Bald heartthrobs the latest rage

From actors like Bruce Willis to sports legends like Michael Jordon or 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin; celebrities have flaunted the bald look. Here's a lowdown on some of the hottest bald heartthrobs

Pitbull
The Cuban-American rapper might be ruling all charts at the moment. Pitbull in his sexy bald avatar makes his fans go weak in the knees. The always 'suit'ably dressed man knows how to carry a clean shaved head with flamboyance. He makes a super sexy style statement on the stage as he hits his imaginary keyboard keys and sways to the music.

Bruce Willis
The Die Hard series wouldn't have been the same if not for Bruce Willis. The charismatic charmer that he is, we are used to seeing him in a bald avatar, which he pulls off in style. The rough-and-tough man did face a receding hairline problem, but opting for a shaved look has women swooning after him like never before.

Vin Diesel
The American actor, producer, director and writer made the 'bald hunk' look sizzling after starring in a number of films, most popular ones being the Fast and the Furious series. The action hero known for his deep, husky voice; Vin Diesel is the man who steals the show with his bald looks.

Zinedine Zidane
Think of Zidane, his infamous head-butt in his last match before retirement comes to mind. But it's hard to find a hotter bald player in the super sizzling world of soccer. Women, even those who were least interested in football, were fixated on his shaved head and sexy looks.

Jason Statham
Action movie buffs love to see him firing his guns and flexing muscles but the actor also makes a sexy style statement with a half bald head and an intense look. Statham's rugged look amplified by the partial buzz cut is a clear cut winner. And to top it all, the sexy actor also has one of the sexiest models (Rosie-Huntington Whiteley) as his girlfriend.

Djimon Hounsou
Starting his career as a model in Paris, Djimon, who is known for his strong performance in Blood Diamond, for which he also won a number of awards, has modelled for a number of international brands and his perfect shiny hairless head makes him a perfect fit for this list.

Andre Agassi
When it comes to this ball (read bald) game, Andre Agassi stole the limelight. There was a time when Andre Agassi sported a wig on the tennis court due to a receding hairline. But it was Brooke Shields, to whom he was married then, who suggested that he should shave his head. Little did he know that it would win him so many aces.

(Compiled by Ano Patel)

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Have you had the ganache, torte or savarin yet?

Just heard of the basic chocolate or cheescake? There are actually so many varieties that can be enjoyed. Here's look at what each one has...

The definition of cake has certainly changed through the ages. While in ancient Roman times, it simply meant small bread with just some sugar, with the invention of the modern oven in the 19th century all that changed. Today, there seems to be a cake for all occasions and special ones for health aficionados too.

Difference between cake, gateau and torte...
While torte is the German word for cake, gateaux is the French word for it. It stands for a rich or fancy preparation made with delicate ingredients, and therefore best had as soon as it's made. A cake (fruit, plain sponge etc) is made with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter and has a longer shelf life.

Kinds of cakes
1. Truffle: This one is as luxurious as it gets! Tender and moist, it really is chocolate truffle layered between chocolate sponge, folded in with whipped cream. You can spike it with orange zest and add fruits like strawberries to it as well.

2. Cheesecake: Made with cream and soft cheese (usually cream, cheddar or ricotta), this one is a meal favourite as it's not as rich and goes well with a post meal beverage like green or jasmine tea. Food flavouring like vanilla essence or dark chocolate can be added and it is served cold with toppings like fresh fruit and whipped cream. Experts maintain that the cheesecake is really a pie.

3. Bundt: The cake gets its name after the Bundt pan or a round baking pan with a tube in the middle, in which it is made. The cakes can be made with a variety of ingredients, using sponge, fruits, raisins, creme and chocolate frostings.

4. Jelly roll: Easy to make, this cake is swirled with jam and fruit. To cook, you make the dough into a thin, flat square. Once it is cooled, spread the jam of your choice on it and roll it.

5. Savarin: Also called Baba au Savarin, the savarin is a circular yeast cake filled with pastry, fresh fruit and rum. You can use different glazes over it.

6. Red velvet cake: The colour of the cake lends to its name. A layer cake with ingredients like buttermilk, butter flour and cream cheese the cake is made with food colouring.

7. Pavlova: An Australian meringue-based dessert named after the Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova, this one has a crisp white exterior and a marshmallow centre. It is topped with strawberries and kiwis.

8. Tarte tatin: You'll be forgiven for calling this an upside-down cake, for the French dessert is served with the apples on the bottom and the crust on top. The story goes that it was prepared in a hotel in the French Lore Valley when two sisters - Caroline and Stephanie Tatin put the apples in the pan without the crust underneath, while preparing an apple tart. The apples caramelised and people loved it. The rest is history...

9. Madeira: Once served with Madeira wine in the 19th century, the Madeira is a plain loaf cake that's served with afternoon tea. The ingredients are made with just butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Lemon rind can be added to it to give it a tangy taste.

10. Ganache: The Ganache is also a very rich cake with almost velvety icing. By definition itself, the ganache is a mixture of chocolate and cream, used to make chocolates or as a filling in pastries (when it is heated). When ganache is whisked with butter it's called ganache beurre.

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The golden liquid goes great with veg food

That whisky has a particular affinity with tandoori kababs is well known. The smoky flavours from the charcoal-fired tandoor complement the peaty notes of strong malts and just work a little magic on your taste buds.

Which begs the question - is it only meat cooked in the tandoor that accentuates the spirit? Is serving vegetarian food with whisky sort of like serving dum biryani with sambar — a combination that doesn't work because it won't let you enjoy either of the two flavours?
"Of course not," says Sandeep Arora, a whisky connoisseur. "Being vegetarian has no bearing on the pleasure of enjoying alcohol. In fact, vegetarian snacks and starters are a great way to enjoy whiskies. I'd say tandoori paneer tikka, subz galauti kebab, navrattan kabab, subz shammi, tandoori aloo, dudiya kabab, hara kabab awadhi are some great accompaniments."

The tandoor isn't the only requirement, he adds. There are stir fries as well, such as cauliflower florets in chilli sauce, corn-and-peas rolls with peanut sauce, assorted vegetables in tamarind sauce, button mushrooms tossed in green chilli paste.

All of which should be great news for all those vegetarians who thought they were doomed to munching peanuts or karam while nursing a fine scotch. "Whisky has such a strong association of working only with meat-based hors d'oeuvres that vegetarians don't always have it easy," says Rajive, who turned vegetarian a few years ago. "In the battle between 'reds' and 'greens' at a party, the greens usually get a raw deal, no pun intended!"

Sandeep adds, "If you have patience and a broad view, choosing whiskies to go with Asian vegetarian cuisine can be a great experience. The only catch is you may wish to break from the traditional appetizer, soup, main course-with-rice mould."

The spicy south Indian palate goes best with smoky, peaty whiskies since the spirit has a firm presence and can hold well with spices. Whiskies, which are matured in sherry, have an erotic structure, exotic spices and a zesty sweetness. So what are some of the best vegetarian south Indian foods he'd recommend to go with scotch? Mini idli, cholam keerai masial, beans paruppu usili, kakarikai vepadu, small aloo bondai with curry leaves are some options that are easy to pop into the mouth as you move around and mingle.

"Being vegetarian or vegan is a choice for many, for whatever reason. We may call them 'tree-huggers' and all of that, but vegetarian food is now a must-serve when we have alcohol and dinner parties," says Malini, an analyst.

As a final touch, a plate of artisan cheeses, caramelized fruits and chocolates can be served as dessert, along with vintage malts. Here's wishing you a great culinary journey!

Whisky factfile
In general, older means one thing: it'll cost more than something younger. But older whisky isn't always a marker of quality; most single malts reach optimum aroma and flavour at between 12 and 21 years of aging and the quality of anything older could be dodgy. The most appropriate way to enjoy whisky is to add a few drops of water to the neat whisky, which release the aromas and allow it to express itself. Sipping water alongside your glass of whisky is also nice, since it keeps you hydrated and the palate fresh. Soda is not the ideal companion, but a cube or two of ice is fine as long as you're not filling up a glass with ice and then adding whisky 'on the rocks'.

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Dressing up windows can be fun

Beautifully decorated windows can make a room look attractive and inviting not only from inside but from the outside too.

There are plenty of options to decorate your windows - curtains, drapes, blinds, shades, shutters etc.

Decorate your window such that it is both stylish as well as functional. Soft and hard window treatments can be used in combination. Shades, window blinds and shutters are hard window treatments, which use materials like wood or vinyl. Soft window treatments on the other hand include anything made of soft materials such as sheers, curtains, drapes, swags, valances.

Sheer window treatment with sequins is popular among buyers now. Plain sheer with cutwork is also in vogue. Also, tassels with strings of cloth which give a furry feel can be used.

Mock curtains using sheer in the background along with tie-back curtains are a trendy way to style your windows. White is always preferred for its light and airy feel. Shades of grey, silver, steel aqua go well with silver and grey leather furniture while purple or lilac is a great highlight for larger rooms.

Windows are specifically meant to allow more light and air into the house. So, the selection of colours for the windows also matters and contributes to the style along with giving a soothing feeling. Today, a combination of neutral colours is used to bring an aesthetic sense.

The wise selection of curtains, drapes and blinds adds an additional charm to the windows. Experimenting with different shades of the same colour can give a unique look. Mini-blind is the most common window covering used in most houses. Available in many colours and materials, they can be made as per the window size.

Using different textures, either solid fabrics with soft ones like velvet or satin or combining rough fabrics with smoother ones, too can give a varied look. Another way to add textures to the windows is using eco-friendly products like grass, bamboo, jute and paper to bring in natural elegance.

Roll-up blinds are back with new eco-friendly textures and colours. They have their own natural lustre and add warmth to the room.

Linen pleated shades have the option of lowering the shades from the top - allowing light to come in over the top of the shades, which gives more control over light. Roman shades come in a variety of styles, from crisp and contemporary to bold and dramatic. Curtains and drapery add to the finishing touch to the room while wooden shutters give a classic touch to the windows. Stylish hardware accessories like rods, pulls or tassels complement the window treatment.

Window coverings in any form define the style of your room. So choose all the elements such that they are in harmony with the rest of the room decor and make the room look complete.

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More Indians exploring offbeat destinations

A history lesson at the War Remnants museum in Ho Chi Minh city in Vietnam, adventure sports in South Africa for an adrenaline rush or taking a dip in the crystal clear waters of Krabi in Thailand. An ever increasing number of Indians are exploring offbeat destinations around the world with rise in disposable incomes and lifestyle changes, travel experts say.

According to online travel portal Expedia India, 30 per cent of holiday-goers in India are opting for offbeat destinations during the summer holidays this year, as compared to 20 per cent last year. And over 13 million Indians - one of the largest groups of world travellers today - are expected to be travelling abroad this year.

Those with deep pockets and spare time are heading to Europe, Africa and Latin America, others continue to flock to short-haul destinations like Thailand and Singapore, but keep away from the general tourist spots.

"The less explored spots in Southeast Asia, like Koh Samui, Krabi in Thailand; Langkawi and Johor Bahru in Malaysia; and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam are now being chosen by Indian travelers at large," Vikram Malhi, Country Head, Expedia, said.

"Europe has always been the favorite travel hub for Indians, destinations like Turkey and Greece which were earlier not chosen in large numbers are now being explored widely," he added.

Agreed Sharat Dhall, president, Yatra.com, who said that while destinations in Europe and East Asia continue to be in demand, places like Macha Pichu in Peru and South Africa which offer adventure tours and trekking are becoming a hot favourite.

As far as domestic destinations are concerned, travellers may be opting for hill-stations but they make sure to choose the one which is an offbeat destination.

"We're seeing increased interest in hill-stations like Chail, Shogi, Ranikhet, in the north, Wayanad in Kerala and Tawang and Shillong towards the Northeast," Richa Goyal Sikri, Group Business Development Director, STIC Travel Group, said.

"As summer break is a peak season, the usual destinations are packed and expensive. the very objective of a holiday - relaxation - is not met due to the rush," she added.

According to the experts, Indians are getting paid better and are venturing out more and don't mind spending on expensive international holiday packages.

However, summer travel which was primarily a family holiday, has completely changed over the years.

"Travel is no longer a luxury but a routine now. If not long vacations, weekend getaways are definitely the latest trend among Indian travellers, especially among couples with no kids," said Malhi.

The discounts and special offers doled out by the travel and tour operators to woo as many travellers as possible help in sweetening the deal.

"The special offers definitely have a large role to play here. Everybody has something to pick for themselves irrespective of their budget or days available which help in luring travellers," Mohit Gupta, Chief Business Officer-Holidays at MakeMyTrip, said.

The holiday budgets average anywhere between Rs. 5,000 and Rs 30,000 for domestic destinations and Rs 35,000 and Rs. 2 lakh for international destinations.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the number of Indians travelling abroad in 1991 was 1.9 million, which rose to 12.99 million in 2010 with a compound annual growth rate of 10.5 per cent. The number of departures in 2010 registered a growth of nine per cent over 2009 as compared to 1.8 per cent growth in 2009 over 2008.

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At fast food chains ice dirtier than toilet water

Ice from fast food restaurants is dirtier than toilet water, a school science project by a 12-year-old found.

Jasmine Roberts collected ice samples from five restaurants in South Florida for her award-winning project -- from both self-serve machines inside the restaurant and from drive-thru windows.

She then collected toilet water samples from the same restaurants and tested all of them for bacteria at the University of South Florida.

In several cases, the ice tested positive for E. coli bacteria, which comes from human waste and has been linked to several illness outbreaks across the country, ABC News reported.

"These [bacteria] don't belong there. It's not cause for panic, although it is alarming because what she found is nothing new. You're not more likely to get sick now. But she's done us a favor by sounding the alarm," Dr. David Katz, medical contributor to 'Good Morning America' said.

Both Roberts and Katz said that the ice is likely dirtier because machines aren't cleaned and people use unwashed hands to scoop ice.

Toilet water is also surprisingly bacteria-free, because it comes from sanitized city water supplies.

Roberts got interested in the project after reading a newspaper article about bacteria in airplane water and decided to do something similar. Plus, she said, all of her friends chew on ice, and it drives her crazy.

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Why you should stop yo-yo dieting?

Always wondering about how to shed the weight quickly? Then you must have tried several kinds of diet including yo yo dieting, starvation, and skipping meals or avoiding anything remotely fatty like a slice of pizza, right?

But here's the shocker; we bet you no one told you that these methods are actually fattening in the long run. Surprised? Our nutritionist, Neelanjana Singh from Heinz Nutri Life Clinic, pulls the plug on this dangerous weight loss fad also known as Yo Yo Dieting.

Neelanjana Singh breaks down what really happens when you opt for a yo yo diet and why you gain drastic amounts of weight later in life. She explains, "Yo yo diet means sometime you restrict calories, sometimes you become liberal with calories. So with this kind of mechanism is going on the nerve center in the body gets confused to what is the actual status of the body. Is there plenty calories around or is there a problem of getting food for the body."

Neelanjana continues, "In this kind of situation, the body's mechanisms get mixed up and confused, in that case they are not able to do the right mechanism, where the body should include those foods that needs to be stored. It actually goes into a mode where it believes that there is not enough food available till the next meal. So it goes into a mode where it starts depositing more storage fat. Because it believes that there could be a reason that you won't get enough in the next meal."

Irregular eating habit is another reason why you are putting on weight. Plan an eating chart and stick to it. It is a fundamental step in your weight loss diet - eat right, eat moderately and eat on time.

Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.healthmeup.com

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Work in standing position to lose weight

Office workers, who spend all day behind their desks should consider working standing up to lose weight, a new research has claimed.

According to exercise scientist John Buckley from Chester University, standing on feet for an extra three hours a-day would help burn off 3.6 kg of fat each year, the Daily Mail reported.

He said that people could switch to higher than normal computer desks to answer their emails and type documents.

Buckley asserted that working standing up for three hours will consume 144 calories and reduce obesity and improve circulation.

He claimed that by making small changes in the workplace such as standing at work place could make long-term improvements to health.

An upright working stance had also been championed by author Ernest Hemingway who wrote his vigorous prose on a typewriter at a special chest-height desk.

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10 colours to wear this summer

Move over mustard yellow and denim blue. Next season, the international fashion fraternity will direct its collective eye on the other side of the colour spectrum; at least, that's what Pantone, the global authority on colour, says in its survey of top fashion designers at New York Fashion Week and beyond.

In Spring/Summer 2013, designers will overwhelmingly address the desire for self-expression, balance and the need to re-energise. The colour forecast for the coming season builds upon these compelling needs with a palette that mixes dynamic brights with novel neutrals to create a harmonious balance. We give you a head start into how to work these beautiful shades.

Poppy red
This is a seductive, sensual and celebratory shade. The 2013 Golden Globe red carpet was awash with poppy red floor-length gowns. Whether it's a knockout dress or a lipstick, every woman's wardrobe essentials should include it. For an ultra-feminine casual look, pair skinny jeans in this tone with a white chiffon blouse.

African violet
This floral statement colour brings a touch of intrigue, as purples often do, and can be incorporated into many unexpected combinations. Try pairing it with exuberant poppy red. A strapless pleated gown in this vibrant shade will light up any evening soiree.

Lemon zest
This cheerful hue brings out a piquant taste with its refreshing greenish cast. American popstar Hilary Duff and actress Jessica Alba are fans. The shade was seen flowing down the runway at BCBG Max Azria, Tadadshi Shoji and Gryphon. The easiest way to wear this trend is through colourful printed T-shirts or fit-and-flare dresses.

Emerald
Trend forecasters have named this eclectic jewel tone the colour of 2013. It's the goto colour for former actress Raveena Tandon. Emerald looks stunning on dresses — sexy and sculpted, side-draped, sequinned or lacy. Or tie your look together with an emerald green belt.

Linen
The colour linen is three shades lighter than beige and similar to blush. Try pairing it with greyed jade or dusk blue. To stand out at an important evening event, slide into a linen-coloured sleek, fluid gown in silk crepe and accessorise with a diamond bracelet and stilettos.

Tender shoots
Like the first signs of spring, tender shoots, a vibrant yellow-green, is invigorating, active and cheerful. To make a powerful statement, American designer Rachel Roy recommends a peplum, cap sleeve cropped jacket in the shade paired with different silhouettes — a silk chiffon dress or palazzo pants.

Nectarine
A bright, effervescent citrus orange with coral undertones, this shade provides a tangy burst of flavour to a look. This orange suits the Indian skin tone as well. It's bright but still has a softness to it. Look for lacy blouses in this juicy tint to add colour to your wardrobe in an unexpected way.

Monaco blue
Blue tonal colours look great on almost all skin tones. Actress Sonakshi Sinha swears by this colour. Designer Tommy Hilfiger has declared a red-and-Monaco blue nautical print A-line silk dress as the perfect summer wardrobe staple. Combine the colour with emerald for a fresh collegiate look.

Greyed jade
A subtle, hushed green with a grey undertone brings about a mood of quiet reflection and repose. London-based designer Suwha Hong from Cynthia Steffe suggests an above-the-knee close-fitting dress in the shade to take you from desk to the dinner table with flair.

Dusk blue
Dusk blue is this season's newest pastel. This serene colour works best with fluid and flowy silhouettes. If an all-blue outfit is too much for you, look for digital prints or stripes in this shade on a classic tee silhouette or a pair of shorts for an athletic vibe. For an unexpected mix, pair it with the intense nectarine.

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Plant at home? Take care of it...

Take care of your potted plants.

Potted plants are a good way to accessorise and liven up your home. Best of all, most plants are relatively easy to care for; it's definitely not rocket science. Here are some points you must remember:

1. Worried that your plants may not be getting the right amount of water and sun? Here's a little secret. Create the same ideal conditions as plants would enjoy in their native habitat. Inquire with your florist about exactly how much of water and sunlight you should be giving the plants and how regularly. Plants with a lot of leaf surface or soft, lush foliage will require more water than those with less foliage or waxy or leathery leaves.

2. Plants need nutrients for healthy growth. Remember to regularly feed them fertilisers. But, as the need of each plant differs, don't forget to consult your florist first.

3. Pruning and trimming is essential for potted plants. While it helps you regulate their height, cutting of dead stems and removing yellow leaves will prevent fungus and decay from setting in. While light trimming can be done anytime, the best time to prune potted plants is when they are actively growing - the rainy season. Use pruning shears for plants with thick woody stems.

4. Clean up the leaves. Yes this is important so as to keep them dust and insect free and get the required light to grow. While you can use a damp cloth or sponge for smooth leaves, use a soft brush (a paint brush or old tooth brush is ideal) for plants with hairy leaves. For fine foliage plants like ferns, spraying them with water is a good option.

5. As the plants grow, you will need to move them into larger pots to allow for the roots to spread. Otherwise they will become pot bound — the roots will become cramped and form a tightly packed mass inhibiting the plant's growth. You know you have to repot the plant when you see the roots on the surface or emerging from the drainage hole in the pot.

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Mental health: What is stress?

Anything that is away from the normal causes stress. That is when things are not in equilibrium one gets into a situation wherein one feels a subjective feeling of uneasiness.

"Some amount of stress is normal in day to day life and we call it Eustress, but when it reaches pathological levels then it's called Distress and this is what we need to deal with" informs Dr Kersi Chavda, Psychiatrist, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mumbai.

Signs of Stress

Palpitation, sweating, cold, clammy extremities, butterflies in stomach feeling, desire to keep going to the toilet, headache, dizziness, appetitive and sleep disturbances, difficulty with breathing, acidity, problems related to sexuality. All these symptoms are related to psychological distress.

Causes for Stress

The causes for stress can be innumerable and maybe divided into factors

a) Internal

b) External.

The internal factor refers to the personality types which in itself maybe anxious, depressed, obsessive, or dependent. The external environment may refer to stress related to study, relationships, death and divorce, chronic physical illness, financial matters etc.

Treatment for Stress

The treatment lies in dealing with the cause if there is one. This refers to coping with the triggers of fights with the dear ones, putting in war effort at study so as to reduce the stress of inadequate preparation etc. In certain situations, medications maybe indicated to reduce excessive anxiety. The use of exercise and supplements like vitamins and antioxidants also plays an important role in helping cope with stress.

Tips to Control Stress

In order to lead a healthy and stress-free life, it is vital to follow certain guidelines or steps. They will help you get a better control over life and alter the way you view stress or its trigger factors.

Regular Exercise: Not surprisingly, exercise is one of the best ways to deal with stress. A regular 20-30 minutes of physical activity every day is vital to decrease stress hormones like cortisol and increase your body's feel good chemicals called endorphins. Besides this, certain forms of exercise like martial arts or boxing can act as an outlet for releasing all your vent-up emotions and frustrations.
Relaxation Techniques: This not only involves taking time to relax everyday but also employing certain basic relaxation techniques. This involves deep breathing techniques, meditation and practicing different yoga postures to relax your body muscles. What is Stress?

Tips to Tackle Stress

Balanced Diet: What you put inside your body also determines your ability to cope with stress or anxiety. A balanced diet comprising fresh fruits and vegetables is a must to reverse the negative impacts of stress and lead a healthy life.
Avoid Stressful Situations: As far as possible, ensure that you avoid unnecessary arguments, conflicts or any other stressful situation. Try to keep yourself calm in every way and avoid indulging in unnecessary situations.
Sleep: Finally, a regular 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is also important to relax your mind and body. If you face any difficulty in sleep, you can also make use of relaxation techniques like listening to music or reading a book.

Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.healthmeup.com

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Here's how to judge a prospective boss

It's pointless fretting over a horrid boss after signing the dotted line. Here's how to spot a tyrant.

As the appraisal storm makes its exit and you itch to jump on to the next most lucrative offer, beware of what you're getting into. It'll be a sad state of affairs if you land yourself as insufferable a new boss as your previous one. At an interview, the interviewer makes it a point to make the offer look alluring — something you need to prove yourself worthy for. But like all good jobs, it needs to fit a few criteria for your personal goals as well. A conducive, productive work environment, a lucrative financial package and most essentially, a boss you can work well with. Interviews aren't a one-way street with the boss judging your fit in the organization.

You need to gauge if they display the traits of someone you can have a healthy relationship with. With social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, background checks have gotten much easier, but not everything is available online. With inputs from NLP practitioner Malti Bhojwani, we tell you how to look out for trouble.

Trust the signs

Body language is a great indicator of how trustworthy a person can be. Malti says, "He should sit with open shoulders, head held high, and forehead shouldn't be scrunched." If you sense any sign of discomfort in his body language, be warned. Since non-verbal cues can be louder than words, pay attention to subtle signs to avoid a bad leader.

Dependable, focused

Take note if your interviewee's body language isn't aligned with what he's saying. The person you may be working with could be easily distracted and scattered. Malti says, "A good boss is centered and grounded, so keep an eye out for what they are doing with their hands and feet. During an interview if a boss says words like 'wait' or 'stop' and their hand action is in sync, then it's a good sign. Or if he/she says, 'build' or 'foundation', and their hands are one on top of the other, or uses words like 'us' and 'all', and has hands wide open — these are examples of how body language is in alignment with the words they are saying."

I vs we

It's a nightmare if you end up with a boss who takes credit for everything. The biggest indicator for such a person are the pronouns they use during a conversation. Pay attention to the 'I and we'. If talking about a particular project, you can give him the benefit of the doubt if he takes the credit. But when talking about the company at large, if he starts boasting about his own achievements, don't be enamoured. In all probability he hasn't done a thing, other than signing on the final contract.

Talk through it

An interview should not just be you trying to see yourself in a company. Malti says, "A good boss will ideally talk about the goals of a company, tell you how your contribution affects the company, give you a larger picture of where the company stands. Basically make you feel like you are part a larger goal, rather than just your day-to-day work." This indicates that they want to empower you, and is willing to give you the responsibility if you can prove that you can shoulder it.

No room for anger

A good boss is not a reactive person. If a client has rubbed him/ her the wrong way or an employee has angered him/ her, it shouldn't be followed by doors banging and a shouting match. During an interview this might be difficult to spot, but it is a great indicator of the sort of person they are. Check for how they answer the phone. Do they get angry when disturbed? During conversation things might come up that may require them to answer a few touchy questions about the company. See how they react. But Malti warns, "It is great to ask your interviewer questions, but don't push it. Do not try and aggravate them just to get a response."

Hobby horse

It is great to find a boss who is interested in the same things as you. Even better during an interview because it gives you things to talk about and sell yourself a little better. But if questions regarding the job are buried under every hobby that you've listed on your resume, be on guard. This kind of person is probably an over-friendly boss. Malti says, "Speaking about hobbies is a tricky one. It is great because the boss wants to know how you can contribute to the company on a larger level, especially in terms of team building.

But if the questions are getting very personal, you could end up with a boss that wants to hang out with you constantly." Though this might be a small reason to reject a job offer, a clingy boss can be quite irritating. If you have another option, go for it.

Kevin.Lobo @timesgroup.com

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Customisation is our USP

Sanjay Vazirani of Foodlinks on why he caters to the best.

For Sanjay Vazirani — food, fine dining and catering are passions. Fifteen years ago his dream saw fruition when Foodlink was established. Now, this venture is best known for serving exclusive cuisine from around the globe to celebrities and corporate giants among others. AT spoke to Vazirani, about his expansion plans.

How tough was it to make Foodlink a brand to reckon with?
It wasn't easy at all. In the initial days we used to cater at events for a where dishes would cost `99 per head. Today, we serve the creme de la creme, offering the best in terms of ambience, food quality, taste, presentation et al. It took us 12 years to understand the cuisines from across the globe and carve a niche for ourselves. We are constantly following the R&D process to present the food in a customized manner to our clients.

Customization is the key that sets you apart from other players in hospitality industry.
We offer our services to the likes of Bachchans, Ambanis, and Adanis. Our team sits with the clients, understands their guest lists and gives them myriad options to select from after consultation of our expert chefs. Right from crockery to the kind of fruits, vegetables to spices used— we make sure that we maintain high standards. We ensure that we have the best of chefs for our clients. Our team travels to specific regions to get an understanding of a particular delicacy that is to be presented for an event.

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Help our feathered pals in summer

Here's how you can ensure that the birds in your locality can brave the summer sun

It's summer time and everyone's thirsty! Not just us, but our animal friends as well. While it's true that birds do not require as much water as mammals, they do lose a lot of water through respiration and require some water at least a couple of times during summer. So, this is the season when you can do your bit to help them battle out the blistering heat.

- Every morning, keep aside a bowl of water in your balcony or a place that's accessible to birds. In some families, there's the custom to keep aside rice for the crow before you start eating. If that's followed in your place, you could place the bowl somewhere near it.

- Make sure that the bowl is clean and you pour fresh water into it every day.

- As this is for our feathered friends, it's important to select a proper bowl that they can dip their beaks into.

- If you have space in your terrace/balcony, set aside a small place for birds to rest. An old shoe box stuffed with some hay could give them the shelter they crave for on a hot, sunny day.

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Ways to increase positivity in home

Here are some tips from a Vastu and Feng Shui expert for a life full of harmony.

In the present complex scenario, we do not find time for ourselves to analyse the various reasons that lead us to failures in health, wealth or relationships. Most of these problems are connected to major Vastu and Feng Shui defects. Dr Snehal S Deshpande lists some commandments which may help you to increase positive energy in your home:

- Always stand in the centre of your house with a compass in your hand to find out the directions of your house. The main entrance is the mouth of a house which brings in the energy. Avoid a property which has a door facing south-west, as it is the entry of the devil energy and brings in struggle and misfortunes. If your house already has one, fix two Hanumanji tiles outside the door and see the difference.

- Mandir or altar is the king of all Vastu rules — place it in the North-East and everything will start falling in place. Also, face the East while praying.

- Kitchen is the symbol of prosperity and should be ideally placed in the southeast. Kitchen in the North or North-East may bring financial and health problems. In this case, hang three bronze bowls upside down on the ceiling but do not hang over the stove.

- Master bedroom is the key to enter the door of stability and it must be in the South-West. You should sleep with your head in the South or West. But a breadwinner must never sleep in the North-East .

- Bathrooms and toilets have the energy of 'hell' which are best in West or South. But should never be in North and North-East or they bring financial, health and educational problems.

- Centre is the nose of your house from where your house breathes. It must be open and clutter-free. A wall here gives stomach and financial problems so fix a zero watt blue bulb on this wall and keep it on 24x7 .

- Cuts in any direction make a house paralyzed, mainly cuts in South-West, North, North-East and South-East give serious problems. There are many mysteries and secrets regarding the cuts and their cures.

Now, a rapid-fire round of cures
- Never use too much of bright colours such as red and purple for decorating your house or they may enhance sickness energy in the house, if any.

- Do not keep pictures of water or a fountain in your bedroom. It might adversely affect you.

- Do not keep your mandir/temple under any beam or cupboard or you will be always under stress.

- Do not keep heavy objects in the North East and North or it may block your finances.

- Do not keep bonsais in the house or they will hamper the growth in the respective area of your life.

- Mopping the floor twice a week with sea salt water will help you clean your house of negative energy.

- If arguments are the main ruling energy in your house, play a musical CD four-five times in a day and experience the calmness in the house.

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How to store your spices well

Spices are what make our food flavourful and tasty and storing them well will bring out the best taste and aroma in them. We tell you how

Most of us store spices on the kitchen rack and many of us may even leave the lids open for quite some time after using them. This leads to spices losing their aroma quickly, so it's important to store your spices well.

Do not purchase ground spices
Buy whole spices instead of ground ones. Ground spices may deteriorate after around three months, if not stored well. Also, whole spices last for a longer period of time and if you wish to ground them, you can always do so either with a rolling pin or a coffee grinder depending on the quantity.

Store in dark place
A dry, dark space is ideal for storing spices to save spices from their enemies which are light, air, moisture and heat.When you store spices in clear bottles for storage, spices are exposed to too much light. Steel tins ensure lightproof storage of spices. Also make sure you do not keep spices around equipments like dishwasher and microwave.

Store them in cool place
If you are used to purchasing spices in larger quantities, it's best to store them in the refrigerator. Whole spices stay well in refrigerator for 3 years and ground spices can be stored well for 6 months. However, it is always advisable to purchase spices in small quantities.

When to dispose them
It is important to throw old spices when they lose their flavour and aroma. To keep a track, write the purchase date on the tag of each spice. When the spice begins to smell musky or changes colour, you know it's time to replace it.

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How is water intake linked to good health?

Water plays a very important role in helping us maintain good health. Altogether the quantity as well as quality of water influences the health and well being of an individual.

Today, we have Dr. K.M. Sunsesara - General Physician, Mumbai and Ms. Eileen Canday - Chief Dietician at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai help us understand the concept of how water intake is linked to good health...

Why is water intake important for good health?

75% of our body and 85% of our brain is made up of water. Dr. Sunesara says, "More than food, water is the most important nutrient needed for the wellbeing of your body. In order, to complete your daily tasks, it is necessary to consume sufficient amount of water daily. To maintain proper health and to keep running throughout the day, your body needs lots and lots of water. Sufficient intake of water is not only good for your health, but also for your diet. Water also aids in proper functioning of various systems. It helps in digestion, absorption of food, regulating body temperature, efficient blood circulation, regulating cells of the body by transporting nutrients and oxygen to them and by removing various toxins from the body in the form of urine. Besides, water also helps in movement of the joints, protects various tissues and also boosts your metabolism." Dr Sunesara says that we must drink plenty of water to avoid detrimental effects on our bodies due to dehydration and to perform your daily functions effectively.

Why is dehydration bad?

Sufficient intake of water will help to keep your body very well hydrated. Dr. Sunesara says, "Dehydration is very bad for your body. When you are dehydrated, your body has to work more to evenly distribute the available water throughout your body, it is like solving math's by not knowing the formula. The various side effects of dehydration are joint pain, stomach pain, back pain, dizziness and ulcers. Besides, dehydration can damage each and every part of your body, including your psychological functioning. Hence, to avoid dehydration and its harrowing effect, keep drinking water at regular intervals."

How much water do we need?

"An average healthy individual needs to consume at least 1 ½ - 3 liters of water everyday," says Eileen. The consumption of water depends on the physical activity level of an individual. If a person is very active, he needs to drink more water, in order to substitute replacement. Besides, you can also judge, if you are drinking sufficient water by noticing the color of your urine. If your pee is pale white, that means you are fulfilling your daily ration of water, but if it is pale yellow then it means you probably have to increase your water intake.

How can one increase water intake?

-Drink water when you wake up, when you get back from work and when you go to bed.

-Drink before starting any physical activity like walking etc.

-Drink water while you work.

-Drink before meals.

-Drink while you are travelling.

-Replace coffee with water.

-If you find your water tasteless, then add a dash of lime juice and get refreshed.

Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.healthmeup.com

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Bitter tasting food may prevent asthma

Substances that give some foods their bitter flavours can also act to reverse the contraction of airway cells, scientists at the University of Massachusetts Medical School have found.

This reversal, known as bronchodilation, is needed to treat airway obstructive diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The new findings could have significant implications for such treatments.

The sense of taste is mediated by taste receptor cells bundled in our taste buds. These receptors were thought to only exist in the tongue, but recent discoveries have shown that they are actually expressed in various cell types throughout the body. In particular, bitter taste receptors exist in smooth muscle cells in the airway, acting to relax the cells when exposed to bitter-tasting substances.

A hallmark of an asthma attack is excessive contraction of these smooth muscle cells, which causes narrowing of the airways and breathing difficulties. The fact that bitter substances can relax these smooth muscle cells suggests that they may have the potential to halt asthma attacks, and in fact could even be an improvement over current treatments since the relaxation effects are quite fast. Indeed, experiments in mice suggest that the effects are stronger.

However, the mechanisms through which bitter taste receptor activation leads to cell relaxation were unknown. To help unravel these mechanisms, Dr. Ronghua ZhuGe and his colleagues examined the effect of bitter substances on the contraction of airways and in single isolated cells.

During an asthma attack, membrane channels on smooth muscle cells in the airways are opened, allowing calcium to flow into the cell and causing the cell to contract. This leads to the airways becoming narrower, and making breathing more difficult. Dr. ZhuGe and colleagues determined that bitter substances shut down these calcium channels, allowing bronchodilation.

Bitter taste receptors, like most receptors, span the plasma membrane of the cell. Part of the receptor is outside the cell, able to bind to (and hence "sense") bitter substances outside the cell. When a bitter compound binds to a bitter taste receptor, the receptor releases a G-protein, which then splits into two parts: a G alpha subunit and G beta-gamma dimer.

"It is the G beta-gamma dimer that likely acts to close the calcium channels on the plasma membrane," explained Kevin Fogarty, director of the Biomedical Imaging Group in the Program in Molecular Medicine at UMMS, and a co-author of the study.

"Once the channels are closed, the calcium level returns to normal and the cell relaxes. This ends the asthma attack," he said.

"With this new understanding of how bitter substances are able to relax airways, we can focus our attention on studying these receptors and on finding even more potent bitter compounds with the potential to be used therapeutically to end asthma attacks," said Dr. ZhuGe.

The study has been published in the open access journal PLOS Biology.

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Glam up hair with chic accessories

Designer Sannam Chopra, whose collection has been worn by the likes of Vidya Balan, Kangana Ranaut and Shraddha Kapoor, has now launched a new range of uber chic hair accessories targetting city girls who get little time for hair care.

To give you that perfect look, Chopra has come up with some of the trendy hair bands inspired by the picturesque mountains and natural habitats.

"No matter you have a long or cropped look, a hair accessory always gives an edge to your ensemble. The accessory line is inspired from patterns of mountains, water elements and scenes," she said in a statement.

"The pieces would be the underlying structure of the rock garden, which showcases different elements like textured metal, crystals and wood," she added.

The designer forayed into accessory designing in 2008 with her label Embellish. Her objective was to introduce an array of jewellery with a modern sensibility and she feels that the her latest collection follows the same theme.

"The collection could adorn your lovely tresses and add to your glamour quotient. It's not only a beautiful accessory but also gives you young and feminine touch," she said.

The price range of the hair bands starts from Rs.1,500 and the bands are available at the designer's store.

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Top 15 New York Times Bestsellers

New York Times - Bestsellers, Fiction (print and e-books between April 14, 2013 and April 28, 2013)

1. Title: Walking Disaster
Author: Jamie McGuire
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Synopsis: A sequel to Beautiful Disaster, another New York Times Bestseller, Walking Disaster, though set in the same time zone, comes as a pleasant surprise and you do not get the feeling of re-reading the same tale. Only in this one we hear the tale from Travis' standpoint. Despite losing his mother at a very early age, he cannot forget the two rules of life she taught him - love hard, fight harder. Now since Travis Maddox grew in a family where fights and gambles were a way of life, he shapes up to be a tough guy. Revered for his fighting skills, Travis is the envy of all boys, and the eye-candy of every woman. But when Abby Abernathy treats him with utmost disdain, his interest is piqued. He wants to win her over. But will he ever succeed? Will he find something more than physical attraction?

2. Title: Fever
Author: Maya Banks
Publisher: Penguin Group

Synopsis: Book 2 of the Breathless trilogy, Fever by Maya Banks tells the tale of Jace Crestwell, Ash McIntyre and Gabe Hamilton who have stuck around together for years not only as good friends but also as successful business partners. Powerful and sexy, Jace and Ash share everything, even their women. But things change when Jace meets Bethany as he feels consumed by passion and a jealousy obsessively threatening. He knows he will not share Bethany, not with anyone in the world. Resolving to be the only man in her life, he even jeopardises his friendship with Ash. Can he have Bethany, and not shut the door on his oldest friend?

3. Title: Starting Now
Author: Debbie Macomber
Publisher: Random House Publishing

Synopsis: A novel about friendship, love and companionship; Debbie Macomber's 'Starting Now' is a story of Libby Morgan, a lawyer who sacrifices her all for a promising career only to be disappointed one day. Her boss informs that she's been relieved and is on her own to build a life, 'starting now'! A heartbroken Libby befriends a bunch of ladies at a local knitting store called A Good Yarn and begins arranging the scattered pieces of her life with their help and comfort. She finds time for a relationship soon and starts dating a charming doctor who she feels is a perfect partner. Now that Libby is discovering all things good and everything appears hunky-dory, she has to make an important choice, a choice that can either bring new promises or leave her stranded alone, again.

4. Title: Six Years
Author: Harlan Coben
Publisher: Penguin Group

Synopsis: It has been six years since Natalie left Jake to marry another man called Todd. Heartbroken and dejected Jake tries to overcome the emotional turmoil by devoting all his time to his career as a college professor. But no matter how hard he tries to forget her, the feelings come rushing back every time he is alone. Then one day he stumbles upon Todd's obituary and decides to sneak in to the funeral hoping to get a glimpse of Natalie. But the widow mourning for Todd is not Natalie. Confused and shocked, he now sets out on a journey to find the truth; to find Natalie.

5. Title: The Host
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

Synopsis: Thanks to Andrew Niccol's adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's 600-plus-page book that released to packed theatres last weekend, 'The Host' is back on the New York Times Bestseller List this week. Moving away from the conventions of a vampire fiction, Stephenie Meyer, this time, explores the arid Arizona Desert in her science-fiction novel, The Host. Fans of Twilight series will, however, be delighted to discover a similar narrative style in Meyer's latest and learn about romantic love through the lens of Melanie Stryder. The world has been invaded by aliens that take possession of the minds of human beings and leave their bodies intact. Melanie is one such human 'host' whose invading soul, Wanderer is struggling to put away the former tenant of her body, still in control of Melanie's mind. Melanie manipulates Wanderer's thoughts and unable to completely keep away from her body's desires, Wanderer and Melanie, both as allies embark on a journey in search of the man they both love. One of the riveting love triangles by Meyer, The Host is about the essence of humanity and the emotion of love.

6. Title: Life After Life
Author: Kate Atkinson
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

Synopsis: Shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2013, Kate Atkinson's novel as its title suggests is about living a life again and again till you get it right. Ursula Todd is someone who is born to live through the events of turmoil and tension of the World War II repeatedly. The past keeps coming back like an episode set on a replay mode. But with every life and version, is Ursula experiencing anything new and extraordinary or is this cycle of birth and rebirth a reminder of something else that Ursula is yet to find out? Will Ursula find any purpose of living a life again and again?

7. Title: The Storyteller
Author: Jodi Picoult
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Synopsis: Josef Weber is a friendly old man, adored by all in the neighbourhood. At the local bakery, he meets a young girl named Sage Singer and they both become friends at once. But one day he comes up with an odd request to Sage - he asks her to kill him. Sage, confused and a little taken aback refuses and that is when he reveals that he was a Nazi SS guard and he only deserves to be killed. To make things worse, Sage remembers that her grandmother is a Holocaust survivor. The question of confession, punishment and justice hence grows complicated, entangling the vulnerable threads of friendship.

8. Title: Falling into you
Author: Jasinda Wilder
Publisher: Jasinda Wilder

Synopsis: Nell Hawthorne has been in love with Kyle Calloway since forever. They were inseparable until fate played spoilsport and Kyle suddenly died. In a way, a part of Nell also died with him and she thought she could never feel the same way about anyone. Then she meets Colton, Kyle's elder brother. They start spending time together, talking and discussing life in general. He doesn't do anything to soothe her but she finds his presence healing. Slowly, she understands that to move on in life, she has to let go of the past, and that a broken heart too heals with time.

9. Title: Gone Girl
Author: Gillian Flynn
Publisher: Crown Publishing

Synopsis: On her fifth wedding anniversary Amy Dunne suddenly goes missing without a trace from her rented home in North Carthage, Missouri. Under pressure from the police, media and Amy's doting parents, Husband-of-the Year, Nick grapples with a never-ending chain of lies, deceits, and his own oddly evasive behaviour. As events get murkier, the needle of suspicion points at Nick as the killer of his beautiful wife. With his sister Margo by his side, Nick pleads innocence. Then what was in that silver gift box in the back of Amy's bedroom closet?

10. Title: Alex Cross, Run
Author: James Patterson
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

Synopsis: James Patterson is one of the most popular and oft-repeated authors featured on the New York Times Bestseller Lists. This time, our detective Alex Cross is preoccupied with three cases and he realises he does not have much time on him to nab the serial killers who have wrecked havoc in Washington DC. While a woman was found murdered with a lock of her hair ripped off, the second woman's body was discovered hanging from a sixth-floor window and the brutally bruised body of the third victim sent chills down the spines of many. Alex is unable to handle the pressure, so much so that he is oblivious to the conspiracy being planned somewhere against him. He is under someone else's investigation mission he is unaware of. Where will this game of vengeance, rumours, killings and conspiracies end? Who is this someone who is obsessively after Alex?

11. Title: To Die For
Author(s): Jana DeLeon and others
Publisher: The Indie Voice

Synopsis: From the creators of The Indie Voice, 'To Die For' is a collection of eight novels on life and death written by many authors. 'Unlucky', 'Zane's Redemption', 'Catch Me If You Can', 'Wounded' and 'Finding Kate Huntley' among others are some of the titles readers can indulge in present this volume. 'Finding Kate Huntley' by Theresa Ragan for instance is a gripping tale about a fifteen-year-old Kate whose father is murdered in front of her eyes during a vacation in the Caribbean. The next 10 years have been a struggle for Kate as she survives every single day harbouring just one intention, i.e. revenge. While 'Wounded' by Jasinda Wilder centers around the life of an Iraqi prostitute, Liliana Hart's 'Catch Me If You Can' is a fast-paced plot that has ex-FBI sniper Shane Quincy on the run to save lives of the innocent.

12. Title: The Burgess Boys
Author: Elizabeth Strout
Publisher: Random House

Synopsis: Jim and Bob Burgess leave their hometown to make a living as lawyers in New York City. But the real reason of their departure is to escape the haunting experience of their father's accidental death. Their sister Susan, however, decides to stay behind. Several years pass and Jim turns into a successful corporate lawyer while Bob joins him as a legal aid attorney. Things are fine until they receive an unexpected call from Susan. Her teenage son, Zach is in trouble and she requests them to return at once. Now, in a reluctant attempt to help their nephew, the two brothers must revisit their unforgettable past.

13. Title: Own the Wind
Author: Kristen Ashley
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Synopsis: Tabitha Allen is the daughter of the leader of the Chaos Motorcycle Club. She has always been under the protective watch of the club and no rider has ever dared to mess with her. But Shy Cage is different. He was a friend to her when she was lonely and helped her recuperate the zest to live. Now, Tabby wants to be more than just friends. Shy too feels the same way about her but he knows it's impossible to date the daughter of the leader of Chaos Motorcycle Club. For Shy, everything seems to be at stake - his feelings for Tabby, his friendship with Tabby's father and his own career.

14. Title: The Wanderer
Author: Robyn Carr
Publisher: Harlequin

Synopsis: Hank Cooper has recently inherited a beautiful beachfront property from an old friend in the idyllic town of Thunder Point. The town is nestled on the Oregon beach and is loved by the locals for its rocky beaches and rugged charm. A splendid tourist site, it is also coveted for its scope of real estate. Although Hank Cooper is not the kind of man who can settle in one single place for the rest of his life, but the obligation of the property, the new possibilities, his attractive neighbour Sarah Dupre and the community's hopes compel him to give up the life of a wanderer for good.

15. Title: The Forgotten
Author: David Baldacci
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Synopsis: Agent John Puller has till date cracked the toughest crimes facing the nation and that makes him the most reliable man in the US Army. He's a veteran of combat and a relentless one at that. But now he is faced with a personal loss. His aunt has been found dead in the beach town Paradise in Florida and the local police have shrugged off responsibility by calling the incident as simply unfortunate and tragic. However, a letter from his aunt to Puller's father confirms the grimy details behind the picture-perfect facade of Paradise. Puller sets off on a personal mission to probe the truth behind his aunt's mysterious death and to unveil the conspiracies beneath Paradise's sandy beaches and palm trees.

(Compiled by Anwesha Mittra, Arunima Mazumdar and Ipshita Mitra)

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South Africa, the ultimate honeymoon destination

South Africa is a gorgeous, multi-cultural country and a perfect place to go after your wedding...

South Africa is a beautiful, multi-cultural country that has an abundance of unique destinations and experiences. In this magnificent country, you can go on a safari, indulge in adventure activities, enjoy a city break, relax by the beach or sample delicious food and wine. Honeymooners have innumerable possibilities for romance and bring back unforgettable memories. With so many things to do, here's how newly weds can explore the wonderful rainbow nation.

Self-drive
South Africa has excellent road infrastructure, a variety of authorised vehicle hire fleets run by international and local rental companies, great weather, scenic beauty, stunning wild life and adventure activities, which makes self-driving a viable and enjoyable option during your honeymoon.

On the wild side
Apart from spectacular scenery, there are many places where wildlife and nature can be enjoyed in leisure and luxury. The splendid game lodges in will pamper you with a list of experiences like game drives, bush walks, romantic candle-lit dinners and rejuvenating spa treatments in the wild.

Adrenaline rush
SA offers various soft and hard adventure activities across provinces. From world-class surfing, bungee-jumping, diving (shark cage, scuba, crocodile cage), hiking to horseback safaris, mountain biking, river rafting and more, all are supported by operators.

Shop till you drop
There is some shopping reserved for everyone — from the eclectic to the conservative to the trendsetter or trend follower. South Africa is home to many a shopping Meccas from designer brands to local handicraft.

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Meandering on the streets of Moscow

With its hidden secrets, Moscow is not easy for a traveller to unravel but that just adds to its enigmatic charm.

Winter had just set in and I was preparing to travel to Moscow, the capital of the Russian Federation. A city that was completely frozen, with most people hiding at home to avoid the cold. Also, it was a city amidst chaos that month, due to political protests over the results of the recent parliament elections, bringing thousands of people on the streets. Everyone around me thought I was just crazy to head there.

But, we had a very good reason. We were there to witness one of the best events in the world, Red Bull BC One, where 16 of the world's best B-boys battle it out to vie for the Championship title. The event had set up camp in one of the most important historical buildings, the Old Moscow Circus, an arena that usually saw artistic circus performers. The idea of visiting the place, which was home to the famous Russian clown, Yuri Nikulin, was unimaginable.

Whirlwind madness
With just about 72 hours in the city, thanks to the highly strict visa regulations, we decided to sleep less and make the most of it. Did I forget to tell you? It was a work trip and I was there with my boss. If you have images of an old balding man in a pin-striped shirt, please get that out of your head. Imagine someone who is infamous for having been run over by a bull in Pamplona, Spain, a couple of years ago. You can be certain that anyone with that sense of adventure would be an entertaining travel companion.

Unlike planned travellers, reading up on the history and culture, we were totally unprepared, leaving the discovery of Moscow to a cheap metro ticket, a map in Russian, a last minute printout of top things to do and a deranged sense of direction. Having been welcomed to the city on the first night with many a glass of vodka, we already felt at home, since all the foreign letters started to revolve a bit and look like English. That gave us the confidence to jump into the brown circular line and visit the first museum, the Moscow Metro.

Moscow's metro
Mother of all metros in the world, Moscow's metro stations are architectural masterpieces, heavily themed-up with sculptures, reliefs and mosaics, all expounding the benefits of a healthy communist life. From soldiers to artists, workers to tractor drivers, you'll find them here. Built at a time when there was severe competition with the west, Stalin was eager that the power of the Soviet state should be visible even underground. Each of these stations portray a different theme, bringing alive a chapter in Russia's history. My favourite ones were Polishchad Revolyutsii, with its life-size bronze statues arranged in pairs under marble arches, and Novoslobodskaya, with its stunning stained glass panels of Russian tapestry. Another unique metro is the Mendeleevskaya, which has the track walls decorated with plaques depicting atomic and molecular structures, as a tribute to Dmitry Mendeleev, the wellknown scientist and creator of the first periodic table of elements.

Red Square
After the immersion in Russian history, we chatted up a young musician, who was only too happy to practise his English and show us the way to the city centre. There we were, standing in the Red Square in front of the colourful church with onionshaped domes, absorbing how fairytalelike it looked. The name Red Square was neither derived from the colour of the bricks around it (which, in fact, were whitewashed at certain points in history) nor from the link between the colour red and Communism. Rather, the name came about because the Russian word krasnaya can mean either "red" or "beautiful". This word, with the meaning "beautiful", was originally applied to Saint Basil's Cathedral and was subsequently transferred to the nearby square.

The Red Square separates the Kremlin, the official residence of the President, from the historic merchant quarter Kitai-Gorod. Having housed the coronation of many Tsars, political protests, festive processions, the Red Square is considered the central square of all of Russia. Surrounded mostly by buildings of religious or political importance, the only shock is when you look to the left and see GUM, a large over-the-top mall of luxury brands, sticking out like a sore thumb. It is a city of contrasts and contradictions indeed.

It is a city that is hidden and secretive as much as it is obvious and evident to a traveller's eye. The quick tour of the Kremlin, even being within the huge fortified walls, isn't enough to get a sense of what goes on behind the walls. For a few minutes, we felt like any stereotypical spy in a film. Extracting ourselves from this setting and lounging around Pushkinskaya, the square with the grand statue of Alexander Pushkin, the father of Russian literature, elements of normal life took over - people feeding the pigeons and reading the papers.

Nightlife in Moscow
Long aimless walks call for rich local cuisines and we indulged in a heavy meal - Borscht (a beetroot soup with meat), Pelmeni (dumplings) and the Kiev-style chicken (borrowed from neighbouring Ukraine). That wasn't the end of our trip. We were told that a Moscow experience is only complete when you head to a highend nightclub or an underground one. If you can get past face control, or bouncers, and deal with the fact that you are the shortest person around, you'll enjoy the vodka and the electronic music and the occasional fire-breathing dancer. For men, the Russian six-foot models are enough reason to be there.

Cruising in and out of a few clubs, I remember us taking a photo outside one of the most beautiful buildings of Moscow. A few more vodkas and we saw the same building again. And again. We called it a night, thinking we had completely lost our sanity. To our relief, we discovered the next morning that these were the 'Seven Sisters', a group of buildings made in Stalinist style and scattered around the city. The three days went by pretty fast with a mixed pot of experiences - some more historic monuments, crazy taxi drivers, street markets, Latin dancing clubs and what not. As we headed to Domodedovo airport, the only thing we realised that we had figured out about Moscow was that it was one hell of a difficult place to figure out. Our advice, if you plan to go there, is to get a really warm coat and a local friend.

Fact File

How to get there
There are daily flights from every major city in India to Moscow's Domodedovo Airport, via the Middle-East or Europe. Fares are approx Rs 35,000/- return on Economy class

Where to stay
Moscow Marriott Grand Hotel or the Sheraton Palace Hotel in Tverskaya, very close to the city centre, offers double rooms at Rs 12,000 to 15,000 a night approx. For a better budget option, look up www.booking.com.

leisure.mirror@indiatimes.com

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Meggings, latest fashion must-have for men

Male leggings - or meggings, could become the latest fashion trend, after celebrities like Russell Brand, Justin Bieber and Lenny Kravitz have been seen sporting it.

The clothing is expected to follow the skinny jeans trend by crossing the Atlantic to British high streets, the Daily Mail reported.

Uniqlo is already selling male leggings through its UK website, with other retailers likely to follow them.

Designers have put male models in leggings for years, but not everyone who tried them has been convinced - with criticisms ranging from "hot and uncomfortable" to "Where do you put your wallet?"

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Kerala tourism launches Ayurveda e-books

Ayurveda Tuesday took the digital route to reach the global audience, with Kerala Tourism launching two e-books on the Indian healing system.

The e-books on Ayurveda are the award-winning coffee table books, "Panchakarma: Ayurveda's Mantra of Rejuvenation", explaining 'panchakarma' as a holistic rejuvenation therapy combining five therapeutic actions to detoxify the body and revitalise the body system, and "Ayurveda: The Mantra of Niramaya", an introduction to the medicine system using texts from ancient scripts to modern research papers.

"The e-books on Ayurveda are aimed at people around the world, to help them learn about the age-old system of medicine so that they can come to Kerala and experience its health benefits," said State Tourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar, releasing the two e-books at a function here.

The mantra of Niramaya had won the National Tourism Award in 2003-04 for the best publication in English.

Kumar also rleased two other e-books -- one on the socio-cultural history of Kerala and another on yoga and healthy living.

Published by IT solutions provider Invis Multimedia, the four e-books will be available at online stores for purchase for easy reading on e-book readers, mobile phones or computer screens. The digitisation of the four coffee table books was sponsored by Kerala Tourism.

Those buying the Ayurveda e-books will get a free e-brochure on Kerala Tourism.

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How to wear your jewellery stylishly

Just putting on a fabulous dress and loads of make-up isn't enough if you want to look like a thorough fashionista.

You have to accessorise your outfit the right way too, if you want to enhance your overall appearance. We show you tips on how to wear your jewellery tastefully.

Layer your neckpieces — i.e. wear more than one necklace at a time. See to it that they are of different lengths and in various colours. If you want a more sophisticated look, layer different kinds of pearl strings. For a more casual look, wear different kinds of chains together.

If you're wearing a statement ring — that is a huge ring — don't make the mistake of wearing other rings along with it. If you really want to wear more than one ring, make sure at least the styles or stones match and wear them on different hands.

Be creative when it comes to wearing jewellery. If you have a big, pretty looking ring, instead of wearing it on your finger, slip a chain around it and wear it in your neck, just like a pendant! Another instance is of transforming a long chain into a bracelet around your wrists. You could double it or knot it many times and turn it into a hand accessory. You can also mix accessories made in different metals together! For example, if you have bangles in different types of metals, wear them in one go.

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How to clean a white leather couch

Worried about ruining your couch with your cleaning pursuits? Here are a few tips to get it in sparkling condition.

True it spells beauty and class, but maintaining your leather couch (that too white!) can be a little tricky. You might not have noticed that dust and grime settle in so easily and frequently before going in for those lovely white couches. It might be your favourite corner in the house but keeping it spick-n-span could very well turn into a nightmare. Before you start pulling out your hair in despair, give these tricks a look-see:

1. Before embarking on your mission, test the chosen cleaning product on a portion of the couch that is not noticeable. It is important to check for discolouration and damage to the leather.

2. If the leather seems fine, use a mild body wash with a clean, damp, soft cloth to rub in a circular motion with gentle pressure. Do not work up a lather and do not make the leather too wet. It should just be damp and moist.

3. Once the cloth is soiled, rinse it and re-apply the body wash.

4. Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth.

5. Buff the area with a clean, dry cloth. You don't want to leave the leather wet or damp. It will just reduce the life of your leather couch.

6. If there are stains that refuse to leave your beautiful couch, you can try rubbing the stain with a soft cloth dipped in non-acetone nail polish remover.

However, before you try this trick you might want to try it out in some inconspicuous spot of your couch in case the leather does not agree with the non-acetone nail polish remover.

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Want the workout for killer legs?

Try squats, which not only helps you lose flab, but tones up the right leg muscles too.

Looking to wear your mini dress or shorts this year-end? Then you better add squats to your gym regimen. Experts say it targets the quads, hamstrings and glutes better than any other workout, while strengthening the core, making it best exercise for a sexy lower body.

Squats can be done at home, either before you start your day or in the evening, once you're home. It's good to do squats at the beginning of your legs workout. It can be done with or without weights.

Do it right
- Place feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart, toes facing forward.
- Roll the shoulders back so as to remove stress.
- Extend the arms out straight so they are parallel with the ground, palms facing down.
- Inhale slightly bringing hips back.
- Gradually, lower your body as if you are going to sit down on a chair.
- Hold the position and then go back up to starting position. Repeat the action again.
- Remember not to spend too long at the top or bottom of the motion.

Warning: Knee problems?
Several people might find that the squat hurts the knees while trying it. If so, it's better to do other forms of exercise.

ismat.tahseen@timesgroup.com

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24-hour drinking behind office absenteeism

Allowing people to drink for longer has led to an increase in the number of workers absenteeism, researchers have found.

Workplace absenteeism rose marginally by 1.7 per cent when the government introduced '24 hour drinking' in England and Wales in 2005.

According to the Independent, introducing the change, Labour ministers said that no longer forcing pub-goers to finish drinks before 11 pm would lead to more relaxed, Continental-style drinking.

Colin Green and Maria Navarro Paniagua of Lancaster University's Economics Department studied the impact on workplaces for the report, "Play Hard, Shirk Hard? The Effect of Bar Hours Regulation on Worker Absence," the report said.

They compared worker absences in England and Wales after the change with Spain, where opening hours were reduced over the same period.

The authors concluded that in England and Wales 'longer opening hours increased absenteeism, while in Spain shorter opening hours reduced absenteeism', the report added.

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Reduce salt, increase potassium to avoid stroke

Cutting down on salt and, at the same time, increasing levels of potassium in our diet will have major health and cost benefits across the world, a new study suggests.

Such a strategy will save millions of lives every year from heart disease and stroke, experts said.

Much evidence shows that reducing salt intake lowers blood pressure and thereby reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Less is known about the potential benefits of increasing potassium intake, but lower potassium consumption has been linked with elevated blood pressure.

The World Health Organisation has therefore set a global goal to reduce dietary salt intake to 5-6 g (about one teaspoon) per person per day by 2025, yet salt intake in many countries is currently much higher than this.

In the UK, NICE recommends a reduction in salt intake to 3 g per day by 2025 for the adult population.

The first study examined the effects of modest salt reduction on blood pressure, hormones, and blood fats (lipids) from 34 trials involving over 3,000 adults.

It found a modest reduction in salt for four or more weeks led to significant falls in blood pressure in people with both raised and normal blood pressure.

The effect was seen in white and black people and in men and women, thereby reducing strokes, heart attacks, and heart failure across populations.

However, the researchers believe current recommendations "are not ideal" and say a further reduction to 3 g per day "should become the long term target for population salt intake."

Similar results were found in a second analysis of 56 studies; of which 37 were high quality studies reporting blood pressure, blood lipids, catecholamine levels or renal function.

It found that reduced salt intake reduces blood pressure and has no adverse effect on blood lipids, hormone levels, or kidney function.

Moderate quality evidence in children also showed a reduction in sodium intake reduces blood pressure.

Lower sodium intake was also associated with reduced risk of stroke and fatal coronary heart disease in adults.

"The totality of evidence suggests that reducing sodium intake should be part of public health efforts to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases, and will likely benefit most individuals," the authors said.

A third study analysed data on potassium intake and health from 33 trials involving over 128,000 healthy participants. Potassium is found in most fresh fruits and vegetables and pulses (legumes).

The results show that increased potassium intake reduces blood pressure in adults, with no adverse effects on blood lipids, hormone levels or kidney function.

Higher potassium intake was linked with a 24 percent lower risk of stroke in adults and may also have a beneficial effect on blood pressure in children, but more data is needed.

The study is published on bmj.com.

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Your pet too can be depressed

A pet can go through phases of depression. Just like human beings do.

Who said that only human beings feel neglected or lonely? Who said that only we sulk in bulk when we sit in silence, thinking of nothing in particular, feeling blue? Animals may not speak our language. But when they feel terribly low, one need not be a qualified expert to comprehend their state of mind.

This writer has a cocker, a naughty, sprightly, lovable little cocker who is a few months away from his second birthday. So energetic is this brat that he takes a few seconds to get rid of his quiet self, a state of being he is rarely in. When excited, he stands on his back paws and jumps a few times to express his joy. When tired, he simply trudges towards this writer or his wife and goes off to sleep on either's lap.

There are moments when he gets a little sad. It could be because he needs attention at that time, but doesn't get it. Perhaps, he wants an extra chew stick, which one doesn't give him because he has eaten a few already. Or, it could be since he doesn't like the sight of his human parents when they are reading or watching TV.

That is when he starts feeling low. He curls on the floor and stares at his parents with big sad eyes. His energy disappears. The toys scattered all across the floor fail to attract him. On another occasion, he might choose to hide in a place where nobody can see him. He sleeps off there, far away from anyone's eyes, at a time which 'seems' a little odd.

There are times when he walks slowly towards me. Then, he sits close by and keeps on staring with his head slightly tilted. When I persuade him to come even closer, he walks up to me, places his head on the chest and seems to relax a bit. Intuition suggests that the little cocker had been sad till sometime ago. Reasoning tells me that I should have been playing with it, which I hadn't done.

A pet goes through emotional highs and lows. In feeling the way it does, it is just like us.
biswadeepg@gmail.com

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Pants: The brighter, the better

Coloured jeans are a hit with youngsters in Kerala.

It's the era of experimentation with colours for the city youth. Though blue denims continue to rule the roost, youngsters seem to have developed a fetish for coloured jeans as well.

"Youngsters have started experimenting with coloured pants like never before," says Ankita Nambiar, a Kochi-based fashion designer. Be it for parties, college or even to work, youngsters just know how to team it up aptly for the occasion.

"Coloured pants have been a national trend and it trickled down to a regional level recently," says designer Shalini James.

College students mostly opt for slim fit jeans. For those who want to sport a bohemian look, pallazo colour pants are the best bet. "It's pretty retro and brings about a fun look," says Reethu Zachariah, a media professional.

Know your colour
Coloured pants have to be chosen according to one's figure. "The majority of south Indians are pear-shaped. While some dark colours can draw attention to the plumy hips, pastel or light shades can camouflage the area," says Shalini.

According to fashion experts, bright pants in mustard yellow, rusty red, Mexican or shocking pink, tangerine orange or ultramarine, are good choices for skinny people as the bright hues make the hips look wider. "For those with pear-shaped bodies, where the hips are already wide, opt for dark or solid tones like military green, navy blue or dark burgundy, as they can make the hips appear slimmer," says Shalini.

Team it safe!
Since colours add to the drama, tone it down or keep it neutral with pastel or light-toned tops and minimum accessories. "Whatever colour you choose for your top or accessory, make sure it imparts a chic look," says fashion designer Hari Anand. Opt for a chunky piece of jewellery — either a neckpiece or earrings. Top it off with a statement ring for an elegant look or mix-and-match bracelets for a funky look, he says.

While a white shirt or a black tank top can blend well with it, Ankita suggests, "Colour pants often look best with a shirt tucked in, fastened with a belt in a neutral tone like black or beige. This could work wonders for a casual or a party look." Throw a well-fitted jacket over it to complete the look.

"For a casual look, opt for ankle-length pants in bright colours and team it up with a pair of ballerinas for the day; and for evening wear, flaunt it with sexy stilettoes," says Shalini.

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Sip cranberry juice for good health

It's not just a Cosmopolitan that you can whip up with cranberry juice. The fruit has many health benefits and you'd be surprised to know that a glass or two a day is highly beneficial.

It helps increase good cholesterol
A study proved that daily intake of cranberry juice can significantly improve your good cholesterol levels by 10%. The study also reported that the fruit increases the plasma antioxidant's capacity by as much as 121%.

Reduces respiratory infections
Study results suggest that cranberry juice may inhibit a type of bacteria that is an extremely common cause for the development of ear and respiratory infections amongst children.

Don't overdo it
Drinking too much fruit juice can contribute to obesity and the development of cavities, hypertension, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems.

Selection
Avoid soft or brown berries. The best cranberries are bright red and succulent, and they always have a bounce!

Storage
Keep cranberries cool. They can be kept safely in the fridge for weeks to months, and can last up to approximately a year in the freezer. However, as is the case with all kinds of fruit, the best cranberries are always fresh.

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Redefine the concept of 'kitchen garden'

Imagine the idea of plucking your own herbs and vegetables. No, you don't have to go to a far away place, but be right in your homes! More and more people are taking to redefining the idea of fresh greens and vegetables and shrinking the distance between the ingredients and the pan.

Mint, coriander, curry patta, lemon grass, wheatgrass, chillies and all herbs you can think of, even vegetable plants like tomato and lady finger are being nurtured in homes.

Nurseries vouch for the multiplying sales of herbs and vegetable plants that don't require much space. (In fact, the nurseries have seen quite a change too. At many places, women are at the helm of the affairs. Maybe this could be a reason that the pots being taken home these days are fruit bearing!)

Says horticulturist Anusha Babbar, "Particularly, in the last two-three years, the number of people taking home vegetable and herb saplings and pots has increased." She says, "All one needs to ensure is that the plants get ample sunlight, whether you keep them at a big window sill or a balcony. And if it's a terrace, then it's perfect,"

And, bringing these plants home is bringing in goodness, one way or the other. While horticulturists insist, and it isn't hard to accept either, that to most Indian homes herbs like pudina, curry patta and tulsi plants are not new, the vegetable bearing such herbs came into flats for educational purposes. Says Neha Shah, a mother of two growing up children, "As a kid, I remember spending my holidays in our village, where my grandfather would grow vegetables and fruits. In the city, children miss out on all that. So I thought of bringing home a tomato and a ladyfinger plant for my children to see how nature blesses us." Her kids love to see how their food comes into being, and she says because of its freshness, the food tastes very good too.

Vandana Shah, who once had a sprawling garden on their bungalow's terrace, agrees, "Vegetables from our own garden were definitely tastier. In fact they need lesser masalas." It was her father-in-law Padmashree Dr Ramesh Doshi, who brought city farming to suburbs. He was considered one of the initiators of the Green Revolution of the 1960s. And without doubt it's said that their terrace farm yielded five kg of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Taking the family's project forward, she's convinced some of her friends too to grow arvi leaves. "It's very easy to grow, and the leaves are tasty and not fattening too. They almost grow on their own in this season," explains Shah.

Chefs like Arindam Bahel also sing praises of fresh ingredients used in cooking. "We have a small kitchen garden, a semi-organic, vermiculture project were shives, mint, and garlic are grown. The quantity is minuscule, but we do utilise it in our oriental restaurant. The fresh ones are rich in their vitamins and minerals. This can be felt on our taste buds too. And of course, he says, "The heightened tastes also come from psychological play. It's the fruit of our own labour. And we know exactly how fresh it is. It lends pure pleasure to the experience of cooking and eating."

For Zarina Khan, her herb plants have made life very convenient for her. "I once just tucked a pudina strand in my pot and it began to grow. Now, whenever I am cooking and I need mint, I just go to my window and pluck fresh leaves."

Think about it: Already most of us have potted flowering plants or the hassle-free money plant for a little green to soothe our visual senses in the midst of the concrete jungle. But city farming could well add value to your meals too. A pot or a basket is enough and you have the freshest vegetable to dish up your daily meals — all organic and almost free!

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Rest as crucial as exercise for fitness

Brief rests, alternating with bouts of exercise, are crucial in maintaining fitness, allowing muscles to recover and help shape up the body faster, says a new study.

The research by University of Stirling, Scotland, split cyclists into two groups. One did bursts of high intensity exercise interspersed with short rest periods three times each week.

In each session, they pedalled hard but below sprint pace for four minutes and then stopped for two minutes before repeating the pattern five times.

The second group rode continuously for an hour at a slightly easier pace, three times a week. After four weeks, the two groups swapped programmes, the Daily Mail reports.

Tests showed the first programme, which involved a mixture of tough training and taking it easy, to be the most beneficial, leading to twice as big an improvement in power and performance.

Exercise physiologist Stuart Galloway from the university, said: "It is a case of training smarter. We found in these cyclists that if you can make the hard sessions harder and the easy sessions easier, you are likely to see better progress."

"Amateur athletes tend to spend a lot of their training in the moderate intensity bracket, which showed smaller improvements in our study. For the wider public, most people were advised to do moderate intensity exercise for around three hours a week."

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Diet and exercise keys to healthy life

Weight loss and active lifestyle can help to counteract the effects of obesity, a new study has suggested.

Epidemiologists estimate that about 80 per cent of the most common diseases are linked to severe overweight and obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

Obese people are at an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, vascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes and cancer. This lowers their life expectancy.

The links between body weight, lifestyle and the risks of developing cancer and other chronic diseases are not yet understood in every detail. However, changes in hormonal signaling are believed to be among the culprits of these processes.

"Adipose tissue produces various hormones which have a great impact on metabolism. The important ones are anti-inflammatory adiponectin, which increases the effect of insulin, and leptin, which can promote tumor cell growth," said Prof. Dr. Cornelia Ulrich.

Do body weight and exercise also affect production of these key adipose tissue hormones?

Cornelia Ulrich, departmental head at DKFZ and director of the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, analyzed this in a randomized controlled study with 439 overweight postmenopausal women (age below 50 years). Study participants were divided into three "intervention groups" (diet; exercise; diet plus exercise) as well as a control group.

These groups were watched intensively over a period of one year so that the results obtained are particularly valuable.

Leptin production decreased in all three intervention groups, most noticeably (up to 40 percent) in the diet plus exercise group. By contrast, adiponectin production increased most in women who were on a reduced calorie diet only.

Irrespective of the type of intervention, the positive effect on hormone production was dependent on the degree of weight loss: The more kilos a study participant had lost, the more her adiponectin levels increased and the more her leptin levels decreased.

"We observed the greatest changes in women who had lost ten percent of their initial body weight," said Dr. Clare Abbenhardt, first author of the study.

"Some of these participants reached a 20 per cent increase in adiponectin levels and their leptin decreased by more than 50 per cent," Abbenhardt added.

Leptin production appears to be influenced by mere changes of body composition, because in the exercise intervention group, participants gained muscle mass also without losing weight.

"We now have a better understanding of the mechanisms by which weight loss and training protect from chronic diseases. The health-promoting effect of adiponectin is regarded as established by numerous studies now. Lower leptin levels, on the other hand, offer less growth incentives for tumor cells. Therefore, we are now able to give well-founded recommendations to women how they can positively influence these two important metabolic regulators," said Cornelia Ulrich, "by keeping a healthy body weight and getting more exercise!"

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Stay healthy with these drinks

The thought of taking time for a healthy breakfast rarely breaks the stride of the jet-setting business traveler. Why not opt for a few healthy drinks that are loaded with nutritiotional benefits instead.

Balance Smoothie
Ingredients
70 g Banana, 250 ml Orange juice, 5 ea Baby spinach leaves, 1 tsp Cocoa powder, 125 ml Soya Milk, 2 tbs (20 g) Ground Almonds

Method
Blend the banana, baby spinach, almond and cocoa powder with the Soya milk. Then add the orange juice and blend until completely smooth. Serve chilled.

The nutritionist's comments
Banana is rich in the important electrolyte potassium. A diet rich in potassium seems to have a blood pressure lowering effect. Banana is also rich in the water soluble fiber pectin's and acts soothing on the gastro intestinal tract. Pectin's have a cholesterol lowering effect too.

Nutritional information
Energy 1520 kJ, Protein 12 g, Fat 11 g, Carbohydrates 53 g, Fibers 4 g

Health Smoothie
Ingredients
60 g Banana, 100 ml Fresh squeezed orange juice, 120 g Strawberries, 6 Mint leafs, 125 ml Soya milk, 2 tbs (20 g) Ground Almonds

Method
Blend the banana, strawberries and mint leafs with the soya millk. Add the orange juice and almond and blend until completely smooth. Serve chilled.

The nutritionist's comments
Apart from the great sweet taste of summer, strawberries offer support for optimal health due to the phytonutrient that gives the vibrant red color in the skin of the berry. Strawberries tend to give us protection against inflammation and heart disease.

Nutritional information
Energy 1290 kJ, Protein 11 g, Fat 12g, Carbohydrates 39 g, Fibers 5 g

Good energy juice
Ingredients
400 g Beetroot, 40 g Baby Spinach, 500 g Carrots, 100 g Apple red, 1 Tsp Chopped dill

Method
Cut the beetroot, baby spinach, apple and carrots and extract juice with a extractor. Add the chopped dill. Mix until juice is smooth. Add a table spoon of crushed ice and stir before serving.

The nutritionist's comments
This juice is rich in healthy vegetables and helps you balance the blood sugar and gives you great energy and helps enhance your mood. Spinach helps detoxify hormones and beetroot supports digestion, which is important for absorbing nutrients.

Nutritional information
Energy 2141 kJ, Protein 8,5, Fat 4, Carbohydrates 115, Fibers 23

(Courtesy Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa)

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