Consumer Reports has assembled a phishing trip (free quiz) designed to help consumers identify email authenticity. The quiz is pretty quick and offers a lot of good tips to help you figure out "what's real." I scored 12 out of 12. What's your score?
Click phishing trip above or go to http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/resource-center/cyber-insecurity/phishing-interactive.htm for the quiz.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Working Out is Working Out
About a week ago I mentioned that I was feeling out of shape and out of sorts. I had tried the Self Magazine online reach your goal program. That was last Tuesday. By Wednesday I was feeling there really should be -- must be -- a better solution. Mike was interested in tracking his nutrition and activities, and the Self site didn't really have many pre-selectable foods. Also, I was not taking advantage of their exercise programs (I like what I do already).
I investigated two other solutions: Calorie King and MyNetDiary. Both have extensive food databases. We have used Calorie King's Calorie, Fat, & Carbohydrate Counter [book] for years. It has an extensive listing of foods and includes nutritional information from a bunch of chain restaurants. The book is my go-to solution when I cook; I use it to calculate nutritional info for recipes. CK also has nutrition and exercise software called Nutrition & Exercise Manager ($45). There is a version for Windows and another for Mac OS X. It supports up to 5 users and has a slimmed down version for the Palm OS ($30). The second solution I examined, MyNetDiary, is a web-based monthly subscription service ($7 - $9 per month, depending on number of months). It also has an extensive food database, it tracks exercise, and it has an iPhone app (free) that links up with the online account. Both options support custom food entry and analysis.
After lenghty deliberation, I decided on MyNetDiary. The compelling strength for me was two-fold: I like the web-based app that I can access from anywhere (work, home, travel) rather than being restricted to one computer, and we don't have Palm OS on any of our phones, so that solution wouldn't apply. Certainly the downside of choosing MyNetDiary is that the annual cost is higher than purchasing Nutrition and Exercise Manager ($84 for the former, vs $45 for the latter) and that cost is for one user vs five. Convenience of entering data won out for me, because I know me -- if too much time passes, I'll forget to enter.
I re-entered my nutrition and exercise data (originally input in Self) from Tuesday, and started using MyNetDiary last Wednesday. I really like it. I'll share some of the features, making screenshots with their Free Test Drive online.
1. Start by entering basic information about yourself (weight, height, gender, activity level):
I investigated two other solutions: Calorie King and MyNetDiary. Both have extensive food databases. We have used Calorie King's Calorie, Fat, & Carbohydrate Counter [book] for years. It has an extensive listing of foods and includes nutritional information from a bunch of chain restaurants. The book is my go-to solution when I cook; I use it to calculate nutritional info for recipes. CK also has nutrition and exercise software called Nutrition & Exercise Manager ($45). There is a version for Windows and another for Mac OS X. It supports up to 5 users and has a slimmed down version for the Palm OS ($30). The second solution I examined, MyNetDiary, is a web-based monthly subscription service ($7 - $9 per month, depending on number of months). It also has an extensive food database, it tracks exercise, and it has an iPhone app (free) that links up with the online account. Both options support custom food entry and analysis.
After lenghty deliberation, I decided on MyNetDiary. The compelling strength for me was two-fold: I like the web-based app that I can access from anywhere (work, home, travel) rather than being restricted to one computer, and we don't have Palm OS on any of our phones, so that solution wouldn't apply. Certainly the downside of choosing MyNetDiary is that the annual cost is higher than purchasing Nutrition and Exercise Manager ($84 for the former, vs $45 for the latter) and that cost is for one user vs five. Convenience of entering data won out for me, because I know me -- if too much time passes, I'll forget to enter.
I re-entered my nutrition and exercise data (originally input in Self) from Tuesday, and started using MyNetDiary last Wednesday. I really like it. I'll share some of the features, making screenshots with their Free Test Drive online.
1. Start by entering basic information about yourself (weight, height, gender, activity level):
click to enlarge image
2. Next enter your goals (weight goal and date, exercise goals) and the program determines your DRI using the methods below
MyNetDiary uses the official formulas for Estimated Energy Requirements provided by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.
Adult man: EER = 662 - 9.53 x age (y) + PA x (15.91 x wt [kg] + 539.6 x ht [m])
Adult woman: EER = 354 - 6.91 x age (y) + PA x (9.36 x wt [kg] + 726 x ht [m])
PA indicates activity level, and is equal to 1.0 for sedentary, 1.12 for low active, 1.27 for active, and 1.45 for very active.
The Institute of Medicine provides detailed tables and formulas for nutrients and energy. You can see the formulas on page 5, as well as the table that lists Estimated Energy Requirements calculated using this formula for 30-year olds. For example, for a 30 year old male, 1.80m tall, "low active", with BMI 24.99 (178 lbs) it lists 2,884 calories, and for "active" - 3,200. We recommend selecting activity level in MyNetDiary as "low active" and accurately accounting for any extra energy-burning activities and exercises that are outside of typical "low active" lifestyle. This will be much more accurate than the generic "active" activity level, which is of course a very rough guess.
Clicking Analyze! will tell you your BMI and analyze the food intake and exercise needed to acheive your weight goal:
click to enlarge image
3. Next, start entering your daily food and exercise:
click to enlarge image
As you continue entering information over time, you can review reports and charts of your progress.
The tool can be used to lose weight, or simply maintain your current weight. I am really using it to help me be more conscientious about what I eat and how much I exercise. My eating patterns haven't really changed, but the exercise section is a good motivator for me to work out!
Have a happy day!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Leaves are Falling Down Down Down
We had a very nice weekend! I went into Boston to see Mike late Friday afternoon. We popped around to some of the better known tourist areas to take some requested photos for Nicky (editor of N magazine). Then we headed to McCormick and Schmicks at Faneuil Hall for an appetizer and drink. We got a crab, shrimp, and something else dip that came with pitas. It was ok; not spectacular for $14, but ok.
We walked around a little more, then decided on dinner at Scollay Square. Mike got the Kobe Meatloaf, which he seemed to like; I got the Grilled Citrus Soy Glazed Salmon Fillet. I was a little filled up from the appetizer we had earlier, so I only ate about 40% of my entree (a like a good little old lady in training, I took the rest home for another meal). We decided to head home around 7:30.
We decided to end the evening by watching a movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Maybe it was just us, but we thought it was awful. Harrison Ford is showing his age, the acting overall was so so, and let's face it, Indy Jones' days should be over. As we headed to bed, I was completely blind-sided by feeling unwell and was horribly ill. **Mom and Dad -- you may recall the lovely incident in the front hall in the house in Derby when I was about 4 -- it was on that order. I have no idea what the origin of my upset was, but I thought about how terrible morning sickness must be, and felt for expectant mommies -- Melissa -- who are plagued with morning sickness. I am so glad I had Mike to take care of me.
I was all better on Saturday morning, right in time to do lots of yard work! We cut back all of our plants, raked a bit, and cut the grass. It sounds so simple and matter of fact, but the work kept us busy all day! We got all cleaned up when we were done, and had Pat over for a nice dinner of Chicken with Apple and Tarragon (and steak for Pat), asparagus, salad, french bread, and Dove bars for desert. It was yummy. The rest of the night was devoted to watching the Red Sox win game 6 of the ALCS. Woo hoo!
One thing of note came up in our dinner conversation. Pat had been at a local business and talked with a college student about the upcoming election. He shared some alarming (and untrue) candidate information with her, and we all were astounded. She suggested that he visit FactCheck.org to get the straight story on both candidates for President. It is a great site if you want to verify information.
We enjoyed a lovely breakfast out with Pat at AJ Tomaiolo's Sunday morning, then Mike and I decided to take a drive. We drove up into Bolton and stopped at Bolton Orchards for a coffee and walk through the store, then continued on to the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard. The Fruitlands is an interesting place. It offers historical geographic information about the people who lived on the land over the past several hundred years. The grounds include a seperate building for each of the following groups: local Indians, Shakers, the Alcott family (Louisa May, who wrote Little Women, and her family lived there for 7 months), and views of the Hudson River valley from Clara Endicott Sears' personal collection. The views of the area are beautiful, particularly in foliage season.
Later Sunday afternoon, Pat and I went to the Nicholas Michaels Spa re-opening. The spa was destroyed by a fire on October 18, 2007 and has undergone significant restoration so that it could reopen. I have to say, it is fancy... As we walked around I kept thinking, "I can't afford this place..." That is probably why I have never been before :) It is, however, a lovely place for a day of pampering. The design is very elegant and the environs are beautiful.
We wrapped up our evening with game 7 of the ALCS. The Red Sox lost the series, so the Rays are headed to the World Series. The Sox have been underdogs -- up until 2004 -- so I appreciate the importance of the win to Rays' fans.
Now we are back to work and a busy week!
Smiles!
We walked around a little more, then decided on dinner at Scollay Square. Mike got the Kobe Meatloaf, which he seemed to like; I got the Grilled Citrus Soy Glazed Salmon Fillet. I was a little filled up from the appetizer we had earlier, so I only ate about 40% of my entree (a like a good little old lady in training, I took the rest home for another meal). We decided to head home around 7:30.
We decided to end the evening by watching a movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Maybe it was just us, but we thought it was awful. Harrison Ford is showing his age, the acting overall was so so, and let's face it, Indy Jones' days should be over. As we headed to bed, I was completely blind-sided by feeling unwell and was horribly ill. **Mom and Dad -- you may recall the lovely incident in the front hall in the house in Derby when I was about 4 -- it was on that order. I have no idea what the origin of my upset was, but I thought about how terrible morning sickness must be, and felt for expectant mommies -- Melissa -- who are plagued with morning sickness. I am so glad I had Mike to take care of me.
I was all better on Saturday morning, right in time to do lots of yard work! We cut back all of our plants, raked a bit, and cut the grass. It sounds so simple and matter of fact, but the work kept us busy all day! We got all cleaned up when we were done, and had Pat over for a nice dinner of Chicken with Apple and Tarragon (and steak for Pat), asparagus, salad, french bread, and Dove bars for desert. It was yummy. The rest of the night was devoted to watching the Red Sox win game 6 of the ALCS. Woo hoo!
One thing of note came up in our dinner conversation. Pat had been at a local business and talked with a college student about the upcoming election. He shared some alarming (and untrue) candidate information with her, and we all were astounded. She suggested that he visit FactCheck.org to get the straight story on both candidates for President. It is a great site if you want to verify information.
We enjoyed a lovely breakfast out with Pat at AJ Tomaiolo's Sunday morning, then Mike and I decided to take a drive. We drove up into Bolton and stopped at Bolton Orchards for a coffee and walk through the store, then continued on to the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard. The Fruitlands is an interesting place. It offers historical geographic information about the people who lived on the land over the past several hundred years. The grounds include a seperate building for each of the following groups: local Indians, Shakers, the Alcott family (Louisa May, who wrote Little Women, and her family lived there for 7 months), and views of the Hudson River valley from Clara Endicott Sears' personal collection. The views of the area are beautiful, particularly in foliage season.
Later Sunday afternoon, Pat and I went to the Nicholas Michaels Spa re-opening. The spa was destroyed by a fire on October 18, 2007 and has undergone significant restoration so that it could reopen. I have to say, it is fancy... As we walked around I kept thinking, "I can't afford this place..." That is probably why I have never been before :) It is, however, a lovely place for a day of pampering. The design is very elegant and the environs are beautiful.
We wrapped up our evening with game 7 of the ALCS. The Red Sox lost the series, so the Rays are headed to the World Series. The Sox have been underdogs -- up until 2004 -- so I appreciate the importance of the win to Rays' fans.
Now we are back to work and a busy week!
Smiles!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Fun in Boston
Michael and I spent Friday evening in Boston. Market Basket was trying to break a pumpkin carving record and had some fun displays. We did this photo because we thought it would make Connor and Fiona laugh...
We had appetizers and drinks at McCormick and Schmicks, then dinner at Scollay Square. All in all, a nice time!
We had appetizers and drinks at McCormick and Schmicks, then dinner at Scollay Square. All in all, a nice time!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Oh, Ye of Little Faith
And, Me of Little Faith, too. I flatly refused to watch Game 5 of the ALDS last night. Mike would turn to the game and I would demand that he change the channel. I am tired of watching the Red Sox lose...
Much to my (happy) surprise, the Red Sox pulled it off last night, with a come-from-behind win of 8-7. The were scoreless until the 7th then just kept sending runs in. Woo hoo!
As you can see, they were happy to win
Much to my (happy) surprise, the Red Sox pulled it off last night, with a come-from-behind win of 8-7. The were scoreless until the 7th then just kept sending runs in. Woo hoo!
As you can see, they were happy to win
photo from Boston.com
I have learned my lesson and will faithfully watch Game 6 on Saturday.
Smiles!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Vote for Your Favorite Pawlitician
Tired of politics? Check out this paw-litical site....
via Amazon Daily on 10/15/08
The goal of the nationwide online campaign is to incite one million Americans to sign a pledge to prevent cruelty and abuse by signing the pledge and casting their vote for Mittens-the-Cat or Rowdy-the-Dog.
The campaign highlights eight important animal welfare issues such as puppy mills, dangerous breed bans and pets and family violence as seen through the eyes of the candidates, Mittens and Rowdy. The candidates take humorous, opposing positions on each of the issues through debates that bring light to a very serious topic.
In addition to signing the pledge and casting your vote for Mittens or Rowdy, you can take the Presidential Pet Quiz, a fun trivia game about past Presidents and their pets.
The ASPCA's goal is to deliver one million signatures from the online campaign to the newly elected president shortly after the presidential election is concluded.
To watch the debate and cast your vote for Mittens or Rowdy, go to catvsdog.org. For more information about the ASPCA, visit aspca.org.
--Brandie Ahlgren, CityDog Magazine
---------------------
Brandie Ahlgren is the publisher of CityDog Magazine and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex. Subscribe to CityDog Magazine here.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Cool Show, too bad we're not in England!!!
I got this earlier on my reader:
via Amazon Daily on 10/14/08
National Geographic Channel will air a special later this month (England only) called "Extraordinary Animals In The Womb". The show will follow certain animals from conception to birth.
To get these amazing photos, researchers and CGI model-makers used "ground-breaking photographic techniques, plus state-of-the-art graphics, 4-D scanning techniques and the most sophisticated natural history models ever."
Here's the Chihuahua fetus a week before birth.
Read more about this amazing technique, the television special, and see more pre-natal images at Mail Online.
--Spanno
Time to Work Out
Summer has officially ended for us. Unlike many, summer is the time when we (both of us) store up our fat, due to good food and drink. Thank God that time has ended. Now we have to get back into working out, slimming down, and eating healthy.
I don't like this whole getting out of shape (fat) thing. What is it with middle age?! I put on a pair of pants last Friday and could barely button them. When I -- finally -- did, my belly was all scrunched up like someone squeezed it with their hands. I was so mad that I threw the pants out. I got on the scale. How can this be? I have not gained weight but my clothes don't fit!!! Mike tells me he read that our bodies change shape as we age. Crap.
So, we've been hitting the exercise room and trying to watch our food intake. I wandered over to Self Magazine and found a good exercise plan. First I am supposed to pick a plan:
None of these are precisely what I want, but am going with "Drop 8 pounds this month."
Next, I will begin Step 2: completing an exercise log and food diary. Today will be my first entry for each.
Wish me luck!
I don't like this whole getting out of shape (fat) thing. What is it with middle age?! I put on a pair of pants last Friday and could barely button them. When I -- finally -- did, my belly was all scrunched up like someone squeezed it with their hands. I was so mad that I threw the pants out. I got on the scale. How can this be? I have not gained weight but my clothes don't fit!!! Mike tells me he read that our bodies change shape as we age. Crap.
So, we've been hitting the exercise room and trying to watch our food intake. I wandered over to Self Magazine and found a good exercise plan. First I am supposed to pick a plan:
Step 1: Pick your plan
Sign up and choose one of the four goals below, then follow the customized exercise and eating guide for only four weeks. And, hey, once you've achieved your first goal, try a second one.
Drop 8 pounds this month
If you're feeling softer, rounder, jigglier or more padded than you'd like, consider this your no-fail, all-fun slim-down plan. Need to lose more? Simply stick with the get-lean routine longer.
Tone without cardio
Not a fan of cardio but want to look and feel firmer and fitter? On this 100 percent no-treadmill workout program, you can sculpt sexy curves in all the right places without logging a single snooze-inducing hour on any cardio contraption.
Finally lose the baby weight
Whether your babe's still in the bassinet or already running around the backyard, these fast, flexible, kidproof sweat sessions will help put you on track to your pre-baby-making shape by October 1.
Run 3 miles with ease
Envy the lean legs of your friendly (and sexy) neighborhood joggers? Hone your own while slashing your workout time in half. Running burns more than twice as many calories as walking!
None of these are precisely what I want, but am going with "Drop 8 pounds this month."
Next, I will begin Step 2: completing an exercise log and food diary. Today will be my first entry for each.
Wish me luck!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Catching Up
We've had a busy few days. I haven't blogged since last Wednesday, nor have I read any of my own favorite blogs...
Deb and I went to a Tess Gerritsen book event on Wednesday night. It was a lot of fun and very neat to see Tess in person. We went to TGI Fridays for dinner afterwards. I got the "Fried Mac and Cheese" appetizer. I expected mac and cheese with cruchies on top. Instead, I got fried raviolis with mac and cheese inside. They were ok, but I wouldn't get them again, as they left me feeling hungry. Deb got quesadillas and enjoyed them.
Mike and I went for haircuts on Thursday night. It was good to get it done, and we both felt refreshed. We went to Hooligans after. We were the only patrons besides one other table... The economy has everything turned upside down, I guess.
We had a nice long Columbus Day weekend. We took both Friday and Monday off work, with a lot of house stuff planned. Boy did we work!
We spent Friday power washing, scraping, sanding, and priming the side of the house. All of our hard work was rewarded by dinner at O'Connor's with Pat (thanks, Pat, it was so much fun :)) Michael and I got Shepherd's Pie this time, and Pat got Guiness Pie. We always seem to be offset...
We made the most of nice weather by starting on the house first thing Saturday morning. We got the driveway side painted. It took a bit of time, but was well worth it. We also decided to change the trim color from Wild Aster (read pink -- previous owners' choice) to Casual White (looks white to us). We were really happy with the look. Steve came over to help Mike with the barn roof on Saturday night and he and Helen stayed for dinner. We had clam chowder, scallop casserole, salad, green beans, fresh bread, apple pie and ice cream (and chicken for Helen). It was very good -- if I do say so myself!!! Mike watched a movie (Bella) and the Red Sox playoff game while I mostly dozed (I saw 30 minutes or so of the movie).
Sunday was our day to play. We went to the Connecticut Rennaisance Faire with Steve and Helen. It was a nice day for it and lots of fun. We got home in time to run up to Verizon with Pat, then the three of us had a nice dinner at Coral Seafood. Pat enjoyed her burger, while Michael said his swordfish steak was good. I indulged in lobster ($16.99 w/ two sides; the price of lobster is way down) and was happy.
We continued our hard work today by scraping, sanding, priming, then painting the second floor (by the guest room), trimming out more of the house, taking down screens, etc... It was very productive. Oh -- and we had a lovely breakfast with Pat!
We plan on a nice steak and shrimp dinner tonight, with new potatoes, broccoli, and salad. You can probably tell that I am sooo hungry as I am writing this, because I keep thinking of food!
Below are some parting images...
Mike hard at work
The finished view of the house painting
Halloween decor (I am pretty sparing, as you can see)
Pretty pumpkins from Steve and Helen
Smiles!
Deb and I went to a Tess Gerritsen book event on Wednesday night. It was a lot of fun and very neat to see Tess in person. We went to TGI Fridays for dinner afterwards. I got the "Fried Mac and Cheese" appetizer. I expected mac and cheese with cruchies on top. Instead, I got fried raviolis with mac and cheese inside. They were ok, but I wouldn't get them again, as they left me feeling hungry. Deb got quesadillas and enjoyed them.
Mike and I went for haircuts on Thursday night. It was good to get it done, and we both felt refreshed. We went to Hooligans after. We were the only patrons besides one other table... The economy has everything turned upside down, I guess.
Columbus Day Weekend
We had a nice long Columbus Day weekend. We took both Friday and Monday off work, with a lot of house stuff planned. Boy did we work!
We spent Friday power washing, scraping, sanding, and priming the side of the house. All of our hard work was rewarded by dinner at O'Connor's with Pat (thanks, Pat, it was so much fun :)) Michael and I got Shepherd's Pie this time, and Pat got Guiness Pie. We always seem to be offset...
We made the most of nice weather by starting on the house first thing Saturday morning. We got the driveway side painted. It took a bit of time, but was well worth it. We also decided to change the trim color from Wild Aster (read pink -- previous owners' choice) to Casual White (looks white to us). We were really happy with the look. Steve came over to help Mike with the barn roof on Saturday night and he and Helen stayed for dinner. We had clam chowder, scallop casserole, salad, green beans, fresh bread, apple pie and ice cream (and chicken for Helen). It was very good -- if I do say so myself!!! Mike watched a movie (Bella) and the Red Sox playoff game while I mostly dozed (I saw 30 minutes or so of the movie).
Sunday was our day to play. We went to the Connecticut Rennaisance Faire with Steve and Helen. It was a nice day for it and lots of fun. We got home in time to run up to Verizon with Pat, then the three of us had a nice dinner at Coral Seafood. Pat enjoyed her burger, while Michael said his swordfish steak was good. I indulged in lobster ($16.99 w/ two sides; the price of lobster is way down) and was happy.
We continued our hard work today by scraping, sanding, priming, then painting the second floor (by the guest room), trimming out more of the house, taking down screens, etc... It was very productive. Oh -- and we had a lovely breakfast with Pat!
We plan on a nice steak and shrimp dinner tonight, with new potatoes, broccoli, and salad. You can probably tell that I am sooo hungry as I am writing this, because I keep thinking of food!
Below are some parting images...
Mike hard at work
The finished view of the house painting
Halloween decor (I am pretty sparing, as you can see)
Pretty pumpkins from Steve and Helen
Smiles!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
How Cute!!!!
This was so cute, I had to share!!! Amazon Daily sent me a different photo of this sweet little Dachsund Honey... I went to her Flickr site and fell in love with this photo.
What a doll!
What a doll!
Second Presidential Debate
Though we did watch the lovely movie mentioned previously, we managed to get a few minutes in for watching the Presidential debate. I've been taking debate analysis from the pundits this morning (a variety of sources) to hear who they think won -- and why.
If you did not get to see the debate in its entirity, or you want to review the candidates' responses, head over to the New York Time's Interactive Video and Analysis of the debate. You can see the whole debate, question by question with a side-by transcript or a side-by check point that fact checks the candidates answers. The check point, in fact, is very factual and non-partisan. It alone is worth reading.
If you are still yearning for some political facts and intrigue, hop over to CNN's Electoral Map Calculator. Of course I love it, it is an interactive map, after all. But it is interesting to adjust states by how you anticipate they will vote on election day to see the overall outcome.
Happy Politicing!
If you did not get to see the debate in its entirity, or you want to review the candidates' responses, head over to the New York Time's Interactive Video and Analysis of the debate. You can see the whole debate, question by question with a side-by transcript or a side-by check point that fact checks the candidates answers. The check point, in fact, is very factual and non-partisan. It alone is worth reading.
If you are still yearning for some political facts and intrigue, hop over to CNN's Electoral Map Calculator. Of course I love it, it is an interactive map, after all. But it is interesting to adjust states by how you anticipate they will vote on election day to see the overall outcome.
Happy Politicing!
Forgetting Sarah Marshall -- I sure am
Last night we watched Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and let me tell you, it was forgettable! Bad acting, weak plot, a few mildly funny scenes, but overall, a waste of 2 hours. I gave it 2 stars (out of 5) for pity.
If you've seen it, I'd love to hear what you think.
Smiles
If you've seen it, I'd love to hear what you think.
Smiles
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Tess Gerritsen at the Poisoned Pen
I am so excited to go to Tess Gerritsen's book signing at Barnes and Noble in Framingham tomorrow night. Even better, Deb will be going with me, so it will be a Girls Night Out and an Author Event. Tess blogged yesterday about her visit to the Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale AZ. Lucky for me, the whole talk was recorded and put up on YouTube. YouTube limits videos to 10 minutes, so the series is of 7 videos, totalling nearly an hour. I have included the first in the series below.
Smiles!
Smiles!
Weird Facts
Did you know...
- Every day 20 banks are robbed. The average take is $2,500!
- The most popular first name in the world is Muhammad!
- Tablecloths were originally meant to be served as towels with which dinner guests could wipe their hands and faces after eating!
- Tourists visiting Iceland should know that tipping at a restaurant is considered an insult!
- One car out of every 230 made was stolen last year!
- The names of Popeye's four nephews are Pipeye, Peepeye, Pupeye, and Poopeye!
credit to StrangeFacts.com.
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Cuties
On days like today, where I am feeling rather grouchy, pictures of Connor and Fiona always make me smile.
Sigh... A nice way for me to re-focus and be happier.
Sigh... A nice way for me to re-focus and be happier.
End of the Season
Yesterday marked our end of the season at camp. The official closing date is Columbus Day (one week from today), however, we want to be home to get things done around the house next weekend.
We had a nice season at camp. Things always vary from year to year, which keeps us on our toes. A few people are leaving camp this year, and a few new people are coming. Next season we'll be learning names and personalities. We'll be going back to a spic and span trailer, which is so nice.
We got home early enough to do 7 loads of laundry (5 for camp, 2 still in process) and to mow the lawn. We had a lovely coq au vin for dinner (unplanned and very adapted from this recipe). We watched the Red Sox play. And play. And play. They kept playing after we went to bed at 11:30. The game lasted 5 1/2 hours for them to lose in the 12th inning. You know what we'll be doing tonight :)
Have a happy day!
We had a nice season at camp. Things always vary from year to year, which keeps us on our toes. A few people are leaving camp this year, and a few new people are coming. Next season we'll be learning names and personalities. We'll be going back to a spic and span trailer, which is so nice.
We got home early enough to do 7 loads of laundry (5 for camp, 2 still in process) and to mow the lawn. We had a lovely coq au vin for dinner (unplanned and very adapted from this recipe). We watched the Red Sox play. And play. And play. They kept playing after we went to bed at 11:30. The game lasted 5 1/2 hours for them to lose in the 12th inning. You know what we'll be doing tonight :)
Have a happy day!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
US Hospital Finder
Today Lifehacker reviewed a Google Maps Mashup, US Hospital Finder. Enter your address, and the hospitals nearest to you are listed. As Lifehacker notes, there is no magic in that. However, they go on to note (and I agree) that the beauty of the mashup is the information about each hospital. Take, for example, UMass Memorial Medical, on Belmont Street in Worcester (8 miles from my house). Click the image to see results.
UMass Memorial has better than the nationwide average ratings on mortality, as well as pretty high patient ratings.
Although we can't always choose which hospital to go to during an emergency, we can deliberate over these choices -- within confines of insurance coverage -- for other visits. I think this is an interesting tool at the very least.
UMass Memorial has better than the nationwide average ratings on mortality, as well as pretty high patient ratings.
Although we can't always choose which hospital to go to during an emergency, we can deliberate over these choices -- within confines of insurance coverage -- for other visits. I think this is an interesting tool at the very least.
The Great Schlep
Someone told me about this today. OMG -- it is so funny. Look, you don't have to like Obama to laugh at this, because it is just so politically incorrect. I laughed. I did. I laughed a lot.
Warning: this does contain offensive language. If you are easily offended by profanity of politically incorrect statements, just go ahead and leave without watching -- but come back tomorrow! BTW -- and this is really important to know -- the video was paid for by The Jewish Council for Education and Research. So they are making fun of themselves in support of Obama.
Smiles!
Warning: this does contain offensive language. If you are easily offended by profanity of politically incorrect statements, just go ahead and leave without watching -- but come back tomorrow! BTW -- and this is really important to know -- the video was paid for by The Jewish Council for Education and Research. So they are making fun of themselves in support of Obama.
Smiles!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
My Best Friends Girl
Last night Helen, Deb, and I went to see My Best Friends Girl. We knew the reviews were bad --very bad -- but it was filmed in Boston and looked like a chic flick (see trailer below).
The movie did not exceed our expectations. It was cute at first, then boring, then plain bad. Save this one for a rental (with a coupon!).
I did have fun seeing the girls, and am looking forward to our next get together.
The movie did not exceed our expectations. It was cute at first, then boring, then plain bad. Save this one for a rental (with a coupon!).
I did have fun seeing the girls, and am looking forward to our next get together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)