As of Monday, May 10th, 2010 the Euro is being exchanged for 1.28 US dollars. This represents a great value for US travelers as the exchange rate is down from the high of 1.58 that we saw in the middle of 2008. This nearly 20% drop is due to a triumvirate of factors including economic weakness in the EU, the rebound of the American economy, and a third group of macroeconomic factors outside the scope of this article (CDOs, Greece, and world manufacturing numbers.)
What does this mean to you? Well, if you are an American looking to travel abroad the strengthening dollar means that European vacations are more affordable than ever. Recently, travelers have looked to alternative, budget destinations such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, or the Bahamas. This trend has fully reversed as Americans are realizing that the $3,000 luxury trip a year ago is down to nearly $2,500 in real dollars. As this is made apparent European travel agencies are seeing a spike in bookings.
Now, where to go in Europe? This author suggests that one need look no further than Tuscany, the divine province of Italy. Tuscany offers a great deal to enjoy to visitors, guests, and natives alike. While activities are limitless (luxury yoga tour anyone?) generally the to-do list falls into art, architecture, food, and wine.
Sprawling grape vineyards throughout Tuscany give birth to some of the best wines in the world. Wine lovers will enjoy tall glasses of chianti classico and eight other unique chiantis along with numerous wines generally found only in Tuscany. The most serene moment in Tuscany for many travelers is enjoying a glass of chianti in the very vineyard in which it was grown. As the wine takes effect nothing is better than a traditional Tuscan meal. Master Chefs abound, and some are even open to sharing their Tuscan cooking secrets with visitors. Visitors who choose Tuscany food and wine tour provider Tuscan Way for instance, cook side by side with Master Chef Carlo Innocenti and imbibe wines paired perfectly with the food by his son and sommelier Romeo.
Days are spent relaxing in the countryside or enjoying the art and architecture of Italy. Tuscany is home to some of the greatest artisans the world over, including Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Donatello (three out of four of the ninja turtles!) Tuscany is an artistic wonderland full of paintings, sculptures, architecture, and artistry found only in the home of the Italian Renaissance.
With Tuscany more affordable than ever thanks to the dollar gaining relative strength to the Euro now is the time to visit. When choosing a tour operator guests should look for access, capacity, and personality (the Tuscan charm). A great trip provider will have arrangements in place for guests to stay at old-world homes and rustic villas, the ability to effectively handle a group of your size (whether large or small), and a true feeling for Tuscany as it once was and currently is.
In the experience of this author, Tuscan Way is the tour provider to choose. Master Chef Carlo Romeo captivates guests, who stay in his personal villa, with Tuscan lore and culinary secrets. For more about Tuscany in general, or to book a trip, visit http://www.tuscanway.com or call 800-766-2390. Buen Provecho!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuscany Travels Aboard: A Taste of Italy, Wherever You Find Yourself
Tuscany, located in central Italy, is known for its lively populace, historic art and architecture, and delightful food and wines. With a rich artistic legacy; home to greats such as Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Vespucci, Tuscany is generally accepted as the cultural capital of Italy if not the world at large. While a trip to Tuscany is warranted to truly experience all a Tuscan cultural tour has to offer global interest in Tuscany has made many of the joys of Tuscany accessible elsewhere.
Tuscan Art:
Tuscany has forever impacted the art world. Native sons da Vinci and Michelangelo have spawned admirers, students, and imitators throughout the centuries. The Italian Renaissance, which was birthed in Florence, signaled the opening phase of the Renaissance as a whole, which was a period of great cultural, artistic, and social achievement for Europe. Those in search of Tuscan art abroad should go to premier museums such as MOMA in New York or the Art Institute of Chicago.
Tuscan Cooking:
Most recently, Georgio Armani opened his boutique hotel in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalida, in Dubai. Amongst the offerings in the 160-floor building is Ristorante, Armani’s take on traditional Tuscan cuisine. Quality Tuscany cooking is also available stateside at restaurants such as Nino’s or Terraza Toscana, both in New York City. While Armani is sure to rise to the occasion, generally the trip to Tuscany must be made to experience true authentic Italian cooking. The master chefs and their secret recipes, the fresh-from-market vegetables, the home-made cheeses, and the subtle undertones of Tuscan olive oil must all be experienced first hand in Tuscany. For first time travelers to Tuscany let me caution you that Olive Garden will never be the same again after enjoying the fruits of Tuscan cooking.
Tuscan Wine and olive oil:
Tuscany gives is some of the best and most revered red wines in the world. From classic blends to Super Tuscans, which don’t adhere to traditional rules, Tuscany dominates the wine landscape. The growth of ecommerce and the explosion of the upscale wine industry as a hobby have made Tuscan wines available throughout the world. However, one experience that must be taken in is enjoying a tall glass of Tuscan wine in the very vineyard in which it was grown.
Tuscany has made everlasting artistic, social, and culinary contributions to the world, many of which even predate the Renaissance. Much of what Tuscany has to offer is available elsewhere, but the tastes, smells, scenery, and lively culture can never be duplicated. Wine connoisseurs, art buffs, and foodies the world over should all take a trip to Tuscany. When traveling it is vital to enlist a guide with the access and resources needed to show the sweet secrets of Tuscany. I suggest contacting Tuscan Way, the leader in food and wine cooking tours of Tuscany, for more details.
Tuscany has forever impacted the art world. Native sons da Vinci and Michelangelo have spawned admirers, students, and imitators throughout the centuries. The Italian Renaissance, which was birthed in Florence, signaled the opening phase of the Renaissance as a whole, which was a period of great cultural, artistic, and social achievement for Europe. Those in search of Tuscan art abroad should go to premier museums such as MOMA in New York or the Art Institute of Chicago.
Tuscan Cooking:
Most recently, Georgio Armani opened his boutique hotel in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalida, in Dubai. Amongst the offerings in the 160-floor building is Ristorante, Armani’s take on traditional Tuscan cuisine. Quality Tuscany cooking is also available stateside at restaurants such as Nino’s or Terraza Toscana, both in New York City. While Armani is sure to rise to the occasion, generally the trip to Tuscany must be made to experience true authentic Italian cooking. The master chefs and their secret recipes, the fresh-from-market vegetables, the home-made cheeses, and the subtle undertones of Tuscan olive oil must all be experienced first hand in Tuscany. For first time travelers to Tuscany let me caution you that Olive Garden will never be the same again after enjoying the fruits of Tuscan cooking.
Tuscan Wine and olive oil:
Tuscany gives is some of the best and most revered red wines in the world. From classic blends to Super Tuscans, which don’t adhere to traditional rules, Tuscany dominates the wine landscape. The growth of ecommerce and the explosion of the upscale wine industry as a hobby have made Tuscan wines available throughout the world. However, one experience that must be taken in is enjoying a tall glass of Tuscan wine in the very vineyard in which it was grown.
Tuscany has made everlasting artistic, social, and culinary contributions to the world, many of which even predate the Renaissance. Much of what Tuscany has to offer is available elsewhere, but the tastes, smells, scenery, and lively culture can never be duplicated. Wine connoisseurs, art buffs, and foodies the world over should all take a trip to Tuscany. When traveling it is vital to enlist a guide with the access and resources needed to show the sweet secrets of Tuscany. I suggest contacting Tuscan Way, the leader in food and wine cooking tours of Tuscany, for more details.
Palmer Pest Control: Miami Bug Blog
Local pest control expert extraordinaire Dwayne Palmer of Palmer Pest Management launched his Miami pest control blog recently. In it he will be offering pest control expertise and guidance for South Florida residents. [Shameless client plug] We at SDSol Technologies urge our clients to contact Palmer Pest at 305-370-4653 for all of their pest control needs. I have actually used him in the past (residential service) and was very impressed with the service. Much more proactive than vendors I have dealt with in the past.
Contact Palmer Pest for Miami and Broward pest control including roaches, ants, other insects, and rodents. You will not be disappointed... unless you are a bug of course.
Contact Palmer Pest for Miami and Broward pest control including roaches, ants, other insects, and rodents. You will not be disappointed... unless you are a bug of course.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The proof is in the bottle: carbon dating reveals vintage wine fraud
Based on an article in Cosmos Magazine
According to Australian researchers approximately 5% of fine wines are mislabeled. Recently the Aussies employed carbon dating technology, most frequently used to determine the age of artifacts and bones, to learn if bottle labels match the wine within. Their conclusion is that many collectors' wines simply don't match the label. While the practice is not thought to be wide-spread, it is growing and sommeliers are taking note.
The test the researchers used is performed by measuring the amount of carbon-12 and carbon-14 found in the grapes. As plants take in carbon dioxide both isotopes are captured as well. Carbon-12 is the most prevalent carbon isotope and is vary stable. Carbon-14, on the other hand, is radioactive. Interestingly enough, the advent of nuclear power and the atomic bomb come into play here. Until man began his nuclear endevours "all carbon-14 in the Earth's biosphere was produced by the interaction between cosmic rays and nitrogen in the upper atmosphere," according to Graham Jones of the University of Adelaide. That all changed between the late 1940s to 1963. Atomic explosions significantly increased the amount of carbon-14 floating around in our atmosphere. Since the bomb tests stopped, the fossil fuels being burnt for energy has diluted the radioactive carbon-14 content in the atmosphere. This changes the carbon-12 to carbon-14 ratio in grapes, which can then be compared to known atmospheric measurements. This allows researchers to accurately determine the vintage of wines to within a year.
The practice of vintage wine fraud is growing rapidly, and researches hope that the carbon-dating of wines will nip this in the bud. Wine collectors, connoisseurs, and sommeliers take their hobbies or profession very seriously and see this as a slight to their credibility. With the cost of some vintage wines running into the thousands wine fraud raises legal issues as well as the labeling is clearly misrepresenting the product within.
The most effective method of making sure the contents match the label: a food and wine tour of course! Tuscan Way offers upscale food and wine tours into the heart of Tuscany. Amidst sprawling valleys, medieval architecture, and classic art, guests of Tuscan Way can sample wines in the very vineyard that they were grown in, ensuring an honest, memorable, and enjoyable experience. Visit the world's finest vineyards to make sure you get what you pay for. Dinners prepared by Master Chef Carlo Romeo with wine pairings courtesy of Sommelier Romeo Innocenti will not disappoint!
Those looking for a memorable Italian food and wine trip should content the good folks over at Tuscan Way. They can be reached online at http://www.tuscanway.com or by phone at (800) 766-2390.
According to Australian researchers approximately 5% of fine wines are mislabeled. Recently the Aussies employed carbon dating technology, most frequently used to determine the age of artifacts and bones, to learn if bottle labels match the wine within. Their conclusion is that many collectors' wines simply don't match the label. While the practice is not thought to be wide-spread, it is growing and sommeliers are taking note.
The practice of vintage wine fraud is growing rapidly, and researches hope that the carbon-dating of wines will nip this in the bud. Wine collectors, connoisseurs, and sommeliers take their hobbies or profession very seriously and see this as a slight to their credibility. With the cost of some vintage wines running into the thousands wine fraud raises legal issues as well as the labeling is clearly misrepresenting the product within.
The most effective method of making sure the contents match the label: a food and wine tour of course! Tuscan Way offers upscale food and wine tours into the heart of Tuscany. Amidst sprawling valleys, medieval architecture, and classic art, guests of Tuscan Way can sample wines in the very vineyard that they were grown in, ensuring an honest, memorable, and enjoyable experience. Visit the world's finest vineyards to make sure you get what you pay for. Dinners prepared by Master Chef Carlo Romeo with wine pairings courtesy of Sommelier Romeo Innocenti will not disappoint!
Those looking for a memorable Italian food and wine trip should content the good folks over at Tuscan Way. They can be reached online at http://www.tuscanway.com or by phone at (800) 766-2390.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Cats Out of the Bag: Tuscan Cat Stew is Off the Menu
Famed Italian TV personality and chef Giuseppe "Beppe" Bigazzi is under fire for his love of “gatto in umido,” which is plainly translated into English as cat stew. Bigazzi hosts the popular late-morning chef program “La Prova del Cuoco,” where he made his admission. The network has suspended Beppe indefinitely amidst outrage from local and international animal rights groups. Some are even calling for legal action against the host for inciting cruelty to animals.
The cat stew, like most other modern dishes using domesticated or nuisance animals, traces its roots back to the famine and poverty-stricken time immediately following WW2. Reeling in the wake of the Nazi occupation and Mussolini’s reign, Tuscans had to forgo the delicacies of their cooking in favor of more readily available fair e.g. cats. As life retuned to normalcy in antebellum Tuscany the dish fell out of favor and was quickly replaced with traditional Tuscan culinary delights such as bistecca alla fiorenta and cellentani alla boscaiola. Nearly all Tuscans see cat stew as a piece of history, not as a menu item.
Beppe disagrees. He stated that the stew wasn’t a way to stave off starvation, but rather as "one of the great dishes of the Valdarno." He even offered up culinary advice, mentioning that the cat should be left in a rapid stream for three days. His co-host (and cat lover) Elisa Isoardi tried in vain to change the subject. Reportedly during a break Beppe refused to apologize, expecting that “racist” environmentalists would be outraged. Beppe did later back peddle, claiming his comments had been misinterpreted, and that the whole idea was a “complete folly.”
Tuscany has a long tradition of culinary expertise extending well beyond daytime cooking programs. The Tuscan countryside is home to many of the finest wines, meat, recipes, and olive oils that the world has to offer. With fresh ingredients and home-made cooking, the food in Tuscany is truly a joy. Master Chef Carlo Innocenti even welcomes guests into his home, offering classes on how to prepare his family recipes. The meals are then shared over tall glasses of wine, courtesy of his son and sommelier Romeo. Tuscan meals must be experienced to be understood as they must come complete with the perfect wine pairing and tales about life lived the Tuscan way.
Tour operators and locals alike welcome guests to Tuscany year round. Visitors come for a variety of reasons including viewing the architecture, to appreciate art and sculptures, and of course Tuscan cooking and wine tours. Tuscan Way, found at http://www.tuscanway.com offers unique trips into the heart of Tuscany. Guests have a range of options, from staying in Carlo Innocenti’s home, perched atop a hill next to the town castle, to staying in rustic Tuscan villas surrounded by rolling meadows and vineyards. Before booking a trip to Tuscany it is highly recommended that you speak to the folks at Tuscan Way. They have the resources and capabilities to deliver a truly memorable experience. Buen Provecho!
Tourists considering a food and wine trip to Tuscany should contact Tuscan Way. They can be reached online at http://www.tuscanway.com or by phone at (800) 766-2390.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Energy Efficient Light Bulb Information Guide: What You Need to Know.
We all know that energy efficient bulbs are great for lowering energy costs, minimizing your environmental footprint, and reducing time spent on maintenance and replacing bad bulbs. However, after that things become a bit tricky. There are many different energy-efficient bulbs that use different technologies to run longer, cleaner, and using less energy. Reference the below guide to determine which technology is best for you:
CFLs: Compact fluorescent lamps, better known as CFLs, are leading the charge for screw-in replacements of incandescent bulbs.
Pros: CFLs use about 75% less energy and last ten times longer than the incandescent bulbs which they replace. Generally, this adds up to $30 in savings over the life of the bulb. Many CFL bulbs are built as screw-in replacements for old bulbs, meaning no modification is necessary to use them.
Cons: All CFLs contain a small, trace amount of mercury. Used and unbroken bulbs should be taken to a qualified recycling center. Broken bulbs should be fully cleaned up and disposed off while the room is well ventilated. For more see http://www.epa.gov/hg/spills/#fluorescent
LEDs: LEDs, or light emitting diode bulbs, are clusters of individual units which are grouped together for bright, clean light. Depending on the wavelength used in the diode they emit a desired tone, ranging from clear bright light to dark blues and purples.
Pros: LED light bulbs operate at a very cool temperature. They last between 50 to 100 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Further, since there are no fragile filaments or tubes they are very resistant to heat, cold, and shock.
Cons: High start up costs. LED bulbs do sell at a premium compared to CFLs. Of course, this is made up by an increased efficiency and lifespan, but the high cost can be a barrier to entry for business and homeowners.
HPS bulbs: High pressure sodium lamps are primarily used for flood lighting applications such as street lights or in large spaces including parking lots or garages. They are a type of sodium vapor lamp which are used heavily by indoor gardeners due to the color spectrum they emit being favored by plants.
Pros: Less light pollution than mercury-vapor lamps. HPS bulbs are great for locations where color rending is important. They are also very efficient, generating about 100 lumens/Watt. Indoor gardening.
Cons: Price and heat. Also, most HPS bulbs emit a tinted light which is generally not suitable for office or home use.
Traditional incandescent bulbs: Incandescent bulbs are the oldest of the modern wide-spread lighting technology still in use. A filament is heated, which generates both heat and light. These are being outlawed in many states and are being replaced by more energy-efficient technologies.
Pros: Cost of bulbs.
Cons: Most of the energy used is wasted as heat as opposed to light. Incandescent bulbs have a short life and are not energy efficient.
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For guidance on purchasing energy efficient bulbs call the folks at Superior Lighting, Florida's light bulb experts. They can be reached on the web at http://www.superiorlighting.com/ or by calling (800) 432-7995.
CFLs: Compact fluorescent lamps, better known as CFLs, are leading the charge for screw-in replacements of incandescent bulbs.
Pros: CFLs use about 75% less energy and last ten times longer than the incandescent bulbs which they replace. Generally, this adds up to $30 in savings over the life of the bulb. Many CFL bulbs are built as screw-in replacements for old bulbs, meaning no modification is necessary to use them.
Cons: All CFLs contain a small, trace amount of mercury. Used and unbroken bulbs should be taken to a qualified recycling center. Broken bulbs should be fully cleaned up and disposed off while the room is well ventilated. For more see http://www.epa.gov/hg/spills/#fluorescent
LEDs: LEDs, or light emitting diode bulbs, are clusters of individual units which are grouped together for bright, clean light. Depending on the wavelength used in the diode they emit a desired tone, ranging from clear bright light to dark blues and purples.
Pros: LED light bulbs operate at a very cool temperature. They last between 50 to 100 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Further, since there are no fragile filaments or tubes they are very resistant to heat, cold, and shock.
Cons: High start up costs. LED bulbs do sell at a premium compared to CFLs. Of course, this is made up by an increased efficiency and lifespan, but the high cost can be a barrier to entry for business and homeowners.
HPS bulbs: High pressure sodium lamps are primarily used for flood lighting applications such as street lights or in large spaces including parking lots or garages. They are a type of sodium vapor lamp which are used heavily by indoor gardeners due to the color spectrum they emit being favored by plants.
Pros: Less light pollution than mercury-vapor lamps. HPS bulbs are great for locations where color rending is important. They are also very efficient, generating about 100 lumens/Watt. Indoor gardening.
Cons: Price and heat. Also, most HPS bulbs emit a tinted light which is generally not suitable for office or home use.
Traditional incandescent bulbs: Incandescent bulbs are the oldest of the modern wide-spread lighting technology still in use. A filament is heated, which generates both heat and light. These are being outlawed in many states and are being replaced by more energy-efficient technologies.
Pros: Cost of bulbs.
Cons: Most of the energy used is wasted as heat as opposed to light. Incandescent bulbs have a short life and are not energy efficient.
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For guidance on purchasing energy efficient bulbs call the folks at Superior Lighting, Florida's light bulb experts. They can be reached on the web at http://www.superiorlighting.com/ or by calling (800) 432-7995.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Light My Fire: Energy Efficient Mood Lighting Sparks Valentine’s Day Passion
Chocolates? Check. Flowers? Check. Energy efficient light bulbs… Check?
The first step is using inexpensive dimmer switches to control the brightness of your lights. Set the perfect tone by installing them in the dining and bed rooms. Reduce glare and dim your lights to that perfectly level of brightness that just screams romance. Newer energy efficient CFLs even have dimmer varieties.
For a bigger purchase, easy to install chandeliers are a great buy. Blend energy efficient bulbs with old-world ambiance for a new feel to an old room.
LEDs are most known for their long life and energy savings. Did you know they also offer far more options than old incandescent bulbs? Superior Lighting offers a wide range of cool, energy efficient LEDs including colored Christmas lights, creative shapes, and festive patterns. Regular white/clear LEDs can be given new life as inexpensive lenses are offered to give basic lights a new glow.
The big ticket item on our list: iColor tiles. These colored LED light tiles replace your current wall or ceiling tiles. They provide a blank canvas for anything from solid colors which can be changed at the flip of a switch to swirling patterns or even medium resolution video. Call Superior Lighting for more about this innovative product. Just imagine the look on your partner's face when the bland bedroom walls are replaced by romantic colors or even scenes from your favorite love story.
We hope the above list helps make this Valentine's Day one to remember. For any questions about them, or lighting in general, it is recommended that you call the experts at Superior Lighting, Florida's light bulb experts. They can be reached on the web at http://www.superiorlighting.com/ or by calling (800) 432-7995.
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