The Building Blocks of Math

 I am both a long-time student of Mathematics and now a tutor of the subject.  One thing that was made very clear to me as a beginning Math student (and that was many years ago) is that every step in learning Math is a building block to the next step.

With that being the case, it is essential to learn each step fully before moving to the next step.  As an illustration, it is necessary to gain a very strong command of the Arithmetic of fractions and decimals before moving on too Algebra.  While it is simple to solve for 5x + 2 = 12, it is a different story for 2/5x +3/7 = 12.  Likewise, solving for 5x + 2 = 12 is the step to solving 7x² +12x -74 = 52.

On a larger scale, learning Arithmetic is the precursor to Algebra which leads to Geometry which leads to Trigonometry and then on to Calculus.  This trail is essential for success at the higher level and the journey may take years.  It usually does.

The other important practice in learning Mathematics is to practice with repetitions of problems.  Most Math textbooks I have worked with over the years offer just enough practice problems for the student to grasp the concept of a particular chapter before moving on.  It is really necessary to work all of the problems in a chapter before moving on to the next chapter.  I compare this to physical exercise.  You have to put in the work to achieve success!

Happy Calculating!

Where Does Math Fit In

 Everywhere.  There are many answers to questions about the Universe in Mathematics.  Just check out the Theories of Relativity formulated by Albert Einstein.  What about Pi!  What about the Golden Ratio?  The Fibbonacci Series?

I am having a great time tutoring the subject of Mathematics.  When students learn how to apply the theorems and laws of Math to particular problems and get the right answer, it is fun.  That is how I try to teach.  Currently associated with two different tutoring organizations, I am having a great time helping others to learn Geometry and Algebra in order to succeed in their respective curriculum.  

OK Here we go!

 I have decided to restart this blog again.  Over the past several years, I have devoted most of my blogging time to another blog titled Fluid Power Marketing.  Well, I have retired from that career but I feel that I still have a lot of ideas to share.

So, where do I go from here and what kind of ideas do I share from an Average Guy?   I am going to steer clear of politics.  I am going to stay away from current events.  Then, what do I write about?  Should I express my opinions about professional and college sports?  Nah, that's kind of a personal preference thing,  Cooking?  That wound be very short indeed.  Landscaping?  I like plants and trees.  Pets, I don't have any.  I know, I can write about one of my very favorite subjects. Mathematics.  I can almost hear you say, what??? who wants to read about Math?

Since I have retired from my fluid power job, my new endeavor is tutoring Mathematics.  Many years ago, I was a Math major in college and, in fact I did earn my math degree but that is enough about me.  What do you think about Math?  Is it difficult to understand?  Is it very practical?  Is it something to steer clear of?

The answer to all of these questions is that Math is incorporated and interwoven in every aspect of our physical world.  Certainly simple Arithmetic is used daily in finances, in measuring things, making simple calculations, and so on.  However, it comes into play in many more applications that that.  Consider the subject of Probability.  Do you make decisions based on the probable outcome?  That is Math.

Consider Statistics.  Are you a sports fan?  What about Calculus, well I won't get into that in this my first post in a long time.  What I have discovered is that most of us have forgotten most of what we have leaned in K-12 starting with Algebra.  So what is the incentive to get about remembering what we have forgotten?  Well, unless you are studying for an advanced degree that requires Math or perhaps you are trying to get your GED, then probably only a love of the subject will get you going.  

Math is fun and I would like to know what you think.

This Blog

 I have not posted anything on this blog in over four years.  It used to be fun posting ideas and thoughts about many things.  I am considering starting up again with new posts.  Stay tuned.

Online Ordering is a Big Game Changer

I have never been an avid shopper for items like clothing and household items, but I like getting new stuff as much as anyone else.  I have known about Amazon and other online shopping websites but I was never very active in the past.

Like most people, when I needed something, I went to the appropriate store.  You go to your favorite clothing store for those items, to the home store for tools and household items like light bulbs and garden hoses.

Now, with "free" returns, there is no need to worry about making the mistake of selecting the wrong item on Amazon or any other shopping site.  Now you can fulfill most of your needs online from shoes to shovels.

This could eventually be a problem for physical brick and mortar stores.  They are at a disadvantage in many ways like convenience and carrying enough inventory.   It is easier to shop many brands online and select the one you like and just order it.

With that being said, I really hope for the success of stores.  Shopping is more than just getting stuff.  It is a social experience and one we cannot afford to lose.

Read, Baby, Read

I don't know if that is a appropriate title or not.  It is not a reference to infants only but if I titled this Read, Man, Read or Read, Brother, Read, that would not be inclusive of females which is not my intention.  Read, Person, Read sounds awkward so I settled on the above.

I just wanted to emphasize the importance of reading for everyone.  With all of the electronic communications available to people today, reading books may seem a little unattractive or distant to many.  That could be a problem because reading enhances your education, knowledge, understanding, and so much more.

More specifically, I recommend that you read every day including material that pertains to your career.  Find books at the library, bookstore (if you can locate one), or Amazon which has just about every book.  Find stuff that will help you to grow your career and blend that with reading that you enjoy.  That is my recommendation for what it is worth.

I want to share some information about a book that I read in 2016 that was interesting, not perfect, but helpful.  The title is The Happiness Equation.

In this book, author Neil Pasricha, refers to a formula that helps your overall happiness and it is Want Nothing + Do Anything = Have Everything.  Well, this is not going to be completely true from my perspective but he does offer some helpful hints about finding happiness in your work life.  I do recommend reading it.

Another book from my 2016 reading list that I liked, and I liked most of them, is He Leadeth Me by Father Walter Ciszek.  This is an amazing story and probably my favorite and most impactful book of 2016.

The subtitle of this book is An Extraordinary Testament of Faith and that says it all.  Father Ciszek endured 23 years in Soviet prison camps and through his utter reliance on God's will did he overcome and survive the hardships that were most extreme.

I also enjoyed reading Passion for Leadership by former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates which gave an interesting insight on the management of an important department of the U.S government.  This title like about half of my reading list were taken in through audiobooks.

My point of all of this is simple.  Read, Baby, Read.

Tradition and Experience are important too.

A lot has been talked about regarding the so-called Millennial generation.  These are basically understood as young adults today.  They, for the most part have a slightly different outlook and approach to life than people of my age to.  Make no mistake, I am a baby boomer.  That is the generation of people born after World War II and before 1960 and a rather large segment of society.

Throughout my youth, there were so many of us that schools, churches, shopping centers, and even suburbs expanded rapidly to accommodate the baby boomers.  Then the growth rate of our population seemed to slow down and we had some excess capacity in all of those areas and schools were converted to senior homes and other such uses.

Getting back to millennials, we boomers have had to make an effort to get along with their culture first by understanding it or trying to and then by figuring out ways to make our cultures work.  With that said, I would like to make the point that our ideas and our ways count too.  There is something to be said for tradition and experience that we boomers have lived for most of our lives.

While it is fine to understand and get along with other age groups, we should be proud of the traditions and experience that we bring to the world every day.  All age groups should respect and learn from all others.  That makes a lot of sense.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

There are many reasons why people get stressed during the Christmas Season.  Sometimes we feel that we must meet certain expectations in order to properly celebrate Christmas.  We need to have the perfect parties or buy the perfect gifts.

Chasing the perfect Christmas is not the answer to making this the most wonderful time of the year, it just is.  We are celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ whose birth forever changed the world.  If we focus on that aspect of this wonderful time, we won't be disappointed.

With that being said, the celebrations that go with this Season, are also awesome including gift exchanges, decorating, carols, and gatherings.  The decorations do so very much to help us to celebrate the season.  I thank everyone who makes that extra effort to decorate their home both inside and out site,

If you think about it, outside decorations are for the benefit of other folks, not the person doing the decorating.  Those who create displays of any kind are decorating so that we can enjoy looking at them and being reminded of this most wonderful time of the year!

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

A city with culture

In 2016, Cleveland has been in the spotlight for great sports teams and for the Republican National Convention.  It has been a fun year and I believe the city has a lot to be proud of in 2016!

Our Cleveland Cavaliers have ended our drought of 52 years without a professional sports team championship in our city.  The previous title was held by the 1964 Cleveland Browns.  Then our Fall Surprise was the appearance of our very own Cleveland Indians in the 2016 World Series.  We came within one swing of the bat of winning it all.

But there has been much more to love about Cleveland for many decades including our cultural offerings.  Two that come to mind immediately are our renowned Cleveland Orchestra and our fabulous Art Museum.    Our Orchestra is recognized as one of the finest in the world.

For more information and to purchase tickets to one of their performances, simply visit their website .  In addition to a wonderful Christmas and holiday schedule, their 2016-17 season will include works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Schubert, and Mahler.  If you are into classical music, plan to take in one of their concerts in the beautiful Severance Hall pictured above.

Right across the street, literally, is our Cleveland Museum of Art.  After extensive renovations and expansions, our Art Museum is bigger and better than ever.  You will find amazing works of art from famous painters and sculptors as well as artifacts from around the world from past centuries.  Treat yourself to our free-admission Museum of Art.

Cleveland is truly a city of culture and I am proud to call it my hometown!

Trying to make a comeback

I have been away from this blog for a very long time.  The reason is that I thought I was just too busy.  Being busy is relative.  I started this blog several years about so that I can write out my thoughts and observations and share them with others.  Then it got away from me.

Actually my last post was almost one year ago and I was kind of surprised to learn that just now.  The title of this post is "Trying to make a comeback" because that is what I am trying to do with this blog.  Find the time to share thoughts and observations.

The inspiration comes from my buddy Rick who writes a blog post every Sunday titled Hanging With Rich where he does exactly what I was trying to do before I became supposedly too busy one year ago.  I don't know if anyone reads this blog but I know that I benefit from writing it because it helps me to understand what I think and observe.

Today is Thanksgiving Day 2016 and we all have a lot to be thankful for today!  I will leave it up to  you to decide what you are thankful for but I am sure that you have a lot!  Have a fantastic day, enjoy your time off and your families, and enjoy the season!  God Bless!

Does Hard Work Pay Off ... revisited

I have been away from this blog for a while but ... I am still observing things ... in an average guy kind of way.  One of my best-read posts ever was one titled Does Hard Work Pay Off?

Well, I am sure that it does.  In fact, I will go further this time to say that consistent hard work at your job, whatever it is, will almost guarantee success in terms of staying gainfully employed.  There will always be circumstances that jeopardize anyone's job including mergers, slowdowns, staff reductions, and more.

If a worker apples his or her energy and skills to the job in a focused and consistent way, they are so valuable to their company that they create job security through their efforts and work ethic.  This passion can also be transferred to another job or another company too.  In fact, others will observe a pattern of hard work on the part of an employee which should lead to other opportunies.

Work hard, be honest, keep learning, and you should be fine.

So, yes, hard work does pay off.

Increasing Brand Awareness While Generating Sales Leads

That is what we do @FluidPowerWorld http://www.fluidpowerworld.com.  Join us as an advertiser, join us as a reader, sign up for our e-newsletters, and visit our websites.

If your company would like to promote your new products, sent them to me at mference@wtwhmedia.com and we will help your marketing efforts right away!

Happy New Year

I wish you a very Happy New Year.  I hope that it is prosperous in many ways, especially in establishing and maintaining balance in your life.  I have been reading  Rhythm of Life by author and speaker Matthew Kelly and I recommend it to everyone.

In his books and presentations, Matthew often advises people to seek to become the best version of themselves that they can possibly be.  The start of a new year is a good time to evaluate everything that we are doing and look for ways to become that.

On the Trail with TED

I like to walk and I like music.  However, I have found a new activity to do while walking.  I know, you may say, wow you are just learning about that now?  Well yes I am just now discovering podcasts.

Today I listened to a podcast of the radio show TED Radio Hour that I found for free in iTunes under NPR.  The title of the podcast was Success and I learned lot.  The contributors gave their perspectives on success.

You are probably already listening to podcasts so, if you are interested, you should have no trouble finding it.  I got the Beats as a gift recently from my employer and I really enjoy them.  Lucky!

Forgiveness

I may have written about this before but it is worth repeating.  It is so important to be forgiving!  I am not saying that I am good at this but I know that it is necessary.

We are all wronged by others at some point in our lives.  We are going to be the victim of jealousy, deceit, pride, anger, or even rage.   While it is important to be protective against our detractors, it is equally important to be forgiving.

Our Lord Jesus Christ came to forgive sinners and it is through Him that we are forgiven.  We are called to live and share that forgiveness, even when it is hard to do.

For more on the subject, check out this video by Contemporary Christian artist Matthew West.

The Magic Story

I know that I have posted information about this story before but I believe that it is worth repeating.  I kind of stumbled across this really great, however old, story about helping yourself in all that you do. It is called The Magic Story by Frederick Van Rensselaer and here is a link to the book.

The setting for the story is actually quite old but the message of the story is really worth hearing.  It talks about the positive and negative entity of every person.  While it may seem like it is only partially true for some people, the message is clear about how we should approach our jobs, our personal lives, and pretty much everything.

You can do what I have begun to do and that is load the book onto your personal device from your public library.  That way it is free.

If you do choose to read the book or listen to the audio book as I have done, I would love to know that you think of it.  Can you please let me know?

Fresh Air

While including rest and relaxation into your daily routine, don't forget fresh air.  Exercising and working out are good.  So is fresh air.

We are very fortunate where I live to have the Metro Parks and Lake-to-Lake Trail.  They provide an excellent opportunity to get exercise while also getting fresh air.

No matter what your job might be, balancing work with fresh air is important.  Connecting with nature helps us to focus on our work.  A walk in the park does wonders to refocus our efforts at work or at school.

Even in the Winter, we have an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.  Whether it is hiking, skiing, or just a walk, we can still get fresh air.

See you on the trail.

Read 30 minutes minimum in your field every day

I have posted this before and I strongly believe that reading is one of the keys to success in business and in your life in general.  If you can commit to reading at least 30 minutes or more in your field of work, you will gain an advantage over everyone who does not.

This advice comes from a trainer, coach, and author named Brian Tracy who I have studied for years. He recommends starting your day, every day with reading in your field.  Check out Brian's website for more learning resources by clicking here.

You will find books, and audio programs for time management, business training, sales training, leadership, and more.  One of the best tips that I ever heard goes like this:  If you want to be as successful as you can, work on yourself.  Reading is a great component of self-help.

Balance is Important

I know that I have written about this before but I really believe that it is important!  Having balance in your life is critically important in to optimize your chances of being happy.

There are many important areas of life including your profession, family, faith, recreation, and relaxation.  Having balance means having the right combination of each of these areas in your life.

Of course, your profession is what pays the bills but it also defines who you are.  Giving the right amount of attention to your profession pays for everything but it also empowers you to be who you want to be.  So work hard, continue to improve your work skills and give work your attention.

Your family defines who you are also.  We are all responsible for our family life and having a good one is a great blessing.  Always put your family right up there in your list of importance.  This goes for immediate and extended family.

I believe that your faith life defines who you are.  Being devoted to God is critical to your happiness.  Practicing your faith and beliefs is your most important mission.  You are a role model whether you chose to be or not and that is part of God's plan I believe.

Recreation helps to define who you are.  All work and no play makes you a dull person.  It is true.  Find something to do in the area of recreation.  It is important.

Rest makes it all possible.  Be sure to get enough of it.

There is a lot right

We often hear that there is a lot wrong with our world and society.  I know that there is a lot right.  The majority of people are really good people.

In campaigning for political office, I have come to experience the warm reception and interest of voters in my ward.  This has been a fantastic experience and one that helps me to understand that there is a lot right with people.

I know that we have a lot wrong with our world.  People do awful things to each other.  But they are a minority.  In talking with people face-to-face, I just know that most people mean well a do good things.  What do you think?