It was believed that it was even possible to reincarnate into the form of an animal or plant. Most modern, popular versions of reincarnation limit this never-ending process to the transmigration of the soul into human bodies. The concept of karma is closely associated with reincarnation. Karma is essentially the law of cause and effect. Those that profess belief in karma teach that the deeds (good or bad) of one's past lives affect this present life. Further, ones present deeds will have ramifications for future lives.
Sherry is a fortified wine made in the Jerez region of Spain. It is made by fortifying wine with brandy. The brandy is added after fermentation is complete (the sugars have been consumed by the yeast).
I nearly always have a bottle of dry sherry in my kitchen, and no, it's not just for tippling while cooking. First, a quick refresh of a primer on sherry: Sherry is a fortified wine, meaning that it is fortified with a neutral spirit, which makes it both higher in alcohol and longer-lasting.