I AM the worst cook ever. I swear. Everyone else was apparently born with a thorough knowledge of proper meat temperatures and grilling techniques. Every time I try to cook something it burns... bad. If it doesn't burn then I forgot one or more crucial ingredients and as for reading those recipes? Yeah, you can multiply the "preparation time" by about 10.
Today I went to my friend's house, where he effortlessly cooked perfect steaks, chicken, and even hot dogs (well at least I can do that!) I was amazed at how perfect the chicken was. I could NEVER do it that well. Worse is how modest the guy was.. He shrugged off my compliments as if his dog could have cooked the meat to perfection.
Seriously, what is it with men and cooking? Not to bash the women out there, but they typically don't seem fond of grilling. All my guy friends just have this intimate knowledge of BBQ'ing, and come up with recipes on the fly like it's nothing. I couldn't even imagine attempting to INVENT my own sauce. What a disaster that would be.. Just a few months ago I couldn't even cook a pot pie without a complete disaster every few minutes! It took me hours just to prepare the damn thing BEFORE I put it in the oven. I will admit however, that it turned out pretty good under the circumstances (of me cooking..)
If there is a God, and I ever meet him, I'm going to demand to know why I wasn't programmed with cooking skills, and why all my friends were. How come I can take apart a computer with my eyes closed and put it back together again, but I can't even heat up tea without destroying the microwave!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Unhealthy Foods Pictures
OK my good friend the wench seems to be unclear as to what's healthy food and what's not, so Captain Buck (wait, what's my name on this site?) is going to set the record straight. First of all, if you live in America... more specifically USA, pretty much ALL food is unhealthy. This is because it's an American tradition to eat unhealthy. It's also an American tradition to rack up ridiculous medical expenses due to the effects of eating the said unhealthy food.
There are some exceptions however. Californian's seem to like eating healthy. Vegetarian diets are popular and people LOVE guacamole. I've heard that it's high in "healthy fats". There are probably other parts of the country that like to eat healthy as well, but let's face it: Go outside in most cities/towns and you immediately run into 500 unhealthy restaurants.. There's the ever popular fast food such as McDonalds, Burger King and Wendy's, and then the sit-down restaurants which are even worse! Ruby Tuesday, Chilis, and Applebees are good examples.
Our country makes it entirely too easy to eat unhealthy. If you want to eat healthy, good luck finding something affordable and tasteful on the menu! It makes me sick that in our country a salad costs damn near $10, and it usually sucks! Go to Ukraine or Romania and you can have an AWESOME salad for a few bucks tops! Yes, I've been to both places and I can confirm this.
OK, so let's look at some pictures of unhealthy foods:
OH that looks tasty. Well it's also going to kill you. And burgers are one of the most popular meals here in the United States. Fast food places have them, and so do the sit-down restaurants. Beware of the many different forms of the burger that are equally unhealthy: "Cowboy Burger", "Mexican Burger", etc. In fact, if a burger has some sort of nickname it's probably even worse for you!
Canned soup, like Ramen, contains loads of sodium. That's not all however.. It also has a good amount of fat and MSG. It's sad because I bet a lot of people think canned soup is a healthy alternative to... whatever it is that is healthy these days.
Well, it's an uphill battle trying to eat healthy in this country. Either you have to learn to cook healthy yourself, eat very simple and boring foods, or go to more expensive establishments that are actually trying not to kill you. Good Luck!
There are some exceptions however. Californian's seem to like eating healthy. Vegetarian diets are popular and people LOVE guacamole. I've heard that it's high in "healthy fats". There are probably other parts of the country that like to eat healthy as well, but let's face it: Go outside in most cities/towns and you immediately run into 500 unhealthy restaurants.. There's the ever popular fast food such as McDonalds, Burger King and Wendy's, and then the sit-down restaurants which are even worse! Ruby Tuesday, Chilis, and Applebees are good examples.
Our country makes it entirely too easy to eat unhealthy. If you want to eat healthy, good luck finding something affordable and tasteful on the menu! It makes me sick that in our country a salad costs damn near $10, and it usually sucks! Go to Ukraine or Romania and you can have an AWESOME salad for a few bucks tops! Yes, I've been to both places and I can confirm this.
OK, so let's look at some pictures of unhealthy foods:
Burgers
OH that looks tasty. Well it's also going to kill you. And burgers are one of the most popular meals here in the United States. Fast food places have them, and so do the sit-down restaurants. Beware of the many different forms of the burger that are equally unhealthy: "Cowboy Burger", "Mexican Burger", etc. In fact, if a burger has some sort of nickname it's probably even worse for you!
Ramen Noodles
Everyone loves Ramen Noodles.. OK, everyone at college loves Ramen Noodles. They're cheap and easy to make. Unfortunately for you, they contain enough sodium to turn you into a salt lick. Watch out for cows as they may suddenly find you attractive. Of course most "almost ready to eat" products contain TONS of sodium, but Ramen is at the top of the list.
Soda
Ah, soda... pretty much the only damn thing you can drink at 99% of restaurants! Not completely true, but what else can you drink? Water? Milk? It's the only damn thing you can get more than one glass of without spending a fortune. When you think about it, soda is such a bad idea.. absolutely loaded with sugar, which many people attribute to the worst of health problems. Some even think sugar is the REAL culprit behind heart disease and other illnesses, not fat and cholesterol.
French Fries
Oh, this one's just painful. You'd have to be a communist to not like French fries. Worst of all they are pretty much served with EVERYTHING. Order a cheeseburger and get fries.. order a damn falafel and get fries.. even soup seems to come with fries! And they are the worst.. not only do they have record setting amounts of cholesterol and fat, but fries also have a carcinogen called "Acrylamide" packed into them. Carcinogen is a fancy word for "causes cancer". Great eh? I'm sure we're all guilty of eating too many fries, but what can you do? Like I said, they're everywhere.
Canned Soup
Canned soup, like Ramen, contains loads of sodium. That's not all however.. It also has a good amount of fat and MSG. It's sad because I bet a lot of people think canned soup is a healthy alternative to... whatever it is that is healthy these days.
Well, it's an uphill battle trying to eat healthy in this country. Either you have to learn to cook healthy yourself, eat very simple and boring foods, or go to more expensive establishments that are actually trying not to kill you. Good Luck!
Road Delays & Construction
I really, really hate when I'm driving along having a nice day, and suddenly run into "road construction". Of course they always make the construction as inconvenient as possible, right in the middle of rush hour.
The worst part is when they post police at both ends of the construction zone to help people "drive safer", when all it does is make idiots slow down to half the speed limit because they are scared to get pulled over! For some reason people on the highway turn into morons and need to slow down to 20mph whenever they see cops, accidents, or rainbows. Come on people, give me a break!
More annoying than that is when they have traffic only going one way, and leave it up to those "flagmen" to decide how long traffic will flow in one direction. Tonight I must have waited 10 minutes because the idiotic flagmen forgot that traffic also goes WEST on Route 30 in Pennsylvania! This is because apparently traffic lights in Pennsylvania have the shakiest power supplies ever. All the buildings have power, but not the traffic lights?! What's that all about?
Seriously why can't the department of transportation plan things out a little better, so that we aren't sitting around idling for half our commute because of idiotic construction. Don't even get me started on police and their ridiculous job descriptions either.. What is it with cops and speed limits anyway? This is the "land of the free", where you get nailed for all kinds of petty infractions on the road. Pathetic..
The worst part is when they post police at both ends of the construction zone to help people "drive safer", when all it does is make idiots slow down to half the speed limit because they are scared to get pulled over! For some reason people on the highway turn into morons and need to slow down to 20mph whenever they see cops, accidents, or rainbows. Come on people, give me a break!
More annoying than that is when they have traffic only going one way, and leave it up to those "flagmen" to decide how long traffic will flow in one direction. Tonight I must have waited 10 minutes because the idiotic flagmen forgot that traffic also goes WEST on Route 30 in Pennsylvania! This is because apparently traffic lights in Pennsylvania have the shakiest power supplies ever. All the buildings have power, but not the traffic lights?! What's that all about?
Seriously why can't the department of transportation plan things out a little better, so that we aren't sitting around idling for half our commute because of idiotic construction. Don't even get me started on police and their ridiculous job descriptions either.. What is it with cops and speed limits anyway? This is the "land of the free", where you get nailed for all kinds of petty infractions on the road. Pathetic..
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Lancaster PA: Things To Do
Lancaster, PA isn't just known for Amish people you know. Here we have the first paved road in the United States (now part of Route 30), and Lancaster is also known for a few inventions! The first battery powered watch was invented here, and the steamboat was invented by a man from Lancaster as well! Well, enough about that. You're here to find things to do in Lancaster in the present day after all. Here's a list:
1) Dutch Wonderland
This lesser known theme park isn't as big as Disney World, but it's a nice place to bring your kids. There are several roller-coasters, a water park area, and even a "monorail" that tours the park! Something tells me Disney wouldn't appreciate that.
2) Strasburg Railroad
Feel like chilling out? Head down to the Strasburg Railroad, where you can ride on an authentic steam-powered locomotive! You can eat an authentic meal on the train as well! Don't forget to check out nearby attractions such as corn maizes and farm tours.
3) Lancaster Outlets
Lancaster is known for its many clothing outlets. Come here to find some great deals. Nike, Nautica, Izod, Gap, and Liz Claiborne are examples of shops at the outlets.
4) Enjoy Local Eateries
For a nicer experience, head to the epic Mexican restaurant (castle) El Serrano or get Seafood and Mediterranean at Gibraltar.
Looking to go cheaper? Why not try Rice & Noodles Restaurant or Spyro Gyros & Salads, both local favorites!
5) Local Breweries
Lancaster has some great local breweries. My favorite is Iron Hill, where you can get the best beer known to man: RASPBERRY WHEAT! Another good local brewery is the Lancaster Brewing Company.
6) Amish Shops
You can find many smaller Amish shops along Route 30 and 340 East of Lancaster. There are also quite a few motels up that direction. Keep going this way and you will see Amish buggies driving around!
I hope you enjoyed my list of things to do in Lancaster, PA, and feel free to comment!
1) Dutch Wonderland
This lesser known theme park isn't as big as Disney World, but it's a nice place to bring your kids. There are several roller-coasters, a water park area, and even a "monorail" that tours the park! Something tells me Disney wouldn't appreciate that.
2) Strasburg Railroad
Feel like chilling out? Head down to the Strasburg Railroad, where you can ride on an authentic steam-powered locomotive! You can eat an authentic meal on the train as well! Don't forget to check out nearby attractions such as corn maizes and farm tours.
3) Lancaster Outlets
Lancaster is known for its many clothing outlets. Come here to find some great deals. Nike, Nautica, Izod, Gap, and Liz Claiborne are examples of shops at the outlets.
4) Enjoy Local Eateries
For a nicer experience, head to the epic Mexican restaurant (castle) El Serrano or get Seafood and Mediterranean at Gibraltar.
Looking to go cheaper? Why not try Rice & Noodles Restaurant or Spyro Gyros & Salads, both local favorites!
5) Local Breweries
Lancaster has some great local breweries. My favorite is Iron Hill, where you can get the best beer known to man: RASPBERRY WHEAT! Another good local brewery is the Lancaster Brewing Company.
6) Amish Shops
You can find many smaller Amish shops along Route 30 and 340 East of Lancaster. There are also quite a few motels up that direction. Keep going this way and you will see Amish buggies driving around!
I hope you enjoyed my list of things to do in Lancaster, PA, and feel free to comment!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Writing Tense: Past or Present?
Should you write in the past or present tense? This question really comes down to preference. Most books are written in the past tense. I have found personally that I can't stand reading books in the present tense.. This is probably because I'm not used to it. It is also technically harder to write in the present tense, so that is something to think about.
Movies and TV Shows are of course in the present tense, but they are obviously much different than books. While writing a TV Episode blog recently, I kept finding myself creeping into the present tense. I didn't like the idea of referring to an episode I was reviewing in the past tense. After a while I settled on writing a recap in the past tense, and writing the majority of my review in the present tense. This seemed to work fairly well.. Of course after having an English teacher review it, I was forced to go one way or the other? (was it really that big of a deal? :)
In the English language it's actually technically incorrect to write fiction in the present tense, because the story has already happened. Present tense is more often used in playscripts, which are a set of instructions to be carried out in the future.
However, people will argue with these points. Some like to tell stories in the present tense to cause a more "immediate" effect ("So I'm going downtown in the police car, and they tell me to shut up or I'm going to be locked away!")
Have you ever written a story in the present tense? Or even read one? What did you think about it? I think a majority of people prefer stories in the past tense, and would write them similarly.
Movies and TV Shows are of course in the present tense, but they are obviously much different than books. While writing a TV Episode blog recently, I kept finding myself creeping into the present tense. I didn't like the idea of referring to an episode I was reviewing in the past tense. After a while I settled on writing a recap in the past tense, and writing the majority of my review in the present tense. This seemed to work fairly well.. Of course after having an English teacher review it, I was forced to go one way or the other? (was it really that big of a deal? :)
In the English language it's actually technically incorrect to write fiction in the present tense, because the story has already happened. Present tense is more often used in playscripts, which are a set of instructions to be carried out in the future.
However, people will argue with these points. Some like to tell stories in the present tense to cause a more "immediate" effect ("So I'm going downtown in the police car, and they tell me to shut up or I'm going to be locked away!")
Have you ever written a story in the present tense? Or even read one? What did you think about it? I think a majority of people prefer stories in the past tense, and would write them similarly.
PC Wattage: Costs More Than You Think!
It was a few years ago while doing computer consulting for a private school that I first pondered how much energy a computer really used.. After doing some research I was surprised to see that having just one computer on 24/7 could be costing hundreds of dollars a year! I was shocked.
And it's no joke. Although the wattage of each computer can vary widely, imagine having 100 computers on 24/7 and paying the electric bill! We're talking about $10,000 a year easy! Using your screen saver will not make a difference, as the monitor and computer are still drawing energy.
Therefore I highly recommend you turn off your PC if you are trying to save money on your electric bill. Here at home I run a mid-range desktop, and it certainly adds a good amount to my electric bill. Laptops are far more energy efficient, and Apples are also known for being energy efficient. Older computers and especially giant CRT monitors.. not so much.
It's hard to give very specific numbers when talking about PC Wattage, but there are some factors that can help give you a clue. If you're using a high-end desktop with a nice video card, it's going to use more energy.. This will run a few hundred a year. However, laptops and Apple computers could be as low as $10 a year! Especially if you turn them off when you're not using them.
Speaking of whether it's better to keep your computer on or off, there is a huge debate about the issue and both sides have their points. Some people claim that having a computer on all the time is better for the hard drive and fans, because they don't experience a "cold" startup.
However, people who think turning your computer off is better point out that all moving parts have lifespans, and this is obviously decreased if you let the fans and hard drives in your computer constantly spin. I tend to like leaving computers on, only for convenience, but this is poor practice when it comes to saving on your electric bill. Maybe someday I will learn and follow my own advice.
Electric costs are and should be a factor in deciding between a laptop or desktop. Remember that you're most likely going to save at LEAST in the double digits per year in power costs if you purchase a laptop instead of a desktop. Also, laptops takes up less space and are mobile! Desktops are more for serious gamers and workers these days.
And it's no joke. Although the wattage of each computer can vary widely, imagine having 100 computers on 24/7 and paying the electric bill! We're talking about $10,000 a year easy! Using your screen saver will not make a difference, as the monitor and computer are still drawing energy.
Therefore I highly recommend you turn off your PC if you are trying to save money on your electric bill. Here at home I run a mid-range desktop, and it certainly adds a good amount to my electric bill. Laptops are far more energy efficient, and Apples are also known for being energy efficient. Older computers and especially giant CRT monitors.. not so much.
It's hard to give very specific numbers when talking about PC Wattage, but there are some factors that can help give you a clue. If you're using a high-end desktop with a nice video card, it's going to use more energy.. This will run a few hundred a year. However, laptops and Apple computers could be as low as $10 a year! Especially if you turn them off when you're not using them.
Speaking of whether it's better to keep your computer on or off, there is a huge debate about the issue and both sides have their points. Some people claim that having a computer on all the time is better for the hard drive and fans, because they don't experience a "cold" startup.
However, people who think turning your computer off is better point out that all moving parts have lifespans, and this is obviously decreased if you let the fans and hard drives in your computer constantly spin. I tend to like leaving computers on, only for convenience, but this is poor practice when it comes to saving on your electric bill. Maybe someday I will learn and follow my own advice.
Electric costs are and should be a factor in deciding between a laptop or desktop. Remember that you're most likely going to save at LEAST in the double digits per year in power costs if you purchase a laptop instead of a desktop. Also, laptops takes up less space and are mobile! Desktops are more for serious gamers and workers these days.
Filters, Noise, and Fans: Reducing Noise While You're Sleeping
I have found that the best way to mask noise is with a fan. It's not easy to filter out annoying noises such as loud neighbors, lawnmowers, or angry UPS drivers. However, a fan does wonders.
For several years I lived in a house with an overhead fan, and that was a great way to reduce noise while also maintaining a nice breeze. Having a fan on also reduces your AC bill in the summer. I find that 74 degrees is uncomfortable without a fan, but with a fan I can go up to 76 degrees. That's a lot of AC savings! Even a few degrees can make a huge difference. Having a fan on also makes you more comfy in bed, as your covers will "protect" you from the blowing fan, while you are still cooled sufficiently that you are not overheating.
After moving into my new apartment, I did not have an overhead fan and was worried. However, I simply purchased a powerful stand-up fan, and this has worked just as well! It masks noises very well too. Half the time I don't even notice the doorbell! OK well that's not always a good thing, but luckily I can turn the fan down to a point where I will hear the doorbell. I also run the fan during the day most of the time. Sitting at my computer can get quite hot, and computers do put out a lot of heat.
Having a fan is almost hypnotic and adds atmosphere to your bedroom. I absolutely love wind outside (as long as I'm not freezing!) so having a fan indoors is similar. Other methods to reducing noise are using earplugs and playing music. However, earplugs can be uncomfortable while you are sleeping, and music can also keep you awake unless it's soothing new age or nature sounds. I find that a fan still masks noises best. Good luck!
For several years I lived in a house with an overhead fan, and that was a great way to reduce noise while also maintaining a nice breeze. Having a fan on also reduces your AC bill in the summer. I find that 74 degrees is uncomfortable without a fan, but with a fan I can go up to 76 degrees. That's a lot of AC savings! Even a few degrees can make a huge difference. Having a fan on also makes you more comfy in bed, as your covers will "protect" you from the blowing fan, while you are still cooled sufficiently that you are not overheating.
After moving into my new apartment, I did not have an overhead fan and was worried. However, I simply purchased a powerful stand-up fan, and this has worked just as well! It masks noises very well too. Half the time I don't even notice the doorbell! OK well that's not always a good thing, but luckily I can turn the fan down to a point where I will hear the doorbell. I also run the fan during the day most of the time. Sitting at my computer can get quite hot, and computers do put out a lot of heat.
Having a fan is almost hypnotic and adds atmosphere to your bedroom. I absolutely love wind outside (as long as I'm not freezing!) so having a fan indoors is similar. Other methods to reducing noise are using earplugs and playing music. However, earplugs can be uncomfortable while you are sleeping, and music can also keep you awake unless it's soothing new age or nature sounds. I find that a fan still masks noises best. Good luck!
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