Top 10 Western Themed Party Food Ideas

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Are you hosting a western party and in search of some ideas for easy western party food? Then look no further! Below are some tasty, easy ideas for western themed party food for your upcoming event. Whether you are hosting a denim and diamonds affair or a low-key back yard barbeque, country and western foods are a sure crowd pleaser. Most of these recipes can be made a few days ahead of time to make your western party food planning a cinch!

Top 10 Western Themed Party Food Ideas:

1. BBQ Baby Back Ribs

No western party menu is complete without some great ribs. You can either slow cook these on a very low temperature (275 degrees) for about 4 hours on your grill or in your oven. Use a dry rub and finish with you favorite BBQ sauce for finger licking good western party food!

2. Home-Style Macaroni and Cheese

This mac-n-cheese isn’t just for kids and doesn’t come in the blue box! This is hearty, comfort food that is a crowd pleasure for guests of all ages! Use a generous amount of sharp cheddar and top with some fresh white bread crumbs and a drizzled of melted butter before baking. Country and western foods don’t get much tastier than this!

3. Country Fried Chicken

This is a classic western themed party food menu item and is perfect for guests who like to mingle while they munch. Use strips of white chicken breasts and I love the tasty buttermilk breading recipe in The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond cookbook!.

4. Fancy Baked Beans

Baked beans don’t need to come from a can. Jazz up you own homemade baked bean recipe by using different kinds of beans (navy, lima and kidney) mixed with dark brown sugar, bacon and onions. This makes a wonderful, hearty western party food side dish.

5. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Corn on the Cob is a definite for any country and western food menu. Brush peeled corn with a good grilling sauce like Wegman’s Basting Oil and grill for a few minutes until desired tenderness.

6. Grilled Steaks

Western themed party food has to include beef! Tender grilled steaks or London broil is a super-easy way to satisfy your guest. Sprinkle the meat with garlic seasoned sea salt or marinade it in your favorite marinade 3 hours prior to grilling. Simple, easy and delicious!

7. Cornbread and/or Garlic Butter Biscuits

Western themed food is not for the carb conscious but cornbread and biscuits will be irresistible to your guests. Place baskets lined with red and white napkins on tables around your party with some honey butter, and watch these hearty appetizers disappear fast!

8. Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas

A fast and easy country and western party food include these super easy chicken and cheese quesadillas. Use burrito sized tortillas. You can use Perdue Shortcuts shredded into smaller pieces to make your job easier, mix equal parts of salsa and sour cream and add your favorite grated cheddar cheese. Grill in a grill pan or frying pan over medium heat until cheese is melted. Cut into thirds and serve with guacamole, salsa or your other favorite Mexican condiment. TIP: Quesadillas are easier to flip if you use one tortilla folded in half for each quesadilla.

9. Beverages with a Western Twist

You can’t go wrong with popular beer and wine, but if you want a true western themed party food menu, use special attention to your beverages by offering margaritas! Mason jars are a great added touch for serving beverages of all kinds.

10. Chili

This may be the easiest of all country and western party foods and can be used as a main course or an appetizer. Use your crock pot to make ahead and to keep warm during the duration of your party. If you are serving hot dogs, this makes a great condiment for the chili dog lovers at your party. Don’t forget the shredded cheddar cheese for serving on top.

Don’t Forget Dessert!

Western party food doesn’t have to end with the main course – your desserts can be western themed too. Choose a western style cake such as a horseshoe or cowboy boot, and wow your guests with your sweet ending! Another dessert option is to fill western themed glasses with an individual dessert like chocolate mousse, pudding or ice cream.

Use your imagination and think Western when planning your western themed party food menu. Accent your menu with western styles table ware and drink ware to accentuate your western theme. Country and western party food can be delicious AND easy, so no need to stress over your menu. Western party food typically appeals to all ages and personal tastes so your guest are sure to find a thing or two on your menu to please their palettes.

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Source by Katie Bierman

Maytag SOV628ZB American Fridge Freezer – Review

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Recently, my fridge broke down and my freezer is leaking on all sides already. I figured it would be a good idea to replace them both with a genuine American style fridge freezer combination. I wasn’t sure which one I was going to purchase, but after some research online I ended up buying the Maytag SOV628ZB fridge freezer. I received it shortly after buying it and it was delivered to me and installed as well. So far, I am very content with my new fridge because it does a great job of keeping my food and beverages cold.

Maytag SOV628ZB American Fridge Freezer – Review

This integrated fridge freezer is very large. Only buy this if you have the space to place it or it will get in your way. If you have a large family like I do, then you will be more than happy to know that this fridge can store enormous amounts of foods and beverages. Next to having a lot of functionality, it also looks very nice. It has a unique zig-zag design which gives you the most space at the top of the fridge. This is also the place where you need it, because you don’t want to be bending at the knees every single time you want to get something from your fridge. The fully stainless steel body makes it a solid and sturdy American fridge freezer that will last you at least two decades.

There are 4 tempered glass shelves in this fridge. All of them also have spill guards. The door has no less than 5 balconies, an egg tray and a dairy compartment. There are two crisper drawers that are humidity controlled. These drawers will keep your fruit and vegetables in optimum condition. You can also store fish or meat in the chef’s pantry draw. This pantry draw has a zero degree option. Then there is the frost free freezer which has 4 door balconies, 2 of which are tilting. It also has wire baskets so you can freeze your food quicker and more efficient.

This American fridge freezer has an LCD controlled dispenser, which you can use to make chilled, filtered water or cubed ice on tap. My kids love having ice cubes on demand! Other features that are worth mentioning are the auto defrost feature in the freezer and the relatively low energy usage. Naturally, this fridge does an excellent job at preserving food and keeping my favorite beverages cold as ice! I recommend the Maytag SOV628ZB to anyone that has the space to place this.

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Source by Tami Buchanan

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Relocating For Your Job

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Have you ever been approached by your employer about the possibility of being relocated? If you have, then you’re not alone. Every year there are thousands of employees that are asked to relocate.

The reasons vary widely. Many times businesses are looking for areas from which to run their business where the operating costs and tax structures are more friendly to them. As a result, they may consider relocating a portion of their business which may very well mean relocation for employees as well.

A relocation for you and your family is a big decision, and it’s one that will vary personally from family to family and scenario to scenario.

Of course there will be pro’s and con’s to any situation to consider and weigh. Let’s take a look a just of few of the possibilities.

The first and most extreme advantage of a relocation may come in the form of keeping your job. Clearly, if a relocation is required for you in order to keep your job, the decision may already be made for you, unless you wish to polish up your resume and re-enter the job market.

You may, however, actually have the option to relocate with your company as opposed to having to relocate if you want to keep your job.

One of the advantages for many when it comes to relocating is just the idea of a fresh start in a new environment. Individuals and families sometimes feel as though they just need a change of scenery and welcome the opportunity of a fresh start.

The cost of living involved with the relocation can be an advantage or a disadvantage, however, if the company is moving to an area to lower its costs, the same move for you may very well do the same for your personal cost of living… certainly an advantage for you in this case.

An area with a lower cost of living can also mean that you may very well be able to get more house for you and your family over the area that you are currently in. It may even mean that you will be able to actually afford to buy your first house.

Relocating is certainly more difficult if a family is involved. Particularly if your spouse is working at job that they enjoy and have been working for a long period of time. Kids also come into play, particularly if they are or are approaching those social teenage years. Kids of this age may find the thought of relocating less attractive if it means leaving their school and their social network behind.

At this point the relocation option truly becomes a family decision and much weight and input is to be considered by everyone involved.

Another important consideration if you’ve been approached by your company to relocate is to determine how much if any of the cost of your relocating will the company be picking up. This is certainly a topic that you’ll want to not only discuss but determine how and in what form the payment or reimbursement will take place.

Relocating you and/or your family is not cheap. So, you’ll want to make sure it is very clear what type of participation the company is willing to offer.

Also, make sure that you know the time-line for the relocation so not only you know when to schedule all of the personal tasks, but your family members do as well.

Depending upon the circumstance of the relocation it can be a fun and exciting new start or something that may even require a change in careers or job. But either way, there is much personal attention needed to all the details to ensure the best decision is made for all.

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Source by T. J. Lashley

How CNC Turning Machines Can Help Manufacturing Business

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Do you know what actually CNC machining is all about? CNC, an acronym for Computer Numerical Control is a process used especially in the manufacturing industries that involves the computer use for handling machine tools. CNC machining is the practice of milling and spinning of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. There are online machining services for brass, iron, copper, plastic, steel, aluminum or other metal. Fine metals including silver, gold and platinum are also handled by the service providers. They have an in-depth precision of sheet metal.

Today, CNC turning machines are the most efficient tools available for manufacturing industries using which manufacturers can expand their business. Using this technology in manufacturing can give lots of advantages.

Keep ahead of the competition- In the everyday competitive market, manufacturing business is quite challenging for both a new and old one. CNC machining is commonly popular as computer controlled, since they’re extremely expert at producing than outdated common systems. If you have a manufacturing business and looking for large agreements or contracts with other organizations, remember you have the innovative technology to fulfill the demand and need.

In a CNC machine, there are CNC machining parts which are used for different purposes like drilling, cutting, milling, routing, or anything that works on materials like metal and wood. CNC machines can be used to build accurate forms and shapes using the automatic system from the computer. Using CNC machining parts, raw materials in the machine are processed, and are given different forms by shaping them through cutting tools. Cutting tools, control panel, axis, coolant supply tube, table, and spindle are a few of the CNC machined parts. The CNC processes help in saving lots of time, money and efforts of the business as they are automated.

Manufacture with accuracy- Manual turners and millers can use CNC turning machines to do extremely better. The turning and milling process can vastly grow your business prospects when handled by computer. The industries such as healthcare sector that have extremely complex and precise designs need parts that are perfect. Using this new technology, one doesn’t have to worry about the possibility of individual flaw.

Increase profit and reduce efforts- CNC turning machines are a bit expensive, but getting it is very beneficial. This machine will not only reduce the production cost, but also time and effort. CNC is actually quite time-consuming and thrift technology through the edges. If you’re planning to buy the machine, make sure the device is right and works error-free. It can be indeed a real selection for boosting the production.

Cut down the expenditure cost- Dropping the consuming cost is surely one of the major benefits. Manufacturing engineering companies fritter away huge amounts of money annually on wastage, because of the individual error. This way expenditure can be reduced and thus increasing the benefits.

Improved Efficiency- Without any doubt, CNC machines are one of the most efficient means of producing an element due to the fact that most include internal quality assurance detectors. With the great speed of production and best raw material usage, along with its efficiency, it’s obvious to see why CNC machining is a remarkable standard of metalworking and part fabrication.

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Source by Mikal Smith

The Rise of Temp Work and Flexible Jobs: The Opportunity It Brings for Staffing

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It’s hard to believe we’ve now lived almost a full year in the pandemic. Since March I’ve written articles about ways to adjust business strategy, how to adapt to the changing times, utilizing technology to stay successful, and more. When I wrote my first article related to the pandemic back in March, I never thought almost a year later the pandemic would still be as present as it is in our lives today.

What’s changed though in the past 10 months, are the opportunities the pandemic brought to the staffing industry. A lot has changed since March and companies adapted to this change. We’ve seen major increases and decreases in industry demand. We’ve also seen a significant increase in working at home, among many other changes. Now, we are beginning to see some of the long-term effects these industry changes have brought to the workforce. The rise of temporary help and flexible jobs for the foreseeable future is among these changes.

Cause of Increase in Temporary Jobs

There are several reasons experts predict there will be a rise in contract jobs going forward. In general, the staffing industry has seen that temporary jobs have recovered faster than direct hire jobs.

COVID-19 has actually added a lot of the jobs to the temporary workforce, such as temperature checkers and contact tracers. Currently there is a major demand for jobs assisting with the vaccine rollout, which could be a great opportunity for staffing companies if you’re able to get the trained staff that is needed.

Besides the addition of COVID-19 jobs, the pandemic has caused an increase in demand for contract work in other areas. Some companies are still treading water and are cautious about bringing employees back on full-time. Contract workers are less of an investment, which is better in times of uncertainty and as companies are getting back on their feet. The job is still able to get done without the added expense of benefit packages and other costs associated with a new full-time hire.

More workers have also turned to do freelance work as it helped bring in income for jobs that were lost during the pandemic. According to a survey conducted by Upwork between June and July of 2020, 36% of the American workforce had freelanced in the previous 12 months. 12% started freelancing during the pandemic (54% out of necessity) and 75% in search of financial stability. Of those that were surveyed, 88% said they are likely to freelance in the future.

In general, workers are also looking for a flexible work environment. More people have an interest in doing a variety of work and are looking to be able to control their schedule. According to a recent Monster survey, 92% of respondents said they think now is a good time to look into a gig economy. 57% of respondents also said they would take a gig job in-between jobs and 52% said they would like a long-term contract with flexible hours.

All of these reasons are the cause for the increase in demand for temp help. Whether it is the demand for COVID-19 jobs or the way the pandemic has caused the workforce and employers to shift the way they are used to doing things. In the process, we’ve adapted to these changes and it has brought on new opportunities for both workers and employers.

Cause of Increase in Remote Work

As we all know and have probably experienced it at one point or another, there has been an increase in remote work. I personally never worked remotely fulltime, until March hit. Now I’ve been working remotely for the past 10 months and it has truly become the new normal. When I think back to the days, we all went into the office, it seems like so long ago now. Workers and employers are beginning to feel this same way, if they aren’t already feeling it. Remote work has become a new normal and it is here to stay in some capacity.

From an employer stand-point, companies have seen that working from home can work. They’ve seen employees still able to complete their tasks and, in some cases, have seen an increase in productivity. Operating costs have also probably gone down as they are spending less money with employees working remotely (no more café snacks, employee lunches, etc.) With this, employers will be thinking about incorporating more work at home opportunities in the future and/or eliminating an office all together. According to a survey performed by Verizon, 86% of global companies believe the digital workplace will coexist with the physical workspace post COVID-19 and 78% expect to increase remote working.

Employees have also gotten used to the work from home environment and prefer keeping it in some shape or form. This may include going into the office a few days a week or working remotely full-time. In a survey conducted by PWC, over half of employees (55%), want to work remotely three days a week or more.

Remote work though is not just for permanent employees. The staffing industry has seen a rise in remote work from temps, since the pandemic started and it’s predicted that more temps will continue to work remotely post-pandemic. Employers who are used to temporary workers being on location, have learned that this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. Not all temp jobs require the employee to work on location and the pandemic has proven that. This opens up significant opportunities for employers hiring temporary help.

Opportunities it Brings for Staffing

So, what does the rise of temporary help and flexible jobs actually mean for the staffing industry? It opens up the door to new horizons. Now is the time to begin planning both your short and long-term strategy. Statistics show the workforce will be making this shift for the foreseeable future. By adapting to the change now, staffing companies can stay ahead of the curve. So where can you begin?

Discuss Temporary Opportunities with Employers that Typically Hire Full-Time

The rise of temporary help is not just for companies that employ contract workers. It can be a new opportunity for companies that typically look to hire full-time. If a client would be open to the idea of contract work, it could be a good opportunity to discuss the rise and benefits of it versus hiring a full-time employee. It’s not only less costly, as discussed early, but it opens the door to explore more qualified candidates that are looking for contract work. Not all positions may be suited for contract work, but it is certainly an avenue that can be explored if the client is open to it. To test the waters, you could even propose a temp-to-hire plan. If the contract worker ends up working out and they want to stay at the company, they can be brought on full-time.

Flexible Jobs Add Another Layer of Opportunity

As temporary jobs are no longer just for companies that look to contract, flexible jobs are no longer just for permanent placements. As statistics have shown, more workers are looking to have the opportunity to work remotely. This brings new opportunity for both contract and permanent placements. It allows staffing companies to expand your search for qualified candidates outside of the state. It also offers the opportunity to find more qualified candidates based on their preference to work at home. There may be highly skilled individuals that you could be missing out on if they prefer not to work at a physical location.

The opportunity to offer more flexible jobs will ultimately help increase the candidate pool. If a client would be open to remote work, now is a good time to discuss the increased interest in it and also the benefits. Not all jobs can be performed from home, but think about the jobs that could be and the opportunity it brings for the client.

Take Advantage of the Industries in Demand

There are several industries in demand now that will continue to be in demand and offer opportunity to employ contract and/or remote workers. Below are just a few of theses industries that could bring new opportunities for staffing companies.

As mentioned earlier, there has been an increase in COVID-19 related jobs. The pharmaceutical and healthcare industries are both booming and are in desperate need of assistance to meet the vaccine rollout demand. This is a great opportunity to partner with these industries and help them employ contract workers.

The information technology industry also boomed in 2020 and will continue to spiral upward. These jobs have been more stable during the pandemic because they haven’t relied on having a physical location. Most IT jobs can be performed online and offer an agile work at home environment. There has also been an increase in helpdesk/PC support jobs as more organizations are working at home. With the rise of IT jobs and the flexible work environment they bring, it’s another great industry for staffing companies to explore.

Customer Service representatives and call center agents have also seen an increase in demand in healthcare, IT, and online retail. As more businesses move virtual, there is a greater need for customer service help related to software and applications to help run teams remotely. More people are also shopping online, so there is a greater demand for online retail Customer Service Representatives. Customer Service Representatives can also offer the opportunity to work remotely.

Industrial and Manufacturing have also seen increases in demand. Manufacturers that produce essential goods have needed to increase staff significantly since the start of the pandemic. If staffing companies haven’t already looked into manufacturing companies of essential goods, this could be an opportunity to employ contract workers. Manufacturers of non-essential goods are also beginning to increase production. Business orders for durable goods such as tools, appliances and new cars rose for eight months in a row. This shows manufacturers are increasing their goods production in anticipation of strong sales in 2021 and may need to hire more staff now or in the near future.

These are just a few of the industries in demand now and for the foreseeable future. By doing research into industries that are booming and are expected to grow, staffing companies will set themselves up for future success. If they can incorporate contract and/or remote work into these industries, it will be a win, win.

Running with Opportunity

The pandemic has certainly brought on it’s challenges this past year, but the silver lining is it’s brought some new opportunities for the staffing industry to take advantage of. Change can be scary, but now is the time to run with the opportunities that present themselves and prepare for the changing future!

References:

UpWork Survey

Monster Survey

Verizon Survey

PWC Survey

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Source by Terri Roeslmeier

Leaving Aruba – When They Say Get There Three Hours Early They Mean It

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You know when they say get to the airport three hours early? You know how we all laugh and think ‘yeah sure?’  If you are going to visit Aruba, they really mean it at Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix that’s Queen Beatrix International Airport.

If your flight is during peak flight times, generally between 11 am and 4 pm, or during holidays the official recommendation is three hours and you should heed the warning. Seriously. I probably would add a half hour, I know we will next time.

The first line you will meet in a long line of lines will be your airline’s check in line, this can be an almost walk through process or be a tedious long wait as your boarding passes are issued and they take your checked luggage (don’t worry you will meet up with your bags again soon). If you can check in online I highly recommend this. If you can travel light and only do carry on this is a time saver too (we don’t because my husband refuses to).

I cannot stress this enough. There were people very unhappy who got to the airport two hours before their flight and had no chance of making it. One family paid another family $100 to take their place in line. I kid you not. Hey, a way to make money if you did not budget!

After you complete your airline check in, you will then meet all of your fellow passengers in an even longer line, sometimes snaking around the airport terminal, to have your passport and boarding passes reviewed by Aruban Security. This line can take upwards of an hour.

From this point you are approved for processing through Aruban Immigration (Departamento di Integracion, Maneho y Admision di Stranhero or DIMAS). After DIMAS you will go through Aruban security screening and into the terminal.

In the terminal you will find duty free shopping and food courts. I found them to be expensive – expensive even in Aruban term and definitely for any other airport. We went to Sbarro and spent $40 for pizza for three people.

You will also find more lines. Oh you just only completed Aruban processing now you are in the hands of the US Customs. You will have to find your checked baggage, each airline is kept separate so there should not be an issue. You and your bags will then join a line for US Customs processing. The one great thing about this is there is no customs once you get back into the United States.

After clearing customs you, your carry on bags and your checked bags will go down a hallway and at this point you will deposit your checked bags onto a conveyor belt to meet you in your airplane. The conveyor belt has, you guessed it a line!

Your lines are not done because you then have to go through US security screening. This is your final processing line.

So to review you have the following lines:

* Airline check in for you and your bags

* Aruban passport and boarding pass review

* Aruban Immigration

* Aruban Security Screening

* United States Customs

* United States Security Screening

I am tired just typing it out.

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Source by Jodie Strait

Australia Wine Region

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Usually when you think about Australia, the last thing that comes up in your mind is wine. But don`t be fooled, Australia has some of the best and most awarded wines worldwide. So, now it`s time to dig a little deeper into the wine shelves and find what Australian wines and what the wine region is all about.

Wine is produced in every state, with more than 60 designated wine regions totalling approximately 160,000 hectares; however, Australia`s wine regions are mainly in the southern, cooler parts of the country, with vineyards located in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland. The wine regions in each of these states produce different wine varieties and styles that take advantage of the particular Terroir such as: climatic differences, topography and soil types. With the major varieties being predominantly Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Semillon, Pinot noir, Riesling, and Sauvignon blanc.

The three most influential regions are New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. South Australia and New South Wales are most famous for the varieties that are suited to warm climate vines such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, and Victoria known for the cool climate loving Pinot-Noir.

The largest vine growing region is South Australia, and Adelaide is the central wine production area. Located a few kilometres from Adelaide is Barossa Valley, South Australia`s most prestigious growing area. This region is unique because isolated from the rest of the world, which means that there are fewer diseases to the plants, thus resulting with some of the oldest living vineyards in the world. There are around 150 wineries and cellar doors in the Barossa Valley. Half of the cellar doors are open to the public, but most of the others happily open by appointment. Many conduct tours of their estates and wine-making facilities. The magic of Barossa Valley`s world-acclaimed wines lies in the diversity of its growing conditions. The Eden Valley produces distinctive cool-climate wine varieties; while the region`s flagship shiraz is grown in the warmer, low-lying areas. The Barossa Valley is also renowned for its fresh seasonal produce, artisan food producers and award-winning restaurants.

The major production in New South Wales comes from the inland Big Rivers Zone. This area has historically produced much of the commercial Chardonnay and Shiraz from Australia. However, because of severe drought in recent years, more wine grape growers are experimenting with drought friendly varieties like Tempranillo and Verdelho. The Hunter Valley located in NSW is Australia`s oldest wine growing region where you`ll find more than 150 wineries producing world-class wines.

Commercial winemaking in North West Victoria makes up the majority of wine production in the entire region. However, the growing areas of interest are cooler and closer to Melbourne such as Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley. The cool climate areas in Victoria have received a lot of praise for their Pinot Noir.

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Source by Maria Williams

Scotland and Ireland Golf Packages and Tours

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The most popular areas for golf vacations in Scotland are the areas where the Major championships are normally held. Golf vacations to Scotland normally centre on the areas of the 5 Open Championship venues. The west coast has the venues at Turnberry and Royal Troon. The east coast has the venues of Muirfield, Carnoustie and St Andrews Old Course. The venues book up very quickly in each season with St Andrews Old Course being the most popular venue. Golf vacations UK Tour Operators are allocated a number of times on St Andrews Old Course during the season.

The most popular area for Ireland Golf Packages and tours is the south-west which has courses such as Ballybunion Old Links, Waterville and Tralee. The east coast has excellent courses such as Portmarnock Old Links, Royal County Down and the European Club, whereas the far north has the courses at Portrush, Portstewart and Ballyliffin.

New courses are springing up on a regular basis in both Scotland and Ireland but the main courses in the news have been the Castle Stuart course in the Highlands of Scotland and the new Donald Trump course which is being built near Royal Aberdeen on the Aberdeenshire coast in the east.

Golf packages are normally made to order and can contain Open Championship courses together with lesser but good quality venues in order to keep to reasonable budget levels.

Scotland Golf Tours and Ireland Golf Tours are still prominent even during the recent recession as golfers travel from all corners of the world to play the Links Courses.

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Source by Eddie Gilbertson

Gin – From Kidney Disorder Cure To The National Drink Of England

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There are many types of liquor in the world. Some have existed for a long time, like beer or wine. Many have only been made during the last millennium. One of the relatively more recent one is gin.

Gin is a dry and hard white alcohol flavored with the seeds of a juniper bush and other botanicals. The alcohol is made from grains like wheat and rye. It is usually used as a base for other drinks. It is often used in cocktails and other mixes.

As mentioned before, gin is relatively recent. It was created in the 17th century, in 1650 to be exact. The creator was a medical professor at the University of Leyden. He was truly a doctor who knew what his patients needed. His name was Franciscus de la Boie, a.k.a. Dr. Sylvius. He created gin as an inexpensive diuretic for kidney disorders. While gin will never ever fulfill its intended purpose, it became popular anyway, as another way to destroy our kidneys and liver when taken in ungodly amounts.

Dr Sylvius named his creation Genever, which is the French word for the juniper. It was shortened in English to gin. The juniper is a bush can be found all over the northern hemisphere. It grows aromatic blue-green berries. Juniper was not just added for the taste. It is also known to have healing properties. It can act as a diuretic and it also helps with arthritis. Other botanicals are sometimes added to gin, like cinnamon, anise, orange peel, cassia bark, angelica root and coriander. Gin producers have their own secret combinations of botanicals.

Gin was very popular with English soldiers who “sojourned” in the continent. They called it Dutch courage and it was an instant hit when they went there for the Thirty Years War. It warmed their bodies during the cold nights and calmed their minds before the battle. They brought this taste back to England where it found incredible popularity. Gin practically became the national drink of England.

The most interesting thing about gin isn’t the addition of juniper berries or botanicals. It’s the alcohol used. Alcohol is usually made from fruits or aged grain spirits. Gin was made from unaged grain spirits.. Before the creation of gin, such alcohol was considered too harsh. But that was never the case for gin. It tasted good and it was easy to produce too

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Source by Jonathan J Russell

Ultra White Collar Boxing – From Rookie to Rocky in Eight Weeks

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Without doubt boxing is a one of the most challenging of all sports. It requires speed, agility, finesse, power, endurance, and ultimate mental toughness.

Boxing pushes you like no other, pitting you against an opponent with the same desire to win as yourself.

You will learn more about your strengths and weaknesses, and yourself control will grow.

It can be a graceful and precise sport, but at the same time can be raw and brutal.

Boxing reveals the true fighter deep inside every single one of us.

How many of us can say that after watching a Rocky movie they haven’t been inspired by the training montages and Eye of the tiger music?

For most it’s an inspiration that is gone within a couple of hours of the movie ending, but for some it stays with you.

Nowadays many gyms and personal fitness trainers as well as a multitude of boxing exercise DVDs are offering ways to train like a fighter. Boxercise, fight fit, etc.

But what if you want to take it further what if you want to actually get in the ring and compete.

White Collar Boxing takes its origins from Gleason’s gym in New York. in 1988. Trainers prepared two novice boxers Dr. Richard Novak and Dr. David Lawrence for a fight of three rounds of two minutes each. The success of the first show and the demand by White Collar Boxers started a monthly series that has continued ever since.

The popularity of these events has spread globally and White Collar Boxing has become the worlds fastest growing corporate contact sport.

Established in 2009 in “Derby Ultra White Collar Boxing” is now the largest UK event organiser. They have put on fights in over 50 UK towns and cities, raising money for Cancer Research UK. To date they have raised well over £600,000.

Ultra White Collar Boxing offers members of the public even those with no prior boxing ability the chance to enter the ring in front of hundreds and experience the thrill of fighting against a matched opponent.

All boxers that take part help raise money for Cancer Research UK and are required to raise a minimum £50, but most raise much more.

Both male and female boxers can compete.

The bouts are three rounds of two minutes with one minute intervals.

Boxers are given eight weeks free training from ex-professional boxers and trainers in their area. They receive intense conditioning training and are taught all the skills required to compete in the event.

Safety is extremely important to UWCB

A summary of their guidelines follow:

Boxers train at the same gym to enable the trainers to assess the abilities of each boxer. The trainer can use this assessment to create a fair match for the fight.

16oz gloves to be worn

Full headgear to be worn

Groin protection compulsory for males, optional for females

Scoring by referee

Three standing eight counts in a round will result in referee stopping contest

The referee can stop the bout at any stage if in their independent opinion, the safety of either boxer is compromised.

In addition to the above guidelines, paramedics and a doctor will be present at all events to ensure the highest level of safety possible.

The Boxers Story

A friend of mine, Phil Ingleby of Sutton in Ashfield is one of the fighters who took up the UWCB challenge.

He started his eight week training and fought in Mansfield on 30th August 2014.

When I asked Phil about the eight-week training and his experience in the ring he responded with these words.

“I was impressed mate, yes. They offered two free training sessions a week with a former Muay Thai (Thai boxing) welterweight world champion, (Lee Chesters), who is one of the best coaches I’ve worked with… But, due to my previous experience in the sport, I decided to do 2 extra training sessions as an addition. 1 extra sparring session with lads from my old club and an extra fitness session with my friend who is a Personal trainer. We did an hour and half a week of circuit training and abdominal work”

“The fight I had in August was my first in almost eight years. I had fought in the ABA’s previously, but retired through a back injury. I left the sport, with a hefty, but brave loss. I always felt that I left boxing behind with a bit of an injustice… My last fight was unfinished business, and I beat a very worthy opponent with more experience by a wide margin… Demon buried!!!”

Phil “The Ice Man” Ingleby fought against “Iron” Ryan Fitzpatrick at the John Fretwell Sports Centre in Mansfield on 30th August 2014.

He won on points and dedicated his fight to his Uncle Syd Ingleby. Syd was sadly taken by cancer earlier in the year.

He said he felt great to be back in the fight game.

Phil raised a total of £882 for Cancer Research UK an awesome achievement.

If you want to learn a new sport, get fit, gain a real sense of achievement and to reach your personal goals, why not try Ultra White Collar Boxing.

Check out their site http://www.ultrawhitecollarboxing.co.uk

Written by Tim Buffathome Thompson Fitness Blogger

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Source by Tim P Thompson