Table of contents for 2022-10-26 in Post

Communication among cells is altered in pregnant women who go on to develop postpartum depression (PPD) after giving birth, suggests research by a study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine, in the US. The findings of the study were published in Molecular Psychiatry. Changes in extracellular RNA communication, a recently discovered cell signalling method, have already been linked to premature births, gestational diabetes, toxic maternal high blood pressure and other pregnancy-related events. Leaders of the study examined maternal blood and sought to determine if there were changes in this extracellular communications system during PPD. The extracellular RNA communication changes identified in the study suggest that women who developed PPD were unable to efficiently remove ageing and defective cell components. This process, called autophagy, is also known to malfunction in the brain…

We ate these drumsticks for dinner with a lightly dressed mixed raw vegetable salad – made while the drumsticks cooked, so it was all ready in about 30 minutes. The chicken would also make a great party dish or a sports game-day snack, too. ¼ cup honey 2 tbs Cajun seasoning 3½ tsp avocado or vegetable oil, plus more for greasing 2 tsp sweet paprika 2 tsp smoked paprika 2 tsp chilli powder 2 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper ¼ tsp fine salt 6 chicken drumsticks green salad, for serving Place the honey in a large microwaveable bowl and heat it in the microwave on high for 20 seconds. Remove the bowl from the microwave and whisk in the Cajun seasoning, oil, sweet paprika, smoked paprika,…

SHRIMP: 12 jumbo shrimp, peeled with the tail shell left on, and de-veined 1 tbs Creole seasoning 2 tbs finely ground black pepper 3 thin slices bacon, halved lengthwise and then halved across SAUCE: 1/3 cup orange marmalade 2 tbs dark rum ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, plus more to taste ½ tsp minced or grated garlic ¼ tsp minced or grated fresh ginger Preheat the air fryer to 200Cº for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with the Creole seasoning and pepper on both sides. Wind a quarter of a bacon strip around each shrimp, covering as much of the shrimp as you can. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket without…

In celebration of Diwali, a Lakshmi painting done by Chatsworth’s Vishal Mothilall was broadcast on six billboards in Mumbai, India. The 34-year-old is an architect and a self-taught artist. He said having his paintings celebrated in India was as if he was able to take his family name back to its roots. “It’s a blessing to take the art back to its roots as a South African artist. This is huge because no artist has ever had this opportunity in the country before. Lakshmi graces six billboards in Juhu, Bandra,Vile Parle, Jog flyover and Worli.” Mothilall creates paintings for the main Hindu festivals throughout the year. He matriculated at Crossmoor Secondary School in 2005 and later obtained a national diploma in architecture from the Durban University of Technology (DUT).…

Nothing is right when we haven’t had enough good sleep. Worry, anxiety and depression can all disrupt our sleep even though we’ve made sure we’re ready for bed at a reasonable time. Michele Carelse, founder and CEO of Feelgood Health, an online health store, said preparing our minds for sleep is a vital component of a sound sleep routine. “Just as we wind down our bodies, we also need ways to let go of the day’s stresses and to relax our minds.” Carelse’s tips for healthy sleep: l Set yourself up for sleep success. There are things you can do during the day to support restful sleep at night. Try to get outside in bright, natural daylight for at least an hour or preferably two. Your body’s innate time-keeping is…

IT is not uncommon for learners to burn the midnight oil in preparing for exams. Esmarie Cilliers, a registered counsellor with a special interest in developmental psychology and personal growth, said although this is a common practice it is important to stick to an eight to 10 hours’ sleeping pattern. “The brain rests during sleep and this rest is crucial for it to function at its best,” she said. Cilliers said taking a break between study sessions was also essential. “How long, is usually up to the individual. If you are using shorter study blocks, for instance 30 minutes before your break, then 10 minutes should be sufficient. “If your blocks are a bit longer, for instance one hour, take 20 minutes. “It must be active rest, for instance, drinking…

Over the coming days and weeks, from hashtags to homes to the halls of Parliament, South Africans from all walks of life will be debating government’s response to the findings and recommendations of the State Capture Commission. I considered it a significant duty on Saturday, October 22, 2022, to submit to Parliament government’s response to the findings and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. I made this submission nearly six years to the month after former Public Protector advocate Thuli Madonsela released her “State of Capture” report, in which she investigated complaints of alleged unethical conduct by several state functionaries and private individuals and companies. The Public Protector’s report gave rise to the establishment of the judicial commission of inquiry chaired by the then Deputy Chief Justice…

I am happy to convey my warm greetings during this important event when we all come together as one nation to celebrate Diwali. As we celebrate Diwali this year, I am reminded of my Father, His Majesty, King Zwelithini Goodwill Ka-BhekuZulu, and Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu who fostered good relations amongst the Hindu community in South Africa, by celebrating and hosting Bayede Diwali at the Royal palaces in Kwa Nongoma for almost a decade. This coming together saw communities having tolerance and accepting each other as a brother and sister. This is indeed the best demonstration of what the late King stood for, in all those years: respect, acceptance and social cohesion. Today, we give our support to the Sivananda World Peace Foundation and, will continue the work of…

Proteas coach Mark Boucher is hoping the rain stays away in Sydney for his team “to showcase their skills” in their next match against Bangladesh at the SCG tomorrow. Consistent showers in Hobart on Monday scuppered the Proteas’ chances of getting their ICC T20 World Cup campaign off to a positive note, despite restricting Zimbabwe to 79/4 in nine overs and responding with 51/0 after three overs. South Africa were ahead of the Duckworth-Lewis required total, but a T20 International requires 10 overs to be bowled to constitute a match. The teams therefore shared the points, leaving the Proteas in a virtual “must-win” scenario for the remainder of the tournament. Bangladesh, meanwhile, held on for a nine-run victory over The Netherlands to top Group 2 after the first round of…

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta said the number of games being crammed into the schedule ahead of the World Cup next month is “crazy” and that player welfare is being jeopardised. Azpilicueta’s teammate N’Golo Kante has been ruled out of the World Cup after undergoing an operation on a hamstring injury, while Reece James is in a race to be fit for the tournament after injuring his knee. Chelsea have three league fixtures, two Champions League games and a League Cup tie before the World Cup in Qatar begins on November 20. “It’s difficult and it’s sad because as players you want to go to the World Cup, but we have this schedule where we have to play for our club and do our best,” Azpilicueta told reporters on Monday. “We…

Indian weddings are most famously imagined as enormous spectacles. This image is surely real, though representative of a small segment of the Indian population, and realised only in the world of the super-rich. Some reports have estimated the super-rich to constitute 1% of the total population, which contributes to 22% of Indian GDP. Sociologist Patricia Uberoi writes that in South Asia, weddings are “the most visible site of conspicuous consumption and conspicuous waste”. But ongoing research on the elites reveals that their weddings are more than about conspicuous consumption or celebrations of new kinship bonds. They are a show of strength, a glamorised return to tradition, and a celebration of social conservatism. The most luring aspect of an elite Indian wedding is its claim to a global yet Indian sensibility,…

IN RECENT years, any tool that rendered people more efficient in the kitchen and more effective reaching their health goals, seemed to sell. The slow cooker launched the trend, the rice cooker had its day before the pressure cooker held court, and even the spiraliser had five minutes of fame until stores started selling spiralised noodles. An air fryer is a countertop convection oven. That means it circulates hot air above and below the food, cooking and crisping evenly and efficiently. The air fryer cooks more quickly than a countertop convection oven and is more suited to baked goods. The food is placed in a slide-out basket that is easy to fill, quick to empty and usually dishwasher safe. I originally assumed the air fryer was full of hot air…

4 (113g to 170g) cod fillets, or other white-fleshed fish ¼ tsp table salt ½ tsp plus ¼ tsp finely ground black pepper, divided ¼ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup cornstarch ½ tsp onion powder ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp sweet paprika 2 large eggs 2 tbs water 1 tbs hot sauce, such as Tabasco 2 cups panko breadcrumbs cooking spray lemon wedges, for serving cocktail sauce, for serving Set the air fryer to 200ºC and preheat for at least 5 minutes. Pat the fish dry and season both sides with salt and ¼ teaspoon of the pepper. If the fillets are long, cut them in half or thirds. Small, thinner fillets are easier to flip and turn out crispier edges. Set out three shallow bowls. In one, whisk…

ON THE day of Diwali, a major Hindu festival, it became clear Britain would get its first Indian-origin prime minister. The ascension of Rishi Sunak, a former finance minister, to the top leadership post in the country’s ruling Conservative Party may finally cap months of intra-Tory drama, which saw two successive prime ministers bow out in the face of political scandal and economic crisis. It also marked the first time Britain has a prime minister of colour and a prime minister who is a practising Hindu. The Washington Post said Sunak’s coming to power in Britain seemed more poignant, given the symbolism it carries. “For the better part of two centuries, Britain lorded over the Indian subcontinent and siphoned away much of its wealth. The empire’s legacy is complex, wrapped…

Joshua Marc De Hahn, a biokineticist, said our blood carries the nutrients, hormones and oxygen that supply our brain and body. “With slow circulation and low volumes flowing throughout the body while we sit for extended periods, our brain and body do not function optimally. “Physical activity increases our heart rate, the volume of blood pumped around the body and the amount of oxygen we consume. This creates an environment where more blood is flowing to the brain, which in turn means more oxygen and more nutrients reach the brain. This results in a brain and body that can function at a much more optimal level.” De Hahn said pupils should aim to find two forms of physical activity – one that you really enjoy and one that is totally…

A good eating routine can help provide structure to your study schedule, says Nathalie Mat, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (Adsa). “I encourage small regular meals and mini-meals for snacks. A balanced meal ideally includes some starchy food that’s high in fibre like wholegrain cereals, wholegrain breads and starchy veggies paired with some protein rich food (eggs, skinless chicken, beans, cheese and fish), and some vegetables. “Fresh or frozen vegetables are excellent choices. Balanced meals will keep energy levels and concentration stable. “Pupils who eat breakfast tend to perform better academically, so I would avoid intermittent fasting while studying. “Limit sugary or refined food options if you can as they are likely to spike your blood sugar giving you less consistent energy and…

Meera Singh Santoro was six years old when her family moved from South Africa to the UK. She recalls a fond memory of seeing Buckingham Palace for the first time. “My dad would drive the family to London, up to the palace, and he would say to us that we would have tea with the queen, but only if she was in. And I believed every word he said. But of course the queen never was in,” said Santoro, laughing. Fast forward a few years later, and she is now the owner of a successful international 3D greeting card business. She was recently presented with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, in the category of international trade. At the time, she walked through the halls of Buckingham Palace, not to have…

Residents of Peacepalm Close, in Palm View in Phoenix are fed up with living in what they say are inhumane conditions. That is because of a constant flow of sewage near their homes. The problem is the result of damage caused during the April floods. It has been six months since the floods devastated sewer pipeline infrastructure and people’s homes in this area. eThekwini Municipality contractors employed to address the issue have allegedly downed tools since September 29 due to non-payment, bringing repairs to a standstill. Lyndal Singh, ward 50 councillor, said Phoenix was not the only area affected by sewage leaks, but other areas across the region too. “What is most frustrating is that the city has put up a Facebook post claiming they are working tirelessly when…

Hosting a Diwali reception at the White House, which was attended by more than 200 prominent Indian-Americans, US President Joe Biden thanked the community for making the festival of lights a joyous part of the American culture. More than a billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists celebrated the festival of lights in the US, India and around the world on October 24. “We are honoured to host you. This is the first Diwali reception of this scale in the White House ever to be held. We have more Asian-Americans than ever before in history, and we want to thank you for making the Diwali celebration a joyous part of American culture,” Biden said while addressing the Indian-origin community in the East Room on Monday. With a population of more than…

By THE time Barcelona kick off against Bayern Munich today (Wednesday) at the Camp Nou, they may already be eliminated from the Champions League. Xavi Hernandez’s side have just one win from their first four matches in Group C, with a 3-3 draw at home against Inter Milan earlier in October likely sealing their fate. Should the Italian side beat already-eliminated Viktoria Plzen earlier today at the San Siro, then Barcelona will be out. For a club which spent lavishly in the summer on players, including Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha, in sporting terms, the elimination is embarrassing. Financially, it puts more strain on the club’s accounts which stood at $1.28 billion (about R23.659bn) in debt in the summer, before president Joan Laporta and the board pulled their…

Actress Alia Bhatt, who is expecting her first child with Ranbir Kapoor, has come up with a maternity wear brand called Edamamma. Taking to Instagram, the Bollywood actress said: “Two years ago, I started a children’s clothing brand. Everyone asked why I’m doing a kids brand when I don’t have kids. “Now, I’m launching my own line of maternity wear. I don’t think anyone will ask why. But let me tell you anyway. “It’s not like I’ve bought maternity clothes before. But when I got down to it, I was overwhelmed. “You don’t know how you’re going to look or feel over the next few months and let’s be honest, not being able to find the right thing to wear can be stressful. “Do I buy brands I already wear…

WINGS: 907g chicken wings (drumettes and flats) ¾ cup cornstarch 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder ¼ tsp fine sea salt SAUCE: 3 tbs honey 2 tbs gochujang (Korean chilli paste), or your favourite chilli paste 2 tbs light or dark brown sugar 1 tbs soy sauce 1 tsp minced or finely grated fresh ginger 1 tsp minced or finely grated garlic ½ tsp fine sea salt sliced spring onions, for serving (optional) sesame seeds, for serving (optional) Set the air fryer to 200°C and preheat for about 5 minutes. Dry the wings with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Cover the wings with the cornstarch mixture and toss, ensuring all pieces…

“How willing are you to push yourself outside your comfort zone?” This is the question that inspired Shareez Bagaria, 44, to summit Mount Kilimanjaro last Wednesday. The Chatsworth-born mother of two lives in Hillcrest and works at her husband’s manufacturing company. She is also a children’s books author. Bagaria said she wanted to physically and mentally challenge herself by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. “It started with hiking on the Drakensberg mountains. I enjoyed that very much but wanted something more challenging. “I had actually wanted to do this a few years back, but the Covid-19 pandemic got in the way. By achieving this, I wanted my children to see that they can overcome any challenges that life throws at them.” Bagaria chose an eight-day route up Kilimanjaro and walked 70km. She…

A Facebook post about the dilapidated state of the Durban CBD by Professor Bonke Dumisa, an economist and legal expert, has cast the spotlight on the grimy state of central Durban. In the post last week, Dumisa said he would no longer keep quiet about the state of decay in Durban. “I am going to officially permanently close my private Post Office box at the Durban Main Post Office before the end of this October 2022 month; ending many decades of family tradition of having private Post Office boxes at what used to be a major international tourist attraction.” Dumisa lamented the decaying state of the main post office in the CBD, saying it was a security risk and a serious health hazard. “This used to be a major international…

DON’T discount the impact that your emotional well-being can have on your performance in the coming exams. The 2022 matric exams are set to start on Monday, October 31, and finish on Friday, December 9. Most schools have planned for their end-of-year exams across grades to start in late October, early November. Dr Diana De Sousa, Head of Teaching and Learning at the South African College of Applied Psychology, an educational and research psychologist and registered counsellor, said stress and academic pressure from teachers, parents and self-directed pressure to perform well academically could be expected in this period. “Anxiety and stress can impact on learning and academic achievement. Anxiety affects one’s mental workspace to store, process and retrieve information when carrying out academic tasks. Anxiety can make a student panic,…

It is my belief that President Cyril Ramaphosa perhaps knows more about his long-horned Ankole breed of cattle than he does about the Indian community. Then why else would he, year after year, make silly mistakes in his Diwali message? In a video-recorded Diwali message posted on the Facebook page of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, Ramaphosa says: “This is the time of the year when members of the Hindu and Tamil communities, celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights.” I want to say it boldly for the president and his speechwriters to pay heed: Hindu refers to a religion. Tamil refers to a language. When you wish Hindus for Diwali, you are also wishing people who belong to various linguistic groups – Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and Gujarati – who…

I went to Verulam Post Office this week to check on my mail. To my astonishment I discovered that it had closed down completely and obviously left its customers in the lurch. Residents and business houses in Verulam who used Verulam post boxes will now have to commute all the way to Phoenix to deal with matters relating to services provided by their Post Office. I went to the Phoenix Post Office on Thursday October 20, 2022, to check on my mail and found out how this whole thing will pan out. The box was not available for me to access directly. I had to approach one of the tellers who went off to the rear to check if any mail was available for me. After a while she returned…

Rishi Sunak, who yesterday became the UK’s 57th Prime Minister, is richer than King Charles III and, at 42, younger than every predecessor except William Pitt the Younger, say media reports. Sunak will also be the UK’s first ever person of colour to lead the country, and first Hindu Prime Minister. Sunak, in an odd way, is both an Indian and a Pakistani by heritage. He is a practising Hindu and takes his Commons oath on the Bhagavad Gita. His paternal grandfather, Ramdas Sunak, left Gujranwala, a city in Pakistan, to work as a clerk in Nairobi in 1935. His wife, Suhag Rani Sunak, moved to Delhi first from Gujranwala, along with her mother-in-law, before travelling to Kenya in 1937 to join her husband. Ramdas and Suhag Rani had six…

Investigations into the July 2021 unrest will take a new direction next month, with the National Prosecuting Authority and Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), focusing on motor vehicles used to transport stolen items during the riots. KwaZulu-Natal director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) advocate Elaine Zungu said prosecutors were now identifying cases which had asset forfeiture prospects. “KZN prosecutors have referred several matters to the AFU for them to determine whether the Unit would be successful in bringing applications for preservation orders in some of the cases. AFU records that they received a total of 167 dockets. They have been able to secure a total of 28 preservation orders. The total value of the preservation orders regarding the looting cases presently stands at nearly R3 million." Zungu said there were no…

The days of celebrating Diwali as a “village” were rekindled on Saturday evening, when about 100 residents of Dipclay in Phoenix, north of Durban, gathered along the street, erected a marquee and celebrated the togetherness of the Hindu festival. Laughter and applause rang through the street as children decorated clay lamps, songs echoed, and traditional and modern dance was provided by Kumari Shiksha’s Dance Institute. Resident Marla Govender, said, “We wanted to bring the community together, so we could celebrate not just Diwali, but being together”. Post the Covid-19 pandemic and the worldwide lockdown, the festival denoting the victory of Light over Darkness took on a new meaning for these residents, who built a Memorial Wall in remembrance of loved ones lost over the last few years. “Some of us…

As more than 17 lakh (1 700 000) earthen “diyas” (oil lamps made of clay) lit up, presenting a mesmerising view on the banks of the Saryu River at Ayodhya, it seemed like heaven on earth. The reflection of the diyas in the Saryu River provided a breathtaking view while a laser show lit up the skies. Ayodhya rose in unison to chant “Jai Shri Ram”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lit five diyas of ghee at the Ram Janambhoomi temple, where he offered prayers. The lighting of diyas was symbolic of “Deepotsav” (a lighting of lamps ceremony). Soon after his arrival in Ayodhya on Sunday evening, Modi went to the Ram Janambhoomi temple, where he offered prayers and then inspected the construction work at the temple site. He was accompanied…