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In IT industry, crunch time represents the period of time immediately before a project (or other timetabled item) is due. It is typical for the crunch time to occur between the next-to-last scheduled milestone and the final due date. Depending on how many due dates a project could have, the duration of crunch time could be pretty long in modern IT projects. For example, there could be an internal beta, a public beta, and a final launch. If people are doing extreme programming, the release cycle could be as short as two weeks.

Since crunch time is unavoidable, how could we deal with it? I would like to share some personal experiences here:

1. Get up early. It keeps one’s body clock right enjoying the sunshine. It helps maintain a positive attitude during the long day.
2. Take a morning shower to help the body wake up.
3. Prepare extra clothing for early morning or late evening if one lives in an area with large temperature diference between day and night. Cold will at least cause headache.
4. Take a nap from time to time whenever one feels sleepy.
5. Have enough exercise to keep the blood flow. However, don’t over-exercise to exhaust oneself.
6. Keep energy bars or snacks handy in the working place. Don’t have energy crisis!
7. Have good quality food!

Food is fundamental to a person’s health. However, when people are very busy, they intend to focus solely on the calories and the taste. It is not that easy to eat healthy. Here, I would like to share some tips, especially for IT workers who work long hours.

Eye

1. Lutein: Various research studies have shown that a direct relationship exists between lutein intake and pigmentation in eye. Several studies also show that an increase in macula pigmentation decreases the risk for eye diseases. That’s why spinach, kale, and other greens are good for human beings.
2. Zeaxanthin: It lowers the risk of cataract development and the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. It is the pigment that gives corn, saffron, and other many other plants their characeristic color.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids: It helps keep eyes hydrated while it reduces the risk of coronary heart diseases. One could fine it in coldwater fish like tuna, salmon and sardines, as well as walnuts.

Immune System

1. Zinc: Studies show that significant dietary intake of zinc has also recently been shown to impede the onset of flu. Zinc salts are effective against pathogens in direct application. Both red meat and oyster are full of zinc.
2. Vitamin C: One can find it in orange juice, SoBe, or green vegitables.
3. Galic: It can also help fight off infection, thanks to its healthy dose of the antimicrobial agent allicin. The well-known phenomenon of “galic breath” is alleged to be alleviated by eating fresh parsley. Of course, it is a temporary fix since one cannot keep eating parsley. This is the major medicine when my life becomes hectic and I am lack of sleep due to hardwork.

Memory

1. Blueberry: Blueberry contains vitaberry that shows promise in slowing and reversing brain aging. Further, blueberry helps reduce the risks of some cancers.
2. Egg: Egg yolk is rich in choline, which is vital for building strong brains in womb, and is also important in keeping brain cells functioning throughout life.
3. Water: Human brain is 75-85% water. When dehydrated, one’s attention and concentration can decrease by 13% and short term memory by 7%.

Nerve System

1. B Vitamins: This vitamin family increases serotonin levels in the brain and in turn helps to reaulate reactions to stress. They are essential for healthy nerves, skin, eyes and hair, and for a healthy liver. One can find them in asparagus, broccoli, kale, and spinach, potatoes, bananas, cereal, lentils, chili peppers, tempeh, liver, turkey, and tuna.
2. Peppermint: It calms the muscles of the stomach and improves the flow of bile. Peppermint tea is a generally safe way to soothe an upset stomach. Personally, I like white peppermint mocha.

Street painting is an Italian tradition since the 16th century. During traditional religious and folk festivals, pavement artists, called madonnari or Madonna painters in English, who reproduced the icons of the Madonna — Mary, mother of Jesus, in chalks. In modern days, of course, Subject matter is no longer confined to the Madonna. Madonnari are itinerant artists who live a life of travel and freedom and live on donations and small commissions.

In 1972, the small community of Grazie di Curtatone in northern Italy started the first International Street Painting Competition. In 1987, Executive Director Kathy Koury, a fundraiser for the Children’s Creative Project, launched the first street painting festival in North America — I Madonnari, in Santa Barbara, California. In 1994, Youth in Arts brought Italian Street Painting Festival to Mission San Rafael Arcangel, which is now the largest one in the United States.

The following pictures are from this year’s I Madonnari:

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Check out this site for galleries of street painting festivals and lists of events.