Posts Tagged ‘percussion’

Roto Tom

Wine Gadgets and Gizmos

Several months ago a friend of mine was telling me about a new wine preservation gadget. He suggested that I try out the new Epicurean Preservation System (EPS). "My Vacu Vin works just fine," I insisted. Reluctantly, I moved forward with this challenge, wondering at that time why I was doing this. As a sommelier and wine writer, I am often asked to review wines and wine related products. Research is a key component to further wine education and any good written review, so I accepted my friend's challenge.

I contacted the Epicurean International Company (www.presorvav.com) and before I knew it I was speaking with Anthony Lemme. I was the lucky recipient of a short seminar regarding the benefits of their Epicurean Preservation System versus the features of the Vacu Vin. According to Mr. Lemme and their company's research, "Our patent pending dual-action Roto-ciprocal EPS vacuum and pressure pump system is designed to preserve the optimum taste, color, and aroma of the wines and the sparkle of the finest champagnes up to 14 days longer than open bottles." I asked Anthony what is the number one sales point of the Epicurean Preservation System? "Our product is the first truly cost-effective wine preservation system that actually preserves the fizz in champagne. The Vacu Vin does not preserve the champagne's fizz," said Mr. Lemme. At the conclusion of my interview, we completed the order and within a few days an Epicurean Preservation System was delivered right to my PO Box.

Upon examining the Epicurean Preservation System, I was impressed by the portable, self contained design of this unit. The EPS unit when not in use it rests upright in an AC charger. Accompanying the wine preservation system are two types of bottle stoppers. One type is used for preserving still wines and the other is a specially designed bottle stopper used for preserving champagne or sparkling wines. The two EPS bottle stoppers used for still wines offer two functions: one is a basic bottle stopper and the other offers a functional pour spout in its design. The EPS champagne or sparkling wine bottle stopper is designed to screw onto a champagne bottle and maintain a high pressure charge.

The challenge begins! I am a huge fan of my Vacu Vin, and maybe up to the moment, the biggest challenge I was facing was my own personal bias in favor of my Vacu Vin. When I performed side by side comparisons between the Vacu Vin and the Epicurean Preservation System in preserving still wines, I was ultimately more impressed by the EPS. Both the Vacu Vin and the EPS both utilize rubber bottle stoppers, and both systems vacuum the air out of wine bottles effectively, but I observed some notable differences. I am 215 pounds, and with great effort, I can really crank down on a Vacu Vin in assuring a terrific vacuum. However, other people (i.e. seniors, smaller people, etc.) may not be able to create the same result with a Vacu Vin. With a flip of a switch and the press of a button, the Epicurean Preservation System does all of the work for you. The more I used the EPS, the greater my realization of just what a labor savings this EPS provides to its users. Regarding extending the duration and preservation of still wines, I found no difference between the EPS or Vacu Vin systems.

In side by side comparisons using both the Epicurean Preservation System and Vacu Vin to preserve champagnes or sparkling wines, there is absolutely no comparison. The EPS blows away the Vacu Vin! If the Vacu Vin system is used on a sparkling wine, and a vacuum is created then within a day or so the sparkling wine has lost all of its effervescence. At best, the Vacu Vin bottle stopper can be used without applying a vacuum, and the sparkling wine's effervescence will last a few days. The Epicurean Preservation System has two switch settings, red for vacuum or blue for pressure charging, and with a 180 degree flip of the switch, the user can immediately switch from vacuuming a bottle to pressure charging a sparkling wine bottle. The EPS specially designed sparkling wine bottle stopper is screwed onto the sparkling wine bottle and the EPS unit is then attached to the bottle stopper. The bottle is charged within thirty seconds. Amazing! I can personally vouch for the EPS' preservation of a sparkling wine's effervescence for at least one week. Given the fact that most sparkling wines are usually consumed the day they are opened, the EPS easily preserves sparkling wines for at least a week. In vino veritas!

The Epicurean Preservation System is available to the trade only and costs approximately $300 dollars. EPS wins my vote of approval, and I have been using it religiously ever since.

 

About the Author

Tom DiNardo is the founder of DiNardo & Lord Auctioneers.  He is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, licensed auctioneer, certified master appraiser, expert witness, and sommelier and wine educator. DiNardo & Lord Auctioneers is ranked as one of the nation's "Top four benefit auction firms," and has raised over $50 million dollars for nonprofits.

Roto Tom

Leon Mobley

Leon Mobley

Held Percussion

Thrissur Pooram – a festival with intriguing flashback

The festival of festivals... a celebration without peers... Kerala's ‘Thrissur Pooram' also boasts an interesting history.

It is a peculiar ‘tale recipe' of several ingredients --- Hinduism's caste system, which saw the wealth & power always rested with upper castes... The aristocratic Brahmin priests (most superior caste in Kerala) who treated themselves as demigods... A King who dared to redefine the society...

Locally, ‘Pooram' means meeting or group. According to Hindu mythology, dynastic Gods / Goddesses from neighbouring provinces meet on an auspicious day annually. This day is generally regarded as Pooram celebration.

During medieval times, within a kingdom; small regions were controlled by Brahmin aristocrats who were  regarded as Local Chiefs. Some  of them were considered even powerful than the King.

Before ‘Thrissur Pooram' originated, the major festive occasion in Thrissur region was the ‘Arattupuzha festival' which took place in Peruvanam – a village located near Thrissur. Temples in Thrissur and surrounding regions used to take part in Arattupuzha festival.

Once, temples from Thrissur and Kuttanellur regions were denied entry to this festival by Peruvanam Village-Chief, perhaps due to some delay from those temples. To challenge Peruvanam's authority in festival, the respective Local Chiefs of Thrissur and Kuttanellur jointly organised their own Pooram festival. But this celebration failed to sustain due to frequent quarrels between the Chiefs. When the situation went off the limit, the King (Rama Varma) intervened.

Rama Varma alias ‘Sakthan Thampuran' (AD 1751-1805) – founder of Thrissur Pooram

Ruler of the ‘Princely State of Cochin' at that time, Rama Varma; better known as ‘Sakthan Thampuran' (meaning ‘Powerful King' due to his firm, daring administration) was averse to the increasing self styled aggressions of local chiefs.

Considering the traumatic situation, a resolute Sakthan Thampuran decided to redefine the society setup and organize Thrissur's own kind of Pooram - a festival for all, irrespective of caste division.

To quell local powerhouses, the King wrested the control of Thrissur's prominent temples – Vadakkunnathan, Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi, which were till then held by Brahmin chiefs. Further, he cleared the teak-forest that surrounded Vadakkunnathan temple, making a vast ground to hoist the Pooram.

Afterwards the King formed two geographical groups – ‘Eastern' (headed by ‘Paramekkavu temple' with four other temples from neighbourhood) and ‘Western' (headed by ‘Thiruvambadi temple' with four neighbouring temples) – combining all temples in & around Thrissur town, framing a mega festival plan. It is believed that Sakthan Thampuran also charted events and programs – to be conducted on Thrissur Pooram celebrations – making it a true fiesta.

‘Anachamayam' – Collection of Elephant Caparisons on the eve of Thrissur Pooram

Eastern and Western groups (with ten temples in total) make processions to the nerve-temple of Thrissur, ‘Vadakkunnathan Lord Shiva Temple'. It was so decided as the town of Thrissur literally got its name from this temple. Thrissur means ‘Thiru-Shiva-Perur' (Abode of Lord Shiva).

Vadakkunnathan Temple and ground – venue of Thrissur Pooram

As Pooram approaches, deities from these ten temples proceed to pay respect to Lord Shiva, deity at Vadakkunnathan temple.

Image of each temple deity (of participating temples) is carried on elephants... Richly decorated elephants alongwith a team of percussion instrument experts make the procession a grand affair. These processions conclude at the ‘Thekkinkadu maidan', the sprawling temple ground that encircle Vadakkunnathan temple - Pooram festival's main venue.

The prominent participants, Eastern ‘Paramekkavu' group and Western ‘Thiruvambadi' group, then stand face to face on the venue; with each team fielding 15 elephants supplemented with percussion & wind orchestra team.

Paramekkavu Temple – a principle participant in Thrissur Pooram

Thiruvambadi Temple – another principle participant in the Pooram

These groups, in a positive spirit, strive to steal a match over one another by assembling the best elephants from all over Kerala and the best performers of percussion instruments...

Climax constitutes 30+ majestic decorated-elephants, enchanting atmosphere with percussion-musical-feast of Panchavadyam, Pandimelam, Ilanjitharamelam... and finally, astonishing firework displays that literally set the night sky on fire !!!

As envisioned by the great ruler Sakthan Thampuran almost 210 years ago, Eastern-Western healthy competition continues ... making Thrissur Pooram the most colourful & dazzling festival in Kerala, and perhaps the most splendid of its kind in the world too ! This festival fiesta grows year after year.

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About the Author

Elatrip.com is a fast growing travel / tour player in Kerala (South India), aimed at making tourism accessible to all wakes of life. Our main punch is not the usual travel itineraries, readymade customer holiday packs, etc. but, fully customized travel deals for all kinds of customers.

 

Held Percussion

Sweet Steel Drum

How to Host a Party with Tiki Torches

Short of an actual vacation, nothing sets a mood quite as tropical and intimate as a backyard party complete with tiki torches. The warm, flickering light casts inviting shadows, sets a sparkle to the eye and invites close conversation and a merry, festive mood. But there's so much more to making the party something your friends will be talking about with their coworkers around the water cooler on Monday than just firing up the torches.

Precautions - Ensure that open flame tiki torches are placed far enough from flammables and guests to ensure there are no accidents. Alert guests with children in advance to keep an eye on their kids and don't let them play where they might knock over a torch. Have a fire extinguisher handy just in case.

Timing - Arrange to have guests arrive an hour or so before dusk so they have time to familiarize themselves with the setting before they have to navigate by firelight. As the sun gets lower, begin lighting the tiki torches to ease into the moment.

Themes - Basing your party around a theme helps bind the event together and tiki torches lend themselves particularly well to tropical themes. Consider settings with a Latin, Caribbean or Pacific atmosphere.

A Hawaiian luau with wicker or bamboo tiki torches is always a hit. Include palm branches or living palm and tropical plants strategically placed in the backyard setting. The more lush your garden the better, but groupings of potted flowers and plants can do in a pinch. Have your children greet guests with flower leis when they arrive and consider inviting guests to dress the part in brightly colored floral shirts and wraps.

Grilled foods with sweet glazes and fruit-based dips, glazes and salsa for sides further enhance the illusion. Table settings can include carved pineapple, tropical fruits and flower centerpieces as well as table-top tiki torches. Additional decorative touches such as seashells on the tables and hanging paper lanterns round things out nicely. Consider adding sound to the mix with ocean noise and soft tropical music playing on separate sound sources such as a boom box hidden in some plants. And don't forget to have the blender ready to mix some Pina Coladas!

A Latin theme can also be a tremendous hit. For this, bring margaritas or sangria into the mix. Keep the mood upbeat and lively. Make a decorative centerpiece for tables using a variety of colorful peppers and bright flowers. String lights, streamers or paper lanterns will add to the festive mood. Dishes should be a mix of hot and mild (for less adventurous guests). Fire up the grill and serve South American or Tex-Mex dishes. Consider a build-your-own taco and fajita bar. While you man the grill, guests can customize their favorite tortilla-wrapped foods. Cap everything off with upbeat Latin music.

For a Caribbean or tropical island theme keep the seashells and palms for ambiance. Rather than pineapples, use coconuts, bananas and other island fruit as centerpiece displays and include reggae or steel drum music. Prepare Jamaican Jerk chicken and pork and some tasty seafood recipes allowing plenty time in advance for the meat to marinade (remember to keep shellfish dishes separate for those who may have allergies). As with the Hawaiian theme, the sounds of the ocean piped over outdoor speakers will go a long way to immersing your guests in the illusion you've created.

Setting - If you have a green thumb and a garden to show off, use tiki torches to light paths that will invite your guests to explore or find a quiet sitting area where they can be alone for intimate conversation. Landscape lighting can further serve to accent the elements of your garden you would like to showcase and will set apart little islands of interest throughout your yard.

Ultimately, your budget and creativity are your only limits. As you plan for the event, think about what you associate with a vacation and include subtle hints of those things in your decoration. Remember that you are trying to create a mood and to do so you want to appeal to all the senses. Include fragrant flowers, tiki torches for the flattering lighting, sounds of water, music appropriate for your theme and tastes common to the region you are trying to capture. Then sit back and watch your guests blissfully escape into the memorable illusion you've created.

About the Author

David manages TikiTorchesGuide.com, a blog devoted enhancing outdoor experiences with the playful light from all kinds of tiki torches.

Sweet Steel Drum

Wood Bodhran

Big Drums: Does Size Matter?

Sure, there are lots of types of drums in the world. Snare drums and bongo drums, bodhrans and ashikos, timbales and tenor drums-if you want to learn to play this instrument, you've got a lot of choices. But what if you want to go for sheer power? What if you want to play with the big boys and, incidentally, the big drums? What are your best options then? Fortunately for the potential drum player who thinks that size matters, there are several contenders in the big drum category and all of them demand a respect in accordance with their sizes.

First, the most obvious of the big drums, the bass drum. This is a large drum that produces a note of a low definite or indefinite pitch. The use of bass drums is widespread, and its genres include orchestral, concert band, marching, jazz and rock music. Bass drums are made of a large, symmetrical metal frame with skins stretched over both circular ends. Bass drums may be divided into three subcategories: the concert bass drum, which is usually used in an orchestra or concert band; the "kick" bass drum, which is generally part of a drum kit and struck with a beater attached to a pedal; and the pitched bass drum, which is generally used in marching drum corps.

The largest bass drums tend to belong to the orchestral bass drum classification and are usually about three feet in diameter. The "kick" bass drum and the pitched bass drum are usually about two feet in diameter. However, it should be noted that there is an ongoing competition amongst some American universities, such as the Universities of Chicago, Texas, and Purdue, for the title of "World's Largest Drum." These drums measure anywhere from eight to ten feet in diameter, although the exact dimensions of some are closely guarded secrets. Needless to say, these are the largest bass drums known to exist.

Next on the big drum list come the timpani. Sometimes called kettledrums, these massive instruments are a must for dramatic percussion music in classical orchestras, although they are also used in other genres. Timpani drums are constructed from large, bowl-shaped bodies, usually of copper, with skins stretched over them. The largest timpani drums are just less than three feet in diameter. This makes them slightly smaller than the average orchestral bass drum, but the sound of the timpani makes up for those few extra inches. These drums are known for their round, resonant sounds, and a timpani roll is enough to send shivers up anyone's spine.

Finally, there are the taiko drums. For those who do not know, taiko drumming is a traditional Japanese art form that utilizes drums of various sizes. The largest of these are the odaiko drums, and these instruments can amaze and observer with both their sizes and their sounds. Some odaiko drums are so large that once they have been positioned in their permanent homes, usually a temple or a shrine, they are never moved again. They are sometimes made from a single piece of wood from an ancient tree: the "N" odaiko drum, for instance, is made from a tree that was 1200 years old when killed. The instrument measures almost eight feet in diameter. The notes of the odaiko are deep, resounding and unforgettable.

About the Author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for guitars, drums, keyboards, sheet music, guitar tab, and home theater audio. You can find the best marketplace at these sites for drums, bass drum, taiko, timpani, sheet music, guitar tabs, and home theater audio.

Wood Bodhran