Happiness is lust in a good way.
I always lust for a Happy Friday!
Aug 28, 2015
Google Birthday
Next week September 5, 2015, Google will
celebrate its 17th birthday. Seems like the company has been
around much longer.
It is worth about US $367Billion. In such a few short years,
it has profoundly changed the internet and the world. How
appropriate to celebrate a birthday on International Bacon
Day - Both are ubiquitous.
Flash Drives Getting Smaller
The NAND (not and) flash
technology that Toshiba introduced in 1989 (130nm or nanometers),
making thumb drives, SSDs, (solid state drive) and smartphone
memory, has finally reached a development dead end. Toshiba and
other major manufacturers of 15 nm NAND flash are stopping new
development and focusing development on 3D NAND.
For comparison, a strand of human DNA is 2.5 nm in diameter, and there are 25,400,000 nanometers in one inch. 1 centimeter = 10,000,000 nanometers.
Intel says it will be able to fit 1TB (terabytes) on a card just two millimeters thick in an object half the size of a postage stamp.
A square inch drive with a Terabyte of capacity can contain more bits than the Milky Way has stars (about 200 billion to 400 billion stars as estimated by astronomers). Obviously, when it comes to computers, size matters and smaller is better. Incidentally, My blog spoke of terabytes in 2010 LINK
For comparison, a strand of human DNA is 2.5 nm in diameter, and there are 25,400,000 nanometers in one inch. 1 centimeter = 10,000,000 nanometers.
Intel says it will be able to fit 1TB (terabytes) on a card just two millimeters thick in an object half the size of a postage stamp.
A square inch drive with a Terabyte of capacity can contain more bits than the Milky Way has stars (about 200 billion to 400 billion stars as estimated by astronomers). Obviously, when it comes to computers, size matters and smaller is better. Incidentally, My blog spoke of terabytes in 2010 LINK
Nine Old Snack Foods
Marshmallows have been around since
ancient Egypt, and were often used to soothe sore throats By the
19th century, French confectioners began whipping the marshmallow to
the shape we know.
Pretzels are widely considered to
be the world’s oldest snack food It is believed the modern
pretzel’s predecessor was first made in the 6th century by an
Italian monk, who used it as a treat to reward his youngest church
attendees. The word “pretzel” is from the Latin word “pretzola,”
which loosely translates to “little reward.”
Archeologists reporting finding popcorn ears that they can date all the way back to being snacked on some 5,600 years ago. Native Americans would throw popcorn ears right on a fire, in order to pop out kernels. ( I bought popping corn ears at Bass Pro and popped in microwave. Fun to watch the thing fill up with popcorn and spill out when the door was opened.)
Necco Wafers were first manufactured in 1847 and Oliver Chase invented a cutting machine that allowed the slices to be made so thin.
Cracker Jack most likely began in 1871 Chicago, IL when German immigrant Frederick William Rueckheim started cooking up and selling his own type of popcorn. By 1896, Cracker Jack was being produced for commercial sales.
In 1897, Pearle Bixby Wait trademarked the powdered gelatin dessert, called Jell-O.
Triscuits were first invented in 1903 in Niagara Falls, NY. Triscuits were originally larger, but shrunk down to their current size in1924.
The first Sunshine Hydrox cookie was made in 1908 and was followed by its Oreo competitor in 1912. The difference between Hydrox and Oreo is that Hydrox is a bit more crispy and less sugary, and the original Hydrox was Kosher. Hydrox are supposed to become available again this year, but have yet to find them for sale.
Archeologists reporting finding popcorn ears that they can date all the way back to being snacked on some 5,600 years ago. Native Americans would throw popcorn ears right on a fire, in order to pop out kernels. ( I bought popping corn ears at Bass Pro and popped in microwave. Fun to watch the thing fill up with popcorn and spill out when the door was opened.)
Necco Wafers were first manufactured in 1847 and Oliver Chase invented a cutting machine that allowed the slices to be made so thin.
Cracker Jack most likely began in 1871 Chicago, IL when German immigrant Frederick William Rueckheim started cooking up and selling his own type of popcorn. By 1896, Cracker Jack was being produced for commercial sales.
In 1897, Pearle Bixby Wait trademarked the powdered gelatin dessert, called Jell-O.
Triscuits were first invented in 1903 in Niagara Falls, NY. Triscuits were originally larger, but shrunk down to their current size in1924.
The first Sunshine Hydrox cookie was made in 1908 and was followed by its Oreo competitor in 1912. The difference between Hydrox and Oreo is that Hydrox is a bit more crispy and less sugary, and the original Hydrox was Kosher. Hydrox are supposed to become available again this year, but have yet to find them for sale.
Natural Causes
According to the US Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. A natural cause of death is anything that
isn’t a non-natural cause of death. When people kill themselves, are
killed by someone else, or die as the result of an accident, that is
considered non-natural. Any other cause is “natural.”
Accidents accounted for two-thirds of all non-natural deaths in 2013 (most recent results available). The most common type of accident was accidental poisoning, at 20 percent of all non-natural deaths, followed by motor-vehicle accidents at 18 percent of all non-natural deaths, and falls at 15 percent.
Suicide, by whatever means accounted for more than twice as many deaths as homicide. Firearms specifically are used in almost twice as many suicide deaths (21,175) as homicide deaths (11,208).
Accidents accounted for two-thirds of all non-natural deaths in 2013 (most recent results available). The most common type of accident was accidental poisoning, at 20 percent of all non-natural deaths, followed by motor-vehicle accidents at 18 percent of all non-natural deaths, and falls at 15 percent.
Suicide, by whatever means accounted for more than twice as many deaths as homicide. Firearms specifically are used in almost twice as many suicide deaths (21,175) as homicide deaths (11,208).
Wordology, Dishes, Plates, and Platters
A food dish
is generally something that food is eaten or served from. It can
also mean the food served or contained on a dish, such as, "I wish I
had that bacon dish."
A food plate tends to refer specifically to a flat dish that is suitable for holding food that does not have a high liquid content. It can also mean the food served or contained on a plate, such as, "I ate that whole bacon plate."
A food platter is a large shallow usually oval dish or plate, used for serving food.
It is also a course of a meal, usually consisting of several different foods served on the same plate, such as a bacon platter.
Although size does not matter for plates and dishes, some people refer to small as dish and larger as plate. Size does matter for platters, which are larger.
Bottom line, all plates are not platters and all platters are not plates, but all plates and platters are dishes.
A food plate tends to refer specifically to a flat dish that is suitable for holding food that does not have a high liquid content. It can also mean the food served or contained on a plate, such as, "I ate that whole bacon plate."
A food platter is a large shallow usually oval dish or plate, used for serving food.
It is also a course of a meal, usually consisting of several different foods served on the same plate, such as a bacon platter.
Although size does not matter for plates and dishes, some people refer to small as dish and larger as plate. Size does matter for platters, which are larger.
Bottom line, all plates are not platters and all platters are not plates, but all plates and platters are dishes.
Heinz Ketchup
In Israel, Heinz ketchup must now be called 'tomato
seasoning' because it does not have enough tomato in it to be called
an actual ketchup product. The Health Ministry said that since Heinz
does not contain at least 10% tomato solids, it can not legally be
called ketchup. Heinz's local importer, Diplomat, is working with
the Health Ministry to legally change the definition of ketchup from
containing 10% to 6% tomato solids. In the meantime, English labels
may still retain the term ketchup.
Organic and Taste
Research in 2013 showed that most people
do not know what 'organic' really means. It found people prefer food
labelled with ethically named terms like 'organic,' 'fair trade,"
and 'locally produced' and they actually report that it tastes
better, even if the label is totally fake.
The research combined the results of a 4,000-person survey conducted across eight European countries with three experimental studies. Participants were presented with a selection of apple juices, breakfast biscuits, and chocolates. The foods presented were identical, but some were labelled as ethically produced while others were not. For people who had reported that eating ethically is important to them, they not only preferred the mislabeled food, they also thought it tasted better.
The research supports the results of a small Swedish study from 2013 that found people think the same coffee tastes better when they are told it is organic. Sounds like more proof of 'perception is reality'.
The research combined the results of a 4,000-person survey conducted across eight European countries with three experimental studies. Participants were presented with a selection of apple juices, breakfast biscuits, and chocolates. The foods presented were identical, but some were labelled as ethically produced while others were not. For people who had reported that eating ethically is important to them, they not only preferred the mislabeled food, they also thought it tasted better.
The research supports the results of a small Swedish study from 2013 that found people think the same coffee tastes better when they are told it is organic. Sounds like more proof of 'perception is reality'.
Scooby-Doo
The crime solving dog Scooby-Doo first appeared in 1969 in the series 'Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?'. The character has since been the star of ten television series and twenty films and is still in demand.
Scooby-Doo was originally called 'Too Much'. Then Fred Silverman, who approached Hanna and Barbera with the idea of making a cartoon about a rock group that solves mysteries. He was inspired by the Frank Sinatra song 'Strangers In The Night', a hit record which included the lyrics ‘scoobie-doobie-do’ and the name was changed.
Scooby-Doo was originally called 'Too Much'. Then Fred Silverman, who approached Hanna and Barbera with the idea of making a cartoon about a rock group that solves mysteries. He was inspired by the Frank Sinatra song 'Strangers In The Night', a hit record which included the lyrics ‘scoobie-doobie-do’ and the name was changed.
Aug 21, 2015
Happy Friday
Speak in a way that others love to listen to you and listen
in a way that others love to speak to you.
I always listen first then speak about having a Happy Friday!
I always listen first then speak about having a Happy Friday!
Happy Just Because Day
Each year on August 27, it is
National Just Because Day and you can celebrate this day
any way you choose, “just because.”
It is an unofficial national holiday created by Joseph J. Goodwin from California, in the late 1950′s. It began as a family holiday and has grown into an annual celebration across the United States.
Today is a chance to do something without rhyme or reason. It could be that there is an outfit at the mall that you are admiring; buy it, just because. Maybe you want to go fishing; do it, just because. Take the rest of the day off, just because. The possibilities are endless.
It is an unofficial national holiday created by Joseph J. Goodwin from California, in the late 1950′s. It began as a family holiday and has grown into an annual celebration across the United States.
Today is a chance to do something without rhyme or reason. It could be that there is an outfit at the mall that you are admiring; buy it, just because. Maybe you want to go fishing; do it, just because. Take the rest of the day off, just because. The possibilities are endless.
Wordology, Want, Wont and Won't
The first two words
are pronounced the same, but mean two different things.
Want means ‘desire something’ or ‘wish for something': I want to stay here, he wants to speak, etc.
Wont means in the habit or tendency doing something, or of a characteristic of something. such as, “Tomorrow will be quiet, as Sundays are wont to be” or "He writes every day as he is wont to do."
Neither should be confused with the contraction of will not. Won't is used to express the future and meaning 'will not' as in, I won’t be here tomorrow.
Want means ‘desire something’ or ‘wish for something': I want to stay here, he wants to speak, etc.
Wont means in the habit or tendency doing something, or of a characteristic of something. such as, “Tomorrow will be quiet, as Sundays are wont to be” or "He writes every day as he is wont to do."
Neither should be confused with the contraction of will not. Won't is used to express the future and meaning 'will not' as in, I won’t be here tomorrow.
Cancer and Chemotherapy Facts
Not usually a positive
topic, but it is nice to get a few facts and dispel some myths.
There are over 200 different types of cancers and 200 different types of cells in the human body with all of these having the potential to become cancerous. All types are a result of unregulated cell growth. The result is excessive tissue, known as tumors. These tumors can be localized, or they can spread to surrounding areas through your lymphatic system or your blood stream.
Normal healthy cells divide and die as they should. The average number of times normal healthy cells divide is known as the Hayflick Limit. It was named after Dr. Leonard Hayflick, who in 1965 noticed that cells divide a specific number of times before the division stops. The average was between 40-60. If you took every cell in your body, at the time you were born, and accounted for all the cells they would produce and so on, multiplied that number by the average time it takes for those cells to die, you get what is known as the ultimate Hayflick limit, or the maximum number of years you can theoretically live, 120 years.
Chemotherapy, by definition is "a chemical that binds to and specifically kills microbes or tumor cells." It is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body. It is usually systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body. Chemotherapy is generally given in cycles: a treatment period is followed by a recovery period, then another treatment period, etc.
It is most often used to treat cancer, since cancer cells grow and multiply much more quickly than most cells in the body. Many different chemotherapy drugs are available and can be used alone or in combination. Chemotherapy treatments carry risks of side effects, some mild and treatable and others which can cause serious complications.
Most chemotherapy cannot differentiate between abnormal cancer cells and normal healthy cells. Because of this, cells that multiply rapidly can also be affected by chemotherapy. Not all chemo drugs will make you lose your hair. Some people have mild thinning that only they notice and some show no loss. Hair loss includes eyelashes, eyebrows, underarms, legs, and even pubic hair. Whether you lose hair depends upon the medication, dosage, combinations, and individual sensitivity. Hair loss happens because the chemotherapy affects all cells in the body, not just the cancer cells. The lining of the mouth, digestive tract (that is why many have nausea and vomiting as side effects), stomach, bone marrow, and the hair follicles are especially sensitive because those cells multiply rapidly just like the cancer cells.
Chemotherapy can also decrease in production of white blood cells (causing immune-suppressed), and inflammation of the digestive tract. Other areas that can be affected include, kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs. Luckily, many healthy cells repair themselves during or shortly after therapy.
There are over 200 different types of cancers and 200 different types of cells in the human body with all of these having the potential to become cancerous. All types are a result of unregulated cell growth. The result is excessive tissue, known as tumors. These tumors can be localized, or they can spread to surrounding areas through your lymphatic system or your blood stream.
Normal healthy cells divide and die as they should. The average number of times normal healthy cells divide is known as the Hayflick Limit. It was named after Dr. Leonard Hayflick, who in 1965 noticed that cells divide a specific number of times before the division stops. The average was between 40-60. If you took every cell in your body, at the time you were born, and accounted for all the cells they would produce and so on, multiplied that number by the average time it takes for those cells to die, you get what is known as the ultimate Hayflick limit, or the maximum number of years you can theoretically live, 120 years.
Chemotherapy, by definition is "a chemical that binds to and specifically kills microbes or tumor cells." It is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body. It is usually systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body. Chemotherapy is generally given in cycles: a treatment period is followed by a recovery period, then another treatment period, etc.
It is most often used to treat cancer, since cancer cells grow and multiply much more quickly than most cells in the body. Many different chemotherapy drugs are available and can be used alone or in combination. Chemotherapy treatments carry risks of side effects, some mild and treatable and others which can cause serious complications.
Most chemotherapy cannot differentiate between abnormal cancer cells and normal healthy cells. Because of this, cells that multiply rapidly can also be affected by chemotherapy. Not all chemo drugs will make you lose your hair. Some people have mild thinning that only they notice and some show no loss. Hair loss includes eyelashes, eyebrows, underarms, legs, and even pubic hair. Whether you lose hair depends upon the medication, dosage, combinations, and individual sensitivity. Hair loss happens because the chemotherapy affects all cells in the body, not just the cancer cells. The lining of the mouth, digestive tract (that is why many have nausea and vomiting as side effects), stomach, bone marrow, and the hair follicles are especially sensitive because those cells multiply rapidly just like the cancer cells.
Chemotherapy can also decrease in production of white blood cells (causing immune-suppressed), and inflammation of the digestive tract. Other areas that can be affected include, kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs. Luckily, many healthy cells repair themselves during or shortly after therapy.
Vikings
Vikings believed that a giant goat whose udders
provide an endless supply of beer was waiting for them in Valhalla
(Viking Heaven).
How to Stop Hiccups
Hiccups are caused by a spasm in the
diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle that separates your thorax
(including your lungs and heart) from your abdomen (including your
stomach and intestines). When you breathe in, your diaphragm
contracts and pulls down and becomes flat in order to make room for
more air in the lungs. When you breathe out, your diaphragm expands
and forces air out of your lungs.
During a hiccup, your diaphragm spasms causing you to take a quick breath in. This breath in is then interrupted by the epiglottis closing and causing a “hic” sound. (FYI, the epiglottis is a flap that covers the space between the vocal cords).
It is possible to stop them within 60 seconds or so by swallowing a teaspoon filled with dry sugar. Specialists believe the abrupt sweetness on the tongue overloads the nerve endings in the mouth and blocks the hiccup spasm.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine and also found on Medicine.net showed when a spoonful of granulated sugar is eaten, it was found to be effective in 19 out of 20 patients.
During a hiccup, your diaphragm spasms causing you to take a quick breath in. This breath in is then interrupted by the epiglottis closing and causing a “hic” sound. (FYI, the epiglottis is a flap that covers the space between the vocal cords).
It is possible to stop them within 60 seconds or so by swallowing a teaspoon filled with dry sugar. Specialists believe the abrupt sweetness on the tongue overloads the nerve endings in the mouth and blocks the hiccup spasm.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine and also found on Medicine.net showed when a spoonful of granulated sugar is eaten, it was found to be effective in 19 out of 20 patients.
Fur and Hair
There is no difference between fur and hair;
it is all just hair. Most refer to animal hair as fur, while
referring to our own hair as just hair. However, hair and fur are
chemically indistinguishable, both made up of keratin.
Human hair does not grow forever nor does animal hair/fur, although the length of the growing cycle can be longer or shorter for both. Various mammals have different growth cycles for their hair than humans do. Cat hair seems to stop growing at a relatively short length, similar to the growth rate and length of the hair on a human’s arms and legs.
The maximum length of hair on various parts of a body is entirely determined by genetics and varies widely from person to person and animal to animal.
A cat’s whiskers are just hair, though these hairs are attached to special nervous system connections allowing them to work as sensory receptors.
A Porcupine's quills are extremely enlarged hairs.
Incidentally, shaving does not make your hair grow back thicker, stronger, or faster. It has been proven by numerous studies that shaving has absolutely no effect on hair growth rate or shape
Human hair does not grow forever nor does animal hair/fur, although the length of the growing cycle can be longer or shorter for both. Various mammals have different growth cycles for their hair than humans do. Cat hair seems to stop growing at a relatively short length, similar to the growth rate and length of the hair on a human’s arms and legs.
The maximum length of hair on various parts of a body is entirely determined by genetics and varies widely from person to person and animal to animal.
A cat’s whiskers are just hair, though these hairs are attached to special nervous system connections allowing them to work as sensory receptors.
A Porcupine's quills are extremely enlarged hairs.
Incidentally, shaving does not make your hair grow back thicker, stronger, or faster. It has been proven by numerous studies that shaving has absolutely no effect on hair growth rate or shape
Google Translate
I recently received an email in French
and needed to translate it. Went to Google, and typed in the word
translate. The first result showed two boxes next to each other.
The first box had a caption 'enter text' the second was 'English'.
I pasted the text into the first box and it detected French and
populated the second box with the English equivalent. The second
also had a microphone icon. When I pressed it, a female voice
correctly read aloud the English text. The amazing thing to me was
that the translated text was so accurate. Not something we use
everyday, but nice to know it is available when we need it.
Aug 15, 2015
Happy Friday
"Without love, intelligence is dangerous; without intelligence,
love is not enough." ~Ashley Montagu
I have the intelligence to always love a Happy Friday!
I have the intelligence to always love a Happy Friday!
National Rum Day
We celebrate National Rum Day on August 16 in
the US. The origin of
the word rum is unclear. The name may have derived from
rumbullion meaning "a great tumult or uproar". Some claim that
the name is from the large drinking glasses used by Dutch
seamen known as rum rummers. Other options include
contractions of the words saccharum, latin for sugar, or
arôme, French for aroma.
In current usage, the name used for rum is often based on the rum's place of origin. For rums from Spanish-speaking locales the word ron is used. A ron añejo indicates a rum that has been aged and is often used for premium products. Rhum is the term used for rums from French-speaking locales, while rhum vieux is an aged French rum.
Go ahead and sip a bit of rum all day long. Or start today and make your own spiced rum.
1 (750-mL) bottle light Rum
1 Vanilla bean
3-inch slice Orange peel, white pith removed
1 Cinnamon stick
2 Allspice berries
4 Cloves
6 Black peppercorns
pinch ground nutmeg
1 slice fresh ginger, about the size of a quarter
Add all the ingredients to a wide-mouthed, airtight container and seal. Let stand for about two days and taste. Strain the spices out and re-bottle the liquid.
Note - some lower-quality commercial products tend to overplay the vanilla—cut back on that and the other flavors emerge nicely.
In current usage, the name used for rum is often based on the rum's place of origin. For rums from Spanish-speaking locales the word ron is used. A ron añejo indicates a rum that has been aged and is often used for premium products. Rhum is the term used for rums from French-speaking locales, while rhum vieux is an aged French rum.
Go ahead and sip a bit of rum all day long. Or start today and make your own spiced rum.
1 (750-mL) bottle light Rum
1 Vanilla bean
3-inch slice Orange peel, white pith removed
1 Cinnamon stick
2 Allspice berries
4 Cloves
6 Black peppercorns
pinch ground nutmeg
1 slice fresh ginger, about the size of a quarter
Add all the ingredients to a wide-mouthed, airtight container and seal. Let stand for about two days and taste. Strain the spices out and re-bottle the liquid.
Note - some lower-quality commercial products tend to overplay the vanilla—cut back on that and the other flavors emerge nicely.
Four Rum Myths Dispelled
Rum is not
always sweet, all
rum is made from sugar. No, that does not mean it is
sweet. Yeast converts sugar to alcohol and carbon dioxide
before it goes into the still. A white rum can be as dry as
any liquor. And aging in oak adds tannins and other wood
flavorings that can produce dark rum as flavorful as
Scotch.
Rum is not only best mixed with fruit juices. Rum has traditionally been a cheap spirit, and so was often mixed with cheap juices for frat parties. A good rum holds its own in classic cocktails like a rum Manhattan or a rum Old Fashioned. The finest aged rums are best appreciated neat.
Rum is not just a Caribbean/West Indian spirit. Rum’s commercial birthplace may have been the sugar cane fields of the islands and the tropics, but prior to the American Revolution, dozens of rum distilleries existed in New England. Today, rum is a North American product, with craft distillers making distinctive rums from Boston to Hawaii.
Pirates did not always drink rum. Pirates drank whatever they could plunder, and in the early days, that was chiefly Spanish wine. Contemporary accounts of the dreaded Captain Morgan do not even mention rum. It was not until the late 17th and early 18th centuries that pirates started to drink rum, concurrent with the rise of the West Indian rum trade.
Rum is not only best mixed with fruit juices. Rum has traditionally been a cheap spirit, and so was often mixed with cheap juices for frat parties. A good rum holds its own in classic cocktails like a rum Manhattan or a rum Old Fashioned. The finest aged rums are best appreciated neat.
Rum is not just a Caribbean/West Indian spirit. Rum’s commercial birthplace may have been the sugar cane fields of the islands and the tropics, but prior to the American Revolution, dozens of rum distilleries existed in New England. Today, rum is a North American product, with craft distillers making distinctive rums from Boston to Hawaii.
Pirates did not always drink rum. Pirates drank whatever they could plunder, and in the early days, that was chiefly Spanish wine. Contemporary accounts of the dreaded Captain Morgan do not even mention rum. It was not until the late 17th and early 18th centuries that pirates started to drink rum, concurrent with the rise of the West Indian rum trade.
Buccaneers
An offshoot of the
name, ‘buccaneers’ of the Caribbean derived their name from
the Arawak Indian word buccan, referring to a wooden frame
used for smoking meats. The French changed this to boucan
and called the French hunters who used these frames to cook
and preserve feral cattle and the offspring of Columbus'
pigs on the island of Hispaniola boucaniers. English
colonists anglicized the word to buccaneers. This was
taken from my soon-to-be-released Bacon Orgazmia book.
Airline Lingo
A nonstop flight
takes off from one runway and does not land until it reaches its
final destination. A direct flight refers to a flight that does not require a
plane change, but does stop along the way to its
destination, sometimes more than once.
Reservation systems use a hierarchy. Nonstop flights get top priority, followed by direct flights, followed by “through” flights (which use one flight number, but involve a change of planes), followed by connecting flights.
Reservation systems use a hierarchy. Nonstop flights get top priority, followed by direct flights, followed by “through” flights (which use one flight number, but involve a change of planes), followed by connecting flights.
Cheese Posties
This is the name for a subscription
service that delivers grilled cheese sandwiches to your
door. The company was started by
Dave Rotheroe of London, UK who has a background in IT project management. It will begin shipping at the beginning of September.
Subscribers will be presented with a series of questions including ‘Sweet or savory?’ and ‘Are you vegetarian or gluten free?’ Cheese Posties will then determine which gourmet grilled sandwich to ship to them that week.
The actual sandwich will be delivered in a box, inside a vacuum-sealed pack with two slices of bread, cheese and, the condiments required to put together that particular creation. The package will also include a Teflon toaster bag. Prices were not listed. Sandwiches can be shipped to the US, UK, and Europe. Sounds like a fun idea and a great way send a unique gift to friends. Hey Dave, why not offer to substitute bacon weaves instead of bread.
Dave Rotheroe of London, UK who has a background in IT project management. It will begin shipping at the beginning of September.
Subscribers will be presented with a series of questions including ‘Sweet or savory?’ and ‘Are you vegetarian or gluten free?’ Cheese Posties will then determine which gourmet grilled sandwich to ship to them that week.
The actual sandwich will be delivered in a box, inside a vacuum-sealed pack with two slices of bread, cheese and, the condiments required to put together that particular creation. The package will also include a Teflon toaster bag. Prices were not listed. Sandwiches can be shipped to the US, UK, and Europe. Sounds like a fun idea and a great way send a unique gift to friends. Hey Dave, why not offer to substitute bacon weaves instead of bread.
Chinese Currency
With the recent devaluation of
China's currency, many articles have been written about the
Renimbi and the Yuan. Renminbi is the official name for the
currency, and Yuan
is the main unit of currency. This is akin to the British currency being
pound sterling and the units are pounds.
Seven Home Remedies That Work
Feeding a cold, even
when you are overfeeding it vitamin C supplements, is not supported by
science. However there are many other home remedies that have been proven to
work.
In three separate studies since 2001, scientists have directly measured a reduction in acid reflux in subjects who chewed sugar-free gum after a meal, designed to give them heartburn, versus those who did not. The saliva you secrete when chewing gum has a calming effect on acid reflux.
Oats have anti-inflammatory compounds that are effective when applied directly to the skin and can be applied as oatmeal or adding ground oats to a bath. Good for treating poison ivy, irritated skin, or itching due to eczema.
One way to reduce sunburn pain is cucumber. Use a food processor to turn it into paste, apply it to sunburned skin and leave it on until it dries.
In a small study published in the American Journal of Physiology, researchers induced nausea by spinning subjects in a large drum after a heavy meal. Ginger helped ease the nausea of the subjects. Try drinking ginger ale, eating a ginger candy, or dissolving a teaspoon of ginger powder in a cup of water or tea.
According to 2002 research in the Journal of Family Practice, nasal irrigation with a saltwater solution relieved the symptoms of sinus congestion and improved sinus-related quality of life. Add half a teaspoon of salt for every eight ounces of warm water. Use a neti pot or a squeeze bottle to pour the solution into your nostrils while leaning over a sink to catch the drainage.
Apple cider vinegar is an antibiotic and can be used to treat fungus. Soak toes or fingers in apple cider vinegar for twenty minutes twice a day until symptoms go away. It is also good to combat acne as it kills bacteria on your skin and shrinks blood vessels around the acne. Soak a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar, and apply it to affected skin after washing.
According to a 2009 and 2011 studies, tart cherry juice that lists montmorency cherries in the ingredients increases melatonin levels in the body. Melatonin is a hormone instrumental in sleep regulation. Subjects in the studies reduced the amount of time it took to fall asleep and saw significant increases in sleep time and quality
In three separate studies since 2001, scientists have directly measured a reduction in acid reflux in subjects who chewed sugar-free gum after a meal, designed to give them heartburn, versus those who did not. The saliva you secrete when chewing gum has a calming effect on acid reflux.
Oats have anti-inflammatory compounds that are effective when applied directly to the skin and can be applied as oatmeal or adding ground oats to a bath. Good for treating poison ivy, irritated skin, or itching due to eczema.
One way to reduce sunburn pain is cucumber. Use a food processor to turn it into paste, apply it to sunburned skin and leave it on until it dries.
In a small study published in the American Journal of Physiology, researchers induced nausea by spinning subjects in a large drum after a heavy meal. Ginger helped ease the nausea of the subjects. Try drinking ginger ale, eating a ginger candy, or dissolving a teaspoon of ginger powder in a cup of water or tea.
According to 2002 research in the Journal of Family Practice, nasal irrigation with a saltwater solution relieved the symptoms of sinus congestion and improved sinus-related quality of life. Add half a teaspoon of salt for every eight ounces of warm water. Use a neti pot or a squeeze bottle to pour the solution into your nostrils while leaning over a sink to catch the drainage.
Apple cider vinegar is an antibiotic and can be used to treat fungus. Soak toes or fingers in apple cider vinegar for twenty minutes twice a day until symptoms go away. It is also good to combat acne as it kills bacteria on your skin and shrinks blood vessels around the acne. Soak a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar, and apply it to affected skin after washing.
According to a 2009 and 2011 studies, tart cherry juice that lists montmorency cherries in the ingredients increases melatonin levels in the body. Melatonin is a hormone instrumental in sleep regulation. Subjects in the studies reduced the amount of time it took to fall asleep and saw significant increases in sleep time and quality
Hydrophilic, Hydrophobic, and Hygroscopic
Hydrophilic refers to
substances that absorb water. A hydrophilic substance will
bond, on a molecular level with water.
Hydrophobic materials hate water and repel it.
Hygroscopic refers to the ability of a material to absorb humidity from the air. A hygroscopic substance will actively attract and absorb water, without bonding. A hygroscope indicates changes in humidity.
Water is hydrophilic (mixes with more water easily) and oils or fats are generally hydrophobic and separate from water, forming an oily layer.
The suffix "philic" means loving or attracted to. The suffix "phobic" means fear or fearful.
Hydrophobic materials hate water and repel it.
Hygroscopic refers to the ability of a material to absorb humidity from the air. A hygroscopic substance will actively attract and absorb water, without bonding. A hygroscope indicates changes in humidity.
Water is hydrophilic (mixes with more water easily) and oils or fats are generally hydrophobic and separate from water, forming an oily layer.
The suffix "philic" means loving or attracted to. The suffix "phobic" means fear or fearful.
Aug 7, 2015
Medical Humor
My Medical Humor book is now available on Amazon Kindle for
E-book readers LINK
It has 'Search Inside' on for free previews.
It has 'Search Inside' on for free previews.
Happy Friday
Laughter is the best aphrodisiac.
I love to share my laughter to enjoy a special Happy Friday!
I love to share my laughter to enjoy a special Happy Friday!
National Presidential Joke Day
This “unofficial” US national
holiday is celebrated annually and began on August 11, 1984 when
President Ronald Reagan was doing a microphone test and made a joke
not realizing that the microphone was on. Am sure there are many
throughout history who qualify as presidential jokes.
Brown Sugar, White Sugar
To get sugar from plant form to
powder form takes much water. Water naturally dissolves sucrose,
even when it is still in the plant. boiling, either by turning up
the heat or exposing the water to a vacuum turns sucrose into
molasses. When it cools and is centrifuged the molasses turns into
brown sugar crystals, because the pure crystals will still be
covered with a thin layer of molasses.
Brown sugar, with its tiny bit of syrup has only slightly less concentrated sweetness, and 0.23 fewer calories per gram, than white sugar. This layer can be boiled farther and centrifuged again until it becomes naturally white sucrose crystals.
Cookies made with all white sugar spread wider. Cookies made with brown sugar do not spread as much. The hygroscopic brown sugar absorbs more liquid and keeps dough together.
Brown sugar, with its tiny bit of syrup has only slightly less concentrated sweetness, and 0.23 fewer calories per gram, than white sugar. This layer can be boiled farther and centrifuged again until it becomes naturally white sucrose crystals.
Cookies made with all white sugar spread wider. Cookies made with brown sugar do not spread as much. The hygroscopic brown sugar absorbs more liquid and keeps dough together.
Converting Temperatures Centigrade and Fahrenheit
An
easy conversion to remember is: Fahrenheit to Celsius: Subtract 30
and divide by 2. Celsius to Fahrenheit: multiply by 2 and add 30.
(For exact conversions: Fahrenheit to Celsius : subtract 32 and divide by 1.8. Celsius to Fahrenheit : Multiply by 1.8 and add 32)
During 1742, Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius created a temperature scale which was the reverse of the scale now known as Celsius: 0 represented the boiling point of water, while 100 represented the freezing point of water. His scale was reversed in 1744. For scientific use, Celsius is the term usually used, with centigrade in common, but decreasing use.
Fahrenheit is a temperature scale based on one proposed in 1724 by the German physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit. The scale is usually defined by two fixed points: the temperature at which water freezes into ice, 32 degrees, and the boiling point of water, 212 degrees.
Today, the Fahrenheit scale is used primarily in the United States and some Caribbean countries. The rest of the world uses the Celsius scale. It does not matter which scale you use at this time of year where I live, it is just called HOT! In Antarctica it is COLD!
(For exact conversions: Fahrenheit to Celsius : subtract 32 and divide by 1.8. Celsius to Fahrenheit : Multiply by 1.8 and add 32)
During 1742, Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius created a temperature scale which was the reverse of the scale now known as Celsius: 0 represented the boiling point of water, while 100 represented the freezing point of water. His scale was reversed in 1744. For scientific use, Celsius is the term usually used, with centigrade in common, but decreasing use.
Fahrenheit is a temperature scale based on one proposed in 1724 by the German physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit. The scale is usually defined by two fixed points: the temperature at which water freezes into ice, 32 degrees, and the boiling point of water, 212 degrees.
Today, the Fahrenheit scale is used primarily in the United States and some Caribbean countries. The rest of the world uses the Celsius scale. It does not matter which scale you use at this time of year where I live, it is just called HOT! In Antarctica it is COLD!
Three Uses for Rosemary
Use Rosemary stalks to skewer meats
and vegetables as they actually contain the same oils and scents as
rosemary leaves.
Pick the thickest stalks, scrape off the leaves, and pierce them through a couple of inch-sized pieces of meat, lamb, chicken, or fish and it infuses flavor from the inside.
For more delicate fish, you could also layer a bunch of stalks to create a lattice and add some slices of lemon, then put the fish directly onto this homemade roasting rack for additional flavor.
Add rosemary stalks to a fireplace for a natural forest smell in your living room. In many complementary medicines, the smell of rosemary is said to give you more energy. It was also used by the ancient Romans as incense and by the Elizabethans to improve memory.
Pick the thickest stalks, scrape off the leaves, and pierce them through a couple of inch-sized pieces of meat, lamb, chicken, or fish and it infuses flavor from the inside.
For more delicate fish, you could also layer a bunch of stalks to create a lattice and add some slices of lemon, then put the fish directly onto this homemade roasting rack for additional flavor.
Add rosemary stalks to a fireplace for a natural forest smell in your living room. In many complementary medicines, the smell of rosemary is said to give you more energy. It was also used by the ancient Romans as incense and by the Elizabethans to improve memory.
Perseid Meteor Shower
On August 12 we get to see a great
display in the night sky. The Perseid meteor shower is considered to
be among the best of the annual meteor displays thanks to its high
rates. Observers can sometimes see up to 90 meteors an hour during
the shower.
Last summer, the moon was brilliant and presented a problem for those who wanted a dark sky to watch the shower. But in 2015, the moon will be a couple of days before new and will not rise until just before daybreak, leaving much of the night dark for prospective observers.
Last summer, the moon was brilliant and presented a problem for those who wanted a dark sky to watch the shower. But in 2015, the moon will be a couple of days before new and will not rise until just before daybreak, leaving much of the night dark for prospective observers.
Dragon Fruit
The drought in California is causing many
citrus fruit growers to swap crops which require less water. Many
are switching to wine grapes, among others. One of the new crops
also gaining popularity is dragon fruit, or Pitaya. It is in the
succulent family and grows over much of Central and South America as
well as in most Asian countries.
Dragon fruits have a number of phytonutrients and are rich in antioxidants. They contain 10 percent of the daily value of vitamin C, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and B1, B2, and B3 vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and carotene. Dragon fruits have zero complex carbohydrates. It also has a high fiber content and one has just 60 calories.
The seeds of dragon fruits are high in polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that reduce triglycerides. Eating dragon fruit can also help rid the body of toxic heavy metals and improved eyesight.
Inside the dragon fruit is white with edible little black seeds, like kiwi. You can cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the fruit and chop into bite size chunks. It tastes like a bland kiwi. It also has the same consistency. Wegman's sells it for about $5.00 a pound and Amazon about $6.00. Average fruit size is about 300 g (10 ounces), but can range to over a pound.
Dragon fruits have a number of phytonutrients and are rich in antioxidants. They contain 10 percent of the daily value of vitamin C, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and B1, B2, and B3 vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and carotene. Dragon fruits have zero complex carbohydrates. It also has a high fiber content and one has just 60 calories.
The seeds of dragon fruits are high in polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that reduce triglycerides. Eating dragon fruit can also help rid the body of toxic heavy metals and improved eyesight.
Inside the dragon fruit is white with edible little black seeds, like kiwi. You can cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the fruit and chop into bite size chunks. It tastes like a bland kiwi. It also has the same consistency. Wegman's sells it for about $5.00 a pound and Amazon about $6.00. Average fruit size is about 300 g (10 ounces), but can range to over a pound.
Safety App
There is an interesting app for Android and
iOS users called SafeTrek that you can use when in unfamiliar or
potentially dangerous areas. It was originally developed by
college students for college students and is extremely easy to
use.
Start the app and hold a finger on the onscreen button. If you release the button and do not enter a 4 digit security code, local police will be notified of your location, name, and emergency. The price is $3 per month. LINK
Start the app and hold a finger on the onscreen button. If you release the button and do not enter a 4 digit security code, local police will be notified of your location, name, and emergency. The price is $3 per month. LINK
Climb a Tree to Get Smart
Dynamic activities like
climbing a tree could be a simple way to improve your working
memory, according to new research.
Researchers found activities that require awareness of the position of different body parts and strength to complete movement, are linked to benefits of an individual’s working memory. These activities include anything from climbing a tree to balancing on a beam.
They evaluated participants between the ages of 18 and 59 while testing their working memory before and after the completion of various dynamic activities, such as climbing a tree, walking on narrow beams, running barefoot, and navigating obstacle courses. The study found that participants experienced a 50 percent improvement in their working memory after completing these exercises. Just a few minutes of such activity can produce beneficial effects on working memory.
“By taking a break to do activities that are unpredictable and require us to consciously adapt our movements, we can boost our working memory to perform better in the classroom and the boardroom,” study leader Ross Alloway said. He emphasized that by doing physical activity that makes us think, we are exercising our brains as well.
Those in the medical field say working memory helps humans actively process information, making it easier to perform day-to-day tasks and often increasing performance. The findings were published in the journal Perceptual and Motor Skill. Some of us are already smart enough to not climb a tree.
Researchers found activities that require awareness of the position of different body parts and strength to complete movement, are linked to benefits of an individual’s working memory. These activities include anything from climbing a tree to balancing on a beam.
They evaluated participants between the ages of 18 and 59 while testing their working memory before and after the completion of various dynamic activities, such as climbing a tree, walking on narrow beams, running barefoot, and navigating obstacle courses. The study found that participants experienced a 50 percent improvement in their working memory after completing these exercises. Just a few minutes of such activity can produce beneficial effects on working memory.
“By taking a break to do activities that are unpredictable and require us to consciously adapt our movements, we can boost our working memory to perform better in the classroom and the boardroom,” study leader Ross Alloway said. He emphasized that by doing physical activity that makes us think, we are exercising our brains as well.
Those in the medical field say working memory helps humans actively process information, making it easier to perform day-to-day tasks and often increasing performance. The findings were published in the journal Perceptual and Motor Skill. Some of us are already smart enough to not climb a tree.
Aphrodisiacs
Men may be more biologically focused, with
sexual problems stemming from more influence on veins arteries and
nerves, but they are also influenced by stress and fatigue. Women
may have more of a psychological influence, but are also subject to
hormonal shifts and biological facets.
Pharmaceutical medications for the treatment of sexual problems are only available for men. These drugs, like Viagra and Cialis, are used to treat erectile dysfunction. However, the FDA is expected to approve the drug flibanserin this month, for the treatment of low libido in women.
Ginseng was shown to be effective at treating erectile dysfunction in several double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.
Pharmaceutical medications for the treatment of sexual problems are only available for men. These drugs, like Viagra and Cialis, are used to treat erectile dysfunction. However, the FDA is expected to approve the drug flibanserin this month, for the treatment of low libido in women.
Ginseng was shown to be effective at treating erectile dysfunction in several double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.
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