Articles written by C S Slockbower - Page 4

What is Helium

About me - C S Slockbower

I am married to the love of my life. We have three teenage daughters, because of which I know I will NEVER run out of topics to write about.

I spent more years than I want to publicly declare working in the escrow industry.

I love poker, cooking and writing,

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Food & Drink > Cooking Fruits & Vegetables Tips for canning fruits: 4 of 7

The most critical aspect to canning is sterilization. Improper sterilization allows bacteria into the food or its container and bacteria can be deadly.Proper sterilization requires that all instruments and vessels be fully immersed in boiling water for at least ten to twelve minutes.Begin by collecting all jars, lids, seals a... More..
Food & Drink > Cookware & Cutlery How to sharpen a kitchen knife: 10 of 17

Most people don't realize that there is a difference between sharpening a knife and honing a knife.Most butcher blocks come with a "sharpening steel," which is actually a misnomer since this device merely hones, not sharpens, the blade. All knives should be honed after each use. Each stroke of your blade as you cut or chop ha... More..
Business > Project Management Conflict resolution tips for project managers: 3 of 5

Conflict resolution is no different for managers than it is for spouses. Resolving conflict hinges on one basic, invaluable skill: communication.Effective communication is more than just adequately articulating wants, needs and goals. A sparkling orator makes for a good politician, but this same individual is not necessarily ... More..
Creative Writing > Satire Satire: The death of thought: 7 of 11
I don't believe that it is "thought" that has died an unceremonious death in our society so much as it has been common sense.For example, what prevents a woman from wedging a scalding hot cauldron of coffee between her knees while her son careens away from a McDonald's drive-through window? Common sense.What would prevent thi... More..
Food & Drink > Cooking with Spices & Herbs Tools cooks need for working with spices and herbs: 4 of 6
Working with spices and herbs is neither complicated nor particularly involved. A few simple, basic tools are all that are needed, and most of these are usually found in even the most minimalistic of kitchens.A plastic cutting board is the best cutting surface for herbs as plastic is softer than wood, and therefore much less ... More..
Food & Drink > Cooking Desserts Understanding your candy thermometer: 2 of 3
A candy thermometer doesn't differ much from other thermometers except that it typically has incorporated into its structure a method for attaching the appliance to the side of a pan, since the temperature of melting sugar must be constantly watched.Also, since sugar has a tendency to crystallize even after it has been liquef... More..
Health & Fitness > Sleep Disorders Sleep apnea solutions: Breathless no more: 7 of 10
My husband suffered for years from sleep apnea before he was finally diagnosed. His nights were filled with fitful sleep, and he spent his waking hours dragging himself through drowsy, sluggish days.While snoring is the main physical manifestation of sleep apnea, the health threat is unseen, unheard, and very serious. Suffere... More..
Business > Project Management Essential business skills for project managers: 5 of 7
A successful manager must be a successful team-builder. The key to team-building lies in creating solid interpersonal relationships with the employees in your charge, and one of the most important tools toward that end is communication.Effective communication in management and team building begins with active listening. Any i... More..
Food & Drink > Cooking with Spices & Herbs The properties of paprika and when to use it in your cooking: 5 of 7
Paprika is a chili powder and carries the intrinsic properties of chili, to-wit heat and color.Paprika can be purchased in varying degrees of intensity (heat). The mildest of paprikas (commonly called "sweet paprika") adds very little flavor to a dish and is therefore primarily used for its visual appeal. There is an old adag... More..
Food & Drink > Cooking with Spices & Herbs What the well-stocked spice and herb pantry should have: 11 of 15

Spices and herbs are the backbone of flavorful cooking. But since spices and herbs are two different things, I'll address them separately.Spices are are generally only found in dried form and usually ground into a powder. Some, like nutmeg, can and should be bought in whole form.Most spices have a limited shelf-life, and shou... More..