What Is Life? How Chemistry Becomes Biology

What Is Life? How Chemistry Becomes BiologyLife is all about chemical reactions. There are a lot of things we will never understand, but we do know they happen in reaction to what is called the 'chemical pull' or the 'chemical push'. This pull or push is caused by something called 'chemistry'. Chemistry is not something we learned in school.Chemical reactions happen all the time around us and even in our bodies. It is very simple when you think about it. But, before we go on we should say that there are some people who see this and they wonder why we call this 'chemistry'.It is called chemistry because it happens when we get chemicals together. These chemicals come from things like soil, water, air, bacteria, living things and even humans. All these things come together and are either altered or destroyed by chemical reactions.Some of the chemicals we get in our bodies that help to make up living things are bacteria. Bacteria eat things like plants, animals and even humans. We don't have to worry about them affecting us. They are harmless to us.Plants and animals get chemicals from the soil, or air, or from other living things. The earth's air contains many gases and some are very dangerous for humans to inhale. Plants get these chemicals from the soil, the air and from animals that live in the soil.As long as our bodies are alive, we are always exposed to chemicals in our environment. Our cells are made up of chemical compounds that help to make them. Cells are made up of molecules of many different kinds of compounds. Because of the existence of DNA, every living thing has a blueprint of how they are made up.Everything that we see around us and everything that we do is part of this cycle of this chemical process. Even today, at least in part, this is all happening through a chemical reaction.

Overcoming Test Anxiety with Mindful Relaxation Techniques

Overcoming Test Anxiety with Mindful Relaxation Techniques Improving Academic Performance At MyGuru, we understand full well the importance of confidence and anxiety management in helping students achieve their full potential on standardized tests (and all tests, for that matter). We often talk about testing performance being driven by three factors: How well do you know the content (i.e., the facts, formulas, and concepts to apply to the questions you’ll be asked How strong are your test taking skills (i.e., quick calculations, time management, intelligent guessing, deep understanding of question types and typical traps, etc.) How confident and focused are you on test day (i.e., not stressed, not anxious, fully engaged, calm, etc.) We typically address point 3 above through practice and repetition. Practice creates automaticity, so students are comfortable recalling facts or concepts and working through calculations without second guessing themselves, which reduces the chances that doubt or anxiety will start to appear in any significant way during the exam. The more times you’ve practiced under timed testing environments, the more comfortable you’ll be in the actual environment on test day. This alone can go a very long way in reducing stress and anxiety and buoying confidence for most test takes. However, there have been practitioners of breathing techniques to relax the body and improve focus for thousands of years (i.e., meditation, yoga, mindfulness…even hypnosis), and in our view, these techniques are incredible underutilized by students. This guest post discusses how one practitioner uses these techniques and what the process is all about. The author, John Hankey, is a certified hypnotherapist, Master Practitioner of NLP and registered 200-hour yoga instructor. He graduated with a B.S in applied mathematics from Stanford, an M.S. in Financial Economics from Oxford and spent three years on Wall Street before switching careers to become a coach. He has studied and incorporates Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Reiki and Conscious Language into his methodology. I specialize in helping students overcome issue-specific stress, usually in 3-5 sessions or less. Sessions begin with 10 minutes of deep relaxation. Entering this state of presence enables the participant to change at deeper levels with greater ease. Relaxation improves the student’s body awareness and gives them a stronger understanding for how they will feel when their situation has been resolved (much more relaxed). From here, I have students imagine that they are actually taking the test. As soon as they do so, their body begins to tense up. Their subconscious mind does not know the difference between fantasy and reality and therefore thinks the test is happening right now. Our work focuses on the body. Where specifically does the student feel tense? Part by part, we use techniques to enable the student to progressively relax while maintaining the visualization. Eventually, students are able to see and feel and experience themselves taking the test feeling totally and completely relaxed. This shift in internal response corresponds to a transformation in how they experience themselves during the actual examination. Once we establish their desired state, they are off and running. Physical relaxation addresses the mental realm as well! Negative thought patterns result from interior tension. Positive thought patterns and mental clarity result from interior relaxation, a concept that yogis, meditators and martial artists have known for millennia. Furthermore, unwinding test anxiety transfers out into all examination scenarios. Once their test-taking state is exactly how they wish it to be, we can focus on another area of their lives: doing homework, relating to friends at school, nutrition…anything. I have had many clients stay with me for a number of sessions as we systematically upgrade and transform their performance in many, many areas of life. This revolutionary approach represents a new paradigm, a shift in focus for our society. The degree to which we can relax in any given moment is the barometer for our overall health, well-being and vitality. Improving this skill, strengthening our capacity for relaxation like a muscle is the foundation for our personal growth for people of all ages. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, '6baac2ae-05a3-4610-9d1f-265c8cbd809f', {});

Another School Year Begins

Another School Year Begins Another school year begins. If you are a student, you may be grumbling. If you are a parent, you may be celebrating. Yes its that time again. Young children will shift between feelings of excitement and dread. Older kids, mostly dread. But us parents yahoo freedom! Hours and hours of freedom! Well maybe it isn’t that exciting for us parents, but it is nice to have some time for ourselves again. Remember that? As the new school year has gotten underway, all the shopping for school supplies and clothes is pretty much over. Transportation, classes, and other logistics have been sorted out. What is left for a parent to do? Before you make plans for your free time I have a suggestion. Go back and look at your child’s report card at the end of last year. Are there any subjects that they were weak in? Maybe spelling (that’s one of mine)? How about math? That is the number one top forty hit on the “I can’t keep up with this!   list, in school today. You see, in courses like arithmetic and geometry, these are building blocks for every other   mathematics course your child will have to take. Whether they go to calculus or beyond, the problem is, even the liberal art majors are still going to have to pass some algebra courses   and the like. If the foundation has not been laid properly in the earlier classes, everything will get overwhelming very fast. Getting a tutor is the best way to go, to improve the basics or solidify more advanced topics. One on one help makes all the difference for someone who is not learning to their potential. This is my experience as well. I could not say enough about what I was able to achieve when   I had the right tutor at my side. Notice I said the right tutor. Selecting the appropriate tutor is an important part of the process. A referral service, which charges students and their parents nothing to use, is a good start. TutorZ.com is one service that will meet your needs. The number of choices and the detailed information about each tutor gives you a superior method of finding what you are looking for. I know, Ive been there.

Massachusetts OKs Medical Marijuana

Massachusetts OKs Medical Marijuana (Associated Press) The ballot question makes it legal for those diagnosed  with  cancer, Parkinsons Disease, AIDS, Lou Gehrigs disease, glaucoma  and other conditions determined by a doctor to smoke a  prescribed  amount of marijuana. Supporters say the drug helps  alleviate the pain that people with these sicknesses face and also hope this will help the state regulate the illegal dispersion of the drug. Nonprofit treatment centers will be placed throughout the state and be able to grow marijuana and distribute up to a  60 day supply of the drug to the patient or caregiver. Opponents of the law claim they are concerned it will increase the amount of recreational use of marijuana, especially among teenagers who may think the drug is safe now that it is being used in the medical world. They also worry that the marijuana produced by the state could end up being sold on the black market as it has in other states. Other states have taken it a step further. Colorado and Washington state have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Supporters call this a huge step in what they call a change from modern day prohibition. Dan Hagen, 23, of Amherst who voted in favor of question 3 is pleased about the legislation in Colorado and Washington. I think its getting to the point where marijuana is looked at just like alcohol, Hagen says. Ive talked to people my age and even people who are older than my parents and they feel the same way as me. I dont see anything wrong with using marijuana  recreationally  and I definitely do not see anything wrong with using it medically. Patients will be able to legally obtain medical marijuana in Massachusetts as of January 1, but it wont be easy at first. To start, the patient will have to find a doctor who is willing to prescribe marijuana; the doctors are not forced by law to prescribe it. A second factor is that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health must come up with regulations for the selection and running of marijuana dispensaries by May 13, 2013. The law allows for Massachusetts to have 35 dispensaries; no more than five per county. For the time being, patients will be allowed to grow a 60 day supply and can have a designated caregiver assist them.

What to Bring to an Interview

What to Bring to an Interview via Pixabay Resume Always bring a few extra copies of your resume. I usually bring three copies with me because you never know how many people will be interviewing you. During your interviewer’s busy day, they may have forgotten to print out your resume, so when you show up already one step ahead, it puts you in front of other candidates. Make sure that the resume you bring is the one you submitted in your application. Since you should tailor your resume to the position you’re applying to, it’s easy to print out the wrong one. Just make sure to double check! via Pixabay Reference list You typically don’t submit this document when applying for jobs, so it’s extremely important for you to bring with you to the interview. At the end of your interview, they are bound to ask you about a list of references they can contact with questions. Bring as many copies of this list as you do resumes so every interviewer can take a copy. A good rule of thumb for the number of references on your list is three. Depending on the position you are applying to, these references may change. Make sure you ask if you can use references before putting them down on your list! via Pixabay Notebook Pen You never know when you’ll need to write something down. If the interview is more information based than question-based, then it may benefit you to jot down some notes about the company and position. Your interviewer may recommend something either related to the position or a book to read. If you have come prepared with a notebook and pen, then you can write down the recommendation. It all depends on the interview on whether or not is it appropriate to take out a notebook and start taking notes. It’s important to be aware of the situation and evaluate the best way to behave. Questions One of the best pieces of advice I received is to always ask at least two questions at the end of an interview. While you are doing your pre-interview research about the company and position, come up with potential questions to ask before going into the interview. Not only does this prepare you for one of the most important parts of the interview, but you will feel more at ease and less put-on-the-spot. There many questions that you can ask your interviewer relating to the responsibilities involved, what a normal day looks like, or any genuine questions you have about the company or position. via Pixabay Portfolio Work samples Depending on the position you are interviewing for, it may be necessary or helpful to bring samples of past work. This would be especially important if you are interviewing for a graphic design position or writing position. Make sure to bring a copy to leave with your interviewer to review later on when comparing candidates. Not only does this show that you are prepared and on your game, but it leaves an impression on your interviewer. Identification card It’s always a good habit to carry some kind of identification on you no matter where you go. When you go for a job interview, depending on the location, there may be a security guard in the lobby that asks you to sign in. Instead of worrying about being late because you didn’t have your ID on you, bring it with you. Keep it in your wallet or in your phone case. via Pixabay Smile Confidence The most important thing to bring with you is a smile and your confidence to a job interview. When you walk into an interview knowing that you are qualified for the position and would benefit the company, you are more likely to do well during the interview. It’s important to know the difference between confidence and arrogance, though. Relax and smile while you are in the interview. The worst that can happen is that you don’t get the job. When you smile, it shows that you are friendly, positive, and someone people would want to work with in the office.

The Basics of Learning Activities in English

The Basics of Learning Activities in EnglishThe fact that the English language is one of the most beautiful languages, makes it extremely important to know how to learn English example of learning activities in English. Many students find it difficult to master English as a second language. One thing that they should remember is that there are many different ways to learn, and there are also many different methods that one can use for accomplishing this task.This is just one example of learning activities in English. There are also learning activities in English in which the students will learn words and phrases, and even learn to read. Below we will discuss the more basic types of methods that one can use.One way to get started with learning the English language is to use a book. If you already have a book or other book which you would like to learn, you can read it, and read as much as you would like, and then you can practice by speaking and writing the words which you have read. This is one of the simplest ways to start with learning English example of learning activities in English.Another way to get started with learning the English language is to use a software program. A good example of this is a software program known as FASTAT, which is available online.A FASTAT software program will allow you to learn an unlimited number of words. There are also different programs for different languages available. This software program can help you learn a variety of different languages easily.Another way to get started with learning a new language, is to use a course designed specifically for beginners in a different language. These are available in different languages, and they have been designed to help people who would like to learn a new language.These are just a few examples of learning activities in English. There are many others, which you can use to get started with your own plan. It is important that you first try out the methods which you have chosen, so that you will be able to pick the right one for you.

Change in Energy Chemistry

Change in Energy ChemistryThe change in energy chemistry that is occurring today in the human body has led to the high popularity of alternative medicine and the rejuvenation of many people. Many are wondering what the impact of this change in chemical makeup will be. As the cells and molecules become more complex and the body becomes more technologically advanced, there is bound to be a change in the chemicals in the body.The most important part of the 'massaging' therapy is a transformation in the bio-diversity that is occurring. An organic cleaning system is used to remove harmful toxins from the bloodstream. Often times the enzymes present in the body will change as well. In the body, many things are happening as a result of this huge amount of changes.Water is very important for the life of the body. This is an essential part of the diet. Many people believe that too much of the wrong foods cause illnesses. However, this is not true.Cravings can actually be changed. The hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain can cause a change in feelings of hunger and thirst. When these chemicals are altered, many people often experience changes in their cravings.When the blood starts to be cleaner, toxins tend to become less soluble in water. As a result, the digestive system begins to work a little easier. The removal of toxic wastes and food residue makes the cells more efficient. Therefore, energy levels tend to increase. Many people are becoming healthier and more energetic at the same time.However, it is important to note that there are many long-term benefits of this technology. The improvements in the heart, digestion, immune system, energy, and weight are all very positive. This technology allows the cells to store energy more efficiently and helps to speed up the metabolism.The long term benefits of these chemical changes are too numerous to mention. These changes are going to be long lasting. This is good news for the general public.