Saturday, January 26, 2013

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) 25th Jan. 1950 
b) 26th Nov. 1949 
c) 27th Nov. 1949 
d) 26th 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)

Monday, January 14, 2013

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 

Saturday, January 12, 2013

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.


Tuesday, January 1, 2013

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  

Happy New Year!