5 Things You Should & Shouldn't Do While On A Date (For Men)

1. Always remember to bring along your wallet. Not only is the wallet an important asset, it can also be a lifesaver in various situations, like for instance a date. Failing to take your wallet along on a date may evoke unwanted thoughts in the mind of the lady you are dating. She may think you of being an irresponsible or a forgetful person. I believe we are aware of the popular saying which states that 'nobody is perfect', but guys, please try and make your date as faultless as possible. Because making a lady get the bill is no gentleman's work. It highlights you as to being a horrid Romeo. Plus, ladies prefer men who are responsible and underwrite; as such qualities will make them feel financially secure amidst the presence of such men.

2. Never flirt with the waitress, even if she is irresistibly hot. This is what most men do unconsciously. Flirting with another woman on your date is the last thing on earth you would want to do, especially in front of the lady that you are dating with. Such behavior will indubitably piss her off. You wouldn't want to be sitting next to an angry lady; trust me. In lieu of that, she may also think of you of being a 'multitask-er' or a womanizer. Short stints like a passionate smile or an unusually sweet manner of talking, directed to another woman can provoke many unexpected thoughts in the mind of your date. Hereon, she'll undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on you. If this persists then she might be walking out on you.

3. Always dress neatly. First impression is very important, especially on your first date; although the dates that follow may be of equal importance, but the first usually gives her a clue of what kind of guy you really are. Dressing yourself in a fancy 'Pierre Cardin' shirt with a pair of 'Crocodile' slacks, followed by a pair of 'Peter Kaiser' shoes, will undoubtedly make you look snappy. Most importantly, you're date will think you of being a very neat, tidy and meticulous person. Also, remember that the manner at which you dress yourself also highlights the cleanliness level of the place you reside in. Neatly dressed men usually equates with homes that are spick-and-span. However, if you do attend your first date shabbily dressed, then it is advisable not to dream of having a second with the same lady. So, to avoid this from occurring, 'dress smart!'

4. Be a gentleman, and pull the chair out for the lady. A tireless act like this will literally put a smile on her face, every time you perform it, as ladies love to be treated in this sort of manner. Like a princess in other words. Please be aware that you may look like her personal assistant or something like that at times but, it is worth every penny, 'trust me.' If your date so happens to wear a coat, then help take it off once she has taken her seat, for this will immaculately highlight your 'Casanova' attributes. 'Action speaks louder than words' is a popular saying that inevitably summarizes all of the above. Also, bear in mind not to try too hard, for she may think of her as to being a burden to you.

5. Always remember to smile. Smiling ensures 'the Senorita you are dating' that everything is fine and she need not worry herself over anything. Even if the bill is costly, 'pay it in a happy manner!' to let her know that you've got it all under control and that paying for it is no big deal; so that she may not regard herself as to being a bit of a burden to you. Apart from that, smiling also delineates that you are having a cracking time. This is what you want 'Miss X' to perceive you of having while on a date with her, as it will make her feel that you are comfortable being amidst her presence. By the way, try to make your smile seem as sincere as possible, because some ladies can tell the difference between a nolens volens smile.

Trying To Dissipate Shameful Memories

Everyone has a shameful experience that they would love to dissipate. But it is not easy, as it is firmly imprinted in our mind. The absurdness of such thought is just too hard to be forgotten. The best way to get over it is to express it to others. Well, that is exactly what I am about to do. This memory of mine that I am going to tell you is just bizarre in an eldritch sense. It happened a couple of years back when I was 7. The morning sun shined luminously above the 'Methodist Anglo-Saxon Chinese School', the school which I once wore its proud colors. Under the raincloud absent skies, birds perched high up on an electrical cable wires near one of the schools block chirped melodiously to signify a day that seemed almost perfect. The 7 year old me was courageously answering questions that a persistent Mr. Lingson(mathematics teacher) was kept throwing. This went on for a few minutes by my reckoning. The sharp ringing sound of the recess bell echoed through the school walls, which brought a halt to all teaching sessions. Before Mr. Lingson let us off, he gave us a bunch of homework that was to be handed out to him on the following week.

Failing to do so is an option many students will not think twice of taking; as the punishment will be just reproachful. The moment Mr. Lingson stepped out of the class, the class went helter skelter; as usual. My classmates were just overwhelmed with the joy of recess by my reckoning and not to forget the absence of a teacher. That's the case with students; they just go ecstatic when there is no pedagogue in class. Amidst the hoo-ha, I got hold of my water bottle, and made my way out of class. I then walked down a staircase which I find to be unique in a sense, as it mimicked the grand staircase of the Great Paris Opera House from Gaston Leroux's award winning novel, 'The Phantom Of The Opera.' This was a feature not many of the British schools around town acquired. Having made my way down the 80 year old staircase, I jauntily paced myself past the bookshop which was on my right. With my nose pointing skywards, I arrogantly ignored all attentive discount offers by one of the salesman, who was probably trying to get rid of all ancient stationery items. Passing the bookshop meant that I was now closer to the school canteen.

Knowing that the eatery was just a short whiles walkaway, I quickly paced myself towards its direction cause I wanted to get there as soon as possible. My primary objective of doing so was, so that I could consume my food faster, rendering me more time to spot iguana's at a bushy area, next to the school toilet. Spotting iguana's is just a weird aspiration of mine; I'm not sure why(smirk). Thus, having finished eating my breakfast, which comprised of two slices of bread with strawberry jam and butter, I went to the place that I told you of earlier. While there, I didn't happen to spot any iguana's. The rustling of dead leaves made me believe that there was something out there. Much to my dismay, it turned out to be a common household lizard not an iguana after all. A short while later I succumbed to my boredom and decided to leave for class. I thought to myself, 'today, the iguana's are just too obscure.' The moment I turned my head, I saw a large fist that came crashing into my face. The force at which I was subjected with sent me crashing to the hard concrete ground. The pain was no doubt excruciating really. But what pissed me off was the loss of one of my molars.

The blood that was unstoppably flowing out of the wound in my mouth sent me to tears. Well, this can be excused as a childish act for I was just 7 when it happened. My assailant was then apprehended by one of the schools prefect. I on the other hand lost a tooth. Thank God it was a baby tooth or else I'll be a tooth short by now. The irony of this incident is just inconceivable. Till now, I cannot seem to figure out whether the guy who punched me did it willingly or unwillingly. But, the fact is just comprehensible; I was literally punched in the face, by some unknown dude!. Well this is basically it. My shameful memory; being smacked in the face during recess while hundreds of eyes watch in shock. How about you?

5 Things You Should & Shouldn't Do While Conversing With A Girl

1. Always pay close attention to her while she is talking. Girl's like people regarding whatever they say as relevant to the topic being discussed of. If it does not relate to the thing that you are talking about then, just smile and nod your head; try making it correlate somehow with whatever your conversation is based upon. The last thing you want to do is, interrupting a girls lines by saying that there is no real relationship between what she is saying and you previously said. This will definitely burn the gasoline inside of her; or in other words, piss her off. Trust me, the last thing you want in front of you is an angry lady. Also, by paying attention to whatever a girl is uttering to you, you can also make her happy. 'Well, at least there's someone who cares!' Thoughts like this will definitely run through her mind if you do so. Other than that, she'll also regard you as to being a thoughtful individual for sparing your ears and precious time hearing her utterance.

2. Try not to let your eyes deviate elsewhere while you are talking to her, because wandering eyes is no good sign while engaging in a conversation with a girl. This point may sound a little like the first, but I'll try my level best to make it seem as distinctive as possible. If your eyes are not fixed on the girl you are conversing with, then it signifies rudeness as well as disregardfulness; these are the hindmost two things that you want running through her head. If you have accidentally done so then, apologize. This will make her feel a whole lot better. If you are lucky then she might even regard you as to being a very sweet person; erasing her every memory of whatever you had previously done. Such will also make you feel as if you're in seventh heaven. If this happens, then you'd probably be running on the streets like a starstruck geezer overwhelmed by something others know not of.

3. Stand still, but not too still; also, try not to strut and fret amidst her presence. Standing too still will give her the impression of you being an un-versatile bugger, like a robot or a rock. Move a little, especially your arms. Let them sway swiftly in the air instead of being subjected to petrifaction. Calm hand movements will make you seem like a confident bloke. Such mannerism in terms of body language and gestures can also at times, attract the hearts of many; especially women. However, try not to over do it as it will just make you look weird. On the other hand, strutting and fretting in front of a girl is also a 'no no.' Actions of this sort easily shows that you're nervous. I understand that talking to a girl is sometimes nerve-racking but try not show it as much as possible. The opposite sex might sometimes perceive that you are feeling uncomfortable or uneasy amidst their presence. You wouldn't want that happening right? Thus, try to avoid strutting and fretting while conversing with a girl.

4. Do not monopolize the conversation. This is something many Romeo's do without noticing. Also, this is bad in a sense that you're shutting out any space for her to give her view on the subject matter. Such will make her feel dejected or fed up. If this persists, then if she was your girlfriend, she'll be walking out on you in no time. To avoid this from becoming a reality, let her monopolize the conversation instead of you doing it. Plus, let her give her views and opinions about the topic you both are discussing of. Treat her like a princess, and do not intervene. After she has vomited whatever thoughts she has, then you proceed. This will make her feel gratified. Engulfed by the joy of finally being able to express her views, she'll definitely be coming back for you; as you're 'easy to talk to.' Oh, and try not to sleep if she goes on talking for hours.

5. Always smile, smirk or laugh when she cracks a joke that at times, isn't necessarily funny. By doing so, you'll make her feel good in a sense that she managed to make you laugh; even if the joke she cracked wasn't really comical. If her joke was really bad, then a little smirk might even suffice. Tolerating a girls jokes will also make her feel comfortable being around you. Plus, she'll also be very fond of you as you appreciate the jokes that she cracks. Remember, nolens volens, try to laugh when a girl says something humorous to you; even if it isn't really ludicrous.

Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover

The first day of any school usually starts off with a prominent ice-breaking session. It hasn't gotten anything to do with breaking ice or anything like that; more or less like an acquaintanceship session, although the ironic understanding of ice-breaking would've made the whole session seem a whole bunch funner. But, yeah most schools begin with such session so students would not feel lonesome or alienated once the school program commences. Such sessions are usually intended for the learners so that they may feel secure enough going to that specific educational institution. All in all, ice-breaking sessions usually work out well for many but there are still a handful of students that still find it a better option to resort to solitariness. Sad to say, I am one of those who still prefer to work with myself than to do so with the many Jacks who attend school. Resorting to solitary confinement rather than social freedom wasn't something that I intended to do at first; its also not that I'm training to become an espionage of a secret spy society or anything like that. But the irony of being rendered a job as one would not be that bad as it would land me a lucrative sum of money. Its just that the fear of mixing with the wrong clan encompasses my mind during these sort of circumstances.

Social problems and bad ethics are at rise in today's society. These unpleasant behavioral aspects of an individuals life is usually caused by peer pressure. Peer pressure is so deadly, that it can emulsify a saint into a devil and a law abiding citizen into a covenant breaker. This can be regarded as one of the many arsenal of weapons that Satan possesses to destroy the every moral value that a pious person acquires. Well this is just a rough picture of what could happen if you get hooked with the wrong colleagues of your academic institution. Technically, I'm not preaching you guys to live a 'Cougar like' lifestyle, its just that be cautious when you make new friends. They may look pleasant at first but, don't always judge a book by its cover. The thought of such just makes me shudder at times. Nonetheless, I still try to make loads of friends with the necessary precautionary steps that are needed. However, the feeling that emblems you while you're making new friends is indescribable really. There's this sort of joy that arouses within you when you make new acquaintances. After all, we are not made to live a solitary life but the contrary. Taking precautions is just a norm to ensure a long lasting, productive, meaningful and beneficial friendship.

I Should Express Gratitude More Often

Well, I'll be starting school tomorrow. The irony of it is just unorthodox for someone like me who didn't really find past schooling experiences to be pleasant. Actually, I'm not prejudice against schools or anything of that sort of manner. Its just that, the school that I'm going to is a wee bit far from my place. Like my previous schools, transport was always a problem, courtesy of the remoteness of my neighborhood. Going to school never was a problem as my parents would usually spare some time of theirs to send me. However, coming back to school was. My previous school usually ended at around two o'clock in the afternoon. But the funny thing is that I'd usually be back home at around four-thirty in the evening. Why? Because my house is located in an area that is beyond the radar of any sort of public transportation. A couple of weeks ago, I was interviewed by this guy, whom much to my surprise asked me a series of questions regarding school life. The following is part of the interview, based on my vague memorial recall;

Interviewer: So tell me, did you enjoy your time at school?
Me: Well yeah, I actually adored it a lot. But there was this one part that made the whole schooling experience seem unpalatable.
Interviewer: What might that be?
Me: Transport.
Interviewer: How so?
Me: Well, basically I reside in a rural jungle. I mean its not technically a jungle, its just that I'm using the jungle as a metaphor to signify inaccessibility by any means of public transport. Luckily for me, there was this bus driver who volunteered to send me to my very much isolated housing estate. But, before he could do so, there was this other bus driver that will send me to a specific location where that guy will pick me up from.
Interviewer: Well, that sounds like a hassle.
Me: It sure does.

Thus, if the interviewer thinks that my schooling life was a bit of a mess due to transportation reasons, then there is no absolute rationale why anyone else should think otherwise. But as I recall it, the distance from the school that I am about to attend tomorrow to my place is way further if compared relatively with the distances from my previous schools to my place. So, in a way I should be grateful of having attended schools that I felt was way further from my place but in actual fact was closer, if I were to compare it to the school that I am pending to go to. Apart from that, in a positive perspective, starting school again is really great in a sense; excluding everything that is related to transportation. One of my primary objective of going to school tomorrow is to salvage my mind from total obliteration, given the fact that I've been doing nothing much at home for the past three months or so that is mentally benefiting. In conclusion, I am really excited by the fact that I am starting school in ten hours time but the prospect of having another transportation dilemma is likely to commence again.

Spotlight: Global Warming

The spotlight is currently on global warming. This is possibly one the most talked about issues at late, for it involves the increase in the earths average temperatures. It all started back in the mid 20th century, and is projected to continue till God knows when. Some people may say that a small increase in the earths temperature doesn't really matter but what they do not realize that even the slightest change in the earths temperature can bring about magnanimous effects. I bet we are all aware of the melting of polar ice caps in the Arctic and Antarctic region due to an increase in the earths average temperature. What even more worrying is that the ice caps are melting even faster than predicted. This terrifying truth makes movies such as 'Water world' likely to manifest itself in the coming 100 years or so. Sadly, I may not be alive to see such happening; for I'd probably be reduced to bones. Many scientist say that the rise of the sea level by 3 feet or so is imminent in the coming years. If such happens, then many species of flora and fauna will be greatly affected. Animals that depend on a delicate balance of saltwater and freshwater will be the ones facing greater impairment. These sort of animals are usually found at estuaries where freshwater and saltwater mixes with each other.

In this sort of ecosystem, mangrove trees are usually found growing at the river banks, providing the perfect shelter and home for certain species; for instance the American crocodile, the Manatees, the Giant Land crabs and many more. Aside from that, human beings will also find the increase in sea levels to be troublesome. Areas such as New Orleans will be underwater if such were to happen. These sort of unavoidable consequences will force many who currently reside in low lying areas to evacuate their present residential homes in search of new ones which are located in much higher land. If these people fail in accomplishing such, then they will perish. The reality of having innocent souls dying for no real good reason is really unpleasant to hear of. But what can we do? This is a cruel world and as said on National Geographic, only the strongest and the fittest will survive. Hence my dear readers, this is what according to the many scientists is bound to happen. But if you look at the present, the signs of sea level rise as a result of global warming are already exhibiting itself in the form of floods that usually hit areas that are below sea level.

Apart from the destruction of properties and other forms of material, flooding can also bring about deadly diseases. Cholera is one of the many diseases that is brought by the floods once it subsides. Cholera which is caused by the bacterium, Vibrio Cholerae, usually affects the small intestines. Symptoms include diarrhea and severe vomiting which can lead to dehydration. If water is not replenished, then death may follow. What a cruel way to end your life right? But I'm afraid that's reality. This is due to the mixing of drain water and septic water with the rising flood water. Other than that, global warming has also caused the melting of glaciers. Before I proceed, didn't you know that 70% of the worlds freshwater supply is locked in ice? If you ask me, that's a lot of freshwater. So, where does this ice normally originate from? Glaciers of course; plus they call it glacier ice. Well, basically glaciers are the main reason for the continuation of the existence of many species of flora and fauna. This is because, glaciers provide the various species of flora and fauna with much needed freshwater. However, global warming has decreased the size of the many glaciers in the world at late.

The streams that flow from glaciers as a result of the melting of glacier ice generates a unique ecosystem around it. Imagine, what will become of the plants and animals that depend on the glaciers for their much needed water supply, once all the glacier ice has melted completely? Total eradication if you ask me as the whole ecosystem will perish together with its supplier. All these are some of the mere examples of the sort of destruction that global warming is going to bring in the not too distant future. Indirectly, we are the ones who should be blamed for such that is happening and will happen.

What I Saw Today, Didn't Please Me At All

There is a pond which is just a stones throw away from where I reside. In the pond, there are loads of fishes that are of various species and sizes. The purpose for the placing of these fishes in the lake was to help prevent mosquito larvae from breeding in the murky waters. Well, its sort of like a biological control method which doesn't really involve the usage of chemicals which could cause pollution or stuff like that. All in all, its really effective. Anyway, today, I decided to take a stroll to the pond to say 'Hi' to my fish mates who have helped in preventing the spread of Dengue in the area. On my way to the lake, I bumped into a stray dog which kept staring at me pitifully. I wanted to give it a snack but sadly, I hadn't anything edible in my pockets. Instead, I tried approaching it so I could give it a pat on the head, but unfortunately, it just wouldn't let me. So, seeing that there was no real way that I could get close enough to the dog, I decided to continue making my way to the pond. In order to get to the pond from my current position during the time of happening; I had to walk straight till I come to a first junction at which I had to take a right then walk straight till I reach a second junction to which I had to take a left.

Thus, having made the right turn, I noticed something very strange. Many cars were neatly parked at the side of the street. This is an unusual sight, especially on a weekday. Despite the strangeness, I continued marching forward. In my head I kept wondering, what sort of agenda is capable enough to attract the hearts of many to a neighborhood pond? I tried to come up with many reasonable explanations for the saturation of people at such pond. But then, when the lake was finally in my sight, I felt my heart being crushed into a million pieces, for what I saw didn't please me at all. People were literally fishing there. I am actually not against fishing or anything but the fact that those people were actually fishing at a neighborhood pond really caused displeasure in me. Well, I am actually not sure what kind of joy they get by proceeding with such ruthless activity. Maybe its the kind that a sane person would not be able to comprehend. The fish were put in the pond for a purpose, that is to serve as a predator to feast on mosquito larvae not to be feasted upon by cruel and senseless beings.

By the way, there was this one moment where this guy, who so happened to have caught a fish walked right past me with the fish in his arms. While he was passing me, I noticed the pain that was beaming in one of the fishes eye. Hereupon, I felt that the fish which was amidst the savage mans arms realized what will soon become of it.

Robert Frost's, 'The Road Not Taken'

Two years back, I recalled of having read a poem entitled 'The Road Not Taken', written by the great Robert Frost. Published in 1916, I find this poem to be very interesting in terms of its content. The poem is more or less about a traveler who chose the second path instead of the first, for it had the better claim. This poem is indeed closely related to decision making. In short, you make a decision and you don't turn back and don't regret. This is because the deed is done and there is no real way to go back in time and alter paths. Once you've made a decision you'll have to stick with it even if you despise it at first. For if you were to turn back for instance lets say that at first you specialize in anatomy and then you find it to be unpleasant and if you wanted to specialize in some other field it will be a waste of time and money for you'll have to start back from scratch. Also, if you were to read line 15 of the third stanza you'll find the speaker saying the following, 'I doubted if I should ever come back.' This line tells us that the speaker is unsure or uncertain whether or not he wanted to alter paths once he has made his decisive call. Probably feeling that it will be somewhat pointless, to turn back after he had familiarized or made himself comfortable with the path he had chosen; Even if given the circumstances that the other path may be of greater benefit if he were to stray to the other side in time to come.

This is basic human nature, for once someone has made themselves comfortable to a certain environment that they're put into, it will be difficult for that someone to adapt to a totally different environment that is completely foreign to the first for most people are less susceptible to change. So this is probably the most reasonable explanation why the speaker said that he doubted if he should ever come back, once he has made his decision. In short, never look back at a finished business, always look forward to an unfinished business. Apart from that, there is this popular saying which is, 'All roads lead to Rome.' So my question is, how does this saying apply to the context of Robert Frost's poem, 'The Road Not Taken'? Well in my perspective, if you apply this saying to the context of the poem, then whichever road the traveler opts to take, it would not make a big difference for he'll end up in the same spot. This is actually a question asked by an individual who has a shallow understanding of the poem. The understanding is such because the individual looks only at the surface of the curtain but not underneath it where true understanding of the poem lies. This invisible opaque curtain is what that separates ironic understanding and literal understanding of the poem.

Hence, based on an ironic understanding of the poem, the popular saying, 'All roads lead to Rome', would definitely make all the decisions that were made by the traveler seem pointless for either way, he'll end up at the same place; this also reflects the actual meaning of the saying. If based on a literal understanding of the poem, then you would see that the popular saying does not really correlate with the exact meaning that the poet is trying to convey through his poem. This is due to the fact that when you choose a specific path in life, it doesn't necessarily mean that you'll end up where you started. Because that one path that you take will definitely lead to another and the chain reaction will keep going on; similar to an endless Polyisoprene structure. Like what John Masefield once said, 'One road leads to London, one road leads to Wales, my road leads me seawards, to the white dipping sails.' Thus, whichever road we take, it is unlikely that we will end up in the same spot again. Also, we should take note that different roads tell different stories. Anyway, if you look at lines 19 and 20, you'll notice the speaker saying that he 'took the one less traveled by', which then succeeds with 'And that has made all the difference.'

This highlights the importance of independence in terms of decision making. If you look at our present day society, you'll notice that such quality(independence) is lacking. This is because, many fear of being deemed as to being the 'odd one' or being left out if the decisions that they make does not abide to the prior. That is why most people comply to following the majority. Well, if you study the poem carefully especially in the last two lines, you will notice that Robert Frost is indirectly encouraging change, which definitely is intended for the better.

Our Ever Degrading Environment

There is a jungle not too far from my place. It is densely saturated with trees, weeds and other types of wild growth. The jungle is also home to a pack of dogs. I reckon they are strays which found shelter amidst the blanket of green leaves that prevent many drops of water from touching the floor of the jungle at one go during a shower. The jungle is also very cooling. Probably because of the tiny droplets of water that are lost through the leaves through a process called transpiration. Relative humidity, intensity of sunlight, temperature and wind movement are all factors that affect the rate of transpiration in leaves; well, that's what I learned during my time at high school. However, snakes are quite hard to find in the jungle. Maybe they're well camouflaged or something like that. Monitor Lizards on the other hand are abundant in the jungle near my house. They can also be seen crossing the roads on a number of occasions; to get to the nearby lake which is a abundant with aquatic lifeforms. So now we know where the monitor lizards get their protein from. Besides that, there are also loads of interesting insects in the jungle. I can't name them for you as I am not that very knowledgeable on the recognition of six legged creatures.

Also, the various types of trees and plants that grow in the jungle flow create a harlequin scenery, which is pleasant in a sense. But at late, bits and bits of the jungle has been disappearing due to human activities. Trees which provide many animals and insects shelter are chopped down mercilessly to make room for the construction of new houses to accommodate the ever rising population of man. The chopped trees are then dumped at a specific corner where it is then left to rot and decay. One hill, which had loads of trees once was also shaved bald by heartless lumberjacks. The scenery now is less appealing to thine eye as the green mountains are now reduced to reddish-orange sand hills. The absence of trees have also made the area warmer. When you look back at it, these are all the result of mans greed and lust for money. If you do pay a visit to my neighborhood, you will notice that it looks very much like a mining site. Although around 60% of the jungle(its an estimation) has been cleared up, there are still remaining plots of jungle land that still lie untouched by human hands. But I'll give it around about 5 years or so, till that to subjected to total eradication.

What pisses me off is the fact that most construction workers aren't aware that whatever they're doing is having an adverse effect on the environment. They're actually contributing to the increase in carbon dioxide levels which are unable to be converted due to the absence of trees in the area. This will then trigger a chain reaction which will cause the temperature of the surrounding area where trees are absent or at a low number to rise. The rising temperatures then force occupants to install air conditioners in their homes. Little do they know that by doing so, they are actually contributing to the destruction of the ozone layer and global warming. Some may argue that their air conditioners use HCFC(Hydrochlorofluorocarbon) instead of CFC(Chlorofluorocarbon), but if you ask me, there is no real difference in the damage that it can do to our already depleting ozone layer. The difference between HCFC and CFC is that HCFC destroys less ozone molecule(Oxygen trioxide) during its lifetime whereas CFC destroys even more ozone molecules. In short, HCFC destroys lesser ozone molecules in relative to CFC, which helps in reducing the rate of ozone layer depletion.

Another alternative was to use HFC(Hydrofluorocarbon) as it contains no chlorine at all. But the problem with HFC is that it is expensive and more difficult to work with compared to our destruction prone CFC. Man's desire for material wealth can also be portrayed in the recent environmental disaster which is the drying up of the Aral Sea. Driven by lust, the Soviet Union, cut one of the main water supplies that fed the sea with freshwater for irrigation purposes. Now the once 4th largest sea in the world is reduced to a wasteland where decomposing bodies of dead fish and abandoned vessels lie lifelessly on. This news not only caught the United Nations Officials by surprise but also, people from every corner of the globe. The disappearance of 90% of a sea is no joke and should not be looked upon lightly. In order to restore the Aral Sea to its original magnitude will cost around 30-50 billion dollars; this folks is no small sum. Once the remaining 10% of the Aral Sea is gone, where would the residents who reside amidst the Aral Sea region get their supply of freshwater from? Aside from being a freshwater haven, the Aral Sea is also rich with aquatic life which is a rich source of protein.

Just look at what man's greed has driven them into doing. They've managed to annihilate a sea, an ecosystem and a source of life just by diverting the rivers which fed the sea with freshwater. The receding water levels has also left large plains covered with salt and toxic substances, which is the result of fertilizers and pesticides. These are then picked up and carried away by the wind to the surrounding areas. Fertilizer and pesticide residues which is heavily concentrated with radioactive substances has caused the inhabitants of the area to suffer from various health problems. This is no pretty site, and the cause of it is none other than mans lust for material wealth. In my perspective, the drying of the Aral Sea is sort of like a sign or a warning. Take care of the existing water sources we have or have it taken away from us. The only thing left is for us to choose. Thence, no matter water source, jungle or air, it is all part of the environment. We should take note that these are also equally important to us as they are to the people who specialize in conserving them. Imagine, what would become of us if the last fresh water source has dried up, or if the last tree has been chopped, or if the ozone layer that protects us from the suns harmful Ultraviolet Rays have been destroyed?

The answer is simple, we will be definitely subjected to extinction. That is a certainty.

The Primary Objective For Our Very Existence

Before I go to bed every night, I'd usually ponder upon one peculiar question, over and over again. What is the objective of our living on earth? In the past, during the time when mammoths still roamed the face of planet earth, our primary objective was usually to survive. The absence of modern day medicine and the ineffectiveness of traditional medicine usually meant that the sick and the weak have no real chance to survive. Indirectly, they are usually deemed dead and there is no real point in sacrificing precious time in looking after them. The hostile conditions of the past millenniums are definitely not for the faint heart-ed, and normally only the fittest and the strongest survive. But we should not forget that there will come a time when all must die. This 'there will come a time when all must die' concept does apply to everyone, but the primary goal for people in the past was to avoid premature death. If those neanderthals, wanted to avoid such deaths from enrapturing them, then they had to have a strong immune system which would help fight off diseases. Though the diseases back then during the time of the cavemen weren't that dangerous, however, even the slightest contraction of a flu or any minor influenza virus would be potentially life threatening as the medicines back then weren't that very advance.

If survival or avoidance of premature death was the primary objective for the people in the past, then what is the objective of living for the people at present? In my opinion this is a very subjective question, as its response varies from individual to individual. Some people may think that the objective to their living on this planet is to create history. In doing so, that person has to perform something extraordinary before his passing. For instance, writing an award winning novel or inventing something remarkable to name a few. Others on the other hand, may feel that this world is all about performing good deeds which will help your soul progress in the worlds to come. Although the first opinion of mine sounds like the more spicier of the two, but still the latter is the real precise objective for our existence in this planet. We all realize that human beings have a soul; this differs us from all other beings on the face of this planet. The apprehension of such knowledge is courtesy of past Prophets, that were sent to earth by God to convey His teachings. In close relation to the Baha'i context; every good deed that you perform in this lifetime will bring you closer to God. The Writings also state that the purpose for the existence of the soul is to attain the presence of God; this is as a matter in fact, a valid explanation for the subsistence of the soul.

Apart from that, there are also loads of other things that we can do on earth to make our living a commemorative one. Climbing a mountain or making another person happy does make us happy, hence making our lives seem meaningful. However, during our existence, we also find this planet to be a very cold place. What has made it such? Well, the answer is mans greed and his lust for material and earthly desires. This has actually made man to be feared by his own kind. Driven by materialism, man has managed to become more savage than the beasts that once roamed this land. They are very unpredictable in short. The primary reason for the arousing of greed is jealousy. There are two kinds of people in this world; one is the rich and the other is poor. The rich, possess loads while the poor possess very little in relative comparison to the rich. We should take note that in order to survive in this competitive society, we must be in possession of sufficient amounts of money. Without money, you perish amidst the rich and famous. Thus, in order to survive, the poor will need to acquire some degree of wealth right? And to acquire such is no easy task, if it were done the legal way. Hence, this obstruction has driven some to acquire cash the illegal way; which is easy, but it comes at price which some ware willing to pay.

I guess you guys get the picture by now right? By the way, this doesn't really occur frequently; only on rare occasions. Although danger is lurking not very far from us, we still live our lives with the absence of fearful thoughts in our minds. For there are loads more to think and do in this planet we call earth. Thence, there are a lot of stuff that we can occupy ourselves with. This place we call home is and will never be a boring place. As long as we still reside here, we should carry out activities that will be beneficial to ourselves the other souls around us. Plus, we should cherish every moment of this subsistence of ours. Before I end, if you would like more information on the life of the spirit, you could pay a visit to the following website; http://www.bahai.org/. This site is the 'International Website Of The Baha'i s of The World.'

Knowledge

I often wonder, what actually makes a wise man? Is it experience? Knowledge? Or is it the mixture of of both knowledge and experience? Well, usually in close reference to history, experience and knowledge are the two essentials that make a wise man. Experience, is always the best tutor one can acquire. Knowledge however, is another key essential that is gained through experience. For instance at first, when you were a child, you knew not that you'll get scalded if hot water touches your skin. Only at the very moment you experience such, then only you will realize, 'Oh, hot water does scald my skin! How very silly of me.' But please note that this is just a mere example and you need not necessarily be scalded by hot water to gain such knowledge. In the medieval ages though, there were just a handful of wise people on the face of this earth. Okay, I mean not wise people but people that are deemed to being wise by other individuals. The condition is such in the past, because not many people are in position of receiving true education unless if they are from loyal families or families with a high position in the middle aged societies. The so called 'true education' are usually more or less related to those language studies that we learn today. The only difference is that theirs is of greater emphasis and not to forget ancient.

Some other teachings that are offered in the past days are religious teachings. If you did discover something scientific such as magnesium is a very reactive metal, then you are deemed to being a black magician. This usually ends with the fellas head being chopped off or his entire torso being subjected to the gallows. Such was the barbarity of rulers or men back then. This was probably why many feared to reveal their scientific discoveries back then for they feared that it may come at the cost of their lives. Not worth dying for I guess? Nowadays, there are numerous people who we deem as to being wise walking the face of the earth. The education system these days are so lenient as it allows people even those who aren't from a royal background to receive a proper education. It is the choice of the individual, whether or not he chooses to acquire such knowledge offered at a very cheap and affordable price. Back then, when there weren't such policies, many people have been longing to gain the very knowledge that every Jack does today. However,k the individuals at present aren't that very keen at gaining or acquiring such knowledge that is offered by the magnanimous amounts of educational institutions built for the very purpose of channeling knowledge to students.

Why has such happened? How come the people who do not receive much are even hungrier than does blessed with loads? You see the purpose for the existence of man is to learn; of spiritual and material knowledge that is. The very moment man has learned such in a theoretical form, they must then apply what they have learned in a practical form in order for its benefits to manifest itself in an altogether different formation. For example, if you learn the theoretical method of making a light bulb, and you apply it, then you will be able to construct a real light bulb, and if you sell it, then you will able to gain some form of financial profit. But please take note that I did not specify whether the light bulb created is an operating one or not. Besides that, in the context of the invention of a light bulb, experience also plays a vital role. Thomas Alva Edison, the man who first invented the light bulb, had 99 failed attempts before he finally invented a working light bulb. Only after having experienced 99 ways not to invent a light bulb did he only succeed. Thus, knowledge and experience paid off for the guy who gave the world the 'giver of light'. Without the invention of the light bulb, we'd probably still be using candles and lanterns to light up the interior of our houses during the night.

Hence, we should be grateful for such invention. Going back to the right track, I guess that the knowledge that is channeled by the school is not really the sort of knowledge that some are hungry for. There are actually loads of other sot of knowledge that catches the eye of the individuals who are not after the type of knowledge that is learned from the various educational institutions. I reckon that they find that the knowledge that is given by the teachers and lecturers from schools and varsities aren't really their forte. This is mainly due to the fact that different people have different preferences. You can't really force a person into liking what he dislikes; in short.