MetroMela asked:




What you see – 100 Degrees comes across as another winner from Ohri’s. What works in its favor is its location on Necklace road with a magnificent view of Tank Bund. The restaurant’s interiors are done with muted lights, water fountains in the center and a dome-like-structure that gives positive energy and appeal to the ambience.

You can decide to dine inside or alfresco. The terrace area overlooking the Hussainsagar Lake with beach umbrellas is nothing short of a seaside experience especially during the evenings. The area is open for dinner and offers perfect setting for a romantic time out. But make your reservations if you want to enjoy the open roof as the seats there are limited and seldom available. The other side of the restaurant has a very secluded feel to it and is modeled like a lounge with soft pop music playing in the background.

What you get – 100 Degrees is a complete treat of global cuisines – Continental, Mediterranean, Tex-Mex and Indian.

The sizzlers are varied – Japanese Yakitori, Indian Kadai Paneer, Moroccan Chicken, Olive crusted Pomfret and more. Indian and Chinese noodle sizzlers are the unique selling points. You can also make your own sizzler choosing the bread, sauces and accompaniments, wash it down with some wine and end with Baklava (Greek and Middle eastern dessert made of thin pastry and nuts) served with ice cream.

The restaurant also offers finest coffees from all over the world. Be it coffee from Coorg, Hawaii, Jamaica, Yemen, Columbia or special teas like Earl Grey and Lemon Tea, the choice is wide.

The 100 Degrees Sizzler and the scrumptious Chicken Sizzler are must-tries. There is nothing like sipping your favorite drink, taking in the cool breeze blowing past and biting into a piping hot sizzler.

Our verdict – The Yakitori is not as authentic as promised but the Middle Eastern fare is par excellence. This is not a restaurant which is modestly priced but the ambience makes it worth every penny. The kebabs are to die for as well. A glass of fine wine would go really well with the ambience and is the recommended drink of choice.

The service is satisfactory though the knowledge of the staff on the dishes being served is at best limited but nonetheless satisfactory. We would have liked more tables for two outside as well. There is valet parking facility available. All in all, one of the best places for a romantic dinner in Hyderabad.

100 Degrees, for a Romantic Dinner – Hyderabad Restaurant has been written by Pranay who writes for MetroMela



bridal shower favors

Chris Campbell asked:




Microwave ovens need to be maintained regularly, or there could be some serious consequences. Microwaves generally seem like simple and reliable appliances, but like anything that ages, things can go wrong with it. Any microwave oven that is getting older than say 15 years, should probably be checked. If you find that food is taking much longer to cook then usual, then perhaps it’s time to have a professional service done. They can test for radiation leakage or any other problems that the microwave is experiencing. They can also make a determination as to whether the microwave oven should be replaced. Chances are, that any microwave of that age should just be replaced. They are pretty inexpensive items, and the newer ones are likely to have more features and conveniences to make your cooking experience more enjoyable. Just in case your one of those avid do-it-yourselfers, here’s a warning. Do not attempt to repair a microwave oven. This is a job strictly for professionals. Microwave circuits carry 3000 to 5000 and sometimes higher volts of electricity. One of the most common repairs that occur in a microwave is a worn out fuse, that gets zapped by a power surge. Easily replaced by a pro, and saves the need of buying a new microwave.

Simple Common Sense Cleaning

Microwave don’t need a whole lot of maintenance, but they do require some. Simply keeping the interior clean is good practice. Covering most foods with a loose top, will keep the food in the dish or on the plate you are microwaving with. Food particles left inside a microwave will eventually turn to carbon after being microwaved multiple times. Carbon particles can arc and present a fire hazard within the microwave. Another little tip to keeping your microwave clean, is to make sure anything you put in is somewhat ventilated. This usually just means poking a few holes in the food or the plastic containers your cooking the food in. This prevents the build up of steam pressure in whatever your cooking. Nothing like an exploding potato to create a big mess for the cook to clean up.

If Ya Can’t Eat It.

One simple rule of thumb for you people that like to find creative ways to use items in a way the manufacturer never intended. Don’t. If your not planning on eating it don’t put it inside a microwave. The only exception to this, would be the microwave safe plate or bowl the food is sitting in. It’s truly amazing hearing about some of the crazy things people have used a microwave for.



party favors

Karyn Lewis asked:




Before you buy a coffee shop you need to have an excellent plan of action in place. You need to know what direction you plan to take before you just jump into it. That way you can avoid common mistakes that other people have made. There is quite a demand for coffee and related products so you should have a market for such a business.

Think carefully about your location as it is a prime factor that can benefit you or lead to your demise. People need to be able to get to it easily as they go about their daily business. With gas prices at a premium they aren’t going to drive extra miles to get to it. Take a look around to see if the location of the coffee shop works well.

It may be that once upon a time it did but things have changed. For example prime businesses in the area may have closed their doors. That means less foot traffic than there once was. Also, find out why the coffee shop is being sold. Is it a lack of profits or something else? It could be the current owners are just ready to move on to something else.

You definitely want to buy a coffee shop that has potential though. If you can get it for a low cost and then invest a bit in fixing it up that is terrific. Don’t get yourself involved in a place that you can’t afford though. You need to stay on top of your expenses and do your best to keep them as low as possible.

When you buy a coffee shop the equipment there may come along with it. This can be a good deal as long as it all works like it should. Take your time to examine the equipment if it will be part of the sale. That way you can get an idea of the true value of it. Sometimes the seller will inflate those costs due to money they still owe so be careful.

Think about your future as well. If you buy a coffee shop location you may outgrow it. Then you will have to try to expand there or to get a new building in place. It can be difficult to sell the place that you are in as well. Sometimes leasing a building is better as you aren’t locked into a long term commitment to it. Take a look at both options and find a coffee shop location that offers what you want in this aspect.

You can buy a coffee shop that is owned by an individual or you can become part of a franchise. They both have some benefits as well as some downfalls to examine. For example a franchise is likely to be well known, but very expensive to get involved with. An independent coffee shop may be less expensive but you will have to work harder to promote it on your own.



bridal shower favors

David Slone asked:




Ghosts are different things depending on who you ask. While 32% of Americans believe in ghosts, according to a 2005 Gallup poll, there is a divergence of opinion as to what constitutes a ghost. Parapsychologists are in favor of the term, apparition, because it’s purportedly more precise. An apparition is considered immaterial, but it can seem real and tangible. There are a variety of entities that qualify for the catch-all term, ghost, and here they are, in no particular order.

The spirit of a deceased person could make itself known in its former habitat, i.e., a home or office. In this case, the ghost is said to have a likeness to the deceased either in appearance, behavior, or vocal imitation. Of course, it may not be an imitation!

Other common uses of the term refer to angels or demons, or even as a synonym for a person’s immaterial spirit, whether or not they’re presenting themselves to others.

Ghosts are portrayed as having a semi-transparent, unspecific form, loosely resembling the person they once were. Their motives are helpful, ominous, or treacherous. Their motions are transient because they pop in and out. They’re often seen fleeing or scurrying. Of course, reports abound, and these are only a few examples of the alleged behavior of ghosts.

Ghost mythology is common in every ancient culture – from the Egyptians, to the Chinese, to the Europeans of the Middle Ages Ghosts were thought to be the disembodied soul of the person they once inhabited.

Parapsychologists study ghosts as part of their living. A parapsychologist seeks to understand paranormal phenomena. Paranormal phenomena is described as any phenomenon or occurrence that exceeds the bounds of what is possible, according to the established principles and laws of science.

Skeptics charge the controversy with several explanations for suspected ghost sightings. For instance, Scientists Richard Lord and Richard Wiseman explain that sound waves having frequencies less than 20 hertz are normally inaudible, nonetheless, they may cause someone to feel a presence or shift their mood to anxiety or dread. Carbon monoxide poisoning was cited as a cause for haunted houses as early as 1921 because it can cause hallucinations, ill feelings, and a sensation of dread as well.

Another condition, pareidolia, is a condition that causes someone to recognize human faces or forms in random patterns. That’s kind of like a case of seeing what you anticipate, hope for, or want to happen, instead of just seeing. Skeptics aside, extraordinary sightings and stories flow in from all corners of the world at large.

Let’s take a look and see whether or not ghosts might have a scant possibility of really existing.

The New Testament acknowledges the existence of demons, the real spiritual beings that tempt, lie, deceive, and physically harm humans. According to the Bible their intention is to turn people away from God, from the best interests of the human and what will make then happiest, and to try to cause humans to think that they’re smarter than the All mighty loving God. Jesus gave humans the power to cast out demons and walk over the enemy. We have a shield of protection through Christ’s blood. A study of the gospel and the historical teachings of Jesus as it relates to angels and demons is too important and is a separate area of study outside of ghosts.

But, before we begin, let’s move on to the ghost stories of the world.

The face of Martha Rendell, the only female to be executed at Fremantle, appears in the window of the church frequently. The face seems to be produced by ripples in the glass that reflect light in an abnormal way, but the resemblance is eerie.

In China, Tuen Mun Road in Hong Kong is apparently causing excessive death tolls due to “ghosts popping up in the middle of the road”. Drivers avert the apparitions by veering their cars quickly and end up crashing. Hundreds of people allege that this highway is haunted, and many claim to have lost complete control of their automobiles.

Traveling to England we find a case with some substantial evidence, no pun intended. London’s primary criminal court, the Old Bailey, has an uninvited guest at major trials. Judges, barristers, and policemen attest to this strange apparition.

Even Mount Everest has its ghost in resident, probably the ghost of climber, Andrew Irvine, who tried to reach the summit in 1924 with George Mallory, but disappeared on his journey upward. Two climbers in 1975 said that they occupied a snow hole with him, and other climbers have seen a ghost too.

Ireland has the Temple Michael, a quint church and castle positioned on the blackwater river, with a close proximity to Youghal, Co Cork. The place is not used, and it overlooks the blackwater river. Visitors and local inhabitants of the region claim to have heard shrieks, screams, lights in motion, static on cameras over the church grounds, twigs that break without explanation, and coffins that close and open of their own accord.

In Japan, the tomb of Masakado near Tokyo is said to be haunted by the ghost of Masakado. During the 1920’s, the Office for the Ministry of Finance was built on top of it. In 1926, the minister of finance and 10 staff members died of disease. The tomb was restored. After WWII, however, they attempted to construct over it again. The driver of the bulldozer died, however, when it overturned.

The most haunted abode in Scotland is the Close of Mary King in Edinburgh. It was built in the 1600s, and it contained hundreds of people during the plague of 1645 when they were quarantined. Voices, dogs, and a lady clad in black have all been recorded.

Several fables, stories, and accounts arise out of the United States. One of particular interest is the Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky. It used to house tuberculosis patients and people refer to it as the most haunted place ever. More than 60,000 unconfirmed deaths have been reported and the owners of the property, construction workers and maintenance staff, and paranormal investigators have claimed one can see unnatural lights and phantasms darting around the premises at night. The hallways and rooms are filled with appearances of ghosts.

It is clear that immaterial entities exist because Jesus cast these personal and evil beings out of people. They shrieked and screamed and cursed, and this was written about as an account of real events by the meticulous doctor and historian, Luke, in the gospel of Luke. Get protection from spirits through Jesus Christ. Whether or not they’re actual people or vicious demons, Jesus has all power in heaven and on earth, and it says this in Matthew 28:18.

Paranormal phenomena are alive and well because the physical world isn’t all there is.



party favors

Isaac Grauke asked:




We have worked with schools across the United States, and believe us, you are not the only person asking this question! The answers that we have heard from our customers are as varied as our customers are. The debate over school uniforms is complicated, so we’ve included highlights from both sides for you to consider:

Professional:

Some say that a child in a school uniform is more likely to take school seriously. Putting on the school uniform signals he or she is going to school just like dad dresses up to go to work. Schools report that when students dress in “work clothes” rather than “play clothes” they take a more serious approach to their studies.

Promotes Good Discipline:

Many think that school uniforms help maintain school discipline, decreasing the amount of discipline problems. The argument is that children today are lacking in self-discipline because parents refuse to discipline them. This makes it more difficult on the teacher who has to deal with classes of 25-30 students at a time.

Reduces Fighting and Violence:

Schools report that school uniforms decrease fighting and violence that arrise out of arguments over fashionable clothes. Children invariably tease those who do not have trendy clothes. Those who can’t afford name brand clothes are often sensitive about their clothing. Schools struggling with gang problems report that school uniforms help ease tensions.

Distractions:

Many parents believe that students wearing school uniforms look nicer and that a school uniform policy ensures that children will come to school in appropriate clothing, avoiding distractions such as fads considered to be outlandish or overly revealing. Some students have turned school into an unending fashion show. This disctracts from learning, as some kids spend more time focused on thier clothes than on homework.

Values:

School uniforms stress that individuality and self-expression are not determined by designer clothing or the latest fashion fad.

Low Cost:

School uniforms are a bargain. They are becoming far less expensive than many other clothes. Schools argue that school uniforms are economical, especially compared to designer clothing, and parents agree given school uniform durability. They say school uniforms last longer because they are made for repeated wash and wear. Many schools capitalize on this by starting used school uniform stores or swap meets. Parents can get used school uniforms at discount prices, or just use them as hand-me-downs between siblings.

School Spirit:

Some feel wearing a school uniform helps build school spirit. It instills a feeling of belonging. As the Beach Boys said, “Be true to your school.” Schools report an increase in school pride.

Individuality:

Supressing individuality is the most commonly cited objection to school uniforms. Educators argue that an academic program encouraging students to pursue individual thought is much more important than what they wear. They inhibit creativity and self-expression, forcing students to conform.

Causes Discipline Problems:

Some students reject any rules. Forcing them to wear school uniforms only aggravates their rebelious spirit. They alter their school uniform by tightening, widening, shortening, or lengthening them, and teachers are given the impossible task of policing the students on a daily basis.

Little or No Relationship to Academics:

Opponents insist that their is no credible evidence that school uniforms improve school discipline or promote higher academic acheivement. The principal argument is that some great students are terrible dressers. Dress does not necessarily improve learning.



party favors

Rafi Michael asked:




Marriage is a sacred institution. It is commonly said that God has made pair for everyone but the two people are united only when God desires. This world is very large. It is divided into a number of cultures and civilizations. Every civilization has some past. The ancient practices and the rituals that have been taking place since centuries play a great role in influencing the culture of every society.

There are common practices which are followed in the modern age also. One of such evidence can be seen in the Muslim marriage. Muslim marriages are performed according to the laws of “Sharriat “.

Marriage in Muslim society is rather a sensitive issue because of the harsh laws of divorce. Marriage proposal comes from the girl’s side. Either the father or the guardian of the girl offers for the marriage to the boy who gives his acceptance in front of two witnesses. The witnesses must be Muslim.

Once acceptance comes from both sides, necessary preparations are done.

It is followed by a ceremony, which is known as “mangani” This is engagement ceremony when rings are exchanged between the boy and the girl. The outfit worn by the girl is provided by the groom’s family.

After this another traditional ceremony known as “manjha” takes place. A paste of turmeric, sandal powder and oil is prepared and it is applied on the bride’s body by the unmarried girls. Patterns of henna designs are made on her hands and feet. A small quantity of this is also applied on the groom’s body.

Finally, on the wedding day, the groom and the bridegroom dressed in the best outfits make way towards the wedding hall.

Bride is given the wedding dress by the groom’s family.

The procession of friends, relatives and family members headed by the groom proceed towards the bride’s house. In the presence of two male members, lawyer and the groom, some of the holy lines of Koran are read. A priest then takes the consent of bride whether she is happy with the arrangement and agrees to get married.

After she agreed, groom’s consent is also taken. A “nikah nama” is then signed by the groom, witnesses and finally by the bride. After this, groom is taken to the bride’s tent where groom give gifts to the bride’s sisters. Then two are sited together and Koran is placed between them and they see each other in mirror. Blessings are showered upon them. Dates and sweets are distributed to the guests.

In Muslim society, marriage is a contract between man and woman. The amount of “hakhmehar” which is amount fixed between elders of both parties is paid to the bride.

After the marriage, a feast is held where various delicacies are served to the guests. Finally, “rukhsaat”, which means bride departure for her husband’s home, takes place.

Four days after the marriage, bride comes to her parent’s home and her husband comes to take her and her family to the reception party. This is a symbol of union of both families. Gifts are exchanged and the blessings for the good future are given to the couple.



party favors

Krista QQ(www.123giftfactory.com) asked:




For the last few weeks, we’ve been highlighting great Olympic souvenires where proceeds go to support the athletes of the China Olympics Team.

* More ideas about how to give away a gift, pls see my site: www.123giftfactory.com



While most of us can’t jet off to Beijing for opening ceremonies today, you can get your own Olympics souvenir with various great gifts featured with Olympic Games Colors, such as the official mascot plush toys, Olympic pins, a metal replica Olympic torch, a Athens design paperweight or stress-balls, and so on.

So, let’s see which gift idea in this Olympics season we favorite?

For Your Little Kids



- Beijing Olympics Mascots (2008 Summer Olympics Gifts)



Even if your kids don’t know badminton from taekwondo, they can still appreciate the Olympic spirit in the form of these cuddly fuwa (that’s Chinese for “good luck dolls”). These colorful critters represent some of China’s most popular creatures. There’s BeiBei the fish, JingJing the panda, YingYing the antelope, NiNi the swallow and HuanHuan the Olympic flame. Put their names together and you get “Welcome to Beijing.” These pocket-sized collectibles are certainly a step up from mascots in the past, and are great way to educate little ones about the Olympic games and Chinese culture.

Fuwa, The Official Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, carry a message of peace and friendship to children all over the world. Representing the five colors of the Olympic Rings, Fuwa express the playful qualities of children and are characteristic of four of China’s most popular animals — the Fish, the Panda, the Tibetan Antelope, the Swallow — and the Olympic Flame.

For Your Friends



- Beijing Olympic Pins (2008 Summer Olympics Gifts)

Olympics Pin Trading has been around since the first modern Olympics in 1896. The first “pins” were originally cardboard discs that were designed to identify athletes by their countries, officials, and the press. Some Olympians that year started to trade their own badges with others as gestures of goodwill, and a tradition was started. To the right, you see an image of a judge’s pin from the 1900 Olympics in Paris.

In the next few decades, more official pins were created to identify different groups, from the International Olympic Committee to members of the media. The pins started to become more stylized and resemble jewelry and eventually were produced for sale to spectators as well as participants. By the time of the 1924 Summer Games in Paris, the concept of the Olympic Village began, and so participants in the Olympics started to exchange their countries’ pins in earnest.

From 1933 to 1936, more than 1 million pins were sold to the public to help underwrite the games in Germany. To the right, you see the very rare pin from the 1936 Berlin Games. In 1940, even though the Olympics were cancelled during the war, pins were still produced.

In 1968’s games in Mexico City, the pin with a clitch to fasten the pin to clothing, which has become the norm today, was introduced. Pin collecting and pin trading took off in a big way in the Lake Placid Winter Games in 1980 and the Los Angeles Summer Games in 1984. Since then, it’s become an international event in itself.

Here are some pins from this year’s Olympics in Beijing, for sale from the official shop of the US Olympic Team. These all have the official Beijing 2008 logo. Unlike with other pin shops, you can be sure these proceeds will go directly to support our athletes. Just click on any pin, and you’ll be brought to the Olympic Store to buy it.

For Your Parents, Teachers or other Eldership Persons



- Beijing Olympic Torches (2008 Summer Olympics Gifts)

Couldn’t get near the real Olympic torch as it made its way round the world? Still keen to hijack the sacred flame for your own political ends?

Hey presto – stage your own Olympic protest with this splendid metal replica torch – only £221.19, including a small Perspex base.

NB Heavy-handed policemen and ex-sportsman torch-bearer not included.

Or

- Beijing Olympic Paperweights and Stress-balls (2008 Summer Olympics Gifts)



Paperweights and stress-balls are so Athens 2004.

The must-have desk toy of 2008 is a 1:1200 replica of Bird’s Nest in gold-painted aluminum – a steal at just £153.55.

If that’s not enough to impress the drones who work under you, splash out a little extra on a foot-long glue glass replica of the Water Cube on a classy glass and metal plinth (£298.23).

Then, when you bag an inflation-busting bonus, blow a chunk of it on a Beijing 2008-branded replica Ming vase in hand-glazed porcelain.

If you can’t manage to claim the £3,799 back against tax, you need to get yourself a new accountant.

For Your Babies



- Cute Baby Olympic One-piece and Bib for the Future Olympian (2008 Summer Olympics Gifts)

Is there a little 0 to 6 month old in your life who already crawls at world record pace AND who already loves to hit, dive, jump, and dribble with the best of them?

Here’s the cutest little gift from the US Olympic Shop. It’s a little one-piece and bib for an infant with the Team USA Olympic Rings and the words “FUTURE OLYMPIAN” across the front in maroon on both pieces. Both are 100% cotton, and the bib has a velcro closure.

For Your Girlfriends



- 2008 Beijing china tea set (2008 Summer Olympics Gifts)

I believe that girls or women are sure to be impressed by a Beijing 2008 china tea set, decorated with illustrations of unisex tumbling gymnasts and straining pole-vaulters(about US50 ).

Then, for those big nights out the Cambridge Arts Theatre, what about a necklace of fake pearls with a Beijing 2008-logo clasp (about US30)?

The must-have look autumn/winter 2008? A poly-cotton lime-green tie with a discreet in-laid pattern of the Olympic rings. .

Considering of money saving, accessories it with a set of tinny Beijing-branded cufflinks in dull metallic grey – US$8 the pair.

For Your Boyfriend who like Football



 

- Want to also have an Olympic athletes T-shirt? (2008 Summer Olympics Gifts)

If you look at pictures of the Brazil or Argentina athletes in the Olympic Village, you’ll see them wearing these very stylish polo shirts, T-shirts …from Nike, of all companies.

The shirt has the official Olympics logo on the right chest, the Nike swoosh on the left, and the words ‘Beijing” on the left sleeve to commemorate the 2008 Games. It’s an extremely comfortable and light shirt, made of 65% cotton and 35% polyester (also known as NikeFIT DRY for its comfort and its ability to let your skin breathe).

At a reasonable price of $44.99, it’s certainly more affordable than the polo shirts with the horses. And of course, a portion of your proceeds goes to help the great USA Athletes who have been doing our country proud throughout these last 12 days.

For Yourself



- Have an Olympic Ball from China (2008 Summer Olympics Gifts)

These are three souvenir balls from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, specifically a souvenir basketball, souvenir soccer ball, and a souvenir volleyball.

They’re all regulation-sized, so you can use them for playing these three sports. But they also make great souvenirs from the Games, as they also come with the official 2008 Summer Olympics logo, the words “Beijing 2008?, and the Olympic Rings on them, as well as the official mascots BeiBei, JingJing, HuanHuan, YingYing, and NiNi. You can read all about the meaning of the logo and the story behind the mascots here.



bridal shower favors