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Learn Computer Science With These Free Online Courses

February 19, 2015 by

Computer science knowledge is useful for just about any career nowadays, and these simple, affordable courses from Udacity can help you learn the basics of this interesting subject. With at-home lessons that you can complete at your own pace, you can master the basics of computer science in your free time with Udacity. Best of all, the courses are free to audit!

Introduction to Computer Science
Introduction to Computer Science teaches key concepts in computer science, as well as the basic steps for writing a computer program in the context of building a simple search engine. This course is split up into 11 lessons that you can complete whenever you’d like, and no prior programming knowledge is needed to enroll.

Web Development
If you’re a moderately experienced programmer who wants to learn the basics of how the web works, this course is for you. Throughout its seven lessons, Web Development will teach you how to build your own blogging application, process user input, use APIs, and much more.

Programming Languages
Programming Languages is a course designed to give students an introduction into the fundamentals of, you guessed it, programming languages. Over the course of seven lessons that you may complete at your own pace, you will learn how to specify and process valid strings, sentences, and program structures in order to build a simple web browser.

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Patika Coffee: Get Your Morning Coffee

February 12, 2015 by

A number of Yelpers swear that Patika Coffee serves the best cup of joe in Austin. That's quite a compliment for this little coffee truck, but it's not a surprise. You see, the staff at Patika are committed to brewing coffee with the precision of a scientist. Each espresso shot, cup of steamed or foamed milk, and carafe of water is heated exactly to the temperature that will bring out the beans' richest, deepest flavors, and the beans themselves are locally roasted and sourced from sustainable farms.

Try a rich, foamy cappuccino, or treat your sweet tooth to a vanilla latte. Austin locals who have grown fond of the Patika Coffee truck’s wares will be happy to know that the shop also operates a brick-and-mortar cafe in South Lamar, where the same meticulously crafted brews are available, as well as an eclectic selection of wines and delicious baked goods.

Patika Coffee
2159 South Lamar
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 535-3955
www.patikacoffee.com/southlamar
www.yelp.com/biz/patika-coffee-austin

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Are You Brushing Your Teeth Correctly? Find Out Here!

February 5, 2015 by

You’ve brushed your teeth for as long as you can remember, but how can you be sure that you’re doing it correctly? Check out these simple steps for proper tooth brushing to find out.

  1. Twice a day is only the beginning. Although many people are taught to brush their teeth in the morning and the evening, that’s actually only the minimum amount. Brushing your teeth after a large meal or any time you drink a potentially staining beverage is always a good idea.
  2. Brush in a circular motion. Dentists recommend brushing in a circular motion up toward the gums rather than the usual back and forth motion across the teeth. This technique removes bacteria without causing gum pain.
  3. Stop the final rinse. While many people rinse their mouths out with a bit of water after brushing, this is harmful because it removes the beneficial film delivered from the toothpaste. If you feel the need to rinse, only put a small amount of water in your mouth and swish it across your tongue rather than around your teeth and gums.
  4. Don’t skimp on flossing. Flossing is just as important as brushing, and it should be done almost as often. Bonus points if you floss before brushing, as that enables the toothpaste to coat those hard-to-reach places between the teeth.

How to Brush [Colgate]
Proper Brushing [ADHA]
Am I Brushing My Teeth Correctly? [Lifehacker]
How to Brush Your Teeth [Crest]

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Second Bar + Kitchen Serves Farm-to-Table Food

January 29, 2015 by

Warm decor lends itself to a comfortable, welcoming dining experience at Second Bar + Kitchen in Austin. The restaurant serves reasonably priced innovative and creative farm-to-table American cuisine for lunch and dinner daily, plus a Sunday brunch.

Start your meal with potato gnocchi tots made with housemade ketchup, or go for an appetizer of buffalo fried pickles, shihito peppers with miso aioli, daily changing charcuterie boards, steak tartare, or carrot gazpacho. Large plates include a pulled pork sandwich or brisket burger, Asian inspired soba noodle salad, roasted chicken and truffle, blue cheese and pork belly pizza. Chef inspired side dishes please the palate with seasoned Brussels sprouts, black truffle grits, and warm potato salad. Additionally, the restaurant offers an extensive bar menu replete with classic cocktails, wine, beer, hard cider and liquor.

Reservations are recommended, and private parties can be accommodated in one of the eatery's private dining rooms.

Second Bar + Kitchen
200 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 827-2750
www.congressaustin.com/second
www.yelp.com/biz/second-bar-kitchen-austin

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Food Canning 101: 5 Basics

January 22, 2015 by

Your grandmother may have been on to something with all of those canned fruits and vegetables. Canning is a great way to preserve the lifespan of fresh produce, and it creates a number of unique new ways to eat your favorite veggies. If you want to start canning in your own home, here are 5 things that you need to know.

  1. Do not use overripe produce. Although canning helps you to extend the lifespan of produce, it won’t reverse the ripening process if it has already happened. Be sure to use only crisp, fresh fruits and vegetables.
  2. Sterilize cans before starting. Because your produce will be sealed tightly inside of the glass jars, you want to make sure that there is no bacteria inside of there as well. Wash each jar with hot, soapy water and soak them in a boiling water bath for at least 10 minutes before you begin.
  3. Research acid additions. Many types of fruits and vegetables require ascorbic acid or citric acid to prevent browning or maintain pH levels, so do your research before canning.
  4. Do not fill the jars completely. Your produce will expand during the boiling process, so be sure leave an inch or so of space at the top of each jar.

More Canning Tips and Do's/Don'ts [Pick Your Own]
Canning 101: The Basics [Simple Bites]
USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning, 2009 revision [NCHFP]

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The Red Room Lounge: An Austin Wine Bar

January 15, 2015 by

Whether you're a seasoned wine expert or a novice to wine drinking, the service and selection at The Red Room Lounge just might make this place your new go-to wine bar in Austin. The knowledgeable sommeliers are happy to put together tasting flights, make recommendations, educate you about the wine-making process, and help you find just the right vintage for your own particular taste.

The Red Room Lounge’s atmosphere is dramatic, featuring dim lighting, exposed brick, deep leather couches, and lots of dark wood. Note, however, that this is not a place where you should expect to get dinner along with your wine. The Red Room Lounge offers a small selection of cheese and charcuterie plates, but this dedicated wine cellar focuses mainly on drinks.

The Red Room Lounge
306 E. Third Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 501-1536
www.redroomatx.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-red-room-lounge-austin

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Decorating With Washi Tape? Check Out These Sites for Craft Inspiration!

January 8, 2015 by

Washi tape is an incredibly easy craft tool that you may see popping up in your favorite craft magazines or on popular DIY blogs. This simple adhesive tape comes in a wide variety of different colors and patterns, and because it’s easily removable, it can be used to decorate your electronic gadgets, gift wrap, and even your walls—without damage! Here are a few sites that are filled with fun ideas for decorating with washi tape.

Pinterest
Pinterest is a major hub for all things DIY, and a simple search for washi tape turns up an endless list of ideas for the home. Lovely Little Life Blog’s washi tape board features ways to use the tape to cover clothes hangers, decorate hanging lanterns, and even create your own wall art.

Buzzfeed
In its usual list-article style, Buzzfeed has created a list of 56 different ideas for decorating your home with colorful washi tape. Adding a pretty pattern to your window blinds is just one of the best suggestions, while others cover party planning tips, dressing up your tech gadgets, and much more.

Design Sponge
Design Sponge is a well-respected interior design website, so you can likely guess that its washi tape ideas are a bit more sophisticated than most. Think intricate wall borders, DIY phone cases, and floating picture frames.

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Henri’s: Take a Taste of Europe’s Finest Delicacies

December 22, 2014 by

Walking into Henri’s feels like entering a quaint European bistro, from the white stone fixtures to the wall of wines and cheeses.

The charming cheese shop stocks a thoughtful selection of cheese and charcuterie, as well as simple sandwiches and salads that are well-suited to an elegant, casual lunch. Later in the evening the shop serves wine, cheese, and charcuterie pairings only, an ideal arrangement when you simply want a nightcap or you’re waiting for a table at one of the upscale restaurants nearby. Each cheese plate comes with a generous assortment of lovely preserves, freshly baked bread, and nuts that complement the cheese selection. For dessert, Henri’s serves French-inspired baked goods such as decadent chocolate cake.

Henri’s serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and wine and cheese from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The retail store is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Sunday lunch is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. only.

Henri’s
2026 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 442-3373
www.henrischeese.com
www.yelp.com/biz/henris-austin

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,

Stock Your First Aid Kit With These 17 Personal Care Essentials

December 18, 2014 by

You never know when you’ll have a mishap in the kitchen or take a spill, and the best way to prepare for these types of at-home injuries is by preparing a well-stocked first aid kit. To be truly prepared, you should store one of these personal injury kits in your car, as well. Here are a few essentials that every good first aid kit should contain:

  1. A first aid instruction booklet in case of complex injury or illness
  2. Adhesive bandages in a variety of different sizes
  3. Adhesive cloth tape
  4. Sterile gauze pads for administering medications or creams
  5. Antiseptic wipe packets for treating small cuts or burns
  6. Roller bandages in a few different sizes for wrapping sprains or pulled muscles
  7. Sharp scissors
  8. Tweezers for removing splinters or other shrapnel
  9. An oral thermometer (non-mercury, non-glass)
  10. Non-latex gloves
  11. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, for headache or other muscle aches
  12. Instant cold packs
  13. Safety pins
  14. Hydrocortisone cream (1%)
  15. Calamine lotion for poison ivy, sunburn, and insect bites
  16. A flashlight (plus extra batteries)
  17. A list of emergency phone numbers (include your physician, children’s physician, emergency contacts, etc.)

Anatomy of a First Aid Kit [Red Cross]
First Aid Kit [Kids Health]
First-Aid Kits: Stock supplies that can save lives [Mayo Clinic]

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The Austin Wine Merchant: Shop Like a Connoisseur at This Longtime Bottle Shop

December 11, 2014 by

Although you may think of craft beers when you think of Austin’s drink of choice, the Austin Wine Merchant proves just how much the city loves its wine. This locally owned bottle shop has served the Austin area since 1991, and once you talk to the friendly, knowledgeable staff you’ll quickly realize that wine is their passion.

Weekly wine tastings bring the city’s wine enthusiasts together to taste the shop’s seasonal bottles, and the Austin Wine Merchant even carries beers and spirits for those who prefer something other than vino. The shop stocks a large selection of French wines, local bottles, and reserve wines at all price points, and it is kept at around 65 degrees Fahrenheit in order to preserve the wines' taste. Bring a jacket along on your visit and peruse the shelves for that perfect bottle of gin or that elusive aged port wine.

The Austin Wine Merchant is open 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily, and it is closed on Sundays.

The Austin Wine Merchant
512 W. Sixth Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 499-0512
www.theaustinwinemerchant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-austin-wine-merchant-austin

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