Safety Tips during Earthquake

The rule of thumb for earthquake protection is simple: "Duck and Cover". In wake of the recent earthquakes,Here is a list of the top 5 essential tips to remember if you witness an earthquake.

1. DROP & COVER

During an earthquake, the one most important thing to remember is the "DROP and COVER RULE". Simply fall flat on the floor if you're out in the open. If you're indoors, it is extremely important that you maintain your calm and try to take cover under a heavy object like study tables.

2. Stay away from Buildings

If you are outdoors, stay as far away from buildings as possible. Take special precaution of being far away from glass buildings.

3. Stay away from things that can Fall

Stay away from pretty much anything that you feel could 'possibly' fall.

4. Surviving Crowded Areas

If you find yourself in a crowded area, stay calm. Do not attempt to sprint to the nearest exit. More often than not, a greater percentage of lives are lost due to panic situations during an earthquake leading to stampedes. All you need to remember is to take cover under something sturdy.

5. Aftershocks

Beware of aftershocks once the initial earthquake has ended. Aftershocks are follow-up earthquakes. They are smaller than the first one, but, are still, very dangerous.

For those with anxiety problems, here are a few tips that may come in handy. Dealing with difficult people, especially at your work place may prove to be essential in case of a crisis situation.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Smartphone or Tablet

Choosing a mobile device for work isn't just a matter of deciding whether you want an Android smartphone or an iPhone. Maybe what you really need is a large tablet, or a small tablet, or a netbook or a phone/tablet hybrid.

Your choice will depend largely on what you need to do with the mobile device and where you'll be using it. Answering these simple questions can help you decide which kind of device will meet your mobile work needs.

1. How portable should it be? 

• Do you regularly carry a briefcase, purse or computer bag? If not -- and if you'd rather not start -- then a smaller smartphone that slips into your pocket is probably best.

• Many smartphones, including the iPhone 4S, are 4.5 inches tall or less, and 2.5 inches wide or less. Hold various models in your hand to see which ones feel most comfortable

2. How much typing will you need to do? 

• When writing anything longer than quick search requests, texts or tweets, smartphone typing can be slow and prone to errors. That's when a physical keyboard can be useful. Options include purchasing a netbook or laptop with a built-in keyboard, or a keyboard that connects to your mobile device via Bluetooth or USB.

• Before buying a keyboard, make sure it's compatible with your specific mobile device. Also consider how you'd carry the keyboard around.

• If you prefer writing notes by hand or need to sketch designs, most tablets are large enough for you to write with your fingertip. Some devices, such as the smartphone/tablet hybrid Samsung Galaxy Note, offer the option of using a stylus.

3. How much battery life will you need? 

• Poor battery life is the downfall of most mobile devices, especially ones with large, bright touch-screen displays. At a recent online security event, a Symantec senior product manager said that mobile analytics show a steep weekday decline in mobile Internet traffic throughout North America around 2 p.m. local time. The reason? That's about the time when many smartphones start running low on battery charge.

• If you're often unable to charge up at an electrical outlet, consider spare battery options before you buy. For instance, you can't swap out the battery on an iPhone, iPad or Macbook Air, but you can on most Android and Windows Phone devices, and on most laptops and non-Apple netbooks.

• It's common for mobile devices to come with a low-capacity battery. Search online for your smartphone's make and model, plus the word "battery" to find the largest capacity battery your phone can take. Sometimes "extended" batteries are larger in size, so you might need to purchase a special back cover to accommodate one in your phone.

• You might also want a charger so you can charge both your phone and the spare battery at once when plugged in.

4. Will you be working outside in daylight? 

• Many mobile devices have screens that are hard to see in full daylight, even when cranked up to full brightness, which drains the battery much faster. The Retina displays on new Apple devices perform well in full daylight, and there's speculation that Samsung and other manufacturers of Android devices may soon be launching devices with comparable displays.

5. Will you need to record audio or video, or take lots of photos? 

• If you need a mobile device for creating, not just showing or playing multimedia content, then pay special attention to the built-in camera and microphone. Don't just go for the highest-megapixel camera. Look for reviews of camera optics and image processing features.

• Also consider how you'll want to physically handle the device when shooting or recording. For instance, most tablets include a camera and will shoot video or photos. This is fine if you're propping the tablet up for stationary shots or video chats. But to capture live action or pan around, smartphones are generally easier to maneuver than tablets.

• A device that shoots high-quality photos should also yield high-quality video. But consider whether you need to shoot high definition (HD) video or photos. These files can be large and difficult to share or work with on a smartphone. If you do need to shoot HD, consider getting a small camera in addition to a smartphone.

• The secret to good video is good audio. Because the built-in microphones in most smartphones and tablets aren't great for more than quick audio notes, consider getting a plug-in microphone. 

Reorient Guest Room as per Vaastu and Feng shui

'Attithi devo bhavo', a saying that equates guests to god is taken very seriously in India. But that's not saying the rest of the world doesn't. Stories from around the world have highlighted instances of sacrifice being made when guests come to the house, and they are treated as messengers of gods. 

The science of Vaastu and Feng shui too give it an exalted status when it states that special attention be given to the ambience in a guest room. There should be a perfect balance in the flow of energies called yin and yang. Feng shui is very specific when it harps about the flow of energy around the building and the room, and states that it is equally important in a guest room as well. A good balance of Yin and Yang energies creates a peaceful, positive aura. Here's how you can make your guest-room compatible and favourable with some Feng Shui measures:

• The room should be compact, small, and cozy. Ensure that it is also clutter free so as to give your guest a feeling of a clean and spacious surrounding.

• Avoid the bed in the room facing the door. It's inauspicious to have the bed towards the door.

•  Bed should not be seen in the mirror of the dressing table. Cover it, or it'll leave with guest with a disturbed and fragmented sleep pattern.

• Choosing the right colours is of utmost importance. Use more of pastel shades like light pink, light blue, light green and off-white.

• Guest room should always be located in the west of the house. But if children accompany the guest, then ensure that the group is in a room located in the east.

•  The guest room should not have a sloping roof or any kind of sharp corners. It should never be exposed to overhead beams, which disrupt the flow of positive 'chi'.

•  Keep the room bright with the right colours and lights. These ensure positivity in the room.

• Happiness and prosperity comes with positive thinking. If the guest is happy, the host automatically radiates the goodness and well-being of a happy guest.

• Interior of the house should align with other rooms of the house or business house. Furniture should have the correct 'Phi', that is the golden ratio, to create a pleasant ambience.

Fashion Tips for Women : Dressing Body Type Correctly

The first step to looking your best in your clothing is to know your specific body type and apply certain fashion tips accordingly. Not all trends, designs, colors and fabrics flatter every figure, so it's essential to be able to steer clear of fashions that don't do your figure any justice.

Dressing Your Body Type Correctly

While it may be tempting to buy clothing for the figure you wish you had, the fact is that you should dress the body you have in the best way possible. Arguably, all women have an area on their body that they aren't too happy with, which is fine, but just remember that even your perceived flaws can be dressed to look pretty nice by choosing the right clothing for your body type. Be honest with yourself; if you have a bit of a tummy, don't buy something extra clingy in that area and think that you can hold your stomach in the whole time you wear it. Fashion should be comfortable; if it's not, you won't feel as confident, and confidence is always the most important thing to wear.

Once you know what your designated body type is, dressing yourself is a lot easier -- and even fun -- because you know what to stay away from and what looks best. While there are a myriad of body type combinations, there are four main types that all women fall into in some way. They are:

1. Apple: This body type is essentially rounded all over with thinner legs and arms. This body type also lacks a defined waist-line and a can alternate between a smaller or fuller bust area.
2. Pear: This shape is characterized by having a smaller upper body in comparison to your lower half. The waist area is defined and smaller than the hip and thigh area, while the upper body sports a small bust, arms and long neck.
3. Hourglass: Widely known as the ideal body type, hourglass figures are highlighted by a very small waist area in comparison to their hip/thigh region. The bust area can be both average or full size. Generally, this body type is curvy all over.
4. Rectangle: This is the body type that is commonly seen in athletes and runway models. Known as "the boyish figure", rectangle body types have slim hips, thighs and waist areas. The rear area lacks curves and the bust tends to be on the smaller side.

1. Fashion Tips for Apples

Best Colors, Prints and Patterns for Apple Shapes

• Since this body type is rounded all over, you want to opt for colors that provide a significant slimming effect. Natural black hues fit the bill, but also navys, chocolate browns, forest greens, deep aubergine and charcoal gray also flatter your apple shape just as well. All over color, such as a monochromatic look is highly appealing because it instantly slims, but you can certainly wear different colors at once as long as they don't cut off at the mid-section. In addition, be sure to keep darker colors on the bottom when combining them with lighter/brighter colors.

• Avoid overly busy prints or patterns because they can easily make you look like a mass of fabric. Instead opt for subtle prints like horizontal stripes, small polka dots, hounds tooth and gingham. Prints and patterns tend to complement fuller figures when placed on the lower half of the body, so take this into consideration as you select your clothing.

Flattering Fabrics

• The fabric that you choose for your body type is just as important as the clothing itself. If you select fabric that isn't flattering, it can draw attention to problem areas, make you look larger and provide a jumbled silhouette. Steer clear of shiny, overly clingy fabrics that lack a generous amount of stretch, these would include: satin, spandex, chiffon and rayon. The best fabrics for an apple body type are those that have substance, lots of room and skim your curves. Matte jersey is one of the best fabrics, while cotton, wool blends and viscose also works wonders for this body type. However, you may find that many garments are made from a variety of fabrics, some you should wear and some you shouldn't -- in this case you must make the choice of what is the most complementary look for you.

Essential Accessories

• The most essential accessory that an apple-shaped girl needs is a belt. Belts help to create the illusion of a waist-line, streamline the tummy area and add overall dimension and definition. Actually, anything that has a belt, whether top, jacket, dress, skirt or pants, should be worn whenever possible. Long, chain-link necklaces are also a good accessory choice because they draw the eye downward, away from the rounded mid-section, creating the illusion of a longer torso. The slim legs of an apple shape are the highlight, so feel free to wear eye-catching high heels that draw attention to this area of the body.

2. Fashion Tips for Pears

Creating Balance with Color and Pattern

• There is a large contrast between the top and lower halves of a pear-shaped figure, so take note of this when selecting colors, prints and patterns. The small top half of a pear shape is ripe for the addition of colors from wide ends of the spectrum, so feel free to experiment. However, the lower half is much more curvy, so it's best to go for darker shades to slim the rear, hip and thigh area. If you opt for one specific color all over make sure that it's falls in the middle in terms of vibrancy.

• The choices for bold prints and patterns are wide open for the upper half of your pear shape, but the bottom half is best complemented with those that are smaller and don't add bulk to your curvy lower half. An all over pattern or print isn't advised because it would draw attention to the larger areas and throw off balance.

Best Fabrics for Pear Shapes

• Form-fitting fabrics are flattering to a pear shape because they equally accentuate your petite upper body and your curvy lower half. Matte jersey, cotton, polyester-blends and viscose are all good choices. Fabrics that are overly heavy, like leather, wool and chunky knits that add bulk should be avoided. If you do choose to wear these fabrics, keep them on the upper part of your body only because they make the lower half appear larger.

Accessorizing a Pear Figure

• Celebrate your upper half and accessorize your clothing with scarves that draw attention to your neckline, while also elongating it. Dramatic earrings that are wide or long in length, as well as lengthy necklaces are also good elements to accentuate the top half of your body. High heels are your best friend if you are a pear-shaped girl because they elongate your curvy legs and give them a more streamlined look. Pointed toes are best, but round toes, platforms and chunky heels can work, too. However, heels with ankle-straps or those that come up on the ankle should either be totally avoided or worn with caution, depending on your leg size. Since most pear shapes have curvy legs, ankle boots, booties or heels with ankle-straps cut the leg line off and make them look bigger.

3. Fashion Tips for Hourglasses

Tips for Color and Print

• Fortunately, hourglass bodies are very curvy and can wear most any color, so there really isn't much to avoid. However, if you are a little more modest when it comes to your lower half, then you may want to steer clear of extremely light colors on the bottom half of your body. Colors like white, ivory, cream, light pink, canary yellow and baby blue could easily make your lower body appear larger. The choice to wear prints and patterns is pretty much the same as color; most look good on your figure because of its ideal proportions, but be mindful that busier patterns and prints will make the bottom half look larger.

Fashionable Fabric Choices

• The killer curves of this body type should always be highlighted, so any fabric that is form-fitting is always flattering. Spandex, matte jersey, leather and cotton are just a few of the fabrics that are sure to have your hourglass curves on full display. Overly heavy fabrics can be a little overwhelming to your petite upper half, so wear with caution. Chunky knits and bulky wool should be worn sparingly so you don't get lost in mounds of fabric.

Best Accessories for Hourglass Figures

• Anything accentuating that small waist is an accessory that you should always incorporate into your wardrobe. Belts, sashes and ties in tops, dresses, pants or skirts are all flattering choices. Both high heels and flats are flattering to your hourglass figure, however if your legs are a little more curvy, you may want to avoid shoes/boots that cut off at the ankle. Also, if you are short in height, you flats should contain just a bit of a heel to provide an overall streamlined silhouette.

4. Fashion Tips for Rectangles

Creating Curves

• This body type is all about creating curves, so light and bright colors are welcomed because they naturally make your body look bigger because they reflect the light. Dark hues work as well, and will outline your silhouette, but they will slim you down instead of providing the illusion of curves.

• Prints and patterns also create the same effect as light/bright colors, so give your rectangle shape a curvier appearance and feel free to wear them big and bold. Rectangle shapes can actually handle bold prints and patterns the best because they don't have curves to break up the silhouette.

Form-Fitting Fabrics

• Boxy, heavy fabrics like wool, leather and chunky knits don't do much for a rectangle body shape because they don't hug the body, so the boyish appearance still remains. By contrast, stretchy fabrics like matte jersey, spandex and cotton, as well as clingy ones like satin and slilk, skim the body and outline the curves. Since rectangles need to create the illusion of a waistline and curvy hips, rear and thighs, the tighter the fabric the better, because it tricks the eye.

Accessories That Flatter Rectangle Shapes

• Belts help to create the illusion of a defined waist, and they can be worn directly on the waist, slightly above or low-slung on the hips to add needed mass and bulk to an otherwise boxy figure. Chunky necklaces add bulk to the small bust, while long earrings open up the neckline. As a rectangle shape, your shoe options are limitless because heels of all heights look great and flats are quite flattering as well. Even heels that cut off at the ankles ca be flattering because of your slim leg and ankle area.

Dress to Impress

Experiment with fabrics, colors, and styles to come up with looks that are fresh and flattering, but don't obsess over having a 'perfect' body. When you accept your natural body shape, fashion tips can help you accentuate your unique beauty.

Foods to Reduce Belly Fat

Fat belly does not only make your abdomen bulge out, it also poses grave risk to of diseases like hypertension, diabetes and stroke. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), men who have a waist more than 40 inches have heightened risk of heart diseases and diabetes.

The most common reasons for the accumulation of fat in the tummy are hormonal imbalance, excessive eating, intake of large quantities of alcohol, sweets and chocolates and lack of exercise. Stress is also one of the prominent reasons for the storage of fat in the belly. Stress triggers the secretion of a hormone called cortisol. Excess of cortisol stimulates the storage of fat around the waist. Then there's another factor of improper digestion. Due to malfunctioned digestion gastro problems arise and this leads to a persistently puffy belly. As we add years, our efficiency of burning calories goes down, so sluggish metabolism also sets off the buildup of fat around the midsection.

Here's some information on foods which you should consume if you have a bloated belly.

Eggs: They provide good quality protein which in turn helps overcome hunger pangs.

Beans: Beans like black gram (chana), green gram (chana), chick peas and green moong bustle with fibre and proteins. They help you shed pounds and improve muscle tone.

Oat Meal: Befriend the good ol' oats if you're battling belly fat. Start your day with oats cooked in water or consume them with milk. They're high in soluble fibre and low in fat.

Vegetables: Green vegetables are rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre. Consuming vegetables for dinner without chapatis and/or rice is helpful in shrinking the waist size. What's more, most green veggies have only 30-60 calories per 100 grams.

Barley: Barley has a considerably low glycemic index and contains lots of soluble fibre. This helps in diminishing the circumference of the waist. Regular consumption cuts down the risk of cardiac diseases and type II diabetes.

Green Tea: Polyphenols present in the tea help boost metabolism. Green tea is less processed and contains higher levels of anti-oxidants. It greatly suppresses the appetite.

Milk: When we say milk, we're not recommending full-cream milk. In fact, make sure you stay away from that. Go for non-fat milk which has the same amount of calcium and protein as full-cream milk but contains less sodium and helps prevent water retention. This reduces bloating.

Yogurt: It's oozing with calcium and protein and has very less calories (80 calories in a cup of low-fat yogurt).The beneficial bacteria present in yogurt boost immunity and aid bowel movement.

Tomatoes: The luscious red tomatoes contain only 20 caloriesper hundred gram. They are rich in fibres, lycopene and potassium. They avert water retention, thereby also preventing bloating of the belly.

Olive Oil: People realise that veggies are good for health but many find their taste boring. Add a small quantity of olive oil. This will improve the flavour of vegetables and make them tastier. But its real benefit is that it can help you lose the hateful flab around your belly.