Barack Obama 01.20.09
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Fact or Fiction?
Fact or Fiction from Scientific American
1. Waking Sleepwalkers May Kill Them.
Just how big a hazard is it? The chances of killing a sleepwalker due to the shock of sudden awakening is about as likely as someone expiring from a dream about dying. In fact, waking a sleepwalker is more likely to save his or her life.
The answer: Fiction.
2. Living People Outnumber the Dead.
Has the human population swelled so much that people alive today outnumber all those who have ever lived? Despite a worldwide quadrupling of the population in the past century, the number of people alive today is still dwarfed by the number of people who have ever lived whether we begin counting from the first Homo sapiens 50,000 years ago, the Egyptian agricultural revolution in 9,000 B.C., or the Roman rule in 1 A.D.
The answer: Fiction.
3. Chocolate is Poisonous to Dogs.
Can too many M&M's kill a Chihuahua? Humans and their pets share a similar sweet tooth, but whereas humans who eat chocolate feel a slight euphoria, our canine companions that do so may suffer - theobromine and caffeine components in the candy can poison and even kill them. Choclate's real danger to dogs, however, mostly depends on the quality and quantity consumed and the size of the dog.
The answer: Fact.
4. Vitamin Supplements Improve Your Health.
Americans pour billions of dollars into supplements every year. Is it an investment in health -or money down the drain? Humans need 13 vitamins to survive but excess intake of certain supplements can be harmful. The best way to get most of your micronutrients is to eat healthful foods (fruits and vegetables) because they include thousands of other phytochemicals that have additional protective benefits to the body: they maintain vitamins' chemical integrity and assist in their digestion.
The answer: Fiction.
5. Underwire Bras Cause Cancer.
Is your bra killing you? It is unknown what exactly causes breast cancer, but bras, or the lack thereof, are not the secret answer. Risk factors include age, gene mutation, and there is an increased risk for women who give birth after 30.
The answer: Fiction.
6. Archimedes Coined the Term "Eureka!" in the Bath.
The famed mathematician made many important scientific contributions. Was this exclamation the result of one of them? According to lore, while taking a bath Archimedes discovered that the water his body displaced was an exact measure of his volume - thus his exclamation "Eureka," or "I've found it." Several millenia later, this exclamation is ubiquitous. The first mention of the story, however, was by Vitruvius, a Roman writer, 200 years after the event.
The answer: Fiction.
7. Vodka Keeps Cut Flowers Fresh.
Does vodka really dull flowers' senses and inhibit their aging process? If small amounts are added, vodka works as a flower preservative by interfering with the plant's ripening process.
The answer. Fact.
1. Waking Sleepwalkers May Kill Them.
Just how big a hazard is it? The chances of killing a sleepwalker due to the shock of sudden awakening is about as likely as someone expiring from a dream about dying. In fact, waking a sleepwalker is more likely to save his or her life.
The answer: Fiction.
2. Living People Outnumber the Dead.
Has the human population swelled so much that people alive today outnumber all those who have ever lived? Despite a worldwide quadrupling of the population in the past century, the number of people alive today is still dwarfed by the number of people who have ever lived whether we begin counting from the first Homo sapiens 50,000 years ago, the Egyptian agricultural revolution in 9,000 B.C., or the Roman rule in 1 A.D.
The answer: Fiction.
3. Chocolate is Poisonous to Dogs.
Can too many M&M's kill a Chihuahua? Humans and their pets share a similar sweet tooth, but whereas humans who eat chocolate feel a slight euphoria, our canine companions that do so may suffer - theobromine and caffeine components in the candy can poison and even kill them. Choclate's real danger to dogs, however, mostly depends on the quality and quantity consumed and the size of the dog.
The answer: Fact.
4. Vitamin Supplements Improve Your Health.
Americans pour billions of dollars into supplements every year. Is it an investment in health -or money down the drain? Humans need 13 vitamins to survive but excess intake of certain supplements can be harmful. The best way to get most of your micronutrients is to eat healthful foods (fruits and vegetables) because they include thousands of other phytochemicals that have additional protective benefits to the body: they maintain vitamins' chemical integrity and assist in their digestion.
The answer: Fiction.
5. Underwire Bras Cause Cancer.
Is your bra killing you? It is unknown what exactly causes breast cancer, but bras, or the lack thereof, are not the secret answer. Risk factors include age, gene mutation, and there is an increased risk for women who give birth after 30.
The answer: Fiction.
6. Archimedes Coined the Term "Eureka!" in the Bath.
The famed mathematician made many important scientific contributions. Was this exclamation the result of one of them? According to lore, while taking a bath Archimedes discovered that the water his body displaced was an exact measure of his volume - thus his exclamation "Eureka," or "I've found it." Several millenia later, this exclamation is ubiquitous. The first mention of the story, however, was by Vitruvius, a Roman writer, 200 years after the event.
The answer: Fiction.
7. Vodka Keeps Cut Flowers Fresh.
Does vodka really dull flowers' senses and inhibit their aging process? If small amounts are added, vodka works as a flower preservative by interfering with the plant's ripening process.
The answer. Fact.
Friday, January 09, 2009
2008 in Photos
Overall, 2008 was pretty great. I did a lot of travelling for work, and spent some quality time with good friends and my loving family. I moved in with my wonderful boyfriend after painting every wall in our condo, and we've been having a fun time getting used to being around each other ALL the time. EVERY day. Sounds great huh? But, really, it's a ton of fun and we're learning more about each other and growing closer. There are times when we argue all night about how many blankets really need to be on the couch at all times (I say three, he says none), or when he can't find his keys, wallet, or phone, because I put them back where they belong (in the catch-all box on the shelf!!) Honestly, the hardest part has been learning each other's needs. After work, I like to yap my jaws and talk about the day, and Steve likes to relax quietly. It's like that one episode of Sex and the City where Aidan moves in with Carrie and when she comes home from work, he goes, "where ya been? who'd ya see? what'd ya do?" Carrie tells Aidan that she needs him to not talk to her for one whole hour. He agrees, but after a minute she returns to him, realizing that sometimes when you get your needs met, you don't need them anymore. Ahh, I love that ep.
Anyway, I'm rambling. 2008 is over, but I am looking forward to new experiences and travels in 2009. I decided to put together a little slideshow of photos from 2008 to summarize the past year. I hope you enjoy it! The background music is "Movie Script Ending" by Death Cab for Cutie. Here's to a meaningful and eye-opening 2009!
Anyway, I'm rambling. 2008 is over, but I am looking forward to new experiences and travels in 2009. I decided to put together a little slideshow of photos from 2008 to summarize the past year. I hope you enjoy it! The background music is "Movie Script Ending" by Death Cab for Cutie. Here's to a meaningful and eye-opening 2009!
A list of 2008 travels:
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Madison, Wisconsin (three times!)
- Catalina Island
- South Lake Tahoe
- Gardnerville, Nevada
- Bozeman, Montana (twice!)
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Stranded in Denver, Colorado
- Monterey
- Big Sur
- San Francisco
- Long Beach
- Mission Viejo
Thursday, January 08, 2009
January on the Central Coast of California
I know I said that I want to live where it rains, but I guess I shouldn't complain...
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Festivities
I didn't feel as festive this year as I usually do during the holiday season. Maybe it was the 90 degree weather leading up to December, or maybe it was because I had to work on Christmas Eve. Regardless, I managed to put up my mini Christmas tree and decorate the house a bit.
We arrived in Bozeman on Christmas morning and my mom made us breakfast as soon as we walked in the door. After our tummies were filled, we opened presents, and napped, watched movies, and relaxed. My mom made a beautiful pork roast for Christmas dinner and I ate like it was my first meal in weeks.
My little brother got a Glock from Santa. Yes, a REAL Glock gun. He is so gangster. I wanted nothing to do with that gun, but Steve had something else in mind. :)
I didn't even know Steve was into guns, but ever since we got back from Montana that's all he can talk about. He's been reading gun magazines, internet articles, and has been practicing his shot at the local shooting range. Boys will be boys!
We only spent a few days in Montana, but every moment was so lovely. We ran errands downtown Bozeman in the 20 degree weather and I was stupid enough to forget my scarf, hat, and gloves. Luckily, every store you walk into has the heater blasting to about 80 degrees. My mom and I had a warm drink at the local wine bar and I had the BEST spiked coffee ever. It was regular coffee with a cute little creampot of white chocolate liquor. SO GOOD. The rest of the trip was spent playing RockBand with the family and eating - LOTS of eating :) We went to The Mint so Steve could try some Buffalo tenderloin. He absolutely loved it, which was surprising to me, because that was the first time I'd ever seen him eat steak of any kind.
My little brother got a Glock from Santa. Yes, a REAL Glock gun. He is so gangster. I wanted nothing to do with that gun, but Steve had something else in mind. :)
I didn't even know Steve was into guns, but ever since we got back from Montana that's all he can talk about. He's been reading gun magazines, internet articles, and has been practicing his shot at the local shooting range. Boys will be boys!
We only spent a few days in Montana, but every moment was so lovely. We ran errands downtown Bozeman in the 20 degree weather and I was stupid enough to forget my scarf, hat, and gloves. Luckily, every store you walk into has the heater blasting to about 80 degrees. My mom and I had a warm drink at the local wine bar and I had the BEST spiked coffee ever. It was regular coffee with a cute little creampot of white chocolate liquor. SO GOOD. The rest of the trip was spent playing RockBand with the family and eating - LOTS of eating :) We went to The Mint so Steve could try some Buffalo tenderloin. He absolutely loved it, which was surprising to me, because that was the first time I'd ever seen him eat steak of any kind.
I was so sad to leave, but glad we had such a nice time in icey Montana. We got home Sunday and had the whole entire week off of work to rejuvenate and enjoy the last days of 2008.
Thanks for everything Mom! We love you!
Thanks for everything Mom! We love you!
Festivities
I didn't feel as festive this year as I usually do during the holiday season. Maybe it was the 90 degree weather leading up to December, or maybe it was because I had to work on Christmas Eve. Regardless, I managed to put up my mini Christmas tree and decorate the house a bit.
We arrived in Bozeman on Christmas morning and my mom made us breakfast as soon as we walked in the door. After our tummies were filled, we opened presents, and napped, watched movies, and relaxed. My mom made a beautiful pork roast for Christmas dinner and I ate like it was my first meal in weeks.
My little brother got a Glock from Santa. Yes, a REAL Glock gun. He is so gangster. I wanted nothing to do with that gun, but Steve had something else in mind. :)
I didn't even know Steve was into guns, but ever since we got back from Montana that's all he can talk about. He's been reading gun magazines, internet articles, and has been practicing his shot at the local shooting range. Boys will be boys!
We only spent a few days in Montana, but every moment was so lovely. We ran errands downtown Bozeman in the 20 degree weather and I was stupid enough to forget my scarf, hat, and gloves. Luckily, every store you walk into has the heater blasting to about 80 degrees. My mom and I had a warm drink at the local wine bar and I had the BEST spiked coffee ever. It was regular coffee with a cute little creampot of white chocolate liquor. SO GOOD. The rest of the trip was spent playing RockBand with the family and eating - LOTS of eating :) We went to The Mint so Steve could try some Buffalo tenderloin. He absolutely loved it, which was surprising to me, because that was the first time I'd ever seen him eat steak of any kind.
My little brother got a Glock from Santa. Yes, a REAL Glock gun. He is so gangster. I wanted nothing to do with that gun, but Steve had something else in mind. :)
I didn't even know Steve was into guns, but ever since we got back from Montana that's all he can talk about. He's been reading gun magazines, internet articles, and has been practicing his shot at the local shooting range. Boys will be boys!
We only spent a few days in Montana, but every moment was so lovely. We ran errands downtown Bozeman in the 20 degree weather and I was stupid enough to forget my scarf, hat, and gloves. Luckily, every store you walk into has the heater blasting to about 80 degrees. My mom and I had a warm drink at the local wine bar and I had the BEST spiked coffee ever. It was regular coffee with a cute little creampot of white chocolate liquor. SO GOOD. The rest of the trip was spent playing RockBand with the family and eating - LOTS of eating :) We went to The Mint so Steve could try some Buffalo tenderloin. He absolutely loved it, which was surprising to me, because that was the first time I'd ever seen him eat steak of any kind.
I was so sad to leave, but glad we had such a nice time in icey Montana. We got home Sunday and had the whole entire week off of work to rejuvenate and enjoy the last days of 2008.
Thanks for everything Mom! We love you!
Thanks for everything Mom! We love you!
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