“We are suggesting that morning people may never reach their true maximum performance because their brain activity is going one way, and their spinal cord activity is going the other” David Collins said. “In evening people, both brain and spinal cord are at maximum in the evening and they get maximum performance at night”.

The study continued to reveal morning people’s brains were most active and excited during the early morning, ‘9am’ while nightowls weren’t actually fully awake until the late night, 9pm onwards.

One of the researchers, Olle Lagerquist commented on the finding would spur on further research into whether morning people could potentially swap with nightowls and vice-versa. (Sounds very far fetched to me, especially me being a nightowl and all, however I never doubt the minds capability, just the person’s motivation)

“No one has done that and then tested pathways through the brain and spinal cord the way we have, but it would be a very long, time consuming process.” Lagerquist said.

He commented further, saying it would most likely have implications for shift workers, including how difficult it was for nightowls to do early shifts.

What’s your thoughts on the matter? Do you find yourself stuck in the mind of a early riser but truly perform well at night? I know I do, and it happens generally between 9pm and 12am, they are my most productive hours. Even now I’m writing this it’s 9:45pm and I need to get up early tomorrow — ha!

We can’t of course apply this small amount of research across every human being on the planet, however we can apply the understanding that our world is divided between both day and night and it could be a solid base to work up from in understanding the brain even more.

Search engine optimisation or SEO for short, has been an extensive learning curve for me, but a very interesting one also. If you’re a webmaster or an advanced internet user, you’re most likely aware of SEO, whether it be basic or advanced however, to those who scratch their head at the name, it’s basically a process which involves various techniques to increase volume to one or more websites. To be more specific, these SEO techniques are used to provoke search engines like Google and Yahoo! into believing your website is more relative for a  particular term or a handful of terms or keywords.

SEO Techniques

As mentioned, search engine optimisation is based on various techniques, however many assumed these techniques take extensive knowledge over many years and that only experts can practice them, but this is just not the case, quite the opposite in fact.

SEO in it’s core level is that simple, you can begin optimising a website after a few hours of learning SEO. It’s all dependent on your learning style and how motivated you are. There is however a big difference between the general search engine optimiser and the advanced search engine optimiser. The general SEOs can only reach x amount of traffic via the  techniques they have learnt from others, which makes them only understand x amount of a particular search engine and their patterns which enables them to only reach x amount of traffic to their website(s). Advanced SEOs on the other hand are learning their own techniques, building on basic ones, analysing search engine algorithms daily, crunching through other advanced SEOs, filtering through only the needed information and practising SEO every day.

Advanced search engine optimisation requires a broad range of knowledge, being able to follow process when needed and to have an understanding in marketing. To put it simple – creativity, logic and marketing all combined into one. The reason I put marketing separate is I believe marketing is something that stands on its own, there is no right, no wrong – just what works. You either have it, you don’t have it or you learn it – it’s that simple.

If you’re interested in learning SEO, take a few searches on Google with a few different phrases, i.e. “Learning SEO” or “SEO Basics”, there is plenty of information out there. However, if you prefer to start off on top and with good knowledge, I would highly recommend Aaron Wall and his SEO Book. Aaron Wall is a well-known Search Engine Optimiser, building his knowledge over many years and producing great websites and an excellent book, SEO Book. Aaron Wall’s SEO Book comes with his subscription to his website, which of course includes lots and lots of goodies to help you learn and practice SEO.

There is no right way or wrong to practice SEO. Find ways that work for you and build from there. Try and not be restricted, it doesn’t matter if you fail, just keep learning and moving forward and you will find that you’ll come out on top.

You can find Aaron Wall’s website and SEO Book by entering the phrase “Aaron Wall” or “SEO Book” into Google.com or Google.com.au (Web search).

If you have any questions on SEO, please send them my way and I’ll be happy to help you where I can.

I’m wanting to do a Credit Card Interest Calculation, to see how much interest I will pay on just under $500. Yes, we can do the math now though I’m very intrigued to see what Westpac works it out to be. I probably should’ve gone with the Westpac Ignite Credit Card, it has a lower interest rate and have 55 days interest free — too bad I’m not a Virgin customer!

Hopefully I can visualise my pain and never fall into this trap again and remember, always do your own Credit Card Interest Calculation and match it with the banks, because they can be wrong too, they just won’t tell you.

Friends are being made, lovers falling apart, houses developing and the stock market crashing. But really, no matter what’s happening, you are still you — nothing has actually changed. Every day I get up knowing I will work towards finding out who I am, getting closer to my true destiny and to find the right path, nothing can stop me, not even me…

Photo by Jude Griebel

Growing up I perceived love was simply mind over matter, seeing people who could switch between one person to the next without feeling pain looked like a skill that you could develop. However, the more I learnt and felt, the more I began to realise that is was far from mind over matter, in fact you couldn’t control it what so ever,  it’s the most strongest force in the universe, a force that will lift you so high but could bring you down just as fast.

The more I thought about it, the more I started to become open to it, allowing it to run through my veins like a new drug to my system, anxiously waiting to experience the effects. I felt my first hit during my high school years, to a beautiful girl. Being young and inexperienced to this new feeling which was constantly being injected through my body, I was careless and made decisions which would ultimately help me later on, but in no way would help me at the present. That was a short term price I paid but you can never tell what decision will be more beneficial as you make decisions based on what you know at the time.

I’m still very young and I believe love can always be found and vice versa, it’s something that is always with you all the time, it’s a matter of various variables like timing, personal development and your mindset at that point in time. I’m a person who values self-worth, respect, dedication, trust and loyalty and with our current world, those traits are becoming more scarce and sometimes can be even harder to find when you’re looking. Being single and focusing on personally developing myself in the past 3 years, I haven’t been seeking a partner though recently I’ve met someone with traits that I’m looking for in a person. We both share commonalities like when we want to have children and how we perceive life and when she shows her smile to me, I long to hold her so tightly, wanting to feel the warmth of her body.

I hear many state that love is so hard to find and once you have it, you should hold onto it and not let it go but as everything in life, abundant thinking is key and love is no different. It’s our beliefs and experiences which determine the next step of your life, i.e. a new relationship. Think it can happen, believe it can happen, make it happen…because you control your life and your life is influential to others.

A person by the name of Fr. Jerome Cummings said; “Love is shown in your deeds, not in your words.” Actions will always speak louder than words and to show true love, you must present it from the depth of your heart and soul, not from your mouth.

Love all but most importantly, love yourself.

Westpac will release a new credit card as of February 8th, 2009 – Westpac Ignite Credit Card. To all current Virgin Credit Card holders, the new Westpac Ignite Credit Card will replace the existing Virgin Credit Card.

Features include:

• No Annual Fee
• Low 12.99% p.a. interest rate on purchases
• New Instant Offers Program
• New CHIP security
• Same Credit Card Number
• Up to 55 Days Interest Free on Purchases
• No Change to your Payment Methods or Credit Limit
• Keep using your Virgin Credit Card until your new Westpac Ignite Credit Card arrives.

If you would like a few questions answered regarding the new Westpac Ignite Credit Card, I have added a few common questions below:

Q. Do I need to apply for a new Ignite Card?
A. No. If you are an existing Virgin Credit Cardholder, we will be providing you with a replacement Ignite Card.

Q. Do I need to become a Westpac customer?
A. No. As Westpac has always been the card issuer and credit provider of your Virgin Credit Card, we do not require any further documentation from you.

Q. What will happen to Mates Rates™ Instant Rewards?
A. Mates Rates™ Instant Rewards will be replaced by a new online Instant Offers program which will provide you with discounted offers across a broad range of categories including entertainment, travel, shopping and lifestyle.

Q. Do I get to select the colour of my new Ignite Card?
A. No. All Ignite Cards will be available in one vibrant colour – red.

If you would like any more information about the new Westpac Ignite Credit Card, you can visit Westpac’s Ignite Credit Card page by clicking here or you can call Westpac’s toll free number on: 1800 080 000. Please note, this only applies to Australian applicants only.

Westpac Credit Card Comparison

Below I’ve added a table comparing both Virgin Credit Card and Westpac Credit Card. The only differences between the credit cards is the Westpac Credit Card does not charge for a duplicated statement and extra security with the revolutionary chip protection. The interest rate on cash and purchases stay the same as does no annual fee. For more information on the Westpac Credit Card, click onto Westpac’s website.

Virgin Credit Card (Before 8 February 2009)

Westpac Ignite Credit Card (From 9 February 2009)

Managing credit can be a difficult task if not taught the essentials at a young age, but it’s never to late to start learning. Unfortunately, many believe they have acquired certain finance skills as they grow older, in some cases this may be true however majority have only brushed up on the bare necessities, not crawling in the dark cave and exploring. Credit in this world is past important, it’s absolutely critical and before most realise this, they have landed themselves deep in debt and spend an eternity living with it and paying it off, completely encumbering them. The elite wealthy in the world (avg. 10% of the worlds population) know how to manage their money effectively and utilise all monetary systems to their advantage, and let’s be honest, they know how because they’re the ones who built these systems and invented wealth itself! So in order to learn financial management and improve your finances, you should learn from only the best.

Managing credit can be fun, exciting and quite rewarding if your keen to improve your current situation and for the future too, but unless you’re WANTING to change your life and to help your family succeed, then it could prove to be next to impossible. But as with anything, it comes from wanting, a deep desire to do something and it’s only from then, will you begin to grow and advance.

Let’s start by asking yourself a few questions. Try and answer honestly by looking deep within yourself, this may take some time but don’t spend too much time on it. Write them down on a piece of paper and think about it for a little bit.

1. Do you WANT to manage your credit?
2. Do you WANT to be successful within yourself?
3. Do you WANT to utilise systems to help benefit YOU?
4. Do you WANT to give YOU and your FAMILY more?

If you answered yes to at least one of those questions, you have already taken a step to developing yourself more, which is actually one of the most hardest steps to take – believe it or not. If you answered no (which somehow I actually doubt, however it’s possible) to all the questions, then I can only assume you are sincerely happy and comfortable and I wish you continuous good luck from here on! To the others who are still with us, simply place “why?” to the end of your answer to each question, and see if you can look even further within yourself and understand why you chose that answer. It’s only from breaking existing walls down in your mind that you will step up higher and develop yourself more.

Now that you’ve read all of the above, you’re wondering when can you get to the juicy part? Well I’m afraid with my limited experience, I can only show you a direction and offer multiple resources to read. If I went along and explained what I currently knew about money, it most likely wouldn’t be substantial to create a better life for yourself.

Managing Money Resources:

Fathers 4 Justice – Earn Free Money & Free Rewards

Smart Company – How to Manage Money

Ohio State University – Managing Your Money (Lessons)

About.com – Managing Credit Cards, Debt & More

If you have a question aimed towards me or would like to add a piece of knowledge to any of this or my blog, contact me and I’ll be happy to help, and give you credit for your work. I’m always interested in other people’s thoughts as I believe in multiple minds sharing an abundance of knowledge to create a better and more beautiful world for everyone.

I continue to dwell on the negative effects money causes us personally and as a nation. As with my previous post about the Monetary System, I’m still in strong belief money has forced us to become over aggressive and keeping our minds off track much more important things like sustaining longer and healthier lives. Having no money causes different symptoms to different people, however one statement still applies to all – “In order to survive, one must possess some form of currency in the monetary system.” - Basically, no matter where you live, you will need money to a certain extent due to our continuous efforts to build our nation around money.

Money has long since existed, just in many different forms to how we see it now. According to Wikipedia, currency started being used as early as 3000 BC, using specific amounts of barley in a metric measurement such as silver, bronze, copper etc would be used later on. Then it was reported the Lydians became the first to introduce the use of Gold and Silver in a coin form. From there it became known the first stamped coins were minted around 650-600BC. If true wisdom does exist, it would not come from one man, it would be from history and how we’ve learnt not to make the same mistakes again, or have we? Have we forgotten how many wars money has caused, how many people have been killed? Not to mention time wasted squalling over money rather then focusing on the growth of humanity.

My father once told me, “Andrew, I’ve tossed money back & forth so many times, its better with, than without.” and the way the world is growing, this statement is not only valid at present but will be for many, many years. People say money doesn’t bring happiness nor wealth within, however many fail to realise our world is constantly moving and following the path of money, so in order to gain access to needed things like food, shelter and clothing, you need money and then from there, you can build up within yourself and not focus on negatives like your bad financial status.

You still believe you don’t need money for happiness? Picture this, you and your partner are taking a walk along the river, there is an ice cream truck and you make your way to the board. You want to buy two big ice creams, one for your partner and one for yourself, it’s a beautiful day and it will taste divine so you take your wallet out and open it – BAM, empty. How would you feel? Not only embarrassed but also ashamed of yourself, not able to provide something so simple. This will be stored in your sub-conscience and over time will dampen your confidence.  Now this maybe a simple story however it’s critical to understand money can and will bring you happiness, if managed and used correctly.

Money is important and is a nesscceity but don’t let it run your life, make it work for you. To make money work for you, you need to know the process of ‘time leverage’, I will discuss this at a later date. Once you have a few simple steps on how to manage money, you’ll feel better, your partner will feel better and you’ll be more happy! Stay positive and keep strong.

As we go through life, we are always learning, gaining new knowledge and experimenting with new experiences, though unfortunately some don’t realise or understand the potential of our minds. Many curse their lives because they are dull, non-stimulative and always wonder why they can’t get that promotion or attractive partner – well, I can only sum it down to two important words:
Personal Development

Successful people always regard personal development (PD for short) in high regard, yet we still disregard it, why? Well that’s pretty simple to answer. We grow up in a society that has such a strong emphasis on education, we forget that we’ve learnt from ourselves for many, many thousands of years previously, and that’s where the true knowledge and power lies, within ourselves – we don’t get taught this, only ‘what they want us to learn’. The more we experience, the more we absorb and hopefully the more we learn; you can learn anything, it’s a matter of using it to YOUR advantage, not someone else’s.

There are many books on personal development and how it can help you grow your mind, think clearer and produce more innovative ideas, however until you have the urge to experiment with your mind and allow it to develop into something much more, I’m not sure if you’d go ahead and read a book or two.

As our actions come from thoughts and them from deep inner feelings, we need to have the urgency inside ourselves in order to make a action. If you’re in financial trouble and I said to you, “You can become wealthier just by reading a few books” – would you be interested? Of course, because money can bring a lot of new and exciting feelings, not to mention safety and necessitates like food and shelter. But until we have a wiliness to change, be open to new things, we will still work that job 9-5, pay our bills on time and feed the animals at 5pm every night.

However I could ramble on for hours discussing the importance of personal development but I would assume once you leave my website, this will be already lost into your sub-conscience until it’s required for a particular moment in your life, and it will be that day, you’ll realise you’ve been given a chance to succeed.

“Our moral responsibility is not to stop the future, but to shape it… to channel our destiny in humane directions and to try to ease the trauma of transition.”
- Alvin Toffler
(courtesy of squarewheels.com – http://www.squarewheels.com/content/persgrowthquotes.html)

After the recent incident of an Iraqi Journalist throwing shoes at President Bush last Monday, 15th of December, a developer by the name of PopJam released a funny interactive game titled “Sock and Awe!”. The aim of the game is to throw as many shows at President Bush within the specified time limit, using your mouse to move the shoe left and right and clicking to throw.

It’s a very quick game and really is just a novelty type of thing, you wouldn’t play it for hours unless you felt some ridicioulous desire to haha. You can play the game by visiting the website below:

Sock and Awe – http://www.sockandawe.com