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Pandora: Personalized Radio

January 18, 2013 by

Pandora is customizable internet radio that allows you to craft stations that reflect your music preferences. Available as both an app and a website, Pandora enables users to build custom radio stations that are intuitive and curate songs that are similar to your musical preferences.

For example, if you decide to create a Lady Gaga radio station, the station will not only play Lady Gaga's hits, but also any other songs that are similar in the "Top 40" genre. When songs play, you can either give them a thumbs-up or thumbs-down, to further hone-in on your likes.

Both the Pandora app and Pandora website are free, but if you would like your stations to play without any commercial interruptions, you can pay a nominal membership fee.

Ready to start listening? Check out Pandora here.

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Sushi Guide

January 16, 2013 by

Sushi is now a mainstream staple of many American diets. If you're new to sushi, it can still be a little intimidating, since it’s a complicated food with a great deal of cultural tradition behind it. Here’s a simple field guide:

1. Sushi does not mean "raw fish." Sushi is the product of combining a protein or vegetable with a special kind of rice, prepared with vinegar and sugar. Sticky, sushi rice is the real core of the meal, and it needs to be made fresh.

2. Nigiri is the most “pure” form of the food – a cut of the main ingredient – typically fish – on top of a small dollop of sushi rice. Nigiri is designed to communicate the essential flavors of the fish without any other tastes masking them, and is the best way to evaluate the freshness of a sushi bar.

3. Maki, also known as rolls, have become the most popular form of sushi from Americanized restaurants. Ingredients are wrapped in a layer of sushi rice, rolled into a cylinder and sliced. A number of other things can be added – traditionally, a sheet of seaweed is used to hold the roll together, but restaurants use tofu skin as well. Rice on the outside is called an “inside-out” roll. These rolls are often topped with sauces or other fish.

4. You don't have to eat raw fish to enjoy sushi. If eating raw fish isn't appealing to you, there are several cooked options such as crab, shrimp, or lobster. Or, you can always enjoy vegetarian rolls such as avocado and cucumber.

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Easy Ways to Stay in Touch

January 10, 2013 by

Today, family and friends are often scattered all over the globe. But, that doesn't mean we have to forgo closeness! With the cutting edge technology available today, staying in touch is easier (and more fun) than ever before! 

Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms on the web today. Make a private “group” page for your family where relatives can post updates, share photographs or talk about events. You can also invite your Facebook friends to "events" such as family reunions or holiday gatherings.

Skype offers free video chat and calling that allows you to both see and hear loved ones no matter their location. If certain family members do not have video chat capabilities, Skype allows you to make regular calls to phones for a fee.

Set aside a regular time each week to chat with your loved ones. Weekends, such as Sunday afternoons, tend to work well. Set your computer calendar or cell phone to remind you each week, and you’ll never miss a time to connect.

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Make These Easy Pasta Salad Recipes Tonight!

January 3, 2013 by

If the words "pasta salad" conjure up images of mayonnaise and barbecues, you're not alone. But, there are actually a variety of ways to make delicious, savory pasta dishes that won't make you feel like you're picnicking. Below are five pasta salad ideas that break from tradition to provide outstanding flavor!

Caprese Salad — Draw inspiration from the Italian caprese salad, and season your pasta, such as hearty rigatoni, with fresh basil, good olive oil, vine-ripened tomatoes, and chunks of mozzarella. Add a bit of salt and pepper to taste, and you're all set!

Greek Pasta — Taking your cue from Greek Salad, add a mix of cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and robust olives to the pasta. Try using mostaccioli, the small, curved pasta named after the mustache, as the base of the salad so all the elements are comparable in size. Complete it a dressing of olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice.

Asian Flavor – Prepare a pasta salad an Asian feel by using soba noodles, which are made from earthy buckwheat flour. Season the noodles with soy sauce and sesame oil, and top it with slivers of carrots and diced scallions for a delicious, simple dish that offers take-notice flavors.

Middle Eastern Side — For an alternative to pasta salad, make tabbouleh instead. This side makes use of kernels of bulgur wheat instead of pasta, and seasons them with a combo of finely-diced mint and parsley. It’s a wonderful option if you're tired of noodles!

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Car Troubleshooting and Maintenance Tips

December 28, 2012 by

Your car is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so naturally you want to save money in as many places as possible. Before you turn to a professional repairman to deal with your car troubles, why not take some time to investigate the problem yourself? Here are some excellent tips for cat troubleshooting and maintenance.

Read the car’s manual
Most of the basic information you need to know about the care and operation of your car can be found in this little book. It has diagrams that demonstrate where the important parts are, as well as instructions on how to perform basic maintenance.

Rotate your tires regularly
It’s important to switch your tires around every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to evenly distribute the wear and tear on them. This will help the car’s suspension as well as increasing the amount of time your tires last.

Consolidate trips
Most of the wear and tear on your car takes place during the first few minutes of your trip. Consolidating your car usage so you’re making as many stops as possible before returning home can help your vehicle last significantly longer.

Check the oil
Check your oil level regularly to make sure that it is topped off. In addition to regular oil changes, just making sure your engine has the correct amount of oil is one of the biggest contributors to a smoothly-functioning car.

Keep a record
Keep an auto log inside your glove box so you can record any unusual occurrences. Knowing what causes a problem before you take it to a mechanic can save you a ton of money in diagnostic fees.

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New To Sushi? Try These Beginner Tips

December 19, 2012 by

The sushi trend is here to stay. Not only is it good for you, but it is delicious, too (once you develop a taste for it). This time-tested culinary technique offers a countless array of options, so it can be difficult to know where to begin if it's new to you. Below you'll find a few tips that provide an easy introduction to the sensational world of sushi.

Did you realize that not all sushi contains raw seafood? Sushi simply means cooked, vinegared rice topped with other ingredients. Sashimi is the raw stuff. If you're new or unsure, try a few cooked or vegetarian rolls first. Eel (unagi & anago) is always served cooked, usually with a sweet and savory sauce that is delicious. If eel is too exotic, California rolls have avocado, cucumber, and cooked imitation crabmeat (kamabokoor surimi). Squid (ika) or octopus (tako) are often grilled, as is shrimp (ebi). Alternatively, vegetarian rolls like kappa maki (cucumber) are a great introduction to sushi style, and are completely delicious with wasabi and ginger.

Once you gain some traction, move on to sashimi, but start with what you know. Sushi isn’t much different from eating any fish; it's just not cooked.  You’ll see many exotic fish on the menu, but you'll also recognize many staples. If you like grilled salmon, seared tuna, fried calamari, or broiled scallops, you won’t be surprised by the taste or texture of sashimi.

As you continue to increase your repertoire, stick to milder fish. Scallop (hotategai), red snapper (tai), squid (ika), and halibut (ohyo) are particularly mild and great for beginners who are unsure. Tuna (maguro) may appear to have a strong flavor, judging by its rich, dark color, but it’s also a very mild and common in sushi restaurants. Plus, if you've ever had a tuna steak in a restaurant, they are rarely cooked through, so you'll be familiar with the taste and texture.

Ask your waitress or the sushi chef (itamae) for some suggestions. If you see on the menu something called omakase, that usually indicates "chef's choice". If you choose that option, then the itamae will select what he thinks is best that day, and will continue to serve you until you’re full. If you’re brave enough for the omakase, tell the chef you’re new to sushi, and if you have any strong likes or dislikes. Once you fill him in, he'll prepare an expert introduction to sushi just for you!

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Sweet Treats: Shortbread Toffee Bars

December 7, 2012 by

Looking for the ideal dessert to bring to your next holiday party or seasonal celebration? Look no further — these shortbread toffee bars are rich, buttery, and offer the ideal combination of sweet and salty — with just a hint of sea salt to really kick up the flavor. This recipe makes 12 bars.

For the shortbread:
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour

For the toffee:
2 sticks salted butter
1 cup sugar
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 (10 ounce bag) good-quality bittersweet chocolate chips
Sea salt

For preparation instructions, click here.

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Five Most Empowering Self-Help Books

November 30, 2012 by

Sometimes you need a little push to get elevated to the next step of your life. A good self-help book can provide that push, but the market is so full of tomes that promise results that it can be hard to pick the right one. In this list, we’ll share five that deliver results.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne is one of the most successful self-help books of all time. With an easy to understand message of positive thought accompanied by productive action, it’s great to get motivated to start a new phase.

Tom Rath’s StrengthsFinder is a scientifically organized self-help book that can help you discover your inner power. Through a system of questionnaires and thought experiments, this book isolates your strengths and helps you convert them to purpose-driven results.

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff by Richard Carlson is an excellent book to have in your self-help library when daily life is getting you down. It’s full of great advice to maintain your focus on the things that really matter.

Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is an all-time best-seller in the self-help field, offering workable tips in following the power of your inner spirit through positive mental attitudes. Although it was published in 1937, it’s still relevant today.

Eckhart Tolle’s The Power Of Now is probably the best introduction to the many works of the spiritual self-help author. It works as a useful guidebook to the ins and outs of human consciousness.

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Foot Care Tips for an Active Lifestyle

November 23, 2012 by

Your feet are one of the most important parts of your body, and you subject them to a lot of abuse every single day. Foot pain can be seriously debilitating, whether it be from strains, blisters or other issues. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your feet in good shape.

The most important thing you can do for your feet is wearing the right kind of shoe. Not only should they fit snugly, but they should also be appropriate for the kind of activity you are doing. Different kinds of shoes are designed for different things, so make sure your shoe offers the ideal combination of support and comfort.

Good sock selection is also very important. It’s important to wear socks that will wick moisture away from your feet as you exercise. Excess moisture left on the skin can result in blisters, fungal infections and more.

Toenail care is essential for healthy feet. You should always trim your toenails in straight lines perpendicular to your toes. This prevents ingrown nails and other issues. Make sure not to trim down the side of the nail.

If you feel anything unusual with your feet, you should consult a podiatrist immediately. Left undiagnosed, foot problems can lead to very significant health issues that can impact you greatly.

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Best Coaches in Sports History

November 21, 2012 by
If you love to watch sports or have ever played one yourself, then you know the value of good coaching. A truly great coach can push a team to achieve its fullest potential, and history has shown over and over that top-notch coaching often makes the difference between victory and defeat no matter the talent level of the players. Here are some of the most profoundly impactful coaches ever to lead a sports team: 
 
Scotty Bowman
Many sports aficionados consider Bowman to be the best coast in the history of the National Hockey League. He coached for over three decades and seemed to have a golden touch when it came to leading teams toward triumph. He guided his players toward 28 playoff appearances and currently holds three major NHL records as a coach: the most Stanley Cup Victories, the most wins, and the most playoff wins. 
 
Don Shula
Don Shula had a glowing impact in the realm of professional football. He led the Baltimore Colts to the NFL Championship and went on to lead the Miami Dolphins to two Super Bowl victories. He’s also known as the man who coached the only football team ever to complete a perfect season – in 1972, under his leadership, the Dolphins went 17-0 and then went on to win the Super Bowl.
 
John Wooden
There are legions of sports fans and experts who consider John Wooden to be the greatest coach of all time in the history of any sport. He led the UCLA Bruins to 10 NCAA Championships, and he also guided his teams to a whopping 88 consecutive wins between 1971 and 1974. Wooden was also widely known for instilling powerful values in his athletes, beyond just the importance of wining. 
 
Phil Jackson
Phil Jackson started out as a professional basketball player before he became a coach. He is famous for having coached the Chicago Bulls during Michael Jordan’s glory days, guiding the team toward six NBA Championships. Jackson also coached Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal on the Los Angeles Lakers, leading the team to five NBA Championships. He currently holds the record for the most championships in NBA history. Nicknamed “The Zen Master,” Jackson is noted for including aspects of Eastern philosophy in his coaching style.
 
Pat Summitt
Pat Summitt has achieved the most wins ever in the realm of women’s college basketball. She led the Lady Vol’s to eight National Championships, which makes her the coach to have earned the second most National Championships in NCAA history. Summitt has been named NCAA Coach of the Year a whopping seven times and holds the honor of having been named the Naismith Coach of the 20th Century.
 
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