There is no shadow of doubt in the bright light of a smile.
I always double the lights by smiling in the mirror on a Happy
Friday!
Mar 18, 2016
March Equinox, Spring, Easter
March Equinox in Plano, Texas, U.S.A. is on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 11:30 PM CDT. The March equinox or Northward equinox is the equinox on the earth when the Sun appears to leave the southern hemisphere and cross the celestial equator, heading northward as seen from earth. In the northern hemisphere the March equinox is known as the vernal equinox, and in the southern hemisphere as the autumnal equinox. On the equinoxes the Sun shines directly on the equator and the length of day and night is nearly equal. This also signals the first day of Spring for the Northern Hemisphere or the first day of Fall in the Southern Hemisphere.
In 325CE the Council of Nicaea established that Easter would be held on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox.
In 325CE the Council of Nicaea established that Easter would be held on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox.
Spring Sunshine
The Sun's light reaches the surface of Earth about 8 minutes after it left the surface of the Sun. It takes 3 minutes to reach Mercury and about 4 hours to reach Neptune.
International Day of Happiness
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.
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.
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!
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