Facebook ‘Selfies’ Can Ruin Your Relationships

Researchers from the University of Birmingham, University West of England and the University of Edinburgh have found that people who post too many pictures of themselves on Facebook – known as ‘selfies’ in the online community - risk harming their relationships with their friends.
Researchers reported that those who share too many pictures could risk harming their more casual Facebook relationships, while relationships with close friends and family members, on the other hand, may not be harmed at all by this over-sharing. According to Dr. David Houghton, a lecturer at Birmingham Business School and the lead researcher in this study, the content and quantity of these pictures can be blamed for causing a rift between the individual posting the photos and their casual relationships with acquaintances and colleagues.
“Our research found that those who frequently post photographs on Facebook risk damaging real-life relationships. This is because people, other than very close friends and relatives, don’t seem to relate well to those who constantly share photos of themselves,” said Houghton in a statement.
“It’s worth remembering that the information we post to our ‘friends’ on Facebook, actually gets viewed by lots of different categories of people: partners; friends; family; colleagues and acquaintances; and each group seems to take a different view of the information shared.”
The study measures the effect of a common behavior decades ago that’s been brought into the digital age. Before humans built the technology to instantly share photographs via Facebook, Instagram and other services, people had to share physical, printed media with their friends and family. Thus the old joke about the loathed family which invites friends over to view slides of their latest vacation. Just as these kinds of exhibitions could have turned off friends and acquaintances, so too can sharing too many selfies on Facebook damage real-world relationships.
According to the study, there was a direct correlation between sharing multiple pictures of events and a decrease in intimacy between the sharer and their friends. Additionally, those who frequently shared photographs of their friends also run the risk of harming the relationships they have with these friends.
However, the study also notes that over-sharers who post pictures of family are more likely to receive support from their close friends and family members. Those who post more pictures of their friends, however, may ruin the intimacy they enjoy with these friends. Close friends and family members, however, are unaffected by the amount of pictures posted.
Dr. Houghton and team also looked beyond the effects of posting too many pictures on Facebook to brand advertising campaigns in which companies ask customers to take pictures of themselves enjoying their product.
“While benefitting brand awareness and critical mass of a Facebook fan page for a brand, organization or cause, sharing photographs may be harmful to those asked to participate,” reads the report. The researchers advise users to “think twice and post once” when sharing pictures of themselves.
As Facebook has grown to include over one billion users, many academic researchers have endeavored to classify and understand the human effects of being virtually connected. Earlier this year, a pair of German researchers claimed that viewing pictures of friends’ vacations, new babies, cars and homes can leave users feeling frustrated about their own lives and envious of others.

Source: Michael Harper for redOrbit.com - Your Universe Online       

Industry expos on Beauty, Health and Wellness fuel collaboration in preparation for ASEAN integration

As the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) prepare for full integration by 2015 under a single ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which is one of the main objectives of the region's economic integration, a key challenge is to find balance with regard to coherence and cooperation among member countries.

However, the emergence of many relevant industry expos and conferences, particularly in the beauty health and wellness sectors, is seen as the key ingredient in providing that balance and more importantly, make the planned integration a seamless and thorough activity.

This collaborative economic environment among nations of varying race and cultures will be unmistakably evident in a one-of-a-kind event called "International Beauty, Health and Wellness Expo," which is held from September 26-28, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Philippines.

The "International Beauty, Health and Wellness Expo," organized by Ex-Link Management and Marketing Services Corporation, is expected to attract more than 10,000 buyers/trade visitors from here and abroad, and participated in by more than 200 of the country's established and up-and-coming movers and shakers in the Health and Beauty, Fitness and Style, and Wellness and Relaxation circles. It will be the perfect avenue for sponsors and participants to meet, converge, exchange ideas and knowledge, establish market linkages, collaborate and agree on mutually beneficial transactions with the hope of growing the industry further and make it one of the strongest business sectors in the region.

Day one of the expo highlights the opening talk of Dr. Enrique "Eric" Tayag, Asst. Secretary of the Department of health with the "Go for Health program," will fire up the first day followed by the personality development seminars, fashion and styling sessions, discussion of fashion trends in the social media, an Anniversary Dance Competition launch dubbed as "Healthway Medical Dance for Health...A healthy way to live"... featuring its corporate partners will sure to enliven the stage area with a fashion show from one of the country's top fashion institutes round up the first day.

Meanwhile, talks on health, beauty, skin care, alternative medicine, stress management, personal mastery seminars are set on the second day with Zumba party with the expo highlight dubbed as Health and Wellness Summit.

On Day Three, learn physical fitness techniques, martial arts and sports from some of the country's renowned sports and fitness gurus.

Filipino Flavors at Savor

It was a night of fun, friendship and crazy Filipino flavors as Rockwell held another Blogger's Night at its newest establishment, Savor Filipino Cuisine at the Rockwell Business Center in Ortigas. Apart from the crazy Filipino-inspired games(Pinoy Box Office Trivia anyone?), the distinct flair of Savor's food left everyone with full smiles and even fuller tummies. Bloggers, family and friends enjoyed the unique Filipino menu - created from the age-old Family recipes of Savor's founders but with modern tweaks to meet this generation's taste-buds.

Savor Filipino Cuisine was born out of a shared desire amongst its founders to bring classic recipes to a young new generation of Pinoy-food-loving diners. Partners Mel Dumlao, Raquel Estrella, Owen Gan and Executive Chef Trina Tiaoqui-Imperial were inspired not just by their love of Filipino food but also their love of making, sharing, and celebrating with our local cuisine. They put together a menu crafted from classic family recipes handed down from generations but with some personal touches to give it a different kick.

With family at the heart of it all, Savor Filipino Cuisine is all about reminding everyone about the pleasures one derives form the true flavors of Filipino ingredients and recipes as enjoyed around different dining tables. "Savor Filipino Cuisine is not Filipino fusion, but rather classic recipes personalized with our varied and unique experiences of how these dishes were prepared and enjoyed by each of us growing up - in the process of creating new menu traditions," explains partner Owen Gan.

Nested in busy Ortigas, Savor finds a warm home in the Rockwell Business Center. While providing world-class amenities to the many business in its 1.3 hectare site, Rockwell also provides the business compound with many comforts to truly give it a mix of business and pleasure. Everything you'll ever need is a mere stone's throw away from the compound. It sits directly beside a world-class hospital with a multitude of malls, schools and residential areas within the vicinity. convenience to the commuters is also though to beat as the development itself is very much accessible to public transportation - and not to mention, has its very own shuttle to service its patrons to and fro establishments within the Ortigas area.

So if you wish to enjoy Savor's unique yet traditional Filipino food flavors, get yourself a seat at one of their dining tables at unit No. N-11, level 1 at the Rockwell Business Center Tower 2 or give them a ring at 584-6642.

For more inquiries on the Rockwell Business Center, please email office@rockwell.com.ph or call 0917-857-8308.

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Awkward But Important Things To Discuss During Premarital Counseling

Premarital counseling is no longer just a good idea. The practice is almost a necessity. Every couple should consider premarital counseling to increase their chances of a having a long and happy marriage. Here are four necessary but awkward conversations that every couple should have prior to marriage:

1. Divorce
Divorce tops the list as one of the most awkward but important things to discuss during premarital counseling. It hardly seems right to begin a marriage discussing divorce, but since nearly half of marriages end in divorce, couples must be prepared to take measures to prevent it. Couples should discuss how each feels about divorce up front and how the process will be handled if the divorce should occur. Some common questions that should arise during the divorce discussion should include:

• Should couples therapy or counseling be an interim step before divorce?
• How will divorce be handled if kids are involved?
• Is divorce taboo in your family or common?
• When is divorce the best option between two people?
• Should there be a prenuptial agreement in the event of divorce?

2. Sex
Sex is one of the most awkward discussions to have between two people and a counselor, but it is one of the biggest sources of contention between two married people. Frequency, style and monogamy are the most common issues discussed regarding sex. The discussions surrounding these issues include:

• Frequency. Sure, couples may be having pre-marital sex, but things change when two people live together. People get tired, fail to communicate their preferences or struggle with different libidos. When couples cannot get the frequency of their sex lives together, it affects the marriage. This is one of the main reasons why fidelity is an issue in marriage.
• Style. How people enjoy sex is another point of contention. One partner’s sexual style may deter the other partner from wanting to participate. Sexual style is an awkward conversation, but the discussion can prevent future conflicts.
• Monogamy. Most people get married to have a monogamous relationship, but some couples advocate open marriages. This should be discussed prior to the wedding. When people have different expectations of marriage, this can cause a significant rift.

3. Finances
Finances are difficult. If one spouse is a spendthrift, and the other spouse is a saver, conflict may arise. Finances are one of the most common reasons for divorce. To prevent divorce, couples must agree on who will work in the family, how often and who will manage the finances. Financial goals must be established to avoid conflict regarding how money should be spent and managed in the marriage.

4. Conflict Resolution
How will the couple handle conflict? There must be a plan for handling conflict in the marriage. Whether discussing the number of kids desired or how to split household chores, there must be rules of engagement. Proper conflict resolution will help couples stay out of divorce court. Determine how to discuss fairly to prevent ineffective arguments that do not lead to a positive outcome.

Obtain Premarital Counseling to Set Expectations
Premarital counseling is necessary to set expectations in a marriage. Without counseling, couples may agree on how to handle disagreements, but there is no one to ensure that both parties adhere to their part of the bargain. Counselors holds both people accountable when they make a verbal commitment to each other.

11 Intelligence Killing Foods You Need To Avoid

11 Intelligence Killing Foods You Need To Avoid

When it comes to nutrition, it must be mentioned that there are all sorts of foods: some super-foods are your greatest allies against extra pounds, while others stimulate your cognitive function and improve your memory. On the other hand, some foods are known to have a devastating effect on your brain functioning, and nutritionists advise us to consume them moderately in order to limit their negative impact. Having said that, here are the top 11 foods that kill your intelligence, slowly but surely:

1. Sugary Products

Sugar and sugary products are bad not only for your waistline, but for your brain function as well. Long-term consumption of sugar can create a wealth of neurological problems, and it can also interfere with your memory. On the other hand, sugar can also interfere with your ability to learn, this is why it is recommended to avoid pre-baked goods, sugar, corn syrup and products that are high in fructose.

2. Alcohol

Alcohol is known to harm your liver in the long run, and it also causes what is known as “brain fog”. Like the name suggests, the term of brain fog refers to a feeling of mental confusion, it acts like a cloud that impacts your ability to think clearly, as well as your memory. Have you ever noticed that you cannot remember common item names, or you cannot recall certain events or you are not sure whether they were dreams or they actually happened? This might be influenced by the high alcohol intake which impacts the balance of the brain. Fortunately, these symptoms are reversible provided that you stop consuming alcohol, or you limit your intake to one or two drinks per week.

3. Junk Food

A recent study that was performed at the University of Montreal has revealed that junk food can change the chemicals in the brains, thus leading to symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. Besides, foods that are high in fat can also trigger some symptoms that are similar to the signs of withdrawal when you stop consuming them. These foods affect the production of dopamine, an important chemical that promotes happiness and an overall feeling of well-being. Moreover, dopamine also supports the cognitive function, the learning capacity, alertness, motivation and memory. This is why it is important to avoid all foods that contain excessive fat.

4. Fried Foods

Almost all processed foods contain chemicals, dyes, additives, artificial flavors, preservatives and such – these can affect the behavior and the cognitive functioning due to the chemical that causes hyperactivity, both in children and in adults. Fried or processed foods slowly destroy the nerve cells located in the brain. However, some oils are more dangerous than others – sunflower oil is considered to be among the most toxic ones.

5. Processed Or Pre-Cooked Foods

Just like fried foods, processed or pre-cooked foods also impact your central nervous system and they also increase the risk of developing a degenerative brain disorder later in live (such as Alzheimer’s disease).

6. Very Salty Foods

Everybody knows that salty foods affect your blood pressure and they are very hard on your heart. However, as research suggests, foods that contain high amounts of salt (sodium) can affect your cognitive function and impair your ability to think. Otherwise stated, salty foods affect your intelligence!

As a matter of fact, the consumption of salty foods and nicotine have been shown to have the same effects as drugs, as they cause harsh withdrawal symptoms and cravings for salty foods.

7. Grains, Except 100% Whole Grain

All sorts of grains have an impact on your brain functioning and your overall health, except for 100% whole grain which is very rich and fiber and it is known to prevent arterial aging. If you consume regular grains, your body risks to age quicker than it is supposed to and you can also experience memory loss and brain fog. Having said that, try swapping the regular carbs for the complex carbohydrates – all you need to do is to opt for whole grain bread!

8. Processed Proteins

Proteins are the building blocks of muscles and they are very important for the proper functioning of your body. Meat is the richest source of high-quality protein, but avoid overly processed protein such as hot dogs, salami, sausages and such. Unlike the natural proteins that help your body insulate the nervous system, processed proteins do exactly the opposite. Opt for natural fish (especially tuna and salmon), dairy, walnuts and seeds as these are natural, high-quality protein sources.

9. Avoid Trans Fats At All Costs

Trans fats cause a series of problems, from heart-related issues to elevated cholesterol and obesity. However, they are bad for your brain as well, as they make your brain more sluggish, they affect your reflexes and the quality of your brain response – not to mention that they increase the risk of stroke!

Trans fats can also have other effects on your brain: if consumed for too long, they can result in a sort of brain shrinkage that is somewhat similar to the shrinkage caused by Alzheimer’s disease. This brain shrinkage takes place due to the fact that trans fats slowly damage the arteries – you can prevent this and lower the stroke risk by simply limiting your intake of trans fats.

10. Artificial Sweeteners

When people try to lose weight, they tend to think that they will become slim overnight by simply replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners. It is true that artificial sweeteners do contain less calories, but they can actually do more harm than good! If used for an extended period of time, artificial sweeteners can cause brain damage and interfere with your cognitive capacity, especially if you use high amounts of sweetener.

11. Nicotine

Despite the fact that nicotine is not really a food product, it still wreaks havoc on your brain by restricting the blood flow to this important organ, along with the regular flow of glucose and oxygen. Nicotine not only causes premature aging, bad breath and poses an increased risk for lung cancer, but it also affects the production and the function of neurotransmitters by tightening the capillaries, the tiny blood vessels that play a pivotal role when it comes to your brain function.