*serves about 4

This recipe involves marinating small chicken cubes in spices and batter before frying them as snacks to eat when breaking the fast at sunset. They are generally eaten with spicy coriander chutney. The chicken is marinated in spices separately before mixing with the batter.

The batter:

1. Mix two cups gram flour with ¼ cup water swirling slowly until it forms a smooth paste. Avoid making the paste too watery or thick.
2. Add 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp red pepper powder, ½ tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp baking soda and swirl paste in same direction to mix.
3. Let mixture sit for about ½ hour before adding chicken.

Chicken:

1. In 1 lb small boneless chicken cubes add
   1. 1 tbsp salt
   2. 1 tbsp red pepper powder
   3. ½ cup lemon juice or squeeze 2 whole lemons
   4. ½ tsp ground cumin powder
   5. 1 tsp garlic paste
   6. ½ tsp ginger paste

Mix well and let chicken marinate for about an hour.

Frying the pakoras:

1. After requisite time for marination, add the chicken to the batter paste and mix well.
2. Heat 2-3 cups of oil (about ¼ of a deep frying pan) on high heat.
3. When oil is VERY hot (test with a drop of batter to see if batter sizzles), begin adding cubes of chicken to oil. Lower heat to medium low.
4. Fry at medium heat for about 2-3 minutes or until tender and golden brown
5. Remove from oil onto absorbent paper towel to drain excess oil
6. Serve with dip or chutney

 For vegetarian alternative, substitute chicken with sliced potatoes, onions or egg plant.

Return to Eid-ul-Fitr article.

Movie Info:

Synopsis:

Cast:

• John Cho
• Ben Cross
• Bruce Greenwood
• Simon Pegg
• Chris Pine
• Zachary Quinto
• Winona Ryder
• Zoë Saldana
• Karl Urban
• Anton Yelchin

Creative and Crew:

Official Site:

http://www.startrekmovie.com/

© West World Media. Content may not be used, reproduced, transmitted, distributed or otherwise exploited in any way other than for your personal, noncommercial use only.

Movie Info:

Synopsis:

Cast:

• Bruce Dickinson
• Steve Harris
• Dave Murray
• Adrian Smith
• Nicko McBrain
• Janick Gers

Creative and Crew:

Official Site:

http://www.ironmaiden.com/flight666/

© West World Media. Content may not be used, reproduced, transmitted, distributed or otherwise exploited in any way other than for your personal, noncommercial use only.

By Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®

You’re belted in properly – but what about man’s best friend? We’ve been bombarded with car-seat safety for children, airbag safety for infants, and seat-belt use for everyone. But how safe are your pets in your family vehicle?

- Does your pet jump on your lap?

- Run from the front to back seats?

- Climb under your feet?

- Hang out the window?

Unrestrained pets aren’t just a driving hazard, they’re a danger to you and themselves. They can disrupt your attention, and they can also suffer serious injury in an accident unless they’re properly secured. Animals need safety protection as much as their human drivers.

PET SAFETY TIPS

Animal safety in cars is critical to your best friend’s safety.

Restraints and Airbags

Airbags deployed in the front seat could harm your pet. And, an unrestricted pet will be thrown about and possibly injured, or injure a passenger during panic braking or in a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear seat in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts.

No Running

Don’t let your cat or dog run around in the car – it’s dangerous for both of you. Cats who don’t like the car may go berserk and try to claw their way out, or claw at you, or at the very worst, climb under your pedals. Always cage cats and place the cage on the rear floor.

1. Heads Out the Window? No.
   Don’t let your dog hang his head out the window. He loves it, but it’s an easy way to get eye damage from flying dust and dirt.
2. No Smoking, Please
   Don’t smoke in the car. This can increase feelings of nausea in humans, so most likely it would do the same to your pet.
3. No Laps
   Don’t let your dog or cat sit on your lap while you are in the driver’s seat. It can be dangerous in a panic situation to try to maneuver around your pet.
4. Too Hot? Too Cold? Not in the Car!
   Never, EVER leave an animal inside a car on a very cold or hot day. Every year, hundreds of animals are killed this way.

SAFE AND SECURE

To keep your attention on driving, harness your pet in the rear seat. Here are a few rules to protect you and your pet while traveling to the veterinarian, groomer, or just a pleasure trip with the family

1. Not in the Pick-up Truck
   Never let an animal run free in the bed of a pickup truck. This is the primary cause of death with animals in accidents. If your pet must be in the back of a pickup truck, please cage them, and then tie the cage to the truck bed so it doesn’t move around.
2. Cage Them
   Small dogs (and cats) should be caged and the cage should be secured. Place it on the floor or, better yet, belt it to the rear seat.
3. No Lap Dogs While Driving
   Never allow a little dog to ride on your lap or help you drive by putting its paws on top of the wheel. Yes, it is really cute, but if the airbags deploy, this could lead to a bad situation. A lot of little dogs also enjoy riding in the area under the rear window. This is also a dangerous spot for them if you should brake suddenly.
4. Get a Safety Harness
   Purchase a safety harness. It should be constructed of strong, soft nylon webbing and retain the animal around the body and neck. There are a variety of harnesses and attachments that fit seat belts. Surf the internet for “pet seat belts” and you’ll find a host of offerings. When your pets wear these types of seat belts, they can lie down, sit up, or stand, but are safely restrained. The belts should be fully adjustable and non-irritating. These convenient, safe, easy-to-use harnesses connect to any existing automobile seat belt. Some harnesses have dual purposes, and you can unhook your pet from the car and use the same harness with his leash for quick-change convenience.

Look at it this way – if adults and children shouldn’t ride unrestrained, neither should your best friend. It only makes sense that if you care about your pets, you will take the time to belt them properly.

*serves about 4-6

1. Drain liquid from two tins of chick-peas and remove into a large bowl.
2. Add:
   

   1 tablespoon of salt

   1 tablespoon of red pepper powder

   1 tsp of ground cumin powder

   3 lemons squeezed

   1 large onion, diced

   1 large tomato, diced

3. Mix well and serve.

Whether you’re hitting the slopes, the beaches, or exploring new places abroad, here are quick tips from travelers and travel industry experts to help you prepare for a safe and exciting spring break:

1) Double-Triple Dare You

Triple-check your reservations before heading out the door (airplane, hotel, rental car, any other tours or trips). Nothing’s worse than getting to a crowded spring break town and finding that not only is your hotel reservation lost, but everything else is fully booked.

• WHN TIP: Help Your Family Find You in an Emergency
  Leave copies of your trip itinerary and important contact numbers with family or friends at home so that they know how to contact you in case of an emergency.

2) Health Check

Make sure to bring along your meds and health insurance card – just in case.

3) Financial Security

Bring along backup traveler’s checks or credit cards, in case your purse or wallet gets lost or stolen. Keep these backup items in a separate and secure location.

4) Keep It Safe

Leave all your valuables and jewelry at home or at school (are you really going to use your iPod/laptop/video game system while you’re sightseeing and soaking up the sun?).

• WHN TIP: Reduce Theft and Risk
  Reduce your risk of theft: Never leave your luggage or personal belongings unattended in a public area.

5) Driving?

Allow yourself plenty of time to get there. Read our Car Travel section for more quick safety tips.

6) Flying?

Remember, there are new carry-on restrictions for air travel. Not sure what to pack in your carry-on? Read What’s Allowed In Your Carry-On Luggage.

7) Headed overseas?

• Make sure to check out the U.S. State Department’s Consular Information Sheets for country overviews, as well as travel warnings, regarding locations and issues of concern for Americans traveling abroad.
• Print out the U.S. embassy city contact information for the countries you’ll be in – keep this list with you at all times. Why? In case you lose your passport or there’s an emergency, you may need to find the embassy. Leave a copy of the embassy list with a friend for backup.
• WHN READER TIP: Leave the Rings at Home
  My husband and I have ‘travel wedding rings’ we take with us so we don’t lose ours – which we’ve come close to doing in the ocean a few times! - Susan, Minnesota

8) Safety In Numbers

Travel with others and stick together: program each other’s numbers into your cell phones.

• Going out on an errand or walk? Make sure to mention where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

9) Plan ahead.

Before you head out the door to hit the town, program the phone numbers for local taxis and transport services into your cell phone – just in case you need a lift home at the end of the night.

• Also, program in the phone number, address and room number for your hotel – in case your memory escapes you.

10) Have fun!!!

Movie Info:

Synopsis:

Cast:

• Masahiro Motoki
• Ryoko Hirosue
• Tsutomu Yamazaki
• Kazuko Yoshiyuki
• Kimiko Yo
• Takashi Sasano
• Tôru Minegishi
• Tetta Sugimoto
• Yukiko Tachibana
• Tatsuo Yamada

Creative and Crew:

Official Site:

http://www.departures-themovie.com/

© West World Media. Content may not be used, reproduced, transmitted, distributed or otherwise exploited in any way other than for your personal, noncommercial use only.

By Matthew Barber, Leslie Brokaw, Paul Karr, Herbert Bailey Livesey, Marie Morris and Laura M. Reckford

75 miles S of Boston; 115 miles NE of New Haven

“City by the Sea” is the unimaginative nickname an early resident unloaded on Newport. At least it was accurate, because for a time during the Colonial period it rivaled Boston and even New York as a center of New World trade and prosperity. Newport occupies the southern tip of Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay and is connected to the mainland by three bridges and a ferry.

Wealthy industrialists, railroad tycoons, coal magnates, financiers, and robber barons were drawn to the area in the 19th century, especially between the Civil War and World War I. They bought up property at the ocean’s rim to build what they called summer “cottages” — which were, in fact, mansions of immoderate design and proportions patterned after European palaces.

The principal toys of the Newport elite were equally extravagant yachts meant for pleasure, not commerce, and competition among them established Newport’s reputation as a sailing center. In 1851, the schooner America defeated a British boat in a race around the Isle of Wight. The prize trophy became known as the America’s Cup, which remained in the possession of the New York Yacht Club (with an outpost in Newport) until 1983. In that shocking summer, Australia II snatched the Cup away from Liberty in the last race of a four-out-of-seven series. An American team regained the cup in 1987, but in 1995 a New Zealand crew took it away. The strong U.S. yachting tradition has endured despite the loss of the Cup, and Newport continues as a bastion of world sailing and a destination for long-distance races.

The perimeter of the city resembles a heeled boot, its toe pointing west, not unlike Italy. About where the laces of the boot would be is the downtown business and residential district. Several wharves push into the bay, providing support and mooring for flotillas of pleasure craft. Much of the strolling, shopping, eating, quaffing, and gawking is done along this waterfront and its parallel streets: America’s Cup Avenue and Thames Street. (The latter used to be pronounced “Tems,” in the British manner but was Americanized to “Thaymz” after the Revolution.)

The navy pulled out its battleships, causing a decline in the local economy, but it hasn’t proven to be the disaster predicted by some, and Newport has been spared the coarser intrusions that afflict so many coastal resorts. T-shirt emporia have kept within reasonable limits — a remarkable feat, considering that Newport has nearly 4 million visitors a year.

Immediately east and north of the business district are blocks of Colonial, Federal, and Victorian houses of the 18th and 19th centuries, many of them designated National Historic Sites. Happily, they are not frozen in amber but are very much in use as residences, restaurants, offices, and shops. Taken together, they are as visually appealing in their own way as the 40-room cottages of the super-rich.

So despite Newport’s prevailing image as a collection of stupefyingly ornate mansions and regattas of sailing ships inaccessible to all but the rich and famous, the city is, for the most part, middle class and not too immoderately priced. Scores of inns and B&Bs ensure lodging even during festival weeks, at rates and fixtures from budget to ultraluxury level. In almost every respect, this is the “First Resort” of the New England coast.

Baltimore likes to celebrate: Arrive on a sunny May Wednesday and take part in the old-fashioned Flower Mart. Listen to schoolchildren sing. Line up for a crab-cake sandwich or a local treat known as a “lemon stick.”

Or come in midsummer and walk around Harborplace, where you’ll wonder what the party’s for. But it isn’t a party: It’s just Baltimore having a good time. On a wintry night when it looks like the city has wrapped itself in a blanket and gone to bed, head east to Power Plant Live, historic Fells Point, or the newly redeveloped Canton, and you’ll find hot crowds and cool music.

Baltimore celebrates in its historic sites, its endless array of parties and festivals, and its grand museums and neighborhood shops. Picturesque old neighborhoods like Federal Hill, Mount Vernon, Fells Point, and Canton make Baltimore an ever-more-popular tourist destination.

“Charm City” has welcomed visitors since 1729. Founded as a port and shipbuilding town, manufacturing has always had a big role in this city. General Motors and Bethlehem Steel have been a part of the East Baltimore landscape for decades. Domino Sugar’s sign dominates the Inner Harbor. More recently, Baltimore has welcomed a new wave of service industries and nonprofits. Tourism plays an ever-increasing role in the city’s economy, and a laid-back population welcomes its visitors with a friendly “Hi, hon!” in the unique Bawlamer accent.

By: Eric Fisher

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (abc40) — Not that carrying my own garbage around for a week wasn’t fun, but I was more than happy to get rid of it. To help me do so, we paid Lorenzo Macaluso a visit. He’s a Waste Mangement Expert for the Center of Ecological Technology.

“Recycling is one small thing that people can do that can actually make a difference,” says Macaluso. So I dumped the pile of garbage at his feet and we set to work.

“Bottles, cans, absolutely we can recycle this,” was his first impression. In fact, he claimed that almost all of the materials I had gathered are recyleable.

However, the recycling market is down. Recycling is dependent on demand for materials. And once the economy took a hit, the recycling market did too. Some towns even stopped accepting certain types of materials, and the profits plummeted.

“It’s a commodity driven market,” says Macaluso.

There have been signs that the market is recovering in recent weeks, which Macaluso says in encouraging. But he pointed out that even in bad times, a town can receive $17 per ton of recycled goods. In contrast to that, a town has to pay $70 per ton of garbage that it needs to send away. So even in tough fiscal times, it makes sense both financially and environmentally to recycle.

Once we finished trash picking, we found that 70% of everything I had collected could be recycled. Even plastic grocery bags can now be recycled by returning them to certain grocery stores.

I’d highly reccommend doing this experiment yourself, and perhaps you too will pay close attention to what can be reused!

Cast:

• Toni Servillo
• Anna Bonaiuto
• Piera Degli Esposti
• Paolo Graziosi
• Giulio Bosetti
• Flavio Bucci
• Carlo Buccirosso
• Giorgio Colangeli
• Alberto Cracco
• Lorenzo Gioielli

Creative and Crew:

Official Site:

http://www.luckyred.it/ildivo/

© West World Media. Content may not be used, reproduced, transmitted, distributed or otherwise exploited in any way other than for your personal, noncommercial use only.

Movie Info:

Synopsis:

Cast:

• Matthew Modine
• Adam Baldwin
• Vincent D’Onofrio
• R. Lee Ermey
• Ian Tyler

Creative and Crew:

Official Site:

© West World Media. Content may not be used, reproduced, transmitted, distributed or otherwise exploited in any way other than for your personal, noncommercial use only.

We’ve scouted the country to come up with this list of guaranteed holiday pleasers.

1. Memorabilia
If your husband loves Willie Nelsen or if your cousin lives for Derek Jeter, then you might want to think about getting some memorabilia as a memorable gift. Not all memorabilia has to be from Christie’s Auction House and cost thousands of dollars – these days memorabilia readily available all over the internet, as well as in specialty stores around the country. Whether it’s an 8×10 autographed picture of Britney Spears, a framed pair of Muhammad Ali’s boxing trunks, or a CD signed by Faith Hill, there is a lot to choose from in every price range. These days memorabilia is readily available all over the internet – so just log on to your search engine or an auction site such as eBay.com and collect away!

2. Get Personal
For gift giving en-masse, consider giving wine or champagne with personalized labels. Tip: Consider making the message personal to you, rather than to the recipient(s): “Happy Holidays from the Smith Family!” or “Best Wishes from Bob!” Then, buy a case and send them out as needed with a card that says – “Here’s a toast to you!” For custom wine bags and all things personalized for you or your loved ones, check out the website  Personal Creations.

3. Airline Dollars
What better way to bring your loved ones closer to you…or to send them somewhere they’ve always dreamed about. With some airlines, you can establish an account in the recipient’s name and deposit funds in any amount for use toward a trip within the next twelve months. Tip: Make sure the airline you choose flies to where the recipient might want to travel (if your sister lives in Lexington, KY and has always wanted to go to New York, make sure the airline services both cities). And remember, you don’t have to contribute the entire cost of a flight. Even the smallest amount in airfare credit could encourage someone to book that ticket now!

4. Language Courses
Alternatively, if your friend has always wanted to go to Italy, but does not have the funds to support a Tuscan excursion, you could help her keep that dream alive until that day comes with Italian lessons. From the extravagance of one-on-one sessions at your local language center to the ease of cassettes, CDs or CD-Roms, you friend will appreciate the very thoughtful and personal gift of language lessons. The audio lessons can even be listened to in the car or at the gym! In fact, you might want to buy a set for yourself, as well – you can help your friend get ready to fulfill her dream while enriching your own world, too!

5. Magazine Subscriptions
Out of sight, out of mind, they say. Well, an easy way to ensure that you are “in sight” at least once a month is to buy a magazine subscription for those on your gift-giving list. The great thing about this affordable and useful present is that it is completely personalized. Is your father a football fan? Does your mother love to shop? Is your college roommate a movie trivia fanatic? There is literally a magazine out there for every interest. Also, if you purchase through a publishing group or a publisher clearing house, you might even be able to get all your gift-giving done in one place – and at a steep discount! Then, when the occasion rolls around, just give them a note with a newsstand copy of the magazine and let them know they can enjoy it for the year to come. (And don’t worry…renewals are completely up to them…)

6. PhotoDiscs
A picture says a thousand words, so a great way to show how much you treasure someone is to compile all the photographs you have from your time together and put them on a photodisc. The recipient can then pop it into the computer and relive all of the memories. Additionally, most newer DVD players also play photodiscs in a slideshow on the television. PhotoDiscs can be made at most photo stores or if you are savvy enough, you can produce them at home by yourself. You can even create them at some online photo websites – you will have to scan and upload the photos yourself, but they will create the disc. Tip: For your family, you can create one photodisc with family memories and have it duplicated for every member of the clan! And for the extra mile, you can also make a music CD with all your favourite songs. It’s a charming way to let people know how much you mean to them.

7. Spa Certificates
Show your friends you think they deserve to be pampered! Buy them a gift certificate from a day spa in their neighborhood. Again, you do not have to pay for the entire cost of a treatment…even a little will encourage your friend to book an appointment, all the while showing how much you care! And remember, spas are not just for women; these days many men retreat to spas for everything from manicures to massages. Click to Spawish to find a gift certificate that can be redeemed at spas nationwide.

8. Online Music Subscription
Downloading music on your computer is no longer illegal with these new law-friendly services.  And this holiday season, these providers have made it easy for you to buy your kids and friends the gift of music.  Purchase online music gift cards at Napster.com, Apple’s iTunes.com, Real One’s Rhapsody.com for hours of on-demand musical entertainment.

9. Money Money Money
Sounds cold, but we all know we can make good use of it!! If you don’t want to put dollar bills in your holiday card, ask your local bank if they provide cash gift certificates. You can also go to the American Express website or visit their travel bureau closest to you. Sometimes money can provide more for your friend than one more red sweater.

Movie Info:

Synopsis:

Cast:

• Benno Fürmann
• Nina Hoss
• Hilmi Sözer
• André Hennicke
• Claudia Geisler
• Marie Gruber
• Knut Berger

Creative and Crew:

Official Site:

© West World Media. Content may not be used, reproduced, transmitted, distributed or otherwise exploited in any way other than for your personal, noncommercial use only.

By Lisa Lombardi

“I haven’t really safety-proofed the kitchen and it scares me,” says Sharlene Breakey, mom of 5-year-old Zeke and 3-year-old Edie in New York City. “But I have basic rules I follow: I only use the back burners, unless I’m standing by the stove, and I never leave knives on the counter.” Breakey also lays down the law for her little ones: They know not to touch the stove, because it’s hot, and other kitchen basics. “I believe in the value of teaching kids to be safe themselves,” she says. “They really do seem to understand that when I’m cooking, it’s dangerous.”

They’re smart kids. Each year, more than 67,000 children are injured in the kitchen — 43,000 of them four years old and under. “The only way to truly prevent kitchen accidents is to closely supervise your child and enforce rules, like no sitting on the counters,” says Andy Spooner, M.D., director of general pediatrics at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. “Gizmos sold to improve kitchen safety are nice, but they can’t take the place of adult supervision.” What else can you do to prevent accidents? Here are Dr. Spooner’s top recommendations:

• Turn pot handles in “The biggest injuries in the kitchen are scald burns” — kids pulling down boiling-hot liquid on top of themselves, says Dr. Spooner. To prevent these, use only the back burners, as Breakey does. No matter what flame you use, though, make it a habit to always turn pot handles toward the back of stove.

• Beware electrical cords “I’ve seen horrible grease burns from kids pulling at cords and yanking deep fryers on top of themselves,” says Dr. Spooner. Never run extension cords in the kitchen (call an electrician if you need another outlet — it’s worth spending the extra money). And keep the coffee pot, fryer, crock pot and other cords at the back of your countertops, out of your child’s reach.

• Don’t microwave baby’s bottles Why? Microwaves don’t heat liquids evenly, so microwaving that bottle can result in hot spots that can burn your baby’s mouth. Instead, heat bottles in a bottle warmer or place them in a pot of hot (but not boiling) water for five minutes.

• Don’t rely solely on safety latches Do you keep our cleaning products in a locked cabinet under the sink? Move them today, to a high shelf well out of your tyke’s reach. “It doesn’t take much ingenuity to open safety latches,” says Dr. Spooner. “They’re meant to slow down a child, not prohibit access.” And it’s absolutely essential to keep your curious child away from cleaning aids: Most commercial products contain hydrocarbon compounds that are highly toxic “even if a child just has just the slightest amount,” says Dr. Spooner. Another no-no Dr. Spooner sees surprisingly often: Storing cleaning products in soda bottles, which sends a deadly mixed message.

If you don’t have a high shelf that’s positively child-proof, you may have to add one. That’s what New York mom Breakey did. Her one safety-proofing measure was a crucial one: She built a shelf high above her broom cabinet to keep her cleaning products out of Zeke and Edie’s reach.

With a few precautionary measures, you can create a kitchen that is safe for kids and a central place for the family to spend time together.

Lisa Lombardi is an editor, writer, and mom in New York City.

Bake uncovered in a 13×9 baking dish.  1½ hours at 300°  (adjust time/temperature if needed to bake along with turkey)

Movie Info:

Synopsis:

Cast:

• Claire Bronson
• Mary Kraft
• Cynthia Evans
• Travis Young
• Jonathan Green

Creative and Crew:

Official Site:

http://www.stompshoutscream.com/

© West World Media. Content may not be used, reproduced, transmitted, distributed or otherwise exploited in any way other than for your personal, noncommercial use only.

Bake uncovered in a 13×9 baking dish.  30 minute hours at 350°.

In a large cast iron skillet brown flour in oil until it is deep red-brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add onions, celery, green pepper, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are tender. Stir in meat and seasonings. Continue cooking until meat loses its color. Blend in broth; cover and simmer 25 minutes.

 Stir in rice and onion tops. Cook 5 minutes longer. Mixture should be slightly moist.   

Bake uncovered for 15 minutes at 350° in a 13×9 baking dish.