Ci pinc
Colin Bradshaw-Jones
a skinny latte and fries, please
News is emerging of a strange new bliss...
I may regret making this known so soon, but on the other hand I might not, and I have a funny feeling that it'll make me work on it more.
A new entertainment. Yes really. I'd pencil in July 2011 as a release date, but you never really know. www.enmindenlight.com See you.simple living
Should be an aim of most people. Technology unfortunately often makes life more complicated, but not always.
My top 5 simplifying gadgets today would be:1 My Sonos music system. Combined with
2 Napster. My music is now either stored on an unobtrusive network drive, or piped instantly from the internet. CDs get relegated to the attic.
3. IMAP mail. I think that's right. Now I can read and reply to mail on different devices without forgetting which ones I've answered.
3. Posterous. A simple web-blogging platform (this site is on it) which lets me email snippets, photos etc to post on this very webthing.
4. Getting Quiet. A simple system to quiet the mind. A quieter mind sees things more clearly. www.gettingquiet.com
Now kick back.lunchbox: garlic broad beans
Pod and boil some broad beans in water until cooked. Drain.
Crush some garic over them and add a little butter. Stir.
Serve on a plate with some grated Parmesan or other cheese. Pepper too.
Crush some garic over them and add a little butter. Stir.
Serve on a plate with some grated Parmesan or other cheese. Pepper too.
10 tips for effective learning
Learning new skills and facts can be extremely rewarding. Actually in today’s changing economic climate it’s a must. Change or die is the motto today.
Like in all other fields of life, it pays to prepare carefully so that you can reap the maximum benefit from your time and efforts.
I hope that the following will help ease and speed your path. I’ve put together these tips from many years experience in teaching adults languages.
1 - Set aside a learning period at the same time each day - begin to train your mind to expect to learn at this time. Habit can be a very powerful thing, let’s get it on side.
2 - Don’t try to learn for too long. Around 45 minutes is a good chunk of time. And be sure to take at least a 15 minute break every hour. Walk around the block, take a stretch, listen to some music, have some water. You’re only human after all, so don’t burn yourself out. And trying to cram in too much learning over too long a learning period can be counterproductive. You have been warned!
3 - Relax. Take a shower, do some relaxation exercises before you begin each session. Meditation, Yoga, or a piece of relaxing music. Whatever works best for you. Think of yourself as a mental gymnast who needs to prepare themselves well.
4 - Expect to learn. Tell yourself that you will learn, easily and effectively before you begin each session. Expect to remember. Make a commitment, promise yourself.
5 - Don’t knock yourself out. Even if you feel you’re getting nowhere with your studies, take it easy on yourself. Remember that maybe some things need to filter through your mind for them to become available - ever heard of sleeping on a problem?
6 - Play some classical music in the background. Mozart is particularly effective. Many believe that this will optimise your brainwaves for accelerated learning. I’ve heard that Mozart was hyperactive, and that he instinctively composed his music to bring his own state of mind down. Whole language courses have been written which use this technique - I've even written one myself!
7 - Drink plenty of water. You know that already, right? The brain is mostly water, and it relies on a ready supply to learn effectively.
8 - Break down large topics. How do you eat an elephant? A piece at a time! Create a workable breakdown of what you need to learn and by when. Then work backwards and see how much time you need to spend each day. Plan ahead, be organized, and you can save time later.
9 - Teach someone else what you’ve learnt, or what you’re learning. Telling others is a great way to help you remember things yourself. Simply explaining what you’ve learnt to others will make you draw what you’re learning out of yourself and force you to clarify and refine it. Plus, of course, the other person gets to learn what you’re learning too. Who knows, you might even go up in their estimation!
10 - Have fun, enjoy learning and think of how you’ll feel when you’ve mastered all that you need to know. And always look back and be pleased of what you have learnt, rather than getting mad at what you can’t remember.
Lunchbox - hot tomato and mushroom salad
Half some small tomatoes, or quarter some large ones. Put on an ovenproof plate. Add a few mushrooms if you have some.
Chop or crush some garlic over the top and splash a little olive oil. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
Place in a medium oven for about 15 minutes.
When ready pour the tomatoes and mushrooms over a good helping of salad leaves. Make sure to pour all the juices over too. Mix a little. That's it.
Serve with an iced glass of fizzy water.
Lunchbox - magic garlic mushrooms
Fry some mushrooms in a little olive oil and butter, add some crushed garlic for the last few minutes. I'll also add a tomato to warm through towards the end today, see how it goes.
Serve on some toast or hot French bread. Grate a little parmesan if you like, and some freshly ground pepper. You don't need to butter the toast.the three bears are back in the Beano
For those that are interested. I don't read it myself you understand.
how to write a book without even trying
www.cwmgwrachod.com
Lunchbox - hola spanish omlette
There are a couple of boiled potatoes left from yesterday.
Slice and fry the potatoes in a little olive oil with half a sliced spanish onion. Stir from time to time. I'll add a sliced tomato too. When the potatoes are browned nicely add two beaten and seasoned eggs. Move the mix about a bit to set the eggs. I don't flip the omlette - too risky - I cook the top under the grill.