Tennis; The Sport Where Fitness and Fun Meet

           By Vic Odarve

Not only that this game keeps you physically fit and mentally alert, but also gives fun and excitements. Body movements are more than ordinary exercise; burns fat and promotes healthy hearts. It also keeps the players always on alerts; ball anticipation, cat-quick reactions, and explosive power shots. Excitements draw in during individual or double competitions to both players and the tennis enthusiasts as players exhibit their hidden awesome skills. That’s tennis, the sport where fitness and fun meet.

Madonna University, Elele Campus

Tennis promotes general body movements by executing different positions; sprinting, jumping, walking, and quick actions. It develops stronger leg muscles through acceleration and side to side movements in chasing the flying ball. The short and intense burst of activities exercise lungs and actuate breathing; thus improving cardiovascular conditions. A study shows that all over workout a player burns an average of 498 calories an hour…good enough to burn fat, flatten stomach, and achieve physical fitness.

The game also keeps you mentally alert; that is, it requires tactical thinking as the game progresses… trading of forehands and backhands, slicing, top spins, and other techniques to keep your opponents off balance.  Your brain is always working on anticipation, quick reaction time, and finding strategic locations where and how to land the ball in an explosive manner… eluding the opponent’s defense. These mind-bursting activities generate connections between nerves in the brain, according to one of the study. Thus, the game keeps your mind in exercising mode all the time.

Weekend Activity

The game offers an enjoyment and excitement to both players and the spectators.  Some players display different forms of antics to draw the crowd for support and distract opponents focus on the game. Watching the players’ level of finesse and controls, power shots consistency, ball placement and depth, as the game progresses draws excitements. Keeping opponents off-balance by top-spinning, slicing, powering shots or smashing the ball gives a thrill to the fans and players alike. 

Whether you play only in a weekend with your friends, tennis provides an excellent social outlet at the same time keeps you physically and mentally fit. It is a time-efficient outdoor activity, enjoyable sport, and allows you to meet with people in the community irrespective of your age.

There is no doubt that tennis is one of the best sports for us to play. It is the sport where physical and mental fitness and enjoyment meet.

Math-Anxious Parents

By Vic Odarve

“Math is difficult. I could not get along very well with numbers. Just a set of equations and worded problems got me nervous and frightened”, exclaimed one of the parents whose daughter was at university studying engineering course. He is not alone. He may be one of the hundreds of parents following their child's math performance at university. Indeed, math is difficult and providing help our students in math is one of the parental problems.

Math notes-too difficult for parents

Faced with the growing emphasis in Math in all schools from kindergarten to diploma levels, parents must assist math assignments to their children to whatever levels they are in in the education. It is a parental responsibility to see to it that progress has been made on their studies in all the courses. It is a part of parental monitoring process in order to guide them and what part of the study they could be of help.

With the advancing technology, math expands rapidly, such that most parents are left behind. Modern math, from kindergarten to university courses, is becoming complex that most parents no longer understand the whys behind at every step in computations. In the elementary level, it goes beyond the fundamental of addition and subtraction. Algebraic and probability equations in secondary education often grow into combinatorics and number theory, and differential equations and advanced math in tertiary level are coupled with transformations. These issues are out of the parental mathematical worlds. These require deep understanding that most parents are already grasping their breath. That’s why oftentimes they ignored their child's request for assistance. Simply, it is because they do not understand as well. They could not give since they don’t have. Faced with difficulty, math anxious parents just keep their mouth shut and bite their lips in silence.

Parents must train their kids on apps from iPod, etc.

It is a parental woe. Parents look helpless. Hiring a private tutor is an option but most could not afford. They are trying to help the children in math but how. Some researchers suggest that  parents may enroll in math classes; employ learning tools such as math books or apps that may enable them to interact with the children in positive ways; and coordinate closely with the teachers on new teaching techniques and strategies. These may work, at least, to some degree.

Final Exam-Math

Math-anxious parents are common in our modern society. But math is part of our life. Whether we like it or not, we must be in good terms with math. It is time for the parents to stop saying ‘I don’t like math’. There is no day without math. It not only describes our world, but it underpins everything we do. God bless!

Final Exam and Discipline: No Copying, Please!

By Vic Odarve

Without warning, a teacher slapped the student’s face twice after being caught twisting his head to copy another student’s script during the final exam of the course. The student simply did nothing in response after seeing perhaps a million stars twinkling in heaven! In another cheating incident, the lecturer tore the script into pieces before his very eyes in the closing minutes of an exam. Scripts were nothing more than a waste thrown into a garbage can. Surely, this student failed the course! “No copying, please!” the teacher warned.

Final Exam in Engineering Math

The above scenarios are common sight during final exams. Twisting the heads to almost 360 degrees with eyes dangling a mile just to see and copy the scripts of the classmates seems an eyesore inside the exam room. Sometimes invigilators of an exam talk in a stern voice but lose and raise tempers; hence slapping of faces has acted in.  Copying is more prevalent at the last minute of the exams such that teachers can be seen confiscating scripts and tore them into pieces.  “I am not surprised by this cheating. I have seen this for so many years. It is already in our culture and these strong punishments are messages to our students during final examinations”, quoted one native professor. So be it!

Eastern and western countries have different modes of disciplining college students’ misdeeds. Scripts are merely confiscated and advised the students to go out the classroom quietly. Some schools are stricter when it comes to examination time. In China, for instance, lecturers are allowed to slap students in the face and kick out of the class. But in most countries, physical harm is to be avoided or else you will end up in a court battle. Here, we can beat students with a stick, slap their faces, and kneel before you. And they will not bring you to a court!

African University Students

But in no way cheating is pleasing to the eyes of God and mankind. Copying one’s scripts during final examination is synonymous to cheating. Whether these disciplines are an extra mile or just a quite short with the red lines established in the student’s manual, this university is not lifting her hands in defeat. Whether one is cheating or copying scripts or corrupting millions of government funds, one is certain: in the last days, we will face God face to face and be judged according to our deeds.

 "I am coming soon, bringing with me the salary I will pay for each one according to his deeds”. Rev 22:12

Glory to God in the highest. So be it!

Where to Live After Retirement

By Vic Odarve

To find a great place to live after retirement is not an easy task. Environment, climate, and cost of living should be the top priority among the concerns. Environment includes its neighborhood, crime rates, and cultural diversity. Weather, too, considering the extremes, cold and hot, often affects old age health. Living cost, for many, must be sustained. The golden age years is a life altering event; hence a place to live in must provide a great sense of joy and happiness.

Playing with kids

The environment dictates the way on how you live. And it is just a matter of your choice. It could be from rural areas to a bustling city or in the land of your birth. It depends much on your way of life… spending time in sandy beaches to forested scenic beauty or to cities nightlife. Others want to sing hymns and praises in the name of the Lord; thus devoting more in the church activities. It is getting to the part of life where we can just enjoy after retirement.

After getting a good and sound environment, extreme weather conditions must be checked. The place must not be extremely hot or cold. Temperate weather throughout the year is usually the best. Typhoons, hurricane, tsunamis, and other related weather disturbances can be a threatening scenario among older age. Weather conditions must not affect any of your health problems. Excruciating pain from rheumatisms, muscles aches, and heart problems are largely aggravated by an extreme weather.

Relatives and friends are more precious than other resources

Whether you have enough savings or investments, the cost of living could not be taken for granted. Savings and investments sometimes go wrong. Bank closures and investment misfortunes are in the mess. Usually, living in great cities, cost of living is higher than nation’s average; but for those who can afford with the lifestyle, it may set up your mood. It also has all the required amenities and is pleasantly bustling city life. Try to locate one which is the most cost effective and safest cities in the country. Select a quiet, and peaceful cities where the crime rates are impressively low. Living in rural areas, however, are not expensive as in cities and it may help well to sustain your daily needs because you do not know how long you live. Some retirees may live 100 years or more—a centenarian— a rarity, but today it is common. Whatever you have money in banks or investment, it can be sustained further by choosing your lifestyle in retirement.

Davao city,Philippines-one of the top ten safest cities in the world

You ought not to spend your life at home alone in old age! Although money can give conveniences, there are happiness and enjoyments that make your retirement life worth living. Friends, relatives, family, and good health are far more important than your large savings or investment. If by God’s will you have enough resources, learn to share with others and it will transform your life. Being a grandparent, leaving your sons and daughters and their grown up kids successful makes you feel happier.

Indeed, to find a place where to spend the twilight years is a difficult task. Like Elijah on his journey to Mount Horeb, the angel of the Lord reminded him;

"Get up and eat, for the journey is too long for you." 1 Kings 19:7

Indeed, life is a journey, nothing less. A place to live in our twilight years must be prepared.

Easter Sunday With Father Edeh

By Vic Odarve

Like all other Christians across the world, Father Edeh celebrated Easter Sunday with Eucharistic mass and charitable works. As always in the past the homily reminded the faithful, that it is the resurrection that gives life and hope to every Christian believer.

Easter Sunday at Elele, Rivers State

Jesus resurrection, an event around 2000 years ago, gives hope to people around the world  to change for a better and challenging life. They also want to resurrect their lives from the deadly trap of the evil. Some Christians are living dead! Living in the midst of corruptions in our wicked world! They are the modern Pharisees; religious outside, but rotten inside. But Jesus says, "I am the resurrection; whoever believes in me, though he dies, shall live."- John 11:25. With this reminder, Christians rebirth and change for a better. Resurrection is one of the biblical events that shape human history.

Father Edeh distributed foods and drinks

Last Easter Sunday at the Catholic Prayer Ministry, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria, Africa, an estimated 6000 people, young and old alike, flocked to celebrate the day with a religious man they fondly called Father Edeh by the Nigerian. After a Eucharistic mass, Father Edeh prepared, packed lunch and soft drinks and distributed to everyone who attended the celebration. Thus, all the people were filled with joy.

Father Edeh has done this activity every Easter Sunday celebration of the year.  Like Mother Theresa did in the streets of Mumbai and Calcutta, he lifts and kindles the hearts of our poor brothers and sisters in Nigeria, Africa and in the process strengthens their faiths in our Lord Jesus. It’s a wonderful job. He has done what our Lord has commanded to us. Jesus says” What you have done to the least of your brothers, you have done it unto me.”He has done it.

At the Eucharistic Mass

Father Edeh is the director and Father Founder of the Catholic Prayer Ministry of the Holy Spirit of the Eucharistic Adoration Elele, Nigeria. Like most famous religious leader, he celebrates Easter Sunday on charitable works.

Math Examples that Keep Students Challenge

By Vic Odarve

Working math example and solving it in different methods, but yield the same answer, are itself a challenge. Students learn three or four math techniques with a single example. And it works; keeping students at bay!

Math workbook

This approach allows the students to learn the principles of each method of solving same examples and develop mastery. As they master the different methods, students can readily compare the results with ease and build confidence. As confidence builds up, they challenge math problems by doing themselves; hence math becomes easier and simpler. 

Solving math problems by different methods can surprise many students, even the stupid ones. Math teachers, expert in this field and speak with power of persuasion, keep students’ eyes, glue to the board; ears listen to every discussion, and silence throughout the classroom. For example, in Algebra, find the value of x in a quadratic equation by factoring, by completing the square, and by the use quadratic formula. These three methods of finding the solution work differently, but result to the same answer. This way the students learn three math principles in just one example. Furthermore, they can spot the differences, and mimic the teacher’s steps in arriving to the final answer. Students feel great, satisfied, and enjoyed by learning three different approaches. This develops mastery of the course. Of course, a surprise and challenge!

Math students

Solving single math problem and obtain the same result using different methods also allows students to check and compare the final answer; hence the process builds up their confidence. Students turn this great opportunity to learn more of the methods; increasing their math knowledge. These environments keep them changing, growing, and learning more in math; thus becoming them to be an expert. Since all the methods yield the same results, they are motivated and making great grades… one of the top class math performers. The approach does build their confidence.

Henceforth, as confidence develops, students challenge themselves in solving math exercises and problems. They practice solving math more often. Teachers, too, can apply the same technique in a higher math. For instance, last semester, a lecturer gave an assignment to his students as a follow up in a classroom discussion, shown below;

Solve the Differential Equation    y’ -2y = 0,           y (0) =1.   Find y (0.8)      by

a) Ordinary Differential Equation method

b) Laplace Transform

c) Power series

d)  Euler’s method with n = 4.

One exercise, but to be solved by four different methods!

What were the results? Some students came to the office smiling and showed their solutions confidently; others wanted to discuss how they got their final answer. Sounds great and fulfilling!

Engineering students

The experience teaches lessons that will never be forgotten; the process builds strong math students to prepare for international competitive careers. That’s why some teachers notice that all workbook exercises left for the students to work out as homework have been solved with incredible correct solutions and approaches. Some solved by three or more methods with accuracy. It is a perfect challenge! It all begins with single math examples.

Math is difficult but teacher gives illustrative example that looks like hitting three or four birds with one stone!

Loosen Your Toxic Friends

                    By Vic Odarve

If they amplify problems to your life instead of giving solutions, it is now time to loosen these toxic friends; they are opportunistic, disrespect, and insecure.

Toxic friends are opportunistic; looks so pitiful and sorrowful when asking help. But once your help is over, he abandons your friendship and never looks back. He is on your side when you have something to give, and do opposite when you have nothing to share. He never feels obliged to render help when you need him most.

Loosen your toxic friends

They treat your friends with disrespect. They exploit the mistakes of others, even pointless; often make unsolicited remarks about others shortcomings during group meetings, acquaintances, and associations. They want your friends to become a target of ridicule for a sole purpose of propagating jokes; make them as a source of the enjoyment. It is their pleasure to see their friends committing mistakes or misfortunes. But if somebody will do the same to them, say, joke on their error or mistake, they will confront the person like a wounded tiger. If your friend does this to others chances are he will not respect you too. A good friend will treat everyone with respect.

Friends together

Toxic friends are jealous and insecure. He cannot sleep comfortably if he cannot fit your new iPhone, iPads, I-pods, etc. He feels being left behind. In a society, where bigwigs and famous personalities are adorned, they also want to be the chosen, the beloved, and the esteemed. If they failed, the natural instinct is to tear the friends down. Though act as a good friend in the daily meeting deep down in his heart he feels devastated that you’ve overtaken him in some areas of your life. These friends take the pride in relating how he did successfully in some illegal activities, putting their friends down, and idolize the corrupt and famous personalities.

If these telltale signs are clear to you it may be the time to loosen your partnership with them gradually. If you could not ward off getting rid of the group association for some reasons, the best way is to minimize your acquaintances.

Friends are like sunsets. It has an end.

These demonstrate the dark sides of human nature. Toxic friends may just bring you heartaches, sickness, and endless misery. It may bring you unwanted drama in your life and may end yourself in a disaster. Spend with your friends, which you think are your model whose solid character as true friends brings you a positive outlook in your life. These toxic friends wicked and living in the darkness must be loosened. The Bible tells us so, 2 Corinthians 6:14-15

14 Do not make unsuitable covenants with those who do not believe: can justice walk with wickedness? Or can light coexist with darkness,

15 and can there be harmony between Christ and Satan? What union can there be between one who believes and one who does not believe?

 Get rid of toxic friends. Cut them loose! They are not meant to be a member of your tribe. Toxic friends drag you down.