TEQUILA – Joanne Weir talks about Tequila

Tequila has come a long way from the hangover-inducing protocol of salt, shot, lime, repeat. With tequila consumption on the rise, people are drinking tequila on more occasions, experimenting with new labels, and learning to appreciate the nuances of flavor. TEQUILA is an all-in-one reference for the top-shelf tequila connoisseur, with chapters on the history and lore of tequila, insight into how tequila is made, and a drinker’s guide to the three types of tequila: blanco, reposado, and añejo. Cocktail recipes from the country’s top bartenders and recipes for tequila-infused sides, mains, and desserts reveal new and innovative ways to enjoy tequila, completing this sleek and complete handbook.

Curious About Maceration? Claire Smith Explains Belvedere Vodka Maceration

Maceration is Belvedere Vodka’s distinctive process of soaking fresh fruit in luxury vodka, creating the worlds superior, most natural, flavored vodka. The process of drawing out the freshest and most vibrant flavors from fruit peels, fresh fruit, and flowers is what fuels our passion for creating the finest flavored vodka known to man. Or woman. I’ts a technique that we never rush. To do so would be a sin. Grab some Macerated cocktail recipes from the Belvedere Bar. www.belvederevodka.com

Learn About the Appeal of the Vintage Cocktail Dress

It seems like during every award season all of the fashion correspondents are talking about the vintage garments that make appearances on the red carpets. Why is it that vintage garments are so popular? Part of the appeal of vintage pieces like a vintage cocktail dress is that there is a great selection out there. A vintage garment is basically a garment from a particular era or time period. The garment reflects the style of the time period and it may have been forgotten for a while, but a fashionable eye can see beauty in a garment that has been forgotten. The wonderful thing about a vintage cocktail dress is that you can wear something from a bygone time while updating it with modern accessories creating a really stunning and fashion forward look for yourself.Some of the most popular types of vintage items are dresses. A vintage cocktail dress is great because the truth is that a dress infused with classic style is always in fashion. Additionally, by purchasing a vintage dress you may actually get a top quality item that would cost hundreds of dollars if it were produced today for at least half of the price. A satin cocktail dress made today would easily cost over $200, but a vintage cocktail dress might be purchased for as little as $50.When shopping for a beautiful vintage piece you will want to keep in mind some of the same details that you would normally use to go shopping. Of course the most important factor in purchasing a vintage cocktail dress is the cut. Just because it is a great deal does not mean that it is a great deal for you. You must take the time to be sure that the silhouette of your dress fits the silhouette of your body. Think about what your best features are and how you can play them up.After you have found the cuts that look great on your body you will want to think about what color vintage cocktail dress you are looking for. Color is almost as important as cut, and it can truly take your look from okay to amazing. A black dress is always a good choice when looking to purchase a vintage cocktail dress. Black is appropriate for many different events, and it never goes out of style. If you want to look beyond a little black dress you might want to choose a stunning metallic or jewel toned dress. These colors will create quite an impact as you walk through the door which is exactly what you want to happen.A vintage cocktail dress is perhaps the most special because of the detail work that has been done on it. Vintage dresses usually feature some type of work by hand be it the sewing or beading on it. The craftsmanship is really gorgeous in some of these garments and it is what makes them so unique and special. Be sure that you use a careful eye when examining the work on any garment that you are interested in purchasing. You want to be sure that it is impeccably done and that it will last you for years to come.

The Best Thing About Energy Drinks

Copyright (c) 2009 Michael Atma

It’s not always easy to muster up the energy you need to do all the things that need to be done each day. Especially if you’ve don’t get a good night’s sleep or you’ve been overworking yourself. That’s why many people look for that extra energy boost that they get from energy drinks.

It seems the main reason people of all ages are flocking to these re-energizing drinks is not so much to quench their thirst but more for the boost of energy that they provide. In fact, the latest statistics also reveal that the favorite beverage of choice for office and warehouse workers is now energy drinks.

The interesting thing about them is that they differ radically in taste, strength and nutritional value. Most of this information you can find on the packaging of the drink itself.

While they are used by some for helping to increase their stamina and performance at sport or for the long day or night ahead at work, others find that they help to rejuvenate spent energy.

For anyone looking for more energy then drinks like Redbull and Rockstar are a great substitute to coffee or other caffeinated beverages.  Some people even consider energy drinks their main source of vitality during a hectic day and helps them to stay focused and attentive to the demands upon their time, body and energy.

Some of the other notable benefits include less drowsiness, increased productivity and improved concentration for longer stints.

You may get a little confused as to which drinks are the most effective but like most things it’s really up to your personal taste and how they affect your energy levels.

While we all have slightly different metabolisms, diets and sleep patterns, so too do energy drinks have slightly different ingredients. There are various ingredients used such as B vitamins and natural things like Guarana, while others use mostly Taurine and caffeine. One of the most popular energy drinks by far is Redbull. 

Dietrich Mateschitz developed Redbull based on a Thai drink called Krating Daeng, a popular drink in Thailand. The key ingredient in the Thai energy drink was taurine, an amino acid that was first discovered in bulls.

These days however, there is a much wider range of energy drinks to choose from including Rockstar Drink, V, Gatorade, Thorpedo, Redeye and many more. So if you’re looking for something to help re-charge dwindling energy levels during the day or night then try them out for yourself and see if it’s something that keeps you going when you need it most.

Shot While Hunting (Learning About Accident Statistics and Laws)

Occassionally hunters become the victims during hunting trips. Getting shot while hunting is certainly not something that occurs at a rampant rate, but statistically it does occur every year. In fact,  there are generally 800 non-fatal hunting accidents and 100 fatal annually.

When considering the massive amount of hunters nation-wide (appx 20 million), it can be said that hunting is generally safe. Of course, many accidents are unreported because people are not aware of their legal rights. They are often confused about the causes and ramifications of hunting accidents. This article is here to help.

First we must analyze frequent causes of accidents. Then we will look at reliable methods for increasing safety. Finally we will investigate your legal rights if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of dealing with a hunting accident.

Frequent Causes of Hunting Accidents

Even though every incident is unique, there are some common causes of accidents that should be identified.

1. Failure to Properly Identify a Target. There is an extremely exciting moment during hunting when you first see some movement in the distance. You think to yourself ‘this is it!’ Unfortunately some folks get over-excited and start shooting before they recognize what exactly they are shooting at. Sometimes a rustle in the woods is actually a fellow hunter who has chosen not to wear the blaze orange hunting gear. Remember, as stated above, that there are 20 million annual hunters out there all tracking the same kind of animal for each season.

2. Shooters Swinging on Game. Especially pertinent for bird hunting, swinging on game is when a hunter uses an arc pattern combined with spreadshot in order to shoot over a wide area. Sometimes the arc can get too big and encompass fellow hunters (this is especially true when shooting at game on or near the ground).

3. Negligent or Careless Handling of Firearms. Firearms require constant care and attention. Sometimes hunters get too ‘relaxed’ with their weapon and begin either waving it around or simply not maintaining a proper eye on where it is pointed. Accidents, in the truest sense of the term, occur when guns are not attended to properly.

4. The Victim is Out of Sight of the Shooter. the forest is thick, no doubt about it. Despite proper preparation and caution, incidental shootings happen. Spreadshot weapons increase the odds of getting caught in the line of fire.

Methods For Improving Your Chances of Accident Avoidance

Many accidents can be prevented by good preparation and etiquette. Here are some common ways you can improve your odds of success during your excursions.

1. Get Properly Educated. You may like the classroom, you may not. Either way, this is one occasion where you should bite the bullet (no pun intended) and attend hunting safety classes. You may be thinking ‘I know all about gun safety – look, I just turned the safety on’, but there is a lot more to it than that. A good class can make you an educated and safe hunter.

2. Dress Intelligently. The more visible you are to the human eye, the better your chances of not falling victim to one of the above causes of injury or death. Do not hesitate to wear the blaze orange that is so iconic for hunters, especially if you think you are going to be in a highly hunted area.

3. Establish Good Communication. Figure out a method of communicating and locating the other members of your hunting party. A surprisingly large number of hunting accidents occur between family members and friends who have gone out together.

4. Be Diligent With Good Safety Habits. It may be tempting to cut corners or get a bit lazy when it comes to gun safety and maintenance, but don’t fall into that trap. Be cautious where the gun is pointed at all times and never point it at anyone playfully.

5. Stay Level Headed. Don’t let excitement carry you away. Always try to stay cool and never fire without being sure of what you are firing at. Furthermore, do not let your judgment become impaired by alcohol or other substances.

6. Alert Other Hunters To Your Presence. Hang an orange streamer or vest from the tree you are either shooting from or underneath. This will give other hunters fair warning that any activity or rustling they hear coming from your area is likely not game.

Legal Rights For Those in an Accident

Accidents range all the way from minor injuries to death. Here are some examples of accidents that can occur:

1. Shrapnel From Spreadshot. If someone is shooting near or above you, it is possible to get hurt from the falling debris.

2. Direct Impact From a Bullet. No confusion here – this is when you get shot by another hunter.

3. Fall From a Tree Stand. Sometimes it isn’t another hunter who is at fault, but a manufacturer. If you are certain a tree stand failed from design and not your construction, you might have legal rights.

4. Alcohol-Related Incident. If there is alcohol or drugs related to an accident, that can drastically alter the status of your case.

5. Assault and Battery. Disagreements can happen and sometimes it comes to blows.

6. Other Unforeseen Events.

Hunting accidents can be complex as insurance companies get involved and ‘he said this / I say that’ occurs due to the lack of witnesses. It can be an uphill battle trying to get compensation for hunting accidents on your own. Find a good specialist attorney in your area that will provide you with a free consultation.

8 Myths and Truths About Drinking Alcohol

I did some rounds on the internet today trying to find as many myths about alcohol as I could. Let me be the first to say, there are a lot of them. Some are plausible, some even I thought were true; but most are ones that we grow up with thinking are true. Why? Because that’s what adults had told us when we were young. They tried to keep us away from drinking, at least until we were old enough legally. Well some of us. It’s not their fault though. They were just telling us what they were told or what they saw in movies.

For the past twenty years, many studies have been done, and have shown us that these original thoughts about alcohol consumption are just myth. There might still be some of these myths that you took for the truth down below. So read through these, and educate yourself and your friends.

Below is the most complete list you’re going to find in regards to alcohol myths that would affect you, the drinker. I scoured the internet for hours finding these myths and debunking them. So read on and pay attention. They’re going to surprise you.

(Editors note: As someone who has lost a best friend to alcoholism, these facts are not here to encourage drinking, only to educate you. I have also written an article on the dangers of drinking and alcoholism. Please read it as well.)

1. MYTH

Men and women of the same height and weight can drink the same.

FACT

Gender has nothing to do with getting more drunk or not. It’s all about your body structure. Granted, it has been proven that people with a higher proportion of fat to lean muscle have a lower percentage of body water which gives the alcohol a stronger effect; and women tend to have slightly higher fat to lean muscle proportions.

Women are affected more rapidly because they tend to have a slightly higher proportion of fat to lean muscle tissue, thus concentrating alcohol a little more easily in their lower percentage of body water. They also have less of an enzyme (dehydrogenase) that metabolizes or breaks down alcohol, 9 and hormonal changes during their menstrual cycle might also affect alcohol absorption to some degree.

2. MYTH

Coffee, cold showers, workouts and food help to sober you up a lot faster.

FACT

I think this is a myth because you always see people in the movies drinking coffee to sober up or someone pushing another person into the shower and turning on the cold water.

3. MYTH

Drinking only beer instead of alcohol will not get you as drunk

FACT

While this seems to be proven true, the reality is that people who choose to drink “spirits” can ingest more and in a shorter amount of time. While someone who drinks a beer may take a considerable amount longer; with wine usually taking the longest to drink because a person most often takes their time and sips a glass of wine. There are also different feelings of drunkeness that come from drinking different types of alcohol. Which is another reason people feel that liquor gets them more drunk. Below you can see the different amount of alcohol, but these are all equal. So three shots of liquor will give you the same BAC (blood alcohol level) as three glasses of wine.

1. One can is 12 ounces of regular beer

2. A glass of wine is 5 ounces

3. A shot of liquor is one and a half ounces of 80 proof distilled spirits, either straight or in a mixed drink

4. MYTH

A beer belly is caused by drinking beer.

FACT

A “beer belly” is only caused by eating too much. However, alcohol has been known to slow down the fat burning process. This would lead people to think that alcohol is making them fatter. There are also myths that beer bellies are the result of a fatty or enlarged liver. “While excessive consumption of any alcohol can lead to fatty liver or even irreversible liver damage, this does not cause the fatty paunch associated with a beer belly. While being obese or overweight has its own health risks, neither is indicative of damage to the liver. – Global Oneness”

5. MYTH

Alcohol is the cause of alcoholism.

FACT

As a governmental alcohol agency has explained, “Alcohol no more causes alcoholism than sugar causes diabetes.” The agency points out that if alcohol caused alcoholism then all drinkers would be alcoholics. In fact, a belief common among members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is that people are born alcoholic and are not caused to be alcoholic by alcohol or anything in their experience. They argue that many people are born and die alcoholic without ever having had a sip of alcohol. Of course, a person can’t be a drinking or practicing alcoholic without alcohol.

6. MYTH

Beer before liquor, never been sicker; Liquor before beer, you’re in the clear

TRUTH

The only fact this saying holds true to is that it rhymes. While some people will swear up and down that this is true, it holds no scientific fact. I myself can drink either way and feel just the same time after time. There could be many reasons for people feeling ill after drinking beer prior to liquor. My thought is that when people start with beer and are already intoxicated, they tend to drink liquor more irresponsibly. Thereby ingesting more liquor than they should. until they are eventually so sick that this rhyme applies to them. Also, when people start off drinking liquor, the are taking the amount of alcohol that they are comfortable with, and finish the night off slowly drinking beer. I say slowly, because the more drunk people get, the more they tend to not pay attention to their drinks. Which leads to less ingestion of the beer that they have in their hand….which is now a very warm beer.

7. MYTH

Alcohol makes sex better.

TRUTH

Alcohol does lower your inhibitions in a social situation and makes many things seem more enjoyable. However, the reality is that alcohol can actually keep men from getting or keeping an erection while helping lower a woman’s sex drive. More importantly, alcohol can affect your decision-making ability. You might put yourself in a risky situation; you might think you’re ready to have sex when you’re not or you might forget to use a condom – which can result in pregnancy and/or contracting a sexually transmitted disease.

8. MYTH

When I drink too much, the worst thing that can happen is I pass out.

TRUTH

This is horribly untrue. When you drink alcohol in excess, it can lead to alcohol poisoning which can cause death. Also, drinking excessive alcohol can cause vomiting, which is the first signs of your body being poisoned. What people fail to realize, is that your body treats alcohol as a poison, which it is. Even at the first sip, your body is trying to rid yourself of that poison. The reason you get drunk, is because you are ingesting too much alcohol for your liver and kidneys to de-toxify. When drunk and unconscious, a person may inhale fluids that have been vomited, resulting in death by asphyxiation. Long-term, heavy use of alcohol can lead to addiction (alcoholism), and can even cause a heart attack or stroke.

These are signs of alcohol poisoning:

So we’ve come to the end of the list that I made. I tried to find ones that affected people like you and me. There are a out of myths out there, but I believe these are the most common ones that can attribute to a better (and safer) drinking nightlife. Remember, you don’t have to “get trashed” to have a good. So drink responsibly, and educate your friends about these common myths and the truths behind them.

Cocktail Rings- it is All About Style

A cocktail ring is an oversized ring set with colored gemstones. The cocktail rings were largely in demand in 1940’s and 1950’s. These rings are usually worn and fanaticized by the female jewelry lovers around the world. A cocktail ring is worn on the fourth finger of the right hand by the females. It was once believed that cocktail rings would soon go out of fashion and it was just a phase when there was much hype about these rings. But cocktail rings were definitely to stay and charm the jewelry lovers around the world.

The cocktail ring is for every girl who likes to make her own style statement and likes to be up with the current fashion trend going on. This fashionable accessory is extremely popular amongst celebrities as the band is accentuated with a larger colored stone, giving the ring a glamorous appeal; thus celebrating their look for the evening. The highlighting feature of a cocktail ring is its versatile color appeal which is usually well mixed and matched with the attire you are going to dress in for the evening.

Cocktails rings are designed with one large solitaire stone, a center stone with cluster of stones around it, multi-gem ring with a large center stone ring. Any large ring featuring a large colored center stone, suiting your style is a cocktail ring. Cocktail rings are usually worn out for a formal evening or for a dinner. But this doesn’t restrict a jewelry adorer from wearing these rings on a daily wear basis. You need not wait for a special dinner or a casual outing with friends; cocktails can compliment your attire right from your formal office wear to a pair of denims and t-shirt.

Here are a few things you need to understand which can help you select the best cocktail ring for yourself- A cocktail ring will have one center stone and it will be more than 3 carats in size. The dark color center stone looks more unique than a lighter one and as it is worn as a part of the evening attire, a dark color ring will add more appeal and charm to your look. Price is not much of botheration when it comes to cocktail rings as the price of these rings is very flexible. These are available in wide variety for as less as 80$ to 700$ price in the online jewelry stores.