Family & Health
Warmer summers cause colder winters, scientists say
By Reuters | Singapore | 13 Jan 2012
Warmer summers in the far Northern Hemisphere are disrupting weather patterns and triggering more severe winter weather in the United States and Europe, a team of scientists say, in a finding that could improve long-range weather forecasts.
Blizzards and extreme cold temperatures in the winters of 2009/10 and 2010/11 caused widespread travel chaos in parts of Europe and the United States, leading some to question whether global warming was real.
Honey: A miracle drug
By Afra Naushad : Arab News | 05 Jan 2012
You should use the two healing ones, honey and the Holy Qur’an; honey is a healing for the body just as the Holy Qur’an is a healing for the soul.” (Zad Al-Ma’ad Fi Huda Khayr Il-‘Ibad- volume III)
The use of honey in the treatment of various ailments dates back to thousands of years. Allah the exalted said: “There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying color wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think.”(Surah Al-Nahl, 16:69)
Parents urged again to limit TV for youngest
By Benedict Carey : The New York Times | 18 Oct 2011
Parents of infants and toddlers should limit the time their children spend in front of televisions, computers, self-described educational games and even grown-up shows playing in the background, the American Academy of Pediatrics warned on Tuesday. Video screen time provides no educational benefits for children under age 2 and leaves less room for activities that do, like interacting with other people and playing, the group said.
Sobia: A thirst-quenching Ramadan drink
Source : Rima Al-Mukhtar | Arab News
Makkah | 10 Aug 2011
“Sobia is the most popular drink in Ramadan; it is sold almost on every street corner. Saudis like to break their fast with a cold glass of Sobia to give them energy and power,” said Um Tariq, a 78-year-old citizen. “I have witnessed my mother and grandmother preparing this drink ever since I was a child, and now I’m proceeding with this tradition and teaching my grandchildren how to prepare our famous Sobia recipe,” she added.
The Date: A source of nourishment
Source : Roger Harrison | Arab News
02 Aug 2011
The date palm, originating, as best we know, in the Middle East, has proved such a successful plant and source of nourishment that it has spread across the planet.
India weddings faulted for prodigious food waste
Source : Nirmala George | AP
NEW DELHI | 21 Jul 2011
When the daughter of businessman Mohammed Sultan got married recently, guests were treated to a lavish 30-course meal served in super-sized silver platters.
The Kashmiri feast, prepared by an army of chefs, included more than 20 meat and kebab dishes rich with spices to go with the saffron-flavored rice and naan breads.
Hours later, after the more than 500 guests had eaten their fill, the leftovers were dumped by the cartload at a nearby garbage site.
Iranian movies win major awards at St. Petersburg festival
Source : Tehran Times
TEHRAN | 18 Jul 2011
Two Iranian movies grabbed major awards at the St. Petersburg International Film Festival Kinoforum that ran from July 10 to 15.
Asghar Farhadi’s Golden Bear winner “Nader and Simin: A Separation” was awarded the Grand Prix of the festival, while “Gesher” by Vahid Vakilifar grabbed Choice of the Jury special award, the Persian service of IRNA reported on Sunday.
Costly Afghan weddings under government scrutiny
Source : AP
KABUL : Afghanistan | 20 Jun 2011
Some brides in Afghanistan change their outfits up to 10 times. Throw in the six-hour trips to the beauty parlors and the meals for 1,000 guests — and one wedding alone could bankrupt many Afghans.
Now the Justice Ministry is proposing limits on the lavish events to cut down on the pressure poor Afghans face to match the elite’s elaborate weddings. The government is specifically targeting party halls — and threatening to fine owners who flout the austerity rules.
