New Global Cyber University Approved by Korean Government

Today the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology authorized the plan for a new online university, the Global Cyber University, to be opened in 2010.

The university, whose administrative building is located on the grounds of the University of Brain Education and Institute for Traditional Korean Studies, will award undergraduate degrees in three departments: Human Services, Global Management, and Korean Culture. As with other online universities, the courses will eventually be made available internationally. Congratulations to the Global Cyber University team who worked hard to make this happen!

Cheonan Well-being Expo 2009

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In September, I visited the Cheonan Well-being Expo. It reminded me of a combination of the Fall Fair and the Exhibition (the Canadian National Exhibition, for those not from the GTA).


"Well-being" is a big buzzword in Korea right now. The Expo included exhibits of everything from food to plants to exercise and from hospitals to medical centers to traditional medicine.

Antlers anyone?

Typical Food from the Cheonan Region

Me trying to understand what the dietician is saying about my diet based on the food I chose.

Making traditional cookies with a press

Hike to Mt. Huksong Revisited

At the Top (This used to be an old fortress. Now it is a good spot for badminton:)

Last weekend, I climbed Mt. Huksong, the mountain behind our university, for only the second time since I came to Korea. The first time was a few days after I arrived in Korea for the first time last year.

I remember huffing and puffing behind Professor Shim, a professor at UBE who specialized in Sports Psychology at University and who is in such good shape, I noticed last week when I walked (once again huffing and puffing) from the bus stop to the University with him, that he seems to float instead of walking.

I realized two things from my hike this time:

1. The importance of a strong physical condition. Lately, I've been reading John Ratey's book, "Spark: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain". It talks about the importance of physical exercise and movement for the health of our bodies and brains.

Brain Education emphasizes physical exercise as the basis for being able to manage your emotions, your thinking, and realize your potential every day. Right, I knew that, but exerting myself made me realize again how important physical exercise is. I've had a lot of computer work to do lately and haven't been moving as much as I should.

In his book, Dr. Ratey also talks about the importance of using individual heartrates when determining the amount of exertion one should use when exercising. So, rather than having everyone run at the same pace, it is better to have people exercise according to their own heartrate. I was thinking about this as I was huffing and puffing and felt better because I was always one of those people whose heart was racing so fast I thought it would pop out of my chest, even if I was at the back of the pack.

I've also been reading lately about the effectiveness of short bursts of exercise. So, I also didn't feel bad about huffing and puffing and then stopping to take a break and then huffing and puffing again, feeling my heart rate and oxygen intake increase.

2. Obstacles and challenges happen for a reason. Without them, there would be no growth, no change. Without the difficult climb, there would be no reward at the end--the view, the rest, the feeling of having overcome difficulties in order to accomplish something. It's a great feeling and, somehow, natural. Just like nature, we are constantly changing, growing, developing. Knowing it is all part of the process, and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel (or at the top of the mountain), makes it easier to get through the difficult and challenging times.

So, I'll be going back up that mountain soon!

Visiting Professor, Peck Cho, Presents on Creative Leadership

Professor Cho has joined UBE as a visiting professor and yesterday he delighted students here with a lecture on "Creative Leadership".

Professor Cho has a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering but his passion is for teaching and mentoring students and for helping others to become better teachers through the use of innovation and creativity in the university classroom.

Before returning to South Korea four years ago, Professor Cho was professor at Michigan Tech University. He has received many distinguished awards from his profession, from the university, and from the Korean National Academy of Engineers.

This year, the Ministry of Education appointed Profesor Cho as Director of the Busan K-12 Counseling Support Center, a comprehensive counseling facility for K-12 students.

Professor Cho's wife Christina Sung Aie Choi, a psychotherapist, is founder and director of the Family Therapy Center in Seoul. She does volunteer work in orphanages in the two biggest cities in South Korea, Seoul and Busan. Together Professors Cho and Choi have co-authored four books, including "Seven Reasons for Korean Revival: Educational Reform".

Heaven, Earth, and Human in the Korean Alphabet

I've noticed that spirituality is much more an integrated part of the culture and daily rituals here in South Korea.

An example of this is in the formation of the vowels of the Korean alphabet.

The Korean Alphabet, hangul, was invented by King Sejong, in 1443. This language system was created so that common people would have a tool for communication. Prior to this, Chinese characters, or hanja, were used and taught mostly to privileged males in noble families, and therefore not accessible to all people.

The consonants of hangul are patterned on vocal organ sounds so that 'ㄱ', which is equivalent to 'g' sound in English is patterned after the way the mouth and tongue are positioned when pronouncing this letter.

The vowels of hangul are patterned on the principle of 'Chunjiin' or Heaven, Earth, and Human. All of the vowels in the Korean alphabet are formed using three different characters: a vertical line for heaven (ㅣ), a horizontal line for Earth (ㅡ), and a dot for humans (ㅇ). This is meant to show the connection between humans and nature and the role of humans as the neutral mediator between Heaven and Earth.

This tri-part philosophy is reflected in many symbols in Korean culture, including the three-legged blackbird that greets you when you arrive at the Traditional Korean Studies building next to our university.

Brain Education in Northern B.C.

Before returning to Korea, I visited HSP Ranch near Vanderhoof, B.C. (Dahn Canada's Retreat Center). From HSP Ranch, we drove west to a small town called Old Hazelton. Old Hazelton is home to the Sun Tao Center, where Brain Education programs are offered. Brenda is the Center Manager and instructor there.

At the center, we presented to about 16 educators, health professionals, and community leaders about Brain Education and the activities of the International Brain Education Association in New York and around the world.

The next day we continued driving West and visited one of the women who had attended the workshop at her home in Prince Rupert. The drive and the people we met were beautiful.



We met and heard of many people who already work in the healing professions who are looking for ways to provide people with a purpose, hope, and solutions. People were excited particularly about the way Brain Education programs focus on physical health and the body-brain connection as the basis for emotional, cognitive, and spiritual health and for re-establishing people's connection to the Earth.

Brain Education training will be provided to school, health, and community leaders so that they may provide those in their community with practical tools for health and well-being and to help people re-establish their connection to themselves, to each other, and to the Earth.

The 5th International Brain HSP Olympiad

The past month has been busy with preparations for the 5th International Brain HSP Olympiad held at the United Nations and the Brain Art Festival held at Radio City Music Hall.

Here are some pictures from the 5th International Brain HSP Olympiad. 80 participants (children and adults) from the U.S. and Korea competed in three events which demonstrate the potential of the brain, testing sensory-motor functions, visual-spatial memory, and higher cognitive functions.







Speakers included Prof. Murali Doraiswamy, Director of the Mental Fitness Lab at the Duke University Medical Center and co-author of the Alzheimer's Action Plan and Ilchi Lee, President of the Korea Insitute of Brain Science, an NGO in consultative status with the UN's ECOSOC.





Observers included parents, educators, and representatives from the New York City Principals' Association, Non-governmental organizations, UN Agencies, and Permanent Missions to the United Nations.

An Update on Annette's Story

Do you remember Annette's story? Here's a video about how she has improved over the last year:

http://www.brainwavevibration.com/success-Stories/260/Annette/Annette-s-Rett-Syndrome-Miracle-Continued/

The Power of Thinking--The Power of BrainWaves

Researchers in Japan have shown how people who have experienced paralysis, can operate a computer or a wheelchair by regulating their own brainwaves:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzJiTX03_Hw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VPY1d2t_FE

Come to the Brain Art Festival!

Announcing the:

BRAIN ART FESTIVAL
Radio City Music Hall, New York City
6:00 pm, Aug 15, 2009

Discover the creative potential of the brain...
through drumming, dance, song, and movement!

Hosted by the International Brain Education Association (IBREA)

For tickets and more information:

www.brainartfestival.com

Brain Education at the United Nations in Geneva

On July 6th, 2009, the Korea Institute of Brain Science (KIBS) and the International Brain Education Association (IBREA) hosted a side-event at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) High Level Segment at the United Nations in Geneva.

ECOSOC meets yearly in Geneva to discuss issues and to set policies and directions for the following year. This year's focus was on Global Public Health.

The side event hosted by KIBS and IBREA titled "Promoting Mental Health in the Context of Global Public Health" was attended by representatives from the United Nations, from Permanent Missions, and from global public health organizations.

Featured speakers included Mr. Liberato Bautista, President of the Conference of NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC, who spoke about the importance of individual change as a way to promote public change; Dr. Torkel Klingberg, Cognitive Neuroscientist from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden who talked about ADHD and working memory and how brain training can positively influence brain functioning, and Mr. Ilchi Lee, President of KIBS and IBREA, who spoke about the importance of the development of human potential through the brain as the key to overall development.

UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon, also stopped by the conference room to learn more about the recent and planned activities of KIBS and IBREA in support of health, education, and human development at the United Nations and around the world.

Brain Education was suggested as a cost-effective method to help improve physical and mental health and well-being and to contribute to human development in countries around the world. In follow-up to the event, many country and organizational representatives and UN agency officials have expressed interest in the Brain Education program and partnering with IBREA.

One important follow-up to the UN ECOSOC side event will also be the 1st Brain Alliance Initiative meeting, which will be held at the Brain Art Festival sponsored by IBREA in New York on August 15th 2009. The Brain Alliance Initiative is a group of individuals and organizations from the UN community, educators, health professionals, and scientists who are interested in promoting awareness about the importance of the brain as a tool for creating health, well-being, and developing potential on the United Nations agenda.

Korea Institute of Brain Science Statement to UN Secretary General

In preparation for the 2009 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Substantive Session in Geneva July 6-31, 2009, The Korea Institute of Brain Science (KIBS), an NGO in consultative status with ECOSOC has submitted a statement to the United Nations Secretary General.

The statement is on the provisional agenda for ECOSOC's Annual Ministerial Review, which will focus on: implementing the internationally agreed goals and commitments in regard to global public health.

You can find the statement by going to:

http://documents.un.org/mother.asp

and entering your language of choice.

Brain Training Goes Online

On June 11-12, as representatives from IBREA, my colleague and I attended the 5th Annual Games for Health conference in Boston. This conference explores how game technologies and talent can contribute to breakthroughs in health & healthcare.

Game-based solutions are already providing compelling means to increase physical activity, advance personal health, improve hospital operations, train healthcare providers, and advocate important healthcare information.

This year, the conference included a Cognitive Health track. Developers, researchers, and retailers of Brain Fitness on-line training programs were on hand to share their experience in this growing field.

Conference participants heard about an innovative partnership between Allstate insurance and PositScience, a cognitive training company, to provide online cognitive training for safer driving; about a new retail store in the Chicago area selling brain products; about online cognitive training options for ADHD, Schizophrenia, and Multiple Sclerosis; and about current and planned research on online brain fitness programs and the effects of these programs in different populations.


This community recognizes the importance of the brain and based on research, sees the possibilities and importance of training the brain in order to improve health and well-being. They also recognize the importance of including on-line and mobile technology platforms as options for accessing information and training about the brain.

Brain Education programs have traditionally been offered in community settings. Now, people who are unable to attend Brain Education training programs because there may not be a physical location in their community or in their country, will be able to access training online.

IBREA will also be adding cognitive, emotional, and physical health brain-related assessments and training and certification courses for Brain Management Consultants on-line. Stay tuned for more soon!

Boost Your Brain Power

Tips on using your brain well that are based on research on how our brains function best. This online article on Sympatico/MSN summarizes 12 tips from molecular biologist Dr. John Medina's book Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School.

http://zoomer.sympatico.msn.ca/Boot+camp+for+the+brain/Home/boot-camp-brain.htm?isfa=1

Brain Education for Children Seminar at the UN

On Thursday, May 28th from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., the IBREA Foundation hosted a seminar at the United Nations in Conference Room A on Brain Education for Children. UN Staff, representatives of Permanent Missions (including Tanzania, El Salvador, Ukraine, and Mongolia) and agencies (UNICEF), and representatives of non-governmental organizations attended.

Mr. Modest Mero from the Tanzanian Mission opened the seminar by stating his support of efforts to increase awareness about the brain at the United Nations and about Brain Education as a method to develop potential in children and adults, particularly in developing countries around the world.

The seminar included presentations by Dr. Marylu Coviello, a former superintendent and principal on the Need for an Alternative Approach to Education, Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg on Executive Functions in Children, Dr. Erica Kovacs, a clinical psychologist, about Emotional Development in Children, and by IBREA Foundation representatives Dr. Passion Jun and Pedaetrician, Dr. Maryana Winston on the Principles and 5 steps of Brain Education.

The seminar ended with an informational and experiental session led by IBREA representatives and Brain Education instructors Katie Brisley-Logue and Yu-jung Lim on the upcoming HSP Brain Olympiad to be held August 12th at the United Nations in commemoration of International Youth Day. The seminar participants learned about how children and adults can participate in the event, which creates awareness about brain potential.

The Brain Alliance Inititiative was also announced. The initiative is made up of members of the UN community, scientists, educators, and advocates of Brain Education who want to work together to create greater awareness within the UN community about the importance of the brain and using it well to promote health, well-being and peacefulness.

Brain Education Center for Peace and Human Development

I have spent this semester mostly in New York at the IBREA office and Brain Education Center.

The Brain Education Center for Peace and Human Development offers Brain Education classes, special programs and Neurofeedback for those who live and work in the area and for the UN community. Open lunch time classes are available for UN staff for an initial period and discounts are available for UN staff, their family members, retired staff, and NGO representatives.

The center is meant to be a place where members can relieve stress, replenish their energy, and gain tools to help themselves and others be healthy, happy, and peaceful.

Members of the UN community are also looking for practical tools to help support the health, education, and environmental goals in their own country and globally. Through Brain Education programs, they are realizing the link between individual health and well-being and the well-being of their families, neighbours, fellow Earth Citizens, and the Earth herself.


Currently, many UN staff from various missions (including India, Comoros, and Djibouti), departments, and agencies (such as UNICEF) come to the Center.

The center has held Brain Wave Vibration instructor training for members of the UN community to learn how to teach Brain Education in their workplace or community.

In April, Chun Hwa Shim Sung (Self-Discovery) workshop was held at Honor's Haven in Upstate New York and will be held again June 13-14th.

Currently, the center is offering Brain Education for Enhanced Learning class for children, in preparation for the Olympiad August 12th, which will again be held at the United Nations in commemoration of International Youth Day.

If you are in Manhattan, be sure to stop by the Brain Education Center for a visit! The center is located in Manhattan at East 49th Street betwen 1st and 2nd Avenue. Telephone: 212-223-7130.

The Neuroscience Center, Deerfield, Illinois

I had the pleasure of visiting The Neuroscience Center in Deerfield, Illinois last week. As a Social Worker who worked with families of children with complex mental health and developmental issues, I would have loved to have been able to have a center like this to refer people to.

The Neuroscience Center is a multi-disciplinary entity dedicated to the effective diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of Neuropsychiatric diseases. The diagnostic and treatment techniques used include EEG, Brain SPECT, genetic testing, Neurofeedback and Brain Stimulation techniques such as rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and tDCS (transcranial Direct Current Stimulation). The center has become a well-known resource for addressing complex cases.

Dr. Best, the center's Director, is a Neuropsychiatrist who specializes in brain disorders that affect emotional health and cognitive ability. He is also trained in providing Brain Stimulation.

Dr. Pavel, who is a member of IBREA's advisory board, is a nuclear medicine physician specializing in Brain SPECT imaging. Brain SPECT is one type of brain imaging that is particularly helpful in evaluating patients with complex conditions involving behavioral, emotional, personality, developmental and degenerative disorders. It is a non-invasive procedure that provides information about brain functioning.



The staff also include: Dr. John Hughes, Director of Neurophysiology; Dr. Cynthia Kent, Director of Neurofeedback, and Dr. Leonard Koziol, who provides Neuropsychological testing at the center.

IBREA will be working on a research project in cooperation with The Neuroscience Center to measure the effects of Brain Education training on brain functioning evaluated by Brain SPECT imaging.

For more information about The Neuroscience Center: http://www.the-neuroscience-center.net/

Brain Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education

On May 6th from 6-9 pm, IBREA Foundation presented at the "Brain Education for Enhanced Learning and Living" event held at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The event was held in celebration of a proclamation made by the Mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts in recognition of the contribution Brain Education programs have made to the community.

The mayor, who attended with her granddaughter, quoted from Ilchi Lee's book "Power Brain Kids": "Greatness is not limited to those who perform well on standardized tests or to those who know how to sit still at age eight" and spoke about the importance of educating the whole child and bringing out each child's potential.

Graduate students and community members participated in a Brain Education experiential session led by Regional Brain Education trainer, Erin Carter.

The participants then heard from Dr. Deni Howley, the Deputy Executive Director of the Germaine Lawrence School, a residential school for young women with behavioral and emotional issues in Arlington, Massachusetts about the results of a pilot study on the effects of Brain Education on the students and staff at her school.

This was followed by a presentation by the IBREA Foundation about the Brain Education training system and its applications, research on Brain Education, the scientific background behind Brain Education, and the activities of IBREA Foundation.

To read more about the forum:
http://www.ilchi.com/News_and_Events/View/256/Earth-Citizen-Movement/Brain-Education-for-Enhanced-Learning-at-the-Harvard-Graduate-School-of-Education/

To read more about the impact of Brain Education on the students at the Germaine Lawrence School, see:
http://www.brainwavevibration.com/news/news_view.aspx?idx=67

Celebrating Earth Day

On Earth Day, IBREA joined in a celebration with Friends of Dag Hammarskjold Park and the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) in the park outside of the United Nations.

Despite the rain, many people from the local community, along with UN staff and office workers walking through the park, learned about the impact that Brain Education can have on eliciting people's natural sense of community and caring for the Earth.

Visitors to the IBREA booth also learned about the "I Am An Earth Citizen" Project and many declared their support by signing the Earth Citizen declaration:

As an Earth Citizen:

1. I accept the unlimited responsibility for the Earth and its residents.

2. I trust in the ability of human beings to use their brains for health, happiness and peace.

3. I take actions to create a healthy Earth and a peaceful world.

"Cognitive Reserve": How to Maintain Your Brain

The concept of "cognitive reserve" has been around since 1989 when post-mortem studies showed that some individuals who had full Alzheimer's pathology (tangles and plaques) had been able to live normal lives while others had shown symptoms.

Since then, researchers such as Dr. Yaakov Stern from Columbia University in New York have made discoveries about the factors that help to build cognitive reserve and thus reduce the risk of developing symptoms of Alzheimer's.

In an interview I read recently with Dr. Stern, the interviewer emphasizes three key points that apply to young and old alike:

1. Education, an engaging occupation, and leisure activities reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's.

2. Stimulating activities, ideally combining physical exercise, learning, and social interaction help to build cognitive reserve.

3. It is never too late to start building our cognitive reserve.

To read more about how you can start (or what to continue):

http://http//www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2007/07/23/build-your-cognitive-reserve-yaakov-stern/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8292945/

The Effects of Exercise on the Brain

Exercise has been shown to increase neurogenesis--the generation of new nerve cells--in the brain.

Tonight, "The National", Canada's national evening news program featured a story on the effects of exercise on the students in an alternative class in Saskatchewan.

In the story, Dr. John Ratey, author of a book called "Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain" explains how exercise affects the brain, particularly the front parts of the brain that are involved in impulse behaviour.

Exercise, he says, helps preserve nerve cells, makes them stronger, withstand stress, and makes them more pliable. As a result of these changes in the brain, students are able to concentrate and manage their behaviour better.

You can learn more at:

http://www.cbc.ca/national/blog/special_features/brain_gains.html

The Frontal Lobes: Our Brain's "Conductor"

We all know how important the conductor of a music orchestra is. The conductor provides the leadership required for all the different instruments and the individuals playing them to create beautiful music together.

Like the orchestra conductor, the frontal lobes in our brain play a critical role. The frontal lobes are responsible for forming goals, making a plan of action, coordinating the cognitive skills required to carry this out, and evaluating our actions.

In his book, "The Executive Brain: Frontal Lobes and the Civilized Mind" Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg explores the frontal lobes, that part of the brain that performs what are called "executive functions" and that reaches significant development only in humans.

Dr. Goldberg likens the frontal lobes to the CEO of a corporation, an army general, or an orchestra conductor.

He discusses how even subtle damage to this part of the brain which is normally involved in motivation, drive, foresight, clear vision of one's goals, self-awareness and awareness of others can produce apathy, inertia, indifference, and blindness in judgement.

Poor development or damage to the frontal lobes may also result in behavior that is considered socially inappropriate and irresponsible and in difficulties with novelty and learning.

The frontal lobes are affected not only directly but as a result of damage anywhere in the brain because of their connections to and from other brain structures. The frontal lobes, the last part of the brain to develop, are more vulnerable than any other part of the brain.

The frontal lobes are particularly affected in Alzheimer's and other dementias, schizophrenia, head injury (from car accidents, sports injuries, or toxins), attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, Tourette's Syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other conditions.

Often times, problems which are labelled as "personality" problems may actually be due to a problem with brain functioning. Dr. Goldberg's book contributes to awareness about the importance of understanding the brain and in particular the crucial role of the frontal lobes.

Dr. Goldberg is Clinical Professor of Neurology at the New York University School of Medicine and Director of the Institute of Neuropsychology and Cognitive Performance. He was a featured speaker at IBREA's two recent events held at the United Nations.

You can read an article and interview with Dr. Goldberg at http://www.brainworldmagazine.com/.

I Am an Earth Citizen

As our awareness about the Earth's problems increases, the next question usually is, "What can I do?"

One of the key messages that I took from the movie "The 11th Hour" was that since humans have contributed to the Earth's and human problems through our focus on separation, accumulation and success, we also have the potential to solve them by recognizing that we all share the Earth as our home, and by striving for a success that depends on the health and well-being of all people and the Earth.

How do we do that?

By recovering our humanity--by allowing humans and the Earth to return to our natural state of health, well-being, and immense potential for creating in a way that supports each other and the Earth.

IBREA has recently launched the "I am an Earth Citizen" program and "One Dollar Project".

Essentially, people are being encouraged to donate one dollar a month (or more) to support Health, Education, and Environmental projects around the world. The projects are funded by United Nations' agencies in recognition of the United Nations' mission to promote peace, human rights and social progress.

The goal is for one hundred million Earth Citizens to each donate at least one dollar a month.

What's an Earth Citizen?" You are an Earth Citizen. We all are. We were "given" a passport the day we came to this Earth, along with the responsibility to help make it a harmonious and prosperous place.

You may ask, "What can one dollar do?" Giving money in of itself will not solve the problems we have created.

But...one dollar becomes one hundred million dollars. And when one person becomes one hundred million people all coming together not as children or as adults, as men or as women, or as people from different countries, religions, or races but as Earth Citizens with one goal, we are making a powerful statement that our priority is taking care of each other and of the Earth.

As humans, we can use our brains for many different purposes. If we use them to work together to foster health, happiness, and peacefulness for ourselves, others and for the Earth, we will start to support, rather than work against, the natural propensity of humanity and the Earth for harmony and balance.

For more information or to donate, take a look at IBREA's new homepage:

http://www.ibrea.org/

The 11th Hour

I had a chance to watch the documentary film, the 11th Hour, with the IBREA team here in New York City.

The film depicts the seriousness of the environmental crisis that humans have created. But, it also provides hope that we can change paths by changing our thinking and our actions.

As one of the featured speakers suggests, rather than a time to be afraid, it is an exciting opportunity to create something new.

The key to solving the Earth's and humanity's problems lies in realizing that we are all connected, that we share the Earth and common values of love and peace, and that we have the potential to create a much better world.

New BrainWorld Magazine Website!

Announcing the inaugural issue of BrainWorld magazine and the launching of the new BrainWorld website.

BrainWorld is a magazine dedicated to the human brain. Published by the International Brain Education Association (IBREA), it includes features on neuroscience, healthy aging, art and culture, education, global issues, and more.

You can read about the activities of IBREA at the UN and around the world and find many helpful tips to help improve your brain health and condition.

Happy Reading! http://brainworldmagazine.com/

Brain Tips for Babies

Recently, the Brain Wave Vibration.com website has been featuring "Brain Tips for Babies". These tips are based on traditional games that parents play with their children in Asia.

These simple exercises support children's overall health and brain fitness. Specifically, the exercises help to balance the left and right side of the brain and body, increase focus and concentration, and correct spinal misalignment. They also create a great opportunity for parents and children to play together.

Follow this link and click on the individual titles below to see Master Chungsuk from the Sedona Meditation Center and parents with their children demonstrate the exercises:

Part 1: http://www.brainwavevibration.com/videos/video_view.aspx?idx=63

Part 2: http://www.brainwavevibration.com/videos/video_view.aspx?idx=64

Part 3: http://www.brainwavevibration.com/videos/video_view.aspx?idx=68

Stay tuned for more "Brain Tips for Babies" on http://www.brainwavevibration.com/!

(Follow the links to "Brain TV" and then "Brain Tips").

Brain Art Festival Website and Promotional Video

The Brain Art Festival will be held August 15th, 2009 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The Festival will present a dynamic celebraion of the human brain and its amazing capabilities, through creative expressions of music, art, and dance.

Here's a link to the promotional video for the festival:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNSlycDRWg4&feature=channel

For more information and for tickets, see:

http://www.brainartfestival.com/

Brain Education for Human Development

On Thursday, March 19th, IBREA hosted a workshop for UN staff entitled "Brain Education for Human Development to coincide with "Brain Awareness Week".

The event began with a celebration of the launch of IBREA's new BrainWorld magazine.

The participants also heard from Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg about the basic structure and functions of the brain and from IBREA representatives about Brain Education and Human Development and how Brain Education can contribute to the development of human potential. The session ended with an experiential Brain Education session.

IBREA also announced a new $1 project, where individuals will donate a mere $1 per month in support of United Nations projects. The goal is for 100 million people to join the project.

A UNICEF program that supports parents with HIV/AIDS by providing education to prevent transmission to their children and by providing employment opportunities will be the first specific project the $1 project will support.

Ontario Government Invests in Brain Fitness for Aging

Around the world, governments are recognizing the importance of brain fitness and health.

Recently, in my home province of Ontario, the Ontario government provided funding to Baycrest, a research institution focused on aging and brain functioning for the development of Brain Fitness programs for the aging population.

You can read an interview with Baycrest CEO, John Wilkinson, here:

http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2009/02/23/centre-for-brain-fitness-at-baycrest-interview-with-dr-william-reichman/

Grand Opening of New Brain Education Center in Bayfield, Queen's

Today was the Grand Opening for the new Brain Education Center in Bayfield, Queens.

The center will be managed by Nora Lee, Program Director for Power Brain Education, the company that trains teachers to provide the Brain Education for Enhanced Learning program in schools.

Nora and the Power Brain Education staff have trained hundreds of teachers and instructors in the New York area, across the U.S. and Canada, including the GTA, in the Brain Education for Enhanced Learning and Brain Eduation for Successful Aging programs.

The new Brain Education Center will focus on providing individual and group programs for children, but will also offer Brain Education classes for adults, including regular classes and Brain Education for Successful Aging classes.

Congratulations Nora, Dave, and Alina and the staff at the new Brain Education Center!

Certified Brain Trainer Program at UBE

The University of Brain Education offers a Brain Trainer course for those interested in learning how to help others better understand their brain and manage their brain health for the purpose of physical, emotional and cognitive health.

The program draws on research, knowledge, and training approaches from the fields of cognitive neuroscience, health and wellness, education, psychology, philosophy, and mind-body practices. Anyone, including parents, educators, therapists, health and wellness professionals, trainers, as well as business leaders can become certified as Brain Trainers.

The Brain Trainer course is currently being offered by the International Brain Education Association (IBREA) in the U.S. as the Brain Management Consultant course and will soon be offered internationally as an on-line course.

For more information about the Brain Management Consultant program:

http://http//www.brainwavevibration.com/news/news_view.aspx?idx=1

What Should You Bring to a Housewarming Party in Korea?

When invited to a housewarming party in Korea, what should you bring?

These days, detergent, toilet paper, and tissue.

Traditionally, people would bring candles and soap. The light from the burning candles and the bubbles from the soap were meant to bring wealth to the new home.

Luckily, we learned this in Korean class before I was invited to a housewarming party by a friend who works at UBE and his family.

(l-r: Min Sung Wook's wife and their two daughters; me; Choi Moon Ja and her son, Hongik; Park Jin Kyu; Min Sung Wook)

First Ph.D. in Brain Education Awarded

In Korea, the school year officially begins in March. At this time of year, an entrance ceremony is held, along with a graduation ceremony for those students who completed their studies the previous year.

UBE held its Entrance and Graduation ceremonies on March 3rd. An unexpected snow blanketed the campus, covering newly planted flowers. I, along with approximately 125other students, marked the beginning of our studies in the Master and Doctorate degree programs in the departments of Brain Education, Traditional Korean Cultural Studies, or Peaceology.

During the graduation ceremony, 15 students received their Master degree.

The first doctorate degree in Brain Education was awarded to Ha Tae Min, a former teacher who conducted research on the effects of a Brain Education program in a middle school.

Ha Tae Min will go on to do research on the effects of Brain Education in collaboration with the University of London.

Congratulations to all of the graduates and to those starting their studies!

Happy Birthday in Korea

On Sunday, I celebrated my birthday for the first time in Korea.

I bought a cake and some friends and colleagues had a small party.
After the party, some of us went to Noraebang (Korean singing room) in the village nearby.

The next day in Korean class we learned the vocabulary for the essential parts of a birthday party in Korea:

• Invite friends (진구들을 초대하다)


• Blow up balloons (풍선을 불다)


• Prepare simple food and drink (간단한 음식을 준비하다)


• Write a card (카드를 쓰다)


• Wear a party hat


• Sing "Happy Birthday!" (생일 축하 노래를 부르다)


• Blow out the candles (촛불을 끄다)


• Clap (박수를 치다)


• Streamers (폭죽을 타드리다)


• Cut the cake (케이크를 자르다)


• Take pictures (사진을 찍다)


• Sing/play music (노래를 부르다)

Here is "Happy Birthday!" in Korean (saeng-eel=birthday; chook-ah-ham-nee-dah=congratulations):

http://www.imeem.com/yeongweon/music/hM37NSZl/happy_birthday_song_korean/

Happy Birthday everyone!