Saturday, August 28, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Martin Luther King Jr.
"Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men."
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Film camp teaches autistic children - Daily Tribune: Breaking news coverage for southeastern Oakland County, Michigan
Joey Travolta Film Workshop teaches autistic children and adults how to make films:
http://www.dailytribune.com/articles/2010/08/11/news/srv0000009065544.txt
brain scan to detect autism
From: @earlyautism
Sent: Aug 12, 2010 11:10a
Sent: Aug 12, 2010 11:10a
British scientists develop brain scan to detect autism | My TV20 Detroit: News, Weather, Sports Detroit, MI http://ow.ly/2oD4B
sent via HootSuite
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/earlyautism/status/20995096920
back to school tips for #autism
From: @HollyRod4kids
Sent: Aug 12, 2010 11:00a
Sent: Aug 12, 2010 11:00a
Some great back to school tips for #autism from Pathfinders for Autism: http://bit.ly/bZZ4rJ
sent via Seesmic
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/HollyRod4kids/status/20994513838
New to Disability.gov: Service Pathways to College Success
From: @Disabilitygov
Sent: Aug 11, 2010 11:08a
New to Disability.gov from AACC's Project Reach. Enriched & Inspired: Service Pathways to College Success http://bit.ly/8pBXVR
sent via API
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/Disabilitygov/status/20905539696
Sent: Aug 11, 2010 11:08a
New to Disability.gov from AACC's Project Reach. Enriched & Inspired: Service Pathways to College Success http://bit.ly/8pBXVR
sent via API
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/Disabilitygov/status/20905539696
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The importance of enjoying the habit
Post written by Leo Babauta. Follow me on twitter.
I've written a lot about habits it's in the title, after all and after all these years, and after all the questions that people have asked about forming habits, there's one thing that seems more important than anything else.
It's simply this: enjoy the habit.
That might seem obvious to some of you, but you'd be surprised how many people try to force themselves to do things they don't enjoy. They try to instill "discipline" because they think it'll make them a better person or give them a better life, but what kind of life is it if you force yourself to do things you hate all the time?
And here's the thing: if you try to make a habit of something you don't like doing, you're almost sure to fail. I know, because I've tried it many times. If I find myself saying, "I hate this, but I can do it!" then it's an uphill battle, and one I almost always lose. Because after a week or two of doing this, you'll lose enthusiasm. You'll run out of the incredible energy required to form a new habit, and then miss the habit one day, and another day, and soon it's over.
But look at the opposite scenario you do something you love doing. Well, how hard is it to motivate yourself to do this? You look forward to it. You are excited about it. When you actually do the habit, you're happy, and your overall experience is positive. That's a habit that is much more likely to stick.
I've done dozens of experiments in creating habits in my own life, and I've helped hundreds if not thousands of others form habits, and it's a common theme when the person doesn't enjoy the new habit, it fails, and when they do, it has a high degree of success.
Sure, there are other factors how consistent you are, whether you have a trigger that's already anchored into your regular routine, whether you have social accountability, etc. But the most important factor, by far, is loving the habit.
The things we don't like
I'll acknowledge there are times we have to do things we don't like. That's a necessary part of life. But why choose such a thing to become a daily habit? If that's what you're doing, you should take a long hard look at whether it's really necessary, and if so, whether you can possibly make changes to your life so that you don't need to do this activity on such a regular basis. I've done this many times, and though the change in my life is sometimes time-consuming, the result is always worth it.
But what about kicking bad habits? Isn't that hard and unenjoyable? Sure, of course. I kicked the smoking habit (almost 5 years ago), and it was difficult. Agonizing. Fortunately, I figured out that I had to put enjoyable habits in place of the smoking, and I actually looked forward to them things like running to relieve stress, eating healthy foods, writing, stuff like that. I love those activities, and it made the whole process much easier.
How to love the habit
This how-to section will seem too obvious to some, but it seems necessary to me. How do you go about enjoying the habit? Two ways:
1. Choose a habit you already love. This is the easy way. If you love reading, or drinking tea, or journaling, or taking walks in the park, choose something like that. Want to get active? Choose a sport you love playing, or an outdoor activity that gives you joy. Want to be more productive? Choose a work activity you love doing as your first task each day.
Or:
2. Focus on the enjoyable aspects. If you don't already love the habit, learn to love it. Not by reprogramming your mind to love something you hate, but by finding things about the habit you do enjoy. For example, when I started running, it was hard. I was a recent smoker, so my lungs were crap, and my legs were weak, and I'd get tired fast. But there were things I enjoyed too getting outside, the fresh air, moving and feeling my heart beating, the beauty of nature, the good feeling after I was done. So I focused on these things, and it worked. And then eventually the running got easier and I loved everything about the activity. This kind of thing can be done with almost anything look hard for the good aspects, the things you enjoy. If you can't find anything, you've chosen the wrong habit.
In the end, discipline doesn't work. You can't use discipline to form a habit you hate, because what exactly do you do when you don't feel motivated to do the habit? You find something about it to get you going, and that's thinking about something enjoyable the enjoyable end result, for example, or an enjoyable reward, or how good you'll feel telling others you did it. There are many ways to motivate yourself with something enjoyable, but no ways to use the nebulous concept of "discipline" to do something you hate.
Love the habit, and it will stick around longer.
If you liked this guide, please bookmark it on Delicious or share on Twitter. Thanks, my friends.
I've written a lot about habits it's in the title, after all and after all these years, and after all the questions that people have asked about forming habits, there's one thing that seems more important than anything else.
It's simply this: enjoy the habit.
That might seem obvious to some of you, but you'd be surprised how many people try to force themselves to do things they don't enjoy. They try to instill "discipline" because they think it'll make them a better person or give them a better life, but what kind of life is it if you force yourself to do things you hate all the time?
And here's the thing: if you try to make a habit of something you don't like doing, you're almost sure to fail. I know, because I've tried it many times. If I find myself saying, "I hate this, but I can do it!" then it's an uphill battle, and one I almost always lose. Because after a week or two of doing this, you'll lose enthusiasm. You'll run out of the incredible energy required to form a new habit, and then miss the habit one day, and another day, and soon it's over.
But look at the opposite scenario you do something you love doing. Well, how hard is it to motivate yourself to do this? You look forward to it. You are excited about it. When you actually do the habit, you're happy, and your overall experience is positive. That's a habit that is much more likely to stick.
I've done dozens of experiments in creating habits in my own life, and I've helped hundreds if not thousands of others form habits, and it's a common theme when the person doesn't enjoy the new habit, it fails, and when they do, it has a high degree of success.
Sure, there are other factors how consistent you are, whether you have a trigger that's already anchored into your regular routine, whether you have social accountability, etc. But the most important factor, by far, is loving the habit.
The things we don't like
I'll acknowledge there are times we have to do things we don't like. That's a necessary part of life. But why choose such a thing to become a daily habit? If that's what you're doing, you should take a long hard look at whether it's really necessary, and if so, whether you can possibly make changes to your life so that you don't need to do this activity on such a regular basis. I've done this many times, and though the change in my life is sometimes time-consuming, the result is always worth it.
But what about kicking bad habits? Isn't that hard and unenjoyable? Sure, of course. I kicked the smoking habit (almost 5 years ago), and it was difficult. Agonizing. Fortunately, I figured out that I had to put enjoyable habits in place of the smoking, and I actually looked forward to them things like running to relieve stress, eating healthy foods, writing, stuff like that. I love those activities, and it made the whole process much easier.
How to love the habit
This how-to section will seem too obvious to some, but it seems necessary to me. How do you go about enjoying the habit? Two ways:
1. Choose a habit you already love. This is the easy way. If you love reading, or drinking tea, or journaling, or taking walks in the park, choose something like that. Want to get active? Choose a sport you love playing, or an outdoor activity that gives you joy. Want to be more productive? Choose a work activity you love doing as your first task each day.
Or:
2. Focus on the enjoyable aspects. If you don't already love the habit, learn to love it. Not by reprogramming your mind to love something you hate, but by finding things about the habit you do enjoy. For example, when I started running, it was hard. I was a recent smoker, so my lungs were crap, and my legs were weak, and I'd get tired fast. But there were things I enjoyed too getting outside, the fresh air, moving and feeling my heart beating, the beauty of nature, the good feeling after I was done. So I focused on these things, and it worked. And then eventually the running got easier and I loved everything about the activity. This kind of thing can be done with almost anything look hard for the good aspects, the things you enjoy. If you can't find anything, you've chosen the wrong habit.
In the end, discipline doesn't work. You can't use discipline to form a habit you hate, because what exactly do you do when you don't feel motivated to do the habit? You find something about it to get you going, and that's thinking about something enjoyable the enjoyable end result, for example, or an enjoyable reward, or how good you'll feel telling others you did it. There are many ways to motivate yourself with something enjoyable, but no ways to use the nebulous concept of "discipline" to do something you hate.
Love the habit, and it will stick around longer.
If you liked this guide, please bookmark it on Delicious or share on Twitter. Thanks, my friends.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Edward Teller
"A fact is a simple statement that everyone believes. It is innocent, unless found guilty. A hypothesis is a novel suggestion that no one wants to believe. It is guilty, until found effective."
Memory : Only 10% of Your Brain
It is a myth that humans only use a fraction of their brains. Even though scientists are still trying to unravel the mysteries of the human mind, every part of the brain is known to have a function. From an evolutionary point of view, larger brains would not have developed if there had not been an advantage to do so.
The origins of this myth are unknown, but it might have originated from a researcher named Karl Spencer Lashley who lived about a hundred years ago. He removed parts of the brains of rats and showed that they could still perform certain tests. The problem with these results are that the rats were only tested on tasks that required the parts of the brain that had not been removed. If the rats had been given other tests, they would have certainly failed.
Creativity : Left vs Right Brain Thinking
As we know, the two hemispheres of the brain think in different ways. The left brain tends to be logical and analytical, while the right brain tends to be more creative and spontaneous. When you are using one side of your brain more than the other, this is called left or right brained thinking. Both types of thinking are valuable, so one should try to develop their skills in both.
Unfortunately, left brained thinking is the type that is most valued by our society and taught in our schools. Almost all of the major subjects taught in school (math, science, history, etc) depend predominately on left brained thinking. Rarely do teachers encourage their students to think creatively and explore alternate solutions, and rarely are right brained studies (art, design, music, etc) encouraged.
This over emphasis becomes even more problematic as students move into the professional world. In order to get support for a new project or idea, it must be clearly defined and understood (left brained thinking) by the people who are going to be paying for it. It's very difficult to get funding for a project if the goals are not clearly understood. As a result, creative ideas don't happen as frequently as they could if right brained thinking was more valued.
It's no coincidence that the really creative ideas that occur from time to time are usually self-funded by the inventor working out of their garage. These are the people who understand the true value of thinking creatively.
Unfortunately, left brained thinking is the type that is most valued by our society and taught in our schools. Almost all of the major subjects taught in school (math, science, history, etc) depend predominately on left brained thinking. Rarely do teachers encourage their students to think creatively and explore alternate solutions, and rarely are right brained studies (art, design, music, etc) encouraged.
This over emphasis becomes even more problematic as students move into the professional world. In order to get support for a new project or idea, it must be clearly defined and understood (left brained thinking) by the people who are going to be paying for it. It's very difficult to get funding for a project if the goals are not clearly understood. As a result, creative ideas don't happen as frequently as they could if right brained thinking was more valued.
It's no coincidence that the really creative ideas that occur from time to time are usually self-funded by the inventor working out of their garage. These are the people who understand the true value of thinking creatively.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Saint Francis de Sales
"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew."
Benjamin Disraeli
"I am a Conservative to preserve all that is good in our constitution, a Radical to remove all that is bad. I seek to preserve property and to respect order, and I equally decry the appeal to the passions of the many or the prejudices of the few."
http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Benjamin_Disraeli
--
This article was sent using my Viigo.
For a free download, go to http://getviigo.com
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
5 Things You Must Check Before Disposing of Old Computers
Computers are essential tools today. Software demands and hardware capability tend to grow exponentially. So if you want to stay on top of things, it's a good idea to get a new computer every two to three years. Now what do you do when disposing of old computers?
Whatever you do, there are a few things you must check before giving away, trashing, or recycling a computer. Backing up information and securely deleting private data is one major concern. You may also be able to reuse parts or the entire computer. This article provides a quick overview of your options when it comes to disposing of old computers.
1. Backup Data
Obviously, you will want to keep a copy of your data. Here is a quick list of information you should not forget to backup:
Personal Files
Pictures, Music, Movies, anything entertaining you have on your computer, don't lose it. Same goes for any documents or files you have downloaded.
The Best FREE Backup Software for your PC
Browser Data
This includes bookmarks, saved logins & passwords, extensions, and other personal settings. It's much easier to transfer the data than to set it all up again, don't you agree?
Backup & Restore Your Internet Explorer Browser Settings
Back up your Firefox Profile with MozBackup
Email
If you're using a desktop eMail program like Thunderbird or Outlook, do backup your profile and take your conversations and your address book with you.
5 Easy Ways To Back Up Your Microsoft Outlook Data
Archive Your Browser & Mail Settings With MailBrowserBackup
Program Data
Did you create databases, make specific settings, or save other data with any of the programs you're using? Think of calendars, bibliography tools, image editing software, games, or music playlists. Any of that information can be backed up and transferred to your new computer. Usually, these data are saved under documents & settings or in the respective program files folder. The easiest way would be to backup these two folders entirely.
Fonts
Have you downloaded and installed any additional fonts? They are likely compatible with your new computer, so save you the time of tracking them down again and just backup the fonts folder. In Windows, it's found under C:/Windows/Fonts.
Is your computer no longer booting or is the hard drive dead? Check out the following articles:
How To Back Up Data From Computer That Won't Boot
How To Get Data Off A Dead Hard Drive
2. Serial Numbers & Registration Keys
This point deserves special attention because losing a serial number or registration keys can actually cost you money. If you're not sure where you stored that information, retrieve it before it's too late:
3 Ways To Recover Serial Numbers In Windows
If you purchased software online and downloaded the installation file, rather than having it on a CD, be safe and back that up, too.
3. Wipe Private Data
If you seriously don't want to keep your hard drive or can't be bothered to remove it from your old computer, make sure all your private information is gone. Your data in the wrong hands could result in humiliation, financial loss, or worst of all: identity theft.
Neither deleting files, nor emptying the trash, or formatting your hard drive is enough! To be on the safe side, you must shred and overwrite your data. Follow the steps described in this article: How To Completely & Securely Erase Your Hard Drive [Windows]
Some great suggestions on how to delete, shred, and terminally wipe your private information are also given in the replies to this question on MakeUseOf Answers: How can I clean a laptop before donating it?
4. Strip Out Useful Parts
Basically, all parts of your computer, if still functional, may be useful for you or someone else. So think twice before you trash anything. If computer parts are alien to you, read this article first: The Basic Parts Of A Computer & How To Upgrade Them [Technology Explained]
Monitor
Keep it as a backup, set up a dual screen if your graphics card supports it, or hook it up to your laptop for a better screen.
Cables and External Devices
Keep one set of everything as a backup. Nobody wants a used mouse or keyboard anyways.
Hard Drive
Put it into a USB case and use as an external hard drive, hook up internally to your new computer, or wipe it clean before you give it away.
RAM
If your old RAM is compatible with your new computer's motherboard, you may as well use it. However, never mix different RAM modules. Read the answers to this MakeUseOf Answers questions for some leads: How can I upgrade my RAM and hard drive?
Power Supply Unit
An often searched for replacement part.
Motherboard & CPU
You won't need that with your new computer. But someone else may use it as a replacement.
CD / DVD drive
Card Reader
Floppy drive
Graphics Card
Sound Card
Try to sell the parts you can't use yourself on eBay, and give away leftovers via your local FreeCycle.
5. Re-Use Entire Computer
This may be the most important point! Maybe you can actually still use your old computer. So check out the possibilities before you submit it to the trash.
If your old computer is still running, it can serve many purposes. If it can connect to the internet, you could donate the CPU time. Your could also give it to someone who needs it or turn it into an entertainment center. These and many more ideas are summarized in my article Top 10 Cool Uses For Old Computers And Laptops. Finally, if your machine is really old, maybe the local tech museum is interested in it.
Can you think of any more uses of old computers or parts or alternatives for disposing of old computers? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Image credits: speedy2, forwardcom, drizzle, Vyolett
Whatever you do, there are a few things you must check before giving away, trashing, or recycling a computer. Backing up information and securely deleting private data is one major concern. You may also be able to reuse parts or the entire computer. This article provides a quick overview of your options when it comes to disposing of old computers.
1. Backup Data
Obviously, you will want to keep a copy of your data. Here is a quick list of information you should not forget to backup:
Personal Files
Pictures, Music, Movies, anything entertaining you have on your computer, don't lose it. Same goes for any documents or files you have downloaded.
The Best FREE Backup Software for your PC
Browser Data
This includes bookmarks, saved logins & passwords, extensions, and other personal settings. It's much easier to transfer the data than to set it all up again, don't you agree?
Backup & Restore Your Internet Explorer Browser Settings
Back up your Firefox Profile with MozBackup
If you're using a desktop eMail program like Thunderbird or Outlook, do backup your profile and take your conversations and your address book with you.
5 Easy Ways To Back Up Your Microsoft Outlook Data
Archive Your Browser & Mail Settings With MailBrowserBackup
Program Data
Did you create databases, make specific settings, or save other data with any of the programs you're using? Think of calendars, bibliography tools, image editing software, games, or music playlists. Any of that information can be backed up and transferred to your new computer. Usually, these data are saved under documents & settings or in the respective program files folder. The easiest way would be to backup these two folders entirely.
Fonts
Have you downloaded and installed any additional fonts? They are likely compatible with your new computer, so save you the time of tracking them down again and just backup the fonts folder. In Windows, it's found under C:/Windows/Fonts.
Is your computer no longer booting or is the hard drive dead? Check out the following articles:
How To Back Up Data From Computer That Won't Boot
How To Get Data Off A Dead Hard Drive
2. Serial Numbers & Registration Keys
This point deserves special attention because losing a serial number or registration keys can actually cost you money. If you're not sure where you stored that information, retrieve it before it's too late:
3 Ways To Recover Serial Numbers In Windows
If you purchased software online and downloaded the installation file, rather than having it on a CD, be safe and back that up, too.
3. Wipe Private Data
If you seriously don't want to keep your hard drive or can't be bothered to remove it from your old computer, make sure all your private information is gone. Your data in the wrong hands could result in humiliation, financial loss, or worst of all: identity theft.
Neither deleting files, nor emptying the trash, or formatting your hard drive is enough! To be on the safe side, you must shred and overwrite your data. Follow the steps described in this article: How To Completely & Securely Erase Your Hard Drive [Windows]
Some great suggestions on how to delete, shred, and terminally wipe your private information are also given in the replies to this question on MakeUseOf Answers: How can I clean a laptop before donating it?
4. Strip Out Useful Parts
Basically, all parts of your computer, if still functional, may be useful for you or someone else. So think twice before you trash anything. If computer parts are alien to you, read this article first: The Basic Parts Of A Computer & How To Upgrade Them [Technology Explained]
Monitor
Keep it as a backup, set up a dual screen if your graphics card supports it, or hook it up to your laptop for a better screen.
Cables and External Devices
Keep one set of everything as a backup. Nobody wants a used mouse or keyboard anyways.
Hard Drive
Put it into a USB case and use as an external hard drive, hook up internally to your new computer, or wipe it clean before you give it away.
RAM
If your old RAM is compatible with your new computer's motherboard, you may as well use it. However, never mix different RAM modules. Read the answers to this MakeUseOf Answers questions for some leads: How can I upgrade my RAM and hard drive?
Power Supply Unit
An often searched for replacement part.
Motherboard & CPU
You won't need that with your new computer. But someone else may use it as a replacement.
CD / DVD drive
Card Reader
Floppy drive
Graphics Card
Sound Card
Try to sell the parts you can't use yourself on eBay, and give away leftovers via your local FreeCycle.
5. Re-Use Entire Computer
This may be the most important point! Maybe you can actually still use your old computer. So check out the possibilities before you submit it to the trash.
If your old computer is still running, it can serve many purposes. If it can connect to the internet, you could donate the CPU time. Your could also give it to someone who needs it or turn it into an entertainment center. These and many more ideas are summarized in my article Top 10 Cool Uses For Old Computers And Laptops. Finally, if your machine is really old, maybe the local tech museum is interested in it.
Can you think of any more uses of old computers or parts or alternatives for disposing of old computers? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Image credits: speedy2, forwardcom, drizzle, Vyolett
Sunday, August 1, 2010
World's Stupidest Criminal Found in Canada
Stupid: Robbing a Starbucks
Stupider: Cutting in line to rob a Starbucks
Even more stupider: the people you cut are police officers.
Neatorama-worthy: IN UNIFORM!
Stupider: Cutting in line to rob a Starbucks
Even more stupider: the people you cut are police officers.
Neatorama-worthy: IN UNIFORM!
According to police, a short time later the officers were inside the coffee shop ordering at the till when the man they had spoken with outside walked directly up to the till, threw a drink at the employee and demanded cash.
"[The officers] looked at each other in astonishment that someone would attempt that with two uniform officers in the room," Sgt. Bruce Carrie told ctvbc.ca.
Link - via The Consumerist
http://www.neatorama.com/2010/08/01/worlds-stupidest-criminal-found-in-canada/
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