Comparison between Placental Mammals and Marsupials

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Placental mammals and marsupials are animals that belong to the class Mammalia. Although they are mammals, there are a few distinguishing features that differentiate the two groups. Read on this article to study the comparison placental mammals v/s. marsupials.
Koalas have the ability to eat the leaves of gum trees (Eucalyptus) which contains less nutrients and more toxins. This ability to survive on a varied food source that no other mammal can eat, makes them stand apart from other mammals. Gum trees can survive drought better than most other trees. Due to this, koalas always have food and water available.
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There are three kinds of mammals; placental mammals, marsupials, and monotremes. Monotremes are very small in number while the rest of the mammals are in large numbers. The placental mammals are especially dominant and they are existing on earth for over 100 million years. They have over 5000 species. The marsupials, on the other hand, have only about 300 species, and are found in Australia and America. The Virginia Oppossum is the only species of marsupial that inhabits North America.

Australia, a continent, was part of Gondwana, the continent that included Africa, Madagascar, New Zealand, Antarctica, and South America. After Gondwana was split up, Australia was separated and has remained so till today. Marsupials moved to Australia prior to the division and have been living separately from placental mammals.

Both placental mammals and marsupials are covered in fur or hair. They are warm-blooded tetrapods. The examples of marsupials are the koala, kangaroo, opossums, the Tasmanian Devil, wallabies, pademelons, quokkas, marsupial mice, bandicoot, wombats, the marsupial mole, numbat, bilby, and musky rat-kangaroo. The examples of placental mammals are humans, whales, elephants, otters, horses, rodents, cows, deer, horses, cats, lions, tigers, dogs and many others.

Way of Giving Birth

Placental mammals give birth to well-developed and nourished babies, after keeping them in the womb for a certain period, where they are nurtured and sustained through the mother's placenta. The placenta is an organ, which attaches the embryo of a placental mammal to the mother's blood, which provides the embryo with nutrients for growth.

A marsupial possesses a special pouch to carry their offspring or young. Marsupials give birth earlier that placental mammals, but to an undeveloped offspring. They do not possess placenta. The yolk and uterine secretions in the uterus provide nutrition for the embryo during its early development. When they are born, their eyes, ears and rear limbs are very poorly developed. They climb up to their mother's pouches so their front legs are more well-developed than the rest of their bodies at the time of birth. In the pouch, the offspring attach themselves to the nipples and feed on their mother's milk and continue developing. After they mature, they then move out of the pouch. According to the Animal Diversity Web, some marsupial species are born with pouches, and others develop a pouch at the start of the reproduction process.

Basal Body Temperature and Metabolic Rate

The basal body temperature (BBT) of marsupials is about 35°C and that of placental mammals is about 40°C. The body temperature of an animal decides the metabolic rate within the animal. The standard metabolic rate (SMR) of marsupials is around 30% less than that of placentals. The total energy expenditures during reproduction in marsupials is also lower than placental mammals.

Teeth

Tooth form differs substantially among species of marsupials. However, a simple characteristic to determine the members of the group is that the number of incisors in the upper jaw varies from the number in the lower. This number is same in almost all placental mammals. In placental mammals the dental formula is 3/3 1/1 4/4 3/3, that makes 44 teeth and marsupial mammals is 5/4 1/1 3/3 4/4, that makes 50 teeth. The numbers are of pairs of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars in the upper and lower jaws respectively.

Another difference is that placental mammals usually have two sets of teeth. One set grows in young animals and another set of adult teeth replace full sets of baby teeth. In marsupials, only certain teeth can be replaced by the set of adult teeth instead of the whole set.

Movement

Marsupials like kangaroos and wallabies hop with their long back legs. Ironically, hopping at low speeds needs more energy than that needed for hopping at high speeds. Other marsupials move by running, climbing, or waddling with four limbs. Placentals mammals usually walk and run with four limbs.

Brain Anatomy

The marsupials are less intelligent than placental mammals due to the size, structure and shape of the brain. In placentals, the brain case is large and broad. In marsupials, the brain case is small and narrow, which encloses a smaller and simpler brain compared to that of placental mammals. Corpus callosum, the part of the brain that joins the two halves of the cerebral cortex, is not present. Due to the small size of the brain, marsupials also have restricted vocal ability. They are not totally silent, but few of them can let out loud sounds of excitement.

Senses

In placental mammals, vision, olfaction, hearing and touch are the ways, which enable to perceive or sense an object. Communication can happen in various forms as well. Some species of marsupials communicate with acoustic signals, especially at the time of mating or territorial encounters. There are also many species that have color patterns which may be used to convey information.

Gestation Period

Another important difference between the marsupial and placental mammals is the time of gestation or the time for which the offspring remains inside the uterus. Marsupials have a short gestation period, which is only about six weeks. Most of the development takes place after its birth. Placental mammals have a longer gestation period compared to marsupials. The period is about nine months in humans. Most of the development takes place inside the uterus during pregnancy.

Reproductive System

The most important difference between placentals and marsupials is their reproductive systems. The sex organs of male marsupials and placentals do not differ much. However, in case of females, it is very different. Female marsupials possesses a pair of reproductive structures, which include two vaginae, two cervices, two uteri and two fallopian tubes.

On the contrary, placental female mammals have only have one vagina, cervix, and uterus. The only similarity is that they both have two fallopian tubes. Marsupials' vaginae lie on both sides of the ureter, and each one of them have similar functionality.

In male marsupials, most of them with the exception of macropods (the marsupial family, which includes kangaroos, wallabies, tree-kangaroos, pademelons, and several others) have a bifurcated penis, separated into two columns. The penis is posterior to the scrotum. In placental male mammals, the penis is not bifurcated and the penis is anterior to the scrotum unlike marsupials.

Some Facts
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▸ Marsupials are found in large numbers in Australia where placental mammals are absent.
▸ The smallest marsupial is the long-tailed planigale and the largest marsupial is the red kangaroo.
▸ The only species of marsupial that lives in North America is the Virginia opossum.
▸ The smallest mammal is Etruscan shrew and the largest mammal is blue whale.

Taking Care of Your Mother of Pearl Jewelry

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Mother of pearl is iridescent and firm. Apart from using it in jewelry, it is used to create a lot of home decor items. Maintaining your mother of pearl jewelry is fairly easy, provided you don't use anything that may damage the nacre. Learn how to take care of your mother of pearl jewelry with these easy steps.
Tip to clean mother of pearl jewelry
Did You Know?
Ancient Egyptians used mother of pearl to produce cartouches and beads.
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Mother of pearl also known as nacre is an iridescent layer which makes the shell lining of many mollusks. It is a layer of minerals which forms inside many of mollusk shells such as oysters, mussel, abalone, and paua. The word nacra is derived from the Arabic word naqqarah which means shell. The outer layer of pearl and the inside layer of pearl oyster is made of nacre.

The reason why mother of pearl is formed inside the mollusks is because they produce these pearls to defend against certain bacterial infections and organisms. Apart from this, they also reduce irritation and prevent damaging of the shell when any sand or dust particle enters the shell.

The dust particle is enclosed by layers of nacre, which makes it harmless. This may result in an unattached spherical shape structure, which in human language is a pearl. Although it comes in a variety of colors, it is often dyed and bleached to meet the production purpose. The dye still retains the shimmering look which these pearls naturally possess. It is very strong and resilient, yet can be easily scratched and chipped. It was widely used in ancient times in the form of jewelry, furniture, musical instruments, some even integrate it into tiles although this is very rare now.

Mother of pearl adds a classic and contemporary touch to any brooch, pins, and pendants. It is an affordable option among other gemstones, but still proper care is required to prolong the life of your investment. Follow the below given steps to take care of mother of pearl jewelry to always keep it glistening.

Mother Of Pearl Jewelry Care
► One of the easiest ways to care for your pearl is to wear them! Wearing your mother of pearl necklace, bracelet, earrings, or anything will keep it looking fabulous. Natural oils in our skin will certainly help to maintain and retain the luster of the gem. This oil also helps to prevent the pearl from drying out.

► Avoid the exposure of mother of pearl to coarse chemicals. Perfumes, citrus juice, any type of soap may contain harsh chemicals and which can be degrading to mother of pearl.

► So if you are planning to wash utensils remove your jewelry. Also, don't spray perfume on your neck, if you are wearing a mother of pearl necklace or earrings.

► Acidic and alkaline products like baking soda, vinegar, and alcohol should be kept away from mother of pearl jewelry.

► Cleaning your mother of pearl jewelry is not a hard job. Just don't clean it with harsh cleaners which you may use for other gemstones. Use a special jewelry cleaning cloth to wipe dust, grime, and any fingerprints.

► To clean mother of pearl jewelry, wipe it with a soft, damp, microfiber cloth. This will help to clean light dust from the jewelry without damaging the fragile surface.

► If your jewelry needs to be cleaned, then you can use warm, soapy water and a soft brush to clean the accessory.

► For more intense cleaning, mix a little amount of jeweler's rouge or French chalk ground with tiny amount of water. Mix until it's thick and properly integrated. Slather the mixture on the jewelry with the help of a toothbrush, and wipe it using a soft tissue paper.

► Followed by wiping it with a damp cloth, immerse it out in warm soapy water and make sure to dry the piece properly.

► Caring for your jewelry also includes storing them well after use. Don't toss mother of pearl jewelry into a pile of gemstones or other jewelry. Instead keep them in a cotton or silk pouch separately. This will prevent the jewelry from getting scratched or chipped.

► Also mother of pearl jewelry should be kept out of direct sunlight. You can store it in a humid part of your house like your bathroom cabinet or in front of a humidifier to avoid the shell from drying out.
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Mother of pearl is a beautiful and natural treasure which can last a lifetime and you can pass them down to the next generation, only if you take due care of the jewelry.

Calories in a Baked Potato

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Do you purposely avoid baked potatoes? If you are a calorie conscious person, and if you feel like eating baked potatoes, then this article is for you. The article provides information on baked potato calories. Read on, to know the nutrition facts and health benefits of potatoes.
Potato, the tuberous crop belonging to the Solanaceae family, was first discovered in Peru. The botanical name for potato is Solanum tuberosum. Many people don't know about the health benefits of potatoes and so for them, the word 'potato' comes with a blaring siren of "CALORIES"! So, before the thought of calories in a baked potato can add to your already existing blue quotient, let me provide some useful information about the nutrients found in potatoes.
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It is difficult to state the exact number of calories in baked potatoes; because they may be served with butter and cheese, with margarine, or with sour cream and butter. All these dishes are loved by people of all ages. In all such dishes, quantity of ingredients may vary according to the demand. Sour cream, butter, margarine, cheese, or anything else might add several hundred more calories to the dish. If you are conscious about your weight, you can always buy and consume low-fat versions of cheese, butter, etc.

Baked Potato Calories

Baked Potato Quantity Served Calories
Flesh and Skin (Without Salt) 1 Large, 3 - 4 ¼ inches diameter (300 g) 280
Flesh (Without Salt) ½ Cup (60 g) 55
One small About 2 inches in diameter 130
One medium About 2.5 - 3.0 inches in diameter 160
One large About 3 inches in diameter 225
Dressed with Butter and Sour Cream (Outback Steakhouse) 1 serving 455
Dressed with Cheese (Outback Steakhouse) 1 serving 357

The numbers provided in the table are to be considered as guidelines only, because the numbers may vary according to the method of preparation, amount served, number and quantity of ingredients present in the dish, etc.

Nutrition Facts

Potato is really a 'gift of nature' as it is one of the world's most nutrient-dense foods.

Potatoes are low in fat or virtually fat-free.
They are packed with vitamins and minerals and are absolutely free of cholesterol.
When served in their skins, they are a great source of fiber.
Potassium from potatoes helps control blood pressure.
Magnesium, zinc and copper help build strong bones and teeth.
Iron and folic acid help improve the quality of blood.
Vitamins B1 and B6 help release energy from carbohydrates and help maintain the health of the nervous system.
Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, which act as fuel for the brain and the body. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy.
Baked potato in its skin contains more fiber than two slices of wholemeal bread. Fiber helps improve digestive system function.

Potatoes are tubers that grow underground. According to the statistics, it is world's fourth largest crop. Around 5,000 varieties of potatoes are found throughout the world. The Inca Indians, the inhabitants of Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes in 200 BC. The potatoes we eat today are actually descendants of a subspecies that originated in the south-central part of Chile. Potatoes were introduced in Europe by the Spanish warriors in the 16th century. Thousands of varieties of potatoes are known; but very few types of potatoes, like yellow, round white, long white, red, russet, blue, purple and fingerling are commonly used for cooking purpose.

Potatoes are included in the diet designed for babies as well as adults. They are served to the healthy and the sick, in all corners of the world. Mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, potato chips, French fries are the favorite dishes of all generations.
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Dietitians may ask you to incorporate potatoes in your regular diet as they are good for overall health. It is safe to conclude that instead of worrying about baked potato calories, it would be better if you include them with skin in your regular diet, in proper proportion. If you use low-fat food for garnishing, then calories from baked potatoes should not be a cause of concern.

Why Did the Hollywood Blacklist Happen?

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When communism reared its head, it led to suspicion and paranoia, and resulted in a number of actors getting caught in the mix. This article answers the question as to why the Hollywood Blacklist happened?
Fact about Hollywood blacklist
Did You Know?
Charlie Chaplin was one of the people named in the blacklist, and was forced to leave the US.
After World War 2, the tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States resulted in the Cold War. But the US government didn't have the time to fight two wars. When communism reared its ugly head in America, it targeted the people who could influence the consciousness of the American people - Hollywood.
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Hollywood, by itself, is a glamorous industry, that advocates freedom of speech in all its movies. But the Red Scare (communism) was fresh in the minds of the public, and politics ended up meddling in their affairs. Hollywood, although competitive by nature, was a tight-knit family that looked out for each other. But the propaganda incited by Senator Joseph McCarthy led to Hollywood moguls and major studio bosses to state outright that actors embracing the ideology of communism would be blacklisted until proven innocent.

Hollywood Blacklist
Hollywood refused to believe that communism festered inside the movie industry. Renowned actors such as Humphrey Bogart and Ronald Reagan, then president of Screen Actors Guild, had formed a special group called the Committee for the First Amendment, that renounced communism and decided to stand behind the people under suspicion. Strikes occurring in the '30s escalated the tensions between Hollywood producers and the unions, especially the Screen Writers Guild of America.

In 1946, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) headed by chairman Martin Dies, Jr. claimed that they had a list containing 42 names who were communists, and their names would be cleared on the condition that they appear in front of a jury. The Hollywood Blacklist contained a list of names of all actors and others working in the industry who had alleged contacts with the Communist Party. Out of the 42, 19 refused to give evidence, citing the First Amendment right to freedom of speech. 12 others refused to present themselves in front of the committee. Out of the remaining 11, Bertolt Brecht agreed to answer questions and testify, and immediately departed for East Germany. The 10 people who refused to give evidence were named the Hollywood Ten.

Hollywood Ten
The Hollywood Ten consisted of Herbert Biberman, Lester Cole, Albert Maltz, Adrian Scott, Samuel Ornitz, Dalton Trumbo, Edward Dmytryk, Ring Lardner Jr., John Howard Lawson, and Alvah Bessie, who refused to answer any of the questions put forward by HUAC. Because the members of the committee for the First Amendment themselves turned out to be communists, Hollywood members started the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals (MPA), which aimed to protect American ideals, and refused to admit anyone propagating communism.

Hollywood moguls like Louis B. Mayer, Harry Cohn, Barney Balaban, Samuel Goldwyn, and Eric Johnston met at the Waldorf-Astoria, and released a two-page issue called the Waldorf Statement, that reserved the right to blacklist any actor found sympathizing with the Communist Party, unless proven innocent by HUAC.

The Hollywood Ten were only suspected of being communists, lost the battle against the Supreme Court, and served a term of a year in prison, plus an additional fine of $1,000. During this time, the families of the Hollywood Ten suffered the most, and were ostracized by most studios. Even after being released from prison, their reputations and careers were tarnished, and they had a tough time finding work in Hollywood. Most of them had to resort to teaching and doing Broadway plays, or finding work outside the borders of the movie industry.

The Growing List
Although the communist scare had subsided, the atmosphere of paranoia had led neighbors to tell on each other. In fact, the FBI actually encouraged people to come forward and let them know of any persons associated with communism. Leo Townsend, Isobel Lennart, Roy Huggins, Richard Collins, Lee J. Cobb, Budd Schulberg, and Elia Kazan were some of the personalities that started naming others who leaned towards left-wing ideologies.

The anti-Communist group AWARE, published the names of those screenwriters, actors, and directors that they deemed were communists. Arthur Miller, one of the suspects in the list, wrote The Crucible, to bring to the surface the unwarranted persecution in response to the Red Scare in the '50s and the paranoia of the US government. Although based on the Salem Witch trials, the book was an allegory to the campaign spearheaded by Senator Joseph McCarthy to crack down on communism and its subsequent supporters.

The names included in the blacklist numbered 150, though these are some of the most prominent ones: Stella Adler, Leonard Bernstein, Marc Blitzstein, Larry Adler, Joseph Bromberg, Alan Campbell, Hanns Eisler, Marsha Hunt, Edwin Rolfe, Carl Foreman, John Garfield, E. Y. Harburg, Lillian Hellman, Burl Ives, Howard Da Silva, Dashiell Hammett, Arthur Miller, Dorothy Parker, Philip Loeb, Joseph Losey, Dorothy Parker, Anne Revere, Pete Seeger, Gale Sondergaard, Louis Untermeyer, Josh White, Zero Mostel, Clifford Odets, Michael Wilson, Paul Jarrico, Jeff Corey, John Randolph, Canada Lee, Orson Welles, Paul Green, Sidney Kingsley, Paul Robeson, Richard Wright, and Abraham Polonsky.

The Aftermath
The crackdown on communism finally ended by 1957, because the allegations were based on baseless fabrications, and public interest waned. The movie industry found its voice by releasing Storm Center, starring Bette Davis, a small-time librarian who refused to remove a book advertising communist propaganda in the small town.

Dalton Trumbo wrote successful scripts like The Brave One, Exodus, and Spartacus, under the pseudonym Robert Rich, and was later publicly acknowledged by actor Kirk Douglas for his contribution. Many blacklisted actors were hired by Alfred Hitchcock and Betty Hutton. John Henry Faul, an afternoon radio comedy host, sued AWARE and won the lawsuit. This was the final straw that broke the communist propaganda and ended its rein in Hollywood.


Though most actors couldn't succeed after getting blacklisted, they did find work abroad. Tender Comrades: A Backstory of the Hollywood Blacklist, a book depicting the life of the survivors of the blacklist was released, as so was a documentary Legacy of the Hollywood Blacklist, that recorded the personal opinions of major Hollywood stars.
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Presently, Blacklist is a website that hosts un-produced screenplays as well as scripts that couldn't find a voice in Hollywood. Many mainstream films have been produced according to the list, including Whiplash, American Sniper, Munich, and Jason Bateman's independent movie Bad Words, to name a few. Though the blacklist has been termed illegal, actors who have been on bad terms with media moguls have made their way into the list. Some of them include Jim Caviezel, Mel Gibson, and Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Accessories that Go Well with Teal-colored Clothes

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Forget about browsing through countless magazines as this Buzzle post gives you everything you need to know about adding accessories with teal-colored clothes. Whatever the occasion, with these 9 perfect pairings, you'll be rocking teal like there's no tomorrow!
"Be sure what you want and be sure about yourself. Fashion is not just beauty, it's about good attitude. You have to believe in yourself and be strong."
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― Adriana Lima, Brazilian model and actress

Wearing uncompromising colors, such as teal, can take a toll on our wallets. You cannot add random pieces of clothing and accessories together, and pretend that the color teal can pull it off. You cannot make an error of wearing this color from head to toe; it isn't as versatile as black outfits. However, there are ways to make teal work in your favor.

Teal can be versatile, and it can be the 'pop' you're looking for in an outfit. By pairing your teal-colored clothes with both silver and gold accessories, we have come up with 9 different options that you can wear during the day.

Accessories for Teal-colored Clothes

Finding accessories that match your teal clothes is simpler than you think, but it can be quite easy to go overboard with this color. The outfit needs to work as a whole, with every element that you include, serving its purpose. With every outfit idea mentioned below, look for accessories you already own and come up with your own version of awesomeness.

Teal Pants with Accessories
TEAL PANTS

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The pairing of teal and black or white looks marvelous as neither colors overshadow one another. The third color to add into the mix can either be silver, gray, cream, and/or blue. Pick either of these colors for additional accessories for your outfit, and it's sure to be a winner. Pick the shoes, jewelry, handbag, scarf, wrist watch, and hat in either of the colors, and you will have a tasteful attire that's ready in minutes.

Teal Tank Top with Accessories
TEAL TANK TOP

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Even though we have been boasting about wearing metallics that won't overpower teal-colored clothes, we can't dismiss gold accessories altogether. For women with neutral and warm undertones, gold jewelry looks far more amazing than the silver ones. So, to help accentuate the gold accessories with teal clothes, the third color to add can include shades of brown. We are talking tan, beige, camel, and cream accessories that add a hint of sophistication.

Don't mistake this shade with turquoise as both colors have a visible difference in the shade; the latter is a lighter shade than teal. Apart from the outfit ideas we have presented above, you can also go monochromatic with this color. How, you ask? Perhaps a sexy teal jacket with a turquoise dress can do the trick.
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Experiment with your look, and you will definitely find more than a handful of wonderful ensembles. Introduce other colors like plum, tangerine, pink, yellow, peach, and cranberry to create an outfit that gets everyone talking.

6 Ways to Improve Depth Perception

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Depth perception helps you navigate throughout the day. It allows you to determine the size, speed, distance, etc., of every object. If your depth perception is poor or you want to better it, then following are some ways to improve it.
Tip to improve depth perception
Depth perception exists right from the time we are infants. Research done reveals that babies who are two months old can perceive depth. Before that, their eye muscles are not well-developed to do so.
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Depth perception is also known as stereopsis. Both eyes work in sync to derive the information required to perceive the world around. This ability of the human eye to see and judge the distance, speed, size, length, width, and height of objects is known as depth perception. It allows us to go through life without bumping into objects. It is at play from the moment we open our eyes in the morning right up to the time we close our eyes and fall sleep.

Those with eye problems, viz., lazy eye, i.e., amblyopia, those who are cross-eyed, i.e., strabismus, or those who have an eye injury usually struggle with depth perception. Even those who do not suffer from the above-mentioned problems can suffer from depth perception problems due to age and weakness of eye muscles and nerves. However, with the help of your ophthalmologist or optometrist combined with light and regular eye exercises, these problems can be warded off and reversed. Following are some exercises to improve depth perception with one eye.

Eye Exercises to Improve Depth Perception

Sometimes, one eye is weaker than the other. The following exercises can be performed with one eye as well. In that case, simply cover the eye that is stronger with an eye patch and exercise only your weaker eye. These are certain activities that you can do in the comforts of your home and office. These exercises are simple and hassle-free ways to improve depth perception. They can help you strengthen your vision and relieve your eyes of any strain and stress.

Puzzles for Your Eyes

This is one exercise that you will definitely love, and remind you of your childhood. Get cracking on a word search puzzle, maze, hidden pictures game, or puzzles. These help you exercise your eye muscles and nerves, helping you to improve your depth perception.

Exercise with a Flashlight

Ask a family member or friend to place a pattern leaned-up against the wall. Switch off the light and with the help of a flashlight, begin tracing the pattern closely with your eyes using the flashlight. Remember that the pattern has to be wide and tall so that you eyes can trace diagonally, left, right, up, and down.

It is also important that the room is dark in order for your eyes to get accustomed to the darkness and light. It also prevents you from getting distracted by other things in the room and helps your eyes focus better.

Exercise with a Pencil

You can do this exercise anywhere. Simple sit or stand calmly and look to your furthest left, right, up, and down without moving your head. To focus on something better, use a pencil to focus. Hold a pencil in your left hand and stretch your hand out at shoulder level. Keeping your head straight and without turning your neck, stare at the pencil. As you slowly bring the pencil to the center of your face, move the pencil inwards towards your nose while following the movement of the pencil. Once in front of your face, hold the pencil with your other hand and follow a similar pattern to the right. Do this vertically and diagonally as well.

Tracking the Room

Sit at a spot in a room which will give you a clear look at the furthest point possible. Simply stare at the spot furthest away from you, and then slowly move your gaze to something slightly closer to you.

Straw and Toothpick

Ask a friend or family member to help you with this exercise. Give them a drinking straw and have them hold it horizontally a few feet away from you, at eye level. Now take a toothpick and try to insert it into the straw hole.

Eye Rolling

Slowly roll your eyes clockwise and then in the counterclockwise direction. Close your eyes for a minute or so, and then look to your furthest left, then to your furthest right, up, and down every time you blink.

Points to Remember

► These exercises have to be done slowly. Since the exercises depend on the movement of your eyes, performing them hastily can cause dizziness and strain them further.

► Once you perform an exercise, rub your palms together to get them nice and warm, and place them on your eyes to give them some warmth. This improves blood circulation to your eyes, relieving them of any stress.

Note: You might not see immediate improvement in your depth perception. Keep performing eye exercises, and over a period of time, you will see significant improvement.
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Around 80% of the vision problems are avoidable and curable. So why not start taking care of this brilliant, complex, and integral part of your body irrespective of whether you have an eye problem or not? After all prevention is better than cure.

Croton Oil: Uses and Side Effects

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Croton oil is extracted from the seeds of a tree called Croton tiglium. Although, it is highly toxic, it has several uses when used in appropriate quantity. Read this Buzzle article to find out the uses and side effects of croton oil.
The first use of Croton oil was as a medicine by the ancient Chinese. At the end of the 16th century, traders brought this oil to Europe from the East.
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Croton oil is extracted from the seeds of the Asiatic tree, Croton tiglium Linn, which belongs to the family, Euphorbiaceae. The tree is native to India and Malay Archipelago. The oil is popularly called oleum tiglii. It is extracted from croton seeds by cold pressing method.

It was initially used by the Chinese as a medicine. Since then, it is being used as medicine. However, as croton oil is highly toxic and a violent irritant, this oil is not as much in use currently as it was in the ancient times. At present, it is mostly used as an ingredient in many facial peels used for skin rejuvenation.

The oil is unpleasant in taste and has a nauseating odor. It is a viscid and translucent substance. It is yellow to pale brown in color. The ingredients of the oil differ as per the method of extraction. It contains fatty acids like oleic acid, linoleic acid, myristic acid, arachidic acid, palmitic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, stearic acid, and less amounts of butyric acid, lauric acid, tiglic acid and valeric acid. The oil also contains crotin, croton resin, crotonoside, and an unsaturated fatty acid.

In Ghana, people know croton seeds as a toxic substance, and hence was used as fish poison or for criminal activities. In Sudan, the seeds are taken as a purgative by combining its powder with dates. In South-east Asia, roots of croton are used as purgative and to induce abortion. In Malaysia, the oil is used in soaps and to light up lamps.

Uses

┗ Croton oil is used in different phenol-based facial peel products. It has a rejuvenating effect on the skin. It peels off the thin layer of epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin and regenerates it. This causes removal of wrinkles, fine lines and various scars. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons vary the amount of the oil used depending upon the skin type of a specific area like neck, eyes etc.

┗ Croton oil is used in the treatment of various ailments like dropsy, apoplexy, convulsions, obstinate constipation, intestinal obstruction, lead poisoning, intense fever, and high blood pressure.

┗ The oil is used as a preliminary laxative in leprosy.

┗ Croton oil functions as a counter irritant and provides relief from irritation. However, it can cause inflammation in the part of the body where it is applied. Thus, it's not completely safe to use for all skin types.

┗ Croton oil is used as a liniment and acts as a stimulant. It is also used to cure inflammation caused by skin wounds, chronic rheumatism, neuralgia (acute nerve pain), glandular swellings, chronic bronchitis, asthma, laryngitis and other pulmonary problems.

┗ The oil is used for the treatment of schistosomiasis and other intestinal parasites.

┗ The seed oil and bark are used in medicines to treat cancerous cells, paralysis, sore throat, teething troubles, snakebite and many others.

┗ Croton oil is used for the extraction of biodiesel fuel.

┗ The seed oil is also be used in the making of soap and candles.

┗ It is used for illuminating lamps. However, it is used outdoors as the smoke is toxic.

Side Effects

┗ Croton oil is a strong irritant. It causes itching, blistering and lesions of skin even if a small amount of it is applied to the skin.

┗ The oil can cause severe or permanent damage to tissues, nerves and blood vessels when used as a facial peel if the concentration of the peel is not proper.

┗ The oil has a compound known as phorbol esters, which has tumor promoting effects.

┗ The consumption of oil causes diarrhea and stomach aches if taken even in small amounts internally.

┗ An overdose of the oil can cause gastro-intestinal inflammation followed by pain, vomiting, restlessness, heart palpitation, headache, and dizziness. It could even be fatal.

Precautions

┗ The oil has to be used in very small amount as it is toxic. The recommended usage of the oil is just two to three drops. However, consult a trained specialist before usage.
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┗ The dosage of croton seeds varies from individual to individual depending on factors like the user's age, health, and many other conditions.

┗ Children and pregnant women should avoid using croton oil at all costs.

What are the Most Exciting Jobs in the World

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A job, most people assume, is just a means of earning one's bread and butter. While the most obvious purpose of a job cannot be disqualified, it is also true that a job that one loves is something that the person is really, really interested in. So, when it comes to the most exciting jobs in the world, the answers are bound to be varied. While some people might find writing exciting, others might crave a physically challenging job to get an adrenaline rush. However, there are some jobs that can be deemed exciting for anyone reading about them. Whether they would actually want to be in that profession is a matter of personal choice, but they seem exciting by their very description. Given below are some of the, (widely believed to be), most exciting jobs. Read further to see if something interests you.
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Most Exciting Jobs in the World

Remember that there goes a lot of effort and determination into every job that you take up. An inherent interest, backed with the right training and the right attitude is what makes any kind of job exciting. Let's take a peek at some jobs that might get anyone excited.

Wildlife Photographer
If you're one of those who can spend hours watching channels like National Geographic and Discovery, are an avid reader of nature oriented magazines, AND have a keen eye, you can consider a job as a wildlife photographer. An interest in both nature and of course, photography are must-haves for this profession. How else will you be able to capture the alluring moments that make Mother Nature so blissfully beautiful? Spending time amidst wildlife will help you increase your knowledge, and at the same time, your photography will contribute to the ever expanding research that wildlife inspires.

How to Go About Becoming a Wildlife Photographer?
While the prospect of working amidst nature's tranquility can be one of the most inspiring attractions, becoming a wildlife photographer entails a lot of hard work, a sound knowledge base, training and a bit of luck as well. Inherent interest in nature will most probably make you take up a course in wildlife studies. A good photography course is something that you can pursue to get the nuances of the specific kind of photography right. Even after all this, you'll have to first begin working as an assistant or a trainee for quite some time before you get an assignment of your own. Once you're in, the job is rewarding in more ways than one.

Auto Pyrotechnician
Do you have a zest for all things sparkly? Do you get starry-eyed (pun intended) when you watch the night sky light up in a million colors? If your answers to these questions are in the affirmative, then it may be a good idea to check out the job profile of an auto pyrotechnician. Your job would involve not only creating myriad designs in the sky but also creating an entire show that is set to music and involves detailed choreography. If this excites you, then definitely give this profession a thought.

How to Go About Becoming an Auto Pyrotechnician?
Becoming a pyrotechnician not only requires an interest in fireworks but also the requisite skills and qualifications. As a competent auto pyrotechnician, you need to be able to design the entire program and create a program that is truly spectacular. You need to understand the chemistry and physics behind explosives and figure out how they work . Courses in art and music will help you further in designing shows that are spectacular. Computer programming skills also need to be of superior quality so that you create shows that foolproof and go on without a hitch. You can get a head start in this field by working with a display operating company. This will allow you to get an insight into the industry and also give you the experience you need. You need to be a licensed operator in order to program shows on your own but the practical experience that you gain by working with a company beforehand will help you get this license easily.

Food Critic
If you are an absolute foodie, then what better job for you than to get paid for eating! If you think this is a joke, you obviously haven't heard of food critics who sample and critique the food or wine tasters who savor and decide which are some of the finest wines in the world. Trying out interesting recipes and giving your opinion about it, is one of the most exciting jobs for food lovers. In addition to that, as a food critic, you will get to try a wide variety of cuisines around the world as well. Since you would be sampling food across the world - there is obviously a lot of traveling involved too.

How Can I Become a Food Critic?
If you are planning to become a food critic, then the first thing that you need to do is study the art of cooking, because if you want to judge other people's culinary skills, you need to be good at it, yourself. You need to build you culinary vocabulary, have background knowledge about food nutrition, and need to study the nuances of different cuisines. Sound understanding of the restaurant business can help you a lot as well. A cuisine is a vital part of the culture and information about various cultures of the world might help you in the long run. In addition to all these prerequisites, you need to have good communication skills, in order to interact with different people and also, to write or present your reviews.

Instructor for Extreme Sports
If you thought scuba diving was cool and skydiving was thrilling, then how about doing it for a living? Yes! This is no joke; there are people who are enjoying extreme sports as a full-time profession. Instructors for adventure sports have the most exciting and adventurous jobs in the world - truly.This profession is however supposed to be solely for the bravehearts - it is no child's play to risk your life every single day.

How Can I be a Professional Instructor for Extreme Sports?
In order to become a professional instructor for extreme sports, there exist a number of professional training classes and courses, which help you become a trainer or an instructor. Several institutes that hire adventure sports trainers have their own training sessions and courses for the instructors. In addition to this professional training, you need to be physically fit enough to qualify for such heavy-duty action. A love for adventure would, of course, be one of the essential qualities as well.

Actress/Actor
If being a star in Hollywood seems like the most happening job to you, then you might want to consider this option. Of course, not everyone can be a Julia Roberts and not every other guy will turn out to be Brad Pitt, but then for what it's worth, you might want to give it a try. You never know, you might get lucky and make it big! Hollywood is a place of dreams and aspirations and although most of them die an early death, there are many who are enjoying the peaks of success. Give it a shot!

How Can I Become a Professional Actor/Actress?
Ever since Hollywood became such a hit, and movies, the hottest profession, acting schools have been mushrooming around the world. Training at a good acting school will definitely get you started. Many acting schools make it a point to teach their students all aspects of the film-making process. In addition to that, you will need good communication skills and a lot of self-confidence to survive in this industry.

Professional Sportsman/Athlete
If you envy David Beckham for his super-cool profession, then you might want to consider the option of being a professional sportsman. There are a wide variety of sports to choose from - cricket, baseball, football or even tennis. Sports and games are another great option that you could look at if you are thinking of exciting, unconventional jobs. Of course, to become a professional sportsperson, you need to start young and train well.

How Can I Become a Professional Sportsman?
There are several coaching institutes as well as personal trainers and instructors who help you to achieve complete physical fitness and master the nuances of the sport. However, in addition to joining a coaching institute you need to have a lot of endurance, dedication, and strong will to be good at what you do. You need to have the ability to remain humble, in spite of the victories and an ability to take defeat in your stride.

Video Game Tester
If you are one of those people who are always being yelled at for being hooked to your video games, then this profession is like your dream job. A game tester is supposed to analyze video games to detect software errors and ensure quality control. Video game testers are employed by video game development companies and are paid to review and test newly developed games.

How Can I Become a Professional Video Game Tester?
Being a video game tester is no cakewalk. You need to be aware of the game development process, since you are supposed to detect the bugs or glitches in the game. In addition to computing skills, you will also need strategic thinking abilities and a lot of patience. So, if you think you have all these qualities and are ready to work continuously with gaming consoles and animations, this career choice may just be your thing.

Model
The world of fashion has always fascinated millions! The glamor, the glitz, the swanky runways, and the slender models on the ramp - the whole show is simple mesmerizing. If you think trying on different designer clothing and walking on the ramp in front of an audience is an exciting job, you might want to take up modeling as a full-time profession. A professional model needs to walk runways, shoot ads, as well as be a part of various photo shoots. However, there are a lot of other issues involved - like having the perfect body structure and the right looks.

How Can I Become a Professional Model?
In addition to the existing grooming institutes for models, there also exist several talent hunts on television which are great platforms for aspiring models. In addition to professional grooming for their walk, make-up, wardrobe, and their fitness and overall toning, models need to have good public relation skills, in order to make new contacts and get assignments.
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In addition to these, you might want to take a look at the list of careers for additional suggestions. Although, people say that the grass is always greener on the other side, it is a fact that some people are just plain lucky. Often when we look at some professions, we wonder how amazing and adventurous life would be. However, at the end of the day, every profession is unique and challenging in its own way.

Party Activities for Teenagers

When planning a party for a group of teenagers, one of the most essential things to do is organize fun activities. Here is an article full of exciting party activities for teenagers that'll keep them entertained for hours.
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There are several reasons behind organizing a party for teenagers. Perhaps it's for a birthday, graduation, or a special celebration. Well, regardless of the reason, a party seems incomplete without a handful of activities. So, to help you throw an unforgettable party, we have listed a few activities that are popular among teenagers.
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Fun Activities for Teenagers

The activities should be arranged to ensure 100% participation. Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 15 can enjoy a murder mystery theme party or love to make tie-dye t-shirts. Scavenger hunt games, a barbecue party, or a formal dance party can work for teens between the ages of 16 and 19.

Truth or Dare
Keep them busy with a truth or dare game. As all the friends get together, it'll be fun to watch how the game reveals secrets that were unknown to others. In this game, the participants are divided into two teams. One player from each team asks a list of questions to the opposite team. The participants also have to do some silly dares such as exchange clothes or pretend to be a dog.

War with Balloons
Balloon war involves stealing the balloons and coming on the dance floor. This exciting game can be a great energy booster.

The Man Hunt
This game is a revised version of Hide and Seek. A player from one team has to find out where a player from the opposite team is hiding.

Name that Pop Star
Place some pieces of papers with the names of pop stars in a plate. Each participant has to pick a piece of paper and sing a verse from a song sung by that pop star. Another participant has to guess the name of that pop star.

If you're not organizing the party at your home, you can arrange one in an amusement park or a local art museum as well. This could be a good form of entertainment for teenagers. On the other hand, you can rent a fishing boat and encourage them to catch a large fish.
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A well-planned and well-organized party loaded with wonderful party themes, delicious snacks, and enthusiastic activities can be a wonderful and memorable experience for the host as well as for the guests.

Most Mystical Places in the World

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An intrepid traveler always happens to look for places that offer something beyond sunny beaches and cool mountains. Bit by bit, the urge to seek the unspoken takes over, and soon enough, translates into a mystical journey into the unknown. Care to join us?
All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.
- Martin Buber
There was a time when all we'd want from our travels was a sun-kissed tan. It's still quite alright to want that, of course. But trust me, there will come a time when you'll be wishing to embark upon a journey that takes you beyond the sunny beaches and the ski resorts.
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The very fact that you're looking up mystical places itself suggests that you're yearning to go beyond your regular vanilla holidays. So, how about going the Robert Frost way and picking the road less traveled by?

This is exactly where the following list will come in handy. We've got you a hand-picked selection of destinations that embody the essence of Frost's 'road less traveled'. So, go ahead and indulge yourself...

Glastonbury Tor
Glastonbury Tor
Glastonbury would have to be a much-favored destination for two reasons. First, if you happen to be a music aficionado, and if you're not one, then you've got to be a Grail enthusiast. But even if you are neither, Glastonbury's association with the Arthurian legend will lure you right here beside the Chalice Well, at the foot of the Tor.

The Chalice Well, with its reddish-hued water, is considered to be the location where Joseph of Arimathea placed the Chalice containing Jesus Christ's blood. For the Pagans, the Chalice Well represents the divine feminine, and the Tor, a symbol of masculinity.

There is conclusive evidence suggesting that this well has been functional since the past 2000 years, and has even endured droughts. Believers consider the waters of the Chalice Well to have healing properties.

So, whether it is out of faith or curiosity, a visit to Glastonbury is a must for those who seek mystique through their travels.
Sedona
Sedona
If Sedona had to be described in a word, it's got to be 'exhilarating'. Additionally, one also often hears the word 'magical' used in the context of Sedona. So, what is so special about this place that's in the middle of the Arizonian desert?

To the seekers of spirituality, Sedona's energy vortexes quite literally make it the Mecca of alternative healing. Sedona's storied fame as a spiritual powerhouse is legendary among those who've experienced it. As for those who have not, have simply reveled in the calm serenity that envelops anyone who enters this area.

Vortices or vortexes are created anywhere, in a tornado, or a whirlpool, or any spiraling motion of liquid or energy that has a rotating center. Here in Sedona, however, the vortexes are powered not by air or water, but by spiritual energy. This is the kind of energy which is extremely conducive to meditation, spiritual healing, and prayer, since it interacts with you on a dimension that is beyond the realms of the physical.

Let me reiterate - coming to Sedona to find spiritual bliss requires a great deal of faith. But then, it wouldn't be too wrong to say that one doesn't casually decide to take a trip to Sedona. It is only when Sedona beckons that you begin to pack your bags...
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu
It is interesting how humanity simply stumbled upon Machu Picchu, without ever knowing it existed in the actual. Now, as we continue to test the limits of our archeological expertise, Machu Picchu's intrigue deepens further.

Despite being at a stone's throw from Cusco, the ruling Spaniards in the medieval times never managed to discover it. Mistakenly thought to be the Lost City of the Incas, Macchu Picchu's mountainous location was never visible from below, only adding to the mystery of its purpose.

After it was discovered, scores of scholars have been trying to figure out the reason behind the existence of this city, but to no avail. Some proposed it to be a royal retreat, whereas others saw it as a flourishing settlement, whose abandonment was brought about by the Spanish conquest.

Whatever the truth may be, Machu Picchu as an architectural wonder, will leave you spellbound as you travel back into time to uncover its mysteries. Who knows what you may find!
Uluru/Ayers Rock
Uluru
Uluru or Ayers Rock is a large sandstone rock in Central Australia, and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Australia.

To understand its spiritual significance, we need to go several thousand years back in time, when the ancestral beings of the Aboriginal people inhabited the land. Uluru is seen as a towering monument of their ancestors' creation, and therefore, holds immense spiritual importance in native lore.

To view this barren hulk of a rock that dominates the desert landscape, is certainly a treat for the eyes. While you may be allowed to climb it, doing so indicates disregard for local sentiments. For the Aboriginals of this region, Uluru's spiritual significance does not allow them to climb it, but simply regard it as a means to attain a spiritual connect.
Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash
Exploring the mystique of Mount Kailash cannot begin without mentioning Tibet. Also known as the Land of the Snow, or the Roof of the World, Tibet has been a region shrouded in eternal mystery for the western world. Seekers of spiritual peace have been coming to Tibet to soak in its age-old wisdom since ages.

Here amidst the towering Himalayas stands the holy Mount Kailash, a spiritual site for followers of the world's 3 oldest religions - Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, along with the Bon religion as well. Despite being an ancient center of spiritual power, people actually visiting Mount Kailash are numbered.

It is believed that making a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash is somewhat a matter of fate; may it be the arduous terrain, or the equally arduous political scene here in Tibet. Each person arriving here comes with the purpose of circumambulating this mountain, and the religion you belong to charts your methodology (clockwise for Hindus and Buddhists, counterclockwise for Jains and Bonpos).

But even otherwise, you may just come here to soak in the energies that rejuvenate your spiritual being and bring you peace. You certainly don't need a religion to tell you that.
Meteora
Meteora
Those of you coming to Greece in search of a spiritual awakening will not head in the direction of Mykonos or Santorini, but come straight to Meteora, and understandably so.

Meteora, quite literally, means suspended in the air, and shares an etymological connection with meteorite. Meteora is home to a large complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, built on natural pillars made of sandstone. There is evidence of these caves being continuously inhabited since the Palaeolithic period. But it was in the 9th century that a group of hermit monks made these caves their residence, right here in these crevices, at a height of 550 meters from ground level.

The tranquil atmosphere of these caves provided the perfect setting for these reclusive monks, who came here in search of isolation. Meteora may be a tourist attraction today, but this doesn't take away anything from its reputation of being a spiritual paradise.
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai
It has been a matter of great speculation whether Mount Sinai as we know it, is actually the Mount Sinai of yore. Abrahamic religions believe Mount Sinai to be the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Irrespective of this being the real location, Mount Sinai in Egypt does have something to offer to those coming here in search of spiritual wisdom.

The St. Catherine monastery here, is supposedly the oldest functioning Christian monastery in the world. Also, the summit of Mount Sinai has a mosque and a Greek Orthodox chapel. But really now, have we been able to confine spiritual energy within man-made walls?

Hard to answer that. But here's an alternative - follow the recommendation to climb the mountain on a moonlit night, and experience the sunrise on the summit of Mount Sinai the following morning. If that sight does not awaken your spiritual senses, little else will.
Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
Is there a place of worship down here? Or a lost city on the lines of Alexandria? Or a little-known shipwreck?

No. No. And no. The reason why the Great Barrier Reef finds a place on this list is because of its mystique, and the fact that it offers us a glimpse into the so-called underworld. A world where we are powerless, despite our highly-developed brain and bipedal locomotion. Which brings to our notice how insignificant we are in the larger scheme of all things earthly. Does it make us feel small? It sure does. Along with this, it also teaches us to acknowledge that there are several things beyond our control. Also, when confronted by Mother Nature, our only reaction should be total surrender.

If a dive here does not lead to spiritual nirvana, try a trip to the summit of Mount Everest, or a lone journey on the Karakoram highway, or a trip to see the northern lights.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem
A holy city torn apart by conflict, Jerusalem has been in the eye of the storm since the past 3000 years. Being the spiritual center for three monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Jerusalem has attracted the devout from all over the world.

Today, Jerusalem stands tall amidst fears of it being ripped apart by the very people who come here seeking spiritual solace. Be it the Haram al-Sharif, or the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, or even the Western Wall, you hear whispers of prayers, wanting Jerusalem to belong to them - exclusively.

History reverberates within the four quarters of this city. This is the place where Jesus Christ was crucified. This is where Solomon built his temple. This is also the site of Prophet Muhammad's ascent to heaven.
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Finding peace here may not be easy. For obvious reasons, the ones who run the show here do not welcome you with open arms; rather, they revel in their means to create bias. But, if you are successful in shutting off the mayhem around you, do try to take in the rich spiritual connect that Jerusalem holds. You are sure to strike gold.
We set out on a pilgrimage, or to a place of worship seeking spiritual enlightenment, and it may only leave us disillusioned, and hungry for more. But, it is funny how spiritual consciousness bumps into us at the most unlikeliest of places - at a busy traffic light, as we doodle at a dowdy work meeting... just about anywhere.

Articles of Confederation Vs. Constitution

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If you sit to compare the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution, you will realize that even though they were drafted by the same people and that too within a span of just over a decade, there exist quite a few differences in them.
Shortest Constitution
With 4,400 words, the US Constitution is the shortest written constitution in the world. In contrast, the Constitution of India, which is the longest, has 117,369 words.
The Articles of Confederation, which was considered the first constitution of the United States of America, and the US Constitution, which acts as the supreme law in the United States today, both are poles apart. In fact, it was only because of the weaknesses of the Articles that the present-day US Constitution was drafted.
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Backdrop

The Articles of Confederation or Articles was a written agreement which laid the guidelines for the functioning of the national government. It was drafted by the Continental Congress and sent to the thirteen original states for ratification in November 1777. The ratification process was important, as without it the document did not come into effect. On February 2, 1781, Maryland became the last state to ratify it, following which it was ratified by the Congress on March 1, 1781.

Within a few years of its ratification, the Articles was subjected to severe criticism by the Founding Fathers of the United States. Problems with the document existed in plenty; the biggest issue being the fact that it left the national government at the mercy of states. Eventually, it was decided that this agreement had to be revised to suit the needs of the nation as a whole. In May 1787, delegates from the thirteen states met in Philadelphia to revise the same.

The impressive list of delegates at the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 featured prominent names of the American history, such as James Madison, George Washington, William Pierce, and Benjamin Franklin. During the convention, these delegates came to the conclusion that it was better to draft an entirely new constitution instead of revising the existing agreement, and thus came into existence the new US Constitution.

Articles of Confederation Vs. the US Constitution

The Articles was subjected to severe criticism as it centralized all the powers in the hands of state governments and left the national government at their mercy. That, however, was not the only point of distinction between these documents. The two differed in several contexts, including the number of votes in the Congress and the need of judiciary.

Legislature: While the Articles of Confederation had a unicameral system of governance in place in the form of the Congress, the US Constitution introduced the bicameral system, dividing the United States Congress into the Senate (upper house) and the House of Representatives (lower house).

Voting in Congress: The Articles had a provision of one vote for every single state irrespective of its size. In contrast, the US Constitution introduced the system wherein every representative or senator was given one vote.

Executive Branch: The new Constitution also made provision for establishing the executive branch of the government, something which the Articles of Confederation didn't facilitate. Thereby, the executive, i.e., the President, was chosen by an electoral college.

Judiciary: When the Articles was the law of the land, federal courts were not in picture and all laws were enforced by state courts. The Constitution changed this by putting a federal court system in place, which was assigned the task of resolving disputes between the citizens as well as the states. So, the disputes between states were resolved by the Supreme Court instead of the Congress, which was given similar power by the Articles of Confederation.

Drafting Laws: When the Articles was the supreme law, the national government needed approval from nine of the thirteen states to pass new laws. This changed with the ratification of the new Constitution, wherein approval of more than half of the total nominees of the states was enough to pass new laws.

Amendments: In order to amend the Articles, the national government needed unanimous approval from all the thirteen states. In the case of the US Constitution, an amendment requires the approval of ⅔ of both the houses and ¾ of state legislatures. Of the 27 amendments to the US Constitution, the first 10 amendments―collectively known as the Bill of Rights―were adopted to pacify the Anti-Federalists who had some reservations about the new Constitution.

Armed Forces: The Articles of Confederation allowed states to have their own army. However, the national government was dependent on states if it was to raise an army. In contrast, the Constitution gave the federal government the right to raise an army to deal with conflict situations.

Trade and Commerce: While the Articles didn't allow any interference on the part of the national government in trade and commerce, the US Constitution gave the federal government the right to regulate the same at the international as well as the inter-state level, i.e., between the states.

Taxes: One of the biggest problems with the Articles of Confederation was that it did not allow the national government to levy taxes on citizens, thus putting it at the mercy of states. The Constitution rectified the loophole, allowing both, the federal government and state governments to levy and collect taxes.

Canada: The Articles of Confederation also gave Canada, which was then under the British, the opportunity to join the Union as a fully sovereign state by declaring its independence and agreeing to the terms of the Articles. The Constitution, however, didn't pursue the neighbor. Interestingly, the invitation to Canada was open until the ratification of the new Constitution.
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The US Constitution was drafted as the Articles of Confederation, which preceded it, didn't live up to the expectations. While the states were happy with the Articles, as it put them in command with the national government having no enforcing authority whatsoever, it resulted in chaos, with each state coming up with its own laws. A strong push was required to bring the state of the affairs back on the track and that came with the US Constitution, which has definitely lived up to the expectations.

Engagement Party Games

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An engagement party is an opportunity for the future bride and bridegroom to share their happiness with friends and relatives, and party games can help make this occasion more exciting. So, scroll down to find some amusing party games that will surely add warmth and merriment to this special occasion.
An engagement party is a formal event to announce your marriage to the world, introduce your future spouse to your friends and relatives, and celebrate the joy of finding love with your dear ones. But no party can be complete without party games. Party games give an opportunity to the guests to know each other, and thereby make the party more enjoyable.
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To make your party an event of a lifetime, it is important to plan it well, right from the party location and decoration, to the nature and timing of party games. This will help you properly coordinate all the activities related to the party. As far as the games are concerned, they should be simple, yet fun and relaxing. So, here are some party games that can help brighten up the ambiance.

Games to Play at an Engagement Party

Icebreaker Game

The first game of a party should always give your guests an opportunity to know each other. To play an icebreaker game, divide all guests in pairs. Make each pair in such a manner that the partners are not familiar with each other. Then allow 10 to 15 minutes to each person to talk to his or her partner, after which each guest has to write down at least four or five facts about his/her partner. This game would help your guests to get better acquainted with each other.

Trivia Quiz for the Couple

Once your guests have become familiar with each other, you can start an interesting game based on the theme of the party. The game is about questioning the future bride and bridegroom about one another. It would be really fun to test how much the couple know each other by asking them questions about their favorite places, colors, movies, foods, etc. You can also include other couples in the game, as it will be really interesting to find out how much each person knows his or her partner.

Couple's Trivia Pursuits

To play this game, gather some personal information about the engaged couple, and then organize a trivia quiz contest on the basis of these information. In this game, guests should be asked different questions about the couple. The one who can give correct answers to maximum questions will win the game.

Telling a Queer Story

Telling a queer and funny story about the engaged couple might embarrass them, but guests would definitely love it. So, play a game that includes the close relatives and friends of the engaged couple, who know a lot about them and can tell peculiar and curious stories about the couple, especially those related to their childhood. This would fill the entire party with warmth and laughter.

Two Truths and One Lie

To play this game, ask each guest to make three statements, of which two should be true, while one should be a lie. The other players have to figure out which one of the three statements is a lie. The fun element in this game is that some people will come up with something really interesting to make a false statement about themselves.

Diamond Ice Carving

It is one of the most popular games to play at a party. To play this game, guests should be given some ice cubes, which they have to mold, melt, or cut into the shape of a diamond. You can also ask them to cut and shape the ice cubes to replicate the diamond worn by the bride. This will be an interesting, as well as a tough competition, and so, an equally interesting prize can be given to the winner to make the game more exciting.

A Few Other Games

Another exciting game is to ask the engaged couple to do some activities. Each guest should be allowed to ask the future bride or bridegroom to do an activity. The activities should be somewhat funny and amusing, so that they can give everyone an opportunity to laugh to their heart's content.

To play another simple game, ask your guests to make as many words as they can, by using the letters present in the first names of the engaged couple. Provide a pen and paper to each guest to write down the words. The one who comes up with the maximum number of words is the winner of this game. You can also make a variation of this game by asking your guests to make words as long as possible with the letters present in the first names of the engaged couple.
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Hope this article gave you an idea about what kind of games can make a party more enjoyable and interesting. By taking the help of your friends, you can come up with many more simple, yet amazing games for the engagement party, and make each moment of the event more exciting and thrilling.

How to Plan the Perfect Wedding Sand Ceremony

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For most of us the wedding sand ceremony means the coming together of two individuals or two families by holy matrimony. Choose to mark your special day with this elegant yet simple ceremony and bring home a memento of the day that you will always cherish.
Tip for planning the perfect wedding sand ceremony
Back with a Bang!
The almost forgotten ancient tradition was rehashed in Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter's wedding from the 2003 TV series Bachelorette, when the couple decided to mark their unison with this tradition.
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. It is the day you embark on a lifelong journey holding the hands of the one you love. This day is all about you, your spouse, and your endless and untiring love for each other. Wouldn't it be nice to have something that would remind of that joyous day every time you looked at it? To just simply remind you of the immense love you feel for your spouse when you got married!
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The meaning of the wedding sand ceremony is the unison of the two families and loved ones, just like the intermingling of the different colors of sand that can never be separated. It is a simple yet elegant way to commemorate your wedding and have a beautiful souvenir that will last a lifetime to remind you of the happiest day of your life. In this ceremony, the bride and groom pour sands of different colors in a clear glass vase, giving a unique amalgamation of colors that can sit on your mantle, adding to the beauty of your home. It can be a great alternative to the unity candle ceremony as it can be performed with ease in outdoor locations.

Gearing Up for the Wedding Sand Ceremony

#1. Get the Right Vase

This is something that is going be a part of your home décor forever. It is therefore necessary that you get it right the first time! The right vase might help you do that. It is important to choose a clear glass vase so that the beautifully layered colors are visible. What can make this even prettier is a pretty looking vase; there are many shapes that you can opt for. The ideal dimension of the vase can be around 10 inches in height and 2-3 inches in diameter.

You will also require two separate, slightly smaller vases to hold the sand before pouring it. Some people like to retain some amount of the sand in the vases to signify their individuality although they may function as one. Make sure that the diameter of the smaller vases is not very large so that it is easier to pour the sand into the larger vase without making a mess.

To give it your personal touch you can get your initials etched in the glass vase.
#2. Get the Right Colors

Getting the colors right may be really important after all, it is the patterns created by these colors that makes the beauty of this vase. Choose colors that describe you the best. You can incorporate your kids (if any) or other family members by making them pour sand of their favorite color in the beginning of the ceremony and also somewhere between the two layers poured by the two of you. In a religious ceremony, the priest has to pour white sand first to signify that God is the foundation of this marriage.

#3. Make It Special

It is entirely your choice as to where you want to incorporate the ceremony in the wedding (it's your day after all!). Incorporating it at the end of the wedding ceremony or with the vows (one layer with each vow) might be a nice option to try.

You can choose to play a song that may be special for the two of you (not the song for your first dance) in the background during this.

You don't want your guests to remain clueless about the ceremony, do you? Get the officiant to describe the ceremony and its significance so that your guests can appreciate the ceremony better.

With a variety of wedding sand ceremony kit available in the market, make yours unique by getting a hollow glass frame, in which you can fill the wedding sand and frame your wedding vows in them.

How to Do a Unity Sand Ceremony

Well now that you're all set for the wedding sand ceremony, here is a quick guide to the sand ceremony.

Step 1: The groom begins the ceremony by first pouring ⅓ of the sand in the vase.
Step 2: The bride then pours ⅓ of the sand in the vase to create another layer.
Step 3: The bride and groom can repeat the above steps or can even ask their family to join them in pouring colored sand into the vase.

In just three simple steps, you have a beautiful unity sand vase that you can cherish all your life!
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Make sure to add cotton to the top of the vase and seal it completely to prevent the sand from spilling, just in case it gets knocked over. If it's a destination wedding, we'd suggest you wrap the vase in a bubble wrap on your way back home.

Terrapin Turtles

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You may find it very confusing to distinguish between turtles, terrapin turtles, and tortoises. In general, turtles are collectively referred to as terrapins. To know more about them, read this article.
Did You Know?
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Terrapin is an Algonquian Indian word for 'turtles' and is derived from the word Torope, which represents the small, hard-shelled, and edible type of turtles, which prefer to stay in brackish water.

As we all know, turtles are a group of reptiles that belong to the order Testudines and superorder Chelonia, but terrapins come under the Emydidae family. They are one of the earliest reptiles, in which many species have become already extinct and some are on the verge of extinction. As per the conservation data, about 315 species of terrapins are surviving till date.

History
Terrapin turtles, one of the oldest living creatures on earth, date back to around 215 million years ago. As a fun fact, terrapins back then had small teeth and a larger body, while today, they are quite smaller and have no teeth. They are recognized by their shell that they carry on their back in which they withdraw if they sense some danger, or when they have to sleep. The weight of the shell is one of the reasons why turtles walk so slowly.

Appearance
Terrapins are quite small in size and grow in between 5 to 9 inches. The domed part on top of the shell is known as carapace, and the lower part is called plastron. The shell has a bony portion, which is covered with scutes (plates), and it offers some additional protection to the terrapins. The small shell that we see on the back of the terrapins is made of 60 different bones, which are connected altogether. Terrapins are quite slow, but they possess a very good eyesight and sense of smell.

Range
Terrapins are mostly found along the Atlantic Coast of the eastern United States from Cape Cod to Florida as well as from the Gulf Coast to Texas. They are also found in some other countries, but not a single one lives in Antarctica and Arctic, as they can't survive in severe cold conditions.

Breeding
The mating season of terrapins is mostly between April to July. Gestation takes about 60 days, and the size of the clutch is around 8 to 12 eggs. The female terrapin lays the eggs once, or sometimes twice a year. The eggs are oblong-shaped and pinkish-white in color. The young hatchlings weigh around 6 to 10 grams, and are about an inch long. In fact, it has been observed that the nest temperature can determine the sex of the terrapin, i.e., if it is quite warm, it's mostly a female terrapin.

The Terrapin Delicacy
Over a century ago, terrapins were more famous not as pets or reptiles, but more as a tasty soup dish. Being considered as a protein-rich delicacy, terrapin turtles were hunted rigorously. As a result, its population has been reported to have decreased significantly in the last few decades. A lot of rules and regulations were made after that so as to protect terrapins and their consumption.

Threats
Terrapins are mostly threatened by the changes in their habitat and climate changes. Most of them get killed by drowning in the crab traps. Terrapins can survive in brackish waters, specially the diamondback, but if the sea level rises and increases the salt content, it will affect the survival of terrapins. Most of these terrapins die when they enter into areas where structures/buildings are under construction, or roadsides that have been increasing everywhere, or if they come under vehicles. Oil spills have also been one of the threats to the life of terrapins.

Species
Box Turtle, Red-eared Slider, Painted Turtle, Map Turtle, and Diamondback Terrapin are some of the common species of terrapins. All of them have got their names from their appearance; mostly, the color and pattern of the shell, the color of eyes or ears, and so on. Among these different types, the diamondback turtle (Malaclemys terrapin) is a near threatened species.

Gallery


Trail of Terrapins
Terrapins Basking

Side View
Terrapin Walking

Closeup View
Terrapin Retracting

Terrapin Turtles as Pets

In case you are looking for a long-term exotic pet that you can enjoy for a lifetime, turtles and/or terrapins are the ideal choice. Terrapin turtles are native to the brackish waters of southern and eastern United States. For every novice hobbyist, how to care for a turtle must be the first question that comes to mind when they think of rearing them. Similar to other aquatic pet turtles, terrapins require minimal care. They have a lifespan of around 30 years―that means if you are thinking of keeping one as a pet, then you are taking a long-term responsibility. Discussed below are some of the maintenance tips that you can follow.

Before Purchase
Generally, terrapins are purchased as hatchlings. So, you need to check that the terrapin you buy should be healthy. It should look alert and have bright eyes as well. The mouth and nostrils should look clean. The legs, head, and neck should not have any injury or damage, and most importantly, the shell should be hard and without any cracks.

Tank Size
One of the facts is that the adult females (about 7.5 - 9 inches) are larger in size than the adult males (about 5 inches). The perfect aquarium size also depends based on the number that you will be rearing. Taking these into consideration, you can decide the tank size for keeping these turtles. For a pair of terrapins, a tank with the size of 24 x 12 x 12 inches is quite suitable.

Tank Setting
Terrapin turtles, like any other turtle species, prefer swimming in water as well as basking in land. So, the best way out is to construct the aquarium in such a way that two-third space is kept for swimming and remaining one-third is for relaxing over the rocks. Keep the tank in a quiet corner of the house, and it should be dark in the night.

Light Intensity
For any type of pet turtles, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is essential to keep them healthy. It is better to place the tank in an area that receives direct sunlight. Or else, you can install UV bulbs at a height of approximately 12 inches from your pet turtles.

Temperature Range
The ideal temperature for rearing is 77 - 95°F. During summer, you may not require an aquarium heater, but it's a necessity in the winter season. Otherwise, these turtles remain sluggish and at times, stop feeding at low temperatures.

Feeding
The diet includes mollusks, small fish, crustaceans, and fiddler crabs. Other food options are algae, earthworms, green vegetables, and fruits. Feed your pet two to three times a week, and while feeding, you can use a separate tank to minimize soiling in its normal enclosure. Wait for defecation, rinse the pet, and keep it back in the tank. Ask the pet expert about some dietary supplements (if any) and feeding quantity for your pet.

Handling
Even if the shell of terrapins is hard, still it is very necessary to handle it very gently. Hold both the sides of the shells tightly, and then pick them up. Their legs, neck, and head can get damaged if they are dropped, so you need to be very careful. Always keep them clean and wash your hands before and after handling them.

Maintenance
There are no special maintenance tips for keeping them as pets. Nevertheless, cleaning the aquarium once in a month is essential to avoid any health problems. You can fix a filtration system to maintain optimal water quality. Salmonella growth is another factor to watch out for while rearing terrapins.
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It is claimed that terrapins grow bigger when kept in warmer environment compared to those reared in colder conditions. Seek advice from pet retailers regarding the habitat, optimal tank conditions, and feeding habits for rearing terrapin turtles. After all, you want the best for your pet, right?