hyakusen

[hyakusen]

Thomas Jefferson was afraid of public speaking. He had terrible stage fright, added accent marks to his copy of the Declaration of Independence in case he ever had to read it aloud, and often faked illness to avoid giving speeches. He was so opposed to public attention that about 20 pages into his own autobiography, he complains that he’s already tired of talking about himself. SourceSource 2 Source 3

[hyakusen]

Fictional characters might not be real, but our relationships with them are. Studies show it’s difficult for our brains to distinguish between our familiarity with characters on TV and our personal relationships with real people. The effect is so strong that just thinking about watching your favorite TV show can make you feel less lonely. Source Source 2 Source 3

[hyakusen]

Body ‘detox’ or ‘cleanse’ products don’t work; it’s just a marketing tactic. There is no scientific or medical evidence to support any of the claims made by juices, teas, shakes, ionic foot pads, or other products that promise to remove toxins from the body. Aside from that, your body already has a built-in detox system, where your liver, kidneys, skin, and other natural defenses do the job on their own. Source Source 2

[hyakusen]

SIGN ME TF UP

[hyakusen]

If you’re in need of some chill ambient noise, rainycafe.com lets you play an adjustable mix of cafe and rain sounds. According to the page itself, “Moderate background noise induces distraction, which encourages individuals to think at a higher, abstract level, and consequently exhibit higher creativity.” Source

[hyakusen]

If you keep getting trapped at your desk by chatty coworkers, your browser can help you out. Google Chrome’s extension ‘NOPE | Can’t Right Now’ adds a button to your browser that immediately calls you when you click it. Once you answer the phone, you hear instructions on how to look like you’re sorry you had to take an ‘important’ call, and hopefully they’ll get the hint and leave you alone. Source Source 2

[hyakusen]

In reference to never using the word ‘very’ when writing, Mark Twain said, “Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very’; Your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” Source

[hyakusen]

If you’re in need of some background noise, rainycafe.com lets you play an ambient mix of cafe and rain sounds. According to the page itself, ‘Moderate background noise induces distraction which encourages individuals to think at a higher, abstract level, and consequently exhibit higher creativity.‘ 

(Best experienced with headphones)

  Source

[hyakusen]

The town of Nördlingen, Germany, was built inside an old crater from a meteor that once crashed into the countryside. Residents have incorporated parts of the meteor into their town, including the church - which is encrusted with meteorites and microscopic diamonds. Source Source 2 Source 3

[hyakusen]

Sleight-of-hand artist Apollo Robbins is so stealthy that he once started a conversation with Jimmy Carter’s Secret Service agents and had everything out of their pockets within minutes. They were completely unaware that he’d acquired their badges, watches, Carter’s itinerary, and the keys to his motorcade. Source Source 2

Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty

Via The New Yorker:

“In more than a decade as a full-time entertainer, Robbins has taken (and returned) a lot of stuff, including items from well-known figures in the worlds of entertainment (Jennifer Garner, actress: engagement ring); sports (Charles Barkley, former N.B.A. star: wad of cash); and business (Ace Greenberg, former chairman of Bear Stearns: Patek Philippe watch).

He is probably best known for an encounter with Jimmy Carter’s Secret Service detail in 2001. While Carter was at dinner, Robbins struck up a conversation with several of his Secret Service men. Within a few minutes, he had emptied the agents’ pockets of pretty much everything but their guns.

Gifs via: youtube/NBC

Robbins brandished a copy of Carter’s itinerary, and when an agent snatched it back he said, “You don’t have the authorization to see that!” When the agent felt for his badge, Robbins produced it and handed it back. Then he turned to the head of the detail and handed him his watch, his badge, and the keys to the Carter motorcade.”

[hyakusen]

Studies show 41% of people who have unexplained nausea are suffering from anxiety, and 24% are clinically depressed. Source Source 2 Source 3

[hyakusen]

Neurotic people live longer. Studies show those who are often stressed, get irritated easily, and worry about things tend to have longer life spans than people who are more laid back. Source Source 2

[hyakusen]

If you’re in need of some background noise, rainycafe.com lets you play an ambient mix of cafe and rain sounds. According to the page itself, ‘Moderate background noise induces distraction which encourages individuals to think at a higher, abstract level, and consequently exhibit higher creativity.‘ 

(Best experienced with headphones)

  Source

[hyakusen]

In reference to never using the word ‘very’ when writing, Mark Twain said, “Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very’; Your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” Source

[hyakusen]

6 costly mistakes new drivers make in Singapore

Finally! After months of countless loops round the driving circuit at the top speed of 40km/h, you’ve finally obtained your driving licence and are ready to hit the Singapore highway! But not so fast young Padawan – you’re still very much inexperienced in the ways of the road.

Before you take off on your maiden cruise, remember these six common mistakes new drivers often make in hopes you won’t follow suit.

1. Failing to follow parking rules

Getting slapped with a hefty fine for a parking violation is like a rite of passage for new drivers. The parking rules in Singapore are very clear, with multiple signs and road markings indicating where you can and can’t station your vehicle.

Though you could try your luck in the hopes that no one catches you, it’s best to be well-informed about the dos and don’ts. Besides, parking attendants are everywhere these days. If you’re willing to risk a $50 fine to save on a $1.20 coupon, knock yourself out (literally).

2. Deciding to test your skills

Dangerous and illegal manoeuvres put everyone at risk. Speeding, drifting, doing doughnuts, or any of the crazy moves from the Fast and Furious movies (all of which you obviously can’t pull off) could easily land you with a heavy fine or worse, a spot behind bars.

Leave the crazy stunts to the professionals, go easy on the accelerator and drive safe!

3. Not wearing a seat belt

For new drivers, the habit of wearing a seat belt can take some getting used to. Of course, the alternative would be to reduce your chances of survival by half… But hey! At least you won’t have to deal with that annoying strap throughout your journey! Right? This goes for the passengers on board as well so make sure everyone’s buckled up before heading off.

4. Skimping out on maintenance

Road accidents occurring as a result of poor vehicle maintenance is a perennial problem. Remember, if you’re waiting till your brakes have worn and the engine starts making strange rattling noises, it may be too late.

Make a conscious effort to keep your car in tip-top condition. Schedule regular maintenance visits to an auto mechanic to ensure there aren’t any serious issues with your car that could leave you stranded.

Opting for cleaner fuel like Caltex with Techron® with its Clean & Glide Technology™ also helps to improve your car’s overall performance, cleans and protects the inside of your engine and prevents costly breakdowns from happening.

5. Being distracted

In our technologically-intense world, we’re so distracted by endless notifications on social media apps, Whatsapp alerts, and Tinder matches that we barely pay any attention to what’s in front of us – let alone when we get behind the wheel!

The next time you’re tempted send a text or Snapchat your own lip-sync routine mid-drive, don’t. Not only is it an offence to use your mobile device while your vehicle is in motion, these actions ultimately compromise your level of awareness and concentration, endangering both yourself and others around you.

6. Too many passengers

You’re not the only one excited about being able to drive. Young drivers who’ve just gotten their licenses are more than eager to be the ‘chauffeur’ for the day, and often overload their vehicle with more passengers than available seatbelts. But not only is this a considerable strain on your vehicle, it’s also dangerous and illegal.

Either keep to the legal passenger limit or start ditching some of your mates!

This content was produced in partnership with Caltex.

[hyakusen]

So… Happy Dolphin Day!

Source

[hyakusen]

A hot bath can burn as many calories as a 30 minute walk. One study found that men who spent an hour in a 104-degree bath burned 140 calories, moderated their blood sugar levels throughout the following day, and displayed an anti-inflammatory response that’s usually associated with exercise. Source Source 2 Source 3