How to Enjoy & Survive St. Patrick’s Day Drinking



By Administrator1 ~ February 27th, 2012. Filed under: Education, Food & Body, General.

Some easy rules that will help you to party with the best and feel great:

  • Always have food in your stomach before you start drinking.
  • Little snacking such as cheese and crackers, small sandwich or some chicken wings will help you to absorb the alcohol.
  • Try to have some food after drinking to prevent a hangover. Oily food in your stomach means less alcohol absorption.
  • Drink a lot of water between your drinks to avoid dehydration. Dehydration will help to wash out the alcohol from your system faster. If you don’t want to drink water, have a glass of ginger ale, which helps soothe your stomach.
  • Don’t mix the drinks because you will get drunk faster and uglier and they will make you sick. If you decide to mix drinks, always eat between them.
  • Avoid very sweet or very creamy drinks, they are heavy on the stomach, cause bad hangover and add extra calories. A pina colada, for example is made with pineapple juice and coconut milk, and an 8 oz glass can have as many as 450 calories and 18 grams of fat. A rum and coke has about 250 calories, and a gin and tonic has about 200 calories, though at least those are fat-free.

Calories in some popular drinks:
- 12 oz of regular green beer have about 150 calories.
- 12 oz of light beer have about 100 calories.
- 5 oz of wine have about 100 calories
- A shot of most distilled spirits have about 100 calories.

How to Manage Electricity Costs With Time of Use Rates (TOU)



By Administrator1 ~ February 24th, 2012. Filed under: Environment, Household Tips, Uncategorized.

Smart Meters and Time-of-Use (TOU) prices are new energy management tools that enable consumer to help smooth “peak demand”. Electricity prices vary based on the time of day, day of week (weekdays versus weekend), and by season (winter or summer) and reflect the cost to produce electricity at different times. Prices for electricity rise and fall over the course of the day and tend to drop overnight and on weekends based on the amount of supply available and our levels of demand. When we are using a lot of electricity at the same time we create “peak demand” periods. Supplying electricity at peak times has a range of impacts:

  • It adds to electricity costs because higher demand leads to higher prices.
  • It increase need for investments in new power plants, transmission and distribution networks that must be build and consumers must pay for.
  • It is hard on environment because higher demand requires the building of additional power plants.

Peak demand management does not necessarily decrease total energy consumption, but could be expected to reduce the need for investments in networks and power plants. Supply and demand also encourages the consumers to use less electricity during peak hours, when it is less expensive for energy companies to produce

Simple changes to your routine can help smooth those peaks and create real supply and environmental benefits. It will also reflect financially on your budget, because as a consumer you will be charged less for using electricity during off-peak hours, and more during peak hours.

Saving Tips:

  • Wash and dry your clothes during off-peak periods where possible.
  • Rinse and wash your laundry with cold water whenever possible.
  • Avoid running your air conditioner during “peak demand” periods.
  • Install a programmable thermostat and set it to reduce your energy use when you’re sleeping or when you’re not home.
  • Use a portable fan in conjunction with your air conditioner and set the thermostat to 26 – 28ºC. Consider fan first for cooling.
  • In the summer, keep curtains and blinds closed to keep out the midday sun.
  • Check doors and windows for drafts and leaks that will let your winter heat out and invite muggy summer air in. Caulking and weather stripping are simple and inexpensive.
  • If you have a swimming pool, spa or sauna, try using timers where possible to operate pumps, filters and heaters during off-peak hours.
  • Have electronics turned off while you are asleep or away.
  • Consider automatic timers, motion sensors and dimmers to help maximize your control over lighting costs.
  • If you have electric lawn mower, consider using it on weekends or off-peak times.
  • If you need to purchase a new appliance, consider appliances with timer functions that allow you to take advantage of TOU rates.

When Pa is Sick



By Mike ~ January 14th, 2012. Filed under: Humor & Jokes, Uncategorized.

When Pa is sick, he’s scared to death
An’ Ma an’ us just holds our breath.
He crawls in bed an’ puffs and grunts,
An’ does all kinds of crazy stunts.
He wants Doc Brown, an’ “mighty quick,”
For when Pa’s ill, he’s awful sick.
He gasps an’ groans, an’ sort of sighs;
He talks so queer, and rolls his eyes.
Ma jumps an’ runs an’ all of us,
An’ peace an’ joy is mighty scarce…
When Pa is sick, it’s something fierce!

Potty Training



By Administrator1 ~ January 7th, 2012. Filed under: Entertainment, Home Decor.

Who says you can’t potty train a man?

In Amsterdam, the tile under Schiphol’s urinals would pass inspection in an operating room. But nobody notices. What everybody does notice is that each urinal has fly in it. Click on the image for bigger image.

Look harder, and the fly turns into the black outline of a fly, etched into the porcelain. It improves the aim. If man sees a fly, he aims at it. Fly-in-urinal research found that etchings reduces spillage by 80%. It gives a guy something to think about. That’s perfect example of process control.

Herbs Boost Immunity



By Administrator1 ~ December 14th, 2011. Filed under: Health, Herbs, Personal Care, Product Reviews.

Herbs can be very powerful weapon in the war against infection. They boost immunity, fight off bacteria and certain viruses (like colds and flu), and on the top of all that, they do not promote resistance or eradicate beneficial flora. Some herbs have the added advantage of easing the pain or common side effects of antibiotics (like severe diarrhea), and preventing the overgrowth of harmful microorganisms that usually move in when antibiotics wipe out the protective bacteria. Always check with your health care provider or pharmacist before taking any herbs.

Goldenseal, one of natures natural immune supporting agents, gets its healing properties from berberine alkaloids bitter tasting compounds that have been shown to naturally stimulate healthy immune function. Taken orally, Goldenseal may be highly useful in preventing respiratory challenges, washing harmful bacteria from the urinary track, supporting the bodys ability to naturally heal wounds, comforting scratchy throats and promoting healthy skin. *

Its active ingredient fends off a variety of bacteria, viruses and fungi, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, E. coli and salmonella. Goldenseal should be used only symptomatically, since it is too irritating to take it every day.

Wheat Grass – Amazing Grass wheat grass – By restoring alkalinity and neutralizing acid production your body can recover quicker, metabolize faster, reduce food cravings and achieve your optimal health. Wheatgrass can help you get more from your life-more energy to be active, more confidence in your ability to stay healthy, and more hours alert and awake each day to accomplish your goals in life. To find out more about this powerful grass read The Wheatgrass Book: How to Grow and Use Wheatgrass to Maximize Your Health and Vitality

Legal Disclaimer
* Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication.

With Age Comes Wisdom



By Maya ~ November 2nd, 2011. Filed under: Humor & Jokes.

A guy is over 75 years old and loves to fish. He was sitting in his boat the other day when he heard a voice say, ‘Pick me up. ‘ He looked around and couldn’t see any one. He thought he was dreaming when he heard the voice say a gain,’Pick me up.’?

He looked in the water and there, floating on the top, was a frog.

The man said, ‘Are you talking to me?’

The frog said, ‘Yes, I’m talking to you. Pick me up then, kiss me and I’ll turn into the most beautiful woman you have ever seen.

I’ll make sure that all your friends are envious and jealous because I will be your bride!’

The man looked at the frog for a short time, reached over, picked it up carefully, and placed it in his front breast pocket.

Then the frog said, ‘What, are you nuts? Didn’t you hear what I said? I said kiss me and I will be your beautiful bride.’

He opened his pocket, looked at the frog and said,

‘Nah, at my age I’d rather have a talking frog.’

The Better Way to Make Compost!



By Editor ~ October 30th, 2011. Filed under: Gardening.

Say good-bye to messy, open compost pile and bad odors that come along with it! Use above-ground tumbling bin which rotates on a base and produces bushels of ready to use compost in just couple of weeks.

Composter: Back Porch ComposTumbler
This lightweight, portable composter is a good choice for people who don’t have a lot of room. The Back Porch ComposTumbler is 37 inches high x 31 inches wide x 26 inches deep and stands on a frame that rests on 6 inch wheels. It holds 37 gallons of compost material, and 4 inside mixing fins help break up large pieces of compost. The combination of an aerator/drainage unit on the bottom of the composter and screened side vents makes sure your compost gets the proper amount of oxygen while preventing animals from getting into it. 5 year manufacturer warranty.

Tumbleweed Composter Tumbling Compost Bin
The Tumbleweed Compost Maker is an above-ground tumbling bin which rotates on a solid stainless-steel axis. Use kitchen, lawn and garden scraps to produce earthy compost quickly! Gardeners have long been aware of the benefits of adding rich organic nutrients to the soil by composting. Now, thanks to the Tumbleweed Compost Maker, backyard and urban gardeners of all ages and abilities can compost quickly and cleanly. The patented design of the Tumbleweed Compost Maker takes the work out of composting by featuring a vertical tumbling action with dual-end, twist lock, animal-resistant vented lids which allow for easy filling and emptying of the bin, while producing maximum aeration. The solid stainless steel axis of the Tumbleweed Compost Maker creates an aerobic action that enables a quick and odorless form of composting. Put your kitchen and yard waste to work for you with a daily spin producing up to 8 cubic feet of earthy dark brown compost in as little as 21 days, without the need for any chemical starter!

Composter: Original ComposTumbler
The original ComposTumbler was developed as a hot composter for faster decomposition of materials. The aerator/drainage units on the doors of the chamber, along with the screened endcaps allow a constant flow of air, so your compost won’t stink! Turning the drum is easy because of it’s gear driven, so it won’t slip. The drum of the composter holds 18 bushels, or about 180 gallons of material and sits 27 inches off the ground, so it won’t leak into the ground or be bothered by animals. Assembly required. Composter measures 68 inches high x 50 inches wide x 40 inches deep. 5 year manufacturer warranty.

THE PASTOR’S CAT…



By Administrator1 ~ September 28th, 2011. Filed under: Entertainment.

This particular story just made me laugh. Every time I think about it, the vision of that poor cat just amuses me to no end. Hope the story leaves a bright spot in your day. Whoever said the Creator doesn’t have a sense of humor?

Dwight Nelson recently told a true story about the pastor of his church. He had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down. The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc.

The kitty would not come down. The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and pulled it until the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten.

That’s what he did, all the while checking his progress in the car. He then figured if he went just a little bit further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to reach the kitten. But as he moved the car a little further forward, the rope broke.

The tree went ‘boing!’ and the kitten instantly sailed through the air – out of sight.

The pastor felt terrible. He walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they’d seen a little kitten. No. Nobody had seen a stray kitten. So he prayed, ‘Lord, I just commit this kitten to your keeping,’ and went on about his business.

A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met one of his church members. He happened to look into her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food. This woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her, ‘Why are you buying cat food when you hate cats so much?’

She replied, ‘You won’t believe this,’ and then told him how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but she kept refusing. Then a few days before, the child had begged again, so the Mom finally told her little girl, ‘Well, if God gives you a cat, I’ll let you keep it.’ She told the pastor, ‘I watched my child go out in the yard, get on her knees, and ask God for a cat. And really, Pastor, you won’t believe this, but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky, with its paws outspread, and landed right in front of her.’

Never underestimate the Power of God and His unique sense of humor.

Be kind to animals

Men Are Just Happier People — What do you expect from such simple creatures?



By Administrator1 ~ August 28th, 2011. Filed under: Humor & Jokes.

WHY MEN SHOULD NEVER BE DEPRESSED:

Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack. You can be President. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park. Car mechanics tell you the truth. The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. You don’t have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay. Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100. People never stare at your chest when you’re talking to them. New shoes don’t cut, blister, or mangle your feet. One mood all the time. <>Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. You know stuff about tanks. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend. Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. You almost never have strap problems in public. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes. Everything on your face stays its original color. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe d ecades. You only have to shave your face and neck. You can play with toys all your life. One wallet and one pair of shoes — one color for all seasons. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look. You can “do” your nails with a pocket knife. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache. You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes. No wonder men are happier.

Send this to the women who can handle it and to the men who will enjoy reading it.

Healthy Trends in Agriculture – Farming Organic Products



By Maya ~ July 29th, 2011. Filed under: Gardening.

People are buying more organic products and North American farmers are farming organic in record numbers in order to capture high-value markets, lower input costs, boost farm income, and conserve resources. The peak of the modified seeds trend may be past on North American farms. Farmers who planted them hoped that they would lower costs and increase yields, but they found that it is not always the case. On the other hand, both governments and industry could do better job of educating the public about the benefits of organic products.

FREE Practical Online Gardening Guide

GARDENING TIP: Sustainable gardens are new gardening trend. They can take care of themeselves. You can use more native plants that are already adapted to the climate, versus fussy tropical, non-native plants. If the plants are local, they’ll grow well with the local precipitation, and you won’t need to amend the soil. Native plants are less daunting, more approachable, and more doable. They are working with what you have.