Desi Memes

I know this is short--but check out my new Google+ page, Desi Memes. If you love Indian stereotypes, this is the place for you! I manage it with a friend of mine.

Let me know what you think, and of course, add us to your circles.

https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/100799854145846031899/100799854145846031899/posts

Team #Fail

This was too useful not to share. I know which team I'm on ;) but which team are you?

5 Everyday Questions--Answered

Nerd that I am, many questions enter my mind at every second. But several continue to plague me, and probably several of you too, so here they are: answered.

Why do we sound better singing in the shower?

The shower is a small, enclosed space. You are surrounded by hard, smooth surfaces that cause your voice to bounce back quickly, giving your voice more power than it would ordinarily have. Also, the sounds are bouncing around so much that sometimes they take longer to reach your ears. That way, they sound longer and fuller than they usually would be. 

If you drop a feather and a brick at the same time, shouldn't they fall at the same time?

Yeah--if there was no air. Air resistance acts more against a feather, because it is lighter, causing it to fall slower than the brick.

When you look at a clock, why does the second hand seem to freeze and then continue?

This illusion has been creatively named the "stopped clock illusion". The reason it occurs is because whenever you shift your eyes, though it usually isn't noticeable, you experience a momentary break in vision. When you shift your eyes to the clock, your vision is readjusting, and in that moment, your brain just fills in the blank with the second, so it seems to last a lot longer than it actually does.

Why do we cry when we chop onions?

Cutting up an onion releases a chemical, syn-propanethial-S-oxide, that irritates your eyes, causing them to tear up. What do you think they put into tear gas? Something similar, no doubt.

What happens to body fat when we lose weight?

My brother asked me this at some point, and it bothered me that I didn't know. "Doesn't the skin get all saggy there then?" he asked. "Plus where does that fat go?" I remember knowing this some time ago, but I forgot. Well, it bothered me so much that I decided to look it up. When you lose weight, the fat cells shrink. They don't fall off. They don't disintegrate. As to what happens to excess skin, well, that depends on how old you are. Your skin is elastic. But as you grow older, it doesn't retain its elasticity as well. If you were, say, 10, and you lost weight, the skin would tighten relatively quick. But if you were 41, your skin would have stretched and settled to suit your previous fat. It will show stretch marks, just like after pregnancy. It will be loose, but may tighten after a while, depending on several factors. That's why it's important to drink water, to maintain the elasticity of your skin.

I hope that was both informative and slightly entertaining. I certainly didn't cover every single question that plagues me--just the ones I could remember. I'll post a follow up when it comes to mind. What are some questions that plague you?

My Favourite Online Games

More ways to waste time! Who doesn't want those? Yep, it's here, a list of the most addicting games, bound to keep you hooked.

Hint: keep a Google tab or other educational tab open right next to your game, when your parents walk by just switch to that tab really quickly and stare at it until they leave. Hope that they don't notice. Hope that your computer doesn't freeze.

I'm not talking about MMORPGs. I'll write a separate post for those: I used to be obsessed. These are just no account, quick games that you can play anytime, anyplace. *cough, cough*

Here it is!

This is the Only Level TOO. Play as an elephant. Think outside the box. Be fast. Read the level title for clues. I beat this game. http://armorgames.com/play/5351/this-is-the-only-level-too
Chain Reaction. I beat this game. Click anywhere to start a chain reaction. Meet the goal. There are only 12 levels, so it's unfortunately short. But still, nice. yvoschaap.com/chainrxnadvanced/
The World's Hardest Game. You just gotta have quick fingers for this one. I think my highest is like...20? I forget, I haven't played it in forever. http://www.addictinggames.com/action-games/theworldshardestgame.jsp
The Impossible Quiz. Think outside the box. Also be quick. Expect surprises. No, it is not a logical quiz. I think my highest is question 89...?  http://www.addictinggames.com/puzzle-games/theimpossiblequiz.jsp
Google PacMan. Like the original, but cooler. I haven't gotten past the second peach. google.com/pacman
TypeRacer. There is NO better way to practice your typing skills. I swear. play.typeracer.com
Cat Mario. Oh my god. This is impossible and addicting! And everything's in Japanese. When you die, the evil monsters mock you IN JAPANESE. I mean, what is more infuriating than that?! You need Java to play. Also don't bother translating it. http://www.geocities.jp/z_gundam_tanosii/home/applet/Main.html
Run. There are 50 levels. I have gotten up to 49. Loads of my friends have beat it. There is a normal, fast, and impossible mode, but the impossible is only unlocked once you beat all of the levels. Alien-pigs are pretty awesome. http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/games/run

Of course, the list of games is constantly growing, so I shall definitely add another list when it comes to mind.

Until the next post! :)

Ask Yourself...

Now, I'm not a huge fan of overly cheesy posts. But if you ask yourself these questions, then you will realize things that you need to change. They're also really pretty! The photos are very pleasing.

If these made you question yourself and the way you're living, good. That happened to me too. It might be a long time before I do anything about it, but still. It's there in the back of my mind. File it in the back of yours, too. What are you favourite thought-provoking questions?

More Addicting Apps

Remember the last time I posted one of these? That was a long time ago. But apps keep changin', and so do my opinions. More than is healthy, I think. So here's an all new list of apps you have to get!

Just a little note: I have the oldest iPod in the world. I swear, it's like a dinosaur. So there are probably other addicting apps out there, but these happen to be the ones I can actually download on my iPod.

If  I have indicated that there is a free version, that means that there is a paid and a free version. It also means that I think the paid version is worth the money.

Here are the must-have paid apps for your iDevice.

• Fruit Ninja. Whether you love fruit or you hate it, no one can refuse that slicing fruit isn't fun. Especially when it makes an awesome noise and explodes all over the place. That's exactly what Fruit Ninja is. The objective: slice as many fruit as possible. You can complete achievements, get powerups, and unlock blades and backgrounds. There is a free version.
• Unblock Me. Are you a lover of puzzles? Do you like for your brain to be challenged? Unblock Me is definitely for you. It starts off extremely easy, but there are innumerable puzzles to keep you and your brain occupied. There is a free version.
• Cut the Rope. More puzzles! Meet Om Nom, possibly the cutest monster ever. Find a way to get the candy to him by cutting ropes and activating stuff. Tons of challenging levels and achievements. There is a free version.
• Pinger or Textfree. Made by the same company, these are probably the coolest apps ever. They let you get your own number, text any number in the US and Canada, no limit, for FREE. This whole app is FREE. There are no catches. NONE. Also you can log in and text your friends from the computer at pinger.com/tfw. You can call for free too, but you have to earn/buy minutes. Fantastic app.
• Traffic Rush. This one's an oldie, but it's really great. Prevent the cars from crashing by swiping. There isn't a free version. But it's worth the money.

I hope this list was helpful to all who read it. Feel free to mention your own favourite apps! Also, keep an eye out for my next post: best online games.

Sleeping Tips

Who doesn't love sleep? It's funny how we hated sleep time back in elementary school, when plenty was available to us, but after that even a few hours of sleep is a treasure. That doesn't mean you can't get the most out of your shut-eye. Here are seven must-know facts about sleeping.

1. Hour naps keep you alert for 10 hours afterward. Have to pull an all-nighter? Never fear! Get a good hour of sleep just before, and you're good to go. Be warned, however, you may experience post-sleep grogginess by exceeding 45 minutes of sleep. A solution I always go for is splashing my face with cold water. The shock wakes up your brain. Hopefully.
2. Don't work/study in your room if you can help it. By doing so, you are associating struggling, stress and tension with your room. This can have a negative effect on your sleep--you will start stressing out in your sleep. Of course, this isn't possible for everyone.
3. If you're going to exercise before bed, do it at least 30 minutes before. That's exactly the time it will take for your body to feel tired. Any less than that, and your body will still be alert, and you'll have trouble falling asleep.
4. Stay cool. I find that curling up in my blankets, unless it's really really cold, often has me up in the middle of the night, sweating and sweltering hot. Not good. A cool, relaxed temperature helps for the best sleep.
5. Don't drink caffeine right before bed. Actually, don't drink anything with sugar. This should be self-explanatory.
6. Those who sleep more are less likely to gain weight (and acne). It's true! Sleep deprivation can lead to stress, which can trigger your hormones to start storing fat. Stress also leads to acne.
7. Try to have a regular sleep time and wake-up. Your body works well on a routine. Bathroom stuff comes regularly, wakefulness is much improved, you'll feel less sleepy at other times because your body knows it will get sleep later.

Hope these helped anyone who needed them. What are your best tips for having a good sleep?

To Make You Think

This story never fails to raise a lump in my throat. I've read it quite a few times, but this time when I received it I thought, "I really should post this on my blog." You've probably read this before. But here goes.

There is a story many years ago of an elementary teacher. Her name was Mrs. Thompson. And as she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same.
But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard. Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn’t play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X’s and then putting a big “F” at the top of his papers.
At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child’s past records and she put Teddy’s off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.
Teddy’s first grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners. He is a joy to be around.”
His second grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle.”
His third grade teacher wrote, “His mother’s death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best but his father doesn’t show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren’t taken.”
Teddy’s fourth grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is withdrawn and doesn’t show much interest in school. He doesn’t have many friends and sometimes sleeps in class.”
By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy’s. His present which was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag.
Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children’s laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist.
Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, “Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to.” After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, and writing, and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children.
Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her “teacher’s pets.”
A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he’d stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had in his whole life.
Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor’s degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer—the letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, M.D.
The story doesn’t end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he’d met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the place at the wedding that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together.
They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson’s ear, “Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference.” Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, “Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn’t know how to teach until I met you.”

Five Reasons Not to Read The Selection

I am a sucker for books written in older times, about girls and royalty. I am a total sucker for those. When I saw the fantastic cover of The Selection, I was instantly attracted.

I mean, isn't it an awesome cover? I asked my French teacher if I could borrow it, and the rest of the next two days, my nose was buried in the thing.

The Selection started off great. A girl, America Singer, who is in a low caste, in love with and secretly seeing a boy, Aspen something, in an even lower caste. Typical, clichéd, but still nice. Then America gets the letter...35 girls will be selected to compete for the prince's heart. Again, very typical. But still, it sounded interesting. America doesn't want to sign up, and she talks to Aspen. Aspen feels ashamed that he can't "provide for her", convinces her to sign up, and then dumps her. I mean, what a douche! America, of course, cries and does all that annoying dramatic stuff, gets picked and travels to the palace. There, she meets virtually perfect Prince Maxon, and they fall in love, etc, etc. End? Nope! ASPEN gets drafted, and comes to the palace, and then she basically cheats on Prince Maxon by kissing Aspen and forgiving him. Aspen was a douche, but America is just stupid. Stupid. Stupid idiot girl. The worst part is, they didn't even end the story! They're dragging it on over a series of books, the next of which will come out on April 23 of 2013 (The Elite), and which I will certainly read so that I may vent about it on here.

So instead of a sparkly review of why you'll enjoy Kiera Cass's princess novel, here are a bunch of reasons you SHOULDN'T read the book.

1. The names. America. Maxon. Tallulah. Marlee. Aspen. Those have got to be the most obscure names ever. When I told my friend Thejus that the guy's name was "Aspen" he could not stop laughing. Unique names are good, but not if they're horrible. Please don't ever write a book using the messed up names that this author uses.
2. The plot. So clichéd! So typical! So old! Give me a break and write about something WORTH reading. This book would be better off sold as one of those cheap romance novels for 50 cents. Wait, make that 10 cents. Hell, I wouldn't even pay a nickel to read this.
3. The love triangle. Love triangles aren't necessarily bad. But you have to have a good one for it to be good. A strong central character. Not one who's a complete sass and an idiot.
4. The characters. Can you come up with any more overused characters? America, who's beautiful and a good singer, and brave and attractive. Aspen, who's a jerk, but undeniably handsome, green eyes, black hair, passionate, extremely attractive. Maxon, cute, nice, clueless, royalty. And the other girls in a competition have so little personality that it's annoying. Celeste, the typical "mean but beautiful" girl, the girl that all the guys fall for despite the obvious witchiness. Marlee, the bubbly, cute best friend. The other girls have no character backgrounds at all.
5. The personality. I know I gave this a category before, but the main character herself has no character. None! We get little to no sense of her feelings, her likes, her dislikes, her background, her timeline, her family. Nothing! If not the other characters, at least develop the main one!

I hope you understand the pointlessness and the insignificance of this book, despite whether you decide to read it. I know reading about how messed up it is will make you want to read it just to experience that "What the hell?!" feeling, but please don't fantasize about being in the main character's place. I would rather die than live the dumb romance that America Singer does.

Enjoy.