things to do in san diego: Temmuz 2012

Nowadays, this is noted that individuals purchase the property market with regard to expense reasons as well as want to find themselves generating higher quantity with earnings. Nicely there isn't any damage along with the technique of investment, nevertheless method exhibits depict all of them is utterly minor. Individuals within various areas of globe view these types of exhibits as well as feel that property trading can be a easy job. Nevertheless, to consider which the truth is, numerous problems tend to be linked to this particular type of expense as well as you have got to consider essential choices concerning this particular very carefully. It's accurate that will couple of individuals help to make great earnings in this region quickly, however that's the consequence of many years associated with labor as well as knowledge which stays concealed. You ought to be decided as well as wanting to function difficult should you genuinely desire to achieve buying and selling property asset. Listed here are couple of variables to become regarded as before you have a dive from this field.

Obtain Ready to help Commit Sufficient Period

If you need to purchase property, after that one must always spend some time within hunting a number of qualities, their own costs and also other essential particulars, therefore you don't wind up trading for a incorrect location. To complete almost the entire package effectively, you'll be asked to place in high quality time period. You might have witnessed individuals close to a person controlling owning a home with their daily profession. Nicely, this really is feasible if you're prepared to give up on the vacations as well as resting several hours for this purpose endeavor. When you turn out to be experienced in this particular field, a person are able to to invest relatively a lower number of several hours in the direction of this.

Have you been Able to handle Demanding Circumstances?

Every thing do not occur based on your own programs and for that reason prepare yourself in order to are up against a few difficult circumstances. If you happen to intend to provide the property market prospects, after that make sure you will be placing your self within irritating problems. Should you imagine, you aren't accomplished at dealing with tension after that don't attempt your own hands from this field. Since it is actually extremely unacceptable if you want some sort of calm existence. Nevertheless, for those who have chose to generate profit as well as popularity within real-estate property after that it's period a person consentrate on inventing good quality property expense technique and to operate upon the idea. Knowing exactly how to manage tension as well as tension causers (In such a case it may be most people such as companies, attorneys, real estate professionals and so on), a person might overcome the actual field.

Massive amount Cash

Individuals who overcome qualities with regard to expense objective really need an enormous back again in place within financial conditions. You can't generate excessive earnings simply by buying and selling a few qualities. You'll need a large n amount of money for this function and also its particular much better a person start producing correct plans nicely ahead of time.

Obtain Arranged with regard to A few Understanding

As you will work within property business, you might want a powerful understanding upon legalities regarding this particular arena. Along with complete much better, you might examine publications as well as publications regarding owning a home to maintain your self current using the occurrences construction business. Studying concerning the qualities you will be likely to purchase in more detail is actually required. If you feel you are able to can handle this sort of commitments, then you can you need to be the best individual to own property with regard to expense.

Tarah have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit her blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for short sales in San Diego and great passion and knowledge for San Diego Coastal and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here sandiegorealestatecafe.com

Things to Do in San Diego's Balboa Park

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There are many well-known San Diego attractions that you will want to consider when you are planning a visit to this popular Southern California city. Whether you are in the city for business or pleasure, or even if you're a local that needs to entertain out-of-town visitors, you definitely won't run out of things to see. One of the best places you could go -- especially if you like the outdoors -- is Balboa Park.
Although there are plenty of attractions to see, Balboa Park is unique in that it offers a lot of diversions to keep you and your guests busy. Among the various attractions you can see on the park, there are some must-see locations which you should visit to make your sightseeing excursion complete.
One of these "must-see" attractions is the Star Trek exhibition. It contains all the original costumes and props as well as the sets that were used in all series and films of Star Trek. If you are going to get an admission ticket, you would also be granted access to other exhibits on the Air and Space Museum.
If flowers are more to your taste, then the poinsettia display will rank as your number one among the San Diego attractions. The display can be found on the Botanical Building and features more than five hundred poinsettias that were arranged in harmony with the rest of the botanical wonders around which came from all over the world. You do not have to spend anything to see the display because it is for free.
If you are searching for IMAX film among the San Diego attractions, then you can have a single ticket so that you can be admitted to one of the new films on IMAX that are shown on a seamless dome screen which is very modern. If you know of the zoo in San Diego, you would probably visit it too; but if you are going to go there, it is advisable that you go early so that you can avoid the business of the day. One of the unique things to see in the zoo is the Panda Research Station and perhaps you could go there directly.
You may have a long list of other San Diego attractions that are worth seeing, just be sure to save at least a few days of your vacation for exploring Balboa Park and all the sites it has to offer. You won't be disappointed.

Romel have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for short sales in San Diego and great passion and knowledge for San Diego Coastal and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here sandiegorealestatecafe.com

Real Estate Investing Recommendations with regard to Beginner Traders

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A lot of people these days are attempting their own hands from the property market trading meaning a lot of people will also be looking for the property market trading guidance. There are lots of sites through publications in order to programs in order to experienced experts to purchase property trading recommendations, as well as based on the species of trading you intend to undertake just about all or even these resources tend to be great locations that you discover the property trading guidance you will be prosperous. Regardless of what version of property trading you intend upon performing presently there is usually a few quilt guidance to help you to definitely help to make the largest roi.

One of the greatest fecal material property trading guidance for almost any beginner buyer is actually to learn the actual distinction in between taking a chance as well as trading. Purchasing a house or even parcel without having a lot investigation together with wishing or even anticipating this to go up within worth more than time period is actually taking a chance. The majority of qualities may build people collateral as well as improve with worth with time if you carry out observing a lot more than allow it to needlessly sit down, however this really is not necessarily the situation and it is figures, benefits remember this particular essential the property market trading guidance, don’t ascertain, commit. Purchasing a home along with the purpose of creating the cash in on rent, selling, or even an additional supply is actually trading. Before you decide to commit, nevertheless, there's more the property market trading guidance that you need to think about.

Regardless of exactly how inspired you will be, if you're simply getting started on the globe associated with property trading the most effective property trading guidance that you think about would be to begin small as well as in close proximity to home. Home qualities tend to be possess a preferred qualities to purchase together with even though these people perform need know about duty, costs, and also the investing in procedure, the procedure of getting home is a lot simpler compared to getting yourself into industrial property, condo properties, or even condo structures. It's also wise attempt to begin your own trading profession in close proximity to your own home in order that it is simple with regard to want you to keep track of your own expense as well as discover the actual details from the actual residence trading business.

Presently there is not a lack associated with property trading guidance available, and when a person are merely getting started you have to be ready to discriminate in between high quality recommendations as well as sincere estimations together with guidance as well as estimations which were not really inside your preferred curiosity. It's not smart to think all you see, particularly if a person are attempting to figure out how profitable a house offer is going to be. Don’t set off associated with such a home owner or even real estate agent states the present as well as forecasted marketplace worth on the home is actually, perform ones own investigation concerning the region to ascertain this particular. Should you need in to purchasing a leasing home you cannot assume all landlords is going to be truthful with the generating and could guarantee a person a lot more than these people can even make. Require evidence for example taxes types to ascertain just how much earnings a house creates inside a season. Not really most people are available in order to draw 1 more than upon you however sufficient individuals are that you need to usually perform your own own personal investigation as well as considering.

Karen have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit her blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for short sales in San Diego and great passion and knowledge for San Diego Coastal and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here sandiegorealestatecafe.com

Hire Or Buy Home?

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Recently....far more compared to this previous 12 months anyway, I've had buddies request me for ideas about regardless of whether now is a great time for you to hire or get property. As the bulk of my buddies, co-workers, and neighborhood people know, I think about myself a genuine estate geek and also have discovered enough difficult training, even so had several great encounters appropriately and personally you'll constantly don't forget...and that i am only three decades old but it is really an age to where we are in a position to consider people coaching and develop our long term, employing house like a catapult to financial independence eventually....Stop studying by way of when you really feel residence is truly a "get wealthy quick" plan. I believed it was following i used to be much more youthful. Trust me, it isn't.

I am able to write a novel about the distinction in between leasing and purchasing home but I will try to get this to short but valuable. Every little thing equal, possessing a household far surpasses the benefit of leasing a home. The obvious factors are that by possessing, you might be able to construct equity and write-off your interest obligations inside your house loan. This doesn't imply that everybody inside the usa ought to be an individual. Home is local. For example, residence values proceed to become reducing in California. In Florida, cost is starting to level off. In Nj I am able to explain thirty distinct marketplaces through which the marketplace the weather is distinct. When you reside in Montclair, the market differs in Clifton, under 2 miles away.

If house values are going down hill exactly where you reside of preference along with your rate of curiosity is not favorable, perhaps it's a legitimate cause to remain with leasing for that time being. Offers don't disappear overnight.

For those who have cash saved, some tenants favor leasing to make certain that they're able to get part inside the stock trade which within the past return 8-10% every yr with a respectable broker. Residence values commonly stick for the rate of inflation within the long-term. That being stated, property possession has acquired the top tax incentive. Married men and women can generate as considerably as $500,000 in gains to the houses Tax-free, exactly where singles can earn as significantly as $250,000 in gains Tax-free. Must you carried out the stock trade, people gains could possibly be hit by almost 50% through the Authorities.

1st of all, you might have to search for a neighborhood that you simply love. For people who have kids, it's best to attempt searching within their best curiosity Very first just before yours. Second, consider a examine house values. If cost is reducing and houses are sitting readily available available on the market for additional than 180 days, it could be ideal to maintain off and rent, evaluate for your following year, and buy one thing possibly in foreclosures when you're prepared. How are you able to discover about Days On Marketplace (DOM)? Simply call an region agent and request for homes accessible within your favorite neighborhood. DOM is commonly outlined.

Ought to you select acquire, it is highly recommended to put decrease 20%. Remaining from Pmi is huge these days. PMI companies 're going broke or currently did, and these left standing are charging an arm plus a pair of legs for protection. Together with your settlement costs are about 3% greater. While an Federal housing administration mortgage seems excellent with 97% Loan To Value monetary loans, it can be highly costly each time you roll points out. Guarantee that you watch the positive aspects and disadvantages of Federal housing administration versus Conventional financing. I'll provide pleasant guidance to individuals who request.

Some positive aspects and drawbacks about leasing and buying...Nicely ought to you hire, you'll uncover the flexibility to maneuver. Rents operate each month, six several weeks, and twelve months. Property possession limits you to undoubtedly the market no matter whether it's a buyer or stores market. The resale of your home relies from competitive gross sales and general need, not actually a lease. Leasing permits you to absolutely blame everything concerning the landlord. If you do not like coping with destroyed very hot drinking water heaters, leaking roof, and running toilets, then you might be a lengthy phrase renter. Possessing a house enables a big tax advantage, possible tax-free money gains, and emotional satisfaction. With this nonetheless, arrives residence taxes and upkeep.

When you invest in or contract a home by way of the end of 2009, you're trained for that $8,000 tax credit in the IRS and may spread this out over 24 months, one thing Congress passed to stimulate residence possession. Every thing apart, this really is in fact an great time for you to start trying to find a property. Inside the past inexpensive costs, reduced rates of interest, and home has an wonderful tax shelter. Examine my write-up regarding the tax credit score Here

So a few sentences to summarize, house is surely an very hard and mean industry. If not effectively handled, it's going to eat you up ten events over. Lots of people get just one likelihood and you are just accomplished for a really lengthy time. Most selections in existence are based off emotion, and also in residence, will need to you allow emotion consider manage of one's options, you are in for almost any probably catastrophic experience. Most of all, let an expert help you with the agenda. You may both concur or disagree employing their input. But a gentleman considerably like me can share an abundance of information and facts for individuals who do not know this sort of a house inspection is. Don't try to tackle buying a house on your own.

To the aspect note, the majority of you that know me realize that I've more tales about residence and enterprise that will even draw a shocked look from Ben Stein. I've learned within the greatest within the marketplace though and also at 30, Personally i think I've plenty of experience of residence acquisition, construction, and finance. I've shared my tales with investment teams across the nation and right now speak at forums about risk minimization. 1 factor that's necessary to grasp and I will say it once more, is the truth that property may possibly be the best catapult to monetary wealth, flexibility, and balance. The majority of our mothers and fathers created a lot of our upbringing achievable by household possession and equity.

If you are not prepared now, don't anxiety or really feel that you are missing the boat. The exceptional aspect about residence is it truly is tangible. Most commonly it really is there regardless of what, various from stocks. Believe issues by means of, speak with men and women, creating a wise decision. Whenever you generate a wise decision, your feelings will need over.

Belen have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit her blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for short sales in San Diego and great passion and knowledge for San Diego Coastal and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here sandiegorealestatecafe.com

Ideas to Get somebody to Buy My House

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You will find a lot of things purchasers take a look at when they're hunting for a new house. The bottom line is to complete around I'm able to to create my property the very best on the market. Listed here are a couple of of the things that I actually do to create people wish to buy my house.

1.Result in the home feel inviting. What this means is opening curtains and activating lights before getting people are available in to appear around. The sunshine provides the home a feeling of warmth. Making the house available to the interested purchasers can provide me an advantage on the market making them wish to buy my house.

2.Perfumed candle lights or air fresheners are great - when used moderately. An excessive amount of scent can change interested purchasers off. This is just one of individuals occasions when less is much more. An excessive amount of scent and that i will make people Not need to buy my house.

3.Home cooking is yet another of individuals "secrets" that some agents still use, but make something which kids would really like. Something heavy (like meat) or spicy (like chili) may really over energy the house. The give an impression of fresh snacks or cake as well as bread turns a house right into a home. I enjoy bake, making this one that's right up my alley. Plus, I omit a tray of fresh baked treats for that interested purchasers to savor (hopefully while they're writing up an agreement).

4.Develop a fire within the hearth. There's just something concerning the crackle of wood within an open fire which makes people feel nostalgic. I usually make certain the flue is open and so i don't have the house with smoke. I additionally ensure that it stays small , cozy, it is all about ambiance.

5.Put down some flowers or fruit for center pieces or decoration. Don't review board. It's my job to attempt to just pick something fresh in the garden or yard or get some produce in the local maqui berry farmers market. The concept would be to result in the house a house to ensure that someone may wish to buy my house.

You will find a couple of ideas and suggestions which will create a property more desirable to purchasers. The secret to locating anyone to buy my house would be to fit everything in during my energy to really make it the very best on the market. The only real downfall for this is the fact that I might fall deeply in love with my property once again and never even wish to purchase - however i think it is a risk worth taking.

Isabelle have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit her blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for short sales in San Diego and great passion and knowledge for San Diego Coastal and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here sandiegorealestatecafe.com

8 Temmuz 2012 Pazar

Sturge-Weber Syndrome is Rare

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Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS) is rare. It is a congenital neurological disorder present at birth. The most common physical notation is the port-wine stain (PWS) birthmark. No two cases are identical. Each case must be treated on an individual basis. This article answers what is Sturge-Weber Syndrome and how can it be diagnosed and how it can be treated.

Click HERE to read the full article as it appeared on Knoji.

June is ...

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June is ...
Adopt a Shelter Cat MonthAntiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Awareness MonthAudio Book Appreciation MonthCaribbean-American Heritage MonthCataract Awareness MonthChild Vision Awareness MonthCorn & Cucumber MonthCountry Cooking MonthDairy MonthEffective Communications MonthEntrepreneurs “Do It Yourself” Marketing MonthFireworks Safety MonthGreat Outdoors MonthInternational Childhood Cancer Awareness MonthInternational Men’s MonthNational Accordion Awareness MonthNational Aphasia Awareness MonthNational Camping MonthNational Fruit & Veggies MonthNational Ice Tea MonthNational Migraine Awareness MonthNational Safety MonthNational Steakhouse MonthPotty Training Awareness MonthProfessional Wellness MonthRebuild Your Life MonthSports AmericaKids MonthStudent Safety MonthVision Research MonthWomen’s Golf MonthWorld Infertility Month

Lancaster area diabetics invited to Dine

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The Lancaster County Extension of Penn State University (PSU) is offering a course “Dining with Diabetes” to assist in understanding some of what you need to know about how to manage your diabetes. The class will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Lancaster Farm & Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster.

Click HERE to read the full article as it appeared on Examiner.com.

HFMD Outbreaks and What You Should Know

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As we enter the summer season, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFM) is hitting the United States hard. Outbreaks in the United States historically occur during the summer and autumn months. While the disease normally is found in children under five years of age and infants, it can occur in adults and recently has been doing so in staggering numbers. The disease is most recognized by its fever, mouth sores and skin rashes.

Click HERE to read the full article as it appeared on Knoji.

July is ...

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July is of course the month we celebrate our nation's Independence! It was on 4 July 1776 that Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

In addition, July is:

Bereaved Parents Awareness Month
Bioterrorism/Disaster Education & Awareness Month
Family Reunion Month
Family Golf Month
Freedom From Fear of Speaking Month
Hemochromatosis Screening Awareness Month
Herbal/Prescription Awareness Month
International Women with Alopecia Month
International Zine Month
Mango & Melon Month
National Baked Bean Month
National Blueberry Month
National HIV Awareness Month
National Horseradish Month
National Hot Dog Week
National Ice Cream Month
National Independent Retailers Month
National Make a Difference to Children Month
National Picnic Month
National Recreation & Parks Month
National Sarcoma Month
Smart Irrigation Month
Social Wellness Month
Women’s Motorcycle Month

7 Temmuz 2012 Cumartesi

Daily Pump Trap: 6/26/12 edition

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Belated greetings! Between June 21 and June 25, there were 65 positions posted on the ACS Careers website. Of these, 13 (20%) were academically connected and 39 (60%) were from Kelly Scientific Resources.

St. Louis, MO: The Food and Drug Administration would like to hire a Ph.D. chemist for a one-year position as a postdoctoral fellow. Experience "working with lasers and in the area of Raman spectroscopy and chemometric methods for spectral analysis" is desired.

Torrance, CA: Phenomenex wants a B.S. chemist to be a senior scientist for LC/LC/MS work; 3+ years experience desired.

Neenah, WI: Georgia Pacific wishes to hire a M.S./Ph.D. organic chemist for a position in tissue-based consumer products. Actually sounds interesting.

Cambridge, MA: Ahhh, you again. Millenium Takeda is announcing (after a hiatus of 2 or 3 years?) that they have multiple! positions! (sounds naughty) available.

Daily Pump Trap: 7/3/12 edition

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Good morning! Between June 26 and July 2, there were 110 new positions posted on the ACS Careers website. Of these, 8 (7%) were academically connected and 63 (57%) were from Kelly Scientific Resources.

Chicago, IL: Sometimes, a company will outsource their ad writing to someone who clearly missed their calling as a romance novelist (or some other career that uses purplish prose.) Polyera Corporation seems to have done this:

We are seeking an elite, PhD-level scientist with deep commercial experience and proven accomplishment in the areas of barrier materials, passivation, and/or polymer chemistry, targeted at the development of high-performance solution-processable dielectric materials for use in flexible display applications.

...2. Desire for professional fulfillment and satisfaction from seeing one's work reach commercial success. 3. Achievement orientation by applying knowledge and persistence toward attaining exacting targets and demanding goals. 4. Confidence, optimism, perseverance and mental toughness to deal with setbacks and obstacles in a fast-paced environment. 5. Strong attention to detail to maintain organized forward progress of multiple tasks concurrently against varying timetables

How much does this position pay? 65-90k. Wooo! (Granted, a start-up.)

Waukegan, IL: Abbott is hiring for a position in their high pressure/catalysis group; a B.S./M.S. in chemistry is desired, as well as experience in inert atmosphere chemistry.

Loveland, CO: Hach Company is an analytical instrumentation firm; they wish to hire an experienced electrochemist (B.S./M.S./Ph.D., with 5+ years minimum) for a R&D position.

Cary, N.C. (?): The interestingly-named LORD Corporation desires a M.S./Ph.D. analytical chemist; zero! to 3 years experience for the Ph.D., 3-5 for a M.S. chemist.

Nashville, TN: Aegis Sciences Corporation wishes to hire a B.S. chemist for a position performing forensic mass spectrometry.

Hmmmm, I'll bet that trend goes up.

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From the NIH extramural grants blog Rock Talk comes this interesting graph (and the accompanying text) by Dr. Sally Rockey, NIH's Deputy Director for Extramural Research:

However, data from the NSF Survey of Doctorate Recipients suggest that most US-trained biomedical PhDs spend fewer than 5 years in postdoctoral positions. Some do remain in postdoc training a lot longer, though. There is some indication those who do the longest postdocs are the ones who go on to tenure-track academic research careers. For example, in the figure below, the age at first non-postdoctoral job (many of which are in industry) has been consistently a year or two lower than the age of obtaining the first tenure-track job. Note that the latest data in this graph (2002-2003) may be underreported due to delays in reporting that result in a lag time bias.

It's always nice to get a sense of the historical trend of things -- I wasn't aware that there was a time in the mid-eighties where it seemed it was difficult to get an academic position. One imagines that this is the sort of graph that you'd like to show an entering class of 1st year graduate students. Also, one imagines that all the lines have continued to trend up.

Unemployment rate unchanged, U6 up 0.1% in June

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Credit: Calculated Risk

Fresh electrons from BLS: The headline number is going to be the relatively anemic job growth numbers at as the economy added 80k nonfarm payroll jobs in June. The national unemployment rate stayed steady at 8.2% and U6 unemployment ticked up 0.1% to 14.9%.

I'm beginning to be reminded of the last line from This American Life's "The Giant Pool of Money" episode which came out in May 2008. There's nothing quite like driving on I-5 in '08, looking for a job and hearing this:

"And there's more talk that the next few years will feel like the 1970s. There are lots of technical differences between this crisis and Jimmy Carter's malaise. But for the average person it could feel the same. It's not an out-and-out depression. Everything's just kind of crappy. And not just in housing and banking, but for the economy as a whole. It's barely growing. There aren't a lot of new businesses, new jobs, unemployment keeps creeping up. We're just sort of stuck in neutral for a while. Anyone under, say, 45 probably doesn't remember that 1970s malaise too well. Anyone under 30 has barely known a US economy that wasn't growing. Now, there's a decent chance we'll all get to see what life felt like in the '70s, which isn't great. It's pretty bad, actually, unless you're comparing it to the 1930s."

Great, just great.

Thanks, as always, to Calculated Risk for the best Worst Graph in the World.

Assignment desk: 8 things that need to get done

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8 things that need to happen in the chemblogosphere:

A NMR spectroscopist blog.
A rogue Sigma-Aldrich Twitter account.
There really needs to be an analytical chemist blogger, specifically HPLC.
A quantum/theoretical chemistry blog -- they would have to be awesome writers, but it'd be worth it!
Why hasn't there been a lab reality show already?
It would be awesome if a big name in synthetic chemistry started to blog anonymously, dogging lame methodology papers and bogus total syntheses. C'mon, it's not like it doesn't happen on e-mail all the time.
QC chemistry would lend itself to a terribly sarcastic blog, I'd think.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter would have nothing on R.B. Woodward: Zombie Slayer.

Speaking of which, folks, what is there that you would like me to do? All suggestions welcome.

5 Temmuz 2012 Perşembe

Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil (Caprese) Skewers

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I recently made these delicious little bites of sunshine for a get-together. They look and taste so yummy, it's hard to believe they are SO simple! They'll definitely be a regular for our summer parties this year. Give 'em a try!

Caprese Skewers
(Makes about 16)

Ingredients:
16 wooden skewers, cut to about 4.5" in length
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 tub bocconcini (small mozzarella balls)
1 bunch basil
sea salt
pepper
light olive oil
balsamic vinegar

Method:
Wash and dry basil well. Tear leaves (if needed) into 1" pieces.
Put a cherry tomato on a skewer, leaving enough room on the flat end for a handle. Add a piece of basil, folding to fit neatly, if needed. Add a piece of mozzarella, another basil leaf and then a final tomato.
Repeat with remaining skewers and ingredients.

To serve, sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with oil and vinegar (or let people do their own drizzling).

Mandarin Martini

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After Cinco de Mayo this past weekend, are you all Margarita'd out? If so, I've got a new citrusy cocktail for you to try - a mandarin (orange) martini!

Like many of my original recipes, this was born out of a need to use up an overabundance of something I had on hand. You see, this year, one of our mandarin trees is on overdrive:

If you've always longed for citrus trees in your backyard, you might not think this is a problem. But really, how many mandarin oranges (aka clementines or tangerines) can a family of 2 eat - especially when they are so tiny and a pain to peel? Answer: not as many as this tree produces!

That's when an easy no-peel answer came to me: juice them. I'm not normally a big juice drinker, but put it in a cocktail and I'm there! And so was born the:

Mandarin Martini
(serves 2)

Ingredients:
1/3 cup freshly squeezed mandarin orange juice (about 8 of our tiny fruits)
1 oz. triple sec
2 oz. vodka
2 oz. gin

Method:
Fill a shaker 1/2 way with ice. Add mandarin orange juice, triple sec, vodka & gin. Shake 5-6 times, pour into 2 chilled martini glasses and serve.

Cereal & Milk Challenge: Store Brand vs. Name Brand #CompareandSwap

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I recently had the opportunity to do a store brand vs. name brand head-to-head challenge with Smart & Final's First Street Brand. I'm a big proponent of store brands to save money, but my husband can tend to be pretty brand loyal. I insist that, on the whole, store brands are just as good quality as brand name. But he often retorts "it's just not the same." Admittedly, there are some store brands that aren't quite up to snuff. But others, including the First Street line of products, really are top-notch. When I'm at Smart & Final, I don't hesitate to try a First Street product if I have the option. It is always a money saver and I've never been disappointed.

So, when I found out I'd get to put his favorite breakfast cereal (Honey Bunches of Oats) up against a name brand version, I was excited to have the chance to prove my point once and for all! You can check out my whole trip to Smart & Final here. In a nutshell, I shopped for Honey Bunches of Oats and the First Street Oats & More cereal:

As you can see, there was $0.50 in price. 50 cents works out to about a 17% savings, which is decent, but I was actually a little surprised it wasn't more. Many times, there's a much bigger difference (like the First Street graham crackers that were half the price of the brand name!), but maybe it's because the HBO was a "Smart Buy" this month.

As far as nutrition, the 2 were pretty similar:

Honey Bunches of Oats

First Street - slightly less fat, but also less fiber
Though a little bummed about First Street having less fiber (I am all about the fiber!), I was pretty impressed with the packaging, which included a recipe & crossword puzzle:

(The HBO box had no such fun!)

I also compared First Street milk vs. Alta Dena - a top brand here in Southern CA:

Here the dollar savings was similar - $0.60 - but that works out to a higher percentage of savings - about 22%. As for nutrition, they were identical, as was a stamped code on the top - making me think they may have been bottled at the same place with just different labels added (as is common with store brands - and supports my point that the quality is exactly the same!).

To test out my theory, I set up a blind taste test for my husband. I made up a quick survey for him to fill out as he tasted each combination (HBO cereal with Alta Dena milk vs. First Street cereal and milk).

The First Street was my "A" and HBO & Alta Dena were "B":

As soon as I poured out the cereals, my heart sunk a bit. The HBO was a lot lighter:

Seeing that my hubby eats HBO regularly, I thought for sure he'd recognize it right off the bat. But, I decided to continue. So, I added the milk and served up both options with the survey cards.

*cue Jeopardy music as we wait*

When he finished, I was surprised at the results. He scored the First Street brand higher on taste and texture - and actually though it was the HBO!

When I asked him about it, he said the First Street brand had more granola bites, which he liked and thought was a signal of a higher quality brand. He also said the overall flavor was better. In contrast, he thought the HBO cereal tasted a little metallic and got mushy too quickly. We did a milk vs. milk test to make sure that wasn't the metallic taste and he said both brands tasted exactly the same (and not metallic at all).

In the end, we both agree First Street is a clear winner on the cereal and a tie on the milk. I'm calling that vindication on this #CompareandSwap challenge - and it feels good!

So - what's your take on store brands? Do you think they have the same quality as brand names? Have you ever done a head-to-head comparison like this? Love to hear your thoughts!

If you live in CA, NV or AZ and want to learn more about saving with Smart & Final, you can check them out here on Facebook and Twitter. When you shop at Smart & Final through May 15, 2012 and purchase any two First Street products, a unique code will print on your receipt. You can then enter your code here for your chance to WIN one of these great prizes:
(1) One-year supply of First Street Pasta (based on a family of four)
(10) $100 Smart & Final SmartCash Card
(10) First Street Bag full of your favorite groceries (value over $50) plus a $50 Smart & Final Gift Card.

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™. #CBias #SocialFabric. All opinions expressed are my own.

Truly Tasty Turkey Burgers

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Let's face it: turkey burgers often get a bad wrap. They seem to dry out quickly and lack that wonderful flavor of a classic, juicy beef burger. But, if you're watching your waistline, you can't deny the fat and calorie saving benefits of swapping out beef for turkey. A standard 3 oz. serving of your typical burger beef (85% lean) has 200 calories, 12 grams of total fat (4.5 saturated). Compare that to a 4 oz. of 99% lean ground turkey breast meat, which has about 120 calories and 1.5 grams of total fat (0.5 saturated).

So, while I do occasionally indulge in a yummy beef burger, if I'm cooking at home, I usually go for turkey. I'm continually experimenting with ways to keep turkey burgers moist and make them tasty enough that my red meat-loving husband won't complain too much. This latest experiment was a real home run - moist, flavorful burgers that both my husband and I enjoyed every bite of.

The carrots are the secret to that moistness. Be sure not to drain off any liquid before adding them to the turkey mixture. I hope you'll give these a try - they might just change how you feel about turkey burgers!

Truly Tasty Turkey Burgers
(serves 4)

Ingredients:
approx 1 lb. extra lean ground turkey breast (a 20 oz. package, as its often sold, works, too)
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 packet dry beef & onion soup mix
olive oil spray
4 hamburger buns
ketchup, mustard or other desired toppings

Method:
In a large bowl, mix ground turkey breast, carrots and soup mix together with your hands until well combined. Form into 4 burger patties. Keep in mind that they'll shrink up a little when you cook them, so try to flatten them out well.
Chill burger patties for at least 4 hours (and up to 24) to allow flavors to meld.
Heat grill to medium-high heat.
Spray both sides of burger patties lightly with olive oil.
Place directly on grill. Cook until burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F (about 7 minutes on each side).
Let rest 5 minutes. Place on buns & serve with desired toppings.

Fresh Cherry Chocolate Brownies

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Sweet cherries are in peak season and I couldn't resist picking up a big bag full of those beautiful dark red orbs on one of my last shopping trips. After snacking our way through them for a week, we still had quite a few left, so I decided to make a dessert to help use them up.

Cherry and chocolate is one of my favorite combinations, but most recipes I have (and that I could find online) call for dried cherries. Those obviously weren't going to work, so I decided to kind of wing it. I knew that brownies could be a little forgiving in terms of their moisture content, so went ahead and added fresh chopped cherries to my favorite brownie recipe. The results were delicious - very chocolaty, with just a hint of that sweet cherry flavor scattered throughout.

If you have a couple of handfuls of cherries hanging around in your fridge, I highly recommend giving them a try!

Fresh Cherry Chocolate Brownies
(Serves 12... or less, depending on how your degree of chocoholicness)

Ingredients:
1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. water
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
3 Tbsp. cocoa powder
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
2/3 c. flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped and pitted fresh cherries

Method:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease an 8x8 baking dish with oil or butter, or line with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter and water over high heat. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and add 1 cup chocolate chips (saving 1/2 cup for later). Mix until chocolate is fully melted. Add cocoa powder, eggs and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt. Add to chocolate mixture. Mix until well combined.
Stir in chopped cherries and remaining 1/2 c. chocolate chips.
Spread into prepared baking dish. Bake at 325°F for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
Cool completely before cutting (if you can resist!).