The Path to Spiritual Enlightenment

FAQ: Is there a secret to happiness?

2009-07-08T22:42:23+02:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

If you can learn to give happiness to others without their knowing...

If you do not seek praise for your help, and...

If you can prioritize someone else’s welfare above that of your own...

Then will you glimpse the glory of inner happiness.

You must continue in this endeavour in your day-to-day...

But you must be secretive in your method and discreet in your manner...

The path you take holds its own beauty...

This is how you will be truly happy in life and absolved in death.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: What energies are in the “empty space” that makes up more than 99.999% of the Universe?

2009-06-19T19:04:24+02:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

Energies are invisible interactions/forces which pass between matter, molecules, and sub-atomic particles. Energy is neither created nor destroyed, only converted into other forms.

Energy is carried by different types of Fundamental Particles called Bosons. They have the unique feature of being able to co-exist in the same space, as long as they have the same energy.

The other Fundamental Particles are called Fermions (Quarks and Leptons), which make up Matter. Protons and Neutrons both consist of three Quarks. An Electron is a single Lepton. An Electron is therefore classified as a Fundamental Particle in its own right.

Energies can be classified into 4 groups:

- The Strong Nuclear Force keeps the Neutrons and Protons together in the Nucleus of an Atom (connecting Quarks to form “Hadrons”). It is the strongest of the forces, but only acts in these very small ranges of 10-15m. Its Boson is the Gluon.

- The Electromagnetic Force keeps Electrons in their orbits around a Nucleus and Atoms together in a Molecule. It is x100 weaker than the Strong force, but has an infinite range. Its Boson is the Photon, which carries energy, in varying strengths, as part of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. Moving an Electric Charge creates a Magnetic Field. Moving a Magnetic field creates an Electrical Current. A Magnetic object creates its Field from tiny Electrical Currents in its matter at the Atomic level (Ions). An Electrically Charged object creates its own Electric Field. Magnetism is therefore created by the movement of Charge, what we can call Electricity. The two Fields run perpendicular to one another. The higher the frequency, shorter the wave-length, the greater the energy. Ultra-Violet light, X-rays and Gamma radiations are powerful enough to throw Electrons off from their orbits (Ionizing). This gives rise to health risks such as Cancer.

- The Weak (Nuclear) Force acts between Quarks and Leptons. Its strength is only 10-11 that of the Electromagnetic force and 10-13 that of the Strong force. It is stronger than the force of Gravity, although it only acts in the short range of 10-18m. Its Bosons are the W and Z Boson. These decay to produce Fermions, which continue to radioactively decay into smaller-mass Quarks and Leptons. This decay heats our planet from the inside out and allows the Sun to shine. It is used in Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, and in Carbon-14 Dating.

- The attractive Gravitational Force of Matter and Dark Matter, and the repulsive force of Dark Energy. These are the weakest of forces, but have an infinite range. Their effect is only noticeable when dealing with Astronomical Masses. We have not found a Boson for Gravity, yet we have already named it the “Graviton”. Dark Energy is not carried by Bosons.

Dark Energy makes up 70% of the total Mass-Energy of the Universe. The rest is 25% Dark Matter and only 5% normal Matter.

“Dark Matter” is thought not to consist of Fermions (Electrons, Protons and Neutrons). It does not absorb, refract, reflect, or emit any radiation. It only interacts with Matter on a Gravitational level.

“Dark Energy” acts only as the opposing force to Gravity. Some have called Dark Energy Einstein’s missing "Cosmological Constant". However, it is not in static equilibrium with Gravity. Dark Energy is what is driving the increasing rate of expansion of the Universe. This expansion has been most noticeable during the last half of the Universe’s 15 billion year existence.

The Electromagnetic and Weak forces have been unified into the “Electro-Weak force” at the huge temperatures (1015 Kelvin). At even higher temperatures (1027 Kelvin) the Strong force would become unified, and at the highest temperatures (1032 Kelvin), found at the very start of the Big-Bang, Gravity would eventually become unified. This is the Unified Field Theory.

Despite these big leaps forward, we must not forget that we have yet little understanding of what Dark Matter or Energy is. We have not unified the Strong force with the Electro-Weak force. We have not found the elusive “Higgs Boson”, which would produce the “Higgs field” needed to explain Mass. We are still far from achieving a Unified Field Theory...the “Equation of Everything”.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: How small is an atom?

2009-06-14T22:51:26+02:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

An atom is around 10-10m (an angstrom) in diameter. This is equivalent to 0.1 nanometre.

10-10m = 1 / 1010m = 1/10000000000m = 0.0000000001m

The nucleus of an atom is only 10-15m wide. This makes it 100,000 times smaller.

Atoms of different elements have different sizes. Caesium has the largest atom at 0.5 nanometres. Hydrogen has the smallest atom at 0.05 nanometres. The Hydrogen molecule (H2) is only 0.15 nanometres wide. This means that a molecule can be smaller than an atom.

The volume of a spherical atom is given by the equation:

V = πd3 / 6

If we use an average diameter of 1 angstrom...

V = 3.14159 x 0.00000000013 / 6 = 5.235983333-31m3

The diameter of our planet Earth is around 12,000km. To aid with visualization this can be written as 1.2 x 107m, or to round down, 107m.

If an atom was the size of the World, its’ nucleus (being 100,000 times smaller) would only span 100m.

An atom, and thus all molecules, our physical world and the Universe, is at least 99.999% empty space. Exemption is given to Neutron Stars and Pulsars, which are only 10-30km wide, and Black Holes.

You cannot see through lead or a concrete wall, despite it being mostly empty space, because the wave-length of visible light is around 5 x 10-7m. This is in the range that will interact with the atoms and molecules in the lead or concrete, being refracted, absorbed, and reflected. None will manage to pass straight through. Gamma radiation has a wavelength of around 10-12m (a picometre). It is too small and fast to interact with a concrete wall or even a thin sheet of lead, and passes straight through. Radio-waves have a wavelength of around 103m (a kilometre). They are too large and slow to interact with thin concrete walls or sheets of lead, and also pass straight through. Both gamma radiation and radio-waves will be absorbed and refracted by greater thicknesses of lead, concrete and earth.

You can see through glass because it has a very random and spaced molecular structure, allowing a lot of visible light to pass straight through the gaps. This is also why you can see through most liquids and gases. Moreover, clear glass has relatively few electrons with energy levels that absorb or refract visible light. If you had an extremely thick block of glass it would refract a lot of the light and would be impossible to see through.

You cannot see directly through diamonds because their carbon atoms are regularly arranged into a compact tetrahedral lattice. Their electrons also refract a lot of the light, changing its path as it passes through.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: How can I learn useful mathematics quickly? Lesson #4

2009-06-03T22:21:26+02:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

Temperature Conversions:

Kelvin = Celsius + 273.15
0 Kelvin = Absolute Zero

0ºC = 32ºF
100ºC = 212ºF
Celsius = (Fahrenheit – 32) x 100/180
Fahrenheit = Celsius x 180/100 + 32
Fahrenheit – 32 = Celsius x 180/100
Fahrenheit – 32 = Celsius x 9/5

Volume Conversions:

1 Table-spoon = 3 Tea-spoons
1 Pint = 32 Table-spoons
1 Litre = 2.1133764210983674 Pints
1 Gallon = 3.78541178 Litres
1 Cubic-foot = 7.480519488424058 Gallons

Area Conversions:

1 square meter = 10.76391 square feet
1 acre = 4046.8564224 square meters
1 hectare = 2.4710538 acres
1 square mile = 258.998811 hectares
A Foot-ball pitch is 1.8 acres
An American foot-ball pitch is 1.3 acres

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

A Broken Man (Story)

2009-06-01T21:51:15+02:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

A couple walk into a busy pub. Around them draughts are downed and the spirits have God’s speed. They get their drinks and sit down.

A group of blokes sit next to them on the table and a conversation ensues. With merriment, the rounds go round.

Later on, the man excuses himself to go to the toilet. One of the blokes, having got friendly with the woman, seizes his chance and asks her if she has a boyfriend. "No. He's just a friend" she replies. "Jack-Pot" he thinks..."All I need now is to get this pesky friend out of the way". So he gets one of his mates to keep the "friend" pre-occupied.

After a few minutes the man starts to head back to his woman, but is stopped in his tracks..."Why don't you stay here for a little longer. Besides, my mate is looking after her". The man now gets concerned..."Look here, she's my girlfriend!" he spurts out. "She says she's not, so get the hint!". Enraged by what is happening the man screams out "Don't you guys dare touch her". There is a punch-up, and the man gets beaten up and chucked out of the pub.

The woman is oblivious to what has transpired, and continues drinking and laughing with the new bloke. She then gets a tap on the shoulder from one of the barmaids and is told that the man she came in with has been involved in a fight and has been barred from the pub. The woman is furious that the man has embarrassed her in her local drinking-hole and in front of her new friends. She doesn't want to waste a good night out and definitely doesn't want to spend the night with her out-of-control "boyfriend", and so decides to stay out.

Meanwhile, the man is slouched on a corner-street with broken bones and a bloody face. He picks himself up and goes to her house to see if she is OK and to explain what has happened.

By this time the woman has started to head home. Her new friend has offered to walk with her and she has gratefully accepted. On the way home she tells him of all her woes. They hold hands throughout and she is comforted. At her door she hugs and kisses her new friend. Thankful for being so well looked-after she exchanges telephone numbers with him. The boyfriend has been waiting round the corner all night for her, only to see her hand-in-hand and arm-in-arm with another man. He walks away a truly broken and defeated man.

The next day, still not-having heard from his girlfriend, he goes to her house. On his way there he spots her with the new man having coffee. Dejected and sullen he limps home and wonders what he has done wrong.

The next day he comes to her house again. She is not there. He is used to her running away, and decides to go to the coffee-shop to find her. She is there, but with another man. He does not know this man. There are many men whom are close to her. This may be just another friend, but he does not know. Plucking up courage, he approaches them and says hello. "I am"..."a friend" she finishes the sentence. The man, not wanting to cause a scene, complies.

Later that night, the two speak on the phone and the woman says "You know you are still my boyfriend". With a broken heart and broken bones the man replies "I know".

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: How can I deal with loneliness?

2009-03-05T00:36:29+01:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

Many people will detest being by themselves; being in their own company.

Boredom can soon set in. Your actions are hedonistic or serve simply to pass the time. You feel much more at-ease around other people.

Imagine a weekend when you plan to go out. From knowing about it to getting there, the frame-of-mind that you put yourself in will often determine how good a weekend it turns out to be.

With loneliness and solitude it can seem like the good-times can’t come soon enough. Another boring day only adds to the depression.

You will enter each day and week with this state-of-mind. Others around you will pick up on it and steer clear of you if you are truly depressed. Vice versa, if you had a good weekend you would be happier with a fond experience or tale to tell. People will more naturally enjoy your company and provide you with even more social interaction.

It is the frame-of-mind that you put yourself in whilst by yourself which ultimately determines how happy you will be in your life and in your death...

Do not focus on bad experiences in your history.

Avoid always trying to find blame.

Recount all the memories you have and find as much positive as you can in each. The mind is such that the memory can over-ride the actual experience.

Learn more about the things which interest you so that you are not spouting the same ideas and stories from year to year.

Focus on the positive that there is in this world.

Find the humour in as many things as you can.

Find beauty and harmony in nature and music.

Find enlightenment through literature.

Television and the Internet have opened the world to us in our very homes. Yet many people watch from cracked windows at despair and in dismay.

Learn about the greats. Learn what it is to be human. Always be expanding your knowledge. Do not limit yourself to a small number of idols. There are many from whom we can learn.

Analyse as many people as you can, as this will more easily show you what is in yourself.

Be creative. You are no one if you are not your own. Be it in writing, painting, or playing an instrument, expressing one’s personal ideas and emotions is an extremely cathartic experience.

Continually set yourself new tasks to complete. Life is not properly lived without a wealth of different experiences.

Eat a healthy and balanced diet, but eat heartily. Learn about foods and know how to cook.

Exercise regularly to keep a strong and supple body. Get as much fresh air as possible.

Do not drink heavily (over 35 units of alcohol per week).

Do not take hard drugs to ease the pain. The drugs don’t work.

If all else fails, find optimism...for this may be your saving grace.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: What physical similarities are passed-on from parents to their children?

2009-02-17T23:05:33+01:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

Each person has around 40-70,000 genes. Several genes may be involved in the inheritance of a single trait. Compared to animals, our genes have much more interaction with each other and are governed by more sophisticated control-systems.

Recessive genes, giving rise to recessive traits, are not necessarily less frequent in the general population. For example, the gene for Huntington’s Disease is dominant, despite appearing in only 1 in 20,000 people.

Eye-colour comes in different intensities of brown, green and blue. The gene combination responsible for brown eyes is more dominant than for green eyes, which is more dominant than for blue eyes. If both parents have brown eyes, the children will have brown eyes. Otherwise, it is a relative unknown. The grand-parent’s eye-colour can be important in determining the child’s eye-colour. Babies are born with a lighter eye-colour (e.g. blue), which darkens to the natural shade by 3 years of age. This phenomenon is also seen with skin-colour.

Attached ear-lobes is a recessive trait. Drooping ear-lobes is a dominant trait. Most people have ear-lobes which droop down. A child will only have attached ear-lobes if both parents possess this trait.

The gene for the single chin trait is recessive to that giving rise to double-chins. Both parents must have single chins if the children are to inherit the same.

Dimples and Freckles are both dominant traits. Only one of the parents needs to have it for the trait to show in most of the children.

Hair colour and having either naturally curly or straight hair are inherited physical traits which involve the interaction of several genes. The darker and curly hair traits have around 75% dominance. People naturally have hair-types in every variation from very straight and red to black and knotted. The naturally straight haired person may be the minority in the World, but the majority in their nation.

A straight hair-line is a recessive trait. A “widow’s-peak” is a dominant trait. Both parents must have straight hair-lines for the children to have the same.

An early receding hair-line is an inherited trait. It also occurs in women, although thinning and sparse hair are more dominant and common features.

Your environment and lifestyle have important affects on your physical appearance. They can determine which genes and traits manifest and which ones lay dormant. Your upbringing will also influence your genetic predispositions.

Your mind, character and personality will determine how people perceive you.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: How should I carry myself?

2009-01-23T01:31:36+01:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

Your body language and physical articulation are all-important in positively communicating with others.

- When you enter a room of people look all around with a smile on your face if you want to appear approachable.
- Keep a comfortable distance from others. People have their own personal space.
- To make a good first impression you have to appear interested, not interesting.
- Greet people with the opened hand. Hand-shakes should be web-to-web and firm. When approaching a hand-shake you should extend your hand ahead of time to show the other person your intentions and give them time to react. You must also maintain eye-contact. This shows strength and honesty.
- If you touch somebody who is not well known to you, the arms and shoulders are safe areas.
- Do not touch a person’s head unless you are well known to them. This can be taken as domineering or patronising and can easily cause offense.
- Expressive and explanatory gesturing can accentuate the spoken word.
- Do not cover your mouth with your hand. This is saved for times of reconnaissance.
- Avoid crossing your arms and legs...this can close you off from free dialogue. Professionals, Doctors, Academics and women are exempt as their habitual posture may be with legs crossed. Having crossed arms can also indicate interest, focus and privacy, particularly when leaning in towards the other person.
- Avoid resting an ankle on the knee when seated...this displays the socks and soles of the foot-wear.
- Avoid scratching yourself...this indicates doubt and uneasiness.
- Avoid playing with your hair. This indicates a lack of self-confidence and insecurity. Exemption is given to women flirting.
- Avoid biting your nails. This indicates insecurity and nervousness.
- Avoid pointing with the finger (unless at an object you are referring to)...this can be considered too strong, or even rude. Joining the middle-finger with the index-finger can be more subtly used when gesticulating. Likewise, the “come-hither” gesture is better done with more than one finger.
- Avoid fidgeting...this indicates discomfort, anxiety or boredom.
- Avoid leaning on something which is someone else’s property when in front of them...this indicates that it is your property.
- Avoid resting your head on your hand (unless in admiration)...this indicates boredom.
- The difference between a soft and a hard person is that one tapers off at the end of a speech and the other maintains it to the bitter end.
- Eye-contact can show sincerity and confidence, or reveal turmoil. In some cultures, eye-contact can be considered disrespectful. Different people will want different levels of eye-contact at different times.
- A sincere smile also involves the eyes. An even smile looks more genuine. Even forcing a smile or laugh can begin to make you feel better. In some cultures, smiling at an important event can be taken as mockery.
- A “chin-up shoulders-back” attitude demonstrates confidence and happiness.
- When having your hands in your jean or trouser pockets leave either the thumb or fingers hanging out (unless very cold). This makes you appear more open and relaxed.
- Do not allow your hands to stray above head-level for too long, or too frequently. This indicates nervousness whilst leaving you looking ridiculous.
- When someone mirrors your physical actions they are on the same “wave-length” as you and are open to suggestion.
- Raising the shoulders and leaning in towards someone indicates interest or attraction.
- Shrugging your shoulders and rolling your eyes whilst talking about yourself indicates a lack of confidence.
- People that tell a lie can sometimes be seen to physically coil into themselves or stop moving.
- A guilty person gets defensive. An innocent person will often go on the offensive.
- A guilty person will often use the accusation in their answer, e.g. “Did you do it?”...”No, I did not do it”.
- Slightly raising your hand indicates to the other person that you wish to speak.
- Comfortable and blissful silence with one another can be one of the greatest measures of a good stable relationship.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: Why should I be nice to people I don’t even know?

2009-01-23T00:29:16+01:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

Being nice to a stranger shows people unity and gives them hope.

Quality of life is enjoying the shared love of the people around you.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

Politeness, courtesy and kindness can enrich and mould a society.

Each generation’s history is written in expressions of love and hate.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

The Love [Poem]

2009-01-21T22:57:27+01:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

Shimmers and thoughts of you...
Another log and the bellows which make it burn true.
Now is my Sun-set...as you are my Sun-rise.
Do not doubt, for each dawn shows us tender memories under these murky skies.
Raindrops now heard...when once were better felt.
Another kiss I wish when love in these letters are mailed.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: Is the “Butterfly-Effect” important to me?

2009-01-13T21:08:12+01:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

The idea of the “Butterfly-Effect” is that the beat of a butterfly’s wings produces tiny changes in the atmosphere which could ultimately create, accelerate, delay or alter the path of a tornado on another part of the planet.

If this were the case, then a butterfly’s graceful fluttering wings would seem a fitting case-in-point. Much better than other, more powerful, influences such as the:

- “Pig Falling Over - Effect”;
- “Too Many Hiccups – Effect”; or
- “Moving Unnecessarily – Effect”.

I would suggest that the “Butterfly-Effect” is not important to you as it will always remain the domain of Chaos Theorists.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: How can I learn useful mathematics quickly? Lesson #3

2009-01-06T23:33:38+01:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

Weight Conversions:

Ounces : Pounds = 1 : 0.0625 = 16 : 1
Ounces / Pounds = 16
Ounces = Pounds x 16
Pounds / Ounces = 0.0625
Pounds = Ounces x 0.0625

Pounds : Kilo-grams = 2.20462262185 : 1 = 1 : 0.4535923699997481
Pounds / Kilo-grams = 2.20462262185
Pounds = Kilo-grams x 2.20462262185
Kilo-grams / Pounds = 0.4535923699997481
Kilo-grams = Pounds x 0.4535923699997481

Kilo-grams : Stones = 6.350293179990713 : 1 = 1 : 0.157473044418
Kilo-grams / Stones = 6.350293179990713
Kilo-grams = Stones x 6.350293179990713
Stones / Kilo-grams = 0.157473044418
Stones = Kilo-grams x 0.157473044418

Stones : Tons = 142.857143 : 1 = 1 : 0.007
Stones / Tons = 142.857143
Stones = Tons x 142.857143
Tons / Stones = 0.007
Tons = Stones x 0.007

Distance Conversions:

Inches : Feet = 12 : 1 = 1 : 0.8333...
Inches : Feet = 12
Inches = Feet x 12
Feet / Inches : 0.8333...
Feet = Inches x 0.8333...

Feet : Yards = 3 : 1 = 1 : 0.333...
Feet / Yards = 3
Feet = Yards x 3
Yards / Feet = 0.333...
Yards = Feet x 0.333...

Yards : Metres = 1.0936132983377078 : 1 = 1 : 0.9144
Yards / Metres = 1.0936132983377078
Yards = Metres x 1.0936132983377078
Metres / Yards = 0.9144
Metres = Yards x 0.9144

Kilo-metres : Miles = 1.609344000000865 : 1 = 1 : 0.621371192237
Kilo-metres / Miles = 1.609344000000865
Kilo-metres = Miles x 1.609344000000865
Miles / Kilo-metres = 0.621371192237
Miles = Kilo-metres x 0.621371192237

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: Why does champagne make you drunk more quickly?

2008-12-21T19:27:06+01:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

Bubbly champagne will get you more drunk than other beverages with the equivalent alcohol content. This is because the carbon dioxide gas in the bubbles increases the absorption of alcohol from the stomach and intestines. Although the small intestine is responsible for much of the absorption (over ¾), the effect of the carbon dioxide is greater in the stomach.

Try not to drink on an empty stomach. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread, rice, noodles, potatoes and pasta are better at reducing the rate of alcohol absorption into the bloodstream.

Try to drink plenty of cold still water in-between your alcoholic beverages, and before you go to bed.

The “hair of the dog” works, but may start you on a slippery slope to alcoholism. You are better-off having a greasy fry-up in the morning, with more glasses of water or fruit-juice, to reduce the effects of a hang-over.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: Is the bread-crust good for me?

2008-12-18T18:51:52+01:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

The outside crust of a loaf of bread is many times richer in fibre and anti-oxidants (e.g. Pronyl-lysine) than the inner crumb.

The fibre will keep your digestive system regular and help to reduce the chances of you developing haemorrhoids, diverticular disease or colon cancer. The anti-oxidants will help to slow-down the ageing process.

Dark coloured breads are better for you. Strong over-browning of bread, however, will reduce the fibre and antioxidant content.

If you don’t like the crust, try breaking it up into stuffing for a chicken-bake. This also increases the antioxidant content.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: Is the bread-crust good for me?

2008-12-18T00:58:42+01:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

The outside crust of a loaf of bread is many times richer in fibre and anti-oxidants (e.g. Pronyl-lysine) than the inner crumb.

Dark coloured breads are better for you. Strong over-browning of bread, however, will reduce the fibre and antioxidant content.

If you don’t like the crust, try breaking it up into stuffing for a chicken-bake. This also increases the antioxidant content.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: Why do women ask men to guess their age?

2008-12-16T00:18:53+01:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

This unnerving situation usually arises because the man asks the woman her age (informally), which makes her think: “how old does he think I am?”.

Teenage girls may add years to their actual age to portray a greater maturity.

Women in their twenties are more open and truthful with their age.

Women in their thirties start to notice the ageing process in themselves, and try to mask or reverse those changes. Any question about her age is an opportunity to find out whether or not her efforts have been successful.

Women in their forties and fifties may detest being asked their age, and may subvert the subject altogether.

Women in their sixties and over are more open and truthful with their age.

Men past their teenage years are normally open and truthful with their age.

My conclusion is to never ask a woman her age. Let this be yet another mystery piled alongside all the rest. What you gain from the knowledge is very often outweighed by the effect it has on her, and indirectly on you.

A person’s actual age often has little bearing on whether or not you get along with them. There are better questions to be asked, and more revealing answers to be communicated.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: What should my surname change to after getting married?

2008-12-15T00:47:23+01:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

Your first and middle names are given to you by your parents. They may be the names of important ancestors/relatives, have etymological interest to your parents, be a namesake, or simply sound nice to them.

Your surname(s) depends on the culture, religion, state or province you were born in. The legal, social, professional and private use of surnames may also vary in each of the above groups.

There are several name-change options after getting married:

1) Wife replaces her surname with her Husband’s surname;
2) Husband replaces his surname with his Wife’s surname;
3) Both retain their surnames;
4) Both retain their surnames as middle-names and take on the other’s surname;
5) Both retain their surnames and take on the other’s surname as middle-names;
6) Both surnames are hyphenated in either combination (double-barrelled surname);
7) Fuse both surnames to make one new surname;
8) Create a new surname.

Countries where married women normally use their Husband’s surname (Option 1): United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Finland, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, Brazil, Japan, India, USA, Canada, Australia, Gibraltar, and Falkland Islands.

Countries where women do not change their names after marriage (Option 3): Islamic countries, Spain, Belgium, China, Vietnam, and Korea.

Countries where married couples use both surnames (Option 6): Luxemburg, Belgium, and Italy.

The choice of any possible surname changes after marriage is to be left to personal preference.

Personally, I believe it is better to have two surnames which are hyphenated; one from the Mother and the other from the Father. If both people in a couple have double-barrelled surnames, on getting married, they can use the surname of the Mother from one partner and that of the Father from the other to form a new hyphenated surname. Any children are then given this double-barrelled surname. This shows respect and honour to both men and women, and helps to trace patrilinearity and matrilinearity.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: Is it better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all?

2008-11-20T23:54:32+01:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

The great philosopher and theologian Saint Augustine (354-430) has stated this in the affirmative. Many others before and after him, not least poet laureate Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892), agree with the sentiment.

Almost everyone will have a romantic love at one time or another in their life.

The person who you have had the strongest spiritual and sexual relationship with is the person you have loved.

Not all relationships are the same. A person may not have the same intellect or depth of understanding as another, but this does not mean that they do not feel the same relative degree of ecstasy or misery.

Most will lose their love. At first, absence will make the heart grow fonder; but with time, out-of-sight will mean out-of-mind.

Most people will find another love and the cycle can repeat again until they eventually settle down with someone.

If you lose your love and never find another, you can live in nostalgic-limbo for the rest of your days. This is a truly sad existence, as you struggle to carry on your life with the luggage you bear. This is the most difficult of situations, as you need to discard what made you most happy and see what else life has to offer you.

Some people maintain relationships/friendships with their previous loves, even after finding a new love. I do not believe this to be a good idea. It is better to completely let go of your previous love if you are to fully love again. People only maintain such relationships out of fear of never finding such a love again, or simply a lack of being able to detach. They are like the monkeys...they need to grab a hold of one branch before they can let go of the other. These people hate to be by themselves, as it leaves them lonely and miserable. This shows only a lack of inner strength and character.

There may be some of you who have never been in a relationship or have never fallen in love. This is because you are not ready to. You may have issues with trust, or you may just need to wait a little longer for the right person. The key is not to just sit there and wait. Find ways to make yourself happy in your own company, otherwise other people will find it difficult to be happy around you.

In this sense, it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all, since to have never loved anyone else may mean that you have never loved yourself.

Men and women are innately different. You need to find a partner who understands, heals and completes you.

What if you are happy with yourself and have never been happy with anyone else? For these rare people, you may be destined to live a life of platonic and family love. You can be happy in this path. Not everyone is destined to be with someone else...this is a fallacy. Many who have found love will feel sorry for you for not having the same. This is a pain (sincerely or not) that they express that need not impress upon you.

The GURU must now sleep.

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FAQ: Is the glass half-empty or half-full?

2008-11-09T22:33:43+01:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

The answer you seek will be decided by whether you are ready to fill-up your glass or pour-it-out.

If your purpose is only to look-at and ruminate-over...it will eventually evaporate away...as will your life.

“Action” is to be the order of the day. Contemplation and reflection are to be left to the night, and at times of solitude and silence.

The GURU must now sleep.

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FAQ: How do I prevent or treat my lower-back pain?

2008-10-12T23:24:08+02:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

Maintain a healthy diet and weight. Drink water when you feel thirsty.

Practice all-round stretching exercises daily.

Breathe deeply and slowly.

Walk as often as possible, especially if you normally spend most of your time sitting down.

Be conscious of your posture at all times...keep your shoulders back and chin up (neutral spine position). This is particularly important in weight-bearing activities.

Try to avoid lifting anything whilst bent over. When you do, support yourself on something fixed. None of the lifting action should be done by your back. Exhale as you lift. Avoid twisting your body while lifting.

When sitting, have something like a cushion behind you to rest your lower back on. After sitting for prolonged periods of time, stretch by standing up with your feet slightly apart, hands resting on hips, chin up, shoulders back, and belly and bum pushed out in their opposite directions. You may also twist your upper body left and right over this fixed leg-stance. You may hear and feel a click. This should not be painful.

The sleeping position most comfortable for the back is on the side, with a pillow under the head and one between the knees. If lying on the back, have a pillow under the lower back, but none to rest the head on. Avoid sleeping on your front altogether. Sleep on a firm mattress. A good nights’, uninterrupted, rest does wonders for an aching body. When you wake-up, stretch by lying on your back with your hands behind your head and, in turn, point each foot diagonally downwards and across the other leg. You may hear and feel a click. This should not be painful.

Perform abdominal and back exercises every other day to increase strength and flexibility. Exhale during each muscular exertion. A weight-lifting belt can help to maintain good posture and prevent strain injuries. Avoid exercises that heavily compress the back.

Keep active with sports, pursuits, swimming or bicycling.

For the acute pain of muscle spasms, apply heat to the area. You can do this using a hot moist towel, hot water-bottle, or some form of deep-heat muscle-rub lotion.

If your back pain lasts for more than 3 days, or extends up your spine or down you leg, or is associated with any numbness, tingling, or weakness...seek the advice of your doctor who can refer you to a chiropractor, orthopaedist, or physical therapist. The severity of your back pain can often be unrelated to the extent of physical damage.

The GURU must now sleep.

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FAQ: How can I save someone’s life? Part #3

2008-10-05T02:38:58+02:00

Dr. GURU speaks.

If someone suddenly develops heavy chest pains and difficulty breathing, ask them if they are allergic to Aspirin. If they are not allergic, give them 1 big tablet or 2 small tablets of Aspirin (can be crushed in some water).

This will help to prevent them having strokes and embolisms.

They should then contact their doctor when possible to inform them of what happened.

The GURU must now sleep.

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FAQ: How can I save someone’s life? Part #2

2008-10-05T02:37:48+02:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

If someone is choking, lean them over and give them several firm slaps on their back.

If they are still choking, stand them up and hug them from behind with your arms under theirs. Wrap your hands together just under their breast-bone and squeeze your arms in and up. Do this until their airway is cleared. For babies and toddlers, firm pressure in the same direction using the heel of one hand may be sufficient.

The GURU must now sleep.

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FAQ: How can I save someone’s life?

2008-10-05T02:36:30+02:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

At the scene of an accident, step back and evaluate the situation before jumping-in to help...you may only be putting yourself at risk and adding to the casualty list. Make the scene as safe as possible.

If there are several people injured, attend to the silent and motionless ones first...they will need your help most urgently.

If the person is conscious and can move, let them sit up if they can. Trying to stand may cause them to faint. Do not force them to lie on their back as they will find it difficult to breathe.

If the injured person cannot move and you suspect a serious neck injury, do not move them around unless they are in further danger in their present position. Keep their head in alignment with their spine. Motor-cycle helmets can be kept on with the visor open. Sudden movements of the head after serious neck injury can lead to permanent paralysis from the neck down. Get someone to help you if you can.

Unconscious or badly injured victims should be laid on their back. With one hand under their neck and the other on their fore-head, tilt their head to point the chin up. This will open their air-way and allow them to breathe.

If they remain unconscious, look in their mouth to see if there is any obstruction. Carefully scoop or pick out anything blocking the throat. Remove any loose dentures.

Bleeding wounds should be tightly bandaged. Badly damaged limbs should have their blood supply blocked by some form of tourniquet. Periodically slacken the tourniquet if the limb turns blue. Fractured bones should be repositioned and splinted. Try to raise the injured limb above the level of the chest whenever possible.

If they are still unconscious, put your ear above their mouth. Hear and feel for their breathing, and look for chest elevations.

If they are breathing then lay them in the Recovery-Position, after emptying their pockets of things like keys which can cause pressure sores. Remember to keep their head slightly tilted back.

If they are not breathing, pinch their nose and blow 2 deep breathes into them by forming a tight seal over their mouth with your lips. You should see their chest rise each time. Get help to call the ambulance and tell them that there is someone unconscious and not breathing. The ambulance service will need help to make their preliminary assessment of the emergency and to find the accident scene.

Someone who is not breathing may also have no heart-beat. This can be difficult to determine when your pulse is racing and their pulse is at best weak. If in doubt, give 15 chest compressions with them on the ground. Kneeling next to their chest, place two fingers on the base of their breast-bone, and above that place the heal of one hand. Interlink the fingers of the other hand on top and press vertically down with straight arms and your shoulders over your hands. You will feel a natural stop when doing chest compressions. Larger sized victims will require stronger and deeper chest compressions.

Repeat the sequence of 2 breathes to 15 chest compressions until the ambulance arrives.

If the person regains consciousness, sit them up if they can and keep them warm. Give them warm water or a sugary drink if available. Try not to leave their side until the ambulance arrives.

The GURU must now sleep.

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FAQ: Am I Clean? Part #2

2008-10-02T23:19:07+02:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

The face must be scrubbed daily with a face-towel. Concentrate around the eyes, ears, mouth and neck.

Brush your teeth when you wake-up and just before you go to bed with fluoridated toothpaste. Concentrate on the gum-line. If your gums bleed it is because there is plaque (naturally forming) which is being left on the gum-line. Carry-on brushing the gum-line, and after a week or so, the gums will become healthier and the bleeding will subside.

Everyone will eventually develop gaps in-between their teeth which can collect food debris. These spaces need to be cleaned-out with appropriately sized ‘inter-dental bottle-brushes’. The best time to do this is straight after eating.

Effective flossing (which is a difficult technique involving a high degree of manual dexterity) may aid in slowing gum-recession and accessing tighter gaps. You must be careful not to push plaque and debris under the gum-line. You must not use broad floss or tape. These are ineffective at removing trapped food, and condenses plaque onto the tooth surface.

Tongue-scrapers are ineffective. A coating on the tongue indicates ill-health.

If you feel the need to regularly put anti-septic cream on your skin...seek the advice of a doctor. If you feel the need to regularly rinse with an anti-septic mouthwash...seek the advice of a dentist.

Ear-wax should be removed regularly with miniature metal excavators shaped like ladles. The best time to do this is straight after bathing or showering. The technique is delicate, and you must not go into the ear canal.

Q-tips or cotton-buds are ineffective and push ear-wax deeper into the ear canal.

After using the toilet, clean your private areas with water and soap or detergent. Dry thoroughly after use.

The GURU must now sleep.

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FAQ: How can I drive safely?

2008-10-01T01:03:52+02:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

Reckless or dangerous driving can put you at risk of losing your licence, losing your job, hurting yourself and others, facing manslaughter charges and prison-time, or killing yourself, friends, or family.

Do not drive if:

- You are feeling tired; especially at night or in the early morning.
- You are drunk. In England, this is classified as having more than 5 units of alcohol in your system. An hour and-a-half after starting drinking, a single unit of alcohol is lost from the body every hour.
- You are angry. Pull over to a safe parking position until you feel settled again.
- A medication you may be taking may affect your ability to drive.

Whilst driving:

- Having Satellite Navigation will make driving to new places much easier, less stressful, and ultimately safer. Many can be connected to the internet to download the up-to-date locations of speed-cameras. The Sat-Nav will then alert you of nearby or upcoming speed cameras.
- Everyone in the vehicle should have their seat-belts fastened.
- Make sure your lights are on if it is dim or dark.
- Keep your distance from other drivers.
- Do not become distracted from looking at the road.
- Do not have your music blasting.
- Try not to get angry.
- Have both hands available on the wheel.
- Always look over your shoulder before making a turn or changing lanes.
- Look in your rear-view before you break, and signal before you turn.
- If the head-lights symbol is lit on your front-display, then you have got the flood-lights on. These are only to be used in heavy fog conditions.
- Take a break at least every 2 hours...service-stations stops make the car-journey more pleasant. Sharing the driving whenever possible is also helpful during long trips.
- Do not speed. Even when there seems to be a perfectly safe road ahead of you, do not let your speed go over 10% of the speed limit on that road. This is the legal buffer-zone that is allowed for...33mph in a “30mph-Zone”, and 44mph in a “40mph-Zone”. Even on a clear and straight motorway, with sunny conditions, most people only do 30% more than the speed limit...illegally at about 90mph. On such a beautiful day, you should try not to rush through the journey to a destination, for it puts you in a position where you can lose your life.
- Do not be tempted into switching lanes frequently to get to your destination faster...little time is saved which could have been better spent preparing for the journey.
- Keep twice the normal distance in poor weather conditions.
- Drive slowly and carefully in car-parks. This is when you need both spatial-awareness around your vehicle and an alertness to possible vehicles pulling-out.

Maintain your auto-mobile:

- Put enough water and fuel into your vehicle for you not to run-out suddenly. A clean wind-screen is essential for good visibility. Some models of cars also require water in their radiators to be replaced. Spare containers can be left in the boot.
- The average tread-depth of the tyres should be over 1.6mm.
- The optimal tyre-pressures can be found in the vehicle-manual or around the fuel-cap.
- Tyres that show any ‘bump’ should be immediately replaced.
- Have a good spare tyre, and equipment to change it. Have a good Jack with a broad base, otherwise it can move under the car whilst being activated. It will then cut into your car as you lower it. Have a wrench with a long shaft for greater leverage, otherwise you may never be able to loosen the bolts. Make sure you pop loose the bolts before you jack-up the car. Ensure bolts are as tight as possible before driving off.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: How do I lose weight?

2008-09-28T17:55:33+02:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

You may need to lose weight for health reasons. Try to keep your Body-Mass-Index [weight(kg)/height(m2)] between 18.5-24.9.

A healthy diet and regular physical activity are essentials. Leave at least 30mins after eating before you begin any strenuous activity.

Go to a health-centre with a gym or swimming-pool; this will also help you to socialize. Go 3-5 times a week. Start with 20mins per session...you can double that on good days. Dress for comfort and flexibility.

In a gym, train mostly on the jogging, cycling, rowing and step machines. Weight training should be kept to a minimum when trying to lose weight.

Warm up for 5mins first, and train at a moderate intensity, for as long as possible before having rests. You should train so that you are out of breath and sweating, but still able to carry out a conversation. Slow down until you are able to speak again. Drink water when you feel thirsty. The use of saunas and steam-baths should be kept to a minimum, for no longer than 15mins at-a-time, and not after exercising.

Your maximum heart-rate can be calculated by subtracting your age from 220. You should try and train at 65% to 85% of your maximum heart-rate through most of your training sessions. Buy yourself a heart-rate monitor, which comes in the form of a chest-band and wrist-watch.

Stretching exercises lasting 5mins should be done at least 3 times a day, and before and after training. All possible limitations of movement should be explored each day. Do not over-stretch your limit, but hold each position for at least 15secs. Move slowly and do not bounce. Regular stretching improves mobility, reduces tension and stiffness, and aids in preventing many physical and mental ailments.

An example of a 5mins stretching routine can be found in:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-iY5V0xiiKw

A greater multitude of stretching, balance and resistance exercises are possible with a partner, or using a gym ball. Health-centre staff members and Trainers are normally very helpful sources of advice and guidance. The centre may also hold other group-activities.

Playing a sport is a fun way to exercise. Try table-tennis, badminton, squash, basket-ball or football.

Weight that is lost quickly can be put back on just as quick, but a slow and gradual weight-loss can be more easily maintained.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: Why do I dream?

2008-09-17T22:46:28+02:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

You have around 4 dreams every night. Your dreams are longer when in your deepest sleep. You can tell when someone is dreaming if there is rapid eye movement under their eye-lids (REM sleep).

Each dream lasts for about 30 minutes; at 1 hour and 30 minute intervals.

During a full 8-hour sleep, you will experience the dream-world for around 2 hours.

Five minutes after waking up, you will forget 50% of your last dream. After ten minutes, you will have forgotten 90%. You will be more likely to forget your dreams if...you drink alcohol before you sleep, you don’t have enough sleep, or you are feeling stressed.

There is more brain activity during a dreaming state then there is during the waking state. Whilst dreaming, men experience erections and women experience increased vaginal blood-flow.

Dreaming plays an important part in our brain development. Pre-mature babies spend up to 80% of their sleep-time dreaming. After birth this drops to 50%, and then 35% a year later. Adults spend 20-25% of their sleep in a dream state, dropping to 15% after retirement age.

Generally, a happy person will have happy dreams...and a sad person will have sad dreams. More importantly, dreams are a reflection of our deepest thoughts and feelings, where the sub-conscious mind plays out a story in parallel dimension. How you deal with situations in a dream can tell a lot about your character and personality. However, we must be careful not to draw too many links between that dimension and our real-life world.

Dreams are like the mind’s filing-system...forming conduits from one thought process to another, sub-consciously bundling the day’s events into their respective compartments, and devising scenarios to connect them. You wake up with a renewed ability to evaluate the previous day’s events, and to prepare for the day to come. From here comes the phrase “to sleep on it”. Without this necessary organising and rejuvenation, the mind would become erratic and cumbersome.

Re-occurring dreams indicate an unresolved issue in your mind.

Greater creativity of mind will lead to longer, and more diverse and sophisticated dreams.

If you partly wake up in-between dreams, you can follow and remember more continuity from one dream to another. You can then remember, and enjoy, hours when in that dream state.

Lucid dreaming can be promoted naturally. When in states of stress or depression, we have longer dreams and can greatly benefit from taking control of them. For example, if you frequently dream of running away from a pursuer...at some point you may realise that you are dreaming...stop...turn around...chase after them. The next time you dream of an attacker, your mind has a previous reference of that dominant self. Combine this with saving others in the dream, and you can strengthen your character from the inside-out.

If well-practiced with lucid dreaming, you can last throughout REM sleep in a virtual world where you have complete control...not limited by physical laws, geography, or time.

All other mammals exhibit the same brain activity when they sleep, and so may also experience a dream-like state.

We dream because our minds and imaginations are too active to hibernate for long.

We can re-wire our own thought-processes by taking control of our dreams.

Dreams show us the extremes of our reality.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: How big is the Universe?

2008-09-08T22:14:59+02:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

If you travelled at maximum speed...the speed of light...300 million metres per second, or 186,000 miles per second:

- You would reach the border of our Solar System in 5 hours 30 minutes;

- You would reach the border of our Galaxy in 20,000 years;

- You would reach Andromeda (closest major Galaxy) in 2 million years;

- You would reach the edge of our Universe in 15 billion years.

The GURU must now sleep.

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FAQ: Can I Win the Euro-Millions Jack-Pot?

2008-09-05T19:19:59+02:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

If one had in excess of £95 million in ready access...then one could buy enough tickets to cover all possible lottery out-comes...and be guaranteed a jack-pot win.

But tonight, one would spend more than one could win.

But, if there is another roll-over next week...then there may be profit to be seen.

However, if only one other person matches the jack-pot numbers, then...one would be out-numbered...to the tune of £50 million.

The Jack-Pot would have to stretch beyond £200 million if you were to account for another winner. Syndicates are primed...but they, like us, are gambling.

The GURU must now sleep.

Comments

FAQ: How can I learn useful mathematics quickly? Lesson #2

2008-09-02T20:14:51+02:00

Dr. GURU speaks,

To extend Algebra...

(a x b) + y = z
y = z - (a x b)
(a x b) = z - y
a = (z/b) - (y/b) = (z - y) / b
b = (z/a) - (y/a) = (z - y) / a

and Statistics...

The probability of any given event happening...or...another given event happening is 1/y = 1/a (+) 1/b = [(1 x b) + (1 x a)] / (a x b) = 1 chance in y

The probability of you winning the UK national lottery or Euro-millions lottery jack-pot is...

(1/14million) + (1/76million) = 1 in 12 million

The GURU must now sleep

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