Radiation: Give Your Body a Break from It

In our everyday lives, whether at home or in the office, we are exposed to radiation! It exists around us all the time. X-rays and photocopying machines are not the only radiation emitters, as many people believe. And since we use either of these two machines too infrequently, any radiation we get from it is really negligible. But what exactly is radiation, and why should we be wary of it?

Radiation (or radiant energy) is one of the 6 forms of energy (the others being sound, electrical, chemical, mechanical, and nuclear) that has the qualities of both waves and particles. It passes through the body, usually without leaving a trace. But over-exposure to radiation can affect body tissues, causing molecular damage, which may lead to cancer. In some cases, when the genetic material of cells in the sex organ is affected, birth imperfections in the children of exposed individuals may result.

But what's more frightening is the fact that anything electronic emits radiation. Yes, we get radiation from our television sets, microwave ovens, mobile phones, and all the other conveniences introduced to us by modern technology. You are probably hoping that it won't be mentioned here - our computers - but since they work because of electronics, they are certainly this generation's predominant source of radiation. According to medical studies, over-exposure to radiation emitted by our computer screens damages our cells. And when this happens, health problems arise, though some are not evident. When you experience the inability to concentrate, slowness in movements, irritability, and fatigue, chances are your body is over-exposed to computers.

Can we get away from it all, especially since computers are almost everywhere? Obviously not. And what about all our other electronic conveniences; should we discard them and alter the way we live altogether? Again, the answer is no. But we can manage radiation levels by giving our bodies a breather. [Read Full Article]

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]

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]