Exams

  If your going to take your written harmony/rudiments/counterpoint exam here are some tips:

• Use the washroom before you go in (Trust me on this one. Lots of people have to stop in the middle of their test to use the washroom. And you don't see them coming back...)
• Bring a water bottle(ok yea...I know, You'll need to use the washroom. Be smart, don't drink all your water at the beginning use this tool near the end. Everyone knows you do better after drinking water)
• Candy! Yup you know what that means! Actually, Candy can be used to keep you concentrated as long as you don't eat too much.I bring hard candy on my exams, so I could keep it in my mouth for a long time :)
• Sit as far away from middle/front as you can. Less people staring at the back of your head, less people paying attention to you:) 
• Last one: Study hard... Here is the order of the tests easiest to hardest: Basic Rudiments,Intermediate Rudiments, Advanced Rudiments,Basic Harmony, Intermediate Harmony, Counterpoint, Advanced Harmony. Advanced harmony is the hardest in my opinion...

And Of course, Listen to some music while you study, it's important not to get stressed out...(ok...THIS is the last one)

Traits Of Human Consciousness!

http://www.gurusoftware.com/GuruNet/Personal/Factors.htm
 Hey Guys ! Just wanted to show you something! Look At this chart, We are not the Best as we think we are. Humans are pretty evil creatures.

In my Opinion, humans are about 65%-75% good and 35%-25% evil. Of course, just an extremely rough estimate....(Random thought 1.: Read classics!) :P

Trait-Positive	Trait-Negative
Attitudes
accepts authority, loyal, devoted	rebellious
accepts what's given	ignores, rejects what's given
affectionate	distant, cold, aloof
aspiring, ambitious, motivated	self-satisfied, unmotivated
candid	closed, guarded, secretive
caring	uncaring, unfeeling, callous
change; accepts, embraces-	rejects change
cheerful	cheerless, gloomy, sour, grumpy
considerate, thoughtful	inconsiderate, thoughtless
cooperative	uncooperative, unhelpful, combative
courageous	cowering, fearful
courteous	rude, impolite
decisive	indecisive
devoted	uncommitted, uncaring, hostile
determined	indecisive, unsure
does what is necessary, right	does what is convenient
perseveres, endures	relents, gives up
enthusiastic	unenthusiastic, apathetic, indifferent
expansive	kept back, tight, constricting
faith in life	life can't be trusted
faith in oneself	lack of faith in self
faith in others	others can't be relied on
flexible	inflexible, rigid, unbending, stubborn
forgiving	unforgiving, resentful, spiteful
focused	unfocused, scattered
freedom given to others	authoritarian, controlling
friendly	unfriendly, distant, aloof, hostile
frugal, thrifty	wasteful, spendthrift
generous	stingy, miserly, selfish
goodwill	ill-will, malice, hatred
grateful	ungrateful, unappreciative
hard-working	lazy
honest	dishonest, deceiving, lying
humble	arrogant, conceited, ego-centric
interested	indifferent, uncaring
involved	complacent, indifferent
jealous, not	jealous, envious, covetous
kind	unkind, uncaring, cruel, mean
mature	immature
modest	vain
open-minded, tolerant	narrow, close, small-minded, intolerant
optimistic	pessimistic
perfects	allows imperfection
persistent, sustaining	flagging, fleeting, unsustaining
positive	negative
practical	impractical, not viable
punctual	late, not on time
realistic	unrealist, impractical
reliable	unreliable, undependable
respectful	disrespectful, rude, impolite
responsibility; takes-	blames others
responsible [ep to 9 levels]	unreliable, undependable
responsive	unresponsive, unreceptive
self-confident	lack of self confidence, insecure
self-directed	directed by externals
self-disciplined	undisciplined, unrestrained, indulgent
self-esteem, high	self-esteem, confidence - low
self-giving	self-centered
self-reliant	dependent
selfless	selfish
sensitive	Insensitive, indifferent
serious	frivolous, silly, trivial
sincere	insincere, dishonest
social independence	social approval required
sympathetic	unsympathetic, unfeeling
systematic	unsystematic, disorganized, disorderly, random
takes others point of view	insists on own view
thoughtful towards others	thoughtless, inconsiderate, callous
trusting	suspicious, mistrusting
unpretentious	pretentious, affected, ostentatious
unselfish	selfish
willing does, willingness	unwilling, reluctant, recalcitrant
work-oriented	convenience first

Quotes about life:)

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”
― Dr. Seuss

“I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.”
― Marilyn Monroe

“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth.”
― William W. Purkey

Life is beautiful, as long as it consumes you. When it is rushing through you, destroying you, life is gorgeous, glorious. It’s when you burn a slow fire and save fuel, that life’s not worth having.
-D. H. Lawrence

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
― Mae West

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
― Oscar Wilde
 
“Sometimes people are beautiful.
Not in looks.
Not in what they say.
Just in what they are.”
― Markus Zusak

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” 
―Ralph Waldo Emerson 

“Some infinities are bigger than other infinities.”
― John Green

Again, Ending with (:P)

Brownie Recipe!!!

   Some of you guys asked me to give you guys a brownie recipe. These ones are pretty easy.

Brownie Recipe #1 http://www.yummly.com/recipe/external/Chocolate-brownie-330831

• 3/4 cups cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 ounces eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a 9x13" pan.
3. Remove from heat. Mix in sugar and vanilla then mix in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in remaining ingredients then stir in nuts. Bake for 30 minutes.
5. Cool completely, before cutting into 2x2" squares. Kitchen Cabinet Design
6. I have read all the great reviews and learned from them, thank you all. Now I line my pan with buttered aluminum foil or parchment paper. This works very well. 

Brownie Recipe #2 http://kirbiecravings.com/2013/02/easiest-3-ingredient-nutella-brownies.html

• 1 1/4 cup Nutella
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour

1. Grease a 9 x9 baking pan and preheat oven to 350F. Mix all ingredients into a large bowl with a large wooden spoon until batter is smooth. Pour into baking pan and smooth top with spatula.
2. Bake for about 15 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Careful not to bake too long otherwise brownies will dry out. Let brownies cool and set before cutting and serving.

Brownie Recipe #3
http://www.inspiredtaste.net/24412/cocoa-brownies-recipe/
Go to The website:)

20 Weird Facts

So....This might be a long list. So, Without further ado lets get started!

1. Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete
2. If you type the words"do a barrel roll" on google it wil
3. Months that begin with a sunday have a Friday 13
4. Coca cola is originally green
5. A human head remains concious 20 sec after being decapitated
6. When Thomas Edison died in 1941; Henry Ford
7. When a person dies, hearing is generally the last sense to go. The first sense lost is usually sight. Then follows taste, smell, and touch.
8. captured his last dying breath in a bottle.
9. Charcoal is an ice cream flavour.
10. In japan there are square watermelons. That way, they are easier to stack.
11. Every human on earth could comfortably fit in the state of texas
12. Last year more americans were killed by toddlers than terrorists
13. Over 2500 left handed people are killed each year for using right handed products
14. A 12 year old girl was handcuffed for doodling on her desk at school
15. In Stockholm there is a speed camera lottery where good
16. Vampire Bats almost never bite humans and are harmless.They are the only bat that adopts their neighbors young if the mother dies.
17. drivers can win money from the fines of bad drivers
18. Traveling makes you a smarter and more creative person 
19. Listening to Mozart doesn't necessarily make you smarter
20. Reading...etc in bad light is not bad for your eyes
21. The bumble bee bat weighs less than a penny
22. Gum is prohibited in Singapore

Relax

The reason why I'm putting up a third post is because the other 2 weren't really written by me.

So Anyways, summer can get a bit boring sometimes... And it's always good to give a little time to yourself and relax a bit. Some tips:

1. When you read/homework (depends what kind of homework) listen to music/chew gum. It helps you concentrate

2. Go outside and enjoy nature. I know...It might be really hot.If you can, go near a pond/lake. Places with water usually are much cooler. You can bring a book/snack and relax in the shade:)

3. Stay away from electronics for a while. This can be very hard to do for some people. So those of you who are the typical gaming person, do it little bits at a time.

Oh, And A recipe I found that was pretty good:Blueberry Lemon Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 (16-oz.) package frozen blueberries $
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 4 cups water
• 3 family-size tea bags
• 3/4 cup sugar $

1. Bring 1 (16-oz.) package frozen blueberries and 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and pour through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a bowl, using back of a spoon to squeeze out juice. Discard solids. Wipe saucepan clean.
2. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in same saucepan; add 3 family-size tea bags, and let stand 5 minutes. Remove and discard tea bags. Stir in 3/4 cup sugar and blueberry juice mixture. Pour into a pitcher; cover and chill 1 hour. Serve over ice.

I got the recipe from:http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/blueberry-lemon-iced-tea-10000001634663/

Interesting facts About Humans/Stress

  Hey guys, More Interesting facts! I got my info from: http://optimalexperience.com/2010/12/19-interesting-facts-about-human-behaviour/
http://wtffunfact.com/post/64051179287/people-who-help-others

1.If two people live together for a long time, they start to look like each other. They grow to look alike partly because of nutrition – shared diets and eating habits – but much of the effect is simple imitation of facial expressions. Couples who end up looking alike also tend to be happier!

2.Roughly speaking, losing something makes you twice as miserable as gaining the same thing makes you happy.

3.Obesity is contagious; you’re more likely to be overweight if you have a lot of overweight friends.

4.If we watch how people’s brains respond, promising them monetary rewards and giving them cocaine, nicotine or amphetamines looks disturbingly similar.

5.Those who sit upright are much happier than those who slouch.

6.Research suggests that telling children that they are bright and talented is a terrible thing to do. Telling children that they possess a certain trait, such as being bright or talented, is not good for their psychological health because it encourages them to avoid challenging situations, no to try so hard, and quickly to be become demotivated when the going gets tough. In contrast, praising effort encourages people to stretch themselves, work hard, and persist in the face of difficulties.

7.People who help others tend to be significantly happier and are less likely to get depression when they are older

Like for more facts!

10 Differences between Interesting and boring People

  Hey Guys! I found an interesting article on "The 10 Differences between Interesting/Boring people. I've changed a little from some of them but if you want to see more the website is: http://elitedaily.com/life/motivation/10-differences-interesting-people-boring-people/
 

1. Interesting people like to have conversations; boring people like to avoid them.
Human beings primarily communicate through words — this is how our species interacts. If you are the person that goes to a party and picks a quiet corner to sit in, then shame on you. You are missing out on a ton of networking opportunities. You may not like anyone at the party because they are all scumbags, but you never know when having a scumbag around could come in handy.
He could be a potential client or investor for the future — or be able to connect you with someone that will be. Or maybe he has a hot sister you can bang. Boring people usually aren’t boring at their core; they are simply introverted. Don’t be shy; talking to someone new won’t kill you.
2. Boring people are those that enjoy too much comfort.
We all have a comfort zone, but we don’t all decide to stay within its bounds. In my opinion, a comfort zone is good for one thing and one thing only: knowing what needs to be done to leave it in order to start living. You already know what makes for a complacent, lethargic, comfortable life. Now do the exact opposite of that and you won’t be so boring — or so bored.
3. Interesting people have several hobbies; boring people have a hobby.
Being interesting involves more than having something that you enjoy doing and enjoy talking about. If you have one hobby — especially if it is one that most people don’t share — then people will find you boring. It’s great if you have that one thing that you are passionate about, but if you are worried about being too boring, try to diversify and find yourself two more hobbies that spark your interest.
4. Interesting people are well-informed.
Being perceived as interesting revolves around holding conversations. The more that you have to talk about, the better. This of course does not mean that you ought to be starting a conversation with someone and running through a handful of topics one after another, but the more knowledgeable you are of different things, the better the chances are that you and your conversation partner will have something to talk about. Be up-to-date on the news and on the most popular pop culture.
5. Boring people stay put; interesting people like to explore.
  Hmm...Sometimes taking risks can be scary, but when there's a chance to discover something new the interesting person would take the risk.Therefore, gaining the experience of taking that risk. Boring people do not like getting out of their comfort zone.
6. Interesting people have a hunger for life; boring people are content with frozen dinner.
  Lets say you are a person that does the same things everyday over and over again.Whats missing? Variety.Interesting people do different things.
7. Change makes for an exciting life.
  If you are scared of change you may be labeled as a boring person.Do not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and take risks.If you do not learn to enjoy change you will not only lack from success, but you will also lack joy in your life. 8. Interesting people are driven people. Boring people are push-overs.
Figure out what it is that you want and then plan a way to get it. Letting others decide your destiny, being complacent and accepting whatever leftovers others throw you is pathetic and boring. Do not let people push you around; stand your ground!
9. Interesting people are dreamers. Boring people are posers.
If you don’t dream, then you can’t possibly make your dreams a reality. Our minds can be our most interesting playground as long as we spend enough time focusing on that which presents itself among the swing sets and sandboxes. Picture what you want and what you want to do in your future. Imagine your life the way you wish you could live it and focus on it every waking moment of your life. Then work on making your dreams your reality.
10. Leading an interesting life is easy if you want it.
More importantly than anything else is truly and completely wanting to live an interesting and exciting life. You must want to do things you are not comfortable doing. You must want to experience new experiences and you must want to get a fuller, more in-depth understanding of the way other people see the world. You must want to have an open mind. The world is an exciting place, so get excited!

Mozart Will Survive

Classical Music Could Be Fun:)...Sometimes!!!   Enjoy!

Books/Reading

  ok...ok... So maybe reading isn't your idea of a fun summer. Maybe you like to just curl up in the corner playing video games all day. Maybe you have lots of classes and you don't have time. Well.....I don't care...:) At least when you do have a bit of time you can check out these awesome books/Short stories

1. The Bet-Anton Chekhov
2. The Last Lesson- Alphonse Daudet
3. The Gift  Of Magi- O.Henry
4. The Fault in our Stars- John Green(Why not:))
5. Shakespeare
6. The Necklace-Guy de Maupassant
7. Lady or the Tiger- Frank stockton
8. The Last Leaf- O. Henry

Ok, you might be wondering why most of these stories are classics...etc You might just like reading those kind of books(for eg: Percy Jackson...etc) I'm not saying those books are "bad" books. Try reading a Classic, It'll make you think hard as well as reflect on some human nature/characteristics (the evil ones...). Maybe You'll like them.

But If you don't...Then Here are some other books my little sister likes.

1. Babysitter little Sister
2. Geronimo Stilton
3. How To train your Dragon
4. Andrew Clements books
5. History Spies
6. A-Z Mysteries
7. Charlottes Web
8. Fairy books by Daisy Meadows
9. Hunger Games Trilogy
10. Tuck everlasting
11. Hobbit & Lord of the rings
12. Holes- Louis Sachar
13. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
14. Dork Diaries
15. Stone Wolf
16. Sadako and the thousand paper cranes

Note....Both lists are incomplete:) If you'd like to see more leave a comment

Anyways.... Have fun Reading this summer:)

Book Covered In Human Skin:) At Harvard

Pet Peeves

  Ugh,this is probably the most annoying thing on the planet....Pet Peeves. Now, this list could go on for days and it might get a little boring. That is why I have just included a few.

1.People who blame everyone else for THEIR failure
hmm.... I've done this a couple of times and I've seen it happen with other people as well. It's not fun. These people are the ones who think their the "best" and can't admit that they did something wrong. If you know someone who is really stubborn/ or is stubborn yourself you'd get what I mean.

2.People who criticize other people behind a screen
OK, I'm pretty sure the majority of you guys have criticized at least 1 person behind a computer....etc screen. Most people who do this are scared to say these things out to the world.Sometimes it's good to keep your mouth shut and your hands off the keyboard.

3.People who use words wrong
This one might be one of the most annoying things ever. People say the word "gay" to mean the word lame. Another annoying one is the word: Literally. People literally say the word literally when something literally doesn't literally happen. These people need to get their vocab fixed

4.Over exaggerators
Pretty self explanatory like the other ones :)

5.People who lie/pretend so they can fit in
Everyone has done this....seriously. You want to be with your friends but they just don't seem to like what you like. Just be yourself:) You might not get many friends, but you'll get the right ones.

6.People who ask: Can I ask you a Question
They already are.

7.People Who say "I can't" without really trying
Links with number 4. The difference: These guys underestimate themselves too much. People do this when they are not interested in doing a task. Don't get me wrong, I've done this before too.

8.People Who interrupt you conversations
These guys just can't wait to tell you something you might/might not care about

9.Hypocrites
Sally: Hey guess what? I'm Vegetarian!!! I love animals sooo much!
John: Cool Nice boots
Sally: My Aunt made them for me. Their made of leather
 People who are the opposite of who they think they are.This example: An animal lover who likes dead animals 

10.Obnoxious Eaters
I'm around a lot of these... They just want to make you lose your appetite.

:P