Monday, April 23, 2018

கவிஞரின் டுமீல் வரிகள்


South indian politics and film industry are like two wheels of a vehicle. Poets are known for writing poetry and songs that has smell of politics.

But for audience who listen to the lines in the song from movie சூரியகாந்தி ( Suriyakanthi), they can experience a different odour.

"வண்டி ஓட சக்கரங்கள் இரண்டு மட்டும் வேண்டும்
அந்த இரண்டில் ஒன்று சிறியதென்றால்
எந்த வண்டி ஓடும்."

Does this lines criticize two famous personalities of tamil cinema (politics) or they are just lines written to complete the rhythimic sense of the song and attract audience.


Friday, April 20, 2018

How to make the South Indian Filter Coffee


If you are a coffee lover, try this recipe.


Many of us love having filter coffee but making decoction can be quite tricky. So here is the recipe.

Step 1: Select and grind coffee powder from any coffee grinding shop. Selection of coffee bean variety plays a vital role in the thickness and flavor of the decoction. Grind coffee powder in the ratio,

1 kg coffee powder -> ( 800gms PB Pure + 200gms Plantation A ) + Chicory 100gms .

Step 2: Fill up the 3/4th of the filter with coffee powder. Level the top of the coffee powder in the filter and compress / pack it gently. Don't pack it too lose or too tight. Meanwhile Boil 2-3 glasses of water very hot. 


Step 3: Add the water over the coffee powder. The coffee powder will get boiled in the hot water and you can feel a good aroma.

Step 4: Sometimes if the holes are too small or if the granularity of the coffee powder is very very fine, the decoction will not drip down. If after 10-15 mins you din't find any decoction dripped down, add more water and gently mix the water with a fork and make it into a pasty consistency. 


Step 5: Keep adding water at regular intervals till you find decoction is thick. You may need to add around 4 glasses of water to yield 1-1.5 glass of decoction.

Step 6: In a Tumbler Dumera add 1.5 spoons sugar, and decoction as needed. Boil the milk and add it into the tumbler. Mix all the ingredients well. Add decoction over the froth for flavor.



Points to Note :

1. Selection of coffee beans is important for thickness and flavor of the coffee

2. Adding more chicory will yield thick decoction, but it may cause nausea in the long run ( pitham ). Hence adding the above mentioned ratio will be perfect.

3. Selecting of the filter can be quite tricky. Please choose carefully and check if the holes are perfect without any blocks.

4. Granularity of the coffee powder is also vital .The powder should be 95% fine and at least 5% coarse. If it is too fine decoction will not drip down. If it is too coarse, decoction will be watery.

5. When ever you are re-adding water over the powder make sure it is hot or at least warm.

- this information was shared from a southindian blogger's page.

Friday, April 13, 2018

Taj Mahal minarets damaged in storm


Darwaza-a-Rauza, the main gateway, is a structure built of marble and strongly reminiscent of Mughal architecture.

Tajmahal minaret damaged
A 12-foot minaret with a metal finial, which is part of the main gate, also called Darwaza-e-rauza, was blown away by high-speed winds. It is from this royal gate that tourists get their first view of the 17th century Mughal-era monument.

- shared from internet news portal.

National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest 2018

Nature, People and Cities.


Nakameguro Cherry Blossoms
National Geographic
Nakameguro Cherry Blossoms - Illuminated cherry blossoms at night were fantastic and beautiful
Rhino Silhouette
National Geographic
Took an early ride out from the camp in Masai Mara national park, searching for the great migration, where I saw a rhino from far away standing beside a tree. The back lit from the early sun was too strong, so I took a silhouette instead- Nat Geo Photograph contest participant
Grand Canyon just after the rain
National Geographic
Just at the time of sunrise a storm approached the south rim and I almost packed my gears. But it cleared for a temporary period of time giving this amazing view from Powell Point. My first trip to this magnificent landmark left me speechless while I was clicking this shot.-Nat Geo Photograph contest participant
Lava falls
National Geographic
Lava falls into the sea. Explosions occurred and there was warm smoke. 
Dry Jamuna River
National Geographic
Jamuna river has almost dried up during the dry season. This aerial photograph was taken from Prem Jamunar Ghat’s point in Sariakandi upazila of Bogra, Bangladesh.
Sisters
National Geographic
These Rajasthani sisters were sitting on the staircase inside of their house relaxing and enjoy a cup of masala chai.
Tamam
National Geographic
The Mundari tribe is a tribal group in south Sudan that haven’t changed their lifestyles much in centuries. The Mundari are one of the most prominent cattle herding tribes. They are primarily transhumant pastoralists, moving their herds of cattle to riverine pastures during the dry season and back to permanent settlements in Savanna forest during the rains.
My Camel My Shield
National Geographic
This was shot at Pushkar, Rajasthan during the famous camel fair which is being held there every year. This fair also attracts many tourists from all over the world.
Herders from around all over India gather at one place and trade, buy, sell their camels. It is one of the biggest camel fair in the world.
Cuban Barber
National Geographic
This Cuban barber has a shop in the run down building he lives in. He has managed to hook up water and electricity and has a steady flow of clients. I couldn’t get enough of the atmosphere and visited the shop several times and each time was welcomed in with a smile.
Shepherd and the wolf
National Geographic
In picture, the shepherds along with the herd dogs lead their flock of sheep and goats. This family was returning back after feasting on the lush meadows of Himalayas and moments later they all crossed rupinPass, to get back to their home. Most of the goats in the flock carry basic items shepherds need for their survival in this journey. The shepherd dogs are seen with spiked collars around their necks, which is to give them a chance against an attack from the leopard or a bear.

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Buttermilk - health benefits

Butter Milk
Boosts your calcium intake


Adults require 1,000 – 1,200 mg of calcium per day, to maintain healthy bones and teeth. 1 cup of milk contains about 300 mg, while 1 cup of yoghurt contains about 420 mg of calcium. Adding just 1 glass of chaas to your daily diet can boost your calcium intake by 350 mg.

Lowers cholesterol, reduces blood pressure and prevents cancer.


A study found that the milk fat molecules in buttermilk contain a unique bioactive protein that lowers cholesterol and has antiviral, antibacterial and anticarcinogenic properties. The same study found that drinking chaas every day can reduce blood pressure significantly.

Fights dehydration.

Janieve Russel. 400m hurdle winner 2018 common wealth games.
Carry a bottle of chaas (butter milk) with you if you know you’re going to be out in the heat, or have a chilled glass as soon as you get home. The combination of water, yoghurt, salt and spices will replenish your fluid and electrolyte levels instantly, helping you ward off dehydration.

DRINK CHAAS!!! STAY HEALTHY!!!!

Stay healthy.

- Shared from Internet resource.


Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Small plane crashes near Scottsdale, Arizona airport.





Watch: Small plane crashes near Scottsdale, Arizona airport

Scottsdale (USA), Apr 10 (ANI): A small plane crashed in Arizona’s Scottsdale on Monday night. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene of the crash. The aircraft was a Piper PA24, which crashed onto the golf course and caught fire after takeoff from Scottsdale Airport.

- Shared from Internet news portal.