Why pregnant women should have yogurt

Yogurt is not only tasty, but is also healthy, especially for pregnant women. And reinstating this fact is the results of a new study, which suggests that yogurt containing probiotic bacteria may protect children and pregnant women against heavy metal exposure. The researchers found a significant protective effect of it against mercury and arsenic in pregnant women.

According to lead researcher Gregor Reid, this is important as 'reduction in these compounds in the mothers could presumably decrease negative developmental effects in their foetus and newborns'.

The researchers created and distributed a special yogurt containing lactobacillus rhamnosus bacteria and observed the outcomes against a control group. Their lab research indicated that the bacteria had a great affinity for binding toxic heavy metals. The results obtained in the children studied showed benefits like lowering toxin levels.

Some More reasons why they must include it in their diet
Pregnant women need a whole lot of calcium reserve as the foetus in their wombs uses this calcium to grow and develop their body structure. Yogurt is extremely rich in calcium and is a great way to build bones.

Yogurt is also abundant in folic acid and proteins. Most importantly, the good bacteria in this diary product prevents stomach upset and yeast infections, thus soothing a pregnant woman's tummy.

Quick ways to enjoy your fix:
- Nothing can taste better than plain yogurt. Have it as it is to enjoy its flavour.
- You can also blend it with fruits and vegetables to make yummy smoothies.
- Yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream and mayo in sandwiches and salads. Not only is it healthy, but is also low in calories.
- You can also layer your cereals with yogurt and add fruits to it for a healthy snacking option.

(With inputs from IANS)

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Play up your waves

Wavy hair looks extremely chic if styled properly. Here are a few ways you can play up those waves:

Scrunch: Take a dollop of mousse and scrunch your hair. Then run through your fingers a couple of times to give it a roughed-up and bouncy look.
Hair-dryer to get a messed-up look: After you wash your hair, use a blow-dryer to add volume to the waves. Instead of a comb, use a brush to give your locks a stylish look.
Add streaks to your waves: If you want to glam up your waves, use hues of brown, honey gold and red.

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The things you should know about your makeup

Women love their makeup. Ask any woman to throw away her precious (expired) cosmetics and chances are that you'll get a dirty or indignant look. But what most women don't realise is that hoarding cosmetics and keeping them for years will do more harm than good.

Beauty experts say that it is avoidable to keep makeup for years and that it is a good habit to go through your makeup kit at least once a year so that you can chuck out things that are well past their use date. Not only will expired products use up space, they can also wreak havoc on your skin.

Your mascara, liquid eyeliners and kajals should ideally be replaced every six months because each time you use them and put the wand back in, it accumulates harmful bacteria. Just because you haven't finished a tube of mascara, doesn't mean you use it forever. Do your eyes a favour and spend a bit on your eye makeup items.

But makeup sponges and eye makeup brushes in bulk — this way you can use them just a couple of times and chuck them away. Don't keep cleaning the sponges repeatedly — they'll just collect germs, which you will end up putting on your face unknowingly.

Your bottle of liquid foundation ideally should be kept for just about over a year. Keep it in a cool place and never ever use your fingers for application — stick to a sponge or brush.

Lip glosses and lipsticks can just about last for two years before you should throw them away. Similarly, compact powder can be safely used for two months unless the powder has changed colour.

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Grooms opt for breast reduction surgeries

Cosmetic and plastic surgeon and hair transplant expert Dr Manoj Khanna tells us more about Gynecomastia.

The market for cosmetic surgery in India is swelling rapidly due to the intense urge among people to look good and feel good about their own selves. Who doesn't want that perfect body, pleasing face and a charming demeanor? The desire to look one's best escalates manifold on one's special day, that of one's wedding!

It is the day when brides and grooms wish to turn up in their most superlative avatars to make their marriage the dream event it is meant to be. The time when only brides used to fret about their looks on the wedding day is passe. Today, even a groom pulls all stops to look like a veritable 'prince charming' and make heads turn. In the hullabaloo of marriage, when to-be-brides go in for all kinds of facials and bridal treatments to add that extra glow on their faces, grooms too try to sort out their own set of problems.

One such problem that is prevalent among men is 'Gynecomastia' which is an endocrine disorder that leads to enhancement of the breast tissue in males. Men usually overlook this problem by wearing loose clothes, trying to trick their own selves in the process. But the only way to solve a problem is to deal with it. And the time when most men gain the guts to go in for a bit of cosmetic treatment is when they are about to become grooms. This is when cosmetic procedures like 'Liposuction' and 'Male Breast Reduction' take the lead.

Gynaecomastia is a medical term that is taken from the Greek word for 'lady-like breasts'. It implies an expansion of the male breast as a consequence of an irregularity in the glandular tissue. This disorder can be seen in 40-60% of men in different degrees.

Male Breast Reduction

Cosmetic procedures like 'Male Breast Reduction' are the best option to deal with this absurd disorder. Broadened male breasts can be lessened by liposuction or by removing overabundance of the glandular tissue.

The procedure for male breast reduction normally takes two hours, ordinarily on an outpatient premise, utilizing general or local anesthesia. During the procedure, the exorbitant glandular tissue is uprooted which is why it might take some more time to complete the process. The outcome is much better when everything that is not required is taken out.

Liposuction

Liposuction is the most widely performed cosmetic procedure in the world. The procedure is carried out to remove the fattening tissue under a general soporific. Modest cuts are then made around the areola and at different places in the midsection so that a minor metal tube (cannula) could be inserted in the zone for the suction of the greasy tissue.

Provided that it is essential, a percentage of the glandular tissue is evacuated through cuts at the fringe of the areola. The entry points are then sutured to give a better shape to the midsection. The fastens will be of dissolving nature hence they don't need to be uprooted by the patient and they also won't leave any visible scars.

Lipoplasty

Male breast reduction surgery may be performed separately or in combination with Lipoplasty (also called Liposuction), where the suction apparatus is regularly embedded through the existing cuts. For the removal of abundant greasy tissue, doing liposuction alone would serve the purpose. In this case, there are minute scars which disappear in due course of time.

This procedure may take between 1-3 hours after which the patient can go home or contingent upon the single patient. Generally patients can go home or be under medical supervision for a few days, depending on the condition of the patient.

A lot of grooms are now taking up these safe and expedient procedures to remove the awkward element from their lives and to begin their conjugal lives with a renewed freshness. If a single procedure can metamorphose the entire appearance and confidence of a person on their big day, then it's definitely worth a try!

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Diwali jewels that will have you sparkling

Celebrate this Diwali with the usual aplomb, and heighten the extravagance and opulence associated with this season in jewellery that's attuned to the latest in fashion.

What better time to flaunt your dazzling gold and diamonds than this festival of lights? From the card party to Laxmi Puja, there are plenty of occasions to deck up to the nines in jewels complimenting traditional as well as fusion attire. Shop for these styles and you'll be the diva of Diwali this year.

Temple jewellery: Designs from long gone depicting gods, goddesses, sacred motifs, ornate flowers, leaves and birds are enjoying a revival in the market. "Indians are going back to their ancient roots and temple jewellery is a perfect fit for those looking for a slice of history," says a jeweller in Mumbai, whose clients are turning up with photographs of temple-designed ornaments for him to replicate. Although it might seem cumbersome for wearers with delicate shoulders, the beauty of temple jewellery is that it's so ornate that even the plainest attire gets a dose of glamour with it. Temple jewellery looks great on Indian as well as fusion clothing that makes use of Indian textiles or motifs.

Polki: The rise in the price of diamonds has led to a surge in the demand for polki (uncut diamonds) combined with diamonds. The reason behind this is that a polki-and-diamond necklace set would cost a lot less than a necklace made entirely of diamonds. Whether you buy something set in exquisite patterns or opt for a pair of simple polki strands, it's a hot buy for the season. Look for designs embellished with rubies, diamonds or pearls. Trending this season are elaborate rings, bracelets and earrings in polki set in traditional patterns.

Oversized stones: Things are getting bigger (and better) this Diwali, when it comes to precious and semi-precious stones at least. Big-sized diamonds are in demand. So, instead of many small diamonds in a pave setting, hunt down a solitaire diamond in a prong setting. Solitaires are classics, so they won't ever look outdated. Experiment with the shapes of diamonds and semi-precious stones.

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Famous Bookstores of College Street in Kolkata

Despite stiff competition online, College Street bookstores are still doing brisk business.

The recent e-tailing boom in India has had little impact on the average Kolkatans' romance with College Street -the Mecca for the city's booklovers. This is what CT discovered when it walked the street on a rain-drenched afternoon and interacted with some of its most popular and old booksellers.

NATIONAL BOOKSTORE: Located opposite Presidency University, this store never has had a dearth of customers since it was established in the 1990s. Of course, this constant flow of customers can be attributed to its enviable collection of books covering almost all education needs of college and school students.Obviously, it is one of the first choices for students who come book-hunting on College Street."National Bookstore has always been my first choice. Their collection is truly enviable. I also look forward to sip some coffee at the adjoining coffee house after a good day of shopping," said Anandamoy Chatterjee, a third-year student of Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur.

SRI AUROBINDO PATHAMANDIR: This one is primarily a religious centre that also sells books. Established on August 15, 1941, this store has a rich religious and cultural heritage, since it not only sells books but also engages attends book fairs, participates in ancholik melas in Uttarpara and Siliguri and holds frequent lectures on Sri Aurobindo's religious philosophy. Maintained chiefly by followers and currently managed by the fourth generation of the founders, the bookstore has grown bigger and better. Dilip Kumar Chatterjee, who helms the business and is a member of the managing committee, said their centre was not motivated by profit but by the desire to increase awareness about Sri Aurobindo and his philosophy.The store also has editions of Savitri published in the 1950s.

DASGUPTA & CO. PVT LTD: This historic bookstore, established in 1886 by Girish Dasgupta in a modest structure on 9 Shyamachoron Street, is the oldest such establishment on College Street. The store subsequently shifted to its present location in the early 1900s and hasn't looked back since. Four generations later, it is still one of the most popular and successful bookstores on College Street. But this journey hasn't been without its share of turbulence. From sagging sales during the emergency to communal riots and violent protests against stocking of controversial books like DH Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover, the store has gone through it all. "An angry crowd barged into our store and beat up our staff because we were one of the few shops which had dared to keep the book in stock," said Aurobindo Dasgupta, the current owner of the bookstore, which is also one of the few that still boasts of the first editions of various rare publications.

BANI LIBRARY: Established in 1954 by Basudeb Dhar, Bani Library is another of the grand old bookstores on College Street. Currently managed by the fifth generation, the store has felt the impact of online and offline competition, leading to reduced sales, but still has an enviable collection of science and social science books.

CHUCKERVERTY AND CHATTERJEE: Established in 1910 by APC Ray, this bookstore has since transformed from a modest one-storied establishment to a two-storied showroom. And all this after surviving a fire that started at Albert College Hall and spread to the store. "Earlier, books were a necessity, but now, they are more of a luxury. Still, there's been an increase in sales despite competition from online stores. But the demand for Bengali books is on a decline," said Pinaki Majumdar of the bookstore, which boasts of rare editions like Modh ushudhon Majumdar's novels and Minutes by APC Ray.

Compiled by Akash Ghosh

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Start your morning with skin icing

Want to feel fresh early morning? Opt for 'skin icing' beauty fix that is said to reduce puffiness, wrinkles and skin pores. Here's your DIY guide:

- Cleanse your face thoroughly using a scrub.
- Wrap one or two ice cubes in a soft washcloth or a gauze.
- Gently rub the cubes, starting from the chin and the jawline to your cheeks and then forehead, in circular movements.
- Take extra care while rubbing it underneath the eyes.
- Don't hold it over a particular part of the skin for more than 10 minutes.
- You can infuse ice cube water with lemon, rosewater or green tea too.

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How to discover your calling

Creator of The Passion Test, Janet Bray Attwood on how to discover your calling

Last Saturday, a group of corporates and young professionals taking home a fancy salary, gathered at a suburban hotel for a day-long seminar with American motivational speaker, Janet Bray Attwood. They admitted to her candidly that while they were getting along fine and liked what they did, they weren't sure what they are passionate about.

Co-author of New York Times bestseller, The Passion Test: The Effortless Path To Discovering Your Destiny, Bray-Attwood was about to help them lead a passionate life.

Here's what she shared with them.

The inner voice talks sense
The universe doesn't play tricks, she said, because what you love and what God wills for you is the same.
"There's a voice within that is always speaking to us. But most people, out of fear -false evidence appearing real -push it away, and settle for mediocrity or a job they don't mind. They let go of things that have the greatest meaning for them," she said.

Love yourself. It works
Incidentally, Bray-Attwood created The Passion Test to get herself out of a job she "hated and failed at miserably". What the test brought her was a rise in self-esteem and realignment with her inner power.
"When you have the courage to say -not only to yourself but to others -that this is what you stand for, care about and love, the wonderful qualities of self-worth come into play," she added.

Play the appreciation game
It's simple, really. Be grateful for everything you have, from your home to your well-paying job, to your loving parents and supportive friends. Bray-Attwood calls this the appreciation game. Each time you feel down, thank aloud for the things that are going right in your life. You'll realise how your inner energy gets a big boost.

Aim for clarity
Gratitude brings with it immense clarity. "And when you are clear, what you want will play out in your life, and only to the extent you are clear," she said. So after playing the appreciation game with yourself, take some time out and figure what you love and have a passion for. It could be simple, sound trivial. No problem. Just make sure it's your true passion. For this, be yourself and be clear about what you want.

Say it out aloud to yourself: this is what I need, this is what I want, and this is what I care about. In each area of your existence (relationship, career, education, health etc), jot down a list of 15 things you are looking for. Start with the sentence, `When my life is ideal, I am...' and infuse `feeling words' that move you. For example, in the area of health, ask yourself what your passion is. "You could say, `when my life is ideal, I am in vibrant health'."

Pick your top 5
Look at each of your 15 passions, and ask yourself, `which is more important, this or that, before you move on to the next. Choose in favour of your greater passion, and write down the top five on a 3"x 5" card. Neuroscientists at University of Pennsylvania discovered that at a time, the mind can handle only five bits of information. "Besides," she said "what you lay your attention on automatically grows stronger in your life."

Choose and score
Ask yourself where you currently stand in living out each. Mark them on a scale of 0 to 10 (10 -there's no room for improvement; 0 -you are not living it at all) "If you have a low score in the relationship category, it means you are consistently choosing in favour of lesser things," she said. "Get over beliefs that limit you. Remember that your life is first created in your mind, then in reality."

Create markers
Mark milestones or guideposts, so you know how far you have come. Let's say, if your passion is to be a `world-renowned concert pianist', your markers could be: A) I performed for heads of state all over the world, B) I have performed with the New York Philharmonic orchestra, C) I have my own television special and D) I earn 1 million USD a year from my performances.
Write these down in a separate book, and peek at them regularly.

Follow habits of success
Review your top passions every day.
Take responsibility for the life you have created. Make time to pray meditate. Eat healthy food. It supports clarity. "Lastly, whenever you are faced with a choice, a decision or an opportunity, chose in favour of your passions," she smiled.

Test of priority
Kinjal Shah, 20, who graduated in June with a Bachelors in Mass Media, also moonlights as a choreographer. Interestingly, through the test, she discovered that dancing was not one of her top five passions.
Currently, a marketing executive with a corporate training group, Shah believed that she is a career-oriented woman, making good money. "I was surprised again that to be a successful, career-oriented, financially independent person featured at number five, while being a good and fun-loving human being came out tops," she said.

"It helped me view my priorities in the right light."

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Guide to shopping on ‘Cyber Monday’ sales

This whole month, online sales will loom large on the horizon. People in your office, your friends, family members and even fellow travelers on your local commute will be seen discussing a great buy they clinched or they heard someone else get, or some buy they just lost.

It's obvious you'd want to be a part of the sale zeitgeist. However, a lot of times it happens that people buy on these sales just for the sake of getting a cheap deal but end up spending on useless things for which they pay almost the same. So here's a handy guide to get a bang for your buck

Make a WishList: Tech blogger Abhimanyu Ghoshal says that a good idea to shop wisely is to make a wish list beforehand, so that you don't end up getting overwhelmed by the number of products being offered on a discount. "A wishlist is a feature where you can select those things which you always wanted to buy but are waiting for the prices to become affordable. During these mega sales, you can always check your wishlist, which will show you if the product is being offered on sale." This way, you won't be buying for the sake of it and getting what you actually want. Another benefit is that you don't have to search for what you want to buy, because the stocks get over rather quickly, at times within minutes.

Shop on apps: Almost all the websites that promote online shopping have a mobile app. While the speed of your internet connection remains the same, their interface is less cluttered and it can help you get to your product much easily. Also, the checkout time is lesser than it is on websites. Sahanand Agarwal, who paid less than 70% for a high end mobile phone on a recent sale said it was the app that helped him make the purchase so quickly. "The phone I wanted was sold out literally within minutes because it was too good a deal to resist. But because I had browsed the app before, I knew just how to reach the phone. It took me less than ten seconds to make the purchase," he beams. This is very much like knowing the inside of a store and making a dash for something that is literally flying off stands.

Browser extensions: If you are shopping on your computer, another nifty trick is to use browser extensions to help you make a good choice. Ghoshal says that he regularly uses these lightweight extensions as they help him avoid blinkered purchases and gather more knowledge about where the product is available cheaply. "These extensions tell you if the product you are buying is available on any other site for cheap. This way, you can avoid all the marketing gimmicks and cut to the chase and see whether the thing that you're buying is actually on a discount or are the rates simply being jacked up, which happened in a recent online sale ."

Subscribe earlier: What a lot of people waste time on is when they put in their address and other shipping details right when they make the purchase. This could result in the thing you're purchasing quickly going out of stock as thousands of people are literally clicking away furiously trying to buy the item. At a recent online sale, a similar thing happened with Nausheen Virani, a Navi Mumbai based resident who was trying to buy an electronic gadget, "When I clicked on the gadget, it was in stock, but I took ten or 15 minutes in putting my shipping and card information. On the checkout screen I got to know that the item was already out of stock," she rues. So, it's best to register your address and card information beforehand.

Time your purchase: In big ticket online sales, timing is of utmost importance. With thousands of people trying to buy the same thing at the same time, the best deals get over within matter of minutes, at times even seconds. So, be alert when there is a big online sale coming up. Know what time the deals start rolling. Very often, these sales starts early in the morning, and if you're up at the time, you can get some incredible deals right away. Check websites that give you information on when the sales start. Many a times, big-ticket retailers themselves leak the information to these websites to attract more customers a month in advance.

Cash on delivery: If you spot a deal and are not registered on that particular website, a good idea is to enter your shipping details and ask for a cash-on-delivery option instead of paying by card. Of course, the biggest advantage is that you completely cut the risk of not getting the product that you have paid for and you don't need to chase the online retailers. Also, it saves you time since you don't have to enter payment details from your card; a process which is manual most of the times and could easily take as much as three to 10 minutes. Also, it's a lot safer, because you are not entering any sensitive credit card information.

Stick to the list: While shopping online, one can follow the same rules that one follows in a shopping mall. The reason is, one can always get lured by glitzy advertising and indulge in impulse buys which one is then stuck with, as most of these websites don't have the option of a refund. So, if you want to avoid wasting money on buying things you would later regret, make a shopping list first. If the product you wanted isn't on that list, strike it off and move on to the next item. This will help you budget well and avoid unnecessary purchases.

What is cyber monday Sale?
- Cyber Monday is a marketing term for the Monday after Thanksgiving in the United States first used in 2005.
- In India,12 December, 2012 was when the first Cyber Monday was held
- According to research, most people shop from their work places on Cyber Mondays, with the main reason being to indulge in shopping away from the eyes of family members!
- The biggest Cyber Monday sale in history was on 27 November 2006 in USA, when customers spent $610 million dollars in 24 hours.
- According to research, most people shop heaviest around 3 pm on these sales, as Monday is a workday

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Kurkuri bhindi aloo recipe

A quick and delicious bhindi-aloo sabzi recipe

When you're running short on time and have to make a quick lunch, here's a recipe which can be a quick fix for a delicious lunch fare:

Ingredients: - Okra (bhindi) 500 grams - Potatoes (medium sized) 3 pieces - Cooking oil (To fry) - Red chilli powder - Cumin powder - Coriander powder - Aamchoor powder - Salt to taste

Recipe: - Cut okra in the length of 1 inch size pieces. - Peel off the potatoes and cut them into 1 inch size pieces as well. - Heat the cooking oil in a frying pan - Deep fry okra till it turns golden brown; now put the fried okra pieces in a plate. Do use tissue papers to remove the excessive oil from fried okra. - Now deep fry potato pieces till they turn golden in colour. Put them in a plate and remove excessive oil with tissue papers. - Now, in another pan, take few drops of oil and heat it. - To this heated oil, add chilli powder, turmeric powder, cumin and coriander powder as per your taste and toss the fried okra and potato pieces in it together.
- Add salt to taste. You may add aamchoor powder.

Serve this quick sabzi with parathas or chapatis

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How to use ginger for better health

It is a well known fact that a majority of Indians prefer home remedies to OTC drugs. The use of ginger is numero uno when it comes to curing common cold and cough.

But there are other reasons why ginger is a remedial herb. Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee, Ayurvedic consultant with Satvikshop.com shares some top tips and methods to use ginger for various ailments. Read on to discover how you can use ginger for better health.

Why is ginger important?

Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee explains the importance of ginger, "Ginger is very popularly used in Ayurveda for its benefits in digestion and respiratory disorders. It is a wonderful carminative, ant flatulent, stimulant and expectorant." She adds, "Ginger has many useful minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc and few others."

Ginger as an appetizer?

Our specialist also makes a unique point about the benefits ginger, "When used before meals, ginger improves appetite by igniting jatharagni (digestive fire) due to its hot potency. It also enhances digestion due to its pungent taste and alleviates ama (toxins of indigestion) from the body."

Besides cold, ginger is useful for...

"Fresh juice of ginger is used to cure symptoms of cough and cold. It helps stop watery discharge from nose and help cure headache and fever associated with common cold if taken in tea or as decoction with basil and honey," Dr. Jaishree continues to list hidden benefits of ginger.

How is ginger beneficial for travellers?

"Ginger regulates digestive enzymes and improves assimilation and transportation of nutrients to body tissues. When kept in mouth before travelling it helps combat motion sickness."

Did you know, ginger is good for joint pain?

The doctor let's you in on a secret, "Dried ginger or sounth has analgesic and anti inflammatory properties which is used therapeutically to alleviate joint pain and inflammation in arthritis. Other than these situations, ginger is an excellent spice that can be used daily."

Different ways of using ginger for home remedies

We have mentioned the health benefits of ginger, now check out different ways to use it.

"One can eat thin slices of ginger in a salt and limejuice mixture before and after meals to improve appetite and digestion."

This can be the perfect remedy for fussy children. And adults too: Ginger could be a replacement for wine as an appetizer.

"It can be used in cooking as a fresh spice to enhance the taste."

Cooking enthusiasts will agree with this point; ginger is used extensively in Indian curries.

"Therapeutically ginger juice is mixed with basil leaves juice and honey to cure cough and cold."

Tulsi, ginger and honey - are three most beneficial ingredients and fighters for the common cold.

"Used as dried powder as analgesic and anti inflammatory agent for joint pains."

If you can't locate an ayurvedic store, you dry the ginger yourself and grind it.

"Ginger juice application is said to be good for hypo pigmented patches on your skin."

Bet you didn't know this skin care property of ginger.

"It can be used in scrubs and baths for fresh rejuvenating aroma."

Not sure if ginger would give you a refreshing fragrance.

A point to note: we have mentioned how ginger can be used for several ailments, but it would be wise to consult a doctor before for an intensive treatment. Ginger along with exercises, medication and healthy diet can reduce joint pain. These home remedies can complement your medical treatment but it should not be the only treatment.

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

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10 tips to impress your boyfriend's parents

He has popped the question, and you are seeking mom and dad's approval. Here's how to make a big impression

Dress appropriately
First impression may not be the last, but it does leave a lasting image. Reserve those sexy clothes for dates, and go for something more old-school. At the same time, you don't have to dress to the dimes. A pretty kurta teamed with tights is your safest options. The look is simple and chic.

Take a gift along

It's your first time at their place. You don't want to go empty-handed. Parents want to feel respected for their position. So take some time out from your schedule, and go gift shopping with your guy. Buy them something they would use or need. Don't opt for something exorbitant or fancy. Like your clothes, keep the gift simple. You don't want it to come across like a bribe.

Go prepared
The aim of this meeting is to win the parents over. Treat it like a job interview. Do your homework. If you can, find out more about them in advance. Get a sense of the family's culture. Ask your boyfriend about their likes and dislikes, so that you know what direction to veer your conversation in.

Let them do the talking
Once you've exchanged the pleasantries, follow their cues and let them start the talking. Avoid being overfriendly or too restrained. Sit back, and learn more about your 'to-be' through them. Once you have warmed up sufficiently, start sharing stuff about yourself. Although you may be awkward in a situation like this, you don't want them to think you are withholding information. A good idea is to rehearse a mock conversation with your boyfriend.

Spare the man
Chances are that most of your conversation will revolve around the boy. Sharing stories and wanting to know more about him can be tempting, but see to it that you don't get together with his parents and pick on him. His parents might want you to spill the beans about his quirks, but respect him and avoid it.

Don't be a know-it-all
So, you know everything from the colour of his favourite shirt to how he loves mixing sauce with anything that he eats. Good for you. But don't be Miss Blah-Blah in front of his parents. Understand that they know him better than you. Families can get fiercely protective. Even if you're truly-madly-deeply in love, they'll feel like they've got years on you. So relax, and go with the flow.

Refrain from PDA
Sit next to your guy, but avoid holding hands. Don't even think about cuddling. Sure, their parents aren't stupid and know that the two of you may have been up to mischief. But don't flash it in their face. Be graceful.

Watch his ways
He may not be the otherwise loony-puppy-in-love around his parents. Instead, he may behave like a tantrum-throwing teenager. As long as he isn't being a brat, you can relax. However, if he's being too evasive or mean to you, have a chat with him post the rendezvous, and tell him that you didn't appreciate his behaviour. It's important that he treats you well in front of his parents.

Ignore the ex-factor
Okay, so they may have been completely smitten by one of his ex-girlfriends. Perhaps, your guy even brought her home. But don't be too bothered. It's the story of his past and doesn't matter anymore. If his folks bring it up, don't dig too much. Smile and simply change the subject. He loves you and they love him.

Another chance
And if you don't hit it off with them at the outset, don't beat yourself black and blue about it. Give them the benefit of doubt. Perhaps, like you, they too were shy and needed time to open up. Remember, there's always a second chance.

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How to run a successful start-up

Establishing a start-up of any kind isn't easy and managing it is an altogether daunting task. Here are a few tips to lead a new venture competitively.

A vital quality for successful entrepreneurs, leadership skills are important while being at the helm of a start-up. It is niche since holding the reins of a new venture entails effectively managing employees who leave the allure of big organisations to work in a different environment and take up opportunities that wouldn't usually come their way.
Shubhra Bhardwaj, CEO, founder and director, Ferriswheel (an event management firm) says that styles of leadership change depending upon the size of the company and its employee base.Talking about the distinguishing features of a start-up, he says, "The driving force behind a successful start-up is thinking out-ofthe-box. The environment in such a company is also homegrown and informal as opposed to a large company where employees are bound by well laid out codes of conduct."

According to Andrew Warren Smith, managing director, DDI India, the largest issue confronting start-ups is the risk of failure. "With a 90% failure rate amongst start-ups, leaders must be aware that the odds are stacked against them. Large corporates thrive by maintaining their status quo repeating successes of the past and leveraging scale to remain competitive. Hence, it is important for leaders to back their desire to succeed with innovations that can not only disrupt the status quo, but also carve a niche for the organisation."

He elaborates further saying that leadership in start-ups goes beyond merely possessing entrepreneurial and commercial skills and has to be coupled with a strong execution capability."Entrepreneurs today must identify market opportunities and implement robust and sustainable plans that can quickly and efficiently capitalise on these factors."

BOOST EMPLOYEE MORALE

An essential quality of a good business leader is to instill a sense of confidence among his her employees. This is especially important in start-ups where individuals are constantly trying to prove their mettle in newer ways.A little pat on their backs can surely help them go a long way.

Says Swapnil Kamat, founder, CEO and chief trainer at Work Better, an executive education and training firm, "Irrespective of the size of an organisation there are a few things that help improve employee morale. Acknowledging their contributions towards the growth of the company, appreciation of the efforts put in and updating them about the progress of the firm are some of the ways to keep them going."

"As a start-up leader, it's quite stimulating for me to be around my team whenever difficult situations arise. This brings a lot of positive energy and a sense of oneness to work. One thing that keeps me as well as my team motivated is ongoing communication -addressing work issues, discussing matters and giving honest feedback to each other," expresses Bhardwaj.

PEOPLE MANAGERS VS SUBJECT-MATTER EXPERTS

As a start-up leader, it is important to be observant of your people, understand their aspirations and give them timely feedback all year round in order to get the most out of them. It is also important to let your employees know that subject matter experts are as important and vital to an organisation as senior ranking managers, in charge of handling teams of employees.

Secondly, a start-up leader needs to play an active part in helping each team member understand their strengths, weaknesses and what the organisation expects from them.

TO SUCCESSFULLY LEAD A START-UP :

Be resilient and always on the look-out Leaders of start-ups need to be passionate and ambitious, display high-levels of energy and initiative. Typically dissatisfied with the status quo, they must be competitive and reluctant to take no for an answer. They must also be good at identifying opportunities for new products, services and markets Be confident and engaging Such leaders convey a simple, vivid picture of the organisation's vision and goal and generate energy and enthusiasm that can invoke passion among employ ees to work towards a common goal Be ready to take risks Leaders of start-ups need to recognise risks and pursue actions that have acceptable levels of risk.

They need to proactively build and align stakeholders, capabili ties, and resources for getting things done quickly. They must also be flexible to adapt to change and mend the work envi ronment accordingly Be self-aware and receptive Start-up leaders need to be aware of their impact on others, seek input, be receptive to feed back and take action to improve themselves based such feedback Have a solid vision Your vision of the company is vital and must be backed with conviction. The ultimate test however, is instill ing it among employees and encouraging them to put in their best effort towards the company

By Sheetal Srivastava

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Stop your bald patches from showing up

Hair thinning is an alarming problem for many. Trichologists have come up with unique solutions to cover up the balding scalp. Read on to find out more...

The fact that around 40% men begin suffering from hair loss after 35 is a cause for worry for some, because it has been found that 60% of hair loss sufferers would rather have more hair than money or friends states the belgraviacentre.

Trichologist Dr Apoorva Shah says, "Hair thinning leading to scalp visibility is problem which has taken enormous proportions now. This is primarily because of lifestyle changes leading to hormonal changes due to stress. Every second man and third woman has a hair problem. Earlier, it was only men and women in their 40s and 50s who had a hair or scalp problem, but today even teenagers and even kids at times have a hair problem, which is alarming."

Hair thinning is a common hair problem that can leave one not just restless but could also lead to mild depressive states. Experts say that frontal thinning is one of the most common forms of hair thinning because when thinning happens, it typically starts from the front of the head and goes to the back of the head. Hair above the ear and back of the head is genetically programmed to last forever.

How can we prevent hair thinning?

Dr Shah says, "Hair thinning happens because of the male hormone Testosterone, which some people may be surprised to know is present in women as well. There are three specific recommendations ....

1. Include hair foods like spinach, cottage cheese, walnuts, flax seeds so hair nourishment can be taken care of.

2. Include yoga and meditation as a part of lifestyle to reduce stress which prevents excess testosterone.

3. Avoid chemical hair treatments like hair coloring and straightening which can cause damage to the structure of hair and make them susceptible to attack.

What can be done to encourage hair growth?

Experts state that hair re-growth is not possible except for hair transplant. However, it is possible to fight hair thinning using advance treatments like anagrow which uses plant stem cells. Taking care of diet to include hair foods and correcting lifestyle to reduce stress will also help.

Dr Shah says, "The latest breakthrough in the hair world is the treatment called anacover which can give instant permanent scalp cover in a short span of two hours. The entire process is painfree and done under local anesthetic gel." Moshe Alul Motto, an expert, who feels very passionately about balding treatments because he suffered from balding since a young age explains, "This treatment is the latest advancement in the field of haircare for which the technique has been developed in Israel after years of dedicated research."

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Kiss to find your man

An Oxford University research suggests that kissing on the first date may determine the longevity of the relationship.

The involvement of two important senses in kissing — the olfactory (smell) and the gustatory (taste) — leads to instant approval or disapproval of the person being kissed, in the subconscious mind.

Here's all you got to do to find out your man.

Don't be First-Date-Kiss-Shy
Hesitance will have to take a backseat. After all that flirting, initiate the first move, suggest a casual kiss. Keep the kiss light yet tasteful.

Nostalgia can be a cue
Lady, if you pull this off decently, hug yourself. Next, just go home and recall the kiss. Still getting goose flesh? If yes, you're already ready for the second date! If not, don't be generous to bad kissers (unless 'you' were the bad kisser).

Relax On second date
Now that you have done the job of being the dream-date on the first outing, just sit back and relax. Your man is sure to take charge and let you have your due generously this time.

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'A thriller provides immediate gratification'

Book Review: Catching the Departed
Author: Kulpreet Yadav
Publisher: Tara India Research Press
Pages: 255

A ghastly murder in the dead of night at a faraway village in the capital's underbelly sets the motion in 'Catching the Departed' - the first in the Andy Karan trilogy by author Kulpreet Yadav. Andy Karan is an investigative journalist with a mission. Monica, his boss at the New Delhi Today magazine, assigns him to unravel the mystery behind the death of a local lawyer. Slowly, Andy Karan embarks on a life-threatening journey that lands him into the centre of a much bigger conspiracy.

All about Andy Karan
The character of Andy Karan, also ex-Army personnel in the book, is modelled upon one of Mahabharata's legendary warriors and often misunderstood soldiers, Karan. Much like the hero from the epic, Andy refuses to walk the path of corruption and politics. He embodies all qualities of a patriot who is willing to die upholding the virtues of truth, friendship and love; but can never bring himself to live a borrowed life dictated by someone else's terms and conditions. "I wanted to create a character in his late twenties who mirrors young Indian men. Andy doesn't condemn the West but he is the right mix of Indian sensibilities and western inventiveness. 'Catching the Departed' celebrates the commitment of an Indian foot soldier, a faceless spy, who is prepared to fight the enemies of the nation," explains Kulpreet Yadav.

On writing thriller
This is the first time that Kulpreet Yadav has tried his hands on writing crime fiction. His previous books, 'The Bet' and 'A Waiting Wave' belonged to a different genre of literature. How did the transition happen? "Yes, my previous books had a literary slant. Today's readers, I have realised, are smarter and more knowledgeable. Entertainment has edged ahead of art. I chose to write a thriller because it provides immediate gratification. As a genre, I have been reading thrillers since childhood and I thought why not give the readers what they want," asserts Kulpreet.

A film in the making, perhaps?
The fast-paced narrative and suspense-filled plot are components that make the book read like a movie script. Prod the author on whether the novel was written with the intention of turning it into a screenplay later, and Kulpreet avers, "Many readers have told me that 'Catching the Departed' reads like a movie. Some have even suggested a cast and I am going crazy with the whole idea. The truth is I wanted to write a compelling story that is easy to relate to, and, has a good entertainment value. I wanted people to discover me as a good storyteller. But yes, if the book is optioned for a movie adaptation, my agent and I would welcome the idea. I think neo-Bollywood is ready for thrilling stories".

Not strong enough
The book fails to etch out strong women characters. Monica's presence in the book is peripheral. The plot drifts away from her, as though, deliberately. She is lovelorn, depressed and a journalist struggling to prove her worth to her boss. Her decisions are influenced by the men around her and she needs constant assurance from them. Quiz the author on this bleak characterisation and he refutes, "I wouldn't call Monica's character insipid. On the contrary, she is a strong woman who is protective and amenable to change at her age. But I agree that her appearance in the story is rather limited. I would love to write a thriller with a woman as sensuous and courageous as Monica in the lead one day".

Future projects
The other two titles in the Andy Karan series - 'Drowning the Pirate' and 'Eating the Dragon' are slated to release early 2015 and 2016 respectively. Apart from that, the author will continue to write short fiction for literary magazines in India and abroad.

About the author
Kulpreet Yadav is the author of 'Catching the Departed' (2014), the first in the Andy Karan series of crime thrillers. He is also the founder-editor of Open Road Review, a literary magazine with a global footprint. His short-fiction pieces have been shortlisted for numerous contests and have appeared in over 30 periodicals in India and elsewhere.

(Originally published on September 06, 2014)

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Employee tips - privacy matters

At a time when an individual's personal information is easily accessible, it is all the more important to safeguard what one may not want to disclose to their colleagues.

The open office culture, where cubicles are reduced to rows of computers crammed against each other to conserve space, usually perpetuates the 'peeping-tom' syndrome, where an employee's private matters, right from their web browsing records to personal files, become subject to public display. Not many appreciate their privacy being breached at the workplace, especially since employees spend most of their waking hours at work.

However, most employers, in a bid to optimise the office space, tend to overlook an employee's concern for privacy.

PRIVACY FOR PRODUCTIVITY

An open environment at office poses as an invitation to nosy colleagues who are ever ready to invade one's privacy. In many cases, this may hamper productivity. Apoorv Houzwala, who started out his career as a copywriter in the advertising industry, recounts, "I never liked the idea of someone sneaking up on me and peering into my laptop screen or into my notepad while I am busy with work. And many a time I have encountered peers who tend to linger, constantly keeping an eye on what I do. While I managed to leverage their behaviour to throw ideas around or discuss a project, at most times, they only made me conscious about my work, not allowing me to put in my best effort." Indeed, safeguarding one's possessions and work from onlookers is every professional's wish. Simple measures like setting up a lock screen when not on desk, setting a personal password to one's gadgets like their laptop or phone or locking drawers are ways in which you can help you maintain privacy. Even a simple task like keeping one's desk free of clutter helps in his regard. A clear desk will give no opportunity to snooping eyes to dig into open papers, note books, diaries or other documents, content of which one wouldn't want to share.

Also, while one expects his or her privacy to be respected by others, the same needs to be practised. It is a must for employees to practice basic etiquette such as not opening a colleague's files and desk drawers without their consent.

PRIVACY FOR PERSONAL WELL-BEING

Privacy at the workplace, predominantly refers to the ability of employees to keep certain information to themselves. This includes information pertaining to or documents such as credit history, bank account details, information about their financial assets or something more personal, such as, a persons political opinions, membership with trade unions and other associations, religious and sexual preferences, health related information, etc. Thus, the onus is on the company to ensure that such sensitive personal information is handled appropriately.

At most information-driven companies, data privacy control is also an issue. Mukesh Jain, AVP at the corporate finance department of a private bank opines, "In the name of protecting data and preventing leakage of sensitive information, companies impose strict access controls on internet surfing. This practice, although justified by company on grounds of IT security, curbs privacy of trusted employee. It sends out a negative message to employees that is often understood as the company not trusting them and is more comfortable by implementing such access controls."

Clearly, employee motivation and a trust factor depend on how privacy controls are applied by the management.

Offering an employer's point of view, Puja Ashwin Kumar, consultant, Nimbus HR, says, "Professional background checks are important, especially during recruitment. In general too, to know how employees have performed in their previous roles and how well they fit in the company culture, it is often important to dig out personal information that the candidate may not necessarily want to share --that of family, health issues, past personal conduct, etc. But information collected by employers must not violate an employee's privacy.It is also important to note that companies usually keep the information confidential by policy." However, concluding appropriately, she says, "After all, a balance between a company's aspiration and a candidate's privacy needs to be maintained."

By Maulik Chandarana

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How to create a perfect zen garden

They say, 'Home is where the heart is', so how about making that space a retreat that spells calm and solace?

A prime example of doing so is through a zen rock garden, which can be quite an anti-dote to the daily stress. These gardens go back to centuries in Japan and have carefully placed arrangements. If you have sufficient space - outdoors, on your patio or even on a terrace - make this a tranquil spot your getaway zone with a little planning. Here's how...

Sand can be calming: These gardens are dry landscapes and the ideal way to induce an outdoorsy feel to them is to have sand on the floor instead of the usual wood or marble setting. You can also use a large garden's spade or fork to create a rippled design in the sand just before having inviting folks over.

Water is a must...: Very little matches up to the sound of rippling water and as per zen philosophy, water lends a positive vibe and energy to any surroundings. Your garden too, should have the dame feature. Create a vertical waterfall if you have a wall for it, or then allow a wooden pipe with water to flow into the space. Another popular water feature in zen spaces is to have a fountain made of stone.

Stones and pebbles: Stones and different sized pebbles are placed in the garden to add balance to it. Here, it is important to arrange these in a symmetric manner and don't over do them or the place will look cluttered and chaotic. Placing stones one on top of the other also works (use larger ones as the base and smaller as you go upwards). Also, try and use a mix of dark stones and white ones (for the borders).

Tiny statues: Having a few statues around adds to the charm of such a space. Buddha statues are most popular. You can also have stone frogs, birds, fish or even turtles. Pagodas and wind chimes are also often placed within this green space.

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A 7-question ready-to-eat challenge

With ready-to-eat meals coming soon on trains, we decided to put you a 7-question RTE challenge.

Dum biryani from a packet. How does that sound on a tiring train journey? Starting next month, pre-cooked packaged meals will be served to passengers on mail and express trains, the Indian railways has announced.

Ready-to-eat (RTE) branded meals that require you to do little more than empty the contents from a vacuum sealed plastic pack and heat, have already become a mainstay in most urban kitchens. More women are out at work, everyone's spending longer hours in the office and refrigerators come in jumbo sizes. No surprises then that the RTE market in India, predicted Tata Strategic Management Group, will expand to Rs 2,900 crore by 2015.

But with zip-age convenience come health hazards. RTE meals have been dissed by nutritionists for their abysmal nutritive value.

Take this quiz to figure how well you know what you put in your mouth.

Which ingredient, found abundantly in RTE meals, is voted harmful by nutritionists?

A Salt
B MSG

ANSWER A) RTE foods are packed with sodium. It helps enhance flavour, but takes your daily salt intake to way more than the WHO recommended 5 gms a day. Some ready meals contain over twice the daily recommended intake for an adult. Research worldwide has linked excess salt to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Dietician Deepshikha Agarwal explains, "The freezing process necessary in the manufacture of RTE foods robs it of its original taste, hence the need for excess salt."

Packaged food is hygienic.

A True
B False

ANSWER A) RTE meals are hygienic because they are vacuum packed to prolong their shelf life. Yet, it all depends on where you buy it from. "In case of frozen foods, don't pick up anything that has been out of the freezer for more than three hours. Millions of bacteria multiply in the food, making it a recipe for disaster," says Agarwal. Niti Desai, consultant nutritionist, suggests you keep an eye on storage conditions. "Only if you are 100 per cent sure about a small store, pick up meals from there. And always make sure you check the expiry date."

RTE meals are full of:

A Sugar
B Fat
C Both

ANSWER C) It's been established that sugar is an addictive substance. In fact, research has likened its effect on the brain to cocaine and heroin. In some RTE foods, fat is replaced by sugar to keep the taste intact. Sugar can cause damage like tooth decay, break down of collagen in skin, hasten ageing and blood sugar fluctuation.

RTE foods are 'fortified'. Is that a good thing or bad?

A Good
B Bad

ANSWER B) Thanks to processes such foods must go through, they are devoid of all vitamins and minerals. Sometimes, synthetic vitamins and minerals are injected into the foods to 'fortify' them and claim nutritional benefits on the label. These are not half as healthy as the original sources since they are essentially chemicals, says research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Maryland.

Phosphates, which are present in the additives and preservatives found in RTE meals, are also found in natural foods.

A True
B False

ANSWER A) Phosphate does occur naturally in meat, potatoes and bread, but it's organically bound so only 50 per cent of it is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. With additive phosphate, it's easily absorbed by the body, leading to health concerns. Additives, colour and preservatives are known to impair kidney function.

If you must eat it, can you choose a healthy option?

A No
B Yes

ANSWER B) In case you are hard pressed for time and must have a ready-to-eat meal, try and choose one with more whole grains," says Agarwal. "You can also add fresh vegetables to up its nutritional content. Else, have a fruit after the meal to compensate," she says. In case of frozen meals, choose packets with less than 30 per cent fat (calories) and a high protein value.

It's fine to re-store opened RTE foods.

A True
B False

ANSWER B) In case of frozen foods, they must be stored in a well functioning freezer. If you open the pack and are unable to finish it, don't pop it back into the freezer. Erratic changes in temperature alter the chemical composition of foods. Even freshly cooked food is best consumed within two hours of cooking, says Agarwal. After that, bacteria starts to grow and vitamin value drops.

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Skip the suds: Try dry shampoo

Called the busy girl's miracle product, dry shampoo is being touted as an alternative to suds (soap, lather, foam). It's not practical to wash your hair every day.

Also, washing your hair daily would rinse away beneficial oils that keep your mane supple and healthy. For those in between times, dry shampoo is a great option. You can use it after a trip to the gym, a long day of travel or if you don't have access to a bathroom. Available in a powder form and in spray cans, dry shampoo gives your hair the appearance of being clean, since it absorbs oils that make the hair dirty. Find the washing routine that works for you, whether it's three times a week or less, and use dry shampoo every day in between.

How to use use it right
Always use dry shampoo on dry, greasy hair. If you try to apply it on wet hair, it will get clumpy, and look messy. Don't rub dry shampoo on your scalp; if it's in a powder form, sprinkle it on the hair. If you're using a spray, hold it several inches away from your head, so that you don't spray it directly on your scalp. Wait for a few minutes and then comb or blow dry into your desired hairstyle.

Dos & don'ts

Avoid using dry shampoo more than twice in a row. Be sure to wash your hair with a regular shampoo after using the dry shampoo twice. Since the latter doesn't clean flakes and other debris from your hair, don't use it in place of a regular shampoo.

After spraying or sprinkling the product, wait for 3-4 minutes, to allow it to absorb oil and impurities.Comb your hair and brush out the excess powder.

Never rub dry shampoo on your scalp, as it can clog the skin pores. It can also lead to dryness and itching.

(Inputs by beauty experts Shahnaz Husain and Tisha Kapur Khurana)

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Restaurant review: La Vista (Multi-cuisine)

La Vista is the multi-cuisine restaurant at Cama Hotel in Ahmedabad.
Decor Cama Hotel was started in 1960 making it Ahmedabad's oldest hotel and, though its main restaurant was renamed more than a decade ago, the renovations cleverly retain its old world charm. The tables and chairs are reminiscent of colonial houses and clubs, and the wood floor, wood paneled walls, rafters, beams and even a sandstone fireplace add to the charm. The buffets are laid out on centre tables set below a wrought iron chandelier. As the name suggests La Vista is known for its view - tables set by the windows look out to the pool and the lawns.
Food La Vista has good European food and enjoys a long-standing reputation for its cakes, pastry and breads. They have classic European soups like Tomato Egg Drop, Minestrone and a vegetarian French Onion. If you don't mind waiting you can order the Slow-Roasted Tomato Soup which is their house special. Among other soups, the Asian Thin Soup with vegetables or chicken is quite tasty.
The signature dish of La Vista is the Cama Special Chicken which comprises chicken breast grilled with flavourful chicken livers and olives. Together with the well-grilled chicken, much attention is paid to the sides which include neatly laid out potatoes and crunchy vegetables. The restaurant serves Chicken a la Kiev which is one of the classic Continental dishes on the La Vista menu, but this is only recommended if you are here for a leisurely meal as it requires much cooking for the frozen butter to melt in the heart of the breaded chicken breast roulade. If you are watching calories, you could order the Grilled Chicken Steak with potatoes and boiled veggies or Roast Chicken with Mash and Jus. Another Cama classic is the Baked Fish Florentine with spinach and cheese. They also offer good old Fish and Chips - fried breaded fillets of fish with potato chips.
For vegetarians, the Cannelloni Florentine has pasta tubes generously filled with ricotta and spinach, with sauce and melting cheese on top. The Lasagne Verdue is another vegetarian dish with vegetables between pasta sheets and cheese toppings. They also do reasonably good North Indian food like Paneer Tikka Lababdar, Bhuna Gosht and Murg Khurchan. The chef's special is the Kheema Mutter. They also offer some Parsi dishes on request like Patrani Machchi, Khara Papeta ni Murgi, Dhansak, Keema par Endu or Keema Khichdi. They do a superb Caramel Custard and also a good take on the Rasmalai, while chocolate lovers may like their Chocolate Mousse.
Plus and minus La Vista is a good place for a leisurely meal of European fare like Prawn Cocktails, Slow-roasted Tomato Soup, Chicken ala Kiev and Caramel Custard, with reasonably good coffee. However, not everything here is consistently good.

La Vista: Cama Hotel, Khanpur, Road, Bhadra Meal for two: 1,400 Timings: 7 am - 10 am, 12 noon - 2:30 pm, 30 pm - 10:30 pm

Rating: Food: 3.00; Service: 3.00; Decor: 3.00
-- By Anil Mulchandani

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Death & resurrection of the superhero

With popular mutant Wolverine set to meet his end soon, the comic book world will see the death of yet another superhero. But panic not, they are bound to return.

Wolverine fans need to brace themselves. Your beloved superhero is really dying! The first in the four-part comic series, titled Death of Wolverine, has hit the stands and by the end of it, one of the world's most famous mutants will take his last breath. Wolverine, who first appeared in 1974 with his long retractable claws, will lose his self-healing abilities and by the fourth edition of the series, he will meet his makers.

When superheroes are made to die in the comic book world, fans, though initially upset, don't panic altogether — for history has proved that superheroes generally don't die; they just disappear from the scene for some time, only to make a comeback — stronger, smarter and more popular. Take for instance Batman, Spider Man and Superman. In 2012, the web-spinning hero Spider Man faced death at the hands of Doctor Octopus. Then, in 2008, it was Batman's turn to die. The hero, who has been on a mission to save Gotham city, met his end while battling enemy Mangrove Pierce. And in 1992, in the comic The Death of Superman, the flying superhero, popular for wearing underwear over his pants, died after succumbing to battle injuries. But then, they all made a comeback from the grave, to keep us entertained with their superhero abilities and activities.

A superhero's death isn't a new phenomenon. In fact, death of hero has often been glorified in infinite number of stories. But why do creators resort to killing off the hero in comic books? "It is all about sympathy," explains Jatin Varma, founder of an Indian comic convention, adding, "A hero dying while fighting enemies is something the readers empathise with."

Apart from the 'sympathy factor', it's the limitations of the script and story that has a role to play in makers putting an end to the character. With nothing new to offer readers, makers often decide to do away with the hero, at least for some time. "No story is infinite. After a point, there's nothing new you can show in a character. So, a hero is killed and then reincarnated. It is more like a Season 2, with fresh plot and same characters," explains Jatin. But there are times when comic books bank on killing the hero as marketing gimmick, says Jai Undurti of the Hyderabad Graphic Novel Project. "After a comic character is around for a long time, it becomes stale and repetitive, so it goes out of sight. Killing and then reincarnating the character is more like re-launch it in the market again. It excites the readers and comics go off-the-shelf quickly," opines Jai.

Ultimately, it's the thrill that fans experience that makes the death of a hero a monumental time in the comic book history. Talking about his personal experience, Jatin says, "If you follow comics, you would know that characters don't really die. It is only for some series. But for a fan, the thrill comes from knowing how the particular story is executed, and not the death, per se. I remember, when Superman died in 1992, comics weren't that easily available. I was a fan then, and it got me so fascinated."

Sachin Gupta, a city student and comic books collector, says, "We love our superheroes and most of us grow up reading about them. So, when the news of their death comes, even if it is temporary, it gets us all worked up and hooked to the series."

Demand of the script or a marketing gimmick, is certainly a hit formula that is here to stay.

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Tips to declutter refrigerator

Organise your refrigerator to ensure that you know what's in your fridge, what's in date and what you need to get rid of.

Vicky Silverthorn, declutterer to the stars and creator of life organisation company YouNeedAVicky, shares a series of practical tips to help you better organise your fridge, reports femalefirst.co.uk:

Keep the items you use most at the front of the fridge: Having a streamlined fridge can make a positive difference to someone on a busy day, given the number of times we go in there - for that morning cup of tea, when making breakfast, lunch and dinner and everything in between. Having the items you use most to hand as soon as you open the fridge door can make a lot of difference.

Make the food items more visible: With such busy lives how could we be expected to remember every single item we own or have bought. The easier the contents of your fridge are to see, the less likely you are to be saddled with out-of-date products.

Keep what you want to eat most in front: If you're trying to eat more healthily, then make sure your fresh fruit and vegetables are the first thing you see when you open the fridge and hide the chocolate as much as possible.

Store childrens' items at the lowest possible height: It might involve creating their own area so that items they are allowed to help themselves to are within easy reach and then placing the 'treats' higher up or hidden away so they can't just help themselves.

Make the most of flexible storage: You can often move your refrigerator shelves up and down. So, adjust to suit what you are storing to ensure you don't have any dead space

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Book Review: India and the First World War

Title: India and the First World War; Author: Vedica Kant; Publisher: Roli Books; Pages 255.

The First World War was probably the last war that soldiers went to with a sense of glory and the feeling that something good may come of it. The war itself was to prove otherwise, particularly as the leaders of the military proved inadequate to either understand slaughter on an industrial scale or to manage the administration and logistics for millions of men.

The Indian army, an all-volunteer force, was one of the few that could be thrown into the trenches to stem the tide against 'civilization' as the purpose of the war was defined. Raised, outfitted and equipped to fight Britain's colonial battles in tropical climes, the Indian troops were ill-equipped to deal with a European winter. All troops were unprepared to deal with the slaughter of the trenches, but the Indians, more than the rest, were stunned by the lack of physical contact of trench warfare and by the death caused by firing at remote distances.

Great literature came out of the First World War in English, and a whole generation of Indians were exposed to the poetry of Sassoon and Owen. As the leader of the Indian expeditionary corps quite rightly noted - all combatants from Europe would have their experience in the war recorded and published - but the poor Indian soldier, who went loyally to Europe to fight a war, neither comprehended nor agreed to have a chronicler.

In that sense Vedica Kant has done a great service by writing this book about an army that lost 74,000 solders to the British cause without or at least with little dissent. In macro terms, the Indian nation's contribution to the war was truly monumental.

Vedica has worked out that India's financial contribution alone amounted to eight billion pounds in today's money but nothing, of course, equals the loss in lives that the Indian army cheerfully contributed.

The first battle that the Indian corps fought in was Neuve Chapelle, where the Indian contribution helped stem the German advance and where the Indian casualties amounted to almost 5,000. Vedica has sourced much correspondence from Indian soldiers, recording their impression of going abroad, the social turmoil and the strange wonder of being sent to fight 'white men'.

The author refers to an initial reluctance on the part of Britain to involve Indian troops in a white man's war, for the consequences it could have on keeping the Indians without home rule after the war. But the urgency of the situation on the western front necessitated throwing the Indian army into the cauldron.

Although the soldiers went without demur, Indian nationalists expected that Indian participation would force the British morally to give India home rule after the war. As quoted, Bal Gangadhar Tilak advised Indians to buy war bonds as they would be uncashed after the war to trade for home rule. So incumbent upon the Indian soldier was the loyalty to cross Kala Pani, to die for the honour of the regiment, and to come back to India without having been corrupted by the idea that he had defeated white men.

The Germans, on the other hand, were at first contemptuous of the Indian soldier, which he soon corrected after seeing them in battle. In captivity they made every effort to seduce the loyalty of the Indian soldiers, apart from using the human pool for anthropological studies.

Later on, by 1915-16, the Indians were withdrawn from the western front and the predominant fighting occurred against the Turkish Ottoman empire. Here again there was unease that the position of the Ottoman ruler as the Caliph would suborn the loyalties of the Muslim soldier from fighting the Turks.

However, apart from the Pathans who were willing to be seduced by Turkish propaganda, the subcontinental Muslim remained loyal to the Raj. In the Middle East, the Indian soldier's loyalty would truly be put to the test by the incompetent leadership of General Townshend.

In all, a little short of 600,000 Indian soldiers served in Mesopotamia and it must be remembered that at the time, almost 30 percent of the Indian army were Muslims. One of the most serious incidents in this campaign was the shortage of food, and the men being fed horsemeat, which resulted in many suicides.

Eventually, the war ended, but the troops went on to stay in the Middle East, to set up the boundaries of the countries, now in a state of flux as in Syria and Iraq. The driving purpose was of course oil, which had been discovered in present-day Iraq.

The tragedy for the soldier returning home was that there was no opportunity to put into practice all that he had learnt in 'Vilayat'. Quite often the soldier was pensioned off to his village. In fact, shortly after the end of the war occurred the tragedy of Jallianwala Bagh which, conceding that 30 percent of the army was recruited from the Punjab, was a slap on the face of the Indian soldier, followed by the infamous Rowlatt Act which indefinitely stretched the wartime restrictions to civil liberty beyond 1919.

A century later Vedica Kant poignantly illuminates a forgotten chapter of India's military history.

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Has Facebook made you a narcissist?

Do your friends think you have turned into a narcissist or less empathic towards others in recent times? Check your Facebook obsession.

According to a new study, some Facebook features like profile photo and status updates are linked with encouraging narcissism.

"The study showed only one Facebook behaviour accurately predicted narcissism levels: user profile picture ratings. For males, only their profile picture ratings were a predictor of narcissism," said Tracy Alloway from University of North Florida.

For women, both profile picture ratings and their status update frequency predicted their narcissism.

"The profile picture is the most tangible aspect of a user's online self-presentation, making it a touchstone for narcissists seeking to draw attention to themselves," Alloway added.

For the study, researchers investigated the relationship among adult Facebook users between ages 18 and 50.

They asked over 400 individuals a range of questions about their Facebook behaviours.

Participants in the study used Facebook an average of two hours per day and had approximately 500 friends for both males and females.

The study demonstrated that while men were more narcissistic, women were more likely to rate their profile pictures as more physically attractive, glamorous and cool.

Females also changed their profile picture more than the males, updating their photo once every two months compared to once every three months for males.

"This may mean that narcissistic women are more likely to use Facebook as a reflecting pool than narcissistic males," the study noted.

The study was published in the journal Social Networking.

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Restaurant Review: ETC…Cafe Pan Asian

Ambawatta Complex in Mehrauli, New Delhi, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful corners of the city that spells quiet splendour. One imagines sipping green tea under cerulean autumn sun, surrounded by lush foliage and of course the majestic sight of the Qutab Minar towering over the neighborhood.

Located at Ambawatta One arcade, ETC...Cafe Pan Asian, together with its twin dining option, En (Japanese), sits on a well-manicured compound that also comprises of a few designer labels on the ground floor. But the quietude comes with a price, it seems, because on a weekday evening we are the only table occupied in the restaurant.

DECOR
The 48-covers restaurant is quite expansive with ample seating options that are split into indoor and outdoor areas. But the problem is the space hasn't been utilised suitably. The decor is contemporary and minimalistic but one that borders on the boring. That's a shame because it's a remarkably large space that is indulgent and serves as a bare canvas to be imaginative when it comes to the decor. Also, given that it is a Pan-Asian eatery, nothing in the decor is strikingly oriental, save for a couple of framed artworks on the wall. A large projector screen on the side of the thinly-stocked bar only adds to the dreary interiors.

FOOD
The menu primarily comprises of light bites - soups, salads, dimsums, and cocktail bites - making this place ideal for luncheons. In starters, go for the crispy fish that is served with a mildly hot and sweet chilli plum and basil sauce and the Thai-style chicken spring rolls. For vegetarians, the tofu croquettes that are served with homemade green mango chutney, is a good option. There are only three kinds of dimsums offered at ETC - bokchoy and mushroom; chicken and Chinese cabbage; prawn and celery - all of them are tender and juicy but the prawn dimsum shines the most.

The mains are offered in rice bowls - a traditional Chinese serving technique where the proteins such as chicken and meats are served on a bed of rice. Go for the fragrant Thai curry (red or green, served according to your preference) with steamed rice and kimchi; or the favourful chicken teriyaki on a bed of sticky white rice. An alternative wholesome vegetarian option is the pokchoy, shiitake mushroom, broccoli, and bamboo shoot gravy in oyster sauce.

MINUS POINTS
The menu needs more dimsum options, to begin with. Some of the dishes on the menu, like the lamb satay and Asian chicken salad are a bit lackluster. Also, the desserts are a big downer! The apple pie was dry and the done-to-death cheesecake was lumpy and just boring.

BOTTOMLINE
Once a dusty and sleepy part of town, Mehrauli's Ambawatta One and its neighbourhood transformed into a posh dining and shopping option in the recent years. ETC...Cafe Pan Asian is a fine selection if you are looking for some romantic dining out or a lazy luncheon with your friends and family.

ETC... Cafe Pan Asian; H-5/1, Ambawatta One, Kalkadas Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Meal for two: Rs1,500 without alcohol
Rating: Food: 2; Service: 2 ; Decor: 2

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Recipe: Potato rosti

Here's a quick recipe to the most popular Swiss recipe with a bit of Indian and healthier touch:

Ingredients:
2 cups par-boiled and grated potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
2 tsp finely chopped green chillies
Salt and black pepper powder

Recipe:
Mix the potatoes, green chillies, salt and pepper in a deep bowl and mix well.
Heat olive oil in a deep non-stick pan, add the onions and saute on a medium flame for 2 minutes.
Add the potato mixture, mix well and spread it evenly with help of a back of a spoon.
Cover and cook on a medium flame for 3 to 4 minutes.
Turn the rosti upside down and cook on a another side for more 3 to 4 minutes.Serve immediately.

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Jobs for those who don't like interacting

While many jobs these days require one to extensively work in teams, there are ample opportunities for those who dislike interacting with colleagues on a day-to-day basis. Tejas Shyam reports

If functioning in big teams does not work for you, fret not. There are a number of career opportunities which don't require individuals to extensively work in teams. Content creation, digital media, graphics and web designing, medical transcription, actuarial science, data-mining and analysis are some of the interesting new avenues that don't require individuals to extensively work in collaborative groups. Here is the lowdown on some of the career options available:

Software development
A career in software development involves a great deal of working independently. Informs Ankit Kothari, android developer, Blue Chip Computers, "Since most of the work in this field pertains to devices and gadgets, there is not much interaction with others, except, of course, if you are brainstorming for a new idea or learning from a teammate. As an android developer, I have practically no direct interaction with my clients." He adds, "The most important quality of a good developer is the passion to create innovative applications and the patience to wait for the app to receive attention from potential users. Not many apps are successful overnight." Kothari cautions that while earnings are uncertain, they are eventually bound to increase with the popularity of one's software.

Analytics
A career in analytics can be rewarding for those who dislike working in teams. Jayatheertdh Raveendran, an analyst at HSBC, says that analysts do not require to communicate extensively with others. "The focus is on creating results than on client interaction. While informal communication with teammates is always beneficial, there isn't a definite need to be in touch with others all the time. In certain areas of data analytics, minimal communication is required. At the end of the day, the results matter."

Medical transcription
Medical transcription is the process of converting the vocal dictations by doctors into text records. As such, while a transcriptionist may need to interact with doctors, a majority of their work involves single-handedly converting vocal dictation into authentic medical records. In general, a transcriptionist isn't expected to communicate much. However, a professional in this field must possess adequate medical knowledge so as to accurately transcribe a doctor's inputs and have a good typing-speed as well as presentation skills. The human interaction is down to bare minimum, and hence this domain presents an excellent opportunity for those who don't favour interpersonal communication at the workplace.

Actuaries
As an actuary, one is expected to work on the financial impact of risk. One of the most prominent applications of actuarial science is in the insurance domain. The work of a professional in this field entails extensively working with numbers and statistics and it involves very limited human interaction or communication. This is a viable career stream for those with analytical mindsets and offers good prospects for individuals who are good with numbers and dislike communicating extensively.

Freelancing
Freelancing is a domain that gives various professionals sufficient independence and flexibility, while negating much of the interaction that a regular office job entails. Adds Vinod Narasimhan, a digital media consultant, "Freelancing gives you the flexibility to work on projects of your choice. Although a freelancer would need to interact with clients, there is no pressing need to work in project teams unless you think it's necessary. You have the freedom to execute the work the way you think best."

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Celeb cook in: Dhaba-style aloo matar

My "maa ke haath ka khana": Is delicious, especially her dhaba-style aloo matar and rajma chawal. No matter how hard I try to recreate the same aroma and taste in my dish, I always fail at it.
My earliest memory of food: Since I have lived in a joint family, food for me isn't just about pleasing my taste buds, but a whole lot of fun that comes with eating together.
My favourite recipe: Undoubtedly, aloo matar; it's my weakness. This is because when my mom was expecting me, she would keep craving aloo matar. So, my love for it started even before I was born!

I enjoy cooking: I simply love it when I get a lot of compliments for my cooking. It gives me a high. I also find cooking therapeutic and relaxing.

To impress my man: I'd stick to my forte - delectable north Indian food that is complex in flavour and beautifully presented. Men should learn to cook too I My brother was taught to cook with the same enthusiasm my sister and I were. I strongly feel that even men have a role to play in the kitchen and should cook for their loved ones whenever possible.
On the sets, I eat: Simple, home-cooked food. Light, vegetarian dishes keep me energised and nourished. I eat at regular intervals as not eating for long can trigger mood swings.
My favourite `foodie' destination: New Zealand.
My non-food passions: Old Bollywood music is something I enjoy. I'm also an ardent traveller and like going on weekend holidays from time to time.

My favourite travel destination is: Europe. I am also an avid reader and love to spend my spare time reading.
Dhaba-style aloo matar

INGREDIENTS: Oil: 2 tbsp, Cumin seeds: 1 tsp, Green chillies (slit): 1, Onion (diced): 1, Ginger paste: 1 tsp, Garlic paste: 1 tsp, Tomatoes (diced): 2, Coriander powder: 2 tsp, Cumin powder: 1 tsp, Turmeric powder: 12 tsp, Red chilli powder: 1 tsp, Dry mango powder: 1 tsp, Potatoes (peeled and cut into 8-10 pieces each): 5-6, Shelled peas: 1 cup, Garam masala: 1 tsp, Salt to taste, Coriander leaves: 2 tbsp

METHOD: In a wok, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Add green chillies and onions. Saute onions till they turn soft. Add ginger and garlic paste and saute for another minute. Add tomatoes, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric, red chilli and dry mango powders and saute for a minute. Lastly, add potatoes and peas and half a cup of water. Add salt to taste. Cover the pan and cook till potatoes are soft. Turn off the fire, sprinkle garam masala and cover immediately.
Open after a few minutes, garnish with coriander leaves and serve.

Sakshi Tanwar, TV actress

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How to get over your ex

And that would be great news if it was you. But what do you do if it's your ex who's moved on first?

We have all been there. A relationship ends usually in tears and numerous fights. And while that hurts, it's nothing compared to the call that you are eventually going to get -one that whispers that your ex has found love again. Whether it's weeks or months, seeing your ex with someone new can (and usually does) pinch. Jealousy, anxiety, bitterness and sleeplessness nights follow.

We don't need experts to tell us this: most of these reactions stem from a bruised ego (how did s/he manage to move on so quickly, right?). However, while a little hurt is expected and normal, if you are consumed by the new relationship stalking them on Facebook, goad ing common friends into talking about them, gloating when they say the new love isn't as good as you -you need to face up to the fact that you are probably not over the relationship.

If that's the boat you find yourself in, Mumbai-based counsellor Dr Rajan Bhonsle says the first step is to accept that the relationship is over. This should have ideally begun when the relationship actually ended. "Once you have formally broken up, the relationship doesn't exist. If you cannot accept it, and feel hurt, rejection and resentment, then you are expecting a reunion. Chances are you will feel hurt at the mention of the ex, if you see him with his new love, or even if you come across his photos or letters."

Face the grieving process. Give yourself a few weeks to heal. "If it takes many months, you should realise that you are stuck and unable to release your emotions," he adds.

Don't reconnect
If they are only just in the dating stages it's unlikely that your ex-partner is going to call you. However, if you have been married or have a child together, or s/he is planning to commit more seriously, there's a good chance they'd want to be the first to tell you.

Recently, 36-year-old actor Hollywood Ashton Kutcher called exwife Demi Moore to let her know that he and fiancee Milla Kuni are expect ing a child. Given the bitter nature of their break-up, counsellors say Kutcher's behaviour was uncalled for. Re-connecting with an ex is best avoided. Bhonsle says, "If your ex is trying to reconnect, it means he/she is trying to show off his/her new status. When we counsel couples, we suggest the split is complete and clean." This means getting rid of their gifts, photographs, letters, messages and anything that reminds you of them. Not doing this, says Bhonsle, only delays the healing process.

Along with breaking it off with your partner, cut off links with common friends -for a while at least. Unfriend them on all social networking sites. If you bump into them, say a polite hello and walk away. Your aim is to not allow any information about the lovebirds to leak into your life.

Meet new people
The first reaction when you hear of an ex's new love is to drown the sorrow in alcohol and throw yourself at the first person who says hello. While that's not advisable, there's some real direction here.

Your former lover finding a new love is probably the best sign you are ever going to get that this relationship is over. So, why not go out and meet some new men/women?

That guy who has been asking you on a date forever? This might be a good time to say yes. It doesn't have to lead anywhere or end in an ever-lasting relationship, but you need to get out there, have a good time and start feeling attractive again.

Considering kids
Relationships that have gone sour get further complicated when children and new lovers are thrown into the mix.

If you thought it would be easier if you allow your kids to first accept the second partner, then, says psychologist and coun sellor Salma Prabhu, you are living in a filmy bubble. "That's not how it works in real life since both the ex and the new partner have a lot of emotions to deal with. Keeping the children away from the new partner is a good step till you and they are ready," she advises.

Once you have made your peace with the situation, try and meet the new man/woman in your ex's life. Arrange for a lunch/dinner at your place or theirs. Getting along with the person your ex is dating makes life easier for everyone involved.

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5 simple rules to not be an introvert anymore

You may have a crush on someone but you aren't open or confident enough to give him signs that you find him impressive. We tell you how to be fast, witty and outgoing

Think about your likes and dislikes: Notice your likes and dislikes. While going out, start noticing things like what kind of person catches your attention and what qualities would you look for in a person you'd like to date. This will help you know your choices and in-turn help you spot the person you'd like to date.

Interact with people: You can interact with people through several ways. Attend a conference on the subject you like. At such events, you'll meet like-minded people who may think and act like you. Apart from having fun, you'll also gain a lot of knowledge and know more about people's perceptions and behaviours.

Try online dating: Online dating not only gives you time to think but also gives you space to know a person well. You can start interacting with people on chat, gradually moving on to knowing them better and if you feel that the person is a good match, you can go ahead and meet him too.

Socialise: Socialising helps you meet new people. When you attend events and parties, you meet your friends as well as their friends and this way you'll know more people. Love is found in random places. So you never know when you may just connect to an individual leading you into a relationship.

Be a mystery: Everyone loves to solve a mystery. Give out certain things, hold onto the rest. Yes, you can be a little extra introvert sometimes. This may make you seem like an silent, interested one. Observe but take your own time to act. Take things slowly and smartly.

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