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Budget 2011-12 Highlights


I-T exemption limit raised to Rs 1.80 lakh from Rs 1.60 lakh .

Exemption for senior citizens raised to Rs 2.5 lakh

Tax under women slab unchanged.

Tax exemption raised to Rs 5 lakh for senior citizens of 80 years.

To increase service tax on air travel

Excise and customs duty proposals to result in the net gain of Rs 7,300 crore.

Export duty rates on iron ore unified and kept at 20% ad valorem.

Basic customs duty on agricultural machinery reduced to 4.5% from 5%

Basic customs duty on raw silk reduced from 30 to 5 per cent

Excise and customs duty proposals to result in the net gain of Rs 7,300 crore

Nominal one per cent central excise duty on 130 items entering the tax net. Basic food and fuel and precious stones, gold and silver jewellery will be exempted.

Peak rate of customs duty maintained at 10% in view of the global economic situation.

Customs duty exemptions for hybrid auto parts.

Nominal one per cent central excise duty on 130 items entering the tax net. Basic food and fuel and precious stones, gold and silver jewellery will be exempted.

Standard rate of central exercise duty maintained at 10%.

Central government debt in proportion to GDP will be 44.2% in 2011-12.

20% export duty on all grades of iron ore.

Basic customs duty reduced on certain textile products

No change in service tax rate of 10%.

No change in central excise duty.

Plan to levy 1% on 130 consumer items.

Revenue deficit fixed at 2.3 per cent in revised estimates of 2010—11 and 1.8 per cent in 2011—12,

Total plan expenditure will go up 100 per cent in nominal terms in the next year

15% tax on dividend for Indian cos from foreign unit.

Direct Tax proposals result in expenditure of Rs 11,500 cr.

To reduce surcharge on domestic companies to 5% from 7.5%

MAT rate hiked to 18.5% from 18%.

MAT on developers in SEZs to be levied.

Fiscal deficit revised to 5.1% from 5.5% for FY'11

Total expenditure raised by 13.4% at Rs 12.57 lakh cr over budget estimates

Gross tax receipts estimated at 9.32 lakh cr for FY 2011-12

Bill to amend India Stamp Act soon.

Budget allocation of Rs 100 cr for Ladakh and Rs 150 cr for Jammu for implementation of projects identified by taskforce

Old age pension to persons of over the age of 80 raised from Rs 200 to Rs 500

Health allocation up by 20% to R 27,600 cr.

Rs 9- lakh ex-gratia for defence personnel for 100% disability fighting Left-wing extremism.

To set up 15 more mega food parks.

Remuneration of anganwadi workers raised from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000 per month. Helpers to get Rs 1,500 from Rs 750

Tax free bonds of Rs 30,000 cr to be issued for infrastructure development. This will cover Warehousing Corporation, NHAI, IRFC and Hudco.

Allocation under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana to be raised from Rs 6,755 crore in the current year to Rs 7,860 crore.

Rs 50 cr grant to Aligarh Muslim University centres in Murshidabad in West Bengal and Malappuram in Kerala.

Rs 200 cr for environmental remediation programme.

Age for pension eligibility reduced from 65 years to 60 years under Indira Gandhi Yojana scheme

To move insurance, pension and banking bills in Parliament

Rs 500-cr for National Development Fund.

Rs 400-cr as one-time grant for IIT-Kharagpur.

Move to set up State Innovation Councils underway.

Allocation to education sector raised to Rs 52,000 cr

Scholarship scheme for SC/ST students in classes iX, X.

Increase in allocation to higher education

Increase in remuneration for Anganwadi workers from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000 per month.

Plan 17% increase in social sector spending.

To introduce Food Security Bill

Tax free bonds of Rs 30,000 cr to be issued for infrastructure development. This will cover Warehousing Corporation, NHAI, IRFC and Hudco.

Fertiliser industry to be included under infrastructure category.

New companies bill to be introduced.

GoM to be set up to deal with corruption

Five-fold strategy to deal with black money.

Mega cluster for leather products to be introduced.

Existing interest subvention scheme on short term farm loans at 7 % interest to continue.

Self-assessment in customs to be introduced.

Credit flows to farmers raised from Rs 3.75 lakh crore to Rs 4.75 lakh crore.

Constitution Amendment Bill for introduction of GST in this session.

Goods and Services Tax Bill this year.

Direct Taxes Code Bill likely to be passed by Parliament next financial year after getting Standing Committee report.

Public Debt Management Agency Bill in the next fiscal.

Indian mutual funds to get direct access to foreign markets; FIIs to be allowed to invest in MFs.

To liberalise FDI policy further.

To extend infra tax breaks to fertiliser sector.

To set up microfinance equity fund.

Government to move towards direct cash transfer of cash subsidy as regards kerosene, LPG and fertilisers from March 2012 for BPL in view of large diversion.

3% interest subvention to farmers who repay in time.

Nabard capital base to be increased by infusing Rs 10,000 cr

Rural housing fund increased to Rs 3,000 cr

Banks asked to step up lending to agriculture.

Allocation under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana to be raised from Rs 6,755 crore in the current year to Rs 7,860 crore.

Budget proposes to raise housing loan limit from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh for priority sector lending.

Allocation for farm development hiked to Rs 7,860 cr.

Rs 300 cr proposed to promote production of cereals.

Indian micro-finance equity with SIDBI to be formed at Rs 100 crore.

Rs 6,000 cr to be given to public sector banks to maintain capital-to-risk assets ratio norms

RBI to bring in new guidelines for banking licences.

Aiming Fiscal deficit of 3% by fiscal 2014

Central electronic registry to reduce fraud cases.

FII investment limit for infra corporate bonds hiked to $40 billion.

Discussions on to further liberalise FDI policy.

Preparation of GST rollout in final stages.

Microfinance equity fund of Rs 100 cr proposed.

Govt committed to hold 51% in PSUs.

Rs 3,000 cr to Nabard for handloom societies.

Women self-help group development fund to be set up.

Direct transfer of subsidy for kerosene.

Goods and Services Tax Bill to be introduced in Parliament this year.

Direct Tax Code Bill likely to be passed by Parliament next financial year after getting Standing Committee report.

Disinvestment target at Rs 40,000 cr.

Direct Tax Code from April 2012.

SEBI-registered MFs to be allowed direct access to foreign funds.

Expect RBI to moderate inflation.

Public Debt Management Agency Bill to be introduced next financial year.

Current account deficit and average inflation in 2011-12 likely to be less than current year.

FDI policy review done in Sept 2010.

Economic growth in 2011-12 likely to be 9 per cent.

Admits large-scale diversion of kerosene.

Introduction of DTC will be a watershed moment.

Debt managment bill to be introduced.

Constitutional Amendment Bill on GST to be introduced.

Expect agri sector to grow at 5.4% in 2011.

Growth in 2010-11 broad-based.

Economy resilient to shocks.

RBI measures will further moderate inflation.

GDP estimated growth at 8.6% in real terms.

New dynamism in rural economy.

Core inflation in check.

Current account deficit is at 2009-10 levels, and is a matter of concern.

Huge difference in wholesale and retail prices not acceptable.

Total food inflation down from 20.2 per cent last year to 9.3 per cent in Jan

Revival in private investment should be sustainable.

Service growing in double digits.

Need to reconcile legitimate environmental concerns with developmental needs.

Food Inflation has declined by half, but still a matter of concern.

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Apple Inc to launch iPad 2?

Apple Inc is hosting a media event next week to show off the next-generation of the iPad, as it prepares to take on new rivals in the fast-growing tablet market.
Apple, which sent an invitation to reporters on Wednesday via email, will host the March 2 gathering at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, the same venue where Apple unveiled the original iPad in January 2010. The characteristically succinct invitation featured an image of a calendar page with a giant "2" emblazoned in the center, peeled back just slightly to reveal the familiar form of an iPad. The invite teased, "Come see what 2011 will be the year of." Given the sheer crush of competing tablets coming on the market, Apple will face a bigger challenge to wow consumers with the new iPad, which is expected to go on sale in April.

The iPad has completely dominated the nascent tablet computer market, but literally dozens of new devices are set to launch this year, so Apple will have to prove it can stay one step ahead of its pursuers. Apple's rivals include Motorola Mobility, Research in Motion and Hewlett-Packard Co, all of which are aggressively promoting their tablets.

Apple sold nearly 15 million iPads last year, when it had the market largely to itself. Analysts expect the company to at least double that figure this year, as the overall market explodes to more than 50 million units. Industry watchers expect Apple to show off a thinner, lighter and faster version of the 10-inch touchscreen tablet, and also add a front-facing camera to enable video chatting using the company's FaceTime application.

Many analysts believe Apple may also add a chip that allows the iPad to run on CDMA networks like that of Verizon Wireless. There is also the question of who will lead the event, with Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs out on indefinite medical leave. As Apple's master showman, Jobs typically presides over major product launches.

If not Jobs on stage, other potential emcees include Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook and marketing chief Phil Schiller. With the original iPad priced starting at $499, investors will also be watching to see if Apple plans to creep farther down the price chain to broaden the iPad's appeal. Apple's rival has so far been unable to match the iPad on price. But Apple has pinched its own gross margins by pricing the tablet lower than its serious competitors.

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How to end an office romance

It held so much promise and started off so well, but things have fizzled. Now you wish you'd never gone out with him, and you don’t want things to be awkward around the water cooler. If you’ve gone cold on a recent cubicle connection, we have some tips for ending things with grace and dignity.


Be discreet.

Do not allow, under any circumstances, the ending of your office romance to turn into a three-ring circus -- by which we mean keep everyone else out of it. No complaining to coworkers about how you can't stand him anymore, and no inter-office emails about your waning attraction. Keep any and all details about the breakup under wraps to save him from embarrassment and maintain a level of professionalism with your colleagues.

Do it in person.

To avoid confusion (such as “What do you mean we're broken up? I didn't get the email") and to show you're a decent person, do the deed in person rather than text, Facebook message or email. Yes, it's awkward, but it really is the only respectful thing to do.

Don't drag it out.

If you're no longer happy and think the relationship has to end, don't wait around hoping things will die off naturally, or for him to get the hint and stop coming by your desk to ask if you want to have lunch. Do yourself (and him) a favor and end things as soon as you're over him. The longer you drag things out, the more frustrated you'll become, which is something your co-workers and boss could pick up on.

Stay professional.

This means no yelling matches by the vending machine, nasty passive-aggressive notes on the office fridge or outward hostility of any kind. Keeping things professional and courteous will ensure your breakup isn't causing other people to feel uncomfortable or that they have to pick sides. Save any angry outbursts for a night out with your BFFs.

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Best Makeup Colors For Brown Hair

When selecting your makeup, consider your skin tone, eye color and of course, your hair color. To look your best, follow these makeup tips for brunettes.
Brunette women are among the most versatile when it comes to makeup colors because most shades complement their lovely dark locks.

Brunettes, Use rich lip color

Most of the time, pale pink lipstick and blush don't flatter brunettes. Women with dark brown hair should play with richer colors of makeup instead. Tawny or spicy red lip color look great on women with medium to dark brown hair. Coral or peach lip and cheek shades are terrific complements to light brown hair.

Freshminerals 9 Piece Mineral Eye KitEye makeup and blush colors

Put the emphasis on your eyes with highly-pigmented shadow, smudged eyeliner and two coats of dark brown mascara. Brunettes with brown eyes can use almost any color of eye shadow. Green-eyed brunettes look awesome with purple shadow and charcoal eyeliner. Keep the rest of your face natural with barely-there cheek color and just a touch of lip gloss.

Consider your highlights

When selecting your cosmetics, consider not just your main hair color but also your highlights. Brunettes with true blonde highlights can wear makeup with pink undertones better than brown eyed girls with red highlights can.

Remember: If you have dark hair, stick to richer colors of makeup with the spicy reds, peaches and corals in your lipstick and the deep eyeshadow tones for your eyes.

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Makeup tips for green eyes

When picking your makeup colors, consider your skin tone as well as your eye color. If you have green eyes, try these makeup tips to bring out the best in your eyes.
 1.Play with purples

Bring out your gorgeous green eyes with makeup that is red-based. To widen the look of close-set eyes, apply shades of deep plum eye shadow toward the outer edges and a lighter shader of purple toward the inner eye. If your eyelids are a little droopy, do the opposite. Avoid purples with blue undertones, as well as blue eye shadow and eyeliner.

2.Avoid silver

If you want to experiment with metallics, avoid silver shades on the eyes. However, bronze, copper and gold looks absolutely fabulous with green eyes for evening. Brown or dark green eyeshadow with flecks of gold are also terrific choices.

3.Skip the black eyeliner

Everyone loves black eyeliner but it isn't the best choice for green-eyed gals. Use chocolate brown liner for everyday. To spice things up, try gray or gold. To open up your eyes and make them pop, add a little white eyeliner to the inner corner near the tear duct.

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Mink Brar Lost 6 Kilos in Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Zor Ka Jhatka’: Imagine TV


Actress Mink Brar, who’s one of the contestants on Shah Rukh Khan hosted game show ‘Zor Ka Jhatka’, lost oodles of weight while shooting for it.

She lost six kilos while she was shooting for Zor Ka Jhatka.She got hurt but she tried her level best to be in the competition.She cleared twice the red balloon.She also had a ligament crack but she then also kept trying to be perfect

Shot in Argentina with about 28 contestants, ‘Zor Ka Jhatka’, which comes on Imagine TV, is the Indian version of the international show ‘Wipeout’.

Mink cleared the red balloon twice and tore her ligament but kept trying and said: ‘I am very happy to be part of this competition.’

As for the reality shows on smaller screen, Mink did a dancing show, Dancing Queen on Colors, where she was a mentor. She was also one of the contestants of the 2009 adventure reality show, “Sarkaar Ki Duniya” on Real TV channel but was eliminited early.

She has acted in films like ‘Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain’, ‘Ajnabee’ and ‘Pitah’.

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Lucknow University

Lucknow University
University of Lucknow has announced today in their announcement section that the Results of December 2010 Semester Examination Results are announced – and you can visit the official website from here to verify the Results of Odd Semester (December 2010 Examinations)

LINK for Results.,

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3 Tips for meeting your daily veggie quota

If you’re like most Americans, you have a love-hate relationship with vegetables. Okay, fine. Hate-hate. Maybe you grew up eating nothing but withered veggies from a can. Maybe you were forced to eat everything on your plate, including the brussel sprouts that tasted like dirty gym socks. But take heed, because veggies don’t have to be gross to be good for you. Read on for the top three tips for meeting your daily veggie quota. And get ready to fall in love with vegetables for the very first time.
1.Taste the rainbow

Vegetables are one of the most nutrient rich foods you can eat. They are an important source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. With countless nutritional benefits, they are vibrant and versatile and can be used to brighten up any cuisine.

Brightly colored vegetables contain beta carotene and other phytonutrients which prevent cell damage in the human body. Phytonutrients also fight against heart disease, stroke, cancer and other chronic diseases. If you've never warmed up to veggies, try some of the most colorful ones such as sweet potato, carrots, beets, pumpkin, tomatoes, red peppers, red onions and spinach. You might be surprised at the array of mouth-watering flavors.

2.Keep the crunch

The first rule for veggie preparation is the following: Don't overcook them. Many veggies taste best raw or cooked just slightly where they still retain a healthy crunch. For example, if you are preparing some broccoli and carrots to eat with your pasta, don't chop them up and toss them in to simmer with the sauce until they wither away into nothingness. Keep them apart and fry them up with just a tiny amount of olive oil. Or steam them for just a couple of minutes. To retain the most nutrients and flavor, veggies should still keep their original color and have a crisp texture.

3.Mix it up

To ease into your newfound relationship with vegetables, try adding them into dishes you already love. Toss some onto your favorite pasta dish, sprinkle them on pizza or add a few into your favorite chicken stir fry. Layer pieces of zucchini and yellow squash in your signature lasagna. Add some extra veggies to your chicken noodle soup. Try at least one new vegetable each night in your dinner salad.

You can even sneak a few veggies into dishes without a noticeable change in the final product. Try adding pureed squash into your favorite mac and cheese recipe. Or grate some zucchini, onions and garlic into your taco meat. Blend up some green and red peppers in the food processor and add to your favorite spaghetti sauce. The possibilities are endless!

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Nokia X3-02 Price in India - Nokia X3-02 Review Features & Specifications

Nokia X3-02 Price in India will be announced near to Rs 8,899/- The Check out Nokia X3-02's review with its amazing features and specification.This latest mobile model comes with a fully touch screen display and an alpha-numeric keypad that makes it easy to use.
Nokia X3-02 Review, Features & Specifications
    * 3G HSDPA
    * Screen Display: 2.4 inch
    * TFT resistive touchscreen
    * 240 x 320 pixels screen resolution
    * Camera: 5 Megapixel
    * Dedicated music key
    * Expandable Memory: up to 16GB
    * GPRS/EDGE
    * Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
    * Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP
    * USB v2.0 microUSB
    * MP4/H.263 player
    * MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
    * Messaging: SMS, MMS, Email, IM
    * Browser: WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
    * 3.5 mm audio jack
    * Stereo FM radio with RDS
    * Java MIDP 2.1
    * Colors:White Silver, Dark Metal, Petrol Blue, Pink, Lilac
    * Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, Gtalk, Facebook, Twitter
    * Battery Model : Li-Ion BL-4S
    * Stand-by time Up to 408 h (2G) / Up to 408 h (3G)
    * Talk time: Up to 5 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 3 h 30 min (3G)
    * Dimensions: 106.2 x 48.4 x 9.6 mm
    * Weight:78 g

Nokia X3-02 Price in India is Rs. 8,899/- that is not a big deal according to the features of the model. We recommend all of our readers before purchasing Nokia X3-02 please read the market trends that there may be a better model available in the market

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Cereal and milk is the most healthy breakfast choice

Ever wondered why breakfast is touted as the most important meal of the day? According to a study, those who have breakfast are less prone to illness because the body is energetic, stronger and more immune to diseases and infections.
 Everyone, be it kids, youngsters, adults, or old people, need a wholesome, nutritious morning meal to kick-start the day on a healthy note. According to a new study, the best way to start the day is with a bowl of a healthy breakfast cereal and milk that energizes an individual mentally and physically and keepsyou going for hours. Cereal and milk is a good source of calcium and provides a significant proportion of the day's total nutrient intake such as foliate, carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins, and fiber. Additionally, people who have a morning meal of cereal and milk are less likely to be hungry during the rest of the day and nibble on high-calorie snacks to stave off hunger.

Newcastle University’s nutrition professor Chris Seal, a member of The Breakfast Panel which commissioned the study stated, “This provides yet more evidence of the importance of eating breakfast and shows the value of making wise choices.
People who eat breakfast cereal generally eat less fat, saturated fat and sugar than those who do not and have better intakes of protein and important micro-nutrients, such as iron, vitamins and calcium.”

Study details

In a bid to assess the breakfast habits of people, nutritionist Sigrid Gibson conducted a study. The team analyzed the food records from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey, which questioned 12,068 Britons aged 19 to 64 years.
The analysis revealed that one in five adults ate no solid food for the morning meal, one-third opted for cereal and 45 percent indulged in a non-cereal breakfast.

It was noted that tea and coffee was the preferred beverage on 84 percent of breakfast occasions. In addition, the survey found that milk was popular in 82 percent of breakfasts. Close on the heels came cereal (39 percent), bread (33 percent) and fruit (14 percent).Skipping breakfast can lead to tiredness, lack of concentration, and poor performance at work or school. It also means more snacking on unhealthy foods. Studies have established that people tend to accumulate more body fat when they eat fewer, larger meals than when they eat the same number of calories in smaller, more frequent meals.

People who begin the day with a morning meal have an adequate balance of nutrients and minerals in their body as compared to those who skip breakfast.
Those who have breakfast are less prone to illness because the body is energetic, stronger and more immune to diseases and infections.

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5 Things that are making your dog fat

Your pup’s a pudgeball. There’s no denying it. You know about the dangers of pet obesity and you’re committed to getting your furry friend down to his fighting weight, but what exactly is making your puppy so pudgy?
1.Dog treats

You want to reward your pup for being such a great buddy, but think twice before you give him a packaged doggy treat. Many processed pet treats are caloric bombs.  Dr Ernie Ward, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and author of Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs are Getting Fatter, breaks down the numbers. "If you feed a 20 lb dog a single Purina Busy Bone Chew Treat Dental for Small/Medium Dogs, it contains 277 calories. A typical indoor pet dog needs only needs about 350 to 375 calories per day. If you feed that treat to your small dog, it's like an average adult drinking three 16 oz. McDonald's Chocolate Triple Shakes." Just like you do for yourself, you need to read the nutrition facts on everything you put in your pup's mouth.

2.Human food

While some human food is great for your dog, for example low cal snacks like carrots, keep your eyes on just how much people food your pooch is consuming. Every little scrap of human food you give him has to be added to his daily calorie total. "Letting the dog lick the family's plates after meals can add a whole bunch of calories to his daily intake; over time, that means more fat and less good health," Jean Hofve, DVM, holistic veterinarian and author of The Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care: An Illustrated Handbook warns.

3.Busy owners

Owners who work hours so long they can't give their pup the exercise time it needs. Working late happens, but there are services, like Stordahl's own Run That Mutt, that will pick up the slack when you're too busy to walk (or run) with your dog. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call a professional for help.

4.Post-op metabolisms

You might not know it, but spaying and neutering animals slows their metabolisms in a major way. Post-operation, a dog needs 10 to 20% less food according to Dr Justine Lee, veterinary specialist and author of It's a Dog's Life... but It's Your Carpet and It's a Cat's World... You Just Live in It. So talk to your vet after your dog's operation and adjust your dog's daily dish accordingly.

5.Inaccurate directions

Many pet foods don't come with nutrition labels and their recommended servings definitely lean toward overfeeding your pet. To be safe, you need to research your dog's food's nutritional information yourself and figure out what serving size is right for his needs.

Avoiding these five common pitfalls should help you get your pooch back into fighting shape. Remember, weight loss isn't easy, even for a pup, so give him some extra love during those diet days, even if there's less of him to love.  

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Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Emimem among winners of 2011 Grammy Awards


Rapper Jay-Z and R 'n' B singer Alicia Keys' Empire State of Mind won this year's Grammy for Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

Jay-Z, 41, also took the Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group statue for On To the Next One, a dual effort with Keys' husband, Swizz Beats, the New York Daily News reported.

Rapper Emimem, 38, won the Best Rap Solo statue for his single Not Afraid.

John Legend and The Roots earned Best R 'n' B Song, Best R 'n' B album and Best Traditional R 'n' B Vocal Performance for songs associated with their joint CD of political anthems, Wake Up!

Lady Gaga won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Short Form Music (both for Bad Romance), and Best Pop Vocal Album, for The Fame Monster.

Lady Antebellum also won three awards including Best Country Album, Best Country Song and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group, all for Need You Now.

Blues-rock duo The Black Keys won Best Alternative Album, and classic-rock guitarist Jeff Beck won Best Pop Instrumental for his six-string interpretation of the opera classic Nessum Dorma and Best Rock Instrumental Performance for his album Hammerhead.

The already Oscar-endorsed music for the film 'Crazy Hearts' won Best Compilation Soundtrack Album and Best Song Written for TV or a Movie, with the latter being for Ryan Bingham's husky piece 'The Weary Kind'. sher also snagged two prizes, including Best Contemporary R 'n' B Album, for his CD 'Raymond V Raymond, while Rihanna earned an early nod for Best Dance Recording for Only Girl (In The World).
Rock legend Neil Young received his very first Grammy for music on Sunday night. He won Best Rock Song for Angry World.

Another first, Baba Yetu, became the first piece of music written for a video game ever to win a Grammy. It got Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals.

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A diet to get rid of belly fat


Want to get rid of your belly fat? Well, then all you need to do is follow the simple tips given in a new book, The Flat Belly Diet.

Here are some tips that can help you get rid of belly fat:

1. Eat four 400-calorie meals per day.

2. Never go more than four hours without eating.

3. Incorporate mono-unsaturated fats or "MUFAS" into meals.

4. When the body is under stress, it produces a hormone called "cortisol," which turns into belly fat. Learning to control the stress in life can go a long way towards reducing the belly fat.

5. Keep a strong social support group. Get your friends to join you, or find an online support group.

6. Keep a record of what you've eaten and how much.

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Sony Ericsson XPERIA Neo and Pro Out

Sony Ericsson XPERIA Neo finally became official at the ongoing Mobile World Congress 2011. It has a 3.7-inch, 480 x 854 resolution, Reality display using Sony's Mobile BRAVIA Engine, 1GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 Snapdragon processor, Android 2.3 Gingerbread running underneath Sony Ericsson's custom skin, 8 megapixels Exmor R sensor with auto-focus and flash that is also capable of recording 720p videos at 30FPS with continuous auto-focus.  It also comes with an HDMI out so you can watch all your images and videos on your TV.  The XPERIA Neo will be available in three colors - Blue Gradient, Red and Silver. 
 The XPERIA Pro is identical to the XPERIA Neo, save for one key difference; it has a sliding QWERTY keypad. The Pro is also slightly thicker than the Neo: 13.5mm instead of 13mm and weighs 140g compared to the 126g of the Neo. The XPERIA Pro will be available in Black, Red, Silver colors. 

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Healthy pregnancy diet: The extra 300 calories

Three hundred calories -- that’s the amount of additional calories needed to nourish pregnant moms-to-be and their growing babies. Although myths of late-night fast food cravings and ice cream binges surround the nine months leading up to new motherhood, many pregnant women are surprised to learn that those extra 300 calories don’t equate to that much extra food. Further, those calories need to be obtained from quality, nutritious sources. So put down that bag of chips and start eating healthy to get you -- and your baby -- off to a good start.
1.Greek yogurt

In addition to providing much-needed calcium for both mom and baby, Greek yogurt is a must-eat by all pregnant women, containing more than twice the protein and far less sugar than regular yogurt.

1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt = 130 calories

2.Flaxseed

Omega-3 fatty acids play a critical role in baby’s brain development. Flaxseed is one of the easiest ways to add this essential fat to your pregnancy diet. Simply sprinkle two tablespoons of it into Greek yogurt. For extra flavor, add blueberries, chopped apple or mandarin oranges, with a dash of cinnamon.

1 tablespoon ground flax = 35 calories

3.Cottage cheese

This protein and calcium-rich snack eaten with some whole wheat crackers makes a great, healthy treat for sensitive or easily nauseated pregnant tummies.

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese = 160 calories

4.Oranges

Full of the critical nutrient folic acid, which is essential in helping prevent neural tube birth defects, orange juice and oranges are a key snack in pregnancy. Oranges deliver a high dose of vitamin C to support your immune system, and also contain potassium, which can lower blood pressure which is particularly important during pregnancy. Calcium-fortified juice versions deliver even more nutritional benefits.

1 medium orange = 65 calories

5.Lentils

Full of iron, fiber and folate, lentils are a pregnant woman’s “wonder bean.” They also keep body systems moving, helping avoid constipation and pregnancy hemorrhoids. Eat lentil soup for a quick, portable meal that requires virtually no prep time. (Throw in some diced tomatoes for an extra dose of vitamin C and lycopene.)

1/2 cup cooked lentils = 115 calories

6.Spinach

For a healthy dose of folic acid, vitamin A and calcium, add a (washed) handful of spinach to a sandwich.  Or toss spinach with almonds, grapes and light dressing for a healthy mid-afternoon snack.

1 cup cooked spinach = 40 calories

7.Water

In addition to nutritious foods, calorie-free water is critical for pregnant women. It not only keeps you healthy and hydrated, but serves as a necessary substitute for high-sugar drinks that only deliver extra calories and can raise your risk of insulin resistance during pregnancy.

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3 Natural anti-aging tricks for skin health

Preserving your skin from the natural effects of aging, sun damage and the environment rests largely on mitigating the effects of harmful free radicals. In these three cheap and natural anti-aging skin treatments, Mother Nature gives man-made products a run for their money in your quest for an ageless, radiant complexion.
1.Apply the papaya

Thanks to its high content of carotene, vitamin C, essential minerals and the enzyme papain, papaya is a natural exfoliant and moisturizer. Regular use can even help lighten the skin, minimizing the appearance of age spots. Papaya also opens pores, leaving skin feeling soft and with a healthy glow.

Application: Papaya is easy to apply -- unlike some other natural remedies, which often require mixing, mashing and pitting. Simply peel a strip off of the papaya's outer layer using a paring knife. Then in a "swiping" motion, apply it directly to your face, just as you would a cotton ball or makeup-remover swab. Because you're using only the outer layer, you can even eat the remainder for a tasty shot of fiber, potassium and vitamins A and C.




2.Ageless with avocado

To remain supple, your skin requires vitamins, just like your body. Avocados are nature's version of a one-stop nutrient shop, packed full of vitamins A, B, D and E. They are richer in potassium than a banana and contain healthy fats, making them an ideal all-natural moisturizer. Avocados also help minimize signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. The natural oils in avocado even remove dirt, according to Kyan Douglas of Queer Eye fame. Avocados are also a great treatment option for eczema, red spots and sensitive skin.

Application: Creating an avocado face mask requires just a couple of dollars and a few minutes. Pit a ripe avocado (it will feel rather soft to the touch), scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash with a fork. Gently pat the avocado onto your face and leave it on for about 10 minutes. To remove, gently smooth off with a cool, damp cloth. For additional moisturizing, add a splash of milk or a one-fourth teaspoon of honey to the mask.

3.Cleanse with honey

Another wonder-food packed with skin-revitalizing antioxidants, honey also contains anti-bacterial properties, making it a gentle, affordable everyday cleanser. It can even aid in treating mild breakouts.

Application: Simply add a little warm water to honey to make it easier to smooth on. Wear a thick headband to ensure honey doesn't pass your hairline. Slather on to cleanse and gently rinse off. For extra exfoliating power, add a tablespoon of brown sugar. (Fear the sticky factor? Rest assured. It amazingly "disappears" once you rinse with water!)

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Katy Perry Used to Hate Her Big Boobs

One would never have thought that Katy Perry could have been ashamed of any part of her figure at any period of time, and the singer’s 32D chest will now hardly credit as anything but an asset, but it was different some years back.
Opening up for the March issue of Elle, Perry recounted that during her teen years her bust had often been a butt end of endless teasing. Everyone around, including the star herself, thought her boobs were “enormous”, so it was minimizers for her, which she didn’t enjoy in the least.
The thick straps proved an additional irritation, and every time Perry heard them being called “the over-the-shoulder boulder holder”, she felt sorry she hadn’t been born with a Kate Moss-like figure.
These days, when the newlywed Perry is about 15 pounds lighter than she was in her teens, she will definitely NOT endorse this statement! Wife to British comic Russell Brand since October, the chart-topper has always looked at herself as a girl next door, but on stage she is happy to know – and to capitalize on – her sex appeal.
Even more so, for Perry doesn’t feel life has been too easy on her. “I had the rug pulled out from underneath my feet so many times,” she told Elle, adding that whatever she may have now, nothing has been given to her gratis, and she had to work for every inch of it. Moreover, she means to go on with it and prove her worth over and over again.
But career is not all she ever thinks of. The star confessed to the mag that she has big plans for personal life as well, like having kids, no matter how that may affect her career. Being an artist is just a part of life, and Katy Perry is out to have it all!

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Facial expressions can reveal fake remorse

The next time you shed crocodile tears, be careful - a new study has given behavioural clues to spot fabricated versus genuine displays of remorse.
 Researchers have found that those who show a greater range of emotional expressions and swing from one emotion to another very quickly - a phenomenon referred to as emotional turbulence - often fake remorse. Leanne ten Brinke and colleagues, from the Centre for the Advancement of Psychology and Law (CAPSL), University of British Columbia and Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada, also found that they speak with more hesitation. These findings have important implications for judges and parole board members, who look for genuine remorse when they make their sentencing and release decisions.

In their study, the researchers examined the facial, verbal and body language behaviours associated with emotional deception in videotaped accounts of true personal wrongdoing, with either genuine or fabricated remorse, among 31 Canadian undergraduate students. Their analysis of nearly 300,000 frames showed that those participants who displayed false remorse displayed more of the seven universal emotions (happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, surprise, and contempt) than those who were genuinely sorry.

The authors grouped the emotions displayed in facial expressions into three categories: positive (happiness), negative (sadness, fear, anger, contempt, disgust) and neutral (neutral, surprise). They found that participants who were genuinely remorseful did not often swing directly from positive to negative emotions, but went through neutral emotions first. In contrast, those who were deceiving the researchers made more frequent direct transitions between positive and negative emotions, with fewer displays of neutral emotions in between.

In addition, during fabricated remorse, students had a significantly higher rate of speech hesitations than during true remorse. "Our study is the first to investigate genuine and falsified remorse for behavioural cues that might be indicative of such deception. Identifying reliable cues could have considerable practical implications - for example for forensic psychologists, parole officers and legal decision-makers who need to assess the truthfulness of remorseful displays," the researchers concluded.

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HP TouchPad Release Date Leaked

It's only been a couple of days since HP officially launched their iPad-sized tablet, the TouchPad. However, Boy Genius Report is now reporting (heh) that the TouchPad will release in June for an estimated price of $699 (Rs. 32,000).
The TouchPad runs on HP and Palm's webOS and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.2 GHz processor. The tablet boasts of the standard features of a Light sensor, Accelerometer, Digital Compass (Magnetometer) and Gyroscope. The other specs are as follows:

    * 9.7-inch diagonal XGA capacitive, multitouch screen
    * Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, A-GPS
    * Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR with A2DP
    * 1.3 megapixel front facing camera
    * 16 GB or 32 GB of internal storage
    * 3.5 mm headset/headphone/microphone jack

With those specs, that looks like a reasonable enough price, especially when compared to the $800 (Rs. 36,500) Motorola are pricing their Xoom tablet at.

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Conde Nast Launches Free Vogue 365 Fashion App For the iPad

Apple users are known for their obsession with fashion. Be it fashionable clothes or expensive apparel, they just want to have it. If you’re looking for some tips on fashion and photography, Conde Nast has an application for the iPad.
Called Vogue 365, this app has features for fashion such as  Fashion photography, insider tips and information on all things fashion and beauty. The app also gives you 365 ‘new’ images in a year – which translates to one image every day. There are also some behind the scene imagery where you can see the models (ahem!) getting into their outfits!
In case you find something interesting, you can also share favourites with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. Plus the advertising includes interactive slide shows and pictures, where you can buy stuff.

So there you go, you can download the app for free on the Apple site!

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Samsung Unveils 8MP and 12MP Backlit CMOS Sensors for Mobile Phones

Samsung Electronics has unveiled two new sensors for mobile phones - a 1/3.2-inch back side illuminated sensor packing either 8 megapixel or 12 megapixel. The new sensors are reported to give camera phones ability to shoot images with quality as good as point and shoot cameras'. The new sensors will not only improve low light imaging but also enable fullHD (1080p) video recording.

The new 1/3.2-inch 8 megapixel sensor, S5K3H2 uses Samsung's advanced 1.4 micron backside illuminated (BSI) technology and the sensor will enable mobile phones cameras to shoot superior low-light images which as Samsung reported will be as good as those point and shoot cameras'. The sensors will also enable camera phones to shoot 15fps at full resolution which is very impressive for a mobile phone camera.  The new sensor has a slim form factor which fits in an 8.5mm x 8.5mm auto focus camera module, further, the sensor is able to operate on 1.2 voltage levels for better battery life. For video recording, the sensor can capture 1080p full HD video up to 30 fps and 720p at 60fps. For faster shooting mode, VGA (640 x 480 pixel) videos can be recorded at 120fps for slow motion playback.

The 12 megapixel sensor is based around the same 1/3.2-inch backside illuminated CMOS sensor and the mode. Samsung said it has developed the smallest 1.12 micron pixel imager and it called the 12MP model as S5K3L1. With this sensor, camera phones can shoot 12 megapixel images at 30fps and 1080p fullHD video at 60fps.  VGA videos at 120 fps and 720p video at 90fps are also possible. The sensor also includes an on-chip pixel correction feature, compensating color and luminance response variations to address image distortion.

The 8MP S5K3H2 is scheduled for mass production in Q2 this year while the 12MP S5K3L1 is scheduled for Q3.

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Perfect Valentine’s Day Celebration

St. Valentine’s Day is such a romantic, long-awaited, and moving holiday! And, of course, the best thing that can happen to you on the Day of Lovers is a date with your beloved one. Such dates surely do not occur just on St. Valentine’s Day only, but the appointment on this particular holiday can play a decisive role in you relationship.

Champaign and Sex

If your relationship is running through the period of passion, it is clear that you will want to spend the Day of Lovers together with your beloved one. It is doubtful that you will ask for anything else except a bottle of champagne and a pair of glasses.
But if the dinner you are having together is aimed at consolidating your relations and giving them some romantic mood you will need to prepare for it beforehand.

Where to Celebrate the Valentine’s Day?

Where to celebrate? At your place, at his place or on some neutral territory? It is not important. There, where you will not feel reserved. If you are going to start every time rustle comes from behind the door, anticipating the untimely return of some relative, the whole romance will vanish.
It will not be good either to visit a place which embarrasses you with its atmosphere, whether it might be a pathos-filled expensive restaurant or a strip-jazz party. For your romantic date, find the place where you will feel at ease.

Romantic Light

If your romantic dinner is to take place at home, you will first of all need to think about the light. Light is one of the key moments. Candles, muted light of the table lamp – as a rule, that is all one needs. You can buy gel candles. They keep burning for a long time and will not distract you from the main object of your attention. And, of course, do not postpone all the preparations till the last possible moment. Take care of the candlesticks beforehand, and choose the most suitable places for them so that you could only light the candles as you hear the doorbell. Do not forget about the safety measures! You can also use gadgets – electric candles.

Valentine’s Day Romantic Dinner

Remember that your romantic dinner should be very beautiful, and not only tasty. Simple things can help you create the desired mood and make the meal unforgettable. The appearance of the dish is an important condition of its correct presenting. The color of the plates should be in harmony with the color of the dish itself – not to mute the hues, but to underline the general mood of the culinary masterpiece. A heart pierced with an arrow can be drawn on a plate using sauce.

Romantic Food Decoration

Cold hors d’oeuvres should be given with leaves of lettuce. It is simple, but it makes the dish look different and more festive. As a kind of decoration of meat dishes, one can take cherry tomatoes and not sweet berries such as wild cherry or cowberries. Desserts are trimmed with ground-cherry and other sweet berries. Chocolate embellishment looks great. But the main thing is to cook everything with love, and in a good mood!

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How to Cook Broccoli for Health Effectiveness

The scientists from the University of Illinois have conducted a research which has proved that the way of cooking immediately influences the effectiveness of broccoli in the process of treating cancer. What is the right way to cook broccoli?

A lot of people are aware of the curative characteristics of broccoli. However, not all of them guess that this vegetable should be cooked for not more than 3-5 minutes; otherwise it is of no use.

Some experts claim that broccoli cabbage helps to prevent oncology. The secret is in the special ferment called myrosinase and the sulforaphane substance. They treat inflammations and metastases. Thermal processing of food destroys myrosinase. To achieve the best result, one should eat cabbage sprouts.

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10 Traits Men Appreciate Most in Women

The rules of the mating game, evolutionary psychologists tell us, have been laid down since the earliest times and have hardly changed with the passing of centuries. What modern males and females consider attractive in the opposite sex is virtually the same set of biological and psychological factors that were held desirable by our forefathers. So, while scientists keep on speculating about the original purposes behind human behavior, there are a number of proven traits that make for that inevitable pull we call love. Here’s the top 10 list of what men fall for invariably.

Trait 10 – the right touch of neuroticism

Anxiety and neuroses have been plaguing women more than men for ages, and it’s a double-edged sword. For while highly neurotic women tend to grow dissatisfied with their relationships as compared to their quieter counterparts, there are psychologists that argue that a certain level of neuroticism makes a woman more attractive. Men find anxious women who express concern over the well-being of their males and their children preferable to ones who may seem more indifferent.
If your partner grows more anxious and you feel that it starts rocking the boat, there is a simple expedient of having more sex.

Trait 9 – the excitement of red

It’s public knowledge that the red color is regarded as the color of love, passion and sex; these associations have deep biological roots, as revealed by a study carried out by Andrew Elliot and Daniela Niesta. There are other species in the animal world that also associate red with mating.

Trait 8 – the allure of the waist and hips

The waist and hip curves have always attracted the eyes of male, but the esthetic joy of the sight has rigid mathematic ratio behind it. Occidental people commonly find the ratio of 0.7 the most attractive, meaning that the waist circumference should be 70% of the hip circumference. And while the ratio was assessed as a little higher or lower for other cultures, it’s never far off the mark. The evolutionary viewpoint suggests that a ratio lower than 0.6 can mean that the hips are too slender for a comfortable childbirth, and a significantly higher ratio can stand for excessive weight that can also cause difficulties during birth.

Trait 7 – the tale the mouth and eyes tell

There are distinct notions as to how an ideal mouth and eyes should look. A female mouth that is regarded as ideal, as stated in the study on attractive features by Michael Cunningham, should run half the width of the face.
There is plentiful experimental evidence showing that men believe large eyes to be a purely feminine feature. Biologically large eyes can be an indication of general sound health and, therefore, a witness of healthy reproduction.

Trait 6 – the beauty of the body

As the ancient caveman, on the lookout for a sexual partner, wished to estimate the nearest cavewoman’s fertility aptitude, he ran his eyes over her body that told him whether she was already pregnant or ready enough to become so. It was sufficient information for the next half-hour, and the facial features didn’t come into the picture.
As later as 2010 the same was confirmed by a study (researchers: Jaime Confer, Carin Perilloux and David Buss). When men were asked to decide the worth of a woman as a preferable short-term date by photographs, they went by her body and not by her face. A sexy body comes high as a priority.

Trait 5 – the comfort of empathy

According to the findings of a study by Daniel Nettle from the University of Newcastle, a survey of personality differences shows that the average female rates far above the average male as regards the ability to empathize. The study includes empathy in the list of traits forming agreeableness.
The researcher’s theoretic explanation of this difference runs that as of old the ability to form and build up social alliances ranked high among a woman’s priorities as that providing for the survival of her children. In the language of our time, extroverted women who show empathy and a high level of agreeableness may be held as possessing superior female qualities than those less inclined to behave in this fashion.

Trait 4 – the thrill of ovulation

Men’s reaction to an ovulating woman is habitually stronger, as shown by a 2009 study conducted by Saul Miller and Jon Maner. The phenomenon is grounded on people’s subconscious ability to detect (and react to) a large number of physical substances apart from pheromones that relate to the reproductive status of the potential sexual partner. The researchers asked men to smell soiled T-shirts of women at various stages of their menstrual period. Whenever a man smelled the shirt of an ovulating woman his testosterone level invariably went up in comparison with men whose shirts belonged to non-ovulating women.
While all men found themselves excited by an ovulating woman, the study revealed, it goes more for single blokes than for men already engaged in a relationship. It goes to show that behavior and desire can be strongly swayed by other considerations like the preference of the existing relationship to a potential new one.

Trait 3 – the value of a sacrifice

An Arizona State University research conducted by a team led by Vladas Griskevicius in 2007 concluded that women, when in a romantic mood, act more charitably than men and are more prone to self-sacrificing deeds.
On the other hand, the study discovered that charitable and self-effacing behavior is generally observed in public places, which shows that women may be aware of the value men put on that trend and unconsciously use it as additional sexual motivation.

Trait 2 – the joy of appreciation

In long-term relationships mutual appreciation often tends to deteriorate and get replaced by a demanding and criticizing attitude towards one another – which produces an adverse influence on the couple’s bond, sex life and the atmosphere that surrounds them. Marriage expert John Gottman proved in his research that mutual expression of appreciation towards your partner forms the basis of a satisfaction with the relationship.

Trait 1 – the fairness of the face

In terms of a mating strategy aimed at building a committed relationship that is meant to last, it is the woman’s face that wins the man. The University of Austin scientists who investigated into a long-term mating strategy in men found that 75% opted for a woman’s face as the factor of prime importance. This consideration was borne out by another study carried out at the Kinsey Institute – it emerged that, when having sex, men look at their partner’s face more often than women do.
Small wonder, then, that most of the time women spend on preening themselves is devoted to caring for and treating their faces, biologically and psychologically their main asset!

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5 Valentines Day Celebration Ideas

A romantic dinner, a bath with rose petals, and sex for dessert is a familiar scenario for St. Valentine’s Day. This year we suggest that you make your beloved person a pleasant surprise. So, get acquainted with five ideas for St. Valentine’s Day celebration.

  1. Valentines Las Vegas

  2. Most men are fond of gambling and fun. It is not necessary that you should lead him to the casino on this romantic day or buy a ticket to Las Vegas. You can arrange a casino at home. Buy a usual game set, consisting of cards, chips, a roulette and dice. The highlight of the evening will be the fact that the chips won can be exchanged for notes with erotic desires
  3. Romantic Night Race

  4. A rare man does not like to drive fast, when the speed and the ability to control the car, to keep the situation in his hands takes his breath away. Rent a fast car that will appeal to your boyfriend (husband) and grant to your beloved an opportunity to drive at night through deserted suburban streets. Firstly, it is romantic, and, secondly, it will give you an adrenaline rush which you can give way to in bed.
  5. Favorite Food

  6. Treat him with something delicious. Recollect what your man likes, but do not rush to prepare all these dishes. You’d better invite him to the kitchen, dressed in an apron, and suggest cooking supper together. You’ll be surprised how funny and interesting it is. In addition, cooking together brings you closer and creates a romantic mood. Then you can taste it all, lying in bed.
  7. Valentines Day Body Massage

  8. Grant him an unforgettable experience. When the night falls over the city, arm yourself with massage oil and organize an erotic body massage for the man. Your warm hands and gentle touches will make him relaxed and give energy for a night of love.
  9. Vine Sampling

  10. If you want something special, go to a wine boutique. When you are there, choose various sorts from different countries (not necessarily the most expensive wine) and arrange a home vine sampling together (just do not drink too much alcohol). Decorate the house with candles and other romantic attributes, including light music. You’ll surely want to continue the celebration in bed.

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Want to drop kilos? Set mini-goals for a hot bod!

If you’re aiming to shed a few kilos this season, six small lifestyle changes can make a big difference
 1 Choose more whole grains. All carbohydrates are not created equal. Unlike refined carbohydrates (white bread, sweets), whole grains contain heart-healthy fiber and many vitamins and minerals. The fibre will keep you full between meals, and fight cravings.

2 Add more colour to your plate. Some of the most colourful foods are antioxidant-packed fruits and vegetables. Try to have at least three different colours on your plate (white, cream, and yellow don’t count). Make a goal to try a new fruit or vegetable every month.

3 Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast. Eating small, regular meals (every three to four hours) will keep hunger at bay and help you make better choices at meal times.

4 Don’t drink your calories. Soda, juice and coffee contain empty calories, without providing much, if any, nutrition.

5 Replace vegetable oil with olive oil in your kitchen. Olive oil contains healthy monounsaturated fats whereas vegetable oil contains omega-6 fatty acids, a polyunsaturated fat. Omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation in the body, which is associated with many diseases.

6 Keep a food diary.
Jotting down what you eat everyday can make a big impact. Even if you do so for one or two days a week, studies have shown that those who have lost weight and maintained it, keep food journals.

Also, it’s a good strategy to write down your goals and choose one or two to focus on, at a time. If you want to lose 20 kilos, start with 2. Also, plan ahead. Plan your weekly meals in advance, and schedule your workouts just as you would, any other meeting or important event in your life.

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