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Two Beekman Brothers - Traveling the World in Search of Great Beer

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Commercial Fridge Buying Tips – How to Get the Best Unit

Commercial refrigerators are used in a variety of business settings, they can also be used in your home if a domestic appliance is not good enough. If you run a business from your home or you need a commercial refrigerator for a shop, restaurant, café, or supermarket, it is important to find one that meets all your requirements. Here are some useful tips to consider buying a commercial refrigerator.

Storage Capacity

Whether you run a business from home or you rent a commercial space, your food business needs to have good quality storage space to meet the demands of the industry. Commercial refrigerators from Electrolux are specially designed to store high volumes of food for businesses operating in the hospitality industry.

If your business sells food, you will need to have the right size fridge to store produce. Consider your most demanding period and see if the fridge is large enough to successfully store produce with a little bit of space left over.

If the unit is going to be used in a commercial setting, you need something that is accessible and easy to use during busy periods. Sometimes it is best to check the fridge out in person before you make a purchase.

Additional Features

Once you have decided on a size, the next thing to consider is functionality. If you have limited space in the kitchen, you may go for an all-in-one unit that contains built-in freezers. If space is not an issue, you can select bigger individual refrigerators and freezers.

When running a restaurant or café, you think about all kinds of features when setting up your business. You have to consider the décor, dinnerware, and furniture. A commercial refrigerator is just as important as all these things and when buying one you must carefully consider your options.

If the fridge is going to be on display to the public, it is always better to invest in a stainless-steel unit as it looks more professional.

Energy Efficient

A good quality commercial fridge will bring in savings and help to lower energy consumption. All of these features reduce overheads and help to bring down your monthly utility bills. This applies to home businesses and commercial settings.

Energy costs can take a large part of your budget, that is why it makes sense to invest in energy-efficient kitchen appliances for your restaurant or café. If the refrigerator is going to be used for a long period, it makes more sense to invest in an energy-efficient unit.

Self-Closing Doors

Most people invest in commercial refrigerators for business purposes, they are used in supermarkets, coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. All of these places are fast-paced environments, and it comes in handy when you have self-closing doors on the fridge.

There are many factors to consider when buying a commercial refrigerator for your home or business. You must think about your needs and purchase a unit that will make life easier in the kitchen. All of the points raised above are there to help buyers make the right choices when investing in a commercial refrigerator.

 

Vaping Nicotine or Marijuana – The Safer Option

The widespread hype about the dangers of vaping and its adverse effects have raised more questions in the minds of enthusiasts across the country. The stimulus package signed by the outgoing Trump administration contained a vital clause that is directed at all kinds of vaping delivery systems. Not just nicotine, but all other CBD oil and marijuana vaping devices are now banned for USPS delivery. The intention here is to make vapes inaccessible primarily to underage users at higher risk from the ill-effects. But, the one controversy that stands out is – nicotine or marijuana – which is worse for your health. Let’s explore some important facts.

Vaping Associated Pulmonary Illness – The Worrying Issue

Lung damage associated with vaping is one of the leading causes for concern for apex health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This fact is true regardless of the kind of e-juices used in the vapes, nicotine or marijuana. Statistics gathered from across the country affirm that 68 people have died and another 2,807 admitted into the hospital for treating EVALI cases. Or, “popcorn” lungs as the condition is also called.

Although E-cigarette or Vaping Product-use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) is mainly associated with nicotine inhalation, health authorities have identified the key culprit responsible for the damage – vitamin E acetate. This chemical is present in all liquids used in electronic inhalation systems. It is extracted from corn and vegetable oils but can also be synthesized from petroleum products.

Vitamin E Acetate is Only Safe for Using in Food and Cosmetics

Vitamin E acetate is a food additive and is often used to fortify breakfast spreads, cereals, and fruit juices. Applying it on your skin in creams and toners is also safe unless you’re particularly allergic to the compound. However, illegal manufacturers often use vitamin E acetate as a thinning agent to dilute e-juices, CBD oils, and THC oils. And, research clearly shows that breathing in the chemical is exceedingly harmful to health.

Vitamin E containing alpha-tocopherol is the most commonly used version since it is resistant to oxidation and has a longer shelf life. When inhaled, tocopherols form a layer on the lung’s fluid lining and interfere with the exchange of gases. As a result, your lungs are unable to absorb adequate oxygen and filter out carbon dioxide. Over time, the lung cells start to die.

Let’s Talk About Marijuana

The federal government considers marijuana illegal, though many states have permitted the drug for recreational use. Medical authorities have also accepted the benefits of marijuana for various conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain management for chronic diseases like cancer and arthritis, and numerous others. Patients can get prescriptions for the drug and consume it in pill form. However, the trouble starts when users combine marijuana with vitamin E acetate and add it to vaping and inhaling devices.

Vaping Marijuana is Not Recommended

Research shows that vaping with liquid marijuana is consuming the drug at high concentrations. You can expect that the high you get from smoking will be faster and much more potent than if you were to smoke the dry herb. The vaping delivery system intensifies the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on your body. If you’re trying vaping marijuana for the first time or use it only occasionally, you could expect to experience more adverse reactions than if you were to smoke the herb.

What About Nicotine Vaping to Quit Smoking

Nicotine vaping is an effective way to give up smoking for good. However, it is critical to use devices, e-liquids, and e-juices sold by certified vendors and online sellers. Should you visit licensed websites, you can read more about the components of the e-juices so you can make an informed choice. Select brands like Hyde Vape that use safe and permitted ingredients like Vegetable Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, and liquid nicotine. You must also match the nicotine content to your smoking habits and phase out the dependence gradually.

Vaping Nicotine or Marijuana – Be Wary About Vitamin E Acetate

Regardless of whether you’re using nicotine or marijuana, take care to eliminate vitamin E acetate entirely. Know that purchasing e-liquids on the street or from unauthorized social media sites raises your risk of getting popcorn lung or hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by your immune system reacting to the damage. Whether you’re using vaping for smoking cessation or marijuana for medical purposes, consult your general practitioner for information about the safer channels for consuming the compounds.

Choose Safer Methods for Consuming Nicotine or Marijuana

The answer to your next question – what are safer methods to consume nicotine or marijuana? Several methods are available to smokers wishing to quit the habit. Aside from vaping with e-liquids without vitamin E acetate, you can try options like nicotine chewing gum, patches, and lozenges. You can also get a nasal spray or inhaler or nicotine-free medications like Chantix and Zyban to help you kick the habit with the proper prescription.

If you need medical marijuana to help you with health issues, you can consume it safely with food. Your doctor will advise you to add it to items like brownies, cookies, candies, and gummy chews. Adding it to your coffee in creamers or drinking a tea made from the herb can also give you the complete benefits with none of the potential downsides. Of course, it is essential to consume only the recommended amount and prevent the possibility of getting addicted.

The Bottom Line – Is Vaping Safe?

In recent times, vaping with nicotine, marijuana, or even CBD oils is being scrutinized. Health agencies are raising awareness about the dangers of vaping with any e-liquid containing vitamin E acetate. This compound has been identified as the key ingredient that causes serious medical complications. When purchasing your supplies, take care to examine labels and get the necessary information. Stay informed about the health risks and phase out smoking – with nicotine or marijuana.

The Travel After: How Travelling Will Become Post-Pandemic

Coronavirus cases are still spiking at the start of 2021 in America and beyond. People are still not allowed to travel anywhere they please. Countries have remained closed to those with a U.S. passport, although travellers are already raring to scratch their itch for wanderlust.

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It’s easy to miss other countries for the variety that they offer to travellers. There is Australia with its homes featuring fixed decking you can lounge out on under the sun and the large outback; France and the City of Eternal Lights; Japan and the rush-hour of Tokyo; and the different, myriad places in Latin America, which is even just south of the border.

How long borders will remain closed remains unknown, but people are already looking to a time past that. Right now, here are some possible changes that might occur after the last reported coronavirus patient leaves the hospital, cured of the disease.

Travellers will become campaigners of sustainability

For sure, travel will face a surge of demand once restrictions are lifted, but that will be contrasted with travellers playing the role of guardians. What will they guard? Well, the environment always stands to lose a lot after an influx of irresponsible visitors. This is what travellers will be up on arms against-companies allowing travellers to just, well, travel.

Right now, you can play guardian by trying to keep your carbon footprint (trash and the like) to a minimum. If you plan to stay at the accommodation, make sure that it’s a green hotel. Websites available right now provide ratings on places based on eco-friendliness; if you want to be sure you’re staying at a green building, try that out.

Travelling will become an inclusive chore

Even during the pandemic, people have been demanding more inclusiveness. This doesn’t just mean the LGBTQ+ crowd-some people are being included in their demands. It is predicted that the landscape of travelling will change further to include everyone, regardless of race or gender.

Even travellers with disabilities and other conditions that make them feel not included will be well thought of. Indeed, if that happens-or continues to happen-it will be a very different travelling experience than the one that you may have experienced before the quarantine.

Travelling to smaller communities will grow

Many communities suffered during the pandemic, and most of them are found in the “global south” or third world or developing countries that depend on tourism. Most of these are found in South-East Asia. It is expected that travelling after the pandemic will bring more tourists here.

There will still be a huge demand for the Parises and the Hawaiis of the world, but the keyword here is mass tourism. After the pandemic, people might become warier of huge crowds that may carry mysterious illnesses. This will benefit the smaller communities more.

Travellers should remain aware of the guidelines

Before travelling anywhere, seasoned travellers will check the guidelines set by the authorities. Through this, some travellers managed not to get the virus, although others may have been unfortunate. Now, everybody is expected to check the guidelines after the pandemic regardless of whether there have been changes.

It is helpful to always consider checking it. There is different information here, and it will also tell you whether travel to a destination is already allowed or if it is still off-limits due to the pandemic or other reasons. You shouldn’t push through with your plans if it’s obvious that the place is not safe.

Travellers will be more aware of the WHO and CDC websites

This could be true after the recent pandemic. The WHO and the CDC are always on the lookout for new viruses on the scale of COVID-19, so it’s not over killing to always look at their advisories right before travelling. Who knows whether the place you’re going to is the breeding ground for a new coronavirus or some new contagious disease.

Information disseminated through these announcements will be easy to read because it is for the public. These aren’t the only advisories you have to read, of course, but they’ll become a necessity in the new normal.

Travelling under the new normal will still be like the old way of travelling, save for a few changes. People will become warier of places experiencing a small outbreak of a disease or something else. After all, their priority will still be their health, despite their desire to travel. If you’re a regular traveller, you should learn to include them in your to-do list to travel under the new normal.

 

10 Must Visit Attractions in Chennai

Chennai, the cultural capital of Southern India is a destination that has everything, starting from the rich culture to the thousand-year-old history. It is a great place to learn more about India and it will be heaven to all those history buffs out there. There are many temples, churches, museums and other significant monuments to visit. It can also be fun when you add a trip to beaches, zoos and local markets of the city. So, what are you waiting for? Book your flights through Cathay Pacific and explore the 10 attractions listed below once you get there!

  • Kapaleeswarar Temple

Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chennai, and it is one of the most visited temples in India. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kapaleeswarar and you can see people worshipping the ‘lingam’. The Dravidian architecture that dates back to the 7th century adorns the temple and you can see a beautifully done gopuram at a height of 40 meters in the temple complex. Apart from that, you can see cultural performances and pujas in the temple, especially in the evening.

  • San Thome Church

San Thome Church is one of the most popular Roman Catholic Basilica in the city of Chennai and also, in the world. It is one of the three basilicas in the world that has been constructed over a tomb of one of the apostles of Jesus. The San Thome Church gets its name because the tomb belongs to apostle Saint Thomas. It was built in 1523 by the Portuguese and later in the 19th century, it was rebuilt by the British, in Neo-Gothic architectural style while giving the status of a cathedral.

  • Vandalur Zoo

The Vandalur Zoo is the largest zoological park in India and therefore if you are travelling to Chennai with kids you should not skip this. It was established as the first public zoo in 1855 and you can see animals in their natural habitats. Today, it provides a home to more than 1200 animal species including 46 species that are endangered. You can see animals like lions, tigers, sambar deers, wolves, zebras, chimpanzees, sloth bears, turtles, elephants, macaws, pelicans, pythons, crocodiles and other animals in the Vandalur Zoo. Make sure to visit early to avoid the long queues.

  • The Government Museum

The Government Museum, which is also known as the Madras Museum is the oldest and second-largest museum in India. Believe it or not, it is also the tenth oldest museum in the world. So, you history buffs visiting the museum can alone go crazy for that fact. The Government Museum was established in 1851 to display the history and the culture of India. Today, you can see many exhibits from all over the world too. It is home to the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe. and you can also see other impressive displays like puppets, bronze statues of Hindu gods, animal statues, weaponry and a children’s museum.

  • Marina Beach

No trip to Chennai is complete if you miss visiting the Marina Beach. This is because Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world, going for 12 kilometres from Beasant Nagar to Fort St. George in the north. There are many things to be enjoyed in Marina Beach if you visit in the evening hours. You can stroll along the beach at the time of sunset while looking to buy something from the local vendors on the beachside. They sell almost everything and it is a great opportunity to buy handmade souvenirs. If you are with kids, you can let them play ball on the beach, fly kites or ride a pony. Pony rides are available for a little extra cost.

  • Fort St. George

Fort St. George is another iconic landmark in Chennai, and it is proof that the British controlled the city of Chennai and developed it into a city. It was the British capital in South India back in the 16th century. It has got its name from Britain’s patron saint, St. George and it has been used as the seat of Tamil Nadu since the independence from British. The fort is quite impressive because of its white coloured building and the blue colour pillars. You can also visit the Fort’s Museum which includes many portraits of the Madras Governor.

  • St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Church is the first Anglican church located in Chennai and it is located the Fort St George. It is also known as the oldest building with British architecture and therefore, it is both historically and a religiously significant church in the city. The constructions of the church began in 1678 and were completed in 1680 to also be the only bomb-proof building in Chennai at the time.

  • Guindy National Park

One of the must-visit attractions in Chennai if you are visiting with kids is Guindy National Park. It is one of the smallest national parks in India but provides a home to a wide diversity of flora and fauna. The green space is very soothing for a pleasant stroll in the evening hours and you can add to the excitement by watching animals like jackals, sloth bears, spotter deer, hyenas, star tortoises, crocodiles, lizards and much more. It is also home to 130 species of birds, so it is a great place for bird watching excursions.

  • T Nagar Shopping District

T Nagar Shopping District is the place you should go to in Chennai if you want to take back souvenirs to your loved ones back home. That being said, this shopping destination is a favourite of locals too, and you will find it to be a little more crowded than the normal markets. A suggestion would be to avoid visiting T Nagar Shopping District in the New Year, Thai Pongal Day or during any other Hindu festival. You can buy locally made items here starting from high-quality silk saris, handbags, shoes and much more!

  • The Broken Bridge

The Broken Bridge, as the name suggests, is a bridge that is broken and you cannot go anywhere if you are here. But it is a popular place among couples as the area is very picturesque and peaceful. You can also watch an incredible sunrise or a sunset here. This bridge was built in 1967 to connect to villages to assist fishermen in fishing but unfortunately, it had collapsed due to water currents of the river in 1977.

5 Kayak Fishing Tips to Perfect Your Skill

Do you love spending time in the great outdoors? If so, you’re not alone.

Going outside and exploring nature is one of the best parts of life. After all, the fresh air helps keep you young and healthy, and there are so many things to see and do.

Kayak fishing is a great outdoor activity. It combines two popular sports into one, providing a way to have fun and relax. If you’re planning to go kayak fishing for the first time, you’ve come to the right place for help.

This article takes a look at a few kayak fishing tips that will make your experience as enjoyable as possible. Keep reading to get the inside scoop.

1. Buying the Right Kayak

Let’s start by discussing your kayak. After all, the quality of your experience on the water will be determined by the quality of the kayak you choose.

Keep in mind that as a beginner, there’s no need to invest a small fortune in your vessel. And yet spending a little extra money now rather than buying the cheapest kayak you can find will make a huge difference. The key is to look for the best deal possible on a kayak you can use for years.

Many people make the mistake of buying a budget kayak with the intention to upgrade later. But this is ultimately a waste of money. The smarter strategy is to shop around, look for a great deal on a quality kayak, and then select one that fits within your budget.

Here are more tips for choosing the best inflatable fishing kayak.

2. Buying the Right Paddle

The same rule of thumb applies to buying a kayaking paddle. Simply put, invest in the best paddle you can afford. This will make your experience on the water as enjoyable as possible and help keep you safe.

3. Kayaking Safety Tips

These waster safety rules apply to beginners and seasoned kayakers alike. After all, safety should always be your top priority.

First, never anchor your kayak in a swift current. Why? Because you could easily flip your kayak if you get turned in the wrong direction.

Next, always remember to have a straight blade within reach. Why? This will enable you to cut your anchor line or fishing line when you need to get out of trouble quickly.

Third, always wear a PFD or Personal Flotation Device. This is the key to remaining safe no matter your level of experience.

It’s also wise to make sure you are as visible as possible. This means wearing bright colors that can be easily seen from a distance.

4. Casting From a Kayak

Casting from your kayak can be challenging. The key is to become as familiar with your equipment as possible, then relax so that the lower have of your body so that your movements won’t cause your kayak to rock.

5. Landing Fish

Once you’ve hooked a fish, you’ll want to land it without tipping your boat. The key is to put your rod in the hand that is furthest from the fish, keeping tension on the line, and then gently pulling up the fish so that you can cradle the fish without rocking or tipping the boat.

A Guide to the Top Kayak Fishing Tips for Beginners

Spending time on the water is always a blast. Fortunately, these kayak fishing tips will help you have the best experience possible.

Keep scrolling to discover more great lifestyle tips on this blog.

How Does the Disney Vacation Club Work?

There’s no doubt about it: people all over the world love Disney. Every year, 58 million people visit Disney World and 18 million visit Disneyland!

Whether you’re an adult or have a family of little ones who love the magic of Disney, you probably want to get your fill of these theme parks. In that case, you should consider taking advantage of the Disney Vacation Club.

Are you interested in joining the Disney Vacation Club? Then keep reading, as we’ll tell you all about it in this article!

What Is the Disney Vacation Club?

The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is basically a timeshare program, but Disney style. If you don’t know how timeshares work, here’s a quick rundown.

When you buy into a timeshare, this means you partially own that property. As a result, you get to use it at certain times of the year.

As the name suggests, you’ll have to share property usage with others. But because you’ve all pitched in for the property cost, this means you get to enjoy something like a resort home for a part of the year by paying a small fraction of what it’d cost to buy on your own.

With the Disney Vacation Club, you don’t actually “own” any properties. However, you own the rights to go vacation at DVC resorts all around the world. DVC even allows you to book cruise vacations and more!

Other benefits of a DVC membership include no resort taxes, free resort parking, home resort priority, and discounts on park tickets. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, so make sure you read more in the fine print when signing up.

How Does the Disney Vacation Club Work?

To be a part of the Disney Vacation Club, you have to buy rental points. With these points, you can redeem them for stays at Disney properties.

When you buy points, you choose a “home resort”, which is a set Disney resort you’ll enjoy additional benefits at.

Do note that not all Disney resorts are available to book through DVC points. For example, in California, the only resort you can book using DVC points is the Villas at the Grand California Hotel.

However, what’s great about Disney Vacation Club points is they’re not just for booking resort stays!

As we mentioned in the introduction, you can also book Disney cruises with your points. In addition, there are some non-Disney hotels you can stay at. They include Concierge Collection Hotels and RCI timeshares.

As you can see, with your DVC points, you’ll be able to enjoy lots of flexible options when it comes to booking vacations.

Buying Points

Every year, you’ll buy the same amount of points; this will remain unchanged from year to year. However, you can always choose to add points later on.

Point Allocation

Points for a vacation at a resort aren’t static either. Depending on the time of the year you want to vacation, the size of the room, and how long you want to stay, you’ll have to spend different amount of points.

For example, if you want to stay in a luxury villa for an extended period of time during high season, you’ll be shelling out significantly more DVC points than if you stayed at a smaller, more basic room during the off-season for a few days.

A room’s point cost won’t stay the same throughout the year either. Again, it’ll cost more points during high season than in off-season.

There are 5 different seasons when it comes to Disney World. So keep this in mind when you’re buying and spending points, as the point allocation won’t always stay the same.

Other Information About DVC Points

What’s great is if you don’t use all of your points in one year, you can roll them over to the next. On the other hand, if you run out of points for a year, you can borrow some from the next.

Of course, these actions do come with some restrictions. For example, there are only certain times of the year you can do so, as well as the number of times you can perform such actions.

Disney Vacation Club Cost

There’s no one single answer for how much DVC costs. Several factors impact your cost, such as which home resort you choose (the more popular it is, the more it’ll cost).

Also, the cost will depend on if you buy directly from Disney or from a resale company. Buying directly will always be more expensive.

In addition, you’re not just paying for your points. There are also dues you need to pay, which will change from year to year. For instance, the 2021 DVC annual dues will most likely be more than what they were in 2020.

Lastly, an important factor to consider is whether you’ll finance your membership or not. By paying upfront, you’ll save some money.

Is Disney Vacation Club Worth It?

It’s hard to say if Disney Vacation Club is worth it for you specifically. It really depends on how often your family vacations and what your preferences are for your stay.

What we’d recommend doing is sitting down and calculating all your current annual costs without a DVC membership. Then, compare it to the price and dues to see if it’s more or less.

From there, you can determine if a DVC membership is cost-effective for your household.

Treat Your Family by Joining DVC

After reading this article, you should now have a good idea of what the Disney Vacation Club is, how it works, and if it’s worth it for your family.

If you do decide to join DVC, then make sure you take full advantage of it. That way, you’ll ensure you get the most bang for your buck. So be sure to read all the terms and conditions, as that’ll get you more mileage out of this club.

For more articles like this one on the Disney Vacation Club, check out the rest of our blog site now.

El Gordo awards over €2.4 billion in famous Christmas raffle

El Gordo is the most well-known, largest raffle in history. A full “El Gordo ticket” costs €200, which is too expensive for most players, so people mostly buy one-tenth of a ticket, which entitles them to a 10% share.

And guess what?

The Spanish Lottery released the winning numbers for “El Gordo” (The Fat One). In 2020, the Christmas raffle decided to hand out over €2.4 billion in prizes – that is US$ 2.9 billion – which is €28 million (or US$34 million!) more than last year. (WOW!)

It was the first time in history that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that we are currently in and the strict SOPS that need to be followed, only the children and members of the press were allowed to enter the building once the doors opened at 7:15 am. Usually, two children from San Ildefonso school (a former orphanage) sing out the winning five-digit number for the €4 million (which is US$4.9 million) in front of an audience at Madrid’s Teatro Real.

Due to the corona virus pandemic, El Gordo tickets sold a total of €2.58 billion, which is an 11% decreased compared to the previous year, 2019.

But despite the restriction, the show must go on, and it did! Even though there was no audience, the participants and organizers on stage took PCR tests and donned masks.

The winning numbers were sung out by the lovely children, which were 7, 2, 8, 9, 7. Imagine hearing that, and it matches your number – the rush of adrenaline would be unreal!

The top prize-winning number was sold at 17 different locations!

One of O Grove’s sellers, Manual Rodriguez, was so happy at the enormous reward on a challenging year. We can all agree 2020 was a pretty rough year! “I’m going to bring some centollos (spider crab), the kings of seafood, to celebrate.” He remarked.

In Spain’s Christmas lottery, every €20 ticket has one raffle number that can be purchased in full or can be divided into ten identical segments – décimos. As the numbers are divided, there are 1,600 tickets that have the same number sold at points across the country. What does this do? It prevents one person from buying it all.

Many people buy identical segments (décimos) of different ticket numbers just to increase their odds of winning.

Fun fact: A €1 décimo in the winning number is worth €20,000. So, automatically, a €20 full ticket pays out €400,000! (20×20,000 – you get it, right?)

But fear not, if someone misses out on the great “El Gordo”, they can still win a prize!

Yes, that’s right; you can still win a prize. How?

The second prize awards €125,000 to each winning ticket (or €6,250 for every décimo played). The third prize awards €50,000 for each winning ticket (or €2,500 for every décimo played). The (Christmas lottery includes 1,794 prizes of €1,000 per ticket for the Pedrea.)

Players indeed get a chance to cover the cost of their tickets only if the last digit of their number matches the last digit in the six-digit sequence of the ones of first, second, or third prize.

Another fun fact: The winning numbers for the third prize were announced at 11 am, which were 5,2,4,7,2. An hour later, around 12 am, the numbers for the second prize were announced as well, which were 0, 6, 0, 9, 5.

Another thing that changed from previous years was that prizes under €40,000 would not be taxed. The authorities usually were taking 20% of all amounts above €20,000. But the threshold has been raised and will reduce the taxes for the Tax Agency of around €18.6 million compared to the previous year, 2019.

History of the “El Gordo”

Spain’s “El Gordo” is held each year on December 22, and although other national lotteries have larger individual top prizes, El Gordo is still ranked as the world’s RICHEST in total prize money!

It was established in 1763 as a charity during Spain’s King Carlos III reign, and it has managed to remain uninterrupted since 1892! The first time Spain’s national Christmas lottery took place was on December 18, 1812.

Some more on Lottery!

The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 100,000 – that’s pretty low, imagine the possibility coming true and winning the Lottery!

To find out more about Lottery tickets and results from all over the world, head on to Lottery Parakeet, where you can find all the details that you would need. Whether you want Arizona lottery results or you want to buy California lottery tickets, you will find all about it at Lottery Parakeet!

Top 5 Reasons To Choose a Casual Dining Restaurant

Most of us have probably heard the term “casual dining”. It’s popular in Australia, and for good reason. In fact, this article is going to highlight some of the top reasons why you should choose a casual dining restaurant for your next meal, family get together or celebration.

#1 – The Dress Code Is Smart Casual

Unless it’s a formal occasion or something like a presentation night, you’ll want to feel comfortable when you go out to dinner. That’s one of the key advantages of casual dining. Generally, the dress code is smart casual, sometimes even more relaxed if you’re dining out for lunch.

The more comfortably dressed you are while enjoying a meal out with family or friends, the more relaxed and content you’ll feel. That’s exactly how it should be when dining out. No one wants to feel restricted by their clothing and be uncomfortable.

Casual dining gives you the opportunity to dine in comfort without the sensation that your clothing is suffocating you.

#2 – Great Food At Fair Prices

Sure, you can sample some awesome food created by some of the world’s best chefs at fine dining restaurants, but you also have to be prepared to pay the price. Fine dining is something to indulge in on occasion, but if you like to eat out regularly, a casual dining restaurant is the way to go.

The truly great thing about many restaurants that offer a casual dining experience, is they offer some fantastic food, beautifully presented, at really affordable prices. You’ll often discover that the portion sizes are larger as well, unlike some dishes served at fine dining restaurants.

Casual dining enables families to be able to afford a nice meal out on a regular basis without it breaking the bank. This key aspect also makes casual dining the best option when going out to celebrate a birthday or some other special occasion.

#3 – The Atmosphere Is All-Round Far More Relaxed

No one wants to feel like they’re entering a strict or stuffy environment when going out to enjoy a meal. You want to feel as though you can relax, kick back and unwind. That’s another benefit of casual dining.

The keyword is “casual”, meaning everything is casual and relaxed. You’ll find the entire atmosphere of a casual dining restaurant is fairly low key so the guests feel laid back and comfortable.

With an atmosphere like this, all the diners are chilled out and simply having a good time, which helps you enjoy the experience more as well.

Most casual dining restaurants offer full table service, unless it’s a buffet type of setup. So, even though the prices are very reasonable, you’ll still be waited on and looked after for your every need.

#4 – Enjoy Your Favourite Alcoholic Beverage With Your Meal

While there are some casual dining restaurants that don’t serve or allow the consumption of alcohol, the vast majority are either fully licensed venues, or offer the BYO option. Some even allow both.

Many adults like to enjoy a glass of wine of their favourite beer when dining out, and at a casual dining restaurant, you are able to do just that.

You’ll also be pleased to know that many restaurants offer alcohol at competitive prices, just like with the food, so most people can afford to both eat and drink when going out to dinner.

#5 – So Many Different Cuisines To Choose From

Tantalise your taste buds with casual dining.

In Australia, there are casual dining restaurants everywhere that offer delectable cuisine from all around the world. With such a multicultural society, many immigrants have come to Australia and opened up restaurants offering food from their mother country. The majority of these restaurants are casual dining.

If you were to go out for dinner once a week, you could choose cuisine from a different foreign country every time you go out. You really are spoilt for choice when it comes to casual dining options.

The Takeaway

As you can see, casual dining has some major advantages. You can afford to indulge in a sumptuous meal without it costing you an arm and a leg. Next time you go out for dinner, choose a casual dining restaurant.

Solid Hardwood vs. Laminate Flooring: Which Is Better?

When purchasing flooring for your home, you may be weighing up whether to purchase solid hardwood or laminate flooring. Both have extremely valuable features and last a pretty long time. But, which one should you go for? Let’s discuss the benefits of both to help you decide on what flooring will be best for you!

What’s the Difference Between Solid Hardwood vs Laminate Flooring?

Solid hardwood is real, thick flooring boards that are blind-nailed to the floor through tongue-and-groove edges. Of course, it’s made from pieces of real wood that are around an inch thick. They interlock with each other (as does laminate flooring), but it’s recommended that a professional fit the flooring.

Laminate flooring is made to resemble the appearance of real wood but is made from fibreboard materials. The flooring boards are relatively thinner than solid hardwood, as they’re usually around 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. Cheap laminate flooring is common, as it’s known for being great quality for a better price.

Appearance

Solid Hardwood

With solid hardwood being made from real pieces of wood, it has a timeless, authentic look. Its rich colours are no doubt a flawless feature to add to your home. There’s no comparison to real wood, as it’s the real deal.

Over time, solid hardwood can fade in sunlight, as does any tree. This only adds to its authenticity and beauty! However, you can re-sand the flooring to create a new, finished. This enhances its durability too, as it lasts a lifetime if you treat it well. Real hardwood flooring needs re-sanding every 10 years or so, which can be time-consuming.

Laminate Flooring

The brilliant appearance of laminate flooring is that it looks like real wood for a fraction of the price. Up close and personal, you would be able to notice it lacks the glamour of traditional hardwood flooring. Although, nobody would notice unless you chose a design that has an artificial appearance, as it’s printed to look like wood.

Unlike solid hardwood flooring, you won’t be required to sand it every 10 years. It has a UV resistance built into the boards, so it won’t fade in sunlight.

Durability

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood is quite scratch-resistant, but it’s prone to suffer from scratching caused by furniture legs, shoes and other objects. This could be an issue with families who’s children love to be playful on the floor. Overall, it isn’t too much of a problem, as you can re-sand it to make it look brand new. Also, solid hardwood is famous for its ability to last a lifetime. Once you install it, you’ll be set for years to come.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is known for being more scratch-resistant than solid hardwood. It has built-in bottom layers to resist moisture, unlike wood which soaks in drops of water. This is ideal for children and pets! Your laminate flooring won’t become warped or out of shape over time. But, when it begins to look old and worn out, it would need replacing. You can’t sand it down like hardwood.

Resale Value

If you’re aiming to sell your house one day and make a profit, solid hardwood has a higher resale value than laminate flooring. With this being said, people are drawn to laminate flooring as it’s easy to take up and place it in different rooms. The ability to repurpose the floorboards can be a selling point for buyers!

Which is Better?

Purchasing solid hardwood or laminate flooring comes down to your priorities and the features you’re most interested in. If you want lifetime-lasting real wood for an expensive starting price, solid hardwood is for you. On the other hand, laminate flooring would be the better choice for a home that embraces being busy, reinvention and the cheaper option.

Common Travel Errors with Your Electronic Cigarette

When you travel to a different country with your electronic cigarette, you want to make sure you avoid any obvious errors that may delay your flight, or even risk you getting in trouble. To do so, you need to keep yourself updated regarding laws and airport procedures, and make sure that you adhere to them. Some errors may not be obvious, while others should be a given regarding air transportation and smoking.

Luggage Errors

One error that people may not be aware of is that electronic cigarettes cannot be carried within your hold luggage. Whatever type of bag you use for your hand luggage must, therefore, be able to fit your e-cigarette, any spare batteries, liquids, and coils – see 88vape to find out more – while still meeting any size and weight requirements.

Any electronic cigarettes that are placed within the luggage that you check in at the airport may register on scanners, causing your baggage to be searched. This can lead to damage of your items, loss, or even confiscation, so it is best to comply from the beginning and make sure these items have not been packed in your larger bags by mistake.

In-Flight Errors

Making an error regarding your storage and usage of your electronic cigarette when you have boarded the plane can have some serious consequences. If caught, which is highly likely to happen, you may be removed from the flight, banned from future travel, or even fined. While aeroplanes do still need to be made with ashtrays, these are only there to reduce the likelihood of fire or damage to the aircraft when individuals try to flout the rules. That doesn’t mean that, because there is an ashtray present, that smoking, or the usage of e-cigarettes is permitted.

At the same time, the charging of any electronic cigarettes is also not allowed on the aircraft. If you know the battery is low, you should either keep a spare battery in your hand luggage or, otherwise, wait until you reach your destination to charge the battery safely.

Liquid Errors

When you take e-cigarette liquid with you to the airport, you will need to make sure that it is stored correctly. Any type of liquid, whether water, toiletries, or even your vapour liquids, must be contained in 100ml bottles, at the very most, and then placed in a transparent bag, prior to entering the security check process. If you take larger bottles with you, even if the contents are less than the specified 100ml, these will need to be discarded or you will not be allowed to proceed. To save yourself time, and wasted products, it is best to sort this out before you leave home.

Avoiding these simple errors can help your trip get off to a good start, and help to combat any delays for yourself or other passengers. As long as there are no restrictions on your destination regarding the use of e-cigs, you can then travel compliantly with your belongings.