SITTING IS NEXT TO SMOKING

There is a popular saying, sitting is next to smoking.  It is because when you sit for a long time your body becomes inactive and thereby increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and even cancer. People who work in computers, desk jobs and those who study for long hours are bound to face serious health issues sooner or later. It is a time bomb ticking in your lap, waiting to explode at any moment.

Here are some commonly faced problems and their solutions,

LOWER BACK PAIN:

 Lower back pain is one of such problems. Whether it’s an occasional or an ongoing ache back pain can keep you away from performing your best. It may be caused by sitting continuously for long hours at a time. Slumping back in your desk chair or slouching forward means your spine is out of alignment.That puts a strain on the ligaments and muscles in your back.

REMEDIES: The length of your back should reach the back of your chair to help you sit upright. Also make sure that your feet are resting flat on the floor, with your thighs parallel to the ground. Exercise on regular basis can also help. Abdominal exercises such as crunches two to three times a week can strengthen your core.

WRIST STRAIN:

Wrist strain is another common problem. Many of us unconsciously develop a habit of positioning our wrist over the keyboard. So whenever we operate on a keyboard or mouse the tendons in your wrist go back and forth. That repetitive motion cause fatigue and tendons may become inflamed.

REMEDIES: Perform the Buddha stretch. Place your fingers and palms together with your hands in front of your chest, fingers pointing upward.While keeping your palms together and elbows moving out, lower your hands until you feel a good stretch in your wrists. Hold for five minutes. When using the keyboard, hold your wrist naturally so they‘re floating horizontally in the air- not perched higher than your hands or your hands resting on the desk. Also get a wrist rest for your keyboard and mouse.

NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN:

Frequent movement of neck and shoulder, while working on computer create neck and shoulder injuries. The ache and pain come from placing the computer in an inappropriate position, i.e. too far away on your desk. It causes you to jut your neck and shoulder forward.As a result, strains the muscles and soft tissues.

REMEDIES: To release a tight neck, try the neck retraction exercises. Standing or sitting upright, keep your spine straight and push your head forward, jutting your chin out as far as possible. Always place the computer in front of you-not angled to the side. Use a chair that has adjustable armrests which allow your elbows to form a 90-degree angle. Good posture is also a long-term solution.

 EYE STRAIN:

Staring your computer for hours at a time can cause eye fatigue. People also tend to blink less often while staring at their computers, which leads to dry eyes and fatigue.

 REMEDIES: Every 20 to30 minutes, look at something off in distance for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break. Your computer monitor should ideally be 20 to 30 inches from you. The top level of the computer monitor should be roughly at eye level.

There are lots of other problems too. But the above mentioned are four common major issues suffered by many and their solutions too are hopefully will prove fruitful to everyone.

XI JINPING: RISING AS AN EMPEROR

China, the most populous country in the world, always stays in the limelight of international politics. As we know that Xi Jinping is the president of this powerful country. But the most interesting fact is that Xi Jinping, the president of China gradually stepping forward to be the emperor of China. This is because, on March 17, 2018, the parliament of China approved Xi Jinping one more time, as their president i.e. up to 2023. Even the National People’s Congress of China (NCP) allows him as to continue indefinitely as president after his second time expires in 2023. China’s earlier political philosophy was of ‘’collective leadership’’. But since he became the chief of the communist party from 2012, he slowly consolidated his power to one man control. Here, it is important to mention that in China, all the three important posts of the country is held by the president. This includes General Secretary of the communist party, chairman of the powerful military commission and the president itself.  This means, there is unlimited power lies in the hand of the president. XI Jinping being the president placed his men in all the key positions even in PLA (People’s Liberation Army).

Voice is raised against this move within or outside the country. Especially students and intellectuals within the country criticised the move, but all went in vain, as during Xi Jinping,s  first term, he was able to bring social stability as well as economic growth to the country.

Xi Jinping’s international policies: 

Jinping has the ambition to make China a great power. And he is working relentlessly to pursue his dream. China stands firm against president Trump’s policies, especially with regard to the South China Sea, climatic change, economy etc. He laid more stress on military modernization, improving air, sea, space and cyber warfare capabilities. For the first time, China has established a military base abroad in Djibouti on August 1, 2017. At the same time, China is worried about the emergence of the alliance of Australia, Japan, India and the USA regarding military and economic cooperation. As far as India and its neighboring countries are concerned China is trying to influence and handle them in a very systematic manner.

Effects on India:

As China and India’s don’t share a friendly relation; China is trying to keep a good relationship with Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar etc. China has invested heavily in Hamombota port of Sri Lanka which has been given to China for 99 years lease. It also seems India’s influence over Nepal is also loosing. The recently formed Left Alliance govt led by k P Oli of the Communist party and Maoist Party is not a good news for India. It is well known that China played a great role here. Similarly, the ongoing political crisis in the Maldives, the present dispensation has clearly drifted towards China.

Jinping’s dream project, One Road One Belt will ensure China’s link by land and through the sea to the countries of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Presently more than 70 countries are participants in this project. China Pakistan Economic Corridor is also progressing very fast. China announced an investment of 60 billion dollars on the project which will connect Xinjiang province of China with Baluchistan. It is also observed that China who had little interest earlier in Afghanistan is now attempting to play a role in Afgan peace process.

His Dream:

One must agree that under Xi Jinping’s leadership, China is emerging out itself as a powerful country next to to the US.Today, China is the second biggest aid giver after the US. Jinping is restlessly working to pursue his dream to become the one and only global leader and to make China a global power. 

THE SALT'S STORY

Salt is that commonly used white granular substance, whose absence will surely make our life miserable and tasteless. But I believe many of us don’t know the history and importance of it. We only know, its chemical name is sodium chloride, it’s very cheap and commonly found. But believe me, it’s more than that.

Salt has an awesome, amazing and splendid past. It was worth more than gold. During the time when the Phoenicians ruled the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding areas, it was regarded as one of the most precious commodities. Even its value did not decline when Romans came to power. In earlier times salt was even used as a trading commodity due to its indispensable value. The slave traders of Greek used to barter salt for the slaves.

 Salt has been affecting human life since its discovery, thousand years back. The inescapable value of salt was due to its importance in food preservation. Though at present day, salt is cheaper but its value undoubtedly inexpressible.

There is an interesting fact, our body can’t produce salt by itself; we have to provide it from outside. In its absence, the body becomes chemically imbalanced. As a result, our muscles and nervous system cease to function and eventually we die. Although we will die anyway, but it’s one of such substances that keep us going a bit longer.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SALT:

·         It is said that Roman Soldiers were sometimes paid in salts- which is where the word “Salary” comes from.

·         Every cell in our body contains salt. From blood, sweat, and tears to saliva, all body fluids are salty.

·         It is believed that sprinkling of salt in and around our home may prevent evil spirits or eradicate negative energies.

·         Salt was used to preserve Egyptian mummies.

·         During the French retreat from Moscow, thousands of Napoleon’s soldiers died due to inadequate healing and lower resistance to disease. It was because of salt deficiency.

·         After purification of aviation fuel, salt is used to remove water traces from it.

·         It has sodium, which is the main key in the operation of signals, within, as well as, to and from, the brain.

·         Like human salt is equally essential to all other animals and plants as well.

·         There is a hotel in Bolivia made entirely out of it.

Salt has so many untold salty stories to tell but for that, we have to dig into it. It is not just a subject of history or science but it’s something with a glorified past a wonderful present and an everlasting future. It is the same salt on which British Government imposed high taxes and prohibited Indians from collecting and selling it. And, thus the smart rulers used salt as a weapon to rule. So much of power salt had. But, so many Empires came, ruled and disappeared but the significance of salt remains the same. Till this date, salt is not totally tax-free, though it should be. But we are indeed fortunate that it’s not costly either.

I hope this article of mine will surely “prove its salt”!!

THE MYSTERIOUS OUTCOME OF THE LATEST NASA SPACE EXPERIMENT

Space travel though sounds a fascinating word for almost everybody, but a more than impossible task for a common person. There is a limitless curiosity among us regarding space and its existence. NASA and different space research centers of other countries and their space scientists have been continuously experimenting with it.  Many of them even lost their lives, during their research.  As a part of such experiments Astronaut, Scott Kelly spent a year in space and has returned to the earth recently. And most surprisingly, with a different DNA structure, non-identical to his identical twin brother.

Scott Kelly is an American astronaut of 65 years old and retired space scientist of NASA. He is a veteran space traveler who traveled in space for four times. He stayed on a total of 520 days in space in his career from March 2015 to March 2016.

Latest Space Experiment:

    This time NASA did an experiment with Scott and his twin brother Mark Kelly, who is also a retired Astronaut of  NASA. Mark is an identical twin with his brother and has the same DNA. NASA did this experiment by using Mark and Scot as subjects of study. Through this study, they wanted to find out, how long-term space travel can affect the human body or what exactly happens? This was the final mission of Scott. And the result of this experiment has turned out to be just unbelievable. As it proved that space really does changes upon us. When Scott returned from space it was discovered that his DNA has significantly changed. About 93% of Scott’s genes have changed back after landing on earth, and around 7% of his genes have shown long-lasting or permanent change. This includes immune system, DNA repair, bone formation network etc. Ten research team presented their preliminary findings last year at NASA’s Human research programme 2017 Investigators Workshop (IWS).The recent 2018 IWS saw these findings are confirmed. NASA explains,”while this finding was in 2017, the team verified this unexpected change in multiple assays and genomics testing. Additionally, new telomere (the ends of chromosomes that shorten as your age) shortened within two days of Scott’s return to Earth.” NASA said, ’’Scott’s telomeres actually become larger in space.”

NASA’S future plan:

  NASA has some hidden strategies besides the study of Scott’s DNA study.NASA As well as Elon Musk’s space mission is looking at the possibility of astronauts traveling to Mars. Scott’s stint for one year in space so far simplifies on NASA’s plan to put in space long term.

NASA says,”Scott Kelly one year stint in space is a stepping stone to the three-year mission.” At present astronauts only spend six months in the International Space Station as standard.”  A journey to Mars take at least three years, the longest time a person has ever been in space.

So, the change in DNA of Scott’s opened a new route for the scientists to think alternatively. After Scott’s study, it is confirmed that human body couldn’t cope with such mission as our DNA in body radically transforms with unknown effects. Many of us were expecting the first manned Mars trip will happen within 2030. But the human element cannot be overlooked at the same time. Still, we people are hopeful. Certainly, scientists will find out some way towards the fulfillment of their mission.

ASSAMESE FOOD STYLE

Being born in the house of foodies, interest for foods or better say all kinds of foods is nothing but the result of the genes that I have got willingly or unwillingly through inheritance. Especially when you see your father wake up in the morning rather searching for the news paper he enthusiastically goes to kitchen just to discover what’s on the breakfast menu today, you are bound to learn to love foods.

 Again the place where I born, Assam, although famous for one horned rhino, tea and crude oil but also very rich in foods, though fall in North Eastern part of India where the food culture is generally Mongolian in nature but surprisingly Assamese foods have its own identity and uniqueness, although, one can see a bit similarity with Bengali cuisines but it stand tall and apart due to its strong autochthonous nature. The Assamese Year is full of celebrations come in the form of traditions and if someone deeply sees, all are somehow connected to foods. The famous three Bihus celebrated in January, April and October, specially the first two are not only a cultural delight but also a celebration of foods. The famous Laru/Laddu (round shaped ball made of coconut extract/black sesame mixed with liquid sugar or jaggery) and Peetha (Rice cake filled with coconut extract or sesame mixed with sugar or jaggery) brings happiness and joy to your eyes and tongue when offered with a hot cup of famous assamese tea and there are so many other dishes to offer one can’t deny. These are traditional foods and are purely vegetarian in nature but Assamese menu has lot to offer for the non vegetarian food lovers as well. Here in Assamese society three kind of meats are very popular Duck, mutton and pigeon meat, though the third one is the tastiest but at the same time very unique and rare as I visited several places in India but never find pigeon meat in any menu. The cooking style is almost similar to the other part of India as the use of spices and herbs of Ayurvedic significance again proves the charisma of Unity in Diversity one more time. Again if you are a fish lover I can assure you that you are just in the right place. The mighty river Brahmaputra that flows through the state and about dozens of small rivers are the home for hundreds of species of fishes, though some are common but many are unique and indigenous. From my childhood days, I have seen there are few fish dishes which are only and only cooked and served in this part of the world. Like Ou Tenga Mas (Fish cooked with Elephant Apple, a rich source of Vitamin C), Kordoi Tenga Mas( Fish cooked with Star Fruit), Bhapot dia Mas (fresh water fish barbequed in banana leaves) these are so unique recipes, I would say a must have for a fish lover.

Lastly for me, Food is a story of never ending happiness and the journey goes on with me and after me as well. Although it is impossible for me to include and mention all the dishes but tried my level best to get you acquainted with the food habits and tastes of the people living in this part of the world.               

BITCOIN AND CRYPTOCURRENCY

For a long time, I have been hearing about Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency. Maybe, for that reason my curiosity to know about these two terminologies has increased to a greater extent. So I tried to put my nose on to it just to acquire knowledge as much as I could. After a bit research, I have come up with few things that I think I must share with my readers. The advantage that you are going to get after reading this article is, you will have a basic idea about Bitcoin or Cryptocurrency and how it works.

INTRODUCTION:

First and foremost, Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency are two different words. Cryptocurrency is a cryptographed digital currency means it is encrypted with secret codes. It is just to ensure three things, secure transaction, control re-creation and verify the transfer of funds. It is also called virtual currency or alternative currency, which means, it is not at all a physical currency. On the other hand, bitcoin is just a type of Cryptocurrency. The concept of Cryptocurrency was first described by Wei Dai in 1998. But the bitcoin was designed and created by an unknown figure called Satoshi Nakamoto in the year 2009.

HOW BITCOIN WORKS:

Since bitcoin is a digital currency so its transactions and exchanges are completely digital. Now, u may have a question in mind like, how can someone measure the legitimacy of such transactions? Means, you have a bitcoin, and you want to give it to your friend John. Now, how can John be assured that you haven’t already sent your bitcoin to your friend Harry as email attachment earlier or you have already made several copies of your bitcoin and stored it to your computer?  Or maybe you had put it up on the internet and thousands of people already downloaded it.

To overcome the issue the creator of Bitcoin came up with a solution, it’s called Blockchain which is nothing but a digital ledger. It keeps the records of all transactions that take place digitally. And to root out any discrepancies or probable anomalies and frauds, this digital ledger is not specifically placed in a certain place in a certain computer. Rather, it is managed and maintained by each and everyone, involved in that Blockchain under open distributed ledger system. Anyone can participate in that network. Moreover, one has to be within the system, to be a part of the system or that network.  And, by participating and contributing towards the updating and maintaining of the digital ledger or the Blockchain one can receive bitcoin as a reward. In fact, it is the only way to create more bitcoins in the system. Which is also called Mining.   

CONCLUSION:

Bitcoin is said to carry a high value, and it’s value increasing day by day. The reason is, it is limited in numbers and has higher utility. Moreover, there is another reason for its popularity, that is, the identity of the transacting parties always remains hidden.  Still, there are debates going on between various groups whether it is useful or not. But the way technology is advancing, maybe one-day bitcoin will be accepted as one and only Global Currency. Till then, just wait and watch.