Archive for April, 2008
Apr
29
Posted under
Video Games
I read this particular article about Nintendo not cutting prices on the Wii gaming console and DS handheld game system. According to Nintendo’s CEO, Satou Iwata, “While the price of hardware is usually reduced over time, that could leave gamers who bought early feeling ripped off.”
Personally, although I agree with Mr. Iwata, I still believe that the advantage of gamers who bought the console early is the amount of time that they were able to play the Wii compared to those who waited until later. Still, everybody has their own opinion on the matter and for that I agree with the decision of the company.
Speaking of the Wii console, the much expected Mario Kart Wii just recently came out in the US. The package (sold at a retail price of $49.99) comes with a Wii Wheel to get a better feel of the driving experience.
The best thing about the Wii is that the controller or Wii Remote was designed to create a more interactive experience for players. The motion detection feature of the remote alone has attracted casual gamers, women, and the elderly.
Another good point to it is that some games require players to move in a certain manner giving the player a bit of an excercise compared to other consoles where you could play the game while sitting comfortably. A good example would be the game Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2008. In order to play it using the remote (without the nunchuck extension), you will have to perform actual golf swings. Although some player’s cheat by swinging the remote like a bat (which would actually give you a better performance in the game when done right. There’s always an option for those who don’t feel like moving around or does not have enough room to play - that option being the nunchuck.
Apr
24
Posted under
Health and Fitness
While browsing some of the latest news, I encountered
this article about obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure as one of the leading factors that caused the decline in life expectancy among women in the US. According to the associate professor of international health at the Harvard School of Public Health, Majid Ezzati, “There is now evidence that there are large parts of the population in the United States whose health has been getting worse for about two decades.” So in line with my previous posts, let me provide you with some information on how to deal with the three issues at hand.
Smoking - Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the US, according to the World Health Organization. Some of the diseases caused by smoking are: different cancers (especially lung cancer), cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, and respiratory illnesses like bronchitis. Smoking also causes cataracts which may lead to blindness, decline in cognitive functions, and the worst for males, impotence!
Like what the WHO categorized it as, smoking is preventable. There’s really no need to smoke. If you’re having trouble giving it up, read my previous post about breaking the bad habit.
Obesity - Like smoking, obesity also causes cardiovascular diseases and is a serious, growing public health problem. Obesity is caused by different factors such as genetics, but mostly because of overeating and a sedentary lifestyle (read: sitting around the whole day without exercise). Of course, knowing these, the best way to treat or prevent it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes exercise and a healthy diet. If you need tips on exercise and working out, read my earlier posts.
High Blood Pressure - Although no specific medical cause can be determined in essential hypertension, there are several contributing factors such as genetics, age, and insulin resistance among others. Although it can be treated with medication, the first step to take when treating it is exercise to improve blood flow. Less salt in your diet is also proven to be effective. Also, abstinence from smoking and drinking help in lowering blood pressure.
Apr
22
Posted under
Health and Fitness
With last week’s post regarding some tips to get started with working out, I’ve decided to also give you some reminders on how to get the most of your training. Of course, if you want that wonderful beach body that I, myself, wanted when I went on a trip to the Carribean, there are certain things you’ll need to avoid when working out.
Skipping warm up - Warming up is the first thing you should do before working out. Skip that and you risk yourself getting injured or lose energy before you finish the program. Warming up helps release adrenaline, improves the movement of oxygen in the blood, and allows joints to move more efficiently. Also, since it increases the temperature of the muscles, it allows for greater elasticity of muscle fibers (which means less chances of developing cramps). Don’t do too many warm-up sets, though; too much is also bad for you.
Skipping or not stretching enough - I’ve mentioned this in my previous post and I will say it again: without stretching first, your muscles are more susceptible to damage from the sudden jump from inactivity to hard activity. After warming up, stretch!
Lifting too much or increasing weight too early - I understand if you feel like you’re in a hurry shaping up, I felt the same way when I started going to the gym. Pushing yourself too much by lifting too much weight than you can actually handle could be detrimental to your training program. First, since you’ll be lifting more, you’ll be using a lot more energy on a particular workout and may not have enough to finish your exercise. Second, you run the risk of getting injured.
Like what I suggested in my previous post, instead of jumping to a heavier weight, increase your sets and repetitions. When you feel the workout is getting easy, then it’s time to increase the weight (but not too much).
Improper form - Like any exercise, gym workouts are done in a manner that requires a certain posture and a series of movements. If you want to get good results from your training, you should do the exercises as how they are meant to be done.
Forgetting to drink water - You’ll be sweating a lot, that’s a fact. So in order to replenish all the water in your body that you’ve lost while working out, drink a lot of water. Don’t wait till you’re feeling thirsty, the minute you do is actually the start of dehydration. When dehydrated, blood pressure is decreased and your heart and respiration rates would increase to compensate for it. In turn, the flow of oxygen and other nutrients in the blood would be reduced making them less functional.
Making up for absences - I know some people who try to make up for missing a workout period by doing more, moving it to another day during the week, or spending more hours in the gym during the following period. Here’s an advice: don’t do any of those. It’s like going on a diet - if you ate more than what you were supposed to during one meal, you don’t skip another meal to make up for it. The same goes for working out, if you happened to miss a day of working out, simply continue your regular routine and treat the absence as loss.
Improper diet and habits - Let’s go outside of the gym for a change. Working out is only one part of the means to your goal (a healthy, beautiful body, of course). Outside of the gym and working out, it is equally important to eat proper meals and avoid habits such as smoking, or sleeping late. Those affect your training results so watch out.
Apr
18
Posted under
Video Games
Although the game has officially been out last month, it was only recently that I managed to complete it. And man, was it fun while it lasted! I’ll admit, I’ve been a long time Final Fantasy fan and 7 is my favorite among all of them (along with Final Fantasy Tactics). So undoubtedly, after it was announced, I looked forward on getting my hands on a copy. So once it hit the shelves, I immediately got one.
Crisis Core revolves around the character Zack Fair, a First-Class Soldier and Cloud’s (FF7 Main Character) friend. Basically, the game is a prequel to the original Final Fantasy VII.
The gameplay is pretty simple, you move Zack around the field and often times you’ll randomly encounter enemies. The battles are also fairly simple, you attack enemies and use items while a “slot machine” (called the Digital Mind Wave) spins. Depending on the matches, the DMW could give Zack a good status effect or allow him to perform a special attack called a Limit Break.
The missions in the game are very easy and involves killing a bunch of enemies, getting a few chests, then claiming the rewards afterwards. The missions could be done in a few minutes, so as someone who’s always on the go, I could play one or two missions before heading off to do something important.
Crisis Core’s graphics are pretty good for a PSP game - the CG cutscenes themselves are well done - while the soundtrack can get pretty repetitive. The classic FF7 tunes are still pretty good, though!
Overall, I will say it’s a must have if you own a PSP. Otherwise, read a few reviews and decide if you’d like a purchase.
Apr
15
Posted under
Health and Fitness Ergh. The thing about
being a health buff is, by default, in your group of friends, you are instantly
the expert in
so-and-so. (Though I do
admit, I enjoy a drink or two, even if it gives me a beer gut. My fridge is stocked with energy drinks and
stuff though.)
Being the guy that I am, I would want nothing more than see
my friends wanting to improve their lifestyle, and, as much as a villain I would seem to be to some of them, being
against most of their bad habits, it’s a necessary thing, if ever they want to
follow my footsteps.
You may have heard of The Phoenix Theory
— while I do agree that you need a catalyst to get started with working out,
the article sounds like … the makings of a superhero to me. At first, I thought that guys with the
awesome bods were just show-offs — but realizing that, they weren’t born that
way, and that they worked long and hard for that, I found respect for working
out. Though shame is a pretty good
motivator for it, I started with vanity.
Yes, it was all because of the trip to the Caribbean
that I was going with my buds. I wanted
to look good!
If you’re having difficulty at the start (which is the
hardest part), it’s okay to go light on yourself. Forcing yourself to workout will only, only
lead to disaster! So, after taking in
the red pill and admitting you want change, here are some basic starter tips,
before you dive into a giant barbell.
Pick a gym far from your house – This is important. Others would opt for a gym that’s nearer
where they live, and, for the convenience, that’s good. But, if you work out near where you live,
wouldn’t it be as easy to work out, then revert to old habits when you’re
nearer the house? The fridge? If you just can’t opt for a far-away gym, or
if it gets to be too big a hassle, run.
Instead of taking the car to the gym, jog your way to and fro — it’ll
add to the work out you just did, plus, if you really can’t get up, you could
always grab a cab. (Plus, you could take
your shower at home, if public showers freak you out.)
Stretch, stretch, stretch! – Most gyms make this a mandatory
before working out anyway, but I’ll discuss the importance anyway. Without stretching first, your muscles are
susceptible to damage from the sudden jump from inactivity to hard
activity. Which may lead to you never
getting to work out again, or worse … body damage.
If you’re working out with a buddy – Find one with the same
goals as you. If you’re with a real fun
bud, it’s easy to slink back to acting rowdy when you’re in a gym. (Or checking out the ladies, ohoho!) But you’re
not there for them, you’re not there for the girls either (unless you are,
sicko! :p ) — you’re there for you.
It’s not in the effort, it’s in the reps – Says it all. There’s no use just jumping from 20 pounds to
50 if you only do 10. Start with smaller
weights, and smaller reps, gradually increasing every week / two weeks or
so. Start by increasing the number of
reps and when the next weight level starts feeling easy, it’s time to turn it
up!
Finally, pushing on – Set a goal you want to attain. A “300-esque” body, a certain weight — just
keep pushing for that goal. Think about
it, if you add a protein supplement to the equation and you stop working
out? The weight’s gonna turn from muscle
to fffllaaaabbbbb.
Hope these tips help!
Apr
10
Posted under
Health and Fitness
I understand smoking is a really bad habit we just can’t get rid off. I had my own experiences in breaking this habit. It was hard but then I got through it, it’s the willingness that would help us a lot. Just look at it this way, once you stop smoking you’ll smell better, your pulse and blood pressure will go back to normal after 20 minutes of quitting, and after a whole 24 hours your carbon monoxide traces in your body will be eliminated. Here some of the things I did to help me get rid of my smoking days.
Although some people likes to take it gradually but as I have read in some studies, people who tried to stop smoking gradually actually ends up smoking more. So what would be better is to stop totally once you hit the date you set for yourself.
- Don’t be Scared to Ask for Help
Family and friends are always there for you when you need help. Try to prevent going to places that would remind you or provoke from smoking like going out in a bar or going to the coffee shop. If you are used to smoke while sipping a cup of coffee then change the routine for at least a week. Try drinking fruit juice for a change.
- Throw away your Lighters, Ashtrays, and All Cigarette related stuff
Get rid off the things that would remind you of smoking. Once you see those things you will start to crave and you’ll end up smoking again.
- Withdrawal Symptoms can be a Pain
Get ready for the withdrawal symptoms, when I stopped smoking I had nausea, anxiety, headaches, craving, depression, and irritability. All these are caused by the lack of nicotine in our body. You will feel the peak of these symptoms after 12 to 24 hours after quitting and slowly ease in 2 to 4 weeks.
Track the day when you quit smoking, mark your calendar to let yourself see the accomplishment you’ve done. It will help you motivate yourself and this will help a lot!
Apr
08
Posted under
Sex
Learn and share the methods of spicing up your sexual activities. True enough heat creates fire, and if there is fire, intimacy and passion flares up causing a hot, steamy lovemaking.
Never underestimate the power of a kiss; it’s where it all started anyway. Some couples just forgot how the intimacy works; kissing is one way of getting more intimate and passionate. Start with a soft, light kiss on the upper lip, then feel the tension heats up and there will be groping and kissing all over the place. Don’t talk while you’re kissing. Kiss the lips, going to the ears and down to the neck - and who knows where else to go down to.
Show some sneak peak of your body by undressing some parts of your body then let your partner do it for you. Remember to take it slow. Undressing fast takes away all the excitement.
Let’s face it, talking dirty turns us ON. Most of the guys gets turned on by what they see and most women by what they hear and feel. Still dirty talks spices up the process of lovemaking.
- Massage your way to the Big-O
Start with a simple massage on the hand or the back. Let your imagination flow, try massaging your partner using your tongue or any part of your body. Rub your body against your partner and see what happens!
It takes two people to do this, even if you are totally aroused but your partner isn’t then all these foreplay isn’t going anywhere. Women usually don’t like to be just groped and start doing the thing. What woman wants is too cuddle and kiss and eventually leads to steamy SEX.
- Always think it’s the First time
This for sure will always give you an experience you never had. Thinking you’ll be doing it for the first time always excites you enough to give you an orgasm.
- Places you’ve never tried
Try new locations you haven’t had sex before. Like around the house - kitchen, garage, or even in your front lawn. Fill up your fantasies; some may want to try doing it in an elevator, in a car, public place or on the sandy beach. I once tried jumping naked on the beach of Bahamas
, and my partner taught it was really sexy and jumped in with me. We had a really HOT sex.
Don’t be afraid to try something new. Experiment with your partner, if you feel like trying out different positions or different styles, GO AHEAD! Make use of food, scents or toys that can make you go oooohhh and aahhh.
Don’t jump in to a quick sex after a little kiss. Take your time, breath deeply, say positive stuffs to each other, and remember to satisfy your partner and not just satisfying yourself.
Like what I said earlier, visual stimulation do help a lot mostly in men. There’s nothing wrong with watching some erotic movies once in a while. Try the things you see and watch. It will help a lot!
Apr
03
Posted under
Health and Fitness
A lot of us workout to get a beautiful hot body, but are we doing it the right way? Sometimes we keep on exercising but nothing really happens, maybe this is because we’re doing it the wrong way. Have a fitness instructor tell you how to do it, this way you won’t be wasting your time exercising and have no effect at all. Here are some of mistakes that we usually do.
- No matter how long you stay at the stationary bike or the treadmill if you’re leaning on the rails then you’ll just damage your back muscle and only half of your calorie is burned out.
How to fix it:
Straighten your back and push yourself using your arms. If you need the rails for balance then put the speed one notch lower.
- People who uses momentum in lifting weights don’t work on the target muscle effectively, also a higher risk of getting strained because of poor positioning.
How to fix it:
Control and slow your movement while putting your body support fixed. To continue good form you should lighten the load.
- Having your knee go past your toe while you flex into a lunge. It could only pressure your knees putting you in high risk for joint injury.
How to fix it:
Look at yourself at the mirror while you’re doing lunges and correct your position while you lower your body. The positioning will come naturally when repeatedly done.
- In any form of exercise, one shouldn’t hold their breath most especially when doing some lifting. As this can limit the oxygen entering the brain causing you to faint.
How to fix it:
Before lifting you should inhale, and then exhale while lifting, then inhale again as you lower the weight. A tip, use a lighter weight if you’re not able to do this.
Apr
01
Posted under
Recreation
I’ve been hanging out in the park for the past few days. Just sitting there watching people
walk by, looking at families having their picnic, and lovers sharing the same ice cream cone.
I always ask myself what I’m missing, it seems like my life is empty and shallow. I always wondered why I can’t feel a complete happiness. I do have happy moments and if I am out with my friends I am happy for a moment. But once I get home, everything changes and again feel the emptiness inside me. Like a big black hole inside my heart. Still can’t figure out why.
For the past few days of watching people around the park makes me a little bit calmer and
happier. Just seeing these people enjoy the company of their love ones gives me happiness as well. It may sound weird but the happiness I feel extends through out the day until I fall asleep at home. That is the reason why I always spend more time at the park nowadays, to see more children running around and families gathering and chattering joyfully.
I guess the loneliness and emptiness I feel is the result of my frustration to have my own family. I’ve been wanting to have kids and a beautiful, loving wife, but no one has come my way just yet. When the right woman comes along and fills the emptiness inside my heart then that’s when I truly become a happy man.
Hi! Matthew Lawrence here! A 26-year-old architect and gamer by heart. I hope you like this new website. I'll be writing mostly about exercising, fitness, and of course, games. I usually update every 2 days during the weekdays so stay tuned!
