Monsoon Glory - Part 3

Thank you! Take a bow dear users. We had asked you to submit your monsoon related photos to our Flickr Group and we are overwhelmed with your response.The quality of pictures submitted were amazing, but sadly we could pick only the cream of the crop, this is Part 3 of the four part series.




Rowdy rains wicked
My only protector
Rainbow drenched umbrella

By k19dslipknot1 (Karan Dutt)

Reflections and silhouettes
Light, black and crazed colors
Painted on the pavement

By rajy3k (Rishi Sharma)

Traffic snarls scare toy cars 
Prodigal rains return to Mumbai
Cold clothes. Warm hearts

By Pratik Biyani

Party scooter
Music plays the road
All signals turned green

By Glenn Xavier

Dark clouds crowd 
Memories suffocate 
Black dog shivers

By nidthecooldude (sreenidhi)

Black roads bleed rivers
Sidewalks trample dreams 
The red cocoon croons

y abhiphoto_25 (Abhijit Pal)

Gossamer winged nets
Big fish catch
Sipping blue ocean suds

By almou09 (Moumita Das)

One thousand colored sunsets
Silver twilight drop
Each one sleeps and pops

By Chea N Sangma

Orphaned slippers
Sobbing wet souls
New owner has clean feet

By sigmaggn (vishal sharma)

Rains are a Godsent
Children fly with angels
Fall on earth muddied

By sandesh83

Dragons weeping
Warrior on two-wheeled wagon
Wades deep too late to sleep

Sky heavy with firewater
Dropped loads
The earth was light

By Iam Nitin K

Was it dusk or dawn?
Twilight giving birth to moonlight
Too happy to care

By roshan_ushus (Roshan Rajendran)

Dirty pond 
Tadpoles tickling paws
Too tired to doggy-paddle?

By sandeep menon2006

One lonely plough
Green and gravel
Feed thousand hungry mouths

By Pranesh Vittal

With no stomachs
Would we work in fields?
Plant daffodils and pink orchids

Posting Source: http://in.news.yahoo.com/monsoon-glory---part-1.html

Healthy Foods for Older Men

Healthy Foods for older men to prevent prostrate cancer, risk of diabetes, heart disease include whole grains, salmon, cherries, cabbage, walnuts,tomatoes and peanut butter and their health benefits

Mensxp - Wednesday 29 June 2011 4:22 PM IST

Adding these foods to your diet can reduce your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and many cancers.

And, adding some variety if you don't have some texture in yoursalad or new taste in your main course will be the cheapest way tolive better and healthier.

However, before modifying your diet, consult your doctor, and compare your current general health and the foods you need to be eating.

This is what everyone should be eating

Whole Grains

For protection against heart disease, stroke and diabetes, as well filling you up quickly to prevent overeating.

Get it from food marked "whole" grain - three daily servings from oats, whole wheat, brown rice, bulgur and bran.

ooh for “whole” grain on labels

Salmon – Strong Bones

Omega-3 fatty acids, which preserves bones, good for nerve health, and may also reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and help prevent heart disease. Salmon can also fight depression/mood disorders and reduce arthritis pain. Get it from other cold-water fish like sardines, tuna and mackerel.

One can of fish a week.

Cherries: Nature's Pain Killer

Reduces c-reactive protein (CRP)- something in the body makes to respond to acute inflammation.

Yogurt – Friendly Bacteria

Probiotics, or good bacteria that fights illness, disease and also fend off pneumonia, get it from yogurtcontaining "live” or “active” cultures

Cabbage

Apart from fighting breast cancer, it can also protect against lung, stomach and colon cancers.

Walnuts

Omega 3 fatty acid reduces "bad” cholesterol. Other nuts like almonds and pistachios also contains arginine, which may increase blood flow to the heart. Eat in moderation due to high fat and calorie content.

Blueberries – Antioxidant Loaded

The low fat berry contains a lot of Bitamin C and two grams of fiber. It also reduces brain damage from stroke,dementia and restores cells to healthy levels.

Beans

Fighting colon cancer, along with being a good source of protein, antioxidants dietary fiber.

Beans also decrease blood pressure and “bad” cholesterol.

2-4 servings a week.

Tomatoes

Prostate health, as well as protecting against lung and stomach cancers.

Peanut Butter

Healthier than butter, it also protects against diabetes and heart disease, along with improved glucose and insulin stability. Peanut butter is also a good source of fiber.

Posting Source: http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/wellness/healthy-foods-older-men-article-ilmx.html

Federer blows two-set lead, stunned by Tsonga at Wimbledon

By Chris Chase

Roger Federer had been 178-0 in Grand Slam matches after winning the first two sets. Make that 178-1.

The six-time Wimbledon champion was sent packing from the All England Club in stunning fashion on Wednesday, blowing a two-set quarterfinal lead to No. 12-seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The Frenchman advances to face Novak Djokovic in a Friday semifinal.

Federer cruised out of the gate, riding an early break to a first-set win and dominating in a second-set tiebreaker. Most had penciled, if not Sharpied, him into the next round. Commentators on television spent most of the third set discussing Federer's chances of winning a seventh Wimbledon crown, which would have tied him with Pete Sampras for the most in history.

Through this, a funny thing was happening on the way to Federer's coronation. Tsonga was dominating his service games. After breaking early in the match, Federer never had another break point. It was easy not to notice, the first-set victory being followed by the tiebreak win and all. When Tsonga finally broke through and got a break of his own, Federer didn't have a legitimate chance to break back. Every time he got out to a quick lead on Tsonga's serve, the Frenchman seemed to respond with an ace down the middle or a quick winner.

Federer didn't help himself. His forehand, which had been executed with pinpoint accuracy in the first two sets, was spraying all over the court and his footwork looked sluggish. Both players got to almost everything but only Tsonga was creating winners on those kinds of points.

Blowing the lead will dominate the headlines. Much more disturbing for Federer is that this is his second straight exit in the Wimbledon quarterfinals after seven straight years of advancing to the final. The all-time winningest Grand Slam champion has been in his "lion in winter" phase for three years now, ever since his 2008 Wimbledon finals loss to Rafael Nadal. It's still premature. Of course his game has slipped from its transcendent peak. Could it have fallen that far if a quarterfinal loss is met with such astonishment?

In an interview with the BBC after the match, Tsonga was asked how he managed to come back from two down. The first-time Wimbledon semifinalist flashed a sheepish smile and said, "I don't know yet."

He's not the only one.

Posting Source: http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/tennis/blog/busted_racquet/post/Federer-blows-two-set-lead-stunned-by-Tsonga-at?urn=ten-wp1958

Future News: Messi vows that even his ghost will play for Barca

By Brooks Peck

Following Lionel Messi's recent statement that he will only leave Barcelona to retire in Argentina, the Ballon d'Or winner has taken his devotion to the club a step further by announcing that even his ghost will only play for Barcelona.

At a press conference at Argentina's Copa America training base, Messi tried to dispel any uncertainty about where he will play in the afterlife.

"When I eventually pass on, I will only play ghost football at Barcelona. I am happy there. No amount of spirit money will tempt me," he told reporters.

In recent weeks, there have been reports that Real Madrid would make a big money move for their rival's top scorer on the other side. Messi was clear that such a bid would not sway him.

"Real can offer whatever they want, but I will not go. My ghost will play for Barcelona forever. Maybe it will fly around in the clouds for fun sometimes, but it will never scare people and it will never play for another club."

Posting Source: http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/dirty-tackle/post/Future-News-Messi-vows-that-even-his-ghost-will?urn=sow-wp2846

Eight nutrition habits to boost brain power

By Karen Robock; Consulting registered dietitian Toby Amidor | Chatelaine – Tue, 28 Jun, 2011 12:00 AM EDT

1. Sprinkle on some sunflower seeds 
This perfect salad topper is packed with memory-preserving vitamin E and folic acid, which offer significant protection from cognitive decline, according to a study in the Archives of Neurology. Keep a stash of shelled seeds in your purse for snacking emergencies - just 1/8 cup provides over 25 percent of your daily vitamin E requirements.

2. Order in curry instead of pizza 
Turmeric, a traditional Indian spice that's rich in the antioxidant curcumin, may help prevent the buildup of a protein that can clog neural pathways in the brain. Just be sure to ask for the sauce on the side.

3. Get your veggie fix 
Vegetables from the cruciferous family, such as watercress and mustard greens, have been shown to help prevent memory loss. Try arugula instead of lettuce in your salad, or toss some Swiss chard into your next stir-fry.

4. Chew gum while you think 
Stick it to the New York Times crossword puzzle - or your next work deadline - with a piece of gum. Researchers at Chicago's Northwestern University found that people who were chewing gum showed an increase in alertness and cognitive performance, thanks to added blood flow to the brain.

5. Do choose berries as your go-to afternoon snack 
Berries are rich in anthocyanins, compounds that slow cognitive decline. Stay sharp with these simple snacks, perfect for busting that 3 p.m. workday slump.
1. Pair a handful of fresh raspberries with 1/4 cup almonds.
2. Top 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese with 1/4 cup blueberries.
3. Sprinkle strawberries over 1/2 cup vanilla-flavoured, Greek-style yogurt and add 2 tbsp low-fat granola
for a treat. 
Tip: Frozen berries contain all the nutrients of fresh ones. Thaw in the microwave or in the fridge overnight.

6. Sip a glass of red wine with dinner 
A glass of cabernet sauvignon could be insurance for your golden years. Research shows resveratrol, a polyphenol in red wine, helps protect brain tissue from the effects of aging and may help ward off dementia.

7. Eat an apple a dayQuercetin, an antioxidant found in apple peels, helps protect brain cells from oxidative damage, which can dull your mental sharpness over time. Enjoy apples on their own, add them diced to fresh-fruit salads, toss pieces over your morning muesli or bake them with a brown-sugar-and oat topping for dessert.

8. Serve fish tonight 
A study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago found that seniors who eat fish at least once a week have the same memory function and thinking ability as those three to four years younger. Cool!

Tandoori salmon with zucchini boats 

Prep 10 min 
Total 20 min

Ingredients:

4 salmon fi llets, 180 g each
4 tsp tandoori curry paste or 2 tsp mild Indian curry paste
4 medium zucchini
1 tsp olive oil
pinches of salt, pepper and cumin
1/2 cup plain yogourt (not low- fat) or sour cream
1 green onion, sliced
2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

Directions: 

1. Oil grill and heat barbecue to mediumhigh. Smear tops of fish with tandoori paste. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scrape out and discard seeds. Brush all over with oil and sprinkle with seasonings. In a bowl, stir yogourt with onion.
2. Place fish, skin-side down, on grill. Then add zucchini, cut-side down. Close lid. Barbecue until a knife tip inserted into centre of fillets comes out warm, 10 to 14 min. Don't turn fish.
3. Turn zucchini after 5 min, and as soon as each piece is forktender, remove to a large platter.
4. Remove salmon by inserting a wide metal spatula between skin and flesh, leaving skin on grill. Place on platter with zucchini. Fill zucchini with yogourt mixture and sprinkle with coriander. Good with rice pilaf. Serves 4. 

Per serving: 305 calories, 29 g protein, 10 g carbs, 17 g fat, 3 g fibre, 249 mg sodium. 

Or try these easy recipes: 

Roasted mackerel with avocado salad 
Broil fillets skin-side up; serve with a green salad topped with diced avocado and vinaigrette. Bonus: Avocado is rich in folate, a proven memory aid.

Simple salmon with collard greens 
Grill or poach fillets. Sauté collard greens in a little olive oil and crushed garlic.
Bonus: The antioxidants in collard greens were shown to help women maintain their memory in a 25-year study at Harvard Medical School.

Posting Source: http://ca.shine.yahoo.com/eight-nutrition-habits-boost-brain-power-040000700.html

Russian scientists expect to meet aliens by 2031

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian scientists expect humanity to encounter alien civilizations within the next two decades, a top Russian astronomer predicted on Monday.

"The genesis of life is as inevitable as the formation of atoms... Life exists on other planets and we will find it within 20 years," Andrei Finkelstein, director of the Russian Academy of Sciences' AppliedAstronomy Institute, was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying.

Speaking at an international forum dedicated to the search forextraterrestrial life, Finkelstein said 10 percent of the known planets circling suns in the galaxy resemble Earth.

If water can be found there, then so can life, he said, adding that aliens would most likely resemble humans with two arms, two legs and a head.

"They may have different color skin, but even we have that," he said.

Finkelstein's institute runs a program launched in the 1960s at the height of the Cold War space race to watch for and beam out radio signals to outer space.

"The whole time we have been searching for extraterrestrial civilizations, we have mainly been waiting for messages from space and not the other way," he said.

Posting Source: http://ca.news.yahoo.com/russian-scientists-expect-meet-aliens-2031-145615642.html

Where the famous Disney stars are now

 
Every generation has a group of kids they feel like they grew up "with" because they watched them on TV. For me, it's the Disney and Nickelodeon "class" of 1995 to 2005. They were examples of how to feel embarrassed by one's parents ("That's So Raven"), crimp certain parts of your hair and not others ("Lizzie McGuire"), and how to talk in loud, obnoxious voices ("All That"). So with Raven-Symone's impending return to TV on ABC Family's "State of Georgia," I'm taking a look at where my Disney and Nick role models are nowadays. I'll also assign superlatives to their adult lives and careers.

 
If you didn't witness Shia LaBeouf's career as a youngster, you probably have no idea why his career trajectory has seemed so strange to us who have. He first starred in a TV movie called "Tru Confessions," in which he played (quite convincingly) a developmentally disabled teen. Then he played a mischievous dork in "Even Stevens," "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle," and "Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd." It's not that he seemed one-note; it's that if I had to peg one child star Steven Spielberg would see potential in as an "action" star, it wouldn't have been Shia. Now, he's not only the star of the "Transformers" franchise, he doesn't really do comedy at all anymore — see "New York, I Love You" and "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" for reference. Not exactly a dork anymore.

 
You're an idiot if you thought Nick Cannon was ever going to go away. It's not that he's incredibly talented — he is talented, but not like Bynes or LaBeouf — it's that he's loud, goofy, has to be heard, and seems incapable of functioning without the spotlight. So he's become a genius at self-promotion. After "All That" and "The Nick Cannon Show," Nick transitioned into movies and then back to comedy with MTV's "Wild N' Out." Now he does music, radio, comedy, serves as a TeenNick executive, and hosts "America's Got Talent." Nothing he does is exactly high-quality — it's that he just keeps doing it. And yes, he married Mariah Carey and they just had twins. How's that for staying in the public eye? 

 
I personally believe there are about a billion people funnier than Kenan Thompson, and that's why I consider him lucky. While being sarcastic and shouting all of his lines worked when he was on "All That" and "Kenan & Kel," it's beyond tired on "Saturday Night Live." And it's likely his roles on Nickelodeon that led to his "SNL" casting. What do we like in our "SNL" players? Versatility — see Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, etc. What doesn't he have? Versatility. 

 
Lizzie McGuire — Duff's Disney alter-ego — was my "ultimate" when I was younger. She was funny and sweet, and she had two amazing best friends and a supportive family. She was just a good kid. That's kind of exactly how Hilary Duff turned out. Her smartest move is probably not being crazy-involved with Hollywood, as far as acting goes, anymore. She's had her guest spots on "Gossip Girl" and "Community," but she also has books, a clothing line, a perfume, and does a ton of philanthropy work. Most uplifting of all? She's married and seems very happy.

 
Who would've thought the annoying little brother from "Lizzie McGuire" — whose performance on the show consisted of running around, screaming, and destroying things — would have the most steady acting career of all the "Lizzie" alums? He's guest-starred on basically every show ever, including "Ghost Whisperer," "ER," "Cold Case," "Lie to Me," "Rules of Engagement," "House" (turning in a beautifully understated performance), and most recently, "The Whole Truth" and "Criminal Minds."  

Posting Source: http://ca.tv.yahoo.com/slideshow/737/photos/1#062911 

Photos: Pippa stands out at Wimbledon

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 29: Pippa Middleton attends the quarterfinal round match between Roger Federer of Switzerland and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France on Day Nine of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 29, 2011 in London, England. 


 
 
 
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 09: Pippa Middleton attends the Men's Singles third round match between Rafael Nadal of Spain and Radek Stepanek of Czech Republic on day four of the AEGON Championships at Queens Club on June 9, 2011 in London, England. 

 

 
 
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 09: Pippa Middleton (R) watches the Men's Singles third round match between Andy Roddick of the United States and Kevin Anderson of South Africa on day four of the AEGON Championships at Queens Club on June 9, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

 
WOODSTOCK, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: Pippa Middleton looks on after crossing the finish line during the GE Blenheim Triathlon at Blenheim Palace on June 4, 2011 in Woodstock, England.

Posting Source: http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/tennis/gallery?search=Middleton#photoViewer=urn%3Anewsml%3Asports.yahoo%2Cgetty%3A20050301%3Atop%2Cphoto%2Cd25c6a115e03311926b9da4f5cd22920-getty-115087800cb006_ge_blenheim_%3A1   

Mosquitoes more attracted to beer drinkers: study

By Jordan Chittley | Daily Buzz – Mon, 27 Jun, 2011

It might be nice enough to enjoy a pint outside in your part of Canada, but news that mosquitoes are likely to target people with beer in their systems might make you re-think enjoying your favorite patio.

Or at least apply some bug repellent before you head out.

A study, conducted by scientists at the IRD Research Centre in France, shows that insects are 15 per cent more likely to fly toward humans after they have consumed a pint.

The researchers write in Plos One that one possible explanation is, "Mosquitoes may have evolved preferences for people who recently consumed beer - possibly due to reduced host defensive behaviours or highly-nutritious blood-meals."

The team used 25 males from West Africa and had them drink a local brew called Dolo. Mosquitoes were then released into the air and had the option of flying toward open air or the odour of the participant. Before participants drank the beer, only 50 per cent of mosquitoes flew toward the participant's odour. After a beer, the number rose to 65 per cent.

"Beer consumption, as opposed to water consumption, significantly increased both the activation and orientation of An. gambiae," the authors write in Plos One. "We found that beer consumption not only enhanced the number of mosquitoes that engage in odour-mediated upwind flight (mosquito activation) but also enhanced the strength of their odour-mediated anemotactic response (mosquito orientation)."

Researchers also tried the same experiment with water finding that it was six per cent less likely for mosquitoes to fly toward the participants odour after consuming a glass.

They are hoping to use the findings to decrease cases of malaria, a disease that kills 780,000 people worldwide every year.

While malaria may not be a big problem in Canada, it is a good idea to lather on the bug screen when at the cottage enjoying beer.

Posting Source: http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-buzz/mosquitoes-more-attracted-beer-drinkers-study-200654377.html

Lindsay Lohan Freed From House Arrest After 35 Days

Credit: Noel Vasquez/Getty Images

Wednesday – June 29, 2011 – 3:03pm

Lindsay Lohan can finally set foot outside her Venice, Calif. townhome.

The actress, 24, completed 35 days of house arrest Wednesday morning. Still, the I Know Who Killed Me star isn't totally off the hook. Lohan still has to complete 480 hours of community service, complete an anti-shoplifting class and comply with other terms of her release.

Lohan's spokesman, Steve Honig, told the Associated Press that the actress is "very focused" on resuming her community service, which includes volunteering at a downtown Los Angeles women's shelter and cleaning the county morgue.

In May, the troubled starlet was sentenced to four months in jail for violating her probation in a 2007 drunken driving case when she stole a necklace from a jewelry store earlier this year. Lohan pleaded no contest to the theft and received no additional penalties, but will remain on probation for several more months.

Last week, the actress appeared in court after failing a sobriety test earlier this month. Judge Stephanie Sautner determined that while Lohan did test positive for alcohol, she did not violate her probation, as a previous judge only required drug and alcohol testing between January 3 - February 25, 2011.

"If you are guilty of some violation of your probation, I don't see it. What you are guilty of is extremely poor judgment," Sautner told her. "Don't give people a reason to hate you."

Posting Source: http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/news/lindsay-lohan-freed-from-house-arrest-after-35-days-2011296