Study Techniques!

When a student fails in his/her studies, maybe it is not only produced by cognitive problems; sometimes it is caused by problems with study techniques. Studying is a very important process that needs to be taken into account with all the importance it has because according to how you study, you can get good or really bad results. There are a lot of students looking for better study techniques in order to improve their performance in their studies. We want to explain three steps or aspects that we always have to use and apply when we study any topic. We believe that these aspects are the base of a good student’s performance. For us, three inevitable steps to be considered when we conduct a study process are: schematize, summarize, and memorize.

Once the reading of the text has been done, we need to prepare a schema using the key information from the text. A schema is the graphical representation of the text summary that helps students to see the main ideas in a fast and simple way. In connection with this, there are several kinds of schemas for example numerical, graphical, diagrams, and mixed. The process of preparing a schema forces students to put in order the ideas and thinking according to chronological events from the text. Finally, organizing ideas through a schema provides a kind of self-test where we can identify if we read the text in a good way and if we have the sense of the content clear.

Making summaries is an easy way to learn the material given in class and get positive results. To write a summary, it is necessary to study various techniques. For example, we can generalize those concepts that have features in common such as the solar system and not all the planets. Then, we can globalize the information, that is, giving a complete sense of the expression without forgetting important details. Finally, we can underline the most important information, rescuing the most relevant ideas.

To read and store a large text, it is necessary to take notes and follow the next advice. Reading the text aloud several times and trying to be quiet for greater retention of information is a very good technique. Copying the text at hand is another useful technique, as this will help students better understand the paragraphs. Reading through the text and creating a short outline, a summary of the main ideas is also an excellent suggestion. Many people prefer to read the text for further compression, but it depends on the person.

Studying is a very personal experience; in fact, everybody is looking for finding the best technique to study. If we discover our technique, we will improve our study process and learning and will increase our academic performance. The use of schemas facilitates the comprehension of a text in a graphical and logical way. Also, the summarization integrates the most important ideas and provides the key aspects that we should not ignore when our knowledge is proved. Finally, memorizing is very necessary because some information cannot be understood in a logical way or in several options; some information or specific data have to be memorized just as it is. We know that there are many study techniques and many types of people, but it is very helpful to find the correct and appropriate form that makes us to feel comfortable and that gives us the best results.

Recycling!

Recycling!

Food Ilustrated!

UNICEF in Armenia!

Armenia!

UNICEF in Armenia

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), is currently working in over 150 countries to help children survive. From childhood to adolescence, it supports the health and nutrition of individuals, water supply, basic education, and protection from violence and exploitation of children. UNICEF in Armenia has worked extensively with children in various programs such as "Every Child Needs a Family", "Going to School: Child, Youth, and Adult" and “HIV prevalence in children”.

The main objective of the campaign "Every child needs a family" is to gain public support. This can make children return to their birth families. These children live in special boarding schools and orphanages. In these places, they are cared by people in charge of them; they are fed and cared for their health. However, no one can replace the family home, so this is indispensable for children’s formation.

The project ”Going to School: Child, Youth, and Adult “ has made many people to approach education. Regardless of the physical or emotional situations, every young person, adult, or child can attend this program. This project has been of great importance for UNICEF; its statistics and quantitative results has been so positive that it has been deployed to other regions. For this reason, UNICEF has been implementing this program in other cultures.

According to a UNICEF study on the incidence of HIV / AIDS in Armenia, there are still many kids affected. Orphaned children and those with disabilities are more likely to get this disease. The mortality rate in children under 5 years fin 2009 was 22 children during the year. HIV incidence and poverty in Armenia abounds that many children do not go to school. Many parents fear for their children by sending them to school, so sometimes they are absent for many months. ( So, what is UNICEF doing in this situation?)

The United Nations Fund for Children is an organization dedicated to helping thousands of children around the world. In Armenia, UNICEF has done a lot of campaigns to help. These events have given very positive results for both education and health of the young. Armenia has been a model example for many countries experiencing these crises. UNICEF’s aid has been given to countries that really need it, to families living in great poverty to support them to succeed.

Is fasting good or bad?

Fasting is to abstain from all kinds of free food, time or any other sacrifice that is done for religious reasons most of the time. The practice of fasting has being a tradition since prehistoric times. Fasting is mentioned in the Bible, Old and New Testaments, the Koran ... Catholics and some Christians practice it during Lent; Jews do it on the Day of Forgiveness and the Hindu on Ekadashi (11 days after each full moon). (Three types of fasting are the following: the radical, the partial, and the complete.

Radical Fasting means that a person should fast three meals that are made during the day. You can only drink water, natural fruit juices (no sugar), you can have a cup of chamomile tea with honey or boiled vegetable juice or smoothie. Some of the most common symptoms are dizziness in the absence of sugar and headache. There can be a feeling of cold since the thermoregulation of the body does not function properly. Resting and drinking plenty of fluids is the best way to avoid dehydration for those who practice a radical fast. .

The partial fast is to fast one or two meals per two weeks. This type of fasting helps cleanse the body, eliminating toxins that can cause different diseases. Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and vegetables provides a wealth of minerals and vitamins to the body. This also benefits the individual and vitalizes your health while improving the body and soul. According to the Catholic Church, Christ fasted 40 days, which is an example of this type of abstinence. This marks the fast by Christ before the start of his ministry.

Complete fasting is to refrain from all three meals. Only two glasses of water are allowed per day. It is important to do these fast no more than two consecutive days within a fortnight. Do not perform any activity because the body will be very weak; it just needs rest. This is not recommended for first-timers; it is just for experienced people capable of supporting abstinence. Some consequences are loss of muscle mass and fat, muscle cramps, insomnia, and depression.

Abstinence to drink or eat foods is expected to be part of the Christian life, but it is only done for the right reasons as part of each individual congregation. The first few days it is difficult to accustom the body and mind to fasting, but it depends on the willpower of each person. In other words, a "diet" is a way to remember the moments spent by Christ and his Apostles in those days of pain. He fasts for discipline, repentance, deliverance, protection, or by choice. Of each person depends on fast with discipline and carry out its purpose.

"Fasting is a therapy to heal all that prevents us conforms to the Will of God" (Benedict XVI)

Recycling Program

Recycling is a physicochemical process that uses products to treat them and get a new product. Recycling helps to preserve natural resources and reduce waste. Besides reducing pollution and energy demand, recycling makes our planet a more suitable environment for life. This company wants to implement an area where recycling building sets an example for their patients. Its three main projects are completing resources, having campaign expectations, and creating a recycling culture.

Resources to complement the company have an important role in the success of the program. The creation of a committee to keep an open mind to change, relating this to the new company policies, will be very helpful. Waste collection bags will be friendly to the environment and then they will be carried in containers by the company responsible. The advertising program will take place in different areas of the hospital. These people are the connectors of the program.

Expectations of the campaign are that all employees support the idea and encourage it at their homes. Communication with employees via internet or magazines is part of the project. The committee should be responsible for searching the containers for the collection of products. The representatives of the committee must be alert for new recycling laws to be met. Employees of the company must make a commitment to preserve a clean environment.

Those responsible people for creating the recycling culture in the company must be innovative people. There will be an incentive plan for employees to encourage recycling. For example, coloring contests, plays, exhibitions, among others, can make employees have a positive mind for the change. The hospital website will show the results of the activities. With the help of people trained in the subject, the corporate culture will be positive.

Planting trees around the country causes a cleaner environment and less pollution. Educating children to recycle can change their minds since childhood. Recycling is an easy way to help the environment and all living things. Implementing recycling at home and businesses in an appropriate way can foster a better culture change. "Recycling is not an obligation, it is our responsibility".

JAPANESE GARDENS: NON COMMON GARDENS

When you imagine a garden, you think in flowers, many colors, artificial stuff and other complex elements. However, Japanese gardens are a very simple kind of garden in their appearance but with a big meaning. Consequently, these gardens are made of few natural elements that produce calm feelings. Therefore, the basic elements of Japanese Gardens are: water, materials like stones and wood, and trees.

Among the three components mentioned above, water is a key element. Water is related to the cycle of life, fish (carp), oceans, lakes, and rivers. Consequently, the Japanese gardens are tranquil sanctuaries that allow individuals to escape from the stress of daily life; these gardens are designed for a variety of purposes. For example, the cycle of life promotes the flow of the positive energy. The fish represents longevity and strength. Water is often seen flowing down the garden’s waterfalls representing the Yin and Yang, which describe how polar opposites or seemingly contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world. Thus, energy, sense, love to nature, peace and relaxation are important benefits found in Japanese gardens.

The basic materials used in Japanese gardens are rocks which are the bones of the gardens. There are different types of stones, such as volcanic, steep, and irregular stones. The sight and sound of water combined with stones produces harmonic sounds helping to fight the stress. Having a real island and bridge in this area is another important element as well as having a designated place for tea. The elements of Japanese gardens are very natural to relax and have peace.

Japanese Gardens must have a lot of green trees and vegetation. Green color inspires eternity, equilibrium, harmony, and stability. The main purpose of the green color is to produce calmness and relaxation; it connects people to nature. The combination of water with green vegetation evoke two of the most important elements of nature, and one of the principles of Japanese gardens is that nature is part of humanity. If you do not know about a near Japanese Garden, but you need some peace, try to find any green area preferably near a river to feel and enjoy nature.

Due to the few natural elements that Japanese gardens have, they are perfect places to be relaxed. Water is essential because it is one of the basic elements of nature, and it inspires the flow of our daily lives. Elements like stones, bridges, and real islands provide different visual perceptions. All those components reflected in a green landscape create a perfect picture of nature. Building a Japanese garden helps to preserve nature and to have balance in our lives.

Red Food

Red fruits favor the protection of the skin as they contain a substance called antoniacina that stimulates the skin to produce melanin. Melanin protects skin from ultraviolet rays, making a transformation of energy into heat called "ultrafast internal conversion“.
Below you will find some examples of red fruits and their benefits:

Cherry: contains anthocyanin, small doses of vitamin A, minerals, high portion of water, containing sugars and contributes to our diet about 40 calories per 100 grams.

Strawberries: have high amount of water (90%), so they clean our bodies; they also have minerals and vitamin C.

Watermelon: Have mineral salts, sodium, low sugar and lots of water, provitamin A and vitamin C.

Tomatoes: are high in vitamin C (regenerated cells), minerals, lycopene, malic acid (acid flavor) and citric acid, stimulating digestion and helping the intestine.

Red Apple: is rich in sugars and vitamin C. It works as a laxative, anti-anemic and antiasthmatic. It relaxes the nervous system.

Horseradish: contains potassium, low in iron, its consumption is beneficial for respiratory ailments such as sore throat, hoarseness, laryngitis.

Rash berry: contains vitamin E, phytonutrients, and fiber, insoluble and is ideal for treating rheumatism.

"Remember that a daily consumption of red fruits as apples, onions, peppers, and grapes helps prevent breast cancer and prostate cancer“.

Troy Anthony Davis

Troy Davis was born on October 9, 1968 and died on September 21, 2011 at 42 years in the state of Georgia, USA. His parents are Joseph and Virginia Davis, who divorced when Troy was very young. He grew up with his four brothers in a middle economy class in Clover neighborhood in Savannah, Georgia. He was sentenced to death penalty for killing a white police, but the murder weapon was never found, several witnesses changed their opinion about his guilt, and there was no DNA testing to blame him.

The weapon used to murder Mac McPhail was never found by officers investigating this case. Witnesses say they saw Troy that night at gunpoint to the officer, but no evidence confirmed the truth. Davis’s mother testified that he was home that day and went out until he headed to Atlanta with her sister on a date. Many people testified in favor of Troy, but it seems that only people who were interested went against Davis. The last minute of his life he said he was innocent.

Seven of the nine witnesses who testified the officer’s murder changed their opinion regarding Davis’s guilt. Many people played for freedom of Georgia State, including Pope Benedict who asked to recant his guilt. These and other requests were not accepted or considered. America is a federal country, which means that the vote of the people must be respected, but in this case, it was not respected. This is because racist people involved had a target.

DNA evidence obtained at the murder scene was very dubious and even non-existent as to blame a person’s death. In this case, there were Davis’s DNA samples with which to compare and know for sure if it was he who killed MacPhail. Troy Davis was never able to prove his innocence, but authorities also failed to have physical evidence to blame him. Official’s family never believed in Troy’s innocence; on the contrary, when Davis was sentenced to death, they commented that it was all over and he deserved his punishment.

Troy three times before he was saved in last minute of his death by some inconvenience or doubt about his guilt. On September 21, 2011 this did not happen, their lawyers had no way to prove his innocence, just waiting for an intervention from the While House to declare him innocent, which did not happen. Troy Davis died after being injected a lethal dose that killed him within minutes. In his last minutes of life, his family told the officer that he was innocent and that God would forgive them for what they were doing. Troy was an icon of the death penalty in the United States, despite all efforts, he was not released.

Technology is an addiction?

Technology is an excellent tool to communicate at work, to do business and to create relationships. People have internet, cell phones, MP3 players, IPOD and other distractions. There are used by all people of different ages and social classes. However, the influence caused by this technology may produce addiction, abuse and dependent. The real problem is that people do not think, waste their time, and lose their creativity, innovation and productivity.

Some people do not use their mental abilities since they can get everything they need online. People addicted to internet no reasoning, since everything is given. Any question you have can be in internet. For example, before calculators were not used nearly was all by hand, now people are not able to make an account as simple as a sum without the aid of a calculator, or look up the meaning of a word in a book, the Internet makes it easy and fast.

Many people spend their time in different distractions that internet bring, for example, some games. Games like the farm of facebook, cause people to waste a long time. “A report by Lightspeed Research, a group that studies the market, has said that no less that 53% of all people who use Facebook and have an age older than 18 have ever played a game of that network and social that 19% of them now say they are addicted to games that have tried". This addiction also seems to be spreading socially as those who have more friends are also more likely to tap into social gaming in a manner described as obsessive. Over the years this addiction going to grow in the youngest, as the technology moves very fast.

One consequence of internet is that people lose their creativity due to the benefits offered by this system. Innovation and productivity also have been lost, but that does not mean are not capable of doing, it is just that the internet provides everything. People no longer visit libraries to read a book or for information about any important issue, now with the internet we can find the book you want without leaving our home.

Internet is gradually introduced into our lives, and the forecast is that its presence is ever-increasing. It is impossible or very difficult to stop this addiction because the internet is very necessary of many things. We must learn to use the internet to not be a negative for us, changes both in people and society. Maybe the internet is not addictive, that’s all it provides reinforcing behaviors, such as games, the ability to produce dependence