I don't care much about teen movies. Recently, I came across one that I kind of liked. The entire plot of the movie was based on a mission to survive a lobotomy. Of course, we're talking about Sucker Punch for those of you didn't see the movie…

Your initial impression would be: "Oh, this is bunch of girls pulling a few punches in bringing out their feministic side of theirs"… but it's more than that if you watch it. Trust me, you can expect much more from a Zack Snyder than most people these days would care to admit. Watchmen was a great movie… even though Sucker Punch is a bit annoying with the CGI!

Yet in the real world, a lobotomy (which ironically received a Nobel Prize for medicine) can practically guarantee the fact that this procedure will turn someone into a blithering idiot, and if you can stomach the truth – a literal vegetable, if you will.

And you'll truly understand how important it is to preserve the lobes of the brain when you understand the functions they serve in a human being's life everyday…

Brain Lobes – A Short Description of each Lobe & its Functions

To put it simply, we have 4 brain lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobes, and each of them (as mentioned earlier) serve a particular purpose in our lives.

#1: Frontal Lobe

This lobe is located (as indicated by the title) in front of the brain, and carries out functions such as motor skills, expressive language, higher level cognition and reasoning. Also located at the back of the frontal lobe is the motor cortex which receives information from the other lobes in the brain in order to carry out body movements.

#2: Parietal Lobe

This lobe is located in the center of the brain and is responsible for processing tactile sensory information such as pain, pressure and touch. It's important to note that the somatosensory cortex, which is located in this lobe, processes the body's senses.

#3: Temporal Lobe

This lobe is located directly below the parietal lobe, and which contains the primary auditory cortex used to interpret sounds as well as the various languages that we use in communication. Along with this, the hippocampus is also located on this lobe with its primary function being in the formation of memories.

#4: Occipital Lobe

This lobe is positioned next to the parietal lobe and is responsible for functions such as processing visual stimuli and related information. Located in this lobe is also the primary visual cortex that receives and interprets information from the retinas.

A Note on Injury (Lobotomy etc.) and its effects on the Lobes

In this age of science, there is no doubt that the brain we have is truly amazing, and scientists are still trying to figure out how it works – and strangely what happens when it experiences trauma in terms of an injury, lesions and so on and so forth. (It should also tell us how terrible a procedure such as a lobotomy was…)

Here is an interesting link that gives you the effects of damaging your brain but also gives you more information about what each of these lobes can do.

In Closing

To put it simply, your brain is quite simply the 'boss' of the body, and something that should be protected rather than tampered with. And of course, there are some people for whom a lobotomy is pointless will fail to understand this!

The feeling of setting a big and powerful goal to lose body fat, build muscle or any other goal for that matter is pure utopia.

You feel the rush of excitement flowing through your veins like some sort of illicit drug, you feel unstoppable and start to think about what it will be like when you do reach your goal – the feelings, the adoration from people, the attention, the benefits.

After the initial excitement dampens down and reality sets in – you realize you need a plan.

"Okay", you admit "I will create a plan". So you purchase a weight loss program, buy some DVDs or decide to make up your own. The options are endless but you know you need something to get started with.

The first few times you workout you enjoy it, put in the intensity and love it.

After those first few times though it starts getting a bit colder in the mornings, work gets a bit harder, your body aches and cries out for a massage, you start to crave for chocolate bars and donuts.

What happens to the excitement and wild enthusiasm that was there at the start?

1. Create Goals That Turn Your Blood Into Pure Adrenaline

Your goal itself should be a powerful motivator, if you have a goal to lose 10lb, that is a great start, but by having a goal that also extends beyond that and to one day have a body like Bruce Lee or Kim Kardashian – now that is a goal that will keep you motivated.

What I like to do (and have for some time) is to have posters of a guy who is a freakin bad ass and who have a great body, my role models have been Tony Jaa from the best martial arts films in some time, The Protector & Ong Bak, plus Bruce Lee & Brad Pitt (especially in Fight Club.

Create a goal that is bigger than wanting to lose 10lb if you are 100lb over weight. Instead of saying things like "Well, I'll never be a really skinny girl or guy, I am just bigger boned and have a larger body than other skinnier guys/gals.

B.S

Sure you may never be a supermodel, but you can always look like one.

Everybody has the potential to look better than they currently do, and for most of us, a LOT better.

Create those big goals, but have small milestones such as losing 10lb as a stepping stone to the big goal.

2. Feel Like A Complete Jackass If You Don't Achieve It

Nobody likes to feel like an idiot, yet so many times we hear people talkin' turkey about how they are going to shift to the beach, find a new job, start working out, save for a house, quit smoking… Whatever. Talk is cheap.

If you have someone who you respect and would hate to let down (such as an annoyingly persistent friend), they will help to hold you accountable to your goal as often as you like.

We all know that we go through certain periods of motivation, and sometimes extremely low levels of motivation, the urban acronym for this feeling is CBF. To combat this you are going to be accountable to this annoying person whoever it may be such as a mentor, friend, work mate, gym buddy, or somebody who is also wanting an annoying person to help them achieve their goals.

Meet up at some stage every week to discuss what key milestones you have achieved.

This leads to the last step,

3. Ink It

If you wrote down all of the time in a day into 15 minute slots and spent 5 seconds every 15 minutes to write what you did in that time, you would be blown away how much time you just waste doing idle things such as Facebook stalking, surfing the web, Stumbling, youTubing, talking to people you don't really like, doing non-essential housework and errands and other time thieves.

By purchasing a diary and making good use of it, you can at least put down what you did toward your goal for the day, even something as simple as going for a 20 minute walk and not drinking any soda is something to be proud of at the start. As time goes on things like soda will conjure up images of decaying teeth, rotting mouth, bad breath, bums, smelly disgusting looking people and you will not even think twice before shaking up any soda you see and spraying it on the consumer.

By inking your progress you can slowly build up your efforts, because if you only walked for 20 minutes twice a week forever, how do you expect to have big muscles and scare elderly people when they discover you are not a statue of a Greek God and you are in fact merely human?

I hope if nothing else I have given you a couple of good ideas to help you toward your goal, because when it comes to losing body fat and getting in great shape – showing up and doing the work is 90% of it. It is all in your head, so you better make that head a good one that takes action.

Johnny Palmer teaches the best way to lose belly fat and has reviewed the best weight loss programs there is. He shows you exactly how to get abs and practices what he preaches.

It shouldn't be tough to accept that arguments are a part of life. We all get into arguments with friends, family, bosses (especially!), strangers and so on and so forth. But most people who are able to see both sides of the story, understand that it is only when the situation is resolved with a WIN-WIN result in mind, that is when the whole blessing in disguise is actually noticed when it comes to having an argument in the first place.

Often times, people are either too aggressive or passive, and this means that the aggressor almost always wins while the passive types always get stamped on. But when there is a battle amongst equals, that is a different story altogether… and stubbornness in terms of "It's my way or the highway" takes center stage. Yes, the adults who've never grown and display serious anger management issues.

And this is where conflict mediation becomes an imperative skill to imbibe regardless of whether this is about resolving personal or professional relationships, as this can lead to choices that can leave one regretting for the rest of their lives.

Resolving Conflict

While psychology has different ways of dealing with people who are obviously frustrated and need to stand for what they think is right, the simplest way to deal with this is by listening with empathy. Trust me, this is something that people who are upset tend to do none of, and this why the situation escalation to a point of no return.

If you notice how psychologists deal with their patients, they allow the other person to talk which helps them to vent their feelings thus giving way to reason  where they can now think things through sensibly and chart a course of action that will be suitable for all involved.

Now place yourself as the person who is in conflict with the other, and now listen to what they're saying before letting your emotions take control. (It's a little tough to do this when the other person abuses you, but you have to try.)

You can show the other person that you are listening by repeating keywords or keyphrases during their monologue.

Keep your cool and understand that the other person is not angry with you but perhaps with the situation that they find themselves in. And so when you remain quiet, when they're raving and ranting, it only goes to show who's in control of themselves. While this can give you the upper hand, it's dangerous to actually retort immediately… which will not help either person.

If you think that this isn't working with the person you are trying to reach a resolution with, take a break or just distance yourself from the person until they cool down.

In getting back later to the conversation later, you will find that the results will be exactly what you both hoped for, as history has been known to have conflicts resolved in such a way that both sides are able to coexist peacefully.

In Closing

Just remember that staying cool is not the perfect time to take advantage of the other person (as some people do) but it is to help the other person understand that you're willing to settle for a solution that suits both parties.

It was only recently that archaeologists found a Jewish temple that had the twelve astrological signs on the floor of the synagogue in an area that has been cordoned off for excavation for a long time in Israel now. And as disturbing as this might sound to Christians around the world, facts are facts!

And this one is pretty undeniable with the evidence that has been found off late!

Astrology: A hoax or an esoteric study with a rich cultural history?

For centuries now, people think that astrology is a religion but nothing can be further from the truth. However, for most folks who are more than interested in just reading the horoscopes in the newspaper every morning, we know that reading the stars is anything but a joke. And if you don't believe me, ask the Three Wise men who quite literally followed a star (while interpreting the fact that it would lead them to where Jesus lay)!

Carl Jung, in his study of astrology and other occult studies, understood that if this fell into the hands of those who did not how to use it well, this would result in disaster for a study that has its origins in almost every great culture of the past.

So, what are these 12 signs and what is all this jazz about the moods that are often related to each sign? And what is an astrology chart all about?

The Astrological Sign and Mood

Almost everyone at some point of time in their lives comes across astrology and the ever-popular sun sign, but the truth is that this study doesn't just end there. And you'll understand it when you draw up an astrological chart, and once it's done… you'll begin to see how cyclic life truly is (and rather predictable to a certain degree), if you only take the time!

But for now, we'll stick to the signs and the moods associated with them, and the best way to understand this is to understand the Earth, Water, Fire and Air break up of these signs.

Earth – Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo

Air – Aquarius, Gemini, Libra

Water – Scorpio, Pisces, Cancer

Fire – Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

The reason for this breakup has a lot to do with how one expresses their emotions, and unbeknown to most Western folk, your astrology chart contains an important element known as the moon sign, which explains how one responds to situation that can evoke destructive or constructive emotions.

Vedic astrology emphasizes that the moon sign is far more important since it is an indicator of our emotions, and the truth is that most of our choices (not decisions) in life are determined by our emotions.

So, if you have a fire sign for your moon sign, then you can be sure that your moods will be most likely fiery ranging from anger to rage with a greater degree of impatience and impulsiveness as opposed to any other group of signs.

When one has both an air or an earth sign for their moon sign, these folks are not necessarily the 'emotional' types but intend to either ignore their feeling for the sake of practicality or just intellectualize them.

But when it comes to the water signs as your moon, being emotional is pretty much a part of your daily routine.

And the words that you use in response/ reaction to a particular situation will pretty much give your moon sign away if one is able to look 'beneath the surface'.

In Closing

And whether or not religion seeks to undermine astrology, the truth is that there's much more beneath the surface, and it bodes well that one understands this study for themselves before making a careless (and know-it-all) judgment!

For years, researchers and exercisers alike have spoken about the power of the mind as it relates to exercise and overall health.

The assertion is that by merely focusing on a particular muscle or group of muscles while you work them (for example, if you are doing squats, you would focus on your leg muscles), you will stimulate a greater amount of muscle activity and potential growth than if your mind was on, say, that presentation you have to do for the board of directors tomorrow morning.

If you're a longtime FitBuff reader, you may remember I've personally experienced the power of mind over muscle in one of my workouts when I lifted 50 pounds with my mind!

The same principle has been shown effective in the treatment of illnesses and diseases, as well as general improvements in your overall health.

Power of the Mind – Harvard Study

Harvard scientists put this theory to task by explaining to a group of forty housekeepers that their work keeps them in shape. Then, they chose another group of forty housekeepers to study, only they did not say anything to these people.

Four weeks later, the researchers found that the group that were told that their work was keeping them fit actually lost an average of 2 pounds and reduced their body fat, BMI, blood pressure, and even their waist size.

The other group — the housekeepers to whom the researchers said nothing — showed no sign of physical change.

Without a change of diet, exercise program, or anything else, the mere thought that their work was making the forty informed housekeepers healthier actually made it come true.

This clearly supports the power of the mind, in addition to giving some credence to all that mumbo-jumbo you've been reading in books like "The Secret" (although, many of these resources conveniently leave out the fact that ACTION is still a very necessary supplement to the power of positive thinking).

If you just wanted to be like other average men, you probably wouldn't be reading this website.

In fact, your loathing and/or fear of mediocrity, combined with your ambition to be faster, stronger, and smarter than mere mortals, are all part of what keep you reading men's magazines and websites like this one.

Be that all as it may, however, the possibility still exists that you may be — dare I say it — average. Or — even worse! — less than average.

The only way to truly find out is to put yourself to the test. The following is a list of traits, compiled from a variety of data sources (including the U.S. Census Bureau), that list some known averages for average men:

age: 34 years old, weight: 175lbs and height: 5'9 1/2. Let’s see how you measure up!

The Average Guy Can…

• Do 27 push-ups in one minute
• Run 1.5 miles in 12:51
• Complete 36 sit-ups in one minute
• Bench Press 158 pounds one time
• Throw a football 50 yards

The Average Guy Also…

• Has sex 1.5 times per week (79 times per year) and lasts 14 minutes
• Has an erect penis length between 5.5 and 6.2 inches
• Enjoys a total of 12.4 sex partners in his lifetime
• Earns around $36,100 per year
• Is married with two children and has $3,100 in the bank
• Has a 13-inch flexed bicep

The Average Guy Consumes…

• 3.3 cups of coffee a day
• 1.2 alcoholic drinks a day
• 26 pounds of beef per year
• 16 pounds of cheese per year
• 19 pizza pies per year

Whereabouts on the Average Men scale did you end up falling? My guess is that you're probably above-average on most, if not all, of the above referenced listings, because, on average, men who read fitness websites and magazines are more fit than men who do not.

A new study about speech recognition in the newest issue of Neuron reminded me of a video I saw on HealthBolt.

You may think your wife or girlfriend talks your head off sometimes, and you try your best to nod and make conversational grunts while keeping your mind firmly focused on the final two minutes of the big game.

But, imagine being married to Fran Cappo, the world's fastest talking woman. After watching her real-life motor mouth, your significant other's will suddenly seem much more bearable.

This Discovery Channel video is a fascinating look into just how her brain processes information so fast and how she's able to speak and comprehend speech at a near superhuman level.

Every once in a while, we all feel a little down in the dumps. Relationships, bills, deadlines, and more can overwhelm even the most confident and grounded individuals.

So, what do you do when you come down with a case of the blues?

If you want to know how to be happy and get the quick "pick-me-up" you need during those cloudy times, try using these 10 mood-boosting moves:

1. Ginger and Broccoli – Research shows that this combination can temporarily relieve depression. Order up some ginger chicken and broccoli from your favorite Chinese restaurant, but watch out for those high-sodium sauces and sides.
2. Sugary Sour – Sure, sugar is sweet, but the same isn't necessarily true for those who eat it. Simple carbs and processed foods have been shown to increase rates of anxiety and depression. Cut out the sweets, and you'll start looking slimmer and healthier too, which can only improve your mood.
3. Road Trip – It doesn't have to be quite as wild and crazy as the same-named movie, but get out there and enjoy a weekend road trip with a friend or significant other.
4. Ditch It – Go through your most cluttered rooms and closet and get rid of all your "crap." If you really think about some of the things you have collecting dust or the truckloads of clothes you will never wear again, you will be amazed at how much you can toss. You don't have to trash it. Try having a yard sale or listing on eBay. Either way, your life and mind will feel re-energized and clutter free.
5. Smile – That's right, it may seem like the simplest advice of all, but just smile. It's hard to feel sad with a big grin pasted on your face, even when it's forced. In fact, studies have proven that the act of smiling can instantly trigger "feel-good" hormones in your body.
6. Move to the Groove – Exercise can truly be a full-body workout, from your brain to your toes. Besides the obvious and significant benefits to your physical health, going for a run or lifting weights can take your mind off things and help you relax.
7. If you still can't escape the rain clouds, try these four other how to be happy tips…

If you've tried all of these and still can't turn that frown upside down, then it may be time to look for professional help. The right doctor can help identify the root of the problem and recommend lifestyle changes to get things back on track, rather than just writing you off as another hopelessly depressed patient and prescribing a bottle of pills.

What are some of your personal how to be happy tips?

We all like to think that we make our own decisions based on our own beliefs and opinions. But, just how much do other people's opinions affect our own?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research says we aren't quite as independent-minded as we think. Not only can others' negative opinions of a product or service sway us from good to bad, but even from bad to worse (maybe Britney's performance really wasn't that bad — no, it was!).

Consumer attitudes toward products and services are frequently influenced by others around them. Social networks, such as those found on Myspace and Facebook suggest that these influences will continue to be significant drivers of individual consumer attitudes as society becomes more inter-connected," explain Adam Duhachek, Shuoyang Zhang, and Shanker Krishnan (all of Indiana University). "Our research seeks to understand the conditions where group influence is strongest."

Participants were first given information on new products with no outside opinions or reviews to influence them. Naturally, some participants liked the product and gave positive reviews, while others disliked the product and gave negative reviews.

However, when they learned how their peers evaluated the products, many of their opinions changed. Negative outside feedback provided a stronger influence than positive outside feedback.

For example, when a consumer learned that their peers disliked a product that they had just given a positive review, they were much more likely to change their mind and view the product in a more negative light. The reverse happened much less often (a negative reviewer liking a product based on positive peer reviews).

"This research has several interesting implications. First, given the strong influence of negative information, marketers may need to expend extra resources to counter-act the effects of negative word of mouth in online chatrooms, blogs and in offline media. Conversely, companies could damage the reputations of competitors by disseminating negative information online," the researchers explain. "Consumers should be aware that these social influence biases exist and are capable of significantly impacting their perceptions."

So, even if you don't consciously recognize it, you may be basing your decisions of what brands and products to buy based on the endorsement, or even unfounded criticism, of other consumers.

This could explain the polarized "fan boy" and "hater" groups involved in the great debates of "Playstation vs. Xbox" or "Mac vs. PC" and so on.

Which begs the question: Are you a Playstation or Xbox, and a Mac or PC?

Anyone who isn't allergic — or an alien — has had numerous chocolate cravings at some point. Perfectly normal, right? Probably, but do you crave the brown when you're feeling down?

A new Australian study says that those who crave chocolate when depressed are usually more neurotic (anxious, obsessive, compulsive) than those who don't indulge.

In a survey of nearly 3000 people, 54 percent said they got food cravings when depressed, with 45 percent specifically craving chocolate.

Further analysis showed that irritability and rejection sensitivity were the only two significant predictors of chocolate cravings. Those identified as chocolate cravers had higher scores for appetite increase, weight gain, sensitivity to rejection, oversleeping, and limbs feeling 'heavy like lead'.

The researchers were surprised to find a link between the two seemingly unrelated subjects: chocolate cravings and personality style.

Are you an "emotional eater"?