PTPTN Tidak Bercadang Bangkrap Peminjam

TEMERLOH – Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN) tidak berhasrat mengenakan tindakan bangkrap terhadap peminjam yang gagal membayar balik pinjaman.
Pengerusinya, Datuk Ismail Mohamed Said berkata, tindakan itu tidak perlu kerana kaedah sedia ada yang digunakan PTPTN untuk memperoleh semula wang pinjaman kian menunjukkan perkembangan positif.
“Kami tidak merancang menjadikan tindakan tersebut sebagai langkah terakhir memungut kembali pinjaman.
“Langkah terakhir ialah menyenarai hitam nama peminjam dengan Jabatan Imigresen yang menyebabkan mereka tidak boleh ke luar negara,” katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian pada majlis Perasmian Mini Karnival Dewan Undangan Negeri Jenderak di sini hari ini.
Ismail seterusnya berkata, tindakan menyenarai hitam nama peminjam dengan Jabatan Imigresen dianggap berkesan apabila ramai peminjam datang berunding dan menyelesaikan hutang mereka.
Malah, katanya, tindakan bangkrap sukar dilakukan kerana kebanyakan pinjaman tidak mencapai jumlah RM30,000 seperti yang tertakluk mengikut Akta Kebangkrapan.  ( jd cmne dgn kite?? fikir2 kn lah...)

computer virus

What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is a small software program that spreads from one computer to another computer and that interferes with computer operation. A computer virus may corrupt or delete data on a computer, use an e-mail program to spread the virus to other computers, or even delete everything on the hard disk.

Computer viruses are most easily spread by attachments in e-mail messages or by instant messaging messages. Therefore, you must never open an e-mail attachment unless you know who sent the message or unless you are expecting the e-mail attachment. Computer viruses can be disguised as attachments of funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files. Computer viruses also spread by using downloads on the Internet. Computer viruses can be hidden in pirated software or in other files or programs that you may download.

Symptoms that may be the result of ordinary Windows functions

A computer virus infection may cause the following problems:
Note: These problems may also occur because of ordinary Windows functions or problems in Windows that are not caused by a computer virus.

• Windows does not start even though you have not made any system changes or even though you have not installed or removed any programs.
• Windows does not start because certain important system files are missing. Additionally, you receive an error message that lists the missing files.
• The computer sometimes starts as expected. However, at other times, the computer stops responding before the desktop icons and the taskbar appear.
• The computer runs very slowly. Additionally, the computer takes longer than expected to start.
• You receive out-of-memory error messages even though the computer has sufficient RAM.
• New programs are installed incorrectly.
• Windows spontaneously restarts unexpectedly.
• Programs that used to run stop responding frequently. Even if you remove and reinstall the programs, the issue continues to occur.
• A disk utility such as Scandisk reports multiple serious disk errors.
• A partition disappears.
• The computer always stops responding when you try to use Microsoft Office products.
• You cannot start Windows Task Manager.
• Antivirus software indicates that a computer virus is present.

Symptoms of a computer virus

If you suspect or confirm that your computer is infected with a computer virus, obtain the current antivirus software. The following are some primary indicators that a computer may be infected: 

• The computer runs slower than usual.
• The computer stops responding, or it locks up frequently.
• The computer crashes, and then it restarts every few minutes.
• The computer restarts on its own. Additionally, the computer does not run as usual.
• Applications on the computer do not work correctly.
• Disks or disk drives are inaccessible.
• You cannot print items correctly.
• You see unusual error messages.
• You see distorted menus and dialog boxes.
• There is a double extension on an attachment that you recently opened, such as a .jpg, .vbs, .gif, or .exe. extension.
• An antivirus program is disabled for no reason. Additionally, the antivirus program cannot be restarted.
• An antivirus program cannot be installed on the computer, or the antivirus program will not run.
• New icons appear on the desktop that you did not put there, or the icons are not associated with any recently installed programs.
• Strange sounds or music plays from the speakers unexpectedly.
• A program disappears from the computer even though you did not intentionally remove the program.

Note These are common signs of infection. However, these signs may also be caused by hardware or software problems that have nothing to do with a computer virus. Unless you run the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool, and then you install industry-standard, up-to-date antivirus software on your computer, you cannot be certain whether a computer is infected with a computer virus or not.

mengetahui makna logo sistem operasi

Tiap sistem operasi memiliki logo yang menandakan ciri khas dari masing-masing produk. Tidak hanya sekedar sebagai tampilan dari sebuah sistem operasi saja, logo-logo tersebut juga memiliki arti tersendiri serta sejarah dalam proses pembuatan namanya. Agar orang mengingat produk yang dimaksud maka dibuatkan logo yang menggambarkan dari masing-masing karakteristik. Namun tahukan Anda maksud dan tujuan digunakannya logo-logo tersebut? Berikut kami sertakan penjelasannya.

1. Microsoft Windows
Logo jendela mulai diperkenalkan sejak rilis Windows 3.1 diawal tahun 90-an. Dengan tampilan berbentuk kotak yang memiliki batas hitam bertahan hingga tahun 2001. Metamorfosa terjadi pada saat XP dirilis, desain jendela dibuat melambai layaknya bendera berkibar. Selanjutnya untuk Vista dan 7 dibuat lebih elegan dengan logo jendela yang lebih bersinar. Jendela sebagai logo digambarkan sebagai kumpulan aplikasi yang disusun dalam tiap jendela. Hal ini untuk memudahkan menjalankan aplikasi yang dipisahkan berdasarkan fungsi dan kegunaannya. Sedangkan desain 4 warna dasar yaitu merah, hijau, biru dan kuning merupakan warna dasar yang dipilih karena dianggap sebagai warna yang memiliki kontras yang baik bagi mata.

2. Linux
Maskot Linux berupa binatang pinguin ternyata menjadi pilihan karena Linus Torvalds sang pencipta Linux pernah digigitnya saat berada di kebun binatang. Entah mengapa hal itu malah membuatnya makin terobsesi pada binatang ini. Awal berdirinya, diadakan kontes untuk membuat logo Linux. Dan meski tidak menang kontes tersebut, Linus malah tertarik dengan maskot bikinan salah seorang peserta yang bergambar pinguin dan menyuruh para desainer untuk merancang ulang dan membuatnya sebagai logo resmi Linux di tahun 1996. Sejak itu sang pinguin diberi nama Tux oleh Linus. Banyak yang mengira bahwa Tux merupakan singkatan dari Tuxedo, namun beberapa orang menyebutkan bahwa Tux kependekan dari (T)orvalds (U)ni(X).

3. Ubuntu
Warna merah, jingga dan kuning yang membentuk lingkaran pada logo Ubuntu memang terlihat cukup sederhana namun unik. Padahal logo tersebut merupakan perpaduan tiga orang yang saling berpegangan tangan dan sedang membentuk lingkaran. Hal ini dimaksudkan bahwa Ubuntu menegaskan kebersamaan, solidaritas dan kebersamaan antar umat manusia. Sedangkan tiga warna tersebut mewakili lambang dari berbagai ras yang ada. Hal ini sesuai dengan arti dari Ubuntu yaitu kebersamaan, dimana diambil dari bahasa Afrika.

4. Google Chrome OS
Logo dengan nama Chrome Ball ini memiliki makna seperti sebuah bola mata yang melambangkan pandangan mengenai wawasan dan pengetahuan. Tidak bisa dipungkiri logo tersebut memiliki tema yang mirip dengan logo Windows dimana memiliki 4 pilihan warna dasar. Selain itu juga diilhami dari beberapa hal yang akhirnya dipadukan menjadi sebuah maskot. Logo tersebut berbentuk bulat yang diilhami dari pokeball dari film Pokemon dan juga berbentuk mirip sebuah webcam, serta dari sebuah game tahun 80-an. Entah mengapa beberapa ilham tersebut dituangkan ke dalam disain logo Google Chrome OS.

5. Red Hat Linux
Distro Linux yang didistribusikan bagi segmen enterprise ini memiliki tampilan logo yang paling flamboyan. Disini terlihat seseorang menggunakan topi merah dengan pose yang cukup misterius. Jika saja ditambahkan sedang menghisap rokok maka akan makin mirip dengan tokoh detektif film holywood jaman dahulu. Sebenarnya penamaan Red Hat sendiri berdasarkan dari sebuah topi yang sering digunakan oleh penemunya yaitu Marc Ewing saat masih kuliah di universitas Carnegie Mellon. Dari situlah berawal ide menjadikannya sebagai logo Red Hat. Apalagi logo tersebut sesuai dengan keinginan Marc Ewing yang ingin memberi kesan bahwa Red Hat adalah distro yang penuh misteri dimana membuatnya makin menarik untuk digunakan.

6. MacOS X
Sistem operasi desktop buatan Apple ini menggunakan logo X yang diambil dari angka Romawi dalam menunjukkan angka 10, sesuai dengan versi 10 yang dirilis sejak tahun 2001. Tampilan logo X yang seperti menggunakan bahan baja menggambarkan ketangguhan dan dominasi namun minimalis. Paket teranyarnya yaitu Leopard versi 10.5 mengambil latar belakang bernuansa luar angka dari sebuah film Holywood karya Stanley Kubrick, 2001: A Sapce Odyssey. Pengambilan latar tersebut berdasarkan film yang bertemakan tentang evolusi manusia, teknologi, kecerdasan buatan dan kehidupan angkasa.

7. OpenSUSE
Sistem operasi berbasis Linux buatan Novell ini menggunakan seekor bunglon berwarna hijau sebagai logonya. Bunglon dengan nama Geeko digunakan sebagai maskot sejak awal keberadaan OS ini yang didesain oleh beberapa peserta pada kompetisi membuat desain logo OpenSUSE. Geeko merupakan plesetan dari geek. Pengertian geek disini maksudkan bukan sebagai kutu buku, tapi digambarkan sebagai seorang yang peduli dengan teknologi open-source. Nama Geeko juga merupakan plesetan dari Gecko, seekor kadal kecil yang biasa hidup di iklim hangat.

ternyata Update iOS 5.0.1 masih bermasalah

Bagi Anda yang telah melakukan update iOS 5.0.1 jangan merasa lega dahulu, ternyata update yang diharapkan dapat memberikan solusi belum juga menemukan titik terang. Yang paling menonjol yaitu masih masalah seputar baterai.
Dilaporkan bahwa beberapa pengguna memang ada yang merasa update tersebut berpengaruh terhadap peningkatan daya tahan baterai, namun ternyata yang mengeluhkannya pun tidak sedikit. Bahkan beberapa pengguna melaporkan bahwa tidak terdapat perubahan yang berarti setelah melakukan update tersebut. Malah beberapa komen mengeluhkan penggunaan baterai yang menjadi lebih boros dari sebelumnya.
Dan yang lebih membuat pihak Apple makin pusing, ternyata update tersebut juga menimbulkan permasalahan baru. Beberapa pengguna melalui posting di situs Apple mengeluhkan, setelah melakukan update iOS 5.0.1, terjadi penurunan kualitas dari beberapa fungsi yang ada seperti permasalahan pada mikrofon, sinyak WiFi yang sering hilang serta penerimaan jaringan selular yang jelek. "Update  iOS 5.0.1 ternyata memang masih menimbulkan permasalahan seputar baterai terhadap piranti berbasis iOS 5. Kami akan terus melanjutkan investigasi untuk mengatasi beberapa masalah lain yang ditemukan", kata juru bicara Apple.
Seperti diketahui, beberapa hari lalu Apple merilis update iOS 5.0.1. Untuk mengatasi beberapa masalah, salah satunya seputar borosnya baterai tadi. Entah hanya kebetulan atau memang sedang naas, sepertinya semenjak meninggalnya Steve Jobs, Apple sedang mengalami masa-masa sulit dan sepertinya masih akan terus berlanjut.

TEKNOLOGI TERKINI DAN PEROLEHAN PENGETAHUAN DAN KEPENTINGAN DI DALAM NEGARA SEDANG MEMBANGUN

Artikel ini mengulas mengenai perkembangan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) dan kesan-kesannya terhadap pendidikan dan sistem pembelajaran. Lebih khususnya, penekanan secara langsung terhadap perkembangan pendidikan bagi negara-negara sedang membangun. Perubahan dalam perkembangan teknologi turut mempengaruhi negara-negara sedang membangun melalui perkembangan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) yang canggih bagi tujuan pendidikan dalam usaha untuk meningkatkan tahap penggunaan bahan-bahan pengetahuan di kalangan pelajar.

Implikasi-implikasi Perkembangan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi.

Implikasi-implikasi perkembangan Tekonologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) mengakibatkan perubahan mendadak yang memberi kesan kepada negara-negara membangun dan juga negara-negara sedang membangun. Penulis artikel ini juga mengatakan bahawa terdapat empat (4) implikasi perkembangan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT). Pertama, perkembangan infrastuktur Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) yang memberi peluang untuk mendapatkan maklumat di mana-mana dan berkongsi minat seperti berita, aktiviti politik, aktiviti kebudayaan, pengetahuan saintifik dan mempelajari cara yang interaktif untuk berkomunikasi melalui kemudahan yang disediakan. Dengan adanya perkongsian maklumat, penguna dapat membuat keputusan sendiri dalam perbandingan harga dan perkhidmatan sesuatu produk yang di tawarkan. Kedua, pertambahan kesan perkhidmatan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) dalam pendidikan Faktor-faktor yang menghalang negara-negara kurang maju dalam pendekatan dan pendedahan teknologi berasaskan computer di sekolah-sekolah dan pendidikan tinggi ialah faktor kos, desakkan ke atas pemprosesan maklumat dan kekurangan sistem perhubungan. Faktor-faktor yang menghalang ini, tidak memberi kesan terhadap negara-negara maju untuk mengaplikasikan teknologi berasaskan computer. Peningkatan perkhidmatan pendidikan yang menggunakan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) untuk menyelia dan menyampaikan pembelajaran yang lebih menfokuskan kepada bidang sains dan teknologi. Peningkatan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) dalam pendidikan tinggi mendatangkan kesan baik kepada pelajar-pelejar bagi mempermudahkan urusan pembelajaran. Sebagai contoh, pelajar boleh dan hanya mempelajari melalui on-line serta mendapatkan sijil-sijil kelayakan menerusi Internet dan sistem perhubungan. Ketiga, perubahan pasaran tenaga kerja. Pelbagai struktur aspek perkembangan pekerjaan dalam pertanian, perkilangan, perindustrian, perkhidmatan yang mempunyai ciri-ciri berbeza. Perolehan proses maklumat adalah asas dalam kehidupan (tiket-tiket penerbangan, pengurusan pembayaran) yang menjana permintaan pembelajaran baru untuk kemahiran berbahasa dan pengurusan maklumat. Keempat, perubahan cara pengetahuan dijana dan diperakui. Gibbons (1998) mengenal pasti dua (2) mod dalam penghasilan pengetahuan. Mod 1 telah mengklasifikasi tahap pengetahuan melalui susunan pentadbiran dalam kedudukan organisasi, perakuan pengetahuan oleh golongan komuniti yang professional tertentu khususnya bidang pengajian dan akademik. Mod 2 adalah berbeza. Aplikasi terhadap penghasilan pengetahuan, akan meyebabkan masalah yang timbul dari segi ekonomi dan sosial berbanding dengan masalah displin. Organisasi menyelaraskan semua tugasan berstruktur dengan menjalinkan kerjasama diantara kajian dan pembangunan kakitangan yang ditempatkan di dalam institusi yang berlainan mengikut cara / corak yang bersesuaian. Berdasarkan mod Gibbons, Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) boleh diaplikasikan mengikut / melalui mod 2 yang mana lebih mudah untuk digunapakai.

Peluang-Peluang dan Kelebihan-Kelebihan yang Berkaitan Pembangunan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT)

Artikel ini juga, turut membincangkan mengenai peluang-peluang dan kelebihan-kelebihan pembangunan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikas (ICT) yang turut dimuatkan di dalam jadual 1. Selain itu, sebahagian kelebihan-kelebihan yang paling ketara mengenai pembangunan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) adalah:

1)       Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) membolehkan penguna-penguna mendapatkan maklumat / informasi dalam pelbagai bentuk dan bahan pembelajaran yang menghubungkan kepada sistem maklumat global / informasi sejagat.

2)       Menukarkan mod perkhidmatan pembelajaran dan pendidikan

3)       Perhubungan dan interaksi di Internet mewujudkan persekitaran dan

4)        suasana pembelajaran yang berbeza.

5)       Mewujudkan interaksi antara pelajar dan guru mengikut kesesuaian dan keperluan pendidikan.

6)       Peningkatan pasaran bagi perkhidmatan pendidikan untuk individu dan institusi dalam negara sedang membangun.

7)       Tidak terhad / terbatas dalam mendapatkan maklumat dan bahan pembelajaran.

8)       Memanafaatkan sistem Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) dalam menghasilkan maklumat yang banyak untuk berkemahiran belajar, perkembang dalam pembelajaran, dan keutamaan pelajaran.

9)       Membolehkan untuk mendapatkan sijil-sijil kelayakan dan penilaian.

10)   Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) digunakan untuk meningkatkan pentadbiran dan peruntukan bahan melalui sistem pencapaian untuk mengawasi dan menganalisis.

Syarat-syarat Penggantian

Peluang-peluang ini bergantung kepada pengekalan kos. Perkakasan, perisian dan perhubungan yang memadai perlu dan penting bagi infrastruktur Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikas (ICT) untuk mengenal pasti peluang-peluang yang wujud menjadi reality / kenyataan. Ketiga-tiga unsur ini perlulah disertakan bersama agar pembangunan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) dapat dijalankan.

Kos perkakasan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) telah menurun sejak komputer peribadi diperkenalkan. Artikel ini menyatakan terdapat empat (4) perkara berkaitan dengan penurunan kos perkakasan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT).

1)      Pengguna Industri elektrik mahir bagi mengekalkan harga bagi perkakasan dalam pasaran dunia, walaupun aliran sentiasa memperkenalkan lebih banyak tawaran dan ciri berkeupayaan tinggi.

2)      Susut nilai perkakasan.

3)      Peranti Teknologi Maklumat dan Kominikasi (ICT) memerlukan persekitaran yang bersesuaian dengan rekabentuk.

4)      Pengekalan perkakasan boleh dikurangkan kos melalui pesanan berbanding dengan harga pembelian.

Pembangunan perisian Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) memerlukan perisian yang berqualiti tinggi yang mana ia mempunyai kepelbagaian penggunaannya serta boleh di pasarkan secara meluas kepada pelanggan-pelanggan syarikat ternama. Infrastruktur perhubungan merupakan keperluan asas dalam melaksanakan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT). Telefon adalah salah satu alat perhubungan  selain daripada Internet yang mana digunakan untuk penghantaran data-data.

Perbezaan antara Bahan untuk Perkembangan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) dan Pendidikan.

Penulis pada pertengah tahun 1990-an telah menyatakan bahawa terdapat perbezaan ekonomi yang ketara bagi Untung Bersih Kasar (GNP) antara negara kaya dengan negara miskin. Penulis telah membandingkan antara enam (6) negara iaitu Jepun, Korea, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe dan Malawi. Antara ke enam-enam negara tersebut, Jepun merupakan negara yang paling banyak GNP berbanding dengan Korea, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, dan Zimbabwe. Manakala GNP paling rendah ialah negara Malawi. Secara keseluruhan dapatan GNP negara adalah bergantung kepada cukai-cukai dan pelaburan individu dalam pendidikan dan infrastruktur. Oleh itu, pendapatan yang tinggi membolehkan peluang-peluang wujud bagi perkhidmatan penggunaan yang telah disediakan. Hal yang demikan, mungkin tidak wujud bagi negara-negara miskin dimana pendapatan negara tidak mencukupi untuk menyokong sebarang bentuk perkembangan maklumat.  Perkakas Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) seperti talian perhubungan telefon dan komputer di kategorikan sebagai perkakas mahal / alat kelengkapan berharga.

Kerajaan memainkan peranan penting untuk membangunkan dan mengatur serta merancang negara agar berpeluang merasai Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi. Di dalam pendidikan formal, kerajaan telah melaburkan sebahagian GNP untuk menyokong perkembangan Teknologi Maklumat dan komunikasi (ICT). Jumlah pelaburan kerajaan ini berbeza bagi negara kaya dan negara miskin. Di samping itu, pelaburan negara tidak hanya tertumpu kepada pendidikan formal sahaja, malahan turut di belanjakan untuk penyenggaraan, bahan-bahan, kelengkapan pembelajaran bukan berasaskan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT). Negara-negara kaya dapat melaksanakan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) berbanding dengan negara-negara sederhana dan miskin. Walaubagaimanapun, setiap jurang yang berlaku, sistem pendidikan masih lagi bergantung kepada pelaburan kerajaan dan individu.

Kesimpulan

Kesimpulan  yang di perolehi dari artikel ini adalah:-

1)      Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) terkini dapat menukarkan maklumat dan perkhidmatan pendidikan serta menghasilan pengetahuan untuk dikongsi.

2)      Banyak negara-negara sedang membangun memperolehi infrastruktur yang memadai untuk mendapatkan kemudahan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) / untuk turut serta dalam rangkaian / jaringan global.

3)      Untuk memanafaatkan peluang-peluang dan mendapatkan maklumat dalam pembelajaran dari Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (ICT) bagi Negara kurang maju adalah terhad.

70 Ways to Better Brainpower

1. Breath deep. More air in means more oxygen in the blood and therefore in the brain. Breath through your nose and you'll notice that you use your diaphragm more, drawing air deeper into your lungs. Several deep breaths can also help to relax you, which is conducive to clearer thinking.

2. Meditate. A simple meditation you can do right now is just closing your eyes and paying attention to your breath. Tensing up your muscles and then relaxing them to start may help. When your mind wanders, just bring your attention back to your breath. Five or ten minutes of this will usually relax you, clear your mind, and leave you more ready for any mental task. 3. Sit up straight. Posture affects your thinking process. Prove it to yourself by doing math in your head while slouching, looking at the floor and letting your mouth hang open. Then do the mental math while sitting up straight, keeping your mouth closed and looking forward or slightly upwards. You'll notice that it's easier to think with the latter posture.

4. Phosphotidyl Serine (PS). This supplement has been shown in clinical studies to increase lucidity and rate of learning. It activates cell-to-cell communication, helps regulate cell growth, improves the functioning of the special receptors found on cells, and prepares cells for activity. In other words, it can help your brain power. It's also thought to reverse memory decline. Phosphatidylserine has no known adverse side effects.

5.Vinpocetine. This extract, derived from an alkaloid found in the Periwinkle plant, is used as a cerebral vasodilator. It increases blood flow to the brain, which improves its oxygenation and thereby increases mental alertness and acuity. Research suggests it may also be the most powerful memory enhancer available to date.

6. Gingko Biloba. The leaves of this tree have been proven to increase blood flow to the brain. The trees are often planted in parks. My friends and I used to eat a few leaves when we wanted a brain boost. It is also inexpensive, if you buy the capsules or tea at any health food store.

7. Saint John's Wort. This is a common weed that may be growing in your yard. Although it's brain enhancing qualities are less documented (studies do show it's usefulness for treating long-term depression), many people swear by it's temporary mood-elevating effect, and our brains tend to function better when we are happy. It is inexpensive, but I used to just collect it in the yard and make tea of it. (Hyperacum Perforatum, if you want to look it up by it's botanical name.)

8. Good thinking habits. Just use a problem solving technique for several weeks and it will become a habit. Redesign everything you see for a while, and that will become a habit. You can develop many good thinking habits with some effort, and then be more resourceful effortlessly from that point on. Use the power of habit.

9. Use dead time. This is time that is otherwise wasted or just under-utilized. Driving time, time spent in waiting rooms, or even time spent raking your yard can be included in this. With a tape player and a trip to a public library, you can start to use this time to listen to books-on-tape. You may spend 200 hours a year in your car. What could you learn in that time?

10. Learn a language. Learning a new language has been shown to halt the age-related decline in brain function. It also introduces your mind to new concepts and new ways of looking at things (in English we are afraid, whereas in Spanish we have fear). It is one of the best brain exercises.

11. Rosemary. This common herb may have an effect on the brain when the scent is inhaled. We are waiting for the research, but some people swear that just sniffing rosemary wakes up their brain. It seems safe, so if you have rosemary in your spice rack, give it a try.

12. Mindfulness exercises. Concentration and clear thinking are more or less automatic once you remove distractions. Learn to stop and watch your busy mind. As you notice things that are subtly bothering you, deal with them. This might mean making a phone call you need to make, or putting things on a list so you can forget them for now. With practice, this becomes easier, and your thinking becomes more powerful.

13. Write. Writing is good for your mind in a number of ways. It is a way to tell your memory what is important, so you'll recall things more easily in the future. It is a way to clarify your thinking. It is a way to exercise your creativity and analytical ability. Diaries, idea-journals, poetry, note-taking and story-writing are all ways to use writing to boost your brain power.

14. Listen to Mozart. In a study at the University of California, researchers found that children who studied piano and sang daily in chorus, were much better at solving puzzles, and when tested, scored 80% higher in spatial intelligence than the non-musical group. In another study, 36 students were given three spatial reasoning tests on a standard IQ test. Just before the first test, they listened to Mozart's sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K. 448 for ten minutes. Before the second test, they listened to a relaxation tape. Before the third, they sat in silence. The average scores for all 36 students: 1st test: 119. 2nd test: 111. 3rd test: 110. A nine-point boost from Mozart!

15. Develop your intuition. Intuition can be an important part of brainpower. Einstein and others have relied heavily on their intuitive hunches.

16. Avoid foods that cause subtle allergies. These can include wheat, corn, peanuts and dairy products. Watch yourself to see if you have a problem with any of these. They cause digestive problems and brain fog in some people.

17. Sleep better. As long as you get a certain amount of sleep - probably a minimum of five hours - the quality seems to be more important than the quantity. Also, short naps in the afternoon seem to work well to recharge the brain for some people.

18. Caffeine. The research shows higher test scores for students who drink coffee before major exams. My chess game gets better. In other studies, it has been shown that too much caffeine leads to poorer quality decisions. Caffeine affects individuals differently, and has some nasty long-term side effects for some of us, but short-term - it works!

19. Avoid sugar. Any simple carbohydrates can give you "brain fog." Sometimes called the "sugar blues" as well, this sluggish feeling makes it hard to think clearly. It results from the insulin rushing into the bloodstream to counteract the sugar rush. Avoid pasta, sugars, white bread and potato chips before any important mental tasks.

20. Hypnosis audios. The power of suggestion is real, and one way to use it is with hypnosis tapes, CD's or downloads. This type of brain "programing" has more evidence for it than subliminals.

21. Speed reading. Contrary to what many believe, your comprehension of material often goes up when you learn to speed-read. You get to learn a lot more in less time, and it is definitely a good brain exercise.

22. Exercise. Long term exercise can boost brainpower, which isn't surprising. Anything that affects physical health in a positive way probably helps the brain too. Recent research, though, shows that cognitive function is improved immediately after just ten minutes of aerobic exercise. If you need a brain recharge, you might want to walk up and down the stairs a few times.

23. Imaginary friends. Talking to and getting advice from characters in your mind can be a great way to access the information in your subconscious mind. Imagine a conversation with a person who has a lot of knowledge in the area you want advice in.

24. Develop your creativity. Creativity gives power to your thinking. Raw computation can be done by computers now, but humans provide the creative thought that shapes our world.

25. Learn more efficiently. When you decide to learn something, take notes from the start. Leave each "learning session" with a question or two in mind, to create anticipation and curiosity. Take short breaks, so there will be more beginnings and endings to your studies (Things learned at the beginning or ending of a class or session are remembered better).

26. Use techniques for clear thinking. Cluttered rooms and offices can contribute to cluttered thinking. Organize a space for mental work. Sigh, stretch, and take a deep breath before you start on a tough mental job. Plan some distraction-free time for brainstorming.

27. Brain wave entrainment. The newest brain wave entrainment products are powerful tools for altering your brain function. Some will almost immediately relax you, while others will put your brain waves in a pattern that is most conducive to analytical thinking. 

28. Creatine. This is a compound found in meat, used by athletes to help build muscle. Now the evidence is here to show that it helps your brain as well. Proceedings B , a journal published by the Royal Society reports that the research showed improvement in working memory and general intelligence resulting from creatine supplementation. The dose used in the study was 5 grams per day. This is about the level used to boost sports performance, and is as much as you'd normally get in four pounds of meat, according to lead researcher Dr. Caroline Rae.

29. Talk. Talking is only good for the brain if you are actually exercising it, of course. Try explaining something that you don't understand very well to a friend, though, and you'll notice that the process of explaining will help you clarify your understanding.

30. Do something you enjoy. This is a way to both lower stress and rev up your brain. The key is to do something active. Watching TV doesn't count. Whether it is playing Scrabble or building birdhouses, when you are actively engaged in an activity that you enjoy, you worry less about things and you start to think better.

31. Adjust your beliefs. Believe you are smarter, and you'll become smarter. For this, affirmations may work, but even better is evidence. Make a note of your successes. Tell yourself, "Hey, that was really creative," when you do something creative. When you have a good idea, make a note of it. Gather the evidence for your own intelligence and you'll start to experience more of it.

32. Brain exercises. Do math in your mind while driving. Think of a new use for everything you see. Regular use of the brain has been shown to generate new neuronal growth, and even halt the decline of mental function that often comes with age.

33. Learn new things. This is another way to exercise the brain. It can also be done with little time investment if you use books-on-tapes while driving.

34. Walk. Exercise has been shown to benefit the brain, and walking is one of the best exercises for many. It is low impact, and the rhythmic nature of it seems to put you in a state that is very conducive to clear thinking. In fact, carry a tape recorder with you to take notes, and a twenty minute walk can be a great way to solve problems.

35. Model others. Find others that are creative, intelligent, or very productive. Do what they do, and think what they think. This is a key principle of neuro-linguistic programming. Be careful about taking their advice, though. Successful people often don't really understand why they are successful. Do what they do, not what they say.

36. Eat fish. Eating fish actually speeds up brain waves, and improves concentration. Researchers have also found an almost perfect correlation between intake of fish and lowered levels of depression in the various countries of the world. The U.S. has 24 times the incidence of depression as Japan, for example, where fish intake is much higher.

37. Avoid unnecessary arguments. When you defend a position too vigorously, especially when it is just to "win" the argument, you invest our ego into it. This is not conducive to the easy acceptance and use of new information. In other words, you put your mind in a rut, and you dig it deeper with each argument. Debate can be a valuable thing, but when the ego takes over, the mind closes a little. This is not a recipe for better thinking.

38. Laugh. The release of endorphins caused by laughter lowers stress levels, which is good for long term brain health. Laughter also tends to leave you more open to new ideas and thoughts.

39. Play. Stimulating the brain causes measurable changes in the structure of the brain. New connections are made and new brain cells are grown. Intellectual play, as well as any playing that involves hand-eye coordination stimulates the brain.

40. Do puzzles. Crossword puzzles, lateral thinking puzzles, and even good riddles are a great way to get brain exercise. You can work on them while waiting for a dentist appointment, or on the bus, if you are short on time.

41. Sing. When you are alone in your car, try singing about something you are working on. This taps into and exercises your right brain. Have you ever noticed how it is easier to rhyme when you sing than when you just speak or write? This is because the right brain is better at pattern recognition. By doing this brain exercise regularly you can train yourself to tap into the power of the right brain. This will make you a more effective problem-solver. If you doubt the distinction between the hemispheres of the brain, look at how stutterers can stop stuttering as soon as they start singing. Try it.

42. Nuts. University students in Brazil and other South American countries often eat several Brazil nuts before an exam, believing they are good for their mental power. The evidence is starting to confirm this. Other nuts that have minerals and amino acids that are beneficial to the brain include almonds and walnuts.

43. Olive oil. High in mono-unsaturated fat, olive oil has been shown to improve memory. A cheaper alternative is canola oil, but this hasn't been studied much yet.

44. Vitamin supplements. In studies, children scored higher on tests when on a regimen of daily vitamin supplements. "Experts" will tell you that if you eat a balanced diet, you don't need supplements, which, given the culture here, is really just a sales pitch for vitamins, isn't it? Who eats a perfectly balanced diet?

45. Fiber. It isn't just what goes in, but what comes out that is important to brain function. Toxic build-up in the body and brain can cause "brain fog." People often report clearer thinking as one of the benefits of curing their constipation.

46. Self awareness. This may not seem important to brain power, but it is. When you know yourself better, you can avoid the usual effects of ego and emotion in your seemingly "rational" thinking. Or you can at least take it into account. Watch yourself, especially as you explain things or argue.

47. Motivate yourself. Motivation is as important to mental tasks as it is to any other. Learn a few simple techniques for self motivation.

48. Avoid too much stress. Neuropsychiastrist Richard Restak, M.D., form the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Services, sums up the research thus: "Stress causes brain damage." Long term stress has repeated been shown to hurt the brain, not to mention the rest of the body. Learn a few stress reduction techniques if you get stressed out often.

49. Get educated. Scientists have known for a while that the less educated get alzheimer's more frequently. Education in any area seems to make the brain stronger.

50. Avoid too much fat. In laboratory studies, animals consistently learn slower when they are on a diet high in fat. Type of fat may make a difference, so you may want to stick to using olive oil and other non-saturated fats. Saturated fats have been shown to actually stunt the growth of brain cells.

51. Eat less. Overeating has the immediate effect of redirecting more blood to the digestive process, leaving less for the brain. Long term, it can cause arterial obstructions that reduce blood flow to the brain permanently. In at least one study, rats on a restricted-calorie diet had more brainpower.

52. Avoid suspect foods. There is evidence that the following foods can be bad for your brain: Artificial food colorings, artificial sweeteners, colas, corn syrup, frostings, high-sugar drinks, hydrogenated fats, sugars, white bread, and any white-flour products.

53. Eat breakfast. When kids who didn't eat breakfast started to eat it, researchers found that their math scores went up a whole grade on average.

54. Avoid diabetes. The development of diabetes coincides with a dropping of IQ scores. In other words, if you want to maintain your brain power, follow your doctors dietary recommendations for preventing or treating diabetes.

55. Eat foods high in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect all your cells, including brain cells. Some of the foods highest in antioxidants include: prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, garlic, kale, cranberries, strawberries, spinach, and raspberries. In one test, rats had age-related mental decline reversed by eating the equivalent of a 1/2 cup of blueberries per day.

56. Drink wine. In moderation, red wine can be good for the brain, it seems. It is rich in antioxidants, which protect brain cells. One glass per day for women and two for men is usually considered a safe and moderate amount.

57. Use alcohol in moderation. In a study at the University of Indiana School of Medicine, elderly light drinkers (fewer than 4 drinks per week) scored higher on tests of thinking abilities than non-drinkers. Those who drank 10 or more drinks per week scored lower. It is known that alcohol can kill brain cells, so moderation seems to be the key.

58. Folic acid. According to one study, 200 micrograms of folic acid, the amount found in 3/4 cup of cooked spinach, alleviates depression and reverses memory loss.

59. Potential brain foods. Other foods that may be good for your brain include: Avocados, bananas, lean beef, brewer's yeast. broccoli, brown rice, brussel sprouts, cantaloupe, cheese, chicken, collard greens, eggs, flaxseed oil, legumes, oatmeal, oranges, peanut butter, peas, potatoes, romaine lettuce, salmon, soybeans, spinach, tuna, turkey, wheat germ, and yogurt.

60. Vitamin E. Jean Carper, in researching her book, "Your Miracle Brain," found that many brain researchers are taking 400 I.U.s of vitamin E daily. It is an antioxidant, and reduces the clogging of blood vessels, including those going in the brain.

61. Vitamin C. Taken in the form of orange juice in a study at the Texas Women's University, vitamin C increased the IQ scores of children.

62. Selenium. 100 micrograms of selenium has been shown to be a mood-elevator. Your brain almost certainly functions better when you are in a better mood. Foods rich in selenium include Brazil nuts and garlic.

63. Alpha-lipoic acid. Alpha-lipoic acid (10 to 50 milligrams daily) improves memory and protects nerve cells.

64. Inositol. This is a safe and natural substance that is often grouped with the B-vitamins. It reduces stress and promotes clear thinking. It contributes to energy production, and so can "wake you up." Animal studies show a measurable increase in physical activity for up to five hours after taking it.

65. Huperzine A. This is a compound extracted from the Chinese club moss. Researchers both in Israel and the U.S. have used it to treat alzheimer's. It improves memory and learning an seems to be very safe.

66. Ask questions. This is a great way to keep your brain in shape. Just get in the habit of asking questions often, even if it is only in your own mind. Why are taller buildings better? what is the purpose of curbs? Ask anything that comes to mind, and ponder the possible answers.

67. Sniff basil. This another of the herbs that may be good for your brain. No studies yet, but many report a brain boost from smelling basil.

68. Temperature. Many people have noted that they think better at certain temperatures. In general, it seems that being slightly cool, but not uncomfortable, is most conducive to good thinking. Try experimenting on yourself to see what temperature works best for you.

69. Use systems. From the time I was ten years old, 12 x 49 was always (12 x 50) - 12. It's easier to figure in your head this way (588, by the way). I didn't get any credit for my personal algorithms then, but they are selling these shortcuts on late-night TV now, because they work. You can find your own easier ways to do mental math or other mental tasks, or read a good book on them.

70. Make a brainpower plan. It takes about twenty to thirty days of repetition to establish new habits, many psychologists will tell you. This means that when you create your plan for better brainpower, be sure you plan to use that new problem solving technique, or eat those new brain foods for at least three weeks. You can use many of the brain boosters here and get immediate results, but it is creating new habits that will give you the most brainpower.

10 Benefits of Hosting your Own Blog

If you want to create an edge over many of the other bloggers on the web, then one of the best things that you can do is host your own blog. There are a number of benefits of hosting your own blog over having some other service host your blog. Here are ten of the most prevalent benefits.

1 – Professional Appearance –

Hosting your own blog gives your blog a professional appearance, because you can use your own domain name or website name and can host your blog on your own website. If you do not host your own blog, you will have a lengthy blog URL which will make it appear less professional and will make it more difficult for readers to recall the name and website for your blog.

2 – Design –

Another benefit of hosting your own blog is the fact that you have a lot more freedom regarding the design. When you host your own blog, you do not have to follow a pre set design but can design your own blog layout instead.

3 – Recall Ability –

By hosting your own blog, you can make your blog easier to recall among readers. What address do you think is easier to recall, http://www.blogsite.com or http://blogsite.blogger.com/~blogname? The easier your domain name is, the easier it will be for readers to recall it, and this is one of the greatest benefits for hosting your own blog.

4 – Content Control –

While there are not normally really strict guidelines regarding content, when you have your blog hosted by a blogging network, your choices in content can be restricted. By hosting your own blog, you can have much larger control over your content.

5 – Security –

By hosting your own blog on your own website, you can have more control over your security, and will be better able to protect your own blog rather relying on someone else to do it.

6 – Brand Promotion –

By hosting your own blog, it will be easier to develop and promote your own brand. Even if you are not selling something, hosting your own blog will provide greater individuality than what shared hosting can offer.

7 – Revenue Generation –

When you host your blog with someone else, you have less control over generating revenue. When you host your own blog, however, you have much greater control over how you generate revenue online.

8 – Growth –

While starting on a blogging network makes sense, if you want to grow your blog, you need to go independent. By hosting your own blog, you can create a much larger level of growth over time.

9 – Site Integration –

By hosting your own blog, you can integrate your blog with your website, rather than having to create a completely separate website from your blog.

10 – More Traffic –

Hosting your own blog will also allow you to generate more traffic, because your posts will be easier to find in search engines.