Sometimes when you want to learn how to make something obscure it can be hard getting any resources from the library or bookstore.
Or for example you wanted to start a project but did not know where to start. What do you do?
Well you're in luck as there are plenty of "how to" websites on the internet.
There are plenty of website you can visit to go for help. One of my favorite sights is http://www.videojug.com/ . It has an immense library of video help that you can follow step by step. There are plenty of other sites that are great and educational when you need help. How Stuff Works is a great website that basically gives you in laymen terms how stuff works, lol.
eHow and wikkihow are also great website for starting projects or just to have a plain goofy project (marshmallow blow gun) to do.
One of my favorite things to do is Sushi. Sometimes I may forget how to do sushi rice and I have to hop on videojug to remind me the rice vinegar/salt/sugar mix. Or how to roll sushi and it makes it so easy to learn visually by going to videojug and using one of their lessons to succesfully accomplish this.
Sushi rice link:
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-make-sushi-rice
Monday, November 24, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
#43: Buying & Selling Online
The internet has a special place in my heart. From peoples crazy antics, buying and selling online, web content and even down to those annoying banner ads.
If you've never tried to buy anything online you should give it a go. Alot of first time buyers are wary that they can be easily ripped off because of horror stories. The unknown is always feared and when you can't see who you are selling to then it makes it harder for a first time buyer.
This is why there are several reputable online retailers that you can shop at. Ebay is one of the biggest "auction" website you can shop at. Items are sold by online auction sellers and even reputable brick and mortar stores. You "search" from anything to video games systems to "Alaskan real moose poop earrings".
Then you can further refine your results by the time left and amount. Then you can bid on a item and if you have the highest bid for the item when time runs out then you've won. Then it's the matter of having to pay for it. It's pretty easy and selling is also as easy.
Sellers are rated on a system when you can pick a favorable or unfavorable feedback that goes to his lifetime feedback percentage. The higher the percentage the better and less unhappy customers he's had. A seller with a really low percentage is one to be avoided since you may or may not get the item in working condition. Also buying from a seller that hasn't sold or has sold only a few items is also a risk. He may have a real good percentage but he's not established and can still be a risk to you if you do buy from him.
When eBay works it's quite an easy place to buy items.
Now that you've picked an item to buy on ebay how do you pay. Again beign a first time buyer on the internet you may not want to give out your credit card information to faceless people on the internet. Well no fear there is a program called Paypal. It's basically the middle man between you and the seller online.
You register an online account and type in either a credit card of bank account information. They don't give out any of your information and they're also a place where you can complain and have action taken on a sellers account in case the seller doesn't want to help you.
It's pretty safe but like anything online you always have to be carefule. In case you receive any e-mail that your account will be suspended in case you don't visit the link they send you go directly to the website. Meaning type it in because the linked website may be a phished webpage. It's a look alike that gathers your information and may ask you information as a pin number or even social security number. Make sure you report this to the paypal fraud team and they can help bring the webpage down.
Usually by being safe and knowing what you're doing you can find old nostalgic items to a really cheap pair of shoes.
If you've never tried to buy anything online you should give it a go. Alot of first time buyers are wary that they can be easily ripped off because of horror stories. The unknown is always feared and when you can't see who you are selling to then it makes it harder for a first time buyer.
This is why there are several reputable online retailers that you can shop at. Ebay is one of the biggest "auction" website you can shop at. Items are sold by online auction sellers and even reputable brick and mortar stores. You "search" from anything to video games systems to "Alaskan real moose poop earrings".
Then you can further refine your results by the time left and amount. Then you can bid on a item and if you have the highest bid for the item when time runs out then you've won. Then it's the matter of having to pay for it. It's pretty easy and selling is also as easy.
Sellers are rated on a system when you can pick a favorable or unfavorable feedback that goes to his lifetime feedback percentage. The higher the percentage the better and less unhappy customers he's had. A seller with a really low percentage is one to be avoided since you may or may not get the item in working condition. Also buying from a seller that hasn't sold or has sold only a few items is also a risk. He may have a real good percentage but he's not established and can still be a risk to you if you do buy from him.
When eBay works it's quite an easy place to buy items.
Now that you've picked an item to buy on ebay how do you pay. Again beign a first time buyer on the internet you may not want to give out your credit card information to faceless people on the internet. Well no fear there is a program called Paypal. It's basically the middle man between you and the seller online.
You register an online account and type in either a credit card of bank account information. They don't give out any of your information and they're also a place where you can complain and have action taken on a sellers account in case the seller doesn't want to help you.
It's pretty safe but like anything online you always have to be carefule. In case you receive any e-mail that your account will be suspended in case you don't visit the link they send you go directly to the website. Meaning type it in because the linked website may be a phished webpage. It's a look alike that gathers your information and may ask you information as a pin number or even social security number. Make sure you report this to the paypal fraud team and they can help bring the webpage down.
Usually by being safe and knowing what you're doing you can find old nostalgic items to a really cheap pair of shoes.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
#42: Staying Well
So you've been exercising, been eating right and have had thorough doctor visits. But you're starting to developing symptoms of something you don't recognize. It scares you but at this you can stay calm because there are alot of medical websites out there that help identify the problem.
By hoping on the Mayo Clinic I typed in systems that I had when younger. I was a very active kid from 12-14 as any boy is. Running around causing parents problems, playing football, basketball and baseball. I started to develop pain around my knee areas and after playing my knees would really hurt and sometimes swell a bit. I added all of these inputs and it came out with Osgood Schlatter disease which is spot on.
Basically it happens in 1 to 5 kids. More in boys than girls and usually at a young age. I still have pieces of bone that slightly stick out on my knee area and the doctors at the time. It goes away usually by the time they hit 15 and if they don't stress the knee area.
It's a great website to find an answer to your symptoms.
Using the Medline Plus website:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/golocal/index.html
You can usually find resources for any condition that you have. From arthritis to the common cold. Because I have Hyperthyroidism I looked up the Texas area then choose Harris County from the list. I found that there are several different Endocronologist centers 10 miles from me and also Endocronologists Doctors.
This is another useful website to keep track of your health as you can find hundreds of doctors and facilities at your disposal.
Finally making a genealogy tree was a bit hard. Being as my family is from Honduras and we're the only one's here in Texas it's hard to get any medical information from them. I can only go as far my my father and mother.
By hoping on the Mayo Clinic I typed in systems that I had when younger. I was a very active kid from 12-14 as any boy is. Running around causing parents problems, playing football, basketball and baseball. I started to develop pain around my knee areas and after playing my knees would really hurt and sometimes swell a bit. I added all of these inputs and it came out with Osgood Schlatter disease which is spot on.
Basically it happens in 1 to 5 kids. More in boys than girls and usually at a young age. I still have pieces of bone that slightly stick out on my knee area and the doctors at the time. It goes away usually by the time they hit 15 and if they don't stress the knee area.
It's a great website to find an answer to your symptoms.
Using the Medline Plus website:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/golocal/index.html
You can usually find resources for any condition that you have. From arthritis to the common cold. Because I have Hyperthyroidism I looked up the Texas area then choose Harris County from the list. I found that there are several different Endocronologist centers 10 miles from me and also Endocronologists Doctors.
This is another useful website to keep track of your health as you can find hundreds of doctors and facilities at your disposal.
Finally making a genealogy tree was a bit hard. Being as my family is from Honduras and we're the only one's here in Texas it's hard to get any medical information from them. I can only go as far my my father and mother.
Wellness #41: Going green part 2
Living part two! Yes we are back with the living green. Yes as in living like Kermit the Frog he did say "It wasn't easy being green". That statement has never been more true.
Sometimes when thinking green you think solar panels or wind energy. But there are alot of different ways to live green. From driving slower to changing out unefficient light bulbs with energy saver lightbulbs.
Some changes are harder than others but any small change can add up over the years by saving our enviroment.
Checkout this website:
http://www.greenerchoices.org/globalwarmingathome.cfm
I see a couple of easy changes that can be done readily and without problems.
1. Changing out lightbulbs out with fluorescent light bulbs throughout the house. Not only does it save a year in in your electricity bills but you also save the enviroment.
2. Putting a computer to sleep is also easy and won't cost you anything unless you run the pc of course :). Usually PC's have an option to make the monitor fall asleep and after the computer thus saving electricity and your wallet.
Some of the other items I may have a hard time doing. For example here in Houston we feel the heat. If it was a dry Arizona heat it wouldn't be problem but no, we get instead the insane mix of humidity and heat. Not keeping the A/C running makes me and my computer sad. I can't live without it being on and my computer being so hot can't either. But I think having the air condition at 78c can be done and can save alot of electricty. I will have to install a ceiling fan to compensate but it'll be all worth it.
Sometimes when thinking green you think solar panels or wind energy. But there are alot of different ways to live green. From driving slower to changing out unefficient light bulbs with energy saver lightbulbs.
Some changes are harder than others but any small change can add up over the years by saving our enviroment.
Checkout this website:
http://www.greenerchoices.org/globalwarmingathome.cfm
I see a couple of easy changes that can be done readily and without problems.
1. Changing out lightbulbs out with fluorescent light bulbs throughout the house. Not only does it save a year in in your electricity bills but you also save the enviroment.
2. Putting a computer to sleep is also easy and won't cost you anything unless you run the pc of course :). Usually PC's have an option to make the monitor fall asleep and after the computer thus saving electricity and your wallet.
Some of the other items I may have a hard time doing. For example here in Houston we feel the heat. If it was a dry Arizona heat it wouldn't be problem but no, we get instead the insane mix of humidity and heat. Not keeping the A/C running makes me and my computer sad. I can't live without it being on and my computer being so hot can't either. But I think having the air condition at 78c can be done and can save alot of electricty. I will have to install a ceiling fan to compensate but it'll be all worth it.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Wellness #41: Going Green part 1
Lets talk about world wellness today. We've already talked about body wellness and how eating healthy and regular exercise was great for your body. Imagine if we put that same perspective in our little green planet called Earth.
We live on this beautiful planet and use it's resources to provide heat, homes, papers to share ideas and computers to connect globally. Just about anything you can imagine has come from some mineral or substance from Earth. But resources are not infinite and not all resources are able to be replenished.
We have to take care of our planet as we take care of our body and the returns will be not only for us but for future generations.
After calculating my personal emissions calculator I find that we are using an average amount of electricity/natural gas/oil. By driving around in a huge van that only averages 20 mpg I think that buying a new car that is smaller and receives at least 30 mpg would save so much on emissions.
Eating green is also a way to save on the global carbon footprint. By eating green and also buying locally you can not only receive fresher produce but also there is not need to drive far to deliver these fruits and vegetables.
Not only does it save gas and reduce the carbon foot print buying locally and organic means less insecticides polluting our planet.
If you've never been to the Farmer's Market here in Houston I suggest you go. They have some of the freshest produce you can buy in Houston. Depending on the season they offer different fruits and vegetables. I especially love going when nectars, tangerines and apples are in season as those are some of the best fruits you can buy fresh. Especially the smells and aroma coming off what has been harvested has never been funner.
We live on this beautiful planet and use it's resources to provide heat, homes, papers to share ideas and computers to connect globally. Just about anything you can imagine has come from some mineral or substance from Earth. But resources are not infinite and not all resources are able to be replenished.
We have to take care of our planet as we take care of our body and the returns will be not only for us but for future generations.
After calculating my personal emissions calculator I find that we are using an average amount of electricity/natural gas/oil. By driving around in a huge van that only averages 20 mpg I think that buying a new car that is smaller and receives at least 30 mpg would save so much on emissions.
Eating green is also a way to save on the global carbon footprint. By eating green and also buying locally you can not only receive fresher produce but also there is not need to drive far to deliver these fruits and vegetables.
Not only does it save gas and reduce the carbon foot print buying locally and organic means less insecticides polluting our planet.
If you've never been to the Farmer's Market here in Houston I suggest you go. They have some of the freshest produce you can buy in Houston. Depending on the season they offer different fruits and vegetables. I especially love going when nectars, tangerines and apples are in season as those are some of the best fruits you can buy fresh. Especially the smells and aroma coming off what has been harvested has never been funner.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
#39 Nutrion
Everyone I know eats. And without eating you'd die of starvation. Now we're a pretty complex race with what vitamins, minerals, liquids and solids we need to survive. Of course you can eat bread and cheese for awhile but you would suffer from iron deficiency.
Or for example sailors in our golden age of pirates. They would die from Scurvy which was a disease where your gums would bleed and teeth fall out. This could of been easily solved if they carried dried oranges for the Vitamin C.
Nutrition is a big part of our lives. From obesity to cholesterol your well being very important.
For information on what you eat and it's nutritional value check out this website:
http://www.nutritiondata.com/
For example looking up what you eat at the breakfast table to the midnight snack you'll realize that you may not be eating right. I found that alot of my foods that have a very high sodium/salt amount that can lead to high blood pressure.
While the apple dippers from Mcdonalds are relative healthy for you even with the low fat caramel sauce. Some other foods for example Kellog's Cereal with real bananas is surprisingly moderately high in inflammatory. I always thought that this was one of the healthiest things to eat other than oatmeal.
Also http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-calculator.asp is a great place to go to find information on your favorite recipes. It'll show you how to cut back or replace certain ingredients to lower any unecessary calories and cholesterol.
Here's one of my favorite recipes. Filet Mignon cooked on a iron fillet with Fetuccini Alfredo:
By replace a normal piece of bacon with Canadian Bacon and using a Ragu Classic Alfredo Sauce we see a huge difference in Calories and a big difference in Potassium.
Or for example sailors in our golden age of pirates. They would die from Scurvy which was a disease where your gums would bleed and teeth fall out. This could of been easily solved if they carried dried oranges for the Vitamin C.
Nutrition is a big part of our lives. From obesity to cholesterol your well being very important.
For information on what you eat and it's nutritional value check out this website:
http://www.nutritiondata.com/
For example looking up what you eat at the breakfast table to the midnight snack you'll realize that you may not be eating right. I found that alot of my foods that have a very high sodium/salt amount that can lead to high blood pressure.
While the apple dippers from Mcdonalds are relative healthy for you even with the low fat caramel sauce. Some other foods for example Kellog's Cereal with real bananas is surprisingly moderately high in inflammatory. I always thought that this was one of the healthiest things to eat other than oatmeal.
Also http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-calculator.asp is a great place to go to find information on your favorite recipes. It'll show you how to cut back or replace certain ingredients to lower any unecessary calories and cholesterol.
Here's one of my favorite recipes. Filet Mignon cooked on a iron fillet with Fetuccini Alfredo:
| Nutrition Facts
User Entered Recipe Filet Mignon w/ Fetuccini Alfredo:
| ||
| 1 Serving | ||
| ||
| Amount Per Serving | ||
| ||
| Calories | 1,354.6 | |
| ||
| Total Fat | 84.1 g | |
| ||
| | Saturated Fat | 32.7 g |
| ||
| | Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.5 g |
| ||
| | Monounsaturated Fat | 32.6 g |
| ||
| Cholesterol | 217.1 mg | |
| ||
| Sodium | 3,490.9 mg | |
| ||
| Potassium | 617.2 mg | |
| ||
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.9 g | |
| ||
| | Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g |
| ||
| | Sugars | 7.0 g |
| ||
| Protein | 85.5 g | |
| ||
By replace a normal piece of bacon with Canadian Bacon and using a Ragu Classic Alfredo Sauce we see a huge difference in Calories and a big difference in Potassium.
Nutrition Facts
User Entered Recipe
| ||
| 1 Serving | ||
| ||
| Amount Per Serving | ||
| ||
| Calories | 751.3 | |
| ||
| Total Fat | 29.9 g | |
| ||
| Saturated Fat | 12.4 g | |
| ||
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | |
| ||
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | |
| ||
| Cholesterol | 133.8 mg | |
| ||
| Sodium | 1,118.8 mg | |
| ||
| Potassium | 429.7 mg | |
| ||
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.0 g | |
| ||
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | |
| ||
| Sugars | 8.0 g | |
| ||
| Protein | 56.6 g | |
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
#40 Wellness
Houston is considered the one of the "fat" cities around. Because of our hot and humid weather, bad air quality and lack of outdoor recreation we Houstonians have packed on the pounds.
We as people seemed to have changed from working hard labor (tending fields, farming, living off the wilderness) to white collar jobs. This has affected our health as we are not as active as we used to be. Sitting in front of a computer all day is different than working on farm. And so we are not as active as our body would like.
Fortunately there are different ways to burn those calories whether you're stuck at a desk or riding along in a truck. Here is a website that will teach you how to do "Deskercise" so you can make your body feel great even when working at a desk job.
Clicky for Healthy:
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/exercise-at-your-desk
Figuring out my Body Mass Index was fun. Hop on this website to figure yours out:
http://www.exrx.net/Calculators/BMI.html
Here was my information:
Age:28
Height: 72 Inches (6 feet)
Weight: 175lbs
Here where my results:
BMI: 23.8
Population Average: 25.9
Classification: Healthy
That's a real good sign but I'm also moderately active. I'll go out and play basketball with friends or just throw a frisbee around for good measure.
Also for your estimated Calorie Count checkout this other website:
http://www.exrx.net/Calculators/CalRequire.html
After inputting some of my information here are some results:
BMR (Calories): 1886
Activity (Calories): 1179
Total Calories: 3065
Which is surprising because I did not know that I would need 3000+ calories to meet my needs. I usually eat up to 2500 calories give or take.
Also here is a questionnaire in case you'd like to know your life expectancy.
Click:
http://www.exrx.net/Calculators/HealthAge.html
After answering some questions I find that my life expectancy is 85.1 years. Which isn't half bad but I think by eating healthier and doing frequent checkups with my doctor we can extend that age by the least 2-3 years. I'm even thinking that we can get that number up to 90 years but by then I hope they'll have easily replaceable cyborg hips.
It was all very enlightening learning learning all this information and how a bit of exercise and healthy eating can make your so much healthier.
We as people seemed to have changed from working hard labor (tending fields, farming, living off the wilderness) to white collar jobs. This has affected our health as we are not as active as we used to be. Sitting in front of a computer all day is different than working on farm. And so we are not as active as our body would like.
Fortunately there are different ways to burn those calories whether you're stuck at a desk or riding along in a truck. Here is a website that will teach you how to do "Deskercise" so you can make your body feel great even when working at a desk job.
Clicky for Healthy:
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/exercise-at-your-desk
Figuring out my Body Mass Index was fun. Hop on this website to figure yours out:
http://www.exrx.net/Calculators/BMI.html
Here was my information:
Age:28
Height: 72 Inches (6 feet)
Weight: 175lbs
Here where my results:
BMI: 23.8
Population Average: 25.9
Classification: Healthy
That's a real good sign but I'm also moderately active. I'll go out and play basketball with friends or just throw a frisbee around for good measure.
Also for your estimated Calorie Count checkout this other website:
http://www.exrx.net/Calculators/CalRequire.html
After inputting some of my information here are some results:
BMR (Calories): 1886
Activity (Calories): 1179
Total Calories: 3065
Which is surprising because I did not know that I would need 3000+ calories to meet my needs. I usually eat up to 2500 calories give or take.
Also here is a questionnaire in case you'd like to know your life expectancy.
Click:
http://www.exrx.net/Calculators/HealthAge.html
After answering some questions I find that my life expectancy is 85.1 years. Which isn't half bad but I think by eating healthier and doing frequent checkups with my doctor we can extend that age by the least 2-3 years. I'm even thinking that we can get that number up to 90 years but by then I hope they'll have easily replaceable cyborg hips.
It was all very enlightening learning learning all this information and how a bit of exercise and healthy eating can make your so much healthier.
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