My brother filters all our drinking water. It takes forever. There's nothing wrong with our water. My daughter's senior science fair project a few years ago actually show it's far more pure than the surrounding areas. My brother is convinced it makes a difference. I don't like to argue. Besides, one day we'll be under boil order and that won't be necessary.
We all like home made things, baked goods, fresh brewed latte, and fresh brewed tea. I take the time to do these things. Of course it's certainly simpler to use the Kuereg to brew tea. Easier isn't always better. It's still good to drink. It's fast. However if we have time fresh brewed tea is always welcome.
We like to mock my bother in law Mike. They're friendly jibes. He knows we love him. He also makes the best coffee. As well he should since he's particular about coffee beans and uses a coffee press and filtered water. Our family exists on coffee. Waiting is killer but worth it.
Our world revolves around time and convenience. Patience isn't a strong suit for those who need things done an hour ago, yesterday, or last week. Isn't it better to guarantee quality, to get exceptional by giving time than to settle for good. The question is rhetorical. The coffee I drink on a daily basis is extremely good. I would even say some of it is delicious. However, I know of few high class restaurants that can brew a finer cup of coffee than my brother in law Mike. He's patient enough to rise and brew that every morning.
What's more important, time or excellence? Can you find a balance you're willing to live with between convenience and quality?
Friday, November 29, 2013
Friday, November 22, 2013
People play games. Online, on the phone, and offline in real life. Most of the time I enjoy playing but not all the time.
"Click here if you remember [fill in the blank]". Often, this will have an image instead of text. This is an interesting game particularly if someone starts a discussion thread beneath the post. I remember things from before I was born. I read and am quite fond of antiques. I'm a nightmare waiting to happen because I'm fond of games and not fond of divulging my age. I've never been dishonest but then no one has ever really asked me precisely how I remember or I've been extremely lucky if you believe in luck. When I was seventeen, I had the privilege of working in a clinic during the summer. The doctors loved both the newest technology and the oldest antiques. It would be an understatement to say that our offices were unique.
People play this game because it's fun to belong and reminisce. Who doesn't want to take a trip down memory lane? It's always great for a few laughs. People ask this question to judge your honesty on your age if you listed it. If you recall something that was a short lived fad or was replaced by something else five or ten years before you were born and you have a funny story to go along with it, something doesn't add up. Many people no longer list vital information such as age, sex, relationship status, location, education and work information. If it's a personal account, it's no one's business but your own. If it's a business account, you're there to make connections. That information is business related and public anyway.
All data is valuable. Discerning male from female isn't impossible. Relative location can be identified by your ip address or locations you visit. Relationship status is a bit more difficult but as social networks are privy to all your posts, it only takes one mention. "Click here if you remember..." verifies your age group.
There's another game you've probably played. It involves a storyline. You fill in this storyline with the nine people in your friend's box. These friends, visible or not, aren't random. They change based on an algorithm that takes into account friends you prefer, favorite, subscribe to, and follow before other friends. People you just follow and pages you like are not considered friends and therefore not a factor. Essentially, it's who you interacted with last over a period of time. Not who interacted with you last over a period of time. There's a difference. Why is this information even interesting? It's the last nine friends you took the time to interact with -- obviously. Think of these friends as your miniature network. Now consider whether they all went to the same high school or college or worked for the same employers past or present. Their points of intersection or what they have in common are most likely also what they have in common with you.
People play games. Online, on the phone, and offline in real life. It prevents them from having to ask direct questions that you'll probably reject answering. A while back, I visited another state where I happen to have many relatives. We had stopped at a familiar place. I was seated comfortably waiting, reading my Kindle while my daughters decided what to order. I was approached by a young woman who knew my family surname. It's not difficult. We look alike. Instead of asking me who I am which by the way is culturally not rude. She instead asked about Mama, everyone knows my Grandmother. She explained which neighborhood she grew up in and asked which neighborhood I grew up in. [Enter the game] This information tells her what school district I would've attended in my youth.
As much as I enjoy games because I have nothing to hide and to be honest it's just a game, there are times I'd like to be asked what pizza toppings I prefer without knowing there's some underlying motivation.
People play this game because it's fun to belong and reminisce. Who doesn't want to take a trip down memory lane? It's always great for a few laughs. People ask this question to judge your honesty on your age if you listed it. If you recall something that was a short lived fad or was replaced by something else five or ten years before you were born and you have a funny story to go along with it, something doesn't add up. Many people no longer list vital information such as age, sex, relationship status, location, education and work information. If it's a personal account, it's no one's business but your own. If it's a business account, you're there to make connections. That information is business related and public anyway.
All data is valuable. Discerning male from female isn't impossible. Relative location can be identified by your ip address or locations you visit. Relationship status is a bit more difficult but as social networks are privy to all your posts, it only takes one mention. "Click here if you remember..." verifies your age group.
There's another game you've probably played. It involves a storyline. You fill in this storyline with the nine people in your friend's box. These friends, visible or not, aren't random. They change based on an algorithm that takes into account friends you prefer, favorite, subscribe to, and follow before other friends. People you just follow and pages you like are not considered friends and therefore not a factor. Essentially, it's who you interacted with last over a period of time. Not who interacted with you last over a period of time. There's a difference. Why is this information even interesting? It's the last nine friends you took the time to interact with -- obviously. Think of these friends as your miniature network. Now consider whether they all went to the same high school or college or worked for the same employers past or present. Their points of intersection or what they have in common are most likely also what they have in common with you.
People play games. Online, on the phone, and offline in real life. It prevents them from having to ask direct questions that you'll probably reject answering. A while back, I visited another state where I happen to have many relatives. We had stopped at a familiar place. I was seated comfortably waiting, reading my Kindle while my daughters decided what to order. I was approached by a young woman who knew my family surname. It's not difficult. We look alike. Instead of asking me who I am which by the way is culturally not rude. She instead asked about Mama, everyone knows my Grandmother. She explained which neighborhood she grew up in and asked which neighborhood I grew up in. [Enter the game] This information tells her what school district I would've attended in my youth.
As much as I enjoy games because I have nothing to hide and to be honest it's just a game, there are times I'd like to be asked what pizza toppings I prefer without knowing there's some underlying motivation.
Friday, November 15, 2013
It's just a game. What's the harm in playing?
These particular examples are from Facebook. However, it doesn't matter which social network you select. Within the parameters of posting, blogging, tweeting, and conversation the information is the same. One of the most interesting things I've been observing is a unique, accurate, and simple manner by which social networks have it's members divulge personal information people wouldn't otherwise reveal. It's a clever way to mine for data that social networks and those in marketing and sales can utilize free of charge.
It's human nature to share that which brings you joy. If it's fun for you, it'll certainly be fun and entertaining for all your friends. It's just a game. What's the harm in playing? This mentality is what draws people in initially. The entertainment factor as well as the feeling of not wanting to leave your friends out or be left out of the fun yourself is what keeps people participating.
Have you played "how did we meet". Unlike other social networks Facebook is unique in that most people do know one another. They're family. They're old or current classmates, co-workers, colleagues, friends, guild mates, or contacts - personal, work, or conference. This particular trending post is a wildcard. It shows up randomly but often after large updates, policy changes, or large changes in the population. If you play or have played "how did we meet", Facebook now knows who you know in real life regardless of how you answered their question when you friended that individual.
In addition to "likes" targeted marketing also has your input. You'll see each of the following or some variation every year. Answering is fun. After all it's only a game. What's the harm in playing?
In January there's New Year. "What's your resolution?"
In February there's Valentine's Day. It's usually "What's your favorite kind of [fill in the blank]?" Sometimes someone sends the "Do you remember your first [fill in the blank]?" post.
In March well, spring has sprung. "What do you like to do outdoors?"
In April there's Easter. "What's your favorite color?" "What's your favorite number?" "What's your eye color?" "What's your favorite thing to plant?" This is the month of spring festivals and gardening posts.
In May there's Mother's day. Interestingly enough, it's usually "Facts about the day your first child was born" and "Facts about my children" -- Let me pause a moment -- What parent can resist filling those out. Of course, you've just told everyone where, when, and, what time your children were born as well as other personal details about your children.
In June there's Father's day. "What my dad/grandad taught me?" "What's your favorite summer activity or summer memory or place to go on summer vacation?" Not to mention the actual summer vacation photographs.
In July there's Independence Day. This is the annoyingly personal post. It kind of looks like the "about me" + more. "Where were you born?" "Where did you grow up?" "What street did you live on?" "What grade school did you go to?" "Did you or any member of your family ever serve in the military?" and so on. Most people already know know all about me because they're on my Facebook. If I wanted it public, I would've filled it out. Sometimes this trending post migrates. Most often it's here.
In August there are the autumn posts and the autumn festival posts. This is when you'll see a great deal of logic, visual, optical illusion type games but particularly "once you see it or solve it, repost it". It's a great way to tell how much of your population really plays. The population is high in August, school starts.
In September you see the chilly weather food and beverage posts along with the fall festival posts. "What's your favorite fall food?" "What's your favorite fall beverage?" "What's your favorite fall activity?"
In October there's Halloween but also annual enrollment for benefits and congress is in session -- a lot of scary stuff going on here... Again, the interesting thing is it's usually "Are you dressing up this year? If so as what?" "What's your favorite beer (because of Octoberfest) / alcoholic beverage?" "What's your favorite beverage / hot beverage?" "What's your favorite kind of candy or sweets?"
In November there's Thanksgiving. Almost everyone does the "I'm thankful for [fill in the blank]" posts until Thanksgiving.
In December there's Christmas and many other religious holidays. The count down posts are popular as are the "If I could change one thing it would be [fill in the blank]" Facebook provides a year in review. However, there's also a post that circulates "What I accomplished this year" It's what you believe you've accomplished and what you hope to accomplish. It's a long one. "What's your favorite winter activity?" is also popular.
I'm certain you can see the appeal to the questionnaires. It's a great way to learn something you may not have known before about your friends. It's a manner by which to know who actually reads your posts and to get people to interact with you. It's a way to get more than a like. It's a great conversation starter.
It's also a no cost avenue to provide your personal information to social networks and anyone else who might have access. There's nothing wrong with much of the data. Collectively, if ninety eight percent of the population say they adore the color blue then you'll likely find it trending on clothing, shoes, phone cases, purses, and other items next season. As long as you're aware of what data you're making available and it's alright with you then there isn't an issue. The main thing is to be informed of what you're doing online.
One last thing: If you post Bitstrips of yourself coughing and say "watching TV for the third day in a row. still sick." Don't be surprised by targeted ads for cold and flu remedies.
It's human nature to share that which brings you joy. If it's fun for you, it'll certainly be fun and entertaining for all your friends. It's just a game. What's the harm in playing? This mentality is what draws people in initially. The entertainment factor as well as the feeling of not wanting to leave your friends out or be left out of the fun yourself is what keeps people participating.
Have you played "how did we meet". Unlike other social networks Facebook is unique in that most people do know one another. They're family. They're old or current classmates, co-workers, colleagues, friends, guild mates, or contacts - personal, work, or conference. This particular trending post is a wildcard. It shows up randomly but often after large updates, policy changes, or large changes in the population. If you play or have played "how did we meet", Facebook now knows who you know in real life regardless of how you answered their question when you friended that individual.
In addition to "likes" targeted marketing also has your input. You'll see each of the following or some variation every year. Answering is fun. After all it's only a game. What's the harm in playing?
In January there's New Year. "What's your resolution?"
In February there's Valentine's Day. It's usually "What's your favorite kind of [fill in the blank]?" Sometimes someone sends the "Do you remember your first [fill in the blank]?" post.
In March well, spring has sprung. "What do you like to do outdoors?"
In April there's Easter. "What's your favorite color?" "What's your favorite number?" "What's your eye color?" "What's your favorite thing to plant?" This is the month of spring festivals and gardening posts.
In May there's Mother's day. Interestingly enough, it's usually "Facts about the day your first child was born" and "Facts about my children" -- Let me pause a moment -- What parent can resist filling those out. Of course, you've just told everyone where, when, and, what time your children were born as well as other personal details about your children.
In June there's Father's day. "What my dad/grandad taught me?" "What's your favorite summer activity or summer memory or place to go on summer vacation?" Not to mention the actual summer vacation photographs.
In July there's Independence Day. This is the annoyingly personal post. It kind of looks like the "about me" + more. "Where were you born?" "Where did you grow up?" "What street did you live on?" "What grade school did you go to?" "Did you or any member of your family ever serve in the military?" and so on. Most people already know know all about me because they're on my Facebook. If I wanted it public, I would've filled it out. Sometimes this trending post migrates. Most often it's here.
In August there are the autumn posts and the autumn festival posts. This is when you'll see a great deal of logic, visual, optical illusion type games but particularly "once you see it or solve it, repost it". It's a great way to tell how much of your population really plays. The population is high in August, school starts.
In September you see the chilly weather food and beverage posts along with the fall festival posts. "What's your favorite fall food?" "What's your favorite fall beverage?" "What's your favorite fall activity?"
In October there's Halloween but also annual enrollment for benefits and congress is in session -- a lot of scary stuff going on here... Again, the interesting thing is it's usually "Are you dressing up this year? If so as what?" "What's your favorite beer (because of Octoberfest) / alcoholic beverage?" "What's your favorite beverage / hot beverage?" "What's your favorite kind of candy or sweets?"
In November there's Thanksgiving. Almost everyone does the "I'm thankful for [fill in the blank]" posts until Thanksgiving.
In December there's Christmas and many other religious holidays. The count down posts are popular as are the "If I could change one thing it would be [fill in the blank]" Facebook provides a year in review. However, there's also a post that circulates "What I accomplished this year" It's what you believe you've accomplished and what you hope to accomplish. It's a long one. "What's your favorite winter activity?" is also popular.
I'm certain you can see the appeal to the questionnaires. It's a great way to learn something you may not have known before about your friends. It's a manner by which to know who actually reads your posts and to get people to interact with you. It's a way to get more than a like. It's a great conversation starter.
It's also a no cost avenue to provide your personal information to social networks and anyone else who might have access. There's nothing wrong with much of the data. Collectively, if ninety eight percent of the population say they adore the color blue then you'll likely find it trending on clothing, shoes, phone cases, purses, and other items next season. As long as you're aware of what data you're making available and it's alright with you then there isn't an issue. The main thing is to be informed of what you're doing online.
One last thing: If you post Bitstrips of yourself coughing and say "watching TV for the third day in a row. still sick." Don't be surprised by targeted ads for cold and flu remedies.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Education costs money. But then so does ignorance.
Education costs money. But then so does ignorance. - Sir Claus Moser
I would agree it's far more costly to be ignorant than it is to be educated. To begin with there is the matter of employment. People who are educated are far more capable of supporting themselves and their families. While there is work for the ignorant, obviously it doesn't pay as well. Further by definition ignorance is simply the state of being unaware or lacking knowledge. That being the case, it would be easier to take advantage of one that is ignorant of labor laws or benefit packages for example than one who has been educated. Being ignorant costs health care dollars and could cost expenses associated with accidents if one is unaware of certain labor laws that dictate how many consecutive hours they can work for that profession. On the extreme end, if an individual or family cannot work due to lack of training, tax payer dollars support them. Yes. Education is costly but it's far better to be educated than ignorant.
I would agree it's far more costly to be ignorant than it is to be educated. To begin with there is the matter of employment. People who are educated are far more capable of supporting themselves and their families. While there is work for the ignorant, obviously it doesn't pay as well. Further by definition ignorance is simply the state of being unaware or lacking knowledge. That being the case, it would be easier to take advantage of one that is ignorant of labor laws or benefit packages for example than one who has been educated. Being ignorant costs health care dollars and could cost expenses associated with accidents if one is unaware of certain labor laws that dictate how many consecutive hours they can work for that profession. On the extreme end, if an individual or family cannot work due to lack of training, tax payer dollars support them. Yes. Education is costly but it's far better to be educated than ignorant.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Failure isn't a permanent state of being
I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300
games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and
missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is
why I succeed. –Michael Jordan
When you succeed at your given talent, many people will look up to you. Many people will depend on you. However, regardless of how hard you try or what you do, you will at some point fail. Failing to meet expectations isn't a tragedy. Failure isn't a permanent state of being. It only becomes so if you allow it. The decision is yours and yours alone. You can become apathetic and choose a life of failure or instead become motivated to become something more. People won't lose trust in you for failing and having the will to try again. People will lose faith in you for failing and not caring you failed. Those who reject apathy but accept failure and try again become successful. You have a lifetime. You could chose to do nothing and escape failure but live a sub par life of mediocrity or live life, take risks, and be successful in your own eyes. Ultimately the choice is yours.
When you succeed at your given talent, many people will look up to you. Many people will depend on you. However, regardless of how hard you try or what you do, you will at some point fail. Failing to meet expectations isn't a tragedy. Failure isn't a permanent state of being. It only becomes so if you allow it. The decision is yours and yours alone. You can become apathetic and choose a life of failure or instead become motivated to become something more. People won't lose trust in you for failing and having the will to try again. People will lose faith in you for failing and not caring you failed. Those who reject apathy but accept failure and try again become successful. You have a lifetime. You could chose to do nothing and escape failure but live a sub par life of mediocrity or live life, take risks, and be successful in your own eyes. Ultimately the choice is yours.
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