The Plague! The Plague!

Unfortunately, my fish education has entered the realm of diseases. My favorite, sweet paradise fish is under the weather and it appears the others may have the beginnings of unwelcome maladies. For starters, I've discovered that new fish should be quarantined for about 2 weeks in a separate tank from the main one since many fish come from the Far East where they are raised in crowded conditions thereby necessitating immense doses of a slew of antibiotics. Yuck! Sounds worse than factory farming here! =O As a result, by the time they are brought home to clean, antibiotic-free conditions, they become prone to the bacteria naturally occurring in the water. This usually does not happen at the fish store due to the rapid turnover of stock.

In order to medicate my little ones properly, I read up on various fish diseases in an attempt to determine their afflictions. I also researched alternative medicines as I don't believe in overdosing on antibiotics. It doesn't help that in doing water changes, I'll be dumping the antibiotic-laden water into the municipal supply. Oh joy. While antibiotics are an incredible discovery by humans, it could lead to our biggest nightmare at the rate we abuse it. =( Here's to hoping the fish will be fine! =)

Door Installation

Lots of house projects this summer! Well, at least I'm learning stuff aside from fish. ;) We replaced the front and back doors and thus I watched intently as it's not as straightforwards as popping the old door out of the hinge and slapping a new one. Why? Well, the back door got widened while the front door had the sidelights replaced as well.

I wish I took pictures of the installation! The front door comes in one piece with the sidelights and they plopped it in and screwed it into the frame. The back door needed a frame to be made to retrofit it to the house (the company who ordered it was a schmuck and ordered it without the frame) so it took just as long if not longer than the front door! It's quite tedious to make sure everything is lined up properly and flush before putting in the final touches. It was an all day affair! Then there was all the caulking and other miscellaneous tasks.

Danio behavior

Yet more fish topics! I've found that aggressive danios make a huge difference in the schooling behavior and the overall peace in the tank. Not surprising. I had to return the super aggressive danio to the fish store as it had a cut in its side which was growing ich. I'd noticed the cut originally but thought it might recuperate. Well, once I saw the ich, that guy wasn't going to stay! And so I got a replacement danio which is smaller and less aggressive than the original one. As a result, the crazy bullying has decreased, though they're still aggressive. I'll take what I can get. I wish I never got them though. =\ A new alpha danio has taken over, but definitely not as crazy as the old one. Phew!

The Inquisition!!

Bored of fish yet? I'm not! I'm learning a lot from this little project. I've found that the paradise fish is incredibly inquisitive! =) I'd read that they're smart, but I discovered that if you put anything in the tank such as floating items, it'll swim around to investigate. He's like a little detective while the other ones don't pay it much heed.

Shrimp and Fish

Well, more education on fish! I contemplated hatching my own brine shrimp as fresh food for my fish. So I read up on it! It's quite easy really and can be done with a desk lamp and some clean 2L bottles. However, I don't think it'd be practical for my smallish 20 gallon tank considering the overall mess and effort. Plus, I'd have to continually hatch them thus requiring a steady supply of eggs. No thanks. And so this topic ends here.

To make up for a missed day of learning, I've also discovered something that I should have expected. When I added my paradise fish to the tank of danios and lemon tetras, the behavior of the danios immediately went from aggressive bullies to cowering wimps. HA!! They cower in fear of the big man in town! Not like he'd hurt them or bully them or anything, but he knows he's bigger than them and won't let them push him around. So no one messes with him. ;D

Fishless Aquariums

For the aquarium project, I read up on cycling aquariums which traditionally was done with hardy fish such as danios as they could withstand the fluctuations in water quality as the bacterial colonies were growing in numbers large enough to process all the wastes and then the by-products of that breakdown. New methods do fishless cycling which apparently is faster and less stressful on the fish you would have otherwise used. It also means you're not stuck with some hardy fish you don't want nor would you kill any from the ordeal! How to do this? The best method is to use pure ammonia methodically placed into a running tank. At the same time, water measurements must be done to determine when the levels of ammonia, and nitrite have peaked and dropped to zero despite continuing to add the prescribed amount of ammonia. This signifies that the different bacteria are doing their magic and that you have enough bacteria to process x amount of ammonia (fish waste) from y amount of fish. That's the rundown.

Efficient and humane! =D

Bed Rock...of Non-Flinstone Origins

Current trend is the increasing popularity of stone beds reputed as being good for people with back pains. Ages ago, stone beds were common in Asia, but apparently, they still are for some folk who are trying to bring the practice back as well as to the West. In speaking to my mother, I also learned that her caretaker (nanny) slept on one but it was more narrow and smaller than the modern ones. Considering modern trends, that's not surprising. Modern stone beds don't use stone exclusively like days of old. There are mica versions now!

Cement Molds

For a while now, I'd known that a new building was being put up in the center of town, but I wasn't sure of the details. At first, I thought it was the typical wood frame buildings, yet the frames were very strange...not at all like the usual buildings. As it turns out, the wood structure being put up were the molds for cement. Ah! Now it all makes sense! Indeed they were for walls, but cement walls not wood! I had been rather worried since the wood structure didn't look all that secure. =P They just filled up the space between the wood and instant wall! After the cement cured, the wood was dismantled and that's it! All done. It was like a grand version of sidewalk molds. From the looks of it, that first level they made will be a street level garage while an apartment building (or stores?) will be built above.

More than just a box?

In fixing the mailbox, we discoverd that the shape of the mailbox bottom is not square. That is, it's not a rectangle with square angles. Rather, the mailbox is slightly tapered from front to back. Why is a mailbox tapered? We're not sure, but our theory is that it shifts the balance (center of gravity) of the mailbox forward by forcing you where to position it over it's "foundation" plank and hence how the weight is distributed down the post. Considering that most times when I get mail, the mailman has shoved everything to the back, I suppose that's a possible reason. However, I wonder whether the weight of mail is significant enough to deem such engineering into a simple box and pole. All I have to say is it's not my theory...

Rock Axles

Here's some stone age ingenuity for you! I was watching some annoying guy on either TLC or Discovery who trekked through the Mid-East following the Bible. This particular episode explored how in ancient times around the region of Israel, people would move giant slabs of rock by using it as an axle between wheels. After the rocks were transported to their destinations, they were used to build buildings. Pretty neat! How's that for using the 'ol noggin!

Fundamentals of Fish

In preparation for setting up a 20 gallon fish tank, I've been reading a lot about fish. I thought I share a smattering of that info. Here's the rundown: I learned a lot about different fish types so now I can identify the typical tropical fish like barbs, tetras, gouramis and the like. I've also learned that different types of fish have different swimming behaviors (surface, middle, bottom). And then there is the oft quoted rule of thumb whereby you shouldn't have more than 1" of fish per gallon of water. It's just a mere guideline since decor will occupy at least a gallon of the tank's capacity. Plus, many small fish is not the same as a few large fish. And finally, I have learned that new tanks need to be cycled before bacterial levels are sufficient to process the fish wastes. So much to think about when it comes to setting up the equipment and then populating the tank!

Dismantling a Horse

The typical saw horse isn't particularly sophisticated or revolutionary really. Simple in design but incredibly useful. Well, there's an old pair of saw horses in the basement that weren't very useful anymore. So, I was put to the task of dismantling them for the trash (and maybe keep the wood if it's useful). In doing so, I came to understand how they were put together. =\ It was a frustrating lesson. What appeared to be just gator teeth that poked in to the wood to keep the wood boards together turned into that plus many screws. Some of which were difficult to access. It's no wonder they had lasted for so long! Due to much use and its age though, those screws loosened and bent, and the gator teeth lost their grip...but not enough to make it an easy task. I was sweating by the time I finished...a good half hour or 45 minutes later!

Teen Pharmacists

Actually, it would be disturbing to have teenage pharmacists if nothing else but the fact that there are teens (even 13 year olds) doing drugs-Rx ones! I know that pharmacys control their inventory and what not, but until they're caught, I wouldn't want my kid around these "every day" drugs. I find their behavior even nuttier than doing the traditional drugs in that they'll do something called 'trail mix' (all of which I learned on Nightline). This concoction is really just a bowl of different drugs. Grab a handful, swallow and hold on for the ride! I can't imagine the side effects especially with the mixing of these potent drugs! Maybe I'm too familiar with the drug industry so I understand how these drugs can do serious damage to your vital organs given their circumstances. I'd rather smoke marijuana...(it's a medical drug...right?) than do that. At least I know, more or less, what cocaine or heroine is doing to my body. I can't believe their bodies aren't shot despite years of such activities. Chalk it up to their young and resilient bodies. It boggles my mind. I wonder what their liver looks like...

DIY Creme Fraiche

Did you know you can make your own creme fraiche? It's supposedly not as good as store bought ones, but good enough when there's none around and you're in a pinch for some! And so I found a recipe for it that uses a bit unflavored yogurt mixed into some heavy cream. Wait about 24 hours at room temperature and voila! You got some of the good stuff. I most enjoy it as a dollop into my yogurt to add creaminess and to cut the sourness of the yogurt. It reminded me very much of some of the yogurt I had in London. Yum! It made for a richer and creamier mouth feel. You must try it! As a side note, I bought some "real" creme fraiche" and wow, what a difference compared to the homemade stuff. It's super thick and when I added my usual dollop into the yogurt, it became overwhelming. Well, I must experiment more with the two versions.

Backwards Sunspots

NASA reports that they have discovered some backwards (magnetically that is) sunspots which signals the beginning of a new solar cycle. Whether or not the one they found truly signals the change remains to be seen. Read more about it at: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2006/15aug_backwards.htm

Obesity Capital of the World!

I read today that Raleigh, NC is the number one place to live in the US. Wow. I've heard conflicting information from various friends, but I guess overall, it's pleasant enough. However, the interesting thing is that it is also the fat capital of the world! If it's going to be somewhere, I guess it has to be somewhere in the South...Apparently, they're quite serious about obese folks. There's an obesity center and many obesity friendly hotels and amendments. It's a shopping haven for those looking for hard to find plus sizes. On a more disturbing note, there are restaurants that have private rooms for spitting. Such rooms are for folks who can't eat much (gastric bypass sx or whatever reason) yet they want to taste the food. What a waste of perfectly fine food! =\

Shiro, Kuro, Chairo...Whatro?

I've been having an interesting time discovering new fruits and veggies from my CSA (community supported agriculture) that I joined this year. While some of the oddball veggies has been a challenge to cook, the fruits have been a fun exploration. This week, I got some Shiro (white) Plums which are a Japanese variety of yellow plums. And so, I return to lessons from food! As it turns out, these shiro plums from Windy Brow farms are delicious! They are incredibly dribbly-all-over-your-hands juicy with a wonderful floral scent in the mouth on top of the "typical" plum flavor. However, they have a pale yellow skin and flesh...so why call it white? I'm thinking its the flowers...

Reality hgTV!

Reality shows are all the same, right? Following a formula that pits the most outrageous opposites together and pushing their buttons. Well, sames goes for home renovating shows. In the days before such shows spawned their own tv channels geared towards every possible niche market, I found them actually useful sources of DIY knowledge. These days, the hosts have to look sexy, be witty before creating anything of interest (which someone else does for them). Nevertheless, there are some projects that are pretty basic in terms of procedure where the outcome lies solely with the skill level of the worker. Watch it as many times as you want, it's the same, but wait til you try your hand at it! Laying tile could be one of those. Slather on the mortar. Lay down the tile in some uniform fashion, right? Let set and put in the grout. Then, clean up. Easy peasy? Well, there'rs plenty to go wrong including spacing, evenness of the mortar, etc... Yet another challenge is vertical tiles as in bathroom walls.

Well, reality tv came home when there was a slow leak behind the tile in the wall that made its presence known on the ceiling one floor below. Ok, so it didn't come to *my* home, but close enough. Not as easy to do as it requires precise hands so that the tile is spaced properly, and that all the tiles lay evenly flat. Who wants uneven tiles? The grout part was easy though. =D Obviously, this can't be done all in one day but today was the culmination of the lesson as it is finally finished! Hooray!

The New Duct Tape

So duct tape fixes everything, right? Well, they did work to keep my Adissages usable for a while, but finally, that gave out, and I needed a better solution. Why not just buy a new pair? While they're well worn, they've still got life to them and have that worn-in, comfy feel. One more try before I chuck them! Well, I discovered I could really fix my Adisages with 2 short nails in the side (where it broke). The nails were just sitting around from the roofing work which prompted the idea in the first place. It took all of 5 seconds to shove them in the side and try them out. So far, good as new! Should all survival kits not only include duct tape but a handful of nails too? ;D The next discovery: how long will it last?

Oh the Horror! The HORROR!!

Ugh! The 80's are back! Yuck! Skinny jeans, leggings (especially with dresses!), gag me with a spoon gaudy belts...? Thankfully, leg warmers have have been fought off...so far...No blackmail pics of me in such getups in my wreckless days of youth. I've been wearing baggy clothing since I was young and I'll keep at it! What bodes poorly for me are the 80's colors and color combos that are bleeding into the product lines of normal wear. Oh joy to the big slanted stripes, the pokey dot styling (particular to the big hair decade) that are being once more paired with skewed necklines, ruffled sleeves and gnarly sunglasses. I think the last 50 years are all in fashion currently...

Mentos Fountain

It's pretty funny how yesterday, th TV annoyed me, and I publically stated my recovery from my TV addiction of old, yet today, I found myself glued to that brain drain fascinated by an episode of Myth Busters. At least I can claim I learned something...but who amI kidding? Well clearly, I'm behind the times (not watching enough TV perhaps...) as I had no idea that adding Mentos to Diet Coke creates a huge instant fountain! And that adding rock salt will increase its height independent of physical efforts (such as decreasing the opening diameter)! Woo! Looks like lots fun, but incredibly messy. Would I try it? Nah. I'm pass that stage...though I'll play with a potato mortar anyday! ;D

Background Irritant

A lot could go under this category...such as annoying little brothers or sisters...or a cat clawing your legs...but I discovered one unexpectedly while out and about today. As is so prevalent these days at stores where one must wait (banks, car service centers, barbershops, etc...) there will be a tv available to entertain you. Though I was once quite the TV addict, I found it to be incredibly irritating today as I waited. To be fair, it was not so much the TV itself but the programming assaulting us helpless folk as we had no access to the remote. As I entertained myself with a book, I could barely concentrate as the drone of TV Soap Operas would not leave my ears alone. Like unseen, magical elves, they rained down upon my head worse than a bee hive under attack. Thankfully, one of the employees came to our aide and switched it to CNN. Clearly, we were not the only ones ready to commit suicide. Once the monotonous rhythm of the CNN broadcast started, it was immediate relief to not only my auditory senses, but my entire body. I felt the release of tension wash over my body like a pampering massage. I never thought the familiar and boring drone of a news broadcast could work the same magic as a cup of hot cocoa after shoveling the driveway and walkways in the aftermath of a blizzard. Perhaps everyone should try it one day to better appreciate all that CNN provides us with both intellectually and mentally. ;)

Mountains or Mole Hills?

The workers finished the roofing job over the sunroom. However, I had to cart away all the leftover shingles, tar paper and whatever else they threw down. Hard hat area! With each loaded wheelbarrow of roofing material, I wondered just how much was actually up there as the pile I created became quite large! A very, very rough guesstimate (and likely overestimated) of the roof's area would be 220 sq ft. With the shingles all flush and flat on the roof, I thought the pile of waste would only be a couple of feet wide and no more than a foot tall. Little did I know just how much lay *beneath* those shingles! The resulting mole hill turned into a mountain at least 6'x4'x2'. Carting the waste to the local recycling center required a number of trips! Plus, I had already diligently stacked the waste in boxes to maximize space. I thought I was going to throw my back as I didn't realize just how heavy roofing material really is. That was a rough lesson. Had I known the amount of work before me, I would have strategized the waste removal differently from the very beginning of the roofing job. =(

Unexpected Findings

Ah, yet even more revelations from the house. I discoverd that the bit of roofing over the sunroom is different than what's over the main roof. What an unexpected surprise! =D Most roof construction I've witnessed has been sheets of plywood. While the sunroom was getting a roof "makeover" today, I made my way over to watch the workers remove the old shingles (and make a mess of the landscaping below) before the new stuff was hammered on. As it turns out, this section of roof is not plywood after all but rather something like 2"x4"s or beadboard look-alike. It had a gorgeous orange-brown tone to the wood as well! Ah, I should have taken a picture of it.

I also learned today whilst feeding the workers fast food that Burger King's medium-sized fries is not what I recall as being "medium-sized." I haven't stepped in to a fast food joint in years so clearly, I am behind the curve. It appears to me that what was once "small" is now called "medium" and so forth up the size chain. It's just like women's clothes! However, in the case of clothing, it's a marketing gimmick to make them feel slimmer. In this case, it's about making money without trying to make you look thin. ;D Ha! I wonder if tuna cans will ever fall below 6 oz so that they don't have to "raise" prices. Phah! Such practices really screws you up when your recipe lists an ingredient as "x can(s) of y" without indicating the volume/mass of that unit.