Stars in Rajya Sabha - Do we really need them?

The recent nominations to Rajya Sabha (RS) have not gone down too well with many in the country. Ever since 1952 we have had people from diverse art spheres like Prithvi Raj Kapoor, Vyjayantimala Bali, Nargis Dutt, Mrinal Sen, Shyam Benegal, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Shabana Azmi, Lata Mangeshkar, MF Hussain and Hema Malini as members RS. So why is it that this time when we have Sachin Tendulkar and Rekha nominated we have this hue and cry? Don’t you think that atleast now people are having some sense? Its better late than never.

RS is the upper house of the Parliament of India which has a total of 250 members. Out of these 12 members with contribution and expertise in art, literature, social service and science are selected by the President of India. Yes, these celebrities have excelled and are hence are fit candidates to be nominated. But the point is not that, it’s whether these people have previously shown interest in public affairs or they have insights on national issues. There definitely should be a selection criteria before bringing them on board, nominees should atleast interviewed or their writings should be evaluated or their intelligence quotient should be tested. After all we need more substance than glamour.

In our country where there are a huge chunk of cricket or film crazy population who lack gray matter. Parties nominate such popular celebrities in anticipation of gaining popularity. If the nomination is a mark of respect then why make them MPs at the cost of the public money? Show them admiration by conferring them with other national honors (Padma Bhushan, Bharat Ratna etc) which are abundant.

If past data can portrait any trends, then attendance of these nominated celebrities has always inclined to the lower side. There has been no significant participation in any of the house debates too. So why have these unelected show pieces to adorn the house with a pretty face or tote up the glitz? After all it is all at our expense, the ever exploited public.

An intriguing question is that can twelve people make any difference? Well if chosen person has the passion, dedication, intelligence and commitment, they can be pretty influential because of their popularity. Anyone from any profession has the liberty to go into politics. So why pick on stars in particular? It is high time we relook and revamp electing RS members and evaluate whether the 12 fancy nominations are really needed?

Hilarious Food Spellings - What's in a name? ROFL

What's in a name? Of course not much but have a hearty laugh reading concoctions of the various spelling mistakes that gives the dish a completely hilarious touch! Error Error on the cards whose “michtake” is it after all. Mostly completely unintentional and probably written in accordance to the way it’s pronounced! So here we start with a look at various "Minu Card" or “Meenu Card"!

Spelling goof ups start from "Brakefast","Aamlate","Corn flecks","Cheez Sandwitch" and “Bhej Sandwitch” choices are umpteen. A friend of mine asked me to guess what an “Appayil” meant, I put in an hard thought but just couldn’t guess…it’s suppose to be “Half Boiled Eggs” in some part of our country. In fact the Indo Chinese list tops in spelling slips. Firstly read this “Sweat and Sour Soup" ...eeks! Another dish the delicious choupsuey when it reads "Chowpusy" it can be pretty repelling to many. OMG!! to add to the list "Silly Chicken", “Hole Fried Chicken”, “Chinese Nudals” and "Flight rice". Some of the other common bloopers, "Thy Noodles"....oh Thy Almighty save us!

It’s a common occurrence in beverages too which often lists "Paypsee", "Diet Cock" and "Fresh Lame Soda". Once a friend of mine had shared an absolutely hilarious hoarding in a shop "Child Bear Available Here" read (chilled beer).Indian menus on the list can be awfully amusing too. Here goes a list of some "Fried Crap", “Piss Pry”, “Dhaal Fry”, "Gar Lick Nun ", "Coolcha", “Plane Rice”, "Gobhi Manghuri", "Masala Gopi", "Born Less Tikka", “Baygon Bharta”, “Peace Curry”, “Ben di Fry”. The list can be pretty long. Imagine have you heard of "Evening Snakes"? Bakeries selling “Veg Pup”, “Egg Pup”, “Pija”, “Bred” and “Paw”? Interested in some “Cold Copy” or “Milk Sake”? This is the ultimate one “Tit Bites” actually meaning Tit Bits….just imagine!!!

In spite of spending on flash signboards, expensive interiors and menu cards they can’t find someone to spell correctly. If we have a Spell Bee championship with the people who have come up with these spellings, it can turn into one of the best aired comedy shows. Just read, laugh and have fun! Laughter is the best medicine.

E Cigarette - A healthier option!

31st May is "World No Tobacco Day" and hence keeping the day in mind I write this article. Recently a friend of mine who was trying to give up on smoking told me that he has bought an e-cigarette or an electronic cigarette. When I asked him what he meant he explained that it looks like a cigarette, tastes like a cigarette but it doesnot contain any tobacco. As he took a puff of it I could see the smoke come out of his mouth. He again told me that don't worry thats just vapor! Well the first thing that made me feel good was that sometimes although we don't smoke we become passive smokers, but with this I was safe although in near vicinity of a smoker.

Then my curious mind wanted to know more about how it works. So my friend actually opened the cigarette and showed me the three components - the Cartridge, the atomizer and the power supply.The cartridge’s like a cigarette’s butt that usually holds the liquid that is to be vaporized. The atomizer is the heating element and vaporizes the liquid and all e- cigarettes works on a power supply from a chargeable plug, USB drive or from batteries. As the e-cigarette is smoked a microprocessor activates an orange LEB at the tip to simulate burning.

E-cigs are used as a smoking substitute or a smoking cessation aid to help smokers quit. Bu there were also concerns it could be marketed to younger people. The nicotine vapors in these e-cigarettes are far lesser than normal cigarettes. Non nicotine cartrideges are also available. To overcome addiction some people start with cartridges containing 16mg nicotine levels, move to 8mg nicotine and then slowly to non nicotine cartridges. In India the e-cigarette can be bought online or at select shops. Each cartridge is equivalent to 50-80 traditional cigarettes. It is priced between Rs 1000 - Rs 1500.

Now I am not sure how soon my friend with the help of the e-cigarette gives up on smoking, but I am sure its worth a try for all the smokers considering the severe health hazard smoking poses. Please say no to smoking!!!

Imaginary Ugliness – BDD

Most people love to look into the mirror and analyze their appearance.  But there are some people who are never ever satisfied with the way they look. They often wear heavy make up, constantly look at themselves the mirror, keep measuring the apparent fault or frequently visit a doctor to correct their defect. When this dissatisfaction does not match up to the way a person wants to look, it constantly hovers in the mind, torments the person and the imperfections preoccupies the mind it could mean the person is a victim of BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder).

The obsession can be with regard to facial flaws, complexion, height, weight or hair. They can worry that their eyes are small, nose is not shaped appropriately, teeth alignment is not perfect and various other minor flaws. These aberrations are usually unnoticeable or small in the eyes of others, but the person who has BDD always sees them magnified.

Apart from obsession, the person may exhibit compulsion and avoidance behavior. Compulsion behavior means that the person may repeatedly apply make up and not be satisfied, may repeatedly ask for reassurance from other people by asking whether the flaw is noticeable (like Am I looking fat?).  Checking and fixing are indications of this behavior. In avoidance behavior the person will avoid going out, stop socializing, cover up certain flaws and avoid mirrors.

The cause of this condition is not known, it could be genetic or related to some chemicals disproportions in the brain. A person with this condition may find it very difficult to come out of it. Even celebrities have been a prey to this syndrome. No wonder they go under the knife to sculpt their bodies according to what they want. They often visit cosmetic surgeons and dermalogists. The biggest example is Michael Jackson who underwent multiple surgeries to look like the way he wanted to.  But in spite of whatever the outcome of the treatment is they are never ever satisfied.

Let’s consider the life of a person affected with BDD. As the person repeatedly seeks reassurance from others, people might become put off by that person. The victim sometimes feels ashamed of ones state and hence does not express feelings to others. This leads to loneliness and depression. Most people are not aware of BDD and hence a victim is often misinterpreted.

In case you know of a person going through this kind of feelings please recognize the problem. BDD victims need help from experienced professionals from field of mental health or psychiatrists.  It is a condition which needs time to heal. It is really helpful if a person with BDD gets the support and love of friend or loved one. It helps them get out of isolation and loneliness. Be aware of this syndrome and please do not misapprehend………………..your support and awareness can make a difference in the life of any one around you suffering from this problem.

Jamai Shasti. - The Bengali "Son-In-Law Day"

India celebrates many festivals and Jamai Shasti is one such festival mostly celebrated in West Bengal by the Bangalis. Celebrated in the end of May or begining of June this day shows the beautiful bonding of the "Shoshur Baari "in-laws with their Jamai "son-in-law". On this day the in-laws invite their daughter and son-in-law to their home and celebrate the occasion over a feast. The common belief is that it is done for the welfare of their daughter and son-in-law and also to the bring the couple closer to their family, hence strenghtening the ties. Jamai means "son-in-law" and 'Shasti' means sixth, thus the festival is observed on sixth day of shukla pokho in Jyestha month of traditional Bangla calendar. In earlier days when the daughter hardly got to go to her parents house this was one day she would look forward to.

On this day the Jamai and his wife sets out for their inlaws house with pots of misti and gifts.The occasion starts with the greeting of Jamai a curd "phota" on the forehead. The mother-in-law then touches the forehead of Jamai with a thala (plate) containing six fruits. It is followed by tying a yellow thread (turmeric coated) or "Shasti Shuto" on the right hand wrist of the Jamai. The thread is beleived to have the blessing of Ma Shashti, the divine protector of children.

Bengalis are known as food lovers. Once the rituals are performed, the guests are then served with food and delicacies. The royal treat consists of all the best exotic reciepes of the mother-in-law. The menu includes many varities of fishes (prawn n hilsa), chicken, mutton, sweets (rasogolla n sandesh) and fruits like (mango n jackfruit). The rest of the occasion all the members spend giving the quintessential Bangali adda. This is an occasion of honor and respect in West Bengal, a representation of family values. The Jamai is also gifted with clothes and sweets.

Now in this once in a year fare the aadure Jamai is pampered, showered with affection and hence this one day no Jamai will want to miss. So all the Jamai Babus head straight to your inlaws place with a haari (pot) of misti in your hand today.

Putting a brake to overspending

We often land buying some stuff and then later regret on the unnecessary spend. In most instance the purchase is an implusive decision made without much evaluation. For some people it is hard to resist a buy. For others it makes them prove that they are worthy, some derive a great sense of accomplishment.  Some more reasons are keeping up to a certain standard of lifestyle or deprivation of a good lifestyle when young. Each of us have overspent at various times in our lives. Occasional spending is alright...but if it forms into a habit then its sure calling trouble.

But there are ways of control which we can implement:

1) Plan every thing you want to buy
How many times we go to buy 2-3 things at the super market but land up with a basket full of things because there are offers in the shop luring us. Buy one get one free, freebies and huge discounts. Not being able to avoid the temptations we buy stuff that we might not really need!!

2) Set a Budget
Whenever you shop set an upper limit for the spend and try and avoid crossing the limit. The " Envelope Budgeting" technique has been followed since age long. Money for various spends like rent, groceries, utilities etc are set aside in envelopes and once the money in each envelope runs out there is no more to spend.

3) Never use Credit
Credit cards are so easy to use but the amount we spend is not tracked. Try and pay all the bills with cash or debit card. Avoid credit cards as much as possible. Never carry them to a place where you can really be tempted to shop.

4)Save first and then spend
Always set aside money for big purchases a little at a time and then buy.

5) Avoid emotional spends and shopping just to spend time.

6) Tiny drops make a mighty ocean
Check on any small non essential spends made. See if any changes in your present life style can lead to savings. Even small things like car pooling, eating out less often, optimizing electric usage or even going for a better plan for a phone can make a difference.

7) Research and try to crack good deals for big buys
Lot of websites carry comparitive prices. Try and see which is the most cost effective option.

In reality, we are most eagerly trying to save money but are getting victimized by overspending. Being honest and getting to the root cause will help us to not make those splurges in future.

Indian Street Children and their Rehab

In the streets of India it is one of the most common sights to observe small homeless children begging, selling knick knacks at signals, doing some petty jobs, singing or shining shoes.  Every street child has an unique story to tell. Their desperation makes them run away and resort to such a life of uncertainity, where they can be exposed to endless dangers of  drug trafficking, organ trade, prostitution and slavery.Most of them are malnourished, illiterate, shelterless and suffer from severe hunger. The reason why they are here is because these children are most vulnerable to poverty, urbanization, rapid economic growth, the breakdown of families and domestic violence. Some children are lured with the fact that they have freedom and others out of despair. As a society we fail to provide effective protection  and support.

The government always comes up with a act in place and in India we have the Juvenile Justice Act (Care and Protection of Children). The act spells out the government’s responsibilities in the care, the protection and the development of neglected children, but also tackles issues related to crime prevention and the rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents. But we all know that these Acts only sound good. Their promises are far from the truth. This act ensures first an " Observation Home" that temporarily  holds facilities for juveniles who are arrested by the police or found to be living in neglect. Juveniles “in conflict with the law” remain there awaiting trial. If convicted, they are sent to "Special Homes". Children “in need of care and protection” stay there pending the completion of a government investigation which tries to track down their parents and collect information on their family background. If the parents turn out to be dead, untraceable, unfit, or simply unwilling to take the child back, the Juvenile Welfare Board arranges for the child’s placement in a Juvenile Homes, where the government is responsible for providing room, board, education, and vocational training.

All these sound very rosy but in sharp contrast what I have read and understood is life there is horrible. The life of children who have the misfortune of  ending up there is just pathetic. The children are often confined in a room and controlled by guards. They spend most of the day in silence and get up  to only visit rest rooms. They suffer from severe body aches as they keep sitting in the same posture most of the day. Although the goverment sanctions ration for three meals what they get to eat is a miniscule. Many of these children cannot bear the situation and commit suicides. The children’s health conditions are a major cause of concern. Scarce hygiene, insufficient nutrition, and the lack of space render the children easy prey to a variety of highly contagious diseases. Here in these homes they often become victims of sexual harraasements.

We are blessed and fortunate. Lets take time and think for others. Lets atleast support or work with any NGOs or Organizations to make the life of others a little more better. Lets contribute our time or wealth and give these little children a better world to live in.

A line of a songs now rings in my mind " Heal the world ...make it a better place....for you and for me and the entire human race"

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Smile - A precious gift

Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing ~ Mother Teresa

A smile is a mood elevator. It helps us see life on a more upbeat note. It not only improves your day, but in turn it adds to creating a positive environment around you. A genuine smile can make you go miles!

But do we smile enough? Well if we don’t then be aware of the fact that scientifically when we smile or laugh the brain produces endorphins (chemicals inside our body) which help relieve stress.  The lesser stress, more the feeling of well being.

Now smile is an involuntary response so obviously we can't force ourselves to smile! Haven’t we seen that kids can just break into a smile at the drop of a hat? Their smile comes from their heart. But as we grow up the smile quotient in our life reduces.  Day to day life stress takes its toll. To smile, you have to give yourself permission to feel and enjoy small pleasures around. But we tend to build a hard shell around and become indifferent to the wonderful stimuli that usually create Smiles and Joy.

If you don’t find enough reasons to smile consider these:

• A smiling face makes us look beautiful

• A Smile can be a mood elevator

• A Smile is definitely a great Stress Buster

• A Smile makes you feel positive
• A Smile can make a difference to someone elses life

So give your smiles away freely and you will be sure to get a lot back in return!

Transfats - The Unnoticed Killer

My mother the other day called me and told me about an article she read on transfats. Naturally the curiosity in me arose...every time I buy a pack of biscuit, cereals or chips it reads “Trans Fat Free” or "Zero TransFat" but I never payed heed in trying to understand the reading in greater depth.

So what are Transfats? Transfats are formed during the process of addition of hydrogen atoms to oils, and the food industry prefers as it keeps the oil from turning rancid and ensures a longer shelf life. Then why are they bad? Transfats are associated with a host of serious health problems ranging from diabetes to heart disease to cancer. This should be reason enough to regulate these substances.

The next time you indulge in Indian fried food (bhature, puri, paratha and tikki) beware....they are sometimes even worse than the western junk (French fries, pizzas etc).The myth that baked products are safer must go. Biscuits, cookies contain butter and margarine which is a huge source of transfat. The humble pakoda, the fancily packaged cakes, instant noodles, low-fat bread spread, breaded snacks and ready to eat meals which are abundant in the stores are equally high in transfat. Just avoid supermarket foods, frozen items, cookies, cakes and cereals which are high on transfats.

In India the health ministry in 2008 announced that food containing transfats should be labeled but no standard method is followed....so overall this is of no use. No stringent laws govern labeling. As consumers we are not prone to reading labels. The contents are specified in the smallest font on the package.

If all this sounds alarming just return to the basics used in your grandmother's or mother’s kitchen. Avoid vanaspatis and use oils in moderation, and never ever reuse them after heating. Eliminate the visits to hot chips, bakery’s and the fast food joints!!

Eat healthy, feed healthy …… stay healthy and keep our next generation healthy.

Declutter to feel good

Lets all try something today......lets declutter.....just give 2-3 mins today and see if u feel good!

The lesser we have to keep the easier it is for us to be organized. A neat space always makes us feel good. Lets not make cleaning a tedious task which takes hours of our precious weekend. Just start with a small space. Just open your cupboard , drawer anything and for 2-3 mins just reorganize any one space. Just see you can throw away so many unwanted stuff and the fact that you see a clean place can makes you feel good.

While you make yourself a cup of tea just clean a shelf, drawer, a rack of the fridge or just wipe the oven or microwave. Its just done in no time. This way within a week a lot of stuff in the kitchen will get sorted.

I had read somewhere that if you buy a thing then you discard two things from your space. Yeah.....I have been doing that for a while now and believe me it is now much easier for me to accomodate new stuff. I remember I kept old cups inspite of buying new ones thinking that they will be of some use someday. But the truth is that I never ever used them. So why keep them in anticipation and clutter the space. Just give away....there are always takers if you wish to give.

Clothes are another thing that we always have in surplus. Discard the ones that we haven't worn in six months. I have this habit of thinking that if I grow thin then I shall fit into them. Well I don't think that works ...if I grow thin I would certainly want to rewamp my wardrobe and get something more smarter......just give the unused ones in charity.

Tidy your workspace for just a couple of minutes a day and I am sure you will love to work in a neat workstation.

Just before going to sleep pick up the scattered stuff in the living room and put them in place....next morning you can get up to a clean room which makes you feel fresh. If the place is really messy and you have to reorganize....put all the scattered stuff in a big box and as and when you have time put any 2-3 things in place.

Just try it........................decluttering gives immense satisfaction...................start with a small space and see how easily in a short span you are feeling staying organized is a part of your life.

Do share how you tried decluttering, your ideas of declutter...............:)