Happy Parents' Day!

Happy Parents Day!

"Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands."
-Anne Frank

Happy Doctor's Day!

For a change we can prescribe all the doctors, a day full of smiles on Doctor's day.

This is a forwarded message from my inbox, thanking all the doctors for their service.

Somebody asked “You’re a doctor? How much do you make?”

I replied: “HOW MUCH DO I MAKE”

I can make holding your hand seem like the most important thing in the world when you’re scared ….

I can make your child breathe when they stop

I can help your father survive a heart attack

I can make myself get up at 4 am to make sure your mother has the medicine she needs to live…  and I will work straight through until 4 am to keep her alive and start the day all over again”

I work all day to save the lives of strangers…

I will drop everything and run a code blue for hours trying to keep you alive”

I make my family wait for dinner until I know your family member is taken care of...

I make myself skip lunch so that I can make sure everything that I did for your wife was correct...

I work weekends and holidays and through the night because people don’t just get sick Monday through Friday and during normal working hours

Today I might save your life

How much do I make?

All I know is, “I make a difference.”

"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." 
-Voltaire

Diamond wishes!

60th Wedding Anniversary. The "diamond jubilee" of love that was meant to be. My parents are fortunate to celebrate their anniversary this week.
Their love began since the day my dad tied the knot to my mom 60 years ago, in their teens. It was an arranged marriage. Even-though they had seen each other once before, they did not have a full picture of each other in their minds. During the ceremony, my parents, as any young couple did not understood the deeper meanings of the vows they were taking. They were in divine language, but they understood that they have be together in good or bad situations. With the blessing of their elders, their bond grew and will last for eternity. They have created memories which will last forever within the depths of their heart.
They have shared wonderful times together and with their family; and wish them to continue to cherish the joy that arises from that. I am sure they are proud to see their three children grow as responsible adults in leading their respective families. We are proud of having you as our parents!
Congratulations on your special anniversary and our heart felt wishes from your children, their spouses and grandchildren. We wish you both a healthy life with peace all around.

"The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret".

-Henry Youngman

Happy Women's Day!

Woman play a pivotal role in our life, as mother, sister, daughter, wife and friend. No matter whatever role they play, they shower love and care for others.

Dedicate this Women's Day by watching this amazing art video.

 

International Language Day!

According to UNESCO, out of about 6000 languages no more than 200 have the status of national language. Looking at these numbers, we can see many languages are endangered. 
Language is fragile. Language and culture are intimately linked, language holds meanings of rituals and cultures which is easily passed on to the next generation. The loss of language is more than the loss of transactional communication. For social purposes you may require and so have to learn different languages; that should not stop respecting your OWN mother-tongue, with which you grew up. Don't loose the sweetness of your mother-tongue which is close to your heart.
If your mother-tongue is Telugu (తెలుగు), you will definitely enjoy this video. You may find similar in your languages too.

"Speaking your mother-tongue is not a disability!"

-Colette Grinevald

Black beans

The general consensus in the health community is that beans are in general, a “health” food and that when combined with rice, form a perfect protein for vegetarians. Garbanzo beans (chickpeas), Moong beans, kidney beans, black-eyed beans, are not new to any kitchen. Black beans has entered our kitchen as they are one of the least processed and less chemically treated beans. Needless to say for its high content in fiber, protein, antioxidants along with numerous other vitamins and minerals. My research on internet made me believe among all the groups of food, no group has more health-supportive mix of protein plus fiber than beans. I figured out dried beans soaked and cooked at home have better taste and texture when compared to pre-cooked or canned beans. Black beans have satiny skin, leaves lots of colored water when soaked. Clean the soaked water couple of times until you get clear water before you cook. When cooked the bean have creamy texture and sweet flavor. It is best and easy to cook in a pressure cooker. Beans can be eaten in varied ways. I use black beans as any other beans in my cooking.
History: Native to Americas dates back at least 7000 years. 

Botanical name: Phaseolus vulgaris

One among the 14,000 species of beans

Health Benefits: 
Digestive Tract Benefits-regulate colon, prevent constipation and other bowel problems 
Benefits for Blood Sugar Regulation-glucose control 
Cardiovascular Benefits-heart health, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure

Usage:
Once you've cooked your black beans, they're easy to add to several dishes. 

The Cuban dish of black beans and white rice traditionally served on New Year's Day for good luck.
Can be used in salads, soups, in making Indian curries. I have used these beans replacing garbanzo in 'chole' which goes well with wheat tortillas or chapathis.

Black bean patties from ground black beans paste by adding spices.

Many refrain to eat beans to get these health benefits because of the side effects of Gas and Flatulence. To reduce these side effects cook beans with herbs like turmeric, cumin, bay leaf. If using canned wash and drain the water thoroughly. The body gradually adapts to increased bean consumption.

P.S. Approach with caution for any allergies when you try new food produce/products.

 "Hunger makes raw beans taste sweet."
-Dutch Proverb

Quiz of the day (52)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer.  

Constitution of India came into effect on this day in 1950 and India became Republic. Today India celebrates 64th Republic Day. Actually when was the Constitution of India enacted and signed by the Constituent Assembly?

a) 25^th Jan. 1950 

b) 26^th Nov. 1949 

c) 27^th Nov. 1949 

d) 26^th Jan. 1950

Quiz of the day (51) Answer: a) Songkran (from the Sanskrit word Sankranti, signifying the sun's shift from one zodiac to another celebrated on April13-15)

Quiz of the day (51)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer.  

Makara Sankranthi marks the transition of Sun from zodiac Saggitarus to Capricorn on January 14. In India regionally the harvest festival is celebrated with different names. Outside India also the festival is given due importance, in the countries like Nepal it is celebrated as Maghe Sakrati. Adapted from this festival with what name does Thailand people celebrate?

a) Songkran
b) Thingyan
c) Thirvah
d) Sundra 
Quiz of the day (50) Answer: c) 1907 (In 1907 Walter F. Palmer, chief electrician for The Times, creates the first New Year’s Eve Ball in response to the ask of publisher Adolph Ochs to create some kind of spectacular midnight show that would draw attention to the Square)
sankranthi quiz-2012 

Sankranthi wishes!

Happy Bhogi, Makara Sankranthi and Kanuma!

Swami Vivekananda Birthday!

Today January 12, 2013 is the 150 birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Every year his birthday is celebrated as youth day in India. The ideal way to honor a saint is by understanding his/her teachings.

Avocado

courtesy:www.benifitsof.us

Avocado has entered my kitchen as an experiment but has taken my counter space for its flavor, texture and nutritional value. I have experimented  by adding it to wheat tortillas or chapathis, dosa or pancake batter, dips and chutneys. Chocolate mousse with avocado, smoothie with coconut milk  is a definite try for dessert.
History: Native of Central and South America since 8,000 B.C.

Derived from the Aztec word-ahuacatl (means “testicle tree”)

Colloquially known as Alligator Pear (because of their alligator skin texture and pear shape)

Grows up to 65 feet in height and varies in weight from 8 ounces to 3 pounds depending upon the variety.

Fallbrook, California is the Avocado Capital of the World.

Health Benefits:

Promote heart health

Wide-Ranging Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Supports Cardiovascular Health

Promotes Blood Sugar Regulation

Anti-Cancer benefits

Usage:

Guacamole is the common recipe of avocado

Peeled, eaten as a fruit, pit is discarded

An ingredient in salsa, chutneys for spreads and dips

Can be added in a smoothie

Combine finely chopped bell peppers; tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice to mashed avocado (to have it with a toast or just as it is)

I add to the most common dip, ground cilantro, green chilies, lime juice and salt (my favorite).

Avocado oil is nature’s gift for hair and skin

P.S. Approach with caution for any allergies when you try new food produce/products.

"...the avocado is a food without rival among the fruits, the veritable fruit of paradise"
-David Fairchild