Empty Streets 1027

Travel Thursday on Empty Streets: National Geographic Top 25 Adventure Destinations

2009-11-12T07:15:00.000-08:00

I was riding a cab when I heard the news of National Geographic releasing an article about their Top 25 Adventure Trips for 2010. It caught my attention because they named the Philippines as one of their choices and of course I just couldn't help but smile with glee. Imagine what that would do to our economy :). I guess when you think about it, the Philippines does have over a thousand islands to visit and if you are spending dollars (US) the exchange rate is pretty high and the cost of living here is pretty low - you really get a lot out of what you would be spending for. Cool thing is that there are a lot other countries that have been needing a lot of tourist attention that has been added to the list.

Here is what they have from their National Geographic blog:

The 25 Best New Trips for 2010

Bhutan || Outfitter: Bio Bio Expeditions
Bolivia || Outfitter: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Botswana || Outfitter: Explore Inc
Canada - B.C. || Outfitter: Monashee Adventure Tours
Canada - Manitoba || Outfitter: Earthwatch Institute
Chile + Argentina || Outfitter: Boojum Expeditions
Costa Rica || Outfitter: Wildland Adventures
France || Outfitter: Discover France
Iceland || Outfitter: Explorers' Corner
Ireland || Outfitter: Country Walkers
Kenya || Outfitter: Geographic Expeditions
Laos || Outfitter: Asia Transpacific Journeys
Madagascar || Outfitter: Kumuka Worldwide
Montserrat || Outfitter: Green Monkey Dive Shop
Nepal || Outfitter: Journeys International
New Zealand || Outfitter: Active New Zealnd
Peru || Outfitter: Adventure Life Journeys
Philippines || Outfitter: Wilderness Travel
Slovakia || Outfitter: Biosphere Expeditions
Sri Lanka || Outfitter: Access Trips
Tanzania + Kenya || Outfitter: Tropical Ice Limited
Tonga || Outfitter: Wilderness Travel
U.S. - California || Outfitter: Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides
U.S. - Colorado || Outfitter: Western Spirit Cycling
U.S. - Idaho + Montana || Outfitter: ROW Adventures
I cant wait to see what will be the result of this to the countries that have been mentioned. 2009 was so rough for our country, hopefully this is a sign that things are definitely going to brighter by 2010.

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Benefits of Reading to a Child

2009-11-11T06:59:00.000-08:00

As a child I can vaguely remember my parents sitting at my bedside reading short stories for me every single day. They got this book filled with magical stories for every single day of the year. I would ask them to read for me and when they were done I would have questions that would seemingly never end till they say it was time for me to go to bed. My parents probably didn't know what I am about to share with you now about what that did for me and how I turned out as an adult, but I guess I was lucky cause they did it for me out of love. I am sure that many of you may have the same story that I have had growing up and we must admit there are times when we even tell those stories to the little people as they go to sleep.

Cool thing about this practice is that not only are we able to bond with our kids, we are actually helping them, as our parents did in the past, build a solid foundation with regards to our mental and emotional well being.

Here are some of the other things that I have found out through several sources as to the benefits of reading to kids:
* Reading enables your kid to bond with you giving your child a sense of intimacy and well-being.
* The intimacy of reading to your kid is such a pleasurable experience for him that he will have a positive attitude towards reading as he grows up.
* Reading calms your child, especially when he is restless.
* It can promote increased communication between you and your child.
* Children who are exposed to language by hearing words that are read to him and in a conversation tend to do very well in school.
* Reading trains them to have a longer attention span, which is an important skill for your kid to have.
* It builds listening skills and imagination.
* The child learns more about colors, shapes, numbers, and letters, while your older children discovers an expanding chain of knowledge. This goes from simple toy cars, to trucks, to machinery, and to outer space explorations.
* Books can teach your child about relationships, situations, personalities, ethics, and differentiate good and from what is bad. Fantasy books provide material for his imagination and free play. Fairy tales fascinate your kid, and help him distinguish between what is real and what is not.

To add to that here is a Youtube video documentary as to this same topic:

Now, before you go off to your child to read him that overly read story that he or she has so over zealously requested to hear, think about how that child is going to grow to be a person that is going to have a solid footing as he or she takes that very first step of independence as an individual. Am sure you shall be one proud parent ;)

Tech Tuesday on Empty Streets: HP Mini 311

2009-11-10T06:52:00.000-08:00

HP is joining the 11.6 Netbook craze with their new model HP Mini 311. The first company to have done this is Acer and soon to follow is Asus. But the HP mini has something more to offer this time with NVIDIA ION powering their mini notebook along with that of the Intel Atom N280. This is something that a lot of people should definitely check out before pulling out that credit card of yours as you start purchasing it as a personal gift for yourself this Christmas :) Here in the Philippines I was able to spot one at eHub in Park Square Glorietta for a cool price of 28,000 Pesos.

Here are more of the specs for all you techies out there:

• Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition with Service Pack 3(1)

• Intel® AtomTM Processor N270(3) • 1.60GHz(4) • 512KB L2 • 533Mhz FSB(4a)

• 1024MB DDR3 System Memory (1 Dimm) • Max supported =3072MB

• NVIDIA ION LE for Windows XP with up to 319MB total graphics memory

• 160GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive (SATA)(7)

• HP Black Swirl Imprint finish & HP Webcam with integrated digital microphone(15)

• 11.6" Diagonal HD LED(8) BrightView Widescreen Display (1366 x 768)

• Integrated 10/100BASE-T Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector) (9)

• 802.11b/g WLAN(10a)

• 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards(17a)

• Altec Lansing Speakers

• 92% full sized keyboard • touchpad with scroll zone

• Touch Pad with dedicated vertical Scroll Up/Down (note: no on/off button)

• 3 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0

• Headphone-out/Microphone in combo jack (compatible with 3.5mm 4-conductor jack with stereo audio and mono mic)

• HDMI

• 1 VGA (15-pin) • 1 RJ -45 (LAN)

• Unpackaged: 11.4 in (L) x 8.03 in (D) x 0.78-1.20 in (H) • Packaged: 13.6"(W) x 4.3"(D) x12.2"(H)

• Unpackaged: 3.22 lbs(12). • Packaged: 5.3 lbs

• Kensington® MicroSaver lock slot • Power-on password • Accepts 3rd party security lock devices

• 65W AC Adapter • 6-Cell Lithium-Ion battery

• HP 90W AC Adapter - KG298AA#ABA • HP PT06 Mini Battery - VP502AA • HP USB Essentials Port Replicator - NK398AA#ABA

• 1-Year Limited Hardware Warranty with Toll Free Support (NA) • 1-Year Free Hardware Technical Support • 30-Days Free Limited Software Support with 1-Year (from date of

purchase) Free Limited Software Support with Product Registration.

Here is a cool review of the HP Mini 311 that I found on Youtube for you to watch:

Music Monday on Empty Streets: Britney - 3

2009-11-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Powerhouse Britney Spears is back in the game with her new single - 3. I have been watching her comeback pretty closely and I have to say that she is definitely on the rise and her steam isn't running out anytime soon. Continuously reinventing herself like her idol Madonna.

Here is Britney with her new single:

Dance Remix

Tech Tuesday on Empty Streets: GSM vs CDMA

2009-11-03T06:55:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that when it comes to mobile phones I am quite the fanatic and would love to get my hand on every single one of them out there, however, many such as myself have come across the two network types known as GSM or CDMA. I found that these two are completely different and that the phones that work with them or is designed for each technology type is different. One example would the that GSM uses a SIM card to function as with the CDMA there is only the need for registration of the phone.

Across the globe GSM is the most favored as based on research is the first wireless technology used for mobile phones and is the least expensive to set up compared to CDMA. CDMA on the other hand came out a couple of years after and is commonly favored by Countries like Japan and Canada as many of the users claim that it is more seamless and better to use. EVDO which is the faster data transfer rate version of CDMA allows users to enjoy seamless internet browsing and internet tv channels hitting speeds close if not above 1Mbps. GSM Fanatics claim that GSM is better because of the convenience of simply changing sim cards at the locality of where you shall be.

But luckily for a lot of us that seem to be a bit clueless still here is video that I found on youtube that discusses more about this particular topic.

Music Monday on Empty Streets: Empire State of Mind

2009-11-03T06:32:00.000-08:00

Jay Z and Alicia Keys have come together to create a smash hit that one just cant get enough of. Both of these artists on their own are a big hit as it is and now with the two talents combined one can only expect the best and with their new single tandem with Empire State of Mind it is no doubt that you shall be jiving with this in the clubs right about now.

Here they are with: Empire State of Mind

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Food Friday on Empty Streets: Lebanese Garlic Sauce

2009-10-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

Garlic Sauce is one of my favorite sauces to make. I grew up with garlic as a child since I lived most of my life in the Middle East where garlic is a main part of almost every dish. I had a lot of Lebanese friends back then since I was a regular customer of their shawarma shops and some of them shared their garlic sauce secrets. I played around with their recipes and here is what came out as my version which a lot of my friends here love to use as part of their daily meals. Just remember to brush your teeth after eating :)

Ingredients:
7 pieces of garlic, minced
1/2-1 c. yogurt
1 t.-1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
1 t. mayonnaise

Procedure:
Blend all garlic sauce ingredients together and add just enough salt to taste till the consistency is semi liquid. You can add other spices such as thyme, black pepper or basil to add more variations to the garlic sauce.
(the number of garlic that you would need to put can be adjusted depending on how much kick you want your sauce to have :)

Garlic sauce is great as a dip for any fried delicacy especially if they require garlic. Use pita bread or your favorite chips.

Here is a cool video variation of the Garlic Sauce recipe that I found on Youtube that you can try:

Travel Thursday on Empty Streets: Sydney Australia

2009-10-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

Back to the Australian topic for the month and today am featuring a cool place to be, which also is considered as one of the most desired places to live in - Sydney Australia.

When one thinks of Sydney, Australia - the most common thing that pops into people's minds is the Sydney Opera house that has proven to be one of man's greatest structural feats. But Sydney isn't just about that - it is a melting pot of culture and tradition. One can be see a mix between Caucasians, Asian, and Aborigines. The food and the people equally as enticing as the land they live in. The beaches are blue and clear, with nature and man living in harmony with each other. Being able to have seen this place since I was a child has caused me to long to see it yet again.

For tourists and residents alike there is a website that I found that has made a comprehensive but easy to digest guide of this beautiful city of Sydney - Lonely Planet Sydney

Aside from that check out this youtube video presentation of Sydney to show you exactly what I was talking about and much more:

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Power Of Prayer

2009-10-28T06:04:00.000-07:00

Being a person born into a family of diverse religious beliefs and traditions has brought me to a place where I was given a chance to choose and see what works for me. I have gone from Islam, Christianity, New Age, Scientology and into Agnostics. I may look and sound a bit confused but in the search for truth one is left with nothing but faith and an inner voice that guides and pushes us to go where we must. But throughout these experiences one thing stands out amongst all. The Power of Prayer especially one done with a pure strong human emotion creates an occurrence of signs and wonders that one would often call miracles.

I know to some it may sound weird, some may be able to relate. But I speak out of personal experience. It matters not what faith you are in but when people pray with all their hearts something happens. I have seen people who were blind start to see, people who are deaf start to hear and people that couldn't walk jump up for joy. How and why, science is at a loss trying hard to find the facts that would explain the unexplainable. Evidence of a Higher power a God that answers these prayers exist but like the wind one can only feel its effects.

In my new position as Account Manager I have asked applicants to pray not only for themselves but for their interviewer as well. Those that have agreed to do so and acknowledged their faith and belief that God would hear their prayers have passed without a hitch as compared to those that didn't. Some whose chance of passing was rather slim were the ones getting in while those that showed confidence in themselves didn't.

In the past month after the Typhoon had ravaged my home and the family feud that sizzled to a dizzying escalation hit my home and me, I was left to sit back and pray. It was as if a weight was lifted off my shoulders and things no matter how hard and serious they were became easy. It was like I felt that there was Someone there listening to me, listening to my every tear that dropped as I asked for guidance and help. Things started going well again. I felt the sense of purpose and life. I became a testament to what Prayers can do for those that do it with sincerity and purity of heart.

I guess at the end of all this one starts to realize why an old family advice of when a family starts praying together, they are guaranteed to stay together. I am starting to understand why families bonded together by faith are the only ones surviving and thriving. Less chance of experiencing broken homes and all the terrible things that we are hearing in the news about drugs, sex and violence. In the homes that I have seen that have practiced The Power of Prayer, one could undeniably feel the positive air that surrounds the homes that they live in. Peaceful is the best word to use to describe that feeling.

Prayers based on my experience has helped me out, I speak this as a witness to it. It may not be something you may find factual to you, however I strongly encourage that you should try it. Release your heart out to the Universe and pour out your emotion. Prayers are cheap - but the result of it is priceless.

Here is a video about the same topic that I have found in Youtube that I am sure you would find rather interesting:

Tech Tuesday on Empty Streets: Sony Ericsson Satio

2009-10-27T08:40:00.000-07:00

I was wondering when Sony Ericsson was going to come out with a competitive consumer touch screen phone and as I was browsing around I found that they have finally done so with the new Sony Ericsson Satio. This smartphone has so many things to offer that one couldn't help but gasp with glee (Well at least I did after seeing it myself hehehe) I was so amazed with the smoothness of the interface and my favorite functionality of all the 12 Megapixel camera :)

Here are more things about the Sony Ericsson Satio:

General	2G Network	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
	3G Network	HSDPA 900 / 2100
		HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - Satio(a) for the Americas
	Announced	2009, February
	Status	Available. Released 2009, October
Size	Dimensions	112 x 55 x 13 mm
Size	Weight	126 g
Display	Type	TFT touchscreen, 16M colors
	Size	360 x 640 pixels, 3.5 inches
		- Accelerometer sensor
Sound	Alert types	Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones
	Speakerphone	Yes

Memory	Phonebook	Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall
	Call records	Detailed, max 30 days
	Internal	128 MB
	Card slot	microSD (TransFlash), up to 32GB, 8GB included, buy memory
Data	GPRS	Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots), 32 - 48 kbps
	HSCSD	Yes
	EDGE	Class 10, 236.8 kbps
	3G	HSDPA, 7.2 Mbps; HSUPA, 3.6 Mbps
	WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA
	Bluetooth	Yes, v2.0 with A2DP
	Infrared port	No
	USB	Yes, v2.0
Camera	Primary	12 MP, 4000 x 3000 pixels, autofocus, xenon flash, video LED flash
	Features	Touch focus, geo-tagging, face and smile detection
	Video	Yes, VGA@30fps
	Secondary	VGA videocall camera
Features	OS	Symbian Series 60, 5th edition
	CPU	ARM Cortex A8 600 MHz, PowerVR SGX graphics
	Messaging	SMS, MMS, Email, IM
	Browser	WAP 2.0/HTML, RSS reader
	Radio	Stereo FM radio with RDS
	Games	Yes + downloadable
	Colors	Black, Silver, Bordeaux
	GPS	Yes, with A-GPS support
	Java	Yes, MIDP 2.0
		- Google maps
		- WMV/RV/MP4/3GP video player
		- MP3/WMA/WAV/RA/AAC/M4A music player
		- Organizer
		- Gesture control
		- Voice memo/dial
Battery		Standard battery, Li-Po 1000 mAh
	Stand-by	Up to 360 h (2G) / Up to 340 h (3G)
	Talk time	Up to11 h (2G) / Up to 4 h 50 min (3G)

And for the final teaser here is a cool review that I found on Youtube that is sure to entice you to come and check it out yourself:

Music Monday on Empty Streets: Whitney Houston - I Look to You

2009-10-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

I went through a lot of issues and trials lately. Trouble would be an understatement to be honest if it was to be used to describe what I have been going through. But just like Whitney I have turned to God for help and support. It was in these times that I realized that my smarts and my experiences would not help me, no man and humanly laws would be there to protect me and save me, only through faith in God and His Unconditional love that salvation and peace could be achieved. Here in her song I found the answer to my prayers. I do hope that as you listen to it, you too will find what I have found.

Whitney Houston - I Look to You:

Empty Streets Special: Back to Regular Posting

2009-10-24T07:28:00.001-07:00

Hi Peeps and regular readers. I know that I have been absent from posting for a week now, but I really needed timeout to figure things out. Ever since Typhoon Ondoy (local name of International Typhoon Ketsana) hit our country and the flood waters hit my home, I had been rather busy with repairs and recovering lots of things that I had lost and damaged. I am still a little behind in the repair work but at least I can say that things are at 80% back to normal.

Good news is that I am now an Account Manager in the company that I work for and I am having the most fun since I am in-charge of interviewing and placing people into companies that is better known as call centers. Since I started in Oct 5, 2009 I have already helped 25 people and am hoping to help more. :) Aside from that, being away from writing has somehow given me more ideas as to what articles I shall be writing so stay tuned :) - the daily theme is still the same as it is what this blog is all about. Some of you have noticed that I have also placed the awaiting moderation mode of this site's comment because I noticed that I can't seem to keep track of who and what article received a comment and I want to be notified and respond accordingly. :) But as always things will progress and change as we go along :).

In the articles that I will be writing one can expect the same format however the way it will be written will now be on a more personal level. I want to write stories that come from my heart and more. I felt that in the last couple of weeks Empty Streets was become too commercialized and bookish. :)

I also have a lot planned for my other blogs so dont forget to drop by and check them out too :)

Till Music Monday - xoxo peeps :)

Travel Thursday on Empty Streets: Brisbane, Australia

2009-10-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

I am going to be a little biased for this topic about Australia because am starting off at a place that I remember from long ago. The very first place I have ever been to within this majestic place - Brisbane.

Brisbane is known for so many things, but mostly of how nature and man has coexisted and it's beautiful beaches. I have to say that I really miss it. Childhood memories haunt me every now and then and I guess as I am getting older I am seeking to revisit my past. :)

Now as for the things to do in Brisbane I found a cool link in Yahoo that actually listed down 178 different things one can visit and do there :) Yahoo - Things to do in Brisbane

Now being a firm believer that pictures can say a thousand words - can you imagine how much a video of the place can say :)

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Sleep and Why We Need It

2009-10-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

I have been lacking in this department for a couple of days now since I am still adjusting to my new job as an Account Manager for an Executive Search and Training and Development Firm. It is the very first time that I am working around the clock trying to hit the target that they have given us. Progress thus far has been alright for me, however, I still need to be weary of the sacrifices am taking to be able to do the job well.

Now let us get back to topic. Highlighted here are the major reasons as to why sleep is such an important part of our daily lives and why one has to ensure that you get enough sleep otherwise face the consequences that may affect your body in the long run.

Sleep helps to repair your body
The body generates extra protein molecules while you're sleeping. These help to repair your body at a cellular level. Examples of what could have caused damage would be the likes of stress, pollutants, infection, sun exposure and much more.

Sleep helps keep your heart healthy
Your heart and cardiovascular system is constantly under pressure, and one of the benefits of sleep is that it helps to reduce the levels of stress and inflammation in your body. High levels of 'inflammatory markers' are linked to heart attacks, heart disease and strokes. Sleep can also help keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels lower.

Sleep reduces stress
A good night's sleep can lower blood pressure and the elevated levels of stress hormones which naturally occur in today's fast paced society. Sleep helps to reverse these effects and encourages a state of relaxation.

Sleep improves your memory
That sluggish sensation that you get when deprived of sleep makes it difficult for one to concentrate. This can lead to not being able to remember facts, faces, lessons and conversations. Sleeping well eliminates these difficulties because as you sleep, your brain is busy working on organizing and correlating memories. One of the great benefits of sleep is that it allows your brain to better process new experiences and knowledge, therefore increasing your understanding and retention.

Sleeping properly can help you to control your body weight
One benefit of sleep is that it helps you regulate the hormones that affect and control your appetite. Several studies have shown that when your body is deprived of sleep, the normal hormone balances are interrupted and your appetite increases. Unfortunately this increase in appetite doesn't lead to a craving for fruits and veggies, no, instead your body longs for food high in calories, fats and carbohydrates. If you want to get off the carb crave, get enough sleep. :)

Here is a great video to watch from Youtube that talks more on the topic of why sleep is important for us:

Tech Tuesday on Empty Streets: Windows 7 Preview

2009-10-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

With the release of Windows 7 this month, many have been asking around as to what to expect with this new Operating System that Windows is coming up with. One thing that I can say to look forward to is the promise that Windows has made with regards to the system requirements is guaranteed to be much lower than that of Windows Vista, while maintaining the visual candy that it promises to deliver.

Here is a video demo and review that I have found on Youtube that further talks about what one would expect from Windows 7:

Music Monday On Empty Streets: Katerine - Ayo Technology

2009-10-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

I loved the Justin Timberlake version of the song Ayo Technology however, this new and upcoming singer Katerine gave it a sexy twist that only a woman can give. :) I have nothing to say since am mostly speechless all throughout the video. :) Come see for yourself as Katerine takes you for a ride in her own version of Ayo Technology:

Food Friday on Empty Streets: Tofu Burger

2009-10-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

I know that this recipe is a bit delayed. I have been overly busy with my new job as an Accounts Manager in the company that I am working in and trying to learn how to balance time is quite a challenge. Eating healthy has become quite a challenge just as much as my job so I decided to bring my own lunch instead of eating out in the fast food chains that can be so easily tempting to grab a bite from. So for today am featuring a cool but tasty vegan meal known as Tofu Burger.

Here is how to make your own:
Ingredients
3 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, grated
1 green pepper, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. dried basil
2 eggs
1 c. bread crumbs
3/4 c. walnuts, ground or finely chopped
1/4 c. chopped parsley
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
3 tbsp. soy sauce
Black pepper
3 cakes tofu, pressed

Procedure:

To press tofu: Place cakes between plates or baking sheets.

Weight the top wit ha bowl of water, heavy can or etc.

The sides of tofu should bulge but not split. Let stand 30 minutes.

Pour off water.

Saute vegetables and basil in oil until tender, about 10 minutes.

In large bowl, lightly beat eggs, then add bread crumbs, walnuts, and remaining ingredients.

Mash the pressed tofu with your hands and add it to the bowl, along with the sauteed vegetables.

Stir well. Pat into 6 large burgers.

Bake on oiled baking sheet, about 30-35 minutes at 375 degrees until golden brown on outside.

Serve with ketchup, pickles, tomato slices, lettuce on whole wheat buns.

This is a large batch - may want to half the recipe and use 1 cake tofu.

And for those that like to watch how another version of a vegan burger is done here is a video that I found to help you guys out:

Travel Thursday on Empty Streets: Australia

2009-10-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

Australia has always been a country of fascination for me. Not only is it one of the largest countries in the world but it is also one of the largest continents. With Flora and Fauna as unique as the terrain and with a touch of all races in a nation that makes it a melting pot of culture and tradition. Mysteries of all sorts come from every nook and cranny in this beautiful country and you are guaranteed to see much more than one would ever bargain for.

Here is a video I found in youtube to show you just what I mean:

Amazing isn't it :) Till the next travel article - this is a continent that I shall be focusing on in the next couple of weeks :) xoxo

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Effects of Stress on the Human Body

2009-10-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

Today am just featuring a video I found in Youtube.com that talks about how stress affects the human body. I am featuring this article most especially since I am feeling a bit stressed right now both at work and at home. But the kind of stress I have I actually need as there are many people like me that thrive on it. However, too much, like everything else can and will have side effects.

here is why:

Hope that this isn't what you are experiencing. Sometimes it pays a lot to simply take a break and walk away even for just awhile. It then you can see and think more clearly and most importantly it helps keep you healthy mentally and physically.

Tech Tuesday on Empty Streets: Samsung W880

2009-10-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

I was wondering what Samsung would be coming up next in terms of what mobile phone technology. As always Samsung has always come up with a surprise. With their Samsung W880 one can see the merger of both a very powerful 12 Megapixel auto-focus point and shoot camera and touch screen technology. I just love it whenever something like this pops up and causes me to change what I would want for Christmas. For now though one would have to wait as the release of the Samsung W880 is only going to be done this year in South Korea.

Here are the specifications of this Camera First before Phone:

General	2G Network	GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
		CDMA2000 800 / 1700
	3G Network	UMTS 2100
		1xEV-DO 800 / 1700
	Announced	2009, September
	Status	Coming soon. Exp. release 2009, October
Size	Dimensions	115.8 x 56.9 x 16.3 mm
Size	Weight	-
Display	Type	AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
	Size	480 x 800 pixels, 3.3 inches
		- TouchWiz v2.0 UI
		- Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate
		- Proximity sensor for auto turn-off
Sound	Alert types	Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, WAV ringtones
	Speakerphone	Yes

Memory	Phonebook	Yes, Photo call
	Call records	Yes
	Internal	4GB
	Card slot	microSD (TransFlash), up to 32GB
Data	GPRS	Class 12 (4+1/3+2/2+3/1+4 slots), 32 - 48 kbps
	HSCSD	Yes
	EDGE	Class 12
	3G	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
	WLAN	No
	Bluetooth	Yes, v2.0 with A2DP
	Infrared port	No
	USB	Yes, v2.0
Camera	Primary	12 MP, 4000 x 3000 pixels, 3x optical zoom, autofocus, xenon flash, LED flash
	Features	Mode dial, variable apperture, tracking touch autofocus, face, smile and blink detection, Smart Auto mode, image stabilization, Beauty Shot
	Video	Yes, 720p@30fps
	Secondary	Videocall camera
Features	Messaging	SMS, MMS, Email, IM, Push Email
	Browser	WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
	Radio	No
	Games	Yes + downloadable
	Colors	Black
	GPS	No
	Java	Yes, MIDP 2.0
		- T-DMB TV receiver
		- MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV player
		- DivX/XviD/H.263/H.264/MP4/WMV player
		- Organizer
		- Voice memo
Battery		Standard battery, Li-Ion 1100 mAh

With that being said here is a video for you to watch with regards to how this phone is like:

Music Monday on Empty Streets: Jay Sean

2009-10-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

This singer caught my attention last month with his MTV hit single Down. Not only are a lot of girls swooning over this hunky hear throb but many clubs have now caught on and are playing a lot of his sounds. Here are some tidbits about this British singer:

Jay Sean whose real name is Kamaljit Singh Jhooti, is a British Pop-R&B singer-songwriter from West London, England, best known for his hits "Stolen", "Eyes On You", "Ride It" and "Tonight" in UK. He has released two albums, Me Against Myself (2004) and My Own Way (2008). He was signed to Virgin Records and to Jayded Records.

Here is his hit single for you to enjoy:

Food Friday on Empty Streets: French Apple Tart

2009-10-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't like sweets? Me I just adore them and I more importantly love to bake them and make them for my loved ones. Today am presenting a very fun and easy to prepare dessert made from apples called French Apple Tart.

Here is how:
Ingredients
For the pastry:

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 12 tablespoons (11/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
* 1/2 cup ice water

For the apples:

* 4 Granny Smith apples
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, small diced
* 1/2 cup apricot jelly or warm sieved apricot jam
* 2 tablespoons Calvados, rum, or water

Directions

For the pastry, place the flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Pulse for a few seconds to combine. Add the butter and pulse 10 to 12 times, until the butter is in small bits the size of peas. With the motor running, pour the ice water down the feed tube and pulse just until the dough starts to come together. Dump onto a floured board and knead quickly into a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Roll the dough slightly larger than 10 by 14-inches. Using a ruler and a small knife, trim the edges. Place the dough on the prepared sheet pan and refrigerate while you prepare the apples.

Peel the apples and cut them in half through the stem. Remove the stems and cores with a sharp knife and a melon baler. Slice the apples crosswise in 1/4-inch thick slices. Place overlapping slices of apples diagonally down the middle of the tart and continue making diagonal rows on both sides of the first row until the pastry is covered with apple slices. Sprinkle with the full 1/2 cup of sugar and dot with the butter.

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the pastry is browned and the edges of the apples start to brown. Rotate the pan once during cooking. If the pastry puffs up in one area, cut a little slit with a knife to let the air out. Don't worry! The apple juices will burn in the pan but the tart will be fine! When the tart's done, heat the apricot jelly together with the Calvados and brush the apples and the pastry completely with the jelly mixture. Loosen the tart with a metal spatula so it doesn't stick to the paper. Allow to cool and serve warm or at room temperature.

Here is another apple tart recipe that you can try out:

Enjoy :) xoxox

Travel Thursday on Empty Streets: Let us Visit Greece

2009-10-01T14:15:00.001-07:00

Greece is a country filled with so much history, one that is both magical, mythical and modern. It has become the corner stone of modern civilization and has been the root of where most of what we have right now in terms of culture and language.

Today I would like you to see what this country now in the modern age has to offer and to be honest with you nothing much has changed. The charm and enchantment it once had in the past still linger in the land and in its people. To the get things started though here is a list of places to visit and add to your itinerary once you are in Greece:
Athens: Apart from being the capital of the nation Athens is the largest city in Greece. You will be able to explore the breathtaking view of the surrounding area consisting of all the flat topped hills located at the Acropolis. The 2400 year old monument of Parthenon creates an awe-inspiring view of the area.This monument is considered to be among the classical monuments in the world. Your tour of Athens has a lot to offer you during your tour of the city.
Cape Sounio: Cape Sounio is located at the eastern part of the country. This place is famous for the stark ruins of the Poseidon Temple of the fourth century BC. This is among the most Famous Tourist Spots in Greece mainly because of the wonderful view of the wide panorama that can be enjoyed over here. The view of the island and the sea is simply superb. Piraeus: This place is located at the heart of the Saronic Gulf, outside Athens. Piraeus is the main port near Athens. You can enjoy a ferry ride from this place to the main land of Greece.
Delphi: This place is one of the Famous Tourist Spots in Greece. This was the Oracle of the ancient Greece and several emperors of the ancient country used to come here, frequently for moral and political guidance. Here you will be able to explore the ancient temple of Apollo. The Delphi museum houses a lot of articles worth exploring. If you are in Delphi you must spend a night at the hilly region of Arahova, the town famous for making cheese.

And now to show you what I mean here is a couple of tourism videos for you to watch and enjoy:

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Homemade Facial Scrub from Orange Peels

2009-09-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

I love doing things that constantly keeps my skin young and supple. Nothing beats doing that than a good facial scrub and what better to use than one that is made right out of the kitchen. So here is a simple recipe for beauty that you and your family can make.

Ingredients

* 1 Tbsp. orange peel (grounded into a pulp)
* 1 Tbsp. oatmeal
* 1 Tbsp. plain yogurt
* a few drops of honey

Directions
Mix ingredients together. Apply to face, and gently massage. Rinse thoroughly.

Here is a video of another home made facial scrub that you can try:

Tech Tuesday on Empty Streets: Touch Screen Technology Explained

2009-09-29T00:12:00.001-07:00

I have often wondered and marveled at the miracle of modern science and one of the things that fascinated me was that of the emergence of touch screen phones and laptops. So I did a little research into the topic and below is a summary of what I have found out.

Think of the screen as a multilayer sandwich. On top is a thin plastic or glass sheet with a resistive coating on its bottom. The plastic or glass floats on a thin layer of nonconductive oil, which rests on a layer of glass coated with a similar resistive finish. Thin bars of silver ink line the horizontal and vertical edges of the glass. Direct current is applied alternately to each pair of bars, creating a voltage field between them.

When you touch the stylus to the screen, the plastic pushes down through the gel to meet the glass (called a 'touchdown'). This causes a change in the voltage field, which is recorded by the touch screen's driver software. By sending current first through the vertical bars and then the horizontal ones, the touch screen obtains the X and Y coordinates of the touchdown point. The driver scans the touch screen thousands of times each second and sends this data to any application that needs it. In this way, a Phone or Laptop knows when you're tapping an on-screen icon to launch a program or gliding it across the screen to enter data.

Here is a video about how the IPhone touch screen technology works: