Sunflowers

My very favorite! 

Bazinga

It has been said that the Big Bang Theory is the new Friends, I can deal with that.... 

Craft On

It has been one heck of a crafting winter break! 

Study Tips for All

• Try these tips before you being to study: 
• • Study when sleepy. Bedtime stories are for wimps. Instead of reading The Berenstein Bears, try studying for a few minutes right before hitting the hay. During sleep, the brain strengthens new memories, so there’s a good chance we’ll remember whatever we review right before dozing off. (Just try not to bring work into the actual bed, since it can make it harder to get a good night’s sleep.) And though bedtime is primo study time, it might also help to crack open the books after cracking open those eyes in the A.M. — in the morning, the brain still has lots of room to absorb new information.
• • Space it out. A relatively new learning technique called “spaced repetition” involves breaking up information into small chunks and reviewing them consistently over a long period of time. So don’t try to memorize the entire periodic table in one sitting — instead, learn a few rows every day and review each lesson before starting anything new.
• • Tell a tale. Turning the details you need to remember into a crazy story helps make the information more meaningful. For example, remember the order of mathematic operations PEMDASthis way: Philip (P) wanted to eat (E) his friend Mary (M) but he died (D) from arsenic (AS) poisoning.
• • Move your butt. Research suggests studying the same stuff in a different place every day makes us less likely to forget that information. That’s because, every time we move around (from the library to the coffee shop, or the coffee shop to the toilet seat), we force the brain to form new associations with the same material so it becomes a stronger memory.
• • Switch it up. Don’t stick to one topic; instead, study a bunch of different material in one sitting. This technique helps prepare us to use the right strategy for finding the solution to a problem. For example, doing a bunch of division problems in a row means every time we approach a problem, we know it’ll require some division. But doing a series of problems that require multiplication, division, or addition means we have to stop and think about which strategy is best.
• • Put yourself to the test. Quizzing ourselves may be one of the best ways to prepare for the real deal. And don’t worry about breaking a sweat while trying to remember the name of the 37^th U.S. president (fyi, it’s Nixon): The harder it is to remember a piece of information in practice mode, the more likely we are to remember it in the future.
• • Write it out. Put those third-grade penmanship lessons to good use. Research suggests we store information more securely when we write it out by hand than when we type it. Start by recopying the most important notes from the semester onto a new sheet of paper.
• • Make me wanna shout. Reading information out loud means mentally storing it in two ways: seeing it and hearing it. We just can’t guarantee you won’t get thrown out of the library.

Stay Focused

• • Come together (right now). Group work doesn’t fly with everyone, but for those who benefit from a little team effort, a study group’s the way to go. Pick a few studious pals and get together every few days to review the material. Put one person in charge of delegating tasks (snack duty, music selection) and keeping the group on target with its goals.
• • Treat yo’ self! A healthy holiday cookie, a walk around the block, five minutes of tweet-time: whatever floats your boat. Knowing there’s a little reward waiting for us at the end of just a few pages makes it easier to beat procrastination while slogging through a semester’s worth of notes.
• >• Drink up. Sorry, not that kind of drink. Instead, hit the local coffee shop for something caffeine-filled; there’s lots of research suggesting coffee (and tea) keeps us alert, especially when nothing seems more exciting than the shiny gum wrapper on the library floor.
• • Take a time out. Taking time to plan is one of the most important skills a student can have. Don’t just start the week with the vague goal of studying for a history exam — instead, break up that goal into smaller tasks. Pencil it in on the calendar like a regular class: For example, allot every day from 1 to 3 p.m. to review 50 years’ worth of info.
• • Gimme a break. The KitKat guys said it, and so does science: Taking regular breaks can boost productivity and improve our ability to focus on a single task. For a real productivity boost, step away from the screen and break a sweat during a midday gym sesh.
• • Work it out. Get stronger and brainier at the same time. Research has found just half an hour of aerobic exercise can improve our brain-processing speed and other important cognitive abilities. Jog a few laps around the block and see if you don’t come back with a few more IQ points.
• • Daaaance to the music. As anyone who’s ever relied on Rihanna to make it through an all-night study session knows, music can help beat stress. And while everyone’s got a different tune preference, classical music in particular has been shown to reduce anxiety and tension. So give those biology notes a soundtrack and feel at least some of the stress slide away.
• • Nix the ’net. We’ve all been there, facing the siren call of a friend’s Facebook wall on the eve of a giant exam. If a computer’s necessary for studying, try an app (such as this one) that blocks the Internet for a short period of time and see how much more you get done.
• • Say om. Just before staring at a piece of paper for three hours, stare at a wall for three minutes. Research suggests meditation can reduce anxiety and boost attention span. While those studies focus mostly on regular meditation, there’s no harm in trying it out for a few minutes to calm pre-test jitters.
• • Doze off. When there’s a textbook full of equations to memorize, it can be tempting to stay up all night committing them to memory (or trying to). But all-nighters rarely lead to an automatic A — in fact, they’ve been linked to impaired cognitive performance and greater sensitivity to stress. In the days leading up to a big exam, aim to get those seven to nine hours a night so sleep deprivation doesn’t undo all the hard work you’ve put in.
• • Own the Omegas. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in certain fish, nuts, and olive oil, are known for their brain-boosting potential. One study found that eating a combination of Omega-3-and Omega-6 fatty acids before an exam actually reduced test anxiety.
• • Feel free to inhale. Dusty old library again… or spa day? Research has found that catching a whiff of essential oils (like rosemary or lavender) can help calm students down before a big exam. Skip the frantic last-minute review and try a few minutes of aromatherapy instead.
• • Practice your brain pose. Hardcore yogis tend to have better cognitive abilities — especially attention span — than folks less familiar with Down Dog. A few daily sun salutations may be all it takes to keep centered during finals period.
• • Learn what works. Some people are early birds; some are night owls; some prefer to study with a pal; others need complete and total silence. Experiment to find what’s most effective for you, and then stick with it!

Source: 23 science-backed study tips to ace a test

Witchy Poo

Can't wait to try this one: 

Resume Skills

Things to consider before going to an interview or applying for that job:

Networking

While in the office you are surrounded by successful people with whom you are lucky enough to work with daily.

“Make sure everyone knows who you are,” Michelle Famulare said, junior at Fordham University, and former intern at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Do not be invisible. Introduce yourself to everyone even if you do not directly work with them.”

Learning how to talk to professionals is crucial to your success as an intern and future successes in your desired career path.

“You should network as much as possible with the internship supervisor and employees, but also with your peers,” advised Ari Blau, a New York University graduate and former intern of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and The Daily Show with John Stewart.

Networking with peers is especially important as they are looking for jobs just like you. It might be competitive at first, but once they land a job you have a new connection at a new company.

Mastery of Transportation

Whether getting to work or going on a run for your boss you learn how to effectively travel.

It is smart to always have a metro card handy with sufficient fares so you don’t risk missing a train. Interns most certainly master public transportation, knowing all appropriate lines, stops, and transfers. Interns must also master hailing a taxi. It is not as simple as waving your hands in the air. You have to know your destination and which direction to go, so that you can catch a cab going either uptown or downtown.

Successfully conquering transportation requires assertiveness.

“I have learned to be ruthless when it comes to anything in life, so it doesn’t bother me if I have to steal a taxi from someone else on the street,” said Blau.

Office Etiquette (aka Basic Manners)

Living on a college campus it is too easy to forget basic manners as you are surrounded by students.

One thing boys don’t usually do on campus, that men always do in the office is let ladies on the elevator first. Office manners are crucial.

“Even if you’re in an elevator or the bathroom with someone, always say hello or give them a smile,” Katie White, a student at Cornell University and former intern on Capitol Hill, said. “Don’t whip out your phone and ignore them. That’s rude, and anyone older than about 20 will probably be offended.”

Simple manners or holding the door for someone and making eye contact make you respected in and out of the office.

E-mail Etiquette

Your manners must stick with you even behind the comforts of a computer screen.

Always have your e-mail open at a computer and always respond to e-mails. Just as you would not blatantly ignore your boss if they were talking with you in person, do not ignore them online.

Additionally, it is smart to always send a greeting and sign off with each e-mail. Professional and educated sounding e-mails are important. Your boss may occasionally send smiley faces, or “LOLs,” but is best to refrain from getting into that habit.

You also should not respond sarcastically to an e-mail reprimanding you for something you did wrong. You will send thousands of e-mails in your life, so it is important to master proper e-mail etiquette.

How to Dress

You were born into this world in your birthday suit, not a business suit. Many students don’t know how to properly dress for work, and it varies for each office.

“If you’re concerned about how to dress, take cues from other employees, not other interns,” emphasized White.

Dressing appropriately is key for being respected in the office. Learning to dress is a process, but as your professional style develops you learn to dress better everywhere you go.

The best advice wherever you are is: “you would rather be more professional than less,” Allison Wolf, a student at Virginia Tech and former intern with the FDA, said.

Being an intern is a great opportunity to learn so much about your desired industry. While there your job is to help in any way you are asked, but once you move on from your internship you will see everything you have done and learned makes your life easier in return.

Source: 5 internship skills that don’t go on your resume

Before Choosing Your College

Before choosing your college be sure to ask yourself these questions: 

1.) Is the city or town that the college is located in one that you’d like living in? Or has location never been something that’s negatively affected your day-to-day life?

2.) Is dorm life, as portrayed on a school’s website or seen during your campus visit, the experience you’re looking for?

3.) Does the school have the major you want and is the program sufficient? If not, is there a similar major offered?

4.) Is it a city that will have internships in your field or will you have to travel for that experience?

5.) Is it a social campus, a commuter campus or a quiet campus? Which do you prefer, and are you willing to compromise on this point?

6.) Is the school within your price range or worth going into debt over? Are they offering you scholarships or grants if you go there?

7.) Is the campus visually pleasant and a place you’d be okay spending a good chunk of your time on?

8.) If you end up landing a great job in town before or right after graduating, would you be okay living there? Same question for if you get married or meet the love of your life.

9.) What’s the weather like there? Is there a lot of one kind of weather, like snow or rain, that you love or can’t stand?

10.) Are the professors at the school renowned in their fields? Do they have doctorate degrees or books published? Do you care?

11.) How well does the school rank academically? Are you in a field where that matters at all?

12.) Has the school had significant price hikes from year to year, making it difficult to gauge how much it’d cost to attend for four years?

13.) Are the students at the college happy? Have you researched that or asked around, perhaps by emailing current students?

14.) Does the school have any interesting electives you’d like to take, such as philosophy of film or yoga?

15.) Are there any infringing rules the school places on students even off campus, such as no drinking or smoking, that you’d inevitably rebel against or despise?

16.) Does the cost of living in the city sound reasonable for a college student? (Remember, unless you’re living off financial aid in the dorms, you’ll likely move off campus for most of your years there).

17.) Is the school a weekend trip’s distance away from home? Does it matter to you how far away from home it is?

18.) Do you have any friends or acquaintances attending the school or living in the city? Or does it sound more exciting to you to go knowing no-one?

19.) Is there a line of successful alumni from the school? Have you browsed through the college’s alumni magazine or checked the alumni section of the website?

20.) Is the school located within a reasonable day’s drive to other thriving cities? This could be a consideration if, during your junior and senior years, you can apply for internships and jobs there and be able to drive there and back within the same day for interviews.

21.) Is there a good scene for whatever niche group you’re part of, such as a Christian club on campus or a libertarian group? If not, how about in the city?

22.) Does the college have big or small classes or both? Which do you prefer or think you’d prefer?

23.) Is the campus big or small? Can you reasonably walk from class to class in a decent length of time or would it be better to bike or bus?

24.) Are the professors kind or approachable? Have you checked some professor ratings on sites like ratemyprofessors.com or asked current students?

25.) Can you imagine going to any other school more than this one? Or does this one just feel right? How important do you regard your feelings vs. logic?

Source: The 25-question checklist for choosing a college

Teen's Perceptions of Marijuana

Teenagers' perception of the dangers of marijuana has fallen to the lowest level in more than 20 years, a new study says, prompting federal researchers to warn that already high use of the drug could increase as more states move to legalize it.

The annual survey released Wednesday by the National Institutes of Health found that only 41.7 percent of eighth graders believe that occasional use of marijuana is harmful, while 66.9 percent regard it as dangerous when used regularly. Both rates are the lowest since 1991, when the government first began tracking this age group.

Teens' perception of marijuana risks diminished even more as they got older. About 20.6 percent of 12th graders said that occasional use of pot is harmful. Roughly 44.1 percent believed that its regular use was detrimental, the lowest rate since 1979.

The government-sponsored study said teens' dwindling concerns about the dangers of marijuana, despite the risks, "can signal future increases in use."

"We are increasingly concerned that regular or daily use of marijuana is robbing many young people of their potential to achieve and excel in school or other aspects of life," said Dr. Nora D. Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which is part of NIH. She said teens are influenced by whether a drug is legal in some form when deciding to try it recreationally, so in states where marijuana is sanctioned, "the deterrent is no longer present."

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Volkow cited recently published research showing that people who used marijuana heavily before age 18 had impaired mental abilities even after they quit using the drug. Those who used cannabis heavily in their teens and into their adulthood showed a significant drop in IQ between the ages of 13 and 38, according to the studies.

"Marijuana use that begins in adolescence increases the risk they will become addicted to the drug," she said.

The findings come after Washington state and Colorado voted last month to legalize marijuana and regulate its recreational use, boosted by the strong support of younger voters. While the new laws apply only to adults over 21, the broader effort by states to decriminalize pot use and push the drug toward public legitimacy could confuse the picture for teens.

President Barack Obama said last week that the federal government won't go after pot users in Colorado and Washington state who are legal under their state laws, even though federal law officially bans marijuana possession. Eighteen states and the District of Columbia also have laws in place to regulate the medical use of marijuana.

"Now more than ever we need parents and other adult influencers to step up and have direct conversations with young people about the importance of making healthy decisions," said White House drug czar Gil Kerlikowske on Wednesday.

According to the federal survey, marijuana use among teenagers remained stuck at high levels in 2012.

Roughly 6.5 percent of 12th graders smoked marijuana daily, up from 5.1 percent in 2007.

Nearly 23 percent of the high-school seniors said they smoked the drug in the month prior to the survey, while 36.4 percent used it in the past year. About 45.2 percent reported they had tried marijuana at least once in their lifetime.

Daily marijuana use by 10th graders climbed from 2.8 percent to 3.5 percent, and for eighth-grade students it edged up from 0.8 percent to 1.1 percent.

Source: Teens' Views on Dangers of Pot Fall to 20-Year Low