3. High Dynamic Range Photography - "HDR Look" and Pseudo HDR vs. HDR

Another article in a series dedicated to HDR photography addressing some confusion regarding actual HDR as opposed to various techniques used to enhance the DR and tonal properties of photos. Feb. 27, 2009

Taurasi - Barolo of Southern Italy

If you like Italian red wine, and, in particular, wine produced from the Nebiolo grape like Barolo, Gattinara and Brabaresco, and if you never tried Taurasi, you should definately taste this exquisite wine from Campania region in Southern Italy. I bet you will not be disappointed - in fact, Taurasi is known as the Barolo of the South for its excellent bouquet, intensity and flavor. The combination of these qualities make Taurasi conceptually similar to Barolo while offering its own variations of taste and aromas. Jan. 2, 2009

Baked Stuffed Buns (Pierogies) with Cabbage and Mushrooms

The practice of enclosing all sorts of fillings with all sorts of tastes in an envelope of dough goes back in history many centuries ego in many Eastern European countries with strong ties to Slavic culture. A common variety of them are baked stuffed buns (also called "pierogi" although you can come across numerous variations of English spelling of this word) made from yeast dough. Dec. 30, 2007

Monopods for Traveling

If you take pictures while traveling (and most people do), chances are high that you wished you had a tripod with you to capture scenes with low light conditions. However, there could be reasons why many of us (for whom photography is just a hobby or a way to record memorable moments of our adventures) do not carry or even have a tripod. Tripods are heavy, bulky, and in many places (like museums, churches, etc.) are prohibited anyway. Hopefully, there is an alternative to a tripod - a monopod, a single-legged support for a camera. Dec. 26, 2007

How Much Can You Drink?

According to a research conducted by British scientists, a man who consumes every day eight alcoholic units and more, or a woman who consumes six or more alcoholic units are potential alcoholics. Nov. 17, 2007

Planning Your Travels with Hotel Chains

To plan our trips we often use tourist guides like Frommer's, Fodor's, Michelin, etc. What is common with approach is that the guides are presumably independent from the establishments they describe or recommend providing unbiased and truthful information. In our experience, it's not uncommon that the reality turns out to be different than the one in the guides, and there many reasons for that. Nov. 17, 2007

Hiking Tips

Simple tips for simple hikes Nov. 17, 2007

Calories Do Count

The latest study conducted by National Center for Health Statistics (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) found that U.S. women increased their daily calorie consumption 22 percent between 1971 and 2000, from 1542 calories per day to 1877 calories. During the same period the calorie intake for men increased 7 percent from 2450 calories per day to 2618 calories. It means that calories count even more now. Here are some facts that will help you undestand better calories Nov. 17, 2007

Planning Your Travels with Relais & Chateaux

Relais & Châteaux is an association with headquarters in Paris, France of more than 450 hotels and restaurants throughout the world. Its main goal is to promote and provide various services its members. So, it seems like Relais & Châteaux is catering primarily to their needs - where do we, travelers, fit into this picture?

Nov. 6, 2007

Best Payment Options for Travelers

Once very popular, travellers cheques lost their appeal in favor of credit (or debit) cards. In fact, there are fewer and fewer places where you can make payments with cheques whereas "plastic" cards are accepted almost universally nowadays. All these changes are not accidental - credit and debit cards, if chosen and used wisely, provide convenience not attainable with any other method of payment for your expenses. This article focuses on useful tips and some important considerations while using credit and debit cards abroad. Oct. 12, 2007

Meet John Hardy - Jewelry Designer

If you go to the best stores in America looking for a necklace, or a ring, or bracelet, you would hardly miss displays carrying the name of John Hardy - a designer known worldwide for his luxury lines of intricate handmade jewelry. John Hardy's creations are based on traditional techniques developed throughout centuries by Balinese craftsmen and equally inspired by local arts and ornaments offering a unique combination of ancient mystique with timeless and at the same time modern design. Every piece of jewelry that carries his signature is made by hand. John Hardy's name today is known worldwide and his business is still expanding gaining new markets and even wider popularity. Aug. 25, 2007

International Driving Permit (IDP)

There is a lot of discussions (sometimes very emotional and speculative) on whether you should have an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Europe, and, in particular, in Italy. Requirements for having IDP differ from country to country but actual practice has proved that you may drive for years in European countries without IDP and without ever been asked to show IDP. However, this doesn't mean that it is legal to drive without one or that Italian police will never ask you to show IDP or driver's license translation if it stops you Aug. 11, 2007

Blini - Russian Version of Pancakes

Blini, Russian version of pancakes, are a traditional Slavic dish found not only in Russia, but also in other countries of Eastern Europe. To prepare perfect blini, a lot of effort and skills are required. However, non-stick pans (instead of old-fashion cast-iron frying pans) and products like Bisquick can significantly facilitate the cooking process. Do not expect the same quality with new approaches; still the final result is a good compromise that saves time and effort. Also, the purpose of this article is to illustrate some details of the preparation process that are equally important for both traditional recipes and the one offered here. Aug. 11, 2007

Mussels a la Serge

This is a wonderful recipe - when served it looks more like a mussel "soup" giving a rich experience where the taste of mussels is backed by the richness of cooked and spiced vegetables. It takes about two hours to prepare this dish - most of this time is needed to prepare a kind of creamy tomato and spinach soup which will be used to cook (and serve) mussels. Aug. 11, 2007

Revive Your Digital Pictures with Light

Here is a brief tutorial on a technique that can help add a punch to your pictures and/or correct digital photos that have various problems like incorrect exposure or insufficient dynamic range. This is a method of post-processing photographs that is widely known to Photoshop professionals and that allows with minimum amount of time to make pictures better. It refers to the use of light (and appearance of lighting) to enhance visual effect produced by any kind of shot. Aug. 11, 2007

Foreign Transaction Fees

With the proliferation of many financial products (also fueled by new technologies and the globalization of economies) many people switched while traveling abroad from the American Express "cheques" to credit card that with instant payment processing capabilities and using actual (currency markets) exchange rates offered considerable savings and convenience. However, credit card issuers quickly noticed that they could still make more money without losing this market by adding various charges to transactions made in foreign countries. The goal of this article is to increase your awareness of potential problems and costs with using credit and other cards abroad. Aug. 11, 2007

Costume and Fashion Jewelry

Costume jewelry is often defined as jewelry designed for wearing with current fashions and usually made of inexpensive materials. Nowadays, it seems like it is the design and function that distinguish costume jewelry from any "estate" type of jewels. There are many talented fashion jewelry designers offering all types of costume jewelry to select from. We want to introduce one of them, Amy Kahn Russell, a brilliant designer with her works featured in a number of fashion magazines. Her signature is on many stunning hand-made pieces like this stunning necklace. Aug. 11, 2007

15 Things Men Want

What seems strange, unacceptable and surprising to a woman can be quite natural and normal for a man. Here is an unexpected submission we've got on this issue (written by a man) - 15 things men want. The author of these notes explained that the main motivation for this submission was his desire to improve communication between men and women. It's up to you to decide whether you like it or not. Aug. 11, 2007