WAKEshine

Here is how I show the Rubik’s Cube moves.  It’s pretty easy once you get the hang of it:

	Turn the right face clockwise one turn.
	Turn the right face twice.  You can actually turn it clockwise or counterclockwise.
	Turn the right face counterclockwise one turn.
	Rotate the front face clockwise.
	Rotate the front face twice, either direction.
	Rotate the front face counterclockwise.
	Turn the upper face counterclockwise one turn.

There are more that all follow this same style.

These next moves turn middle "slices." To do this, just rotate the middle part of the cube.

	Rotate the middle slice upwards.
	Rotate the middle slice twice.  You can do this either direction.
	Rotate the middle slice downwards.
	Rotate the "equator" to the left.
	Rotate the equator twice, either direction.
	Rotate the equator to the right.

I’m starting a new series on how I solve the Rubik’s Cube.  I have two methods.  One I call the "Sunday Afternoon" method because you only have to remember about four patterns–each of which is easy–and you can use these to leisurely work your way through the cube.  I think it is a fun method.

Then I build on that to make a faster method, using the same techniques and stages but adding some more patterns and techniques.

Before I describe either, let me talk about the cube itself for a while….

Continue reading ‘Understanding the Rubik’s Cube’ »

Stephen Robbins, in The Truth About Managing People, says that making workers happy has only a very slight correlation with making them productive.  On the other hand, creating an environment where workers can be productive makes the workers very happy.

He gives an example:

Continue reading ‘Productivity Produces Happiness’ »

What is a Permalink?

A post–or part of one–in WordPress can show up in many different places.  A summary can be on the front page and on category pages.

A user can find it through a search.  The title can be shown as "Next article" or "Previous article" or in a list of popular articles in a widget on your sidebar.

However, there is one "official" address of the post.  This URL is called the permalink.

Why Change the Permalink Structure?

Continue reading ‘Using Pretty Permalinks in WordPress’ »

It’s good to be clear on which things you do that nobody else can do.  Don’t overestimate it.  Don’t underestimate it.

Most of your resources should be applied to things only you can do.  When you spend hours working on a task that somebody else (internal or external) can do for fixed cost/time, you are like one of those proto-airplanes–you know, those old machines with a huge engine and fifteen wings, bouncing up and down trying to fly.

Continue reading ‘Effective Resource Utilization’ »

I’ve just discovered WordPress Widgets.  I’ve been seeing the menu item for it and assuming I need to check it out but I didn’t get around to it until today.

The good news is that using widgets simplifies your sidebar development and maintenance.  You no longer need to use html or php to change it.  This is even better news if, like me, you are creating sites for others to self-maintain.  Now the users can modify what is shown on the sidebar and in what order.  Each widget has features which are customizable, too.

Continue reading ‘Using WordPress Widgets’ »