Women in African countries

As you can see from the title, today's blog is a deviation from the norm. Although this is not a revelation, I needed to share it with my readers.

One way to kill time during a flight is to sleep but if you can't I think the next best thing is to get a drink, eat or read. At least you can kill some of the time. Today's flight was uneventful which is always good. Unfortunately, I was restless and terribly disturbed by an article I read in the airline magazine about rape of women in several African countries like Sudan, Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda where men treat women with utter disrespect, dehumanize and humiliate them in the worst possible way.

I read rape of women is the norm and the ages range from 3 to even 83. Men not only dominate sexual relations but do it in very unsafe and savage ways, and women have no say at all even though they know this means risk of being infected by HIV and AIDS.

I wonder if things will ever change in these cursed countries of Africa where life in all ways is so deplorable. Women's interest organizations are trying to help in several ways but it could be a long time before changes take effect.

Egypt down on my list for now

I had always wanted to travel to Egypt to see the sphinx, pyramids, temples, cruise the Nile,... taste the fertility of the land in its vegetables and fruits; and experience what is left of the ancient civilization.

I am sad I did not get to do all of those things when I had a chance to the last few years. I am hoping that after the turmoil settles down the country will bounce back better than before and I can get to experience a better Egypt.

Less, more or no breakfast. Which is better?

The theories around less, more or no breakfast have come a full circle. For a long, long time it seemed to hang around 'big breakfasts'. Sounded great. Have a big meal in the morning with the hope that you won't have to eat much during lunch or dinner! I followed the first part of it to a 'T'. Big breakfast every morning. But I found I didn't eat any less at lunch or at dinner although I thought I did because I was following a proven method. I also thought my intake was probably pretty normal. Wrong.

Where were all those studies that are coming out now which say, 'Nah wishful thinking. Big breakfast don't mean smaller lunch or dinner. Just means more calories'. Some experiements have apparently come to conclusive answers stating that big breakfasts only means that you are packing on the calories.

So, am I going to stop eating the big breakfasts that I got used to over the past several years? Not a chance. I will a eat big breakfast, then a bigger lunch and an even bigger dinner.

A more uplifting piece

I had to share this with you. On a cold Sunday morning inspired by my recent travels to Spain and Portugal, I decided to create a simple, heart healthy soup filled with vegetables of all kinds. I remember having at least 10 different types of vegetables in there; created this humongous pot of soup and had a meal that lasted for a whole hour and a half. All I had other than the soup was a hearty grain bread. A couple guests joined us but it was one of the best meals. I think this is going to become a Sunday staple at least until spring. Very easy and satisfying. I will soon post one of my soup recipes. You are going to love it!

Divorce, an all around painful event. Sons of divorced couples are more affected than daughters.

It hurts to hear of divorces. I hurt thinking of young children caught in the middle. Apparently sons are more affected than daughters because of the lack of male figures. Read this article to understand the psychology behind it.

Cry Murder!

Of the advanced countries, I think U.S. is the only one that permits use of several genetically modified, hormone induced foods. European countries have banned this completely. Consumers raised hell in these countries, so for eg. in the case of milk or beef, farmers no longer use antibiotics or inject hormones of any kind. Meat eaters say the beef in Europe is tastier than the U.S. I can say the same for milk. It is way better and natural tasting. We found the same in the case of cheese, yogurt, ice-cream, you name it.

U.S. milk and beef have high traces of synthetic hormones that are directly responsible for breast cancer and other types of cancers. Its been several years since Europe banned it and the U.S. still continues with these modified foods. Just imagine what it does to our children who have these food their entire life. Not only are they generally obese but are also at high risk for cancers and several other types of diseases.

Consumers here should also take responsibility by just boycotting these harmful substances instead of helping fill the pockets of the large businesses and individuals behind these things. I wonder where the lobbyists are when it comes to real issues. Why are we blaming health care costs when the root causes can be eliminated?

Calcium and Vitamin D

Just this morning when I was having a casual conversation with a co-worker, we touched on the topic of how much calcium or vitamin D should one take. Being south asian in orgin I am not sure if my skin type gets enough vitamin D or not. I discovered that once people like myself move to the west the level of vitamin D in our body drops way low.

I have no clue as to how much is good or indeed if I should take it, and what if I over dose myself with too much Vitamin D or calcium. What a coincidence! I read an article on this topic in today's New York Times.

This article will shed some light - http://tinyurl.com/dbuyp.

Updated copy on home page

Please see the slightly modified title of my blog site. I have also added some descriptive text to indicate that it is the same as Vidya Swamy's kitchen.

This week's recipe is Macaroni with Broccoli, Mushroom, Cheeses

A fantastic recipe for a cold winter day. Test it out. Turn your boring macaroni and cheese to a party favorite. I just created this recipe for this afternoon's lunch. Turned out to be a hit.

Spinach Soup

4 cups spinach leaves
2 cup(s) water
1 onion(s) chopped
1 cup(s) milk
2 tablespoon(s) plain flour (maida)
1 tablespoon(s) fresh cream
2 tablespoon(s) butter
salt and pepper to season.


Wash the spinach leaves and discard the thick stems. Boil along with the water for 8minutes or till the spinach is well cooked. Cool and puree in a blender. Keep aside.
Heat the butter in a pan. Add the chopped onions and saute on medium heat for 3 minute(s) or till the onions are transparent. Now, add the plain flour and fry briefly on low heat. Add now the spinach puree, milk, salt and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 3 minute(s).

Add the fresh cream just before serving.