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The Advantage Of Online Christmas Shopping

During the holiday season, we spend much time looking for gifts to buy in malls and other commercial spaces. We line up and wait our turn at the cashier, but it takes too much time to do this, especially with others doing the same thing. For many, the advantage of online Christmas shopping can be helpful, when considering it as an alternative option.

Online Shopping as an Alternative to Traditional Purchases

Internet shopping has become a viable alternative to going to physical stores, for getting our household supplies and other goods. A credit card is usually used to pay for online purchases, including other payment services like Pay Pal. Now, other options like direct transfers from your bank or Cash on Delivery is available if you don’t have credit or ATM card.

There are many online shops that sell a variety of goods online, you can find almost any item that you are looking for. Most online stores will have a variety of goods that might be of obscure interest.

Now, is it for you? Can internet shopping make a difference, in how you buy all that is needed? Will it save you money and time, does it improve management and other relevant daily activities. Even if online shopping is available even without a credit or atm debit card, or it saves time going to your neighborhood grocery or supermarket, others prefer to go buying their own goods themselves.

The reckoning. A review.

The premise of the exhibit is fondly called “Balat ng Mani”, which was coined in the formative years in The College Of Fine Arts during 1991 to 1994. It may seem trite the term using the peanut shell as analogy for the works produced by this group of students, considering that many embraced methodologies from post-modern, modernism, formalism and other isms acquired during this period as students.

To note a significant fact about this particular group of individuals, during this period the UP CFA just transferred to the new building, which to the writer’s opinion produced a psyche of being wholly independent from its former residence and finally a home to express who and what they are.

To expand on the “Balat ng mani”, it simply means a shell to clothe the artwork made, balat means skin that is the malleable layer of the thought and intent, to the final form presented by artist. If clichés are observed and interjected into the definition, it is normal for art to take such forms which is subject the plurality of “ART”.

Technology As A Learning Tool

The advent of multimedia and proliferation of portable gadgets using technology as a learning tool for education, especially for parents who don’t have all the time to teach their kids. In a very competitive environment that requires constant learning for both adults and children, though it is critical for children to learn all they can from school and after hours. Learning with technology gives us the flexibility to customize and specify the lessons used for teaching, there is software that is bought or is free on the internet or physical stores.

Many devices like tablets, smartphones, laptops, and desktops are used to connect, thus enabling technology as a learning tool via these devices. A recent development is casting devices that connect flat-screens using WIFI. This added function enables integration of all devices and WIFI into a connected environment, that makes technology as a learning tool easily seamed into our daily activities.

Cons of Technologically assisted learning

a.       The loss of the human interaction in the learning process.

b.       Using technology is not free because you need several devices and pay for an ISP, to optimize all sources that can be used from the internet.

c.        It requires computer literacy to fully use all aspects of technologically assisted learning.

d.       Distractions like Youtube and other irrelevant activities are many.

e.        Human interaction added to the device is better because of the feedback is given by the teacher, unlike when using devices instead.

Pros of Technologically assisted learning

f.        It is accessible to anyone with a decent device and an internet connection.

g.        It is up to date and the information is readily accessible to enhance any lessons, and it is accessed with almost immediately on demand.

h.       A teacher has a schedule but a machine does not.

Conclusion

Technology as a Learning Tool is the next step of learning but human interaction is needed to humanize the process as well, but not always. This has enabled the proliferation of relevant information to educate children and anyone willing to learn, meaning going to school without the school, having to control schedules to maximize productivity. The constant upgrading of lessons via online can be boosted, both adults and children benefit from it both.

Aromatherapy As An AlternativeTreatment

 
For anyone, whenever we have everyday pains and particular curable ailments, they are treated with drugs or other chemical based medicines that are usually used for curing these ailments. Fortunate for us, we now have "Aromatherapy" to help us cure these maladies and this is based on "all natural" oils that come from plants, trees, not from manufactured chemicals or man-made substances. All the essential oils that are used for this kind of treatment are processed from the parts of trees and plants like roots, bark, flowers, rind, and their leaves.

How does it work?

The treatment affects us by using scents or smells that excite nerves in our nasal cavity, because smell is a strong and suggestive sense so it's logical that it will elicit responses from us. It could be that in "theory" these oils will produce changes in our pulse, bodily functions, and in our blood pressure as well. It is possible that oils like this, has an effect on the hormones and enzymes that have a direct effect on our general well-being. A surprising factoid regarding essential oils is that it could produce natural "painkillers" that can be more effective than taking pharmaceutical drugs.

What you need to start the treatment and benefits that can be gained

To begin reaping the benefits of Aromatherapy, you need to get the best essential oil diffuser or Aromatherapy Diffuser to get one that spreads out the scents effectively. It comes in a lamp ring, clay pot, candle types, and fan types which are mechanical compared to the other types.

Of course, you need to get a variety of essential oils that are used in these instances that it can be helpful for starting any aromatherapy treatment. These are benefits of undergoing aromatherapy which is a cheaper alternative to more expensive medical treatments.

1. Getting home, we'll need to relax and wind down. Aromatherapy will help a lot in relaxing us further and feel more refreshed with this treatment, and the best thing is it can be done in the comfort of our home. Diffusing oils like "Chamomile", "Lavender", "Clary Sage" is very helpful, and you will feel much better and sleep soundly after this.
2. We need to reduce stress and energize for a few moments during the day. For most of us, keeping an uppity mood is easy but for those who can't do that, by diffusing oils like sweet orange, jasmine, rose, and other oils that can energize and create a positive can do attitude.
3. One of the most important benefits of Aromatherapy is that diffusing essential oils can help the immune system and these oils are "anti-microbial". This treatment can help us reduce sickness and keep disease oils at bay by diffusing these scents like tea tree, sage, rosemary, grapefruit, lemon, and thyme.

Conclusion

We are always looking for natural and healthy alternatives to keep ourselves healthy and strong, but there are many preferring a “naturalistic” treatment over any medicine or invasive surgery to do it. Aromatherapy is derived from natural and is non-pharmaceutical sources which is gaining wide acceptance. Aromatherapy has the advantage of having many benefits that enhance our overall well-being, and it can be realized easily by anyone willing to research and learn about it. Aromatherapy is about all-natural healing and using nature’s ways which are more “natural” and the benefits are without the chemical side effects and intrusiveness of medical methods, and anyone can try it to reap its benefits for themselves.

Natural Removal Of Wart Without Invasive Scraping

 

No one likes to have warts on their skin because it is very unsightly and unpresentable. For anyone with this malady, they will find it very embarrassing. But, despite this condition that anyone may have, there is a way to remove them without invasive scraping that can be painful. Fortunately, there is a natural alternative that does not require any harsh treatment for it. What will be used to naturally get rid of the warts are the best essential oils for warts that stand the best chance of ridding anyone of "warty" skin.

 Why is natural removal better than scraping

 Simply put, anyone can go to the "dermatologist" and get the treatment done. But, it will mean having chemicals and other procedures that are "pharmaceutical based" which can have adverse effects the skin. If the "natural method" is considered, then it would not mean using any chemical because essential oils that'll be used for treatment are milder.

Natural oils are "all natural" and it isn't synthetic, so they are more compatible with our skin. This will mean fewer rashes or infections that will be better for anyone seeking relief from warts, using this treatment.

 Essential oils used for wart removal

 Here are the essential oils that are used in wart-removal, they have medicinal value that hastens the healing process for removing warts without any negative effect.

a. Oregano Oil is fast and effective because of its active ingredient "carvacrol".

b. Lemongrass Oil can treat shingles, cold sores, and is a good wart treatment.

c. Tea Tree Oil is good at removing warts and it has "anti-viral" properties that are very helpful in avoiding infections.

d. Eucalyptus Oil is best when mixed with tea tree oil, and it makes a good wart treatment too.

e. Peppermint Oil is good for cold sores and a few viruses, it can be combined with tea tree oil for a stronger wart remover.

f. Manuka Oil can stop viruses spreading and will eliminate warts as soon as they appear.

g. Cajeput Oil is the same as tea tree oil which is anti-viral, and a good wart remover when mixed with tea tree oil.

h. Thyme Oil is anti-viral as well and can remove persistent viruses better.

i. Ginger Oil is anti-viral and gets rid of drug-resistant viruses too. If mixed with tea tree, lemongrass, and oregano you've got an excellent wart remover.

 Conclusion

 For all intents and purposes removing warts using essential oils is much better than treatments that are pharmaceutical and invasive to us. The best treatments are natural and holistic that is kinder to the skin, so that warts removed by this method will have no adverse effect on anyone.

Achieving Laser-Like Awareness

 

The fast-paced action of our everyday living has required us to be aware of what's around us, and how we can react to it accordingly.  This will make a dilemma for some of us not gifted with this ability, and often some would resort to taking pharmaceuticals because that's what is usually done. This is the usual option but now using all "natural scent oils" are an alternative that can be better.

This alternative is low-cost "Aromatherapy" that will not need any harmful drugs to take, so what you got is a remedy that will not jeopardize your health or well-being while undergoing treatment (you still need to check the properties of the oils that will be used, though).

What problems cause loss of concentration

It can't be helped but at times, certain problems will happen and these problems hamper how we assess our options. If this does happen, then considering "aromatherapy" with the best essential oils for focus and concentration can be helpful. If anyone suffers from "anxiety", "fatigue", "depression", and low points will result in a poor assessment. If it reaches this point, diminished attention span and misjudgments will happen a lot. It needs a good solution that will help us out of this rut.

How to improve concentration with natural oils and other ways

Now, that we know what problems that are causing attention loss, now we can start going about it using "aromatherapy" to improve whatever ever awareness or focus problems that are bothersome. This all natural curative will relax and improve the overall mood, and this will result in better "mental performance" and "all-around wellness" resulting in better awareness unlike before.

Once, the effects of "aromatherapy" are felt, and then we now can consider other things that can help us further.

A. Eating healthy and avoiding food that is not advisable to be consumed, because it has something in it that's not good for.  Eating the right way keeps you "physically" and "mentally fit" at all times.

B. Taking targeted supplemental nutrition is responsible for brain functions encompassing overall mental awareness like focus and concentration.

A. Eating healthy and avoiding food that is not advisable to be consumed, because it has something in it that's not good for.  Eating the right way keeps you "physically" and "mentally fit" at all times.

C. Drinking lots of water is important for good "focus", and it is important not to suffer dehydration that can result in its loss. Drinking daily will be beneficial for anyone and keeping hydrated is important.

D. Filtering our environment from all distractions that will improve anyone’s "focus", and set up any environment to suit personal preferences.

Conclusion

It's not easy to keep our "awareness" of the environment and sometimes our "focus" does fail, because of several uncontrollable factors. There is no such thing as a total loss of focus, just give it time, and enough ways to resolve it with the solutions listed in this article. Paying particular attention to “all natural curatives”, along with simple no nonsense advice may be the best solution for anyone.

Dealing With Ear Infection

The ear is a very sensitive organ, and if it's infected then we've got problems. This can be a problem for anyone with undesirable results. This problem is a blockage in the middle ear and it is caused by bacteria and viruses. This infection can be painful and inconvenient that it is unwanted. It would be good if it can be treated with "antibiotics", but if it's viral then it cannot work. In this case, using "essential oils" for ear infection can come in handy.

Signs to look out for in ear infection

What to look out for is more than the usual fluid in the ear. Symptoms are colds, allergies, colds, mucus, sinuses, and other problems that cause it like tobacco smoking.  Other signs of this problem are vertigo, a headache, sleeping is sparse, ear fluid, and a high fever. If these indications are evident, seek treatment is needed to cure it asap.

What essential oils should be used for treatment

a. Thyme is can reduce pain and cleans up the ear canal well. It is an anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and has thymol.

b.   Basil is used for the ear, throat, lung, and respiratory infections. it is anti-viral, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and a muscle relaxant that helps too.

c.   Oregano is very strong for ear infections it should be watered down at all times, and not recommended for those on "blood thinning" drugs.

d.   Olive reduces irritation very well, and overall it heals most ear infections. It has properties that make irritation less of an inconvenience.

e.   Tea Tree oil will eliminate most viruses and bacteria, and it is a natural pain killer. Plus, it dries up the ear canal and reduces swelling well.

f.    Lavender relieves pain, gives better circulation, and other benefits. It has a calming effect when used in aromatherapy, and gives relief from an earache too.

Why essential oils cure ear infections effectively

Essential oils used for treating this problem are derived from plants and trees from their components, which is broken down to extract the oil inside. These products are potent against bacteria, viruses, and have compounds that are medicinally valuable for many curative purposes. Using these "natural oils" is more effective than drugs and chemical solutions.  Everyday problems like ear infections can be given better relief by using all "natural cures", which is much better for everyone because it has no harmful man-made substance to worry about.

Treating Everyday Back Pain Effectively

For many of us, back pain is never far away because, for every task we accomplish, most of it is done standing up. It is unavoidable that we experience this inconvenient pain, at one time or the other. For some, it can be a very painful episode that is not looked for! In time, this pain can affect vital part of your body, so it is important to do something about it.

It could be that you can ignore it and go about you daily tasks, but it won't go away and it might tell on you any day soon. When that day comes, it might not be a pretty picture.

What are the causes

More than often, many people suffer this malady and they are not having a good time. The usual symptoms of back pain are muscles gone stiff, aching, and unrelieved tension that results in back pain. The worst kind of pain is the one with spasms, that comes with strain, weakness, or no support at all. In general, back pain can affect anyone, and it happens anytime without warning.

How to cure back pain

The usual remedy for back pains would be taking pain killers that are not natural, but this is what most of us take to relieve our ailments. Taking drugs has the drawback of side effects for some of us, and we don't know any better. It is a good thing that we have a "natural curative" like essential oils for back pain, which is an alternative treatment that is all-natural and with no side effects like taking "pharmaceutical drugs".

 The best thing about these essential oils is that anyone can use it, and it's compatible with our bodies. it does not interfere with our "biochemistry" but complements and even boosts it! Using all-natural "essential oils" like lavender, wintergreen, sandalwood, spruce, ginger, and marjoram will be very effective in relieving most back pains that we suffer.

How to apply these essential oils for back pain

There are ways that we can apply 10 drops the oil for treatment and give relief as it' being done. Here are the ways it can be applied.

a. Massaging several drops of any essential oil with "coconut oil", then just spread it out.

b. Hot Compressing by using a cloth to dip into hot water then add 5-10 drops before applying to the area.

c. Soaking in the tub and mixing it in the water, will be very relaxing.

Last words on back pain........

This article on back pain is about how we can naturally relieve it without resorting to pharmaceuticals or drugs. This is all about what essential oils can do to help anyone reduce back pain. Hopefully, this can help us and encourage more natural remedies.

Musings on the Sarimanok and observations

Stages of re-conceptualizing the Sarimanok in my representation of the image in my paintings

A) The most accepted cannon is that of Abdulmari Imao, but the problem is that is that it does use Okir but it does not really accentuate the cultural and true significance of why it is such. Then weakness of his design is that it is at times too simplistic compared to Southeast asian representations of it. The images are 2-d and they do not expand on the possibilities of the space he uses. It is that which spurs me to create a design that incorporates the different aspects of different okir forms and exploiting the space and background to create a new and dynamic form for it.

B) My research in Asian art has made me realize that repetition of forms in a given space is an aspect of the religious edifices and other forms of asian art. Notably if you look at Okir there is a rhythm and repeating of objects which lacks randomness in its design.

C) Okir is sequential and gradual in it is use of the lines and form as they evolve in the image of the Sarimanok. This is the most significant aspect of the sarimanok which escapes most artists in my view and it is treated as just a "design", and important aspects of the Okir is ignored which leaves out the general significance of repetition and graduation of it's elements.

D) The Sarimanok is not a mere image for artistic license, but it is representative of the many asian artisans and cultural visionaries who have integrated it from local mythologies and cultural beginning which bear significance in the aspects of "CULTURE". Hence, my personal stress on getting designs that are still the same images but integrating aspects of modernity in the depiction of the Sarimanok but still keeping accepted cultural aspects.

E) I think there is room for more inputs into how we can improve on the image of the Sarimanok that is more grounded and based on older sources like the Okir carving and paintings which is more factual though dated. Maybe, one could counter the older designs is anachronistic but still it is the basis for  updating the design.

F) Modernism, Formalism and Post-modernism can perhaps interpret the Sarimanok works of Abdulmari Imao, but it the finality it ignores the sources which is the artisans had a regard that the Sarimanok is a sacred icon the has many aspects in it's design. Okir is based on the old world of our cultural past of society and mythology.