Monday, September 23, 2013

My advice to avoid Rape



Again A gang rape case in Mumbai! The world is getting unsafe place for women. Here I don’t want to blame anyone but rapist’s mentality. but there are a few tips against this hedius crime.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

1] Men target woman who look a bit susceptible e.g. those who are looking tired, weeping, very skinny and short heighted, smiling etc. Even if you have thousands of problems, don´t weep in front of strangers when you are outside your home. Also you need not to give friendly smile to everyone. Be friends with them who deserve your friendship.

2] If you are teenager, please don’t do ´friendship´ with elder men. If they are calling you FRIEND that means they don’t consider you their sister or daughter.

3] It is nothing wrong to keep a weapon with you. But you must know when and how to use it. When I was teenager I used to tie a radium cutter in my waist and also a hot mint/medicated spray in my hand.

4] Now what I am going to write is what no women realise but it applies to every man. A men will try to touch you to see if he can get you. Just say NO or shout. Don’t think that if you will move yourself or remove their hand, they will understand that you are not interested.

There is nothing like ´understanding´ in man’s brain. YOU HAVE TO SAY´NO´.

My home city is also not very safe. Once I was getting into train and taking advantage of crowd someone pressed on my hip. Although I didn’t know who he was but I slapped the person who was closest to me. ( I might be wrong but I trusted my gut feeling) Woo… magic… then nobody dare to do it again. (that means I was right!!!)

5] Don´t be afraid to create drama. I remember I was walking back to my room and a boy was following me by car. (My first fault was I was walking in the direction of cars, you should walk in opposite direction so that no one can pick you inside their car.)  He offered me a lift and I gently said no. As he insisted, I started shouting, He went away.

I know many of you will say Comm´on lady, Grow up! There is a huge difference in flirting and raping. But a flirt can be transformed to rapist when he has opportunity!!! If you want to flirt, please flirt with those for whom their identities can be known, not with complete a stranger e.g. someone you met online or on the street. (No matter how nice they are!!!! You don’t know how true or real they are!!!)

 6] Needless to say never indulge in Alcohol or eat/drink with unknown people. You never know what medicine is mixed in the food or drink.

I know a case in which a men (Brother’s friend) gave a soft drink to a girl, raped and killed her. Packed food or drinks can also be adulterated.

SMALL GIRLS AND TEENAGERS

1] be safe online, NEVER SHARE YOU PHOTO OR REAL NAME AND ADDRESS ONLINE.

2] No matter how good looking picture he posted, how good he talks. Never meet you online friend alone.

3] Never be ´friends with your teacher especially coaching /tuition teacher or your sports or gym instructors

4] If someone touches inappropriately, don’t think about his intention. And tell that man “don’t dare to touch me like that, I’ll complain to my parents”

Just tell your parents “he touched me on…, I did not like it”

PROBLEM ZONES
  • School in odd timings
  • Coaching centres in odd timings
  • Music shops or the places or vehicles in which laud music is being played
  • Friend’s house

ATTACKER CAN BE
  • RELATIVES
  • Friend’s papa or brother
  • Non teaching and teaching staff in school or coaching centres
  • Anyone who says
    • he understands you and nobody else does
    • this is our game, you must not share it with anyone
    • if you will tell this to anyone, I’ll kill you/parents/Dog etc.
  • Any adult who is overfriendly with teenagers or children.

WHO CAN SAVE YOU
  • Parents and siblings (please don’t distrust your kids)
  • Cousin (Sister or Brother) who have nice background (intentions)
  • Good friends
  • Police

YOUR DRESSING SENSE

Although I strongly believe that dressing has nothing to do with Rapist’s intentions. But then also there are some points to consider. Please excuse me if you are not convinced with the ideas in this paragraph.

1] Sometimes men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle. They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun!, braid, or other hairstyle that can easily be grabbed. They are also likely to go after a woman with long hair. Women with short hair are not common targets.

If someone grabs your hair, turn behind and hit him with your elbow (preferably on genitals or on the neck behind jaw)
 
2] The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for women who’s clothing is easy to remove quickly. Many of them carry scissors around to cut clothing. If he comes with scissor, don’t let him attack. Run away and shout…

3] they also look for women using their cell phone (use wireless earphones), searching through their purse or doing other activities while walking because they are off guard and can be easily overpowered.

4] The number one place women are abducted from / attacked at is grocery store parking lots.

5] Number two is office parking lots/garages.

6] Number three is public restrooms.

7] The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and quickly move her to a second location where they don’t have to worry about getting caught.

8] If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going after you isn’t worth it because it will be time-consuming.

9] These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas, or other similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their hands.

10] Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you’re not worth it. I think best weapon is pepper or other medicated spray.

HOME ALONE????

Switch off lights, make it dark. Through as many things on the way as you run.

run to kitchen throw powdered spices like chilli, turmeric on him.

Run to bathroom… through Phenyl or toilet cleaner on his eyes/face.

Running to bedroom and lock yourself is worst to do…. But you can do it anyways.

Although bollywood film shows if you cant hurt them… hurt yourself… IT´S WORST THING TO DO. If you don’t know how to use knife, just use it anywhere on attackers body (not on yours if you are attacking yourself you are being easy target) especially genitals.

Mentally ill man doesn’t care about your blood. If you can’t run away, just urinate or shit near to you. He will not come close.

ON THE ROAD, IN THE RAIN?

Wait inside ATM, they have camera.

Visit nearest police stations. Most of the police men are very helpful. In fact they will not throw you away from police station.

Talk to the watchman of nearest building (that building should not be under construction). He can help you. 

Talk to ANY GENTLE MAN, WOMEN OR FAMILY, but not to whom who is flirting to you. Religiously looking people e.g. Muslim with cap, Sardarji, Hindu with tilak, Pastor or Nuns are often of good character.

TAXI!!! AUTO!!!

When possible take taxi/auto from prepaid booth.

Don’t allow driver to accommodate strangers.

Many of us have mobile phone with camera. Take picture of number plate and send it to your parents.

Try to travel in known and crowded routes.

Ask any friend for help.

PROBLEM ZONES

When you are alone in dark night, please avoid (or become careful) to pass from
  • Empty dark street.
  • Under construction buildings
  • Parallel and slow moving bus, car or other four wheelers.
  • Strangers: especially drunk guys who are alone or in a group.

ARE BUSES SAFE OR UNSAFE?

SAFE!
  • When there are families and variety of people inside like 2-3 working men or women, or combination of middle class and poor people, educated or uneducated.
  • If you find last gentleman or family is leaving, just get down of the bus at that point only.
  • When this bus have proper company and route number and timing.

UNSAFE!!!!
  • When there same looking men. Like a group of all poor and they seem like friends to each other.
  • School bus or privates buses.
  • Vehicles with curtains or black glasses, and closed windows.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WHEN YOUR DESTINATION IS FAR AWAY AND YOU DON’T HAVE MANY OPTIONS TO REACH THERE:

·        Call and inform your family (even if the are in other town)
·        you need not to hide anything.
·        Contact nearby police station.
·        Stay whole night with your trusted friends.
·        Save a taxi driver number who live near to your home just call him.
·        Call to taxi company.

POINTS THAT WE SHOULD REMEMBER:

1] If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or with you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them a question, like what time is it, or make general small talk: can’t believe it is so cold out here, we’re in for a bad winter. Now that you’ve seen their faces and could identify them in a line- up, you lose appeal as a target.

2] If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you and yell Stop or Stay back! Most of the rapists this man talked to said they’d leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY target.

3] If you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate of it and carries it with him wherever he goes,) yelling I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY and holding it out will be a deterrent.

4] If someone grabs you, you can’t beat them with strength but you can do it by outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either under the arm between the elbow and armpit or in the upper inner thigh – HARD. One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands the guy needed stitches. Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it; it really hurts.

5] After the initial hit, always go for the groin. I know from a particularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy’s parts it is extremely painful. You might think that you’ll anger the guy and make him want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our instructor is that they want a woman who will not cause him a lot of trouble. Start causing trouble, and he’s out of there.

6] When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingers and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing down on them as possible. The instructor did it to me without using much pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles cracked audibly.

7] Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of your surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any odd behavior, don’t dismiss it, go with your instincts. You may feel little silly at the time, but you’d feel much worse if the guy really was trouble.

FINALLY, PLEASE REMEMBER THESE AS WELL ….

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do it.

2. Learned this from a tourist guide to New Orleans : if a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you…. chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car: Kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won’t see you but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping,eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON’T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side,put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU CLOSE the DOORS , LEAVE.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:

a. Be aware: look around your car as someone may be hiding at the passenger side , peek into your car, inside the passenger side floor, and in the back seat. ( DO THIS TOO BEFORE RIDING A TAXI CAB) .

b. If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.

c. Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot).

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP IT! It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked “for help” into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

All in all… stay in contact with good friends and family… Be safe, be happy and have fun

How to save money during shopping?



How to save money during shopping?

Nice Question! Isn’t it? Here I’ll discuss mainly Grocery shopping tips.
  1. Be active, Cook by yourself!!! Its better not to buy processed food they are overpriced and unhealthy. Also, be creative and do some do-it-yourself (DIY) stuff. It will save a lot of money and satisfy your creativity. E.g. Instead of buying Popcorn I always pop it. freshly made popcorns are just wonderful!!
  2. Learn to calculate unit prices of food.
  3. Reduce, reuse and recycle: don’t throw anything. If banana is too ripe to eat apply it on your face and hairs. It will give unbelievable natural shine to your skin.
  4. Keep an eye on nice offers. Collect coupons and use them wisely, It will save a lot of money.
  5. Do not fall into marketing traps. Prioritize your needs and wait till you get good value for your money and then buy it.
  6. Always try to buy staples like rice, uncooked Pasta, veggies, fruits etc.
  7. Make a practical budget for shopping. See how much you spent in last three week and make a practical weekly budget. Analyse Price to quality/utility ratio before spending money.
  8. Make a master shopping list. It includes the things that you buy frequently.
  9. Never ever waste your money for buying processed food, soda, juices and other cold drinks, individual snack servings; health drinks protein substitutes and vitamin tablets or capsules. There you will spend twice, first when you buy them, second when you visit doctor. Instead of health drinks or food supplements, eat nuts, dry fruits, fresh fruits etc.  
  10. Try to remain healthy and happy, healthy life style is always cheap and enjoyable than medicines.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Hartalika Teej

Hartalika Teej, a beautiful festival for women to impress Goddess Parvati who blesses them with a marriage like Shiva & Parvati, or healthy life of their husbands. Read further to understand the importance of Teej festival with the ways of celebration.
Hartalika Teej 2013 date is September 8, as per the lunar Hindu calendar. Hartalika Teej is a form of Teej festival, which is popularly known amongst the people of India. The Teej festival is subdivided into three categories:
  • Haryali Teej
  • Kajari Teej
  • Hartalika Teej
Haritalika Teej is basically a north Indian festival, which is celebrated amongst the people of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Hartalika Teej is typically a women’s festival celebrated by the females of India to enchant Goddess Parvati for her blessings. The blessings are targeted for good health and long life of the husbands of married women, whereas unmarried women pray for a husband like Lord Shiva.
Indians believe that on this auspicious day, Goddess Parvati was accepted by Lord Shiva. As per the story, Mata Parvathy was in love with Shiva, but he was an ascetic and was not aware about her. In order to impress him, the goddess worshipped for many years in the Himalyas. Finally, Lord Shiva noticed Goddess Parvati and realized her love and devotion, and they got married. Since then, the goddess is being worshipped as ‘Hartalika’ and ‘Teej Mata’ by the Indian ladies.

Hartalika Teej is basically a three day festival. First day is followed by the gathering of all ladies singing and dancing together. They also decorate each other as well as apply mehandi on hands and the day ends by exchanging gifts between the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law. The enthusiasm for the festival can easily be seen in women of all ages. They get dressed and get ready for the special events and competitions organised during teej.
Now, comes the second day, which is the most important day amongst three. Women keep fast throughout the day without even touching or smelling any food as well as water. The fast without water is known as ‘Nirjala vrat’ and because this nirjala vrat is in the name of Ma Parvati this day, we also know it as ‘Hartalika vrat’. This fast is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi as the token of love and honor. Further, they worship Parvathy Maa and on third day they have something to eat or drink.
Puja of Parvati Ma is basically performed at the most convenient place where all women can easily gather. Parvathi Ma is known as ‘Teej Mata’ on this day and women read ‘Hartalika Katha’ or ‘Teej Katha’ to fascinate her. After puja process is over, women sit over the whole night and celebrate by singing and dancing. It is customary at some places to stay awake at Teej night and sometimes all three nights are celebrated to symbolize the penance undertook by Parvati. With this custom, another custom has been attached of lighting up an oil lamp and keep it throughout the whole night to signify the well being of their husbands. Women also offer food to young girls and Brahmins on this day.
On the last day, women end this festival by preparing delicious recipes to break their fast. The dishes of the feast vary according to the regions, like Rajasthani prepares Ghewar and Daal Bhati, whereas women from M.P., U.P. and Bihar prepare vermicelli, malpua and kheer-puri.

source :  http://www.astrocamp.com/hartalika-teej-2012-vrat-katha.html



Hartalika Teej Prasad 

 Traditionally our family makes fruits, panchamrita, aata panjiri, khurmi and batiya as Prasad. 

How to make Indian clarified butter or ghee at home? 

Ghee is one of the most important ingredients of Indian cooking.
Easiest way to make ghee is to heat butter in medium low flame until is is melted and well cooked. And then filter it out. After filtration dense liquid part is ghee and you have some golden brown part, which has much of ghee and its unique flavor.  IT IS NOT WASTE! Use it in making curry or dal in place of oil, it will taste just divine. You can also use it in making panjiri.

aata panjiri recipe

First of all take some ghee (or golden brown solid after making ghee) add 1 cup whole wheat flour and mix and roast it in medium flame for about 8 minutes. Then chop some dry fruits of your choice (For a hint, I added almonds, cashews, makhana, rosinen (kishmish)) and mix it with sugar and roasted flour.

Khurmi recipe

Khurmi is slightly sweet diamond or square shaped bites made of whole wheat flour.

Take one cup whole wheat flour and add around 2 tsp ghee and ½ tsp cardamom powder to it.

Then in a separate pan add 4 tsp gur/ jaggary  and 2 tsp water, heat it a bit and make a smooth solution.

Mix whole wheat flour mixture and jaggary syrup together and knead it. then fry it. 


Monday, September 2, 2013

Sugar : reasons to avoid



Why Sugar Is Toxic To Body

In 1957, Dr. William Coda Martin tried to answer the question: When is a food a food and when is it a poison? His working definition of "poison" was: "Medically: Any substance applied to the body, ingested or developed within the body, which causes or may cause disease. Physically: Any substance which inhibits the activity of a catalyst which is a minor substance, chemical or enzyme that activates a reaction."
Dr. Martin classified refined sugar as a poison because it has been depleted of its life forces, vitamins and minerals. The body cannot utilize this refined starch and carbohydrate unless the depleted proteins, vitamins and minerals are present. Incomplete carbohydrate metabolism results in the formation of 'toxic metabolite' such as pyruvic acid and abnormal sugars containing five carbon atoms. Pyruvic acid accumulates in the brain and nervous system and the abnormal sugars in the red blood cells. These toxic metabolites interfere with the respiration of the cells. They cannot get sufficient oxygen to survive and function normally. In time, some of the cells die. This interferes with the function of a part of the body and is the beginning of degenerative disease."2
Refined sugar is lethal when ingested by humans because it provides only that which nutritionists describe as "empty" or "naked" calories. It lacks the natural minerals which are present in the sugar beet or cane.
In addition, sugar is worse than nothing because it drains and leaches the body of precious vitamins and minerals through the demand its digestion, detoxification and elimination makes upon one's entire system. So essential is balance to our bodies that we have many ways to provide against the sudden shock of a heavy intake of sugar. Minerals such as sodium (from salt), potassium and magnesium (from vegetables), and calcium (from the bones) are mobilized and used in chemical transmutation; neutral acids are produced which attempt to return the acid-alkaline balance factor of the blood to a more normal state. cancer cells thrive in acidic pH.
Insulin resistance: another reason to avoid refined sugar
When blood sugar increases (a result of the stress response or from what you have eaten), your body releases insulin to help move the glucose out of your blood and into the cells to actually provide them with energy. But if you don’t need that energy (you don’t fight or flee) the default mechanism is to store the glucose as fat. If the stress continues (it usually does) cortisol levels remain high, so the body triggers the breakdown of sugar stores in the liver and muscles to provide further fuel. Out comes more insulin to deal with the extra blood glucose. Overtime, the body simply can’t respond to insulin the same way it used to. You can become intolerant to insulin – or insulin resistant.
 that’s why I promise myself that I’ll avoid use of refined sugar. I don’t want to ruin my perfect life with advent of diseases like cancer or diabetes.  
Reference: