Author: sureshzmc07

Visiting a temple is a sacred experience for many, a place where spirituality, devotion, and peace converge. It’s common to exchange prasad (blessed offerings) and share positive energy with those around you. However, not everything offered by a stranger should be accepted, even in such a holy space. Here’s why you need to stay cautious and the things you should politely decline while in a temple.

Food and Prasad from Strangers

While prasad is often distributed freely in temples, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re receiving it from an official source, like a priest or temple staff. Accepting food or prasad from a stranger can carry health risks, as you don’t know where it’s come from or how it’s been handled. Even in a sacred space, it’s essential to prioritize safety and hygiene.

Money or Donations

Temples are places of charity, and donations are a common practice. However, you should never accept money from strangers. In some cases, it could be a ploy to involve you in questionable practices, or worse, scams. If someone insists on giving you money, gently refuse and redirect them to the temple’s donation box.

Religious Items

Sometimes, strangers might offer you religious items like malas (prayer beads), idols, or other symbols of faith. While these might seem like kind gestures, it’s best to decline. Accepting such items can carry unintended spiritual implications, and in some cases, it could be a tactic used by people trying to sell these items under the guise of gifting.

Personal Belongings

It’s not unusual for someone to ask you to hold their belongings while they pray or perform rituals. However, accepting this request can lead to misunderstandings or theft allegations. Politely suggest they keep their items in a designated spot or with temple staff if necessary.

Any Strange Requests

Lastly, always be cautious of strangers asking for personal Favors or making odd requests in a temple. It could range from asking for your contact information to inviting you for a meeting outside the temple grounds. Maintain boundaries and remember that your focus in the temple should be on your spiritual experience, not on unexpected social interactions.
Being in a temple naturally invites a sense of trust and openness, but it’s important to remain discerning. By politely declining certain offers, you maintain your safety, respect the sacred environment, and keep your focus on why you’re there—to connect with the divine.

Ever wondered why astrology feels so spot-on? The answer lies in your birth chart, a cosmic map of the universe at the moment you were born. Think of it as a snapshot of the sky, detailing the position of the planets, the Sun, the Moon, and more—all influencing who you are, what you love, and even how you handle life’s challenges. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.

The Sun Sign

The most well-known aspect of your chart, your Sun sign represents your core personality—your ego, your essence. This is the “you” that shines when you’re at your most confident. For example, if you’re a Leo, you may naturally crave the spotlight, while a Capricorn might value hard work and discipline. It’s like the foundation of your character, and most horoscopes are based on this.

The Moon Sign

Your Moon sign, often overlooked, holds the key to your emotional world. It shows how you process feelings and what makes you feel secure. While your Sun sign is what people see, your Moon sign is how you respond when no one’s watching. If your Moon is in Cancer, you might feel things deeply and be nurturing in private moments, while a Sagittarius Moon might seek freedom and adventure to feel content.

The Rising Sign (Ascendant)

This is the first impression you give to the world. It’s how others perceive you before getting to know your Sun and Moon traits. Your rising sign can explain why people say you “don’t seem like a Scorpio” when that’s your Sun sign. It’s the mask you wear, often influencing your appearance and initial demeanour. A Libra rising might come across as charming, even if your Sun sign is more reserved.

The Planets

Each planet in your chart rules over different aspects of life. Venus tells you about love and beauty, Mars governs your drive and ambition, Mercury reveals how you communicate, and so on. The houses these planets sit in add another layer, explaining the specific areas of your life (like career, relationships, or personal growth) they impact the most.

The Houses

Your birth chart is divided into 12 houses, each corresponding to a different part of your life. These houses, along with the planets and signs that occupy them, give you a fuller picture of how you function in areas like career, family, and friendships.
In short, your birth chart is the ultimate cheat sheet to your personality, guiding you to understand your strengths, challenges, and the way you interact with the world.

Have you noticed job seekers displaying the ‘Open to Work‘ badge on their LinkedIn profiles to stand out and attract recruiters? While some view this badge as a sign of desperation, UK-based graphic designer Courtney Summer has a different perspective.
Industry professionals have often weighed in on the “open to work” banner featured on LinkedIn, suggesting that its use could be seen as a “significant red flag” for those actively hunting for jobs.A graphic designer recently voiced her opinion on this perception, creating a new banner that proudly declares her “desperate” job search status. She argues that individuals seeking new roles, particularly those impacted by layoffs, should not hesitate to express their urgency.

Breaking the stigma of the #OpenToWork banner

Courtney Summer Myers, a graphic designer based in the UK, pointed out the ongoing debate regarding the #OpenToWork banner. Many believe it can deter recruiters and hiring managers, as it may project an image of desperation. However, Myers embraces this narrative, stating, “As someone who has faced redundancy, I am indeed desperate, and there’s no shame in that.”
Myers stressed that being laid off does not reflect poorly on one’s skills or professionalism. She advocated for individuals to feel no shame in admitting they need to cover their expenses and support their families, encouraging everyone to wear the #OpenToWork banner confidently.

A new banner #Desperate: What LinkedIn users are saying?

One LinkedIn user emphasised the need to rethink how we discuss job loss, stating, “It’s important to change the narrative around redundancy. You didn’t lose your job; your position was affected. As you pointed out, it’s unfortunate. Wishing you all the best in your job search!”
Another user applauded the boldness of the move, saying, “Great job! I completely agree that no one should feel embarrassed about seeking work. I have no doubt opportunities will come your way soon, and I’ll definitely keep you in mind for my upcoming design projects.”
A third commenter expressed their support, wishing them luck: “Best wishes for your job search. I hope you find an opportunity that truly values your skills rather than just filling a position with a company that may not appreciate your talents.”
In a related interview, former Google recruiter Nolan Church noted that displaying the “Open To Work” banner might not be the best strategy, as it can create a perception of power imbalance in conversations with potential employers.
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Astrology, with its intricate web of signs and elements, offers a compelling lens through which we can explore personality traits and behaviors. At the core of this system are the four elements: Earth, Fire, Water, and Air. Each element embodies distinct qualities and influences the personalities of those born under its signs. Understanding these elemental influences can provide insights into individual behaviors, relationships, and life choices.
Earth Signs: Practicality and Stability
Earth signs—Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn—are known for their grounded nature.These individuals tend to be practical, reliable, and focused on the material world. Their connection to the Earth element makes them steadfast, with a strong appreciation for tradition and stability.
Key Traits:
Pragmatic: Earth signs approach life with a logical mindset, valuing practicality over whims.
Reliable: They are often seen as dependable friends and partners, providing support and stability.
Sensory Appreciation: A strong connection to nature and the physical world often leads Earth signs to enjoy tangible experiences, from gardening to culinary arts.
Fire Signs: Passion and Creativity
Fire signs—Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius—are characterized by their enthusiasm, energy, and creativity. These individuals often have a zest for life that can be both inspiring and overwhelming. The Fire element fuels their ambition and desire for adventure, making them natural leaders.
Key Traits:
Dynamic: Fire signs are often spontaneous and love to embrace new challenges and experiences.
Charismatic: Their passion can be contagious, drawing others to them and igniting inspiration.
Independent: Fire signs value their freedom and often resist anything that feels confining.
Water Signs: Emotion and Intuition
Water signs—Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces—are deeply emotional and intuitive. These individuals navigate the world through feelings and connections, often exhibiting empathy and sensitivity. Their fluid nature allows them to adapt, but it can also lead to moodiness.
Key Traits:
Intuitive: Water signs are often in tune with their emotions and the emotions of others, making them compassionate friends.
Creative: Many are drawn to artistic pursuits, channeling their feelings into various forms of expression.
Reflective: They tend to introspect deeply, seeking meaning in experiences and relationships.
Air Signs: Intellect and Communication
Air signs—Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius—are known for their intellectual curiosity and communicative nature. These individuals thrive on ideas and connections, often seeking social interactions to fuel their thoughts and creativity.
Key Traits:
Analytical: Air signs approach problems logically and enjoy exploring concepts and theories.
Social: They often have a wide circle of friends and enjoy engaging in discussions and debates.
Innovative: Air signs are often visionaries, thinking outside the box and championing new ideas.
Interplay of Elements
While each element shapes its respective signs in unique ways, it’s essential to consider how they interact. Individuals are rarely defined by a single element; their complete astrological profile—rising signs, moon signs, and planetary placements—adds layers of complexity. For instance, a person with a predominant Earth influence may also have a significant Fire sign, balancing practicality with ambition and creativity.

The pair of tea and biscuits has been one of the favourite daily habits for millions of people all over the world. Whether it’s in the morning or mid-afternoon, dunking biscuits in tea is a soothing habit for most people. The good thing about this pairing is that no one feels bad at all, or at least it would be enjoyable. But the sad thing is that regular consumption might harbour unhealthy consequences.Tea and biscuits, especially with sugar and unhealthy fats, might be the origin of several diseases in the long term. Here’s all you need to know about it.
ALSO READ: Why you should STOP eating biscuits NOW!
High sugar content in biscuits
Most biscuits, including the more commercial ones, are filled with refined sugar. When you eat them as you take your tea, there results in a substantial increase in blood sugar levels. It also raises the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes contributes to weight gain and makes one have low-energy levels. The sharp increase in blood sugar is usually associated with a sharp crash afterward, which makes you feel tired and want to have more sugar again shortly after.
Empty calories
Biscuits are usually made from white flour and sugar and provide no nutritional content. They represent so-called ‘empty calories’ that tend to lead to weight gain without being represented in the dietary table of vitamins, minerals, or fibre. When served with tea and taken habitually, these biscuits will only encourage overeating due to their inability to fill you up or satisfy hunger. Over time, this may mean inappropriate weight gain and other health issues associated with it.

Trans fats and bad oils
Most of the ready-made biscuits contain trans fats and hydrogenated oils, which harm the health interest of your heart. Such fats raise the LDL levels of your blood while reducing the HDL levels; this causes several heart diseases and even a stroke. Continuous consumption of biscuits containing these bad fats may result in some severe cardiovascular problems, though ingested in small quantities.
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Acidity and digestive issues
Tea contains tannins, which will increase the stomach acidity. Drinking tea with carbohydrate-rich biscuits that are high in sugar and refined flour may make digestive issues such as acid reflux, bloating, and indigestion worse. Along the way, people regularly consuming such high-carb, sugary biscuits to pair with their tea had an imbalance in the stomach acids, making digestion more difficult and causing aches and pains.
ALSO READ: 6 reasons NEVER ever to give biscuits and cookies to kid
Malabsorption
An excessive intake of tea may interfere with the absorption of minerals like iron and calcium. Tea contains tannins that can bind these minerals, and consequently, the body is not able to absorb enough of them, leading to a deficiency over time. Drinking tea with rich sugar biscuits may combine to prompt unhealthy eating behaviours in which nutrient provision foods are avoided.

Mindless overeating
Together with tea, biscuits trigger an automatic snacking response. Drinking tea is often related to social events or unwinding, and in these occasions the person tends to grab biscuits without attention to the number of biscuits they are consuming. Since the biscuits do not provide long-term satiety, it becomes easy to overconsume the biscuits accompanying additional calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
Blood sugar crashes
Biscuits contain a lot of refined sugars and carbohydrates that the body easily absorbs, causing the sugar to shoot up in the blood levels. When this high wears out, it calls for a crash, making one feel tired, cranky, and still with the hankering for more sugar. This pattern may manifest into bad eating cycles that make it challenging to stabilise your energy levels or maintain a balanced diet.
ALSO READ: This is why you must ditch consuming Rusk with tea
Oral health problems
Biscuits are sticky in nature and clingy to the teeth, and when combined with the sugar content in tea, it pose a danger to the development of tooth decay and other dental issues. The sugars from both the tea and the biscuits feed the harmful bacteria lurking in the mouth, which lead to plaque formation, cavities, and gum diseases. Consumers of this module tend to contribute to long-term dental problems.
Healthier alternatives over tea and biscuits
While tea and a biscuit is an old combination that comes back to remind most of yesteryear’s, here are some much healthier alternatives to enjoy your break time at the office or elsewhere…
ALSO READ: Love to pair foods with tea? Here are some foods you must avoid with your cuppa
Nuts and seeds: There’s no better match for breaking your tea than stuffing in some nuts and seeds, which are chock-full of healthy fats, fibre, and protein.
Fresh fruit: Slice a fresh fruit like an apple, banana, or berries, serving natural sweetness in nutrients but without the added sugar and unhealthy fats that come with biscuits.
ALSO READ: Side effects of eating rusk in the morning
Whole-grain crackers: Use whole-grain crackers instead of biscuits for the provision of fibre and sustained energy.
Homemade snacks: Homemade is the way to go if you love biscuits. Make healthier versions at home, using whole grains, honey, or ghee as natural sweeteners, and healthy fats from coconut oil.

While tea and biscuits are on the list of seemingly less harmful indulgences compared to all the other treats, frequent intake won’t be any good for your health. These can cause blood sugar fluctuations and problems with your digestive system when you take in regularly. Instead, choose healthier snack options together with your tea, such as fresh fruit or nuts, and enjoy your tea while keeping better overall health.
(Images courtesy: Canva)

As Bigg Boss Kannada Season 11 prepares to hit the screens, host Kiccha Sudeep revealed during a recent press meet of the reality show that he initially had second thoughts about returning to host the show. Sudeep, who has been the face of Bigg Boss Kannada since its inception, candidly shared the internal struggle he faced over balancing his movie career with the demands of the reality show.
“I did have second thoughts about continuing to host Bigg Boss Kannada this season,” Sudeep said, reflecting on how the public perception of him had shifted. ” It really hit me when people recognized my schedules for cricket and Bigg Boss but not my movies. That made me realize the need to focus more on my films.”
The actor explained that his involvement in the Bigg Boss Kannada weekend shoot, which spans from Friday to Sunday, had taken a toll on his personal and professional life. “While shooting for Bigg Boss, it feels like my life comes to a standstill—you hardly get a break. I want to give my best to the show, and from Friday to Sunday, I’m fully tied up with Bigg Boss Kannada,” he explained.
He added by saying, “No matter where I am or what I’m doing, I have to be on set for the Friday shoot. I also make sure to watch all the episodes beforehand so that I’m fair to everyone.”
Sudeep admitted that the constant travel and lack of rest made him reconsider his decision to continue hosting. “The constant travel left me exhausted, which is why I considered stepping back from hosting the show,” he revealed.
However, Sudeep’s popularity as the host and the overwhelming support from the show’s production team ultimately convinced him to return. “Bigg Boss has made me a household name, and the entire team even came to my home to convince me to stay on as host. So, here I am, hosting the eleventh season of Bigg Boss Kannada. It was overwhelming,” he added with a smile.
Fans can now look forward to yet another thrilling season with Sudeep at the helm, as the show premieres on September 29, 2024.

BTS’ Jung Kook has reached new heights with his solo documentary, ‘Jung Kook: I Am Still‘, which has resonated deeply with audiences and achieved notable box office success. This film provides an intimate and candid look into Jung Kook’s journey as he transitions from being the youngest member of one of the world’s most famous K-pop groups to a distinguished solo artist.
Over the recent weekend, the documentary garnered an estimated 1.42 million USD in North America alone, securing a spot in the top 10 with a No. 9 ranking at the box office. With total earnings climbing to 2.57 million USD – factoring in initial screenings from the preceding Wednesday – the film has showcased Jung Kook’s evolution across 722 to 769 screens, offering fans an immersive experience through concert performances, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive interviews.
Internationally, ‘I Am Still’ has made a notable impact as well, grossing 5.6 million USD from Wednesday to Sunday and playing in 114 territories around the globe. Fans eager to witness this personal chronicle will have the opportunity to catch additional screenings scheduled from September 27 to 29 in numerous countries, further extending the film’s reach.
The documentary details Jung Kook’s artistic development over the past eight months, capturing not only his growth as an artist but also his connection with fans. Viewers are treated to an in-depth look at his journey from a talented young idol to a global superstar, emphasizing his extraordinary talent, unwavering dedication, and passion for music. The film portrays the myriad challenges he has faced, shedding light on the hard work that often goes unseen behind the scenes.
Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers leaving glowing reviews online. Comments such as, “It’s an emotional film that reaffirms Jungkook’s talent, effort, and passion”, highlight the documentary’s ability to resonate with fans on a personal level. Others have noted the importance of this project, stating, “This isn’t just a comeback; it’s a debut. It’s a chance to witness the historic moment of Jung Kook’s solo debut and a pure record of that brilliant golden moment”.
Fans have also expressed admiration for the documentary’s behind-the-scenes insights, which reveal the strenuous process Jung Kook underwent in his path to success. One viewer shared, “It was great to see the behind-the-scenes recording process”, while others echoed sentiments about the documentary showcasing Jung Kook’s relentless efforts. “It’s filled with Jungkook’s insane amount of effort”, remarked a fan, who went on to state that “Jung Kook is an even greater and more extraordinary star than I thought”. The film effectively highlights his dedication, portraying him not just as a performer but as a true artist who values the journey as much as the destination.
Currently screening in approximately 120 countries, ‘Jung Kook: I Am Still’ continues to draw in diverse audiences, with ongoing showings in South Korea’s CGV theaters. An exciting release is also planned for Japan on October 4, ensuring that fans worldwide can experience this heartfelt documentary that captures the essence of Jung Kook’s extraordinary journey.