Sometimes, we at TBNL like to have a little fun. The other day, we test drove the 2008 Toyota Corolla. Let us say that if you're looking for an economy car with great gas mileage, interior comfort and appeal, then the Corolla is the way to go.
What we liked:
-Great gas mileage
-Comfort (spacious interior for a compact sedan)
-Style (get the black one and feel like you're in an expensive ride)
-Good road handling
What we didn't care much for, but didn't outright hate:
-Price (the bottom of the line basic car is priced a little steep)
-Safety features (you need to upgrade before getting basic anti-lock brakes, side airbags, etc.)
All in all, it's a car that definitely gets our approval and we'd buy one for ourselves if we weren't working for below minimum wage.
Visit http://www.toyota.com/corolla/index.html to check out the new 2009 line of Corollas.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Monday, November 05, 2007
TBNL Tip - Preparing for Winter
Winter is on its way and there's no stopping it, so we at TBNL want to make sure you're prepared. The following is a list of things you should to do before the white, fluffy mess hits.
-Winterize your lawn. This means raking up all the leaves and trash that was blown in by those autumn winds. Mowing for the last time wouldn't hurt either. If your mower is a mulching one, it's a great way to save on the back-breaking labor of raking.
-Put away all outdoor furniture. This means pretty much everything that you won't be using until spring. Some staff members at TBNL prefer to leave their grills out...there's nothing like cooking a nice, juicy steak in mid-January!
-Turn off outdoor faucets and remove hoses. You can leave the faucet open once you shut off the water from the inside.
-Seal up the leaks. If you feel drafts from doors or windows, get them sealed up. You can buy some cheap caulking material from your local hardware supplier. Trust us, it'll save you moola on your heating bill.
And while we're on the subject of heating, make sure you have plenty of air filters for your furnace. We recommend changing them about every two months. Check yours sooner if you feel the need.
-Buy winter supplies. Shovels, salt, and window de-icers are a great start. If you have a snowblower, good for you. If not, you're going to love shoveling the mounds of snow!
These are just a few tips to help you make it through those cold, snowy months. If you have more ideas, please feel free to contact us!
-Winterize your lawn. This means raking up all the leaves and trash that was blown in by those autumn winds. Mowing for the last time wouldn't hurt either. If your mower is a mulching one, it's a great way to save on the back-breaking labor of raking.
-Put away all outdoor furniture. This means pretty much everything that you won't be using until spring. Some staff members at TBNL prefer to leave their grills out...there's nothing like cooking a nice, juicy steak in mid-January!
-Turn off outdoor faucets and remove hoses. You can leave the faucet open once you shut off the water from the inside.
-Seal up the leaks. If you feel drafts from doors or windows, get them sealed up. You can buy some cheap caulking material from your local hardware supplier. Trust us, it'll save you moola on your heating bill.
And while we're on the subject of heating, make sure you have plenty of air filters for your furnace. We recommend changing them about every two months. Check yours sooner if you feel the need.
-Buy winter supplies. Shovels, salt, and window de-icers are a great start. If you have a snowblower, good for you. If not, you're going to love shoveling the mounds of snow!
These are just a few tips to help you make it through those cold, snowy months. If you have more ideas, please feel free to contact us!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Guy's Tip - Installing Ceiling Fans
A member of our esteemed staff spent last weekend installing two ceiling fans in this family room. It was done mostly to impress his wife, but he's finding that they're actually useful.
For those of you that have never put a fan in, here's a quick guide. We suggest speaking with a qualified electrician, but if you don't know one or don't have time to find one, follow the steps below. Each fan will have specific instructions, but we'll give you the basics.
Now go and impress that special lady in your life!
Step 1 - MOST IMPORTANT - Turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker/fuse box. We can't stress that enough, people. Find the switch/fuse that controls the room you'll be working in and turn it off!
Step 2 - Uninstall the light fixture (or whatever is there) that you'll be replacing with the fan. Take off the plate/cover and pull it out of the ceiling.
Step 3 - Undo the wires that connect the light to the ceiling. They should be tied together with wire nuts (caps).
Step 4 - Once disconnected, dispose of the old fixture.
Step 5 - If your old fixture was held in place by a metal brace or hook, remove it. Most fans come with a new one.
Step 6 - Read the instructions that come with your new fan. It will tell you how to put it together.
Step 7 - If it comes with one, install the new brace or hook in the ceiling box.
Step 8 - Connect wires from fan to the ceiling. White to white, black to black and ground (green or bare copper) to ground. The instructions will tell you exactly what to do.
Step 9 - Following the instructions, install the rest of the fan.
Step 10 - Once installed, turn on the power at the circuit breaker/fuse box and try the fan. If it works great, you didn't screw up. If it doesn't, flip the wall switch and pull the chains on the fan. If you still don't get results, turn the breaker/fuse off and go over the instructions again and try to find the problem.
Eventually, you'll have it working. It took our staff member at least three tries to get it right! Sit back and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.
For those of you that have never put a fan in, here's a quick guide. We suggest speaking with a qualified electrician, but if you don't know one or don't have time to find one, follow the steps below. Each fan will have specific instructions, but we'll give you the basics.
Now go and impress that special lady in your life!
Step 1 - MOST IMPORTANT - Turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker/fuse box. We can't stress that enough, people. Find the switch/fuse that controls the room you'll be working in and turn it off!
Step 2 - Uninstall the light fixture (or whatever is there) that you'll be replacing with the fan. Take off the plate/cover and pull it out of the ceiling.
Step 3 - Undo the wires that connect the light to the ceiling. They should be tied together with wire nuts (caps).
Step 4 - Once disconnected, dispose of the old fixture.
Step 5 - If your old fixture was held in place by a metal brace or hook, remove it. Most fans come with a new one.
Step 6 - Read the instructions that come with your new fan. It will tell you how to put it together.
Step 7 - If it comes with one, install the new brace or hook in the ceiling box.
Step 8 - Connect wires from fan to the ceiling. White to white, black to black and ground (green or bare copper) to ground. The instructions will tell you exactly what to do.
Step 9 - Following the instructions, install the rest of the fan.
Step 10 - Once installed, turn on the power at the circuit breaker/fuse box and try the fan. If it works great, you didn't screw up. If it doesn't, flip the wall switch and pull the chains on the fan. If you still don't get results, turn the breaker/fuse off and go over the instructions again and try to find the problem.
Eventually, you'll have it working. It took our staff member at least three tries to get it right! Sit back and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.
The Blog-zine is back!
That's right. After a long hiatus, we're back. Look for all new articles and advice. Also, we're trying to think of a new name...so help us out!
Friday, March 03, 2006
Illegal Immigrants
S.B., contributing editor
One thing I can't understand is why people in this country are advocating the illegal entry of immigrants to our country. It would seem that we have procedures set in place for the legal immigration of people into our country, and for good reason. I think the best reason is to keep known criminals from coming to our country.
I certainly support people coming to our country, as long as they do it legally. I also would like people coming to our country to be productive citizens who can bring something to our society. That's what's made this country great, the fact that we can go to a large city, and have many different kinds of foods, and experience different cultures, without leaving our own borders. It just seems ludicrous that we should have someone come over to our country, ask us to adopt their customs, speak their languages, and completely diregard everything that we have added.
It would be a different matter if anyone of us went over to another country, and asked them to adopt the Amercian way of doing things. We would be laughed at, and pretty much run out of the country. I think that it's a good idea to preserve one's heritage, and to teach it to the one's family. I don't think that everyone needs to adopt someone else's culture , when we have an established way o doing things here.
I had some ancestors who came to this country many years ago, and in the home, they spoke their native languages, but out in public, they spoke English . They made every effort to be good Americans, and were proud that they were Americans.
If, by that rationale, people were proud of being Americans then, what reason would legal immgrants have, when they come over, after doing the paperwork, going through the processes, and finally make it, only to have someone who came illegally come over, and have the same rights? If a person is here illegally, they should have very few rights, other than a free trip home. I understand that people want better lives for themselves and their families, but if they come over illegally, they need to be booted back to the country of origin, and made to stay out until they can come in legally.
I think one of the coolest things is that we can have so many people coming to this country, and bringing so many things with them. We eat such a variety of foods, and don't even think about it. We just take for granted they are on the menu, or available at the local grocer's freezer aisle. We never think of the history behind the foods we eat, and what brought them to our country. But, the main thing is, I think that by and large, Americans are a really receptive people, and we like to learn new things, and bring new ways into our culture, if it benefits the group as a whole. Why should a particular thing benefit a small group, when it could go for the benefit of our society?
In closing, I will say this. I think that it's great that people are still coming to this great country, which, even with all it's faults, is still the best damned country on this planet. I think it's great everyone has an opportunity to make a better life for themselves. I think that you should try to speak English when you can, and try to be a productive member of society.The reason I say English should be spoken is simple. English is the language traditionallly spoken here. Teddy Roosevelt once said " Every Immgrant to this country should be required to learn english within five years or be required to leave the country." He was right. There are a great many freedoms enjoyed by people in this country, and among them is the freedom to leave if you don't like this country. There are places worse than this, with much worse conditions, and a lot less freedoms.
One thing I can't understand is why people in this country are advocating the illegal entry of immigrants to our country. It would seem that we have procedures set in place for the legal immigration of people into our country, and for good reason. I think the best reason is to keep known criminals from coming to our country.
I certainly support people coming to our country, as long as they do it legally. I also would like people coming to our country to be productive citizens who can bring something to our society. That's what's made this country great, the fact that we can go to a large city, and have many different kinds of foods, and experience different cultures, without leaving our own borders. It just seems ludicrous that we should have someone come over to our country, ask us to adopt their customs, speak their languages, and completely diregard everything that we have added.
It would be a different matter if anyone of us went over to another country, and asked them to adopt the Amercian way of doing things. We would be laughed at, and pretty much run out of the country. I think that it's a good idea to preserve one's heritage, and to teach it to the one's family. I don't think that everyone needs to adopt someone else's culture , when we have an established way o doing things here.
I had some ancestors who came to this country many years ago, and in the home, they spoke their native languages, but out in public, they spoke English . They made every effort to be good Americans, and were proud that they were Americans.
If, by that rationale, people were proud of being Americans then, what reason would legal immgrants have, when they come over, after doing the paperwork, going through the processes, and finally make it, only to have someone who came illegally come over, and have the same rights? If a person is here illegally, they should have very few rights, other than a free trip home. I understand that people want better lives for themselves and their families, but if they come over illegally, they need to be booted back to the country of origin, and made to stay out until they can come in legally.
I think one of the coolest things is that we can have so many people coming to this country, and bringing so many things with them. We eat such a variety of foods, and don't even think about it. We just take for granted they are on the menu, or available at the local grocer's freezer aisle. We never think of the history behind the foods we eat, and what brought them to our country. But, the main thing is, I think that by and large, Americans are a really receptive people, and we like to learn new things, and bring new ways into our culture, if it benefits the group as a whole. Why should a particular thing benefit a small group, when it could go for the benefit of our society?
In closing, I will say this. I think that it's great that people are still coming to this great country, which, even with all it's faults, is still the best damned country on this planet. I think it's great everyone has an opportunity to make a better life for themselves. I think that you should try to speak English when you can, and try to be a productive member of society.The reason I say English should be spoken is simple. English is the language traditionallly spoken here. Teddy Roosevelt once said " Every Immgrant to this country should be required to learn english within five years or be required to leave the country." He was right. There are a great many freedoms enjoyed by people in this country, and among them is the freedom to leave if you don't like this country. There are places worse than this, with much worse conditions, and a lot less freedoms.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Domestic wiretapping and surveillance
S.B., contributing editor
With all the publicity that the government has gotten regarding wiretapping and domestic surveillance lately, I think that this issue also needs to be addressed. This issue is very touchy and close to home for most folks, and with good reason. As Americans, we have certain expectations regarding privacy. I think that we should also continue to have the same expectation of privacy, while realizing that the Internet is a very public place, and that our phones have never really been secure.
However, bearing these thoughts in mind, I think that the government as a whole should still have to abide by the Constitution when it comes to any kind of surveillance. If not for any other reason than to make any evidence gathered admissible in court. Because we all know that evidence gathered illegally is not admissible in court. If the government can show probable cause to obtain a search warrant, or to show good reason to establish a tap, then it shouldn't be a problem.
If they can't show probable cause, but have reason to believe someone is going to commit a heinous act like 9/11, by all means make the arrest, and intervene to protect the public safety and well being. The one thing that the Bush administration has done is to acknowledge they were running taps, and were doing it in the name of national security. If nothing else, we have to give them credit for admitting their position on the matter. At least we weren't being lied to on the topic.
The rights given to us by the Constitution and Bill of Rights are quite sacred to most Americans, and I think that many of us would agree that the Constitution and the Bill of Rights have taken quite a beating over the years. The intent of the Founding Fathers was quite simple, and well thought out. How many legal documents would still be effective over 200 years after they were written? I think that it is a well thought out system that works pretty well, even with the rough spots that come up once in a while. The fourth amendment was a very sound item in the Bill of Rights , as were all the other amendments.
I would have to say that the original ten amendments are our most vital, and secure the rest of our freedoms that we enjoy as a nation. Without those amendments, there might be knocking of the Secret Police on our doors in the early hours of the morning. But thanks to a few brave men a couple hundred years ago, we enjoy some freedoms that other people don\'t have. We should also be thankful that we have brave men and women who are willing to go to take the fight to the enemy, so that we may pursue the way of life that we enjoy so much.
With all the publicity that the government has gotten regarding wiretapping and domestic surveillance lately, I think that this issue also needs to be addressed. This issue is very touchy and close to home for most folks, and with good reason. As Americans, we have certain expectations regarding privacy. I think that we should also continue to have the same expectation of privacy, while realizing that the Internet is a very public place, and that our phones have never really been secure.
However, bearing these thoughts in mind, I think that the government as a whole should still have to abide by the Constitution when it comes to any kind of surveillance. If not for any other reason than to make any evidence gathered admissible in court. Because we all know that evidence gathered illegally is not admissible in court. If the government can show probable cause to obtain a search warrant, or to show good reason to establish a tap, then it shouldn't be a problem.
If they can't show probable cause, but have reason to believe someone is going to commit a heinous act like 9/11, by all means make the arrest, and intervene to protect the public safety and well being. The one thing that the Bush administration has done is to acknowledge they were running taps, and were doing it in the name of national security. If nothing else, we have to give them credit for admitting their position on the matter. At least we weren't being lied to on the topic.
The rights given to us by the Constitution and Bill of Rights are quite sacred to most Americans, and I think that many of us would agree that the Constitution and the Bill of Rights have taken quite a beating over the years. The intent of the Founding Fathers was quite simple, and well thought out. How many legal documents would still be effective over 200 years after they were written? I think that it is a well thought out system that works pretty well, even with the rough spots that come up once in a while. The fourth amendment was a very sound item in the Bill of Rights , as were all the other amendments.
I would have to say that the original ten amendments are our most vital, and secure the rest of our freedoms that we enjoy as a nation. Without those amendments, there might be knocking of the Secret Police on our doors in the early hours of the morning. But thanks to a few brave men a couple hundred years ago, we enjoy some freedoms that other people don\'t have. We should also be thankful that we have brave men and women who are willing to go to take the fight to the enemy, so that we may pursue the way of life that we enjoy so much.
Domestic Port Sales & Security
S.B., contributing editor
If you've been watching the news lately, you might have heard that the U.S wants to sell control of several domestic seaports to Arab countries. Personally speaking, I think this is a bad move. I believe that sales of ANY domestic seaports to a foreign country is bad business. It just seems that selling ports to foreign governments is asking for trouble. I think that some sort of trade agreement would be a way to go. Also, we might be able to consider the leasing of these ports to foreign governments, with the United States maintaining principal control of the port, and also having final say as to what can happen there. This solution would bring some additional revenue into the united States coffers, and help to boost our economy, encourage trade with other nations, and maybe even provide some jobs for American workers at these ports.
Whatever course of action that the United States takes, I think there should be a strong law enforcement presence in these ports to keep our country protected from additional threats that could come by sea, and also this would help to keep a lid on illegal activity in these ports. I understand that given the volume of freight that comes into our country by container ship alone, this would be a daunting task, but it would help to keep people honest, while law enforcement could keep a sharp eye out for anything that looks to be out of place. I think that our Customs officials do a fine job, and that they should keep up the good work, but that giving control of a domestic port to a foreign government would be a strategic error of major proportions.
If you've been watching the news lately, you might have heard that the U.S wants to sell control of several domestic seaports to Arab countries. Personally speaking, I think this is a bad move. I believe that sales of ANY domestic seaports to a foreign country is bad business. It just seems that selling ports to foreign governments is asking for trouble. I think that some sort of trade agreement would be a way to go. Also, we might be able to consider the leasing of these ports to foreign governments, with the United States maintaining principal control of the port, and also having final say as to what can happen there. This solution would bring some additional revenue into the united States coffers, and help to boost our economy, encourage trade with other nations, and maybe even provide some jobs for American workers at these ports.
Whatever course of action that the United States takes, I think there should be a strong law enforcement presence in these ports to keep our country protected from additional threats that could come by sea, and also this would help to keep a lid on illegal activity in these ports. I understand that given the volume of freight that comes into our country by container ship alone, this would be a daunting task, but it would help to keep people honest, while law enforcement could keep a sharp eye out for anything that looks to be out of place. I think that our Customs officials do a fine job, and that they should keep up the good work, but that giving control of a domestic port to a foreign government would be a strategic error of major proportions.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Welcome
Welcome to the "Blog-zine to be named later". In short, this is the beginning of an online Blog/Magazine by regular guys, for regular guys. Why only guys, you ask? Well, we figured that since most of us here are guys, it was the obvious route to take.
So what exactly will this "Blog-zine" be about? The following is only a sample of the list of topics we plan to cover: Food Beer & Beer Brewing, Gadgets, Cars, Health, Dating. We will be writing articles, stories and giving our opinions each month.
We will also welcome contributions from the hundreds (hopefully thousands) of readers out there...women included.
In closing, we hope you get a lot of enjoyment, tips and advice from our little "pet project". Until next time, keep it real and keep reading...
So what exactly will this "Blog-zine" be about? The following is only a sample of the list of topics we plan to cover: Food Beer & Beer Brewing, Gadgets, Cars, Health, Dating. We will be writing articles, stories and giving our opinions each month.
We will also welcome contributions from the hundreds (hopefully thousands) of readers out there...women included.
In closing, we hope you get a lot of enjoyment, tips and advice from our little "pet project". Until next time, keep it real and keep reading...
The Cure for Your Hangover
A.B., contributing editor
Well guys, after a hard night of drinking you're bound to be hungover the next day. Have no fear... our resident medical professional in training has found a cure...
I was doing my random reseach on subjects that matter. One of these happens to be nutrition. I highly recommend and practice a diet based on Macrobiotics. The gist of this way of eating has to do with Mostly Whole Grains, Some Vegetables, Some Protein (fish), and a little bit of fruit. That's it. But how this epifiany came about has to do with talk of hypoglycemia.
It has to do with Hangovers. We've all had them, and for those of you who haven't... GOOD FOR YOU! Then you probably won't need this information, but I know a few friends of mine who would.
No one, and I mean NO ONE takes these issues on with hangovers. I am here to present my findings and cure for hangovers based on science.
There are two main causes for hangovers:
1) Dehydration (Yeah, I know you've heard this one before)
2) Hypoglycemia (Yup, you probably haven't heard too much about this) Low blood-sugar bro's and sista's.
Ever wonder why you go to white castle after drinking up a storm, go for the pizza, drink pop ect... That's why. It's documented that overindulgence in alcohol causes hypoglycemia. Your blood sugar is less than the amount of insulin going into your blood.
I will gather evidence to prove this point, but I was looking at the symptoms of hypoglycemia and figured out that in most cases they are highly similar IF NOT THE SAME as a hangover:
Hypoglycemia Progresses a variety of symptoms occur such as headaches, difficulty in concentration, disorientation, mental confusion, dizziness, faintness, double vision, coldness of the extremities, staggering or inability to walk, muscle twitching, depression, restlessness and mania (excessive excitement). Unless recognized and treated, severe hypoglycemia can lead to generalized convulsions followed by retrograde amnesia and unconsciousness. (Retrograde means moving backwards to a worse state.)
This would also indicate why people tend to wake up in the middle of the night sweating after a night of binge drinking. Same thing happens with folks who have hypoglycemia.
I made the connection after I recalled one of the better hangover cures that I heard of was drinking Orange Juice with sugar in it before going to bed. I didn't make the connection at that time, but whenever diabetics or folks who are hypogylcemic need a quick blood sugar fix, one of the things that they reach for is oj because it goes into your bloodstream so quick (has to do with fructose -- fruit sugar = easy to use right away).
So anyway I have made my case, and now I will make my case for the cure or prevention of hangovers:
Control your blood sugar if you are going to get yourself "faded". Try downing 20 oz of oj with a tablespoon or two of sugar in it. Follow that up with a gatorade, or powerade to replace your electrolytes and you should be good.
Granted this might not get rid of nausea and the like, it sounds like it should take care of 9/10ths of the symptoms associated with a hangover.
I only drop this info on everyone because I have mad love for y'all.
Well guys, after a hard night of drinking you're bound to be hungover the next day. Have no fear... our resident medical professional in training has found a cure...
I was doing my random reseach on subjects that matter. One of these happens to be nutrition. I highly recommend and practice a diet based on Macrobiotics. The gist of this way of eating has to do with Mostly Whole Grains, Some Vegetables, Some Protein (fish), and a little bit of fruit. That's it. But how this epifiany came about has to do with talk of hypoglycemia.
It has to do with Hangovers. We've all had them, and for those of you who haven't... GOOD FOR YOU! Then you probably won't need this information, but I know a few friends of mine who would.
No one, and I mean NO ONE takes these issues on with hangovers. I am here to present my findings and cure for hangovers based on science.
There are two main causes for hangovers:
1) Dehydration (Yeah, I know you've heard this one before)
2) Hypoglycemia (Yup, you probably haven't heard too much about this) Low blood-sugar bro's and sista's.
Ever wonder why you go to white castle after drinking up a storm, go for the pizza, drink pop ect... That's why. It's documented that overindulgence in alcohol causes hypoglycemia. Your blood sugar is less than the amount of insulin going into your blood.
I will gather evidence to prove this point, but I was looking at the symptoms of hypoglycemia and figured out that in most cases they are highly similar IF NOT THE SAME as a hangover:
Hypoglycemia Progresses a variety of symptoms occur such as headaches, difficulty in concentration, disorientation, mental confusion, dizziness, faintness, double vision, coldness of the extremities, staggering or inability to walk, muscle twitching, depression, restlessness and mania (excessive excitement). Unless recognized and treated, severe hypoglycemia can lead to generalized convulsions followed by retrograde amnesia and unconsciousness. (Retrograde means moving backwards to a worse state.)
This would also indicate why people tend to wake up in the middle of the night sweating after a night of binge drinking. Same thing happens with folks who have hypoglycemia.
I made the connection after I recalled one of the better hangover cures that I heard of was drinking Orange Juice with sugar in it before going to bed. I didn't make the connection at that time, but whenever diabetics or folks who are hypogylcemic need a quick blood sugar fix, one of the things that they reach for is oj because it goes into your bloodstream so quick (has to do with fructose -- fruit sugar = easy to use right away).
So anyway I have made my case, and now I will make my case for the cure or prevention of hangovers:
Control your blood sugar if you are going to get yourself "faded". Try downing 20 oz of oj with a tablespoon or two of sugar in it. Follow that up with a gatorade, or powerade to replace your electrolytes and you should be good.
Granted this might not get rid of nausea and the like, it sounds like it should take care of 9/10ths of the symptoms associated with a hangover.
I only drop this info on everyone because I have mad love for y'all.
Homebrewing Made Easy
You're out at your favorite bar, throwing a few cold ones back. You stop for a moment and wonder why you're giving all your money away. You ask yourself, why can't I just make my own beer? Well, you can, and it's pretty simple. With a little knowhow and some coin, you'll be brewing beer like the masters in no time.
But before you start telling everyone you're going to start the next MGD or Budweiser, you have to plan ahead. Homebrewing is fun and worthwhile, but it can also be time consuming and expensive.
Our experienced homebrewers came up with some guidelines to help you get started -
-Research the many types of beers that are out there. Decide what is right for you. Do you want an Ale, a Stout, or a Lager? You have about nine different styles to choose from.
-Visit your local brewing store and ask questions. Find out what's involved in the process and what you need to get started. Their employees know beer and beer brewing well. They'll give you good advice and start you on the right path.
-Find someone to brew with. It's a lot more fun and it's always good to have an extra set of hands, and brains, there with you. They can also provide some financial help.
-Figure out your budget. This can get expensive. The equipment alone can cost over $150. And each beer kit costs around $25.
-Decide on where you're going to make the mess. Be sure to have plenty of room and lots of windows nearby. Brewing can make your whole place smell for quite a while.
-Do it while you're sober! We can't stress this enough. If you are drinking, you're bound to screw something up.
We at Blog-zine TBNL speak from personal experience. Remember, if you follow these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to brewing like the pros. Just be sure to send samples of your work to Blog-zine TBNL.
But before you start telling everyone you're going to start the next MGD or Budweiser, you have to plan ahead. Homebrewing is fun and worthwhile, but it can also be time consuming and expensive.
Our experienced homebrewers came up with some guidelines to help you get started -
-Research the many types of beers that are out there. Decide what is right for you. Do you want an Ale, a Stout, or a Lager? You have about nine different styles to choose from.
-Visit your local brewing store and ask questions. Find out what's involved in the process and what you need to get started. Their employees know beer and beer brewing well. They'll give you good advice and start you on the right path.
-Find someone to brew with. It's a lot more fun and it's always good to have an extra set of hands, and brains, there with you. They can also provide some financial help.
-Figure out your budget. This can get expensive. The equipment alone can cost over $150. And each beer kit costs around $25.
-Decide on where you're going to make the mess. Be sure to have plenty of room and lots of windows nearby. Brewing can make your whole place smell for quite a while.
-Do it while you're sober! We can't stress this enough. If you are drinking, you're bound to screw something up.
We at Blog-zine TBNL speak from personal experience. Remember, if you follow these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to brewing like the pros. Just be sure to send samples of your work to Blog-zine TBNL.
Gun Control
S.B., contributing editor
Why is it that so many groups are against privately owned firearms? Is it because they fear something that Hollywood tells them to fear, or because they don't understand guns in general? It would seem that the latter is the case. I think that they are wrong, and that there should be an increased focus on education about guns, and a focus on stiffer penalties for crimes committed with guns. The way to decrease crime isn't to take the weapons from private, law abiding citizens. This kind of action only hurts the honest guy. Also, something else that really makes no sense is the requirement for a permit to carry a weapon. Criminals don't give a damn about permits. The only redeeming thing about permit requirements is the requirement for education in the safe handling of a weapon, which everyone should have.
Some people would say to increase police presence. I would partially agree with that statement. Increasing police presence is a start, but the police are a reactionary force, who only get called when a crime is in progress, or after it has been committed. If the victim had an Order for Protection, the police have a good idea of who to arrest. Oftentimes, I think that the victims rely too heavily on the police to protect them, when they should be taking the first step, and protecting themselves within the scope of the law. If you show criminals that you aren't going to roll over for them, and protect yourself, they'll find easier prey.
Some people don't believe in guns, and I understand that, but education is the best way to understand something that you don't know anything about. The other method people commonly propose is taking away private ownership of guns, and making it so that the military and police are the only ones who have access to guns. That would be unconstitutional and impractical. If you look at the countries who have outlawed private ownership of guns, like Australia, the UK, and to some extent, Canada, you'll see that crimes committed with firearms have gone up after taking away privately owned guns. Doesn't sound like a solution to me.
The way to decrease crime is to make prison a VERY unpleasant place, and to make a criminal's stay an extended, unpleasant tour. Our society has put too much focus on coddling criminals and too little focus on making people accountable for their actions. Some people would say that this seems a little extreme, but I think that Sheriff Joe from Maricopa County Arizona has the right idea. He makes his prisoners stay in tents with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees during the day, and has meal costs down to forty cents per meal, per person. This is effective in decreasing the number of repeat visitors to his jail, and has kept crime in his county down. I believe that prisoners should have their basic needs attended to, but by no means should they live in luxury. A prisoner doing five years should not have a degree when he leaves prison, but should by all means have an opportunity to learn a skill or trade to get him away from a life of crime. Studies have shown that if an individual learns a skill or trade while in prison, they reduce their chances of coming back. Granted, this is not automatic, but is a generalization of prisoners as a whole.
In closing, I'd like to say, that gun control is not crime control. Just look at New York, LA, Detroit, Chicago, and DC. DC had the highest murder rate in the country, and those were usually committed with guns. Yet, they have some of the strictest gun laws. How can this be? Gun control doesn't work. Marion Barry was once quoted as saying, "Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country." Doesn't that make you feel comfortable about our nation's capitol? If they take away guns, people will use something else to commit crimes. People have used cars and baseball bats to commit crimes, but you don't see anyone trying to stop you from driving to the game, do you?"
Why is it that so many groups are against privately owned firearms? Is it because they fear something that Hollywood tells them to fear, or because they don't understand guns in general? It would seem that the latter is the case. I think that they are wrong, and that there should be an increased focus on education about guns, and a focus on stiffer penalties for crimes committed with guns. The way to decrease crime isn't to take the weapons from private, law abiding citizens. This kind of action only hurts the honest guy. Also, something else that really makes no sense is the requirement for a permit to carry a weapon. Criminals don't give a damn about permits. The only redeeming thing about permit requirements is the requirement for education in the safe handling of a weapon, which everyone should have.
Some people would say to increase police presence. I would partially agree with that statement. Increasing police presence is a start, but the police are a reactionary force, who only get called when a crime is in progress, or after it has been committed. If the victim had an Order for Protection, the police have a good idea of who to arrest. Oftentimes, I think that the victims rely too heavily on the police to protect them, when they should be taking the first step, and protecting themselves within the scope of the law. If you show criminals that you aren't going to roll over for them, and protect yourself, they'll find easier prey.
Some people don't believe in guns, and I understand that, but education is the best way to understand something that you don't know anything about. The other method people commonly propose is taking away private ownership of guns, and making it so that the military and police are the only ones who have access to guns. That would be unconstitutional and impractical. If you look at the countries who have outlawed private ownership of guns, like Australia, the UK, and to some extent, Canada, you'll see that crimes committed with firearms have gone up after taking away privately owned guns. Doesn't sound like a solution to me.
The way to decrease crime is to make prison a VERY unpleasant place, and to make a criminal's stay an extended, unpleasant tour. Our society has put too much focus on coddling criminals and too little focus on making people accountable for their actions. Some people would say that this seems a little extreme, but I think that Sheriff Joe from Maricopa County Arizona has the right idea. He makes his prisoners stay in tents with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees during the day, and has meal costs down to forty cents per meal, per person. This is effective in decreasing the number of repeat visitors to his jail, and has kept crime in his county down. I believe that prisoners should have their basic needs attended to, but by no means should they live in luxury. A prisoner doing five years should not have a degree when he leaves prison, but should by all means have an opportunity to learn a skill or trade to get him away from a life of crime. Studies have shown that if an individual learns a skill or trade while in prison, they reduce their chances of coming back. Granted, this is not automatic, but is a generalization of prisoners as a whole.
In closing, I'd like to say, that gun control is not crime control. Just look at New York, LA, Detroit, Chicago, and DC. DC had the highest murder rate in the country, and those were usually committed with guns. Yet, they have some of the strictest gun laws. How can this be? Gun control doesn't work. Marion Barry was once quoted as saying, "Outside of the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the country." Doesn't that make you feel comfortable about our nation's capitol? If they take away guns, people will use something else to commit crimes. People have used cars and baseball bats to commit crimes, but you don't see anyone trying to stop you from driving to the game, do you?"
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Winter Perils - Unfreezing That Frozen Car Door
With the arrival of winter, your car or truck doors are bound to freeze up solid at least once. Before you break that window, read the following from our in-house expert on frozen doors...
Most of us have dealt frozen vehicle doors on a cold winter morning. If you haven't, then you're either smart enough to use the garage, or you live in an area that stays above 60 all year.
Trying to get the door open can be a real pain. Short of smashing the windows, you might want to try the following methods:
-Carefully scrape the ice off of the edges of the door. Get in the cracks and slowly move all along the outline of the door. Be careful you don't scrape too hard. You don't want to damage the paint.
-Use some extra windshield washer fluid and pour it on the frozen areas. The washer fluid contains a small amount of alcohol, which may help melt the ice.
-Buy some de-icer spray from your local hardware store, Target or Walmart. Spray a good amount of de-icer in the places where the door is sticking. Try and get in the jambs and all around the edges.
Note: De-icer can be hazardous if not used properly. Read all directions and warnings carefully before using.
-Carefully try prying the door open with something that will fit in the jamb. Don't use too much force because you may damage the door.
Some people may tell you to pour hot water all over the door. I advise against this, because you may end up cracking the window or worse.
If all else fails, you'll just have to pray for a warm day. The ice will melt and you'll be able to get the door open.
No matter how you achieve it, once you get the door open, wipe away all the excess water and spray the jamb with some WD-40. This should prevent water from collecting inside and therefore stop the door from freezing shut.
Most of us have dealt frozen vehicle doors on a cold winter morning. If you haven't, then you're either smart enough to use the garage, or you live in an area that stays above 60 all year.
Trying to get the door open can be a real pain. Short of smashing the windows, you might want to try the following methods:
-Carefully scrape the ice off of the edges of the door. Get in the cracks and slowly move all along the outline of the door. Be careful you don't scrape too hard. You don't want to damage the paint.
-Use some extra windshield washer fluid and pour it on the frozen areas. The washer fluid contains a small amount of alcohol, which may help melt the ice.
-Buy some de-icer spray from your local hardware store, Target or Walmart. Spray a good amount of de-icer in the places where the door is sticking. Try and get in the jambs and all around the edges.
Note: De-icer can be hazardous if not used properly. Read all directions and warnings carefully before using.
-Carefully try prying the door open with something that will fit in the jamb. Don't use too much force because you may damage the door.
Some people may tell you to pour hot water all over the door. I advise against this, because you may end up cracking the window or worse.
If all else fails, you'll just have to pray for a warm day. The ice will melt and you'll be able to get the door open.
No matter how you achieve it, once you get the door open, wipe away all the excess water and spray the jamb with some WD-40. This should prevent water from collecting inside and therefore stop the door from freezing shut.
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