Aug 9, 2013
Another Use for Basil
You already know that fresh basil is
delicious is many of your favorite recipes, but did you also know
it's great for repelling bugs naturally? Snip a few fresh leaves and
hang them in doorways or put on top of an outdoor table to repel
mosquitoes and flies.
Aug 6, 2013
The sound of the Theremin is familiar from Hitchcock and science fiction soundtracks, and a version features on 'Good Vibrations' by The Beach Boys and 'Echoes' by Pink Floyd, and by Nine Inch Nails. It has also been seen played by Dr. Sheldon Cooper on Big Bang Theory. The new Leap Motion 'no touch' controller even has an application to play a digital Theremin on your PC.
Japan's musicians recently set a new world record for the most players on the Theremin - the musical instrument used without being touched. In the central city of Hamamatsu, 272 people performed at a concert.
This is totally different from the few year old Eigenharp, which seems to have more buttons and levers than any other instrument.
Theremin taught Lydia Kavina, his grand-niece how to play this interesting, simple, and eerie instrument. Here is a demo of the instrument LINK
Waterfall Art
These have been around for a few years, but
always a treat to watch. The one in the link is located in the South
Gate Building of the Osaka Station City in Japan. Four minute video,
but you will get the idea during the first few minutes.
LINK
As the video shows a digital time readout, scrolling patterns including floral motifs, text, and interesting water patterns. The printer emits illuminated water droplets in controlled patterns to reproduce images that are stored on a PC.
LINK
As the video shows a digital time readout, scrolling patterns including floral motifs, text, and interesting water patterns. The printer emits illuminated water droplets in controlled patterns to reproduce images that are stored on a PC.
Size of England and UK
England makes up about half
the total area of the UK. It is also about the size of the state of
Alabama. You could fit about three of the entire United Kingdom in
the state of Texas.
Dog Days of Summer
The earliest reference to this expression goes back to the Ancient
Egyptians. They noted that the rising of the star Sirius began the
hottest part of the summer. The star’s hieroglyph is a dog. Sirius
would appear in Egypt, after about a 70 day absence, just before the
season where the Nile typically floods, so it is thought the star’s
hieroglyphic symbol 'watchdog'.
Romans and Greeks also referred to dog days and would often make sacrifices to Sirius, including sacrificing dogs to appease Sirius with the hope it would result in a mild summer and protect crops from scorching.
Sirius is the brightest star in the Canis Major (Latin for “Greater Dog”) constellation.
Romans and Greeks also referred to dog days and would often make sacrifices to Sirius, including sacrificing dogs to appease Sirius with the hope it would result in a mild summer and protect crops from scorching.
Sirius is the brightest star in the Canis Major (Latin for “Greater Dog”) constellation.
Aug 2, 2013
Happy Friday
True happiness involves the full use of one's power and talents.
I use always use my full power and talents to have a Happy Friday!
I use always use my full power and talents to have a Happy Friday!
Four Cookie Facts
The Fig Newton is named for
Newton, Massachusetts where it was originally made.
Lorna Doones were introduced in 1912. The shortbread biscuits were considered a product of Scottish heritage, and back then, Lorna Doone character was symbolic of Scotland.
Nabisco created 'Barnum's Animals' in 1902 and sold them in a little box designed like an animal cage with a string attached to carry and hang on Christmas trees. In 1948, the company changed the name to its current 'Barnum's Animal Crackers'. Fifty Four different animals have been represented by animal crackers since 1902. Currently, each package contains 22 crackers consisting of a variety of animals. The newest, a koala was added in September 2002, but later retired. Current animals include bear, camel, crocodile, elephant, giraffe, gorilla, horse, lion, seal, tiger, and zebra.
The name Oreo was inspired by the gold color used on early package designs. The French word for gold is Or. A number of other versions for the name persist, but this is most widely accepted.
The original name was Oreo Biscuit. It was renamed in 1921, to "Oreo Sandwich. In 1948, the Oreo Sandwich was renamed the "Oreo Creme Sandwich." It was changed in 1974 to the Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookie. Oreos are a knockoff of the Sunshine Hydrox cookie invented two years earlier.
Today, China has become the second largest Oreo market, after the United States.
Lorna Doones were introduced in 1912. The shortbread biscuits were considered a product of Scottish heritage, and back then, Lorna Doone character was symbolic of Scotland.
Nabisco created 'Barnum's Animals' in 1902 and sold them in a little box designed like an animal cage with a string attached to carry and hang on Christmas trees. In 1948, the company changed the name to its current 'Barnum's Animal Crackers'. Fifty Four different animals have been represented by animal crackers since 1902. Currently, each package contains 22 crackers consisting of a variety of animals. The newest, a koala was added in September 2002, but later retired. Current animals include bear, camel, crocodile, elephant, giraffe, gorilla, horse, lion, seal, tiger, and zebra.
The name Oreo was inspired by the gold color used on early package designs. The French word for gold is Or. A number of other versions for the name persist, but this is most widely accepted.
The original name was Oreo Biscuit. It was renamed in 1921, to "Oreo Sandwich. In 1948, the Oreo Sandwich was renamed the "Oreo Creme Sandwich." It was changed in 1974 to the Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookie. Oreos are a knockoff of the Sunshine Hydrox cookie invented two years earlier.
Today, China has become the second largest Oreo market, after the United States.
Sugar and HFCS
According to a report published by The
American Council on Science and Health, "Since the 1970s, the use of
high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in the US food supply has increased
dramatically, typically as a replacement for sucrose (table sugar)
in soft drinks and many food products.
The prevalence of obesity has also increased substantially between the 1970s and the early 2000s. Because of this coincidental timing, HFCS has been erroneously demonized as a unique cause of the obesity epidemic in the United States.
Sucrose and HFCS have essentially the same composition, and thus it would be highly unlikely for them to have different effects on body weight or metabolism. Experimental evidence, as well as analyses of epidemiological data, indicate that sucrose and HFCS have equivalent effects on food intake and therefore on body weight. Scientific evidence does not support the notion that HFCS is responsible for the American obesity epidemic."
The prevalence of obesity has also increased substantially between the 1970s and the early 2000s. Because of this coincidental timing, HFCS has been erroneously demonized as a unique cause of the obesity epidemic in the United States.
Sucrose and HFCS have essentially the same composition, and thus it would be highly unlikely for them to have different effects on body weight or metabolism. Experimental evidence, as well as analyses of epidemiological data, indicate that sucrose and HFCS have equivalent effects on food intake and therefore on body weight. Scientific evidence does not support the notion that HFCS is responsible for the American obesity epidemic."
Silicon vs. Silicone
Silicon is a naturally occurring
chemical element, and silicone is synthetic.
Silicon has properties of both metals and nonmetals and is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, after oxygen. It is rarely found in nature in its pure form. We usually find silicon dioxide or silica, better known as quartz, the most common component of sand.
As silica, silicon is a key ingredient in bricks, concrete and glass. As silicate, it is used to make enamels, pottery and ceramics. It is also used widely in modern electronics, because it is an ideal semiconductor of electricity. When heated into a molten state, silicon is formed into semi-conductive wafers, which serve as the base for integrated circuits. Silicon Valley, California was named due to the high concentration of computer and electronics companies in the area producing silicon-based semiconductors and chips.
Silicone is a synthetic polymer made up of silicon, oxygen, and other elements, typically carbon and hydrogen. Silicone is generally a liquid or flexible plastic. Its useful properties are low toxicity and high heat resistance. It also provides good electrical insulation.
In the medical field, silicone can be found in implants, catheters, contact lenses, bandages and more. It is also contained in items, such as shampoos, shaving cream, non-stick kitchenware, personal and automotive lubricants, sealants, and sex toys. Silicone is heat resistant and slippery.
Silicone is also used in electronics to make casings that can shield sensitive devices from electrical shocks and other hazards.
Silicon has properties of both metals and nonmetals and is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, after oxygen. It is rarely found in nature in its pure form. We usually find silicon dioxide or silica, better known as quartz, the most common component of sand.
As silica, silicon is a key ingredient in bricks, concrete and glass. As silicate, it is used to make enamels, pottery and ceramics. It is also used widely in modern electronics, because it is an ideal semiconductor of electricity. When heated into a molten state, silicon is formed into semi-conductive wafers, which serve as the base for integrated circuits. Silicon Valley, California was named due to the high concentration of computer and electronics companies in the area producing silicon-based semiconductors and chips.
Silicone is a synthetic polymer made up of silicon, oxygen, and other elements, typically carbon and hydrogen. Silicone is generally a liquid or flexible plastic. Its useful properties are low toxicity and high heat resistance. It also provides good electrical insulation.
In the medical field, silicone can be found in implants, catheters, contact lenses, bandages and more. It is also contained in items, such as shampoos, shaving cream, non-stick kitchenware, personal and automotive lubricants, sealants, and sex toys. Silicone is heat resistant and slippery.
Silicone is also used in electronics to make casings that can shield sensitive devices from electrical shocks and other hazards.
Internet Usage
Iceland (96%), Norway (95%), and Sweden
(94%) have the highest percent of populations using the Internet.
The Netherlands, Denmark, Luxembourg, Bermuda, and Finland all have
over 90% of their respective populations using the net.
Canada is 16th with 86% of its population using the Internet. The US ranks 28th, with 78% (244 million people) online.
China has 591 million people using the Internet, but that is just 44% of the country's 1.3 billion population.
Canada is 16th with 86% of its population using the Internet. The US ranks 28th, with 78% (244 million people) online.
China has 591 million people using the Internet, but that is just 44% of the country's 1.3 billion population.
Wine Colors
Red wine and white wine do not come from red
and white grapes. The color in wine comes from the inclusion of the
grape skins. White wines are made from just the pulp.
Zinfandel is a variety of red grape. Red zinfandel and other red wines are made from it as well as white zinfandel and rosé (by using the pulp and not skins).
Zinfandel is a variety of red grape. Red zinfandel and other red wines are made from it as well as white zinfandel and rosé (by using the pulp and not skins).
Why Number 2 pencils
Pencil makers manufacture No. 1, 2,
2½, 3, and 4 pencils, and sometimes other intermediate numbers. The
higher the number, the harder the lead and lighter the markings.
Number 1 pencils produce darker markings, which are sometimes
preferred by people working in publishing.
The current style of production is profiled after pencils developed in 1794 by Nicolas-Jacques Conté. Before Conté, pencil hardness varied from location to location and maker to maker. Earliest pencils were made by filling a wood shaft with raw graphite.
Conté’s method involved mixing powdered graphite with finely ground clay, shaped into a long cylinder and then baked in an oven. The proportion of clay versus graphite added to a mixture determines the hardness of the lead. Although the method is usually the same, the way companies categorize and label pencils isn't.
Today, many U.S. companies use a numbering system for general-purpose, writing pencils that specifies how hard the lead is. For graphic and artist pencils and for companies outside the U.S., systems use a combination of numbers and letters known as the HB Graphite Scale.
Testing centers prefer Number 2 pencils, because their machines use the electrical conductivity of the lead to read the pencil marks. Early scanning-and-scoring machines couldn't detect marks made by harder pencils, so No. 3 and No. 4 pencils usually resulted in erroneous results and softer pencils like No. 1 smudge. Because of this and general wide acceptance, No. 2 pencils became the industry standard.
The current style of production is profiled after pencils developed in 1794 by Nicolas-Jacques Conté. Before Conté, pencil hardness varied from location to location and maker to maker. Earliest pencils were made by filling a wood shaft with raw graphite.
Conté’s method involved mixing powdered graphite with finely ground clay, shaped into a long cylinder and then baked in an oven. The proportion of clay versus graphite added to a mixture determines the hardness of the lead. Although the method is usually the same, the way companies categorize and label pencils isn't.
Today, many U.S. companies use a numbering system for general-purpose, writing pencils that specifies how hard the lead is. For graphic and artist pencils and for companies outside the U.S., systems use a combination of numbers and letters known as the HB Graphite Scale.
Testing centers prefer Number 2 pencils, because their machines use the electrical conductivity of the lead to read the pencil marks. Early scanning-and-scoring machines couldn't detect marks made by harder pencils, so No. 3 and No. 4 pencils usually resulted in erroneous results and softer pencils like No. 1 smudge. Because of this and general wide acceptance, No. 2 pencils became the industry standard.
Data by the Numbers
Humanity produces more data each two
days than it has from the beginning of time up to 2003.
Wordology, Apron
An apron is an outer protective garment
that covers primarily the front of the body. It may be worn for
hygienic reasons as well as to protect clothes from wear and tear.
The apron was traditionally viewed as an essential garment for anyone doing housework until the mid-1960s in the United States. Wearing aprons remains strong in many places.
A pinafore is a full apron with two holes for the arms that is tied or buttoned in the back, usually just below the neck. Pinafores have complete front shaped over shoulder while other aprons usually have no bib, or only a smaller one.
Cobbler aprons are a type of apron that covers both the front and back of the body. It is fastened with sides ties or with waist bands that tie in the back. It covers most of the upper part of the body and is often made of leather.
The Salon Apron protects clothing from hair color stains and hair clippings while serving as a place to keep tools quickly accessible. A Salon Apron is typically water repellent.
Barbecue aprons are fashionable for the back yard chef (with at least one pocket to hold a beer), while white half aprons are still used by serious chefs.
Apron is a corruption of the original old French word “naperon,” a change that likely occurred when people misheard “a naperon” as “an apron.”
The apron was traditionally viewed as an essential garment for anyone doing housework until the mid-1960s in the United States. Wearing aprons remains strong in many places.
A pinafore is a full apron with two holes for the arms that is tied or buttoned in the back, usually just below the neck. Pinafores have complete front shaped over shoulder while other aprons usually have no bib, or only a smaller one.
Cobbler aprons are a type of apron that covers both the front and back of the body. It is fastened with sides ties or with waist bands that tie in the back. It covers most of the upper part of the body and is often made of leather.
The Salon Apron protects clothing from hair color stains and hair clippings while serving as a place to keep tools quickly accessible. A Salon Apron is typically water repellent.
Barbecue aprons are fashionable for the back yard chef (with at least one pocket to hold a beer), while white half aprons are still used by serious chefs.
Apron is a corruption of the original old French word “naperon,” a change that likely occurred when people misheard “a naperon” as “an apron.”
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