Wandering Wednesday#13: The end

Image by damaradeaella via Flickr

I’ve had fun with this series – 12 weeks of sharing some of the places and themes I discovered on the world wide web. I learnt a lot of things along the way, like creation myths in various cultures and the power that music has on us, I found some great recipes and cool places to read books online.

But all good things must come to an end, and so must this series. I might post more of these if the mood strikes, though the chances of that are slim.

As they say, when something ends, something new begins, and I already have a new series planned, so keep an eye out for it!

In the meantime, here’s The Doors with their beautiful song, The End. Enjoy!

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Wandering Wednesday #12: Comics!

Whenever I find myself stressed out or bored, with no way of escaping the confines of my cubicle at work, and with limited net surfing options – I can understand why they’d block Facebook and Twitter, but WordPress to? That sucks! – I find myself turning to the few online comic sites that do get past the firewall. So this Wednesday, allow me to share some of the strips that have made me laugh out loud at work!

Regular readers of my blog would know that I have a cat, so this first strip was one I could relate to immediately. But I’m sure you’ll crack up reading Cat vs internet by The Oatmeal whether or not you’re cat owned.

This next site is especially for women. Created by Cathy Thorne, Everyday People cartoons are a hilarious take on women, and on the people who love and annoy them!

And then of course, there’s Dilbert, who will never let the joy go out of work!

If you thought all I did at work was fun and games, think again. I give serious consideration to the important matter of ensuring that the Is are dotted and Ts are crossed. As an editor, I find that a lot of people have problems with the apostrophe. If you’re one of them, then this is for you!

 

Oh, and before I forget…there are those cute black and white love is cartoons too, and there’s…Archies and …

I’m sure there are plenty more! Have you got any favorite comic sites to share?

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Wandering Wednesday #11: The power of music

Image via Wikipedia

Music is the language of the soul, says a popular adage. Now, scientists are finding that this may actually be true.

Researchers have found that recreational music-making and drumming can improve immunity, and daily sessions of voluntary music-guided slow breathing can significantly reduce blood pressure. Here are 7 Ways Music Breaks Can Improve Your Health.

Ever wondered Why Music Makes You Happy? Researchers have found the answer – listening to music triggers the brain to release the happiness chemical dopamine.

Does this inspire you to go make music? If you’re anything like me, you’d say “Me? Make music? Sure, if you want to clear the room!” Help is at hand for us non-musicians in the form of a cool iPhone app called “La Di Da” that creates music using “reverse karaoke.” You sing into the iPhone, then the computer program writes the music in the appropriate key and even auto tunes your voice for you. You can read more about the app and watch it in action here.

Have you ever experienced the stress-busting/mood changing effects of music?

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Wandering Wednesday #10: Creation stories

Title page of a manuscript of the Prose Edda, showing Odin, Heimdallr, Sleipnir and other figures from Norse mythology Image via Wikipedia

It’s fascinating to read about the creation myths from various countries and cultures, old and new.

Norse mythology believes that Odin created the world from Ymir’s dead body – Ymir’s blood was the sea; his flesh, the earth; his skull, the sky; his bones, the mountains; his hair, the trees.

The Egyptian creation myth, meanwhile, has a decidedly new age ring to it. They believe that that in the beginning, there was only Nu, swirling watery chaos, out of which rose Atum, the sun god of the city of Heliopolis. Atum is believed to have created himself, using his thoughts and will.

And according to the Navajo creation story, we currently live in the Fourth World, which was formed following some important events in three underworlds.

The Native American (Blackfoot) creation myth tells of how the order of life and death was decided — the decision was taken based on weather a rock would float in the water or sink!

Do you have a creation myth in your culture? Here’s a Hindu creation story.

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Wandering Wednesday #9: Christmas treats!

Danish Christmas tree

With Christmas just round the corner, I’m sure you’ve all got your trees up and your shopping done. Now, it’s time to think about the Christmas feast!

Christmas in India is incomplete without plum cake – I can eat huge quantities of it in a single sitting! This year, how about trying out this divine looking German plum cake – a new twist to an old tradition – or then try baking an Indian plum cake.

You could give your celebrations a French twist this year with this yummy bûche de Noël or Chocolate Yule Log cake.

With the weather outside growing colder, there’s nothing more delightful than a glass of warm mulled wine. I also found  a recipe for a chilled mulled wine – not sure if it’s for me, but you could certainly give it a try if you like!

With drinks and desert out of the way, it’s time to think about the main course!

How about this flavorful mustard and maple syrup glazed ham, or a fiery, Goan Pork Vindaloo served over boiled rice? If you’d rather take the roasted route, try out this Italian rosemary garlic roast turkey, or keep things simple, with this yummy Chicken with New Potatoes.

What are your favorite Christmas traditions and treats?

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