Audrey

Baby it's cold outside! This is a great time of year to stay inside and enjoy a hearty glass of red wine. While there are many wonderful choices of bold red wine, including Ribera del Duero from Spain and the Bordeaux and Rhone wines of France, this column will focus on Napa Valley California Cabernet Sauvignon.

Grape-growing

Cabernet sauvignon is king in Napa. While (red) Zinfandel grapevine plantings have just surpassed Cabernet in numbers, it is cabernet sauvignon that has given Napa Valley international acclaim as a world-class wine region.

There are several reasons why winemakers in Napa are producing extraordinary wines. Cabernet is known for its big style, structure and long-term aging potential. Tannins are the reason behind this, and are found in the cabernet sauvignon dark purple grape skins, seeds and stems.

Over the years, Napa winemakers have become more skilled at determining when to harvest, based on the grape's ripeness including amount of juice, sugar, acidity and tannins. Oak barrel aging from 18 to 24 months is done to soften the wine and help bring it into focus, creating a balanced, flavorful wine. Oak contributes toasty, vanilla and earthy notes. Well-produced cabernets are lush and rich, with complex flavors of black fruit (blackberry, currant and plum) and notes of cedar wood, leather and cassis.

Napa's cabernet grapevine plantings originally occurred on the valley floor, as the soil is rich with nutrients and has good water retention. Popular American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) include Oakville and Rutherford.

Food pairings

Tannins bind together with protein, enhancing the food's flavor and aiding in digestion. Time softens tannins. A mature wine is softer and considered more elegant. As the wine matures, the tannin molecules bind together to form larger particles. These drift to the bottom of the bottle and are referred to as sediment.

Decanting cabernets before drinking is helpful. Decanting a wine means carefully and slowly pouring the wine from the original bottle into a larger glass vessel or decanter. The sediment usually will come out last, so the person decanting the wine must watch for the sediment and stop pouring when this is visible. It is best to decant at least one to two hours before serving. Decanting also aerates the wine, mixing the wine with oxygen to help "open up" the wine. This allows you to better taste the fruit, complexity and finish of the wine.

A light and fruity style of cabernet pairs well with chicken salad, roast beef sandwiches and proscuitto. Medium weight cabernets complement beef broth-based and mushroom soups, gnocchi or pasta with marinara, pizza and seasoned, roasted chicken. Full-bodied cabernets naturally go with heartier fare such as rib roasts, barbecue, bleu cheese, aged cheddar cheese and dark chocolate desserts. Cabernet sauvignon's quintessential pairing is with steak. Young, tannic cabernets pair well with T-bone steaks. A mature cabernet (older than 5 years) works well with beef tenderloin.

2004 California Cab Picks

Cabernet Sauvignon can range in price from $10 to over $500 a bottle. My value picks with suggested retails are:

Castle Rock (Napa): $12

Beaulieu Vineyards (Napa): $18

Rodney Strong (Sonoma): $25

Robert Mondavi (Napa): $27

Duckhorn Decoy (Napa): $29

Beringer (Napa): $40

Groth (Oakville): $41

Chappellet Napa Valley Signature: $46

Bill Garlough is a Level 1 Master Sommelier and an owner of My Chef Catering in Naperville, the winner of the U.S. Chamber's 2007 Small Business of the Year award. For more from Bill Garlough's Perfect Pairings visit My Chef Bill can be reached at wineparings@mychef.com

Sofia News Agency

Report: Corruption in Poor Countries Threatens Fight Against Poverty Voice of America - 10 hours ago By Sonja Pace A group monitoring corruption levels around the world says illegal practices in poor countries are threatening the fight against poverty. UK, France, Finland Slip in Corruption Ranking, Watchdog Says Bloomberg Wealthy countries 'allowing corruption to go unchecked' guardian.co.uk AFP - The Punch - New Straits Times - BBC News all 296 news articles

Should you allow your cat to go outside, or should you keep him as an indoor only pet? This is a topic that many owners disagree about. Some cat lovers insist on keeping their cats inside all the time, while others feel that they are depriving their pets of the fun of roaming free after being trapped inside the house all day.

The major disadvantage to keeping your cat indoors is safety. Cats who wander outdoors often get into serious trouble or may even be killed. If your pet is roaming on his own, you have no control over whom or what he encounters. The outside world is a big place with many hazards, and your cat could run into trouble.

An indoor only cat will not have to face the dangers of the outside world, such as poisonous fertilizers and pesticides, antifreeze, motor vehicles, threatening people (who could steal or injure him), dogs, wild animals (such as skunks, raccoons, snakes, bees and wasps), weathers hazards (frostbite or heatstroke), and even other cats.

A cat who is allowed to stray can come into contact with another sick cat (or other animal) and pick up parasites (such as fleas and ticks) or diseases (such as feline leukemia or rabies). If an outdoor cat is not spayed or neutered, he or she will likely contribute to the cat overpopulation problem.

Meanwhile, ID tags could save your cat's life. If he gets lost, the collar and tag will let someone know where he belongs. Most pets who have IDs find their way home after a brief separation. The ID tag should have your name and phone number on it, along with your cat's name. You can order them from pet supply catalogs or from pet supply sites on the Internet. Some pet supply stores and department stores have automated machines that make engraved ID tags in a few minutes.

Cats that are kept indoors do not have to worry about any of these hazards. As a result of their safe, controlled living conditions, they live much longer. As a responsible owner, you owe it to your pet to do what is best for him, and the best way to know that your cat is safe is to keep him inside.

To learn more about whether cats should be kept indoor or outdoor and the different types of pet meds for your dogs, cats, horse, etc., and how to get discount and cheap pet medications, make sure to visit http://www.callpetmeds.com where you will find everything on getting quality yet affordable pet medications as well as tips on how to take care of your pets like the experts.

The Barbie doll phenomenon began in 1959 when Barbie was introduced at the New York Toy fair. Then began a great success story in the history of doll manufacturing. Barbie was the first adult doll figure to be mass produced. Before this nearly all dolls were modelled after babies or children. "New for '59,The Barbie Doll:A Shapely Teenage Fashion Model Price $3.00" was her intitial billing.

In 1945 Elliot and Ruth Handler formed a partnership with Harold Matson to manufacture picture frames. The two names Matson and Elliot were combined to form the company name Mattel. Elliot used the picture frame wood scrap to make doll house furniture. This was the start of the Handler furniture business.

About this time Ruth noticed that her daughter Barbara and friends preferred to play with adult paper dolls rather than child or baby dolls. The girls preferred a doll which could be their role model when they grew up. Ruth realised that there could be big commercial possibilities in the adult doll market. She discussed the idea with her husband but he felt that it would be too expensive to start making the dolls.

Soon after this Ruth made a trip to Germany and purchased a doll called Lilli. This adult type doll was based on a German comic strip. On returning to the USA she began work to redesign the doll working with a doll clothes designer. Soon the Barbie doll was born and was named after Ruth's daughter Barbara. The doll was patented by Mattel in 1958 and introduced in 1959. She was to become one of the most well known and well loved toys ever made.

Barbie soon became a collectors doll and was avidly sought after by adult collectors. Between 1959 and 1972 Barbie underwent seven changes in her appearance and design. These Barbies made up to 1972 are recognised as vintage collectible dolls by their fans and are eagerly sought after. The 1959 Barbie doll in mint condition will sell for thousands of dollars. Some have sold for as much as $8000 to $10,000 but you can buy them for much less and $2000 to $3000 is quite common. Later editions fetch proportionately less. Dolls made in the 1969 to 1972 period can often be bought for a few dollars. Garage sales and flea markets are still the source of a few early dolls. About 300,000 of the 1959 Barbie were made and there are undoubtedly many out there still undiscovered.

Would you like to know where you can find thousands of Barbie dolls and accessories for $1 and up? Check this out http://www.collectbarbiedolls.com You will find a lot of information there about Barbie dolls also.

Anyone who has acid reflux can be extremely painful; and anyone who is infected with this condition understands how miserable it can be. Unfortunately millions of people are affected with this condition. This article is going to discuss acid reflux food to avoid so that you can begin to feel better.

Chances are if are suffering from this condition then you know that some foods trigger the symptoms that you want to learn to avoid. So here is a list of acid reflux foods to avoid; however if we do not list a food that triggers your symptoms then you may want to learn how to avoid.

Caffeinated drinks: Learning how to avoid caffeinated drinks such as sodas, coffee, or any other hot/cold drinks. These can actually trigger your symptoms; that cause your pain. The caffeine in the drinks will upset the gastric acid secretion and that is what causes the acid reflux disease.

Chocolate Candy: Chocolate has also been known to cause these symptoms. Yes we all love to eat chocolate; however if you are suffering from this condition unfortunately you are going to want to avoid this food.

Fatty Foods: These foods are not only bad for you if you have acid reflux; however even if you do not have this condition these foods are very bad for you.

There are several types of foods that you should avoid if you have this condition. It is up to you to find out what types of foods trigger those uncomfortable symptoms. If you have not figured out what foods are good for you or not; then it is time to start a food journal.

Another important thing to remember is to cut your portions; we as a society tend to overeat. We are conditioned to eat large portions of food; that is why restaurants serve large portions of food. Next time you go out to eat at your favorite restaurant; order one plate of food and split it between two people. You may feel hungry at first because you are eating smaller portions; however you can eat smaller meals which means that you will be eating more throughout the day.

When you feel full; then stop eating. People tend to think that they have to finish all the food on their plate otherwise they have not finished. Your body will tell you when it has had enough to eat. Learn to listen to what it is telling you; and obey its signals this will help reduce the symptoms from the condition.

You can easily jot down everything that you eat throughout the day and this will help you find out what foods are good to eat and which ones are not. This condition is always triggered by the diet that you consume; and it is time to begin making some lifestyle changes that will benefit you and even your loved ones.

If you found this article on "acid reflux food to avoid" helpful; visit our site below. You will find several natural methods that will help provide relief of this uncomfortable condition.

Acid Reflux Food To Avoid! Stop suffering from acid reflux; get all the information here on how to treat your acid reflux naturally.

This will totally change your life without using drugs that can only make things worse. Check out this website!

BBC News

New train link services welcomed BBC News - 11 hours ago Passenger groups have welcomed the announcement of additional train services linking the north east of Scotland to Edinburgh. First ScotRail is introducing a half hourly service between Aberdeen and Dundee to connect with services through Fife. ScotRail marks birthday with Saltire look Scotsman Ministers pledge to slash rail times Aberdeen Evening Express Glasgow Daily Record - The Herald - The Press Association - BBC News all 24 news articles

Garmin, a pioneer in the world of GPS technology supplies its GPS systems such as handheld GPS, Garmin GPS and forerunner to consumer markets, aviation and ship industries. Garmin GPS provides precise information about every area you are venturing into, be it sea, air, mountains or roads.

Garmin handheld GPS are in fact a rugged navigator, which includes features such as in built base map, PC cable, user manual, cable cord, big screen and a wrist strap. It is waterproof and displays instructions in several different languages. This type of handheld GPS is an ideal companion for frequent or regular travelers, so that they can enjoy their outings without going off track.

Garmin handheld GPS for mariners consist of background maps, buoys, fixed maritime navaids, obstructions, barometer, electronic compass and displays locations of lighthouses too. Apart from this, the Garmin handheld system has a broad screen, powerful battery, memory card, and big buttons.

Some more advanced Garmin handheld GPS also show you shorter, safer routes so that you can reach the desired destination in less time. It also consists of an exchangeable media card in which you can store the navigational direction and then transfer the same into your computer for future reference.

Garmin Forerunner:

Garmin forerunner is one ideal real time device for runners that count long distance. The forerunner equipments of other companies loose the signal, if you are jogging in an area, where there are tall trees and buildings.

However, Garmin forerunner deploys technology that holds III chip having higher sensitivity. It has protruding antenna that captures the signals even in dense locality, giving you precise distance coverage.

You just need to fasten this forerunner around your wrist and set out for jog. The features of the Garmin forerunner are highly customizable that records the lap details based on the specific distance, position and time.

It also consists of a unique course memory, which allows you to download route details. This forerunner also displays the positions of other runners present in your surroundings.

Thus, with Garmin GPS and its other units, you can now camp, hike, go geo caching and explore the dense forests freely, without worrying about getting lost.

Written by content Marcia Henin on behalf of Israel-Gear.com - An online Camping gear shop, provider of Garmin handheld GPS and Garmin forerunner.

Malaysia Star

Death of bear cub Knut's keeper probed United Press International - 1 hour ago BERLIN, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- German authorities said Tuesday an autopsy would be performed on the body of the zookeeper who raised the orphan polar bear cub Knut. Berlin mourns polar bear Knut's zookeeper "dad" Reuters India Zookeeper who hand-reared Knut the polar bear is found dead guardian.co.uk The Press Association - Radar Online - Sydney Morning Herald - New York Times all 221 news articles

When a person is suffering from depression, they are not weak, lazy or wallowing in self pity.

Depression is a real illness and if left untreated, can become very serious. Depression is believed to be associated with a chemical imbalance in the central parts of the brain.

As a fellow sufferer, I know how low you feel as a person, and having family or friends telling you that you'll get over it, certainly doesn't help. It took me a long time to feel "normal" again, but I have conquered it.

If a member of your family or a friend is a sufferer of this illness, the best thing you can do for them is to let them know that you understand what they're going through, and that you're there to give them support whenever they need it. The only way to recover is with proper treatment and having a support team around you.

I don't know how I would have coped without my family being there for me. Sometimes you just need a hug, or someone to listen to how you're feeling. Don't be afraid to ask your loved one if you can help, as it's sometimes hard for the depression sufferer to ask for it.

Once the symptoms are under control, you can play an integral part in helping the sufferer regain their self confidence. Go with them on excursions outside the home and encourage them to live their life as they did before the onset of depression.

You can help more than you think.

Susan Denny has been happily married for 38 years, has 4 adult children (all married) and 6 grandchildren. She has many years experience with families and relationships and has been involved in the Self Development industry for nearly 20 years, starting with one-on- one training with Bob Proctor in 1990. She has since attended many seminars hosted by world renowned Gurus in the Self Development and Internet Marketing areas. Go to: http://healthwealthequalshappiness.com for more information, tips and ideas.

There are never hard and fast rules about discipline with any child, and most parents struggle with it, at least at first. There is a fine line between wanting to show your children love by letting things slide and by loving them by making sure they grow up to be good people. When it comes to autism and discipline, it can be even harder to navigate.

Parents of autistic children can have a tough road ahead, and they generally have to be even more thoughtful about their discipline. When dealing with autism and having to dole out punishment, parents have to remain positive, be timely, and they absolutely have to be consistent.

There are a few different ways to remain positive about discipline. It is important to reward the positive and good moments as often as possible. Using a reward system for the good moments by giving stickers that add up to get them a treat works well. Though all children will respond to this, those with autism will be helped greatly by this type of system.

Another way to remain positive is to watch for the root reason for why the child might be acting out. Some children may have motor skills problems or trouble communicating how they feel, and they can often act out from frustration. If this is the case, a parent should try to redirect the child with relaxation techniques. It might take a while, but they might be able to learn to soothe themselves in time.

Parents must be consistent with all discipline if they want it to be effective. The child must be able to predict what will happen when the are doing something they should not doing. Consistency will help parents remain in control at all times, and might help sway the child from bad behaviors.

When counting to three to warn a child to stop something or they are going to be punished, it is important to always follow through. A parent cannot count to two and then start over again with the counting or the child will think they can get away with what they are doing.

Timeliness comes when there needs to be swift action. Some parents like to wait until their spouse comes home so they can deal with the child together, however, this rarely works for autistic children. The punishment must be immediate. If they break something on purpose at lunchtime, and then they are punished for it four hours later, the child may not connect the two events and they will be confused and might think they are being punished for a good behavior.

When it comes to discipline, both parents have to be fully involved in the process or the child will not get the most from it. Its important not to leave the disciplining to just one parent.

Sign up for the free autism newsletter below to gain access to more parenting tips and advice.

It is also important for parents to keep their cool when anything happens. Yelling is never a good idea, but it will be very counterproductive when dealing with autism and discipline. It is okay for one parent to leave the room if they think they are overheating so that they can calm down. It is important to keep a level head. Parenting autistic children can be difficult, but having a consistent and timely plan for dealing with problems is essential.

By Rachel Evans. Sign up for a free newsletter for more information on autism and discipline. In the newsletter you'll find out more about the signs and symptoms of autism.

Times Online

Mbeki challenges ruling on Zuma BBC News - 3 hours ago South Africa's outgoing President Thabo Mbeki has lodged an appeal against a judge's ruling which accused him of interfering in the judiciary. South Africa: Mbeki's Beacon From Cape of Good Hope AllAfrica.com South Africa's Mbeki Plans to Challenge `Improper' Court Ruling Bloomberg AFP - International Herald Tribune - Monsters and Critics.com - Reuters South Africa all 4,179 news articles

For many of us, comprehending our familys rich and diverse history may not be the easiest task at hand. Many extended families are marked by numerous divorces and separations, the conjoining of several lineages and even adoption. While figuring out ones family tree may look intimidating, genealogy services are a reputable source in untangling even the most complex family background.

A genealogy service allows inquisitive individuals to enter their family names and scour through results in the family tree database. While every service is unique in its search mechanisms, one popular genealogy service reported by 6StarReviews.com is Ancestry.com. Ancestry gives users access to fun facts like the meaning of surnames and international record collections for paying members.

Say youre a Smith and you feel like the quest for your true family background may be worthless because of the prevalence of your last name. One genealogy service, One Great Family, allows members to utilize special family tree software and link their lineage with global ancestry links. That way, youll be able to browse through existing records and have your family tree updated automatically for you.

There is no feeling quite like knowing where you came from and discovering a hidden family secret, such that youre related to Abraham Lincoln or Marilyn Monroe somewhere down the line. While relying on Uncle Barrys word that youre delineated from royalty may be trustful on your part, a genealogy and family tree service can truly divide fact from fiction.

Kelly Liyakasa is staff writer for 6StarReviews.com. Kelly Staller is site manager at 6StarReviews.com, a site dedicated to giving YOU, the consumer, the best product and service reviews around. If you like saving time and money by having someone else review leading sites and products, then Visit our site at 6StarReviews.com Also, if you have the time, check out the 6StarReviews Blog for product updates, new site reviews and to give us suggestions or feedback! Visit 6StarReviews.com Blog!