Lesson 1 on Drawing using the Right Brain

Before I start out the first lesson on this series of drawing tutorial, I thought it may be important for the student to take note that there are two major modes of thinking: the L-mode and the R-mode of the human brain. Without sounding too scientific these two partitions of the brain, literally divided into left brain and right brain and has its own functionalities and skills.

The left being the analytical one, the logical and language base thinker while the right mode is the visual, spatial and the relational thinker.

The most important part of the brain in order to perceive creativity is to let right brain to function on its own without the interference of the left brain. For a newbie in drawing the left brain may actually reacts in an instant a new student holds a pencil and a paper, the reaction would be based on the logical fact that the student has no experience in art thus the fear and the hesitation persists, while on the other hand the right brain which is the non-verbal part easily accepts the task as a challenge and readily visualizes the concept within.

Moreover, in various life activities of daily living both major parts of the brain modes can work hand in hand and with cooperation dealing with the same task and information, with each one holding its own task. The analogy would be in sewing, the other one will hold the needle and the other one will hold the cloth. In basketball the leg carries the player to the right corner and the other aim and shoot and in music one reads the note and keeps pace and the beat while the other plays the melody, tone and expression. Apparently in our daily lives we don’t give a damn what part of our brain hemisphere is performing who’s task.

By putting the two hemisphere in a simple but concrete manner is defining human consciousness in this: Left is intellect while right is emotion, left is logical while right is metaphor, other terms are abound such as Yin and Yang, rational and poetic, abstract and concrete, scientific and imaginative.

But in arts, drawing in particular we need the right brain to lead the job, the left must take a backseat for a while the right jumps and swim to the sea of imagination and creativity without the left being so cautionary prohibiting the right of the dangers of water.

First Activity

Our first activity would be to test your state of mind. You have first to experiment by drawing. Take a clean sheet of paper, a simple bond paper would be nice and a pencil of your choice, and have an eraser handy.

Instruction #1- Draw a picture of a person, whether it is full body, half body, head only or face only, it doesn’t matter. You might want somebody to pose for you if you like, or maybe you can just stand in front of the mirror and draw yourself, either ways would be acceptable.

Instruction#2 – Draw a picture of your own hand, if you are left handed—draw the right and if you are right handed—draw the left. Choose any position that is comfortable and easy for you to draw.

Instruction#3 – Draw a picture of an object, anything that can be found in your room, or just around the house, books, shoes, tables, chairs etc. whatever you choose.After the drawings, flip over the paper and write at the back your impression of the drawings you have just made and don’t forget the important part—put the time and date.

The reason

Since this is just the starting point of the lesson, you might as well want to record your prevailing state of mind during the time you first push that pencil into the paper with the instruction coming from the lesson. The reaction varies, and it is there that evidently has the trace of struggle between the right brain and the left brain; hesitation by the left and the pursuant of the right might be present.

After a series of lessons we can also look back to the improvements of your artistic endeavor whether what areas to improve and what to maintain (that’s the reason of the date at the back)

Next lesson is line drawings and the emotions along with it.

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Pinoy student wins contest in London

An incoming senior at the Philippine Science High School, Gian Dapul, recently won the English Speaking Union’s International Public Speaking Competition that was held in London. His five-minute speech delivery on the theme “New Frontiers” defeated more than 50 contestants from 35 countries. He was chosen to represent the Philippines by winning a local contest held in UP Diliman, Manila a few weeks ago.

Gian was said to have impressed the judges and the audience as well with the humorous delivery of his speech. He is very relaxed in delivering his clear message to the audience. He even replied with great knowledge to the questions that were asked of him about the ethics of stem cell research.

Here is the winning speech of Gian Dapul entitled “Fish Mucus and Foot Fungus” held recently in London. It mentioned the recent scientific finds and his desire to help the Philippines by joining the avant garde army of science researchers discovering new steps in enhancing health and extend life spans.

FISH MUCUS AND FOOT FUNGUS
by Gian Dapul, Champion of the ESU International Public Speaking Contest 2008

When I was in 6th grade, I hated Mathematics. You would have, too, if you had my teacher. He would drop huge workbooks on our tables and croak, "Thirty problems, fifty minutes." A lot of these problems seemed unsolvable, so we complained: "Sir, there are no answers to these!" But then he'd reply, "To every question there is an answer, to every problem there is a solution."

Although I'm only sixteen years old and an incoming 4th year high school student, I know that my country has more problems than any Mathematics book. Strangely enough, the answers to some of our problems are fish mucus and foot fungus. These seemingly improbable items are products of what we call scientific research.

While on the subject, few people know that the most expensive coffee in the world is taken from the droppings of the Asian Palm Civet found in the Philippines and Indonesia. The small mammal excretes the coffee berries it eats, and forest trackers recycle the fruity feces to create what is known as Kopi Luwak in Indonesia or Kape Alamid in our country. Research has led to a synthetic process that simulates the droppings' exotic flavor and quality.

So, who's had coffee with their breakfast? Well, soon nobody will have had coffee and breakfast if the looming global food crisis worsens. Are you all feeling fine? Well, nobody might be fine for long if some new disease creeps up on us.

Health can be enhanced and life can be extended. The nudi branch, a beautiful, soft-bodied creature unfairly called a "sea slug" — a favorite among underwater photographers for its marvelous colors and shapes — has actually been used in tumor research. Samples of fish mucus have also displayed certain antibacterial properties.

And as the Home Shopping Network would say, "Wait! There's more."
Certain types of infectious fungi that coat some of your toes here form beneficial relationships that support plant growth. The International Rice Research Institute based in the Philippines continues to develop ways to improve rice growth and help alleviate the current food crisis.

New challenges are coming, and they will always confront us. What we need is an army of scientific researchers that will help find the solutions in advance. I want to be part of that army that would cross the new frontiers first.

If only we could make science fairs and contests as popular as the thriving "Pop Idol" franchise. Although I'm not sure if Simon Cowell's sardonic comments will sit well with my peers. But we need the same hard-hitting passion in research and invention.

To conduct research is to be innovative; avant-garde. Researchers are like artists with test tubes and lab gowns instead of paintbrushes and smocks. When I graduate from the Philippine Science High School next year, I want to begin my "masterpiece" and apply for a university degree in Biochemistry.

But sometimes, I am discouraged by those who say that a researcher from a Third-World nation is like a Jesuit adhering to a vow of poverty, or worse, like a Benedictine monk observing the vow of chastity. It is indeed a challenge, but it's also another frontier to cross, for me and many young people like me.

We Filipinos are well known for their dedication to service, in foreign homes, hospitals and hotels. In the hotel, I found three Filipinos working there. I want to be one of the pioneers that will make the Philippines known for its excellence in scientific research, as part of the driving force that will expand our horizons towards tomorrow. And I intend to have a lot of fun while doing it.

Going back to my math teacher, I eventually realized that, well, he was right. As he said, "To every question there is an answer, to every problem there is a solution." We just have to go looking for the right ones. Who knows? Maybe one day we'll be answering the questions that haven't been asked yet.

In November 2008, a certificate will be given to Gian Dapul at the ESU Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace by His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. The English Speaking Union will mark its 90th anniversary this year.

Courtesy of: GoodNews Pilipinas

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The Banana Factor

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!

This is interesting.

After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit.

It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration have just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight: Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking & Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, 'eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it with an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around so maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit.

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The Scream

This painting "The Scream" was done sometime late 2004, i can't recall what exactly the date but i still can recall the underlying emotions carried out while doing this. Most of my works are very personal to me; most of the time i only do paintings not to earn a living but to express something. It is done in a wood mounted on another piece of wood using oil.

16x16 in oil,in wood

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So you want to learn how to draw?

I don’t really remember where the concept of “only gifted and talented artists can draw” came from, but surely it takes toll on everyone, sort of laying down the line between talented individuals to those of ordinary ones. Of course there are extra ordinary artists that live here in our midst but that does not discount the fact that we all can be like them or just learn how to draw like them.

I believe that it is really time to re examine our traditional beliefs about creative talent, be it hidden or otherwise. Did you know that we don’t really need a special artistic talent for us to be able to draw? Drawing is like reading, it can be learned over time with the right attitude and discipline. Can you imagine if we all believe that reading are only for those people who had a god-given talent to look into those books and identify letters? Reading has nothing to do with genetics, so as drawing.

So the first thing we have to learn before I started giving some insights in drawing/sketching/painting let us first kick roadblocks to our paths in order for us to have a smooth travel along the way. Our first roadblock is the word “no talent for drawing.” Let’s kick it out first!

The feelings most everyone felt when they are confronted with a blank white paper and a pencil in hand is somewhat fearful. Anxious students are all worried that their drawing skills are all weak and really don’t know where to start, coupled with surprising meekness and even crestfallen agreement. It is like your first day in a speak French class where the instructor suddenly called you and make you stand in front of the class and instruct you to suddenly speak French. Dreadful.

Artistic talent has always seemed rare and extra ordinary because we always expect it to be like that. We often regarded artistic ability as unreachable and unteachable, and most of the times teaching habits remained unchecked. Others might regard artistic ability as non-essential especially in these modern technological times, yet we do value creativity, in all aspects of our works and daily life we seek ways in which to be more creative ourselves. The question is: Do we have to possess a God-given talent in order to be creative? Or is it possible that creativity can be taught?

The perceptual skill

Any person with the sound mind can draw; anyone who has eyes can learn how to draw. Have you seen those handicapped people who do not have legs and arms but have held their one-man painting exhibit recently? You will be stupefied by how they manage to paint those landscapes and still life painting without hands; much more of an arm, really amazing isn’t it? That goes to show that talent and creativity does not lay on the hands alone. If you have eyes and you can see things better, and you have a sound mind to go along with it then you can learn drawing too. Talent and creativity can be achieved if you will have a “trained” eyes and a “creative” perception.

Perceptual skills can be learned, their use is of the same as using a basic language and mathematical skills. If you will be using your perceptual skills along with the art, then eventually you will become an artist through time, just like everybody else who uses language and mathematics along with perceptual skill and eventually become writers and mathematicians. But in order to go further or to advance in the field one must go beyond the basics and advance and enhance whatever they have learned. That is to enhance thinking skills.

In the next series of topic I will start pointing out how to enhance your perceptual skills that will greatly help in any creative process of daily life, including drawing using the right side of your brain.

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How to Download YouTube Videos

How To Download YouTube Videos

YouTube is the most successful video hosting site in the cyber world today. It is a phenomenon in its own rights. At this time of writing YouTube is hosting a more or less 6.1 million videos requiring about 45 terabytes of storage space.

Everyone who knows computer knows YouTube and everyone I know have uploaded something in the site for various reasons—personal or business, hobby or pastime you name it. As the popularity of the site became widely known people wants a piece of the spot—thus people long to have their favorite MTVs, tutorial clips, scandal snip, or anything they are really fond of from the site into their desktop.

That’s why I made this little tutorial video on how to download your favorite clip from Youtube and convert it into various format to view at your own pace. Please share it to everyone you know or you can help me by rating it. I’m planning to post more tutorial videos in my blogsite as my way of sharing whatever knowledge I may have stumble in the cyber world.

I hope you enjoy it.

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Live Longer, Live Better

We are what we eat. So goes the old saying—it may be a cliché for most of us but old sayings often are the best proverb around, especially when it comes to taking care of our body. When it comes to health I most especially like those foods and drinks which I believe will help our body cleanse our system and will eventually heal the damage caused by aging and pollution.

I include them in our regular household meal plans. Extra vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other healthy substances benefit our body and prevent illnesses related to old age.

Foremost in my list are the green and leafy vegetables. I know that you won’t be that interested with what I am going to say, about the advantages of eating more vegetables. But talking about it is inevitable. Five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day will result in a big decrease of heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, among many others.

Green tea is known to others as a good supplement. It is indeed an essential thing if it is included in our daily life. It is considered a supplement also for longevity in Asia especially in China for many years already. Green tea is not expensive, and is composed of chemical concentrations our body needs. It is delightful and has the ability to give mild energy boost from the caffeine ingredient found in it.

Make water your main drink as it is good for you. This idea is basic, even if there is some dispute about this from experts all over the world. In drinking plenty of water, we will be drinking no chemicals and no calories all day long, which is good for the body.

Avocados are known to be an anti-aging food. They are very scrumptious and one of my loving partner’s favorites especially if prepared cold. They are full of healthy fats that will help our cholesterol level improve.

Berries taste very good, and are full of antioxidants and other minerals that will help maintain and prevent the damage done by aging. Any kind of berries is okay, but it is better to eat it without sugar or sauces. Eating it plain is better for your body.

At the end of the day, have a glass or two of red wine to unwind and relax. It is good for us, as it has a substance called resveratrol to help prevent sicknesses related to old age.

Last but not the least, dark chocolate is also good for you. It will not harm our body and has lots of balance of fats. Healthy chemicals are also found in dark chocolates that will cater to our body needs. But chocolates are known to have lots of calories. So I think it is better to eat in moderation everyday.

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My First Experience with PayPerPost

Every blogger wants to be read and subscribed on—I mean who wants to write and write with no one reading what you have written? As every performer longs for applause from the audience, a blogger finds solace, consolation and comfort if he knows someone is reading his article. Another comfort every blogger find is being able to monetize his site.

PayPerPost adds another consolation for every blogger treading the blogosphere. They will pay every blogger for every review posted on his site. Different amounts depend on the blog rank on Alexa and Google. PayPerPost actually takes care of their blogger members, not just because they benefit from them. I happen to like most their tips on how to improve your ranking on Alexa and Google. Doing so would mean your blog popularity and additional subscription thus entail a much higher revenue in posting reviews.

Support such as this from PayPerPost and other affiliates makes blogging more dynamic and alive. Homebased workers benefit greatly as a part time earner finds it can augment their day job income. Advertisers on the other hand are reaching the inner core of their target audience as blogging are grounded on the grass roots level: ads are being exposed to more consumers.

With PayPerPost around, the future of blogging are being ensured. Personally the first time I posted article on my blog, I never thought that I would make money doing so—Okay, it’s not big money but at least it's decent money coming from my own effort. The only thing is I would never sacrifice my blog content in exchange for a more paid posting—it is my unpaid post after all that makes me qualify to get a paid post.

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For the love of Lady's Finger

Lady’s Finger is the common name of what is called “Okra” here in hometown; a somewhat ordinary vegetable that is being underestimated by many can do wonders. A widespread of diseases plague the news everyday— reports from the TV, information from friends, rumor from officemates, and everywhere. Maybe the reason for the diseases is just diet that a person is following. There are others, who are into a vegetable or a white meat diet, or a fish diet—whatever food preference you may have is always worth to have a second look on the food that you take and those you ignore.

There is this one guy who has been suffering from constipation for more than twenty years now and just recently he was found to be afflicted with acid reflux. But he discovered one thing—the treatment is simply okra or lady’s finger.

Within the span of two months and ever since, this guy never took any medication again after he started eating okra. Just six pieces of okra everyday, and now his bowel movement is regular, his blood sugar dropped from 135 to 98, and his cholesterol and acid reflux are all under control.

Even the former President of the Philippines, Corazon C. Aquino, was not exempted from diseases and was recently found out to have colon cancer. The news shocked the whole country and the consciousness of having a healthy lifestyle immediately became everybody’s concern. Indeed cancer has no preference whether what social status you belong to.

Some okra facts were verified. Okra is full of valuable nutrients, half of which is soluble fiber in the form of gums and pectins. This soluble fiber helps to lower the serum cholesterol, thus reducing the heart disease risk. The other half is the opposite which is insoluble fiber which keeps the intestinal tract healthy, thus decreasing the risk of cancer, especially the cancer of the colon rectal.

Almost 10% of the recommended levels of folic acid and vitamin B6 are also found in a half cup of cooked okra. Always remember these few points about okra:

1. The fiber found in okra helps to alleviate blood sugar as it limits the rate where the sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.

2. Different alternative health practitioners believe all diseases begin in the colon. The fibers found in okra, and its water helps prevent constipation. Fiber in general is helpful for this but okra is one of the best, along with the ground flax seed and psyllium.

Unlike harsh wheat bran, which can irritate or injure the intestinal tract, okra's mucilage soothes, and okra assists in the elimination more comfortably by the slippery characteristic many people dislike.

In other words, this very valuable vegetable not only binds excess cholesterol and toxins (in bile acids) which cause plenty of health problems, but also assures the easy passage from the body.

This okra is non-toxic, non-addictive, has no unfavorable side effects, is full of nutrients, and is so affordable to most people. And most of all it is very, very cheap you can even plant it in your own little space without much maintenance—in less than a month you can have the Lady’s Finger at your fingertips.

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Search for the Look of the Year

Would you like to find a way to get recognized? Or may even be noticed by a top modeling agency to start your lustrous career, or simply win as much as USD 10,000? If this is overwhelming for you start acting now and join the http://www.lookoftheyear.com

They are looking for young, beautiful people from all over the world who are fascinated in glamour and modeling, and who are interested to join in this beauty contest. Send in your finest pictures, and who knows? You may be the next sought after model in Milan, New York and in Paris. This could be the start of the life-changing career you’ve ever wanted by joining the http://www.lookoftheyear.com.

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