The Triumph...

                                         Teachers can truly make a difference.

 "The most important ingredient in the formula of success is, knowing how to get along with people."
                                                                                                                        Theodore Roosevelt

    The quote describes the attitude of Mr. Ron Clark, played by Matthew Perry in the movie "The Triumph". A teacher from upstate New York who moves to Manhattan and re-instills courage and hope into the lives of many down-and-out students. Through his passionate use of special rules for his classroom, highly innovative teaching techniques, and an undying devotion to his students and helping them cope with their problems, Clark was able to make a remarkable difference in the lives of his students. For one young girl trying to attend school while helping to raise her siblings (Shamaika), he offers a chance for her to overcome her situation and become the top student of the class. As a teacher, all efforts were paid-off because he successfully turned the worst class into the top class of the state.

     Schools are one of the first places where kid's behavior and future educational success are shaped. Teachers are carriers of either positive or negative behavior toward students. I believe that the teacher must love their career in order for them to pass enthusiasm, to assists, and to provide a warm environment to the students. The role of the teacher doesn't end in the four corners of the classroom, liked Mr. Clark did in the  movie, he visited each pupil in their house to know more about them and to dig deeper of the reasons why they are not performing well in school. We teachers, we should extend our hands and our precious time to our students. This is also one way of boosting their interest to learn and giving them a sense of belongingness.

     Teachers must be proactive. We will not only depend on the limited knowledge that we keep within us. We should be library ahead among our students. We need to learn different techniques, methods, theories, and skills that we use in teaching them. Mr. Clark is an epitome of a proactive teacher. He used various teaching styles and techniques among his students. If he knows that this style is not working well with these learners, he uses again another style until he found the best that lead them to success. There are many ways to improve ourselves as a teacher in terms of several aspects of teaching, for as long as we are willing, committed, and dedicated to what we are doing, we can find ways.

     When I was a student, I don't mind teachers...but this time that I am one of the teachers in the world, I see the value of being a great unsung hero. I realized that it is not easy. For every child who needs basic skill, knowledge, and someone to believe in them there is a teacher who will do whatever it takes, encourage, motivate, challenge, engage, inspire, and instill a love for learning. We can truly make a difference!

 

Let's Go Back to the Basic!

 
         The pictures above show the symbols we are using when we are dividing numbers. Familiar, aren't they? But how far do you know about these division symbols? Let me test your skill in naming them? 

           I'm not questioning your skill when it comes to division. I mean, in terms of solving. But, believe it or not, each of these division symbol has its name. Quite interesting? Well, let's explore and learn more about them. Let's start with the

OBELUS

           The OBELUS is a symbol consisting of a short horizontal line with a dot above and below. It is mainly used to represent the mathematical operation of division. The second symbol is:

VINCULUM

           The VINCULUM is a horizontal line used in mathematical notation. It can be used to express division. The numerator/dividend appears above the vinculum and the denominator/divisor beneath it. The next symbol is:

CLOSE PARENTHESIS AND VINCULUM

        The CLOSE PARENTHESIS AND VINCULUM is a symbol used for finding the quotient in a long method way. It was first used by Michael Stifel in 1544 in Arithmetica integra, and the last symbol is:

SOLIDUS

             The SOLIDUS is a slash. If the "slash" is horizontal, you call it a "dash" or "hyphen," and if it is upright, you call it a line or column line. But if it is angled it is either a "virgule" or a "solidus." Most dictionaries and reference works declare these to be the same, but in fact they are not. It depends on the degree of tilt from the vertical. The slash more close to vertical is the virgule; more close to horizontal is the solidus. Mathematically speaking, solidus is the right term used as division symbol.

           So, now you know the right term for each symbol. Search and read more to be equipped with ideas! I hope that you learn something from this short post.


 

    

Tooth Implant, an Algetic Experience!

 "It is better to have denture than to undergo an algetic tooth implant procedure." My words after three hours of agony lying on the dentist's chair.

Tooth implant is a root device, usually made of titanium, used in dentistry to support restoration that resembles a tooth or group of teeth to replace missing teeth, (Source Credit: www.Wikipedia.com).

At first, I can tolerate the pain but when the dentist used the dental handpiece with a big stainless drilling pin, I felt the cracking of my bones and started to palpate the twinge. From then on, the sound of the procedure never departed from my mind. What a painful experience!

Suffrage - is an important political right appertaining to citizenship.

Just exercised my right to suffrage! The right to suffrage is the cornerstone of the democratic system. It is imperative that citizens of every country be able to rely on electoral processes that are free, peaceful and transparent.

Preventing Death From Anaphylactic Shock!

Did you already identify things or animals that cause you allergies? If yes, get rid of the so called ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK!

Anaphylactic shock is a severe potentially fatal allergic reaction and must be taken seriously. First aid can help, but a person having an anaphylactic reaction needs immediate medical attention.

   

Symptoms are: air passages become constricted, resulting in breathing difficulties (Dyspnea); face, neck, mouth and throat may swell (Edema); nausea, abdominal pain, or vomiting (Emesis); anxiety or dizziness; heart, brain and lungs may suffer from a dramatic drop in oxygen supply (Anoxia); and itching (Pruritis) and loss of consciousness(Syncope). As soon as swelling, itching and throat tightness intrude, take this seriously!

Since, I belong to a family with asthma, I am very aware of what is anaphylactic shock all about and what allergens I need to avoid (like, crabs, prawn, dust mites, molds, pollens, pets, cockroaches, and other household irritants) that will trigger asthma and might result to anaphylactic shock.

If unfortunately this will happen, what are the things that we need to do to keep away from death? Below are simple ways to help the person suffering from anaphylactic shock.

• Do not let the person swallow anything during a choking allergic reaction.

• Help the person to sit in an upright position that helps with breathing.

• Encourage the victim to breathe slowly; calm them.

• Inject Epinephrine Immediately (Ask your doctor for more information about this.)

• If available, administer an antihistamine to decrease swelling.

• Do CPR if the person stops breathing.

• The affected person should receive medical help as soon as possible. Bring him to the nearest hospital. 

He needs emergency treatment right then and there before he starts choking to death! REMEMBER, death is rapid in these cases. So, take it seriously!

I hope that this will bring awareness to all of us. God bless and be safe! 

 

How can I lower my electric bill? - Avoid PHANTOM LOAD!

Learn how to UNPLUG and make it a HABIT!

Have you heard the word "PHANTOM LOAD"? What is it and how does it affects you? Well, you will learn more of it as I will give you some details about it.

Phantom load or standby power is the slow leaching or consuming of electricity from the appliances that was turned off or in standby mode but remained plug in. Example, a television which is plug in 24/7, it  consumes electricity as it waits for you to hit the “on” button on your remote. We are unaware that this power comes at a price. This is also one of the reasons why we have big amount of electric bills every month. Accept the additional 10% of your monthly energy bill if you will remain unaware of the effect of the phantom load! See sample computation here. 

Here are some helpful tips to lower your electric bill.

• Unplug all devices when not in use.

• Alternatively, plug your devices into a power strip and turn the strip off when not in use. 

• Find energy-efficient product. Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.

•  And avoid phantom loads.

If all phantom loads were eliminated, Mindanao would not have faced rolling blackouts. Lead by example. If you start turning off your devices, maybe your roommates or family will do the same. 
                                                                                    

My Home, My Pride, My Mindanao.

Let us explore the picturesque beauty of Mindanao!

Mindanao is the second largest and southernmost island in the Philippines. It is also the name of one of the three island groups in the country (the other two being Luzon and the Visayas). It is named after the Maguindanaons who constituted the largest Sultanate. Davao City is the largest city in Mindanao. (Source: www.wikipedia.com)

The alluring beauty of Mindanao is worth living for. It is filled with breathtaking adventurous spots, scenic landscapes, mystic caves, lofty mountain ranges, and captivating sandy beaches, all mesmerize and provide one with awesome sights. Spending your time, effort, and money in this wonderful God's gift to the Philippines is an incomparable experience. 

So, what are you waiting for? Come and experience the picturesque beauty of Mindanao!

LONG LIVE MINDANAO!