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Restaurant review: Cafe Treat (Coffee Shop)

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 31 Agustus 2013 | 18.48

It is hardly a surprise that The Pride Hotel is the newest entrant in the extended New Town area.

From a chain of more than 12 properties in India, this group is on a fast expansion path. A modern architectural building in the middle of desolate Rajarhat, it is complemented by charming and spacious interiors. We decide to try out their only F&B outlet, a 24-hours coffee shop, Cafe Treat right at the main entrance into the hotel.

Decor

Airy and spacious, like any big lobby restaurant, Cafe Treat takes the chunk of the ground level area. But don't expect any privacy. Huge glass facade, heavy drapery, mounted paintings, solid furniture, cliched buffet counters and ample seating spread give a star-hotel ambience. A collection of local spices in glass jars line up the shelves in one corner giving it a speck of colour, metal embellishments and mood lighting add to individuality. And an interesting bar table with heightened seating for 10, adds to the drama.

Food

An introductory menu for round-theclock, has its limitations. Don't expect fancy and do plan a leisurely meal timeframe. The Cafe takes pride in its lunch and dinner buffet, since most of the clientele head straight to the buffet spread. Either these are room guests with meal package plans or they are not adventurous enough. We, however, choose from the a la carte to get a taste of the multicuisine offerings. Incidentally, the Indian and the local Bengali selection are quite detailed for a cafe. We take a mix of all — Tom Yum Taley ( 155), Caribbean Shrimp Cocktail ( 185), Bengal Fire Crackers ( 285), Catch of the Ocean — Seafood Platter ( 285), Wok Tossed Asian Greens ( 255), Cajun Grilled Fish ( 285), Grilled Chicken Breast ( 285).

Plus & Minus

The seafood Thai Tom Yum soup is spicy , fresh, with a subtle touch of lemon grass and galangal. The sweet prawns come swaddled in tangy sauce in the prawn cocktail, but lacks substance on the heavy heap of saucy iceberg. The Seafood Platter is a combination of batter fried Kolkata bekti and shrimps, but satisfyingly crunchy with the kasundi. Alas, the crabs are not available. The surprise hits of the meal are the Bengal Fire crackers and the Grilled Chicken Breast. The former, an unusual mix of vegetables and delicate bananaflower balls with crumb fried, crackly crust and paratha wrapped cottage-cheese mash called chanar patishapta — giving the supreme local flavours. The chicken breast is tender, but not toe-curlingly so, yet decadent and classic with the veggies and mash. The Grilled Fish in Cajun style, was a little overdone and the mix of the spicy Cajun with maple syrup was perhaps a tad excessive for our palate. The wok tossed Asian greens add depth with a nice smoky flavour. A regular Cream Caramel ( 125) closes the meal.


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Book review: As Dear As Salt

Book: As Dear As Salt; Author: Reyna Sequeira; Publisher: Goa, 1556; Price: Rs 400.

Salt has been an important produce of the coastal region of Goa on the west coast of India for centuries and has been exported from there to countries in Africa and the rest of Asia. But today, the traditional salt sector lies decimated and threatened by extinction, says a new book on the subject.

"Goa once was a hub of salt making. Salt was the currency that allowed Goans to import essential commodities. Today, the very same occupation lies derelict, its spine truly broken by a century and more of official polices, governmental apathy, low social status...," says the book "As Dear As Salt" authored by sociologist Reyna Sequeira.

Sequeira, who did her PhD from Goa University on the salt-making communities of Goa and is an associate professor, says in the book that traditional occupations must be remembered "not as a tapestry in a museum merely to be viewed, but as a living part of our society".

Her field work, spread over a couple of decades involving both her masters and doctorate on this often ignored subject, looks at salt makers in three villagers scattered across diverse pockets of coastal Goa - Agarvaddo (Pernem), Batim (Tisvadi) and Arpora (Bardez).

Besides focussing on the salt making communities, she highlights the "geography, history and politics" of salt in Goa. In the first two, one gets a hint of how the area of salt extraction has shrunk, particularly over recent decades and also since the late 19th century and the Anglo-Portuguese Treaty.

In the "politics" of this section, Sequeira touches issues of the salt sector's legal status. She quotes researchers like Dr Harishchandra T Nagvenkar who say that steps taken to promote salt production, marketing and competitiveness could have made a huge difference to this sector in Goa.

Salt has figured only rarely in the Goa legislative assembly, though a few politicians have realised its importance. Sequeira gives a detailed description of the salt making process in Goa. While it may seem to involve a simple process, it has carefully evolved over the centuries as detailed drawings and photographs from the field suggest.

Given her sociologist's approach, Sequeira studies the salt-makers themselves in detail - both from the Hindu and Catholic communities, and even migrants from neighbouring coastal Karnataka. She describes and contrasts their festivals, language, religion, marriage and other practices followed along different parts of the Goa coast.

The changing status of women - a reality in today's Goa -- also throws up interesting issues. Family involvement in salt work, and social problems, are also covered, as is the economic life of the villages studied.

Sequeira notes age-old unsolved problems in transportation that the salt makers face. Likewise competition, sometimes unfair, from the corporate world also comes up in the 256-page hard-bound book.

In Batim, a village just off the Panaji-Margao highway, local salt farmers coexist with migrants. From here, a number of traditional marriage rituals are documented by the author. Interesting syncretic practices - which cut across the religious divide - are also studied.

Landlords, workers, tenants and migrants feature in the crucial task of creating salt.

In Arpora village, close to the North Goa beach belt, says the author, the salt pans have come under immense pressure due to factors like tourism and the real-estate boom in the locality. At the time of commencement of her research, there were four operational salt pans in the village, but now just one exists.

Storage of salt and the hurdles to salt making are also studied in the book. Sequeira approached a number of authorities under the Right to Information Act - from village panchayat upwards - whose answers suggest a poor understanding or serious lack of interest in salt making.

Goa needs a deputy salt commissioner appointed for itself, and statistics on salt production should be systematically maintained, says Sequeira. She also suggests a strict ban on the conversion of salt pans.

Other suggestions deal with building awareness over the importance of salt pans, badly-needed official support for infrastructure, linking up Goa's "isolated salt sector" with the national-level infrastructure, upgrading skills and knowledge, training, special schemes for Goa's salt sector, marketing support, promoting cooperatives, minimum support prices for salt, de-silting, reclaiming non-functional salt pans, repairing sluice gates, providing roads for transportation, and vocational training in salt making skills.

Responding via cyberspace to an announcement of the book, Patrice Reimens, a Netherlands-based cyber-campaigner who has long followed issues in Goa, commented: "In France, traditional salt makers in Bretagne and Camargue have managed to survive by 'branding' their produce into a high class, hyped-up 'must have' - and pricey. Maybe some forces in Goa could push in that direction. Of course, this would need some serious investments and savvy marketing..."

"Salt has played an important role across human history. No substance other than water has been used with such regularity as salt," the book notes. Yet, in our times, it lies devalued and neglected.


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Interiors of your workplace matter most

Is your workplace high on aesthetics? Or does your workstation intimidate you? Anishaa Sahijwala throws light on th importance of a modern, well designed workspace

In a day and age when professionals spend most of their time at work, it is important for organisations to design their workplace to suit the needs of employees. Workplace interiors speak of the organisation. And with an increasing number of companies cost-cutting, this potential branding tool is being sidetracked. Abhinav Shetty, MD, Saga Infrasol, an interior design studio explains, "The designing of a workplace should be planned with the occupants in mind. Basic design elements include access to daylight, exterior views, and open design concepts that encourage multipurpose meeting areas. A well designed workplace can help make the most of available space, yet motivate employees to give their best. When a potential client walks into your space, they should immediately understand your business focus and philosophy."

Here are tips that will help you design your workplace:

Space counts
Since professionals spend most of their time at work, it is important for them to enjoy their workspace. Most organisations, to save resources, tend to over use the office place. "Every employee must be given their space. The space between my desk and the neighbouring desk is less than a foot. While we make sure we put in our best, we need our privacy too. With so many employees made to work in a limited space, the office looks cluttered as well. Besides these, I believe that the design and look of your workplace," says IT professional Sanaya Dhar.

Storage matters
Every workstation in an office must have a dedicated storage unit. While most companies believe that documents can now be stored online, many employees yet vouch for the importance of a dedicated storage unit. Explains Sumit Bhatia, a CA by profession, "Storage space is absolutely essential - irrespective of the work profile. Our company makes sure most we make the best of technology as well as the infrastructure to keep our official documents secure. Apart from storing documents, these storage units are used to keep certain personal necessities handy."

"Storage space is important since it cuts the cost of leasing a space. Ample workstation storage also helps keep a tab on your work profile. A dedicated storage space also improves efficiency," shares Shetty.

Cabin cut
Thanks to innovative designs and revised HR policies, most companies today, have done away with cabins. Except for senior management personnel, most offices now encourage open work stations to save space, and encourage interactivity. Elaborates Shetty, "With property prices increasing, providing cabins to most professionals is expensive. Multiple cabins require larger work space, extra expenses, made to order furniture, cost of installation of ventilation, electric, acoustic systems, etc. Besides these, open workstations encourage team building and employee - boss rapport."

Theme thought
Workplace interiors speak a lot about the organisation, the brands, its products and what its focus is. And the most recent trend is to have a themed workplace. For example, a website designing firm will have their office designed keeping their work profile and company product in mind. There are countless examples of organisations doing innovative things with their office interiors, to better tie-in with the organisational and brand
personality.

Themes based interiors catch the client's attention as well as motivate employees to work. Planning themed workplace interiors not only motivates employees, but also encourages brand loyalty. Though a little cost oriented, themed workplace interiors prove efficient in the long run," ends Shetty.


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How to be the world’s greatest son

If you really love your parents and don't want to hurt them, then follow these basic dos and don'ts

If you love your parents with all your heart and you want to be the best son you can be, then follow these basic rules in your day-to-day life:

Don't talk back to your mom and dad even if you are angry because you may hurt them by saying something wrong.

Be honest with your parents. Even if you do anything wrong, instead of trying to hide it or lie about it, admit your mistake. Your parents might get angry at that moment, but they'll surely realise your honesty.

Be independent and take good care of yourself. If you listen to your parents and take care of your health, it will surely make them happy. Remember, all they want is your well-being.

Love, help and be kind to your brothers or sisters rather than being nasty to them. If they are younger than you then they are bound to look up to you for many things and you might have to sacrifice. But in the end of the day they will be the one to love you more than anyone else.

Don't be shy to show your love to your parents. Do it by saying some sweet words, sending gifts, kissing or other ways. Don't give attitude when they talk to you.

If your dad or mom is a hot-tempered person, you must be careful. Put efforts for maintaining harmony at home.

Share your feelings with them. Remember how you used to share every little details of your day with your parents after coming back from your school. As we make many friends once we grow up, we don't feel the need to share anything with our parents. Don't make them feel neglected and open up your heart in front of them.


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6 Signs she is definitely cheating on you

Sometimes suspicion and mistrust can ruin your relationship with your girlfriend. But if the matter is serious and the nagging suspicion is impossible to ignore, here are few steps to figure out if your fears are real:

1. If she turns secretive and tries to guard her conversations on the phone, leaves the room everytime she gets a call on her cell
2. If you call or text her first all the time and she doesn't bother to do so then that is a bad sign

3. If she starts picking fights too often

4. If you catch her lying, it is often a cause for concern giving signal of infidelity
5. If you find a change in the behaviour of close common friends then it is possible that they know something that you don't. Perhaps you are the last to know
6. If your girlfriend suddenly starts worrying a little more about her appearance - new clothes, make-up...she may be trying to look good for someone else. If she gets dressed up for you, that's one thing but if they seem to spend a little more time looking good to go out without you, then that might be a cause to worry.


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5 Ways to deal with work pressure

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 30 Agustus 2013 | 18.47

No matter how inundated you are with your professional commitments, making that bit of commitment to stay calm is very much important for a blissful life.

Stress works in different ways. Each working professional has his/her way of handling work pressure. But somewhere down the line, some are able to handle all the pressure in a very wise manner, some exhibit temper tantrums and some just confess having to lose control over things. Well, there are ways to handle this issue. Here's a checklist of things which could help you deal with it

1. First and foremost, keep your cool. It really helps.

2. Get organized. Keep a checklist of things you are supposed to do at work. It helps in meeting deadlines. Prioritize things.

3. If you have made a professional commitment then you should deliver it. Informing your colleagues about any delay or change in plans on a particular meeting or project proceedings will help everyone else associated with your project understand the situation better.

4. Try to deal with different people differently. For that understanding the person is very important. Emotions and thought process vary from person to person.

5. Believing in team spirit works. Always one should avoid going on an ego trip, it harms more than it does any good.


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How to wear a crop top

Just because it's a 'crop' top doesn't mean you have to show your midriff. The days of Britney Spears circa-2001 are dead and gone.

Team it up it with a chic pair of high-waisted pants or skirt; it can look great without requiring you to show any skin. If you just want to test the waters to see if crop tops are for you, take a full-length top you already have, and just tie it up.

This gives you maximum control over the length of the crop, and creative freedom when it comes to how you wear it.


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The colour needs of your home

Always wondered whether the sofa complements your wall colour? Or the curtains go with the cushion?

Here are a few home styling ideas from our very own styling expert @home that will answer all the queries you always had when styling your home.

- Placing a rug in your living room can give a different emphasis of colour to your room.

- By changing the rug you can change the whole character of the room.

- Keep your sofa a few inches away from the wall. This will make your room look more spacious.

- Wall shelves are a great way to display decorative items.

- It is easy to install and adds a great decorative element to any room.

- Smaller pieces of furniture like nest of tables and cabinets which also complement your main piece of furniture can make all the difference.

- Now that you are all equipped with new home styling ideas, take time out from your maddening schedule and go ahead, style your world.


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Mythologies with modern twists make a comic comeback

Shiva is no longer just a god, nor Ravan a mere villain.

Having dared to think out-of-the-box, a brave new breed of publishers have revamped the modern Indian comics by adding a zing to flat storytelling and zoomed in on lesser known aspects of Indian mythologies, making new pop-culture icons out of age-old characters.

Not only youngsters but veteran comic book fans are lapping up the current trend, where mythological characters with contemporary twists are acquiring a swashbuckling superhero-like stature in a departure from folklore of yore imparting moral lessons.

"Well in India, many of the smaller and newer publishers are moving away from the traditional mythological and historical storylines to more contemporary content. Most are solely focussing on a much older and mature audience," Jatin Varma, founder of Comic Con India, told us. Comic Con annually brings together stakeholders in the field for an exposition and conferences.

With the advent of web comics and graphic novels, comics are now part of the mainstream.

Vivek Goel, whose Holy Cow Entertainment churns out the popular "Aghori" and "Ravanayan" series of graphic novels, points out children are more likely to take to mythologies if there's more to the story and deviating from stereotype helps.

"If you need youngsters, teens, adults to get hooked on to mythology then you need to upgrade the same with better quality art, a changed perspective and non-stereotypic cradle to grave stories. Give them a different perspective of the characters and they will love it," Goel told us.

"For example "Ravanayan" is the Ramayana story from its villain's perspective and his personal journey to become the biggest villain Hindu mythology has ever witnessed. 'Ravanayan' is Ravan's personal life story before the abduction of Sita," Goel explained, adding that 'Aghori' delves into the outlandish world of the sect of ascetics that children rarely read about.

It is not just the rehashed script that attracts the super-hero loving youngsters accustomed to the bright tones and stylised content of western comics juggernauts like Marvel and DC.

Bold and gritty, the illustrations in themselves are tempting enough. A storyscape dominated by rich colours, sharp brush strokes and angular features to provide a 3D-like effect is a successful tool to sway the average "Avengers" fan to Shiva and Vishnu.

"Our art is more global and 3D oriented...it's more stylish. We put more effort in the research on our art and colours," said Karan Vir Arora, CEO/Visionary of Vimanika Comics that brings out the top-selling "I am Kalki" and "Shiva-Legends of the Immortal" series.

Moreover, weaving the age-old formula of triumph of good over evil into a contemporary backdrop is a powerful tool to woo readers, and Vimanika has done just that.

While Kalki, the 10th reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, is known to slay the demons of corruption in the original, in his new look, he is an ordinary teenager in a modern city who hunts down demons by night.

"From experimenting with colours, narratives, styles, to dealing with issues that concern society, feminism, sexuality, religion and the like, the world of comics is no longer defined the way it was even some years ago," said Sreejita Bose of StripTease, the e-magazine on comics.

While novels and webcomics are "interesting and swift" portals to disseminate stories on Indian culture and heritage to children, exaggerations of characters might lead to development of skewed concepts of right and wrong.

"It is not possible in our busy schedule to tell them stories. So these media do help. But on the other hand if the characters are too bold or exaggerated then it confuses the kids..about what is right or wrong," said Suchismita Ray Paul, sociologist and assistant professor at the Jogmaya Devi College here.

"But they are the most important way to teach them about good over evil," Paul added.


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5 ‘unhealthy’ foods that are in fact healthy

Dieticians have instructed you to give up on these foodstuffs if you want to lose weight, yet the temptation makes you want to eat it. We give you 5 such unhealthy foods you may incorporate in your diet in a healthy moderation.

Butter: We are not instructing you load up on butter, but according to experts, naturally occurring saturated fats, like those found in butter, may actually be good to include in your diet in moderation when compared with processed fats like those found in margarine.

Cheese: Just like butter, cheese is also high in saturated fat and calorie content. But, it is also rich in nutrients, calcium, vitamin A, B12, riboflavin, zinc, and phosphorus. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a good fat, according to latest discoveries, found in animal protein and dairy that has been linked to cancer prevention.

Chocolate and whole milk: A glass of chocolate and whole milk has the perfect carbs to protein ratio (3:1) and is a good post workout recovery drink. It also replenishes bone-building calcium and sodium to restore electrolyte balance. Go with dark chocolate, if you are still unsure.

Coffee: It not only improves concentration and stamina, but a recent research has revealed that it helps prevent diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's. Just don't overdo it, 3-5 cups are optimum as it may have some side effects like insomnia, jitters and anxiety.

Bananas: Although labelled as fattening, bananas sometimes play a healthy role when you are trying to shed pounds. They are rich in potassium and provide antioxidants, vitamin C and fibre. Banana eaters also experience a shift in dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for elevating your mood.


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Want to be taken seriously as an author? Be a man

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 29 Agustus 2013 | 18.48

"We had a vague impression that authoresses are liable to be looked on with prejudice".

The Bronte sisters believed that people were likely to read books written by male authors rather than female ones and therefore chose to publish as the Bell brothers. But this was way back in the 19th century, when anything male was preferred over anything female. But now, in the 21st century, is it still the same scenario? Do readers still prefer to read something that is written by a male author, even if in certain genres, rather than a female one?

Recently, JK Rowling's cover as Richard Galbraith for her novel The Cuckoo's Calling was blown up by the UK's Sunday Times. She supported her decision of adopting this masculine pseudonym, saying in a statement, "Being Robert Galbraith has been such a liberating experience. It has been wonderful to publish without hype or expectation, and pure pleasure to get feedback under a different name." It was also reported that since Rowling's cover was blown, her book, published under the name Robert Galbraith, climbed to number 1 on Amazon's listings and was quickly out of stock at bookstores.

In 2012, a book called City Of Dark Magic was published under the name Magnus Flyte. Now, as mysterious as this name sounds when it comes to gender, it was discovered that the book was in fact written by two women, Christina Lynch and Meg Howrey. The authors decided to go for this pseudonym for their thriller because they knew that men preferred books - especially thrillers - written by men. Here are examples of women authors adopting pseudonyms of the other gender, with a few exceptions.

Joanne kathleen Rowling aka JK Rowling
When the most famous of these examples, JK Rowling, wrote the Harry Potter books, she had clearly stated that her publisher, Bloomsbury, had told her to use her initials instead of Joanne, as her name was unlikely to attract many boys. The aim here was to keep her name gender-neutral to attract mass audiences, which was achieved by using her initials. Even though her identity was eventually revealed, she did not lose any followers, but only gained more popularity - people were in love with the books and the gender of the author hardly mattered anymore.

Name change - Different gender
Rowling's writing under a male pseudonym triggered a debate on whether there are still 'sexist' readers who'd rather read something produced by a male author. Penguin editor Anne Sowards said, "It sometimes makes sense for a female author to use a pseudonym, particularly when the main characters are male, or when it's a genre with a strong appeal to men, like military science fiction, certain types of fantasy or gritty thrillers." Here are some of the older examples:

Karen Blixen aka Isak Dinesen
Karen Blixen (1885-1962) came from a well-known Danish family. Isak Dinesen was not her only pen name. She also wrote under other pseudonyms like Osceola and Pierre Andrezel. Her reason for adopting a male pseudonym was not like the ones that the Bronte sisters had, but was inspired by her father. She took her father, Wilhelm Dinesen, as the model behind this name.

Emily Bronte aka Ellis Bell
Emily Bronte (1818-1848) wrote as Ellis Bell. Her reason for taking up a male pseudonym was the same as for many other female authors of her time. Publishing her work under a male pseudonym meant having a chance of being considered 'important' and being successful in the world of literature. Wuthering Heights, which was published under the pseudonym, was one of her popular novels. But after Emily's death, the novel was republished with her real name and today, it's one of the most important novels in literary history.

Charlotte Bronte aka Currer Bell
Widely known as the author of Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte is one of the most renowned female authors know. But in her time, Charlotte wrote under the male pseudonym of Currer Bell, to be taken seriously and to be successful as an author. Under that male pseudonym, her work was widely read by the masses, especially the men, at that time.

Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin aka George Sand
Her work was never published under her real name. Her first novel, Indiana, published in 1832, was under the name George Sand, and so was every other novel that she wrote. She did not just write novels but also memoirs, literary criticism and political discussion, all as George Sand. The 'masculine qualities' were not just a part of her pen name but also her personality, as she'd wear men's clothing and also smoke tobacco in public, which women were not allowed to do at that time.

Nora Roberts aka JD Robb
Nora Roberts was already quite famous for her romance novels. But she wanted to move on to writing science fiction-police thrillers and wanted to attract a new audience. Her publisher was the one who was hesitant about launching her as Nora Roberts in a completely different genre and so, Ms Roberts adopted the gender neutral name of JD Robb.

Her series called In Death achieved a large following, and when her identity was revealed, her fans accepted both her identities.

Alice Sheldon aka James Tiptree Jr
Tiptree never revealed that she was a woman herself. Going into writing science fiction, she adopted the male pseudonym of James Tiptree Jr. She did this because she thought that it would be easier to break into the world of science fiction as a male author instead of a female one. Also, she wished to distance herself from the things she had written before she became James Tiptree. Her identity was only revealed when a fan tracked her down in an obituary after her mother's death. This was a big shock to her readers, but she managed to keep her fan base and didn't suffer from any major loss in popularity.

Louisa May Alcott aka AM Barnard
Alcott was a popular 19th century writer who started her career as an author under the male pseudonym of AM Barnard. Her works have been published both in her name and in her pen name. The reason she adopted a male pseudonym was to be 'taken seriously' as an author at that time.

Nelle Harper Lee aka Harper Lee
Author of what can be considered one of the most popular novels, To Kill A Mockingbird, Nell Harper Lee cannot exactly be accused of adopting a male pseudonym. But 'Harper Lee' does leave the gender of the person that the name belongs to undetermined. To Kill a Mockingbird was awarded the Pulitzer Prize soon after it was published and is on the curriculum of most schools across the United State of America. This was the only novel Lee ever published.

But it's not just female authors who have taken up pen names of the other gender. There have also been cases when male authors have written under a female pseudonym. For example, science fiction and fantasy writer Michael Carroll has written romance novels under the name Jaye Carroll. Philip Larkin wrote 'erotic novellas' under the female pseudonym of Brunette Coleman. The main reason for this name change could be that people tend to choose women authors over male authors when it comes to romance novels. But some authors, like Harper Lee and Rowling, choose to go for names that appear to be androgynous. They do this by either taking up a pen name that uses initials or using an uncommon first name - for instance, pseudonyms like Iceberg Slim, JI Vatanen, O Henry, Multatuli P Mustapaa and so on. However, it's evident that there have been many more female authors adopting male pseudonyms than male authors taking up female pseudonyms.

Name Change - Same gender, different identity
This name change is essentially used to hide the real identity of the author from the public. It could be when the author wants to move from one genre of novel writing to another or to appear as a completely new name on the block. This could be an advantage at times, but sometimes, it's also backfired.

Stephen King aka Richard Bachman
Famous for the genres of horror, fantasy, science fiction, drama, gothic, dark fantasy and post-apocalyptic fiction and with novels like The Shining, Carrie and The Dark Tower series to his name, Stephen King assumed a pseudonym to increase his publication without harming the 'King' brand, which the readers associated with only one book each year.

After the adoption of the pseudonym Richard Bachman, King started publishing more books. But eventually, King announced Bachman's death from the "cancer of pseudonym". The book written and published under the name of Richard Bachman, Thinner, initially sold 28,000 copies, and then ten times as many when it was revealed that Bachman was, in fact, Stephen King.

Agatha Christie aka Mary Westmacott
We all think of crime and mystery when we see her name, crowned, as she was, the 'Queen of Crime'. But Christie wanted to move away from her usual genre towards a completely different one, and that was romance. Therefore, a pseudonym seemed appropriate. So, after writing 82 detective novels as Agatha Christie, she became Mary Westmacott to write her series of romance novels. In her case, it was not about being taken seriously as a female author or reaching a wider audience - it was simply about moving from one genre to another, which was completely different from the first. As with Rowling, perhaps the desire was to shield the new novels, in a genre not expected from the author, from the presumptions and baggage that came with the 'Christie' brand.

Francois-Marie Arouet aka Voltaire
His pseudonym is what we all know him by. The French philosopher and historian assumed a pen name to remain anonymous because he was famous for his constant attacks on the Catholic church as well as the French king - obviously, that's not something you wanted to do at the time with everyone knowing who you were! Works by Voltaire have been produced in almost every literary form, including plays, poems, novels, essays and historical and scientific works. In Voltaire's case, the pseudonym was adopted to keep his real identity a secret, which kept him safe from the French authorities.


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Stylise the petticoat to look glam

We are talking about the petticoat. Here's how to go glam under

It's not longer the plain-Jane cotton garment to support your saree. In the last few seasons, Indian designers have experimented with the traditional underskirt — adding sequins, embroidering it and even allowing a little peeka-boo.

Often designed and worn in contrast with the sari, just like the blouse the petticoat now demands more attention. Varun Bahl's shimmering black and silver sequenced skirt and Masaba's bright citrus range under sheer sarees are testimony.

And, if your aunts frown on your new look, point them to tradition. Stylist Nisha Kundnani says the petticoat has, across cultures, been worn as an outer garment. While in Tamil Nadu, it is an essential component of the pavada davani (half-sari), the Roman Catholics in India have always worn beautiful petticoats in delicate fabrics, with crochet detailing.

"Sometimes, their old rose printed petticoats are more beautiful than the saree itself," she adds.

Start timid, do a Sridevi
If you are easing into the trend, don't stray too far from what you are comfortable with. Go with the look Sridevi sported at the Delhi Couture Week 2012 — a white Sabyasachi saree over an embroidered black petticoat. Pairing the look with a black, embroidered, blouse ensured that although experimental, the look wasn't out-of-the-box. This works best for a formal evening.

Colour them right
If that evening went off well, and, you are in the mood to try some more, place your faith in looks by designers like Manish Malhotra and Masaba. Stylist Nitasha Gaurav says that a classic Malhotra look would be to drape your sheer sari over a sequined metallic petticoat, which gives them a glamorous twinkle. The look is perfect for cocktail parties. If sequins aren't your thing, get your hands on a printed petticoat, ala Kalki Koechlin. She wore a leopardprint petticoat under a white Sabyasachi Saree to Cannes in 2012. "You can wear the petticoat like you do the blouse," suggests Gaurav. "Mix and match it with the outfit.

Else, you can match the print of the petticoat to that of the blouse or third, wear it in contrast with the saree." Along with Bahl's blingy, sequined petticoats, draw inspiration from Masaba's collection where a bright yellow petticoat beautifully brings out the neon-pink of the net sari it dances under. Add a playful ruffle edging in a contrasting colour to the hem of the petticoat and let it peek from under the sari.

The half-sari
This look is gaining popularity, thanks to Deepika Padukone's wardrobe in Chennai Express. A traditional, south Indian look, you can make it your own by getting a petticoat in non-traditional fabrics like mashroo (woven with silk and cotton threads, it has a satiny feel). Get one with a thick border to make it look less like an underskirt. Pair it with a longer blouse and drape the halfsari over it.

Remember...
"It's a tricky trend," warns Kundanai. "Too much experimentation will destroy the identity of the garment." Here's how to ensure that you are doing it right:
- When wearing sheer sarees, remember the petticoat must have a hook to fasten it. The old-fashioned knotted draw-string look clumsy and ungainly
- A slim silhouette works better than a wide one when the petticoat is worn to show
- If you want the petticoat to be the focus, avoid a heavily embellished blouse
- The look works best on curvaceous women or women with average build. Avoid it if you're too thin or obese
- Underplay the footwear so it complements the ensemble
- The embellished peepthrough petticoats work best for contemporary saris, not traditional ones
- The look should be bold, but safe. Simplicity and grace win hands down


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6 foods for healthy skin

What you eat not only makes a difference to your health but also your skin. And with the festive season just round the corner, it's time to start eating healthy so that you can flaunt gorgeous skin. Here are some foods that are healthy for your skin...

Blueberries
Blueberries are high in antioxidants, which are known to target free radicals that cause premature aging and disease. They also prevent damage of skin cells and are high in fibre and vitamins C and E.

Walnuts
Walnuts are rich with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are excellent for your hair and skin. They make hair shinier and make your skin smoother.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a high-carotenoid fruit with nutrients that help slow down cellular damage from free radicals.

Pomegranate
This wonder fruit is rich with antioxidant that help your skin create more collagen so that it repairs itself faster.

Green tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, helps reduce sun damage and has polyphenols, which helps regenerate skin cells. It is also high in vitamins C, D and K, zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron.

Legumes
Legumes have high protein content, which helps repair cells that have suffered free radical damage.


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How to add life to your walls

Be a little creative and add more colour and vibrancy to your wall

Walls with a dash of colour and imagination can change the look of your room. And there are simple not so expensive ways to add more life to your walls. Just let your creative juices flow. And then see the change.

Art power: Nothing brightens up the wall like a canvas. So, if you have an artwork then display it. Choose the perfect place to showcase it so that it becomes the centre of attraction. And if you don't have the money to buy original art, don't lose heart. You can always buy a print and with a stylish frame, it can change the look.

Colours of life: Interestingly, fabrics add much colour to a wall. India is a country of great textile heritage. So, you can choose from the ikkats to mangalgiris for adding a completely different, vibrant look to your wall. If you have seen the Calico Textile Museum in Ahmedabad, you will definitely know the power of textile in adding a warm rich look. Learn to use saris, dupattas, rugs in adding more colour and texture to your decor.

Stringing memory: Memories are great to have as company in your intimate space. Dig into your album for your favourite family photos and then arrange it to bring in a sense of personal touch to your space. How about being a little different and creative? Write your favourite poem on a nice handmade paper and then frame it. You can also make a collage out of your kids' paintings and then frame it to hang on the wall.

Shelve it: Do you think shelves are boring? Well, you couldn't be more wrong. These days there are many colourful shelves in different shapes available in the market. Even you have an ordinary shelf, paint it in warm colours with different motifs and see the result yourself. Arrange your favourite books, DVDs and knickknacks on the shelf and see the transformation.


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South Africa is more than wildlife

Not mentioning wildlife in an Africa travelogue is a way to invite some ire but hey, this isn't a brochure anyway .

Point is, if you've had your share of animal sanctuary outings in India, spotting some more value-additions such as zebras or giraffes shouldn't be the 'only' agenda of your Africa trip. Yes, the 'big five' — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo — appear intriguing if gaped at from a jeep (though the spotted cat almost never lets you see itself) but there is much more that we first-world-loving Indian travellers can explore in more civilised parts of southern Africa. Did you, for instance, know...

That there is a European hangover here
Having been colonised by the Dutch and British in the past, South Africa today bears a quiet hangover of it. Nearly half its cities have Dutch names (Johannesburg, Bloemfontein et al) while Cape Town, which has hitherto served as the interim port for European ships to Asia, flaunts distinctive Amsterdam-esque architecture. Thanks to the rainbow nation's fine weather and a historic location on the 'wine route', it's a proud producer of wines too. Also, its cities' palates are unmissably European, so finding an Irish bar or a French-styled cafe won't take too much of your time. In fact, the locals themselves head to Montecasino of Jo'burg for an authentic Italian experience.

That Cape Town leaves you sleepless
Arguably the most vibrant harbour city in the world, Cape Town is sure to catch your day time attention with its history (Robben island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned), its picturesque vineyard drives and of course the Table mountain, SA's contender for the New Seven Wonders. However, stay up and you'll find that its nightlife appetite is enormous. Dozens of pubs and lounges on Long Street throb with revelers from across the world and the alcohol, coffee and an uber-friendly vibe keep flowing till sunrise. For best results, begin on a Friday night and pub-hop your way to glory till Sunday morning!

That you can be a gold-digger for a day
A city formed thanks to a gold-rush in the 1880s, Johannesburg still considers mining as serious business and it is at one of its significant mines — the Gold Reef City that visitors can get a feel of being a miner. The theme park's gold mine tour takes you several metres down a shaft into a dark, humid gold mine, and gives you a crash course on the risky business of extracting yellow life out of an ore. In between adjusting the torch on your head-gear and gasping for breath, you will surely realise how fascinating the world beneath us is.

Though it's easy to find dal fry, biryani or even jain food...
South Africa claims to be home to the largest Indian community outside the sub-continent and hence is also home to some good, bad and ugly Indian eateries at unexpected corners. Such as the expansive 'Raj' (which serves rubbish gulab-jamuns) right over a flashy casino in a Sun City hotel, or the impressive 'Bhandaris' (run by a South African!) en route a wine drive in Cape Town. That said, we're yet to recover from the elaborate Jain food spread we encountered at a picturesque beach restaurant in Simon's Town. Though we proceeded to gorge on the king clip (fish), this is good news for Gujjus and Marvaris, who reportedly love coming here.

You can always eat an ostrich/crocodile/zebra...
..and gather some stories for your grandchildren while doing so. 'Game meat', specifically hunted and delicately prepared, is a unique local treat you must try if your heart (and credit limit) allows. The common ones are 'biltong' (cured beef/ostrich meat, spiced and dried) and the spring buck (antelope). However, if you want adrenaline rushes at the dining table, try the smoked crocodile meat, charcoal-grilled zebra or the kudu (cute in the bushes but apparently delicious on your plate). While stuff such as ostrich membrane/knuckles is sold at malls, the wilder varieties are to be tried at restaurants such as 'Carnivore' in Jo'burg.

But won't have the heart to touch the penguins here .
It may be called the jackass penguin owing to its bray but the African penguin at Boulders beach near Cape Town will still get the 'aww's going among your group. This colony of two-three feet long black-andwhite beauties is on a spectacular beach, and for those who thought such screen saver-like situations were experienced only in New Zealand, this is a sasta, sundar option.

That they love their beer... and cricket
As apparent from the stands in any cricket match in Centurion or Newlands, the South Africans love their golden brew as much as they love cricket. While many 'shebeens' (traditional taverns with smiling fat 'mamas' getting everyone drunk) have given away to plush bars, the locals continue to down 'Castle' and argue on their Smiths and Steyns. In fact, beer aficionados might consider it criminal to miss the exquisite audiovisual tour of the history of the drink and sample the world's dishiest brews at SA Breweries' 'World of Beer', the coolest museum of Jo'burg.

That safety and friendliness are under-rated
All this said, your father/in-law might still clamp down upon your South Africa itinerary for 'safety' reasons. But having been there twice and done things such as hailing a mini-van filled with African-Americans from an empty street post 11pm; asked a hundred strangers for directions and partied till dawn, this writer can vouch for the land's safety and amiability. Yes, there are security concerns (GP can be Gauteng Province or Gangster Paradise!) but then being cautious was in every trip's instruction list, right? Unless you insist on being stupid, you will be 'sho-sho' (all well).

Malay Desai leisure.mirror@indiatimes.com


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Are pets really psychic?

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 28 Agustus 2013 | 18.48

Wiccans definitely think so while a recent study negates that belief. We get both the sides.

Ancient Egyptian priests are said to have kept sacred cats and used them to predict the future. But do pets really have extra sensory powers that we are not aware of? Can they really see the future? The debate has been on for a long time, but the answers are still inconclusive. While some wiccans believe that pets can predict the future, some studies contradict that perception? Read on to find out more.

What some studies say?

A recent study by researchers at an American university suggested that, while dogs' ability to 'read our minds' is real, it maybe a result of spending a lot of time with humans. Using a series of tests, researchers found that pets were better at interpreting human body language, verbal commands and frames of mind than stray dogs. In 2007, an American geriatrician published an article noting that a cat in a Rhode Island nursing home appeared to correctly predict patient deaths by curling up next to them in their final moments. By March 2010 he had correctly predicted 50 deaths. Oscar was probably sensing minute biochemical changes in those dying people rather than exhibiting any 'sixth sense' says Daniel Mills, a specialist in veterinary behavioural medicine. Many animals possess a type of awareness that seems to exceed human capabilities. For example, the alarm calls and movement inland among monkeys and birds prior to a tsunami, or birds hiding their heads under their wings prior to an earthquake.

So are pets psychic?

Sangeeta Krishnan, a wiccan definitely thinks so. She says, "Pets are indeed more clairvoyant than most of us. Since their fives senses are very sharp, they can detect cancer, pregnancy, and the presence of other worldly entities. They can also predict if their human housemate might have a fatal accident. Dogs have been known to warn people before they go out on the very same day they are meant to have an accident! All animals will be agitated minutes, hours, or even days before a natural calamity, a thunderstorm, or an earthquake is about to strike. She adds, "We don't give animals the credit they deserve. If you and your pet are able to communicate well, you will soon realise that they are trying to tell you something worthwhile all the time." Chandan Lohia, who practices runes adds, "Its not only pets but also plants and rocks can help predict the future because they are part of the same conscious." Apart from the future, pets have also been known to predict natural disasters and to prevent accidents. He adds, "There have been many cases over the years that support the notion that pets are psychic because they have successfully been able to prevent accidents by not allowing their owner to step out of the house or have been restless before a natural calamity sounding an alert."

And while the case for pets having special psychic powers is strong, there is an equally strong faction that contradicts these claims with enough research that leaves you questioning what to believe.

melissa.dcosta@timesgroup.com


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5 habits to avoid for better sleep

If you're sleep-deprived get rid of these patterns of behaviour, today...

Nighttime snacking
It might be tempting to reach out for that slice of uneaten pizza or a box of doughnuts, but this is actually one of the most common habits that can keep folks from getting shuteye. Late night eating is said to cause a gastro esophageal reflux disorder, in which where the stomach acid goes back into the esophagus causing acid reflux, say experts. This gives acidity and makes a person feel uncomfortable.

Exercising very late

Exercise is certainly a good habit but doing so in the late hours of the day is unwise. Experts outline the connection between a lower body temperature and achieving quality sleep. When you exercise it raises the body temperature and increases the metabolism. So, while this works well during the day, it's not ideal of you want get into sleep mode.

Watching too much TV
Unfortunately the TV set is believed to be a part of the bedroom, but actually watching your fav crime or drama shows from your bed can set the pulse racing and make the rain too active. Also an exposure to violent programming is said to cause nightmares. Doctors advise mediation or prayer that helps to relax the system. One may also curl up and read a book.

Working after hours
Most people tend to either spend late hours at the office or bring work home for late night. But this habit can cause stress and tension that leads to insomnia and loss of appetite. Pouring over a work presentation, number crunching or talking to colleagues can make the mind very alert, and push up adrenalin and stress levels — quite the opposite scenario for a restful night.

Talking too much

Sometimes due to hard schedules, finding time to talk with your spouse at bedtime might seem like the only option. However, if the conversation escalates into an argument, it can shoot up energy levels and cause feelings of anger and fear that takes away sleep. Fights also make it impossible to fall asleep afterwards. The ideal thing to do is make time for settling issues and important topics at some time during the day.

ismat.tahseen@timesgroup.com


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Exercises to get rid of double chin

Here are some exercises you can do to banish the extra flab under your chin

Double chin is common among overweight men and women. And if you are sporting one too, you certainly know how unflattering it is. And alternate names like turkey neck, chin twin, second chin, etc. just proves the point. However, getting rid of a double chin is not that easy and one has to religiously do exercises for the neck and chin to make the extra flab disappear.

Sadly, women are more prone to it
It's not like women have a shortage of body issues that they needed one more added to their list. Since women have a tendency to accumulate fat deposits in the body, they are more prone to having a double chin, says fitness expert Leena Mogre.

Reduce overall body fat
When a person is fat, there is accumulation of fat everywhere on the body and hence, as a result occurs a double chin. "Spot reduction is a myth. You can't get rid of double chin with certain neck and chin exercises alone. One has to reduce fat percentage overall. Double chin exercises will work only when coupled with diet and weight training," explains Mogre. Sometimes, people can get a double chin due to hereditary reasons and in such cases they could opt for a cosmetic procedures to get rid of it, she adds.

What you can do...
Fitness expert Samir Purohit, too, says that there no specific exercises in Pilates for a double chin and reducing overall body fat will help instead. He shares two exercises:

Platysma exercise
In this exercise, you open the mouth as wide as possible, then stretch the lower lip and jaw over your top row of teeth. This will tighten the area around the chin and help you lose a double chin. Repeat five to 10 times.

Chin lift
Another exercise is the Chin Lift, as it stretches and tones the various muscles of the face eg. the jaw and neck. Sit erect and tilt your head back until you are looking toward the ceiling. Lips should be pursed tightly, as if you wanted to kiss the ceiling. Just use your lips, do not engage facial muscles. Hold your lips for a five seconds and then release. Repeat five to 10 times.

Other exercises:
Neck roll

Sit straight and inhale while turning the head to one side such that the chin touches the shoulder. Now exhale and slowly lower the head such that the chin is resting on the chest. Inhale again and gently lift your head to the other side where the chin touches the other shoulder. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

Chin slap
Using the back of your hand, slap gently underneath your chin. Whilst gently slapping, gradually build up speed. Do this for a couple of minutes, 2-3 times a day.


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Mike Tyson's 'bite fight' drama revealed in book

The grisly drama behind boxing legend Mike Tyson's biting off his opponent Evander Holyfield's ear during their infamous 1997 fight has been revealed in a book, authored by a journalist.

According to The Sun, the incident, also known as the Bite Fight, and the dramas being enacted behind the scenes, has been researched and detailed by New York Post sports columnist George Willis in his book ''Twice Bitten'', The Sun reports. Although the pandemonium going on in the ring and the fighting that broke out among rival fans after referee Mills Lane disqualified Tyson for taking a second bite at Holyfield's other ear in the third round was seen by the audience, the report said that the inner details had been revealed by Willis in the book.

In the book, there is a vivid description by paramedic Brian Rogers, who said that Tyson was raging and fuming with anger and still wearing his gloves when he visited both fighters in their locker rooms before Holyfield was taken to a hospital to be stitched up. Stating that Tyson was screaming and punching the walls, Rogers said that he then decided to let the now-retired boxer to cool off and went to see what was happening to Holyfield, adding that he came in time to hear the deeply religious Holyfield ask his attorney to quieten the room so he could lead everyone in a prayer of forgiveness for Tyson.

Another account, belonging to Dr Julio Garcia, a leading plastic surgeon, stated that although the surgeon had been handed a bag with a piece of Holyfield's ear inside, without the cartilage, the bag disappeared when he left it alone for a moment and was never found. The report further said that Willis has got Tyson to write the foreword of the book, in which the former Baddest Man on the Planet said that he had reacted badly to the incident and rued that the world never looked at him in the same way again.


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Health benefits of kitchen spices

Discover the health benefits of spices used regularly in your kitchen.

A kitchen shelf which boasts of bottles containing turmeric (haldi), asefoetida (heeng), cumin seeds (jeera) and the like is a common sight in Indian household. These spices not only add taste to your food but they possess immense health benefits. Here goes a list of health benefits of these humble ingredients used in most Indian kitchens.

Turmeric: Rich in antioxidants, researchers have discovered the power of turmeric. There are reports that it may help in the fight against cancer. Studies show that it may help prevent Alzheimer's disease and joint inflammation. Turmeric also helps in minimizing liver damages caused by taking excessive alcohol consumption or regular use of pain-killers. And no wonder why grandmothers across the country advise one to have a warm glass of milk with turmeric in case of cold and cough.

Asafoetida: Heeng or asefoetida is strong in taste with its pungent flavour. Add a pinch of heeng while making khatti mithi dal and you can see yourself the change of taste and aroma. This flavoring agent has wonderful health benefits as it helps in digestion. It is useful in the treatment of respiratory disorders like cough, asthma and bronchitis. Asafoetida is considered useful in the treatment of health problems concerning women such as unusually painful and excessive menstruation.

Cumin seeds: Jeera, the humble spice is very popular in most Indian kitchens. Roasted jeera powder can add flavor to a dish. In traditional odiya cuisine, roasted cumin and red chilli is grinded into a fine powder and used to enhance taste. Antiseptic properties of cumin can help fight flu by boosting your immune system. A cup of water boiled with cumin seeds, ginger, basil leaves and honey, can give great relief. Cumin helps control stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhoea, nausea and morning sickness. Cumin seeds also contain a good amount of iron. It's a good idea to include jeera in everyday preparations like parathas, curries, cookies, soups, rice and lentil preparations.


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A hard-hitting autopsy of post-war Sri Lanka

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 27 Agustus 2013 | 18.47

Book title: Long War, Cold Peace: Conflict and Crisis in Sri Lanka

Author: Dayan Jayatilleka

Publisher: Vijitha Yapa Publications

Pages: 508

In Sri Lanka, where President Mahinda Rajapaksa's regime seems determined to undo key aspects of a 1987 pact with India touching upon the critical area of devolution of power, one would need courage - and deep political conviction - to write the book Dayan Jayatilleka has written. The so-called Tamil nationalists might dub him a closet man of the Sri Lankan state for having served it faithfully in his previous capacity as Colombo's envoy to the UN in Geneva at the height of the war. But that exposure probably only redoubled his understanding of what is good for Sri Lanka, where the Tamil Tigers' rout in 2009 hasn't led, unfortunately, to a comprehensive peace most people would have desired.

What kind of a political framework is good for Sri Lanka? The debate rages on. There are many shades of opinion across the island nation, across its ethnic and religious divide. Should Sri Lanka be a Sinhalese/Buddhist-dominated society politically, even if it claims not to be one? Should it not be a land where different religions and ethnic groups enjoy equal rights -- and respect one another? Is provincial autonomy a stepping stone to separation? Can the bloodied ethnic war of over a quarter century be expected to heal wounds dramatically, now that the Tigers are history? Can those Tamils, who served as the LTTE's political arm be trusted to play a role in mainstream Sri Lanka? Can the situation improve? Will the wounds heal? If yes, when?

A political activist-turned-academic-turned-political scientist, Dayan, as most of us have known him, brings together some of his powerful published writings with fresh candor to answer a string of questions related to the now vanquished LTTE, the war it waged, the counter war, and the politics of the Rajapaksa regime. It is important, he says, to learn the lessons of the conflict to prevent a recurrence. Sadly, as a nation, he says, "we have almost ceased to analyse, to think".

The good thing about the book is that it does not follow a chronological order to relate the Sri Lanka agony - from 1983, the earlier period, the post-war scenario, the international dimension et al. Dayan is loud and clear. We know where he stands. A Marxist not at home with Sri Lanka's (fragmented) Left, he laments that his country never had a Congress party or a "political leadership (read Nehru) that was westernized in cultural terms, modernist, while not being pro-Western in political terms".

Historically, Dayan tells us, this is the best time to effect a political reconciliation between the Sinhalese and Tamils, "for a moderate compromise". Unlike a section of his compatriots, Dayan underlines the importance of paying heed to Sri Lanka's friends, "local and foreign". Having won the war, Colombo can still lose the peace, he warns, if it fails to show generosity, flexibility, enlightenment and wisdom.
Having dealt with 193 countries in Geneva, he knows what the world wants: that Sri Lankan Tamils deserve and require equal rights. Dayan is all for a "full (even) if graduated implementation" of the India-backed 13th amendment to the Sri Lankan constitution that would ensure "the fullest possible devolution of powers" to provinces -- and to Tamils. "Long War, Cold Peace" could not have come out at a better time. Not everyone will agree with his autopsy. But no one will be able to ignore it. Read it, now!


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Oily fish diet prevents oral, skin cancers

Omega-3 fatty acids, contained in oily fish such as salmon and trout, selectively inhibit growth and induce cell death in early and late-stage oral and skin cancers, a new study suggests.

In vitro tests showed omega-3 fatty acids induced cell death in malignant and pre-malignant cells at doses which did not affect normal cells, suggesting they have the potential to be used in both the treatment and prevention of certain skin and oral cancers.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids cannot be made by humans in large quantities and so we must acquire them from our diet.

The scientists at Queen Mary, University of London were studying a particular type of cancer called squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC).

Squamous cells are the main part of the outermost layers of the skin, and SCC is one of the major forms of skin cancer.

However, squamous cells also occur in the lining of the digestive tract, lungs, and other areas of the body.

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) are the sixth most common cancer worldwide and are difficult and very expensive to treat.

The research is published online in the journal Carcinogenesis.


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5 Awesome trekking trails of Nashik

As monsoon progresses, trekkers and enthusiasts start getting active. TOI enlists the five most popular trekking trails in and around Nashik.

Ramshej

At about 14 kilometres from Nashik, Ramshej is situated on Dindori Road. Aashewadi village is the base of the fort. The fort has a long history and hence generates curiosity among the trekking enthusiasts. Sanjay Amritkar, a photographer says, "Lord Ram had rested here during his exile and hence the place is named Ramshej (where Lord Ram rested). Another important history of the fort is that after Shivaji Maharaj's death, Aurangzeb attacked Ramshej fort but couldn't conquer it for five and a half years. Finally he bribed the fort manager to conquer it." Adds Sanjay, "It is a simple trek hence you can go with a big group. The temple in the cave and an old lake at the top of the fort are biggest attractions. It is a little slippery toward the west and north so one must be careful. Also, several people miss out on the chor-darwaja to the west which is worth seeing."

Average travelling cost: Rs 100-150 (per person)

Harihargad

Harihargad is situated in Trimbak area and Nirgupada is the base village. It is considered as one of the most interesting treks because of the variety that it provides to the trekkers. Sumedh Vartak, a student, says, "Harihargad is a very well-built fort but is not very well developed tourist spot. The level of difficulty for climbing the fort is medium. It is a known destination among regular trekkers but is a new spot for college students." One has to climb the 35-40 steps to reach the top. "This is the most dangerous patch. It is very steep and the constant water flow has left a lot of moss gathered there. Carrying a rope is advisable. Besides the monkeys who trouble you a lot, the place also has a thick fog-cover. Hiring a guide is preferable because there is a possibility that you might get the route wrong," adds Sumedh.

Anjaneri

Situated on Trimbak road, Anjaneri is about 18-20 kilometres from Nashik. It is a very popular trek among enthusiasts and a lot of people start trekking from this place. Considered as the birth place of Hanuman, Anjaneri is beautiful and has a number of small waterfalls. Avinash Avhad, an entrepreneur and trekking-enthusiast says, "Anjaneri is one of my favourite trekking spots. It is easy and anyone can undertake this trek as age is not an issue here. We often go in groups of 20-25 people and at times even take kids along. It is an easy climb for even six-year old kids." Being an easy trek, one doesn't need to take any special precautions but Avhad warns, "Never go alone for a trek. Always go in a group. Also, when you go for trekking you are closer to nature and hence it is not your comfort that is important but the nature's comfort that you should think about. Avoid carrying plastics bottles and avoid packing food in silver foils as they do not decompose. It is always better to wear full-length pants during the trek instead of shorts as there is always a strong possibility of getting hurt."

Average travelling cost: Rs 200-250 (per person)

Pandavleni

Pandvaleni is situated on Mumbai Road and is extremely popular among the college students as it falls just outside city limits. An extremely simple climb, the Buddha caves bring a lot of young people here. Phalke Smarak is the base camp of Pandavleni. Urjita Gokhale, a student, shares, "During the monsoon we go to Pandavleni almost every Sunday. It is fun climbing during rains and you get a complete view of the Nashik city from the top." There are steps all the way to the top. "Because it is a safe climb, our parents do not get bothered much when we go there with friends. Do carry some good food with you," she says.

Average travelling cost: Rs 50 (per person)

Brahmagiri

Brahmagiri is situated in Trimbakeshwar village, about 25 kilometres from Nashik. This place gains importance from the belief that it is considered to be the mountain form of Lord Shiva and the fact that River Godavari originates here. Every Monday during the month of Shravan, lakhs of devotees take a circumambulation of Brahmagiri. People often climb the mountain to view the origin of River Godavari and the Ganga Dwar temple. "We visit Brahmagiri to experience the sheer beauty of nature. Besides, it is very peaceful here. One can go to Brahmagiri with a group of 25-30 people. It is a very simple and safe trek and hence we don't need to take any special precautions apart from the regular ones," says Manas Pagare, a student. Another advantage of Brahmagiri trek is that the possibility of getting lost is less due to the simplicity of the route. "My only advice would be to wear proper sports shoes because they will not only offer a good grip but also protection from snakes found in the area," Manas cautions.

Average travelling cost: Rs 200-250 (per person)


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How to make your mornings work for you

The first hour or so after you wake up is extremely important and determines how your day will eventually be. Here are some ways to kick-start your day...

A positive outlook, focus, stamina, right moves and right food are your keywords in the morning. Follow these tips to turn your morning into a power hour.
Have a glass full of energy
After a night's sleep, the body is dehydrated and you must replenish the fluids in the morning. Have a glass of lukewarm water with honey and the juice of a lemon. This age-old recipe has been tried and tested by many. Make it a point to have warm water even if you don't want to have the lemon and honey. That's because even a two per cent drop in water stores can tire you physically and mentally.

Rise and shine...

Before you go off to sleep, resolve that you will get up as soon as your alarm goes off. If you programme your brain, you will feel rested and well-slept in the morning. When you hear the alarm, do not press the snooze button — the stressed, fitful sleep after that is not worth it at all. Set the alarm for the time you know you have to get up instead of postponing your alarm for every five to 10 minutes.

Colour call

Vibrant colours have a positive effect on your energy and seeing a bright colour as soon as you open your eyes will be good for you. Have bright curtains, a coloured wall or a throw pillow or a comforter that can give you that adrenaline rush.

Welcome sunshine into your life
Sunlight makes your biological clock wake you up. Experts say that the morning sun isn't as harmful as the peak-hour sun. So, sit by a sunny window while you sip your coffee and read the papers.


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Ways to do up your bathroom

You are having a party when you realize that your not-so-well-kept bathroom has spoiled the good impression your living room decor had managed to make on your guests.

Here are a few must-haves in your bathroom:

- A bottle of mouthwash.
-A set of clean hand towels.
- Facial tissues (in a decorative dispenser).
- A tube of hand-lotion and moisturizer.
- A non-skid mat in the tub or shower area.
- A night-light so that guests don't have to fumble for the light switch in the dark.
- A hair dryer and an assortment of clean hair brushes.
- Apart from the regular wall mirror, place a mirror with one magnified side and one regular side on the bathroom counter.
- Clean unused towels on the towel bar.
- A fresh new roll of toilet paper and a back-up roll in the cabinet.
- A small supply of feminine hygiene products should be stored out of sight, but in an easy-to-find place.
- Extra unused toothbrushes.
- At least one wastebasket.


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Want to be a better parent?

Written By Unknown on Senin, 26 Agustus 2013 | 18.47

Here are a few points that you need to keep in mind as your bring up your kids

Avoid people who make you feel guilty
If your 55-year-old relative comes and tut-tuts, 'I could never stay away from my child for so long' or 'How can you bear to leave your child with a babysitter?' avoid her. Stay away from the people who pass snide remarks. You know you are doing your best. Stop and think why are they trying to make you feel guilty — are they jealous of the wonderful way you are handling everything?

Take pride in who you are
Begin by patting your back a little. Come on! You are doing a great job — looking after your family, and your work isn't the most easy thing in the world. Working mothers should be taking pride in themselves for doing so much. This self-appreciation will help you stay happier and in turn will make your interaction with your child more positive.

Stay in touch always
Keeping up with all that is happening in your child's life can help boost the way you feel about yourself. Talk to his/her teacher, friends regularly.

Switch off the TV; spend 'quality' time
You should make sure that the time you are with your family is for them. Watching television together is not really spending quality time. Go out for lunch or dinner. Sharon Prabhakar, singer, was a single working mother to actress Shezahn Padamsee. Sharon says, "When Shezahn was a child, we had one day in every week when I'd take her out to lunch. It was special for both of us." This kind of an outing will help you bond better with your child.

Manage your chores effectively
You are aware of all your household chores, so plan doing it in such a way that it leaves you with ample time for your kids. "My son is four and I love to spend my mornings with him before he leaves for daycare and I go off to for my work. And that is the reason I finish the major part of my cooking and cleaning, the previous night," says Soumya Mohanty, an HR manager. Spending quality time with your child — playing a game or going for a walk in a nearby garden or just talking about the day can help take away your guilt pangs.


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What your choice of poison says...

Your choice of poison at a party says a lot about you. Mixologist Ankit Negandhi decodes

Your affinity for a drink says a lot about you. And observing what that interesting person at the bar is ordering will help you plan a strategy of approach. Ankit Negandhi, mixologist and owner of Barwings Hospitality, shares his observations about what you consume and what it says about your personality.

Dark rum and cola
Even if someone offers you a million bucks, you will not switch your loyalty to the drink. You are sorted in your head and don't have second thoughts. You don't like to show off and don't feel ashamed to order a cheap drink when everyone else is ordering expensive cocktails. You have experienced various facets of life and know what's good and bad for you. You are highly confident and sure about yourself. You follow your instinct and believe in your ability.

When to order: At a house party

Long Island Ice Tea
You are a notorious character. You like your own company and don't care for others at a party. You are there to purely enjoy the music and the party. Known to be aggressive and assertive about your point of view, pretentious wannabes turn you off. You do what you believe is right. It is this attitude that endears you to the opposite sex. Sometimes, you can be uncaring and stubborn. You'd probably do the bhangra on a hip-hop number.
When to order: It gets you high fast with its varieties of alcohol. Order when you are not driving.

Mojito: You are not the one to go home after a tiring day. You love to work hard and party harder. Your boss is quite impressed and friends love to hang out with you. You are dependable and have a good sense of humour. You like to live life to the maximum. You are patient and are willing to try out new experiences in life. You believe learning never stops and are constantly improving yourself.

When to order: Mojito is a strong drink and an instant mood switcher. Order it when feeling stressed, after a hard day's work.

Martini: Most people in India don't know what a Martini is and have it because of James Bond. If you like it shaken and not stirred, you're probably in your 20s and want to stand apart from the world. You dress posh on most occasions and like to make a strong impression on the opposite sex, and your bosses. You believe in style. Temper the style quotient, lest you be branded a wannabe.
When to order: Martini doesn't get you high as quickly. It's perfect at client or business dinner.

Scotch
You prefer to go with the tried-and-tested. You are not much of a risk taker. You are very much a person of routine and don't like it when things become disorganised. You might get bored, yet you will stick to what you know because it offers security. You need to go out there and experience life more.
When to order: On a chilly winter evening.

Beer
You are impatient and want » to achieve everything in life quickly. You are witty and easy to get along with. You are low maintenance and usually don't have hang-ups about things. You are a very honest person and are there for your friends in good times and bad. You have a problem in submitting to a higher authority. You may be conservative and average in many areas of life.
When to order: On a hot sunny afternoon.

Shooters
Tequila shot drinkers will die of boredom when life becomes too predictable. You have a wide circle of friends but no tolerance for dullards. You are adventurous and a risk taker. You do it first and think about it later. You feel life is a challenge and you must meet it head on. You are always pushing the limit of your boundaries.
When to order: Tequila shots hit you hard; order them to get a birthday
party swinging.

Ankit.Ajmera@timesgroup.com


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Karisma Kapoor on her new book and motherhood

One of India's most stylish celeb moms, Karisma Kapoor bares her heart in her motherhood book

Actor Karisma Kapoor says the journey from being a pregnant woman — heavier by 24 kilos — to the svelte mother of two she now is, was more challenging than the role she played in Zubeidaa, referring to her critically acclaimed performance in the 2001 Shyam Benegal film.

We think that's enough reason to get her to share gyaan on everything from getting her sexy figure back to handling a nanny's ego. Over to her.

Get the oomph back
The moment I woke up from my caesarean the first time, I promptly looked down at my stomach hoping that it had miraculously gone back to being the washboard it was before pregnancy. Obviously, I was in for a huge disappointment. Stomachs don't automatically shrink just because your baby is out. It takes time and effort to shrink them.

I don't believe in the no-carb diet... I have a theory. I think if you give up carbs, you get cranky. You must include them in your daily diet.

Negotiating nannies
Be gentle, be appreciative: Maids in India have egos. Big egos. They do not like being spoken to curtly and they do not like to be abruptly instructed by a woman they do not know. They come with the feeling that they already know everything. So while training them to do things your way, speak gently and when they do it right, appreciate it.

Fix routines, set menus: If your daily routine is fixed and there are more or less set times for things like meals and baths and walks, the staff always knows what to do when, instead of idling around the kitchen, having tea and gossiping.

Set boundaries, make rules: Let the help know where they can go, what they can use, who will be in charge if there is a crisis and they can't get through to you — all this helps create better communication channels. In my house, I do not allow the children to watch TV if I'm not around. It's easy for the help to put on the TV so the kids can sit glued to it the whole day while they are on their cell phones! If you set the rules, people will follow them.

Limit chores: Unless specified when you're employing her and negotiating her salary, do not give her any additional household chores like laundry, dusting, mopping, etc. If she has been hired only to look after your child, giving her extra work may make her feel short-changed.

Being a single mom
Do not overindulge: Just because you are a single parent, you do not need to make up for the spouse's love by buying your child everything he wants. Be firm on what you can give and what you do not want to give. Set clear boundaries, timings, structures and routines. Keep to the same schedule and pattern as when you were married.

Always be honest: With very young kids, you can get by with excuses like their dad is travelling or sleeping in the office that night. Older kids are very intuitive, though, and I think you need to tell them that you're separated and that both of you love him but live separately. I would firmly advise you not to think of a separation/divorce as the worst thing that could have happened to you and your family. India has progressed to a stage where a divorcee status hardly matters. What matters is that you raise a positive, independent, well-behaved and intelligent child.

Don't expect: Your partner has moved on or you have decided to leave him. Now don't expect that person to take an interest in your life or help out too much with the child. It's your responsibility. You can't say, 'Come home and spend time with the kid' or 'Don't you think you should be taking him for classes?'

Do not befriend: Don't suddenly go from parent mode to friend mode with your child. You don't want to confide in your child about the broken marriage and all your marital problems. He is still a child. He cannot take sides and it is unfair to expect him to do so.

Economize: Whether you have a spouse who gives you child maintenance or not, being a single parent means you need to curb your expenses. No more buying sexy lingerie worth thousands of rupees or splurging on diamond earrings or even shoes that you just don't need. You don't need to overspend on your child either by getting more books, toys or clothes. Keep track of your expenses. Write it in your daily calendar, journal or diary and calculate how much you spend. Don't forget a day and don't round off figures. At the end of the month, calculate. If you have a little left over, save it.

Excerpted with permission from Penguin Books India from the book My Yummy Mummy Guide Rs 399/ Shobhaa De Books


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How to naturally beat erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction or ED is a condition that can affect men of all ages. Defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is suitable for intercourse, this condition can have a profound effect on a man's self image.

While medical treatment is necessary in some cases to correct the problem, there are also a number of natural ways to make positive changes in your life and restore your sexual vitality.

1. Get a check-up
Before you can begin any real effort to improve the quality of your erections, it helps to know what types of obstacles are in the way. Start with a complete physical examination. Specifically, you want to know if there is any ongoing health issue such as diabetes that may be contributing to the problem. Another topic to specifically address is the matter of cholesterol in your bloodstream. Too much bad cholesterol will definitely interfere with erections. Whatever the doctor finds, use that information to make some lifestyle changes that promote better general health and have a direct impact on your sexual health.

2. Get rid of the spare tire
The fact is that the wider the waistline, the greater the potential that you will find yourself dealing with ED. Carrying around extra pound is not good for your heart or your circulatory system. In terms of your ability to perform, anything that interferes with blood flow to the penis is your enemy.

3. Change your diet
What you eat has a direct impact on your weight and your general well being. A diet that is high in simple carbs and foods laden with cholesterol is not doing your heart any good. At the same time, those foods are sabotaging your ability to get the most from sexual encounters.

Rework your daily eating habits so that you dump all the foods with empty calories and fat. Load your plate with lean meats, legumes that are high in protein and plenty of fresh green vegetables. When you want bread, opt for whole grains instead of bleached flour products. Before long, you will notice that your waistline is beginning to shrink and that you have more energy.

4. Exercise daily
Exercise will accomplish a lot of things, including reversing ED. Thirty minutes a day of moderate exercise will help to keep your blood sugar levels moderated and promote the manufacture of good cholesterol in the blood. At the same time, exercise will help to clear bad cholesterol from your system.

Along with the physical benefits, exercise is also a tonic for the brain. We all know that sex begins in the brain, so why not clear out the cobwebs and make sure that all of you is ready and in the mood? If your mind is ready for sex, your body is more likely to cooperate.

5. Don't forget the Kegels
Kegel exercises are designed to help strengthen your pelvic muscles. Strong pelvic muscles help to promote health blood flow and also provide you with more stamina for sex. The great think about kegels is that you can do them anytime and anywhere without others noticing. These simple contractions in conjunction with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise can do wonders for your ability to perform.

Keep in mind that your erectile dysfunction did not develop overnight. This means it will take some time for natural methods to reverse the situation and restore your ability to achieve and maintain an erection all the way to ejaculation. Be patient and stick with the program. When you begin to see results, all your efforts will pay off in a big way.

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


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10 Things a man wants in a woman

Are you a single woman who has kissed umpteen toads but not yet landed the Prince? Or are you just holding on to something that was never meant to be? If you want to know what makes a man fall for a woman and willing to walk her down the aisle, read on...

1. A woman with her own life : Ladies, please note that he doesn't want someone clingy. If you are one person who has her own set of friends and can hang out by yourself, you are closer to hitting the jackpot.

2. No first move: OK, so is it ladies first or do men get be gentlemen and ask the lady out? The guy likes a woman who never makes the first move. He wants to decide how he's going to woo you serenade you - so be a lady and let him!

3 . Love's in the air: Does your heart beat faster when you see him? Does his voice make you want to see him? While some may experience these, others may feel a sense of comfort and security when with him. This makes for a good foundation to take the relation ship.

4. Show you care : Someone said don't sweat the small stuff. But in a new relationship you definitely need to! Doing little things to show to him that you care will make his heart grow fonder.

5. Sexy yes, slutty no : Don't indulge in PDA right off the bat - you are likely to scare him off! Men like to take it slow and prefer being nonsexual but flirty in the initial stages of the relationship.

6. Wait for sex:  Don't jump into bed on your first date. Sex can effectively ruin what could otherwise be a beautiful relationship. Both of you may end up having very little in common other than sex. So wait a while before you seal the deal.

7. No-nonsense : A man wants a woman he can respect. If he knows he can't get away with anything, he's likely not to go down that path. Also, don't date a guy who is seeing other women, married or abusive - they are just not worth it.

8. Be his buddy: Make him feel good in front of his friends and important people. Don't laugh at him but with him.

9. Lay off: If you are the kind who will call, text and mail your man umpteen times a day, rest assured he will run out the door in a jiffy. Don't badger him, especially about the future. Take it as it comes and things will just fall in place!

10. Good attracts good : If he is well-mannered and gentlemanly, then you have scored a 100! As dating experts say, "Good manners are a sign of what kind of man he is." Ensure that you have similar values and he's dependable and truthful.


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Myths about keeping an aquarium

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 25 Agustus 2013 | 18.47

Keeping fish in aquariums is a hobby which is quite common. People are often very apprehensive about keeping fish and having an aquarium.

In fact there are myths surrounding this hobby and believing in these can ruin your interest in this wonderful hobby.

The few myths that will be busted are as follows

Maintaining a fish tank is very expensive - This is absolutely untrue. In fact the bigger the aquarium, the easier it is to maintain. Fresh water fish are very easy to maintain and cost effective. The fresh water fish are hardy and can easily adapt to new surroundings. The only possible expenses that come with maintaining a basic fresh water tank is the fish food, filtration and sufficient lighting. These costs are low and maintaining the aquarium becomes easier with these infrastructure.

The water in the tank has to be changed everyday - This is dangerously wrong and following this can actually kill your fish. The thumb rule is to never change the water completely. Water change ideally should be only 10-20 per cent every week. If you have a filtration system, then even a month's gap can be managed before changing 30-50 per cent water. The bacteria in the water helps the fish survive and changing the water completely may be harmful.

Catfish aka Sucker fish keeps the tank clean- Catfish are not hunters. They do not eat the feces of fish. It is actually unhealthy for any fish to do so. If there is algae, it needs to be scrubbed out. No fish can keep your tank clear and clean. It is highly unlikely that a catfish will keep your tank clean.

Small tanks should be for beginners- False. If you are starting out with this hobby, never go in for a small tank. Small tanks are very difficult to maintain. Big tanks are very easy to maintain and the mortality rate of the fish are also low. Keeping fish (especially Goldfish) in a fish bowl is a very bad idea. The fish have very little space to move around and can die easily.

Over-populating your tank is harmful- This is sadly, another myth. Fish need sufficient oxygen to breath, or they can suffocate in the tank. They also need to have their waste diluted and processed before they poison themselves with it. A fixed amount of water has a fixed capacity to handle these two requirements and only water change periodically is good enough for your tank.

Destroying the natural environment - Fish that are sold in aquarium pet shops are bred in captivity. These fish cannot survive in the natural surroundings and putting the fish back into the lake or river can actually spoil the ecosystem. These fish cannot survive in a natural environment where they have to scavenge for food or hide from other predators

Having a healthy fish tank is easy. All it needs is water change once or twice a month. Fishes are happier and stay healthy that way. If the water conditions are good, nothing more is needed.


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Ways to naturally increase immunity

You can say bye to those frequent bouts of flu and cold with these simple changes in your lifestyle

Your immunity is tested day in day out thanks to the 21st century invasion of newer bacterias and virus; not to mention the ever increasing pollution. Here are foods that'll help enhance your immunity.

Go fishy: The essential omega-3 fatty acid found in fatty fish limits several cellular processes and increases your immunity. If you are a vegetarian and can't stand the fishy smell, stick to the supplements of fish oil available over the counter.

Go red: Glass of red wine is full of resveratrol, a compound that protects against immune system ageing and inflammation. Red apples, red grapes, red onions also fall in this category and regular intake can help increase immunity.

Go for it: Stress and immunity never go hand in hand. Extreme stress reduces your natural killer cell count and make your immunity levels dip south. Learn some stress coping skills that help your stress level go down.

Go zzzzzz: Lack of adequate sleep increases levels of proteins associated with inflammation and reduces natural body immunity. Make sure you get minimum of 7 to 8 hours sleep every night. It's not just for your beauty but for your overall health as well.

Go, take a walk: Physical activity can help keep immunity intact. It's been proved that people who exercise for five days a week are less prone to cold and flu.

Say C: "It's an old theory that Vitamin C helps you produce more natural fighters to kill germs," says Dr Micheal F Roizen in one of his research papers. 400 milligrams of vitamin C is required per day. You can eat bell peppers, oranges, berries or take a supplement after consulting your physician.

Say D: Not many know that deficiency of Vitamin D can reduce your immunity. Make sure that you are getting enough of it through your food and Sun. If you are not, then make sure you supplement it by medical supplements after consulting your physician.

Say Z: Zinc supports immunity so much that it can even fight cancer cells. 12 milligrams a day requirement can be gained from crab, oysters, pork, poultry, beans, cashews, and yoghurt. If you take a supplement, then make sure it has less than 15 milligrams. Too much can stop other important minerals from being absorbed.


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Look your neon best

With the festive season just round the corner, dress up in bright neon colours and traditional Indian attire in net

Delhi based designer duo Kapil and Mmonika, known for giving contemporary silhouettes a traditional look; have transformed their designs this season and have given it the 'N' touch - 'Neon & Net'.

Speaking about their anarkalis and drapes in shades of neon, Kapil Arora of K & M, says, "Neon means fluorescent, bright and happy. It injects a cool vibe and neon color adds an instant glam boost to various ensembles. Neon colours can look great if you wear them right."

Mmonika further adds the dos and don'ts, keeping in mind the hottest trend this season, "Neon colours are not for everyone. You have to choose the colour that looks good on you and style it properly. Our collection is designed keeping in mind the Indian skin colour, the different drapes and occasions and the neon colours to match up. Neon makes you feel energetic and happy. Go neon... feel neon and get it right!"

Kapil and Mmonika have crafted their garments by blending contemporary designs with Indian motifs, embroideries and traditional techniques. Net saris and anarkalis and dupattas are a rage in the fashion world these days, and Kapil adds, "Net is pretty much in fashion now, we have merged neon and net, and created these designs, drapes and anarkalis, which make the attire all the more bright and interesting. It gives the ensemble an all new breath of air."


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How to clean your makeup brushes

It is essential to clean your makeup brushes and washing them should be a part of your regular beauty routine.

When you use your brushes, bits of makeup, oil, dirt, and even bacteria can get trapped in the bristles. So, while it might seem basic, skipping this step can lead to clogged pores and pesky breakouts.

You will need lukewarm water, baby shampoo, a shallow bowl and a lint-free cloth. Run your brush under lukewarm water, focussing on the bristles. This will wash off excess makeup. Fill the bowl with lukewarm water and a squirt of shampoo, and gently swirl your brush tip in the water. Rinse the brush tip under running water again. Wipe them clean later, reshaping the bristles as you go. Lay your brushes flat on a cloth to dry. There you have it, nice and clean!


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New book looks at traditional Mexican cooking

A group of anthropologists, historians, writers and biologists have published a book about the richness of Mexico's traditional cuisine, the first cooking to be included on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

"It's really a very important achievement," Margarita de Orellana, director of publishing house Artes de Mexico, told EFE.

"(We) fought like medieval knights to get traditional Mexican cooking considered something very important and universal in the cultural world," De Orellana said.

The campaign organized by the Mexican Gastronomical Culture Conservatory, or CCGM, resulted in UNESCO declaring Mexico's cooking part of the world's cultural heritage Nov 16, 2010.

The 180-page book honours Mexican cooking, focusing on what it brings to society.

"People don't pay attention to the richness we have. The idea is to celebrate it," De Orellana said, adding that the international success of traditional Mexican cooking "had not been bragged about enough".

The book, titled "Elogio de la cocina mexicana. Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad" (Artes de Mexico, 2013), features contributions by 18 specialists, photographs, reproductions of pre-Columbian codexes and paintings by Mexican artists of traditional dishes.

The authors examine different traditional ingredients, such as corn, avocado and cacao, as well as kitchen utensils like the "metate", a type of stone pestle and mortar.

One of the contributors, historian Miguel Leon-Portilla, wrote a chapter titled "La antigua palabra de nuestros mayores" (The Ancient Word of Our Elders), which discusses "the forms and etiquette of the Aztecs toward food", De Orellana said.

Artes de Mexico has been working for two decades to shed light on the country's cultural heritage, publishing several book collections and nearly 100 issues of a magazine that has featured the work of about 600 experts on art, history and popular culture.


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Big B is style icon for young actors

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 24 Agustus 2013 | 18.48

B-town's young brigade of actors like Ranveer Singh and Yami Gautam see megastar Amitabh Bachchan as the most stylish actor in the industry. For them, he is the style icon.

"By far Mr. Bachchan is the most stylish actor. For so many years he has been a style icon. He is the best-dressed man ever and best style icon," Ranveer told reporters Thursday at the Vogue Beauty Awards event.

Apart from Ranveer and Yami, a host of other Bollywood celebrities like Dia Mirza, Sonam Kapoor, Kunal Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Diana Penty, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Sophie Choudry attended the event.

Dia, his co-star in films like "Shootout at Lokhandwala" and "Kyun! Ho Gaya Na...", too tags Big B as "most stylish".

"He really carries himself in a very cool way. At his age to do what he does and the way he pulls it off are very cool," she said.

The 70-year-old actor has not only been ruling the film industry since his first hit "Zanjeer" in 1973, but he has also become an inspiration for younger generation.

If he has wowed with his performances on the screen, the "Paa" actor's subtle sense of style makes him very special. His bandgalas, scarves, long and short coats, blazers and shoes are stylish without being loud.

In February this year, Big B was voted the most stylish icon in a poll.

Kunal too finds Amitabh classy, and said: "There is nobody more stylish than him. He is 70 and still he is always very well turned out. He can carry off anything. He is extremely stylish."


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