INDIAN TOP BLOG DIRECTORY 2024

top Indian blogs

Sunday, 10 November 2024

DON YOUR CREATIVE HAT AND BECOME AN INVENTOR

  

  


 

One easy way to get creative with your cooking is to experiment with spice blends. Choose a few complementary spices, mix them all up, and make your marinade. Cooking is all about making your recipe and daring to try new flavors.

Culinary creativity can be related to artistic creativity in various ways. It should include elements that appeal to all of the senses and emotions, as well as delicious and different food and beverage ideas. 

Look for inspiration in cookbooks, magazines, online resources, and your own culinary experiences. Make a list of potential ingredients and flavors to add to that exciting recipe. A well-balanced, successful recipe has a harmonious combination of flavors, textures, and nutrients.

Here are some innovative ways to explore cooking:

Try plant-based cooking

Create unique vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as BBQ jackfruit sliders or vegan butter chicken. 

 Experiment with ingredients

Use new ingredients that are not common in your region, or try seasonal or exotic produce. You can find inspiration from local markets, specialty stores, online sources, or even your garden. 

 Explore different cooking techniques

Try roasting, grilling, sautéing, or steaming. You can also experiment with various heat levels to achieve different textures and flavors. 

 Modify recipes

Use recipes as a starting point, but feel free to modify and adapt them to suit your taste. 

 Even in Ancient times, recipes were invented over time through trial and error, and the earliest written recipes date back to around 1730 BC: 

 Early humans may have discovered cooking by accident when they found that meat that was cooked in a forest fire was easier to chew and digest than raw meat. 

 The earliest known written recipes were found on cuneiform tablets in Mesopotamia and date back to around 1730 BC. Other early written recipes include Akkadian tablets from southern Babylonia, which date back to around 1600 BC. 

 There are also ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs that depict the preparation of food. 

The earliest surviving collection of recipes in Europe is De re coquinaria, which was written in Latin. The current version of the text was compiled in the late 4th or early 5th century. 

 Finally, after a lot of research, it is confirmed that to invent new recipes, you can try these steps:

Find inspiration: Look for ideas in cookbooks, magazines, food blogs, restaurants, bakeries, or while traveling. You can also get inspired by new ingredients, seasonal produce, or a new cooking tool. 

 Choose a theme: Select a concept or theme for your recipe, such as a cuisine, holiday, or dietary restriction. 

 Make a list: Consider what flavors and ingredients to include in your recipe. 

 Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new things. For example, you can try using ingredients in unexpected ways. 

 Taste: Taste the ingredients you have available and consider how they can be used. 

 Balance flavors, textures, and nutrients: A well-balanced recipe has a harmonious combination of these elements. 

 Write your recipe: When writing your recipe, include the ingredients in the order you'll use them, and write directions in a logical order. You can also include substitutions or additional methods. 

 Cooking is one of the fastest ways to flex your creative muscles mainly because you are playing with temperature, a very time-sensitive mechanic. Whether it's a stir-fry or something else the length of time for a piece of food is significantly shorter than any painting or sculpture.

So Don your creative hat and become an inventor!

Saturday, 9 November 2024

HOW VASELINE WORKS AS A PERFECT BODYGUARD FOR YOU IN ALL THE SEASONS

 

 

 


Petroleum jelly has long been a staple in the medical and beauty industry due to its emollient properties, ability to help with skin healing, and FDA-approved, safe record.

 The history of Vaseline® Jelly starts in 1859 when Robert Chesebrough travelled to Titusville, a small town in Pennsylvania. Oil workers had been using rod wax, an unrefined form of petroleum jelly—then just a simple by-product of the drilling they were working on—to heal wounded or burnt skin. He further developed the process and finally reached a uniform product, branded later as “Vaseline.”

Petroleum jelly, a common, inexpensive product found in most people's medicine cabinets, can have multiple skin care uses for the entire family. To save on skin care, dermatologists recommend using petroleum jelly to Relieve dry skin, including your lips and eyelids.

Yes, Vaseline (petroleum jelly) can be used on many parts of the body and has many uses: 

 Skincare

Moisturizer: Can be used on the body to moisturize dry, cracked, or dull skin. It can also be used on the lips to restore chapped or dry lips. It can also be used to help heal minor wounds, treat diaper rash, and protect sensitive skin. 

 Can be used to reduce eczema symptoms by moisturizing and soothing dry, itchy skin. These can be used to smear burns or disguise scars or cracked heals. 

Hair care

Petroleum jelly can be applied to hair before blow-drying to prevent it from becoming dry and rough.  Can be used to seal split ends or create a polished ponytail. 

Highlighter & Makeup removal

Vaseline is a great replacement for highlighter. Just put a small amount on the high points of your face to create a dewy and natural glow.

 Petroleum jelly can be used as an effective makeup remover including waterproof mascara. 

 Manicures

Petroleum jelly can be applied to cuticles before painting nails, or to a fading manicure to make it shine again. 

 Eyelashes

Petroleum jelly can be smoothed over lashes to make them look fuller and darker. 

Perfume

This can be used to make perfume last longer by dabbing small amounts on your pulse points before spraying on your fragrance. 

Anti-aging

Vaseline itself won't shrink your pores or treat wrinkles, but keeping your skin moisturized is an essential preventative measure to slow the signs of aging on your skin.

 Razor blades

A thin layer of petroleum jelly can be applied to razor blades between uses to keep them sharp. 

 Other uses

Petroleum jelly can also be used to relieve sore skin after waxing or threading, soothe razor bumps, and soothe tired feet.  Can be used to soften rough elbows, moisturize dry knees, ease chafing during exercise, soothe areas where your clothes have rubbed, or stay warm in cold/windy weather. 

Winter care

The primary role of petroleum jelly in cold weather is to serve as a barrier. It forms a protective layer over the skin, shielding it from the biting cold and dry air, which are common culprits of skin damage during winter.

Vaseline can play a vital role in protecting your skin from frostbite. By creating a protective barrier and locking in moisture, it helps prevent direct contact with freezing temperatures and maintains the skin's natural defenses.

 Petroleum jelly is chemically similar to proteins in the skin, which makes it a good choice for treating many skin conditions. 

  For most people, Vaseline is a safe and cost-effective way to lock moisture into the skin. Even if you have skin conditions such as rosacea or psoriasis, it's likely safe for you to use Vaseline.

In conclusion, while Vaseline does not have a specific expiration date, its shelf life is typically around three years. Proper storage and handling can help maintain its effectiveness, but if you notice any changes in texture, color, or odor, it may be best to replace the product.

Use Vaseline for complete body care in winter and forever.

Friday, 8 November 2024

POINTERS TO CHECK AND CORRECT STRUCTURAL ERRORS IN A POEM

 


A structural error in a poem is a mistake that affects the poem's structure, such as the number of lines, the number of syllables in each line, or the rhyming scheme.

Sentential errors

These include incorrect verb tense, disagreement between the verb and subject, and missing punctuation. 

Word-level errors

These include incorrect spelling, articles, prepositions, and missing determiners. 

Some other structural elements of a poem include rhythm, meter, and form. 

 The evidence of the structural errors indicated that at the sentential level, the prevalent errors are Disagreement of Verb and Subject, Incorrect Verb Tense, and Missing Punctuation. The most dominant errors committed for the word level are Incorrect Articles, Incorrect Spelling, and Incorrect Prepositions.

The structure of a poem can impact the reading of a poem by creating a sense of rhythm and flow or a feeling of fragmentation or dissonance. Elements such as rhyme scheme and meter can create a musical quality to the poem, while structure variations can create shifts in tone and meaning.

The structure of a poem affects it’s meaning by developing the reader's imagination and conveying the poem's message.

Some common structural errors in poetry include:

Subject-verb disagreement

A singular subject should have a singular verb, and a plural subject should have a plural verb. For example, "The flowers in the garden is blooming" is incorrect, while "The flowers in the garden are blooming" is correct. 

Incorrect verb tense

For example, "Back before everything was peaceful and humans and nature are living harmoniously" is incorrect, while "Back before, everything was peaceful when humans harmoniously lived with nature" is correct. 

Incorrect punctuation

Poets should be aware of incorrect punctuation to ensure their work remains clear and effective. 

Other common errors in writing include:

Run-on sentences

Passive voice

Incorrect word choice

Vague pronouns

Dangling modifiers

Missing or misplaced apostrophes 

While poetry can stretch the boundaries of grammar, poets should be aware of these errors to ensure their work remains clear and effective. 

IF some way, the error occurs unknowingly, here are some ways to correct structural errors in a poem:

Check for grammatical errors

Common grammatical errors in poetry include incorrect punctuation and subject-verb disagreement. For example, "The flowers in the garden is blooming" is incorrect, while "The flowers in the garden are blooming" is correct. 

Consider the poem's structure

The structure of a poem includes its form, meter, rhythm, and rhyme. Some poems focus more on certain elements than others. 

Use correction codes

Correction codes can help students identify and correct their errors. For example, the code "FRAG" can stand for "fragment" or "fragile". 

Use a structure checker tool

A structure checker tool can help review and revise the structure of a poem. 

Some other activities that can help with structural errors include Cube It, End it, Matching synonyms, Measuring Sentences, and Reading with Expression.

Try to bear these pointers in mind while writing a poem next time to be error-free.

Thursday, 7 November 2024

A DAY TO BAG MORE CASHBACKS

    


Cashback is a credit card benefit that refunds a small percentage of the purchase amount to the cardholder's account. Cash back rewards can be received as a check, bank account deposit, or applied to a credit card bill. 

Cashback credit cards provide customers with a percentage of their spending returned as rewards, often up to 5%. These rewards can be used to offset credit card bills normally, but for others, conditions apply.

 National Cash Back Day is celebrated on the first Thursday of November each year, and in 2024, it will be on November 7. Retailers offer cash back to shoppers on this day to encourage early holiday shopping and help people manage their budgets. 

 The day was founded in 2019 by RetailMeNot, a popular savings website, and is celebrated on November 7–9, 2024.

This day appeals to the savvy shopper. It is one big day of exclusive offers that gives you the gift of cash back.

That's what National Cash Back Day is all about. Whether it's gift-giving, entertaining, travel expenses, the perfect outfit for holiday card photos, or treating yourself to something special, discounts can be found. Shoppers are celebrated by helping them earn cash back when they spend.

Here are some benefits of National Cash Back Day:

Savings: Shoppers can save money on their holiday shopping and a wide range of products, including essential and luxury items.

Early shopping: Shoppers can avoid the last-minute rush and shop early.

Stress-free shopping: Shoppers can have a stress-free shopping experience.

Win-win: Both shoppers and businesses benefit from the day. Shoppers save money, while retailers see increased sales and customer engagement. 

Make a shopping list ahead of time. Knowing what you want to buy saves time and helps you focus. Look for items that offer the highest cashback. This way, you maximize your savings on things you need or want.

To make the most of National Cash Back Day, you can: 

Use cash-back apps: Download cash-back apps to your phone and use them to find deals. Some apps offer bonuses for using their services. You can compare offers across multiple apps to get the best deal. 

Shop at partner retailers: Many cash-back sites partner with retailers like Amazon and Target to offer deals on specific items. 

Treat yourself: Use your cash-back savings to buy something special for yourself. 

 It's a special day when many retailers offer generous cash-back deals on a wide range of products. This gives people a chance to save significant amounts on their holiday shopping, making it an event everyone looks forward to each year.

This was about customers, what’s it from the retailer’s front?

Yes, National Cash Back Day is good for retailers too because it increases sales and customer engagement. 

Benefits of National Cash Back Day for retailers include:

Increased sales

Shoppers save money on their purchases, which leads to increased sales for retailers.

Customer engagement

Shoppers are encouraged to shop early, which can lead to increased customer engagement for retailers. 

In this way, National Cash Back Day benefits both shoppers and businesses. Consumers enjoy savings on essential and luxury items, while retailers see increased sales and customer engagement. This win-win situation highlights the importance of the day, making it a key date in the shopping calendar.

Enjoy National Cash Back Day with thorough shopping and super savings through cashback.

 

Wednesday, 6 November 2024

WELCOMING WINTER

  

                           


 

Winter is on its way

With long nights and short day

With chilled winds of fragrant clay

On lovely cold nights, stay in the fireplace way

With the joy of being around pets and their nay-nay!

 

 Winning winter in all hot way

Hot coffee, hot toast, or a hot soup

Vapours pour out in whatever we say

Wearing thermals, gloves, and what may

Cold and chilled are the days on the way.

 

Working in winter is a tight way to say

Sitting comfy with a coffee and a book

Enjoying through the winter window

A well-wished way to witness Nature Play

Welcoming winter with a wish and a pray

 

Welcoming winter with a bouquet & a song

Wild cold immerses us in wine & white snow

With the oven smelling too good colours of cakes

Watching all the stack of pantry with cool eyes

Welcoming winter with both nay and yay!

 

Tuesday, 5 November 2024

AVERSION TOWARDS CERTAIN GENRE OF BOOKS

    

 


Romance, classic, and poetry books are at the top of the list in popularity among readers worldwide. You are far more likely to find classic books in the homes of bibliophiles.

Some people who are more practical and realistic in their approach to life may be less attracted to fiction. 

Observant individuals – those who pride themselves on their practical, realist approach to life – were unsurprisingly less attracted to fiction than their Intuitive (open-minded and visionary) counterparts.

Some readers shun sex scenes and salty language. Some readers pass on plots around health issues, injustice or domestic violence. If a book slips through some subject that may trigger their emotion, it becomes a reason to hate the book.

 Apart from these, generally, Readers may avoid books of other genres for several reasons, including:

Fear of losing interest

Readers may feel like they've read everything a genre has to offer and that it's time to try something new. 

Preference for a specific type of storytelling

Readers may gravitate towards a specific genre, such as mystery, romance, or fantasy. 

Disliking a particular genre

Readers may find some genres, such as self-help or other than favourite ones to be unappealing. 

 

Like these, there are or may be many more reasons for the aversion towards a genre. Anyhow choice of genres is completely personal to the reader.

What do you say? Do you have any aversion towards a particular genre? Do share it in the comments.

Monday, 4 November 2024

IS IT BETTER TO HANG OR FOLD SAREES

   

 


Sarees for everyday wear are a respectful and elegant choice for those who want to embrace local traditions. However, it's essential to choose sarees that are easy to drape and manage, especially for those who are new to wearing them. Lightweight cotton sarees and simple prints are the best options

 Sarees are made of natural fibers like cotton, silk, etc. These natural materials may develop mildew patches if not properly cared for. Sarees should not be stored in plastic covers. Wrap the saree in brown paper or store them in fabric saree bags.

BETTER TO HANG OR FOLD SAREES:

It is always advisable to hang lightweight sarees made up of chiffons, georgettes, crepe, or even cotton. These fabrics get crumpled if stacked, so hanging them is ideal. Sarees like pure pattu/silk, organza, or hand-weaved sarees should not be hung as they tend to get torn at the folds.

Hanging sarees can help minimize wrinkles. Cotton sarees tend to develop creases when folded for an extended period. By hanging them, you can reduce the need for ironing or steaming before wearing them.

 However, hanging sequin sarees can be tricky, as the sequins can get caught on the hanger and cause damage. Folding sarees is another option, and it is a great way to save space in your wardrobe.

The best possible way to avoid sarees from wrinkling often is to hang them on a hanger made of wood. Some sarees are premium enough to be hanged, then is better to just fold them delicately.

Silk sarees should be hung up on sturdy wooden or plastic hangers. Avoid using metal or alloy since the rust on the hangers may create stains.

It is advisable to fold your silk sarees properly and store them in cotton or muslin cloth. You should avoid storing your silk sarees in plastic covers as it can attract moisture and damage your saree.

Fold the sarees in the opposite direction every time you take them out to air to avoid tearing in the folds. Hanging silk sarees on hangers can damage them in folds, store them in a cupboard if you have space. And stack only a few sarees together, too many will damage the sarees in the bottom with all that weight.

Start by laying the saree flat on a clean surface. Fold the saree in half, then in half again, making sure the edges are similar. Gently twist the folded saree from one end to the other to form a tight bundle. Acid-free tissue paper can help protect the saree fabric from discoloration and acid damage.

Ideally, you should wrap the saree in a muslin cloth and stack it in a cold dry place unexposed to light and heat. Wrapping your sarees make sure that their intricate zari works do not oxidise from reacting with air. You can use silica gel sachets to keep the storing area free of moisture.

Always store your silk sarees in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat and sunlight can cause the colors to fade and the silk fibers to weaken. Use soft muslin cloths or cotton fabric to wrap your sarees. This helps prevent dust and insects from damaging the delicate fabric.

Above all, Whether to hang or fold a saree depends on the fabric, how often it's used, and how much storage space you have: 

Lightweight sarees

Hang lightweight sarees made of chiffon, georgette, crepe, or cotton to prevent them from crumpling. Hanging can also reduce the need for ironing or steaming. 

Delicate sarees

Use padded hangers to store delicate sarees made of silk or chiffon. The padding prevents indentations or marks on the fabric. 

Hand-weaved sarees

Fold hand-weaved sarees instead of hanging them as they can tear at the folds. 

Infrequently used sarees

Fold sarees that aren't worn often to save space and protect them from dust and light. 

Sequin sarees

Use padded hangers to prevent the saree from slipping off and to maintain the shape of the blouse and petticoat. 

Limited storage space

Fold sarees to save space and keep them organized and easily accessible. 

When hanging sarees, make sure to distribute the weight evenly along the hanger and hang them loosely to allow for air circulation. 

Finally, the choice is yours whether to hang or fold the sarees as it depends on your convenience.

Sunday, 3 November 2024

NOSE RINGS : A UNIQUE PATH TO SELF -EXPRESSION AND MENTAL HEALTH


  

 Between 700 BC and 400 AD, nose rings were common in the region spanning Southwest Asia to North Africa. These accessories were more than just decorative items; they often represented a person's social standing or wealth and could even be given as part of a marriage agreement.

The practice, performed for symbolic or beautification purposes, originated more than 4000 years ago in the Middle East, migrating to India in the 1500s and reaching Western civilization by the 20th century.

Understanding these cultural perspectives helps us appreciate their importance better. Nose pins symbolize the rich cultural heritage of India. They signify a woman's marital status and are often worn as a sign of commitment and tradition. Diamond nose pins add a touch of elegance to this ancient tradition.

Nose rings hold diverse cultural significance, symbolizing elements such as marital status, beauty enhancement, rebellion against Western culture, and devotion to deities in various cultures around the world.

Regional preference

In India, the location of a nose ring can indicate a person's region of origin. In South India, the right nostril is the preferred side for a nose ring, while in North, West, and Central India, the left nostril is more common. Some get both sides pierced and wear different designs on each.

Cultural significance

Nose rings are a cultural practice and a form of self-expression in India. They can have many meanings, including representing a person's identity, tradition, and marital status.  For some people, a nose piercing holds cultural significance and is a way to connect with their heritage. For example, in some cultures, a woman is expected to remove her nose ring after becoming a widow. 

Age and coming of age

In many parts of India, young girls get their noses pierced as a rite of passage when they transition from childhood to young adulthood. 

Nose ornament styles:

There are many different types of nose ring designs, from classic to contemporary to elaborate. Some popular styles include the mookuthi, a simple ring, or a natural diamond solitaire. More elaborate styles include the cashew-shaped Maharashtrian nath, the North Indian latkan or nathani, the stud (laung/phul), and the septum (bulak). According to Hindu philosophy, Nose piercing has a great religious significance as well. It is a way of honouring Goddess Parvati.   In South India, nose pins are also worn for spiritual reasons.

Personal style: A nose piercing can be a way to express one's style and individuality.  Beyond its historical and cultural roots, nose piercing holds a powerful symbolism that speaks to the essence of self-expression. Just as clothing, hairstyles, and tattoos are forms of self-representation, nose piercing allows individuals to communicate their identity and values to the world.

For some, wearing a nose ring or stud may be considered attractive as it can add a personal touch and unique style. However, for others, wearing a nose ring or studs may not be considered attractive, as aesthetic opinions vary from person to person.

Here are some other reasons why nose rings were important in ancient India:

Association with the female reproductive organs

In Ayurveda, it is said that piercing on the left nostril helps reduce menstrual pain and lessens the difficulty of childbirth so great from a medicinal point of view.

Connection to the goddess Parvati

In Hindu tradition, the nath symbolizes marriage and fertility and is connected to the goddess Parvati, who is often depicted wearing a Nath, particularly in her form as Kanyakumari, where a natural diamond nose jewel shines brilliantly from the southern tip of India.

It is located in the place where the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal all meet together. However, the town has much special spiritual significance. It is regarded as the home place for virgin Goddess Kanya Kumari and as an incarnation of the divine Mother Goddess Parvati.

One specialty of the idol is her diamond nose ring. The sparkling diamond nose-ring of the deity is said to be visible even from the sea. The temple's legend says that the nose ring was obtained from a king cobra and that light reflects off it so brightly that once an ancient mariner mistook it for a lighthouse.

Part of bridal attire

Nose rings were essential to bridal attire and often worn during weddings.   In Muslim culture also, the nose ring is considered very auspicious and an essential marriage ornament to be worn by all Muslim brides.

Many say that nose piercings are not part of Islam. They are a form of piercing seen in mostly Middle Eastern and South Asia that women get done to beautify themselves.

Different designs for different occasions:

There were different designs of nose rings for everyday wear and special occasions. For example, a simple nose pin might be worn for everyday wear, while a more intricate one might be worn for special occasions. Nose rings have been passed down through generations and are an integral part of Indian culture. 

 SCIENCE BEHIND NOSE RINGS: As per the studies, nose piercing regulates the wavelength of the brain which results in easier handling of mental health and stability.

Significance of Wearing Nose Rings: - Nose piercing is an important custom that is followed by Indian women. In the Hindu religion, there is no strict restriction on wearing the nose stud as in the case of a mangalsutra. Therefore, both married as well as unmarried women can wear a nose stud.

NOSE RINGS AROUND THE WORLD:

Various indigenous tribes in America, Australia, South America, and India associate nose rings with warrior culture. The traditional bone septum piercing in Australia made one look more intimidating, for example. In South American tribes, nose rings could signify one's ranking or victory in battle.

Yes, nose rings are worn around the world, and they have many different cultural meanings and traditions: 

Nepal: In Nepal, the septum piercing is known as Bulaki and is worn by women of many ethnic groups. In the southern region of Nepal, it is still common for older women to wear both a septum and left nostril ring. 

Bangladesh: In Bangladesh, the septum piercing is popular in the countryside. 

Solomon Islands, Irian Jaya, and Papua New Guinea: In these areas, it is customary to wear tusks as jewelry. 

Western countries: Nose rings became a trend in Western countries in the 1980s, with the introduction of punk artists. 

USA: Nose piercings became more mainstream after celebrities, influencers, and musicians began showcasing them. 

 After reading all these, still you have a doubt about the Relevance of nose rings in today’s fashion.

Yes, nose rings are still relevant in today's fashion. Nose rings are a top choice in body jewelry and are considered a timeless accessory that can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. 

Fashion influencers and celebrities

Celebrities and fashion influencers have helped popularize nose rings in mainstream fashion. 

Personal style expression

Nose rings are a way to express individuality and personal style. 

Body positivity

Nose rings can contribute to the body positivity movement by challenging conventional notions of beauty. 

Cultural significance

Nose rings have been an important part of Indian tradition and other cultures around the world for thousands of years. 

Versatility

Nose rings come in a variety of styles, from minimalist designs to more elaborate styles. 

When wearing a nose ring, it's important to be aware of and honor the cultural relevance and practice attached to nose piercings. 

NOSE RINGS & MEN

Nose piercing has transcended gender norms, with more men embracing this form of body modification.  Nose piercings add a unique touch to a man's appearance, allowing them to express their individuality and style.

They might symbolize freedom, going against societal norms, or even spiritual convictions. By wearing nose rings as part of their personal style, people explore the various meanings these pieces hold.

Absolutely! Nose rings look good on any nose, just like earrings look good on any ears.

Nose Piercings in Today's World that means besides being fashionable, nose piercings may offer acupressure perks as well. On the other hand, body enhancements such as having a nose ring can increase self-esteem and confidence in their own body leading to improved mental health.

What do you say?  Do you like it? Do you wear a nose ring? Do share it in the comments below.



(This blog post is a part of #Blogaberycreativechallenge for the prompt of November. More details here: https://www.blogaberry.com/miscellaneous/the-blogaberry-creative-monthly-challenge/)

Saturday, 2 November 2024

YES ! NO TO SWEETS FOR YOUR WELL BEING

     

 


 

 

The festival had just ended, but loads of sweets, snacks, chocolates, and dry fruits seemed to be everywhere in the house, inviting us to taste them one after the other.

In this situation, we need to be well informed of the many benefits of reducing or cutting out sugar. This will make us to be healthier in the long run.

Remembering these benefits will help us in minimizing the intake of sugary products.

Weight loss: Reducing sugar intake can help you lose weight and prevent obesity. 

Improved mood: You may feel happier, less anxious, and less depressed. 

Better skin: Your skin may glow and you may be less likely to get skin cancer. 

Reduced risk of disease: You may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. 

Better sleep: Excess blood sugar can disrupt sleep, but cutting down on sugar can help you sleep better. 

Improved digestion: A high-sugar diet can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut, but cutting out sugar can help restore that balance. 

Healthier teeth: Avoiding sugary foods and drinks can help prevent tooth decay and plaque buildup. 

Better cognitive function: You may experience better memory recall and focus. 

Reduced inflammation: Reducing sugar intake may help reduce inflammation. 

Slower aging: You may age more slowly. 

Better breath: You may have better breath. 

 These festival times are the testing time for us to have control over our food. Giving in to a craving may feed the addiction. If you manage to resist, the cravings will get weaker over time and eventually disappear. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people keep their intake of free sugars below 10% of their total energy needs. For additional health benefits, they recommend reducing it to less than 5%. 

Follow a healthy diet and healthily celebrate festivals in the years to come.

Friday, 1 November 2024

WELCOME THE NEW MONTH WITH A BRIGHT OUTLOOK

   


A new month has begun...

Wishing you a beautiful month ahead, my love. May it be as bright and beautiful as your smile. I want to begin the new month by sending love and happiness to all my friends and loved ones. May you find peace and all that you hoped for.

Like these, there are many messages many send to their loved ones. There is one superstitious practice that is observed at the start of every month;

"Rabbit rabbit rabbit" is a superstition found in Britain and North America wherein a person says or repeats the words "rabbit", "rabbits" and/or "white rabbits" aloud upon waking on the first day of a month, to ensure good luck for the rest of it. Reach here to know more about this.

Another one is: In response to 'pinch, punch, first of the month,' some will respond with 'white rabbits, no return' to avoid any more back-and-forth.

Though you may not practice such things, you can simply pray.

You can pray for different things, such as success, peace, joy, or financial breakthroughs. 

Every day is a chance to begin again. Don't focus on the failures of yesterday, start today with positive thoughts and expectations.

Let this new month bring great miracles, new adventures, incredible breakthroughs, new visions & greater blessings for you & your loved ones.”

 

Do you practice any particular ritual or any other superstitious practice followed anywhere, do share it in the comments

Thursday, 31 October 2024

MY GRADUAL PROGRESS WITH GRAPHIC NOVELS

  

  



 

October is almost at the end and my month-long effort to write a blog post for Blogchatter’s monthly #TBR activity was somewhat fruitful. Read along to know more about it.

Graphic novels were the prompt for the month of October, I’m a bit away from the genre. The day before yesterday read a blog post about – PERSEPOLIS, about which I know only the thing that the title refers to the ancient capital of Persian Empire and nothing more.

Being like this, it was a herculean task for me to write a blog post on such a subject with which I was not familiar. So I thought to start from the origin/beginning and went out to fetch a book that deals with graphic novels and their development.

At this juncture, THE POWER OF COMICS – HISTORY, FORM, AND CULTURE by Randy Duncan, Matthew J. Smith & Paul Levitz caught my eye in the library. This I felt like a boon and started reading it slowly. Actually very slowly trying to understand the information clearly. Here I will be sharing the particulars of graphic novels from the book. 

The book has a preface by Mark Waid. In which he takes the readers on a trip down memory lane and explains how the indisputable fact “Comics were no longer just for kids” came into being.

What are those three works that created this impact was also shared in detail for the readers.

Moving then, to the Pulitzer Prize of 1992 for Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel “Maus”

From the introduction of the book, I quote   In recent times several people have attempted to rehabilitate the image of comic books by using a different term, Graphic novel, to describe the more ambitious works in the art form. For creators, labeling their work a graphic novel allows them to distance themselves from the commercial and periodical connotations associated with comic books.

For publishers, the graphic novel is a term that helps elevate the status of their product and has allowed them entree into bookstores, libraries, and academy. In practice, graphic novels may be longer than the typical comic book and most often feature self–contained, rather than continuing, stories.

While we too use that term in this book, you may well note that the graphic novel needs the definition of the comic book form. While they might be considered manifestations of the same art form, a case could be made that graphic novels exist in a different cultural space and are thus becoming their medium distinct from comic books.

IN the 21st century, graphic novels are often published by major publishing houses such as Random House and brought into traditional or online bookstores by people who do not read comic books. A number of them are even created by cartoonists who are not comic book fans.”

Appreciating the originality of the art form; understanding historical significance; and visualizing the medium's potential are the gains of studying comics assures this book.

The book provides vast information on the era of the invention of comics and RODOLPHE TOPFFER – the father of the comic book.

Next, it talks about the modern comic book, super imitators, EC comics, ‘NewTrend”, Schwartz, and the fans.

 Crossing all these the book lands at the rise of the graphic novel. I quote from page 64 :

In 1978, Will Eisner’s A CONTRACT WITH GOD, distributed in both bookstore chains and direct market comic book shops in traditional hardcover and trade paperback formats, garnered wide attention and firmly established graphic novel as the term for a longer comics work with literary intent.

In the same chapter, the authors discuss the Era of the graphic novel?  Replying to this, I quote ‘By the beginning of the 21st century, it was likely that more readers were purchasing comics in graphic novel form than in periodicals although the intense purchase patterns of the fans still generated disproportionate revenues.”

Then the book throws light on analyzing graphic novels in the mainstream market. Moving ahead, the authors make the readers understand the effect of the graphic novel.  I quote “Miller’s Groundbreaking work on Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and the commercial and critical success in graphic novel form in turn inspired others. By the late 1980’s a small number of graphic novels were being published with ever-increasing creative ambition.”

Beyond the Graphic novel Via the Web was the next topic of discussion in the book.  Later the explanation is given for Graphic “Novels”- The quotation marks around the term novels is an acknowledgment that the term novel has traditionally referred to works of fiction, but it is being applied to memoir, a form of non-fiction.

Finally, the book covers- The Evolution of Comics in India by Gotham Chopra and Sharad Devarajan.

The book is as engaging as any other fiction book. Not only fans but also new entrants to the world of graphic novels should go through this book to gain a stand over the lost time.



 (This blog post is a part of Blog Chatter's #TBRChallenge- prompt for October, Details here)

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