antique boats are some examples. So whatever you fancy, you’ll find plenty of model ships to choose from.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Boating Fun
Boating is way more than a fun way to enjoy nature and the water. There are all sorts of ways to have fun boating. Think outside of the box and explore new ways to have fun on the water.
Of course, boating is fun. But when you have your family and friends along for the ride, the fun becomes massive! If you have a pontoon boat, this is a great opportunity to throw a party on the water and let those you care about enjoy boating as much as you do. Even if you own a speedboat, your friends and family will have a lot of fun taking turns on board as they enjoy water sports like skiing and tubing.
Part of boating is doing so responsibly. If you are captaining your vessel, avoid drinking alcohol. It can impair your judgment and can cause an accident. As you can imagine, THAT would not make boating fun!
Boating fun is easy to find when you enjoy your time on the water with your family. Keep a positive attitude and teach those around you what you are doing. Point out interesting sites on your trip. Liven the atmosphere with some boating trivia or boating songs. You might be surprised to see how much those around you will enjoy your trip when they see you enjoying it as well.
Part of the fun in boating is enjoying the scenery as you glide across the water. Don’t let that pass you by. Take the time to watch as nature passes you by. Notice the color of the trees, pay attention to any wildlife you might see, find unique sights that you don’t usually see. It might sound a little hokey, but we think you will find that noticing nature is definitely a big part of boating fun.
Water skiing, inner tubing, wake boarding, and fishing are all fun activities you can do while boating. In fact, many boat owners wouldn’t think of owning a boat without having a ski rope or a fishing seat. Find the joy in these activities and fully embrace that joy. See the joy in the faces of those around you as well. That can be amazingly satisfying as you watch other people with smiles on their faces.
Having fun while boating is easy. Boating is an activity that should take you away from the stresses of everyday life. So sit back, relax a little, laugh a lot, and experience fun like you’ve never known – all while boating!
Of course, boating is fun. But when you have your family and friends along for the ride, the fun becomes massive! If you have a pontoon boat, this is a great opportunity to throw a party on the water and let those you care about enjoy boating as much as you do. Even if you own a speedboat, your friends and family will have a lot of fun taking turns on board as they enjoy water sports like skiing and tubing.
Part of boating is doing so responsibly. If you are captaining your vessel, avoid drinking alcohol. It can impair your judgment and can cause an accident. As you can imagine, THAT would not make boating fun!
Boating fun is easy to find when you enjoy your time on the water with your family. Keep a positive attitude and teach those around you what you are doing. Point out interesting sites on your trip. Liven the atmosphere with some boating trivia or boating songs. You might be surprised to see how much those around you will enjoy your trip when they see you enjoying it as well.
Part of the fun in boating is enjoying the scenery as you glide across the water. Don’t let that pass you by. Take the time to watch as nature passes you by. Notice the color of the trees, pay attention to any wildlife you might see, find unique sights that you don’t usually see. It might sound a little hokey, but we think you will find that noticing nature is definitely a big part of boating fun.
Water skiing, inner tubing, wake boarding, and fishing are all fun activities you can do while boating. In fact, many boat owners wouldn’t think of owning a boat without having a ski rope or a fishing seat. Find the joy in these activities and fully embrace that joy. See the joy in the faces of those around you as well. That can be amazingly satisfying as you watch other people with smiles on their faces.
Having fun while boating is easy. Boating is an activity that should take you away from the stresses of everyday life. So sit back, relax a little, laugh a lot, and experience fun like you’ve never known – all while boating!
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