Scratch

Scratch is a one of the best languages to learn how to program computers. The language is easy to learn while being surprisingly powerful. Often I meet students who want to learn how to create web sites or applications. They want to immediately learn Python, … “Scratch”

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Wealth

Most people in the developed world have no idea how wealthy we are when compared to the sweep of human history, nor how thankful we should be for the lives we are able to lead. Instead, we are at best worried about how to maintain … “Wealth”

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Computing Memory Lane

Periodically I get asked questions about computing in the age before Linux, OSX, Microsoft Windows (NT based), Google, and Stack Overflow. I encourage people to look at historical systems that can inspire and teach important lessons. The following are sites which are preserving the past. … “Computing Memory Lane”

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Posted Under: tech

Gear 2025

I have found simplicity to be a useful lens in life. Simplifying my stuff has provided freedom, remove unnecessary friction, while enabling me to pursue a meaningful life. The following is a complete list of everything I own. This list might look minimalist to the … “Gear 2025”

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Classic Systems Papers

Many of the ideas that drive today’s “innovations” trace their origins to the groundbreaking work done in before 1990. Back then resources were scarse so people had to think and work harder than we do today. I strongly encourage people working on computing systems to … “Classic Systems Papers”

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Church Essentials

This is my attempt to identify the most essential factors people should keep in mind when thinking about church. Summarizing what I have learned about “church” over the last forty five years is like trying to tame a hydra… as soon one head (topic) is addressed, … “Church Essentials”

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Housing

The cost of housing in the US has been rising faster than inflation since the 1960s. For an investor who either owns real estate, or has enough money to invest, this is good news. For someone needing housing, this is bad news, and is a … “Housing”

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Five Minute Rule

Even if your are the expert, it’s valuable to take the time to listen to others’ perspectives. Engaging in such discussions can lead to surprising insights or beneficial outcomes for the expert. There are two key reasons for this. First, what is considered common knowledge … “Five Minute Rule”

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Computing Technology I Use

My work has had me near the cutting edge of computing technology from 1978-2022. In 2022 I retired. I still follow current trends but I am not as involved in pushing things forward. I take a measured approach to technology. I don’t chase after everything … “Computing Technology I Use”

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Posted Under: tech

Generosity > Greed

I have been fortunate to have several people in my life who exemplify generosity and inspire me to follow in their footsteps. In the last year I have been challenged and encouraged by Glen Van Peski’s Take Less, Do More, a class on The Practice … “Generosity > Greed”

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Travel Tips, Hints and Hacks

I have always appreciated when people make a collection of tips, hints, or hacks which encapsulate lessons they have learned in short, pithy statements. I really enjoyed Kevin Kelly’s Excellent Advice for Living: Wisdom I Wish I’d Known Earlier. Glen Van Peski has numerous “Pro … “Travel Tips, Hints and Hacks”

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Wind: estimating speed & chill

Wind can make it feel significantly colder than the measured air temperature. This is one of the reasons that an ultralight windshirt can seem to provide a significant amount of warmth. On a recent trip to Iceland we face nearly continuous strong winds which required … “Wind: estimating speed & chill”

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Take Less, Do More

Take Less, Do More is a refreshing departure from the typical books about voluntary simplicity, ultralight backpacking, or minimalism. Rather than centering on our relationship with “stuff” the book focuses on how we engage the world around us influences our life.  Many books in this … “Take Less, Do More”

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Love > Orthodoxy

Deep truth transience the human ability systemize knowledge. God’s Spirit cannot be can’t be fully captured by human constructed theological assertions and orthodox creeds. I appreciate why people want to be sure their faith to rooted in the truth. Orthodox creeds provide comfort and a … “Love > Orthodoxy”

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Stanford’s Healthy Aging 50+ Conference

Stanford’s Lifestyle Medicine first Healthy Aging 50+ Conference (Agenda, Videos) was held in Feb 2024 .  I was encouraged to find that my understand of what leads to a fit and healthy life has a great deal of overlap with the material they presented. I … “Stanford’s Healthy Aging 50+ Conference”

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Model of Maturity

The following is an integration of material from Life Model Works and what I have learn while coaching and mentoring people since the 1980s. TL;DR Love is the Measure and Goal We were made by God to experience love in the context of relationships. A … “Model of Maturity”

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Gear 2024

I have an updated list which captures what I am using now. I have found simplicity to be a useful lens which led me to simplify stuff in my life down to a set of items that enable a healthy, impactful life, while removing unnecessary … “Gear 2024”

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Eat the Frog

Many people make New Year’s resolutions. Within a few weeks the good intent disappears in the face of the realities of daily life. For millennia our wise elders have told us that forming habits is the most effective way to bring about change.  the Bible, … “Eat the Frog”

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Optimal Group Sizes

The optimal size of a group is first determined by the function of the group. A group will need the requisite skills, abilities, experience, and manpower to accomplish its goal. In addition to function, there are cognitive and social underpinnings which influence the optimal size … “Optimal Group Sizes”

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Recommended Churches

The following is my highly opinionated list of churches that I would recommend (or than are on my list to check out at some point). I have a separate post above how to find the right church for you. Silicon Valley Churches I have had … “Recommended Churches”

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