D-Lo's Lounge

Hey Google, be my language interpreter

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 14:26:00 +0000

Google Home just received a colossal update that you need to try

Interpreter mode is now available for Google Home devices

GOOGLE Home has just received a colossal update that brings a huge improvement to the smart speaker.

Google Home is the American tech giant's smart speaker solution that comes in a variety of models.

The smallest and most affordable version of the hardware is the Google Home Mini.

While the product sacrifices some audio quality in exchange for its minute aesthetic, it does offer the same Assistant functionality as its more premium brothers.

Google also sells a standard version of its Home speaker in addition to the Home Max that offers the best sound of the three.

Moreover, the firm also debuted the Google Home Hub last year that offers the popular Assistant features fans have come to expect but has a screen that can display contextual information.

At CES last month Google announced a new "interpreter mode" for its smart devices that promises to translate speech from one language to another in real-time.

Announcing the feature, the American tech giant said: "Speaking a different language no longer has to be a barrier to having a good conversation.

"With Interpreter Mode, a new feature rolling out over the next few weeks on Google Home devices and Smart Displays, you can ask the Google Assistant to help you have a conversation in dozens of languages."

The Mountain View company declared the fresh functionality can be employed with simple voice commands.

Moreover, the firm also discussed the potential use cases for such a feature.

Google went on: "Just say 'Hey Google, be my French interpreter' to start Interpreter Mode and get real-time spoken and (on Smart Displays) written translation to aid the conversation.

"We see this technology expanding to more places—it could help you check in at a foreign hotel or help you understand the bus schedule."

Once the user has turned on interpreter mode, any speech they say will then be translated into another selected dialect.

Moreover, if the tool is harnessed on smart displays such as the Google Home Hub the words translated will appear on-screen.

The feature was initially shown off at CES but is now rolling out to owners of Google Assistant-enabled speakers, as noted by Android Police.

The outlet insisted if users are unable to access the feature they should try restarting their devices manually by unplugging them, and then plugging them back in again.

Interpreter mode was first shown off last month at CES (Image: Google)

This process should prompt the new update to be installed if has not been already.

Google has updated its Assistant support page to reflect the new improvement.

The tech behemoth has insisted in order to activate the new feature, users should speak in either English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish.

26 languages are supported by the new feature

Once the mode has been switched on, it can translate 26 different dialects.

They are:

• Czech

• Danish

• Dutch

• English

• Finnish

• French

• German

• Greek

• Hindi

• Hungarian

• Indonesian

• Italian

• Japanese

• Korean

• Mandarin

• Polish

• Portuguese

• Romanian

• Russian

• Slovak

• Spanish

• Swedish

• Thai

• Turkish

• Ukrainian

• Vietnamese

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/1083456/Google-Home-update-introduce-interpreter-mode-for-users

Statutory holiday proposed to recognize Indigenous reconciliation

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 14:20:00 +0000

OTTAWA — Sept. 30 might become a new statutory holiday commemorating victims of residential schools.

The House of Commons heritage committee approved a measure Tuesday to make the last day of September a National Truth and Reconciliation Day. That date is already used as an informal occasion to commemorate the experiences of residential-school students, called Orange Shirt Day.

It’s called that in memory of a piece of a clothing then-six-year-old Phyllis Webstad had taken from her on her first day at a residential school in 1973.

“We picked Sept. 30 because September was the time when children were taken away from their homes,” she told the committee during a previous session, with the specific day chosen to give teachers time to tell modern children the history of the schools.

The heritage committee added the new federal holiday into NDP MP Georgina Jolibois’ Bill C-369, which creates a National Indigenous Peoples’ Day on June 21. It has been meeting for the past few months to discuss the bill, hearing testimony from survivors and Indigenous leaders.

Both the Native Women’s Association of Canada and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, representing 60,000 Inuit people across Canada, expressed support for two separate dates.

“Combining a day of celebration with a day of reconciliation, in our view, is inappropriate and disrespectful,” Virginia Lomax, a lawyer for NWAC, told the group on Jan. 29.

Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault said Tuesday the additions were in keeping with call to action No. 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which seeks a statutory holiday “to honour survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”

The bill has yet to go to the Commons for a final vote.

From Discover on Google https://globalnews.ca/news/4931440/holiday-indigenous-reconciliation-sept-30/amp/

When Harry met Meghan

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Fri, 18 May 2018 15:42:00 +0000

This is my absolute favourite photo of Meghan Markle & Prince Harry

OMG, what did I miss about Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's nuptials?!

Ok, so I feel like I've been living under a rock. People ask me about current events and I end up looking like a deer caught in headlights. I cannot believe that the Royal wedding takes place tomorrow. Despite how much/very little I've been following their love story, I get butterflies in my chest when I hear bits and pieces of their very social media driven life.

It's a fairy tale ending I'm sure that most children grew up fantasying about, when our caring adults read/told us "once upon a time" stories. At times I am reminded of how swept away I get when triggers in everyday life remind me of these moments that have facilitated these memories.

For Meghan Markle, this fairy tale has become a reality. Perhaps that is why we love watching her love story unravel. For me, it has nothing to do with the fact that she is marrying into the royal family that intrigues me. Rather, I am thrilled to hear that someone else in the world has finally found their "penguin". If you aren't familiar with the analogy of one finding their penguin, please feel free to click here.

I'm sure most of you are caught up with the who; what; where and when about this big day ahead of us, but just in case you're like me still trying to catch up with what's going on...here are some links that hopefully will give you the coles note version before the very big day.

Congratulations to yet another couple finding love. I am inspired not to give up on finding my own fairy tale.

Well played Marks & Spencer

Celery Bread is a great edition to Fish and Chips!

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 07:25:00 +0000

The first time I had celery bread was when I visited a small little place called Port Dover in Ontario. They are famous for their perch fish. There is an AMAZING place called Erie Beach Hotel that serves some wonderful fresh fish and this most delicious piece of bread called celery bread...I tried to replicate it and this is as close as I got. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

here is the Celery Bread recipe

1/2 lb butter

1 tsp celery seed

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp dried parsley flakes

This is enough to butter 2 loaves of bread.

Buy the bread unsliced at Fortinos, Metro, etc.

Slice off the crust all away around.

Then I put it in the freezer for a bit so it is easier to cut in cubes.

You should get approx. 14 cubes of bread from each loaf.

Butter on all sides.

I put parchment paper on the cookie sheet.

Stand the cubes up so they aren't touching each other.

Bake at 400 deg. for 10 minutes.

Revlon's newest mascara addition

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 16:34:00 +0000

I have to say, I've been on this journey to find a mascara that does what it says... I'm looking for one that creates volume, length & is waterproof/resistant. Sadly I've yet to find something that works in all these categories.

I had the opportunity to treat out Revlon's newest mascara addition (complimentary for review, I might add) but unfortunately it failed my eyelash test. I'm not sure what it is about my specific teeny tiny eyelashes but they don't seem to keep any length or volume. To make matters worse too many layers causes clumping. So far I've had to revert to false eyelashes time and time again. Hopefully this formula cheeses and I find something that finally works for me.

**I recieved this product complimentary for review from Influenster

Rimmel Shake It Fresh Mascara

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 01:06:00 +0000

I have to be honest and say that I was truly excited to be part of a team to review this product. The way it looked was appealing and not ONLY was a great toy that my 2 year old nephew LOVED shaking, but it did what it said it would which was to be a 'non-clumpy' product that went on easy. The product did exact that...in the month that I used it on a daily basis, it didn't give me any troubles. Unfortunately, there were a couple downfalls that I really found to be frustrating. The mascara ran...and it took many, many, MANY coats to get my teeny, tiny lashes coated so that it LOOKED like I had eyelashes at all.
Overall, if you are one of those beauties out there that can put very little mascara on and look like it's volumized...I HIGHLY recommend this product for you...for those looking to thicken and volume your teeny tiny eyelashes...I would say that perhaps this isn't the RIGHT product for you.

***I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.*

Orville Reddenbacher White Cheddar & Caramel popcorn--a hit?

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 02:17:00 +0000

I was very excited to be invited to be part of the Orville Reddenbacher White Cheddar & Caramel popcorn campaign run by Influenster. I wanted take a different approach in testing this product. In order to get a wide variety of opinions on what individuals thought of Orville Reddenbacher's White Cheddar & Caramel popcorn, we did a blind taste test at school and compared this popcorn with G.H Gretor's Chicago Mix. Each participant (which consisted of the students in my class as well as my colleagues) were given an opportunity to taste both styles of popcorn without seeing which was which. We turned the popcorn test into a mathematics tallying and graphing lesson, followed by a quick language activity which involved giving the popcorn a rating between 1-5 stars. This rating also came with some feedback about the product.

Here are the results:

In comparison between the two types of popcorn 61.5% preferred the C.H Gregot's Mix; 38.5% preferred the Orville Reddenbacher brand. Out of the ENTIRE group of taste testers over 50% couldn't really tell the difference between the two brands.

The consensus when completing a 5 star rating of just the Orville Reddenbacher

Popcorn was an average of 4-4.5 stars. Much of the feedback was for a more white cheddar flavour and less salt. The other comment was to create more of a 50/50 ratio of both flavours of popcorn.

If you're interested in trying out this new flavour of popcorn. Please look at your local grocers and give it a try yourself. I'm sure my students would be thrilled to hear what you have to say.

**I received the white cheddar & caramel popcorn
complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Check yourself before you wreck yourself!

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 06:58:00 +0000

It's been a long time since I've disagreed with a newspaper article that has been written by fellow teachers who really should watch their "foot in mouth" syndrome. I am embarrassed by his blanket statement about the millennial generation and want those who read it not to categorize ALL educators into the same category as this self absorbed individual. I'd love to hear what you think of what he's written. Please click on the poster below to read:

Pokemon Go epidemic!

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 20:32:00 +0000

So, we've all seen people walking around more within the past week with a cellphone in their hand and stopping mid walk... Perhaps you haven't seen it but you ARE one of these individuals. This new craze to make sedentary individuals visit the outdoor world has really got people moving. With more people moving around outdoors it is so important for drivers to keep an eye out for pedestrians...of course that also means that Pokemon players should be more aware of their surroundings and where they are when catching these Pokemon critters. This includes vehicles, trees and inanimate or animate objects.

Through all this hoopla, I found an amazing and humourous PSA message created by a popular radio station in Toledo, Ohio. Check it out! Would love to hear what you think of this PSA or the Pokemon Go game.

The "Entitlement" Generation

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Tue, 24 May 2016 12:28:00 +0000

"If your parents had to use a wooden spoon on you, then they clearly didn’t know how to parent you.”

Yep. I got that email last night after I posted my blog. I honestly had to laugh. Here was a stranger criticizing my parents. I tend to think they did a pretty good job. They raised three, well-rounded children. One is a successful HR exec, one is a journalist and the other is a doctor. Clearly they did something right. And let’s be real for a minute, it wasn’t all about a wooden spoon. It was about manners and respect.

I went home and was talking to my husband about it. He said, “This is why we have a generation of entitled kids.”

I repeated that earlier today and someone asked in shock: “How could you say something like that?!”

Because I have seen it first-hand.

At my last job, there was a young woman who was interning with our station. She showed up to work one day wearing extremely short shorts and a halter top. To work. Our news director at the time said, “You have two options…you can run home and get changed and come back…or you can just go home.” Her response came quickly and loudly: “WHO THE F@#K ARE YOU TO TALK TO ME LIKE THAT? YOU CAN’T TELL ME TO GO HOME!!”

Ahh…and there it is. The entitlement coming out. The “I have never been told no because I want to be your friend…let me give you a trophy because you signed up to play soccer even though you never come to practice, only games…I’m not going to give you a grade on this test because I don’t want you to think you’re a failure, even though you don’t study…you’re going to sit in time-out and then we will discuss why you called your mom the B-word…I can post anything I want on social media because I have freedom of speech…I won’t be held accountable at school because my parents will come and yell at the teacher for me.”

I will say it until I am blue in the face: I am thankful I was raised the way I was raised in the era I was raised in. We used the terms ma’am and sir…we said please and thank you…we wouldn’t dare look at our parents cross-eyed…if we didn’t study, we failed…if we didn’t go to practice, we didn’t play in the game…if we didn’t win, we didn’t get a trophy…if we talked back to our parents, we got the back of my mom’s hand to our mouths…if we used a bad word, we got soap in our mouths…if we acted up in school, our parents were called to the principal’s office and we served detention…if we didn’t like our dinner, then we didn’t eat…if we were late for curfew, we were grounded…if we lied, we had our toys taken away…if we misbehaved in the neighborhood, our neighbors would discipline us…if we didn’t get hired for a job, then we weren’t who they wanted.

We weren’t handled with kid gloves. Our parents let us fall so we learned how to get back up. We were told the word “NO” and told it often. It wasn’t about our parents being “our friends.” It was tough love. Why? Because they knew how tough the world is.

I’m over the “entitlement era.”

I’m nowhere near a perfect parent. I learn something new everyday. But I do know…I want to raise my kids the way I was. Because I don’t want to send spoiled, entitled brats into the world.

There is only one thing I knew: whatever my parents did…worked.

And guess who my best friends are now? Yep. My mom and dad. The ones who were “so mean” growing up.

About the Author:agoodman@kwwl.com

We are parents-- NOT friends!!

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 12:19:00 +0000

July 4, 1993. (You’re now doing the math to figure out how old I am, aren’t you? lol)

I was 16 years old and was out with my friends for the fireworks. It was the only night that I was allowed to stay out past my 10pm curfew. “Be home by midnight. Not a second later.”

It’s 1993. There are no cell phones. There are car phones…you know, the ones in the bag that were plugged into the cigarette lighter…but I certainly didn’t have one in my car. All we had were quarters. And those quarters were used to call home and “check in.”

There were no phones where I was. I went to a bonfire in the middle of the woods to celebrate the 4th. Ok, so I wasn’t exactly where I told my parents I would be. My friend who I was with promised my parents that she would have me home. Needless to say, she skipped out around 11pm to “get home on time.”

“Hey guys, what time is it?”

“Uh let me check…it’s 12:05.”

What?!

I am going to die. My parents are physically and literally going to kill me.

My friend Travis grabbed me and we jumped in his Jeep to drive to my house. It’s 4th of July so the traffic is INSANE. Everyone is out on the roads.

12:31.

“TRAVIS. PLEASE HURRY!”

12:55.

“I AM SCREWED. ABSOLUTELY SCREWED.”

1:20.

We are flying into my neighborhood and there she was. My mother. In her robe. On the front porch. Waiting.

“Travis. Keep driving.”

“No it will be fine. Hi Mrs. Goodman. Let me expla—-.” My mom abruptly cuts him off. “Go home Travis.”

My mom then proceeded to pull me out of the Jeep by my hair. The seatbelt was still buckled. My mother literally ripped me out of the car. She had a good grasp on my scalp…I could feel her nails digging into my head while grabbing a rather large section of hair. As we passed the driveway, I noticed that my Dad’s car was gone. Oh crap. He’s out looking for me.

My mom threw me into the house…grabbed my shoulders and put me into a kitchen chair. You see my mother was the disciplinarian in our hosue…at least when it came to my sister and I. My dad always had a soft spot for “his girls.” So when my mom said, “Your father is out looking for you. I’m going to let him deal with you because I can’t even look at you.”

Again. No cell phones. No way of letting my Dad know that I am home. That I am safe.

Then he was home. His face was pale. You could see the worry turn to relief.

“Dad I’m so…”

“I need you to shut your mouth. There are rules in this house. Look up. See that? Your mother and I put that roof over your head. You will follow those rules as long as you are living under that roof right there. WE know what is best for you. There is a reason there is a curfew. NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT. You mark my words. You are a teenager and know very little about life at this point. Got it?”

“Yes.”

“Mandy, as a parent, the best thing I hear at the end of the day is that front door opening. Knowing that my kids are safe. Knowing you are where you are supposed to be. You disappointed me tonight.”

There it was. The worst thing you can hear. “You disappointed me.”

Every July 4th, my Dad calls me and says, “Wanna talk about what happened when you were 16?”

I thought of this story after I saw the video of the Baltimore mom disciplining her son on live TV for rioting.

There’s no fear today, you know?

I was afraid of my parents…afraid of doing something that would disappoint them…or make them angry.

My parents didn’t beat us, but I got hit with a wooden spoon. I had soap in the mouth. I got backhanded. I was grounded for MONTHS at a time. I’m not ashamed to admit that at all. And guess what? When I was put in a situation where I could go in the wrong direction, I immediately thought of my parents. “I can’t do this. My parents will kill me.” I’m still afraid of letting my parents down. I respect my mom and dad more than anyone in the world. THEY are my inspiration.

Kudos to that mom in Baltimore. Imagine seeing your child on live television throwing rocks at police?? She wants better for her son. She knows HE KNOWS better.

As my Dad always told me growing up, “I am not your friend. I am your parent. Remember that.”

We need to run our households. Not our children.

About the Author:agoodman@kwwl.com

Irish for the day!

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 14:23:00 +0000

Wishing all who celebrate a very Happy St. Patrick's day. Here is my little Squishy's rendition of an Irish jig. Enjoy!!

The word on Olay Total Effects

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 23:33:00 +0000

I just started to religiously test out Olay's Total effects 7 in one a couple weeks ago. I really wanted to give it a fair and honest try as my complexion has always been something that I valued very much. Sadly, this last month has taken it's toll on me emotionally. People have commented on how tired-looking and out of character I was looking. They said that they could "see it on [my] face" that I was not myself. As the stresses of work and my emotional situations in life continued to escalate (due to a break up after 7 years and having 6 people in my life pass away within the past 30 days) I haven't been taking care of myself the way I normally would. One day a couple weeks back I woke up and decided that I needed to turn things around for myself. I decided that I would try to do something for myself. I notice that when you're down in the dumps you tend to nit pick flaws...mine were on my face. I needed to turn things around for myself. I decided to finally try out my Total effects 7 in 1 trial package. I figured that it wouldn't hurt and definitely wasn't expecting to see ANY changes...perhaps just softer skin. I had a friend invite me to a 30th birthday party. We were having high tea. I hadn't seen most of these ladies since the funeral of my friend last month. A lot of them had commented that I looked really tired the day of the funeral. Some suggesting that I should even take time off work. I was expecting to hear the same thing at this party as I was feeling just as 'defeated' and 'tired' as I did the day of the funeral. One of my most observant friends said that she noticed that I looked less 'pale' and more like myself at this party. Another lady chimed in and said that she couldn't pin point what was different about me but she said I looked less tired. I couldn't think of what had changed EXCEPT that I had tried out this new Olay product. Could it be? As I took a picture of my terrible skin a couple weeks back I decided to take another one of myself today...and wow, what a difference. The dark spots under my eyes have faded...my skin is less bumpy and the colouring is more vibrant on my face. Coming from a non believer of 'miracle' products I am now more inclined to continue the use of this product as even in a short timespan I am seeing some differences. I am amazed to see some changes in my skin and would absolutely recommend this product to anyone who may be a pessimist about skin products.

Before

After

79¢ Sonic Slushies!

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 21:59:00 +0000

What can be better than staying cool or satisfying a sweet craving by visiting Sonic today! So what are you waiting for, go get your drink on!

Medieval Times is a great time in Toronto Ontario!

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 05:19:00 +0000

My Lords and My Ladies,

Please join me in a night of jousting, horsemanship, falconry plus a 4-course utensil-free meal served in a castle-like space. Intrigued?? Allow me to walk you through a visit I promise you that will be memorable and eventful.

As you walk into the castle you are greeted by two castle servants who direct you to the appropriate lines to pick up or purchase tickets. Each guest is then escorted to the entrance of the main lobby where you are given a crown that identifies which knight you will cheering for during your visit at the castle. As you continue your journey into the main lobby, you are greeted by the king or princess of the castle (sometimes both) where you are given an opportunity to take a commemorative photo with them. This $20 keepsake is a great way to capture your memorable visit. Once you have taken your photo you enter the very large and spacious lobby where you can mingle with other guests; have a drink at the bar; purchase gifts. souveniers; view the horses or falcons up close or visit the torture chambers (for an additional fee).

When the show is about to begin a royal trumpet is sounded and you are greeted by the Lord Chancellor who directs the guests into the performance arena. Once seated you are greeted by your wench or knave (aka server) for the evening. They welcome you into the arena and rev you up for an evening of good food, great entertainment and cheer. The atmosphere is full of excitement and anticipation in hopes that the knight you are cheering for wins the many competitions and games set out throughout the evening to entertain the guests. Aside from the knights jousting and performing, the evening includes the entertainment of majestic horses and a breathtaking performance by falcon that soars right above the heads of the audience.

To keep with the medieval theme, food is served and eaten using only your hands. Your bill of fare begins with the most delicious tomato bisque followed by a dragon scale (garlic bread); dragon wing (half a roasted chicken) served with an herb baked potato and corn on the cob. A vegetarian menu is also available--please call in advance to book your meal). The evening ends with a castle pastry (often a warm apple turnover and in Toronto they serve buttertarts) with your choice of tea or coffee.

At the end of the show there is an opportunity to greet the knights and other actors of the realm out in the lobby for photos and autographs.

I had the opportunity to visit the castle with my family from Ohio and a friend visiting from Australia. My family had visited the castle in Chicago and their experience in Toronto was just as memorable except the castle set up was a little different and the actors were more accessible in Toronto location. There seemed to be more of a lineup in the other castle.

My friend from Australia was a first time visitor. She had never experienced a visit at the castle before and was so pleased and in awe of how fun the evening was. She loved how into character everyone was from the second we walked into the castle until the very end of the evening. I would have to agree with her. This visit is going to be one that we will never forget.

If you are interested in visiting a castle near you, please visit the Medieval Times website.

Attention Teachers: A visit to the castle not only is fun but you can link your trip to many of the Ontario curriculum guide expectations. Check out the following link: Educators click here

The Pan Am and Para Pan Am games are here!!

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 06:10:00 +0000

Toronto Ontario, Hamilton, Milton, Oakville and other surrounding cities!!! Are you ready for the Pan Am and Para Pan Am games?! We are privileged to be hosting the games from July 10-26 (Pan Am) and August 7-15 (Para Pan Am). The atmosphere has been full of excitement and happiness. If you are looking for fun events to attend, there are many sport events to attend. Tickets start at $25 and are still available for purchase. If you are wondering what the Pan Am and Para Pan Am games are going to entail, check out the video below.

The BEST Brazilian Cheese bread [Pao de Queijo] recipe

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 15:50:00 +0000

I have to say that I'm thoroughly addicted to this bread ever since I tried it in Knoxville Tennesse in 2010. I can pop these little things into my mouth and not realize that I've had one too many. These little bits of goodness can be found served at Brazilian steakhouses...mmmm, how can you resist!!
Here's an amazing recipe that is a must try...especially if you're gluten free!!

INGREDIENTS

1 large egg
1/4 cup canola or vegetable or olive oil
2/3 cup milk
1 1/2 cups tapioca flour (fluff the flour before measuring), about 6.25 ounces/180 grams
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup packed shredded cheese, like Parmesan or Asiago (see note), about 2 ounces/57 grams (I use both for a stronger flavour)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a mini muffin tin (this makes about 16-24 little breads so if you don't have a muffin tin large enough, you can just make separate batches after the first ones come out).
In a blender, combine the egg, oil, milk, flour and salt. Process until the mixture is smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender once or twice. Add the cheese and process for just a short bit, 5-10 seconds or a few short pulses, until the cheese is in small bits all throughout the batter.
Give the batter a good stir to get any solids off the bottom and pour the mixture into the prepared muffin tin filling the cups nearly to the top.
Bake the pao de queijo until very lightly golden brown, 15-20 minutes. Don't let them get too brown on the bottom or they will be too crusty and not as chewy.
Remove them from the oven and let them cool for just a minute or two. They are best eaten warm! Don't worry if the cute little puffs fall a bit in the middle - that's completely normal.

Bon Appetite!!

Songs for the summer!

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 16:42:00 +0000

Are you ready to get your tan on?? Relax a little?? I know I am. This summer I have been invited to travel and visit some really awesome places. I'll share them along the way. In the meantime, here are some summer related songs for you to enjoy!!

NKOTB haven't missed a beat!

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 17:27:00 +0000

I had the opportunity to see New Kids On The Block perform at the age of 10 over 20 years ago. Being at my very first concert was so surreal. I remember not knowing what to expect but when I came home that night I had a grin from ear to ear. I turned on my IBM Compatible computer and stayed up for hours journaling the entire evening. I remember that I was in the nosebleed seats and they were little ant specks on a stage...I remember the screaming and the crying...I didn't go that far but I sure was intrigued at how a group of 5 boys could make sure an impact on a sea like coliseum full of girls. Again...this was over 20 years ago.

Let's fast forward to today...tonight was the 2nd of two nights I have been invited to relive my childhood memories and at first I had mixed feelings over it but when I got to my seats I couldn't believe how that overwhelming feeling of giddiness and excitement filled my entire body. It was almost as if nostalgia had it's own hidden agenda and it bit me like I was open to it.

What a crooner

The crowd was now older but still just as wild. Who would've known that a bunch of middle aged women could still scream 'bloody murder' like teenagers. I observed in silence with a huge smile on my face but then I couldn't help it...this overwhelming need to join in came over me. It also didn't help that the tickets I was seated in were SO incredible. I had lower bowl seats the first night 4 rows up from the stage and first row from the stage in the lower bowl the second night. I LOVED where my seats were...it would've been too hard for this 5 feet tall women to see anything had I been on the floor.

I watched these men gyrate and move like they were still in their teens. They truly didn't miss a beat. They were so innovative with their song and dance, I had to pee so badly but I didn't want to miss anything. My conclusion to my concerts was nothing but positive. Even the men sitting around me had to agree..."I'm only here for my girlfriend/wife but they put on a good show". I have enclosed a couple pictures and videos for your viewing pleasure. Please let me know what you think of NKOTB. I'd love to hear from you.

NKOTB have got 'The Right stuff'

NKOTB really know how to work a crowd

Party with P&G (Proctor and Gamble)

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 23:43:00 +0000

Bzz agent D.Lo here, reporting on a fun and exciting baptism experience that involved personal experiences/connections and Proctor & Gamble (P&G). I was offered an opportunity to host a P&G product party for newcomers to Canada. When I was first invited to do so, I thought I was just going to host an event in my home very much like the parties that people host to sell tupperware or candles etc. Then I got thinking about how awkward and uncomfortable events like these can sometimes get. I didn't want people associating my P&G party with the 'stuffiness' of having obligation to purchase anything. I had to think of how to plan a party or event that would disassociate product with obligation. Days went by and I was starting to panic as I really didn't know how I was going to make this happen...Then...I had an 'A-ha' moment...and this is how it played out...

My nephew (aka 'Squishy') was baptized on the 14th of June. We had a huge party for him to celebrate one of his most special milestones in his life. Everyone at the party laughed, ate, drank and made small talk. It was a great day for us all to catch up and relax. We rarely get opportunities to get together as life just seems to get busy. Just prior to the end of the evening I began to chat with a group of the guests about the P&G products I had received in the mail just days before. I mentioned how these products were sent for me to sample. When one of my sister in law's family friends asked which products I had received, I pulled out the box of samples. It was interesting to see the ladies pick up each item and talk about it in our native language. My aunt talked about how she had been using Tide for as long as she could remember and my mum mentioned how Olay was a daily face cream that she has been using since her late 20's, but that she had never tried the body wash. Another guest referred to the Swiffer commercial where the elderly couple miraculously receive one to use and how she had always wanted to try one. My cousin at some point in the evening picked up one of my Old Spice products and stood there in a deep voice saying "I'm on a horse", just like in the commercial. He had us rolling on the ground. Seconds later a competition arose with my male cousins and uncles trying to top each others mimic of the actor on the commercial.

After most products were placed back into my sample box I then proceeded to end the conversation with a raffle, explaining that they too had an opportunity to sample the products compliments of P&G. Squeals of excitement rippled throughout the room as people wrote their names on a piece of paper and threw it into the box I was drawing the names from. 10 lucky winners meant 10 families with an opportunity to try out new products they haven't tried before and for most of these them, they had a chance to reminisce about the products they depended on for so many years back home.

Thank you to P&G for connecting with me and giving me an opportunity to make a few families smile with their sample packages. P&G
will now be associated with a happy, memorable milestone occasion in our lives.

Sodastream is sodalicious!!!

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 03:20:00 +0000

The Sodastream is an interesting idea. By pressurizing water with carbon dioxide, then adding a soda flavour, you have now made your very own soda pop. It’s as simple as that.

Why did I first choose to try the Sodastream? Simply because the idea of making a fizzy beverage exactly as I would like it was very intriguing to me. This is especially because I find it very hard to drink soda pop right away because when it is just opened, it is too fizzy.

After using it for the entire month, I have already discovered that it is cheaper than the pre-made alternatives. Honestly, with a SodaStream machine you save money. I remember as a kid always asking for a cold fizzy drink as a treat, and I absolutely loved having company at the house because that meant that my mum would be serving us kids soda with dinner. Now, as a grown up I can have it whenever I want. As mentioned above, I have already noticed a huge difference, first in the savings from not buying fizzy drinks all the time, but also I have noted a huge difference in the amount I drink everyday and I feel better for it.

Sodastream comes in many different flavours from your basic flavours such as Cola (Coke/Pepsi); Lemon (Sprite/7up) to fruit flavours and even iced tea. For those who are more conscious of the amount of sugar they take in, there are diet alternatives as well. For a more comprehensive list of flavours, please visit http://syrups.sodastream.ca/

If you decide to make the switch to buying your very own Sodastream, you won't look back, I promise you---so why not just take the plunge into the Sodastream world.

Getting a bang for your buck!! Coupons Extravaganza!!

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 13:58:00 +0000

Wanna save a buck or two? Tempted to recreate your own episode of EXTREME COUPONING???
Check out some of these websites that might just help you do that. Note: Couponing has posed to be quite addictive. Enjoy!!

Canadian Sites
Coupons for Canada
Flyerland
Free Stuff Canada Guide
Smart Canucks
Simply Best Coupons
The Crazy Coupon Lady
Next to nothing
Cool Canucks
Bargain Moose
Canadian Daily Deals
Simply Frugal
Free Sample Canada!!
Fabulous Canadian Freebies
Coupon Clipping in Canada

US & Canada Sites
Retail me not
Red Flag Deals
Printable Coupon Code
Dealcetera
Coupon Cabin
Free Stuff Page
Coupon Time
Free Samples

Mmmm Cracker Barrel Potato Casserole

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Sat, 30 May 2015 04:00:00 +0000

My boyfriend absolutely loves potatoes but is very very picky on how they're prepared. He had no desire to even try a piece of this casserole when it first was taken out of the oven...but low and behold after seeing me dig into it he couldn't resist. Now...I've been volun-told that I will be making a second casserole tomorrow for the party at his mom's place ...lol!!--Hopefully the Irish family will like it as much as the two of us do.

Author: CopyKat Recipes

Recipe Type: Side Dish

Prep time: 10 min

Cook time: 45 min

Serves: 10

This classic casserole is one of our favorite recipes at Copykat.com. You don't even need to be an experienced cook to make this dish--it is easy.

Ingredients

1 (2 pound) package frozen hash browns
8 ounces sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup margarine or even butter works very well also
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cups grated Colby cheese (personal note--I prefer sharp cheddar)

Instructions

Place potatoes in a greased 9x13 inch pan. Season with salt and pepper. Melt butter in the microwave. In a bowl, add minced onions, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and melted butter and mix together. Pour soup mixture over potatoes; sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until all is completely warm, and the cheese begins to melt.

One of the best things about the Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole is you can literally serve it for any meal. One thing is for certain: now you won't wonder how to make the Cracker Barrel Hash Brown casserole anymore!

The Low-Down on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Sun, 24 May 2015 22:28:00 +0000

6 Career-Killing Facebook Mistakes

With more than 400 million active visitors, Facebook is arguably the most popular social networking site out there. And while the site is known for the casual social aspect, many users also use it as a professional networking tool. With that kind of reach, Facebook can be a valuable tool for connecting to former and current colleagues, clients and potential employers. In fact, surveys suggest that approximately 30% of employers are using Facebook to screen potential employees – even more than those who check LinkedIn, a strictly professional social networking site. Don't make these Facebook faux-pas – they might cost you a great opportunity.

1. Inappropriate Pictures
It may go without saying, but prospective employers or clients don't want to see pictures of you chugging a bottle of wine or dressed up for a night at the bar. Beyond the pictures you wouldn't want your grandparents to see, seemingly innocent pictures of your personal life will likely not help to support the persona you want to present in your professional life.

2. Complaining About Your Current Job
You've no doubt done this at least once. It could be a full note about how much you hate your office, or how incompetent your boss is, or it could be as innocent as a status update about how your coworker always shows up late. While everyone complains about work sometimes, doing so in a public forum where it can be found by others is not the best career move. Though it may seem innocent, it's not the kind of impression that sits well with a potential boss.

3. Posting Conflicting Information to Your Resume
If you say on your resume that your degree is from Harvard, but your Facebook profile says you went to UCLA, you're likely to be immediately cut from the interview list. Even if the conflict doesn't leave you looking better on your resume, disparities will make you look at worst like a liar, and at best careless.

4. Statuses You Wouldn't Want Your Boss to See
Everyone should know to avoid statuses like "Tom plans to call in sick tomorrow so he can get drunk on a Wednesday. Who cares that my big work project isn't done?" But you should also be aware of less flamboyant statuses like "Sarah is watching the gold medal hockey game online at her desk". Statuses that imply you are unreliable, deceitful, and basically anything that doesn't make you look as professional as you'd like, can seriously undermine your chances at landing that new job.

5. Not Understanding Your Security Settings
The security settings on Facebook have come a long way since the site started. It is now possible to customize lists of friends and decide what each list can and cannot see. However, many people do not fully understand these settings, or don't bother to check who has access to what. If you are going to use Facebook professionally, and even if you aren't, make sure you take the time to go through your privacy options. At the very least, your profile should be set so that people who are not your friend cannot see any of your pictures or information.

6. Losing By Association
You can't control what your friends post to your profile (although you can remove it once you see it), nor what they post to their own profiles or to those of mutual friends. If a potential client or employer sees those Friday night pictures your friend has tagged you in where he is falling down drunk, it reflects poorly on you, even if the picture of you is completely innocent. It's unfortunate, but we do judge others by the company they keep, at least to some extent. Take a look at everything connected to your profile, and keep an eye out for anything you wouldn't want to show your mother.

Facebook Can Help You Get Hired - Or Fired
The best advice is to lock down your personal profile so that only friends you approve can see anything on that profile. Then, create a second, public profile on Facebook purely for professional use. This profile functions like an online resume, and should only contain information you'd be comfortable telling your potential employer face to face. Having a social networking profile is a good thing – it presents you as technologically and professionally savvy. Just make sure your profile is helping to present your best side – not the side that got drunk at your buddy's New Year's party.

by Erin Joyce, Investopedia.com
Monday, April 12, 2010

Don't Quit---A Self-Esteem Poem

noreply@blogger.com (D.Lo's Daily Thoughts) — Mon, 11 May 2015 00:34:00 +0000

Don't Quit- Anonymous

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and its turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When they might have won, had they stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit!