When in New York, Don't Fail to Watch the "Lion King" Broadway Stage Musicale

Never fail to see the "Lion King Broadway Musicale," with the whole family if possible, when you're in New York. Now don't tell me you won't as you had already seen the movie with your kids.

"Lion King" the movie is not and will never be the same as the theater show. And yes, every single cent you spend on the multi-awarded Broadway stage musicale is worth the experience.

Also currently playing in London, Hamburg, Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul, and Paris, the Disney theater production is said to have been watched by over 34 million people from around the world. It is based on the Disney film "Lion King" which depicts a father's great love for his child, risking his very own life to save his son's.

And, as many have observed, it is a retelling of the Biblical story of the prodigal son who returns to his homeland a mature, responsible person, ready to take on his designated role in life, in this case, for Simba, as the true King of Pridelands, which position was usurped from his well-loved father Mufasa by his villainous uncle Scar.

Directed by Julie Taymor, the musicale has won more than 70 major awards worldwide, including the Tony Awards for Best Musicale, Best Scenic Design of a Musicale, Best Costume Design of a Musicale, Best Choreography, and Best Direction for a Musicale. The book (music and lyrics) is a collaboration between Sir Elton John and Tim Rice, with the already recognizable songs given new life: Circle of Life, Can You Feel the Love Tonight?, the unforgettable 'Hakuna Matata' with pulsating beats by live drummers visible on both sides of the theater that would make you want to learn how to play drums that very moment. [Read Full Review]

Music Album Review: Regina Spektor's "Begin to Hope"

I got myself last week a special 2-CD edition of Regina Spektor's newest album, "Begin to Hope". And the only absolute thing I can say about it is that it's full of surprises. But, those familiar with the Russian-American singer-songwriter's work know that to listen to Spektor is to expect the unexpected.

For those unfamiliar with Regina Spektor's music, be warned: Her second major-label release, "Begin to Hope" (the first being "Soviet Kitsch" released worldwide in 2003/2004), is misleading. The seemingly sentimental title and the cute picture of the artist on the cover will have you thinking easy-listening and adult contemporary.

Indeed, one minute into the first song, everything sounds like your usual radio-friendly number-light, synthesized and easily "digestible." Before the minute is over, however, you'll get your first hint of Spektor's idiosyncratic style when you hear her chop the word "heart" into a dozen syllables! [Read Full Review]

Gadget Review: Nokia E65

My youngest sister turn to be generous as she allowed me to "study" her new Nokia E65 smartphone for two days last week. The smooth-sliding Nokia E65 is one attractive smartphone that exhibits a lot more style than the first generation of E-series devices. The Nokia E65, for instance, is one of the smallest in its class at 105x49x15.5mm, which is just slightly longer than a calling card. It weighs just 115 grams, with rounded edges and easy-to-grip, leather-like materials that make it a joy to hold.

The Nokia E65 has a lot of buttons, though, which take some getting used to. There are 11 upfront: the usual navigator key, four control keys, plus a one-touch key each for Conference, Contacts, My Own, Mute, Menu, and Backspace. There are 12 on the keypad when the phone is spread, and there are four on the side for recording.

On the plus side, the user of a Nokia E65 smartphone can access basic commands with just one touch of a button - once all the buttons are figured out. Experimenting with one-touch buttons shows market sensitivity on Nokia's side, since the feature is becoming more important to consumers. Buttons also access features for reading text messages aloud and setting Voice Controls, which can be accessed by holding down the record button on the side of the device. [Read Full Review]

A Review of the Highlights of the 2007 "American Idol" Finals

The finals of the 2007 "American Idol" had Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks squaring off for the singing tilt's much-coveted title, and it looked like Jordin had the competition all wrapped up.

Jurors Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell appeared to concur with the general observation, as Blake had a hard time matching Jordin's vocal prowess, and resigned himself to doing his "beat box" best.

But Jordin couldn't start celebrating just yet. There was always the great, big question mark of how the show's voters would go. In the past, they have been known to sustain unsustainable dreams (Sanjaya's), or grimly sunder deserving champions' brightest hopes (Katharine McPhee, Melinda Doolittle).

So we had to wait for the tilt's "revelation" episode for the confirming voters' verdict to write in stone what many viewers already felt in their hearts: That Jordin Sparks was indeed the 2007 American Idol. [Read Full Review]

Essential Safety Measures in e-Banking

Doing e-Banking is without a doubt faster than making transactions over a bank's counter. It provides the convenience of drawing cash anytime of the day from wherever an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is located. On the other hand, doing online banking lets you stay in the comfort of your office seat while making transactions through your PC or laptop. Against these conveniences, however, are real dangers that lurk around. It won't hurt a bit if the following safety reminders are kept in mind:

- Your ATM card is like cash. Treat it therefore as you would your crisp bills. Always keep it in a safe place.
- Your card number, account number, and Personal Identification Number (PIN) must be known only to yourself. Do not disclose to, or share with, anyone these information.
- Avoid using a PIN that is much akin to information pertaining to yourself such as your birthday, your address, or your phone number. While it may be easier for you to remember, it will not be too difficult as well for others to make a supposition of the same.
- It is best that you memorize your PIN. Never write it on your ATM card or on any material that may be found with your card.
- Be sure to block the view of others when using the ATM. Do not allow anyone to see its screen while making your transaction. Remember also to cover your fingers as you enter your PIN on the machine's keypad. [Read Full Article]

RAH RAH RAH is not the usual cheering chant

Have you been watching games of the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) on the cable tv lately? I have. I have known a long time ago that basketball is the acknowledged national diversion of many Filipinos, and today the PBA is the biggest sporting event in the Philippines in terms of the number of viewers who watch the games, both in the playing venues and on the boob tube. Its success is simply amazing that fans and the various broadcast media covering every game have obviously been carried away a great number of times by the torrid, faced-paced actions and the superb athleticism exhibited by many of the players that they completely altered the meanings of a lot of words offered in the English language dictionary!

For example, when you are watching a PBA game and suddenly hear the words COOL CAT, you will be surprised that these do not refer to a dispassionately calm feline. When DYNAMITE aims at its target, you need not scamper because it is not the explosive that contains nitroglycerin. FAST may be swift, but this one knows when to apply the brakes too when needed, while FEARLESS is challenged time and again inspite of its being brave. There are several names of petrol stations, but when you hear the FLYING A dashing downcourt, this certainly is not one of those. You may sometimes find FURIOUS not as intense as it should be, and the H-BOMB missing its target completely. [Read Full Article]

The Six Elements of Teaching: A Guide for Company Supervisors and Managers

A great deal has been said of teaching as one of the most important professions from the standpoint of human welfare. Properly understood, however, it is also one of the most technical, difficult, and challenging professions.

Teaching is an art. It is an activity which company supervisors and managers have engaged in at one time or another. It is a way of transmitting desirable qualities of human character and knowledge to learners.

Here are the six elements of teaching which should guide company supervisors and managers in their quest to becoming good and effective teachers to their subordinates:

Learning - "True teachers always seek to learn more, to remain current." Teaching effectively means you must know deeply and well. It requires learning itself. What does learning mean in teaching? Learning:

- means knowing and mastering a subject;
- embodies the act of learning;
- conveys the spirit and love of learning to others;
- means being open to the knowledge of others;
- provides the basis for independent thought;
- justifies learning. [Read Full Article]

Why the Mind Wanders

With the many 'How To' guides sprouting all around, I have thought of coming up with my own pointers on..... wait, I forgot. Oh, okay that's it - "How to Keep Your Mind from Wandering". Sounds very challenging, don't you think? I will be able to provide useful hints on how to stop this pervading psychological phenomenon called mind-wandering from ever bothering our mental faculties again. Mind-wandering is that abstract nuisance that prevent students from keeping their focus on textbooks and lectures, drivers from keeping their minds on the road, and employees from concentrating on beating deadlines set by their bosses. I am thrilled no end by the prospect of seeing everyone starting to do something and finishing it without being interrupted even for a second by a wandering mind.

I am sure many of you now are eagerly waiting for my pointers to come out and are probably asking how I am progressing with this set of hints. Unfortunately, I have not even started it yet. My mind simply goes astray faster than I can put in those first few words of my supposed first suggestion. It doesn't matter how hard I try, I seem to be so overwhelmed by this mind-wandering thing and realize that I can't avoid it myself. Which brings me to this question: "Can mind-wandering be stopped?". [Read Full Article]

Urgent Reminder: May 31 is World No Tobacco Day

Tobacco addiction is a global epidemic that is increasingly ravaging countries and regions that can least afford its toll of disability, disease, lost productivity, and death. The tobacco industry continues to put profits before life, its own expansion before the health of future generations, its own economic gain ahead of the sustainable development of struggling countries.

The purpose of World No Tobacco Day is to encourage countries and governments to work towards strict regulation of tobacco products. We will do this by raising awareness about the existence of the wide variety of deadly tobacco products. Regulation should also help people get accurate information, remove the disguise and unveil the truth behind tobacco products.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about one third of the global adult population, or 1.1 billion people, are smokers. [Read Full Article]

Text Messaging: Still the Preferred Mobile Service of Consumers in Asia

Mobile phones are the electronic accessory of the '90s, and show no signs of relinquishing their status in the new millennium. Mobile phones are most helpful in emergencies - if your car breaks down or if you need medical attention. But many people use them simply to keep in touch with the office or the babysitter, or to make social plans.

In the meantime, mobile phone operators in most countries in Asia have been rushing to be the first to introduce new services to the market. Consumers, however, do not seem to be snapping these up at the same pace, still favoring the most basic service there is - text messaging.

According to a GSM Association (GSMA) report, consumers in Asia still prefer text messaging over any other mobile service, followed by mobile e-mail and multimedia messaging service (MMS). Overall, mobile subscribers from Asia, North America, and Europe feel the same way. [Read Full Article]

Guidelines on Investing in a Mutual Fund

In the new millennium, mutual funds have grown at a pace which will make the industry a stronger one to deal with in the near future. The industry has helped in maintaining investor confidence despite the prolonged crisis, say, in Asia. It has minimized capital flight and has brought new perspectives in terms of the investment and savings maturity, even in third-world countries. Given the need for these countries to compete in the global market, mutual funds will certainly serve as a vital ingredient for their current and future development.

What is a mutual fund? How does one invest in it? When you invest in a mutual fund, your money is combined with the money of many other investors. Professional fund managers use this pool of money to create a portfolio of investments, which may include:

- Stocks: ownership of shares in publicly held companies;
- Bonds: interest-bearing certificates issued by governments and corporations; and
- Money Market Securities: short-term instruments, such as Treasury bills and certificates of deposit, that mature in less than one year. [Read Full Article]

Serendipity at the Salad Bar

Whenever I take a trip to a salad bar, you can be sure that I have pre-conditioned my mind into minding what the composition of my salad plate will be. After all, anybody who takes such a jaunt to a salad bar is presumed to be opting for a light alternative to a hefty meal, one that will complement her/his weight-control regimen and will not be too taxing to the digestive mechanism. So as I take my last few steps toward where the edible greens and bits and pieces are, I make one final pact with myself that I will keep my salad healthful by making it simple. Only the basics such as greens, vegetables, fruits, beans, small pieces of lean meat and a moderate amount of light dressing shall make up my wholesome plate.

A trip to a salad bar in Austin one fine Saturday noon was not supposed to be any different. As I was patrolling its perimeters, I was hunting for the different varieties of greens that supply some fiber and are low in calories. I was particularly looking for the dark-green ones like arugula and spinach which are known to provide more beta-carotene, vitamin C and other nutrients than the paler varieties. [Read Full Article]

Understanding the Dozen Discomforts and Complications of Pregnancy

There is a degree of uncertainty in the mind of a woman, during early pregnancy, as to whether conception has occurred. In fact, she may not know until her enlarging abdomen makes the situation obvious. There are three common clues of early pregnancy: 1) the missing of a regular menstrual period, 2) "morning sickness", and 3) tenderness and beginning enlargement of the breasts.

The reason for some doubt about whether a woman is pregnant, even though she misses a menstrual period, is that factors other than pregnancy can account for a missed period. Some examples of the factors that can interfere with menstruation are excessive emotional strain, a serious illness, or disturbances of the endocrine organs. In some women, "morning sickness" occurs soon after pregnancy begins. They experience nausea and some vomiting typically in the morning, although these may also occur at other times of day. This symptom usually disappears after the third month. As for tenderness and beginning enlargement of the breasts, these are natural responses to the hormones that control the events of pregnancy. The gland tissue within the breasts must develop gradually in preparation for producing milk after the child is born. [Read Full Article]

Understanding the Eight Common Problems of the Baby's Early Months

More than any specific training a first-time mother could have had, she will find that the proper handling of her baby is dictated by common sense. For instance, she won't disturb the baby's sleep in order to show him off to visiting friends and relatives. An infant's nervous system is not very stable. Having this in mind, the mother will move slowly, speaking gently and avoiding noises and sudden movements. In lifting the baby, the mother will be careful to support his back and head, because as yet his bones are not strong and he is not able to coordinate his muscles. A baby should not be lifted by his arms, for they are not yet strong enough to support his weight. Neither can the baby change his own position in the crib, so this should be done for him.

Some babies sleep quietly, and some make odd noises in their sleep. A mother will soon get familiar with the pattern her own baby follows. [Read Full Article]

The Five Nutritional Sins: Don't Commit Any of Them

In describing a well-nourished person, we only have to describe a healthy person. This is logical, for the food a person eats provides the raw material out of which all body processes are supported and maintained. This ideal state of health comes partly from sufficient protein in the diet to provide for the formation and repair of body tissues. There must also be an adequate supply of minerals to reinforce the body tissue, as in the formation and maintenance of teeth and bones. There must be sufficient carbohydrate for energy, as well as the right amount of fat. There must also be vitamins to keep the tissues in good condition and to enable the brain, the nerves, and other vital organs to function well.

But even in "lands of plenty", it is surprising that a high percentage of persons are actually not well-nourished. And why is this so? Because these people have the habit of committing any one of the five common dietary customs responsible for widespread malnutrition. According to diet gurus, these five "nutritional sins" exact their penalty and keep transgressors from enjoying vitality and good health. [Read Full Article]

Eight Effective Ways to Fight Stress

Stress is a normal part of life. It's as inevitable as death and taxes, and it is concealed in more ways than you can imagine: frustration, anxiety, fear, job and family pressure, sadness and happiness, and boredom and overactivity.

Stress is any pressure, good or bad. Thinking about these negative experiences, in fact, can already be stressful: work hassles, traffic jams, fights at home, death in the family, a divorce, or loss of a job. Every one of these is obviously stressful. But even "happy" events can be challenging and can cause stress: a new job, marriage, buying a house, or having a baby.

Health experts are one in saying that how you respond to stress affects your health. Reacting to it can elevate blood pressure. When that reaction becomes chronic, it can contribute to more serious problems, such as heart disease. That is why it's important to learn how to handle stress. [Read Full Article]

A Guide to Buying Baby Equipment

Nothing is perhaps more exciting than welcoming a baby into the family. And whether you are the parent, a grandparent, or a close friend, you probably can't wait to celebrate the birth with the purchase of any one of dozens of baby-care gifts.

But did you know that some of the very items used to protect and care for a baby can be dangerous? Each year many furnishings cause serious - sometimes fatal - injury to many babies around the world. Statistics show that injuries related to nursery equipment are common enough to warrant caution. Many accidents occur when parents leave an infant unattended, or when the baby is not properly restrained in the equipment.

When buying baby equipment, there are features you should look for as well as avoid. Here are some guidelines to consider:

Baby swings:

Head injuries are most commonly reported with baby swings. The swing should have well-secured safety straps to keep the baby from slipping out. Your baby should sit, not lie down, in the swing. The seat should be sturdy and needs to be compatible with your baby's weight. [Read Full Article]

The Do's and Don'ts of Using Drugs Safely

Drugs are chemicals, each one composed of molecules. For the most part, molecules composing drugs are not the kinds that occur naturally in the body. They intrude into the body's community of molecules and have a chemical influence on the way the body functions. According to medical records, many drugs influence the brain. They alter the thoughts, the sensations, the feelings, and the behavior. And this brings us to a serious consideration. Since some drugs can influence the user's mental activities, a person trusts part of his very personality to a drug, and many drugs sold over the counter are more powerful than we realize.

Drugstores handle two kinds of medicines: "over-the-counter drugs" and prescription drugs. The former are supposedly harmless preparations available to anyone. The latter, more profound in their effects, are dispensed only on a doctor's prescription. [Read Full Article]

What to Look for in a Weight-Loss Program before Signing Up

Some people can lose weight the right way on their own; others benefit from organized programs. However you achieve your goals, you'll want to learn the principles of sustainable weight loss and skip programs and products that don't work or are unsafe.

Nutritionists say that if you consume more calories than you burn, your body stores the excess as fat, causing you to gain weight. If you take in only as much as you use, your weight stays the same. But to lose body fat and weight, you'll need to burn more calories than you consume.

Experts suggest that if you want to slim down, a reasonable goal is to reduce your weight by 10 percent over six months. Most healthy individuals should aim to lose up to about 1/2 to 1 pound (about 500 grams) a week. To lose weight at this rate, you'll have to burn about 200 to 300 more calories each day than you take in. The best way to do that is to limit calorie intake while increasing exercise. [Read Full Article]

Bananas in Singles for Sale: Hooray to the American Consumers

Without a doubt, the banana is one of the most popular fruits in the world. And next to milk, it is considered to be the most complete food when it comes to providing our bodies with the needed energy and in preventing a substantial number of illnesses. It is not fattening and has no cholesterol. Bananas are rich in carbohydrates, contain phosphorus, potassium, vitamins A and C, and three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose, and glucose.

As an integral part of a diet, bananas can help prevent a number of health-related conditions. For example, since they are high in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and thus help in preventing anemia. As they are likewise high in fiber, they can help prevent constipation by restoring normal bowel action without resorting to laxatives. They can boost brain power, as researches have shown: as they are packed with potassium, bananas can assist in the learning process of students by making them more alert. Their large amounts of potassium can also help in preventing dehydration. Here's a good tip: If you are bitten by an insect (a mosquito, in particular), don't go outright for the insect bite cream. Instead, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin first. Many people find it surprisingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation. [Read Full Article]

Things we can do to Slow down Global Warming

Global Warming is in the news almost everyday - in newspapers and on television news broadcasts - around the world. Extreme weather conditions and climatic changes that are experienced across the globe have indeed become concerns of great proportion. Scientific records, in fact, indicate that the last 15 years have seen the 10 warmest years ever recorded on Earth. And in some countries, particularly those in Southeast Asia, people are seeing a trend that is now cause for worry - the periods between the occurrences of the El Nino phenomenon are becoming shorter and shorter. El Nino is an abnormal warming of sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean (as opposed to the La Nina phenomenon which is characterized by below normal sea temperatures). A few decades ago in the Philippines, for example, the periods between El Nino's used to be 5 to 10 years. "The intervals have become much shorter now - down to 3 years", according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. More instances of El Nino will mean more hot and dry spells for that country, causing drought on land and the destruction of coral reefs in the seas. [Read Full Article]

The Art of Questioning: A Guide to Teachers

Even in today's modern educational practices, the art of questioning has remained one of the best tools in promoting effective learning. In fact, questioning continues to be an essential component of good teaching. There are even some people who believe that the effectiveness of a teacher can be measured by his ability to ask good questions. And yet far too many teachers take this teaching tool for granted, or use it carelessly.

Skillful questioning involves knowledge of the various uses of the question, the characteristics of a good question, the techniques of questioning, and the techniques of handling the learners' responses. It often takes many years of classroom experience, professional reading, and self-evaluation for a teacher to be a proficient questioner. All the while, the teacher must make a constant and persistent effort to improve his questioning ability and technique. [Read Full Article]