Archive for February 2010

Helpful Tips and Pointers on What To Do During an Earthquake

27. February 2010 by admin.

I was triggered  to write this article in view of the major recent earthquakes that hit certain parts of the globe within a span of two months in year 2010.  Major ones were the one that hit Chile today (February 27) with a catastrophic magnitude of 8.8 on the Richter Scale and another in Haiti (January 12)  with a 7.0 magnitude.

It  may  be  normal to  be paranoid or to feel scared (especially for children) of the occurrence of the said natural calamity of  this enormity.  We all know that several  lives and properties were  lost  in the said earthquakes and  still mortals or even the “super heroes” can not prevent these things from happening. Billions of dollars have been and will  be spent for humanitarian reasons and for  re-building of  the needed infrastructures (road, bridges, hospitals, schools, etc.)  and to return these stricken countries to normalcy. We can only do so much after the fact, to help those affected and in pain , particularly those who have nothing at all. For those who are willing to share their resources, there are various  legitimate organizations on line ready  to receive   your donations.

I would like to share with you some tips and  guidelines  which have been formulated by experts.  So far, the “drop, cover and hold on” method which was taught to us during high school days’ drills still holds true.   Here are some:

If Indoors
  • DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON on until the shaking stops. If there’s no table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
  • Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall.
  • Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall.
  • Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
  • Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
  • Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
  • DO NOT use the elevators.
If Outdoors
  • DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON on until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
  • Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
  • Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
  • Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
  • Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
  • Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
  • DO NOT use the elevators.
If in a moving vehicle
  • Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
  • Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
If trapped under debris 

Source: FEMA
  • Do not light a match.
  • Do not move about or kick up dust.
  • Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
  • Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust. 

For Children:

  • Parents should teach basic earthquake safety.  Teach your children about earthquakes to help keep your family safe.

Important Reminder: In an earthquake, stay calm and do not run or panic.

Other Related Information:

What is a fault? “A fault is a fracture in the crust along which one side has moved relative to the other side. Faults can be very small or hundreds of miles long. The earth’s crust is composed of huge plates that are in slow but nearly constant motion.”

What causes an earthquake?

“Earthquakes occur when the two sides of a fault slip suddenly against each other. For ex. the Pacific and North American plates move past each other about 1.5 inches a year. The friction between the plates causes stress, which is released when the blocks of crust slip suddenly along a fault plane. That releases waves of energy that travel through the ground, causing the shaking you feel.”

What is an epicenter? “Earthquake ruptures usually begin far under the surface of the Earth. The point of origin miles down is called the hypocenter. The epicenter is the point on the surface directly above the hypocenter.”

How often do earthquakes happen? “The National Earthquake Information Center (U.S.) reports 12,000-14,000 earthquakes a year around the world, or 35 a day. Throughout the world, there are one “great” (magnitude 8.0 or more), 18 “major” (7.0-7.9), 120 “large” (6.0-6.9) and 1,000 “moderate” (5.0-5.9) earthquakes in an average year. Each year, California generally gets two or three earthquakes large enough to cause moderate damage to structures (magnitude 5.5 and higher).”

What is a tsunami? “Sometimes called seismic sea waves (or, incorrectly, tidal waves), a tsunami is a series of waves generated by large earthquakes that create vertical movement on the ocean floor. Tsunamis can reach more than 50 feet in height, move inland several hundred feet and threaten life and property. Often, the first wave of a tsunami is not the largest. Tsunamis can occur on all coastal regions of the world, but are most common along margins of the Pacific Ocean. Tsunamis can travel from one side of the Pacific to the other in a day, at a velocity of 600 miles an hour in deep water. A locally generated tsunami may reach the shore within minutes.”  

I hope I was able to refresh your memory about this learning. Be safe!

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Tips on Cleaning Snow Off Your Car

27. February 2010 by admin.

For February 2010, the Metro New Yorkers were lucky to get snow falls for a couple of days.  Honestly, just like a child, I am still amazed and delighted to see snow falls once in a while.   The falling fluffy white stuff just engulfed me and it makes  the surroundings  perfectly look  immaculate and  romantic. 

However, this morning on my way to school,  I saw  cars full of snow and ice. For those who have no garage at home,  their cars could be easily exposed to this natural beauty which afterwards could be an undesired chore. Cleaning up the snow from your driveway, roof or walkway and your cars can be a daunting and excruciating task. 

Snow-laden cars in Richmond Hill, New York

Snow-laden cars in Richmond Hill with HCJC bell tower shown from afar

To make your life easier,here are some tips for an effective and productive snow cleaning method specifically for cars and other automobiles: 
 

Firstly, clear out the snowy area around the car and remove the snow from around the wheels so that it could be driven and pulled forward into the parking lot which you have already cleaned. (Note: This is applicable if you have enough space).

Secondly, start the car’s engine, warm it up for a few minutes  and allow the heater/defroster to soften the frost/ice on the windshield, side and rear windows .  Note that the time to run the defroster varies with the type of vehicle.

Thirdly, get hold of your ice scrapers (some of it have rubber or a simple snow brushes-which is much better ) and brush off  the snow in strokes whether it’s light fluffy snow, wet, heavy snow topped with a layer of ice.  (Caution: Avoid scratching the paint of your car).  

Fourthly,   check if there is snow that has accumulated inside (e.g. hood, etc.) your car. This means that all of the snow remnants should be entirely removed/wiped out  from your car, including the tail lights, license plates, headlights and turn signals.   This is to avoid obstructions  and accidents when you use the car.  Note that you may also be fined with tickets from authorities when your headlights, taillights and license plates are not  cleared.

Fifthly,  by the time the car warmed up, it would be easy to scrape  the hard part of the snow/ice off all of the car windows and after this you’re ready to go!

Some people (sounds familiar!) , however, can be so economical yet smart, in dealing with car snow problems.   After brushing off the large accumulation of loose snow.  they simply use warm or hot water and gradually pour them over the windows and windshields.  They use the so-called “squeegee” to remove the water from the windows, so it would not freeze up again.  Squeegee is a tool with a flat    smooth rubber blade, used to remove or control the flow of liquid on a surface. And, it works!

Likewise, if you have the “dough” to install or build a garage, that would be a selling point and you will no longer be facing the agony of cleaning the snow off during wintertime.

But most of all, I would like to remind you that while cleaning your car, you always have to have these ingredients: Have fun, Relax, Play with the snow and enjoy every wonderful moment of it !

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Tips On How To Widen Your Circle Of Friends

27. February 2010 by admin.

Did you know that February is the International Friendship Month? Well, Yes! So, that makes it extraordinary and timely to celebrate the special bond among friends! I remember this particular verse from a song: “No man is an island, No man stands alone..”…..merely reiterates that all people throughout the world, even great men and women, recognize the importance of friendship.

This blog is my way of appreciating and paying tribute to the word “Friendship” and to all of my wonderful friends!                                friends310.jpg

Here are some tips on how to win new friends:

1. Knock on Door of Your Neighbors

To take an initiative to make friends with your old and new neighbors is a good trait to start with. Knocking on one’s door, with a shy hello, smile and a hand shake to offer (and a freshly baked cookies, much better) is simple enough yet rewarding in the long run.   shakehandsneighbor310.jpgThis is a first step to know the people in the neighborhood and build friendly relationship.

2. Volunteer

To offer your services for free in any organization, such as the non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) or non-profit organizations, will not only provide you the opportunity to meet and interact with new people of diverse backgrounds but you will also gain new friends. In my case, it is a wonderful and meaningful experience to spare a little of my time and have contributed to advance a worthy cause which could have a positive impact in the community where I belong. If you have a passion for helping out, go to Idealist.org which provides you a wide range of volunteering services.

3. Go online and join social networking groups

There are a lot of things you can do online to meet new acquaintances and buddies.  networkonline.jpgExamples are Facebook, Twitter, Online Chat Clubs, Video Sharing Clubs, Business Networking, Craft Making Clubs, Sports Club, and many more would enhance your circle of friends. There are pluses and minuses though in joining networking clubs on the Internet , so there is a need to exercise caution and to be smart in dealing with it when complications arise.

4. Acquire a Pet

For people who have no allergies to fur of dogs, this is one way to enjoy a company with your pet dog. While I am not really a “pet lady”, I believe that among the animals, dogs are man’s best friends”. When you have a dog, you will be encouraged to go out, exercise or merely enjoy a walk with them.    ladywihtdogrunning.jpg It has also been proven that dogs provide health benefits – giving you love and companionship – a stress-free life indeed!

5. Join any Clubs (e.g. Book Club, School related Club, Fraternities, etc.) or any Civic Organizations

Participating in various organizations (whether formal and informal groups) will give you the opportunity to make friends and network with all kinds of people, who can contribute to make positive changes in your lifestyle. Joining book reading clubs for instance may enhance your communication and auditory skills. You will also be able to gain additional knowledge from the other members in various fora and discussions. Sometimes book clubs do offer discounts during book sale and lifetime rewards for members.

6. Keep in Touch with your Alumni Association

Connecting with your Alma Mater and joining the Alumni Association will not only give you the chance to refresh your relationship with some of your “once upon a time” buddies but also create new friends with those not so close to your during your younger days. It will also keep you updated about your former colleagues, their addresses, career and family. Likewise, it strengthens the connection between the institution, the alumni and the community as a whole. –offers a wide range of assistance in finding and posting jobs, networking, lifetime opportunities –discounts and privileges – meet new friends and explore interesting opportunities.

7. Support Groups

Looking for in person or group support especially for people facing problems (family, financial, spiritual health, etc.) will serve as a “shoulder to lean on” to them. These groups provide assistance thru advice and moral support which sometimes lack from your immediate family. It is also good to talk to people who are similarly situated as you. Your may ask your doctor to suggest for a support group which you can join or you can go online and search for support groups suitable to your needs.

8. Obtain Further Education or Get Additional Skills

Enrolling in summer classes (acting class, guitar lessons, swimming lessons, dance class, etc.) and getting a night class to boost your career path do also serve as perfect venues for gaining additional friends.

9. Attend trainings, seminars and conferences

To be visible in any kind of gatherings or meetings such as these will provide you the much needed break to meet business prospects and more likelihood they will be your good partners and friends in the future.

10. Keep the Faith

You can find friends in your worship place. One way of doing this is to join choir groups and be an active member of your congregation.

Friendship Quotes:

“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose”                                                                                              - Tennessee Wiiliams

“One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives”              - Euripides

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them”          - Mother Teresa

　

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10 Easy Tips For a Good Wake Up/Morning Routine

26. February 2010 by admin.

Waking up in the morning can be so difficult and tedious particularly if you have a bad night sleep or if there is nothing exciting to look forward to during the day. Whatever means of waking up you’re attuned to (either by a normal biological wake up time, or by a partner or a wake up buddy, or by an alarm clock or a high tech gadget), the following suggested tips may be undertaken:

1. SAY A SHORT PRAYER OR MEDITATE BEFORE GETTING OUT OF BED.

Talking to your God will give you inner peace and satisfaction after thanking HIM for giving you another day and for asking HIM to make you happy and alive to undertake even the most boring mundane task for the day .

2. DRINK WATER

For a great morming start. drinking water on an empty stomach has health benefits and will make you energetic. I have tried it!

3. HAVE A SIMPLE EXERCISE

Stretching out your muscles briefly will definitely snap you out of a groggy state. It wakes up your senses and it is a dose of a medicine for a lazy body. The inhale/exhale breathe exercise removes toxins from the system besides providing oxygen to the vital organs of the body.

4. TAKE A BATH OR A SHOWER

A cold or a hot bath/shower in the morning gives you a clean fresh feeling. A lot of good habits favorable for your well being can be done while taking a bath. One example is coaxing  secretions out of your throat, especially if you have colds or sore throat. Truly, it works, try it!

5. HAVE YOUR BREAKFAST

Never skip breakfast. Taking something healthy food in the morning will revitalize your body. In my case, I take oatmeal with fruits and it gives me enough energy for the whole morning

6. ORGANIZE THINGS

Obviously, there are lots of benefits of being an organized person. Arranging  the things you need to do or bring will prevent  lapses. When you’re organized, you tend to relax more and be healthier. As such, you’ll be able to manage your time effectively, prioritize your tasks and do your work economically. Thus, you will be able to achieve and complete your work with more energy and enthusiasm.

7. THINK POSITIVE

Removing the distractions away from you will make you on the go. Forget the worries and anxieties the other day and embrace the new day! Feel good about yourself and you will gain more positive energy.

8. GREET PEOPLE YOU MEET /SMILE AT THEM

Being polite and courteous to people you meet will do you no harm. You can also crack a joke or a smile to your carpool mates, bus mates , subway train mates, classmates, etc. Beginning the day with a smile on your face and a short minutes of laughter makes you feel better and keeps you fresh the whole day. I remember my elementary teacher told us about these  sayings: “Laugh and be well” and “It takes 10 muscles to smile but takes 100 to frown”.　

9. LEAVE EARLY AND ARRIVE PROMPTLY

Leaving early and arriving on time to any of your appointments, be in school, office and other engagements will not only produce very good instant results but gives you also a sense of self-confidence. It sets the tone for the day ,  thus is crucial as far as professionalism is concerned. Have you experienced being  late in your  appointments , you get stressed , right? So,  try your very best  not to be late.

10. BE PRODUCTIVE AND GET THINGS DONE

According to the dictionary , the word productive means “yielding favorable or useful results” . So, it doesnt mean that if you’re busy, you become productive. I would say that to be productive in your day to day routine is to stick and focus to your plan for the day, do it very well in line with rules, and accomplish it promptly so that when night comes , you are free from worries and you’re set for  a good night sleep and once again look forward to a brght new day!

Have a great day!

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About the Blogger

25. February 2010 by admin.

                                         

  • A native from the Eastern part of the globe and currently in the West (USA).
  • A freelancer of all sorts, including home economics (an aspirant chef) , after several years  in public policy and administration (specifically in areas of public private partnerships, private sector development and finance)!
  • A reluctant traveler , (has avionophobia – fear of air travels)  yet was able to withstand it thru prayers and guts. Had the chance to visit places in Asia: like the Bangkok-Thailand,  Hongkong, Hanoi-Vietnam, Taiwan-Taipei , Singapore,  New Delhi, and other places in India , major cities (Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and other places) in Pakistan and the Philippines; Europe: such as Austria-Vienna, Rome-Italy, Frankfurt-Germany, and London, Stratford (Riveravon), Birmingham-England; Wellington and Auckland-New Zealand, Australia, Santiago and Valparaiso-Chile, and Rio de Janiero in Brazil.   Thanks to multilateral and bilateral agencies, government and private financing institutions for the pro bono business and economy class travels, 5 star hotels and accommodations, the wisdom, and technical know-how gained from these experiences!
  • A supporter of  some legitimate non profit organizations
  • An advocate of community development (poverty, health, shelter, education), corporate governance, environment, human rights, fair play  and everything – in short for World Peace!
  •  A teacher (tutor), mentor, adviser   and a catechist – she didn’t realize she could be one!
  • A music lover,  can sing well, plays guitar (not an expert) , dance once in a while but definitely not a social drinker!                     ladycartoonwildplayguitr.jpg       
  • A green tea (ginger, chamomile ), fruits and nuts  enthusiast!
  • A sixth  from the oldest in a brood of closely knit 9 siblings.  The first child lis now an angel  ….she left when she was still an infant.
  • A fashion/entertainment  buff
  • A web/internet  savvy  homosapien (not a robot)!  Hates malicious hackers, scammers and crawlers though!  A night owl person not by choice!
  • A cautious  person  as far as personal life/details are concerned  but happy and contented
  • A passion/ heart to help other people – hence , this blog.
  • A sensitive, sentimental, sometimes  persistent and assertive yet gracious, loving, forgiving, hardworking, helpful,  patient , and understanding person.  Last but not least, she loves and is grateful to GOD.

    • In view of  the foregoing,  she would like to thank you from the bottom of her heart for visiting her site and encourages you all  to be a regular visitor, contributor, supporter, possibly a sponsor of MUTC and most of all be her new friend!                                           

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    About My Useful Tips.Com

    25. February 2010 by admin.

                                                                                        welcome.gif   Welcome to My Useful Tips.com! In this website, you will see a lot of useful tips which you may apply in your everyday life

    • My Useful Tips.com (MUTC)  blog  was launched as one of the  pilot projects of the various endeavors the owner intends to undertake through the years.
    • Its objective  is primarily to provide useful means whereby all people from all  walks of life (regardless of  location, religion, race, sex, or financial stature ,etc.)  shall  hopefully be able to undertake, on their own,  their day to day activities easily and smoothly .
    • It  attempts to encompass   most, if not all,  of the facets  of life :  love,  spirituality, family, health, fashion, beauty,  food, travel, business, education, employment,  community, including your  daily routine, among others.  Briefly stated, it is all about happiness, simplicity and quality of life.
    • The information contained herein is for informational  and  educational purposes only.  While data are culled out from personal experiences, contributions from friends and research, it should not be construed as an absolute alternative to sound professional advice.
    • It strives  to update the blog content on a regular basis.  It makes no warranties and representations of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy and reliability with regard to the information reflected herein.
    • It respects the copyright laws of others.   Any use of the blog that is in violation of the said law or any law for that matter,  users’ comments, posts, or any submissions in any form shall be removed from this blog.   Hence, it is expected that  the use of this blog shall  be in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations.

    Should there be further clarifications, questions and comments about the website, please feel free to contact the owner at info@myusefultips.com .   Your email addresses shall be kept confidential.

    Thank you and  I hope MUTC perked up your day!

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