Archive for July, 2008

Jul 31

Pick Your Own Berries, Fruits, and Vegetables

Financial, Food, Physical Jason Mitchener 2 Comments »

Welcome back!


(Photo by bisquit)

When I was a teenager, I visited my grandma in Indiana. One day, she took me out to a local farm to pick blueberries. It was a lot of fun and somehow the blueberries tasted better, perhaps because I picked them.

A lot of farms and orchards allow you to pick your own fruits and vegetables. It can be a great family activity. Parents can burn some calories. Kids can get worn out for an afternoon nap (a parent’s dream). City kids can learn where fruits and vegetables actually come from. And everyone can get some of the nutrients that can be lost in transportation and processing.

This site lists farms and orchards across the country that allow you to pick your own:
http://www.pickyourown.org/statelist.htm#statelist

And for our international friends, farms and orchards in Canada, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand are also included. The listings on the site can be sparse or very detailed.

Some picking tips:

  • Call ahead to make sure the berries, fruits, or vegetables you want to pick are available
  • Bring your own containers
  • Wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
  • Bring water and snacks

So do you have any berry picking stories? If so, please share them in the comments.

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Jul 28

New Search Engine cuil is Not Cool At All

Tech Tips Jason Mitchener 9 Comments »


There’s a new search engine on the block. cuil (pronounced “kewl”) was founded by former Google employees. Some are calling it a Google-killer. My thought … cuil is not cool at all.

I tried out the new search engine cuil today by trying a search for my name “Jason Mitchener.” While cuil did indeed show some of the web sites that are often associated with my name, it also did something that will have me never use their search engine again. cuil puts little pictures next to the search listings that supposedly are in context with the web pages listed. So what did cuil put next to the web pages associated with my name? The listing for my main site http://www.JasonMitchener.com features a photo of a flesh wound. Yes, you read that correctly … a flesh wound. The listing for my site’s shop (where I sell my book and music CD) features a photo of a plastic doll. The listing for the Soundclick site with my music features a photo of a clunky wheelchair. Yes, I’m disabled, but give me a break.

cuil just lost a potential user. And they will lose many more after Google indexes this blog post.

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Jul 27

How to Save Money on Gas and Lose Weight at the Same Time

Financial, Physical Jason Mitchener 1 Comment »


(Photo by daviddesign)

Gas prices have gone down a little recently, but here in Phoenix gas is still near $4.00 per gallon. That’s a lot of money, especially considering a year ago gas cost around $2.75 per gallon here. With gas prices still high, it pays to look into alternatives to driving.

One alternative to driving is obviously walking. Not only will walking help you save on gas, but it will also help you lose weight. But is your neighborhood “walkable”? Are there enough stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc. nearby enough to walk?

WalkScore.com

The web site Walk Score is a great way to find out if your neighborhood is “walkable.” Input your address and Walk Score uses Google Maps data to determine what amenities are within walking distance. Not only does the web site list these amenities, their distances, and their addresses, but it also gives you an overall Walk Score. If an amenity is within .25 miles, the maximum number of points is given. If an amenity is over 1 mile, no points are given. The amenity categories are totaled and your address receives a score from 0 (stick to your car) to 100 (totally walkable).

What amenity categories are included?

  • Grocery Stores
  • Restaurants
  • Coffee Shops
  • Bars
  • Movie Theaters
  • Schools
  • Parks
  • Libraries
  • Bookstores
  • Fitness
  • Drugstores
  • Hardware Stores
  • Clothing & Music

When I input my own address, I get a Walk Score of 68 or Somewhat Walkable. It turns out I have quite a few amenities within walking distance. The categories that I don’t have nearby are movie theaters, fitness, and clothing & music.

One cool thing about Walk Score is I discovered some amenities that I didn’t know existed. I ran Walk Score last night and it listed an El Pollo Loco restaurant (great Mexican-grilled chicken) only .16 miles away from me. Looking at the address, I realized it was where the old Del Taco had been. I also discovered some Mexican grocery stores I didn’t know about.

Some Drawbacks to WalkScore.com

First, Walk Score currently only works for addresses in the United States, Canada, and the UK (with Canada and the UK being less accurate). Second, there are certain factors that Walk Score’s algorithm doesn’t take into account that also help determine if your neighborhood is really “walkable.”

  • How much crime is there?
  • Are streets well-lit?
  • Is the street design safe?
  • Do freeways or bodies of water block your access?
  • Are there too many hills?
  • What’s the weather like?

For me, Phoenix is extremely hot in the summer, so Fry’s Marketplace may only be half a mile away but few people are going to walk there in July.

Other Alternatives

Besides walking, you may consider riding a bicycle. Check craigslist for some good deals on used bicycles. My friend Steven uses a skateboard to get to many places.

So is your neighborhood “walkable”?

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Jul 26

10 Basic Spices and Herbs That Will Enliven Your Food, Save You Money, and Keep You Healthy

Financial, Food, Physical Jason Mitchener 1 Comment »


(Photo by theatricalAL 03)

Because the care center where I live has to cater to the varied tastes (and dietary restrictions) of over a hundred residents, the food they serve here is often bland. Quite often, I found myself looking at what was on my tray and then immediately getting on the Papa John’s web site to order hot wings. Each month, I was spending between $50 and $100 on takeout and that was just for me.

Finally, I decided something needed to be done to curb my takeout food spending but still be able to enjoy food that wasn’t so bland. My solution was to buy a handful of spices and herbs that I could add to the food I got on my care center tray. Now that my food is tastier, I “eat in” more often and save money.

By adding spices and herbs to your meals, you can also save money because “eating in” will taste so much better. Spices and herbs can also keep you healthy.

Below are ten basic spices and herbs that will enliven your food …

1. Peppercorns

Technically, peppercorns are the fruit of a flowering vine. Besides the common black variety, they are also available in white, red/pink, and green. Although ground black pepper does come on my tray in a small packet, I much prefer grinding my own peppercorns with a pepper mill. Pepper mills come in all shapes, sizes, and prices, but a basic one can usually be purchased for under $20. This may seem like a lot, but pepper mills can be used for years and the taste difference between pre-ground pepper and grinding your own peppercorns is significant.

I use peppercorns on just about everything … meat, fish, salads, potatoes, vegetables. With most pepper mills, you can also vary the coarseness of the ground pepper. I prefer mine fairly coarse.

2. Garlic Powder

For most people, I would suggest using fresh garlic, but garlic powder suits my particular needs. I mostly use the garlic powder by sprinkling it on my bread. Those that cook can also use it in Italian dishes. Not only does garlic taste great, but it is also a fantastic part of a heart-healthy diet. Of course, to maintain good friendships, please brush your teeth after a garlic-flavored meal.

3. Cayenne (or Red) Pepper

I live in the Southwest, so I have been using cayenne pepper for years. I sprinkle it on my Mexican food and in my chili. I also sprinkle a little cayenne pepper on my vegetables. Yes you read that correctly … my vegetables. I have to admit I’m not a big vegetable person, but with a little bit of heat from the cayenne pepper, I’m willing to eat my vegetables. Cayenne also helps with circulation and is a powerful antioxidant.

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice cultivated from the bark of cinnamon trees. Interestingly, the powdered cinnamon most common in the United States actually comes from a similar plant called cassia. I am most likely to use cinnamon in my oatmeal or on toast. Others would also use it to bake desserts or in hot cocoa or tea. Cinnamon is high in antioxidants and studies show it may be beneficial to people with type II diabetes.

5. Oregano

Oregano is an herb used in many Italian and Greek dishes. In fact, with basil, it is often what characterizes the uniquely Italian flavor. Like many of the spices and herbs, oregano is high in antioxidant activity.

6. Basil

Like oregano, basil is often used in Italian dishes and is high in antioxidant activity. Basil is best used fresh and is often not added to cooking until the last moment because cooking quickly destroys the flavor.

7. Rosemary

Rosemary is an herb used in Mediterranean cuisine. Using Rosemary for chicken is also popular. Rosemary is high in iron, calcium, and Vitamin B6.

8. Paprika

Paprika is a peppery spice without the heat. It can be used to flavor goulash, chicken, or fish. Paprika is very high in Vitamin C.

9. Thyme

Thyme is an herb often found in French, Greek, Italian, Lebanese, Persian, Spanish, and Turkish cuisines. It can be used for meats, soups, and stews. Thyme is high in iron.

10. Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a spice mostly used in desserts and breads. It can be a flavorful addition to French toast.

What’s in your spice rack?

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Jul 24

How to Capture Ideas Before They Escape

Mental Jason Mitchener No Comments »

Moleskine notebook
(Photo by silas216)

I had just started always carrying a notebook and pen around with when I was having a conversation with my friend Tony about giving. I was making the point that building relationships is often more important than just writing a check. I said to Tony, “Love ain’t a one night stand.” (I have this habit of using ain’t when I want to emphasize my opposition.) When I heard myself say that, I knew there was something there besides mere conversation, so I asked Tony to write it down for me in my notebook. This line eventually turned into my Christian country song Love Ain’t a One Night Stand.

As a writer, I’m always looking for ideas for song lyrics, devotional messages, and blog posts. If I’m honest, I’d have to say that ideas are easy to come by … it’s remembering them that’s the problem.

A Portable Memory

I learned in an online writing group that a writer should always have a notebook handy so that when an idea comes, he can quickly record it. The notebook becomes a writer’s portable memory.

Since I’m at the computer most of the day my “notebook” is actually several Word documents. When I get a song idea, I open my “Lyric Scratch Pad” document and type a line or two. When I’m reading my online Bible, if I see a verse that intrigues me I add it to my “Possible Devotional Messages” document. I also have a document titled “Blog Ideas.”

For people who are not at their computer all day or are more comfortable with pen and paper, Moleskine notebooks are more appropriate. The small version can easily fit in a pocket and has an elastic band to keep it closed.

Not Just for Writers

Keeping a notebook and pen handy at all time is not just a good plan for writers, but for everyone. Artists can make quick sketches. Business managers can record marketing ideas. Teachers can make note of lesson ideas. The notebooks can be used for grocery lists, to-do lists, or even doodling while on the phone.

Do you carry around a notebook? If so, how do you use it?

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Jul 23

How Finding Meaning in Life Prevents a Slow Death

Emotional, Spiritual Jason Mitchener 1 Comment »


(Photo by Stuart W. Jones)

In his inspiring book, Man’s Search for Meaning, Dr. Viktor Frankl details his time in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. Because of his experience as a psychologist, Frankl had a unique perspective on the suffering around him. He discovered that the prisoners who were able to find meaning in life were better able to survive the horrors of the concentration camp. Some found meaning in God, while others found meaning in family. Frankl found meaning by thinking of his wife.

When I went on a ventilator in 1991, I gave up for several months. I didn’t want to live, but I also didn’t want to die. I wanted to remain in a mere twilight of existence. I did nothing but watch television for sixteen hours a day. Through the reminder of a hummingbird, I was able to find God again. Since then, I’ve been able to help others find meaning in the midst of suffering.

Meaning isn’t found in money, fame, or sex. It’s something way more substantial, such as serving God and serving others. And until you find that meaning, you’re dying a slow death.

Do you have meaning in your life? Or are you just going through the motions?

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Jul 23

Read Forward Habit on Your iPhone

Tech Tips Jason Mitchener No Comments »


(Photo by Ryosuke Takeoka)

Now you can easily read Forward Habit on your iPhone or other mobile phone. Here’s the mobile link:
http://forwardhabit.mofuse.mobi/

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Jul 19

Laugh Yourself to Good Health

Emotional, Mental, Physical Jason Mitchener 10 Comments »

Laughter
(Image by apdk)

In high school, I was on the mock trial team, where we got court case cases and pretended we were lawyers and witnesses. During practice one afternoon, my friend Crystal pushed my wheelchair up to the front of the classroom so I could cross-examine a witness. She made a turn too sharp and too fast, dumping me on the floor. Our lawyer coach immediately asked, “Would you like help up?” I crossed my hands behind my head and answered, “Nope. I’m comfortable down here.” The whole room of people started cracking up.

I learned from an early age that humor helps ease uncomfortable situations. By making a joke, I saved my friend Crystal and myself from embarrassment. Our laughter helped us stay emotionally healthy.

Emotional/Mental Health Benefits of Laughter

Laughter has many emotional and mental health benefits including …

  • Reducing stress
  • Lowering anxiety
  • Improving our disposition
  • Reducing tension
  • Enhancing our ability to connect with others
  • Replacing distressing emotions with pleasurable feelings
  • Increasing energy

Physical Health Benefits of Laughter

Laughter also has many physical health benefits including …

  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Decreasing stress hormones
  • Increasing infection-fighting antibodies
  • Protecting the heart
  • Giving the body a workout
  • Improving brain function

Increasing Our Laughter

So now that you know the health benefits of laughter, how can you increase the amount of laughter in your life? Here are some ideas ..

How about you? What makes you laugh?

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