I first heard about nasal irrigation from my mom about four months ago. It's basically using a saline solution and a device to flush one's nasal passages. The aim is to alleviate sinus related annoyances such as dust and other allergens. I purchased a syringe from a local health store since I had a cold at that time. I was a bit scared at first, however. The thought of shooting water up one nostril and having it exit the other nostril made me a bit nervous. But, I figured the worst thing that could happen was that I'd swallow a little water or have some water go into my lungs. Either way, I'd survive. So, I just tried it and it wasn't bad at all. In fact, if the water is the right temperature, then I don't notice it much at all.
While I had the cold I irrigated my nasal passages twice a day. It felt the best a few minutes after irrigation. Then, my congestion gradually worked its way back after an hour or two. I think it helped me to recover quicker though. After recovering, I did the flushing once a week for a month or two. Then we had guests over and we were busy with other things (like having a baby), so I stopped for a couple months. Tonight I did it again though, because my sinuses were bothering me a bit today. Same positive results. Very nice.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
Personal Accountability
The other day driving to work I heard about a proposal by some politician for a moratorium on building new fast food restaurants in her city. Her claim was that there were too many junk food restaurants and not enough healthy choices like family diners. She believes that this is causing Americans (at least in her city) to become obese. Never mind that the radio host pointed out that many fast food chains also offer healthy alternatives. Although she might mean well, I think she has it all wrong.
Perhaps there are lots of fast food restaurants because that's what people want. Even if they don't "want" many fast food restaurants, they are obviously supporting the chains with their dollars. Otherwise, the fast food restaurants wouldn't survive. We don't need more government rules and regulations to limit our choices. Will we still be able to call this a free country if we need government to make such simple decisions for us?
What people need is more education. Instead of creating more restrictions, government can launch marketing campaigns to teach people about food choices and their consequences. "These types of foods are good for you. Here's how to read the nutritional information label. Eat junk food and this is what happens to your health." This is not a new solution, but look at the amount of advertising the junk food companies do compared to "eat healthy food" marketing. Any additional exposure would help. Armed with knowledge, people can make their own decisions or pay the price. We need more personal accountability. Let's stop blaming others and try to be responsible for our own actions.
And in this fast paced nation, perhaps we need more free time. Take a breath from time to time. Work will be there when we return. Life, on the other hand, won't wait.
Perhaps there are lots of fast food restaurants because that's what people want. Even if they don't "want" many fast food restaurants, they are obviously supporting the chains with their dollars. Otherwise, the fast food restaurants wouldn't survive. We don't need more government rules and regulations to limit our choices. Will we still be able to call this a free country if we need government to make such simple decisions for us?
What people need is more education. Instead of creating more restrictions, government can launch marketing campaigns to teach people about food choices and their consequences. "These types of foods are good for you. Here's how to read the nutritional information label. Eat junk food and this is what happens to your health." This is not a new solution, but look at the amount of advertising the junk food companies do compared to "eat healthy food" marketing. Any additional exposure would help. Armed with knowledge, people can make their own decisions or pay the price. We need more personal accountability. Let's stop blaming others and try to be responsible for our own actions.
And in this fast paced nation, perhaps we need more free time. Take a breath from time to time. Work will be there when we return. Life, on the other hand, won't wait.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Celebration Lunch
Today, my team was treated to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory in Marina Del Ray to celebrate a recent product milestone. It was a nice little break. I currently work with a great bunch of people (including my boss). I feel fortunate to work with such a team. It definitely adds to my level of work satisfaction.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Gun Ownership and Violence
A Harvard study evaluated data from different countries to see if higher levels of gun ownership correlated with increased violence. They found that the opposite is true: More guns equals less crime.
Worldwide Data Obliterates Notion that Gun Ownership Correlates with Violence
This supports Dr. John Lott's previous study, which is detailed in his book titled "More Guns, Less Crime."
Worldwide Data Obliterates Notion that Gun Ownership Correlates with Violence
This supports Dr. John Lott's previous study, which is detailed in his book titled "More Guns, Less Crime."
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Baby Stuff
When someone asks me what I do in my free time, I always have a hard time finding an immediate answer. The reason, I realized, is that the answer is always changing--or evolving. In my younger days, I'd do things like play computer games, play guitar or play around with Linux. Go back even further, and you'd find me watching cartoons and reading comic books. Of course, every kid does those things though.
Ever since the Internet became mainstream around 1995, I'd have some topic to research on the web. Whatever grabs my interest at the time, I would obsess upon. Subjects have ranged from computer technology, politics, health, firearms, video games, finance, small business and snowboarding gear to name a few. Like that time not too long ago that I clicked high and low in search of the best videography howto site. Or when I spent way too much time filling my Blockbuster Online DVD queue. It should now take roughly four years to get through my movie list. I'm sure that many others can relate. The Internet is boundless.
Lately, I've been reading up on baby stuff. Besides searching the web for "safe" baby toys, I've been reading a few recommended books on raising a "smart" kid. They have nothing to do with quizzing your kids and having them memorize tons of facts. Parents employing the methods in these books will appear to be loving and nurturing parents, rather than mean school teachers. (Not that all school teachers are mean or anything.) One of them focuses on health issues. The other two are about reading to your children. I'll probably write a blog entry about these books when I finish the one I'm currently reading.
By the way, I still use Linux and like to keep up with the latest versions. After all, Linux is about freedom of choice as well as technology. And I think about playing video games occasionally. However, as I evolve, my priorities also evolve. It's a natural thing. Trying to find a balance is the key.
Ever since the Internet became mainstream around 1995, I'd have some topic to research on the web. Whatever grabs my interest at the time, I would obsess upon. Subjects have ranged from computer technology, politics, health, firearms, video games, finance, small business and snowboarding gear to name a few. Like that time not too long ago that I clicked high and low in search of the best videography howto site. Or when I spent way too much time filling my Blockbuster Online DVD queue. It should now take roughly four years to get through my movie list. I'm sure that many others can relate. The Internet is boundless.
Lately, I've been reading up on baby stuff. Besides searching the web for "safe" baby toys, I've been reading a few recommended books on raising a "smart" kid. They have nothing to do with quizzing your kids and having them memorize tons of facts. Parents employing the methods in these books will appear to be loving and nurturing parents, rather than mean school teachers. (Not that all school teachers are mean or anything.) One of them focuses on health issues. The other two are about reading to your children. I'll probably write a blog entry about these books when I finish the one I'm currently reading.
By the way, I still use Linux and like to keep up with the latest versions. After all, Linux is about freedom of choice as well as technology. And I think about playing video games occasionally. However, as I evolve, my priorities also evolve. It's a natural thing. Trying to find a balance is the key.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Germs in Babyland
Having a child has been a life changing experience. We now have a daughter who is with us 24/7. As her parents, it is our sole responsibility to love and nurture her. Since her stomach started out the size of a marble, she needs to eat frequently until her stomach grows and becomes more elastic. Until then, we'll continue feeding her every 2 to 4 hours around the clock. Between feedings, there is a constant barrage of poop. My wife, Alice, has instantly become an expert at changing diapers. I'm still a novice; but I'm not too bad considering. Actually, I've been more of a diaper changing assistant. In spite of all the feeding, changing of diapers and lack of sleep, it's totally worth it for our precious Emma.
As new parents, it's natural for us to worry about our baby's health. From reading and taking a couple classes at the hospital, we learned that it's best to limit the number of visitors while the baby is very young. The recommendation for length of time will vary. Most doctors suggest limiting exposure during the first one or two months. If visitors do stop by, they should wash their hands before handling the baby.
Our doctors informed us that if our baby develops a fever (over 100.4 degrees F), then we should take her to the emergency room immediately. The scary thing is that they will likely do a spinal tap along with some other tests. The reason is that when newborns develop a fever, there is a higher likelihood that it's caused by a serious infection or illness. I guess compared to the risk of letting something as serious as meningitis go untreated, a visit to the E.R. isn't so bad. It would be nice if more people were aware of the dangers. It's sometimes been an exercise in our people skills to educate family and friends who are eager to meet the new member of the family.
Along similar lines, a major toy manufacturer has just announced it's third wave of recalls on toys that were manufactured in another country. (I don't even need to mention names here.) Probable cause: Lead paint. For those who think that these things aren't cause for alarm, there was an article the other week about an Oregon family whose children have developed learning disabilities because their contractor used a torch to melt the paint off their walls. The paint contained lead. There are actually many toxic chemicals surrounding us in this day and age. Toxins can often be found in plastic baby teethers, second hand cigarette smoke, and treatment for wood found in playgrounds to name a few. To be fair, I understand that a number of toy manufacturers have been eliminating the use of toxic chemicals in their baby products. News like this makes me want to buy "natural" toys like wooden toys with safe pigments or stuffed animals made from organically grown cotton. As expected, these are a bit pricier than toys made of cheap plastic. But, isn't baby worth it? Also, it may be a good way to avoid buying an excessive number of toys to spoil our child. Another plus is that simpler toys (compared with high tech gadgets) are believed to better stimulate a child's creativity.
Speaking of harmful substances, a major popcorn manufacturer has announced today that it plans to stop using a flavoring chemical linked to lung problems in some of its plant workers. There is also reason to believe that the chemical might be harmful to consumers as well. A coworker who first brought this substance to my attention a few weeks ago said he's been popping his popcorn in a wok lately and it works really well.
No matter how hard we try, however, we will be exposed to germs and toxins. Fortunately, humans can often develop a resistance to germs. I don't think the same holds true for toxins. So, as far as germs are concerned, it's beneficial for children to be exposed to a "reasonable" amount of germs in order to develop their natural resistance. My wife and I are pretty careful when it comes to hygeine; but I'm certain that our daughter is still getting exposed to her share of germs (in reasonable amounts). So, I'm not concerned about her not having enough exposure to bugs. In fact, we plan to purchase an annual membership to the Los Angeles Zoo and try to make regular visits once Emma gets a bit older (maybe at three months). There are a couple studies that indicate that children with regular exposure to farm animals, especially within the first year of age, may see a reduced risk of asthma, eczema, allergies and inflammatory bowel disease. I'm hoping that the benefits apply to zoo-goers as well as farm dwellers even though there usually aren't any cows at the zoo. In any case, it'll be a good time to take lots of family photos.
Sources:
Vincent Iannelli, M.D., Babies and Infants with Fever
Kelly Marshall, Rob Kelley, Mattel announces third toy recall
David Perlmutter, MD, FACN, Raise A Smarter Child by Kindergarten, Sep 2006
Associated Press, ConAgra to remove popcorn chemical
Alan Greene, MD, FAAP, Cows, Cats, Siblings, and Immune Health
As new parents, it's natural for us to worry about our baby's health. From reading and taking a couple classes at the hospital, we learned that it's best to limit the number of visitors while the baby is very young. The recommendation for length of time will vary. Most doctors suggest limiting exposure during the first one or two months. If visitors do stop by, they should wash their hands before handling the baby.
Our doctors informed us that if our baby develops a fever (over 100.4 degrees F), then we should take her to the emergency room immediately. The scary thing is that they will likely do a spinal tap along with some other tests. The reason is that when newborns develop a fever, there is a higher likelihood that it's caused by a serious infection or illness. I guess compared to the risk of letting something as serious as meningitis go untreated, a visit to the E.R. isn't so bad. It would be nice if more people were aware of the dangers. It's sometimes been an exercise in our people skills to educate family and friends who are eager to meet the new member of the family.
Along similar lines, a major toy manufacturer has just announced it's third wave of recalls on toys that were manufactured in another country. (I don't even need to mention names here.) Probable cause: Lead paint. For those who think that these things aren't cause for alarm, there was an article the other week about an Oregon family whose children have developed learning disabilities because their contractor used a torch to melt the paint off their walls. The paint contained lead. There are actually many toxic chemicals surrounding us in this day and age. Toxins can often be found in plastic baby teethers, second hand cigarette smoke, and treatment for wood found in playgrounds to name a few. To be fair, I understand that a number of toy manufacturers have been eliminating the use of toxic chemicals in their baby products. News like this makes me want to buy "natural" toys like wooden toys with safe pigments or stuffed animals made from organically grown cotton. As expected, these are a bit pricier than toys made of cheap plastic. But, isn't baby worth it? Also, it may be a good way to avoid buying an excessive number of toys to spoil our child. Another plus is that simpler toys (compared with high tech gadgets) are believed to better stimulate a child's creativity.
Speaking of harmful substances, a major popcorn manufacturer has announced today that it plans to stop using a flavoring chemical linked to lung problems in some of its plant workers. There is also reason to believe that the chemical might be harmful to consumers as well. A coworker who first brought this substance to my attention a few weeks ago said he's been popping his popcorn in a wok lately and it works really well.
No matter how hard we try, however, we will be exposed to germs and toxins. Fortunately, humans can often develop a resistance to germs. I don't think the same holds true for toxins. So, as far as germs are concerned, it's beneficial for children to be exposed to a "reasonable" amount of germs in order to develop their natural resistance. My wife and I are pretty careful when it comes to hygeine; but I'm certain that our daughter is still getting exposed to her share of germs (in reasonable amounts). So, I'm not concerned about her not having enough exposure to bugs. In fact, we plan to purchase an annual membership to the Los Angeles Zoo and try to make regular visits once Emma gets a bit older (maybe at three months). There are a couple studies that indicate that children with regular exposure to farm animals, especially within the first year of age, may see a reduced risk of asthma, eczema, allergies and inflammatory bowel disease. I'm hoping that the benefits apply to zoo-goers as well as farm dwellers even though there usually aren't any cows at the zoo. In any case, it'll be a good time to take lots of family photos.
Sources:
Vincent Iannelli, M.D., Babies and Infants with Fever
Kelly Marshall, Rob Kelley, Mattel announces third toy recall
David Perlmutter, MD, FACN, Raise A Smarter Child by Kindergarten, Sep 2006
Associated Press, ConAgra to remove popcorn chemical
Alan Greene, MD, FAAP, Cows, Cats, Siblings, and Immune Health
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
The Null Object
Today I read an interesting article about using a "null object" design pattern in object oriented programming to help avoid the NullPointerException. Rather than verifying that an object isn't null before doing something, as in:
if (myObject != null) {
// do something
}
instead, create a special null object that implements the required interface(s) in a "null" way:
class NullObject implements MyObjectInterface {
public String getLabel() {
return "Null value!";
}
}
Then, whenever you need to use a "null" default value, return your NullObject:
public MyObjectInterface getObject(String input) {
if(input.equalsIgnoreCase("Apple")) {
return AppleObject();
} else if (input.equalsIgnoreCase("Orange")) {
return new OrangeObject();
} else {
return new NullObject();
}
}
Using this pattern frees us from all those if-statements to test for null objects.
Source:
Jeff Langr, http://www.developer.com/design/article.php/3697611
if (myObject != null) {
// do something
}
instead, create a special null object that implements the required interface(s) in a "null" way:
class NullObject implements MyObjectInterface {
public String getLabel() {
return "Null value!";
}
}
Then, whenever you need to use a "null" default value, return your NullObject:
public MyObjectInterface getObject(String input) {
if(input.equalsIgnoreCase("Apple")) {
return AppleObject();
} else if (input.equalsIgnoreCase("Orange")) {
return new OrangeObject();
} else {
return new NullObject();
}
}
Using this pattern frees us from all those if-statements to test for null objects.
Source:
Jeff Langr, http://www.developer.com/design/article.php/3697611
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Sharing Photos on the Web
Today I created a photo album for my daughter, Emma, and uploaded it to Picasa. I had uploaded a mini album of nine photos on August 19th, but I didn't get to sit down and create a more complete album until today. The new album consists of 100 photos.
Since it's the first time I'm creating an album this large, I installed the Picasa2 software app on my PCLinuxOS system. I thought that I would be able to use it to easily upload bunches of photos at a time. Unfortunately, the Linux version of Picasa2 does not yet support posting to Web Albums. A rep on their forum says it may be supported by end of summer. However, from the same forum thread, I learned that I could use the Firefox browser extension called Firefox Universal Uploader (FireUploader) to post the photos.
Knowing this, I used Picasa2 to browse and edit the photos, then FireUploader to post them to my Picasa web album. Overall, this workaround worked out great!
Since it's the first time I'm creating an album this large, I installed the Picasa2 software app on my PCLinuxOS system. I thought that I would be able to use it to easily upload bunches of photos at a time. Unfortunately, the Linux version of Picasa2 does not yet support posting to Web Albums. A rep on their forum says it may be supported by end of summer. However, from the same forum thread, I learned that I could use the Firefox browser extension called Firefox Universal Uploader (FireUploader) to post the photos.
Knowing this, I used Picasa2 to browse and edit the photos, then FireUploader to post them to my Picasa web album. Overall, this workaround worked out great!
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