Just chill with cooling fruits

As the sun shines overhead, and the scorching heat makes you cry out in frustration, there are some foods that will help you cool down. Nature, naturally offers foods seasonally.

If we make good use of the foods that nature offers us, beating the summer heat gets a lot easier.

Raw mango : It is a myth that it is fattening and has about 44 kcal per 100gm. They are rich in natural sugar, in other words glucose, which is the fuel for our energy, releasing it for a longer time.

Here is how mangoes will help you:

• Rich in carotene and vitamin A that protects the eyes especially in case of macular degeneration.
• Good source of carbohydrates
• Mangoes are high in fibre, preventing constipation
• Mangoes are rich in calcium and iron
• The sufficient quantity of niacin which is useful to lower cholesterol.
• It is also a good source of vitamin B1 and B2
• It is an alkaline food so it is excellent for acidity.
• It’s an anti-oxidant with anti-virus, anti-cardiovascular and anti-cancer properties.
• Prevent cholera, anemia and tuberculosis
• Rich source of anti-oxidants that help to prevent premature aging.
• High in Vitamin C, so increases immunity.

Coconut water: Rightly called the ‘fluid of life’, coconut is a wonder food. Tender coconut water is the natural isotonic beverage with almost the same level of electrolyte balance as we have in our blood.

Here is how it is excellent for the summer:

• Oral rehydration medium.
• Keeps the body cool.
• Applying it on body prevents prickly heat and summer boils.
• Excellent diuretic (a substance which tends to increase flow of urine)
• Can be used as a blood plasma substitute as it is sterile, pyrogen-free and does not produce heat.
• A useful source of iron and fibre.
• Easy to digest.

Watermelons: Watermelon is not only great on a hot summer day; this delectable thirst-quencher may also help quench the inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer and arthritis.

Sweet, juicy watermelon is actually packed with some of the most important antioxidants in nature. Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C and a very good source of vitamin A, notably through its concentration of beta-carotene. Pink watermelon is also a source of the potent carotenoid antioxidants, lycopene. These powerful antioxidants travel through the body neutralising free radicals. Free radicals are substances in the body that can cause a great deal of damage.

Melons : A Chinese herbal claims that melons cool fevers, moisten the lungs, and benefit the urine. In addition, the seeds will clear phlegm and benefit the intestines. Melons are also prescribed to relieve tuberculosis cough and constipation. For a tooth ache caused by wind and heat, take six grams of melon skin; add water and steam till cooked. Eat them on their own or they may cause gas.

Cucumber: Being almost negligible in calorie count, cucumbers make one of the most refreshing and light summer fruits.

Here is how it helps you:

• Increases flow of urine and eliminates uric acid
• Excellent soothing agent for the skin — a sure shot way to radiant skin
• High in potassium
• Naturally increases water (diuretic) and fibre content in the body
• Cucumber helps cool down blood pressure
• Has the power to relax sunburn pain
• Reduces heat and inflammation

Fashion ke liye kuchh bhi karega..

Fashion ke liye kuchh bhi karega...that seems to be the Gen X tagline. And so they get tattood all over their bodies and pierced in places that would make even the bravehearts flinch. They squeeze their feet into tiny stilettos and streak and colour their hair till they themselves forget the real hues!

But fashion comes at a price and fads pass with time but not without leaving their mark. Talking about coloured hair, beauty expert Anu Shanker, cautions, "Cheap hair colour may contain harmful chemicals. One may end up with rashes and dryness of scalp. Hair fall might be another fallout."

Body piercing and tattooing also have their hazards. Most such piercings are done in parlours and jewellery shops with dubious hygienic standards. Tattoos, in fact, are a major way of infection through needles. The most famous victim is Baywatch star, Pamela Anderson, who was got Hepatitis through an infected needle while tattooing her now famous barb-wire tattoo.

Dr Amita Ingle, a leading dermatologist of the city, warns against unhygienic conditions in which tattooing and piercing are done. "If the needles are not sterilised there is a huge risk of infection such as that of HIV and Hepatitis B. There may also be a chance of pus formation. While the wound heels it might leave behind an ugly scar," she elaborates.

If you always admired fashion divas like Shobhaa De and Malaika Arora in their classy stilettos, bear in mind that wrong shoes can result in compressed ligaments and corns. "Stilettos can lead to a number of health problems," explains physiotherapist Vijaylakshmi of Ruby Hall Clinic. "The lumber vertebra is affected as balancing becomes a problem. Tissues of the heels might thicken and bones might jut into the muscles making things worse," she adds.

But youngsters remain unfazed. Most of them don't think twice before giving in to the demands of fashion. "I don't think there's any harm in tattooing or piercing," says Rahul Shete, a college student, who already sports a magnificent tattoo on his right arm. But a word of caution, before one succumbs to the needle – listen to the experts and be a tad careful!

It’s Indi-yeah for Israel

But the production house which is looking for reality TV contestants from amongst the Israeli diaspora living in India finds it absolutely normal.

Tmira Yardeni, producer of the show, explains, “The show is like some of the reality shows on the Indian telly. So many of our youngsters come to India to live here, to explore the country. We want to showcase the phenomena that India draws hordes of Israelis.

It is big now and it is only fair to show it in Israel.” But why India? “The reason is simple – India is the main goal for young Israelis nowadays. They want to come here to find out what’s what and they go on their discovery trips around,” Tmira adds. Do Israelis follow Indian TV? “Not really,” comes Tmira’s honest answer and she adds, “We just got to know that there is something like an Indian Idol on the telly here. However, there may be many reality shows in Israel, this is the first one to have India as a vital part of it. And we have a reason. We want to show what’s hot with the Israeli youth now – India!”

The Israelis in various parts of India are busy auditioning these days. Ask the production team how they got hold of all these Israelis in India and they smile. “Social networking! We sent two people here to publicise and create an appropriate atmosphere and then came down here with the judges of the show,” explains Tmira. And what is the show about?

“It’s about singing. The one who sings best wins. We’re looking for representatives of Israeli youth and we are open to finding them either here or back in Israel,” says Gal Uchovsky, one of the judges on the show. Another judge Uargol adds, “It’s a youthful show and we want to show all that youngsters are known for – courage, loads of attitude and life!”

How is the experience of shooting here in India? “People here are so lovable. Now that I have come to India, I realise why everybody back in Israel talks about India all the time. It is a beautiful place,” says Michal Limor, a part of the production team. And what exactly do they find fascinating here? “Colours, food, people, rickshaws. And the fact that we are in India-yeah!” adds Limor.

Books,Flicks or both??

Plan to see a movie?Or,would you rather curl up with a book?What if both these choices come as a package deal?Many books such as The chronicles of Narnia,Eragon,Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and the ever famous Harry Potter series have been, and are being turned into motion pictures.You get the thrill of watching your favorite characters leap out from the pages of a book and make their presence felt on the 70 mm screen.And,what's more, many of these characters are played by your favorite stars.

A student says,"Books are very descriptive,lending a multi-dimensional edge to the characters and making them well rounded.The readers have the choice of using their imagination to interpret the characters as they want to.However,adapting books into films gives them a new lease of life."Any person can relate these stories."The authors have written these books keeping youngsters in mind.But, I feel that people of all ages can relate to these stories easily"

But,ardent book lovers do not always appreciate the idea of books being turned into films.Some people feel that only a few books can be made into movies."I did not like the film adaptation of Matilda and James and the Giant Peach. I could not really relate the book with the movie,which is important aspect"

An executive in facilities in a BPO,too, loves reading novels and says,"There is nothing better than the thrill of reading a book.You get to fantasize about these characters,and that is the only way to understand,love and enjoy the book throughly."

"When you watch the film,you restrict your imagination.I personally feel that movies cannot really express the story as well as a book does.Give a choice, I would choose the book over the movie any day."

But,not withstanding individual choices,there's a huge market for such films."When a well known book is made into a movie,people of all age groups eagerly wait for the release of the film.If it has been made according to the details in novel,then the movie would be more interesting and would have a better chance of doing well.These not only cater children,but to adults as well.That's the best thing about such films."

To be able to do justice to the book is every director's objective.Naturally,some films fare better than others. But.eventually,it's a matter of individual choice.

kitty....

In search of food

Desperatly in need of this

What a ride.

awesome

fleeting moment

not far

Hmm.....

awesome naa!!!

TOP 10 ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERIES

captured at 25, 35, or 65 mph.

The visions beyond the otherwise monotonous narratives comprising our daily commute is enlivened by the landscape, the tall pillars baring themselves stalwart into the sky, accented by the birds that dot their limbs. Like moments in spinning Zoetrope, the pictures that pass through the windshield are ever-changing.

In the freeze-frame of each ephemeral image that glides past our periphery, nature coalesces with the mundane and man-made. As they disappear in our rear-view mirror, we thoughtlessly leave our connection to them behind. The inherent complexities and majesty are seldom engaged during a hurried commute. Their import is unwittingly disregarded.

The trees are literally rooted to the earth yet the environment that surrounds them is in constant flux. Cycles are spinning, buds emerge from branches, and leaves disengage, drifting slowly downward. The miniature clouds of cherry blossoms make an otherwise unremarkable tree spectacular for a week. The swift black trails of a darting crow forms a ghostly web over the tree tops. Filtered sunlight on a stormy day brings new dimension to the skyline.

By the time our commute concludes and our destination has been reached, this fleeting narrative remains a blur. Yet, by recounting these conjoined moments we allow ourselves the time and space to ponder just how much we almost missed along the way.

A fleeting moment

A potrait

How to toss up a perfect salad

• Complicated salad combinations should be avoided.
• Meat,fish or cooked vegetables should be neatly cut in fair-sized pieces instead of being chopped.
• All ingredients should be throughly chilled before being used.Greens should be washed in cold,salty water,then dried and kept in cheese-cloth bag in coldest part of fridge till needed.
• Fish and seafood should be marinated in French dressing for an hour or so before being made into salad.This preserves the color,freshness and firmness.If any of the other ingredients require marinating,put them in separate bowls and combine them just before serving.
• Some fruits like apples,bananas and pears have a tendency to darken after slicing.This can be avoided if you put them in water to which lemon juice has been added after they have been sliced.
• When you have a rich dessert,serve a light salad.If the dessert is going to be only a light touch of sweets,select a satisfying salad.
• See that the salad does not extend over the edge of the plate or the dressing may run onto your table linen.
• Dressings can be kept for several days in a covered jar in the refrigerator.But,it is well to remeber that the dressing should be added to the salad just before it is served.
  

The Five Day Battle

A week Long Affair.....

A Six-Day week is passe,as more and more organizations across India Inc. strive to help their employees strike a work-life balance with a 5-Day week


While many organizations are now catching up with the trend of allowing their employees to work for five days a week,there are still some that feel that bringing the week down to 5-days brings down employee productivity.

"We follow the five day week and prefer it that way.We focus on higher employee productivity ans efficiency,than hours spent doing a particular job,"this is the common statement of many managing directors these days,also one of them adds that they allow their employees to pick a day,on which they can telecommunicate and work from home.

Organizations that have followed this norm swear by its efficacy,and say they prefer it this way as they want their employees to get the much deserved break from hectic work routine."The five day work week gives employees the necessary break from a demanding work environment and thus is a bigger draw when compared to a 6-day work week.We recognize and appreciate the importance of work-life balance and thus we prefer the Monday-Friday work cycle.Though this concept was once more acceptable in the old economy,it has become a point of controversy now.This is largely because IT companies which follow the new people driven economy believe in investing in the well being of their employees and work life balance has become a critical component to the success of professionals at the work place."

However most of the industry experts say that if there is a need to finish an assignment on a short deadline,they complete the desired assignment ."Many professionals sometimes come into work on Saturdays despite company policy,to complete pending assignments amongst others"

A fleeting moment

Sniper cat

Scary Feeling

It's A Scary Feeling
To Need You The Way I Do
Without Ever Touching You


Without Really Knowing You
Though In So Many Ways
I Feel That I Do


I Feel That Maybe
You're That Special Someone
That I've Always Needed


In A Short Period Of Time
You've Changed The Way I Look At Life
You Give Me Hope, You Give Me Reason


I Would Like To Believe
There Is A Future For Us
A Time And A Place
Somewhere Down The Line
To Put To Rest The Uncertainty
And To Find Out
If This Could Be Love

lol

I'd Love To Hold You Close

I'd Love To Hold You Close
For Tonight And Always


I'd Love To Wake Up Next To You
For The Rest Of My Days


I'd Love To See The Way Your Eyes Light Up
With Each Smile That Crawls Across Your Face


I'd Love To Know Every Inch Of You
What Makes You Happy
What Makes You Blue


I'd Love To Be The One
You Share Your Dreams With


I'd Love To Be The Star
You Look To Each Time You Make A Wish


I'd Love To Love You
And To Have You Love Me Too
Always

Woman so beautiful

Woman so beautiful why cant you see it?
Never mind what they call you; you'll never be it.
You take him back when he strayed
Then regret that you stayed
Because of your fear of being alone, you are constantly played
You hold out for a while, so the brother steps his game up
Got what he wanted; now when YOU call he messes your name up
Sister, that man can't fulfill your deepest needs..
Sex is never an answer it's temporary relief.
That can cause an eternity of pain
Don't expect different results, while you're still acting the same.
Don't be so hard on yourself; when he's to blame, though I know you are hurt
All brothers aren't the same; some just don't recognize a womans worth.

I know the times we live in, please escape from the trends
Stop playing the harlot, though you say they're just "friends"
Make him cherish the inner workings of your heart
Before you consider sharing your Victoria secretive parts
Giving away your treasures for recreation, is spiritual desecration
Not your husband, no sensations, that'sChrist' s declaration
There's no crime in waiting
And any brother who knows your worth will certainly have the patience.

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies" Proverbs 31:10
Woman so magnificent, a queen worthy of a king
Stop dating jesters; you've seen the drama they bring
If he can't help with the bills, or support your dreams, why bother?
With a man content with being a "baby daddy", and you being a father
Does he tell you he loves you? Better yet does he show it?
A king will do all he has to, to make sure that you know it
The Bible instructs wives to submit, but only to a man that's worthy
To a man who wouldn¡¦t duck child support to buy throwback jerseys.

Don't FALL in love, instead WALK in devotion, life is an ocean
Often drowning those trying to make it on pure emotion
Draw closer to Christ and be embraced in a virtuous glow
And if a brother ever questions your worth you might just have to politely let him know "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart Psalm 27:14
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing..

TooBlessed to be stressed
I will lean on God while I confess
that he WILL take care of the rest of this mess

Fleeting ones

What about me

I'm the one that swings on poles . . . drop it like it’s hot while teasing and pleasing men. See I was told to use what I have to get what I want. I'm the one that catches the eye of all types of men: Players, pimps, and even husbands. Yes, it’s me, Ms. So, So Sexy. My breasts are firm, my stomach is flat and my hips are wide—and oh yes, men like it like that. . .

Just in case you’re wondering, there are a few times I laid on my back. . . depending on if the price was right that night. . . See, using what I have has gotten me many things: shoes, clothes, a truck, and a diamond ring. I know you remember me—the one that has low self-esteem and was told that I will never amount to anything. . .

But as you see, many men want me. (Sigh) I'm so sexy. . .

Even so, what man would ever want to settle down and have a family and marry me after knowing I’ve worked the poles and the streets. So I’ll just keep doing what I do: swinging on poles and slamming Cadillac doors, praying that one day Mr. Right will sweep me off my feet. . .

I won’t lie. Sometimes I cry myself to sleep because this lifestyle is really taking a toil on me. I don't know how to walk away from the streets. The streets is the only thing that should love to me. . .I know what men see when they see me: a young women with a nice body—and they heard that I would do just about, almost, anything. . .

Is there anyone out there that will pray for me? I'm a stripper and I want to be set free from this life style that soon might kill me.

Can you relate to this? Is this your story? Do you know of someone that may be in this situation? Are you willing to share with them that no matter what they are doing there is a way out? Will you share with them that God loves them and they are daughters of the King? Will you let them know that He is willing to hold them, provide for them, lead, guide, deliver, and heal them from all hurt, pain, disappointment, and shame? Are you willing to reach out to those around you who are asking the question: What about me?

What made me write the poem, "What about me", I received a email from a young lady, and then a phone call many months ago. She said to me, that she was in need of help and was tired of her lifestyle. She said, LaTonia what about me, do people pray for people like me. I said everyday. I then told her, I will pray for you right now. I prayed for her and she accepted the Lord into her life. Since then, she emailed me and said she is saved, sanctified, and holy ghost filled and is attending a awesome church that teaches and preaches straight out of the Word. I emailed her back and said, Praise the Lord. So ladies, there is always someone willing to pray for you and with you.

by LaTonia C. Harrell

Micro moments

Out of the Stars

Out of the stars in their flight, out of the dust of eternity,
here have we come,
Stardust and sunlight,
mingling through time and through space.

Out of the stars have we come,
up from time.
Out of the stars have we come.

Time out of time before time
in the vastness of space,
earth spun to orbit the sun,
Earth with the thunder of mountains newborn,
the boiling of seas.

Earth warmed by sun, lit by sunlight;
This is our home;
Out of the stars have we come.

Mystery hidden in mystery,
back through all time;
Mystery rising from rocks
in the storm and the sea.

Out of the stars, rising from rocks
and the sea,
kindled by sunlight on earth,
arose life.

Ponder this thing in your heart,
life up from sea:
Eyes to behold, throats to sing,
mates to love.

Life from the sea, warmed by sun,
washed by rain,
life from within, giving birth,
rose to love.

This is the wonder of time;
this is the marvel of space;
out of the stars swung the earth;
life upon earth rose to love.

This is the marvel of life,
rising to see and to know;
Out of your heart, cry wonder:
sing that we live.

by Robert Weston

The Poetry of Life

To keep life on track
To make sure you go forward not back
To enlighten the soul
To achieve what you aim for, your goal

Don’t do one thing more than the other
Don’t go for excess; don’t say “let’s not bother”
Don’t let work get you down, give you strife
Don’t neglect the poetry of life

Create a life that has harmony and calm
Create a life where you don’t jump to every alarm
Create a dream and live it now
Create the opportunity to do it somehow

Look at all those fleeting moments you let drift away
Look again at those times you waste in the day
Look and change them to live the poetry of living
Look at how you can take happiness as well as giving

You walk through this life stop and think
You pass by beauty, stop and drink
You miss the lesson in life’s every moment in time
You end the day in regret that you missed the sublime

Stop now, share with me the dream
Stop now, let us explore life unseen
Stop now, relax in my company, so warm
Stop now, romance with me and kill the storm

Understand that with you I want to share
Understand these are precious moment so don’t beware
Understand that I will be here with a warm heart
Understand that distance can only keep you physically apart

This is written for everyone and is trying to say
This is made up of my words and I pray
This touches your heart and my intentions are clear
This is for all to dream their dreams with no fear

So take my advice and stop dealing in strife
Take some moments to swim in the poetry of life

Pink Lady

Pink lady of my dreams

I see your beautiful smile

Nothing compares to your beauty

Pure pulsating feelings so intense

In my heart, in my soul

Nurtured by your soft touch

Please do not run

I am here in this place

Neglected by life

Put your arms around me

Indestructible lady of pleasure

Naughty, tingling sensual sensations

Pink lady you are so beautiful

Ignite the passion inside me

Nymph of the night be mine

Pleasure, courage and daring

Into danger and excitement you step

Nicely you stimulate and excite

Put your arms around me

Innocent, shy, evocative one

Notoriously deep brown eyes I fall

Powerless to resist

I fall deep into your eyes

Nubile lady, sensual girl

Pink lady I am yours

In love forever and a day

Never leave or run away for I am here forever

Pink lady

Invite me in

Neglect me not

Hmmm....!!!!

Flowers

Makes you think