HOW DO YOU LEARN?

HOW DO YOU LEARN?

Have you ever asked yourself this question?

Did you know that people learn differently?

Did you know that some people even think they are a “slow learner” or have “poor memory”? Yet these same people find that they can easily learn many other things e.g. how to use the internet or play basketball or they can find that they have no trouble remembering that they have a night out with friends tomorrow!

Perhaps it is not that they are a “Slow Learner” or have a “Poor Memory” but rather that they haven’t always had information presented to them in a way that they can understand, or in a way that caters for their learning style.

HOW DO YOU LEARN & COMMUNICATE?

Complete the survey below and total up your scores.

What is Your Communication Preference?

For each of the following statements, please place a number next to your chosen answers. Use the following system to indicate your preferences:

           Give 2 points to the closest description of you

          Give 1 points to the next best description

          Leave two spaces blank

(Be sure to write down your points via paper or via in your head for scoring later; I’ll be doing mine to show you an example.)

1.     I make important decisions based on:

____    what looks best to (V)

____    which way sounds the best (A)

_1__    gut level feelings (K)

_2__    precise review and study of the issues (AD)

2.     During an argument, I am mostly likely to be influenced by:

_1__    whether or not I can see the other person’s point of view (V)

_2__    the other person’s tone of voice (A)

____    whether or not I am in touch with the other person’s argument (K)

____    the logic of the other person’s argument (AD)

3.     I most easily communicate what is going on with me by:

____    the way I dress and look (V)

____    my tone of voice (A)

_1__    the feelings I share (K)

_2__    the words I choose (AD)

4.     When I am setting up my bedroom, it is most important to me to:

____    have the right colours in the room (V)

_1__    have the sound system set up properly so that I can play music (A)

____    select the most comfort furniture (K)

_2__    make sure every thing is put in its proper place (AD)

5.      I find that:

____    I easily notice changes in the way places or people look (V)

____    I am very aware of the sounds of my surroundings (A)

_2__    I am very sensitive to other people’s feelings (K)

_1__    I am very adapt at making sense of new facts and data (AD)

6.     In order to know if someone is doing a good job I need to:

____    see them do the job (V)

____    listen to a description of the way they are doing their work (A)

_2__    do the job with them or experience some aspect of their work (K)

_1__    have all the facts and figures on the work that’s been done (AD)

7.     I find that in a class or workshop presentation I take most notice of information that:

____    I can see, such as power point or information presented pictorially (V)

____    I can hear, such as what the presenter is saying (A)

_2__    I can learn by doing an activity or exercise (K)

_1__    is presented in terms of fact and figures (AD)

	(V)	(A)	(K)	(AD)
Totals	1 1	2 1 3	1 1 2 2 2 8	2 2 2 1 1 1 9

VAKAD Communication Preferences are also referred as your Learning Styles; choose your 2 top scores.

Ways To LIVE LONGER!

Want to add years in your life? Simply take a few minutes to ask yourself these questions.

Do I Work Too Much?

CUTTING DOWN DESK BOUND HOURS CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!

A person who works for more than 55 hours a week has more risk of mental decline and possibly dementia. Based on a study from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, this was led by Dr Marianna Virtanen. Dr Virtanen says, “The disadvantages cause by overtime of working should be something that has to be taken seriously and isn’t a minor issue.” Professor Cary Cooper, who is an expert in the workplace about stress at the University of Lancaster, says that it had been long established that constantly working for long hours is bad for a persons general health, and now this study tells it is also bad for our mental functioning. Besides dementia, it’s more likely that a woman who works for more than 51 hours a week are more prone to have high blood pressure than those who don’t log extra hours of working. So, it’s about high time that you cut down on your desk bound moments and start to enjoy life a little! And if you can’t find ways to trim down on working hours, why not add some stress busters such as deep breathing, stretching and how about meditation classes to help you cope. Never let yourself get stress out!

Do I Watch Too Much Television?

LIVE YOUR LIFE INSTEAD OF WATCHING IT!

A study had shown that regularly watching television for two hours in a day can increase the risk of a person becoming obese by 23 percent and even the risk of developing diabetes by 14 percent. A nutritionist Dr Frank Hu says, “Heavy watchers of television are more likely to be overweight and have low nutrient diets, high-calorie which research suggests it could lead to Alzheimer.”

Do I Get Enough Sleep?

WE SHOULD ALL EMBRACE THE “SLEEPING BEAUTY’ IN US.

A researcher study at the University of Bristol has out found that hormonal changes that are caused by lack of sleep could the lead to the increase of appetite. Dr Shahrad Taheri says, “Individuals who usually spends less than eight hours of sleep were shown to have a much greater likelihood of being heavier.” For having a good night’s sleep, try to avoid food such like cheese and soy sauce, which this contains tyramine, which is a brain stimulant.

Do I Hold Grudges?

LEARNING TO FORGIVE AND FORGET IS GOOD FOR THE BODY AND SOUL.

Well, if you aren’t a person who can be able to forgive and forget, then your lungs might be about to be paying the price! According to Harvard Medical School studies, constant bad feelings are such like pollutants in ones body, only triggering inflammation in the lungs just like how cigarette smoke does. A psychologist Dr. Ernest H. Johnson of Raleigh says, “When people are angry, there’s a damage cause to the system that keeps us healthy. So, we’re more prone to cancer, as well as prostate harms.” However, we are not trying to say that you should suppress your feelings. The key lies in channeling your rage the right way. Expert says inhalation technique such as taking 10 deep breathes at a quiet place works just like a charm!

Do I Sit Properly?

GRANDMA AND MUM WAS RIGHT TO NAG YOU TO SIT UP STRAIGHT!

The British Chiropractic Association has found out that 32 percent of community spends 10 hours or even more by just sitting down each day. Sitting can put the least of almost twice as much weight on your back rather than standing up. There is an increase of 85 percent in recording pressure when learning forward in a poor sitting position. This only means, you are just hurting you’re back while you slouch and lean towards your computer! Imagine the abuse your back has taken through all the years? Chiropractors suggest that never to sit in the same position for more than 40 minutes without getting up for a stretch to relax. So, wise up and take care of your precious spine!

Tips On How You May Improve Your Daily Life For A Healthy Living!

Lack of time is one of the major reasons why many people had foregone healthy eating daily. Fast food is one ready and fast available food. It’s just too tempting to eat it, and it’s cheap yet filling. Still, eating fast food is never actually a healthy nor a well-planned, balanced diet for an individual but if you must eat fast food, then should you take steps to improve the quality of your nutrition when on the run?

1. Watch the amount of food you consume in your everyday life. Your cravings will most likely be satisfied after you have finished your small order of fries, and you’ll be saving about over 100 calories when compared with the large orders. The same holds for sandwiches. So, just order the regular meal or even the kid’s meal for yourself.

2. Seek out the fast food chains where you will be able to order a sub or sandwich on a whole wheat bread or a wrap for a healthier sandwich, which have lower fat and lower calorie level than eating fried food a lot.

3. Many fast foods now offer healthy sides in place of the ever-presented French fries. Take options which are healthy. Or, if you are unable to bear by giving up the salt and oil, then why not get the healthy side order too to keep it balanced.

4. Why not just order a side salad whenever you are eating at fast food outlets. You would be less likely to be only filling up your tummy with the unhealthy foods, and the salad will be the healthy something for your tummy at the same time it provides fiber and vitamins to balance an unhealthy meal.

5. Do remember that chicken isn’t always the healthy choice. Many fast food chains usually offers fried breaded chicken sandwiches on only white bread that are actually just richer in fat and calories and yet it is far worse than a regular burger. Grilled chicken is the better option than having a fried chicken. As I have mentioned in tip (2) why not the whole wheat bread isn't it far better.

6. Now make it a daily habit to eat fruits, maybe a bowl of cereal, or some low fat yogurt before you set out to a running exercise or just a regular exercise. Regular eating can even help you feel full and avoid temptation all round in a day.

7. Have stock in your car like bottles of water and some healthy snacks. Before the craving hits you can have a small snack, and you’re less likely to pull yourself into that drive through fast food outlet for a fast food. Even I myself do pack stock when going out station so if I’m caught in a road jam I’ve got food to eat.

You see here a bottle of water! Don't have to follow by only drinking one bottle a day just drink more isn't it good for us?

8. Why not consider a supermarket as a fast food break for yourself. In every supermarket you will always have a wide selection to pick from up a precut and washed fresh fruit, vegetables, low fat cheese, or yogurt. All round Malaysia many supermarkets also offer sushi in wide selections and other types of healthy prepared food.

9. This tip right now is about mayonnaise so listen and hold on to the mayo. A single tablespoon of a regular mayonnaise has at least 100 calories! But sure does it taste nice with mashed potatoes. If you are planning on making home made mashed potatoes with mayonnaise it is nice to be added in but try not doing so and just try eating plain potatoes it is really healthier. But if you like it sweet then how about sweet potatoes.

10. It is best not to add a very sugary drink into a meal, because it is very rich in calorie and yet to an already unhealthy meal. The best is always water and it is available everywhere and it is good for you. Drinking a large glass of water with your meal will help you feel full faster. In addition, don’t ever drink cold water when eating food that has oil because it will freeze the oil in your tummy.

Eat healthy like me this was what I had for breakfast it's whole grain bread with only egg.

This here as you know is a cup of milk and it is low fat milk. Try not taking full cream milk.

Now for coffee when you add milk in it be sure to use  low fat milk because it is better than full cream milk for a well balanced diet.

Dude, where's my Duit Raya? XD

What Hari Raya Puasa is :

For Muslims in Malaysia, the most celebrated holiday is Hari Raya Puasa also known as “Hari Raya Aidilfitri” which marks the end of Ramadan, the fasting month. In addition, they also celebrate Hari Raya Haji also known as “Hari Raya Aidiladha”, Awal Muharram (the Islamic New Year) and the Prophet Mohammad’s Birthday. Hari Raya Puasa is the Malay equivalent of Eid ul-Adha.

This Year's Hari Raya for me.

Hari Raya is finally here for a month! Many Muslims are off to celebrate their two week holiday as they "Balik Kampung" to have a scrumptious feast with their relatives after having a restless moment during their fasting month... What's in for the rest of us? We college students got like a week break only. *Sob* So probably some of us are like relaxing, playing around, slacking about, shopping, studying, watching movies, hanging about, etc.

Well… during every Raya, I’d normally be over-sleeping at home, play some stack of video games, chill out and annoy my little brother... he he~

But, this time around I’ve gained weight due to sleeping late, very late. Oh and a friend of mine gave me my very 1^st green packet, it had like RM +100? And I spent it on a nice bokuto! And the rest for augmentation! XD  

Here’s what the staff did when I was having a short trip at KLCC (Kuala Lumpur Convention Center)…

Nice? Not nice? Up to you lah… Green is the main theme for Hari Raya, but why so? I’ve learnt & heard from some of my neighbors who are senior citizens here; that there was no such thing as a coloured theme for Raya during their time and so was there any existence to giving green packets around the family at all but as time pass by along with exposes to other cultures like Chinese New Year for example, the Muslims thought about giving it a try so now it a tradition well practised amongst the Muslims here in Malaysia and anywhere else where it is done. Ah yes back to why it had to be green, from my own point of view they must have got the idea from one of their dishes called: Ketupat

It was kind of funny though that I didn’t even realize that the leaves used to wrap up the dish itself was from Ketupat leaves, whatever plant that is…

As I was about to leave the convention center, a short performance came on stage with a “Raya” music which I did not recognize, was made to entertain any of the guests who were around the mall & I too have noticed that they were playing a 12-gong Idiophones, a set of “Membranofons” which are both traditional musical instruments for the Malays and a different set of modern musical instruments were brought into play; which were the Flute and the Bass. Which was unexpected ^ ^”. I thought it’d be better if they use the TRADITIONAL instruments all the way.

The Hari Raya Deco around Sunway Pyramid :

Man, the actual one was SO much brighter than how it was taken, not to mention it hurt my darn eyes for doing so ha-ha~

Isn’t that a beautiful picture.

Colours of Malaysia!

The Colours of Malaysia is now well known as the Colours of 1 Malaysia which 1 Malaysia was implemented by Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Bin Haji Tun Abdul Razak Malaysia's 5th prime minister. Featuring concept of “Street Performance of 1 Malaysia”, It’s a spectacular night of traditional performances and colourful parades, which will include showcase of Faces of 1 Malaysia, Home stay, Food & Fruits Fiesta, Mega Sale and Shopping Paradise, Golden Beaches and Eco Tourism. So, get ready to dance the Malaysia rhythm. Yeah, lets shake it. This year Colours of 1 Malaysia carries the tagline as the “Greatest Tourism Malaysia Parade” which had expected to have 6,000 participants showcasing not only Malaysia arts & cultural but also Malaysia tourism products which will bring excitement to all. The Colours of 1 Malaysia was held on 22nd May 2010  at Dataran Merdeka at Kuala Lumpur, the Colours of 1 Malaysia parade started from 8pm onwards. The Colours of 1Malaysia parade had made its way through Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Isfahan, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and then back to Dataran Merdeka. Pre-show of Colours of 1 Malaysia was performed from 5pm to 7pm. Some Malaysia's popular artist was there performing on stage, among artist that had been there were Abbym Fabulous Cats, Winnie Kok, Haziq AF, Kelvin Lau, Magin and Bob AF.

Colours of 1 Malaysia – This had been Malaysia's greatest tourism parade in Malaysia. The best ever seen in Malaysia so far...XD

Here are some pictures during the event :

Malaysian Culture

Malaysia is a country that is known for its rich and cultural heritage. People here strongly believe in respecting each other’s culture, race and religion. In the country of Malaysia one can find a good mix of Malay, Chinese and even Indian in the communities.

The Malay people of Malaysia cover more than half of the population here and they are about 62 percent in the community. As for the laws of the Malaysian Constitution, all the Malays are basically Muslims and one can get a good glimpse of the traditional Malay culture in the village areas.

The Malaysian culture also includes the Chinese. When the Chinese were here some of them have married the Malays where the males were to be called as the babas and the females were known as the nyonyas. The Chinese therefore are the second largest group here in Malaysia and are about 24 percent in total of the community. 

The Indians are the third largest group of people in the society of the Malaysian cultures. Thus we can now see how a part of the culture here in Malaysia of different races have been formed. Here in Malaysia unity and diversity can be seen in the celebration of various types of festivals by all different races. This forms to be at least 8 percent of the total population here in Malaysia. 

We have many cultures here in Malaysia and everyone lives in harmony here. Now Malaysia have reached its 53^rd independence day this year of 2010. The independence day was celebrated at the stadium of Bukit Jalil on 31/08/2010.

The cultures here in Malaysia :

Malaysian Cuisine

It’s a combination of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences, Malaysian cuisine also comprises a hybrid of food derived from across cultural influences such as Mamak an “Indian Muslim” and Nyonya a “Malay Chinese” cuisine. With having so many choices here, it is perhaps inevitable that Malaysia would earn the distinction of an epicurean paradise with an incredible range of flavours; from traditional local fare savoured at busy local hawker stalls to international dishes served at the finest rastaurants.

Malay Food

Malay food is usually rather understated with good Malay food being hard to find outside of local households. Natural home-grown ingredients such as coconut, chili, lemon grass, lime leaves, galangal (ginger-like root), spices and turmeric figure prominently and are usually cooked with fish, meat or vegetables. A traditional accompaniment to meals is a hot sambal (curry paste) made of ground chili, shrimp paste and condiments.

Chinese Food

The dominant style of Chinese cookery – at least in terms of restaurant numbers – is Cantonese. The Chinese enjoy rice as a staple served with a number of generally non-spicy vegetables and meat dishes but noodles are also a feature prominently in great variety and combinations. The noodles are usually served in dried base or soup base or fried with meat, prawns, and vegetables. Curry noodles are usually with chicken and taufoo. Chinese food are also known for their clay pot dishes (done in an earthenware pot) and the steamboat which ingredients such as pieces of meat, chicken and vegetables are dunked into a steaming hot broth until it is cooked and ready to be eaten.

Indian Food

Indian food was brought to Malaysia by the immigrants from North and South of India. The cuisine varies in emphasis and ingredients between the different regions from which it originates though all utilize  lentils, chutneys, yoghurts and sweet  or sour lassis. North India food tends to rely more on meat, especially mutton and chicken (neither North or South of India eats beef), and uses breads such like: naan, chapatti, paratha and roti - rather than rice. The most famous style in North Indian cooking is Tandoori – named after the clay oven which the food is cooked in. South Indian food tends to be spicier  and more reliant on vegetables. Its staples are the dosai or thosai, are often served at breakfast time (Indian Muslims actually serve a similar dish, murtabak which is a grilled roti pancake with egg, onion and minced meat and is bst washed down with teh tarik – a frothy milk tea). South Indians also serve banana leaf meals which are (usually vegetarian).

Nyonya Cuisine

The Peranakan or Straits-born Chinese, also known as the Baba-Nyonyas have a rich culinary tradition, today evident across Malaysia. The style of cooking is quite elaborate, involving a fine blend of many ingredients spices, herbs and plants with onions, garlic and chili. The juices of certain seeds and fruits are also added to gravies and curries to enhance the flavours.

Halal Dining

Halal status and certification is important to restaurant in Malaysia. The majority of establishments are halal accredited or, at the very least, pork-free, with only a few exceptions well advertised as being such. For meat – or other food products for that matter – to be considered halal, it must meet a number of requirements interpreted from the Quran. Restaurants or similar eateries wishing to receive halal certification must follow the guidelines stringently. Fortunately, halal food in Malaysia can be enjoyed in a range of styles, settings and establishments all over the country.

Variety, therefore, perhaps best describes the culinary culture of Malaysia. Dishes to be savoured can be found for as little as a couple of Ringgits at almost any hour of the day or night.

Dishes in Malaysia

Penang Rojak, Cendol and Ais Kacang

Prawn mee and Curry mee

Nasi Lemak and Five Spices Chicken

Kuih muih (Deserts)