Topics

16

Off-Topic / Using That Dishwasher More

« on: September 06, 2020, 06:03:42 am »Message ID: 1338412

Here are 5 things you should always throw into your dishwasher (if you have one; I don't) if you have the space.

1.  The microwave turntable.  Put it in the bottom rack like it's a plate.

2.  The sink strainer.  Put it on the top rack after getting as much food out of holes as possible so it won't help clog your dishwasher filter.

3.  The dish drying rack.  This is meant for a plastic or metal one. Put it on the top rack and it can also help hold down plastic storage containers that could otherwise flip over.

4.  Your spoon rest. If dishwasher safe, add it to the top rack.

5.  A bowl of vinegar.  Vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack can help combat hard water which can make your dishes look cloudy or dirty.

17

Off-Topic / Flippy the Robot

« on: September 06, 2020, 05:45:39 am »Message ID: 1338407

If you don't know about Flippy yet (the robot who flips burgers), you've got some katching up to do 

This hunk of metal does more than beep and boop.  Flippy is the world's first autonomous robot kitchen assistant, help Quick Service restaurants cut operating costs by about 300%.

But I'm not just here relishing the chance to tell you about Flippy.  Hold onto your buns.

I'm here to tell you that you can actually invest in to this cask cow (flipping robot).  Oh yeah, Flippy's the future of Quick Service Restaurants and your wallet.  Look up Miso Robotics and the first autonomous robotic kitchen assistant!

18

Off-Topic / Republican Administrations Lead for Number of Indictments

« on: September 05, 2020, 04:24:24 pm »Message ID: 1338382

A Facebook post recently claimed 317 criminal indictments under 3 recent Republican presidents and only 3 under 3 recent Democratic presidents.  Per PolitiFACT, the claim is essentially on target for the Democratic presidents, but the comparison to the GOP presidents is overstated.  However, there were roughly 142 people indicted in the 3 GOP presidents' adminstrations! A lot of difference there!

19

Off-Topic / Breakup Texts per Bustle.com

« on: September 04, 2020, 07:00:59 am »Message ID: 1338213

Is this the way to do it?  Well, probably not, but here are some samples anyway.

1. Thanks for the drinks but his doesn't feel like the right fit.  Good luck on future dates.

2. You seem really great but I don't think we match in a romantic way.  You are going to be someone's soulmate and they are looking for you right now.  Thanks for your time.

3. Thanks for giving me a chance to really know you better but it doesn't seem like we are looking for the same things. 

4. I just wanted you to know I wasn't comfortable with your behavior.  It did not sit well with me.  I don't think we can be a match but I wish you well.

5. This has been fun over the past weeks but I don't think we are going anywhere on a romantic basis.  I'm looking for more and I am sure there is someone out there to suit both of us.

What do you think?  Like any of them? 

20

Off-Topic / NBA Arenas

« on: September 03, 2020, 07:15:39 am »Message ID: 1338048

There are now 17 NBA teams which are allowing their arenas to be used as voting centers this November.  This action will both increase voting access but also is an attempt to help those desirous of voting in-person.  The Hawks was the first, I believe, to take this action.  In my opinion, this is a very good use of the arenas at this time.  Besides the positives already named, it will bring some people back to work, such as security and custodial.

21

Off-Topic / Growing Food From Scraps

« on: September 03, 2020, 07:11:36 am »Message ID: 1338043

Garlic, lettuce, and celery are three of the easiest foods to grow food from scraps indoors.  The next time you see cloves of garlic sprouting green stems, plant the cloves (not the whole head), unpeeled and with sprouts facing up, two inches deep and four to six inches apart in a pot of soil.  Place them in a sunny spot and keep the soil moist. Snip the sprouts and eat them for a garlic-like flavor.

Don't have soil? Try growing lettuce or celery!  Take one bunch of either vegetable and chop three inches from the bottom. Put the bottom in an inch of water and set it under bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days. Slice off new stalks and munch away! You can compost the rotting parts.

For tips on how to grow other produce from scraps, look for a copy of Katie Elzer-Peters'  "No-Waste Kitchen Gardening"!

22

Off-Topic / The Importance of Population Control

« on: September 03, 2020, 06:06:25 am »Message ID: 1338024

Family planning and slower population growth have a positive impact on nearly all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Planet and population are reaching tipping points we must address.  Here are the goals, and as you read them, you will see about the importance as you think about the world in general:

1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Good health and well-being
4. Quality education
5. Gender equality
6. Clean water and sanitation
7. Affordable and clean energy
8. Decent work and economic growth
9. Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
10. Reduced inequalities
11. Sustainable cities and communities
12. Responsible consumption and production*
13. Climate action
14. Life below water
15. Life on land
16. Peace, justice, and strong institutions
17. Partnerships for the goals

23

Off-Topic / Childcare Cost

« on: September 03, 2020, 05:48:23 am »Message ID: 1338015

Did you know that the average cost of childcare is approximately $11,000 per year? It has been steadily climbing and not keeping pace with inflation.  This picture is definitely part of the economy.  Now, during a pandemic, it is even more significant in the overall economic scheme of things.

24

Off-Topic / Did you Know...

« on: September 02, 2020, 01:22:00 pm »Message ID: 1337925

Despite the global slowdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere hit a record high of 417 parts per million in May.

Sweden and Austria have closed all their coal-fired plants.  Time for us to do the same rather than try to open them as the Trump administration has done.

Today, 515 vertebrate species have fewer than 1,000 members.  This is what too many people and not taking care of nature does.

Wind and rain deposit microparticles of plastic on even the most remote parks and wilderness areas of the U.S.

The South Pole is warming 3 times faster than the rest of the planet.

25

Off-Topic / Think About This!

« on: September 02, 2020, 01:13:32 pm »Message ID: 1337922

Nature acts on the planet on a scale that dwarfs most human processes.  We are small, we are fragile, and we are the ones at risk. One of its principal components, the hydrological cycle of the planet, for example, is a system of extraordinary complexity and power.  The energy released over the course of a few days by a single hurricane is equivalent to that used by the entire world economy in a year. And that is a single storm.  We, it seems, are the fragile creatures that have chosen to undermine the very foundation that keeps our home from collapsing.  We are the unwitting victims of our own success.  We need to quit overlooking the importance and power of nature and protect it with all the tools and earnestness of our capabilities.

26

Off-Topic / Health Smarts V

« on: September 02, 2020, 12:58:53 pm »Message ID: 1337918

A serving of which food has less than 3 teaspoons of added sugar?

A.  Yasso Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Greek Yogurt Bar
B.  Chobani Oat Vanilla Yogurt
C.  Honest T Peach Oo-La-Long Tea
D.  Starbuck's Almondmilk Caffe' Latte
E.  Kellogg's Raisin Bran Crunch Cereal

A.  Yasso Mint Choco Chip Greek Yogurt Bar has got only 2 teaspoons of added sugars.  The others have a least 3 teaspoons--a quarter of a day's worth.

27

Off-Topic / Health Smarts IV

« on: September 02, 2020, 12:51:21 pm »Message ID: 1337917

Which exposure has NOT been traced to Covid-19 transmission?

A.  Attending a meeting with an infected person
B.  Singing in a choir with an infected person
C.  Eating food delivered from a store or restaurant
D.  Dining at a restaurant table adjacent to an infected person

C.  You're more likely to catch Covid-19 from other people (especially indoors).  No infections have been traced to packages or food.  Although there is evidence that the virus can stay for a while on some surfaces, no cases have been traced back to the circumstances described. (Per Nutrition Action Health letter)

28

Off-Topic / Health Smarts III

« on: September 02, 2020, 12:44:49 pm »Message ID: 1337916

Which is LEAST likely to be a sign of a stroke?

A.  Sudden numbness
B.  Sudden confusion
C.  Sudden trouble seeing
D.  Sudden irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
E.  Sudden dizziness

D.  Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of a stroke, but it's not a sign that you're having a stroke.  Don't delay calling 911 if you have the other symptoms, or ones like face drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech.  Time lost is brain lost!!!

29

Off-Topic / Health Smarts II

« on: September 02, 2020, 12:38:42 pm »Message ID: 1337915

Which benefit has NOT been linked to replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat?

A.  Reducing LDL ("bad") cholesterol
B.  Reducing excess weight
C.  Reducing excess belly fat
D.  Reducing excess liver fat

B.  However, replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat has lowered LDL cholesterol in many studies and liver and deep belly fat in a few studies. (According to Nutrition Action Health Letter)

30

Off-Topic / Health Smarts

« on: September 02, 2020, 12:32:10 pm »Message ID: 1337914

Which is MOST likely to lower your risk of diabetes?

A.  Take vitamin D
B.  Eat more full-fat dairy
C.  Lose excess weight
D.  Cut carbs
E.  Eat less fat

C. Losing as little as 12 pounds can lower your risk, whether you cut carbs, fat, or other calories.  Vitamin D doesn't help.  Full-fat dairy hasn't been tested in clinical trials.