You are here: Home / Archives for Miscellaneous

Check Out the EPA’s Guide to Green Vehicles

October 23, 2013 by

These days, many "green vehicles" are coming onto the market. We all want to do our part to help conserve the environment, but is a green car for you? Use the EPA's guide to selecting the right car for you. 

This guide enables you to look up vehicles based on year, state, make, and model. The guide will then give you everything you need to make a decision, offering information on emissions, advanced technology vehicles, and alternative fuels, along with videos and expanded information on the SmartWay light-duty vehicle program.

· Green Vehicle Guide [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , , ,

Learn the Secrets of Making Great Crepes

September 25, 2013 by

Crepes are a nice change from regular pancakes, and they're often just as simple to make. These thin treats of French cuisine make a delicious meal for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. Talented chefs the world over fill them with an array of delectable ingredients, for tastes both savory and sweet. Never made crepes? Here are some top tips.

Crepes require to you be precise in measurements, but they're remarkably simple once you've learned how. Whisk together a cup of flower and two large eggs in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of water gradually as you mix, along with a pinch of salt and two tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until smooth.

After preparing the batter, lightly oil a frying pan over medium heat. Pouring a quarter-cup of batter will make a single crepe. Fry on each side for two minutes, flipping it with a wide, thin spatula. Crepes should be served hot.

Looking for ideas on how to stuff crepes? There are some excellent sweet and savory options. Sweet crepes are incredibly popular and commonly filled with fruit, yogurt, or even Nutella! Cooking berries with just a bit of sugar will make a delicious syrup. Savory crepes are great for lunch or dinner: fill them with prosciutto, Gorgonzola cheese, and fig preserves or diced ham, scrambled eggs, and Hollandaise sauce.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , , , ,

Wearable Computers: Live Like James Bond

March 26, 2013 by

Do you wish you could be outfitted with cool, techy gadgets just like James Bond? Well, in this day and age, we're getting pretty darn close. There are countless wearable computers on the market today that are designed to make your life easier, connect you with the world around you, and improve your lifestyle. If you're tech-obsessed (or have a tech-obsessed friend), and are always on the lookout for the latest and greatest cool thing, check out these items that will have you feeling like 007 in no time.

Recon Instruments MOD Display — If you're a fan of winter sports, then these high-tech goggles are a must. As you descend down the slopes, on the inner lens of the goggles appears a small screen that highlights and records your speed, the temperature, and all the info you'll need to calculate your truly great descents down the slope.

SmartWatch — Love your phone, but hate fishing it out of your purse or pocket every time you want to text or check your email? Well, the SmartWatch by Sony was made just for you. This wristwatch syncs with your smartphone, and allows you to access your most used apps right from the face of the watch! What could be simpler — or cooler — than that?!

FitBit — Want to get fit in true James Bond fashion? Then, use the FitBit! This little fitness gadget is worn on your wrist, and has special sensors that tell you about your physical activity throughout the day, including steps taken, calories burned, etc. Even better, you can sync it with your smartphone for even more in-depth computing including customized diet plans that reflect the actual calories you burn on any given day.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , , ,

Go Paperless! Excellent E-Card Websites

December 11, 2012 by

The next time you need to send a last minute birthday card or find cool invites for a party you’re hosting, don’t head to the store! Instead, check out these awesome e-card and e-vite sites that allow you to send well-wishes and invitations via e-mail. Not only will these sites save you money, but you'll also be making the eco-friendly choice!

Punchbowl – For e-card, invitations, save-the-dates, and more, head to Punchbowl. Their funky, playful e-cards might be just what you’re looking for. Plus, there are tons of free options, so you don’t have to spend a thing!

Evite – Known best for their great invitations, Evite is a free site that allows you to customize fabulous invitations that reflect your personal style or the theme of your party. Check it out before you address another envelope or lick another stamp.

Paperless Post – For sophisticated (free) online stationary, e-card, and invites, stop by Paperless Post. This classy site even delivers their cards in virtual envelopes!

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , , , ,

Don’t Wait Until 2013 – Get Fit Now!

October 31, 2012 by

The holiday season is drawing near, which means countless celebrations overflowing with fattening food, caloric drinks . . . and more food. Often we give ourselves total permission this time of year to indulge only to step on the scale in January to find that a few unwanted pounds have crept on. Instead of blaming the scale, or buying new clothes, why not start a pre-holiday routine that will keep you healthy and happy all season long. Here’s how to begin:

1. Check out that new class at your gym that you’ve been interested in trying. Don’t be afraid to shake things up in Zumba, move your feet in Hip Hop, stretch it out in Yoga, or pedal it out in Spin class. Invigorating your routine with something new is a great way to kick start your tired, old fitness routine.

2. If you’re not a gym member, try one out — the often offer promotions for potential new members like a week free or complimentary classes. Or, visit a studio that allows you to pay by the class. Once you find something you enjoy, make a commitment to stick with it!

3. DVD Training. If you prefer to exercise in the privacy of your own home, try out one of Fitness magazine’s 10 Best Workout DVDs, or flip through your cable’s exercise options on demand.

4. Set goals and surpass them. If you tend to run on the treadmill for 20 minutes at a time, kick it up to 30 minutes. Do you usually run at 5 mph on the treadmill? Why not push yourself up to 5.5 or 6.0 mph! If you continue to work in your comfort zone, you won't see the results that you're hoping for. Challenge yourself — do sprints, increase the incline, and push your endurance. Plus, surpassing your expectations will build confidence!

5. Take it outdoors. If the idea of being cooped up in a gym turns you off and keeps you from working out, head outside, instead! Enjoy a run or hike, pedal your bike or put on some roller blades and head to the streets. Or, you could even sign up for a boot camp class at your local park that utilizes the great outdoors for a workout that will make you shape up in no time.

For extra motivation, exercise with a friend—workout together first, and then you can party like its 2013!

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , , , , ,

What Are Your Favorite Movies Set In Philadelphia?

October 23, 2012 by

The City of Brotherly Love has been the setting for a huge variety of films. Here are some of the best films set in or around Philadelphia:

Rocky
Rocky is the reason you’ll always see someone running up and down the Philadelphia Museum of Art's steps. Writer and star Sylvester Stallone is a Philadelphia native, and this is a Philly story through and through.

Blow Out
This remake of Antononi's Blow-up stars John Travolta as an audio producer searching for the perfect sound who accidentally stumbles upon crime and conspiracy.

The Sixth Sense
Most of M. Night Shymalan’s films are set in his hometown of Philly, and his first and best is no exception. This film features numerous Philadelphia street scenes, and a notable scene is shot at St. Augustine church at 4th and Vine.

Trading Places
This classic comedy starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd as two very different men who exchange lives takes place entirely in Philadelphia. From social clubs on Rittenhouse Square to the underbelly of the city, this movie covers it all.

12 Monkeys
The protagonist of 12 Monkeys spends much of the film jolting back and forth between a postapocalyptic Philadelphia and a 1990s version of the city just pre-apocalypse. It's interesting to see both in this surreal sci fi film.

 

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , , ,

Hey Residents, Read All About It!

February 4, 2012 by

Check back for helpful information about pop culture, recipes, health and fitness, and much more! Thanks!

Filed Under: Miscellaneous
« Previous Page

Pin It on Pinterest