Good Studying Habits

Studying your lessons and preparing for an exams is indeed part of a student life. Most of us have been in this situation where we really need to "burn your eyebrows" as the idiom goes. This basic part is really so easy if you got your own style and as you were able to do your own studying techniques. 


The following paragraphs are some of my own studying techniques that I used to master and help me through with my student life. 




1. Make your own reviewer


Making your own reviewer is the most basic thing to do and the most powerful technique as well when preparing for exams. It is just like rewriting your notes into a different paper but just taking the most important key points which you think might be included and most probably will appear on the exams. 


Some instructors were giving out the so-called "pointers" which will highlight the topics where they will pick some of the questionnaires. If that would be the case, this will make your reviewer making alot more easier. 


Some people were photographic learner. They are the one who visualize what they saw when reviewing their lessons. They can easily recall in their memory what they memorize based on the exact locations on their reviewer. Making a reviewer helps these photographic learner to easily remember their lessons during exams.




2. Choose your own study time


Most of us will basically set a time as to when you will actually face your books and go over your notes but the major question is... "were you really able to start studying your lessons based on your own set time?" Well, I mean are you serious? As you were just on time thinking to start studying and keep on telling yourself that you will really start studying you mean is "really not yet ready" or "spare me some time before I start". Unless your mind is really set to start you can never start at all. 


Most people prefer to study and review their notes during night just before they go to bed as to this time is almost quiet time where no distractions and no noise at all. Some people cannot study when everything that surrounds is distractions while others cannot study when the place is too quiet... The tend to fall asleep. 


As I have one psychology book before, the best time to study your lessons is early in the morning just after you woke up and had your good night sleep. This is where scientific study proves that reviewing and studying notes during this time brings all the things you study into a maximum retention in your brain. Studying lessons before going to bed makes everything you study fall apart resulting to memory loss and feeling blank during exams, they added.


"I used to study also my lessons before during night before going to bed and I also admit the I really barely can remember the things I studied to cannot remember at all. Not until I have that techniques in the book I read, I began to study early in the morning."


Well, the only problem for this technique is that if you were not able to wake yourself up early in the morning and cannot review at all because your late already for your class. 


Choosing your preferred studying time is still up to you. Just do it on when you think you can concentrate. It is you to decide after all. 




3. Choose your perfect study environment


Some people prefers to study in a quiet place while some prefers in a noisy environment as I partially discussed on pointer number 1 above. 


Being on a noisy study environment does not literally necessarily mean noisy surrounding. It could be in the living room where distractions of television is permissible or in your own room with a background music of your choice. 


"Well, personally I prefer to study my lessons before with background music or with the television on. Without these background sounds, I could easily feel sleepy while going over my notes and ended up falling asleep."




4. Munch up some peanuts


Scientific studies proves that peanut has enzymes that enhances our brains to perform well to remember things in our memory. Some students all over the world did eat peanuts while reviewing their lessons. 


"I personnaly did not try this theory but most of my cousins did it and they really testified that eating peanuts while reviewing helps alot during the examination."




5. Make sure to have enough rest before the day of examination


Having enough rest will simply means an easier absorption of ideas into your memory. Of course if you do not have enough rest before reviewing your lessons early in the morning, as I suggest, will just make you not able to absorb anything and may just make you sleep again while reviewing. Having enough rest also makes your brain refreshed and get a proper circulation of oxygen resulting to a optimum recollection of knowledge you stored during the review period. 




6. Make sure not to cram


Most examinations have a time constraints. The most important thing to do while having the examination is not to cram or to panic when the time is running out and you cannot remember one of so many things you reviewed. Panicking will just make you mental blocked and cannot remember any of the things you studied. Just relax, calm down and try to remember, if possible go over the next question first and just get back to that question/s when everything is already been answered.

Health Benefits of Banana

Banana, the once-exotic fruit, has found its way into our daily lives. Whether sliced over cereal or blended in a smoothie, here are eight great reasons to include about four bananas a week in your diet.


DIET
One banana has 11% of the RDA of dietary fiber and only about 108 calories. The fiber in bananas not only keeps digestion regular, but also helps maintain low blood sugar and curbs overeating.


LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
Studies show that the high amounts of potassium in bananas (over 13% of the RDA) can lower one's blood pressure, which in turn lessens the possibility of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.


BONE HEALTH
Along with lowering blood pressure, potassium prevents the weakening of the body's bones. A high sodium intake, which is typical of many American diets, can cause excessive amount of calcium to be lost through the urine, which threatens not only the strength and general health of the bones, but also negatively affects blood clotting, proper muscle contraction, and normal nervous system function. The potassium found in bananas neutralizes the high amounts of sodium in one's diet, thus allowing for healthy amounts of calcium to remain within the body.


HIGH NUTRIENT ABSORPTION
The potassium in bananas is not the only means to ensure healthy levels of calcium in the body. Bananas also contain high levels of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) that--along with insulin--promotes calcium absorption. FOS further nourishes healthy bacteria in the colon that manufacture vitamins and digestive enzymes that boost the body's overall ability to absorb nutrients.
Healthy Digestive Tract Bananas can diminish the uncomfortable effects of diarrhea and constipation. The high amounts of potassium in bananas can restock electrolytes that are easily depleted when suffering from diarrhea -- potassium being an important electrolyte itself. Furthermore, bananas can relieve the body from constipation and help restore regular digestion with pectin, a soluble polysaccharide that helps normalize the digestive tract.


RUGGED GUT
Bananas protect the healthy constitution of the stomach in two ways. Firstly, they trigger the production of mucus in the stomach, which provides a protective barrier against stomach acids. Secondly, bananas possess protease inhibitors, a substance that breaks down bacteria in the stomach that cause ulcers. (Moreover, protease inhibitor also obstruct the replication of certain cells and viruses, including HIV.)


CANCER PREVENTION
A large study by the Internal Journal of Cancer illustrates that the probability of developing kidney cancer is greatly lessened by frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, though especially bananas. For instance, the probability of developing kidney cancer in female subjects decreased by 50% when eating bananas four to six times a week.


VITAMIN B6
One banana has an impressive 34% of the RDA of vitamin B6, which serves many important roles in the body's health. For example, the B6 in bananas acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps ward off cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, as well as obesity. B6 also contributes to the maintenance of the lymphoid glands that ensure the production of healthy white blood cells that protect the body from infection. Finally, the vitamin B6 in bananas plays a pivotal part in cell formation and proper nervous system function, making one banana a day a healthy and delicious choice.


Resources:
Agnes Kee, http://www.facebook.com/agnes.kee.33

Which Baby Are You?

JANUARY BABY
Pretty/handsome. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Sensitive. Down-to-Earth. Stubborn. Repost this in 5 mins and you will meet someone new in 8 days that will perfectly balance your personality.




FEBRUARY BABY
Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexiest out of everyone. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest And loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Horny. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizing dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.




MARCH BABY
Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Great kisser. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Observant and assesses others.




APRIL BABY
Suave and compromising. Funny and humorous. Stubborn. Very talkative. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal. Does work well with others. Very confidant. Sensitive. Positive Attitude. Thinking generous. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Able to cheer everyone up and/or make them laugh. Able to motivate oneself and others. Understanding. Fun to be around. Outgoing. Hyper. Bubbly personality. Secretive. Boy/girl crazy. Loves sports, music, leisure and traveling. Systematic. Hot but has brains.




MAY BABY
Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Shy towards opposite sex. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High-spirited.




JUNE BABY
You’ve got the best personality and are an absolute pleasure to be around. You love to make new friends and be outgoing. You are a great flirt and more than likely have an a very attractive partner. a wicked hottie. It is also more than likely that you have a massive record collection. You have a great choice in films, and may one day become a famous actor/actress yourself - heck, you’ve got the looks for it!!!




JULY BABY
Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. spazzy at times. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.




AUGUST BABY
Outgoing personality. takes risks. feeds on attention. No self-control. Kind hearted. Self-confident. Loud and boisterous. VERY revengeful. Easy to get along with and talk to. Has an “every thing’s peachy” attitude. Likes talking and singing. Loves music. Daydreamer. Easily distracted. Hates not being trusted. BIG imagination. Loves to be loved. Hates studying. in need of “that someone”. Longs for freedom. Rebellious when withheld or restricted. Lives by “no pain no gain” caring. Always a suspect. Playful. Mysterious. “charming” or “beautiful” to everyone. stubborn. curious. Independent. Strong willed. A fighter.




SEPTEMBER BABY
Active and dynamic. Decisive and haste but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Usually you have many friends. Enjoys to make love. Emotional. Stubborn. Hasty. Good memory. Moving, motivates oneself and others. Loves to travel and explore. Sometimes sexy in a way that only their lover can understand.




OCTOBER BABY
Loves to chat. Loves those who love them. Loves to takes things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Brave and fearless. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care to control emotions. Unpredictable. Extremely smart, but definitely the hottest AND sexiest of them all.




NOVEMBER BABY
Trustworthy and loyal. Very passionate and dangerous. Wild at times. Knows how to have fun. Sexy and mysterious. Everyone is drawn towards your inner and outer beauty and independent personality. Playful, but secretive. Very emotional and temperamental sometimes. Meets new people easily and very social in a group. Fearless and independent. Can hold their own. Stands out in a crowd. Essentially very smart. Usually, the greatest men are born in this month. If you ever begin a relationship with someone from this month, hold on to them because their one of a kind.




DECEMBER BABY
This straight-up means you are the most good-looking person possible… Better than all of these other months! Loyal and generous. Patriotic. Competitive in everything. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Easy to talk to, though hard to understand. Thinks far with vision, yet complicated to know. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having lots of ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Has that someone always on his/her mind. Talkative. Daydreamer.Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Abiding. Able to show character. One guy/girl kind of person. Loveable. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves music. Pretty/handsome. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt.






References:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tagpuan-NG-MGA-OFW-new-version/146488332059018

Business Communication Skills

To begin the topic, I just want to share the following dialogues that I have once read over the internet which I found to be the best example to illustrate simple communication;

The setting is the future, the law at this future date decrees that a woman should produce at least one child within 3 years of marriage. If not, then the Government, in order to boost the falling birthrate, will force the services of a certified Government sire on the hopeless female to assist in the creation of another human being. 

Wife: Well darling, this is the day we’ve been dreading. If I had only known that they would pass a law like this. 

Husband: Yes dear, and there’s no way out of it, the facts are that in view of the falling birthrate, it’s compulsory to have at least one child within 3 years of marriage. Failure to comply will entail the services of a certified Government sire being provided to assist. 

Wife: Oh dear, and the Man from the Government Birth Compulsion Department is due today! What shall I do? Well I must be off to work now. I hope it won't be too awful for you, and that they send you a decent chap to do the job. 

(Kisses Wife ......departs.) Wife later answers a ring on the doorbell. 

Wife: I suppose you are the man from the... 

Man: Good morning! I have come to... 

Wife: Yes, yes, I know. Please come in. Just excuse me for a sec ond. 

Man: (To himself) I suppose this is the right house. I don't know why people cannot bring their babies to the studio to be photographed, instead of dragging me all the way out here. 

Wife: Won't you sit down Mr.... 

Man: Jones is the name. I hope I have come at a convenient time. Your husband is away I suppose? 

Wife: Yes, we thought it would be the best thing to do especially as he can't do the job himself. 

Man: Ah! It's the professional touch that is needed to get really good results. I suggest one on the sofa, two on the rug, one on the edge of the bath and finally one on the bed. 

Wife: Good heavens! I didn't think so many would be necessary. 

Man: Oh yes! We professionals can't get results with  only one attempt, you’ll  be able to say which you like the best and one of them is sure to be a gem. 

Wife: Excuse me, but this seem to be a bit informal doesn't it? 

Man: The whole charm of the thing is in its informality. Would you like to see some samples of my work? ( Produces an album of baby photographs ). Now look at this one. I took four hours to get him, but it's a beauty. 

Wife: Yes it's lovely, to be sure. 

Man: And, look at this one, quite a photograph, a very tough assignment done on top of a bus, in one shot. 

Wife: Good gracious, on top of a bus? 

Man: Yes, the mother was a film star and wanted some publicity. This one I did in Central Park one snowy afternoon. I took from 2 o'clock until five. It was nearly dark when I had finished and the squirrels were nibbling at my equipment. 

Wife: Central Park! Oh my, and twins too! 

Man: Here's a nice job. People were crowded three deep at the end just to see me on the job. 

Wife: Oh! Oh! 

Man: I should never have finished but for the assistance of two policemen. Well, Madam, I think we better get started. Would you be so kind enough to help me with my tripod? 

Wife: Tripod? Whatever for? 

Man: Well you see I've got a 3 foot stand and...With that the poor woman fainted. 


Was the communication clear and were both persons clearly understood what they were talking about their respective states of minds (in particular the woman's) would have been considerably different? 

Communication is indeed essential in one’s life. A day isn’t a day without someone communicating to others. Daily living requires usual communication to convey the need to pay the bills, utilities, buy foods, and of course to persuade our parents to allow us for an out-of-town trip with friends and gimmicks. Business wise, employees need to have good communication towards others. Good communications are basic to successful management.   

Communication is a two way process wherein people transmit or send and receive, be it ideas, information, opinion, or emotion ideas, information, opinion, or emotion ideas, information, opinion, or emotion ideas, information, opinion, or emotion. Nidec Subic, as business partner of Nidec Group, is also aiming to develop communication patterns, between individuals and groups.  

Leader conveys information and instructions through communication, either written or verbal. It’s therefore a vital link between the leader and his or her team and effective communication is the key to good management. 



Here are some aspects to consider for effective Communication Skills; 

Plain Talking 

This, I think, is one of the neglected skills. During my first 2-days orientation at HR Training, I observed that trainers’ used to mention words like “PIC”, “NG”, “SOP”, and many more. As newbies in a group, there’ s a tendency that information that has to be imparted wasn’t able to convey properly because of unfamiliarity of the words being used.  

Nidec, as a manufacturing company, has different types of people working in it with specialization, for example, in Engineering (ECE, ME, IE, COE, Chem Eng, EE), Accountancy, Business Administration, etc., different expertise, varying knowledge, and different training ground, if a team leader would not use “words” that is understandable by a high school student, someone will really be left behind. 

Listening   


Why it is essential? Surely, after all that I have said so far on communications, this question ought not to be asked, but I’m sure that it should be asked,  because nobody really listens! 


It’s a vital communication skill, yet it’s always being taken for granted that people actually listen and understand.  

Most leaders were very eager of communicating all details to his people but it’s still not enough if more often than not, people just wonder while his leader talks. Based on my own experiences, listening is a way to relay information and builds effective communication. The active the listener tend to be, the clearer the instructions he may get, detailed tasks have imparted, and appeal on assignments can be made. 


I am giving the following guidelines that you may use for you to 
become a good listener (excerpt from Ten Rules of Good listening);


1. Look at the speaker 
2. Question the speaker to get clarification 
3. Show concern about the speaker’s feelings 
4. Repeat occasionally to confirm 
5. Don't rush the speaker 
6. Have poise and emotional control 
7. Respond with a nod, a smile or a frown 
8. Pay close attention 
9. Don't interrupt 
10. Keep on the subject till the speaker finishes his or her thoughts 


Negotiating

There were things that cannot be conveyed by telephone or letter. Sometimes, good communication were not able to achieved because most of us assume that tasks and information  relayed through telephone, intranet, and other medium has been coordinated well and we expect it went well. We often overlook that personal coordination or what I want to refer as negotiation, is what we really need to develop to have “effective communication”. We closed items right there and then and made amendments if it doesn’t went well the way we wanted it. 

Leaders are constantly involved in these in the course on their normal work. Their success depends on how they handle their daily negotiations with their teams and top management. They could order their team mates around, but the surest way to accomplish their tasks would be to negotiate with them and gently persuade them onwards to their goal. They should be able to negotiate for what they want and on this they should be quite clear. This is the so-called 'win-win' rather than a 'win-lose' situation, making negotiation a cooperative effort rather than a competitive process. 



CONCLUSION:


Communications are vital in management; in fact, they are the essence of management. We have shown that our communications skills are poor, and the poorest of these is listening. Managers spend a great deal, over half, of their time listening, or at least hearing, and yet they have never had any formal training in this discipline. Negotiation is also what management is about, so I discuss this in order to achieve the 'win-win' situation. A complete revolution in communication technology has and is still under way, but while it is making a most useful contribution, there is an urgent need to stay with the 'basics' of human nature vis-a-vis communications. 



References:     
“Ten Rules of Listening” by American Managemisent Association 
“Potential of the new communications technology” by  Haigh, Gerbner & Byrne (1981) 
“The kernel of the advice given” 
“Plain Talk” 

Brain Damaging Habits

1. No Breakfast
People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.

2. Overeating
It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.

3. SmokingIt causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.

4. High Sugar Consumption
Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.

5. Air Pollution
The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.

6. Sleep Deprivation
Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.

7. Head covered while sleeping
Sleeping with the head covered, increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.

8. Working your brain during illness
Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.

9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts
Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.

10. Talking Rarely
Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain.








Resource: http://www.facebook.com/zaaraahmedtabassum

The Power of Positive Attitude

Positive attitude helps to cope more easily with the daily affairs of life. It brings optimism into your life, and makes it easier to avoid worry and negative thinking. If you adopt it as a way of life, it will bring constructive changes into your life, and makes them happier, brighter and more successful. With a positive attitude you see the bright side of life, become optimistic and expect the best to happen. It is certainly a state of mind that is well worth developing and strengthening.





Positive attitude manifests in the following ways:


1. Positive thinking.
2. Constructive thinking.           
3. Creative thinking.
4. Expecting success.
5. Optimism.
6. Motivation to accomplish your goals.
7. Being inspired.
8. Choosing happiness.
9. Not giving up.
10. Looking at failure and problems as blessings in disguise.
11. Believing in yourself and in your abilities.
12. Displaying self-esteem and confidence.
13. Looking for solutions.
14. Seeing opportunities.


A positive attitude leads to happiness and success and can change your whole life. If you look at the bright side of life, your whole life becomes filled with light.


Benifits:


1. Helps achieving goals and attaining success.
2. Success achieved faster and more easily.
3. More happiness.
4. More energy.
5. Greater inner power and strength.
6. The ability to inspire and motivate yourself and others.
7. Fewer difficulties encountered along the way.
8. The ability to surmount any difficulty.
9. Life smiles at you.
10. People respect you.


Source: http://www.facebook.com/pages/negOsyO-blOg/201116509971558

What is good with Morong Bataan, (Philippines)

Early last year at around February 2011, I, together with my colleagues went to our other colleagues living at Morong, Bataan (Philippines). It was as fresh and natural place as I never thought the place could be. Some of the nice places my eyes have captured are as well together in this write-up.

River water rushing in through... Breathe in, breathe out and listen.

Morong Bataan's (Philippines) famous hanging bridge.

A view from the top of that well-known hanging bridge

The boat and the sand.

"The boat and the flags..."

Sit down and relax. Relax over these natural and bulky stones.

Get down and chase those nipa hut cottages... And much over your packed lunch.

She sells sea shells by the sea shore... Bring back the kid in you  and  pick-up much as you want shells.

Pick your lucky color with these colorful boats.

Oh yeah! You've seen it right. A natural falls at the heart of a forest.

Hills and trees... Let them sway with the breeze.

10 Ways to Jump-start a good mood

I am such a moody person actually and I bet alot out there are as well. Right from the morning, as an individual doesn't catch up a good sleep, everything falls into a bad mood. As I have read this article last 2008 on how I can switch bad mood to another, well it is pretty not bad to follow some of the tips.


Here's a host of easy tricks that reduce stress and boost bliss--and don't cost mush time or money!


1. Chow on chocolate - There's reason why biting into a candy bar feels heavenly--chocolate sends feel-good chemicals throughout your body.


2. Tune in, chill out - A study published in the British medical journal Heart found that listening to slow-tempo music like classical or "easy-listening" songs reduced  heart and respiratory rates.


3. Breathe deeply - Recent research suggests that taking long, deep breaths for just 10 minutes a day can lower blood pressure. By breathing deeply, the body gets the oxygen it needs to function at optimum levels--plus the technique is free, and portable.


4. Schedule a short siesta - In research from the National Sleep Foundation, participants who napped for ten minutes in the afternoon experienced a bigger boost in mood and cognitive function than groups who napped 5, 20 and 30 minutes.


5. Get into the glow - Sunlight triggers the body to produce vitamin D. For most people, just 10-20 minutes will do. Lack of vitamin D has been linked to depression in some studies.


6. Stop and smell the Herbs - In a study at Western Oregon University, the smell of lavender relieved feelings of tension after anxiety-provoking tastks. Get your favorite bath soak or candle in a lavender scent.


7. Bon with Bowzer - Research at the University of Missouri at Columbia found that a few minutes of playing with four-legged friends raises levels of good-mood-inducing brain chemicals serotonin and oxytocin.


8. Shop Around - Studies show that shopping releases the joy-inducing chemical dopamine in the brain. Even browsing activates the pleasure centers in the brain.


9. Hit the pavement - A recent study published in the journal "Medine & Science in Sports & Exercise" found that a 30-minute walk can bring feelings of well being.


10. Wear a rainbow - Want a burst of pep? Slip into something red and yellow. Research has shown that such "hot" colors trigger a chemical reaction in the body that mimics a mini adrenaline rush.




Resources: "10 Ways to Jump-start a good mood", Good Housekeeping June 2008 Issue

Student vs. Teacher... A who's who bottomline point

As I take a time again to browse over my Facebook timeline, I was able to see this overly nice reading, and again I am sharing this to all:


Professor : You are a Christian, aren’t you, son ?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor : So, you believe in GOD ?
Student : Absolutely, sir.
Professor : Is GOD good ?
Student : Sure.
Professor : Is GOD all powerful ?
Student : Yes.
Professor : My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to GOD to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But GOD didn’t. How is this GOD good then? Hmm?


(Student was silent.)


Professor : You can’t answer, can you ? Let’s start again, young fella. Is GOD good?
Student : Yes.
Professor : Is satan good ?
Student : No.
Professor : Where does satan come from ?
Student : From … GOD …
Professor : That’s right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?
Student : Yes.
Professor : Evil is everywhere, isn’t it ? And GOD did make everything. Correct?
Student : Yes.
Professor : So who created evil ?


(Student did not answer.)


Professor : Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible 
things exist in the world, don’t they?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor : So, who created them ?


(Student had no answer.)


Professor : Science says you have 5 Senses you use to identify and observe  the world around you. Tell me, son, have you ever seen GOD?
Student : No, sir.
Professor : Tell us if you have ever heard your GOD?
Student : No , sir.
Professor : Have you ever felt your GOD, tasted your GOD, smelt your GOD? Have you ever had any sensory perception of GOD for that matter?
Student : No, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t.
Professor : Yet you still believe in Him?
Student : Yes.
Professor : According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says your GOD doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student : Nothing. I only have my faith.
Professor : Yes, faith. And that is the problem Science has.
Student : Professor, is there such a thing as heat?
Professor : Yes.
Student : And is there such a thing as cold?
Professor : Yes.
Student : No, sir. There isn’t.


(The lecture theatre became very quiet with this turn of events.)


Student : Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don’t have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.


(There was pin-drop silence in the lecture theater.)


Student : What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Professor : Yes. What is night if there isn’t darkness?
Student : You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light. But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and its called darkness, isn’t it? In reality, darkness isn’t. If it is, were you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn’t you?
Professor : So what is the point you are making, young man ?
Student : Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.
Professor : Flawed ? Can you explain how?
Student : Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good GOD and a bad GOD. You are viewing the concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, Science can’t even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing.
Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?
Professor : If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.
Student : Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?


(The Professor shook his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument was going.)


Student : Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor. Are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?


(The class was in uproar.)


Student : Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor’s brain?


(The class broke out into laughter. )


Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor’s brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?


(The room was silent. The Professor stared at the student, his face unfathomable.)


Professor : I guess you’ll have to take them on faith, son.
Student : That is it sir … Exactly! The link between man & GOD is FAITH. That is all that keeps things alive and moving.




P.S.
I believe you have enjoyed the conversation. And if so, you’ll probably want your friends / colleagues to enjoy the same, won’t you?
Forward this to increase their knowledge … or FAITH.
By the way, that student was EINSTEIN.






Resources: Mr. Arjano Tepace, via Facebook.com

Games Review

Alot of games nowadays can be downloaded to our smartphones from the apps store (iphones) and playstore (androids).


I am a typical smartphone user who's into gaming as well. The following applications are my personal recommendation for those game addicts like me:


1. Ninjump - So far, of all the game apps I have tried, this one is the most time consuming and never could be a boring game for me. The challenge is to run towards the top of the building and to get as high as you can. Every try you make is a challenge for you to beat your highest score. For me, it seems to be no game over for this app unlike other games which has specific number of levels and you're done after you finished the last level. As in impossible to have game over. Developer description: "In this fast paced ninja climbing game, your goal is to rise as high as you can while avoiding killer squirrels, angry birds, enemy ninja, throwing stars and exploding bombs."


2. Angry Gran - At first, I thought this app is quite boring but it went the other way around when I tried it the first time. It was so cool indeed. As granny seems to be so violent as she hits everything that comes her way, of course it was just a game, and that makes this app irrisitably worth downloading. This game starts from a normal speed game and eventually getting faster, and faster, and faster and every level of the game got a target score putting your current game to game over if you can't meet the required points. What I like the most is that granny got the coolest equipment that she uses in beating punks along her way. Imagine granny using newspaper, cane, umbrella, skateboard, etc. in spanking? Well that's totally cool. I'm not that violent but I believe you would as well agree with me by the time to try this game. Developer description: "Angry Gran has a very angry granny who is known as the angry bird around the corner who like to bust up some riff raff."


3. Dizzypad - This app is so far freely available on app store for apple devices yet I was able to tried this one already. As the app name goes, this is indeed making me feel dizzy as I make my frog goes to the farthest lotus as I can. Yes, this is just a frog jumping to the lotus game and seems to be so easy but it's not. This is also a beat-your-highest-score game and not a play-now-later-boring game.


4. Little Empire - This app is like playing castleville with a kick of farmtown/farmville as it also have a castle building your own empire and making money out of the gold and crystal minery. The maximum level for this game is until level 35 but the app developer was able to create a continuation for the game giving a twist of the fort city. This one is, according to the app description, "the world's first location based system (LBS) mobile MMO game in 3D. Little Empire is a massively-multiplayer online game combining tower defense and real-time strategy in a unique combat system that let's you plan stratehic battles and utilize formation tactics."


5. Unblock Me - This app is a bit brain-busting and mind-blowing one which really compels you to think much and strategize a lot. It comes with 4200 puzzles with 4 difficult level from beginner to expert. With this game, I am not yet through unblocking all the puzzles. Developer description: "A simple and addictive puzzle game. The goal is to get the red block out of the board by sliding the other blocks out the way."


These five apps are just some of the apps I have tried which I found interesting and worth downloading.

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Qi Mantra Remedial Spa (Review)

Last February 14, 2012, I and my friend planned to go on a massage as a Valentine treat for ourselves. A week before this date, we have planned to go a holiday massage treat at Indonesia. We've checked online on where we can have a cheaper massage in Indonesia. We've been choosing between massage spa in Batam and Bintan, Indonesia then. Massage spa on Indonesia is indeed very cheap as I have tried to have massage last September 2011 in Batam, Indonesia. Much as we wanted to go Indonesia for massage, the plan was not pursued due to time contraints in online booking.

We just checked the web for a nice yet cheaper massage spa here in Sinagpore just to keep our plan of having a massage treat on Valentine's pursued.

We were able to get a booking at Qi Mantra Remedial Spa (Located at #B2-24 Raffles City shopping Center). I was really seeing this spa center everytime I had my work there to my work. I even checked the place and bring along with me a brochure that in any case I coukd consider their spa to have a massage. Much as we wanted to relax, we go there for the massage we've been craving for. It was not that cheap as we are looking for but the price we pay is much worth spending for the service we had. The cost for the massage treatment we choose ("Breezy Bliss") is already S$78 plus the oil that they will use cost S$8/shot (Total of S$86) for the 1hour session of massage. "Breezy Bliss" massage is more of the relaxation/soothing massage.

But if you wanted that a bit pressurized massage for your super-duper tired body, then you can have the "Star Blast" massage on the same price that we pay. The more exciting part is that you can have their so-called "Quickie" massage fir your neck and shoulders or even your back for just S$38 for 30minutes. Budget-friendly yet still getting the relaxation you've wanted.

The best part of the massage we really like is the slight facial massage they do targeting the cheek bones, the bones on the side of my eyes and the bones in between my eyebrows using just the massager's two index finger and giving a slight to deep pressure, oh that one is so nice!

For you guys who are also interested and wanna try Qi Mantra Remedial Spa, please just visit their site at: www.qimantra.com

Have a nice day everyone.

Thanks for dropping by to read. :)

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Nails in the Fence ( Author unknown )

I just read this article via Facebook as I go over my timeline. Let me share this to you guys as I believe that it surely help you.




This is an inspirational story about a little girl who had trouble controlling her temper, but she not only learned how to control it, she also learned the meaning of friendship and how, sometimes, the things we say can actually hurt the people we love.


There once was a little girl who could not control her bad temper. So, her mother gave her a bag of nails and told her that every time she lost her temper, she must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.


The first day the girl had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as she learned to control her anger, the number of nails she hammered daily gradually dwindled down. She discovered it was easier to hold her temper than to drive those nails into the fence.


Finally the day came when the girl didn't lose her temper at all. She told her mother about this and her mother suggested that now she pull out one nail for each day that she was able to hold her temper. The days passed and the young girl was finally able to tell her mother that all the nails were gone. The mother then took her daughter by the hand and led her to the fence.


She said, "You have done well, my daughter, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one." You can stick a knife into a person and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say "I'm sorry," the wound is still there. A verbal wound can be as bad as a physical one.


Your friends are rare jewels indeed. They will make you smile and laugh, and encourage you to succeed or dissuade you from doing wrong. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts. So, cherish your friends, and beware of moments when anger or the wrong choice of words may cut deeper than a knife.


Have a nice day everyone!
Thanks for the time to read. :)