VOLUME 22
JULY 2025
NUMBER 7
Monday, June 30, 2025
THE ART OF ATTENTION
Attention is the ability to actively process specific information
in the environment while tuning out other details. It is a vital skill that
allows us to learn new things, solve problems, and survive in a complex world.
However, attention is not a simple or static phenomenon. It is influenced by
many factors and has various effects on our perception and memory. In this
essay, I will explore the different types of attention, the factors that affect
attention, and the effects of attention on perception and memory. I will also
provide some suggestions on how to improve attention in different situations.
One of the aspects of attention is the type of attention that we
use in different situations. There are four main types of attention: sustained,
selective, divided, and alternating. Sustained attention is the ability to
focus on one thing for a continuous period. For example, when we read a book or
watch a movie, we use sustained attention to follow the plot and characters.
Selective attention is the ability to focus on one thing while ignoring other
things. For example, when we listen to a lecture or a conversation, we use
selective attention to filter out background noises and distractions. Divided
attention is the ability to perform two or more tasks at the same time. For
example, when we drive a car and talk on the phone, we use divided attention to
coordinate our actions and words. Alternating attention is the ability to
switch between different tasks that require different levels of focus. For
example, when we study for an exam, we use alternating attention to review
different topics and materials.
Each type of attention has its benefits and challenges. Sustained
attention helps us to maintain concentration and avoid errors. However, it can
also be exhausting and boring if the task is too long or difficult. Selective
attention helps us to avoid information overload and focus on what is
important. However, it can also make us miss some
relevant or interesting details that are not in our focus. Divided attention
helps us to multitask and save time. However, it can also reduce our
performance and increase our stress if the tasks are too complex or demanding.
Alternating attention helps us to adapt to changing demands and goals. However,
it can also cause confusion and interference if the tasks are too similar or
unrelated.
For example, when we are aroused by a
stimulus or a situation, we pay more attention to it and react faster to it.
Fatigue is the degree to which we are tired or sleepy. For example, when we are
fatigued by lack of sleep or stress, we pay less attention to anything and make
more mistakes. Distraction is the degree to which we are exposed to irrelevant
or competing stimuli. For example, when we are distracted by noises or
notifications, we pay less attention to our main task and lose our focus.
Emotion is the degree to which we feel positive or negative feelings. For
example, when we are emotional by happiness or sadness, we pay more attention
to the sources of our emotions and less attention to other things.
Each factor can have positive or negative
effects on our attention depending on the context and the intensity. Interest
and motivation can increase our attention and learning if they are aligned with
our goals and values. However, they can also decrease our attention and
learning if they are too strong or too weak. Arousal and emotion can increase
our attention and performance if they are optimal and appropriate. However,
they can also decrease our attention and performance if they are too high or
too low. Fatigue and distraction can decrease our attention and performance if
they are frequent and severe. However, they can also increase our attention and
performance if they are occasional and mild.
A third aspect of attention is the effects of
attention on perception and memory. Perception is the process of interpreting
and organising sensory information. Memory is the process of encoding, storing,
and retrieving information. Attention plays a critical role in both processes,
as it determines what we perceive and what we remember. Attention can alter our
perception of reality and influence our memory formation and retrieval. For
example, when we pay attention to a stimulus or a situation, we perceive it
more accurately and vividly. We also encode it more deeply and store it more
securely in our memory. When we retrieve it later, we recall it more easily and
confidently. However, when we do not pay attention to a stimulus or a
situation, we perceive it less accurately and vividly. We also encode it less
deeply and store it less securely in our memory. When we retrieve it later, we
recall it less easily and confidently.
Therefore, it is important to improve our
perception and memory by paying attention to relevant details and avoiding
irrelevant ones. For example, when we read a text or listen to a speech, we
should pay attention to the main ideas and the supporting evidence. We should
also avoid distractions such as noises or thoughts that are not related to the
text or the speech. When we study for a test or prepare for a presentation, we
should pay attention to the key concepts and the examples. We should also avoid
fatigue, such as lack of sleep or stress, that can impair our attention and
memory.
BARACK OBAMA
.jpg)
Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States, serving two terms from 2009 to 2017. He was the first African American to hold the position of President in the country and left a lasting impact on American politics and society. Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1961 and graduated from Columbia University in 1983 with a degree in political science. After working as a community organiser in Chicago, he attended Harvard Law School, where he earned a law degree in 1991. Obama served in the Illinois State Senate from 1997 to 2004 before being elected to the United States Senate in 2004. In the 2008 presidential election, Obama defeated Republican nominee John McCain to become President of the United States. During his presidency, Obama implemented various policies, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Obamacare, which aimed to improve healthcare access for millions of Americans. He also worked to improve the economy, passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and implemented the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to create jobs and improve infrastructure.
One of Obama's most significant foreign
policy accomplishments was the negotiation of the Iran nuclear deal. He also
improved relations between the United States and Cuba by reestablishing
diplomatic ties and easing travel restrictions. Obama was a strong advocate for
climate change action, and his Clean Power Plan sought to reduce carbon
emissions from power plants.
During his presidency, Obama faced
significant challenges, including the Great Recession, foreign policy crises in
the Middle East, and growing political polarisation in the United States.
However, he maintained high approval ratings throughout his presidency and is
regarded as one of the most influential and transformative presidents in modern
American history.
POLITICS AND RELIGION
Politics and religion have been intertwined for centuries, shaping the course of history and influencing the lives of millions of people around the world. Despite the fundamental differences between the two, they have often been used to legitimise each other and promote various agendas.
Religion has long been used as a tool for
political control, with rulers using it to justify their authority and shape
the values and beliefs of their subjects. This has led to the rise of religious
hierarchies, theocracy, and religious nationalism, which have caused conflicts
and divisions among people of different faiths. Furthermore, religious
institutions have often been used to impose moral and ethical codes that are
incompatible with modern secular values, such as gender equality, LGBTQ rights,
and social justice.
On the other hand, politics has also played a
significant role in shaping religious practices and beliefs, with governments
using their power to regulate or suppress religious activities they deem a
threat to their authority. This has led to the persecution of religious
minorities, the suppression of freedom of speech, and the subjugation of
religious institutions to state authority. In more recent times, the rise of
populism and nationalism has led to the politicisation of religion, with
religious groups being co-opted into various political movements and parties.
Despite the potential for conflict between
politics and religion, there is also the potential for synergy and
collaboration. Religious and political leaders can work together to promote
social welfare, promote human rights, and advance the common good. Furthermore,
religion can offer moral and ethical guidance to politicians and policymakers,
serving as a moral compass for society. At the same time, politics can also
provide a framework for religious pluralism and the protection of individual rights, ensuring that no one religion
or group dominates over others.
In conclusion, politics and religion are
complex and often contentious issues that require careful consideration and
dialogue. While they may seem incompatible at times, they both have the
potential to positively impact society when used wisely. It is up to leaders in both domains to
work together to ensure that their actions promote peace, justice, and mutual
respect between people of all faiths and backgrounds.
JUST TO LAUGH
At a workshop on dog temperament, the instructor noted that a test for a dog’s disposition was for an owner to fall down and act hurt. A dog with a poor temperament would try to bite the person, whereas a good dog would lick its owner’s face or show concern.
Once, while eating pizza in the living room, I tried this theory on my two dogs. I stood up, clutched my heart, let out a scream
and collapsed on the floor.
The dogs looked at me, glanced at each other and raced
to the coffee table for my pizza.
LINES I LIKED
Ø Although it’s easy to blame everyone and everything for our unhappiness, sometimes we just have to take a long look at ourselves, our habits and behaviours, and our personality.
Ø An excellent way to broaden your experience is to listen to someone who
has expertise in an area where you don’t.
An experience makes its appearance only when it is being said.
Meet you next month –2025
Professor A. Narayanan, Ph. D., FISPP
SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO:
E-mail: arumugakannu@gmail.com
Ph.: 0422 4393017 Mobile: 75399 15614
(NARA’S NOTEPAD)
Sunday, June 1, 2025
THE FUTURE OF AIR TRAVEL
The air travel industry has seen
unprecedented growth in the past decade. With rapid advancements in technology,
the future of air travel looks exciting and promising. Some of the trends and
innovations that are set to shape the future of air travel are listed below.
1.
Electric Planes
Electric planes have been talked about for a
while, and they could be the game-changer that the aviation industry has been
looking for. Although electric planes are still in their early stages, there
have been several successful tests. The most notable test was in 2019 when a
modified six seater-plane made by the Slovenian company Pipistrelle
successfully completed its first-ever fully electric commercial flight.
2.
Supersonic planes
Supersonic planes were last in operation in
2003 when the Concorde was retired. However, there have been some efforts
towards resurrecting supersonic commercial travel. Companies like Boom
Supersonic and Aerion are trying to bring supersonic travel back. Boom
Supersonic is planning a fast supersonic jet that will cut the travel time from
New York to London to three and a half hours.
3.
Sustainable aviation fuel
Sustainable aviation fuel is becoming increasingly popular in the aviation industry. Sustainable aviation fuel is made from renewable sources such as waste vegetable oil, agricultural waste, and municipal waste. Sustainable aviation fuel is expected to reduce carbon emissions and decarbonizes the aviation
industry. Many airlines have started
using sustainable aviation fuel in their planes, and it is expected that more
airlines will adopt sustainable aviation fuel in the future.
4.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to
revolutionize the aviation industry. AI can be used for many tasks, such as
predicting maintenance issues, reducing flight delays, and increasing fuel
efficiency. AI systems can also replace many human-operated systems, which can
help reduce costs and increase safety.
5. Virtual reality
Virtual reality could be a game-changer for
the future of air travel. Virtual reality technology can create a more
immersive travel experience, which can make long-haul flights more enjoyable.
Airlines can also use virtual reality technology to train pilots, air traffic
controllers, and other aviation professionals.
6. Flying cars
Flying cars may seem like something out of a
sci-fi movie, but they are becoming more a reality. Companies such as
Terrafugia and Aero Mobil are developing flying cars that could be on the
market in the next few years. Flying cars could transform the way people travel
and could help reduce traffic congestion on the ground.
In conclusion, the future of air travel looks
bright. With electric planes, supersonic planes, sustainable aviation fuel,
artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and flying cars, the aviation
industry is set to undergo massive changes in the coming years. Although some
of these innovations are still in their early stages, they offer exciting
opportunities that could help shape the future of air travel. With safety and
sustainability as the top priorities, the aviation industry can continue to
evolve and remain a vital part of the global transportation system.
WANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL?
1.
Improve your
self-image.
2.
Set specific
goals.
3.
Adopt a
positive attitude.
4.
Work hard.
5.
Strengthen
your relationships.
6.
Be driven by
a burning desire.
While you can’t skip any of these steps on your way to the top, rest assured that everything you need to start is already inside of you.
WORLD OCEANS DAY
World Oceans Day is an event celebrated annually on June 8 to raise awareness about the importance of the ocean in our lives and the need to protect it. The ocean is the largest ecosystem on Earth and covers about 75% of the planet’s surface. It regulates our climate, provides food and jobs for millions of people, and supports diverse organisms and habitats.
The idea of World Ocean’s Day was
first proposed by the Canadian Government at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de
Janeiro. Since then, it has become a global event, celebrated in over 140 countries
with various activities such as beach clean-ups, educational workshops, and
conservation projects.
The theme for World Oceans Day
2021 was “The Ocean’s Life and Livelihoods”, which highlights the interconnectedness
of the ocean and humans. The theme aimed to raise awareness about the
importance of the oceans and humans. The theme aims to raise awareness about
the importance of the ocean in supporting livelihoods, such as fisheries,
tourism and coastal communities.
Unfortunately, the ocean faces
numerous threats such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change, which
affect its health and the livelihoods that depend on it. Therefore, there is a
need for urgent action to protect the ocean. Governments, organizations, and
individuals can play their role in protecting the ocean by reducing plastic waste,
managing fisheries sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and
protecting marine habitats.
World Ocean’s Day is an
opportunity for everyone to reflect on the importance of the ocean, the
challenges it faces, and what we can do to protect it. By working together, we can ensure that the
ocean remains healthy and productive for generations to come.
CHARLES DE GAULLE
De Gaulle entered military service and began
his career as an infantry officer in World War I. He was wounded several times
and taken as a prisoner of war by the German army. Later, he served in various
positions in the French military and played an active role in World War II. He
led the French Resistance movement against the Nazi occupation of France and
also served as the head of Free France, a government-in-exile based in London.
After World War II, de Gaulle played a key
role in the post-war reconstruction of France. He founded the Fifth Republic,
which is the present-day French political system. As President of France, he
initiated several economic, social, and cultural reforms, which modernized the
country. He also played a significant role in shaping France's foreign policy,
particularly its relations with other European countries.
De Gaulle is known for his political philosophy of "Gaullism," which emphasizes strong national sovereignty and independence. He also believed in the importance of Franco-German relations and advocated for the formation
TO QUOTE
Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with
the intent of throwing it at someone else; you’re the one who gets burned. –
Anonymous
Be honest and ethical. Always do the right thing, even
when it’s difficult. – Jimmy Carter
JUST TO LAUGH
Once there was a man who went to an exotic country and came across a stall selling handmade handheld fans. He asked for the prettiest and longest-lasting one, and the owner charged him a whopping $1,000! After using it the first time, it broke, so he took it back for a refund.
The owner listened to the complaints and finally asked him how he used the fan.
The man demonstrated flapping the fan as one would normally do.
Then the owner said, "Ah! No wonder! You have been using the fan wrong.
This is the way to use it."
Then, he held the fan and frantically moved his head left and right.
LINES I LIKED
Ø An unclear surface is full of distractions, making it difficult to work efficiently.
Ø Analyse what you hear.
Ø Any good thing we like to do will have some bad impacts.
Ø Anyone looks like a genius when they’re in a good position, and even the
smartest person looks like an idiot when they’re in a bad one.
Anticipation is half the joy of achievement.
Meet you next month –2025
Professor A. Narayanan, Ph. D., FISPP
SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO:
E-mail: arumugakannu@gmail.com
Ph: 0422
4393017 Mobile: 75399 15614
(NARA’S
NOTEPAD)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)