question number 1 - prolly stupid - after primary fermentation (in the pail)
is complete and i syphon the wine into the carboy - how do i take the
readings with the hydrometer? - if i drop it in the wine how would i get it
back? or alternatively of i get enough wine out of carboy i can sure thing
measure the gravity - but it's a pain and disturbs the wine

2: what is on the picture - i got this thingie when i bought the wine making
kit (among other things) i pretty much know what other things are for - but
this small white thing is a puzzle .it's about 1 1/2" x 3/4" x 3/4"

i know, i know that i shouldn't attach binaries in a non-binaries newsgroups
but the image is so small that i think it is not a big deal