Posted by Editor | Comments Off on The Best Fantasy Movies for Everyone

The Best Fantasy Movies for Everyone

Treat your family and friends to a weekend of the best sword, sorcery and adventure movies.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Based on the book series by C.S. Lewis, the first installment of the movie franchise introduces the Pevensie children who discover a wardrobe that leads to the world of Narnia. They learned that Narnia has been cursed by the White Witch for a hundred years.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Inspired by the series penned by J.K. Rowling, this iconic adaptation introduces Harry Potter, an orphan who learns that his parents used magic and were murdered by an evil wizard.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)
Taken from Jules Verne’s novel of the same title, it tells the story of an expedition to the Pacific Ocean led by Prof. Pierre M. Aronnax and Conseil to prove that a sea monster does not exist.

The Dark Crystal (1982)
This animated film features the Gelfling Jen on a mission to restore a shard of a broken magical crystal in order to save the planet Thra. He has to restore the shard before the three suns align to prevent the Skeksis from ruling over the plant.

Star Wars (1977)
The first installment of the famous series was later renamed Star Wars: Episode IV-A New Hope and highlights the attempts of Princess Leia and the Rebel Alliance to destroy the Death Star.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Based on the book by J.R.R. Tolkien that popularized the fantasy genre, The Lord of the Rings opens the adventures of Frodo, Merry, Sam and Pippin who are on a mission to destroy the One Ring created by Sauron.

Krull (1983)
The movie begins with a prophecy that a queen and a king shall arise and rule the galaxy. This prophecy might be fulfilled by Princess Lyssa and Prince Colwyn who are forming an alliance to stop the Beast from destroying the planet Krull.

Clash of the Titans (1981)
This faithful retelling of the story of the Greek hero Perseus was a wonder at the time it was created because of its use of stop motion animation. Perseus was the son of Danae and Zeus who was banished by his grandfather when he learned that Danae was pregnant.

Avatar (2009)
Set in the future when humanity is colonizing other planets in the universe, the humans threaten the locals on the moon Pandora when they tried to mine unobtanium.

Ugetsu (1953)
Inspired by various tales written by Ueda Akinari, it tells the story of a poor farmer, Genjurou, who left his family during the civil war in the Azuchi-Momoyama period in Japan. The man was later seduced by a spirit, while his friend Toubei became a samurai at the expense of the wife.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Adapted from the novel by L. Frank Baum, this classic which was among the first few movies to use Technicolor, introduces Dorothy Gale and her dog who were taken by a tornado to the Land of Oz.

Read More

Posted by Editor | Comments Off on The Best 3D Platformers You Should Try

The Best 3D Platformers You Should Try

Unlike sidescrolling platformers, 3D platformers can be viewed from different sides allowing for more movement and exploration. If you need variety in your video games, try the best titles from this genre.

Jet Set Radio
Alternatively known as Jet Grind Radio, the player has to guide the character, Beat, who patrols Tokyo-to while spraying graffiti on walls, rollerblading, and evading the cops within a time limit.

Jak 3
The third installment of the Jak series, the game allows the player to control Jak and Daxter in their exploration of the Wasteland, particularly Spargus City.

Mirror’s Edge
Set in a dystopian society, the player meets Faith, a runner who acts as a messenger while evading the eyes of the government. Faith is required to overcome obstacles in the environment using her parkour skills.

Rayman Legends
The fifth installment of the Rayman series, this title details the events a hundred years after Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc. The Bubble Dreamer’s nightmares and the Magician have gained power, so Rayman and his companions have to be awakened to save the 10 kidnapped princesses.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Prince of Persia has been successful as a sidescrolling platformer, but this version of the game made the franchise a classic in video games. The unnamed Prince receivds the task of saving his father’s kingdom from the tricks of the Vizier after he was lured into releasing the Sands of Time.

Ratchet & Clank
The Lombax Ratchet wants to become a Galactic Ranger, but he was rejected because of his criminal records. One day he met Victor, whom he named Clank, after they learned of the plans of Chairman Alonzo Drek.

Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus
Also named Sly Raccoon, the game requires the use of stealth to help the thieves Sly Cooper, Murray the Hippo and Bentley the Turtle steal the book Thievius Raccoonus. The book was previously stolen by the Fiendish Five who also killed Sly’s father.

Crash Bandicoot: Warped
Alternatively called Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped, this game is the third installment of the series following the events of the second game. Crash and his friend Coco Bandicoot must travel through time to prevent Doctor Nefarious Tropy, Cortex and Uka Uka from collecting the Crystals.

Conker’s Bad Fur Day
The squirrel Conker is planning to return to his girlfriend Berri, but the Panther King is looking for a red squirrel to replace a leg of his table. Conker has to overcome the obstacles and problems along the way.

Psychonauts
The game introduces the gifted Raz who ran away from the circus where he used to work so that he can become a psychic spy. He attends a summer camp which was the site of a meteor crash years ago.

Portal 2
The game is part of the Half-Life series and features Chell who must escape the test chambers in a laboratory with the help of GLaDOS.

Read More

Posted by Editor | Comments Off on How Drinking Tea Improves Your Health—and Your Looks

How Drinking Tea Improves Your Health—and Your Looks

With so many health benefits attached to drinking tea, one can consider it as a “miracle” drink. It effectively lowers cholesterol count, prevents the risk of blindness and dementia, and protects you from potential allergies.
Regardless, did you know that a generous amount of tea on the daily is powerful enough to make you feel good and look good at the same time? That’s right, tea is truly a “miracle” drink since it can also improve your physical appearance and help you look good in general.

Protects your smile
While there is a negative connotation on how drinking tea affects your teeth’s appearance (making it terrible), you might actually want to think otherwise. The belief is said to be a general stereotype. In fact, tea has tannins and fluoride which helps decrease the buildup of plaque and prevents tooth decay. If you combine it with a healthy dental hygiene regimen, you may effectively keep your teeth healthier!

Zero calories
You don’t have to go for diet cola or a zero calorie soda if you want a calorie-free drink. Tea is a healthier option. In its bare form, tea has zero calories. Should you choose to add milk or sweeteners, it is still considerably low in calories compared to other drinks sold in the market. That makes it a satisfying, guilt-free drink which helps you prepare for the day ahead.

Prevents acne breakouts
Tea is notably good for the skin. It has been a common ingredient among skincare products such as facial masks and cleansers, but drinking tea is notably much more effective when it comes to preventing acne breakouts. This is because tea contains rich levels of antioxidants, which has an effect on acne. If you want a youthful and radiant-looking skin, drinking tea will increase your chances of achieving one.

Increases metabolism
If you want to shed a few pounds or get your summer body ready, drink tea more often. Studies suggest that green tea boosts one’s metabolic rate, enabling you to burn additional calories per day than the usual. Tea is also popular among weight-loss programs and is encouraged by fitness trainers to be drank regularly. Over time, you will undoubtedly notice the effect of drinking tea on your weight and body.

Helps bad breath
Tea contains natural compounds such as polyphenols, which notably helps in preventing the occurrence of bad breath. While mints and breath-freshening sprays help in getting rid of your stinky breath, tea on the other hand allows you to eliminate bad breath for good. Over time, the stinky breath will soon disappear and will continue to be gone as you pick up a regular tea habit.

Read More

Posted by Editor | Comments Off on What are Some Healthy Alternatives To Coffee?

What are Some Healthy Alternatives To Coffee?

Coffee is known to have benefits on the body. Healthy amount of coffee yields to better concentration and state of mind, thus allowing a worker to achieve maximum work productivity. While it is effective in that manner, the drink can also turn to be a hazard if consumed in unhealthy amounts.

Cutting back on your coffee intake means you’re training yourself not to be solely dependent on the drink; so here are some alternatives to give you that caffeine boost you need!

Yerba mate
Yerba Mate is renowned to have the same strength of coffee, euphoria of eating chocolate, and the many health benefits of tea. It is a celebrated drink made from the leaves of the South American holly tree. For those who are unable to start the day without having a cup of coffee, yerba mate is a great alternative. It gives the same kick of energy coffee has, with all the essential nutrients on that. It can be consumed in different ways: cold, hot, with honey, or in a tea infuser.

Kombucha tea
A type of yeast, Kombucha is popularly served as tea in many countries after fermenting it together with sugar, tea, and other necessary flavors. This drink can be a great substitute for coffee. There are lots of health benefits attributed to kombucha. Some of them include regulating the body’s bowel movement, preventing cancer and other diseases, reducing high blood pressure, and more.

Tea
Both rich in caffeine, tea is encouraged more than coffee thanks to the many benefits it brings to the body. Teas range in myriad of blends and kinds, and they can either be drunk hot or cold depending on your preference. You can select from the many specialty teas sold in the market; such as black, herbal, or green tea. They are easily accessible in almost all grocery stores. Some are also sweet enough that you don’t necessarily have to throw in some sugar!

Coconut water
Coconut water recently became popular thanks to its growing consumer number. It is one healthy drink which is still increasingly getting famous by the day; a clear, milky liquid which is made out of fresh young coconuts. This coconut drink is naturally sweet, saving you from artificial sweeteners. It is also rich in rehydrating electrolytes and bioactive enzymes, making it a good replacement for even sports drinks.

Sparkling water
Although deemed as a boring beverage by many, sparkling water is one refreshing alternative to satisfy your coffee cravings while hydrating you in the process. You’ll be surprised to realize how sparkling water is actually delicious and hydrating especially when the drink is flavored with all-natural, sugar-free fruit extracts. There is a number of sparkling waters sold in the market you can choose from!

Read More

Posted by Editor | Comments Off on 6 Foods to Avoid If Battling Depression

6 Foods to Avoid If Battling Depression

When fighting depression, simple food choices can make a huge difference between feeling worse and feeling more stable. Although burgers and ice cream don’t make us feel anxious or suicidal, too much of these junk foods can cause unfavorable effects to your body’s natural chemistry that might affect your coping mechanism from depression.
If you are someone diagnosed with depression, here’s a list of foods you’re better off avoiding.

1. Alcohol
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. If you’re managing mood disorder, better avoid any form of alcoholic drink. Since the central nervous system controls the thinking, reasoning and understanding functions of the brain, it’s a guarantee that it can control your emotions as well. If you drink too much alcohol, it slows down the function of the system, triggering symptoms of depression.

2. Refined Sugar
A bar of chocolate tastes good and provides us that spike of energy. But after 20 minutes, your blood sugar levels plummet, resulting to sugar hangover that depletes your energy, negatively affects your mood and possibly causes sleep disorder, which can further trigger depression.

3. Caffeine
If you are fully dedicated to managing your depression, keep in mind that even moderate amount of coffee can contribute to anxiety and depression. Caffeine is known to disrupt sleeping patterns, making it difficult for you to feel sleepy and stay asleep. It can also cause tremors, nervousness and agitation, which can affect your mood.

4. Hydrogenated Oil
Foods rich in hydrogenated oil are those that are deep fried, such as fried chicken, calamari, cheese sticks and your favorite French fries. Anything deep fried in oil and contains high amount of trans fat can potentially trigger symptoms of depression. Similarly, watch out for foods high in saturated fats, such as butter, regular dairy products and deli meats, as they can trigger the same effects as deep fried foods.

5. Processed Foods
Consuming foods with processed or refined carbohydrates, like cereals, donuts, white bread and pasta, will have the same impact as eating an entire bar of chocolate. After the short time of insulin boost, you will end up feeling irritated, tired and blue.

6. Soy
Tofu and soy milk may be good for the health, but not for someone coping with depression. Although soy is packed with protein, it is also rich in trypsin and protease inhibitors, which are enzymes that make digestion of protein difficult. Also, soy is high in copper, a mineral that’s said to contribute to anxious behavior. If you must include soy to your diet, stick to fermented varieties like miso and tempeh for easier digestion.

Whether you’re fighting depression or just on a diet, remember that feeding with crap will make your feel like crap. If you feed your body with the right food, it will return the favor of making you feel good inside and out.

Read More

Posted by Editor | Comments Off on 5 Common Mistakes Solo Travelers Make

5 Common Mistakes Solo Travelers Make

Travelling solo has its own perks: you can go extremely cheap or extravagant with your accommodation without someone raising a brow on you and you have absolute freedom where to go, what to do and where to eat. But there are also some mistakes that people commonly make when travelling solo. Check them out before embarking on your next solo flight.

1. Going out to find company
There’s nothing wrong with being friendly, but this can be counterproductive if you’re planning all your tours and trips with your newly found friends. There’s a reason why you chose to go solo. Many travelers who travel in groups wish to have some time alone; you have that luxury, so enjoy it.

2. Strictly sticking to your plans
One of the amazing benefits of solo travelling is that you can be fickle minded. You can instantly change plans without consulting anyone else but yourself. Enjoy this luxury, since you don’t regularly experience this in your everyday life. If you wish to change destination for a tour, want to transfer to a nicer hotel or fly to the next city, go for it.

3. Getting too intoxicated
Getting drunk and misbehaving in public can result to hefty charges, or even imprisonment in some countries. Intoxicating yourself from too much alcohol also clouds your mind, resulting to poor judgment that can potentially endanger yourself. Veteran solo travelers advise to approach the concierge of the venue to make arrangements with them to bring you safely to your hotel on the closing time of the bar. However, prevention is better than cure; it is still much safer to keep yourself sober the entire night.

4. Forgetting to make reservations
Standing in long queues is such a waste of time. So, it is always better to make your reservations ahead of time for everything you will need during your trip. Especially the accommodation, expect fully booked hotels around the city when flying on a peak season. By reserving a place before you arrive, you won’t have to deal with the waiting game for hours.

5. Shying out and cutting off casual conversations
If you wish to explore the culture outside Singapore, know people’s way of living and meet new friends from different places in the world, travelling solo will require great courage. Most people have a bit of shyness in them, and travelling alone can pronounce this trait more. To get meaningful encounters, you need to suppress your shyness and appear friendlier. One way to get started is to approach shops and restaurants and ask for directions. From there, you can start chatting about the place, the neighborhood or how long they have been in the area.

Solo travels are fun and are the best way to explore the place, as well as to know yourself even more. Make the most out of your trip by knowing what to do and what not to do during a solo travel.

Read More

Posted by Editor | Comments Off on 8 Common Home Pests You Need to Get Rid Of

8 Common Home Pests You Need to Get Rid Of

Other than roaches, rodents, termites and bed bugs, many homes in Singapore are infiltrated with these common home pests. To get rid of cockroaches is one main goal of hiring a pest control management, but other that you also have to liberate your home from the following common household pests:

Ants – These formidable insects are very good at finding sources of food and are highly adaptive. Even if you do find their nest, they can easily leave the area and find another spot in your home when they feel threatened. Controlling their numbers won’t be easy unless you call for help from a pest control management company in Singapore. After all, different ant species require different pest control methods to terminate pest.

Ticks – These are considered parasite that thrive on the blood of their hosts. They can be found not just on your pets, but also among humans and other animals including the other pests that live in your home. If you live in an old apartment in Singapore, you will need to repair any cracks and gaps in the structure that might be hiding places for ticks and other home pests. To terminate pest, you will need to contact pest control services to determine the best way to get rid of the infestation.

Mites – There are various species of mites, but the one you have to look out for cause skin irritation and become vectors for deadly diseases. It’s difficult to determine if your home has a mite infestation, but the first sign is usually the allergies and skin irritation among family members and pets. Call www.pestdestroyer.sg in Singapore if you think you have mite infestation at home.

Silverfish – If you have a lot of storage boxes and books at home, you will also most likely find silverfish near them. They can be destructive when they thrive in dark and damp areas and could destroy your clothing, books and other paper, upholstery and wallpaper. Silverfish infestation can also attract other insects in your home that feed on them, and they can also cause allergies in some people.

Gnats – These are classified one of the several types of flies and are commonly attracted to areas in your home that have decomposing food and moist soil. Although they will not cause any structural damage in residential areas, gnats can be carriers of pathogens not just for humans, but also for house plants.

Lice – Different species of lice live in different hosts, and even the human lice can only thrive in specific areas. If you have pets infested with lice, they can also cause skin irritation and rashes among humans. To terminate pest effectively, you will need recommendations from the pest control services in Singapore on which chemicals should be used to watch clothing and linen.

Meal Moths – Also called weevils, meal moths are not just attracted to food and can spoil them, but they can also feed on your clothes, carpets, and linen. Call the pest control management company to assess the situation.

Spiders – They do not necessarily cause structural damage and health problems, but there are a few species that can cause serious medical issues if venomous. If you think that your home is spider-infested, call the pest control services to perform an assessment.

These pests are not only a threat to your property, but also to your and your family’s health. Make sure to have your home free from many of these disease-causing pests by calling a professional pest control service.

Read More