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Tuesday, January 10, 2012

How to start collecting paper money?

A very common type of collecting hobby is 'collection of currency or bank notes of various countries of the world'.  At this digital and plastic money (credit cards) age, still people use paper money or currency notes. Like coins and stamps these currency notes reflect basic information about that specific country.

Lots of people have dedicated their lives to researching and compiling information on paper money or bank notes.

Do you want to start collecting paper money?                

The best way to start is to subscribe to Bank Note Reporter. It's a sort of monthly newspaper for paper money collectors and not only does it carry all the latest news about new issues, currency changes, etc., it also has advertising from a very large number of dealers and it lists paper money shows in the US and around the world. BNR offers free samples to anyone (not just in the USA).

The Professional Currency Dealers Association offers a small booklet called "How to Collect Paper Money" which, if I recall correctly, even contains a few sample world banknotes.

How to trade/buy/sell paper money?

The most effective way to get paper money is not through general circulation, but through dealers, collectors, auctions, and shows. There are many online sites which can help you trade paper money or back notes.

The International Bank Note Society's quarterly journal carries free advertising "of a non-commercial nature" for people wanting to update their personal collections. Bank Note Reporter also has a lot
of small cheap ads for this. These are good places to look for people to trade notes.

Another way to buy/sell notes is through mail auctions.  Some people prefer to collect notes from general circulation. This is a good way for someone to start getting interested in paper money, but it's really not a very effective way to collect it.

How to keep banknotes safely?

To keep them in the best possible condition is to use inert plastics of good quality.
Common household products such as plastic wrap, plastic bags, window envelopes, etc. should not be used for storing paper money. Most plastics contain PVC, which deteriorates with time and heat, releasing acids and gases which will migrate into the paper, resulting in the notes appearing to have been soaked in oil, or so brittle they shatter at a touch.

Notes should be stored or displayed away from direct sunlight, to avoid fading. Repairs should be made only with products that are stable.
"Magic" tape and other plastic tapes will leave permanent stains on notes.

You can also keep notes in regular paper envelopes as well, although they're more liable to get damaged in handling.

Paper money has both a market value and a personal value. These two things are very different. There are big time dealers who keep a note from circulation just because it has an interesting serial number or for other sentimental reasons. Don't let "market" forces blur the real meaning of being a collector.

Useful links:

* A good site with images of USA and some World notes

History of money

World Banknote Collectors Web Site

Paper money FAQS


Monday, January 9, 2012

Neurobics - Brain stimulation techniques to keep the mind sharp

Neurobics are scientifically based brain exercises that produce natural growth factors called neurotrophins in our brains. Neurotrophins help improve brain performance by activating and building new circuits. Routine activities can become so automatic that they are largely done unconsciously and require little thought. Neurobics challenges us to break our routines and do things differently in ways that make us think. Neurobic exercises call on us to use our five physical senses and our emotional sense in unexpected ways to engage and build new brain pathways. 


 “Neurobics as developed by Dr.Lawrence C. Katz and Manning Rubin is based upon solid scientific evidence that novel activities and exercises using all your senses can enhance the production of growth factors that strengthen synapses and improve mental fitness including memory." Studies have shown that even small changes in daily patterns cause brain stimulation.  People with mental agility tend to have lower rates of Alzheimer's disease and age-related mental decline.                                



Neurobics can be done anywhere, anytime, in of fbeat, fun and easy ways. 


Examples of neurobics:
Try to include one or more of your senses in an everyday task:
Get dressed with your eyes closed 
Wash your hair with your eyes closed 
Share a meal and use only visual cues to communicate. No talking. 
Combine two senses: Listen to music and smell flowers 
Listen to the rain and tap your fingers 
Watch clouds and play with modeling clay at the same time


Break routines: Go to work on a new route 
Eat with your opposite hand Shop at new grocery store

Few more exercises to achieve a fit and flexible mind: 
  • Drive to work a different route  
  • Unlock the door with your eyes closed
  • Use your opposite hand to dial the phone or operate the TV remote
Research has suggested that using your left hand if you're right handed or your right if you're left handed more often, can help stimulate parts of the brain that you don't normally use.


Related: www.emedexpert.com 


 Useful links:


 * Examples of Neurobics 


 * Brain exercises

Friday, December 23, 2011

Amazing street art photos

What is street art


In simple words it is the form of art which can be named 'public art' as it is not bound to any limits and it can be seen anywhere around us. It can be a picture drawn on wall, a little color or placing of objects on the pavements, roads or any place around us, which can have some meanings or look like an artistic thing.


This post is about amazing photos of street art, but first learn about the term 'street art'


According to 'wikipedia' Street art is art, specifically visual art, developed in public spaces — that is, "in the streets". 


The term can include traditional graffiti artwork, sculpture, stencil graffiti, sticker art, wheatpasting and street poster art, video projection, art intervention, guerrilla art, flash mobbing and street installations. 


‘Street’ artists do not aspire to change the definition of an artwork, but rather to question the existing environment with its own language. They attempt to have their work communicate with everyday people about socially relevant themes in ways that are informed by esthetic values without being imprisoned by them.

I am inspired by the photos where artists have transformed the ugliness of the surroundings to piece of art as shown in few pictures.


Enjoy the art scattered around us!











 















You may watch more photos at the following link:

106 of the most beloved Street Art Photos – Year 2011

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Know your birthday tree and what your birthday tree tells you?

Astrology, numerology, palmistry, body language and related subjects are being used from generations to analyze a person's behavior, emotions or happenings in life (suspect) etc. We all know that astrology relates to the zodiac signs and every person belongs to a sign (consisting of 12 zodiac signs) which reveals the characteristic of that person. You may know discover that there is a tree related to your birthday which may reveal your personality type.

Your birthday and its corresponding tree.
Then, see the meaning behind it below.

  • Dec 23 to Jan 01 -- Apple Tree
  • Jan 02 to Jan 11 -- Fir Tree
  • Jan 12 to Jan 24 -- Elm Tree
  • Jan 25 to Feb 03 -- Cypress Tree
  • Feb 04 to Feb 08 -- Poplar Tree
  • Feb 09 to Feb 18 -- Cedar Tree
  • Feb 19 to Feb 28 -- Pine Tree
  • Mar 01 to Mar 10 -- Weeping Willow Tree
  • Mar 11 to Mar 20 -- Lime Tree
  • Mar 21 -- Oak Tree
  • Mar 22 to Mar 31 -- Hazelnut Tree
  • Apr 01 to Apr 10 Rowan Tree
  • Apr 11 to Apr 20 Maple Tree
  • Apr 21 to Apr 30 Walnut Tree
  • May 01 to May 14 Poplar Tree
  • May 15 to May 24 Chestnut Tree
  • May 25 to Jun 03 Ash Tree
  • Jun 04 to Jun 13 Hornbeam Tree
  • Jun 14 to Jun 23 Fig Tree
  • Jun 24 Birch Tree
  • Jun 25 to Jul 04 Apple Tree
  • Jul 05 to Jul 14 Fir Tree
  • Jul 15 to Jul 25 Elm Tree
  • Jul 26 to Aug 04 Cypress Tree
  • Aug 05 to Aug 13 Poplar Tree
  • Aug 14 to Aug 23 Cedar Tree
  • Aug 24 to Sep 02 Pine Tree
  • Sep 03 to Sep 12 Weeping Willow Tree
  • Sep 13 to Sep 22 Lime Tree
  • Sep 23 Olive Tree
  • Sep 24 to Oct 03 Hazelnut Tree
  • Oct 04 to Oct 13 Rowan Tree
  • Oct 14 to Oct 23 Maple Tree
  • Oct 24 to Nov 11 Walnut Tree
  • Nov 12 to Nov 21 Chestnut Tree
  • Nov 22 to Dec 01 Ash Tree
  • Dec 02 to Dec 11 Hornbeam Tree
  • Dec 12 to Dec 21 Fig Tree
  • Dec 22 Beech Tree


APPLE TREE (the Love) - of slight build, lots of charm, appeal, and attraction, pleasant aura, flirtatious, adventurous, sensitive, always in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, scientific talents, lives for today, a carefree philosopher with imagination.

ASH TREE (the Ambition) - uncommonly attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be egotistic, very reliable and trustworthy, faithful and prudent lover, sometimes brains rule over the heart, but takes partnership very seriously.

BEECH TREE (the Creative) - has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.)

BIRCH TREE (the inspiration) - vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

CEDAR TREE (the Confidence) - of rare beauty, knows how to adapt, likes luxury, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, determined, impatient, likes to impress others, many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waiting for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

CHESTNUT TREE (the Honesty) - of unusual beauty, does not want to impress, well-developed sense of justice, vivacious, interested, a born diplomat, but irritates easily and sensitive in company, often due to a lack of self confidence, acts sometimes superior, feels not understood loves only once, has difficulties in finding a partner.

CYPRESS TREE (the Faithfulness) - strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give, content, optimistic, craves money and acknowledgment, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered, unruly, pedantic, and careless.

ELM TREE (the Noble-mindedness) - pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

FIG TREE (the Sensibility) - very strong, a bit self-willed, independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a social butterfly, good sense of humor, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence.

FIR TREE (the Mysterious) - extraordinary taste, dignity, sophisticated, loves anything beautiful, moody, stubborn, tends to egoism but cares for those close to them, rather modest, very ambitious, talented, industrious, uncontented lover, many friends, many foes, very reliable.

HAZELNUT TREE (the Extraordinary) - charming, undemanding, very understanding, knows how to make an impression, active fighter for social cause, popular, moody, and capricious lover, honest, and tolerant partner, precise sense of judgment.

HORNBEAM TREE (the Good Taste) - of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgement in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.

LIME TREE (the Doubt) - accepts what life dishes out in a composed way, hates fighting, stress, and labor, dislikes laziness and idleness, soft and relenting, makes sacrifices for friends, many talents but not tenacious enough to make them blossom, often wailing and complaining, very jealous but loyal.

MAPLE TREE (Independence of Mind) - no ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

OAK TREE (the Brave) - robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

OLIVE TREE (the Wisdom) - loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

PINE TREE (the Particular) - loves agreeable company, very robust, knows how to make life comfortable, very active, natural, good companion, very friendly, gives up easily, everything disappointments until it finds its ideal, trustworthy, practical. Fun to be around

POPLAR TREE (the Uncertainty) - looks very decorative, not very self-confident, only courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.

ROWAN TREE (the Sensitivity) - full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

WALNUT TREE (the Passion) - unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.

WEEPING WILLOW (the Melancholy) - beautiful but full of melancholy, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful and tasteful, loves to travel, dreamer, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with, demanding, good intuition, suffers in love but finds sometimes an anchoring partner.

With thanks: What Tree Did You Fall From?

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