Complicating Birthday Statistics

It may be surprising that only a small group of people is needed in order to result in what is known as a birthday paradox, or coincidence. That is when two people within a group celebrate the same date of birth. Most people think that there would need to be a rather large group in order for this to happen, yet that is not the case.

When you add a third person to the group they have only 363 days to miss having the same birthdays as the first two people. Meaning they have a probability of 363/365, or 0.9945 and when you multiply this to the previous results it results in a 0.9918 chance of them having the same birthday. The probability results of 0.0164 (1-0.9836) of having matching birthdays is the result when you add a fourth person to the group.

Even though it may be interesting to learn different facts and discover unusual tidbits about ordinary events or processes, most people would probably prefer to celebrate the uniqueness of certain celebrations such as a birthday, with the exception of multiple births. It is a unique, special event for one special person on one special day.

They prefer to celebrate in the more traditional way of throwing a birthday bash, complete with presents, cards, some party favors and a birthday cake. They also prefer to leave all of the analytical aspects, such as equations, percentages and probabilities to those who are less sentimental.

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Shopping For A Better Birthday Gift

Trying to find what you consider the perfect birthday gift for someone that you know professionally can be somewhat frustrating. Many times people put undue stress upon themselves by thinking that they are going to be judged by the type of gift they choose to give. Even though this is highly unlikely, it can be difficult to convince yourself of that, making the idea of selecting the perfect birthday present a priority.

One of the most memorable days in a person's life is the birth of a child, so naturally you want a birthday gift that expresses that sentiment and more. Not many people would consider any type of art for a child's 1st birthday; however, it can be a perfect choice. Something along the lines of a Disney sketch or lithograph would be something to treasure and would undoubtedly be handed down as a family heirloom.

One birthday gift idea that is bound to make even the most stoic and self controlled man speechless and maybe even teary eyed is the gift of your baby's handprint on a baseball displayed in a case. Adding a personalized card for the sports fan that has special meaning to him is also a great idea. And, for those who think this would not be a great gift from a baby girl, then think again. It makes it extra special to have the handprint of his "sugar and spice" girl on a thoughtful and unique gift.

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Celebrating 21st Birthday Tips And Ideas

There are several milestones in a person's life. For a kid, it may be hitting "double digits," then the "tween" years, followed by turning 18. However, there is something really special about a 21st birthday.

Even though you are considered an adult after your 18th birthday you are still limited in the number of things you are allowed to do. But, when you hit 21 you pretty much own the world or at least feel like you do.

If you are looking for something special, not just a birthday cake and party favors, then consider throwing a "what I wanted to be when I grew up" party for your 21st birthday. For instance, if someone wanted to be a race car driver or a fireman, then go to a costume store to get what you need or make it yourself.

Consider having a formal theme where the guests wear tuxedos and ball gowns while competing in some type of ballroom dancing contest. Check into having a dance teacher come to the party during the first half to offer suggestions and moves to the guests before the contest.

Another great idea for a 21st birthday celebration is to have everyone dress from the 20s including mobsters, gun molls and flappers. Perhaps you can locate some imitation Tommy guns that would be perfect for your roaring 20s party. What about using feathered masks for the women and black Zorro masks for the gentlemen for a great masquerade party or ball, with an unmasking that takes place at the end of the evening.

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Planning Birthday Parties With Better Themes

Many people, especially kids, think that birthday parties are the best part of having a birthday and perhaps they are right. Who doesn't love having a particular day on which they are honored and perhaps even have a special event planned just for them?

Many times people stress over whether or not they should worry about planning a particular theme for a party and if so, what should that theme be? Of course, that usually depends upon the age and relationship of the birthday boy or girl.

Planning birthday parties for young boys is actually fairly easy, as many of them are just starting to get into different sports and a sports theme is normally a safe bet. You have a huge selection of choices when it comes to choosing a particular sport; for example, a baseball themed birthday bash is a great choice and pretty simple to plan.

Consider using party invitations that are in the shape of a baseball mitt or even just a baseball and for snacks you can always set up your own concession stand along with bowls of peanuts placed around the room.

For the birthday cake consider one in the shape of a mitt with a smaller cake shaped like a baseball inside the mitt. A cut-out baseball diamond is a great place to stack those birthday gifts until it is time to open them.

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Planning An Unforgettable Birthday Party

If you are in charge of planning a birthday party and are worried about ensuring its success, then consider having a theme party. While it can be difficult to come up with the perfect theme and you may worry about the success of the party, there are things that you should consider in order to plan a great birthday.

When considering different themes you should keep in mind the age, gender and personality of the recipient, as this information will assist you in your party planning.

Having a movie night theme for a birthday is clever and fairly easy to plan. For example, the invitations can be made to look like a movie ticket or you can design them to look like a movie reel with all of the details of the birthday party on them.

Have someone dressed up in a tuxedo standing outside the door where the guests can hand them their ticket and they can check to see if they are on the "list." No movie night theme birthday bash would be complete without a red carpet so check around and see if any carpet store has scraps of carpet available.

Need a great idea for a party planning theme for your teenager's birthday? Consider a Medieval Time birthday party complete with the King and Queen standing at the door to greet the guests.

Invitations can be done in calligraphy style, rolled up as a scroll and tied with a ribbon; add a birthday cake in the shape of an elaborate castle and it will be an unforgettable party.

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A Pellet Fireplace Warming Your Home

The easiest way to reduce the dependence on fossil fuel is to heat with wood and the wood pellet stove or wood pellet fireplace is one of the most convenient ways to do so. Unlike the more traditional wood fireplaces, the pellets are fed from a storage hopper into the fire that causes the warm air to circulate. The heat output is adjustable and can even be hands free when used with a thermostat.

The Whitfield pellet stove insert can help you convert your existing metal or masonry fireplace into a pellet fireplace. There are inserts that will fit most gas, wood and pellet burning fireplaces. These are easily installed and will fit into most traditional fireplace openings.

Traditional wood fireplaces have always held a special place in the heart and mind of many, as the ambiance and warmth from the flickering flames just seems natural. However, the standard fireplaces have come under scrutiny over the last several years with concerns about the output of carbon and the pollution that is caused by the particles that are in the smoke.

Fortunately for us, the pellet fireplace is one of the results of the evolving wood fireplace that helps to mitigate some of the problems, including the air pollution. Of course, part of the allure of a traditional fireplace is that ambiance that people are afraid of losing, yet some of the pellet varieties have features that are designed to enhance the product, such as an adjustable flame height and heat output, which are reminiscent of the traditional fireplace.

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Travelling During Thanksgiving With Travel Guides

Sometimes, we think we know what's best for us. You think, "Hey, I've flown to Connecticut every year to be with my family. I know what I need to do." Yet every year you're running through the airport, getting bumped from flights, dealing with whiny kids and paying an extra $25 for luggage.

This is why many Americans refer to travel guides to help them gain extra travel advice that could make their next trip different from the last. Sometimes it's one simple suggestion, like bringing a portable DVD player that could ultimately save the day.

Travel guides frequently recommend New England and New York City for Thanksgiving travel. In New England, you can visit the historic Richard Sparrow House (built in 1640), walk through the Burial Hill Fort, go to the Old Court House (circa 1749), see the Howland House (where a Mayfair pilgrim lived), visit costumed travel guides at the Harlow Old Fort House and (of course) go see Plymouth Rock!

You might want to also visit the Mayflower, the Pilgrim Monument, Plimouth Plantation, the Pilgrim Hall Museum and Cape Cod. In New York City, the big draw is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the longest running parades in America; dating back to the 1920s. You can visit http://www.gonyc.about.com/cs/thanksgiving/a/tdayparade.htm for more detailed travel advice pertaining to the parade.

According to AAA, 82% of all Thanksgiving Day travelers will be driving to dinner this year, rather than flying. A Mapquest poll about Thanksgiving travel found that most drivers have more than an hour to travel for Thanksgiving dinner and 25% have road trips exceeding 200 miles.

Travel guides say that most people leave on Wednesday or Thursday, so try leaving on Tuesday to beat the rush if you can. Most travelers leave Thursday night or stay for the long weekend, so Friday would be an ideal day to return. Additionally, most people are driving between the hours of 9 and noon, so plan accordingly for a stress-free trip!

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The Holiday Thanksgiving Turkey With Flavors

The holiday meal is something many of us dream about all year long. Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberries and pumpkin pie make the holiday memorable. The soup, the turkey sandwiches and the leftovers are always just as delicious too!

But if it's your year to cook the Thanksgiving meal, then you're likely apprehensive about this daunting process. How long do you thaw the turkey? How many hours will it take and to what temperature does it need to be heated to? The more you're informed ahead of time, the fewer unexpected surprises will pop up later.

The ConAgra "Butterball" is the top-selling turkey for the holiday dinner. With fine grained moist breast meat and distinctive dark meat, this Thanksgiving turkey is sure to give your guests a range of flavors to enjoy.

If you're looking for a kosher bird that has been killed in the most humane way possible, pre-salted, drained of blood and is double-inspected for quality, then the second best option is the Rubashkins Aaron's Best Turkey. The meat is distinctly tender, with a neutral flavor that has little variance between white and dark meat.

A third delicious option is the Bronze Heritage, Wishard Farms turkey from a small farm in Oregon. The flavor gives off "the full essence of turkey," remarks one taste tester. The dark meat is beefy as a brisket, which makes this bird really unique but the white meat taste is also right up there with the best. The problem with many of the organic birds is that the meat is a bit chewier. In some cases it was even described as"styrofoam-like."

To keep the holiday stress at bay, put your jittery energy to good use. Keep a clean, clutter-free counter and put ingredients away between steps. If you're done using a few dishes, wash them before dirtying more. Enlist the help of others if you begin to feel overwhelmed. Kids are often much more helpful than they're given credit for. Often, setting the table and decorating are fun chores for kids to help with.

Teenagers should definitely start to learn the ways of the kitchen too. Don't allow the Thanksgiving stress to take over. If you find it's too much, delegate desserts or appetizers to someone else. After all, Thanksgiving is a time for the whole family to enjoy.

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Relaxing Family Holidays For Thanksgiving

Sometimes, you just need to get away. Nothing beats the sense of rejuvenation and refreshed state of mind following a holiday weekend, but for many people the stress and anxiety of planning family holidays prevents them from taking all those vacation days.

In a recent survey, one-third of adults admitted they felt anxious before leaving on long car journeys with their kids. However, there is some valuable travel advice that can help ease the burden.

Even if you're flying to a far-off destination, your family holidays can be stress-free if you follow some sound travel advice. Travel aficionados always recommend flying early and nonstop to avoid late-day logjams.

They also advise snagging some inexpensive travel insurance from Quote Wright, which will save you from a huge headache, should something go wrong. Lastly, why not hire an agent to look for the best holiday accommodation and travel plan?

Family holidays are best when all the details are worked out well in advance. That's why all-inclusive cruises are such an enticing travel plan. There are exceptional deals around Thanksgiving weekend if you're looking.

Your travel agent will have it all covered for you: costs, transportation, all-you-can-eat-and-drink, accommodations, onboard entertainment and port stops. There is so much to do on a ship; your kids won't have a dull moment!

Many ships also have babysitting centers so you and your spouse can enjoy some quality time together. Whether it's just your core family unit or your entire extended family too, you'll never forget a family holiday to the tropics!

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Recipe Cooking Tips For Quick Meals

Recipe cooking can be used to create an elaborate meal or to create a simple delicious meal that takes no more than 30 minutes to cook. Most people, arriving home after a long day at work, do not want spend two long hours cooking for their evening meal. You can take steps to create a delicious and nutritious meal, that will be easy to cook and will not take long to set up the ingredients.

The secret to your success is to buy ready cut ingredients. For example, many food stores sell pre-sliced vegetables, washed, bagged lettuce and small pieces of meat including beef, lamb and unskinned chicken pieces. Always look for the smaller pieces of meat, as they will cook much quicker.

Using these ready to cook ingredients, will cut down on the preparation time for a quick nutritious and hot meal.

You can use the sliced vegetables to create a quick salad. You may add a low calorie salad dressing to add flavour to the salad. The cooked meal and your salad should be ready on your table in 30 minutes.

A warm delicious meal with a nutritious side salad should be your reward with recipe cooking.

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Wood Stoves Are Modern And Efficient

Appliances that burn wood to be used as a heat source or for cooking are called wood burning stoves. At one time they had to be placed close to the center of a room or at least a great distance from any wall.

Now, however, there are some models that can be installed as close as 8" from a wall. The newer wood stoves are clean burning and most have relatively high ratings for heat efficiency.

The steel plate stoves are normally made from 3/16 to 1/4" thick plates that are first cut and then stamped into shape, while the cast iron stoves are made of the cast parts that get bolted together.

Because there is very little difference between the cast iron and steel wood stoves, it is easier to make a decision based on your budget, design and size that you require. They both also include detailed lines along with a grain free surface to help with your choice.

If you are installing a stove in a home that has not had one previously, then you will need to have a chimney installed, which of course calls for cutting a hole in your roof. For the wood stoves, a prefabricated metal chimney works the best and is the easiest to retrofit and install.

If you are using a pre-existing chimney, then in order for the stove to operate correctly with high efficiency it will probably need to be relined with stainless steel.

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The Passover And Its Customs

"One lamb was slain for every household and the blood painted onto the lintels and door posts. This was done in order that the angel of Death would not slay the first-born son of the Jewish households, but only those of Pharaoh's people, whom God had warned He would judge," says the book of Exodus.

"'When I see the blood, I will pass over you,' the Lord told the children of Israel." During their exodus, the Israelites (Jewish slaves) would eat lamb, unleavened bread and bitter herbs before their departure. Each year, the Passover is celebrated to commemorate the children of Israel's deliverance from slavery nearly 3,450 years ago.

There are many customs associated with the Passover. The Kaddesh is the blessing of wine. Urechatz refers to the washing of the hands before eating the Karpas, which is a vegetable (like parsley) that has been dipped in salt water. Yachatz refers to the breaking of the matzahs.

The Maggid (also sometimes called the Haggadah) is the storytelling portion of the ceremony. A blessing is given and everyone drinks the wine, just before the Rachtzah (the second washing of the hands) and the Ha-Motzi blessing is recited over the matzah. Next, several other dishes are eaten.

According to the Torah, a Jew may not consume or even possess "Chametz" during the Passover. Chametz refers to any grain (wheat, spelt, barley, oats and rye) that has come into contact with water for more than 18 minutes.

In some traditions "Kitnyot" is also forbidden because it is very similar to Chametz, so no rice, corn, soybeans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds or poppy seeds are allowed. It is sometimes said that Passover is "a feast without yeast." It can be confusing to know exactly what is or is not kosher, but most food labels alert consumers. This is what it means to be "kosher for Passover."

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Restaurant Online Mashups

Online map developers asked themselves, "What if you had a map that could give you driving directions from your house to a local restaurant? What if that same map could show you a picture of that eating establishment, a promotional video, give you a menu run-down, detail consumer-generated reviews and allow you the ability to make reservations or link to order online?"

Then they set out to create just that. Mapping and social networking features have converged on sites like Google Maps, Yahoo Maps and others, which aim to be your one-stop-shop for local information.

Across the country, New York City pizza lovers knew they had a big market for their restaurant map. At www.sliceny.com, founder Adam Kuban created his own map to help area residents find local delicious New York style pizza in their neighborhoods.

"The advantage of having a map [instead of a list] is that it's visual and people can click on it. They can zoom in on it to their neighborhood... and they can go and look and see where it is."

Users of Google Maps have created a number of restaurant "mashups" based on the Google template. One of the most notable sites is www.menurequest.com, which features more than 5,000 links in New York, San Diego, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Napa Valley, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington DC.

Users can visit the restaurant's website, read reviews, get driving directions and make online reservations through this amazing map. These are just a few of the food maps available to culinary curators. Perhaps your very own city has a site designed just for hungry local residents like you.

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Gas Stoves With Low Maintenance Requirements

It is believed that the first gas stove was shown during the World's Fair in London in 1851. However, partially due to the slow growth of the gas pipe line it did not become commercially successful until the 1880s. The gas stoves were originally rather graceless but they were eventually reduced in size and the oven was integrated into the base.

Prior to pilot lights, the stoves were manually started by using a match. Unfortunately, if the gas was left on with the door closed, then the oven would fill with gas that in turn filled the room with gas. Then, any type of spark may have resulted in an explosion.

Because of this, the manufacturers of the gas stoves developed a safety valve to be used. This involved using a pilot flame that ignited the main burner when it was turned on. It heated a thermocoupler that sent a signal to the valve so it would stay open. If the pilot ever went out, then the thermocoupler would cool off which then sent a signal indicating that the gas needed to be turned off.

Fireplaces stoves can also help save you money on heating costs through zone heating, which means the stove is used to heat only a specific area of the home, such as a family room.

Also, the newer gas stoves can be vented out through an existing chimney or even directly vented through a wall that is behind the stove. Not all of the models require outside venting, but the Environmental Protection Agency does not support their use due to the quality of the indoor air if no venting to the outside is employed.

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