It is typical for politicians to take such a subject as happiness and make it serious. In 2012 the first ever UN conference on happiness took place and the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution which decreed that the International Day of Happiness would be observed every year on 20 March. It was celebrated for the first time in 2013.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution which recognized happiness as a “fundamental human goal” and called for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.” “We need a new economic paradigm that recognizes the parity between the three pillars of sustainable development. Social, economic, and environmental well-being are indivisible. Together they define gross global happiness,” the Secretary-General told the meeting’s participants.
Denmark and Switzerland were closely followed by Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland, for the top five happiest countries, according to the World Happiness Report Update 2016, released by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations. The US came in thirteenth.
March 20 is the day to share videos, happy photos, and thoughts celebrating International Day of Happiness. For me, I will be passing out free smiles and hugs - all welcome.
Mar 18, 2016
Club Soda, Mineral Water, Seltzer, and Tonic
Club Soda is often mistaken for and swapped out for seltzer water. The two are similar, but different. Club soda contains sodium salts and/or potassium salts. Like seltzer, it makes a good addition to batters, and makes matzo balls extra fluffy.
Mineral Water or sparkling water also contains minerals. Sparkling mineral water gets both its effervescence and minerals from the natural spring it is drawn from. The US FDA states mineral water must contain "no less than 250 ppm total dissolved solids that originates from a geologically and physically protected underground water source." Mineral water, because of its salt content, tends to be more acidic and while the carbonation is often added to mineral water during its plant treatments, the carbonation is often collected from natural sources. Mineral water is generally not used as a mixer and is best complemented by just a squeeze of citrus. Mineral water contains higher amounts of magnesium and calcium.
Seltzer Water is artificially carbonated water with no added ingredients. The beverage got its start (and name) in the German town of Selters, which was known for its sparkling springs that supposedly had remarkable healing powers. Seltzer is a cheap alternative to designer mineral waters.
Tonic Water is carbonated water to which quinine has been added to give it a characteristically bitter taste. Quinine was originally created from the bark of the cinchona tree that is native to South America and has been used to treat malaria since the 17th century. Its taste was so bitter and unpalatable that the medicine, while effective, was unpopular. British officials in the 19th century decided to add soda water in an attempt to make quinine easier to take. British soldiers found that gin was also great to mask the taste, making the gin and tonic a popular drink. Quinine glows in UV light, so you can use a black light to show off glowing drinks using tonic water.
Mineral Water or sparkling water also contains minerals. Sparkling mineral water gets both its effervescence and minerals from the natural spring it is drawn from. The US FDA states mineral water must contain "no less than 250 ppm total dissolved solids that originates from a geologically and physically protected underground water source." Mineral water, because of its salt content, tends to be more acidic and while the carbonation is often added to mineral water during its plant treatments, the carbonation is often collected from natural sources. Mineral water is generally not used as a mixer and is best complemented by just a squeeze of citrus. Mineral water contains higher amounts of magnesium and calcium.
Seltzer Water is artificially carbonated water with no added ingredients. The beverage got its start (and name) in the German town of Selters, which was known for its sparkling springs that supposedly had remarkable healing powers. Seltzer is a cheap alternative to designer mineral waters.
Tonic Water is carbonated water to which quinine has been added to give it a characteristically bitter taste. Quinine was originally created from the bark of the cinchona tree that is native to South America and has been used to treat malaria since the 17th century. Its taste was so bitter and unpalatable that the medicine, while effective, was unpopular. British officials in the 19th century decided to add soda water in an attempt to make quinine easier to take. British soldiers found that gin was also great to mask the taste, making the gin and tonic a popular drink. Quinine glows in UV light, so you can use a black light to show off glowing drinks using tonic water.
Google Timer
You can set a timer for yourself for free. Type any time into Google, such as ten minutes timer. Adding the word timer after the time period sets the timer countdown and Google will play a sound when time is up. Great way to set a break time for yourself or reminder that coffee is done.
Nine Shopping Myths Debunked
Myth, You Should Always Buy in Bulk
When confronted with a big package and a small package of the same item, cost-conscious shoppers often reach for the larger of the two, assuming a bulk discount. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If you want to know whether you are getting a good value, calculate what you are paying per unit or per ounce. You may be surprised to find smaller packages can be just as or more economical than larger ones.
Myth, You Don’t Have to Pay Sales Tax for Online Shopping
While some retailers do sell goods online without charging state sales tax, this is not always the case. “These days, that myth boils down to a mix of misinformation and misunderstanding,” says Ryan O’Donnell, director of marketing for a sales tax software company. “While it is true online shoppers can search and find options for tax-free purchases, in most cases, these amount to the seller failing to collect the sales tax.”
Myth, Sports Fans Buy New TVs Just for the Super Bowl
Another myth that is pushed by the wave of hype surrounding a big event is the idea that everyone rushes out to buy the biggest big screen they can afford before the Super Bowl. Polling shows the majority of TV buyers said they bought their set in November or December, likely taking advantage of pre-Christmas sales to get TV deals. Every other month of the year, TV sales are fairly evenly distributed.
Myth, Black Friday Is the Best Day to Shop
This is not always true. Black Friday has some of the best deals of the year, but only on certain products. Do not get so caught up in the shopping holiday hype that you forget to consider whether you are getting a great buy or just an okay buy.
Myth, After Christmas Sales Can’t Compare to Holiday Shopping
While it might not always qualify as the best time to shop, the week after Christmas generally offers very good deals. After holidays, retailers use steep discounts to bring shoppers into stores to clear out holiday inventory. Some of these post-Christmas sales actually start just before Christmas.
Myth, Retailers Always Clear Out Old Inventory in January
Though it is true that retailers are eager to get rid of old, outdated inventory when new products come out, not all products have straightforward release schedules. Consider cars, which have new models every year. The 2016 models were released in the fall of 2015, and by January those models were likely long gone.
Myth, If It is On Sale, Buy It
Not all sales are created equal. You have probably noticed that in certain stores things seem to be always on sale. When goods are always on sale, the sale price is really just the retail price under a different name. Be wary of these always-on-sale items. Think mattress, there seems to be a 'huge' mattress sale every day of the year.
Myth, Outlet Stores Have the Best Prices
Outlets suggest they are offering steep discounts on brand-name merchandise, with labeling that says you are paying $100 for something that sold for $300 at a flagship store. According to some estimates, more than half of merchandise at outlet stores was made specifically for those stores, using lower-cost materials and designs. Much of outlet stores also sell 'seconds' and discontinued items. Be aware that you are not getting as much value as the tag suggests. In addition, sales at the regular retailer sometimes beat outlet prices.
Myth, The Cheapest Retailer is Always Best
The best price is not always the best deal. A recent study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Wisconsin School of Business suggests that shoppers consider a retailer’s reputation as well as its prices. Savvy shoppers will think twice before buying from a less reputable merchant. Will that seller not honor the price, not have the item in stock, add on extra shipping fees?
When confronted with a big package and a small package of the same item, cost-conscious shoppers often reach for the larger of the two, assuming a bulk discount. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If you want to know whether you are getting a good value, calculate what you are paying per unit or per ounce. You may be surprised to find smaller packages can be just as or more economical than larger ones.
Myth, You Don’t Have to Pay Sales Tax for Online Shopping
While some retailers do sell goods online without charging state sales tax, this is not always the case. “These days, that myth boils down to a mix of misinformation and misunderstanding,” says Ryan O’Donnell, director of marketing for a sales tax software company. “While it is true online shoppers can search and find options for tax-free purchases, in most cases, these amount to the seller failing to collect the sales tax.”
Myth, Sports Fans Buy New TVs Just for the Super Bowl
Another myth that is pushed by the wave of hype surrounding a big event is the idea that everyone rushes out to buy the biggest big screen they can afford before the Super Bowl. Polling shows the majority of TV buyers said they bought their set in November or December, likely taking advantage of pre-Christmas sales to get TV deals. Every other month of the year, TV sales are fairly evenly distributed.
Myth, Black Friday Is the Best Day to Shop
This is not always true. Black Friday has some of the best deals of the year, but only on certain products. Do not get so caught up in the shopping holiday hype that you forget to consider whether you are getting a great buy or just an okay buy.
Myth, After Christmas Sales Can’t Compare to Holiday Shopping
While it might not always qualify as the best time to shop, the week after Christmas generally offers very good deals. After holidays, retailers use steep discounts to bring shoppers into stores to clear out holiday inventory. Some of these post-Christmas sales actually start just before Christmas.
Myth, Retailers Always Clear Out Old Inventory in January
Though it is true that retailers are eager to get rid of old, outdated inventory when new products come out, not all products have straightforward release schedules. Consider cars, which have new models every year. The 2016 models were released in the fall of 2015, and by January those models were likely long gone.
Myth, If It is On Sale, Buy It
Not all sales are created equal. You have probably noticed that in certain stores things seem to be always on sale. When goods are always on sale, the sale price is really just the retail price under a different name. Be wary of these always-on-sale items. Think mattress, there seems to be a 'huge' mattress sale every day of the year.
Myth, Outlet Stores Have the Best Prices
Outlets suggest they are offering steep discounts on brand-name merchandise, with labeling that says you are paying $100 for something that sold for $300 at a flagship store. According to some estimates, more than half of merchandise at outlet stores was made specifically for those stores, using lower-cost materials and designs. Much of outlet stores also sell 'seconds' and discontinued items. Be aware that you are not getting as much value as the tag suggests. In addition, sales at the regular retailer sometimes beat outlet prices.
Myth, The Cheapest Retailer is Always Best
The best price is not always the best deal. A recent study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Wisconsin School of Business suggests that shoppers consider a retailer’s reputation as well as its prices. Savvy shoppers will think twice before buying from a less reputable merchant. Will that seller not honor the price, not have the item in stock, add on extra shipping fees?
American Radio History Magazines
The web site has searchable scanned copies of hundreds of old magazines about the radio industry, popular electronics, audio engineering, regulations, yearbooks, etc. It also has magazines from specific radio stations, television, engineering, and more. Great site to look at old magazines from the 1940s forward. It is like going up to your grandparents attic and sitting for hours reading old magazines (ads included). LINK
Mar 11, 2016
Happy Friday
A smile can light up the darkest soul.
Eliminating dark souls is a great way to enjoy a Happy Friday!
Eliminating dark souls is a great way to enjoy a Happy Friday!
Daylight Saving
Remember to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed Saturday night March 12.
Pi Approximation Day
Yes, 3/14/16 it is Rounded Pi Day, because it is closer to 3.1416 (not just 3/14), usually rounded for Pi. Traditional Pi Day activities include eating pizza, fruit pies, doughnuts, pancakes, and other circular food.
How to Clean a Cheese Grater
Remove Cheesy Residue from a Grater with bread. If you have residue on your box grater after grating soft cheese, grate a piece of stale bread to get rid of it and make clean up easier. (via Paula's Weekly Kitchen Tip on Facebook -The trial: I grated 4 ounces of Monterey Jack cheese, leaving the expected cheesy mess on my metal box grater. I then took the stale heel of a loaf of sourdough and raked it over the same side of the box grater, making sure to cover the entire surface. It worked.
Microwave Myth Debunked
The myth is, people do not need to worry about getting their food to proper temperatures throughout after a run through the microwave, because the radiation will kill bacteria.
This is an erroneous assumption and could lead to food poisoning. All microwaves do is make food hotter. The heat itself is the only thing killing germs. Microwaves are also notorious for cooking food unevenly. Experts recommend using food thermometers and checking various spots on the food when using a microwave, in order to ensure avoiding food poisoning issues.
Most microwave meals now contain similar instructions for their own legal protection and to avoid consumer complaints. The truth is that microwaves are perfectly safe in terms of radiation, but they are also not a magic box that will destroy all bacteria.
This is an erroneous assumption and could lead to food poisoning. All microwaves do is make food hotter. The heat itself is the only thing killing germs. Microwaves are also notorious for cooking food unevenly. Experts recommend using food thermometers and checking various spots on the food when using a microwave, in order to ensure avoiding food poisoning issues.
Most microwave meals now contain similar instructions for their own legal protection and to avoid consumer complaints. The truth is that microwaves are perfectly safe in terms of radiation, but they are also not a magic box that will destroy all bacteria.
Expired Sunscreen
Spring is almost on us and it is time to get organized for yard work. One thing to keep in mind as we brave the new season is sunscreen. According to the Mayo Clinic, most sunscreen works at full strength for about three years. So, if you are not sure how old those tubes and sprays are, toss them and replenish.
Incidentally, an SPF 15 product blocks about 94% of UVB rays; an SPF 30 product blocks 97% of UVB rays; and an SPF 45 product blocks about 98% of rays. Most experts tell us to save our money and do not pay for SPF above 30.
Incidentally, an SPF 15 product blocks about 94% of UVB rays; an SPF 30 product blocks 97% of UVB rays; and an SPF 45 product blocks about 98% of rays. Most experts tell us to save our money and do not pay for SPF above 30.
Aluminum Foil Facts
A friend of mine, Jeff was wondering whether to cover pans with the shiny side or dull side of aluminum foil out.
Some background, the difference in appearance between dull and shiny is due to the foil manufacturing process. In the final rolling step, two layers of foil are passed through the rolling mill at the same time. The side coming in contact with the mill's highly polished steel rollers becomes shiny.
It makes no difference which side to use when wrapping, covering, draping, or using as a guard for drips.
However, when using non-stick aluminum foil place the non-stick (dull) side toward the food.
Aluminum foil has the lowest moisture-vapor transfer rate of all wrapping materials and is the most effective in preventing the loss of moisture and vapor from food, especially for long-term food storage or freezing.
Heavy duty aluminum foil is better for wrapping meats and poultry for the freezer, lining roasting pans for easy cleanup, lining the inside of a charcoal barbecue grill to keep it clean, tenting roasted turkey to prevent oven spatters and over-browning, also for making an oven packet for cooking chicken, fish, and vegetables.
Do not use aluminum foil to line the bottom of your oven. Place a sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil on the oven rack beneath a pie or casserole. The foil should be only a few inches larger than the baking pan to allow for proper heat circulation.
The argument of shiny side out to reflect heat is a myth as shiny reflects light, not heat. Bottom line, according to Reynolds Aluminum no difference, except appearance. If you like shiny side up do it. If you like dull side up, do it.
Some background, the difference in appearance between dull and shiny is due to the foil manufacturing process. In the final rolling step, two layers of foil are passed through the rolling mill at the same time. The side coming in contact with the mill's highly polished steel rollers becomes shiny.
It makes no difference which side to use when wrapping, covering, draping, or using as a guard for drips.
However, when using non-stick aluminum foil place the non-stick (dull) side toward the food.
Aluminum foil has the lowest moisture-vapor transfer rate of all wrapping materials and is the most effective in preventing the loss of moisture and vapor from food, especially for long-term food storage or freezing.
Heavy duty aluminum foil is better for wrapping meats and poultry for the freezer, lining roasting pans for easy cleanup, lining the inside of a charcoal barbecue grill to keep it clean, tenting roasted turkey to prevent oven spatters and over-browning, also for making an oven packet for cooking chicken, fish, and vegetables.
Do not use aluminum foil to line the bottom of your oven. Place a sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil on the oven rack beneath a pie or casserole. The foil should be only a few inches larger than the baking pan to allow for proper heat circulation.
The argument of shiny side out to reflect heat is a myth as shiny reflects light, not heat. Bottom line, according to Reynolds Aluminum no difference, except appearance. If you like shiny side up do it. If you like dull side up, do it.
Population Disparity
Rhode Island, the smallest US state has a larger population than the largest US state, Alaska. Rhode Island has 1.055 million and Alaska has 736,732 people.
How to Disinfect Sponges
Quickly heating up your sponge in the microwave can kill bacteria, including E. coli, and refresh it for longer use. Just make sure the sponge is damp and free of any cleaners before you pop it in the microwave. A dry sponge can catch fire, while heating up a sponge that has been soaked in soap or other industrial cleaners could cause it to emit unhealthy fumes.
Instead, soak your dirty kitchen sponges in water and a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar, both of which have anti-bacterial properties. Microwave them for up to two minutes on full power (the heat does the killing). The bonus is that the steam from the wet sponge will actually clean your microwave, too.
Instead, soak your dirty kitchen sponges in water and a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar, both of which have anti-bacterial properties. Microwave them for up to two minutes on full power (the heat does the killing). The bonus is that the steam from the wet sponge will actually clean your microwave, too.
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