A spicy treat

Spices are so important in cooking; they are an integral part of every kitchen. Whether you use the simple salt and pepper or the more complicated and exotic mix of spices, no dish can be the same without a touch of seasoning. I love cooking, and I love spices of all kinds. I have visited the spice markets in many cities in India, and I’m always mesmerized by the experience. The sounds, the pungent smells just take over your senses and transport you to a whole different planet.

Recently, I went on a short vacation to Kerala in the south of India with my husband. We visited a little town called Thekkady which is famous for its spices, and so as a treat my husband decided to take me to visit a spice plantation there. I was very excited; since I wanted to know all about spices, how they grow and how they are treated before packaging them off for the markets. And so, off we went to the plantation, where the owner took us on a little tour. The owner was such a charming little man, with his little ways to keep his audience interested in his small talk! He would take us to a plant, ask us to guess which one it was, and then almost in a theatrical way he would pick a little pod and make us smell and taste it before revealing its name!

The first one on the visit was a cardamom plant. I saw the pods and guessed it was a pepper plant. Well it wasn’t, and I knew it when he picked up a green pod, split it and made us taste the seeds. I have never tasted cardamom as strong in flavor as this, and that he explained was because it was still very green. Once the pods are ripe they are picked and dried under the shade, that’s why the skin retains its green color. Next he took us to a huge tree, took out a little knife and scraped up a little piece of the bark, and I immediately knew it was cinnamon, since I do have a little knowledge about the basic spices. Yes, cinnamon is actually a bark of a tree and even when scraped right off the tree it still is incredibly flavorsome. The leaf of this tree is actually the Indian bay leaf and is used extensively in Indian recipes.

The next stop was at a pepper plant; well actually it isn’t a plant at all it’s a flowering vine. The pods of pepper are picked at different times in their growth stage and treated differently to get green pepper, white pepper and black pepper. And so we kept going from one plant to another. He had an amazing variety of spices growing in his plantation. We saw vanilla, cocoa beans, coffee plants, ginger, pineapple, asafetida, cloves, star anise, and a few herbs like holy basil, sweet basil, lemongrass and even a rubber tree. He showed us how they collect rubber and process it for industrial use.

My head was spinning by the time we finished the tour, I’d learnt so much I wasn’t even sure if I remembered it all. But my favorite was the vanilla. Vanilla belongs to the orchid family and is one of the most expensive spices in the world. The vines produce a fruit which when left on the plant will ripen and grow into a vanilla pod. The pod on its own doesn’t have any flavor or smell. It needs to be picked at the right time and dried in the right way, only then will it give out its amazing flavor. There’s nothing more fantastic than the flavor of fresh vanilla scraped out right from the pod.

That afternoon I came away with a large bag full of fresh spices and a heady feeling from all the pungent smells!

Linus Orakles
http://www.authorclub.info/

Baby Names – Importance and Effects:

Name is the combination of letters designating the entity of an individual. Names include personal name, place-names, heading of works of art, brand names, etc. Naming is the procedure of handing over a particular word or a combination of words to an individual. Babies are important part of anybody’s life and the process of naming the baby is considered very important by most of the people.

In some cultures, people use to keep the names of gods and goddesses to their children with the faith that when they call the baby by the god or goddesses name they are getting the grace of god. In many cultures, naming the baby is celebrated as a function by inviting friends, relatives and neighbors. In this function the father of the child whispers the selected name on the baby’s ear three times. Nowadays, people are very much interested in giving a different, an attractive and a modern name to their babies. Throughout history, people have placed much importance on selecting the names for their babies.

Most couple picks the name of their baby on the basis of their meaning, and they also see whether the name goes best with the last name. Name is very important because it is only the name of a person, which acts as a first impression to others. When you select a name for your baby you should see that the name should be easy for others to pronounce, so that your baby does not feel bad about the wrong way in which his/her name is spelled when he/she grows up.

Selecting the name of the baby is the first decision made by you in his/her life, so you should be careful in selecting the perfect name for your baby. Some cultures invite village elders and holy men for naming their babies.

In some cultures zodiac plays an important role in selecting the name of the babies. Some consults Nameologists to decide a name from a list of selected names. Some people consult numerologists for deciding a name, who decides the name on the basis of the date of birth of the baby.

You can find several baby names on websites. Many websites show several baby names with their meaning, but if you decide to go with your culture to select your baby name you will definitely end in finding a good name for your baby going to join you in a few months.

It has been found that the name of the child has some effects on the development of child. So, you should keep your child’s development in mind, when you are selecting a name for your baby. In the beginning stages, your child will not understand the meaning or the uniqueness in his/her name, but when he/she grows up, he/she should not feel bad about the name selected by her parents.

When your child grows and start going to school he/she will be in a new atmosphere and will find many children of his age there. This is the period he/she will find effect of his/her name. They start developing some skills at this stage and if he/she gets abused because of his/her name it will have a serious effect on his/her development. If the child has a bad name the other children will start hurting the child and will curb the child from developing his/her social skills. When your child grows further and goes to mid school and high school level he/she will suffer a lot because of his/her embarrassed name. Children hate to have friendship with a guy having a peculiar name so your child might be all alone without friends. Sometimes having a unique name (not a peculiar name) will be advantageous since his/her name makes the child noticeable, which will in turn develop his/her confidence level.

Researchers have found that the name of the child will have an effect on the academic performance of the child. It has been found that girls with non-feminine names are most likely to select science or mathematics as their main subject for higher education than the girls with feminine names. Researchers have proved that the name of the child will have a psychological effect on its development. So, the parents should be cautious about this.

The exam results of children with peculiar names were compared with that of brother/sister who has a common name, and it was found that the children with peculiar names score less marks when compared to their brothers/sisters with common names. It has also been found that the reason behind this is that the teachers were simply judging the children by their names. So, when you decide to select a different name for your baby you should be careful about the consequences. Select a best name for your child considering the importance of your child’s development!!!

Linus Orakles
http://www.authorclub.info/

Mistakes? Change your attitude

It is possible for everyone to do a mistake. But, it may not be possible for everyone to avoid doing it again. Why do we repeat mistakes? Is it because of lack of seriousness? No, it is not always. We do see it very seriously, but it will be repeated. Whenever we take it more seriously, chances are more to do the same error again. This is because our activities follow our attention. After doing a mistake our mind will hang out on the same, leaving all right things and happy events. With all our mental strength, we concentrate at the mistake, and the mind will be full of confusions, guilty feelings, and embarrassment. This state of mind can very easily go to the negative side and thus leading to another error.

Giving so much importance to a mistake is like making a path for another mistake. If we can see the error in a lighter way, mental energy will be wasted for it. So the abundance of mind energy is not available for seeking various options for the next step. This is same in case of personal and official life. The mind should be concentrated and focused to have creative thinking. So, do not hinder the chances of good decisions and actions from our thoughts, by clinging to the mistake.

We should really care for our mistakes. Making it light will not make any difference in the seriousness, but it will avoid complicating and compounding the problems. It is difficult to laugh at our own mistakes, though it is easy for others. Laughing at other’s mistakes do not give any kind of pleasure, rather, as it is generated from jealousy, it makes your mind dirty. So, practice to laugh at yourself on your mistakes. This will definitely give a positive frame for the matters, and when it is positive, the solutions can naturally be originated. In this process what we are actually trying is, to create positive energy in mind. When we do a mistake, immediately our energy level can go down. To make it mount to the required position, we should use our inner capabilities. If you are going to worry on the mistake, the energy level will go to negative. A light mind only can see the things positively.

Mistakes are the milestones in the path of growing. Nobody can avoid them. Never infer the mistakes as your inability. If you change the way you look at your mistakes, you will see a great difference in life.

Linus Orakles
http://www.authorclub.info/

Migraine - The Painful Headache

Migraine headache is a very big health problem that many of the people encounter in day to day life. Generally headaches may be the symptoms of other illnesses, or it can happen due to other reasons. Headache is of different varieties and the classifications are:
Migraine Headache
Tension Headache
Cluster Headache
Sinus Headache
Neuralgic Pain
Headache with intracranial lesions
Miscellaneous Headaches.

MIGRAINE:
It is a particular type headache which is very painful. It is estimated that 10% of the total population of the world suffer from migraine. A migraine headache is felt in the temple region and around the eye on the same side. Recurring attacks of severe pain is natural in migraine. The problems can be maximized by nausea, vomiting, double vision and dizziness. Normally at the beginning stage the pain will be one-sided and later it can spread all over. The duration of this headache can be very long even up to two days. Normally the duration will be 8-10 hours.

Migraine is classified generally as common migraine, classic migraine and complicated migraine. The international Headache society has given a detailed classification for migraine based on the nature of pain, causes of pain etc, and so it is easy to understand.

In some cases of migraine, the people can sense the onset of pain by different symptoms. The symptoms of the aura are fatigue, depression, loss of memory, irritation to light and sound, lack of concentration and disturbed sleep. The period of these symptoms is of great importance, as we can have abortive drugs at this time. But Migraine can occur without aura also. A sudden pain can break out and can grow very fast. For treatment of migraine, the patient should be able to provide the details of the nature of the pain experienced. A very important nature of migraine is, it usually associates with nausea and vomiting. Sometimes the nausea and vomiting can occur even without headache in connection with migraine.

Though migraine is common in men and women, women are more prone to the attack of it. Migraine pains can be precipitated by tension, anxiety, stress, consumption of alcohol and certain food items, lack of sleep, hormonal changes and some environmental factors. It is better for a migraine patient to remember the history of pain, so that the reason can be found out and can be avoided. This type of headache can be hereditary also. So, family history is also important for the treatment.

There are two theories behind the occurrence of migraine, which are neurogenic theory and vasoconstriction theory. According to both these theories it is caused by the narrowing of blood vessels, which leads to deficiency of blood to the area in which it takes place. Migraine attacks can activate sympathetic nervous system that controls responses to stress and pain and it can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Also, the sympathetic nervous activity delays emptying of stomach into the small intestine and thus prevents medicines taken by the patient, entering in the intestine and being absorbed. This is the reason for ineffectiveness of medicines taken after the start of migraine pain. The increased sympathetic activity also decreases circulation of blood and it increases sensitivity.

In the treatment of migraine, the main aim is to reduce the frequency of attacks, to abort the migraine threat and to reduce the pain. There are some medicines which are used to prevent migraine but they have no effect in pain relieving. These medicines can be taken only on the advice of a physician. Also some group of drugs is there to abort the pain at the onset of aura itself. These medicines cannot be repeated if pain is not aborted by the first use. All these need a prescription of a medical practitioner. Pain killers can be used to get relief from pain during the migraine attack. The pain relievers are of different nature and the effect can vary from one person to other.

To avoid migraine, one has to be aware of the migraine attack and to be cautious about the causes. It is better and easy to prevent migraine than trying for the cure. Moreover, taking precautions can save you from staying away from migraine forever.

Linus Orakles
http://www.authorclub.info/

Wedding Jewelry

Ornaments and jewelries are an unforgettable part of every wedding. Be it a simple Christian wedding or a lavish oriental wedding, jewelry constitute an important aspect of every marriage. Wedding jewelry not only enhances the beauty of the bride and the groom it also adds grandeur to the occasion. While gold, silver, diamonds and pearls are mostly used for making all kinds of wedding jewelry. Semi precious stones and gold plated costume jewelry are also quite popular as wedding jewelry. You may also opt for a set of designer watches, and gift wrap it for the bride and the groom. Depending on your budget you may go for a pearl sets or crystal ornaments while choosing the right kind of present for a wedding. If you can afford, get a designer to design and custom make all the jewelry for the bride and the groom!

Bridal Jewelry
The bride is the centre of attraction at any wedding. Choose elegant yet light jewelry for a modern bride. A smart diamond pendant along with matching ear pieces is just perfect for the Christian bride. You may also opt for pink pearl sets for the bride. Whatever design you choose, see to it that it complements the bridal outfit. Bracelets, crystal jewelry are also good gifts for the bride. A tiny diamond crown can instantly transform the bride into a princess! Rings and armlets would also look great on the bride. Costume jewelry and custom made jewelry can bring about a designer look to the bride.

An oriental bride, however, would look best with heavy ornaments. Intricate art works on gold and silver jewelry coupled with kundan work on them would perfectly suit the grandeur of an oriental marriage. Bangles and wristlets will surely make her look more pretty. A diamond or a gold tiara can bring an ethnic look to the Asian bride. Necklaces and long earrings go well with flowing oriental dresses; hence an Asian bride must go for gold or platinum jewelry. Silver ankle rings and anklets are also a must for an Indian bride.

Jewelry for the Groom
Although most people cannot think of a proper jewelry for the groom, boys can look quite handsome with the right kind of accessory. Brooches, rings and silver bracelets go well with suits. Designer tie pins and cufflings can also make him look quite smart on the special day. A no non sense look is an absolute must for the groom’s jewelry. Asian and oriental grooms, however, can easily sport gold chains and gold rings. They may also go for gold wristlets. A digital wrist watch studded with diamonds can be the best accessory for any guy on his wedding. One may also choose from gold plated and platinum band wrist watches. Guests can also offer cell phone charms and guitar key rings to the groom. If the groom is a rock star one can easily go for ear studs and earrings for the groom that would best suit his personality.

Linus Orakles
http://www.authorclub.info/

The Scourge of Swine Flu and Preventions and Precautions required for countering it

While the death of Rida Sheikh, the first schoolgirl in India to die of Swine Flu, and the controversy that erupted after it, has highlighted the ugly faces of both the malady and the government, that has been blaming the child’s family for her demise and the consequent spread of the virus in Maharashtra, there is a dire need to be more vigilant about the disease and to take precautions for its prevention in case one comes across any tell-tale signs.

Though the Indian government is yet to do something about the disease that has already been declared a pandemic by the WHO, there is hardly time to sit around and wait for them to act. Instead of waiting for the administration to step in, the situation calls for some initiatives on the part of the public to curb the disease. Swine flu is no more restricted to the pigs, but as is already evident, has started infecting humans, with disastrous results.

Who are more at risk--Besides Rida Sheikh, several lives have been lost to the pandemic in the US, particularly in Mexico. Those who died were among the age group of 20 to 50 years. However, the disease knows no bias when it comes to infecting a person and can occur in anyone including children as in the case of Rida Sheikh if proper precautions are not taken. It can affect anyone with underlying health problems.

Commonly referred to as H1N1 virus, it has the capacity of being transferred from one person to another, which makes it all the more deadly. According to doctors and health experts, Swine Flu symptoms are much akin to the normal flu and include fever, cough, fatigue, body ache, besides nausea and diarrhea. These are largely witnessed among people who have visited the West. Hence it would be only wise to consult a doctor and start treatment as soon as the symptoms appear.

Precautions
The foremost and the chief among the precautions suggested by most doctors in this regard is maintenance of a healthy diet. Besides this adoption of healthy and hygienic practices as the habit of washing hands, especially after touching a contaminated surface, to ensure that the virus is not transmitted through the hands to oneself or anyone else.

Keeping the immune system strong by eating well is the most important thing that should be taken care of. Hence consuming healthy food to stay fit is very important. A wholesome diet comprising immunity boosters like whole grains, colorful vegetables and vitamin-rich fruits should be taken, while foods comprising sugar and fat should be avoided. One should duly avoid alcoholic beverages that are known to suppress the immunity.

Besides this one should drink plenty of water. Experts advise drinking 8 - 10 glasses of water a day to keep the body well hydrated. Exercising can help in flushing out toxins and can boost the immune system well, hence, due care should be taken to exercise and stay fit. And apart from this, nothing can help as well as a healthy and healing sleep, which can work wonders for anyone. Therefore it is advisable to go to bed in time and have a restful sleep as this can help a lot in keeping the disease at bay. However, one should also try and stay away from those who are infected with the disease.

Above all, one should stay stress free in all circumstances as anxiety can play a major dampener in one’s efforts to stay fit and healthy.

What to do if already infected
Keeping a level head at all times even in case if one is infected with the H1N1 virus can go a long way in helping to curb the disease from spreading or taking a deadly form. According to experts, this ailment can be tackled by taking some medicines that are available in the market, but in consultation with and under the watchful eye of an experienced doctor. Some experts even advise taking medication along with doses of Vitamin C plus Hydrogen peroxide. The least that an infected person can do to prevent the disease from spreading to others is not to mingle with others and stay at home. Following precautions as covering one’s mouth while coughing or sneezing can help a lot in such situations.

Linus Orakles
http://www.authorclub.info/

Single Parenting – The Child’s loss

We see a lot of single parents who feel proud to bring up their children single handedly. I have heard some of them saying, “I never let my child feel the absence of his mother or father”. Its good if people think that way. But aren’t you being selfish when you say that?

Have you ever asked your children whether they miss their other parent?
There are different roles played by the mother and the father. A mother cannot become a father and vice versa. A child needs both the parents to learn ways of life. Affection and love of a mother cannot be replaced by the affection of the father. It is said that daughters are more attached to their father and the sons to the mother. And this really has a big significance.

It is natural that a child needs both parents to grow up. Usually single parents are divorced. A divorce usually is a result of family disturbance or prolonged misunderstandings and lack of cohesion between spouses. Imagine what a child goes through amongst all the disturbances. Ego fights between parents makes the child nervous and de-motivated. The child looses confidence and gets scared of any activity. When spouses go in for a divorce or separation, they usually do not think about the child’s feelings. There are so many cases where the spouses fight for the child’s custody but they forget that the child wants to stay with both. Fighting for child custody is just an eyewash to show the world how much the parents care for the child. The child on the other hand suffers the most. Its such a difficult situation when the child needs to decide which parent to choose. Parents have no right to decide who the child wants. It’s the responsibility of both the parents to respect the child’s rights.

Linus Orakles
http://www.authorclub.info/