kodimaraa

உபவாசம்

2012-07-14T20:48:00.004+05:30

உபவாசம்

உபவாச விரதங்களில் எதைக்

கடைப்பிடித்தால் நல்லது ?

இந்து மதப் புராணத்தில் 27 வகையான

உபவாச விரதங்கள்

குறிப்பிடப்பட்டுள்ளது. அவை,

1. உமிழ்நீரைக் கூட விழுங்காமல் இருப்பது. இதை யோகிகள் மட்டுமே கடைப்பிடிப்பார்களாம்.

2. தென் அல்லது இளநீர் ஆகியவற்றில் ஏதாவது ஒன்றை மட்டும் அருந்தி உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

3. பசுவின் பாலை மட்டும் அருந்தி

உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

4. எந்த உணவுமில்லாமல் தொடர்ந்து பன்னிரண்டு நாட்கள் நீரை மட்டும் அருந்தி உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

5. காலை நேரம் மட்டும் உணவருந்தி

உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

6. பகல் நேர உணவை மட்டும் சாப்பிட்டு உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

7. இரவு நேர உணவை மட்டும் சாப்பிட்டு உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

8. மூன்று நாட்கள்தொடர்ந்து காலை நேர உணவை மட்டும் சாப்பிட்டு உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

9. மூன்று நாட்கள்தொடர்ந்து மதிய நேர உணவை மட்டும் சாப்பிட்டு உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

10. மூன்று நாட்கள்தொடர்ந்து இரவு நேர உணவை மட்டும் சாப்பிட்டு உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

11. கடுமையான விரதங்களுக்கு 21 நாட்கள் வெறும் பசும்பால் மட்டும் அருந்தி உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

12. மூன்று நாட்கள் பகல் ஒருவேளை மூன்று கைப்பிடி உணவை மட்டும் சாப்பிட்டு

உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

13. இரவில் மட்டும் மூன்று கைப்பிடி அளவு உணவு மட்டும் சாப்பிட்டு உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

14. ஒருநாள் பகல் நேரத்தில் சுத்தமான எள்ளுப் புண்ணாக்கு மட்டும் சாப்பிட்டு உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

15. ஒருநாள் இரவில் மட்டும் பசுவின் பால் சாப்பிட்டு உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

16. ஒரு நாள் மோரை மட்டும் அருந்தி

உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

17. ஒரு நாள் முழுவதும் சுத்தமான நீரை மட்டுமே அருந்தி உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

18. ஒரு நாள் முழுவதும் பொரிமாவு (புழுங்கல் அரிசியை வறுத்து நன்கு பொடித்து நெய், தேங்காய், சர்க்கரை ஆகியவற்றைப் போட்டுப் பிசைந்து வைத்திருப்பது) மட்டும் சாப்பிட்டு உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

19. ஒரு நாள் முழுவதும் திணை மாவு மட்டும் சாப்பிட்டு உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

20. தேய்பிறை அன்று ஆரம்பித்து வளர்பிறை முடிந்து திரும்பத் தேய்பிறை நாட்கள் வரை தினம் ஒருபிடி அன்னத்தை மட்டும் சாப்பிட்டு பின்னர் தினம் ஒவ்வொரு பிடி அன்னத்தை அதிகமாக்கிக் கொண்டு சுக்கிலபட்சம் முடிந்த பிறகு திரும்ப ஒவ்வொரு பிடி அன்னமாகக் குறைப்பது என உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

21. ஒரு நாள் முழுவதும் வில்வ தழையையும் நீரையும் மட்டுமே அருந்தி உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

22. ஒரு நாள் முழுவதும் அரச இலைத் தளிர்களையும், நீரையும் அருந்தி

உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

23. ஒரு நாள் முழுவதும் அத்தி இளந்தளிகளையும், நீரையும் மட்டும் அருந்தி உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

24. இரு வேளை உணவுடன் உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

25. முதல் நாள் ஒரு வேளை பகல் உணவு மட்டும், மறுநாள் இரவு மட்டும் உணவுடன் உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

26. மாமிச உணவுகள், மசாலாக்கள் இல்லாத சைவ உணவுகளை மட்டுமே குறைந்த அளவு சாப்பிட்டு உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

27. வாழைக்காய், பூண்டு, வெங்காயம், பெருங்காய்ம் ஆகியவை சேர்ந்த உணவுகளை மட்டும் சேர்த்துக் கொள்ளாமல்

உபவாசம் இருத்தல்.

- இந்த உபவாச விரதங்களில் எதைக் கடைப்பிடித்தால் நல்லது என்கிறீர்களா? உங்கள் உடல் நிலைக்கும், சூழ்நிலைக்கும் தகுந்த எந்த உபவாசத்தையும் நீங்கள் தேர்வு செய்து கொள்ளலாம். ஆனால் எதுவுமே சாப்பிடாமல் நீர் மட்டும் அருந்தி உபவாசம் இருப்பதே சிறந்த விரத முறையாகும்.

நன்றி - சிவமா?***சவமா?

Cover of Time magazine

2012-06-10T20:29:00.001+05:30

Does Breastfeeding Really Save Money?

By Kimberly Palmer | U.S.News

This week's cover of Time magazine, featuring a woman breastfeeding her tall three-year-old son, launched a range of strong reactions across the blogosphere. Some supporters of attachment parenting lauded the cover as "normalizing" breastfeeding past the age of one, while others felt the defiant stance of mother and son seemed designed to spark outrage and even evoked pornography.

Amid the controversy, the actual article, which explores the birth of attachment parenting, was barely discussed. But attachment parenting, which often includes co-sleeping, long-term breastfeeding, and near-constant togetherness of mother and child also comes with a price. As Hanna Rosin of Slate has pointed out, round-the-clock breastfeeding is hardly compatible with most women's jobs, and the constant sleep deprivation can interfere with getting work done during the day.

Rosin writes in Slate, "There is the very basic objection that it is virtually impossible to do what the advocates say is best for your baby and have a job, which the vast majority of American mothers have these days."

There's also evidence that extended breastfeeding can have a negative impact on earnings. As Ruth Mantell wrote in the Wall Street Journal, breastfeeding can hurt a woman's ability to earn money for her family, largely because of the time it takes. She cites research that shows women who breastfeed for six months or longer face a steeper income decline than those who breastfeed less than six months. And as the researcher points out, money plays a vital role in children's well-being.

Breastfeeding itself is not always as free and easy as it might seem, either. In fact, it can be costly. While avoiding formula certainly saves a lot of money in the first year, by some estimates. and breastfed babies are less likely to come down with certain illnesses, which reduces healthcare costs, breastfeeding today is certainly not "free," at least not for most people.

For parents committed to the attachment parenting model and breastfeeding, there are free resources that can help. La Leche League and the website kellymom.com offer assistance and support to nursing moms. The IRS also recently changed flex spending rules so breast pumps and related nursing supplies are eligible for tax breaks. But it's not so easy to overcome the challenge of finding the time to both work and practice attachment parenting. For parents with jobs that require them to be away for nine to 10 hours a day, it might not even be possible.

What do you think about the price of attachment parenting--is it worth it?

2012-06-10T20:25:00.001+05:30

Why does your car's oil light come on?

By Mark McDonald | Popular Mechanics

Q: The oil light on my 2000 Chevy Cavalier comes on at low rpm and then shuts off as I start driving. I checked the oil level and it's fine. Is this something I should be worried about?

A: Any time the oil light goes on, it's cause for concern. Many newer and high-feature cars have oil-life monitors that determine when the oil needs to be changed, but the glowing red oil light in your Cavalier indicates the oil pressure is low. That's bad for several reasons. Low pressure means there either isn't enough oil in the system or the oil pump isn't circulating enough oil to keep the critical bearing and friction surfaces lubricated. If the light comes on while at speed, do your best to pull off the road quickly, turn the engine off, and investigate the problem to avoid damage.

Oil is the lifeblood of any engine, but the oil circuit is probably the least appreciated engine system. The oil-supply path starts in the oil pan, where a pump sucks up the lubricating fluid and distributes it to passages cast into the block. From there oil is directed to the crankshaft bearings, the camshaft bearings, the valve shafts, and other important moving parts. Modern oil formulations include detergents, so regular oil and filter changes at intervals recommended in the owner's manual generally keep the system happy. Unfortunately, everything wears over time, which increases the tiny gaps between sliding parts. Those alone can cause a slight drop in oil pressure, as can an aging pump.

Before you go too far in diagnosing the problem, it probably makes sense to double-check the oil level and top it off to make sure that isn't the problem. Since the light comes on at low engine speeds and then shuts off, the oil pump is probably fine; if the pump were dying, you'd see low pressure at high engine speeds as well. The most likely culprit is the sensor that operates the light. The sensor is screwed into the engine and has a probe that resides in an oil passage. It's basically an on/off switch that uses the oil pressure to close an electrical circuit. Sometimes a particle of dirt or some other foreign matter gets into the probe and fouls the part. The sensor is fairly easy to replace—as long as you can get at it, which is sometimes difficult. Unhook the wiring, loosen with a wrench, and follow the instructions to replace the sensor. Take the car for a test drive and see if the light still goes on at idle. If it does, you might be due for a new oil pump after all.

Common Conversation Mistakes

2012-06-10T20:22:00.000+05:30

Common Conversation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Have you ever shown up at a job interview and not known what to say? Ever had to make friendly conversation with an important client or colleague and been at a loss for words? Of course you have- we ALL have!

One woman who has navigated these obstacles and mastered the art of the conversation is NBC Veteran and Emmy Award winning journalist, Jane Hanson.

For close to 30 years, Jane has interviewed everyone from U.S. Presidents to people on the street (and she happened to be the anchor of Today In New York when I started out as reporter for the show!)

Informed, warm, direct and always charming- Jane has truly learned the tricks for building instant rapport and getting people to open up- be it on-camera or in the elevator.

To get the secrets to conversation etiquette "do's" and "don'ts", we headed to NYC to sit down with the pro and do what she does best…chat.

BUILDING INSTANT RAPPORT

When it comes to first meetings, most of us tend to talk a lot more about ourselves than listen. This is often out of nerves or a desire to be interesting or entertaining. Jane emphasizes that this is a no-no. Instead, look for things that might be of interest to the person you're talking with and use them to open up the conversation. Notice a baseball on their desk and ask about it. If they are wearing a colorful brooch, ask them where they got it from. Keep your eyes open and your mouth shut. It's that simple.

Jane's advice:

Don't talk too much about yourself on initial meetings.

Do ask more about others. Look around for clues for conversation openers.

BEATING NERVES

For many of us, walking into a job interview feels like walking into a death trap. We get that sick feeling in the pit of our stomach and those charming sweaty palms (perfect for shaking hands, not!). But it doesn't have to be this way. We figured if Jane can stay calm on LIVE TV, perhaps there were some tips we could learn.

Jane believes that a lot of the nervous energy stems from a lack of research and going into a meeting unprepared. Her secret to beating the nerves is to fully research the person and company you're meeting with. With online search engines able to reveal practically what your interviewer ate for breakfast, there's no excuse to go in blind.

Jane's advice:

Don't go to any interview unprepared.

Do research your interviewer.

LOSE THE "DO OR DIE ATTITUDE"

Instead of going into a job interview and treating it like an audition, take the pressure off and think of it as a place to practice. Don't worry so much if you don't get the job, see it as a learning process for the next interview.

Jane's Advice:

Don't stress.

Do see each interview as practice- taking that pressure off will help you shine.

DEALING WITH "FOOT IN MOUTH"

We've all said the wrong thing, at the wrong time, to the wrong person- and that was just this week! Sure it can be embarrassing but it's also very human and normal.

Jane believes that owning up to a mistake is a much better direction to go than covering up. Don't dwell on it, admit it and then move on. Done!

Jane's Advice:

Don't make excuses or brush over mistakes hoping they will go away.

Do own up to your errors, apologize and get on with it.

PUT A CORK IN IT

When it comes to the best advice Jane has ever been given- it's all about paying attention. Jane highlights how not listening is a problem not only as a journalist, but also as a person navigating everyday life and relationships. If you find yourself in a difficult conversation make sure you really listen to what's being said for clues as to how to respond. Most misunderstanding comes from spending too much time talking and not enough time listening.

Jane's Advice:

Don't blabber on hoping that they will understand you. Eventually.

Do really listen to what they are saying. Often people will give you the answers you're looking for if only you would be quiet long enough to hear them speak.

How to Ask for a Raise

2012-06-10T20:16:00.003+05:30

How to Ask for a Raise

By Kathryn Eisman | Secrets to Your Success

Show me the $

You're heart is racing, your palms are sweating, swallowing feels you have a bolder in your throat -- if only you could get those five little words out…Can I have a raise?

We've all been through it and know that asking for more money at work is one of the most nerve-wracking, stomach-churning, knee-weakening experiences we have to go through in our professional lives. It's little wonder most of us would prefer to ask for a lobotomy than a raise. But it doesn't need to be this way…

To find out how to ask for more mullah we headed to New York City to catch up with workplace champion Tory Johnson. Not only is Tory "Good Morning America's" go-to gal for career advice, she is also the founder and CEO of Women for Hire, the countries first and most successful female only career expo, so we figured she might have some words of wisdom…boy were we right!

Your career fairy godmother has left the building

Most of us grow up thinking that if we work hard, keeps our heads down and our tails up then eventually someone at work will notice and tap us on the shoulder and offer us a raise. Wrong!

You're going to have to be your own fairy godmother and make your professional career dreams come true for yourself, and here's how…

1. Justify your raise

In today's economy, with so many people losing their jobs, going the extra mile at work is almost expected. Once upon a time just being with the company a certain amount of years justified a pay increase; these days you will only get paid more if you can prove that you deliver more value to the company. Show your boss just how much you are bringing to the business and that a pay increase is still a bargain considering the extra revenue and value you contribute. Tory says that you should ask yourself: What are you really worth? And if it's what your current salary is paying you to do, focus on stepping up your value before asking for a raise.

2. "No" can mean "Yes"

Sure it hurts when you hear the dreaded "No", but don't be disheartened. Find our why your boss has rejected your request and ask him, "what could I do that would turn that 'no' into a 'yes'?" Tory suggests that you shouldn't take it to heart, but rather use it to open a dialogue about what areas the company is hoping to grow in and how you can be a part of that growth. And before you walk out that room and eat a chocolate block, ask your boss if you can reschedule to discuss this further at a later date. As Tory says, "No" isn't always a solid no - it could mean "Not Now."

3. Don't be afraid of butterflies

Don't kid yourself, it's NEVER easy picking up the phone or stepping inside an office and asking for a raise, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't still do it. In life, fortune favors the brave, quite literally. If you want to make that fortune you better start working on your courage. To overcome nerves, be sure to prepare in bullet-point form all the reasons why you truly deserve a raise and why it's not just in your interest, but more importantly, in the best interest of the company. Think about all the reasons why your boss may object and consider if the objections are valid and if you can do something to overcome them. The more prepared you are, the better, but set a timeline for your meeting or you'll be preparing (read: procrastinating) for years. Remind yourself that while you hope they say yes, it may be the first step in getting a yes down the road.

4. Find a champion

Most people are told to look for a mentor, but Tory suggests getting a champion instead. What's the difference? A champion not only supports and encourages you as a mentor does, but is in a position to actually help leverage her contacts and political clout to help you get what you seek. Having someone believe in you who is in a position to help you is far more powerful than someone simply cheering from the sidelines.

5. If you want a raise, step up

If you are seen to be taking initiative, moving forward with confidence and commitment, and seeking to be the very best you can be…it's only a matter of time before you find people to support you. People are attracted to others that have a passion and are making it happen for themselves. If you want others to help you (and give you more money), start by elevating your own efforts. Step up to the plate...after all, they don't call it a "raise" for nothing!

Ketchup. We love it.

2012-06-10T20:12:00.000+05:30

Ketchup's Unsavory Secret History

By Piper Weiss, Shine Staff | Summer Kick-Off

Ketchup. We love it. But do we really

know it?

An estimated 97 percent of American households have a bottle in their fridges right now. Most people like Heinz' original recipe, which consists of tomatoes, vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, salt, spice, onion powder and some other "natural flavorings" the company isn't required to list. Heinz recentlyre-introduced its limited edition ketchup with balsamic vinegar in time for burger season for all you fancy types. But before Heinz, ketchup, or even catsup, there was katchop. The Chinese condiment, from which the burger topping originated, was nothing more than shellfish brine.

A mixture of sea creatures, soaked for days in pickling vinegar and spices, was the basis for the french fry dip we know and love. When British explorers caught wind of it in Singapore in the 1700s, they brought it back to their own Western European kitchens. The result was the first ketchup recipe: a mixture of vinegar, shallots, spices, horseradish, and get this, ANCHOVIES.

Gizmodo's Rachel Swaby dug up the first English recipe on record published in the 1727 cookbook, Compleat Housewife, which called for 12 to 14 anchovies and zero tomatoes.

"Way back it was more like a fish sauce than our condiment today… and maybe really gross," writes Swaby. "But apparently people didn't think so, because cookbook authors were reprinting the above recipe well into the 19th century."

Ketchup made from pickled oyster juice was another popular dipping sauce. It wasn't until the 1820s that tomatoes got involved in the mix, and slowly muscled out sea creatures. Thank Heinz, which brought the bottled version to homes in the 1870s.

Not that the brand has had a perfect record. Remember not too long ago, when Heinz introduced 'funky purple' and 'blastin' green' EZ Squirts ketchup? I'll take ground anchovies over Blue No. 1 and Red No. 3 any day.

Secret nuclear reactor

2012-06-10T20:06:00.000+05:30

Kodak’s (sort of) secret nuclear reactor

By Jeff Stacklin | The Lookout

How's this for a revelation: The Kodak Eastman Co. had a small nuclear research reactor in a little-known underground labyrinth at its Rochester, N.Y., facility.

And, although locked down and under tight security, it also contained 3½ pounds of highly enriched uranium, reports the the Democrat and Chronicle in Rochester. The writer succinctly notes:

That's the material that nuclear bombs are made of. Terrorists covet it.

The imaging company, which has filed for bankruptcy, used the reactor to check chemicals and other materials for impurities, as well as for neutron radiography testing, the newspaper reported. The reactor, acquired by the company in 1974, was about the size of a refrigerator and kept in a 14- by 24-foot cement-lined cavity dug below a basement of one of its research buildings.

"This device presented no radiation risk to the public or employees," company spokesman Christopher Veronda told the newspaper. "Radiation from the operation was not detectable outside of the facility."

Kodak didn't necessarily mean to keep the reactor a secret, the newspaper reported. Rather, it was just never truly public knowledge.

Although it had been mentioned in research papers, Veronda told the newspaper, the company never made a public announcement about it. And he wasn't sure the company ever notified local police, fire or hazardous materials officials that it possessed

the reactor.

The newspaper acknowledged it learned of the reactor when a Kodak employee mentioned it.

As for the uranium, it is no longer at the facility. It has been shipped to a federal facility in South Carolina,

the newspaper reported.

Slash Your Car Insurance

2012-06-10T20:03:00.002+05:30

How to Slash Your Car Insurance Bill in Half

These nine tips could help you make significant savings in your car insurance.

By John Loos

We all want to cut our expenses in half. The good news is that while the monthly costs for your smartphone or cable TV may be relatively fixed, your auto insurance rate may have some room to shrink.

The average driver may spend up to $84,000 in a lifetime on car insurance, according to a February 2011 posting on the Motor Trend magazine's website - a figure that could be reduced if you know how to save on your policy.

"The average yearly auto insurance premium is about $850, but there is wide variation around this average," says Loretta Worters, a vice president of the Insurance Information Institute (III), an organization dedicated to improving the public's understanding of insurance. "Many factors can affect your premium."

Check out these nine saving methods to see how you can reduce your car insurance rate.

#1 - Get a Variety of Quotes

Be curious. When purchasing auto insurance, explore your options instead of simply buying the first policy presented to you.

"A good rule of thumb is to get three identical quotes from different insurance companies," says Melissa Fox, deputy press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance.

A quote is the estimated price you will pay if you purchase the policy in question.

Quotes can vary significantly from company to company. For example, a sampling of prices given through the Texas Department of Insurance's Price Guide revealed that annual rates can run as high as $1,795 and as low as $316. That's a $1,479 difference!

#2 - Dig for Discounts

Just as you might scour a store for sales and deals, make sure to research your insurer to know what discounts you could qualify for.

According to the III, available discounts provided by your insurer may include:

Low annual mileage - Drivers who use their vehicles sparingly throughout the year.
Anti-theft devices - Devices that could prevent car theft, such as car alarms and wheel-locking devices.
Long-time customer - Sticking with the same insurance company could yield customer loyalty discounts.
Defensive driving courses - Completion of accredited driving courses, particularly for drivers over 50.
A college student away from home - If your child is driving your vehicle less often, you may be able to take him or her off your policy.

#3 - Regularly Review Your Policy

What fit your driving needs a year ago may not be the best fit today. To allow your policy to reflect your lifestyle, you should get into the habit of regularly reviewing your car insurance policy. Otherwise, you could be paying for unnecessary coverage on your policy.

In order to make sure that you're taking advantage of possible discounts, you should review your policy if you've changed vehicles, added or removed a vehicle, added or removed a driver, or had a significant change to your number of annual miles, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) website, a group comprised of insurance commissioners from all 50 states.

#4 - Improve Your Credit Score

How you spend money says a lot about how responsible you are. Depending on the state, insurance companies could look to your credit score when determining if you are likely to be a safe or more reckless driver.

"For many insurers, credit-based insurance scoring is one of the most important and statistically valid tools to predict the likelihood of a person filing a claim and the likely cost of that claim," says Worters.

What makes up your credit score? Factors such as your payment history, any unpaid debt, your credit history length, or bankruptcies help formulate these credit-based insurance scores, according to Worters.

#5 - Maintain a Good Driving Record

Drive smart, drive safe.

Insurers often reward good driving habits with reductions in rates or lower initial rates, according to the "What Determines the Price of My Auto Insurance Policy," an article on III's website.

For example, look at these annual sample rates - randomly produced by the Texas Department of Insurance's Price Guide - from three insurance companies:

Male, 25-65, no violations: $495, $365, $599
Male, 25-65, 1 at-fault accident in the past three years: $767, $459, $699

Between the three companies, the motorist with no violations could have saved $272, $94, and $100 per month, respectively.

#6 - Drop Unnecessary Coverage

Trim the fat! Find out what types of coverage are required in your insurance policy.

Most states require some type of minimum liability coverage, which covers damage to other people and their property, according to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association website, a nonprofit insurance information organization.

But some types of coverage could be considered optional. Check with your state's Department of Insurance or your insurance company to learn which insurance elements are required for your policy.

According to Fox, these types of coverage may be optional in your state:

Collision - Covers damage to your vehicle.
Comprehensive - Covers theft or damage to your vehicle from various hazards, such as a fire or extreme weather.
Uninsured Motorist - Covers you in the event of a hit-and-run, or if you're hit by a motorist with no insurance.
Underinsured Motorist - Covers you if you are hit by a motorist without sufficient insurance to cover your claim.

#7 - Change What Car You Drive

"If I could recommend one or two ways to make significant savings on your rate, it would probably be the car [you] drive," says Worters.

Worters recommends looking at a vehicle's overall cost, repair costs, safety record, and probability of theft - each of which can affect your rate.

The III article supports Worters' point.

"Some cars cost more to insure than others," notes the article. "Engine sizes, even among the same makes and models, can also impact insurance premiums."

Know the cost of insuring your vehicle. Changing your ride may significantly lower your costs.

#8 - Move to a Suburban or Rural Area

“More cars equals more chance for an accident,” says Fox.

So what does this mean for you? Where you drive and live may be affecting how much you pay for your auto insurance.

"Generally, due to higher rates of vandalism, theft, and accidents, urban drivers pay a higher auto insurance price than those in small towns or rural areas," says Worters.

Some locations also see a greater number of lawsuits as well as higher medical and car repair costs, adds Worters.

#9 - Raise your Deductible

One of the simplest ways to see immediate savings could be changing your deductible, or the amount you agree to pay in the event of an accident before your insurer will contribute any money.

"Increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent," says Worters. "Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more."

The reason that higher deductibles may result in lower monthly rates is because a higher deductible means an insurance company will end up paying a smaller amount in the event that you file an accident claim, according to the Texas Department of Insurance website.

But be careful. You should have enough money set aside to pay your deductible in the event of an accident. If you are unable to cover your deductible, your insurance company will only pay part of your claim or could refuse to pay anything.

While each of these tips may not cut your bill in half on its own, when combined they could noticeably slim down your car insurance rate. Know what is necessary for your policy and understand the available discounts at your insurance company.

Can a Kid Be a Psychopath?

2012-06-10T20:00:00.005+05:30

Can a Kid Be a Psychopath?

By Lylah M. Alphonse, Senior Editor

Can a young child really be a psychopath?The groundbreaking HBO documentary "Child of Rage" years ago showed how horrific abuse and neglect could leave a child unable to bond with other people, turning them into children "without conscience, who can hurt or even kill without remorse." In other words: the child becomes a psychopath.

But what about the kids who aren't abused? What about the ones who, for no discernible reason, do horrible things to other people?

"I've always said that Michael will grow up to be either a Nobel Prize winner or a serial killer," his mother, Anne, tells Jennifer Kahn in a recent shocking New York Times Magazine article. At age 9, her son has an extreme temper, lashing out violently and deliberately and showing no empathy or remorse. He's intelligent, cold, calculating, and explosive. "It takes a toll," she says, explaining her comment. "There's not a lot of joy and happiness in raising Michael."

Experts are divided about whether it's right to label a child as a psychopath. On the one hand, their brains are still developing; since psychopathy is largely considered untreatable, such a label would carry a heavy, life-altering stigma. On the other hand, identifying "callous-unemotional" children early could allow for successful treatment -- or at least a heads-up to society.

But reaching such a diagnosis can be tricky. Certain tendencies, like narcissism and impulsiveness, that are obvious signs of a psychopath are also part and parcel of childhood. And callous-unemotional kids are often extremely intelligent; they're able to lie and manipulate without remorse, making it harder to understand what they're doing and why. "They don't care if someone is mad at them," Paul Frick, a psychologist at the University of New Orleans, told the New York Times. "They don't care if they hurt someone's feelings."

"If they can get what they want without being cruel, that's often easier," adds Frick, who has spent 20 years studying risk factors for psychopathy in children. "But at the end of the day, they'll do whatever works best."

The New York Times article mentions the case of 9-year-old Jeffrey Bailey Jr., who in 1986 pushed a 3-year-old into the deep end of a Florida swimming pool and then pulled up a chair to watch the child drown; after the toddler died, Bailey got up and went home. It's a disturbing crime -- and there are other equally disturbing cases of young kids committing cold-blooded murder.

In 1993, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, both 10 years old, took 2-year-old James Bulger by the hand and led the trusting toddler out of a shopping mall in Liverpool, England. Once away from the mall, they spent hours torturing him before beating him to death, reports said.
In 1984, Joshua Phillips' mother was cleaning his room when she discovered the dead body of their 8-year-old neighbor, Maddie Clifton, under his bed. The 14-year-old Phillips says he accidentally hit the girl in the eye with a baseball bat and then panicked when she screamed, so he took her to his room and beat and then stabbed her until she stopped.
Alyssa Bustamente was 15 when she confessed to luring her 9-year-old neighbor Elizabeth Olten into a nearby forest and killing her in 2009. "I strangled them and slit their throat and stabbed them now they're dead," Bustamante wrote in her diary at the time. "It was ahmazing. As soon as you get over the 'ohmygawd I can't do this' feeling, it's pretty enjoyable. I'm kinda nervous and shaky though right now. Kay, I gotta go to church now...lol." In February, she was sentenced to life in prison.
Eric Harris -- who, with his friend Dylan Klebold, killed 13 people and injured 24 others when they opened fire at Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999 -- had several of the hallmarks of being a psychopath. As ABC News points out, he was described as "controlling, manipulative, and sadistic, but very much in touch with reality."

"Psychopaths don't feel guilty because they are blind to guilt," Frank Ochberg, a former FBI psychiatrist who led the counseling team after Columbine, told ABC News. And, unlike with psychosis (when people are delusional or out-of-touch with reality), psychopaths know exactly what they're doing -- they just don't care how it affects others.

It's not as if these kids simply lack a moral compass. In "Child of Rage," 6-year-old Beth opens her blue eyes wide and calmly tells her psychiatrist how she'd like to hurt, and even kill, her adoptive parents -- a Baptist preacher and his wife -- and her biological brother. She's calm and conversational as she describes how she has deliberately harmed and killed animals, how she drives pins into her brother and sexually molests him, how she repeatedly slammed his head into a cement floor and only stopped because someone caught her.

Beth suffered extreme physical and sexual abuse and neglect by her biological parents, which experts say could explain her detached, calculating demeanor and her lack of "a sense of conscience." (She now claims that she was "healed" by the time she was 7 or 8, thanks to intensive therapy.) But Michael, in the New York Times Magazine article, seems to have grown up surrounded by love and affection.

So if nurture (or a lack of it) isn't the only way a person becomes a psychopath, how much does nature have to do with it? Some experts say that psychopathy, like other mental illnesses, may have a genetic component; others think that it is a neurological condition all its own, like autism is, though it's not part of the autism spectrum. Though some psychologists believe one can start seeing psychopathic traits as early as age 5, there is not yet a definitive test for children

that young.

"You're not born a psychopath but the foundation is there," Robert Hare, a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of British Columbia and author of "Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us," told MSNBC. He has developed specialized checklists to determine whether people age 12 and older show psychopathic tendencies. "We're all born with temperaments that can be shaped by the environment."

Lets get down and dirty!

2012-06-10T19:56:00.002+05:30

Lets get down and dirty!

Divya Sudarsanan likes to get her fingers dirty with her mangoes. The messier the experience, the sweeter the taste.

By Divya Sudarsanan

How do you like to eat mangoes? Yes, this is a fairly innocuous question and not to be met with “a is-this-a-trick-question” glance.

Let me rephrase: If I were to place a mango in front of you, how would you prefer to eat it? Eat it organically like it was gorgeously meant to, or have someone cut it up into slices and scooped with a spoon, or diced and cubed to be eaten in piece-meal fashion?

Depending on your answer, you’re either dead to me or an esteemed member of our mango tribe, if you will.

But it just boggles the mind, really, when I hear lame-ass excuses that range from the usual “Oh, mangoes are just so messy” to “I do my own laundry” and an appalling “Why on earth would you want to eat it like that? It’s just so… primitive,” and so on.

Seriously, people, when did you’ll become such sissies and prissies?

Mangoes, if you haven’t noticed already, are an incredibly versatile fruit. And it is probably the only fruit you can indulge in your childhood fantasies without coming across as a douchebag.

Anyway, to the sissies and prissies above, here’s what I have to say: • Well, duh, mangoes are supposed to be messy. I don’t see a manual that says otherwise.

• Laundry missy, I don’t suppose you’re feasting on mangoes dressed in your Chanel or Prada?

• Oh, honey. Opposable thumbs, much?

The best, and dare I say, the only way to eat a mango is with your hands. Get down and dirty. There are no ifs and buts about mango eating. It is what it is, and the results are marvelous: Pure. Simple. Unadulterated. Joy.

No fruit can take you on such a wonderful and wholesome experience like a mango. Eating a mango, especially the juicy and pulpy ones is such a holy treat for your senses. Right from the tearing of the skin with your teeth to the first party-in-your-mouth bite and the subsequent trickle around your mouth followed by succulent mouthfuls of sweet and sunshine-y goodness. Nothing can beat the feeling of your teeth running against the skin in a ribbed-like fashion just to savour the last piece of fibrous goodness before you rid the skin completely. By then you ought to have had a delicate sweet and sticky trail of golden goodness running down your arms which, surprise, you are allowed to indulge in – adult or otherwise.

What’s more if you have a group of friends partaking in this communion at the table, it makes for great food fights and nostalgic childhood memories.

For me, the pièce de résistance is the seed. This is where you unleash your creativity and make several works of art that range from trolls to paperweights. Alternately, you could use them as weapons at the anal I-like-my-mangoes-chopped-and-diced-into-bite-sized-mango pieces who tragically don’t know what they are missing. Evidently, the taste of metal holds more promise when they eat their mangoes.

Like a friend said: “Mangoes just tastes better when it’s half running down your face”.

Let’s get down and dirty, shall we?

Fitness and health

2012-06-10T19:54:00.004+05:30

Exercise 'crucial to older adult's fitness and health'

By ANI | ANI

From Washington (ANI): Several people consider aging to be a time to slow down

and take it easy.

However, a recent study suggests that the more we age, the more we need exercise to keep us independent and healthy.

Yet, sometimes it takes a prescription from the doctor to get adults up and moving.

"Exercise is important for almost everyone. There are very few medical conditions that exercise won't benefit. In fact, I sometime write a prescription to get my patients to start taking this seriously and help them understand exercise can be just as helpful as medication," said Keith Veselik, director of primary care at Loyola University Health System and associate professor in the Department of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

"Around age 35 is when our muscle mass and resting metabolism starts to decrease. When this happens our bodies require more, not less exercise to manage our caloric intake. When this starts to happen we can eat the same things, do the same things and may gain 3 pounds a year. That's 30 pounds in a decade, "he said.

Though exercising is beneficial to nearly everyone, before starting a program he advises that people, especially those who have not been active, to consult a doctor to determine their baseline and to get guidance about what exercises would be most advantageous.

"In my own life I've seen the benefits of exercising. When that alarm goes off in the morning I want to just roll over, but I've seen such a positive change in so many ways. It can be difficult, especially at first, but the benefits truly out weigh the struggles," said Veselik.

Veselik claimed that the best workout program balances cardiovascular exercise, strength training and flexibility. He recommends an hour of cardiovascular exercise four days a week, two days of strength training for 30 minutes and balance and flexibility exercises such as stretching, yoga or pilotes, one to two times a week.

But what is most beneficial doesn't always translate into what is doable.

Each decade of the old age has unique challenges. Veselik gives some ideas of how to use exercise to counter those health hurdles.

For those who are in 50's cardiovascular exercise are the most favourable one.

Muscle and joint aches and pains start becoming more apparent, so Veselik suggests that one should get creative about how to keep up cardiovascular exercise as it is easy on the joints but get the heart rate up.

He recommends trying exercising in a pool or riding a bike instead of running. If you do run, make sure you have good shoes and try to run on softer surfaces.

Cardiovascular exercise also helps to fight many of the most common and deadly medical problems, including heart disease, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

"But don't go from doing nothing to running a marathon. Talk to your doctor, ask about risk factors and together create a plan that's right for you," said Veselik.

Another complaint for people in their 50s is back pain.

"The best way to protect your back is to build strong core muscles and make sure you are lifting heavy objects correctly," said Veselik.

In the 60's balancing and leg strengthening exercises should be prime concern.

As we enter our 60s, balance and strength should be a major focus. Many people are scared of breaking a hip which can limit independence. Also, our bones aren't as strong and both men and women become more susceptible to osteoporosis.

To help fight these concerns Veselik suggests that incorporating balance and leg strengthening exercises to increase flexibility as well as balance to help prevent accidental falls. Weight-bearing exercise is vital to bone health and keeping bone density strong.

In addition, many adults in their 60's begin to experience symptoms from arthritis, making the exercise difficult.

"Exercise has been proven to help people deal with their arthritis. It's just making sure your exercise routine is working for you, not against you. Some people forget that walking is a great form of exercise, just make sure you get your heart rate up. Also, aquatic classes or swimming are a great way for people with arthritis or fibromyalgia to exercise," said Veselik.

For the people in their 70's and beyond, Alzheimer and vascular dementia becomes the most regular problem and exercises are crucial to fight them.

"The biggest worry I hear from my patients who are entering their 70s, 80s and beyond is dementia. The two most common forms are Alzheimer's and Vascular dementia," said Veselik.

He also insisted that exercise is the only thing that is proven to prevent Alzheimer's. And, many of the major risk factors for vascular dementia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, can be countered with exercise.

"Exercise is important, but it's not the end all. It needs to be coupled with eating right and incorporating other healthy habits to lead to a better quality of life," Veselik added. (ANI)

Benefits of Breastfeeding

2012-06-10T19:52:00.001+05:30

Benefits of Breastfeeding

By Jené Luciani for SHAPE.com | Shape

Should you breastfeed or not? When supermodel and mom Gisele Bundchen famously declared that breastfeeding should be required by law, she re-ignited an age-old debate. Is breastfeeding really better? Bundchen isn't the only one to tout the effects of feeding your offspring the old fashioned way (and we've all heard it burns up to 500 calories a day).

There is a downside too. Some women simply don't make enough milk, their babies aren't able to 'latch on' properly, other health issues or illnesses prevent it entirely, or for some women, it's a fear that breastfeeding can lead to sagging and volume loss in breasts (an issue looked at in-depth in The Bra Book). Plus, sometimes it's just

plain painful!

So whether you prefer the bottle or the boob, here are seven good reasons to choose

the latter.

1. Feel the burn: Plain and simple, breastfeeding burns calories! "Our bodies burn almost 20 calories to make just an ounce of breast milk . If your baby eats 19-30 ounces a day, that's anywhere between 380-600 calories burned," says Joy Kosak, co-founder of Simple Wishes, a hands-free pumping bra.

It can also help eliminate that post-preg pooch. "When you nurse, your body releases certain hormones that shrink your uterus back down to its former pre-pregnant size," says Elisabeth Dale, author of Boobs: a Guide to your Girls.

What do both of these things mean? You'll be back in your pre-pregnancy skinny jeans before you know it!

2. Ward off disease: Studies have found that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the more she is protected against certain types of cancers such as ovarian and breast cancer. Breastfeeding can also potentially lower your risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.

3. The mind-body connection: The stress of a new baby is enough to drive any woman over the edge. "It has been documented that women who stopped breastfeeding early on or didn't breastfeed altogether were at a higher risk of postpartum depression than breastfeeding moms," Kosak says.

While the jury is still out on this claim, it does provide hope for women who suffer from this devastating condition.

4. It's a natural high: That same hormone that helps shrink your uterus back to size also makes you feel good-really good.

"When you nurse your baby, your body releases a big dose of hormones. Oxytocin, or the "bonding" hormone as it's commonly known, sends a feeling of relaxation and euphoria to your brain," Dale says.

5. It's cheap: Obviously, if you're feeding your baby breast milk, you're not spending your precious cash on bottles or expensive formula.

"Since raising a child doesn't come cheap, you can take those extra pennies and start up that college fund," Dale adds.

6. It's good for the baby: Breast milk contains all the vitamins and nutrients needed for the first six months of your baby's life, along with disease-fighting substances designed to protect your little one from obesity, diabetes, and asthma, among other illnesses.

"Not to mention that breast milk is proven to help protect your baby from developing allergies and helps to reduce the risk of infection," Kosak says.

Because of antibodies in mom's milk, breast-fed babies have 50 to 95 percent fewer infections than other babies, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

7. It's convenient: In the age of multi-tasking mamas, solutions have surfaced to make breastfeeding today more convenient. Whether it's going back to work and needing a hands-free pumping solution or alcohol testing strips that allow you to enjoy a relaxing glass of wine at the end of the day without worry, there is an abundance of products and services available for today's modern nursing mom!

Facebook addiction disorder

2012-06-10T19:49:00.002+05:30

The latest fad–Facebook addiction disorder

When you start telling people “I’ll Facebook you” instead of “I’ll see you around”, its time to face reality and accept that you are the latest victim of the FAD – Facebook addiction disorder.

By Mdhil | Mdhil

The latest fad–Facebook addiction disorder

Just the other day, I read that Facebook was going to enforce Timelines on everybody

by 2nd February.

My first reaction? Panic!

Why, you ask? I had to choose a new cover photo you see! I had to find an appropriate picture with the perfect dimensions – something that made me look cool without making it seem that I tried too hard. With so many conditions to fulfill, panic was an obvious reaction.

So you think I’m overdramatizing things?

Good morning Facebook!

Don’t tell me you don’t start your day with Facebook. That you don’t log in at wee hours to check what your friends have been up to. Or that you don’t spy around your ex’s profiles to see whether they’ve been poking random people.

What is the first thing you do once you get up? Brush? Pick up the newspaper? Get a cup of chai? Head to the loo? Or do you, like me, head straight to your laptop? Before I have even finished rubbing the sleep away from my eyes, I’m on my wall, wondering what all happened in my friends’ lives while

I slept.

On most days, there are no new friend requests, no new messages and no new notifications. Disappointment hits me when I realize that none of my 500+ friends missed me (at least on Facebook) for eight whole hours!!

It’s just a FAD

I then spend a good half an hour surfing through my news feed, checking out random pictures and statuses people put up. I login again from my phone and then from work and then again when I’m home! Sound familiar? I’m not surprised. FAD or Facebook Addiction Disorder has just started to gain momentum as the newest disorder to hit the town!

If you are still not convinced, check your browser. Do you have Facebook open on multiple tabs? Do you keep hitting refresh to update your newsfeed? Do 8 out of 10 of your friends seem unknown to you? Do you keep checking your status update and get disappointed if no one “likes“it or comments on it? You my friend, may be afflicted with FAD!

Don’t worry, there’s help at hand! If you think things are spiralling out of control, just add a cute and simple reminder, like a cross on the back side of your hand. Every time you reach for your laptop, you’ll be reminded why you put it there. Trust me, it acts more as a deterrent than as a reminder. Just decreasing the frequency with which you check Facebook helps too. Every minute you spend away from your computer and Facebook helps you overcome FAD!

All addicts are not born equal

To make it easier, I’ve listed out some common types of Facebook addicts. Take a look and see if you can spot yourself!

The lurkers: These are the ones who see everything, read everything but leave no sign that they were ever online. No comments, no shares, heck, these people don’t even hit the like button!

The likers: Speaking of the like button, there are those who seem to hit the like button for everything they see. At their worst, they may end up liking their own status messages!

The attention seekers: These people are always active on Facebook. These people upload pictures, put up status messages with an alarming regularity and usually have more than 1000+ friends.

The gamers: These are the people who flood your newsfeed with random requests from Farmville, Castleville, Mafia wars and the likes. They may even invite you to be their neighbours or join their gang!

Are you one of them?

Experts say the first step to solving a problem is admitting to it. So if you did find yourself in the list above, take a deep breath and repeat after me, I’m I’m(insert your name here) and I’m a Facebook addict.

You Could Be an Entrepreneur

2012-06-10T19:46:00.000+05:30

Shoddy Employee?

You Could Be an Entrepreneur

By Young Entrepreneur Council | U.S.News & World Report LP

Being bad at your current job might just be your cue to start an entrepreneurial career.

At a recent meeting, I heard the story of someone who announced that she was "smarter than everyone else in the company" and that she had been fired because the boss was jealous and insecure. While the room laughed at the perceived arrogance, I couldn't help but wonder, "Is this visitor delusional, or is she an undiscovered entrepreneur?"

Entrepreneurs often get a bad--though sometimes well-deserved--reputation for having a big ego. But what they may lack in humility is certainly compensated for by their sense of empowerment, fulfillment, and freedom. In fact, some of the worst employees make the best entrepreneurs and are often considered--by the corporate world at least--to be unemployable. Even more so, all current entrepreneurs had that moment when they knew that the promises of a traditional job or work environment would pale in comparison to a new opportunity.

Do you recognize the signs that a traditional workplace isn't for you? How do you know when it's time to take the leap?

Here are three signs you possess the skills it takes to be an effective entrepreneur:

Sign No. 1: You're Quick to Start, But Slow to Finish

In the Kolbe Index Test, entrepreneurs often score high in the Quick Start action mode and lower in the Implementor and Follow Thru action modes. This is because the big dreams of entrepreneurship often trigger hundreds of ideas. But for an employer, this type of team member is hard to manage when it comes to finishing projects and staying on task.

These personalities are best described as expanders--a little bit like bread dough that's infused with too much yeast. The entrepreneur who is an expander works best with a team or partner who can act as the container, one who reins in the expansion and supports with all the details. The corporate world attempts to beat the rising dough back into the smallest container possible, while entrepreneurship relies upon expansion and growth.

It's difficult to leave tasks unfinished in a traditional business environment, even when it becomes apparent that the goals have changed or the outcomes are not achievable. In this situation, an entrepreneur will see a new path--or 15 new paths--and want to jump into a new project with a greater chance of success. However, the same individual working a 9-to-5 will often drag out a project, never reach completion, but be unable to abandon it due to office politics or sunken costs.

Sign No. 2: You Can't Leave Good Enough Alone

For the cubicle-dwelling entrepreneur, few things are more frustrating than seeing opportunities to grow or transform a business go ignored. For the company, this desire to tinker with what's working well is viewed as meddlesome, encouraged (in small doses), or outright prohibited.

For established companies who have figured it all out, the entrepreneur's desire to improve, test, and try new ways of working can be threatening or viewed as a waste of time. The admonishment to just get the work done or leave good enough alone is frustrating to the entrepreneur who thrives in circumstances where convergent thinking is less important than following the rules.

While many entrepreneurs work with mentors, coaches, and colleagues to avoid reinventing the wheel, it's often the on-the-ground thinking that contributes to success. Seeing many paths and outcomes, judging the best one for the circumstances, and then implementing it is fun for the person who can't leave it alone. It's also essential to adaptive growth.

Sign No. 3: You Love Lazy Shortcuts

An entrepreneur has the tendency to find new paths and solutions, which often results in discovering shortcuts previously unseen. To some, this is seen as laziness. Three years ago, I was in my downtown office on a quiet Friday afternoon when nearly the entire office had left for the day. It was then that I heard the ironic judgment that propelled me into an entrepreneurial lifestyle:

"We love the work you do ... you're so efficient ... no one has done this job better," my boss said. "So we're cutting your hours." It wasn't easy to hear, and was even harder to understand at the time. But that moment has brought me much further than if I had continued to work 40-hours a week at a dead-end job.

Nowhere else is the shortcut celebrated as much as in entrepreneurial business. We're forging a new path and learning what works to make life easier, tasks smoother, and expenses lower--things critical to survival. Instead of working for the sake of work or spending eight hours doing a task, entrepreneurs push boundaries, find shortcuts, and improve the process.

So are you a bad employee? Or a great entrepreneur? If you find your work style resembles these three scenarios, there is no surefire way to transform your cubicle environment so that your co-workers can appreciate and reward your unique approach. In fact, many managers don't know what to do with you and may be unable or unwilling to adapt. When you find yourself less engaged, frustrated by the politics, or expanding beyond your job description, you may in fact be unemployable and an undiscovered entrepreneur.

Kelly Azevedo is the founder of She's Got Systems, a custom coaching program that leads clients to get support, documenting and dominating in their fields. Kelly learned that her innate ability to create and utilize systems allowed her to complete tasks at corporate jobs in a fourth of the time and she sought out a more challenging environment. She has worked in successful six-figure and million-dollar online businesses, helping owners create the systems to serve their startup needs. Adapting quickly to the fast paced environment, constant changes and ever present challenge of communication in the online world, Kelly has supported her private clients in their group programs, private clients, product launches and all the daily business.

The Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) is an invite-only nonprofit organization comprised of the world's most promising young entrepreneurs. The YEC leads #FixYoungAmerica, a solutions-based movement that aims to end youth unemployment and put young Americans back to work.

Be her mane attraction

2012-06-10T19:31:00.003+05:30

Be her mane attraction

By IndiaTodayMensHealth | MensHealth

Losing your sign of youth, power and virility may be your biggest scare. It's time you come to terms with the bald truth.

Stress causes dandruff, leading to

hair loss

If it's starting to snow over your shoulders, then you're working too hard. "The fungus which causes dandruff is present on all scalps," says Dr Rakesh Sood, a New Delhi-based trichologist.

"But the problem is exacerbated when your immune system is weakened." An American Academy of Dermatology research confirms that stress is a key reason for low immune function. Can't drop out of the rat race just yet? The study suggests using tea tree oil-based shampoos to root out the worst of the dandruff situations.

Wearing hats causes hair loss

For that to happen, the hat would have to be so tight as to cut off circulation to the follicles. If that were the case, the hat would likely be much too tight for you to wear comfortably...so it's not likely. Wearing a tight hat can, however, cause hair breakage and damage.

Dermatologists say that a hat can cause damage to the scalp by blocking proper air circulation. Without a well-ventilated headgear, sweat can clog up the pores in the scalp. Go for a hat with a brim to shield your face from sun.

Regular haircuts make hair grow faster and thicker

Getting frequent haircuts is a good way to keep existing hair healthy by removing damaged, split ends. But a regular cut has no effect on your hair's growth rate or its thickness, says hair stylist Vidya Tikari.

This common misconception comes from the fact that hair is thicker at the base than it is at the tip, so it appears thicker at first. Cutting your hair does not affect hair growth at all; it will grow about half an inch each month no matter what.

Hair loss can be prevented by frequent hair brushing or standing on your head

Some people have maintained that constant brushing increases scalp circulation and thus boosts hair growth. However, because alopecia is primarily caused by the presence of dihydrotestosterone and your genetic predisposition rather than blood flow, hair brushing will have no positive effect on hair growth. Similarly, standing on your head might give you a head rush from the increased blood flow, but it won't have any effect on your hair.

Growing hair longer will hide baldness

Actually, in almost every circumstance, growing hair longer makes the thinning and baldness appear much more noticeable. When the sides and back are worn fuller, it makes the top appear thinner.

"If you can see scalp on the top, cut the sides short enough so you can see an equal amount of scalp," says Tikari. This will give an overall uniform appearance and take the emphasis off the thinning areas. Guys, you are only fooling yourselves with the comb-over!

2012-06-10T19:29:00.000+05:30

Most dangerous websites' list shows porn sites surprisingly safe

ANI

From Washington : Pornographic websites have ceased to be the 'most dangerous' places on web for picking up viruses.

The Internet Security Threat report for 2011, released by security Software Company Symantec(SYMC) ranks pornographic sites at 9th as the riskiest to visit.

One of the most fascinating part of the report is in the review of malicious code trends, which lists the 10 most dangerous categories of Websites.

These categories of sites don't reflect the total number of infected sites; rather, they represent the kind of sites that tend to be the most infected as per URL.

The list of sites in order of danger is:

Blogs and Web communications

Hosting and personal hosted sites

Business and economy

Education and reference

Technology

Entertainment and music

Automotive

Health and medicine

Porn

According to Symantec, 20 percent of all blog and Web communication sites are infected with malicious code, 15 percent of hosting sites are infected, and 10 percent of business and economy sites.

Surprisingly, only 2 percent of pornographic sites are infected.

Conventional wisdom would flip that list upside-down.

Symantec's list is a reminder that Macs are no longer immune to security worries.

"The first known Mac-based bot network emerged in 2009 and 2011 saw a number of new threats emerge for Mac OS X, including trojans like MacDefender, a fake anti-virus program," the CBS News quoted Symantec

as saying.

"Mac users are exposed to sites that push trojans by means of SEO poisoning and social networking. In May 2011, Symantec found a malware kit for Mac (Weyland-Yutani BOT) -- the first of its kind to attack the Mac OS X platform.

"In addition, many attack tools have become cross-platform, exploiting Java exploits whether they are on Macs or Windows PCs," the company added. (ANI)

Master the Grill

2012-06-10T19:26:00.002+05:30

Easy Ways to Master the Grill

By foodandwine.com | Shine Food

Spicy Thai Steak Steven Raichlen, host of TV's Barbecue University, has written dozens of books on grilling. Here, he distills a library of advice into 10 simple tips to mastering the grill.

1. Grill over wood

Forget about the gas-versus-charcoal debate: Wood is the only fuel that adds real flavor to food. If possible, use whole hardwood logs in a wood-burning grill. The next best option is to burn hardwood chunks in a regular grill. (Light them in a chimney starter as you would charcoal.) As a last resort, toss some wood chips onto the coals of your charcoal grill--you use hardwood charcoal, right?--or in the smoker box of your gas grill just before you begin grilling.

2. Keep your cool

You don't need to bring steaks to room temperature before grilling: There's no appreciable difference in cooking time. Steak houses keep meat refrigerated until they're ready to cook it--for reasons of convenience and food safety--and so should you.

3. Line it up

Align the food on your grill in a neat row with soldierly precision. This helps you keep track of which foods went on the fire first, so you can turn them and take them off in order. Plus it looks more professional--and looking professional is half the battle.

4. Flip just once

You can't get killer grill marks (the signature of master grillmanship) or accurately gauge cooking time if you're compulsively turning over your steak every 10 seconds. To lay on a handsome set of crosshatches, rotate the steak 90 degrees after a couple of minutes of grilling.

5. Season before grilling

You might have heard that salt "bleeds" the juices out of raw meat: It doesn't. Instead, it helps steaks form a savory crust as they cook. Just before putting the steaks on the grill, sprinkle on a generous amount of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.

6. Keep the grate hot, clean and oiled

This is the grill master's mantra. Following it will prevent food from sticking and give it excellent grill marks. Before grilling, scrub the hot grate with a wire brush, then rub it with a tightly folded paper towel dipped in oil. Scrub the grate again when you're finished cooking.

7. Grill your veggies

The dry heat of a grill intensifies a vegetable's natural sweetness. Grill tender, watery vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions, directly over the coals. Grill dense or starchy vegetables, such as sliced potatoes and eggplant, using indirect heat, as far away from the coals as possible.

8. Grip, don't stab

Use a pair of tongs--not a barbecue fork or, worse, a knife--to turn meat or move it around on the grill. Forks and knives poke holes in the meat that can allow precious juices to drain out. If you must cut and peek to check doneness, make a small slit with a knife.

9. Know when it's done

For steaks, chops and chicken, poke the meat with your finger: If it feels soft and squishy, it's rare; yielding, medium-rare; only slightly yielding, medium; firm and springy, well-done. For large cuts of meat, use an instant-read meat thermometer (even barbecue pros use them). Just don't let it touch any bones, or you'll get a false reading.

10. Let it rest

When you grill a piece of meat, its muscle fibers contract and drive the juices to the center of the cut. Meat served right off the grill will taste tough and dry, but a post-grill rest allows the muscle fibers to reabsorb the juices, resulting in a tender and succulent cut. Larger pieces of meat, like leg of lamb and pork shoulder, need to rest longer than steaks and chops--for approximately 15 minutes.

Eat Organic?

2012-06-10T19:23:00.000+05:30

When Should Your Child Eat Organic?

By Woman's Day | Moments Of Motherhood

mother and child in grocery store By Mandy Major

Feeding a family is never easy. Putting the right foods i front of your brood takes time, money and thoughtfulness. But what exactly does rightmean? It's tough to know, given all the competing information about organic vs. nonorganic foods. "Buy most things organic if money's no object; but for most people, this isn't the case," says Bridget Swinney MS, RD, LD, author of Eating Expectantly,Baby Bites and Healthy Food for Healthy Kids. "I suggest families look at what their children eat on a regular basis and then look online to see how those foods rank in number of pesticides." Then, buy organic versions of the favorite foods that are high in pesticides and standard items for the rest. Or take a look at this cheat sheet from nutrition experts on which kid picks are worth buying organic-and which aren't.

Buy Organic: Apples and Celery

Sliced apples and ants-on-a-log are quintessential kid food, but think twice before buying nonorganic apples and celery. These items absorb more chemicals and fertilizers than most produce. In fact, they're the top two foods on the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Dirty Dozen list, which ranks produce for pesticide exposure. "When people think health food, they almost immediately think 'apples'," says Isabel De Los Rios, certified nutritionist and founder of BeyondDiet.com. "Unfortunately, some apples are actually more harmful than healthy" because of the pesticide residues. Other popular children's foods in the Dirty Dozen to buy organic: strawberries, potatoes, grapes and peaches.

Buy Non organic:

Pineapple and Corn

As a rule of thumb, you don't need to buy organic produce with thick skins or peels. "They're less absorptive of chemicals and fertilizers," says Heather Stouffer, founder of Mom Made Foods. As a counter to the Dirty Dozen, the EWG created the Clean 15, highlighting produce that's the lowest in pesticide exposure. Sweet corn and pineapple hold the second and third slots, respectively (#1 goes to onions, which aren't a popular kid pick). Other conventionally grown, nutritious and child-friendly produce that made the Clean 15 list: sweet peas, mangoes, cantaloupe, watermelon and sweet potatoes.

Buy Organic: Milk

Unless your child has an allergy, he probably consumes a lot of dairy. And because some farms apply pesticides directly to cows' hides and feed their cattle pesticide-treated grains, it's important to serve organic milk, says Stouffer. Swinney, who recommends children drink two to three servings of milk daily, says, "Even if milk is low in pesticides, a child is getting at least 14 servings of it a week, so the pesticides add up." If your child eats a lot of yogurt and cheese, opt for organic with those too. De Los Rios adds that hormones such as rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone)-which extends the duration of a cow's milk production cycle-are another reason to consider buying organic milk. Though rBGH hasn't been proven to have harmful effects on children, "You'll greatly reduce your child's exposure to growth hormones and antibiotics," she says. However, Chris Galen, Senior VP of Communications for the National Milk Producers Federation, notes that both organic and nonorganic types of milk are heavily tested for quality and safe for kids to drink.

Buy Nonorganic: Bread

Between toast at breakfast and sandwiches at lunch, kids eat a lot of bread. In this case, though, organic doesn't always mean healthy. "The ingredients are much more important than whether or not the label says 'organic'," explains De Los Rios. "Many kinds of organic bread contain high amounts of sugar, processed oils and refined flour." She urges parents to look for brands featuring a short ingredient list with no added sugar. Whole-wheat, rice, spelt and millet breads all offer fiber and a rich mix of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the whole grains in each slice.

Buy Organic: Eggs

"The quality of an egg is only as good as the quality of the chicken that lays it, so it's crucial to serve your child only organic eggs," says De Los Rios. She asserts that organically raised birds deliver eggs that are higher in brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids as compared to eggs that come from conventionally grown birds. Look for packages marked specifically as "organic," a term that's regulated by the USDA; "natural" and "cage-free" are largely unregulated terms.

Buy Nonorganic: Peanut Butter

Peanut crops are exposed to relatively high levels of pesticides, but by the time they turn into peanut butter the residues aren't significant. "I recommend buying conventional peanut butter because it has relatively low amounts of pesticides," says Swinney, citing a 2006 study by the USDA Pesticide Data Program. However, Stouffer adds, if your child eats a lot of PB&J sandwiches-or is the type to smear peanut butter on everything from apples to pretzels-consider choosing organic peanut butter for the healthier ingredients.

Buy Organic: Meat

Whether it's a beef burger or chicken nugget, organic is the way to go. "When purchasing meat and poultry, the extra cost per pound for foods with the label 'antibiotic- and hormone-free' is worthwhile. The USDA strictly regulates this language," says Stouffer. But why is it worth it to pay almost double? "Many scientists suspect that giving our livestock antibiotics to help them gain weight is contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in people," says Stouffer. "When your child is sick with a serious bacterial infection, you need to know that the antibiotics are going to work."

Boost Every Type of Bad Mood

2012-06-10T19:16:00.001+05:30

Foods That Boost Every Type of Bad Mood

Learn what to eat when you’re feeling

stressed, cranky, sad and more

By Sarah Jio

While that tub of ice cream in the back of the freezer may be what you crave when you’re feeling blue, there is a long list of other (healthier!) foods that can cure a grouchy morning or a stressed-out afternoon. We talked to the experts to get the scoop on what to eat to make you feel better no matter what your mood.

Stressed: Eat Chocolate

The scenario: It’s Friday at 6:30 p.m. You’re hungry, tired and late for your dinner date. You were supposed to be out of work an hour ago, but your boss has asked you for a favor…again. The stress is building, so what can calm you down fast? Now’s the time to pull out the chocolate bar hiding in the back of your desk drawer. Experts say that chocolate—particularly dark chocolate—may help reduce the stress hormones that are swarming in your body. In fact, a recent study by researchers in Switzerland, published in the Journal of Proteome Research, found that eating just a smidge of dark chocolate

(about 1.4 ounces) has the power to lower the stress hormones cortisol and catecholamines in the body, reducing your anxiety and giving you a better chance to get the job done

—and make your date.

Sluggish: Eat a Spinach Salad

Can’t concentrate? Trouble keeping your eyes open? Skip the coffee and have a spinach salad instead, says Joanna Dolgoff, MD, author of Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right. “Folic acid, or folate, helps your body to process and lower homocysteine levels,” says Dr. Dolgoff. “High levels of homocysteine are associated with damage to blood vessels, in addition to interfering with the flow of blood and nutrients to the brain. Impaired blood flow may leave you feeling sluggish or slow to process or recall information.” The best way to get a boost? Eat folate-rich foods like spinach and other leafy green vegetables as well as potatoes, fortified breads and cereals, beans, peas and mushrooms.

Cranky: Eat an Apple with Peanut Butter

Did you snap at your kids…and the telemarketer on the phone? Crankiness can be a sign that your body needs fuel. Just be sure to refuel the right way: with foods that don’t leave you with a blood sugar crash an hour later, setting the crankiness cycle in motion all over again. To blast irritability, “eat combination foods at each meal and snack,” says Dr. Dolgoff. “Combination foods contain a carbohydrate in combination with either some protein or some fat. Carbohydrates are a great source of energy that quickly burns out. Adding some fat or protein will slow the digestion process, causing your sugar and energy levels to remain stable for a longer amount of time. A great example of a combination snack is an apple with peanut butter. The apple is your healthy complex carbohydrate and the peanut butter is a healthy fat. Combining these powerhouse foods tastes delicious and gives you energy that lasts for hours!”

Anxious: Eat a Salmon Burger

Worrying about your finances, your marriage, your kids? If anxiety and worries are consuming your day, consider heading out to lunch with a friend. The conversation will do you good, and so will the meal—if you order salmon, which is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient that may help tame your anxiety. "Regular consumption of omega-3s has extensive research support for both the prevention and treatment of clinical depression. And there's growing evidence that omega-3s also help reduce anger and irritability,” says Stephen Ilardi, PhD, author of The Depression Cure. While there are plant-based sources of omega-3s, Dr. Ilardi says it’s best to stick with fish: “The specific form of omega-3 that most strongly boosts mood is found most abundantly in coldwater fish such as salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel,” he says.

Angry: Sip Green Tea

Maybe your neighbor’s dog barked all night long and kept you up or your coworker took credit for a project you worked on over the weekend. Whatever the reason for the grrrrrrs, if you need to calm down fast, consider sipping a cup of green tea, says Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, a researcher, nutrition expert and author of Beat Sugar Addiction NOW!Here’s why: “Green tea contains theanine, which calms you and helps you maintain clear concentration and focus,” he says. Green tea’s modest amount of caffeine won’t send you into an angry rage, either; it’s gentler on your body than coffee.

Sad: Eat Whole-Grain Cereal with Lowfat Milk

Need a happiness boost? While the source of your sadness could be work- or relationship-related, it also may have something to do with a deficiency of vitamin D in your diet. “This nutrient has many different roles in the body, one of which is to help in the production of serotonin,” says Dr. Dolgoff, explaining that serotonin is a neurotransmitter known as the “feel-good hormone” that can help you feel calm, relaxed and happy. If you’re low on vitamin D, you may be affecting your body’s ability to stabilize your mood and reduce feelings of depression. To boost your intake of vitamin D, turn to lowfat fortified milk, fortified cereals or mushrooms. “Depending on your diet, you may also need to take a calcium and vitamin D supplement,” adds Dr. Dolgoff.

PMS: Eat an Egg-Salad Sandwich

If your go-to PMS meal usually comes in the form of comfort food (mac ’n’ cheese, potato chips, ice cream) consider making an egg-salad sandwich instead. In the days before your period, it’s normal for women to begin craving carbohydrates, says Stella Metsovas, BS, CN, a nutritionist in private practice in Laguna Beach, California. And for good reason: Carbs help your body boost its serotonin levels, in turn helping you improve your mood. But avoid high-sugar, high-fat carbohydrates, like doughnuts or chips, which can leave you feeling sluggish—or worse, grumpy—after your blood sugar spikes, then drops. Opt for whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread, and for extra PMS-zapping strength, pair them with tryptophan-rich protein such as eggs, sunflower seeds or turkey, which may enhance the release of serotonin, adds Metsovas. An egg-salad sandwich on whole-grain bread offers the perfect carbohydrate-tryptophan combination. Try our favorite tip: Cut the mayo and mix your diced hard-cooked eggs with a teaspoon of fat-free or lowfat plain Greek yogurt and half a teaspoon of whole-grain Dijon mustard.

Foods That Help You Live Longer

2012-06-10T19:12:00.002+05:30

Foods That Help You Live Longer

Load up on health-boosting superfoods that combat breast cancer, heart disease and more

By Alexandra Gekas

If you’re tired of reading about must-eat superfoods that are hard to find—and even harder to pronounce;

(hello, açai berry and quinoa)—take heart:

Your pantry may hold more superpowered wonders than you realize! From chocolate and coffee to red wine and walnuts, the following eight amazing everyday foods can help improve your health.

Chocolate

Good news for all the chocoholics out there: Cocoa just might be one of the heart-healthiest foods around! A 2011 Harvard study found that organic compounds called flavonoids that are contained in cacao (the bean used to make chocolate) are associated with reduced blood pressure as well as improved blood vessel health, cholesterol levels and general blood flow. "All of these things are protective against heart disease," says Eric Ding, PhD, conductor of the study and a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health. "But the HDL findings—the increase in good cholesterol—nobody knew about that until our study, as well as the improved blood flow." As good as that news is, it’s not a green light to eat any and every chocolate bar you come across. "Eighty percent of the chocolate we consume in this country is not healthy," says Joseph Maroon, MD, professor of neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh and author of The Longevity Factor. "It's pure sugar and doesn't have the flavonoids in it from the original cacao tree and bean." The experts we spoke to recommend snacking on two to four squares per day of dark chocolate that has at least 70% to 75% cacao, because it has more flavonoids. If you're not a chocolate fan, Dr. Ding and Dr. Maroon both recommend taking a 400 to 450 mg cocoa flavonoid supplement in lieu of eating squares.

Coffee

While coffee has been widely touted for its health benefits, a recent study amounted to a small victory for male coffee drinkers. According to a 2011 Harvard study, coffee consumption has been linked to decreased rates of prostate cancer. In the study, men who drank six or more cups of coffee per day were found to have a 20% lower risk of developing prostate cancer and a 60% lower risk of developing lethal prostate cancer, according to researcher Lorelei Mucci, PhD, study author and associate professor of epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health. "We saw the same lower risk whether the men only drank decaf, only drank caffeinated or drank both, so it's something other than the caffeine," Dr. Mucci says. Though downing six cups of joe every day is probably too much for most people, rest assured that the study still found lower rates of prostate cancer in men who only drank one to three cups per day, compared to those who drank none at all. Get him in the habit by making a double batch when enjoying your morning brew.

Watercress

While it may not be the most popular leafy green, watercress has been associated with one very positive health impact for women: It may inhibit the growth of breast cancer tumors. Though only a small study was conducted, scientists at England’s University of Southampton reported in 2011 that a compound in watercress can "turn off" the signal that sends blood flow to a tumor, in essence stopping the tumor in its tracks. "All cancers develop new blood vessels, so if you interfere with the development of new blood vessels, you effectively impede the blood supply to the tumor," Dr. Maroon says. "A lot of the drugs [that treat breast cancer] prevent the tumors from making new blood vessels, and in that way, can slow, impede or eradicate the growth of some tumors." Although more research is needed, it’s safe to assume that adding this leafy green to your diet, whether as a sandwich topping or in salads, couldn’t hurt.

Walnuts

Most nuts are recognized as superfoods, thanks to a high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, like omega-3s, which help lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease. However, a 2011 study indicates that walnuts might be the most super nut of them all. According to study author Joe Vinson, PhD, professor of chemistry at Scranton University in Pennsylvania, walnuts contain twice the amount of antioxidants per ounce as peanuts and almonds, two popular types of nuts consumed in the U.S. His research found that all nuts in general were better sources of antioxidants when compared to pure vitamin E (a type of antioxidant). But when walnuts were compared to peanuts and almonds, they were found to be better in terms of the "quality and quantity of antioxidants." According to Kari Kooi, RD, corporate wellness dietitian at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, that means walnuts can not only help improve cholesterol levels but also help manage your weight by providing satisfying heart-healthy fats and protein.

Olive Oil

Olive oil has long been associated with the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, but it may benefit more than just your ticker. In a 2011 study, researchers analyzed the olive oil consumption of 7,625 French people 65 or older and found that those whose use of olive oil was "intensive" were 41% less likely to suffer a stroke compared with those who never consumed olive oil. "We can't infer which aspects of olive oil may prevent stroke," says study author Cécilia Samieri, PhD, a professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the University of Bordeaux in France. However, Dr. Samieri says, it’s possible that the oleic acid in olive oil decreases the absorption of saturated fats—and, ultimately, the chance of stroke.

Apples

It looks like an apple a day really can keep the doctor away—especially when it comes to heart health. A 2011 study conducted by researchers at Florida State University compared postmenopausal women who ate 75 grams of dried apple a day to women who ate other types of dried fruit. The result? Women who ate the dried apple saw a 23% drop in their LDL ("bad") cholesterol, as well as a 4% increase in their HDL ("good") cholesterol. What’s more, the additional 240 calories derived from the dried apple slices didn't cause participants to gain weight—the apple group actually lost an average of 3.3 lbs over the course of the year in which the study was conducted. Although dried apples were used in the study, eating the equivalent amount of fresh apples is believed to produce similar results.

Whole Grains

New research may make you think twice before buying that loaf of white bread. Foods that contain whole grains and bran, like stone-ground whole-grain bread, brown rice and old-fashioned oatmeal, can help protect against coronary heart disease and aid in digestive health. They also improve insulin sensitivity, which can help better control your sugar levels—a vital factor for diabetics. A 2010 study found that the intake of whole grains was associated with a 16 to 31% overall reduction in the risk of dying from any cause in participants with type 2 diabetes. "Whole grains can slow the absorption of cholesterol, just like some of the drugs that you take [for high cholesterol] do,” says Dr. Maroon. In essence, by improving your overall cholesterol count, you can help lower your risk of heart disease.

Red Wine

What could be better than chocolate being good for you? Red wine! (In moderation, of course.) According to a 2011 report from the University of Florida, which reviewed several studies on resveratrol—a polyphenol compound that is naturally found in red wine—it may have "anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties." It is important to note that the studies were conducted on laboratory animals, but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to support the claim. The key is in the polyphenols, which Dr. Maroon says, “can reduce inflammation…increase HDL and lower LDL [cholesterol levels], have a mild to modest effect on blood pressure, dilate blood vessels to improve blood flow to the brain and heart, and lower insulin resistance," which helps prevent type 2 diabetes. However, that doesn't mean you can drink a bottle of wine every night with dinner. "I don't encourage people to drink alcohol who haven't in the past [or who suffer from alcoholism]," says Dr. Maroon. "What I do say is one glass of wine for women and no more than two for men [per day] is healthy.” Though wine is no fountain of youth, it can help delay the body's aging process.

2012-06-10T19:06:00.003+05:30

Things Men Wish Women Knew About Sex

Learn what he really wants in the bedroom and why

By Brendan Tapley

Freud called female sexuality “the dark continent”; if that’s true, male sexuality could qualify as the dark planet. But when it comes to sex, guys are simple, right? Not true. The bedroom is one of the great stages of male performance, and as such, what you see and hear is typically the role, not the reality. It’s no wonder, in trying to please the actor, a woman loses sight of a guy’s true identity. Here are 10 “unmasking” facts you may want to know:

1. We Respond to Praise

It’s believed that men are so consumed by our libido that we have no self-consciousness surrounding sex. But men are no different from women when it comes to compliments as catalysts for sexual confidence. This praise can be delivered before reaching the bedroom (give us the once-over and tell us how buff we look), and after (give us the once-over and tell us how buff we look naked). Along those lines, men worry about the size of their guts (and other measurable organs), their hair (or lack thereof) and other attributes. Try to be extra affirming about those sensitivities.

2. We Fear Intimacy…

…but not for the reason you think! Studies have shown that boys are more affectionate, even more expressive, than girls until they reach school age. At that time, social repression begins—of words, thoughts, feelings—and our desire for human connection goes underground. So taboo is this desire for intimacy that its possibility can terrify men—not because it’s smothering, but because we realize how desperate we are for it. What’s a woman to do? First, understand that your guy’s hasty retreat post-sex may be about his own shock at how much he craves a connection with you (and how much he’s denied it in life). Then, retreat a little yourself. This gives him time to see that his boyhood habits are, in fact, perfectly manly.

3. We Appreciate Sex for Sex’s Sake

Having said that about intimacy, sometimes a little “throw-me-down sex” is the right medicine. According to Joe Kort, PhD, a psychotherapist and sexologist, “Men want their wives to enjoy raw sex, not just endure it or take it personally. For men, it’s not about dominating a woman, but ravishing her.” On occasion, try letting him ravish you.

4. We Are Not Just Our…

The penis gets all the press, but men have “many erogenous zones,” says psychologist Melodie Schaefer, PsyD. “Men tend not to correct women because they’re afraid women will shut down and not touch them at all. But there are many places a woman should touch.” Like the chest, the inner thighs and face. Two other key areas: Gently gripping a man’s testicles can be a real turn-on, as it blends control with release. Also, stimulating the perineum, the area between the scrotum and anus, will heighten pleasure during oral sex.

5. We Encourage Fantasies

“Men want to share their fantasies but worry their wives will shame or judge them,” says Dr. Kort. Similarly, Dr. Schaefer reports that men wish women would reveal their imaginings. Want to open yourself to these possibilities? Try making a game of it. First, and most important, promise not to judge the other; then, privately write out scenarios that have tantalized you and place them in a box. When you are next intimate, pull one out. If you’re both comfortable, give it a shot. If not, Dr. Kort recommends asking the author a key question: What about this fantasy do you like? Sometimes, its themes can be addressed in different, more comfortable scenarios.

6. We Like It When You Talk

Talking during sex stimulates more than our ears. What kind of talk? Dirty, praising and instructive are great starts. As amusing as it may sound, a woman’s words can make a guy feel as potent and virile as a Roman gladiator, even if he’s a suburban banker.

7. We Need Your Honesty

Sex can solve the stresses of a relationship, but it’s often where the stresses show up. If we complain about a lack of sex (or your doing certain things only on our birthday), we may be overlooking serious issues that underpin such withholding. We need you to enlighten us. The male ego is often tied to sex, so it’s easy for us to dismiss bedroom problems as female disinterest rather than issues we have a part in. Avoiding these problems, however, only perpetuates your feeling unseen and our frustration.

8. We Enjoy the Dance

Men like a good quest; unfortunately, these days, there are so few. But romance earns that distinction. Allow us to court you; make us deserve your desire. Dr. Kort makes an additional point: “Emotional intimacy is about closeness, but sustaining sexual desire demands a certain amount of distance.” How do couples strike this tricky balance? By allowing each partner to have what he calls “separate sexuality”: a sexual life that doesn’t include, but doesn’t betray, the other. “For him, that might mean allowing his wife to use toys or letting other men look at her; for her, it might be permitting him to watch pornography in order to experience a fantasy.” Such indulgences help maintain the balance of desire and devotion for both parties.

9. We Can Explain Pornography

Finding a spouse using pornography is a top reason couples seek counsel, says Dr. Kort, but it shouldn’t be overreacted to or pathologized. A few things to clear up: 1. Sex addicts represent only 4 percent of the population, so it’s unlikely your man is one. 2. Because childhood experiences influence sexuality as an adult, people are very idiosyncratic about what turns them on. In other words, says Dr. Kort, “no woman can, nor should she, be everything to a man.” Still, the question remains: How does a woman not take pornography personally? First, determine if your mate is compulsive, or can only have sex, with pornography. If so, you may want to seek counseling. If not, Dr. Kort recommends taking the secrecy out of pornography by discussing it. Use the lens of “what about it turns him on versus what turns you off.” That way, a dialogue is created that allows for honesty, dignity and closeness.

10. We Always Need It, But Not for the Reason You Think

Men are accused of being sexually insatiable, but women should rethink this. “Men see sex as a celebration,” says Dr. Schaefer. “They wish women would take more of a ‘carpe diem’ approach to it. We move through life at the speed of sound, with multiplying challenges and pressures. It’s easy to allow demands on our time and energy to rob us of the joy, pleasure and opportunity that sex affords us. On the long list of priorities, it should not be on the bottom rung.” If that doesn’t make you want to “seize the day” (or something else), consider the health benefits: Orgasms release oxytocin, which has been called the “bonding hormone,” bringing couples closer together while it alleviates anxiety and stress, reduces blood pressure and promotes healing.

To good health

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1. Easiest form of exercise You can cycle almost anywhere, be it the great outdoors or the streets. The best part about cycling is that it has only one prerequisite – you should know how to ride a cycle. No team members, no skill sets, no gymming. Cycling also doesn’t cost you a fortune. One good cycle and you’re good to go for a couple of years at the very least.

2. Cardio-vascular fitness Cycling is a great way to give your heart that much needed workout. Steady cycling makes your heart pump faster and at a steady rate. This is very good for strengthening the heart. The lungs also benefit greatly from cycling. It has been known to significantly reduce the risk of coronary diseases, if done regularly.

3. Stamina Cycling a few miles every day on a regular basis is a great way to build stamina. It is easier to build stamina by cycling, as you never know when you may end up cycling more as compared to the last time.

4. Muscle tone Your leg muscles are going to get a serious work over with regular cycling. It works wonders for your calves, quads, hams, hips and your rear end. It is great for toning and building these muscle sets. The main benefit over other forms of exercise – for these muscle sets – is that cycling has minimum impact on the joints, for those people who may have joint problems.

5. Reduce weight An excellent way to burn those calories and pull down that flab would be to get on a cycle as soon as possible. It is a great way to get rid of an increased waistline and excessive fat. A person weighing around 75kg can burn more than 600 calories with an hour’s cycling. Cycle uphill and you’ll burn even more.

6. Eco-friendly If your workplace is close to your house, then it would be best to make a habit of cycling to and fro every day. Not only will this keep you in shape, but you can also do your own bit towards using lesser fuel and keeping the air pollution free.

7. Physical and mental health The physical activity involved helps in keeping your immune system healthy, and also keeps the mind fresh and relaxed. Cycling outdoors is a great way to give the body much needed fresh air, which helps keep stress at bay.

Do yourselves a favour and get onto a real cycle, the one that moves about when you push the pedal. The stationary cycle found at your gym certainly does you good, but it also robs you of the opportunity to explore new places on your bike and breathe in some fresh air. So get out there in the open and pedal away to good health.

Causes of Depression

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Surprising Causes of Depression

Why am I depressed?

There are many well-known depression triggers: Trauma, grief, financial troubles, and unemployment are just a few. But if you are depressed and none of these apply to you, it can be hard to pinpoint a specific cause.

In truth, there may not be a concrete reason for your depression. But here are some little-known causes to consider.

Poor sleep habits

It's no surprise that sleep deprivation can lead to irritability, but it could also increase the risk of depression.

A 2007 study found that when healthy participants were deprived of sleep, they had greater brain activity after viewing upsetting images than their well-rested counterparts, which is similar to the reaction that depressed patients have, noted one of the study authors.

"If you don't sleep, you don't have time to replenish [brain cells], the brain stops functioning well, and one of the many factors that could lead to is depression," says Matthew Edlund, MD, director of the Center for Circadian Medicine, in Sarasota, Fla., and author of The Power of Rest.

Smoking

Smoking has long been linked with depression, though it's a chicken-or-egg scenario: People who are depression-prone may be more likely to take up

the habit.

However, nicotine is known to affect neurotransmitter activity in the brain, resulting in higher levels of dopamine and serotonin (which is also the mechanism of action for antidepressant drugs).

This may explain the addictive nature of the drug, and the mood swings that come with withdrawal, as well as why depression is associated with smoking cessation. Avoiding cigarettes—and staying smoke free—could help balance your brain chemicals.

Thyroid disease

When the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, it's known as hypothyroidism, and depression is one of its symptoms. This hormone is multifunctional, but one of its main tasks is to act as a neurotransmitter and regulate serotonin levels. If you experience new depression symptoms—particularly along with cold sensitivity, constipation, and fatigue—a thyroid test couldn't hurt. Hypothyroidism is treatable with medication.

Facebook overload

Spending too much time in chat rooms and on social-networking sites? A number of studies now suggest that this can be associated with depression, particularly in teens and preteens. Internet addicts may struggle with real-life human interaction and a lack of companionship, and they may have an unrealistic view of the world. Some experts even call it "Facebook depression."

In a 2010 study, researchers found that about 1.2% of people ages 16 to 51 spent an inordinate amount of time online, and that they had a higher rate of moderate to severe depression. However, the researchers noted that it is not clear if Internet overuse leads to depression or if depressed people are more likely to use the Internet.

End of a TV show or movie

When something important comes to an end, like a TV show, movie, or a big home renovation, it can trigger depression in some people. In 2009, some Avatar fans reported feeling depressed and even suicidal because the movie's fictional world wasn't real. There was a similar reaction to the final installments of the Harry Potter movies.

"People experience distress when they're watching primarily for companionship," said Emily Moyer-Gusé, PhD, assistant professor of communication at Ohio State University, in Columbus. With Avatar, Moyer-Gusé suspects people were "swept up in a narrative forgetting about real life and [their] own problems."

Where you live

You can endlessly debate whether city or country life is better. But research has found that people living in urban settings do have a 39% higher risk of mood disorders than those in rural regions. A 2011 study in the journal Nature offers an explanation for this trend: City dwellers have more activity in the part of the brain that regulates stress. And higher levels of stress could lead to psychotic disorders.

Depression rates also vary by country and state. Some states have higher rates of depression and affluent nations having higher rates than low-income nations. Even altitude may play a role, with suicide risk going up with altitude.

Too many choices

The sheer number of options available—whether it's face cream, breakfast cereal, or appliances—can be overwhelming. That's not a problem for shoppers who pick the first thing that meets their needs, according to some psychologists. However, some people respond to choice overload by maximizing, or exhaustively reviewing their options in the search for the very best item. Research suggests that this coping style is linked to perfectionism and depression.

Lack of fish in the diet

Low intake of omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon and vegetable oils, may be associated with a greater risk of depression. A 2004 Finnish study found an association between eating less fish and depression in women, but not in men. These fatty acids regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, which could explain the link. Fish oil supplements may work too; at least one study found they helped depression in people with bipolar disorder.

Poor sibling relationships

Although unhappy relationships with anyone can cause depression, a 2007 study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that men who didn't get along with their siblings before age 20 were more likely to be depressed later in life than those who did. Although it's not clear what's so significant about sibling relationships (the same wasn't true for relationships with parents), researchers suggest that they could help children develop the ability to relate with peers and socialize. Regardless of the reason, too much squabbling is associated with a greater risk of developing depression before age 50.

Birth control pills

Like any medication, the Pill can have side effects. Oral contraceptives contain a synthetic version of progesterone, which studies suggest can lead to depression in some women. The reason is still unknown, says Hilda Hutcherson, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University, in New York. "It doesn't happen to everyone, but if women have a history of depression or are prone to depression, they have an increased chance of experiencing depression symptoms while taking birth control pills," Dr. Hutcherson says. "Some women just can't take the Pill; that's when we start looking into alternative contraception, like a diaphragm, which doesn't contain hormones."

Rx medications

Depression is a side effect of many medications. For example, Accutane and its generic version (isotretinoin) are prescribed to clear up severe acne, but depression and suicidal thoughts are a potential risk for some people. Depression is a possible side effect for anxiety and insomnia drugs, including Valium and Xanax; Lopressor, prescribed to treat high blood pressure; cholesterol-lowering drugs including Lipitor; and Premarin for menopausal symptoms. Read the potential side effects when you take a new medication, and always check with your doctor to see if you might be at risk.

Summer weather

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is most commonly associated with winter blues, and it afflicts about 5% of Americans.

But for less than 1% of those people, this form of depression strikes in the summer. Warm weather depression arises when the body experiences a "delay adjusting to new seasons," says Alfred Lewy, MD, professor of psychiatry at Oregon Health and Science University, in Portland.

Instead of waking and enjoying dawn, the body has a hard time adjusting, he says, which could be due to imbalances in brain chemistry and the hormone melatonin.

Hottest Princesses

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Hottest Princesses in the world

There are many other princesses around the world, who are equally worthy of people's affection and admiration. Handpicked from scores of princesses across the globe, here is our pick of the world's top 10 hottest princesses.

1. Charlotte Casiraghi

Of: Monaco

Age: 25

Charlotte Casiraghi is the daughter of Princess Caroline of Hanover and Hereditary Princess of Monaco and Lt. Stefano Casiraghi. So striking are her looks that she instantly reminds people of her maternal grandmother, the legendary Grace Kelly. She almost matches the elegance and beauty that Grace Kelly was famous for. Charlotte, who is fourth in line of succession to the throne of Monaco, served as the editor of 'Above', a luxury magazine in London, and is reportedly very close to celebrated fashion designers Karl Lagerfeld and Valentino, which explains her very fashion forward appearances at various events.

2. Princess Haya

Of: Dubai / Jordan

Age: 37

Princess Haya, wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, of Dubai, is the daughter of Lt. King Hussein I of Jordan. Also called Sheikha Haya of Dubai, she is quite a multi-talented individual and has quite an exhaustive list of achievements. She is an athlete and has participated in a number of sporting events, is the President of the International Jordanian Athletes Cultural Association and the International Equestrian Federation, and is also engaged in a number of humanitarian activities. One look at her and one can easily tell how fashionable she is. In fact, she is one of the most fashionable women in the list despite being one of the oldest.

3. Princess Madeleine

Of: Sweden

Age: 29

The gorgeous looking Princess of Sweden is fourth in the line of succession to the throne of Sweden, behind her two siblings Princess Victoria and Prince Carl Philip and her niece Princess Estelle. Princess Madeleine had been engaged to her lawyer boyfriend of 7 years, Jonas Bergström in 2009 but was called off the year following reports that Bergström had cheated on her with a college student. The Princess has since moved to New York City and is in a relationship with Chris O'Neil, a financier by profession.

4. Princess Alexandra

Of: Luxembourg

Age: 21

The young Princess Alexandra is one of five children and the only daughter of Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg. She has moved up to be third in line of succession after one of her older brothers, Prince Louis gave up his place. Princess Alexandra has been in the limelight since a very young age. Like many other princesses on the list, Princess Alexandra also has an inclination towards sports like tennis, skiing, swimming as well as dancing.

5. Princess Letizia

Of: Spain

Age: 39

Another commoner-turned-princess Princess Letizia is one who can make jaws drop with her amazing sense of style. Before her marriage to Felipe, Prince of Asturias, she was a journalist and had also been previously married to a school teacher for a year. She gave birth to two daughters, Infanta Leonor and Infanta Sofia in 2005 and 2007 respectively. Princess Letizia not only fulfills all her responsibilities extremely well but also makes sure she puts her most fashionable foot forward.

6. Princess Charlene Wittstock

Of: Monaco

Age: 34

She has often been called 'the reluctant princess' owing to all the reports of her trying to flee to South Africa just days before her wedding amongst many others. Charlene Wittstock became Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco upon her marriage to Albert II, Prince of Monaco son of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly. The former Olympic swimmer has now transformed into a poised royal who carries her duties with utmost dedication and responsibility.

7. Princess Sirivannavari

Of: Thailand

Age: 25

The only daughter of the Crown Prince Maha Vajralongkorn, Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana clearly has a lot of responsibilities on her petite shoulders. Princess Sirivannavari was brought back to Thailand from UK after the separation of her parents and was given the royal title upon the command of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Currently studying fashion and textile in the Faculty of Fine and Applied Art, she got a chance to showcase her fashion designs in Paris, thanks to an invitation from French couturier Pierre Balmain.The show received rave reviews and has clearly helped her establish herself as one of the most fashionable royals of recent times.

8. Princess Theodora

Of: Greece and Denmark

Age: 28

Princess Theodora is the offspring of the former King of Greece Constantine II and Anne Marie of Denmark, and elder sister to Prince Phillipos. Though Greek monarchy has been abolished she still holds the royal title- Her Royal Highness Princess Theodora of Greece and Denmark. The princess is apparently fond of being under the spotlight as she even made her acting debut in 'The Bold and the Beautiful'. Whether or not the acting bug stays with her, the limelight definitely will.

9. Princess Sonam Dechen Wangchuck

Of: Bhutan

Age: 30

Princess Sonam Dechen Wangchuck, Bhutan's 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck's daughter, is a perfect blend of grace and intellect. Armed with a degree in international relations and a Masters in law from Stanford and Harvard Law School. Princess Sonam is currently the President of the Bhutan National Legal Institute under the Judiciary of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Her husband Dashu Phub W. Dorji, is equally well read and works in the Finance Ministry.

10. Zara Phillips

Of: Great Britain

Age: 30

Queen Elizabeth's eldest grand-daughter is the apple of everyone's eye. Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips' only daughter is 14th in the line of succession. The daughter of the Princess Royal has always excelled in sports and is an accomplished equestrian just like her parents. She married Mike Tindall, national rugby union player in July 2011.

Healthy Foods

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Healthy Foods that Keep You Full

Hunger pangs remain the biggest deterrent to our calorie-limiting schedules, making it hard to lose those unwanted pounds. However, if you can eat healthy, non-fattening foods that keep you feeling fuller for a longer time, chances are that you will snack less through the day. Some of the healthier food choices that help to sustain the fuller feeling and prevent hunger pangs have been listed below:

Eggs for Breakfast: Eggs are the perfect breakfast time. For starters, eggs are loaded with protein which needs a longer time to get fully digested. Two eggs, when eaten in the boiled or omelet form, comprise a healthy breakfast, of course, along with a few slices of whole grain bread. This combination of protein and complex carbohydrates helps to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels and keeps the digestive system engaged for a longer period, preventing you from feeling

hungry soon.

Soups for Midday Meals: Some cultures suggest that soups are appetizers. However, this doesn’t need to be true if you consume more than average amount of soup and that too, the natural variety, consisting of lots of vegetables. Eating or sipping upon soup induces the feeling parallel to having a two-course meal. This helps the brain in perceiving that you are going through a proper meal. Around two bowls of vegetable soup to which some spicy condiments have been added are perfect for keeping you satiated for at least a few hours. The water content of soups ensures that you feel a bit heavy. However, this isn't the kind of heaviness associated with overeating. Fiber-rich soups, like those made from spinach, are particularly good for

this cause.

Whole Grains for All Major Meals: Eating whole wheat or multi-grain bread or rotis is recommended since complex carbohydrates release glucose slowly. Slower release of glucose means that sugar levels are kept at a constant. Since there are no spikes or dips in sugar levels, there is lesser chance of being hit by a sugar craving. Further, whole grains are among the best sources of various types

of Vitamin B.

Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits, like lemon, guavas and grapes, are rich in vitamin C and fiber. While fiber helps to keep the intestines busy for a longer time, the high concentration of vitamin C is used for the body’s fat burning processes. Vitamin C is also required for stimulating formation of critical amino acids like Carnitine. This tends to fasten the body’s metabolism, ensuring that metabolic processes are kept busy, helping to overcome the hunger pangs. The high water content in most citrus fruits induces that typical, feeling of being quenched, which delays feeling hungry, again.

Low-Fat Yogurt Anytime of the Day: Yogurt or the humble Dahi, made from low-fat milk, is the perfect, around-the-clock kind of food. For starters, the low-fat variety too has a certain degree of creaminess to it. This tends to coat your tonsils, inducing the feeling of having eaten something substantial. Yogurt also induces a unique kind of aftertaste that turns-off the temptation to eat something else for some time. Further, yogurt provides the much needed dosage of healthy bacteria for better digestion and calcium for

stronger bones.

The Anytime Wonder—Oatmeal: Oatmeal is among the most recommended of complex carbohydrate options that helps to keep you fuller without inducing a calorie overload. It can be eaten for breakfast or lunch. It takes the digestive system much longer to break down the complex fiber present within oatmeal. This helps to regulate the insulin levels, keeping you satiated for a longer time. Boiled oatmeal mixed with yogurt is the perfect, low-calorie choice that can keep you fuller for many hours.

Green Veggies: Some veggies have a very high concentration of soluble and insoluble fiber along with having a thermic effect. This refers to the overall effort exerted by the body in digesting foods. While proteins have a very high thermic effect, veggies like Spinach too have a high thermic value. When the metabolic processes are busy, trying to digest such foods, the tendency to feel hungry is automatically reduced. Further, more calories are burned in digesting such foods, which means they contribute to your weight-management goals! The idea is here to use Food itself as a tool for eating lesser, burning more calories and remaining healthier.