Aug 9, 2013
Happy Friday
Today I am thankful for all the wonderful things in my life: my
family, my friends, my work, and enjoying a Happy Friday!
Pills and Pencils
Pills go back thousands of years.
They were often squished up bits of plant matter. During the early
1800s, attempts to produce pills with specific chemicals had many
problems. Coatings would often fail to dissolve, and the moisture
required in pill production could often deactivate ingredients.
In 1843, English artist William Brockedon was facing similar problems with graphite pencils. To get around this, he invented a machine which was able to press graphite powder into a solid lump and produce high-quality drawing tools.
A drug manufacturer saw that the device had potential for other uses, and Brockedon’s invention was soon being used to create the very first powder-based tablets. This technology was adapted to mass manufacturing for medicines. Since then there have been many other ways of produce pills, but the original is still in use.
In 1843, English artist William Brockedon was facing similar problems with graphite pencils. To get around this, he invented a machine which was able to press graphite powder into a solid lump and produce high-quality drawing tools.
A drug manufacturer saw that the device had potential for other uses, and Brockedon’s invention was soon being used to create the very first powder-based tablets. This technology was adapted to mass manufacturing for medicines. Since then there have been many other ways of produce pills, but the original is still in use.
Typewriter
Typewriters were the ancestors to
today’s keyboards, and they are indeed relics. The first typewriters
were massive contraptions that operated slowly and frequently
malfunctioned, but they were nonetheless one of the single most
important innovations in history. The first typewriter was built by
Italian inventor Pellegrino Turri, who designed and built the device
for his blind friend.
Google Timer
If you type in "set timer for x minutes"
using the quote marks and replacing x with the number of minutes,
Google will create a timer for you and begin counting down.
Gluten Myth and Facts
We read about way too many headlines
and diets about gluten these days. It appears to be the latest fad
ingredient to pick on. It is serious for some, but less than one
percent of the population may have Celiac disease, an autoimmune
disorder. Some people have been found to be allergic to wheat only,
but not gluten.
Gluten is a naturally occurring protein composite found primarily in wheat, but may also be found in rye, barley, and some types of oats. The US FDA considers foods containing less than or equal to 20 ppm to be gluten-free, but there is no regulation or law in the US for labeling foods as 'gluten-free'. There still is no general agreement on the analytical method used to measure gluten in ingredients and food products.
Gluten may be added as a stabilizing agent or thickener in products such as ice-cream and ketchup. It is also found in ingredients of many over-the-counter and prescription medications and vitamins. Items such as lipstick, lip balms, lip gloss, soy sauce, barbecue sauce, salad dressings, gravy, canned soups, ground spices to prevent clumping, instant powdered drinks, and imitation and pasteurized cheeses, as well as glue used on envelopes may also contain gluten.
Many types of alcoholic beverages are considered gluten-free, provided no gluten colorings or other additives have been added. Distillation removes proteins, including gluten in bourbon or corn whiskey. Spirits made without any grain such as gin, vodka, scotch, rye, brandy, wine, mead, cider, sherry, port, rum, tequila, vermouth, and some beers generally do not contain gluten.
Gluten consists of gliadin and glutenin. Gliadin is one of the proteins that forms gluten. Doctors test for anti-gliadin antibodies if celiac disease or gluten hypersensitivity is suspected. Gliadin triggers immune response in celiac disease. Glutenin is the other protein of gluten. It is responsible for the strength and elasticity of dough.
Several grains and starch sources are considered acceptable for a gluten-free diet, such as corn, potatoes, rice, some oats, tapioca, quinoa, sorghum, taro, chia seed, and yam. Flours, such as bean, soybean, almond, gram derived from chickpeas, and buckwheat are used as alternatives to wheat flour.
Most humans naturally digest gluten. The human mouth contains symbiotic bacteria colonies that help break down gluten. Gluten allergies and sensitivities are different. Celiac disease sufferers are allergic. Others may have similar symptoms, such as bloating, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, and abdominal pain, but these same symptoms may also be caused by any number of other dietary items.
Gluten is a naturally occurring protein composite found primarily in wheat, but may also be found in rye, barley, and some types of oats. The US FDA considers foods containing less than or equal to 20 ppm to be gluten-free, but there is no regulation or law in the US for labeling foods as 'gluten-free'. There still is no general agreement on the analytical method used to measure gluten in ingredients and food products.
Gluten may be added as a stabilizing agent or thickener in products such as ice-cream and ketchup. It is also found in ingredients of many over-the-counter and prescription medications and vitamins. Items such as lipstick, lip balms, lip gloss, soy sauce, barbecue sauce, salad dressings, gravy, canned soups, ground spices to prevent clumping, instant powdered drinks, and imitation and pasteurized cheeses, as well as glue used on envelopes may also contain gluten.
Many types of alcoholic beverages are considered gluten-free, provided no gluten colorings or other additives have been added. Distillation removes proteins, including gluten in bourbon or corn whiskey. Spirits made without any grain such as gin, vodka, scotch, rye, brandy, wine, mead, cider, sherry, port, rum, tequila, vermouth, and some beers generally do not contain gluten.
Gluten consists of gliadin and glutenin. Gliadin is one of the proteins that forms gluten. Doctors test for anti-gliadin antibodies if celiac disease or gluten hypersensitivity is suspected. Gliadin triggers immune response in celiac disease. Glutenin is the other protein of gluten. It is responsible for the strength and elasticity of dough.
Several grains and starch sources are considered acceptable for a gluten-free diet, such as corn, potatoes, rice, some oats, tapioca, quinoa, sorghum, taro, chia seed, and yam. Flours, such as bean, soybean, almond, gram derived from chickpeas, and buckwheat are used as alternatives to wheat flour.
Most humans naturally digest gluten. The human mouth contains symbiotic bacteria colonies that help break down gluten. Gluten allergies and sensitivities are different. Celiac disease sufferers are allergic. Others may have similar symptoms, such as bloating, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, and abdominal pain, but these same symptoms may also be caused by any number of other dietary items.
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.
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