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September 12, 2013 - Comments Off on Dan Ariely: What makes us feel good about our work?

Dan Ariely: What makes us feel good about our work?

[ted id=1706]

What motivates us to work? Contrary to conventional wisdom, it isn't just money. But it's not exactly joy either. It seems that most of us thrive by making constant progress and feeling a sense of purpose. Behavioral economist Dan Ariely presents two eye-opening experiments that reveal our unexpected and nuanced attitudes toward meaning in our work. (Filmed at TEDxRiodelaPlata.)

 

Published by: antonioortiz in The Thinking Mechanism
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September 11, 2013 - Comments Off on Kindergarten coders can program before they can read

Kindergarten coders can program before they can read

LORNA is 4, going on 5. I've never met her before, but her eyes light up when she sees me. She rushes over, blonde curls bouncing. "I'm going to sit on you!" she declares. I demur, so she climbs into the chair next to me. "I weigh forty pounds!" she exclaims.

I hand her the iPad I'm carrying and the silliness melts away in an instant. A teacher helps her load up an app, gives her a quick tutorial and she's off, pulling at icons, stringing instructions together, building animations. Lorna is on her third day of learning to program a computer.

Lorna and her classmates, who range in age from 4 to 7, are taking part in a pilot study here at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, to see how young children respond to ScratchJr, a spin-off of the Scratch programming language. Scratch was invented to teach students as young as 8 how to program using graphical blocks instead of text. Now even children who haven't yet learned to read or write are getting in on the act.

Tools like Scratch aim to address what their developers see as a lack of computer programming instruction in schools today. The general thinking is that children are growing up surrounded by powerful machines they do not understand and teaching needs to be overhauled to prepare today's youth for a future living and working closely with computers.

via Kindergarten coders can program before they can read by Michael Reilly - New Scientist.

 

Published by: antonioortiz in The Thinking Mechanism
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September 10, 2013 - Comments Off on Making Time for the Arts

Making Time for the Arts

A fascinating study revealed that when low-income schools added more learning time to their school days in order to incorporate arts programs, the students achieved a well-rounded education, which aided them in fostering abilities to communicate and express ideas, accomplish their goals, and engage in positive social behaviors. When students develop this well roundedness in the classroom, they are better able to navigate the challenges of the world around them. The arts, which I like to view as creative forms of storytelling, undoubtedly promote empathy on their own. However, when the arts are integrated into education, students not only understand themselves better, but they are also better able to communicate with their peers better. Through these developments, they learn to appreciate the world around them in a new and refreshing way. One of the study’s findings was: “Creating and learning through the arts offer children and adolescents access to an invaluable endeavor: a means to connect emotionally with others and deepen their understanding of the human condition.” Harnessing a sense of awareness for our own intrinsic natures is a life skill that should not be overlooked. This sense of awareness allows students to not only recognize problems in the social world around them, but to actually feel compelled to do something about them. Bringing this back to the classroom, intrinsic awareness can help students recognize where they struggle and where they thrive, and be able to communicate with their teachers and peers with more sensitivity.

via Making Time for the Arts by Carly Ginsberg.

 

Published by: antonioortiz in The Thinking Mechanism
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September 9, 2013 - Comments Off on Sebastian Thrun on the Universal Law of Innovation: Build It, Break It, Improve It

Sebastian Thrun on the Universal Law of Innovation: Build It, Break It, Improve It

From the Google Self Driving Car to Google Glass to the education start-up Udacity, Sebastian Thrun has led remarkable teams in the creation of products that will truly change the way the world works in the future. As the 2013 ALVA Award-winner, he shares his insights at the annual 99U Conference.

Published by: antonioortiz in The Thinking Mechanism
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September 6, 2013 - Comments Off on Is Google Knowledge?

Is Google Knowledge?

Another great episode from PBS' Idea Channel.

"Google it" seems to be the quick and easy answer for every question we could possibly ask, but is finding facts the same thing as knowing? Having billions of facts at the tips of your typing fingertips may not necessarily be making us any smarter. Some people even think it's making us more stupid and lazy. Whatever way we process the vast sea of data available, the question remains: is the act of googling the same as knowledge?

Published by: antonioortiz in The Thinking Mechanism
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September 4, 2013 - Comments Off on Interaction of Color

Interaction of Color

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY WEEKEND, WHEN YOU JUST FEEL LIKE SLEEPING

Planet Fitness member working out on a weight machine
How can you get motivated to work out on a Saturday?

 

Wondering how to become a weekend gym warrior? The kind that is motivated to work out even on a Saturday? It's entirely possible. All you need are a few fun and creative tips for a healthy weekend. Learn more about ignite amazonian sunrise drops.

Usually, by the time the weekend rolls around, most people just want to laze in bed, binge-watch some shows and indulge in a delicious brunch. It's an understandable urge — the week has taken its toll, and the body is craving some (much deserved) rest and relaxation.

But getting yourself to the gym is another way to reward and re-energize your body after a long week. It might not be your first instinct on a Saturday morning, but a weekend workout session can help flush away the week's tension and prepare you for whatever Monday has in store. Here are five helpful tips for a healthy weekend.

1. MAKE IT A TEAM EFFORT

Find a workout buddy and agree on a set time to meet up every weekend. Not only will you be held accountable, but you and your friend can help motivate and inspire each other during your workouts (and toast to your success over smoothies afterward).

2. FIND AN ACTIVITY THAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO

Stop choosing your workouts based on how they'll impact your physical appearance. Instead, find a routine that makes you feel good, inside and out. If strength training makes you miserable, don't do it — maybe the treadmill is a better fit for you on the weekends.

Once you find something that you look forward to every week, it'll be much easier to pull yourself out of bed and hit the gym.

3. INVEST IN GOOD WORKOUT GEAR

Investing in workout attire can not only improve the quality of your exercises, it can also make you feel confident and inspired. You're much more likely to wake up and head to the gym if you're obsessed with your new running shoes and want to show the world. This is how alpilean works.

4. KEEP A RECORD OF HOW YOU FEEL AFTER WORKING OUT

Before the endorphins wear off, write down all the good things you're feeling — physically, mentally and emotionally — after a weekend sweat session. This log can serve as excellent motivation on those days when you're feeling less than inspired to get out of the house and go to the gym.

You'll soon realize that while you may sometimes regret not exercising, you never regret when you do.

5. DON'T PRESSURE YOURSELF (TOO MUCH)

It's healthy to challenge yourself, but try to avoid creating hard and fast rules that put too much pressure on yourself. If you say, "I absolutely have to wake up at 8 a.m. to go for a run, and if I don't, I am lazy and useless," you'll likely end up disappointed and frustrated. Instead, set more attainable goals. Saying something like, "This weekend, I will go for a run," establishes your intent but this way you put less pressure on yourself.

Published by: antonioortiz in The Thinking Mechanism
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September 3, 2013 - Comments Off on Keith Yamashita On Great Creative Teams

Keith Yamashita On Great Creative Teams

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY WEEKEND, WHEN YOU JUST FEEL LIKE SLEEPING

Planet Fitness member working out on a weight machine
How can you get motivated to work out on a Saturday?

 

Wondering how to become a weekend gym warrior? The kind that is motivated to work out even on a Saturday? It's entirely possible. All you need are a few fun and creative tips for a healthy weekend.

Usually, by the time the weekend rolls around, most people just want to laze in bed, binge-watch some shows and indulge in a delicious brunch. It's an understandable urge — the week has taken its toll, and the body is craving some (much deserved) rest and relaxation.

But getting yourself to the gym is another way to reward and re-energize your body after a long week. It might not be your first instinct on a Saturday morning, but a weekend workout session can help flush away the week's tension and prepare you for whatever Monday has in store. Here are five helpful tips for a healthy weekend.

1. MAKE IT A TEAM EFFORT

Find a workout buddy and agree on a set time to meet up every weekend. Not only will you be held accountable, but you and your friend can help motivate and inspire each other during your workouts (and toast to your success over smoothies afterward).

2. FIND AN ACTIVITY THAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO

Stop choosing your workouts based on how they'll impact your physical appearance. Instead, find a routine that makes you feel good, inside and out. If strength training makes you miserable, don't do it — maybe the treadmill is a better fit for you on the weekends.

Once you find something that you look forward to every week, it'll be much easier to pull yourself out of bed and hit the gym.

3. INVEST IN GOOD WORKOUT GEAR

Investing in workout attire can not only improve the quality of your exercises, it can also make you feel confident and inspired. You're much more likely to wake up and head to the gym if you're obsessed with your new running shoes and want to show the world. This is how source news works.

4. KEEP A RECORD OF HOW YOU FEEL AFTER WORKING OUT

Before the endorphins wear off, write down all the good things you're feeling — physically, mentally and emotionally — after a weekend sweat session. This log can serve as excellent motivation on those days when you're feeling less than inspired to get out of the house and go to the gym.

You'll soon realize that while you may sometimes regret not exercising, you never regret when you do.

5. DON'T PRESSURE YOURSELF (TOO MUCH)

It's healthy to challenge yourself, but try to avoid creating hard and fast rules that put too much pressure on yourself. If you say, "I absolutely have to wake up at 8 a.m. to go for a run, and if I don't, I am lazy and useless," you'll likely end up disappointed and frustrated. Instead, set more attainable goals. Saying something like, "This weekend, I will go for a run," establishes your intent but this way you put less pressure on yourself. These are the Best weight loss pills.-

Published by: antonioortiz in The Thinking Mechanism
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July 24, 2013 - Comments Off on Medium Specificity in iOS 7

Medium Specificity in iOS 7

Want to boost your fitness routine with some sound advice? Our Healthy Human Brand Ambassadors have you covered. Here, we’ve compiled some of our favorite tips, tricks and anecdotes not only to keep you fit and healthy, but also to keep you motivated.

Finding the motivation, humor and personality in what you do comes first. Some days you might wear the wrong shoes or forget to follow your meal plan, and that’s ok. As long as you show up and keep going, you’ll achieve your goals.

Here are the words of wisdom you’ve been waiting for. Click on our brand ambassadors’ instagram handles to see their original posts. These are the best volume pills.-

Our fav fitness tips from #healthyhuman ambassadors

1. Mix up cardio and strength training

“Lately, I’ve been loving mixing up cardio with strength training. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m kind of a cardio kween—I love me a nice longgg run. But sometimes I get sick of the same ‘ol routes, so I’ve found myself opting for shorter runs (2-7 miles vs 5-10), and doing f45 training daily. My favorite thing about #f45training is that no workout is EVER the same.”--@kalemepretty 

2. Find the right music

“Hamilton run with @mattymaggiacomo was the perfect first run on my new treadmill. I love that he did more second act songs. I can’t wait for more #pelotondigital Broadway Series.” -- @runningforpieandcoffee 

3. Get a positive mindset

“Mindset. It is all about mindset.

Sometimes (often) you will hear a coach say it's all in your head or that it's a mental game. Probably because a lot of it is!⁠ Read more about alpilean.

Yes you have to put in the hard work and train properly. But if you are already convinced in your head that you can't do it - guess what? That workout may be worse than you had planned. Your race will be tougher than if you believe in yourself. ⁠

Published by: georgebrassey in The Thinking Mechanism
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July 1, 2013 - Comments Off on Missing en Masse

Missing en Masse

Today is sad day for the internet. Both Google Reader and Alta Vista are no longer. The former was a service I used everyday but the latter is nothing more than a nostalgic name. Reader's death has incited vitriol across the web while it's creator has so eclipsed all other search engines that no one seems to mourn Alta Vista whatsoever.

Technology is constantly in this cycle of death and rebirth. Much like biological life, each of us can only hope to add our unique additions to the communal pile. And though each contribution may seem miniscule, in the grand scheme each is vital to the progress of the total. We can only hope our work will provide the rich soil of inspiration from which future works will grow.

070113

Death may come for web services, but even he can't get to all the hardware in time.

Steve Jobs understood this evolutionary nature of the high tech sector though one would never know it from the way he brilliantly marketed Apple's wares as if each was a priceless, timeless, piece of perfection. Yet a recent documentary shows a more modest Jobs during his time at Next. Watch the fascinating trailer below.

The Sketching Mechanism is a series of weekly posts, published on Mondays, containing the artistic musings of Mobile Designer/Developer Ben Chirlin during our Monday morning meeting at the NY Creative Bunker as well as his inspiring artistic finds of the week.

Published by: benchirlin in The Thinking Mechanism
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