National Coffee Day 9/29/09

Today is national coffee day!

What is coffee?  It is a fruit, belive it or not.  Coffee harvesters take the coffee seed and roast them (that is what you see in stores).  And after it is roasted and ground, it is ready for you to enjoy!!  They use coffee because of the caffeine content in the seeds.  This is a natural energy booster for humans.  (Just because it is natural (comes from nature) doesn't mean that it is good for you).

Since today is National Coffee Day, no doubt there will be coffee places that give away free coffee so call your local coffee stop and ask if they are offering free coffee.

If you enjoy coffee and would like a wide variety of it, and want to order it online this is a great site.  They have tons of different kinds of coffee, and if you sign up for their email newsletter, they usually give out Friday coupons for over roasted coffee beans (because they want to have the freshest coffee, they are giving away over roaster coffee =D).

Cure for HIV

Did you hear?

They have found the cure for HIV...well sort of...like most.

They claim that 30% of people did not get HIV in a study.  What they did is get 5000 people and half got the meds and half got placebos.  The people selected were high risk for HIV.  Makes you wonder who these people are...who are the high risk individuals?  People who are poor?

Anyway, this is still early and still needs development and it will be years from now that a vaccine will be available.

My Thoughts
It will be a looooong time for waiting.  HIV constantly mutates, so how are they going to develop a vaccine that constantly changes?  Unless they can create a mutating vaccine, and mutates exactly like the HIV virus, it will be a while till we see a vaccine.

Chegg.com -- Renting textbooks rather than buying them

I have known about this site for a while now, but haven't used it until my friend told me about it.

A new semester or quarter begins.  You are in need of a textbook, but don't want to lash out hundreds of dollars.  What do you do?

You can buy the textbook -- use it a few times and then sell it on amazon.

OR

You can use chegg.com and rent them for a certain period.

Chegg.com has many books that your college or university uses.  They had 3 of the 4 books that I needed.  One of them I just bought on amazon.  You can rent it, use it, highlight it, mark it, just don't destroy it, and then after your school is over ship it back to them.  Shipping it back is free, although shipping to you might cost you some money...but wait... use code CC105371 and get a discount on your order.
What I do before I rent from chegg.com is to go to amazon.com and compare the prices.  If I think that I can buy the textbook used from amazon.com and resell it more than the price of chegg.com, then I will buy it from amazon and just sell it back.  If not, then...well that's obvious...I'll use chegg.com.

EDIT: 9/28/09 @ 10:29 AM:
Who wants to pay a wad of cash for textbooks? Not yours truly. I’m Chegging, baby.
Seriously, go to Chegg.com where you can rent textbooks rather than buy them. You’ll save between 65%-85%. Yes, I’m serious.
Just search for the books you need and order. Chegg ships them to you super fast and when your term ends you just ship them back for free. And guess what? They plant a tree for every book that’s rented. Pretty cool.
BUT – make sure you use this special promo code CC105371. You’ll get an extra 5% off your order.

You can also use the same code, CC105371, and get $5 more from the books that you sell to chegg.

Enough said…

Thanks for reading.  Check out some other reading by returning to my mainpage!

How to clean a humidifier

I posted how to clean a coffee maker and then noticed that I use a humidifier too.  I did some research and found out that humidifiers are a breeding ground for bacteria, mold and other bad stuff for you.  So, if you use a humidifier, here are the steps to clean your humidifier to get rid of all of the bad stuff in there:

Materials needed:
Water
White Vinegar (the cheap store brand one)
Humidifier and all of the parts
Bleach (w/ no additives (like cleansing agents))
Scrubber (or a sponge)
Sauce pan (or the sink w/ a stopper)

Heroes of Newerth Closed Beta Key Giveaway

To those lucky few who read my page. I am giving away one beta key!!

How do you enter.  Simple.  Make a single comment on this post....you can browse other pages if you'd like =D (Do not make more than one comment.  Doing so will disqualify you from the drawing).
Don't forget to leave an email address for contact.

How I will choose the winner:
I will use random.org to generate a random number.  Each comment will be given a number starting from the number one.  The number that random.org gives me will be the number that wins.
For example.  Lets say I have 10 comments.  Each comment will be given a number (So the first comment is number one, the second is number two...etc...).  If random.org gives me the number 3, then the third commentor is the winner.  If that commentor left more than one comment, he/she is disqualified and I will re-draw a number.

Good Luck to you all.  Contest ends Sept. 30, 2009 @ 11:59:59.  Drawing will be done within 7 days of contest end date.

Return to Main Page
Other Links
HON Lawsuit
HON Beta key info 1 2

EDIT: 10/02/09 @ 11:01 PM: Winner selected.  Watch here

How to clean a coffee maker

Over the past few weekends ago, I cleaned a coffee maker.  Why?  I'm not sure...maybe I came across a page that said that to have a great tasting coffee, I need a clean coffee maker.

The steps in cleaning a coffee maker.
Materials Needed:
Coffee Maker (and everything that comes with it)
Water
White Vinegar (you can get the cheap kind for cleaning...like the store brand one's.  It's not like your going to eat it =P)
Coffee Filter

1. Pour equal parts of water and white vinegar in the water container of the coffee maker.
2. Put the filter in the coffee maker as you would if you were going to brew some coffee.  (If you have a reusable filter then skip this step).
3. Turn on the coffee maker and let it use all of the vinegar water.  After it is done, leave the vinegar water in the pot for about 15 minutes.
4. Pour out the vinegar water and throw it down the drain.
5. Refill the tank in the coffee maker with water only.
6. Turn on the coffee maker and let it use all of the water.  When finished, again, leave the water in the pot for about 15 minutes.  (This is so that the coffee maker can have a 15 minute rest / cooling period).
7. Pour out the water and throw it down the drain.
8. Refill the tank in the coffee maker with water only (yes, for the second time).
9. Turn on the coffee maker and let use all of the water.
10. Pour out the water from the pot and smell the pot.  Smell the water container in the coffee maker.  If it smells like vinegar wait 15 minutes and repeat steps 8 and 10 until you can no longer smell vinegar.

Tada.  And that is how it is done.  You should have great tasting coffee in no time ;)

Other Links
How to clean a humidifier

Return to Mainpage

Ban on cigarettes...well sort of

The FDA has introduced a proposed a new law which was enacted today to ban cigarettes that are flavored.  The reason:
Because people aged 17 and younger are more likely to use cigarettes if they are flavored and will continue to use until age 25.  This makes it more likely that younger people will get addicted to cigarettes (nicotine).  Because of this, the FDA proposed the law that makes it illegal to sell flavored cigarettes.  The only flavored cigarette that is acceptable is menthol.  Anything else is strictly prohibited.

A Vision of Students Today

A clip which I think is interesting for college students

Earthquake Preparation Kit / Emergency Supplies

I have a friend who volunteers for the red cross and he notified me of getting prepared and told me that we should have a kit ready.  I looked online and found some really good items to keep during an emergency.  You can say this is a comprehensive list from many sites (all government sites, including the red cross site).

1. Water - Very important.  You should have One (1) gallon per person, per day.  You should have a three day supply for evacuation, and a 2 week supply at home.  This means one person should have 17 gallons of water in case of emergency.  3 gallons in a kit and 14 gallons stored at home.
2. Food - Foods should be non-perishable such as canned foods, nuts, cereal, powdered milk, etc.  Canned foods should include fruits, meats, and juices.  Crackers and dried foods are also good to have.  Again each person should have a 2 week supply at home, and a 3 day supply in a kit.
3. Radio - A battery powered or hand cranking.
4. NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert - A battery powered (Optional).
5. Batteries - For radio, flashlights, NOAA Weather Radio, etc.  Batteries should be replaced before they expire
6. First Aid Kit
1. Sterile Gloves - Latex and non-latex if allergic to latex.
2. Cleansing Agent - Soap or Antibiotic towelettes.
3. Antibiotic Ointment - Such as Neosporin
4. Burn Ointment
5. Adhesive Bandages - Should have variety of sizes.
6. Eye Wash Solution
7. Thermometer - For biological threat.  If someone in your group has a fever, medical attention should be sought and possible quarantine of the ill person.
8. Prescription Medication - At least a seven day supply.  Ask your pharmacist for an emergency kit supply
9. Prescription Supplies - Such as needles for insulin shots
10. Lubricant - Such as Vasoline (Petroleum Jelly)
11. Aspirin - Or other pain reliever medication.
12. Anti-Diarrhea Medicine
13. Antacid - Such as Tums
14. Laxative
7. Whistle - To signal for help.
8. Dust Mask - Such as N95 or Surgical.
9. Duct Tape
10. Plastic Sheathing - Large heavy duty trash bags for shelter and protection against foreign substances in the air.  Use duct tape to tape down and seal areas to keep foreign objects out.
11. Moist Towelettes
12. Garbage Bags - For personal sanitation
13. Plastic ties - Zip ties
14. Wrench or Pliers - To turn off utilities
15. Manual Can Opener
16. Local Maps
17. Call Phone w/ Chargers and Extra Battery - Should be used for emergency contact (not to call people asking whether they felt the earthquake.  Phones get backed up too if too many people call at the same time.
    
18. Copies of Documents in Waterproof Continers
1. Insurance
2. ID
3. Bank Account Records
4. **Note: As you can see that these are valuable and confidential information.  Seek locks or containers that can secure your information.
19. Cash or Traveler's Check - I prefer cash over traveler's check, because during an emergency, traveler's checks may not be honored.
20. Sleeping Bag or Warm Blanket
21. Clothing - At least one pair
22. Chlorine Bleach - As a disinfectant (Nine parts water to One part bleach) or Emergency Water (16 drops chlorine to One gallon of water).  Also the bleach selected should have no other additives such as cleansing agents.
    
23. Medicine Dropper
24. Fire Extinguisher -  A portable small one.
25. Matches - Stored in a waterproof container.
26. Disposable Cups, Plates, Utensils, Paper Towel / Napkins
27. Paper and Pencil
28. Entertainment - Such as books, or puzzles for children (and adults =D)
29. Water Purification Tablets
30. Scissors
31. Sunscreen
32. Signal Flare
33. Glow Sticks for emergency lights
    
34. Utility Knife
35. Towels
36. Rain Gear
37. Feminine Supplies
    

There is your list...not get busy preparing one.  Remember to renew your supplies and recheck and update your kit every 6 months.  Of course you can add more things according to your needs.  Do you think something else should be listed here?  Comment and send email =).

Michael Jackson Movie / Harrison Ford's 5th Movie ?!?

Here is the Michael Jackson Movie that is supposed to come out this fall.  Tickets go on Sale September 27 and the movie will premiere October 28.  After two weeks, no more.  You have to wait till it goes on DVD and Blu-Ray.  For more info you can go here

Now, Mr. Harrison Ford might have an Indiana Jones 5?!?!  He is about to hit the ripe old age of 70!  And he still looks like the Indiana Jones I knew when I was growing up.  He said that he would do the movie under one condition...if the script is good.  (Hmm...if the script wasn't good, would any actor do it).  Anyways, look forward to seeing it, unless something tragic happens...like death.  BTW, RIP Patrick Swayze (08/18/1952 - 09/14/2009).  For those of you who do not know him, he is the male actor for Ghost.

What a Weird Week

So, this week has been a bit weird for the entertainment world.  A few things happened that was a bit mind boggling.  Here are a few...I'm sure there are more, but here are the highlights.


Serena Williams
So, Williams was in the 2009 US open against Clijsters.  During their first set (4 - 5) (Williams - Clijsters) Serena was hitting back and forth and she missed on her 30 - 40 point and she decided to demolish her racket.  Video of her breaking her racket can be seen here.  Talk about un-orderly conduct.  It must have not been her day.  I know that in my tennis experience, I wanted to destroy my racket too, but never did.  I've seen my friends kill their racket.  Destroying a racket is hard work.  Takes a lot of force to do it.  It took Serena 2 swings.

After getting a new racket, Williams and Clijsters continue to compete.  In their last set (6 - 5) Clijsters lead, Serena serves 15 - 30 and faults for a wide shot.  On her second serve, she is called for a foot fault.  I'll let the video explain the rest.

Kanye West
The 2009 VMA's were here.  Yay!  There were some spectacular wins.  Here are the winners:
1. For best female video was Taylor Swi...KANYE WEST: "BEYONCE HAD ONE OF THE BEST VIDEOS OF ALL TIME!!!!!"  Yup, you heard it.  Kanye West interrupted a teenage girls acceptance and thank you speech for this.  Take a look.


Her reaction to it was shocking.  She was interviewed the day after on the view.  Take a look.  At least she was nice enough to just blow it off a little.  She is a strong girl.  Woo!  Ironically, Beyonce did win the Best Video award and gave up her lime light and let Taylor Swift make her acceptance speech stating that she deserved it just like she had in the past with Destiny's Child.


Here is Kanye West's Apology on the Jay Leno Show if you even dare to look.


On a lighter note, Gaga had a few outfits for the 2009 VMA's.  Take a look!  She was also one of the performers for the 2009 VMA's.  Here is her performance.


Here are the list of winners...really:
1. Best Female Video: Taylor Swift - You Belong with Me

2. Best Male Video: T.I. ft. Rihanna - Live Your Life
3. Best Rock Video: Green Day - 21 Guns
4. Best Hip-Hop Video - Eminem - We Made You
5.Best Pop Video - Britney Spears - Womanizer (She was unable to make it to the show, but she did video conferencing).
6. Best New Artist - Lady Gaga - Poker Face
7. Best Video - Beyonce - Single Ladies

Faces of Walmart

Who loves you?
How many of you have been to Walmart?  Raise your hand.  Wow that's quite a number of you guys.  Have you seen weird people there?  I mean, freakishly weird?  Well if so, and you want to submit it, or see more of the faces, this site is for you!
This site has tons of people who are freaky weird.  According to the site I went to, some of the people do not go to walmart because of this.

Here are some people you might see:

The Proposal Movie Review

I thought this movie was hilarious.  Boy, I haven't laughed that much in a movie theater for a while.  I can't wait for it to come out on DVD.

The movie is about Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) and Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds).  Ryan is trying to make it as an editor after writing his manuscript, and he works for Margaret as a secretary.  His life is insane with being an assistant to Margaret.  He complains about how he hates his job because of it, but because of his ultimate goal to become an editor, he toughs it out.

Margaret is called by her superiors because they were informed that Margaret visa has expired.  Originally from Canada, she simply tries to play it off saying that she will simply renew, but the superiors state that she needs to be out of the US for about a year before she can come back again, meaning that she would be replaced.  Unwilling to go back to her country, Margaret grabs her assistant Andrew and says that they are getting married.  (You can see where this is headed).

Andrew knows that Margaret need him for his visa.  This was a good opportunity to ask her to publish his manuscript and also make him an editor.  The deal was sealed.  Margaret gets a green card and Andrew gets to be an editor.

They both fly to ------- (find out by watching) to meet Andrew's parents.  Margaret can see the close bonds between the family and misses it because ----------- (watch it, really!).  Find out the rest by watching the movie.  I don't want to spoil it for you =D

Here is a great scene of both Ryan and Sandra pretty clothes-less.

Watch this movie and more on redbox.com when it comes out, and netflix.com...also when it comes out.  (Links will be posted when DVD is out).



I Love You Man Movie Review

More Movies

Main Page

I hit my car today

I closed my fist as hard as I could and with all of my might I punched the side of my car!  It left a bruise on my hand and it made a dent in my car.


Just kidding =P  I'm not that aggressive.

But it is true, I hit my car today.  I was pulling out of my friend's garage and when I backed up and put it in drive to turn away from his garage, I hit the corner of the outside wall.  It was made of stucko and it scraped the passenger side, front bumper.

I washed it at the car wash and hoped that it would make it all better, but it didn't improve it much.  it just lost the whiteness that it had on the corner.








The wall suffered some damage as well
[Picture to come in the future]



My day has not been good since that.  I felt like cussing up the wazoo, speeding on the freeway, and many more, but I managed to calm down and thought of the ticket I can get on the freeway and slowed down.