Raw Living

I recently completed a 30 day raw diet. If you don't know what a raw diet is, let me explain. The "raw" diet means everything I ate was raw (uncooked or processed) for thirty days. The raw movement was popularized in the mid 90's when all the Hollywood celebrities were trying to get fit. At the time it was so new and trendy there were raw restaurants everywhere. Now the trend has died and only a few restaurants remain.

The diet was difficult for the first few days because I would miss simple things like bread and cheese. After two weeks the cravings went away and the real hunger kicked in. I don't know if it was because the body processed raw food faster, or if I wasn't eating frequently enough, but for whatever reason I was always hungry.  

Most people growing up in an urban environment in America don't learn about nutrition. The majority of the Caribbean, Latin, Indian, and soul foods are heavy in fat, starches, and oil. Individually these substances aren't a problem but in high enough quantities they cause heart disease, asthma, diabetes, liver and kidney failure, ending in death.

This may sound a bit extreme to be talking this way about food...but its true. If a person adds a few fresh fruits and vegetables to their daily caloric intake. It can reduce visits to a doctor, prevent sickness, provide energy, stamina, strength, and add years to your life. 

What's interesting about the raw lifestyle is that most cooked meals have a raw substitute. Such as raw pasta with Alfredo sauce, cheesecake, brownies, burgers and hundreds of other foods. At the end of my thirty days, I lost a lot of weight and learned some new things about health and nutrition.

If you want to learn more about raw living check out the video below, and for raw recipes and desserts check out The Rawtarian.

How 2 Make Free Money

There is a simple way to make allot of money. First have a good idea, second...ask for it. I know that sounds like a no-brainer but its true. There's a name for this type of fund raising and its not beggar. Its called venture capitalist funding and its a respected profession. Venture capitalist fund raiser's are people who accept donations for starving children in Africa, for public schools, and land development. They are wall street business types that operate non-profit organizations. These are real people who care about making the world a better place.

The term venture capital means money provided to a high risk but also high potential start-up company. Most companies that need venture capital are biotechnology, or software companies that have some new invention they need funds for to market and produce their product. That is exactly what the people at donorschoose.org do, except they're fund raising for education. Their idea was so good they got a donation from miss money banks herself...Oprah Winfrey. She really supports education and is willing to donate to venture capitalists who come up with innovative ways to provide it. 

So the next time you hear a school or hospital was built in the US or some poverty stricken country from venture capital funding you'll know what it means. Also if you're feeling generous and would like to assist in donating to one of hundreds of education, housing and land development projects click on the links above.

Cell (phones) Can Cause Cancer

The title may seem like something you would see on a conspiracy website...but its true. Recently the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) concluded a study showing the radiation from cell phone use can cause brain cancer. The study was conducted by numerous different scientists and doctors from across the globe. They classify cell-phones in the same category as lead, chloroform, and carbon monoxide. The phones act like miniature microwave ovens causing the cells to rapidly duplicate leading to tumors.

There's a video on youtube showing how strong the radiation from a cell phone is. They put three cell phones in a triangle around a kernel of popcorn and make them ring. I few seconds later the kernel pops. Think about it.. if the phone is strong enough to pop popcorn... imagine what its doing to your brain.

This doesn't mean you need to throw away your cell phone and it doesn't mean that you're going to get cancer from having it against your ears every once in awhile. What it does mean is that you need to use a phone mic/headset when talking on the phone. What the study shows is that having the cell phone against your ear allows the radiation to damage the brain causing the tumors. So if you keep the phone a foot (30 centimeters) away from your head at all times it won't have the damaging effect.

In a different study some scientist found that the same cell phone radiation effects a persons bone density. Meaning if you keep the phone in your pants pocket all the time it will soon weaken your bones. Its better to keep it in a coat bag, backpack, or somewhere away from the body...until cell phone makers lower the radiation levels. Check the videos below for more information.

Smart Testing

I often here the statement “education is the key to success”. That’s true in some ways but misleading in others. Its not how much a person studies that makes them successful. It's a mix of what they study and how they apply those lessons in life. If you’re a Chemistry major and all you study is English literature, it probably won’t help you graduate. Or if you're a History major but spend the majority of the time reading books on plants. You will know how to grow a garden but won't have a degree.When you think about it, the only universal language is mathematics. Why? Math is the same in every country. No matter where you go, whether it be city, town, or village...1 + 1 will always equal 2.

I'm a strong supporter of continuing education and that's why GMAT preparation is useful.  The GMAT is an analytical exam that focuses on learning to think, rather than lesson memorization. In most schools they use standardized tests like the SAT's (Scholastic Aptitude Test) which require students to remember large quantities of information. Most of which is forgotten once the test is over. This type of learning does strengthen the memory but doesn't teach students to think for themselves. This ability is necessary for students doing post graduate studies in fields like Law, Medicine, Business and numerous other careers. 

The GMAT is one of the tests that doesn't just help with school. It helps students achieve their goals in life. For more information about the GMAT and companies that assist in preparation for the exam check out their website.