<b>Hey guys</b>, back after a year! <div><br></div><div> I'm not here to write articles that some find annoying *ahem* lol, I'm here to ask you guys a favor. If you're <u>living in China, has an Android device, a Paypal account</u>, and is totally willing to review a robot vacuum for a company (it will be sent to you free of charge) then please don't hesitate to message me. You will be paid (and I will be paid too for referring to someone). </div><div><br></div><div>The sooner the better! <img src="http://blog.chinadaily.com.cn/static/image/smiley/comcom/4.gif" style="font-size: 14px;"></div><div><br></div>

The first question that pops into our minds about getting a degree is most probably, 'Why?'. What's the reason we should follow the crowd; why can't we all just start our own businesses and be our own bosses, or just go find a decent job and work our way up?However, everybody has a different path to take. In fact, for some it might be a total waste of time and precious money. But for others, it's the greatest choice they've ever made. But it's hard to know which category we fall in, not when we have parents making the decision for us, or friends who all plan on heading to universities themselves and make us feel like we should too. The answer is actually something no one but you should know, because you know yourself way better than any of your family members or friends. Since I am a high school graduate myself, I know how pressurizing it is to say yes or no to university, especially when you still don't even know what you want for yourself. Sometimes I feel like I just want to have a taste of what uni- life is like, and sometimes I don't and start fearing that I might lose all my freedom to do whatever I wanted, whether it's going straight to office life or something along the lines of fame and ambitions. I might lose this one chance of finding my way to wealth on my own.But I think I know what I want...and it's a diploma. Not only because I want to have a new social life, but also what it can do to my skills. A lot of my friends always say, 'Farha, why are you still at school if you can draw so good?!' and I honestly don't want to blind myself to compliments that people give me because it might just be a hidden trap. Sure, I know I can go and be someone great right now, just because I'm young and I can draw. But what about later, when I no longer can compete with my limited set of skills that people don't go woah at anymore when I'm, say, 26? So whoever you might be, young or old, talented or not, smart or not so smart, it all comes down to how much you know about what you're doing. In some cases though, you might be good at something you don't need studies for at all, such as gaming, or making people laugh, or maybe singing, and if you ever miss this chance of making it on your own, you might later regret it. The key point here is, if you think you can be better at something, you should pack up and head to that dream college of yours, and if you think you won't, start fantasizing on your career path right this moment.Some people might say, all you get in the end is just a silly paper certificate, but guys, don't be fooled; nobody can see how much has changed in that brain of yours! In the end, all these education systems are just a plan B for all of us to survive on our own. However, we still can make one choice for ourselves...that's plan A for you!Dear Reader, thank you for viewing my article. If you like my articles, don't forget to leave a comment and vote for me on the blogging contest! I sincerely thank every one of you who voted for me, thank you! Have a great day.

With the sun blazing down with such high heat this summer and a mundane, busy schedule, I reckon most of us have a lifestyle that can be either too hectic or relaxed (or even both!) to take on the healthier way of life. So to help achieve your personal health goals -whether it's losing weight, gaining muscle strength or getting radiant skin, I've gathered a few great tips that I found to be highly effective and enjoyable at the same time that will make the difference between boring and fun. Eyes on the prize Before you start a routine, you need to have a certain 'goal' in mind. What do you want out of this? What's in it for you? Write down the end results you wish for down on paper, and keep it simple. Don't make the mistake of writing down 10 goals because it will only create more stress in your life.Make a workout planNow you're done with 'what', this is the 'how'. Either download a workout tracker app on your phone (there are thousands of them to find one that suits you) or invest in a notebook to track down your fitness routines and schedules. This will help plan out what you'll be doing everyday, at what time, and how long it'll take you to complete it.Fuel your energyIf you want to be much more energetic while working out, you have to start putting real food in your diet. Don't reach for chocolate or beverages, instead go for fruits, nuts and water. You can also squeeze some lemon into your water to make it more refreshing and energizing.Quick stretchesWhenever you find a break between work hours, study hours or free time, get stretching. This will de-stress you and help you stay alert for longer. Plus, who doesn't love stretches! Facial MistsIn the summer, you tend to get more sweaty and heated up, so if you want to quickly cool down, buy a facial mist. Or else, get a spray bottle filled with water and take it with you. (I really like the refreshing feel of it)Green teaDrinking green tea is a major tip here if you want to lose weight and maintain weight loss. However, keep in mind to not to exceed 4 cups, and to avoid excessively concentrated green tea as it may contain huge amounts of caffeine and polyphenols.Workout before showersPut your workout/ jogging/ exercising hours ahead of your shower time, because it wouldn't make sense not to. Not only that, but it will be a great way to remind you to exercise.Get seriousDon't even think about skipping a day. If you do, in a few weeks you'll be sitting on the couch watching TV. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. The power of musicThis is a great motivation to make you feel active while working out. Listening to your favourite upbeat songs will help you lose track of time and enjoy yourself. If you don't like exercising, dance instead. Get a workout buddyIf you feel like you're slacking off, get friends to join you. This will not only help you keep on track, but will also help them get fit too. You'll also feel much less alone, and get some social interaction at the same time.So that's all the things you need to help you start living healthy while enjoying yourselves. Hope it will help all of us to get in touch with our fitness goals and healthy selves:)

For those who didn't know, it's Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, which means every single Muslim who is capable of fasting won't be drinking or eating till sunset, and this month is for us to experience the life of the poor people in the world and feel blessed for all that we have.It's sometimes difficult for a festival like this to be spent somewhere like China, where everyone else still spends their days normally; having breakfast, eating out, or drinking tea. Not only that, but when your friends get to know about it, they don't really seem to appreciate what you're doing, which separates us from the rest.Since I'm living with my grandparents who are Atheists, they disapprove of such a thing. So the way I spend it is to keep quiet about it and pretend to eat breakfast and lunch, which can be quiet cumbersome. The problem is that when you bring forth festivals, rituals and your own religious affairs with you, it's best to keep it to yourself, because as much as we'd like to share that part of our lives, it's way too hard for them not to judge you.However, there's an increasing growth in Chinese Muslims throughout these years and respecting them by not eating or drinking in front of our Muslim friends would change the way we view one another's values and beliefs, and allow us to feel at ease living abroad.So Ramadan Kareem to all you Muslims, and many thanks for those who respect and appreciate this month of fasting.

China has always been a planned economy where the government played a big role in deciding how the country should be controlled. But after the rise in foreign trades and investments, it has opened itself to international people, companies and communities. It's no surprise that China is starting to turn to the Western ways of life in many aspects, which has it's pros and cons, and in general becoming a more diverse country.There's visible evidence that media, advertisements, news and trends favor the West. The younger generation of Chinese people are more affected by this and plan on going abroad to continue their studies in a more Western society. A lot of the percentage of locals also find it a goal to speak English given by the pressure of the rising amount of foreigners living among us here. So what can be the issue? As we can see, companies play a big role in our personal choices and behavior in social environments, and it can shape us into whatever they want us to be. But how is that possible if we are still making the last decisions? That is because media knows how to persuade you, and because of this, we need to start taking it with a pinch of salt.Nowadays, issues like racism and gender discrimination can cause a direct effect on our successes in life. And it can victimize those who don't value their own cultures. There are certain things they do that go unnoticed. But what are they? You just need to look around yourself and spot evidences yourself. You'll notice that more Chinese are buying from foreign brands like YSL instead of a local brand, sporting brunette hair, driving a GMC, and owning an iPhone instead of a HuaWei, and this might seem like a petty problem, however, it is an example of how much we're influenced by the Western culture, no longer proud of the Oriental culture of China just because we don't see it in the media. What we have to acknowledge, as Chinese, is that if we cannot appreciate our own country's brands, traditions and appearances, media can't as well. And even though media is seen as a bad thing, it still exists and influences our lives. China can have a greater influence in the world if more Chinese people are confident being in their own skin. There's nothing wrong with appreciating the West, or learning from them. But there's also nothing wrong with being authentic and traditional, and uninfluenced by the always changing international trends and so-called 'modern' lifestyles.

So basically you have to be able to reach your navel with your arm all the way across your back. And then you have to take a picture of yourself and post it to your social network. Ridiculous, right? So what is it about, and why did this become so viral? Apparently it began here in China, and these pictures were seen all the way in the US and other parts of the globe. It seems like just another one of those "Ice bucket" challenges, where you dump a bucket full of ice-cold water over your head to support the awareness of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). But believe it or not, the media is blind. It is something we should keep in mind, because whenever we come across challenges like these, it is either spreading more health issues across the world, or it is seeing yourself in the wrong light.It is quite obvious that this new thing in the media is pretty harmful for those who have poor self image and body issues. Why do we have to question ourselves if all your friends pass the challenge? However, the media is, like I said, blind. It does not take into account the damages, or the message it spreads to us. It is just a place for people to entertain themselves, not educate.One reason, I believe, why it began in China, is because of the large amount of undersized/ petite people with smaller body frames and tiny waists. In fact, my mother's old dresses are so small even I can't wear them. And yes, I didn't pass the belly button challenge. But I don't think I'll win a prize if I did. So why do people care? Because it boost their confidence, and nobody can deny something that helps you feel better about yourself.So, are you able to do it? If yes, please keep in mind that if you share a picture, you should also consider what the less-flexible people would feel if they saw it. And if you failed, show it off! It'll be a great message for those who failed too. (Plus, there's nothing you're missing out on; what's so great about touching your navel?)The media might be blind, but we aren't, so we might as well open our eyes to the better things that could go viral.

With so many theories, studies, ideas and religions from so many countries and people, it's quite understandable that Atheism gets lost in the mix. People have so many opinions and views of how the Universe has become. So what is Atheism? Is it a religion, is it the truth, or is it non existent?The answer is it simply doesn't exist. Don't get me wrong, people believe it exists, but it is much more misleading and contradictory to all Atheists' beliefs. The first thing an Atheist should understand is that believing in a Creator, or a higher being, does not mean you can see it, hear it, or be able to sense it with your ears, eyes, nose, mouth or feeling. But it exists, just like a thought. So let's delve into the mind of an Atheist. My grandparents are Chinese, to start with, and because their ancestors were Atheists, they are too. They believe that there is no "God", and the world is just here out of nothing, or maybe the Big Bang. Atheists come from many countries, such as Europe in the French Revolution, which began from philosophers.Science however, is a study of matter, rather than an explanation for the greater, bigger things in life that we can't understand or put into logical proofs. Atheists might believe that believing in a religion takes away their freedom, or limits their abilities and choices. However, it's the total opposite. Take, for example, the beautiful rose blossoms. Where did the come from? A seed, yes. They might say, it just came out of a seed, and science can give you all the proof you need to say roses are made by no one. But then what about that beautiful Chinese calligraphy? Or that gorgeous Mercedes over the bend? Are those made by nobody? It'd take a second for anyone to say it is made by someone, somewhere. If it wasn't for him or her, it wouldn't exist. There is no such law that only man-made things are made by someone or something, whereas natural things are made by no one. When you are employed, you get payed, so you are credited for your work or creation. When you make a movie, your name is mentioned in the credits, no doubt. When you offer someone a present, you are thanked. How about when it comes to how your life is the way it is, or how you are born into this family and not the other, or how you weren't born blind or deaf, do you believe there is nobody to credit? Just thinking these thoughts can make you feel thankful, but who are you thanking? Science? Luck? Coincidences? Nature? Fact is, you still thank someone or something higher than you. All humans believe and know it deep in their minds that their lives are not just a matter of coincidence or pure wishful thinking, but a will from a higher being. So why can't they believe in a higher being? It's maybe because they feel like they're betraying their families, or great grandparents, or their past. Fortunately, it's not a religion, and no higher being is going to judge you for thinking about religions. Why would you care about offending someone if you were to finally understand the Universe that you live in and what it's all about? If we were all ignorant to evidences around us, we might as well still believe The Earth was flat as a pancake.So let your mind wander and ask questions about the world. Make it a habit to be open to new ideas, doubts and intuition. After all, a fulfilling life is not where one believes they are just a product of luck, science, or a coincidence.

Do you have serious addiction problems with your phone? Read the points below to find out. The first thing you reach for in the morning is not your toothbrush, but your darling phone.While walking on streets, getting on the metros, or eating your dinner, your face is glowing because of your beautiful darling phone.When you don't have your phone, you are planning on all the websites, apps and chats you'll open once you get your hands on your darling phone.Before you eat your meal, drink your coffee, drive your car or have a conversation with a friend, you need to first take at least ten pictures so you can post them later to your social network on your one and only, darling phone.If you think all of the following points describe your usual habits, you're at risk of having mental problems, being ran over by a bus, becoming isolated, and turning into an inefficient person with low brain capabilities who'd go crazy if their phone was stolen.Many people, especially the younger ones, don't even realize they are a phone-addict until someone or something makes a big impact on their lives. And the problem lies in boredom, or a need to occupy their minds with something because they don't know how to efficiently use their free time. Luckily, the older and the middle aged people have busier lives so they don't have much time to spend otherwise.If you just found out you are doing a few of those things, you're killing a lot of your time, because as important as whatever you're doing seems, there is always a better alternative for that. It's pretty sad to see all the people in the metros these days in Beijing glaring down at their touch phones, when instead they could spend that little time to rest their eyes, read a book or newspaper, or even meditate. Yesterday while walking on the street, I saw a woman riding behind a bicycle. She wasn't holding on to the person in front of her, but holding onto a phone. It has become such a distraction that people would risk their health, time, mind and life for social and entertainment purposes. There is even a term in Mandarin, known as (Di tou zu ) '低头 族' which is used for those who walk around in public places with their heads turned down to their phones.Lately there have been plenty of accidents involving people on their phones simply because they were not aware of their surroundings. Imagine if it was you; how silly would it be if you lost your life because you were busy playing Fruit Ninja while crossing the road? A great solution would be to leave your phones at home if you're not travelling far, and if you are, switch off your phone so you won't be tempted to check for notifications, messages or games like Flappybird. I'm fortunate that I dislike using my phone in public, however the struggle is much difficult for those who do. Don't go easy on yourself, because no one else is responsible of you as much as you are. So put your iPhones and precious Samsungs back in your pockets and help yourself to new activities whenever the situation calls for it.

Day and night passes by, time never stops running, and everybody is busy doing something in the moment. So many goals we want to achieve, and so much pressure to do your best for a "successful" and great future.You can't stop wanting more. You can't be satisfied with your current life because it's not good enough. It's not perfect.Stop whatever you're doing for now. Keep that phone aside, leave those clothes in the washer, and put down your chopping knives. Now wake up from your endless dream full of pointless plans, and look at how successful you really are.You might think about your past and how much you've done. Or you might think about your plans for the future. Or maybe even what you have right now, right here. But the truth is, you have nothing. You don't need anything at all. You might think you're not good enough yet, not rich enough even. And oh, you need to be famous one day and live in luxury. Or you might be old, so old you can't even make your own meals. And no matter what, you need to be successful. What is success? Is it graduating from a good university? Or is it being able to go on holidays and travelling across the world? You definitely have your own version of this thing called 'success'. I don't know what, but I know you have one.Unfortunately, I'm going to tell you that your version of 'success' is not true. It's not going to make you successful. It's not going to make people see you as successful. Simply because it is not success.You need to accept that. So what is success? I'm going to tell you in a moment. Don't go back to your daily routines yet. Pay attention to yourself. Be fully conscious of your breathing and thinking and living self. Sense your natural movements. Feel your senses. Use them. So are you young or old? Are you weak or strong? Nevertheless, have you got a taste of success? Everyone has. Everyone can. Because it is simply being able to have a life in this big messy world, and to do your own thing, that makes you successful no matter what you're doing. Success is experiencing things. Just that. Then what were those versions of it? Where you live in a big mansion, or have a better life? What are they?They are just a distraction. Your ego loves having the best things in life. It wants excitement, fun, money and all those things. And sadly, they never make you complete. Yes you can go and try to get them, but don't do that in the hope of feeling complete when you actually do get them. So no matter how much you've come, or how much you haven't come, you are successful. You lived through yesterday, and you are still living right now. Don't put labels on your future, because your future is not going to make you successful. Now you can go back to your busy life. However unpleasant it may be, be happy that success is right there by your side, and keep in mind that life is never going to be "perfect".

Imagine yourself being a sushi roll, sitting in a plate not in Tokyo, but in California. And you're not even made in Japan.You don't taste like the authentic sushi rolls, but an American-version of it. People around you are all talking about how they're such a big fan of sushi, how they'd love their friends to try it, blah blah. You sit there wondering where you're really from. How do you feel? Do you feel guilty? Betraying to people? Disloyal to your country? For sure. When I was in Dubai, I came across a restaurant called, Chinese Palace. It has a variety of foods like Chow Mien, stir fried chicken, sweet and sour shrimps, fried rice, and countless other dishes. I had my dinner there and honestly it was delicious. But unfortunately, nothing like the food in China. And that gave me a weird impression of it being untruthful to the traditional and popular cuisines I've eaten before.I'm not sure if everyone knows, but Chinese take outs are as widely known as McDonald's or Pizza Hut in the US and Britain. It's quick, affordable and great tasting, but just like Chinese Palace, a fast moving form of food claiming a nationality they don't belong to. And it's an unsolvable issue because many are aware of that and simply don't care, whereas some still believe it's the real thing. And it's not just Chinese take outs, but also Mexican, Indian, French, Italian food, you name it. Hundreds of restaurants open and label themselves from a certain country or city, but it's just so unnecessary. Who said you couldn't have food with no cultural background? Why has nobody thought of that? Next time someone suggests you eat Kung pao chicken in Canada, tell them you need to book a ticket to China first. Because you never know what people might really be eating, and how diverse the food there actually tastes.Thank you for reading my article. Tell me what you think by sharing, voting or commenting down below. Until next time!