Monday, March 31, 2008

Emerald


Emerald has one of the longest histories of all gemstones. The first known emerald mines were in southern Egypt and were operated from before 1000 BC into the 1700's. This is a testament to the high value people have placed on emeralds for many centuries as the work was hard and dangerous and the stones small and poor by today's standards. Treasured for at least 4,000 years by different cultures all around the world, emerald is said to quicken the intelligence as well as the heart. Legend gives its owner the gift of eloquence.

In contrast to other beryl gemstones, emerald is typically heavily flawed with cracks and inclusions of fluid and minerals. These inclusions are called "jardin" (or garden) as they typically resemble leaves and branches. These characteristics are not looked upon as negative aspects for emerald as they would be for other gemstones. Indeed, these inclusions are considered part of the character of the stone and are used to assure the purchaser that the stone is genuine. Because emeralds are so rare without inclusions, some inclusions are expected and do not detract from the value of the stone as much as with other gemstones. Most emeralds on the market today have been treated with various types of oil or resin to improve their appearance.
Emeralds are cut in Jaipur, India and Tel-Aviv, Israel as well as in the mining countries, such as Brazil. Emerald is one of the most difficult gemstones to cut because of the high value of the rough stone and the many inclusions found in crystals. Small changes in orientation can make a large difference in the final appearance of the gem. Skilled craftsman who specialize in cutting emerald can be found in cities around the world for jewelers who insist on having stones perfected for the optimum brilliance and vibrancy.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

12 Carats


Many people equate the term carat with the size of a diamond, and as carat size increases, so will the carat weight. But the operative word there is weight. Carat refers to the weight of a diamond and is equal to roughly 200 milligrams which is less than a ¼ of an ounce. A carat can also be broken up into 100 points. So ¾ of a carat is also 75 points.

The heavier in carat weight a diamond is, the rarer it becomes. Prices of diamond increase exponentially with the weight of the diamond, so a one-carat diamond will cost much more than two ½-carat diamonds, given that other qualities, such as color and clarity, are equal.

The cutting of a diamond can impact the size of it, so depending on how their cut, two one-carat diamonds can look unequal. If a stone is cut flatter, then it will appear bigger, while a deeper cut stone will be smaller, but may have more brilliance and scintillation. You may be tempted to purchase a stone that’s cut flatter so that you can have the appearance of a larger, or heavier stone. But a diamond that’s cut too flat will have too little brilliance and can look cloudy. Carat weight is important, but there’s no point to sacrificing other qualities that make a diamond special so you can say you have a two-carat stone. A beautiful one-carat diamond, with outstanding brilliance and scintillation is going to be the better choice, from both a personal standpoint and an investment standpoint.

A smaller diamond can always be enhanced with baguettes, trillians or smaller same-shape stones on either size. As we stated earlier, two smaller stones won’t cost as much as an equally-weighted single stone, so you can increase the importance of the ring you’re buying without doubling your cost.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

The History of Coffee Makers




It was love at first sip. Once man discovered the taste of coffee and the stimulating effect of caffeine on the body, he was hooked. The road to a quality coffee maker has been bumpy. Original coffee makers had a slight problem in that they occasionally blew up. Sometimes they burned the coffee.

According to some, women who ran houses of ill repute were among the first great coffee makers. In 1674, men were spending so much time drinking at local coffee houses that the women in England tried to outlaw coffee. Coffee makers in the 1600's and 1700's were designed in an array of styles, most featuring a fat bulge in an effort to help retain the coffee grounds when pouring out the coffee.

Some creative individual put coffee in a sock in an effort to contain the grounds in 1780. This heralded the birth of the Mr. Biggin coffee maker. The Mr. Biggin used a cloth filter. Coffee fans tried cotton, wool, burlap and other fabrics and materials to filter coffee. Cloth wasn't working real well. In 1802, the metal coffee filter came into use.

The 1800's were a time of rapid coffee maker development. Madame Vassieux of Lyons, developed a vacuum coffee maker. Madame Richard also created a vacuum style coffee maker. Vacuum and percolator coffee makers were widely used. In 1818, a Parisian metal smith invented the first coffee percolator. In America, the Cowboy Pot was the coffee maker of choice.

During the years of 1835 to 1850, many, many coffee makers are invented. Glass balloon coffee makers, vacuum system coffee makers, piston system coffee makers, pressure steamer coffee makers, a Naperian balancing siphon coffee maker and other coffee makers, roasters and grinders are invented.

The birth of the Manning-Bowman Percolator ocurred in 1890. House Furnishings Review magazine promoted the Cafetiere double blown-glass coffee maker. The Raparlier coffee maker featured a filter made of hemp. This style of Hydropneumatic coffee maker was used as late as the 1960's.

Vacuum and percolator coffee makers continued to be created in different syles. Plunger filters were first introduced in the 1900's. The principle is still applied to coffee makers today. Some say that it is virtually impossible to make a bitter cup of coffee with a plunger style coffee maker.

As the 1900's progressed, Willy Brandl invented one of the first ever electric coffee makers. The major development in this case was the switch that automatically turned the coffee maker off when the liquid level was low.
Coffee filters as we know them today were born in 1912. Frau Benz invented Melitta coffee filter paper. Goodbye linen and cloth coffee filters. Hello paper. Easy to use and easy to get rid of.

The first true espresso machine arrived in 1946 when Achille Gaggia designed the first espresso machine that didn't involve using steam. Within fifteen years, modern coffee makers using paper filters began to be used commercially. Bunn introduced the paper filter as it's known today in 1957. The first 'pourover' coffee maker was introduced by Bunn in 1963.

Mr. Coffee was born in 1972. The automatic drip coffee maker hits store shelves and start showing up in homes and businesses everywhere. After Mr. Coffee signed Joe DiMaggio to be the company spokesman in 1974, Mr. Coffee became a household name.

When the price of coffee beans skyrocketed in 1977, Mr. Coffee created a coffee saver coffee maker that used less coffee. The first thermal coffee carafe is born around this time, giving coffee drinkers the ability to easily keep coffee hot for long periods. By 1979, timers appeared on coffee makers and have come a long way from the Cowboy Coffee Pot. It will be interesting to see how the machines evolve over the next hundred years.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Benefits of Buying on eBay




Are you one of the millions of Americans who prefers to shop online? Shopping online is popular because it is quick, easy, and convenient. It is also popular because, when shopping online, you have a number of different options, as there are a number of different retailers that you can choose to shop online with. One of those is eBay. If you aren’t already shopping on eBay, you may want to look into it, as there are a number of benefits to doing so.

Perhaps, the greatest benefit of shopping on eBay is all of the products that you have to choose from. eBay isn’t like a traditional retailer. They are actually an online auction website. eBay has other internet users sell products that they have to consumers, just like you. With this type of set up, eBay has an unlimited number of products to choose from. For instance, you can buy real estate, cars, clothing, toys, pet supplies, home décor, entertainment items, and much more on eBay. Basically, anything you are looking for, within reason of course, you should be able to find on eBay.

Another one of the many benefits to shopping on eBay is that you have a number of sellers to do business with. As it was previously mentioned, eBay allows all internet users to sell items that they no longer need or want to own. Over the past few years, the popularity of eBay has reached an all time high. This is what has lead to an unlimited number of eBay sellers. Since many sellers are selling the same products or similar products, you should have the option to choose who you want to do business with. When buying a product online, particularly one that is offered for sale by a number of different sellers, you are advised to examine product costs, shipping and handling costs, as well as each seller’s feedback. Doing so will make shopping on eBay a positive experience for you.

It is also important to note that eBay is easy to use. In fact, ease of use is one of the many other reasons why eBay has become so popular in recent years. As an eBay buyer, you need to create a free eBay account. That account will allow you to buy on eBay. Once you are a registered eBay member, you can easily start searching for products that you are looking for. For instance, if you are looking for a particular music CD, you can just type the artist name and album name into eBay’s search box and you should be presented with a number of auctions which have your CD available for sale. If you are only looking to spend a certain amount of money or purchase a CD that is located in the United States, you can perform an advanced search. An advanced search makes it easier to find what you need.

The above mentioned benefits, to doing your online shopping through eBay, are just a few of the many that exist. In fact, even if you are unsure as to whether or not you want to start shopping on eBay, you are advised to at least examine it. eBay guests can navigate the site to get a taste of what items can commonly be found for sale on eBay. With a large selection of products, a number of sellers to choose from, and ease of use, there is a good chance that you may find yourself doing the bulk of your online shopping on eBay. And, if you end up doing so, you will definitely not be alone.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Awesome Science Experiment - Magic Hole


You won't believe your eye! I show you how to make one in just 1 minute. Try it now...PS: None of the fishs were hurt and all put back to oxygen tank after demo.

Very Cool Pub/Bar Trick


Think Your Tough? Try This Trick Then Watch Your Friends Squeel With Pain !

Monday, March 24, 2008

Funny "gassy" Video


Hilarious Kaltura video about creating together. Turn your sound on.

Hidden Camera - Big Ones


Look at that guy

Friday, March 21, 2008

Fishing Fun

Very Funny Accidents!!!


Very funny accidents

No One Can Do That


how could they make this show with this amazing performance

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Amazing Pictures and Views



Amazing pictures and views

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Dancing Walrus


This reminds me of Prison Thriller...

Sunday, March 16, 2008

WAZZUP?!


This video is a spoof of the popular Budweiser television commercial "WAZZUP".

The video features special youtube guest Michael Buckley from the WHATTHEBUCKSHOW.

Alcoholic Spiderman: 2 Spidermen 1 Bottle


Alcoholic Spiderman & Psycho Spiderman get really drunk and are nearly passed out on a garage floor when they realize they are outta booze. They come up with a really sick & disgusting way to continue to drink and get drunk....kids do not try this at home. This is a parody of the infamous 2 girls 1 cup video.....and whatever you do, do not watch 2 girls 1 cup unless you are able to handle watching very gross videos

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Cake


Cake by rathergood.com, from the album Rather Good Songs. A little kitten sings about his love of cake! Song available on iTunes now!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Extend Your Life...


..Adopt a dog today! Scientific studies have proven that owning a dog can extend your life by years. Today we take you to a local no-kill animal shelter to show you... More» some of the amazing animals you could be missing out on. Can't have pets where you live? No problem! Most shelters have volunteer programs, and the dogs would love to get out of their cages for a while. 50% of the proceeds from this video will be donated to MaxFund, a great no-kill animal shelter in Denver, CO.

A Great Vacation


Sometimes, a vacation can make you forget everything...

Cool! The Future Of Air Travel!


we're here to serve you - the Lynx Air experience - just the way you like it - male fantasy

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

The Miley and Mandy Show Epis. Houston Rodeo


Miley Cyrus & Mandy Jiroux
PERFORMING IN HOUSTON AT THE HOUSTON RODEO LIFESTOCK SHOW!

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Santa's Job Opening Comedy


Ready for christmas, this will make you laugh, santa's job opening is funny and enjoyable to watch. Merry Christmas career and job seekers.

How To Make Blue Box


Making blue box is easy...

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Hair Transplant Procedures for Young Men

There was a time when no one would even think of doing hair transplant surgery on young men. It was agonizing for this group of young people because thinning, balding, and receding hairlines often started before they got out of their teens. Now the procedure is being opened to young men - but with restrictions.

Because losing hair at such a young age is very traumatic, hair transplant doctors do not like to go along with the patients' snap decisions. After an in-depth consultation, the doctor will do everything in his power to put off the surgery. He will ask the patient to come back for a final consultation in six months or so. Many doctors will refuse to do immediate hair transplants if they are put to the test.

There are advantages to getting hair transplant surgery under the age of 25. Most of these patients are healthy. They do not usually take medications. They are often optimistic and have the motivation required to make the commitment needed for what may end up being lifelong treatment.

When a young man gets a hair transplant procedure, it can avert many problems with low self esteem and lack of self confidence. With older men, these attitudes are already ingrained so that it takes some doing to change them. If the hair restoration is started early enough, the young patient need never feel the stigma of being bald for very long at all.

A doctor who is skilled in doing hair transplant procedures on young people will do some investigation before tackling such a project. He will ask to see members of the family to assess their hair loss and how the young person might inherit hair loss traits from the family. If family members cannot be present, the doctor might ask for photos.

One trick of doctors, who work to give young people hair transplant surgeries, is to guide them in setting the hairline. A young person will usually want a fairly low hairline. He remembers the way it was just a few short years ago and wants to duplicate the image.

A good hair transplant surgeon will discourage a low hairline. Instead, he will campaign for a higher hairline. There are several advantages to this. One is that, with less top hair to cover, more donor hair will be saved. Since the young patient will be dealing with this problem for a long time, this is a necessary consideration.

When the hair transplant surgeon achieves a higher hairline, he will be able to get more fullness on the top of the head because he has less to cover. This is not to say the young person will have a receding hairline when the procedure is complete; just that the hairline will not be too low.

There is no reason for young people to enter adulthood without a full head of hair if they can get a hair transplant. This option is now open to them. It is bound to make many young men very happy.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Protect Your Home with Laserbeams


Here is an easy to make, low cost laserbeam security system that beats anything I have ever seen!! My inspiration for this idea is from Brad Graham & Kathy McGowan of... More» Atomic Zombie.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Jesus Painting


An awesome depiction of a spiritual anomaly.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Do You Want To Learn Bungy Jumping?

Perhaps you have decided to take up the sport of bungy jumping, but would prefer some professional training before taking the plunge. Or perhaps you have thought a lot about bungy jumping, but still have not reached a conclusion as to whether you want to try it or not. If you find yourself in either of these categories, you can benefit from taking some bungy jumping classes which are designed to teach you everything you need to know and have a bit of hands-on experience under the guidance of skilled instructors. This way, you can have the confidence of knowing you have learned the basic skills needed for bungy jumping before you take your first death-defying challenge.

As there are already a number of classes in various locations for bungy jumping staff members, it shouldn't be long before suitable classes are also open to the general public to assist them in gaining the important knowledge and skills needed for this sport. You can decide if this is something you would like to consider as an option; if so, check to see when classes like this are available in your area.

Another possibility for learning all about the sport of bungy jumping is to begin as a spectator. While this may also help you decide whether or not you are personally suited for bungy jumping, you will have the chance to view this amazing activity as close as you can be without actually participating. With this goal in mind, you can watch either your friends doing their own novice bungy jumps, or you can see perfection in motion by viewing trained professionals. In addition to watching bungy jumping first-hand, you can also utilize a video camera so that you can focus on all the details of the jumps later on.

While you can probably gain the helpful cooperation from most of the companies that provide bungy jumping by simply requesting the chance to begin your initiation into this sport as a spectator, there are some of the companies which already present it as an option and consider spectators to be a basic part of their customers' bungy jumping experiences. One that lists this as a trip option in itself calls it the "Auckland Ultimate Bungy Jump Spectator" part of their Adventure Tour. Offered by New Zealand on the Web, it includes a guided bridge walk where you can watch the action from a safe point. Not only will this give you the chance to take in the excitement up-close, you will be able to learn the basics from those who are actually participating. Taking still-pictures or making a video of the action will allow you to view it at a later date when you can pay close attention to the details.

Whether you choose the method of "watch and learn" or seek training from skilled professionals, you will be at an advantage when you finally decide to take your first solo jump. The more you know beforehand, the more you will want to take part in bungy jumping.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

This Really Works!


Make a simple device that can tell you if your pets are male or female, save money at the vet and sex your parrots and reptiles yourself. Works with an egg or pregnent... More» woman! After using this tool for over 30 years it is said to be correct 99% of the time.

How To Disassemble Electronics W/out Damaging Tamper Seal & Par


I reveal techniques used to completely disassemble electronics without damaging the tamper seal or the parts... using a brand new HP IPAQ 2410 (you can apply these... More» techniques to other electronic products that you wish to modify or repair) with #5 Torx driver (8 screws), small phillips screwdriver (2 screws), and flat blade exacto knife dipped in alcohol for the "tamper proof" seal. DISCLAIMER: NO PARTS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS VIDEO - THEY WERE REASSEMBLED AND WORKED JUST FINE.

The Strangest People On The Web!


Check out this collection of the strangest and wackiest people on the web.

Paperclip Trick


Very cool trick with paperclips !!

Crazy Motorcycle Tires


Rhinotire can make any tires to become flat proof. Watch Crazy Martin stunts in upcoming Daytona Bike Week.