Mindconnection eNL, 2016-04-10

Home

In this issue:
Good News | Product Highlight | Brainpower | Finances | Security | Health/Fitness | Factoid | Thought 4 the Day

Item 1. I worked in nuclear power for many years, including a gig as a neutron monitoring system Level II Test Engineer. During those years, I received extensive and expensive education (over a half million dollars, blowing away the cost of a Harvard MBA but I have an MBA also) on all things nuclear. So this particular good news resonates with me. A new fuel appears to be the solution to the main problem with nuclear power generation. Read the full story here:

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/601121/this-new-fuel-could-make-nuclear-power-safer-and-cheaper

Item 2. Under the theory that Soetoro isn't getting a third term as "America's Single Biggest Problem", the title of this article brings new hope to the masses:
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/601164/obamas-last-nuclear-summit-meets-as-the-threat-of-terrorism-looms

His "last" anything is really good news. It would be awesome news if someone got past the seals on his records and released the documents showing he has illegally been in office as POTUS all this time though of course anyone who can reason already knows that.

Item 3. Graphene is in the news again! From right here in Kansas comes an amazing development that could be a game-changer for batteries. Read the full story here:

http://spectrum.ieee.org/nanoclast/semiconductors/materials/potential-of-silicon-and-graphene-together-for-liion-electrodes-realized

Item 4. With so much animal cruelty aimed at elephants (look up how Ringling abuses these majestic creatures, it will make you sick), there is good news on the animal kindness front in regards to elephants. See for yourself:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF8em4uPdCg

Also, watch this for an unusual elephant-dog friendship:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAN5nf04L2s

Item 5. Fear of a Hillary Presidency is gripping millions of Americans, now. While I can't say such an outcome would be anything but bad, I can say that statistically speaking the worst possible replacement we can drudge up for Soetoro cannot be as bad as Soetoro. That is small comfort to those who have witnessed Hillary's public spectacles, scandals, and general insanity. But it is good news in the sense that we may be going from the fire to the frying pan.

Graphene, unlike Hilllary, is so very useful. Maybe we should just "elect" a blob of graphene for President. Or, given her track record, I'd settle for a dog turd.

No complicated setup, works via USB. Everything is included so you can scan directly into any PC application quickly and efficiently, from a huge range of languages and character sets.

You know you want it. Buy from us and save!
 

• This pen seamlessly integrates with the software you are already using.
• It connects easily with your laptop or handheld device (Windows or Android OS).
• Plug and Play. No complicated set-up.
• Powered by your PC, batteries not required.
• High scanning speeds. Portable.
• You can easily move it from one PC to another.
• Scans from irregular surfaces. You can scan from surfaces that are curved, laminated, or even patterned.
• Recognizes 238 languages.
• Lets you send a phrase or a whole paragraph from foreign books or documents to your PC for phonetic pronunciation or to speed up translation and learning.

You can buy from us with confidence, we've been making online customers happy since 1997.

We've all noticed the stupid, dangerous drivers who weave across the lanes or cut other people off in traffic. Or sit at a green light, only to run the next one after it turns red. Or do 35MPH on the merge ramp to the Interstate highway. Are they drunk? No, they are yakking on their phone instead of paying attention to the full-time job of driving.

I sometimes see people outdoors, walking with their face in a smartphone. Those people are oblivious to their surroundings (dangerous!), and they are giving up a great opportunity for intellectual stimulation. Walk a beagle sometime, and observe how the dog interacts with the outdoors. Simply observing is stimulating.

Nathan works from home and is in a brainy occupation (electronic game design). Conversations with him are fascinating and rewarding. With his wife, same thing. She's a mental health professional, and is especially keen on matters of how mental processes work. Or don't work.

They are fully present, in whatever they do.

Nathan takes his kids for walks. Slow walks. They stop often and simply observe. Nathan brings a camera, and gets some amazing close-ups. When the weather permits, Nathan takes these walks barefoot. In addition to more sensory input, this going barefoot is very good for the feet (shoes don't let your feet move the way they are supposed to move).

When Nathan does anything, he's fully there. He pays attention. Contrast this to the yakking driver or the texting walker.

Many people falsely believe they accomplish more by multi-tasking. While it is true they make more errors that way, they are not more productive.

What if you're a sales rep and an important client calls while you're driving? Either pull over or don't take the call. Why would you want to handle the call poorly and drive poorly at the same time, when you can pull over to handle the call competently and then resume driving safely? Are you more likely to close a sale or even give intelligent answers while dodging all of the other distracted drivers? Or while focusing on that customer and his needs?

Any time you're faced with two important tasks, pick one. Do it well, then do the other.

Back when I taught time management, this was a core principle I tried to get across to doubting audiences who had been drinking the multi-tasking Kool-Aid. One of the ways to get them to think about this was to ask for a show of hands of anyone who could tell when they were on a phone call with another person who was also answering e-mail. Then we'd talk briefly about how lousy the call was. Could the outgoing e-mails have been any better? Why or why not?

Now, picture two sets of kids. The first set is in the family living room with their parents, television blaring. They are "studying" and "doing homework." The second set is in the family living room with their parents, who are actively engaging them in the topics they just finished studying in the silent room.

Which set of kids is more likely to master the material? To get the nuances of it? OK, which set is more likely to misunderstand the material?

Now, picture two pets. The first one gets a little "toss the ball" from its human companion who is simultaneously yakking on the phone. The second one has a human companion who is actively engaged, laughing and shouting encouragement and making that pet the center of the world for the whole play time. Which pet is going to be smarter? Happier? More affectionate? Change out "pets" for "kids" and you get another scenario where most parents sadly fall way, way short.

Many years ago, I worked on the staff of a magazine. Late one afternoon, a coworker said to me, "My phone rang all day. I hardly got anything done!" My reply was, "That happens." I did not tell him that I unplugged my phone after the second call. No interruptions for me, no trying to work while someone was yakking away at me. I finished six articles that day. I returned all the messages the next day. What did my coworker get done? One article that had to be completely reworked. My articles didn't need to be edited at all.

One way I reduced the number of incoming calls was by refusing to play phone tag. Any time I left a message, I made a point of giving that person some question that person could answer. This way, they could leave an informative message for me instead of, "This is Bob returning your call" for the seventh time." My outgoing message also asked the caller to give me a question so I could call back with the answer. That was a huge time-saver for all concerned.

If I didn't have a particular message, for example, they left me no information to act upon, I would give them a specific time to call me back. And, of course, I would fully focus on their call.

No matter how high your IQ is, you must use that IQ for it to matter. If you are halfway paying attention, your IQ is throttled down considerably. Maybe even below the retard level.

A friend and mentor of mine is into hi-fi music. By this, I mean really good systems playing really good music. The clarity is such that you can distinguish between the bass and the cello. What do you think is his mental state while listening to this music on such a system? Is he texting? Answering e-mail? Or is he fully focused on the music? Why bother if you aren't going to immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy it?

Now, none of this is to say you can't do rote (or "mindless") things while also carrying on a conversation. For example, maybe you're dusting your house or folding clothes while talking on the phone. I often prepare meals while on the phone, but if I need to cook something that I'm not quite familiar with I won't be on the phone. Also, I never allow distractions while baking due to the danger that one thoughtless moment of distraction can bring to fruition.

Don't try to do two things that demand mental processing, because you will simply reduce your mental power. It's like getting a "temporary lobotomy" every time you do something.

• An expensive vacation trip. Maybe make that trip shorter (e.g., a two-week trip becomes a one-week trip) to cut down on hotel and related expenses. Use the days you "save" for free or inexpensive activities close to home. Those include visiting a state park, a zoo, an aquarium, a museum, etc. People often never visit these attractions in their own metro area.
   
• Meals out. Families or other small groups can rack up a huge tab on a single safari to a restaurant, plus the food is typically not healthy. Try as an alternative a "pot luck" and (strongly) encourage everyone to bring something that's nutrient-dense rather than junk food. A vegetable medley can taste fantastic. Not enough seating? You could try renting a hall or picnic area from your local park system (in many locales, you just have to reserve it and it's free).
   
• Parties. Some folks like to have parties in their home. These can be quite expensive, even if they are BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze). You have to buy all that ice, for starters. Then people who imbibe a little too much spill on your carpet, and so on. The costs all have to do with food and drink. So why not have a party where these are expressly not going to be there? Maybe it sounds radical, but why can't people go without pigging out for a couple of hours? For example, have a party where six people are invited and you're just going to play Monopoly. No food will be served, though water will be provided.
   
• Going to the movies. Maybe you've developed the habit of going out to a movie once or twice a month. With the poor quality of movies coming out the past few years, you have more than just a financial reason for rethinking this. Maybe invest in a decent monitor and DVD player, and get your movies for free from your local library. Or read books, instead.
   
• Buying books. Do what some friends finally decided to do. They formed their own book club. Instead of buying a book every three weeks or so, they bought less often and just shared with each other. If someone was considering a title, s/he'd mention it to the other folks before buying it. These folks read non-fiction, and some of the books run over $100. So the savings added up.

BBB Warns of Scam Targeting Local Businesses

Kansas City, MO, March 15, 2016 - The Better Business Bureau of Greater Kansas City is alerting businesses of a scam that calls itself "Compliance Division." The scam mails postcards to businesses, notifying them that they may be in violation of compliance. The card neglects to inform the business of what compliance they might be in violation and only asks them to call a toll free number.

According to one local business that filed a complaint with the BBB, once they called the toll-free number, the Compliance Division demanded $200 for a Certificate of Good Standing.

While Missouri does have a Certificate of Good Standing, it costs only $10, not $200, and is not necessarily required to do business in the state. The Missouri Secretary of State's office accepts requests for the certificates via fax, mail, in person or online. They will not call or mail businesses demanding payment for the certificate.

The Compliance Division claims to have an address in Harrisonville, MO. However, the address belongs to Missouri Registered Agent, LLC (MRA), a local registrar company with no ties to the so-called Compliance Division. MRA informed the BBB that they have filed a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General's Office about the unauthorized use of their business address.

During the course of an investigation, the BBB attempted to discover a valid mailing address for Compliance Division. The BBB found additional addresses given by the group, a Pennsylvania business address and a Florida residence, but both were false.

On March 14, 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of State issued a scam warning against Business Compliance Division, aka Compliance Division, stating:

"The Pennsylvania Department of State has been made aware of more post card solicitations that are being mailed to Pennsylvania businesses from a bogus company calling itself "Business Compliance Division." The post card urges the company to "call immediately" to "avoid potential fees and penalties." The number (1-888-803-7922) leads the caller to speak to a representative of the alleged company, who seeks a credit card payment of $125 over the phone to procure a "certificate of existence" in order to comply with "Commonwealth regulations governing new enterprises."

This is a SCAM. Companies which are validly formed have already received a stamped copy of the public organic document filed with the Department of State, indicating the entity number, date filed and name of the current Secretary of the Commonwealth. There is no "certificate of existence" required for a newly-filed company in order to maintain compliance with Pennsylvania law."

If your business receives one of these post cards, do not contact the number given. You can report the scam to the BBB Scam Tracker at www.bbb.org/scamtracker. If you wish to obtain a legitimate copy of your Certificate of Good Standing in the state of Missouri, contact the Corporation Unit at (573) 751-4153.

The previous issue of this column resulted in some good questions from readers. The first one I'll address is about frequent colds. The other is about supplements.

One reader says he's just prone to getting a cold every few weeks, so his body is fighting this off and he just can't do rigorous workouts. The illness here might not be a cold per se, but something else. People often say they "have a cold" when they have cold-like symptoms. Follow all the tips in the previous newsletter, plus focus on hygiene.

What about hygiene? Change your bedding frequently, for starters. Do you have a spray bottle of vinegar? If not, get a spray bottle and fill it with vinegar. Use this to clean your shower/tub, toilets (spray on the lip where the water enters the bowl), countertops, linoleum floors, refrigerator drawers, and other surfaces.

Don't forget to clean your sink drains, as those (especially in bathrooms) tend to accumulate matter (such as hair and food particles) that creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Pour some baking soda down the drain, then pour vinegar behind it.

Most homes have a covering of dust on the ceiling and the walls, resulting in a cascade of dust into the air all day long. Blow this off and vacuum it up, about once a month.

Don't sterilize your home, but do clean it. There is a difference. And this will help you stay well.

• Pre-workout. These typically contain L-Arginine and Beta-Alinine, which is good. But then the manufacturers throw in creatine (really for recovery), some kind of "proprietary blend" (useless garbage), artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, excess B vitamins, and a coffee pot's worth of caffeine. Then they slap a fat price tag on it and get some celebrity steroid user to endorse it.
• Post-workout. These typically have nothing good for after your workout, and they typically contain sugar. For post-workout, consume a good amino complex (such as FundAminos) or non-dairy protein plus creatine plus more Beta-Alinine.
• Protein. The typical gym rat sucks down a post-workout whey protein shake that's about 40g. One problem with this is an average sized adult male can absorb only about 20g (females even less). The other 20g, your body has to do something with. Guess where it stores spare calories? Speaking of calories, what else is in those shakes? I don't use dairy-based protein supplements at all. Many good vegan ones are available. You can take it one step better with FundAminos. Determine your total protein needs and supplement accordingly.

As you may have guessed, most supplements are poorly formulated, overly-expensive, and counterproductive to use. That is not true of all supplements, however. Read the labels carefully so you know what you are getting. And plan your supplement program rather that just taking whatever seems most appealing.

Remember, it's your basic nutrition that gets you the most bang for your buck. If you look at the cost of a week's worth of kale, broccoli, spinach, kale, eggplant, squash, sweet potatoes, etc., it's less than $50 per person. That works out to about $200 a month, which is a big savings over what a heavy supplement user pays. And it's money you'd spend anyhow, making this part of your program basically free.

• The best workouts are short and intense.
• A good diet contains far more flavors and satisfaction than the typical American diet.

Your big toes have two bones each while the rest of your toes have three bones. Bone voyage!

In what ways can you be a resource for others? Why do you think this is, and what are you doing about it?