Google Search Tricks

from: LifeHacker.org

Do you Google? You may have mastered a few basic tricks, like searching for a local restaurant, or looking up the closest WalMart, but most people use only about 3% of the search engine’s available tools. So, here’s a lesson in Google Search Tricks 101.

• First, wanna know what time it is in, say, Paris, or Lima, Peru? In the search box, simply type “what time is it” and the name of the city.
• Next, wanna know if Uncle Mike’s flight is arriving on time? Just type the name of the airline and the flight number, and you’ll get the departure and estimated arrival times.
• Would you like to track a package? In the search box, simply type in the tracking number and press ENTER. Whether it’s a package that was shipped via FedEx, UPS or the Post Office, Google will cough up the tracking information.
• Another great Google trick: It converts everything! If you want the number of teaspoons in a cup, the number of seconds in 2 hours, or how many Euros you’ll get for $50, just type it in and bingo, there it is!
• Want information on a product? Type ALL of the numbers beneath any barcode – whether it’s on a book, a box of crackers, or a bottle of hairspray - and Google will provide links so you can research the product, or buy it.
• To narrow your search results, you can subtract items from the list. For example, if you’re looking for candy that’s not chocolate and not for Easter, type in candy (space) (minus-sign) chocolate (space)(minus-sign) Easter and the search engine will overlook anything that refers to “chocolate” or “Easter.”
• Finally, if you’re looking for pictures or drawings, click on “Images” in the upper left corner of the Google search page. Then type the word “people” or “sunsets” or “puppies” in the search box. Instead of websites, you’ll get pictures.

For more Google search tips, visit this site: http://www.google.com/help/features.html

Funny Games - Review

If I were going to the multiplex on some hot date to see 'Funny Games' with absolutely no knowledge of what I was getting myself into, I would have probably walked out. When the final credits rolled for this film, I ached all over; my muscles and nerves were shot. This film has been called "a thesis(which I agree with)," "artsy garbage(which I don't agree with)" and "the one film to definitely avoid in 2008(which I don't know how to feel about)."

The film's premise is like that of a horror film, but no horror film has had me scratching my head in amazement quite like this. George(Tim Roth), his wife Anne(Naomi Watts) and their son are settling into an enormous, beautiful vacation home when they are visited by boys dressed completely in white. What follows is... well games. I'll let you decide if they are funny. The family is tortured in a number of gruesome ways that could make the most complacent movie-goer squirm in their seat. Enjoy the first twenty minutes because once the suspense begins, it's do or die until the end(no pun intended).

The performances are stunning and the writing is staggeringly well done. There is a message here, but it is less a lecture and more a broad slap in the face(much like Michael Pitt, one of the white-clad assailants receives in the beginning) to Americans and frankly movie watchers everywhere. I don't think it is wrong to call this film "pretentious" or "vicious," but its safe to say 'unforgettable' should be added to this colorful list of adjectives.

Perhaps this film is preachy, but the attention to detail is exhaustive. Some could call this a critique on violence in cinema or violence porn. Call it whatever you like, I found it hypnotizing and completely terrifying to my bones. But I don't know if I can blatantly recommend this film. It takes an open mind and a strong stomach. So if you do decide to see "Funny Games" prepare for suspense, prepare for violence and prepare for the absurdly bizarre and maybe you won't be disgusted and appalled like everyone else in the theater.

I'm sure this film will be pounded into submission by critics and make close to no revenue, but if anything do not dismiss this film as yet another violence drenched piece of celluloid. To quote Hannibal Lector: "This one will give you plenty of exercise."

Knowing Your Food

Ever wonder what's in the food we eat...or better yet, how to read those "Nutrition Facts" labels? Here's a helpful website and information to stay healthy and live longer by making wise food choices =)

How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label Website.

Guide to Decoding Food Labels
from: Real Simple magazine

• 100% Natural. When a label boasts this claim, that means the product doesn’t contain artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, and has no synthetic ingredients. However, there’s no research that proves these natural products are better for you. Most food additives haven’t been shown to be bad. In fact, even if something says it’s natural, it can still have loads of sugar, fat and calories. The soda 7-UP, for example, was once marketed as “100% natural.” The label now says it has “100% natural flavors”. What you need to do is check the ingredient list and nutrition information to see what’s really in the product. A healthy choice will be fairly low in sugar and saturated fat, and you won’t need a chemistry degree to decipher the rest.
• Claim #2: “Light.” Most often, light foods have a third fewer calories than the full-calorie version. When it refers to sodium or fat, light means the item has up to 50% less! If you’re watching calories, these foods can help, but be careful! Sugar levels in these foods may be high, so check the labels. When eaten in moderation, light foods can be good dieting tools.
• “Fat free.” This means the product contains less than .5 grams of fat per serving. Trimming fat from your diet can help lower your overall calorie intake. Don’t BANISH fat altogether! Aim to get 25 to 35 percent of your total calories from fat – from sources like canola and olive oils, nuts, seeds, avocados and salmon. Keep this in mind, though: when removing fat, manufactures often add extra sugar or starch to make the products taste good. Also, fat-free foods may cause you to OVEReat, because they tend to be less satisfying. A better bet is to SKIP the fat-free foods and choose LOW-fat instead. They only have three grams of fat or less per serving, but are more filling.

The Bank Job - Review

Jason Statham has had his fair share of rock'em sock'em British capers since his film carrier has begun. Namely with Guy Ritchie's trilogy of witty, crass explorations of the crime underworld of Britain (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, and soon to be released in the US: Revolver). This was accompanied by The Italian Job and a coming sequal, The Brazilian Job. So, Statham looked and sounded right at home in Roger Donaldson's telling of the infamous robbery of the Lloyds Bank on Baker Street in 1971. The film is suave and sexy, introducing the viewer to an entire ensemble of loathsome characters from Lew Vogal, the porn king of Soho to Michael X, a drug-dealing, pimping, extortionist, would-be revolutionary. The film follows closely on the heels of Ritchie and Matthew Vaughn(Layer Cake) but this feature has something that none of it's predecessors contained to my knowledge: a foundtation of truth.
Because of this, the film's pace and dialogue are not consistent because, well, there are casualties in the real world. But the film glazes over these predicaments with royal finesse, leaving a seedy, fast-paced and ultimately engaging film.

Must Read it, Funny!

Google TISP

Must read it, funny! Google had fun with this one.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) were created by Public Law 108-173, the "Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003," signed into law by President Bush on December 8, 2003. Health Savings Accounts will change the way millions meet their health care needs because they are designed to help individuals save for qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-advantaged basis.

Any adult who is covered by a high-deductible health plan (and has no other first-dollar coverage) may establish an HSA. Tax-advantaged contributions can be made in three ways:

1. the individual or family can make tax deductible contributions to the HSA even if they do not itemize deductions;
2. the individual’s employer can make contributions that are not taxed to either the employer or the employee; and,
3. employers sponsoring cafeteria plans can allow employees to contribute untaxed salary through salary reduction.

To encourage saving for health expenses after retirement, individuals age 55 and older are allowed to make additional catch-up contributions to their HSAs. Once an individual enrolls in Medicare they are no longer eligible to contribute to their HSA.

Amounts contributed to an HSA belong to the account holder and are completely portable. Funds in the account can grow tax-free through investment earnings, just like an IRA.

Funds distributed from the HSA are not taxed if they are used to pay qualified medical expenses. Unlike amounts in Flexible Spending Arrangements that are forfeited if not used by the end of the year, unused funds remain available for use in later years.

Links to HSAs

www.hsafinder.com

Do You Hate Going To Work?

from U.S. News and World Report:

Welcome to a very big club! A recent survey found that half of all adults aren’t happy with their jobs. That’s a 79 percent increase over the past 20 years. Know this: Switching jobs doesn’t always make people happier. So, before you quit, consider these practical solutions to a few common problems.

• Problem #1: You’re overwhelmed. Maybe the work’s too hard – or there’s just too much of it. The fix: Ask for help. It may sound obvious, but many workers just don’t do it. Believe me, your boss wants to help you do a good job! Another fix: Talk to a co-worker about trading a few of your duties. That way, you both might end up with projects better suited to your abilities.
• Another workplace problem: You’re not up to the job. Not all jobs are made for all people. You may not have the skills, background, or drive required to thrive in your job. A possible fix: Join an online professional group where people help each other solve problems. Or talk to your boss about taking a class to update your skills.
• Problem #3: You have a nightmare boss. It takes humility to work with a hothead. So, instead of confronting them, ask what you could do better. If nothing else, you’ll earn their respect by asking for feedback. If all else fails and you decide you have to quit your job, try these tips:
  • Network for a new job BEFORE you leave. It can take several months to line up a new gig, so don’t jump ship too soon. On the flip side, don’t shirk your responsibilities at your current job. That’s unfair to your co-workers, and could make it harder to get good references.
  • Negotiate a layoff. You might be able to get a severance package, or an extension of your health insurance.
  • Don’t burn any bridges.Don’t bash your boss or your company to co-workers. Stay positive in your resignation letter and exit interview. Try saying, “I learned a lot here and I’m looking forward to facing new challenges elsewhere.” Bottom line: You never know when you’ll need to a good reference.

Mapping our World

Google Maps has currently been adding street views to several cities (including my own). Google's creativity and free services continue to amaze me. I was able to see video captures of places from my childhood that I never thought I'd see again! Check out maps.google.com and click on the "street view" button. It's hours of fun, honestly!

Exact Age

So here is another interesting website...that maybe some people will find interesting. Comment on your thoughts.
http://www.mlj.org.uk/ourdays.htm

Ten Tips

So I was in my class the other night (a regular room that is shared by other classes), and I saw a strange poster on the wall. The poster was detailed and colored as if someone spent some time on creating it. The unusual thing was that several classmates and myself had no idea what it was supposed to be about. So I copied it down to share with anyone who is interested to read. Let me know if you have any thoughts about what this is.
The sign read:

Ten Tips
1) Have access to plenty of eels, frogs, and insects
2) Live near ocean in case of fire
3) Make friends with street cleaners for road kill
4) Fields with no power lines are a must
5) Get clearance with air traffic controllers for all flying occasions
6) Stock up on aloe for all stray fiery burps
7) Extend barn for those awkward adolescent growing years
8) Have a lot of salt and butter for excess of popcorn if near cornfield
9) Invest in Air Dragon travel for the frequent vacations taken
10) Don't be ashamed to make money off him