Interior Decoration

This alert was sent to us from the Environmental Department. Please read it thoroughly and adhere to its content.
Open the windows before you enter your car

"In brief: According to research done by a U.C., the car dashboard, sofa, air freshener will emit Benzene, a cancer causing toxin (carcinogen). In addition to causing cancer, it poisons your bones, causes anemia, and reduces white blood cells. Prolonged exposure will cause Leukemia, increasing the risk of cancer. May also cause miscarriage.

Acceptable Benezene level indoors is 50 mg per sq. ft. A car parked indoors with the windows closed will contain 400-800 mg of Benezene. If parked outdoors under the sun at a temperature above 60 degrees F, the Benezene level goes up to 2000-4000 mg, 40 times the acceptable level. The people inside the car will inevitably inhale an excess amount of the toxin.
It is recommended that you open the windows and door to give time for the interior to air out before you enter. Benzene is a toxin that affects your kidney and liver, and is difficult for your body to expel. "

The Healing Power of Pets

2008-09-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Studies show that contact with domestic animals can prevent illness.

As she makes her way through the hospital wards, Billie-Jean keeps up an impressive pace. She has to if she is going to see all the patients who are waiting for her. Wearing her official uniform, she looks neat and trim, and despite how busy she is, she always has time to stop if someone wants to say hello or slip her a Bonio. You see, Billie-Jean isn't a ward sister doing the rounds or a doctor bringing vital medicine, she's an Irish terrier. But despite the fact she's a canine, not human, carer, her medical value is second-to-none because she is a Pets As Therapy dog.

Pets As Therapy is a charity that takes pet dogs and cats to hospitals, hospices, residential care homes, day centres and special-needs schools. It was formed in 1983, explains chief executive Maureen Hennis, by a group of pet owners who were convinced that their animals could help other people. "At that time, people were moving into residential accommodation and nursing homes, and they had to give up their own pets," she says. "This wasn't only making them sad and depressed, sometimes it was actually making them ill."

The importance of regular contact with domestic animals has been highlighted by recent research conducted by the University of Minnesota. According to the study, having a cat around the house can cut the risk of having a heart attack or a stroke by almost half. After studying nearly 4,500 adults aged between 30 and 75 for 10 years, it was found that cat owners had a 40 per cent lower risk of suffering a fatal heart attack.

"For years we have known that psychological stress and anxiety are related to cardiovascular events, particularly heart attacks," says Dr Adnan Qureshi, executive director of the Minnesota Stroke Institute at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. According to Qureshi, the research shows that "essentially there is a benefit in relieving those inciting factors from pets". And in a study published last year, Dr Deborah Wells of Queen's University Belfast found that dog owners tend to suffer less from ill health, have lower cholesterol, and lower blood pressure. "It is possible that dogs can directly promote our well-being by buffering us from stress," says Dr Wells.

Today, Billie-Jean, along with her owner, Emma Charlton, is on her weekly visit to the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in Putney, south London. The hospital is just one of the thousands of places that PAT animals visit every year. "When we first started, we used to have to look around for establishments for registered PAT dogs to visit. Now we have more than 900 establishments waiting for PAT dogs to visit in," says Hennis. "Currently, we have 3,600 dogs and 92 cats working in the community and they are benefiting more than 100,000 patients every single week in the UK." As Billie-Jean makes her way through the hospital, clad in a bright PAT vest and fresh from the grooming parlour, it's clear that she is a real favourite with the patients.

When Billie-Jean bumps into Scott Robertson in one of the hospital's corridors, his face is wreathed in smiles at the sight of her. Charlton slips him a dog biscuit, which he hands to Billie-Jean as she enthusiastically licks his hands.

Not all of the patients here can articulate their likes and dislikes as clearly, so Charlton always checks with the ward staff who will welcome some time with Billie-Jean. Tina Loughney, Charlton tells me, loves to see her. Loughney usually communicates through facial movements and her expressive hands but today she has a surprise for everyone. Loughney has dogs at home and Emma asks how they are. "All right," she says. Charlton is gobsmacked -- and thrilled. "That's the first time I've heard Tina speak." The staff agree. "It's moments like this that make it worthwhile," says Charlton, who has been visiting the hospital with Billie-Jean for the past two years.

For over an hour, Billie-Jean pads through the hospital, shaking paws with and licking anyone who says hello. She is wonderfully behaved -- she seems to know instinctively when to be gentle and when she can be a little more boisterous. This is no accident -- every PAT animal is assessed to ensure that only the best-behaved pets come into contact with patients. Billie-Jean and her ilk are a hard-working part of the healthcare system. "PAT animals are being used for desensitisation in phobia patients, as part of stroke rehabilitation, helping to get people to use their limbs again and to talk," says Hennis. "Very often people go into a world of their own and they stop communicating with anyone. But if you go in with a dog, it's amazing how a dog can get through barriers that humans can't."

When speaking to a doctor friend about PAT, he waxes lyrical about his experiences of the animals and tells me about a patient on a stroke ward who had not spoken since she arrived in hospital. During an encounter with one of the charity's volunteer canines, she stroked the dog and uttered her first word -- "soft".

Hennis, herself a regular visitor to a number of establishments, tells me about how she realised the importance of what the charity was doing. "There was a lady that I visited who used to sit by the door every Saturday morning, and when she saw my dog she always used to say, 'Here's my ray of sunshine, she's my reason for staying alive'." One thing's for sure -- it's hard to imagine the average GP getting such a warm welcome.

Animal magic: how pets prevent illness

Dog owners tend to have lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure, as dogs can reduce the risk of spikes in blood pressure due to stress or tension.

In some cases, the emotional support offered by an animal is greater than that offered by a human. For older people in particular, an animal can fulfil "the need to be needed".

Owning a pet can improve a person's chances of survival after a life-threatening illness, by helping to lower blood pressure. Pets can also help speed up rehabilitation following a stroke.

Children with pets have higher levels of self-esteem and function better emotionally than those without, studies have shown. Some teachers have introduced pets into the classroom and children with learning disabilities and behavioural disorders such as autism, for example, show immediate benefits from animal-assisted therapy.

Children who live with a cat or dog in their first years have a lower incidence of hay fever and asthma and are less likely to develop animal-related allergies, or to suffer a bout of gastroenteritis.

A dummy's guide to cutting commuting costs

2008-09-14T07:23:00.001-07:00

Inflation is at its peak. Rising cost of consumer durables, food and fuel have left most of us in a difficult situation. We all are thinking about ways to beat inflation and how to reduce our monthly expenses.

I am sure most of you must have, at some point, made it a point to cut down on your lifestyle expenses. Didn't you?

Also, I am equally sure that most of you must not have succeeded. Did you?

Well, whatever your success ratio the point is that more can be done. Let's first look at managing travel/commuting costs and time.

To begin with let's try to economise on the things which have started costing more and pinching our pockets like never before.

Fuel forms a big chunk of it. With rising crude prices petrol/ diesel prices seems to be pinching everyone the most. With banks offering competitive interest rates in the recent past -- not now as interest rates are also on an upward journey -- owning a vehicle has become very easy and most of you, I am sure, must be owning either a two or a four-wheeler. Consequently, your fuel bills must have skyrocketed and hence the mounting expenses!

If you are looking at cutting fuel expenses you are probably starting out on this exercise quite wisely.

Car pool

A tried-and-tested method and one of the best ways to reduce travel cost when driving to work. Share a car with office colleagues or neighbours or friends heading in the same direction. Car pooling not only helps in reducing travel costs but also decongests traffic and reduces pollution as well your stress levels.

If you have no one with whom you can pool your car or vice versa then check this site out: commuteeasy.com which can help you to find car pools in your area. The only limitation of this site is that it offers its services in limited cities like Bengaluru [Images], Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

Public transportation

It is the best and cheapest mode of travelling. Sanket Mehta, 24, a businessman from Mumbai's Fort area, says: "For me to travel from my home in Santa Cruz to Fort in peak hours takes at least an hour and a half. I use the train instead and reach my office in an hour or so; I don't get tired as well. Also, it's much more economical."

Trains and buses can be very crowded especially at peak hours. But they are economical and you don't have the headache of finding a parking space. You will understand this more if you are a resident of one of India's biggest metros where congestion is creating a huge problem. Remember where you can use bus or train; avoid taking a taxi or a rickshaw. Iy you live in a city that has taxis or rickshaws try to share them to reduce the burden of travelling fares.

Plan in advance

You can schedule your day in advance so that you can club appointments or places you have to go to. This way you can plan your route and transportation in advance and not only save time but also fuel. Also, if there is no urgency then select non-peak hours to reach your destination so that way if travelling by car you reach early as well as save on time and fuel. Again try to use public transport and if travelling during non-peak hours then you do not even have to worry about the crowds.

Walk where possible

Avoid taking your car or rickshaw or taxi to short distances where it's possible to walk. Like, going to a grocer's near your house.

Driving tips

Use driving tips to save that extra litre of petrol. You can get driving tips from your car dealer as well as from the service station you visit or even from the Internet.

School drive

For all those with children you should try to use the school bus instead of dropping your kids to school by car, taxi or rickshaw. Or form a car pool to drop kids to their school. With the amount of classes students attend these days parents spend half their time in dropping their kids to classes and picking them up.

Again parents can get together a group of children from their neighbourhood and form a car pool or can hire a bus to drop kids off to their classes and pick them up. This will prove economical both in terms of time and money.

Use teleconferencing

Technology can be a great boon in current times. Business people can use teleconferencing where possible instead of travelling.

Free home delivery

On weekends or even on weekdays instead of going out for dinner or lunch you can order your food at home. Almost all the restaurants have free home delivery service. This way you can save on fuel by not travelling to the restaurant, save on time by avoiding the waiting time at the restaurant (that is to wait first for a place and then for food which can be used for some effective task like reading a newspaper at home or doing some household chore). Also, you will save on time spent in searching for a parking lot, that is, if no valet service is available.

Buy passes

One should make use of monthly, quarterly or annual bus and train passes wherever available. It saves time because you can avoid peak hour queues to buy tickets everyday and arrange for small change. Also, the passes are a much cheaper option than buying tickets everyday if you go for periodic passes.

However, this only applies if you are travelling the same route everyday for work or other purpose. Also, students and senior citizens should try to use the discount available to them.

There are also a bunch of other even more radical innovations to save petrol flying around -- like using bicycles to work. It's not always practical solution especially in India. But creating an awareness sparks new ideas to cut costs.

Do you have an interesting idea on how to cut costs? Would you like to share your idea of cutting costs while travelling, shopping, eating out, buying clothes? Let us know on the message board below!

6 facts you should know about your home loan

2008-09-06T18:22:00.001-07:00

It really is a tough time for home loan borrowers. Interest rates on home loans -- be they fixed or floating -- are going through the roof, and so is the equated monthly installment, EMI, throwing monthly budgets out of gear.

What should you do in such a situation? Here are a few things that every home loan borrower must remember now that home loan rates are expected to increase further.

1. Is it worth switching from a floating to a fixed rate home loan now?

Switching your current floating home loan to fixed home loan is not advisable as there are not many banks that offer genuine fixed rate loans anyway. Once the interest rate is fixed on genuine fixed rate home loans the banks from which you borrow cannot change the rate of interest.

Fixed home loans are not available for less than 14 per cent rate of interest today and also, the borrower has to pay a fee for changing from 'floating' to 'fixed' home loan rates which is 1.5 per cent to 2 per cent of the outstanding loan amount. This means that the equated monthly installments (EMIs) will go up immediately.

2. Are fixed rate home loans really fixed?

Now ideally as it should be, we assume that once you select fixed rate plan for your home loan the rate of interest will remain unchanged over the entire tenure of the repayment period irrespective of any subsequent increase in the same. But actually this is not the case.

All banks include the reset clause on fixed interest rate in their loan agreement. So if you have taken a loan @ 10.5 per cent for 15 years it does not mean the same rate will be applicable through the tenure of your loan.

Banks have introduced a clause according to which they have the right to revise the fixed rate home loan after two years or five years of disbursing the loan. This clause is called the Force Majeure Clause.

The statement included in the loan agreement will say:

Provided further that from time to time, the bank may in its sole discretion alter the rate of interest suitably and prospectively on account of change in the internal policies of the bank or if unforeseen or extraordinary changes in the money market conditions take place during the period of the agreement.

Don't let yourself to be misled by the term 'fixed rate'. For that reason, it is significantly important to go through the contents of your home loan agreement meticulously. Most of us see the home loan agreement as a mere formality. Well! This can be the biggest pitfall.

It is a contract twisted towards the lenders through different legal clauses presented in fine quality paper. You should not take things for granted. Always ask the lender bank to make you understand the agreement before you sign it. Also, ensure to bring these uneven and twisted clauses to the notice of your housing finance company and suggest the changes you need in co-operation with the lender bank.

3. What about shifting to other lenders offering a lower floating rate?

This can be a good idea especially if another lender is offering a floating rate which is at least 0.5 per cent or 0.75 per cent lower than what has been offered by your existing lender, and, more importantly, with the balance tenure of not less than 7-8 years.

There are banks that charge high rate of interest from existing customers and low rate from new customers. Therefore, shop around the market and get informed regarding the same to avail the best deal.

4. What forces banks to increase EMIs on existing home loans?

The rising interest rates in the country today has brought this debt trap to your household. In the past few years, the floating interest rates on home loans have shot up to 12 per cent from 7.5-8 per cent.

Rate of interest and principal are two basic components involved while calculating EMI payment for any loan. In the first few years of your loan repayment tenure, a major part of the amount goes in paying up the interest. The trend reverses after a few years -- after you have paid much of the interest -- and the principal repayment increases.

Today, when home loan interest rates are high everywhere, banks have to increase tenure up to a certain point. If the interest rate continues to go up, the EMI you pay fails to cover the loan amount.

Moreover, increasing the time period is not seen as a solution to cope up with the rising interest rates. Hence, banks are forced to increase the amount of EMI.

5. What are the options to reduce the EMIs?

If you have extra money, it is recommended that you pay a part of your loan to keep the EMI at the same level. Since most banks do not charge part pre-payment penalty, it can be an excellent option.

In case you find the increase in EMI unfeasible, you should check whether your bank is ready to increase the loan tenure while keeping the EMI at the same level.

However, banks generally do not increase the tenure beyond the retirement age which is 60 years for salaried people and 65 years for self-employed.

6. Is it the right time to buy a home?

Interest rates are likely to go up further, which could affect demand, putting property prices under pressure. However, if you want to buy a house for your own use, this could be a good time.

The value of borrowed amount is depreciating (decreasing in value) because of inflation. If the value of the property you are buying does not depreciate, your investment will give you handsome return. Of course, that is a big IF.

somE usefuL tipS

2008-08-31T09:05:00.000-07:00

Almonds: To remove the skin of almonds easily, soak them in hot water for 15-20 minutes.

Ants: Putting 3-4 cloves in the sugar container will keep the ants at bay.

Biscuits: If you keep a piece of blotting paper at the bottom of the container, it will keep biscuits fresh for a longer time..

Butter: Avoid the use of butter. If it is essential to use, use a butter containing low saturated fat or with plant stanols (which avoid absorption of cholesterol by our body) or similar substitutes.

Apples: Apply some lemon juice on the cut surface of the apple to avoid browning. They will look fresh for a longer time.

Banana: Apply mashed banana over a burn on your body to have a cooling effect.

Bee and Scorpion Sting Relief: Apply a mixture of 1 pinch of chewing tobacco and 1 drop of water. Mix and apply directly and immediately to the sting; cover with band aid to hold in place. Pain will go away in just a few short minutes

Bitter Gourd (Karela): Slit Karelas at the middle and apply a mixture of salt, wheat flour and curd all round. Keep aside for 1/2 an hour and then cook.
Stuffed Karela

Celery: To keep celery fresh for long time, wrap it in aluminium foil and place in the refrigerator.

Burnt Food: Place some chopped onion in the vessel having burnt food, pour boiling water in it, keep for 5 minutes and then clean.

Chilli Powder: Keeping a small piece of hing (asafoetida) in the same container will store chilli powder for long time.

Chopping: Use a wooden board to chop. It will not blunt the knife. Don't use a plastic board, small plastic pieces may go with the vegetables.

Coriander/Mint: You can use dried coriander and mint leaves in coarse powder form in vegetable curry or chutney, if fresh ones are not available.
To keep them fresh for a longer time, wrap them in a muslin cloth and keep in a fridge.

Cockroaches: Put some boric powder in kitchen in corners and other places. Cockroaches will leave your house.

Coconut: Immerse coconut in water for 1/2 an hour to remove its hust.

Dry Fruits: To chop dry fruits, place them in fridge for half an hour before cutting. Take the fruits out and cut them with a hot knife (dip it in hot water before cutting).

Dough/Rolling pin: If the dough sticks to the rolling pin, place it in freezer for a few minutes.

Egg peeling off: Make a small hole in the egg by piercing a pin before boiling it. You will be able to remove its skin very easily.

Egg fresh: Immerse the egg in a pan of cool salted water. If it sinks, it is fresh; if it rises to the surface, it is certainly quite old.

Garlic: Garlic skin comes off easily if the garlic cloves are slightly warmed before peeling.

Ghee: Avoid the use of ghee. If it is necessary, substitute it with canola oil. Even for making halwa, you can partly substitute it with oil.

Green Chillies: To keep the chillies fresh for a longer time, remove the stems before storing.

Green Peas: To preserve green peas, keep them in a polythene bag in the freezer.

Idlies: Place a betel (paan) leaf over the leftover idli and dosa batter to prevent them sour.
Do not beat idli batter too much, the air which has been incorporated during fermentation will escape.
If you add half a tsp of fenugreek seeds to the lentil and rice mixture while soaking, dosas will be more crisp.

Fruits: To ripen fruits, wrap them in newspaper and put in a warm place for 2-3 days. The ethylene gas they emit will make them ripe.

Frying: Avoid deep frying. Substitute deep frying with stir frying or oven bake. Don't pour the oil, but make a habit of spraying the oil in the utensil for cooking. Heat the utensil first, then add oil. This way oil spreads well. You will use less oil this way.

Left Over: Don't throw away the foods left over. Store them in Fridge. Use them in making tasty dishes.

Lemon/Lime: If the lemon or lime is hard, put it in warm water for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to squeeze.

Lizards: Hang a peacock feather, lizards will leave your house.

Milk: Moisten the base of the vessel with water to reduce the chances of milk to stick at the bottom.
Keep a spoon in the vessel while boiling milk at medium heat. It will avoid sticking the milk at the bottom of the vessel.
Adding half a tsp of sodium bicarbonate in the milk while boiling will not spoil the milk even if you don't put it in the fridge.

Mixer/Grinder: Grind some common salt in your mixer/grinder fro some time every month. This will keep your mixer blades sharp.

Mosquitoes: Put a few camphor tablets in a cup of water and keep it in the bed room near your bed, or in any place with mosquitoes.

Noodles: When the noodles are boiled, drain all the hot water and add cold water. This way all the noodles will get separated.

Onions: To avoid crying, cut the onions into two parts and place them in water for 15 minutes before chopping them.
Wrap the onions individually in a newspaper and store in a cool and dark place to keep them fresh for long time.

Oven: Watch from the oven window to conserve energy because the oven temperature drops by 25 degrees every time its door is opened,
To clean the oven, apply a paste of sodium bicarbonate and water on the walls and floor of the oven and keep the oven on low heat for about half an hour. Dried food can easily be removed.

Paneer: To keep paneer fresh for several days, wrap it in a blotting paper while storing in the refrigerator.
Do not fry paneer, immerse it in boiling water to make it soft and spongy.

Papad: Bake in microwave oven.
Wrap the papads in polythene sheet and place with dal or rice will prevent them from drying and breaking.

Pickles: To prevent the growth of fungus in pickles, burn a small grain of asafoetida over a burning coal and invert the empty pickle jar for some time before putting pickles in the jar.

Popcorn: Keep the maize/corn seeds in the freezer and pop while still frozen to get better pops.

Potato: To bake potatoes quickly, place them in salt water for 15 minutes before baking.
Use the skin of boiled potatoes to wipe mirrors to sparkling clean.
Don't store potatoes and onions together. Potatoes will rot quickly if stored with onions.

Refrigerator: To prevent formation of ice, rub table salt to the insides of your freeze.

Rice: Add a few drops of lemon juice in the water before boiling the rice to make rice whiter.
Add a tsp of canola oil in the water before boiling the rice to separate each grain after cooking.
Don't throw away the rice water after cooking. Use it to make soup or add it in making dal (lentils).
Add 5g of dried powdered mint leaves to 1kg of rice. It will keep insects at bay.
Put a small paper packet of boric powder in the container of rice to keep insects at bay. Put a few leaves of mint in the container of rice to keep insects at bay.

Samosa: Bake them instead of deep frying to make them fat free. Don't fry the filling potato masala.
Preserve the samosas in freezer. For eating, take out of the freezer two hours in advance and bake them over low temp.

Sugar: Put 2-3 cloves in the sugar to keep ants at bay.

Tadka: Use sprouted mustard seeds (rayee) and fenugreek (methi) seeds for your tadkas. Both of them when sprouted have more nutritional values. Also this add flavour to the dish and can be more beneficial, besides giving decorative look to the dish. Submitted by MS Itisha Madhav

Tomato: To remove the skin of tomatoes, place them in warm water for 5-10 minutes. The skin can then be easily peeled off.
When tomatoes are not available or too costly, substitute with tomato puree or tomato ketchup/sauce.
Place overripe tomatoes in cold water and add some salt. Overnight they will become firm and fresh.

Tamarind: Tamarind is an excellent polish for brass and copper items. Rub a slab of wet tamarind with some salt sprinkled on it on the object to be polished.
Gargles with tamarind water is recommended for a sore throat.

Utensils: Use nonsticking utensils. Use thick bottom utensils, they get uniformly heated. For electric stoves, use flat bottom utensils.
Add a little bit of common salt to the washing powder for better cleaning of utensils.

Vegetables: Don't discard the water in which the vegetables are soaked or cooked. Use it in making soup or gravy.
To keep the vegetables fresh for a longer time, wrap them in newspaper before putting them in freeze.
Chop the vegetables only when you are ready to use them. Don't cut them in too advance. It would spoil their food value.

Sink (Blocked): To clear the blocked drain pipe of your kitchen sink, mix 1/2 cup sodium bicarbonate in 1 cup vinegar and pour it into the sink, and pour about 1 cup water. In an hour the drain pipe will open.

Soup Salty: Place a raw peeled potato in the bowl, it will absorb the extra salt.

Yoghurt (Home Made): To set yogurt in winter, place the container in a warm place like oven or over the voltage stabliser.

Yogurt: If the yogurt has become sour, put it in a muslin cloth and drain all the water. Then add milk to make it as good as fresh in taste. Use the drained water in making tasty gravy for vegetables or for basen curry.
To keep the yogurt fresh for many days, fill the vessel containing yogurt with water to the brim and refrigerate. Change the water daily..

Some Cooking Tips & Tricks, Kitchen Tips

2008-08-23T10:26:00.001-07:00

Almonds: To remove the skin of almonds easily, soak them in hot water for 15-20 minutes.

Ants: Putting 3-4 cloves in the sugar container will keep the ants at bay.

Biscuits: If you keep a piece of blotting paper at the bottom of the container, it will keep biscuits fresh for a longer time.

Butter: Avoid the use of butter. If it is essential to use, use a butter containing low saturated fat or with plant stanols (which avoid absorption of cholesterol by our body) or similar substitutes.

Apples: Apply some lemon juice on the cut surface of the apple to avoid browning. They will look fresh for a longer time.

Banana: Apply mashed banana over a burn on your body to have a cooling effect.

Bee and Scorpion Sting Relief: Apply a mixutre of 1 pinch of chewing tobacco and 1 drop of water. Mix and apply directly and immediately to the sting; cover with bandaid to hold in place. Pain will go away in just a few short mintues. [submitted by Pam R, pr1190@yahoo.com]

Bitter Gourd (Karela): Slit Karelas at the middle and apply a mixture of salt, wheat flour and curd all round. Keep aside for 1/2 an hour and then cook.
Stuffed Karela

Celery: To keep celery fresh for long time, wrap it in aluminum foil and place in the refrigerator.

Burnt Food: Place some chopped onion in the vessel having burnt food, pour boiling water in it, keep for 5 minutes and then clean.

Chili Powder: Keeping a small piece of hing (asafoetida) in the same container will store chili powder for long time.

Chopping: Use a wooden board to chop. It will not blunt the knife. Don't use a plastic board, small plastic pieces may go with the vegetables.

Coriander/Mint: You can use dried coriander and mint leaves in coarse powder form in vegetable curry or chutney, if fresh ones are not available.
To keep them fresh for a longer time, wrap them in a muslin cloth and keep in a fridge.

Cockroaches: Put some boric powder in kitchen in corners and other places. Cockroaches will leave your house.

Coconut: Immerse coconut in water for 1/2 an hour to remove its hust.

Dry Fruits: To chop dry fruits, place them in fridge for half an hour before cutting. Take the fruits out and cut them with a hot knife (dip it in hot water before cutting).

Dough/Rolling pin: If the dough sticks to the rolling pin, place it in freezer for a few minutes.

Egg peeling off: Make a small hole in the egg by piercing a pin before boiling it. You will be able to remove its skin very easily.

Egg fresh: Immerse the egg in a pan of cool salted water. If it sinks, it is fresh; if it rises to the surface, it is certainly quite old.

Garlic: Garlic skin comes off easily if the garlic cloves are slightly warmed before peeling.

Ghee: Avoid the use of ghee. If it is necessary, substitute it with canola oil. Even for making halwa, you can partly substitute it with oil.

Green Chilies: To keep the chilies fresh for a longer time, remove the stems before storing.

Green Peas: To preserve green peas, keep them in a polythene bag in the freezer.

Idlies: Place a betel (paan) leaf over the leftover idli and dosa batter to prevent them sour.
Do not beat idli batter too much, the air which has been incorporated during fermentation will escape.
If you add half a tsp of fenugreek seeds to the lentil and rice mixture while soaking, dosas will be more crisp.

Fruits: To ripen fruits, wrap them in newspaper and put in a warm place for 2-3 days. The ethylene gas they emit will make them ripe.

Frying: Avoid deep frying. Substitute deep frying with stir frying or oven bake. Don't pour the oil, but make a habit of spraying the oil in the utensil for cooking. Heat the utensil first, then add oil. This way oil spreads well. You will use less oil this way.

Left Overs: Don't throw away the foods left over. Store them in Fridge. Use them in making tasty dishes.

Lemon/Lime: If the lemon or lime is hard, put it in warm water for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to squeeze.

Lizards: Hang a peacock feather, lizards will leave your house.

Milk: Moisten the base of the vessel with water to reduce the chances of milk to stick at the bottom.
Keep a spoon in the vessel while boiling milk at medium heat. It will avoid sticking the milk at the bottom of the vessel.
Adding half a tsp of sodium bicarbonate in the milk while boiling will not spoil the milk even if you don't put it in the fridge.

Mixer/Grinder: Grind some common salt in your mixer/grinder fro some time every month. This will keep your mixer blades sharp.

Mosquitoes: Put a few camphor tablets in a cup of water and keep it in the bed room near your bed, or in any place with mosquitoes.

Noodles: When the noodles are boiled, drain all the hot water and add cold water. This way all the noodles will get separated.

Onions: To avoid crying, cut the onions into two parts and place them in water for 15 minutes before chopping them.
Wrap the onions individually in a newspaper and store in a cool and dark place to keep them fresh for long time.

Oven: Watch from the oven window to conserve energy because the oven temperature drops by 25 degrees every time its door is opened,
To clean the oven, apply a paste of sodium bicarbonate and water on the walls and floor of the oven and keep the oven on low heat for about half an hour. Dried food can easily be removed.

Paneer: To keep paneer fresh for several days, wrap it in a blotting paper while storing in the refrigerator.
Do not fry paneer, immerse it in boiling water to make it soft and spongy.

Papad: Bake in microwave oven.
Wrap the papads in polythene sheet and place with dal or rice will prevent them from drying and breaking.

Pickles: To prevent the growth of fungus in pickles, burn a small grain of asafoetida over a burning coal and invert the empty pickle jar for some time before putting pickles in the jar.

Popcorn: Keep the maize/corn seeds in the freezer and pop while still frozen to get better pops.

Potato: To bake potatoes quickly, place them in salt water for 15 minutes before baking.
Use the skin of boiled potatoes to wipe mirrors to sparkling clean.
Don't store potatoes and onions together. Potatoes will rot quickly if stored with onions.

Refrigerator: To prevent formation of ice, rub table salt to the insides of your freeze.

Rice: Add a few drops of lemon juice in the water before boiling the rice to make rice whiter.
Add a tsp of canola oil in the water before boiling the rice to separate each grain after cooking.
Don't throw away the rice water after cooking. Use it to make soup or add it in making dal (lentils).
Add 5g of dried powdered mint leaves to 1kg of rice. It will keep insects at bay.
Put a small paper packet of boric powder in the container of rice to keep insects at bay. Put a few leaves of mint in the container of rice to keep insects at bay.

Samosa: Bake them instead of deep frying to make them fat free. Don't fry the filling potato masala.
Preserve the samosas in freezer. For eating, take out of the freezer two hours in advance and bake them over low temp.

Sugar: Put 2-3 cloves in the sugar to keep ants at bay.

Tadka: Use sprouted mustard seeds (rayee) and fenugreek (methi) seeds for your tadkas. Both of them when sprouted have more nutritional values. Also this add flavour to the dish and can be more beneficial, besides giving decorative look to the dish. Submitted by MS Itisha Madhav ( itisha_madhav@yahoo.com)

Tomato: To remove the skin of tomatoes, place them in warm water for 5-10 minutes. The skin can then be easily peeled off.
When tomatoes are not available or too costly, substitute with tomato puree or tomato ketchup/sauce.
Place overripe tomatoes in cold water and add some salt. Overnight they will become firm and fresh.

Tamarind:Tamarind is an excellent polish for brass and copper items. Rub a slab of wet tamarind with some salt sprinkled on it on the object to be polished.
Gargles with tamarind water is recommended for a sore throat.

Utensils: Use nonsticking utensils. Use thick bottom utensils, they get uniformly heated. For electric stoves, use flat bottom utensils.
Add a little bit of common salt to the washing powder for better cleaning of utensils.

Vegetables: Don't discard the water in which the vegetables are soaked or cooked. Use it in making soup or gravy.
To keep the vegetables fresh for a longer time, wrap them in newspaper before putting them in freeze.
Chop the vegetables only when you are ready to use them. Don't cut them in too advance. It would spoil their food value.

Sink (Blocked): To clear the blocked drain pipe of your kitchen sink, mix 1/2 cup sodium bicarbonate in 1 cup vinegar and pour it into the sink, and pour about 1 cup water. In an hour the drain pipe will open.

Soup Salty: Place a raw peeled potato in the bowl, it will absorb the extra salt.

Yoghurt (Home Made): To set yogurt in winter, place the container in a warm place like oven or over the voltage stabliser.

Yogurt: If the yogurt has become sour, put it in a muslin cloth and drain all the water. Then add milk to make it as good as fresh in taste. Use the drained water in making tasty gravy for vegetables or for basen curry.
To keep the yogurt fresh for many days, fill the vessel containing yogurt with water to the brim and refrigerate. Change the water daily.

__._,_.___

Dandruff

2008-08-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

Vinegar Wonder
• Add six spoonfuls water, two spoonfuls pure vinegar and apply it on the scalp with cotton wool before going to bed. Tie a towel around your head to protect the pillow. Wash your hair next morning. After shampooing, rinse again with vinegar water. Continue this once a week for at least three months.
• Mix a spoonful of lemon juice with two spoonfuls of vinegar and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with an egg shampoo after this.

Methi Power
• Soak fenugreek (methi) seeds in yogurt overnight and apply the curd on your scalp for half an hour before washing in the morning.
• Just soak the fenugreek seeds overnight in water to soften the seeds and grind in the morning to make paste. Before hairwash, apply this paste on scalp and hair and leave it on for half an hour. Wash off with shampoo later.

An Egg Pack
• Beat two eggs and add two tablespoons of water to it.
• Wet the hair and apply the egg mixture over the hair.
• Now massage your scalp and let the mixture on for ten minutes to fifteen minutes. Then rinse the hair with lukewarm water.

Amla Power
• Amla is rich in iron and considered to be very nourishing for strong and healthy hair. Add amla juice to lemon juice and massage your scalp with firm fingers.
• Wash after half an hour.

MAKE YOUR OWN SHOESHINE KIT!

2008-08-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

What’s the first thing that women observe about a man? Apparently, his shoes! This is because your shoes are a reflection of how well-groomed you are! And we don’t mean that you need to blow a lump sum of money on new shoes, but see that the ones you already have look shiny ‘n’ new!

Here’s how to pamper your shoes:

• Get your shoeshine kit together. You’ll need: a shoeshine & polish brush, shine cloth ( cotton cloth, old T-shirt, socks etc), standard brown and black polish, an old toothbrush and cotton.
• Wipe away the dust and debris using a dry cloth or shoeshine brush, and then a wet cloth.
• Once your shoes are clean and dry, use your shoeshine polish brush to apply a good amount of polish onto your shoes. Evenly spread over shoes and use a toothbrush/cotton swab to polish hard-to-reach areas. Wait 15 to 20 minutes for the polish to dry.
• Once your shoe is completely dry, use the shoeshine brush to carefully brush off the polish. Again, use a clean cotton swab or toothbrush for hard-to-reach spots.
• Now using a clean, lint-free shine cloth, give your shoes the shine they deserve.

SOMETHING ABOUT SOCKS & SHOES

2008-08-01T09:26:00.001-07:00

Socks
Your socks should be of a dark shade so as to compliment your suit. Lengthwise they should be mid-calf or knee-high in length.

Shine
Your shoes should be and have new heels, soles and tips, if needed. Worn down heels and scuffed tips make you look shabby.

CAN I WEAR FORMAL SHOES ON INFORMAL CLOTHES?

2008-08-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

Shoes are an important part of dressing for the occasion.
• Each dress code has its specified shoes. Nothing can be as jarring as mismatched shoes and clothes.
• Besides aesthetic appeal, shoes also have a specific purpose. Business shoes for example are designed to bear the weight of heavy clothing that is a part of formal business wear. Loafers, lug soles, chukka boots, suede oxfords are meant for lazy weekends and have an air of informality about them.
• Avoid activity footwear like hiking boots, basketball sneakers, boating shoes etc. when you dress informally to work, such shoes connote physical movement. Another important aspect to be borne in mind is the type of socks one wears while dressing informally.
• Avoid business socks, but that does not mean you end up wearing athletic ones, the stress once again is on cool and comfortable wear.

SOCKS & SANDALS -- A STRICT NO-NO!

2008-08-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

Guys, you might think socks with sandals are cool, but trust the women -- we know better.

Why were you wearing sandals in the first place? To keep your feet cool, right? So why are you wearing socks now? If you think it’s a cooler way of wearing a pair of shoes then think again. Most of you do it because you think it looks good, but the truth of the matter is, it doesn’t. Socks and sandals when paired together can be nothing short of a fashion disaster!

So here’s what you need to keep in mind, in order not to repeat this fashion felony.

Knee-highs and sandals look silly
Stay away from socks that reach your knees. This style may have been acceptable in the 80s but not any longer.

No neon socks
You like making a fashion statement, but do it without it going overboard!

Non-matching socks
Ok maybe when you wear closed shoes, it doesn’t matter. But, hey, if you are going to go ahead teaming socks with sandals then at least match the socks!

Stay away from the whites
You also might think of going with the classic white look, but that doesn’t work either. It draws too much attention to your feet.

Electrical Burns -Electrical shock

2008-07-30T09:58:00.001-07:00

Electrical Burns

Electrical Shock, Electrocution

Electrical burns occur when a person is directly exposed to an electrical current. Electrical burns can result from contact with either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). Although some electrical burns look minor, they can cause extensive internal damage, especially to the heart, muscles, or brain.

Classification of Skin Burns

Causes

Electrical burns result from accidental contact with exposed parts of electrical appliances or wiring, such as:

Children biting on electrical cords
Poking utensils or other metal objects into electrical outlets or appliances, such as a plugged-in toaster
Failing to shut the power supply before making home repairs or installation
Dropping a plugged-in appliance into water
Occupational accidents due to, for example, electric arcs from high-voltage power lines. (Electric arcs occur when a burst of electricity jumps from one electrical conductor to another, such as flashes of electricity from the wheels of an electrically powered train or where a trolley car connects to an overhead power line.)

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Skin burns
Muscle contraction or pain
Numbness or tingling
Weakness
Bone fractures
Headache
Sudden hearing impairment
Seizures
Heart arrhythmias
If you experience any of these symptoms don't assume it is due to an electrical burn. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, consult your doctor.
Electrical burns can cause cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and/or unconsciousness.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Like other burns, electrical burns have three degrees of severity, each with distinctive symptoms:

First-degree burns—injure only the outer layer of skin. They are red and painful, and may cause some swelling. The skin turns white when touched.
Second-degree burns—are deeper and more severe. They cause blisters and the skin is very red or splotchy. There may be more significant swelling.
Third-degree burns—cause damage to all layers of the skin down to the tissue underneath. The burned skin looks white or charred. These burns may cause little or no pain because the nerves in the skin are destroyed.

It may be more difficult to diagnosis damage under the skin caused by electrocution. Test may include:

Electrocardiogram —to detect rhythm disturbances of the heart
Urine or blood tests–to check for severe damage to muscles

Treatment

Electrical burns require an immediate call to paramedics. If possible, shut off the electrical current from its source (such as unplugging a cord or turning off the circuit breaker). Often, simply turning off the appliance itself will not stop the flow of electricity.

If the current can't be turned off, use a non-conducting object, such as a wooden broom, chair, rug, or rubber doormat to push the victim away from the source of the current. Don't use a wet or metal object. If possible, stand on something dry and non-conducting, such as a mat or folded newspapers.

Do not attempt to rescue a victim near active high-voltage lines.

Once the victim is free from the source of electricity, his or her airway, breathing and pulses are checked and, if necessary, cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts are started. The victim is covered with a blanket to maintain body heat and feet are raised above the head.

Ice, butter, or ointments, should not be applied.

Any patient with an electrical burn should be taken to the hospital for further evaluation. Treatment will depend on the severity of the burn and any other associated complications.

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of an electric burn, take the following steps:

Use child safety plugs in all outlets.
Keep electrical cords out of children's reach.
Avoid electrical hazards by following manufacturer's safety instructions when using electrical appliances. Always turn off circuit breakers before making repairs to wiring.
Avoid using electrical appliances while showering or wet.
Never touch electrical appliances while touching faucets or cold water pipes.

The Power of Solar Communities

2008-07-26T21:33:00.001-07:00

The great innovations of the 21st Century will be social. I predict that the solutions to our greatest challenges will emerge through new ways of coming together. Case in point, the Drake Landing Solar Community is a fully integrated housing development that takes solar to the next level. Solar panels channel heat through a series of underground pipes to produce a reservoir of energy for warming the 52 home neighborhood throughout the winter months.

This is a social solution. The community is built around the ideas of (1) producing energy locally and (2) sharing in the effort through a common infrastructure. In order for this to work, the homes must be structured in such a way that neighbors are in close proximity to one another.

Neighborly behavior is the future for solar.

This idea is taking hold in a number of places. Another example is the partnership between Global Green and Community Housingworks that has produced the first fully solar powered apartment community in the state of California. This community includes 54 homes and several business sites that share the wealth of abundant sunlight.

And that’s not all. Community Housingworks provides resources to its tenants including courses in financial management, special needs housing opportunities, and leadership training for broader civic engagement. Developers are shaping the future of these homes with a focus on community.

Already have a home? No problem. Home owners can get organized and purchase solar upgrades in bulk, reducing the cost for each installment and distributing the risk across the entire neighborhood. Community solar programs are offered by the company, SolarCity , to encourage “buying in bulk.”

Yes, of course there is a need for new technological innovations like MIT’s prototype solar dish that may prove to be the most energy efficient and affordable in the world. But the real breakthroughs will be in the ways we integrate these techologies into the structures of our communities.

Mark my words on this one - 21st Century innovations will be overwhelmingly social in nature. Ultimately, it will be about our vision of what it means to be a community .
http://www.celsias.com/article/power-solar-communities/

Energy Saving Tip

2008-07-26T09:48:00.001-07:00

Please TURN OFF your PC's , A/C's & Lights, before Leaving OFFICE .....

- Abstract from speech By Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam (Former President of India)

Most of us are used to doing one thing before leaving for the day from officen : Press Ctrl+Alt+ Del and leave to home happily.

That means your PC is still on.
One normal PC will consume 35 watts/hr.
Based on this we will do a small calculation.

For one week 24 X 7 = 168 Hrs.
of this if we consider that we are working for 68 hours,

then the PC is in sleeping mode for 100 Hrs a week.

For one month 4 (weeks) X 100 = 400 Hrs.
In a normal IT office, if we assume approximately 250 PCs are there,
250 * 400 = 1,00,000 Hrs

So the power wasted in an office in a month is,
100000 X 35 = 3500 KWH or units.

If the charge per unit is Indian Rs. 6,

then totally the wastage value is approximately 21000 Indian rupees.

Here the sad thing is not the money loss to the company but the power loss to the country.

Apart from the loss to the country we need to think of the efforts people are putting for producing the power in the Mines, Thermal Stations, Hydro electric Stations, etc. If this is to continue, the cost of unit power will go up & at one stage we will not get power even if we are ready to pay any cost.

So before leaving to home take some time to shut down the PC's, A/C's & Lights and do some favour to the country and the organization.

how stylish is your window

2008-07-03T01:42:00.000-07:00

Windows never fail to catch one's attention. Use this to advantage -- to create a mood, make a statement, or focus a view.

Think of your window as a canvas. By dressing it up using colour and detailing, you can brighten up any room. Of course, the window treatments should complement the room's décor. If possible, plan for your window treatments when you are renovating/ constructing.

Forget patterns and prints (unless they are really bold and defiant). Concentrate on the texture and drape of the fabric. Be creative. Experiment with painting, block printing and embroidery techniques to create a curtain/ blind that is yours and yours alone.

The best way to complement a good curtain treatment is the use of light. Natural light, table lamps, floor lamps and wall/ ceiling fixtures (even candles work just as well, if you want to be really creative) can enhance the setting. You can use different options to create different moods.

If someone walks into your house, sees the curtains/ blinds and remarks, "That's interesting!", you know you have hit the nail on the head.

How to set up a home bar

2008-07-03T01:37:00.000-07:00

Want to grab a drink but the bar's too crowded? Don't worry.

You could treat yourself and your friends to delicious concoctions out of your own private bar in the comfort of your own home. We show you how to get started.

Depending on where you entertain your guests, the living room or your study is a good place to set the bar up.

An awkward corner of a room can be transformed into an elegant watering hole by building the bar around the lines of the room

Accessorise your home within your budget

2008-07-03T01:36:00.000-07:00

Decorating a living space is not just restricted to interiors and furniture. Any room can be given a stamp of your individuality and aesthetics by focussing on the accessories. This is where you can change the complete look and feel of a room without any major changes.

You can make a room look cosy, minimalist or funky depending on the way you accessorise. If you want to completely re-decorate a space but do not want to change the basic interior framework or furniture, remove all the accessories and set a new theme. You could also contantly create new areas of interest by adding on accessories and re-arranging the setting of a room thus creating a fresh appeal.

Use indoor plants to liven up any living space and create energy and warmth. Plants that can survive without direct sunlight for a few days are Diffenbachia, Syngonium, Maranta, Pilea, Begonia and Palms. You could air them and place them in sunlight once in a few days.

Plants can be grouped artistically in a corner with some statues or urns and lighting used for subtle light and shadow effects. Urns and planters are easy on the pocket (well, not always) and they bring in a lot of visual interest. Whether you go in for simple ones or the more expensive ones, if placed properly, an urn or a planter will highlight corners and niches that would normally be lost in the conversation of an interior space.

Give your bedroom a whole new look

2008-07-03T01:35:00.000-07:00

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Are you bored with the look of your bedroom? Has it ceased to look inviting at the end of a long, hard day? Does it lack a personal feel, without any trace of who its occupant is?

If your answer to all the above questions is in the affirmative, it may be time to revamp your sleeping space. After all, your bedroom is your domain and needs to feel familiar and look welcoming.

First off, make sure that it is neat and everything is put in its proper place. Many people tend to keep their houses scrupulously clean but have far too much clutter in their bedrooms, probably because it sees very few outsiders. If you have clothes, sheets and odds and ends lying around, make sure to put them all away where they belong and get rid of unnecessary junk.

Once your room is clean, you can start contemplating a cosmetic touch-up. If the paint is dry, cracked and peeling all over, spend a little and get it recoated. If there's just the odd crack on the wall, on the other hand, you may consider just a touch-up or a strategically hung artwork or photograph.

Feeling unlucky? Feng Shui might help

2008-07-03T01:33:00.000-07:00

It was after someone gifted me a plant that I got appreciation at work and I came to the States," says Delhi-based Shantanu Mukherjee, senior consultant at the EAS division of HCL Technologies.

Though the connection between Shantanu's career prospects and a little shrub may not be apparent to most, there are thousands, nay millions, who believe that an arrangement of "Lucky Bamboo" will keep bad juju at bay and fill their lives with good fortune. This is just one of the teachings of the Chinese discipline Feng Shui.

"I am still unaware of the different objects/ rules and their significance in Feng Shui. However, I have a firm belief in the powers of Feng Shui and Vaastu (Shastra) ever since this incident," adds Shantanu.

Jagadeesh and Renu from Mumbai admit, "After our friends recommended it, we have been trying our luck with Feng Shui, by re-positioning elements in our home." Jagadeesh says he has seen changes in his relationship with Renu since they made some changes in the placement of objects in their bedroom. They are now in the process of trying to create luck in the financial aspect of their lives.

Use colour to de-stress

2008-07-03T01:32:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why you never find people using blue in a kitchen? Did you notice that generally people gravitate towards certain colours according to the mood they are in, or would like to be in?

We choose the colours in our home based on our notions of the mood that a particular colour combination will create in a room. The more open we are about our own preferences, the more defined the choice of colours in our homes will tend to be.

Colours can affect your mood from the moment you step into your home. So, you need to attempt to create different spaces in your home using colours. This allows you to always find some part of your home that perfectly complements your mood on any given day.

Renovating your kitchen? Here's how

2008-07-03T01:31:00.000-07:00

Kitchens, earlier, were relegated to the lowest priority with gadgetry and appliances being considered unnecessary. It is only recently that homeowners in India have started paying attention to the aesthetics, interiors and functionality of kitchen design. Modern kitchens reflect a greater interest in design, visual appeal and functionality, and offer a wide range of possibilities to suit most budgets.

Urban professionals have also moved away from the traditional cooking patterns and find themselves looking at the kitchen space as a lot more than just a cooking area. They like to spend time experimenting with different cuisines, and often cater for space in the kitchen, which is used as a breakfast area and require a lot of aesthetic indulgence and practical value.

Green scene on a balcony

2008-06-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

People who have gorgeous, plant-filled balconies either work hard at it or use a plant hire company - a balcony is not the easiest place to garden.

Most balcony gardens fail because the gardener doesn't anticipate the high-rise challenges of wind, light and access. Recognising them and meeting them head-on are what make a great balcony garden achievable.

Shield the wind

If your balcony is on a high-rise building - even only one or two floors up - it is affected by wind. If it's facing a sea view, then the problem of wind is likely to be compounded by salt.

Wind damage can range from pots being blown over to leaves being burnt, battered or torn. Where pots are exposed to the wind they also dry out quickly, adding water stress to the mix.

Be realistic about how windy your balcony is. If it is exposed even occasionally to buffeting north-easterlies, howling westerlies or bone-chilling southerlies, take those conditions into account by installing large, heavy pots that can't be moved even on the windiest of days. Concentrate on growing low, mound-forming plants with good salt tolerance and provide regular water.

Don't succumb to ball-on-a-stick-style topiary plants as they are readily snapped, and avoid large-leafed ones that can get very tatty. Give hanging baskets and window boxes a miss.

Achieve a lush look by massing several plants together or erecting a trellis against a wall for a tough climber such as hibbertia. Grow sensitive plants in the lee of the balcony railing or in smaller pots that are sheltered by large established plants.

Sun or shade

Balcony gardens usually receive light from only one direction, meaning they can be shaded for most of the day, but exposed for a part of the day to very hot sun.

East-facing balconies, for example, are sunny first thing but then shaded for most of the day. South-facing gardens tend to be shaded all the time but exposed to hot afternoon sun in mid-summer. West-facing balconies get sun at the end of the day and can be scorchingly hot, especially in summer.

The ideal aspects are north- and north-east-facing balconies, which are sun-drenched for most of the day. A wide-range of plants, including flowering annuals, herbs and vegetables, can be grown on these balconies. The more sheltered from wind, the better the range you can grow.

For east- and south-facing balconies, select plants that grow in shade and give them shelter from hot sun if necessary, for example, by moving them away from the edge of the balcony or installing a screen. Camellias and hydrangeas thrive with these aspects.

Gadgets cost households hundreds

2008-06-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

Power-hungry ... hi-tech appliances are surprisingly energy-inefficient.

Energy-eating gadgets are costing households hundreds of dollars a year, yet most people have little idea of the cost.

While energy-rating labels have been mandatory for whitegoods since the late 1980s, computing goods remain immune. Some, such as a Sony PlayStation 3, cost five times as much to run as an average-sized refrigerator. That translates to about $250 a year, said Christopher Zinn, spokesman for the consumer group Choice, which has conducted tests on 16 popular computer gadgets.

While a PlayStation was unlikely to be left on and idle permanently, Mr Zinn conceded, even a standard personal computer, an item invariably left on while not in use (on active standby) could be almost three times more expensive to run than the average refrigerator.

A combination of desktop computer, LCD monitor, wireless router, plasma TV and DVD player on continuous active standby could add $450 a year to the power bill.

"The figures are indicative of just how much electricity these small devices can chew their way through," Mr Zinn said.

Choice says the absence of a star-rating labelling system means consumers are unable to make informed decisions when buying electronic goods. It also means manufacturers have little incentive to improve energy efficiency.

In contrast, refrigerators have improved in energy efficiency by 4.6 per cent each year since 1993, with manufacturers phasing out poor energy performers.

What you can do to avoid wasting energy and reduce your electricity bills:

- Turn off small appliances such as computers, games consoles and televisions, or place them on standby, instead of leaving them on for long periods.

- Enable energy-saving features on your computer such as sleep mode when the computer is not being used.

- Upgrade your computer monitor to a new LCD version and sell or recycle your old monitor.

- Use multi-switch powerboards that enable you to turn off individual devices when they are not being used.

The green house effect

2008-06-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

YOU may know how healthy you are but gauging the wellbeing of where you live is another story. It is one thing to be alert to the harm of using teak plucked from an Asian rainforest but what about the environment inside your home?

Take MDF, commonly made with formaldehyde, a proven carcinogen, that leeches into the air in your bedroom or your living room. Many Australian companies have now changed their manufacturing techniques but offshore, where furniture "bargains" commonly spring from, those sorts of hidden toxins often go on being used in the quest to drive prices as low as possible.

Breathe carefully before you read on: as recently as 2000, a CSIRO study found that occupants of new Australian homes may be exposed to up to 20 times the allowable limits of indoor air toxins. In some instances the airborne, cancer-causing particles were still present after a year. The main source of these were paints, adhesives and wood products.

The good news is there is an increasing range of stylish and environmentally sustainable products. "You don't have to be a purist," says John Eussen, a homewares expert and ambassador for the Al Gore climate change program, who promotes sustainable decorating and design. "If you can make a bit of a difference, then that's what it's about."

In the bedroom

Rethink your plain cotton sheets and towels, which, no matter how high the thread count, are environmental baddies. The production of cotton accounts for 16 per cent of the world's pesticide use. Better to try organic cotton, which is grown without pesticides or fertilisers from plants that have not been genetically modified. "It's back to cotton at its natural state - the same quality as your grandma had," says Myer's homewares buyer Catherine Southward. Also consider hemp, now offered as a quality, linen-like option and often paraded under its botanical name sativa to avoid its hippie associations. It requires less water and toxic pesticides than cotton.

An option is Olivia Newton-John's Koala Blue range of organic cotton. Or try Peri's cotton and bamboo blend linen (bamboo is grown without chemicals and provides a silky soft fibre). The website http://www.ecolinen.com.au sells and lists stores that stock luxe organic linen. A good hemp source is the Hemp Gallery in Belrose.

Solar conversion a waste

2008-06-25T05:47:00.000-07:00

In a dispute likely to become increasingly familiar across Sydney, one family spent a small fortune fitting solar panels to the roof of their house, only to find that shadows cast by a planned development next door would cut their sunlight.

Sandra and Simon Rowell paid $40,000 last year to fit their home in Hunters Hill with photovoltaic panels that may soon be useless.

The family also missed out onan $8000 rebate when the Federal Government decided lastmonth to limit payments to households earning less than $100,000. They are now considering returning to traditional coal-fired electricity.

"The whole idea was to reduce our carbon footprint - we knew it would never pay for itself - but that will now be pretty much worthless," Mrs Rowell said. "Weweren't going to make any money out of doing this. We were basically just trying to do the right thing."

The 20 panels cover half their roof, and generate about 4.2 kilowatts of electricity when in full sun - enough to meet the energy needs of an average house.

The property next door, on Wybalena Road, is being renovated, with an extra storey and a parapet to be added.

A development application submitted by the owners, who were not available to speak to the Herald yesterday, has been approved by Hunters Hill Council.

Mrs Rowell said there was noill-feeling across the fence, but she felt let down by the planning process.

The council considered the potential overshadowing but did not notify Mrs Rowell about the successful application.

"Hunters Hill Council considered in detail the neighbour's objections to the development application," a council spokeswoman said. "Council was certainly mindful of the concerns and notification process in this particular case.

"Council resolved at its meeting of 26 May, 2008, to review the internal process of advising persons who make submissions."

The state Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Verity Firth, said councils were responsible for development issues but the Government would continue to review the planning process to try to prevent people with solar panels being disadvantaged by nearby developments.

"We'd obviously prefer that these disputes can be solved at the local level but of course we also need to make sure that our planning laws keep up with new technology and new requirements," she said.

Since the Federal Government introduced a means test for the solar-power rebate last month, the industry has reported losses of hundreds of customers and the laying-off of some staff.

A spokesman for the federal Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett, confirmed that means-testing of the rebate would remain, although it could be reviewed in future.

Force Majeure

2008-06-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

Force Majeure literally means "greater force". These clauses excuse a party from liability if some unforseen event beyond the control of that party prevents it from performing its obligations under the contract. Typically, force majeure clauses cover natural disasters or other "Acts of God", war, or the failure of third parties--such as suppliers and subcontractors--to perform their obligations to the contracting party.

It is important to remember that force majeure clauses are intended to excuse a party only if the failure to perform could not be avoided by the exercise of due care by that party.

When negotiating force majeure clauses, make sure that the clause applies equally to all parties to the agreement--not just the licensor.

Also, it is helpful if the clause sets forth some specific examples of acts that will excuse performance under the clause, such as wars, natural disasters, and other major events that are clearly outside a party's control. Inclusion of examples will help to make clear the parties' intent that such clauses are not intended to apply to excuse failures to perform for reasons within the control of the parties.

Force majeure clauses are usually applicable to performance failures caused by:

natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, floods)
wars, riots or other major upheaval
performance failures of parties outside the control of the contracting party (e.g., disruptions in telephone service attributable to the telephone company or labor actions by employees of a common carrier)

Disruptions in service caused by one or more of the following should not be excused by a force majeure clause:

server failures
software glitches
disputes with copyright owners
licensor labor disputes

Many force majeure clauses apply equally to both sides, excusing either party from its obligations in the event of a triggering event; however, few clauses excuse the failure to pay money. For all practical purposes, the clauses will only excuse failures to perform by the licensor. Accordingly, licensees should seek express guarantees of some level of minimum access from licensors

CRT vs. LCD

2008-06-06T20:55:00.001-07:00

All About Monitors
CRT vs. LCD

When shopping for a new computer system, we tend to fret over such things as the CPU speed or hard disk size, but what about the one component of your system that is used just as much? Of course we're talking about the monitor. Often referred to as a display screen, a video display terminal (VDT) or visual display unit (VDU), the monitor is the component of your computer system that displays the messages and data being processed and utilized by the computer's CPU.

The two types of monitor technologies available to consumers are available in CRT monitors and LCD monitors. There are big differences between LCD and CRT, and while LCD technology has advanced to the point where its viewing quality is comparable to CRTs, many people today still choose to purchase a CRT monitor. CRTs are bigger and bulkier than an LCD, they consume more power and are prone to screen flicker. LCD monitors, however, are more expensive when compared to CRTs, they introduce the problem of viewing angles, and generally have less accurate color replication.

Each type of monitor, as you can see, has its advantages and disadvantage. In this article we will provide a comparison of CRT and LCD monitors, along with defining some of the many specifications and terminology you should be aware as you decide between an LCD and CRT monitor.


CRT Monitor	LCD Monitor
[Sample Images from Comp USA]

CRT Monitors
Sort for cathode-ray tubes, CRT monitors were the only choice consumers had for monitor technology for many years. Cathode ray tube (CRT) technology has been in use for more than 100 years, and is found in most televisions and computer monitors. A CRT works by moving an electron beam back and forth across the back of the screen. Each time the beam makes a pass across the screen, it lights up phosphor dots on the inside of the glass tube, thereby illuminating the active portions of the screen. By drawing many such lines from the top to the bottom of the screen, it creates an entire screen of images.

LCD/Flat panel Monitors
Short for liquid crystal display, LCD technology can be found in digital watches and computer monitors. LCD displays use two sheets of polarizing material with a liquid crystal solution between them. An electric current passed through the liquid causes the crystals to align so that light cannot pass through them. Each crystal, therefore, is like a shutter, either allowing light to pass through or blocking the light. Color LCD displays use two basic techniques for producing color: Passive matrix is the less expensive of the two technologies. The other technology, called thin film transistor (TFT) or active-matrix, produces color images that are as sharp as traditional CRT displays, but the technology is expensive.

CRT vs. LCD - The Pros and Cons of Each

Resolution & Viewing Quality
Resolution on a CRT is flexible and a newer model will provide you with viewing resolutions of up to 1600 by 1200 and higher, whereas on an LCD the resolution is fixed within each monitor (called a native resolution). The resolution on an LCD can be changed, but if you're running it at a resolution other than its native resolution you will notice a drop in performance or quality.

Both types of monitors (newer models) provide bright and vibrant color display. However, LCDs cannot display the maximum color range that a CRT can. In terms of image sharpness, when an LCD is running at its native resolution the picture quality is perfectly sharp. On a CRT the sharpness of the picture can be blemished by soft edges or a flawed focus.

A CRT monitor can be viewed from almost any angle, but with an LCD this is often a problem. When you use an LCD, your view changes as you move different angles and distances away from the monitor. At some odd angles, you may notice the picture fade, and possibly look as if it will disappear from view.

Refresh Rate
Some users of a CRT may notice a bit of an annoying flicker, which is an inherent trait based on a CRTs physical components. Today's graphics cards, however, can provide a high refresh rate signal to the CRT to get rid of this otherwise annoying problem. LCDs are flicker-free and as such the refresh rate isn't an important issue with LCDs.

Dot Pitch
Dot pitch refers to the space between the pixels that make up the images on your screen, and is measured in millimeters. The less space between pixels, the better the image quality. On either type of monitor, smaller dot pitch is better and you're going to want to look at something in the 0.26 mm dot pitch or smaller range.

Screen (viewable) Size
Most people today tend to look at a 17-inch CRT or bigger monitor. When you purchase a 17-inch CRT monitor, you usually get 16.1 inches or a bit more of actual viewing area, depending on the brand and manufacturer of a specific CRT. The difference between the "monitor size" and the "view area" is due to the large bulky frame of a CRT. If you purchase a 17" LCD monitor, you actually get a full 17" viewable area, or very close to a 17".

Physical Size
There is no denying that an LCD wins in terms of its physical size and the space it needs. CRT monitors are big, bulky and heavy. They are not a good choice if you're working with limited desk space, or need to move the monitor around (for some odd reason) between computers. An LCD on the other hand is small, compact and lightweight. LCDs are thin, take up far less space and are easy to move around. An average 17-inch CRT monitor could be upwards of 40 pounds, while a 17&-inch LCD would weigh in at around 15 pounds.

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Comprehensive Guide on Buying the Car

2008-06-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

It's not an easy decision when it comes to buy a car. There's always a doubt on how you will be able to deal with the dealer. Specially when you don't know the exact price of the car.

Surely we want to value our money when we buy a car, but sometimes with lack of experience in dealing with the dealer, the dealer can get some extra money from us.

How to get the deal in the win-win solution? Salesmen are trained to make a big bucks for the companies even they have to trick the customer. Learn the trick and get a good deal.

Sooner or later everybody has to buy a new car. It doesn't matter if it's your third new car or your first, it is inevitable. Of course, everyone knows that there is an art to buying a new car that everyone must know sooner or later.

Every car buyer knows that there are tricks to getting a car at a reasonable price. Dealerships and private sellers rarely mark the car's actual worth.

Buying a car doesn't have to be scary and it doesn't have to be the worst experience of your life. Many people dread buying a new car because they know that they are likely going to get ripped off. You don't have worry about it anymore because this guide will teach how to avoid that very problem.

The first thing that you should know when you want to buy a new car is that both you and the dealer are looking to get the better end of the deal.

A good deal is a win, win situation for both parties. Most of the time it is the buyer that leaves unsatisfied.

In this day and age a car is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. You will likely have to purchase a new car more than once in your life, so you might as well learn to do it in a way that will make buying the cars less painful.

It is good to prepare yourself before get yourself into the dealership. It will get you a reasonable price. Get a good guidance, learn about the tricks that the salesmen might use while negotiating with you.

Get yourself prepared before buying the car, some guidance from the expert will get you through all the deal. It is very necessary to we know that we are in win-win solution when we buy a car to make it less painful after the deal is over.

Know about Vastu - Vastu For Kitchen

2008-05-18T09:35:00.001-07:00

Vastu for kitchen takes into consideration various things, which when properly placed, pave way for safety in the kitchen. Some of the essential determinants considered are: proper location of the kitchen, direction and placement of doors and windows, placement of cooking gas, gas cylinder, sink, refrigerator and other electronic gadgets etc.

Here are some Vaastu tips for kitchen:

· The ideal place for the location of kitchen is the southeast corner. An alternative choice can be the northwest corner of the house.

· As per the Vastu remedies for kitchen, certain directions, which are a total no for the construction of the kitchen, are: Northeast, mid-north, mid-west, southwest mid-south or the center.

· Make sure that the cooking platform does not touch eastern or northern side wall.

· The best direction for cooking is facing east, as this direction is considered to be auspicious.

· No shelf should be placed above the cooking platform.

· Refrigerator can be placed on the northwest corner in the kitchen.

· While constructing the kitchen, make adequate provision for cross ventilation.

Know about Vastu - Vastu For Drawing Room

2008-05-17T02:35:00.001-07:00

Here are some Vastu tips for drawing room:

· The north direction is ideal for the construction of drawing room.

· As per Vastu for drawing room, it is advisable to keep square or rectangle shape furniture.

· Southern and western corners of the room are perfect for placing the furniture.

· As per the Vastu advice for drawing rooms, there should more of open space in the northern and eastern corners.

· The perfect place for placing sofa lies in northwest.

· TV can be kept in the southeast direction and showcase cum almirah in the southwest corner.

· Seating arrangement for the guests should be done in such a manner that the guests face southern or western direction.

· Center table can be in the shape of square, rectangle or even round.

· Avoid placing L shape sofa in your drawing room.

Know about Vastu - Vastu For Dining Room

2008-05-15T07:27:00.001-07:00

Vastu for dining room makes sure that the food you are eating will have positive effects on you and your family. There are plenty of things that are required to be considered, while giving the right Vastu remedies for dining room like the proper location of dining room, proper placement of dining table, position of electronic gadgets, the direction you are facing while eating food etc.

Here are some Vastu tips for dining room:

The ideal location for the construction of dining room is the West portion of the house.
Construction should be done in such a manner that the dining room and kitchen both are on the same floor, lying adjacent to each other.
Square or rectangle shape dining table is just perfect for the room.
Dining table should not be sticking to the wall.
The most suitable wall colors for the room are the shades of pink and orange.
If you want to place a fridge in the dining room, then southeast direction would be just apt.
If you want to make provision for the fitting of washbasin in your dining room, then the right place would be either eastern or northern corner.

Know about Vastu - Vastu For Bathroom

2008-05-15T07:22:00.001-07:00

Here are some Vastu tips for Bathroom:

For bathroom construction, the most appropriate location lies in the eastern portion of the house.
There must be a provision for proper lighting and cross ventilation.
As a part of Vastu remedies for bathroom, it is suggested that the geyser should be placed in the Southeast corner.
Drainage system should be in the northeast direction. Therefore, it is advised that the taps and showers should be fixed on the northern side.
As per Vastu for bathroom, the door should not be in the southwest direction of the bathroom.
For keeping the washing machine, the suitable directions are southeast and northwest.
Bathtub can be placed on the west side.

Know about Vastu - Vastu For Children Room

2008-05-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some Vastu tips for children's room:

The best direction for constructing children's room is west. North or East directions can also be used for constructing kids' room.
Vastu for children room suggests that a married couple should not use East direction bedroom. There is no problem if an unmarried child uses that room.
Bed can be placed in the southwest corner.
As a part of Vastu guidelines for children room, it is recommended to avoid placing the mirror just on the opposite side of the bed.
Do not place the furniture sticking to the wall, as it obstructs the flow of positive energy.
The study desk should be placed in such a manner that the child faces eastern, northern or northeastern corner while studying. East is the most appropriate direction, as it paves way for enhanced concentration.
Avoid placing the electronic gadgets like TV and Computer in the kids' bedroom. But still if you wish to install one, then for computer, the right place is Southeast corner and for TV, Northwest corner would be fine.

Protect Your Children from Lawn-Mower Injuries

2008-05-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Spring marks the onset of what Johns Hopkins Children's Center specialists call lawnmower injury season. Lawnmowers can cause devastating injuries in children and are the leading cause of amputations in teens, Hopkins Children's experts warn.

"Every spring and summer we see children so badly injured by lawnmowers that they need amputation or extensive reconstructive surgery," says Rick Redett, M.D., director of reconstructive and plastic surgery at Hopkins Children's, Maryland's designated pediatric trauma center where the most severe cases are treated.

Many more children with less serious injuries end up in local emergency departments, Redett says.

Each year, lawnmower accidents send 9,400 U.S. children to the hospital, causing injuries more severe than any other tool or device, research shows. The most common injuries are lacerations, fractures and amputations of the fingers, hands, toes, feet and legs.

Most injuries occur when a person operating a ride-on mower is unaware that a child is behind the mower and shifts into reverse, backing over the child.

Hopkins Children's experts offer the following prevention tips:

Keep children under 6 years old indoors while a power mower is in operation.
Don't allow a child under 12 to use a walk-behind mower.
Keep children under 16 off ride-on mowers, even with a parent.
If you are mowing and see a child running toward you, turn off the mower immediately. Children can fall and slip into the blade, especially if the grass is wet.
Wear protective goggles and close-toed shoes when operating a mower or when near one.
Before mowing, clean the lawn of debris such as sticks and stones, which may get caught in the blades and propelled out.
If injury occurs, call 911 right away and apply pressure to the wound to stop bleeding while you await an ambulance.
Buy mowers with a no-reverse safety feature that requires the operator to turn the mower around instead of shifting into reverse.

Know about Vastu - Vastu For Home

2008-05-13T07:17:00.001-07:00

The term Vastu, meaning a dwelling place, was initially used to refer to the homes of gods and human beings. But now the scope of this study has expanded to the extent of including almost all types of constructions, and then be it a plot, commercial complex, industry, shop/showroom or spiritual place like temple. These days, it has become a trend of consulting a Vastu expert for residential Vastu.

Read further to know about Vastu for Home...

Here are some Vastu tips for house:

The best direction for master bedroom construction is southwest, while for other rooms; central, southern and central west directions are appropriate.
If you wish to construct a bedroom in the northwest direction, then prefer using it as a guest room or as a room for daughters.
Southeast direction is not right for bedroom purpose.
For children's room, the perfect direction is west or north. Place their study tables in the northern or eastern corner of the room and make sure that while your kids are studying, they should be facing east direction.
Avoid sleeping with your head facing north side of your room.
Green color is recommended to be used for wall painting in the study room, as it enhances intelligence.
For prayer room, yellow or sandal wall color is just perfect.
For placing TV or computer in the living room, southeast corner is just right.

Know about Vastu - Why Vastu?

2008-05-11T18:23:00.001-07:00

Vastu shastra is the scientific study of directions that creates equilibrium by balancing the different elements of nature and using them for the benefit of humans. There is a great importance of Vastu shastra in our life, as it paves way for happiness and prosperity to knock our doors. Vastu is very rational in the sense that it is based on scientific study and not on assumptions. Also there is surety about its permanency, as it takes into consideration the directions, which are static.

Read further to know why Vastu should be followed...

Talking about Vastu, the best part is that, its guidelines are very simple and easy to follow. It can be applied to virtually all sets of constructions, then be it a house, a particular room, temple, commercial complex, industry etc. Vastu extracts the positive energies of the five natural forces of nature, like solar energy of sun, lunar energy of moon, wind energy, magnetic effects of earth etc and balances them to bring harmony in the life of mankind. Consult a good Vastu expert and follow the advice sincerely and then open your arms to receive good luck, health and wealth.

Know about Vastu - Vastu Tips

2008-05-10T03:39:00.000-07:00

Here are some Vastu tips:

· As a part of Vastu advice, it is considered good to place a water body at the corner in the northeast direction of the house.

· For constructing a plot, the best directions are South, west and southwest.

· Vastu remedies suggest that the construction should be done in such a manner that there is more of open space in Northern and Eastern directions.

· The designing of the house should be done keeping in mind that it must provide for ample space for cross ventilation and sunlight.

· No trees are recommended in the north, east or northeast direction. If you still want to grow plants here, then only opt for small plants.

· Plant trees taking care that their shadow does not fall on the house.

· Any photo that depicts violence in any form should not be placed in the house.

Beat the heat

2008-05-10T03:08:00.001-07:00

Summer's back. So, it's a good time to bring out the lemonade, and tie up with the local nariyalwala for your regular supply of coconuts. Applying for swimming pool memberships might not be a bad idea either. The most difficult problem is dealing with the heat indoors. One cannot keep the air-conditioning switched on for the entire day.

Cross Ventilation

Ceiling fans are a good option as they are available in all sizes and are easy to install. The fans would be ineffective without proper cross ventilation in the house. Opposite windows should be opened to improve cross ventilation. If there is an adjoining bathroom to the room, the door and bathroom window can be left open to improve cross ventilation. Another option can be of fixing mosquito nets on the windows which will allow one to keep the window open during the nights too.

Water Bodies

Placing water bodies in the form of fish tanks or aquatic plants around the house can also produce a much desired cooling effect. Common feng-shui plants like the bamboo palm require to be partially submerged in water. Floating candles placed in a bowl of water can be a great centre piece for a coffee or dining table.

Screens and Awnings

Since the Vedic era, khus-khus (poppy seeds) has been used for cooling spaces. Khus-Khus soaked overnight and tied tightly in a muslin cloth, hung near the window cools the air entering the space. It also gives the air a pleasant fragrance. A slightly un-aesthetic method is drying wet clothes outside the window to cool the air entering in.

One can also construct awnings or chajjas over one's windows to block direct sunlight entering the room. Air conditioners with awnings or shaded by trees work more efficiently. An alternative to constructing an awning is Venetian Blinds. They are available in every possible material ranging from wood to various metal finishes and can be incorporated into any interior decoration style.

Keep the kitchen cool

Due to the constant burning of the stove in the kitchen, it can be the hottest space in a house. On hot days one can try using alternative cooking appliances like the microwave or grills. One can also experiment with cold buffet cuisines like salads, dips, breads, pickles and relishes. The air circulation in the kitchen can be improved by installing an exhaust fan.

Plants

Agar aap paachvi pass se tez hai, then you will remember the process of 'transpiration' taught in school, where plants release water vapour throughout the day. Common house plants placed around the room can cool the space considerably. Results from NASA laboratories have shown that the following ten house plants produce the best cooling effect:

5) Jade or Money Plant

All the above plants are available in local nurseries. Ensure that there are not too many plants in a room as it may lead to growth of mould on walls due to the high water vapour and increase in the humidity levels in the room..

Night Driving Tips

2008-04-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

Night Driving Tips

Keeping in mind the large number of road accidents taking place every year, one can say that driving is not at all safe and you need to be utterly careful in order to avoid hitting or getting hit. The most difficult time for driving is at night, after the sun goes down. During this time, the vision gets extremely restricted; advantage of color and contrast (available in day) is lost and even depth perception gets diminished. Infect, the risk gets enhanced as soon as it is twilight. So, you need to be extremely careful while driving at night and take as much precautions as possible. Given below are some tips that will help you in driving cars safely at night.

Night Driving Tips

Adjust the outside rearview mirrors in such a way that the bodywork of the vehicle is just outside your view.
Adjust your rearview or side mirror to cut out the glare of headlights from a vehicle following you.
Always be alert and keep looking for flashes of light at hilltops, curves and intersections. This will help you notice a vehicle early on.
Always be at a safe distance from the vehicle you are following. Infect, increase the distance to four to five seconds more than what you would have in the day.
At times, even the streetlights cause a lot of glare. As a solution for this problem, dim the dashboard lights and make use of the sun visor.
Before leaving for an overnight journey, make sure that all the exterior lights of your vehicle are working properly.
Do not take too much stress at night. At the slightest inclination of fatigue, it is better to stop for a while and take a break. You can even take a short nap or have some tea/coffee to help you stay awake and alert.
Driving at a high speed is much more dangerous at night, than during daytime. Never ever over-speed your vehicle at night. As it is, the visibility is low and chances of accidents are higher. Do not increase them further by over speeding.
Headlights, if dirty, will never give 100 efficiency and lighting. Always clean the headlights of your vehicle before going out in the dark.
If by any chance you end up having a breakdown on the way, pull your vehicle completely off the road. Turn on the emergency flashers as well as the parking lights, making it easier for other drivers to see you.
In case there is fog at night, keep the headlights on low beam. Otherwise, not only will you reduce your vision, but also make the other drivers go temporarily blind. At the same time, use fog lamps only in case of fog or inclement weather and not otherwise.
In order to avoid glare from the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, look toward the right side of the road and watch the white line marking the outside edge of the traffic lane.
Never ever overdrive the headlights of your vehicle. Be sure that you are able to stop inside the illuminated area.
One of the major reasons for glare comprises of dirty windows. Before leaving, be sure to clean the inside and outside of your windshield.
The headlights should be turned on as soon as it is early twilight i.e. at least one hour before sunset and make sure to keep them on till one hour after sunrise. This will make sure that the other drivers have no trouble in seeing you clearly.
When you follow another vehicle, always keep your headlights on low beams. This will ensure that the driver is able to see properly.

Sound Sleep

2008-03-07T08:57:00.001-08:00

Creating a Green Bedroom

While tranquil, soft blue walls go a long way in creating a relaxing sleeping environment, you might want to consider going green — eco-green, that is. Because while that comfy set of high thread-count sheets, fluffy comforter, and pillow-top mattress are definitely inviting at the end of the day, they could be harboring toxins that are less than restorative. Here's what to watch out for when it comes to making your bed.

Complete Sheets

The cleaner, fresher and more natural sheets are, the better they are to sleep on. Because of the amount of perspiration given off during an 8-hour sleep, choose sheets that breathe and absorb moisture. Look for untreated sheets made from organic, natural fibers. In winter, cozy up in organic cotton flannel sheets. In the summer, pure linen is best, or go for less expensive organic all-combed pima or percale cotton sateen sheets. Don't buy polyester sheets because they are made with petroleum-based fibers. Sheets treated with resins (no-iron finishes) should be considered toxic; washing can never eliminate the resins. Also, avoid sleeping on pure silk sheets, labeled "dry-clean only," since dry-cleaning emanates toxic fumes.

Take Comforter

Sleeping under organic wool comforters and blankets is deeply regenerative. Although organic wool comforters are expensive, with proper care, they can be passed down from generation to generation. For those allergic to wool, organic cotton comforters and blankets are the next best choice, and they are cheaper than wool. Just be sure to buy cotton that doesn't have a resin finish.

Pillow Light

Because you sleep with your nose buried in or next to your pillow, it is important that this part of your bedding be made of organic, untreated, natural materials that don't produce odors. Choosing an organic cotton or wool pillow is a big improvement for your health. Check your pillow frequently for mold. Since you perspire so much at night, your pillows can get musty if they are not aired frequently: Air pillows in the sun when you can.

Mind Over Mattress

The chemicals in bedding that are most often cited as potential sources of concern are pesticides, herbicides, fire retardants, stain-resistance solvents and formaldehyde. Fire retardants are very common in polyurethane foam mattresses and cushions. Unless your mattress is pure organic wool, it probably has been treated with fire retardants. Wool is naturally fire resistant and less likely to have been chemically treated for this reason. When you're shopping for a wool mattress, look for an organic wool mattress; most sheep are regularly dipped with pesticides to control parasites, so unless it was made with organic wool, you may be exposing yourself to pesticides in your mattress.

A Little Feng Shui

Do you like to sleep with fresh air? For many of us, stuffy rooms don't feel as good as rooms full of fresh air, so try as much as weather permits to open your windows. The earth element in the bedroom is a key component of restful sleep. Try using all-natural bedding that comes from the land and not the factory, and rest your bed on a wooden floor. The emotional watery element of dreams and intuition has a place in the bedroom too, and dream journals help to foster a connection to this world. And fire, of course, represents passion, light, and heat. Be sure to have all four elements included in your bedroom for the most peaceful rest and restorative sleep.

10 safety Tips for those living alone

2008-03-07T08:57:00.000-08:00

1.Keep personal information personal -

Do not give out your mobile number or address to strangers. This thwarts unwanted visits or calls from people with dubious motives. Request to be de-listed from bank directories and club lists.

2.Answering the doorbell? Stay alert -

A peephole is a must, as is a security chain attached to the door. Home deliveries should be attended to at the door, so keep your money ready before opening it. Apply the same rule to ALL strangers.

3.Observe your surroundings -

When choosing a home to rent, make sure the path to your home is well lit. Report non-functional streetlights in your society and ensure that fused bulbs in your building are replaced instantly. Dark places can encourage crime, so watch out.

4.Be an alert traveller -

I never wear headphones while travelling late; it cuts me off from the outside world and may give the impression that I am not alert, making me seem vulnerable.

- If you are using public transport, avoid discussing personal details on the phone. Be watchful about being followed and take a self-defence course if possible. While driving alone, lock yourself up in the car and don't ever give lifts to strangers. Bipin Doshi, an executive producer with Sahara One who often travels late, has a useful tip: "Don't let the cab driver take a 'shortcut' through unknown lanes and be more careful if he has been chatty along the way."

- Ruchika Agarwal, an art director who has been living in Mumbai on her own says, "I never share taxis with strangers at night and always keep my cell phone charged while on the move. I also carry pepper spray. I may sound paranoid, but I don't there's anything wrong with being concerned for your safety."

If a situation arises, remember the eyes are the most vulnerable part of the body, so attack a predator there. The neck and knees are the next two sensitive areas. You may be weaker than your predator but, if you make some smart moves, you can escape.

5.Keep friends, colleagues and family informed -

Make sure they all have your home address. Keep a friend's number on speed dial. If possible, alert one or two friends about your late night schedule so they can raise an alarm if they can't reach you for a while. If you are travelling out of town, keep your family and friends informed, and call them when you get back.

6.Secure your home -

Make sure to lock your door before stepping out, even if it is for just five minutes. Get a good branded lock and fix new ones when moving into a new place (with the permission of the landlord, of course). This will ensure that previous tenants can't sneak in.

7.Be careful with your keys -

Keep car and house keys separate. I make it a point never to give my bunched house and car keys to valet parking attendants at clubs. These keys can easily be duplicated, while your address can be obtained from your car's licence plate. Also, while duplicating your house keys, stand and get it done yourself instead of coming back to pick it up later. Ensure the key-maker is not making two sets. Do not hide keys under the doormat, over the ledge of the door or in the garden, and never leave them with security guards at your housing society.

8.Hiring house help? -

When you move into a new place, do not hire the first maid who walks into your house or one willing to charge the least money. Talk to the neighbours if possible. Hiring a maid referred by a trusted neighbour could be your best bet. It is also a good idea to register her details with the nearest police station.

9.If you get locked out -

Keep a duplicate set of keys with a friend who lives nearby. You could also keep a pair in your office drawer, which must be kept locked. If your landlord lives nearby, you can borrow his or her copy for an emergency, but that means you need his or her number on your cell phone.

10.Going out of town? -

Shut all windows and doors, switch off all lights and electrical appliances. You could consider keeping the lights at the entrance on, to illuminate possible hiding places around your house. Avoid leaving keys behind with neighbours not well known to you. The bottom line is, be smart and you stay safe.

Welcome surprises

2008-02-28T07:35:00.000-08:00

As we stumble upon new research which reveals that wearing stilettos can improve orgasms, here's a look at other unusual libido-lifters...

Wear high heels
A pair of those can actually work wonders for your sex life, new research suggests.
Why?
They directly work the pelvic-floor muscles, urologists say. They also hope to prove that wearing heels can reduce the need to do tricky pelvic exercises to keep the vagina toned.

Drink coffee
A cup boosts female sex drive.
Why?
American scientists claim caffeine stimulates parts of the brain that control arousal. But the aphrodisiac only works on women who don't drink coffee regularly.

Hit the gym
Women who work out three to five times a week have more satisfying sex than those who do nothing, studies find.
Why?
Not only does exercise improve body image, reduce stress and boost energy, it increases libido-lifting testosterone levels and genital blood flow.

Eat salmon
Eating oily fish can intensify orgasms.
Why?
Researchers claim the omega 3s "can boost your levels of dopamine – a neurotransmitter vital in stimulating desire".

Enjoy a girls' night out
Good friends can be an all-round aphrodisiac, say psychologists.
Why?
Social life makes you happier and more appealing to your other half, studies have found. Outside friendships give couples more to talk about.

Turn off the TV
An Italian study found couples with a TV in the bedroom had half as much sex as those who didn't and that violent films and reality shows were passion-killers.
Why?
Couples with no bedroom TV reported sharing stories and cuddling, which led to more sex. With our entertainment industry growing manifold and the number of reality shows and post-eleven-o-clock soaps increasing, this might be a point to ponder for you.

Description of Indian Spices

2008-02-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

Description of Indian Spices

1.Mustard

Description

Mustard is an annual herb cultivated as oil seed crop or as vegetable or as fodder, of which, 3 species are known for its condiment value. They are pale yellow or white mustard (Brassica hirta), brown mustard (Brassica juncea) and black mustard (Brassica nigra). The leaves of the plant are alternate, long, bristly branched, petiolate, hairy on both sides. Flowers are small, yellow with 4petals, cruciform. Seeds are 1.5-3mm.

Origin and Distribution

The yellow/white mustard is indigenous to Southern Europe, whereas brown mustard is from China introduced to Northern India. The black mustard is endemic in the Southern Mediterranean region. The white mustard is widely cultivated in Australia, China, Chili, Denmark, Italy, Japan, The UK, The Netherlands, North Africa, Canada and USA.

Mustard prefers loamy or clayey loam soil. It is grown as rabbi crop in North India. It is raised during rainy season from July to November in South India.

Uses

The major processed products are mustard powder used in the manufacture of mayonnaise, dried or dehydrated mustard leaves, whole mustard seeds etc. Whole mustard is used as a flavouring agent in Indian cooking, whereas ground mustard provides flavour and consistency in Bengali fish curries.

Mustard flour has preservative and antioxidant properties in addition to providing flavour and colour.

Botanical name	Family name	Commercial part
Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.	Brassicaceae	Seed

Indian Names
Hindi	: Rai, Banarasi rai, Kalee sarson
Gujarati	: Rai
Kannada	: Sasave
Kashmiri	: Aasur, Sorisa
Malayalam	: Kaduku
Punjabi	: Rai, Banarasi rai, Kalee sarson
Sanskrit	: Asuri, Bimbata
Tamil	: Kadugo
Telugu	: Avalu
Urdu	: Rai, Banarasi rai, Kalee sarson

Name in international languages

Spanish	: Mostaza
French	: Moutarde
German	: Senfsaat
Swedish	: Senap
Arabic	: Khardal
Dutch	: Mosterd
Italian	: Senape
Portuguese	: Mostarda
Russian	: Gorchitsa
Japanese	: Shiro Karashi
Chinese	: Chieh

2.Cinnamon

Description
The "True Cinnamon" or Sri Lankan Cinnamon is the dried inner stem bark of Cinnamomum Verum. Cinnamon plants are grown as bushes. When the plants are of two years age, they typically measure at about 2 meter in high and 8-12 cm at the base. It is at this stage they are ready for harvesting.
Origin and Distribution
Cinnamomum verum is mostly cultivated in Sri Lanka, Malagasy Republic and Seychelles. It has originated in the central hills of Sri Lanka. In India, it is grown in one or two locations in Kerala. Cinnamon is a hardy plant and is cultivated in Sri Lanka under varying conditions ranging from semi dried to wet zone conditions. The ideal temperature for growing cinnamon is between 20-30 degree C and rainfall between 1250 to 2500 mm. It thrives well as a forest tree at 300-350 meter above MsL.
Uses
The commercial products of cinnamon are quills, quillings, featherings, chips, cinnamon bark oil and cinnamon leaf oil. 'Quills' are scraped peel of the inner bark of the mature cinnamon shoots, joined together with overlapping tubes, the hollow of which has been filled with smaller pieces of cinnamon peels which is dried first in the sun and thereafter in the shade. 'Quillings' are broken pieces and splits of all grades of cinnamon quills. 'Featherings' are feather like pieces of inner bark consisting of shavings and small pieces of bark left over. Cinnamon 'chips' are rough unpeelable barks scraped off from the thicker stems. Cinnamon leaf and bark oil are obtained by distilling the leaf and bark separately. Cinnamon bark is a popular spice with a delicate fragrance and a warm agreeable taste. It is used in the form of small pieces or powder. It is widely used in flavouring confectionary, liquors, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It is found to help diabetics in digestion of sugar. It has astringent; stimulant and carminative properties and can check nausea and vomiting. The cinnamon bark oil has anti-fungal properties and cinnamon leaf oil is widely used in perfumery and cosmetics

Botanical name	Family name	Commercial part
Cinnamomum verum	Lauraceae	Bark, leaf

Indian Names
Hindi	: Dalchini, Darchini
Bengali	: Dalchini
Gujarati	: Dalchini
Kannada	: Lavangapattai
Malayalam	: Karuvapatta
Marathi	: Dalchini
Oriya	: Dalchini
Punjabi	: Dalchini
Sanskrit	: Darushila
Tamil	: Karuvapattai, Sannalavangapattai
Urdu	: Dalchini

3.Garlic

Description

Garlic is a hardy, bulbous, rooted, perennial plant with narrow flat leaves and bears small white flowers and bulbils. The compound bulb consists of 6 to 34 bulblets called 'cloves' which are surrounded by a common, thin, white or pinkish papery sheet. Garlic has a strong flavour and taste.

Origin and Distribution

Garlic is a native of West Asia and Mediterranean area. China, Korea, India, USA, Spain, Argentina and Egypt are the major garlic growing countries.

Garlic prefers cool weather and grow in a well-drained, moderately clay loam at higher elevation (900 to 1200 mtrs).

Uses

Garlic is used for flavouring various dishes practically all over the world. In United States almost half of the produce is dehydrated for use in mayonnaise products, salad dressings and in several meat preparations. Raw garlic is used in the preparation of garlic powder, garlic salt, garlic vinegar, garlic cheese croutins, garlicked potato chips, garlic bread, garlicked bacon etc. Spray dried garlic products, liquid garlic preparations are other products. In India and other Asian and Middle East Countries, garlic is used in pickles, curry powders, curried vegetables, meat preparations etc. Oil of garlic is used as a flavouring agent in soups, canned foods, sauces etc.

The other properties are anti-bacterial, fungicidal and insecticidal. In the area of medicine, it is used for various ailments of stomach, skin diseases. It has wider applications in indigenous medicines and is also considered as highly nutritive.

Botanical name	Family name	Commercial part
Allium sativum	Liliaceae	Bulb

Indian Name
Assamese	: Naharu
Hindi	: Lasun, Lessan, Lahsun
Bengali	: Rashun
Gujarati	: Lasan
Kannada	: Bellulli
Kashmiri	: Ruhan
Malayalam	: Vellulli
Marathi	: Lusson
Oriya	: Rasuna
Punjabi	: Lassan, Lasun
Sanskrit	: Lashuna
Tamil	: Ullipundu, Vellaippundu
Telugu	: Velluri
Urdu	: Lassun, Leshun

4.Ginger

Description

Ginger of commerce is the dried underground stem of the herbaceous tropical plant grown as an annual. The whole plant is refreshingly aromatic and the underground rhizome, raw or processed, is valued as spice. Ginger is a slender perennial herb, 30-50 cm tall with palmately branched rhizome bearing leafy shoots. The leafy shoot is a pseudostem formed by leaf sheath and bears 8 to 12 distichous leaves. The inflorescence is a spike springs directly from the rhizome.

Origin and Distribution

It is a tropical plant with the centre of distribution in India and Malaysia. Now it is widely cultivated in India, Jamaica, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Malaysia, Southern China and Japan.

Ginger requires warm and humid climate and thrives well from sea level to an altitude of 1500 mtrs above MSL. A well distributed rainfall (150 to 300cm) during growing season and dry spells during land preparation and harvesting are required for the crop. Though grows on a wide range of soils, lateritic loams are preferred for higher yields.

Uses

Fresh ginger, dry ginger powder, oleoresin and oil are used in food processing. It is indispensable in the manufacture of ginger bread, confectionary, ginger ale, curry powders, certain curried meats, table sauces, in pickling and in the manufacture of certain cordials, ginger cocktail, carbonate drinks, liquors etc.

In medicine, it is used as carminative and stimulant. It has wider applications in indigenous medicines. The ginger oil is used as food flavourant in soft drinks.

Botanical name	Family name	Commercial part
Zingiber officinale Roscoe	Zingiberaceae	The rhizome

Indian Names
Hindi	: Adrak
Bengali	: Ada
Gujarati	: Adu
Kannada	: Shunti, Ardraka
Malayalam	: Inchi
Marathi	: Ale
Oriya	: Ada
Punjabi	: Adrak
Sanskrit	: Ardraka
Tamil	: Inji
Telugu	: Allamu, Sonthi
Urdu	: Adrak, Adhrak

Name in international languages

Spanish	: Jengibre
French	: Gingembre
German	: Ingwer
Swedish	: Ingefara
Arabic	: Zanjabil
Dutch	: Gember
Italian	: Zenzero
Portuguese	: Gengibre
Russian	: Imbir
Japanese	: Shoga
Chinese	: Chiang

Name in international languages

Spanish	: Ajo
French	: Ail
German	: Knoblanch
Swedish	: Vitlok
Arabic	: Thum
Dutch	: Knoflook
Italian	: Agilio
Portuguese	: Alho
Russian	: Chesnok
Japanese	: Ninniku
Chinese	: Suan

4.Clove

Description
The clove of commerce is the air-dried unopened flower bud obtained from evergreen medium sized tree. The tree grows to a height of 10-12 mtrs and start flowering in about 7 years. It continues to produce flower buds for 80 or more years. It is a valuable spice of the orient. Clove clusters are plucked by hand when the buds are fully developed with a pronounced pink flush and then dried over several days in the sun. Unopened flower buds, leaves and stalks yield essential oil.
Origin and Distribution
The plant is indigenous to North Molucca Islands of Indonesia. It is also grown in Zanzibar, Madagascar, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and India. The tree prefers well drained rich soil with sufficient soil moisture throughout the year. High atmospheric temperature (25 to 35 degree C) with heavy sun light, good and well-distributed rainfall (above 150 cm) and high humidity (above 70%) are preferred.
Uses
The use of clove in whole or ground form is mainly for culinary purposes and as a flavouring agent in food industry. Its flavour blends well with both sweet and savory dishes. It is highly valued in medicine as carminative, aromatic and stimulant. In Indonesia, the lion share of production is consumed in production of 'kretek' cigarettes. The antiseptic and antibiotic properties of clove oil are used in medicine especially in dentistry, oral and pharyngeal treatments. It has wider applications in preparations of toothpaste and mouthwashes, soaps and perfumes. It is also reported to help diabetics in sugar assimilations.

Botanical name	Family name	Commercial part
Syzygium aromaticum	Myrtaceae	Unopened flower bud

Indian Names
Hindi	: Lung
Bengali	: Lawang
Gujarati	: Lavang
Kannada	: Lavanga
Malayalam	: Grambu
Marathi	: Luvang
Oriya	: Labang
Punjabi	: Laung
Sanskrit	: Lavanga
Tamil	: Kirambu, Lavangam
Telugu	: Lavangalu
Urdu	: Laung

5.Cumin

Description

Cumin is the dried, white fruit with greyish brown colour of a small slender annual herb. The surface of the fruit has 5 primary ridges, alternatively has 4 less distinct secondary ridges bearing numerous short hairs. The plant is 15 to 50 cm high. The aromatic seed like fruit is elongated, ovoid, 3 to 6 mm long, slightly bitter and has a warm flavour. The flowers are white or rose coloured in small umbels.

Origin and Distribution

Cumin is indigenous to Northern Egypt, Syria, the Mediterranean region, Iran and India. It is also cultivated in Mexico, China, Sicily and Malta. Cumin is a tropical plant and is cultivated as a rabi crop in areas where atmospheric humidity during February-March is low.

Uses

Cumin seed have an aromatic odour and bitter taste. It is used as a condiment, and is an ingredient in curry powders, seasonings of breads, cakes and cheese. It is employed in native dishes of Central and South America. In medicine, it is used as a stimulant, carminative, stomachic and astringent. Cumin seed oil is used in perfumery and for flavouring liqueurs and cordials.

Botanical name	Family name	Commercial part
Cuminum cyminum L.	Apiaceae	Fruit

Indian Names
Hindi	: Jira, Jeera, Zira or Safaid jeera Or Zeera
Bengali	: Safaid jira or Zeera
Gujarati	: Jiru or Jeeru
Kannada	: Jeeriege
Kashmiri	: Zyur
Malayalam	: Jeerakam
Marathi	: Jeregire
Oriya	: Jira, Jeera
Sindhi	: Zero
Sanskrit	: Jiraka, Jira,
Tamil	: Ziragum or Jeeragam
Telugu	: Jidakara, Jikaka

Name in international languages

Spanish	: Comino
French	: Cumin
German	: Romischer Kummel
Swedish	: Spiskummin
Arabic	: Kammun
Dutch	: Komijn
Italian	: Comino
Portuguese	: Cominho
Russian	: Kmin
Chinese	: Machin

6.Tamarind

Description

The ripe fruit of tamarind tree is used as a condiment. It is a moderate size to large, evergreen tree, up to 24 mtr in high and 7 mtr in girth. Bark is brown or dark gray, longitudinally and horizontally fissured. Leaves are paripinnate up to 15 cm long, leaflets are 10-20 pairs, oblong, 8-30 mm. Flowers are small, yellowish with pink stripes, pods are 7.5-20 cm long, 2.5 cm broad, 1 cm thick, more or less constricted between seeds, slightly curved, brownish coloured. Seeds are 3-12 oblong compressed, 1.5 cm, dark brown shining. Endocarp is light brownish, sweetish or acidic, edible pulp, traversed by branched ligneous strands. The outer cover of the pod is fragile and easily separable.

Origin and Distribution

Tamarind is originated in Madagascar and is now extensively cultivated in India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, several African, Central American and South American countries. In India, it is chiefly grown in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

The tree is not exacting as regards to soil but thrives best in deep alluvium. The tree prefers warm climate but sensitive to frost. Tamarind is suited to semi-tropical region with low rainfall. It can come up even in saline, alkali and gravelly soils, and soils prone to erosion.

Uses

Tamarind pulp is used in numerous culinary preparations. It is also a raw material for the preparation of wine like beverages. The tamarind kernel powder is found to be extensively used for its sizing properties, in textile, confectionary, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. The testa is used in dyeing and tanning industry. The tender leaves and flowers are used as vegetables.

In medicine, it is used as appetizing, laxative, healing and anti-helmintic. It is also used against fluorosis.

Botanical name	Family name	Commercial part
Tamarindus indica L.	Cesalpiniaceae	Pods

7.Turmeric

Description

Turmeric is the boiled, dried, cleaned and polished rhizomes Curcuma longa. The plant is a herbaceous perennial, 60-90 cm high, with a short stem and tufted leaf. There are 7 to 12 leaves, the leaf sheaths forms the pseudo stem. The lamina is green above and pale green below and has a length of 30-40 cm and width 8-12 cm. Inflorescence is a central spike of 10-15 cm length. 1-4 flowers are born in axil of the bract opening one at a time. About 30 flowers are produced in a spike. Seeds are produced in capsules and there will be one to numerous sunken capsules in an inflorescence.

Origin and Distribution

It is a native of India. Apart from India, it is cultivated in Pakistan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Korea, China, Sri Lanka, Nepal, East & West Africa, South Pacific Islands, Malagasy, Caribbean Islands and Central America. In India, it is cultivated in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.

Turmeric is a tropical crop cultivated from sea level to 1200 meter MSL. It grows in light black, black clayey loams and red soils in irrigated and rainfed conditions. The crop cannot stand water logging or alkalinity.

Uses

Turmeric is used to flavour and to colour foodstuffs. It is a principal ingredient in curry powder. Turmeric oleoresin is used in brine pickles and to some extend in mayonnaise and relish formulations, non-alcoholic beverages, gelatins, butter and cheese etc. The colour curcumin extracted from turmeric is used as a colourant.

Turmeric is also used as a dye in textile industry. It is used in the preparation of medicinal oils, ointments and poultice. It is stomachic, carminative, tonic, blood purifier and an antiseptic. It is used in cosmetics. The aqueous extracts has biopesticidal properties.

Botanical name	Family name	Commercial part
Curcuma longa L.	Zingiberaceae	Rhizome or underground stem

Indian Names
Hindi	: Haldi
Bengali	: Halud, Pitras
Gujarati	: Haldhar, Haldi
Kannada	: Arishia
Konkani	: Halad
Malayalam	: Manjal
Marathi	: Halede, Halad
Oriya	: Haldil
Punjabi	: Haldar, Haldhar, Haldi
Sanskrit	: Haladi, Harita
Tamil	: Manjal
Telugu	: Pasupu
Urdu	: Haladi

Name in international languages

Spanish	: Curcuma
French	: Curcuma
German	: Kurkuma Gelbwurzel
Swedish	: Gurkmeja
Arabic	: Kurkum
Dutch	: Geelwortel
Italian	: Curcuma
Portuguese	: Acafrao-da-India
Russian	: Zholty Imbir
Japanese	: Ukon
Chinese	: Yu.Chin

THE COLOURS OF EXCITEMENT

2008-02-20T09:40:00.001-08:00

Warm colors rev us up and get us going. The warmth of red, yellow, or orange can create excitement or even anger. Warm colors convey emotions from simple optimism to strong violence. The neutrals of black and brown also carry warm attributes.

In nature, warm colors represent change as in the changing of the seasons or the eruption of a volcano. Tone down the strong emotions of a warm palette with some soothing cool or neutral colors or by using the lighter side of the warm palette such as pinks, pale yellows, and peach.

Warm colors appear larger than cool colors so red can visually overpower blue even if used in equal amounts. Warm colors appear closer while their cool counterparts visually recede on the page.

The profiles for each of these warm colors include descriptions of their nature, cultural color meanings, how to use each color in design work, and which colors work best together.

WEIGHT & MEASURES 4 COOKINg

2008-02-20T07:54:00.001-08:00

What does it mean?
c = cup
t = tsp = teaspoon
T = tbsp = tablespoon
C = Celsius
F = Fahrenheit
g = gr = gram
kg = kilogram

Pound, cups, tablespoon and teaspoon conversions assume the base weight-volume of water
1 pound = 2 cups
1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons = 0..5 oz = 15 grams
1 teaspoon = 0.17 oz = 5 grams
pinch is less than 1/8 teaspoon
dl = deciliter = 1/10 of a liter = 1/2 cup

Weight-volume of:
Flour: 1 pound = 3 1/2 cups
Sugar: 1 pound = 2 1/4 cups

One stick of butter is 1/4 pound or about 110 grams.
Butter in the US is sold in one pound boxes, each box containing 4 sticks.

Decimals
0.25 = 1/4
0.33 = 1/3
0.50 = 1/2
0.66 = 2/3
0.75 = 3/4

Metric Conversion Chart

US Canadian Australian
1/4 tsp 1 mL 1 ml
1/2 tsp 2 mL 2 ml
1 tsp 5 mL 5 ml
1 Tbl 15 mL 20 ml
1/4 cup 50 mL 60 ml
1/3 cup 75 mL 80 ml
1/2 cup 125 mL 125 ml
2/3 cup 150 mL 170 ml
3/4 cup 175 mL 190 ml
1 cup 250 mL 250 ml
1 quart 1 liter 1 litre

Weight
1 ounce 30 grams 30 grams
2 " 55 " 60 "
3 " 85 " 90 "
4 " 115 " 125 "
8 " 225 " 225 "
16 " 455 " 500 " (1/2 kilogram)

Temperatures
Fahrenheit Celsius
32 degrees 0 degrees
212 " 100 "
250 " 120 "
275 " 140 "
300 " 150 "
325 " 160 "
350 " 180 "
375 " 190 "
400 " 200 "
425 " 220 "
450 " 230 "
475 " 240 "
500 " 260 "

How to Store Your Food So It Lasts Longer

2008-02-12T05:15:00.000-08:00

Organize fruits and veggies: We often toss produce into crispers together, but apples and some other fruits give off gas called ethylene that speeds ripening in vegetables. So store them separate, so vegetables don't ripen too fast

Know which need room temperature: We tend to keep most of our fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator. But cold temperatures can actually damage some produce, like squash, tomatoes and oranges

Use your own packaging: That flimsy package from the butcher won't protect your meat from freezer burn. Put it in a vacuum sealed or sip lock bag with the air squeezed out

Protect your dry goods: Dry kitchen products like flour, cornmeal and other grains can attract bugs that make them unusable. Instead, stash them in the refrigerator or the freezer where they will be safe from pests

Chill your bananas: Most of us keep our bananas on the kitchen counter. But it seems like they spoil almost as soon as they ripen. Instead, store them in your refrigerator once they have ripened. The skin will turn brown but the inside lasts a lot longer

Shield leftovers from the air: Many of us end up throwing out leftovers because they went bad. To prevent it, don't just cover the top of the bowl with foil or plastic wrap. Instead, transfer your leftovers to an airtight food storage container to keep them fresh

So keep it fresh longer. Oxygen damages food, so air tight packaging will help keep things fresh.

Conversion Tables

2008-02-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

Dimensions
Inches	Centimeter
1/2 inch 1 inch 1 1/2 inch 2 inches 3 inches 4 inches 5 inches 9 inches 11 inches 13 inches	1 cm 2.5 cm 4 cm 5 cm 8 cm 10 cm 12 cm 23 cm 28 cm 33 cm

Oven temperatures
Fahrenheit	Celsius
250°F 275°F 300°F 325°F 350°F 375°F 400°F 425°F 450°F 475°F 500°F 550°F	120°C 140°C 150°C 160°C 180°C 190°C 200°C 220°C 230°C 240°C 260°C 290°C

Volume and Weight
Volume Measure	Metric Equivalent
1/4tsp 1/2 tsp 1 tsp 1 tbsp (3 tsp) 2 tbsp (1 fluid oz) 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) (2 fluid oz) 1/3 cup 1/2 cup (8 tbsp) (4 fluid oz) 2/3 cup 3/4 cup (6 fluid oz) 1 cup (8 fluid oz) 1 pint (2 cups) 1 quart (4 cups)	1 mL 2 mL 5 mL 15 mL 25 mL 50 mL 75 mL 125 mL 150 mL 175 mL 250 mL 500 mL 1 L

Ingredient Equivalents

1 egg = 3tbsp = 2 oz = 50 mL

1 egg yolk = 1 tbsp = 1 oz = 15 mL

1 egg white = 2 tbsp = 1 oz = 25 mL

8 to 10 egg whites = 1 cup = 250 mL

1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar = 6 1/2 oz (165 g

1 lb (500 g) granulated sugar = 2 cups(500 mL)

1 oz (50g) granulated sugar = 2tbsp (25 mL)

1 lb (500 g) icing sugar = 3 1/2 cups (875 mL)

1 lb (500 g) brown sugar = 2 1/4 cups (550 mL) (packed)

4 tbsp (50 mL) flour = 1 oz (25 g)

1 lb (500 g) all purpose flour = 4 cups (1 L)

1 lb (500 g) cake flour = 4 1/2 cups (1.12L)

1 lb (500 g) margerine = 2 cups (500 mL)

16 tbsp margerine = 1 cup (250 mL)

4 tbsp margerine = 1/4 cup (50 mL)

4 cups (1 L) cocoa = 1 lb (500 g)

1 square chocolate = 1/4 cup (50 mL) grated

1 lemon = 2 tbsp (25 mL) rind and 3 tbsp (50 mL) juice

1 orange = 2 tbsp (25 mL) rind and 1/2 cup (125 mL) juice

1 tsp (5 mL) grated rind = 1/2 tsp (2 mL) lemon extract

3 cups (750 mL) raisins = 1 lb (500 g)

8 oz (250 g) marshmallows = 32 large = 3 1/4 cups (800 mL) mini

1 envelope gelatin = 1 tbsp (15 mL)

1 envelope will gel 2 cups (500mL) liquid

1 envelope dry granular yeast = 1 tbsp (15 mL)

1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh grated horseradish = 2 tbsp (25 mL) prepared

1 lb (500 g) cottage cheese = 2 cups (500mL)

2 oz (50 g) grated cheese = 1/2 cup (125 mL)

1 lb (500 g) Cheddar = 4 to 5 cups (1 L to 1.25 L) grated

12 graham wafers = 1 cup (250 mL) finely ground

1 slice bread = 1/4 cup (50 mL) dry = 1/2 cup (125 mL) soft

Ice Cream - Fascinating Fact

2008-02-02T03:30:00.001-08:00

Ice Cream - Fascinating Facts

The most popular flavor of ice cream is Vanilla

Vanilla comes from the plant vanilla planifolia - a member of the orchid family - grown mainly in Madagascar but also Mexico, parts of South America, Tahiti and islands off E. Africa. The vanilla extract produced from the plant in each of these areas has its own very distinct characteristics.

The most popular topping for ice cream is chocolate syrup

Ice cream as an industry has an estimated global value of 7.5 billion (USD 11bn).

The world's top 5 consumers of ice cream in order are: USA, New Zealand, Denmark, Australia, Belgium/Luxembourg. In the USA, July is officially recognised as 'National Ice Cream Month'; designated by President Reagan in 1984, the idea behind it was for people to celebrate the fun in ice cream as well as recognising its nutritious value.

In the UK, there are more than 1,000 ice cream companies with annual consumption estimated at 8 litres per person. Extra fascinating fact - ice cream consumption in the USA is circa 21 litres per person per year.

Licking the bowl clean after eating ice cream is admitted to by approx 13% of men and 8% of women.

Binging on ice cream in the middle of the night is apparently done by 1 out of every 5 ice cream eaters! Also, they're usually in the 18-24 year old age bracket and its' claimed that men do this more than women!

Sharing ice cream with a pet cat or dog is done by approx 5% of people.

Biggest ice cream sundae - 12ft tall made with 4,667 gallons of ice cream - California, USA 1985.

The best temperature at which to serve ice cream is believed to be 8 degrees F.

Ice cream figured in the lives of some of the most famous people in history including Marco Polo, Emperor Nero and Charles I.

Elvis Presley is said to have loved ice cream - apparently his favourites were chocolate milkshakes and peach ice cream.

Many songs refer to ice cream in their lyrics - eg. 'Your love is better than ice cream' (Sarah McLachlan)

Approx 9% of milk produced by dairy farmers in the USA goes into producing ice cream.

useful. use full

2008-02-01T06:41:00.000-08:00

1 EMERGENCY

* The Emergency Number worldwide for **Mobile** is 112 ...* If you find yourself out of coverage area of your mobile network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. **Try it out.**

2 Have you locked your keys in the car? Does you car have remote keys?

This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone.

Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).

Editor's Note: *It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a cell phone!'*

3 Hidden Battery power

Imagine your cell battery is very low , you are expecting an important call and you don't have a charger. Nokia instrument comes with a reserve battery. To activate, press the keys *3370# Your cell will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell next time.

AND
4 How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?

To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: * # 0 6 #

A 15 digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. when your phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless.

You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either.

If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

Wedding Favors - Ideas To Keep The Cost Down

2008-01-27T05:17:00.001-08:00

I like the idea of creating your own wedding favors from the author. Not only will it be an unique wedding favor, it will also be very meaningful for the guests who attended your wedding.

Wedding favors are small gifts that the bride and groom give to thank their guests for attending their special day. This token of appreciation also provides everyone with a memento of your wedding day.

The hardest part is deciding what type of wedding favor to give your guests, as there are thousands of options to choose from.

So consider the rest of your wedding preparations. You might be able to find a small gift that reflects the general theme of your wedding. In Scotland, many people continue the cultural theme and give minature bottles of whisky decorated with tartan ribbon to their guests.

And if you're on a tight budget, but still want to give your guests something special to remember the day, here are a few things to consider.

1) Set A Budget

The first thing to do is to sit down with your partner and work out how much you have to spend on wedding favors. Once you've got a figure to work with it will help to narrow down your options and prevent you from overspending.

Wedding favors don't have to be overly lavish, it's the thought that counts.

Coasters are one of these gifts that everyone can make use of, but nobody ever thinks about buying. They represent an inexpensive gift that's both decorative and practical. Other popular gifts are candles, coffee/tea, or bath products such as soap.

Alternatively, your favors could relate to an interest that you or your partner have, such as wine tasting (a miniture bottle) or golf (a couple of golf tees tied with ribbon). In fact any little charm or trinket that has some relevance to your wedding could be considered a wedding favor. You're only limited by your imagination and budget.

2) Start Your Search Online

There are many different companies and shops that specialise in providing wedding accessories and favors. But one of the best options is to shop for your wedding favors online.

The internet makes it possible for you to search dozens of retailers from the comfort of your own home, instead of spending weeks trailing from store to store. In just a few hours it's possible to work out what's available and how much it will cost.

And due to their lower overheads, most internet retailers will be able to offer you a far better price than their high street counterparts. The vast majority of wedding favors only cost one of two dollars each, so it will certainly save you a lot of time, money and shoe leather.

3) Beware Of All The Tricks

If you decide to buy your favors from a store make sure that you ask to be shown items in your price range. Certain sales people will try to bump up the size of your order by showing you items of a slightly higher quality (and price) than you were looking for. Then, when they show you equivalent items from a cheaper range, the temptation is to go for the higher priced items, reasoning "it's only 50 cents extra per item!" This is one temptation that doesn't exist when you buy your favors online.

4) Consider Making Your Own Wedding Favors

For example, you could buy a collection of minature candles and bundle them together with various beads and ribbons. Alternatively, you could buy wax figures of the bride and groom and decorate them to match the character of you and your partner. The more work that you do, the less your wedding favors will cost.

5) Know How Many Favors You Need

Before you buy your favors, find out exactly how many people are coming to your wedding, so that you don't buy more favors than necessary. Although it's always a good idea to have a couple spare incase of unexpected guests. And find out how many of your guests are couples. You could consider giving a slightly better favor to each couple instead of one per person. This will reduce the overall cost of your wedding favors.

If your wedding budget is more generous you could consider custom engraved wedding favors, silver plated gifts or even a small crystal ornament. Crystal favors are universally popular, provide a touch of class and will last your guests a lifetime.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Working from Home

2008-01-20T08:23:00.000-08:00

As more and more professionals seek a better work-life balance and more companies adopt flexible policies to accommodate shifting workplace priorities and realities the working from home option is becoming increasingly viable. Employees see this as an ideal means to remain in the workforce and continue to be employed thereby maintaining all the tangible benefits of being part of an established company, while enjoying all the advantages of being based at home. The option has its potential pitfalls however and below we discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of working from home.

Advantages

Savings on hidden costs

By working at home you save on many hidden costs associated with going to work. These include costs of commuting, car wear and tear, fuel, road taxes, parking as well as indirect costs such as expensive professional wardrobes and the dry-cleaning of those. Often you can also save on older children’s care arrangements although for younger children it is highly unadvisable to forgo the childcare arrangement and try to balance close care and supervision with the demands of the job.

Flexibility

This doesn’t just relate to timings either although the flexibility to determine your own work hours to some extent is the most important aspect of this. You can also determine your environment, lighting, temperature, setting, mood; basically work in the framework that suits you best and makes you happiest and most productive.

Less distractions

Coworkers banter and distractions, unnecessary interruptions, unimportant meetings can all be avoided if you are safely at home and sealed off in your own environment which you have barricaded from any possible interruptions.

Proximity to home and family

For many, the physical proximity to family and the convenience of being at home are tremendously comforting. For parents it can be especially pacifying to know that they are very near to their children and available should they be needed for any reason. This also applies in the case of elderly care.

Less stress

The stress of commuting in bumper-to-bumper traffic at rush hour in many countries is extremely counterproductive and can lead to disgruntled workers who are already exhausted and worn before they have even begun their day. This is especially true where the workplace is far from the office. Other stresses often cited include unfriendly coworkers, a suboptimal work environment and constant distractions.

More productivity

Removed from the stresses and distractions of the workplace and working independently in their own preferred environment at their own pace, professionals are often a lot happier and a lot more productive.

Better health

Often with long commutes and anywhere from 1 to 3 hours a day spent getting to and from the workplace both physical and mental health are adversely impacted; the former as the gym hours are usually the first to go and the latter due to the stresses associated with both the commute and the workplace itself. By working at home the commuting time saved enables you to resume physical exercise, to go for a long walk for example before and after work or to join a local gym.

Better work/life balance

Work/life balance, the aspiration of the modern professional, is often achieved and tuned to satisfaction through a working at home arrangement, particularly when a professional has the flexibility to report into the office and work from the office partially as an option and can fine-tune the arrangement to achieve the most optimal balance.

Disadvantages

Isolation

Often, professionals working from home complain of isolation and loneliness given their removal from their bosses and coworkers and this can be very depressing to some. Since the workplace provides a location to meet people and make friends for many, professionals working from home have to be more creative and resourceful in getting to know people and in staying in touch with their colleagues.

Distractions

Although office distractions are avoided by working at home, different distractions may arise. Interruptions from children, work, neighbours, friends, family may be very disruptive and special efforts must be made to make it known that you are actually working and unavailable for interruption within work hours despite your physical presence at home.

Difficulty in separating home from work

The temptation to engage in household matters since you are at home is often very strong. Suddenly you may start feeling obliged to clean the home, do the shopping, the childcare, the cooking, the home finances and the socializing all while meeting the full requirements of the job too. It is essential to draw the line between home and work so as to avoid both areas suffering.

Work doesn’t end

Since there is no-one looking over your shoulder enforcing strict hours you may feel tempted to work endlessly. This pressure to work endlessly may be compounded by the fact that you feel there are greater expectations made of you as a home-worker or by self-imposed pressures to prove yourself and your abilities in this arrangement. Moreover the lack of physical separation between home and work may add to this pressure to work endlessly.

Alienated from daily company developments

A lot can change from day to day in a company and you may find yourself removed from important developments such as staff changes, new business, changes in company direction, new competitive intelligence etc.

Danger of being overlooked for promotion

The danger of being overlooked for promotions and career development opportunities is quite real when you are away from the office and other more visible employees are actively and aggressively vying for them. An open line of communication with management and regular visits to the office are critical in order to prove your dedication and commitment to your career and to prevent the out-of-sight-out-of-mind syndrome.

Need for high self-discipline

Working from home is not for anyone. It takes a lot of dedication, self-control and discipline to motivate yourself to persevere in working at home alone over the long run without succumbing to the distractions and losing drive and momentum. Often a partial arrangement where you report into the office once or twice a week is the optimal arrangement as it allows for close interaction with colleagues and supervisors and ensures you remain in touch with company developments while still permitting you the comfort and convenience of working from home.

Phishing Filter: Help protect yourself from online scams

2008-01-19T03:30:00.000-08:00

Help protect yourself from online scams

Three ways Phishing Filter helps protect you

Phishing Filter includes several patent-pending technologies designed to warn or block you from potentially harmful Web sites.

1.	A built-in filter in your browser that scans the Web addresses and Web pages you visit for characteristics associated with known online Web fraud or phishing scams, and warns you if sites you visit are suspicious.
2.	An online service to help block you from confirmed scams with up-to-the-hour information about reported phishing Web sites. (Phishing sites often appear and disappear in 24–48 hours, so up-to-the-hour information is critical to protection.)
3.	A built-in way for you to report suspicious sites or scams. With Phishing Filter, you can help provide valuable information on any Web sites you believe are potentially fraudulent phishing attacks. You submit the information to Microsoft and Microsoft evaluates it. If the information is confirmed, the online service adds the information to a database to help protect the community of Internet Explorer and Windows Live toolbar users.

Phishing Filter is available today in Windows Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), and in Windows Vista.

It is also available in the new Windows Live Toolbar for users of Internet Explorer 6 and above.

How to get Phishing Filter

There are two ways to get Phishing Filter:

•	Upgrade your browser to Internet Explorer 7 with Phishing Filter built-in.
•	Install the new Windows Live Toolbar and the Windows Live OneCare advisor add-in with Phishing Filter built-in.

How Phishing Filter works in Internet Explorer 7

After you download and install Internet Explorer 7, you can turn on the Phishing Filter.

If you don’t do this when you install Internet Explorer 7, you can also turn on Phishing Filter at any time. On the Internet Explorer 7 Tools menu, click Phishing Filter.

Phishing Filter recognizes two types of Web sites:

•	Suspected phishing Web sites.
•	Known phishing Web sites.

If you visit a suspected phishing site when you surf the Web, Phishing Filter displays a yellow warning, as shown here:

If you attempt to visit a known phishing site, Phishing Filter blocks you from visiting the site and displays a red warning page, as shown below. You are then prevented from entering any information into that site.

How Phishing Filter works in Windows Live Toolbar

After you download and install the new Windows Live Toolbar, install the OneCare Advisor button, which includes the Phishing Filter.

If you visit a suspected phishing site while surfing the Web, Phishing Filter displays a yellow warning, as shown below.

If you attempt to visit a known phishing site, Phishing filter displays a red warning and makes the Web site unavailable. You are blocked from entering any information into any Web form on that site.

Bank ATM's Converted to Steal IDs of Bank Customers

2008-01-18T07:09:00.000-08:00

A team of organized criminals are installing equipment on legitimate bank ATM's in at least 2 regions to steal both the ATM card number and the PIN. The team sits nearby in a car receiving the information transmitted wirelessly over weekends and evenings from equipment they install on the front of the ATM (see photos). If you see an attachment like this, do not use the ATM and report it immediately to the bank using the phone on the front of the ATM.

The equipment used to capture your ATM card number and PIN are cleverly disguised to look like normal ATM equipment. A "skimmer" is mounted to the front of the normal ATM card slot that reads the ATM card number and transmits it to the criminals sitting in a nearby car.

At the same time, a wireless camera is disguised to look like a leaflet holder and is mounted in a position to view ATM PIN entries.

The thieves copy the cards and use the PIN numbers to withdraw thousands from many accounts in a very short time directly from the bank ATM.

Equipment being installed on front of existing bank card slot.

The equipment as it appears installed over the normal ATM bank slot.

The PIN reading camera being installed on the ATM is housed in an innocent looking leaflet enclosure.

The camera shown installed and ready to capture PIN's by looking down on the keypad as you enter your PIN

Find and Remove Duplicate Files to Free Up Hard Disk Space

2008-01-14T05:51:00.000-08:00

Find and Remove Duplicate Files to Free Up Hard Disk Space

. Duplicate File Finder

- This is the easiest software to find duplicate files and also with only a click of a button, it will remove all old duplicate files. Portable, simple graphical user interface and no configuration at all. The method being used to scan for duplicate file is raw binary comparison of the actual data inside the file. It is 100% accurate using this method. Original Files are determined by creation date, if it was created first, it is considered the original file. Took 2 minutes and 29 secs to scan 106GB (23950 files). Not able to select which folder to exclude scanning, so you have to avoid adding root of a drive to the path.
[ Download Duplicate File Finder ]

2. Heatsoft Clone Cleaner Lite

- Nothing much to configure. Just add the path that you want to scan and search. By default it protects Windows, Program Files and hidden folders. Took 2 minutes 5 seconds to scan 106GB (23950 files). It uses TABS to show you the scan result in same name, same size, same name and size, same content, full clones and zero size. It has Smart Mark where you can automatically mark the duplicate files to be deleted.
[ Download Heatsoft Clone Cleaner Lite ]

3. DupKiller

- DupKiller has all types of scanning methods. Same name, same date and time, same size, same type(extension), similar name and same content. The same content is raw binary comparison which is 100% accurate. Has very good exclusion option but unfortunately very slow in binary comparison. Took 4 minutes 55 seconds to scan 0.3% of 106GB (23950 files). It automatically saving and loading of previous scanned results by default. You can turn it off at the options page.
[ Download DupKiller ]

4. Easy Duplicate Finder

- Able to exclude system folders (windows and program files). It says that it search for true duplicates (files with same contents). Took 1 minute 46 seconds to scan 106GB (23950 files). This can be a really good duplicate finder BUT there is no way to easily select all duplicates and delete them with one click. It found 5809 duplicates on my computer and I am going to have a hard time selecting them one by one.
[ Download Easy Duplicate Finder ]

5. DoubleKiller

- Ability to scan for duplicates using names, sizes, dates and CRC32. All methods used here is not 100% accurate. CRC32 is not 100% because there is a very small probability of two files having the same checksum although they are not identical. If you want to use raw binary comparison, you need to PURCHASE the PRO version.
[ Download DoubleKiller ]

6. CloneSpy

- CloneSpy is another one that doesn't do raw binary comparison. It only compares checksums, same name and approximate size.

[ Download CloneSpy ]