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Monday, December 31, 2007

Happy New Year!

We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!! We hope you have a fabulous evening filled with fun and safe celebrations. Most of our friends are out of town for the holidays still and so we are going to be lame this year have just have a little party at home with the 2 of us. The baby is in bed so we have started the festivities of eating brownies, playing board games and later we will move onto movies and video games!

We look forward to the New Year and a chance to start fresh with improvements and changes. We have some blog goals and as well as personal goals set. It should be a great year. Happy New Year again and please be safe tonight!


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Sunday, December 30, 2007

Myth Busting Monday - Seven Years to Digest Gum

MYTH: It takes seven years to digest gum

This is one of my favorite myths. I have believed this myth for as long as I can remember.

Here is a statement about swallowing gum:

While it may prove a bit more difficult to break down than organic foodstuffs, chewing gum gets no special treatment from the digestive system. Doctors figure this old wives' tale was invented to prevent kids from swallowing the rubbery substance.[source]
Here is a quote from the myth busting website snopes:
This oft-repeated claim may stem from genuine confusion over a term commonly applied to chewing gum: indigestible. Although gum resists the body's efforts to break it down (hence the 'indigestible' designation), it does not linger in the stomach. Gum is eliminated as human waste in the same way - and at the same rate - as any other swallowed matter. Granted, it comes out the far end relatively unchanged by the trip, but it does come out on schedule.snopes
Although this myth mainly originates by parents telling it to their children, I don't ever remember my parents saying this to me. But I do remember playing soccer growing up, before a game we would always get asked if we were chewing gum and if we were we would have to spit it out, due to the fact that it could be a choking hazard.

After testing this myth myself I am 98% sure that this myth is false.

What are your thoughts about this myth, let us know in the comments

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Thursday, December 27, 2007

Home from the Holidays

Well the blog has been quiet because we went home for Christmas. We went to California last Wednesday and got home on the wee early morning hours of the 26th. Last Thursday we spent the day at Disneyland with my parents. After Disneyland we spent the next couple of days at my husbands house then back to my house and then back to his house. We are lucky to get to see both families when we go home, but it is a little tricky going back and forth between the two. Overall it was a very fun, special and memorable Christmas! We left Christmas night and were supposed to get into Kansas at midnight but due to weather and the lack of crew on both of our flights we didn't get into Kansas until 3:15 am. It was a long trip home and not the way I would have liked to spend Christmas evening. We had domino's pizza for Christmas dinner while sitting in the Denver airport. Luckily our daughter handled the whole thing very well without throwing any fits and so we were all able to stay happy but tired. It was sad to leave because we presently don't have any plans for going back to California, but hopefully some occasion will arise and we will be able to see our families again shortly.

How was everyone's Christmas? I hope it was a special time for you to gather and family and friends. I hope that the true meaning of Christmas was able to ring in your hearts among the material traditions of presents. Merry Christmas to all!

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Sunday, December 23, 2007

Myth Busting Monday - Reverse ATM PIN


MYTH: Entering one's PIN in reverse at any ATM will summon the police

Which was actually not too long ago, I thought it was totally awesome that the banking world would provide such an innovative feature like this to help out all the 'poor' people that get mugged at the ATM. But in finding out about this myth I also found that it was not true and that there are a lot of reasons why a system like this would never work.

Even if police could be summoned via the keying of a special "alert" or "panic" code, they would likely arrive long after victim and captor had departed. There is also the very real possibility that victims' fumbling around while trying to trigger silent alarms could cause their captors to realize something was up and take those realizations out on their captives. Finally, there is the problem of quickly conjuring up the accustomed PIN in reverse. Even in situations lacking added stress, mentally reconstructing one's PIN backwards is a difficult task for many people. Add to that difficulty the terror of being in the possession of a violent and armed person, and precious few victims might be able to come up with reversed PINs seamlessly enough to fool their captors into believing that everything was proceeding according to plan. As Chuck Stones of the Kansas Bankers Association said in 2004: "I'm not sure anyone here could remember their PIN numbers backward with a gun to their head.[source]
I don't know if I could come up with my PIN backwards in a situation like that, and most times I type in my PIN based on the button locations and not the numbers. There is also a problem when if comes to people with numbers that are palindromes; such as 2442, 8778 or 1111, numbers that are the same backwards or forwards. I also found that some people use this myth as a scam:

This may just sound like someone's stupid story but there are fraudsters who will try and use it to their own greedy ends. For instance, one variation they will use is to tell you that you can get cash for free using this method.
Once you have entered your PIN incorrectly a few times (and NOT got any cash!) your card will be retained. Sheepishly walking away thinking what a fool you were, the scammer then retrieves your card from the device they had attached to the ATM in advance.
Having watched you enter your PIN in reverse a few times they quickly switch the numbers around and use your card to make a large withdrawal.[source]
That is just another example of a way for scammers to get your money.
There have been many people that have tried to get their state legislature to pass laws requiring banks to setup the reverse PIN feature but it has never come through. I think this whole concept of having a 'panic' code at the ATM is a good idea but I also think that it would never work; plus, when was the last time you heard about someone getting mugged at an ATM.

What are your thoughts about this myth, let us know in the comments.


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Friday, December 21, 2007

Flashback Friday - Naughty or Nice


This weeks Flashback Friday is all about Santa's naughty and nice list. Last year I was on the nice list and it looks like this year it is the same!


Christmas Naughty or Nice List


Naughty or Nice List


Christmas Naughty or Nice List

You are on the The Nice List


After checking the North Pole database we found you had :



885 nice entries

269 naughty entries


Check your name on the Christmas Naughty or Nice List at JokesUnlimited.com

As Christmas approaches you may want to know if you should be excepting gifts or a big lump of coal!! Merry Christmas!

Please leave a link to your favorite Flashback article from your blog last year!!


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Sunday, December 16, 2007

Myth Busting Monday - Catching a Cold


MYTH: You can catch a Cold by being cold

I am sure that every mother has told every child, at one time or another, that they will catch a cold if they don't wear a jacket or something warm out in the cold.

According to the American Lung Association:

Myth: You can catch the flu or a cold from going outdoors in cold weather.Fact: The flu and colds are more common in the winter months because that is when the viruses spread across the country. It has nothing to do with being outside in cold weather.[source]
On a related note, here is another popular myth about cold cleared up by the ALA (American Lung Association):
Myth: "Feed a cold and starve a fever (flu)."

Fact: This is definitely not a good idea in either case. You need more fluids than usual when you have the flu or a cold. Drink plenty of water and juice, eat enough food to satisfy your appetite, and drink hot fluids to ease your cough and sore throat.[source]

The general consensus on Yahoo! Answers about this myth is that the cold is a virus, something that you have to catch from someone else. Also, most people agree that being cold can influence getting a cold, being cold weakens the immune system thus making you susceptible to catching the cold virus. If you want to read more responses click here.

According to the web site commoncold.org, here are some facts about catching the common cold:
1. Healthy people with normal immune systems are highly susceptible to cold virus infection the virus enters the nose. In volunteers studies, approximately 95% of normal adults became infected when virus as dropped into the nose.
2. Of people who become infected, only 75% develop symptoms with a cold. The other 25% have virus growing in the nose but have no symptoms. They have an "asymptomatic infection".
3. Why people sometimes become infected but do not develop cold symptoms is a mystery. One clue is that in such instances the person may not be producing the normal amount of certain inflammatory mediators, the natural body chemicals which cause cold symptoms. If this theory is correct, then people with active immune systems may be more prone to developing cold symptoms than people with less active immune systems!One study has looked at this question.
- It was found that colds were no more frequent or severe in volunteers who were chilled than those who were not.[source]
I guess once the cold virus gets in your nose it's all over and you are pretty much guaranteed that you are going to get a cold. So in order to avoid a cold everyone should wear nose guards to keep the cold virus from entering your nose.

What are your thoughts about this myth, let us know in the comments.

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Thursday, December 13, 2007

Flashback Friday - Random

Welcome to this weeks edition of Flashback Friday! Every Friday Random Encounters of We re-publishes an article from that week one year ago. This weeks article was when the Random Revolution started. In this article we talked about a few other "random" themed blogs that we run. These blogs are still around today. Random Games has become very popular and hopefully will be getting a face lift soon. Random Super Heroes has its moments when it is busy and moments it is slow. That blog belongs to my husband so he writes on it when he has time and a subject. It is a lot of fun though. Check them out and let me know what you think.


Random

I currently am the author of two blogs. The first being Random Encounters of We. This blog is like the title claims, random. I have funny pictures, polls, money making tips, and articles on whatever strikes my fancy. I can't narrow this blog down to one topic. When I list in a blog directory I put it under Misc. So it is my misc blog.

The second blog is very new and it is a game blog. It's name is Random Games. Come play away your day! Free online games of all types are there for your playing enjoyment. I used to put games on Random Encounters of We but decided I didn't like them being there, they didn't fit with what I am trying to achieve.

Random Encounters of We is my "mother ship" blog. I am slowly expanding (Random Games) and my husband is expanding with some type of super hero/comic blog ( Random Super Heroes). It is new but it has a few things to check out on it.

Now is the time I invited you to share your Flashback Friday. Leave a link in the comment section to the article you would like to flashback in on your blog.


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Lehi Roller Mills


I just got an email about this Lehi Roller Mills gift basket and I had to post about it. I used to live in Utah and I have been to Lehi Roller Mills! It is amazing. My mother grew up in Utah and all of her family's wheat came from Lehi Roller Mills. Lehi Roller Mills has shops that sell mixes for brownies, pancakes, waffles, breads and other things like that. They sell them in pretty bags and some come with cookie cutters, or pans and things. They are so delicious! I have bought a few and loved them. I was so excited to get this email because I totally am going to order some of this stuff for Christmas. I am excited that they also have gift baskets available. If you are interested in baking or have someone on your gift list that enjoys baking, Lehi Roller Mills baskets are a definite! The food is easy to make and delicious. Some of the baskets come with different syrups and jams.I can't wait to get my order!


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Any Tips?


Any tips for getting this very orange crayon off my very blue wall?


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Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Web Hosting

There are so many sites that offer web hosting that it can be overwhelming to choose who you want go to with. Search engines usually provide thousands of options when you search for such keywords. Webhostingchoice.com has made things easier with their quick search box. In the search box you enter all qualifications you want your web hosting service to fall under such as how much you want to be paying for the service, how much of a setup fee you are willing to pay and other basic settings. Web hosting choice will provide a list of those web hosting companies that meet your qualifications. If you are new to web hosting they also offer a quick start guide or frequently asked questions to start you on your way. Before you get overwhelmed with thousands of choice, why don't you be a little more picky and look at the options that are suited to you needs.


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Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Ice Storm





As you may know from the news there is a major ice storm "wreaking havoc" in the Midwest and east coast. Kansas is lucky enough to be the dead center of the Midwest so we are getting pounded with the storm. I took these pictures in my backyard this morning. My husband said on his slow drive to work there were tree branches and bushes down all over the place. All of our trees are luckily still standing right now. I thought it was really pretty how the ice encased every single branch and blade of grass. Our whole yard is flooded and my husband said all the streets are flooded with little islands where the road is visible. Last night on the news they said we were going to get an inch of ice and the storm is supposed to continue on with another on the way. Oh the adventures we will have with new weather we've never experienced!


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Monday, December 10, 2007

Myth Busting Monday - Brains

Humans use only 10 percent of their brains

I have often thought about whether or not this one is true. My thought process as been if we only use 10% of our brain what is other the 90% of our brain for? This first quote shows how easy it is to believe that myths like this one is true.

That tired Ten-Percent claim pops up all the time. Last year [1998], national magazine ads for U.S. Satellite Broadcasting showed a drawing of a brain. Under it was the caption, "You only use 11 percent of its potential." Well, they're a little closer than the ten-percent figure, but still off by about 89 percent. In July 1998, ABC television ran promotional spots for "The Secret Lives of Men," one of their offerings for the fall season's lineup. The spot featured a full-screen blurb that read, "Men only use ten percent of their brains."[source]
Thanks to modern technology, scientists have been able to prove that this myth is undeniably false.

This media darling has been around for at least a century. Fortunately, it's just not true. MRI imaging clearly demonstrates--with fancy colors no less--that humans put most of their cerebral cortex [the brain] to good use, even while dozing.[source]

I was able to find a statement that atempts to justify what people are talking about when they say 'we only use 10% of our brain'
Perhaps when people use the 10% brain statement, they mean that only one out of every ten nerve cells is essential or used at any one time? How would such a measurement be made? Even if neurons are not firing action potentials, they may still be receiving signals from other neurons.[soucre]
I know there are some of you out there that think you know someone who proves this myth to be true, but remember just because someone can use most of their brain it doesn't mean that take advantage of it. I know I have moments when I only use 10% of my brain, but my wife quickly knocks some sense reminds me to use more of my brain.

What are your thoughts about this myth, let us know in the comments.

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Friday, December 7, 2007

Flashback Friday

I thought this article was very fitting with the beginning of December upon us. I haven't started working on Christmas cards yet because I have been baking for 4 days. Today I will get most of the plate delivered and then I can start on Christmas cards. I love receiving picture cards with the update on everyone in the family. I usually keep those. When we get store bought cards with a cheesy note inside, those get thrown away after Christmas. We personally don't send out too many Christmas cards. We don't know too many people and the friends that live near get a goodie plate and they see us all the time so we don't send them cards. Reading this flashback article brought back some great memories of the Christmas party. I am looking forward to going to the Christmas party this year with a new company. I don't know if it will be as fancy as our last company and it is going to be held at a country club, so that is less exciting that a car museum, but it should be a good time! It is fun to be looking back to life a year ago! We don't go on too many baby free dates because we don't mind having her with us. The Christmas party this year will also be a child free event so that will be nice.

Let the Holiday Fun Begin

Well now it's December. You know what that means? It's time for the Christmas cards to start arriving, and Holiday parties to commence! My husband and I recently graduated from college and started "real" life. Now that he is a corporate man working for the man we have our first company holiday party to attend tomorrow evening! I for one am very excited! It is a very formal occasion, luckily for the cruise we just went on I bought a formal dress, so I'm glad to have a second opportunity to wear it. There will be cocktails, dinner and dancing until midnight. Sounds so romantic. This is also be the first real "date" we have been on since having our baby. I look forward to an evening with adults, and adult conversations and being able to stay out past 7 (baby's bedtime). It is at a Car museum, so I'll be sure to take a cool photo or two to share. I'd love to hear about any holiday functions you are attending this year! Merry Christmas!


Now it is your turn, if you would like, to leave a comment leaving a link to your favorite article from a year ago. Let us enjoy your flash back!


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Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Holiday Contest

As we approach the holiday's it is a good time to enter a contest with a chance to win a prize that you can keep for yourself, give to someone else, or use it to help pay for someone else's gift! Starting today and going until Saturday night everyone who makes a quality comment will be entered into a drawing for a Walmart $15 music download gift card. There will be 2 prizes awarded!! The more comments the more entries! I think that this card can also be used at the store to pay for items, but I'm not positive. The walmart website has a huge selection of songs and CD's to download. It is similar to itunes. $15 will get you a lot of great music! On Sunday I will announce the winners and immediately stick the gift cards in the mail Monday morning so it will be guaranteed to arrive way before Christmas. This will be a great way to participate in Random Encounters of We and perhaps earn yourself a gift card! Let the commenting begin!!!

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Accepted!

I just received word that my blog has been accepted into rssHuggers data base. You can check out Random Encounters of We rss page and help support us by increasing our views. There are a ton of new blogs being added daily. They have a random blog button which is fun to randomly look at blogs! That of course totally appeals to us here at Random Encounters of We. We also have a random button on our blog but when you click it, it brings up a random post from our archives. It's pretty fun. So check out our rss page and browse some blogs, and join to start increasing your website traffic!




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Tuesday, December 4, 2007

RSS Hugger


Since going to Germany and suffering our page rank loss I am scrambling to quickly improve our blog and increase our traffic. I was just reading an article over at Blog About You Blog about a free RSS feed program that is designed to help increase your traffic called rssHugger. This peeked my interested as a great way to help restore balance to our blog once again. Blog About Your Blog is impressively in the top 100 feeds on rssHugger.

rssHugger is a new website designed to help the blogger promote their blog and to help viewers find new and interesting blogs. I know it can be a challenge to get your blog exposed to a lot of people, so this is another great way to get exposure. They currently have two options for joining rssHugger. In order to prevent spammers and junk blogs from joining you have to either write a quality post about rssHugger, or you can pay $20 and have your listing guaranteed for 10 years (which makes the price $2 per year!). I am excited about this program and to get my rss page up and running. I love to get Random Encounters of We exposed, and I enjoy finding new blogs to read. This site will be a great help with both. If you are looking to expand your website and increase traffic or just want to browse blogs and find some good ones to read, rssHugger is definitely a good place to go.


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Monday, December 3, 2007

Myth Busting Monday - Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure visible from space

I have always thought this one was true; I thought something that extended for 1500 miles would obviously be viewable from space, but I never realized that other structures could be visible as well.
There are several variations on this folkloric statement, and they're all quantifiably false. Astronauts can spot the Great Wall from low-Earth orbit, along with plenty of other things like the Giza pyramids and even airport runways. But they can't see the Wall from the Moon.[source]
Here is quote from astronaut Jay Apt:
We look for the Great Wall of China. Although we can see things as small as airport runways, the Great Wall seems to be made largely of materials that have the same color as the surrounding soil. Despite persistent stories that it can be seen from the moon, the Great Wall is almost invisible from only 180 miles up![soucre]
And for those of you that have heard the variation of this myth that say you can see the Great Wall from the moon, here is quote from Astronaut Alan Bean:
The only thing you can see from the moon is a beautiful sphere, mostly white (clouds), some blue (ocean), patches of yellow (deserts), and every once in a while some green vegetation. No man-made object is visible on this scale. In fact, when first leaving earth's orbit and only a few thousand miles away, no man-made object is visible at that point either.[soucre]
This myth is busted straight from the horse's astronaut's mouth.

What are your thoughts about this myth, let us know in the comments.

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Extreme Gingerbread House Making!

This is what a six hour gingerbread house project looks like!





Yesterday a friend of mine invited me and a couple of girls over to make gingerbread houses. I should have known that this was going to be a lot more extensive than the typical gingerbread house. This project took 6 hours in total (we did it in two 3 hour segments) It was a lot of fun to make and good bonding time with some friends.


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Saturday, December 1, 2007

Losing PageRank

When I got home from Germany I noticed my PageRank had been slashed in half. I had no idea what had happened, other than I hadn't blogged for two weeks. I didn't think that was reason enough to cut my page rank. I have felt discouraged because of this because there aren't as many opportunities available to lower page rank blogs. Well I just read that google was going through the system and slashing the page rank of those blogs that participate in payperpost and those sponsored programs. Payperpost has been really slow for me for a couple months, and if my page rank is going to be hurt from participating in their program I will discontinue my use of payperpost. My page rank is more important to me than $5 here and there from payperpost. A lot of people do really well on payperpost, but my blog doesn't. What will be interesting is that when you have a high page rank on payperpost you get really high paying opportunities, but if those people are being punished for using payperpost their page rank will be cut and then they won't be getting those great opportunities anymore. We'll see what happens to payperpost. Maybe they can come to a compromise. All I know is that I won't be participating in payperpost anymore in hopes of returning my page rank to 4 and continue my goals of increasing it. Any comments, suggestions or more information would be welcomed.


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