Cushman Truckster – Adding A Honda 20HP V-Twin Engine

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Cushman Trucksters are considered one of the best hauling vehicles available because of their durability and long-lasting construction. Their reasonable price makes them a favorite of many greens keeping and landscaping operations who use hauling vehicles like these every day for basic debris and equipment transportation.

Proper maintenance will keep a Cushman Truckster running for years. In fact, these vehicles will often times out-live the quality of the engines inside them. While the body, electrical components, engine, even the tires will continue to run strong the power may not be up to what the modern models can provide. Rather than ridding the fleet of the older Cushman, repower kits are available so that stronger, newer engines can be easily placed into the machine. These rebuild kits cost a fraction of the price of a new engine and will give new life to an older truckster by adding more horsepower and new engineering.

Cushman Truckster small engines can be easily replaced using a number of different rebuild kits available. One of the best options is a repower kit using a Honda 20HP V-Twin overhead valve engine.

A Honda 20HP V-Twin overhead valve engine rebuild kit is best suited to replace any Cushman Truckster 18 or 22 HP small engine. Like any good rebuild kit, a Honda small engine kit will include the engine itself, an exhaust system, a motor mount, a clutch adapter, the complete installation instructions and the bolts and other items necessary to complete the installation. Before purchasing any repower kit, make sure you understand exactly what does and does not come in the package you are purchasing.

Though relatively simple, repowering a Cushman Truckster with something like a Honda 20HP engine does take some understanding and planning. It is not as simple as swapping one engine for another. It is important to read through the details of the instructions and take note of what will and will not function exactly as before and what additional parts may be necessary beyond those included in the kit. Below are some simple things to consider, specifically when using as rebuild kit for a Cushman Truckster.

Hydraulic System: If your truckster has a hydraulic system that uses a chain drive or a belt drive, additional parts or kits may need to be ordered in order to make the system work properly.

Equipment Heater: Changing the muffler system may render the equipment heater inoperable.

Power Converter: If your truckster has a 120 volts AC power converter, it may require additional changes in order to function after the repower kit is installed. This is because using a kit like one for a Honda 20HP eliminates the alternator.

All of these functions can be built back into the construction of the truckster through other means. The amount of money saved using a rebuild kit is often considered well worth the cost of a couple of additional maintenance hours to get these features back on line. Reviewing the information about any rebuild kit before you buy will help you understand what additional work may need to be done.

Cushman Trucksters are quality built machines with an excellent track-record for longevity and performance. Repowering their engines using a high-powered Honda 20HP V-Twin small engine will extend the life of the vehicle while giving it the power available in newer models.

~Ben Anton, 2008

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Source by Ben Anton

Home Energy Audits

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Though there are numerous things that can be done to make the house more energy efficient, it is important to know about the best solution among the available options.

First step in making your home energy efficient is to get a home audit done which helps you assess the energy needs of your home. This helps you find out how much energy your home uses and what steps should be taken to optimally use energy and improve the efficiency of your home. Care must be taken to implement the recommendations because audits alone cannot save energy; you also need to take energy saving measures.

Some may recommend that you do the home energy audit on your own as hiring a professional may be an expensive affair, especially for those with already tight budgets. However, you need to realize that an audit done by you cannot be as precise as the one done by a pro. Hence, it is advisable that you hire a professional who has substantial experience in performing home energy audits. Once you have made the decision to seek help, contact a professional home energy auditor. The auditor will check your utility bills, examine your property and energy usage as well as perform certain tests.

The standardized tests employed by most of the professionals comprise blower door test and thermographic scan. In the blower door test, professional installs a large fan into the frame of an exterior door of your home and turns it on. As a result, air blows from inside to outside that creates a lower air pressure within the house as compared to outside. Owing to the lower air pressure, the outside air is drawn into the house through the gaps and vents in the structure of your house. In the thermographic scan, the professional makes use a camera or other scanning devices to take pictures of your home on an infrared spectrum. These pictures make it easy for the auditor to identify areas that have gaps or vents from where your home is losing heat or letting in cold.

With all the requisite data in hand, auditor will be able to recommend a detailed plan to improve the energy efficiency of your home. This plan will vary from one home to another as the energy requirements and use of your home will be differ from that of your neighbor’s house. However, most of the auditors recommend measures like improving insulation, upgrading appliances, as well as installing a programmable thermostat and weather stripping, among other steps.

Home energy audit along with the implementation of the recommended steps not only helps in making your home energy efficient but also saves money. On an average, 30% utility savings can be achieved on your pre-audit energy bills if adequate measures are taken to enhance the energy efficiency of your home. Hence, it is advisable to get a home energy audit done at the earliest and save energy as well as money.

Energy saving homes, loft insulation, microgeneration, Energy saving, wall insulation, energy efficiency, energy audit

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

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Source by Motti V

The Difference Between Steel and Aluminium Trailers

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Are you considering buying a trailer? Nowadays, the trailer manufacturers are using mainly two types of materials when producing trailers: steel and aluminium. These materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. Which distinguish steel from aluminium trailer?

Since long ago, steel was the only material from which trailers were made. It is vulnerable to rust, which is the main reason why manufacturers began to look for an alternative material. Aluminium appeared as a good substitute for steel, which is considered as even better because of its lightweight. Trailers made of aluminium weight 15-20% less than steel trailers. Compared to heavier steel trailers, the trailers can carry a larger load. Therefore, the transmission pressure of the towing vehicle is reduced and you’ll spend less gasoline.

For transporting heavier loads, you will need strong and solid material – steel. It is ideal for places with a humid climate, such as rain, ice and wind. All of these conditions can damage the surface of the material and cause rust formatting. Certain measures should be taken to protect the towing vehicle. For greater rust resistance, you should get a galvanized finish to your trailer. It should be emphasized that initially, the steel will be immune to rust, but over time it will start to corrode although it’s galvanized. When you decide to protect the trailer with a galvanized finish, be prepared to spend a lot. However, this should not scare you because if you don’t do it, the repair costs will be even bigger. Keep in mind, the process of galvanizing will save you money.

Aluminium, as a material used for manufacturing trailers, is made of 95% aluminium and 5% mixture of copper, chromium, zinc and titanium. This makes it rust-resistant. However, these trailers have to be maintained by putting lubrication on hinges and cam latches. What can be distinguished as negative for aluminium trailers is that they are not as strong as steel trailers are. Despite the fact that they are light when transporting goods, aluminium trailers are not suitable for driving long distances or on rough roads.

With all this information – the decision is yours. Choosing the best towing vehicle can be simple if you know what you want. If you are going to transport goods frequently in wet conditions, then you need a steel trailer. On the contrary, if you don’t plan to haul a heavier load, an aluminium trailer is what you need to buy.

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Source by Maria Williams

Air Conditioning Brands – How To Choose The Best One

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It is difficult, especially for someone not within the air conditioning sector, to figure out which is the best air conditioning brand out on the market.

The fact is, each brand of air conditioning has it’s own advantages and disadvantages. Even for an industry expert or specialist, it would be challenging to say exactly which brand is indeed the very best one.

Read on for 5 crucial aspects you must consider when picking the ideal brand to go with in your home construction or upgrading plans.

When Choosing The Best Air Conditioning Brand, Here Are 5 Things To Consider:

1. Lifespan – How Long Can The Air Conditioner Last

This is one of the most crucial considerations when choosing an air conditioner brand. The life-span of an air conditioner, or for how long it lasts, has a strong implication on a home owner’s running costs.

Earlier systems actually have the tendency to last for a longer period– typically approximately 20 years. However, with the development of much more sophisticated electronics being incorporated into today’s air conditioners, this is no longer the case. This holds true for any kind of electrical home appliance– not simply air conditioner systems.

Different brand names differ in quality and durability. Even within the same brand, each unique model of air conditioner has it’s one-of-a-kind “idiosyncracies”.

Some expert installers have in fact provided feedback that the thermostat of particular brands is more susceptible to failing over time than others. We are unable to provide specific brand names in this post to observe the legal rights of each brand.

In addition, a fast search on Google will generate numerous beneficial insights. This might be the best way to determine which brand is more durable – based on the experiences of other customers.

When doing your research, it’s best to research for genuine comments by actual customers as opposed to the info posted by air conditioning companies– which could be biased.

Typically, the more recent models of air conditioners provide at least 5 years service warranty on Parts, Labour and Compressor– with some manufacturers offering a little more.

So what’s the best way to decide on the most effective air conditioning brand name based on durability? A viable approach would certainly be to talk to a specialist. Tradespeople or installers that have actually worked in the air conditioning sector for a long time, will certainly have the field knowledge and experience to offer some great ideas on which brands are last longer.

2. Power Efficiency – How Much Power Does The Air Conditioner Need

While durability may not have improved much for most brands over the years, energy efficiency is one area that every air conditioning brand name has actually strived to improve over the years.

Current day top branded air conditioners have typically obtained the highest energy star score in the market. The leading brand names generally feature a 5-7 star rating– which significantly minimises the amount of power required by the air conditioner.

When picking the best air conditioner brand, it is essential to look for one that has the highest power star rating. Escalating gas prices have actually caused electricity costs to rise considerably in the last few years, therefore picking an air conditioner with the lowest power consumption makes perfect sense.

Inverter designs are generally the good choice. Air Conditioners with the Inverter feature have the ability to power down to a lower consumption mode when the thermostat sense the room has actually been cooled down to a pre-specified temperature.

Depending on what that predetermined temperature is set to, you could certainly conserve A LOT of power.

If you set the thermostat to 16 degrees, the inverter would not be of much benefit, as it takes the air conditioner some effort to even cool the room to that temperature. However, if the thermostat is set to 21-26 degrees, which is easily achieved, the inverter kicks in much sooner, and puts the unit in low power mode.

3. Efficiency – How Effectively The Air Conditioner Cools A Space

Cooling performance of various brands can differ substantially. Even new models of the very brands could have wide ranging degrees of performance.

Generally, most air conditioners would do adequately well for regular sized rooms. If it’s enclosed, especially. The real test happens when you attempt to cool down an open hall, or a large space.

Depending upon the power (BTU) of the fan coil or wall unit & compressor, an air conditioner model’s cooling radius can vary dramatically. The larger the compressor, the bigger the cooling radius.

Check with friends or online customers reviews on which brand delivers the best cooling performance. People who have used different brands– and who have experienced a not so good performing model– KNOW for sure which brand not to go for.

Once more, talking with a market specialist or installer is still a wise choice. They’ve been in the industry for many years and know the ins and outs of many brands and models.

4. Special Features – Extra Functions That Are Unique To Each Brand

This is another essential factor to consider when selecting an air conditioner brand. Modern day technology has enabled the newer air conditioning models to come with flashy new functions. Some of these consist of:

Extensive Timer Controls – Preset on and also off times, and also running durations for each area.

Zoning – Divide your residence into various zones and present environments for every area!

Advanced Climate Control – Precisely regulate the temperatue for each and every room

WiFi/ Remote Access – Turn on your heater or air conditioner 5 minutes prior to you get to home!

When choosing your air conditioner, ensure you compare all the attributes supplied by each brand! It’s quite a fun exercise!

5. Reputation & Support

Of course, this point goes back for years. Solid brand names are established over years of top quality as well as a tested performance history. Once again do your very own research and figure out which brand name matches you a lot more.

The leading air conditioning brands are Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Carrier, Samsung as well as Braemar. Having a strong track record in the industry implies that these brands have actually stood the test of time, as well as have actually consistently delivered on quality, durability and customer satisfaction.

I hope this article has helped highlight the key considerations when choosing the most ideal air conditioning brand for your home. Unfortunately, as with all things “Shopping” related, there’s no definite answer. However, based on these 5 key points, and some careful research, you should be able to pick out a good brand best suited to your needs.

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Source by Paul Leong

Semen-Its Importance And How To Increase Semen Volume?

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It is said that young age is the most beautiful time to live. Many youngsters go straight from childhood to old age and they do not know the value and the true joy of young age. Due to bad society, most of the youngsters play with their bodies on their own and get affected by many diseases related to sex and destroy their pleasant life by destroying semen.

Today’s young people are devastating their life jewel (semen) with their own hands knowingly or unknowingly just to get a momentary bliss and as a result, are being surrounded by many diseases. First we have to understand what is semen? And it’s importance in life.

What is Semen?

Semen is a liquid substance which contains sperm cells along with other plasma fluids. It is white in color, greasy and sticky material which comes out from penis during sexual intercourse or through masturbation. It can be easily visible too. Also, in female reproductive organ, it works as a transmission of sperm cells. It turns into a sticky substance post ejaculation. Semen is the life of the body and is very essential for a healthy body function.

It’s Importance in Life:

It is believed that one drop of semen is produced out of forty drops of blood than it can be easily understand that how precious and valuable this semen is for life. Semen supports a life and body which shines in eyes, and beams in shining cheeks and also considered a treasure for life. Semen is produced by the cells of the testes from blood and contributing in vitality to the body and its organs. Semen comes out of the very marrow that lies unexposed inside the bones. It can cause of illness also, if it is wasted in unnecessary sexual activities especially for self-pleasure. So this is important to fill-up it because it is decreased with every ejaculation. During ejaculation, the median volume of semen discharged is between 2 to 5 ml and there are millions of sperm are available in liquid of semen. You get shock to know that on an average, 15 million to 200 million sperms are present in ejaculation time. Out of which few are competent to fertilize female’s sperm.

How to ejaculate more semen?

Do you want to improve in your semen amount? Below mentioned are some elementary ways to make you ejaculate more semen.

1. Healthy Diet: It has a major role for increasing semen volume especially zinc and essential fats. According to a study, almost 70% of the zinc in your body is accommodate in your semen. It is essential for not only testosterone’s production but also for increasing semen amount and sperm count. Some of the magnificent sources of zinc encompass oysters, red meat, dairy, nuts and beans etc. While essential fats are also important for the production of testosterone like Omega 3 fatty acids. Foods such as olives, olive oils, flax seed oil and fish that contain Omega 3 fatty acids are great sources of it. This is that hormone which commands your sex drive and reproductive function.

2. Natural Semen Enhancing Pills: Other than diet, natural semen enhancing pills are the most popular and effective alternate to increase semen amount from a median volume. These pills are contained with efficacious herbs and amino acids along with other nutrients that can make development in your semen production manifold. These help you to produce more semen within a couple of months and an increase volume of semen may enhance more pleasure on ejaculation as well as could be great for sex life. To increase blood flow in the penis during sexual stimulation and enhance sex drive with a harder and stiffer erection can be regarded as an advantage of these pills.

3. Natural Supplements: Besides this, natural supplements related to semen may also enhance that power by which you ejaculate and as a result you may experience vigorous orgasms. These supplements do not have the side effects and are also endorsed by reputed doctors.

Article Source: http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/health/semen-its-importance-and-how-to-increase-semen-volume.html

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Source by Hakeem Hashmi Amroha-Hashmi Dawakhana

Dehumidification Technology To Keep Moisture From Wreaking Havoc

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The role that dehumidifiers play in business and industry today is changing. Once limited to specialized applications where process requirements dictate removal of moisture from the ambient air, dehumidifiers are making their way into a wide range of commercial and institutional HVAC applications. In addition to the historically identified benefits of reducing equipment and material corrosion, preventing condensation on cool surfaces and checking the growth of microscopic organisms, building engineers, architects and maintenance managers are discovering that the systems are well suited for use in a wide range of applications.

Dehumidification applications

One of the more common commercial and institutional applications for dehumidifiers is in computer rooms and areas with high-tech electronic equipment, which are sensitive to atmospheric moisture. In the highly air-conditioned atmosphere where much of the equipment operates, relative humidity readings frequently exceed 75 percent. At these levels, atmospheric moisture promotes corrosion of metal contacts and components within the equipment, leading to deterioration of the system operation.

Paper feeding high-speed printers absorb moisture, resulting in frequent paper jams. Dehumidifier systems help provide precise humidity control, keeping the moisture content of the air low enough to prevent these problems, but high enough so that static electricity does not become a problem.

Another institutional application where dehumidifiers have been widely used is for health care facilities, particularly those with operating rooms and intensive care units. They have strict requirements that govern the quality of applied air. The air supplied typically is 100 percent outside air and must be controlled within a fairly narrow temperature and humidity band. In many cases, dehumidification systems are necessary to meet those requirements.

Another commercial application that has made wide use of dehumidification systems is the grocery market industry. Grocery stores present unique humidity control problems for the HVAC system engineer. High humidity levels lead to frost formation on the cooling coils of frozen food cases, as well as on the products being displayed. Frost on the cooling coils increases cooling energy requirements. Frost on the product decreases customer satisfaction and increases labor requirements. Dehumidification systems, by reducing the relative humidity from the 60 percent to 65 percent range to 50 percent or less range, greatly reduce the rate at which frost forms.

The use of dehumidification systems in commercial and institutional facilities, however, is not limited to these specialized applications. The relative humidity of the air supplied to an area is an important component of the space’s overall indoor air quality. Building managers are finding that dehumidification systems can help many other facilities improve their indoor air quality while reducing energy requirements.

System advances

There are two primary ways to remove moisture from a building’s air supply: cool the air below its dew point to condense the water vapor, or pass the air over a material that readily absorbs water.

Systems that cool the air below its dew point use mechanical refrigeration. Air is passed over a cooling coil, causing a portion of the moisture in the air to condense on the coils’ surface and drop out of the air flow.

The relative humidity of the air leaving the coil is nearly 100 percent, so before it can be introduced into the conditioned space, it must be mixed with warmer air or reheated. Varying the temperature of the cooling coils controls the amount of moisture left in the supply air and the resultant humidity.

Although mechanical refrigeration dehumidification systems were popular in the past, their high energy costs have forced building operators to look for other options. The option that has been most widely accepted for use in commercial, institutional and industrial facilities is the desiccant system.

Desiccant dehumidification systems consist of a slowly rotating disk, drum or wheel that is coated or filled with an absorbent. Air being drawn into the facility is passed across one portion of the wheel, where the desiccant absorbs moisture from the air.

As the desiccant structure slowly rotates, it passes through a second heated air stream. The moist air is then exhausted from the facility. By rotating continuously, the desiccant wheel always has a freshly regenerated area available for dehumidification.

Early generation systems used lithium chloride gas as the desiccant. One problem with these systems occurred when the reactivation heater failed to operate properly or the wheel failed to rotate. The lithium chloride continued to absorb water from the airstream, but without reactivation, the wheel became saturated with moisture. Once saturated, the lithium chloride separated from the wheel and was carried off by the airflow.

With a cost of several thousand dollars to replace the lithium chloride, maintenance managers soon modified the systems to include automatic alarms should the reactivation cycle be interrupted. Newer generation systems primarily use a silica gel as the desiccant. Silica gel does not lose its adhesion to the rotating wheel when saturated.

By following a preventive and scheduled maintenance program that includes inspection of key system components, building maintenance managers can help insure that they get the biggest possible benefit from dehumidification system operation.

Dessicant System Maintenance

The most important maintenance activity for desiccant dehumidification systems is regular inspection. Unfortunately for many system operators, the first indication of system trouble is rising humidity levels in the occupied space. This is particularly important for lithium chloride based systems, as the cost to replace the desiccant material can be as high as $9,000-11,000. Consider these maintenance points:

• Air filters. To protect the desiccant from accumulating dirt from the air flow across the wheel, air filters are installed on the intake side. To prevent reduced air flow from clogged filters, inspect filters periodically. Inspection frequency depends on the level of airborne materials present.

• Drive belts. Due to the low rotation speed of desiccant wheels, one or more drive belts transfer power from the motor to the wheel. Loose, damaged or misaligned belts can slow or stop the operation of the wheel, thus decreasing dehumidification system effectiveness. In the case of lithium chloride desiccant, improperly turning wheels can lead to the loss of the desiccant. Inspect the entire drive system weekly, checking the belts for signs of misalignment, wear and slippage.

• Regenerator. It’s one of the most critical components in the operation of a desiccant-based dehumidification system. Without the regenerator, there would be no way to remove moisture from the desiccant, and the system would no longer be able to remove moisture from the building. Inspect the operation of the regenerator on a weekly basis. Safety controls and system malfunction alarms should be manually tested at least once a month.

• Seals. The absorption and regeneration portions of the wheel are separated by a system of partitions and seals. Over time, the seals can wear, allowing air to flow between the two sections of the wheel. This mixing of air flows reduces the overall efficiency of the wheel. Under normal operating conditions, the seals can be expected to last approximately five years. They should be closely inspected at least once a month, however, for wear or damage.

• Dirt contamination of the drum. The efficiency of the desiccant largely depends on the amount of surface area that comes in contact with the air flow. Accumulated dirt on the desiccant can reduce the effective surface area available for moisture absorption, thus reducing the overall effectiveness of the dehumidification system.

• Although the air filter system is designed to remove dirt from the air flow, it isn’t 100 percent effective. Also, the process of absorption of water and desorption by regeneration deposits a significant quantity of dirt on the surface of the desiccant. The desiccant surface should be inspected closely at least once a month for dirt build-up. If a significant amount of dirt is found, the surface will have to be cleaned in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Desiccant. Although desiccant loss is more of a problem in lithium-chloride-based systems than in those that use a silica gel, the desiccant can become damaged. Inspect the desiccant at least once a month for signs of loss or damage. If the system is shut down for maintenance, inspect the desiccant before it is started up again.

• System alarms and controls. Most desiccant systems are equipped with alarms that monitor the operation of key elements of the system, such as wheel rotation and the regenerator. If the system uses a lithium chloride-based desiccant, those controls and alarms should be tested at least once a month. Systems that use a silica gel desiccant do not require as frequent testing, as the desiccant is not readily damaged by moisture saturations. The controls and alarms of these systems, however also should be tested on a regular basis.

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Source by Julian Arhire

Reasons to Love Red Wine

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Red wine is the purest and most loved liquor of the world. Red wine is preferred over other wines because of its various qualities that make it a cherished drink. It is rated very highly for being a health drink by some leading health bulletins. The alcohol content generally ranges between 12 to 15 %. The most common varieties of red wine are shiraz, pinot noir, merlot, zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon.

It is made of dark grapes, it takes intense violet color initially but later it takes red brick color as it matures with time. Its production is a long tedious process but it could be understood in short. This red color comes from the skin of the grapes which consists of anthocyanin pigments which give rich texture, taste, besides colour that attracts all. Red wine is given treatment at the winery during fermentation. The process starts with selected grapes going through stainless steel crushers and later preservatives are added which help on timely fermenting as well as maintain good quality and texture to the drink. Yeast is added and later is goes through the cooling process and then the pressing, the second transformation through microbiological takes place. This is a very important process in wine making. Later it is kept to mature and the process is called racking and ageing. The older the wine is the better quality it would be. Then fining is done to rectify any faults in post production of the wine. Wine is filtered and finally bottling takes place. Bottling is generally done in glass bottles with cork stoppers which give it a classic look.

Consumption of wine depends on the menu being served with it. Red wine is always preferred with heavy red meat and roasted, roasted, cuisine whereas white wine is taken with light snacks like fish and poultry items. Red wine is the most loved liquor or drinks in this universe for various reasons. The foremost reason is that it is good for health if taken in a moderate quantity. It lowers the cholesterol and its consumption prevents heart ailments and some form of cancer as well. As grapes contain antioxidants which prevent oxidative damage to our body and act as a preventive measure in many types of cancer. In a recently published journal is stated that intake of red wine lowers the blood sugar level. In women, if taken in small quantity, it can prevent type 2 diabetes and it lowers sex hormonal levels and protect against breast cancer. Thus we can make out why it is so highly rated by everyone, as it takes care of our heart which is the most important part of our body. Today’s life is full of stress and pressures and we take various measures to release stress including medicines which may have some side effects but your friend red wine can relieve stress and relax your nerves. Well if you catch a cold you do not have to take any specified medicine for it, just a regular glass of red wine will solve your problem. We do not have to think twice as it takes care of our health as a trusted doctor and friend.

Now on a lighter note, it is the most loved drink at dinner time, as it goes well with our cherished hot, spicy red meat. Intake of it with food helps in digestion of heavy food. Ladies are very particular of their looks and slim fit body and take some drastic measures to bring it back to shape. Many go for surgery, medication, yoga, aerobics, but for all this, we need time and guidance or it may backfire too. In such a case lovely ladies prefer to have an enjoyable glass of red wine and get rid of extra fat and toxins is their body.

We always want a true genuine friend in our life and red wine is our true companion and friend which gives us good health as well as gives us makes our dinner and life interesting and enjoyable. So “cheers” and enjoy our life.

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Source by Ashu Chopra

Yet More About COVID-19

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Coronavirus are a type of virus which causes common colds, but can also cause more serious diseases such as SARS, MERS, or COVID – 19. The virus is only about 0.025 µm in diameter, far smaller than the human eye can see even with the best optical microscope. In comparison, a fine human hair is about 40 µm in diameter. When people talk, cough, or sneeze they eject small droplets which vary greatly in size but the average is about 1 µm. Each small droplets can hold hundreds of thousands of viruses and the droplets can persist in the air for several hours.

This image of a coronavirus taken by an electron microscope shows small structures on the surface which look like crowns. When the virus encounters a human cell, the crown attaches to the cell’s surface and injects its own RNA into the cell, which then takes over the cell mechanisms and produces copies of the virus. They eventually cause the cell to burst which can release up to 50,000 new viruses.

COVID-19 Virus is a new virus in humans which entered the population for the first time late in 2019. The virus cannot live long outside a human host, and the main vector for its transmission is those who travel to and from infected areas. We have little natural immunity to the virus and there is no proven treatment or vaccine for the virus. About 97% of those infected recover within 14 days, but particularly severe cases must be put on a ventilator to keep the patient breathing until the virus runs its course. The virus is most lethal for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

The symptoms of the virus are headaches, fever, pink itchy eyes, coughs, sneezes, sore throat, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, inflamed toes, and loss of smell or taste. The incubation period after exposure is from 5 to 14 days. People exposed may transmit the virus to others before they experience symptoms. However, some people with the virus may never have symptoms, yet still be able to transmit the virus to others.

The virus is transmitted by direct contact between individuals from small droplets ejected when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. The social distance of 6 feet is usually enough to prevent the virus being transmitted directly. However, small droplets from coughs or sneezes may travel much further than 6 feet and may contain hundreds of thousands of viruses. The droplets may persist in the air for several hours. They eventually settle on surfaces where the virus may live for up to several days, depending on the type of surface. For example, the virus is found to exist for a day on cardboard and up to three days on tile or plastic.

The virus infects a person by entering through their eyes, nose, or mouth. It may happen from being near an infected person, particularly if they are coughing or sneezing. Small droplets that settle on surfaces are transferred when you touch the surface and then it may infect you when you touch your face. Once on your hands, you will transfer the virus to everything else you touch until you wash your hands or kill the virus with hand sanitizer.

The best precautions aim to keep the virus from being transmitted from person to person. From what we know about the virus, the following guidelines have been developed to keep it from spreading:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home as much as possible, particularly if you may be sick.

• Keep a social distance of at least 6 feet from other people when you are in public.

• Avoid touching surfaces in public places. Assume anything you touch may be contaminated.

• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your face, particularly rubbing your eyes.

• Wear a mask when in public, primarily to keep you from infecting other people. Remember you may spread the virus even though you have no symptoms.

• Avoid traveling to and from areas which have high levels of infection. Human movement is the main vector for spread of the virus.

• Avoid gatherings, particularly those which have more than 10 people.

For the future, most states have issued orders based on the precautions above in order to keep their citizens safe. However, if the orders remain in place too long they will hurt the economy, but if they are relaxed too soon we may experience a second round of the virus. This would prolong the pandemic and hurt businesses even more. Most states, sometimes under political pressure, are relaxing the guidelines stepwise in order to allow businesses to open while keeping an eye on the of infection rate.

No matter what your state orders, it would be a good idea to follow the precautions above until the OK is given by healthcare professionals. The decision up is up to you. Please follow the guidelines to keep yourself and others safe.

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Source by Jesse C Moore

Refrigeration: A Brief Summary Of Common Fridge Features and Functions

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Fridges and freezers come with a number of varying perks to make your life that much more simple. Depending on which perks are interesting to you will very often determine the price bracket of the refrigeration unit that you require. This work aims to consider a variety of the more common among these in the attempt to make your cold storage shopping experience a little more informed.

Automatic defrost/Frost Free

All larder fridges have an automatic defrost function and the term is specific to refrigerators. The function means that, throughout the duration of the refrigerator’s activity, a mechanism periodically heats the cooling element (or evaporator coil), by heating a separate element, in order to free it of icy build up. The timing is controlled electronically and a failsafe temperature switch is used to terminate the heating, should the temperature of the cooling element reach 5°C or 40°F. If you choose a fridge with an ice box, it will need to be defrosted periodically to remove the icy build-up. If the function is used by a freezer unit it is usually called Frost Free.

Antibacterial coating

Some fridges have an antibacterial lining which covers the fridge walls and door which helps prevent the growth of bacteria. This will obviously improve the hygiene inside your fridge. Some refrigerators use silver nanoparticles to resist any airborne bacteria. These also suppress the respiration of bacteria and adversely affects their metabolism resulting in inhibited growth. Similar particles are used in some air purification systems.

Quick cooling/Quick freeze function

This function is now common place among newer refrigerators and freezers. It is sometimes known by a trademark such as SuperCool/SuperFreeze or similar. This rapidly reduces the temperature when new items are added. It quickly cools the new contents to 2°C in a fridge or -18°C in a freezer and automatically deactivates when this temperature is reached. The obvious benefit of this is, since food reaches the ideal storage temperature more quickly, that your goods retain optimum freshness. It also prevents other goods from thawing or heating up when you introduce a large amount of warmer contents.

Active Cooling

This function is where refrigeration is assisted by fans which continuously move air around the compartment. This allows the whole unit to maintain an even temperature, instead of having warmer air pockets, so that your food is in a consistently good environment.

Humidity Control

This usually features in salad drawers of top end models. The humidity control allows the salad to be stored in the optimum moist and cold conditions to retain the best freshness and crunch; considerably delaying that soggy lettuce!

Air Purification System

Some fridges display cutting edge technology for maintaining freshness. Their air purification system allows the stale air inside the cavity to be refreshed and cleaned of bacteria. Such systems also keep food odours to a minimum. Be prepared to pay a premium if you wish to own a unit with such a system, however.

Conclusion

Some fridges come with none of the above features and, as you would expect, are cheaper than those that come with any. Many units combine a number of the above features and the cost usually goes upwards depending upon how many. These devices are offered to make your life more manageable saving you time, preserving your food or, simply, by preventing your fridge from smelling! The ones you require, if any, will be a choice for you and, perhaps, your budget.

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Source by Bruce Smyth

Fiji – The New, Organic Culinary Hotspot

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When I originally left Australia to work on one of Fiji’s iconic island resorts, I thought I’d be here for no more than 12 months. Train the locals, install new menus, sample the local cuisine and move on to the next assignment – probably to a more food-oriented Asia, as Fiji has never been known as a culinary hotspot. I really did not intend on getting so absorbed by an ancient culture or be so fascinated by their fresh foods and wild diet. We have plenty of world-class produce back home in Australia, but I quickly learned that Fiji’s culinary delights were unlike anything we have seen in Western kitchens for many decades. The local produce is majority organic, has not been genetically-modified, and the fresh food tastes like it used to in years gone by for people living outside Fiji. Fijian’s are surrounded by this abundance of unadulterated food fresh from the sea, the land and its rivers. Its mineral-enriched soil from its volcanic landscape provides for fertile ground that is the envy of the world, and with minimal commercial fishing, its oceans still provide an abundance of wild fish for both the local market.

The other incredible contrast with the West is that there is virtually no food allergies here in Fiji. Unlike the growing health epidemic across the world, most Fijians can eat everything and anything. The native Fijians are descendants of a different lineage of hominoids to Caucasians, and so their unique genome excludes the key genes that trigger Coeliac Disease and other food related allergies, caused in part by the genetic and synthetic changes in the food chain. So it was with little wonder that when I arrived in Fiji, most of the local cooks had no understanding of why tourists ask for gluten-free meals. And beware of MSG, or monosodium glutamate in your Fijian food. Banned in most countries because of its link to asthma and breathing difficulties, MSG is affectionately called “Chinese Salt” here, and used by the handfuls by local cooks to enhance flavour. I am highly sensitive to MSG, but the Fijian heavy handedness with MSG is quite common as their traditional cooking lacks the use of herbs or infusions to create depth of flavour.

I have been very fortunate to gain a cultural experience beyond what many tourists or foreign workers in this country are able to realise. The Paramount Chief of the Mamanuca Group of Islands, the home to many of Fiji’s top island resorts, has seconded me as his cultural ambassador to educate tourists on his ancestral traditions and history, and to share modern experiences with his people. Not since the pre-colonial days of Fiji has a foreigner become so close to a Fijian chief, and for that I am eternally humbled and grateful, as it has allowed me to understand and capture the essence of their food and culture in my modern interpretations of their cuisine. Watching how the women in the villages prepare their tradition foods, with recipes passed for generations, is like experiencing an ancient culture right before my eyes. But the recipes are basic and limited. Without the same level of food history, culinary influence or exposure to food in the media as other cultures, Fijian cuisine has essentially remained unchanged for many decades.

Through my weekly food column in the country’s biggest selling newspaper, I’ve had the unique opportunity to teach a nation new ways to cook their local produce at home. I recently returned from a Fijian Food Safari of the outer islands, visiting villages in the middle of dense rainforests and on distant islands, and was shocked they would even know or care who I was. “You’re that chef in the newspaper! We cut your stories and recipes out every Sunday!”. So how gratifying and personally rewarding it is for me to share my knowledge with a people who have taught me about humanity, respect and how to be happy.

Whilst traditional Fijian cuisine in the villages is simple, it is refreshingly organic and fresh. The humble coconut, or the Tree of Life as it is known throughout the South Pacific, is dominant across Fijian dishes. Coconut oil is squeezed out from grated coconuts and infused with water to produce a creamy milk that cannot be compared to tinned coconut milk. Lolo, or coconut milk, is used as a poaching liquid, salad dressings and in a lot of Fijian desserts. It is the basis of miti, an accompaniment to fish, chicken and vegetables, with onions, tomatoes, chilli, lemon and salt added to create a silky coconut salsa. On my Food Safari tour of Savusavu in Fiji’s north, I adapted the miti for a new Kokoda salad I was serving for a VIP dinner presentation. Kokoda is the classic Fijian salad of citrus-cured walu mackerel mixed with miti, and similar to a ceviche. I wanted to use the sweet slipper lobsters and clamshells I bought from the local market, and so added freshly squeezed wild ginger and local oranges to the miti to give the dish a subtle heat and citrus tones. The local cook had never seen this done, and when her eyes lit up after trying it, I knew I had kept the essence of the dish without destroying tradition. But another classic Fijian fish dish recipe I have not changed is Ika Vakalolo, pan fried fish poached in miti. The flavours and balance in this tradition dish are perfect for me, and it is a dish loved by young and old in every Fijian home and roadside cafe.

Many foreign chefs make the mistake of trying to reinvent Fijian food, but there is nothing wrong with the culinary wheel here. The basic flavours and techniques are there, you simply have to add some shine and flair without losing the essence of the dish. The challenge for Fiji’s resorts is to balance the expectation of a good steak or seafood platter, with the adventurous palate of the gourmet traveller who is looking for a culinary experience of the culture as well. Fiji is on the precipice of embracing food tourism, but tourists don’t necessarily want the same food they can get back at home. Singapore has its signature chilli crab, Hong Kong has its dim sum and Europe is steeped in the classics, but with more advanced training of the local cooks, Fiji can one day hold its own in the region as a culinary hotspot for organic, tropical island cuisine.

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Source by Lance Seeto