Come the eve of New Year, you are all decked out in your polka-dotted dress, you've laid out all the horns as a noisemaker when the clock strikes twelve, filled you wallets and bags with cash (a superstition that the money on your wallet and bag will double or even triple the whole year round) and prepared the midnight feast.
Impatient to ring in the brand new year? Bide your time and wait to greet 2013 with these New Year's Eve movies!
New Year's Eve (2011)
From the makers of Valentine's day, and just like in the star-studded holiday movie, New Year's Eve features an overload of celebrities playing couples and singles whose lives became connected to each other as they experience "love, hope, forgiveness, second chances and fresh starts."
When Harry met Sally
This must-watch film features one of the most iconic New Year's Eve scenes on film.Watch as long-time friends Harry and Sally figure out what their relationship is about when they finally got romantically involved. See love triumph when Harry crashes a New Year's Eve party in order to declare to Sally. Interpersed with clips of interviews with real-life married couples, this film offers heart-warming holiday inspiration.
Directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron, this favorite stars Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby.
Bridget Jones' Diary (2001)
New Year's resolutions inevitably call to mind Bridget Jones' pledge to keep a diary and turn her life around. One of Bridget's resolutions is to "Find a nice and sensible partner." Laugh the time away as Bridget tries to resist the charming Daniel Cleaver who embodies all that she vows to avoid, cringe as she makes a fool of herself over holidays, and celebrate when she finally discover the merits of Mark Darcy.
Based on Helen Fielding's bestselling novel, this entertaining chick flick is another must watch.
Happy New Year, Charlie Brown (1985)
Let the kids stay up with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the Peanuts gang as they get together at Peppermint Patty's New Year's Eve party. Poor charlie Brown has to write a book report. With the distractions of dance lessons and party preparations.
Written by Charles Schulz, this holiday special will really make the kids happy.
Rudolph's Shiny New Year
Another New Year's treat for the kids is this stop-motion animated special about the quest to save Baby New Year - with the help of beloved reindeer whose nose shines so bright! Rudolph is asked by Father Time to find and return baby Happy to take his mark as the New Year.
Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin, Jr. this features the voices of Billie Mae Richards and Paul Frees.
High School Musical (2006)
Basketball captain Troy and brainy Gabriella Met on New Year's Eve when they are thrown on stage for an impromptu karaoke duet at a ski cabin. Let your teens and tweens enjoy this Disney smash hit about high school, romance, singing and dancing.
The television musical stars Zac Efron.
About a Boy (2002)
Will Freeman is a 38-year-old man who acts like a boy. But when he meets young Marcus Will is forced to grow up and to welcome people in his life. What's the New Year connection? A New Year's Eve party turns into a critical turning point when Will meets the woman of his dreams.
The film stars Hugh Grant and Rachel Wiesz.
While this movies may not be as iconic as those we associate with Christmas, they sure are entertaining - and they do teach some important lessons about beginnings and endings. Go ahead, turn on your TV , pop in the disc, and start your New Year's countdown, after all it is just three months away!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Domain Registration Hosting
Creating a website is a fun way for people to express their personalities, websites that you own often say what kind of person you are into, you personally would not create an insurance related website when you are in the field of medicine as your profession.
But for those of you who are planning to or craving about building a website for years and wouldn't know how to start then you are in luck, yours truly will try to share or encourage you that finally you build that website you always wanted to have.
The first thing you have to do is find a domain, and it is readily available everywhere and you can shop around for whichever suits your budget. After choosing and registering your domain (take note that domain name registration is very important as you will bear the domain name for a long time, so choose the available domain name wisely) its now time to build your website according to your needs.
Share everybody what you feel, remember that the website you build can be viewed worldwide, show the world what you can do, if you are a talented artist then post some of your sketches to the website you created. If you are a businessman then you may need a website for running a business, building a business website would help you significantly in promoting your business.
The world of Internet is a very wonderful invention, remember to use it properly and wisely.
But for those of you who are planning to or craving about building a website for years and wouldn't know how to start then you are in luck, yours truly will try to share or encourage you that finally you build that website you always wanted to have.
The first thing you have to do is find a domain, and it is readily available everywhere and you can shop around for whichever suits your budget. After choosing and registering your domain (take note that domain name registration is very important as you will bear the domain name for a long time, so choose the available domain name wisely) its now time to build your website according to your needs.
Share everybody what you feel, remember that the website you build can be viewed worldwide, show the world what you can do, if you are a talented artist then post some of your sketches to the website you created. If you are a businessman then you may need a website for running a business, building a business website would help you significantly in promoting your business.
The world of Internet is a very wonderful invention, remember to use it properly and wisely.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
New skills in a new world
Do you have what it takes to succeed at work? If it takes you a while before you can honestly say yes to this question, then it's time to take stock of your existing skills and competencies.
The new workplace
Today's formula to success has changed over the last few decades. The knowledge, skills, attitudes, habits, and values that have served previous generations no longer meet the demands of a workplace revolutionized by the Digital Age, for me, the world of work is characterized by:
-Wider use of technology.
-Flatter organizational structures.
Instead of several managers handling small teams, companies employ less managers who have a wider sphere of responsibility and control a larger team.
-Use of team structures rather than permanent groups. Instead of strictly delineated organizational charts, companies use floating 'cells' of people who report to any and all who are involved in the project.
-Faster-paced timelines.
The strategic planning process has been shortened to a five-year time frame.
In fact, business assumptions can turn turtle in a span of one year. Those makes scenario planning the key to succesful planning in a fast-lane world.
-Growing use of the information highway which includes Intranets and the Internet.
Virtual offices have mushroomed, doing away with the physical limits of a real office and aggravations of actual highway traffic.
-More customer-driven products and services.
Customers are becoming more demanding and discriminating. In response to this, many companies look for employees who are skilled in serving 'crabby customers.'
-Global standards, if not global markets.
Excellence and world-class are now synonymous.
-Rapid and numerous changes.
The new worker
Given this situation, I tried to identify a new set of competencies needed to succeed in the new world of work.
-Learning skills
When faced with change, you can only adapt if you are able to learn quickly and thoroughly the skills needed in the new Corporate Order. You also need the ability to get things done right --not just on time, but faster. In the new world of work, speed and efficiency are the operative word.
-Emotional intelligence skills
Paradoxically, in a world "depersonalized" by technology, only those with good people skills will be noticed. Email ad the Internet may have decreased face-to-face transactions, but it has also widened the scope of human relations on a global basis --- thus making social skills a necessity.
You also need to have the ability to see the forest and the trees. Successful executives have found out that the higher you go up the corporate tower, the more vital it is to have both macro-vision and micro-vision.
In other words, abstract theories and management policies have to be tested and proven to be effective i the everyday ---while the everyday has to be directed towards a larger goal. Thus, nothing beats a hands-on executive or one who manages by walking around or pacing the shop floor.
You also need the inner skills of flexibility, adaptability and ability to thrive on change. As the chameleon changes its skin to blend with the environment, so must you---while maintaining your integrity.
With these challenges in the workplace, coupled with the challenges we working moms face as parents and wives, the world is as tough as frozen meat. So we can chew it and savor it, we need to develop the "teeth" or competencies sharpened by continuous learning and practice. Only by sharpening our cutting edge can we have what it takes to succeed at work and in life.
The new workplace
Today's formula to success has changed over the last few decades. The knowledge, skills, attitudes, habits, and values that have served previous generations no longer meet the demands of a workplace revolutionized by the Digital Age, for me, the world of work is characterized by:
-Wider use of technology.
-Flatter organizational structures.
Instead of several managers handling small teams, companies employ less managers who have a wider sphere of responsibility and control a larger team.
-Use of team structures rather than permanent groups. Instead of strictly delineated organizational charts, companies use floating 'cells' of people who report to any and all who are involved in the project.
-Faster-paced timelines.
The strategic planning process has been shortened to a five-year time frame.
In fact, business assumptions can turn turtle in a span of one year. Those makes scenario planning the key to succesful planning in a fast-lane world.
-Growing use of the information highway which includes Intranets and the Internet.
Virtual offices have mushroomed, doing away with the physical limits of a real office and aggravations of actual highway traffic.
-More customer-driven products and services.
Customers are becoming more demanding and discriminating. In response to this, many companies look for employees who are skilled in serving 'crabby customers.'
-Global standards, if not global markets.
Excellence and world-class are now synonymous.
-Rapid and numerous changes.
The new worker
Given this situation, I tried to identify a new set of competencies needed to succeed in the new world of work.
-Learning skills
When faced with change, you can only adapt if you are able to learn quickly and thoroughly the skills needed in the new Corporate Order. You also need the ability to get things done right --not just on time, but faster. In the new world of work, speed and efficiency are the operative word.
-Emotional intelligence skills
Paradoxically, in a world "depersonalized" by technology, only those with good people skills will be noticed. Email ad the Internet may have decreased face-to-face transactions, but it has also widened the scope of human relations on a global basis --- thus making social skills a necessity.
You also need to have the ability to see the forest and the trees. Successful executives have found out that the higher you go up the corporate tower, the more vital it is to have both macro-vision and micro-vision.
In other words, abstract theories and management policies have to be tested and proven to be effective i the everyday ---while the everyday has to be directed towards a larger goal. Thus, nothing beats a hands-on executive or one who manages by walking around or pacing the shop floor.
You also need the inner skills of flexibility, adaptability and ability to thrive on change. As the chameleon changes its skin to blend with the environment, so must you---while maintaining your integrity.
With these challenges in the workplace, coupled with the challenges we working moms face as parents and wives, the world is as tough as frozen meat. So we can chew it and savor it, we need to develop the "teeth" or competencies sharpened by continuous learning and practice. Only by sharpening our cutting edge can we have what it takes to succeed at work and in life.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Online Education Degree
Yours truly published an article that is based on surveys from you readers as well, and since it has been receiving nothing but positive feedback from Mind Enriching Corner's readers we decided to follow it up.
Online Education through the years has been growing in popularity that employers are now recognizing online education degrees from their applicants. But of course skeptics will always be around, and for the benefit of you readers, Yours truly decided to interview people who first hand experience regarding the online education matter
Marty Cage- Online education is highly recommended by people but you have to make sure it is a good program. Do your research and make sure to keep away from all-encompassing schools, try to look for a program that will further increase your resume's credit. Do your research well.
Sylvia Zapanta- Some few years ago, I got interested in furthering my knowledge and education (being a college undergradute that time,) since I am working and a single mother to add to that, it seems like being back to college is just like a dream that is near yet so far, until I discovered online education, that dream became reality. I got my degree, and everything seems to work out for the better.
Antonio Porter- You need to consider a lot of factors, let me elaborate some things that I can think of, Accreditation, If you go to an un-accredited school the units won't appear on your resume and chances are you just wasted your time, efforts and money. Online education can sometimes be a more stressful endeavor to be in, it requires more self discipline and more hard work.
Chris Hemmingway- Online education needs to be practiced globally, Mexico has been doing distance education fort quite sometime now and they have been doing well, the point is, Online education is here to stay and why not make it a global tradition, After all is said and done, there are a ton of advantages that online education can bring to people whatever lifestyle they're living.
Calvin Alas- I have two Master's degree, one that is done in real life campus and the more recent graduation for Online classes, I have to be honest that I find the Online classes harder than the real campus experience.
Everybody who are seeking for an advice about this matter must have heard "accreditation" more than once, but it really is important, and find a college that has above state accreditation.
Christian Gates- Education is better than no education at all, and let's be honest, today's work industry requires a bachelor's degree for a lot of jobs that the employers don't ask for a couple of years ago, and for people who doesn't have time to be on real-life campus then online education is their way to go, time is flexible and you can do homework whenever you feel like it but then again it will require a lot of self discipline.
Emma Delgado- A lot of pros and cons relies heavily when online education is the subject, but it will ultimately boil down to what fit the needs and time of a particular person who wants to further their education and resume, weigh everything and make sure you make the right decision, after all, Education is a very serious matter and whether by Distance learning or Campus learning, we have to make our best effort on whatever situation we are in so that we can finish our studies and be an asset on the work industry.
Celis' Mind Enriching Corner aims to help and assist readers on everything they need help on, and we always try to cover every issues, give our opinions and suggestions to readers. In this case, if you think that there is still room for improvement for yourself, education-wise, then allow me to send my sincere congratulations. Online education has been gaining popularity and in my own personal view, should be practiced worldwide.
Online Education through the years has been growing in popularity that employers are now recognizing online education degrees from their applicants. But of course skeptics will always be around, and for the benefit of you readers, Yours truly decided to interview people who first hand experience regarding the online education matter
Marty Cage- Online education is highly recommended by people but you have to make sure it is a good program. Do your research and make sure to keep away from all-encompassing schools, try to look for a program that will further increase your resume's credit. Do your research well.
Sylvia Zapanta- Some few years ago, I got interested in furthering my knowledge and education (being a college undergradute that time,) since I am working and a single mother to add to that, it seems like being back to college is just like a dream that is near yet so far, until I discovered online education, that dream became reality. I got my degree, and everything seems to work out for the better.
Antonio Porter- You need to consider a lot of factors, let me elaborate some things that I can think of, Accreditation, If you go to an un-accredited school the units won't appear on your resume and chances are you just wasted your time, efforts and money. Online education can sometimes be a more stressful endeavor to be in, it requires more self discipline and more hard work.
Chris Hemmingway- Online education needs to be practiced globally, Mexico has been doing distance education fort quite sometime now and they have been doing well, the point is, Online education is here to stay and why not make it a global tradition, After all is said and done, there are a ton of advantages that online education can bring to people whatever lifestyle they're living.
Calvin Alas- I have two Master's degree, one that is done in real life campus and the more recent graduation for Online classes, I have to be honest that I find the Online classes harder than the real campus experience.
Everybody who are seeking for an advice about this matter must have heard "accreditation" more than once, but it really is important, and find a college that has above state accreditation.
Christian Gates- Education is better than no education at all, and let's be honest, today's work industry requires a bachelor's degree for a lot of jobs that the employers don't ask for a couple of years ago, and for people who doesn't have time to be on real-life campus then online education is their way to go, time is flexible and you can do homework whenever you feel like it but then again it will require a lot of self discipline.
Emma Delgado- A lot of pros and cons relies heavily when online education is the subject, but it will ultimately boil down to what fit the needs and time of a particular person who wants to further their education and resume, weigh everything and make sure you make the right decision, after all, Education is a very serious matter and whether by Distance learning or Campus learning, we have to make our best effort on whatever situation we are in so that we can finish our studies and be an asset on the work industry.
Celis' Mind Enriching Corner aims to help and assist readers on everything they need help on, and we always try to cover every issues, give our opinions and suggestions to readers. In this case, if you think that there is still room for improvement for yourself, education-wise, then allow me to send my sincere congratulations. Online education has been gaining popularity and in my own personal view, should be practiced worldwide.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Real Estate Follow-up Article
This writer received significant reactions to our article Real Estate that we published and can be read here at the Mind Enriching Corner. Due to reader's demands, Several veteran Real Estate Agents said they want to share their own input on Real Estate selling and techniques, Mind Enriching Corner always welcome reader's input so they all agree to sit down with your's truly and have an interview about what they can contribute to all of you readers who is planning to venture into real estate selling.
Jinky Stevens, 32, has been selling real estate properties since the day she graduated from college, and has been a living testament on why the career she decided to enter was something she wouldn't regret for the rest of her life, "I was wary at first, when i was starting, 2 months have passed and I still cannot make a sale, I was starting to give up, but I continue my optimism and hence, the first customer that bought a property that I was selling came and the rest as they say, is history.
Cedric Irving, 41, is a real estate marketer for Sta. Lucia Realty for 12 years now, and he has one thing in mind when asked about tips for beginners, Patience. "Patience is very important in this line of work, you have to remember that majority of customers inquiring about any real estate property won't be willing to stick to what you are offering, and chances are they already inquired at other real estate sellers and just opening up their options just in case their initial plan doesn't work, in addition, you have to entertain all of them and always look your best when meeting up with potential customers.
Shane Villar, 59, a known and successful real estate developer gives a meaningful advice to real estate agents veterans and beginners to commit themselves in pursuing excellence in providing customers with comfortable and affordable homes and communities through honest, dependable and competent services.
"Keep in mind that Real Estate selling is not only putting money on us seller's pockets but it is about putting smiles to families."
In the end, Real Estate selling is really a hard work and requires a lot of patience to be successful at, but success really entails hard work, everyone can thrive on being a real estate agent, as hard as it may seems to be in the beginning, hard work, patience, passion, and dedication will make you reach your life's goals.
Jinky Stevens, 32, has been selling real estate properties since the day she graduated from college, and has been a living testament on why the career she decided to enter was something she wouldn't regret for the rest of her life, "I was wary at first, when i was starting, 2 months have passed and I still cannot make a sale, I was starting to give up, but I continue my optimism and hence, the first customer that bought a property that I was selling came and the rest as they say, is history.
Cedric Irving, 41, is a real estate marketer for Sta. Lucia Realty for 12 years now, and he has one thing in mind when asked about tips for beginners, Patience. "Patience is very important in this line of work, you have to remember that majority of customers inquiring about any real estate property won't be willing to stick to what you are offering, and chances are they already inquired at other real estate sellers and just opening up their options just in case their initial plan doesn't work, in addition, you have to entertain all of them and always look your best when meeting up with potential customers.
Shane Villar, 59, a known and successful real estate developer gives a meaningful advice to real estate agents veterans and beginners to commit themselves in pursuing excellence in providing customers with comfortable and affordable homes and communities through honest, dependable and competent services.
"Keep in mind that Real Estate selling is not only putting money on us seller's pockets but it is about putting smiles to families."
In the end, Real Estate selling is really a hard work and requires a lot of patience to be successful at, but success really entails hard work, everyone can thrive on being a real estate agent, as hard as it may seems to be in the beginning, hard work, patience, passion, and dedication will make you reach your life's goals.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Love Radio's Papa Jack
When it come's to Basketball you have players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and the likes, players that the team would go to when the game is on the line and those so called star players are expected to deliver, game in and game out. But when it comes to radio, their are so called superstar DJs and one DJ who has been gaining popularity is 90.7 Love Radio's Papa Jack, or John s. Gemperte in real life is the talk of the radio town as of late, with his radio show "True Love Confessions" in which callers seek advice on their love problems.
What makes Papa Jack different from the other DJs is you can sense his genuine sincerity in giving advice to his callers, and in return, callers are really trusting the personal part of their lives to Papa Jack.
Of course such act would go unnoticed, the recently held radio awards night recognized him as the Best MaleDj. Papa Jack was extremely grateful to his listeners and shared the award to everybody, "I offer this award to all of you guys who supported me thru thick and thin, I may be sometimes harsh to you callers and listeners but at the end of the day, I know you know that I am just being a friend, and as a friend, I may need to say things that you may or may not wanna hear just so I can stretch my point to you, I may be wrong, as I am not perfect, nobody is, but one thing is for sure, you call my show, and you will have to expect that I will be your friend." Papa Jack said sincerely.
Some people live to change people's lives for the better, and Papa Jack definitely is a person that changes lives for the better, his genuine sincerity endeared him to radio listeners nationwide and his popularity and following is increasing everyday. Every now and then people will encounter love problems and the good news is, there is a person who is willing to lend and ear and is willing to give an advice with all his heart.
What makes Papa Jack different from the other DJs is you can sense his genuine sincerity in giving advice to his callers, and in return, callers are really trusting the personal part of their lives to Papa Jack.
Of course such act would go unnoticed, the recently held radio awards night recognized him as the Best MaleDj. Papa Jack was extremely grateful to his listeners and shared the award to everybody, "I offer this award to all of you guys who supported me thru thick and thin, I may be sometimes harsh to you callers and listeners but at the end of the day, I know you know that I am just being a friend, and as a friend, I may need to say things that you may or may not wanna hear just so I can stretch my point to you, I may be wrong, as I am not perfect, nobody is, but one thing is for sure, you call my show, and you will have to expect that I will be your friend." Papa Jack said sincerely.
Some people live to change people's lives for the better, and Papa Jack definitely is a person that changes lives for the better, his genuine sincerity endeared him to radio listeners nationwide and his popularity and following is increasing everyday. Every now and then people will encounter love problems and the good news is, there is a person who is willing to lend and ear and is willing to give an advice with all his heart.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Basketball Phenomenon Worldwide
Basketball has been one of the world's most popular sport for so many decades now, eversince Dr. James Naismith invented and introduced this wonderful game to mankind, all it did was sort popularity. Today, the NBA (National Basketball Association) continues to be the most popular league in the whole world, The NBA season recently ended and the newly crowned Miami Heat won their second championship in franchise history, with superstars Lebron James, Dywane Wade and Chris Bosh leading the team all the way, a basketball fan like myself couldn't help but get excited for basketball's popularity and competitiveness for many many years to come. In the Philippines, the Philippine Basketball Association or PBA is nearly as much entertaining as any leagues worldwide, with superstars James Yap, Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand carrying the torch for the league, the PBA will never be dull.
Basketball International competitions are also worth watching as it quickly gaining fans all around the world, countries such as France, Argentina. Spain and many more who observe tough training programs continues to dominate the worldwide scenes, winning championships every now and then, but the USA dream team still remains the most popular and dominant team and will always be the team to beat.
Basketball is a fun entertaining game to watch and it is certainly worth it to cheer for any team whichever league they are in. Whether in College, Amateur, Professional, and international level, every game is worth your time and Basketball is a sure way to a healthier living, physically and psychologically.
Basketball International competitions are also worth watching as it quickly gaining fans all around the world, countries such as France, Argentina. Spain and many more who observe tough training programs continues to dominate the worldwide scenes, winning championships every now and then, but the USA dream team still remains the most popular and dominant team and will always be the team to beat.
Basketball is a fun entertaining game to watch and it is certainly worth it to cheer for any team whichever league they are in. Whether in College, Amateur, Professional, and international level, every game is worth your time and Basketball is a sure way to a healthier living, physically and psychologically.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Where to get your Master's Degree Education
In a world where competition is everywhere - and a high level too, equipping yourself with a Master's Degree will put you in a significant position to have an advantage over most job-hunters like yourself.
Smaller Universities, require their instructors to have a Master's degree, which a few years ago, is not necessarily a requirement, that goes to show how education continues to improve worldwide and that is nothing but a positive impact.
Master's degree education can be acquired in different known universities, but other options have been appearing over this past few years, of those "other options" that has been growing popularity is the Online Education Degree. Online Education degrees has been offered in universities and has been receiving positive feedback from people who graduated from Online education method.
But for some, real life campus experience is still the way to go, for them, stating that nothing can beat the hands-on approach to education. An advantage for online education however, is you will have a more flexible schedule and the extra time will always come in handy (especially if you're already working.)
That being said Online education and campus education has its own advantage and disadvantages, but like any other things, a particular student has its own preference and it is very important to choose whatever suits a particular person, but everybody will agree that no matter how you get your Master's degree whether online or going to the campus, nothing can go wrong in expanding one's knowledge and wisdom thru education.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Real Estate
Make a personal list of "Hard but rewarding jobs" and I'm sure that Real Estate selling will be on top of most people's list, You see them at the malls, at the parking areas of supermarkets, and practically everywhere.
Real Estate sellers are normally required to dress up regardless of where they are handing out fliers containing the info of the properties they are trying to sell, whether exposed to the rays of the sun, or soaking on a wet rainy day, it is mandatory that they have an appearance that will be pleasing to the potential customer's eye.
The Challenge:
Most Agents selling Real Estate, especially the beginners would have a not-so-easy time learning the ropes of selling Real Estate, confidence and poise is a must if you are talking to customers, a simple smile is always observed as it could make or break the deal. "Quota" (wherein the company sets a particular number of sale on a particular time frame) is another added pressure, but once you learned the ins and outs of Real Estate selling, well, the rewards, as I have pointed out, are very much worth it.
The Rewards:
A successful property or real estate sale will give you a particular percentage of the total amount of the sale (aside from your fixed monthly salary) which will be a hefty amount considering the appreciating value of real estate nowadays, not only that, you helped a family pick a new home that will shelter and protect them for many years to come, so regardless of the hardships, Real Estate selling is very much rewarding
Real Estate sellers are normally required to dress up regardless of where they are handing out fliers containing the info of the properties they are trying to sell, whether exposed to the rays of the sun, or soaking on a wet rainy day, it is mandatory that they have an appearance that will be pleasing to the potential customer's eye.
The Challenge:
Most Agents selling Real Estate, especially the beginners would have a not-so-easy time learning the ropes of selling Real Estate, confidence and poise is a must if you are talking to customers, a simple smile is always observed as it could make or break the deal. "Quota" (wherein the company sets a particular number of sale on a particular time frame) is another added pressure, but once you learned the ins and outs of Real Estate selling, well, the rewards, as I have pointed out, are very much worth it.
The Rewards:
A successful property or real estate sale will give you a particular percentage of the total amount of the sale (aside from your fixed monthly salary) which will be a hefty amount considering the appreciating value of real estate nowadays, not only that, you helped a family pick a new home that will shelter and protect them for many years to come, so regardless of the hardships, Real Estate selling is very much rewarding
Friday, June 8, 2012
The Rock: An icon larger than life
Take it literally, figuratively, athletically, cinematically and very physiologically. In and out of the rin or on and off screen, six-foot, five inch, 260-pound Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has become almost unimaginably "humongous" in every sense of the word. Born May 2, 1979 in California and an integral member of the University of Miami Hurricanes' 1991 NCAA national American football championship team, the present-day, recently turned 40-year-old is a veteran professional wrestler and screen super macho-man who has charmed virtually the whole world - from his native US, to Europe, Asia, Australia and beyond- so much that he really is an icon larger than life.
And why shouldn't he be? Firstly, Johnson is highly regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, having won a total of 16 (nine as a world champion) championships in World Wrestling Entertainment, and is a five time co-holder of the WWE Tag Team Championship. He was the sixth to notch the WWE Triple crown and the winner of the 2000 Royal Rumble, which was the 13th such annual pay-per-view event produced by the WWE that to place at the prestigious Madison Square Garden ,New York City.
His most recent wrestling achievement was a return-to-the-ring defeat of John Cena last April 1, 2012 in a super-hype clash of two fame wrestling superstars of different era in front of 78,000 fans in Miami, Florida, in "Wrestlemani XXVIII," the tagline of which was, most appropriately," Once in a Lifetime."
But Wait......He is not One-dimensional At All
However, and it must be pointedly emphasized, his famed "rock" stardom also emanates from a current film and TV industry career, from which he is now likewise gigantic on a planetary scale. His ascent has been a spectacular one this far but is still exponentially on the rise - an incredible as that reality might seem to be.
The Rock's popularity has been fuelled by his innate charisma, impromptu eloquence and speech-making abilities, all of which have often led to many memorable catchphrases and subsequent merchandising "bonanzas."
Kids and Comedy - The Rock for Everyone
Johnson crosses generational divides; from mature audiences to young adults. Children absolutely love him as well because his highly unique blend of talent is extremely atypical; he can be brute force at a given moment for a particular film feature and then, all of a sudden, become disarming to kids in a movie in which he interacts with them in not just a fatherly fashion but in a friendly, funny and endearing one as well.
One such classic example was his starring role as a minor league hockey player (who hits opposing players so hard he knocks out their teeth) in 2012's comedy film "The Tooth fairy" with Ashley Judd and Julie Andrews. The movie initially received negatived reviews from, the so-called film critics and industry experts but defied the predictions and became decidedly successful at the box office - costing $48 million to make but grossing more than double the budgeted amount by pulling in $112.5 million. Aside from being funny, kids were intricately involved in the plot of this one.
Movie Star Born in Record Fashion
Johnson's first leading role as an actor was in "Scorpion King" in 2002, for which he was paid what was at the time an unheard-of-sum of $5.5 million - the highest salary ever for an actor in his first starring role. Other blockbuster Dwayne Johnson movies include "Be cool," (cost: $53 million, box office: $95 million);
"Walking tall," (cost: $46 million, box office: $57 million); "Gridiron Gang," (cost: $30 million, box office: $31.5 million); "The Game Plan," (cost: $22 million, box office: $150 million); "Get Smart," (cost: $80 million, box office: $231 million); "Race to With Mountain," (cost: $50 million, box office: $106 million); "Planet 51," (in which he did voice-over only - cost: $70 million, box office $104 million); "The Other Guys," (cost: $70 million, box office: $104 million); "Faster," (cost: $24 million, box office: $36 million); and April 2011's "Fast tfive" (cost: $125 million, box office: $630 million); in which he starred opposite Vin Diesel and Paul Walker.
Philanthropy
In 2006, Johnson began "The Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation", which is known for its charitable work with at-risk and terminally ill children. In 2007, Johnson donated one million dollars to his alma mater, the University of Miami, to support the renovation of its football facilities. The donation was distinguished for being the largest donation ever give to the university's athletics department by a former student. As such the University of Miami renamed the Hurricanes' locker room in Johnson's honor.
Most Recent Distinguishing Accolade
The Rock received the Action Star of the Year Award at CinemaCon convention of theater owners in Las Vegas. Hosted by the National Association of Theater Owners, CinemaCon ran from April 23 to 26, 2012 at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Johnson received the CinemaCon award during Paramount's opening night presentation.
CinemaCon general Mitch Neuhauser said Johnson was "an exciting performer who first gained attention from audiences around the world when he developed the iconic character 'The Rock'. Dwayne Johnson has taken his charismatic presence to the big screen and has proven over and over again that he can entertain audiences of all ages - whether it be in an action-paced film or a family comedy."
TV Too!
The Rock has made it on television too, playing himself (cameos) in "Hannah Montana," "Wizards of Waverly Place," Family Guy" and "Cory in the House," as well as guest hosting long-running television shows such as "Saturday Night Live," which has been around since the late 1970s. He has also appeared in an episode of "Star Trek: Voyager" while likewise having played the role of Cliffjumper on "Transformers: Prime" in 2010.
2012 and Beyond
Earlier this year, Johnson starred in another box office performer "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" from Warner Brothers, which cost $79 million to make and has thus far grossed more than $313 million already. Released in 29th of May this year is Paramount's "G.I Jose: retaliation," while over the horizon for 2013 is "Pain & Gain," a comedy movie. The film is based on a Miami New Times article by investigative journalist Pete Collins about "bodybuilders in Florida who became criminals involved in an extortion ring and a kidnapping plot that goes horribly awry."
It certainly looks like The rock, at just 40 and in the prime of his life, is likely to keep getting bigger and BIGGER. And why not? he is, after all, "The Rock" for all ages
And why shouldn't he be? Firstly, Johnson is highly regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, having won a total of 16 (nine as a world champion) championships in World Wrestling Entertainment, and is a five time co-holder of the WWE Tag Team Championship. He was the sixth to notch the WWE Triple crown and the winner of the 2000 Royal Rumble, which was the 13th such annual pay-per-view event produced by the WWE that to place at the prestigious Madison Square Garden ,New York City.
His most recent wrestling achievement was a return-to-the-ring defeat of John Cena last April 1, 2012 in a super-hype clash of two fame wrestling superstars of different era in front of 78,000 fans in Miami, Florida, in "Wrestlemani XXVIII," the tagline of which was, most appropriately," Once in a Lifetime."
But Wait......He is not One-dimensional At All
However, and it must be pointedly emphasized, his famed "rock" stardom also emanates from a current film and TV industry career, from which he is now likewise gigantic on a planetary scale. His ascent has been a spectacular one this far but is still exponentially on the rise - an incredible as that reality might seem to be.
The Rock's popularity has been fuelled by his innate charisma, impromptu eloquence and speech-making abilities, all of which have often led to many memorable catchphrases and subsequent merchandising "bonanzas."
Kids and Comedy - The Rock for Everyone
Johnson crosses generational divides; from mature audiences to young adults. Children absolutely love him as well because his highly unique blend of talent is extremely atypical; he can be brute force at a given moment for a particular film feature and then, all of a sudden, become disarming to kids in a movie in which he interacts with them in not just a fatherly fashion but in a friendly, funny and endearing one as well.
One such classic example was his starring role as a minor league hockey player (who hits opposing players so hard he knocks out their teeth) in 2012's comedy film "The Tooth fairy" with Ashley Judd and Julie Andrews. The movie initially received negatived reviews from, the so-called film critics and industry experts but defied the predictions and became decidedly successful at the box office - costing $48 million to make but grossing more than double the budgeted amount by pulling in $112.5 million. Aside from being funny, kids were intricately involved in the plot of this one.
Movie Star Born in Record Fashion
Johnson's first leading role as an actor was in "Scorpion King" in 2002, for which he was paid what was at the time an unheard-of-sum of $5.5 million - the highest salary ever for an actor in his first starring role. Other blockbuster Dwayne Johnson movies include "Be cool," (cost: $53 million, box office: $95 million);
"Walking tall," (cost: $46 million, box office: $57 million); "Gridiron Gang," (cost: $30 million, box office: $31.5 million); "The Game Plan," (cost: $22 million, box office: $150 million); "Get Smart," (cost: $80 million, box office: $231 million); "Race to With Mountain," (cost: $50 million, box office: $106 million); "Planet 51," (in which he did voice-over only - cost: $70 million, box office $104 million); "The Other Guys," (cost: $70 million, box office: $104 million); "Faster," (cost: $24 million, box office: $36 million); and April 2011's "Fast tfive" (cost: $125 million, box office: $630 million); in which he starred opposite Vin Diesel and Paul Walker.
Philanthropy
In 2006, Johnson began "The Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation", which is known for its charitable work with at-risk and terminally ill children. In 2007, Johnson donated one million dollars to his alma mater, the University of Miami, to support the renovation of its football facilities. The donation was distinguished for being the largest donation ever give to the university's athletics department by a former student. As such the University of Miami renamed the Hurricanes' locker room in Johnson's honor.
Most Recent Distinguishing Accolade
The Rock received the Action Star of the Year Award at CinemaCon convention of theater owners in Las Vegas. Hosted by the National Association of Theater Owners, CinemaCon ran from April 23 to 26, 2012 at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Johnson received the CinemaCon award during Paramount's opening night presentation.
CinemaCon general Mitch Neuhauser said Johnson was "an exciting performer who first gained attention from audiences around the world when he developed the iconic character 'The Rock'. Dwayne Johnson has taken his charismatic presence to the big screen and has proven over and over again that he can entertain audiences of all ages - whether it be in an action-paced film or a family comedy."
TV Too!
The Rock has made it on television too, playing himself (cameos) in "Hannah Montana," "Wizards of Waverly Place," Family Guy" and "Cory in the House," as well as guest hosting long-running television shows such as "Saturday Night Live," which has been around since the late 1970s. He has also appeared in an episode of "Star Trek: Voyager" while likewise having played the role of Cliffjumper on "Transformers: Prime" in 2010.
2012 and Beyond
Earlier this year, Johnson starred in another box office performer "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" from Warner Brothers, which cost $79 million to make and has thus far grossed more than $313 million already. Released in 29th of May this year is Paramount's "G.I Jose: retaliation," while over the horizon for 2013 is "Pain & Gain," a comedy movie. The film is based on a Miami New Times article by investigative journalist Pete Collins about "bodybuilders in Florida who became criminals involved in an extortion ring and a kidnapping plot that goes horribly awry."
It certainly looks like The rock, at just 40 and in the prime of his life, is likely to keep getting bigger and BIGGER. And why not? he is, after all, "The Rock" for all ages
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Kindergarten Problems: first day at school
Picture this: the first day of school is about to start and you're still in the schoolyard with your kid all teary eyed and clinging to your leg like he or she is never gong to let go - what in the world are you going to do?
It's called Separation Anxiety, and although such a phenomenon would not be something new for parents, a first-time public scene such as the foregoing can be a mortifying dilemma for some. The good news for parents of children going to kindergarten for the first time is that it's all very normal and episodes can be prevented or mitigated with enough knowledge and preparation. But first, we have to understand what separation anxiety is, how it develops, what causes it, and what your child is going through during such periods of distress.
Object Permanence
Around the age of four to seven months, infants learn "object permanence," that things, including you, the parent, still exist even when out of sight. An indication that the infant has learned object permanence is the "dropping game" and that's when the infant drops an object from his or her high chair, waits for an adult to pick it up for him or her, only to drop it over and over again. Whether you're out of sight just in the next room or in the office, your baby now understands that you will at some point reappear and because of this knowledge, the infant begins to develop a true attachment with the parents and other adults around him or her.
Shortly after, between the age of eight months and a year, although generally on the way to becoming more independent, toddlers also become more uncertain and, hence anxious whenever separated from the primary care-giving parent. This is whenever separated from the primary care-giving parent. This is the life stage when separation anxiety, along with stranger anxiety (crying whenever a stranger or unknown adult approaches), the primary care-giving parent tries to leave. When you leave for work and try to leave your child with a nanny, or even just try to leave the room for a few seconds, a child experiencing separation anxiety would cry, cling to you, throw a tantrum and resist the attention of others. Bedtime may also be a bit of problem for some at this stage, with many a parent having to stay at their baby's or toddler's side until the latter falls asleep.
Stress to Distress
The appearance of separation anxiety varies significantly from child to child. Few never experience it while some start showing it as late as when they are already 2 years old. It can also show up to early school age. Episodes are often triggered by highly tense situations, such as meeting a new person for the first time, birth of a new sibling, moving to a new house, tense situation at home or in our case being, going to school for the first time, Such events may seem comparatively insignificant to an adult, but from a child's perspective, they may be as life-changing, full of uncertainties and stressful as losing a job or getting married or separated would be to an adult.
Normally, separation anxiety should be overcome by the child after early school age. If it reoccurs beyond early elementary school, chances are the anxiety stems primarily from causes other than separation, such as bullying in school. But there are extreme cases wherein separation anxiety extends way beyond childhood and is considered a psychological disorder. It has been estimated that approximately four to five percent of children and adolescents in the United States suffer from Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD), a mildly debilitating mental health issue wherein sufferers worry way out of proportion over the prospect of temporarily leaving home or otherwise separating from loved ones.
Sad Symptoms
Separation anxiety becomes abnormal when at least three of the following symptoms are present and persist for at least a month and, in fact, significantly affect the child's school, social or other areas of life:
*Repeated anxiety over losing loved ones or excessive worry that something bad might happen to them
*Elevated concern about getting lost
*Repeated hesitancy or refusal to go to school or day care or to be alone or without the company of a loved one or other adults important to the anxious child
*Persistent hesitancy or refusal to go to sleep without being physically close to the parents
*Repeated nightmares about being away from parents or people close to the child
*Physical complaints that keeps coming back or panic attacks, such as stomach and head aches, when separation occurs.
It should be stressed, however, that separation anxiety is a normal phase of child development that everyone goes through and that, on the other hand, separation anxiety disorder can only be diagnosed by a child psychiatrist or a child psychologist who has held the benefit of interviewing both the child and his or her parents.
Coping with the Anxiety
Lt's go back to our schoolyard dilemma and the normal kind of separation anxiety that most kids go through. For many parents, it shouldn't be a problem but merely a matter of being firm and giving the child loving reassurance that everything will be alright. But for others who might need a coping tip or two, here are a few suggestions from experts:
*Avoid transferring your child's care to a nanny, caregiver or day care center when the child is between the ages of eight months and one year old, which is when separation anxiety is first likely to appear.
*Try to schedule your departures for after-mealtimes and naps and avoid leaving at times when the child is likely to be hungry, tired or restless/
*Make one or two trips with your child to the school or center before school or day care starts to familiarize him or her with the surroundings, and meet with the teacher or caregiver, if possible.
*When planning to leave your child with a babysitter or relative, make them come early so they can spend some time with your child with you still in the room. You can also practice leaving your child with a caregiver for short periods of time at first to make him or her get used to being away from you.
*Make it a ritual to express a sincere but firm goodbye. Stay calm and show confidence in your child. Remember that it would really not help matters if you are anxious yourself. Reassure your child that you'll be back at a time using methods that he or she will easily understand (such as after lunch). Give him or her full attention when you're leaving, mean it. Going back will only make things worse and you'll find yourself back where you stared.
*Be sure to be back on time, if not earlier than what you had promised your child. This is important for your child to develop the confidence that all things will be alright during your time apart and that time of being apart from you is only temporary.
The above stated measures, it is believed, will make the difficult transition for both the first-time school child and his or her parents considerably easier and of lesser duration to bear.
It's called Separation Anxiety, and although such a phenomenon would not be something new for parents, a first-time public scene such as the foregoing can be a mortifying dilemma for some. The good news for parents of children going to kindergarten for the first time is that it's all very normal and episodes can be prevented or mitigated with enough knowledge and preparation. But first, we have to understand what separation anxiety is, how it develops, what causes it, and what your child is going through during such periods of distress.
Object Permanence
Around the age of four to seven months, infants learn "object permanence," that things, including you, the parent, still exist even when out of sight. An indication that the infant has learned object permanence is the "dropping game" and that's when the infant drops an object from his or her high chair, waits for an adult to pick it up for him or her, only to drop it over and over again. Whether you're out of sight just in the next room or in the office, your baby now understands that you will at some point reappear and because of this knowledge, the infant begins to develop a true attachment with the parents and other adults around him or her.
Shortly after, between the age of eight months and a year, although generally on the way to becoming more independent, toddlers also become more uncertain and, hence anxious whenever separated from the primary care-giving parent. This is whenever separated from the primary care-giving parent. This is the life stage when separation anxiety, along with stranger anxiety (crying whenever a stranger or unknown adult approaches), the primary care-giving parent tries to leave. When you leave for work and try to leave your child with a nanny, or even just try to leave the room for a few seconds, a child experiencing separation anxiety would cry, cling to you, throw a tantrum and resist the attention of others. Bedtime may also be a bit of problem for some at this stage, with many a parent having to stay at their baby's or toddler's side until the latter falls asleep.
Stress to Distress
The appearance of separation anxiety varies significantly from child to child. Few never experience it while some start showing it as late as when they are already 2 years old. It can also show up to early school age. Episodes are often triggered by highly tense situations, such as meeting a new person for the first time, birth of a new sibling, moving to a new house, tense situation at home or in our case being, going to school for the first time, Such events may seem comparatively insignificant to an adult, but from a child's perspective, they may be as life-changing, full of uncertainties and stressful as losing a job or getting married or separated would be to an adult.
Normally, separation anxiety should be overcome by the child after early school age. If it reoccurs beyond early elementary school, chances are the anxiety stems primarily from causes other than separation, such as bullying in school. But there are extreme cases wherein separation anxiety extends way beyond childhood and is considered a psychological disorder. It has been estimated that approximately four to five percent of children and adolescents in the United States suffer from Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD), a mildly debilitating mental health issue wherein sufferers worry way out of proportion over the prospect of temporarily leaving home or otherwise separating from loved ones.
Sad Symptoms
Separation anxiety becomes abnormal when at least three of the following symptoms are present and persist for at least a month and, in fact, significantly affect the child's school, social or other areas of life:
*Repeated anxiety over losing loved ones or excessive worry that something bad might happen to them
*Elevated concern about getting lost
*Repeated hesitancy or refusal to go to school or day care or to be alone or without the company of a loved one or other adults important to the anxious child
*Persistent hesitancy or refusal to go to sleep without being physically close to the parents
*Repeated nightmares about being away from parents or people close to the child
*Physical complaints that keeps coming back or panic attacks, such as stomach and head aches, when separation occurs.
It should be stressed, however, that separation anxiety is a normal phase of child development that everyone goes through and that, on the other hand, separation anxiety disorder can only be diagnosed by a child psychiatrist or a child psychologist who has held the benefit of interviewing both the child and his or her parents.
Coping with the Anxiety
Lt's go back to our schoolyard dilemma and the normal kind of separation anxiety that most kids go through. For many parents, it shouldn't be a problem but merely a matter of being firm and giving the child loving reassurance that everything will be alright. But for others who might need a coping tip or two, here are a few suggestions from experts:
*Avoid transferring your child's care to a nanny, caregiver or day care center when the child is between the ages of eight months and one year old, which is when separation anxiety is first likely to appear.
*Try to schedule your departures for after-mealtimes and naps and avoid leaving at times when the child is likely to be hungry, tired or restless/
*Make one or two trips with your child to the school or center before school or day care starts to familiarize him or her with the surroundings, and meet with the teacher or caregiver, if possible.
*When planning to leave your child with a babysitter or relative, make them come early so they can spend some time with your child with you still in the room. You can also practice leaving your child with a caregiver for short periods of time at first to make him or her get used to being away from you.
*Make it a ritual to express a sincere but firm goodbye. Stay calm and show confidence in your child. Remember that it would really not help matters if you are anxious yourself. Reassure your child that you'll be back at a time using methods that he or she will easily understand (such as after lunch). Give him or her full attention when you're leaving, mean it. Going back will only make things worse and you'll find yourself back where you stared.
*Be sure to be back on time, if not earlier than what you had promised your child. This is important for your child to develop the confidence that all things will be alright during your time apart and that time of being apart from you is only temporary.
The above stated measures, it is believed, will make the difficult transition for both the first-time school child and his or her parents considerably easier and of lesser duration to bear.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
The Magic of Books
Somebody once asked me what's the best Christmas gift i ever received. Without missing a beat, i told her "The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle". Not only did it introduce me to the great Sherlock Holmes, but that was the one book that changed my life because it nurtured in me a love for the written word. Thanks to that masterpiece, I discovered colorful characters that had me giddily transported to a world of madness, mystery and mayhem. My mother, had she known I'd received that gift , would have pointedly disapproved. I was six.
Okay, there are a whole lot of great Christmas gifts for kids out there - coloring books, legos, musical instruments, all kinds of mechanical and high tech toys - but in my book, nothing beats books. So should you be of the same feeling, allow me to share with you a number of good books that you may want to get for the wonderful kinds in your life.
Classics:
Charlotte's Web
by E.B White
One of the greatest children's classics. This is an ideal gift for kids five years and older. "Charlotte's Web" revolves around a pig name Wilbur and the extraordinary friendship he develops with a spider named Charlotte. This is a good way to teach a child about the real nature of friendship, not merely its rewards but also its sacrifices. This is one book, however, that a five-year old child must read with a grown-up lst the notion of having Wilbur for Christmas (as ham) scare him.
A Little Princess
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
I was 12 the first time I read "A Little Princess." There's something about lead character Sara Crewe's adventures and experiences that resonated in me. I have thus made it a point to read it over and over again. Almost every December, in fact. Sara, who lost her mother, is brought by her war-bound father to a boarding school owned by the evil Miss Minchin. At first, Miss Minchin is gentle with her because of Sara's wealth.
But the other girls got jealous of her. Her only real friend is a little lass called Ermengarde. She also befriend the young maid Becky. When Sara's father goes missing-in-action and was presumed dead, his assets were seized and Miss Minchin shows just how spiteful and terribly she really is. But young sara perseveres and triumphs in the end... complete with some very good friends and her loving father - who turns out not to have been deceased - beside her.
The Chronicles of Narnia
by C.S. Lewis
Perhaps no other literary opus has so captured the imagination of the world than C.S. Lewis' epic novel,
"The Chronicles of Narnia." There are a total of seven books in the series: "The lion, the witch and the Wardrobe," "Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia," "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," "The Silver Chair," "The Horse and his Boy," "The Magician's Nephew" and "The Last Battle".
The books, which feature children as main protagonists, explore multitudes of classic Christian themes coupled with Greco-Roman mythologies. Kids naturally love the talking animals, the enterprising youngsters and the oh-so-real realm of Narnia.
Adventure Series
Harry Potter series
by JK Rowling
A young orphan boy, abused and mistreated by his own kin, discovers that he is the son of talented wizards. Soon he finds himself transported to the wizarding school of Hogwarts where he learns the truth about his parents and their deaths at the hands of "He who must not be named"...Voldemort. The saga follows Harry, his best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and a whole cast of colorful characters that any kid is bound to love or hate, but will definitely remember. The Harry Potter series is composed of seven books: "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."
Modern Must-reads
Holes
by Louis Sachar
I love this book. For one, you have a central character that is not a classic, hero type in the strictest sense of the word. The protagonist, Stanley Yelnats is actually kind of a weak individual. He's a misfit who feels like his life is cursed - a notion that is not exactly unfounded. Anybody who has found himself in a tight spot can easily relate to Stanley.
The beauty of this Sachar opus, which won the 1999 Newberry Award, lies in the richness and vividness of the characters that populate Stanley's dry, desolate world. As you're reading this book, you will feel like you know some kid who's the same as one of the characters. Zero, one of the characters actually reminded me a friend way back kindergarten. "Holes" was made into a film in 2003 with then Disney's Even-Steven Shia LaBeaouf as Stanley.
Hoot
by Carl Hiaasen
Another Newberry Award Winner, "Hoot" follows young transferee Roy Eberhardt as he uncovers the mystery behind the young, shoeless boy, Mullet Fingers, and the bizarre disturbances at the construction site of Mother Paula's Pancake House. Hiaasen's dry wit and slapstick sense of humor make "Hoot" such a hoot to read! Young adults who enjoy having their imaginations and intelligence teased will surely love this one.
Worth considering for Adolescents:
The Twilight saga by Stephanie Meyer (for 15 year olds and up); HUnger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins (for 16 year olds and up).
Books have the gift of eliciting imagery within the human mind like no other medium can, choose from a wide variety of books to give to your child as gifts, and it will surely set them up for a bright future!
Okay, there are a whole lot of great Christmas gifts for kids out there - coloring books, legos, musical instruments, all kinds of mechanical and high tech toys - but in my book, nothing beats books. So should you be of the same feeling, allow me to share with you a number of good books that you may want to get for the wonderful kinds in your life.
Classics:
Charlotte's Web
by E.B White
One of the greatest children's classics. This is an ideal gift for kids five years and older. "Charlotte's Web" revolves around a pig name Wilbur and the extraordinary friendship he develops with a spider named Charlotte. This is a good way to teach a child about the real nature of friendship, not merely its rewards but also its sacrifices. This is one book, however, that a five-year old child must read with a grown-up lst the notion of having Wilbur for Christmas (as ham) scare him.
A Little Princess
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
I was 12 the first time I read "A Little Princess." There's something about lead character Sara Crewe's adventures and experiences that resonated in me. I have thus made it a point to read it over and over again. Almost every December, in fact. Sara, who lost her mother, is brought by her war-bound father to a boarding school owned by the evil Miss Minchin. At first, Miss Minchin is gentle with her because of Sara's wealth.
But the other girls got jealous of her. Her only real friend is a little lass called Ermengarde. She also befriend the young maid Becky. When Sara's father goes missing-in-action and was presumed dead, his assets were seized and Miss Minchin shows just how spiteful and terribly she really is. But young sara perseveres and triumphs in the end... complete with some very good friends and her loving father - who turns out not to have been deceased - beside her.
The Chronicles of Narnia
by C.S. Lewis
Perhaps no other literary opus has so captured the imagination of the world than C.S. Lewis' epic novel,
"The Chronicles of Narnia." There are a total of seven books in the series: "The lion, the witch and the Wardrobe," "Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia," "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," "The Silver Chair," "The Horse and his Boy," "The Magician's Nephew" and "The Last Battle".
The books, which feature children as main protagonists, explore multitudes of classic Christian themes coupled with Greco-Roman mythologies. Kids naturally love the talking animals, the enterprising youngsters and the oh-so-real realm of Narnia.
Adventure Series
Harry Potter series
by JK Rowling
A young orphan boy, abused and mistreated by his own kin, discovers that he is the son of talented wizards. Soon he finds himself transported to the wizarding school of Hogwarts where he learns the truth about his parents and their deaths at the hands of "He who must not be named"...Voldemort. The saga follows Harry, his best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and a whole cast of colorful characters that any kid is bound to love or hate, but will definitely remember. The Harry Potter series is composed of seven books: "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."
Modern Must-reads
Holes
by Louis Sachar
I love this book. For one, you have a central character that is not a classic, hero type in the strictest sense of the word. The protagonist, Stanley Yelnats is actually kind of a weak individual. He's a misfit who feels like his life is cursed - a notion that is not exactly unfounded. Anybody who has found himself in a tight spot can easily relate to Stanley.
The beauty of this Sachar opus, which won the 1999 Newberry Award, lies in the richness and vividness of the characters that populate Stanley's dry, desolate world. As you're reading this book, you will feel like you know some kid who's the same as one of the characters. Zero, one of the characters actually reminded me a friend way back kindergarten. "Holes" was made into a film in 2003 with then Disney's Even-Steven Shia LaBeaouf as Stanley.
Hoot
by Carl Hiaasen
Another Newberry Award Winner, "Hoot" follows young transferee Roy Eberhardt as he uncovers the mystery behind the young, shoeless boy, Mullet Fingers, and the bizarre disturbances at the construction site of Mother Paula's Pancake House. Hiaasen's dry wit and slapstick sense of humor make "Hoot" such a hoot to read! Young adults who enjoy having their imaginations and intelligence teased will surely love this one.
Worth considering for Adolescents:
The Twilight saga by Stephanie Meyer (for 15 year olds and up); HUnger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins (for 16 year olds and up).
Books have the gift of eliciting imagery within the human mind like no other medium can, choose from a wide variety of books to give to your child as gifts, and it will surely set them up for a bright future!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Emergency Preparedness: for You and Your Family
Despite our perennially optimistic outlook on life, we are alost realists... and with our 21st century world changing at breakneck speed, it is presumptuous to think that negative contingencies are not possibilities of everyday living. This said, emergency preparedness is as simple as planning ahead. And it's extremely inexpensive relative to its irreplaceable value. Go over the checklist below with your housemates to determine how you can take control in case of an emergency. Check and update your kits at regular intervals, making sure they are always complete and ready to go.
What to have in Your Home Emergency Kit
Keep enough supplies in your home for you and your family to survive unreplenished for at least three days.
If possible, keep materials in an easily accessible and separate container or special cupboard. You should indicate to your housemates that these supplies are for emergencies only, and are therefore not to be used for regular consumption.
*Three liters of drinking water per person per day
*Non-perishable, ready-to-eat canned foods and manual can opener
*First-aid kit, medications and prescriptions
*Flashlight, battery operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries
*Whistle
*One quart of unscented bleach or iodine tablets (for disinfecting water) and an eyedropper (for adding bleach to water)
*Personal hygiene items
*Sturdy shoes, heavy gloves, extra clothes, a blanket and lightweight raingear
*Child care supplies or other special care items
*Basic Tool box
What to have in your hand
Every home should consider assembling a To Go Bag with an assembly of items required in the event of the need to suddenly evacuate. Each of your housemate's To Go Bag should be packed in a sturdy, easy-to carry container such as a backpack or suitcase that can be easily grab and carry around. A To Go bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave your home in a hurry. Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year.
*Copies of important documents in a waterproof and portable container (insurance cards, birth certificates, deeds, photo ID's,etc.)
*Extra set of keys to you home and car
*Cash in hand, in small amounts
*Bottled water and canned goods
*Medication for at least one week and other essential personal items. Be sure to change medications before they expire. Keep a list of your housemate's medication and their dosages, or copies of all your prescription slips
*First-aid kit
*Contact and designated meeting place of your household as well as small regional map
*Child care supplies or other special care items
What to have in your hand
Consider developing a disaster plan with your housemates to prepare for what to do, how to find each other and how to communicate in case of an emergency.
*Decide where your household will re-unite after a disaster. Identify two places to meet: one right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood, such as a library, community center or such.
*Make sure everyone knows the address and phone numbers of your second meeting place.
*Know and practice all possible exit routes from your home and neighborhood.
*Designate an out-of-town friend or relative that housemates can call if separated during a disaster. If local phone circuits are busy, this out-of-town contact can be an important contact can be an important way of communicating between housemates. When local phone circuits are busy, long-distance calls may be easier to make.
*Account for everybody's needs, especially seniors, people with disabilities and people who don't speak the language you use at home adequately.
*Practice your plan with all housemates.
*Ensure that housemates have a copy of your household disaster plan to keep in their wallets and backpacks.
In case of fire
If your smoke detector goes off or if you notice a fire starting, remain calm. Do not try to fight a major fire.
*If your clothes catch fire, STOP where you are, DROP to the ground and ROLL OVER and over to smother the flames.
*If a fire breaks out in your house or apartment building, get out as quickly as possible using pre-determined escape routes that each housemate's should know about.
*Carefully feel doors with the back of your hand before you open them. If they are hot, find another way out. Stay as close to the floor as possible - smoke and heat rise and the air is clearer and cooler near the floor. Close doors behind you.
*If you are unable to get out for any reason, stay near a window and close to the floor. Keep the door closed and stuff the bottom with a towel to minimize the amount of smoke getting in. If possible, signal for help by waving a cloth sheet outside the window.
*Do not stop to get anything
*Do not use the elevator
*To prevent minor fires from becoming out of control, keep reputable brand fire extinguishers and working smoke detectors in the house.
*Have the fire extinguisher ok-certified once a year. Check batteries of the smoke detectors AT LEAST twice a year.
*Consider renter's insurance if you rent an apartment.
Finally, bear in mind that all of the above listed items and strategies may not be possible for your total compliance. If that's the case, assemble as much or as many of it as possible - if you can't be totally prepared, it's better to be partially prepared than not at all.
What to have in Your Home Emergency Kit
Keep enough supplies in your home for you and your family to survive unreplenished for at least three days.
If possible, keep materials in an easily accessible and separate container or special cupboard. You should indicate to your housemates that these supplies are for emergencies only, and are therefore not to be used for regular consumption.
*Three liters of drinking water per person per day
*Non-perishable, ready-to-eat canned foods and manual can opener
*First-aid kit, medications and prescriptions
*Flashlight, battery operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries
*Whistle
*One quart of unscented bleach or iodine tablets (for disinfecting water) and an eyedropper (for adding bleach to water)
*Personal hygiene items
*Sturdy shoes, heavy gloves, extra clothes, a blanket and lightweight raingear
*Child care supplies or other special care items
*Basic Tool box
What to have in your hand
Every home should consider assembling a To Go Bag with an assembly of items required in the event of the need to suddenly evacuate. Each of your housemate's To Go Bag should be packed in a sturdy, easy-to carry container such as a backpack or suitcase that can be easily grab and carry around. A To Go bag should be easily accessible if you have to leave your home in a hurry. Make sure it is ready to go at all times of the year.
*Copies of important documents in a waterproof and portable container (insurance cards, birth certificates, deeds, photo ID's,etc.)
*Extra set of keys to you home and car
*Cash in hand, in small amounts
*Bottled water and canned goods
*Medication for at least one week and other essential personal items. Be sure to change medications before they expire. Keep a list of your housemate's medication and their dosages, or copies of all your prescription slips
*First-aid kit
*Contact and designated meeting place of your household as well as small regional map
*Child care supplies or other special care items
What to have in your hand
Consider developing a disaster plan with your housemates to prepare for what to do, how to find each other and how to communicate in case of an emergency.
*Decide where your household will re-unite after a disaster. Identify two places to meet: one right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood, such as a library, community center or such.
*Make sure everyone knows the address and phone numbers of your second meeting place.
*Know and practice all possible exit routes from your home and neighborhood.
*Designate an out-of-town friend or relative that housemates can call if separated during a disaster. If local phone circuits are busy, this out-of-town contact can be an important contact can be an important way of communicating between housemates. When local phone circuits are busy, long-distance calls may be easier to make.
*Account for everybody's needs, especially seniors, people with disabilities and people who don't speak the language you use at home adequately.
*Practice your plan with all housemates.
*Ensure that housemates have a copy of your household disaster plan to keep in their wallets and backpacks.
In case of fire
If your smoke detector goes off or if you notice a fire starting, remain calm. Do not try to fight a major fire.
*If your clothes catch fire, STOP where you are, DROP to the ground and ROLL OVER and over to smother the flames.
*If a fire breaks out in your house or apartment building, get out as quickly as possible using pre-determined escape routes that each housemate's should know about.
*Carefully feel doors with the back of your hand before you open them. If they are hot, find another way out. Stay as close to the floor as possible - smoke and heat rise and the air is clearer and cooler near the floor. Close doors behind you.
*If you are unable to get out for any reason, stay near a window and close to the floor. Keep the door closed and stuff the bottom with a towel to minimize the amount of smoke getting in. If possible, signal for help by waving a cloth sheet outside the window.
*Do not stop to get anything
*Do not use the elevator
*To prevent minor fires from becoming out of control, keep reputable brand fire extinguishers and working smoke detectors in the house.
*Have the fire extinguisher ok-certified once a year. Check batteries of the smoke detectors AT LEAST twice a year.
*Consider renter's insurance if you rent an apartment.
Finally, bear in mind that all of the above listed items and strategies may not be possible for your total compliance. If that's the case, assemble as much or as many of it as possible - if you can't be totally prepared, it's better to be partially prepared than not at all.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Wired...Very Wired
Just how "wired" or digitally connected is the whole world today? "It's wired. Very wired," to paraphrase 007.
With mobile phones or cell phones serving almost 100 percent of all populated areas and with the number of Internet subscribers bounding 1,350 percent in only 10 years, the world we are in today where information technology (IT) can qualify as a vital bodily function like breathing (that is, people today can't live without it).
Surprisingly, however, this "wired-ness" is just the beginning. Now, IT firms are out to wire the whole world even further with new technologies such as WiMax, wireless television and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services.
What the average person will get out of this onrushing digital tsunami is access to data that theoretically should make him more productive and competitive in the wired workplace, wherever this is in the world. Not to mention more connected. And these wired industries are where the new jobs are.
Young Drivers
What's driving telecoms? Young people. Lots of young people with voracious appetites for staying connected. Some 75 percent of Americans are below 40 years of age, which explains why most everyone you meet on the street seems to have three hands: left hand, right hand, and a cell hand. And of the 38 million persons in the national workforce, half range in from 20 to 40 years old.
These teenagers and young adults will constitute the bulk of the 94 million mobile phone users expected by 2013. That figure is 22 times the number in 1998 or a 142 percent annual growth rate from 1998 to 2012. That will mean they'll send a lot more text messages and make more voice calls than they do now.
It's well known kids are driving SMS (Short Message Service) or texting growth.
Faster Internet growth
Telecommunications growth is being outpaced by Internet growth, however. The number of Philippine Internet subscribers great 1,350 percent from 2001 to 2009 compared to 567 percent for cell phones and 35 percent for landline telephones.
There were close to three million local Internet subscribers in 2009, of which 1.4 million used broadband connections to access the Internet. High-speed broadband gives Internet users faster access to social networking sites, arguably the most popular non-email Internet application. As elsewhere, the growth of Facebook has been explosive to say the least, there are about 400 million Facebook users worldwide in 2009, leading to the quip that if Facebook were a country, it would be the third most populous in the world after China and India.
Where the New Jobs Are
What this data reveals is the digital world is becoming more important than the real world, especially for employment. For young people, this means that IT based careers such as those in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry and a separate, growing industry called Knowledge process Outsourcing (KPO), is what young people should pursue. In mid-2008, BPO, KPO and other IT-enabled firms employed 345,000 persons compared to 100,000 in 2004.
While before a facility with the English language was a must for call center applicants, the rise of non-voice operations such as accounting, finance, animation, human resources means BPO and KPO firms have as their talent pool the far larger number of people who aren't native English speakers.
For those looking for work in IT or IT-enabled service firms, the jobs are in online advertising, mobile advertising and content development, all of which are relatively new. While online advertising and mobile advertising had revenues of less than $2 million in 2009, both are growing more than then percent annually.
Content development jobs, on the other hand, focus on creating interactive content for gaming and online education. IT-enabled services are expected to grow at an average of 12 percent in the next five years.
Employment prospects should remain upbeat in the BPO and KPO industries since such industries are now recognized as a growing global outsourcing sources. BPO revenues have tripled in less than 10 years, pointing to a large demand in BPO services.
New technologies such as FTTH, NGN ( New Generation Networks) BPL (Broadband over Power Lines) WiMax and wireless TV will need IT-educated or experienced persons to provide the new services that will complement existing ones. Many of these technologies are currently being tested and improved.
The World Bank urges a lot of countries to encourage the development of local IT services industries through policies and incentives for entrepreneurs and the private sector, and through investments in skills and infrastructure. That means more jobs, It noted that even in a crisis, people will keep on using the Internet and their cell phones as both have become part of their lifestyle. That means more revenues.
More and more people increasingly live in "Two Different Worlds:" the real world where one gets a life and the digital world where one gets a job. It is indeed a brave, new, confusing world out there that's wired... Very wired.
With mobile phones or cell phones serving almost 100 percent of all populated areas and with the number of Internet subscribers bounding 1,350 percent in only 10 years, the world we are in today where information technology (IT) can qualify as a vital bodily function like breathing (that is, people today can't live without it).
Surprisingly, however, this "wired-ness" is just the beginning. Now, IT firms are out to wire the whole world even further with new technologies such as WiMax, wireless television and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services.
What the average person will get out of this onrushing digital tsunami is access to data that theoretically should make him more productive and competitive in the wired workplace, wherever this is in the world. Not to mention more connected. And these wired industries are where the new jobs are.
Young Drivers
What's driving telecoms? Young people. Lots of young people with voracious appetites for staying connected. Some 75 percent of Americans are below 40 years of age, which explains why most everyone you meet on the street seems to have three hands: left hand, right hand, and a cell hand. And of the 38 million persons in the national workforce, half range in from 20 to 40 years old.
These teenagers and young adults will constitute the bulk of the 94 million mobile phone users expected by 2013. That figure is 22 times the number in 1998 or a 142 percent annual growth rate from 1998 to 2012. That will mean they'll send a lot more text messages and make more voice calls than they do now.
It's well known kids are driving SMS (Short Message Service) or texting growth.
Faster Internet growth
Telecommunications growth is being outpaced by Internet growth, however. The number of Philippine Internet subscribers great 1,350 percent from 2001 to 2009 compared to 567 percent for cell phones and 35 percent for landline telephones.
There were close to three million local Internet subscribers in 2009, of which 1.4 million used broadband connections to access the Internet. High-speed broadband gives Internet users faster access to social networking sites, arguably the most popular non-email Internet application. As elsewhere, the growth of Facebook has been explosive to say the least, there are about 400 million Facebook users worldwide in 2009, leading to the quip that if Facebook were a country, it would be the third most populous in the world after China and India.
Where the New Jobs Are
What this data reveals is the digital world is becoming more important than the real world, especially for employment. For young people, this means that IT based careers such as those in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry and a separate, growing industry called Knowledge process Outsourcing (KPO), is what young people should pursue. In mid-2008, BPO, KPO and other IT-enabled firms employed 345,000 persons compared to 100,000 in 2004.
While before a facility with the English language was a must for call center applicants, the rise of non-voice operations such as accounting, finance, animation, human resources means BPO and KPO firms have as their talent pool the far larger number of people who aren't native English speakers.
For those looking for work in IT or IT-enabled service firms, the jobs are in online advertising, mobile advertising and content development, all of which are relatively new. While online advertising and mobile advertising had revenues of less than $2 million in 2009, both are growing more than then percent annually.
Content development jobs, on the other hand, focus on creating interactive content for gaming and online education. IT-enabled services are expected to grow at an average of 12 percent in the next five years.
Employment prospects should remain upbeat in the BPO and KPO industries since such industries are now recognized as a growing global outsourcing sources. BPO revenues have tripled in less than 10 years, pointing to a large demand in BPO services.
New technologies such as FTTH, NGN ( New Generation Networks) BPL (Broadband over Power Lines) WiMax and wireless TV will need IT-educated or experienced persons to provide the new services that will complement existing ones. Many of these technologies are currently being tested and improved.
The World Bank urges a lot of countries to encourage the development of local IT services industries through policies and incentives for entrepreneurs and the private sector, and through investments in skills and infrastructure. That means more jobs, It noted that even in a crisis, people will keep on using the Internet and their cell phones as both have become part of their lifestyle. That means more revenues.
More and more people increasingly live in "Two Different Worlds:" the real world where one gets a life and the digital world where one gets a job. It is indeed a brave, new, confusing world out there that's wired... Very wired.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Too Thin Ain't In
We frequently hear about the risks of obesity, but seldom of being underweight. in most cultures today, being underweight is much more socially acceptable then being overweight. Societies (especially in the arts and fashion circles) have been misguided in their belief that very slim is healthy and beautiful. However, being underweight can pose as many health problems as being overweight.
Underweight is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5 or less. BMI is the calculation of how much fat the body has in relation to the height and the weight of an individual. The normal BMI is 18.5-24.9 while 25-29.9 indicates being overweight. When a person is unnaturally thin from eating too little, exercising too much or both, negative effects may occur.
Nutritional Deprivation
The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity has cited effects of nutritional deprivation to one's well-being. It pointed out that such a body "learns" to live on less, resulting in tissues not growing properly, muscle deterioration and bones losing mas -- the last of which can lead to osteoporosis (or bone-thinning and brittleness) in both men and women. In unnaturally thin women, distruption of the hormones regulating menstruation has been observed. Nutritional deficiencies may also result in hair loss, anemia and emotional changes; including social withdrawal, irritability, depression and sleep disorders - not to mention a compromised immune system.
A weakened immune system, which is a primary physiological asset in combating disease, can become ineffective against infections (such as common colds and viruses) and have little left in its constitution to kill pathogens (harmful organisms).
Re-learning the Basics
Nutrients are essential for life, and adequate amounts in the diet are necessary for providing energy, building and maintaining body organs, and for various metabolic processes. The human body is not able to produce many of these nutrients and it is imperative that every individual includes them in their diet.
There are six major classes of nutrients found in food: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids (fats and oils), vitamins (both fat-soluble and water soluble), minerals and water - all of which are required for health. When these nutrients in sufficient quantity are put back into the diet of an undernourished person, the symptoms of nutritional deficiency decline and they start repairing damage caused by their absence.
In cases of genetically thin individuals who do not smoke, do not excessively consume alcohol and are healthy, then being underweight is only a problem when energy reserves are needed in case of an acute illness, a situation which can be corrected simple by better nutrition .
Medical Intervention
Sometimes being underweight requires medical intervention. A physician should be consulted first "to rule out" hormonal imbalances, depression, cancer., infectious disease, digestive tract disorders, excessive physical activity, and other hidden diseases or problems such as the eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Anorexia and bulimia are perhaps the two most well known eating disorders today. Anorexics are known for their failure to eat due to the fear of gaining weight so they decrease their food intake until they practically, and sometimes literally starve. Bulimics on the other hand, display tendencies to overeat and then purge their stomachs to prevent absorption of the calories from the food they have eaten. These two diseases are associated with tendencies of sufferers to commit suicide or to die of starvation. Speaking with a professional instead of relying on a layman's opinions or recommendations is the best approach in this instance. Also helpful is a strong support system (such as family and friends) and recognizing the situation as being more complicated than simply encouraging the person concerned to eat regularly again.
The health perils caused by by being underweight are not altogether different are not altogether different from those of obesity. Satiety-signaled irregularities, metabolic rates, hereditary tendencies and psychological traits can all contribute to being underweight and malnutrition, which may lead to severe illness and even death.
Nutritional Augmentation
When being underweight requires a specific intervention, one approach for treating adults is to gradually increase their consumption of energy-dense foods (the ones which provide a great deal of energy in a small volume), especially those sufficient in healthy fats. Fish oil, avocados, olive oil, Italian cheeses, nuts and granola are excellent energy sources with low saturated fat content. Dried fruit and bananas are energy-dense fruit choices. If eaten at the end of a meal, they won't cause early satiety or the feeling of being full. Underweight people should replace such foods as diet soft drinks with good energy sources, such as fresh fruit juices and consuming an adequate amount of water, necessary to hydrate cells. Good sources of proteins such as lean meats, poultry, fish, soy, nuts and seeds - can provide amino acids to help build muscles.
Preferably, most food choices made in order to gain weight should come from "good sources of protein and healthy lipids (fats) and not from too many carbohydrates, especially refined sugar and starches. The goal is to gain weight by developing muscles, not excess body fay. Fiber-enriched sources of carbohydrates, the complex cariety found in whole grains, oats, fruits and vegetables, are preferred. It is fine to have simple carbohydrates (sugar) following a workout, but taking in too much sugar over a long period can lead to excessive fat storage and type 2 diabetes.
Encouraging a regular meal and snack schedule will aid in weight gain and maintenance. Sometimes, people who are underweight have experienced stress at work or have been too busy to eat. Making regular meals a priority may not only help them attain an appropriate weight but also help with digestive disorders, such as constipation, which are sometimes associated with irregular eating times.
It is apparent that being underweight is associated with an impaired quality of life as the person with this condition lacks vitality to engage in lively activities, not to mention a decline in mental functions. Is being too thin really the appearance of beauty and a full and happy life?
Image of Perfection
Everyday, people are bombarded by TV, poster and magazine ads with images of the male and female bodies and what they are "supposed" to look like, according to society. Instead of wishing to look like any of these "models," it will be better for people to combat incorrect image perceptions and consider that the time has come to stop judging and begin appreciating their bodies in order to raise a new generation that can focus on being healthy rather than having the perceived, but unnatural, perfecy body.
The British poet, William Shenstone (1714-1763) said it best... "health is beauty, and...perfect health is...perfect beauty."
Underweight is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5 or less. BMI is the calculation of how much fat the body has in relation to the height and the weight of an individual. The normal BMI is 18.5-24.9 while 25-29.9 indicates being overweight. When a person is unnaturally thin from eating too little, exercising too much or both, negative effects may occur.
Nutritional Deprivation
The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity has cited effects of nutritional deprivation to one's well-being. It pointed out that such a body "learns" to live on less, resulting in tissues not growing properly, muscle deterioration and bones losing mas -- the last of which can lead to osteoporosis (or bone-thinning and brittleness) in both men and women. In unnaturally thin women, distruption of the hormones regulating menstruation has been observed. Nutritional deficiencies may also result in hair loss, anemia and emotional changes; including social withdrawal, irritability, depression and sleep disorders - not to mention a compromised immune system.
A weakened immune system, which is a primary physiological asset in combating disease, can become ineffective against infections (such as common colds and viruses) and have little left in its constitution to kill pathogens (harmful organisms).
Re-learning the Basics
Nutrients are essential for life, and adequate amounts in the diet are necessary for providing energy, building and maintaining body organs, and for various metabolic processes. The human body is not able to produce many of these nutrients and it is imperative that every individual includes them in their diet.
There are six major classes of nutrients found in food: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids (fats and oils), vitamins (both fat-soluble and water soluble), minerals and water - all of which are required for health. When these nutrients in sufficient quantity are put back into the diet of an undernourished person, the symptoms of nutritional deficiency decline and they start repairing damage caused by their absence.
In cases of genetically thin individuals who do not smoke, do not excessively consume alcohol and are healthy, then being underweight is only a problem when energy reserves are needed in case of an acute illness, a situation which can be corrected simple by better nutrition .
Medical Intervention
Sometimes being underweight requires medical intervention. A physician should be consulted first "to rule out" hormonal imbalances, depression, cancer., infectious disease, digestive tract disorders, excessive physical activity, and other hidden diseases or problems such as the eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Anorexia and bulimia are perhaps the two most well known eating disorders today. Anorexics are known for their failure to eat due to the fear of gaining weight so they decrease their food intake until they practically, and sometimes literally starve. Bulimics on the other hand, display tendencies to overeat and then purge their stomachs to prevent absorption of the calories from the food they have eaten. These two diseases are associated with tendencies of sufferers to commit suicide or to die of starvation. Speaking with a professional instead of relying on a layman's opinions or recommendations is the best approach in this instance. Also helpful is a strong support system (such as family and friends) and recognizing the situation as being more complicated than simply encouraging the person concerned to eat regularly again.
The health perils caused by by being underweight are not altogether different are not altogether different from those of obesity. Satiety-signaled irregularities, metabolic rates, hereditary tendencies and psychological traits can all contribute to being underweight and malnutrition, which may lead to severe illness and even death.
Nutritional Augmentation
When being underweight requires a specific intervention, one approach for treating adults is to gradually increase their consumption of energy-dense foods (the ones which provide a great deal of energy in a small volume), especially those sufficient in healthy fats. Fish oil, avocados, olive oil, Italian cheeses, nuts and granola are excellent energy sources with low saturated fat content. Dried fruit and bananas are energy-dense fruit choices. If eaten at the end of a meal, they won't cause early satiety or the feeling of being full. Underweight people should replace such foods as diet soft drinks with good energy sources, such as fresh fruit juices and consuming an adequate amount of water, necessary to hydrate cells. Good sources of proteins such as lean meats, poultry, fish, soy, nuts and seeds - can provide amino acids to help build muscles.
Preferably, most food choices made in order to gain weight should come from "good sources of protein and healthy lipids (fats) and not from too many carbohydrates, especially refined sugar and starches. The goal is to gain weight by developing muscles, not excess body fay. Fiber-enriched sources of carbohydrates, the complex cariety found in whole grains, oats, fruits and vegetables, are preferred. It is fine to have simple carbohydrates (sugar) following a workout, but taking in too much sugar over a long period can lead to excessive fat storage and type 2 diabetes.
Encouraging a regular meal and snack schedule will aid in weight gain and maintenance. Sometimes, people who are underweight have experienced stress at work or have been too busy to eat. Making regular meals a priority may not only help them attain an appropriate weight but also help with digestive disorders, such as constipation, which are sometimes associated with irregular eating times.
It is apparent that being underweight is associated with an impaired quality of life as the person with this condition lacks vitality to engage in lively activities, not to mention a decline in mental functions. Is being too thin really the appearance of beauty and a full and happy life?
Image of Perfection
Everyday, people are bombarded by TV, poster and magazine ads with images of the male and female bodies and what they are "supposed" to look like, according to society. Instead of wishing to look like any of these "models," it will be better for people to combat incorrect image perceptions and consider that the time has come to stop judging and begin appreciating their bodies in order to raise a new generation that can focus on being healthy rather than having the perceived, but unnatural, perfecy body.
The British poet, William Shenstone (1714-1763) said it best... "health is beauty, and...perfect health is...perfect beauty."
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Bikram Yoga
With the prevalance of lifestly diseases, people nowadays are more conscious of their health, taking time out to go to gyms and fitness centers, One activity that has been gaining popularity whether for improvement of physical health or appearance, is Bikram Yoga, also known as the "Beginner's Yoga."
Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises done for 90 minutes in a room heated to 40 degrees-"just a little above the normal human body temperature."
Each posture is a prelude to the next one. She further explains that you would not be able to perform the next posture with the maximum benefit and full stretch of the body without doing the previous one.
The concept behind Bikram Yoga is that each person differs in strength , flexibility, and other physical capabilities. The heat is utilized to help the body open up to prevent injuries and gain more flexibility.
It will not force you into perfectly executing a pose that is physically impossible for you to do.
Participants in fact are allowed to not go all the way in executing the poses if it gets too difficult for them.
But through consistent practice and repetition, the body's strength and flexibility will naturally develop until they are eventually able to complete the posture.
It is also considered as a "Beginner's Yoga" simple because the poses used in it are quite basic and are among the easiest to do even for casual yoga practitioners.
Yoga for everyone
This is something that everyone can do regardless of age, shape, size, or physical condition. This is probably a big factor as to why Bikram Yoga quickly gained popularity among the health buff people.
Many people are actually intimidated to try this out at first thinking that they do not have the physical capacity to perform such yoga movements and positions, but as was mentioned, Bikram Yoga does not force its participants to perform perfectly and that the flexibility and physical ability to perform unusual positions with the body will come with constant practice.
Being easy however does not mean that it is not challenging, just staying in a room that is hot for that long while doing a physical activity is already a challenge. Every session utilizes the same poses performed in the same order. It might seem boring doing the same thing over and over again, but actually, every day is different.
There is always a challenge. It's really exciting to see yourself doing something you couldn't do a few years or a few months ago. It's very exciting to see the kind of discipline that you develop just by doing that.
There is also an advanced level for Bikram Yoga but this is only practiced by the teachers in order to prevent illness and injuries and limit the effects of aging. The series of postures additionally promotes mental clarity and reduce stress by combining skills of concentration, patience, determination and self control. It also improves body posture and spine alignment; back pain and headache relief; muscle strengthening; body image flexibility and balance for a general feeling of wellness and peace.
Medical concerns
During the time when Bikram Yoga was still new, doctors would advise their patients against trying it, fearing that it might be too strenuous for them. Nowadays however, doctors themselves practically prescribe it. Some patients who are about to undergo a surgery are advised to attend a session in order to prepare their body for the procedure. Some students with hypertension and certain chronic diseases eve find themselves feeling healthier and needing less of their medications. In conclusion Bikram Yoga is safe enjoyable and fun to do while acquiring a lot of health benefits.
Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises done for 90 minutes in a room heated to 40 degrees-"just a little above the normal human body temperature."
Each posture is a prelude to the next one. She further explains that you would not be able to perform the next posture with the maximum benefit and full stretch of the body without doing the previous one.
The concept behind Bikram Yoga is that each person differs in strength , flexibility, and other physical capabilities. The heat is utilized to help the body open up to prevent injuries and gain more flexibility.
It will not force you into perfectly executing a pose that is physically impossible for you to do.
Participants in fact are allowed to not go all the way in executing the poses if it gets too difficult for them.
But through consistent practice and repetition, the body's strength and flexibility will naturally develop until they are eventually able to complete the posture.
It is also considered as a "Beginner's Yoga" simple because the poses used in it are quite basic and are among the easiest to do even for casual yoga practitioners.
Yoga for everyone
This is something that everyone can do regardless of age, shape, size, or physical condition. This is probably a big factor as to why Bikram Yoga quickly gained popularity among the health buff people.
Many people are actually intimidated to try this out at first thinking that they do not have the physical capacity to perform such yoga movements and positions, but as was mentioned, Bikram Yoga does not force its participants to perform perfectly and that the flexibility and physical ability to perform unusual positions with the body will come with constant practice.
Being easy however does not mean that it is not challenging, just staying in a room that is hot for that long while doing a physical activity is already a challenge. Every session utilizes the same poses performed in the same order. It might seem boring doing the same thing over and over again, but actually, every day is different.
There is always a challenge. It's really exciting to see yourself doing something you couldn't do a few years or a few months ago. It's very exciting to see the kind of discipline that you develop just by doing that.
There is also an advanced level for Bikram Yoga but this is only practiced by the teachers in order to prevent illness and injuries and limit the effects of aging. The series of postures additionally promotes mental clarity and reduce stress by combining skills of concentration, patience, determination and self control. It also improves body posture and spine alignment; back pain and headache relief; muscle strengthening; body image flexibility and balance for a general feeling of wellness and peace.
Medical concerns
During the time when Bikram Yoga was still new, doctors would advise their patients against trying it, fearing that it might be too strenuous for them. Nowadays however, doctors themselves practically prescribe it. Some patients who are about to undergo a surgery are advised to attend a session in order to prepare their body for the procedure. Some students with hypertension and certain chronic diseases eve find themselves feeling healthier and needing less of their medications. In conclusion Bikram Yoga is safe enjoyable and fun to do while acquiring a lot of health benefits.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Retail Therapy
Are you a compulsive shopper? The holiday season seems to be the prime enabler for what may be society's most tolerated--- if not accepted and even promoted--- behavioral addiction. Here are 5 helpful tips to keep you from turning into a shopaholic wreck,
They're hard to ignore. what with larger-than-life signs and big bold letters catching you off-guard and forcing a double-take midstride. That four-letter "S" word seems to send people into mass hysteria every time its single syllable is heard or seen. "SALE."
We're surrounded daily by advertisements enticing us to buy the latest styles, handbags, or cellphones, or to go to the mall for clearance sales. We're pressured by friends and coworkers to keep up with a certain lifestyle. And, if we're honest, we always seem to want what we can't have.
Shopping is necessary, for sure, but there comes a point where it, like everything else done in excess, becomes unhealthy. It's called "Oniomania," a term that originated in the early 1900s by psychiatrist Eugene Bleuler and Emil Kraepelin, although it goes by a lot of other more common names like "compulsive shopping," "shopaholism," or "compulsive buying."
Compulsive buying, or CB, is a little-known clinical addiction and impulse control disorder. It usually begins in the late teens to early adulthood and often co-occurs with other disorders like mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, other impulse control disorders, and personality disorders. For the most part, shopping becomes that individual defense mechanism when coping with stress such that it starts to clearly have a negative impact in other areas of their life. As with all addictions, it begins to damage their relationship and, naturally, their finances (and potentially the finances of those they've take loan from) as well.
Many forget the easily disregarded advice we're told growing up, "Budget, budget, budget." Dependent on our parents for food and other necessities, and armed with a shiny, new credit card. we hit the malls ready to swipe that piece of plastic at whim. Little by little, the bills add up--- and who would know any better?
You sure aren't hurting anyone. If anything, you're probably the most popular amongst your group of friends, using the latest gadgets, and treating them to dinners like there's no tomorrow. but before you know it, you don't even have a single centavo to your name.
The scene need not to be so grim. Identify your problem early on and immediately begin to cut back on unnecessary expenditures. If need be, seek professional help. The single piece of advice you can definitely ignore? "Shop till you drop."
Here are the tips:
Distinguish must have vs nice to have
If you want something you can't afford, thing what else that money could buy: a week's groceries, a month's rent or a weekend away. That will put things to perspective.
Change your desires
The things you want change throughout your life. If you've been shopping, shopping, shopping for ten years. It's unrealistic to stop completely. Instead try slowing the pace. Go to the shops, walk around, have a lovely time, enjoy the whole experience then head to the lipstick counter. Instead of buying a Chanel suit, buy a Chanel lipstick; it is a treat that isn't going to break the bank.
Look at what you spend each month, work out what you can really afford and set yourself a budget.
And if all else fails, go out carrying really heavy bags, then you simply won't be able to carry anything else.
Control your emotions and get organized
Shopping is emotional, but you need to get your head involved, too. Look in your wardrobe and make a list of what you actually need. If you have five pairs of red shoes, do you need another pair? In case you were wondering, the answer is "No."
Spend other people's money
Shopping with friends is a great way of still enjoying the thrill of the chase without having to make a purchase. It can also be a real bonding opportunity. Helping your friend find something nice is just as rewarding as helping yourself.
Save then buy (Minus the credit card)
There is something exciting about saving up for a special treat. Bring back the piggy bank! Label boxes with "Shoe fund or "Shopping fund' on them. Start saving for things you want instead of putting them on your credit card. The moral of Confessions of a shopaholic is that credit card debt can ruin your life.
They're hard to ignore. what with larger-than-life signs and big bold letters catching you off-guard and forcing a double-take midstride. That four-letter "S" word seems to send people into mass hysteria every time its single syllable is heard or seen. "SALE."
We're surrounded daily by advertisements enticing us to buy the latest styles, handbags, or cellphones, or to go to the mall for clearance sales. We're pressured by friends and coworkers to keep up with a certain lifestyle. And, if we're honest, we always seem to want what we can't have.
Shopping is necessary, for sure, but there comes a point where it, like everything else done in excess, becomes unhealthy. It's called "Oniomania," a term that originated in the early 1900s by psychiatrist Eugene Bleuler and Emil Kraepelin, although it goes by a lot of other more common names like "compulsive shopping," "shopaholism," or "compulsive buying."
Compulsive buying, or CB, is a little-known clinical addiction and impulse control disorder. It usually begins in the late teens to early adulthood and often co-occurs with other disorders like mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, other impulse control disorders, and personality disorders. For the most part, shopping becomes that individual defense mechanism when coping with stress such that it starts to clearly have a negative impact in other areas of their life. As with all addictions, it begins to damage their relationship and, naturally, their finances (and potentially the finances of those they've take loan from) as well.
Many forget the easily disregarded advice we're told growing up, "Budget, budget, budget." Dependent on our parents for food and other necessities, and armed with a shiny, new credit card. we hit the malls ready to swipe that piece of plastic at whim. Little by little, the bills add up--- and who would know any better?
You sure aren't hurting anyone. If anything, you're probably the most popular amongst your group of friends, using the latest gadgets, and treating them to dinners like there's no tomorrow. but before you know it, you don't even have a single centavo to your name.
The scene need not to be so grim. Identify your problem early on and immediately begin to cut back on unnecessary expenditures. If need be, seek professional help. The single piece of advice you can definitely ignore? "Shop till you drop."
Here are the tips:
Distinguish must have vs nice to have
If you want something you can't afford, thing what else that money could buy: a week's groceries, a month's rent or a weekend away. That will put things to perspective.
Change your desires
The things you want change throughout your life. If you've been shopping, shopping, shopping for ten years. It's unrealistic to stop completely. Instead try slowing the pace. Go to the shops, walk around, have a lovely time, enjoy the whole experience then head to the lipstick counter. Instead of buying a Chanel suit, buy a Chanel lipstick; it is a treat that isn't going to break the bank.
Look at what you spend each month, work out what you can really afford and set yourself a budget.
And if all else fails, go out carrying really heavy bags, then you simply won't be able to carry anything else.
Control your emotions and get organized
Shopping is emotional, but you need to get your head involved, too. Look in your wardrobe and make a list of what you actually need. If you have five pairs of red shoes, do you need another pair? In case you were wondering, the answer is "No."
Spend other people's money
Shopping with friends is a great way of still enjoying the thrill of the chase without having to make a purchase. It can also be a real bonding opportunity. Helping your friend find something nice is just as rewarding as helping yourself.
Save then buy (Minus the credit card)
There is something exciting about saving up for a special treat. Bring back the piggy bank! Label boxes with "Shoe fund or "Shopping fund' on them. Start saving for things you want instead of putting them on your credit card. The moral of Confessions of a shopaholic is that credit card debt can ruin your life.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Women Driving: Do's and Don'ts
Here are some Driving tips that can lead you and your loved ones to safety:
DO wear comfortable flat shoes. Driving in heels is a no-no. Aside from the fact that it can ruin your shoes, it will surely give you difficulty in gauging the depth and precise location of the pedals. So always keep a pair of driving shoes in your car for a quick change.
DO make sure all the kids are settled comfortable and happy when you're driving with them. Spoiling the kids a tad is always your prerogative - but doing so while driving should definitely in moderation because nothing distracts a drive more than a bunch of wailing or fighting kids. And we could be talking about a serious safety hazard here. Give them spill-proof drinks and non-messy snacks for trips that will take more than one hour. Kids can't sit still and easily get bored; but if the noise level climbs above normal for more than a minute, pull over and stop. Calm them down and give strict instructions for them to sit still.
DO have the car checked at a reliable gas station at least once a week. Have the service attendant check the vehicle's radiator water, the engine oil, transmission oil and brake fluid. Always have the tires inflated properly. Have your front and rear windshield cleaned and do change your windshield wipers when they begin to show wear (streaking on the glass). Rain significantly impairs driving vision even when only drizzling.
Don't touch up your make-up while driving. The rear view mirror does not double as a vanity mirror. for that essential re-touch before and important appointment or exciting date, do it when the car is parked before you get going or after arriving at your destination.
Don't smoke while driving (this applies to both men and women). Fumbling around for your cigs and lighter in your bag while driving takes concentration off the road and both hands from the wheel. Never mind the fact that smoking in an enclosed space stinks up the car, your clothes and your hair; the ashes can fly when you're flicking the cigarette and burn a hole in your dress or your car, but worse it can make you do a sudden, non-driving move. The negatives are endless on this one.
Don't talk or text while driving. We don't need to cite studies here in order to point out the inherent and serious dangers of doing so. Always remember, keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Concentrate on driving, not on any distracting thoughts - it's best to leave the worrying for when you're not driving. To get where you're going and then arrive home safely is the best driving of all. Always stay safe!!
DO wear comfortable flat shoes. Driving in heels is a no-no. Aside from the fact that it can ruin your shoes, it will surely give you difficulty in gauging the depth and precise location of the pedals. So always keep a pair of driving shoes in your car for a quick change.
DO make sure all the kids are settled comfortable and happy when you're driving with them. Spoiling the kids a tad is always your prerogative - but doing so while driving should definitely in moderation because nothing distracts a drive more than a bunch of wailing or fighting kids. And we could be talking about a serious safety hazard here. Give them spill-proof drinks and non-messy snacks for trips that will take more than one hour. Kids can't sit still and easily get bored; but if the noise level climbs above normal for more than a minute, pull over and stop. Calm them down and give strict instructions for them to sit still.
DO have the car checked at a reliable gas station at least once a week. Have the service attendant check the vehicle's radiator water, the engine oil, transmission oil and brake fluid. Always have the tires inflated properly. Have your front and rear windshield cleaned and do change your windshield wipers when they begin to show wear (streaking on the glass). Rain significantly impairs driving vision even when only drizzling.
Don't touch up your make-up while driving. The rear view mirror does not double as a vanity mirror. for that essential re-touch before and important appointment or exciting date, do it when the car is parked before you get going or after arriving at your destination.
Don't smoke while driving (this applies to both men and women). Fumbling around for your cigs and lighter in your bag while driving takes concentration off the road and both hands from the wheel. Never mind the fact that smoking in an enclosed space stinks up the car, your clothes and your hair; the ashes can fly when you're flicking the cigarette and burn a hole in your dress or your car, but worse it can make you do a sudden, non-driving move. The negatives are endless on this one.
Don't talk or text while driving. We don't need to cite studies here in order to point out the inherent and serious dangers of doing so. Always remember, keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Concentrate on driving, not on any distracting thoughts - it's best to leave the worrying for when you're not driving. To get where you're going and then arrive home safely is the best driving of all. Always stay safe!!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
The Queen of Fruits
In these times of modern preservation techniques and the swiftness of importation and exportation of raw materials, products and produce, the world has just about literally shrunk into a "global village." One can visit various local markets today and find fresh fruits available from all corners of the world that obviously do not, and cannot, grow in commercial quantities in tropical climates. These include the likes of apples, "Florida-grade" oranges, pears, lemons, lychees among others.
It's definitely not that tropical countries lack fruits. They have mouth-watering, wide variety of unique, health-enhancing and delicious fruits, many of which are sought after around the world: bananas, mangoes, pineapples just to name a few. But none of the aforementioned are as rare, exotic and exquisite in taste as "The Queen of Fruits," as it was ontensibly crowned by Queen Victoria during her historically recognized quest for this tropical delicacy - the Mangosteen.
And that legend would certainly not be difficult to believe, given the indescribably complex taste of Mangosteen... sweet, sour, sharp, soft, creamy, fleshy - all exquisitely and perfectly combined to deliver a taste that is out of this world . There just isn't anything even closely comparable
The Rare and Costly Best
The most exquisite and delicious of foods are the rarest and often the most expensive to acquire... truffles, caviar, saffron, Kobe beef, bird's nest soup are but just a few examples.
Mangosteen or Garcinia Mangostana is a tropical fruit tree native only to the hot and humid weather of countries in Southeast Asia like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. And even within the counties in which it is indigenous, the Mangosteen tree is challenging to grow. It is weather-sensitive and slow-growing, taking approximately 15 years to become fruit-bearing.
Mangosteens are not only known for its exquisite taste but for its health benefits and use as a folk medicine to ease and treat dysentery, skin infections, wounds, stomach conditions and other ailments, recent developments and exposure for the dynamic health properties of the fruit and its rind around the world has turned this purple-skinned health wonder into much, much more than just "The Queen of Fruits."
Mango-what?
Mangosteen is a round fruit of about two to three inches in diameter with a deep, reddish-purple rind encasing the white-as-snow, soft, creamy, sweet, tangy and exquisite edible flesh inside shaped in aril segments, usually five of them. it's been said that one can determine the number of aril segments within by the number of petals at the top of the fruit, but such is not as important as what we will learn next.
Health Properties
The health benefits of mangosteen come from both the inner fruit as well as the rind. Mangosteens have been discovered to be the greatest single source of xanthones or natural constituents found in vegetable and fruit plants, particularly those belonging to Bonnetiaceae and Clusiaceae families.
Xanthones contained in mangosteen are active therapeutic compounds like alpha-mangostin, beta-mangostine, garcinone B and E that have antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterials, antitumor and even antihistamine acid and anti-inflammatory medicinal properties. Xanthones contain much more antioxidants than Vitamin C and E which translates into more power in the battle versus free radicals, the boosting of immune systems, improved joint and cartilage function, more robust respiratory system and overall health.
The rind of the mangosteen has, in fact, been used for generation by Southeast Asian people to make tea, a brew or ointment for a myriad of stomach-related ailments or disorders as well as a cure for skin rashes of all sorts. So aside from mangosteen's antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungual benefits, the fruit as a whole is likewise credited for its antitumor, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.
Mangosteens are likewise recognized for their ability to prevent and treat infections, diarrhea, eczema, and gleets. Overall, mangosteens appear to be beneficial to all the organs of the body and, therefore, overall health. As earlier noted, even in its country of origin, the mangosteen can be fleetingly available in its fresh fruit form. Thankfully, its healthy benefits are available all year round in powdered or juice form all around the world. To sate your mangosteen cravings practically anytime of year.
Needless to say, should one desire to reap deep,deep down and honest-to-goodness the full gastronomic benefit of this healthy powerhouse "Queen of Fruits" there's nothing like the real thing, as they say..... that is, the fresh fruit itself. And for that privilege, we'll simply need to heed the proven adage, "Good things are worth waiting for."
It's definitely not that tropical countries lack fruits. They have mouth-watering, wide variety of unique, health-enhancing and delicious fruits, many of which are sought after around the world: bananas, mangoes, pineapples just to name a few. But none of the aforementioned are as rare, exotic and exquisite in taste as "The Queen of Fruits," as it was ontensibly crowned by Queen Victoria during her historically recognized quest for this tropical delicacy - the Mangosteen.
And that legend would certainly not be difficult to believe, given the indescribably complex taste of Mangosteen... sweet, sour, sharp, soft, creamy, fleshy - all exquisitely and perfectly combined to deliver a taste that is out of this world . There just isn't anything even closely comparable
The Rare and Costly Best
The most exquisite and delicious of foods are the rarest and often the most expensive to acquire... truffles, caviar, saffron, Kobe beef, bird's nest soup are but just a few examples.
Mangosteen or Garcinia Mangostana is a tropical fruit tree native only to the hot and humid weather of countries in Southeast Asia like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. And even within the counties in which it is indigenous, the Mangosteen tree is challenging to grow. It is weather-sensitive and slow-growing, taking approximately 15 years to become fruit-bearing.
Mangosteens are not only known for its exquisite taste but for its health benefits and use as a folk medicine to ease and treat dysentery, skin infections, wounds, stomach conditions and other ailments, recent developments and exposure for the dynamic health properties of the fruit and its rind around the world has turned this purple-skinned health wonder into much, much more than just "The Queen of Fruits."
Mango-what?
Mangosteen is a round fruit of about two to three inches in diameter with a deep, reddish-purple rind encasing the white-as-snow, soft, creamy, sweet, tangy and exquisite edible flesh inside shaped in aril segments, usually five of them. it's been said that one can determine the number of aril segments within by the number of petals at the top of the fruit, but such is not as important as what we will learn next.
Health Properties
The health benefits of mangosteen come from both the inner fruit as well as the rind. Mangosteens have been discovered to be the greatest single source of xanthones or natural constituents found in vegetable and fruit plants, particularly those belonging to Bonnetiaceae and Clusiaceae families.
Xanthones contained in mangosteen are active therapeutic compounds like alpha-mangostin, beta-mangostine, garcinone B and E that have antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterials, antitumor and even antihistamine acid and anti-inflammatory medicinal properties. Xanthones contain much more antioxidants than Vitamin C and E which translates into more power in the battle versus free radicals, the boosting of immune systems, improved joint and cartilage function, more robust respiratory system and overall health.
The rind of the mangosteen has, in fact, been used for generation by Southeast Asian people to make tea, a brew or ointment for a myriad of stomach-related ailments or disorders as well as a cure for skin rashes of all sorts. So aside from mangosteen's antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungual benefits, the fruit as a whole is likewise credited for its antitumor, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.
Mangosteens are likewise recognized for their ability to prevent and treat infections, diarrhea, eczema, and gleets. Overall, mangosteens appear to be beneficial to all the organs of the body and, therefore, overall health. As earlier noted, even in its country of origin, the mangosteen can be fleetingly available in its fresh fruit form. Thankfully, its healthy benefits are available all year round in powdered or juice form all around the world. To sate your mangosteen cravings practically anytime of year.
Needless to say, should one desire to reap deep,deep down and honest-to-goodness the full gastronomic benefit of this healthy powerhouse "Queen of Fruits" there's nothing like the real thing, as they say..... that is, the fresh fruit itself. And for that privilege, we'll simply need to heed the proven adage, "Good things are worth waiting for."
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Where Freedom Rings Loud and Clear
What is there to love about Philadelphia? aside from yours truly being born and raised in the "City of Brotherly love", the city has so much to offer, The Phillies for baseball fans, Philly cheese steaks for meat lovers, sales-tax free shoes and clothes for shopaholics, to name a few, but for most, the affection for Philly goes deeper.
Philadelphia abounds in historic attractions for freedom-loving individuals who wish to trace the very foundation of American independence.
What's in a Name?
Quaker founder William Penn sailed from England to America and arrived on November 8, 1682. He left England convinced that religious toleration could never be achieved in his homeland, and instead asked the King for a charter enabling him to establish an American colony. Charles II, the reigning monarch at the time, signed a charter for territory west of Delaware River and north of Maryland, approximately the present size of Pennsylvania, where about a thousand Germans, Dutch, and Indians lived without a particular government.
The King is said to have proposed the name Pennsylvania, which means "Forest of Penn," honoring Penn's late father, the admired, respected and decorated Admiral Penn of the British naval fleet. Other sources say that it was William Penn himself who chose the name Philadelphia, which means "City of brotherly love" in Greek. Once he arrived in the designated territory, Penn set an example in the pursuit of the libert. He showed how people could live free and how individuals of different races and religions could live together peacefully. Penn's policy of religious tolerance led to the influx of immigrants such that during the American Revolution a century hence, Pennsylvania became one of the largest colonies and America's first great melting pot.
Streets of Philadelphia
Exploring Philadelphia today, visitors will find some of the country's most treasured historic sites such as the Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, and the Betsy Ross House. For Americans, revisiting history will make one feel proud, patriotic, moved and inspired especially in these financially trying times.
The Sound of Liberty
The Liberty Bell Center located within the Independence National Historic Park is home to the liberty bell, a worldwide symbol of freedom. Throughout the expansive, light-filled center, historic documents and graphic images explore the facts and myths surrounding the icon of the American Revolution.
The bell was cast in the Whitechapel Foundry in the East End of London and sent to the Independence hall, formerly known as the Pennsylvania State House, in 1753. It is 12 feet in circumference around the lip and weighs 910 kilos. Inscribed at the top is part of the Biblical verse from Levictus, "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof."
The liberty bell now bears a gap, often called a "crack." The gap is the result of an attempt to fix a thin crack that destroyed the bell's tone after the AMerican Revolution. Exactly when that crack developed is lost to the passage of more than two centuries.
The repair work dates back to 1846. After the bell was rung for President George Washington's birth anniversary, the original crack reappeared. go lengthened and led to the silencing of the bell, at least physically. forever.
While it's clang may no longer be heard, the liberty bell has a far more enduring message. It embodies the never-ending quest for freedom and the need to remain vigilant because liberties gained can be lost.Its sound of freedom resonated far and wide even among visitors from so many varied cultures. Nelson Mandela, the living icon of liberty, was quoted saying. "The liberty bell is a very significant symbol for the entire democratic world." As a sacred relic of the nation's beginning, it is well preserved as a tangible link to the struggle for freedom that created the United States.
Flag of America's Fathers
Another iconic symbol of the American Independence is the American Flag, the first of which was believed to have been created by Philadelphia patriot Betsy Ross. The Betsy Ross house is a historic house museum that commemorates her life, and research conducted by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History notes that the story of Betsy Ross making the first American flag for General George Washington entered into American consciousness about the time of the 1876 centennial celebrations. Six years prior, in 1870, Ross' grandson, William K. Canby, had presented a paper to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in which he claimed that his grandmother had "made with her hands the first flag" of the United States. Canby said he first obtained this information from his aunt Clarissa Sydney (Claypoole) Wilson in 1857, 20 years after Betsy Ross' death.
Signatures for Change
Certain rare moments change the course of history. Within a mere 11 years, two such moments - the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the signing of the Constitution of the United States - occurred in the Independence Hall of Philadelphia. The sculpture of the Signer commemorates the courage of those who altered their lives and those of the next generations of Americans by affixing their names on the momentous documents without which the United States would never have been born.
Philadelphia's Pride
One of the few men who signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution was Benjamin Franklin. The teen-aged Franklin arrived penniless in Philadelphia in 1723. He opened his own printing office eventually and helped transform Philadelphia from a small town to the most socially advanced and cosmopolitan city in the American continent. By 1748, Franklin's printing business had become so lucrative he was able to retire and shift his attention to science and politics.
Irony of Independence
Two other men notable for their signatures and contributions were the first two United States Presidents - George Washington and John Adams. The President's House in Philadelphia was home to the two presidents and served as America's first executive mansion. An interesting paradox was that President Washington brought at least nine enslaved Africans from his Mount Vernon home to live and work in the President's House/ A visit to the mansion reveals a long-obscured glimpse in the lives of the enslaved Africans who toiled in and around the house during Washington's presidency.
Once Upon a Nation
After visiting the first "White House," visitors are curious to learn how Philadelphia became the capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800. The answer? Research revealed that the Federal Government moved from New York City to Philadelphia in 1790. Southern delegates favored a site along the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia, both slave states. Northern delegates, on the other hand, favored New York or Philadelphia. Alexander Hamilton was eager to have Congress pass a bill that would allow the federal government to assume the states' huge financial debt from the Revolutionary war. A compromise was reached. In exchange for southern support of his debt relief bill. Hamilton and his supporters voted in favor of designating Philadelphia as the temporary capital for a period of ten years, after which the seat of government would move to Washington, D.C.
With its unmistakable air of liberty, Philadelphia emerged as an intellectual center. Between 1740 and 1776, Philadelphia presses issued an estimated eleven thousand works, including books pamphlets and almanacs. In 1776, there were seven newspapers reflecting a diverse range of opinions. To this day, Philadelphia fosters an environment of enlightened thinking, tolerance and diversity. With this atmosphere, it is easy to fall in love with Philadelphia, America's most historic city where human aspirations for political and religous liberty were forged and fulfilled.
Start at the Center
The Independence Visitor Center is the perfect place to begin your visit to Philadelphia. The Center is just a stone's throw from some of Philadelphia's most popular attractions, including the Liberty Bell Center and the Independence hall. Armed with pamphlets and maps, you'll know where to go, what to see and how to get the particular attractions you wish to visit.
Philadelphia abounds in historic attractions for freedom-loving individuals who wish to trace the very foundation of American independence.
What's in a Name?
Quaker founder William Penn sailed from England to America and arrived on November 8, 1682. He left England convinced that religious toleration could never be achieved in his homeland, and instead asked the King for a charter enabling him to establish an American colony. Charles II, the reigning monarch at the time, signed a charter for territory west of Delaware River and north of Maryland, approximately the present size of Pennsylvania, where about a thousand Germans, Dutch, and Indians lived without a particular government.
The King is said to have proposed the name Pennsylvania, which means "Forest of Penn," honoring Penn's late father, the admired, respected and decorated Admiral Penn of the British naval fleet. Other sources say that it was William Penn himself who chose the name Philadelphia, which means "City of brotherly love" in Greek. Once he arrived in the designated territory, Penn set an example in the pursuit of the libert. He showed how people could live free and how individuals of different races and religions could live together peacefully. Penn's policy of religious tolerance led to the influx of immigrants such that during the American Revolution a century hence, Pennsylvania became one of the largest colonies and America's first great melting pot.
Streets of Philadelphia
Exploring Philadelphia today, visitors will find some of the country's most treasured historic sites such as the Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, and the Betsy Ross House. For Americans, revisiting history will make one feel proud, patriotic, moved and inspired especially in these financially trying times.
The Sound of Liberty
The Liberty Bell Center located within the Independence National Historic Park is home to the liberty bell, a worldwide symbol of freedom. Throughout the expansive, light-filled center, historic documents and graphic images explore the facts and myths surrounding the icon of the American Revolution.
The bell was cast in the Whitechapel Foundry in the East End of London and sent to the Independence hall, formerly known as the Pennsylvania State House, in 1753. It is 12 feet in circumference around the lip and weighs 910 kilos. Inscribed at the top is part of the Biblical verse from Levictus, "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof."
The liberty bell now bears a gap, often called a "crack." The gap is the result of an attempt to fix a thin crack that destroyed the bell's tone after the AMerican Revolution. Exactly when that crack developed is lost to the passage of more than two centuries.
The repair work dates back to 1846. After the bell was rung for President George Washington's birth anniversary, the original crack reappeared. go lengthened and led to the silencing of the bell, at least physically. forever.
While it's clang may no longer be heard, the liberty bell has a far more enduring message. It embodies the never-ending quest for freedom and the need to remain vigilant because liberties gained can be lost.Its sound of freedom resonated far and wide even among visitors from so many varied cultures. Nelson Mandela, the living icon of liberty, was quoted saying. "The liberty bell is a very significant symbol for the entire democratic world." As a sacred relic of the nation's beginning, it is well preserved as a tangible link to the struggle for freedom that created the United States.
Flag of America's Fathers
Another iconic symbol of the American Independence is the American Flag, the first of which was believed to have been created by Philadelphia patriot Betsy Ross. The Betsy Ross house is a historic house museum that commemorates her life, and research conducted by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History notes that the story of Betsy Ross making the first American flag for General George Washington entered into American consciousness about the time of the 1876 centennial celebrations. Six years prior, in 1870, Ross' grandson, William K. Canby, had presented a paper to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in which he claimed that his grandmother had "made with her hands the first flag" of the United States. Canby said he first obtained this information from his aunt Clarissa Sydney (Claypoole) Wilson in 1857, 20 years after Betsy Ross' death.
Signatures for Change
Certain rare moments change the course of history. Within a mere 11 years, two such moments - the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the signing of the Constitution of the United States - occurred in the Independence Hall of Philadelphia. The sculpture of the Signer commemorates the courage of those who altered their lives and those of the next generations of Americans by affixing their names on the momentous documents without which the United States would never have been born.
Philadelphia's Pride
One of the few men who signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution was Benjamin Franklin. The teen-aged Franklin arrived penniless in Philadelphia in 1723. He opened his own printing office eventually and helped transform Philadelphia from a small town to the most socially advanced and cosmopolitan city in the American continent. By 1748, Franklin's printing business had become so lucrative he was able to retire and shift his attention to science and politics.
Irony of Independence
Two other men notable for their signatures and contributions were the first two United States Presidents - George Washington and John Adams. The President's House in Philadelphia was home to the two presidents and served as America's first executive mansion. An interesting paradox was that President Washington brought at least nine enslaved Africans from his Mount Vernon home to live and work in the President's House/ A visit to the mansion reveals a long-obscured glimpse in the lives of the enslaved Africans who toiled in and around the house during Washington's presidency.
Once Upon a Nation
After visiting the first "White House," visitors are curious to learn how Philadelphia became the capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800. The answer? Research revealed that the Federal Government moved from New York City to Philadelphia in 1790. Southern delegates favored a site along the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia, both slave states. Northern delegates, on the other hand, favored New York or Philadelphia. Alexander Hamilton was eager to have Congress pass a bill that would allow the federal government to assume the states' huge financial debt from the Revolutionary war. A compromise was reached. In exchange for southern support of his debt relief bill. Hamilton and his supporters voted in favor of designating Philadelphia as the temporary capital for a period of ten years, after which the seat of government would move to Washington, D.C.
With its unmistakable air of liberty, Philadelphia emerged as an intellectual center. Between 1740 and 1776, Philadelphia presses issued an estimated eleven thousand works, including books pamphlets and almanacs. In 1776, there were seven newspapers reflecting a diverse range of opinions. To this day, Philadelphia fosters an environment of enlightened thinking, tolerance and diversity. With this atmosphere, it is easy to fall in love with Philadelphia, America's most historic city where human aspirations for political and religous liberty were forged and fulfilled.
Start at the Center
The Independence Visitor Center is the perfect place to begin your visit to Philadelphia. The Center is just a stone's throw from some of Philadelphia's most popular attractions, including the Liberty Bell Center and the Independence hall. Armed with pamphlets and maps, you'll know where to go, what to see and how to get the particular attractions you wish to visit.
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