My Numberless Dreams

Prepare bengali fish curry in just a few steps

2012-01-30T05:47:00.000-08:00

Bengali fish curry is distinctively delicious and an awe to many. It has typical bengali spices that are different from northern or southern Indian cuisines. The lovely aroma of the spices and the ingredients make bengali fish curry very special indeed.

The easiest way to start off with bengali fish curry is to get a few common ingredients in your kitchen. This includes:

Freshly done onion, garlic, ginger paste
Coriander, cumin, turmeric and red chili powder
Whole cumin seeds and garam masala dust
Freshly chopped parsley/ coriander leaves, green chilies
Oil, preferably mustard oil

These are the very basic ingredients rich in authentic bengali flavor and are of immense health benefits.

Clean and cut the fish (rohu, katla, boyal, tangra, pabda etc.)under running water. Season the fish with turmeric powder and salt and set aside. Fry the fish in mustard oil, keep aside. Add 1 tsp of cumin seeds for 1/2 sec and allow it to exude flavor. Quickly add the onion, garlic and ginger paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, little sugar and salt. Keep stirring till the blend starts to give out the oil. Sugar is for caramilization and color. Add the fish and add little water. Sprinkle 1 tsp of garam masala powder. Cook for 5-8 minutes and remove from the flame. Add fresh coriander leaves and green chilies for flavor and cover the lid again to retain the flavor.

Serve with steamed rice and fresh lime cuts and lots of love. Eat it slowly, appreciate, relish the authentic flavors of the bengali fish curry and love it.

Less spicy, light mutton curry not just for sick times

2012-01-28T09:15:00.000-08:00

Some days are just too drab and monotonous and some days are full of spices when you have had a lot of empty calories as in junk foods. You come back home - tired and not quite hungry yet want to eat something and not skip the dinner altogether. On such days settle for something like mutton stew - less spicy, with lot of broth and refreshing. Allow the meat to cook in whole onion, chopped garlic, ginger julienne, fresh pepper, red chili powder, little turmeric-coriander-cumin powder and garam masala powder. Add farm fresh potatoes nicely diced and salt, close the lid, put it on pressure and you are done with!

Anirudhha - much hyped, Srijit - smart and Rituparno Ghosh - class apart and above

2012-01-27T06:48:00.000-08:00

It would be unfair to compare the likes of Rituparno Ghosh with the, so to speak, newcomers like Anirudhha Roy Chowdhury and Srijit Mukherjee of bengali movie fame. However, having said this, we can get the glimpse of the class of a film maker from his first film itself. And if we compare the first few films of Rituparno Ghosh with those of the comparatively newer two, I find significant differences. I feel, Rituparno is a class beyond and above and the last of the originals. He is an original story teller and a great social psychologist who would never miss anything when it comes to human psyche.

Three film famous Anirudhha Roy Chowdhury is a copybook film maker who would go into elaborate detailing of things rather than human thought patterns. Even the alignment of the curtains or books in a rack is taken care of with Ad making precision. The crisp and measured shots go to show the genius of the Ad film maker, if not anything more. The cinematography is highly plausible and so is the film music. The three films have shown traces of good work, here and there. However, in totality, with all those precision and eye for details the end result did not quite have long lasting impression on me. Sometimes, there is more charm in chaos than in perfection. Little bit of imperfection is OK at times.

Srijit Mukherjee, young and dynamic, is a promising director. His films touch delicate nuances of the human psyche. Beautiful rendition of imagery reflects his smart education background. I feel, he has more potential and just two film old Srijit certainly has a long way to go. Snippets of class fill his films and at the end of it you but love his work. Good ears for music, great sense of editing and the ability to learn from the surroundings have made his films substantial and persistent.

Rituparno Ghosh has a class hard to achieve, the last of the originals. An unbelievable story teller, Rituparno has redefined method and madness in his own terms. He has consistently moved the audience with his art of story telling time and again. We, Bengalees, not only love his ways of dealing with the art of film making but also admire his inimitably candid terms by which he lives life.

Reward yourself with good shoes

2012-01-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

Show me your shoes and I will tell you who you are. Of late I have developed a strange love for shoes. Flip flops, tiptoes, platforms, not so highs - you just name it. I love to reward myself with good shoes. Trust me, it's not just a lavish but a utility you would love to pamper yourself with.

Having shopping for the right kind of shoes, (this keeps changing with seasons and mood), I have realized one thing. Shoes are damn pricy and the ones that keep your eye balls rolling will keep your wallet upside down as well.

The fact that I wear most of them, most of the times in the workplace and that they should be comfortable on feet, I keep a few things on mind while shopping for the ideal ones.

1) Comfortable on toes and heel: I am lucky that I do not suffer from any physical problem, like heel spur, bunions etc., but for those who do it's advisable to buy shoes with cushioned and roomy bed. Go for the ones that you are comfortable in considering your body weight, work status and nature of work.

2) Chic and trendy or timeless: I usually go for timeless shoes that do not expire with seasons' fashions. I like flip flops that are always in vogue. However, it's just fine to have a few party pairs like stilettos and high heels in your collection.

3) Durability: Good shoes are expensive but most are long lasting. I prefer shoes belonging to brands of repute. I use them everyday, all the time, everywhere. I get the best deal from the good brands at the end of the day.

4) Have less, wear more often and buy often: Shoes tend to lose the sheen and wearibility if kept unused for long. Keep alternating and keep wearing the pairs regularly. Ransack your shoe rack for the ones that are not worn for long. Try to match your dress with them and keep them rolling. After having lost a lot of money, I am wiser now. I have a few pairs of good stuffs now and keep them rolling all through the week. This gives me a chance to go on shopping spree more often as well.

5) Recycle your shoes: If you think that shoes cannot be recycled, think twice. I give up on my shoes not because they are not wearable any longer but because I don't like them anymore. I give them away to house helps or to the nearest shoe shops.

One last word, shoes make you look and feel beautiful. Reward yourself with them more often.

Picture credit: wedmd

Paranthas serve hungry souls just right!

2012-01-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

I was hungry. Really hungry. And all I could think of are the calorie guilt foods that would help me procrastinate even more on my endeavor to eat less and eat right. This time though I kept my foot down. No more cookies, chips and finger foods. I was craving for tasty and substantial food that would keep me going for a few more hours.

I found nicely kneaded whole wheat flour stored in an air tight container. May be my mom has her plans after she returns from her evening stroll. But I was hungry and the guessing game irritated me.

I made a few round balls out of the kneaded flour in a jiffy. Rolled them into thin triangular shapes with little refined oil on them, semi toasted them on the flat wok. Brushing with little oil each time I turned the sides, I made them golden brown, crispy and beautifully appealing. We have variety of pickles at home, courtesy my mom. It was just a matter of spooning them out on my plate of paranthas.

I ate them and I ate them all like a hungry, mad dog and awaited the shocking look on my mom's face when she returns. It's going to be great fun!

My rendevous with ST Xavier's College, Calcutta

2011-12-29T07:46:00.000-08:00

Life is a little more beautiful, a little more happy because of some people who come in our lives as angels and tie ribbons of happiness around them. Today has been one such day in my life. It was a break from the monotonous log in and log out from the office. Little did I realize that it would be so much fun and blissful when Brother Chinamoni of ST Xavier’s, Calcutta

had invited me to his place a few days ago. This was not the first time though, but somehow it didn’t materialize. Blame it on my procrastination. He had been equally persuasive every time. I was a fool. It became apparent today when I stepped inside the hallmark premises of the prestigious ST Xavier’s college. He walked me through the sprawling corridors and conspicuous dormitories of the heritage building. Holiday season had made it easier. To begin with, our destination was the third floor where the not so well fathers live. Brother Chinta takes care of the ill fathers. It’s a nice set up with basic medical equipments to facilitate immediate domiciliary aid for the semi-ambulatory staffs before they are shifted to the major city hospitals. Fr Abello and Fr Mongal Das, who are stably ill longterm, are being taken care of by Brother China, sisters and doctor there only.

As we strolled along the beautiful corridors, through the mellowed orange sun, I tried to delay the moment to breathe and frame it forever. I saw septuagenarian Fr Noel, who has had put in permanent pacemaker recently waving at me. He was looking absolutely fit even with those small fidgety steps. I waved back.

I virtually went into every corner of the college and breathed the historical bricks. The College was founded in 1860 under the leadership of Fr Depelchin. The college campus is located at Park Street, Kolkata. It is now the first and only autonomous college in Calcutta. Bro Chinta, a true Jesuit, told me many stories - the stories of the hardships during pre-novice and novice period. How he spent 18 long days without a penny in his pocket yet never slept without food. He told me about the college, school, plans, projects his family. In between, I got the opportunity to chat with Fr George who has been stationed to Malta recently and not liking it at all. It was great talking to Fr George after so long.

The dining hall is big, just as it was expected, with round, considerable Victorian tables. We self served ourselves. Today’s menu was courtesy Bro Mani whose family is visiting him. The meat was delectable and so was the vegetable. I couldn’t eat all that was served. Bro Mani’s mother made fun of me. Brother Chinta is a small eater - 2 chappatis, one serving of the vegetables, fish and yogurt. He doesn’t eat sweets after he’s been detected with diabetes. He is not on med but maintains a stern lifestyle for he believes in healthy living more than anything else. He’s been doing well whatsoever.

Post lunch was beautiful with the sunset sun, oranges, cakes, tea and snacks, and more stories. We visited the nursery thereafter. The aquarium was small but nicely maintained. I couldn’t meet the 35 year old tortoise. He was happily hiding somewhere. The sun had mellowed down considerably. Having received lots of goodies from Brother, I had to leave St Xavier’s. I bade goodbye to the Rector Father, Fr Gaston Roberge, Fr Saju, Sebastian and a few others. I looked for Fr Noel, but he couldn't be found, neither in the corridors nor in his room.

And as I held the little Buddha statuette - the parting gift from Bro I looked back to have a glance for one last time. I saw Brother Chinta silhouetted against the setting sun, like an angel, against the Jesuits' building. An angel, who made my day so special, made me feel special and gave me much honor and love. I am going to cherish this day forever.

Cutting down trees in the name of fire safety code

2011-12-24T20:51:00.000-08:00

In a country where the fire department is inadequately equipped and inefficiently administered, it would be sheer foolishness to expect the medical and para medical staffs to perform the strictures of fire norms with finesse. The recent Calcutta AMRI fire opened up a new facet along with the callousness of the civil society. After a series of unhealthy, 'beeped' blaming game, the fire services are now geared up to inspect the top hospitals in the city. They have put forth innumerable points and have given narrow deadlines for the NOCs.

The hospitals have set up appreciable efforts with the trainings and the mock fire drills and to meet the fire codes. The approach roads are too narrow, there is no fire evacuation plan, the buildings do not have even ramps, no proper hose system - all are being taken care off. However, it's dis-heartening to see the people (visitors, patients) laughing at it. The civil society today is more concerned with others shortcomings, failures than theirs.

All said and little done, it feels killing to see the age old, beautiful, shady trees being chopped off in the name of upgradation of fire safety fire norms, and yesterday as I looked through my office window I heard the heart throbbing chirpings of the evening birds as the beautiful trees being cut to death.

Chinese noodles with lots of farm fresh veggies and soupy love

2011-11-29T08:17:00.000-08:00

As much as I love Chinese food I have developed strange taste buds for all kinds of Chinese variations and extensions. Soya sauce, vinegar, worcestershire sauce, chili sauce, garlic, ginger, onion and lot of farm fresh veggies like carrots, french beans, cauli flower florets, spring onions etc. - prove to be a great platter with metamorphosed Chinese flavor.

Chinese noodles is easy and fast to cook. Dip the beautiful long strands of egg noodles in hot water to make it tender and just rightly soft. Saute the freshly cut vegetables, sprinkle the sauces, add semi boiled shredded chicken, shrimps etc and plate it immediately. Chinese food is cooked even as you eat it. So relish it while eating and allow the flavors to melt into your mouth.

Tips to shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday

2011-11-25T08:27:00.000-08:00

BBB (Better Business Bureau) has laid down a detailed memorandum to shop during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday. As I was reading through the guide, I thought it is relevant for anytime shopping. Shopping would be a better experience if we could follow most of the guidelines.The BBB recommends the following tips for shopping online this holiday season to help fight unscrupulous online retailers, scammers and hackers:

Start planning now. Many retail stores are already promoting Black Friday deals in ads and on their websites. Take time to print out or clip ads for items you are interested in buying to help outline your shopping day in advance.

Read the fine print on gift cards. These can be found on the back of the card and will let you know the terms and conditions for using the card. There could be limitations to in-store purchases or exclusions on certain items.

Ask about return policies. While many stores offer a 30-day return policy, it is important to read the terms and conditions associated with each purchase. And remember that the refund policy usually applies to the day you purchase the item not when you give the item as a gift. Be sure to request gift receipts for all gifts.

Ask for gift receipts. When buying gifts, it’s important to obtain and keep receipts for all purchases in case the recipient needs to return an item. Many stores will provide gift receipts upon request, which allow returns but don’t show the recipient how much you paid for an item.

Protect your personal information. Check to see how your information may be used online. When shopping at stores, keep your card out of sight and make sure you get it back and safely in your wallet before you leave the store.

Check the site’s security settings and privacy policy. If the site is secure, its address should start with https://. You also may see a picture of a small closed lock in the lower right hand corner of the screen.

Know the company’s refund and return policies. Are there restocking fees? Do you have to pay shipping costs on returns?

Do not rely on pictures of a product. Read the description and check model numbers, if applicable.

Be cautious of free or low-price offers. Often, free offers are followed by an open-ended enrollment in a program that automatically bills your credit card account. Before ordering anything online, make sure you click on and read all terms and conditions.

Pay with a credit card.If you suspect fraud or don’t receive your order, you can challenge the charge in the event of a dispute.

Obtain a tracking number for shipments. If you need the product before the holidays, find out when the seller intends to ship it and if possible, how it will be shipped.

Print out the order. Make sure you have the documentation page for online orders and save it until the order arrives.

Be aware of phishing. Don’t respond to emails that ask for your credit card or bank account number or other personal information. Legitimate businesses do not send emails claiming there is a problem with an order or account to lure you into revealing financial information.

(C): BBB

Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without thanking her

2011-11-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

There lived a princess in the heart of the city of Calcutta in the eastern part of India. She had all the things in life – a loving father, 3 loving sisters, nephews, nieces, brothers, a big house, lot of books and the money to buy more and most of all the love of everyone around – everything that would make someone classically happy.

Then one day as she was getting ready to join her lovely sisters for a movie, she felt numbness on her legs. She fell down. Things followed rapidly there after. After several top doctors in the city were consulted, investigations procuring humongous bills were taken care of and after never ending sleepless nights, the top neurologists came to conclude that she was suffering from a rare type of neurological disease - Moyamoya disease(MMD).

In a matter of one year, she started to feel enormously weak and numb. She succumbed at home several times and had to be hospitalized few times. She was ventilated and weaned off after stormy periods. On all occasions, she was hassled, humiliated and treated like a vegetable. Now, she rests in an ICU facilitated bed at home, cared by her father, sisters and full time expensive and expert nurses. The room has suction tube, syringe pumps, ryle’s tube mechanics, all that a proper ICU must have.

A lot could be said about the medical mal treatment, mis diagnosis, lack of medical expertise and callous practices. We all know how it goes. Maligning is easy. Today however, I want to thank her who is living it all numb, unaware, yet not dead. Her fleeting smile (that’s once in a blue moon on seeing her father) is the reason her father is still fighting it along with her. He has stents to take care of his clogged arteries, he has a lot many instructions to abide by and he is not left with much money now. Still, he never does miss his dose of medicine so that he might not miss his daughter’s dose. He spends nearly 50K per month for her beautiful daughter. He is failing now with aches and pains catching up every now. But, he should never give up on the hope. That’s what has made both father and daughter so much more alive than many of us and so painfully beautiful.

Moyamoya disease was first identified in Japan. It occurs most frequently in patients from Japan and Korea. Moyamoya disease is a rare vascular disorder characterized by the progressive narrowing of the blood vessels in the circle of Willis (the ring of arteries at the base of the brain). The result is irreversible blockage of the carotid arteries to the brain as they enter into the skull. Moyamoya disease primarily affects children, but may also occur in adults ages 20 to 40.

Soy Sauce Eggs: Easiest, fastest and yummiest eggs you have ever tasted!

2011-11-22T06:44:00.000-08:00

Mahogany eggs dipped in luscious soy sauce - have you ever tasted something like that? If not yet just save yourself 7 minutes before your pack your lunch box for the next day and see how sumptuously you are served for the day. Besides, the taste is uncompromising. Soy sauce eggs are wonderful as snacks because they don’t need any additional seasoning.

Use super quality authentic soy sauce, which is darker in appearance and richer in flavor than regular soy sauce. One trick to note–when peeling your hard boiled eggs, peel carefully, trying to avoid nicking the surface of the egg whites. If you do nick the surface, the eggs will still taste delicious, but they just won’t be as pretty.

You will need:

Hard boiled eggs
Authentic soy sauce

Preparation:

Pour the soy sauce into a pan and heat it on slow flame. When the soy sauce starts foaming up, add the eggs. Roll the eggs around in the soy sauce to coat them, and continue rolling them around the pan until the eggs are a dark mohagony color and the soy sauce has been reduced to a thick sludge.

Remove the eggs, letting any extra soy sauce drain off, and place on a plate to cool.

And you are done with nice pretty and healthy mahogany eggs!

Learned from Malaysia Rasa.

Decoding Milk for kids by Wendy Donahue

2011-11-16T08:16:00.000-08:00

Q: Why milk is important for children?

A: It contains so many nutrients that children need to grow. Calcium is obvious, but milk is also high in potassium — it has more than bananas — phosphorus, protein, vitamins like B12 and D and magnesium.

Q: What is the right milk for what age?

A: Birth to age 1 is breast milk or formula. Age 1 to 2 is the only time that whole milk is necessary; the fat content is needed for the brain when it's developing rapidly.

Q: If fat helps a brain develop, would it make sense to give a child higher-fat milk if obesity isn't a problem?

A: It's better to choose plant-based sources of fat or low fat milk. Try to get fats from olive oil, avocados and peanut butter rather than saturated fat from animal products, ice cream, butter and cream.

Q: Some older kids aren't getting enough milk?

A: The recommended amounts are 3 cups over age 9, 2 cups for ages 2 to 3. Kids aren't getting enough potassium, calcium and magnesium. Two ways the teens get to drink milk are in smoothies and yogurt parfaits, with low-fat granola and fresh fruit.

Q: Do we reduce liquid milk in their diet if they eat a lot of yogurt and cheese?

A: The trick with yogurt is you have to look at the nutrition label. If the calcium and vitamin D are equivalent to a cup of milk, go for it. But some have a lot of gelatin, which means less calcium, and some have added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

Q: Milk also has sugar. Is it good sugar?

A: Unfortunately the sugar grams on labels do not differentiate between added sugar and natural sugar, or lactose.

Q: What are the best substitutes for cow's milk?

A: For some ethnic groups that do not digest lactose well, there are lactose-free milks. Soy milk is very similar to cow's milk in the calcium content, because they add it.

(C): wdonahue@tribune.com

Snack on healthy and spicy chickpea salad

2011-11-11T01:35:00.000-08:00

This dish is surprisingly good and easy to prepare considering that the ingredients are so simple and easily available. Cooked Chickpea salad is very healthy and makes an excellent item to snack on. It also makes a nice accompaniment to many major dishes.

What you will need

teaspoons olive oil (any other oil will do)

diced onions, freshly chopped green chili and coriander leaves

turmeric, whole cumin

par-boiled chickpeas, drained and rinsed

lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste

How to make

1. Heat a sauté pan large enough to easily hold the beans over medium heat. Add oil to heat, then add the onion and sauté until transparent.

2. Add the turmeric, cumin, coriander and pepper and continue to sauté until the spices are aromatic and a bit toasted, about 3 minutes.

3. Add the chickpeas, lemon juice, salt and pepper and cook for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

4. Serve with freshly chopped green chilies and coriander leaves.

Photo credit: NYTimes

Make your day with the majestic Indian elephants

2011-11-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

Wow the guests with delicious Fish Koftas

2011-10-30T07:29:00.000-07:00

Even though koftas are associated with meatballs with lot of interesting spices, there are various innovations on the ingredients, both primary and others, over the years. The most exciting of those possibly are the intrusion on vegetables replacing the minced meat. A vast population of India eat veggies and the meat is replaced by various seasonal vegetables to make delectable koftas. That has been a smart culinary move since that sort of managed to include the whole veg populace.

Koftas are delicious. This is particularly so in India. You may have seen Malai Kofta on the menu at your local restaurant served in rich creamy gravy. In other regions Koftas are served steamed, poached and grilled on skewers.

Last week, when my mother had bought bhetki fish, I literally frowned. I mean, not again! I do not quite like the fish. It doesn't seem to have any taste of its own. However, my mother decided on a menu in a jiffy. She semi boiled the fish and took out the bones and separated the skin. Added flavorings such as onions, parsley, garlic, pepper powder and the fish is mixed with lentil flour for binding. You can mix with soaked bread, rice powder also.

She then deep fried the fish balls in refined oil to make perfect golden brown snackie fish balls. To the make the gravy in a wok add oil and season it with whole garam masala, bay leaves, onion ginger and garlic paste. Add red chili powder, salt and turmeric powder. continue to stir till oil comes out add the balls and add warm water. Cook till the gravy thickens to give a nice spicy red gravy. Serve with freshly cooked basmati rice and lots of love.

The fried fish balls can also be served on mini skewers. Koftas are an exciting addition to alfresco dining and the perfect finger food complemented with yogurt dip.

Make this Diwali more special with home made besan ka ladoo

2011-10-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Ladoo. One word speaks enormously of its implications on Indian food and culture. A small rounded ball loaded with goodies (read calories) is conspicuously significant in our lives. No Diwali is complete without ladoos. It is of special significance and is considered auspicious. Though ladoo is of various types- the motichoor ha laddo, sounth ka ladoo, aate ka ladoo, til ki ladoo, dal ka ladoo, nariel ka laddo, the most loved and relishing of them is the ‘ Besan Ka Ladoo’. Here is the easy to make recipe and this Diwali you must try your hands at it.

Heat ghee in a non-stick pan or thick bottomed wok. Add the gram flour and fry it on a low flame stirring continuously till it turns golden brown.Once it is browned, let it cool. Add powdered cardamom and sugar. Add chopped almonds and raisins and more goodies to suit your taste buds. Shape into ladoos and serve.

Eat less, live better: downsizing does the trick!

2011-10-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

Eating small portions, not taking several helps, make servings and cutlery smaller help us eat less and live better. Downsizing has staggering effect on our health. Just consider this:

When only a hamburger will do, or a drive-through is your only option, think small. Try the child's meal or a junior burger. The following substitutions can provide a fast-food fix with fewer calories:

Double cheeseburger: 600 | Cheeseburger: 320
Super fries: 540 | Small fries: 210
Large soda: 310 | Small soda: 150

The calories are reduced magically. So, why not let go the extravagance and earn a living worth living for ourselves and for others.

Sugary Coconut laddus (narkel naru, nariel ka ladu) - A must for festivals in Bengal

2011-10-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

The festive fervor never dies here in Bengal and so does the food. The pujas has just passed. The remains of pandal structures almost cleared by the infamous KMC, the festive newness still lingering and will soon usher in the Kali puja with eye catching lights and crackers. It is around the same time, in fact the same day that we will celebrate Diwali - the festival of lights as well. The fervor of Durga puja never dies. it merges with another festival to yet another festival. The festive circle continues and before realizing it's puja time again.

The puja time is beautiful with all its customs, rituals and magnanimity. Food, perhaps, is one of the factors that makes it more alluring. Bengalis are known for their way with the food, and today I will share an age old Bengali custom festival food. It's called 'nadu', 'naru' in our part of the country. It's actually coconut laddus where variant proportion of grated coconut, sugar, jaggery are being mixed to give a lovely texture and taste. Some use only sugar, which makes it white and some jaggery, which makes it dark brown and some mix both to attain a different texture.

First you have to grate the coconuts finely. Mix it with sugar/ jaggery and stir is continuously in a thick bottomed wok on slow flame. Keep stirring till you attain a sticky texture. Remove from flame and quickly make round circles by moving portions of the mixture between your palms.

Making 'narus' are not as simple as it sounds. You have to be careful to shape off the coconut mixture while the thing is still hot. Be careful not to burn your hands. The nicely shaped 'narus' look beautiful and they taste really good. Go ahead and try it out and keep me updated.

Mutton Rogan Josh: Hot, spicy, irresistible kashmiri delight

2011-10-17T09:51:00.000-07:00

Mutton rogan josh tastes as good as it looks. The lovely red hot spicy juice smears the tender mutton to make it the yummiest thing on earth. If you are counting on your calories then I would advise you to go through a serious lifestyle regime afterwards instead of resisting the temptation of not eating one of the world's best food.

Preparing the dish is simple too. Mix mutton with curd and little salt, and keep aside. Heat oil/ ghee in a pan and put whole garam masala, when they start to crackle, put chopped onions and fry till golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and fry again for two minutes. Add all the masala powder and fry till oil comes up.

Add mutton with marinade and stir fry on a high flame for 2 minutes. Now add water and salt and cook with closed lid till meat is tender and gravy is medium thick in consistency.

Add cream and saffrom dipped in milk, and stir well and cook for another 3 minutes. Garnish with chopped coriander. This best goes with basmati rice, pulao or tandoori/ rumali roti.

Enjoy!

Tomas Transtromer: Metaphysical visionary poet wins Nobel

2011-10-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

Tomas Transtromer, the Swedish poet, sometimes oblivious and sometimes real and powerful, won the 2011 Nobel Prize in Literature for 2011. Even though well known in Sweden (and a strong contender for the prize for many years now) his works have been published in English, the poet is not on the known list for the poetry readers. Currently, I have the opportunity to read through a few of his poems. The nature transcends beautifully into the real world with a distinctive theme of isolation and togetherness. His poetry is universal and he lives poetry.

Mr. Transtromer, 80, has written more than 15 collections of poetry, many of which have been translated into English and 60 other languages.

“His poetry is both universal and particular, it’s complex but very direct at the same time. He’s worked for much of his life as a psychologist, and the work is characterized by very strong psychological insight into humanity.”

Two Cities

There is a stretch of water, a city on each sideÐ
one of them utterly dark, where enemies live.
Lamps are burning in the other.
The well-lit shore hypnotizes the dark shore.

I swim out in a trance
on the glittering dark water.
A steady note of a tuba comes in.
It's a friend's voice: "Take up your grave and walk."

Storm

The man on a walk suddenly meets the old
giant oak like an elk turned to stone with
its enormous antlers against the dark green castle wall
of the fall ocean.

Storm from the north. It's nearly time for the
rowanberries to ripen. Awake in the night he
hears the constellations far above the oak
stamping in their stalls.

The Half-Finished Heaven

Cowardice breaks off on its path.
Anguish breaks off on its path.
The vulture breaks off in its flight.

The eager light runs into the open,
even the ghosts take a drink.

And our paintings see the air,
red beasts of the ice-age studios.

Everything starts to look around.
We go out in the sun by hundreds.

Every person is a half-open door
leading to a room for everyone.

The endless field under us.
Water glitters between the trees.
The lake is a window into the earth.

(C) Tomas Transtromer

3 negative experiences on Facebook and the effects

2011-10-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

More and more kids and teens are spending time on social networking sites. Facebook is no.1 on the list of priority. Facebook and other social networking sites are great to revive, maintain and extend relationships. It just takes clicks to connect to your childhood friends or tether to new found friends. As much as Facebook is known to renew relationship its also a major tool in shattering relationship. A reserach shows that the more time kids and teens spent on Facebook, the more likely they were to suffer from ailments like personality disorder, paranoia, anxiety and alcohol use.

According to a new study, the three most-common negative experiences are:

Ignoring or denying "friend" requests
Deleting public messages
Seeing a 'Top Friends list' on which one doesn't appear or is ranked lower than expected

All three of the major negative experiences are ones that can be found only in the world of social networking. In real life, one does not walk up to another person and ask to "friend" him or her. Experience in social interactions in the real world often doesn't translate to the virtual world. Even the word "friend" means vastly different things to different people in the social networking world.

n such scenario, ending up having a shattered relationships have far fetched implications. Children, teens and even grownups get so involved that they do not know where to draw the line. Virtual friendship is healthy as long as you know the limitations of it. Many use social networking sites as important business tool marketing their products. it's but obvious that those people befriend with a purpose on mind. Without being judgmental, we should be mature enough to understand the limitations of the social networking sites. Ending up with broken hearts is the last thing we would want, both online or offline.

Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu: Durga puja haiku

2011-10-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

Durga puja haiku

Colors, glitters, pomp
Flowers, food, fun, incense sticks
Merge with drums and dance

Sugary Coconut laddus (narkel naru, nariel ka laddu) - enhance the festive fervor

2011-09-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

Revisit for the recipe which is coming soon...

Roadside Masala Chai as good as Saffron Tea

2011-09-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

Everyday I see a man sipping steaming hot tea on the roadside stall. The bus in which I travel invariably stops there and I contemplate the moment as much as the man does. The tea is served in semi wet earthen pot. Lots of milk, lots of sugar and lots of love in no specific order and you are served with the cheapest yet the most recharging of roadside teas. The stall man is eternally old. Ever since I have seen him he has been like that - frail, half-bent in tattered clothes and eternally happy. His defunct glasses, among many, are the first thing that would catch your attention.

He literally boils the milk, sugar and little dust tea in a tumbler that's never been washed off the stains. The boiling continues as the office goers and the morning walkers gather to the lovely aroma of the secret masala that the man never shares. The flavor is somewhat gingerish, cardamomish and something more and something different. The passengers are glued to the shop till the signal turns green when they are forced to take their eyes off the morning saga.

And as I watch the man and his insipid tea stall, I am reminded of the saffron tea, expensive and exquisite, that I had on one of the five star tea joints, many years back.

We felt the tremors, the flutters of the earthquake !

2011-09-18T07:46:00.000-07:00

Magnitude 6.9 - SIKKIM, INDIA

Never felt the quaking effect before. It was weird, funny and scary! It must be 6-15 pmish when I felt the tremor while still on bed with a book. The pages fluffed and fluttered and fell off my hands as if my fingers have gotten numb. The bed started to move to and fro. In the beginning I thought someone has gotten under the bed and trying to push it upwards. But soon, it was moving to and fro.This continued for about 2-3 seconds but I chose to say nothing. Have had a bad experience before when friends nullified my perception of the tremor. So kept mum.

After a while, I got up from the bed and called my mom, who was reading the newspaper the next door. She also felt it. But she thought it was her physiological changes. She even planned to see the doctor the next day. But when I told her what happened she was relieved and knew that it was the earthquake. Father was watching the TV on the 2nd floor. He attributed the tremor to his hypertensive bouts until he found out from the TV channels.

Later we found out, that the earthquake was of medium intensity and was felt strongly in northern India. It was terrifying to look at the extensive breaking pictures in the TV. The shakes, flutters, tremors, the cracks and even deaths - it was terrifying. It was 6.8 on the richter scale.

"Earthquake prediction is called the Holy Grail of earthquake science, and has been considered impossible by many scientists", however recent technology has possibilities of tracking seismographic changes. We will know in the future, sometime, an earthquake is going to occur. Awaiting that day.

Just hope the earthquake ends with the two bouts that we already have experienced. Just hope people are safe with little damages before the pujas.

Everybody be fine and stay safe.

Magnitude 6.9 - SIKKIM, INDIA

Kash phool, the culumbus sky, kumartuli and the milkman

2011-09-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: NG, personal, internet

English s a funny language!

2011-08-29T03:01:00.000-07:00

Professor Ernest Brennecke of Columbia is credited with inventing a sentence that can be made to have eight different meanings by placing ONE WORD in all possible positions in the sentence:

"I hit him in the eye yesterday."

The word is "ONLY".

The Message:

1.ONLY I hit him in the eye yesterday. (No one else did.)
2.I ONLY hit him in the eye yesterday. (Did not slap him.)
3.I hit ONLY him in the eye yesterday. (I did not hit others.)
4.I hit him ONLY in the eye yesterday. (I did not hit outside the eye.)
5.I hit him in ONLY the eye yesterday. (Not other organs.)
6.I hit him in the ONLY eye yesterday. (He doesn't have another eye..)
7.I hit him in the eye ONLY yesterday. (Not today.)
8.I hit him in the eye yesterday ONLY. (Did not wait for today.)

Things you love about yourself

2011-08-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

I read somewhere that getting to jot down the things you love about yourself is the hardest part of self evolution. It is a great exercise though, and in my endeavor to write down 6 good things about myself, I did struggle. Nonetheless, I did get myself to pick few happy sides of me. However tough it seemed initially, it has been an elevating experience at the end of it.

Get yourself to jot down a few of your good sides. Trust me, you would be a winner. Want to know about the 6 things I like about myself? Here's a list. Share yours as well.

1) I am optimistic. I have stood up from the fall, every time.
2) I am a good listener.
3) Inspite of my short stature, I have a big, accommodating heart
4) I am honest.
5) I am a sister.
6) I can laugh at myself.

Happy knowing yourself better.

You can still eat peanut butter in moderation

2011-08-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

Not many people think of peanut butter as a healthy food, owing to the high caloric content and the amount of fat that is found in commercial products. There is a surprising amount of nutritional value found in the product. Most of the fat in peanut butter is monounsaturated, which is considered one of the better types of fat. Peanut butter also contains fiber, protein, and a number of vitamins and minerals.

Protein

A 2-tablespoon serving of peanut butter contains 7 grams of protein. Your body uses the amino acids found in protein to build and repair muscle tissue. In addition to building metabolism-boosting muscles, protein-rich foods like peanut butter keep you feeling fuller for longer. The protein in peanuts, like other plant proteins, contains an incomplete set of amino acids.

Healthy Fats

Peanut butter contains the same ratio of saturated to unsaturated fats as olive oil, says Harvard Medical School. The poly- and monounsaturated fats in the spread lower your risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Potassium

Excess sodium in your diet puts stress on your cardiovascular system, but potassium can counter the negative effects of sodium. Peanut butter brands with added salt contain two times more potassium than sodium.

Fiber

A 2-tablespoon serving of peanut butter contains about 2 grams of dietetic fiber. While not the most fiber-rich of foods, peanut butter can help supplement your fiber intake from other foods. Fiber helps regulate your digestive system by promoting healthy bowel movements.

Source: Lynda Stephens

Stress Management

2011-08-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

Read this again after a while. Had to share.

A lecturer was giving a lecture to his student on stress management. He raised a glass of water and asked the audience, "How heavy do you think this glass of water is?"

The students' answers ranged from 20 to 500 grams.

"It does not matter on the absolute weight. It depends on how long you hold it.
If I hold it for a minute, it is OK. If I hold it for an hour, I will have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you will have to call an ambulance. It is the exact same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

"If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, we will not be able to carry on, the burden becoming increasingly heavier."

"What you have to do is to put the glass down, rest for a while before holding it up again."

We have to put down the burden periodically, so that we can be refreshed and are able to carry on. So before you return home from work tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it back home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you are having now on your shoulders let it down for a moment if you can.
Pick it up again later when you have rested enough. Rest and relax. And above all. life is short, enjoy it!!

Luchi and kosha mangsho: every bengali's favorite guilt food

2011-08-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Luchi and kosha mangsha is something that every bengali would love to indulge in, especially today when the health regime being taken care of in almost every household. Let's face it. However delectable this dish is, it comes with associated calorie hazards. But, I do not mind indulging in it once in a while. After all, we only get to enjoy it once in a blue moon. Perhaps the reason why it's more craved.

Luchi is much similar to puris and kosha mangsho is the most spicy, hot, red and gourmet's delight. It is the mutton/ lamb cooked with typical Indian spices like cumin, coriander, red chili, turmeric, garlic, onion, ginger, garam masala. Be generous with the spices and the grease (oil, ghee). More the better. Forget the calories, forget the health meter, eat it guilt free.

Uttam Kumar continues to exude the same hypnotic charm..

2011-07-24T01:05:00.001-07:00

After watching “Nayak” in London, actor Elizabeth Taylor is supposed to have expressed her desire to meet and work with a versatile and effortless actor such as Uttam Kumar. Perhaps the greatest tribute Uttam Kumar received, Ray said after his early demise: “I recently watched ‘Nayak' on Doordarshan. I admit there are flaws in my direction, but none in Uttam Kumar's performance. He is the most professional and equipped actor I worked with, after Chabi Biswas and Pahari Sanyal.”

Above is a picture of Uttam Kumar shot by Satyajit Ray in italy.

It's raining man!!

2011-07-21T00:03:00.001-07:00

Chhole Bhature: A veggie delight

2011-07-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

Homemade Indian Breads: Rotis, Parathas,Puris

Chhole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish. The dish seems to be originated in the state of Punjab and is known throughout the country for its delicious tangy taste. There are variants in the recipe. However, the basic ingredients remain the same.

Bhature

The maida (refined flour) has to be kneaded well with lot of beaten yogurt, little salt and sodium bicarbonate. It is then needed to be set aside overnight for the best result. Then the kneaded dough is divided into small portions which then have to be rolled into small circles like puris. Then they are to be deep fried and served hot with chhole.

Chhole

Boil the Chana till tender. Heat oil in a kadai, add cumin seeds and mustard seeds and let them crackle. Add grated onion and saute till golden brown. Add Ginger garlic paste and saute for another minute. Add tomato puree, coriander-cumin powders, Chhole masala, chilli powder, salt and turmeric powder. Saute till all the moisture is absorbed. Add tamarind paste and sugar, and saute for another minute. Add the boiled chana along with water and mix. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with hot bhature.

The July Hiatus: Hardest of all

2011-07-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

I get highly disconcerted by the online hiatuses. But at times, we do not but have any choice. The July hiatus ended up in a sad tone inspite of all the fun time I had. With lot of work pressure, unwinding schedule and a lazy body that needed to relax every now and then, I was sort of composed and delivered my best.

So, how well was I? Well, not so bad. Work is good, better is the complacency of the productivity. Nothing like being done with your job in time and well. The accolades are the incentives.

This hiatus, however, will hold a heavy feeling forever, for always. Nothing could reverse the heavy heart when long associations are being cut short, unprecedented. It was a unanimous decision though and for the better. Three of our very old and good friends left the organization for better opportunities. They deserve the best and I wish them success and best of luck in life. I know we will meet up, hang out and continue to have the fun, but still it’s not going to be the same. Lunch time would be not the same without them. Neither would the impromptu parties, pizza breaks, the fun faces...

The July hiatus was the hardest of all.

Inside your heart...

2011-07-04T06:47:00.001-07:00

Photo credit: NG

You are beautiful!

2011-06-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

Look within to see the inner self. You were never hopeless or helpless. Wake up, find a reason, follow your heart and get going. Love yourself more than ever. You are beautiful!

Photo credit: webMD

Leafy Fish Mustard Fry: A delight for the fish lovers

2011-06-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

Some days you just don't feel like eating the usual food. You want something interesting, different, filling yet healthy. Yesterday was one such day. Something different, something new, experimental was the need of the hour. So, my mom tried something new for the night. She prepared Leafy Fish Mustard Delight. This is nothing but small fish stuffed in gourd leaves, dipped in mustard, rice and gram flour paste.

How she thought of the recipe

She sorted and cleaned the leafy vegetables which you would always find in our house. We also never run short of fish in house. Mom selectively took the small fishes and mixed it with onion cut into small rings, chopped garlic and chopped green chili. She then poured mustard oil, salt for seasoning.

Stuffing the fish

She then placed the seasoned fish stuff in the middle of the leaf, folded it from all the sides and locked it with toothpicks nicely.

Making the batter

She mixed mustard paste, rice powder and little gram flour with a pinch of salt and sugar and water to make a nice thick batter.

Frying

She dipped each patty into the batter and fried it in oil. I prefer shallow frying so she did that.

Serving

The Leafy Fish Mustard Delight goes best with freshly cooked boiled rice. It should be eaten hot and fresh to get the best of it.

You will feel the individual flavors of the ingredients with each bite. And if you are a fish lover you will just love it and want more.

No good deed goes unpunished: IBW

2011-06-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

Read the full article here..

Sometimes however good we try to be, however good we try to do for others, we end up hurt and sad. Even with the best of intentions, we can have the worst of ordeals. This is something, we have no control over.

Last week, when a patient was counting money again and again for the diagnostic tests advised by the doctor, he looked broke and perplexed. He certainly looked shattered both from within and without. Long term illness has made him frail and the expense involved in his healthcare has made him lose his self esteem. This was not the first time that I met someone like him. I knew exactly what to do. I have the privilege of waiving off the consultation charges for my boss, a senior cardiologist in the country. I did exactly, what I was supposed to. I sent the patient to the billing counter asking him to do the minimal billing for the non-invasive tests at a reduced rate. The patient didn’t know what to do but his eyes glittered telling me a lot. It felt good.

I expedited the procedure and tried to wind up things for him since he had a train to catch. He is living in a remote suburbs that takes him nearly five hours to reach. The examinations went passed fast and even faster he got the reports. Even the ones that was supposed to be delivered the next day.

As I forwarded the reports to the doctor and guided the patient to the office, I was complacent. It feels good when you genuinely do something from your heart. The patient came out after a short while with a comprehensive prescription and guidelines. I explained to the patient the whole thing again. When and how to take the medications and what and what not to do for a better living. It was a long counseling, but I never felt bored. I never feel actually. As a matter of fact it gives me immense pleasure to have people understood me. The challenge still lies in their conviction to imbibe those in daily life though.

The patient smiled at me – his way of thanking me and went off only to return after half an hour. Now, he asked me something that took me by my feet. He told me that the doctor hadn’t seen him properly. When asked the reason, he told me that why else he didn’t charge him! I was taken aback by his question. did not know what to answer. Couldn’t even blame him since the healthcare industry everywhere has been so commercialized today. No one can imagine having complimentary visits to doctors’ offices.

That day, I realized something. Somethings in life never change. Who you are, some people with good values and ‘no good deed goes unpunished’.

Bengali Kalo Jams: sweet dark balls soaked in sugar syrup

2011-06-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

Kalo-jams (bengali term) are dark colored, almost black, sweet balls, soaked in sugar syrup. They are a little larger and darker in color than the Gulab Jamuns. It is a hot favorite with the Bengalis who are known to have sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Khoya or Mawa

Paneer or Indian Cottage cheese

White flour or maida

White oil or ghee for deep frying

The sugar syrup should be prepared the usual way. Add 1/2 tsp of green cardamom powder, 1 tsp. rose water or a few drops of rose essence, or a few strands of saffron (optional).

Making the kalo-jams

Grate and mash mawa and paneer solids into a bowl.

Add flour and make a smooth and soft dough. Knead it well.

Make about 1- 1 1/2 inch balls and then shape them into round shapes, by rolling between your palms.

Heat oil to low-medium hot, not smoking hot or the kalo-jams will burn very quickly.

Fry kalo-jams in small batches, until they are dark brown in color.

Dip immediately in warm syrup. They will absorb syrup and enlarge in size but remain floating in syrup. They roughly double in size after they are soaked in syrup.

Serve at room temperature.

Super fast Egg Omelet:: what else do you want!

2011-05-31T09:28:00.000-07:00

One food that I just cannot get enough of is egg. I invariably like any preparation that has eggs in it as major ingredient. So, it goes without saying that omelets are my all time favorites. They are not only easy to prepare but also has varied mix and match recipes catering to your taste buds and kitchen ingredients. It would be interesting to trace the origin and metamorphoses, however, today I will stick to only one omelet recipe that makes me a complete person even amidst the surrounding incompleteness. And if you forget the rhetoric, egg makes contribution to a healthy diet as well.

Ingredients

3 eggs, separated

Salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper

Freshly chopped green coriander leaves, onions, chilies (optional)

Tomatoes, capsicum cubed (optional)

1 tablespoon butter/ white oil

1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, salt, pepper, and other ingredients.

In another bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gently blend the whites into the yolk mixture.

Add the chopped coriander leaves and onion cubes.

Melt the butter/oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the egg mixture and cook, without stirring, until the eggs begin to set but are still slightly runny in the center.

Sprinkle the cheese. (optional)

Fold the omelet over, forming a half-moon slowly. Cook until set.

Serve hot.

My favorite chocolate moist, melting cake: enjoy!!

2011-05-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

Just enjoy each bite of the moist, melting, rich chocolate cake for the time being. Rest we will talk later.

Omaha Steaks 1 (6 in.) Chocolate Lover's Cake

Please No Random Clicks on my Google Ads

2011-05-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

Earnonlinecents

Please I do not want your clicks. Stop spamming and stop clicking on the Google Adsense Ads frequently. Google Adsense is an very important business tool for online marketeers, and I do not want to lose it to the some erratic clickers. Recently Google's stringent policies have barred many from Adsense. Even requests and re requests are not being listened to. I appreciate their austerity. They are here cut out the short time greedy marketeers.

Earnonlinecents

This is an important message to every one who is struggling to earn online. Please make sure that your friends and well wishers do not click on the Google Ads frequently. The IP addresses are trapped and Adsense just terminates your account, without even any kind of warning. Go slow, enjoy the fruit of hard work. There is nothing called shortcut to become rich online or offline. Play it safe.

Earnonlinecents

Spaghetti with herbs

2011-05-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wheat pasta is healthier just as any other whole wheat food is. And if you spice it up by mix-matching various herbs and ingredients, it becomes lip-smacking. Here is a basic spaghetti recipe that is an all time hit with the kids and adults alike.

Blanch chicory or basil or spinach or any other herb with pinch of salt. Put it in cold water and leave it aside.

Bring the water back to a boil, and add the spaghetti. Cook till tender.

Heat the frying pan to medium heat. Add olive oil, garlic, dry red chili flakes. Allow the garlic to sizzle but make sure it doesn’t color.

Drain the pasta, and toss in the frying pan with the garlic and chili flakes. Add salt to taste. Add the herbs.

Serve with spoonful of Parmesan cheese.

Perk up the pasta with lot of fresh garlic and chili flakes and herbs. And more the cheese more it will be tastier!

Photo credit: nytimes

What to ask Your Doctor before Coronary Angiogram?

2011-05-07T20:41:00.000-07:00

How important or necessary is this test for diagnosis?

Angiography is an important procedure that confirms the ailment. It's just an invasive diagnostic that help the doctors decide on the treatment thereafter. The urgency and the immediate need of the procedure can only be decided by the consultants, who will be knowing the degree and the importance of the procedure.

When is it done?

Doctors recommend angiography when you are symptomatic of pain in your chest, jaw, neck or arm (that can't be explained by other tests), unstable angina, a heart defect you were born with, a heart valve problem that requires surgery.

What to keep in mind before angiogram?

If you:

Are allergic to iodine dye used in the test
Have ever had a serious allergic reaction
Have asthma
Are allergic to any medicines
Have any bleeding problems or are taking blood-thinning medicines
Have a history of kidney problems or chronic diabetes

What will happen during the procedure?

During a coronary angiogram, a type of dye that's visible by X-ray machine is injected into the blood vessels of your heart. The x-ray machine rapidly takes a series of images (angiograms), giving a detailed look at the inside of your blood vessels and the heart.

What are the risks?

Most of the times, major complications are rare. However, potential risks and complications include: heart attack, stroke, injury to the catheterized artery, irregular heart rhythms, allergic reactions to the dye or medications used during the procedure, kidney damage, excessive bleeding, infection, blood clots, radiation exposure from the X-rays

What does it show?

An angiograms show doctors what's wrong with your blood vessels. It can:

Show how many of your coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed
Locate the blockages in your blood vessels
Show how much blood flow is blocked through your blood vessels
Check the results of previous coronary bypass surgery or stenting
Check the blood flow through your heart and blood vessels
Check the size and movement of the heart valves

Based on the results, your cardiologist decides on the treatment from which you would be optimally benefited. For instance, that you would benefit from having coronary angioplasty, bypass surgery, valve replacement or just medical management.

OSAMA BIN LADEN DEAD: Some important questions to ponder upon

2011-05-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

After decade long search for the mastermind of the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Centers in New York City, Osama Bin Laden is dead. US National Security Team discovered a lead on bin Laden’s whereabouts in August 2010.

Several months of investigations to follow-up on these leads finally led to ‘actionable’ evidence that bin Laden was living in a Pakistani mansion just outside of Islamabad in a city called Abbottabad. It is located in the northeast part of the country, just 75 or so miles from the seat of government in Islamabad.

A strike was authorized by President Obama on April 29, 2011. Reports state that bin Laden was shot at least once in the head. It is believed the operation was carried out by The Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). JSOC is a component command of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and is charged to study special operations requirements and techniques to ensure interoperability and equipment standardization, plan and conduct special operations exercises and training, and develop Joint Special Operations Tactics.

It is also known that the leaders of the Pakistani government were not informed about this mission until after the attack. The President Obama gave an order without informing the Pakistan about his intention. This was due to a suspected informant or informants inside of the Pakistani government leaking information to bin Laden.

Senior White House Officials said that Bin Laden was hiding in a custom compound built in 2005 located on a secure land, 12-18 foot barbed wire walls, and two security gates. The total property value is 1 million dollars. Osama was living there with a few family members and his youngest wife. It was actually a mansion compared to the expected hiding in a cave similar to the finding of Saddam Hussein. It is also believed that bin Laden had no phone or Internet running into the house to secure the best hiding possible.

Three adult males were also killed in Sunday’s raid, including one of bin Laden’s sons, whom officials did not name. One of bin Laden’s sons, Hamza, is a senior member of al-Qaida.
Source:intel-central

Now, Osama's death shoots up a few queries:

1) How to cudgel the al Qaida legacy? The battle is won but not the war. How will be the demolition of Al qaida possible?

2) How will now Pakistan stand clean? How come Pakistan did not know about the whereabouts of Osama when it was right in the heart of the military residences, right under the nose of the urban Pakistan?

3) What will be the strategic political development between US and Pakistan? Reportedly, US was suspecting informant or informants inside of the Pakistani government leaking information to bin Laden and did not keep them in confidence.

4) How safe are really we are?

You can actually earn money from your YouTube account!

2011-04-28T08:08:00.001-07:00

View YouTube videos and get paid for it!! Yes, that's what Paid2YouTube.com does for you! Here you just view YouTube Videos and it is quite easy actually.

1) Open an YouTube account, if you don't have one yet.

2) Signup with Paid2YouTube.com.

3) Click a video and view to earn money.

4) Refer to friends and earn even more.

You will get paid $0.005 for each video you personally view, $0.10 for each comment you leave, and $0.15 for each subscription you make. You'll also get paid $0.001 for each video your referrals view, $0.01 for each comment your referrals leave, and $0.05 for each subscription your referrals make. Payment requests can be made every day and are processed through PayPal. The minimum payout is $10.00.

Signup by clicking here.

The much deserved french toast: Eat it guilt free!

2011-04-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those days when you do not plan things, things are planned for you. A very long day in the hospital with patients pouring in just from everywhere. All of them want to barge in at the same time little realizing that there is a 'taking prior appointment' thing. Later in the evening, when you manage to sneak into your inbox, you get the message (delivered in the morn) that your sister has been hospitalized, and you realize that your day has just gone from bad to worse.

You come back home winding up just about, spending hours on the semi-empty road plastered in political festoons which hammer, non vocal, yet again, that tomorrow is the D-day. A change is bound to happen this time after 35 years of communist rule. That's for destiny to decide, you need not bother.

You enter home to mom's grim face who gets the news of my sister. She was not supposed to until the OT was over. Anyway, the phone rings to some good news after all. Sister is in the recovery, still awaiting relief from the anesthetic numbness. What a relief! All of a sudden you realize that you have not eaten and you are dog hungry!

Handing over the phone from BIL to mom, you rush in to the kitchen. The pangs of hunger make you slouch now. You see some bread slices, butter, honey, condensed milk. Without even reconsidering you toy with the ingredients. And voila! You just make yourself some delicious, glutenous and devouring french toast which you deserve. Now, it's time you ate it guilt free!

Five brown eggs and Happy Easter

2011-04-25T06:42:00.000-07:00

Five Brown Eggs

Five brown eggs in a nest of hay,
One yellow chick popped out to play.
Four brown eggs in a nest of hay,
Another yellow chick cheep-cheeped Good day.
Three brown eggs in a nest of hay,
Crack went another one, Hip hooray.
Two brown eggs in a nest of hay,
One more chick pecked his shell away.
One brown egg in a nest of hay,
The last yellow chick popped out to say,
Happy Easter!

Poem (C): .nurseryrhymes4u
Photo (C): MouD

Arunima: A true Sports Star: IBW

2011-04-25T00:20:00.000-07:00

Click here to read more...

In a time where the crux of the society is being grilled in a series of scams as in 2G, hawala, commonwealth – one lady exemplifies that all in not bad after all. Her generosity has stood above one and all, giving us the much needed impetus to live life with the hope of a better India.

Arunima, a 23 year old national level volley ball player, lost her leg to the heinous atrocity of the hoodlums in a local train in which she was traveling. She was pushed off a moving train by goons. Later, her leg had to be amputated further on to deter the developing multiple complications.

In the most bizarre political drama, where everyone passed the buck, Arunima stood tall in her dignity and poise. All are up to gaining the brownie points, little realizing the Arunima’s condition is deteriorating without proper and timely medical help.

Verbal fund commitments from the state and various non-political bodies poured in. A few sports star even went on to donate fortune (read peanuts) and earned the much hyped publicity. The athlete, still fighting to preserve the rest of her leg, declared something that brought literally tears in my eyes. She, consciously, declared that she would like to donate all the monetary aid that she has received to a local sports academy so that the poor athletes have a better infrastructure to cope with the world class expertise. Now, that is something I haven’t heard for a long time.

Arunima is a true sports star who would be remembered for her exemplary generosity. She has stood above everyone by demonstrating a series of virtues. She is strong, courageous, honest, rational, emotional and humane. She is not just a volley ball player, but she loves the game in the true sense. She is a young leader who taught all the Indians and all the tinged politicians out there that sometimes not being greedy is good and way to win millions heart, bringing in enormous peace thus.

Click here to read more...

Kesar Suji Halwa? Who would mind another serving!

2011-04-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

Halwa is delectable and mouth watering, and a tradition that we are proud of. The fact that halwas are calorie filled has made it a less frequent delicacy in the family. However, having said this, it still tops the chart all over India. The best part - it can be easily prepared with common kitchen ingredients. The ingredients do the wonder, you just have to make sure that you are using the right kind of utensils and cooking it for the right duration. Rest will take its course, trust me.

Ingredients:

Suji / Semolina
Kesar / Saffron Threads a small pinch
Sugar to taste
Almonds, Raisins, Cashews
Ghee/ Clarified butter (more the better)

Method of preparation:

Soak saffron threads in warm milk while you slice the cashews and almonds evenly. Heat the ghee in a pan. Add split cashews, almonds and raisins.
When nuts change color, remove from heat.

Heat ghee in a heavy bottomed wok, add suji and stir on slow fire till it is golden brown. Add saffron threads with milk and ghee. Cook on slow flame by stirring frequently till suji turns soft by absorbing all the water. Stir in sugar, roasted cashews, almonds and raisins. Cook till the sugar thickens and caramelizes. Serve kesar suji halwa hot or cold.

Another version:

You can stir the suji till dark brown in ghee, add only water to retain the color. Add other ingredients and serve when still hot.

Read more recipes:

Kebabs: Mouth watering, easy to prepare, for all occasions

Garam Masala: The great Indian spice blend!

Bengali Sweet Pancake Roll: The delectable 'Patishapta'

Photo credit: tlimpu

My school, My pride: GMGS

2011-04-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

Tips to stay healthy with diabetes: IBW

2011-04-04T10:11:00.000-07:00

Keep yourself Healthy with a good Dental Hygiene

Once a diabetic is always an diabetic. We cannot change this fact. However, we can live healthy even with increased blood sugar level. Following is a stepwise guide to live a healthy life even with the deadly disease.

Decrease your blood sugar level by monitoring your glucose level regularly. Keep digital glucometer handy for checking your sugar levels at home.

Maintain your cholesterol and blood pressure level. Increased levels of both aggravate diabetes and kills our body slowly. Periodical check on the cholesterol and BP levels help in controlling the diabetes level as well.

Stop smoking and moderate your alcohol consumption habit.

Brush your teeth two times daily, keep your gums healthy and maintain a good dental hygiene. Visit the dentist once in every year or as and when required.

Read the whole article...

Observe March 12 as the Misery day

2011-03-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

How to keep your germs to yourself: IBW

2011-02-15T03:46:00.000-08:00

Keep your germs to yourself

Pathogenic germs are there everywhere, all around us, in the environment. The so called filthy, dirty places are the hub of germs and deadly infectious diseases – this we all know but it’s the clean and supposedly germ free places that should be our concern. For instance your dinner plate can have millions of germs thriving on it. Or the sparkling clean floors, walls, your kitchen? All could be the thriving place for tiny warmongers. You never know!

There are various ways by which you can keep yourself germs free – both preventive and curative. Beside, vaccinations and inoculation, which are the popular ways, antibiotics impede the growth of germs by killing their growth and spreading all over the organs. Our personal hygiene and the consciousness of a cleaner environment add to the germs free and disease free life. It’s also important that you know the priority of keeping the germs to yourself.

Here is how to keep your germs to yourself...

Self Medication: How safe is it?

2011-02-03T22:50:00.000-08:00

Popping pills without prescription: How safe is it?

Self medication is the practice of talking medicines, mostly for generalized symptoms, for oneself without consulting the specialist. In India we are privileged with the right to buy medicines over-the-counter (OTC). However, many forget where to draw the line, and go ahead buying medicines for illnesses that might get them to trouble later in life.

OTC drugs have certainly made life easier for average Indians. However, the same could lead us to irreversible health damages. It’s a common practice to buy anti-fungal creams, analgesics, sunscreens, anti-dandruff shampoos, which are also considered as OTC drugs. We all do that. These are common dermatologically proven health products that hardly get us into reverse medical conditions.

Some even go over board buying Aspirin, Paracetamols, Vitamin tablets, expectorant and non-expectorant syrups. Buying these does not harm us as much as taking the wrong dosage does. We do not have the medical expertise to decide for the correct dosage. There are so many factors associated with the taking in of the medicines. The prevalent medical conditions of a patient should be taken into account first and foremost. Some people increase the dose without consulting; assuming that two pills would make them feel better than one and so on. They go onto share these tips with family members and friends and influence them as well. Lack of knowledge could be fatal and what seems like a harmless thing could easily lead to disaster.

Click here to read the whole article...

Homeschooling should largely depend on the need of the child

2011-01-29T11:00:00.000-08:00

To not Not To Homeschool

When Pali came back from the US, deserted and heart broken, she had only solace, her eight year son Ved. Pali was fighting her battle with the family for a few years and finally terminated her relation with Ved’s father for life. It wasn’t easy for her but what became more difficult is to ensure a good future for her child. India has grown since she had left after her marriage. People are more open, more accepting and more vocal. It seemed, it wouldn’t be difficult for Pali to live single in the small flat that she had inherited from her parents. The challenge came when she had to look for the schools for her son. No school was readily accepting the child who came in between the session. A countable few who did wanted a huge donation. After days of pleading every possible school she knew of, Pali decided to take it no more.

Homeschooling is a common concept in the US. With so many resources, and community support you are never alone if you are homeschooling your child. In India, it might sound a new concept but who can forget the likes of Rabindranath Tagore and Shri Aurobindo who were homeschooled and propagated the true concept of homeschooling!

Is homeschooling legal in India?

In 2009, a new education law was passed that mandated compulsory school attendance. This law (Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act of 2009 – RTE) did not address home education options, or alternative forms of education. The RTE was designed to assure that the poor children would not be deprived of an education. But at the same time it did not intent to force school attendance when parents want to homeschool their children.

Click to read the whole article here....

Download the test version the Google Chrome OS

2011-01-26T22:17:00.000-08:00

Click here to read the full article...

Test the early version of Google Chrome OS for Windows in 5 simple steps. Follow the simple steps and decide for yourself if you really want to go for it or not.

1. Download Chromium (click to get the link)

2. Edit the Target Field

3. Install the web apps

4. Customize your choice

5. Test it out

Gmail and docs are the only applications available right now in the test version. However, we are expecting many more sooner this year.

Enjoy the test version!

Depression is curable: IBW

2011-01-24T20:43:00.000-08:00

Click on the link to read the whole article...

I met her after six months. The bell rang unexpectedly in an out-of-the-card holiday, when my mom and I were having lunch. You get to feel the winter chill just after you take food in a lazy winter afternoon, and I was preparing for a nice nap under the warmth of the comforter. The bell was unexpected. My mom opened the door to find my disillusioned friend. I greeted her warmly as always. She has been a very good friend since childhood days.

When she came to my house last time, I could understand that something was troubling her and on getting the right opportunity, her husband told me about the chronic depressive bouts that she had been suffering from since we last met. It left me dazed. This time, things deteriorated and the look in her eyes told me about utter disbelief, pain and suspicion about everything she is surrounded with. The anti depressant medicines were actually supposed to give her relief and the psychiatrist had counseled her for a couple of times when she agreed to take the meds. However, once she reached home she declined and was escaping the medication and food since. The world is conspiring against her to kill her – that’s what she got herself to think! Even the family members, including her parents, husband, friends, are up to killing her! Nothing could be more sad than this. She had always been a good, simple, fun loving girl who had hardly cared about the petty things that troubled people.

Depression is painful.....

Read the whole article....

A Tribute to Bob Dylan

2011-01-21T06:59:00.000-08:00

Not a day goes by without hearing or remembering at least one of his songs. BOB DYLAN, one of the most successful artist and songwriter of the century, has had an overwhelming presence on me. Innumerable hits over the past forty years and his songs are still so relevant and popular.

Bob Dylan's lyrics can't be beaten. The phrasings are subtly beautiful and still pertinent today. It isn't just the songs and the performance – he is clearly somebody who has a real sense of purpose and conviction. He stood up for the cause he believed in and this got him turned into the "voice of a generation".

As I got older I became more interested in Dylan's mythology. Dylan's magnaminous mythology is a matter of perspective that changes over the years, as you grow, as you become wiser. You get to discover this fascinating human every day in a new way. He is an endless mystery.

How else would you explain the phrasing of 'Blowing' in the wind..."!!

How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
Yes, 'n' how many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, 'n' how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they're forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

How many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
Yes, 'n' how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, 'n' how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

How many years can a mountain exist
Before it's washed to the sea?
Yes, 'n' how many years can some people exist
Before they're allowed to be free?
Yes, 'n' how many times can a man turn his head,
Pretending he just doesn't see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

(C) Bob Dylan

Photo Credit: DG

Bunions and Heel Spur: Two painful feet conditions

2011-01-17T02:48:00.000-08:00

The two feet conditions that people often suffer from are heel spur and bunions. Both are continually painful and hard to get rid off. Calcaneal spur, commonly known as heel spur, is the in-growth of the calcaneal (heel bone) mostly due to deposit of calcium. Bunion is a foot condition where the big toe bends towards the second toe forming a sharp bony prominence. Pains, from mild to severe, are caused by the inflammation and the bone pressing against the shoe.

Read more...

Bunions are more common in women and are caused by a number of reasons, including wearing shoes that are too tight, years of abnormal motion, poor foot mechanics, bone deformities, flat feet and arthritis. However, common to both feet conditions are our body weight. Obese people are more prone and it’s generally reported that being overweight is an aggravating factor.

Click here to read the whole article...

Natural Healing With 6 Seasonal Summer Fruits

2011-01-15T04:16:00.000-08:00

Natural Healing With 6 Seasonal Summer Fruits -

When you goof up with words...

2011-01-13T02:55:00.000-08:00

Jack, my friend in another forum, had written about foot-in-the-mouth disease where people, as a matter of fact all of us, goof up with words. However, it isn't a headline when I mess up with words. But when famous people do they certainly cannot undo it! It gets written in the pages of history. Here are some infamous quotes from famous people:

"Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life." -- Brooke Shields, during an interview to become spokesperson for a federal anti-smoking campaign.

"I've never had major knee surgery on any other part of my body," -- Winston Bennett, University of Kentucky basketball forward.

This one is senseless:

"It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air & water that are doing it." -- Al Gore, Vice President

And this one, very gross:

"We don't necessarily discriminate. We simply exclude certain types of people." -- Colonel Gerald Wellman, ROTC Instructor.

Love Me Without Rhetoric

2011-01-09T05:49:00.000-08:00

Love Me Without Rhetoric | Authspot

Why I Admire Sachin Tendulkar?

2011-01-06T22:56:00.000-08:00

We all are aware of the legendary feat of Sachin Tendulkar. He has enthralled his fans all over the world with many great cricketing moments for 15 long years. The superlative innings are carved in the history of cricket. Having said this, I look up to the man for many other reasons that make him a person of great human values.

Why I look up to him?

Hid untainted career and personal life

This is something hard to believe! He has always been in the limelight but for all the right reasons on earth. Never, can I remember that he is in the news for anything wrong or anything not so cricket. It certainly takes a lot of discipline and dedication to do that......

Click here to read the whole article...

A Few Tips for the Newbies to Earn from the Internet

2010-12-30T23:15:00.000-08:00

Earning on the internet involves a lot on activity. You need to do a lot of networking, sharing, interacting in a way that benefits each other. I have been asked many times by my peers and friends to share my experiences as a veteran, and I would love to share. Recently I wrote one article in a forum about online earning and a few basic tips for the newbies. A major earning logarithm works on down line building and gathering referrals, while others require you to write proactively, consistently and voraciously. Having spent days researching on the right kind of approach on right kind of sites and to earn from them, I have learned a few basic things on which the virtual world works on.

How to start off? Click here to get to the main article.

Happy Earning!

Happy New Year 2011!

From Dawn to Dusk

2010-12-29T23:07:00.000-08:00

The two most beautiful moments in life are the dawn and the dusk. Both are similar, with the same kind of mellowness, but they bring in different kind of feelings. One the beginning and another the end. Both have mesmerizing beauty and an overwhelming presence. Both are precious and magical yet so different, unique and individualistic!

“Don’t look so sad, it’s not so bad, you know.
It’s just another night. That’s all it is.”

Aloo Gobi with Garam Masala (Indian style)

2010-12-28T23:00:00.000-08:00

India has an interesting mix of people eating vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. It's hard to tell the proportion but at the end of it we do come up with excellent variations on both veg and non-veg dishes. Two days back, when I posted one article on the good old 'garam masala', my friend from US was inquisitive about the recipes that should go well with the spice blend. Today, I will explore one of the age old, traditional recipes that's been a hit with our family since many generations now.

Read the article on Garam Masala by clicking here.

Aloo Gobi Curry

Aloo gobi is cooked in an Indian curry sauce. It's old but never outdated. Aloo means potato and gobi means cauliflower.

Ingredients

* oil/ ghee (clarified butter)
* cauliflower, broken into small florets
* potatoes, peeled and cubed
* cumin seeds
* turmeric powder
* coriander, cumin paste (the whole seeds are soaked and ground)
* red chili paste
* ginger paste
* garam masala (whole)
* bayleaf
* Salt to taste

Note: you can also use chopped onions.

Heat the oil mixed with ghee in a wok. Toss the cumin seeds, whole garam masala, bay leaf in the oil for a few seconds till they get a shade darker. Add the rest of the ginger, cumin, coriander, red chili paste and saute till the mix dries up. Add sugar (a pinch, for colour), salt and turmeric powder. Add the previously fried cauliflower florets and the fried potato cubes. Mix the vegetables with the curry paste. Allow it to cook till the potato gets tender and the cauliflower beautifully absorbs the spices. Add little amount of water, cover the wok till the ingredients absorb the remaining water. Season with garam masala powder, one tea spoon of ghee and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

The vegetables should absorb all the flavour of the spices maintaining their individual integrity. And if you could strike a balance with the right amount of spices, water and the cooking - you are a great cook!

Accompaniment: freshly cooked white rice, fresh lime, whole green chili.

Mouthful of sky

2010-12-25T10:15:00.001-08:00

Until recently it was vast, open and blue. The rounded, fleshy leaves were green and were juxtaposed beautifully against the vast firmament. The silhouette was a part of life which made living more beautiful. Now, it's just the mouthful of the sky and the rest is concrete - sand, dust and grime.

Chuck the High Heels now!

2010-12-20T06:16:00.000-08:00

High heels make you look sassy and elegant and make you feel fantastically beautiful. Having to wear, balance and walk comfortably in high heels, is an art in itself. Wearing them is at the discretion of the individuals, and being aware is another thing. The effects of wearing habitual high heels are slow but could be severe at some point and it varies from individual to individual.

1. Back, feet, legs ache: constant wearing could lead to chronic lower back pain and muscle sprains which could lead to severe injuries and bone shortening, ligament and cartilage tearing and knee injury.

2. Spine stress and posture defect: Wearing high heels regularly could deform the spine and affect the posture by dis-balancing body movements.

3. Bunions and severe feet condition: High heels lead to unhealthy feet and legs leading to conditions like bunions, in growing toe nails and other severe conditions that might require surgical intervention.

4. Restricted blood circulation: In some cases they may lead to constricted blood circulation leading to unhealthy nervous system.

6. Mental imbalance: In rare cases, it's been found that the mental health has been impaired to certain extent.

Downline building, getting referrals and mutually helping each other

2010-12-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

Earning on the internet involves a lot of activity. We need to do a lot of tasking - networking, sharing, interacting in a way that benefits each other mutually. The major earning structure on the internet works on solid downline building and gathering referrals, as many as one can manage. More the better.

I receive numerous signup requests, as a downline, under various users who I have either known directly or indirectly. Some have become good friends and we have developed a beautiful understanding by now. Friends or just acquaintances, I try to sign up under their referral links. I feel, the mutual exchanges make the internet special. I have, so far, signed up in innumerable websites as a downline. Even though, haven’t been active in many, my signing up helped others to grow their network and business

When I started a discussion on downline building on a forum, some time back, most said that they would rather sign up as an independent user. Many, confessed that they get to the resources and go to the primary link and sign up, ignoring the referral link. One user, I remember, even frowned over being discovering that she is a downline.

I have a different viewpoint altogether. I would never mind being a downline, if I feel I should sign up with the website. I have a few friends who do that as well. What is there not to support each other in real or in virtual life!

5 spices that help us fight cancer

2010-12-14T22:34:00.000-08:00

5 spices that help you fight Cancer and other Diseases

Websites that really pay: My Top 5 pick of 2010

2010-12-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

A Guide to Online Earning

Making money from your website: Too much work, little pay

2010 has been a year full of challenges, discoveries and learning. In an endeavor to launch my website and earn from it, I learned so many things. Now, I know the basics of online earning, even though, I am actually not earning from it. Not yet, so far. I need to gear up with some more tools and then may be I will capitalize on the resources. I have found that there are several sites that really pay and are NOT scams.

My top rated picks of the paying sites with referral links are as follows:

MyLot

SharedReviews

Neobux

Wordlinx

Paid2YouTube

Christmas Lights

2010-12-11T00:16:00.000-08:00

Another new year! There are so many things happening all around. Even the little girl nextdoor has an agenda, a long to do list, preparations, anticipations and planning. So much fun in the air! We do not get snow in this part of the world, but the mistletoes, lights, gift boxes, glitters, glues, whole lot of knick knacks - Happy time is round the block!

This year, I am planning to buy paper greetings after many years. May be, I should make some myself like the good old days when we sisters used to prepare the handmade cards with great love. It was like a ritual - something we couldn't have done without. The real cards are special - simple yet we could feel the warmth of the little hands and love of the fathomless hearts.

Expecting the weather to cool down before the Christmas. It has been a year of heat and sun so far. Hoping to eat lots of good food, at home with family and friends. Just anticipating the fun and bliss. Wish you all a very happy holidays and a great X-mas! Keep me updated.

Here, I go sharing my favorite song. Click on the Youtube snippet on the right hand side to listen to the song.

Christmas Lights lyrics
The official words to Coldplay's new song

Christmas Lights

Christmas night, another fight
Tears we cried a flood
Got all kinds of poison in
Poison in my blood

I took my feet
To Oxford Street
Trying to right a wrong
Just walk away
Those windows say
But I can't believe she's gone

When you're still waiting for the snow to fall
Doesn't really feel like Christmas at all

Up above candles on air flicker
Oh they flicker and they float
But I'm up here holding on
To all those chandeliers of hope

Like some drunken Elvis singing
I go singing out of tune
Saying how I always loved you darling
And I always will

Chili Fish: Mom's style to spice up the day!

2010-12-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those days when you get an unexpected off from work and like to spend me-time to the fullest. The holiday season is on and what could be a better day to celebrate it. With the rains still drizzling and the sky accentuated with the sun and cloud, lazing around was the only and unanimous option.

Mom sneaked into my room early in the morn as she usually do and waited for the nod over the menu she decided instantly when she came to know about the holiday. Chili fish and sparkling white rice - that was what she decided on. Anything Chinese and soya sauce is my favorite. She has her own recipe that takes her only 15 minutes at the most. It's the easiest, healthiest and the tastiest recipe on earth! I just added more to acidity and she poured heaveful teaspoon of chili flakes. Father out of station, just the two of us and our simple recipe to spice up the day. Have a look for yourself and decide! You can envy me now! LOL

Google Adsense: The best marketing tool!

2010-12-07T20:50:00.000-08:00

How to earn money from your website?

Internet marketeers know how important it is to retain the Google Adsense account for once you lose it, you will have nothing more to regret. Even though, there are several other money making marketing tools available, the Yahoo publisher, Bidvetiser, Chikita, Adbrite to name a few, Google offers most authentic mode of earning and payment. Google Adsense has been, particularly, austere with their accounts these days, especially with the Asian countries. Several accounts been banned stating reasons like invalid clicks or impressions. Nothing could be more disheartening than that. However, having said this, the key lies in our hands and we can actually safeguard our accounts by adopting simple measures.

First and foremost: NO CLICKS from your IP address. False clicks to increase your earning will be caught immediately. Do not encourage others to click from your computer also. Adsense would not understand your alibi.

Plagiarism or duplicating from other sources is a cyber crime and recently Adsense is terminating accounts that consistently post plagiarized stuffs. Be original and be creative.

Generate more traffic. Content is the king so try to write good stuffs and promote your articles and write in installments so that the readers are bound to come back to visit your page. Showcase your visitors and commentators and keep reading their blogs as well. Cross traffic exchanges generate more traffic to your site - it's proven.

Things to keep in mind

Keep a note of your Adsense publisher ID. In case, google terminates your account, you will need it to fill in the request form.

Do not place more than 3 ads on your blog or website
Do not click randomly or encourage clicks on your website
Be creative, original
Read the rules and FAQs often
Do not lose hope. Keep trying with honest information.

Want to open a new account? Click here.

Had an account but now banned? Click here to appeal.

Before having one, read the terms and conditions thoroughly here.

Every Cloud tells a Story

2010-12-04T01:05:00.000-08:00

Every Cloud Tells a Story

In my compulsive endeavor to breathe beyond the internet and looking through the window of my room, I captured some wonderful moments of the cotton clouds and the blue sky. I stretched up and back and tried to touch them through the lens.

Gmail does not recognize dots (.)!!

2010-12-02T22:20:00.000-08:00

A few days back, I received one email from an unknown sender, which did not sound like a spam. It was from some investing company, where probably, the addressed has invested and the email confirmed that and had an attached contract note. The addressed shares the same name as mine but has an address very different. The mail details showed that the addressed has similar email ID as me, except for a DOT in between the user words.

Thinking that it was very important, I wrote one email to the supposed receiver and told her about the goof up. After a while when I checked back, I found that the mail has come back to me! I found it strange and tried to log into my google account with the same user name but with a DOT in between. I entered the same password and guess what! It worked! The inbox opened right in front of me!

I tried signing up with the same user name that I have but with a DOT in between and I was told that the user name was already taken. This increased my curiosity and after a little research I found that the DOTS in between the words are not recognised by google. You can see this if you try to sign in with your user name, but adding or removing a DOT from it. You'll still go to your account!

Google states that:

There are three common reasons why Gmail users think they're receiving someone else's mail. Please select the description that matches your situation below.

Your address is similar but has more or fewer dots (.) or different capitalization.

Sometimes you may receive a message sent to an address that looks like yours but has a different number or arrangement of periods. While we know it might be unnerving if you think someone else's mail is being routed to your account, don't worry: both of these addresses are yours.

Gmail doesn't recognize dots as characters within usernames, you can add or remove the dots from a Gmail address without changing the actual destination address; they'll all go to your inbox, and only yours. In short:

o homerjsimpson@gmail.com = hom.er.j.sim.ps.on@gmail.com
o homerjsimpson@gmail.com = HOMERJSIMPSON@gmail.com
o homerjsimpson@gmail.com = Homer.J.Simpson@gmail.com

All these addresses belong to the same person. You can see this if you try to sign in with your username, but adding or removing a dot from it. You'll still go to your account.

If you get mail that seems to be intended for someone else, it's likely that the sender entered the wrong address, just like if you've ever dialed a wrong phone number for someone. In these cases, we suggest contacting the original sender or website when possible to alert them to the mistake.

One last thing: Google Apps does recognize dots. If you'd like to have a dot in your username, please ask your domain administrator to add your preferred username as a nickname.

That was quite a revelation!

A 30 second Speech by Bryan Dyson: most inspiring!

2010-12-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

A 30 second Speech by Bryan Dyson (CEO of Coca Cola)

"Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them - Work, Family, Health, Friends and Spirit and you're keeping all of these in the Air. You will soon understand that Work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back.

But the other four Balls - Family, Health, Friends and Spirit - are made of glass. If you drop one of these; they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for it.”

This is so inspiring!

I have enough good reasons to drink tea!

2010-12-02T00:37:00.000-08:00

Being a tea drinker, I love trying newer varieties of tea. I love the Darjeeling leave tea, which is essentially the flavor tea. Having said that, different occasions and different time of the day would decide on the type of tea I would drink at that point in time. My father is also a tea drinker- that makes two of us in the family. My sisters drink tea occasionally, ceremoniously and at times as medicinal dosage. I love the way they prepare themselves to actually sip in the hot, energy beverage!

The antioxidants that tea, both black and green, contains, reduces the harmful effects of the fats and oils consumed. It lowers cholesterol levels and helps maintain normal blood pressure levels. It raises the levels of good cholesterol over bad cholesterol.

Green tea has cancer preventive properties that work against the development of cancerous cells.

It helps prevent tooth decay, gum diseases and various other dental disorders. It also helps maintain good dental health. It prevents bad breath, insomnia, fatigue and helps maintain vitality and vigor.

It increases mental awareness and prevents cognitive disorders. It helps eliminate stress and promotes overall relaxation. It promotes a healthy skin and hair and slows down the process of aging.

So, I have enough good reasons to endorse tea. You cannot blame me! Happy drinking tea!!

Doing things that recharge you

2010-11-27T00:24:00.001-08:00

Today is Saturday. Another week has passed by without me doing anything new except for some achievements in 'Shared Reviews". I am at no.2 there which is pretty impressive for someone belonging to non US country. SR has a great community that never fails to boost your motivation. I am so thankful!

Only thing, I have to write more which I am failing at recently. My target was 1 review/ article every day but I am far behind and struggling. And since that's not happening right now, I have stopped making goals. I am writing whenever I am feeling like. I have a lot of catching up to do tomorrow. Beside the cleaning and the chores, I have a project to finish, a few pending edits to clean up the old articles, some paid tasks and then I am hoping to write one fresh article - something I haven't since long. It feels drained out when I do not for a long time.

Nothing like penning down your thoughts. However weird it may appear, it feels much energized and recharged. So, are you doing your mind? Are you doing stuffs that recharge you? If not just do it - today!

Wish you luck! Wish me luck!

Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Taken: A Haiku

2010-11-14T07:39:00.000-08:00

It was most futile
The river ne'er stops flowing
And I found myself

However hard we try we cannot change the person who doesn't want to. We are left with only two choices. Either we flow with the river or we be passive bystanders, aloof and watch it flow and take its own course. Letting go of our individuality would be something that I rather not see myself doing. I can only be a wise watcher and learn from it. And from the time I started doing it, I found myself. I found myself after long years of living others lives.

This is a tribute to all those fighter people who are just themselves and who have not given up even in the face of adversaries. Kudos...

Photo credit: NG

Throat chokers make life more beautiful!

2010-11-14T06:02:00.000-08:00

Beautiful People

Besides being an ace cardiologist, my boss is an extraordinary human and the reason behind my subtle metamorphoses and the intrinsic evolution.

Last week, I was feeling very bad about a patient who was upset over the doctor's consultation fees, which he was charged by the hospital. There's is nothing wrong in charging the patients the doctor's fees and that's what the protocol is. However, the patient, not quite well-to-do, and came only for my boss from a remote place, was hoping a complimentary visit. He showed real signs of not-affording kind. I was helpless and was upset too. I could only hear his rumblings for a few times and was feeling more bad when I decided to share it with my boss. What seemed to be impossible, was solved in just a matter of a second! He took out a 500 rupee note (his consultation charge) and asked me to return it to the patient. Speechless and moved, I could not say a word. I had lumps in my throat that choked me of all my senses. I managed to return the money to the man who broke down and couldn't stop thanking me leaving me more choked.

My boss deserved all the appreciation and the gratitude - it goes without saying. Being with him for years now, I am aware of this kind of philanthropy and goodness. This, along with many other, is the main reason of my being associated with him for so long. He was never short of surprising me, doing things out of the way, every time and anytime. And every time, he leaves me speechless, I just cannot say a word! I always, sort of, have the same kind of lump in my throat like the one I had that day!

Beautiful People

Photo credit: istockphoto

So what your job sucks!!

2010-11-11T09:32:00.000-08:00

Hope you all are doing fine. There has been a lot of festivities in the last few weeks and please accept my belated greetings for the season. I hope you all had a good time.

Now, what next? It's time to rewind and get going however drab it may seem. We just cannot be eternally disillusioned and disgusted with our job profiles, can we? It doesn't make sense to curse the job, the bosses and the intertwined politics. At the end of the day we have to live with it. So, why not take a different stand on something that has been sucking. First and foremost, we have to understand that we cannot change the system overnight. We have to realize and consider the loopholes and the negative aspects in order to love the job we are into.

I have found that organizing always helps. Piling up jobs to the point that we lose the inside outs not only aggravates the hassle but also creates a sense of insufficiency and incompleteness. We can do better than that, don't we? So, before going on holidays, I keep myself updated with my job so much so that the day when I rejoin, I am recharged, refreshed with NO hangover from the older backlogs.

Again, delegating the duties timely helps enormously as well. Some people just cannot delegate duties hoping that they will lose out on the credit of the outcome or just because they do not have faith in others. But once we start to do that, things will be more fun and fast.

We should also realize that we will get to no where by being cursing and venomous. The amount of energy we would spend to do this actually would help us in our individual growth if we could dechannelize. My experience tells me that our job starts to suck when we are trying to accentuate on the flip sides that the job comes with. No job on earth would be a perfect platter and sooner we realize this, it's better for us.

We should also start by liking and developing tolerant skills that would help us learn more about the job. Knowing and understanding the intricacies of our jobs help us better our performances and gradually this lead us to the point from where looking back at the journey makes it all the more fun and worthy.

Another important thing I have learned is that, we should be able to laugh at ourselves and take it in the right spirit when anyone else does.That eases us the viciousness and helps us remain unaffected at the never ending office politics.

So, declutter, reorganize, delegate, love the job and have fun at ourselves make things definitely easier. Try out and let me know. Till then happy trying.

A guide to online earning

2010-10-06T23:53:00.000-07:00

When I started off my activities on the internet ten years back, it was more of fun and time pass and an endeavor to catch up with the fast changing world. The virtual world was an avenue that gave me an opportunity to let go and do my mind. I was proactively participating on various networking sites when I got to learn about another aspect that the virtual world has to offer. It was an avenue that opened my eyes. I never believed that we could actually earn online until I got paid for micro blogging. It was a few cents but overpowering.

A B Cs of online earning

Soon, I realised that we get to earn here through multiple tasks, micro blogging, writing articles, networking and through clicking on the adverts, some of which I liked immensely and some I didn't quite enjoy. I prioritized on the kind of tasks I would be doing here on internet. I guess, people have different priorities and different fascinations and getting to know them and sticking to those help them excel here. It worked great for me.

A B Cs of online earning

So, I decided to set up a websitethat would hopefully answer the queries of newbies and for people who want to earn online. This website is essentially for the aspirants who want to earn online in their free time. I will guide you through the websites and the dos and donots of online addiction.

A B Cs of online earning

Here, have a look and feel free to ask me anything that you want to know. Thanks for your readership.

Mimpidreams is shifting

2010-05-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Mimpidreams is shifting

You must be wondering about the reduced activity in MD and why I was not showing up and talking it out. I apologise to all of you for being so annoyingly dormant. However, you have been always on my mind and as some of you must be knowing, I was working on the new Ning pricing and features that they have rolled out on 4th of May. They have put forth a couple of options namely Ning Mini and Ning plus. Ning MINI has very few features and not quite MD compatible. How on earth MD will survive without the groups, events! And Ning Plus (19.95$/ month) is something I cannot keep up with right now. I have been undecided and really upset. Some of you have been really sweet to have come forward with their assurances of helping this site going on - something I appreciate but monetary help is something I would not be consider ever.

All said and done, I feel that the show must go on no matter what. We have tried our best to make this place ultra special and how could I let it go?

The good news

MD is phasing out of Ning and we are now, moving onto a different site with webs. I stumbled across this after hundreds of trials and thought this would be the best way to create something like our original MD. I thank you for your patience and understanding while I go about the process of moving out and moving in to a new home we call ‘Dreams Shattered’. Hey, don’t freak out! I still could retain the same name! It’s mimpidreams in a new virtual address.

I am trying to update the new site with all the good old stuffs. Do let me know how did you like the make over, the face lift and I will work on your suggestions. Eagerly awaiting your feedback and active participation. I am the same mimpi and its our same old mimpidreams in a new place and in a new look.

http://mimpidreams.webs.com/

*Cheers*
mimpi

Languid Life

2010-05-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

All of a sudden
There is little work,
Less words, less ink
Life is lazing right now
And me basking in its languid hours

Truth has only one face

2010-04-28T00:16:00.000-07:00

I have seen many people who would never tell the truth. Some lie outright and some are just so scared to tell the fact! They fumble, hide, make up fake stories and become hated in the whole process. Eventually they fall in the groove and they become habitual liars. The other day, as I was coming down from the ICU, I heard one doctor speaking on phone, quite loudly, telling the person on the other side that he was on the overbridge and would be right there in 5 mins! now the overbridge is at least 30 minutes from the hospital!

I really hate this and never quite get to the point where I have to lie. White lies are fine sometimes and I have been there as well but making up stories and cheating is just so gross. And there is but one truth. No burden, no guilt- only sometimes we have to be careful the way we deliver it because truth is not always taken in the right spirit and may hurt people who should not be punished.

Some people resort to lie because they know that the truth wouldn't be accepted. They fear the consequences. But, I feel, truth should be spoken, no matter how and when its delivered, it should be. And, we can forget about it and do not have to worry about the short term memory that we are suffer from. *Laughs*

Share your experiences.

Every Day Is Earth Day

2010-04-22T03:16:00.000-07:00

Today is Earth Day and time has come when we all need to maintain our green book to ensure a healthy habitat for ourselves and all. Here's a checklist that I gathered from THE GREEN BOOK by Elizabeth Rogers.

1. Save water by decreasing your shower time -- or rather take a bath, which uses less water than a shower.

2. Get in the habit of brushing your teeth with the water off, and encourage your children to do so, as well.

3. Recycle – junk mail, cell phones, paper products, plastic bags, and more.

4. Switch from paper and plastic bags to reusable bags and totes.

5. Forget the electric or gas dryer, and hang dry your clothing.

6. Opt for direct deposit, online banking, and paperless statements to reduce your paper usage.

7. Try your hand at composting (planting scraps from fruits, veggies, and coffee grounds outside), which will help create better soil and less landfill waste.

8. Don’t purchase disposable water bottles, but rather use recyclable (and refillable) beverage containers that you can fill with filtered water.

9. Unplug all of your appliances when you leave the house to save energy (and prevent a fire hazard).

10. If possible, take public transportation or walk or (organise neighbourhood car pool)

11. Don’t use plastic storage containers, and definitely do not heat food within a plastic container in the microwave.

12. Keep one set of dishes at the office, including: a cup, utensils, bowl, and plate. This will prevent you from reaching for disposable utensils, cups, and plates.

13. Save stained or ill-fitting clothing to use for dusting and cleaning.

14. Use rechargeable batteries -- Duracell now has a line of pre-charged rechargeable batteries!

15. DONATE!!!

16. Rent movies and borrow books, instead of purchasing.

17. If you are in the market for a new car, purchase a hybrid model.

18. Buy groceries in bulk, as it reduces packaging and the number of trips you take to the grocer.

19. Purchase locally produced food at farmer’s markets and even road-side stands.

20. Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, instead of jarred, canned, or frozen.

21. Purchase organic foods, as they don’t contain pesticides and harmful chemicals, in addition to organic cotton.

22. Use healthy and environmentally friendly cosmetics, such as mineral-based cosmetics and natural bath products.

I think we are close to many of those listed above except for a few which requires serious thinking. Here, people just litter the earth with all kind of plastics little realising that they are suffocating our earth to death! So, the most important thing for countries like ours is the awareness and to make people conscious about the harmful effects.

Have you smiled today?

2010-04-10T02:49:00.000-07:00

I wont ask, how you are or are things good with you or how have you been? I would just want to know, have you smiled today? I feel, that's the most important thing that gets us going and nothing pays us more than a genuine sweet smile. It has manifold effect on the world. And guess what, it costs us nothing. An honest earnest smile can enliven our world like anything. It's the incentive that energizes us and makes us feel so beautiful. Initially it was difficult but from the time when I have started to feel it from within, it just happens. A smiling face ties the ribbon of happiness all around our day and makes us the happiest.

So, let's start now, smile like never before....

Skyful Volcano

2010-03-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: National Geographic

Climbing Out of the Inbox

2010-02-28T03:08:00.000-08:00

According to Joe Robinson, a business coach and trainer, email are making us less creative and--if we're e-mailing when we're doing something else--just plain dumb.

Here are some helpful rules:

• Turn off all visual and sound alerts that announce new mail.

• Check e-mail two to four times a day at designated times and never more often than every 45 minutes.

• Don't let e-mail be the default communication device. Communicating by phone or face-to-face saves time and builds relationships.

• Respond immediately only to urgent issues. Just because a message can be delivered instantly does not mean you must reply instantly.

• Severely restrict use of the reply-all function.

• Put "no reply necessary" in the subject line when you can. No one knows when an e-conversation is over without an explicit signal.

• Resist your reply reflex. Don't send e-mails that say "Got it" or "Thanks."

• Use automatic out-of-office messages to carve out focused work time, such as: "I'm on deadline with a project and will be back online after 4 p.m."

Credit and source: Joe Robinson

Echo of Silence

2010-02-22T07:26:00.000-08:00

Echo of Silence

Credit: pavelsmid

Living life my way

2010-02-13T18:55:00.000-08:00

I feel, attitude is what matters most at the end of the day. Our dispositions, the way we face life, the way we carry ourselves through the turmoils make us what we are. Last week, when someone had to say something derogatory about my boss, I felt very bad. But in retrospect, today, I am not anymore. How does it matter if a rose be called by any other name? I am not affected by what others have to think, feel or say about me. I am not slaves to others thoughts. I have a lot to learn from others and I feel humbled to listen and learn from people. When it comes to pulling down, I have seen people doing that very often and also circumstance, destiny have their part to play. But if I would see the glass half full or half empty depends on me and not on the external forces.

We would get nothing by being judgmental, by being critical and cynical. Who are we to judge? In most cases, we take sides, we get biased and we hurt others. But then, people will continue to do that and we have to take it in our strides. We have to live it.

I face life with gratefulness and love and live it my way. The glass is always half full and I try and make my best effort to make it fuller. This leaves me with a beautiful feeling of being belonged and loved.And I do not fear the criticism anymore.

Amazing Antarctica!

2010-01-31T06:04:00.000-08:00

Courtesy: Dr A Dadiya

We create our pains, we create our happiness..

2010-01-27T07:17:00.000-08:00

With every hurt, every pain every teardrop we are to blame ourselves only. We are the creator of our sadness and hurts. No one can create those for us. A stable mind does not cry, nor does it blame others or allow the darkness to affect him. There could be, there are several stimuli but it's us who create our own pains. Not all cry while watching a sad movie. Some even laugh it off. No one asks us to shed our tears, so no one should be responsible. It's us who decides for ourselves. So, the stimulus as in the sad scene does not really gulp all! So, how can we blame others for creating our pains. We must stay stable, peaceful and try to change ourselves instead of judging others. For it's our life and we are in charge and we must change, grow for the better.

Life is beautiful and happiness is just a choice that we have to make because we are happy creatures. I have been trying to be poise and beautiful. It's not an easy task but trust me we can bring about our happiness by making right kind of choices.

Anne Frank would never die, nor would Miep Gies

2010-01-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

My heartfelt tribute....

Miep Gies, the last survivor among Anne Frank’s protectors and the woman who preserved the diary that endures as a testament to the human spirit in the face of unfathomable evil, died Monday night, the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam said. She was 100.

“I am not a hero,” Mrs. Gies wrote in her memoir, “Anne Frank Remembered,” published in 1987. “I stand at the end of the long, long line of good Dutch people who did what I did and more — much more — during those dark and terrible times years ago, but always like yesterday in the heart of those of us who bear witness.”

Gies remained largely anonymous until an American writer, Alison Leslie Gold, persuaded her to tell her story and worked with her on “Anne Frank Remembered.”

Every Aug. 4, the anniversary of the raid on the annex, Miep and Jan Gies remained at their Amsterdam home. They withdrew from the world and reflected on the lost.

In her diary entry on May 8, 1944, Anne Frank wrote how “we are never far from Miep’s thoughts.”

In her memoir, Mrs. Gies told of her emotions when she finally read the diary.

She wrote: “The emptiness in my heart was eased. So much had been lost, but now Anne’s voice would never be lost. My young friend had left a remarkable legacy to the world.

“But always, every day of my life, I’ve wished that things had been different. That even had Anne’s diary been lost to the world, Anne and the others might somehow have been saved.

“Not a day goes by that I do not grieve for them.”

source: nytimes

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T02:58:00.000-08:00

I do not take resolutions, I never have. I feel, most resolutions are half hearted and only to be broken. What's the use if you do not stick to your diet and pledge for a healthy living! What's the point of vouching for a cleaner and greener world when you are going to litter the lane! What's the point in hoping to make a better living when we are not going to live life differently! So, I only hope for a better living shifting my consciousness to a greater goal of living it well. Some points that would make me strong and worldly:

Let go, let go, let go

Do not plan for long term, for we never know what's going to happen tomorrow

Do not ask questions to which there are no answers

Live the moment. Doing the chores can wait...

Listen more, appreciate and be grateful

Instead of highlighting the crooked nose appreciate my beautiful eyes

Do not think of negativity. Try to understand people, give benefit of doubts

Grow a support system, happiness network that ensure spiritual and physical upliftment

I should not be judgmental as it only hurts more

And, love more, laugh more, live more

Happy New Year!

The Magnificent Tail of Comet McNaught

2009-12-20T03:36:00.000-08:00

Credit & Copyright: Robert H. McNaught

Comet McNaught, the Great Comet of 2007, was the brightest comet of the last 40 years. Its spectacular tail spread across the sky and was breathtaking to behold from dark locations for many Southern Hemisphere observers. The head of the comet remained quite bright and was easily visible to even city observers without any optical aide. Part of the spectacular tail was visible just above the horizon after sunset for many northern observers as well. Comet C/2006 P1 (McNaught), which reached an estimated peak brightness of magnitude -6 (minus six), was caught by the comet's discoverer in the above image soon after sunset in 2007 January from Siding Spring Observatory in Australia. The robotic Ulysses spacecraft fortuitously flew through Comet McNaught's tail and found, unexpectedly, that the speed of the solar wind dropped significantly.

Live life to the fullest...

2009-12-19T11:07:00.000-08:00

Credit: freeweb