Barca all at sea

BBC SPORT | Football | Europe | Barca all at sea
offthebeatenpath doesn't normally feature sports news, but this article is really well written.

G24

Guardian Unlimited | G24 | G24

A concept that brings the humble printed newspaper into the internet age. G24 features constantly updated news formatted in PDF format to print. The PDF includes the time last updated.

Hayden faces Rossi challenge

BBC SPORT | Motorsport | Motorbikes
Steve Parrish, BBC reporter predicted the future when he wrote in this column,

"I hope we don't have the same outcome as what happened when Schumacher virtually handed the title to Alonso when his engine failed last weekend.

I've a horrible suspicion something like that might happen this weekend in Portugal. "


Well, it happened again. Nicky Hayden was knocked off the track and out of the race by his team-mate, Dani Pedrosa, on lap 2.

Technophilia: 15 ways to get more out of Pandora - Lifehacker

Technophilia: 15 ways to get more out of Pandora - Lifehacker

traxx rock it

90.3 in the Klang Valley
finally, another rock show on the airwaves, hope this one lasts longer than the rest...thursdays and fridays, 1015pm

CITIZEN AP1031-18E

CITIZEN Singapore
cool looking watch...price a bit steep though...S$530.

Your post-lunch-lag is only natural: scientists - Discovery Reports Canada

Discovery Reports Canada
Its always good to see scientific research back up something that almost everyone experiences on a daily basis, in this case, the usual lethargy after lunch.

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

Updated Thu. Jun. 1 2006 3:41 PM ET

Valerie Iancovich, DiscoveryChannel.ca

Sugar slows the brain

Scientists have long-known that people and animals get tired after eating, but this University of Manchester study is the first to shed some light on how certain brain cells simply turn off after we eat.

When you need sustenance, you're more alert: this is a basic survival mechanism that helps keep you spry until you get proper nourishment. The neurons that normally work to keep you alert when you're hungry are blocked after you've consumed the glucose (sugar) in your meal, the researchers found.

How blocked cells = less gusto

Conducting tests on mice, the team found that glucose interferes and 'blocks' the neurons that make the proteins that help regulate consciousness (orexins).

These orexins respond to "finely orchestrated changes in arousal, food seeking, hormone release and metabolic rate to ensure that the brain always has adequate glucose," lead researcher Denis Burdakov, says.

Other applications

Pinpointing the role of the orexin cells could help scientists to better understand conditions like narcolepsy and obesity as well as how the cells affect learning, reward-seeking, and addiction, the researchers say.

Alternatives to shut-eye

Regardless of the science, chances are your workplace won't be installing cots or passing-out pillows anytime soon. But, you may want to consider what you're eating to dodge the dreariness, the "study provides neurophysiological rationale for existing studies that show that foods that are more effective in elevating blood glucose (carbohydrate-rich foods) would make you more sleepy, than, say, salads or protein meals," Dr Burdakov tells DiscoveryChannel.ca

The study is published in the journal Neuron.

core 2 duo matx motherboard

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

With the new Intel Core 2 Duo receiving much accolades, offthbeatenpath looks at the Micro-ATX motherboards available for the processor. Seems like the only enthusiast board around is the ASUS P5B-VM. Now to check out how good is the Intel GMA X3000 integrated graphics...

Achieve Healthy Weight

Health Promotion Board (HPB)
offthebeatenpath has finally found an article on how to gain weight. Looks like the HPB website has more "juicy" info to uncover...

"According to a recent National Health Survey, about 9% of Singaporeans aged 18 - 69 years are underweight. Are you one of those having trouble trying to gain weight and yet worry that you might overdo it?

Weight gain occurs when you consume more food (that is energy) than your body uses. If you want to gain weight, here are some steps to help you gain weight the healthy way:

1.	Increase your energy/food intake by eating more servings from the different food groups. Remember, you should not focus on eating high fat and high sugar food to gain weight!
2.	Eat more frequently if your appetite is small.
3.	Choose food with concentrated calories like yoghurt, milkshakes, fruit smoothies and sandwiches in between meals.
4.	Avoid drinking fluids with meals to allow more room for food.
5.	Try eating with your friends. This can be a way to boost your appetite.

Weight gain should be gradual, about ? to 1 kg per week. Make use of the Healthy Diet Pyramid to assist you in planning nutritionally balanced meals. To ensure you have achieved your weight within the normal range, check your BMI to see that it falls between 18.5 and less than 25. BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square value of your height in meters.

And don't forget! It's important to engage in regular physical activity to help maintain weight and keep you fit.

If you need more information on how to achieve a healthy weight, please call HealthLine at 1800 223 1313 during office hours for advice."

Hybrid Cars - Toyota Prius - Intelligent Parking Assist

Hybrid Cars - Toyota Prius - Intelligent Parking Assist