Importance of Reading

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In these busy times, when we don't even have time to eat breakfast, it isn't surprising that we have given up on reading ... or rather we have forgotten the importance of reading. So aren't we missing out on something? Of course, a lot more than you think!
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Joseph Addison quote about reading
There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them.
― Joseph Brodsky
Reading is the basic foundation on which academic skills of an individual are built, and that has been verified by various studies time and again. Most of the subjects we are taught in school are based on a simple concept - Read, Synthesize, Analyze and Process information.
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While there is no doubt about the fact that reading is a priceless activity, it has been observed that its importance has been deteriorating rapidly of late. One of the most prominent causes for this is the technology boom, owing to which we end up spending most of our time in front of the television or computer screen.

Why is the Habit of Reading Important?

Even our education system acknowledges the fact that reading is important for the development of an individual, and hence 'it' is considered a top priority in primary education. One needs to, however, understand that reading does NOT mean making it through your school textbooks to clear the approaching tests. Nor is it restricted to educational purposes only. You can read almost anything, including encyclopedias, novels, dailies, magazines, and so on. What you read is not important as long as you like doing it.

Whether you like fiction or non-fiction is not important; whether you like reading or not is!

Sadly, people nowadays seem to have totally lost interest in this activity. Children are busy with computer games and television, and adults are glued to their computer screen amassing the wealth of knowledge through Internet search engines. Reading does have its loyal fan following, but this fan base is fast disappearing. It seems like people have forgotten the importance of reading; if that's the case, it calls for a revision of the same.

The foremost thing -- and undoubtedly the most important -- is that reading improves your vocabulary, command on the language and, communication skills, as you regularly come across new words, phrases, idioms and, writing styles. Reading books of a variety of subjects helps you add to your knowledge, which, in turn, helps you with different attributes of life. Regular reading is also believed to boost creativity as it helps you think out of the box -- look at the things from a different perspective. Studies have revealed that children, who read often have a better concentration ability than those, who don't.

Good reading skills are directly related to good writing skills. An individual who doesn't read will always experience a dearth of words when it comes to writing. Reading non-fiction is no doubt important as it helps you gain knowledge, but reading fiction is no less important. It is widely believed that fiction is a must for people in different walks of life -- including business and banking -- as it gives them a glimpse of several different perspectives.

Within the writers' community, there is a school of thought, which believes that fiction writers should not read much as it tends to influence their own work. Whether that really holds ground, is a subject of debate.

The biggest difference between reading a book and watching a film is that the former gives you the scope to unleash your own creativity. In films, the concept is conceived by the writer-director duo and presented before you in a specific form. In case of books, on the other hand, the writer does conceive the concept, but you are given ample freedom to unleash the power of your imagination. Reading a book is in itself an exercise to sharpen your creative thinking skills and broaden your horizons as a writer. In fact, there are many people out there, who outrightly reject the premise of making films based on books as they believe it spoils the "experience".

An individual not so keen on learning history is bound to take some interest in the subject after reading the biography of Abraham Lincoln or Theodore Roosevelt.

Importance of Reading for Children

Although there is no particular age as such to take to reading, it is a lot easier to inculcate it as a habit during childhood rather than forcing it upon the individual in the later stages of life. With so many benefits to its credit, it can well be considered one of those good habits that need to be inculcated in the child during the initial years. Reading doesn't just enhance the child's ability to comprehend various concepts with ease, but also develops his critical thinking skills thus making him think -- and not get used to the habit of spoon-feeding.

Inculcating the Habit of Reading at Home
With so many distractions around, it isn't surprising that people find it increasingly difficult to inculcate the habit of reading in their children - and that too when they themselves know how important it is. If you yourself are into reading, it won't be a problem as your child is more or less likely to take interest in the same on his own. If not, it would be wise to start with the basics, like giving them children's books with pictures or reading out for them. This does not just help generate interest in books, but also promotes word-sound awareness in children. You need to make sure that you take things gradually, because they will lose all their interest in this activity if they find it boring in the initial stages.

They say that a family that eats together stays together; the same applies to reading as well.
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The habit of reading yields rich dividends, and that's a fact which cannot be questioned. So it's high time you find a cure for bibliophobia, i.e., the fear of books (especially thick books) and dive into the world of literature or whatever you like to read. In this world of competitiveness, it's always advantageous to amass vast knowledge, and there is no better way to do so, but read.

10 Most Powerful Sith Lords

Sith Lords are the dark lords in the Star War series, the antagonists who want to usurp the world with their dark and evil powers. While each have been dark in their own accord, the following is a list of powerful Sith Lords, according to us.

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Most powerful Sith Lords
"Two there shall be; no more, no less. One to embody the dark side, the other to crave it."
―Darth Bane
Symbolized by a red a lightsaber and black clothes, typically with a hood, Sith Lords are the antagonists in the Star War Series. After Darth Bane proclaimed himself as the Dark Lord of Sith, he introduced the 'Rule of Two', which stated that in every brotherhood only two Siths can survive, one being the master and the other being his apprentice. The apprentice has to succeed his master by killing him, and later on train another apprentice. You'll find many Jedi heroes converted into Sith Lords. 'Darth' is a title used by the Sith Lords preceding their Sith name. Sith Lords are characterized by darkness and evil. Some of them also feature in the SWTOR (Star Wars: The Old Republic). SWTOR is an online game based on the Star Wars theme which can be played with multiple players.

The following is a list of the top contenders for the 'mightiest Sith Lord'. Note that this list is sorted by power, and not as per the ascending order of the Sith Lord timeline. These characters also top the list as per fan-following.

List of Sith Lords By Power

Darth Bane
He is the founder of the new Sith legacy and the 'Rule of Two'. Undoubtedly, one of the top contenders, since he refuted the Old Order (Brotherhood of Darkness), as it was too weak to combat the Jedis, according to him. Though his apprentice Darth Zannah managed to kill him, he attempted to transfer his spirit in her body. His power in the dark side lies in the fact that he managed to overthrow everything that has been taught, and explore his dark side so much so as to craft a rule of existence of only two Siths. He was succeeded by Darth Zannah.

Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker)
He is the 'Chosen one' - the one who was destined to destroy the Sith legacy. Though he was trained to be a Jedi, he succumbed to the dark side in a bid to save his wife. He attempted to kill his friend Obi-Wan Kenobi, and was badly wounded. Filled with anger in his heart, he took on the name 'Darth Vader', and continued to be in the Sith legacy for many years, serving Darth Sidious. A chance encounter with his son made him have a change of heart. He sacrificed himself and destroyed Darth Sidious, his master, for the sake of his son, and proved his prophecy to be right.

Darth Vitiate
He was a Sith Lord of the Golden Era, and was born as 'Tenebrae'. When he realized that he was born out of illicit relationship with a Sith Lord, he killed his step-father, and tortured his mother to death. He also went further to kill his biological father Lord Dramath, and overthrew his power.

Darth Millennial
An apprentice of Darth Cognus, he chose not to continue his master's legacy, as he strongly opposed the 'Rule of Two'. He is the founder of the 'Prophet of the Dark Side'. He possessed three eyes: two blue eyes and one yellow eye, in the center of his forehead. He was a staunch believer in leadership, and stated that a strong leader can lead many other apprentices and Dark Lords.

Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine)
He was initially disguised as an honest servant, and portrayed himself as 'Senator Palpatine of Naboo'. He was instrumental in converting the talented Jedi Anakin Skywalker into a Sith. He even lured Skywalker's son Luke into joining them, intending to make him take his father's place. He was however killed by Anakin Skywalker when he came to senses.

Exar Kun
He was a fallen Jedi who ventured away from his Jedi teachings into Sith teachings. His haughty, aggressive, and violent nature was not suitable to be a Jedi, and his master was worried about his teachings. Guided by the spirit of the Sith Lord Freedon Nadd, he ventured into the deep dark secrets of Sith legacy. He killed Odan-Urr, the Jedi Keeper of Antiquities, and stole the ancient Sith holocron, and used it on Jedi Knights to misdirect their minds into joining the dark side.

He managed to disassociate his body from his spirit. The spirit returns to create mayhem for Luke Skywalker's students. How much more dark can one get?

Darth Revan
Once a Jedi Knight, and a key person in the Mandalorian Wars, he and his followers turned to the dark side after he defeated Mandalore. He and his friend Darth Malak formed a Sith empire, and initiated a war against the Republic. However, he was betrayed by Dark Malak, and had a near brush with death. the Efforts of his wife Bastila Shan restored his life. However, his mind was severely damaged. The Jedi order restored his mind, imparting the good side. Thus, Darth Revan was once again a Jedi, and even after he learned of his past, he chose not to embrace the dark side.

Darth Nihilus
Known as the 'Lord of Hunger', he was trained by Darth Traya to satiate his hunger for the 'Force'. Together with Darth Traya and Darth Sion, they formed the 'Sith Triumvirate'. However, with increasingly opposing opinions about invading the Jedi Order, Sion and Nihilus joined forces to outcast their master. Together, they attempted attacking the Jedi Order.

Eventually, he was weakened due to his hunger; continuous unavailability of the Force to feed him.

Darth Maul
One of the apprentice of Darth Sidious, he was sent on a mission to assassinate Queen Amidala, by his master. He was badly wounded by her guardian Jedis, and was thought to be dead. He survived, and was found by his brother Savage Opress. When he was healed, he teamed with his brother and brought terror. However, both brothers were killed in a combat with Maul's former master Darth Sidious.

Darth Traya
Darth Traya, a former Jedi Master (known as Kreia), followed the Sith Lord Raven, in the quest of finding her own beliefs, and continued as a Master in the Trayus Academy. Even after she was betrayed by her own apprentices Sion and Nihilus, she concocted a plan for her comeback.
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Some popular Sith Lords have also been made into action figures. Of course, these were Buzzle's picks of great and famous Sith Lord names. This is a point of debate among many fans, and if we have missed out on any great name according to you, feel free to mention it in the comments section below.

History of the Marco Polo Game

Despite his legendary achievements, many people know the explorer Marco Polo for his namesake pool game. Are the two related? Discover the answer in this article, which explains the history of the Marco Polo game with some interesting facts.
History of the Marco Polo game

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Did You Know?
The Marco Polo pool game helps children experience different social roles, such as an outcast, as the blindfolded player is isolated and cannot see others.
Who Was Marco Polo?
Before understanding the history of the game, it is important to know who it was named after. Marco Polo was a 13th-century trader (1254 - 1324) from the Italian city of Venice, who is credited with giving the Europeans the first glimpses of China. Along with his father and uncle, Polo made a 24-year-long journey from Venice to China and back, even gaining the trust of the Mongol leader Kublai Khan in the process. He chronicled his exploits in his famous book The Travels of Marco Polo, which also served as an inspiration to Christopher Columbus in his voyage to America 200 years later.

The Marco Polo Game
The Marco Polo game is a version of blind man's buff, played in a swimming pool with at least three players. One player is called It and blindfolded. He/she has to count till ten until the rest disperse around in the pool. It has to then tag a player by locating him/her from his voice. To make this possible, It has to shout 'Marco', and everyone must respond with a 'Polo'. The person who gets tagged becomes the next It, and the game continues. While these are the basic rules, other variations do exist.

The Marco Polo game is also known by other names, like Mermaid on the Rocks, and Alligator. It is played throughout North and South America, Australia, and Europe. Its more common version, Blind Man's Buff, which is played on land, is said to have originated in the 1500s, when it was a popular pastime of ladies in parlors. Because of this pool game's popularity, many want to know where it came from, and if Marco and Polo are two different individuals it was named after. Now that you know how to play the Marco Polo pool game, let's understand the history attached to it.

Marco Polo Game: History
There are various theories that relate this pool game with the legendary explorer. Whether true or not, the most popular ones are given below.

❒ It is said that, on several occasions during his long voyage, Marco Polo was clueless as to where he was going, just like a blind man. This is supposedly the inspiration for the blindfolded player It, who has to 'explore' the pool without using his eyesight. This is the most popular explanation for the game's origin.

❒ While in China, Marco Polo was traveling with his family in the Taklamakan desert; an infamous place whose name means the desert from which one never returns. It is said that Polo dozed off, and his horse separated from the rest of the caravan. On waking up, he thought could hear voices calling out his first name, and he responded with 'Polo', though he couldn't see anyone. While he was eventually found by the group, Polo later realized he had been hallucinating.

❒ The Mongol emperor Kublai Khan developed a strong liking for the Polos, and refused to let them leave China. He relented only when one of his daughters was to marry a Persian Mongol ruler, and the Polos were a part of the wedding party. This journey from China to the Gulf of Persia was long and dangerous. The entourage of ships encountered a severe storm, in which only 18 of the 600 passengers survived, including the princess and the Polos. Since visibility in the storm was low, the survivors tried calling their leader with his first name (Marco), and he responded with his last (Polo).
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The etymology of the Marco Polo pool game remains unclear despite several theories. However, it cannot be denied that this is among the oldest pool games known, and has been a source of joy for most people throughout their childhood.

Difference Between Hay and Straw

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Although used quite interchangeably, the terms hay and straw are different from each other in many aspects, primarily in their uses. This article elaborates on the differences between these two similar looking agricultural goods.
Difference between hay and straw
Did You Know?
Hay is not preferred for mulch, as it might contain seeds that sprout up later on.
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Actually going by the old idiom "Hay is for horses", we should not be really wondering about the differences between the words 'hay' and 'straw'. True! The idiom has got nothing to do with a horse's food, but it was just a quick reply to anyone saying "hey", suggesting that the word should not be used. Anyway, the fact remains that we do often get confused about this sunny, yellow, dried stuff.

To start with, let's just consider that one of them (hay) is a food source, while the other (straw) is not. Hay bales and straw bales are used for various purposes. Many people, even those who are frequently required to use them, sometimes cannot make out the difference between qualitative hay and straw. Given below are some important distinctions that will help you figure out which is what.

Hay Vs. Straw

Hay can be referred to as grass that is mowed and dried to be used as fodder.

Straw, on the other hand, consists of the stalk, seed coverings, dried stems, or leaves that have been separated from seeds.


Definition and Description

◆ Hay is simply short grass. Some known varieties include the Timothy or Orchard grass, Clover grass, and the Alfalfa hay (a forage crop).
◆ At the time of harvesting, seed heads of fully grown crops like wheat, oats, and barley are reaped.

◆ This grass is grown purposely until it reaches a proper height. It is then cut, before the stages of seeding, drying, and bundling as a nutritious food source.

◆ It is obtained after harvesting a crop. So hay contains grains and is finer than straw. It is a crop that is alive, thus often looks greenish in color. It is comparatively lighter than straw and has a fresh smell.
◆ Straw bales are obtained from the remaining bare stalks of these crops. These stalks become dead, and are dried naturally as they lose moisture.

◆ Straw can be identified with its peculiar yellow shade, and would never be green. It is not very fine, as it is basically the raw stubs left over from plants.

Uses

◆ Primary use of hay is as fodder for animals. Hay is a nutrient-rich food source for horses, cows, goats, pigs, rabbits, and other animals.
◆ Stubbles and shucks are cut and raked to even them out, and later formed into bales.

◆ Livestock owners are sold such qualitative fodder, for which they are ready to pay handsome prices.
◆ Straw bales are mainly used as a bedding. Animal rearing and activities like dairy and poultry use straw bales on a large-scale to provide for good animal bedding. Chicken coop, horse barns, etc., are some examples; good straw is sold as a high quality bedding, like for race horses.

◆ Also, artifacts like baskets and hats are made from such dried stubble of crops.

Gardening

◆ If soil enrichment is the purpose, highly nutritious hay is preferred.
◆ For simple purposes like covering the soil in a pathway, straw is utilized.

◆ In this case, moist and decomposed hay proves to be a rich source of organic elements to the soil.
◆ Straw bales are also employed to control erosion and protect crops during winter.

◆ They are used as bedding in vegetable gardens to grow crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.

Straw Bales for Insulation

Straw-bale construction represents another usage. It is either a part of structural elements, or it can be used as an insulating material, which helps maintain a thermal balance in homes. Straw bales are generally seen in natural buildings or in brown constructions. Cob wall construction, known to use inexpensive, fireproof, and earthquake-resistant materials, includes straw, along with lime, water, and soil.

A major issue with the stacking and storing of hay and straw bales is that of mold growing within them due to either the moisture already present in them or the weather. Maintaining good quality and moisture-free hay and straw bales requires them to be dried under the sun. This can be achieved by keeping the moisture content well below 20%; rather, it is mostly seen to be less than 10% in many good quality bales.
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Sometimes, straw and hay are packaged similarly, or straw bales are deliberately named as hay bales. Hence, be careful and alert while shopping for good quality hay for your garden.

Facts about New York City

New York, the largest and one of the most influential cities of the United States, is proud to host some of the very important tourist destinations of the world. For some interesting facts about New York City, read on...

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The City of New York, known as the New York City is the largest city of the United States since 1790. It is an important center for financial affairs and one of the most prominent cities welcoming tourists from all over the world. Here are some of the important facts about New York City.

New York, the largest city with its metropolitan area ranking among the largest urban areas of the world, was founded by the Dutch in 1624. It was then, a commercial trading post and served as the capital of the United States from 1785 to 1790. New York City is also the most densely populated city in the United States.

Located in the northeastern United States, New York City lies halfway between Boston and Washington D.C. New York city has a humid, subtropical climate

During the British rule, New York City gained importance as a trading port. It witnessed some of the major battles during the American Revolutionary War. In the 1920s, many African Americans migrated to New York City during the Great Migration. Immigration and brought about a change to New York City in the 19th century.

New York City consists of five boroughs, namely, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. A borough is a different kind of government that looks after the five basic parts of a consolidated city and is represented by a Borough President. The boroughs were created in 1898. New York City has a mayor-council form of government, wherein the mayor and the councilors are elected to four-year terms.

It was in New York City that the Constitution o the United States was signed and George Washington, the first President of United States was inaugurated. New York City was fortunate to host the first United States Congress Assembly and it was in this very city that the United States Bill of Rights was drafted.

New York City is the second largest center for the film industry of the United States. The city houses a collection of 39 very large theaters, collectively known as the Broadway. It is an important center for films, theater and performing arts. New York City is also regarded as the heart of stand-up comedy in the United States. The television, music and advertising industries have also flourished in New York City. The three prominent newspapers of the United States come from New York.

Public transport media form an important part of the transport industry of New York City. Interestingly and contrary to the rest of the United States, a majority of New Yorkers do not own a car. The New York City Subway is the largest rapid transit system with 468 stations. The public bus fleet of New York and the rail track are the largest in North America.

New York City is known for some of the major tourist spots that attract the masses. The most famous landmark of New York City is the very well-known Statue of Liberty. Wall Street of Manhattan is a global financial center. The famous Empire State building of New York City is considered as one of the tallest buildings in the world, as also were The Twin Towers till 9/11.
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According to a survey in 2005, the city housed a diverse range of people. Around 170 languages were spoken and 36% of its population was born outside the United States. New York City is always buzzing with life and is rightly called, 'The City That Never Sleeps'.

Is it Safe to Use Lye Soap?

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Soaps that are made of lye are easy to prepare, and have also been available in stores for decades. However, over the years, they have gathered a bad reputation of sometimes being bad for the skin. In this article, we will study the facts and see if there are any harmful effects of using lye soap.
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Did You Know?
The first mention of lye soap was found by archaeologists in ancient Mesopotamian writings on papyrus scrolls that were over 2,000 years old. The scrolls revealed a recipe for creating lye soap through mixing animal or vegetable fat with alkaline salt.
Lye is a substance that is made through a method called saponification, i.e., a process through which sodium hydroxide is mixed with vegetable or animal fat under heat to allow the ingredients to react chemically with each other. In ancient times, lye was a very popular ingredient for creating soap. However, due to the inconsistency in standards of preparation, some of these soaps could turn out to be very caustic, damaging the skin that it was exposed to.

Nowadays, changes and effective standardization in the methods of production and better quality of lye in commercial brands have ensured that any risk posed is minimal and very rare. On the other hand, homemade soaps are much more riskier, as they are not subject to any safety tests, which is why one must be careful with their use.

Uses of Lye Soap
When made properly and aged for an appropriate period of time, soaps made of lye are completely safe, and are used to effectively clean dirt and grime, and have even been used to repel insects.
In fact, good lye soaps are commonly used for purposes of personal hygiene, and in cleaning household items like clothes.
Since this soap is economical, and it comes in various forms such as bars, liquids, laundry soaps, and bath soaps, users have a lot of options to choose from.
Lye soap has many medicinal uses. It has been known to make the skin appear young and fresh. Also, regular use has seen reduction in psoriasis, eczema, dry itchy skin, athlete's foot, and other skin conditions.
Lye soap is also said to be good for the face, as it can cure acne by cleaning the pores and moisturizing the skin.
It is also known for reducing the effects of sunburn, insect bites, and reactions to plants like poison ivy.
As you can see, lye soap that is made properly is not only safe to use, but also very beneficial as well. However, improperly made soap can be hazardous. Let's see why.

Dangers of Lye Soap

In Preparation:
Lye is known to be dangerous in the soap-making process. This is because of its caustic nature, which causes explosive reactions when handled improperly.
Lye can corrode cloth, metal, plastic, paint, etc. It also produces toxic fumes, and can be fatal if ingested.
Also, due to its caustic nature, lye can cause severe chemical burns when directly exposed to the skin. Therefore, serious precautions have to be observed when making this soap.
Effects on the Human Body:
Normally, lye soap needs to be aged for several months before it becomes completely safe for use. Soaps which have not be aged appropriately can be caustic, causing harm to the skin.
If the ingredients have not been mixed properly, the soap will remain caustic despite the aging process, which can cause irritation to the skin, and possibly even burns.
Despite these harmful effects, it is not completely bad. This is especially true if one follows certain precautions.
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Safety Precautions
If you are not confident about your soap making skills, buy lye soaps made by reputed commercial brands only, as they are most likely to be safe. But be sure to see that the soap is made of pure lye, without any other chemical additions. Try to avoid homemade versions.
If you must prepare a homemade lye soap, never pour water into lye, as it can catch fire or explode.
Lye is toxic. So, it should always be kept out of reach of pets and children.
One should always use protective clothing and gear in the preparation process.
The area where the soap is being made should be properly ventilated.
If you do get burned by lye, immediately wash the area with vinegar, which will stop any further damage from occurring. However, any damage sustained can only be healed with time.
Homemade lye soap can be better than commercial brands only if the correct procedures are used, as they usually turn out to be mild. The soap is best used when it is made of only lye, water, and lard.

Dog Behavior after Neutering

Many dog owners opt for getting their pets neutered for a variety of reasons ranging from not wanting to breed the dog to a number of health benefits. This article highlights the behavioral changes that take place in a male dog once he is neutered.

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Dog behavior after neutering
Did You Know?
Almost 4 million animals across the United States animal shelters are put down every year because they cannot find homes. Neutering helps curb these numbers by preventing unnecessary litters.

Neutering a male dog does bring about a change in his behavior. Some changes are positive, while some are undesirable. The changes also depend on many factors like the age of the dog, the post-surgery medication that is prescribed, and the change in the dog's lifestyle after being neutered.

What is Neutering or Spaying?

Spaying or neutering, also called altering, is a surgical procedure that prevents the animal from reproducing. Spaying actually means removing the ovaries, and it is a term that is reserved for female dogs. When dogs reach puberty at around 3½ months of age, they are like teenagers. Small dog breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, etc., are adolescent till one year of age, medium-sized dog breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds, etc., for about two years of age, and large dog breeds like Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, Great Danes, etc., for up to three years of age. It is difficult to control adolescent dogs when there is a female in heat nearby. Males have been known to stop eating and sleeping if they are living in the same house with a female in heat. In such cases, the vet may recommend neutering the male to avoid any severe health issues due to this behavior.

The Need for Neutering

Intact dogs (those who are not neutered) often exhibit a variety of behavioral changes once they reach sexual maturity. These behavioral traits are ruled by the hormone testosterone. They include the following.

Urine marking of his surroundings to let other dogs know of his territory and presence.
Roaming, which means trying to leave the house in search of a female in heat.
Mounting other dogs, people, and objects.
Showing aggressiveness towards other male dogs if a female in heat is in the vicinity.

Due to these behavior patterns, the vet may suggest that you get your dog neutered. This process is carried out on dogs as young as 6 months before they reach sexual maturity, because they have not yet experienced this behavior. When both the testicles have descended into the scrotum, then a minor surgery is advised. The dog will recuperate very quickly after the surgery, when one or both the testicles are retained inside the abdominal cavity. Dogs who are strongly driven by testosterone levels in their blood will take some time to show a change in behavior.

Although it is also done on older dogs, the issues may continue even after surgery if the dog has been behaving that way for quite a while. Also, the risk of complications during the recovery phase goes up with older dogs, especially with those who weigh a lot.

Behavioral Changes After Neutering

➥ One should keep in mind that neutering does not change the attitude of the dog towards people. There will be a decline in the urine marking, roaming, and mounting, but it may not go away altogether.

➥ Some neutered dogs may become calmer and quieter than before, while some may remain the same. The intensity of change varies from case to case. Puppies may continue to show some sexual activity that they exhibited before neutering as they become adolescents. Neutering shows reduced frequencies of dog fights and other dominant tendencies. However, the dog will continue to be territorial.

➥ There are cases where dogs have become more aggressive towards people and animals after being neutered. However, no studies have been able to conclusively link the two. There are some reasons that are believed to cause the aggression in recently neutered dogs.

As the dog will be in some amount of pain after the surgery, he may become defensive as a means to protect himself. An injured animal is a weak one, susceptible to being preyed upon in the wild, which may be making your dog aggressive. In this case, it is best to consult the vet and get the pain medications changed if required.
Another reason may be that, as the dog nears complete recovery, he may begin to get bored sitting around. If your pet who is used to daily runs or jogs is asked to take complete rest after the procedure, then all his pent-up energy may be making him jumpy. You should consult your vet about this, and take his/her advice on how to start up your dog's daily routine again.

There is also a chance that your dog is still traumatized from the entire experience of the vet, the surgery, and accompanied pain. Give him at least a week to calm down; be with him, assure him that you love him, and try to make him feel as secure as possible. If there is no change even after 8 to 10 days, then it is best to take the help of a behavior expert. Most importantly, do not go ahead with the procedure if your dog is in an agitated state of mind; let him calm down first, as going ahead with the procedure in this state will only increase his anxiety.

Some Misconceptions: How Will Neutering Change My Dog?

Myth: My dog will no longer guard the house after neutering.
Fact: Neutering doesn't affect the basic temperament and intelligence of the dog.

Myth: My dog will feel less manly after being neutered.
Fact: Neutering will not change your dog's personality. Dogs do not feel such things; owners do.

Myth: My dog will become depressed.
Fact: Dogs do not feel sad or depressed about the inability to have puppies. Male dogs do not even participate in the rearing of the litter.

Myth: My dog will become fat.
Fact: It depends on how much you feed him. Due to a reduced metabolic rate, neutered dogs need to be fed 25-30% less calories.

Myth: Neutering will fix all the issues in my dog.
Fact: Any personality or behavior issues will not be automatically 'fixed' by neutering. They will require separate treatment.

Myth: Neutering is expensive.
Fact: There are many low-expense neutering options available. The cost of neutering your dog is less than the expenses incurred in 10 to 12 months on taking care of a puppy.

Pros and Cons

The benefits of neutering include some health benefits like reduced chances of hernias and testicular tumors, lesser chances of encountering prostate problems, reduction in testosterone-related problems like epilepsy, and also changes in the above-mentioned behavior issues like urine marking and mounting.

As there is a flip side to every coin, neutering also has its share of cons. These include chances of the dog becoming less playful, gaining weight if a proper diet is not followed, and possible health issues like hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma, hypothyroidism, and hemangiosarcoma.
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Neutering is not something that must be taken lightly. It is a major change for your dog. Thus, weigh the pros and cons, consider its necessity and usefulness, and definitely do not go for it just because a lot of other people are, and so you think that you too are "supposed to". Make an informed decision after consulting your vet, and go ahead with it only if you think it is right. Remember, you are making a major decision for another life here.

A Short Summary of 'In Dubious Battle'

Many farmers from the Great Plains were forced to moved towards the West Coast due to drought conditions and the Great depression in search of work. These migrated workers ended up in seasonal farms of California in distressful encampments and miserable lifestyle which is depicted in this classic work of fiction. This article provides a short summary of 'In Dubious Battle'.

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On Screen...
On 30th January 2015, Hollywood announced that the book has inspired a screen adaptation which will be starred and directed by James Franco.

John Steinbeck was born on 27th February, 1902 in Salinas, California, into an affluent farming community of that period. Most of his stories are centered around these geographic surroundings, and incidences from his childhood greatly influenced his authorship vocation. He was avidly drawn into the horrifying plight endured by the migrant workers across California during the Depression period. Traveling across their camps, he gathered rich tales of woe that created two masterpieces in the fictional literary world. One was In Dubious Battle and the other The Grapes of Wrath - the best-selling book of 1939 which sold over 430,000 copies and won The National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (1940).

In 1962, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. His Western classics continue to enamor many across the world even today.


Theme


The noir novel laced with grim realities from the migrant farmer communities presented the daily struggles of the labor class during the 1930s. It depicts the eternal war between the laborers and the capitalists while closely presenting the tough-minded ideologies of the labor organizers influenced by communism (American Communist Party or the Industrial Workers of the World). Although in the novel the author does not directly specify communism but refers to it as 'the Party' but he sure does try to depict the unprincipled methods of this particular 'Party'. The capitalists are portrayed as downright goons who can go to extreme extents in order to exploit the laborers for fair gains.

It was first published in the year 1936 and is considered as the precursor to the world-wide hit 'The Grapes of Wrath', inspired by real incidences like the peach strike in Tulare county and the cotton strike of 1933. The author sympathizes with the workers in their battle for better wages against an organization that is supported by the gun. He exposes the cruel methods devised by the Party often clinging towards violence and propaganda as primary tools for fighting.

The novel provides no solutions or depicts no heroic victors but rather mirrors the life of the desperate labor class who struggle eternally against poverty, inequity, and forced dominance.


Summary


It revolves around a young man Jim Nolan, who is at crossroads of his life and discovers his true calling when he joins 'The Party.' He aids in pioneering a strike by migrant workers against landowners during apple growing season in Central California.

The novel begins with Jim packing up his few intangible possessions in a paper bag and telling his landlady, Ms. Meer, that he is moving out. Jim then heads over to the local Party office (implied to be the Communist Party) where his functionary, Harry Nilson, conducts an interview and briefs Jim about the dedication to be displayed as a Party member. Jim then gets acquainted with the other local members: Dick, Joy, and Mac. Dick is a young, attractive lady's man with a special knack for fetching in supplies and donations. Joy is an older veteran who is mentally unstable and known for his many clashes with the authorities and short periods in jail. And Mac is the experienced field organizer who spends his time traveling around migrant camps boosting workers to organize and hold a strike.

Though Jim yearns for some political adventure, he is initially bound doing clerical tasks. Mac soon finds a field assignment and takes Jim along as a standby. Mac and Jim travel to Torgas Valley, California where the Growers' Association has just declared a pay cut at the beginning of apple picking season. Mac explains to Jim that if the workers get roused enough to organize and strike, the rebellion could spill over into the cotton season, profiting the workers in the long run. Mac is determined to start up a strike and contrives every means to do so. Mac soon gets his chance after learning that Lisa, the daughter-in-law of one of the men, London, is giving birth without any medical assistance. Mac slyly convinces everyone, including Jim, that he is used aid in deliveries before. Mac instructs and organizes many people in the camp to boil water and gather cloth and successfully delivers the baby. But he later admits to Jim that his actions were a makeshift arrangement and he never actually worked in a hospital nor had any medical training.

The next day, Mac and Jim pretend to pick apples in order to gather the worker's opinions about the wage cut and their feelings about a possible strike. London is visibly upset about the wage cut and after a long day of work, Mac, Jim, and London visit Dakin, a friend of London's, who is working at a nearby orchard. London talks to Dakin about getting the men in his camp to organize a strike along with the men in London's camp. Dakin is fascinated but reluctant.

Rumors about a strike are rife among the men, but Mac laments that the men need something more to heat up a strike. Jim soon finds himself working in a tree alongside Dan, a seventy-one year old man who boasts that he has more energy than any of the 'young lads' in camp. A major accident happens when Dan descends the ladder and it cracks up making Dan fall heavily on his back. The workers get outraged and Mac takes this opportunity to agitate them further.

Mac then heads to a private orchard owned by Mr. Anderson to arrange a deal. He negotiates with Anderson offering him free labor to pick his apple orchard if he allows the men to live on his land during the strike. At first, Anderson is quite reluctant. However, Mac convinces Anderson that with this deal he can pay off the mortgage of Hunter, Gillray and Martin, owners of the Torgas Finance Company. On the way back to camp, Mac and Jim are stopped by two men who tell them they know they are "reds" and that they should leave Torgas Valley by morning. Mac and Jim run away from the men and make it back to camp where London has organized a meeting with Dakin and a man named Burke, the strike chairman at a different orchard.

As the men organize and begin the strike, Dick brings in medical doctor, Doc Burton, who's job is to maintain the sanitary conditions to prevent county health officials from shutting down the camp. The Growers' Association in the Torgas Valley send five policemen to observe the agitation. The next morning, the men gather together and march to town to have a face off with scab workers arriving off the morning train. Joy who happens to be a part of the crowd is killed by bullet shots.

Mac tells the men that authorities shot Joy. In his desperate bid to engulf the workers in a strike he orders Joy's body to be taken to the orchards. There a funeral is organized and Mac delivers a stirring speech. Later the newly elected President of the Growers' Association, Mr. Bolter, offers only a 5 cent wage increase and insists that the strike must come to an end. Mac and Jim reveal to London that they are party members while they get the news that Anderson's barn is on fire and his entire freshly picked apple harvest is destroyed.

The missing puzzle of the burning barn is solved when London's men find high school kids who allegedly set fire to the barn when Anderson's men abandoned their guard posts. Meanwhile protesters set William Hunter's house on fire as well.

The next morning, Mac sends out an early letter bespeaking much-needed assistance to Harry Nilson and comes back with a newspaper that carries the news of the fire at William Hunter's house on the front page. The news mentions that a special deputy caught the assailant but was assaulted and not expected to live. The paper blames the strikers for the fire at Hunter's house as well as the burning of Anderson's barn. The paper incites the citizens to take unlawful actions in order to drive out the "reds" who are causing the labor problems.

Mac tells Jim that the strike is probably going to crumble and gives Jim instructions to a safe hiding place in case they split up. Later, the sheriff shows up at Anderson's place and orders the laborer's to end the strike or they will be forced out in the morning. Mac tells London they should all stay and fight. He then instructs Jim to sneak away back to town at dark. He does not want Jim to risk being caught because he is too valuable to 'the Party'. But instead Mac and Jim are later accosted by a boy who tells them he found a doctor who has been hurt. Mac and Jim hurry to see the doctor, thinking they have found Doc Burton. But they soon realize that they have been fooled, Mac halts in his steps as he senses danger and orders Jim to duck. Shots are fired. When Mac stands up and calls for Jim, he sees Jim inert on the ground. As he walks closer, Mac sees that Jim's face has been blown off by bullets. London and some of the other men soon catch up to Mac. Mac solemnly props up Jim's body for all the men to see. He begins to deliver a speech, similar to the one he gave at Joy's funeral, to rally the men for the cause as the novel comes to an abrupt end.

In his 1962 Nobel acceptance speech, John Steinbeck states that a writer must trust in ''The perfectibility of man."
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Thus his fictional yet realistic novel subtly evokes a humble request to the authorities to ease the plight of the migrant workers, provide better housing facilities, ensure equal democratic rights, and provide a stabilized future in the Californian agricultural scene.

Print Explanation of Admissible Evidence with Examples

For evidence to be used in deciding a case, it has to first be approved by a judge. This is called 'admissible evidence', which is explained in this article, with its legal definition, characteristics, and examples.
Concept of admissible evidence

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Did You Know?
'Fruit of the poisonous tree' refers to evidence that is inadmissible, because it was obtained by illegal methods. It is based on the theory that since the tree (source of evidence) is poisonous, its fruit (evidence obtained from source) will also be so.
In a court dispute, there are two parties to the case - the person who has filed the case, called the plaintiff, and the person against whom it is filed, called the defendant. Either party can introduce certain proof in the court, which weakens the position of the opposite party. Such proof offered in a court is called evidence.

Evidence can be of several types. It can be an object found on the crime scene, called real/material evidence. It can be a document containing text in some language, called documentary evidence. Testimonial evidence is when a party to the case brings forth a witness who gives a spoken statement or 'testimony' against the other party.

Any evidence cannot simply be offered in a court. It has to first be presented to the judge, who decides if it will help in establishing justice. This is important, since the right to introduce an evidence may be misused by a party to a case to simply waste the time of the court or unfairly prejudice the jury. The concept of admissible evidence explains this further.

What Does 'Admissible Evidence' Mean?
Any evidence that a judge uses to reach a decision in a specific case, because it is related to the facts at hand and does not unfairly affect the judgment, is called admissible evidence.
Rules of Admissible Evidence
► The evidence should be relevant, i.e., it should either prove or disprove some point of the case, or, at least increase or decrease the likelihood of it happening. Relevant evidence is considered admissible, while irrelevant evidence is not.

► The evidence offered should be from a reliable source. This is especially true for documentary evidence, where the authenticity of the document should be proven. When a party to a case wants a witness to give testimony, the credibility of the witness should also be proven.

► The evidence should not provoke or cause feelings of outrage among the jury, since this can influence their judgment.

► The evidence offered should not confuse the proceedings, i.e., divert attention from the facts of the case.

► Any evidence which wastes the time of the court may not be allowed.

► Evidence which tries to question someone's character or some traits of his/her character may not be allowed, unless the defendant introduces this point first.

► Any evidence collected by authorities without a valid search warrant is inadmissible.

► Statements made by an individual outside court who is not available for questioning is called hearsay, and is inadmissible evidence.

► Evidence against a party coming from someone who was supposed to keep it confidential is not admissible. Examples include evidence given by an attorney against his client, a doctor against his patient, and one spouse against another.
Admissible Evidence: Examples
❒ In a case where a roofer accuses his client of defaulting on his bills, the bill sent to the client would be admissible evidence, while a testimony that the defendant was involved in shoplifting would not (irrelevant).

❒ In a child sexual abuse case, evidence showing that the defendant is homosexual makes little difference to the offense (misleading), since the main point here is that the victim was a minor, not his/her gender.

❒ Witness B's testimony against defendant C, based on something that a certain individual A told her outside court would be inadmissible evidence (hearsay).

❒ Gory photos of a crime scene, or photos of children beside a corpse would not be admissible evidence, since it may cause feelings of outrage among the jury.

❒ In a criminal trial involving a stabbing, the murder weapon (knife) found on the crime scene is admissible evidence, while evidence about the color of drapes in the room where the crime occurred is irrelevant.
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To sum up, any evidence which is relevant to the case, reliable, and does not provoke, waste time, confuse, come from a privileged source, or involve hearsay, is considered admissible in a court of law.

Things You Need to Know About Siberian Cats

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Known for their long, fluffy coat and almost dog-like devotion, Siberian cats are very popular pets in many parts of the world. This article provides all the information you need about this cat's personality traits, physical characteristics, and other information that is good to know while considering this breed as a pet.
Fact about Siberian cats
Did You Know?
The Siberian cat breed has been seen in Russia for around 1,000 years, and has been officially named as the national cat of the country.
Siberian cats, also known as Siberian forest cats, or Moscow Semi-Longhair cats, are a glamorous breed originating from the sub-arctic Taiga forest region of Siberia. They are primarily known for their long, fluffy coat, which protects them from harsh cold conditions. As with many other cat breeds, the Siberian forest cats were domesticated for their hunting abilities, and keeping mice and rats away from grains and other produce.
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The 1980s saw a surge in Russia for breeding pedigreed cats. The first standard Siberian cat was developed in Moscow at this time. They were brought to the United States in the 1990s, and have slowly gained popularity as pets due to their looks and largely hypoallergenic nature. We will now look at the appearance and physical characteristics of Siberian cats.

Adult Siberian Cat
Adult Siberian Cat
Siberian Kittens
Siberian Kittens

Physical Characteristics
The Siberian cat has a lush, triple coat composed of outer guard hair, awn hair, and a soft downy undercoat, and can look fairly similar to the Norwegian forest cat or the Maine Coon. Adult cats sport a thick ruff around the neck, but shortish hair near the lower chest and shoulder blade regions. Siberian cats are available in a wide range of colors, such as silver, red, gold, white, black, etc., usually interspersed with patches of white. The average Siberian cat is medium-large sized, and can weigh anything from 10 to 20 pounds; in rare cases even more. Females are mostly smaller than the males. The body is barrel-shaped, stocky, and muscular, with large and furry paws, and very thick and furry tails. However, these cats grow rather slowly, and can take up to five years to reach their full adult size.

These cats usually sport an alert and powerful look of a predator when on the move, though they have a calm but curious expression otherwise. The heads are largely rounded and broad, which taper down towards the nose. They have expressive round eyes, which can come in various shades such as green, gold, and copper, some cats may also have blue eyes or eyes with different colors.

Newborn Siberian Kitten
Newborn Siberian Kitten
Reproduction
Siberian cats sexually mature much faster than most other breeds, and can become active for reproduction as early as when they are just five months of age. An average litter will have around 5 - 6 kittens. The best age for breeding these cats is between 18 months and six years. However, females have been known to give birth even at the age of nine or ten years. They are known to be very good parents, and have strong family bonds, which is why it is recommended that one should bring home these cats in pairs.

Personality Traits
The temperament of a Siberian cat is one of its major plus points, and is a large factor in why it is very popular as a pet. Often known to show dog-like affection, they nearly always follow their owners around the house, and will want to get involved in any activity one may be busy with. These cats also love to snuggle, and often like to communicate with a wide range of vocalizations, including chirps, purrs, trills, and meows. They are usually very calm, and also friendly towards kids, strangers, and other pets, which makes them ideal as therapy cats. However, it is important that new pets are gradually introduced to other animals to make sure that they are comfortable with each other.

Siberian cats usually love playing in water, and can enjoy playing in tubs, and tipping their water bowls over. They are extremely active and playful, and some have even been found to start a game of fetch with their owners by bringing over a toy to throw. They are also quite intelligent, which makes it easy to teach them tricks. Due to its forest cat ancestry, it is important that the owner provides it with many surfaces to climb and jump onto, as they love to reach places with great heights and jump across long gaps. Although these cats love to play outdoors, they should have their regular living space inside the house too.

Health Problems
Both pure and mixed-breed Siberian cats are very robust and largely resistant to diseases, and can easily live for more than 15 years if cared for properly. However, this breed is susceptible to diseases that are genetic in nature, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In this condition, the muscles of the heart grow to sizes that are larger than normal.

Another disease known to affect them is polycystic kidney disease, where cysts form inside the kidneys, gradually growing in size as the cat ages, eventually ending in kidney failure. Good living conditions, and regular checkups and vaccinations with a vet can help in preventing or reducing the effects of these diseases. Apart from this, it is also important for owners to keep their Siberians from getting obese, as they are very fond of food. Keeping them from getting overweight will ensure that the cat remains healthy throughout its life.

Care and Grooming
Siberian cats have a very thick coat, which gets even thicker during the winter season. Despite this, it is fairly easy to groom them, as the fur doesn't easily tangle or mat. Brushing the fur once a week should be enough to keep your cat looking good. However, it is important to brush the hair daily during certain times in the spring and fall, when these cats tend to molt and shed a lot of hair. This will remove all the dead hair and prevent it from getting into knots.

The fur is largely water-resistant. This is good for the owner, as regular bathing is not required, and shampooing this water-resistant fur can be quite a task. However, baths can be a good idea if people in the house are allergic to cats. It should not be too difficult to persuade a Siberian cat to bathe, due to their affinity to water. Make sure you thoroughly wash off all the soap though.

Apart from this, one should remember to maintain a healthy diet, trim the nails, check the ears for infection, and brush the teeth of the cat every week. It is important that these routines for hygiene are practiced from the time the cat is young, so it becomes easier with time.

Are Siberian Cats Hypoallergenic?
Although not proven scientifically, Siberian cats are largely hypoallergenic. This is because, the saliva of these cats contain significantly lesser amounts of a protein called FelD1, than other breeds. When cats lick their fur, the saliva eventually dries and flakes off, and if the flakes contain high amounts of FelD1, the chances for allergies increases.

So, although Siberian cats rarely cause allergies, it is best that a prospective owner spends some time with the cat before bringing it home. This will not only allow you to check if you have an allergic reaction, but will also help you to bond with your future pet. Moreover, many cat allergies go down over a period of time, so if you do find yourself allergic to your Siberian, give it a month's time to be sure.

Purchase or Adoption
When you are looking to adopt a Siberian cat, it is important that you get your pet from a good breeder. Always look out for the following warning signs that might indicate a poor pedigree, or a breeder who is irresponsible.

Language mistakes in the advertisements, which might indicate a scam from people overseas.
Unwillingness from the breeder to provide references of other buyers.
Pictures of cats in the advertisement which do not look like Siberians.
Sale of cats that are either too expensive or too cheap. The normal range is between USD 1,100 and 1,400.
Breeders who don't check all their cats for genetic problems.
Breeders who guarantee an allergy-free cat.
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These cats are so loved that it is not very easy to find them for adoption, and it is not uncommon to find oneself on a waiting list. So, if you are indeed fortunate enough to have this rare, but cherished breed, you are surely in for a treat.

How does the Sense of Taste Work in Humans?

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We often judge foods by tasting them. Even though the food is highly nutritious, if you do not like its taste, you would not eat it. Have you ever wondered how does your sense of taste work? If yes, then the following article has the answer.
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The sense of taste is also called 'gustation' and it is accompanied by salivation. It works in conjunction with the sense of smell, and the sense of sight. All of these senses together make sure that we do not consume foods that are poisonous or rotten. This explains why we salivate at the sight or the aroma of our favorite foods. Irrespective of the sensation of taste, personal preferences may influence your gustation.
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The Taste Receptors
We often attribute the sensation of taste to the taste buds on our tongue. A taste bud is just a cluster of taste receptor cells. The taste receptor cells are responsible for the detection of taste. Each taste bud contains about 50-150 columnar receptor cells, which have transmembrane proteins at the apex. These proteins bind to certain tastants, while they simply admit other tastants into the cell. The taste buds are mounted on the fungiform papillae. The papillae are situated on the surface of the tongue.

Tastants
The gustation is possible only when the taste receptor cells are able to respond to the tastants. The tastants are molecules or ions, which stimulate the sense of the taste. There are 5 major taste sensations caused by the tastants. They are:

Salty: Substances like table salt are responsible for this sensation. Bitter: Compounds like quinine stimulate this taste.

Sweet: Generally, foods with sucrose content are the reason for this taste sensation.
Sour: This sensation can be termed as the taste of acids.

Umami: This taste is caused due to glutamate or monosodium glutamate (MSG) in foods.

Perception of Taste
When we ingest food, it comes in contact with the fungiform papillae. Now, the tastants from the ingested food reach the taste buds and seep through its pores to reach the taste receptor cells. For each sensation, a different kind of reaction takes place. Every receptor cell is connected to a sensory neuron through a synapse. A neuron can be connected to several receptor cells from various taste buds. The respective signal for a particular taste sensation is first sent to the neuron, and from the neuron it is transmitted to the gustatory cortex, which is situated at the rear side of the brain. The gustatory cortex does the processing of the stimulus and provides the corresponding results to the brain. This is how we perceive the taste of a particular substance.

What Happens When?
In this section, I will be considering a few examples corresponding to the various sensations of taste, and I will tell you what happens at the taste receptor cell when the respective tastant reaches it.

Taste Sensation: Salty
Example: Table Salt

When table salt is consumed, the Na+ ions in it, are directly permitted into the receptor cells. This causes the cell to get depolarized and release energy at the synapse, thereby generating an action potential in it.
Taste Sensation: Bitter
Example: Orange

When you eat an orange, the quinine in it, binds to the G-protein coupled receptors at the surface of the receptor cells and triggers the stimulus. T2R subunits of taste receptors are associated with this taste.
Taste Sensation: Sweet
Example: Table Sugar

On the intake of table sugar, the sucrose molecules in it bind to the G-protein coupled receptors, thereby triggering the signal. T1R1 and T1R3 subunits of taste receptors are associated with this taste.
Taste Sensation: Sour
Example: Lemon

A lemon is an acidic substance. When you have a lemon, the H+ ions in them, enter the taste receptor cells. This leads to a reaction that results in an action potential, which sends the stimulus to the sensory neuron.
Taste Sensation: Umami
Example: Parmesan Cheese

On consuming the Parmesan cheese, the glutamate in them, undergo binding to the G-protein coupled receptors. The subunits of receptors associated with this sensation of taste are T1R2 and T1R3.

Taste Disorders
Experiencing phantom taste, hypogeusia, ageusia, and dysgeusia are some of the taste disorders.

Phantom Taste: When a person experiences a taste that does not really exist, he is experiencing phantom taste.
Ageusia: It is a condition where the person is unable to taste anything.
Hypogeusia: This condition occurs when a person's power to taste reduces.
Dysgeusia: In dysgeusia, the person experiences a foul taste in his mouth all the time.

Did You Know?

Cats cannot sense the sweet taste.
At birth, humans have around 10,000 taste buds and we start losing a few taste buds after the age of 50.
There are taste buds on the roof of the mouth and on the throat lining.
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In order to get the flavor of food, you should use olfaction, that is, your sense of smell, along with gustation. You now know the working of sense of taste. So the next time you have your favorite food, you know what's happening inside.

What do Crocus Flowers Symbolize?

Saffron flowers or popularly known as crocus have long been associated with the expensive spice 'saffron' and used in rituals, royal ceremonies, and as flowery ornaments. These perennial blooms are highly favored for bouquet ornamentations to convey the expression 'I am glad that you are in my life.' This article elaborates on the symbolism of the crocus flowers.

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Crocus flowers symbolism
Every year on the 6th of May the Turks celebrate the spring festival Hidrellez by preparing a special 'pilaf' made out of rice, wheat and crocus bulbs.
The language of flowers was first formulated during the Victorian era and came to be known as floriography wherein each flower conveyed a specific meaning. The Crocus is a perennial spring flowering plant that grows from a corm primitively found throughout Europe and Asia.

These delicate cup-shaped flowers bloom in lilac, mauve, yellow and white during the autumn-flowering and spring-flowering season of January in countries that experience cold and temperate climates. They significantly symbolize hope and cheerfulness during the end of winter with their vibrancy covering the foothills of cold and elevated mountains withstanding harsh icy winds thus representing floral resurrection and beginning of spring.

Origin & Meaning
✦ According to the Online Etymology Dictionary the name Crocus originated during the 14th century and is derived from the Greek word krokos meaning saffron. In Latin, it originated from the adjective crocatus meaning saffron yellow. Other names are karkom in Hebrew, kurkama in Aramaic, and kurkum in Arabic and Persian. The yellow etymology reasonably refers to the expensive Saffron spice obtained from the autumn saffron crocus which also produces a rich yellow dye. During Roman times, when Crocus sativa was grown in England for obtaining saffron it was known as croh.

Symbolism
✦ As depicted on a small 2000 B.C. slab in Hattusa, the Hittites who once lived on the Anatolian plateau celebrated spring festival on the arrival of the crocus flowers. The bulbs of these flowers were used in important spring rituals to appease the Gods. These species flowering during the onset of spring symbolize awakening of nature, floral revitalization, heavenly bliss, and nature's rebirth in the dead of winter.

✦ During the 1500 B.C. Bronze Age in the Minoan Crete culture, women adorned crocus flowers in their hair and used saffron-based cosmetics for a glowing skin. These flowers were held sacred and also used for medical properties in the Egypt culture and are depicted in artifacts dating back to over 1600 BC. In ancient Rome, women used saffron to dye their hair and color their apparels in royal yellow. The yellow dye symbolized wealth, status, and royalty among the ancients.

✦ Crocus popularly belonged to the cult of Ariadne, the goddess of vegetation on Crete and Thera islands. Very little is known about the goddess but Greek mythology states that she is reborn every year. Hence it could be associated to the perennial attribute of these flowers. Numerous ancient illustrations found on the volcanic island of Thera (Santorini) depict the Crocus Goddess celebrating a new phase of life carrying a large basket of blooms and surrounded by devotees wearing saffron-colored dresses. According to the paintings it is believed that young girls went out to pick the blossoms during spring and rendered it as religious offerings to the female deity. It also meant a phase or jubilant celebration of initiation into adulthood of young girls and boys hence the flowers also symbolize youthful energy, joy, renewal of life, blossoming of youth, and beauty. The paintings also depict the flowers ritualistically adorned on the vessels and other cult objects related to the Greek Goddess.

✦ Such was the demand of a few pounds of crocus corms that they were used as loan for gold and jewelry during medieval European trade. The Victorian age termed the flower symbolic to the sun and affiliated it with qualities of cheerfulness, glee, mirth, and youthfulness. In numerology, it significantly stands for number eight and is related to the third-eye chakra of the human body.

Famous Legends
✦ There are three versions of the classic Greek mythology related to the mortal being Crocus. In one, the shepherd boy falls in love with beautiful nymph Smilax. The Gods are angered on their union and turn mortal Crocus into a flower and Smilax into Bindweed. On similar lines in another rendition the mortal being and the nymph's union receives approval from the Gods for their deep devotion towards each other and hence are transformed into an immortal flower and coniferous tree respectively. In another adaptation of the story Crocus is the companion of God Hermes and is accidentally killed during a game of discus. To mourn and honor his death, Hermes transforms his body into a beautiful flower.

✦ The most famed legend associated with Crocus flowers as symbol of love is perhaps of the origination of Valentine's day. Valentinus was a 3rd century Roman physician and a devout Christian priest who administered his patients with natural remedies. He would also fervently pray for the people under his medical care. Unfortunately, Christian practices were prohibited under the reign of Claudius II, and Valentinus was arrested and condemned to death.

The jailer's blind daughter was one of Valentinus's patients. Just before his execution, Valentine handed the jailer a note en-wrapped with a yellow crocus, the source of the healing herb, saffron. The vision of the jailer's blind daughter was miraculously restored on receiving the note and the first flower she saw was the yellow crocus. On the note, the Christian physician had penned his last message: From your Valentine. This was the world's first valentine message and the day was 14th February, 270 AD thus started the tradition of love.
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From the seat of divinity to the echoes of eternal love, these flowers stand for perennial happiness and inspire love like Cupid's heavenly arrows.

Job Description of an Attorney General

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If defending issues and causes has always been your niche, then an attorney general may be just the job for you. This article discusses the traits and duties that pertain to this job.
Job description of an attorney general
Did You Know?
An attorney general is only one of the four important cabinet ministers not to be referred to as 'Secretary'.
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The United States Government has been a champion in taking up issues and causes that no other country would volunteer for. Some decisions that are taken by the President and his office are frowned upon, as often decisions taken are by any one wielding authority. You need someone with worldly know-how and technical expertise to defend the Office. This is where the attorney general plays a huge role, and is often considered the Vizier of the government.

The history of an attorney general dates back to colonial times, as his main responsibility pertained to defending the King and his subjects. He was charged with protecting the rights of the public as well as the government. The appointment of an attorney general was passed due to the Judiciary Act of 1789, and signed into law by President George Washington. With the establishment of the Department of Justice in 1870, the attorney general holds the largest office of the judicial branch, and is responsible for maintaining the rights of the country and its citizens.

Job Description
▣The attorney general has the power to appoint his deputy, and has authority over all the attorney generals of the states.

▣He can give opinions and advice to the President of the United States on legal matters, as well as the executive departments and agencies.

▣He can make recommendations concerning the appointments of U.S. Marshals and attorneys in the state.

▣He supervises the departments of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) - also known as ATF or BATF, Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys (USAO), and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), all of which fall under the Department of Justice.

▣He has a major responsibility of defending the President and the U.S. Government in the Supreme Court on all legal matters, in all courts, whether foreign or domestic.

▣He is aided in all legal matters by the Deputy Attorney General and Associate Attorney General.

▣He serves in the Cabinet of the President of the United States.

▣He can represent the whole U.S. government, or a single representative in court.

▣He is responsible for investigating and prosecuting federal crimes against the government.

▣He can also propose new laws that can protect the rights of citizens, prevent unfair consumer practices, and improve the lives of the common citizen.

Qualification
▣An attorney general needs to be a highly qualified attorney, who has been working for a minimum of 10 years.

▣The post is given only on the appointment of the President of the United States.

Required Skills
▣He needs to be intelligent as well as legal savvy to work out the intricacies of the government.

▣He must be involved in civic, legal, and volunteer endeavors, as well as have a well-rounded education.

▣Since the post is mostly political, it's important to have a network of allies.

▣He can enforce and propose federal laws aimed to strengthen the safety and welfare of the citizens.
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Although the attorney general has power, he can also be tried for treason, bribery, and other crimes committed by the government. The US has had 82 attorney generals in its history, and the current attorney general appointed by President Obama to succeed Eric Holder is Loretta Lynch.

Discover the Factors that Lead to Bad Decisions

Prom-Dresses

While good decisions result in new opportunities and benefits, bad ones often lead to serious problems. If you do not want to have regrets, you must realize the circumstances and factors that result in poor decisions, so that you can avoid them in future. This article will tell you what makes us take bad decisions.

"I wish I had known this before" is a statement often said by us when we realize that we have made bad decisions. It would have been so much better for us to take accurate decisions, had we known the factors that lead to bad ones. It would have helped us sideline the urge to take the wrong decision and cast our vote in favor of the right one.

Imagine a scenario where you get job offers from two companies. While company A is huge, it does not offer a good remuneration. On the other hand, company B is a small one but pays you well and will also give you a good work experience. You will have to take a tough decision by giving it a serious thought, according to the decision's viability and impact on your life.

Knowing exactly what causes us to make bad decisions will help us channel our emotions and thoughts in the right direction. Here is a list of surprising factors that lead to bad decisions so that you can avert focusing on them.

Lack of Foresight

Many times, we tend to concentrate only on the 'right now' of a certain decision and fail to understand its repercussions on our future. Ideally, we should have the vision and practice proactive thinking to predict the changes in future in order to arrive at a suitable decision. For example, if you are venturing into a business dealing with electronic gadgets, you must be able to predict the future trends and upgrade your stock before your competitors. In order to make a decision, you must have a futuristic and progressive approach.

Dependency on Others

Often, we get confused and leave some of the most important decisions of our life in the hands of others. The problem with this approach is that the other person may not be as involved in the decision as you are, or may not be able to do justice to the situation by taking the right decision. You must refrain from asking others to decide for you at all costs. For example, you are trying to buy a new mobile but are not able to decide. So, you ask your friend to choose it for you. The result is that you may get a phone, which is not as per your requirements and has no utility for you.

Incorrect Assumptions

Making incorrect and unrealistic assumptions about a person, situation, or object can induce you into making a bad decision. We often base our views on the history of our experiences. However, as people, situations, and things keep changing from time to time, it is best to judge them as they are, without assuming things. For example, you decide not to interact much with your colleague because you assumed she was mean-minded. However, she was the only one who helped you in completing your assignment.

Lack of Proper Research

Before coming to any decision, you must always research about the feasibility of your decision. You must conduct a SWAT analysis and understand the pros and cons of your decision. You must consider the impact of the decision on the concerned parties who will get affected by it. This will help you take the right decision. For example, you decide to change your job, but you research and find that the new job may not add value to your career development. Hence, you decide to explore opportunities at your current workplace.

Short-term Thinking

Short-term thinking is one of the biggest mistakes that people commit during the process of making a decision. They do not realize that the decision they are taking today will affect their present as well as future. What seems correct and applicable now may not turn out to be a good decision eventually. For example, splurging your hard-earned money on impulsive shopping may leave you with meager savings. As opposed to this, if you decide to save your money, you will reap long-term benefits.

Emotional Thinking

Many times, people end up listening to their heart rather than their head, and make a wrong decision. If you are running a business, then it is crucial that you take decisions practically, not emotionally. Giving too much leverage to emotionally-driven decisions can gradually cause problems for you. You must always emphasize on making practical, result-oriented decisions. For example, you stop working as you find it difficult to concentrate because of the emotional problems in your personal life. It will not only take a toll on your financial status but also aggravate your emotional state.

Rigid Beliefs

Another deterrent to taking accurate decisions is following a rigid set of beliefs. Every aspect of our personal and professional life keeps on changing, and it is imperative that we accept this. If we continue to view the world through old glasses, bad decisions are bound to be taken. We must accept reality and adapt to novel circumstances. For example, you may be into business since the last many years and do not charge interest on late payments from customers. However, in order to make them pay on time, you will have to levy a nominal amount of interest as late-payment charges.

Preconceived Notions and Biases

Most of us harbor preconceived notions and biases about others. We should learn to judge others by interacting with them. Jumping to conclusions about anyone or anything will not help you take the right decision. In fact, it will lead you to judge them incorrectly and make a wrong decision. For example, you may not think that a certain person is capable of doing a job. But only when you interact with him and give him the responsibility to execute a job, will you understand how he performs.

Risk of Uncertainty

If you have to take a drastic decision, your mind will be raided with thoughts of all the uncertainties associated with it. This will make you choose a relatively safer decision, which may not prove beneficial for you. It is best to conduct a risk and reward analysis, before concluding anything hastily. It will help you understand how the decision will impact you. For example, you want to invest in an IPO of a certain stock, which is predicted to boom in future. However, you decide to make savings deposits in the bank.

Too Many Choices

You could get confused as you have to make a choice from a variety of options, and zeroing in on a single one can be challenging. You may find it difficult to judge what will work for you and what won't. Hence, it is best to discard the choices and select only a few to make the final decision. This will save a lot of time and enable you to come up with an accurate decision. For example, you may get confused if you go to buy shoes but have limited money. In this scenario, you will have to choose shoes, which will go with your outfits, are trendy, durable, and within your budget.

Not Challenging the Facts

While researching the facts before coming to a decision, many people do not take the effort of asking the right questions or challenging the facts. This does not make them aware about the complete truth, and it may so happen that their decision may prove to be wrong. For example, you may hire someone who claims to have a good experience, but unless you see all the paperwork, you should not go ahead.

Not Taking Timely Decisions

Certain issues need to be mitigated urgently. If you waste time in taking a decision, it will not prove to be worthy. You should always make the right decision at the right time.

There is no point in deciding after the time has elapsed, as it may not serve the purpose and turn out to be a bad judgment. For example, you are planning to buy a car, which you can purchase at a 20% discount for a particular duration. If you decide to buy it after the scheme is over, you will not be able to reap the benefits of the discount.
Prom-Dresses
The course of our life is defined by the effective decisions we take for our future. And if we want to take effective ones, we should not have half knowledge about facts. Some other reasons that may lead to bad decisions are not involving experts, unforeseen problems, lack of communication, not learning from the past, and lack of reasoning. You will be surprised to know that your decisions may be affected due to your hormones, an empty stomach, and even sleep deprivation. Now that you know the factors that lead to bad decisions, weigh its pros and cons, and ensure that you arrive at the right decision.