Posted by Ellen · December 31st, 2007
As we get closer to the new year, it is time to start thinking about making resolutions. To me, New Year’s resolutions are always a tricky subject because it is kind of like starting a new diet. If you tell people about the diet and then decide two days in that it is not going to work out, everyone secretly adds your name to the failure list.
New Year’s resolutions are similar. Experience has taught me to quietly make resolutions that are realistic and attainable, and then if I accomplish them, I might make mention of what happened.
If you are having a hard time coming up with your own resolutions or if you are just curious, About.com, has posted a list of the top 10:
1. Spend more time with family and friends.
2. Fit in fitness.
3. Tame the bulge.*
4. Quit smoking.
5. Enjoy life more.*
6. Quit drinking.
7. Get out of debt.
8. Learn something new.*
9. Help others. *
10. Get organized.
* MindBites can help you out with #3, 5, 8 & 9- no problemo. :)
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Tags: New Year's Resolutions | Posted in Life and Learning | 1 Comment »
Posted by Jason · December 21st, 2007
Dusting off the old camcorder to record this year’s edition of holiday bliss? Before you torture friends and family with another two-hour epic, let the MindBites production team offer 8 simple tips on How to Make a Rockin’ Holiday Video.
Or if you need the cheat sheet to give to your Uncle Ed…
Tip #1 - Decorations Make Wonderful B-Roll
Tip #2 - See What’s Going on in the Kitchen
Tip #3 - Present Time is the Piéce de Resistance
Tip #4 - Film as Much of the Kids as Possible
Tip #5 - Include the Family Traditions
Tip #6 - Get Some Interviews on Camera
Tip #7 - Photos are Fantastic in Moderation
Tip #8 - Make Sure to Employ Good Shooting Techniques
In summary, while the holidays are about enjoying in excess, the best holiday videos are simple, subtle, and short. Have fun, grab the highlights, and then put the camera down to enjoy the time firsthand with those you love.
Happy Holidays from the MindBites Team!
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Posted by Jason · December 19th, 2007
I read an interesting article from the Salk Institute this weekend, discussing current research on how new neurons get integrated into your brain. Here are a few excerpts:
“It is now widely accepted that new neurons are in fact generated in the adult brain. What is not understood is how those newborn brain cells…insinuate themselves into pre-existing brain networks….in mice living in enriched environments filled with running wheels or colored tunnels, the number of young neurons successfully hooking up with existing networks rose to 80 percent..these observations suggest that using one’s brain cells is the best way to maximize the brain’s regenerative capacity.” (emphasis added)
At first glance, this may appear to be an instance of science confirming common sense, but in reality, this is fairly ground-breaking news. It may surprise you to learn that scientists have only recently discovered that the adult brain can even generate new neurons, whereas just a few decades ago it was thought that this could only occur in the brains of children. This line of research could hold important advances in the coming years in the study of Alzheimer’s, depression, and other brain-related conditions. This study shows that as adults the best way to keep our brains young and growing is to keep learning.
Wanting to do a little mental workout right now? May we suggest Manny’s Three Notes per String Thing? (the study didn’t say the learning had to be boring:))
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Tags: brain, learning | Posted in Life and Learning, MindBites News and Notes | No Comments »
Posted by Ellen · December 19th, 2007
Recently, I have been driving in my car or working around the house singing Christmas carols, then suddenly I realize I cannot remember all the words, and I get stuck. My kids are often left waiting in suspense because they are listening to every word that I am singing, and the songs come to an abrupt halt when I forget the lyrics. I made a pledge to purchase an actual book of Christmas Carols but I found something better online.
Many thanks to the Mike Leal who has posted a complete index of all Christmas carol song and lyrics. This is one of the most comprehensive lists of Christmas songs that I have ever seen and most of the songs I have never seen or heard before.
The best part is when I sing Jingle Bells, now I can sing more than just the first verse.
Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh
Over the fields we go, laughing all the way;
Bells on bob-tail ring, making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight
Chorus
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
O what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
O what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh
A day or two ago, I thought I’d take a ride
And soon Miss Fanny Bright, was seated by my side;
The horse was lean and lank, misfortune seemed his lot;
He got into a drifted bank and we got upsot
(Chorus)
A day or two ago, the story I must tell
I went out on the snow, and on my back I fell;
A gent was riding by, in a one-horse open sleigh
He laughed as there I sprawling lie but quickly drove away
(Chorus)
Now the ground is white, go it while you’re young
Take the girls tonight, and sing this sleighing song;
Just get a bob-tailed bay, two-forty as his speed
Hitch him to an open sleigh and crack! you’ll take the lead
(Chorus)
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Posted by Ellen · December 19th, 2007
According to BeJane.com, there are simple and easy things that you can do to make your home safe. Here are ten quick and easy tips:
1. Check your Locks
Making sure you have sturdy locks is crucial to the safety of your home and family. If you have just moved into a new home you may want to consider having all of the locks changed, especially if they are showing signs of wear and tear. Changing out a lock is something you can certainly do yourself. Perhaps you are looking for a little more security, in which case you can install a deadbolt or another series of locks. The project will take less than a day, is inexpensive, and will add to your piece of mind.
2. Windows and Doors
Assess your home’s windows and doors. Do they seem flimsy, old, or hollow? If so, you probably want to invest in a little upgrading. If your front or back door seems hollow, loose or easy to break down, consider investing in a solid new one. If this isn’t within your budget, iron screens with locks are a good alternative. Likewise, check your windows. Do all of the locks work? Are panes missing or easily removed? If so, consider upgrading or replacing them immediately.
Read the rest of this entry »
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Tags: home safety | Posted in Life and Learning | 2 Comments »
Posted by Jason · December 18th, 2007
Our friend, and MindBites Author, Sister Diane from CraftyPod shows off some of the handmade ornaments on her tree in this post - More Ornaments, Please… (Check out the really cool Dragonfly her mom made.)
Want to make a last minute greeting card for the special someone? Check out Diane’s MindBite on How to Embroider a Greeting Card:
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Tags: Handmade Ornaments | Posted in Author Highlight, Life and Learning, MindBites News and Notes | No Comments »
Posted by Jason · December 18th, 2007
Great How To article from Real Simple found via LifeHacker:
Specifically, they cover how to:
- Turn Squishy Potatoes into Crispy Home Fries
- Turn Stale Bread into Crostini
- Oven-Dry Tasteless Tomatoes for More Flavor
- Upgrade Overcooked Chicken with Herb Sauce
- Save Mushy Vegetables with Parmesan
- Save Crumbly Cake with Creative Frosting
- Turn Unripe Strawberries into Boozy Berries
- Fix Cracked Piecrust with Granulated Sugar
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Posted by Jason · December 18th, 2007
Google has released their 2007 Zeitgeist, which is their compilation of patterns in the billions of searches made over the past year. Included in the always intriguing analysis are the Top 10 “How to…” searches, with “How to Kiss” topping the list. The complete top 10 for How To searches is:
- How to Kiss
- How to Draw
- How to Knit
- How to Hack
- How to Dance
- How to Crochet
- How to Meditate
- How to Flirt
- How to Levitate
- How to Skateboard
Google how to searches make great ideas for MindBites (and in fact, some of these topics, including “How to Knit”, can already be found in our growing community). So if anyone out there knows how to levitate, we could definitely use some help with #9.
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Tags: Google How To Searches | Posted in Life and Learning, MindBites News and Notes | No Comments »
Posted by Jason · December 11th, 2007
Welcome to the MindBites Blog! Took us a few weeks to get this sucker up (had to design that little orange thing in the header). But we’re here now and ready to go. This is where we will share thoughts, writings, and random noodlings from the MindBites team. What is MindBites? Why MindBites is (read with your best James Earl Jones voice) the leading social marketplace and publishing platform for instructional media on the Interweb (duh duh DUHHH).
But seriously, we’re pretty excited about what we’re doing. You see, MindBites is a place where anyone can design, create, and sell video instructional lessons and earn money for themselves or charity. We believe that the best things you learn in life are from other real people, and the most interesting people we know are unbelievably passionate about their interests. Our goal is to create a place where everyone can share their unique knowledge and passions. Like Laura Berg, our favorite Canadian baby sign language instructor:
“So wait,” you say, “they earn money? Does that mean, I have to (gasp) pay for something on the web? Are you crazy?” Well nobody is forcing you, but we think it’s worth it. Read the rest of this entry »
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Tags: Blog Intro. | Posted in Author Highlight, MindBites News and Notes | 1 Comment »
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