Index

(63) Eliminating 'muda'
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/021007/14.asp

(62) Way of the weasel


(60) Fond of fondue
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/04092007/14.asp

(59) The kind of chocolate you like - reflects the personality you have
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/210807/15.asp

(58) Winnie the Pooh... the World's Ambassador of Friendship
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/140807/15.asp

(57) Understanding boomerangs
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/07082007/14.asp

(56) In the Doldrums
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/24072007/13.asp

(55) Paiting the Eiffel Tower
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/170707/14.asp

(54) A shoe museum that showcases used and old shoes!
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/03072007/13.asp

(53) Why a Bluetooth is called a Bluetooth?
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/260607/15.asp

(52) Feng Shui for enhancing productivity in the office
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/19062007/13.asp

(51) And the credit goes to… Thomas Crapper!
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/120607/13.asp

(50) The great Foie Gras controversy
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/050607/13.asp

(49) We’ve all heard of Murphy’s Law. But who is Mr Murphy?
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/29052007/P15.asp

(48) The 'hobble skirt' bottle!
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/220507/13.asp

(47) Guinness - a record breaking idea!
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/15052007/P15.asp

(46) Water intoxication... drinking too much water can be dangerous!
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/08052007/16.asp

(45) Are all plastics microwave safe?
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/010507/14.asp

(44) Hair gel, mousse or serum... what should one opt for?

(43) Understanding autism
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/100407/13.asp

(42) Why is a horseshoe considered lucky?
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/03042007/13.asp

(41) Incontinence... the silent affliction
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/27032007/13.asp

(40) Why does mineral water have an expiry date?
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/18032007/13.asp

(39) The relevance of celebrating International Women's Day
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/060307/15.asp

(38) Beating jet lag
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/270207/15.asp

(37) Crazy about walnuts...
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/200207/14.asp

(36) Are you addicted to email?
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/060207/14.asp

(35) The goodness of honey...
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/300107/14.asp

(34) Know your sunscreen - SPF and more!
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/160107/15.asp

(33) Netizen Speak
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/090107/13.asp

(32) The significance of the Christmas Tree
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/020107/13.asp

(31) RSVP - 'repondez, s'il vous plait'
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/26122006/12.asp

(30) Dating Allowance! Staff retention... at what cost?
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/121206/14.asp

(29) Yes! I've finally been 'mammographed'!
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/05122006/4.asp

(28) Read the fine print - carefully!
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/211106/13.asp

(27) Dangers of a long flight - deep vein thrombosis!
http://www.dailymirror.lk/sections/supp/w@w/141106/15.asp

(26) Suffering from whitlow?
(25) Want to lose weight? Get your ears stapled!
(24) Triskaidekaphobia
(23) Paparazzi on the prowl...
(22) Understanding deja vu...
(21) Looking for soft skills...?
(20) Raising a toast to the queen of crime!
(19) What!!! Pluto not a planet...
(18) Holy smoke... now it's laptop batteries that are exploding!
(17) Fishing or Phishing?
(16) Being a good houseguest...
(15) Difference between warranty and guarantee...
(14) The art of insulting
(13) Arouse the 'Kartini' within you...
(12) Anti-aging... with and without botox!
(11) Caviar... much overrated!
(10) A catch 22 situation!
(09) De- stressing... stress busters from an expert
(08) Fugu Fish - a poisonous delicacy!
(07) How do barcodes work?
(06) Sudoku - the puzzle of the 21st Century
(05) Are green tea, white tea and red tea from the same plant?
(04) How does the rice cooker know when to turn off?
(03) Why does the hair on your arm not grow long?
(02) How your mobile phone works...
(01) Origin of the term 'daylight robbery'

The kind of chocolate you like - reflects the type of personality you have

(Published on 21 August 2007 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Trust a Miss Know-All to come up with this pearl of wisdom. Next time when a box of chocolates is doing the rounds, watch carefully what each person chooses for them selves - for the kind of chocolate they like reflects the personality that they are.

Now this is no figment of my imagination – it’s the conclusion drawn after a thorough research was conducted. Have you ever wondered why some people like dark chocolate, some like milk chocolate and others like white chocolate? The makers of a Swiss brand of chocolates commissioned a research to learn whether certain personalities matched certain types of chocolate. The results were astounding.

People who like dark chocolate are as complex as their tastes. They are connoisseurs of all things superior. They are very particular about quality and about achieving perfection. Dark chocolate lovers take the time to study about the things they care about, and value their ability to make choices. They are health conscious and choose dark chocolate for its rich, satisfying flavour and its heart warming content. They are the kind of people who you will find in a pair of faded jeans during the weekend. If a lipstick colour was to be named after them, it would be called ‘Complex & Captivating’

Milk chocolate lovers have a heart of gold. They are optimistic people who enjoy the sweetness of life. They have made the choice to see the good in people and everything around them. They spread joy through their infectious laugh. Eating chocolates evokes warm feelings and memories in these types of people. They are the type of loyal friends who remember your birthday and whom you can call at any unearthly hour to share your problems. Milk chocolate lovers would spend the weekend in an old school sweatshirt. The name of the colour of the lipstick best suited to their traits would be – ‘Breath of Fresh Air.’

White chocolate lovers are different from the above two kinds of people. They know what’s in style long before their friends do. They love chocolates, but they love it just a little bit different. People who love white chocolates are great people to be with. They are adventurous and always willing to try out new things. They are daring and eager to be different from the average ordinary bloke. During a weekend, a white chocolate lover would be found in the latest new yoga gear. The colour of the lipstick that would best compliment their personality – is ‘All the Rage.’

And as for those who like all the three types of chocolates - they need to be in a freak show on display. For it is believed that people who like dark chocolates get put off by the white kind. Here’s a wise one from Terry Moore: “The 12-step chocoholics program: NEVER BE MORE THAN 12 STEPS AWAY FROM CHOCOLATE!”

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

A shoe museum that showcases used and old shoes!

(Published on 3 July 2007 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

I just love travelling, pets… and that’s really how I gather all my information. My visit to Toronto had me standing in front of a building that looked uncannily like a shoe box. The signpost read – Bata. We all know that Bata is connected with shoes… no prizes for guessing that but what had me curious was that the building actually housed the Bata Shoe Museum.

If you thought that the Bata Shoe Museum housed samples of all the footwear that the Bata Company has ever produced - you are totally wrong. Although the name is synonymous with the giant shoe empire, there are less than a dozen Bata shoes in the entire collection. Created by Sonja Bata, the wife of the founder of the Bata Shoe Company, the museum has a massive collection of shoes spanning 4,500 years. On display are shoes ranging from beautiful Egyptian sandals and Chinese bound foot shoes, to celebrity footwear including Elton John's platforms and Napoleon’s socks.

The Bata Shoe Museum opened its doors in 1995. The five-storey building, designed by Moriyama and Teshima Architects, is truly unique. It is in the form of a huge shoe box with the lid laid across the top. The collection contains 10,000 varieties of footwear and showcases changing fashions, and highlights the craft and sociology of making shoes.

It all began as a hobby, when Mrs Sonja Bata started collecting shoes as she travelled around the globe. The fascination grew into a huge collection. As per Mrs. Bata, shoes are a personal artefact that tells about the owner’s social status, habits, culture and religion. Shoes, more than any other personal item, reflect the living habits, the work and the customs of the people who wore them. A visit to the museum is truly a visit down history. A pair of Egyptian footwear lies alongside the late Princess Diana’s rich burgundy dress shoes. In another display, Queen Victoria’s ballroom slippers lie alongside the ceremonial shoes of Pope Leo the III.

Hundreds of fascinating shoes from famous feet and from some unknown owners, whose names have been lost to history are on display. Pressurised sky-diving boots to iron-spiked shoes used for crushing chestnuts are among the items on exhibit. Rock stars, sports heroes, musicians, artists, film legends...they’re all there.

Viewed chronologically, shoes trace a path through technological development. The museum is a powerhouse of information. Today, if I know where the boots worn by Neil Armstrong for his famous first walk on the moon in 1969 are, it’s because of my visit to the museum. The answer will blow your mind away for Neil Armstrong’s shoes are currently floating in space as they were jettisoned before he returned to earth in case of contamination.

I further learnt that my foot has 18 muscles and that approximately 25% percent of all the bones in my body are found in the foot. I left the museum with a new found respect for my feet. I’ll head off for a foot massage and a pedicure at the earliest given opportunity – which is once I return to my home country. Until then I’ll just soak my feet in warm water… after all a dollar saved is a dollar gained.

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

Why a Bluetooth is called a Bluetooth?

(Published on 26 June 2007 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Gone are the days when the only blue tooth people knew of was the half broken one decaying in the depths of someone’s mouth. Well Bluetooth isn't some strange form of tooth decay. Bluetooth is the name of a new technology.

Take a look around you. Whether you are at home or at office – your electronic equipment will be wired to one another by cables. Cables can become quite a bother. Bluetooth technology is an answer to this. It provides a ‘cable free’ environment.
Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range communications technology intended to replace the cables connecting portable and fixed devices.

Bluetooth provides a way to connect and exchange information between devices such as mobile phones, computers, laptops, printers and digital cameras over a secure, globally unlicensed short-range radio frequency. It is actually just a small, radio chip that is plugged into electronic gadgets. It takes the information normally carried by the cable, and transmits it at a special frequency to a receiver Bluetooth chip present in the gadget where the information is to be received.

A master Bluetooth device can communicate with up to seven devices. This network group of up to eight devices is called a piconet. Piconet is a combination of the prefix ‘pico’ meaning very small or one trillionth and network. A piconet allows one master device to interconnect with up to seven active devices. Either device can switch roles and become the master at any time.

Having understood what Bluetooth was all about it seemed strange that this novel technology should be given such an outlandish name. What is interesting is that the Bluetooth was named after a late tenth century king, Harald Bluetooth who was the King of Denmark and Norway.

Harald Bluetooth is known for unifying warring tribes from Denmark, Norway and some parts of present-day Sweden, where the Bluetooth technology was invented. As the Bluetooth technology unifies different technologies, such as computers and mobile phones, it was thought appropriate to name it after the famous king. Choosing this name indicates how important the Nordic region is to the communications industry.

Harald Bluetooth built a large monument, the Jelling rune stone. The Bluetooth logo merges the Nordic runes similar to the modern Latin H and B (haglaz) and (berkanan) forming a bind rune.

Now why Harald Bluetooth was called Bluetooth remains a mystery. Maybe he did have a decaying blue tooth after all. That reminds me… I am off to the dentist sweethearts. Until next week… ciao.

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

Feng Shui for enhancing productivity in the office

(Published on 19 June 2007 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

I’ve just changed jobs. And the first thing I was told about my new boss was that he was very particular about everything in the office, being as per Feng Shui dictates. I looked around and did find that certain desks were rather strangely angled, the Accounts section was differently coloured and Feng Shui charms lay on just about everyone’s desk.

I reached office next day with a little bamboo pyramidal arrangement (called Lucky Bamboo or Dracaena) – which I placed at a predominant spot on my desk. My knowledge of Feng Shui ended there - for beyond the bamboo arrangement I had no clue of what else was good to enhance my productivity. (…and the prosperity of my boss)

Feng Shui is the art of placement and an ancient Oriental doctrine based on the principle that environmental design can change your life for the better or for the worse. Feng Shui experts believe that good Feng Shui, which is an environment that allows the free flow of energy (Chi), enhances career opportunities and attracts good business. The philosophy of Feng Shui is being incorporated into many offices to promote success, wealth, opportunities, and feeling of contentment.

Here is some Feng Shui advice for the office that will make it a more productive environment:

· Plants: Plants boost energy levels. Placing fresh flowers or a leafy plant on the left side of the desk creates good chi (energy). Putting a money tree or prosperity plant in the Southeast corner of the desk or cubicle is also beneficial. Cactuses and bonsai trees should be avoided, as the former creates difficult work relationships and the latter will stunt career growth.

· Position of desk: Where one sits and the arrangement of the office can have a huge impact on one’s workplace energy. If you want to get ahead at your job don’t sit directly in line with the door which is the path of negative energy. And never have your back to a door, as it’s from the door that business and opportunity enters. Try to sit in the corner farthest from the entrance to the room to have control and keep your back towards a corner or wall for support. If there's more than one desk, place two on a diagonal facing towards the door and any others on a diagonal facing into the centre of the room. They should not be placed in rows in a traditional classroom layout or back to back.

· Colour: Colour can play a huge role in the office environment. Colours like blues and greens are calming. Red can be an empowering colour and is great for those in business or sales. Yellow is good for people who need discipline. To incorporate colour include photos and picture frames, furniture, mouse pads, or any small items on your desk. Try to incorporate the right colours wherever you can and you'll get ahead at your job.

· Wealth Producing Objects: Different objects or symbols produce wealth. Put a fountain or a picture of a waterfall or river by the entrance to your office to facilitate a raise and to diffuse any negative energy present. A safe in the West or Northwest corner of the office will help with prosperity and financial security. A crystal ball near the phone will encourage more business calls.

The following traditional Feng Shui tips keep the positive energy flowing in the office:

Ì Differentiate between clutter and storage. Stored items should be stacked neatly so as not to hamper energy flow.

Ì Placing papers on a desktop weighted by a crystal, which is a grounding element, represents clarity.

Ì If feasible put your computer in the North or West area of your office to enhance your creativity or in the Southeast to generate income.

Ì If you face a partial wall or partition when entering an office, place a mirror on the partition. Soften jutting walls with plants and break up dull walls with mirrors or paintings.

Ì If it's time to look for new clients, add a water fountain, wind chime or a mobile. If flowing water or tinkling chimes is distractive, consider placing a picture of flowing water. Placing a picture of a lake, waterfall or any other water scene helps. Water represents energy flow. Use an aquarium if you wish.

If business isn't booming, maybe it's time to bring in a different kind of efficiency expert... Feng Shui. Creating harmony and balance in the work area can boost productivity - and the bottom line. Job contentment will follow.

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

The great Foie Gras controversy

(Published on 05 June 2007 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

This is the fiftieth publication of the Miss Know-All column – and I don’t seem to tire from spreading awareness and enlightening the ignorant. There is so much to write about and so little awareness. My task has been chalked out for years to come. You’ll keep hearing from me pretties… keep reading and keep getting wiser!

I had written earlier about the much overrated caviar and how I did not care much for it. But this article is about ‘pate de foie gras’ – something dear to my heart or should I say to my taste buds. But like all other things – wherever I go controversy seems to follow. So – this write up is about the great Foie Gras controversy.

Though the name sounds impressive and fancy, foie gras is poultry liver. It is a French word meaning ‘fat liver’. It took us Asians time to learn how to pronounce it… leave alone eat it. (pronunciation - fwä grä) Once considered a luxury food item, foie gras has become the subject of a global campaign as animal rights activists claim that the manner in which foie gras is produced is cruel to animals. To understand this allegation a bit of explaining is required.

Foie Gras can only be produced by migratory birds as only these birds develop livers that are exceptionally fatty in texture. This is because when a bird migrates, it flies several hundred miles before stopping for food. It sustains itself through the long flight by stuffing itself before setting out on its journey. This extra food supply is stored in the liver in the form of fat. As a result, the liver increases in size from four ounces to a pound and a half.

The ancient Romans were the first to discover that to acquire fatty livers they needed to hunt migratory birds when they were actually migrating. Later, as an alternate they fattened the birds even when they were not migrating – by feeding them with grain. When the livers expanded as a result of overeating, the birds were slaughtered. The French in turn discovered that it was goose that was the ideal bird for foie gras. Geese were fed with corn and then killed once their livers were ready. Interestingly poultry farmers in other parts of Europe opted to breed ducks instead of geese.

After the 1970’s farmers started breeding the Moulard duck for foie gras. A funnel is inserted into the fowl’s mouth and grain is then poured down its gullet. The fact that the birds are force fed in this way till their livers fatten up did not ‘go down’ too well with the animal rights activists and they stepped in to cry ‘FOUL’! The animal rights lobby argues that this kind of force feeding causes the birds livers to get diseased. Foie Gras farmers do not agree as they feel the condition is not a disease but similar to what happens when the birds migrate. The activists retaliate by saying that keeping birds in custody and force feeding them in an unnatural way amounts to torture.

The debate continues even as Arnold Schwarzenegger announced a ban on foie gras in California. The ban will come into effect in 2012. The city of Chicago has banned the sale of foie gras as well. There is also a growing demand for a total ban all across America.

As for me… well, killing any animal for its meat is sin enough. Then why all this brouhaha over a fattened liver?

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

The 'hobble skirt' bottle

(Published on 22 May 2007 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

I attended the Finale of the Brand Equity Quiz in Mumbai recently and was greatly intrigued when a team was asked to comment on a picture shown on the monitor. The picture seemed old – say of the 1915’s and showed a couple in European attire. Just when the audience was wondering what the picture had to do in a Business Quiz – pat came the reply from one of the participants. The famous Coca-Cola bottle was designed to look like the ‘hobble skirt’ shown in the picture. That was a very interesting bit of trivia and I decided to find out just how a Coca-Cola ended up looking like a hobble skirt.

A hobble skirt is a skirt with a narrowing hem. It got its name as it inhibits the wearer's stride. The shape of the skirt made the wearer 'hobble’. The term 'hobble skirt' came into popular use in the early 1910s when a fashion trend started by French designer Paul Poiret introduced long skirts that were narrow at the hem. Interestingly some attribute the hobble skirt to Mrs. Hart Berg, the first American woman to fly with the Wright Brothers. To keep her skirts from flying out of control while airborne, she tied a rope around them below the knees.

The famous Coca-Cola bottle, called the contour bottle, which is also known to some as the "hobble skirt" bottle, was created in 1915. The Coca-Cola Company launched a competition among its bottle suppliers to create a new bottle for the drink. The brief was that it should be - "a bottle which a person could recognize even if they felt it in the dark, and so shaped that, even if broken, a person could tell at a glance what it was". Chapman Root, president of the Root Glass Company, delegated the task to members of his staff including Earl Dean, bottle designer and supervisor of the bottle moulding room. It was decided to base the bottle’s design on one of the drink’s two ingredients, the coca leaf or the cola nut. But as no information was available about coca or cola – Dean took inspiration from the gourd-shaped cocoa pod. It is also believed that he got the inspiration for the design from the ‘hobble skirt’.

Dean sketched out and created the mould for the bottle. The prototype bottle was approved and a design patent was issued on the bottle in November, 1915. The bottle was chosen over other entries by Coca Cola in 1916. By 1920, Dean’s contoured bottle became the standard for the Coca-Cola Company.

The Root Glass Company wanted to reward Dean for his efforts. He was offered a choice between a $500 bonus or a lifetime job at the Glass Company. He chose the lifetime job.

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

Guinness - a record breaking idea!

(Published on 15 May 2007 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)


You all know my Aunt Jigna – thanks to this column, where she features ever so regularly. Well this aunt of mine has a penchant for facts and figures… (and arguments may I add) and has a ‘record breaking’ collection of the Guinness Book of World Records.

I did ruffle up the old lady when I told her that it was easier and quicker to refer to the internet rather than flip pages and search for results. But the truth is that I do envy her collection of the Guinness Book of World Records. I could spend hours and hours browsing and marvelling.

The story about how the idea of putting together such a book of records is an interesting one. The idea was conceptualised by Sir Hugh Beaver. Educated at Wellington College, Berkshire, Sir Hugh Beaver spent two years in the Indian Police force from 1910 to 1912. Later he returned to England, and joined Alexander Gibb and Partners Engineers, the firm commissioned by the Canadian government to conduct a survey of its national ports. Beaver supervised the rebuilding of the Port of St John, New Brunswick. He was the Director General and Controller General of the Ministry of Works from 1940-1945

In 1946, he became the managing director of Arthur Guinness, Son and Co Ltd. On 10 November 1951, while Beaver was still the managing director of the Guinness Brewery, he went on a shooting party by the River Slaney in Ireland. While on the shoot, he became involved in an argument with a friend about whether it was the Golden Plover or the Grouse that was the fastest game bird in Europe.

The argument came to no conclusion for it was not possible to confirm the answer in any reference books. Beaver realised that there must be numerous similar questions debated, but there was no book with which to settle arguments about records. He recognized then that a book supplying the answers to this sort of question might prove popular.

Sir Hugh’s idea saw the light of day when Guinness employee Christopher Chataway recommended his University friends Norris and Ross McWhirter. The two brothers had been running a fact-finding agency in London, and were commissioned in 1954 to compile all the information into one book which came to be called The Guinness Book of Records. The first 198 page edition was bound on 27 August 1955 and went to the top of the British best seller lists. The following year it launched in the USA, and sold 70,000 copies.

Since then, Guinness World Records has become a household name in world records. No other venture collects, confirms, accredits and presents world record data with the same commitment. The Records Management Team maintains a vigilant watch to guarantee the accuracy of each and every Guinness World Record. A fact becomes a Guinness World Record when it’s tested and verified. The book has gone on to become a record breaker itself. With sales of more than 100 million copies in 100 different countries and 37 languages, the Guinness World Records is the world’s best ever selling copyright book.

Sir Hugh Beaver KBE was knighted in 1943. He was awarded a KBE in 1956. He also received honorary degrees from the University of Cambridge, Trinity College, Dublin, the National University of Ireland. The London School of Economics made Sir Hugh Beaver an honorary fellow in 1960.

What a record breaking idea!
“Good ideas are common - what's uncommon are people who'll work hard enough to bring them about” - Ashleigh Brilliant, English author and cartoonist.

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

Water intoxication... drinking too much water can be dangerous!

(Published on 8 May 2007 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

A recent newspaper report about a young 22 year old marathon runner, David Rogers dying as a result of drinking too much water had me absolutely stumped. For, every fitness instructor and dietician I have ever known or heard of, have claimed that one should drink as much water as possible. A die-hard Oprah Winfrey fan – I followed the instructions given during her boot camp – and religiously downed bottles and bottles of aqua. Then what was this about?

David Rogers collapsed at the end of the race and died due to water intoxication or hyponatraemia. This happens when there is more than necessary water in the body which results in low levels of vital minerals such as sodium. Medically, Hyponatraemia means a low concentration of sodium in the blood. This happens especially in the case of long distance runners who sweat extensively. Lost sweat which is composed of salt and water is replaced only by intake of water. This dilutes the level of sodium in the bloodstream.

Sweat contains between 2.25 - 3.4 grams of salt per litre. During a long race that takes place in hot climatic conditions, the rate of perspiration averages to about 1 litre per hour. This means longer the race – more the loss of salt. Without realising the consequences, the athlete replaces only the lost water resulting in the drop of percentage of salt in the body. This explains the importance of electrolytes and sports drinks to replenish salt in the body.

The symptoms of hyponatraemia can range from mild to severe and include nausea, muscle cramps, headaches, disorientation, slurred speech and confusion. In severe cases the sufferer experiences swelling of the brain, seizures or coma. In mild cases, the problem can be treated by eating salty foods and hydrating with sodium containing sports drinks. However, severe cases need immediate medical attention.

There are no clear cut instructions to be followed as a precaution. It is not really correct to recommend drinking less water to rebalance sodium and water intake as one might run the risk of dehydration and heat related injuries. Some experts recommend increasing salt intake. By ingesting more sodium, hydration with water is balanced and dilution of sodium does not occur.

This year’s London Marathon that took David Rogers life was the hottest in the event’s 27 year history. More than 600 runners failed to complete the race as a result of the unbearable heat. Hyponatraemia was found in as many as 13% of runners in a Boston Marathon. In January 2007 Jennifer Strange, a woman in California, died following a water-drinking contest sponsored by a local radio station. Jennifer, 28, had taken part in the contest to see how much water she could drink without going to the bathroom. Her family has since filed a civil lawsuit against the radio station

Do you and I need to worry? No. For us – eight to ten glasses of water a day is recommended. And unless you are out hiking in a desert or running a long marathon, you need not worry too much about dipping sodium levels. Keep hydrated and keep guzzling that aqua.

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water” - Loran Eisely, The Immense Journey, 1957

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

Are all plastics microwave safe?

(Published on 1 May 2007 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Every visit to my Aunt Jigna is a nightmare. I return with frayed nerves and a splitting headache. She has an opinion about everything. As she rambles on, I comatose myself taking comfort in a beautiful world where silence prevails. Just as I had reached into a blissful stupor – I heard my Aunt shriek. She held in her hand a deformed plastic bowl and bore a flabbergasted look.

As I sat her down, I learnt that it was the microwave that was to be blamed. “Was the bowl microwave safe?” I enquired. All I could hear was a volley of abuses hurled at the microwave oven. This brought us to the most obvious question: Are all plastics microwave safe?

Today, there is a lot of kitchen ware that is made of plastic. Different plastics serve different purposes in the kitchen. Storage and reheating, being the main two functions. Majority of the plastic kitchen ware is specially designed to withstand high temperatures. But this does not mean all of them are. It is wise to check the item before presuming that it is microwave friendly.

Plastics that are designed to withstand microwave temperatures will be marked accordingly. Some products are labelled with the term ‘Microwave Safe.’ or carry a microwave symbol. This is the manufacturer’s way of letting consumers know that a product has been designed to withstand microwave heat without melting or warping. Others provide instructions for proper microwave use – informing you of the temperature that it is able to with-stand. If used inappropriately, the plastic container may warp or melt when exposed to extremely hot temperatures. It is best to look for plastics that are labelled for microwave use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Why take chances? If your container isn’t labelled for microwave use, it’s best to choose something that is.

However it is not necessarily unsafe to use a plastic container in the microwave if is not labelled as microwave compatible. But it is wiser to select a microwave safe dish and have the assurance of knowing that the item was tested and evaluated for this purpose.
Frozen meals are often packaged in microwavable trays made of PET, a type of plastic which is also used to make jars and bottles. While microwavable PET trays are specially fabricated for high heat resistance, the jars and bottles made with PET could warp if subject to high heat.

For some time there has been an email doing the rounds that claims that microwaving food in plastic containers or plastic wrap is dangerous. The message warns that chemicals can seep out of the plastic and into the food, causing cancer and other diseases. That is when food is placed in a plastic container and cooked in a microwave; substances used in manufacturing the plastic may leak into the food. However, this is not true as manufacturers of food products that belong to well known brands, closely regulate the quality of the plastic containers and ensure that no such chemicals migrate from the plastic into the food.

Here are some tips from Miss Know All’s kitchen to keep in mind when using your microwave:

( Don’t microwave food in plastic storage bags from the grocery store.

(Vent the container before microwaving food that is leave the lid ajar.

(Takeout containers, water bottles, and plastic tubs or jars made to hold yogurt and foods such as cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard are not for use in the microwave.

(Takeout dinner trays that can be put in the microwave are designed for one-time use only and this will be mentioned on the package.

(Don’t allow plastic wrap to touch food during microwaving as it may melt.

(If you’re confused about use of plastic containers in the microwave, transfer food to glass or ceramic containers labelled for microwave use.

(Microwaving in containers that are round or oval in shape can help foods heat more evenly. With rectangular containers, the corners tend to receive more energy, which can cause food to dry out or overcook in these areas.

This quote by Bryan Miller is for all the great cooks I know (including Aunt Jigna, who I must admit makes the most awesome prawn curry!) - “The qualities of an exceptional cook are akin to those of a successful tightrope walker: an abiding passion for the task, courage to go out on a limb and an impeccable sense of balance.”

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

Understanding Autism

(Published on 10 April 2007 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

World Health Day is celebrated every year on 7 April. This date marks the day when the World Health Organization (WHO) was founded. It was on this day in the year 1948 that the first World Health Assembly was held. It was then decided that 7 April would be marked as the World Health Day to raise awareness of key global health issues. The theme for the year 2007 is international health security. The objective is to urge governments, organizations and businesses to "Invest in health and in doing so build a safer future."

However, investing in health is not just about research, science, medicine and improved technology. It’s not just about improved infrastructure but also about spreading awareness. Educating oneself is as crucial. While most of the diseases prevalent today are recognized and given their due – Autism is rarely recognized and seldom given enough attention.

Autism is a developmental disability that results from a disorder of the human central nervous system. The word ‘autism’ was first used by the Swiss psychiatrist Eugene Bleuler in 1912. It comes from the Greek word for self - autos. It usually occurs in children below the age of three years. Autism has been defined as a disorder that begins in early childhood and which affects three fundamental areas of development: communication, social interaction, and creative or imaginative play. Children with autism are unable to socially interact with others and effectively communicate with their peers.

Autistic children often seem to prefer being alone and may passively accept physical display of affection without reciprocating. Many children with autism face social alienation in school and on the playground. Making friends in real life and maintaining relationships with others proves to be difficult. As a response to this, many resort to inventing imaginary friends.

People with autism are not physically disabled. They look just like anybody else without the disability. Due to this invisible nature of the ailment, it has become difficult to create awareness and understanding of the condition. As an autistic child looks normal people assume they are naughty or are badly brought up. The exact cause of autism is still not known. However, research shows that it is caused by genetic factors.

Specialist education and structured support can make a difference to the life of a child suffering from autism. Proper guidance helps them to maximise skills and achieve full potential as they grow older. Figuring out if a child has autism can be difficult. A parent is usually the first to suspect that something is wrong. Doctors and counsellors help in further diagnosis.

There is no cure for autism, but doctors, therapists, and special teachers can help children with autism overcome or adjust to the difficulties that they are facing. The earlier the treatment is started for autism, the better. Therapists also help patients learn social skills. Some children need special help with day- to day living chores. Others have trouble sitting still or controlling their tempers and need therapy to help them control their behaviour. Children with mild autism can go to regular school. They need teachers trained to understand the problems they have with communicating and learning.

For more information visit the official website of The National Autistic Society: http://www.nas.org.uk/

Let us educate ourselves. Educate others. It’s time for each one of us to invest in health and build a safer future.

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

Why is a horseshoe considered lucky?

(Published on 03 April 2007 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Good luck coins, lucky rabbit feet, four-leaf clovers, wishbones, horseshoes, rattlesnake rattles, black-eyed peas, lucky charm vials and talismans are just few of the lucky charms that people keep to bring them good luck. Is this just a superstition or do these lucky charms have unseen powers? As per the Oxford dictionary – a superstition is a widely held but irrational belief in supernatural influences. It is a belief that future events are influenced by specific things or behaviours, without having any relationship to it whatsoever.

One of the most common lucky charms is the horseshoe. The use of worn-out horseshoes, as having protective powers, originated in Europe, where one can still find them nailed on top of doorways. As per legend, one day St. Dunstan, formerly a blacksmith was working at his forge, in Mayfield, a village in north-east Sussex. The Devil, disguised as a beautiful woman paid him a visit with the intention of leading him astray. However St. Dunstan spotted the cloven hooves beneath the dress. He grabbed the devil's nose with his red hot pincers, thus thwarting the Devil’s evil intentions. But it did not end there. For the Devil returned again as a weary traveller in need of a horseshoe. St. Dunstan saw through the disguise once again. He beat the Devil until he pleaded for mercy and swore never to enter any house with a horseshoe above the door.

The church in Mayfield has since been dedicated to St Dunstan. Dunstan became the Archbishop of Canterbury from 960 – 988. He founded Mayfield Palace, one of the great residences of the medieval Archbishops of Canterbury. In 1864 it was presented to The Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus and since then remains a Roman Catholic boarding school. To this day, visitors to the convent can see the famous tongs used by St Dunstan, and his anvil.

Interestingly, the crescent form of the horseshoe is also considered a symbol of the pagan Moon goddesses of ancient Europe such as Artemis and Diana. The horseshoe is also related to other magically protective doorway-goddesses, such as the Irish sheela-na-gig, and to the lunar protectress who is often shown standing on a crescent moon.

People across Europe believe that nailing a horseshoe on their door will ward off evil. It is even represented in the form of jewellery, wall hangings, and printed images. In Europe, the Middle-East, and Latin America protective horseshoes are placed in a downward facing position with the belief that ‘luck pours onto you.’ When hung over doorways for protection, the horseshoe is supposed to point downwards so that ‘no witch will pass under it.’ But in some parts of Ireland and Britain people believe that the horseshoe must be turned upward or ‘the luck will run out.’ In Italy, a horseshoe, worn and discarded by a horse that was found on the road or in a field, is nailed by the side of the door so that the person who enters the door can touch it.

In Turkey horseshoes are blended with the protective all-seeing eye to form a unique charm that is believed to ward off the evil eye. In Mexico, used horseshoes are wrapped in colourful rayon thread, decorated with sequins and holy prints of the horseback-riding San Martin Caballero and backed with a prayer. Terra cotta blue-glazed horseshoe plaques are found in the Middle-East.

Although actual horseshoes are considered to be protective, modern horseshoe jewellery is worn because it is considered lucky. Especially, due to its association with horse-racing, it is believed to have become a gambler's lucky charm. Furthermore, because horseshoes resemble horseshoe magnets, they are also considered to have the power to attract money.

I have no idea whether a horse shoe does have protective powers or the power to bring good luck or the power to attract money. But if I ever do find one lying on the road, I would not just pass it by. I’d bring it home.

“Superstition is foolish, childish, primitive and irrational - but how much does it cost you to knock on wood?” - Judith Viorst


Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

Incontinence... the silent affliction

(Published on 27 March 2007 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

The objective of writing this column is not just about making smart-alecky retorts, cocky observations and smug comments… it’s about sharing and learning from each other. This week I have chosen to write on – incontinence. People who have elderly members at home will understand and know what this is all about.

Incontinence refers to the loss of normal control of the bladder or the bowels. Urinary incontinence is more common especially amongst the aged. A person having urinary incontinence cannot hold the urine for long and has sporadic trickling. In extreme cases even an action like sneezing could result in an accident. In other words, incontinence is the involuntary flow of urine. We all know that the loss of bladder control is perceived as socially unacceptable and is a cause for great embarrassment. People affected with this problem feel ashamed and depressed. Incontinence is also referred to as "the silent affliction" as most often the patients suffer in silence trying to cope with the problem all on their own. Other impacts of incontinence include social withdrawal and low self-esteem.

Incontinence can result from damage to the muscle, including sphincters, nerves, or the part of the body involved to store and release waste. Several types of cancer and its treatments are also associated with this ailment. Incontinence can be successfully treated, and people suffering from this problem should seek medical advice. The method of treatment depends on the cause. A surgical solution is sought in extreme cases. Placement of an artificial sphincter has also given successful results. In most cases, treatment may include medications, dietary changes, muscle-strengthening exercises, or behavioural training, which involves bladder training and requires regular and monitored visits to the rest room. As a precaution some people suffering from this problem resort to wearing adult diapers.

Patients are also advised to do regular pelvic exercises (Kegel’s exercises) in order to correct the problem. However it is advised that even those not suffering with urinary incontinence do these exercises regularly. Just as one would lift weights to tone one’s muscles, it is important to keep the pelvic muscles strengthened and in good shape. Doing Kegel’s exercise regularly will keep the pelvic floor muscles toned and help reduce the risk of incontinence as one gets older. The pelvic floor muscles need to be contracted repeatedly. Usually 10 minutes of doing so daily would be good enough. These exercises can be done anywhere and any time. It is usually best to begin when lying. Later these exercises can also be done either sitting on a chair or even while standing.

A befitting way to close an article on such a serious topic would be to quote Andy Rooney: "The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person." One should never stop learning from the elders in the family. It’s only a question of time when one will fill their shoes.

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

Why does mineral water have an expiry date?

(Published on 20 March 2007 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Went to spend the day with my Aunt, sweeties. It does really take a lot of persuasion and goading on my mother’s part to get me to visit her. She has an answer for everything – and will pull out an encyclopaedia published in 1935 to quote her facts! I thought I’d gift her, a new set of Britannica Encyclopaedias but that would mean more arguments and more conflicting opinions.

As I helped her make tea I noticed quite a few mineral water bottles lying on her kitchen shelf. You have to use those up I advised as they too have an expiry date. She looked in disbelief. “Water… has an expiry date? Isn't the water we drink everyday about three billion years old? It hasn't hurt us yet has it?” I let that pass but decided to do a little research on my own.

About 70% of the earth is covered with water. But most of it is unavailable for human consumption unless it is processed first. Water contains various minerals - some good and others not so good for our health. Mineral water, as the name suggests, contains various minerals and traces of elements. It is usually measured as the residue left when a litre of water is evaporated.

It is believed that the minerals in mineral water have various effects on the health of a person. However, apart from the obvious function of providing clean and pure water to the body, studies have shown that there is no significant effect of mineral water on the health. Mineral waters do contain minerals, but the ability of the body to absorb them from the water is as good as negligible.

Still mineral water normally bears an expiry date. However, it does not mean the product is sub-standard after this date. Over a period of time, the composition of mineral water, changes. Usually, this change is not much. But even then it is essential that the consumer be informed that the composition of water, in other words the percentage of minerals in the water has changed in comparison to that specified on the label. The expiry date on the bottle denotes this time – when changes are likely to take place. Government agencies, like the Chief Food Authority (CFA), The Food Control Administration Unit of the Health Ministry and the Sri Lanka Standard Institution (SLSI) regulate the quality of bottled mineral water and have stringent regulations in place to monitor what is available in the market.

Sparkling water on the other hand has a limited shelf life, due to the carbon dioxide. PH indicates water acidity level. PH value between 6.5 and 7.5 is considered neutral. Mineral water should be as neutral as possible. Adding CO2 to water increases its acidity. Carbon dioxide in sparkling water slowly dissipates through the walls of the plastic container and the plastic caps. Sparkling water in glass bottles with metal closures has a much longer shelf life.

Even though mineral water, way past its expiry date would still be a better option to consume than regular tap water - I have begun to check the label before I buy a bottle. I am looking forward, to visiting my Aunt once again to share with her my new found knowledge. Also wanted to leave her with some needling questions that I came across:
If someone invented instant water what would they mix it with?
Where do they get Spring water in the other three seasons?
If pure water is so good for you, how come you never see any fish in it?

Will keep her busy and out of people’s way for a couple of days.

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

The relevance of celebrating International Women's Day

(Published on 6 March 2007 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Each year 8 March is observed as International Women's Day. As always women's groups around the world irrespective of their nationalities, economic and political differences and their ethnic and cultural backgrounds come together to commemorate their day. I have been invited to an august gathering this coming 8 March where celebrity women achievers from different walks of life will voice their opinion about equality, justice, peace and development. But the International Women’s Day is not just about the few that have a voice and have gathered for a symposium. It’s about the ordinary woman on the street. Celebrating International Women’s Day is about empowering that ‘ordinary woman’ and about understanding the meaning of words like equality and suffrage.

For centuries women had been taught that, for them, the earth is flat, and that if they venture out, they would fall off the edge. But the turn of the century brought with it, a new wind of change. The first ever National Woman's Day was observed across the United States on 28 February 1909. Soon after, it was unanimously decided to establish a Women's Day to honour the movement for women's rights and to achieve universal suffrage for women. As a result, International Women's Day was marked for the first time on 19 March 1911 in Austria, Germany, Denmark and Switzerland. Besides the right to vote and to hold public office, women demanded equality with emphasis on the right to work and to an end to discrimination at work.

Russian women observed their first International Women's Day on the last Sunday in February 1913 lobbying for peace on the eve of World War I. Women in Europe followed suit, holding rallies on 8 March 1914 to protest the war. Russian women again chose the last Sunday in February 1917 to strike for "bread and peace" to protest against the 2 million Russian soldiers who had died in the war. Four days later, the provisional Government in power after the Czar’s abdication granted women the right to vote. That historic day fell on 8 March on the Gregorian calendar.

Since then, International Women's Day is celebrated on 8 March and has taken on a new global dimension. The growing international women's movement has resulted in coordinated efforts to demand women's rights and participation in the political and economic process. The campaign to promote and protect the equal rights of women has received intense and widespread support. The Charter of the United Nations signed in 1945, was the first international agreement to proclaim gender equality as a fundamental human right.

The United Nations' theme for International Women's Day in 2007 is "Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls." The subject highlights the crucial need to create and maintain a social and legal environment that does not accept and tolerate violence against women. Unfortunately, such violence occurs in every country and cuts across boundaries of culture, class and education. We all publicly decry violence against women. But the truth is that it is often embedded within our cultural practices and norms.
Ending all forms of violence against women, whether it is physical, sexual or psychological, is one of the most daunting challenges faced by the world.

It is time for the women of today to reflect on progress made. International Women's Day is YOUR day. It is time for YOU to call for a change.

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

Crazy about walnuts...

(Published on 20 February 2007 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

My neighbour has a terrific photogenic memory. Aunt Sheila will not only remember what you served her for a meal ten years ago but will also recollect the colour of the table mats you had used. While I struggled with dates, she would remember the exact date on which her third born lost his fourth tooth. I needled her to reveal her secret – and all she came up with was – walnuts! Aunt Sheila believed that as walnuts looked like the brain – they were good for the brain. Now I truly don’t know whether there’s much truth in that – but I did decide to research a bit and find out why she was so nuts about walnuts!

Walnuts are the rounded, single-seeded stone fruits of the walnut tree which is a member of the Juglandaceae family. The walnut is enclosed in a green, leathery husk which is inedible. Inside the husk is the wrinkly walnut shell, which is in two halves, and encloses the kernel. The Romans considered certain nuts to be food of the gods. During the Renaissance, walnuts were used to treat head ailments because of their close resemblance to the brain. (That explains where my Aunt Sheila got her facts from.) Walnuts grow in France, Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, India, China, North America, Australia and New Zealand. Walnuts need to be dried after harvesting. However, fresh walnuts taste a lot better than ones that have been kept for long. Walnuts can be over-dried, which spoils their flavour and makes them taste rancid.

Is eating a handful of walnuts every day one of the easiest ways to improve ones diet and health? The latest news about walnuts will make you want to – well, go nuts! When eaten as a part of a healthful diet, walnuts promote healthy cholesterol levels and healthy arteries. Walnuts have been identified as one of 14 ‘Super Foods’ because of their high omega-3 content. Walnuts are the only nut that contain a significant amount of omega-3s. No other nut matches the nutrition value of a walnut! They are low in saturated fats, have no cholesterol, and are high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats (the good fats) which can lower ‘bad’ cholesterol levels (LDL). Walnuts also contain iron, minerals and fibre, and contain no sugar. People who ate nuts once a week are known to have a 25% less chance of a heart disease than people who avoided nuts completely.

Walnuts are also known for their high antioxidant activity. Antioxidants help counteract the effects of oxidation, a process that is constantly occurring in the body. Naturally occurring antioxidant enzymes work to protect our cells and our DNA from oxidative damage. Oxidative stress occurs when the body’s natural defences can’t keep up with oxidative damage. Daily processes like breathing, eating, exposure to pollution, and over-exposure to sunlight can all create oxidative stress. One way to combat oxidative stress is to eat more antioxidant-rich foods, like walnuts.

Dr. Steven Pratt, Scripps Memorial Hospital, San Diego, and author of the best-selling book “Super Foods Rx” recommends including the nutrient-rich walnuts in our daily diet to promote good health and longevity. In his words: “What’s the single easiest, most delicious and health-promoting snack food on the planet? My vote goes to walnuts…”

I’ve started seeing a close resemblance between squirrels and my Aunt Sheila. They both have very prominent incisors, are quick and sharp in their reactions and above all the two of them love nibbling at nuts all day long!

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

Know your sunscreen - SPF and more!

(Published on 16 January 2007 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

There is one thing we people living in this part of the world love – smothering ourselves with a whole lot of creams and lotions that promise to make us… “fair and lovely.” Donning layers of foundation to camouflage ourselves is another obsession. My Aunt has been using a whitening cream for years. I hesitate to tell her that it has made little or no difference. I bought her a bottle of a sunscreen lotion the last time I went overseas. She looked at the jar with great suspicion and it lay on her dresser for months. What she failed to realise is that what is more important than the bleaching cream is the regular use of a sunscreen lotion.

A sunscreen, also known as sun block is a substance that helps protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays. It reflects and absorbs ultraviolet radiation. Lotions or creams that contain sunscreens are used not just to protect the skin from tanning but to help protect the skin from premature aging and damage that may lead to skin cancer. The best sunscreens protect against both UVB (ultraviolet radiation with wavelength between 290 and 320 nanometres), which can cause sunburn, and UVA (between 320 and 400 nanometres), which damages the skin with more long-term effects, such as premature skin aging.

But does one go to a supermarket and pick up the sunscreen lotion that promises the world – or does one pick up something as per one’s complexion and requirements? Sun screen lotions are graded as per their SPF value. SPF or - sun protection factor is a number representing the amount of sun that the lotion has the ability to block. That is SPF is a scale for rating the level of sunburn protection that a sunscreen product can provide. The higher the SPF, the more sunburn protection it gives. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 filters 92% of the UVB. In other words the SPF 15 sunscreen allows a person to stay out in the sun 15 times longer. Sunscreens with an SPF value of 2 - 11 give minimal protection against sunburns. While, sunscreens with an SPF of 12 - 29 give moderate protection. And those with an SPF of 30 or higher give maximum protection against sunburn.

This brings us to the next question. How would one choose the best suited sunscreen for oneself? The answer lies in the colour of your skin as well as the nature of your work. Other factors to be considered are the skin type (sensitive skin), the amount of sunscreen applied and frequency of re-application as well as activities in which one engages for example, swimming. If your work requires you to be out in the sun for longer periods - the best sunscreen would be one that blocks enough UV radiation to protect your skin for the longest possible time. The chart below can be used as a guideline to obtain the proper protection:

.SPF 30 – 50: Fair; blonde, light brown hair; unexposed skin is white; freckles. Tans lightly and usually develops a painful burn quickly.

.SPF 15 – 20: Average Caucasian; unexposed skin is white. Develops an average tan and moderately burns.

.SPF 6 - 15: Medium complexion; unexposed skin is light brown; usually with dark hair and dark eyes. Tans easily and burns minimally.

.SPF 2 – 10: Dark, unexposed skin is brown. Tans easily and rarely burns.

Most sunscreens work by containing either an organic chemical compound that absorbs ultraviolet light or an opaque material that reflects light, or a combination of both. Absorptive materials are referred to as chemical blocks, whereas opaque materials that reflect are called physical blocks. Research has shown that the best protection is achieved by application 15–30 minutes before exposure to the sun, followed by reapplication 15–30 minutes after the exposure begins. Further reapplication is only necessary after activities such as swimming or excessive sweating. However it is advisable to consult a skin specialist when choosing a proper sunscreen especially if you have sensitive skin and are prone to photosensitivity.

Interestingly, clothing also provides protection from the sun. The ‘protectiveness’ of clothing can also be measured by SPF. The following are SPF's of various types of clothing:
Stockings - SPF 2
Caps / Hats / Shade - SPF 3-6
Light summer clothing - SPF 6.5
Thick cottons/ sun-protective clothing - up to SPF 30

And to my Aunt who has just consumed yet another jar of whitening cream…
“Its beauty that captures your attention; personality which captures your heart.”
You need to start focussing more on enhancing your personality!

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

Dating Allowance! Staff retention... at what cost?

(Published on 12 December 2006 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Given the current demand for skill, HR heads of multinationals are getting their knickers in a twist about retaining a committed workforce. Finding and keeping good people is always a major concern. As corporate loyalty and commitment are in short supply, a great workplace culture is the need of the hour. Organisations are now looking at innovative changes in the workplace and work culture and improved ways to motivate their staff.

Recently, there was much hue and cry in the press when a leading Indian company was accused of giving its employees a ‘dating allowance’. One had heard of HRA, LTA, Medical, Transport and Dearness allowance... but what in the world was a ‘dating allowance’?

A case was filed by Tripti Nigam against Wipro, India's third-biggest software company under the new Domestic Violence Act alleging that her husband Gaurav Nigam had deserted her because the company paid him a ‘dating allowance’. Tripti, who lives in Kanpur, alleged that Wipro paid her husband an allowance for dating and this was leading to ‘moral degradation’. While Wipro officials went blue in the face denying that they gave employees ‘dating allowance’, the whole incident has brought to light something that is still very new to the Indian corporate world.

Dating Allowance is the latest to join the list of incentives being offered to employees. More of a trend in the US, this new allowance has now made its way to India as well. Believed to be an essential addition in times of long stressful work hours, a dating allowance is typically aimed at promoting inter-personal communication and possible long lasting relationships, within the office. The philosophy behind the initiative is to show that the company wants to participate in the lives of its employees. Whether a company should participate and interfere in the lives of their employees to such an extent is debatable… as well as a personal choice.

Staff turnover costs companies dearly. But staff retention… at what cost? A driving factor of the employee’s loyalty is the company’s well-planned and executed package of benefits. These days among the perks are on-campus fitness centres, lap pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, and volleyball courts. Company hosted events are organised to help build camaraderie. The benefit package includes flexible work hours. While recreational activities have nothing to do with improving the employee’s job performance, companies recognise that such activities help employees grow personally. Organisations actively encourage off-the-job activities, which include scuba classes, yoga classes, dance classes and ski-resort getaways.

However, employee retention efforts are not all focused on fun and games. Competitive compensation packages which include not just the salary but bonuses, stock options, and the traditional health and retirement package are other tools that help keep employees onboard. Both communication and staff development are crucial. A communication plan needs to be devised to keep employees apprised of company performance and business objectives. A company needs to be committed to employee education and respond effectively to their needs. Rewards and recognition can be powerful tools and are proving to be effective especially when recognition is linked to personal needs such as time off, job sharing, flex-time, office space, special tasks and public acknowledgment.

Attention to retention should be a constant, ongoing process. Nurturing staff should be a non-stop, day-to-day activity. We are no moral police to judge if this new perk called ‘dating allowance’ is appropriate or not... for at the end of the day isn’t it up to the employee to decide how he uses his allowance… irrespective of what name it is given.

Zig Ziglar makes an interesting observation on employee motivation - “People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.”

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

Suffering with whitlow?

(Published on 7 November 2006 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Remember those ‘Tell me why’ series of encyclopaedias in the school library dahlings? Well I’m planning to come out with my own series. The ‘Tell me why Miss Know All’ series of books that are destined to be a sell out before they even go into print. The questions people ask me… I can’t help but find myself showing off – my knowledge that is.

Waiting for my turn at the beauty parlour for a facial (a meek and feeble attempt to slow down the aging process) – I found myself chatting with another client… young and pretty, may I add. While I’d give her an A++ for grooming – I noticed she suffered with a bad case of whitlow. Every opportunity to impart knowledge is seized… and here I was sitting amongst a group of hoity-toity make-up laden ladies telling them what to do when struck with this ailment.

A whitlow is an infection that occurs at the side or the base of a finger nail or a toe nail. The medical name for this is paronychia. This nail disease is a bacterial or fungal infection where the nail and skin meet at the side or the base of the nail. Patients suffer with characteristic vesicular lesions. Fluid within the vesicles is usually clear. It can also be chronic and people are known to have a tendency of getting it regularly. The cuticle, which is the skin at the base of the nail acts as a protective covering. If the cuticle is damaged then bacteria are able to enter the skin and cause infection. The skin becomes inflamed, red, and throbs continuously. Despite the small area affected these infections can be extremely painful.

Whitlows are very common amongst people who because of the nature of their work, have to repeatedly wash their hands. Excess water softens the cuticle and soaps or detergents remove the protective skin oils. This leaves the skin dry and more prone to split. Any damage to the cuticle allows infection to enter. Biting or picking at the cuticle or even damage through over enthusiastic manicuring can be the cause. Whitlow can be caused by either bacterial infection or a fungal one. When the infection comes on quickly it's usually caused by bacteria. This needs treatment with antibiotics. Usually a cream would suffice but in severe cases tablets would have to be taken. If the infection persists then a fungal infection is often the cause. An anti-fungal cream is the solution.

When someone is prone to whitlows it's advisable for them to use rubber gloves when washing things. It is also important to moisturise the skin well after drying your hands. Discourage over enthusiastic manicurists from digging around the cuticle when manicuring your nails.

‘Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.’ – Confucius
Real knowledge is to also accept that a Miss Know All has done her homework well and knows what she is talking about.

Miss Know-All
miss.know.all@gmail.com

What!!! Pluto not a planet...

(Published on 19 September 2006 in 'Women at Work' - W @ W - a supplement of the Daily Mirror, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Ever since I can remember… (and my Geography teacher, Miss Breganza was a great lady – who would tell me no lie) Pluto has been known as the ninth planet of our solar system since it was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930. The new announcement informing the world that Pluto does not fit in with the pattern of the other planets is being unkind to all the Geography teachers down the years. What teachers said in class was law – and one never ever thought of challenging what they said or taught.

Since 1992 small objects, made of rock and ice up to a few hundred kilometres in size, have been found orbiting at a great distance from the Sun. These are called Trans Neptunian Objects (TNOs). The information gathered on Pluto and the discovery of TNOs in the outer solar system with orbital characteristics very similar to those of Pluto, have led to this new deduction. The argument is that Pluto is so small and out of place in its distant orbit around the Sun that it cannot be classified as a proper planet. As a result, Pluto will now have the rare distinction of having dual classification as a planet and a TNO, at least for the time being. This dual classification for Pluto is a result of its remarkable nature.

The group who will decide the official status of Pluto for the professional astronomers is the International Astronomical Union. They will be informing the world of their decision shortly. The definition of a planet is rather arbitrary. Planets need a better definition rather than being known as an object that our ancestors saw moving in the sky. Until there is clarity and a consensus regarding the definition it is not right to either 'demote' Pluto or 'promote' Ceres. Since the discovery of the minor planet Ceres in 1801 astronomers have found thousands of minor planets orbiting the Sun, mainly between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Members of the IAU have been expressing their opinions on Pluto's status. There have been several votes with no clear-cut conclusion. Whatever the result it seems clear that Pluto is a special type of celestial object, which may well deserve a special status.

Well that temporarily puts to rest my belief in my Geography teacher who painstakingly taught us, seven year olds, the names of the nine planets with the help of a model. Miss Breganza – if you are reading this - I still believe that you were right and nothing will ever change that. Today even if the universe changes its views – I shall always remember what you taught me in Grade II. What rings in my mind is what Bertrand Russell has said “More important than the curriculum is the question of the methods of teaching and the spirit in which the teaching is given.”

Miss Know-All
wow@dailymirror.wnl.lk