Never Stop Learning

The learning section of the Special Feature is all about how learning is a lifelong process. From the book, I discovered that there are many services for free to the computer user.  Some of these services are how to articles from HowStuffWorks website, internet library article access, and cooking tips and recipes.  The websites visited offer sites that are easy to use, but cover the topic fully. People want to help others and websites and services are out there and available.  From doing the exercises, I more fully understood the capabilities of these websites.  They offer many services for the everyday chef, science whiz, and more.  They seem to be very up-to-date with the current trends and information so that the users have the best and most accurate findings.  

Exercises:

1: According to research, there are 6 basic steps to installing new RAM memory.  These steps are as follows:

1. Turn off the computer, unplug it, and take off the cover.
2. Locate the memory slots.
3. Remove the old memory. This will entail pressing down on the little ejector clips on each end of the memory socket until the memory stick pops out of the socket. Then simply lift it out.
4. Install the RAM. To do this, first locate the little notches on the pin-side of the module. These notches will line up with keys on the memory socket itself, to ensure proper alignment. With the ejector clips in the open position, position the module over the slot and begin pressing the module down into the slot. You will need to press down pretty hard. As you press down, the module will sink into place and the ejector clips will close themselves to lock the module into place.
5. Repeat previous step for all remaining DIMMs you wish to install.
   6. Test it. Before you put your case back on, power on your system and make sure it correctly tallies the RAM.
6. Close up the case.
    

   This information was found at http://www.computermemoryupgrade.net/installing-computer-memory.html

   
   

   From the HowStuffWorks website, I discovered information about starting nonprofits and dealing with the IRS.  In this article it describes how each type of 501(c)(3) is held to a specific set of guidelines to obtain and keep IRS nonprofit status.  It then continues on to describe the paperwork that will need to be completed.  It includes incorporation paperwork, which explains how your organization will qualify as a charitable organization.  They also suggest doing paperwork promptly to ensure no fees or late policies are imposed, sometimes resulting in revoking the permit if not completed in a timely manner. It also explains how the organization needs to be categorized and the services to be offered if being considered a nonprofit charitable organization.

   
   

   
   

   2: Recipes

   The following information is from Foodnetwork.com

   I chose to research quick and easy weeknight meals that are healthy for the busy college student.  One such recipe that sounded tasty was Chicken Cacciatore.  The required ingredients are: 

   • 4 skinless chicken breast halves on the bone, about 2 pounds
   • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
   • 2 teaspoons olive oil
   • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
   • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
   • 1/2 pound white mushrooms, thinly sliced
   • 2 garlic cloves, minced
   • 1/2 cup dry white wine
   • 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can whole tomatoes in juice, chopped and juice reserved
   • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
   • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste

   To prepare this tasty meal, the following steps must be taken: 
   • Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

   • Heat the oil in a saute pan over moderately-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides, about 8 minutes. Remove the chicken.

   • Reduce the heat to moderate. Add the onion and pepper, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms begin to brown. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the wine and cook until reduced by half. Add the tomatoes and juice, oregano, red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon of salt and simmer the mixture covered for 10 minutes.

   • Return the chicken breasts to the pan and simmer, covered, until the chicken is just done, about 20 minutes longer.

   And that is all it takes.  Want another tasty recipe, try this one.  It is also a healthy and fast meal that a college student with a stove could cook. It is Chicken and Bean Burrito Verde.  The ingredients are:
    

   • 4 teaspoons olive oil
   • 1 small onion, diced
   • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
   • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
   • 1 15-ounce can of low-sodium white beans, rinsed and drained
   • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
   • 1/2 teaspoon, plus a pinch, of salt
   • 2 cups lightly packed shredded romaine lettuce (about 3 large leaves)
   • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
   • 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
   • Freshly ground black pepper
   • 4 whole wheat flour tortillas (about 9 inches in diameter)
   • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, skinless (a breast and thigh of a rotisserie chicken)
   • 1 jalapeno finely diced
   • 1/2 ripe avocado, thinly sliced
   • 1/2 cup tomatillo salsa
   • 1/2 cup low-fat Greek-style yogurt

   Although it is a lengthy amount of ingredients, the result is worth it.  Follow these directions to see the result:
   • Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in a medium skillet. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin and cook for 30 seconds more. Add the beans, broth and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and cook until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Transfer the bean mixture to the small bowl of a food processor and process until smooth.

   • Put the lettuce, cilantro, the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil, lime juice, a pinch of salt and a few turns of pepper in a medium bowl and toss to coat.

   • Wrap the tortillas in paper towel and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds.

   • To build the burrito, spread 1/3 cup of the bean puree in the center of a warm tortilla. Sprinkle with about 2 teaspoons of jalapeno. Top with 1/2 cup of shredded chicken, then 1/2 cup of the lettuce mixture and 2 slices of avocado. Wrap into a burrito. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

   • Serve with the salsa and yogurt alongside.

   Next Step? Enjoy!  What I enjoy so much about using the Food Network site is the ease of use and the features.  On each recipe it lists the nutrition information, the TV chef who made it, there show( for future reference), other recipes that are similar or by the same chef, reviews, and that is just to name a few features.  Also Food Network, as well as Betty Crocker, both offer online recipe books to maintain favorite recipes and discover new ones.  There are both advantages and disadvantages to offering these services in new kitchen and smartphone devices.  The advantages is always having the information available when needed.  Also, it keeps for easy maintenance and record keeping.  A disadvantage however, is that one will not be able to pass these recipes on to their children; they will be deleted when the account is deactivated.  Another disadvantage is that it is another form of technology that is probably not kitchen friendly, with all the water, popping oil, and slimy foods.  
   Recipes are a great way to build family time and learn new things.  Always remember to spend time with the ones you love, and NEVER stop learning.