Jul 2, 2016
Middle Day
July 2, at noon is the exact middle of the year. It has 182 days
before and 182 days following.
Independence Day
Happy 4th of July next Monday. Let’s
remember what Independence Day is really all about, even if they
call it just another paid day off in Washington, where they have
traded in Free Speech for Cheap Talk.
LEDs Making us Fat?
Am thinking they are trying way too
hard to get headlines. According to the American Medical
Association, which represents about 15% of physicians, "Recent
large surveys found that brighter residential nighttime lighting
is associated with reduced sleep times, dissatisfaction with sleep
quality, excessive sleepiness, impaired daytime functioning, and
obesity." It says, "the effect of streetlight LEDs on drivers and
passengers lingers even after we have locked our cars and headed
indoors, especially if we have LEDs in our houses."
Incidentally, Doximity, a social network for doctors founded in 2011 now has more members than the AMA.
Incidentally, Doximity, a social network for doctors founded in 2011 now has more members than the AMA.
Robo Call Blockers
I hate robo calls. A very annoying
thing about my phone is that when I block a robo caller, it still
lets the caller go to voice mail. So I went looking for a
solution. Two apps might help. Truecaller for iPhone and Android,
and Nomorobo for VOIP home phones.
Nomoromo blocks known robo and spam callers and you can add your own numbers to block. Truecaller allows saved contacts and blocks spam callers and telemarketers. It also searches for any name or number not in your contacts, so you do not incorrectly block numbers from a school or doctor's office. Bottom line, seems a bit intrusive with checking your contact list, but blocks robos and spammers.
Nomoromo blocks known robo and spam callers and you can add your own numbers to block. Truecaller allows saved contacts and blocks spam callers and telemarketers. It also searches for any name or number not in your contacts, so you do not incorrectly block numbers from a school or doctor's office. Bottom line, seems a bit intrusive with checking your contact list, but blocks robos and spammers.
Robot Persons
Some lawmakers in Europe want to declare
robots "electronic persons" as part of an effort to anticipate a
future legal framework and to be able to tax them as people.
Energy Credits and Rebates
My area was recently hit with
a major hailstorm and it caused much destruction to cars, homes,
and specifically roofs and skylights. Insurance has been very good
to pick up most costs, but not always the total cost.
I went looking for other ways to make up the difference and found many energy companies, local, state, and federal government programs that offer credits and rebates. Energy companies favor credits toward future bills. Too many options to list here, but this federal LINK is a start. In addition, look for your local utility company specifically and your state as well as local city and local county web sites for more info.
It is also wise to ask your contractor if he or she is aware of credits and rebates. It might help when choosing a roof type, adding insulation, etc. A little research can yield big financial benefits.
I went looking for other ways to make up the difference and found many energy companies, local, state, and federal government programs that offer credits and rebates. Energy companies favor credits toward future bills. Too many options to list here, but this federal LINK is a start. In addition, look for your local utility company specifically and your state as well as local city and local county web sites for more info.
It is also wise to ask your contractor if he or she is aware of credits and rebates. It might help when choosing a roof type, adding insulation, etc. A little research can yield big financial benefits.
Windows 10 Free Upgrade Ends
The free upgrade offer ends
on July 29. 2016 and will not be extended. Any upgrades completed
before that date will be valid for as long as the device lasts. It
is now in use by over three hundred million people, so has long
been stable.
Interestingly, The newest next major iteration of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update will become available on August 2, after the July 29 deadline. That means users who did not upgrade before the deadline will be another version behind.
The cost after July 29 will be - Windows 10 Home $119 (£78, AU$156) and Windows 10 Pro $199 (£131, AU$262) per license.
Interestingly, The newest next major iteration of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update will become available on August 2, after the July 29 deadline. That means users who did not upgrade before the deadline will be another version behind.
The cost after July 29 will be - Windows 10 Home $119 (£78, AU$156) and Windows 10 Pro $199 (£131, AU$262) per license.
Blood Pressure History
In 1628, Dr. Harvey published
Exercitatio Anatomica de Motu Cordis et Sanguinis in Animalibus
(“On the Movement of the Heart and Blood in Animals”), which was
the foundation for work on the circulatory system.
Over 100 years later in 1733, Reverend Stephen Hales recorded the first blood pressure measurement after developing a further understanding of the correlation between the heart and pulse and how it applies to blood pressure and volume.
This new knowledge allowed for the invention of the first sphygmomanometer (blood pressure monitor) in 1881 by Samuel Siegfried Karl Ritter von Basch.
However, it wasn’t until 1905 that Dr. Nikolai Korotkoff discovered the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures, further improving the sphygmomanometer by using a cuff that could be placed around the arm to provide equal pressure. Korotkoff discovered the varying sounds within the arteries as pressure was applied and released, and this remains the standard of blood pressure measurement to this day.
Here is what the US National Institution of Health says, Blood pressure can identify potential heart disease, stroke, eye problems, or chronic kidney disease.
All adults should have their blood pressure checked:
- Every 2 years if your blood pressure was less than 120/80 mm Hg at the most recent reading.
- Yearly if your last reading was 120 to 139/80 to 89 mm Hg or if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems.
Wow, modern medical technology with a silly name and over a hundred years old.
Over 100 years later in 1733, Reverend Stephen Hales recorded the first blood pressure measurement after developing a further understanding of the correlation between the heart and pulse and how it applies to blood pressure and volume.
This new knowledge allowed for the invention of the first sphygmomanometer (blood pressure monitor) in 1881 by Samuel Siegfried Karl Ritter von Basch.
However, it wasn’t until 1905 that Dr. Nikolai Korotkoff discovered the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures, further improving the sphygmomanometer by using a cuff that could be placed around the arm to provide equal pressure. Korotkoff discovered the varying sounds within the arteries as pressure was applied and released, and this remains the standard of blood pressure measurement to this day.
Here is what the US National Institution of Health says, Blood pressure can identify potential heart disease, stroke, eye problems, or chronic kidney disease.
All adults should have their blood pressure checked:
- Every 2 years if your blood pressure was less than 120/80 mm Hg at the most recent reading.
- Yearly if your last reading was 120 to 139/80 to 89 mm Hg or if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems.
Wow, modern medical technology with a silly name and over a hundred years old.
Spaghetti Scooper
Have you ever wondered what the hole
in the middle of the scooper is for? It is to measure one serving
of spaghetti, it also helps drain water after cooking. Now you
know.
Facts About Aldi
It was founded by brothers Karl and Theo
Albrecht in 1946 when they took over their mother's store in
Essen, Germany which had been in operation since 1913. It is one
of the world's largest privately owned companies. The name is a
syllabic abbreviation for Albrecht Diskont.
The German discount supermarket chain is the ninth largest retailer in the world, following Walmart, Tesco, Costco, Carrefour, Kroger, Lidl, Metro AG, and Home Depot. Target is number ten. Five of the top ten are American and three of the top ten are German owned.
The German discount supermarket chain is the ninth largest retailer in the world, following Walmart, Tesco, Costco, Carrefour, Kroger, Lidl, Metro AG, and Home Depot. Target is number ten. Five of the top ten are American and three of the top ten are German owned.
- Nine of ten items Aldi sells are store brands,
- You must bring your own bags,
- You must pay 25 cent deposit for cart (you get it back when returned),
- Aldi accepts no coupons,
- Items at Aldi are, on average, 53% cheaper than at Walmart,
- Aldi owns Trader Joe's.
Jun 24, 2016
Happy Friday
It is easy to say no. Saying yes takes
much more courage.
Yes, indeed, Enjoy a Happy Friday!
Yes, indeed, Enjoy a Happy Friday!
Wordology, Red Tape
The practice of referring to “excessive bureaucratic rigmarole” as red tape dates back more than 400 years to the court of the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain, Charles V, 1500-1558, heir to three of Europe’s most powerful dynasties (Habsburg, Valois-Burgundy, and Trastámara).
At the time, administrative documents were bound in some fashion, either with rope, string, ribbon, or cloth. During the early 16th century, in order to distinguish the most important documents that required immediate discussion at the highest levels of government from those of less significance, Charles’ ministers began tying important papers together with red string or red ribbon.
Seeing the efficacy of such a system, the method was soon adopted across Europe, and England’s Henry VIII used red string, ribbon, or cloth to secure the petitions he sent to Pope Clement VII requesting annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon in 1527.
The term 'red tape', in reference to this string for important papers dates back to the late 17th century where it was written in Maryland Laws: “The Map . . . upon the Backside thereof sealed with his Excellency’s Seal at Arms on a Red Cross with Red Tape.”
The Oxford English Dictionary dates its current meaning to 1736 and John Hervey’s Poetical Epistle to the Queen: “Let Wilmington, with grave, contracted brow, Red tape and wisdom at the Council show.”
At the time, administrative documents were bound in some fashion, either with rope, string, ribbon, or cloth. During the early 16th century, in order to distinguish the most important documents that required immediate discussion at the highest levels of government from those of less significance, Charles’ ministers began tying important papers together with red string or red ribbon.
Seeing the efficacy of such a system, the method was soon adopted across Europe, and England’s Henry VIII used red string, ribbon, or cloth to secure the petitions he sent to Pope Clement VII requesting annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon in 1527.
The term 'red tape', in reference to this string for important papers dates back to the late 17th century where it was written in Maryland Laws: “The Map . . . upon the Backside thereof sealed with his Excellency’s Seal at Arms on a Red Cross with Red Tape.”
The Oxford English Dictionary dates its current meaning to 1736 and John Hervey’s Poetical Epistle to the Queen: “Let Wilmington, with grave, contracted brow, Red tape and wisdom at the Council show.”
Energy Drink Ingredients
Here are some of the most common energy drink ingredients, and where they rate on usefulness and safety. I covered energy drinks this before, but this offers more detail.
Ginseng is used most commonly in Chinese medicine. Ginseng is an herb that has been used traditionally to treat numerous ailments. It is generally thought to boost immunity and improve overall health. Research does not conclusively back up these claims, but short-term use is thought to be safe.
Taurine is an amino acid found in protein, meat, fish, and breast milk. It helps us maintain neurological function and regulate fluid levels. There are some claims that taking a taurine supplement can improve athletic performance, but not much data exists on its efficacy or its safety as either a supplement or energy drink ingredient.
Guarana is an herb that is often used as a stimulant in teas, either added or naturally occurring. Its major component is caffeine. It has been associated with increased energy and enhancement of physical performance.
Ginko biloba is another herb, added to supposedly increase alertness. It has been used medicinally for thousands of years, according to the Mayo Clinic, and research supports its use for some medical conditions including dementia, anxiety, and schizophrenia. For other uses, evidence is lacking or mixed.
Carnitine is naturally produced by our bodies and is a substance that is used to turn fat into energy. You can also buy it as a supplement, and it claims to boost exercise performance.
Some studies suggest carnitine may be promising in treating various health problems, like certain heart conditions, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism, but in all cases, more research needs to be done.
Ginseng is used most commonly in Chinese medicine. Ginseng is an herb that has been used traditionally to treat numerous ailments. It is generally thought to boost immunity and improve overall health. Research does not conclusively back up these claims, but short-term use is thought to be safe.
Taurine is an amino acid found in protein, meat, fish, and breast milk. It helps us maintain neurological function and regulate fluid levels. There are some claims that taking a taurine supplement can improve athletic performance, but not much data exists on its efficacy or its safety as either a supplement or energy drink ingredient.
Guarana is an herb that is often used as a stimulant in teas, either added or naturally occurring. Its major component is caffeine. It has been associated with increased energy and enhancement of physical performance.
Ginko biloba is another herb, added to supposedly increase alertness. It has been used medicinally for thousands of years, according to the Mayo Clinic, and research supports its use for some medical conditions including dementia, anxiety, and schizophrenia. For other uses, evidence is lacking or mixed.
Carnitine is naturally produced by our bodies and is a substance that is used to turn fat into energy. You can also buy it as a supplement, and it claims to boost exercise performance.
Some studies suggest carnitine may be promising in treating various health problems, like certain heart conditions, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism, but in all cases, more research needs to be done.
Dial-up Internet
According to a study from the Pew Foundation, only 3% of U.S. households went online via a dial-up connection in 2013. Thirteen years before that, only 3% had broadband.
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