Sabtu, 04 Januari 2014

The 10 Best Chocolatiers in the World

Each chocolatier on our list produces signature melt-in-your-mouth chocolates, be it a single-source dark chocolate bar, a cream- or liqueur-filled bonbon, a praline, fruit dipped in chocolate, a truffle, fudge, or some other sinfully delicious treat. You will never regret indulging yourself with the confections produced by these premier chocolate-makers.
1. Teuscher (Zurich, Switzerland)
Teuscher’s version of a box of chocolate. (Photograph by Maako Tazawa, Flickr)
The Teuscher chocolate tradition began more than 70 years ago in a small town in the Swiss Alps. Dolf Teuscher scoured the world to find the finest cocoa, marzipan, fruits, nuts, and other ingredients with which to make his confectionery. After years of experimenting, he skillfully blended these ingredients into his now famous recipes.
Today the Teuscher kitchens in Zurich make more than 100 varieties of chocolates using these original recipes, which have been handed down from father to son. Only the finest and most expensive natural ingredients are used, and absolutely no chemicals, additives, or preservatives are added. The house specialty is a champagne truffle, a blend of fresh cream, butter, and chocolate with a champagne cream center, dusted with confectioner’s sugar. Chocolates are flown to Teuscher stores worldwide weekly.
2. Vosges Haut-Chocolat (Chicago, Illinois, USA)
Owner and chocolatier Katrina Markoff chooses every spice, flower, and chocolate that is flown into the Vosges kitchen to be transformed into fine chocolates. She learned the art of French confectionery at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Further inspired by her global apprenticeships, infusions of rare spices and flowers are combined with premium chocolate in truffles such as Mexican vanilla bean and Argentinean dulce de leche.
3. Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker, Inc. (Berkeley, California, USA)
Scharffen Berger chocolate bars wrapped in a bow. (Photograph by John Loo, Flickr)
Specializing in dark chocolate, Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker is a premier chocolate manufacturer. It executes each step of the manufacturing process itself, all the way from bean to bar, to ensure that its finished chocolate delivers a flavor like no other. The chocolate-makers first find the finest cacao available, then carefully taste and blend beans of different origins to create a unique flavor profile. All the chocolate is made in small batches using artisanal manufacturing methods. In addition to its ready-to-eat bars, Scharffen Berger makes a variety of baking chocolates.
4. Jacques Torres Chocolate (New York, New York, USA)
When you step into Jacques Torres Chocolate, you feel as though you’ve stepped into a small European specialty store. Many customers compare the experience to the movie Chocolat. Jacques specializes in fresh, handcrafted chocolates. Eat them there, where cafe tables encourage you to sit, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy a freshly baked pain au chocolat — or take a selection home. Visitors often can see the chocolate goodies being prepared behind large glass windows. There are five Jacques Torres Chocolate shops in the city, plus one in Harrah’s in Atlantic City.
5. Norman Love Confections (Ft. Myers, Florida, USA)
Unwrapping Valrhona’s Ampamakia bar. (Photograph by Everjean, Flickr)
“Chocolate is my passion,” says Norman Love, who dreamed of making chocolate that was visually stunning as well as delicious. Love and a partner perfected a technique in which the colored designs for each candy are hand-painted or airbrushed into chocolate molds, which are then filled with the finest chocolate imported from Belgium, France, and Switzerland. The pumpkin white chocolate bonbon is almost too gorgeous to eat. Using only the freshest ingredients, his recipes call for pureed raspberries, bananas, ginger, caramel, passionfruit, and hazelnuts, to name a few.
6. Valrhona (France)
Valrhona has been creating exceptional gourmet chocolate since 1922, with cocoa beans purchased directly from premier plantations in South America, the Caribbean, and Pacific regions. The chocolate, made in the French style, comes in a variety of bars. Valrhona was one of the first chocolatiers to describe its chocolate like wine, labeling creations as grand cru, single origins, single estate, and vintage chocolate from bean to bar. In 2008, it introduced spicy, salty Xocopili.
7. Godiva Chocolatier (Brussels, Belgium and worldwide)
It’s all about finishing touches at Godiva. (Photograph by Everjean, Flickr)
The beginning of Godiva chocolates traces back to a 1920s chocolate- and sweet-making workshop owned and operated by the Draps family in Brussels, Belgium. Their “pralines,” typical Belgian filled chocolates, were sold in the large, highly fashionable shops. At the age of 14, Joseph Draps went into the family business. Over the years, he developed both his ability and creative talent as a master chocolate-maker as well as his business sense. He decided to create a prestige range of chocolates and to give it an evocative name. He chose “Godiva” and marketed his chocolates in instantly recognizable gold boxes. In recognition of its excellence, Godiva has been rewarded with an appointment as supplier to the Court of Belgium. Godiva continues to be an innovator in gourmet chocolate.
8. Richard Donnelly Fine Chocolates (Santa Cruz, California, USA)
These chocolates are unusual, to say the least. Richard Donnelly likes to push the chocolate experience by combining its rich tones — he uses Belgian and French chocolate — with ingredients such as lavender, chipotle, saffron, cardamom, and Earl Grey tea. Such innovation helped Donnelly win the Best Artisan award at the prestigious Euro Chocolate Festival in Perugia, Italy, just ten years after he opened his shop. To maintain quality and ensure freshness, Donnelly produces no more than 50 pounds of chocolate a day. If you need a break from the exotic and unusual flavors, try Donnelly’s white chocolate macadamia nut or a honey vanilla caramel.
9. Richart (Paris, France)
Puccini Bomboni’s doesn’t deliver, but it’s well worth a trip to Amsterdam. (Photograph by Namealus, Flickr)
Committed to quality, the French chocolate-maker Richart guarantees you the most refined chocolates from the most refined ingredients. Richart recipes, developed and tested by the Richart family, have won France’s most prestigious confectioner’s honor, the Ruban Bleu, seven times. Having perfected the art of chocolate making, Richart now focuses on enhanced flavors and distinctive designs and colors. A box of assorted chocolates is visually stunning. If you really want to impress, splurge on the $850 burlwood vault with seven drawers of chocolate — complete with temperature and humidity gauges.
10. Puccini Bomboni (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
You will actually have to visit Amsterdam to sample what may be the best chocolates in the Netherlands. The proprietors of Puccini Bomboni, a delightful cafe and restaurant, hand-make each chocolate on the premises and do not deliver. Exotic combinations of chocolate and spices, concocted from the freshest ingredients, are a specialty. Although the variety isn’t enormous, the quality is truly amazing.
This list originally appeared in the National Geographic book, The 10 Best of Everything: An Ultimate Guide for Travelers, by Nathaniel Lande and Andrew Lande.

Switzerland

Want to a vacation in a wonderful place? Switzerland may be the right choice. The diversity of the landlocked, mountainous country is the essence of Switzerland and gives the country its unique identity. Along with its attractiveness as one of Europe's main tourist destination, it is best known for its financial institutions, fine cheeses and chocolate. Switzerland provides the most wonderful panoramic views of the Alps. Though small, Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world, no wonder many tourists spend a vacation in Switzerland.
The following is the top tourist attractions in Switzerland :

1. The Matterhorn


The "Matterhorn" is one of the world's most famous mountain. It rises 4478 meters high, but is not the highest mountain in Switzerland. Today, many climbers summit the Matterhorn each year, and all the faces of the mountain have been ascended in all seasons, though even the easiest route to the top is considered a fairly difficult climb.Visit this tourist attractions will gives you the great experience.

2. Swiss National Park


The Swiss National Park, founded in 1914, is the oldest in the Alps. This is one of the amazing Swiss tourist attraction. Swiss National Park is the finest place to see the views of Alps. This park is so big that it covers half the area of Switzerland. Here you can also see some animals including eagles, marmots and elks. It is a worth-seeing park but it is not permitted to pitch a tent and spend night in this park.

3. The Chillon Castle


The Chillon Castle – Also known as the Chateau de Chillon, the Chillon Castle is one of the most famous castles in Switzerland located near Montreux. The castle become one of the best tourist attractions in Switzerland. It was home to the Count of Savoys from the 12th to the 14th century, and consists of 100 buildings, several dungeons, three courtyards and four great halls. Each hall provides spectacular views of Lake Geneva.

4. Zermatt


Being located at the base of the Swiss Alps makes this ski resort one of the most beloved. Zermatt is famous for its beautiful ski resort where you can enjoy skiing. If you are not interested in skiing then there are several other options. You can enjoy dining in a gourmand restaurant. There are also markets around the town where you can do a lot of shopping.

5. The Tropical Alps


In this tourist attractions you will find palm trees here. Ticino is very close to Italy, and offers glaciers as well as palm trees. The culture is rich and diverse in this area, and is little known to those who don’t live in Switzerland.

6. Lake Geneva 


Lake Geneva is one of the largest lakes in all of Europe, The lake itself is a gorgeous destination, Lake Geneva is one of the world's most beautiful lakethat lies between Switzerland and France60owned by Swiss and 40%owned by France. This lake looks like a crescent moon if viewed from above,has an area of ​​nearly 600 km2The lake is often to yacht sport yacht. Take a private boat tour of the lake for the best views.

7. Interlaken


Be active in Interlaken. The city boasts countless recreational activities, from the more tame hiking and skiing to adventure sports like paragliding, bungee jumping, or even river rafting. With beautiful scenery surrounding the area, it is no surprise that most visitors visit this place to explore the great outdoors.

8. Zurich


You can’t forget about the 2000 year old town that rich in history. Zurich is the city of Switzerland is full with trendy cafes, international boutiques, and the hustle and bustle of modern life.

9. The Rhine Falls


The Rhine Falls are located in the town of Schaffhausen, and are the largest waterfalls in all of Europe. Take in the stunning sights of these waterfalls from the several viewing platforms, or take a boat ride around the falls themselves, which are lit up each summer for a special celebration.

10. Aletsch glacier


This is the longest and most breathtaking glacier in the Alps at 23 km long. It is the easiest to access, and it is the sight of the first UNESCO World Heritage site. This glacier is found in the western-southern part of Switzerland in the Aletsch region.

Hope this information about tourist attractions in Switzerland could useful for you whose plan your trip to Switzerland.

Top Ten Most Haunted Places in the World

All of us have heard and enjoyed ghost stories in our childhood. We might have forgotten some but some still lingers in our mind.

Let me remind you reading this is not for the weak hearted and visiting these places…well they are absolutely NO! These top 10 most haunted places in the world have left many lives scarred, bamboozled out of their wits and changed their lives.

Believe me when I say that these top 10 most haunted places in the world were hard to pick. To accommodate a top 10 list is always a tough ask. A host of other scary, spooky and haunted places were left as this is just about the 10 that gives the maximum thrill and spine chilling experience should you visit these places.

So are you ready to have a go at this spooky list...?

Read at your own risk :-)

10. Puveglia Island, Italy

Puveglia Island, Venice
Puveglia Island, Venice is considered one of the most haunted places in the world
When you hear the name Venice, beautiful architecture, canals and bridges float though your mind. But hold on not all that glitters is gold.

One of the islands of Venice also happens to be one of the most haunted palces in the world. As if just this label doesn’t give you the full picture, Puveglia Island is also considered one of the most eveil places in the world, arguably second only to Auschwitz.

Poveglia Island is one of many islands in the lagoons of Venice, Italy which was used as a plaque quarantine zone. As to the magnitude of horror and evil, 160,000 infected sould including women and children died here during plaques that struck Europe.

Infected were first dumped in trenches and later other dumped were burnt alive. According to some whispers, half of the island soil now consists of human remains and the surface is ashen with burnt human flesh.

To add to the horror of Puveglia Island, an evil doctor opened a mental hospital In 1922 and undertook cruel experiments on his subjects. Local legend says that one doctor at the hospital tortured and killed many of his patients, butchering them horribly only to later die by falling from, or possibly being thrown off of, its bell tower.

With a past this ominous, it's not surprising that Poveglia is considered one of the most haunted places in the world. The island is closed to public but has caught the attention of ghost hunters and paranormal researchers.

Those valiant souls who have dodged the police to set foot on Puveglia Island say that the mons and screams of horror reverberates in the air and ruins of the island.  There is a feeling of the most intense evil which is unbearable and some even claim that they have heard a whisper; “get of this place and never come back”.

09. Changi Beach: Singapore

Changi Beach, Singapore
Changi Beach, Singapore
Located on the northwestern tip of Singapore, Changi Beach once served as a popular killing ground of Chinese soldiers by Japanese during Second World War.

Thousands of innocent Chinese soldiers were tortured and killed during this operation as they were suspected of being indulged into anti-Japan activities.

The strange screaming and crying of Chinese soldiers have been reported by the people. Often at night people can find deep dug holes as that needed for burying dead bodies.

Highgate Cemetery, London

High gate Cemetary, England
High gate Cemetary, England
High gate Cemetery is a popular cemetery in North London which scores among the haunted places in United Kingdom.

The old section in the Western Part of the cemetery is the part which adds to the spooky character with its dark ambience, overgrown vegetation, spooky Egyptian Avenues and Gothic architecture.

This visit to this part is only allowed as part of a guided tour. It is said that as the night falls the haunted environment starts to descend the panorama.

07. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
A magnificent castle perched atop of volcanic Castle Rock. Edinburgh castle is a major tourist attraction offering panoramic view of Scottish hills and grassland.

The massive citadel is claimed to be one of the most haunted spots in Scotland. Many visitors of the castle said to have reported ghost dogs, a headless drummer and the spirits of seven year French war prisoners and colonial prisoners from American War of Independence.

White House, United States

The White House, USA
The White House, USA
The White house is the official residence of the president of America.

The place is full of ghostly incidents reported in the past. Several people are said to have witnessed the spirits of former presidents of America such as President Harrison, President Jackson, the first lady Abigail Adams and the latest one being Abraham Lincoln.

Eleanor Roosevelt reported that she felt the presence of Abraham Lincoln observing her while she was working in her Bedroom.

Bhangarh, India

Bhangarh, India
Bhangarh, India
Bhangarh is a deserted town in the Alwar district of Rajasthan state. Established by Madho Singh in 1613, the town is said to be cursed by a black magician.

A popular legend has it that a black magician Singhia cursed the fort palace that everyone who resides in this palace would die and their spirits would get imprisoned in the palace forever without rebirth.

The haunted status of the place attracts a number of tourists and daring souls to this elusive fort in the outskirts of Alwar. Want to know more about most haunted places in India? Click here

Whaley House, United States of America


Whaley House is recognized by US Commerce Department as an official haunted house. Image courtesy kissfm.com
United States is a country where the spooky, specters and spirits abound; there are multitude of ghost stories and horror tales of the supernatural. One of these spine chilling locations in USA is the Whaley House in California.

The Whaley House in San Diego, is a historic landmark in California. It is one of the most haunted houses in the USA and the World with a dark and disturbing history. The Greek Revival-style residence built in 1857 by Thomas Whaley is renowned for its alleged spooky encounters.

Formerly the site of a cemetery, Whaley House is a home to many a ghosts including the family members of Whaley family. Even when the Whaley family lived here, they allegedly reported hearing sounds of heavy footsteps moving about the house. This was reportedly attributed to the ghost of James “Yankee Jim” Robinson who was hanged in September 1852.

It is also believed that the spirit of Violet Whaley, who committed suicide in this house in 1885 also haunts the house. Many a police officers on duty and passersby have reported seeing a “real” looking crying lady who smiled when accosted and then vanished from sight.

Other spirits that are believed to be haunting Whaley house include great granddaughter of Anna and Thomas Whaley who died tragically in the house in 1912 and Mr and Mrs Whaley themselves.

Many psychics, including Hanz Holzer and Sybil Leek, have claimed to have sensed paranormal activities at the Whaley House making it one of the most reliably haunted structures in the United States. Whaley House also happens to be recognized by the United States Commerce Department as an official Haunted House.

Monte Cristo Homestead, Australia

Monte Cristo Homestead, Australia
Monte Cristo Homestead, Australia
Monte Cristo is a historic two-storeyed mansion plagued by many tragedies and deaths over the years. The homestead is declared as 'Australia's Most Haunted House' owing to some spooky experiences of the people like bodiless ghosts, phantom sounds and ghostly voices.

It is said that the owner of the house, Mrs. Crawely never came out of her home after the demise of her husband in 23 years except for two times.

The homestead is now a tourist site with a museum and antique store housed within the mansion.

Myrtle Plantation, United States

Myrtle Plantation, Lousiana
Myrtle Plantation, Lousiana
Touted to be the America’s most haunted house, Myrtle Plantation is claimed to be home to at least 10 ghosts.

This place has been part of several documentaries and research and most of them claim that there is something spooky and haunted about this place.

The plantation is a bread and breakfast and offers ghost tours to those looking forward to experience spooky and mysterious.

Tower of London: Most Haunted Places in the World

Tower of London England
Tower of London, England
Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress popularly known as the Tower of London may be one of the most well preserved and most haunted places in the world.

There are a number of ghost stories and legends from the Tower of London which is not surprising considering the fact that over its 1000 years old history, the fortress has seen scores of murders, execution and torture take place within it precincts.

The most famous ghosts of the tower are supposedly the Henry VI and Arabella Stuart.

Do you believe we have left out any. Do you believe there are more spine-chilling places in the world which are more haunted and spooky then these ten most haunted places in the world? If you do, then we'd welcome your suggestions in the comment section below.

Happy haunting!!!

GERUND GERUND

THE GERUND


This looks exactly the same as a present participle, and for this reason it is now common to call both forms 'the -ing form'. However it is useful to understand the difference between the two. The gerund always has the same function as a noun (although it looks like a verb), so it can be used:
a. as the subject of the sentence:
  • Eating people is wrong.
  • Hunting tigers is dangerous.
  • Flying makes me nervous.
b. as the complement of the verb 'to be':
  • One of his duties is attending meetings.
  • The hardest thing about learning English is understanding the gerund.
  • One of life's pleasures is having breakfast in bed.
c. after prepositions. The gerund must be used when a verb comes after a preposition:
  • Can you sneeze without opening your mouth?
  • She is good at painting.
  • They're keen on windsurfing.
  • She avoided him by walking on the opposite side of the road.
  • We arrived in Madrid after driving all night.
  • My father decided against postponing his trip to Hungary.
This is also true of certain expressions ending in a preposition, e.g. in spite of, there's no point in..:
  • There's no point in waiting.
  • In spite of missing the train, we arrived on time.
d. after a number of 'phrasal verbs' which are composed of a verb + preposition/adverb
Example:
to look forward to, to give up, to be for/against, to take to, to put off, to keep on:
  • I look forward to hearing from you soon. (at the end of a letter)
  • When are you going to give up smoking?
  • She always puts off going to the dentist.
  • He kept on asking for money.
NOTE: There are some phrasal verbs and other expressions that include the word 'to' as a preposition, not as part of a to-infinitive: - to look forward to, to take to, to be accustomed to, to be used to. It is important to recognise that 'to' is a preposition in these cases, as it must be followed by a gerund:
  • We are looking forward to seeing you.
  • I am used to waiting for buses.
  • She didn't really take to studying English.
It is possible to check whether 'to� is a preposition or part of a to-infinitive: if you can put a noun or the pronoun 'it' after it, then it is a preposition and must be followed by a gerund:
  • I am accustomed to it (the cold).
  • I am accustomed to being cold.
e. in compound nouns

Example:

  • driving lesson, a swimming pool, bird-watching, train-spotting
It is clear that the meaning is that of a noun, not of a continuous verb.

Example:

  • the pool is not swimming, it is a pool for swimming in.
f. after the expressions:
can't help, can't stand, it's no use/good, and the adjective worth:
  • She couldn't help falling in love with him.
  • I can't stand being stuck in traffic jams.
  • It's no use/good trying to escape.
  • It might be worth phoning the station to check the time of the train.

If Conditional

http://www.edufind.com/english/grammar/if_conditional1.php


There are four main types of 'if' sentences in English:
1. The 'zero' conditional, where the tense in both parts of the sentence is the simple present:
'IF' CLAUSEMAIN CLAUSE
If + simple presentIf you heat ice
If it rains
simple presentit melts.
you get wet
In these sentences, the time is now or always and the situation is real and possible. They are often used to refer to general truths.
2. The Type 1 conditional, where the tense in the 'if clause is the simple present, and the tense in the main clause is the simple future
'IF' CLAUSEMAIN CLAUSE
If + simple presentIf it rains
If you don't hurry
Simple futureyou will get wet
we will miss the train.
In these sentences, the time is the present or future and the situation is real. They refer to a possible condition and its probable result.
3. The Type 2 conditional, where the tense in the 'if' clause is the simple past, and the tense in the main clause is the present conditional:
'IF' CLAUSEMAIN CLAUSE
If + simple pastIf it rained
If you went to bed earlier
Present conditionalyou would get wet
you wouldn't be so tired.
In these sentences, the time is now or any time, and the situation is unreal. They are notbased on fact, and they refer to an unlikely or hypothetical condition and its probable result.
4. The Type 3 conditional, where the tense in the 'if' clause is the past perfect, and the tense in the main clause is the perfect conditional:
'IF' CLAUSEMAIN CLAUSE
If + past perfectIf it had rained
If you had worked harder
Perfect conditionalyou would have got wet
you would have passed the exam.
In these sentences, the time is past, and the situation is contrary to reality. The facts they are based on are the opposite of what is expressed, and they refer to an unreal past condition and its probable past result.
A further type of 'if' sentence exists, where Type 2 and Type 3 are mixed. The tense in the'if' clause is the past perfect, and the tense in the main clause is the present conditional:
'IF' CLAUSEMAIN CLAUSE
If + past perfectIf I had worked harder at school
If we had looked at the map
Present conditionalI would have a better job now.
we wouldn't be lost.
In these sentences, the time is past in the 'if' clause, and present in the main clause. They refer to an unreal past condition and its probable result in the present.

Selasa, 24 Desember 2013


This is one of my favorite song, and I relaxed when i listen it.