Counter Assertion

Today consumers have a broader range of diamond jewellery to choose from for their loved ones. There is an abundance of diamond varieties on the market today. They are many kinds of colours, sizes and shapes. Deep blues, rich reds, yellows, greens and a multitude of other colours are often found in diamonds. Diamonds made into jewellery have been prized for centuries in India.

Diamonds offer a great element of emotional and sentimental feelings.


Men and women alike approve of them. Diamonds are symbolic of romantic love amongst mankind. Diamond ownership will make you feel more confident, increase your feelings of status and give you a special feeling by wearing it. Diamonds can bet set in a multitude of types of jewellery in addition to less conventional products. As the technology evolves, people can have customized diamonds combined with gold, ruby and pearls etc. This is something that will add more style and an air of elegance to the diamond you have chosen. Lovers and sweethearts will agree that diamonds are by far the perfect way to express one’s feelings as a gift. Diamond rings is the most common use of diamonds.

Hot Diamonds brand which came on the scene in 2001 is a standout amongst innovative diamond jewelers in the United Kingdom. At hot diamonds we feature a wide stunning collection of sterling silver and diamond jewellery to fit every taste, desire and want. rapidly established itself as the number one selling jewellery brand in the UK, a position it has now held for over 6 years.

Hot diamonds are widely available in more than 1,500 stores throughout the UK, ranging from local high street retailers to major department stores.

Courtesy of Hot Diamonds Jewellery your guide to Hot Diamonds. Other resources:
Diamond jewellery - The diamond specialist review.

Folks, this week’s column is the beginning of a pilgrimage for me…

I mean it, this week’s column is the beginning of a truly personal pilgrimage for me, one of truly deep meaning, one of truly great emotion, and I’m not going to rest until I truly achieve what I’m about to lay out for y’all in the next few paragraphs.

Is that not a truly inspiring beginning for a column? Why, truly it is (okay, I’ll stop). And, with that, let’s get right down to the nitty gritty. Those of you out there who read my stuff know that I love food. I’m a big eater, and I make no bones about it. I don’t wanna end up being one of those people that croaks one day and no one understands why. In my case, everyone will understand, and that’s a good thing. They’ll know that it was due to my eating tons of Atomic Fireballs, Nu-Way hot dogs, Breyer’s butter pecan ice cream, Baby Ruths, Sweet Tarts, and other truly great stuff.

Contrast that with a forty-five year old jogger who eats cauliflower and carrots every day, and suddenly collapses while sitting at his desk one morning. Gone, a healthy dead person cut down in the prime of his life. No one understands situations like that, people can’t deal with it, so they’ll talk about it forever. It’s sad, because no one can understand being both healthy and dead. At least everyone will be at peace when I go shake hands with the Grim Reaper.

With all that having been said, I’ve discovered a new food that I know I’m going to love. Something that I’ll have to make a special trip to go eat one day. And that something is located at a restaurant in Atlanta called Mulligan’s, and the food item in question is called a “hamdog.” And if y’all are wondering what a “hamdog” is:

It’s a hot dog wrapped with a deep fried beef patty, then covered over with chili, cheese and onions, and served on a hoagie bun. That’s not all, either, it’s then topped with a fried egg and served with a couple of big handfuls of fries.

Doesn’t it sound great? A true culinary masterpiece, and, what’s more, it has all the major food groups in it. You get your poultry from the fried egg, your beef from the pattie, you get whatever the devil is in the hot dog, you get some essential grains from the hoagie roll, and some very much needed potato vitamins from the freedom fries. A nutritional bonanza if there ever was. Man, I’m salivating just thinking about one, and I’ve got to have it. And, believe it or not, y’all can help me attain my goal of quaffing down a hamdog, and here’s how:

Someone out there who’s reading this has got to have some kind of contact with Chandler Goff, the owner of Mulligan’s. If one of y’all does, would you please let him know that I’m a big fan, and I’m very willing to make a deal with him regarding his hamdog? If he’ll just invite me up and slip me one, a freebie, then tell him that I’ll devote an entire column to doing a review of it. And not only will I review it for him, I’ll make it sound like the Elvis of foods, because I’m already quite sure that I’ll love a hamdog. I just need a good excuse to fight the traffic in order to go up to Atlanta to get one. So, if I can say that I’m going up there because the hamdog is going to be free and I’m supposed to do a future column about it, then the coast will be clear. The trip’ll be blessed, and I’ll be on my way to Atlanta with a smile on my face. Life will have true meaning.

Loyal readers, do your duty. Find Chandler Goff for me. Lay a big line of crap on him about how bad I want one of those hamdogs. If one of y’all can pull it off, I swear that I’ll go up there, eat one, and then write a column about it to let y’all know how it was. And what happens if y’all don’t find him for me? Well, if that’s how this works out, then I’m going to do a future column about why Tiny Tim was a musical genius. I swear it on my BTO CDs. The choice, as they say, is y’alls….

About The Author

Ed’s latest book, “Rough As A Cob,” can be ordered by calling River City Publishing toll-free at: 877-408-7078. He’s also a popular after dinner speaker, and his column runs in a number of Southeastern publications. You can contact him via email at: ed3@ed-williams.com, or through his web site address at: www.ed-williams.com.

Looking for a great place in Charlotte to stop when you head out? This can be a mixed bag. mexican food is a hot ticket in this growing latino community.

Qdoba Mexican Grill Harris Blvd University Area is a good choice for hybrid mexican cuisine.

Well first off I am against this sort of trendy hybrid food in all its forms. I walked in skeptical and only did try this location bacause a UNCC student was on the patio eating an giant buritto that looked worth the tasting.

This location is an open air setting on the corner in this upscale and clean plaza designed with a Miami feel in mind. If you are looking for something to do with a lady this is one step above fast food but shorts still seem right. Overall a nice clean and not much more to say atmosphere in a great plaza location.

The menu seemed limited with only a handful of choices, though they do each have quite a few combinations of salsa and fillings (cheese rice black beans etc).

As mexican is my favorite, and having eaten it in Tucson, AZ ive seen that authentic is generally better….this is an nice exception. Everything was very fresh, and the flavor with different and very good on both of my visits. The portions are immense and even the students must have trouble finishing on most visits.

With prices areound 14-18$ for 2 people (with drinks) its a step above fast food there too, but worth it on occasion.

Learn more about the best Mexican food stops in Charlotte North Carolina at the Charlottecritic.com site at
http://www.charlottecritic.com the place to learn the truth about Charlotte mexican restaurants.

About the Author

Charlottecritic.com is the new voice of a long time food critic from south Florida. Now located in Charlotte North Carolina he is voiced at the Charlotte restaurant food critic charlotte site. An Honest look at the best of the Charlotte community is always on the menu.

The medical profession term an enlarged prostate benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH. In layman’s terms this means that the prostate, a gland which encloses the urethra and is situated just below the bladder, swells and may impair or perhaps even stop urinary flow. The prostate grows with age and may result in complaints such as troubles with micturition, decreased urinary stream, and also the holding of residual urine inside the bladder. Frequent urination during the night and even continual urinary tract inflammation may also be brought about by prostatic engorgement.

Prostatic Swelling - What Does that Mean? Benign Prostate Hypertrophy is considered a frequent problem of males in their sixties. Yearly exams are recommended for every man over 50, irrespective of the occurence of any problems, to help sustain better prostate gland health. Inability to urinate or the presence of blood whilst urinating should result in getting immediate medical treatment. Surgical procedures and the use of pharmaceuticals are frequent treatments for prostate enlargement. Nevertheless, erection troubles or inability to control urination can be experienced as a result of a surgical operation. An alpha blocker and drugs to reduce the prostate gland are often prescribed to improve prostate health, however, medicines often have unwanted results. So which alternatives are recommended? Suffering From an Enlarged Prostate Gland? The Holistic Way to Improve Prostate

To encourage improved prostate health and in addition reduce the many problems brought about by an enlarged prostate gland, a few remedies are indicated. African pygeum alleviates swelling, providing a reduction of the symptoms. The remedy African Pygeum has been regularly tested for many years in Europe as a therapy to promote better prostate health, it is a derivative of a plant native to Africa. Dietetic changes for example reducing the intake of fats can help, so will getting more excercise more regularly, frequency of ejaculations may relieve pressure in the prostate, and avoiding sitting for a long time. Consumption of over the counter antihistamines and even decongestant drugs can aggravate the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, take these with this in mind. Further recommendations include to avoid having anything to drink near going to bed to cut down urination overnight, the reduction of alcohol and drinking less coffee may reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland. There’s also plenty of further holistic remedies being used to improve prostate gland health — these include saw palmetto, borage oil, the element selenium, and also lycopene, a molecule extracted from tomatoes. Do make sure to talk about your plans with your healthcare professional prior to setting out on any herbal treatment of a swollen prostate gland.

July 4th is right around the corner, and it’s peak season for outdoor parties and barbecues. Here are some tips from a top professional - The Cantering Caterer, of Westport, Connecticut. Take a look at these great suggestions, and discover how to host an unforgettable barbecue, and enjoy it too.

It’s hot outside! The garden is flush with fresh vegetables, great smells, and beautiful colors. Now is the perfect time for outdoor entertaining. Whether you are planning an outdoor July 4th barbecue, or any outdoor entertaining, here are some helpful outdoor party planning hints:

1 - Serve appropriate foods: It is important to offer foods that will not wilt in the heat or attract too many pests. There is nothing worse than having your guests square off with a swarm of bees every time they get near the guacamole. Also, use recipes that you can prepare in advance, leaving you to enjoy your guests (and to hear them rave about the great food). Crudités are great and there are lots of canapés that can be
prepared the day before and kept in the refrigerator. Light is good in the summer.

2 - Controlling bugs: An open can of cat food off in a corner will attract flying pests - it really works. Mint plants will keep flying bugs away from buffet tables, and ant sticks, set in place two hours before the party, will draw them away. Citronella torches work too.

3 - Summer beverages: Plenty of cold drinks are a necessity when entertaining outdoors in the summer. Have lots of bottled spring and sparkling water. Chilled ginger tea and cold lemonade are other crowd favorites. Juice a watermelon, serve it in glass pitchers with kiwi and star fruit slices. The kids will love it and it looks great too.
Most wine served in the summer is white. Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay are the most popular. A good wine merchant is indispensable here. And … have lots of ice! Lots.

4 - Rain plan: If you can, plan on a tent… A sense of humor and the ability to remain calm are also useful here. If you are not having a tent, be sure that you can move the party indoors if need be. Plan early, you will be glad you did. In really hot weather be sure to have umbrellas, fans, and canopies.

Now some tips for getting the grilling just right on the Fourth:

1- It is important to get the grill hot. Preheat for 15 minutes with all burners on high and the lid closed. It is easy to scrape the grate clean with a wire brush at this point.
2- When using a gas grill, cook with the lid down. It concentrates heat when searing and maintains heat when slow cooking. Conversely, you should keep the lid open when using charcoal as residue buildup can affect the flavor of the foods being grilled.
3- When cooking things like fish and burgers, you should oil the grill. Dip a handful of paper towels in vegetable oil and, using tongs, wipe the grill thoroughly. This will also pick up any residue left from brushing.

And last but by no means least, a couple of recipes that we here at The Cantering Caterer in Westport, Connecticut, are happy to recommend:

Lemon-Herb Marinade
Great with chicken
10 gloves of garlic, chopped very fine
1 TBS Kosher Salt
TBS Ground Black Pepper
3 Lemons, squeezed
1 cup or more of the freshest herbs you can find - parsley and cilantro are great!
1 cup olive oil. Mix everything together, coat the meat and refrigerate overnight.

Amazing Burgers
To: 2 Lb good ground beef
Add: 1/2 cup red onion, chopped fine, 1/4 cup chopped parsley,2 TBS Capers, 2 TSP Worcestershire, a dash or 2 of Tabasco, Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Hand form into 8 patties and grill! Serve on a roll with fresh garden tomato and crisp Romaine lettuce. Increase quantities as needed.

Enjoy the Fourth and enjoy your party!

About the Author

Neil Street is co-founder of Small Business Online, an internet marketing and web design company, based in Norwalk, CT. Email Neil at Small Business Online or call him at 203.299.0889

Do you have an extra five gallons of peanut oil sitting around the house? Why not use it to deep fry a turkey?

Deep fried turkey is moist and delicious and not at all oily. The skin sears instantly and seals in the natural turkey juices for the most juicy turkey you’ll ever have. It also cooks quickly at about 3 minutes a pound. That’s a 12 pound turkey in under 40 minutes. You’ll even have time to cook two turkeys if you want. No more waking up at dawn to put the turkey in the oven. Deep frying a turkey will also free up oven space for side dishes. If your oven space is limited, think about how much room you’ll have without a turkey in there.

What do you need to deep fry a turkey:

Deep Fryer - You can buy the whole setup in a kit or you can buy everything separately. Make sure your pot is about 40-60 quarts. The burner should be large enough to hold this pot securely. Most burners will use a propane tank as a fuel source and are not included in the kits.

Candy Thermometer - Having an accurate thermometer is important to ensure that the turkey cooks properly and to avoid a fire. Candy Thermometers are long and usually have a clip so you can attach them to the side of the pot. Most Deep Fryer Kits include a candy thermometer.

Meat Thermometer - After cooking your bird for 3 1/2 minutes a pound it will be done. If you have problems keeping the oil temperature constant then you may need a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.

Oven mitts & safety goggles - Splattering oil is very dangerous. Oven mitts and safety goggles are a must. Fire Extinguisher - This is just a precaution but it’s better safe than sorry. Make sure the fire extinguisher is made for grease fires.

How to prepare for your first deep fry:

Choose a turkey no bigger than 12 pounds. If that isn’t enough to feed your guests then get two turkeys. Even if you have a pot large enough to cook a larger turkey remember that you will have to lift it over a pot of hot oil. A 12 pound turkey will cook in under 40 minutes so cooking two (24 pounds of turkey) can still be done in well under two hours and think of all the leftovers you’ll have.

Remove the neck and giblets from inside the turkey. Remove any pop up timers or plastic leg bindings. The legs should be tied together with butchers string so that they don’t touch the side of the pot while cooking. Do not stuff your turkey.

Defrost your turkey in the fridge for several days prior to cooking. Do not defrost a turkey outside of the fridge as this a great way to grow bacteria.

Stuffing and Gravy - When deep frying a turkey the stuffing must be made outside of the bird. Also plan for alternate ways to make gravy. You will not have access to turkey fat like you would when roasting a turkey. Frying up the giblets and neck in a pan is one solution or save some chicken fat from a previous meal a few days before Thanksgiving. And remember that a deep fried turkey needs less gravy because it doesn’t dry out like oven roasted turkey, although that fact won’t help your mashed potatoes.

Deep frying a turkey is dangerous and proper caution needs to be used:

The turkey fryer needs to be outside on a flat surface. Do not deep fry a turkey in a garage or a covered carport.
Always keep a fire extinguisher (rated for grease fires) nearby.
Large oven mitts or a fireplace gloves must be worn.
Always wear eye protection and full face protection would be even better. A welding mask is probably overkill but it would be entertaining for your guests.

When lowering the turkey into the oil, turn off the flame.
And do not allow those guests, especially children and pets near the turkey cooker.

Follow these safety tips and use common sense and your turkey frying experience will be safe and successful.

About the Author: Anthony Tripodi is the webmaster of BigTurkeyFryer.com - The Deep Fried Turkey Guide. For more information about Deep Fried Turkey including deep fryers, recipes for injector sauces and dry rubs, and more, visit http://www.bigturkeyfryer.com

Source: www.isnare.com

The prospects of scooping the Euro Lotto jackpot is a far-off 1 : seventy six million but the chances of acquiring a cash prize is a fairly decent 1 in twenty four. If the jack-pot is not won in a given week, it is carried forward to the next lotto draw that will result in an ever increasing jackpot value. New rules brought in on the 09-Feb-07 restrict the amount of successive rollovers to eleven, with the jackpot rolled down to lower value levels in the 11th draw when the prize is not won.

The Euro millions lotto or the Euro lotto, as it is normally recognized, gathers the lotto ticket receipts of the nine partaking European countries delivering a sizeable European Lottery jackpot. With the amount of countries joining the Euro on the increase, this will without a doubt lead to even more states partaking in the Euro Millions lotto. A growth in the number of people partaking in the Euro millions lottery will lead to a lasting growth of the already whopping EURO MILLIONS jackpots.

The new rules also initiated Euro Millions Super Draw which come about twice yearly plus they offer jackpots in the region of 100 million pounds. The difference with Super-Draws is that the jack-pot must be collected during the calendar week of the lotto draw; as a result, if there is no lottery ticket matching, all the numbers drawn and the top prize will then be allotted to the lottery ticket holder(s) in the succeeding winning prize level.

Each participant must select five primary numbers from one to fifty plus 2 Lucky-star numbers from 1 to 9. During the Euro millions draw 5 main and 2 lucky star numbers are then selected at random from 2 draw machines containing numbered lotto balls.

Finally you can stop wondering how do I cook my pasta. There are a few simple rules to follow that will have you cooking pasta pleasing meals each and every time.

First and most important use plenty of water. Using too little water will make for sticky gooey pasta. You should start with about 4 quarts of fresh cool water. This means take out that big spaghetti pot and stop using your favorite sauce pan. As you portion out the pasta you should cook about 2 ounces per person. Bring the fresh cool water to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, but before adding the noodles, add 1 heaping tablespoon of salt for every four servings. Always add the salt to the water. If you wait until the pasta is cooked you will end up with salty noodles. By adding the salt now the pasta can absorb the salt and your pasta will taste better. Finally add the pasta, allow the water to soften the noodles and stir gently. Never allow the noodles to stick to the bottom of the pan.

Angle hair pasta and spaghetti should take about 8-10 minutes to cook; heavier noodles such as penne can take up to 20-25 minutes. To test for doneness just scoop out one noodle and taste it. You can cook the noodles a couple of minutes longer for softer pasta.

Once the pasta is cooked drain it in a large colander or strainer. Immediately pour the pasta back into the hot pot it cooked in. Never run the pasta under water, this only serves to weaken the taste. In the pot mix a small amount of butter and sauce in with the pasta. This will keep the pasta moist until it is time to serve. The sauce should be added in larger quantities at the table or as you are serving.

About the Author

Shauna Hanus is a gourmet cook who specializes in creating gourmet meal plans. She has extensive experience cooking with easy to find grocery items to create delightful gourmet meals. She is also the publisher of a no cost bi-monthly gourmet newsletter. Her newsletter is always fun and informational packed with tips and trivia you can use everyday. http://www.gourmayeats.com