Minty Monkey http://www.mintymonkey.com A Fresh Approach Sun, 19 Feb 2012 04:39:12 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 High Tech Diamond Coated Cubic Zirconia Wedding Bands http://www.mintymonkey.com/high-tech-diamond-coated-cubic-zirconia-wedding-bands.html http://www.mintymonkey.com/high-tech-diamond-coated-cubic-zirconia-wedding-bands.html#comments Sun, 19 Feb 2012 04:39:12 +0000 theadmin http://www.mintymonkey.com/high-tech-diamond-coated-cubic-zirconia-wedding-bands.html Technology has reached the CZ jewelry industry, delivering high quality faux gemstones that imitate expensive diamond engagement rings and wedding bands. Although recreating the physical / chemical composition of a diamond is possible to do in a lab, it’s still an expensive procedure, which is why mined diamonds versus lab created ones [...]]]> Technology has reached the CZ jewelry industry, delivering high quality faux gemstones that imitate expensive diamond engagement rings and wedding bands. Although recreating the physical / chemical composition of a diamond is possible to do in a lab, it’s still an expensive procedure, which is why mined diamonds versus lab created ones are still similar in price. That explains why state-of-the-art cubic zirconia stones remain the number one diamond alternative. What factors contribute to high-tech cubic zirconia wedding rings being difficult to distinguish from diamond versions?

 

The main aspect that differentiates a state-of-the-art CZ from a cheap version, and will make it less distinguishable from a genuine gem, is a treatment called amorphous diamond coating. One of the companies that pioneered this process, and uses such it on their CZ gemstones, is Asha. The coating they developed reduces what makes a cubic zirconia appear fake at first glance. How? A substance, comprised of microscopic diamond crystals, is blasted onto the stones in a process known as ADT – amorphous diamond treatment. Sometimes the stones are said to have been diamond infused. These are used in high-end cubic zirconia wedding rings and are marketed as diamond stimulants or hybrids because the coating penetrates the upper layers of the crystal. Bridal sets, cubic zirconia wedding bands and engagement rings treated with a diamond coating are mounted into platinum or solid gold bands, which means that ADT or diamond infused CZ jewelry costs more than average cheap cubic zirconia items. Why choose coated CZs? Because the size of the gems a buyer can select will be larger while still paying less than what natural diamonds cost and the quality of the settings is superior.

 

High-tech cubic zirconia wedding rings with gems that have been diamond infused are also available through companies such as MiaDonna & Co. They provide state-of-the-art diamond imitations for $358 per carat. That means a buyer can have a believable faux diamond engagement ring and a wedding band set in precious metals for a small percentage of what the same item would cost if it had mined diamonds. Another key to these CZ rings is not just the ADT process but also the way the stones are cut – by hand. MiaDonna is one of the companies that offers high-tech cubic zirconia wedding rings and faux diamond jewelry finished in the same way as genuine diamond pieces – meaning the stones are valuable enough to merit being cut by hand and set into precious metals. Although they’re NOT diamonds, nor do they have identical properties, they are high quality CZs that only an expert can distinguish from genuine gems.

]]> http://www.mintymonkey.com/high-tech-diamond-coated-cubic-zirconia-wedding-bands.html/feed 0 Cool Ways to Find New Wines http://www.mintymonkey.com/cool-ways-to-find-new-wines.html http://www.mintymonkey.com/cool-ways-to-find-new-wines.html#comments Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:29:47 +0000 theadmin http://www.mintymonkey.com/cool-ways-to-find-new-wines.html Look, we all have friends who are obsessive over wine.  They are rather difficult to buy gifts for aren’t they?

Finding a wine gift for your snobby wino friends is one of the most difficult, but being able to pull it off, especially if the wino is your boss is truly the art of [...]]]> Look, we all have friends who are obsessive over wine.  They are rather difficult to buy gifts for aren’t they?

Finding a wine gift for your snobby wino friends is one of the most difficult, but being able to pull it off, especially if the wino is your boss is truly the art of cool.  Plus, unlike so many other types of gifts, you can seriously get the entire thing done in under an hour if you know what you’re doing.

Ok, so the question quickly becomes, how can you pull it off?

Start by doing a bit of research.  Find the wine region or better yet the winery within a wine region that they like the best.  Don’t buy something from them though.  Send an email to the winemaker directly (you can get their name from the website, but their email is going to have to come from somewhere else most likely like rapportive or LinkedIn) asking if they have either a personal lable or a suggestion for a similar nearby winery.  That’s how the professionals find great wine.

]]> http://www.mintymonkey.com/cool-ways-to-find-new-wines.html/feed 0 E Cigarettte Technology Is Here To Stay http://www.mintymonkey.com/e-cigarettte-technology-is-here-to-stay.html http://www.mintymonkey.com/e-cigarettte-technology-is-here-to-stay.html#comments Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:29:33 +0000 theadmin http://www.mintymonkey.com/e-cigarettte-technology-here-to-stay.html Electronic cigarettes are proving to be the breakthrough that smokers all over the world had hoped they would be as well as cheaper with the use of vouchers like this E-Lites discount code. With the 2 piece e cigarette becoming the norm along with disposable cartridges they are proving to be [...]]]> Electronic cigarettes are proving to be the breakthrough that smokers all over the world had hoped they would be as well as cheaper with the use of vouchers like this E-Lites discount code. With the 2 piece e cigarette becoming the norm along with disposable cartridges they are proving to be a lot easier to use.

The two parts of an e cig consist quite simply of a battery and a cartridge. The cartridge contains the atomizer and e-liquid which in turn contains the nicotine. This screws into the battery, the battery can make or break the success of an e cigarette. If the battery is quality then it will allow for longer vaping periods between re-charging as well as with the volume of vapor.

This doesn’t make it any easier to pick out a brand though, there are many other options to consider. The price will obviously be one of the things people look out for but for many the most important thing is the size, this would all depend on what you want from your e cigarette.

]]> http://www.mintymonkey.com/e-cigarettte-technology-is-here-to-stay.html/feed 0 Green is the Coolest Color http://www.mintymonkey.com/green-is-the-coolest-color.html http://www.mintymonkey.com/green-is-the-coolest-color.html#comments Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:28:58 +0000 theadmin http://www.mintymonkey.com/green-is-the-coolest-color.html Everyday there are tragedies somewhere in the world, we see the reports of how nature can virtually destroy on a whim anything we build.  These stories are always kind of depressing with lives and homes lost and people looking helpless in the face of the power of nature.   However sometimes we see a happier [...]]]> Everyday there are tragedies somewhere in the world, we see the reports of how nature can virtually destroy on a whim anything we build.  These stories are always kind of depressing with lives and homes lost and people looking helpless in the face of the power of nature.   However sometimes we see a happier tale of somethign good growing out of these sorts of tragedies.

Such is the story of Greensburg in Kansas, a town that was virtually destroyed in 2007 by a huge tornado.  When I say virtually – I’m not exaggerating over 95% of the city was completely flattened.  Now it is here that  the story becomes a bit cooler rather than depressing – what happened next was amazing.

The residents turned their tragedy into an opportunity, to rebuild their homes based on environmental principles only.  Their replacement homes would be eco friendly houses using only sustainable resources and materials.  Greensburg has become the first planned Eco Town in the world.    Every city and municipal building had to reach a high eco standard and all residents where encouraged to meet the same standards.  

Furthermore they have created a huge new wind farm to supply energy to the town and even sell back power to the grid when possible.  This makes a large proportion of the energy used in Greensburg to be from a renewable source.  The new school was very eco friendly both in construction, design and implementation and all the street lights in town are low energy LED street lights.

In the centre of Greensburg a community garden was created which is owned and open to the entire community.  This not only encourages the community spirit but also health exercise and growing vegetables.  All of this was financed by a Greensburg non-profit cooperative designed to promote environmentally friendly options throughout the town.  Out of tragedy has come an amazing new eco town – how cool is that !

 

]]> http://www.mintymonkey.com/green-is-the-coolest-color.html/feed 0 The Secrets of Asian Show Cooking http://www.mintymonkey.com/the-secrets-of-asian-show-cooking.html http://www.mintymonkey.com/the-secrets-of-asian-show-cooking.html#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:44:24 +0000 theadmin http://www.mintymonkey.com/the-secrets-of-asian-show-cooking.html Show cooking is a new trend rapidly gaining popularity in the food and restaurant business, and one sector of the cooking scene that has dominated this trend is the Asian division. So what are the secrets of Asian show cooking that make them so popular with customers, even the ones with the most discriminating of [...]]]> Show cooking is a new trend rapidly gaining popularity in the food and restaurant business, and one sector of the cooking scene that has dominated this trend is the Asian division. So what are the secrets of Asian show cooking that make them so popular with customers, even the ones with the most discriminating of tastes?
Show cooking started out as the brainchild of some enterprising restaurateur as some sort of gimmick to attract more diners or customers, although this is a fairly new concept to the western world, the eastern countries like Japan, Thailand, China, and others have been used to this style of cooking while the diners are watching, especially in wok restaurants. In Asia, this method is done to show the customers that the ingredients for their dish are really fresh and because Asians prefer natural ingredients in their food, this method gives them reassurance that no artificial preservatives and taste modifiers were used. These days, you can go to many Japanese restaurants and a typical Chinese wokrestaurant and witness show cooking first hand, you will usually be seated along with other customers, on benches surrounding a central “pit” or cooking stage where the show cooking chef will be preparing all your orders tight before your eyes. Dishes like fresh sushi and dim sum will taste even better if you have had the pleasure of watching them being assembled right before you. It is best to plan on eating light if you ever decide to dine in one of the said restaurants because the experience has more of an entertainment feel rather than taking a full meal at a buffet. Although most of the show cooking restaurants have more than enough food to fill everyone’s stomach, the thing most emphasized in a theme like this is the cooking part, so it would be better if you are not starving when you enter these restaurants, otherwise, you will only get frustrated which will cause you to become even hungrier. And because Asian show cooking is not just for dining but also for entertainment, it can be a good way to bring something new and fun to your event. This unique form of entertainment can serve as a great compliment to your program, and can even help to foster interaction among guests as they are all attracted to the skillful ways of the chef. Many show cooking services are available online and you can also view their past catering events to give you an idea of what they can do to boost your party.    

]]> http://www.mintymonkey.com/the-secrets-of-asian-show-cooking.html/feed 0 The Importance Of High Tech Refrigerator Reviews http://www.mintymonkey.com/the-importance-of-high-tech-refrigerator-reviews.html http://www.mintymonkey.com/the-importance-of-high-tech-refrigerator-reviews.html#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:39:27 +0000 theadmin http://www.mintymonkey.com/the-importance-of-high-tech-refrigerator-reviews.html In our modern high technology world, consulting refrigerator reviews is an absolute must before going out to purchase a new fridge freezer.  In the good old days, buying refrigerators was a simple manner – all brands were pretty reliable, and not having many features there wasn’t much that could break.

Now however, the combination [...]]]> In our modern high technology world, consulting refrigerator reviews is an absolute must before going out to purchase a new fridge freezer.  In the good old days, buying refrigerators was a simple manner – all brands were pretty reliable, and not having many features there wasn’t much that could break.

Now however, the combination of high tech features and built in redundancy, makes the purchase of a refrigerator a much more risky endeavor.  While features like ice maker and in-door water dispensers are handy, they are also very fragile and have a high failure rate.  Before buying this technology it is worth figuring out which are the best refrigerators when it comes to reliability of these parts.

The general deterioration of quality of modern appliances is another reason to consult refrigerator reviews before spending your hard earned cash. In the ongoing race to the bottom manufacturers continue to substitute lower priced components in order to make their units cheaper.

While using one cheaper capacitor may only save a couple of cents and only slightly increase the chance of an appliance failing, when this practice is scaled up the effects are significant.  Shave a few cents off the price of hundreds of different components and the savings in the factory are substantial – but also the likely lifespan of the resulting product is going to be greatly reduced.

For modern white goods, this unfortunate combination of high technology features and low cost manufacturing makes appliance buying a bit of a crap-shoot.  I cannot recommend enough that you consult reputable refrigerator reviewers before purchasing a new refrigeration device for either your residential or commercial needs.

]]> http://www.mintymonkey.com/the-importance-of-high-tech-refrigerator-reviews.html/feed 0 Teens Want Cool Jobs But Are There Any Out There? http://www.mintymonkey.com/teens-want-cool-jobs-but-are-there-any-out-there.html http://www.mintymonkey.com/teens-want-cool-jobs-but-are-there-any-out-there.html#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:45:22 +0000 theadmin http://www.mintymonkey.com/teens-want-cool-jobs-but-are-there-any-out-there.html At some point, many teenagers decide that they want a job so that they can earn some extra money. Typically sixteen is the age that they might start looking and one of the cool jobs for 16 year olds that they might like is that of a video game tester. Unfortunately, there are [...]]]> At some point, many teenagers decide that they want a job so that they can earn some extra money. Typically sixteen is the age that they might start looking and one of the cool jobs for 16 year olds that they might like is that of a video game tester. Unfortunately, there are not many of them available and the ones that are usually go to older people.

Young teenagers often have unrealistic expectations when it comes to jobs and right now with a bad economy, they cannot be picky. They may want to work at the mall with their friends or do something else where they can be social and be paid. But an expectation for a fun job like that often is at odds with the kinds of real jobs that are available.

At this time going into the summer hiring season, teenagers of all ages need to find and get any job they can. Throw out all lofty expectations of the cool jobs and just try to find and take something that is open. That, unfortunately, is the reality that they are faced with.

Getting your first job is always a bit scary but we all have to go through it. Any teen who does get hired needs to be thankful because there will be lots of kids this summer that never get anything. Work hard to try to find any open job and grab it if you can. Later this summer you will be glad you have something that pays while some of your friends are still looking for work.

]]> http://www.mintymonkey.com/teens-want-cool-jobs-but-are-there-any-out-there.html/feed 0 Technology’s impact on underground style artwork http://www.mintymonkey.com/technologys-impact-on-underground-style-artwork.html http://www.mintymonkey.com/technologys-impact-on-underground-style-artwork.html#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:35:23 +0000 Skinnybuddha http://www.mintymonkey.com/?p=312 What describes an underground style of artwork? Many would immediately jump to conclusions and say graffiti. Those people are correct but there are also many other kinds of street art that would be considered “underground” including stencil art, screen printing, 3d street art and even crafts/jewelry. All of these art [...]]]> What describes an underground style of artwork? Many would immediately jump to conclusions and say graffiti. Those people are correct but there are also many other kinds of street art that would be considered “underground” including stencil art, screen printing, 3d street art and even crafts/jewelry. All of these art forms used to be done by strictly by hand or with specific tools of the trade. Now the year is 2012 and street art is blooming. As technology has evolved many street artists have taken an interest in using computers to help fuel their creative works. Have you seen the 3d street art that people are creating these days?!? It looks as if a earthquake hit your local block and by  looking at it, you could swear you would fall right through the floor. While I do give lots of credit to the artist, this was definitely created with some form of technology. Screen printing has evolved from the basic screen printing we know and love to fully automated machines that are printing thousands of shirts at a time! Etsy.com has fueled many of these street artists by offering them an online market to sell their independent goods. Technology is further evolving with every new edition of the Adobe graphic designs series that they release. I for one support the technological influence on the arts because I can not wait to see what these artists use the technology to create next!

 

]]> http://www.mintymonkey.com/technologys-impact-on-underground-style-artwork.html/feed 0 Technological advances in sports wear http://www.mintymonkey.com/technological-advances-in-sports-wear.html http://www.mintymonkey.com/technological-advances-in-sports-wear.html#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 04:48:53 +0000 picn http://www.mintymonkey.com/?p=292 Sports and technology go hand in hand together and this is especially true for cheerleading uniforms. Cheerleaders tend to be a natural part of a team and are appointed to cheer and motivate the team. Hence it is important that they should look glitzy and fashionable, as well as performing excellent stunts as entertainment [...]]]> Sports and technology go hand in hand together and this is especially true for cheerleading uniforms. Cheerleaders tend to be a natural part of a team and are appointed to cheer and motivate the team. Hence it is important that they should look glitzy and fashionable, as well as performing excellent stunts as entertainment their own team. People usually believe that cheerleaders need to look great and may wear something that is attractive and eye catching. Nevertheless, it has to perform for the actual user itself and this is where technological advancements come into play.

Cheerleading requires a lot of energy expenditure which causes a lot of sweating, therefore the uniform should be made from a material that enables for sufficient body breathing and soak up perspiration. The actual strength and durability from the material is yet another essential requirement. It would be awkward if the uniform is ripped during a game. Although cheerleading uniforms are generally designed for those movements to look choreographic, if however it’s too restricted, it’ll cause wear and tear through material stretching. A loose dress would not look great. Ideal cheerleader uniforms should therefore be designed to be flexible and durable, no matter what cheerleading stunts are involved and with the current and future advancements in material sciences, this is now turning into reality for many women across the nation.

]]> http://www.mintymonkey.com/technological-advances-in-sports-wear.html/feed 0 Early Detection Saves More Lives http://www.mintymonkey.com/early-detection-saves-more-lives.html http://www.mintymonkey.com/early-detection-saves-more-lives.html#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:08:34 +0000 stevehudson http://www.mintymonkey.com/?p=288 Our aim to keep ourselves fit and healthy must not only focus on what we eat or the type of exercise we should enroll. Now, as we try to keep pace with our busy lifestyles, we must also find time and ways to be physically healthy in the real sense we don’t feel any pain [...]]]> Our aim to keep ourselves fit and healthy must not only focus on what we eat or the type of exercise we should enroll. Now, as we try to keep pace with our busy lifestyles, we must also find time and ways to be physically healthy in the real sense we don’t feel any pain or sickness. One effective way to achieve this objective is to avail ourselves with some inexpensive medical check-up for the early detection of any diseases like cardiovascular diseases.

Did you know that by availing any of these 2 examinations for any heart ailments: the ultrasound scanning or IMT Scanning (intima media thickness scanning) and the battery of advanced cardiovascular blood test?

IMT Scanning

This type of medical procedure is done by a trained ultrasound technician or sonographer. It measures the thickness of the walls of the arteries and any plaque formation. The plaque detection gives a more accurate prediction of heart attack or stroke. The entire process takes only 10 minutes and the patient is not exposed to any forms of radiation. Proper treatments are given to patients to prevent any heart diseases.

Advanced Cardiovascular blood testing

This type of blood examination goes beyond the general lipid panel. The advanced cardiovascular should include the following:

  • Cholesterol fractions – to check if there are any harmful cholesterol in the body and immediate preventions are given like changes in eating and exercise habits.
  • Apolipoprotein B and Lipoprotein (a) – to verify the range of these 2 elements that could increase the chances of having a stroke. For example higher level of Apo B can result to stroke. Proper nutrition and change of lifestyle is advice.
  • Cholesterol Fractions – this test also looks for any traces of bad cholesterol or LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) and good cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein).
  • Homocysteine and Fibrinogen – this complete blood test will also check the levels of homocysteine and fibrinogen. If found with high levels of fibrinogen which is responsible for formation of blood clots, then, preventive measures are prescribed to patients like correct diet, exercise and adequate supplements.
  • C-Reactive Protein and Lipo-PLA2 – this exam detects any inflammation of the heart and when found, any changes in eating habits are given prompt attention.
  • Insulin and Blood sugar – people with diabetes are more prone to heart diseases, thorough check on the levels of insulin and blood sugar are conducted.
  • Apolipoprotein E – knowing your Apo E genotype is crucial so that doctors can give you the right diet or exercise suited for you.

Early detection can really save more lives with the right medical examination and preventive measures. The entire process of this check-up can change one’s life for the better and enable anyone to live a life to the fullest.

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