"Love enters a man through his eyes, woman through her ears."
My eyes and ears both appreciate a Happy Friday!
Oct 25, 2013
Halloween Stuff
Halloween is next week, so I thought I would add a few thoughts
about it, beginning with a real tombstone and apt epitaph.
Eight Brain Myths Debunked
Many myths persist even after
being thoroughly proven to be incorrect. Here are some myths that
are incorrect, but still linger:
- It has been scientifically proven that fatty acid supplements (omega-3 and omega-6) have a positive effect on academic achievement. Wrong
- We only use 10% of our brain. Wrong
- The brains of boys and girls develop at the same rate. Wrong
- Individuals learn better when they receive information in their preferred learning style (auditory, visual, etc.). Wrong
- Mental capacity is hereditary and cannot be changed by the environment or experience. Wrong
- Brain training does not work. Wrong
- Differences in hemispheric dominance (left brain, right brain) can help explain individual differences among learners. Wrong
- Children are less attentive after consuming sugary drinks and/or snacks. Wrong
New Types of Glass
At a recent industry show, Nippon showed off some new glass
that is amazing. It first seemed like a joke as a sign said
"Invisible glass" with arrows pointing into thin air. Visitors
were asked if they could see the glass and many could not. There
really was glass, but it didn't become apparent until viewed
from the side. The glass reflects just 0.08 percent of the light
that travels through it. A normal sheet of glass reflects about
4 percent of light. Nippon Electric Glass said it is targeted at
museums where items need to be displayed, but protected.
It also showed off G-Leaf glass, which is so thin and flexible that it is supplied on a roll to customers. It looks exactly like a roll of plastic film, but the 35-micron thick sheet is actually glass. It has been used in flexible display panels and can be gently curved around corners.
Nippon also showed the impact resistance of its chemically strengthened glass that is already used in smartphones and tablet PCs. A sheet of Zero glass was on display and every thirty seconds a one pound steel ball dropped from a height of three feet onto a sheet of the glass the size of a small TV screen. Every time the ball fell, it bounced off the glass with no damage to the glass. Sorry, no picture available for the invisible glass.
It also showed off G-Leaf glass, which is so thin and flexible that it is supplied on a roll to customers. It looks exactly like a roll of plastic film, but the 35-micron thick sheet is actually glass. It has been used in flexible display panels and can be gently curved around corners.
Nippon also showed the impact resistance of its chemically strengthened glass that is already used in smartphones and tablet PCs. A sheet of Zero glass was on display and every thirty seconds a one pound steel ball dropped from a height of three feet onto a sheet of the glass the size of a small TV screen. Every time the ball fell, it bounced off the glass with no damage to the glass. Sorry, no picture available for the invisible glass.
Food for Thought
Kiwifruit was once called Chinese
Gooseberry, but changed for marketing reasons. Kiwifruit has more
vitamin C than oranges and about as much potassium as a banana. Kiwi
also tastes great.
More Inventions by Women
Mary Phelps Jacob was awarded a US
patent in 1914 for a Brassiere that supported the breasts up from
the shoulders and separated them into two individual shapes. People
had experimented with making Brassieres before, but it was the idea
of separating the breasts, that made her design unique. Prior to
Brassieres, women’s undergarments were uncomfortable, containing
whalebones and steel rods. They virtually squeezed the wearer into
shape. Jacobs' design was soft, light, and conforming to the
wearer’s anatomy. During WWI her bra design became popular when the
U.S. government requested that women stop purchasing corsets in
order to conserve metal.
Sarah E.Goode was granted a U.S. patent in 1885 for the invention of the Foldaway Bed. The bed could be tucked-up into a cabinet while it wasn’t in use. It made an attractive piece of furniture that could also be used as a roll top desk or a stationary shelf. Bibliographies speculate that Goode was born a US slave and emancipated after the Civil War. Versions of her original bed design are still made today.
Dr. Maria Telkes was a biophysicist who invented the first home solar heating system. She grew up in Hungary and moved to the US in 1925. She became an American citizen after receiving her Doctorate in physical chemistry. Telkes’ other solar-powered inventions included a distilling system for life rafts and a solar oven.
Sarah E.Goode was granted a U.S. patent in 1885 for the invention of the Foldaway Bed. The bed could be tucked-up into a cabinet while it wasn’t in use. It made an attractive piece of furniture that could also be used as a roll top desk or a stationary shelf. Bibliographies speculate that Goode was born a US slave and emancipated after the Civil War. Versions of her original bed design are still made today.
Dr. Maria Telkes was a biophysicist who invented the first home solar heating system. She grew up in Hungary and moved to the US in 1925. She became an American citizen after receiving her Doctorate in physical chemistry. Telkes’ other solar-powered inventions included a distilling system for life rafts and a solar oven.
Wordology
Dysania means having difficulty getting out of bed in the morning. Griffonage means illegible handwriting. Acnestis is the area between your shoulder blades. Semordnilap is a word or phrase that reads one way forward and another backward (parts/strap). Scroop is the sound produced by the movement of silk, as in long dresses. Penthera phobia is fear of your mother-in-law.
Punt is the indent on the bottom of a wine bottle. Agraffe is the wire that keeps the cork on a bottle of champagne. Barm is the foam on the top of a glass of beer. Box Tent is the little plastic piece used in pizza boxes to keep the top from smashing the pizza. Kemmerspeck is the weight gained from emotional overeating (literally grease bacon).
String is a group of ponies. Business is an assembly of ferrets. Smack is a group of jellyfish. Gam is a group of whales. Murder is a group of crows. Trip is a group of goats. Parliament is a group of owls. Pass is a group of donkeys. Prickle is a group of porcupines.
Punt is the indent on the bottom of a wine bottle. Agraffe is the wire that keeps the cork on a bottle of champagne. Barm is the foam on the top of a glass of beer. Box Tent is the little plastic piece used in pizza boxes to keep the top from smashing the pizza. Kemmerspeck is the weight gained from emotional overeating (literally grease bacon).
String is a group of ponies. Business is an assembly of ferrets. Smack is a group of jellyfish. Gam is a group of whales. Murder is a group of crows. Trip is a group of goats. Parliament is a group of owls. Pass is a group of donkeys. Prickle is a group of porcupines.
Bionic Man
For those who missed the Smithsonian 'Incredible
Bionic Man' show this past Sunday, here is a LINK
to watch it online, sans commercials. This is a fascinating
look at an attempt to combine the best of current artificial body
parts into a functioning bionic man. Don't want to give any
secrets away here. Suffice it to say it is well worth a viewing if
you are interested in modern bionics and robotics, including
artificial heart, kidneys, limbs, etc. The length is 46 minutes.
Antony Gormley
British sculptor Antony Gormley is known
around the world for his figurative sculptures. His series titled
Another Place, features 100 cast iron sculptures and has turned
Crosby Beach, UK into a tourist attraction. Originally, Gormley's
pieces were installed on different beaches in Germany, Norway, and
Belgium and were scheduled to make a move to New York after their
display in England. They never made it to New York, but officially
settled in the Merseyside coastline. Now, they still stand in the
sand, weathered and worn by the sea.
The permanent UK installation consists of 100 life-size figures of men reaching over 6', weighing over 1,400 lbs. and spread over a 2 mile stretch between Waterloo and Blundellsands. The figures, which are casts of the artist's own body, are scattered about the beach, facing out to the sea. Altogether, the installed sculptures serve to represent the shared sentiments of emigrants who are sad to leave their country but hopeful of their future in a new land. The figures are smaller, but eerily reminiscent of the Easter Island figures facing out to sea.
The permanent UK installation consists of 100 life-size figures of men reaching over 6', weighing over 1,400 lbs. and spread over a 2 mile stretch between Waterloo and Blundellsands. The figures, which are casts of the artist's own body, are scattered about the beach, facing out to the sea. Altogether, the installed sculptures serve to represent the shared sentiments of emigrants who are sad to leave their country but hopeful of their future in a new land. The figures are smaller, but eerily reminiscent of the Easter Island figures facing out to sea.
Halloween Fears
Boo! Samhainophobia is an intense and
persistent fear of Halloween, and it can cause panic attacks for
people who suffer from it. The word is derived from the old Celtic
festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the Celtic year. They
believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to the Earth on this
day. Other Halloween related fears are wiccaphobia, fear of witches:
phasmophobia, fear of ghosts; and coimetrophobia, fear of
cemeteries.
Epitaphs
Here are the epitaphs of
my heroes Laurel and Hardy.
A master of comedy
His genius in the art of humor
Brought gladness
To the world he loved.
Stan Laurel
A genius of comedy
His talent brought joy and
Laughter to all the world.
Oliver Hardy
and
"That's All Folks!"
The Man of a Thousand Voices
Mel Blanc
A master of comedy
His genius in the art of humor
Brought gladness
To the world he loved.
Stan Laurel
A genius of comedy
His talent brought joy and
Laughter to all the world.
Oliver Hardy
and
"That's All Folks!"
The Man of a Thousand Voices
Mel Blanc
Oct 18, 2013
Happy Friday
If you really know everything, you will realize that you do not.
One thing I do know is that today is already a Happy Friday!
One thing I do know is that today is already a Happy Friday!
Cinnamon and Cassia
Did you know the cinnamon in Cinnabon
rolls is actually not "true" cinnamon? True cinnamon or Ceylon
cinnamon is a spice made from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum
tree. It has a citrusy fragrance and complex yet mild taste without
the "bite" we associate with the spice.
Cinnamon is produced from the inner bark of a small evergreen tree belonging to the Laurel family with the genus Cinnamomum. Although there are four commercial species of Cinnamomum, the global cinnamon market recognizes the product from one species as true cinnamon. The product from the other three species, widely sold as cinnamon, is actually cassia.
The last two are more closely related to cassia than cinnamon
True cinnamon – Cinnamomum verum
Cassia – Cinnamomum aromaticum
Indonesian - Cinnamomum burmannii
Vietnamese - Cinnamomum loureiroi
About a hundred years ago, American traders started importing cassia because of a rise in the price of Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia continues to be the main variety sold in supermarkets in the US and Canada. American labeling laws do not require that a distinction be made between cassia and cinnamon in the retail market.
The "cinnamon" found in Cinnabon and your kitchen is actually cassia, derived from Cinnamomum burmannii, a tree native to Indonesia. Of all the Cinnamomum species, this form of cassia (known as Indonesian cassia or Korintje cassia) has the lowest oil content and is therefore the cheapest. Cinnabon trademarked its supply of Korintje cassia as "Makara Cinnamon." Cinnamon and cassia have numerous health benefits.
Cinnamon is produced from the inner bark of a small evergreen tree belonging to the Laurel family with the genus Cinnamomum. Although there are four commercial species of Cinnamomum, the global cinnamon market recognizes the product from one species as true cinnamon. The product from the other three species, widely sold as cinnamon, is actually cassia.
The last two are more closely related to cassia than cinnamon
True cinnamon – Cinnamomum verum
Cassia – Cinnamomum aromaticum
Indonesian - Cinnamomum burmannii
Vietnamese - Cinnamomum loureiroi
About a hundred years ago, American traders started importing cassia because of a rise in the price of Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia continues to be the main variety sold in supermarkets in the US and Canada. American labeling laws do not require that a distinction be made between cassia and cinnamon in the retail market.
The "cinnamon" found in Cinnabon and your kitchen is actually cassia, derived from Cinnamomum burmannii, a tree native to Indonesia. Of all the Cinnamomum species, this form of cassia (known as Indonesian cassia or Korintje cassia) has the lowest oil content and is therefore the cheapest. Cinnabon trademarked its supply of Korintje cassia as "Makara Cinnamon." Cinnamon and cassia have numerous health benefits.
Four Simpson Facts
The show features clips from a movie
starring McBain, a movie star in the same vein as Schwarzenegger and
Stallone. These clips are dispersed among many episodes, but if you
put the clips together, you can actually form a full coherent story.
Many characters are named after streets in Portland, Oregon.
As soon as Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, was given a drawing of the characters in yellow by an animator, he knew it was perfect. The idea was that whenever someone was flipping through the channels, they would automatically know The Simpsons was on when they saw the yellow bodies flash by.
All, except one of the characters are a one finger short of a human hand. The only character to have five fingers on a hand is God.
Many characters are named after streets in Portland, Oregon.
As soon as Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, was given a drawing of the characters in yellow by an animator, he knew it was perfect. The idea was that whenever someone was flipping through the channels, they would automatically know The Simpsons was on when they saw the yellow bodies flash by.
All, except one of the characters are a one finger short of a human hand. The only character to have five fingers on a hand is God.
Blood Pressure
The first known experiment to measure the
exact pressure of blood was performed by Stephen Hales on December
1, 1733. He took a live horse, attached a tube to her left crural
artery, then allowed her blood to rush through the tube and it rose
to a height of 8’3”.
He noted that “when it was at its full height, it would rise and fall at and after each pulse 2, 3,or 4 inches”. The horse bled out, but he performed the experiment on a horse that was about to be put down.
He noted that “when it was at its full height, it would rise and fall at and after each pulse 2, 3,or 4 inches”. The horse bled out, but he performed the experiment on a horse that was about to be put down.
Quotes from '1984'
George Orwell penned these prescient
sobering quotes in his book, released in 1948.
“He who controls the past controls the future. He who controls the present controls the past.”
“If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—for ever.”
“Big Brother is Watching You.”
“Doublethink means the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them.”
“Until they became conscious they will never rebel, and until after they have rebelled they cannot become conscious.”
“The choice for mankind lies between freedom and happiness and for the great bulk of mankind, happiness is better.”
“The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power, pure power.”
“Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.”
“Power is not a means; it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship.”
“He who controls the past controls the future. He who controls the present controls the past.”
“If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—for ever.”
“Big Brother is Watching You.”
“Doublethink means the power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one’s mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them.”
“Until they became conscious they will never rebel, and until after they have rebelled they cannot become conscious.”
“The choice for mankind lies between freedom and happiness and for the great bulk of mankind, happiness is better.”
“The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power, pure power.”
“Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.”
“Power is not a means; it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship.”
What's in a Name
PAM Cooking Spray is an acronym for
Product of Arthur Meyerhoff.
NECCO, as in Necco wafers is an acronym for New England Confectionery Company.
NECCO, as in Necco wafers is an acronym for New England Confectionery Company.
Street Signs
Real estate and subdivision developers have
the privilege of naming new streets in the United States. The name
is submitted to the city for review. Police, fire, and the post
office, are given the opportunity to veto the name if they feel it
creates any confusion.
The building, engineering and public works departments all comment, but the departments that have the most input and veto power are police and fire. The reason is that the street names are unique and intelligible enough for them to distinguish and find a street and property in an emergency.
Most cities have guidelines and standards for certain areas that require street names to be of a specific theme. This is why you see a large quantity of streets named after trees in one particular section of a city, or all 50 states represented in street names in Washington D.C.
If you happen to be a developer and want to name a street after yourself, you would have better luck in a newly developing suburb than you would in an established city.
The names of trees and numbers make up the greatest number of street names in the country
The building, engineering and public works departments all comment, but the departments that have the most input and veto power are police and fire. The reason is that the street names are unique and intelligible enough for them to distinguish and find a street and property in an emergency.
Most cities have guidelines and standards for certain areas that require street names to be of a specific theme. This is why you see a large quantity of streets named after trees in one particular section of a city, or all 50 states represented in street names in Washington D.C.
If you happen to be a developer and want to name a street after yourself, you would have better luck in a newly developing suburb than you would in an established city.
The names of trees and numbers make up the greatest number of street names in the country
Health Insurance Statistics
The Census Bureau survey report
on health insurance said there were about 311,116,000 people in the
United States in 2012. Of these, 263,165,000 had some kind of health
insurance coverage and 47,951,000 did not. Of the 263,165,000 who
had health insurance coverage, 101,493,000 million obtained it from
the government. That means almost 33% of Americans get health care
from the government.
According to the survey, there were approximately 114,809,000 people who usually worked full-time in the United States in 2012. Percent of all people working in 2012 was less than in many decades past.
According to the survey, there were approximately 114,809,000 people who usually worked full-time in the United States in 2012. Percent of all people working in 2012 was less than in many decades past.
Food for Thought
Oranges and bananas are berries, but
strawberries are not technically berries, they are aggregate fruits.
Inventions by Women
Josephine Cochrane invented the
dishwasher. She was angry that hired domestic help continually broke
and chipped her fine china. Cochrane's dishwasher used high water
pressure aimed at a wire rack of dishes, she received a patent for
it in 1886. During this era, most houses didn't have the technology
of a hot water system to run such a machine, but Cochrane persisted
and sold her idea to hotels and restaurants. Eventually dishwashers
moved into households as more and more women entered the workplace.
Admiral Dr. Grace Murray Hopper was stationed at Harvard after WWII, where she worked on the development of the IBM-Harvard Mark 1, the first large-scale computer in the U.S. Dr. Hopper invented the compiler, which translates written language into computer code. She coined the term "bug" for a computer problem, and co-developed COBOL, the first user-friendly business computer software program. As a woman inventor, she won numerous awards, including the National Medal of Technology in 1991. Dr. Hopper had received honorary degrees from 30 universities.
Mary Anderson noticed a problem with cars of her time and in 1903 she invented windshield wipers. It was the ingenious squeegee on a spindle attached to a handle inside the car. To clear the windshield, the driver would pull down on a handle. Ten years after she patented the device, another woman, Charlotte Bridgwood first patented the automatic windshield wiper in 1917, called the 'Storm Windshield Cleaner'. The reason we call it a windshield is because that is what it actually does, shields us from wind.
Admiral Dr. Grace Murray Hopper was stationed at Harvard after WWII, where she worked on the development of the IBM-Harvard Mark 1, the first large-scale computer in the U.S. Dr. Hopper invented the compiler, which translates written language into computer code. She coined the term "bug" for a computer problem, and co-developed COBOL, the first user-friendly business computer software program. As a woman inventor, she won numerous awards, including the National Medal of Technology in 1991. Dr. Hopper had received honorary degrees from 30 universities.
Mary Anderson noticed a problem with cars of her time and in 1903 she invented windshield wipers. It was the ingenious squeegee on a spindle attached to a handle inside the car. To clear the windshield, the driver would pull down on a handle. Ten years after she patented the device, another woman, Charlotte Bridgwood first patented the automatic windshield wiper in 1917, called the 'Storm Windshield Cleaner'. The reason we call it a windshield is because that is what it actually does, shields us from wind.
Oct 11, 2013
Happy Friday
A wise man hears one word and understands two.
I hear Friday and understand it will be a Happy Friday!
I hear Friday and understand it will be a Happy Friday!
International Day for Failure
October 13th is International
Day for Failure. A new holiday intended for people to share stories
of failure and learn from them. The goal of the people organizing
the event is to have it be an internationally-recognized holiday by
2020.
The holiday was created in Finland in 2010. In 2012 it has expanded to over 17 different countries, their goal is for it to be accepted worldwide by 2020. In 2011, their campaign got over 30 public figures in Finland to talk about their failures. They managed to reach 1/4 of the population with their media coverage. LINK It will be interesting to see if their failure campaign will be a success.
The holiday was created in Finland in 2010. In 2012 it has expanded to over 17 different countries, their goal is for it to be accepted worldwide by 2020. In 2011, their campaign got over 30 public figures in Finland to talk about their failures. They managed to reach 1/4 of the population with their media coverage. LINK It will be interesting to see if their failure campaign will be a success.
Free Mug Shots
There are over a hundred web sites that
publish mug shots and request payment to take them off. These are
legal, but can be very bad for someones reputation and job
prospects. The sites get away with their actions because the United
States Supreme Court has ruled that mug shots are public records and
many law enforcement agencies regularly publish them online. Mug
shots are taken at time of booking and many people are exonerated or
have their charges dropped.
Mug shots have been online for years, but now there are many more sites. They get most of their images from sheriffs’ and other law enforcement web sites. Some sites offer a courtesy removal for people who have been exonerated or never charged, to get their image removed for free. Others charge hundreds of dollars for removal. Unfortunate for the people who land on many sites. It could cost them thousands to have their mug shots removed.
Lately PayPal and some credit card companies have been dropping known mug shot sites as customers, making it more difficult for them to get paid. This is good for their corporate consciences, but makes it even more difficult to get mug shots removed from the web.
Mug shots have been online for years, but now there are many more sites. They get most of their images from sheriffs’ and other law enforcement web sites. Some sites offer a courtesy removal for people who have been exonerated or never charged, to get their image removed for free. Others charge hundreds of dollars for removal. Unfortunate for the people who land on many sites. It could cost them thousands to have their mug shots removed.
Lately PayPal and some credit card companies have been dropping known mug shot sites as customers, making it more difficult for them to get paid. This is good for their corporate consciences, but makes it even more difficult to get mug shots removed from the web.
Vitamin C Myth Lingers
As we approach the cold and flu
season, I thought it might be interesting to follow up on the
persistent vitamin C myth of using it as a prevention and cure for
the common cold. Some people have also claimed it to be a cure for
cancer.
Hundreds of studies have now concluded that vitamin C does not treat the common cold. The results of many studies of various types, involving hundreds of thousands of people from around the world have all arrived at the same conclusion - vitamin C has no effect to prevent or cure colds or cancer.
The FDA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the American Dietetic Association, the Center for Human Nutrition at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and the Department of Health and Human Services do not recommend supplemental vitamin C for the prevention or treatment of colds. Vitamin C does have other benefits and the studies did not say vitamin C is bad for you, it just does not provide the cancer and common cold remedies claimed.
Hundreds of studies have now concluded that vitamin C does not treat the common cold. The results of many studies of various types, involving hundreds of thousands of people from around the world have all arrived at the same conclusion - vitamin C has no effect to prevent or cure colds or cancer.
The FDA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the American Dietetic Association, the Center for Human Nutrition at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and the Department of Health and Human Services do not recommend supplemental vitamin C for the prevention or treatment of colds. Vitamin C does have other benefits and the studies did not say vitamin C is bad for you, it just does not provide the cancer and common cold remedies claimed.
New Toothbrush
It looks almost like a set of dentures and has 400 bristles in a mold of a person's mouth. By biting down on the mouthpiece and grinding on it, the 45-degree angled bristles are supposed to clean your teeth in six seconds.
There are also inter-dental bristles that get between teeth. The Blizzident comes with slits where dental floss can be inserted to clean between teeth and the handle has a container for the dental floss. In the middle there is also a tongue scraper and brush so you clean your tongue at the same time.
The toothbrush is tailored to a person's mouth through either a dental impression or a dental scan performed by a dentist. The 3D scan can be uploaded to Blizzident's site, where it is used to make the toothbrush with a 3D printer. The first Blizzident brush costs $299 and recommended annual replacement brushes sell for $159. The company also offers to refurbish a brush by replacing the bristles for $89. Here is a LINK to the site. Wow, personally tailored low tech and high tech in one package.
Potato Facts
China grows the most potatoes of any nation on
earth, followed by Russia, India, and US in fourth place. China
consumes almost half of all potatoes produced and the Europeans, per
capita consume the most potatoes annually. Potatoes rank as the
world's fourth most important food crop, after corn, wheat, and
rice.
A fresh potato contains about 80 percent water and 20 percent dry matter. About 60 to 80 percent of the dry matter is starch. On a dry weight basis, the protein content of potato is similar to that of cereals and is very high in comparison with other roots and tubers. In addition, the potato is low in fat. Potatoes are rich in several micronutrients, especially vitamin C, if eaten with its skin. A single medium sized potato provides nearly half the daily adult requirement. The potato is a moderate source of iron, and its high vitamin C content promotes iron absorption. It is a good source of vitamins B1, B3 and B6 and minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, and contains folate, pantothenic acid and riboflavin. Potatoes also contain dietary antioxidants and dietary fiber.
Boiling potatoes in their skins prevents loss of nutrients. Baking causes slightly higher losses of vitamin C than boiling due to the higher oven temperatures, but losses of other vitamins and minerals during baking are lower.
More than 5 000 native varieties are still grown in the Andes. While the Incas called it papa (as do modern-day Latin Americans), Spaniards called the potato patata, apparently confusing it with another New World crop, the sweet potato, known as batata. In 1797, the English herbalist Gerard referred to the sweet potato as "common potato", and for many years S. tuberosum was known as the "Virginia potato" or "Irish potato" before finally displacing batata as the potato.
A fresh potato contains about 80 percent water and 20 percent dry matter. About 60 to 80 percent of the dry matter is starch. On a dry weight basis, the protein content of potato is similar to that of cereals and is very high in comparison with other roots and tubers. In addition, the potato is low in fat. Potatoes are rich in several micronutrients, especially vitamin C, if eaten with its skin. A single medium sized potato provides nearly half the daily adult requirement. The potato is a moderate source of iron, and its high vitamin C content promotes iron absorption. It is a good source of vitamins B1, B3 and B6 and minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, and contains folate, pantothenic acid and riboflavin. Potatoes also contain dietary antioxidants and dietary fiber.
Boiling potatoes in their skins prevents loss of nutrients. Baking causes slightly higher losses of vitamin C than boiling due to the higher oven temperatures, but losses of other vitamins and minerals during baking are lower.
More than 5 000 native varieties are still grown in the Andes. While the Incas called it papa (as do modern-day Latin Americans), Spaniards called the potato patata, apparently confusing it with another New World crop, the sweet potato, known as batata. In 1797, the English herbalist Gerard referred to the sweet potato as "common potato", and for many years S. tuberosum was known as the "Virginia potato" or "Irish potato" before finally displacing batata as the potato.
Daylight Savings
It is getting to that time of year when we
need to change our clocks again. (November 3 this year) Benjamin
Franklin is often credited with the idea, but he only mentioned it
in jest in a satirical essay.
The idea was never seriously pushed until 1895 when George Vernon Hudson, presented the idea as a way for people to have more daylight and consequently more leisure time after work. While there was interest in Hudson’s idea, it still didn’t catch on until 1916 when Germany adopted DST as a method to save fuel during World War I. Others, including the US and Great Britain, used DST during World War I and II, yet reverted to standard time during peace years. It wasn’t until about 40 years ago, during the energy crisis of the 1970s, that Daylight Savings Time was made permanent in many areas.
Much has been argued for and against Daylight Savings benefits. I side with the majority who think it is a waste of time and energy to change clocks twice a year. Likely more time is wasted discussing the matter than any real or imagined benefits from it.
The idea was never seriously pushed until 1895 when George Vernon Hudson, presented the idea as a way for people to have more daylight and consequently more leisure time after work. While there was interest in Hudson’s idea, it still didn’t catch on until 1916 when Germany adopted DST as a method to save fuel during World War I. Others, including the US and Great Britain, used DST during World War I and II, yet reverted to standard time during peace years. It wasn’t until about 40 years ago, during the energy crisis of the 1970s, that Daylight Savings Time was made permanent in many areas.
Much has been argued for and against Daylight Savings benefits. I side with the majority who think it is a waste of time and energy to change clocks twice a year. Likely more time is wasted discussing the matter than any real or imagined benefits from it.
Wordology, Orchestra, Symphony, and Philharmonic
“Orchestra”
is a broad term for any ensemble featuring a large proportion of
string instruments. There are two basic orchestras; chamber
orchestras (small) and symphony orchestras (big)
A symphony orchestra and a philharmonic are almost the same thing. They are the relatively same size and they play the same kind of music. The two terms help us tell different orchestras apart, especially in cities that have multiple groups, as Brooklyn Symphony and Brooklyn Philharmonic. Symphony orchestra is a generic term and philharmonic orchestra is mostly part of a proper name.
Every philharmonic is a symphony, but not every symphony is a philharmonic. Also, 'Pops' is an orchestra that usually also plays (popular) show tunes.
A symphony orchestra and a philharmonic are almost the same thing. They are the relatively same size and they play the same kind of music. The two terms help us tell different orchestras apart, especially in cities that have multiple groups, as Brooklyn Symphony and Brooklyn Philharmonic. Symphony orchestra is a generic term and philharmonic orchestra is mostly part of a proper name.
Every philharmonic is a symphony, but not every symphony is a philharmonic. Also, 'Pops' is an orchestra that usually also plays (popular) show tunes.
Twilight Zone
Came across this site that has links to the
top ten full episodes of Twilight Zone. LINK
Thought some might enjoy a bit of classic writing and acting.
Thought some might enjoy a bit of classic writing and acting.
Another Benefit of Laughing
Laughing helps burn calories by
increasing your heart rate by 10 to 20 percent. Your metabolism
increases as well, meaning you will burn more calories at rest once
you have stopped laughing. Find something hilarious which makes you
laugh, watch a funny movie or TV show for 15 minutes and burn up to
50 calories.
Over the course of a laughter-filled year, the daily calories burnt from laughing result in a net loss of more than 4 pounds.
Over the course of a laughter-filled year, the daily calories burnt from laughing result in a net loss of more than 4 pounds.
Oct 4, 2013
Happy Friday
It's sad to think that the current generation of children probably
have no idea that Prince used to be known as 'The Artist Formerly
Known as Prince'.
A princely idea for today is to have a Happy Friday!
A princely idea for today is to have a Happy Friday!
World Smile Day
Today (first Friday in October) is World
Smile Day®.
Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts created the smiley face in 1963. He worried the world lost sight of the meaning of his famous smiley face and thought that we all should devote one day each year to smiles and kind acts. It began in 1999 and has continued every year around the world. Ball passed away in 2002, but 'Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation' was created to honor his name and memory. The Foundation continues as the official sponsor of World Smile Day® each year. Do an act of kindness and make someone smile today.
Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts created the smiley face in 1963. He worried the world lost sight of the meaning of his famous smiley face and thought that we all should devote one day each year to smiles and kind acts. It began in 1999 and has continued every year around the world. Ball passed away in 2002, but 'Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation' was created to honor his name and memory. The Foundation continues as the official sponsor of World Smile Day® each year. Do an act of kindness and make someone smile today.
National Sausage Month
October is National Sausage Month.
In the UK it is celebrated in September. In addition, October 11 is
National Sausage Pizza Day.
A sausage is a prepared food product usually made from ground meat, animal fat, salt, and spices, and sometimes other ingredients such as herbs and generally packed in a casing. Sausage making is a traditional food preservation technique originating with European cuisine. Traditionally, casings have been made of animal intestines, though they are now mostly synthetic. Some sausages are cooked during processing, and the casing may be removed at that time. Sausages may be preserved by curing, drying in cool air, or smoking. The distinct flavor of some sausages is due to fermentation during curing.
A sausage is a prepared food product usually made from ground meat, animal fat, salt, and spices, and sometimes other ingredients such as herbs and generally packed in a casing. Sausage making is a traditional food preservation technique originating with European cuisine. Traditionally, casings have been made of animal intestines, though they are now mostly synthetic. Some sausages are cooked during processing, and the casing may be removed at that time. Sausages may be preserved by curing, drying in cool air, or smoking. The distinct flavor of some sausages is due to fermentation during curing.
Barbecue vs. Grilling
These usually fit in any conversation
about sausage. Barbecue or Barbeque or BBQ is slow cooking for
several hours. Grilling is cooking fast, at a high temperature.
Barbecue is a method and apparatus for cooking food with the indirect heat and hot gases of a fire, smoking wood, or hot coals of charcoal and may include application of a marinade, spice rub, or basting sauce to the meat.
Grilling or broiling is a form of cooking that involves direct heat. Devices that grill are called grills. The definition varies widely by region and culture. In the United States and Canada, use of the word refers to cooking food directly over a source of dry heat, typically with the food sitting on a metal grate that leaves 'grill marks'. In the UK and other Commonwealth countries this would be referred to as barbecueing.
Grilling in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries (except Canada) generally refers to cooking food directly under a source of direct, dry heat. The grill is usually a separate part of an oven where the food is inserted just under the element. This is referred to as broiling in North America. To sum it up, whether grilled or barbecued, broiled or boiled, marinated or rubbed, slathered or dry, sausage is almost as good as bacon.
Barbecue is a method and apparatus for cooking food with the indirect heat and hot gases of a fire, smoking wood, or hot coals of charcoal and may include application of a marinade, spice rub, or basting sauce to the meat.
Grilling or broiling is a form of cooking that involves direct heat. Devices that grill are called grills. The definition varies widely by region and culture. In the United States and Canada, use of the word refers to cooking food directly over a source of dry heat, typically with the food sitting on a metal grate that leaves 'grill marks'. In the UK and other Commonwealth countries this would be referred to as barbecueing.
Grilling in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries (except Canada) generally refers to cooking food directly under a source of direct, dry heat. The grill is usually a separate part of an oven where the food is inserted just under the element. This is referred to as broiling in North America. To sum it up, whether grilled or barbecued, broiled or boiled, marinated or rubbed, slathered or dry, sausage is almost as good as bacon.
GPS Belt
Here is something someone will want to rush out to
buy, a belt that gives directions. Triposo gives hands-free
experience with its vibrating travel belt. The Travel Belt connects
to a wearer’s smartphone and gives out directions by buzzing.
With the help of the Triposo app, the wearer can activate the belt by tapping the “Buzz Me There” option. The app sends a signal to the belt to tell the wearer where to go. Start walking and the belt will buzz in any of four directions, guiding you from corner to corner until you reach your destination. Fifty dollars for pre-order with estimated delivery February 2014.
With the help of the Triposo app, the wearer can activate the belt by tapping the “Buzz Me There” option. The app sends a signal to the belt to tell the wearer where to go. Start walking and the belt will buzz in any of four directions, guiding you from corner to corner until you reach your destination. Fifty dollars for pre-order with estimated delivery February 2014.
What do They Think
Found this interesting web site that
answers that question. Just type in a word or phrase and it will
tell you what the rest of the internet thinks. http://www.whatdoestheinternetthink.net/
It provides three percentages, Positive, Negative, and Indifferent. It also allows you to type in two terms or names to compare how the net feels about it (I tried IBM and Google). That is it, simple answers to let you know what the rest of the net thinks. You may be surprised at the answers.
I typed in 'politics' and what came back confirmed my suspicion -
Negative 20.8% - 21k+ hits
Positive 13.4% - 14k+ hits
Indifferent 65.8% - 68k+hits
It provides three percentages, Positive, Negative, and Indifferent. It also allows you to type in two terms or names to compare how the net feels about it (I tried IBM and Google). That is it, simple answers to let you know what the rest of the net thinks. You may be surprised at the answers.
I typed in 'politics' and what came back confirmed my suspicion -
Negative 20.8% - 21k+ hits
Positive 13.4% - 14k+ hits
Indifferent 65.8% - 68k+hits
Happy Birthday Confucius
Sorry I missed it last Saturday
Sep 28, when ceremonies were held across China to mark the 2,564th
birthday anniversary of Confucius. Not many are remembered that
long.
"If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself." Confucius
"If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself." Confucius
Beer Spread
Chocolate beer spread has hit the shelves at
Selfridges stores in the UK as the result of a collaboration between
an Italian chocolate maker and beer brewer. The result is a sweet
and beer-perfumed jelly with an intense scent and a full-bodied
taste, perfect for spreading on a slice of warm toast.
"Beer lovers rejoice, you can now enjoy your favorite tipple with cheeses and bread with Omid dark ale spreadable beer," explains the Selfridges sales pitch. ‘The beer spread provides a unique accompaniment for hors d’oeuvres and cheeses… or as a stuffing or garnish for tarts and cakes.’ I think I need some of that.
"Beer lovers rejoice, you can now enjoy your favorite tipple with cheeses and bread with Omid dark ale spreadable beer," explains the Selfridges sales pitch. ‘The beer spread provides a unique accompaniment for hors d’oeuvres and cheeses… or as a stuffing or garnish for tarts and cakes.’ I think I need some of that.
Farrington B Font
The squared-off numbers on almost every
credit card were invented in a bar at the Waldorf-Astoria. David H.
Shepard, who invented the first optical character recognition device
(in his attic), first voice recognition system, also created the
Farrington B numeric font to try to combat the smudging and smearing
that would inevitably occur at gas pumps, one of the first places
optical character recognition would be used.
These days, credit card companies could use any font for the account number, because the information is gathered from the magnetic strip on the back. Farrington B is still commonly used as tradition. Shepard passed away in 2007.
These days, credit card companies could use any font for the account number, because the information is gathered from the magnetic strip on the back. Farrington B is still commonly used as tradition. Shepard passed away in 2007.
What's in a Name, Corned Beef
The term 'corned beef' refers
to the 'corns' of salt used to preserve the meat. Meat is treated
with large grains of salt (corns) in a process known as salt-curing.
Corn is used to describe any small hard particles or grains, in this
case, salt. That is why corned beef tastes salty. The salt draws
water out of the meat via osmosis, making it more difficult for
microorganisms to breed in the meat.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)