Aug 30, 2014
Smart Cards Coming
Beginning in October 2015 in the US,
liability for credit card fraud will sit with whichever entity, the
issuer or the merchant is using the less secure equipment. A
merchant would be penalized if it doesn't have the equipment to
accept chip cards and suffers an unauthorized purchase with a card
that had a chip in it. The bank would be liable if it doesn't issue
chip cards and one of its customers makes an unauthorized
transaction with a traditional card at a store that accepts chip
cards. Finally the US is beginning to catch up to the many
countries that have had this technology for years.
Salt Tips
If you do not use milk for a while, it goes bad.
Add a pinch of salt to a gallon of milk to keep it from spoiling as
fast.
Salt reduces bitterness. It is the sodium ion that interferes with the transduction mechanism of bitter taste. Add a pinch of salt to coffee grounds before brewing and it will reduce the bitter flavor. Add a small pinch of salt to tonic and it will reduce the bitterness.
Apples, pears, and potatoes dropped in cold, lightly salted water after they are peeled will not brown.
Salt can deodorize thermos bottles and jugs, decanters and other closed containers.
Sprinkle a little salt in the pan before frying fish to prevent sticking.
To prevent mold on cheese, wrap it in a cloth dampened with saltwater before refrigerating.
Spread salt between patio bricks, then sprinkle with water to kill and prevent weeds.
Salt reduces bitterness. It is the sodium ion that interferes with the transduction mechanism of bitter taste. Add a pinch of salt to coffee grounds before brewing and it will reduce the bitter flavor. Add a small pinch of salt to tonic and it will reduce the bitterness.
Apples, pears, and potatoes dropped in cold, lightly salted water after they are peeled will not brown.
Salt can deodorize thermos bottles and jugs, decanters and other closed containers.
Sprinkle a little salt in the pan before frying fish to prevent sticking.
To prevent mold on cheese, wrap it in a cloth dampened with saltwater before refrigerating.
Spread salt between patio bricks, then sprinkle with water to kill and prevent weeds.
Super Computer TrueNorth
This month, August 2014, IBM
unveiled "TrueNorth". It is the most advanced and powerful computer
chip of its kind ever built. This neurosynaptic processor is the
first to achieve one million individually programmable neurons,
sixteen times more than the current largest neuromorphic chip. It is
designed to mimic the structure of the human brain and is uniquely
different from other computer architectures.
TrueNorth is the largest IBM chip ever fabricated, with 5.4 billion transistors at 28 nanometers (A human hair is approximately 80,000- 100,000 nanometers wide) and it consumes orders of magnitude less power than a typical modern processor. IBM hopes this combination of ultra-efficient power consumption and entirely new system architecture will allow computers to far more accurately emulate the brain.
TrueNorth is composed of 4,096 cores, with each of these modules integrating memory, computation and communication. The cores are able to continue operating when individual cores fail, similar to a biological system.
TrueNorth is the largest IBM chip ever fabricated, with 5.4 billion transistors at 28 nanometers (A human hair is approximately 80,000- 100,000 nanometers wide) and it consumes orders of magnitude less power than a typical modern processor. IBM hopes this combination of ultra-efficient power consumption and entirely new system architecture will allow computers to far more accurately emulate the brain.
TrueNorth is composed of 4,096 cores, with each of these modules integrating memory, computation and communication. The cores are able to continue operating when individual cores fail, similar to a biological system.
Free Hearing Test
Here is a site that offers a free minimal
hearing test. Came across it while reading about free smartphone
apps that are said to deter mosquitoes by putting out a high pitched
sound from your phone that humans cannot hear. Further reading
debunked those apps as useless.
Turn up your speakers. LINK
Turn up your speakers. LINK
Labor Day
Labor Day is annually held on the first Monday of
September in the US, Canada. The first Labor Day was celebrated in
1882. In many countries, it is celebrated around May 1 and called
May Day. It was originally organized to celebrate various labor
associations' contributions. It is a mostly day of rest in modern
times.
Aug 22, 2014
Happy Friday
What we read with inclination makes a much stronger impression.
What we do with inclination makes for a stronger impression of a Happy Friday!
What we do with inclination makes for a stronger impression of a Happy Friday!
Opt Out
There is a web site that will scare the heck out of you, but
will also help you. The ad industry website for opting out of ads
from multiple companies goes a long way to keep companies from
dropping cookies on your computer, then bombarding you with ads that
have become more and more personalized to you. Increasingly, these
companies also track your location, contacts, calls, texts, etc.,
through your smartphone. Check what an app can look at each time
before you agree to download. (If it wants access to your contact
list, please remove me or change my name to John Doe.) If you like
these ads, skip to the next topic.
If you do not like ads, go to the site using the link below and follow the instructions to opt out. These are only the specific companies that target ads to you, based on your cookies. Other companies that do not directly target can be eliminated through various add-ons to your particular browser. In my case, I had only one company showing, although 117 companies were participating. My browser is so locked down, I usually do not see any ads on most pages, but I am vigilant with my lockdown practices. After opting out, a few of the companies added a preference in my browser to not show me ads. LINK
My mother used to tell me that too many cookies were not good for me. Now I understand she must have meant both physical and electronic.
If you do not like ads, go to the site using the link below and follow the instructions to opt out. These are only the specific companies that target ads to you, based on your cookies. Other companies that do not directly target can be eliminated through various add-ons to your particular browser. In my case, I had only one company showing, although 117 companies were participating. My browser is so locked down, I usually do not see any ads on most pages, but I am vigilant with my lockdown practices. After opting out, a few of the companies added a preference in my browser to not show me ads. LINK
My mother used to tell me that too many cookies were not good for me. Now I understand she must have meant both physical and electronic.
Another Salt Study
Adding to the library of salt studies is
yet a new one which again finds that salt is not that bad and that
too little salt may be as bad for us as too much salt. The same can
be said for calories or carbohydrates.
More than 100,000 people from the general public in 17 countries were observed for nearly four years and sodium levels were determined from urine tests. The researchers found people who consume 3 to 6 grams of sodium a day (salt contains about 39% sodium by weight) had the lowest risk of heart problems or death from any cause. About three-fourths of the world's population is in the ideal range, including the US, which averages 4 grams a day salt consumption.
The new study published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests the US's daily consumption of about 3,400 milligrams is not only perfectly fine, but may be healthier than abstaining. It suggests eaters should shoot for between 3,000 and 6,000 mg of salt each day. Dr. Suzanne Oparil, a cardiologist at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, who wrote an editorial accompanying the publication, added, "Japan, one of the highest salt consumers, has one of the longest lifespans."
Table salt also contains iodine, and desiccants to keep it from clumping. Sodium is essential for human nutrition, but too much sodium or too little sodium raises health risks. Sodium levels generally correlate with the risk of high blood pressure, but correlation (are related) is not causality (one causes the other). Chlorine is also important to overall health. Our bodies, like salt water swimming pools separate sodium from chlorine for use.
Potassium, found in vegetables and fruits appears to lower blood pressure and heart risks, and offsets sodium's effect. Potatoes, bananas, avocados, leafy greens, nuts, apricots, salmon, and mushrooms are high in potassium.
Determining that worldwide deaths are caused by one ingredient, without relation to complete diet, or other factors, is like saying global warming is caused only by CO2, or that drinking only diet soda makes us fat.
As with all studies, results 'should be taken with a grain of salt'. Reducing or increasing one item from the panoply of food we ingest is interesting fodder for highly funded studies, but taking results too seriously can be hazardous to our health.
More than 100,000 people from the general public in 17 countries were observed for nearly four years and sodium levels were determined from urine tests. The researchers found people who consume 3 to 6 grams of sodium a day (salt contains about 39% sodium by weight) had the lowest risk of heart problems or death from any cause. About three-fourths of the world's population is in the ideal range, including the US, which averages 4 grams a day salt consumption.
The new study published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests the US's daily consumption of about 3,400 milligrams is not only perfectly fine, but may be healthier than abstaining. It suggests eaters should shoot for between 3,000 and 6,000 mg of salt each day. Dr. Suzanne Oparil, a cardiologist at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, who wrote an editorial accompanying the publication, added, "Japan, one of the highest salt consumers, has one of the longest lifespans."
Table salt also contains iodine, and desiccants to keep it from clumping. Sodium is essential for human nutrition, but too much sodium or too little sodium raises health risks. Sodium levels generally correlate with the risk of high blood pressure, but correlation (are related) is not causality (one causes the other). Chlorine is also important to overall health. Our bodies, like salt water swimming pools separate sodium from chlorine for use.
Potassium, found in vegetables and fruits appears to lower blood pressure and heart risks, and offsets sodium's effect. Potatoes, bananas, avocados, leafy greens, nuts, apricots, salmon, and mushrooms are high in potassium.
Determining that worldwide deaths are caused by one ingredient, without relation to complete diet, or other factors, is like saying global warming is caused only by CO2, or that drinking only diet soda makes us fat.
As with all studies, results 'should be taken with a grain of salt'. Reducing or increasing one item from the panoply of food we ingest is interesting fodder for highly funded studies, but taking results too seriously can be hazardous to our health.
Three Quick Hacks
Put a few of those small ketchup packs in
the freezer. They stay soft and can be used for small bruises or
bumps.
Use the microwave to soften some chocolate in an ice cube tray, then add strawberries for an easy and clean way to make chocolate covered strawberries with no mess (not as pretty, but taste just as good).
If you mix a tablespoon of vanilla extract to a gallon of paint, the smell will be much more pleasant and it will not change the color of the paint.
Use the microwave to soften some chocolate in an ice cube tray, then add strawberries for an easy and clean way to make chocolate covered strawberries with no mess (not as pretty, but taste just as good).
If you mix a tablespoon of vanilla extract to a gallon of paint, the smell will be much more pleasant and it will not change the color of the paint.
Internet Radio
Many of us think the radio is for the car,
or background music while at home, but do not think of listening to
the radio on the Internet. Some internet radio stations require free
signup, some require nothing but your ears. Since these are Internet
based, they are available on your PC, tablet, smartphone, etc. A few
require an app for your phone, but most are just available as a web
site.
Below are a few free (most accept donations) stations you can tune into while derping around the net. You can find many more by Googling "Internet Radio Stations."
Many genres available, but some have commercials embedded - http://www.internet-radio.com/
Large collection of stations - http://www.sky.fm/
Smartphone favorite - http://www.pandora.com/
Very cool option to check real radio stations that also broadcast live. Check by hometown, country, or genre. http://radio-locator.com/
Was going to add links to specific stations, but thought why limit you to my musical proclivities. Enjoy!
Below are a few free (most accept donations) stations you can tune into while derping around the net. You can find many more by Googling "Internet Radio Stations."
Many genres available, but some have commercials embedded - http://www.internet-radio.com/
Large collection of stations - http://www.sky.fm/
Smartphone favorite - http://www.pandora.com/
Very cool option to check real radio stations that also broadcast live. Check by hometown, country, or genre. http://radio-locator.com/
Was going to add links to specific stations, but thought why limit you to my musical proclivities. Enjoy!
Wordology, Cappuccino
Espresso, hot milk, and steamed milk
foam are ingredients for making a cappuccino. Cappuccino comes from
German/Austrian 'kapuziner', and is the diminutive form of cappuccio
in Italian, meaning 'hood' or something that covers the head, thus
'cappuccino' reads 'small capuchin'. The Capuchin monks of the 16th
century, an offshoot of the Franciscan Catholic order wear long and
pointy hoods, known as capuche. The monks subsequently received a
formal nickname, Capuchin, for their hoods. The color of cappuccino
resembles the brown shade of the hoods and thus the naming of the
coffee drink.
Cappuccino differs from latte in size. Cappuccino is traditionally small while latte traditionally is large. Latte is often served in a large glass and cappuccino mostly in a cup with a handle. Here is some Java Jive music to listen to while sipping your cappuccino.
Cappuccino differs from latte in size. Cappuccino is traditionally small while latte traditionally is large. Latte is often served in a large glass and cappuccino mostly in a cup with a handle. Here is some Java Jive music to listen to while sipping your cappuccino.
Voicemail Tips
In each of the following, ignore the quote
marks as they are used as a separator. You can halt an incoming
message by pressing "33". You can still press "4" to replay the
message. You can also use "#" so message will be ready to listen to
again as a "skipped message" after you heard the rest of your
messages. Some carriers allow you to press "7" mid message to
eliminate, if not, press "77" to immediately erase.
Some carriers allow you to press "*" to interrupt the recipient's greeting and go right into leaving your voicemail.
Some carriers allow you to press "*" to interrupt the recipient's greeting and go right into leaving your voicemail.
Text-to-911
By the end of 2014, US carriers will be
required to route all of our emergency texts to 911. The Federal
Communications Commission voted 3-2 to require all mobile carriers
to route text messages sent to 911, to local emergency response
centers, just like phone calls.
The problem is most emergency services agencies are not yet equipped to receive them.
The big four operators have already implemented text-to-911 voluntarily, but many smaller operators have not. In fact, only about 2 percent of 911 response centers are capable of receiving SMS, so most emergency messages just get sent into the cloud.
The FCC also now requires messaging apps linked to phone numbers must all support 911. That means an app that works within the phone’s SMS client must be able to send 911 texts, but a social messaging app like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp does not. Am having difficulty understanding how someone with a phone finds it easier to text than to call, especially when 911 usually requires a series of questions and answers. Thumbs may not be faster than lips, but apps like EVA, SIRI, Skyvi, and Jeannie, etc. might be more linguistically understandable.
The problem is most emergency services agencies are not yet equipped to receive them.
The big four operators have already implemented text-to-911 voluntarily, but many smaller operators have not. In fact, only about 2 percent of 911 response centers are capable of receiving SMS, so most emergency messages just get sent into the cloud.
The FCC also now requires messaging apps linked to phone numbers must all support 911. That means an app that works within the phone’s SMS client must be able to send 911 texts, but a social messaging app like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp does not. Am having difficulty understanding how someone with a phone finds it easier to text than to call, especially when 911 usually requires a series of questions and answers. Thumbs may not be faster than lips, but apps like EVA, SIRI, Skyvi, and Jeannie, etc. might be more linguistically understandable.
Sunburn and SPF
SPF is an acronym for Sun Protection
Factor. SPF is actually a measure of protection from amount of UV-B
exposure and it is not meant to help you determine duration of
exposure. Sunbathers often assume that they get twice as much
protection from SPF 100 sunscreen as from SPF 50. In reality, the
extra protection is negligible. Properly applied SPF 15 blocks 93%
of UV-B rays; SPF 50 sunscreen blocks 98 percent of sunburn rays.
Dermatologists recommend using a SPF15 or SPF30 sunscreen. Higher
SPFs do not actually give much more protection.
Sunblock and sunscreen block the rays from the sun being absorbed by our skin. Ninety five percent of the UV (Ultra violet) energy hitting the earth’s surface is UV-A. The other 5% is UV-B. Most of UV-B radiation is absorbed by our atmosphere. UV-A penetrates the skin more deeply than UV-B. However, UV-B causes more problems generally associated with exposure to the sun’s rays, like skin cancer, aging, and DNA damage. UV-B waves are primarily responsible for sunburned skin. Scientists know less about the dangers of UV-A radiation, but the general consensus is that it is less obvious than UV-B damage, but possibly more serious.
Sunscreens generally only block UV-B rays, and not UV-A. To get broad spectrum protection, sunscreen must contain both the organic compounds associated with UV-B absorption and an inorganic associated with UV-A reflection.
Sunburn reactions usually begin about 4 hours after exposure and peak between 8-24 hours, so what we feel while being exposed is just the beginning.
--------------
Sunblock and sunscreen block the rays from the sun being absorbed by our skin. Ninety five percent of the UV (Ultra violet) energy hitting the earth’s surface is UV-A. The other 5% is UV-B. Most of UV-B radiation is absorbed by our atmosphere. UV-A penetrates the skin more deeply than UV-B. However, UV-B causes more problems generally associated with exposure to the sun’s rays, like skin cancer, aging, and DNA damage. UV-B waves are primarily responsible for sunburned skin. Scientists know less about the dangers of UV-A radiation, but the general consensus is that it is less obvious than UV-B damage, but possibly more serious.
Sunscreens generally only block UV-B rays, and not UV-A. To get broad spectrum protection, sunscreen must contain both the organic compounds associated with UV-B absorption and an inorganic associated with UV-A reflection.
Sunburn reactions usually begin about 4 hours after exposure and peak between 8-24 hours, so what we feel while being exposed is just the beginning.
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Aug 15, 2014
Happy Friday
Only the pessimist thinks good morning is an oxymoron.
No one could possibly think that, when waking up to a Happy Friday!
No one could possibly think that, when waking up to a Happy Friday!
Biggest, Longest, Tallest
The tallest living person
is Sultan Kosen from Ankara, Turkey, at 8′ 3″ tall. He also holds
the record for the widest hand span at 12 inches. The tallest man in
history was Robert Pershing Wadlow, who was 8 feet 11.1 inches (2.72
m) tall. His feet were the largest in history at US Size 37AA, or 18
½ inches long.
Jyoti Amge, from Nagpur, India, is the world’s shortest woman and stands 24.7 inches tall (she has been selected to join the cast of American Horror Story season 4). Chandra Bahadur Dangi was declared the shortest human adult ever documented and verified, measuring 21.51 in (54.64 cm).
Matthew McGory had a big toe that was 5 inches long and his little toe was 1.5 inches.
Mehmet Ozyurek from Artuin, Turkey has the longest nose ever at 3.46 inches from the bridge to the tip.
The person born with the most fingers and toes was Akshat Saxena of India. He was born with 14 fingers, 7 on each hand, and 20 toes, 10 on each foot.
The longest tongue belongs to Stephen Taylor from the United Kingdom. From the middle of his closed lip to the tip, it is 3.86 inches long. The longest female tongue belongs to Chanel Tapper of California, at 3.8 inches. The widest tongue belongs to Jay Sloot of San Remo, Australia and is 3.1 inches wide.
The widest mouth belongs to Fransisco Domingos of Angola, at 6.69 inches. The record for the most teeth in a human mouth belongs to two people, Kanchan Rojawat of India and Luca Meriano of Italy, who each have 35 adult teeth.
The longest legs belong to Svetlana Pankratova, who has 51.9 inch legs.
The longest natural head hair belongs to Xie Qiuping of China whose hair measured 18 feet 5.54 inches.
Hans Langseth of Norway had the longest beard ever recorded, at 18 feet 6 inches long.
Mark Lyleate ate 54 Pieces of Bacon in 5 Minutes at the 2010 Beggin' Strips World Bacon Eating Championship. In 2013, Molly Schuyler, Bellevue, Nebraska, was the first person to eat 3 pounds of cooked bacon within less than 5 minutes. Peter Czerwinski of Mississauga, Ontario holds the record for drinking a bacon shake the fastest at 47.72 seconds. It contained five pounds of bacon. I know, these last facts have nothing to do with body records, but are about bacon and I couldn't resist.
Jyoti Amge, from Nagpur, India, is the world’s shortest woman and stands 24.7 inches tall (she has been selected to join the cast of American Horror Story season 4). Chandra Bahadur Dangi was declared the shortest human adult ever documented and verified, measuring 21.51 in (54.64 cm).
Matthew McGory had a big toe that was 5 inches long and his little toe was 1.5 inches.
Mehmet Ozyurek from Artuin, Turkey has the longest nose ever at 3.46 inches from the bridge to the tip.
The person born with the most fingers and toes was Akshat Saxena of India. He was born with 14 fingers, 7 on each hand, and 20 toes, 10 on each foot.
The longest tongue belongs to Stephen Taylor from the United Kingdom. From the middle of his closed lip to the tip, it is 3.86 inches long. The longest female tongue belongs to Chanel Tapper of California, at 3.8 inches. The widest tongue belongs to Jay Sloot of San Remo, Australia and is 3.1 inches wide.
The widest mouth belongs to Fransisco Domingos of Angola, at 6.69 inches. The record for the most teeth in a human mouth belongs to two people, Kanchan Rojawat of India and Luca Meriano of Italy, who each have 35 adult teeth.
The longest legs belong to Svetlana Pankratova, who has 51.9 inch legs.
The longest natural head hair belongs to Xie Qiuping of China whose hair measured 18 feet 5.54 inches.
Hans Langseth of Norway had the longest beard ever recorded, at 18 feet 6 inches long.
Mark Lyleate ate 54 Pieces of Bacon in 5 Minutes at the 2010 Beggin' Strips World Bacon Eating Championship. In 2013, Molly Schuyler, Bellevue, Nebraska, was the first person to eat 3 pounds of cooked bacon within less than 5 minutes. Peter Czerwinski of Mississauga, Ontario holds the record for drinking a bacon shake the fastest at 47.72 seconds. It contained five pounds of bacon. I know, these last facts have nothing to do with body records, but are about bacon and I couldn't resist.
What's in a Name, Spumoni
Spumoni originated in Naples and
is the ancestor of Neapolitan ice cream. Spumoni ice cream, like
Neapolitan ice cream is a molded Italian ice cream made with layers
of different colors and flavors. The difference is that Spumoni
usually also contains candied fruits and nuts. The name Spumone
comes from spuma or 'foam'. The plural form is spumoni.
Typically it is of three flavors, with a fruit/nut layer between them. The ice cream layers are often mixed with whipped cream. Cherry, pistachio, and either chocolate or vanilla are the typical flavors of the ice cream layers, and the fruit/nut layer often contains cherry bits, causing the traditional red/pink, green, and brown color combination. It is popular in places with large Italian immigrant populations such as the United States and Argentina. August 21 is National Spumoni Day in the United States. November 13 is National Spumoni Day in Canada.
Typically it is of three flavors, with a fruit/nut layer between them. The ice cream layers are often mixed with whipped cream. Cherry, pistachio, and either chocolate or vanilla are the typical flavors of the ice cream layers, and the fruit/nut layer often contains cherry bits, causing the traditional red/pink, green, and brown color combination. It is popular in places with large Italian immigrant populations such as the United States and Argentina. August 21 is National Spumoni Day in the United States. November 13 is National Spumoni Day in Canada.
National Senior Citizens Day
This is celebrated on August
21 with various events and activities held across the United States,
in recognition of National Senior Citizens Day. This day was created
as a day to support, honor, and show appreciation to our seniors and
to recognize their achievements and the contributions they make to
our communities.
On August 19, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5847 declaring August 21 as National Senior Citizens Day. Someday I may be forced to grow up and celebrate this day, but for now, every day is a good day to celebrate the achievements of others.
On August 19, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5847 declaring August 21 as National Senior Citizens Day. Someday I may be forced to grow up and celebrate this day, but for now, every day is a good day to celebrate the achievements of others.
USB Business Card
Here is a novel use of high tech and low
tech. It is a folding business card that turns into a USB drive.
Currently it is still in the Kickstarter stage, but is planned to be
available October, 2014.
A swivelCard is a premium paper business card that includes a USB drive and analytics that can be updated even after giving it out. LINK
A swivelCard is a premium paper business card that includes a USB drive and analytics that can be updated even after giving it out. LINK
French Fry Facts
The origin of French fries is Belgium.
According to some historians, potatoes were being fried by 1680 in
the Meuse Valley of Belgium. Locals often ate small fried fish, when
the river was frozen they used potatoes as a substitute. They used
to cut potatoes lengthwise and fry them in oil to use them as a fish
substitute.
Thomas Jefferson gets the credit for introducing French fries to America when he served them at a White House dinner in 1802 after reportedly requesting, "Potatoes, fried in the French manner.
The average American eats thirty pounds of French fries per year.
The earliest known reference to fries in English literature is in A Tale of Two Cities. Charles Dickens refers to, “Husky chips of potato, fried with some reluctant drops of oil”.
In general, potatoes cooked with the skin on are healthier, as most of the nutrients in a potato come from the skin
French fries are eaten all over the world and every culture has its own preferred condiment. Americans dunk them in ketchup, Brits eat their chips with salt and malt vinegar, mayonnaise is a popular accompaniment in Belgium and they look forward to steamed mussels and fries, in Vietnam they serve fries with soft butter and a sprinkling of sugar. "Clams and chips" is a very popular dish in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. French fries served with hot mustard is very popular in Ireland
There is a museum in Belgium entirely devoted to the classic fast-food snack frites.
French Fries in France are known as frites, patates frites, or pommes frites in French. These names are also used in many non-French areas.
About seven per cent of the potatoes grown in the US are sold by McDonald’s. It sells more than one third of all the French fries sold in restaurants in the U.S. each year.
According to the Agricultural Research Service in Navarre, potato skins are packed with 60 phyto-chemicals, many of these are flavonoids which help lower bad cholesterol and keep arteries clear.
Belgians may or may not have invented the French fry, today, they do consume the most French fries per capita of any country in Europe.
Belgians, who are the world’s connoisseurs when it comes to French fries, occasionally will serve French fries with egg as a topping. The raw egg is cracked over the French fries immediately after the fries have been pulled from the fryer. This tends to mostly cook the egg, but leaves the yoke somewhat runny for dipping the fries in.
Thomas Jefferson gets the credit for introducing French fries to America when he served them at a White House dinner in 1802 after reportedly requesting, "Potatoes, fried in the French manner.
The average American eats thirty pounds of French fries per year.
The earliest known reference to fries in English literature is in A Tale of Two Cities. Charles Dickens refers to, “Husky chips of potato, fried with some reluctant drops of oil”.
In general, potatoes cooked with the skin on are healthier, as most of the nutrients in a potato come from the skin
French fries are eaten all over the world and every culture has its own preferred condiment. Americans dunk them in ketchup, Brits eat their chips with salt and malt vinegar, mayonnaise is a popular accompaniment in Belgium and they look forward to steamed mussels and fries, in Vietnam they serve fries with soft butter and a sprinkling of sugar. "Clams and chips" is a very popular dish in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. French fries served with hot mustard is very popular in Ireland
There is a museum in Belgium entirely devoted to the classic fast-food snack frites.
French Fries in France are known as frites, patates frites, or pommes frites in French. These names are also used in many non-French areas.
About seven per cent of the potatoes grown in the US are sold by McDonald’s. It sells more than one third of all the French fries sold in restaurants in the U.S. each year.
According to the Agricultural Research Service in Navarre, potato skins are packed with 60 phyto-chemicals, many of these are flavonoids which help lower bad cholesterol and keep arteries clear.
Belgians may or may not have invented the French fry, today, they do consume the most French fries per capita of any country in Europe.
Belgians, who are the world’s connoisseurs when it comes to French fries, occasionally will serve French fries with egg as a topping. The raw egg is cracked over the French fries immediately after the fries have been pulled from the fryer. This tends to mostly cook the egg, but leaves the yoke somewhat runny for dipping the fries in.
Google Tools
Google has a handy feature that allows you to
set up a countdown timer. Type in set timer x minutes or hours and
it will show a countdown clock. You can continue to surf and an
alarm will sound when the time has expired. Handy if you want to
limit your activities to a fixed time.
Type "google.com sky" without the quotes, to look around the sky the same way you look at a map of the earth. It shows objects in the sky, such as stars, constellations, planets, the Earth's moon, and galaxies.
Type "google.com sky" without the quotes, to look around the sky the same way you look at a map of the earth. It shows objects in the sky, such as stars, constellations, planets, the Earth's moon, and galaxies.
Cat Scan Origin
The Beatles were indirectly responsible for
funding the development of the CT (CAT) scanner. Their record label,
EMI, also operated a computer research facility that once employed
Godfrey Hounsfield, who had been developing X-ray computerized
tomography (CT) in the late '60s. Researchers and radiologists claim
that EMI invested the profits they earned from the Beatles' music
into Hounsfield's technology, allowing for the invention of a
commercial CT scanner (then known as an EMI scanner) by the early
1970s.
Social Security Checks
A friend asked me when Social
Security checks are mailed, so it sent me to the dot gov site to
find out some details. If you were born on the: 1 – 10th of the
month, your Social Security check is deposited on the 2nd Wednesday
of each month
11 – 20th of the month, your Social Security check is deposited on the 3rd Wednesday of each month
21 – 31st of the month, your Social Security check is deposited on the 4th Wednesday of each month.
However, if you started receiving benefits before 1997, or you get SS and SSI payments, then your Social Security check is paid on the third day of the month.
If the day your Social Security check is supposed to be deposited is a holiday, it is deposited the day before. Very simple formula for very complicated system.
11 – 20th of the month, your Social Security check is deposited on the 3rd Wednesday of each month
21 – 31st of the month, your Social Security check is deposited on the 4th Wednesday of each month.
However, if you started receiving benefits before 1997, or you get SS and SSI payments, then your Social Security check is paid on the third day of the month.
If the day your Social Security check is supposed to be deposited is a holiday, it is deposited the day before. Very simple formula for very complicated system.
Youtube Tips
If you are annoyed by the ads when you watch
YouTube videos or songs, change "youtube" in the URL to
"youtubeskip" (do not use the quote marks) to skip the ads.
To repeat videos or songs without hitting the replay button, type "youtuberepeat" in place of "youtube" in the URL (also without the quotes).
To control volume after you click on a video or song, use the up and down arrow keys on your keyboard. You can use the keyboard spacebar to pause or play. Also use the left and right arrows for rewind and fast forward.
If you can not seem to get enough of an artist or group, type http://www.youtube.com/disco and it serves up a page where you can search and you can string together a personal playlist. I am listening to ABBA now.
To repeat videos or songs without hitting the replay button, type "youtuberepeat" in place of "youtube" in the URL (also without the quotes).
To control volume after you click on a video or song, use the up and down arrow keys on your keyboard. You can use the keyboard spacebar to pause or play. Also use the left and right arrows for rewind and fast forward.
If you can not seem to get enough of an artist or group, type http://www.youtube.com/disco and it serves up a page where you can search and you can string together a personal playlist. I am listening to ABBA now.
Bacon Fueled Motorcycle
Hormel created a motorcycle that is
fueled by bacon grease and is sending it on a journey from Minnesota
to the San Diego Bacon Fest just in time for International Bacon
Day, August 30, 2014. Should be some interesting exhaust fumes
coming from the bike.
Aug 8, 2014
Happy Friday
The difference between the optimist and pessimist is that the optimist never uses the snooze button.
I do not even wait for the alarm, especially when waking up to a Happy Friday!
What's in a Name
Microsoft’s search engine, Bing
was named “Kumo,” during development, but Microsoft went with
Bing after focus groups said it reminded them of “the moment of
discovery.”
Yelp - The “yel” in “Yelp” comes from “yellow,” and the “p” comes from “pages.” The business listings and ratings site is like an Internet version of the Yellow Pages.
Twitter - It is a microblogging site and users’ posts cannot exceed 140 characters. Those short messages reminded company founders of birds chirping or twittering. Individual posts are known as tweets and the logo is a bird.
Wikipedia - “Wiki” is Hawaiian for “quick,” and “pedia” comes from “encyclopedia.” It is a quick encyclopedia added to and edited by almost anyone.
The Onion - It began as a college newspaper, and founders Tim Keck and Chris Johnson had so little money they ate onion sandwiches. While planning the paper, Keck’s uncle saw them eating onion sandwiches and reportedly said, “You should call the newspaper The Onion.”
Skype - The video phone via Internet service got its name from a shortening of the phrase “sky peer-to-peer,” as users connect person-to-person via the cloud (Internet).
Etsy - Rob Kalin, founder of the marketplace where users buy and sell vintage and handmade goods, wanted a nonsense word, but as he was watching an Italian film, he noticed characters often said “etsi”, which means “oh, yes.”
Pinterest - The name is a combination of “pin” and “interest,” which reflects how the site functions. It is a social network where users share pictures of things they find interesting by “pinning” them on their pin board.
Yelp - The “yel” in “Yelp” comes from “yellow,” and the “p” comes from “pages.” The business listings and ratings site is like an Internet version of the Yellow Pages.
Twitter - It is a microblogging site and users’ posts cannot exceed 140 characters. Those short messages reminded company founders of birds chirping or twittering. Individual posts are known as tweets and the logo is a bird.
Wikipedia - “Wiki” is Hawaiian for “quick,” and “pedia” comes from “encyclopedia.” It is a quick encyclopedia added to and edited by almost anyone.
The Onion - It began as a college newspaper, and founders Tim Keck and Chris Johnson had so little money they ate onion sandwiches. While planning the paper, Keck’s uncle saw them eating onion sandwiches and reportedly said, “You should call the newspaper The Onion.”
Skype - The video phone via Internet service got its name from a shortening of the phrase “sky peer-to-peer,” as users connect person-to-person via the cloud (Internet).
Etsy - Rob Kalin, founder of the marketplace where users buy and sell vintage and handmade goods, wanted a nonsense word, but as he was watching an Italian film, he noticed characters often said “etsi”, which means “oh, yes.”
Pinterest - The name is a combination of “pin” and “interest,” which reflects how the site functions. It is a social network where users share pictures of things they find interesting by “pinning” them on their pin board.
Lonliness vs. Being Alone
Being lonely increases
the risk of everything from heart attacks to dementia, depression
and death. People who are satisfied with their social lives sleep
better, age more slowly, and respond better to vaccines. Those who
have rich social lives and warm relationships do not get as sick and
they live longer. A person can be lonely in a crowd or be alone and
not be lonely.
Research shows, our bodies have evolved so that in situations of perceived social isolation, they trigger branches of the immune system involved in wound healing and bacterial infection. Differences relate most strongly to how lonely people think they are. Ending loneliness is not about spending more time with people, but about our attitude to others. Changing this attitude reduces loneliness more effectively than giving people more opportunities for interaction.
Meditation is typically done while a person is alone and there is evidence that meditation boosts the immune response in vaccine recipients and people with cancer, protects against a relapse in major depression, soothes skin conditions, and even slows the progression of HIV. As with social interaction, meditation works largely by influencing stress response pathways. People who meditate have lower cortisol levels.
In a study of fifty people with advanced lung cancer, those judged by their doctors to have high “spiritual faith” responded better to chemotherapy and survived longer. More than forty percent were still alive after three years, compared with less than ten percent of those judged to have little faith.
Some think that what matters is having a sense of purpose in life. Having an idea of why you are here and what is important increases your sense of control over events. Spending more time doing what you love, whether it is gardening or volunteer work has a similar effect on health. Bottom line, loneliness is more of an attitude than a state of physical being. You have the power to be happy, alone or with others.
Research shows, our bodies have evolved so that in situations of perceived social isolation, they trigger branches of the immune system involved in wound healing and bacterial infection. Differences relate most strongly to how lonely people think they are. Ending loneliness is not about spending more time with people, but about our attitude to others. Changing this attitude reduces loneliness more effectively than giving people more opportunities for interaction.
Meditation is typically done while a person is alone and there is evidence that meditation boosts the immune response in vaccine recipients and people with cancer, protects against a relapse in major depression, soothes skin conditions, and even slows the progression of HIV. As with social interaction, meditation works largely by influencing stress response pathways. People who meditate have lower cortisol levels.
In a study of fifty people with advanced lung cancer, those judged by their doctors to have high “spiritual faith” responded better to chemotherapy and survived longer. More than forty percent were still alive after three years, compared with less than ten percent of those judged to have little faith.
Some think that what matters is having a sense of purpose in life. Having an idea of why you are here and what is important increases your sense of control over events. Spending more time doing what you love, whether it is gardening or volunteer work has a similar effect on health. Bottom line, loneliness is more of an attitude than a state of physical being. You have the power to be happy, alone or with others.
Attitude Changers
Here are some ideas to perk up your
attitude.
Asking people to list three things they are grateful for in life or three events that have gone well during the past week can significantly increase their level of happiness for about a month.
People become much happier after the smallest acts of kindness.
Adding plants to an office results in a fifteen percent boost in the number of creative ideas and helps produce more original solutions to problems.
Lightly touching someone on their upper arm makes them far more likely to agree to a request. In one study, the touch produced a twenty percent increase in the number of people who accepted an invitation to dance in a nightclub and a ten percent increase in those who would give their telephone number to a stranger on the street.
Praising a child’s effort rather than their ability encourages them to try.
Visualizing taking steps required to achieve a goal is more effective than dreaming about the goal.
Asking people to list three things they are grateful for in life or three events that have gone well during the past week can significantly increase their level of happiness for about a month.
People become much happier after the smallest acts of kindness.
Adding plants to an office results in a fifteen percent boost in the number of creative ideas and helps produce more original solutions to problems.
Lightly touching someone on their upper arm makes them far more likely to agree to a request. In one study, the touch produced a twenty percent increase in the number of people who accepted an invitation to dance in a nightclub and a ten percent increase in those who would give their telephone number to a stranger on the street.
Praising a child’s effort rather than their ability encourages them to try.
Visualizing taking steps required to achieve a goal is more effective than dreaming about the goal.
Tricorder Xprize
Qualcomm started a global competition in
2012 that will award ten million US dollars to revolutionize digital
healthcare. The idea is to stimulate innovation and integration of
precision diagnostic technologies, helping consumers make their own
reliable health diagnoses anywhere, anytime.
The device it is seeking will be a tool capable of capturing key health metrics and diagnosing a set of fifteen diseases. Metrics for health could include such elements as blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature. Ultimately, this tool will collect large volumes of data from ongoing measurement of health states through a combination of wireless sensors, imaging technologies, and portable, non-invasive laboratory replacements. The only stated limit on form is that the mass of its components together must be no greater than five pounds. The name comes from the medical device used in Star Trek.
This week, August 4 is the qualifying round for review and selection of the ten finalist teams. The final award will be held in January 2016.
The device it is seeking will be a tool capable of capturing key health metrics and diagnosing a set of fifteen diseases. Metrics for health could include such elements as blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature. Ultimately, this tool will collect large volumes of data from ongoing measurement of health states through a combination of wireless sensors, imaging technologies, and portable, non-invasive laboratory replacements. The only stated limit on form is that the mass of its components together must be no greater than five pounds. The name comes from the medical device used in Star Trek.
This week, August 4 is the qualifying round for review and selection of the ten finalist teams. The final award will be held in January 2016.
Gluten Free Finally Defined
The FDA finally passed a rule
about what it means to be 'gluten free'. "A gluten-free claim means
the food contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten, the
protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye."
The three million, roughly .008% of Americans diagnosed with celiac disease are at risk of nutritional deficiencies, infertility, and intestinal cancer if they do not follow a strict gluten-free diet.
The rules do not apply to restaurants, although the FDA was urging them to comply. The agency also warned consumers that some products labeled gluten-free that do not meet the new standards may still be on the shelves.
Last year, gluten-free products accounted for more than $10.5 billion in sales in what has become an overblown fad for many people, for which gluten free may be more harmful to them.
The three million, roughly .008% of Americans diagnosed with celiac disease are at risk of nutritional deficiencies, infertility, and intestinal cancer if they do not follow a strict gluten-free diet.
The rules do not apply to restaurants, although the FDA was urging them to comply. The agency also warned consumers that some products labeled gluten-free that do not meet the new standards may still be on the shelves.
Last year, gluten-free products accounted for more than $10.5 billion in sales in what has become an overblown fad for many people, for which gluten free may be more harmful to them.
Do Not Call
Go to the website https://www.donotcall.gov/
and enter your landline or cell number. There is an e-mail
verification and you are done. You can also call 888-382-1222 from
any phone you want on the list. Your number stays on the list until
you ask for it to be removed or you give up the number.
If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to work at the Do Not Call Registry or Federal Trade Commission and they offer to sign you up if you provide some personal information, do not respond. This is always a scam.
The Do Not Call list keeps you off of for-profit business call lists, but it can take up to 31 days before it goes into effect. If you receive an unexpected sales call after you registered your number, and you have been on the list for 31 days, you may file a complaint. Go to the donotcall.gov site above or call 888-382-1222. You will be asked to provide the date of the call and the company's name or phone number.
Unfortunately, political organizations, charities, and survey takers are still permitted to call you. Businesses you purchased from or made a payment to in the last 18 months also have a right to call. If you ask them not to, they must honor your request. Political and informational robocalls, such as those from health care providers, banks, and schools, are still allowed.
The fine print on free product offers may say the company may send you telemarketing calls.
In spite of frequent email hoaxes, mobile telephone numbers have never been in any danger of being made public or released to telemarketers. The FTC says that unsolicited telemarketing calls or robocalls to cellphones are illegal. If you get unsolicited marketing calls on your cellphone, tell them you do not want to be contacted and you can file a complaint using the information above.
If you sign up and still receive a telemarketing call, it is most likely the person on the other end is a scammer. Legitimate telemarketers do not want to risk a $16,000 fine for disregarding a number on the list.
If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to work at the Do Not Call Registry or Federal Trade Commission and they offer to sign you up if you provide some personal information, do not respond. This is always a scam.
The Do Not Call list keeps you off of for-profit business call lists, but it can take up to 31 days before it goes into effect. If you receive an unexpected sales call after you registered your number, and you have been on the list for 31 days, you may file a complaint. Go to the donotcall.gov site above or call 888-382-1222. You will be asked to provide the date of the call and the company's name or phone number.
Unfortunately, political organizations, charities, and survey takers are still permitted to call you. Businesses you purchased from or made a payment to in the last 18 months also have a right to call. If you ask them not to, they must honor your request. Political and informational robocalls, such as those from health care providers, banks, and schools, are still allowed.
The fine print on free product offers may say the company may send you telemarketing calls.
In spite of frequent email hoaxes, mobile telephone numbers have never been in any danger of being made public or released to telemarketers. The FTC says that unsolicited telemarketing calls or robocalls to cellphones are illegal. If you get unsolicited marketing calls on your cellphone, tell them you do not want to be contacted and you can file a complaint using the information above.
If you sign up and still receive a telemarketing call, it is most likely the person on the other end is a scammer. Legitimate telemarketers do not want to risk a $16,000 fine for disregarding a number on the list.
Tidbits
Pope John Paul II was named an honorary Harlem
Globetrotter in 2000.
The number of words posted each day on Twitter would fill a ten million page book.
The chance of dying on the way to purchase a lottery ticket are greater than the chance of actually winning.
Not True - The average mattress weight doubles every ten years from mites and mites poop.
True - There is a mattress sale every day of the year.
The number of words posted each day on Twitter would fill a ten million page book.
The chance of dying on the way to purchase a lottery ticket are greater than the chance of actually winning.
Not True - The average mattress weight doubles every ten years from mites and mites poop.
True - There is a mattress sale every day of the year.
Wordology, Ambulance
The word 'ambulance' derives from the
Latin 'ambulare', meaning 'to walk or move about'. This gave rise to
the French hôpital (sic) ambulant, meaning mobile hospital. It used
to refer to a temporary medical structure that could be easily
moved, such as movable army medical hospitals. In English, ambulance
first appeared around 1798 and also referred to temporary hospital
structures.
Ambulances were first used for emergency transport in 1487 by the Spanish, and civilian variants were put into operation in the 1830s. Mobile medical transport vehicles were also called ambulances in French and were designed to get injured soldiers off the battlefield and to medical aid during battle. One of the first instances of this was during the Crimean War. During the American Civil War they were known as ambulance wagons.
The first known hospital-based ambulance service was based out of Commercial Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, US, in 1865.
Ambulances were first used for emergency transport in 1487 by the Spanish, and civilian variants were put into operation in the 1830s. Mobile medical transport vehicles were also called ambulances in French and were designed to get injured soldiers off the battlefield and to medical aid during battle. One of the first instances of this was during the Crimean War. During the American Civil War they were known as ambulance wagons.
The first known hospital-based ambulance service was based out of Commercial Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, US, in 1865.
National Hobo Convention
For some odd reason, the ambulance
reminded me that beginning this week, August 7-10-2014 is the
National Hobo Convention in Britt, Iowa (close to Mason City and
Clear Lake). There is a parade on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. "Some in
rags, some in tags, some in velvet gowns."
Hobos are migratory workers, some with a special skill or trade, others ready to work at any task, but always willing to work to make his way. The tramp is a traveling non-worker, moving from town to town, but never willing to work for the handouts he begs for. A bum is the lowest class, too lazy to roam around and never works.
There will be marching bands, queens, business floats, children, adults, and hobos all come down the streets in one long line and share the fun that only a Hobo Convention can provide. Following the parade, mulligan stew is available. Other events during the weekend include a 5K & 10K Walk/Run, Hobo King & Queen coronation, Hobo Museum, Hobo Auction, Hobo Memorial Service, Vagabond Craft show, and Outdoor Classic Car Show.
Hobos are migratory workers, some with a special skill or trade, others ready to work at any task, but always willing to work to make his way. The tramp is a traveling non-worker, moving from town to town, but never willing to work for the handouts he begs for. A bum is the lowest class, too lazy to roam around and never works.
There will be marching bands, queens, business floats, children, adults, and hobos all come down the streets in one long line and share the fun that only a Hobo Convention can provide. Following the parade, mulligan stew is available. Other events during the weekend include a 5K & 10K Walk/Run, Hobo King & Queen coronation, Hobo Museum, Hobo Auction, Hobo Memorial Service, Vagabond Craft show, and Outdoor Classic Car Show.
Aug 1, 2014
Stores Meet Iternet
Home improvement giant Lowe’s just
bought 42,000 handheld point of sales devices for its 1700+ outlets.
Its competitor Home Depot spent $64 million placing 30,000+ of its
First Phone Motorola mobile devices. Nordstroms has 6,000 devices.
Urban Outfitters and Pacific Sun are following. Mobile and tablet
technology is changing the way we shop.
Smaller businesses use Square, a free tiny box like card reader that plugs into smart phones or pads to transform them into registers on the go. In fact, there are a host of other companies offering ways for stores and vendors to capture sales without using a cash register. Great for those who have small stores or do kiosk type shows to now accept credit cards and sales with little expense and no hassle.
Major chains like Whole Foods Market, Gap, Patagonia, Sears, and Kmart are now using mobile devices to email receipts to customers instead of handing them paper. Of course, they are also tacking on email alerts and advertisements, which may explain why only about one third of customers are opting in. Customers can now try and buy in the store and have stuff shipped home for free. Better than lugging it around the mall as they continue shopping.
Amazing how, in a few generations telephones, cash registers, typewriters, incandescent light bulbs, etc., once revolutionary, have already become obsolete. For techies in the crowd, the Singularity has begun.
Smaller businesses use Square, a free tiny box like card reader that plugs into smart phones or pads to transform them into registers on the go. In fact, there are a host of other companies offering ways for stores and vendors to capture sales without using a cash register. Great for those who have small stores or do kiosk type shows to now accept credit cards and sales with little expense and no hassle.
Major chains like Whole Foods Market, Gap, Patagonia, Sears, and Kmart are now using mobile devices to email receipts to customers instead of handing them paper. Of course, they are also tacking on email alerts and advertisements, which may explain why only about one third of customers are opting in. Customers can now try and buy in the store and have stuff shipped home for free. Better than lugging it around the mall as they continue shopping.
Amazing how, in a few generations telephones, cash registers, typewriters, incandescent light bulbs, etc., once revolutionary, have already become obsolete. For techies in the crowd, the Singularity has begun.
Selfie Toast
Here is a company that will produce and
deliver a reasonably priced personal toaster that will create toast
with your picture etched on every piece. More designs also
available. LINK
Fun stuff to impress your guests.
High Tech Meets Low Tech
An inexpensive diagnostic test
made from paper has been developed that can assess liver health in
15 minutes and for only pennies a test. The test uses a single drop
of blood from a finger prick to measure the presence of liver
enzymes, and doesn't require the presence of a laboratory,
instruments, or syringes. If liver enzymes are present in the blood,
wells within the paper will show a color change, which are be color
matched to a scale to determine approximate degree of concentration.
A color change indicates the concentration range of enzymes present.
Though this can be checked by eye, greater accuracy could be
achieved by scanning the paper with a smartphone, which are
incredibly prevalent throughout regions in which the kit would be
used.
Liver damage can be a consequence of taking antiretroviral drugs, which are prescribed to HIV patients. Because of the high HIV infection rates in poor countries, liver problems are on the rise, so the ability to cheaply monitor blood is important to prevent potentially fatal side effects of the drugs meant to save people’s lives.
The paper uses patterns, channels, and assay zones (or wells) of water-repellent materials on a piece of paper about the size of a postage stamp. Biological and chemical assay reagents are then deposited in the wells. When blood, urine, saliva, sweat or other biological samples are applied to it, the paper wicks the sample through the channels to the assay zones, without external pumps or power. Upon contact, the assay zone quickly changes color and results are then easily read by comparing the color change with a printed reference scale. After use, it can be easily disposed of by burning.
These patterned paper-based devices can be embedded with electrical circuitry to enable resistive heating, electrochemical assays, or initial processing of assay results. Multiple sheets of patterned paper can be stacked to generate three-dimensional devices capable of automatically performing a variety of complex fluid operations such as splitting, filtration, mixing, and separations.
The postage stamp-sized paper diagnostics system was developed in the laboratory of Harvard Professor George Whitesides seven years ago. With funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Professor Whitesides started the non-profit organization, Diagnostics For All., and looked to improve the health of the poorest areas of the world. The team is also working on malaria and dengue fever tests.
An ink jet printer using wax ink prints a pattern on two sheets of paper. One sheet contains reagents that react with liver enzymes, the other dyes that change color if a reaction occurs. The two sheets are fused together by heating, so that channels or wells that can be used as miniaturized test tubes for reactions are produced. A plasma filter is added and the three are laminated together, and cut into postage stamp size squares. The rest of the world could also benefit from this low cost efficient healthcare.
Liver damage can be a consequence of taking antiretroviral drugs, which are prescribed to HIV patients. Because of the high HIV infection rates in poor countries, liver problems are on the rise, so the ability to cheaply monitor blood is important to prevent potentially fatal side effects of the drugs meant to save people’s lives.
The paper uses patterns, channels, and assay zones (or wells) of water-repellent materials on a piece of paper about the size of a postage stamp. Biological and chemical assay reagents are then deposited in the wells. When blood, urine, saliva, sweat or other biological samples are applied to it, the paper wicks the sample through the channels to the assay zones, without external pumps or power. Upon contact, the assay zone quickly changes color and results are then easily read by comparing the color change with a printed reference scale. After use, it can be easily disposed of by burning.
These patterned paper-based devices can be embedded with electrical circuitry to enable resistive heating, electrochemical assays, or initial processing of assay results. Multiple sheets of patterned paper can be stacked to generate three-dimensional devices capable of automatically performing a variety of complex fluid operations such as splitting, filtration, mixing, and separations.
The postage stamp-sized paper diagnostics system was developed in the laboratory of Harvard Professor George Whitesides seven years ago. With funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Professor Whitesides started the non-profit organization, Diagnostics For All., and looked to improve the health of the poorest areas of the world. The team is also working on malaria and dengue fever tests.
An ink jet printer using wax ink prints a pattern on two sheets of paper. One sheet contains reagents that react with liver enzymes, the other dyes that change color if a reaction occurs. The two sheets are fused together by heating, so that channels or wells that can be used as miniaturized test tubes for reactions are produced. A plasma filter is added and the three are laminated together, and cut into postage stamp size squares. The rest of the world could also benefit from this low cost efficient healthcare.
Toilet Paper Origami
Speaking of low tech, I was floored
when I came across a site on Pinterest that is dedicated to making
origami figures from toilet paper. It has everything from flowers to
boats, and more. Almost was afraid to share this, but couldn't help
myself. If you really want to waste some time, here is the LINK.
Email and Productivity
If you want to be efficient, do not
open your email until at least 10am. Do not peek. Do not IM. Do not
check Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, or Twitter, or anyplace else on
the web.
Productive people get up and get on with doing the things they have decided are important. Reacting to someone else is not productive, nor is it efficient or effective. It is difficult to read an email without reacting and you are reacting to someone's priority, not yours.
Next, decide the clock time and a certain amount of action time to read and react to email. Quickly scan your inbox and prioritize, file, or delete as necessary. This should take no longer than ten minutes. Then go back and react to the priority items and attack them. When one hour has elapsed, go back to your priorities.
You might need to get into your email to finish some of your most important to-dos, but can you get 80 or 90 percent done before you go into email and waste your time on other people's priorities
Research shows email: Creates stress, can be more addictive than alcohol and tobacco, and checking email frequently is the equivalent of dropping your IQ ten points. It also interrupts your progress. Happiness is also important, so after you have finished your high priority projects, reward yourself by reading my Friday Thoughts.
Productive people get up and get on with doing the things they have decided are important. Reacting to someone else is not productive, nor is it efficient or effective. It is difficult to read an email without reacting and you are reacting to someone's priority, not yours.
Next, decide the clock time and a certain amount of action time to read and react to email. Quickly scan your inbox and prioritize, file, or delete as necessary. This should take no longer than ten minutes. Then go back and react to the priority items and attack them. When one hour has elapsed, go back to your priorities.
You might need to get into your email to finish some of your most important to-dos, but can you get 80 or 90 percent done before you go into email and waste your time on other people's priorities
Research shows email: Creates stress, can be more addictive than alcohol and tobacco, and checking email frequently is the equivalent of dropping your IQ ten points. It also interrupts your progress. Happiness is also important, so after you have finished your high priority projects, reward yourself by reading my Friday Thoughts.
Real Credit Score Report
Finally, here is a site that provides
your actual credit score for free. That is no credit card info
required to sign up. No fees. It does ask to link your cards and
offers other add ons for fees, but you can get the basic info,
including your credit score for free. There are free credit reports
from each of the big three, transunion, etc., but they only give
transaction info once each six months, and do not provide the credit
score.
I never could understand how companies could take my information from wherever they choose, then try to sell that information about me to me. This one is different. CreditKarma.com.
I never could understand how companies could take my information from wherever they choose, then try to sell that information about me to me. This one is different. CreditKarma.com.
Uses for Aloe Vera
A friend recently dropped off some Aloe
Vera for the garden. I knew it had some great medicinal properties,
but found more on the web. Also found it survives the winter in
Texas. It is antibacterial and contains vitamins and minerals. Here
are a few topical and other uses.
- Slice aloe leaves lengthwise and use the inner sides as a biodegradable body scrub in the shower
- Rub on to treat burns from grease splatters or hot utensils
- Rub on to reduce sunburn sting
- Rub on to eliminate sting or itch from insect bites and allergic skin reactions
- Rub on to fight Athlete's Foot
- Rub on as moisturizer for dry skin, remove makeup, or for
shaving
- Soothe Psoriasis, Rosacea, Eczema, blisters, bruises, and
rashes
- Prevent scarring and stretch marks
- Reduce facial wrinkles
- After washing, apply to eliminate acne
- Decrease skin pigmentation and dark spots
- Drink to relieve indigestion, but not too much or can cause
diarrhea
- Take aloe orally to relieve heartburn, arthritis, and rheumatism pain
- Boil leaves in a pan of water and breathe in the vapor to reduce affects of asthma
Jul 25, 2014
Happy Friday
Laughter is the only music with no sour notes.
Music is like smiling out loud while enjoying a Happy Friday!
Music is like smiling out loud while enjoying a Happy Friday!
Placebo and Color Affect
Researchers found the
color of a package and a pill makes a difference in how it works.
In one study, every patient was given the exact same sedative, but
some patients received it in a blue pill and others in an orange
pill. The blue pill takers reported falling asleep 30 minutes
faster, and sleeping 30 minutes longer, than the orange pill
takers.
You likely know that you can give a person with a headache a Tic Tac, say it is medicine, and it may eliminate a headache just like an aspirin would, for reasons science doesn't completely understand. This phenomenon is also affected by color. In other words, how you perceive effectiveness affects effectiveness and color matters.
Subjects, in another study were told they would get a sedative or a stimulant, when they were actually getting placebos. Sixty six percent of the subjects who took blue pills reported feeling less alert, compared to only twenty six percent of those who took pink pills. It is because we have been conditioned to think that blue is tranquil.
In yet another study, when researchers put various fake medicine packages in front of subjects, the subjects picked certain colors of boxes over others. Warm colors like brown and red were perceived as more potent, especially if the shades were darker. This is why heart medicines are often red and brown, while skin medicines are yellow, and sleeping pills are often blue. Painkillers are most often white. All carefully chosen to match our perceptions.
The majority of fast food chains have red and yellow or orange in their logo, because these are stimulating colors. Lowfat containers, more often than not have blue on the package.
Color associations are also cultural. In America blue is a calming and peaceful color, but in Italy it is associated with the national soccer team. Researchers found that, rather than making him drowsy, a blue pill might send an Italian singing into the night.
You likely know that you can give a person with a headache a Tic Tac, say it is medicine, and it may eliminate a headache just like an aspirin would, for reasons science doesn't completely understand. This phenomenon is also affected by color. In other words, how you perceive effectiveness affects effectiveness and color matters.
Subjects, in another study were told they would get a sedative or a stimulant, when they were actually getting placebos. Sixty six percent of the subjects who took blue pills reported feeling less alert, compared to only twenty six percent of those who took pink pills. It is because we have been conditioned to think that blue is tranquil.
In yet another study, when researchers put various fake medicine packages in front of subjects, the subjects picked certain colors of boxes over others. Warm colors like brown and red were perceived as more potent, especially if the shades were darker. This is why heart medicines are often red and brown, while skin medicines are yellow, and sleeping pills are often blue. Painkillers are most often white. All carefully chosen to match our perceptions.
The majority of fast food chains have red and yellow or orange in their logo, because these are stimulating colors. Lowfat containers, more often than not have blue on the package.
Color associations are also cultural. In America blue is a calming and peaceful color, but in Italy it is associated with the national soccer team. Researchers found that, rather than making him drowsy, a blue pill might send an Italian singing into the night.
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