Does The Food We Eat Affect Our Productivity?

This Day in Music Spotlight: U2 Go ‘Out of Control’

Before The Joshua Tree, War or even Boy, there was Three – U2’s debut release that consisted of (as the title suggests) three songs. Although only sold in Ireland, the EP marked an important milestone. On September 1, 1979, as a precursor to stadium-rocking concerts, multi-platinum albums and world-saving crusades, U2 would release their first songs to the public.

The story, however, begins about three years earlier, on September 25, 1976, when 14-year-old Larry Mullen Jr. posted a note on a school bulletin board saying that he was looking for people who were interested in starting a band. According to the drummer, it was to be called The Larry Mullen Band for about 10 minutes, until a boy named Paul Hewson showed up. With Bono in the band, there was little chance of little Larry being the leader.

Although guitarist Dave Evans (soon to become The Edge) and bassist Adam Clayton were in the group from the get-go, the band also included Dave’s older brother, Dik Evans, and Mullen’s friends, Ivan McCormick and Peter Martin. After a few weeks, McCormick and Martin had dropped out, and U2 were a quintet. Of course, they weren’t called U2 at the time. Initially, they took the name Feedback and then changed to The Hype in 1977.

I missed this on Sept. 1, but wanted to share it with my sister anyway. Follow the ‘via’ link if you’re interested in U2 history…

 

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15 fun facts about Star Trek

Full story at Online Schools via Graph Jam.

Out of this world infographics.

The biggest mistakes you can make while traveling in Ireland

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Image via Wikipedia

A little bit of local knowledge goes a long way – and with this in mind, we at IrishCentral have prepared a brief guide to vacationing in Ireland.

Although remember – if you really want to fit in with the locals, you might want to avoid expressions like “vacationing” – use “going on holiday” instead.

You might also want to include the expression, “Where are yar’ lucky charms?” in as many conversations as possible – the Irish will surely love you for that. (Note the sarcasm here…)

Follow the ‘via’ link for a list of mistakes to avoid…

35 Awesome Quotes from Einstein

1. “The only real valuable thing is intuition.”

2. “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

3. “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.”

4. “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”

5. “The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.”

6. “The gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge.”

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7. “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.”

8. “The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources.”

9. “Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school.”

10. “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.”

11. “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”

12. “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.”

13. “Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the the universe.”

14. “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”

15. “When you sit with a nice girl for two hours, it seems like two minutes. When you sit on a hot stove for two minutes, it seems like two hours. That’s relativity.”

16. “If the facts don’t fit the theory, change the facts.”

17. “What really interests me is whether God had any choice in the creation of the world.”

18. “A man should look for what is, and not for what he thinks should be.”

19. “A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are the others crazy?”

20. “A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy?”

21. “Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.”

22. “Few are those who see with their own eyes and feel with their own hearts.”

23. “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”

24. “Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them.”

25. “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”

26. “I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.”

27. “I think and think for months and years. Ninety-nine times, the conclusion is false. The hundredth time I am right.”

28. “The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.”

29. “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”

30. “We still do not know one thousandth of one percent of what nature has revealed to us.”

31. “You ask me if I keep a notebook to record my great ideas. I’ve only ever had one.”

32. “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”

33. “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”

34. “Not everything that counts can be counted; and not everything that can be counted counts.”

35. “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

My favorite is #7. You?

Surprising secrets to school success

PEARL HARBOR (April 23, 2010) Mara MacDonald, ...
Image via Wikipedia

After a busy day, dinner, and getting the kids to bed, heaven forbid if sifting through a stack of parenting studies isn’t the first way you choose to unwind!

Still it’s a shame to miss out on what science can tell us about raising happy learners. In the interest of your sanity, we’ve gathered eight extraordinary, somewhat counterintuitive findings about fostering children’s success. Try them and report back to us — we’d love to know how they worked for you!

Follow the ‘via’ link above for 6 great ideas. Subscribe to their site if this topic interests you the way it does me…

Your Life Is An Occasion

“Your life is an occasion, rise to it.”

– Mr. Magorium
, a fictional character from the 2007 film Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium and was played by Dustin Hoffman. 

Keys To Living To Our Highest Potential

“No matter where you are in life right now, no matter who you are, no matter how old you are it is never too late to be who you are meant to be.” Shared by Mena Suvari

Acrylic on canvas by Artist Tim Nyberg of g42art

My mom & me…

Just a couple of weeks ago, I was blessed to have the opportunity to celebrate my mom’s 75th birthday with her. I’m grateful that she’s still in my life and this picture I found yesterday reminds me how long we’ve been together…

World’s Most Absurd Warning Signs And Disclaimers

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Follow the ‘via’ link for 85 more…

A Facebook Disclaimer People Actually Need

The If, Then Game

Gendun Drup, 1st Dalai Lama
Image via Wikipedia
I’d like to share part of this post from Alissa Finerman with you…

Starting early in life we learn the power of if … then statements in a very simple and seemingly innocuous way. For example, in math class we use if … then statements to learn logic. If a = b and b = c, then a = c.

The if … then game goes on and on. We play it in every area of our life – relationships, career, healthy living, and finances.

 If I am in a relationship, then I’ll be happy.

If I get a new job, then I’ll be happy.

If I lose weight, then I’ll be happy.

If I make more money, then I’ll be happy.

Society and the media influence our mind to think with a set of conditions that help us make sense and draw logical conclusions (this is helpful). But somewhere along the line, we screw up the logic and substitute our own set of conditions that do not follow and, therefore, result in irrational conclusions (this is unhelpful).  It’s important to note that happiness doesn’t require any if … then conditions. The Dalai Lama believes happiness is a choice.

Often, we create a situation in our mind, such as being happy, and make it dependent on another event. But in reality, this state of well-being is not dependent on any set of conditions other than our own mindset and perspective right now.  Things such as a starting a new relationship, getting promoted, making more money, losing weight do not necessarily equal happiness.  Happiness is available, right here – right now – in this moment, whether you are going through a major life transition or in the greatest relationship of your life. It doesn’t depend on anyone but you. By definition, if … then statements take you out of the present moment and steer your focus to the future.

Follow the ‘via’ link above if you’d like to read the rest…

A New Way Of Looking At Love That Changes Everything!

Top Love Stories No 3
Image via Wikipedia

What do you think of when you hear the word, “love”? Lovers entwined in a passionate embrace? The joy and fulfillment of finding your soul mate? Or perhaps you recall the feelings you have for your children, your parents or your friends.

All of these experiences of love have one thing in common: they’re dependent on another person. Don’t get me wrong, loving relationships are great, but we all know that relationships change and basing our happiness and love on other people isn’t the wisest choice. But what if you could experience a love that didn’t depend on anything outside you?

What if you could love for no reason at all?

Follow the ‘via’ link if you’d like to read more…

Acting As If

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life...
Image by ~K~ via Flickr

Acting as if is another recovery truism that’s been around for a long time. I still use it regularly in my life.

I know people who are not in recovery athletes, performers, artists -who use the technique too.

All it means is that if it’s time to act, we do— whether taking that action feels comfortable or not. Instead of doing nothing, or waiting for confidence, success, or inspiration to overtake and motivate us first, we go ahead and move forward with an action anyway and let the good feelings catch up to us. We act as if the desired change has already taken place.

The Truth About Energy Drinks

Dunkin Donuts logo
Image via Wikipedia

The real truth is that most people are already consuming too much energy, which is why there’s an obesity problem. (Think about it.) So adding to your energy excess by guzzling a calorie- and sugar-laden drink doesn’t make a lot of sense. In fact, ask yourself this: Is it a lack of incoming sugar that’s causing you to be tired-or is it that you’re consuming too much of it in the first place? Chances are, it’s the latter. Our advice: If you feel you need a boost, reach for unsweetened beverage that contains only caffeine-like a black coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts. It has zero grams of sugar, 146 mg of caffeine, and just 20 calories-all for about 2 dollars.

Follow the ‘via’ link to get the deets…

25 characteristics of a husband who truly loves his wife

I Think I Love You
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1. Includes his wife in envisioning the future.

2. Accepts spiritual responsibility for his family.

3. Is willing to say “I’m sorry” and “Forgive me” to his family.

4. Discusses household responsibilities with his wife and makes sure they are fairly distributed.

5. Seeks consultation from his wife on all major financing decisions.

6. Follows through with commitments he has made to his wife.

7. Anticipates the different stages his children will pass through.

8. Anticipates the different stages his marriage will pass through.

9. Frequently tells his wife what he likes about her.

10. Provides financially for his family’s basic living expenses.

11. Deals with distraction so he can talk with his wife and family.

12. Prays with his wife on a regular basis.

13. Initiates meaningful family traditions.

14. Initiates fun family outings for the family on a regular basis.

15. Takes the time to give his children practical instruction about life.

16. Manages the schedule of the home and anticipates pressure points.

17. Keeps his family financially sound and out of harmful debt.

18. Makes sure he and his wife have drawn up a will.

19. Lets his wife and children into the interior of his life.

20. Honors his wife in public.

21. Explains sex to each child in a way that gives them a wholesome perspective.

22. Encourages his wife to grow as an individual.

23. Takes the lead in establishing sound family values.

24. Provides time for his wife to pursue her own personal interests.

25. Is involved in a small group of men dedicated to spiritual growth.

Hmmm. I’m doing OK, but would like to do better. How about you?

Why you’re not getting what you want…

Farmer plowing in Fahrenwalde, Mecklenburg-Vor...
Image via Wikipedia

I like this perspective from Mastin Kipp at The Daily Love…

Plain and simple, we get what we ask for.

Not just with our words, but also with our actions. In fact, our actions will show us what we are asking for far more than our words. We only take action on what we truly believe, so if we want to see what we are really asking for, let us look towards our actions.

If you say you want to lose weight, but your actions are to eat high calorie food and stay inactive, you aren’t really asking for health.

If you say you have faith but your actions are actions that are faithless, then you don’t really have faith.

If you say you love someone and your actions are unloving, then you don’t really love that person.

Let us be mindful of our actions. Continue reading “Why you’re not getting what you want…”

The emergency plan will be ready next week…

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Follow the ‘via’ link for more…

Avoid Cheating by Meeting Your Spouse’s Needs

Infidelity is as old as marriage. As long as people have joined together, there has always been a potential for one of the partners to look outside of the marriage for something they feel is lacking within. Let me just say again that there is NEVER a valid reason to cheat on a spouse. Instead, I want to draw your attention to possible areas that your spouse needs. The most common reason that husbands and wives stray is lacking in one of these areas. If you know potential areas of weakness, you can strengthen them and allow your marriage to not only survive, but to thrive for a lifetime.

Follow the ‘via’ link if you’d like to pursue this topic and see a list of men’s and women’s needs. Of course, none of this supersedes the need for character…

Create the Perfect Love

“We waste time looking for the perfect lover, instead of creating the perfect love.”

– Tom Robbins, Robbins is a best-selling American author.

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