Apparently, it takes two adults, one child, and a calculator. So sad.
I was standing in a very slow-moving Walmart return line last week. In front of me was a mother with her son, who was about age 6. The little boy started complaining at how incredibly long it was taking to return their item. Believe me, I was relating quite fine to his woes. He guessimated that it was taking something like 100 hours. Yep, it sure felt like that.
The mother told the boy that there are only 24 hours in a day, so 100 hours isn't quite accurate. A mother after my own heart, or so I thought, using idle time for a learning moment. The boy then contemplated how many days would be 100 hours. Hmm...three...four? The boy thought hard and decided four days would be about 116 hours. Then the wise mother chimed in to help him. Here it comes...the big teaching moment.
"Let's see...24 x 4 would be....um....let me think...76, I think. No, that doesn't sound quite right. Um...um...let's see.. 24 x 4 is..."
A young man in front of them, who appeared to be in his early 20s, joined in the big quest to solve the big problem of the day. Finally, after what seemed like a forever discussion that involved zero problem solving skills, he whipped out his cell phone to use the calculator. Woo hoo...we have an answer. 96! Then the mom cheered and said,
"I was right!"
"No you weren't," responded the boy. "You said 76!"
Man, gotta love that kid. Not only was his guess (116) just a accurate as the only adult submission (76), but he's willing to call it as he sees it.
I'm always amazed at the general lack of understanding numbers. There are numerous ways to solve this problem quickly, e.g. using 25 x 4 and subtracting 4, doubling to 48 (for 2 days) and then doubling again, or adding up the tens, then the ones. Even just working it out mentally as you would on paper would be quicker than all the discussion involved or even the time required to use the calculator.
Unfortunately, there were also a number of ways that would have made the Walmart return line move faster, and that wasn't happening either. My free time was slipping away as fast as that lost learning opportunity.
2 incompetent employees + 12 people in line = 14 minutes spent contemplating the failure of public education
Very sad, indeed.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Help save the Becky Thatcher house!
This is a cause that my daughter is quite passionate about, so if you have the time to vote with a few clicks, it would be very appreciated. There are 9 days left for voting and you can vote every day. The final top two get $250,000 from Pepsi for their cause.
If they don't win, I think my daughter will cry. She's been begging everyone she knows to vote. Actually, if they do win, I think she'll cry,too, but they'll be different tears. http://livelaughlove-lll.blogspot.com/2010/12/save-becky-thatcher-house-v20.html
I am copying an email from Henry Sweets, the curator of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, whom my daughter met a couple of years ago during a memorable visit to Hannibal.
VOTING IS EASY:
1) Text Pepsi at 73774 with this numeric message: 104141 – and/or
2) Vote online at http://www.refresheverything.com/savemarktwain - You must SIGN IN before voting (lower left corner in the blue bar). Pepsi does not send out spam or anything else, but you do need to register your email with them in order to vote. After signing in, vote with the link provided here, or by searching for "Mark Twain" in the search box at the top of the page. (NOTE: If you have more than one email address, you can register them and vote more than once online.) - and/or
3) You can also vote through your Facebook account. (A Facebook icon is provided on the Pepsi sign-in page at http://www.refresheverything.com/savemarktwain see the see the left corner.)
We appreciate your votes and please encourage everyone else you can to join us in bringing this grant to Hannibal .
Henry Sweets, Curator
Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
If they don't win, I think my daughter will cry. She's been begging everyone she knows to vote. Actually, if they do win, I think she'll cry,too, but they'll be different tears. http://livelaughlove-lll.blogspot.com/2010/12/save-becky-thatcher-house-v20.html
I am copying an email from Henry Sweets, the curator of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, whom my daughter met a couple of years ago during a memorable visit to Hannibal.
VOTING IS EASY:
1) Text Pepsi at 73774 with this numeric message: 104141 – and/or
2) Vote online at http://www.refresheverything.com/savemarktwain - You must SIGN IN before voting (lower left corner in the blue bar). Pepsi does not send out spam or anything else, but you do need to register your email with them in order to vote. After signing in, vote with the link provided here, or by searching for "Mark Twain" in the search box at the top of the page. (NOTE: If you have more than one email address, you can register them and vote more than once online.) - and/or
3) You can also vote through your Facebook account. (A Facebook icon is provided on the Pepsi sign-in page at http://www.refresheverything.com/savemarktwain see the see the left corner.)
We appreciate your votes and please encourage everyone else you can to join us in bringing this grant to Hannibal .
Henry Sweets, Curator
Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
A little splurge on frothy milk
I mentioned a while back that I was getting the opportunity to review another item from CSN Stores. Last time I went completely practical and purchased a steam mop for my kitchen floor. This time I was a little more self-indulgent; I ordered a milk frother. There were several different choices, but I ended up with the BonJour Cafe Latte in Black for $19.95.
To be honest, I didn't know such a think existed until I was browsing on CSN Stores. Being one who enjoys a specialty chai, foamy milk included, from the local coffee house, the idea of a less-expensive homemade version was appealing. I have a concentrate chai mix that I like, but my homemade lattes have been absent of any frothed milk. Until now, that is.
This little gizmo has a powerful spin. It took me a couple of minutes to get enough foam to be able to spoon it onto my drink. But when I was done, it did make my drink look extra special. I don't use it every time I make my chai. After all, sometimes I'm simply more concerned about getting caffeine in me as quick as possible and I don't care much about presentation. However, when I have the time, or when I'm serving guests, this gadget certainly will make those homemade drinks closer to the expensive cafe variety. My only complaint about this model is that the batteries were very difficult to put in. It isn't so much the batteries, but getting the cover back on properly. It is a small inconvenience for a little milk foam on top of a warm cup of tea.
Of course, you aren't limited to using it on chai. It comes with some recipes, and I plan to try it on good 'ole hot chocolate, with a bit of cinnamon sprinkled on top, soon. Yum.
To be honest, I didn't know such a think existed until I was browsing on CSN Stores. Being one who enjoys a specialty chai, foamy milk included, from the local coffee house, the idea of a less-expensive homemade version was appealing. I have a concentrate chai mix that I like, but my homemade lattes have been absent of any frothed milk. Until now, that is.
This little gizmo has a powerful spin. It took me a couple of minutes to get enough foam to be able to spoon it onto my drink. But when I was done, it did make my drink look extra special. I don't use it every time I make my chai. After all, sometimes I'm simply more concerned about getting caffeine in me as quick as possible and I don't care much about presentation. However, when I have the time, or when I'm serving guests, this gadget certainly will make those homemade drinks closer to the expensive cafe variety. My only complaint about this model is that the batteries were very difficult to put in. It isn't so much the batteries, but getting the cover back on properly. It is a small inconvenience for a little milk foam on top of a warm cup of tea.
Of course, you aren't limited to using it on chai. It comes with some recipes, and I plan to try it on good 'ole hot chocolate, with a bit of cinnamon sprinkled on top, soon. Yum.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
New recipes for Chex Party Mix (Giveaway)
Up until now, I only knew of two holiday recipes using Chex cereal: the Original Party Mix and Puppy Chow (a.k.a. Chex Muddy Buddies). I had never heard of Chex Lemon Buddies, Chex Apple Pie Snack or Tex Chex Party Mix. Intrigued? Check out your local Walmart store for FREE recipe cards using your favorite Chex cereal.
Blogspark sent me a gift pack including a box of Rice Chex, a measuring cup set, and a rather large canvas tote. Now all I need to decide is what recipe to make with my box of Chex. Do I go with something new, or stick with an old favorite? I have to admit, some Chex Muddy Buddies sound pretty darn delicious right now, since I'm craving something sweet. However, Tex Chex would be prefect to snack on while curled up on the couch and watching a family movie. Choices, choices. What sounds most appetizing to you?
*Now closed. Congrats to Beverly, comment #6!* You two will have an opportunity to win a Chex prize pack from Blogspark. There are several ways to enter. Please leave a comment for each and make sure you give me a way to contact you if you are the winner.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free from Blogspark in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Blogspark sent me a gift pack including a box of Rice Chex, a measuring cup set, and a rather large canvas tote. Now all I need to decide is what recipe to make with my box of Chex. Do I go with something new, or stick with an old favorite? I have to admit, some Chex Muddy Buddies sound pretty darn delicious right now, since I'm craving something sweet. However, Tex Chex would be prefect to snack on while curled up on the couch and watching a family movie. Choices, choices. What sounds most appetizing to you?
*Now closed. Congrats to Beverly, comment #6!* You two will have an opportunity to win a Chex prize pack from Blogspark. There are several ways to enter. Please leave a comment for each and make sure you give me a way to contact you if you are the winner.
- Tell me what new Chex Party Mix recipe would you most like to try.
- Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
- Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
- Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment). This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.
The giveaway will end on December 24th at 12 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator.U.S. addresses only, please. Note: Please make sure you have access and check your email on 12/24 since I need to submit the winner's address the same day. A lack of timely response will result in a new winner being selected!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free from Blogspark in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Chex Holiday Recipes (Chex and Kroger Card Giveaway)
My mom used to make the original Chex Party Mix every year during the Christmas holiday. I find that stuff so addicting! I haven't made it in a very, very long time, and I now have two boxes waiting for me to make a batch to inhale.
I was provided with a box of Rice Chex, a box of Corn Chex, and a $25 gift card to Kroger by Blogspark. Seeing that I haven't done any Christmas baking yet, the timing couldn't be more perfect. I picked up the remaining ingredients at Kroger and plan to mix up a batch tomorrow afternoon, enlisting the help of my kids. After all, I'm sure they are going to help eat it!
For 3 weeks, from December 2nd - December 25th, Kroger will offer Chex cereal at their lowest prices of the year! What a great time to stock up!
*Now closed. Congrats to JC, comment #19.* The good news is you, too, will have an opportunity to receive two boxes of Chex cereal and a $25 gift card to Kroger. There are several ways to enter. Please leave a comment for each and make sure you give me a way to contact you if you are the winner.
- Tell me your favorite Chex cereal recipe, or if you just prefer it in a bowl with milk.
- Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
- Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
- Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment). This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.
The giveaway will end on December 24th at 12 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator.U.S. addresses only, please. Note: Please make sure you have access and check your email on 12/24 since I need to submit the winner's address the same day. A lack of timely response will result in a new winner being selected!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free from Blogspark in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Merry Christmas, card or no card
Do you send out Christmas cards? A few years ago, I would have thought that a strange question. Doesn't everyone send out Christmas cards? After watching my mom fuss over getting a multitude of Christmas cards addressed and stamped each Christmas season, I just considered it a required part of the Christmas festivities. That was, until last year.
Last year money was tight. I just didn't see spending money on Christmas cards that everyone would throw out in two weeks, in addition to the postage. We could use that money for a gift for someone...or groceries. So, I broke out of the Christmas card obligation and didn't send a single Christmas card. I almost felt like I was committing some Christmas sin. No Christmas cards? What a grinch! You know what? No one called me to complain they didn't get a card. No one had a ruined Christmas because I didn't add to the pile of Christmas cards. No Christmas curse was cast upon me. It really was ok. In fact...it was quite liberating.
I noticed that we received considerably fewer cards last year. I assume many others made the same financial decision. The trend has continued on this year as well. It might be the result of the 'ole if-you-don't-send-me-one-I'm-taking-you-off-my-list-next-year situation. That is entirely fine. I really don't want to send cards based on the Rule of Reciprocity anyhow. What is the point in that? I'll wish you a Merry Christmas on paper if you do the same? I'll admit, some of my Christmas card deliveries were based on the Rule of Recriprocity guilt. Sort of along the lines of, "Even though I haven't talked to Sally in 10 years, despite her living 5 miles from me, I should send her a card because she sent me one." In reality, Sally was afraid to take me off her Christmas list, too. It just seems, well, a tad silly. The decrease may also be because others may still be in a financial bind. Or, some may have come to the same realization as me - not sending out cards isn't the equivalent to turning green and trying to ruin Christmas for everyone.
I know some enjoy sending out cards and I think that is great; I do like receiving them. Some years, though, it is simply a chore and a last minute duty. I never seem to have my act together enough to enjoy it, but always thought I had to. So, you won't be getting any cards from me this year. In fact, you probably won't be getting any from me next year. It doesn't mean I'll never send out Christmas cards again. It simply means I've decided that supporting Hallmark is no longer a Christmas requirement. I still wish everyone a Merry Christmas, card or no.
Last year money was tight. I just didn't see spending money on Christmas cards that everyone would throw out in two weeks, in addition to the postage. We could use that money for a gift for someone...or groceries. So, I broke out of the Christmas card obligation and didn't send a single Christmas card. I almost felt like I was committing some Christmas sin. No Christmas cards? What a grinch! You know what? No one called me to complain they didn't get a card. No one had a ruined Christmas because I didn't add to the pile of Christmas cards. No Christmas curse was cast upon me. It really was ok. In fact...it was quite liberating.
I noticed that we received considerably fewer cards last year. I assume many others made the same financial decision. The trend has continued on this year as well. It might be the result of the 'ole if-you-don't-send-me-one-I'm-taking-you-off-my-list-next-year situation. That is entirely fine. I really don't want to send cards based on the Rule of Reciprocity anyhow. What is the point in that? I'll wish you a Merry Christmas on paper if you do the same? I'll admit, some of my Christmas card deliveries were based on the Rule of Recriprocity guilt. Sort of along the lines of, "Even though I haven't talked to Sally in 10 years, despite her living 5 miles from me, I should send her a card because she sent me one." In reality, Sally was afraid to take me off her Christmas list, too. It just seems, well, a tad silly. The decrease may also be because others may still be in a financial bind. Or, some may have come to the same realization as me - not sending out cards isn't the equivalent to turning green and trying to ruin Christmas for everyone.
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