Things I Like: 2013

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

The Constructive Force of Respect

As a student of Buddhism, I'm constantly reminding myself to show respect and be open to others. Practicing this, however, is another matter. I'm often allowing my ego to take control and limit the amount of respect I should give to others, as well as myself.

I've been examining why this happens so often. I suppose it's because I have trouble letting go of my ego. I let my needs and desires get in the way of what should be a simple process of living.

For more on my views on constructive respect, please click here.

CONTENTS AT A GLANCE

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Beginnings of Zen

I've been a student of Zen Buddhism for many years now. I'm a student at Zen Mountain Monastery for several years. Although I try to explain zen to my friends, I find it impossible. Explaining it is, after all, counter to what zen is.
I have, however, put together a small page on the beginnings of it. You can find it here

Please check out these titles for more information by clicking here.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Chi Running Shoes

I'm promising myself that this summer, when school is out and all of my students are home with their parents, that I would learn to run. The problem with that is I have a damaged knee from a fall. I've been afraid to hurt it more. Then I read about ChiRunning.

Chi Running is based on the idea of using your chi when running. It trains you to use all of your body as one and be one with the energy around you. I'm reading the book by Danny Dreyer to understand how it works. It's more complex than it sounds, but also simpler than I expected. I'll let you know how I do. Until then I'll be looking for a comfortable pair of shoes for my Chi Running.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Caravan Canopy Oversize Zero Gravity Chair

It's Spring and it's time for me to relax outside. Enjoy the sun and cool breezes. I like taking it easy on weekends (okay, every day) and a zero gravity chair does the trick. It reclines fully and makes me doze in no time at all.

The Caravan Zero Gravity chair supports a big guy like me. I use it inside, too. It really does feel like what I imagine zero gravity to be.

For more information, click here.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Home Fireproof Safe

I'm not one to take chances. I'm the kind of person who sets three alarm clocks just in case one doesn't work! The same security goes into saving my valuable information. That's why I invested in a fireproof safe for my home.
I found more variations of safes than I ever imagined. I had to consider how long I wanted the safe to be resistant to fire (half an hour, an hour, and two hours seem to be the norm). I also had to think about how waterproof it should be. After all, longer burning fires require more water to put it out. Then I had to think about what was going into the safe. Some safes can keep papers secure, but allow media (computer information, cd's, etc.) to burn easily.
I've compiled a list of the best of the best. Click here to see it.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Space Saving Sound Bar Systems

I'm all set with my new tv. My wife, however, doesn't want me to set up my old speaker system. She told me to find something new and small. I searched high and low and discovered sound bar systems that are small enough to save space in the living room, but powerful enough to blow the roof off of the house. Best of both worlds!
I found several great sound bar systems, but one of my favorites has to be the Boston Acoustics TVee Model 25 Sound System, It has full sound and great depth. It fits wonderfully under my tv and lets me save enough space to hold all of my Blu Rays.
For more great choices I looked at, click here.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Lord of the Rings Figures

The Lord of the Rings is one of my favorite series of books. I liked the movies a lot, but the books struck a chord. Something about the Hero's Journey played out in a well written series. I'm also a collector of action of all kinds. Marvel, DC, and Star Trek action figures take up almost an entire room, much to the annoyance of my wife.
What I like about most of the Lord of the Rings figures is the detail. They are so lifelike. The Smeagol figure on the bottom is a bit freakishly real. You can almost hear him whisper "My precious," as his eyes follow you around the room.
For more on the Lord of the Rings figures, click here.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Large Button Phones for Seniors

As we get older, we realize that our loved ones are getting older, too. Whether it's a loving parent, grandparent, or neighbor who raised you, there comes a time when we need to know that they can see their phones well enough to call for help in an emergency.
Several house phones and cell phones are available to help with this. They are worth the investment to help our loved ones, and to also put our minds at ease.

For a list of large button phones I find useful, click here.

Monday, April 15, 2013

How To Buy Conflict Free Diamond Jewelry

It's always a good time to buy diamond jewelry for someone you love. Mother's Day, anniversaries, and birthdays, so many occassions!

However, you want to make sure that the diamond you give doesn't come stained with blood and the suffering of others. Many countries mine diamonds to finance revolutions and set up corrupt governments. These diamonds are mined on the blood and broken backs of the citizens.

To make sure you are giving conflict-free diamonds, click here for information and tips.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Best Sports Binoculars

I've come to like going out to stadiums. There's something about being outside for a game, as oppossed to being cooped up inside. Maybe it's the air or the crowds. The energy is much more intense, too. However, I can't afford good seats. I invested in a pair of good sports binoculars.

It was a long and arduous task, but I came up with a list of the best sports binoculars that I had to choose from. You can find that list here.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Star Trek Bobble Heads

Being the geek that I am, I love most things Star Trek. I have figurines, blueprints for the Enterprise, and even a tribble. But I never saw these before. I came across this about Star Trek Bobbleheads. They rock.

I have to get some as soon as I can. How can I not have found these before? Take a look here.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Learning Tablets for Kids

As a teacher, I'm always open to new technology to help my students. Lately, I've noticed a lot of my kids are bringing tablets to school. They use them mostly to record their notes and write down homework. I was curious if this was happening in the elementary classes (I teach high school) so I asked a few of my friends. They all said that at least 50% of their students bring some sort of learning tablet to school. Many of their students look upon these devices as toys, but the teachers and parents are starting to work together to come up with the best strategies to increase the kids' skills while using learning tablets.
It's a new age in education. Gone are the days of filmstrips, movie projectors, and, heck, even the old fashioned library. There's even a course taught for students on how to use devices to get the most out of their research for projects.
Maybe my students can teach an old guy like me a few new tricks.

For a list of devices I really like, click here

Monday, April 8, 2013

Formal Dressing Rules for Men

A lot of people who know me, know that I love clothes. I think all men should look good when they go out. I don't mean that they should wear a suit and tie to go to the store or the gym, but some effort needs to be put forth.
One simple thing to do that can make all of the difference in a look is to wear shoes with a pair of jeans. Sneakers are good for the gym and work boots are good for hard work.
For those of you out there who really want to look better when dressing up, click here for some great guidelines. Thanks.

Landisun 69G Bright Pink Fuchsia Paisleys Mens Silk Tie Set: Tie+Hanky+Cufflinks

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Best Inversion Tables for Back Pain

Recently, I've been having a lot of back pain. I have no idea why, since I haven't been straining myself too much lately. My doctor gave me muscle relaxers and prescribed physical therapy. I hate muscle relaxers, so that was out of the question. The physical therapist did mention an inversion table for my back pain. I had never tried one before.
It was scary and fun. After a few minutes, I could feel a lot of the pressure on my spine relax. I've used it a few times, but I haven't purchased one yet. I did some research on them and wrote a few of my thoughts on them here.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Best Pop Up Books for Adults

I've recently rediscovered the fun of pop-up books. I always loved them, except for the chance one of them could point up and remove an eyeball.

I was looking for some pop ups for my little niece and nephew to get them started on their way to interactive reading. What I found was amazing for my inner child.

There are pop-up books for adults. Real cool ones. From dark and creepy (see the picture above) to movie themed and more adult themed, these are great works of art. No flimsy cardboard. There are books about DaVinci's art and Gaudi's architecture.

Check out a list of my favorite ones by clicking here.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Japanese Omelette Pans

I fell in love with tamagoyaki years ago when I visited Japan. If you don't know what tamagoyaki is, you should find out. It is a slightly sweet Japanese omelette. It is served in layers and usually put in bento boxes as a protein source.

To cook them properly, you need a special pan. It should be flat on all sides. Pans used in the states don't usually make the cut, especially when you're cooking the omelette with chopsticks.

Find out how to make tamagoyaki here.
Seafood Tamago

Thursday, March 7, 2013

OUYA Console

I like gaming. I'm not as big a gamer as a lot of my friends, but they're still cool. I haven't invested in a big system, although I hinted at a PS3 last Christmas so I could play Arkham City (sniffle, I didn't get it).
I read about the new Ouya system coming out. It was funded by crowdsourcing through Kickstarter.com.
This seems to be a great system. It's inexpensive ($99) and you can play games before you buy them. I can't wait until June. Maybe my hints for this will be heeded.

For more information, click here: http://www.squidoo.com/ouya-console2

Thursday, February 28, 2013

What Are The Best Binoculars for Safari?

One of my many dreams is to go on safari. I find them fascinating when I see them on tv. The majesty of the African cats and the thunder of the herds of elephants are things to be seen in person.
As much as I want to go, I do want the bumper of space. Ever since I saw a recent video of a man being gored by a rhino on safari, I decided that I'm going to invest in a good pair of binoculars. I'll spend a few dollars and save myself a puncturing.
To check out my best choice, visit http://www.squidoo.com/what-are-the-best-binoculars-for-safari

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope Review

I am an astronomy addict. Growing up, I lived on a bright street with no real view of the sky. The best views of stars I got was through books and the local planetarium. My parents got me an inexpensive telescope so I could pursue my passion, but the only place in my neighborhood dark enough to look through the 'scope was a desolate, abandoned parking lot.

When I got older, I pursued my passion. I was able to away from city lights and closer to the stars. I've been used various telescopes over the years, but I still have that great little telescope that my dad gave me. I could never get rid of it. Too many memories of the belief that I could see the heavens one day.

I have found another favorite telescope. The review is at http://www.squidoo.com/celestron-127eq-powerseeker-telescope

Friday, February 15, 2013

How To Help Someone Having a Seizure

Epilepsy has plagued me for many years. It runs in my family. A lot of people don't understand how to help someone suffering from a seizure. I wrote a short piece about how to help. You can find it here:

http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-help-someone-having-a-seizure

Monday, February 11, 2013

Portable Bathtub Spas

After a day like today (I just helped my friend move...oh, the pain in my old body) I really want to relax in a hot bath. This seems like just the thing.
I had to get a personal whirlpool for my tub. The whirlpools that came with my tub don't work any more.

These are nice replacements.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Marvel Villains Action Figures

I'm a geek. I'm a collector. I'm a nerd.
I collect action figures. NOT dolls! ACTION FIGURES!
I need me some Marvel. Marvel Villains especially are the best.
I can stop collecting at any time. Really.
These are a few of my favorite Marvel Villain Figures:
http://www.squidoo.com/marvel-villains-action-figures

Friday, February 8, 2013

Richard Brautigan Books

English: Richard Brautigan, last of the beat. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ever since I was a kid, I've loved reading Richard Brautigan books. I know, what would a young kid have known about the last of the beats.

The thing was, I couldn't tell you. But something resonated. Something odd, something bizarre.

Something...familiar.

His twists of phrase and juxtaposition on reality somehow reminded me of myself. Again, I have no idea how that could have happened at the age of 13 but it did. Here's more on some of my favorite Brautigan books.http://www.squidoo.com/richard-brautigan-books