Friday, February 24, 2012

Preparation of Coffee in different Countries

 

Switzerland

Café crème (also Schümli) - Coffee with 'crema'

Shell - milk coffee

Mélange café - coffee with whipped cream,, often, the whipping cream is served in a dish separately

Lucerne coffee, coffee Lu (t) z, Träsch coffee - tea-colored, thin coffee with plenty of sugar Träsch - served in the coffee glass

Coffee ready - coffee with lots of booze (mostly cherry) - also in the glass

France

Café au lait - a stronger version with little cappuccino milk foam. It is the French version of the latte.

Café Brulot - brandy or cognac flambé with sugar and coffee infused

Café Crème - Coffee with cream or milk, which is foamed by steam

Cafe Filtre - Coffee is filtered on a mounted filter directly in the cup and is concentrated than espresso

Natural Café - coffee without milk

Café Royal - like Café Brulot

Canard - Coffee with Marc (grape brandy): A sugar cube is sprinkled with Marc and put in the mouth.

Italy

picture of coffee.
Caffè Latte - Italian variant of coffee with milk, one half ishot milk and espresso

Caffè Shakerato - espresso with crushed ice in a cocktail mixer and foamed, possibly with amaretto, vanilla aroma or grappa

Cappuccino - one-third espresso, hot milk and foamed milk with cocoa powder and / or cinnamon sprinkled

Cappuccino con panna - cappuccino with whipped cream instead of foamed milk

Chocolaccino - cappuccino sprinkled with grated chocolate

Corretto - coffee with brandy, for example corretto con Grappa, Corretto Fernet con

Doppio - double espresso

Espresso - very strong coffee without milk and sugar, the water is under high pressure (9 bar) and the very finely ground coffee powder is pressed in a cup that has about 25 ml water

Latte Macchiato - "stained milk" - frothy warm milk with a carefully added Espresso Lungo which is only for breakfast and morning drinking.

Lungo - Espresso, where the double amount of water is used

Mischio - A blend of coffee and cocoa with whipped cream

Ristretto - Espresso with very little water (15-20 ml instead of the usual 25 ml)

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

General Characteristics of Laptops

DVD playback, video games, 3D image processing... Laptops have multimedia features that rival those of computer desktops without a problem. In addition to this, their uses are multiple and varied due to their mobility. Transportable, mobile, ultraportable or mini, laptops come in many formats. The advent of the mini laptop or netbook also marks the advent of mobile computing.

1. Presentation

- All in one
A laptop (or notebook) is a computer whose main feature is its portability. Unlike a desktop computer, it has no CPU. A laptop is composed of several elements: the processor, the motherboard, the hard drive, a keyboard, a screen and a mouse. 
- The prices vary
All these elements are packed inside a small box, hence the generally higher price of discount laptops as compare to desktop computers. Only mini laptops are available at lower prices.
- Lightness is a significant advantage
The average size of a notebook is 35 cm in width and 27 cm in depth and 25 cm by 17 cm in mini laptops. There are also large laptops which measure 40 cm in width and 30 cm in depth. Portable PCs usually weigh around 4 kg. The weight goes hand in hand with the size, so the smaller a computer, the more lightweight and easier to carry it is.
- Integrated parts
Most of the components are integrated, so they cannot be changed. Therefore, one should know the technical features of a laptop and what they intend to use it for before purchasing it. In addition to this, the integration of all parts by the manufacturer minimizes the risk of hardware incompatibilities.
- Autonomy
The advantage of a laptop is that it can also be used without being connected to the mains. It runs on a rechargeable battery.

2. Uses

The mobility and small dimensions of laptops facilitate their use. Originally limited to a strict and professional office use, the laptop has evolved into a full multimedia device. It can be used for photo editing, video games, DVDs, etc. Netbooks focus on the connection and mobility.

Communication pros can connect to wireless networks with their mobile phones in almost any area, provided that there is Wi-Fi or 3G coverage there. Small and lightweight, ultraportable netbooks allow users to chat on instant messaging services, check their e-mails, perform simple office tasks while at coffee, in a train or in a waiting room with Wi-Fi. Netbooks have also conquered the female audience as they can be easily slipped into a handbag.

Gamers and movie lovers can indulge their passions on a laptop with a comfortable screen (15 to 20 inches), a powerful graphics card and a powerful processor wherever they are.
image of laptops.
Memory, computing power... Mobile professionals can use the same functions as on their desktop computers and install different pieces of software on a laptop equipped with a high-capacity hard drive and a powerful processor.

Video editing, photo processing, mixing sound... These multimedia applications can also run on laptops that combine a large storage capacity and speed. The number of inputs and outputs also allow a greater interactivity with high-tech accessories: USB2 ports, memory sticks, digital cameras, external hard drives...

It is particularly important to check the following characteristics when buying a laptop, in addition to the choice of the elements:
The operating temperature: The functioning of various elements of the laptop (including the processor) induces an increase in the temperature, which can be annoying at times (especially when the temperature keyboard is too high).

The noise: Laptops are often equipped with exhaust heat devices, such as fans, in order to dissipate the heat. This is also the case of the motors driving the rotating disks or hard drive/CD/DVD ROMs. Therefore, you should make inquiries on the noise level of the computer.

The warranty: A laptop is a big investment, so it is essential to be offered warranty. This warranty is even more important in laptops whose components cannot be interchanged (graphics card, sound card, etc.). Most offers include a de facto warranty of a few months to a year, but it may be wise to have an extended warranty certificate.

The software bundle: Laptops like discount Acer laptops are almost always equipped with an operating system, but some offers also include software such as office automation tools, an encyclopedia or an antivirus.
The protective cover: A carrying case is needed to protect and transport the accessories when the laptop is designed for portable use.

Moreover, one is strongly advised to invest in a security cable to attach the laptop to a stationary piece of furniture.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Choose Your Type of Valve and Other Plumbing Supplies

Although both are intended to provide you with water, mixer taps and mixers differ in terms of design and operation. The modern mixer (thermostatic or not) offers safe and economical options. The more classic mixer taps are old-fashioned and sophisticated at the same time. There are many styles that suit your project, beyond the technical aspect.

The criteria for choosing your taps

Mixers are more interesting from a functional point of view. You can maneuver them with one hand, make some savings, the mixing is done rapidly... However, the final choice is often determined by the style of your bathroom:

The mixer provides a contemporary look and design. Mixers are the best recommendation if you want an old-style or traditional bathroom.

If your choice depends mainly on the copper pipe price, you should remember that you should not go for the cheapest pieces of plumbing supplies. You will save much more money on a product you can use several times a day for several years rather than one you are constantly having problems with.

Mixers

Practical and economical, they are really convenient.
image of valve.
Operation 


The recent models of mixers are characterized by a single control for hot and cold water. This lever is used to adjust the temperature (left) and flow (from top to bottom). All you need to do is practice and this setting can be done even with one hand only. The desired temperature is achieved faster, which saves water and energy.

The ceramic cartridge 

Most mixers are equipped with ceramic cartridge inserts. The flow control and hot/cold mixing are done through two stacked ceramic discs. The ceramic discs, which are very resistant and insensitive to calcium, are a longevity assurance for valves.

Thermostatic mixing valves

A controller regulates the flow and another adjusts the temperature according to the degree sought. Protective and economical, the two are also safe and comfortable at a temperature preset at 38 C. Similarly to conventional mixing, the thermostatic mixing valve also has many advantages:
The immediate and automatic correction of variations

The protection of children against the risk of burns

Automatic shutdown if required

The styles of sink faucets

Here are three different styles of valves to suit your project:

Classic contemporary  retro

Small valve models for the sink

Large valve models for the washbasin

Water savings

The average flow of a sink faucet is 12 L per minute. Thanks to the various water-saving systems, it is very easy to reduce that flow by half.

Systems for the sink

The dual lock mixers: the lever encounters a first resistance at mid-height. This allows you to select the flow according to your needs.

The mixer equipped with an aerator (green foam): the aerator reduces the flow while maintaining the pressure (i.e. comfort). The amount of water is reduced by half, but the air supply is maintained at the original parameters.

Systems for the shower and bath

The thermostat: the stop on the handle (shower version) automatically limits the flow to 50% of the original amount. Choose a mechanical thermostatic mixing valve: the temperature you set allows you to avoid waste (a mechanical mixer reduces the waste from 8 l to 2 l at 38 ° C).

The eco stop shower head: you can cut the flow in the shower while maintaining the desired temperature

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning at Roulette

If you are new to the world of online games and you do not know exactly what game to play, then you should learn to play roulette.

There is no doubt about the fact that the rules of roulette are very easy to understand. However, this game may look easy and simple, but it is still a form of gambling so you need to follow some tips if you want to increase your chances of winning at roulette.

Always keep in mind that losing is inevitable no matter what game you play and no matter how carefully you plan your strategies.

But again, the most important tip that can help you increase your chances of winning in online roulette is to reduce your losses and increase your income. Here are some of the most important roulette tips you should know.
image of roulette.
First of all, always choose to play European roulette instead of American roulette if you are given a choice. The best way to differentiate American roulette from European roulette is by the double zero marked as 00. If the roulette wheel has a double zero, then you are playing American roulette, so you have 38 slots in total as compared to the European wheel which has 37 slots in total. One additional slot means fewer chances to get the winning number right.

Second of all, always prefer outside bets to inside bets. You do not need to guess the winning number in order to win when playing roulette online. It is enough if you guess the color (red or black) or whether the number is odd or even. In fact, outside bets give you a greater chance to choose the correct number. The odds that you choose the right color or guess whether the number that will come out is even or odd are much greater and so are the payouts. Outside bets give you more choices so it is easier for you to win.

Third of all, do not forget to establish your budget before playing a game of roulette. It is vital that you plan a budget before you start playing and this does not hold true for roulette only, but for all casino games. All forms of gambling are risky. Therefore, it is important that you to play an amount of money that you can actually afford to lose.

The fourth important tip is that you play right. You should play a few online roulette games for free before you play for real money because thus you get the chance to master the rules of the game. It will also help you develop your skills.

Finally, remember that defeat is just a part of the game. Never play just to recover the amount you have lost. Tracing your loss may not be a great idea and may cause you to lose everything. Always try to keep your cool when playing roulette.

There may be no guaranteed winner in online roulette as this game is based mainly on luck, even if you master all the online roulette rules but your chances of winning will certainly increase if you follow these simple tips.

Have fun playing roulette!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Health Care with Fish

Aquarium animals require a daily look checkup and regular water changes. You should make it a habit to check whether the fish make a healthy impression, whether the plants are growing well and whether the water is clear once a day. So, you should get a glimpse of what is "normal" and what is not.

Partial water changes

In a well-entrenched aquarium, it is generally sufficient to replace a quarter or third of the total volume of water every two to three weeks.

Gravel cleaner

When filling the aquarium with water, one should adjust the temperature of the fresh water to the temperature of the water already in the aquarium. It is all right if the fresh water is somewhat cooler than the water already in the aquarium. In fact, many freshwater fish need slight cooling (but not more than 2 C), this stimulating their metabolism and spawning.

Filters

The motto with filter cleaning is: Less is more! The filter material should be rinsed and separated only by rough dirt under running cold water. This means that the bacteria needed for biological filtration are obtained. The degradation ability of toxic ammonia and nitrite can be lost if there is a complete replacement of the filter and if there are no bacteria on the material.

Optimal water treatment also depends on the use of the correct filter media. Mechanically active materials in Eheim filter out solid particles and favor the settlement of beneficial bacteria and the adsorptive storage of dissolved pollutants. Activated carbon is an filter material that can be of great help when it comes to removing the chlorine and other harmful chemicals from the water. However, activated charcoal should only be used for a limited time because it is saturated.

Quarantine 

In addition to these management measures, quarantine is also an important preventive acquisition. Many diseases can develop in the aquarium since newly purchased fish can infect the whole fish stock. To make sure that the new hires are healthy, they can be kept in a smaller aquarium for about two weeks. Watch them before you move them in the right aquarium and keep the water levels constant.

Avoid stress 

Today it is beyond doubt that stress harms the immune system of fish directly and weakens the defense mechanisms against disease. Not only water pollution, but also too high a stocking lead to significant bacterial growth and represent great stress for the animals. The more bacteria in the water, the stronger should be the immune system of the fish. Additional stress factors are poor diet, the socialization of incompatible fish, fear of capture and transport, inappropriate fertilizer plants and pelvic facilities that do not meet the needs of the animals.

Maintenance

Here are some additional points that should be followed carefully in order to avoid diseases:

image of aquarium.Constant temperature  

Temperature fluctuations weaken the immune system and the fish are more susceptible to illness.

Unfed fish      

Uneaten food can lead to dissolved products, such as ammonia, which can lead to poisoning.

No previous food       

The clock is ticking on the expiration date as soon as the food was first opened. Smaller food cans are better. Wet food alters quickly.

Device control 

Check the technical equipment on a regular basis and look for signs of wear. Does the heating work? Are the pins intact? Is the lighting working properly?

Increase in pH 

The aquarium may be covered with algae, there can be direct sunlight, the water can be highly alkaline and there can be damage in the gills of the fish.

Decrease in pH   
       
Soft water can cause a rapid decrease in the pH levels. The acidic water can then cause burns to the gills (acid disease).

How to combat diseases?

Diseases are often not real for fish. The disease symptoms may be observed, but the causes come from the outside. First, the water should be checked to see whether a value has gone out of control. Coverings or ulcers on the body of the fish are, however, serious signs of real illness and require further diagnosis. Subsequent treatment with medication should be followed.