Friday, February 27, 2009

Do you know who Cupid really is?

By Tracy Anderson

You've seen him in the movies, in cartoons and on numerous Valentine cards. But do you know who Cupid really is?

Now that Valentine's Day is just around the corner, here's a brief history of this timeless character who brings lovers together and mends broken hearts.

Of course, Cupid generally needs no introduction. He's that little boy with wings who shoots arrows that turn people into lovers. He is seen as either nude or diapered and is sometimes blindfolded - hence the expression "love is blind."

Cupid's name comes from the Latin word "cupido" which means desire. Although he is often pictured as a pious angel, Cupid was actually the god of erotic love and beauty in Roman mythology. His mission was to make people fall in love or engage in physical intimacy.

There are two sides to Cupid's origins. To the Greeks, he was known as Eros, the son of Nyx (the goddess of the night) and Erebus (the symbol of darkness and shadow) who delighted in debauchery.

In the Roman version, Cupid was the son of Mars (the god of war) and Venus, the goddess of love. To the Romans, Cupid was a lively youth, a practical joker and one who liked to spread love.

Both versions, however, tell the same story. Cupid's mom Venus was extremely jealous of the beautiful Princess Psyche who was loved by the people.

Infuriated at the thought that more people were worshipping Psyche, Venus ordered Cupid to shoot the former with an arrow. Her goal was to make Psyche fall in love with the poorest and ugliest man in the world.

But Venus' evil plan went wrong. When Cupid saw Psyche, he was struck by her awesome beauty and dropped an arrow on his foot. That made him fall in love with the lovely princess.

"Following that, Cupid visited Psyche every night in his invisible form and told her not to try to see him. Psyche, though, incited by her two older sisters who told her Cupid was a monster, tried to look at him and angered Cupid. When he left, she looked all over the known world for him until at last the leader of the gods, Jupiter, gave Psyche the gift of immortality so that she could be with him. Together they had a daughter, Voluptas (Pleasure) and Psyche became a goddess of the soul," according to the editors of Wikipedia.

Through the years, Cupid has emerged as a popular symbol of Valentine's Day. This famous icon and his tale of undying love have inspired lovers throughout the world.

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Friday, February 20, 2009

The steps to take in baking perfect chocolate cakes

By Foong

One of the common favorite desserts is probably the humble chocolate cake. It is probably the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover and anyone could swoon over a piece of rich and moist chocolate cake. It is no wonder that chocolate cakes recipes can be found everywhere.

It may seem daunting to try baking the perfectly moist and rich chocolate cakes especially if you are not so well versed in baking cakes. However, there is nothing so intimidating about it as baking a really good chocolate cake require some skills that you only need to practice to perfect. After practicing a few times, you will soon become so good in baking great chocolate cakes, you will wonder why you didn't start in the first place.

A chocolate cake is not a chocolate cake without its most basic main ingredient, baking chocolate. It is the baking chocolate that gave the cake its distinctive rich chocolatey taste but you need to use really good quality chocolates for richer and more flavorful cakes. Although there are different varieties of baking chocolates available in the market, you must not be easily confused by it all but learn to choose the right type of chocolate for your cake.

In choosing the right type of chocolate for your baking project, it is always a good bet to buy baking chocolates with a higher cocoa content. Dark baking chocolates such as those with above 70% cocoa content will give your cake a richer, thicker and stronger chocolate taste.

When you choose chocolates for your baking project, always remember to go for baking chocolates. This is because baking chocolates are not so sweet so you do not need to adjust the sugar amount of your cake to suit the chocolates you use. Even if you want to bake a semi-dark or non-dark chocolate cake, there are baking chocolates with less cocoa content that you could use.

Next is the cocoa powder you could use as an alternative to chocolates. Now, there are some recipes, especially the low calorie chocolate cakes which only require cocoa powder instead of chocolates. For cocoa powder, it is easier for you to make a choice. Always go for organic 100% cocoa powder. These are definitely very rich and is quite healthy too!

Now that you know what cocoa to use in your cake recipe, the next step is in the butter, eggs, sugar and flour. Yes, the basic recipe for most chocolate cakes contains only five main ingredients. In most cases, you will need to melt the chocolate with the butter. To do this without burning the chocolate, just place a heatproof bowl over a pan of boiling water and gradually melt the chocolate and butter in it. Another alternative is to place it in a microwaveable bowl and microwave the chocolate and butter on high for about two minutes.

Remember to always use fresh and quality ingredients when baking your cake. It is with such good basic ingredients that you will be able to produce the best chocolate cake ever.

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Thursday, February 19, 2009

More than Words: Let Chocolate Say the Sweet Stuff

By Art Barron

When you say "I love you" on Valentine's Day, it's always with a little token of affection. And more often than not, this little token is - you've guessed it! - chocolate. Whether milk, dark, or mixed with fruits, nuts, caramel or other heavenly confection, chocolate is sure to be able to say things that you can't. Think about it. Valentine's Day without chocolate is pretty much Easter without the eggs.

But be careful! The regular chocolate bar with a ribbon is sweet, but it gets boring easily. Here are some ideas to spice up your chocolate treat this Valentine's Day:

Chocolate Truffles. Truffles are still pretty much the A-class when it comes to chocolate. These sweet, bite-size morsels are so rich and tasty, that a small box is pretty much all you need. You have your choice among Swiss, American, Belgian, European, or be creative and ask for a sampler so that you can try them all!

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. Chocolates and fruits will always complement the other and if you want something really good, pick strawberries. There are plenty of specialty stores that offer hand-painted strawberries that come with a selection of dips just for Valentine's Day. These and some champagne make for a great Valentine treat!

A Chocolate Bouquet. Get chocolates that have been shaped into lovely little roses, so you get chocolates and flowers in one! Your girl gets to have flowers that she can definitely enjoy as treats. If you're up for the challenge, you can even create your own chocolate bouquet! You can make your own chocolate flower with some melted chocolate and a flower mold. Finish the job with sticks covered in green paper.

Chocolate Photos. Why not surprise her with chocolate photos? With chocolography, you can get images and text printed out using digestible ink made of chocolate. You can produce literally sweet greeting cards, or have photos of your loved ones printed in a delicious bar of chocolate. If you want to go for the "WOW" factor, you can't go wrong with this present!

Truth, Dare or Chocolate Board Game. This simple game can be played with only one line: Truth, or Dare? Dare here means that you would get smothered in melted chocolate. True, it's a little sticky and messy, but there would be no sweeter mess to make or to clean up.

Chocolate-Flavored Coffee. This is the option for you if you are the type who wants to relax and have a laid-back Valentines Day afternoon by the porch. There are gourmet shops who whips up this new soothing and comforting concoctions - the ideal drink for a quiet conversation. The gift for your loved one on Valentines is a stress-free day.

Chocolate Paintbox. Try to browse through your local sweetshop, and you're likely to see a small jar with a paintbrush on top. Yup, you guessed it! Chocolate paint! Unleash your inner artist (and something else), and go wild with panting. Nope, not on a canvas! Do you get the hint?

Cake! And let's not forget the cake! Order a triple-deck chocolate extravaganza after dinner and share a plate; what can be more romantic? Or bake it together. Dough plus romance equals a fun kitchen mess!

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4 Reasons to Desire Gourmet Chocolate Chip Cookies

By M.B. Roberds

We want Gourmet Chocolate Chip Cookies like no alternative food. We long for it. We hunt it out. It is our desired enjoyment food. Here are the arguments why Gourmet chocolate chip cookies make us berserk!

1. Cultural Customs

Most, detailed chocolate cravings are ladies (sorry guys, however it is undeniable). Some professionals propose that might be due to the psychological bond among chocolate, delight, and love. We speak in relation to chocolate "melting in your mouth," and we have all heard of the impeccable present: "flowers and chocolate."

And people doubt why we need chocolate??

2. Chemical Reactions

It's a definitive certainty: chocolate makes you feel exceptional. Chocolate has native uppers. Anandamide, is a natural flavor enhancer, that some parallel to genuine drugs. Something regarding the combination of cocoa, fat, and sugar is definitely the correct harmony to cause every feel-good chemical in your brain to sing! Chocolate concurrently springs endorphins and serotonin (your brain's "feel-good" neurotransmitter) and controls your need for fat.

But, wait, there are numerous reasons to hunger for chocolate!

3. Chocolate has Theo-bromine and caffeine, providing a mental thrust. Chocolate combines sugar and caffeine...this has been said before, but this makes chocolate the totally perfect food!

4. Phenyl-ethylamine, which boosts your nervous system, may give reactions similar to -- seriously -- standing next to your latest crush..it is that STRONG.

Of course, we hunger for chocolate and not, say,bologna, which also consists of phenyl-ethylamine and trytophan. It implies to be that unmatched combination chocolate drives that sends our brain into "la-la land".

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Eat chocolate, it's the doctors orders and swim for a longer life


In other leading health stories this week, overweight women are being prescribed chocolate to improve their health and how swimming could win you more time than walking or jogging.

Dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols, compounds thought to protect cells from damage

Overweight women are being prescribed dark chocolate to improve their health. The women are being given 20g of it a day - about half a small bar - for four weeks. Dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols - compounds which are thought to protect the cells against damage and disease.

Previous research has shown that chocolate can benefit heart health by promoting healthy blood pressure and blood circulation.

Researchers believe it could also help lower glucose and cholesterol levels. In a new trial, at Queen Margaret University in Scotland, the researchers will look its effects on conditions such as high cholesterol and diabetes.

Researchers are currently recuiting overweight and obese women aged 20 to 60 for the trial.

Swimmers crawl to a longer life

Swimming can help you live longer than walking or jogging, according to a new study. Men who take a regular dip in the pool are half as likely to die prematurely as those who rely on leg power to keep fit. The findings come from an American study of men aged between 20 and 90 who were studied for more than 30 years.

Death rates among swimmers in the age group were 53 per cent lower than those who did no exercise at all, 50 per cent lower than among walkers and 49 per cent lower than joggers. Although the study, published in the International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education, looked only at mortality rates and not why swimming protects the body, previous research has shown it is one of the best ways of keeping the heart and lungs in peak condition. Previous studies have shown swimming can increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, although chlorine has been linked with childhood asthma.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Chocolate



Gayle's Chocolate Recalls Sugar Free Chocolate Covered Peanuts .
Gayle's Chocolates of Royal Oak, MI is recalling 48 - 10 oz boxes of sugar free Chocolate covered peanuts packaged under the name of Gayle's Chocolates, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

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Friday, February 13, 2009

More weird Valentine's Day gifts

By Tracy Anderson

Having a hard time figuring what to get your loved one on the day of hearts? Thinking of making a big impression on Valentine's Day without resorting to the same traditional gifts?

If you want to rise above the crowd, choose from this strange selection of weird and wacky Valentine gifts that will make you the talk of the town.

If you have money to burn, why not buy your girlfriend or wife a heart-shaped car? Designed by special effects house Asylum, the Danacol Heart Car is a sporty coupe that smacks of Valentine's Day wherever you take it. It's red, comes in the shape of a heart and seats two people comfortably.

Of course, when Valentine's Day ends, so does the appeal of this odd vehicle. But no problem: hide it in your garage for next year's celebration.

Can't get enough of your loved one? Willing to accompany him or her to the far reaches of the earth just to show how much you care? Take your affection to the extreme with the TwoDaLoo Two Person Toilet.

This designer's nightmare enables two people to sit facing each other while answering the call of nature at the same time. With this toilet, you can't accuse your loved one of not being there when you need that person the most.

"The couple that excretes together, stays together. If you are comfortable enough to plop down on the toilet with your loved one, I'd say your bond is strong enough as it is. But perhaps this is the kick in the pants your relationship needs," according to Seth Plattner of InventorSpot.Com.

"Take your intimacy level to the extreme and see one another in one of the most vulnerable acts of nature there is, and you're sure to see your partner in a whole new light. It may not be the most romantic Valentine's Day present, but it will surely make a statement," he added.

Want to look younger and sexier for your husband or boyfriend this Valentine's Day? Treat yourself to fantastic shades of Malibu Blue, Hot Pink, Brown and Auburn with Betty Color.

This unusual hair dye is specially formulated for pubic hair or "the hair down there" as the manufacturer politely calls it.

"Get rid of ALL your gray with the first safe color specially formulated for 'the hair down there.' This easy-to-use, no-drip formula colors naturally, covering gray and enhancing color to match your glorious locks above. Each kit contains one application of hair color, a tray, customized application wand, a mixing spatula, gloves and easy-to-follow instructions," said the people at BeBeautiful.Com.

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Monday, February 9, 2009

Man Advice: How To Choose Valentine's Day Gifts

By Art Barron

Valentine's Day, one of the most anticipated days for couples, is fast approaching. You should start listing down possible gifts you can give your special someone. After all, you don't want your wife or girlfriend to feel unappreciated, do you? Better find a gift that shows exactly how much you care!

There's no need to panic. The good thing is, for men, the basics of what makes a great Valentines gift are already well-defined. There are three staples: flowers, chocolate and jewelry.

Flowers, of course, refer to the good, old bouquet of roses - in red, of course. They can either show a very deep and intimate connection, or that initial allure between two people. Be careful though, as even the mere number of roses you give has a meaning. While three roses mean "I love you", a single rose or a bouquet have a safer, more general meaning.

Chocolate is always appreciated. With rare exceptions, and mostly for dietary constraints, all women love chocolate. The great thing about choosing to gift this confection is that chocolate accommodates all budget limitations. You can buy a relatively more affordable sampler from a mainstream brand, or you can splurge and go for the big guns: pure Belgian truffles!

Jewelry will have any girl squealing with excitement. After all, what girl wouldn't want to be given a precious piece of crafted metal? But you have to consider a few things first. How serious is your relationship? If it's serious enough, necklaces, earrings, or bracelets should do the trick. If it's even more serious than that, a ring will be perfect for the occasion. Go for heart designs, or variations of such. Remember to steer clear of extravagant gifts if your relationship isn't quite on that level yet. Otherwise, you might send the wrong signals.

Apart from the obvious and more traditional gifts, there are more options you could choose from. If she collects a certain item, add something to her collection. If she loves books, get something that she might want to read. You can also get her CDs, DVDs, perfume, or even pajamas. It's just a matter of knowing what fits her personality best.

You can also consider going the romantic route. Why not use your creativity and your talents? You can cook her dinner, make her a personal video, or write her a song. You can even write her a poem, or create something from scratch like a wooden jewelry box. Your effort won't go unnoticed and unappreciated.

And the one thing that can really set you apart is your originality and spontaneity when it comes to choosing and giving your gift. Why not set a picnic in the park? Or, you can get tickets to a concert that your girl has been wanting to see? Why, if you have the budget, you can even arrange a romantic getaway! The idea is to strengthen your bonds as a couple, and Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to do so.

At the end of the day, as long as something is sincere, thought-out and from the heart, it'll leave a lasting impression. The spirit of Valentines Day is being with someone you'd like to spend the day with. Keep that in mind and everything else will come easy.

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Sunday, February 1, 2009

Valentines Day Gifts for Her

By D Greene

It's that time of year again. If you are into a relationship that you want to keep healthy you probably could use some help with Valentine's day gifts ideas. On the other hand if you are wanting to end a relationship an easy way to do it is to just forget about a Valentines Day gift.

You may rightfully wonder, how did the world get so hooked on this old tradition? Why has Valentines Day become so important in maintaining close relationships? Why is it dangerous to a relationship to forget about Valentines Day?

Saint Valentine's Day, as we now know it, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. Who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite of giving gifts to loved ones? The exact origin of Valentines Day is not clear. But we do know that the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men " his source of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform secret marriages for young lovers. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be imprisoned and then put to death.

Other stories say that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured and put to death.

One legend proposes that Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl, who was probably his jailer's daughter, who visited him during his prison confinement. It is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.

Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France. From that popular tradition it was easy for merchants to seize upon the "a Valentine for lovers" theme and suggest that giving gifts, if only a card, was the right thing to do. Before long there was even a special day, February 14, set aside for the custom.

The tradition has become so common and popular that to forget to give a card or gift to your close friend or lover on Valentines Day is almost like saying "I don't love you anymore, go away". If you value your present close relationship you had better not forget to present a Valentines Day gift to your lover. A beautiful Valentines card may do but to be sure a nice Valentines Day gift is much safer.

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