Embracing the Rich Tapestry of Vodka’s Diversity

Vodka, a cherished and versatile spirit with an illustrious history, entices the palates of spirits enthusiasts across the globe. While its pristine clarity and neutrality are well-known, the world of vodka unfurls like a mesmerizing kaleidoscope, revealing a dazzling array of flavors and characteristics that distinguish each brand and type. Take a captivating journey with us as we explore the fascinating and diverse tapestry of vodka’s delights.

At the heart of vodka’s diversity lies the artful selection of base ingredients during the meticulous production process. Traditionally crafted from grains like wheat, rye, or corn, each grain imparts its unique essence to the final elixir. Wheat delivers a soft and velvety palate, rye unveils robust and peppery notes, while corn delights with a gentle sweetness. Yet, the allure doesn’t end there – audacious vodka varieties venture beyond the ordinary, embracing unconventional ingredients like potatoes, grapes, and even milk, resulting in bold and imaginative flavor profiles that beckon the adventurous soul.

As vodka traverses from production to perfection, its journey through distillation techniques shapes its remarkable diversity. The number of distillations and the type of stills employed dance with the spirit, influencing texture, clarity, and taste. Some distillers orchestrate multiple distillations, weaving an exquisite symphony of smoothness and refinement, while others adopt a minimalist approach, preserving raw and pronounced flavors. The process of filtration, with its intricate nuances such as charcoal or silver, adds yet another layer of refinement, endowing the vodka with an exquisite and distinct character.

Beyond the production process, geography holds a kaleidoscopic influence over the tapestry of vodka’s variety. Each region and country bestows its artistry and traditions upon the spirit, giving rise to diverse styles and flavor profiles. Russian vodka, revered for its crisp and pure demeanor, echoes the legacy of its time-honored methods. Polish vodka, on the other hand, delights with a gentle sweetness, a testament to its refined craftsmanship. Scandinavian vodkas captivate with herbal or citrus notes, mirroring the enchanting terroir and botanical inspirations. Across the globe, craft vodkas push boundaries, crafting avant-garde expressions with an innovative mix of ingredients, inviting connoisseurs to savor the thrill of the unknown.

For an exquisite introduction to this captivating world, look no further than NEFT Vodka. Crafted with Alpine spring water and hand-selected non-GMO rye grains from European fields, NEFT Vodka is a symphony of natural refinement. Savor NEFT Vodka neat or elevate your mixology creations to unparalleled heights, embracing the kaleidoscope of vodka’s delights and embarking on an odyssey of unforgettable taste experiences.

As we raise our glasses to toast this revered spirit, let us celebrate not just the drink itself but the diverse tapestry of human history that has nurtured its growth. With every sip of vodka, we embark on a journey through time, honoring the cultural heritage that unites us all. From the frosty terrains of Eastern Europe to the contemporary world of mixology, vodka’s unfolding legacy continues to captivate and connect us all.

Ways to Improve your Performance in Sports

Article by Zhang Xinyue of Create Abundance

We all want to do our best when it comes to work and play. That includes sports, such as baseball, soccer and basketball. Whether you play just for fun or in a league, it’s definitely more enjoyable when you win. There are some tried and true methods for increasing your wins.

Regular workouts

Running and marathons

Boxing

A healthy lifestyle

Winning begins in the mind

New research tells us that it’s important to have a healthy mindset as well as a healthy body. When you think like a winner, that improves your odds. This brings us to the new and exciting topic of abundance thinking. This new movement is all about training yourself to believe that good things are coming your way.

You deserve to win. The universe is open to you and all things are possible. All you must do is believe. Winning is often about believing in yourself. If you expect bad things, negative outcomes and such, then that’s what you’ll get. But if you’re open to all the positive forces of the universe, then good things are constantly coming into your life.

That’s called the Abundance mindset and you can become a winner simply by believing in yourself. Whether you’re setting up a new company or trying to win more games of basketball, the formula is the same. Live healthy. Eat right. Take time each day for meditation. Get in the habit of speaking confident words. Avoid negative thoughts and speech.

If you get worried or upset, then stop, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. This is a proven method of resetting your mind and body.

The great Teacher Zhang Xinyue, a well known spiritual leader, was born in China. In 2012 she wrote her best-selling book Create Abundance. Her development of the Create Abundance system aims to promote a helpful and healthy approach to life’s philosophical problems. By building a unique and highly effective plan for body-mind-spirit cultivation, she has succeeded in helping tens of thousands.

 

How to improve your performance in sports by creating abundance

Article provided by Zhang Xinyue of Create Abundance.

You may be familiar with the philosophy of creating abundance in your life through a more positive mindset. Many people are now following this important teaching. Though it sounds easy in the beginning, as you go through it you will find that it does require quite a bit of mental and physical discipline.

We all grow up hearing our parents speak negative things about life in general. You may remember a few of these:

We don’t have enough money for that.

We can’t buy that toy because it’s too expensive.

There’s nothing wrong with hand-me-down clothes.

We’ll just have to eat bologna this week.

It’s easy to grow up believing that there will never be enough. What the new Creating Abundance movement does is retrain your thinking so that you believe in positive instead of negative outcomes. A great number of athletes have discovered the creating abundance movement and are now using it to improve their game. Athletes from baseball, football, basketball and other sports are now learning how important what they think truly is.

Winners always have fun. They believe they are good enough. They do not entertain negative thoughts. They are able to focus their minds to believe in obtaining excellent results. Once you learn this technique, you can use it in every area of your life. It works in business and even in your social life. You will find that you attract positive people. You attract winners. As you learn how to create abundance in the sports you play, you’ll have more fun in life.

Teacher Zhang Xinyue is an internationally renowned body-mind-spirit tutor. With a simple style, her book, Create Abundancev, published in 2012, reaches into the depths of people’s hearts and has ever since remained a best seller for body-mind-spirit cultivation. Living abroad, Teacher Zhang Xinyue of Create Abundance is currently conducting a field of social research as she has done research worldwide.

Teacher Zhang Xinyue encourages every individual to grow through self-help. She hopes that every reader starts to practice being their own mentor and learns to transform awareness into wisdom autonomously.

 

My Top 3 Favorite NBA Players of All-Time

Article written by David Guillod.

Basketball has always been one of my go-to sports. The fast-paced, strategic nature of the game never fails to create exciting moments – not to mention the poster dunks. One of my favorite aspects of the game is how it continues to evolve. The NBA of the 60s or even the 80s is a thing of the past, with the game becoming more exciting and rich due to new schemes and versatile players.

Kobe Bryant

The man needs no introduction. The five-time champion has changed the landscape of the NBA and is even arguably in the race for being the greatest that has ever played. With his gritty work ethic and fierce competitive nature, Bryant’s 20 years in the NBA showcased dominance and sheer determination.

Larry Bird

Larry Bird, most notably known for his Boston Celtic days, helped bring three championships to the city and is widely regarded as being one of the best players in the game. His passion for the sport and his versatile skill set solidified his place in the record books.

Patrick Ewing

An NBA legend who played for the New York Knicks, Seattle Supersonics, and the Orlando Magic, Ewing’s consistency and efficiency at the rim made him a monster when matched up with other defenders. Although he may have lacked the flash and flair of other superstars, his offensive and defensive presence made him a force to be reckoned with.

David Guillod is an accomplished talent agent and film/TV producer who has steadily built acclaim through movies like Atomic Blonde and TV series Louder Milk, which has won multiple Golden Trailer Awards. He has also held senior positions at Handprint Ent., United Talent Agency, and Primary Wave Entertainment. Visit David Guillod’s profile on Instagram.

How to Prepare for Attending a Soccer Game

Summary: The Beautiful Game is something fans of all ages from around the world can celebrate and enjoy. For the best viewing experience it’s best to attend the game in-person. In order to get the most out of your trip there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Prior to the Game

While watching a sporting event from the comfort of a home or bar is undoubtedly fun, it simply does not compare to the environment of an arena filled with fans pumped up to watch their favorite players compete.

To show support for their team fans usually wear the official team colors to the match. Stores like Soccer Garage offer a wide variety of athletic attire from various teams, so there should be no problem finding appropriate clothes to wear to the arena.

Reading up on the different teams is a great way to put the match in context. Reading about the history of the teams, looking up their current rosters, and looking up videos related to the teams will help you get prepared and energized.

Before even attending the game you need to first purchase tickets. It is important to keep in mind that tickets for soccer matches are oftentimes sold by section. To make sure you get good seats in your section that are close to the action you should get in line as early as possible. Expect some traffic near the arena before the match. A good way to prepare for this is to familiarize yourself with the optimal travel routes and head over with adequate time to find parking.

Look for others wearing replica soccer jerseys from your team to find people to cheer with. Attending these games are a great place to meet other fans who are just as passionate and excited as you are about the sport.

During the Game

If you are attending the game with a group it might be wise to have someone save seats before you get refreshments. If the game is during the day standing out in the sun for over 90 minutes can be quite exhausting. To prevent any physical discomfort stay hydrated, wear sunglasses, and apply sunblock. During night games you may want to bring a jacket or wear pants for when it gets colder. You will not want to miss any of the action, which is why it is important to stay comfortable.

Pack a camera if you want to take some photos and record videos of the match but try to limit your device usage during the game. To get the most out of the trip you need to experience the match in the moment with the crowd and soak up the energetic ambiance.

How to Choose the Most Efficient Soccer Cleats for Your Child

Summary: Soccer cleats play an important role in youth games. Shopping for the right one is just as important.

Sending your child to a soccer league for the first time is a healthy way to keep him or her active. Furthermore, doing so will teach your child responsibility, teamwork, selflessness, and other traits that go hand-in-hand with the maturation process.

Approaching the Equipment Pieces

There are numerous types of soccer cleats for kids that you can choose from. Depending on your preference, there are hundreds of models out there to choose from. But, it’s important that your child understands that the shoes are only a complimentary tool to his or her skill set. Meaning, the footwear won’t drastically improve one’s game contrary to what many people think.

Sure, you have professional footballers with their own model available in the store. But, it’s not like it’s going to make a difference from the shoe that’s displayed next to it – unless it’s designed for different playing fields. The point is, owning the most expensive pair of Adidas youth soccer cleats won’t drastically improve one’s game, albeit much discussion. However, what it can do is provide a mental impact to an individual. For example, let’s say you find a pair of soccer cleats that are both comfortable and lightweight, perfect for your playing style. While on the field, you’re feeling more agile, therefore increasing your confidence. This can translate to immediate success, but much of that comes from the physical comfort of the shoes as well as the mental aspect.

Check for Accurate Sizing

Take your child to your local sports equipment store and have him or her try out the different models that are available. Have him or her walk around and get a feel for the shoe. Some models may be too bulky or be too thin for one’s foot. It’s important that you make sure they fit snug or it could end up injuring him or her. Feel around for the toe and how well it matches up to the front of the cleat. If it’s too cramped, your child won’t be comfortable and could end up pushing the front end of the nail bed into the skin, causing inflammation, internal bleeding, and bruising. On the other hand, if the foot is too small for the shoe, the user could end up twisting his or her ankle in an awkward fashion due to the added size when running. It’s best to make a judgment call right then and there to minimize any risk of injury.

Bio: Soccer Garage proudly sells quality soccer equipment such as cleats, kids soccer backpacks, soccer balls, and more.

NBA All Star 2017

Although the NBA All Atar 2017 weekend (3 point shooting and Slam Dunk Contest) was really boring and lame, the All Star game was pretty entertaining and fun to watch. Maybe they should have had more defense and more challenge, but it was pretty entertaining to see players were having a good time.

Glen Robinson III won the slam dunk contest. His moves did not impress me much, but man I miss Michael Jordan! he was the best in slam dunks!

 

 

Magic Johnson Named Los Angeles Laker’s President

Magic Johnson has been named Los Angeles Laker’s president of basketball operations!

Finally!!! this was much needed. Things will be alright (Hopefully). Mitch Kupchak and dumb ass Jim Buss are now gone ( Jim is part owner, but has no say in Basketball decisions).

It’s a new era for the young Lakers. It might take some time but this change was needed. A new Positive energy flowing through! Lakers faced the same kind of a challenge in Mid 90’s too, but overcame the obstacles and won many championships. I think Magic will bring the Lakers spirit and pride to these young players and eill motivate them. There might be a light at the end of the tunnel. It will happen again!

Let’s hope he doesn’t make a big foolish mistake in the next few days, like Valade did!! He’s is so inexperienced with NBA trade rules and CBA talks, so let’s hope he makes the right decision by this Thursday!! Than he needs to hire a really good GM.

Cuju: The Earliest Evidence of the Beautiful Game

By Samuel Phineas Upham

Like the game of soccer itself, Cuju was intoxicating to those belonging to the Han Dynasty. While its origins appear to be sometime before that, the game truly began to take form. FIFA recognizes Cuju as the oldest historic example of something which could be called soccer, and it wasn’t until the Tang Dynasty (from 618-907) where the game truly took shape.

Early examples indicate it was a sport enjoyed by both men and women, even though it has its origins as a military training exercise to teach dexterity and agility. Over time, the Han Dynasty established rules for the game, including six goal posts at each corner of the field. Emperor Wu Di is said to have enjoyed the sport, and played with both courtiers and soldiers.

The sport became a national pastime, with backyard stadiums opening up all over imperial China.

The Tang Dynasty gave the game its purified form. They created two types of goal posts, one consisting of a net and another placed at the center of the field. The ball was improved to increase bounce and speed, replacing feathers with air filling. The changes were an immediate success. It was said that those who did not know how to play the game could only hope to find jobs as scorekeepers to appease the ruling families (who loved the game that much).

There is also a record of an historic cuju match, where a 17-year old girl bested an entire team of soldiers. The level of female cuju competition was formidable during this time, and there were no rules stipulating that women could not play with men.


About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media and Telecom group. You may contact Phin on his Samuel Phineas Upham website or Twitter.

Facebook and WWF Join Forces

Facebook has its fair share of critics, but few can argue with the power of this joining of forces. The World Wildlife Federation has paired with Facebook to aid in raising funds to benefit and protect wildlife. Users can adopt various virtual pets, but instead of the revenue of the sales going to a third party developer, the profits will go directly to the World Wildlife Foundation.

This is an extension of the gift catalog the World Wildlife Federation has had in place on its own website. There are various dollar amounts a user can give, and all symbolic adoptions include an adoption certificate and color photo. At the $50 dollar mark a stuffed animal is included in addition to the photo and certificate. The World Wildlife Federation hopes that adding a social aspect to the giving, with users liking and sharing their adoptions, will urge more people to participate.

“We are offering our members and other supporters on Facebook a unique opportunity to support WWF’s conservation work while demonstrating to friends and family their commitment to protecting our planet’s most amazing wildlife and wild places,” said Terry Macko, chief marketing officer for WWF.

“Our new Facebook Gift Center is an innovative way to educate and fundraise and it allows people to have fun by giving, getting, ‘liking’ and ‘sharing.’”

With over 400 million users, Facebook is the ultimate testing ground for this new fundraising technique. Undoubtedly we will be seeing more of this new kind of venture in the future.