Discipline

Self Discipline

Archive for July, 2009

Tips on Deciding What Classes to Take

Jul 30

Posted by editor in School Discipline | 3 Comments

If Your School Has A Lot of Distribution Requirements

Before you fill out those course selection forms, refresh yourself on what distribution requirements your new school has. If you are attending a school that has a lot of distribution requirements, you should consider getting them out of the way as soon as possible, even if, and maybe especially if you’re not the biggest fan of some of the subjects you have to take. I was an English major, but I still had to take two math and science classes. Though I got one of my courses out of the way during my first semester at school, I was miserable my senior year when I realized I had to take labor-intensive seminars for my major as well as finish up the distribution requirements I’d procrastinated on. The point is — school only gets harder and more interesting as you go through it. If you know you’re not going to love something but you still have to take it, you might as well get it out of the way sooner rather than later. Of course, if you have to take the spinach of math (as was the case for me), balance it with the treat of something you like.

If You Know What You Want To Major In

Another factor to consider when selecting courses for the first time is your major — if you know what it is. If you want to be a political science major, for example, then you should put PoliSci 101 as your first choice. Look at the courses you know you’ll want to take offered by your major department, and sign up for them. By getting pre-requisites in your major out of the way as soon as possible, you will be able to move on to the more exciting courses in your discipline that much more quickly. Plus, if you know before entering what your major will be, by beginning your college career in that subject area, you’ll be able to take more of what you love.

If You Have No Idea Of What Major You Want To Pursue

If you have no clue about what your major will be, you should give it a little thought during your course selection process. Pretend the course catalog is the catalog from your favorite merchant, and sit down with a pack of Post-It Notes. When you see something in the catalog you might like to take, mark the place. Once you’re through the catalog, sit down and reflect about what would make you happiest to pursue during your first semester, and sign up for those classes.

Elizabeth Saas
http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/tips-on-deciding-what-classes-to-take-87857.html

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Get Into Debt Solutions That Will Sort you Out for Life

Jul 30

Posted by editor in Positive Discipline | No Comments

I keep on saying that debts can be positive or negative. When they are positive then they are doing us right. When they are negative then they are doing us dirt. Now what next? We are looking at ways of getting us out of debt whether the debts are negative or positive, the fact remains we are in debt and debts must be cleared to exercise our debt freedom, so we need debt solutions.

When I think of debt solutions, I have to think widely of life debt solutions that will help me live a debt free life. First and foremost, you start by accepting that you are in debt. The next thing you do, reason with yourself and know why you are in debt. Once you lay them down on paper and I repeat, on paper, then get down to business. Start looking for possible and life time solutions.

Depending on the problems that caused you to be in debt, the kind of debt solution that you choose should tarry. If we take for example that you went out for a hang out and decided to gamble and hey, your account got whipped out, then you are in debt because you were not careful with your money that you sweat for. Therefore your debt solution should be specific and a life lesson.

Let us take for example, your wife just jumped out of her norms and decided to leave you and asked for a divorce for whatever reason. I guarantee you this is unavoidable, your wife is decided she is leaving and there is nothing you can do. Therefore, if you had competitive debts already then this is an added one. This is a good reason to look for a debt solution.

Remember there are so many debt solutions that can get you out of debt, ranging from debt relief, debt management plans, debt consolidation, and equity loans and so on. My only main advice I would give you right now is to get more information on all available services before settling for one.

The best debt solution that I know of and support is actually self discipline on how to use your money. If you hold credit card(s) then learn to control the use of those credit cards and do not just buy things because your mind tells you so. Plan for it. Do not try to overspend beyond your income; this will automatically lead to debts. At times debt consolidation loans are not always the solution. They may actually add to the amount of your debts. Consolidation loans may be good debt solutions for credit card users especially if you are experiencing high interest rates. At times debt management plans could work well for you or a debt counselor can do you wonders.

However, this is why I insist that you need to know the main reasons why you are in debt then from there you can decide on the best debt solution method to follow. Seek more information on this and you will not be sorry.

Poly Muthumbi is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Debt for Years. For More Information on DEBT SOLUTIONS, Visit Her Site at DEBT SOLUTIONS

Poly Muthumbi
http://www.articlesbase.com/debt-consolidation-articles/get-into-debt-solutions-that-will-sort-you-out-for-life-315511.html

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Making Your New Cat Feel At Home

Jul 30

Posted by editor in Kids Discipline | 4 Comments

So the big moment is finally here! You’ve just adopted a new cat or kitten from your local shelter or rescue, rampaged through the pet store to stock up on supplies, toys and goodies, and visited the vet for a health-check, shots, and neutering. Now its time to introduce kitty to her new home and the rest of the family. With just a little planning and patience, you can ensure that your cats adjustment period will be as rapid and stress-free as possible.

Home Is Where the Catnip Is: Cats are, by nature, highly territorial, which means that having a place to call their own is extremely important to their emotional well-being. Your new cat is already in a state of stress from having been in a shelter or being given up for adoption, and being brought to a strange new home only increases that stress. Your goal is to help make your new cat feel comfortable as quickly as possible. When you bring your new cat home, confine it to a single room for at least the first few days (with food and litter, of course!). Although this may seem cruel by human standards, it is actually a great kindness to allow your cat to claim ownership of a small new territory at its own pace and without competition.

Some shy cats may hide under the bed for as long as a week; others will be ready to come out into the house and go exploring after just a day. The important thing is to let the cat emerge whenever it feels ready. You should spend as much time as possible in the room with the cat, but you should never try to force it out of hiding. The cat will let you know when its ready to begin exploring more of the house. Be sure to leave fresh food and water out at all times, and check that it is being consumed. Even stressed cats like to eat, so no food for 24 hours or more is possibly a sign of illness and warrants a trip to the vet.

Meeting the Family: Naturally, everyone in the family, especially the kids, will be excited about the new arrival. Children should be invited to visit the new kitty in her room, one at a time. Try to keep your children quiet and seated on these visits, so they do not frighten the cat if he’s not used to kids. If the cat is friendly and approaches, have them offer an outstretched hand to sniff.

If the cat accepts this, they can gently pet the cat. As the cat becomes familiar with the child, they may play with a cat toy on a string or stick. NEVER let your children encourage a kitten to pounce on their fingers (or yours, for that matter). It may seem cute at first, but a full grown cat jumping on and biting a hand in play can be very painful or cause bleeding. Teach your children how to properly hold a cat: with one hand under the rump and one hand on the back, held up against their bodies. And don’t leave small children unsupervised with your cat.

Reassuring Jealous Cats: Cats are like children in many ways, so its not surprising that your older pet may be jealous of a new arrival. He may be fearful of losing territory or worried that he is about to be replaced. Extra love, attention and patience during this transition will help to reassure your pet that it is still the center of your universe! Be prepared for it to take from a week to a month before the new cat is accepted by the resident cat. Before bringing home your new cat, make sure that both old and new cats are healthy and current on their vaccinations, including Feline Leukemia. Let your cat continue to have run of the house while the new cat is confined, so that he understands he is not being pushed out of his territory. Allow him to sniff or paw under the door with your new cat, and exchange items to familiarize each animal with the others smell.

When the time comes for the two cats to meet face to face, try to give them short periods of contact, slowly increasing the time as they adapt to one another. Be sure to supervise their visits until you’re sure they are okay alone, and be prepared for some hissing and growling, which is quite normal for cats that are getting to know one another. Do not yell at or discipline either cat for hissing or growling, and in the unlikely event of a fight breaking out, break it up with a spray from a water bottle or a thrown towel, not your hands. Prevent the new cat from sleeping in any of your old cats favorite places (for example your bed) and provide each with separate food and water bowls and litter pans. They’ll probably use each others, but will appreciate having their own. Try to keep your older cats routine intact, and take every opportunity you can to pet and praise your older cat. Above all, be patient, and one day you will find your new cats grooming each other when they think you’re not looking!

Friendly Like Cats and Dogs: Most of the same advice applies to introducing cats and dogs. Again, let the dog have run of the house, and sniff at the cat under the door and exchange scented items during the first few days. You may wish to put up a baby gate in the doorway of the cats room or bring the cat into the house in a carrier so the animals can see each other before they actually meet.

Make sure the first visits in the house are supervised, with the dog on a leash if you are unsure about how friendly he will be. Encourage you dog with gentle praise if he is friendly. If the cat runs from your dog, do not allow the dog to chase it, and don’t force a cat that seems uncomfortable to be in the same room with the dog. Keep the first visits brief, then extend them as the animals become familiar with each other. Be patient, give them time, and they’ll soon learn to get along.

Tristan Andrews
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/making-your-new-cat-feel-at-home-91658.html

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Martial Arts

Jul 30

Posted by editor in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

The martial arts are widely perceived in North America as a form of sport. Parents enroll children in karate classes to instill a sense of discipline. Adults train in martial arts to learn self-defense techniques. Many in the western world strive to obtain a black belt, thinking that this is the pinnacle of their training and education. In eastern countries, the martial arts are much more than sport. They are history, culture, philosophy, and respect.

The term “martial arts” is used as a general categorization of fighting systems that originated in ancient times. If you were to fully review martial arts, you would find a vast array of systems; each with its own set of techniques that have been perfected over the ages. For the most part, martial arts do not encourage the use of weapons in combat, though exceptions do exist.

In studying martial arts, you’ll find the earliest form originated in China more than 2500 years ago. Some philosophies hold that martial arts systems were adapted into various forms in Japan and other eastern countries. Another school of thought believes that these other countries developed their own original styles and systems of martial arts. Unfortunately, their origins were not well documented and therefore largely unknown.

Images of martial arts, as North Americans see them, were conjured up by Hollywood. Filmmakers will have us believe that martial arts are part of the Oriental mystique, and that kung fu, judo, karate and tae kwon do belong exclusively to the Oriental countries. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

Martial arts have evolved from countries around the globe. For every person practicing tae kwon do, there is someone doing a French form of kickboxing called “savate”. For every Judo, there is a sambo.

Through the centuries, people the world over have developed a range of martial arts systems. While each is distinct in its own way, there are many similarities. The primary function of martial arts is a means of effective self-defense during combat. Watch a martial arts performer, and you will often see a blur of arms and legs. But true martial artists don’t just flail around to punch and kick. They use their bodies to execute single or multiple pre-choreographed movements that have been perfected over time. When executed properly, these moves can be lethal weapons in their own right.

Practicing martial arts, in any of its forms, requires a high degree of skill. The routines and techniques that students perfect over the years form a fighting vocabulary. Students with larger vocabularies become more highly skilled fighters. Each routine takes a great deal of time to perfect, and true martial artists have a large repertoire to choose from. In times of need, the skill of the artist depends on his or her ability to use the right technique at the appropriate time.

Of course, there is more to martial arts than the perfect execution of movement. Martial arts were created for use in combat. Serious combat. For this reason, success at martial arts means training and using your mind, as well as your body. Invariably, every form of martial arts is characterized by a very conscious application of force, utilized to achieve maximum effect.

Learning karate, or judo, or tae kwon do is one thing. Studying the martial arts is something altogether different. If you wish to be a true student of the martial arts, you must concentrate with your mind while you perform with your body.

Jennifer Brown
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/martial-arts-97518.html

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Lifetime Family Values

Jul 30

Posted by editor in Child Discipline | 17 Comments

There are some things in life you just donâ??t forget. I can remember when I was a little boy growing up and my mom and dad had their family rules and traditions. As I reminiscence on yesterday and consider the morals that was set for me when I growing up I canâ??t but thank both my parents for having family values that has lasted a lifetime. I often find myself raising my daughter with the same family values I grew up with. Having respect for your elders and respecting those in authority positions. Showing respect to others regardless of how you treated and learning to be trustworthy and honest in relationships.

I often find myself using the same methods but with a different twist to keep everything up-to-date with her generation. However, I do not compromise with the disciplines that work most effectively. Good ole fashion but whipping is still one of the best methods of discipline today. Iâ??m still here after forty plus years of living; and I did not die when either one of my parents put a belt on my butt.

Todayâ??s children attempt to threaten their parents by telling them theyâ??re call the police or some social service program if you use a belt to whip their behind. A good psychological way of nipping this in the bud; is simply giving your child the phone number of the agency or police department and tell them to give them a call. As a parent the best way to discipline your children is to do it with a calm spirit; which can be hard to do at times. Never discipline your child when you are angry. This is where abuse can come into effect, and you could get yourself in trouble with corporal punishment if you find yourself breaking your childâ??s skin or leaving bruise marks while discipling your children.

Always think before you act and consider other methods of punishment before you automatically jump to corporal punishment. Sometimes corporal punishment doesnâ??t always work. Even though I believe and know itâ??s still effective today. You will guarantee yourself and your children and their children good family values if you start early in their lives with whatever method of discipline you choose for your family. Every family is different; every child is different, so pay close attention to which works best for you and your family. Iâ??m certain if you look back over your life Iâ??m sure there was someone who showed you they cared. Whether it was your father, step-father or natural parent, legal guardian, foster-parent, older sibling; somewhere along the way there were some kind of strong family value that shaped the way you are today.

Your child or children are an asset to you and not a liability. Look, Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of your womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3. If you are struggling with your parental rights and responsibilities sign-up to receive tips on life in general and I can help you with your parenting concerns.

Copyright © 2007 Clark A. Thomas

Clark A. Thomas
http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/lifetime-family-values-126747.html

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Scott Parks’ Wish List for Dallas Schools

Jul 28

Posted by editor in School Discipline | No Comments

Scott Parks is the education columnist for the Dallas Daily News. He had some interesting items on his January 2007 wish list for the Dallas schools. Some are poignant and in dire need. Some are possibilities during this new year. Others are down right wishful thinking without much chance of succeeding, regardless of the need. Here are only a few items from his wish list for 2007:

â?¢ Bilingual Education Programs. Parks would like Governor Rick Perry and the Texas legislature to standardize the teaching of bilingual and â??English as a second languageâ? students. Currently, the bilingual education programs are different from district to district. All students should learn English as soon and as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the bilingual students are held back from succeeding only because of the language barrier.

â?¢ Dallas Schools Leadership. Parks cited several wishes from the Dallas schools leadership:

o Board of Trustees & Superintendent Hinojosa. Though the Dallas schoolsâ?? board of trustees is stronger now than in the past, Parks believes that Superintendent Michael Hinojosa is the districtâ??s best hope for getting the Dallas schools back on track. Hinojosa also has the support of business leaders and the public. Parks was encouraged that trustees Edwin Flores, Jack Lowe and their board colleagues now are focused on education, rather than politics, as in the past.

o Texas Association of School Boards. The board of trustees should reject the TASBâ??s recommendations. Instead, board members regularly should visit individual Dallas schools, themselves, speaking with both teachers and staff. Then, they will know firsthand what is truly happening within the Dallas schools. Parks makes an accurate point that the Dallas schoolsâ?? superintendent and Dallas schoolsâ?? board are not a team. The Dallas schoolsâ?? board is the boss, and the superintendent is â??a valued employeeâ? â?? and the TASB is not part of the Dallas schools district.

o Special Education Students. Parents of these children have enough to do above and beyond the typical parent. Dallas schoolsâ?? administrators need to team with these parents to help them understand what the law requires the Dallas schools to do for their special needs children. The current attitude that parents of special needs children are the enemy, who may potentially bring lawsuits against the Dallas schools district, is only hurting the children and their education. As Parks noted, â??Itâ??s the right thing to do.â?

o College Preparation. Somewhere along the line, someone decided that if a child did not attend college, he/she would not succeed in life. Not all children are meant to go to college. Some do very well in careers that began in high school vocational education programs. Neither my daughter nor my son graduated from college â?? their choice, even though we discussed at length the benefits of a college degree. They each earn more than $60,000 a year â?? one is self-employed and the other works for a computer-related company that nearly rivals Microsoft®. My children proved me wrong and proved Parks correct â?? not all children are meant to go to college in order to succeed. So, stop focusing only on college preparation and refocus some of the energy and resources to provide solid vocational education programs.

o Textbooks. The law requires that every student receive a textbook for the course they take. Some secondary Dallas schools fear too many children will lose or damage the books, costing them some of the precious funding they receive each year for their meager budgets. Children learn better, when they can take textbooks home to study â?? give them out.

Additionally, lawmakers continually advocate the replacement of textbooks with laptops. Stop it! I fully agree with Parksâ?? assessment of the situation. He believes a course in media literacy should be required for all high school students within the Dallas schools. They need to be able to analyze the barrage of advertising aimed at them now and in the future, as well as to understand current events and the unobjective biases built into the reporting of the news by the owners of the media.

o Freebies to School Leadership. Nothing should be taken from companies wishing to sell products or services to schools, even a free lunch. This should apply to administrators, superintendent and board members. As Parks cited, â??It looks badâ?.

â?¢ Teachers. It is understandable that teachers are under a lot of pressure to meet prescribed standards set by federal, state and Dallas schoolsâ?? officials, not just to meet funding requirements but also performance goals to keep schools open. Because of this, the Dallas schools are losing many excellent teachers to the business world, where they are amply compensated for the headaches. Parks wish is for these great teachers to focus on the challenges and rewards that first got them interested in teaching, continue teaching because so many children need them, and stop obsessing about those things that have little to do with the reason they became teachers in the first place.

â?¢ Parents. Too many times when a child gets into trouble at school or receives an undesirable grade, some parents conclude that the teacher is at fault or picking on their child. Like you, parents, the teachers have a hard job to do in seeing that your children obtain a valuable education. It is time for parents to team with the teachers to ensure each child works hard and receives an education that will take them far in life. I remember my son always complaining that a particular teacher was picking on him. When his report card arrived, he was failing English and reminded me that the teacher did not like him. Unfortunately for my son, I had this same teacher in seventh grade English and knew the integrity of the man. His next report card had a much better grade on it. So, parents, first assume the teacher is right and then discuss with them and your child how to resolve any problems with grades or discipline.

One of Parksâ?? best points concerns private sector companies and volunteers. Dallas schoolsâ?? students need as much encouragement to succeed as can possibly be given them. Presentations and mentoring by these private sector volunteers will give our Dallas schools students not only encouragement but ideas for opportunities that come from those who are there.

Patricia Hawke
http://www.articlesbase.com/k-12-education-articles/scott-parks-wish-list-for-dallas-schools-102385.html

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What Do I Need To Know About Yoga?

Jul 28

Posted by editor in Positive Discipline | 3 Comments

Just about everyone knows about Yoga, but not so many know what it is and where it comes from. Yoga is an extremely ancient art or discipline, and has many branches.

It is believed that yoga originated some 2000 or 3000 years ago or earlier. It is thought that the first recording of the practices of yoga were by an Indian sage called Patanjali, who recorded the practice of yoga into the first yoga book, called the Yoga Sutra.

This book is guide for the practice of yoga in general, and is a collection of 195 statements that outline the discipline. It details the 8 limbs of yoga. It is intended that the practitioner follow the 8 limbs to reach a spiritual enlightenment.

This spiritual enlightenment is called samadhi.

This is, or was, the goal of yoga. It is now quite common for yoga to be practiced for its health giving benefits as much as its spiritual benefits. There is much evidence to suggest that the practice of yoga has a wide range of health benefits, both mental and physical.

The 8 limbs of yoga go together to form the entire discipline, however it is common now for people practicing yoga to follow the third limb called asana. This is the physical discipline which is the practice of the physical postures which were originally designed to purify the body. It was intended that this be undertaken to provide the physical endurance for meditation, which was one of the major paths to enlightenment.

Yoga as it is commonly practiced is a little like some of the stretching exercises we see. But it is much more than that.
Certainly there are the physical movements, or postures, but yoga is designed to combine these to connect the body and the mind by breathing control combined with the postures practiced. This helps the practitioner direct attention inward and make it easier to engage in meditation or the focussing of attention to our thought patterns. This cultivates a mental awareness and an expansion of the mind.

Overall yoga is a discipline designed for physical and spiritual growth, the one fostering the other.

It is not a religion, but more a philosophy, and it is not intended that practitioners follow any one guru or another. Modern yoga spends much of its focus on the physical aspects of yoga, and the health benefits which follow from its practice.

Whether you are brand new to yoga or an experienced yoga practitioner you can always become involved, or more involved, and there is always more to learn. It is fun, relaxing and great for your body and mind. You dont need to be involved in a quest for spiritual enlightenment, just keen to learn a new discipline for your life that may have an extremely positive effect.

Peter Crump
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-yoga-55228.html

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