CHANGE IS DRIVEN BY TWO THINGS!

Learning how to make changes can ultimately come down to understanding that we are driven by two things in life; pain and pleasure. When you have attached enough pain to an old habit, you will be highly motivated to lean a new and more productive or beneficial one. If you can attach enough pleasure to a new habit, you can easily become inspired to make a change and to make it last.

People are habitual in their lives. We run the same program over and over in their minds. We keep doing the same things over and over and we often wonder why everything stays the same.

When you can fully understand that change only comes when we know and can apply the principle of pain and pleasure to your life, then you will be able to create new habits and situations in your life. You also have to have a strong belief that you can change your life and that you deserve to do so.

Make your life what you want it to be. Let go of your old habits and situations and learn how to create new ones. You can make your life everything that you want it to be!

T-Mobile, Motorola, Using Android OS On Mobile Phones
More advanced gadget lovers who thrive on virtual social interaction will appreciate the new Android Operating System that has been adopted by T-Mobile earlier this year. And, now it looks as though Motorola may incorporate it into their mobile phones in the upcoming year, as well.

According to an excerpt from BusinessWeek, the idea behind Motorola evolving to the new google-backed operating system, is to make their phones part of a new class of smartphones, which enable users to access social networks like Facebook and MySpace.

Napkin PC
It is said that many a great idea was born on a napkin. So Industrial Designer, Avery Holleman, developed the Napkin PC. The Napkin PC is a cool concept that uses a base station - disguised as a napkin holder - with seven different stylus pens that allows multiple users to scribble their ideas down on individual “napkins” that ultimately interface with the base station.

It’s definitely an idea that has got creative types and businessmen thinking “outside the box”. The concept allows users to not have to limit their creativity to in front of a PC screen. The “napkins” employ full color e-paper and multi-touch technology.

The napkins can hold the image drawn on it indefinitely, or until it’s cleared off by the user. Which means you can hang it up, or share it with your coworkers at your next meeting.
The Napkin PC took first place Judge’s Award and Chairman’s Award in NextGen’s PC Design Competition.

Nokia Aeon
The Nokia Aeon cell phone is still in the research and development phase of its life, but gadget junkies the world over are already “wowing” over the full touch screen. Nokia is keeping all other details under wraps due to competitive pressure.

B-Membrane Computer
We may not see the B-Membrane concept computer for some time, but it’s certainly worth mentioning just in case. The B-Membrane computer is a unique take on a laptop/desktop computer.

Korean designer Won-Seok Lee created his B-Membrane computer to look like no other. Indeed, it is about the size of a large round platter, and boasts an omni-directional projector, rather than a monitor. A keyboard appears on the membrane of the computer’s surface when needed.

When not being used as a computer, Lee’s design can be used to create a relaxing ambience using a variety of light effects through its projector.

Microsoft Arc Mouse
The Microsoft Arc Mouse is a handy little device that serves as both a desktop mouse and a laptop mouse, depending upon if you have it extended to its full length or folded.
The mouse uses Microsoft’s BlueTrack Laser Technology, and has a wireless range of up to 30 feet. It offers four customizable buttons, Tilt Wheel Technology, and comes in red or black.

This is a neat, money-saving concept. You can purchase this from Microsoft for $59.95.

Asus EEE Notebook With Touch Screen
The Asus EEE notebook computer is truly an awesome gadget for the college student, or business traveler who just needs to access basic computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. You know, it’s rather like an electronic notebook of sorts.
Its small profile is not much bigger than a regular book, and can easily slip inside your purse or briefcase. But what’s really cool about this gadget, is the manufacturer offers a touch screen option with this computer. While it does come with a stylus, many users find that they’re perfectly comfortable simply using their fingers to move pages and open programs.

Asus has also released a more powerful desktop version of their EEE computer with touch screen capabilities.Check out the Asus EEE PC now.

Schwinn Electric Tailwind Bicycle

In these tough economic times, when everyone is searching for cheaper ways to commute, comes the Schwinn Electric Tailwind Bicycle expected to hit the market in early 2009.While it certainly resembles a traditional bicycle, the Schwinn Electric Tailwind, dubbed e-bike, packs a lot more punch. Essentially, Schwinn joined forces with Toshiba to create a hybrid bicycle.

Schwinn uses a Toshiba Super Charge lithium-ion phosphate battery to help propel this bike down the road, giving you the option of pedaling yourself, or offering you adjustable pedal assistance if needed.Toshiba’s battery charges in just 30 minutes, and can be recharged about 3000 times before it needs to be replaced. The battery slips discretely in the luggage rack, and off you go.

Visit Schwinn Tailwind to take a look at this really cool set of wheels. You’ll be able to get yours for about $3,200.

Test Tube Hamburger
And, while this next item is not actually a gadget you can put your hands on, it seems that it may be something you’ll be able to sink your teeth into in the upcoming year.Back in 2006, stories were circulating about test tube hamburger. Yep… scientists believed that they could make enough fake meat from one stem cell to feed a million people for one year. Their goal was to have it on people’s tables by 2009.

People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and fellow vegetarians, of course, are thrilled with the prospect of the lives of thousands of cows being spared by this in vitro beef. In fact, PETA is said to have offered a $1 million reward to the first scientist to produce and market in vitro meat.

While it may sound questionable to some, the in vitro beef expected in 2009 is said to look, smell, and taste just like the real thing. Real, on the hoof, beefeaters may be skeptical, but meat created like this might give vegetarians a reason to say “where’s the beef?”

The Amazon Kindle is a unique wireless reading device that holds about 200 titles of books. But it can also be used read newspapers, magazines, and blogs. It is totally portable too because it does not need a computer. You can now read anywhere and at anytime without lugging around heavy books!

Features- Works on its Own Wireless Network: Amazon with the help of Sprint’s EVDO provides you to download and read material when you are in all sorts of places. This network is called Whispernet. You do not even have to find a hot spot with this. Amazon also picks up the tab so you do not have any setup to do! You just take it out of the box, plug it in, and start using it.

A Screen That Reads Like Paper: Through the use of a new innovative technology, this screen is a high-resolution display that has been deemed electronic paper. This is as easy to read as a newspaper since it has a paper like appearance.

Designed Ergonomically: Kindle has been designed to be very easy to hold and to operate. It has control buttons on both sides of the screen so left and right handers feel equally comfortable using it. It being lighter than a paperback at 10.3 ounces also makes it ergonomically friendly.

Transport Your Collection of Books in Just 10.3 Ounces: Most paperbacks even weight more than the Kindle does! You can download and keep over a hundred titles in the Kindle’s built in memory and add a SD card and you can store even more! Also, if you happen to be traveling somewhere that does not offer Whispernet you can download your books into your computer. Then hook the Kindle up using the USB cable and transfer the books from your computer.

A Great Search Function: This allows you to search for phrases or specific words within you library.

Easily Access the Kindle Store by Using Your Kindle: You can browse the Kindle Store through your device. This allows you to wirelessly shop for you reading desires in just minutes. You just search for the author or title of your choice or you may find something new to read too. In other words, you just click, purchase and you are ready to read it.

Change Text Size: The Kindle offers a variety of text sizes you can use for your convenience.

QWERTY Keyboard: Allows you to fully utilize all the functions of the Kindle to your full advantage. From shopping the Kindle store to annotating text to using the dictionary, just to mention a few.
These are just a few of the features there are more.

The definite advantage to this product is its portability and storage capacity!

The new blades interface is now built directly into the Xbox Guide. It has all the functionality of the current dashboard system, but the guide will scan games that you play and give you a game specific Xbox Marketplace breakdown. Every function will now be available from the Guide. You can access your entire games library at any point.

In addition, the RSS feed on Xbox.com will be frequently updated with everything in the Marketplace. If you buy an item at Xbox.com at any time, it will automatically be downloaded to your console.

The Netflix feature included in the update allows you to stream movies on your Xbox 360. However, you must have a Netflix subscription of $8.99 or more. The feature will instantly update your console with Netflix queue choices. At this time, the feature will not support HD movies.

It seems too good to be true that Microsoft would go to such lengths, but remember that Xbox Live is a service that costs $70 to sign up, and $50 every year to renew. You’ll have to decide if the price is too much to pay… or not.

Thanks to the new Xbox Experience, the Xbox 360 has become more than just a console, but an appealing alternative to countless other media products and services.

It’s Great Alone Time

Nothing helps someone relax more than getting some good old fashioned time to themselves. This is probably one of the biggest reasons why video gaming has been shown to relieve stress. There aren’t many issues that some good time alone can not cure.

It takes your mind off of stressful situations

Gaming is great way to get away from work, bills, and the daily stress of life. While you are in front of the screen there is only one thing that you need to concentrate on, and that is the game in front of you. Video gaming is a great way to take things off of your mind, and really let your brain relax for the first time every day.

It lets you take out your anger

Nothing is more fun when you’re angry than blowing zombie heads off and making a run for the safe spot, taking over the world or taking on an alien civilization. The bottom line is that shooting aliens and zombies is much less destructive than smashing your coffee table or taking a swing at your next door neighbor because he has his family parked in front of your house again.

It’s Fun!

Let’s not forget the main reason most gamers choose to game. It’s fun! What can be more fun than being able to run around in any world that you can imagine? Video games allow you to escape from reality, and be whatever you want after work and before you go to bed. That is the main reason that most people play video games in the first place. It is important to keep in mind that video games are not an escape from the real world, but rather a nice hour long vacation to a place you’ve never been.

Burn out is usually caused by over training and by competing too often. Some young athletes are simply overwhelmed with pressure from parents, coaches, friends, the media, boosters and teammates. Some can not juggle academics, sports and their social lives. Some have just been playing and competing for too long.

There are a number of cures for burn out. Sometimes, a short break is precisely what is needed. In other instances, the athlete needs to develop a new philosophy about his or her sport and about competing. In other instances, a coaching change is a good idea.

When I counsel athletes, parents and coaches, we explore what is right, best and most comfortable for all parties concerned.

Many athletes benefit from sports psychology training which teaches them how to manage the mental aspects of their sport, how to avoid burn out, how to be resilient and how to conserve and wisely utilize their mental toughness and their powers of concentration and focus.

Some kids need a new motivator or a new challenge to remain interested in their sport: Learning a new position, mastering a new skill, playing in a new league or setting some new goals are examples of new motivators which can have a positive impact on youngsters.

Last, burn out can be avoided and managed if the parents, coach, athlete, trainer and mental coach can all get on the same page and work together as a team. I spend a lot of time helping athletes and their teams to function in a positive a constructive manner. Once this happens, burn out can be avoided and the athlete can be freed up to reach his or her fullest potential.

Do you consider yourself a sports aficionado? You may know all the teams, players and scores but did you know this odd sports trivia…..

1) Several former NFL players have donated their brains to the Boston University Medical School.

o True
o False

2) Which NFL team led the league in player arrests for 2003-2005?

o Atlanta Falcons
o Minnesota Vikings
o Tampa Bay Buccaneers
o Washington Redskins

3) In 2008, the Grand Prairie Airhogs offered which of the following as a stadium giveaway?

o 1% Ownership of the Team
o Air
o Naked Bobblehead
o Free Funeral

4) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played a substitute teacher on what sitcom?

o Facts of Life
o Growing Pains
o Different Strokes
o Family Ties

5) Which of the following sports has an organized unicycle association?

o Hockey
o Rugby
o Soccer
o Jai-Alai

6) Who invented 9 pin bowling?

o Queen Elizabeth
o Martin Luther
o George Washington
o Plato

7) Which of the following was formally an Olympic Sport?

o Tug-Of-War
o Rope Climbing
o Obstacle Race - Swimming
o Polo

Answers:

1) True. The Center for the study of Traumatic Encephalopathy is analyzing the long-term effects of concussions. Currently, this research can only be completed post-mortem. Many players state they suffer long-term effects from numerous concussions. However, the NFL is still researching these effects and expects to release a more formal report in 2010. Now, that is really odd sports trivia.

2) Minnesota Vikings. In 2005, several players boarded their own version of the “Love Boat” for an x-rated party. In 2004, three players were arrested after a bar fight in Minneapolis’s Warehouse District. Apparently, this team believes in playing on and off the field together.

3) Free Funeral. During their inaugural season, the Airhogs teamed up with another new-comer to town: Chapel of Roses Funeral Home. One lucky (?) fan received an all-expense paid funeral; at least this fan will be prepared for his third strike. If you think that was odd sports trivia, what until you try the next question.

4) Different Strokes. Although, Kareem had numerous cameo appearances, this was the first time he actually played a character other than himself. There was a stark difference between the 7’ Kareem and 4’8″ Gary Coleman.

5) Hockey. According to the International Unicycle Hockey Organization, there are numerous teams through-out the world including in the United States. The game is played similar to ice-hockey except the players are on unicycles.

6) Martin Luther. Bowling was a part of German religious life. If a person was able to knock down the pins, they were said to be of good character. If not, a person had to perform penance. What does your bowling average say about you?

7) All of the above: Tug of War, Rope Climbing, Obstacle Race - Swimming and Polo. All four events were Olympic events at one time during the 20th Century.

Of the most important sporting events that people travel to is the World Cup Soccer Tournament. Millions upon millions of people enjoy watching this event live and on television. Some of the most talented athletes play soccer and the game itself is rather exciting to watch. One just never knows what is going to happen, which is one of the reasons why the sport has grown to worldwide popularity.

In the United States, the Super Bowl is the most popular sporting event. It consists of two teams that have played through a series of bowl games in order to make it to the ultimate prize. Thousands show up to this event and millions watch on television. The halftime show is known for exciting moments and big superstars.

The NBA’s Final Four Tournament is watched religiously by many basketball lovers. Many individuals use charts to predict who is going to make it to the Final Four. The Final Four is one team from each region of the United States. Eventually, it is narrowed down to two teams who play for the national championship.

The World Series is another very popular worldwide event. The World Series consists of the best baseball teams in the world competing for that one goal. That goal is to win the world championship title. This shows that baseball is more than just an ‘All-American Game.’

The last event that many travel to is the Hockey World Championships. Again, this is a world championship that many in the United States, Canada, and various other countries attend. The best in the world compete for the ultimate title of ‘World Champions.’

The Olympics

The Olympics is the most watched event and has the highest live attendance throughout the course of the event. Many countries from around the world compete in both the summer and the winter Olympics. Some of the sports such as basketball and hockey are commonly televised sports. However, there are other sports such as track and field, volleyball, swimming, and softball that aren’t usually televised as much. Gymnastics doesn’t see as much television time either, so the Olympics provides an opportunity for individuals to watch those sports they enjoy but do not normally get to see. This makes the Olympics a treat.

The tourism industry has expanded in Turkey and golfing has become more and more popular, and today there are several terrific options for golf vacations here. Each area offers its own advantages both in terms of golfing and other activities.

Turkey’s Golfing Riviera

Antalya is Turkey’s most important city along the Mediterranean coast, and today the Turkish Riviera is also a Golfing Riviera. You can enjoy a fabulous golf vacation here year round. Take your pick of four excellent golf courses and luxurious hotels situated right along the Mediterranean Sea. Not only will you enjoy fabulous golf, you can delight in the rich culture and soak up the sun on the beaches of this beautiful area of Turkey.

Belek: Golfing Paradise

Belek is another Turkish paradise for golfers. Take advantage of an 8 to 9 month long summer season to golf at your choice of outstanding courses. In addition to world-class golfing at Gloria Golf Course and Nobilis Golf Course in Belek, you can visit many fascinating man-made and natural attractions on your holiday. There are many historic attractions in Belek, and beautiful Kursunlu Waterfall presents birders with an incredible opportunity to view more than 100 species of nesting birds.

Golfing on a Visit to Istanbul

Istanbul is top on the list of destinations for many travelers to Turkey, and this amazing city is well worth a visit, even beyond the great golf courses located nearby. In Istanbul, Asia (to the East) meets Europe (to the West), and the historic and cultural attractions here are unique and impressive. In addition to exploring fascinating historical, cultural and architectural attractions, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to golf on a visit to Istanbul.

When to Go Golfing in Turkey

With a moderate climate throughout the year in most parts of the country, you can book a golfing holiday in Turkey almost any time of the year. This is a country soaked in sunshine for most of the year, so you can choose when you wish to vacation in Turkey. The best golfing season is considered to be from April through November - 9 months of outstanding golfing conditions. Although you can enjoy a golfing vacation in Turkey in June, July or August, too, these are the hottest months of the year.

If you are not into camping, and you want an inexpensive vacation for your family, then you might want to look into the possibility of visiting relatives in an area you would like to see. Staying with family can offer a great way to have a cheap vacation. Sometimes this might not work out, but it may be worth considering if you all get along well and can enjoy each others company. Seeing the sights in the area where they live and having the ability to visit with relatives who you may not see often can make for a wonderful, vacation.

Another way to have a great inexpensive vacation is to do a house swap. There are always people in tourist areas who are looking for other places to visit as well. Do an Internet search to find a group listing that has house swaps listed. You may be able to find the deal of a lifetime and the best cheap vacation ever. One thing that is recommended if you opt for this type of vacation is to ask for references from the other people and to provide some yourself. Safety and self protection must be used in order to achieve a successful, enjoyable, vacation.

For the slightly more expensive vacation, you might want to look for a good vacation package. Sometimes there are offers, especially on the off season, for some of the most sought after vacation spots in the world. With discounts for families, you can usually find packages that will include your hotel, meals, and some area attractions, in the price. This would be a great way to enjoy your cheap vacation and not have a need for any more money. Nothing is hidden in most of these cases.

Having an inexpensive vacation does not have to mean no fun, no frills, and nothing extra. It simply means that you find a way to have a great time with your family, and spend as little money as possible. A cheap vacation can also be a rewarding, refreshing overall experience. Start your search for a cheap vacation today.