1. Color-there are days we need a shot of adrenaline before we even get out of bed, & colors can help with that, be more alive with color.
2. Get a whiff of citrus!
3. Eat For Energy-drink a glass of water, eat a protein rich breakfast, enjoy a brown-bag lunch, snack on twizzlers or popcorn, sip an herbal tea!
4. Get The Giggles :)
5. Dab on a jasmine-infused fragrance
6. Sit Up Straight!
7. Enjoy your daily cup of joe
8. Pop a peppermint!
9. Be Nice to a Stranger
10.Rise n seek Sunshine
11.Oil the Squeaky Lock
12.Beware of energy vampires-the chronic talker,the sob sister,the blamer,the controller,theco-for-the-jugular friend,
13.Forgive & Forget
14.Show your hands some love - roll a golf ball tween your hand and desktop to wrist.
15.EXHALE
16.Pull your Hair, literally!-relieve tension, get the blood flowing to scalp
17.Do interval exercise in the morning.
18.Crank up the Michael Jackson or your fave pump-up-the-energy tunes.
19.Write a thank you note.
20.Embrace the three-minute meditation.
21.Fill a vase with fresh flowers.
22.End your shower with a Burst of Cold water :)
23.Think like a golfer: whatever goes thru your mind during the 30 mins before you sleep is replayed throughout the night in your dreams, so think of 3 successes you had during the day to ensure you wake up feeling like an achiever!
24.Turn your World Upside Down- any inverted pose is energizing!
25.Settle in for a rejuvenating night's sleep-Ditch the blackberry, think pink, calming effect.
**Try these let me know which worked for you! SMILE its Hump Day Wednesday :)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Moneywise - Health Care Reform
Buy Paintings & Prints From Emerging Artists: Ugallery.com showcases works by art students from colleges nationwide. Best of all, the site allows you to to try out a piece for a week to see how it looks in your home with NO penalty & FREE return shipping.
Get Deals on Antiques Online: A recent search on shopgoodwill.com turned up a vintage desk lamp for $6 & an old-fashioned sewing machine for $16. Also visit icollector.com for bargains on everything from Persian rugs to pottery.
Go with Custom Furniture: A local carpenter may charge less to build a no-frills piece, like a bookcase without moldings, than what you would pay for a similar item in a chain store...paint it yourself to save more.
Although some provisions of the patient Protection & Affordable Care Act won't be enacted until 2014, such as a ban on charging women more than men for the same ins. policy, a number of crusial changes become law this year. What you need to know!
*More Services will be Paid for In Full. Going forward, policies will be required to cover checkups, immunizations, & preventative tests, such as cancer screenings. You won't be charged co-pays or out-of-pocket costs, & the services are covered in full, regardless of any deductible you haven't met.
*Lifetime Limits are History: Insurers will be prohibited from capping what they pay out.
*Your Children can Remain on your Policy until Age 26: Previously kids in some states were on their own at age 18. Since many young adults don't have jobs with benefits, this change will allow them to keep affordable coverage.
*Kids with Preexisting conditions Cannot Be Denied Coverage: However, it's not yet clear whether companies can charge higher premiums for children w/prior health issues
*Insurers Have to Spend More Money to Care: 80-85% of company revenues must now go toward health care(as opposed to say, marketing)And that may put money in your pocket. Starting in 2011, if they break the rules, the federal govt can direct them to give you a rebate.
June is The Best time to Buy...Dishware: Shop Sales at retailers such as Pier 1 Imports and West Elm for 25 to 50 percent off.
by the numbers: 43% of consumers who switched to generic packaged goods prefer them to more expensive brands. Who needs a Fancy Label? More than 57% of grocery-store customers say they buy brands frequently--an all-time high, according to a recent survey. Private-label rice, frozen fruits & vegetables, & canned goods, in particular, are top sellers, say retailers.
*Thumbs-Up to SAM'S CLUB -- the wholesaler now offers its members free tech support on electronic devices, even if they weren't purchased at Sam's Club. Experts are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide assitance, setup, & troubleshooting on computers, TVs, home-theater systems, digital-music players & more. When control-alt-delete just doesn't cut it, dial 877-758-4346.
***SMILE! Drink Water if it's 80* or above AND buy someone lunch today :)
Get Deals on Antiques Online: A recent search on shopgoodwill.com turned up a vintage desk lamp for $6 & an old-fashioned sewing machine for $16. Also visit icollector.com for bargains on everything from Persian rugs to pottery.
Go with Custom Furniture: A local carpenter may charge less to build a no-frills piece, like a bookcase without moldings, than what you would pay for a similar item in a chain store...paint it yourself to save more.
Although some provisions of the patient Protection & Affordable Care Act won't be enacted until 2014, such as a ban on charging women more than men for the same ins. policy, a number of crusial changes become law this year. What you need to know!
*More Services will be Paid for In Full. Going forward, policies will be required to cover checkups, immunizations, & preventative tests, such as cancer screenings. You won't be charged co-pays or out-of-pocket costs, & the services are covered in full, regardless of any deductible you haven't met.
*Lifetime Limits are History: Insurers will be prohibited from capping what they pay out.
*Your Children can Remain on your Policy until Age 26: Previously kids in some states were on their own at age 18. Since many young adults don't have jobs with benefits, this change will allow them to keep affordable coverage.
*Kids with Preexisting conditions Cannot Be Denied Coverage: However, it's not yet clear whether companies can charge higher premiums for children w/prior health issues
*Insurers Have to Spend More Money to Care: 80-85% of company revenues must now go toward health care(as opposed to say, marketing)And that may put money in your pocket. Starting in 2011, if they break the rules, the federal govt can direct them to give you a rebate.
June is The Best time to Buy...Dishware: Shop Sales at retailers such as Pier 1 Imports and West Elm for 25 to 50 percent off.
by the numbers: 43% of consumers who switched to generic packaged goods prefer them to more expensive brands. Who needs a Fancy Label? More than 57% of grocery-store customers say they buy brands frequently--an all-time high, according to a recent survey. Private-label rice, frozen fruits & vegetables, & canned goods, in particular, are top sellers, say retailers.
*Thumbs-Up to SAM'S CLUB -- the wholesaler now offers its members free tech support on electronic devices, even if they weren't purchased at Sam's Club. Experts are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide assitance, setup, & troubleshooting on computers, TVs, home-theater systems, digital-music players & more. When control-alt-delete just doesn't cut it, dial 877-758-4346.
***SMILE! Drink Water if it's 80* or above AND buy someone lunch today :)
Sunday, June 20, 2010
What's New in Social Media..a few Tools
Where Are We Today?
Scheduling and Networking new site too use is Tungle.me a FREE online calendar you can use so you for making a definate time to get together, as opposed to sending numerous emails over & over - the person can SEE what date your available.
LinkedIn - did you know they have had a 31% Growth in 1 yr! 40% of members are earning over $100,000.
The Nielson Company - they find companies by industries; Adwords is how they filter amongst all the resumes etc they get at any given time, 1 way at least.
http://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal - Words too use for people searching for information on something.
Emurse.com - Main benefit is it shows you how many people have view your resume.
Indeed.com - On Facebook go to application, click it & you can use, it will send jobs to your FB page, Also, 'job search agent' on Facebook, brings different jobs to your page. Something to try; pipl.com and spokeo.com
LinkedIn Badge - easy to post on your Facebook page as well as syncing with LinkedIn
Slide Share presentations - you can show those on your Facebook page of something you have or want to present, others can view.
Facebook you can click the RSS Blog link as well, put it on your page.
Business Cards: like them on Facebook, then go to application and download it
Socially: like them on Facebook, go to application put in passwords and it also has a link to your Twitter and LinkedIn accounts.
**Hope some of these are helpful, USA this Wed night! Everyone have a AWESOME week!:)
Scheduling and Networking new site too use is Tungle.me a FREE online calendar you can use so you for making a definate time to get together, as opposed to sending numerous emails over & over - the person can SEE what date your available.
LinkedIn - did you know they have had a 31% Growth in 1 yr! 40% of members are earning over $100,000.
The Nielson Company - they find companies by industries; Adwords is how they filter amongst all the resumes etc they get at any given time, 1 way at least.
http://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal - Words too use for people searching for information on something.
Emurse.com - Main benefit is it shows you how many people have view your resume.
Indeed.com - On Facebook go to application, click it & you can use, it will send jobs to your FB page, Also, 'job search agent' on Facebook, brings different jobs to your page. Something to try; pipl.com and spokeo.com
LinkedIn Badge - easy to post on your Facebook page as well as syncing with LinkedIn
Slide Share presentations - you can show those on your Facebook page of something you have or want to present, others can view.
Facebook you can click the RSS Blog link as well, put it on your page.
Business Cards: like them on Facebook, then go to application and download it
Socially: like them on Facebook, go to application put in passwords and it also has a link to your Twitter and LinkedIn accounts.
**Hope some of these are helpful, USA this Wed night! Everyone have a AWESOME week!:)
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
10 ways to find more pleasure every day
1. Play That Song You Love So Much. Repeat. - as any preschooler can tell you, repetition nurtures pleasure. When you experience something more than once, you notice more details about it each time, thereby increasing your enjoyment. That's why you love revisiting that jazz standard, favorite roast chicken recipe, & beloved old Woody Allen movie. Of course, you can overdo it. The effect of repetition on pleasure is an inverted U:You appreciate something more & more over time until, abruptly, it becomes repellent to you. Which is why no one you know can bear to listen to that "I get knocked down, but I get up again" song anymore.
2. Seek Out The Sommelier. - In all areas of our lives, our sensory reactions are affected by the depth of our knowledge. Take wine, for example. If you want to enjoy it more fully, you don't have to shell out hundreds for a bottle of Chateau Lynch-Bages; you simply need to learn about the vino you are already drinking. Buy a wine encyclopedia, take a class-or head to a restaurant with a sommelier who likes to educate patrons during the meal. You won't just think aboutr wine differently; you will taste it differently.
3. Don't Buy Boxed Sets of DVDs. - Economist Tyler Cowen says that much of the joy we get from our purchases lies in the experience of seeking them out, getting them home, & opening them up. If you receive 18 DVDs in one package, you'll use up the buzz all at once. Buy them one at a time and space out the pleasure.
4. Keep Your Child's Baby Shoes in Your Desk at Work. - You know how you keep a bag of almonds in your drawer in case you need an energy boost in the afternoon? Place something emotionally resonant there as well for the times your mood needs a quick lift. Stash a few objects that are connected with treasured experiences-say, that 1997 vacation to Barcelona-and occasionally take a moment to pick up one of these items and look at it closely. Elation is sure to follow.
5. Read or Watch or Participate In Something That Takes Your Breath Away. - A recent study found that people seek out newspaper articles that inspire awe-that hard -to-define feeling we get when we're exposed to great beauty, power, or accomplishment. This pleasurable tickle is uniquely human and can be achieved in multiple ways: praying, watching nature programs, and reading stories of personal triumph, to name a few. Whatever gives you that lump-in-your-throat feeling, pursue it any way u can.
6. Look Outside. - Our species has spent almost all of its existence on the African savanna, surrounded by trees, water & sky. The world in which most of us spend our time nowadays is unnatural & can corrode the spirit. Even a small dose of nature elevates our mood. But accept no substitutes! Psychologist Peter Kahn Jr put 50-inch
high-definition TVs into windowless offices of faculty & staff members at the Univ. of Washington in Seattle, then streamed in a live view of a natural scene. It turned out that these HDTVs did nothing for the participants' physiological stress response. What worked? A window with a view of a humdrum landscape, like the parking lot an office building, is more emotionally satisfying than the most beautiful travel poster.
7. Pet a Dog(Any Dog). - You may have heard this before, but it bears repeating: Physical contact with animals works wonders. It increases the brain chemicals associated with pleasure & decreases those associated with stress. Even people without pets can get some of the effect by hanging out for a few minutes at a dog run.
8. Grin & Bear It. - Isn't it annoying when you're a little blue & your friends & family tell you to smile? Well, like it or not, smiling is a mood booster. Here's why: People react better to you when you look happy, leading to a reinforcing cycle of good vibes. Plus, thanks to something called "facial feedback" looking happy (oddly enough) fools your brain into thinking that you 'are' happy.
9. Give. - Humans are altruistic by nature: If we act generously, we feel joyful. Go ahead and try it. Go to the website of a favorite charity and make a donation. It doesn't have to be a lot-just enough to get a small burst of pride in your chest.
10. Make The Bath As Hot As You Can Stand It. - Psychologist Paul Rozin has argued that people get a kick from "benign masochism"-that is, controlled exposure to low level discomfort(think spicy chili peppers & saunas). Maybe we love the endorphin rush. Or just the delightful contrast when we ultimately escape from the pain. Regardless, it pays to pamper yourself occasionally with a bit-just a bit-of suffering.
TEAM USA SOCCER GO FOR WIN JUNE 18! SMILE AT SOMEONE TODAY :)
2. Seek Out The Sommelier. - In all areas of our lives, our sensory reactions are affected by the depth of our knowledge. Take wine, for example. If you want to enjoy it more fully, you don't have to shell out hundreds for a bottle of Chateau Lynch-Bages; you simply need to learn about the vino you are already drinking. Buy a wine encyclopedia, take a class-or head to a restaurant with a sommelier who likes to educate patrons during the meal. You won't just think aboutr wine differently; you will taste it differently.
3. Don't Buy Boxed Sets of DVDs. - Economist Tyler Cowen says that much of the joy we get from our purchases lies in the experience of seeking them out, getting them home, & opening them up. If you receive 18 DVDs in one package, you'll use up the buzz all at once. Buy them one at a time and space out the pleasure.
4. Keep Your Child's Baby Shoes in Your Desk at Work. - You know how you keep a bag of almonds in your drawer in case you need an energy boost in the afternoon? Place something emotionally resonant there as well for the times your mood needs a quick lift. Stash a few objects that are connected with treasured experiences-say, that 1997 vacation to Barcelona-and occasionally take a moment to pick up one of these items and look at it closely. Elation is sure to follow.
5. Read or Watch or Participate In Something That Takes Your Breath Away. - A recent study found that people seek out newspaper articles that inspire awe-that hard -to-define feeling we get when we're exposed to great beauty, power, or accomplishment. This pleasurable tickle is uniquely human and can be achieved in multiple ways: praying, watching nature programs, and reading stories of personal triumph, to name a few. Whatever gives you that lump-in-your-throat feeling, pursue it any way u can.
6. Look Outside. - Our species has spent almost all of its existence on the African savanna, surrounded by trees, water & sky. The world in which most of us spend our time nowadays is unnatural & can corrode the spirit. Even a small dose of nature elevates our mood. But accept no substitutes! Psychologist Peter Kahn Jr put 50-inch
high-definition TVs into windowless offices of faculty & staff members at the Univ. of Washington in Seattle, then streamed in a live view of a natural scene. It turned out that these HDTVs did nothing for the participants' physiological stress response. What worked? A window with a view of a humdrum landscape, like the parking lot an office building, is more emotionally satisfying than the most beautiful travel poster.
7. Pet a Dog(Any Dog). - You may have heard this before, but it bears repeating: Physical contact with animals works wonders. It increases the brain chemicals associated with pleasure & decreases those associated with stress. Even people without pets can get some of the effect by hanging out for a few minutes at a dog run.
8. Grin & Bear It. - Isn't it annoying when you're a little blue & your friends & family tell you to smile? Well, like it or not, smiling is a mood booster. Here's why: People react better to you when you look happy, leading to a reinforcing cycle of good vibes. Plus, thanks to something called "facial feedback" looking happy (oddly enough) fools your brain into thinking that you 'are' happy.
9. Give. - Humans are altruistic by nature: If we act generously, we feel joyful. Go ahead and try it. Go to the website of a favorite charity and make a donation. It doesn't have to be a lot-just enough to get a small burst of pride in your chest.
10. Make The Bath As Hot As You Can Stand It. - Psychologist Paul Rozin has argued that people get a kick from "benign masochism"-that is, controlled exposure to low level discomfort(think spicy chili peppers & saunas). Maybe we love the endorphin rush. Or just the delightful contrast when we ultimately escape from the pain. Regardless, it pays to pamper yourself occasionally with a bit-just a bit-of suffering.
TEAM USA SOCCER GO FOR WIN JUNE 18! SMILE AT SOMEONE TODAY :)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Tidbits and Trivia..
30 the number of letters in sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia, a scientific term for "brain freeze." Speaking of brain freezes, the beloved Slurpee turns 44 this month, & you can toast its birthday with a Free 7.11-ounce cup, courtesy of participating 7-11 stores on-when else?-July 11. Find the store nearest you at 7-eleven.com & remember to sip sloowly!
40 the average number of songs needed for a 3-hour party playlist(for a backyard bbq or wedding, perhaps?). Make a mix that's sure to please by signing up for a free account at songvote.com. Then let friends vote on-and submit-tunes they most want played at your party. Once the votes are tallied, the site links you to iTunes or Amazon.com to purchase the chosen tracks. Cannot be held responsible for any "Macarena" requests.
163 the number of half-drawn doodles in 'The Telephone Doodle Book: More Than 150 Doodles To Complete While You Are on Hold' (due out July 6)which will help keep you occupied(and sane)while you're waiting for customer service to finally pick up. Because, hey, you can sit there listening to Muzak for only so long.
2:05 How many minutes and seconds it takes to breeze through the paintings in New York City's Museum of Modern Art, thanks to a new video that walks its halls for you. Search "Every Painting in the MoMa" on youtube.com to see works by Picasso(including Les Demoiselles d'Avignon,above)Pollock, Warhol, and more. Set to the piano solo "Mad Rush" by Philip Glass, the video catalogs every painting from the 1880s to the 1970s on display in the museum's galleries on the fourth & fifth flrs. It's as if you're there...minus the tourists and the long bathroom lines.
1,081 the length, in feet, of the cruise ship Norwegian Epic, which will host the 34th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks broadcast, including the musical performers. Lucky guests will have a front-row view of the New York City event. Missed the boat? Watch the nation's largest display from land on NBC, beginning at 9 P.M. ET.
***CONGRATS TEAM USA! on a fine soccer game today :) Both teams played strong!
40 the average number of songs needed for a 3-hour party playlist(for a backyard bbq or wedding, perhaps?). Make a mix that's sure to please by signing up for a free account at songvote.com. Then let friends vote on-and submit-tunes they most want played at your party. Once the votes are tallied, the site links you to iTunes or Amazon.com to purchase the chosen tracks. Cannot be held responsible for any "Macarena" requests.
163 the number of half-drawn doodles in 'The Telephone Doodle Book: More Than 150 Doodles To Complete While You Are on Hold' (due out July 6)which will help keep you occupied(and sane)while you're waiting for customer service to finally pick up. Because, hey, you can sit there listening to Muzak for only so long.
2:05 How many minutes and seconds it takes to breeze through the paintings in New York City's Museum of Modern Art, thanks to a new video that walks its halls for you. Search "Every Painting in the MoMa" on youtube.com to see works by Picasso(including Les Demoiselles d'Avignon,above)Pollock, Warhol, and more. Set to the piano solo "Mad Rush" by Philip Glass, the video catalogs every painting from the 1880s to the 1970s on display in the museum's galleries on the fourth & fifth flrs. It's as if you're there...minus the tourists and the long bathroom lines.
1,081 the length, in feet, of the cruise ship Norwegian Epic, which will host the 34th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks broadcast, including the musical performers. Lucky guests will have a front-row view of the New York City event. Missed the boat? Watch the nation's largest display from land on NBC, beginning at 9 P.M. ET.
***CONGRATS TEAM USA! on a fine soccer game today :) Both teams played strong!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tastes Like Motivation
Tap Your Senses for Sensational Workouts!
**Use Your Nose: next time you hop on your bike, try dabbing a few drops of peppermint essential oil on your writs. Smelling peppermint can help you ride harder & faster, upping your caloric burn by 15%. A study conducted at Wheeler Jesuit University found that athletes who sniffed mint ran faster, gripped stronger, and pumped out more push-ups. The scent of jasmine can boost performance, too. "We think those two scents jolt the reticular activating system, a part of the brain that makes you feel more alert," says Alan Hirsch of Smell and Taste Treatment & Research Foundation in Chicago.
**Taste The Power: A pep-o-mint Lifesaver might salvage a lackluster workout session. "Chewing on minty gum or a Lifesaver can have the same effect, since taste and smell are so closely connected," says Hirsch.
**Turn Up the Volume: The sound of music blocks nerves from signaling body fatigue & perception of effort, explains Costas Karageorghis of Brunel Univ in London. You can boost your effort by up to 10% & your performance by listening to upbeat tunes, particularly songs with 120-140 beats per minute.
**Feel the Earth Move: "Thanks to wind and terain changes, which you feel against your body & under your feet, your heart rate is on average 5 to 10 beats per minute higher," says John Porcari of the Univ of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. "You burn 10 to 15% more calories."
Stimulating Songs:
-Lady Gaga ...Paparazzi, 116 beats per min or Just Dance, 119bpm
-Rihanna ...Please Don't Stop the Music, 122bpm
-La Roux ...Bulletproof, 123bpm
-Black Eyed Peas ...I Gotta Feeling, 129bpm
-A.R. Rahman & the Pussycat Dolls ...Jai Ho(You Are My Destiny), 139bpm
###Try these songs at your next workout, see if YOU notice the diff! SMILE! :)
**Use Your Nose: next time you hop on your bike, try dabbing a few drops of peppermint essential oil on your writs. Smelling peppermint can help you ride harder & faster, upping your caloric burn by 15%. A study conducted at Wheeler Jesuit University found that athletes who sniffed mint ran faster, gripped stronger, and pumped out more push-ups. The scent of jasmine can boost performance, too. "We think those two scents jolt the reticular activating system, a part of the brain that makes you feel more alert," says Alan Hirsch of Smell and Taste Treatment & Research Foundation in Chicago.
**Taste The Power: A pep-o-mint Lifesaver might salvage a lackluster workout session. "Chewing on minty gum or a Lifesaver can have the same effect, since taste and smell are so closely connected," says Hirsch.
**Turn Up the Volume: The sound of music blocks nerves from signaling body fatigue & perception of effort, explains Costas Karageorghis of Brunel Univ in London. You can boost your effort by up to 10% & your performance by listening to upbeat tunes, particularly songs with 120-140 beats per minute.
**Feel the Earth Move: "Thanks to wind and terain changes, which you feel against your body & under your feet, your heart rate is on average 5 to 10 beats per minute higher," says John Porcari of the Univ of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. "You burn 10 to 15% more calories."
Stimulating Songs:
-Lady Gaga ...Paparazzi, 116 beats per min or Just Dance, 119bpm
-Rihanna ...Please Don't Stop the Music, 122bpm
-La Roux ...Bulletproof, 123bpm
-Black Eyed Peas ...I Gotta Feeling, 129bpm
-A.R. Rahman & the Pussycat Dolls ...Jai Ho(You Are My Destiny), 139bpm
###Try these songs at your next workout, see if YOU notice the diff! SMILE! :)
Monday, June 7, 2010
Planes, Trains, Apps & Maps
It's all about the journey-and what websites and apps you use to get there. Here, the digital dish on how to make the most of your summer vacation.
When trekking on the cheap to exotic locations, it's all about research. And some thorough research will reveal what has actually happened in Nepal over the last 2 years--that there have been isolated incidents of disruption in Kathmandu during Tibetan Uprisng Day(March 10)& a few incidents between locals along the southern border of India. If you've done your done your due diligence, you'll know that the amount of violence in Nepal is relatively low by many standards(though do be warned: robberies involving foreigners have increased in recent years)Research, ppl it works
A good place to start sussing out your next trip is lonelyplanet.com Type in a country & within seconds you will have a good scope of costs, weather, sights, & potential dangers. Also, comb thru the posts on the Thorn Tree online forum for ideas on where to go & what to expect.(Just type in "Thorn Tree" in the Lonely Planet search box & pick your region.
Today, dozens of discount travel sites exist. Here's how I use them: If you don't know where to go & are looking for a bargain, check the flights at travelzoo.com Sure the name of the sight is stupid & the email updates gross, but all the money Travelzoo is saving on design & naming, they must be passing on to customers. The deals are 'legit'. Close your eyes & zoo it. If you know where you want to go & are flexible on departure dates, you can find cheap tickets for int'l flights, hotels & other things like cruises-on the site skyauction.com
If you know exactly where & when you want to go, the Kayak app & kayak.com are the best places to look. Kayak is basically a compendium of hundreds of discount travel search engines, showing you the best prices. Today, those of us with GPS-enabled phones(that is, probably all of us) use Google Maps, which can pinpoint your exact location in the most confusing of urban jungles. It also has public transportation feature of the app. Its amazing. Simply type in where you are going & tap the bus icon at the top of the screen & you'll see which buses & subways are closest to where you are standing at that particular second, when they will ge tthere & where exactly they are going.
Be aware that water sources could be nonpotable. Steripen.com came out with handheld LCD water purifiers. All you need to do is place one of these ultraviolet lightsticks in water for about 48 seconds for a 16-unce bottle, & it will kill 99.9%of harmful microorganisms. The military, emergency responders & thousands of travelers swear by them.
**HAPPY TRAVELS! SMILE!!
When trekking on the cheap to exotic locations, it's all about research. And some thorough research will reveal what has actually happened in Nepal over the last 2 years--that there have been isolated incidents of disruption in Kathmandu during Tibetan Uprisng Day(March 10)& a few incidents between locals along the southern border of India. If you've done your done your due diligence, you'll know that the amount of violence in Nepal is relatively low by many standards(though do be warned: robberies involving foreigners have increased in recent years)Research, ppl it works
A good place to start sussing out your next trip is lonelyplanet.com Type in a country & within seconds you will have a good scope of costs, weather, sights, & potential dangers. Also, comb thru the posts on the Thorn Tree online forum for ideas on where to go & what to expect.(Just type in "Thorn Tree" in the Lonely Planet search box & pick your region.
Today, dozens of discount travel sites exist. Here's how I use them: If you don't know where to go & are looking for a bargain, check the flights at travelzoo.com Sure the name of the sight is stupid & the email updates gross, but all the money Travelzoo is saving on design & naming, they must be passing on to customers. The deals are 'legit'. Close your eyes & zoo it. If you know where you want to go & are flexible on departure dates, you can find cheap tickets for int'l flights, hotels & other things like cruises-on the site skyauction.com
If you know exactly where & when you want to go, the Kayak app & kayak.com are the best places to look. Kayak is basically a compendium of hundreds of discount travel search engines, showing you the best prices. Today, those of us with GPS-enabled phones(that is, probably all of us) use Google Maps, which can pinpoint your exact location in the most confusing of urban jungles. It also has public transportation feature of the app. Its amazing. Simply type in where you are going & tap the bus icon at the top of the screen & you'll see which buses & subways are closest to where you are standing at that particular second, when they will ge tthere & where exactly they are going.
Be aware that water sources could be nonpotable. Steripen.com came out with handheld LCD water purifiers. All you need to do is place one of these ultraviolet lightsticks in water for about 48 seconds for a 16-unce bottle, & it will kill 99.9%of harmful microorganisms. The military, emergency responders & thousands of travelers swear by them.
**HAPPY TRAVELS! SMILE!!
Confessions of a Pastor
Sometimes the Bible confuses me, some people think Pastors are just plain 'weird' & these "thoughts" are from the church I attend from this past Sunday June 6. I bet you have the same thoughts as I do or ppl in general; then 3 Great sites to take along with you during the week or in your walk.
Confession: Sometimes the Bible "confuses" me.
Most of us want to know God and His "word" but it can be overwhelming.
Not quite 23% of Evangelican Christians open their Bible to read it for even i minute outside of church.
Hiding behind "knowledge" is the exact opposite of wisdom, Biblically speaking.
**What I do when confused with the Bible
1. I go to 'comfort passages' things we all know or I know the best.
2. I go to the 'storehouse' of what I know.
3. I go to 'theological' jargon.
Tricks of the trade in handling the Bible.
Hint: you don't need to be Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic
1. YouVersion.com
2. BibleGateway.com
3. SonicLight.com these 3 helps to share or use yourself; i found helpful
The key is not to "know" more, but to "grow" more.
SMILE! spread the Sunshine - more interesting facts coming Wed.
Confession: Sometimes the Bible "confuses" me.
Most of us want to know God and His "word" but it can be overwhelming.
Not quite 23% of Evangelican Christians open their Bible to read it for even i minute outside of church.
Hiding behind "knowledge" is the exact opposite of wisdom, Biblically speaking.
**What I do when confused with the Bible
1. I go to 'comfort passages' things we all know or I know the best.
2. I go to the 'storehouse' of what I know.
3. I go to 'theological' jargon.
Tricks of the trade in handling the Bible.
Hint: you don't need to be Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic
1. YouVersion.com
2. BibleGateway.com
3. SonicLight.com these 3 helps to share or use yourself; i found helpful
The key is not to "know" more, but to "grow" more.
SMILE! spread the Sunshine - more interesting facts coming Wed.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Drinks & Matchups
3 Refreshing ways to Survive the Summer!
*Prosecco - Prosecco has gone from regional obscurity to widespread fame overnight, largely because this pale-white Italian sparkler offers such a terrific combination of quality & price(our go-to, Zonin, runs about $12)It takes so naturally to cocktails. Pair it with peach jice for a bellini-or with pomegranate or melon juice. If you're in a refined mood, try it with a dash of sparkling water, a shot of St-Germain elderflower liqueur & a twist of lemon.
*Rare Brews - New Standbys, two of our favorite craft beers are made only once a year
Firestone Walker Solace: Hybrids of odd styles are popping up across the country, but this California beer is a brew marriage that actually works. The cross of wheat enhanced Belgian saison & German hefeweizen intensifies flavor & spice in a lighter beer (firestonewalker.com)
Dogfish Head Festina Peche: Sour beers are all the rage in craft brewing, but to many taste like pickle juice. Not so with Brewer Sam Calagione's summer-only offering, which is based on an acidic German style & made with peaches. It pops with the tart zing of good lemonade, with an added kick (dogfish.com)
*Forgotten Wines-Dinner or Lunch Companions
-2007 Arger-Martucci Vineyards Viognier: the nose is all sweet, soothing honeysuckle; the palate runs clean with stone fruit & a soft finish ($22 arger-martucci.com)
-2008 Dry Creek Vineyard Dry Chenin Blanc: the smell of wet straw & the taste of light tropical fruit are fused into a strong, balanced whole ($12, drycreekvineyard.com)
-2008 Dashe Cellars Dry Riesling: smells like summer rain perfumed with orange blossom and spice; tastes of apricot ($20, dashcellars.com)
Must-See MatchUps
**June 12 England -vs- USA:::The US has never been more threatening, fresh from beating Spain & having already scared the bejesus out of of Brazil, could upset. David Beckham's torn Achilles will keep him out, but England is on the rise again, if Wayne Rooney can stay fit, could go far.
**June 12 Argentina -vs- Nigeria:::The tournament's 2 most dysfunctional-and dynamic-teams: Nigeria's ragtag collection of fading stars, now under new coach Lars Lagerback. Both teams are ready for the psychiatrist's couch; not a game for the faint of heart.
**June 20 Brazil -vs- Ivory Coast:::A potentially titanic clash: On paper, Ivory Coast is Africa's best team, but they have yet to show it on the field. And while Brazil may be a wonderful combination of skill and steel, they're also in the toughest qualifying bracket, the so-called Group of Death, with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. They can't afford to lose this.
**June 29 Spain -vs- Brazil:::Spain should cruise through a weak qualifying-round bracket, but all that will change suddenly if Brazil blunders & qualifies only in second place in their preliminary-round group. In that case, the dream final will occur in the first knockout round: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Xavi, Iniesta & Torres of Spain facing off against Brazil's Lucio, Gilberto Silva, Filipe Melo, Kaka, & Luis Fabiano. A nightmare for them, magic for us.
SMILE! Be kind too everyone that crosses your path this week! :)
*Prosecco - Prosecco has gone from regional obscurity to widespread fame overnight, largely because this pale-white Italian sparkler offers such a terrific combination of quality & price(our go-to, Zonin, runs about $12)It takes so naturally to cocktails. Pair it with peach jice for a bellini-or with pomegranate or melon juice. If you're in a refined mood, try it with a dash of sparkling water, a shot of St-Germain elderflower liqueur & a twist of lemon.
*Rare Brews - New Standbys, two of our favorite craft beers are made only once a year
Firestone Walker Solace: Hybrids of odd styles are popping up across the country, but this California beer is a brew marriage that actually works. The cross of wheat enhanced Belgian saison & German hefeweizen intensifies flavor & spice in a lighter beer (firestonewalker.com)
Dogfish Head Festina Peche: Sour beers are all the rage in craft brewing, but to many taste like pickle juice. Not so with Brewer Sam Calagione's summer-only offering, which is based on an acidic German style & made with peaches. It pops with the tart zing of good lemonade, with an added kick (dogfish.com)
*Forgotten Wines-Dinner or Lunch Companions
-2007 Arger-Martucci Vineyards Viognier: the nose is all sweet, soothing honeysuckle; the palate runs clean with stone fruit & a soft finish ($22 arger-martucci.com)
-2008 Dry Creek Vineyard Dry Chenin Blanc: the smell of wet straw & the taste of light tropical fruit are fused into a strong, balanced whole ($12, drycreekvineyard.com)
-2008 Dashe Cellars Dry Riesling: smells like summer rain perfumed with orange blossom and spice; tastes of apricot ($20, dashcellars.com)
Must-See MatchUps
**June 12 England -vs- USA:::The US has never been more threatening, fresh from beating Spain & having already scared the bejesus out of of Brazil, could upset. David Beckham's torn Achilles will keep him out, but England is on the rise again, if Wayne Rooney can stay fit, could go far.
**June 12 Argentina -vs- Nigeria:::The tournament's 2 most dysfunctional-and dynamic-teams: Nigeria's ragtag collection of fading stars, now under new coach Lars Lagerback. Both teams are ready for the psychiatrist's couch; not a game for the faint of heart.
**June 20 Brazil -vs- Ivory Coast:::A potentially titanic clash: On paper, Ivory Coast is Africa's best team, but they have yet to show it on the field. And while Brazil may be a wonderful combination of skill and steel, they're also in the toughest qualifying bracket, the so-called Group of Death, with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. They can't afford to lose this.
**June 29 Spain -vs- Brazil:::Spain should cruise through a weak qualifying-round bracket, but all that will change suddenly if Brazil blunders & qualifies only in second place in their preliminary-round group. In that case, the dream final will occur in the first knockout round: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Xavi, Iniesta & Torres of Spain facing off against Brazil's Lucio, Gilberto Silva, Filipe Melo, Kaka, & Luis Fabiano. A nightmare for them, magic for us.
SMILE! Be kind too everyone that crosses your path this week! :)
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Throw a Righteous Backyard Bash!
Spike A Melon:
1) Cut the hole, preferable more round than oblong so the booze disperses evenly inside it. Cut a circular plug through the rind about the size of a half-dollar. If you can't coax out the plug with your knife, use a corkscrew.
2) Make room for your booze, with the handle of a wooden spoon, slightly loosen up the pulp inside by poking into the melon for a minute or two. This also allows for more uniform alcohol saturation.
3) Don't overdo it, using a funnel, add vodka-figure on about one pint(half a liter) for your average melon. Don't get all fancy with rum or liqueur. The point is to keep the melon tasting like melon-it's already the perfect summer fruit.
Chill Beer in 9 minutes
1) Drop beers into a bucket and cover with ice.
2) Add as much salt as you can afford-several cups if possible(salt lowers ice's melting point, which quickly creates a chilly brine.)
3) Add a couple of cups of water, give it a stir, and wait.
Party Like Kenny Chesney:
1) "If you're working hard at it, you're not doing it right"
2) "When it comes to food, it's real simple: We grill lobster caught same day, with corn on the cob"
3) "We pretty much drink one thing: Cruzan Coconut & Red Bull Sugarfree-tastes like the tropics and lets you keep going."
4) "And, you know, it's not about dressing up. The fewer clothes, the better."
Blast your tunes outside:
Ditch the boombox: A well balanced two-speaker system like the Samson Expedition XP3081 will create a soundstage in your yard. During teardown they lock together, leaving you with a single 40-pound package that's about the same size as your cooler ($499; samsontech.com)
SMILE! be the Sunshine in someone's day!
1) Cut the hole, preferable more round than oblong so the booze disperses evenly inside it. Cut a circular plug through the rind about the size of a half-dollar. If you can't coax out the plug with your knife, use a corkscrew.
2) Make room for your booze, with the handle of a wooden spoon, slightly loosen up the pulp inside by poking into the melon for a minute or two. This also allows for more uniform alcohol saturation.
3) Don't overdo it, using a funnel, add vodka-figure on about one pint(half a liter) for your average melon. Don't get all fancy with rum or liqueur. The point is to keep the melon tasting like melon-it's already the perfect summer fruit.
Chill Beer in 9 minutes
1) Drop beers into a bucket and cover with ice.
2) Add as much salt as you can afford-several cups if possible(salt lowers ice's melting point, which quickly creates a chilly brine.)
3) Add a couple of cups of water, give it a stir, and wait.
Party Like Kenny Chesney:
1) "If you're working hard at it, you're not doing it right"
2) "When it comes to food, it's real simple: We grill lobster caught same day, with corn on the cob"
3) "We pretty much drink one thing: Cruzan Coconut & Red Bull Sugarfree-tastes like the tropics and lets you keep going."
4) "And, you know, it's not about dressing up. The fewer clothes, the better."
Blast your tunes outside:
Ditch the boombox: A well balanced two-speaker system like the Samson Expedition XP3081 will create a soundstage in your yard. During teardown they lock together, leaving you with a single 40-pound package that's about the same size as your cooler ($499; samsontech.com)
SMILE! be the Sunshine in someone's day!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
mydigitalpublication.com
mydigitalpublication.com They did a nice article on Green Drinks Mason give it a read & leave a comment if you like.
Thank you.
Thank you.
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