Did you know Facebook has a feature called 'Facial Recognition' that allows people to tag photos that may contain your face, without your permission? It has been around for a while and this feature is turned on automatically. If you like to be tagged in photos, enjoy. If not, to turn it off:
1 Go to the "Account" tab in the top right hand corner
2 Click on "Privacy settings"
3 Click "Customize settings"
4 Scroll down to "Things others share"
5 Click "Edit settings" next to "Suggest photos of me to friends"
6 Choose "Disable" or "Enable" from the drop down
Jun 10, 2011
China Consumes
China consumes 53% of the world's cement. It consumes 48% of the world's iron ore and consumes 47% of the world's coal (more than the rest of the world combined). China is well ahead of the US in the consumption of television sets, refrigerators, and mobile phones. China has become the world's second largest luxury goods consumer with 27.5% of the world's luxury goods. It also consumes 25% of the world's beer.
Jun 9, 2011
Nanotechnology and Nanoparticles
These tiny little things are used in all sorts of things we never hear about, but are changing our lives. Nanotechnology is a broad term that covers many areas of science, research, and technology. In its most basic form, it can be described as working with things that are small. Things so tiny that they can't be seen with standard microscopes. The same stuff that has always been there, but we just couldn't see it.
Here is a comparison - A nanoparticle size is compared to an ant as an ant is compared to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
More relative sizes: (nm is nanometer)
The head of a pin 1,000,000 nm across You can see these with your eyes unaided
The page of a book 100,000 nm thick
A human hair 40,000 nm thick
A red blood cell 7,000 nm across You can see these using a light microscope
DNA molecule 2 nm wide
Most atoms 0.1–0.2 nm
During the next 20 years, nanotechnology will touch the life of nearly every person on the planet. Below is a guide to uses for some of these nano wonders.
Quantum dots - are made of semiconducting molecules, they glow fluorescently and are great at absorbing light. Used for more efficient solar cells and microscopy dyes for cell biology research.
Silica - silicon dioxide nanoparticles enable so-called shear thickening fluid to become stronger on impact. Used for stab-resistant Kevlar for body armor.
Zinc oxide - tiny crystals stop UV radiation and are toxic to microscopic life. Used for UV-resistant packaging, sunscreen, and paint and textiles that inhibit bacteria and fungi.
Nano barcodes - bits of various metals linked into tiny wires make good tags for microscopic things. Used for tracking DNA and cells.
Lithium iron phosphate - particles organize themselves into an anode, which allows batteries to charge and deliver power extremely quickly. Used for electric cars, power tools.
Iron oxide - mini magnets can stick to certain chemicals. Used for steering cancer drugs and genes to targets in the body while minimizing collateral damage. Sometimes smaller is better.
Here is a comparison - A nanoparticle size is compared to an ant as an ant is compared to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
More relative sizes: (nm is nanometer)
The head of a pin 1,000,000 nm across You can see these with your eyes unaided
The page of a book 100,000 nm thick
A human hair 40,000 nm thick
A red blood cell 7,000 nm across You can see these using a light microscope
DNA molecule 2 nm wide
Most atoms 0.1–0.2 nm
During the next 20 years, nanotechnology will touch the life of nearly every person on the planet. Below is a guide to uses for some of these nano wonders.
Quantum dots - are made of semiconducting molecules, they glow fluorescently and are great at absorbing light. Used for more efficient solar cells and microscopy dyes for cell biology research.
Silica - silicon dioxide nanoparticles enable so-called shear thickening fluid to become stronger on impact. Used for stab-resistant Kevlar for body armor.
Zinc oxide - tiny crystals stop UV radiation and are toxic to microscopic life. Used for UV-resistant packaging, sunscreen, and paint and textiles that inhibit bacteria and fungi.
Nano barcodes - bits of various metals linked into tiny wires make good tags for microscopic things. Used for tracking DNA and cells.
Lithium iron phosphate - particles organize themselves into an anode, which allows batteries to charge and deliver power extremely quickly. Used for electric cars, power tools.
Iron oxide - mini magnets can stick to certain chemicals. Used for steering cancer drugs and genes to targets in the body while minimizing collateral damage. Sometimes smaller is better.
Eight 7-Eleven Facts
Now for something bigger.
7-Eleven is operated under the Seven-Eleven Japan Co. Ltd.
US headquarters is in Dallas, Texas.
The busiest location Is in Samutprakarn, Thailand.
The largest drink is sells is the Team Gulp at 128 ounces.
It has 39,000 stores globally (more than McDonalds).
It released two propriety wines, Yosemite Road brand, in 2009.
7-Eleven's birthday is on July 11.
All of the stores originally operated from 7 a.m. to 11.p.m.
7-Eleven is operated under the Seven-Eleven Japan Co. Ltd.
US headquarters is in Dallas, Texas.
The busiest location Is in Samutprakarn, Thailand.
The largest drink is sells is the Team Gulp at 128 ounces.
It has 39,000 stores globally (more than McDonalds).
It released two propriety wines, Yosemite Road brand, in 2009.
7-Eleven's birthday is on July 11.
All of the stores originally operated from 7 a.m. to 11.p.m.
Little Rules of Life
Sing in the shower.
Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
Watch a sunrise at least once a year.
Leave the toilet seat in the down position.
Never refuse homemade brownies.
Strive for excellence, not perfection.
Plant a tree on your birthday.
Learn 3 clean jokes.
Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full.
Compliment 3 people every day.
Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
Leave everything a little better than you found it.
Keep it simple.
Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.
Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
Floss your teeth.
Ask for a raise when you think you've earned it.
Overtip breakfast waitresses.
Be forgiving of yourself and others.
Say, "Thank you" a lot.
Say, "Please" a lot.
Avoid negative people.
Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards.
Wear polished shoes.
Remember other people's birthdays.
Commit yourself to constant improvement.
Carry jumper cables in your truck.
Have a firm handshake.
Send lots of Valentine cards.
Sign them, "Someone who thinks you're terrific."
Look people in the eye.
Be the first to say hello.
Use the good silver.
Return all things you borrow.
Make new friends, but cherish the old ones.
Keep a few secrets.
Sing in a choir.
Plant flowers every spring.
Have a dog.
Always accept an outstretched hand.
Stop blaming others.
Take responsibility for every area of your life.
Wave at kids on school busses.
Be there when people need you.
Feed a stranger's expired parking meter.
Don't expect life to be fair.
Never underestimate the power of love.
Drink champagne for no reason at all.
Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation.
Don't be afraid to say, "I made a mistake."
Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."
Compliment even small improvements.
Keep your promises no matter what.
Marry for love.
Rekindle old friendships.
Count your blessings.
Call your mother.
by H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
Watch a sunrise at least once a year.
Leave the toilet seat in the down position.
Never refuse homemade brownies.
Strive for excellence, not perfection.
Plant a tree on your birthday.
Learn 3 clean jokes.
Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full.
Compliment 3 people every day.
Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
Leave everything a little better than you found it.
Keep it simple.
Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.
Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
Floss your teeth.
Ask for a raise when you think you've earned it.
Overtip breakfast waitresses.
Be forgiving of yourself and others.
Say, "Thank you" a lot.
Say, "Please" a lot.
Avoid negative people.
Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards.
Wear polished shoes.
Remember other people's birthdays.
Commit yourself to constant improvement.
Carry jumper cables in your truck.
Have a firm handshake.
Send lots of Valentine cards.
Sign them, "Someone who thinks you're terrific."
Look people in the eye.
Be the first to say hello.
Use the good silver.
Return all things you borrow.
Make new friends, but cherish the old ones.
Keep a few secrets.
Sing in a choir.
Plant flowers every spring.
Have a dog.
Always accept an outstretched hand.
Stop blaming others.
Take responsibility for every area of your life.
Wave at kids on school busses.
Be there when people need you.
Feed a stranger's expired parking meter.
Don't expect life to be fair.
Never underestimate the power of love.
Drink champagne for no reason at all.
Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation.
Don't be afraid to say, "I made a mistake."
Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."
Compliment even small improvements.
Keep your promises no matter what.
Marry for love.
Rekindle old friendships.
Count your blessings.
Call your mother.
by H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Jun 8, 2011
FDA Definitions
Food labels were once meant to make things perfectly clear, so we could make good food buying decisions. However, like most governmental regulations absolute rules become quickly obfuscated. The "per serving" is the thing to watch as many manufacturers make serving size humorously low to get a better rating.
"Low Fat" can mean there's up to 3 grams of fat per serving. "Fat Free" can have 0.5 grams and still count.
"Light" can mean a number of things, from the literal (the color) to the more concrete (50% the fat of plain-label), but it can also be used to mean simply "less" calories, without any actual figures. "Low Calorie," on the other hand, must have 40 calories or less per serving, and "Fewer Calories" actually means the product must have at least 25% less calories per serving.
The term "Light" used on package labeling has absolutely nothing to do with fat, sugar, or anything else. If a product "has been a long history of use of the term," then it can keep using it regardless of nutritional content.
Any product with "organic" on its packaging or display materials must contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients. "100 Percent Organic" products must show an ingredient list, the name and address of the handler (bottler, distributor, importer, manufacturer, packer, processor) of the finished product, and the name and seal of the organic certifier. These products should contain no chemicals, additives, synthetics, pesticides or genetically engineered substances.
"USDA Organic" products must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients. The label must contain a list that identifies the organic, as well as the non-organic, ingredients in the product, and the name of the organic certifier.
"Made With Organic" products must contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients. The label must contain a list that identifies the organic, as well as the non-organic, ingredients in the product, along with the name of the organic certifier.
"Low Fat" can mean there's up to 3 grams of fat per serving. "Fat Free" can have 0.5 grams and still count.
"Light" can mean a number of things, from the literal (the color) to the more concrete (50% the fat of plain-label), but it can also be used to mean simply "less" calories, without any actual figures. "Low Calorie," on the other hand, must have 40 calories or less per serving, and "Fewer Calories" actually means the product must have at least 25% less calories per serving.
The term "Light" used on package labeling has absolutely nothing to do with fat, sugar, or anything else. If a product "has been a long history of use of the term," then it can keep using it regardless of nutritional content.
Any product with "organic" on its packaging or display materials must contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients. "100 Percent Organic" products must show an ingredient list, the name and address of the handler (bottler, distributor, importer, manufacturer, packer, processor) of the finished product, and the name and seal of the organic certifier. These products should contain no chemicals, additives, synthetics, pesticides or genetically engineered substances.
"USDA Organic" products must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients. The label must contain a list that identifies the organic, as well as the non-organic, ingredients in the product, and the name of the organic certifier.
"Made With Organic" products must contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients. The label must contain a list that identifies the organic, as well as the non-organic, ingredients in the product, along with the name of the organic certifier.
What's in a Name
George Eastman, a high school dropout and the founder of Kodak loved the letter "K." He tested several combinations of words starting and ending with "K" while trying to come up with a name for his camera and film company name. Kodak was registered as a trademark in 1888 and the Eastman Kodak company was founded in 1892. Eastman believed the right name would be memorable, would not resemble anything else, and could not be mispronounced. He decided it must have the letter "K" because he believed the letter was strong and incisive. It was the first company to put its name and look into a symbol.
He started out making glass photographic plates and moved into paper film, then to make a camera, "As convenient as a pencil" so he could sell the film. The original building where he started is still part of the world headquarters in Rochester, New York. A maze of buildings, spanning blocks, that are all connected to each other. I became lost in those buildings more than a few times while consulting with Kodak.
He started out making glass photographic plates and moved into paper film, then to make a camera, "As convenient as a pencil" so he could sell the film. The original building where he started is still part of the world headquarters in Rochester, New York. A maze of buildings, spanning blocks, that are all connected to each other. I became lost in those buildings more than a few times while consulting with Kodak.
Bottled Water
Here is an interesting video about bottled water. It is not kind to bottled water producers. One fact says that it takes enough oil to produce the bottles that could be used to make gas to fuel a million cars a year. One of the few times water is not good for the environment. LINK
Benjamin Franklin
He was a politician, diplomat, author, printer, publisher, scientist, inventor, founding father, and coauthor and cosigner of the Declaration of Independence. One thing he was not was a high school graduate.
Franklin was the fifteenth child and youngest son in a family of 20. He spent two years at the Boston Latin School before dropping out at age ten and going to work for his father, and then his brother, as a printer.
He once proposed the turkey as the national symbol, but it lost to the American Bald Eagle. He wrote to his daughter, “For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly." How prescient he was. Oh, and he wore funny clothes.
Franklin was the fifteenth child and youngest son in a family of 20. He spent two years at the Boston Latin School before dropping out at age ten and going to work for his father, and then his brother, as a printer.
He once proposed the turkey as the national symbol, but it lost to the American Bald Eagle. He wrote to his daughter, “For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly." How prescient he was. Oh, and he wore funny clothes.
Jun 7, 2011
Ear Ring History
Ear piercing is one of the oldest known forms of body modification, with artistic and written references from cultures around the world dating. Early evidence of earrings worn by men can be seen in archeological evidence from Persepolis in ancient Persia (Iran). The carved images of soldiers of the Persian Empire, displayed on surviving walls of the palace, show them wearing an ear ring.
Other early evidence of earring wearing is evident in the Biblical record. In Exodus 32:1-4, it is written that while Moses was up on Mount Sinai, the Israelites demanded that Aaron make a god for them. He commanded them to bring their sons' and daughters' earrings to him in order that he might comply with their demand.
Among sailors, a pierced earlobe was a symbol that the wearer had sailed around the world or had crossed the equator. In addition, it is believed that a gold earring was worn by sailors in payment for a proper burial in the event they drowned at sea and their bodies washed up on shore. It was hoped that the earring would serve as payment for "a proper christian burial".
Pierced ears were popular in the United States through the early 1900s, then fell into disfavor among women due to the rising popularity of clip-on earrings.
In India, nearly all the girls and some boys get their ears pierced in a religious ceremony before they are about 5 years old. Infants may get their ears pierced as early as several days after their birth. Similar customs are practiced in other Southeast Asian countries, although traditionally, most males wait to get their ears pierced until they have reached young adulthood.
Other early evidence of earring wearing is evident in the Biblical record. In Exodus 32:1-4, it is written that while Moses was up on Mount Sinai, the Israelites demanded that Aaron make a god for them. He commanded them to bring their sons' and daughters' earrings to him in order that he might comply with their demand.
Among sailors, a pierced earlobe was a symbol that the wearer had sailed around the world or had crossed the equator. In addition, it is believed that a gold earring was worn by sailors in payment for a proper burial in the event they drowned at sea and their bodies washed up on shore. It was hoped that the earring would serve as payment for "a proper christian burial".
Pierced ears were popular in the United States through the early 1900s, then fell into disfavor among women due to the rising popularity of clip-on earrings.
In India, nearly all the girls and some boys get their ears pierced in a religious ceremony before they are about 5 years old. Infants may get their ears pierced as early as several days after their birth. Similar customs are practiced in other Southeast Asian countries, although traditionally, most males wait to get their ears pierced until they have reached young adulthood.
Happy Friday June 3
Imagination is stronger than knowledge, dreams are more powerful than facts, and hope always triumphs over experience.
Can you imagine the dreams I have while hoping for a Happy Friday!
Can you imagine the dreams I have while hoping for a Happy Friday!
Hopalong Cassidy
June 5 is the anniversary of the birth of William Boyd, born in 1895. Boyd is known to movie-goers and TV audiences throughout the world as Hopalong Cassidy. During his heyday, millions of fans would turn out to see him in personal appearances. He first played the role of the cowboy hero in the 1935 movie, Hop-a-long Cassidy. The character came from 28 western novels written by Clarence Mulford.
He was one of the few 'good guys' who wore black. In those days most of the good guys wore anything but black and the bad guys wore black. The picture below shows him in character with Dennis Weaver (as Chester B. Goode) James Arness (as Matt Dillon) from Gunsmoke. Weaver passed away in 2006 and Arness passed away last week, June 3, 2011. Arness' brother was Peter Graves from Mission Impossible fame.
Gunsmoke was just beginning as Boyd was retiring and he turned his whole production company over to CBS for that show, so his entire crew would not be put out of work.
Boyd was Hopalong Cassidy in 66 films through 1948 and then he starred as Hopalong in the successful TV series in the 1950s. For over twenty years, children and adults both loved the adventures of Hopalong Cassidy, his horse Topper, and his sidekick played by George ‘Gabby’ Hayes. He ranks up there with Gene Autry and Roy Rogers who made the successful transition from movie westerns to the 'new' television. Back then westerns dominated TV as much as crime shows do now.
Couldn't resist tossing this one in with my brothers and me in my Christmas Hoppy outfit.
He was one of the few 'good guys' who wore black. In those days most of the good guys wore anything but black and the bad guys wore black. The picture below shows him in character with Dennis Weaver (as Chester B. Goode) James Arness (as Matt Dillon) from Gunsmoke. Weaver passed away in 2006 and Arness passed away last week, June 3, 2011. Arness' brother was Peter Graves from Mission Impossible fame.
Gunsmoke was just beginning as Boyd was retiring and he turned his whole production company over to CBS for that show, so his entire crew would not be put out of work.
Boyd was Hopalong Cassidy in 66 films through 1948 and then he starred as Hopalong in the successful TV series in the 1950s. For over twenty years, children and adults both loved the adventures of Hopalong Cassidy, his horse Topper, and his sidekick played by George ‘Gabby’ Hayes. He ranks up there with Gene Autry and Roy Rogers who made the successful transition from movie westerns to the 'new' television. Back then westerns dominated TV as much as crime shows do now.
Couldn't resist tossing this one in with my brothers and me in my Christmas Hoppy outfit.
Deep Throat
This week in 2005, Mark Felt admitted that, while No. 2 man in the FBI, he was "Deep Throat," whose information to Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein on the 1972 Watergate break-in led to U.S. President Richard Nixon's resignation.
Restaurant Coupons
Here is a site that promises to be the one place to go to for local restaurant coupons. LINK It is called bitehunter and will search the web and combine coupons from various sites and make them all available in one place. Bitehunter has been in Beta for a few months in selected cities, but promises to roll out nationally this month, June. Excellent information, including menus with prices, reviews, links, and maps. Might be handy to look for local places even if no coupons are available. While checking the site, I found a restaurant called 5napkinburgers (ten ounce juicy burgers) that I hope comes to Texas soon.
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