365 Diabetes Photo Project

A blogger I read is pregnant and has had Type 1 diabetes for 17 years. She is doing a photo project, much like mine, but focusing on how diabetes affects her disease. You can check it out here: http://www.sixuntilme.com/diabetes365/.

It has been a while

I've been a bit busy, and a little under-motivated. Have you noticed? Of course you have!

I have two posts today. I'm starting with the superfluous one. It is all girl, and that is ok. So, here goes.

The good news, my hair is growing!

Slowly... Too slowly... It is driving me nuts.

The February issue of Cosmo had a section on how to get your hair to grow faster. Two of the tidbits they included were interesting.

First, they introduced the Conair Professional Babyliss Scalp Massage Brush.

The idea is that massaging your scalp will get the blood to flow and generate increased follicle growth. I use it to massage my scalp every morning before I shower. Grow, baby, grow!

The article also suggested using Fekkai's Salon Technician Hair Mask.

I got it at Bath and Body works as part of a kit. I'll get the full sized one when the sample runs out. This stuff is supposed to strengthen and soften my hair. I love it so much that I even wear a shower cap during the three minute treatment!

We'll see how it works!

Avatar

We went to see Avatar tonight. It was very good. We were so excited, we captured some Kodak moments...





Thanks for going with me Steve and Helen!

Ten Thoughts

I got this from Pat today. I LOVE it!!!

Ten Thoughts to Ponder for  2010

Number 10

Life is sexually transmitted.

Number 9

Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.

Number 8

Men have two emotions: Hungry and Horny. If you see him without an erection,

make him a sandwich .

Number 7

Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day,teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks.

Number 6

Some people are like a Slinky ...

Not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.

Number 5

Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday,lying in hospitals,dying of nothing.

Number 4

All of us could take a lesson from the weather.

It pays no attention to Criticism.

Number 3

Why does a slight tax increase cost you $200.00,

and a substantial tax cut saves you $30.00?

Number 2

In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird.

Now the world is Weird and people take Prozac to make it normal

And The Number 1 Thought For 2010
"Life is like a jar of Jalapeno peppers;

What you do today, might Burn Your Ass Tomorrow"

Replace Your Lost Cellphone Charger for Free [Tricks Of The Trade] via Lifehacker

What a novel idea! :-)

Replace Your Lost Cellphone Charger for Free [Tricks Of The Trade]:
Ever forget your cellphone charger at a hotel? Turns out that's an extremely common mistake—one you can use to your advantage to replace your lost charger, whether you lost it there or not.

Over at community news site Reddit, a user points out his clever trick:

Next time you lose your phone charger, don't buy another one. Go to a hotel and say you think you lost it there. It's the #1 most left behind item at hotels, so most places have a big bin filled with every phone charger imaginable.

It may seem a little underhanded, but one Gizmodo reader explains just how abundant these chargers are at hotels:

I work for the second largest conference hotel in my city. You have no idea the size box we have of chargers left behind. 90 percent are idiot blackberry chargers. This works 100% of the time, we never verify that anyone stays here we just let them go shopping for there charger. Hell we even will give people a charger if they call down to the front desk and say they forgot theirs!

So there you have it: Whether you forgot your charger at home or lost it altogether, check with a hotel; you may find a quick and easy replacement. If not—well, it was worth a try, right? Know some other clever tricks of the trade? Let's hear it in the comments, or send an email to tips at lifehacker.com with your smart trick.

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

I got this via email today. I think it is priceless.

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING A message every adult should read because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.   When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one. When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.  When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.  When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him..  When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.  When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.  When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.  When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry. When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be. When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up. When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking..' I AM SENDING THIS TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE I KNOW WHO DO SO MUCH FOR OTHERS,   BUT THINK THAT NO ONE EVER SEES. LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT . Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend) influences the life of a child.. How will you touch the life of someone today? Just by sending this to someone else, you will probably make them at least think about their influence on others. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Catpuccino

This is too funny...

Catpuccino:
I hate it when all the cream sinks to the bottom.

Help Support Emergency Response in Haiti

Also, from Lifehacker:

• 
  
  Avoiding scams and verifying non-profits
  
  
  
• Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of non-profits and aid organizations, has compiled a list of relief organizations working in Haiti that have attained three- or four-star ratings from their studies, and are generally considered trustworthy and efficient.
• TIME points out the popularity of text message donation campaigns, but also suggests being cautious of online scams:
  

  As with any kind of giving, it's wise to verify that the cause you are donating to is a legitimate organization before pledging your funds. This is especially true when you learn of a nonprofit on Facebook, where phishing and other scams can give the impression that your friends are sending out links, when really a spammer has hijacked their identity.
  

  Legitimate organizations also send a confirmation text moments after you donate to verify that you really want to give the specified amount, typically $5 or $10. If you say yes, then the amount will appear on your next cell phone bill. If you did not intend to donate, you can cancel your pledge.
  

  
  
• CBS News recommends checking out any group you're about to give to at The Foundation Center web site, where you can look up that group's most recent tax filing and non-profit status.

from Engadget...

Wii gets Netflix this Spring, disc required for streaming

Hey humans! So Hastings was telling us the truth after all -- the Nintendo Wii will be joining the other two game consoles to stream Netflix starting some time in early Spring. Like the PS3, a special Netflix "instant-streaming" disc will be required for the Wii, and it goes without saying that HD's out of the question since the Wii itself can't push above 480p. There'll be no additional fees beyond Netflix's usual monthly subscription. Time for a game of Mario Kart to celebrate, no?

So all you Wii-heads that have a Netflix subscription but no Roku or BluRay player with Netflix streaming may be in business!

See, it isn't just me!!!

The Best Times to Buy Anything, All Year Round [Buying Guide] (via Lifehacker)

I know you like saving money as much as I do, so check out this article from Lifehacker:


The Best Times to Buy Anything, All Year Round [Buying Guide]:
You're always hearing about off-season, post-peak times to save money on purchases and food, but it always arrives too late. We've compiled a timeline and lots of best-time-to-buy suggestions into one post to help you plan a more frugal 2010.
We scoured the net for advice from financial sites, gadget bloggers, and other sources on the best times to buy particular items, ranging from little goods you can stock up on (aluminum foil) to big-time purchases you can easily overpay for in the wrong season (boats). We threw together all these tips, organized them by time frame, and, through the keen eye of one Jason Fitzpatrick, assembled a timeline of some of the major items to keep in mind throughout the year.
Click on the image below for a larger version, and right-click it and save it to grab the 1200-pixel-wide version for safekeeping.

Like your savings tips in text form? Here's the data dump from our little research experiment. The reasons for these items being suggested in their particular months varies, but generally they're pinned to getting a better deal when sales are slow, when new products are just about to roll out, or when every single retailer is selling at a discount.

Winter

Jan. 1 - March 31
• Air conditioners
• Gas grills
• House (for price)
January:
• January: Bicycles and sporting goods
• Furniture
• Linens and bed sheets
• Carpeting
• Digital cameras (earlier models)
February:
• Tools
• Chocolate (Feb. 15-March 1)
March:
• Luggage
• Frozen foods
• Boats (March-April)

Spring

April 1 - June 30
• Televisions
• House (for availability)
• Boots and winter wear
April:
• Used cars
• Car accessories & parts
• Laptops
• Fabric
April & May:
• Cookware
• Vacuum cleaners
May:
• Patio furniture (last year's models)
• Bottled water
• Party supplies
June:
• Health club/gym memberships
• Tools (June 1-20, around Father's Day)

Summer

July 1 - Oct. 1
July: Furniture
Aug.-Sept.: Laptops
September:
• Cars (Weekend mornings)
• Lawn mowers
Sept.-Oct.:
• Big appliances
• Fancier wine
Oct.-Nov.: Cookware

Fall

Oct. 1 - Jan. 31
Shrubs, Trees, and Bulbs (that you can store until spring)
October:
• Car accessories & parts
• Jeans
• Big appliances
Oct.-Nov.: Cookware
November:
• Candy
• Aluminum foil & plastic wrap
Nov. 15-Dec. 24: Wedding dresses
Nov. 15-Jan. 31: HDTV and Home Theater

Sources

• The best time to buy — anything [MSN Money]
• From TVs to toys, the best time to buy everything [CNN Money]
• The Best Time to Buy Everything [SmartMoney.com]
• When is the best time to buy electronics, furniture, and more [Yahoo! Finance]
• Dealhunters: Buy Your Laptops in August, September and April - Best time to buy a laptop [Gizmodo]
• Shopping 101 - When's the Right Time to Purchase a Product? [GoogoBits.com]
• The Best Time to Buy Everything [About.com]

Buying and Saving Good Food

When's the best time to buy food? That all depends on where you live.
Honestly, we would have loved to assemble an all-in-one chart and help you buy peaches in vast quantities, then dine on the canned and frozen rewards all year long. But while pretty much everything is available and fresh all the time at, say, the Lifehacker West office, those of us who can see snow outside are in the thick of basement potato season, with grocery stores stocked full of goods trucked or flown in.
That doesn't mean you can't benefit from smart shopping and preservation, however. Here are some great resources that will get you informed about what's good and fresh when you buy it, and how to keep it edible throughout the whole year.
Find fresh food

• Epicurious' Peak-Season Map: Click a month, click on your state, and see what's growing good, plus grab a few recipes for those ingredients.
• Seasonal Chef: Geared toward farmers markets, but valid information on coast-to-coast food availability.
• Sustainable Table: Pulls information from the National Resource Defense Council on foods you can feel good about buying, and when to buy them.

Store your food
The basics on freezing fruits, vegetables, and meat come direct from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA's page on freezing and food safety gives the skinny on freezing vegetables:

... Most vegetables that freeze well are low acid and require a brief, partial cooking to prevent deterioration. This is called 'blanching.' For successful freezing, blanch or partially cook vegetables in boiling water or in a microwave oven. Then rapidly chill the vegetables prior to freezing and storage. Consult a cookbook for timing.

Helpful, but not super-specific. Food blog The Kitchn offers lists of items you can buy in bulk, and our archives offer up a few hints on getting the most from frozen food:

• Getting Started With Canning, aka Home Food Preservation
• Freezer Jam: A Baby Step To Canning (Original post)
• 10 Simple Freezer Tricks to Save You Time and Money

What about meats, both raw and cooked? Here's how the USDA breaks down freezer life at 0 Celsius, or 32 degrees Fahrenheit:

---

We've put together a lot of tips on when to buy good gear, but that's far from the end of the list. If you've got any tips of your own on when to snag great discounts and bulk prices, tell us in the comments. We'll update this post as we find the good stuff in there.

Is Your Cat Plotting to Kill You?

I got this from a friend today. OMG -- it is too funny!

Package Trackers

I confess. Okay, it isn't really much of a confession, but still... I did all my shopping, with exception to stocking stuffers, online this year. I thought about what I wanted to get Michael, and what we wanted to get everyone else, and shopped around online for the best deal. I was extra lucky that much of the time Amazon had the best deal and I was in the trial period for Amazon Prime (which gets you free 2 day shipping for many items).


I started a system to track my Christmas purchases way back in 2006. I create a label (or folder for you non-Gmail users) for each Christmas with the year -- Christmas 2009. Every purchase gets the label so I can easily look orders up as needed. The same year I started keeping a spreadsheet of everything I purchased (one sheet per person) with an item description, cost, purchase date and payment method. These two tools helped me keep track of purchases, but didn't do anything for the actual package tracking.


Since I had so many shipments en route, I needed a way to effectively monitor their shipment status. I have been using Boxoh in conjunction with my reader for quite a while. Boxoh is easy to use -- simply enter the tracking number and the site figures out who the carrier is and tracks the status. You can subscribe to the RSS feed, and your aggregator will be updated when the package status changes. That method is great if you use a reader like I do.


Even if you don't use a reader there are other methods to track your package status. If you are using Windows Vista or 7 with the sidebar another alternative is PackageTrackr. Just register for an account and install the gadget in the sidebar, and you'll see status updates as they happen. You can add packages either directly through the sidebar or the website. If you aren't using the sidebar but you have a Google account, there is also an iGoogle gadget. The site says it will support email notifications soon. If you are using a Mac, there is no love for you here.


If you like a simpler, more basic approach, a third option may be better. TrackMyShipments gives you an email address (track@trackmyshipments.com) to forward shipping confirmations to. The site will ferret the tracking number out of the email and provide you with email notifications when the package status changes. You can add notes for any shipment to better reflect the item when you have multiple shipments. This site doesn't really offer any bells and whistles, but it does a good clean job of reporting status.


I've been using all three services (for every package) since the beginning of December so that I can compare them. Each does a good job, the real differences are in the way updates are delivered. The boxoh/reader combo is my universal solution; packagetrackr works great on my Windows computer. TrackMyShipments falls at the bottom of the list for me, but that is just because it isn't quite slick enough for my nerdy desires...

Photo Project

I recently mentioned starting a photo project for 2010. The project is underway and going strong. I've started a new blog for purposes of sharing my photos and getting your feedback. You'll find 365 Days of Photos at http://tracy365photos.blogspot.com/. I hope you check it out and comment as you feel appropriate.

Smiles!

Inspiration for a New Year

One thing about me: I gave up New Year's resolutions years ago. I never really meant them, or could only stick to them for a short time. Let's face it, change can be difficult. Just because it is a new year doesn't meaning turning over a new leaf is any easier.

Another thing about me: more often than not, I do not have a direction. I've never had a master plan for my life. Rather, I've taken life as it comes and made decisions based on opportunities. I am a happy person for it. Don't get me wrong, I don't just bumble around (usually). Its just that I am open to the unexpected.

So, what's my point? Now that I've established the first two things about myself, I want to tell you about my inspiration for 2010. Yes, inspiration.

I was catching up on the world with Google Reader (you know my proclivity for it) when I came across an interesting post on Lifehacker. I scanned it, then linked directly to the original post from the original author. The post was dedicated to "Hints and Tips for doing a 365 day Photo Project".

When I read the title I turned into Scooby Doo with a tilted head and  "hrmmmm?" The idea of a 365 day photo project is pretty basic. You take one photograph a day. You can have a theme that you stick to, or not. The article is stock full of great ways to keep motivated and reward your continuity.

Mike got me a beyootiful new camera for Christmas. It is an ultra compact because I carry a camera in my purse -- who knows when opportunity will present itself? The timing of the post couldn't be more perfect. A new year, a fresh start, an opportunity to do something I like and use a Christmas gift.

I am really excited to start my 365 day photo project. I don't know how I'll share my pictures yet. Right now, I want to get started and stick to it. Do you enjoy photography and want to join me? If you do, please, let me know! We could encourage and inspire each other. We could even create some cool way share our work. The possibilities are endless.

I can't wait to get started!

Also linked above, check out the Dawnstar Australis post "Hints & Tips For Doing A 365 Day Photo Project"

From the Tips Box: Frozen Locks, Beard Trimming, and Loose Items [From The Tips Box] (via Lifehacker)

I got this on my reader this morning. Of the tips, I think the hand sanitizer bit and squegee idea are definitely the best!!! Thanks to New England winters for that perspective...

From the Tips Box: Frozen Locks, Beard Trimming, and Loose Items [From The Tips Box]:

Readers offer their best tips for de-icing frozen car locks, trimming your beard without a guarded trimmer, and remembering to bring loose items out the door.

Don't like the gallery layout? Click here to view everything on one page.

About the Tips Box: Every day we receive boatloads of great reader tips in our inbox, but for various reasons—maybe they're a bit too niche, maybe we couldn't find a good way to present it, or maybe we just couldn't fit it in—the tip didn't make the front page. From the Tips Box is where we round up some of our favorites for your buffet-style consumption. Got a tip of your own to share? Add it in the comments, share it here, or email it to tips at lifehacker.com.

Use Hand Sanitizer to De-Ice Car Locks

Photo by akemp42.

Kevin Kelsey shows us another handy pocket item that acts as a multitasker:

Went to a movie on Christmas, and when we came out, the car locks were frozen. No stores open for miles. I said to my wife that if we just had some alcohol, we could use that to unfreeze it. She gave me a small bottle of hand sanitizer, and I dipped the key in it. The lock opened right up. Neat, huh?

Use a Regular Comb as a Beard Trimming Guard

handbra gives beard-rockers a tip to keep it neat without a guarded trimmer:

If you have facial hair (I have a goatee) and forgot your guarded trimmer, you can use a comb as a guard and use the trimmer on the back of most electric razors. Just 'comb' your beard and run the trimmer over the comb. It takes a little getting used to, and it isn't the cleanest trim, but you can touch it up when you get through, and is much better than letting it grow out for the duration of your trip.

Keep a Squeegee In Your Car for Easy Snow Removal

Photo by VirtualErn.

spacecoyote lets us know about another useful windshield-clearing tool:

When the snow starts a-falling, throw a squeegee in your vehicle along with an ice scraper. It's much more efficient at clearing snow from the car and doesn't have bristles that clog up with snow and ice that will later melt inside your vehicle. If you have one with a sponge side, you can use that on painted areas if there's a worry about scratching the paint with the rubber squeegee. I've been using a $3 cheap-o from Wal-Mart and it hasn't let me down yet.

Leave Loose Items With Shoes For Quick Remembering

Enginerd keeps us from leaving important items behind with this tip:

Going to somebody else's house? Place the things you need to remember in (or on, if this grosses you out) your shoe, such as keys, wallet, or phone. Since you can't leave without your footwear, you're certain to remember these other items.

For those of us that are really forgetful, this tip works at your own house, too.

Wiiwaa -- may be fun for kids

Engadget was making fun of the upcoming Wiiwaa game (for Wii) earlier today. But... Well, check out the video before I say my piece.








And now that you've seen it... I think it looks like fun for kids. Really. Aside from stuffing the remote in the poor monster's mouth, it gives kids a chance to control the monster in the game just by playing. I think it is kinda cute for a kid (but I am too old -- for me I prefer Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games).

Signs of Impending Disaster (via I can has a cheeseburger)

Don't we all feel we are surrounded by mounting disasters some days? I know I do!!!!

The New Flight Security Rules, So Far [Air Travel] (via Lifehacker)

This is for all you fliers, via Lifehacker"

The New Flight Security Rules, So Far [Air Travel]:

After an attempted explosive attack on a U.S.-bound flight Friday, air travel security tightened and rules were changed. No official procedures were announced, but here's what fliers and news agencies are reporting as the standards for the time being.

Photo by Joshua Davis.

The first thing anyone flying needs to know is that there are no hard and fast rules put into place at this time, and what you read or hear about at one airport may not be the case at another. The Transportation Security Administration wrote in a press release that 'These measures are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same thing everywhere.'

Most sources are reporting that the most stringent measures are implemented on flights entering the U.S. from foreign lands, including Canada. Air Canada posted on its web site that, during the last hour of a flight, travelers headed to the U.S. will have to remain seated, will not have access to their carry-on baggage, and cannot have anything on their laps.

American Airlines posted on its own site that anyone flying into the U.S. should allow three hours for the entire boarding process. Passengers and carry-on items would be screened both at security checkpoints and at airline gates, according to the airline.

What about domestic flights? As stated, the only predictable element is unpredictability. Gizmodo has posted audio recorded from a Jet Blue pre-flight announcement, indicating that the airline's notable seat-by-seat in-flight entertainment system would be shut down for a recent flight, along with in-flight Wi-Fi, presumably. In that post, and others, gadget-savvy readers and Twitter users have reported a range of restrictions and rules.

Some flights have banned electronic usage during the first and final 30 minutes of a flight, not including takeoff and landing periods, and others have restricted usage for up to an hour before ascent and descent. Some fliers have experienced pat-down searches and more thorough bag checks, and most flights seem to require passengers to stay seated during the final portion of a flight, regardless of bathroom needs. The Times reports (at the link below) that while blankets and pillows were being banned from passengers' laps just before landing, that rule seems to have been softened and left up to each airline.

Have you flown since Friday's in-flight incident? What was your experience, and how much more time did your flight experience take? Help fill in the blanks for everybody in the comments.

For Airline Passengers, Pat-Downs, Searches and Restroom Monitors [NYTimes.com]

Pre - Christmas Blizzard hits the Vineyard (via Peter Simon)

Via Peter Simon's Blog:

Pre - Christmas Blizzard hits the Vineyard:

A rare, pre - Christmas snowstorm blanketed the Island last Sunday. We were not as hard hit as some places, such as New Bedford (24"). I measured 15" on my outside porch. Late Sunday afternoon, once the heavy snow abated, and my good friend Howard Wall plowed us out (we live down a long and winding half mile road), I scoured our whited - out landcscape for photo ops, with the Vineyard Calendar 2011(!) in mind. Since Edgartown was all lit up with seasonal decorations, I checked that out first. I headed home around 8:00, with the notion to get up early the next day to "do" Oak Bluffs. Al in all, I got some nice captures, maybe some that are worthy of calendar consideration. If you have a favorite one or two, please feel free to let me know which one(s) by emailing me at: peter@petersimon.com. Happy Holy Daze!

"