Rik's Ramblings

Monday, August 31, 2009

Multitasking May Not Mean Higher Productivity

http://podcastdownload.npr.org/anon.npr-podcasts/podcast/510221/112351474/npr_112351474.mp3

I think we've known this for decades already!  Can't listen to the radio while writing o-level essays for example.

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A new study says so-called "heavy multitaskers" have trouble tuning out distractions and switching tasks compared with those who multitask less. And there's evidence that multitasking may weaken cognitive ability. Stanford University professor Clifford Nass explains the work.


Saturday, August 29, 2009

Mojito Recipe

The secret is apparently in the 'sugar syrup', which the mojito recipes I had been using don't include.

First make the sugar syrup (as you need to let it cool before you use it).

Sugar Syrup
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Ingredients

8 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons water

Boil the water and disolve in the sugar, stirring continualy.

Remove from heat, pour into serving jug and allow to cool.

Mojito
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Ingredients

2 shots white rum (Bacardi)
1 shot lime juice
2 tablespoons sugar syrup
4-6 fl oz club soda
3 sprigs on mint


Pour lime juice, and sugar syrup into highball glass. Add leaves from mint (I remove from sprig). Muddle to release mint oils. Don't overly crush mint

Add bacardi and stir

Add crushed ice (if desired)

Top off glass with club soda


Drink through a straw!


Tuesday, August 11, 2009

High School Math Quiz

Teacher> You and three of your friends plan to attend a concert. The tickets are $40 each. How much is the total cost?

Student> hmm, let's see. Is it $191.85

Teacher> No, 4x$40 is $160. Let's try that again, but this time show you steps ...


Student> OK:

4 x $40 for the tickets
4 x $4.50 convenience charge goes to TICKETMASTER
4 x $2 'building fee' goes to TICKETMASTER
1 x $3.35 order processing fee goes to TICKETMASTER
1 x $2.50 so I can print out the ticket at home rather than having the venue pay for an employee to hand me the ticket goes to TICKETMASTER

Result: 4x$40 = $191.85
q.e.d.


No wonder kids today are crap at maths.