For a fun organic money saver, you can grow your
own herbs with leftovers. Below are a few favorites.
Mint is an easy-to-grow perennial herb. Snip a stem off
the plant so it measures about 2-3 inches lengthwise just below
the leaf node (where the leaves begin to grow). Remove the lower
leaves for use in your recipe, but leave a few at the top. Place
the stem in a glass of water on a windowsill that receives
sunshine. The mint will develop roots within a few weeks. Change
the water when it starts to look murky. About a week after roots
appear, plant in a pot with soil and continue to water as
necessary. Keep it contained, as it develops runners and spreads
quickly in a garden.
Rosemary is a great addition to pork chops, roasted
meats, fish, and vegetables. Snip a few sprigs of rosemary from
2-3 inches off the top of the plant and pull away the lowest
leaves, leaving a few at the top. Place the sprigs in a small
glass with the stem fully immersed in water on a windowsill.
Change the water every few days. Rosemary is slow to produce new
roots and can take two months or longer before you see progress.
About a week after roots appear, transfer the plant to soil.
Lemon Balm, Oregano, Sage, Thyme - The process for
regrowing these is identical to regrowing rosemary or mint. You
can even combine all in the same glass to save space, but do not
pack too close as the roots will tangle.
Parsley only grows for two gardening seasons and then
dies. In its first year it produces the delicious leaves that
are commonly used for sauces and the second year it goes to
seed. A benefit of its final year are its edible roots, which
are considered the most flavorful part of the plant. The process
for regrowing parsley is identical to the others above.
Fennel is slightly sweet and licorice-flavored in taste
and great for poultry. I use dried fennel on pizza. The
directions for growing this is different from the others. Cut
off the fennel stalks and place the fennel bulb fully submerged
in a bowl of water. Place in direct sunlight and change the
water every few days. New fennel stems will grow within a few
days.
Jun 17, 2016
Grilling Tip
Toss some potato chips or Doritos on top
of coals and light them. They will burn for long enough to start
your coals and there is no fuel smell.
Phone and Medical Info
There is an app that is pre-loaded on iPhone and
available for Android that could save your life or the life of
someone you love.
It is the Health app, which includes Medical ID. You can use Medical ID to list the names of your emergency contacts, their phone numbers, special instructions, your health ailments, and any medications you are taking or allergic to, that emergency personnel should know about.
Paramedics may not have time to access this information on your phone in an emergency, so it is not meant to replace a medical ID bracelet. However, if time is available, emergency personnel usually know they can swipe for this information.
For iPhones, Tap on Medical ID > Edit. Then turn on Show When Locked. This ensures that first responders can see your medical information even when your iPhone screen is locked. To make an emergency call or to see your Medical ID, wake up your phone by swiping left to right > tap Emergency > make emergency call or tap Medical ID to see the stored medical information.
For Android users solutions vary by manufacturer. Under Settings, look for an Emergency Contact-type feature. It may be under My Information. If so, fill in your medical information and emergency contact numbers.
To add an Emergency Contact to your phone lock screen, tap Settings > Lock Screen > check mark Owner Info > Tap the small icon to the right of Owner Info > type in your emergency contact name and phone number after owner name. This information will scroll across your lock screen even when it is locked.
It is the Health app, which includes Medical ID. You can use Medical ID to list the names of your emergency contacts, their phone numbers, special instructions, your health ailments, and any medications you are taking or allergic to, that emergency personnel should know about.
Paramedics may not have time to access this information on your phone in an emergency, so it is not meant to replace a medical ID bracelet. However, if time is available, emergency personnel usually know they can swipe for this information.
For iPhones, Tap on Medical ID > Edit. Then turn on Show When Locked. This ensures that first responders can see your medical information even when your iPhone screen is locked. To make an emergency call or to see your Medical ID, wake up your phone by swiping left to right > tap Emergency > make emergency call or tap Medical ID to see the stored medical information.
For Android users solutions vary by manufacturer. Under Settings, look for an Emergency Contact-type feature. It may be under My Information. If so, fill in your medical information and emergency contact numbers.
To add an Emergency Contact to your phone lock screen, tap Settings > Lock Screen > check mark Owner Info > Tap the small icon to the right of Owner Info > type in your emergency contact name and phone number after owner name. This information will scroll across your lock screen even when it is locked.
You Need to Laugh More
Many folks do not laugh enough. This guy has upped
his laughing to a fine art. A few moments of pure fun. LINK
Jun 10, 2016
Happy Friday
"He who sows courtesy
reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love."
I am sowing and planting to reap the benefits of a Happy Friday!
I am sowing and planting to reap the benefits of a Happy Friday!
Gas Prices
According to Bloomberg, WTI oil is at $49.61 per barrel, and Brent is at $49.60 per barrel. On Memorial Day 2015, Brent was at $65.37 per barrel, and two years ago Brent was at $110.01.
Flights Perspective
When Orville Wright died, (January 30, 1948 age 76), Neil Armstrong was 17 years old (born August 5, 1930).
The American Wright brothers, inventors, and aviation pioneers are generally credited with inventing, building, and flying the world's first successful airplane. They made the first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft on December 17, 1903. Neil was the first man to walk on the moon July 20, 1969, sixty six years later. The first Mars landing was July 21, 1976, seven years later.
The American Wright brothers, inventors, and aviation pioneers are generally credited with inventing, building, and flying the world's first successful airplane. They made the first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft on December 17, 1903. Neil was the first man to walk on the moon July 20, 1969, sixty six years later. The first Mars landing was July 21, 1976, seven years later.
Why Clockwise
If you could look directly at the North Pole from space, it would appear to spin counterclockwise. Given that spin, when a stick is placed in the ground parallel to the Earth’s axis in Egypt, the shadow cast by the stick as the Sun moves across the sky will move in a clockwise direction and a similarly placed stick in Australia would cast a shadow that moves counterclockwise.
As far back as when the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians were fashioning their first shadow clocks (~3,500 BC), the measurement of time moved in a clockwise direction. Even as more precise timekeeping methods came about, sundials (which began in earnest around 1,500 BC) remained popular throughout the middle ages and beyond, given their simplicity of construction and relative reliability. In fact, early mechanical clocks were often regularly calibrated to nearby sundials.
So, when mechanical clocks were introduced in Europe in the 14th century, their inventors were quite familiar with sundials and the clockwise direction that their shadows moved and marked time. Accordingly, by the end of that century when even cathedral clocks were sporting clock faces, they were made in imitation of their sundial forbears, with hands that moved in a clockwise direction.
The words clockwise and counterclockwise with present meaning did not appear in English until the 1870s.
The use of wise to mean a way of proceeding dates back to Old English. Clock dates to the invention of modern mechanical clocks during the 14th century. It is thought to come from either clokke (Middle Dutch), cloque (Old North French) or clocca (Medieval Latin) which all meant bell. Some of the earliest mechanical clocks were simply designed to strike a bell at set intervals, perhaps to announce prayer times or simply ring on the hour. Many early clocks did not have a face. Before they were called clocks, these early mechanical clocks were called horologia, from the Greek for “hour” (ὡρα) and “to tell” (λέγειν).
Incidentally, screws turn clockwise because our ancestors learned that right-handed people (about 80% of people) are stronger when they screw clockwise (righty tighty, lefty loosey).
As far back as when the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians were fashioning their first shadow clocks (~3,500 BC), the measurement of time moved in a clockwise direction. Even as more precise timekeeping methods came about, sundials (which began in earnest around 1,500 BC) remained popular throughout the middle ages and beyond, given their simplicity of construction and relative reliability. In fact, early mechanical clocks were often regularly calibrated to nearby sundials.
So, when mechanical clocks were introduced in Europe in the 14th century, their inventors were quite familiar with sundials and the clockwise direction that their shadows moved and marked time. Accordingly, by the end of that century when even cathedral clocks were sporting clock faces, they were made in imitation of their sundial forbears, with hands that moved in a clockwise direction.
The words clockwise and counterclockwise with present meaning did not appear in English until the 1870s.
The use of wise to mean a way of proceeding dates back to Old English. Clock dates to the invention of modern mechanical clocks during the 14th century. It is thought to come from either clokke (Middle Dutch), cloque (Old North French) or clocca (Medieval Latin) which all meant bell. Some of the earliest mechanical clocks were simply designed to strike a bell at set intervals, perhaps to announce prayer times or simply ring on the hour. Many early clocks did not have a face. Before they were called clocks, these early mechanical clocks were called horologia, from the Greek for “hour” (ὡρα) and “to tell” (λέγειν).
Incidentally, screws turn clockwise because our ancestors learned that right-handed people (about 80% of people) are stronger when they screw clockwise (righty tighty, lefty loosey).
Screw This
Since at least 1725 screw has meant to copulate. Not having your head screwed on right has been an expression since at least 1821. The screwball as a pitch dates back to 1866. Since 1900 it has meant to cheat or defraud. Screw-up as a person began during 1933. “To screw up” dates from 1942. Finally the screwdriver cocktail traces its roots to 1956.
The six great simple machines are the screw, the inclined plane, the lever, the pulley, the wedge, and the wheel and axle.
The six great simple machines are the screw, the inclined plane, the lever, the pulley, the wedge, and the wheel and axle.
Browser Tip
Have you ever closed a tab in your browser and then wish you didn't?
Hold down Ctrl and Shift and hit the letter T, the tab will reappear. (This works in at least Chrome, IE, and Firefox.)
Hold down Ctrl and Shift and hit the letter T, the tab will reappear. (This works in at least Chrome, IE, and Firefox.)
Aspirin and Heart Attack
Your chest feels heavy, as if you are in a vise and the pain is spreading to your jaw and shoulder. What to do, call 911, then chew a single uncoated full-size 325-mg aspirin.
The reason you need aspirin is the same reason you should call 911. A heart attack is a dynamic event, and early intervention can limit damage. Paramedics can give you oxygen and medication, and they will monitor your blood pressure and heart rhythm to forestall complications. In the hospital, doctors take EKGs and blood tests to see if you are having a heart attack; if so, they will usually try to open the blocked artery with an angioplasty and stent or a clot-busting drug.
Most heart attacks develop when a cholesterol-laden plaque in a coronary artery ruptures. Relatively small plaques, which produce partial blockages, are the ones most likely to rupture. When they do, they attract platelets to their surface. Platelets are the tiny blood cells that trigger blood clotting. A clot builds up on the ruptured plaque. As the clot grows, it blocks the artery. If the blockage is complete, it deprives a portion of the heart muscle of oxygen. As a result, muscle cells die, a heart attack.
Aspirin helps by inhibiting platelets and just a tiny amount is needed to inhibit all the platelets in the bloodstream. Since the clot grows minute by minute, time is of the essence.
Studies show that a chewed aspirin needs only five minutes to reduce TxB2 concentrations by 50% and 14 minutes for the chewed tablet to produce maximal platelet inhibition, versus 26 minutes for an unchewed aspirin swallowed with water.
Aspirin can also help prevent heart attacks in patients with coronary artery disease and in healthy men over 50 years of age. Low doses, between 81 and 325 mg a day, are needed.
The reason you need aspirin is the same reason you should call 911. A heart attack is a dynamic event, and early intervention can limit damage. Paramedics can give you oxygen and medication, and they will monitor your blood pressure and heart rhythm to forestall complications. In the hospital, doctors take EKGs and blood tests to see if you are having a heart attack; if so, they will usually try to open the blocked artery with an angioplasty and stent or a clot-busting drug.
Most heart attacks develop when a cholesterol-laden plaque in a coronary artery ruptures. Relatively small plaques, which produce partial blockages, are the ones most likely to rupture. When they do, they attract platelets to their surface. Platelets are the tiny blood cells that trigger blood clotting. A clot builds up on the ruptured plaque. As the clot grows, it blocks the artery. If the blockage is complete, it deprives a portion of the heart muscle of oxygen. As a result, muscle cells die, a heart attack.
Aspirin helps by inhibiting platelets and just a tiny amount is needed to inhibit all the platelets in the bloodstream. Since the clot grows minute by minute, time is of the essence.
Studies show that a chewed aspirin needs only five minutes to reduce TxB2 concentrations by 50% and 14 minutes for the chewed tablet to produce maximal platelet inhibition, versus 26 minutes for an unchewed aspirin swallowed with water.
Aspirin can also help prevent heart attacks in patients with coronary artery disease and in healthy men over 50 years of age. Low doses, between 81 and 325 mg a day, are needed.
Mustard Facts
People have been eating mustard since biblical times.
Mustard's variety is staggering, but it all comes down to one plant in the Brassica family and three types of seeds it produces: white, also referred to as yellow, because it is light yellow in color; brown, and black. The majority of commercial mustard is made with white or brown mustard seeds, or a mix of the two.
Black seeds are rarely used for mustard. They are sold whole at Indian markets and are common in Indian cooking.
Prepared mustard in a jar is: dried mustard seeds mixed with water and some other liquid, typically vinegar to get that chemical reaction going. Dry mustard or mustard flour is the dried seeds ground to a fine powder. It is in the spice section of the store.
Brown seeds carry more pronounced heat than white seeds. The addition of other ingredients, such as wine or beer instead of vinegar, spices, herbs and the degree to which the seeds are milled give prepared mustard its personality and flavor.
Yellow or American ballpark - The classic hot dog condiment gets its bright hue from turmeric, not from the ground white seeds from which it’s made. It is acidic, but not spicy hot.
Dijon - A silky smooth mustard made with brown seeds. Dijon is made in Dijon, France and must adhere to strict standards as defined by the government, but no such US standards exist. What is sold in the US as 'Dijon-style' mustard is less flavorful than the original.
Deli or American brown - This deli staple made from brown seeds is mildly spicy and not as tart as yellow mustard.
Chinese - Hot dry mustard is ground brown seeds mixed with water. The mustard that comes with egg rolls at a Chinese restaurant is in this category.
English - This mustard is made from white and brown seeds. It is most often seen in powdered form, but also sold in jars.
German - These mustards range in flavor, texture, and heat, but the two most popular styles, both made primarily with the brown seed, are hot and smooth. Bavarian-style, is coarser, milder, and sweeter.
Whole or coarse grain - This is made from a mix of whole and ground seeds, usually the brown.
Mustard, whole mustard seeds, and dry mustard retain their flavor for years. Keep both in a dark, cool spot. Jar mustard, even flavored ones can last for well over a year, but may lose its zing over time. The best way to keep jar mustard fresh is to refrigerate before even opening.
Incidentally, there is a National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin, US.
Mustard's variety is staggering, but it all comes down to one plant in the Brassica family and three types of seeds it produces: white, also referred to as yellow, because it is light yellow in color; brown, and black. The majority of commercial mustard is made with white or brown mustard seeds, or a mix of the two.
Black seeds are rarely used for mustard. They are sold whole at Indian markets and are common in Indian cooking.
Prepared mustard in a jar is: dried mustard seeds mixed with water and some other liquid, typically vinegar to get that chemical reaction going. Dry mustard or mustard flour is the dried seeds ground to a fine powder. It is in the spice section of the store.
Brown seeds carry more pronounced heat than white seeds. The addition of other ingredients, such as wine or beer instead of vinegar, spices, herbs and the degree to which the seeds are milled give prepared mustard its personality and flavor.
Yellow or American ballpark - The classic hot dog condiment gets its bright hue from turmeric, not from the ground white seeds from which it’s made. It is acidic, but not spicy hot.
Dijon - A silky smooth mustard made with brown seeds. Dijon is made in Dijon, France and must adhere to strict standards as defined by the government, but no such US standards exist. What is sold in the US as 'Dijon-style' mustard is less flavorful than the original.
Deli or American brown - This deli staple made from brown seeds is mildly spicy and not as tart as yellow mustard.
Chinese - Hot dry mustard is ground brown seeds mixed with water. The mustard that comes with egg rolls at a Chinese restaurant is in this category.
English - This mustard is made from white and brown seeds. It is most often seen in powdered form, but also sold in jars.
German - These mustards range in flavor, texture, and heat, but the two most popular styles, both made primarily with the brown seed, are hot and smooth. Bavarian-style, is coarser, milder, and sweeter.
Whole or coarse grain - This is made from a mix of whole and ground seeds, usually the brown.
Mustard, whole mustard seeds, and dry mustard retain their flavor for years. Keep both in a dark, cool spot. Jar mustard, even flavored ones can last for well over a year, but may lose its zing over time. The best way to keep jar mustard fresh is to refrigerate before even opening.
Incidentally, there is a National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin, US.
Jun 3, 2016
Happy Friday
Humor is a tonic for the mind and body.
I always have some tonic to help celebrate a Happy Friday!
I always have some tonic to help celebrate a Happy Friday!
Happy Doughnut Day
It is celebrated every first Friday in June. This day is set aside holey in its honor. Go out and get a dozen and enjoy.
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