Archive for health
June 8, 2010 at 1:04 PM · Filed under Computers, health
This shouldn’t surprise anyone really, but in a measure, we’ve created technology that over taxes the abilities of our primitive brains. This article at the NYTimes uses a particularly ‘plugged-in’ family to demonstrate how many of us now live as well as how it affects us.
I can’t help but fixate on the multitasking issue (previous blog entry):
While many people say multitasking makes them more productive, research shows otherwise. Heavy multitaskers actually have more trouble focusing and shutting out irrelevant information, scientists say, and they experience more stress.
And scientists are discovering that even after the multitasking ends, fractured thinking and lack of focus persist. In other words, this is also your brain off computers.
Bottom line: try focusing on a single thing, multitask less and unplug from time to time.
February 26, 2010 at 5:46 PM · Filed under Misc, health
First of all, I need to thank Michael Chu over at Cooking for Engineers for this amazing recipe and instructions. Since I’ve been cooking for a while, I usually tend to improvise on existing recipes based on what I have or feel like doing. But I’m not going to re-create Michael’s recipe here, except to say that I added a few things to his spice rub:
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (I probably could have left this out)
I don’t even have a bbq grill. I’ve got a Calphalon Grilling Pan which worked amazingly well on top of my electric burner.
Since I’m more cautious about whether my chicken is cooked properly, I decided against the ‘experienced’ way, and just cut it into, especially since I was planning to cut it up anyway. Michael’s 6 minutes + 10 minutes timing was perfect.
So go check out the recipe at Cooking for Engineers.
February 22, 2010 at 12:35 PM · Filed under health
I should start off with a caveat – just because a food has health benefits doesn’t mean you can still eat what you like and/or eat that (super)food in copious quantities in order to be healthy. Proper nutrition just doesn’t work that way.
Cinnamon is a recent discovery of mine, and although some of the science isn’t yet conclusive, a sprinkling in your coffee or yogurt doesn’t hurt. So don’t think that means that a Cinnabon is now a health food! By the way, as amazing as it tastes, a full Cinnabon roll is a potentially delicious killer. Good thing they’ve got Minibons now!
Potential health benefits:
- Anti-infammatory and anti-clotting properties.
- Antifungal and antibacterial properties. Effective in fighting stomach ulcers and yeast infections.
- Controlling blood sugar. May help people with diabetes
- Good source of manganese, fiber, iron and calcium
- Improved brain function.
References for more detailed information:
