GOOD BOOKS

The Three Trillion Dollar War by Joseph Stiglitz

Brida by Paulo Coelho

Ahmadinejad by Kasra Naji

My Life by Fidel Castro

The Bin Ladens by Steve Coll

Defeat by Jonathan Steele

My Mind by Raj Persaud

The bible by Karen Armsstrong

My Country:My Life by L.K. Advani

A Moth To The Flame by Connie Zweig

 

ONE TOMATO, TWO TOMATOES

The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system and it is located around the neck of the urinary bladder. Cancer of the prostate has high prevalence in USA with much lower figures among Asians. this variation may be because of genetic factors or dietary differences.

A recent research has revealed that tomatos have a protective effect against prostate cancer. Tomatos contain lycopene, a minor nutrient and antioxident, found in high quantities and Ketosamines FruHis. Ketosamines are non-digestibe carbohydrate derivatives formed during dehydrationol tomatos. The research results were reported in a issue of Journal of Cancer Research. The research team lead by Mossine worked on rats divided into two groups of 20 each. One group received a controlled diet whereas the other got tomato paste, tomato powder or tomato paste with additional FruHis. Prostate cancer causing chemicals were then injected into the animals. The animals fed on FruHis and tomato paste survived for 51 weeks compared to the control group who lived for 40 weeks.

Post-mortem examination revealed cancerous tumours of the prostate in only 10 per cent of the FruHis and 60 per cent of the control group. Laboratory studies showed FruHis group to have a protective effect against DNA damage. FruHis caused more than 98 per cent inhibition of prostate cancer cell growth compared to a single agent.

AUTHOR OF THE MONTH

Muhammad Hanif

He was born in Okara, Pakistan, in 1965. Since leaving the Pakistan Air Force Academy as a pilot officer, he has worked as a journalist with Newsline, India Today, and The Washington Post and his written scripts for stage and television, including a critically acclaimed BBC drama and the feature film The Long Night. He is a graduate of the East Anglia's creative writing programme, and became the heads the BBC's Urdu Service. The Case of Exploding Mangoes is Hanif's first novel.

"When was the last time we heard that what this country needs is another Zia?"

- Mohammed Hanif

UNREVEALED FACTS

PLASTIC SURGERY

The term 'plastic surgery' and 'cosmetis surgery' are not interchangeable.

Plastic surgery does leave scras for every incision heals by scarring. The scars are minimal, but there definitely are scars.

Botox, if injected in high quantities, mostly leaves you expressionless by freezing your facial muscles.

It may take several weeks or months, before your face fully recovers from facial cosmetic surgery.

Plastic surgery might adversely affect the phycology of your skin and underlying tissues, speeding up the ageing process.

Too tight facelifts may create a distorted, unnatural look, with results that may be worse than having no plastic surgery at all.
After a plastin surgery your skin requires double the diligence in preserving its youthfulness skin than it does prior to the surgery.
Botex was invented by an ophthalmologist.

LITERARY BUZZ

‘He remained fascinated by the future, with liveliness, curiosity and huge generosity of spirit.’


                                                                                               Stephen Baxter, co-author



‘The world we live in is a different one because he was here.I love his stories, but I’m more grateful that we had the man.'

                                                                                         Neil Gaiman, author of Stardust



‘Today I imagine Clarke the most likely, in 100 years time, to be mentioned in the context of Verne and Wells.’

                                                                           William Gibson, author of Spook Country



‘Author C.Clarke was one of the first writers whose books I would seek out. I’m not sure if I read his novels as fictions or as facts that just hadn’t been confirmed yet.’

                                                                                               Toby Litt, author of Hospital



‘He was a brilliant writer and a great visionary. He showed us all the way.’

                                                                                               Sir Patrick Moore, astronomer

MOST INFLUENCED ASIAN

Imran Khan

Imran Khan is known as one of the fastest bowlers in the world of cricket, and one ot the finest all-rounder of the game. He is also well-regarded as Pakistani's best captain ever. He was the first Pakistani bowler to get 362 wickets in test cricket, and as captain, he stepped Pakistan into a formidable cricketing side - leading his team to the country's only World Cup victory in 1992.

After retirement, he establishes Pakistan's first cancer hospital in Lahore,Shaukat Khanum Memorial, and the charismatic cricketer has raised millions ot rupees through charity events around the world, to run the hospital and provide free treatment to needy patients. A true leader and role model, he is fighting for social justice in Pakistan through his Tehreek-e-Insaf party. He is currently involved in building another cancer hospital in Karachi.

DID YOU KNOW

• Nepal is the only country without a rectangular flag. It looks like two pennants glued on top of the other.

• Hersey's Kisses are called sthat because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt.

• The youngest pope was 11 years old.

• Alaska is the state with the highest percentage of people who walk to work.

THE BLUE CHARM

Hala Pottery

Pottery is one of the most ancient art forms in the world. Like other arts which have a rich history behind them, pottery has mirrored many different cultures and traditions such as the Chinese, Egyptians, Harrapan and the Indus Valley Civilizations.


In Pakistan, a form of pottery which is very popular is Hala Pottery. Originating from Hala in Sindh, it is famous for intricate designs and has become popular with art connoisseurs and interior designers, while for many it is valued heirloom.

Not only is the pottery pleasing to behold, it also serves to add a certain rustic charm to your home.

Here are few pointers:

1. The trademark of Hala pottery is the use of vivid blue and brown twigs, leaves and flowers painted on a white background. Other color variations include burnt orange, yellow and green.

2. Hala pottery is hand painter with the motif designs showcasing the accuracy and creativity of the artist.

3. Pottery accessories made in Hala includes ashtrays, jewellery boxes, plates, pots and vases etc. Other distinctive items are crockery sets, display kettles and ceramic tiles used mostly as ornamental pieces.

4. Hala pottery tiles are making a comeback with most interior designers using them to add a traditional touch to homes. Moreover, the use of Hala tiles is finding its way into furniture design as well.

5. Hala pottery items and tiles are also commonly used in public parks, mosques, hotels, retail outlets and farm houses/resorts.

6. Hala pottery items are readily available in handicraft shops throughout Sindh and other places in Pakistan; a visit to Hala is recommended for variety and good bargains.

7. Price of Hala pottery varies from item to item, however it generally ranges from 150 to 2,ooo Pakistani rupees.

EXTRA THIS TIME

Amazing Films:

• The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

• Iron Man

• What Happened in Vegas

• Speed Racer

• Death Race

• Made of Honor

• Baby Mama

• Ice age 3

• Madagascar 2

• The Forbidden Kingdom