Wednesday, 20 September 2017

How to make Shortbread Biscuits

How to make Shortbread Biscuits

Are you tired of giving away N450 for some 10 sticks of (well, honestly yummy) biscuits? Here is your chance at making yours! Yes, your own shortbread biscuits, baked right in your kitchen; and who knows, you could make money off it! When you do, send some   Midnight cookies this way. or cookiegazm *winks*

Serves: About 20 -25 sticks
Prep time: 1 hr

Ingredients:
150 grams Plain Flour or Fine Wheat flour
100 grams Butter (not margarine or high smoke point oil)
50 grams icing sugar
2 tablespoonfuls Powdered Milk (optional, but makes it extra rich and creamy)
Cookiegasm 
Preparation:
  1. Mix the butter and icing sugar together until creamy.
  2. Sieve the plain flour + powdered milk (or the corn flour or rice flour) into the bowl and mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
  3. Form a ball with the dough and leave to rest in the fridge or in a cool place for 30 minutes.
  4. Now, preheat the oven at 170ºC /325ºF for about 5 minutes.      
    Then Place the dough on a table and roll it out to 3/4 inch thick width, then cut into 2cm by 10cm shortbread fingers or shapes and gently transfer unto a baking tray.
  5. Using a toothpick, make indents on the shortbread fingers.
  6. And finally, place the tray into the preheated oven and bake at 170ºC /325ºF for 10- 12 minutes or until firm, but not brown.
  7.  
Tips
*You can add about 3 tablespoonful of Corn flour or rice flour if you want to get a grainy texture.
*If you don't have icing sugar, you can make use of finely ground granulated sugar.
*Shortbread should not be browned but should have a cream color.

Tuesday, 19 September 2017

steak and shake

Steak ‘n Shake is a diner-style fast food restaurant across the Midwest and Southern United States. Most Steak and Shake restaurants are open 24 hours. Because it has a drive-through and a sit-down service, Steak and Shake prices are generally more expensive than other fast food restaurants.
Steak ‘n Shake is known for its Steakburgers, which are beef burgers made from T-Bone, sirloin, and round stakes. Besides the Steakburgers, it is also popular for having many varieties of milk shakes.
Below are the latest Steak and Shake prices.

Cycle Ergo

I don’t normally review websites but Cycle ergo really caught my attention. This site has a neat little app that takes your height and inseam and draws a stick figure version of you on the motorcycle of your choice. You can see if you’ll be able to touch the ground (and even if you’ll be able to flat foot the bike or be on tip toe) and what the seating position is like.
Unfortunately they did not have my bike listed (the Kawasaki ER-6N) but they did have a number of other bikes I sat on listed. I checked out some of the bikes I was familiar with and found the stick figure to be right on.
While nothing can replace going to a dealership and sitting on the bike yourself this site makes the first step much easier. How many nights have you spent in front of the computer reading the seat height on all the bikes and wondering what that equates to in real life?
This site is a must visit for new riders. Cycle ergo and cycle ergos

Have you tried the sight? Do you find it to be pretty accurate?

Monday, 18 September 2017

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH)

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH) is part of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. As the first independent, degree-granting institution for research and training in public health, and the largest public health training facility in the United States,[4][5][6][7] the Bloomberg School is a leading international authority on the improvement of health and prevention of disease and disability. The school's mission is to protect populations from illness and injury by pioneering new research, deploying its knowledge and expertise in the field, and educating scientists and practitioners in the global defense of human life.[2] The school is ranked first in public health in the U.S. News and World Report rankings and has held that ranking since 1994.
JSPH online MPH

In n Out Fish Nutrition

You might find it odd that people in Bengal, Assam and the coastal regions of India eat fish for almost all their meals, and you might even have made fun of them for loving fish so much. But the fact remains that fish is one of the healthiest foods you can depend on.
Yes, there's a definite flavour-factor attached to eating fish. It doesn't matter if you're having large fish like rahu or bhetki, or small ones like mackerels and sardines, every sort of fish packs quite a punch of flavours. Fish is also very easy to cook, because its flesh cooks quite fast. You can fry it, grill it, poach it, steam it, bake it or boil it--fish always comes out tasting brilliant, and pairs well with everything from rice to rotis. 
But set aside that taste quotient, and you'll find that fish has much more going for it. It can contribute to your health in ways that you might have heard of. Here are a few reasons why you should definitely have fish every day:
1. The good fat
Unlike other food groups, the fatty types of fish (salmon, trout, sardines, tuna, rohu and mackerel) are actually the best for your health. That's because fish is chock full of omega-3 fatty acids, the good fat. These fatty acids are extremely important for the proper function of the brain and eyes, which is why it is also recommended to expecting mothers.
2. Healthy heart
Because of the absence of saturated fats in fish, it is highly-recommended for your heart health. Cholesterol, one of the biggest enemies of heart health, can be kept at bay if you indulge in fish regularly, instead of other sources of protein, like chicken, mutton and lamb. Including rohu fish health benefits  can do to keep cardiovascular diseases at bay.
3. The best source of vitamin
Fish is a natural source of vitamin D. In fact, it is chock full of it. What you basically need vitamin D for is to help your body absorb all other sorts of nutrients, and to maintain overall health. Eating fish aids this need of the body, so you should definitely depend on this food for vitamin D.
4. Fight depression
From omega-3 fatty acids and DHA to vitamin D, all the components of fish can help you keep mental health issues at bay. Fish is a natural anti-depressant, and can help you fight depression and mood swings. So, eating fish can actually keep you happier and healthier.

5. Low risk of major diseases
If you eat fish regularly, you can keep the risk of autoimmune diseases like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis at bay. Fish is a one-stop source of so many vital nutrients that it can maintain a healthy balance in your body, and help fight all sorts of major diseases.
Apart from these benefits, eating fish can also improve your metabolism, sleep quality, skin quality, concentration and alleviate inflammation. With so many health benefits, and the flavour-factor attached, there are enough reasons for you to start indulging in fish for the rest of your 
 in n out nutrition In-N-Out Burger Calorie Counter. Double-Double w/onion-Protein Style (2 100% pure beef patties, lettuce, tomato, mustard & ketchup instead of spread, 2 slices of American cheese, with or without onions

Receding hairline

Receding hairline are a common problem for both men and women, with issues being more common in men. Receding hairlines can be caused by a variety of factors ranging from genetics and aging to hormones and disease. Depending on the cause of your receding hair, there are several options available on the market to help regain your original hairline.

1. Nutritional deficiencies
It could be possible that essential nutrients may be missing from your diet such as iron, copper, zinc and proteins. Deficiency of vitamin D is another cause of hair loss. In order to avoid this, make sure to get out and soak up some sun.
2. Hormonal Imbalance
After the age of 30, women can experience hormonal imbalance which can cause hair loss. This is usually caused by excessive dihydrotestosterone (DHT) conversion. Even though estrogen is the main hormone that women produce, testosterone and other androgens such as DHEA also occur in the female body. As women reach a certain age, they may begin to convert these androgens to DHT.
3. Thyroid issues
If the thyroid gland, which is at the front of the neck, produces excessive or an insufficient amount of the thyroid hormone, then the hair growth cycle may change. However, if you do have a thyroid issue, you will notice other symptoms along with hair loss such as weight gain or loss, sensitivity to cold or heat, and changes in heart-rate.
4. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a hormonal imbalance which creates higher levels of androgens than normal. This often causes hair to grow on the face and body, while hair on the head grows thinner. PCOS can also lead to ovulation problems, acne, and weight gain.
5. Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills can cause hair loss. The hormones in the pill that suppress ovulation can cause hair to thin, especially in women with a family history of hair loss. Sometimes hair loss can occur when you stop taking the pill. Other drugs associated with hair loss are blood thinners and medicines that treat high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, and depression.
6. Stress
Extreme stress can cause sudden hair loss which could last for several months. Minimizing stress through exercise, meditation yoga and massages will reduce your chances of experiencing hair loss.
7. Hair styling products
Over-treated hair can lead to hair loss due to the toxic chemicals found in dyes and styling products. Similarly, almost all shampoos contain Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) which has a toxic effect on your immune system and has been proven to corrode hair follicles and impede hair growth. It is advisable to stick to natural shampoos and dyes.
8. Medical Conditions
- Telogen effluvium
general shedding from all over the head. We typically lose some 100 hairs a day but sometimes shedding accelerates due to stress, illness, medication or hormones. Hair generally grows back within six months.
- Androgenetic alopecia
in women, hair generally thins in the top, frontal area, just behind the hair line, but stays thick at the back. An enzyme causes conversion of the male sex hormone testosterone to another hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), causing the hair follicles to produce thinner hair until they stop.
- Alopecia areata
an autoimmune disease that affects up to 2% of the population. It causes round patches of hair loss and can lead to total baldness. In many cases, the hair regrows.
- Ageing
As we age, the rate at which our hair grows tends to slows down. Hair strands get smaller and have less pigment, and hair becomes thinner, finer, and grey. In order to keep your hair healthy, eat whole foods which help to keep your body youthful, as well as your hair. If you have premature grey hair, you can find here natural supplements that can help you.
- Genetics
Hair loss that is genetic is known as androgenetic alopecia and is known to be the most common cause of hair loss. The gene can be inherited from either your mother's or father's side of the family, though you're more likely to have it if both of your parents had hair loss.
Tips For Controlling Hair Fall
1. Shampoo
It is extremely important to understand your scalp type and choose the right shampoo. Also, you need to wash your hair depending upon your scalp. For instance, over washing hair with dry scalp can lead to hair fall, or not washing oily locks thrice a week can lead to the same.

Further, make sure the shampoo is not loaded with chemicals including sulfate, paraben and silicone that can make your tresses brittle and hence, prone to breakage.
2. Conditioner
A good conditioner can work wonders for your locks. It contains amino acids that help to repair damaged hair, and also helps to keep them smooth.
3. Diet and Exercise
You need to feed your hair all the right nutrients particularly plenty of protein and iron. However, along with eating a balanced diet ensure you are exercising side by side. Yoga and meditation are effective in reducing hair fall.
4. Chemical Treatments
Undergoing rigorous hair treatments like straightening, perming and colouring are definitely not kind to your tresses. Further avoid using blow dryers, curling rods, especially on wet hair as they actually boil the water in your hair shaft and make them brittle.

If you really need to use a blow dry, then keep it on the lowest heat setting. If using other products that heat your hair, start with a fortifying leave-in conditioner and finish with a protective spray.
5. Oiling
Oiling improves blood circulation and nourishes the roots. Make sure to massage your tresses once a week with oil that suits your scalp. Cover it with a shower cap and wash it off with a mild shampoo after two hours.
6. Too many styling products
Using too many chemically laden products on your hair could prove harmful in the long run. It’s best to give them a break and try natural home-made recipes instead.
Natural Remedies  like Irish moss can be used to treat hair fall others include 
Egg Masks
1. Egg mask
Eggs are rich in sulphur, phosphorous, selenium, iodine, zinc and protein, which together help promote hair growth.


2. Licorice root
This herb prevents hair loss and further damage to the hair. It helps soothe the scalp and get rid of any dry flakes/dandruff.

1. Make a paste by adding a tablespoon of ground licorice root and a quarter teaspoon saffron to one cup milk.
2. Apply this to your scalp and hair length and leave it on overnight.
3. Next morning, wash your hair.
4. Repeat this twice a week.

Prostate massage

Prostate massage is the massage or stimulation of the male prostate gland for sexual stimulation or medical purposes.
The prostate takes part in the sexual response cycle, and is essential for the production of semen. Due to its proximity to the anterior rectal wall, it can be stimulated from the anterior wall of the rectum or externally via the perineum