Saturday, December 3, 2011

SEASONS` GREETINGS from Rosegabriel.


Sunday, November 27, 2011

8 of the World’s Healthiest Spices & Herbs You Should Be Eating


This is one of those nutrtional facts from Kerri-Ann Jennings,I think you should not miss. And you can follow her subsquent editions in Healthy Living on Shine from Yahoo.
8 of the World's Healthiest Spices
By Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D., Associate Nutrition Editor at EatingWell Magazine



As a registered dietitian and associate nutrition editor at EatingWell Magazine, I know that herbs and spices do more than simply add flavor to food. They let you cut down on some less-healthy ingredients, such as salt, added sugars and saturated fat, and some have inherent health benefits, many of which Joyce Hendley reported on for EatingWell Magazine.

Modern science is beginning to uncover the ultimate power of spices and herbs, as weapons against illnesses from cancer to Alzheimer's disease. "We're now starting to see a scientific basis for why people have been using spices medicinally for thousands of years," says Bharat Aggarwal, Ph.D., professor at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and author of Healing Spices (Sterling, 2011).

Aggarwal notes that in his native India, where spices tend to be used by the handful, incidence of diet-related diseases like heart disease and cancer have long been low. But when Indians move away and adopt more Westernized eating patterns, their rates of those diseases rise. While researchers usually blame the meatier, fattier nature of Western diets, Aggarwal and other experts believe that herbs and spices-or more precisely, the lack of them-are also an important piece of the dietary puzzle. "When Indians eat more Westernized foods, they're getting much fewer spices than their traditional diet contains," he explains. "They lose the protection those spices are conveying."

While science has yet to show that any spice cures disease, there's compelling evidence that several may help manage some chronic conditions (though it's always smart to talk with your doctor). What's not to love? Here we've gathered eight of the healthiest spices and herbs enjoyed around the world.

Chile Peppers
May help: Boost metabolism.

Chile peppers add a much-appreciated heat to chilly-weather dishes, and they can also give a boost to your metabolism. Thank capsaicin, the compound that gives fresh chiles, and spices including cayenne and chipotle, their kick. Studies show that capsaicin can increase the body's metabolic rate (causing one to burn more calories) and may stimulate brain chemicals that help us feel less hungry. In fact, one study found that people ate 16 percent fewer calories at a meal if they'd sipped a hot-pepper-spiked tomato juice (vs. plain tomato juice) half an hour earlier. Recent research found that capsinoids, similar but gentler chemicals found in milder chile hybrids, have the same effects-so even tamer sweet paprika packs a healthy punch. Capsaicin may also lower risk of ulcers by boosting the ability of stomach cells to resist infection by ulcer-causing bacteria and help the heart by keeping "bad" LDL cholesterol from turning into a more lethal, artery-clogging form.
Don't Miss: Foods That Blast Belly Fat

Ginger
May help: Soothe an upset stomach, fight arthritis pain.

Ginger has a well-deserved reputation for relieving an unsettled stomach. Studies show ginger extracts can help reduce nausea caused by morning sickness or following surgery or chemotherapy, though it's less effective for motion sickness. But ginger is also packed with inflammation-fighting compounds, such as gingerols, which some experts believe may hold promise in fighting some cancers and may reduce the aches of osteoarthritis and soothe sore muscles. In a recent study, people who took ginger capsules daily for 11 days reported 25 percent less muscle pain when they performed exercises designed to strain their muscles (compared with a similar group taking placebo capsules). Another study found that ginger-extract injections helped relieve osteoarthritis pain of the knee.
Must-Read: 5 Foods That Fight Pain Naturally

Cinnamon
May help: Stabilize blood sugar.

A few studies suggest that adding cinnamon to food-up to a teaspoon a day, usually given in capsule form-might help people with type 2 diabetes better control their blood sugar, by lowering post-meal blood-sugar spikes. Other studies suggest the effects are limited at best.

Turmeric
May help: Quell inflammation, inhibit tumors.

Turmeric, the goldenrod-colored spice, is used in India to help wounds heal (it's applied as a paste); it's also made into a tea to relieve colds and respiratory problems. Modern medicine confirms some solid-gold health benefits as well; most are associated with curcumin, a compound in turmeric that has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin has been shown to help relieve pain of arthritis, injuries and dental procedures; it's also being studied for its potential in managing heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Researcher Bharat Aggarwal is bullish on curcumin's potential as a cancer treatment, particularly in colon, prostate and breast cancers; preliminary studies have found that curcumin can inhibit tumor cell growth and suppress enzymes that activate carcinogens.

Saffron
May help: Lift your mood.

Saffron has long been used in traditional Persian medicine as a mood lifter, usually steeped into a medicinal tea or used to prepare rice. Research from Iran's Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital at Tehran University of Medical Sciences has found that saffron may help to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and depression. In one study, 75% of women with PMS who were given saffron capsules daily reported that their PMS symptoms (such as mood swings and depression) declined by at least half, compared with only 8 percent of women who didn't take saffron.
Must-Read: 4 Foods to Boost Your Mood

Parsley
May help: Inhibit breast cancer-cell growth.

University of Missouri scientists found that this herb can actually inhibit breast cancer-cell growth, reported Holly Pevzner in the September/October 2011 issue of EatingWell Magazine. In the study, animals that were given apigenin, a compound abundant in parsley (and in celery), boosted their resistance to developing cancerous tumors. Experts recommend adding a couple pinches of minced fresh parsley to your dishes daily.

Sage
May help: Preserve memory, soothe sore throats.

Herbalists recommend sipping sage tea for upset stomachs and sore throats, a remedy supported by one study that found spraying sore throats with a sage solution gave effective pain relief. And preliminary research suggests the herb may improve some symptoms of early Alzheimer's disease by preventing a key enzyme from destroying acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in memory and learning. In another study, college students who took sage extracts in capsule form performed significantly better on memory tests, and their moods improved.
Related: 5 Foods to Help Ward Off Colds

Rosemary
May help: Enhance mental focus, fight foodborne bacteria.

One recent study found that people performed better on memory and alertness tests when mists of aromatic rosemary oil were piped into their study cubicles. Rosemary is often used in marinades for meats and poultry, and there's scientific wisdom behind that tradition: rosmarinic acid and other antioxidant compounds in the herb fight bacteria and prevent meat from spoiling, and may even make cooked meats healthier. In March 2010, Kansas State University researchers reported that adding rosemary extracts to ground beef helped prevent the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs)-cancer-causing compounds produced when meats are grilled, broiled or fried.
Don't Miss: Drink This to Cure a Headache & 4 More Home Remedies From Your Kitchen

What are your favorite herbs and spices?

By Kerri-Ann Jennings

Kerri-Ann, a registered dietitian, is the associate editor of nutrition for EatingWell magazine, where she puts her master's degree in nutrition from Columbia University to work writing and editing news about nutrition, health and food trends. In her free time, Kerri-Ann likes to practice yoga, hike, bake and paint.



Thursday, November 24, 2011

8 Habits of Highly Productive People

I think you will benefit from this post carreer-wise.
 
By Alexandra Gekas

While your co-workers start every day enjoying a cup of coffee together in the break room, you're barely able to find time to call your doctor. While they're taking lunches, you're rushing through another meal at your desk. Sound familiar? Here's the good news: This apparent discrepancy may not mean you've got a bigger workload or that you're a harder worker. Instead, it may mean that they've mastered certain time-saving skills and habits that you haven't-until now. From prioritizing your workload to learning which projects don't need to be perfect, read on to discover eight workplace habits that'll boost your productivity and lower your stress levels



1. They make it a point to take breaks.
Americans seem to think that constantly working is synonymous with being productive, but unless your brain is functioning at its maximum level, you may not be getting as much work done as you think. "[Taking breaks] is like hitting the reset button. It helps you empty out your 'brain cache' so you have room to refill it," says Christine Hohlbaum, author of The Power of Slow: 101 Ways to Save Time in Our 24/7 World. First and foremost, she recommends taking lunch every day-and leaving your desk to do it. "When you have a 'working lunch,' it's just not very efficient. At some point you're going to lose attention," she says. Ultimately, eating while you work will cause you to suffer on two fronts: you won't be able to pay attention to your food-a surefire way to overeat-and you won't be giving your work the proper attention it deserves. In addition to a "real" lunch break, Hohlbaum suggests allotting time for other breaks as well. She recommends taking five minutes in the morning, before starting work, and at least a 10- to 15-minute break in the afternoon. Whether you take a short walk, read a book or stare out of the window with a cup of tea, it'll help you recharge and improve your overall productivity. "It's really important to take time off because otherwise your brain will reach a saturation point," Hohlbaum says, explaining that when this happens, it becomes hard to focus on even the simplest task. "At that point, you need to push away from your computer and take a break."

2. They start their day off on the right foot.
According to a recent study at the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University, if an employee is in a bad mood when they arrive at work-whether because of familial problems or a stressful commute-it can decrease their productivity by as much as 10% that day. So unless you come in to the office every day in a great mood (and who does?), start your day with 5 to 10 minutes of time dedicated to decompressing. "Create a ritual. Maybe it's meeting in the coffee break room or going around the office to greet everyone. It doesn't matter what you do, as long as you foster a sense of connection [with your coworkers]," Says Holhbaum. "Swinging by to say 'hi' to your colleagues when you walk in gives you a sense of focus. When you feel you're part of a bigger effort, you feel more connected to why you're there and that can make all the difference in the world." Re-focusing your mind at the beginning of the day will also create a sense of calm, helping you to disregard outside stressors and zero in on your daily tasks. "If we're actually able to start the day centered, then we'll have a longer tolerance period before we get off track," Holhbaum says.

3. They make mindful food choices.
You are what you eat, and eating a heavy mid-day meal will often make you feel lethargic for the rest of the afternoon. "Consider what you're eating at lunch. If you're having that post-pasta slump at 2 p.m., and need java or cookies to pep back up, maybe you should try a salad or something a bit lighter so you won't lag," suggests Hohlbaum. The key is keeping your blood sugar levels steady throughout the day, according to Kari Kooi, RD, corporate wellness dietician at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, who recommends three light meals and two snacks at regular intervals. "Heavy meals can make you feel sluggish because they require more energy to digest," Kooi says. "[A quality lunch] will consist of a fiber-rich carbohydrate, like water-rich veggies, and a lean protein, like chicken or fish," she says. And what does Kooi suggest you avoid? "A highly processed meal, like some of the frozen meals in the grocery store, will not give you the sustainable energy you need. The less processed the better when it comes to keeping your energy levels up." When you hit that midday slump, Kooi suggests going for proteins like mixed nuts and fruit instead of the usual energy-zapping pretzels, cookies or candy, which cause your blood sugar levels to spike and then drop and may even make you hungrier, according to Kooi.

4. They keep a flexible to-do list.
Making a daily list of to-dos is a great way to stay on top of your work. However, there is one pitfall-it can make you inflexible. "A lot of people feel their day's been wrecked if they have to change their plan, but the most effective people understand that's part of the job," says Vicki Milazzo, author of Wicked Success Is Inside Every Woman. "I always start my day with a plan, but by 9 a.m. I've busted that plan." However, according to Paula Rizzo, a master list-maker and founder of ListProducer.com, it's important to keep some form of a to-do list, no matter how much your day changes. For example, Rizzo begins her days with a master list, which she continually updates throughout the course of the day to note the items that haven't been done or to add tasks as they crop up. Before leaving work, Rizzo will make a fresh list for the next day. The key, she says, is referencing the changing list throughout the day to keep herself on course. "Just putting a little extra work into it will keep you on track."

5. They use technology with intent.
In today's 24/7 all-access world, it's hard to get a handle on technology use. While it's impossible to avoid it altogether, you can be disciplined about how much time you spend perusing the Web. Set aside a specific time, say 15 minutes after lunch, to scroll through your social networking sites or other favorite websites-and stick to it. Or try something like Google Chrome's website blocker, which allows you to set restrictions to your online time by either totally blocking your favorite websites or just restricting the timeframes within which you are allowed to check them. In addition to surfing the Internet, it's important to watch your email habits. Whether you give yourself 15 to 30 minutes at a set time each day to check your personal email, or you allow yourself brief intervals between tasks, Holhbaum says the key is to be very mindful of the time you're spending checking your non-work inbox. "Have a very clear distinction between what's personal and what's work. If that's a part of your 'OK I need to zone out for a little bit' time, that's fine. But you need to be clear and be mindful of what you're doing." Even work-related emails can become a distraction if not properly managed. Ask yourself if email is the best method of communication, or if you're better off calling the person. "Sending 100 emails isn't [always] going to be the most productive thing. And as we know, emails beget emails. They're like little rabbits," Hohlbaum jokes. "If it's a one-way communication, for example forwarding an airplane itinerary, you don't need to have any answer [so email works]. But if you want detail or you know the person won't respond right away by email, pick up the phone," she says.

6. They balance their workload.
Different tasks require different levels of concentration, which you can use to your advantage. Start by identifying-and placing-the tasks you have into two categories: weeds and intensive work. Weeds are small, manageable things such as handling email, phone calls and minor organizational tasks. Intensive work is anything that requires an extended period of concentration, such as management tasks, preparing presentations, writing or editing. "Miscellaneous routine tasks are like weeds in your garden; we all have them, and no matter how often we try to get rid of them, they never go away," says Milazzo. "Yet they do have to be handled, and pulling a few weeds can provide a restorative break from more intensive work." Milazzo recommends splitting up long sessions of intensive work with regular 15- to 30-minute intervals of weed pulling. This way, you'll accomplish a variety of tasks while not burning out on one type of work.

7. They put perfectionism in its place.
While turning in perfect work has been encouraged since kindergarten, that attitude can be counterproductive if it's not managed. It's important to pick your battles. "Women, by nature, are somewhat perfectionist," says Milazzo. "So we need to distinguish what requires perfectionism," she says. Of course you want to put your best foot forward in all situations, but if you're strapped for time, prioritize. If, for example, you're writing an informal memo or email to a co-worker, give it a quick look and spell-check it, but resist the urge to re-read it three times over. If, on the other hand, you're creating a brochure for your company or preparing an important presentation, then that's the time to put all of your perfectionist tendencies to good use.

8. They know how to say "no."
It's easy to get distracted or overwhelmed at work. But one of the secrets of highly productive people is that they learn when and how to say "no." For starters, say "no" to whiners, complainers and distracting people. One way to do that, according to Rizzo, is by wearing headphones. "That sends the message that you're busy and it drowns out the noise as well," she says. When it comes time to say "no" to the boss, tread lightly but firmly. You don't have to spell out n-o per se; rather, ask her to prioritize what's most important given what's on your plate. "When an employee does that, the boss usually comes to their senses and they get it," Milazzo says. "You don't want to make your boss the enemy; you want your boss to know you're there for the company, and that you're there for them. If they know that, they're more likely to listen to what you say."
Photo: © Thinkstock

Article originally appeared on WomansDay.com.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

CLASS 12011/12 & 22011/12 EXAMINATION UPDATE

This is to inform all concerned that the practical examination in bakery and confectioneries will be coming up on the 6th of December 2011 for class 22011/12 and on the 22nd of November 2011 for class 12011/12.
You are therefore advised to contact your instructor for more information.

Note: The Food Hygiene Education examination (WAHEB) is now finally fixed for 9/11/11 to 11/11/11.
All candidates are advised to be punctual and adhere strictly to examiners instruction in there own interest.
GOOD LUCK.

Friday, July 29, 2011

The Power is not in the faucet! Cont.

NOW, THE SECOND THING I WANT TO TALK ABOUT IS THIS: EVEN THOUGH GOD NEEDS US, WE CANNOT AFFORD TO TAKE THE GLORY FOR WHAT ONLY GOD CAN DO!

I am a faucet, but I must remember that there is no magic in the faucet!
Its what is behind the faucet that counts!
If the power supply ever gets shut off behind the wall, this faucet is useless!
I may still look good, may still say the same things, may still appear to be the same, but if my power supply is shut off, I am of no use to anyone!

Romans 7:18
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
I must understand that I am only the vessel, the conduit, the faucet!

2 Corinthians 4:7
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
The power is God's, I am only the earthen vessel! I can't sing well enough, I can't preach well enough to duplicate what God can only do!

Romans 12:3
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
No matter how much God moves through us, remember it is God and not us!
No matter how many prophecies we give, no matter how much anointed preaching and teaching comes forth from us, we must never forget that it is what's behind the faucet that makes all the difference!
No matter how many good things happen through me, I am only the faucet, there is a power supply behind me, and if that is ever cut off I am useless! 

Saturday, July 16, 2011

The Power is not in the faucet!

by Rev. Michael Phelps

INTRO:
Thomas Edward (T.E.) Lawrence was born on August 16, 1888 in Wales. Popularly known as Lawrence of Arabia, Lawrence became famous for his exploits as British Military liason to the Arab Revolt during the First World War.
The desert raids of British officer T.E. Lawrence and his Arab rebels tied down many Turkish troops who could have been fighting the main British armies in the Middle East. Lawrence of Arabia's struggle against the Turks during World War I was a classic of guerrilla warfare, and his personal account has become a classic of world literature. And, of course, many of you have seen the movie about the life of Lawrence of Arabia.
Lawrence wrote about his Arabian adventures in The Seven Pillars of Wisdom.
During the war, Lawrence formed close friendships with many of the Sheiks of Arabia. After the war, he brought some of these Sheiks back to England to show his appreciation for their support against the Turkish domination.
They had a wonderful visit, appeared before the Joint House of Commons and Parliament, had an audience with the Queen.
On the last night of their visit, Lawrence offered them anything they wanted to take back with them to their desert homes.
They led him up to the hotel room, into the bathroom, and pointed to the faucets in the bathtub and said that they wanted to take faucets with them that would provide them with running water in the deserts.
They didn't realize that the faucets were superficial. Behind them was plumbing, a hot water heater, an energy source that heated the water, a city main that supplied the water, and from the city main went a line to an outside source of water!

The magic is not in the faucet! It is what is behind the faucet that gives the water!
The faucet can be 24 carat gold, but if its not attached to a water supply, its useless!
The magic is not in the faucet, the power comes from what is behind the faucet! Things that are not visible to the human eye, but are there nonetheless!
If the pump, or the plumbing, or the reservoir ever out of service, the faucet is useless! It's what's behind the faucet that gives it its power!

For more on this.... always follow this page.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

SELF DISCOVERY

SELF DISCOVERY / SELF RELIANCE

Now what is self discovery? This is an act  of a determined and  deliberate analytical introspection leading to the realization of ones` potentials hitherto laying dormant and untapped.
It reveals your strength, weakness, endowment, ability, your soft and tender  spots, It also shows your beautiful and ugly sides, thereby placing you on the right pedestal to conceptualize your upper and lower limits, see what you  can do and what you cannot, what you can achieve with minimal effort  and what you can access just for the asking.Of course it defines your circumference and projects your true self-worth and value which promotes self sanity and decorum. We are talking of talent motivation and it is only through self discovery that  your talent and full potential. Until you discover your talent you cannot talk of self-motivation.
Many people are working today and making money quite alright, but they are still in the wrong  natural habitat. No wonder the inner peace, contentment and self-fulfillment and satisfaction is not there.
Dr Orison Swettt Marden once said;
No  Man would be ideally successful until he has found his place. Like a locomotive he is strong on the track but weak anywhere else.
E.R. Thompson also said;
Somewhere in you is something for which the World is waiting. Find it OUT.We have to retreat both as a nation and individuals to Self Discovery, but mostly as individuals, because, the moment every individual realizes himself or herself and becomes self-sustaining and self-dependent the tension on the economy and the polity will ease.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Cross-section of Sugar craft Students @ Work


Session 2010/11 Final Food & Beverage Practical Exams

Due to the National General Elections that is stating from the 2nd of April 2011 (the day previously selected for the exams). The new date for the Exams is now the 23rd of April 2011, that is the next Saturday after the general elections.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The Conspiracy Theory- Do believers of these need their head Examined?

Which one of these do you believe?

1. The condensed water vapor left
behind jet engines are chemtrails, or
chemical agents sprayed into the air to
purposely affect human beings.

2. The HIV virus was created by
a government agency as a genocidal
weapon.

3.The UN monitors Americans
with black helicopters.

4. Groups such as the Bilderbergers
and Illuminati are re-engineering global
systems into a New World Order.

5. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
was caused by an Indian-Israeli-American    
nuclear test.

6. Fluoridation of water is part of a
plot to control the population’s behavior.

7. The global Jewish community
secretly controls most of the world, as
set forth in the (fraudulent) Protocols of
the Elders of Zion document.

8. The U.S. military has the remains
of extra-terrestrials and their spacecrafts
stored at a southwest Air Force base

Monday, February 7, 2011

PayBox.me

  

 PayBox is developing a private virtual currency and payment processing service to make real-world buying and selling online easier, more secure and available to everyone.

They're designing their service with the help of a dedicated group of EarlyBird users who are contributing ideas and feedback.

Now working:
Person-to-Person transactions.
In development:
Small Business integration, including payment processing modules for all popular shopping cart software.
Mid-sized Business integration.
Major Online Store integration.
Debit Card linked to your PayBox account.
Currency exchange with all major world currencies

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Saturday, February 5, 2011

PayBox

PayBox

This is said to be the newest online global payment solution company I think we all should look-out for.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

When is Your Last Day?

When is Your Last Day?

Okay, you may be wondering, “What does that even mean?”

It means this: If your life isn’t exactly how you want it right now, then…

When is your last day working at a job you don’t like?
When is your last day of being chained to some time clock?
When is your last day of being behind on bills?
When is your last day of being in debt?
When is your last day of being told what to do each day?
When is your last day of letting someone else decide you how much you’re worth and how much you will get paid?

It’s really up to you…

Only you can make that “last day” come. If you don’t, then it will always just be someday. Don’t let that happen. Take action today.

You can change your life to be just the way you want it, but you must take action. By getting the training and tools you need, you can begin earning a much easier living from the work of your hand. It is far easier and much more within your reach than you may think.

Take back control of your life. Invest in yourself. You can do it. If you didn’t take the time yesterday, please, take time today to develop yourself, learn a skill/trade, it will do you greater good than you will think possible




Friday, January 14, 2011

WHAT DO YOU WANT? - MONEY OR JOB?

What is it that the unemployed want, youth or otherwise?
In an informal discussions I have had with a cross-section of the Nigerian unemployed, especially the youths on finance and jobs I have to come to the conclusion that many of us do not want jobs but money. Ask one what he or she will prefer job or money you will see the majority going for the later. Now ask what they will do with the money, you will be amazed at the number that will be going for consumables (luxury consumables for that matter like posh cars, exotic apartments etc) with very little going for investment in real productive sectors.
Can you pause and think for a minute! What do want? money or the job that yields the money continually? And if the answer is the later do you not think you should acquire the relevant skill that will give one or let you create one. or What do you think? Let me know.

Monday, January 10, 2011

CATERING - In Brief

A young friend of mind sent me a mail wanting to know what Catering by extension the school is all about.
That is why I will try to briefly define the concept here. In a nutshell we can say that :-

 Catering is the subject that deals with the production and service of food, drinks and sometimes rendering of accommodation to customers. It also deals with the training of skilled personnel/workforce who comes in contact with the customers first, before any service is being rendered.
Therefore the school that teaches students how to produce & serve food and beverages and the best methods of rendering accommodation to guests so to say are known or referred to as catering schools.