Growing, Growing, Gone

Ruben and I were watching a movie last night and, to my surprise, so was The Toddler. It wasn't even a little kid movie, but she was totally into it. I remember when trying to watch a movie with her around was impossible and now she watches them with us. I didn't realize how much she had grown until last night. When we moved into our house last November she wasn't even walking, and now she won't sit still. She runs everywhere, she can talk*, she plays by herself, she even helps me do laundry (yay!). It seems like yesterday she was an eight pound baby and tomorrow she'll be grown up and out of the house. Don't get me wrong, I love that she can tell me what she wants, can feed herself and all that good stuff. It just amazes me how fast time flies by when you're grown, (except when you're waiting in line at a smelly store**). Remember when it seemed like an eternity for Christmas to come around?

I sure am going to miss The Toddler's squishy, puffy cheeks when she outgrows them.


-Shala

*I'm pretty sure she's learned a second language because whatever she is saying most of the time is totally not English. She does have a Russian teacher so you never know.

**For whatever reason, the Wal Mart by our house always smells bad.

Untapped Resources - The Public Library

Hi All,

The past week I've been struggling to get my school work down before the wee hours of the night.  Why? Distractions! I decided I'm perfectly cut out for online classes, but I just can't do them at home.  Home is a place for winding down and relaxing with loved ones, and it presents too many opportunities for me to stray away from my assignments.  In my current class, I have what seems to be endless amounts of reading and three written assignments due each week.   And not only do I procrastinate while at home, but it really doesn't help that the weather continues to be hot and I don't have air conditioning.  It's super hard to focus on reading when all you can think about is Popsicles and swimming pools.  Luckily, I discovered the perfect solution to all my problems - The Public Library.  I pass it nearly every day and never thought I had a good reason to stop in and check it out until now.  Well, the library is awesome. It's cool, it's comfortable, it's quiet, and it's full of resources to help me accomplish everything I need to do.  My town of Aurora, CO actually has three public libraries in total.  The best part about the library is, it's FREE! I always knew a library card was free (unless you don't bring stuff back on time), but I never realized how many other things a public library has to offer.  The Aurora library offers free weekly computer classes on things like mastering word and excel, using the Internet, e-mail, and searching for jobs online.  They even offer free practice tests for the ACT, SAT, and GMAT.  Not to mention all the cute activities for kids like story times and fun educational programs.  So, take the time to rediscover your public library, I promise you won't be disappointed.

To find your local public library go here: http://www.publiclibraries.com/

To easy reading,
Allison

Office Ergonomics

Hey folks,

Are you molded into an office chair for 8+ hours a day? If so you may be feeling some back pain, swelling, numbness, and fatigue in multiple parts of your body. I myself can start feeling some back pain late in the day, half the time I think it's due to my wallet when I forget to remove it, however I've also been known to have some pretty bad posture. So if you are having some of those symptoms listed above, continue reading, I've put in some good tips for your computer workstation ergonomics from OSHA.

• Hands, wrists, and forearms are straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor.
• Head is level or bent slightly forward, forward facing, and balanced. Generally it is in-line with the torso.
• Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body.
• Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent between 90 and 120 degrees.
• Feet are fully supported by the floor or a footrest may be used if the desk height is not adjustable.
• Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when sitting vertical or leaning back slightly.
• Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded seat and generally parallel to the floor.
• Knees are about the same height as the hips with the feet slightly forward.

Of course there is a ton of information on this topic. If you would like to read further just click the link below and you're all set.

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/index.html

Have a great day,

Trevor

The New Ohaus Explorer Analytical And Precision Balances

Hi all!

I was so excited about these new Explorer scales from Ohaus, I thought I would tell you about how awesome they are. Ohaus recently released their completely re-imagined Explorer series. The analytical and precision scales in this series rise to a whole new level offering a full-color touch screen display, programmable touchless sensors, modular design, automatic internal calibration and so much more.

My favorite feature has to be the color touchscreen display. It's very easy on the eyes and the display's SmarText™ software guides you through setup and weighing applications with the ability to work in 11 different languages. The on screen prompts and icons make working with the scale super easy and, since it's a touchscreen, it can offer a full QWERTY keyboard for easy data entry. You can use your finger or a stylus to operate the scale. Can't beat it.

Another really cool thing about this scale is the modular design. Ohaus designed the display "terminal" to separate from the base of the scale allowing you to mount it on a wall or the optional display mounting tower. Of course you don't have to mount it; you can just pull it closer to you for easy operation and viewing. The terminal is connected to the base with a cable that allows the base and terminal to communicate. It's awesome. Ohaus even has an optional extension cable to give you up to 10 feet of distance between the display and the base.




Ohaus also included their new favorite feature; touchless sensors. Just like the Ohaus Navigators, the Explorers have touchless sensors that you can program to fit your needs. There are two sensors on the base and two sensors on the display (awesome if you're using the display away from the base) that can each be programmed to perform a different action. These sensors will come in handy, especially if you work with materials that you don't want contaminating the display. Faster weighing, no residue transfer, minimizes contamination. This is an excellent feature for a lab balance.

Speaking of lab balances, did you know that even the tiniest breeze can interfere with weight readings and weighing applications? That's why all analytical and high precision balances come with draftshields. Most draftshields consist of a rectangular plastic or metal frame with sliding glass panes...not the new Explorer. The new Ohaus Explorer balances with 0.001 gram or finer resolution come with intelligently designed draftshields. These shields are frameless, which means you have super easy access to the weighing platform. You don't have to ease your way between frames to work with your samples, you have full access. It doesn't stop there. These draftshields have antistatic coated glass panes, a flip top and a chamber light.

Another excellent feature to mention is AutoCal™ automatic internal calibration. All analytical and precision lab balances require calibration. To calibrate a scale, you need calibration weights which can get pretty expensive depending on the scale's requirements. Calibration weights need to be kept clean and should only be used while wearing gloves, (to prevent natural skin oils from interfering with the mass) and, if you have enough of them, they can start to get in the way. Why am I telling you this? Because the new Ohaus Explorers don't require external calibration weights. Seriously. Ohaus designed these analytical and precision balances to include AutoCal™. What is AutoCal™? It's internal calibration that automatically re calibrates the balance every 11 hours or when it senses a significant change in temperature. Buying the Explorer is like buying a scale and the exact calibration weights it requires...what a deal!

The Ohaus Explorer series includes 13 models with a range of capacities and resolutions to fit your needs. Each balance has 21 weighing units, 14 weighing applications (basic weighing, percent weighing, dynamic weighing, totalization, differential weighing, peak hold, parts counting, pipette adjustment, checkweighing, filling, formulation, density determination, ingredient costing and statistical quality control), new QuadraStance™ thumbwheels for easily adjusting the scale's stability and much more. We have all of the new Ohaus Explorer scales on our site if you want to take a look or if you want to learn more about each feature.

- Shala

99 Days

The next 99 days will be incredibly busy for me, how about you? I'm estimating in the next 99 days to spend 639 hours at work. And of course I have to get to work, that will be roughly 71 hours. Of those 71 hours, dropping off the kid in the morning and picking them up in the evening is thankfully included. However, before I can drop the kid off in the morning I have to get ready for the day, there goes another 74 hours.

So, what about you? According to United States Department of Labor, the average American, in the next 99 days will spend 270 hours watching TV. Watching that much TV will of course leave very little time for volunteering, about 14 hours. I'm glad this next number is low, only 20 hours of yard work. 74 Hours will be spent purchasing goods, I'm sure this number has gone down a bit this year. Food preparation coming in at 55 hours, I'm curious to know how much time is spent eating? Saving the best for last, 30 hours are spent working out or doing sports and such.

The last statistic is the purpose of this blog. I need this number quadrupled in the coming 99 days. In 99 days, November 16, 2011, Winter Park will open for the season. So if you're a skier or snowboarder, you'd better start getting ready. I can think of a couple of guys who will not be able to keep up this coming season...

Happy carving,

T-rev

Ahhh, Nuts!

This week's topic in my Organizational Management class is "Social Responsibility."  Social Responsibility refers to a business's duty to society and community, although it's debated that there is even such a thing.  Well, I certainly agree with the way business today is changing, and I do think we owe it to society to innovate and create programs that encourage sustainability.  So, it got me thinking; what can we do here at OldWillKnottScales to make a positive impact on society?   Upon my initial examination, there really wasn't much...and then it hit me. I stare right at a huge pile of Styrofoam peanuts everyday.   Now, I wouldn't consider myself a super tree hugger, but I do know that Styrofoam is not exactly an environmentally friendly material.  So, I did some research for recyclable packaging materials and discovered two alternatives.  There is such a thing as Eco-foam peanuts, which are made from starch and other food-based products.  Eco-foam peanuts are heavier, water soluble, non-toxic, and non-static, but far more costly.  The other alternative is PaperNuts, and you guessed it - they are made from 100% recycled material.  Paper peanuts are tough enough to provide the cushion we need to keep your products safe, and they're static free, clean, safe, non-polluting, and low in particulates.  To my surprise, customers actually prefer paper peanuts as well; check out this case study I found.  Of course I have more research to do on cost and availability, but tell me what you think - Should OldWill switch to PaperNuts?


Happy Recycling,
Allison

Life on Mars?

Well evidently scientists have found hints of water on the planet Mars. So scientists believe that it is likely that there is some form of life on Mars. What do you think? Is there life beyond the planet Earth? I am sure all of us have pondered that question. For me, I am 100% sure there is some sort of life form out there. The world is just too big to not have something else out there. I await the day that contact is made. Hopefully I will be able to witness ET other than the one from the movie.

Happy Friday
Dale

Improve Your Memory By Brushing Your Teeth

Tonight when you're brushing your teeth, try using your non-dominant hand. You will probably feel (and look) goofy while doing this, but you will also be building new pathways in your brain. Using your non-dominant hand for simple tasks like brushing your teeth, opening doors and holding your phone may improve your overall memory. By working with the opposite hand, arm or leg you normally use, you're training your brain to use it's non-dominant side resulting in new synapses between hemispheres and increased brain function. With enough practice, you could even use your left hand, (or right hand if you're a lefty) just as well as your dominant hand. Cool, right?


-Shala

Listen and Learn

Anyone into listening to podcasts?  Don't ask me who, but people are saying podcasts are the future of talk radio.  Well, I know I certainly like them.  I'm always looking for different things to listen to while at home, in the car, or at work because let's face it, even Pandora gets a little old.  Recently, I discovered Stitcher radio.  Stitcher streams podcasts on demand, and it's amazing.  The content ranges from public and local radio shows to BBC and world news, to comedy and entertainment.  You can even search for podcasts by category such as; business and industry, society and culture, education, games and hobbies, science and technology, religion, etc. Needless to say, I think it will be awhile before I'm bored of Stitcher.  Check out some of the latest press about Stitcher below and visit them at http://www.stitcher.com .

Stitcher Makes Old Radio More Relevant - http://launch.is/blog/stitcher-streams-podcasts-on-demand-to-make-old-radio-even-m.html
Stitcher CEO Discusses Definition of 'Talk'- http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/-1533919.htm
Ford's AppLink includes Stitcher - http://ua.stitcher.com/press/SYNC_AppLink2011.pdf

Your Fellow Listener,
Allison

What would Trevor do?

I've got some family in town for a little over a week which got me thinking, what would I do for a week in Colorado if I had the time off? One day is already locked up with a Colorado Rockies game. That's some pretty standard fun for Colorado. So with six days left, I'll head west to Rocky Mountain National Park. I've been there a hundred times but I still enjoy going. Some camping would be in store, maybe Timber Creek campground. With five days to go, I'd do the tour of the ski cities. Aspen and Breckenridge would be on the list, the drive alone would make for a good scenic day. Only four days left on the Tour de Colorado, let's stop at Strawberry Park outside Steamboat Springs. Strawberry Park is a cool (hot) little hot springs with some cabins right next to the springs. Three days to go and I'm heading down to Durango and Mesa Verde. I've never been to SW Colorado so that would be interesting. The trip is almost over, two more days and I'm going camping at the Pinyon Flats Campground that has awesome views of the sand dunes and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. My last day would be spent at the top of Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak and the whole area around Pikes Peak have tons of things to do. So that concludes my little hypothetical week long adventure in Colorado.

What would you do?

Trevor