Quick and Easy Self-Care Exercises

Saving Time - Albert Bridge

Busy mothers juggle childcare, work, and many other tasks. However, self-care doesn’t have to be time consuming. Here is a list of quick and easy ways to relax amid your hectic life.

• Breathe Take five minutes to practice deep breathing. Try alternate nostril breathing where you close one nostril and breathe in for a count of five and then switch nostrils. You can also do triangle breathing. Breathe in for a count of three, hold for three and breathe out for five. Paying attention to the breath and making it deep will quickly relax you. 
• Pause For Tea A hot drink is soothing to the soul, especially on cold winter days. Take five minutes to make your favorite hot drink. Try paying attention to the process. Go slowly and make each movement intentional. Put your feet up and relax on the couch while you sip from your mug.  
• Close Your Eyes  Many times we are overtired. Simply shutting our eyes for five minutes promotes deep relaxation. This can be done anywhere, although the best position is lying down comfortably. Let your eyelids get heavy as your pay attention to your breath.  
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation  This simple technique is helpful when you are feeling tense. Close your eyes and slowly tense the muscles of your toes while breathing in for a count of five. The next step is to relax your muscle while breathing out. Repeat if very tense. Continue tense and relaxing each major muscle group of your body. You can fit this exercise into five minutes by choosing an area of the body to focus on.
• Take a Mini Walk  Five minutes of fresh air is refreshing and rejuvinating. On your lunch hour, after work or first thing in the morning, take time to get outside. Moving your body will clear your head.
• Self-Massage Massage doesn't have to be expensive or cost precious time. You can give yourself a five minute head massage. There are books to teach you how to give yourself a massage and massage tools to help. 
• Reading Break Inspirational reading promotes a sense of well-being and calm. Take a few minutes to read from your favourite author. Reading helps absorb you into the present moment, distracting you from distressing thoughts.
• Stretch A few simple yoga poses can give you a sense of calm. Some of my favourites are child's pose and pigeon pose. You can buy a matt and bring it to your office. Stretching can help reduce muscle tension and tightness.
• Create Art Being creative is rewarding and relaxing. You don't have to be an artist to create art. One of my favourite art exercises is collage. You don't have to draw or paint anything but it is still creative. All you need are scissors, glue and images from a magazine.
• Meditate Meditation is simply being present. You don't need to sit to meditate. Anything you do whether it's eating or walking can be used as a meditation. Try becoming present and letting your thoughts float away. Concentrate on your breath.

Self-care doesn't have to be complicated. It can be quick and effortless and give you lasting benefits.

Fred Schepisi's The Eye of the Storm with Geoffrey Rush

Author Patrick White, 1912 -1990, is revered in Australia. Arguably, not very widely read, but still revered.

Patrick White

A symbol of the emergence of Australia and its break from the ‘mother country’ in the 1960s, White’s receipt of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1973 was one of the country’s first high-profile prestigious international awards.

Whilst he had already written a number of best sellers, including Voss, winner of the inaugural Miles Franklin Award in 1957 and Riders in the Chariot (1961- his second Miles Franklin), the Nobel Prize propelled him, albeit reluctantly, into a very different public eye. Just a few months later he was made Australian of the Year, an award usually the exclusive domain of sport!

Although an award for a body of work, in presenting the Nobel Prize to White, the Swedish Academy specifically named The Eye of the Storm, published just weeks before their decision, as the book that confirmed White's designation as a Literature Laureate.

The Eye of the Storm

Cruel, manipulative, destructive, Elizabeth Hunter, the matriarch of her family, lies dying in her rambling Sydney home, surrounded by a much-reduced retinue of two nurses, a cook and long-time friend and legal advisor.

To her sickbed come her two estranged adult children, both in financial need. Sir Basil is a successful actor in the UK down on his luck after terrible reviews for his King Lear. Dorothy, the Princess de Lascabanes, is recently divorced and with title but no settlement.

Weak, vulnerable and at times pathetic, Basil and Dorothy are patsies to their vindictive mother as memories, emotions, love, hate and tragedy are played out against the backdrop of privilege, suspicion, mistrust and dislike as staff and children eye the family fortune.

The Eye of the Storm is an epic novel. But sadly, the film is not.

Film adaptation

Rambling, at times incoherent, the sheer nastiness of Elizabeth Hunter as she lies on her deathbed is completely missing. This is no towering, all-fearful matriarch but a privileged 80 year-old in the last moments of life. And, in spite of flashbacks jumping in and out of the narrative, there remains no sense of fear or this ‘she-who-must-be obeyed’ that is responsible for the dysfunction of the family.

As a result, there is no sense of sympathy for the siblings who have become two weak characters who made a few wrong choices and are now regretting it: there’s no indication as in the novel that it is the mother who totally undermined them from an early age and stunted their emotional independence.

Thus there is no dramatic tension – ghosts of times past may appear and secrets revealed, the young nurse Flora (an excellent performance by the director’s daughter, Alexandra Schepisi) may not have got her hooks into Basil, but, with no emotional depth, who cares?

A deeply disappointing adaptation in what is Australian director Fred Schepisi’s first home produced film in more than 20 years.

Personal rating: 2 stars

The Eye of the Storm

• Directed by Fred Schepisi (Roxanne, Evil Angels)
• Written by Judy Morris (Happy Feet, Babe: Pig in the City)
• Produced by Gregory J Read (Darklovestory, Rocket Compulsion – documentary), Antony Waddington (Spirits of the Carnival – documentary)
• Starring Geoffrey Rush (The King’s Speech, Pirates of the Caribbean), Charlotte Rampling (Stardust Memories, Swimming Pool), Judy Davis (My Brilliant Career, A Passage to India)

Brighton's Giant Ferris Wheel: a Bonus for the City

Standing around 50 metres high, it was shipped over from South Africa with its 36 gondolas, each of which accommodates six adults and two children. Riding on the wheel permits panoramic views of the coastal resort of Brighton and Hove and beyond. But its erection has divided the city. Some love it, others hate it. What is certain is that no one is indifferent to the Brighton Eye.

The wheel will run from 10.00am until midnight, and when it is dark, it will be illuminated, providing a spectacular sight on Brighton's seafront.

Objections to Erection of the Brighton Ferris Wheel

The following comments sum up the main arguments about the structure which stands around 110 metres east of Brighton's Palace Pier.

• "Inappropriate for what is predominantly a residential area," says a resident.
• "They say the structure is temporary but to me, five years is not temporary. I may be dead in five years," says a local woman, whose flat overlooks the structure.
• The Regency Society, a local charity, says, "It is inappropriate and overbearing."
• "We shouldn't be having a tall bulding in a conservation area," says resident Ms Audrey Simpson.

Planning consultant, Ian Coomber, has a different take on the structure.

• "One of the fantastic things about the wheel is that it's open all the year so it should stretch out the season for Brighton and Hove. All the local businesses will have visitors as a spin-off from the wheel during the months of the year when Brighton is not busy.

The Brighton Ferris Wheel Goes Ahead

Despite the objections, construction began on 22 September, 2011. The company responsible for the erection on the seafront near Madeira Drive, and close to many listed buildings, is Paramount Attractions.

Paramount Attractions say the ferris wheel is definitely a good thing for Brighton. For a start, it's providing around thirty full-time jobs and will attract around 250,000 visitors a year. The company managed to convince Brighton and Hove City Council, who met on Wednesday, 27 April, 2011 and agreed the construction could go ahead, at a cost estimated at around six million pounds. It was at this meeting that the suggestion it would be a "temporary" arrangement of five years, was made.

Previously, a similar arrangement was made regarding the famous London Eye and that has now been standing for ten years.

Sources:

• "Brighton wheel construction work continues," John Keenan, The Argus, 4 October, 2011.
• BBC News, 27 April 2011, http://www,bbc.co.uk
• ITV 6 O'clock News, 24 October, 2011.

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Castor Oil for Hair Growth and Darkening

Castor oil (often spelled incorrectly as caster oil), the oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, is an ancient natural remedy for a variety of conditions and complaints, including constipation, skin care, and shingles or herpes zoster (for the latter, try mixing it with tea-tree essential oil for enhanced antiviral action)..

One of the better known purported benefits of castor oil is promoting new and healthier growth of hair, eyelashes and eyebrows. It is also said to darken them.

Does Castor Oil Work?

The results of clinical studies - and there haven't been very many of those - are ambiguous. So is anecdotal evidence. For some, it seems to work wonders; for others, it seems not to work at all.

There is, however, a solid body of personal experiences (including this author's personal experience) that show definite improvement of hair growth, including eyelashes and eyebrows, after having applied castor oil for a few days, weeks or, in some cases, months.

Most astoundingly, there have been cases where the hair treated with castor oil turned dark; in some cases new, dark hair growth appeared where there had been none, or where grey hair had been growing.

Castor oil has no dark pigment of its own, so this could not be the effect of pigment transfer. In other words, castor oil has no colour that could "rub off" on the hairs.

How To Apply Castor Oil

Before applying castor oil take precautions to protect your clothes because it stains them yellowish, and the stains are very difficult to remove.

To promote hair growth on the scalp, warm the oil ever so slightly, to improve its penetration. Then apply it with your fingertips on the area of the scalp where you want to boost hair growth. Spread the residue left on your fingers over the hair, or rub it into your hands. (It may even make dark or "liver" spots disappear.) You can improve the penetration of the oil by wrapping a towel around your head, or using a bathing cap.

Leave the oil on for two hours or overnight, if possible, then wash the hair.

Repeat the procedure once or twice a week.

As an additional bonus, you may find that you do not need to use a conditioner, as castor oil is a wonderful hair-conditioner itself.

To combat acute hair loss, especially, but not exclusively, in cases of telogen effluvium, as well as chronic thinning of the hair, it could prove useful to add two or three drops of the purest essential oil of rosemary and/or ylang ylang. (There are other hair growth-boosting essential oils.)

Because of its low molecular mass, castor oil has an extraordinary capacity for transdermal penetration, which means that it will drive the essential oil deeper into the scalp than it would normally reach.

For the same reason it is a good idea to mix castor oil with an equal part of virgin coconut oil and/or argan oil, which provide great nourishment to the hair and the skin in and by themselves. (To get a recipe for a fabulous DIY castor-coconut oil cream, see here.)

For use on eyelashes and eyebrows the simplest way to apply castor oil is to wash your hands and put a drop of castor oil on the tip of a finger, then gently smear the eyelashes (along the rim) and/or eyebrows. You can also use an old, well cleaned mascara applicator. Some use Q-tips, but this method often has the unpleasant effect of leaving small fibres of cotton in the eye.

If the oil comes in contact with the eyeball, you may experience temporarily blurry vision, which is simply due to the oil spreading over the surface of the eyeball. It is nothing to be concerned about, and it should pass in a minute or so.

Is Castor Oil Dangerous for the Eyes?

Pure castor oil is not known to be dangerous to the eye. In fact, certain folk traditions use it against dry eyes and even against incipient cataracts. (To this author's knowledge, the efficacy of this remedy has not been corroborated by scientific research yet.) Also, it should be noted that castor oil is widely used in all sorts of commercially produced cosmetic preparations, including mascaras and skin care products.

Avoid Dangerous Confusion

Castor oil is a clear, slightly yellowish, very dense and sticky substance, with a faint "greasy" smell. It is typically sold in small, dark bottles, usually with its Latin name - Ricinus communis - listed as well.

It is sold in most health stores and pharmacies.

(It is not unusual for pharmacies to sell refined castor oil only. Due to the complex interaction of natural substances, it is much better to play it safe and buy unrefined oil that hasn't been stripped of beneficial natural components.)

However, there is evidence that some people tend to confuse castor oil with "Castrol oil", which is a brand of motor oils, lubricants and greases. It is a mistake that could cause very serious and permanent damage; if ingested, it could be fatal.

DISCLAIMER: The information included in this article is intended for educational purposes only and is no substitute for professional medical advice.

Inflammation of the Conjunctiva - Pink Eye or Madras Eye

The conjunctiva is the transparent mucous membrane that covers the outer surface of the eye, and the inside lining of the eyelids. The conjunctiva is responsible for producing a mucous that helps thin the tears produced by the eye and assist in keeping the eye moist. Conjunctivitis is a condition where the mucous membrane of the eye and eye lid becomes inflamed or swollen and is also known as pinkeye. Another not so commonly known term for conjunctivitis is madras eye. The term madras eye came from the discovery of the adenovirus which is one of the causes of pink eye in Madras India in the early 20th century.

Adenoviruses, Staphylococcal, and Streptococcal Bacteria

Adenoviruses are the cause of upper respiratory illnesses and the common cold. An adenovirus travels through the mucous membranes of the body including the lungs, throat, nose, tear ducts, and conjunctiva when one is infected with an upper respiratory infection. In addition to the adenovirus, conjunctivitis is also caused by dryness, chemical exposure, allergic reactions, and bacteria. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), “conjunctivitis is an infection most often caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria from your own skin or respiratory system”.

The bacterial and viral forms of pink eye are extremely contagious and often contracted through exposure to respiratory secretions. This happens when the secretions are transmitted into the air by coughing and sneezing, or the secretions are transferred to the hands when blowing the nose or using hands to cover a cough. Then the germs are transferred to computer keyboards, cell phones, and faucet handles, door knobs and other inanimate objects from contaminated hands or as the respiratory secretions fall out of the air.

The Symptoms of Conjunctivitis, Pink Eye and Madras Eye

The symptoms of conjunctivitis are difficult to ignore as they often worsen quickly and although not every form of pink eye requires medical treatment it is important that a primary care physician or ophthalmologist be consulted whenever one experiences any of the symptoms of pink eye. Pink eye may only affect one eye initially, but due to the highly contagious nature of the infection often both eyes may be affected before it resolves.

The symptoms of conjunctivitis may include any of the following:

• A pink or red discoloration of the eye
• Swelling and redness to the eyelids
• Excessive mucous discharge
• Crusty exudate on the eye lids
• Burning or scratchy feeling when one blinks
• Intense itching sensation
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Excessive tearing
• Blurred vision

Good Hand Washing and Environmental Disinfection is Key

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) “the adenovirus is unusually stable to chemical and physical agents and to adverse pH conditions, thus allowing for prolonged survival outside of the body.” Due to its survivability outside the body for long periods the adenovirus often infects multiple people in a home, school, or work environment (sometimes repeatedly). The CDC recommends “strict attention to good infection-control practices, including contact and droplet precautions, is effective for stopping nosocomial outbreaks of adenovirus-associated disease, such as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis”.

One of the best methods to preventing the spread of conjunctivitis is by proper hand washing with soap and water at frequent intervals. Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer in between washing hands, and avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth. When sneezing, sneeze into the crook of the elbow rather than hands or a tissue. Always wash hands after sneezing, coughing or blowing the nose and before eating, drinking, or smoking. Be sure to properly disinfection of the surrounding environment (doorknobs, keyboards, and other inanimate objects) at home, school or work where conjunctivitis is an issue to kill the virus or bacterium causing the infection.

Sources

• American Optometric Association “Conjunctivitis” (accessed April 18, 2011).
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Adenoviruses” (accessed April 19, 2011).

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Indian Derby Weekend

The Indian Derby is a horse racing event that takes place in Mumbai. It is one of the elite sporting activities of the place and also one of the major events in the Mumbai social calendar. This week long event and attracts around 25,000 people yearly.

What Happens During the Indian Derby

The Indian Derby was first held in the year 1943. Traditionally, this race is run on the first Sunday of the month of February every year. The race covers a distance of half a mile. This event is held at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai in Royal Western India Turf Club. This word-class turf club was constructed under the enthusiastic guidance of Major E Hughes in the year 1880.

One gets to see the elite class of society at this event betting millions of rupees on their favorite horse. The event showcases a battle of the humans as well the animals at the Mahalaxmi Race course. Also known as the “Crown Jewel of the Triple Crown”, this race displays colts and fillies not more than four years of age.

In addition to the race, Indian Derby also hosts other attractions, such as international aerial ballet, professional salsa dancing, and live bands performing and playing the tunes of Cliff Richard, Rolling Stones and Beatles.

Where Does This Event Take Place

The venue of the race is accessible from Haji Ali Dargah as well as from the Khadye Marg. The Mahalaxmi racecourse is open all year round to the general public. There is also an inner field in the area where polo matches take place. The season of Mumbai horse-racing lasts from November to April, but the grand races occupy a special place among all the other events.

The Indian Derby offers the wealthiest price purse of all that goes up to 10 million rupees with over six million rupees. The stakes that are put on the racing horses run over millions of rupees. This high profile event attracts a huge crowd every year is attended by a number of dignitaries and celebrities of the country. Many tourists who are fond of the horse racing events also attend this event with great fervor and fervor. Due to the leisure and extravaganza of the event, more and more people choose to attend this event and cheer the horse of their choice. 

The Ancient Temples of Halebid

Halebid, which literally means a ruined city, is a small town located in the Hassan District of Karnataka. Halebid is a home to many strikingly beautiful Hoysala temples and Jain shrines which are epitome of the sculptural marvels and stone carvings.

Tourist Attractions of Halebid

Halebid was initially known as Dwarasamudra, which was the ancient capital of the Hoysala Empire during the 12^th and 13^th centuries, and is strategically situated at an isolated place. This city was ruined because of the invasion by the armies of the Delhi Sultanate’s invasion in 1311 and 1327. The Hoysaleshwara Temple was constructed by Ketamala and was accredited to Vishnuvardhana. It preserves within it Hoysaleshwara and Shantaleshwara, which are both named after the builder of these temples named Vishnuvardhana Hoysala and his queen wife Shantala.

Halebid is an ideal place to visit and comprises of a lot of tourists attractions, such as Hoysaleshwara and Shatleshwara temples, Basadi Halli, Belur and Kedareshwara Temple. Halebid is an excellent place to visit, especially because it represents the nation’s rich cultural glory of the past. Many tourists visit Halebid to see these magnificent temples, and students from art colleges also visit frequently in order to study the temple details and even stay at this place for several days.

The Temples of Halebid are masterpieces in terms of the carvings done on their exteriors. These carvings exhibit the stories of Puranas, Upanishads, and other religious and mythological sources finely executed. It also displays the stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Every detail holds a story within, and it takes almost 2 hours to explore the interiors and exteriors of the temples. One can also see carvings of sensuous dancers and fighting elephants on the walls of these temples that were inspired by the queen Shantala.

These temples are preserved with great care by the Archeological Society of India.  This place is best to visit in the months of October to February.

How to Reach Halebid

The historical place of Halebid, Belur is accessible by air, rail and road. Halebid can be reached best by road from Mysore, Bangalore and Mangalore. It takes almost 2.5 hrs to reach Halebid from Mysore. The closest airports and railway stations are at Mysore, Bangalore and Mangalore. There is frequent and easy availability of taxis at the airports. There is also one more railway station at Hassan, which is 28 km from Belur. From Hassan you can hire a taxi to get to the temples.