http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/casual-games-vs.-traditional-games.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/casual-games-vs.-traditional-games.html Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Casual gaming has always been around. Simple card games like solitaire were played in non-digital form for hours to pass time by. Casual gaming is the all-inclusive activity while traditional gaming is the exclusive activity. The very nature of casual games are in their simplicity and accessibility, a novice can be competitive against a master. Traditional gaming is geared toward experts in that field. Traditional gamers have played games for years and are more in tune with the intricacies. The controls and the games themselves are usually more complex. They are much longer and require more effort to succeed. Example, RPG’s versus card games. In a traditional RPG there will be minutes of dialogue and movie scenes accompanied by hours of game play before the player can truly become acclimated, thus this is geared for a narrow market. With games like café mahjong, almost instantly the objective is known, the player wastes no time in non-essential areas, can play for as long or as little as they want and still feel a sense of accomplishment. This as mentioned earlier has opened the door or floodgates to many consumers. Women and older individuals (35-50) who do not traditional play games have entered the fray due to the accessibility of casual games.

Casual games file sizes tend to be much smaller as well. This is crucial for the everyday user whose hard drive may be filled with other important files other than online games or pc games. While traditional games file sizes are significantly larger, increasing loading and install time while also taking up valuable space. Because the scope of casual games is usually smaller in terms in size (not in ambition though) the costs to develop and purchase casual flash games for example are lower. Just take a look at your local retailer in the new releases, $59.99 for a game. Even the bargain bin has ceased to be just that. With casual games you can go online to Jenkatmedia.com and purchase café Mahjong, for a few bucks. Then you could look for the many other types of download games, ranging from puzzle games to arcade games, all for a fraction of the cost of a traditional retail game. If costs are still an issue you can take the cheapest route thanks to the Internet. Free. There are many Free download Games available.

As the industry continue to evolve traditional gaming will always be around, similar to independent films, but the real movement is in casual gaming and it’s here to stay. It’s a natural fact of business, in order to survive you need to adapt and grow. This is the very nature of casual gaming. It brings in new players, and because of the innovation in casual games there is something for everyone.

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Lance Hemenway has been writing about Great Secrets Da Vinci for major web publications since 1997. Visit this link for more downloadable games

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/download-versus-online-games.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/download-versus-online-games.html Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Online games and download games both have their roots in traditional gaming practices. Online games are simply an extension of classic multi-player games, classic multiplayer on steroids. While download games serve as a more efficient way to get your games, avoiding the hassle of packaging and eliminating costs. They are typically cheaper and can be downloaded directly to your computer. For gamers on a budget the ability to play free games and download free online games is a breath of fresh air. Imagine going to Jenkatmedia.com and playing additive card games such as fresh air solitaire.

The Internet offers many downloadable games. They range from Mahjong, puzzle games and arcade games. The popularity of download games has vastly increased with the higher adoption rate of broadband connections. Half of the country already has broadband connections and this creates a large market. Also aiding this increase would be the recent introduction of downloadable content. Many games offer, cheats, extra levels and in the case of classic remakes their former arcade game equivalent. The future for download games is so bright that many companies such as Microsoft are investing billions into this area. Many executives at the software giant believe that downloadable content will soon replace physical media. The other genre online games are also blazing new trails.

Online games currently have more features than your standalone non-internet connection multi-player games. Generally there is a four-player limit for mult-player games, online games increases this exponentially. Games like Call of Duty can have 32 players while online RPGs increase that number to thousands. These games have been traditionally pc games yet they have trickled to the console sector. The competition in online games is also a driving force for their popularity. The A.I competitors in stand-alone games may not be enough for some players, so online games allow them to challenge themselves more. Because of our busy lives it’s difficult for a group of friends to get together and compete in gaming bouts. Online games remedy this, allowing people to busy to coordinate gaming sessions, to hop online and play anytime they want.

It’s interesting to look back at gaming when coming up with the next big. Many of the innovations of today are enhanced creations from long before. Immense online gaming has evolved from simple multi-player gaming while; purchasing games from retail has changed to a connected download model. Want to see what the future holds just look to the past.

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Lance Hemenway has been writing about games like Cafe Mahjongg for major web publications since 1997. Click here for more downloadable games

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/the-lifeline-of-a-game-from-idea-to-download.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/the-lifeline-of-a-game-from-idea-to-download.html Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 Let’s look at the lifeline of a game from idea to download.

So you have an idea for a game, it’s going to be great the next halo or Mario. It’s not that easy though. First a feasibility test should be completed, to determine how realistic this idea is going to be. Part of the test will include market research to see if there’s a need for this idea. Is it something new that the market will like? Does it follow an already established product (example making a platforming game in response to Mario like Sega did) if so how will it compete? Decide on what type of game you want, is it an online game, word game, arcade game or puzzle game. Once you’ve answered these basic question you need to asses your resources and construct a budget (were looking at this through an independent commercial developer not a huge publisher so we’ll skip some steps) it’s critical to stay within the budget, sure the goal is to make great games, but you won’t be able to do that for long if your run out of money. Included in the budget will be the forum for which you’ll make your product available. It may be through traditional retail or an online game. In the latter case you’ll dramatically reduce your costs by offering it online, generally pc games are taking the download games route. What will you charge for the game, will you be offering free download games or will you use a pay for play model. Free games generate revenue through advertising so it’s still possible to make a profit. After you’ve answered the business questions you can move onto the actual development.

When you know what type of game you want and have gotten approval to move forward, assemble a team to create it. Programmers, artists, writers and producers are needed (it may sound daunting but for cheap costs multiple jobs may be held by single individuals). Then map out the process, what the user interface will look like, create a flowchart for how things will progress and story arch. It’s important to focus on the main game play screen and core components. Create many designs for a main game screen and choose the most impressive one. How will it play? What’s unique about it? Why will people continue to play it after the credits roll? People play games for fun, so no matter how ambitious your idea is if it’s no fun to play it’s useless. Once you have the core design for the entire game, let your producers and programmers create it.

After the game is created you’ll have to get it into people’s hands and the best way now is to place is online for download. Download games like café mahjongg or solitaire are among the most popular type of media, so your reach will be much greater, also it’s a lot easier to create a website than convince a retailer with limited shelf space to take the risk of an untested product. Once you’ve completed this, continue to market the game. This could include ads, on websites, free trials and demos. Try to get as many people at least aware of your product. The lifeline of a game is an intricate process, which involves many facets and a lot of work. Yet once you’ve created the product it will be well worth it.


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Lance Hemenway has been writing about games like Fresh Air Solitaire for major web publications since 1997. Click here for more downloadable games

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/top-5-things-to-do-in-florence-italy.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/top-5-things-to-do-in-florence-italy.html Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Whether you are in Florence for a day or for a week, there are some things that you cannot afford to miss.

1. The Duomo - Florence's cathedral is easy to spot with its huge terracotta colored dome. It is one of Florence's most distinctive sights and is the result of years of work spanning six centuries. Arrive early to miss the crowds and if you have the energy you can climb the 463 steps to the top of the cupola and be rewarded by a fantastic view over the city. Alternatively climb the 414 steps up to the top of the bell tower for a slightly different view.

2. The Uffizi - This is one of the most popular museums in Florence and a must for art lovers. The Uffizi is home to the finest collection of Renaissance paintings in the world and boasts around 1700 paintings and 300 sculptures, as well as a number of tapestries and other artifacts. There are 45 rooms containing works from famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci , Michelangelo, Botticelli, Dante, Titian and Rubens.

3. The Palazzo della Signoria - this lively square has lots of restaurants, bars and ice cream shops and is a great place to stop for a rest in an open air cafe. The square has been the political centre of Florence for centuries and is dominated by the Palazzo Vecchio with a copy of the statue of David by Michelangelo in front of the palace. Right next to the Piazza della Signoria is the promenade Via dei Calzaiuoli, a lively shopping street, connecting with the Duomo of Florence - a popular place in the evenings with locals and visitors alike. During the summer you can go on a romantic carriage ride through Florence, beginning in Piazza della Signoria.

4. Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens - This palace is a magnificent building and houses lots of interesting galleries and museums. It is also the entrance to the Boboli Gardens, which is a relaxing place to go to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is filled with statues and fountains and if you can make it all the way to the top of the hill, some beautiful views of Florence.

5. A wander along the Arno and over the Ponte Vecchio - A walk along the river Arno is a great way to end your day of sightseeing. The Ponte Vecchio crosses the River Arno and houses many goldsmiths, jeweler’s shops and medieval workshops that overhang the bridge. The best time to view the bridge is at sunset, followed by a walk along the bridge after dusk, when the lights on the bridge reflect on the River Arno and everything seems almost magical.


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Suzanne Morrison is a regular visitor to Florence and the author of the "Ultimate Guide to Florence". You can find out more about the Florence Sights on her website. You can also read the diary of one of her most recent Italy trips on her Florence Italy blog .

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/internet/online-business/how-can-you-start-an-online-business-on-a-budget.html http://www.articletrader.com/internet/online-business/how-can-you-start-an-online-business-on-a-budget.html Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500


Creating your own website or blog is one of the best ways to start an online business. You can register a domain name of your business for a meager $15 or even less, that is the rental for one year and pay $10 or less a moth for your website to get hosted. You need not spend a single penny if you start a blog for free on platforms such as Wordpress or Blogger.



First and foremost, to start a blog, you have to select a topic that interests you. The reason is, since you are starting your online business in your spare time you should make it more enjoyable and reader-friendly. So you could start a blog that discusses your hobbies or may be a travelogue that describes an interesting vacation you had or even about a sport that you follow and enjoy. You can write about these topics including your some kind of NYCUs, tips, and may be post advice on your blog space. Even you can use ghost-written content or PLR (Private Label Rights) content.



Next is to strategize on monetizing your website or blog. One very easy way to do this is by including Google Adsense or may be affiliate products of companies like Commission Junction, Clickbank and Amazon or even your own product, for example an eBook. All the above methods are completely free and risk free. Once the monetizing process is put in place, then you have to ensure visitor traffic to your website or blog, There are various techniques that you could undertake and that are free or very low cost. You can rope in visitors to your site by:

1.Writing Articles:

Write articles related to the subject of your blog or website and put an "Author Bio" box at the end with one or two very informative links to your blog or website. You can submit your articles to many number of article directories thus improving your search engine ranking. Also submit your link to relevant categories of website directories or blog directories to boost your website's search engine ranking. There are some directories that charge a small fee like $1 or $2 to get listed, but there are many to submit your site for free or in exchange for a reciprocal link.



2. Online Forum postings:

Visit different forums that are related to the niche of your website. Most of the forums have a signature column where you can provide your blog or website link. If you participate in the forums you can ask questions and get involved in discussions and give advice then you will find that people will visit your website through your signature.



3.Submitting classified adverts:

Many places on the Internet allows you to submit classified adverts. Concentrate on sites that are related to your website's niche or sites that are local to your location and you could get some additional visitors to your site free or of very less cost.



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Suzanne Morrison operates the leading Home Business Ideas site and has been running her own successful online business since 2004. Read about her Legitimate Business Ideas here or at the Plug-In Profit Site

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/mahjong-games.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/mahjong-games.html Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500


Mahjong is a popular game before the Internet was around. Come to think of it, Mahjong was a popular game even before the automobile was around. Mahjong was so popular with the Chinese people that it managed to survive longer than possibly any other game in the history of the world. Chinese myth tells us that Mahjong was created by Confucius himself in, or round, 500 B.C. Now, whether or not this is true, is actually anybody’s guess. But it does lend a certain air of sophistication, to any game, to suggest that Confucius himself while away the hours playing it, in between bouts of delivering traditional Chinese philosophy.



But, with the invention of the Internet, and much later the online video game, Mahjong has become more popular than even Confucius would have thought possible. The ability to play games, especially classic games, in the comfort of one’s own home has caused a significant resurgence in many older games. Games like Mahjong, thanks to the World Wide Web, are now reaching audiences, and age groups, that it never did before.



A recent mahjong game, released by Jenkatgames dot com, entitled “Café Mahjongg,” combines a fresh pop culture sophistication to the ancient puzzle game. Basically, the core elements of Mahjong are remaining completely intact. It’s just that now the game is intertwined with an enjoyable coffee shop motif. The tile patterns are arranged into amusing shapes that complement the coffee theme. As play progresses, the player will advance from level to level, revealing new boards, and new challenges.



Café Mahjongg manages to do what very few of the recently re-imagined classic games are capable of. Café Mahjongg allows players to feel the excitement and energy of a video game, while providing the key elements of the classic game it represents. Mahjong may be popular, but never was it capable of reaching a mass audience like it is now.



And while games like solitaire, dominos, and various classic card games have all made the jump to the online game market, none have done so as successfully as mahjong’s transformation into Café Mahjongg. Because, after all, a classic game is a classic game. And the greatest achievement a game designer can hope to ascend to, when re-creating these legendary games, would be the foresight to not alter, or change any of the key elements that made the game such a classic to begin with. Jenkatgames has done a tremendous job of not turning Confucius’ favorite pastime into “new Coke.”



Mahjong has been around for several centuries, and it will no doubt be around for several more. To those of you already been bitten by the Mahjong bug, this comes as old news. But to those of you unfamiliar with China’s greatest pastime I implore you to take some time today and play a game or two. It sure beats the heck out of whatever is on TV.


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Lance Hemenway has been writing about games like Cafe Mahjongg for major web publications since 1997. Click here for more downloadable games and free online games.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/online-games.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/online-games.html Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
But people had things in the 1800’s as well right? Sure they did! -Lots of things! Like… Butter churns, and... Funny hats… And, uh, those really neat sticks that have a head of a horse on them. Know what I mean? Those horse-head sticks that you could put between your legs and shout “Giddie up!” as you stomped about back yard. They had those things! Those were fun right?

Let’s face it. People back then didn’t have anything. They didn’t even have electricity. How sad is that? Even if you were to go back in time, and hand them a brand new Playstation 3… They couldn’t play the damn thing. They would have had to use it as a display base for their paper dolls or something. Did they have paper dolls? Did they have paper? Or did they have to cut their paper dolls out of leaves? I can’t think about it anymore. I’m getting that sickening feeling again.

But think about what we have. I mean, not just in terms of basic things like indoor plumbing. But really cool, important things like ipods and HBO. Who could really live without an ipod and HBO? Well, perhaps some savages in Borneo or something, but not anyone of any real breading. Television, microwaves, Hot Pockets, and The Allman Brothers, -just a few of the many things that technology has brought to us.

But do you know what the best thing is? I’ll give you a hint. It’s not the heart-lung machine. (But that’s good too I suppose.)

The best thing in the history of the planet is online games.

Oh yeah, I said it. Online games baby. Just think about it. Technology goes along, and makes this thing called paper, which allows for the sum of all knowledge to be recorded for future generations. And people like you and I come along and say- "Yeah, that’s nice, but can we play games on it?" And POOF, just like that, Tic Tac Toe is born. But then along comes the Television. –A devise that brings information across the nation in an instant! And people like you and I say “Yeah, but can we play games on it?” And BANG, just like that, Video game systems are born.

And now… we have the computer. -The ultimate piece of machinery to increase the productivity of workers for generations to come. But guess what. Oh yeah baby… You can play games on it! And not just "Hey-I-gotta-sell-my-kidney-to-affored-this-damn-thing" kinda games. But real, honest to god, gaming masterpieces which can be downloaded to your work computer for FREE! (That’s not a typo. Many of these games are FREE.)

Take a look at a site like Jenkatgames dot com. Now here is a site that is filled with free downloadable games. Games that are so good, that I guarantee you’ll miss out on that big promotion from playing them so much. Take a look at the game "Finder's Keepers". This is, without a doubt, one of the best games I’ve ever played. I’ve never said the phrase "Just one more game". more times, than when I’m playing Finder’s Keepers.

And other games like "Go-Go Gourmet" or "Great Secrets: Da Vinci" are just as compelling. And I think that people owe it to themselves to avail themselves to the greatest accomplishment of our generation. Online games. It’s not a horse-stick or a heart-lung machine or anything. –But it’s probably a close second.


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Lance Hemenway has been writing about games like Fresh Air Solitaire for major web publications since 1997. Click here for more downloadable games and free online games.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/online-card-games.html http://www.articletrader.com/computers/games/online-card-games.html Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
And it’s not just the games, if the vernacular associated with the game that has really embedded itself into the subconscious of your average American. Terms like “trump,” “royal flush,” “clubs,” and “dead man’s hand,” have wormed their way into our culture. And why shouldn’t this be the case, card games are amongst the oldest and most popular games, to hit the planet Earth.

And now that card games have gone online, they’ve become even more popular. My father, for example, is a life-long bridge player. –And a pretty good one. But at the age of 82, he’s now able to play bridge without leaving his home. Sure, he has the same conversations, and tell the same jokes. He just does it without the inconvenience of having to drive to the local bridge studio. And it’s not like it was an overnight transition for him. My father was not quite ready for the World Wide Web. In fact, his only definition for the word “mouse,” was that of a small furry rodent.

And it’s not just team games, like bridge, or spades, that have made the transition to the online world. It’s also games like solitaire. A recent release by Jenkatgames (Jenkatgames dot com) entitled “Fresh Air Solitaire,” really manages to bring the game firmly into the 21st century. Players are able to play a more robust, and exciting game of solitaire, without having to once shuffle the cards.

Fresh air solitaire enables players to progress through a series of levels. –each represented by a different outdoor environment. Lush sound effects accompany the experience. Sounds such as birds, frogs, and other wildlife, create a relaxing, and soothing environment in which to play the game. So, amazingly, even if it’s snowing, or raining outside, Fresh Air Solitaire allows the player to feel as if they’re enjoying a game in paradise.

Card games have made a big impact on the world, and our nation specifically. This impact has been felt significantly, and most recently, on the Internet. A good game, is a good game -and it’s really as simple as that. And card games, even perhaps solitaire in particular, have proven that time and time again.


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Lance Hemenway has been writing about Great Secrets Da Vinci for major web publications since 1997. Visit the link for more downloadable games

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/food/cooking/top-10-indian-spices.html http://www.articletrader.com/food/cooking/top-10-indian-spices.html Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 Spices, something that none of us can go without these days, have ruled over the minds and hearts of men and women for quite a while now. Even today, spices would be perhaps one of the foremost things that most of the world would associate with the sub-continent.
Here is my list of some of the top 10 spices from India.

1. SAFFRON :
Saffron is one of the most delicate spices in the whole world. It is derived by drying the stigma of the flower Saffron Crocos . This spice is used both as a coloring as well as a seasoning agent. This spice is also one of the most expensive ones and is valued greatly for its coloring abilities more than anything else.
Usage - Saffron is mostly used as a coloring agent in sweets as well as Kheers. It lends the Kheer a quaint yellow color and also imbibes it with the flavor as well. A few strands of Saffron are first taken and then grounded up in a bow with a small amount of milk. When the milk turns light orange, then it is ready to be added to the Kheer.
A special point of interest in Indian cooking, Saffron is always added at the end of the preparation of a dish. This is in contrast to the European dishes like the Paella, where the Saffron is added either at the beginning or half way through.


2. BLACK CARDAMOM :
Black Cardamom also known as “Bada Elachi” (Big Cardamom in Hindi) is well defined by the smoky aroma. It is widely used as a flavoring agent like its green cousin. The black Cardamom is widely used in cooking all the way from India to China and has found its place in a variety of dishes ranging from the erstwhile Biryani to the noodle soup.
Usage - Black Cardamom is defined by its smoky aroma and is not used in Sweets like the green cardamom. Instead, it is used primarily in the preparation of Dals, Curries and Biryanis. It has a strong pungent aroma which is better suited for the preparation of curries than a kheer. It is stored in the same way as the green cardamom and the pods are released just before adding it to the dish. The black cardamom is also used in the preparation of the famous Garam Masala, a popular blend of Indian spices, used in several North-Indian dishes.

3. GREEN CARDAMOM :
Green Cardamom is a small seed pod with black seeds in the shell. This is used primarily for flavoring anything from drinking water to a cup of Chai (Indian Tea). It is small in size compared to the other cardamom variety but packs quite a nice aroma inside its pod. The green cardamom is also used in medicine to treat infections of the teeth and the gums.
Usage - Green cardamom is used mainly as a flavoring agent and it is best stored in its pod itself. Typically the pod should be opened just before the green cardamom is to be added to the dish be it a Kheer or a glass of Chai. To get the best optimum effect, it is better to just crack the pod and add the whole thing into the dish.

4. CINNAMON :
Cinnamon is a spice derived from the bark of an evergreen tree. Cinnamon is native to India and as such, its uses range from that of a flavoring agent to a medicinal agent. Cinnamon oil can also be prepared from this bark. The Cinnamon is used both as a condiment as well as a flavoring agent and is light-yellowish brown in color.
Usage - Cinnamon stick is used in Indian cooking for the preparation of Pulao (also spelled Pilaf at times), Biryanis and certain curries. While using it to cook Pulao, one should sauté the Cinnamon stick in a little bit of oil until one can feel the aroma wafting high. Cinnamon is also used in traditional medicine to treat toothaches as well as bad breath.

5. GINGER :
Ginger a perennial plant that adds its own bite to the food and is more of the stem than the root as is commonly believed. Ginger is found all over India and it has a pungent taste that is unmistakable. Ginger besides adding flavor to ones food is also known for its medicinal properties as well. Their medicinal uses range from being used in the preparation of many an Ayurveda drug to the ever famous 'Ginger tea'.
Culinary wise, Ginger has a place of its own. It is predominantly used in the grounded form in Indian cooking. It is used to flavor North-Indian curries as well as the South-Indian favorites - Rasam and Sambar.
Usage - Ginger is used as both fresh and dried forms. It is the fresh ones that give the bite to one's food. Ginger is utilized both in cooking and medicine. In cooking, Ginger is first grounded up and then used but there are a few Indian dishes where thin silvers of ginger are added up to the dish. Ginger is also predominantly used in Chinese foods as well.

6. CORIANDER POWDER:
Coriander also known as Cilantro is a herb with a fresh, sweet aroma. The Coriander powder also known as Dhania powder is an essential item in almost every single Indian household. It is used as a flavoring agent in dals and curries. It imparts the dish with its unique aroma of freshness. The coriander seeds are first dried up, grounded into a powder form after which they are stored in dry packets.
Usage - The coriander powder is used in Curries, Rasam and Sambar. One of the unique abilities of this spice is to make the dish seem 'lighter'. The Coriander powder is used in the beginning of the preparation of the dish so as to impart is flavor to all the ingredients of the dish, whereas, Coriander leaves are usually sprinkled as garnish or finishing on top of prepared dishes.

7. ASAFOETIDA :
Asafetida also known as 'the devil's dung' is known for its pungent odor. It originated in the Americas but, in the recent past, seems to have made its home in the sub-continent. Asafetida is prepared from the sap of a plant which is later dried into a grayish resin like substance. Asafetida is quite hard and often has to be broken down with the help of a hammer or any other substitute.
Usages - It is used as a condiment and flavoring agent in cooking. It gives that special flavor to the Rasams and Sambars of Southern India. Generally it is sautéed in oil or ghee and then added to the dish, be it a Dal or a Rasam. One should take care to store Asafetida in air tight containers to avoid your kitchen from smelling like the Devil's dung.

8. CUMIN :
Cumin is widely used in Indian kitchens, mainly as a flavoring agent and as a condiment in certain dishes. Evidence of Cumin usages have been found to date from the second millennium B.C.
Usage - All Curries and Dals have cumin in them in small quantities. Cumin gives these dishes an aroma that serves to enhance the dish further. It is used in the beginning of the preparation of the dish and as the flames heat the cumin seeds, it starts to give off its flavor. Cumin can also be used in the powdered form but for stronger aroma, it is best to use the seeds as they are.

9. PEPPER :
Pepper is known as the 'King of all spices' and with reason. This is one of the spices that were responsible for making Indian spices famous during the medieval times. Pepper is derived from the berries of the pepper tree, and they come mainly in two varieties, black pepper and white pepper.
Usage - Black pepper is slightly different in taste from White pepper, one hits the tip of the tongue where as the other one hits the back of the tongue. The black pepper is the dried berry, whereas the white pepper is just the seed alone. They are used to flavor a variety of dishes from soups to the main courses.

10. CURRY LEAF :
Curry leaves are as essential to Indian cooking as bay leaves are to European ones. The curry leaves as well as the oil that is obtained from are highly prized not just as a flavoring agent but also for the medicinal properties of the oil. You might find it interesting that Curry leaves have nothing to do with the colloquial word 'curry' that is widely used in the western world as a generalization for spicy Indian dishes.
Usage - Curry leaves are used as a flavoring agent mainly in Southern India. These aromatic leaves are best used when they are fresh. They are generally used to flavor a dish right at the end of the preparation. The leaves are crushed by the hand to help release the flavor.

Hope you find this listing helpful. Here's a piece of trivia for you to end this article - Did you know that India also has the only known 'Spice exchange' in the world? In fact, in the town of Kochi in Kerala, along the south-west border of the country, there is an exchange market that deals with one spice alone - Pepper. Trading goes on pretty much every day and it's quite interesting to watch. So the next time you are in Kerala, take a breather and pay a visit to their Spice Exchage.
Happy cooking!


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Jitu Patel owns and operates India Oven Restaurant in Las Vegas. Visit Indian Recipes and Articles for more spicy articles.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/top-ten-tips-for-vacation-rental-property-owners.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/top-ten-tips-for-vacation-rental-property-owners.html Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
1. Don’t assume you need a vacation rental property manager to get your home rented.

Not too long ago anyone planning to rent their vacation home did so by using the services of a property management company. Over the last few years this trend has shifted and more vacation homes are being rented by the owners themselves. The extra income coming in can be used to pay for homeowner’s insurance and other bills, which still need to be paid even if you leave the vacation home unoccupied for a few months per year. An often overlooked benefit of renting your vacation home yourself is the ability to choose your renter. This is not in your hands if you contract the services of a property management company.


2. You can greatly increase your income by renting your vacation home yourself.

Most property management companies take an average of 30 percent of rental income for their services, although the going rate can range anywhere from 10 percent to 60 percent. When you rent for yourself that is income coming to you.


3. You can handle renting your own vacation property in about three hours a week.

This varies greatly and is dependent on a number of factors, such as location of the property, renters being catered to and type of returns you are seeking. For the average vacation home owner, they may need to spend an average of three hours per week answering telephone or email queries. If you are renting your vacation home as a business you will need to invest much more time than someone just looking to earn ‘residual income’ when they don’t need the place themselves.

4. The internet is the easiest way to get renters for your vacation property.

Advertising is important and in today’s Internet age, this avenue of advertising cannot be ignored. As a matter of fact, one of the most successful ways to promote your vacation home is via the Internet. You can also list your property on any number of websites that offer this service. A quick search of the Internet will turn up hundreds of websites that list vacation homes. You can also ask to leave brochures at places such as travel agencies.


5. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of using a property management company.

It is true that a property management company saves you some hassle and time when renting your vacation home. However, if you compare that with the control you gain by renting yourself and the returns from cutting out the middleman, the management company, in many instances you come out ahead.


6. Be wise about whether you wish to leave your personal belongings in your vacation home when renting?

Although the average vacationer will respect and take care of any vacation property they rent, you should never take any chances. If you have personal mementos that have value, whether sentimental or financial, consider taking them out before renting. Leave just enough to give a homely and welcoming feel to the vacation home.

7. Learn about any legal ramifications of renting your vacation home

Whichever way you rent your vacation home there are legal and taxation issues that needs to be addressed. You just need to invest the time researching regulations governing rentals in the area where the vacation property is located. If you pay the required fees and taxes you have no need for concern.

8. A good caretaker can help you manage your vacation home from a distance.

The hardest part of managing your vacation property from a distance will involves maintenance of the property and taking care of repair issues when they arise. The easiest solution is to hire a caretaker for the property. This person will in essence be your ‘go to man’ for repairs and staff issues.

9. Your property caretaker can also manage any vacation property staff needed.

If you get a caretaker, this person can be assigned the role of supervisor for staff such as cleaning person and cook. Remember also that you do not have to take on the headache of staff management. You can explore the option of having an agency source and arrange for cleaning and meal preparation. Also, many vacation homes do not come with a cook as a regular part of the rental cost, so you can opt out of offering this service.

10. Good maintenance preserves the value of your vacation home.

Renting your vacation home will not affect the value of your property if you maintain the home. Maintenance of vacation property is a necessary part of upkeep as things will need repairing and or replacing more frequently as a result of being used more often.

If you treat renting your vacation property as a business and invest the time learning the ropes you will find over time that it is a worth-while endeavor.




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Kenny Doucette has written for several travel publications and operates Florida Vacation Rentals portal. Visit Kenny's blog to know more about renting condos.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>