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Italian carmaker Fiat reportedly to cut 5,000 jobs
ROME—An Italian newspaper says Fiat will cut 5,000 jobs as part of its new strategic plan. La Repubblica said today the cuts include 1,500 workers at the Termini Imerese plant in Sicily, which will stop auto production next year, as well as 15 percent of some 30,000 assembly line workers. A Fiat spokesman was not immediately available for comment. Fiat is scheduled to release its strategic plan ...

Charming Italian Bracelets

The charm bracelet has come a long way since being worn by the Egyptian pharaohs. They used them as beautiful identity bracelets. Even royalty couldn’t deny the charm of these beautiful trinkets. Queen Victoria was a fan. They were bought by solders in local crafts men in England after world war 11 to bring home to their loved ones to keep as a timeless reminder of their love. They then could be passed on to generation to come.

They became popular in the nineteen fifties with the bobby soxers as the new fashion craze. They were also the craze in gumball machines made from plastic they became a kid’s craze of the 1990’s.

The old type charms usually dangled from the bracelet then the style changed in 2001. The charms were modular in shape and click neatly on to the bracelet. There are many thousands of of charms to choose from flags, sports symbols, baby symbols, cards, birthstones, gems, the colours too are endless blues, greens, reds golds,. You are only limited by your own imagination. The Italians brought their own since of style to the jewellery in 2001 with the new modular design. The combinations of gold, silver, coloured gems, stones, the variations are numerous. The choice is individual to the wearer. The charms are easily changed to suit your mood or fashion since.

The price range can vary. The amount you want to spend depends on the charms you choose. You can spend a lot of money or not. If you want to choose mass produced ones or Swarovski diamonds the choice is individual. Usually the price range is anything from $18 to $50. The braclets come in small medium and large. The usual amount of charms per braclet is an average of seven. The interesting thing about each braclet is how individual they are to each person and the fun is in the explanation of why the wearer chooses each charm. Whether for sentimental value if your charm is belonging to a relative or purely for fashion purposes.

About the Author

Check out the links and learn more about pandora charm bracelets and italian charm bracelets.

Hot Chile

Del Papa brews up program for beer-food pairings
Del Papa Distributing’s Beer Gourmet program promotes beer-food pairings in the grocery sections of stores as well as the beverage aisle.

Ten Must-Go-To Places In Chile

Chile is located along South America's west coast. It is bordered by Bolivia, Peru, Andes, and Argentina. Chile has beautiful pristine beaches that warrant the attention they get from tourists and locals alike, but other than majestic beaches, here are some of the places that you have to visit while in Chile.

1.) Cathedral of San Marcos

If you are going to stay in Chile, then Arica is a must-see place. Here, you will see the Cathedral of San Marcos. The designer of this cathedral is the same person who designed the Eiffel Tower, as such, this has become a tourist destination.

2.) Baquedano Street

It you want old-style streets, then drop by Baquedano Street. Walk along its cobblestone streets and marvel at its old-western style atmosphere. You can also find a lot of tourists here buying their souvenirs as well as enjoying other activities.

3.) Zofri

This is a duty-free zone in Iquique and is a favorite shopping area of locals and visitors alike. This place is a must-go-to because you can find cheap electronics here as well as cheaper memory cards. There are other items that you can buy as well.

4.) La Serena

This is an appealing Chilean town that has lots to offer visitors. Here, you can visit a museum where you can see an authentic Rapa Nui Moai head. You can also visit the observatory that is always open for the public to visit.

5.) Vaparaiso

This is a city in Chile that is popular because of its Bohemian culture, the colorfully-painted houses and the majestic views of its beaches and seaside. There are so many places you can visit here like the Plaza Echaurren-Serrano Street, La Matriz Church, and Ex Carcel. You can also visit La Sebastiana, home (at least one of his three houses) of the famous poet, Pablo Neruda.

6.) Chuquicamata

This was once a beautiful town, but now, it is a dying town. There is a mine here that is a must-see for any visitors, and it is advisable to go on a guided tour so as not to miss its history. You can still see here some equipments as well as vehicles that were used in the mine.

7.) Vina Del Mar

Home to wonderful coastline, this is a favorite destination for the sun worshippers and the beach lovers, but beware though because its waters are not that friendly for swimming. It is best to just walk along the shoreline and enjoy the view it offers, or you can just walk along Vina Del Mar's downtown to enjoy the delicious native cuisine of Chile or buy your souvenirs. The best month to visit this place is in February where a lot of festivals are held.

8.) Parque Metropolitano

This big park is located in Santiago de Chile. From here, you can see a wonderful view of the city of Santiago, and you can also see the Andes. You can go up to its summit by riding a cablecar or driving your car, or you can even go on a hike to reach the top where you will get to enjoy the botanical garden and a zoo.

9.) Santiago Centro

This is a great place to immerse yourself with Chilean everyday life. You can stroll along its paseos. Word of caution though, beware of pickpockets.

10.) Rancagua

Here, you can go to the Las Termas de Cauquenes where you can enjoy a nice hot bath from its natural hot spring waters. When done with your relaxing thermal bath, then go on to Reserva Nacional Rio Los Cipreses, Rancaua's national park that offers a great camping experience. You can also visit Sewell, a mining town that is now non-operational.

About the Author

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share
travel videos
. Visit
http://www.destinationguide.tv/chile
to view or share
Chile travel videos
.

Chile Pepper

Five cheap-eat places in Portland (could have listed hundreds)
We decided to list the five tried-and-true places we go to, again and again, when we want something hot and fast and have $10 or less in our pockets.

Jane Butel Says Eat More Chiles to Lose Weight

"Diet crazes come and go,because people get tired of boring food patterns or too many rules," says Jane Butel, author of 18 cookbooks, cooking school teacher and first to write about Southwestern and Mexican regional cooking. The best solution to weight maintenance is to develop healthy eating and lifestyle patterns.

To many, this might seem like impossible advice. How can I change that much? I don't have the time to learn new habits. Or, I can't afford expensive diet plans, special foods or learning programs.

"Actually you don't have to buy anything more than some pure chiles," says Butel. The chile can be any variety?red or green--the hotter the healthier. (Hotter chiles have a greater concentration of capsaicin, the spicy part of chiles that supplies the health benefits.) The easiest and healthiest diet will include regular consumption of chile--at least 24 days out of 30 or preferably every day.

Adding chiles to your meals or snacks can be as easy as eating some salsa or adding chile flakes to a salad dressing or marinade. Another idea is to use a chile-laden rub on meats or vegetables before grilling or saut?g. Even pepper sauce such as Tabasco supplies some capsaicin, chile's unique health-giving substance.

First, how do chiles help your weight goals? They stimulate the endorphins in your body, making your body burn more "fuel". Eating chiles creates a sense of euphoria similar to a runner's high?or even sex. So they leave one feeling a sense of well being often curbing one's appetite.

To those who don't think they can change their eating habits or are afraid of eating chiles too spicy hot?they can start by eating mild chiles, such as the green Anaheim's or southern New Mexican chiles. These are easily available in most markets, either fresh or canned. One can keep pure mild chile on hand for including as a condiment when cooking or for seasoning most any food. Chiles are so much healthier than salt or pepper. And, a sprinkling of pure ground chile accented with a squish of fresh lime juice can be so delightful...often alleviating the desire for salt and pepper.

Another plus to eating chiles is that chiles actually give you a sense of satisfaction from eating a smaller portion, thus reducing the desire to overeat. And chile-laden diets such as those from the Southwestern US and Northern Mexico are quite healthy and affordable. One of the healthiest diets in the world is the Northern Mexican diet where corn tortillas and pinto beans are liberally eaten flavored with pickled or fresh jalapenos or other chiles.

If you are really having trouble including chiles in your diet when traveling for instance, you can always make yourself a cup of hot chile tea made by adding ½ teaspoon ground hot chile, such as cayenne and a teaspoon each of vinegar and honey to hot water.

Side benefits to eating chiles are endless. They aid your heart health by eliminating plaque in your vascular system, aid digestion, cauterize ulcers, prevent diseases such as cancer and even assist with curing the common cold and more.

Here are some quick and easy recipes that feature chiles from Real Women Eat Chiles by Butel to assist you in getting started with eating more chiles.

GARLIC AND CHIPOTLE SAUCED CHICKEN BREAST

Chipotles have a strong, smoky quality due to the fact that they are smoked, ripe jalapenos. A mild-mannered side dish such as rice or mashed potatoes makes a good "bed" to absorb the yummy juices.

Cooking Time: 8 to 10 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

½ to 1 teaspoon chipotle powder

½ cup chicken broth (can be made from chicken base or bouillion)

4 large garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup ground pure mild red chile

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, trimmed of all fat and sinew Cooked rice, potatoes or pasta, for accompaniment

1. Pour the chicken broth into a mini food processor or blender, and add the garlic, ground chile and cumin. Process until smooth.

2. Transfer the chile mixture to a nonreactive bowl and add the chicken breasts, coating each side.

3. Heat the grill, stovetop grill or a well-seasoned skillet to medium-high. Cook the chicken (reserving the marinade) for about 4 minutes per side or until done. Cook the marinade in a saucepan over medium heat until it comes to a boil and cook for about 2 minutes.

4. Serve over fluffy cooked rice or mashed potatoes, spooning on sauce.

PER SERVING: Calories 167, Protein 28g, Carbohydrates 5g, Fiber 2g, Fat 4g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 73mg, Sodium 73mg.

CHILE SEARED SALMON WITH MANGO SALSA

A dusting or rub of chile on salmon adds a wonderful flavor. Pan searing or grilling works equally well. If the weather is not conducive to grilling or if you are in a hurry, pan searing is ideal.

Cooking Time: 6 to 10 minutes

Yield: 2 servings

1 tablespoon ground mild red chile

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 pound fresh boneless salmon filet

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 cup Mango Salsa

1. In a small bowl, combine the chile, sugar and salt. Cut the salmon into 2 pieces. Rinse, then pat dry with a paper towel. Rub the chile mixture evenly over the salmon.

2. Sprinkle salt in a heavily seasoned skillet. Place over medium heat until hot.

3. Saut?he salmon for 3-5 minutes per side, until crisp and brown on the outside and still moist and bright pink on the inside. Serve on salsa.

Per Serving: Calories 388, Protein 35g, Carbohydrates 34g, Fiber 4g, Fat 12g, Saturated Fat 2g, Cholesterol 96mg, Sodium 661mg.

MANGO SALSA

The gingery peach flavor of ripe, pungent mangos is wonderful with any mild-flavored seafood or poultry. You could also serve this as a dipping salsa with jicama or corn chips.

Preparation Time: 5 to 7 minutes

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

3/4 cup fresh mango, chopped into 1/2-inch cubes

3/4 cup diced Spanish onion

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon pequin quebrado

1. Combine all ingredients and toss together.

2. Allow the flavors to blend for at least 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

PER SERVING: Calories 41, Protein 1g, Carbohydrates 10g, Fiber 2g, Fat 0g, Saturated Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 6mg.

SPINACH and CORN ROLLED ENCHILADAS

Seared corn or leftover grilled corn definitely sets this sauce apart. This vegetarian dish has a great fresh flavor and is vegetarian?vegan without the cheese.

Yield: 4 servings

2 ears corn grilled Mexican style or 1, 10 oz. package frozen corn kernels*

1 cup evaporated skim milk

3 cloves garlic, minced

8 corn tortillas, warmed

1, 15 oz. can spinach, without salt, well drained

½ cup chopped onion

1 cup grated low-fat Monterey Jack cheese

Nonstick oil spray

1. Cut the grilled corn from the cob. If using frozen corn, see note.

2. In a blender, combine the milk, garlic and corn. Process until smooth. Transfer to a shallow plate.

3. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Lightly spray an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with nonstick oil spray.

4. Dip each warm tortilla in the corn mixture. Place on a flat surface and sprinkle with one-eighth of the spinach, onion and cheese, reserving some cheese for garnish. Roll, then place seam side down in the baking dish. Cover with the rest of the corn mixture, making sure that you pour it evenly over each enchilada. Sprinkle with the reserved cheese. Bake for 10 minutes, or until bubbly. Serve hot.

*If using frozen corn, place it in a heavy, seasoned skillet over medium-high heat to brown the edges of most kernels.

PER SERVING: Calories 330, Protein 21 g., Carbohydrates 47 g. Fiber 7 g. Fat 9 g., Saturated Fat 4 g. Cholesterol 23 mg., Sodium 413 mg.

About the Author

Jane Butel offers an on-line course, "All About Chiles" through her cooking school, which is hosted by the University of British Columbia. This course presents an indepth chile education. Additionally, she operates a full-participation weekend and week long vacation cooking school, a mail-order spice company featuring her cookbooks,and conducts culinary tours and team-building classes.
http://www.janebutel.com