Interesting & Funny

"Candy coating" chocolate: Also known as “confectionery coating,” “summer coating,” or “compound coating.” These terms refer to candy products that are flavored like dark, milk or white chocolate and substitute vegetable or palm oils for cocoa butter. These products are cheaper than most chocolates, and do not contain significant amounts of chocolate liquor; thus, they do not have a strong chocolate flavor or an appealing mouth feel. However, they have excellent melting and molding properties, and thus are often used in candy making for dipping or enrobing, they do not require tempering and can withstand high ambient temperatures

Couverture chocolate: Used primarily by professional bakers or confectioners, this chocolate contains a very high percent (at least 30%) of cocoa butter, as well as a high percentage of chocolate liquor. This high ratio makes it expensive, but it also means that the resulting chocolate is smooth and melts quickly and evenly. Couverture chocolate is the preferred chocolate for tempering and enrobing candies. It comes in dark, milk, and white varieties, and can be purchased online or at well-stocked cake decorating stores.

Gianduja chocolate: Gianduja is the name given to a European style of chocolate made from chocolate and nut paste. Hazelnut paste is most common, but gianduja can also be made with almond paste. It comes in milk or dark chocolate varieties. Gianduja chocolate can be used as a flavoring or as a substitute for milk or dark chocolate. At room temperature it is soft enough to be rolled or cut, but is too soft to use for molding chocolates.

White chocolate: White chocolate gets its name from the cocoa butter it contains, but does not contain chocolate liquor or any other cocoa products.It has no pronounced chocolate taste, but commonly tastes like vanilla or other added flavorings. By law, white chocolate must contain a minimum 20% cocoa butter, 14% milk solids, and a maximum of 55% sugar. There are some “white chocolate” products available that contain vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter—these should be avoided from a taste standpoint, as they contain no cocoa products at all, and are not technically white chocolate.

Milk chocolate: In addition to containing cocoa butter and chocolate liquor, milk chocolate contains either condensed milk (most European varieties) or dry milk solids. Milk chocolate must contain at least 10% chocolate liquor (in the United States), 3.39% butterfat, and 12% milk solids. Milk chocolates are typically much sweeter than dark chocolate, and have a lighter color and a less pronounced chocolate taste. Milk chocolate is more difficult to temper properly and more prone to overheating.

Sweet dark chocolate: is “dark chocolate” in the sense that it does not contain milk solids, but it still has a high percentage of sugar and is much sweeter than other types of dark chocolate. Many brands of sweet dark chocolate have only 20-40% cocoa solids.

Semi-sweet chocolate: This is primarily an American term, popularized by Nestle Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips. Semi-sweet chocolate contains at least 35% cocoa solids, and is generally assumed to be darker than sweet dark chocolate, but sweeter than bittersweet.

Bittersweet chocolate: Chocolate, as defined by the FDA that contains at least 35% cocoa solids. Most bittersweet bars contain at least 50% chocolate liquor, with some bars pushing 70-80% chocolate liquor. This chocolate often has a deeper, more bitter flavor than sweet dark or semi-sweet bars. The amount of sugar in the chocolate is not regulated, so one manufacturer’s “bittersweet” bar may taste sweeter than another’s “semi-sweet” bar.

Dark chocolate: Chocolate that contains chocolate liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla and leicithin (an emulsifier).There are no milk solids added in dark chocolate. The cocoa content of commercial dark chocolate bars can range from 30% (sweet dark) to 70- 80% for extremely dark bars. Bittersweet chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate also fall into the “dark chocolate” category.

Unsweetened chocolate: Also known as “bitter” or “baking” chocolate. This is pure chocolate liquor, composed solely of ground cocoa beans. Although it looks and smells like chocolate, it has a bitter taste and is not meant for consumption on its own—it is best used in cooking, when it can be combined with sugar to make it more palatable. Because cocoa beans contain equal amounts of cocoa butter and cocoa solids, unsweetened chocolate lends a deep, rich chocolate flavor to baked goods. Unsweetened chocolate is the base ingredient in all other forms of chocolate, except white chocolate.

Cocoa powder: This unsweetened powder is pulverized, partially defatted chocolate liquor. Cocoa powder gives an intense chocolate taste and is available in “Dutch-processed” (alkalized) or natural varieties. Natural cocoa powder is light brown, with a strong, pronounced chocolate flavor. It is slightly acidic, so it is best to use natural cocoa powder in recipes calling for baking soda. Alkalized cocoa powder is darker in color, less acidic, and has a milder chocolate taste. Alkalized cocoa powder is recommended for recipes that call for baking powder.

A Peruvian mayor claims chemicals in the water being supplied from another town is turning the men in his town into homosexuals

There must be something in the water in one Peruvian town -- and the mayor says it's turning the men gay.
Mayor Jose Benitez has revealed that the metal strontium has got in the water supply and warned of its apparent side-effects.

"Unfortunately strontium reduces male hormones and suddenly we'll all be like men in Tabalosos, where the percentages are increasing of homosexuality," he announced, Benitez issued his warning to the citizens of Huarmey during an opening ceremony for a local water project.

But while scientists warn that strontium, which is naturally occurring, can cause bone cancer, anemia and cardiovascular complications in very high doses no study has ever suggested it is linked to sexual behaviour. Benitez's accusation probably derives from a Peruvian television program several years ago that claimed the population of Tabalosos was predominantly gay.

Tabalosos, which is located in Peru's interior, is the source of water for Huarmey.
But the mayor of Tabalosos, Jorge Luis Vasquez said the myth had damaged the reputation of his city, adding, "Young people have low self-esteem by this stigma." He demanded that Benitez either prove his assertion or apologise for it.

Confidence and Self-Esteem were best friends. They went everywhere together. If Confidence bought a new dress, Self-Esteem bought one just like it. They were very close.

One day a new kid came to their school. His name was Peer Pressure. He had a friend called Hateful Words. They decided to give Confidence a hard time.

They constantly teased her. They forced her to do terrible things. It was so terrible that Confidence lost Self-Esteem. When Self-Esteem wanted to start some classes, Confidence said they wouldn't be any good.

Then one day, Peer Pressure introduced Confidence to Doubt. He wanted to ruin Confidence, but Peer Pressure said he couldn't yet. Self Esteem couldn't understand what was wrong with Confidence. Confidence now hung around with Depression, Low Self-Esteem, and Overeating.

These girls were friends of Peer Pressure. Self-Esteem no longer had any friends. She no longer felt good about herself. She went to see her Imaam. Imaam Good Words told her how to talk to Confidence. He introduced her to his daughter, Encouragement.

Encouragement and Self-Esteem went to find Confidence. Self Esteem hoped she wasn't too late. The girls found Confidence in a stupor. She was no longer a vibrant, happy young girl. There were dark circles under her eyes. She had gained so much weight from eating that she couldn't move.

Encouragement gasped and Self-Esteem cried. She begged Encouragement to do something.

Encouragement began to hug Confidence. She kissed her and loved her. She told her that she was a beautiful young lady who had a lot going for her.
Encouragement held Confidence so tightly that Self-Esteem thought she would smother her. Confidence began to cry. As she cried, she seemed to lose weight. Then a bright light suddenly glowed from Confidence and she began to smile.

Peer Pressure and his friends didn't like what Encouragement was doing and tried to attack her. They hit at her and pulled at her, but they couldn't pull her away from Confidence. Then Confidence began to speak.

"Get away from me, Peer Pressure. Take your friends and go. You no longer have any power over me." Confidence was now a glowing light. She and her friends made sure that Peer Pressure and his gang never bothered anyone in their town again.

***********

If you feel that Encouragement is not your friend, then try to find Encouragement in yourself. Self-Esteem and Confidence will follow.

1. Don’t just talk, listen 
The success of any marriage lies in the tool called communication. Don’t hope for things to work if you decide to remain silent forever. Your spouse won’t know what is troubling you till you communicate with him. It is also imperative to respect and hear out every single time. As Mumbai-based marriage counselor and relationship therapist Dr Rajiv Anand puts it, “A healthy communication is the most vital nourishment for closed relationships like marriage. Most couples tend to force their thoughts, likes and dislikes irrespective of he/she being receptive to it or not.”


2. Deal with your differences
The wet bathroom floor might irritate you, but ask yourself if dealing with it is a better solution to the problem. “We have to accept that differences are a part of life. The depth of a relationship can be measured by how much we accept each other with all the differences and yet love each other,” adds Dr Rajiv Anand. No two people are alike, and therefore losing your calm is not going to take you anywhere. If you can solve it without too much sweat, great. Otherwise give the person some time. Expecting your spouse to change is maybe too much to ask for.


3. Be friends 
Go to any part of the world and you will be glad to discover that all successful relationships are based on friendship. A marriage may seem like a tough nut to crack until the two of you become friends. Talk to each other like pals for a change, and you will notice how much has changed. 


4. Space it out
“Can we take a break?” asks your husband. Don’t fret! All he wants is probably some space. Allow him to come back on his own and resolve the issue. Avoid thye accusing glance or he may distance himself.



5. Resolve and make peace
Most couples look for quick solutions after a fight. Making peace with each other can be a task, but don’t ignore it completely. Spare some time from your hectic schedule to hear him out. Rest can wait for the moment. You do not want to crib and complain about the same issue over and over again, do you? Best solution would be to resolve it and move on. In most cases, a delay in solving issues leads to increased differences and fights which can be worse


6. Learn to forgive
It is not easy to forgive the person you hold special in your life. But remember, once you decide to do so, life gets simple. Come on, you are married to this guy and it’s for good. Life is too short to hold grudges,
isn’t it?


7. Dump that attitude 
So you think you are right all the time? Well, give it a thought. Today, most marriages end due to ego clashes. Incorporate the word ‘we’ into your day-to-day life. “Ego is connected to a sense of me and mine, and if both partners fight for their own interests, then it is as simple as making way for a separation,” adds Dr Anand.


8. Rekindle that romance
Until yesterday it was your husband who made that anniversary extra special. Next time onwards, take the initiative to design fun elements to spice up your married life. Go that extra mile to make him smile — take him to a movie or plan a holiday for a change! 


9. Deal with money matters
Admit you are a shopaholic and that it bothers him when you blow your entire salary on a new wardrobe every month. The same applies to him if he has issues dealing with money. Handle your money-related issues with sensivity. It is not about who is earning the money, but more about how you are spending it. Be gentle and learn to handle the matter with respect and dignity.



10. A little praise goes a long way 
Don’t forget to compliment each other with a word or two once in a while. It not only encourages the person to keep the relationship going, but also brings the two of you closer. Having said that, do not fish for compliments every day. A little patience can reward you with loads of surprises.

A method of movement focused on getting through and dealing with obstacles with incredible speed and efficiency, parkour has become much more than just an ordinary sport. Parkour evolved from ‘parcour du combattants’, which was a classic obstacle course-based military training developed by Frenchman Georges Hebert.

The main purpose of the discipline is to teach participants, also known as traceurs or parkour practitioners, how to move through their environment as smoothly and directly as possible using vaulting, jumping, climbing, running and rolling techniques. It enables the practitioner to learn how to identify and efficiently utilize alternate paths to a destination.

The real beauty in parkour, however, lies in the fact that it can be practiced anywhere (including rural, urban and natural landscapes) as long as the area is dense with obstacles. This also ensures that every parkour path is distinctly unique which allows the traceurs to develop their split-second decision-making skills along with their physiques.

Though there is no ‘traditional technique’ involved and no pre-defined moves as there are with gymnastics, parkour is becoming somewhat of a pop cultural phenomenon and most countries have a few masters who are more than happy to help train interested individuals. It's also been embraced as an alternative exercise form. Some countries' armies are also reportedly examining the possibility of incorporating parkour into their training regimens

The Eleusinian Mysteries, held annually in honor of Demeter and Persephone, were the most sacred and revered of all the ritual celebrations of ancient Greece. They were instituted in the city of Eleusis, some twenty-two kilometers west of Athens, possibly as far back as the early Mycenaean period, and continued for almost two thousand years. Large crowds of worshippers from all over Greece (and later, from throughout the Roman empire) would gather to make the holy pilgrimage between the two cities and and participate in the secret ceremonies, generally regarded as the high point of Greek religion. In the Hellenistic age (300-150 BCE), the cult was taken over and run by the state, and two aristocratic families from Eleusis officiated (the Eumolpidae and Kerykes). In this age, mystery cults were becoming very popular, unlike classical Greece (400s BCE) when the Eleusinian mysteries were a rare form of worship. The annual Eleusinian mysteries attracted thousands of people from all over the Greek world, and the only initial requirement to become a mystes (initiate) was to be without blood guilt nor a barbarian ( in other words, if you spoke Greek). It was open to both men and women, and remarkably, slaves were also allowed into the cult. 

An 11-year-old "werewolf" boy who desperately seeks a cure for his condition is baffling medical experts.

Pruthviraj Patil is one of 50 in the world who suffers from hypertrichosis, a rare genetic condition known as Werewolf Syndrome.

As a result his face and body is covered in thick, matted hair.

But he is hoping doctors will one day find a cure for his ailment.

Born in the Indian district of Sangli, near Bombey, he hardly ever leaves his village because of his fear of being traunted by strangers.

The only parts of his body that are not covered with hair are the palms of his hands and soles of his feet.

The son of a well off farmer, his parents have tried homeopathy, traditional Ayurvedic remedies and laser surgery. But none of them have worked.

It is believe his genetic condition was caused by a flaw during pregnancy.

"Why did God do this to us," his 32-year-old mother Anita pleads. "He looks so odd and whever we go people throng to see him."

Plastic surgeon Vinay6 Saoji has examined the boy and confirms that the condition is very rare.

"Hairy nevus, where a person has patches of excess growth, or hirsurism, is not uncommon, but hair persisting all over the body is very rare," he added.

Pruthviraj says he is anxious to get the hair removed but even after laser treatment it simply grows back.

The doctors don't have any answers to his predicament.

When he first went to school he said he got bullied and the other children laughed at him. But now they have got used to him and they treat him like normal.

He appealed to the doctors to help find him a permanent cure.

An Egyptian man in his early twenties has named his newborn daughter 'Facebook' following the 2011 Egyptian Revolution which was almost solely organized on the social-networking site Facebook. The father, Gamal Ibrahim, told the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram that he gave his child the name to "express his joy at the achievements made by the January 25 youth."


The Al-Ahram report stated that, "The girl’s family, friends, and neighbors in the Ibrahimya region gathered around the new born to express their continuing support for the revolution that started on Facebook. 'Facebook' received many gifts from the youth who were overjoyed by her arrival and the new name. A name that shocked the entire world."

The Egyptian spelling of 'Facebook' is فيس بوك.

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:

Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.

METHOD OF TREATMENT

1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water .....interesting

2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes

3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.

4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours

5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.

6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:

1. High Blood Pressure - 30 days

2. Gastric - 10 days

3. Diabetes - 30 days

4. Constipation - 10 days

5. Cancer - 180 days

6. TB - 90 days

7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards - daily.

This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.

It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life.

Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.

This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ..not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.
Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.