How Instant Coffee Is Made

Instant coffee was invented back in 1906 by George C. Washington. No relation to the father of our country.

George was an English chemist living in Guatemala and he drank a lot of coffee.

A powder buildup on the spout of his coffee pot sparked his curiosity and eventually led him to produce a dried coffee crystal much like we still have today.

Instant coffee is just regular brewed coffee with most of the water removed.

There is no chemical alteration involved and instant coffee is still pure coffee.

There are two methods used for producing instant coffee crystals.

The freeze drying method preserves the most coffee flavor but it's a more involved method.

With this method, the brewed coffee sits and the water evaporates naturally, leaving a concentrated coffee solution.

This concentrate is then frozen to -40 Celsius and the remaining water freezes into ice crystals.

A natural process similar to evaporation called sublimation is used to remove the ice and only the dry grains of coffee are left.

The second method of making instant coffee is called spray drying.

With the spray drying method the water is again allowed to evaporate, forming a coffee concentrate.

This concentrated coffee is sprayed from a high tower into a large chamber filled with hot air.

The remaining water evaporates when the droplets fall and the dry crystals of coffee fall to the bottom of the chamber.

A little more coffee flavor is lost with the spray drying method because the high temperatures effect the oils of the coffee.

Instant coffee is seldom drank much any more but used a lot to add coffee flavor to drinks and is added to recipes for cooking and baking.

Gary Gresham is the webmaster for Perfect Coffees.com where you can purchase quality coffee, tea, cups & mugs, coffee makers and delicious desserts online.   He offers a free monthly coffee newsletter with articles like these at Perfect Coffees.com Newsletter

Cyber Shopping for a Treadmill

The Internet has dramatically changed peoples shopping habits. From CDs to Lear Jets, buyers are taking advantage of the convenience of making their purchases at home or in the office.

Purchasing fitness equipment online has grown substantially over the last several years. From numerous infomercial products to high-end home exercise equipment, the Internet provides the medium for detailed information on the benefits and features of each product.

As people overcome their fear of cyber shopping, they are learning that the Internet offers both convenience and savings.

Convenience comes from comparative shopping without having to travel to numerous fitness equipment stores, where you often deal with unknowledgeable sales reps. The Internet has empowered the consumer with detailed product information, allowing them to make intelligent purchasing decisions.

In addition, the Internet provides an opportunity to avoid the added costs incurred through purchases at retail stores. A percentage of any price tag at a store includes overhead costs like leasing prime space, employee wages and inventory. The Internet is changing the rules, and online purchases can result in significant savings on items like fitness equipment.

Not all treadmill e-retailers are alike. When making the investment in quality fitness equipment you will want to make certain you are buying from a reliable and trustworthy source. Below are several considerations when selecting an online treadmill dealer:

Legitimacy & Credibility

Let's face it, there are numerous questionable online businesses. All a person needs to start a cyber fitness stores is an inexpensive Web site and a company willing to drop ship treadmills. This can be done out of a person's basement. When selecting a treadmill, look for a company that has a track record and sells in volume. Beware of fly-by-night operations.

You'll want to ask questions like, how long have they been in business? Do they have their own warehouses? Who are their suppliers? What kind of quantities do they sell? What is the average number of returns? What do customers have to say (testimonials)? What kind of third party endorsements have they received?

It is important to purchase a treadmill from a company that will back up their claims and be around for the long term if you ever need service or advice.

Service and Satisfaction

Any online purchase of treadmill should be backed with a "no questions asked" return policy. If for whatever reason you decide that the treadmill is not right for your needs, you should have at least a 30-day option to return the equipment. This places the risk of the purchase on the vendor.

Service guarantees are equally important. When you purchase a treadmill they can weigh up to several hundred pounds. You'll want to make sure that you purchase the equipment from a company that provides in-home repairs.

Repairs should only be done by certified technician, not someone who also repairs lawnmowers on the side. Although most contemporary models are built with modular design, some repairs require skilled labor.

The majority of repairs can be fixed without a technician. Most repairs are minor and can be handled by the treadmill owner. By describing the problem over the phone, a service representative can pinpoint the problem and either instruct you on the immediate repair, or ship you a part that can be easily installed. Purchase your treadmill from an e-business that has phone service representatives with regular hours.

Warranty

The warranty is extremely important when purchasing a treadmill through the Internet. Depending on the amount of usage, over time parts may wear out on your treadmill.

The extent of the warranty is a reflection on the quality of the equipment and the commitment of the seller/manufacturer to stand behind their treadmills. Manufacturers often limit dealers to sales in restricted territories.

If there is any concern about the warranty you may want to contact the manufacturer directly to verify warranty coverage. Warranties can differ from months to years, and usually vary for different components.

For example, you could have an initial one-year warranty on all parts and in-home service. Beyond the first year, parts like motors, belts, frames and electronics may have additional extending warranties. Some companies are offering lifetime warranties on frames and 10-year warranties on motors.

Often electronics can be self-serviced. Motors and belts may require a technician. Make sure you purchase from a company that provides accessibility to a technician. If you get a one-year labor warranty, after the first year you will need to pay for any physical repairs. The company should assist you in locating a repairman.

Fitness Consultants

Hello, is anybody there? The Internet can be an incredible resource for information, but some times you need a live human being to discuss specifics. Treadmills vary from the dirt cheap, "Blue Light Specials" to industrial strength commercial models.

They can be used for casual walking or marathon training. They have various features like heart rate control, electronic interfaces and aeropedic belts. In addition, there are folding and stationary models.

You may know specifically what you are looking for in a treadmill, but if in doubt, you'll want to discuss your needs with a person that really understands which machine is perfect for you. A pure e-commerce Web site may work for selling CDs or books, but when it comes to purchasing a quality treadmill, you'll want to deal with a company that offers expert advice.

Shipping

Delivering a heavy treadmill, with delicate electronics and highly tuned mechanics, requires a certain level of expertise. In fact, most returns are a result of poorly package and shipped machines.

Select a company that has had years of experience shipping freight. They will understand the most secure packing methods and will be working with a proven freight company. This will avoid the hassles and time spent returning damaged equipment.

There is a reason why a treadmill is the most popular fitness equipment. It provides an unsurpassed cardiovascular workout, and accommodates all levels of exercise intensity.

Buying a treadmill online will save time and money, but it is important to purchase from a credible company with knowledgeable individuals. Follow the suggestions listed above to guarantee you buy a machine designed for your needs and back by a reliable dealer. The benefits will be a healthier lifestyle.

Our Top Treadmill Recommendation:
SmoothFitness.com Treadmills

Buy Smooth Treadmills Factory Direct and Save. Top rated by Runner's World Magazine.


Find more selections of sports products at 1 Stop Shopping Online Sports Stores

How Much House Can I Afford

Knowing how much of a house payment you qualify for before you shop for a house will make your purchase go much smoother and can save you a lot of heartaches.

You don't want to find the perfect house then have a lender say you can't qualify for it.

There are a lot of factors involved when you qualify for a home mortgage. Each lender has different guidelines and there are a multitude of different loan programs.

Several other factors like down payment, loan amount and credit score will also make a difference.

However, there are some general guidelines that will help you determine how much of a mortgage you will qualify for. These are only estimates but will give you a general idea of how much of a house payment you can qualify for.

1. Your mortgage payment, taxes and home owners insurance and any other fixed housing expense should be between 25% and 28% of your total gross (before taxes) monthly household income.

2. Your monthly housing costs (the total figure above) plus any other long term debt (monthly expenses extending longer than 11 months) such as car or boat loans, credit cards, or installment loans should not exceed more than 40% of your gross (before taxes) monthly household income.

These figures can go higher if you have very good credit because a good credit score means you are a better risk to a lender.

A good credit score to a lender usually starts at 680 and above. It will vary between lenders but a 680 score and above is a good basic guideline for getting the very best interest rates and terms.

You may be asking how can you find out what your credit score is before you talk to a lender? This is a good idea but keep in mind you will have to pay for the report. A lender will usually use Experian, Trans Union and Equifax credit services to get an average credit score for you.

You have probably heard that checking your credit will bring down your score. But checking your own credit report and score is counted as a "soft inquiry" and doesn't harm your credit score at all. Only "hard inquiries" from a lender or creditor, made when you apply for credit, will bring your credit score down a few points.

If you would like a free copy of your credit report we recommend this source free credit report.

The best way to know exactly how much you will qualify for is talk with a mortgage professional. This is what they are trained to do and they can give you a more accurate figure so there are no surprises when you go to make an offer. After all, this is your dream and it should be a pleasant experience not a nightmare.

About the Author

Gary Gresham is a mortgage loan officer and the webmaster for
1 Stop Shopping Online.com.  He offers you purchase, refinance, debt consolidation or home equity loans at competitive rates through this online link. Home Loans.


If you want more information about credit, debt elimination programs and credit repair go to: Credit Repair Facts.com

A Very Unique Toy

In our attempt to offer specialty products to the visitors of our online shopping mall we came across a very unique toy from a company called Lehman's.

Lehman's has been serving the Amish and others without electricity with products for simple living since 1955.

Home decorators, curiosity-seekers, and the chronically nostalgic absolutely love their thousands of unique, non-electric products.

Everything from grain mills, oil lamps, candles, hand water pumps to old-fashioned hand tools.

They're like a general store from 1890 and have been featured in dozens of media outlets.

Today we want to tell you about this unique toy that we were lucky enough to find and share our discovery with you.

Even Grandpa will enjoy it too because this type of toy has been popular since the 1920s.

These steam-powered toy boats look like antiques, but they're actually funtional toy boats.

The brightly painted tin body and authentic look makes these boats not only a collector's item, but also a toy your kids will want to play with.

Here's all you do to make them work. Just fill the reservoir with water and the fuel pan with olive oil.

Steam is generated when water is drawn into the pipes and hits the hot boiler inside the boat.

Forward movement is caused by steam pulsing out of tubes under water at the rear of the boat.

These unique toy boats are very reasonably priced and will give your children many hours of enjoyment.

You can purchase the original speedboat style or the jumbo harbor tug; or, browse more non-electric toys by visiting Lehmans.com, here.

About the Author:

Gary Gresham is the webmaster for 1 Stop Shopping Online.com where you can compare products and prices with the click of your mouse so you get the best deal possible.

Preventing Identity Theft

Preventing identity theft is never foolproof but here are some good tips that will make it more difficult for anyone to steal your personal information.

The first and most important step for preventing identity theft is keeping a close watch on all of your personal information and your credit report.

Check your credit reports from all three bureaus at least once a year. Once you get your credit report check carefully to see that everything is accurate.

Here is an excellent source we recommend for a free  credit report.

If you find an error, dispute it immediately so you can protect yourself from fraud.

Quite often similar names and similar social security numbers get mixed up, or worse, someone could have stolen your identity.

Another good way of preventing identity theft is don't carry your Social Security card or anything with your Social Security number on it in your wallet.

Keeping your social security number private is a critical part of preventing identity theft.

Also, don't keep your bank card pin number in your wallet because it helps a thief who has stolen your wallet help themselves to your cash at an A.T.M.

In this age of computer hacking, preventing identity theft also applies to the Internet.

If you use the Internet, make sure all your security software is up to date and be careful of Internet scams.

Remember, no legitimate business will ever send you an e-mail asking you to confirm your personal identifying information.

Preventing identity theft means you never give out personal information unless you initiated the contact or you're absolutely sure who you're dealing with.

Another good way of preventing identity theft is be especially careful about divulging your credit card number over the phone to telemarketers.

Often the only goal is to obtain your name, address and credit card number.

If you have to give your credit card number over the phone for a hotel or airline reservation, use a regular corded phone as opposed to a cordless or cell phone.

Make sure you report any lost or stolen credit cards immediately for preventing identity theft.

The bottom line is be careful about divulging any personal information about you.

If you use these tips you'll have a much better chance at preventing identity theft before it happens.

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About the Author

Gary Gresham is a mortgage loan officer and the webmaster for Credit Repair Facts.com.  He offers you credit information, debt elimination programs and nformative facts that gives you the knowledge to correct your own credit and credit report.

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Other informative shopping tips and articles similar to this featured on 4 Best Shopping.com

Credit Report Repair

Credit report repair is a huge challege for most of us trying to get inaccurate or old information off of our credit report. But if you know what legal rights you have you may be surprised at what you can accomplish.

In 1971 the United States Congress enacted the Fair Credit Reporting Act to insure that the credit bureaus investigate the credit items disputed by consumers.

This federal law gives the consumer the right to challenge the accuracy, validity, and verifiability of the credit listings appearing in their credit report. It also requires that the credit bureau repair credit report listings if they are inaccurate or can not be verified.

But people continue to be negatively effected by credit bureaus everyday. The main reason is lack of knowlege on credit report repair or how to correct or change their credit information. This very important information could even save many from bankruptcy.

The problem is the entire dispute system is designed to frustrate and discourage the consumer. Credit bureaus use many stall tactics, including requests for more information, further clarification and even identity clarification.

The majority of us give up before even receiving a copy of our credit report. Even if a consumer manages to get their credit report , decipher the coded information, write a coherent dispute, and mail it, the credit bureaus may still find some reason to disregard the challenge.

Some people even have the idea that credit bureaus must complete their investigation within thirty days or be forced to remove all disputed information. The reality is no one forces the credit bureaus to do credit report repair or anything else.

Believe it or not, accuracy of your information actually has little to do with the deletion of negative items. Many creditor grantors are simply reluctant to take the time to verify the data. While the credit bureaus may be in the business of reporting credit histories, creditor grantors are not.

However, if you submit a valid dispute letter, and the credit bureau investigates your dispute, the chances of success are good. If a credit bureau cannot verify an item before completing its investigation, that item must be removed.

If you would more like more information on credit report repair or how to correct, change or dispute your credit information we recommend this top resource.  Credit Report Repair Information

About the Author

Gary Gresham is a mortgage loan officer and the webmaster for Credit Repair Facts.com.  He offers you credit information, facts and debt elimination programs that gives you the knowledge to correct your own credit and credit report.

A Weight Loss Secret

Some people have discovered a simple weight loss secret that can help keep you losing pounds even if you have a sweet tooth. Most diet plans allow sugar free desserts, and they can be a delicious way to keep you on track.

If you are a dieter who craves something sweet, these tasty treats might be your secret weapon to satisfy that sweet tooth and still stay on your weight loss program.

But if you think sugar free desserts are bland, boring or only for diabetics get ready to change your mind.

Sugar free desserts have come a long way in taste in the last few years. They are so good now you have to look at the packaging to believe you are actually eating a sugar free dessert. There's a multitude of different varieties, and many of them really do taste better than the sugar varieties.

Many followers of the Atkins Diet have discovered the secret of these incredible low-carb and sugar free taste treats. This allows them to stay on their diet plan without missing out on a delicious dessert.

In fact, for many dieters, having a dessert is the one thing that keeps them feeling more satisfied. If you feel satisfied you will stay on a diet plan longer and be more successful with weight loss.

But it's important to note that just because a dessert is sugar free doesn't mean it's calorie free. Even though these sugar free desserts are usually lower in calories, they still could sabotage a low calorie diet. Although many weight loss program allow them, check your diet plan to see what it says about these no sugar desserts before you eat them.

Another advantage of eating a sugar free dessert is it doesn't raise your blood sugar like desserts made with sugar. Keeping your blood sugar levels more level keeps your hunger down and is much better for your overall health. You are also less prone to diabetes which is at an all time high in America right now.

A lot people use sugar free desserts as part of their weight loss program. But many have switched to these no sugar taste treats, as a much healthier alternative.

So the next time you crave something sweet but still want to stay on your weight loss program, a sugar free dessert might be a perfect choice.

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About The Author

Gary Gresham is the webmaster for Perfect Coffees.com where you can purchase quality coffee, tea, cups & mugs, coffee gifts, delicious desserts and sugar free desserts online. He offers a free monthly coffee newsletter with articles like these at Perfect Coffees.com Newsletter

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This article and other informative tips and articles similar to this featured on 4 Best Shopping.com

Looking For Dummies Books?

Are you intimidated and confused by computers? Do you find that traditional reference books are overloaded with technical details and advice you'll never use? Do you postpone important life decisions because you just don't want to deal with them? Then the For Dummies series of reference books is perfect for you.

For Dummies reference books are written for those frustrated and hard-working souls who know they're not dumb, but find that the technical complexities of computers and the myriad of personal and business issues make them feel helpless.

For Dummies books use a lighthearted approach, a down-to-earth style, and even cartoons and humorous icons to dispel fears and inspire confidence. Lighthearted but not lightweight,

For Dummies books are the perfect survival guide for anyone who finds themselves in difficult situations.

For more information on what makes a For Dummies book, check out Dummies Reference Books

The For Dummies series is proudly part of the John Wiley & Sons family of educational and reference books.

For a complete selection of top online book dealers offering you the latest bestsellers, Christian, educational, computer, entertainment, cook books and a lot more at fantastic prices go to: 1 Stop Shopping Online - Books

How Pod Coffee Makers Work

There's a new process for brewing coffee that has sparked a whole new breed of coffee makers. Pod coffee makers are becoming very popular and some are wondering if the drip coffee makers are going to soon become obsolete.

The pod coffee makers fall in the middle of a drip coffee maker and an espresso machine. The boiler of the pod coffee maker rapidly heats the water and drives it through the coffee grounds. By using light pressure, the brewing process is faster than with regular drip machines.

In order to maintain the preceise amount of pressure and water flow through the coffee, pre-packed coffee pods are used. This ensures that the coffee is packed to the proper level for optimum brewing.
 

This brewing process produces a nice foamy layer on the top of your coffee that adds a luxurious touch. Not quite the crema you get on espresso, but close.

You brew one cup at a time, and the whole process takes only one to two minutes from when you turn on the machine, to drinking your fresh coffee. You just flip open the machine, place in a pod, close it and hit the brew button.

With a pod coffee maker, you no longer have to settle for stale coffee sitting on the warming plate, nor do you have to sit and wait for a pot to brew.

It's perfect for the individual who craves a java fix but doesn't want to make a whole pot that will go to waste.

Each pod has a measured portion of ground coffee or espresso, compressed between two biodegradable filter paper sheets. They are sold in different varieties of roasts from mild to medium to decaffeinated. So you can brew each individual cup to any desired coffee drinkers taste.

Pods are easy to use, convenient, mess free and provide a consistently delicious freshly brewed cup of coffee.

Our Top  Pod Coffee Makers Recommendations

About the Author
Gary Gresham is the webmaster for Perfect Coffees.com where you can purchase quality coffee, tea, cups & mugs, coffee makers and delicious desserts online.   He offers a free monthly coffee newsletter with articles like these at Perfect Coffees.com Newsletter.


This article and other informative shopping tips and articles similar to this featured on  4 Best Shopping.com