Stellar Eats: A Tour of Michelin-Starred Wonders

Ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey through some of the world’s most amazing restaurants? Buckle up, because we’re about to explore the crème de la crème of the culinary world of Michelin-starred restaurants. These aren’t your average eateries. We’re talking about places where food becomes art, and every bite is an adventure. Noma: Copenhagen’s Culinary Chameleon First stop, Copenhagen, Denmark. Here, nestled in the hip Christianshavn neighbourhood, you’ll find Noma, a restaurant that’s been crowned the world’s best multiple times. But here’s the kicker: Noma completely reinvents its menu three times a year based on what’s in season. But wait, there’s more. Noma isn’t just about weird ingredients. They’re also pioneers in fermentation, with a whole lab dedicated to creating new flavors. It’s like Willy Wonka’s factory, but for fancy food. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet: Shanghai’s Multi-Sensory Marvel Now, let’s jet over to Shanghai, China, where Ultraviolet is redefining what it means to go out for dinner. This place isn’t just about taste, it’s a full-on sensory experience. You’ll be shocked to know that Ultraviolet only seats 10 people per night. Not only that but the dining room changes completely for each of the 20 courses. We’re talking about walls that transform, scents that waft through the air, and music that sets the mood for each dish. Osteria Francescana: Italy’s Twist on Tradition Let’s hop over to Modena, Italy, where Chef Massimo Bottura is turning traditional Italian cuisine on its head at Osteria Francescana. This place proves that you can respect tradition while still being wildly creative. Get this, one of their most famous dishes is called “Oops! I Dropped the Lemon Tart“. It looks exactly like a dessert that’s been accidentally dropped on the plate. But every messy splat is actually carefully crafted. It’s like edible modern art. And here’s a fun fact that’ll make you go wow: Chef Bottura started a project called Food for Soul, which turns food waste into meals for the needy. So when you eat here, you’re not just treating your taste buds, you’re also supporting a great cause. Indian Accent: New Delhi’s Modern Masala Magic Let’s wrap up our tour in New Delhi, India, where Indian Accent is putting a modern spin on traditional Indian flavours. This place isn’t your typical curry house, it’s Indian cuisine like you’ve never seen before. One of their signature dishes is a blue cheese naan. Yep, they’ve taken the classic Indian bread and given it a funky, French twist. It’s like a delicious culinary mashup. But the real showstopper? Their meetha achaar pork ribs. These ribs are cooked in a sweet and sour pickle marinade, creating a flavor explosion that’s uniquely Indian yet totally unexpected. It’s like your taste buds are doing a Bollywood dance number. So there you have it, food fanatics, a whirlwind tour of some of the most exciting Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. These places aren’t just about fancy food, they’re about pushing boundaries, telling stories through cuisine, and creating unforgettable experiences. So why not start saving up for that special meal?

Fathima Sanna

Entertainment

5 Strikingly Interesting Facts About Festival de Cannes!

Cannes Film Festival, the most anticipated international film gathering has made the whole world go pitter-patter with its glamorous stage. From actors gracing the red carpet in elegant outfits to keeping the audience’s heart pumping to see the Palme d’Or winner, France is still blowing up the internet with some arresting moments. What about taking a walk through the aisle of Cannes history to glance at some interesting facts? The Squeaky Clean Red Carpet Have you ever wondered how the red carpet remains squeaky clean throughout the day? Well! The red carpet at the Festival de Cannes gets changed three times a day to make it look sparklingly red for the celebrities to grace the carpet with their dazzling looks. This has been infuriating green campaigners around the world. First film Festival Was Halted by WW2 Cannes Film Festival, previously known as Festival International Du Film, was first set to be held in 1939, but unfortunately, the festival got delayed by the Second World War. The invasion of Poland by Germany sprouted chaos all around, and the festival was able to begin only after six long years, in 1946. Later in 1968, the film festival was again halted halfway due to the political protests led by Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut. Holy Mountain Controversy In 1973, Holy Mountain by Alejandro Jodorowsky sparked discomfort among the audience, leading to controversy. The movie contains extremely disturbing violence and a plethora of sacrilegious images. The point of the movie is to make it all pointless, the religion and mysticism are crafted as meaningless illusions. First Indian Film To Shine At Cannes Neecha Nagar directed by Chetan Anand is the first ever film to garner the prestigious Grand Prix award at Cannes in 1946. The movie revolves around a wealthy, malicious man named Sarkar who lives on the top of a mountain and the villagers in the valley who struggle with the sewage directed towards them by Sarkar’s project. From the worsening epidemic to the movement against Sarkar, the movie is woven with striking themes. Palme d’Or Palme d’Or is the most prestigious award given at the Cannes Film Festival. Before 1955, the most prestigious prize was the Grand Prix du Festival International Du Film. This breathtaking trophy was handcrafted out of jewelry by Chopard in 1998. Delbert Mann was the first person to receive a Palme d’Or for his movie Marty.

Aswathy

Design Lifestyle

Find Your Foot: A Comprehensive Guide To Choose The Perfect Floor Covering For Your Home

More than just floor covers, carpets can transform a room into a magical space, radiating elegance and warmth. With their vast array of materials, patterns, and styles, carpets are a canvas that shows your creativity, infusing your space with personality and charm. They create an inviting space that resonates with comfort and beauty, offering an easy and notable upgrade to any room. However, the most confusing part of selecting a carpet for our home is the selection process. Most of us don’t know how to choose the right rug for our home. Let’s check what the professional designers have to say about that. Rug And Carpet, What To Choose? Rugs and carpets, you might have heard about both terms. Ultimately, both are the same, but depending on the area where you use the item, you can call it a rug or carpet. Carpets are generally used in big rooms, so they come in bigger sizes and usually rectangular shapes. Rugs are small floor coverings, mainly used as floor mats and come in various shapes and textures. So, if you want to decide what to choose for your room, consider the space you dedicate to it, and then choose a rug or carpet. Carpets generally look great in any room if you want to add more depth. But in a kitchen, work area or bathroom, a rug perfectly serves the purpose, allowing you to move around and clan quickly. Durability Consider the durability of the material when you choose the floor covering. Does your room experience a lot of foot traffic? Then, you can choose a thick, durable carpet. Depending on your chosen material, carpets can make you feel more comfortable. Material Choose a suitable material for comfort. Floor coverings are available in various materials, such as polyester, tripextra, olefin, nylon, cotton, jute, and coir. Though polyester is soft and stain-resistant, it is less durable than nylon. If you want an eco-friendly addition, you can choose cotton or jute carpets, too, which come in beautiful colours and designs. The Pile And Style Consider the carpet’s weaving pattern to determine if it suits your room. Uncut piles and cut piles offer different comfort levels to your feet. There can be loops in various patterns and heights. Cut piles can be smooth, shagged or textured. Both styles give different looks to the room. Depending on the use, you can choose a soft one or a little harder one for your room. Colours To choose the right colour for the floor covering, consider the particular room’s colour palette and aesthetic appeal. Choose neutral hues or warm colours to add more beauty and a feel of comfort. However, when choosing rugs and carpets, prioritise factors like usage, ease of cleaning, etc. Ultimately, the right flooring balances functionality and comfort while enhancing the overall look and feel of the room.

Design Lifestyle

Create A DIY Reading Nook For A Soulful Reading Experience

Imagine a personal sanctuary in your home, a corner that reflects your unique tastes and personality. This is your reading nook, a space where you can escape into the world of books, surrounded by creativity, imagination, and varying emotions. More than just a place to unwind, a beautifully designed reading area is a gateway to peace and tranquillity. This heaven allows you to immerse yourself in your reading without any distractions. By customizing this space to your liking, you can create a personal oasis that truly mirrors your individuality. Essential Elements For Your Reading Corner Where do you like to sit and read? On your balcony or in your bedroom? Choose the right location with ample sunlight and ventilation. A window side or corner of the balcony will be an ideal spot. Make sure the area is free from disturbances. Decide on the best seating arrangement. Choose smooth and soft cushions in attractive and calming hues for a canopy-like design. You can choose various items to make it decorative. Add natural embellishments as much as possible. Fairy lights, lamps etc will be a great choice. Let us check what materials are needed to create a canopy reading corner for yourself. The Process Clean the floor and place the rectangular bed towards the corner of the floor. Place your bookshelf near the wall and arrange the books on the shelf. Consider arranging the books by genre, author, or colour for a visually appealing display. Place your favourite planters on the corners to add a glimpse of nature. Tie the nylon thread on the ceiling hook fixed at the corner of the roof. Cover your hoola hoop with coloured ribbons. Now, connect the clothes with the hoola hoop. You can use multiple pieces of clothes for a more flared look. Using curtain panels, as they have rod pockets, will be a good idea. Cut four equal lengths of thread. These will hang the hoop from the ceiling. Tie one end of each thread to the hoop at four equidistant points around its circumference. The other ends will meet at a central point above the hoop. Hang the loop on the hook and arrange the cascading flares beautifully around the rectangular bed. Arrange cushions on the bead. To make it more attractive, arrange fairy lamps, string lights, and flowers with the cloth panels. Cosy lighting adds a different mood. You can place a cute bean bag or rug near the canopy. Now, grab your favourite book and dive into the world of incredible imagination!

Fathima Sanna

Uncategorized

Wanna Improve Your IQ Level? Here are 7 Habits To Enhance Your Intelligence!

Do you dream of standing out with striking intelligence? With other students around you to admire you for your squarish spectacles and brain brimming with knowledge? If yes, we’ve gathered some daily activities for you to practice. Get ready to shine and be a star! Read Books Are you someone who enjoys diving into the comfort of the world of words? If yes, read every single day to be the nerd with big squarish glasses. Read books with different shades of emotion, from books set on an intriguing fictional island to books packed with astronomical amounts of knowledge. Reading books will magically supercharge your creativity. So happy reading! Exercise Everyday Exercising will not only reward you with a plethora of health benefits but also help you become a smart person with an enhanced IQ level. From yoga to merely walking down the street, any form of exercise will immensely help you but only if you’re exercising regularly. Ask Questions Let your brain spill with brimming curiosity. Keenly observe and intensely think to shoot questions out of everything. Let the child in you awake and wonder about everything with utmost excitement. From getting your doubts cleared to enhancing your understanding and communication skills, asking questions can reward you in many ways. Play Memory Boosting Games What could be more hilarious than indulging in games? Are you someone who enjoys playing Board Games? Is someone who gets thrilled to fill Sudoku? Does your heart beat in happiness while fitting the puzzle pieces? If yes, indulging in such games will help you increase your IQ. Learn a New language Learning a new language makes your brain magically develop with a plethora of benefits. The more complex things you put inside your brain, the more it slows down your cognitive decline. Swallowing the new vocabulary and grammar rules can improve your attention span and also enhances your brain’s capacity to memorise. Other benefits include sharpened creativity, self-confidence, enhancing first language, multitasking skills etc. Learn a Musical Instrument Music lover? Here comes the interesting daily activity for you to make your time turn into euphonious. From boosting your memory skills to hearing to spelling aptitude, instruments can help you enhance your intelligence in ways you never imagined.

Fathima Sanna

Entertainment

5 Theatres That Will Make Your Blood Run Cold!

Are you someone who loves binge-watching horror movies? But have you ever heard stories about haunted theatres? From New Amsterdam Theatre to Orpheum Theatre, some theatres have spine-chilling tragedies and stories where the spirits still haunt to watch and confuse mortals with paranormal events. So here’s the list for the thrilled one in you. Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theater The theatre originally known as Iroquois Theater, was a spot filled with exciting audiences when it opened its door to the world of entertainment. But unfortunately, the dreamy environment turned into a roaring nightmare. Around 600 people were burned in the fire that broke out while playing Mr. Bluebeard. Since the incident, the theatre has been known to be possessed by the spirits of those who lost their lives to the monstrous fire tragedy. New Amsterdam Theatre Here comes an opulent but haunting theatre with an intriguing story of spirit! Olive Thomas, a popular movie star who graced New Amsterdam with her exceptional beauty and comics, was spotted inside the theatre in a green dress. Though Olive Thomas lived with fame and love from the audience, Olive’s death was tragic and unclear. Was it really an accident or suicide? Manila Film Centre Manila Film Centre stands as a haunting place after the incident where around 168 workers were killed during its construction in 1981. The Film Centre would have garnered a great position in cinema, but instead this heart-wrenching tragedy caused by the high-pressure pace of construction to hit the deadline, killed and brutally buried workers in the quick-drying cement. Since the incident, the spirits of dead workers are said to be roaming inside. Richard Rodgers Theatre Richard Rodgers Theatre, originally known as Chanin’s 46th Street Theatre, creeps into the list of haunting theatres with spine-chilling stories of paranormal occurrences. Chandeliers shaking, lipstick stains on dressing rooms, terrifyingly bizarre sounds, things falling out of shelves, a ghost of a child, and many other apparitions are said to be spotted. Orpheum Theatre ( in Memphis) Orpheum Theatre houses the ghost of a little girl named Mary who was killed by a car crash in front of the theatre. From slamming doors to watching the performances at the theatre, the terrifying presence of Mary was felt by the employees. Apart from the spirit of Mary, Orpheum has many such stories of apparitions.

Fathima Sanna

Entertainment

Let it Go to Hakuna Matata: 6 Songs To Cheer Up And Inspire Your Children To Dream

Music has the bewitching power to uplift mood and stir emotions by releasing chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin. So If you’re worried about your child being dull with dampening confidence or meandering dreamless with poor performance in the classroom, we have gathered some songs to brighten them up, polish their skills and sprout their dreams. Let it Go Let it Go from Frozen is a wonderfully crafted song that makes one “not give a damn” about the troubles that scourge them. The lyrics possess the power to make your kids let go of things that are out of their control. Let your kids embrace their flaws and sing this song as fiercely as possible to wear their uniqueness as striking attire. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Here comes the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious song for kids who have a ferocious love for language and wish to immerse themselves in creative writing. The appealing visuals and the joyous beat of this song will surely uplift your children’s mood and inspire them to acquire precocious talent in crafting wonderful literary works. How Far I’ll Go How Far I’ll Go from Moana will encourage your kids to chase their big dreams. Not every kid dreams to fit in the ordinary jigsaw puzzle of society, they think out of the box and craft dreams worth the trillion suns. This striking song, though starts with Moana’s sadness for not being fit, gradually unfolds her excitement to chase the horizon. Your child will surely be encouraged to the brim. Let’s Go Fly a Kite Let your child fly a kite and sing this wonderful song from Disney’s Mary Poppins. This song woven with simple words holds an intense meaning that encourages children to be like the strong yet cool kite, to pursue their dreams. Under the Sea Under the Sea from Little Mermaid is an enjoyable song woven with the beauty of the sea and self-acceptance. You’ll surely see your kids marveling at the wonders of the sea and developing a quest to explore the world beneath the rhythmic waves. Apart from this newly sprouting curiosity, the song will gradually help them figure out the beauty of one’s own world and be content with it. Hakuna Matata Hakuna Matata is a powerful phrase from the Swahili language, meaning “no worries”. This phrase is popularised by Disney’s animation movie, The Lion King. When the weather of life gets grey, they’ll remember this powerful song and float above like a vigorous sailing ship.

Fathima Sanna

Education

5 Ways To Boost Creativity Among Students in the Classroom!

Being creative rewards one with a cornucopia of benefits and opportunities. A classroom without creative minds lacks enthusiasm and can fade into a hideously boring one. Why not nurture a creative environment where students can get cheered up and inspired to chase goal after goal? Here’s how you can magnetize creativity in the classroom! Customize Your Classroom With a Theme What could be more entertaining than draping the whole classroom in a weekly theme? Choose any strikingly interesting theme from history or literature. For example, you choose the Victorian era. Now you’ve to drench every little thing in your classroom with a Victorian touch and train your students to speak English as awe-striking as the characters in novels set in the Victorian period. Let students be Jo March from Little Women, Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice, and many more captivating characters. This will enhance their creative flow of language as well as their enthusiasm to learn. Fill the Walls With Posters of Great Quotes There are many quotes with different shades of emotions. Some quotes are just meant to shake our hearts while other quotes are meant to make us ponder and change into someone new. And some quotes look as if it’s written for us. So let the walls of your classroom be decorated with powerful quotes. It’ll immensely help your students remember and quote them on suitable occasions, and they’ll be admired for their cleverness. Create a Vision Board Create a big vision board for the academic year, and let all the students devise their weekly goals to stick on. Encourage the students to craft goal after goal to chase and achieve. Reward them with stickers or any school stationery item. While complimenting the achievers, don’t forget to cheer up the ones who are pacing like snails. Build a Classroom Library Cultivate reading habits in the classroom by creating a mini library. Motivate students to buy, exchange, and discuss books they have read. Making students compete by reading more, it’ll gradually mould them into voracious readers as well as enhance their cognitive functioning to build their realms of creative worlds. Give Them Creative Assessments Instead of making them write assignments with long, boring paragraphs, tell them to edit videos with pictures and audio describing the topic as creatively as possible. Let them present the topic in a story-telling format, song, or even comics. The more options you toss, the more creative they craft. By implementing this method, the classroom not only becomes an imaginative realm but also becomes engaging and comprehensive.

Fathima Sanna

Education

Are Your Students Afraid of Maths? Here’s How You Can Help Them Deal With Maths Anxiety!

To some students, numbers appear monstrous, and they sweat with pummelling fears while solving the riddle of numbers. If your students are sinking in maths anxiety, we’ve collected some tips to help your child climb the ladder to face and wear the confidence to overcome. Introduce Game-based Learning Traditional methods of teaching often beat the students with maths anxiety. Indulging students in game-based activities can bump up their focusing skills and sprout excitement. Games filled with fun can also help students develop a love for the subject. With this method, you can dim the monstrosity of maths problems and craft an engaging bunch of students. Practice Regularly Every complex task requires practice to smoothen up the road to perfection. The more one practices, the more familiar one becomes with the solving techniques and concepts. Regular practice can not only ease maths anxiety but also boost the overall performance of kids. It also comes with a plenitude of benefits like enhancing critical thinking, brain health, etc. Practice Mindfulness Anxiety is more like rushing waves, thoughts violently crashing your heart in rumbling noises. And everything one sees is “more troubles galloping towards them”. If your students are sinking into the whirlpool of maths anxiety, teaching them some mindfulness activities will help them calm their minds. Breathing exercises that direct all attention on breathing can help one reduce the rumbling thoughts about failing at solving maths problems. Rely on More Resources Aren’t we living in a technologically advanced world with more options to delve into? From YouTube videos to digital Maths groups, there are many ways to make learning engaging and hilarious. If the internet is available, resources are just one tap away. Let your children try different resources and learn at their own pace. Teach to Embrace Mistake Mistakes happen to everyone. Scolding will only worsen their fears, and further discourage them to step back to corners. Teach your students to be okay with mistakes and help them correct them. Mistakes shouldn’t be mistaken as weaknesses, but rather a step toward learning more. It’s better to make mistakes and learn than fear and tear off the courage to do it.

yourplatform

Culture and Heritage

Giri Trading Agency: A Legacy of Faith, Culture, and Holistic Growth

Giri Trading Agency, a name synonymous with Hindu spiritual offerings, has a rich history rooted in humble beginnings. Founded in 1951 by Mr. Tirupunithra Swarnagiri as a modest street-side shop specializing in Pooja Products and Pooja Books, the company’s growth and evolution have been nothing short of remarkable. In this interview with Mr. Abhishek Prakash, the Director of Content and New Media, we explore the brand’s philosophy, the significance of the auspicious month of Aadi, and the essential items used in Hindu rituals. Mr. Abhishek Prakash, the Director of Content and New Media What makes the month of Aadi particularly special in the Hindu tradition? Why is it considered an auspicious time? The month of Aadi, typically falling between mid-July and mid-August, holds significant importance in the Hindu tradition as it heralds the onset of the Dakshinayana phase when the Sun begins its southward journey. Aadi is dedicated to honoring the divine feminine energy, particularly Goddess Shakti or Parvati. It is believed that during this month, the cosmic energies are heightened, making it an auspicious time for spiritual practices, rituals, and ceremonies. Devotees observe fasting, visit temples, and participate in community celebrations to invoke the blessings of Goddess Shakti. Aadi also marks the beginning of the monsoon season, crucial for agricultural activities, further adding to its cultural and societal significance. Overall, Aadi is cherished for its cultural, spiritual, and agricultural significance, emphasizing reverence for the divine feminine and the renewal of cosmic energies. What are some of the specific poojas or rituals commonly performed during the month of Aadi? The month of Aadi holds profound spiritual significance in Hindu tradition, marked by numerous poojas and rituals that devotees observe with deep devotion and reverence. Some of the most commonly performed poojas and rituals during this auspicious month include Aadi Perukku, Aadi Amavasai, Aadi Pooram, Varalakshmi Vratham, Aadi Krithigai and Aadi Chevvai. Aadi Perukku: This ritual involves offering prayers to rivers and water bodies on the 18th day of Aadi, expressing gratitude for the monsoon, and praying for a bountiful harvest. Aadi Amavasai: On the new moon day of Aadi, families perform rituals to honor their ancestors. Special prayers, tarpanam (water oblations), and offerings of food are made to seek the blessings and peace of departed souls. Aadi Pooram: Celebrated during the star Pooram, this day commemorates the birth of Goddess Andal. Special poojas are conducted in temples dedicated to her, and processions with her idol are organized. Varalakshmi Vratham: Observed on the Friday before the full moon in Aadi, this ritual is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Women perform elaborate poojas at home, invoking the goddess of wealth and prosperity. They prepare a special kalasha (pot) decorated with flowers and turmeric, symbolizing the goddess. Aadi Krithigai: This day is dedicated to Lord Murugan. Aadi Chevvai: Special prayers are conducted on Tuesdays in Aadi to honor the fierce aspect of Goddess Parvati. These rituals are believed to ward off evil and protect against negative influences. Could you list a few items that are considered essential in a Hindu household? In a Hindu household, several items are considered essential for daily rituals and poojas. These items help create a sacred atmosphere and facilitate worship practices, fostering a sense of devotion and spiritual connection. They are integral to maintaining the sanctity of the home and ensuring that religious observances are conducted with reverence and precision. The items include Deepams (Oil Lamps), Agarbattis (Incense Sticks), Kumkum and Turmeric, Holy Water (Ganga Jal), Pooja Bell, Flowers and Garlands, and Camphor. What is the guiding philosophy behind Giri Trading Agency? What are the core values that drive the organization? At Giri Trading Agency, our guiding philosophy is rooted in the mission to spread the rich Hindu culture and traditions while promoting value-based living globally. We are dedicated to enhancing spiritual experiences and promoting holistic growth among our patrons worldwide. Operating with transparency and honesty, we build trust with stakeholders through ethical practices. Which products are consistently popular among Giri’s customers? What categories see the highest sales? Giri Trading Agency is renowned for its extensive range of spiritual and religious products, with several items consistently popular among customers. Giri Pooja Products, including items like deepams, agarbattis, and puja thalis, are indispensable for daily rituals and ceremonies, appealing to a broad spectrum of devotees. Giri Books, offering a rich assortment of spiritual texts, scriptures, and educational literature on Hindu philosophy and culture, cater to those seeking knowledge and spiritual growth. During festive seasons like Navaratri, Golu Padi, traditional steps used for displaying dolls and idols, become particularly popular for their craftsmanship and cultural significance. & the Eco-Friendly Ganesha is also one of the top-selling products during Ganesha Chaturthi. The intricately designed Deity Jewellery for adorning idols further enhances the spiritual offerings that drive high sales at Giri. Does Giri Trading Agency operate solely with physical stores, or are their products also available online? Giri Trading Agency operates both online and through physical stores, embodying an omnichannel retailing approach. With 35 showrooms across Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Puducherry, Maharashtra, and New Delhi, Giri also maintains a global presence in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. A Promising Future Rooted in Tradition Giri Trading Agency’s enduring success is a testament to its unwavering commitment to preserving, and showcasing Hindu traditions and spirituality, as emphasized by Mr. Abhishek Prakash. The company’s core values of cultural preservation, holistic growth, and ethical practices continue to guide its mission, establishing it as a trusted source of spiritual and cultural products.

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