HOW TO STOP BIS AUTO-RENEW ONANY NETWORKS FROM REMOVINGYOUR MONEY

This tutorial will show you how to disable or stop auto-renew services on any Nigerian networks like MTN, GLO, AIRTEL and ETISALAT networks from removing your money after you subscribe an Internet bundle plan or blackberry internet service 'BIS'.

You'll just cancel all this with these simple method without contacting their customer care.

Therefore you can stop this annoying feature of any service provider wiping away your money in the name of auto renew,which is very annoying.




HOW CAN I DISABLE AUTO-RENEW ON MTN,GLO,AIRTEL and ETISALAT?

Relax your mind and follow this simple procedures to stop all Nigerian Network/Service Providers from taking your airtime.

● FOR GLO NETWORK To stop Glo Auto renew just send CANCEL to 127 as a text message. Then you will be sent a message telling you that you have successfully cancel the auto renewal services.

● FOR ETISALAT NETWORK To stop Etisalat MB data subscription auto-renewal,simply dial this code from your phone *229*0# then send OR u can also send STOP to 229. To stop their BIS monthly,weekly or Daily simply dail*399*2#

NOTE : This can be used to stop any auto renewal service on etisalat.

● FOR AIRTEL NETWORK To stop Blackberry internet Subscription (BIS) auto-renew subscription,simply Text STOPAUTORENEW to 440 and this will immediately stop them from deducting your airtime in the name of auto renew.

FOR MTN NETWORK Send NO to 131 Or you can send Cancel to 131.

ENJoY!!

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HOW TO TAKE A SCREENSHOT ON THE BLACKBERRY Z10 & Q10 PHONE

Uncountable Numbers of Mails from Blackberry z10 & Q10 Users, We've decided to Release a Tutorial on How to Take Screenshot on this New Smart Phones.
One of the lesser known features of the BlackBerry Q10 is the built-in ability to take a screenshot. Unlike BlackBerry phones of years past, you no longer need an external application (or any application at all) to take a screenshot on your BlackBerry Q10.

You may want to take a screenshot for any number of reasons. To capture your icon arrangement, document something on your device or for writing up a blog post (my favorite).

While the method of doing so is dead simple, many people still don't know just how to make it happen.

Keep reading to see how to take a screenshot on the BlackBerry Q10.

> Go to the screen you want to capture
> Press both the Volume Up and Volume Down keys at the same time (the volume keys are on the right side of the Q10)
> When you hear the shutter sound your screen is captured!



Where are my Screenshots?
To find the images, open File Manager. The screenshots are stored in the Camera folder on your device (not on the SD card if your are using one).

Enjoy!!!

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HOW TO ROOT TECNO N3,D3 AND T3 ANDROIDMOBILE DEVICE

Initially when tecno first launch its first android phone, i thought it would be a massive failure but i was proved wrong just like with their java phones. As i said, we have series of tecno android phones out there which include D3, T3,N3 and N7 happens to come with android ICS. Due to popular demand, am dedicating a trusted and safe way in which you can Root your Tecno N3 and T3 and tecno N7 on ics.




WARNING!
It is strongly advised that you use this tutorial only for the tecno phones specified above. Trying using this tutorial in any other Android device May result in unpleasant out comes of which am not liable. So before you proceed, Check your device’s model number in: Settings » About phone. Try this at your own risk. Although, it is very unlikely that your device will be damaged if you follow all the instructions here to the last letter in this tutorial.
Before You Root Your Phone Take Note Of This:

Once you have rooted your android device, your device warranty will get void; However, you can reclaim the warranty by applying official firmware update or by Unrooting the device.To check if you have successfully rooted your device or not simply Download and Install Root Checker it available on Google PLAY Store As you seen in this image below.




ROOTING Requirements:

1. Make sure your device have at least 80% battery power. How to Check Battery Percentage in Android Device press Settings » Battery.

2. Make sureUSB Debugging is enabled. You can do this by pressing Settings » Developer » Options » USB debugging.

3. Download Poot Tecno N3/T3 here also you can still download Ministro library fromGoogle Play Store or download the .apk of Ministro here


HOW TO ROOT YOUR TECNO N3,D3,T3 AND N7 

Just install Poot Tecno N3/T3 downloaded from the above link to internal memory and run the application. It will require you to install theMINISTRO IIyou will get - error like “update minstro library”, just update through google play store or install the .apk (which you must have downloaded from the link above). » After installing and updating all the libraries of QT (about 10MB), your phone will automatically reboot (or reboot it manually) You will get two buttons.

1. "Press here to poot” 2. “Built in root check"

Click on the first button “press here to poot” and wait till you have 3 buttons (Get Superuser, Get Root-checker and In-built Root checker), That means you are now rooted. You can now complete the process by downloading theSuperuser Application from the play store

WARNING: If your phone vibrate and goes blank try this another steps.

1. Enable usb debuging.

2. Change location of install
app to phone memory.

3. Uninstall poot.

4. Reboot N3 and reinstall poot.

5. Make sure you have a good working internet connection so as to update Ministro binary.

6. Restart your N3 after the update.

7. Unmount SD Card and run poot

8. Select the 1st option and wait. If pook display install superuser then u have sucessfully root your Tecno N3. If phone vibrate and goes blank then remove battery and put it back. Power On the phone, as soon as it shows installing SD Card quickly run poot and and press the first option.

Congrat your phone has been successful rooted if your have a problem just drop your comment

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7 Important Tips to Make Your Blogger Load Faster

Load time or speed of a blog is basically very important now a days in SEO’s prospective. So here I’ll give you some tips about how to check and reduce your blog’s load time. And this surely affects your blog’s ranking.

For checking your blog’s ranking, you can use several tools available online. But to be honest, all tools aren’t accurate, however, some tools are there which are created by professional organizations and they work just perfect. One of those tools is created by Google itself, and which I can say is the best one. Because it gives you exact and live loading timing of your blog. You can also get ideas for improving your blog’s time by using Google’s tool.

Here Is The Link Of Google’s Speed Checker:
Check your blog speed now
Above tool is the only free tool which accurately shows you about your blog’s speed time. Just enter your blog’s URL in the field and click Analyze, within seconds you’ll be able to see your blog live, and this tools will give your site points out of 100. So if you got points more than 90 than your blog is at nice level. But if you got less then 90 points or less than 80 points then you must think about improving your blog’s load time.

How to Reduce Blog’s Load Time?
Now here I come up with few tips that can surely reduce/improve your blog’s speed in very less time. But keep in mind that you’ll have to keep this thing in your blog’s to-do-list.

1.Show limited ads
Many bloggers use lots of ads on their blogs to earn more money. If you are doing so, then you are doing wrong. Advertisement gadgets use javascript that reduces your blog speed. Use limited ads to make your blog load faster.

2.Avoid heavy Flash Media and components
Flash media and components though provide a nice readable experience for readers, they can make your page load much slowly, so you should always avoid heavy flash files and if necessary, you can compress them.

3.Please Avoid JavaScript
JavaScript may have a lot of functions but in fact, it also affect your blog’s speed dramatically, so make it sure you don’t unnecessarily use JavaScript, avoid using JavaScript as much as possible.

4.Don’t use too much images
Having images in Blog posts is great thing, but using just one or two images is far a more better idea. So make sure you use only 1 or 2 images inside your blog posts, this will also reduce your blog’s speed.

5.Optimize Images
Optimizing images means, just make sure you re-size your images by using a photo editor like Photoshop or Paint, because if you download an image from internet and uploaded as same as it is then it will be harmful, however, if you re-size an image from 1000 * 800 to 500 * 300 then it would give you two advantages, one that the image will be now having less size and the second that you’ll own the image. Means there will be no copyright issues.

6.Get Rid of Extra Widgets
Using widgets in blog is very time saver thing, but don’t use extra widgets, they also take too much time when someone visits your site. So make sure you only use important widgets and avoid using widgets such as State counters, Google Translators, Feedjit etc.

7.Few Posts on Home Page
Your home page is considered as the king of your blog other pages. So make it sure your blog’s home page is loading faster than other pages, don’t show too much posts on home page, instead just show up 3 to 5 posts on home page. Google also says this.

I hope these tips are unique for you and by using these tips you’ll be able to improve your blog’s speed. Let me know if you have further questions. If you have any tips expect mine, then do share them with me.

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HOW TO FORMAT OR FLASH A BLACKBERRY PHONE - RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGSHOW TO FORMAT OR FLASH A BLACKBERRY PHONE - RESTORE FACTORY SETTINGS

How To Format Or Flash A Blackberry Phone - Restore Factory Settings Before you sell, donate or throw away your BlackBerry phone it's important to ensure that all of your data is wiped from the phone,this wipe ips called a format and occurs when you erase all of the personal data on the phone via the BlackBerry operating system on the phone itself. You may also want to perform a format on your phone if it is not working properly or you want to install an updated software package to the phone.

SIX SIMPLE ST.E.PS TO GET IT DONE

1. Turn on your BlackBerry.

2. Open the Options menu.

3. Select the Security Options menu.

4. Select the General Settings option.

5. Select Wipe Handheld.

6. Type "blackberry" when you are prompted to do so to confirm the wipe.

Enjoy!!!!

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The Best Way To Cook Ogbono Soup (Draw Soup)

Ogbono Soup also known as Draw Soup makes eating Fufu Recipes so easy because of its slimy nature which helps the lumps of fufu slide down. If your kids do not like Okra Soup because of the chunks of Okra, then try Ogbono Soup, they will surely love it.

Some people like their Ogbono soup plain, with no added vegetables, others would not touch it unless there is some kind of vegetable in it. A third group love their Ogbono Soup with Okra. Some people even go fancy and add Egusi to it.

Be sure to check out the following link where you'll find more tips for preparing Ogbono Soup.

Ingredients for Ogbono Soup

• Assorted Meat and Fish: Beef, Shaki, DryFish, Stock Fish
• Ogbono Seeds: 2 handfuls
• Palm Oil: 3 Cooking spoons
• Vegetable: Frozen Spinach (you can also use Pumpkin leaves or even Bitterleaf)
• Crayfish: 1 handful
• Pepper and Salt - To taste
• 1 medium size Onion
• 2 Stock cubes (Maggi/Knorr)

Tools used

• Cooker: Buy it in USA | in UK
• Pot: Buy it in USA | in UK
• Spice grinder for grinding ogbono seeds: Buy it in USA | in UK
• Spatula: Buy it in USA | in UK
• Chopping board: Buy it in USA | in UK
• Knives: Buy it in USA | in UK

Before you cook Ogbono Soup

1. Grind the Ogbono with a dry mill.
2. Cut the frozen spinach when it is not completely defrosted. It is easier that way. Then when completely defrosted, squeeze out the excess water.
3. Cook the assorted meat with the stock cubes and onion. If you will use Shaki, remember to start cooking that first, then add beef when almost done.
4. Grind crayfish and pepper.
5. Boil some water and set aside.

Cooking Directions for Ogbono Soup

1. Pour the palm oil into a clean dry stainless steel or aluminium pot. Set on the stove and melt the oil at low heat. Remember, only melt the oil, do not allow it to heat up.
2. Once melted, turn off the heat and add the ground Ogbono.
3. Use your cooking spoon to dissolve the Ogbono in the oil.
4. When all the Ogbono powder has completely mixed with the oil, add the meat/fish stock (water from cooking the assorted meat and fish). Set the heat of your cooker to low and start stirring. You will notice the Ogbono start to thicken and draw.
5. Keep stirring till the Ogbono has completely absorbed the meat stock.
6. Add a small quantity of the hot water and stir till the Ogbono has absorbed all the water. Repeat this process till you get a consistency that is shown in the video below.
7. Making sure that your heat is set to low, cover the pot and start cooking. Once it starts to simmer, stir every 2-3 minutes for 20 minutes. 
8. So what you'll do is: every 3 minutes or so, open the pot, stir every well, scraping the Ogbono that sticks to the base of the pot, cover the pot and cook for another 3 minutes.
9. After 20 minutes, the Ogbono should be well cooked and you will begin to perceive its nice flavour and aroma.
10. Add the assorted meat and fish, ground crayfish, salt and pepper to taste. The Ogbono may have become thicker from the cooking. If so, add a little bit more water and stir very well. Cover and cook till the contents of the pot is well heated up.
11. If you prefer your Ogbono Soup without vegetables, turn off the heat and serve but if you like to add a vegetable then keep reading :)
12. When the contents of the pot have heated up, add the vegetable (frozen Spinach used in the video). Stir very well, cover the pot and turn off the heat. Leave to stand for about 5 minutes and serve with any Fufu recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ogbono Soup
My Ogbono Soup does not draw. Why?

There are 3 main reasons why your Ogbono Soup does not draw.

1. You bought the wrong seeds. There is another seed that looks so much like Ogbono and is sold as Ogbono seeds in Nigerian markets. First sign that you are buying the wrong seeds is if they are too cheap to be true. To confirm that the seeds are really Ogbono seeds: break the seed and rub the broken sides together, if they make a sap that draws, then you've got the real Ogbono seeds. In Nigeria, every open market seller should let you do this "drawing test", if not, please leave their shop and go somewhere else.

        For those living outside Nigeria, I guess you just have to pray that the Ogbono seeds in the pack you

        buy are the real thing :)

2.     Another reason why your Ogbono Soup does not draw may be because you used packaged ground             Ogbono, ground being the keyword here. This is especially the case for those who live outside Nigeria           who do not have any choice than to buy the ground packaged Ogbono sold in African shops.

        Once you grind Ogbono, it starts losing its potency to draw and with time, it won't draw anymore. The         exact time at which it completely loses its potency to draw will depend on: how dry the Ogbono was             before the grinding took place and how well it is packaged amongst other things.

3.     The third reason why your Ogbono Soup does not draw is that you fried it before adding the meat/fish            stock. The ground Ogbono should only be dissolved in the palm oil NOT fried. The more you fry it,              the more it loses its drawing ability till you've got no potency left. This happens even if it is the authentic         Ogbono seed.

How can I cook Ogbono Soup so that it does not burn?

First, turn down the heat. Whatever you are cooking, turn down the heat to prevent burning. This is especially the case with Ogbono Soup which is very sticky. Always cook your Ogbono Soup at very low heat. If your cooker's heating ranges from 1 to 9, set the heat to 4.

Secondly, do not add crayfish or any other ingredients when cooking the Ogbono at first. Crayfish especially speeds up the burning. When you grind your Ogbono in Nigerian markets, they will tell you to use crayfish to make sure all the Ogbono comes out of the mill. If you decide to do that, make sure that they put the crayfish and that last bit of Ogbono in a different plastic bag for you and add the crayfish bit when you add the rest of the ingredients.

Also, use stainless steel or aluminium pots in cooking your Ogbono Soup. Non-stick pots are not the best for cooking Ogbono Soup even though it says non-stick lol!
My Ogbono Soup tastes bland in spite of all the ingredients I usually add to it. Why is this?

One reason Ogbono Soup will taste bland even after adding enough ingredients is that you did not cook it long enough. I have seen a lot of people cook Ogbono for only 5 minutes. That's not enough. Ogbono, once added, should be cooked for at least 20 minutes on low heat. This is the time at which the taste begins to come out and blend with the ingredients.

Another reason is maybe because the Ogbono seeds have gone mouldy in which case, it will have a slightly bitter taste too.

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Modify Homepage Blogger To 2 Column

How to modify default blogger template homepage? In this tutorial i will explain step by step to create default blogger homepage became 2 column view post. 
e.g

Before we start this tutorial, your post article must have readmore/jump break feature to make this tutorial works. If you already use readmore/jump break at post article, let's start this tutorial.

1. Login Blogger Dashboard
2. Click Template >> Edit Html
3. Press Ctrl+F in Edit Html box and search this code ]]></b:skin> and place this code bellow ]]></b:skin>

<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == &quot;static_page&quot;'> <b:else/> <b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != &quot;item&quot;'> <style type='text/css'> #main-wrapper {width:620px;padding-left:5px;padding-right:5px;border-right:1px solid #ddd;} h2.date-header, .jump-link, .feed-links, .post-footer {display:none;} #blog-pager {width:98%; clear:both;} .post {margin:.01em 10px 10px 0;background:none;width:260px;height:250px;float:left; border:1px solid #ccc; positon:relative;overflow:hidden;} .post-body {margin:0.2em 0 .75em;line-height:1.4em;font-size:13px;color:#111;overflow:hidden;} .post h3 {height:32px;font-size:12px;font-weight:bold;line-height:1.3em;color:#ffffff;text-transform:none;font-family:Arial; background-color:#3d85c6; text-align: center; padding-top:3px;} .post h3 a, .post h3 a:visited, .post h3 strong {font-weight:bold;color:#ffffff;} .post h3 strong, .post h3 a:hover {color:#000;text-decoration:underline;} .post h2{font-size:13px;font-weight:bold;line-height:1.3em;color:#000;text-transform:none;padding-bottom:5px} .post h2 a,.post h2 a:visited,.post h2 strong{color:#000} .post h2 strong,.post h2 a:hover{color:#444;text-decoration:underline} .post img { height:100px; width:100px; margin-top:5px; padding:1px;} </style> </b:if> </b:if>

Save template and done.

If you encounter this problem:

Problem: Just one column show up on homepage, how to fix?
Fix: change/resize this code value --> width:260px

Problem: Left and right columns are uneven?
Fix: this problem came from your heading modify. For example:
Default blogger heading is : h1 for title, h2 for date, h3 for post/article title.
If you modify this heading become: h1 for title, h2 for post/article title and h3 for date, so... you must change between h2 & h3 code above.

Problem: change color header box
fix: search this hexacolor at code above : #3d85c6 (blue)and change with your hexacolor code.

Good luck  

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Foods to avoid after workout, very important

Going to the gym is not just fashionable but it is also very good for health. This is because working out is such an essential part of well being that a health-conscious person does not want to miss.

Various people have different reasons for using the gym. For one, some gym users just want to lose a few kilogrammes and shape up; other people — especially men — simply want to build muscles; while most women may want to tone up their muscles.

Whatever may be the reason for gym use, there are many benefits you can derive from working out regularly. Fitness experts advise that if you spend an average of 30 minutes per gym visit thrice a week, you are likely to achieve your goals and even much more.

However, nutritionists warn that working out in the gym is one thing, and that combining your fitness exercise with a balanced, nutritious and healthy diet is another.

They are of the view that after a strenuous session at the gym, there are foods that you should never touch with the longest pole if you must achieve your goal of keeping fit and staying healthy.

A nutritionist, Dr. Remi Omotunde, reveals that when you eat certain food combinations after exercise, they may actually sabotage any weight loss benefit by disrupting the way fat is metabolised after a training session.

In a research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, scientists advise you to eat foods that are low in carbohydrates after an aerobic workout in order to enhance insulin sensitivity and optimise the storage and release of body fat.

The lead author, Sean Newsom, notes that the content of meals consumed after exercise can impact metabolic responses for hours and even days after the exercise session.

Newsom and his team aver that carbohydrate deficit after exercise, rather than energy deficit, contributes to the insulin-sensitising effects of acute aerobic exercise, whereas maintaining an energy deficit after exercise augments lipid mobilisation.

In layman’s terms, what this simply means is that certain category of foods can either make or mar your efforts at the gym.

Now, what foods should you avoid as you step out of the gym?

Sugary foods
Omotunde warns that after a rigorous workout at the gym, you must stay off any carbohydrate-laden food for the next two hours. He warns that drinking fruit juices that contain sugar — a form of carbohydrate — immediately after exercise would inhibit Human Growth Hormone.

Scientists say after aerobic exercise, HGH production increases tremendously, and it enhances the body’s ability to burn fat.

“Avoiding carbohydrate-rich foods after training will aid you to achieve your weight loss goal a lot faster, as you improve the efficiency of your fat burning metabolism,” experts counsel.

Other sugary foods to avoid include cakes, soft drinks, ice cream, cookies, chocolates, some energy bars; and some refined carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, etc.

Experts advise you to take water and naturally low-carb foods in the two hours following your workout, in order to optimise the weight loss and health benefits.

Omotunde suggests you eat foods rich in protein, fat and high fibre such as nuts, seeds, meats and vegetables.

Salty snacks
While it is true that the body needs certain amount of daily salt intake to function optimally, it is not advisable to gorge on salty foods immediately after workouts.

Omotunde says this is because in the course of exercising, you have revved up your system such that you have lost much minerals, including potassium. He adds that taking foods that have excess salt post-gym will further reduce your potassium level.

He explains, “Salt loss from working out is not the utmost concern. Rather, it is the loss of minerals such as potassium. But you can easily resolve this loss by eating a handful of dried fruit or a banana.”

Experts say bananas are high in the “good” kinds of carbs you need after a workout. “These fast-acting carbs will help restore your body’s levels of glycogen, which helps rebuild damaged muscles. And they provide lots of wonderful potassium,” experts assure.

Fatty foods
Here, Omotunde says, the culprits are the fried stuffs such as French fries, pizza, and other fast foods.

In general, fitness experts say, only a small percent of your meal should be comprised of fat. This is because the ultimate goal is to replenish your body’s glycogen (the storage form of glucose in animals and humans, which is analogous to the starch in plants) and reduce — not add to — the amount of fat your body stores.

Raw vegetables
Fitness experts say though raw vegetables have a lot to offer, health-wise, when eaten at the right time, they are simply not the body’s friends when taken immediately after a workout. “This is because, on their own, they’re just not enough,” experts warn.

Fruits and vegetables such as carrots, celery, bell peppers and broccoli do not contain enough of what the body needs, post-workout, to make it recover fast enough.

Omotunde says because they are minimal calorie foods and are therefore aren’t substantial enough to restore energy and help you maintain a healthy metabolic rate, you should combine them with other healthy foods devoid of no-no foods earlier mentioned.

To avoid eating back all the calories you work off…
Eat every 3 to 4 hours: Giving your body a steady supply of calories keeps blood sugar normal during and after exercise, and it can prevent an excessively high insulin response the next time you eat that encourages excess body fat.

Have protein at every meal: Protein increases satiety and helps keep your appetite under control by stimulating gut hormones that help you feel full. Options include eggs, milk, soya milk, yogurt, and oatmeal for breakfast. Include nuts, beans, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish, lean meats, and poultry at other meals and snacks to ensure you get enough protein.

By the way, the anti-inflammatory omega-3’s found in salmon will help rebuild your muscles and increase performance.

Load up on fibre
Bulky foods will fill you up on fewer calories. Aim for 25 to 30g of fibre per day. Eat beans, steamed spinach, apple, nuts, pear, etc.

Pack a snack
If you’ve worked up a sweat for an hour or more, have a little something within 30 minutes of finishing, even if you don’t feel like it. You can eat turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread.

Quench your thirst with water
Exercise is more likely to increase your thirst, but many people mistake thirst for hunger. Next time you have the munchies, especially post-workout, try to satisfy your desire with calorie-free water. Sipping sweetened drinks can quickly override any calorie deficit created by working out.

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Best Way to make Nigerian Fish Rolls or Meat Pie

Nigerian Fish Roll is the deep-fried version of Nigerian Meat Pie with a fish filling.

It is so easy to make.

Nigerian Fish Rolls is a deep fried crunchy Nigerian snack made with flour, margarine, eggs and baking powder, and then filled with mashed spiced fish.
I love easy recipes and this is just one of my favorite Nigerian snacks; easy to prepare and simply delicious...here's the recipe :)

Nigerian Fish rolls ingredients:
For the Fish rolls dough/pastry:

• *350 grams Flour
• *100 grams margarine
• *1 raw egg
• *1 tablespoonful baking powder
• *1/2 tablespoonful salt
• For the Nigerian Fish Rolls Filling: 
• *Lightly fried mackerel fish(deboned and mashed)
• *Vegetable oil for frying

Nigerian Fish Rolls Making Directions:
*First, fry the fresh fish lightly in oil , remove the bones and mash well.
*In a bowl , add the flour, salt, baking powder and margarine;Mix well , add the egg and mix thoroughly.
*Now, add the water bit by bit, and knead the dough until you get a smooth but firm dough.
*Next, place the dough on a flat board/table and cut out a bit. Using a rolling pin, roll out the small dough        until it's flat and then cut to form a rectangular shape.
*Now add the mashed fish and fold/roll the dough. Keep rolling it until you get the length you desire.
*Heat the oil until hot (not smoking hot) and fry the fish rolls on low heat until it's crusty and brown.
*Now the fish rolls are ready...Enjoy!

Nigerian Fish Rolls are a big favorite and usually eaten on its own as a snack or enjoyed with a chilled or hot drink.

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How to Make Nigerian Sausage Roll

When we hear Sausage Rolls, Gala®, the most popular Nigerian Sausage Roll comes to mind. If you want to learn how to make Sausage Rolls that do not leave an after-taste of sausages in your mouth, keep reading. 

I have seen a lot of recipes for Sausage Rolls where a beef sausage is slapped on a dough, folded and baked. But that tastes too "sausagey" for my liking. I'll rather put the sausage in a bread roll and eat instead of wasting my time and electricity baking that in the oven.

Nigerian Sausage Roll Ingredients
The number of Sausage Rolls you will get with the following ingredients depends on how flat you roll out your dough and the size you cut your sausage rolls during preparation.

For the dough

• Plain Flour: 300g
• Baking Powder: 1 to 2 teaspoons
• Margarine: 150g
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Cold Water
• For the sausage filling
• 300g of sausage (Satis® is a popular brand in Nigeria)
• ½ teaspoon of ground Nutmeg
• 1 big stock cube

Ornamental Ingredient

• 1 medium-sized egg

Tools used while making the Sausage Rolls

• Oven: Buy it in USA | in UK
• Glass Bowl Buy it in USA | in UK
• Kitchen scale: Buy it in USA | in UK
• Dough Roller or good old wine bottle. Buy dough roller in USA | in UK
• Hand blender for blending the sausages. A normal blender will NOT work well for this task because with normal blenders, you will need to add water to what you are blending but in this case, you don't want to add water to the sausages. Buy it in USA | in UK
• A table: – You will need a flat surface to roll out and cut the dough.
• A blunt knife for cutting the dough.
• A brush for rubbing the egg on the sausage rolls.
• A pestle.

Directions for preparing the Nigerian Sausage Rolls
The Sausage Filling
I don't like sausages because they are tasteless and salty. For this reason, I like to season sausages before using them in my Sausage Rolls. Boiling them with seasoning is never enough because the seasoning cannot penetrate the compact sausage.

The following steps will show you how I season my sausages before using them.


Put the sausages in a bowl and use a blunt object e.g a pestle to mash them up.
Add the ground nutmeg.
Crush the stock cubes with your fingers and add to the mashed sausages. At this time, feel free to add any other seasoning that catches your fancy.
Stir well to mix the added ingredients with the mashed sausages.
Use the hand blender to blend the sausages into a smooth paste.
Set this aside.

The Sausage Roll dough

The dough for Sausage Rolls is mixed exactly as that of Nigerian Meat Pie

• Put the flour in a sizeable bowl; add the baking powder and salt. Mix these dry ingredients very well. You really do not need a lot of salt for the sausage roll dough. Most sausages contain a lot of salt already.
• Use a tablespoon to scoop the margarine in small bits into the bowl of flour. The smaller you make the bits of margarine, the easier it will be for you to rub them into the flour.
• Use finger tips to rub the margarine into the flour till the mix becomes like crumbs.
• Add cold water in bits and mix till a stiff ball of dough is formed. You only need a small quantity of water for this to happen.

Get other stuff ready

• Set your oven to 170°C (~335°F) to preheat while you continue with the sausage roll.
• Rub margarine on the insides of the oven tray, spray flour on it, pour out the excess flour and set aside. This is so that the undersides of the sausage rolls do not burn or stick to the tray during baking.
• Break the egg, beat it and set aside, you will need it later.

Roll, Cut, Fill, Fold and Close

• Roll out the dough to a 3mm thickness.
• Use a blunt knife to make a rectangular cut on the rolled out dough.
• Remove the excess dough and rub the egg on the rectangular dough.
• Scoop some sausage along the edge of the length of the rectangle. The thickness of the sausage should be such that you can comfortably fold the dough and still be left with an overlap. Watch the video below to see how I did that.
• Fold the dough as you would fold a mat.
• Rest the folded roll on the excess dough to make a seal like you would with the flap of an envelope.
• Cut the sausage roll to desired lengths.
• Roll out more dough, cut, fill, fold, cut into desired lengths and place in the greased oven tray till all the dough is used.
• Rub the egg on the sausage rolls. This gives them a golden brown look when done.
• Set the tray in the preheated oven and bake till the Sausage Rolls are golden brown. This should take approximately 40 minutes depending on the thickness of your dough and the type/heating capacity of your oven.

That's how to make the Nigerian Sausage Rolls that do not have the strong sausagey smell and taste.

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How to make Nigerian Salad

Nigerian Salad is so unique that there is no other place that prepares such filling and exotic salad as this recipe. It can be had as a meal on its own or as a side dish to the various Nigerian Rice Recipes.

The quantities of ingredients stated are what will give you a typical taste of the Nigerian Salad. The quantities can be halved or multiplied and the same taste will be achieved.
Ingredients

• 1 medium bunch of Lettuce
• 5 medium sized Carrots
• 4 small pcs of Irish Potatoes
• 2 medium pcs of Cucumber
• 3 medium Eggs
• 1 415g tin of Baked Beans in tomato sauce
• 200g of Sweet Corn
• 5 pcs of Plum Tomatoes (Jos Tomatoes)

Salad Dressing – the classic Heinz Salad Cream works best with the Nigerian Salad recipe. A close substitute is the Heinz Caesar Salad Cream. You can use mayonnaise too.

Tools used

• Glass Bowl 
• Chopping board 
• Knives 

Before you prepare the Nigerian Salad
Wash and cook the Irish Potatoes till done. The eggs should be hard boiled. To save time, these two can be cooked in the same pot as they need almost equal amount of time to get done.

All the vegetables need to be washed.

• Cut the lettuce into thin shreds.
• Scrape and shred the carrots using a grater.
• Peel and cut the boiled potatoes into sizeable cubes.
• Peel, remove the seeds and cut the cucumber as shown. If you want more green color in your salad, you may peel the cucumber in stripes.
• Remove the seeds from the plum tomatoes and cut into small pieces.
• Place all the cut vegetables in separate containers.

Open the sweet corn and drain the preservation water. Rinse the seeds and set aside. Also open the baked beans tin and set aside.

Remove the shells of the hard boiled eggs, slice thinly and set aside. An egg slicer is perfect for this job.

Preparation

• With the exception of the egg, start putting the ingredients in small batches into a big salad bowl till all are exhausted.
• Now, place the sliced eggs on the salad, covering the top.
• Cover the bowl and place in the fridge for at least one hour. This is to allow all the ingredients to mix well.
• Serve with a salad dressing of your choice but the Heinz Salad Cream works best with this recipe, seconded by a caeser salad dressing.

Notes and Tips

If you prefer your Nigerian Salad crunchy, substitute the lettuce with cabbage. You can also use the two as the lettuce adds a green color to the salad.

The above are the minimum ingredients for making a Nigerian salad. More ingredients such as boiled macaroni, corned beef, green bell pepper, green peas etc can be added for varied flavour.

The Nigerian Salad is best consumed within 24 hours of preparation if no salad dressing is added to it.

If you are lucky to buy a baby cucumber, it may not be necessary to remove the seeds.

Nigerian Salad can be eaten alone or as a side dish to Jollof Rice, Coconut Rice, Fried Rice and other Nigerian rice dishes.

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Best Way to Cook Nigerian Egusi Soup

The Nigerian Egusi soup, prepared with melon seeds, is native to the southern part of Nigeria

Egusi soup is also one of the most popular soups for all Nigerians and non-Nigerians that like Nigerian fufu recipes. It is known as Miyan Gushi in Hausa.

Ingredients

• Egusi (Melon) seeds - 3 cigar cups | 600g
• Red Palm Oil – 2 cooking spoons
• Beef – Best cut and Shaki (cow tripe)
• Fish – Dry Fish and Stock Fish
• Crayfish
• Pepper and Salt to taste
• Vegetable – Pumpkin leaves or Bitter leaf
• Seasoning – 3 Maggi or Knorr cubes
• Traditional Seasoning – 1 Okpei (optional)
• Tools I used
• Cooker: Buy it in USA | in UK
• Deep Pot: Buy it in USA | in UK
• Spice grinder for grinding egusi (melon) seeds: Buy it in USA | in UK
• Spatula: Buy it in USA | in UK
• Chopping board: Buy it in USA | in UK
• Knives: Buy it in USA | in UK

Before you cook Egusi Soup
Before preparing the soup, soak the dry fish for about half an hour. Boil the stockfish for 20 minutes and leave in the pot with the hot water to soak for about an hour.

Much closer to your cooking time, grind the Egusi with a dry mill. Grind the crayfish and the dry pepper separately and set aside. Wash the vegetable to be used. Cut into tiny pieces.

Boil the shaki, stock fish and dry fish in 1 litre of water till they are well done. First sign of a done shaki is that the cuts will start curling on itself.

Wash the beef to be used for the soup and place in a pot and start steaming at medium heat. There is no need to add water at this stage. When the meat is done, add 3 cubes of Maggi/Knorr. This method makes the meat cook faster while retaining all the taste. Also meat contains lots of water and you will notice that the water content increases as the meat starts to boil.
Cooking Directions

There are two main methods of cooking egusi soup. These we will call oil before egusi and egusi before oil. Confusing? Not.

Oil Before Egusi
Put 2 cooking spoons of red palm oil into a dry pot and set on the stove to heat. As soon as the oil is clearer, add the ground egusi and start frying. This should be done at low heat to avoid burning. Keep frying till you see the egusi getting drier. One sign of this is that it will start sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Now, start adding the shaki/fish stock little by little while still turning the egusi. When the stock is exhausted and you feel that the soup is still too thick, you can add more water. If your choice of vegetable is bitterleaf, it should be added now as well.

Cover the pot and cook for 30 minutes. The egusi is done when you notice that the oil has risen to the surface of the mix and separated from the mix. If this is the case, add the fish, shaki and meat. Also add pepper and salt to taste. If pumpkin leaves (or any other soft vegetable) is your choice, please add it now.

Cover the pot and leave everything to steam together for 5 minutes.
The egusi soup is ready to be served with amala, Eba (garri), pounded yam orcassava fufu.

Egusi Before Oil
This method produces a healthier egusi soup. This is because there is no frying involved.

In this method, as soon as the shaki, fish and meat are done, remove them from the stock (water used in cooking the meat and fish) and place in a different pot or plate.

Add the ground egusi to the stock and stir. If the stock from cooking your meat and fish is small, add some water to the same level as the egusi.

Cover and cook till the egusi cakes. Stir and add a little bit more water. watch it closely so that it does not burn.

Repeat step 3, adding only a small quantity of water at a time. After about 25 minutes, you will notice the clear egusi oil coming to the surface of the soup.

Add 2 cooking spoons of red palm oil and bitter leaves (if it is your choice of vegetable), pepper and salt to taste and cook for about 7 minutes.

Add the the meat and fish. If using pumpkin leaves or any other soft vegetable, add it at this time, stir the soup and leave to simmer for 2 minutes maximum.

Turn off the heat. Leave to stand for 2 minutes before serving.
The egusi soup is ready to be served with Eba (Garri), Agidi, Amala, Semolina, Tuwo Shinkafa, Pounded Yam or Cassava Fufu.

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Eat These and You May Live Longer, New Study Says

(photo by Getty Images)A group of international scientists has located a possible fountain of youth, and it's in our kitchens. A new study in the Journal of Nutrition reports that older adults who consume higher amounts of polyphenols have a 30 percent chance of living longer. Polyphenols are micronutrients found mainly in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, grains, coffee, and tea. Evidence suggests polyphenols have a role in preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, osteoporosis, and other degenerative diseases.

The 12-year study, which involved more than 800 participants, is the first to use a specific biomarker (in this case, urine analysis) to measure polyphenol levels, instead of relying on questionnaires. "The results corroborate scientific evidence suggesting that people consuming diets rich in fruit and vegetables are at lower risk of several chronic diseases and overall mortality," lead author Raúl Zamora Ros, PhD, of the University of Barcelona, said in a statement. "This methodology makes a more reliable and accurate evaluation of the association between food intake and mortality or disease risk," added colleague Cristina Andrés Lacueva, PhD.

A polyphenol-rich diet includes at least 650 milligrams a day. Below is a list of 20 commonly available foods  richest dietary sources of polyphenols (polyphenol content listed as mg/100 g serving):

• Cocoa powder (3448 mg)
• Dark chocolate (1766 mg)
• Black olives (569 mg)
• Green olives (346 mg)
• Hazelnuts (495 mg)
• Pecans (493 mg)
• Soy flour (466 mg)
• Plums (377 mg)
• Cherries (274 mg)
• Artichokes (260 mg)
• Blackberries (260 mg)
• Strawberries (235 mg)
• Red raspberries (215 mg)
• Red chicory/radicchio (235 mg)
• Whole-wheat flour (201 mg)
• Almonds (187 mg)
• Black grapes (169 mg)
• Red onion (168 mg)
• Apple (136 mg)
• Spinach (119 mg)

Don't stick to just the top-listed foods, though. "Any plant-based foods are good in their whole form," Angela Lemond, RDN and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tells Yahoo Shine. In general, polyphenol-rich foods are bright-or dark-colored and have a strong or astringent flavor. She recommends adding fruits and vegetables to breakfast and lunch, since most people focus on their dinner menus. Another trick is to slip vegetables into sandwiches and pack a colorful salad for lunch. She also says, "Branch out from your favorites and experiment with seasonal produce." The orange and red foods that are now hitting markets and farm stands are great sources of polyphenols. For kids, Lemond suggests cutting fruits and vegetables into snack sizes and storing them at eye level in the refrigerator.

Polyphenols are found in thousands of combinations in hundreds of different foods, and for maximum benefit, its helpful to eat a variety over the course of the day to keep blood levels high. Consume produce when it's fresh, because the beneficial compounds deteriorate with age. "There is also some destruction with heat," says Lemond. Cooking, especially deep-frying and boiling, can destroy them, but steaming retains the highest degree. Because some nutrients are released by cooking, she generally recommends eating a mixture of raw and cooked food. Processing foods can destroy the healthy compounds, so choose whole grains that are minimally processed. Also, leave skins on fruits and vegetables for maximum benefit.

Spices and herbs such as cloves, rosemary, oregano, and many others are superrich in polyphenols, so season your meals liberally. Beverages contain polyphenols too, especially coffee, green and black tea, red wine, and beer. Dark juices and citrus juices are good choices, but to keep calories in check, avoid high levels of added sugar.

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5 Ways To Invest Your Money

There are 5 methodologies or approaches to investing. Which one best suits you?

Investing successfully is key to reaching your long-term goals. Your ability to invest successfully, however, is based upon a combination of your knowledge, the tools available to you, your time, your motivation and importantly, the quality of the advice that you receive.

On this topic, the quote from Clint Eastwood’s character, Dirty Harry comes to mind: “A man’s got to know his limitations.” If you have investing limitations your long-term goals may not be reached. Everyone has 5 options or approaches to investing. Which one is right for you?

1. Doing it all on your own:
You conduct the analysis, make decisions as to the correct asset allocation, determine which investments to buy, implement the buys and sells, monitor the portfolio and rebalance the portfolio based on a prudent repeatable process that is tax efficient.

2. Seek counsel from an Advisor that provides you with recommendations; either paid on an hourly basis or as part of a financial plan (and who does not sell a product).
The Advisor provides advice as to allocation and specific investments, but you implement the recommended changes to the allocation and specific investments. It is up to you to return for future advice. The Advisor does not monitor or proactively call you when a change occurs. The advice does not include the payment of commissions.

3. Advisor and you “co-manage” your investments on an ongoing basis.
The Advisor does the analysis, provides recommendations, and does the investment implementation except in the case(s) of employer retirement accounts wherein you implement specific changes. The Advisor monitors the investments and your asset allocation, reports to you periodically as to the performance of your portfolio, pro-actively contacts you if a problem arises, discusses suggested tax efficient re-balances as needed, updates your Investment Policy Statement and changes your asset allocation as your plan changes. The advice does not include the payment of commissions.

4. You turn your investment decisions over to a money manager.
The Manager invests the money according to a pre-determined plan, monitors the portfolio and investments and makes changes as needed. You are an observer to the process and the results.

5. Advice from a salesperson that earns a commission when you are sold a product.
This “non-fiduciary” advice is subject to conflict of interest between what is best for the financial services company and sales person versus what is best for you as the investor. Another issue is that if later you want to change investments, another commission can be charged. This type of approach generally occurs at Edward Jones , Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley , and other Broker Dealers.

Which Investing Option is best for me?
There are many facets to managing your investments; opening accounts, transferring accounts or assets, buying and selling investments in each account, monitoring individual investments and your overall allocation on a periodic basis, re-balancing the asset allocation, removing poorly performing investment options and replacing with more appropriate alternatives, all in a tax-efficient manner.

Indicate your preference to each of the following statements and learn more about which approach is best suited for you where Y=Yes N=No.

A	I have clear short, mid and long term goals for my investments	Y    N
B	I have an investing plan (Investment Policy Statement)	Y    N
C	I have the knowledge to manage my investments	Y    N
D	I have the tools to manage my investments	Y    N
E	I have the motivation to manage my investments	Y    N
F	I have the time to manage my investments	Y    N

• If you checked yes to all six (A to F) you may be a good candidate to do it yourself.
• If you checked C, D and E as no, then Investment Option 2 or 3 may be a good option.
• If you checked no to all six (A to F) then Option 3 or 4 is a good option.
• Option 4 could be argued as a less than ideal choice if you truly believe that no one could care as much about your money as you do and that you should be part of the investment process.
• Option 5 is really not a reasonable choice since there is a conflict of interest when commissions are on the table with a salesperson.

For most people, Option 2 where an Advisor (who does not sell a product) provides advice on an hourly basis or as part of a financial plan is the better choice, or Option 3 where an Advisor and you “co-manage” your investments together on an ongoing basis.

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Learn How to Have a Healthy Relationship

Sometimes relationships can seem like a lot of work until you sit back and realize just how much you've been given. A thriving, healthy relationship is absolutely within your reach if you and your partner are willing to do a bit of work. Here's how to start nurturing your bond.

Steps
Part One: Things You Must Do Independently

1

Take responsibility for your own happiness.Save yourself several hours of arguing by remembering this one rule: it's not up to anyone else to make you happy.

2

Make good on your words. Follow through on your promises. When you say you're going to do something, do it. Don't say that you'll cook dinner, or get a birthday present, and then blow it off or simply forget about it. What this does is systematically destroy trust. And relationships need trust in order to thrive.

3

Admit your mistakes. If you know you've done something to hurt your partner, intentionally or not, own up to it. Humble yourself and apologize sincerely, without making excuses or justifications like "I'm sorry you made me angry."



Commit to changing your behavior. If you notice yourself apologizing for the same mistake over and over, step it up a level. Tell your partner that you recognize this mistake keeps happening, and you want to train yourself to stop. Request help and ask for him or her to gently point it out to you when you're making this mistake again.

4

Be realistic. Every relationship has disagreements and days when staying isn't the easiest choice. But what makes a relationship healthy is choosing to resolve those problems and push through the hard days, instead of just letting issues and resentment fester.


Review your expectations. Do you see your partner as a person, with both winning qualities and flaws, or as someone you expect to be perfect? If your expectations are so astronomical that no one could live up to them 100% of the time, you're setting up your relationship for failure.

Accept that conflict happens. If you expect to be in a long-term relationship, you're bound to have the occasional disagreement. Remember that one argument isn't the end of everything, and there's no person on earth that you'd agree with all the time.

Always ask yourself whether you're better off in the relationship than out of it. If you don't think you're better off in the relationship, then you probably should have a serious discussion with your partner. In a loving relationship, this question almost always gets a simple "Yes."

5

Listen to your partner. Sometimes, all your partner wants is for you to lend an ear and be sympathetic about one of their problems. Other times, your partner wants you to actively give them advice. Know which one your partner is looking for, and try to give them what they want. Being a good listener is all about paying attention to what they're saying and not blowing it off.
Listening to your partner will enhance your relationship in many ways. It will help you resolve differences without arguing; let you explore each other's personality more deeply; and even help you pick out an awesome Christmas present. There are no downsides to listening.

6

Show your affection in whatever way you can. There's a difference between knowing that you're loved and feeling that you're loved. Sometimes, we bank on the fact that our partners should know that we love them even when we don't show it. Don't rely on this too much. The best relationships use affection to show love.

Do something for your partner that you know s/he will truly appreciate. Whether it means getting up early to mow the lawn, taking the kids to karate, or baking that nutella shortcake, it's often the little favors that say the most.

Don't be afraid to show physical affection every once in a while. Loving relationships feed off of the little kisses, hugs, and back-rubs that are mainstays of affection.

Do the unexpected. It's one thing to kiss your partner after you come home from work; it's another thing to kiss your wife while you're skydiving, falling 10,000 feet from a plane. It's the thought that counts, so put a little effort into it for huge returns.

7

Be loyal. Make sure he/she knows that you will always be there for him/her. Put him/her first in your life as much as you possibly can. Not that you have to only see him/her ever, or never talk to anyone else, but he/she should know that he/she can always count on you if he/she needs something. Also, expect the same loyalty from him/her. You deserve to feel prized in the relationship just as much as him/her.

8

Do not ever hide anything from him/her. Especially your feelings about him/her and your relationship - whether good or bad! This way you will be able to overcome all the difficulties and challenges together. If something bad happened in your past that still affects you in the present, he/she needs to know about it. Note: you should be able to discuss your sexual history. It is an obligation before you decide to be sexually involved with your partner. But you should make them feel safe and not judgmental and you should expect the same from your partner.

9

Give him/her some space. Everyone needs their own privacy and some freedom, so don't constantly watch everything he/she does.Everyone hates to be watched, stifled and controlled .

Do not ever spy on him/her (reading his/her phone, stalking him/her on social networks, following him/her around). If he/she is cheating on you, you will find out. These things cannot be kept secret for very long. But if you spy on him/her and he/she is innocent, you will lose his trust and respect forever.


10

Express your feelings towards him/her. Always remind him/her of how much he means to you, and what he/she represents to you. Women are not the only ones who need expressions of love and care, men need that too.


If you have a problem, you need to let him/her know - preferably in a clear and calm manner without any yelling. If he says `Are you OK?` and you answer yes, do not expect him to understand that you really meant no. Be honest and open.

Let him/her know it is safe to open up to you about what he is feeling. Reward his/her trust in you by sympathizing with him/her and, but you don`t need to say much ,just listen.

Don't be afraid to lose him/her or spend every minute fearing the huge pain that that might cause you. Enjoy each wonderful moment as it happens, and realize that there will never be another one just like it.

Never be pathetic and needy just to make him/her pay attention to you and give you sympathy.

A solid relationship should be based on mutual respect; if you are constantly trying to pull him/her down with you, this means you don`t respect him /her enough to want him/her to be happy. If you are depressed, see a doctor - don`t pull some guy/girl into your problems.

11

Encourage him/her. So that he/she can be more successful at work or study. That will make him/her realise how much you care about his/her future and wish that he/she'd become one of the best. It will also make his/her feeling towards you grow even stronger, and he/she will believe that you're ready to support him/her on anything he/she does.

Part Two: Things That You Must Do Together
1

Revive date-night. Going on dates, even if you've been in a relationship for years, is still important. In fact, it's especially important for couples who have been together long enough to grow comfortable. Try to go on a date at least once every month. Some couples make it a priority to go on one date every week.


If you're having trouble imagining date ideas, try recreating a date you had with your partner early on in your courtship. Do exactly the same thing(s), or put a spin on the date by reinventing it in a significant way.

Do something new and exciting. Doing something that gets your blood flowing and your heart rate up enhances feelings of togetherness between partners. If you're feeling brave, go on dates that makes you feel like a kid all over again: going to a comedy club, taking a cooking class, or test-driving a new car, to name only a few.

2

Practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is a decision of letting go of the past and focusing on the present. It's about taking control of your current situation, as you must offer it to your partner as much as you demand it from them.

Remember who forgiveness really benefits. Forgiving your partner absolves him or her, but it also frees you from carrying around anger and resentment. Don't view it as an entirely altruistic act — it's something you're doing for both of you.

3

Laugh together. Laugh at one another with the security of love. Laughter helps the world go 'round, and it may with your relationship, too. Laughter helps your body burn calories, increase blood flow, strengthen the immune system, and lowers blood sugar levels.Laughter can be comforting, infectious, or an aphrodisiac, and many things in between. Don't forget to laugh.

4

Support each other. Being supportive means making your partner's happiness and well-being a priority, in ways big and small. Keep in mind that part of why you're together in the first place is that you're each other's biggest fans, so make sure you act like it. Try demonstrating your support in these ways:


Be a good listener. If your partner needs you to lend an ear, do it willingly. You don't always need to come up with a solution, just support.

Offer encouragement. If your partner is trying to make a positive change, start a new hobby, or undertake a difficult challenge, be his or her biggest cheerleader.

Provide a safe place. Allow your partner to be vulnerable in front of you without fear of judgment.

5

Devote time to each other. Make spending time with your partner a priority, even if it's a little inconvenient at first. Relationships need shared experiences to grow, and you're demonstrating that nurturing yours is important to you.


Take up a hobby. Learning something new together can help you grow closer, as well as discovering a leisure activity you both enjoy. Try sports like tennis or basketball, learning a new language, cooking, crafting, or whatever else you've been wanting to try.

Find small ways to serve each other. Doing small acts of service for your partner shows that you're aware of what he or she needs, and you're willing to help out. It doesn't have to be an extravagant gesture: make dinner, take care of a small errand, or offer a foot rub at the end of the day. Don't make it a big deal, and don't automatically expect payback.

6

Develop better communication. Most people aren't born great communicators — it's something nearly everyone has to work at. The way you talk to your partner might seem small, but you do it several times a day and it does have an effect. Consider these fixes:


Don't use directive language. Try to keep phrases like "you should" or "you can't" out of your relationship. You and your partner are equals, and neither one of you should have the authority to direct the other.

Relay your expectations. If you expect your partner to do something, say it. Don't expect that he or she should read your mind, and don't rely on hints. Being clear about what you want gives your partner a fair shot at succeeding. (And keep the above point in mind: instead of "You should take the garbage out every day," say "I'd really like it if you took the garbage out every day.")

Say "please" and "thank you." You should be able to let loose around your partner, so there's no need to worry about having impeccable manners all the time. The exception to this is asking nicely and expressing gratitude when your partner does something — don't just assume he or she knows how you meant it.

Fight fair. Don't just let all these good communication skills go out the window during an argument. Try to get your point across in a loving, respectful way that doesn't seek to hurt your partner. If he or she insists on yelling or throwing insults, quietly request a calmer attitude.

Tips

• Comfort each other when needed.
• Ask questions, clarify, and don't assume. Do not talk if your mind is not clear or is full of anger. When you feel hurt, do not say "it's your fault / you never loved me" or "let's break up" or "when do you want to break up?". You might well regret it one day. Tell him or her you feel hurt, and ask for clarification first, if you don't work together and just blame, it can only do harm. Never just withdraw this always causes more harm than good.
• Never lie, it always comes back and hurts you one day! Even if its small and useless, always be honest!
• Don't change for them when you go into a relationship. They liked you for what you were then - don't feel you have to act dramatically different. Just be comfortable.
• Trust is very important; if you don't trust somebody there's no point of being with them.
• Never be anything other than yourself around them. If you don't show them all of you, they can't love all of you.
• Take care of yourself. Treating yourself with respect and love is as important as respecting and loving your partner.
• Never cheat, if you are in a long term relationship with someone you love, it is never worth it and these things will always resurface.
• Don't assume the worst or doubt him/her. It's all about trust.
• The first thing you should know is, find what you love about him/her, what made you fall in love with him/her. And love him/her with all your heart, treasure every moment, and treat him/her the way he/she should be treated.

Warnings

• If your partner is scaring you, trying to control you, or deliberately hurting you (physically or emotionally), seek help immediately. Abusive behavior is not your fault. In a healthy relationship, partners need to work together to make each other happy; you should never have to work just to keep your partner from making you miserable.

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Security Certificate Error While Opening Web-sites

Trouble:
 A friend called me few days back and told me that he is getting “Security Certificate” Warnings while opening web-sites. Mostly when he opens some secure sites like online banking etc. There are three main reasons for such errors. In this post we will talk about the such errors, how they look on different browsers and how to fix them.

The Security Certificate Warning looks like as shown below for IE, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. Click to enlarge the images.

• Microsoft IE- There is a problem with this web site Security Certificate
• Mozilla Firefox – Secure Connection Failed
• Google Chrome – The server’s Security Certificate is not yet valid

Lets see the reasons for such errors and what to do in such case.


Fix:

The main reasons for such errors are:

• Your Computer’s date is set to a wrong value
• The Security Certificate has really expired
• The web-site is not trustable

Most common reason for such security certificate error is that the certificates are valid for a certain period of time, and if your computer’s date is set to other than the current date or correct date, there are high chances that you will get this warning. So the first thing to check when you receive such error is to check your computer’s date and time settings.

Now when you have set the date settings, you will most probably not see the this error again. But if you see the Security Certificate error, then either the certificate of the website has really expired as it had to be renewed from time to time, or the site is not trustable.

TIP: Never ever put your important login id or password on such pages if you see the Security certificate error.

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How to Fix Browser Crashes

Browser crashes occur when you're using incompatible plug-ins or missing the required and configuring your browser with non-default settings. Reduce further crashes by resetting your browser's settings. After resetting your settings, you will be required to install any plug-ins or added flash components--if necessary. Plug-ins can freeze or crash the browser, so it is a good idea to double-check which plug-ins your browser requires.

Instructions
Mozilla Firefox

1  Click the "Start" button and type "Mozilla Firefox (Safe Mode)" in the Search box. Press the "Enter" key on your keyboard to launch Firefox in Safe Mode.

2 Click the "Reset all user preferences to Firefox defaults" check box and any other options you wish to apply.

3 Click the "Make Changes at restart" button, and Firefox restarts with the default settings.
Internet Explorer

4 Double-click one of the Internet Explorer shortcuts to launch the browser.

5 Click the "Tools" menu button and then the "Internet Options" link. The Internet Options dialog box displays on-screen.

6 Click the "Advanced" tab and then the "Reset" button. Click the "Reset" button once more to reset Internet Explorer.

Another Method
1. Disable “Shockwave Flash” plugin on Firefox to see whether now sites are loading properly or not. To disable flash, go to “Add-on” under Tools menu of Firefox and select “Plugin” tab over there. Scroll down and there you can see “Shockwave Flash”. Hover on that plugin to get “disable” link in right side of the plugin. Once shockwave plugin disabled, reload the websites and other web pages to see whether browser is still crashing. If not, then you will be sure that the culprit is none other than Shockwave Flash plugin.



2. To resolve the crash problem because of flash plugin, you will have to update the plugin to latest version. To do that, click on “Find updates” link on the same window i.e. Tools ==> Add on ==> Plugins. Firefox will check updates and will show you the report where you can see “Update” link beside the “Shockwave Plugin” on a new window of Firefox. Click on Update to upgrade your Flash Player plugin to latest version. Restart the browser to test again.

3. If the problem is still there, uninstall the Flash Plugin and re-install it from Adobe. Download the uninstaller from Adobe to uninstall Flash Player from your computer.

Solve Crash problem of Google Chrome

Google Chrome may also crash because of Flash plugin installed for that. Before re-installing the flash player plugin, you can test the browser by disabling all extensions installed on the browser. You can disable the extensions from “Tools ==> Extensions” page.

To disable Flash plugin on Chrome browser, go to “Tools ==> Options ==> Under the Hood ==> Content Settings ==> Plugins” and select “Do not allow any site to use plugins”. Now reload the page on Chrome and see whether browser is still crashing. If not, then you will have to uninstall Flash player plugin of Chrome and then re-install the plugin from adobe.

If still your Firefox or Chrome browser is crashing on regular basis, post your browser details and flash player version on comments section of this post. We will definitely try to resolve your browser crash problem.

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Four Ways To Make Fried Rice

Fried rice is a tasty dish that is traditionally made from steamed rice stir-fried in a wok, but it can also be made in a pan. Fried rice is delicious with a variety of ingredients, including almost any type of vegetables, meat, and eggs. Not only is it easy to make, but it's absolutely delicious. If you want to know how to make fried rice, just follow these steps.

Ingredients

Simple Fried Rice

• 4 cups cooked white rice
• 1 carrots
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tsp. fresh ginger
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 3 eggs
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 tsp. salt
• 3 tbsp. soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp. sesame oil
• Green onion for garnish
• 1/2 lb. cooked chicken

Crispy Pork Fried Rice

• 1 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 2 lightly beaten eggs
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tsp. minced ginger
• 2 diced cooked pork chops
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp. sesame oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves

Indonesian Fried Rice

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 qt. plus 3 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 8 krupuk (Indonesian shrimp crackers; optional)
• 2 cups thinly sliced shallots
• 2 large chopped garlic cloves
• 1 lb. sliced skinless boneless chicken breast
• 1 lb. medium shrimp
• 2 minced hot red chiles
• 1 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. ketjap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce)
• 1 tbsp. Asian fish sauce
• 4 sliced scallions

Steps
Simple Fried Rice
1

Cook 4 cups of white rice. Just place the rice in boiling water and cook it for the amount of time listed on the instructions. Some types of white rice can take just 10 or so minutes to boil, while others can take 30 minutes or more. You can also microwave instant rice in the microwave, but it may not be as tasty.



2

Prepare the vegetables. First, wash 2 cups of carrots, 1 medium onion, 1 clove of garlic, one ginger root, and 1 cup of bean sprouts. Then, dice the carrots and onions, and mince just 1 tsp. of fresh ginger. Set these ingredients aside.



3

Pour 2 tbsp. of vegetable oil into a large pan. The pan should be very deep, almost like a wok. Place it over medium heat.



4

Cook the vegetables in the pan for 3 minutes. Place the carrots, onion, garlic, bean sprouts, and ginger into the pan. Throw in 1 tsp. of salt and a pinch of black pepper. The vegetables should sweat a bit, but they shouldn't turn brown.




5

Throw 1/2 lb. of cooked chicken into the pan. You can use chicken that you've cooked for another meal the day before, or buy or make cooked chicken especially for the fried rice. Just dice the chicken into thin strips and place it in the pan.




6

Put up to 2 tbsp. of sesame oil into the frying pan. You can gradually add the oil when it becomes necessary -- you don't have to throw it in at once.




7

Add three eggs to the pan. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together. Then, pour the eggs into the pan.


8

Toss the cooked rice into the pan. Fry the rice and the other ingredients together for 2-3 minutes, just enough time to heat up the rice and mix the ingredients. Keep stirring as you fry the rice. Add 3 tbsp. of soy sauce to the mixture and fry the ingredients together for another 30 seconds. Then, remove the pan from the heat.





9

Serve. Place the rice in a dish and garnish it with a few sprigs of green onion. Enjoy this dish as a main course.


Crispy Pork Fried Rice

1

Heat 1/2 tbsp. of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.




2

Cook the eggs. Add 2 lightly beaten eggs to the pan. Tilt the pan to coat the surface with the eggs. Cook the eggs in an even layer until they're cooked all the way through. Halfway through the cooking, after about 2 minutes, flip the eggs. Then, remove the eggs, dice them into small pieces, and set them aside.


3

Add onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Heat 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 tsp. of minced ginger to the pan. Cook these ingredients together for 2 minutes in the remaining peanut oil.




4

Add 2 diced pork chops to the rice. The pork chops should already be cooked. Cook the diced pork for an additional 3 minutes, or until they're golden brown.




5

Add the rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet. Add 1 cup of cooked brown rice, 1/4 cup of reduced-sodium soy sauce, and 2 tsp. of sesame oil to the pan and cook them for 2 more minutes. Season the fried rice to taste with salt and black pepper. Then, remove the fried rice from heat.




6

Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro leaves. Mix the cilantro well with the remaining ingredients.




7

Serve. Place this fried rice on a serving plate and top it with chopped eggs.


Indonesian Fried Rice
1Rinse and drain 1 ½ cups of long-grain white rice.




2

Bring the rice, ¾ cups of water, and 1 ½ cups of chicken broth to a full rolling boil in a 4-quart heavy saucepan.



3

Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook the ingredients until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. This should take about 15 minutes. Then, remove the pan from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes, giving the rice time to absorb the flavors.


4

Transfer the rice mixture to a shallow bowl. Allow it to cool to room temperature – this should take about 30 minutes. Chill the rice mixture for 8 to 12 hours.



5

Heat 1 quart of oil a 4-quart pot over high heat. Heat it until a thermometer registers 375°F (190°C).




6

Cook the krupuk (optional). Gently drop 2 krupuk in the oil. Fry the krupuk until they float to the surface and curl up and expand, which should take about 20 seconds. Then, turn the krupuk over and fry them until they’re pale golden – about ten more seconds. Then, transfer them to a paper towel with a slotted spoon until they drain.



Fry the remaining krupuk in 3 batches in the same way. When the krupuk is cooked, cool it and break it into pieces.


7

Break up the rice into individual grains. Do this with your fingers. This will help the rice absorb the other ingredients.


8

Heat the remaining 3 tbsp. of oil in a wok over high heat. Heat it until it's hot but not smoking. Then, add 2 cups of thinly sliced shallots and fry them in the heat for 1 minute. Add 2 large chopped garlic cloves to the mixture and stir-fry them for an additional 30 seconds.




9

Add the chicken to the stir-fry mix. Add 1 lb. of sliced skinless boneless chicken breast to the mixture until the chicken is no longer pink, which should take about 2 minutes.


10

Add the shrimp, chiles, and salt to the mixture. Add 1 lb. of peeled and deveined medium shrimp, 2 minced hot red chiles, and 1 1/4 tsp. of salt to the mixture and cook them for 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through.

11

Add the remaining broth and ketjab manis to the rice. Add 1/4 cups of chicken broth and the ketjab manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce) to the mixture and stir-fry it until the rice is heated, which should take another 2 minutes.



12

Remove the mixture from the heat. Stir in 1 tbsp. of Asian fish sauce and 4 sliced scallions until the mixture is combined well.




13

Serve. Serve the Indonesian fried rice on a platter with krupuk, cucumber slices, and hard-boiled eggs.

Other Types of Fried Rice
1

Make vegetarian fried rice. This type of fried rice is perfect for fried rice lovers who don't eat meat.




2

Make Japanese fried rice. Make this fried rice with a healthy portion of scrambled eggs and peas.



3

Make Chinese fried rice. Make this delicious fried rice with a few strips of bacon and a sliced omelet.



4

Make shrimp fried rice. Make this version of fried rice if you love adding tasty shrimp to your meals.



5

Make Thai fried rice. Make this tasty fried rice with a variety of ingredients that include peanut oil, fish sauce, and chili pepper.

Tips

• Fried rice is a great way to utilize various leftovers or items in your refrigerator. One way to save time is to use a handful of diced, frozen mixed vegetables — peas, carrots, peppers etc. add color, nutrition and flavor in seconds.
• It's recommended to use overnight left-over rice for fried rice because it is firmer than freshly cooked rice. This will prevent rice sticking together while stir frying.
• You can substitute butter for oil.
• Love fried rice but are trying to eat healthy? Look for lower-fat oils, or try vegetable oil for a healthier outcome.
• Add a sprinkle of lemon to add a little bit more flavor to the rice.
• There are many things you can add to fried rice. You're really only limited by your imagination. Here are some ideas:
• Tofu
• Chicken
• Pork
• Ham
• Beef
• Vegetables, such as peas, broccoli, or bamboo shoots.
• Lup cheong, also known as lop chong, or Chinese sweet sausage, is a wonderful, traditional addition to fried rice. It should be cooked (steamed or pan-fried) first, and diced or sliced before being added to the fried rice. 
• Oyster sauce, which can be found in Chinatown, adds great flavor, and doesn't taste like oysters. only a little is needed, and you can add after cooking. The Lee Kum Kee brand is good. However, some may contain MSG, so check the label if you want to avoid that.

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