Salute to Indian Hockey Team

With a thumping win over France in the Olumpic qualifier final, Indian Hockey players showed their mettle. The title victory at the National Stadium, New Delhi on sunday not only ensured the return of Indian Hockey Team to the Olympics after 2004 Athens Games, but also healed the wounds of the four year old "Chile horror"  when the country had failed to qualify for the Olympic for the 1st time in 80 years. The performance of Sandeep Singh was outstanding. He was scored 16 goals in this tournament in which 5 goals in the final match.
If this performance of the team can be followed in the Olympics, the title will definitely be come to India this time.
Congratulations to Team India..............

Spicy Malabar Chicken

Try to prepare the  Spicy Malabar Chicken by following method. It is surely going to be a hit among your guests. Unlike your routine chicken dish, this one has a special mix of spices, which lends it its different flavour. You can make the masala yourself with the spices mentioned below.

Ingedients:- Boneless chicken - 1 KG, soft and tender

Onions - 300 Gms

Chicken pilandy masala powder- 2 tbsp, (made by powdering cloves, cardomom, cinnamon, fennel, peppercorns and star anise)

Eggs- 3 Nos.

Ginger - garlic- green chilli paste - one and half tbsp.

Turmeric - 1 tbsp.

Kashmiri red Chilli powder - 2 tbsp, or to taste.

Coriander powder - 2 tbsp

Curry Leaves - 6 stalks

 Salt - To taste

Coconut oil / refined oil - 1 cup 

Method of preparation

In a saucepan, take some water and add turmeric, a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until soft. Take it out and shred into small pieces.

Beat the eggs. Prepare scrambled eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Slice the onions and saute in 1 cup coconut oil until golden brown. Into the onions, add the ginger-garlic-green chilli paste. Fry the paste until the raw smell goes. Lower the flame. Now, add turmeric, kashmiri red chilli powder, coriander powder and salt to taste.

 Finally, add the chicken masala powder. Add half of the curry leaves. When the mixture is well-roasted, mix in the shredded chicken. Sprinkle the remaining curry leaves. Stir often.

The masala will turn reddish brown. Then, add the scrambled eggs. Stir well. After a minute, remove from flame. Spoon into a flat oval dish. As garnish, place 2 stalks of curry leaves side-by-side. Serve hot!....

You can use the same recipe for vegetarians, too. All you need to do is use cauliflower and green peas instead of boneless chicken. 

See the picture of Spicy Malabar Chicken

How to make Chocolate Cashewnut Burfi

Chocolate Cashewnut Burfi

For making the Chocolate Cashewnut Burfi, following points to be noted.

Ingredients

Flour - 100 gm

Cashewnut powder - 100 gm

Sugar - 200 gm

Dark Chocloate - 50 gm 

Method

Melt the chocolate on a slow flame and keep aside. (Use double boiler or Microwave oven). Make thick syrup with a cup of water and sugar (one string consistency). Bring the syrup to boiling point. Reduce the flame, add cashew nut powder. Mix well. Take out from the fire. 

Divide the mixture into three equal portions. Take one portion and mix with the melted chocolate. Now spread one part of the cashew nut mixture in a greased tray. Spread chocolate mixture on top of that and the remaining mixture.

Keep aside for one hour and cut into desired shape.

A picute of the Chocolate Cashewnut Burfi

Try it and enjoy the taste.........

Shameful action of TTE's

I am writing this followed by the news regarding the shameful action of Travelling Ticket Examiners to Smt.Jayageetha in a moving train on 17th February 2012.

While travelling in a first class coach in Chennai Superfast Train, Smt.Jayageetha, who is a research officer at the State Planning Board, two TTE's misbehaved with her and used abusive words while travelling. The Railway Additional Divisional Manager was issed orders suspending the TTE's on the basis of the allegations, but revoked their suspension later by saying that the enquiry found that the commuter was not a bonafide passenger as she was not entitled to travel on the Superfast Express. It was also found that the TTE's had done their duty. By doing this, the authorities have encouraged the action of the TTE's.

Smt. Jayageetha had taken the ticket by paying Rs.1250/- instead of the normal first class season fare of Rs.800/-. If she is not entitled to travel in that particular coach, these TTE's should have directed the passenger to move to another coach which is eligible to travel. But instead of doing their duty, they were used abusive words to her and misbehaved and that action was a shameless one which is against the whole lady community who are travelling in trains, daily. If the TTE's should not be given punishment for this, this type of actions are going to increase in the coming days. 

Now we are getting reports that the attempts against the ladies in the ladies compartment are increasing day by day. People in Kerala may not have forgot the death of Soumya following the attempt of one Govindachami in the ladies compartment. After that incident there were no strict action is seen taken by the authorities. Now the authorities who are entrusted to do their duty are turning to be real culprit. What we do if the present situation is continues....... The Ministers or other responsible persons should intervene to punish these TTE's.        

MAHASIVARATHRI

Large number of devotees gathering on the banks of the Periyar to pay obeisance to their ancestors during the Mahasivrathri day. The observance of Sivarathri is considered an important ceremony in ensuring the welfare to descendants of the deceased.
The belief behind the significance of performing the ritual is traced to the Ramayana in which  Rama performed the last rites of his friend, Jadayu.
The rituals got off to a start from Monday midnight with a procession (ezhunnellippu) of a caparisoned elephant around the Mahadeva Temple, carrying the idol of Lord Siva.

INDIA INTERNATIONAL AQUA SHOW 2012

I have visited different types of stalls set up in connection with the India International Aqua Show 2012, which was conducted near Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi, from 10th February 2012 to 15th February 2012. Several verities of ornamental fishes were displayed in various stalls. Visitors can see a lot of varity of fishes and buy them according to their choice. Different types of acquariums were also displayed which costs from Rs.3000 to Rs.30,000. Variety of stones and decorative items, being used in aquariums, fish food and other items required for maintaining an aquarium were also displayed for sale.

Vertibrae of Whale which was displayed in one stall was very much interested for children. Apart from the fish related stalls, there were several other stalls for the sale of bags, stitching machines, vegitable cutter, chappathi maker, pickles, clothes etc. 

Sale of ice creams and Pop cornes were more attractive for children. Kappa and prawn curry were also available outside the stalls.

I got more informations from the aqua show and hope every one who visited the stalls are of the same view. In my opinion, this type of shows would help people to get an awareness about the different types of ornamental fishes available in the market and their costs. Following are some of the pictures taken from there.

Stall of Department of Fisheries, Lakshadweep

Vertibrae of Whale

Modern Acquarium

 Different types of decorative items being used in aquariums

Different types of fish food and other items being used in aquariums

Angel Stones for aquariums

Silver Jubilee celebrations of our residence association

Our Residence Association, Kattithara Road Paura Samiti (KRPS) which is the 1st residence association in Ernakulam District who have completed its 25 years of working has celebrated its Silver Jubilee on 22nd 25th and 26th January 2012. Usually the annual celebrations are conducting on 26th January every year. But due to its silver Jubilee year, this time we have celebrated in three days. On 22nd there were a drawing/colouring competition, Story writing competition etc. in the morning session followed by various kinds of sports in the afternoon. On 25th kalasandhya was inagurated by cine actor Thara Kalyan followed by various programmes participated by the members of the residence association including a drama played by the members of the executive committee. On 26th January morning we had celebrated the Republic day by hoisting the national flag in the morning followed by the general body meeting of the KRPS. In that meeting new committee was elected for the next one year. In the evening of  26th a public meeting was conducted. The hon'ble Minister for Excise Sri.K.Babu inagurated the public meeting in the presence of president of the Maradu Municipality/councillars/pourasamithi office bearers and several members of the Poura Samithi. 

 The various programmes were very much interested to all of us. This kind of programmes helps people residing in our locality to know each other and share their views. One of the very interesting thing for me was for the first time in his life, my husband was participated in a drama named "Osaram Chathichu" played by the executive members. The drama was very much enjoyed by the audiance. My daughter participated in a dance programme on 25th. Through this kind of programmes people can get a chance to improve their skills. Following are some pictures of the programmes.

Children participating in Drawing/Colouring competition

 "Khoshayatra" (Street Rally) with the participation of the members of KRPS

Children participating in Fancy Dress competition 

Dance programme of my daughter

Kalasabdhya being inagurated by cine Actor Thara Kalyan

Public meeting being inaguarated by Sri.K.Babu, Hon'ble Minister for Excise 

Tax collection from MLA's

I am writing this based on a news appeared recently in our news papers with regard to the notice issued by the Secretary, Trivandrum Corporation, directing the Members of the Legislative Assembly to remit the Profession Tax.

As per the Kerala Municipality Act (Section 245), Kerala Panchayath Raj Act (Section 204), profession tax should be remitted by the employees who have employed in a minimum of 60 days within the Municipality/Panchayat/Corporation, and it is the duty of the employer to collect and remit the Profession Tax from the employees. Apart from the employees, Self employement/Artists, and establishemnts are also bound to pay profession tax.

All the employees are regularly paying the profession tax to the concerned offices of the Panchayat/Municipality/Corporation, in two quarters in year, without fail.

Our MLA's are getting remunaration every month which is more than an employee gets every month. They are also getting other benefits like T.A., Reimbursement of Telephone Expenses etc. But now they are not entitled to pay profession tax. 

The main revenue of a Panchayat/Municipality/Corporation comes through the collection of various taxes. Hence by issuing such a notice to the concerned for the collection of taxes from the MLA's, the secretary's action may be seen as a positive move.  In my opinion, the Secretary of the Trivandrum Corporation has done a very good job by issuing notice for collecting profession tax from the MLA's. He may be facing criticisism from the political leaders, but he should stick in his stand.    

Cylindrical Aquarium

"Our home can be changed to a piece of art through Cylindrical Aquarium"

The advantages of this Cylindrical Aquarium are as follows:-

*360 degree viewing

*Light Weight, highly durable acrylic product that is clearer than regular glass aquarium

*Twice the life time and 28% more transparent than glass acquarium

*Child safe, easy, hassle free maintenace

*Product models range from in 80 to 350 litres at affordable pricing.

A  pictures of Cylindrical Acquarium

Some models of Cylindrical Acquariums

If you want to buy the Cylindrical Acquarium you can contact M/S Betzaitha Cylindrical Aquariums, First Floor Mary Matha Shopping Complex, Pallinada, Palarivattom, Kochi - 682 025
Phone - 0484 4016431, 9745775149, 9249983815 E mail: info@betzaitha.com web: http://www.betzaitha.com/ 

Gold Idol in country boat

As part of Para festival, Ezhunnellippu of Lord Poornathrayeesa going to the western side (i.e. to the other side of the river) of the temple in a country boat, which is a system followed from years back. Earlier, before the constuction the iron bridge, there was a separate path in the river for crossing the elephants and other accopmpanied devotees to the other side. Now though the elephants and devotees are being used the iron bridge, which is having more than 100 years old, to cross the river, Ezhunnellippu carrying the gold idol of  Lord Poornathrayeesa is still continuing thorugh the country boat.  

Following are some pictures of the idol carrying to the other side of the river.

Junior priest Hari Namboothiri is sitting in the country boat with the gold idol and the othikkan Krishnan Namboothiri is standing in the country boat.

Bulk Storage of Onion

This is the godown owned by M/S NAFED (National Agricultural Marketing Federation),where onion is keeping in bulk. This godown is situated at Pimpalgaon, Maharastra. Nafed has constructed two modern onion storage godowns here with a capacity of 3500 MT's each. This godown was built keeping in view of the storage of onion in bulk and in each godown there are 28 compartments with three tires. Capacities of the compartments ranges from 20 to 40 tonnes. These godowns were built keeping in view the wind direction for proper aeration from all the six sides.

The roll of NAFED is to procure onion from registered Co-Operatives and stored for export and release as per the Government of India's direction.  

 Onion in storage

Onion can store safely from 5 to 6 months as shown in the picture.

RAMOJI Film City

I got an opportunity to watch the Ramoji Film City, four months before.  It was an amazing experience. We enjoyed a lot. In the film city they showed us how to make a film and what are the things needed and the people working behind the scene for making a film. It is not possible to cover the entire area inside the Film City within  a day. If we can spare atleast two days, we can cover 75% of the city with full enjoyment. We have completed our visit within one day and hence we can't be able to cover the entire area. At that time two film shootings were going on. One Tamil movie and one Hindi movie. We spent some time to watch the shooting. Every thing is available in connection with the shooting inside the campus which is the largest fils city in the world. Air Port, Railway Station, Reserve Bank, Forest, Garden, Buildings etc. which are the essential part of a movie are available in the film city.  We enjoyed a lot.
Things NOT to miss while you`re there - Borasura, a horror ride, not really scary but kids freak out; the 4-dimensional show `Spirit of Ramoji`; and do go around the sets and see how they are changed to suit the scenes in films, it is fascinating. If you`re lucky, you could even catch a real film shoot. EXCELLENT!

 

The Entrance to Ramoji Film City

This vehicle is being used for carrying tourists  to get an awareness inside the RAMOJI Film City, Hyderabad. People can board the vehicle from near the park and watch the overall view of the Film City. Several film shootings from all languages are going on inside the film city. The main importance of this film city is this is the world's largest film city. Every thing needed for making a film is available inside this film city.

Some of the other beatiful picutres from the Film City.

Picture of Palace

 Railway Station

Enjoy Grapes and get health benefits

The goodness of grapes.

I am writing the following informations on the basis of the knowledge got from a paper report.

The researches say that eating grapes may slow or help prevent the onset of age related macular degeneration (AMD), a debilitating condition affecting millons of elderly people worldwide. A new study compared the impact of an antioxidant-rich diet on vision using mice prone to developing retinal damage in old age in much the same way as humans do. Mice either received a grape-enriched diet, a diet with added lutein, or a normal diet. The result showed that the grape-enriched diet protected against oxidative damage of the retina and prevented blindness in those mice consuming grapes. While lutein was also effective, grapes were found to offer significantly more protection. Following are some pictures of Grapes.

Preserving eye health is a key concern as we age and this study shows that grapes may play a critical role in the life of old age people. Hence all aged people should take the above informations in a right way in order to protect their eyes. 

Our Temple Festival

The festival of Ayini Lord Siva Temple was celebrated from 29th January 2012 to 5th February 2012. The temple is situated nearly half kilometere away from my residence. There were several programmes apart from the special pooja in the temple in connection with the festival and several entertainment programmes like Kadhakali, Dance,Kadhaprasangam, Bhaktiganamela, Drama, Bale etc. 

The picture shows that the lights illuminated in the entrance to the temple.



Ezhunnellippu with the participation of five eliphants. 

 Panchavadyam performed by nearly 50 people.

 Mejorset Kadhakali:- Duryodhanavadham

I like Kadhakali very much and hence watched Duryodhanavadham which was very interesting one. Since the programme came to end near 11 P.M., our children  were also enjoyed their performance. The story tells the incidents which led to the killing of Duryodhanan.  

Silo - Bin Storage

I am writing the following details based on the informations I got from my husband who visited Food Corporation of India godown at Manmad, Maharastra as part of study tour conducted by IGMRI, Hyderabad in connection with 45 days training programme on storage, inspection and distribution of various food commodities, at IGMRI campus Hyderabad.

This is the pictures of Silos erected at Food Corporation of India premises.  



The Silos are flat concrete dome and the walls are circular in shape made of reincorced concrete slabs. Silos are provided with outside ladder and inside ladder for entering the bin. At the top there is an aerator hole and oin central hole and these holes are covered with metallic lids. An elliptical side window is also provided for use at the time of defiling and remains closed during the storage period of grains.

Food Corporation of India, Manmad is having an area of 250 acres. The total storage capacity of this complex comes to 4,66,828 MT's including silos.  There are  a total of 32 concrete silos in the compound in which 10 silos having a capacity of 4000 MT's each and 22 Silos with a capacity of 2000 each.

Now FCI people are not utilizing the Silos for the storage of grains due to its poor condition.



Fruit of the Season

 JACK FRUIT

In Kerala, more Jack Fruit trees are grown in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Idukky districts. One tree produces several Jack fruits.Though Jack Fruit trees are cultivated in the land owned by most of the people in these districts, very few homes fully exploit the Jack Fruit season as the fruit is seen to be wasted with no takers, even the fruit is having anti cancerous properties. The healthy fruit is not much cared for in the State where it is in abundance.

Chickening out of the labour that goes into getting the fruit ready to eat on the table, the modern living styles have ignored the healthy aspects of the fruit.

Following are some pictures of Jack Fruit with its beauty structure.

Picture of a Jack Fruit

Picture of half portion of a Jack Fruit

Jack Fruits separated including seed and kept in a bowl.



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Several items can be made out of Jack Fruit. Jack Fruit Halwa, Jelly, Jam, Squash, Healthy tone, Tender Jack Fruit pickles, Chips etc. are some of the items. Seeds of the jack fruit are being used as an ingrediant of their daily food in many homes in Kerala during the season where Jack Fruits are available.