Last week, the Do’s and Don’ts section took on a relationship-related subject; it centered on what to do and what not to do when a young man meets his (for lack of more appropriate terms) girlfriend’s parents. This week, the other aspect of this subject will be presented, i.e. the girl meeting her boyfriend’s parents. It may seem at first as an issue demanding less attention than last week’s subject, but it is necessary to state that the premise for the meeting in this case is greatly different from that of last week’s. In this case the girl is generally invited to the boyfriend’s parents’ house and is expected to sit for a relatively long period of time with the family. What follows are some basic rules to help in making a good impression on his parents.

Dress appropriately

As always, this is the foremost piece of advice to give. Your looks are the first aspect of your self that the parents will notice and it is therefore necessary to express positive emotions like restraint, stability, and respect in the way you dress. Your comfort is, of course, to be taken into consideration; you will not need to wear an evening dress, but you should also not be too casual, we’re talking about jeans here. This evening is your chance to put on something you don’t wear every other day, so just go with whatever seems appropriate.

Give and take

Conversation is a part of any social interaction, and in this particular case, it is generally constructive. Here you will be able to show the more important aspects of your personality including listening skills, wit, and humor. This is also a great opportunity for you to learn more about your significant other as his parent’s will probably tell you things he wouldn’t usually mention. During these bouts of small talk, you will also be able to pick up subtle hints of the parent’s views of you.

Help around

Assuming you’ve been invited to lunch or dinner at the parents’ house, the mother will almost always extract herself from the room to prepare something in the kitchen or dining room. You ought to follow and expressly state that you want to help, at which time she will say no at least twice; you’ll have to show that you really can help while also trying not to be pushy and hardheaded. Besides showing off more agreeable aspects of your personality, this will give you time to personally know the mother, and will give the men time to discuss whatever it is they discuss on their own.

Be honest

This is another repeated piece of advice from last week’s article. You see, lying is a bad; so bad, in fact, that it counteracts everything you’d been trying to build since the minute you entered his parent’s home and everything you try to do afterwards. What’s more, it’s not only their respect you’ll be losing. There’s also the fact that mothers can see a lie from a mile away… Be honest; there’s no need to lie about anything, because in the end, everything will be bared and any fallacies will show.

Unlike the other sets of Do's and Don'ts we've posted so far, this one is purely directed towards males. Know that next week's issue will take on this same issue but from the female side. Now lets go ahead and introduce our subject: you've been going steady with this girl for a while now, you're both happy with each other, and you want to go out to dinner. Knowing enough about parents, it is safe to assume that the parents have set a curfew which greatly conflicts with your dinner reservation. This is the proper time to be introduced to Mr. and Mrs. girlfriend's parents, and here are the basic rules for such a meeting.

Do dress appropriately

First impressions, you ought to know, are really important. In fact, the first glimpse that your girlfriend's parents will get of you will determine whether you'll be welcomed with a positive or negative attitude. Accordingly, you are advised to dress quasi-formally so as to show that you mean business, that you're not playing games, and that you're not an unemployed tramp with patched jeans and muddy chucks... Baggies are not recommended, and neither are T-shirts. Don't overdo it either; you're not expected to come in a tuxedo and bow-tie.

Don't seem preoccupied

Being vacant, vague, or absentminded will generally induce negative emotions form her parents who will easily link these attitudes with a guilty conscience from your part. Engage both parents in conversation; interesting conversation, not small talk. Compliment them, but don't overdo it. Ask them what they do, even if you already know, and always show interest in what they're saying.

Do make your intentions clear

Inform your girlfriend's parents of the different aspects of your night out, including an approximate of your hour of return to which you will adhere unflinchingly. If you have dinner plans, make sure that by the time you ought to be leaving, they will know where the restaurant is, how you're going to get there (preferably by car, with you driving), and how much you'd love to invite them there some day. You'd better mean that last one because they've had more experience with lying than you have...

Don't brag

We could have mentioned this while talking about conversation, but it seemed much too important to skim over. No matter how important you are (or you think you are), you will completely refrain from stating your personal achievements. You need to show humility and restraint because those are greater markers of character than any other achievement. But most importantly, know that your treatment of their daughter will be the most accurate indication of your intentions and character.

Global warming, pollutions, carbon footprints...These words sound the alarm in each of us, and believe it or not, we are all culprits! BLOM shabeb has put together few simple and practical actions we can all take to help the ecology.

Don’t leave your car on
Every moment you spend ‘idling’ your car's engine means needlessly wasting gas, as well as wearing out your vehicle. Idling for more than 10 seconds wastes more gas than is needed for start-up.
 
Turn off your computer
Save energy and wear and tear on your hardware by shutting down your computer at night. You'll save electricity fees on your monthly bill, let alone the rewarding effects it has on the ecology.

Cool down!
It definitely pays to give a thought to your here heater and air conditioning, since most households spend up 50 to 70% of their energy budgets on heating and cooling. For every degree you lower the thermostat, you'll save between 1 and 3% of your heating bill. Do the same thing in reverse with air conditioning.

Cold wash
An easy way to clean green is to turn the dial on your washing machine to cold. Most loads don't need hot water, and 90% of the energy used by washing machines goes into heating. The higher the water temperature, the higher the cost to you and the planet!

Print and reprint
It's not that hard to print on both sides of the paper. But even though most software programs give that option, most of us still print only on one side of the page.

Simplify your life as much as possible
Only keep belongings that you use/enjoy on a regular basis. By making the effort to reduce what you own, you will naturally purchase less/create less waste in the future.

Replace Disposables
Wherever possible, replace disposable products with reusable ones (i.e., razor, batteries, ink cartridges (buy refill ink), food and beverage containers, cups, plates, writing pens, shopping bags, etc.)

Borrow From Friends
If you only need something temporarily, ask if a friend or neighbour would loan it to you.

Share with Friends
Share things like books, magazines, movies, games, and newspapers between friends and neighbours.

Replace paper towels with a special set of cloth towels/napkins (or cut up old t-shirts for dust rags) - store the used ones in a small container in your kitchen and just wash and reuse them.

Reuse envelopes, wrapping paper and other paper materials you receive wherever possible

Create and use note pads from once-used paper.

Avoid Trash
Avoid creating trash wherever possible: when ordering food, avoid receiving any unnecessary plastic utensils, straws, etc. Buy ice cream in a cone instead of a cup, don't accept "free" promotional products, buy products with the least amount of packaging, etc. Every little bit of trash avoided does make a difference!

Shopping Bags
While shopping, if you only buy a few products skip the shopping bag. For larger purchases, bring your own. Fortunately, some establishments in Lebanon are currently using degradable plastic bags; nonetheless, others are promoting the eco reusable shopping bag available at a very low price!

Waste-Free Lunches
Pack a Waste-Free Lunch whenever possible.

Mug-to-Go
Carry a mug with you wherever you go for takeout beverages, most coffee shops have no problem filling that mug for you!

Propaganda
The media has done a wonderful job of selling us on the attractiveness and benefits of buying "new", "improved", "special", etc. products. However, we already collectively own so much that we could all survive for quite a while on the existing products - if we just reused them a few times!

Garage Sales
Gather some of your friends, family or neighbours and plan a garage sale! This trend has become very common in Lebanon, it is a great way to reuse products, make money, and have more storage place!

Beauty Products
Many beauty products such as soap, lotion, shampoo/conditioner, and cosmetics are made with artificial fragrances and chemicals. Look for beauty products that are all-natural, made with herbal and flower extracts. Also look for beauty products that are packaged in recycled or recyclable containers, and that have not been tested on animals.

The Holidays
Being green all year round is important, but you should also be environmentally aware around the holidays. There is perhaps no time of year where more waste is produced, with wrapping paper, Christmas cards, and gift packaging. Be aware of the waste you're generating and try to reduce it as much as possible.

Some suggestions:
1. Instead of using metallic or glossy wrapping papers, which are toxic when burned, consider using fabric bags or recycled or recyclable paper.

2. Buy sturdy gift boxes that can be reused year after year.

Think Locally. Buying locally produced meat, produce, and dairy products helps the environment in many ways, and also helps the local economy. Why is buying locally a good idea? 

1. Since food has less distance it must travel, it doesn't need as much packaging or preservatives, reducing the waste produced and making the food healthier.

 2. Local growers are usually smaller operations and are less likely to use mass growing techniques, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and treating their animals more humanely.

3. You are purchasing directly from the grower, putting more money in his pocket and avoiding “middlemen” like distributors and shippers.

4. You are putting money directly into your local economy by supporting local farmers, which will help all businesses overall.

Keep Your Home in Green
Being conscious of various places in your home that can help or harm the environment is an important step to living green. Here are some ideas for keeping your home in good repair in order to reduce water and energy usage:

1.  Make sure all faucets and toilets are in good repair and don't leak. A leaky faucet or toilet can waste massive amounts of water every day.

 2. Install plastic window energy conservation kits to reduce the cold air coming in from the outside. You'll be able to set your thermostat lower and save money and energy while heating your house.

3. Make sure you turn off lights, air conditioners, radios, etc. when you leave the house.

4. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs rather than incandescent light bulbs in your light fixtures to save on energy while lighting your home.

Drive Intelligently
Living green does not necessarily mean going out and buying a hybrid car; you can reduce your energy and gas consumption without having to buy a whole new vehicle by being a conscious driver.

Carpool. If your drive to work or to college is above 15 minutes each way and at least half is in typical stop-and-go traffic, you'll save almost 10 percent of your monthly carbon emissions by carpooling. Not to mention the gas dollars you'll save and the fun you'll have sharing gossip with your friends.

Combine errands: As much as you can, combine your errands to reduce the amount of driving you're doing overall.

Use human-energy transportation: When you're just running out to the grocery store for a few items, try taking your bike or walking. You can carry a backpack, to put your groceries in to carry them back home. You'll also be doing something good for your body!

Take the bus: If you can take the bus to one of your simple errands. Paying the bus fare is a lot cheaper than paying for a gallon of gas!
 

There is an important fact to consider before going ahead with the rest of this Do’s and Don’ts section: being on a healthy diet is not synonymous with being thin; a person can be overweight and lead a healthy lifestyle, while a thin person can be living unhealthily. A healthy diet is one that allows the body to obtain the required amounts of the nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the organs. Below are a few pointers for those of you dissatisfied with their current diets and seeking a change for the better

Don't forget that nothing is easy

Maintaining a diet requires power of will and a lot of sacrifice; mainly, you will have to give up some things you deeply enjoy. There’s also the fact that you will have to take up some new habits, and learn to enjoy some foods you previously had an aversion towards. No one knows you more than you do, so take some time to ponder whether you think you can do this.

Don't be irregular but don’t deprive yourself or stop eating

The human body does not respond well to abrupt changes, be it in temperature, activity, or nutrient levels. On the off chance that a severe change takes place, your whole system could crash or respond with the opposite of the desired results. Thus it is not recommended that you suddenly start or suddenly stop your diet. Ease your way into the healthy regimen, and if you find that you don’t enjoy it, ease your way out.

Do stay away from fast food

Fast food is unhealthy, and there is plenty of proof to back that statement up. It is, however, lucky that most fast food places usually state on their shop signs, or imply via a mascot (running chicken, cow on a motorcycle, etc), or even via slogan such as “your food in 10 minutes, or you don’t pay for it,” that they are, in reality, a fast food restaurant. This way, you can just walk away and find another place to eat as soon as you see the sign.

Do study your options

There are plenty of healthy diets out there, though most of them are similar in that they include all the necessary nutrients; you need to figure out, mostly by looking around on the internet, which one is best for your taste. You will, of course, need to consult a dietician concerning whether the chosen diet is actually all-encompassing or not because, in the end, it’s your health on the line…

If all else fails, make your own diet

Again, you will need to consult a dietician to make sure that the diet doesn’t leave out any nutrients otherwise you could risk malnutrition even though you may be eating plenty of food…

Last week's Do's and Don'ts section revolved around some aspects to be considered before traveling. They were the things one ought to prepare, obtain, check, and study so as to make the transition from one place to another all the more bearable. This section considers the things to take care of as soon as you reach your destination, as well as on the long run. It is important to remind you that studying is not the only thing that you will do once you are in the host country; you will have to eat, drink, do laundry, pay bills, commute, and have fun, among other things.

Do know your way around

Whether you're living on campus, in a compound, or in an apartment, you will need to learn your way from your location to the main university premises, as well as the nearest shops and stores. The Internet will provide you with maps that will be helpful to guide you around the area; friends will teach you the shortcuts. You will also need to know your way around the university campus. Similarly, knowing bus routes and times will prove to be helpful in case you ever need to be somewhere too far to walk to.

Don't overspend

If you're relying on the funds you saved to be able to sustain yourself, you will need to plan a budget and stick to it. Finding a job on-campus (if it isn't allowed off-campus) will give you a certain breathing space, money-wise, but is not something you can always count on finding. At this point, your knowledge of your surroundings will come in handy as you frequent the shops offering the best prices. When it comes to sustenance, fast food may seem affordable, but its adverse effects on your body are extremely unpleasant; your best bet in this case is to cook your own food thereby gaining a new angle of control over your expenditures (food costs less if its ingredients cost less).

Do study

Remember that the reason you are traveling in the first place is to study; thus, there is not one thing that is more important than your studying, except food and drink (and these ought not take more than 30 minutes of your day). You will need to work on a day by day basis and never procrastinate as it will only make the studying more difficult for the day after.

Don't forget to have fun

Though we did say that studying should be your top priority once there, there is no point denying that you will need leisure time. Go out whenever you have free time, even if you don't feel like it, because you will surely need a change of scenery. Once a month or on holidays, organize trips to neighboring cities with your colleagues/classmates. If all else fails, a walk around campus can't hurt, and there are always new things to discover...

Furthering one's education abroad is the aim of many graduates in Lebanon and it is no surprise that many universities have struck up exchange agreements with universities in neighboring countries and around the world to cater to their students' goals. However, enrolling in a university abroad is not as easy as “get there and get started”; there are plenty of things to take care of before leaving your home country, before starting your classes, and before graduating. This first part of this two-part Do's and Don'ts section will be dedicated to preparing to study abroad, while next week, it will consider the things to do or not to do after getting there.

 

Do save money

This is not money for your school fees; this is spending money, which you will need in order to do your grocery shopping and pay your rent (if dorms aren't provided). You will need to save a lot of money if you're planning to stay for long at the country in question, but if you want a better idea of how much you'll need, you can go online and check the prices, then do the math according to the duration of your stay.

 

 

Don't fear the unknown

Leaving an environment you are comfortable with, to be introduced in another that is completely foreign, may seem to be extremely alarming. In reality, it truly isn't so. The best advice at this point would be for you not to be scared of getting introduced to something completely different because “different” is rarely ever bad.

 

 

Do perform the necessary research

Before even registering to any program abroad, you will need to have a good idea what type of accommodations are provided. Go online and look for rooms for rent near the university if dorms are not provided, search for maps to the nearest restaurants and cafés, inquire about means of transportation, etc. Gather all this information so as to have a better idea of what it will be like living and studying there.

 

 

Don't set high expectations

If you're traveling abroad to study, don't expect any more than exactly that. Expect that you will, in two or three years' time, have obtained a degree and a great amount of information; don't expect there to be a party every other day, or loads of fun, or a piece of cake... Similarly, don't expect that you will be scooped up by the particular country you are studying in as soon as you finish, since you will have to deal with the disappointment when something like that fails to happen; let it come naturally, let it surprise you...

 

 

Do prepare your notes and necessary paperwork

The last thing you'd want to happen would be to realize, after you've traveled, that you forgot a necessary official paper in your home country. For this reason, prepare all the paperwork you need and keep them, sorted, in the same folder, the location of which is known. Make a check list of everything you will need to have on you and double- or triple-check if you have to, to make sure that nothing is missing; better safe than sorry. Meet us next week for the second part of this Do's and Don'ts section where we examine studying abroad after arriving to the country in question.

 

Have you ever had a lunch/dinner meeting with a colleague whose manners were objectionable? Perhaps she pulled out a mirror to fix her makeup at the table, or he failed to cover his mouth while coughing. Such rudeness can destroy a colleague’s impression. Here are some practical suggestions to avoid shooting oneself in the foot at the table.

Seeing as it's prom season right now, we thought it appropriate to make this set of Do's and Don'ts about partying. You see, there are some very important rules when it comes to partying that you need to follow so that you have the appropriate amount of fun, while not causing discomfort to others. How can you cause discomfort? By being mean, naggy, drunk, or generally annoying...

Do plan ahead:

It may seem trivial, but planning ahead can make the difference between a fun party and a dull party; when you plan the party, or night out, you are better able to mold the event to everyone's liking, thus avoiding negativity throughout, and after, your night out with friends. Also, just before you go out, make sure, if it's a bit cool, that everyone has a scarf or sweater to avoid any adverse effects to alcohol.

Don't overlook any details:

There is a saying that goes “The devil's in the details.” Keep it in mind because any detail that you overlook can and will derail or utterly ruin your evening. Keep track of your expenses, your designated drivers, your drinks, and especially your friends. When you're really enjoying your night, there's no mood-kill as big as looking for a friend you lost; calling on the phone usually yields no results because a person under the effects of alcohol generally has a distorted set of priorities. Since we're on the subject of drinking:

Do set a drinking limit:

Setting a limit on the amount of alcohol consumed by everyone in the group will keep those present from getting intoxicated, thus keeping the evening within the ranges of enjoyment.

DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE:

If you want to drink, make sure that at least one person of the group doesn't, so they can safely drive the others back to their homes. If no one is fit for driving, call a cab, then pick up your car the following day, when you're sober. Again, DON'T DRIVE while under the influence.

Don't start fights:

Yes, we get the fact that your manhood may be put in danger by the comments some guy made about a girl in your group you barely even know, but really, is it worth ruining your whole evening? Wouldn't it be much easier if you just went somewhere else?

Music has been around since the dawn of human history, and so (obviously) have musical instruments. They were basic at the time, consisting or crudely carved wind instruments and drums made of animal skins, but they have evolved as has the human race. Today, there are hundreds of types of instruments grouped under four main categories: string, wind, brass, and percussion instruments. There comes a time in every person's life, when they consider, even for a fleeting moment, the notion of taking up a musical instrument; accordingly, this set of Do's and Don'ts will plot out the basic set of rules related to learning to play an instrument.

Do be original in your choice

Originality, in this case, is used to denote your reason for choosing a particular instrument, and not the choice itself. Choosing to learn to play the guitar just because it'll make you look cool is a bad idea, whereas choosing to learn the violin because you feel you will be able to express yourself through it is originality at its best. Visit your local musical instrument store and look at what's on display, inquire about anything that catches your eye, and in this case try not to have any preferences. You will need lessons, of course, so inquire about any books that will help, or any teachers that are available.

 

Don't take it up as a pastime

If you do the necessary research, you'll find that most musicians are full-timers, and are very much dedicated to their musical careers. You, on the other hand, have something else to do when you're not practicing, but that doesn't mean you should be less dedicated to learning to play music. Thus you will need to set up schedules for work/study and practice, giving each its required time quota, otherwise, you will favor one over the other, or more probably fail at both.

 

Do enjoy yourself

Playing music is enjoyable, especially if you're doing it right. You will most probably become addicted to playing on your instrument of choice, owing to the positive effects that music has on the human body, but as long as you keep to your timetables (mentioned above), you can keep this “addiction” in check. Regardless, playing music is fun, it is a relaxing experience, and it is a getaway that you have around the house so, so take good care of it. Don't make it into some sort of homework or chore as that will suck all the fun out of it.

 

Don't forget that it is, in fact, really cool

We did state that the effect on your coolness should not play any part in your choice of musical instrument, but after the choice has been made, and the lessons have been learned, there is not point denying that being able to shred some wicked tunes on a guitar, or play a masterpiece on a piano, or jazz out on a saxophone are some well deserved additions to your personal amount of cool. From your lessons, you'll learn to improvise and eventually to make your own music for whenever you want to start a band, or entertain some guests, or maybe, just maybe, impress a date...

 

Some may think that not having to wake up early every morning, put on work clothes, and head to the workplace would be a nice slice of heaven, but it's safe to say they're not speaking from experience. Working from home can sometimes turn out to be the worst decision you ever make, unless, of course, you take into consideration what this Do's and Don'ts section has to say on the matter:

 

Do set up a timetable:

Setting a timetable is one of the best things you can do when working from home. It helps you keep track of your deliverables and deadlines, while also letting you be more organized. If you've held jobs before the current work-from-home gig, base your timetable on your daily activities at that previous employment. If not, you can improvise, but there's no point in making the timetable if you're not going to use it.

 

 

Don't allow distractions:

Most people working from home have trouble differentiating between their home and their workplace mentalities. This ultimately causes a drop in productivity because of two things: 1) People always have an aversion toward work, and 2) things to do generally always pop up when you're at home. The best solution is to force yourself to overlook these distractions, temporarily disconnect yourself from your surroundings, or just imagine being in an office full of noisy people, clutter, and general chaos.

 

 

Do stick to your deadlines:

Your employment duration depend directly on the quality of your work, and submitting your work late is generally taken to mean that you're doing an off-hand job. Your employers, often times seeking the best work, will generally frown upon off-hand submissions and thus your job is in jeopardy...

 

 

Don't procrastinate:

Procrastination is the action of leaving today's work for tomorrow, and it spells death to any employment opportunity. Everyone does it from time to time, but once you start working from home, it needs to stay at the minimum, because you're more likely to procrastinate there than anywhere else; what with the bed right there, staring at you, beckoning to you...

 

Some operating systems are prone to malware and virus attacks via the internet as well as other media. These attacks can communicate personal information, including passwords, to users abroad who can use this information for their own advantage. In order to protect your files, your information, your computer, and, ultimately, yourself against such threats, you will need to secure your device. This set of Do’s and Don’ts was compiled so as to assist you in achieving such goals as the proper protection of user credentials against malware attacks.

 

Do make regular backups

Regular backups will allow you to keep track of all your files in case of an attack that causes loss of data. Such an outcome would be expected in the case of worms and viruses. Your backup should be all-encompassing, and should be stored on a removable device. This ensures that the data is inaccessible to any software that tries to obtain unsolicited access to your hard disk drive (HDD).

 

 

Don’t install untrusted software

Most malware agents are often disguised as other programs that are of use to the user; thus, it is up to the users themselves to be the judge when it comes to their own protection. Untrusted, shady application are more often than not malware. A trusted application from an untrusted source is equally as bad yet slightly more dangerous as it tricks you into installing the undesirable software that will expose your data.

 

 

Do perform regular disk checks

Some programs, such as antivirus software, allow the user to search folder by folder for any intrusions of foreign harmful programs into the computer. It is worth noting that, though the method used to detect breaches is accurate, these antivirus programs aren’t always effective at removing threats. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as searching online for the exhibited symptoms and determining the cause by trial and error.

 

 

Don’t access untrusted websites

As of recently, most websites have been required to have security measures for the protection of their servers as well as the users accessing them, but some websites still do not comply with these measures, while others clearly pose as a hunting ground for hackers and malware creators. Some web browsers, the applications used to surf the net, have a built-in protection system that denies access to these websites, but many don’t and they expose the user’s device to breaches and hacks. Your best bet is to steer clear of anything that seems fishy…

 

 

Do install more secure web browsers

The default browser provided in some systems is directly linked to that system’s core files and folders and thus intrinsically offers low defenses against security breaches. In order to avoid such attacks, download and install browsers more suited for the dangerous environment that is the internet, such as Mozilla’s Firefox browser or Google’s Chrome browser, both of which have built a reputation on their security measures.

 

Halloween is the one day of the year where you're allowed to wear a mask and stop being yourself (or in some cases to take the mask off and be yourself for a change) all the while making sure you have as much fun as is socially acceptable. Getting invited to a costume party is easy enough; hey, you can even organize one yourself! The difficult part will be choosing your own costume and this is where this Do's and Don'ts will come in handy, as it will provide you with some valuable pointers that will make the choosing process much easier.

Don't go for the usual choices

Being original in your choice of costume depends largely on your definition of original: it could turn out to be something totally outrageous, something that no one will ever forget, and will probably earn you an everlasting nickname among those present, and it could be something relatively simple that just makes people laugh. In short, don't go for the usual pirate, or doctor, or nurse, or zombie costumes; create your own design, make it a composite costume if you have to.

Do make a statement

One thing is for sure, and it is that there will never be a lack of inspiration for costume designs. One way you could create your disguise would be to base it on a political, religious, social, or cultural statement, among others. Take, for example, an old wives' tale and spin it into something that is visually identifiable and understandable. You may also begin your design with a scientific theory in mind... Such designs will often turn out to be quite original.

Do be smart

Often, when trying to be funny, smart comedy is better and more entertaining than slapstick humor. In addition, a smart costume will draw the attention of a large number of people, who will attempt to ask for an explanation, which you will gladly give, thus engaging in a constant stream of conversation, ensuring, in the process, that the night does not turn dull.

Don't go alone

Agreeing with a friend to wear the same costume or either end of a two-part costume will generally gather much attention from the audience. The disguise does not need to have any basis in reality (conjoint twins that look nothing alike), it could be either part of a famous duo (yin/yang, Marge and Homer), and it could be a single entity requiring two sets of feet such as a camel...

One of the possible ways to enjoy your college life is to participate in extracurricular activities which are available for students; sports, art, culture, foreign languages and other choices are awaiting you to sign-up. Although it all sounds very interesting and could feel as a break from your daily studies, you have to be careful and selective to avoid burn-out. BLOM Shabeb advises you to the following tips:

Dos:

• Review the list of clubs and activities at your school. Ask your friends who already have enlisted to make a right decision.
• Make a revision of your interests. Maybe you want to discuss the book you have just read with someone? Or do you want to play soccer with your peers? Do you want to make new friends?
• Divide your time so that you should not do something at expense of your education.
• Get informed about the activity you are about to choose to make sure you don’t drop out after the first couple of weeks.
• If you don’t have time to work out or to hit the gym, consider sports. This would be a great way to learn a new activity (tennis, basket-ball...) and to stay fit.
• Inform your parents about the activities you take participation in so that they should not worry about you.
• Choose those activities which may be useful for you in future.

DON'Ts:

• Miss classes to participate in activities
• Use the activities as the main excuse of why you fail to prepare your homework.
• Squeeze it in between your academic courses, you need to be in full focus, not tired physically and intellectually, it is an extra activity not a major course.
• Skip it and go hang out with your friends at a coffee shop or the cafeteria just because it is not as important as your studies. This too is a commitment.
• Give up at the first try because other students taking the class seem more advanced; they may have had previous training or background knowledge on the subject, but nevertheless, you are all in the same class together!
• Resign to peer pressure and take up an activity because your friends are in it and they pushing you to sign up with the ‘’come on it would be cool if we were all in the group!’’. This would end up as both a waste of time and money.

Finally, whichever activity you choose, BLOM Shabeb wishes you all the luck and congratulates you on keeping your agenda full and enriching, after all, this activity can only add to your skills!

We have prepared this set of Do's and Don'ts so as to provide you, dear readers, with some much needed help to make you better drivers. Of course bad driving is such a big problem in Lebanon, that every single one of us has, or knows a very close person who, in turn, had a grave injury during a car accident where one or both parties had been driving badly. For once, we urgently ask you to pay much attention to the subject matter, as it is of great importance.

 

Do have your seatbelt on at all times

The seatbelt restricts your body's movement during an accident, thus preventing you from bouncing around, under the effect of tremendous G-forces, against the many surfaces of your vehicle's interior. You may believe that you are strong enough to be able to restrain yourself in the event of a crash, so we invite you try something: have someone drive, with you in the passenger seat, then try to keep your head from bobbing around whenever the driver accelerates or decelerates; the forces acting in that case are about 5 times weaker than those involved in a car crash. It is also worth reminding you that the seatbelt is the only thing keeping you inside the car if the windshield ever gets damaged, and that you'd most probably face a hefty fine if you're stopped without the seatbelt on...

 

Don't get distracted

Driving is an activity that requires not most, but all your concentration. As you may know, there are more lives involved in your endeavor to drive to work (or university, or the mall)  than just your own. Your bad driving could endanger the lives of others: pedestrians, bikers, drivers, and anyone in the general vicinity. Thus, all your attention has to be focused on the act of driving; while you're behind a wheel, every ounce of concentration you can muster has to be directed at properly navigating the streets and avoiding any kind of danger.

 

Do keep both hands on the wheel

Once your driving skills are properly honed, you may find yourself more comfortable around your car; that is acceptable as long as you remain prudent. Don't ever let go of the wheel, not even for a moment. And the only time you're supposed to have less than two hands on the steering wheel is when you're using the other to open a window or work the gear stick.

 

Don't speed

Just because your car can go up to speeds of 220 kilometers per hour doesn't mean you are allowed or expected to drive at these speeds on any road that isn't a deserted racing track. As a matter of fact, the faster you go, the less time you have to respond to sudden changes in your environment, and the more prone to accidents you become. Accordingly, you'll have to stick to the speed limits set forth by someone more skilled than you are at determining which speeds are safe and which aren't.

 

Do act civilized

People in Lebanon have a saying that goes “driving requires respect”. This does not mean that you should be respected because you can drive, but rather that, in order to be a better driver, you will have to treat other drivers on the road with respect. The previous statement means that you should adhere to some very important rules of behavior: don't cut across anyone, as it may cause them to swerve into someone else; don't pass someone from their right side as it is often a blind side and they could easily drive into you; when someone looks like they're in an uncomfortable position at an intersection, stop for them; and most importantly, go easy on the honking!

For the 9^th successful year in a row, the BLOM Beirut Marathon, the biggest annual event in Beirut, will hit the streets on November 27, 2011.

This year, the event is filled with new races, and a major change in the tracks of both the 42.195km and 10km. And for the very first time, the Marathon relay race! A Team of 6 people, from a corporate/ organization, running a set of 5K/ 10K/5K/10K/5K/7.195

The cherry on top is the Run with Mom 1Km race, be sure not to miss the fun by participating or even watching this awesome race.

To try and ease the pressure for all new fresh marathoners, Blom Shabeb cooked up this secret recipe of tips and tricks, to help you prepare for the Big Run!

 

Don't skip on breakfast. Too many marathoners skip breakfast on race day, choosing to go for just a cup of coffee and/or some sports drink. You need more than that. Have a simple, high-carb breakfast; bananas or energy bars are good picks.

Do take precautions against friction. During a marathon, every moving body part that can irritate will do so. And nothing is more irritating and painful than skin rubbed raw. To prevent this, make sure your shoes, socks, and clothing have no raised seams that will rub against the skin. Also, use Vaseline or something similar in key locations, including your armpits and inner thighs.

Don't forget the sunscreen. Marathoners sometimes don't think about the fact that they're in the sun long enough to get sunburned. This is particularly true if you finish in an hour, which takes you into the high-sun time of the day, and lip balm! Trust us, it helps!

Don't overdo your warm-up. It makes sense to not warm up much before a marathon. After all, you want to save energy. But you'll actually run more efficiently if you first loosen up your leg muscles; warm-up just to the point of a very light sweat.

Do keep an even pace. This is possibly the oldest and most important of marathon strategies. You have to run so slow that it feels like you're holding yourself back, later it feels so good when you're going strong and passing people!

Don't keep anything for the last minute. You might notice that your shoelace is beginning to come untied or that a pebble has taken up residence in your left shoe! These things don't go away on their own, and the sooner you deal with them, the better you'll fair over the distance.

Do take advantage of the aerodynamics. Draft off someone! Hey, it works for Lance Armstrong. The drafting effect isn't as strong in running, but it's still there. Just be decent about it and don't follow too closely, or better yet, agree to take turns leading so you're working together with this person.

Don't charge the hills. The goal in marathon running is to maximize your efficiency. That's why drafting works. And it's why running hard up the hills doesn't work. From an energy perspective, you gain more speed by putting your effort into the flats than the hills. When you're on the hills, just relax. Don't worry about those people who are passing you. You'll get them back later

Do your homework. A little research always helps! You can talk to runners who had participated in last year’s Beirut marathon; they might provide you with few pointers about the course and possible difficulties.

Don't get stressed out. Relax. Don't panic if you feel a little sluggish in the days and hours leading up to the marathon. Most importantly, trust your hard work and enjoy the day!

You can pick up your marathon bibs at the expo at Biel, this will help you get a closer look and inside tips for the marathon.

Flu season in Lebanon is that time when you look around and notice that everybody is either puffy-eyed, or sneezing too much, or constantly sniffing. That time of year is almost upon us and everyone should take their precautions. Yes, it may seem too early for caution but “better safe than sorry”, right? After all, even if it’s not flu season yet, knowing that you’re well prepared and protected for when it actually gets here is a great feeling. Thus we have compiled this list of do’s and don’ts detailing what you need to know for your battle against the onslaught of viruses.

Do wash your hands regularly

The viruses that cause the flu and the cold are transmitted from person to person by contact and by air. You can’t possibly protect yourself against air, so you might as well do what you can about that contact aspect. If your job requires that you shake hands with lots of people, or use tools that others are using, find a way to periodically excuse yourself so that you may wash your hands before accidentally touching your nose or mouth or eyes and introducing the virus into your blood stream.

 

Don't get stressed

Scientists have recently shown that the human reaction to stress is that of the fight-or-flight mechanism which is where the body shuts down unnecessary processes in favor of those that are necessary for the immediate survival of the person/animal faced with a predator. There are two unfortunate aspects in this mechanism: 1) people are rarely ever faced with a predator; the stress in most cases comes from a boss telling us that we have work overdue (it happens to the best of us), and 2) one of the “unnecessary processes” being shut down is the immune system. Keep that in mind the next time you’re given a deadline.

 

Do sleep but don’t get lazy

As was discussed in last week’s article concerning sleep, its absence causes all kinds of physiological problems, including problems within the immune system, which ought to be fully functional in case you’re hoping to fend off viruses. On the other hand, sitting around doing nothing is as detrimental as rubbing your face in a flu-doused tissue. Our advice: keep yourself busy; even if you contract the virus, as long as you keep yourself busy, mentally and/or physically, the symptoms will not appear and the disease may degenerate much faster than usual.

 

Do take precautionary measures

Precautionary measures include getting vaccinated, but not before getting the all clear from your physician, and consuming vitamin C either via fresh orange juice or effervescent tablets (juice is more recommendable as you can’t accidentally overdose on juice, but you can do so on effervescent pills). You may also go so far as to disinfect your house using antibacterial cleaning products just to make sure.

 

One of the possible ways to enjoy your college life is to participate in extracurricular activities which are available for students; sports, art, culture, foreign languages and other choices are awaiting you to sign-up. Although it all sounds very interesting and could feel as a break from your daily studies, you have to be careful and selective to avoid burn-out. BLOM Shabeb advises you to the following tips:

Dos:

• Review the list of clubs and activities at your school. Ask your friends who already have enlisted to make a right decision.
• Make a revision of your interests. Maybe you want to discuss the book you have just read with someone? Or do you want to play soccer with your peers? Do you want to make new friends?
• Divide your time so that you should not do something at expense of your education.
• Get informed about the activity you are about to choose to make sure you don’t drop out after the first couple of weeks.
• If you don’t have time to work out or to hit the gym, consider sports. This would be a great way to learn a new activity (tennis, basket-ball...) and to stay fit.
• Inform your parents about the activities you take participation in so that they should not worry about you.
• Choose those activities which may be useful for you in future.

DON'Ts:

• Miss classes to participate in activities
• Use the activities as the main excuse of why you fail to prepare your homework.
• Squeeze it in between your academic courses, you need to be in full focus, not tired physically and intellectually, it is an extra activity not a major course.
• Skip it and go hang out with your friends at a coffee shop or the cafeteria just because it is not as important as your studies. This too is a commitment.
• Give up at the first try because other students taking the class seem more advanced; they may have had previous training or background knowledge on the subject, but nevertheless, you are all in the same class together!
• Resign to peer pressure and take up an activity because your friends are in it and they pushing you to sign up with the ‘’come on it would be cool if we were all in the group!’’. This would end up as both a waste of time and money.

Finally, whichever activity you choose, BLOM Shabeb wishes you all the luck and congratulates you on keeping your agenda full and enriching, after all, this activity can only add to your skills!

We all operate our daily lives depending on limited monthly or weekly budgets. BLOM shabeb offers you the chance to dig deep into your pocket at the end of each month and surprise yourself with some extra cash you could have wasted on tidbits!

Do Take Advantage of Student Discounts *

Students discounts are offered everywhere from restaurants to movie theaters. You can often get a 10 to 25 percent discount just by showing your student ID, so make sure to ask for any student offers at the places that you frequent.

Do Pack Your Lunch

College life is an unpredictable one, but your expenses don't have to be. Prepare your own food as much as possible. Eating out, even if you choose fast food restaurants, can put a big dent in your pocket and throw off your budget. It will reduce how much you save and how much you have to spend on your outings.

Do Make Payment Schedules

Forgetting payment due dates is easy if you are a newbie to having bills. I'm sure that you’ve heard about the consequences of missing a bill’s due date. To avoid late payment fees that could affect your budget, keep track of your payment due dates using a calendar. You can set up reminders in your phone or computer, or keep a calendar to remind you of when your payments are due.

Don't Blow Your Pocket Money All at Once

Going out and having fun is part of college life. Nevertheless, always be sure to manage your pocket money so that it lasts until the end of the month. You can try dividing your monthly pocket money by four for each week of the month, or by two for half a month. Dividing your money makes it easier to keep track of how much you spend and minimizes the risk of spending too much during a night out.

Don't Get seduced by fancy window-shops!

Try to refrain from impulsive shopping! These well decorated shops know very well what they are doing, it is up to you to resist that urge of buying clothes or accessories, which, we are sure, you don’t REALLY need right now!

* Check out BLOM shabeb’s products for students that can give you an extra edge when trying to save a couple of dimes!

With a lot of hard work, a little finesse and a bit of luck, and hopefully these tips will also help!

Do Know Your Own Mind

An old stereotype goes that teenagers are mindlessly following a leader even if it takes them right over the edge of a cliff. This might seem harsh, but in a lot of ways it can be correct. Few teens ever bother to sit down and examine their beliefs and opinions. When you have a few spare minutes, do exactly this. Know where you stand on current issues and hot topics, and don't be afraid to think your own thoughts. Know your own mind, or chances are good that someone will try to do it for you.

Do Watch the Trends

For more playful matters keep up to date on what is hot and what is not. Become a trend-spotter and incorporate some of these things into your own lifestyle. If everyone is wearing leopard print, invest in a new scarf. If the whole school is quoting Borat, see the film so you can too. If it becomes cool to listen to polka, consider adding a few tracks to your iPod. Not every trend will match your natural preferences, but few trends will be truly harmless even if you hate them.

Do Branch Out

Just as important as fitting in is finding the group of which you want to become a part. Branch out from your normal routine to go places and do things that you enjoy. When you make an effort to meet new people, and to meet them in locations that you are comfortable with, you make it much more likely that you will meet like-minded people. If you want to meet artsy people, go to a gallery. If you want to meet athletes, hang out at the gym. You can't become part of a group if you can't even find the group!

Do Make a Few Investments

Fitting in will require you to make a few investments, and not just the monetary kind. Sure you will probably need to splash a little cash to purchase some clothes and accessories to help you fit in, but you'll also need to invest time and energy towards finding and making new friends. This means that you will be taking these resources away from other areas of your life, so make sure that these new friends will be worth it.

15 advices: step closer to being shortlisted

• Be punctual
• Do your homework, research your company
• Be interactive, ask questions
• Be specific NOT general
• Be confident NOT arrogant
• Make sure your answers directly reflect the questions asked
• Discuss, do not recite
• Be pragmatic
• Show what you know
• Relate to the job vacancy
• Dress appropriately
• Show your enthusiasm for the job
• Relax and answer each question concisely
• Use body language to show interest
• Avoid asking questions about salary and benefits unless a job offer is made

10 Golden rules for CV building

• Be clear, specific and concise
• Limit the number of pages
• Make it brief BUT include everything that matters
• Do not exaggerate or include false information
• Remember: recruiter doesn’t know you (Let your CV tell who you are)
• Do not put a picture on your CV but attach a separate one
• Use same font throughout the entire CV
• Organize your CV and add titles to the different sections
• Use standard resume structure
• Focus on relevant information

There is an important fact to consider before going ahead with the rest of this Do’s and Don’ts section: being on a healthy diet is not synonymous with being thin; a person can be overweight and lead a healthy lifestyle, while a thin person can be living unhealthily. A healthy diet is one that allows the body to obtain the required amounts of the nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the organs. Below are a few pointers for those of you dissatisfied with their current diets and seeking a change for the better:

Don't forget that nothing is easy

Maintaining a diet requires power of will and a lot of sacrifice; mainly, you will have to give up some things you deeply enjoy. There’s also the fact that you will have to take up some new habits, and learn to enjoy some foods you previously had an aversion towards. No one knows you more than you do, so take some time to ponder whether you think you can do this.

Don't be irregular but don’t deprive yourself or stop eating

The human body does not respond well to abrupt changes, be it in temperature, activity, or nutrient levels. On the off chance that a severe change takes place, your whole system could crash or respond with the opposite of the desired results. Thus it is not recommended that you suddenly start or suddenly stop your diet. Ease your way into the healthy regimen, and if you find that you don’t enjoy it, ease your way out.

Do stay away from fast food

Fast food is unhealthy, and there is plenty of proof to back that statement up. It is, however, lucky that most fast food places usually state on their shop signs, or imply via a mascot (running chicken, cow on a motorcycle, etc), or even via slogan such as “your food in 10 minutes, or you don’t pay for it,” that they are, in reality, a fast food restaurant. This way, you can just walk away and find another place to eat as soon as you see the sign.

Do study your options

There are plenty of healthy diets out there, though most of them are similar in that they include all the necessary nutrients; you need to figure out, mostly by looking around on the internet, which one is best for your taste. You will, of course, need to consult a dietician concerning whether the chosen diet is actually all-encompassing or not because, in the end, it’s your health on the line…

If all else fails, make your own diet

Again, you will need to consult a dietician to make sure that the diet doesn’t leave out any nutrients otherwise you could risk malnutrition even though you may be eating plenty of food…