We come naked & we go naked

Tips for Avoiding Food Poisoning

Food poisoning can be painful, exhausting, and honestly disgusting. The worst part about food poisoning is that once you get it, there’s not much you can do. For hours or days or however long it takes for the offending morsel to leave your system, you’re out of commission — sipping electrolytes on your couch with a bucket in hand.

“Food poisoning” is a blanket term for any form of illness that results from eating expired or contaminated food. Food can become contaminated with bacteria such as E. coli, viruses such as hepatitis, and even some forms of parasites. Symptoms vary, but common experiences include fever, aches, pains, vomiting, and frequent trips to the bathroom.

Some extreme cases of food poisoning can result in a hospital visit or even death — but these cases often involve other interfering factors, such as an already poor state of health or effects of dehydration. If you do get food poisoning, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Other tactics for surviving the onslaught of illness include eating simple, unseasoned staple foods such as bread and rice and avoiding substances like dairy, caffeine, and alcohol. You should also take care to eat slowly, so you can gauge your stomach’s reaction to the food before it’s too late. Though you can’t guarantee you’ll avoid it entirely, food poisoning is somewhat preventable. Use these simple tips to avoid food poisoning as best you can:

• Always Wash Your Hands
• Use a Cooking Thermometer
• Refrigerate Your Leftovers Immediately
• Keep Your Kitchen Clean
• Wash Your Dishcloths
• Store Raw Meat on the Bottom Shelf
• Keep Your Fridge Cold Enough
• Look Out for ‘Use By’ and ‘Best By’ Dates
• Avoid Unpasteurized Dairy Products
• Know Which Foods Pose the Most Risk
• Keep Cold Foods Bagged Together
• Store Your Food Properly
• Keep Up With Product Recalls
• Defrost Food Carefully
• Never Reheat Leftovers More Than Once

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In Osaka, how a family-owned ryokan and onsen is preserving its heritage

The onsens (hot springs) in Amami are extra special as they contain radium-rich water, known to boost the immune system, relax muscles, lower blood pressure, raise the metabolism, soften skin, and much more. (Photo: Freestate Productions)

You haven’t fully experienced Japan until you’ve stayed at a ryokan, the very essence of Japanese culture and hospitality, where you discover the true meaning of being zen.

If you’re ever in Osaka, Yukiko Yamasaki and her husband Kazuhiro invite you to stay at their traditional ryokan, Amami Onsen Nanten-en – a tranquil piece of paradise that’s just a 40-minute train ride from the bright lights and bustle of central Namba.

Surrounded by the forests and hills that mark the border with Wakayama Prefecture, Nanten-en’s appeal is in its secluded location and verdant landscape, boasting a sprawling 10,000 sqm garden that lets guests experience the seasons.

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Thaipusam 2022

Thaipusam devotees to worship in groups of 5, entry limited to vaccinated visitors

Head shaving, which has been conducted at the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple since December through pre-booked slots, will stop on Sunday. ST PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID

Devotees will be able to worship in groups of five at this year's Thaipusam festivities which falls on Tuesday (Jan 18), although entry is limited to those who are fully vaccinated.

Those who are medically ineligible for Covid-19 vaccines under the national vaccination programme and unvaccinated children below 12 will be allowed to participate too. A total of 14,000 devotees are expected to visit Sri Thendayuthapani Temple in Tank Road on Tuesday, including 7,000 who will be carrying milk pot offerings called paal kudams into the temple.

There will again be no foot processions featuring kavadis from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road this year - part of steps to minimise the risk of Covid-19 infection.

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Thaipusam in Singapore

While Thaipusam is celebrated by Hindus all over the world, the festival is particularly significant for the Tamil communities of Singapore and Malaysia.

In Singapore, Thaipusam has been a major religious festival for over a hundred years, and preparations for the entire festival start months before the actual procession. Kavadi-bearers also take special care to condition their minds and bodies beforehand so that they may safely perform their rites of devotion, while other devotees prepare themselves spiritually with prayers, fasting, and acts of penance.

On Thaipusam, kavadi-bearers and their supporters walk the traditional route, which starts at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple on Serangoon Road, and ends at the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road. Barefoot, kavadi-bearers walk this path that is more than a hundred years old, while other worshippers carry offerings such as paalkudams or milk pots, fruit and flowers. Along the way, devotees may pause in front of the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, where they pray for the goddess Kaliamman’s blessings.

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The 1950s Tarantino Of Singapore & Malaysia

P. Ramlee - Bujang Lapok

A multi-talented artiste who could compose songs, play musical instruments, sing, act & direct films, P. Ramlee was a bona fide star.

He rose to fame, and continues to inspire many.

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