Do Toilet Novelty Items Adorn Your Bathroom? Study Finds a Common Link to Bad Potty Training

Bathroom humor is a very popular concept of many colleges and single male bathrooms. Males seem to gravitate to this genre as a way to poke fun at one of the most important daily rituals that each and every person must go through. Toilet novelty items such as toilet tattoos, toilet paper with $100.00 bills or barbed wire imprinted on them are commonplace amongst the frat houses and bachelor pads across the country.

So what is it that draws an individual to adorn their bathroom with toilet brushes with the heads of past presidents or leopard skin padded toilet seats? Studies have found that this type of individual has deep seated issues stemming from negative experiences with potty training when younger. Yes, it has been proven that individual males who had difficult times graduating from the diaper to the potty, are more 87.2% more likely to use bathroom humor as a way to compensate for their failures in early childhood.

If we dissect the type of personality even further, we find that not only do they adorn their bathrooms with pictures of toilet seat clocks and light switch covers, they do so with pride. Their idea of normalcy in adding these types of bathroom decorations seem to promote a level of humor as a way to help the guest relax while they do their business.

In conclusion, if you know such a person that decorates their bathroom with toilet novelty items such as the ones mentioned above, you now know why they do so and can be more knowledgeable about their affliction.

Beating Distraction - Five Ways to Make Your Computer Disappear

Do you remember when owning a computer was a novelty? Few of your neighbors had one, and they were very expensive. Being a computer owner was like being a member of an elite club. Nothing lent an air of up-to-date sophistication like computer ownership. Those were heady days, with more time spent on configuration and learning DOS commands than actually using the computer in a productive way.

That excitement was good. Most of us learned how to do things, not because we needed to, but simply because we could, because it was there. You could be a User, or better yet, you could be a Power User! The major difference between the two is that while the Power User knew everything about how to run a program, the User actually ran it.

At some point, the novelty needs to wear off enough that you can actually sit at your computer, and work, without being distracted by all the "things it can do". I am convinced that the most productive computer users are the ones who need to be shown how to do things-they learn what they need to know, and then get to work! These users get a lot done, but they really need us Power Users to get them through rough spots. As a Power User, I see myself as having a critical role in my place of employment. Often my biggest contributions are made by helping others do a better job by teaching them shortcuts, or showing them a better way. Sometimes I seem to waste time because I cannot run a program without finding out all that it can do. What I've learned is that it is only a waste of time if I keep my learning to myself-as I share with other workers I am actually doing my job!

What about when you really have to get something done? Here are five ways to make your computer "disappear":

Manage your workspace Rearrange your office or your desk so that the computer screen is not the main focal point. All too often we arrange things so that working on the computer is the default position. If you have enough room, keep the main part of your desk clear, even if it means moving your monitor out of the way when you don't need to look at it.
Work with an uncluttered screen Whether you use Windows, OSX, or Linux, there is a lot of eye-candy on today's desktops. Turn off the widgets and the special effects. Set your background to a simple colour rather than an inspiring photo or fancy graphic. It is also a good idea to remove as many shortcuts from your desktop as possible, especially shortcuts for games or social-networking sites. Clean up and minimize program menus and toolbars. The "ribbon" menu in Microsoft Word 2007 is really cool, but it also screams "look at me! see what I can do! Click me!" If you are not working on formatting, hide the ribbon and just write!
Focus on content instead of presentation With all the power of productivity software, there is always the temptation to format "on the fly." Sometimes it is best to choose a simple font, like Courier, tell yourself that you will make it look pretty after the writing is done, and focus only on the real task, which is to deal with the content.
Try using paper and pencil Computers make it too easy to fix mistakes, so when we write we are constantly editing and proofreading at the same time. Working with pencil and paper is helpful because editing is more difficult. The end result is that the flow of ideas often suffers from fewer interruptions when writing by hand.
Get excited about your work If you are like me, the sheer joy of working with computer technology may never completely wear off. Frankly, I would not want it to! However, if I am faced with the choice between playing with the computer (which I love to do) or doing some work that I really do not enjoy, the playing will win out every time. Look for reasons to get more into your content work and you will discover that the distracting power of your computer will no longer rule you.

Why Doing One More Crossword Puzzle is Not Brain Training - The Importance of Novelty and Challenge

You probably have heard many times "Use it or Lose it", on the importance of mental stimulation to keep our brains active with activities such as reading or doing crossword puzzles.

The question is, what exactly is mental stimulation? and, is all mental stimulation the same? is doing your first crossword puzzle the same as doing crossword puzzle number one million?

The answer: it's not all the same. Real mental stimulation or "brain training" is different from "easy", routine, mental activity.

Let's take the example of physical activity. There is a clear difference between physical activity and physical exercise. Physical activity occurs whenever we move our body or engage in a leisure activity that involves moving our body (e.g., playing pool). Physical exercise (e.g. jogging) refers to the repeated and structured activity of particular parts of our bodies. Both physical activity and physical exercise are good, but it is exercise the one that helps build muscle and improve functionality.

Similarly, mental exercise (you can also call it "brain training"), goes beyond mental activity. Mental activity takes place whenever one is awake, ranging from merely day dreaming to reading a book or learning a new language. Mental exercise or brain training refers to the structured use of cognitive exercises or techniques. Its aim is to improve specific brain functions.

Understanding the difference between mental activity and mental exercise is crucial. For instance, many people feel that they are doing the best for their brain after having completed their daily puzzle. However crossword puzzles challenge a relatively narrow range of cognitive skill and thus stimulate only a limited range of brain regions. A 1999 study showed that increased amount of experience in doing crossword puzzles does not modify the effect of age measured in tasks requiring vocabulary and reasoning (Hambrick et al.,1999). Crosswords puzzles generate mental activity but they do not constitute a brain training program!

This points out to the key word in brain training: variety. One needs a variety of challenging exercises in order to stimulate the whole brain. Recent recommendations made by a panel of experts reviewing a poll by the American Society on Aging (2006) stated: "A single activity, no matter how challenging, is not sufficient to sustain the kind of mental acuity that virtually everyone can achieve." Even if one's goal is to improve memory functions, other brain functions need stimulation to achieve that goal. For instance, attention and concentration are essential to good memorization.

Systematic brain training programs can be designed to lead to brain change in a more efficient way that random daily activities may. A combination of both may be ideal. Learning a complex skill such as learning the piano helps train and develop some parts of the brain. Well-designed training programs may help train and develop other parts. Defined as the structured use of cognitive exercises or techniques aimed at improving specific brain functions, brain training includes a range of research-supported techniques or approaches, such as cognitive therapy and meditation, along with the most popular brain fitness software.

An example: Why Meditation is Brain Training

You may be wondering what meditation has to do with brain training. In fact, meditation has been shown to improve specific cognitive functions such as attention. As such it can be considered as a brain training technique.

A number of studies have compared people who practice meditation to people who do not. The problem with these studies is that people in both groups can be very different. Thus the benefits observed in the group practicing meditation could be due to other things.

Recently, a more controlled study was conducted that showed a specific effect of meditation on attention. In this study, Posner and his colleagues (2007) randomly assigned participants to either an Integrative Body-Mind Training (IBMT) or to a relaxation training. Both trainings lasted 5 days, 20mn per day. IBMT is a meditation technique developed in China in the 1990s. It stresses a balanced state of relaxation while focusing attention. Thought control is achieved with the help of a coach through posture, relaxation, body-mind harmony and balance. The results of this study showed that after training, participants in the IBMT training group showed more improvement in a task measuring executive attention than the control group. The IBMT training also helped reduced cortisol levels caused by mental stress.

Styles of meditation differ. Some technique use concentration meditation, mantra, mindfulness meditation, while others rely on body relaxation, breathing practice and mental imagery. It is not known so far what aspects of meditation or which techniques are the best to train one's brain. Scientists are researching what elements of meditation may help manage stress and improve memory. For instance, Dr. Andrew Newberg is currently conducting a study where 15 older adults with memory problems are practicing Kirtan Kriya meditation during 8 weeks. Preliminary results in terms of the impact on brain functions seem promising.

In summary, yes, "Use it or Lose It", but please remember that not all ways to use our brains are the same.

It may be time for a new saying: "Exercise it and Improve It".

Copyright (c) 2010 SharpBrains

WC are novelty items to decorate your bathroom? Study finds a connection to the town of Bad Potty Training

Bathroom humor is a very popular concept in many schools and a men's bathroom. Men seem to be attracted to this genre as a way each day for a tour of important rituals that each person has to go through. Novelty items such as toilet tattoos toilet toilet paper with printed $ 100.00 bills, and the usual barbed wire between the houses on frat bachelor pad and across the country.

So what is to decorate an individual takes theirBathroom with a toilet brush with the leaders of the past presidents or padded toilet seat leopard skin? Studies have shown that this type of individual has deep problems that stem from negative experiences with the pot when younger is sitting. Yes, it was found that single men, the hard times of the study for the diaper to potty, bathroom humor was most often, 87.2% use it as a way to compensate for their deficiencies in early childhood.

If we dissect the nature ofPersonality even more, it turns out that not only decorate their bathrooms with images of clocks and light switches, toilet seat covers, they do it with pride. Their idea of normality in addition to this type of bathroom decor seems a level of humor as a way to relax on the assessment as they do to promote their business.

Finally, if you know of someone that their bathroom decorated with novelty toilet items such as those mentioned, now you know why they doand more knowledge as possible about their suffering.

Online Birthday Gifts

Some of the most precious birthday present you can give or receive are those that cost very little. gift manufacturers and suppliers has long been the exchange of ideas and thoughts on unique gifts and innovative products with consumers. The best gift suppliers who believe quality should not be sacrificed so that customers benefit from sending a gift individual and unique.

This online shopping is to find an assortment of birthday for all types of requirements. A greatNumber of birthday gifts are available online customization as well. Best of all, this is often done for free. birthday gifts that are a sense of family pride to offer, for example twins family crest. There are also personalized manicure sets, travel bags for children and adults, personalized pendants, necklaces and bracelets. A variety of novelty gifts and lifestyle to those who are pet loving, gardening and cooking buffs and fansexist. When you search for something fun and practical, why not look even clothing for the whole family individually.

Recently, more and more people have started one of the most modern birthdays, one that has proved a popular seller need to be - personally labeled wine, Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay and Champagne to be estimated only some of the wines offered for sale at incredible prices per bottle, although some state Web sites to a minimum of six years. In contrastby fine wines, which offer a little something more, a personal and private label that is created in the situation. This makes it ideal for birthday presents for that wine lover in your life, not to mention your life that are hard to find.

Other popular birthday gifts are available online are in the form of gadgets. There are custom USB sticks with 1GB of memory, a birthday present and very useful for those on the move. Or how about a mouse pad with greatactual USB ports that can be purchased less than 20 pounds.

For those of birthday gifts for children, boys and girls, is a wonderful selection of games, learning and fun. Fields include electronic gadgets such as crossword puzzles, electronic dictionaries and more. Not to mention remote controlled cars and custom CD with interactive stories and learning activities. Why not try a gift that brings together children with learning findFun?

Although the gifts are still many people who go physically and from the shops and markets, a growing number prefer to contact suppliers online. There are several reasons for this change in consumer behavior, value for money and easy comparison with only two of them. Convenience is the main reason for the popularity of online shopping, gifts can be chosen independently from the time of day from the comfort of home. In addition to these many sitesYour gifts so directly to the recipient, which are ideal for those who live far from their loved ones and see how it is delivered in time for the event. Whatever your reasons, it is a gift shopping online is a natural choice.

Christmas is regarded as a Day of Giving

Christmas is a day to start. There is no known source, because this is a special day "Giving Day" but it can be with the evaluation of teaching Christianity, as the word Christmas has been translated as the day of Christ started.

Christians around the world celebrate this day to remember, as God gave his only begotten Son into the world for the salvation of mankind and is considered the greatest gift of all. Perhaps this idea has led many to follow this example, thewhat it is, because Christmas was a "Giving Day.

Although he started with the Christians, has taken this tradition and Commerce has made a business of catering to those who buy something, to give needed. All commercial establishments are prepared for time to transform ideas Christmas gift, and most of them will be in the form of Christmas gift baskets.

Gift baskets are great because they keep things in a beautiful way. There is no need for gifts in a way that packetcan not be estimated. Christmas gift baskets can be filled with products, what you're looking for. Many of the baskets are decorated with beautiful ribbon belts and more colorful.

Making gift baskets for Christmas is a wonderful idea, because what we want it to be filled with the vacant post. For example, give a gift to a homeless shelter and then a large basket with a variety of foods that are filled acceptable. Christmas gift baskets can be filledfor children to use to play with. Each basket is unique and has its own inside. No place is the same, and the person who can really decorate the basket for any occasion.

Wood Display Carts Help You Sell Merchandise

Wood display carts are an appealing away to display your merchandise. They evoke the charm and serenity of days gone by-wagon trains, flower carts filled with daisies, docks down by the river, crates from the four corners of the world filled with exotic goods. Consider all the ways you might use wood display carts to sell your merchandise.

Flower carts were originally for selling flowers, of course, but there are many other things you can do with them. Take your flower cart to a football game and sell coffee, hot chocolate, and homemade cinnamon roles. Or take it to a baseball game and sell hot dogs, bottled water, and ice cold lemonade. Consider contracting with a local business to sell their products at fairs and carnivals. Use it as a registration table for PTA events, or put some books and candy in it and wheel it around a nursing home or hospital.
A wooden wagon display cart conjures up pictures of fall hayrides and trips through freshly mown fields. Park your rustic wood display cart outside your establishment and create an autumn display, complete with hay bales and fresh fall produce. Use it to sell watermelons and cantaloupe in the summer, pumpkins and apples in the fall. Take it to a festival and use it to sell your merchandise. Make it into an old-fashioned chuck wagon and sell beans and cornbread at a fall festival.
Imagine a bustling dockside on the Mississippi River, men hoisting crates, taking them from the steamboats and loading them into carts on the dock. Those are the sorts of images evoked by an old-fashioned wood crate display cart. Crate display carts are deep and rectangular, and have three compartments. They're adjustable, so they can lie flat, be set vertically, or set diagonally to better display the wares inside. Consider using the association with 1880s America to your advantage by displaying bolts of cloth, handmade quilts, maybe shirts and pants. Cast iron skillets and kitchen wares would also look great, sold from your wood display cart. Video stores and book stores might use a wood cart on the sidewalk outside their establishment to display heavily discounted sales items.

Wood display carts are a great way to display merchandise and get people talking. Evoke simpler times and sell big. Use them indoors or outside, and add a touch of the frontier to your sales displays.