You are here: Home / Archives for Miscellaneous

Computer Programming Puzzles for Amateur Programmers

July 9, 2015 by

Whether you’re teaching programming to students or learning a programming language yourself, it's always important to keep things fun. To prevent getting bogged down with codes and symbols, try these creative computer programming games instead of your next lesson.

The Puzzle Toad
Developed by Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science, The Puzzle Toad is packed full of word problems that require programming skills to solve. For example, a problem might include a fictional situation where you’re planning a large dinner party, and you need to rank 6,785 guests’ top 10 dinner choices. Theu can check your results (or get some help on a particularly diffic site also provides detailed solutions to every problem so that yoult question).

Project Euler
Project Euler’s goal is to provide continual learning for adults or students who desire more than what they learn in the classroom. While you don’t have to have a strong mathematics background to solve the problems, many of them build off of one another and teach you things as you go along. The problems are challenging mathematical and computer programming-based questions, and though math knowledge will certainly be used, the questions are focused more on computer science skills.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Check Out These Creative Uses for Wallpaper

June 18, 2015 by

If the thought of adding wallpaper to your home makes you cringe, you may want to rethink your opinions on this seemingly outdated wall covering. There are a number of creative uses for wallpaper that have nothing to do with your walls, and don’t worry: there’s no outdated paisley print here.

  1. Line a bookcase. If you have a hand-me-down bookcase that’s a bit of an eyesore, dress it up with a fun, colorful wallpaper backdrop. Simply remove the shelves and stick on a solid or printed wallpaper that goes with the rest of the room’s decor.
  2. Line drawers. Instead of lining your drawers with plain old drawer liners, get a bit more creative by lining them with leftover wallpaper.
  3. Dress up a dresser. Cover an entire dresser, the sides, or just the drawer fronts to bring a bit of color and a pop of pattern to your bedroom.
  4. Transform tray tables. If you want to add chic side tables to your living room but you’re on a bit of a budget, make over affordable tray tables using wallpaper. Simply stick the wallpaper to the tops of the tables, then create an attractive vignette using books, a lamp, or a few romantic candles.
  5. Frame it. If you have a very small amount of wallpaper that you love, turn it into a piece of DIY art using a simple, store-bought frame.

12 "Off the Wall" Places to Put Wallpaper [Bob Vila]
Unexpected Uses for Leftover Wallpaper [Real Simple]
9 Unexpected Ways to Decorate With Wallpaper [Good Housekeeping]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Any Novice Baker Can Master These Easy Shortbread Cookie Recipes

May 21, 2015 by

Whether you dip it into a steaming cup of tea or serve it as a treat for dessert, rich, buttery shortcake is a classic cookie that just about everyone enjoys. There are a wide variety of ways to make shortbread, and there are even more delicious toppings to bring out that creamy flavor. Here are two of the best shortbread recipes.

Ina Garten’s Shortbread Cookies [The Food Network]
Ina Garten of The Barefoot Contessa offers a traditional shortbread cookie recipe that’s anything but boring. Unsalted butter, vanilla, and sugar combine to create the signature sweet, buttery taste, while a pinch of salt helps to enrich the already delicious flavor. After the cookies are done, Garten recommends drizzling them with semisweet chocolate as a topping.

Scottish Shortbread [Allrecipes]
Prepared just like they used to make it in Scotland, this recipe uses only real, full flavor ingredients to create the beloved cookie. Real butter and brown sugar spare no expense when it comes to taste, and the recipe itself is so simple that just about anyone can make it.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

How to Decorate Your Home With Tapestries

May 7, 2015 by

While tapestries may remind you of your college dorm room, newer versions of these eclectic wall hangings are anything but frumpy. Updated tapestries are chic and modern, and they can be used throughout your home in a number of different ways. Here are just a few great ways to temporarily change up your wall color by using large tapestries.

  • Use a tapestry as a focal point. The first thing you should remember when decorating with a tapestry is that it will instantly become the focal point of the room. That means that should anchor it behind the headboard of your bed, as the backdrop of your sofa or on a bare wall in the hallway so that it doesn’t overpower the room.
  • Choose a complementary color scheme. No matter how wild and crazy your tapestry, you want to make sure that the colors used throughout pair well with the rest of your room.
  • Drape it over furniture. If you don’t want to hang it on the wall, you can drape your tapestry over an old armchair or small futon to breathe new life into its tired upholstery.
  • Hang it from the ceiling. For an even more unique effect, secure your tapestry to the ceiling and leave the rest of the walls blank.

How to Decorate With Tapestries [SF Gate]
Chic Room Divider [Martha Stewart]
decorate and wear: tapestry [Mr. Kate]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Knife Techniques and Tips Every Home Cook Should Master

April 16, 2015 by

Kitchen knives are a necessity for just about any type of cooking, but they can also be quite dangerous if used incorrectly. By learning the proper knife techniques, you can master the art of chopping, dicing, and slicing without risking injury.

  1. Start with a clean knife. Although you may think that cuts are the only dangers caused my knives, bacteria is also incredibly hazardous to your health. Be sure to clean your knife with hot water and dishwashing soap before using.
  2. Keep knives sharp. In order to guarantee fast, accurate cuts with minimal effort, you'll need to keep your knives sharp. You can do this by using a sharpening stone or by taking your knives to the store where you purchased them for sharpening.
  3. Learn to chop. Chopping involves roughly cutting a food item into pieces, and it is likely the most common cutting technique. To properly chop something, grip the knife securely and place either the knife's tip or the corner closest to your hand firmly against the cutting board. Use your wrist as a fulcrum to pull the rest of the knife up and down, keeping that end against the cutting board the whole time.
  4. Research other techniques. Dicing involves cutting into small, uniform pieces, while a chiffonade is how you properly cut herbs. You should also practice peeling things like apples or potatoes with a sharp knife.

Knife Skills: Different Types of Cuts [The Culinary Cook]
Top 10 Knife Skills [How Stuff Works]
Perfect Your Knife Skills With This Chef's Guide to Knives [Lifehacker]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

How to Choose the Right Throw Pillows for Your Home’s Decor

March 19, 2015 by

Incorporating throw pillows into your bedroom or living room is a cheap and easy way to update a home’s decor, but with the overwhelming number of options, it may be intimidating to choose the perfect ones. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best throw pillows for your space.

  1. Consider the size. Are you purchasing throw pillows for a standard-sized couch or your king-sized bed? The size of the space makes a big difference when choosing the perfect pillows, so be sure to consider sizes before purchasing. Eighteen-inch square pillows are best suited for a bed or sofa, while oversized pillows of 24 inches or larger create a more lounge-style feel in a living room.
  2. Choose a color scheme. Black and white throw pillows create a mod effect, while bright shades of pink, green, or blue liven up a drab space. Even if you plan on purchasing patterned pillows, stick with one singular color scheme for a designer-worthy look.
  3. Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Get creative by mixing and matching different sizes, shapes, and patterns. If you stick to your chosen color scheme, it’s easy to pull off a more eclectic look.
  4. Add pillows in unexpected places. Toss some large, cushion-style pillows on the floor, add some in a window nook, or place one on a desk chair for a cozy feel.

Decorating With Throw Pillows [Real Simple]
Tips On Choosing Throw Pillows [Décor Love]
How to Choose Decorative Pillows for the Living Room [Overstock]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Learn About Old Faithful From These 5 Facts

March 5, 2015 by

Many tourists around the United States and the world visit Old Faithful every year. If you’ve never been to this incredible natural landmark, these five facts will show you just how special it truly is.

1. Old Faithful is the largest regularly erupting geyser in Yellowstone.
It erupts for 1.5 to 5 minutes every 35 to 120 minutes, shooting a burst of hot, steaming water up to 184 feet into the air.

2. It is one of the most studied geysers in the park.
Because scientists study it so closely, Old Faithful’s eruption times can be predicted very accurately, making it the easiest one to see when visiting the park.

3. The amount of time between eruptions lengthened in the past few decades.
Due to the earthquakes in Hebgen Lake in 1959 and Borah Park in 1983, OId Faithful’s eruptions have grown a bit further apart in recent decades.

4. Old Faithful is incredibly hot.
Sure, you probably knew that a geyser is hot, but did you know that Old Faithful ranges from 204 degrees Fahrenheit? The steam can even reach 350 degrees Fahrenheit!

5. Thousands of gallons of water are expelled with each eruption.
Old Faithful’s water eruption contains anywhere from 3,700 gallons in a 1.5-minute burst to 8,400 gallons in a 4.5-minute burst.

Old Faithful [Yellowstone Net]
Frequently Asked Questions at Old Faithful [National Park Service]
Old Faithful [The Geyser Observation and Study Association]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Cut Out These Two Foods to Skip the Saturated Fat

February 19, 2015 by

Its important to understand the different type of fats that are found in the foods you eat. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are actually healthy in limited amounts. However, too much saturated fat can lead to high cholesterol and even some forms of cancer. If you know which foods contain this type of fat, you can avoid eating too much of them. Here are two foods that contain high levels of saturated fat.

  1. Butter. While it gives moisture and flavor to some favorite comfort foods, butter contains more saturated fat than most other foods. Instead of cutting it out altogether, you can limit your intake to a tablespoon a day.
  2. Ice cream. Another favorite food for many, ice cream (and other dairy products) contains high amounts of saturated fat. Treat yourself to this cool dessert once a week instead of once a day.

Top 10 Foods Highest in Saturated Fat [Healthalicousness]
Saturated Fats Are Primarily Found in What Groups? [Healthy Eating]
Saturated Fat [CDC]
Fats and Oils [Better Health]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , ,

Great desk for Sale!

February 5, 2015 by

A resident is trying to sell a desk that they no longer need and it needs to go quick!
They are asking $100 or the best offer for this corner desk with attached hutch.
See photo for desk example. You can call or text Deborah at 713.504.0486 for more information.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With:

Easy Ways to Sneak More Fiber Into Your Diet

February 5, 2015 by

Fiber helps to prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, and it even aids in weight loss because it makes you feel more full after eating. If all of these things sound good to you, check out these common foods to help incorporate more fiber into your diet.

  1. Pears. One small pear packs an impressive five grams of fiber, and it’s tasty, too. Eat one whole for a handheld snack while you’re on the go, or slice one up and add it to a summery salad.
  2. Oatmeal. Your favorite healthy breakfast food is filled with soluble fiber. Eating fiber-packed oatmeal everyday can help you lose weight and lower your cholesterol.
  3. Raspberries. Seed-filled fruits, like raspberries, boast about eight grams of fiber per cup. Eat them alone or sprinkle some fresh on top of your favorite Greek yogurt.
  4. Artichokes. Although artichokes don’t seem like the likeliest source of fiber, they’re actually packed with a whopping 10 grams each. One artichoke also only contains 65 calories, so it makes a great way to lose weight and consume more fiber.
  5. Whole-wheat noodles. Instead of reaching for your usual spaghetti at the grocery store, opt for a whole-wheat pasta instead. One cup offers six grams of fiber, which is twice the amount of regular pasta.

11 Ways to Get More Fiber in Your Diet [Food Network]
Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet [Mayo Clinic]
Five Painless Ways to Get Your Fiber On [ABC News]
5 Simple Ways to Eat More Fiber [Eating Well]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »

Pin It on Pinterest