What are the barcodes on books and CD’s?
Filed under: About Numbers and Measurement, Technology
| Summary: The numbers and their placements tell a lot about the books they represent. When an ISBN is assigned to a book it gives that book an internationally recognized identity. |
ISBN International Standard Book Number, Book Bar Code
Adopted between 1968 and 1972, the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a ten digit number assigned to each commercially published book, educational kit, pamphlet, microform, CD-ROM, and Braille publication in the world. When an ISBN is assigned to a book it gives that book an internationally recognized identity that ensures publishers, libraries, and book retailers are able to do business with the confidence that everyone involved is not just talking about a certain title by a certain author, but also the same publisher, edition, and binding. Also, by using numbers instead of titles, ordering and inventorying foreign titles is accomplished with ease and security, knowing that what you want is what you’ll get. Read more
Prime Interest Rate: How does the Federal Reserve calculate the Prime Rate?
| Summary: Interest rates on all credit instruments are in some way tied to the prime rate. When is the best time to lock into an interest rate? |
The most credit worthy customers of a bank qualify for its prime interest rate and only a small percentage of borrowers will be offered this rate. The rate is generally, but not always, the same at all banks. Since very few loan applicants will be offered the prime interest rate, why is it of interest to almost all borrowers? Most interest rates on all credit instruments are in some way tied to the prime rate thus making it of great importance to even the most challenged credit candidate. Read more
Where does dew come from? (Dew Point, Condensation)
Filed under: About Numbers and Measurement, Technology
| Summary:When the air becomes saturated with water vapor and the temperature drops below a certain point, condensation will form. But, what is that point? |
I still remember a lab experiment I did in eighth grade science class. To demonstrate the concept of dew point, we each paired up and were given a stainless steel cup, some water, some ice, a thermometer, and a small spoon. While one of us added tiny bits of ice to the water in the cup, the other recorded the temperature. This continued until moisture formed on the outside of the cup at which point – voila! – dew point!
Interesting enough, but I have to admit, apart from the fun-factor of it all the actual point of the experiment was kind of wasted on my 13 year old brain. But these late spring storms have had me thinking more and more about rain, condensation, humidity, and of course, dew point. Read more
How Are Earthquakes measured?
| Summary: How do we measure earthquakes? After an earthquake hits, we all want to know what it measured on the Richter Scale. What does it all mean? |
With the recent earthquake off Indonesia and the resulting devastating tsunami, people seem to be a lot more interested in earthquakes and when and why they happen. Immediately following an earthquake, everyone wants to know “What was it?” What they really mean to ask is, “What did it rate on the Richter Scale?”
But the Richter Scale, while considered scientifically to be the most accurate rating system, is only one of many different systems for rating the intensity and magnitude of an earthquake. Read more
How can I save on Real Estate Commissions?
| Summary: How can I get the most out of selling my home? What’s best for your realtor my not be the best for you. Do your homework! |
After years of living in the home you’ve come to love, you’ve decided to move. Maybe you’re relocating due to a better job or you’re retiring. Maybe the last of the kids are gone and it’s time to downsize. Perhaps you’ve had it with all of the yard work that sucks up your weekends and you’re thinking that a condo is the way to go. Whatever the reason, you’re probably going to want a realtor to help you with the sale of your home. Read more
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