Day after day and meal after meal for those of us that consume the curry, here is some good news. Following is an interesting article published by BBC - read on:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8328377.stm
An extract found in the bright yellow curry spice turmeric can kill off cancer cells, scientists have shown.
The chemical - curcumin - has long been thought to have healing powers and is already being tested as a treatment for arthritis and even dementia.
Now tests by a team at the Cork Cancer Research Centre show it can destroy gullet cancer cells in the lab.
Cancer experts said the findings in the British Journal of Cancer could help doctors find new treatments.
Dr Sharon McKenna and her team found that curcumin started to kill cancer cells within 24 hours.
'Natural' remedy
The cells also began to digest themselves, after the curcumin triggered lethal cell death signals.
Dr McKenna said: "Scientists have known for a long time that natural compounds have the potential to treat faulty cells that have become cancerous and we suspected that curcumin might have therapeutic value."
Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: "This is interesting research which opens up the possibility that natural chemicals found in turmeric could be developed into new treatments for oesophageal cancer.
"Rates of oesophageal cancer have gone up by more than a half since the 70s and this is thought to be linked to rising rates of obesity, alcohol intake and reflux disease so finding ways to prevent this disease is important too."
Each year around 7,800 people are diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in the UK. It is the sixth most common cause of cancer death and accounts for around five percent of all UK cancer deaths.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Poem For Today
Asks the Possible of the Impossible,
"Where is your dwelling-place?"
"In the dreams of the Impotent,"
comes the answer
A dewdrop is a perfect integrity
that has no filial memory of its parentage.
A mind all logic is like a knife all blade.
It makes the hand bleed that uses it.
~Rabindranath Tagore
"Where is your dwelling-place?"
"In the dreams of the Impotent,"
comes the answer
A dewdrop is a perfect integrity
that has no filial memory of its parentage.
A mind all logic is like a knife all blade.
It makes the hand bleed that uses it.
~Rabindranath Tagore
Thursday, October 15, 2009
A Great Song!
I simply can't stop humming this - pretty additictive. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1oismHc4Es
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1oismHc4Es
Friday, October 9, 2009
Those Little Train Stations
Weather like today always reminds me of train journeys I undertook growing up. Those little stations that passed by. The smell of coffee and tea - the din, the sea of people...
I so vividly remember one of those journeys after all these years...
On a foggy cloudy late afternoon...the engine blew it's whistle and chugged out of the little train station situated on the outskirts of our quiet little town. I settled myself at the window and looked longingly at the green fields that belonged to people I knew and grew up with, all my life.
The train chugged away at a reckless speed...
Ah! The compartment. Always held a special place for me. Because I see it as a place where there are a myriad of characters that come and go. There is always a story, a drama that is happening right there. It is education I get for free! And a treat for me to simply watch...
People who seem to travel for eating - loads and packets of food is consumed. People who chat, laugh, fight and everything else. It is most interesting to get into the drama without really participating..that's the fun part :-)
I saw people busy in getting their luggage arranged. Above them was a single guy already immersed in a book - he didn't seem to care about all that happened around him. On the farther side sat a middle aged lady, and along with her sat a young girl in her mid twenties. I saw that she was average in her looks, wore glasses and had a beautiful smile. Behind those glasses I saw big brown eyes- curious, ready to smile and happy!Everyone seemed to have found their favorite spots and had settled in. Suddenly I heard a commotion, some arguing and then a thump of baggage being unloaded right next to me. I looked up and saw a fat man in his mid forties, carrying at least 3 bags and a big large suitcase - he had also managed to hold a cup of coffee with one hand. He was precariously balancing everything and he finally sat down carefully. Within 5 minutes of sitting, out came a packet of chips - he seemed such a friendly person with a very cheerful disposition. He turned to me and said "Has the ticket collector been here already ?" I nodded my head. He offered his pack of chips to everyone - I refused. He again said " what's the fun in travelling if you don't eat ?". I laughed - I hated to eat even a single bite even on the longest of my journeys! We were at least 3 hours into our journey. The young man who had buried himself in the book was alive to the world again - he had gotten down to stretch. He kept standing at the door and I noticed that he kept smoking and looking out for a long time. A thinker, a writer, an artist ? who could he be, I thought. He was unshaven, dark, tall, rugged and handsome in a very uncommon way. I shrugged - what do I care who all these people are.
An hour passed, and when I decided to get myself a coffee, I saw that the young man and the girl with the lady seemed to have gotten to know each other, and were busy chatting up. Young blood I thought - never waste a moment. Talk, talk all the time!
The guy seemed to have a good sense of humor - for everything he said, the girl seemed to be bursting into laughter. He then brought out a harmonica and played it for a while. He then set to teaching her how to play the harmonica.
Night fell, and everyone quietly ate their dinner. The fat man next to me had been a munching machine, and must have eaten at least a few pounds of nuts, crackers, candy, chips and god knows what. He had additionally guzzled a few quarts of soda, coffee, and water. Would he finish up all the food on planet Earth if left lose I thought. I laughed at my own imagination ! I was funny - at least I made myself laugh !
I glanced at the door, and on the steps I saw them - still chatting away. The girl and the guy were busy discussing - probably the most important topics they thought they could never find time to catch up on. Did they have to resolve world issues right this night sitting in that cold on that doorstep ? Why was I so bitter ? Why did it upset me that they were having such a good time? I chided myself at those unwarranted thoughts. The soft sounds of the harmonica continued into the night.
I woke up a couple of times in the middle of the night - still could hear their quiet banter, interspersed with soft laughter. I finally sat up at about 5AM in the morning. It was my usual time to be up. I peeked outside the window and saw that the train had stopped at a big station. There was the aroma of coffee!
I saw that the guy had gotten down to get them both some coffee. Will make a good husband to some girl one day I thought! I got myself a cup and watched the sunrise through the crack of the window. Watching a sunrise and a sunset has always been very special for me - I feel very raw and primal in my gut when I see the elements of nature resplendent in it's true colors!
The friendship between the two seemed to have grown.They were very comfortable, and the girl seemed to have picked up playing the harmonica. I saw the girl's mother tell her to catch some sleep and that it was enough. She turned a deaf ear and on went their chat.
A day into the journey, I was ready to throw up at the sight of any food - my fat neighbor had done that to me !
That night I saw them talk again on the door step - everyone in the compartment was fast asleep. I had nominated myself to be the watchdog ! well, the truth was that I couldn't sleep with all the coffee in the evening.
As I watched them, I saw the guy hold her hands for a brief minute - she seemed to be listening to him - very intently. Certainly they were discussing something very important to both of them ! I wish I could move closer to hear. I then looked at her mother and thought - why can't she tell her daughter to go to bed now ?
I woke up the next morning, and found the guy ready with his bags to get down. The train was at a station. The guy and the girl were saying their good-byes almost at the top of their voices, and at the very end, there was a quiet quick exchange of glances and the guy got down.I immediately saw a couple, who seemed like his parents come to receive him.
Since the train had a long stop at that station, I got down and walked to the news stand.
The guy seemed to have forgotten his book - the one he hadn't had the time to read since the first day. He had run back to the compartment to get it, and seeing his parents standing next to me, I smiled. His mother smiled back and began a casual conversation and told me that she was so happy to see him back home. After all, he was to get married that month! It stirred up something in me.
The guy had come back by then and they left.I silently began to walk back to the train.
I went back to the train and saw the girl at the window. She was busy talking to the fat man and the old couple now. The train moved on, and another day passed before we reached our destination. I was irritated with the girl - I now wonder why ?
The girl seemed to have moved on too - she did not waste another minute getting to know the entire compartment, and had ended up eating many packets of chips with the fat man ! And that night, I saw her sit at the door step - she had the harmonica ! She began to play the notes I heard them play before. He had left his music behind for her.
She seemed happy - so, why was I not ? why was I feeling as if something beautiful that could have happened did not happen? Why the restlessness in me - someone who was only a passive by-stander?
But a few years later when I think back, I always smile and think - if it was meant to be, it would have. And I also believe that nothing can ever stop it from happening again!
Such is Life isn't it? These little journeys are always something you can smile about when you think back...
Enjoy this song for the weekend:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo1MykK4u8U
I so vividly remember one of those journeys after all these years...
On a foggy cloudy late afternoon...the engine blew it's whistle and chugged out of the little train station situated on the outskirts of our quiet little town. I settled myself at the window and looked longingly at the green fields that belonged to people I knew and grew up with, all my life.
The train chugged away at a reckless speed...
Ah! The compartment. Always held a special place for me. Because I see it as a place where there are a myriad of characters that come and go. There is always a story, a drama that is happening right there. It is education I get for free! And a treat for me to simply watch...
People who seem to travel for eating - loads and packets of food is consumed. People who chat, laugh, fight and everything else. It is most interesting to get into the drama without really participating..that's the fun part :-)
I saw people busy in getting their luggage arranged. Above them was a single guy already immersed in a book - he didn't seem to care about all that happened around him. On the farther side sat a middle aged lady, and along with her sat a young girl in her mid twenties. I saw that she was average in her looks, wore glasses and had a beautiful smile. Behind those glasses I saw big brown eyes- curious, ready to smile and happy!Everyone seemed to have found their favorite spots and had settled in. Suddenly I heard a commotion, some arguing and then a thump of baggage being unloaded right next to me. I looked up and saw a fat man in his mid forties, carrying at least 3 bags and a big large suitcase - he had also managed to hold a cup of coffee with one hand. He was precariously balancing everything and he finally sat down carefully. Within 5 minutes of sitting, out came a packet of chips - he seemed such a friendly person with a very cheerful disposition. He turned to me and said "Has the ticket collector been here already ?" I nodded my head. He offered his pack of chips to everyone - I refused. He again said " what's the fun in travelling if you don't eat ?". I laughed - I hated to eat even a single bite even on the longest of my journeys! We were at least 3 hours into our journey. The young man who had buried himself in the book was alive to the world again - he had gotten down to stretch. He kept standing at the door and I noticed that he kept smoking and looking out for a long time. A thinker, a writer, an artist ? who could he be, I thought. He was unshaven, dark, tall, rugged and handsome in a very uncommon way. I shrugged - what do I care who all these people are.
An hour passed, and when I decided to get myself a coffee, I saw that the young man and the girl with the lady seemed to have gotten to know each other, and were busy chatting up. Young blood I thought - never waste a moment. Talk, talk all the time!
The guy seemed to have a good sense of humor - for everything he said, the girl seemed to be bursting into laughter. He then brought out a harmonica and played it for a while. He then set to teaching her how to play the harmonica.
Night fell, and everyone quietly ate their dinner. The fat man next to me had been a munching machine, and must have eaten at least a few pounds of nuts, crackers, candy, chips and god knows what. He had additionally guzzled a few quarts of soda, coffee, and water. Would he finish up all the food on planet Earth if left lose I thought. I laughed at my own imagination ! I was funny - at least I made myself laugh !
I glanced at the door, and on the steps I saw them - still chatting away. The girl and the guy were busy discussing - probably the most important topics they thought they could never find time to catch up on. Did they have to resolve world issues right this night sitting in that cold on that doorstep ? Why was I so bitter ? Why did it upset me that they were having such a good time? I chided myself at those unwarranted thoughts. The soft sounds of the harmonica continued into the night.
I woke up a couple of times in the middle of the night - still could hear their quiet banter, interspersed with soft laughter. I finally sat up at about 5AM in the morning. It was my usual time to be up. I peeked outside the window and saw that the train had stopped at a big station. There was the aroma of coffee!
I saw that the guy had gotten down to get them both some coffee. Will make a good husband to some girl one day I thought! I got myself a cup and watched the sunrise through the crack of the window. Watching a sunrise and a sunset has always been very special for me - I feel very raw and primal in my gut when I see the elements of nature resplendent in it's true colors!
The friendship between the two seemed to have grown.They were very comfortable, and the girl seemed to have picked up playing the harmonica. I saw the girl's mother tell her to catch some sleep and that it was enough. She turned a deaf ear and on went their chat.
A day into the journey, I was ready to throw up at the sight of any food - my fat neighbor had done that to me !
That night I saw them talk again on the door step - everyone in the compartment was fast asleep. I had nominated myself to be the watchdog ! well, the truth was that I couldn't sleep with all the coffee in the evening.
As I watched them, I saw the guy hold her hands for a brief minute - she seemed to be listening to him - very intently. Certainly they were discussing something very important to both of them ! I wish I could move closer to hear. I then looked at her mother and thought - why can't she tell her daughter to go to bed now ?
I woke up the next morning, and found the guy ready with his bags to get down. The train was at a station. The guy and the girl were saying their good-byes almost at the top of their voices, and at the very end, there was a quiet quick exchange of glances and the guy got down.I immediately saw a couple, who seemed like his parents come to receive him.
Since the train had a long stop at that station, I got down and walked to the news stand.
The guy seemed to have forgotten his book - the one he hadn't had the time to read since the first day. He had run back to the compartment to get it, and seeing his parents standing next to me, I smiled. His mother smiled back and began a casual conversation and told me that she was so happy to see him back home. After all, he was to get married that month! It stirred up something in me.
The guy had come back by then and they left.I silently began to walk back to the train.
I went back to the train and saw the girl at the window. She was busy talking to the fat man and the old couple now. The train moved on, and another day passed before we reached our destination. I was irritated with the girl - I now wonder why ?
The girl seemed to have moved on too - she did not waste another minute getting to know the entire compartment, and had ended up eating many packets of chips with the fat man ! And that night, I saw her sit at the door step - she had the harmonica ! She began to play the notes I heard them play before. He had left his music behind for her.
She seemed happy - so, why was I not ? why was I feeling as if something beautiful that could have happened did not happen? Why the restlessness in me - someone who was only a passive by-stander?
But a few years later when I think back, I always smile and think - if it was meant to be, it would have. And I also believe that nothing can ever stop it from happening again!
Such is Life isn't it? These little journeys are always something you can smile about when you think back...
Enjoy this song for the weekend:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo1MykK4u8U
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Audience Needed?
This evening as I drove back from work, I met a long lost friend and I simply was swept back in time.
The silly, unrealistic side of me wishes for a time wand that could erase and take one back in time to any time frame they want to be in...denial or a defense mechanism to thwart and live a bitter truth?
I don't know..but this certainly helps.
A happy moment, a sad one or simply a moment that occurs when time seems to have stood still around me - I always have felt that it is incomplete without having someone to share it with. I was telling another buddy this evening that I simply come alive in front of an audience. Just an ocean of people and me - it creates a magic for me!
As I sat eating my dinner, I thought - is it the same logic of loving an audience that extends to this feeling of wanting to be with people and sharing everything that happens? or is it plain love to have people around me kinda thought?
And there started my question to the self - should I go away from it or should I feed it?
Does everything really need an audience?
Do you need one?
The silly, unrealistic side of me wishes for a time wand that could erase and take one back in time to any time frame they want to be in...denial or a defense mechanism to thwart and live a bitter truth?
I don't know..but this certainly helps.
A happy moment, a sad one or simply a moment that occurs when time seems to have stood still around me - I always have felt that it is incomplete without having someone to share it with. I was telling another buddy this evening that I simply come alive in front of an audience. Just an ocean of people and me - it creates a magic for me!
As I sat eating my dinner, I thought - is it the same logic of loving an audience that extends to this feeling of wanting to be with people and sharing everything that happens? or is it plain love to have people around me kinda thought?
And there started my question to the self - should I go away from it or should I feed it?
Does everything really need an audience?
Do you need one?
Friday, October 2, 2009
Song For the Weekend
Love this song for the tune - enjoy and have a wonderful weekend :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD16SYpgL7A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD16SYpgL7A
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Rule(s) Of Attraction!
I was sitting there this morning sipping my coffee and thinking - what is that really makes us "like" someone?
What does all the vibes, the chemistry, the body language or even the words spoken really boil down to?
The evening comes and my little one almost every day whines..."Mumma, I don't like to play with M because she is mean..." or another day it is "Mumma, I don't think R is doing the right thing and I tried to tell mumma, and she made faces...."
And I give her a good enough explanation that tides us over for the day!
But really...what is it that makes you want to be with someone, like someone - what is that one single rule of attraction between two individuals?
Maybe different for each one of us, but I'm very tempted to say that it is all about the "make you feel good" factor. In some way. Boost your ego in some way. Agree to your ideas maybe. Age, gender and space seem meaningless in this context.
Something somewhere converges. And click!
And that's all it takes between two individuals. It exists or it doesn't. The rest I feel falls into a space I like to call "compromise". The pretense that it exists is all about borrowed time - a point that just needs a trigger to snap.
So, my reader - what works between us? Think 'bout it... :-)
What does all the vibes, the chemistry, the body language or even the words spoken really boil down to?
The evening comes and my little one almost every day whines..."Mumma, I don't like to play with M because she is mean..." or another day it is "Mumma, I don't think R is doing the right thing and I tried to tell mumma, and she made faces...."
And I give her a good enough explanation that tides us over for the day!
But really...what is it that makes you want to be with someone, like someone - what is that one single rule of attraction between two individuals?
Maybe different for each one of us, but I'm very tempted to say that it is all about the "make you feel good" factor. In some way. Boost your ego in some way. Agree to your ideas maybe. Age, gender and space seem meaningless in this context.
Something somewhere converges. And click!
And that's all it takes between two individuals. It exists or it doesn't. The rest I feel falls into a space I like to call "compromise". The pretense that it exists is all about borrowed time - a point that just needs a trigger to snap.
So, my reader - what works between us? Think 'bout it... :-)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Idli Cooker!
One of those funny incidents I had to share with my readers...
I do Yoga Asanas and meditation on some mornings with my neighbor/friend Ms.G! To give you a glimpse into her personality - a very bright, active, energetic person. And also very committed to any activity/cause she picks up!
So, on one of these mornings, we did the routine set of Asanas, and moved onto doing 'Pranayam'. After doing a 'Brahmari' (where one hums like the buzzing of a bee - very powerful relaxation technique) and after all the 'M-karas' I gave instructions to slip into some minutes of silence.
At the end of it, she beams up with all the energy and with a big smile tells me - "Wow! I felt sooo good today! I could hear the hissing/vibrations long after we stopped chanting the "M" sound. I think I'm finally getting it!!!"
And I on my part was torn between telling her that it was the "Idli" cooker in the kitchen that was actually making that hissing sound, versus letting her be in that state of bliss! But, my laughter got the better of me!!!
It was hilarious :-)
I do Yoga Asanas and meditation on some mornings with my neighbor/friend Ms.G! To give you a glimpse into her personality - a very bright, active, energetic person. And also very committed to any activity/cause she picks up!
So, on one of these mornings, we did the routine set of Asanas, and moved onto doing 'Pranayam'. After doing a 'Brahmari' (where one hums like the buzzing of a bee - very powerful relaxation technique) and after all the 'M-karas' I gave instructions to slip into some minutes of silence.
At the end of it, she beams up with all the energy and with a big smile tells me - "Wow! I felt sooo good today! I could hear the hissing/vibrations long after we stopped chanting the "M" sound. I think I'm finally getting it!!!"
And I on my part was torn between telling her that it was the "Idli" cooker in the kitchen that was actually making that hissing sound, versus letting her be in that state of bliss! But, my laughter got the better of me!!!
It was hilarious :-)
Friday, September 18, 2009
The Fear Factor
The topic I write about today has been a very interesting observation for me in the recent past. An untold something that is there in most of us.
I'm part of some kind of a financial dealing in the last couple of months where the money involved is not negligible. And all the involved parties are trying to pull the rug their way! It's an interesting play of personalities, mind tricks and everything else in between. I must admit though that I have been a little flustered but amused at the same time too.
It is that fear of losing something that keeps the wheel turning - isn't that true for all of us in some space? And it is even more interesting how we humans have a very sharpened skill at sniffing out that fear in all the others around us! Then, once the existence of that fear has been established the deadly dance begins - a very fine delicate tug that pretends to not exist yet at the same time is given enough center stage lest it be mistaken as non-existent!
Why? Because it is all about how we 'leverage' this fear. Not in the self but outside of us! And in this amazing, amusing, deadly yet at the same time that which has a child-like ignorance with a tinge of innocence - the idea is to let go when the rope is taut! And then sit back and watch...watch the game crumble like a deck of cards :-)
Stripping this idea of all expression and baring it to the core - be afraid to lose and nothing can touch you! Then the tables turn, you somehow will get into a spot to call the shots. That is probably the beautiful side of 'failure'. The ugly side that is visible to the outside, but the good it does to the 'loser' on the inside! Scared for life -maybe yes. But maybe in a good way actually!
Next time try it with yourself with the various parameters that exist in your life today. Maybe you'll agree with me! Just let it go. Will be scary at first, but you'll survive...
Sharing anothe fav. with you for the weekend :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VKpKkGnl0k
I'm part of some kind of a financial dealing in the last couple of months where the money involved is not negligible. And all the involved parties are trying to pull the rug their way! It's an interesting play of personalities, mind tricks and everything else in between. I must admit though that I have been a little flustered but amused at the same time too.
It is that fear of losing something that keeps the wheel turning - isn't that true for all of us in some space? And it is even more interesting how we humans have a very sharpened skill at sniffing out that fear in all the others around us! Then, once the existence of that fear has been established the deadly dance begins - a very fine delicate tug that pretends to not exist yet at the same time is given enough center stage lest it be mistaken as non-existent!
Why? Because it is all about how we 'leverage' this fear. Not in the self but outside of us! And in this amazing, amusing, deadly yet at the same time that which has a child-like ignorance with a tinge of innocence - the idea is to let go when the rope is taut! And then sit back and watch...watch the game crumble like a deck of cards :-)
Stripping this idea of all expression and baring it to the core - be afraid to lose and nothing can touch you! Then the tables turn, you somehow will get into a spot to call the shots. That is probably the beautiful side of 'failure'. The ugly side that is visible to the outside, but the good it does to the 'loser' on the inside! Scared for life -maybe yes. But maybe in a good way actually!
Next time try it with yourself with the various parameters that exist in your life today. Maybe you'll agree with me! Just let it go. Will be scary at first, but you'll survive...
Sharing anothe fav. with you for the weekend :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VKpKkGnl0k
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
A Special Date
Today is a special date being 09/09/09 and turned out to be a special day too...
It's one of those days that seems to be a figment of your imagination, all coming alive!
A day where things seem to flow the way you want them to, and the sunshine, the food, people - all seems great!
A great song to go with it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ibl6YKyyYU
It's one of those days that seems to be a figment of your imagination, all coming alive!
A day where things seem to flow the way you want them to, and the sunshine, the food, people - all seems great!
A great song to go with it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ibl6YKyyYU
Monday, September 7, 2009
Those Feel Good Factors!
A great song, those high notes or just watching some kind of expression of a talent on a stage gives me a super high! I'm sure all of you have one such song that puts you back there!
Meeting some people, listening to something or simply reading a book has pockets of that high hidden! I always wonder if this 'high' can be generalized on a common plane only to differ under a given set of circumstances - or is this 'high' factor different in itself for each of us? where does it differ at an individual level?
Blogging like this with my laptop on the counter top while I cook some Red Beans is one of my many other highs ;-)
A cool song I'm listening to as I write this - here's for you to enjoy :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM8ZEYnXyPg
Meeting some people, listening to something or simply reading a book has pockets of that high hidden! I always wonder if this 'high' can be generalized on a common plane only to differ under a given set of circumstances - or is this 'high' factor different in itself for each of us? where does it differ at an individual level?
Blogging like this with my laptop on the counter top while I cook some Red Beans is one of my many other highs ;-)
A cool song I'm listening to as I write this - here's for you to enjoy :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM8ZEYnXyPg
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