Bad Habits For Learning! (P2)

According to "5 bad study habits and effective solutions", by Glace Fleming.
2. Highlighting the book. 
Bright colors on a page make a big visual impact, so it seems like a lot of good studying is going on when you read and highlight. Highlighting does make important information stand out on a page, but that doesn't do you much good if you don't do something active with that information. Reading highlighted words again and again is not active enough.

Solution:
Use the information you highight to create a practice exam. Put highlighted words onto flashcards and practice until you know every term and concept. Identify key concepts and use them to create practice essay questions.

Put highlighted words onto flashcards and practice.

You should also develop a color-coded highlighting strategy. Highlight new words in one color and new concepts in another, for example. You could also highlight separate topics according to a color code for more impact.
3. Rewriting notes.
Students rewrite notes under the assumption that repatition is good for memorization. Repetition is valuable as a first step, but it's not that effective all alone.
You should rewrite your notes in the shrinking outline method, but follow up with self-testing methords.

You should rewrite your notes in the shrinking outline method. 

Solution:

Switch class notes with a classmate and create a practice exam from his/her notes. Exchange practice exams to each other. Repeat this process a few times until you are comfortable with the material. 

(to be continued)

Elton John (P3)

Source: eltonjohn.com
Elton's 1977 sessions with Philly Soul producer Thom Bell gave him with a #1 UK hit in 2003 with Are You Ready For Love, when it was re-released due to demand from influential British DJs. In the 1980s he had hits with the albums 21 At 33, Jump Up! (which included the smash single Blue Eyes and the much-loved Lennon tribute Empty Garden), and Too Low For Zero, the home of two of Elton's live favourites, I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues and I'm Still Standing.

In 1992 in the US, and in 1993 in the UK, Elton established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, his pioneering charity dedicated to breakthrough work on behalf of those around the world suffering from HIV and related illnesses. Together, the two organizations have raised more than $275 million in support of worthy projects in 55 countries around the world.
1993 saw the release of the double-platinum album The One. During the 1990s Elton collaborated with Tim Rice on music for Disney's The Lion King , winning a Best Male Pop Grammy, and also his first Academy Award for Can You Feel The Love Tonight? Elton later worked with Tim Rice on the Broadway smash Aida. This musical, which opened in 2000 and gave 1,852 performances, earned four Tonys, including Best Musical Score. Billy Elliot The Musical , with music by Elton John and lyrics by Lee Hall, was launched on the London stage in 2005. It is staggeringly successful with audiences and critics on both sides of the Atlantic and has won multiple awards including 10 Tonys.

ENJOY: Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Elton John 

Only one artist can have the biggest selling single of all time, and since 1997 Elton has held that record. Candle in the Wind 1997, Elton and Bernie's heartfelt tribute to the late Diana, Princess of Wales, has sold over 33,000,000 copies, and raised millions for the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. In 1998, Elton received a knighthood from HM Queen Elizabeth II for "services to music and charitable services" and became Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE.

This millennium has seen Elton at the top of his game, continuing to play frequent, sell-out concerts all over the world. In 2004, Elton and the band began a residency with The Red Piano show at the Caesars Palace Colosseum in Las Vegas. Originally booked for 75 shows over three years, The Red Piano exceeded all expectations and proved so popular with audiences that Elton completed the original commitment in only 18 months, and the run was extended by an additional 166 shows to a final engagement total of 241, ending in April 2009.
Five decades since the 1969 release of his first album, Empty Sky, Elton John continues to create superb music. The 2001 album Songs From The West Coast gave him another smash hit single with I Want Love, as well as the fan favourite, Original Sin. In 2005, following the release of the deluxe edition of Peachtree Road, which included three new songs from Billy Elliot The Musical, Elton achieved another hit single with the Billy Elliot song Electricity. The following year fans were delighted when Elton and Bernie at last wrote a sequel to Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, the much-loved The Captain And The Kid.
In 2007, Elton released Rocket Man - The Definitive Hits, a single CD album that features 18 classic hit songs. Also in 2007, for the first time ever, Elton's entire back catalogue of nearly 500 tracks (90 singles and 32 albums) became available to download legally. In 2010 he recorded a new studio album, The Union, in collaboration with his and Bernie's musical hero Leon Russell, which was produced by T-Bone Burnett. This international hit album reached #3 in the Billboard Hot 100 album chart and was also voted #3 inRolling Stone's top albums of 2010. In April 2011, the Tribeca Film Festival opened with the world premiere of Cameron Crowe's documentary, The Union, which captured, for the first time ever, the writing and recording of an Elton John album.
The release of Rocket Man marked a huge anniversary for Elton — on March 25, 2007, he celebrated his 60th birthday while breaking his own record with an unmatched 60th concert at the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York. No other entertainer has come close to matching this record.
Besides his knighthood, Elton's landmark awards include Best British Male Artist Brit Award, 1991; induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 1994; Grammy Awards in 1986, 1991, 1994, 1997 and 2000; Polar Music Prize, 1995; Grammy Legend Award, 2001; Kennedy Center Honor, 2004 and 12 Ivor Novello Awards between 1973 and 2000. In 2002, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Royal Academy of Music.
Elton entered into a civil partnership with David Furnish on December 21, 2005, the first day it was possible to do so in Britain. Their first son, Zachary, was born by surrogacy on December 25, 2010, and their second son, Elijah, was born by surrogacy on January 11, 2013. Rocket Pictures, the film company headed up by David Furnish, is highly successful and in 2011 Elton and David were co-producers of the animated filmGnomeo & Juliet, with Elton writing the music. The film took nearly $200,000,000, and plans are now firmly under way for a sequel.

Elton John and David Furnish

Elton remains committed to his music and to touring, becoming more, rather than less, busy as time passes. In 2011, as well as touring in Europe, Australia and North America both solo and with his band, now augmented with Croatian duo 2CELLOS, Elton returned to The Colosseum, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas with his all-new show, The Million Dollar Piano. This production, which received fantastic reviews and included a welcome return to the show for Elton's former percussionist Ray Cooper, is set to run for at least three years. In 2012 he returned to the recording studio with producer T Bone Burnett, and recorded an album for release in 2013, and toured North, Central and South America, before heading to Europe. 2012 also gave Elton a UK #1 album, his first in 22 years, with Good Morning To The Night, the remix project by Elton John versus Pnau. This album introduced Elton's music to a new, young audience who sang along heartily to Your Song when Elton performed it at a summer festival in Ibiza. Elton's summer tour of Europe included an unforgettable appearance at The Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace.

Elton and his band continue to tour throughout 2013, and plans are now under way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1973 release of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road later this year.

Elton John (P2)

Source: eltonjohn.com
Writer Bernie Taupin was born in Lincolnshire, UK, on May 22, 1950. In 1967, both Bernie and Elton aswered a "Talent Wanted" advert that placed in the New Musicak Express by Liberty Records. Ray Williams at Liberty Records put Elton in touch with Bernie, and they started to write songs together, initially corresponding by mail. They have maintained this method of songwriting throughout their career, and have still never written a song together in the same room. Most unusually, Bernie writes the lyrics first and Elton then composes the music.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin 

In 1968, they became staff songwriters for Dick James' DJM label. From the start Elton and Bernie were prolific songwriters, writing for other artists as well as creating and recording songs for Elton.

Elton's touring career in Great Britain began in 1970 when he played clubs such as The Revolution, The Roundhouse, The Marquee and The Speakeasy in London, as well as Mothers in Birmingham and The Twisted Wheel in Manchester. On August 25, 1970, he played his debut concert in America, appearing at The Troubadour in Los Angeles, CA, with his band, which included Nigel Olsson on drums and Dee Murray on bass. The gig received ecstatic reviews and Elton became, literally, an overnight sensation. Since that day he has toured constantly all over North America and throughout the rest of the world.

In 1970, Elton's self-titled breakthrough album and evergreen hit Your Song introduced him to an international stage, and in the period between 1970 and 1976, with producer Gus Dudgeon at the helm, Elton recorded an astonishing fourteen albums: Elton John; Tumbleweed Connection; 11-17-70; Friends Soundtrack; Madman Across The Water; Honky Chateau; Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only The Piano Player; Goodbye Yellow Brick Road; Caribou; Greatest Hits; Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy; Rock Of The Westies; Here And There and Blue Moves. Amongst these, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy was the first album ever to enter the Billboard Chart at #1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, with its string of hit singles (Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Bennie And The Jets and Candle In The Wind), and unbroken two-month run at the top of the Billboard Top 100, became and remains an all-time classic.'

ENJOY: Your Song - Elton John

Many — though certainly not all — of Elton's greatest hit singles were released during the 1970s: Rocket Man, Honky Cat, Crocodile Rock, Daniel, Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Step Into Christmas, Bennie And The Jets, Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, The Bitch Is Back, Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (^^), Philadelphia Freedom, Someone Saved My Life Tonight, Island Girl, Don't Go Breaking My Heart (the duet with Kiki Dee) and Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word. In 1973, Elton founded The Rocket Record Company, and later left DJM to record on his own label.

In 1974, Elton performed on John Lennon's comeback single Whatever Gets You Thru The Night, and later that year was joined by Lennon onstage at New York's Madison Square Garden. This performance, always cited by Elton as one of the most memorable of his entire career, was to be John Lennon's final concert.

John Lennon and Elton John

(to be continued)

Elton John (P1)

Source: eltonjohn.com

Sir Elton Hurcules John, CBE, is one of the most highly acclaimed and successful solo artists of all time. He has achieved 35 gold and 25 platinum albums, has sold more than 250 million records worldwide, and holds the record for the biggest selling single of all time. Over the five decades since his career began in 1969, Elton has played more than 3,000 concerts worldwide. 

Elton is the third most successful artist in the history of the American charts, behind only Elvis Presley and the Beatles. He has had 56 top 40 singles in the United States, a total second only to Elvis Presley. He achieved seven #1 albums in the three-and-a-half-year period from 1972 to 1975 - a period of concentrated success surpassed only by the Beatles.

Elton was born on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England, and given the name Reginald Kenneth Dwight. At the age of three he astonished his his family by sitting at the Piano and playing The Skater's Waltz by ear. At the age of 11 he was awarded a scholarship as a Junior Exhibitor at the Royal Academy of Music and he attended the Academy on Saturday morning for the next four years.

Elton's live performances began in 1962 when he played weekend pub piano at the Northwood Hills hotel and went on to join in his first band. The Corvettes. A year later members of this band reformed as Bluesology. Between 1965 and 1967, Elton played keyboard with Bluesology as they gigged throughout the UK, often backing visiting American artists. Elton's stage name, which becam his legal name in 1967, was taken from the Bluesology saxophonist Elton Dean, and their lead singer, Long John Baldry.

(to be continued) 

ENJOY: Sacrifice - Elton John.

Women In Science And Technology

Today was a busy day and I didn't have time to blog anymore. 

The following article is not mine. This is the post of Truong Nguyen Hong Tam who won an essay contest of the USAID Vietnam (The U.S Agency for International Development) with the theme "Women In Science and Technology". 

Please read and think about it! So interesting! :)

"In Vietnam, there are very few women who pursuit a science or technology career (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). Either because they do not realize their potentials or they do not get adequate supports. To enter the fields of science and technology, women need to believe in themselves, are free to be who they are, and to receive greater encouragement.
Vietnamese women usually avoid science and technology careers because they are trapped in a pattern of thought: ‘Men are better in those fields’. However, everyone is born with the same intelligence and this varies from people to people because of changes in their lifestyle over time not because of their gender. Women should believe that they can think independently and intelligently as much as men do. They can solve logical problems as well and fast as men do. This confidence should be effectively integrated in early childhood development to ensure that women do not underestimate themselves in choosing a career because of self-prejudice over gender.Family plays a very crucial role in shaping a child’s future. At a very young age many Vietnamese girls are discouraged from pursuiting a science or technology career for the sake of their future marriage life. Many parents mistakenly believe that girls with too high an education level would find it difficult to get marriage. Even if they can find a match for their intelligence, the marriage would not be happy one if the girls do not pretend that they are inferior to their husbands. This old-fashioned belief should be abadoned. Women should have the rights to choose how their lives would be, whether they would be single or married, and to be who they are.
Science and technology career are very demanding and women need encouragement from family to be able to devote in the fields. Vietnam as well as other countries in Asia have traditional beliefs that women are born to get married, bear children and do housework. This puts a severe pressure on women to balance work and family. Hence, the idea of equally-shared family responsibilities which requires mutual understanding between the two partners should be adopted to solve the problem. 
In conclusion, there should be a change in both of the inside and outside aspects. Women themselves must find courage to chase their own dreams while family is the wind to fly up that kite of dreams.

Family plays a very crucial role in shaping a child’s future. At a very young age many Vietnamese girls are discouraged from pursuiting a science or technology career for the sake of their future marriage life. Many parents mistakenly believe that girls with too high an education level would find it difficult to get marriage.
Even if they can find a match for their intelligence, the marriage would not be happy one if the girls do not pretend that they are inferior to their husbands. This old-fashioned belief should be abadoned. Women should have the rights to choose how their lives would be, whether they would be single or married, and to be who they are.
Science and technology career are very demanding and women need encouragement from family to be able to devote in the fields. Vietnam as well as other countries in Asia have traditional beliefs that women are born to get married, bear children and do housework. This puts a severe pressure on women to balance work and family. Hence, the idea of equally-shared family responsibilities which requires mutual understanding between the two partners should be adopted to solve the problem.
In conclusion, there should be a change in both of the inside and outside aspects. Women themselves must find courage to chase their own dreams while family is the wind to fly up that kite of dreams.Family plays a very crucial role in shaping a child’s future. At a very young age many Vietnamese girls are discouraged from pursuiting a science or technology career for the sake of their future marriage life. Many parents mistakenly believe that girls with too high an education level would find it difficult to get marriage. Even if they can find a match for their intelligence, the marriage would not be happy one if the girls do not pretend that they are inferior to their husbands. This old-fashioned belief should be abadoned. Women should have the rights to choose how their lives would be, whether they would be single or married, and to be who they are.Science and technology career are very demanding and women need encouragement from family to be able to devote in the fields. Vietnam as well as other countries in Asia have traditional beliefs that women are born to get married, bear children and do housework. This puts a severe pressure on women to balance work and family. Hence, the idea of equally-shared family responsibilities which requires mutual understanding between the two partners should be adopted to solve the problem. In conclusion, there should be a change in both of the inside and outside aspects. Women themselves must find courage to chase their own dreams while family is the wind to fly up that kite of dreams."

- Truong Nguyen Hong Tam -

The Pursuit Of Happyness (2006)

Hey! Recently a friend of mine asked me: "What is your most favorite movie?", I told her that: "That is the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness". It's really the best movie I have ever watched!" 

The movie is based on a true story about a man named Christoper Gardner. Gardner has invested heavily in a device known as a "Bone Density Scanner". However, he don't sell as there devices are marginally better than the current technology at a much higher price.  

As Gardner tries to figure out how to sell them, his wife leaves him, he loses his house, his bank account and credit cards. 

Forced to live out in the streets with his son, Gardner is now desperate to find a steady job; he takes on a job as a stockbroker, but before he can receive pay, he needs to go through 6 months of training, and to sell his devices. 

Experiencing difficulties, Gardner finally get the job. He had happiness which he pursued for so long. His sentence at the end of the film really touched me. "This part of my life, this little part... is called happiness"  The Pursuit Of Happyness 

When I wanted to quit, I would watch this movie again. It really encouraged me a lot.

So, Let's try to watch this movie! (If you haven't ever watched before ;) ) Maybe you'll like it! :)

The Benefits Of Morning Exercise

This morning I woke up very early because of the noise from my next-door neighbour. Grr... Normally, If so, I will be very tired. But today I feel completely alert. I think it is because I've tried a short training exercise this morning. So today let's talk about the benefits of morning exercise, okay? ;)

Morning Exercise is very good for your health! 

There are four reasons for this! 

1. Firstly, Research suggests that morning exercise improves sleep. 

Regular exercise will bring significant benefit to the quality of your sleep. When you create the habit of morning exercise, your body will be formed to identify the specific time for the day's activities, such as mealtime, bedtime...
When you have a habit of going to bed on time, it will be very good for your body. Because it will be difficult to maintain body weight and improve your cardiovascular health if you aren't properly rested.
2. Make a clear head! 

Health experts point out that exercise significantly increases acumen, expertise, refreshment for your mind.
The reason for this is because exercise increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain.
3. Against many types of cancer.

Today, environmental pollution and sedentary lifestyles can put young people's health at risk, especially the risk of cancer. The regular exercise and sport can really reduce the risk of cancer. According to scientists, the exercise will increase your overall health, bring blood flow throughout the body to help prevent cancers.
4. Enhancing energy.

Exercising in the morning helps you increase energy for the workday.

If weather conditions aren't favorable, you can practice at home.
If you feel tired, you can set the gentle movements.
But don't give up morning exercise routine, okay? :)

Bad Habits For Learning! (P1)

Yesterday, my English teacher complained about our bad habits for learning. There bad habits are: leg shaking, pen rotation, yawn... :)) Sometimes I also do same things when I study, but I don't know that it's bad habits. So, today I decided to research more about this issue! :)

It is difficult to find researches related to the habits that my teacher said. I think it may be related to the attitude of students more than their methods when they learn. But not bad, I have found some interesting information about bad habits for learning methods. 

According to the article, "5 bad study habits and effective solutions" by Grace Fleming.

1. Taking linear notes. 

"Linear notes are lecture notes that students take when they attempt to write down every word of a lecture. Linear notes occur when a student tries to write every word a lecturer says in sequence, like writing a rambling essay with no paragraphs" (Grace Fleming - 5 bad study habits and effective solutions)

"It's not bad to capture every word of a lecture, but it is bad to think you're studying effective if you don't mess with your linear notes in some way. You must revisit your linear notes and make relationships from one section to another. You should draw arrows from one related word or concept to another, and make a lot of notes and examples in the margins" (G.F - 5 bad study habits and effective solutions)

Solution:

- You have to revisit the information and put it all into a chart or shrinking outline.

- Right before every new lecture, you should review your notes from days past and predict the next day's material.

- You should prepare for your exams by creating a fill-in-blank test from your notes.

(to be continued)

What's in Peru?

According to the article, "The wages of cacao" by Anthony Bourdain, CNN.

There are a lot of very good reasons to go to Peru.

1. Machu Picchu.

Standing 2430 m above sea level, in the midst of a tropical moutain forest in an extraordinarily beautiful setting, Machu Picchu was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire. 

2. Pisco Sour.

Cocktail Pisco Sour is a Peruvian traditional cocktail. In Peru, Pisco Sour is extremely popular. Before each meal, Peruvians are always drink Pisco Sour. In any restaurant or pub, Pisco Sour is the name that waiters will mention first.

3. Guinea Pigs (Cuy).

As you might have guessed, guinea pigs are not beloved pets in Peru. Instead they are a traditional and important source of protein in the Andes, where they are known as cuy. Eating cuy is a tradition in Peru. Peruvians eat more than 65 million cuys every year.  

(to be continued) 

What do you think about same-sex love and marriage? :D

Ok, I know that it is a sensitive issue, but i want to talk about it right now because I've just watched "The Birdcage". :D

In my opinion, I agree with same-sex love and marriage. (What about you?? :D)

There are three reasons for this!

- Firstly, the gender imbalance is becoming the global problem. And, same-sex love and marriage may be one of solutions to this problem. Moreover, I think that it has a positive effect on reducing the increase in world population. hehehe

- In addition, No one can choose their gender when they were born. No one can choose their parents and something like that... But, everyone needs to be loved. So, I think same-sex love and marriage is a normal thing, as long as it makes them happy.

- Lastly, I think these people are so funny and friendly. And It don't matter to me about this issue!

And you, What do you think about same-sex love and marriage? :)

First Post!

Hey! Today is the first day writing blog of me. I can't understand why twitter has limited 140 words per tweet?? It's not enough for me! :)) And maybe you wonder why I wrote blog in English? The simple reason is I want to improve my writting skill. hehehe

Today I talked to a guy by English, OMG, I can't express what I want to say. It's so shameful. I can't believe that I forgot the most simple words. T.T. So, I decided to find a way to improve my English speaking skill. And that is I will write blog in English. :)) Perhaps you will laugh at me, but Who cares? :))

Let me tell you!

- The first benefit of writing blog in English is to enhance your writing skill in English. And I think that if you can write well, your speaking skill will also be easier. (Trust me! ;) )

- Equally important, writing blog in English has good effects on your confidence.

- Finally, this habit can provides you the opportunity to get acquainted with many foreign friends. Interesting, huh?

So, I will try to blog everyday. And I hope you too. ;)

Done, goodbye and goodnight! :)