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Math in Your Head

I often find myself doing math in my head, and people are shocked and amazed that I can quickly come up with an answer without using a calculator.  I should probably be the one who is shocked that so few people can do simple math in their heads.  Then again, someone who does high level mathematics is not necessarily good at arithmetic. I suppose the logic comes easy for a programmer, but the trick to solving complex problems is to break them down into simpler operations. Multiplication Multiplication is really addition, multiple times. 10 x 3 = 10 + 10 + 10 = 30 One common problem is percentages. Percentage Percentage is really a division or multiplication problem, depending on how you look at it. What is 20 percent of 120? There are several ways to approach such problems, and I don't always use the same method. Method 1 Sometimes it is easier to break things up into 10's 100's or multiples of 2. 120 = 100 + 20 So work on each portion separately...
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Apple Cider Vinegar - Nutritious, sure, but Delicious?

You may have heard people the talk about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, but it doesn't sound very appetizing to drink.  Think about it, do you drink pure lemon juice, or do you make lemonade? Scott's Lemonade 1 Cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice 1 Cup Pure Cane Sugar 6 Cups Water Optional: Serve over Ice Note: Packages labeled "Sugar" instead of "Pure Cane Sugar", are likely Genetically Modified Beet Sugar, instead of Cane Sugar. Bragg Organic Vinegar Health Drink 1-2 tsps Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar in 8 oz. glass of purified or distilled water and (optional) to taste 1 to 2 tsps Organic Honey, 100% Maple Syrup, or 4 drops of herb Stevia. Delicious, ideal pick-me-up at home, work, sports or gym. Perfect 3 times daily, upon arising, mid-morning and mid-afternoon From the bragg.com website:   http://bragg.com/products/bragg-organic-apple-cider-vinegar.html Scott's Apple Cider Vinegar Drink 2 tsp Bragg Organic Appl...
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What to do with Empty Land

Uses for Empty Land After reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, I got to thinking about cash flow.  Some of the books in the series discuss the idea of owning real estate, and making money on rent. I thought it would be interesting to explore some ideas on what to do with empty land. Business Ideas that require minimal building.  Possibly just restrooms, and roof or small buildings.  Most ideas probably require water and electricity. Minimal Construction Camping Car Wash Dog Grooming  Dog Playground / Daycare Party Rental  Flea Market (may need lots of cleanup afterwards) Go carts Bouncing castle entertainment site (children's parties.) Billboard Lemonade Stand Hot Dog / Hamburger, or Taco Stand Coffee Stand Horseback Riding Lessons Community Garden Some Construction Mini storage Miniature golf Bungalows or cabins Daycare Center  Cell phone tower More Complete Construction Apartments House(s) Bed and Breakfast Warehouse Factory ...
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Trader Joes is My New Favorite Grocery Store

Trader Joe's has long been my favorite grocery store because of healtier choices, and better prices, but I recently found more reasons to love them. I was on a special diet for one week to test for food sensitivity and allergies.  I was pleasantly surprised to find almost everything I needed at Trader Joe's.  I walked out with two big bags of groceries for around $40.00. But it gets better... Good News about Non-GMO As I was testing different foods, I was concerned about genetically engineered food sources, also known as GMO (Genetically Modified Organism), so I went to the Trader Joe's website to ask about their products.  Here is their reply: Scott, Thank you for your email. Our approach to Genetically Modified Organisms is simple: we do not allow GMO ingredients in our private label products (anything with Trader Joe's, Jose's, Ming's, etc. on the label). When developing products containing ingredients likely to come from genetically modifie...
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Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us

This "RSA Animate" provides some insight into what drives software engineers to create software such as Linux, and give it away for free.  This seems to imply that giving back is a reward in itself, but in the back of the developer's mind there could also be the idea that he may become famous some day, and that the money will follow.  As a systems administrator / developer, I tend to agree with the idea that becoming an expert does not always require any compensation, and it feels good to help fellow sysadmins and computer users.  The knowledge itself is valuable, and can be turned into a business at some point.  For example practicing a musical instrument, or learning to cook well for no monetary reward can be fun, but is also something to fall back on.  RSA Animate - Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us This lively RSA Animate, adapted from Dan Pink's talk at the RSA, illustrates the hidden truths behind what really motivates us at...
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Foxtails are Dangerous to Dogs

Foxtails, and similar plants have no place in a community where dogs are present! Having grown up on the east coast, I had never heard of the plants commonly referred to as foxtails.  When I first saw these beautiful plants in our new townhouse community, I thought they looked nice, although they do tend to get overgrown fairly quickly. Nice Colored Plants, but Dangerous for Pets! My Dog's Experience with Foxtails Maybe these are not technically considered foxtail weeds that grow in the wild, but when my dog got one of the spikelets caught in her nose, she started sneezing uncontrollably for hours.  We didn't realize what it was at first, and thought it would clear up on it's own, but when she kept sneezing, we thought it best to take her to the vet.  It's a good thing we did, because we later found out how dangerous these barbs can be.  She had to have anesthesia in order to have it removed.  We were fortunate that it did not get any further into h...
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Miniture Schnauzer Puppy Pictures - Our dog Lola as a puppy

Lola passing her final exam at puppy class! - 11/23/2010  Some people think it would be nice to rescue an animal, and that is certainly a noble act.  What they may not realize is that the animal turns out to be the one rescuing them! Lola at 3 months - 07/05/2010 Who rescued whom? Typical Schnauzer puppy, with the hind legs spread out. We has just lost our 22 year old cat, so Lola came when we most needed her.  The enthusiasm and energy of a puppy was just what we needed to get outside and get a little exercise. Miniature schnauzers have lot's of energy, but they get tired faster than some of the typical larger breeds.  She like to take short breaks before continuing to run around like a maniac. Cute schnauzer puppy pose The long hair needs to be brushed frequently if thee is any dry plants or bugs around, but she's still cute even with the fur all messed up. Still not sure if I can trust anyone yet.  Sch...
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