Vitamix
re vitamix 1-10 option: if you're doing juice / smoothies, start out at 1, then just slowly turn up the dial all the way to 10. once it hits 10, it shouldn't take long at all, maybe even just a 4 or 5 seconds to finish. feel free to use the tamper if you've got hard stuff on the top that isn't sinking to the bottom fast enough.
the only times you really want to use the 'high' switch are when you're doing something like a sweet potato, or a beet, or making nut butters. if just doing root vegetables and making a drink or smoothie, then follow instructions for 1-10 up above, but then switch the other switch to 'high' until everything is well blended. again, shouldn't take too long. high can get kinda intense (especially w/nut butters, which you might want to read up on a lil before attempting on your own--same goes for thick warm soups), so just be aware that if you start to feel the vitamix container heating up or see some heat blowing thru the container when doing just a drink / smoothie, then it's done and ready to go.
more elaborate instructions and recipe ideas are in the vitamix book, which i think is under the counter in the cabinet with the cast irons and cutting boards...or it's on top of the stove with air's teas and stuff (i can't remember where i put it).
okay i'm done geeking out. happy vitamixing!