Materialism - How Much is Enough?

How materialistic our children have become never ceases to amaze me. Did you ever look at what our children want and desire and how much these things cost? Ed Hardy is making a killing marketing to our kids and so is Michael Jordan with his never ending barrage of new-release Air Jordans. How much is enough? What happened to the days of $2.95 Converses and $5 Levi Jeans? No wonder our country is in the mess it is.

Look. Prosperity is a great thing and to be sour grapes over not being able to buy your kids all the things they want is understandable. Ed Hardy and other marketers have every right in this great country to pursue success and happiness. The problem is that these products---$300 jeans, $200 sneakers, etc.---are being marketed in a way that makes our children believe they are necessities rather than superfluities. Sure, if you are in that upper one percent of wage earners who can afford all these niceties of clothing and other ornamental accessories, more power to you. But what about the struggling middle class family-if there is such a thing anymore as middle class-who cannot afford these things, but because of the intense social peer pressures, occasionally indulges their children with these things? For the most part, we are all guilty of this at one time or another.

Peer pressure. I know I feel it all the time. In one respect, this pressure pushes me to work harder to be able to provide such niceties; however, sometimes I wonder at how foolish I am to even think like this. "Must I add to this already vexing problem?" I ask myself.

Social morals are definitely declining and morals are at an all time low. One does not have to conduct a rigorous statistical study to evidence this. So is there any hope that we can reverse this trend? We need to educate our children better and at an ever earlier age as kids are already in possession of cell phones before the teen years. We need to get back to the basics and teach them such things as the "Guns and Butter Theory." Yes, guns are assets like stocks, bonds, real property, and precious metals. Let's teach them to invest some of their wants in the guns so that later on they can get as much butter as they want-which at such time, when they have hopefully become more sensible, they realize they do not need as much butter as previously thought.

By doing this, we teach our kids to invest and this in turn helps spur markets and other beneficial initiatives. Maybe then we can start repairing some of the multifarious problems that plague our once great nation. Otherwise, we may as well become content to die as part of the silent majority, who stands by and does nothing while injustices perpetrate our waning society. What a pity!

See more at Cool Math Site and Cool Math Ebooks

Joe is a prolific writer of self-help and educational material and an award-winning former teacher of both college and high school mathematics. Under the penname, JC Page, Joe authored Arithmetic Magic, the little classic on the ABC's of arithmetic. Joe is also author of the charming self-help ebook, Making a Good Impression Every Time: The Secret to Instant Popularity; the original collection of poetry, Poems for the Mathematically Insecure, and the short but highly effective fraction troubleshooter Fractions for the Faint of Heart. The diverse genre of his writings (novel, short story, essay, script, and poetry)-particularly in regard to its educational flavor- continues to captivate readers and to earn him recognition.

Joe propagates his teaching philosophy through his articles and books and is dedicated to helping educate children living in impoverished countries. Toward this end, he donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every ebook. For more information go to http://www.mathbyjoe.com

Sexual Supplements and a 'Trip-Around-the-World'

"Would you believe in a love at first sight?
Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time.
What do you see when you turn out the light?
I can't tell you, but I know it's mine.
Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends"

So goes the old song about your little friend. However, before you turn on the light, you would do right by yourself if you kept a few little friends in the form of sexual stimulants by the bedside table with a glass of water. However, before you get into modern pharmaceutical options, let's look at some more traditional ingredients of sexual stimulants.

What Goes Into Making Sexual Supplements?
From Indonesia and Malaysia, comes Eurycoma longifolia, or Tongat Ali, as it is also known. This little evergreen is reputed for its testosterone-increasing effect. Also favored by body builders, this little wonder was co-patented by the Malaysian Government and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in December 2003, after extensive research on the isolated bioactive fraction extract.

Epimedium is known by many sobriquets, such as 'rowdy lamb herb,' 'bishop's hat,' 'fairy wings,' and 'horny goat weed.' Obviously, as legend goes, it was discovered by a Chinese goat herder who noticed his goats getting randy after eating this weed. The active ingredient in Epimedium is Icariin and ranges in potency from 5% extracts to 60%.

In certain parts of the US, Tribulus terrestris is considered an invasive species of weed, and we like it for just that. First publicly used by Jeffery Peterman in the 1970s, Tribulus terrestris is known to increase testosterone levels, build muscle and increase sexual drive. It has been used for the same purpose by traditional Chinese medicine, Indian ayurveda and even the unani systems of medicine.

The next stop is 'Peruvian ginseng,' a.k.a. Lepidium meyenii or maca. Found native in the Andes mountain ranges of Bolivia and Peru, it is a root vegetable that grows well only in high-altitude, cold climates. This little plant remained secret for about 2,000 years until the Spanish invaded the area. They used this herb as currency as well. No wonder, since it has been tested to show that it increases semen production and libido and does not affect hormonal balance.

Last but not the least is Ginkgo Biloba, or Maidenhair tree. This hardy tree hit fame when six of the variety managed to survive the atomic blast at Hiroshima, some 1000 meters from the epicenter. What's more, immediately afterwards the trees put out buds. No wonder, the leaves of this 'oldest tree known to man' can fix impotence and help the body develop and maintain an erection.

If you are looking for a safe, herbal sexual supplements that can be privately ordered from an online store; visit firminite.com.

To find out more about the best penis enlargement technique or natural sex supplements go to http://www.firminite.com

Who Celebrities Wear Ed Hardy Fashion by Christian Audigier

See Which Fabolous Stars are Wearing Ed Hardy by Christian Audigier Designs. Some Christian Audigier Celebrity Fans are Britney, Madonna, Jessica Alba, Silver Stalone, Shakira, Missy Elliot, Paris Hilton, Michael Jackson and the List get Bigger!. What you are waiting for to Wear what celebrities Wear?. Get out the Celebrity Inside U. We carry 100% Brand Name Apparel, Ed Hardy by Christian Audigier Shirts, Pants, Fragrances, Caps, Shoes and More. VISIT US @ www.rabadelimports.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sx9jb1yPI4&hl=en

Justin Bieber Love Story:Connected Episode 1

I Know i said i do it after WAN Series but The Truth is It Be On Hold For a While Because I Need To Convert A Video to it. So I Don't Know when i be uploading it. Anyway On with the Story. - ~Sunday Morning~ I wake up in the morning stretching my arms out and yawning. Man it's a big day ahead of me tomorrow. I'm Moving Schools. Finally Now i won't live my life as Hell. I Can't wait to Be in a new school especially with my BFF Jane. She Lives Across the Street with Me. I Wonder if she's in bed or awake. Eeh oh well. I Got up and brush my teeth. after brushing i went downstairs and see breakfast on my plate. - Valerie:"Good Morning,Mom." i greet her with a tone of voice Mom:"Good Morning val." Valerie:"where's dad?" Mom:"Still Sleeping." Valerie:"ahh." i look at my plate and see yummy waffles and im starving. Now Yum! ~After Breakfast~ I Went Back up into my room and shut the door. I pick up the brush,look in the mirror. and brush my hair. my hair is soft and straight, i love the natural thing about it. After a few minutes. the phone start's ringing. - Valerie:picks up "Hello?" Trilina:"What up Cuz?" Valerie:"OMG. Tri?" Trilina:"Hey!" Valerie:"I Never Seen You Since Last Month." Trilina:"Here i Am now!" Valerie:"Ahh." Trilina:"Ahh." Valerie:"So Guess What Now?" Trilina:"What?" she ask in response Valerie:"I'm an 8th Grader Now and I'm Moving to Middle School." Trilina:"Cool. Guess What?" Valerie:"What?" Trilina:"I'm a 9th Grader Now and I'm Moving to High School!" Valerie ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0dMeAEzj1g&hl=en

Black and White - This Season's Hottest Duo

If you are looking for the hottest trend this season, look no further: it's right here in black and white. This classic duo teams up two of the fashion world's favorite shades. While this may not be the newest combination on the block, time has not affected its stylish results. If you work this classic duo right, you can achieve this season's newest red hot look! Here's a few tips on how to look hot this summer with the power of black and white.

The key to pulling off any trend like a true fashionista is to know your body. Learn to play up your assets and downplay your problem areas. Remember to wear black in your problem areas and wear white in the areas you want to highlight. White reflects light so wherever you wear it you will bring attention. For instance if you are top heavy, don't wear a white collared shirt with black pants because this will draw attention upward. Instead opt to go with a black v-neck top with white pants. This will distract people from looking at your problem area. Instead they'll be paying attention to your long legs.

The bold stripe is the big story this season. Whether you're a committed prep or a fashionista hot on the trail of the latest looks, you'll love this twist on black and white. Here's a tip on how to wear it. If you are looking to add a few pounds to a small frame horizontal stripes, are for you. In most cases go with vertical stripes instead of horizontal. Vertical stripes create the optical illusion that you are slimmer and taller. I'm 5'1 so I love vertical stripe pants because it makes my legs appear longer. This is also a great trick for slimming out thighs and elongated your torso.

Black and white are great colors for dressing monochomatically. Dressing monochomatically is basically wearing one color from head to toe. Monochromatic dressing is the favorite trick of many fashion editors, designers, and stylists. It makes everybody look slimmer and taller instantly. Wearing one color also creates that vertical line illusion. For example try wearing the ever so popular white suit and accent it with black accessories. Let accessories add color to your outfit.

The black and white combo is one trend that I love. It's a classic and it looks great on everyone. It can be mod, punk, preppy, and ladylike depending on how you wear it. Even when this trend passes you can easily mix and match it with other clothes within your wardrobe.

Sherita Leslie is a celebrity stylist and beauty expert based in Nashville,TN. For more beauty and fashion tips visit her website http://www.sheritaleslie.com

Prince Jackson Talks April 27, 2009

On April 27, 2009 Prince was going to the Ed Hardy store a reporter asked "How are you Michael?" MJ said " I'm Fine thank you" and you can hear Prince in the backround at 0:05 say " Fine".



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZSVolb0ehk&hl=en

Learning Martial Arts From DVDs and Books - Guidelines For Using Training Resources

We live in great times, particularly if we are "informationaholics". The proliferation of knowledge and its' accessibility has grown exponentially with the increase in disposable income, ease of travel, the development of the internet and the breaking down of the old establishment style of publishing through very conservative corporations. This has resulted in an explosion of creative thought, innovation and sharing of knowledge not only in learning martial arts but in all areas of knowledge.

As a veteran martial artist I have witnessed a change from only having a limited number of systems to learn, almost all based on Japanese karate and Judo, to now where not only do we have access to martial arts fighting systems from all over the world but also the development of completely new approaches, such as Reality Based Self Defense systems and the Mixed Martial Arts phenomenon. And while we may debate as to whether they are completely new or original, they are certainly very new in the way that they have developed and progressed into the highly sophisticated mixed martial arts fighting and self defense systems that they have become.

As mentioned above there has also been an incredible change in our ability to produce and self publish our thoughts and knowledge. In the field of martial arts this has resulted in a huge number of DVDs, books and online video sources available for learning martial arts in all disciplines of martial arts.

In response to this proliferation the diehard martial artists of the old school are still often heard to say that you cannot learn martial artsfrom books and DVDs. In my experience this opinion is far too old school and conformist in attitude and does not take into account the quality of material that is available. It also suggests a protective traditionalist view that has historically stifled innovation and progress in all areas of human knowledge.

I am, however, of the mind that that while learning from DVDs and books does not take the place of a good school and coach it is a great way to compliment and supplement your training, particularly if you are a practitioner of the modern, progressive forms of the martial arts, self defense and competition fighting systems.

As a long term martial artist from the old school and as an academic I am of the opinion that DVDs and books offer fantastic resources for learning all manner of skills. My life as a research scientist in the cutting edge discipline of molecular biology required that I learn and develop new skills and knowledge from various sources, including DVDs, books, seminars and papers that were in many cases open to interpretation and required a large degree of reworking to make them workable.

However, to utilize these resources effectively for martial arts training, or for that matter to learn any skill, we must apply and adhere to a number of guidelines:

1) It is highly recommended that a fundamental education has been undergone to learn the basic principles, techniques and concepts of the particular discipline.
2) When training in a martial arts system that requires work with a partner set up a regular training schedule with a serious training partner who has the same attitude to training - that of learning.
3) When watching the DVD or reading the book, take good notes, carefully observing the details of the technique.
4) Endeavour to get an understanding of the principles and concepts underlying the technique and its' execution.
5) Learn one move or technique at a time.
6) Train and drill the technique slowly working to develop the correct execution.
7) Where possible get an experienced practitioner or coach to observe, improve or correct the technique.
8) After a period of training the technique go back to the DVD or book and re-watch or read the details of the technique again, as we often see more a second time around and after we have been practicing the technique for a while.
9) When learning new techniques try to connect them to knowledge already acquired and train techniques and moves that flow from one to the other.
10) If the technique doesn't work, or your execution feels difficult, go back to the DVD or book and see if you can find out what it is that is wrong.
11) Be aware that some instructional material is either poorly taught or leaves many crucial details out, either intentionally or in some cases unintentionally, as the person teaching the material does not know how they actually do it, they just do.

In summary, it is certainly possible to learn martial arts and self defense techniques from DVDs and books, provided that you follow the guidelines above. However, it is highly recommended that you train in a school that teaches the discipline that you want to learn as you will have access to many more training partners and also the benefit of experienced coaches who can observe and correct your technique so that you learn faster. Indeed if you reflect on the guidelines above they correspond to benefits that a good school or coach will provide when learning martial arts.

In summary, it is certainly possible to learn martial arts and self defense techniques from DVDs and books, provided that you follow the guidelines above. However, it is highly recommended that you train in a school that teaches the discipline that you want to learn as you will have access to many more training partners and also the benefit of experienced coaches who can observe and correct your technique so that you learn faster. Indeed if you reflect on the guidelines above they correspond to benefits that a good school or coach will provide when learning martial arts.

For a great in-depth look at gap bridging strategies, that will compliment your learning in all martial arts fighting systems, check out my very comprehensive resource "Mastering the Danger Zone" DVD series which is packed full of concepts and techniques for set ups and "Bridging the Gap" in Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts fighting and the street self defense situation that will put you way ahead of the game when learning mixed martial arts and Muay Thai. Grab your free video and audio clips here at http://www.UltimateFightingSystems.com.

In addition I often discuss these strategies together with other fight game and self defense tactics in my blog at http://www.UltimateFightingSystems.com/blog that will help you develop your knowledge and experience when learning martial arts and Muay Thai or self defense.