Ever wonder how smart you could be? Test yourself.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Preparing Gifted Children to Choose a College/University
(by O.Schmidt, Gifted Programming Consultant, Toronto, ON)

Gr. 7-8: Many gifted children will be mature enough to actively explore for and consider a career. Emphasis at these grade levels should be on self-awareness, time management skills, leadership development, decision making, goal setting and honing work/study skills. Having a look at what universities offer may also be an enjoyable activity.

Gr. 11-12: Emphasis should be on the practical aspects of the processes of applying to universities, exposure to occupations and job internships, visits to companies and universities, and involvement in university mentorships.

Gr. 9-10: Students should consider various kinds of enrichment and credits that relate to choosing a future college/university. Some of the most popular are:

- Advanced Placement Courses offer great challenges and expose gifted children to university level learning (with a full credit) and new areas of interest not provided in high school.

- University Open Houses. Most universities have a special day on which the public is invited to tour their campus. See the departments and explore for interests and contacts.

- Special Enrichment Opportunities. The one-week, exciting Queen’s University Mini-Enrichment Program in Kingston, Ontario, for example, is invaluable in giving students a taste of university life. McMaster University, in Hamilton, Ontario has an excellent week-end mini-enrichment program. University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, offers Summer and Fall mentorship programs where children can work with experts in many fields of study.

- Summer Camps at Universities. The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario offers summer computing and engineering courses for high school students. Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario offers special physics and space-related courses.

- Leadership Training at summer camps, and offered by such organizations as the Rotary Club, Conference on Human Rights, Model U.N., Camp Enterprise.

- Self-initiated Activities such as running for student council, starting a club, being an entrepreneur and starting one’s own summer business, becoming a social or environmental activist help in making someone stand out in applications.
_______________

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consumerism and the compulsion to shop are very strong in our society. So strong, in fact, that it caused some people to get together in a counter-culture way. They were tired, burned-out and sick of old politics. They wanted the bureaucracy to know that they were tired of being puppets of the business world that wants nothing but money, money, money.

Why do we consume more? Because we rely less and less on our imaginations and communities to enrich us. We foolishly try to satisfy our needs with manufactured goods instead. We are losing more and more of our ability to develop our own vibrant personal selves and depend on the local store to provide it for us.

After months of searching for a way to express themselves, the activist group that started it all decided that they would have a "Buy Nothing Day." Putting their campaign on the internet made it an instant international event. It is now held every November and celebrated in over 60 countries around the world. People all over the world suddenly realized that they felt the same way too. The idea was to have people go on a consumer fast, and think about their lives and the culture they live in. It was also suggested that people find out how hard it is to suppress the impulse to buy.

Activists have come up with some pretty amazing shenanigans to celebrate the day. Here are some of them: credit-card burning, people go to Wal-Mart and fill up carts and leave them without being any of the items, some go and buy stuff and then take it all back again, and more.

Why take this holiday? You might want to spend some time pondering the sad fact that 25% of the world’s population consumes 80% of the material resources and owns over 80% of its wealth. Another reason might be to prove to yourself that you can live for 24 hours without a cash transaction.

Ok, what do I do instead? Here are some suggestions: collect signatures for a campaign, write letters, drop off clothes at a charity, make a music tape for a friend, swap junk with friends, learn to make something new, plant something, go to the park and talk to somebody, make a Xmas present, take a hot bath, fill shopping bags with stuff and label them "Buy Nothing Day" and walk around malls, read a book, listen to music, go for a walk, talk to your family members, make phone calls to people you haven’t seen for a long time.

How do I reduce my shopping over the whole year? Ask yourself these questions: Do I really need it? Could I borrow it? Will I really use it? How long will it last? Am I able to repair, maintain, or clean it myself? Will I have to dispose of it? Are the resources in it renewable? Do I already own a substitute for it?

All right, everybody get involved this month.

101 Things to Do on "Buy Nothing" Day

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Christmas Gift Show. This is usually a big one at the International Centre, Toronto, to be held in early December. If you might want to be an exhibitor contact 416-213-1035.

Contest: Art of the Automobile Competition

Canadian Aboriginal Festival

Centennial College Health Fair

Contest: Mathieu Da Costa Awards Program

Vanier Cup (university football championship)

Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls (concerts on weekends)

Contest: Young Canadian Women Writers Festival

Contest: Youth-Only Wood Art Competition

African Drums & Art Crafts (visit anytime)

Air Cadets (always looking for new members)

Amnesty International (care enough to get involved)

Auction Sales (check papers)

Bancroft Mineral Collecting (check if available late into Fall)

Beach Blast Indoor Volleyball Centre (birthday party place?)

Black Film & Video Network (specialized cultural activity)

Bloor Cinema (cheap night out with friends, see oldies but goodies movies)

Canadian Authors Association (visit to find out more about writing and getting published)

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (find out about alternative health care)

Canadian Football Hall of Fame in Hamilton

Canadian Ski Federation (join a club?)

Canadian Snowboard Federation (lessons?)

CBC Museum (visit for an interesting history of broadcasting)

Hockey Hall of Fame (history?)

Holocaust Education and Memorial Centre (on Bathurst just north of Sheppard)

In 2 Print (magazine for kids to contribute to as journalists)

Junior Achievement of Canada (become an entrepreneur and set up a business with other students. Any age.)

Kitchener Farmers Market (wonderful visit, see the Mennonites)

Model Railroad Club of Toronto (huge layout of trains and scenes)

Mousetrap, The Play (longest running play in Toronto history)

North York Harvest Food Bank (help out)

Ontario Archaeological Society (interested?)

Personal Computing Club of Toronto (designed for family participation)

Readers Digest (submit jokes, stories, etc. and get paid)

Royal Astronomical Society (see the real stars)

Royal Canadian Institute (RCI Kids) (for interests in science)

Royal Ontario Museum (Remember: FREE FRIDAY NIGHTS!!)

Studio Audience Participation Listings (sit in on the taping of some of your favourite shows. Take your family and friends. Usually free)

Toronto Bonsai Society

(miniature trees – some 50-100 yrs. Old, how to nurture them)

Toronto Camera Club ( smile!)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 11 – Remembrance Day

November 26 – Ramadan ends (Islam)

November 27 – USA Thanksgiving Day

This is also National Diabetes Month.
______________

Ayn Rand explained altruism when she wrote:

However, altruism is a code incompatible with reality:

"Now there is one word—a single word—which can blast the morality of altruism out of existence and which it cannot withstand—the word: ’Why?’ Why must man live for the sake of others? Why must he be a sacrificial animal? Why is that the good? There is no earthly reason for it—and, ladies and gentlemen, in the whole history of philosophy no earthly reason has ever been given."

Under altruism, service to others is not a choice but an obligation that requires sacrifice.

Under altruism, the most virtuous man is not the one who gives until it hurts, but the man who gives to others at the expense of his own life.

_______________
SOUND BITES!

The U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention reports that in the 21^st century, more of the oldest baby boomers "will have a relatively intact dentition at that age than any generation in history." This is in part due to growing awareness of how to prevent dental problems at all ages.

We use our teeth everyday for chewing food, smiling and talking. Teeth are also used to help to determine how we look in the lower half of our face.

Cavities and gum disease undermine the health of our teeth. Both are caused by a combination of specific bacteria that are allowed to accumulate in the mouth. These types of bacteria attached themselves to the hard surfaces on the teeth.
If they are not removed the numbers increase and eventually a white film appears on the teeth.
This film, a combination of bacteria and salivary protein, is called plaque.

The bacteria in the plaque use sugar to produce an acid, which over time dissolves the mineral in the outer surface of the teeth.
At first only a tiny hole appears but over time a larger hole appears in the teeth and this is called a cavity.

At the early stages of a cavity it doesn’t really hurt because the nerve fibers that signal pain are not present in the enamel.
When the cavity enlarges to include the dentin then a message begins to be sent out that you have tooth decay.

So, don’t wait until it hurts!!
Regular preventive dental check-ups are important to maintain healthy teeth.

The sticky plaque on the teeth, in addition to causing cavities can also cause the gums to bleed and bone loss to occur around the teeth. This is called gum disease or periodontal disease. A person with gum disease will notice their gums bleeding easily and persistent bad breath. If gum disease is not treated early it may result in the permanent loss of teeth.

Gum disease is usually preventable with cleanings and good brushing and flossing habits at home between dental visits.

_______________

As the electricity generating methods of the complex kind are becoming too expensive to build and maintain, there is a growing trend to use the clean, environmentally friendly power of the wind. A windsmith is a person who is involved in the whole business of windmill construction and erection.

Windmills must be super aerodynamic to catch every bit of energy from the wind. The pitch of the blades is computer controlled to maximize contact with the wind. The blades are as sharp as a razor edge to reduce friction and allow maximum rotational force.

The usual designs which involve several blades are being challenged by elaborate and radically different designs of many shapes and sizes.

For those interested in math, engineering, design, computer programming, inventing and protecting the environment, this could be just the right job for you. It is a growing area and much money is being poured into research and construction. New designs and concepts are being constantly sought out.

Actual Job Listing: Windsmith
Salary Range: Full Time: Salary based on experience; Benefit package included
Qualifications: Post secondary education in electrical or related field and one year of electrical or mechanical experience, preferably in the area of wind turbine operations and maintenance. Related Skills: Excellent communication skills, Ability to keep accurate, maintenance records, Organized and attention to detail, work at extreme heights, Outdoor work in adverse weather conditions.
Position Description: Rapidly growing, Minnesota-based operations and maintenance company seeks a windsmith to perform day-to-day operations and maintenance duties on wind turbine facilities. The windsmith will work closely with other individuals to monitor, track performance, and respond to wind turbine faults. The windsmith will aid in the development and management of new wind turbine projects. The windsmith will play a key role in the establishment and management of a maintenance facility and operations program. The windsmith will need to be able to handle a wide range of technical and administrative duties. The windsmith will be "On Call" sometimes and must be able to respond promptly and work independently on multiple tasks. The windsmith will need to work closely and coordinate operational activities with utility companies and other wind industry companies. Travel may be required. Responsibilities: Monitor wind turbines. Repair and operate wind turbines. Schedule maintenance activities for wind turbines. Maintain inventory of parts for wind turbines. Report and record performance. Oversee maintenance of access roads and turbine pads. Oversee safety training, equipment, and activities. Maintain facilities, vehicles and work equipment. Follow industry safety standards and procedures.

The training consists of a combination of classroom and hands-on work. The classroom sessions cover such topics as electrical safety, climbing safety, theory of operation, gearbox inspection and maintenance, controller operation and troubleshooting, and routine maintenance procedures. The hands-on sessions involve going out to the wind turbines with other windsmiths and assisting with routine annual maintenance procedures.

In this job, people attempt to gain an understanding of the methods and processes used in the creation of archaeological artifacts by attempting to create the artifact using only the tools and materials available to the original creators.

They use real animals (dead) to test the crafted weapons and tools. From their experimenting, they can prove butchering techniques and cutting tactics. It can also be determined how bones are cracked and perhaps the reasons for some behaviours e.g. to draw out marrow from bones. The results of their experiments are compared to existing markings on ancient found artifacts. It is possible to somewhat recreate the lives of ancient peoples in this way. In some cases, exciting and shocking discoveries can be made e.g. cannibalism on bodies. Building methods can also be deduced.

Using microscopes, minute fragments of food, plants, animals, etc. found in ancient fires, can identify the eating habits and diet of the people living there.

_______________

(from an article by Camilla Cornell in Readers Digest)

Here are a number of tips to help you live a longer and happier life:

This helps keep muscle strength and bone density.

A brisk half-hour walk increases your aerobic power and improves your strength and hip flexibility.

Studies show that newer communities require driving to do chores and purchases. Older neighbourhoods tend to have shops and services closer together and therefore it is natural for people to walk more.

Smokers live shorter lives and often the quality of their lives is lower.

Lots of vegetables, grains, beans, fruits.

As we age, our bodies are less efficient at absorbing nutrients. There are also fewer nutrients in our overly processed foods.

Good way to protect your ability to learn and remember.

Studies show that sleeping 7 hours is actually better than sleeping 8 hours.

Learning a language, playing games, reading challenging books helps keep the mind sharp and alert.

Playing an instrument or at least listening to music keeps the mind active.

Studies show that people of faith live longer and are more stable and happier in life.

Making friends and feeling useful and needed make for happiness and health.

Pets get people to think of others not just themselves. They are also comforting in down times.

Stress produces adrenaline and cortisol which help you cope with danger but can also damage your immune system. Find the good in everything that happens.

Socializing with other people is just as valuable as proper diet.

_______________

• diaper backward spells repaid. Think about it.
• There are over 100,000 websites dedicated to the singer Madonna. This is part of a new and growing affliction called "Celebrity Worship Syndrome".
• About 90% of women are wearing cosmetics by age 13.
• It is estimated that there are about 9-11 million landmines still buried in the soils of Afghanistan. Between 150-300 people step on them each day.
• The world’s tallest skyscraper will be in Taiwan, 508 metres and called Taipei 101. The cost will be $1.7 Billion US. It is 101-storeys high and will house 12,000 people. It replaces the Petronas Towers as the world’s tallest.
• Cameron Diaz is the world’s highest paid actress. She earned $42.2 million in 2001. Julia Roberts was the highest paid in 2003 and 2002 with earnings of $21.1 million. Adam Sandler, aged 36, is the highest-paid actor based on $49.5 million in 2001.

___________

(from an article by Shari Roan, Toronto Star

It has long been suspected and now proven by research that the phosphoric acid in carbonated soft drinks reduces bone mineral density.

Tufts University researcher, Katherine Tucker examined more than 2,500 men and women and surveyed their soft-drink consumption. Women who drink more that three 12-ounce servings of cola per day had 2.3%-5.1% lower bone mineral density in the hip. An excess of phosphoric acid binds calcium in the gut and keeps it from being absorbed. It is also possible that the phosphoric acid can negatively affect parathyroid hormone levels in the body, which regulate bone density.

Men have different beverage consumption patterns and drink more alcohol which can protect bone matter in some ways.

(editor’s note: It should be well known that an acid is neutralized by a base. The acid that goes into the body is neutralized mainly by calcium. It is suggested that people switch to water, natural fruit juices, herbal teas, whole fruits for energy and hydration.)

___________

(from an article by Barbara Shecter, Financial Post)

There is a growing movement in advertising circles to target young children ages 6-11 years old. These children have great influence on their parents’ purchasing of luxury items to the where they have bank accounts.

Corus Entertainment, which owns YTV television channel in Toronto, introduced the term "Kidfluence" at an investor conference recently. The company says that "guilt-ridden" working parents and overly informed kids means that these kids are prime targets for advertisers. Some of the converts to this approach are: Campbell’s, Parmalat and Old El Paso. Companies that are being wooed are Honda, Telus Corp. and the Bank of Nova Scotia.

Susan Ross, vice-president of YTV and general manager of children’s television for Corus suggests that kids can be encouraged to use their "pester power" to influence parents to make about $20 billion worth of purchases each year. Kids have opinions on almost anything.

Corus studies suggest 92% of kids request specific brands and 75% of parents respond by buying the items requested. Mom better show up at the playground with the right SUV or else!

Quebec forbids advertising to the under age 12 group and advertisers who disobey the law can be fined. The rest of the country is subject to an industry code established by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters and Advertising Standards Canada. There is a suggestion in the Broadcast Code for Advertising to Children to avoid undue pressure on children and must not appeal directly to them to purchase or urge parents to purchase specific goods.

(editor’s comment: The greed and lust for the almighty dollar seems to have no end. Here is how you can have your say about this:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brain Teasers (answers at the bottom. Thanks to a Gift Rap reader, Ruth G., for sending them)

1. A murderer is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven't eaten in 3 years.

Which room is safest for him?

***********

2. A woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over 5 minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But 5 minutes later they both go out together and enjoy a wonderful dinner together. How can this be?

**********

3. There are two plastic jugs filled with water. How could you put all of this water into a barrel, without using the jugs or any dividers, and still tell which water came from which jug?

**********

4. What is black when you buy it, red when you use it, and gray when you throw it away?

**********

5. Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?

**********

6. This is an unusual paragraph. I'm curious how quickly you can find out what is so unusual about it. It looks so plain that you would think nothing was wrong with it. In fact, nothing is wrong with it! It is unusual though. Study it, and think about it, but you still may not find anything odd. But if you work at it a bit, you might find out.

1. The third. Lions that haven't eaten in three years are dead.

2. The woman was a photographer. She shot a picture of her husband, developed it, and hung it up to dry.

3. Freeze them first. Take them out of the jugs and put the ice in the barrel. You will be able to tell which water came from which jug.

4. The answer is Charcoal.

5. Sure you can: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow!

6. The letter "e," which is the most common letter in the English language, does not appear once in the long paragraph!

****************
How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb?
Answer: Only one, but the light bulb has to really want to change.

****************
Did you hear about the 92-year-old woman who still does not need glasses?
She continues to drink straight out of the bottle.
_______________

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Courtesy of DiscoverTeenergy.com
All Rights Reserved