California's Almond Orchards

Almond Trees - Photo: Pixabay

The California almond industry is attracting the interest of beekeepers all over the country. The almond orchard's demands for honey bees is so strong that many beekeepers in Florida have actually defaulted on their contracts with local watermelon producers to bring their bees to the west coast where they lease their hives and bees to the almond growers.

Almonds were first found growing a long way from California's sunny landscape. The first almonds were found in China and central Asia. Franciscan Padres first brought almonds to California in the middle of the 1700's, before the American revolution. Sadly Padres efforts were unsuccessful. It wasn't until the early 1900's that almond lovers discovered that California's Central Valley had perfect growing conditions for genetically improved almond orchards. Nearly a half million Californian acres are devoted to growing almonds. It is estimated that there are six thousand almond growers in the state. 

Today, California is the only place in North America where almonds are successfully grown for commercial use. The reason that California is so successful for almond producers is the climate. Almond trees love hot summers and cool winters. Almonds don't like sub-zero temperatures. Because almond trees are not self-pollinating they require the use of bees in order to produce almonds. Every February,  when the almond trees are in bloom, beekeepers set up hives in the orchard so that the growers can enjoy a lucrative harvest. The inability to self-pollinate force almond producers to plant multiple varieties of almond trees.

Almonds are harvested when the split in the shell widens enough for the nut to dry. This typically happens between the middle of August and early October. When the hull is completely open its time for the almond harvest to begin.

When its time to harvest the almond crops, orchard owners have the orchards swept so that they are completely free of debris. Once the orchards are debris free, the mechanical tree shakers are brought in. The mechanical tree shakers gently shake the trees. The almonds fall from the trees. The almonds are left on the ground to finish drying. When the almonds are dry they are swept into rows where they are gathered by a machine and deposited in the huller. 

Nutritionally almonds have a lot going for them. There are only seven grams of fat in one ounce (a single serving of almonds is one ounce). Almonds do not have sodium and cholesterol free. Almonds are an excellent way to get magnesium and vitamin E. Almonds are also a source of Riboflavin, Phosphorus, and copper. 

Seventy-five percent of California's almond crop is exported.

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The Importance of Position in Texas Hold ‘Em (Pre-flop Play)

Poker - Texas Hold 'em - Photo: Wikimedia

Grabbing information is one of the most important skills that you need in poker. From your opponent’s betting patterns and the "tells" that they make simply define your hand and are simply integral on your next decision. But you can’t do that without proper positioning, which is on the button or somewhere near it.

But that doesn’t mean that you should fold every hand if you’re not in the proper position, each has its pros and cons, and it should also determine how you should play your hand.

In this article, I’ll tell you how to utilize perfectly your position in pre-flop play.

Early Position

This position is from under the gun to the third turn in a ring table, which has around eight people seated. In this seat, you have to be choosy in raising your hand or simply limping into the pot because there are about five to seven people yet to act, thus there are more chances for them to raise the bets and given that you don’t have a hand that’s good enough, you just lost money the size of the blind.

So it’s important that you only raise premium hands in this position like AK, AQ and AJ suited. When someone re-raises after you, you have a good idea that he/she has jacks or queens. So not only is raising pre-flop a good way to drive out people who have small cards that may get lucky after the flop, it also gives you information on who probably has a hand better than yours.

Middle Position

In this position, you have to be looser, but not to the extent that you’re virtually throwing your chips away. A9, K10, and QJ may be raised here, given that no one has raised and indicated that he/she has an excellent hand.

Again, the reason why that you should raise pre-flop is to mine important information about your opponents, if they have good to great cards.

Late Position

In late position, you can practically raise any hand you want, depending on the circumstances. If everyone just limps into the pot, and a raise is nowhere in sight, then you stick your foot right in and raise around four to five times the big blind, even withcards like 24. It may win you the pot right there.

But be wary when everyone calls when you do raise,because they may sense that you’re trying to steal the pot. Don’t cringe if your technique fails and if the flop shows high cards like A-J-4, raise outright and try to steal the pot again. They may rethink that you tried to steal the pot before the flop and give you credit for hitting aces or jacks.

As you may observe, one may get looser in choosing his/her cards when nearing late position and also presents you the opportunity to steal the pot. The late position also entails you to play more aggressively and show some muscle, enabling you to hammer on pots, do isolation plays and basically eat up the blinds. So to speak, the position should guide you on how to play your hands because it opens the option of instilling fear into your opponent, bluffing your way into the pot or does the complete opposite of the previous two.

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Breitling Watch

Breitling Watch - Photo: Pixabay

Dependability Can be Found in a Breitling Watch

When looking for a new watch to purchase, dependability is an important factor. Oftentimes, a person will buy an affordable watch and find that it only works for a short amount of time. For a watch that is stylish and dependable, and has had an interesting impact on the history of watches, one should look into purchasing a Breitling watch.

About the Breitling Brand

Breitling watches are Swiss-made and specifically originate from the Canton of Jura in Switzerland. Although they were originally designed as aviation watches, Breitling watches have become more of a status symbol, with movie stars such as John Travolta and Jerry Seinfeld frequently wearing Breitling watches.

The idea for Breitling watches originated in 1884 when a man named Leon Breitling opened a workshop for making precision counters and chronographs. Chronographs, or chronometers, are ways of measuring time precisely and are still implemented in Breitling watches today.

By 1892, Leon Breitling’s company had grown to such an extent that he had to relocate from his original rural location in the Canton of Jura, to La Chaux-de-Fonds. La Chaux-de-fonds was, at the time, considered the very center of watchmaking in Switzerland. 

Leon Breitling continued to prosper with his company until his death in 1914, at which time the company was taken over by his son Gaston. In 1915, Gaston, using chronograph technology, created the first wristwatch. This creation subsequently provided pilots with first wrist instruments in aviation thanks to this technology.

In 1923, a new type of Breitling watch was introduced, which was an independent chronograph push piece. Before the invention of this watch, the winding crown of watches controlled the start and return-to-zero functions.

Breitling watches continued to be improved over the years, implementing both style and advanced aeronautical technology into their watches. For example, in 1952, the Navitimer was introduced, which included the ability to measure short periods of time and airborne calculations such as climbing times. This watch could also convert miles into kilometers or nautical miles.

Today, Breitling watches continue to develop in terms of excellent aeronautical technology. As such, these watches are quite expensive and will cost at least a thousand dollars. These watches can be found in several places throughout the world, thus the best way to find a nearby location is to search the internet. Indeed, for efficiency and style, a Breitling watch is an excellent choice whether one is a pilot or not.

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When America Proved that Anything is Possible

Apollo 11 - Photo: Wikipedia

It was one of those moments in American history that the people who were able to watch it for the first time felt like they were in a science fiction movie.  But with televisions cameras on every move, the nation and the world watched on July 20, 1969, as three American astronauts landed on the moon.  

The project had been in the works for years to be sure.  You have to wonder with the phenomenal amount of work, expert engineering and the amazing genius that created the rocket ships and everything that would be needed to make the flight possible, if even those in NASA sat in mute wonder and had goosebumps when “Buzz” Aldren was the first man in history to put his foot on another world and pronounce those famous words –

“That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.”

That phrase, which itself was carefully prepared, has a lot of wisdom in it.  Sure, touching another world for the first time in human history was a tremendous accomplishment for America.  But more than that, it signaled a new era for humankind everywhere.  All of a sudden, the moon wasn’t a faraway myth, full of mystery and magic.  All of a sudden, people everywhere felt like they too could touch the stars if they put out their best efforts too.  

It was also a huge moment for the unity of all people.  Few things cause the world population to come together and link arms and be one people, not separate countries.  Most of the time, it’s a terrible global disaster that makes us all bond together.  But this time was different.  This time it was a moment so phenomenal that everybody stopped and watched and everybody knew that this was not just a great accomplishment for three astronauts and scientists that put them there.  This was a great accomplishment for mankind.

American history is populated with tremendous events, both bad and good.  But it’s worth a moment to sit back and reflect on what the first moon landing meant and continues to mean for Americans and the American spirit.  You have to wonder if any other nation would have had the ability, the creative powers, the powerful minds and the collective will to see this kind of amazing accomplishment through to success.  

It’s even more amazing when you remember that just a few years earlier, on September 12, 1962, that President Kennedy challenged American to rise to this challenge in a speech at Rice University.  It takes a lot to make something as historic and earth-shaking as landing on the moon a reality and visionary leadership such as Kennedy showed that day was a big part of why this landing made history.

This amazing achievement points out something outstanding about the American spirit.  Americans are a people who dream big.  And to land, a man on the moon took big dreams.  But we didn’t just dream to put a man up there, it was not acceptable unless we got everybody home safely as well.  

For the most part, the American space program has had a phenomenal history of success in breaking through barriers that nobody had ever done before.  Yes, there have been setbacks and tragedies along the way.  But Americans are not quitters and through all the struggles we face, we face them together.  But we never forget to look up at the stars and dream of the day that yet again we see an American set foot on another world and plant out the flag in that soil to be signal forever that America was here!

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Know the Different Tamiya RC Cars

Tamiya RC Car - Photo: Flickr

Tamiya is a company known for producing excellent miniatures of automobiles. They are famous today for introducing the world to competitive mini 4WD racing. What many people do not know is that Tamiya also introduced the world to RC cars. The Tamiya RC car line has a lot of models that show the excellence of the company in model design.

Here are some Tamiya RC car models available today:

1) Nitro Crusher- This Tamiya RC car boasts of a powerful FS-15S engine that features a large diameter slide carburetor to fulfill your need for speed. The engine also has a precision brake system that ensures operation safety. This Tamiya RC car can also fulfill your need for power because it comes in the form of a monster truck. 

Drive through all types of terrain as easy as if you were driving on pavement. This Tamiya RC car has various features that allow it to coast through different types of terrain. It has extra-large tires that are perfect for dominating mud, sand or rocks. It also features a frontal impact control system that allows you to have stable running no matter what obstacles you encounter. 

2) Mini cooper- If you have no idea what a mini cooper is, think about Mr. Bean's beloved car. This Tamiya RC car is based on that small-but-terrible car of the 1960's. The mini cooper is renowned for its small size and powerful performance. In fact, the mini cooper has even been known to perform extremely well on competitions like the world rally championships.

This Tamiya RC car features an M-03 chassis that's specially designed to be as fast as possible. The double wishbone suspension also ensures the stability of your vehicle and excellent handling. This is an electric RC car, which means that the batteries can add a lot of weight. However, a special hole cut into the chassis ensures that despite the weight, this Tamiya RC car can still run its best.

3) Subaru Impreza WRC Monte Carlo- This Tamiya RC car is designed for the new kind of racing. Yes, this Tamiya RC car is designed to drift. The chassis of this Tamiya RC car, TT-01D, is built from lightweight materials and specifically designed to have a low center of gravity. This means that this Tamiya RC car will not turn over if you try to "drift" it.

What are the advantages of drift racing? Well, during normal turns, there is a tendency for cars to lose speed. By drifting, the car can maintain optimum speed and precision controls. However, there is always the tendency of something going wrong. This is the reason why this Tamiya RC car is engineered to precision.

4) XBG Nitro Force- Capable of unbelievable top speeds, this Tamiya RC car is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Powered with a precision FR-S glow engine, this Tamiya RC car employs a recoil starter for clean starting every time. This Tamiya RC car also boasts of a reinforced resin frame chassis with a low center of gravity, making it stable during driving. 

This Tamiya RC car also features a very aerodynamic frame, making sure that the wind will not slow down your need for speed. All in all, if you want a Tamiya RC car that quenches your desire to defy gravity, this is the car that you should be getting.

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Interesting Boy Scouts of America Facts

Scouting - Photo: Pixabay

Are you the parent of a young male child who would like to join the Boy Scouts?  Or, is your child already a member of a local Boy Scouts Den who is looking for more information on the organization that they are a part of?  If so, you may find some of the following Boy Scouts facts interesting and well worth the read.

The Boy Scouts of America welcomes participation from all boys, typically between the ages of seven and twenty.  This is done through different membership levels, such as Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing.  In addition to welcoming school aged boys of all ages, the Boy Scouts of America also welcomes those with disabilities, including mental and physical disabilities.  While the goal is to treat all boy the same, some Den Leaders may make special accommodations or adjustments for those with disabilities.

While a large number of Boy Scouts do so through local groups and councils, not everyone is provided with the same luxury. There are a number of boys who wish to join this well-known organization, but can’t.  Whether that reason is for transportation issues, weather, or isolation, the Boy Scouts of America has a plan. That plan is referred to is known as the Lone Scout Plan.  Loan Scouts will be updated on nearby activities, which they may wish to join in on. They will also be provided with, through mailings, a list of at-home activities that are ideal for Lone Scouting. 

Boys’ Life is a magazine that is commonly referred to as the main publication for the Boy Scouts of America. The Boys’ Life Magazine comes in three different versions, ideal for Boy Scouts of different age groups.  If your child would like to learn more about the Boy Scouts, as well as fun activities that they can do on their own time, you may want to get your child a subscription to Boys’ Life.  All Boy Scout members receive a discounted subscription price.

Robert S. Baden-Powell, Ernest Thompson Seton, Daniel Carter Beard, William D. Boyce, and James E. West all had a hand in founding and organizing the Boy Scouts of America.  This is according to the official website for the Boy Scouts of America, which can be found with a standard internet search. In 1914, Robert S. Baden-Powell developed the Cub Scouting program, which is designed for younger boys. Today this division is one of the most popular and active ones!

Merit badges have become a staple of the Boy Scouts.  In fact, merit badges are one of the first things noticed on a Boy Scout uniform.  Merit badges are awarded to all levels of Boy Scouts, including those in Cub Scouting and Boy Scouting.  There are over one hundred and twenty merit badges that can be earned by Boy Scouts overtime.  These merit badges often require the completion of specific activities, such as camping, home repairs, or nature.

The above-mentioned facts are just a few of the many that you may find interesting, concerning the Boy Scouts of America.  In fact, there are so many interesting facts that you could examine that it could take you hours on end to do the research. With that in mind, if you do have a few hours, you and your child may want to visit the online website for the Boy Scouts of America.  Your child may enjoy learning more about the organization that they know and love.

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How to defeat terrorism

Photo: Pixabay

Stopping terrorism is not like gambling, in poker, there are different variables that can affect the outcome but it fighting terror the only way to win is to fight to the end.

Many people think that the terrorist feels they have been wronged by something or someone and that giving them something will end the fight be it land or money, but history has repeatedly shown us that by appeasing the terrorists we are only giving them what they want and prolonging the fight. They will continue to take everything they are given but they never stop wanting more.

An example of this is clear in the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. Israel allows the PLO to return to the west bank and Gaza and form the Palestinian Authority, Israel supplied weapons and the Americans provided training to the Palestinians so they could start an army to fight crime and terrorism.

Israel was repaid by the terrorists by suicide bombings in malls, restaurants, clubs, and busses. 

More recently Israel pulled all Jews from Gaza and gave all the land to the Palestinians. The Israelis left behind infrastructure and greenhouses, which could have been used for businesses by the Palestinians. The moment the last troops were out of Gaza the terrorists destroyed what the Israelis left behind and again repaid them with rockets on Sderot and Ashkelon, two Jewish cities bordering Gaza.

Many of you are thinking that these problems were brought on by the Israelis stealing Palestinians land, but what was it that the United States did that angered Al Qaeda?

Many will say it is because America has troops in Saudi Arabia where the two holiest locations to the Muslim people are, these people are wrong. This fight is not about the terrorists wanting America out of the Middle East. 

This was is about the pride of one individual. Osama Bin Laden, and that’s all it is about. 

In 1991 when Saddam Hussein Invaded Kuwait, Saudi Arabia was worried and was looking to get help to protect its oil fields. Osama Bin Laden offered his assistance to help protect his homeland with the help of his Mujahadim, who had helped protect Afghanistan from the Russians in the 80's.

But rather than gamble on Bin Laden's holey warriors, the Saudis asked for help from the United States, and this wounded Bin Laden's pride. Now Bin Laden is on a quest to show the world that he is the true protector of Islam, do not be fooled this is a war of religion.

The only thing that has ever worked is not to try to negotiate with these people but to fight them with force. You will find that with any military action against terrorists once you start to make some headway they will start to yell about a Hudna or temporary cease-fire.

When you are in a poker tournament in Casinos Online or land-based and your opponent is almost out of chips, do you back off and let your enemy regroup or go all in and force him out.

The Only way to defeat terrorism is to fight terrorism whenever and wherever it shows its head and to never let up on those who would use terror to forward their goals.

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