General Info

Healthy Foods that Keep You Full

2012-05-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

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, ..
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 ...
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...
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.

Top 10 Hottest Princesses in the world

2012-05-15T06:56:00.004-07:00

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.

Best Departmental store in the world

2012-05-15T06:51:00.005-07:00

At the Global Department Store Summit in Paris (GDSS), The Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS) announced that Selfridges has once again been recognised as the Best Department Store in the World for an unprecedented second time, and will retain the honour until 2014. (Photo by Craig Ritchie/Getty Images)
Selfridges took the top slot amongst finalists from around the globe, including renowned retailers such as Macy’s in the United States and Woolworths in South Africa.
Selfridges has been a top London destination and UK landmark for over a century, challenging the rules of retail from day one.
The Oxford Street flagship and its three sister stores continue to set the pace for retail in the 21st century, with an ongoing mission to create the greatest shops on earth. The store is committed to creating extraordinary customer experiences that amaze, amuse and delight Londoners and international visitors.
“The Selfridges brand has gone from strength to strength worldwide, and this prestigious retail award recognizes its true value as a performer and innovator,” said Galen Weston, owner of Selfridges. “The award criteria represents our highest priorities: a strong profile, successful development and execution of products, stores and service innovation strategies, delivery of outstanding in-store experiences, excellent customer service and strong ...

After several ownerships the company was de-merged from the Sears Group in 1998 and floated on the London Stock Exchange. In 2003 W. Galen Weston purchased Selfridges and under his ownership Selfridges has become a unique UK destination for fashion, luxury and retail theatre known for its world-class yet egalitarian customer approach.

In June 2010 Selfridges was named Best Department Store in the World by the IGDS (Intercontinental Group of Department Stores). Selfridges has four stores in London, Birmingham and Manchester (Trafford Centre, Exchange Square) and an online store delivering within the UK. (

Dubai reveals plans for amazing underwater hotel

2012-05-15T06:48:00.001-07:00

Though this is not a creation based inside or under water, no summary of Dubai's architectural feats can be completed without mentioning this one.
Standing at 829.84 m (2723 ft), the Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world

Water Discus Un

derwater Hotel will comprise two discs - an underwater and above-water one. This combination will allow guests to admire the depths of the ocean while making the most of the warm climate. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
The two parts of the structure are connected by three solid legs and a vertical shaft containing a lift and stairway. The size of each disc has been adjusted to local conditions. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
The Water Discus complex was designed to ensure safety at all times, even in the most adverse weather conditions. The structure sits up on three sturdy legs fixed to the seabed, and the upper disc is suspended above the water surface. These two technical solutions will ensure that Water Discus remains safe even in the event of a fairly high tsunami, which can normally flood the nearest coastal areas. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)
The complex is surrounded by a beautifully vibrant coral reef. This unique location will allow visitors to enjoy the tropical weather and the colourful underwater world. The disc, located up to 10 metres beneath the surface of the sea, is composed of 21 hotel rooms adjacent to the underwater dive centre and a bar. Each room is integrated with the underwater world as closely as possible, offering a surprisingly direct, yet safe contact with the ...
The disc and its adjacent satellites located 5 - 7 metres above the water surface comprise a restaurant, a spa and a special recreation area.

A multifunctional lobby built inside an enormous swimming pool shows the centre of the disc. The area around the underwater part of the complex and diving activities may be watched as they happen on the screens hanging on the lobby walls. This part of the complex is connected to the satellites with glass-walled tunnels cutting through a training pool for divers.

Dubai shipbuilder Drydocks World has inked a deal with Swiss-based BIG InvestConsult, on behalf of partner Deep Ocean Technology (DOT) for creation of the hotel. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

The financial details of the deal, exact location and date of commencement of construction are still not known. (Image credit: www.deep-ocean-technology.com)

Dubai, has never failed to surprise. From its modest beginnings as a sleepy fishing hamlet just a few decades back, the ‘city of gold’ has taken giant strides, establishing itself as a major financial, trading and tourist centre. And yes, a destination to witness some of the world’s stunning architectural achievements.

Click on next to see some other engineering and architectural wondersthat Dubai has created from scratch in a matter of a few years

Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At 321 m (1,053 ft), it is the fourth tallest hotel in the world. Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 m (920 ft) out from Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. The shape of the structure is designed to mimic the sail of a ship.

The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago created using land reclamation. It is one of three islands called the Palm Islands (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira) which extend into the Persian Gulf, increasing Dubai’s shoreline by a total of 520 kilometres (320 mi). The Palm Jumeirah is in the shape of a palm tree. It consists of a trunk, a crown with 16 fronds, and a surrounding crescent island. (Image credit: Nakheel)

Health Tips for Busy Moms

2012-05-13T07:57:00.005-07:00

Make

Motherhood – arguably the most challenging, stressful, fulfilling, frustrating, thankless, glorious and important job in the world! And like any other job, a mom needs to be in top shape to give the best to her work. So along with looking after the well-being of everyone else in the family, don’t forget to ensure that you are healthy and happy as well.

yourself a priority. You’ve probably heard this repeated a lot. And yet most moms continue to keep putting themselves last on their to-do lists. Be it relaxing, eating, exercising or socialising, it’s important to make time for yourself. After all, only when you’re physically and mentally healthy can you give your best to your family.
Exercising tips. Regular exercise is important, there’s no argument there. However taking the time to exercise can be difficult for a busy mom.
(i) One tip is to set a specific, achievable goal for yourself. For instance, you may decide that you want to walk for half-an-hour 4 times a week. Now you have a set goal that’s also very achievable.
(ii) Another tip is to exercise whilst doing something else. (All you multi-tasking moms will like this!)

Food and you. Most moms have a less-than-ideal relationship with food and with all that effort they put into feeding their kids, they either eat too little or too much.

(i) One rule you absolutely must follow is to never finish up the food your child has left. Eating the food left over on your child’s plate is a very common phenomenon and this leads to the mom eating double and gaining unnecessary weight.
(ii) Mornings are an especially busy time with breakfast being cooked and lunch boxes being packed and often mothers end up skipping breakfast themselves. Make sure you sit down and eat a healthy breakfast; you could even pack it and carry it to work if that’s easier, but do not miss breakfast.
(iii) When it’s time to feed your child dinner at the end of a long day, it’s a good idea to finish your meal first. Trying to feed a fussy child on an empty stomach will only make you irritable and impatient. Eat first and you’ll find you’re way more patient and energetic to tackle any challenges the dining table may throw up.

Sleep time. Just because you’re a mother now doesn’t mean you need less than 6-8 hours of sleep every night. Prioritise and cut out some activities if you must, just do whatever it takes to get the required amount of sleep.

Moms and stress. Stress is inevitable, but there are ways you can minimise it.

(i) One tip is to keep expectations reasonable. Your child comes with his or her own set of talents and strengths. Do not expect unreasonable feats from your kids.
(ii) Never compare your kids with others. It doesn’t matter if your sister-in-law’s daughter started walking 17 days before your own! Your child has qualities that she doesn’t and it’s best not to get into any comparisons.
(iii) Quit the guilt. It’s OK to make mistakes. Everybody does! Don’t waste precious moments with your child feeling guilty about what you did or didn’t do. Just do the best you can and shower your kids with love.

Ask for help. They say it takes a village to raise a child. What that means is that you cannot do it solely on your own, and there’s no shame in getting help. Involve your husband, your mother, your neighbour, your nanny; nobody will think any less of you and you will be a happier, healthier woman through it all.

The supermom myth. Any mom will tell you – you cannot do everything. So stop worrying about trying to bring up children, while keeping a perfect house, having a successful career, looking like a supermodel, cooking like a pro and doing everything you used to before you had your child. It’s OK to have that pile of newspapers in the corner. You’ll get to it when you can.

Take a break from being a mom. Every once in a while it’s essential to take a break from kids and diapers and school admissions and homework. Call up a friend or go out and have an adult conversation. Discuss politics or fashion or indulge in a good old gossip session. You’ll feel rejuvenated and look forward to going back home to the kids.

Physical pampering is important. A day at the spa or beauty salon does a lot to revive a tired mom’s spirits. You get a break, look better and it takes your mind off the stress of parenting. You’ll feel rejuvenated and look forward to going back home to the kids.

Enjoy motherhood. It’s a great time full of challenges and triumphs and the most important thing is to enjoy it. All moms will tell you that it goes by really fast and when you look back at this time, you should remember all the laughter and fun you had.

The truth about the fad diet

2012-05-13T07:52:00.003-07:00

Fad diets promise a svelte figure virtually overnight; the merry-go-round of weight loss strategies continues unabated and the diet industry grows fatter by selling dreams of thinness but delivering only failure.

If any one of these methods worked, all the others would be put out of business overnight — but the lucrative diet industry shows no sign of slowing down.

There is a huge and continual interest in weight loss and dieting, but if diets don’t work, then what actually is the solution to maintaining a healthy weight and, more importantly, a healthy lifestyle? Here at realbuzz.com we believe we have the answer and in this feature we look at:

Why fad diets don’t work

Weight management — the easy way

Hints and tips to keep trim

The typical diet

As with most things these days, everyone wants rapid results and when looking to lose weight, we’re no different. The problem is that rapid weight loss is unsustainable, as illustrated in the typical regimen below:

1. Begin diet. Calorie intake cut from 3,000 to 1,000 calories per day or even less.

2. Rapid weight loss occurs. After two weeks, weight loss is approximately 3.5kg (8lb).

3. Weight loss slows. After three weeks, total weight loss is either approaching or static at 3.5kg.

4. Metabolic rate slows. To conserve body resources and because the rapid weight loss has included metabolic rate boosting muscle, the body elicits the ‘starvation response’. (Metabolic rate is the body’s calorie burner; the more muscle you have, the faster you burn calories).

5. Weight loss stagnates. Weight loss halts, motivation plummets.

6. Previous eating patterns resumed. Having achieved some weight loss, original eating plan is resumed.

7. Weight increases. To guard against future ‘famine’, the body stores more food as body fat, effectively laying down more reserves as a self-protection mechanism. This is compounded by a lower metabolic rate due to loss of muscle during the diet phase.

8. Significant weight gain occurs. After a few weeks, not only has the lost weight been put back on, but more weight has also been gained overall, resulting in the dieter ending up heavier than before the diet began.

The weight loss solution

If the scenario outlined sounds all too familiar, what is the way forward? The golden rule is to lose weight at a slow rate i.e. not more than about 0.5kg (1 to 1.5lb) per week. Rapid losses are great motivators and desirable but never work in the long term. By losing weight slowly, you will avoid stripping out valuable calorie burning muscle, your losses will be maintained long-term and, most important of all, you won’t suffer the misery that serial dieters endure from continually denying themselves the necessary and correct quantities of food to sustain good health.

Weight loss hints and tips

There are a multitude of strategies that will help and support your weight loss, ensuring that it is consistent and, most importantly, ensuring that what comes off, stays off. Simply follow the realbuzz.com tips below, which will support your new nutrition plan:

Embrace exercise. Any exercise is beneficial. Cardiovascular (CV) training will burn calories at a rate of approximately 100 calories per mile walked, jogged or run. Resistance training will tone and maintain muscle mass which will keep your metabolic rate elevated 24 hours a day, further adding to your overall calorie burn.

Eat breakfast. After fasting all night, kick-start your metabolism with a low-fat breakfast such as porridge. The key benefit is that you will avoid the ‘mid-morning munchies’ — which usually involves consuming high-calorie foods such as chocolate and salty snacks because your body is desperate for a quick energy hit.

Eat small, frequent meals. Your metabolic rate may be raised by up to 15 per cent just by eating a meal. This effectively gives you a metabolic burst to further support your calorie burning strategy.

Don’t neglect protein. Protein further supports the metabolic burst that occurs at meal times and also slows down the digestion process, helping to even out your energy release, thereby avoiding peaks and troughs of energy throughout the day.

Avoid missing meals. A missed meal will tempt you into eating high-calorie foods later, for example; missing lunch because you’re too busy will result in a 3pm dash to the canteen for chocolate because you crave some instant energy. Keep snacking regularly to avoid energy lows.

Ditch the packets. Processed foods (which typically come in packets) are frequently high in calories with hidden fats and sugars — all extremely calorific. Additionally, they are also full of additives and preservatives that your body simply doesn’t need. Try to stick to fresh, unrefined and natural foods wherever possible for a healthy nutrition plan and also fewer unnecessary calories.

Target 500. When looking at weight loss, your target should be a calorie deficit of 500 calories per day, which will equate to 0.5kg (1 to 1.5lb) of fat per week. That loss can be in the form of calories burned (exercise) or calories not eaten (healthy food choices), or ideally a combination of the two. A much greater loss than 500 calories each day is not sustainable, but the figure 500 is a target that is easy to work with and achievable.

Diet? Never dietIt’s a cliché but very true — it doesn’t have to be hell to be healthy. Jumping on and off the ‘diet bus’ is neither good for your health nor your waistline, yet simple solutions are available. By focusing on sensible, whole-food eating, in combination with regular exercise, you will achieve the results you desire, at a sustainable rate, without allowing food to unhealthily dominate your life. Your diet should actually be your nutrition plan for life and built into your life with exercise, which is the optimum way to manage your weight effectively. Diet? Never diet.

Oldest Mother: Fertility Treatments Allow Women To Keep Breaking Records

2012-05-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

Mama mia! One mom gave birth at age 70, another supposedly had 69 kids. For Mother's Day, get to know some record-breaking moms -- some of who pushed the limits of safety to have children.

Top 10 Mother's Day Gifts for your Mommy dearest

2012-05-13T07:49:00.002-07:00

It is a globally-acknowledged fact that mothers are biased in loving their sons and men are attuned towards being overly possessive about their moms.

Thus, it makes perfect sense in taking a few moments out of your daily schedule to ensure that this Mother's Day (May 13) you do something to showcase how much you adore your mother. This article tries to provide some handy tips on choosing Mother's Day gifts that will help to make her feel appreciated, reassuring her that she continues to be the most cherished woman in your life.

Greenery

Our mothers always care for us. Even if we are not living with them, they're always worried about our well-being. Probably, this is their inherent nature. To cater to this nature of our mothers, gifting her beautiful greenery she can also tend to, would be a good idea. These plants would add colour and fragrance to the home.

Gift Vouchers/Cards

Remember the times when your mom got you the things you wanted even before you asked for them. Some role-reversal will be appreciated now. Give a shopping voucher to your mom and let her buy what she wants. In a way you would be letting your mom choose her own gift. Accompanying her to the store would be an icing on the cake.

Candles

Candles spread light, just like mothers spread their love all around the world. Besides, a mind-clearing fragrance which emanates from candles is extremely soothing. Nowadays, beautiful candles made of environment friendly elements are readily available. We're sure your mom would love them.

Gift Basket

It may not be Diwali or an anniversary, but a gift basket can still do wonders. The basket should be really well decorated and should look beautiful. Stuff that with her favourite foods, sweets, and other stuff she likes (maybe even a DVD of a flick she loves).

Home Décor

Some men may not be really bothered with their bed linen or the curtains in their rooms but detail-oriented moms want such stuff to be neat, clean and beautiful. After all, they want their homes to look distinguished and fresh. All these years you've only contributed to the mess in the house; this day add to it's cleanliness and beauty.

Gadgets

Unlike you, your mom may not be a tech-geek but still she'd love it if you give her a new-age smartphone. It can be her companion when you're not around. And she would love to be in touch with you via that phone. Apart from this, laptops, desktop PCs, MP3 players are also good gifting options.

Books

Those who love reading also love it when they are gifted books. No matter how many books she already has in her library, if your mom is into reading, she'll love it if you gift her a copy of her favourite book. Try and find out beforehand about her literary tastes, favourite authors etc. before you head for the bookstore.

Greeting Card

It may just be a humble little piece of glazed, colourful paper with lots of design on it, but it can mean a lot. And what matters the most is the message you write on that card. At times, there's nothing better than some affectionate words of appreciation.

Sweet Treats

Unless she's a part of a minute minority, your mom would always love sweets. Chocolate, of course, is your safest bet, but then there are options galore. You can choose between traditional Indian sweets and a number of packed sweets available in the stores. Gifting a neatly decorated sweet basked would be perfect.

Clothes

When you were young she bought you the choicest garments. Imagine how she would feel if you get her a pretty saree or a suit. Now, you are not good at buying clothes for ladies. Go shopping with your girlfriend, aunts etc. But no need to strictly adhere to what they suggest. Use your instincts. After all, who knows your mom better than you? But make sure you get the stuff your mom would love.

Much more than any gift, what really matters is your true concern for your mother. Make sure you always make her feel special, not just on a Mother's Day, but all throughout the year.

The biggest dams in India

2012-05-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

The Tehri Dam is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam on the Bhagirathi River near Tehri in Uttarakhand, India. It is the primary dam of the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Ltd. and the Tehri hydroelectric complex. The dam is a 260 metres (850 ft) high rock and earth-fill embankment dam. Its length is 575 metres (1,886 ft), crest width 20 metres (66 ft), and base width 1,128 metres (3,701 ft). [Photo: By Arvind Iyer from Mumbai [CC-BY-SA-2.0

Kerala Government has long been demanding construction of a new dam in Mullaperiyar on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Many believe that the existing 116-year-old dam could pose safety hazard.

While the matter rests with the apex court, we look at some of India’s biggest and most famous dams, hailed by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as ‘The Temples of a Resurgent India

Bhakra Dam is a concrete gravity dam across the Sutlej River, and is near the border between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh in northern India. The dam, located at a gorge near the (now submerged) upstream Bhakra village in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, is Asia's second highest at 225.55 m (740 ft) high next to the 261m Tehri Dam. The length of the dam (measured from the road above it) is 518.25 m; it is 9.1 m broad. Its reservoir, known as the "Gobind Sagar", stores up to 9.34 billion cubic meters of water, enough to drain the whole of Chandigarh, parts of Haryana, Punjab and Delhi.The 90 km long reservoir created by the Bhakra Dam is spread over an area of 168.35 km2. In terms of storage of water, it withholds the second largest reservoir in India, the first being Indira Sagar dam in Madhya Pradesh with capacity of 12.22 billion cu m.Nangal dam is another dam downstream of Bhakra dam. [Photo by KawalSingh at en.wikipedia

Hirakud Dam is built across the Mahanadi River, about 15 km from Sambalpur in the state of Orissa in India. Built in 1957, the dam is one of the world's longest earthen dam. Hirakud Dam is the longest man-made dam in the world, about 16 mi (26 km) in length. It is one of the first major multipurpose river valley project started after India's independence.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is the world's largest masonry dam built across Krishna River in Nagarjuna Sagar, Nalgonda District of Andhra Pradesh, India, between 1955 and 1967. The dam contains the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir with a capacity of up to 11,472 million cubic metres. The dam is 490 ft (150 m). tall and 1.6 km long with 26 gates which are 42 ft (13 m). wide and 45 ft (14 m). tall. Nagarjuna Sagar was the earliest in the series of large infrastructure projects initiated for the Green Revolution in India; it also is one of the earliest multi-purpose irrigation and hydro-electric projects in India.

The Sardar Sarovar Dam is a gravity dam on the Narmada River near Navagam, Gujarat, India. It is the largest dam and part of the Narmada Valley Project, a large hydraulic engineering project involving the construction of a series of large irrigation and hydroelectric multi-purpose dams on the Narmada River. The project took form in 1979 as part of a development scheme to increase irrigation and produce hydroelectricity. It is the 30th largest dams planned on river Narmada, Sardar Sarovar Dam (SSD) is the largest structure to be built. It has a proposed final height of 163 m (535 ft) from foundation. The dam is one of India's most controversial dam projects and its environmental impact and net costs and benefits are widely debated. The World Bank was initially a funder of the SSD, but withdrew in 1994. The Narmada Dam has been the centre of controversy and protest since the late 1980s. [Photo by AceFighter1

The Indirasagar Dam is a multipurpose key project of Madhya Pradesh on the Narmada River at Narmadanagar in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh in India. The Project envisages construction of a 92 m high and 653 m long concrete gravity dam. It provides Irrigation in 1,230 square kilometres of land with annual production of 2700 million units in the districts of Khandwa and Khargone in Madhya Pradesh and power generation of 1000 MW installed capacity (8x125). The reservoir of 12,200,000,000 m3 (9,890,701 acre•ft) was created.'

The Bhavanisagar Dam and Reservoir, also called Lower Bhavani Dam, is located on the Bhavani River between Mettupalayam and Sathyamangalam in Erode District, Tamil Nadu, South India. The dam is situated around 16 km (9.9 mi) west to Satyamangalam and 35 km (22 mi) from Gobichettipalayam, 36 km (22 mi) north-east to Mettuppalayam and 70 km (43 mi) from Erode and 75 km (47 mi) from Coimbatore.

The dam is considered to be among the biggest earthen dams in the country. Bhavani Sagar dam is constructed on Bhavani River, which is merely under the union of Moyar River. The dam is used to divert water to the Lower Bhavani Project Canal.

The Koyna Hydroelectric Project is the largest completed hydroelectric power plant of India It is a complex project consisting of total four dams with the largest Dam built on Koyna River known as Koyna Dam hence the name Koyna Hydroelectric project. The total Installed capacity of the project is 1,920 MW. The project consists of 4 stages of power generation. Due to the project's electricity generating potential the Koyna River is considered as the life line of Maharashtra.

The Idukki Dam, located in Kerala, India, is a 168.91 m (554 ft) tall arch dam. The dam stands between the two mountains - Kuravanmala (839) m and Kurathimala (925)m. It was constructed and is owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board. It supports a 780 MW hydroelectric power station.

It is built on the Periyar River, in the ravine between the Kuravan and Kurathi Hills in Kerala, India. At 167.68 metres, it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia and third tallest dam in India.

Soon, air-powered cars to debut in India

2012-05-13T07:41:00.004-07:00

Washington, May 10 (ANI): India-based Tata Motors has said that it has tested two cars that can run on compressed air, and that the next step is setting up the manufacturing plants to actually build them.

In 2007, Tata Motors signed a licensing deal with Motor Development International, a French design firm.

Compressed air engines aren't a new idea. The first models were proposed more than a century ago, and they were used in the mining industry for decades before electric motors became commonplace.

Even now, compressed air powers all kinds of tools, notably the pneumatic impact wrenches in auto body shops.

A compressed air car engine works in a way similar to the internal combustion version - Fuel forces pistons to turn a crankshaft and power the car. The difference is that in a compressed air engine, the pistons are moved by air and not gasoline.

Researchers in Sweden have experimented with single-cylinder engines of this type.

The only problem is power. Air compression alone only gets a car moving to about 30 to 35 miles per hour. So to supplement that, the car could take in more air as it moves faster, using an onboard air compressor.

The air compressor could be electric or, more likely, gasoline-powered. But even that would reduce emissions a lot, since the gasoline engine wouldn't be running at lower speeds.

Range is also an issue. Like all vehicles, an air-powered car can drive only as far as the amount of fuel in its tank. And storing compressed air requires "fuel" tanks that are stronger than steel to contain the thousands of pounds per square inch necessary.

On the bright side, compressing air in such a tank is a lot less dangerous than natural gas or hydrogen. Then there is the issue of filling the car's tank, most air compressors would take at least a couple of hours to do that.

Tata seems to be the only manufacturer that has committed to actually building an air-powered car. Honda unveiled an air-powered concept car in 2010, and a company called Zero Pollution Motors had promised to deliver one to the United States, but that was two years ago.

If Tata is successful, it will go a long way toward reducing emissions in India-and perhaps freeing cars from fossil fuels completely. (ANI)

The truth about moms

2012-05-13T07:39:00.002-07:00

Shahida Parveen Ganguly remembers her mother often asking her and her six siblings to eat first when there was little food at home. "I was small but would somehow understand that she was giving up her share of the food for us, and I would then make her eat part of my share," recalls Ganguly, who is Jammu and Kashmir's first woman police officer.

That expression of a mother's love and sacrifice is something few children can forget. It's a story repeated over and over in many Indian homes. It is the mother who puts her children and family first, who sometimes opts to give up a career for caregiving, who puts off buying something for herself to save money and who eats and sleeps last but gets up first in the morning.

Many gender roles might be getting redefined slowly in the 21st century, but that of a mother is not likely to change soon. "The mother remains the backbone of the family," says Professor Tulsi Patel of Delhi University's sociology department . In fact, a new survey finds that 92% of Indian women are willing to make the same sacrifices for their own children as their mothers did. Called 'Thank You Mom' , it was conducted by Ipsos and commissioned by Proctor & Gamble. It covered over 3,000 women in India and 11 other Asia-Pacific countries.

The survey finds that the mother is seen as indispensable for child development everywhere. Interestingly, India and China reported many similar results , including the highest numbers who said they were very close to their mothers (96%) and knew about their moms' sacrifices. While the Japanese did not agree much with the sacrifices their mothers made, they acknowledged that moms are important in a child's life.

What's significant is that despite having impressive degrees, fatter wallets and greater freedom, women lean a lot on their moms' support. In India, some 60% aspired to be just like their moms and 86% sought their advice often. Ganguly, a much-decorated officer who led daredevil operations against militants, says her mother is her biggest inspiration.

Harshini Kanhekar, 31, the country's first female firefighter and now senior fire officer with ONGC in Mumbai, says, "I had my parents' full support when I got admission to the (then all-male ) National Fire Service College, Nagpur. My mom has a modern outlook and she never put any restrictions on me."

Even in the west, while the dependence on parents is much less, recession seems to be bringing maternal grandmoms back into the picture. A part of the same survey in 12 European countries on the changing face of motherhood shows that 44% of mothers, on an average , turned to their own moms for support in order to go out and work. The numbers were highest in countries such as Italy, Spain and Portugal where the extended family is a strong tradition.

Yet, despite enjoying far easier lifestyles than 30 years ago, with support systems and labour-saving devices, few are likely to say that motherhood has become easier. If a majority of Indian women said that having insufficient time for their families was their biggest regret , working women in UK reported the highest levels of guilt (" Should I spend more time with my children instead of pursuing a career?"). Many are also discontented for being 'just homemakers' .

In fact, a number of European mothers said they were more like "family managers" than traditional housewives. Ganguly agrees: "We have to take care of our jobs and homes, too. Earlier, they were not so educated or competitive. I understood what my mother did for me after I had two sons, now 8 and 4. Ever since they were born, I haven't thought about anything else but them. I have some dreams, such as to do mountaineering , but have put them on hold."

A large majority of Indians (81%) believed their mothers could have achieved much more had it not been for the sacrifices they made. Ironically , more than half expressed their appreciation only occasionally.

That's the thing with mothers - we just don't tell them enough how important they are, and will always be, to us.

Recipe: Raw mango chutney

2012-05-13T07:38:00.003-07:00

Recipe: Raw mango chutney (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

Make a delicious a raw mango chutney
This is the season for mangoes. You can savour both the ripe ones and raw ones. As raw mangoes are easily available now, you can make a delicious mango chutney. It's easy to make and in almost all traditional wedding feasts in Odisha during summer seaon, this generally figures in.
While making this chutney, paanch phutan (a mixture of cumin seeds, fennel seeds, nigella seeds, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds) adds a delightful flavour to this dish. It goes very well with a simple meal of rice, dal and chicken curry. The tangy taste of this mango chutney will make you long for more.

Ingredients:
Two raw mango in medium size (cut into cubes)
Chopped Ginger pieces
Chopped Green chilli - 1
A tea spoon of paanch phutan
Turmeric powder --- a pinch
Red chilli powder --- less than half tsp
Salt, jaggery to taste
Curry leaves

Method:
Put oil in the kadhai. When the oil is hot, add paanch phutan. Then add finely chopped ginger, green chilli. Fry a little and then add curry leaves. After this, add the mango pieces and cover it for a while. Then add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, salt. Add water in the pan (the chutney needs to be a little thick. So, add water keeping this in mind.). Let it cook for a while. Then add jaggery. You can also add sugar but jaggery gives a more subtle flavour to the chutney. Allow it to simmer for a while till the chutney gets a thick consistency.

Love your skin Fruity delight for your skin

2012-05-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

Fruity delight for your skin (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

That fruits are the best medicine is a well known fact. We also know that a cup of fruit juice a day is sure to guarantee a clear complexion.
How about a massage with a fruit pulp or afruit facial? Fruit facials have been there for at least a decade now. But with people getting more wary of effect of chemicals on the skin, majority of them are now resorting to using something from their own kitchen. What better way to pamper your skin than with pure stuff which is free of toxins and not in the least harmful to your skin? Besides the fact that they hydrate and rejuvenate your skin, the very smell of a fruit on your face is quite de-stressing. Unlike the chemical beauty treatments, fruits are cost-effective, natural and also bring a visible difference. Here are a few fruits and their properties, choose what suits you best!
Banana: This is one fruit that's abundantly available in India all through the year. We know it's a good source of iron, magnesium and potassium and helps reduce menstrual cramps. The effect of banana on skin too is not something that can be ignored. Banana is rich in vitamin A, B and E and hence works as an anti-aging agent. A fresh mashed banana facial can do wonders to your skin.
Lemon: Lemon juice is an important ingredient in most Indian recipes. This is also a fruit of all seasons and almost always finds place on your kitchen shelf or refrigerator. With its vitamin C content, its juice will keep your skin beautiful. A glass of warm water with a tsp of honey and a dash of lemon juice on an empty stomach every morning is a great skin cleanser. With its astringent properties, it can be used to lighten the skin tone and also diminish acne scars. Rub the inside of a lemon peel on your elbow remove dark spots. Mix lemon and honey and use it as a natural bleach on your skin.
Apple: An apple a day keeps the doctor away is cliched, but its health benefits are undisputable. Apple's antioxidant property prevents cell and tissue damage. Studies by nutritionists have shown that apples contain abundant amounts of elastin and collagen that help keep the skin young. Applying a mixture of mashed apple, honey, rose water and oatmeal can act as a great exfoliating mask on your skin.
Orange: Rich in vitamin C that improves skin texture. Like apple, orange too contains collagen that slows skin aging process. Rub the insides of orange on your skin to tighten the skin. Oranges can be dried and powdered and used as a natural scrub. Like lemon, oranges too help clear skin blemishes.
Papaya: The benefits of this fruit on skin have perhaps been talked about since the time of our ancestors. Papaya is rich in antioxidants and contain a special enzyme called papain that can kill dead cells and cure skin impurities. A glass of papaya milk or just applying the flesh of papaya on your skin can do wonders to your skin.
Mangoes: Rightly called the king of fruits for not just its taste but also for health benefits. The soft pulpy fruit has an amazing effect on skin too. Rich in vitamin-A and antioxidants, it fights skin aging, regenerates skin cells and restores the elasticity of skin.

Cape of good music

2012-05-13T07:33:00.001-07:00

Cape of good music

From breathtaking views to pristine white beaches, attending a music festival in Cape Town is about more than just the tunes.

Ajazz gig in Mumbai is typified by the sight of greying men, sipping whisky on the rocks, tapping their feet to the polyrhythms being weaved together on stage. In South Africa, it's completely different. Surrounded by 15,000 people singing songs together can give you goose bumps, set your heart beating faster and bring tears to your eyes. But when a section of a crowd breaks into spontaneous dance - willed just by the sheer emotion that only music can evoke - that is truly transcendental. I was lucky to experience both of these at this year's Cape Town Jazz Festival, the fourth largest in the world, which attracts over 35,000 people. And everyone from home-grown legends like Hugh Masekelato international stars such as Patti Smith pay obeisance to the annual festival which is held in the last week of March.
When Lauryn Hill delivered an awful performance, the crowd did not stick around though she is a big name. They're discerning enough to head to the next stage, where Zahara, the new pop sensation in Africa is performing. As they jostle for space, they've already put Hill behind them, and are singing along to Zahara's tunes, still in between stages.
Where Cape Town Jazz Festival wins is the opportunity to listen to new African artists. From Zahara, the Adele of South Africa with seven nominations in the SAMA awards, to the all-about-love soul music of Unathi, who breaks into a crotch grab every time she sings something sensual, sticking her tongue out coyly, it is a perfect festival to plan your trip around.
And here 'plan your trip around' are the key words, for Cape Town truly is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Flanked by mountains that are perfect for growing the best wine in the world, and ending in two oceans (Indian and Atlantic) jostling for space, Cape Town is a scenic city, if ever there was one.
Set the table
My first stop in the city was Table Mountain. A 20-minute drive from the city-centre, themountain is so named because on most days clouds descend on its flat peak, which makes it look like a tablecloth. My nicotine-stained lungs could never handle the hike up this gargantuan landmass, so I took the 175-Rand-apop cable car ride to reach the summit. But there are several trails here that can take a few days to explore. On a perfect clear day, you can see every possible view of the city, the Cape Town flats where the 'burbs have been built, Signal Hill, the city itself and the fabulously clear oceans. Just be sure to carry warm clothes, the weather drops dramatically when you reach the summit. Checking out all the views the mountain has to offer will take you at least three hours. Thankfully, there are guides to show you around, and the best part is, it's for free. Yes, the magic word, free.
Give me hope
The same day we headed to the Cape of Good Hope, the fabled place where European explorers stopped to refill supplies before they headed to the exotic East. The drive to the Cape is a little more than an hour, but can take you a week if you want. The road has white sandy beaches with emerald green waters which pop up unexpectedly - a tad too cold to swim on the Atlantic side, and warmer on the Indian Ocean side. There is something special about looking out from the lighthouse at the Cape, knowing that there is no land between you right up to Antarctica.

To lighten this serious epiphany is a way post which tells you how far your country is from that very point. Only, some tourist with a sense of humour has skewed all the directions. Everyone just stands around scratching their heads thinking this can't be right, until they realise it's been messed with. Just like jazz, a little inside joke, if you just cared enough to pay heed to it.
Water front
Other than the sites, the city has a lot of historical character too - colonial, where it was colonised by the Dutch and then the British, and recent, with it being at the centre of international attention with Nelson Mandela's imprisonment at Robben Island. But I was on a whirlwind four-day tour, where between watching the sights in the morning, and then jazz at night, I had little time for anything else. The one free evening that I managed to get away fromthe rest, I walked to the superbly maintained waterfront. A beautiful 15-minute walk from the city centre, which has a walkway built with a calm canal on one side and Dutch architecture on the other. Other than being a shopping district, the place is buzzing with an interesting mix of musicians and public art. From young garage bands armed with laptops, and amplifiers for their instruments, to older men playing Miriam Makeba's Pata Pata, music surrounds you in Cape Town.

Thousands of birds found dead on Chile beaches

2012-05-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

SANTIAGO: About 2,000 birds were found dead on beaches in central Chile, a natural history museum director said on Friday, accusing fishermen of snagging them in their nets and letting them drown.

"It's a horrible scene. They are spread across some six kilometers (four miles) of beach" around the coastal city of Santo Domingo, San Antonio natural history and archeology museum director Jose Luis Brito told UCV radio.

Most of the birds are gray petrels, but there are also pelicans, gannets and Guanay cormorants.

Brito accused fishermen of "doing nothing" when birds get caught up in their nets, and leaving them "to drown before throwing the bodies back into the sea."

The museum said it would file a complaint to police over the dead birds.

About 100 bird carcasses were found on central beaches on Sunday.

Thousands of dolphins and maritime birds, including many pelicans, have been found dead in neighboring Peru in recent weeks.

Environmental groups blamed oil exploration work, but Peru's deputy environment minister Gabriel Quijandria, disputed the claim and said warming waters, which disturbs food supplies, was a possible cause.

Benefits of peppermint oil

2012-05-13T07:30:00.003-07:00

Benefits of peppermint oil (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

Peppermint is not just an an ingredient in flavoured chewing gums. Here's more to this herb. The herb is a hybrid of two plants, water mint and spearmint and is beneficial both cosmetically as well as medically.

When extracted as an pil, it is one of the many essential oils and is used extensively in perfumes and colognes. Peppermint oil is both rejuvenating and refreshing. It not only strengthens the immune system but also eases mental exhaustion. The oil can be used to give you a healthy scalp and healthy hair. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to your daily shampoo and it can help reduce that dandruff. Another benefit is it allows taming frizzy hair and brings about a shine to it. Peppermint oil can also bring about hair growth. The oil usage is not just a boon to the hair but also the skin and lips.

Not only does it help control oil secretion of the skin but also clears it and brightens tired skin. The oil prevents acne and helps open pores. Peppermint oil helps heal cracked lips, and this is the reason why this oil is an active ingredient in chapsticks and lip glosses. The oil has a soothing effect (because of menthol that's present in it), and so can be used on wind-chapped or sun-burnt lip as it will give a cooling and refreshing effect on the skin.

Please note that pepperment oil is really stong and when used, it should be diluted with a carrier oil, else it can cause side effects.

Shilpa Shetty's massage truths

2012-05-13T07:29:00.003-07:00

Shilpa Shetty's massage truths

With her baby due at the end of next month, actor Shilpa Shetty tells us how she's managing her pre-natal care so she emerges her svelte self again
Basking in the last month of pregnancy, the svelte Shilpa Shetty is as concerned about a painless delivery as she is about retaining herfitness after childbirth. The leggy hottie is keeping up with an exhaustive pre-natal care plan to ensure that she regains her famous washboard abs and toned limbs once she delivers her bundle of joy. Here's how she's getting it done:
Lamaze logic
"Gym is a strict no-no because it exhausts you," Shilpa starts off, "There are some days when just getting out of bed, battling morning sickness or nausea, can be a challenge. Workouts therefore may seem out of the question. In pregnancy, you want to be pampered. That's where the massages and Lamaze come in."
A type of exercise influenced by Soviet childbirth practices in the '40s, Lamaze involves breathing and relaxation techniques under the supervision of a 'monitrice', or a midwife.
This method gained popularity in the United States after Marjorie Karmel, an American in Pariswho sought Lamaze to deliver her first baby, wrote about her experiences. Shilpa says, "Lamaze's goal is to boost a mother's confidence in her ability to give birth. It helps her understand how to cope with pain in ways that facilitate labour and promote comfort, including focused breathing, movement and massage. There are also deepbreathing techniques that relax your body. Staying calm helps you focus on the task at hand and may help you deliver without the need for pain medication."
Some Lamaze techniques Shilpa follows are cleansing breath and slow breath. Cleansing breath involves deep, slow inhalation through the nose and a slow exhalation through the mouth. For slow breath, inhale to a count of four or five. Now, exhale to the same count.
Relax your jaw and your shoulders. Continue this for 90 seconds, then end with another cleansing breath.
Massage truths
While there are varied views on when pre-natal massages should begin for the expecting mother, Shilpa, who gets the massages at her spa Iosis in Bandra, says she opted for them after her fifth month. "Doctors advise you against massages until the fifth month as applying pressure on the wrong points could induce uterine contractions. I recommend the 50-minute-long prenatalmassage, administered by a trained therapist and advised from the fifth to the ninth month. Pregnancy massages have been found to reduce stress, decrease swelling in arms and legs and relieve aches and pains in muscles and joints. When choices for pain relief, such as medication, are often limited, back massages alleviate pain and reduce anxiety and depression as well." Shilpa believes these massages, to be taken under consultation of your gynaecologist, serve a dual purpose. "Not only are they likely to minimise pain and guarantee a smooth delivery, they also ensure that there is no water retention in your body. It's a known fact that water retention is the main reason most women do not lose weight after childbirth." She plans to take post-natal massages as well.
"If you have a normal delivery, you can start having them in the first or second week. Massaging your body with olive oil softens and conditions the skin and the underlying connective tissue, thereby helping condition the skin against the formation of new stretch marks and reducing the current ones. Regular use will not only nourish and condition your skin, it will also provide relaxation and emotional well-being due to its soothing aroma," she says.
Food rules
Shilpa feels that our body knows what it wants. She says, "Don't force feed yourself. Try and keep your food fresh and eat at home. I avoid eating out. If I do, I indulge only in grilled food. I pity my sweet tooth for depriving it of chocolates, ice-creams and cakes ever since I entered the seventh month of pregnancy. You can have sweets in moderation. Don't overdo it as most mothers do and end up with gestational diabetes.
"If you like stepping out to indulge yourself, watch your salt intake and ensure the food has no Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). The only things I would advise against are aerated drinks and junk food. Have nuts, milkshakes and yogurts as they will enhance your foetus' growth. Most importantly, you must have calcium, folic acid and iron tablets. I wouldn't miss a single dose for anything in the world."
Walk on
A good walk is a good form of exercise especially in the last trimester. Shilpa says she walks almost every day for at least half an hour, either in her garden or at the Juhu beach.
"Now I have all the time in the world. As my bodyguards are with me, I walk bindaas," she says. Walking has become progressively tougher for her though. "I feel very heavy and I trudge along slower than before. Obviously, it is tiring, and yet necessary."
As for footwear, Shilpa's funda is no heels. "I ditched them the day I conceived. The ligaments that control your lower back are softened during pregnancy, so they are more at risk of damage. High heels alter your posture and put a strain on this weakened area, contributing to lower back pain. Flat shoes, are a better bet as they ensure your comfort and minimise the back strain."

10 Reasons Yogurt is a Top Health Food

2012-05-13T07:22:00.001-07:00

1. Yogurt is easier to digest than milk. Many people who cannot tolerate milk, either because of a protein allergy or lactose intolerance, can enjoy yogurt. The culturing process makes yogurt more digestible than milk. The live active cultures create lactase, the enzyme lactose-intolerant people lack, and another enzyme contained in some yogurts (beta-galactosidase) also helps improve lactose absorption in lactase-deficient persons. Bacterial enzymes created by the culturing process, partially digest the milk protein casein, making it easier to absorb and less allergenic. In our pediatric practice, we have observed that children who cannot tolerate milk can often eat yogurt without any intestinal upset. While the amount varies among brands of yogurt, in general, yogurt has less lactose than milk. The culturing process has already broken down the milk sugar lactose into glucose and galactose, two sugars that are easily absorbed by lactose-intolerant persons.

2. Yogurt contributes to colon health. There's a medical truism that states: "You're only as healthy as your colon." When eating yogurt, you care for your colon in two ways. First, yogurt contains lactobacteria, intestines-friendly bacterial cultures that foster a healthy colon, and even lower the risk of colon cancer. Lactobacteria, especially acidophilus, promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon and reduces the conversion of bile into carcinogenic bile acids. The more of these intestines-friendly bacteria that are present in your colon, the lower the chance of colon diseases. Basically, the friendly bacteria in yogurt seems to deactivate harmful substances (such as nitrates and nitrites before they are converted to nitrosamines) before they can become carcinogenic.

Secondly, yogurt is a rich source of calcium - a mineral that contributes to colon health and decreases the risk of colon cancer. Calcium discourages excess growth of the cells lining the colon, which can place a person at high risk for colon cancer. Calcium also binds cancer-producing bile acids and keeps them from irritating the colon wall. People that have diets high in calcium (e.g. Scandinavian countries) have lower rates of colorectal cancer. One study showed that an average intake of 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day is associated with a 75 percent reduction of colorectal cancer. As a survivor of colon cancer, I have a critical interest in the care of my colon. My life depends on it.

3. Yogurt improves the bioavailability of other nutrients. Culturing of yogurt increases the absorption of calcium and B-vitamins. The lactic acid in the yogurt aids in the digestion of the milk calcium, making it easier to absorb.

4. Yogurt can boost immunity. Researchers who studied 68 people who ate two cups of live-culture yogurt daily for three months found that these persons produced higher levels of immunity boosting interferon. The bacterial cultures in yogurt have also been shown to stimulate infection-fighting white cells in the bloodstream. Some studies have shown yogurt cultures to contain a factor that has anti-tumor effects in experimental animals.

NUTRITIP: Yogurt - Good for Young and Old

Yogurt is a valuable health food for both infants and elderly persons. For children, it is a balanced source of protein, fats, carbohydrates, and minerals in a texture that kids love. For senior citizens, who usually have more sensitive colons or whose intestines have run out of lactase, yogurt is also a valuable food. Elderly intestines showed declining levels of bifidus bacteria, which allow the growth of toxin-producing and, perhaps, cancer-causing bacteria.

5. Yogurt aids healing after intestinal infections. Some viral and allergic gastrointestinal disorders injure the lining of the intestines, especially the cells that produce lactase. This results in temporary lactose malabsorption problems. This is why children often cannot tolerate milk for a month or two after an intestinal infection. Yogurt, however, because it contains less lactose and more lactase, is usually well-tolerated by healing intestines and is a popular "healing food" for diarrhea. Many pediatricians recommend yogurt for children suffering from various forms of indigestion. Research shows that children recover faster from diarrhea when eating yogurt. It's good to eat yogurt while taking antibiotics. The yogurt will minimize the effects of the antibiotic on the friendly bacteria in the intestines.

NUTRITIP: A Chaser for Antibiotics

Antibiotics kill not only harmful bacteria; they also kill the healthy ones in the intestines. The live bacterial cultures in yogurt can help replenish the intestines with helpful bacteria before the harmful ones take over. I usually "prescribe" a daily dose of yogurt while a person is taking antibiotics and for two weeks thereafter.

TOP 12 Most Expensive food in the world

2012-05-11T07:51:00.004-07:00

Moose milk cheese can cost up to $500 (approx Rs 26,900) per pound and is only available at private moose cow farms in rural Sweden.

A pound of Kopi Luwak coffee, which passes through the digestive tract of a civet before being dried, can cost nearly $230 (approx Rs 12,000).

A pound of Kobe beef, which must come from the Kobe prefecture in Japan, can cost up to $500 (approx Rs 26,900).

One pound of La Bonnotte potatoes can cost up to $1,543 (approx Rs 83,000). The potatoes can only be cultivated on Noirmoutier, an island off Western France, and once ran the risk of extinction.

Bluefin tuna can be sold for up to $1,365 (approx Rs 73,500) per pound. A 593-pound fish sold at auction in Japan for $736,000 (approx Rs 3.9 crore).

Japan's Matsutake mushrooms can sell for $2,000 (approx Rs 1 lakh) per pound. The tree that shelters the mushrooms have been decimated by insects, causing the mushrooms to become extremely rare.

Saffron costs $2,700 (approx Rs 1.4 lakh) per pound. The spice has to be harvested by hand and it takes more than 75,000 filaments to make one pound.

European white truffles sell for up to $3,600 (approx Rs 1.9 lakh) per pound. Truffle farmers use dogs to hunt for the truffles, which grow wild underground at the base of an oak tree.

A 17-pound Densuke Black Watermelon sold for $6,100 (approx Rs 3.2 lakh) in 2009 in Japan. Densukes are only grown on the Japanese Island of Hokkaido, which produces around 10,000 of the fruit a year.

One pound of Tieguanyin Tea, a premium form of oolong tea, can cost up to $6,600 (approx Rs 3.5 lakh).

Almas Caviar, which comes from a beluga sturgeon, is sold in a 24-karat gold tin for $25,000 (approx Rs 13 lakh).

Yubari King Melons, a rare variety from Japan, have sold for as much as $26,000 (approx Rs 14 lakh) a pair. But the prized fruits typically sell for $50 to $100 (approx Rs 2,600 to Rs 5,300) at Japanese department stores.

Renault Pulse Petrol Launched

2012-05-11T07:49:00.006-07:00

fter launching the Pulse diesel version in January 2012, Renault has rolled out a petrol avatar of their hatchback starting at Rs. 4.25 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi

Renault has launched three petrol variants of their Pulse hatchback powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, 80PS motor, mated to a five-speed gearbox. The base RXE version starts at Rs. 4.25 lakh going up to Rs. 5.55 lakh for the top-end RXZ version, both ex-showroom Delhi.

Similar to the diesel, the petrol Pulse will be available in six exterior and two interior colour options. The top-end RXZ version is packed with safety and creature comforts including front dual airbags, automatic climate control, illuminated engine start/stop button, lock/unlock sensing folding outside rear view mirrors, all power windows, ABS , follow-me headlamps and integrated audio in terms of safety and comfort.

More than 80 per cent of the hatchback buyers opt for a diesel engine due to its practicality and lower ownership costs. Due to which, Renault launched the diesel Pulse first. However, a number of buyers also consider petrol variants due to the oil burners higher intial cost which is difficult to offset when they have less kilometres to drive. The petrol version will cater to such audience.

Renault is also looking at venturing in the entry-level SUV segment with their much-awaited Duster, expected to launch around mid-2012. In 2011, Renault launched the Koleos in the luxury SUV segment, however, coming in as a CBU at Rs. 24.79 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi, the Koleos did not quite churn up sales numbers. Earlier this year, the French car maker also announced the localisation of their top-management in the country to understand the Indian buyers’ perspective. The move will take shape in a matter of five years.

MotoGP coming to India in 2013!

2012-05-11T07:49:00.003-07:00

It's official! Pinnacle of motorcycle road-racing, MotoGP, will make its Indian debut at the Buddh International Circuit next year as the opening round of the 2013 MotoGP season, starting in the month of March

Post the flamboyant and top notch execution of the Indian Formula One race, the pinnacle motorcycle road-racing championship in the world, MotoGP, is all set to grace the Indian shores in 2013. History will be made when the premier motorcycle racing series visits the Indian sub-continent for the first time in the sport’s glorious 63 year old past, bringing with it display of speed, thrill and skill as the fastest men on the fastest motorcycles battle it out at the world class Buddh International Circuit. The year 2011 opened the eyes of international motorsport organization to sit up and take notice of India as a motorsport destination of the future, thanks to the exemplary organization and smooth operation of the Formula One race at the Buddh international circuit (BIC). Factor in the reaction of the crowd, teams and sponsors echoing positive sentiments about the flawless execution of the F1 race and the drivers raving about the quality of the track is enough to confirm the potential of the Indian circuit on holding world class motorsport events of varying disciplines. And backed by excellent spectator turnout amounting to over a lakh of fans showing up for the first ever Indian Formula One Grand Prix, it has instantly placed the country onto the radar of the global motorsport governing bodies.

Even the international car and motorcycle manufacturers have shown keen interest in the Indian circuit and its potential to hold world class events to showcase their products. For instance, recently Yamaha’s MotoGP factory rider Jorge Lorenzo visited the Indian circuit to promote Yamaha India’s products during which the Yamaha Racing Team’s top boss, Lin Jarvis, after seeing the Indian circuit was vocal about the possibility of MotoGP coming to India in near future as a vital move for the factories to promote their road-going models in the burgeoning Asian two-wheeler market, mainly India and Indonesia. Rightfully then, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the global sanctioning body of motorcycle racing, which has been in talks over the past year with BIC officials to hold India’s first MotoGP race has officially declared that India will host the opening race of the 2013 MotoGP season at the race-track located in Greater Noida.

The decision to hold the opening round of next year’s MotoGP season in India comes directly from Carmelo Ezpelata, the head of MotoGP organising body, Dorna, who insisted that the MotoGP racing season should start earlier from next year in the month of March than its present opening in April. Supporting this decision is the fact that the temperatures in Delhi would be conducive in March for a promising crowd turnout as well as it would be easier for the MotoGP circus to move to Qatar for the second round. Couple that to the shuffle in the MotoGP calendar next year with Estoril mostly being eliminated from the calendar and the Indian MotoGP taking its place. It is also said that the Portimao circuit could also be added to next year’s MotoGP calendar. So it is not just the machines and the men riding them which are undergoing a sea change in the MotoGP world but also newer venues and emerging markets which were largely untapped by the motorcycle racing community. And while we are speaking about two-wheeler racing, let us not forget the fact that even World Superbike Championship (WSB) is also considering holding one round at the BIC. Maurizio Flammini of Infront Motorsport, organisers of WSB series, last year clearly stated that India is certainly on the agenda of World Superbike Championship and it will soon be added to the calendar.

With MotoGP already confirming its arrival from next season, it is only a matter of time till WSB follows suit to India. While the top two international motorcycle racing championships are queuing up for their Indian debut, honour for the first world championship of any kind to ever grace the Indian soil dates back to 1988-1989, when the Pune Automotive Racing Association (PARA) organised the country’s first ever world championship, the Rodil Trophy World Supercross Championship at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Pune. With motorcycle motorsport in the country riding on an all time high since the glory days of the sixties and seventies, the bikers in the country today can start saving and planning their holidays for India’s first ever MotoGP race that will take place in March next year! And while you are at it, remember this year all the MotoGP contracts are about to be renewed and the MotoGP musical chairs will play an important role in next year’s season with some new and promising young riders, the likes of Marc Marquez and Andrea Iannone possibly making the cut for the 2013 MotoGP rider line-up. And ofcourse, while we are on the finishing-line we must not forget that there is our very own Mahindra Racing floating a team in the Moto3 class in MotoGP and it will be indeed a moment of national pride as India makes an arrival onto the global two-wheeler motorsport arena. Gentlemen, start your engines!

Time to get ready for a Europe trip

2012-05-11T07:41:00.002-07:00

Time to get ready for a Europe trip

Most of us have started making plans for our summer vacations.

While most of the information is available online or with tour operators, they can be quite confusing. Do consider the following points before deciding:

Money factor
Normally, the tour price per person consists of two components, INR and Euro (or dollar). So, check what conversion rate to INR has been taken in the price quoted to you.

Over and above
Some popular attractions like London Eye, Tower of London (London), Lido show and River Seine cruise ( Paris), may not be part of the standard package and will cost extra if you opt for them. An amount of Euro 2 per person per day as tip to the coach driver and service tax are not included in some of the packages.

Meals on board
It is important to compare offers about the food being provided during the itinerary. It is always better to get lunch at a restaurant than to pack it.

Choice of airline
Ask for a direct flight connection to your destination. This saves you the hassle of waiting at airports at odd hours.

Choice of trip
Some offer an overnight cruise from the UK to Holland while another promises to take you across the English channel through the Euro tunnel. Depending on your budget and itinerary, select the one that appeals to you.

Feedback
Before booking, talk to people who have undertaken similar trips.

THE LEGEND OF RUDRAKSHA...

2012-05-11T07:38:00.003-07:00

Ancient Vedic scriptures talk on different circumstances leading to the creation of “Rudra”. All the epics are centered on Lord Shiva, the god of eternal cycle of creation and destruction. Lord Shiva is also known by the name “Rudra”. According to Shiva puran, once lord Shiva went into deep meditation for a long period for the well-being of all living beings. After waking from the state of meditation, he opened his eyes and instantly tear drops fell on the earth. On reaching the ground, tear drops took the form of a seed which later grew into Rudraksha tree. Another epic boosts a different tale.

It says that there used to be a demon called “TripuraSur” who gained so much power that all the gods felt intimidated by him. The demon misused his power on brutally torturing the innocents. All the gods were helpless and finally turned to lord Shiva to eliminate the evils of the demon. Shiva decided to use his very powerful and destructive weapon called Aaghor to kill the demon. But on realizing the devastating effects the weapon would bring about, Shiva became very emotional and tears naturally fell down from his eyes and thus landed on the earth. Mother earth enveloped the tear drops and gave birth to a Rudraksha tree. Another tale foretells that when Lord Shiva woke up from his deep meditation, tear drops welled down from his eyes on realizing the sufferings of living creatures. His Almighty’s teardrops on reaching the earth germinated into a seed. It is believed that the seed of Rudraksha contains the secrets of entire evolution of the cosmos within it.

Lord Shiva is always portrayed wearing rosary of Rudraksha beads on his head, arms and hands. With this came the religious, spiritual, physical and materialistic significance of Rudraksha. This further brought it path to spiritual enlightenment and liberation. Thereafter ensued the use of holy Rudraksha beads by Shiva devotees. Hindu scriptures like Shivmaha Purana, Shreemaddevibhagwat, Padma Purana, ling Purana, Ashtamalikopnishad, Nirnayasindhoo, Mantramaharnava, Mahakaal Sanmhita, Rudrakshajabalopnishad, Vrihajjabalopnishad, Shivaswarodaya and Sarvollastantra ravishes on how Lord Shiva crossed the line of caste and creed and blessed all the four varnas, Brahmin, Ksatriya, Vaisya and Sudra, to use holy Rudraksha beads for their well-beings. It is also believed that if a person encounters and meets death while wearing Rudraksha, she/he will surely attain moksha, meaning liberation from all the sins.

Later the merits of Rudraksha were evidenced in the late 1960s by a group of scientists lead by Dr. Subas Rai PHD Institute of Technology University in Banaras India. Dr. Roy's research boosted that as scripted in the scriptures Rudrakshas indeed possess Powerful Electromagnetic, Paramagnetic and Inductive Properties confirmed that the healing powers of Rudraksha beads flow from their electro-magnetic properties. Many schools of yogic thoughts advocates for the religious, scientific and spiritual significance of Rudraksha.

Who is Sad-Guru?

2012-05-11T07:35:00.002-07:00

Guru means: Spiritual Master (Acharya), preceptor, professor or lecturer, advisor, teacher, instructor, initiator. As per scriptural prescript, one who imparts a bit or sufficient knowledge of the Vedas to a deserving aspirant for his eternal benefit is termed ‘Guru’.

‘Gu’ syllable of the word Guru denotes darkness (nescience) and the ‘Ru’ denotes removal of darkness (nescience). One who removes darkness – ignorance – is called Guru.

‘Gu’ syllable signifies darkness-ignorance and ‘Ru’ signifies light. Therefore, it is undoubtedly true that self-effulgent Para-brahma, whose light removes darkness-ignorance, is Guru.

By whose grace I can get the grace of Sree Hari and without whose grace and compassion I have got no shelter, to the Lotus Feet of such a Spiritual Master, do I offer my respectful obeisances by meditating and singing in adoration His glories in the morning, at midday and in the evening.

Only the person initiated by Guru can know Para-Brahma (God).

Refrain from various thoughts of this world, rise up, reinstate in your self by giving up all non-eternal desires. Sincerely endeavour to realise God by the grace of saintly persons (realised souls). This world is like a sharp razor and very difficult to cross over. There is no way to get deliverance from worldly bondage without taking absolute shelter of a Bona fide Guru to worship God. This is the advice of realised souls. As a diseased person cannot treat himself, he is to take the help of an experienced doctor. Doctor, after examination, will diagnose the disease and prescribe medicine and appropriate diet. If diagnosis is correct, the patient will recover from the disease. Similarly, the malady of births and deaths and threefold afflictions cannot be removed by human efforts. It is essential to take shelter of a Bona fide Guru –— bona fide spiritual doctor. An experienced doctor is capable of treating the patient, but a doctor in name, without experience, cannot treat the patient. So called gurus, so called sadhus, cannot have the capacity to treat the disease of enslaved jivas— embodied souls.

Sri Mahadeva’s tells Srimati Parvati — ‘There may be many so called gurus in this world to squeeze money from disciples, but a Bona fide Guru who can remove the drawbacks and sufferings of disciples is very rare’. If we want quality, we cannot get quantity. If we are keen to increase quantity, we shall have to sacrifice quality.

Who is Bona fide Guru? What are the characteristics of a Bona fide Guru?

“ A Bona fide Guru is endowed with two special qualities : 1) He is well-versed in authentic scriptures and 2) has realisation of Divinity.

Sreela Vishvanath Chakravorty in his commentary explained the characteristics of a Bona fide Guru. Gurudeva should be well-versed in the Vedas and other allied scriptures.

An aspirant disciple cannot progress in his worship of God without taking shelter of a really qualified Bonafied Guru, who should have the capacity of removing the doubts of disciples by reasoning substantiated with evidence from authentic scriptures. If Gurudeva is incapable of removing the doubts of the disciple, the disciple’s belief in Him may slacken. The second characteristic of Gurudeva is that He should have realisation of the Divinity. Only by theoretical knowledge of the scriptures, without having practical realisation, Spiritual Guide cannot give proper advice and direction in accordance to the eligibility of the disciple. By the instruction of a Guru possessing the quality of practical realisation, the disciple can have actual spiritual progress. It is to be considered here, a disciple can have the capacity to comprehend scriptural knowledge of Gurudeva by hearing from Him; but how can a disciple understand whether Gurudeva has got realisation of Divinity or not? Supreme Lord is Transcendental Reality, His Absolute Counterpart Gurudeva is also Transcendental. Therefore, a neophyte votary cannot understand Gurudeva’s realisation of Divinity by his own endeavour.

There are two aspects of Supreme Lord and His Absolute Counterpart Gurudeva — (1) morphological aspect and (2) ontological aspect. Conditioned souls can by their mind, intellect and sense-organs grasp the morphological, i.e. the external aspect of the thing — thing as it appears — and not the thing as it is. The thing as it is, can be realised only by the grace of Transcendental Realities, through unconditional complete surrender. As for example the self-luminous sun can only be known by it’s own light and not by the help of other lights. We can not see sun in the night with the help of other lights, but when sun rises, by accepting the grace of the sun—it’s light— we can see the sun and all things of this world in the proper perspective. Supreme Lord and His Absolute Counterpart Gurudeva are self-effulgent.

Sree Vishwanath Chakravarty Thakur, in his commentary, has given to the bona fide neophyte aspirants, a clue to recognise Guru by one external quality – a Bona fide Guru is not subdued by passions— anger, greed etc. Of course, realised soul can use the passions for the service of Supreme Lord and for the eternal benefit of conditioned souls, but He can never be subjugated by them. Sree Narottam Thakur has advised us how the cardinal passions can be used for the service of Sree Krishna, except for malice.Passion for fulfilment of desires should be diverted to desire to serve Krishna, ‘anger’ should be used against those who are hostile to devotees, ‘greed’ should be employed to increase the desire to hear Hari-Katha from a bona fide sadhu, ‘infatuation’ should be over not being able up till now to utilise the valuable time of this precious human birth for worship of Sree Krishna and ‘madness’ should be after singing the glories of Sree Krishna. Even Narada Goswami, out of compassion, used anger on the sons of Kuber- Nalkuber and Manigriva- to rescue them. According to Gita, the cause of anger is obstruction to fulfilment of one’s desire. A real devotee cannot have any desire of his own except service of Sree Krishna. So, in a pure devotee, there cannot be any possibility of the origination of such anger due to hindrance to worldly desires.

Srotriya, brahma-nishtha, mahabhagavat vaishnavs are ‘Jagat Gurus’ (Spiritual Guides of the whole world) for all time to come. By their remembrance, all objectives are attained.

Material non-eternal sense-organs have got drawbacks, but there cannot be any defect in the spiritual sense-organs of a Tattvik Guru, who is established in the realised state. One who is established in the eternal nature of the real self, can chant correctly. Enslaved jivas with material egos and material sense-organs can never do any kind of bhajan, whatever they do only Karma for material benefits.

self improvement LOVE, ROMANCE AND SEX.

2012-05-11T07:34:00.002-07:00

Dears,

In my search for realisation of Universal love within the heart that can help a human elevate to higher consciousness rather than being struck to attachments of this mundane world, I came across relationship between the heart chakra and the Sacral(swathisthana) chakra which is located 2 inches below the Navel. The Sacral or sex chakra is one that governs the following needs

· How safe and secure we feel in this world

· Whether we feel wanted and appreciated

· Whether we feel pleasures and Joy in our life

This is the chakra that is ruled by Krishna who had 100 wives and is called the Universal lover and also by Kamadeva the cupid lord of Love. The element of this chakra is water implying fluidity of emotions and sense is "Taste". Krishna is also called "Makhan Chor" as he used to steal butter as a child.. Worship of Krishna includes several Tasty offerings and lot of song, music, dance to invoke pleasure. This is the chakra where one bonds with his mate for sexual pleasures. Shiva was awakened to pleasure by the bow of Kamadeva and married Parvati for the purpose of mating to produce "Kartikeya who was destined to destroy the demons. So need for sexual mate, creates love in the heart. Children and parents are bonded together due to needs of safety and security and wants. Employers and employees are also bonded together in love due to needs to safety and security and feeling appreciated. Friends are bonded in love due to needs of Joy and pleasures. So basically all relationships in this world are only due to "Need" of the Swathisthana chakra. So all relationships are actually "Conditional". If someone behaves not in tune with "expectations", grief, hurt and mistrust cloud the love. The spouse becomes "Possessive" because he/she fears losing the pleasure or fears being "abandoned". The employee becomes hurt, because the company does not make him feel "appreciated" when he is not given raise when he expected. Friends drift apart because the "Joy" they found before in each other is not there anymore. Spouses drift apart because sex is no longer a pleasure. Society has tried to keep people together as families "against our nature" for creating law and order.. taken from Ram Rajya.. the rule of King Rama who is the ruler of the Manipura chakra. Rama advocated "One wife" and family rule for creating an orderly society. Why I say "against our basic nature", because by nature man cannot be bonded to one relationship. Just as other animal species drift apart as soon as the children become independent, we are also designed that way.. but because of Societal conditional we continue our family bonding for generations.

So dears, how to realise Universal love meaning Love that come forth to all beings equally and in the purest form which is true Unconditional love, that helps you escape the bondages of attachment that comes with human birth? For this, one needs to awaken the Sacral chakra fully. Become One with yourself.. love yourself, appreciate yourself and realise the Joy and pleasure in the flow of life by just being what you are. There should be no external event that can take away your Joy because you are not dependent on anything external to feel Joyful. Surrender to the divine consciousness to feel protected, safe and nurtured. Know yourself, realise thyself to appreciate and honour yourself, so that you are not dependent on any external person for judging self.

Once you remove the "Need" from Love, then your love will become Pure and you will realise Unconditional Love. Heart chakra is one where desires are manifested.. so if you desire anything without "Need" it will manifest.. whether that desire is for Power or money or any type of fulfilment.

Rudraksha 16 mukhi helps one to settle in the Swathisthana in safety and security.