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At Home, Spring 2007

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Technology for your head

With the never-ending advances in consumer electronics, one too many blinks and you might miss the latest technology release. Smart phones, high-definition video cameras and the latest home audio/video components may seem like unnecessary gadgets today, but don't be surprised when you find yourself in the market for one of them in the not-too-distant future.

But with so many choices - and so many confusing terms and technologies to learn, it's imperative that you become a smart shopper and make informed choices. There's way too much money at stake to make a bad purchase.

One of the best places to become an informed techno-shopper is CNET.com, a free Web site with a wealth of product reviews, buying advice and technology primers. The writers and editors at CNET.com have become trusted leaders in dispensing unbiased electronics information and product ratings. They'll not only explain what high-definition TV is, but they'll also break down the different models of HDTVs, what accessories you'll need, how to set up your media room and where to find the best buy.

The site's popularity is driving additional content, including daily technology product news updates and videocasts of product reviews and demonstrations. Find information on anything from printers to cars - and check out their top-rated editor's choice products for a sure-fire purchase.

When used with other buyer's resources such as Consumer Reports, CNET.com will make sure you know what you're buying and why you're buying it.

Hold the MSG

Perhaps you caught a glimpse of the recent news story about the horrible nutritional value of most Chinese foods. From egg rolls to General Tso's chicken, the typical Chinese restaurant menu is loaded with dishes high in fat, sodium and calories. Even those crisp vegetables lining your plate pack a dangerous sodium/caloric punch.

Of course, Italian and Mexican foods tend to not be much better, particularly when it comes to saturated fat.

So how can you quickly determine the nutritional information of everything you put into your body, be it a raw banana or a slice of chocolate cake from a $2.50 box mix?

The folks at NutritionData.com have you covered. From the site's home page, enter a food item into the search box, and within a few seconds you'll have information including all basic nutrition facts and detailed diet analyses such as NutritionData's own Caloric Ratio Pyramid and Nutritional Target Map. Each results page includes links to information about how to choose foods ideal for what you're looking for - i.e., weight loss, weight gain, optimal health, etc. The site also includes the nutritional information of menu items at many fast-food chains and other popular prepared-food distributors. Warning: If you like having your occasional dish of Cold Stone Creamery ice cream when you're on the Front Range, don't look it up on NutritionData.com.

- Brent Boyer