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Thought of the day - Our Weakness

- on 1/24/2014 10:57:00 AM - No comments

To be a master is to be free from one's own weaknesses. We are usually under the control of our own weaknesses in a negative situation. We first respond to the situation with our weakness and then try hard to change our thoughts. But we don't find ourselves succeeding and the weakness gets the better of us.

We need to develop the consciousness that we are a master and the weakness within us, our creation, and so it is totally in our control. When we develop this consciousness we will be able to win over our weaknesses easily.

Author Unknown

Story: Bank Account

in Short Story - on 1/24/2014 10:49:00 AM - No comments

    A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.

    His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.

    As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window.

    I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.

    Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait..'

    'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied.

    Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time.

    Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is  arranged .. it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it.

    'It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice;

    I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful  for the ones that do.

    Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away.. Just for this time in my life..

    Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.

    So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!

    I am still depositing.

    'Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

    1. Free your heart from hatred.

    2. Free your mind from worries.

    3. Live simply.

    4. Give more.

    5. Expect less.

Convert Your Irritations into a Positive Energy

- on 1/22/2014 02:23:00 PM - 1 comment

A psychiatrist was consulted by a man whose marriage and career were both in serious trouble. His problem was his constant irritability and bad temper. He was concerned about this himself, but if any one tried to discuss it with him, he exploded in anger. He constantly told himself that everyone was picking on him and that he had to defend himself against them.

To counter the negative auto suggestion, he advised him to use positive auto suggestion. Several times a day in the morning, noon, and at night prior to sleep he was to repeat to himself.

From now on,

I shall grow more humor, joy, happiness,and cheerfulness are now becoming my natural states of mind.

Every day I am becoming more and more lovable and understanding.

I will be center of cheer and goodwill to all those around me, infecting them with my good spirits.

This happy, joyous, and cheerful mood is now becoming my normal, natural state of mind. I am grateful.

After a month, his wife and his coworkers remarked on how much easier he was to get along with.

The things that drive you crazy are actually giant opportunities. The people who press your buttons are actually your greatest teachers. The issues that make you angry are actually your biggest gifts. Be grateful to them. Love them.

The people or circumstances that take you out of your power have extraordinary value: they reveal your limiting beliefs, fears and false assumptions. The celebrated psychologist Carl Jung once said: "Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves." Powerful point. The things that irritate, annoy and anger you are entry points into your evolution and elevation as a human being. They are signposts for what you need to work on and the fears you need to face. They are gifts of growth. You can blame the people who trigger you and make it all about them. Or you can do the wise thing and look deeply into yourself to discover the reason for your negative reaction. Use the challenges to grow self-awareness. Because how can you overcome a fear you are not even aware of? And how can you transcend an insecurity you don't even know you have?

As you begin to shed light on your personal weaknesses and take responsibility for them, you actually begin the very process of shedding them. You become stronger. More powerful. You begin to see the world through a different set of eyes.

Khalil Gibran, one of the greatest thinkers, once wrote: "I have learned silence from the talkative, tolerance from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet, strange, I am grateful to those teachers who taught me all the wrong things.

Junaid Tahir
www.DailyTenMinutes.com

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Story: How I Became Honest

in Short Story - on 1/21/2014 10:04:00 AM - No comments

When I was in grade school I really enjoyed lying. Not the white lies you tell your mom when you ate cookies that you weren't supposed to. I'm talking about the elaborate lies you tell friends to make yourself appear to be better than you are. I remember convincing my friends in 3rd grade that my father was the President of Coca Cola. I remember convincing my friends in 5th grade that I had gone deaf in one ear. That was a lot of fun. As I got older, my lying continued. I enjoyed people's reactions to my seemingly amazing life. When I was 15 that all changed. I met someone I really looked up to (he was 17). He became a mentor for me as I began my foray into the astral world. He's the one who helped me raise my vibration so the "ookie spookies" wouldn't bother me. He's the one who put me on the path of honesty and integrity. And he did it by hurting me so badly that I changed instantly. Here's what happened.

In my usual fashion, I told him lies just like I had been telling other people. I made up elaborate stories to get him to be more interested in me because I wasn't sure the truth would be enough to make him want to continue working with me. But he knew me so well, probably better than I knew myself. One day he told me, "I can't talk to you on the phone anymore because I can't see your eyes and so I'm not sure when you're lying to me." That really shocked me. One, because I didn't know he knew I had been lying to him sometimes, and two, because he was willing to end our friendship over those lies. I vowed in that moment that I would never lie to him again. It was a hard transition for me to make because I was used to exaggerating stories and experiences to get attention. But for him, and for his wise counsel, I made a pact with myself never to tell even one single white lie to him again. In time, his trust in me was rebuilt and we enjoyed a great friendship and relationship.

That's how I learned the value of honesty. I decided that I would honor the truth. I decided that the truth was powerful and strong, and that lies merely created a false foundation that could crumble at the slightest poking. I realized that I felt more powerful when I told the truth. I felt like I was helping to build reality instead of creating a false Matrix-like reality. As Merlin said in the movie, Excalibur, to Arthur, "When a man lies, he murders some part of the world." It's true. Every lie you tell alters the universe and makes it unreal.

In my 20′s, I had a friend who was a pathological liar. Her life was based on lies and the elaborateness of her lies would put my early days to shame. We discussed honesty a lot, and I told her that I couldn't trust that she was telling me the truth since she told me so often of the lies she was telling other people. In a way, I did to her what my mentor did to me. I told her that I couldn't be her friend unless I knew I could trust her. She asked me how to be honest all the time. My answer was simple:
Never do something you will have to lie about later. If you have to lie about it, you shouldn't be doing it.

After all, if you feel good about what you're doing, why would you lie about it? Don't we lie when we are ashamed of who we are or what we've done?

Make your life something you don't need to lie about. Value truth and honesty. Decide from this day forward that you will be completely honest and truthful in all your dealings (with others and yourself). Imagine what our world would be like if no one lied. Help create that world by honoring the truth

http://www.erinpavlina.com/blog/2006/04/how-to-be-honest-all-the-time/

Apple and Google Gadgets to measure Blood Pressure, ECG, Glucose & Heart Rate

- on 1/21/2014 09:59:00 AM - No comments

Why go to clinic for ECG, BP or stress checkup when you've Apple and Google gadgets

Tech majors' gadgets will measure ECG, blood pressure, glucose, blood biomarkers, heart rate, fatigue and even your mood

Joseph George

Published Monday, January 20, 2014

Can a smartphone save your life? The answer is "Yes" – and it will be more relevant in the coming years as technology companies are in a race to develop solutions that can predict and detect the possibility and level of an illness.

Current available solutions vary from measuring your heart-beat to analyzing stress levels to wirelessly monitor blood pressure to the amount of oxygen intake.

Diabetic patients appear to be the immediate beneficiaries as work is on towards development of various solutions that can help monitor their blood sugar levels.

The latest announcement came from Google when it announced that it was working on a project, testing a smart contact lens that's built to measure glucose levels in tears.

According to the company the prototypes that they are testing uses a tiny wireless chip and miniaturized glucose sensor that are embedded between two layers of soft contact lens material and can generate a reading once per second.

"We're also investigating the potential for this to serve as an early warning for the wearer, so we're exploring integrating tiny LED lights that could light up to indicate that glucose levels have crossed above or below certain thresholds. It's still early days for this technology, but we've completed multiple clinical research studies which are helping to refine our prototype. We hope this could someday lead to a new way for people with diabetes to manage their disease," the note said.

Apple meanwhile is said to be working on multiple solutions that can make the iPhone or the wearable device it is working on equipped to measure ECG, blood pressure, glucose, blood biomarkers, heart rate, fatigue and even your mood.

The iPhone 5s already has seven inbuilt sensors while the Android powered Samsung S4 has nine. Smartphones equipped with greater processing powers have the ability to read data from multiple sensors.

According to reports there are already about 43,000 health related apps listed on the Apple App Store. And with more to come it is just a matter of time before your local clinic will be filled with staff who will be analyzing your mobile data.

Source: Emirates247

A Project in Dubai will ensure Snow in Streets

- on 1/20/2014 03:47:00 PM - No comments

Heart of Europe in Dubai: Streets with snow on The World

Kleindienst Group to pioneer one of the only outdoor climate-controlled areas in the world

Parag Deulgaonkar

Published Monday, January 20, 2014

An artist's impression of the Heart of Europe. (Supplied)

A mega project on The World, Dubai, will have "snow- lined streets," Emirates 24|7 can reveal.

"This will be an exciting part [the world's first 'rain and snow' lined streets] of the development and we'll be using state-of-the-art German technology to make it happen," a spokesperson for Kleindienst Group, the developer of The Heart of Europe, confirms to this website.

"Construction is only just starting and will continue until end of 2016. Vibro-compaction of all six islands is the first step in the construction process, preparing them for buildings to be erected," he said.

The project will offer visitors many five star luxury plaza boutique hotels with a vast array of dining and nightlife options with the "only outdoor climate controlled areas in the world".

Visitors will also have the choice of unique floating homes. No further details were shared by the company.

Besides, as part of the Mont Royal Family Hotel, there will be several slides and lazy rivers on display amongst other attractions. A large floating bridge links the islands of Monaco, Switzerland and St Petersburg to the main island of Europe.

The lagoon bridges will also enclose the world's largest open aquarium, a natural pool of saltwater that is home to coral reefs and hundreds of species of underwater creatures.

Asked about the villa prices, the spokesperson said: "We have a had a lot of interest in the project and the concept villas.

"We are currently negotiating with some investors looking at hotel villas in our family hotel at a price of Dh3,700 per square foot."

In May 2013, Nakheel, the master developer of The World, said work on The Heart of Europe development is all set to start soon as Kleindienst Properties had amicably resolved their dispute.

The Heart of Europe comprises six islands: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden and St. Petersburg with six additional destinations being Sochi, Belgium, Luxembourg, Geneva, Monte Carlo and Poland.

The islands are linked by unifying architectural principles and characterised by sleek designs inspired by their namesake countries.

According to Nakheel, all the islands are completed and ready for development by individual investors.

The World

The World project is nine-kilometres wide and seven kilometres-long. It covers an area of 931 hectares and will add 232km to Dubai's natural 67km of beachfront.

The islands range from 150,000 to 450,000 square feet in size.

The project is divided into private estate island zones, commercial zones, which have low/mid/high density resorts, hubs for ferry transfer points and public visitor areas

The Digestive System and Gas

- on 1/20/2014 01:14:00 PM - No comments

What Causes Gas?

We produce gas in two ways: when we swallow air, and when the bacteria in the large intestine go to work helping to digest the food we eat.

Carbohydrates are especially troublesome. Humans cannot digest certain carbohydrates in the small intestine because we may not have (or not have enough of) the enzymes that can aid in their digestion. This food moves in the undigested state from the small intestine to the large intestine; it is here that the bacteria go to work, producing the gases hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane which are then expelled from the body.

Not everybody will suffer from gas from eating the same foods.

We also swallow a certain amount of air when we eat and drink. This contributes to the production of gas. We usually release swallowed air by burping it out. Whatever isn't released by burping goes into the small or large intestine, where it is eventually released as flatulence.

Which Foods Are Most Likely to Produce Gas?

You are most likely to experience gas by eating carbohydrates, which are found in such foods as beans, vegetables (especially broccoli, cabbage, and onions), fruits, dairy products, whole grain foods, soft drinks, and fruit drinks.

What Are the Symptoms of Gas?

In addition to burping and flatulence, people who have gas may feel bloated. They may also have pain in the abdomen, which they may mistake for another disease such as a heart attack or appendicitis.

Could Gas Be a Sign of a Medical Problem?

Yes. Chronic (long-lasting) belching may be a sign of disease in the upper digestive tract, such as ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Bloating may be caused by a variety of diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colon cancer, and Crohn's disease or by a hernia.

How Are Gas-Related Illnesses Diagnosed?

Since diet is the main cause of gas, your doctor will want to know what you eat and what symptoms you are having. He or she may ask you to keep a record of what you eat and drink to help identify offending foods. You may also need to keep track of how many times a day you pass gas.

You may have to eliminate certain foods from your diet. For example, if lactose intolerance (lactose is a type of sugar found in milk products) is suspected of causing the gas, you will probably have to limit your consumption of dairy products. Other tests, such as the hydrogen breath test may also be done to help diagnose lactose intolerance.

If bloating is a problem, the doctor may examine your abdomen for the sound of fluid movement to rule out ascites (buildup of fluid in the abdomen) and for signs of inflammation to rule out certain diseases of the colon.

The possibility of colon cancer is usually considered in people 50 and older and in those with a family history of colorectal cancer, particularly if they have never had a colon examination (sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy). These tests may also be appropriate for someone with symptoms including unexplained weight loss, diarrhea, or blood in the stool.

For those with chronic belching, your doctor will look for signs or causes of excessive air swallowing. If needed, an upper GI series (x-ray to view the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine) may be performed to rule out disease.

What Are the Treatments for Gas?

Gas problems are treated by changing your diet and by training yourself to swallow less air. There are also prescription and over-the-counter medications that can help reduce gas.

Changing your diet will mean eliminating the foods that cause gas. Unfortunately, this may also eliminate many nutritious foods that you need every day. You will have to work with your doctor to construct a diet that is healthy and doesn't cause excessive gas. Your doctor may refer you to a dietitian to help you with eating a healthy diet.

Over-the-counter medications such as antacids can also relieve gas symptoms. Some antacids contain simethicone, which helps eliminate gas in the stomach.

For people who have lactose intolerance, the enzyme "lactase" helps digest dairy and other foods that contain lactose. Lactase products can be purchased over the counter and include Lactaid and Dairy Ease.

The over-the-counter product Beano contains the enzyme that helps digest sugars in beans and many other vegetables. Beano is taken right before eating.

Some people have a digestive disorder in which the normal movement of the gastrointestinal tract is limited (motility disorder), such as IBS. Your doctor may prescribe certain drugs to help move food through your digestive system. Drugs that improve the motility of the digestive tract, such as Reglan, may move gas through the digestive tract more quickly.

What Can I Do to Swallow Less Air and Reduce Gas?

In order to reduce the amount of air that you swallow and reduce gas, you can try the following methods:

Don't chew gum or eat hard candy.
Slow down when you are eating.
If you wear dentures, check to be sure they fit properly.

source: unknown

M Junaid Tahir

Decision Making

- on 1/20/2014 01:12:00 PM - No comments

You won't make your decisions easier just by putting them off until later. When a decision is called for, go ahead and make it.

If you keep your options open for too long, those options will no longer be available to you. Choose one option based on your best information, and go with it.

Give sufficient thought and consideration to your decisions, but don't drag them on endlessly. The sooner you get start implementing a decision, the more effective you'll be.

Accept the fact that you won't make a perfect decision every time. And remember that you'll have opportunities to adjust your approach if things don't work out the way you planned.

You cannot predict the future yet there is much you can do to intelligently and effectively prepare for it. Instead of agonizing over what might or might not happen, get busy creating value that will be there no matter what happens.

Go ahead and decide. The sooner you decide, the more time and energy you'll have to make the decision work out the way you intended.

~Ralph Marston

Which Nuts are you

- on 1/20/2014 01:10:00 PM - No comments

Pine Nuts

There's no getting away from it — pine nuts are very high in calories and fat. A 1-ounce serving of pine nuts equals 191 calories, however, the type of fat they contain is largely monounsaturated, also known as the good fats. They are also a great source of protein and dietary fiber, and pine nuts have more vitamin K than any other nut, which helps to strengthen bones and arteries. Additionally, they contain in vitamins E, thiamin, and niacin. Pine nuts will keep your heart healthy and your blood pressure down, as they also contain magnesium and potassium, as well as a good amount of antioxidants.

Walnuts

Walnuts contain the highest concentration of antioxidants of any kind of nut, and studies have shown that eating them regularly can help reduce your chance of cardiovascular disease and protect against diabetes and certain cancers. They are also a great source of fiber, and they contain omega-3 fats, alpha-linolenic acid, and plant sterols that are known to help lower cholesterol levels. Walnuts are also a good source of zinc and folate that can help fight stress, increase your serotonin level, and boost brainpower. A 1-ounce serving of walnuts amounts to about 180 calories, and as a fun fact, California grows approximately 75% of the world's walnut supply.

Almonds

Almonds are truly a super food, and they're very tasty. Munching on almonds is good for your heart because they're high in vitamin E and folic acid. Almonds are also the most nutrient-dense nut and are loaded with fiber, magnesium, protein, potassium, calcium, and zinc. Clinical studies have shown that eating a portion of almonds, as part of an overall healthy diet, will help to reduce cholesterol levels. Additionally, if you snack on almonds throughout the day, you're less likely to take in calories from unhealthy food sources as they improve satiety. A 1-ounce serving of almonds amounts to 163 calories, and in case you were wondering, it takes 1,000 pounds of almonds to make 1 pint of almond oil.

Pistachios

Pistachios are known as "the skinny nut," as they only contain about 3 calories apiece, are low in fat, and have a high amount of fiber. Pistachio nuts are a great source of vitamin B6, protein, potassium, and thiamin. Astudy from Pennsylvania State University reported that eating pistachios might help prevent high blood pressure by reducing cholesterol levels in people who have cardiovascular risks. Additionally, data presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Frontiers Conference showed that a diet that includes a daily dose of pistachios could help decrease the risk of lung and other cancers. A 1-ounce serving of pistachio nuts amounts to 160 calories, and China leads the world in total pistachio consumption.

Cashews

As great sources of iron, cashew nuts contain twice as much iron as ground beef, making them a great source for vegetarians and pregnant women. They're also rich in magnesium, which helps maintain healthy bones and is vital for energy. Cashews are also a source of calcium, vitamin B, zinc, folic acid, vitamin E, and trace amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. They also have a lower fat content than most other nuts and can help reduce the incidence of gallstones. A 1-ounce serving of cashew nuts contains 157 calories, and the cashew tree is from the same family as poison ivy.

Peanuts

Also known as Monkey Nuts, peanuts are technically a legume, and contain higher levels of protein than most "real" nuts. Studies have shown that regular peanut consumption helps improve cholesterol levels and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. Research from the University of Florida discovered that peanuts are rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from damage linked to heart disease and cancer. They are also good for keeping blood sugar levels even and so could be a source of protection against type-2 diabetes. They are a good source of vitamin E, which helps protect the skin, and they contain adequate amounts of vitamin B, fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Americans spend almost $800 million a year on peanut butter, consuming about 150 calories in every ounce.

Mind-boggling Engineering Projects

- on 1/19/2014 02:36:00 PM - No comments

Story: Look After Your Rocks

in Short Story - on 1/19/2014 12:56:00 PM - No comments

by Ahmed.

Most of you have probably read this story B4 but for the sake of others i'll post it here:
A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him. When class began, wordlessly he picked up a large empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks right to the top, rocks about 2″ diameter.He then asked the students if the jar was full ? They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them in to the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.The students laughed. He asked his students again if the jar was full ? They agreed that yes, it was.
The professor then picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
"Now," said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this is your life.
The rocks are the important things – your faith, your beliefs, your family, your partner, your health, your children – anything that is so important to you that if it were lost,you would be nearly destroyed.
The pebbles are the other things in life that matter,but on a smaller scale.The pebbles represent things like your job,your house,your car etc.
The sand is everything else. The small stuff. If you put the sand or the pebbles into the jar first,there is no room for the rocks.
The same goes for your life.
If you spend all your energy and time on the small stuff,material things,you will never have room for the things that are truly most important.Pay attention to the things that are critical in your life.
Play with your children. Spend quality time with your spouse. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, fix the car etc.
Take care of the rocks first, the rest is just pebbles and sand!!!

Story: The Necklace

in Short Story - on 1/19/2014 12:51:00 PM - 3 comments

by Ahmed.

The cheerful little girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them, a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.
"Oh mommy please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?"
Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face.

"A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."

As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.

Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere, Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.
Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night as he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"
"Oh yes, daddy. You know that I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh, daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess, the white horse from my collection, the one with the pink tail. Remember, daddy? The one you gave me. She's my very favorite."
"That's okay, Honey, daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.
About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"
"Daddy, you know I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."
"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you."
And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.
A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian style.

As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek. "What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"
Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, daddy; this is for you."
With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.
He had them all the time… He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure.

So it is, with God. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasures.
Are you holding onto things that God wants you to let go of?
Are you holding on to harmful or unnecessary partners, relationships, habits and activities that you have come so attached to that it seems impossible to let go? Sometimes it is so hard to see what is in the other hand but do believe this one thing.
God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.

Now, Print Sugar Candies & Chocolates

- on 1/19/2014 12:47:00 PM - No comments

Javed Anwer, TNN Jan 12, 2014, 01.11PM IST

(This printer eats sugar,…)

LAS VEGAS: In terms of appearance, there is nothing special about ChefJet. Made of white plastic and metal, it looks like any other kitchen appliance. In fact, it looks boring than most kitchen appliances. It has few buttons. If you peer into it, you may see some components but there is seemingly nothing cutting edge about them. But don't let the looks fool you. ChefJet is first of many "food printers" expected to make way to our kitchens in future. This printer eats sugar, drinks water and churns out black and white sugar candies with single flavour.
ChefJet Pro, the big brother of ChefJet, can do the same. But it can also add some bright colours to your candies.

At Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the two printers and the candies created by them were on display at the booth of 3D Systems (3DS), a company based in the US.

"Food is an incredible platform for creativity, experimentation, and celebration and we are thrilled to place these powerful 3D printers in bakers and chefs' kitchens," Liz von Hasseln, creative director food products, 3DS, said in a note to media. "We invite leading pastry chefs, restaurateurs and event planners to join us in bringing 3D printing into the kitchen."

Both ChefJet and ChefJet Pro are aimed at professionals, at least for now. These are costly machines and while 3DS has not yet revealed the exact price of the machines, it has said that ChefJet would cost less than $5,000 while ChefJet Pro would cost less than $10,000.

Both machines primarily support candy designs created using computers. In terms of design limitations, there seems to be virtually none in terms of core technology. The shape and design candies take will be limited only by the imagination of the chef.

Apart from candies, both 3D printers can also print out cake toppings and garnishes. As raw material these machines will use the "ink" sold by 3DS. "ChefJet printable materials come in a variety of recipes, including chocolate, vanilla, mint, sour apple, cherry and watermelon. ChefJet is expected to be available in the second half of 2014," said a 3DS spokesperson.

Just a few booths away from the one set by 3DS, there was Quinn Karaitiana, CEO of Solid Idea from Australia, showing his company's latest 3D printer. Expected to be priced at just $99, ChocoByte printer can gobble up the liquid chocolate and then churn out cute brown chocolate bars in different shapes.

ChocoByte doesn't look as polished as ChefJet, which is clearly ready for the prime time. But Karaitiana explained that it was because the product he was showing at CES was a prototype. "We were racing against the time to be here at CES. We put together this particular prototype just days before our flight to Las Vegas," said Karaitiana as he held the printer in his hand.

ChocoByte is much smaller than ChefJet. Consequentially, it will also create smaller chocolates. It is also like a semi-automatic solution unlike ChefJet that uses a much sophisticated system. To print chocolates bars through ChocoByte, users will have to first heat the chocolate cartridges - Solid Idea will sell 4 for $10.

"Then a user will have put the heated cartridge into the printer. A machine will create a hard chocolate print in the design of your choice in less than 10 min. It will be eatable," said Karaitiana.

Just like ChefJet, ChcoByte will also use computer assisted designs to create its chocobars.

As 3D printers gain popularity and get cheaper, they are no longer cool tools used by hobbyists. Various companies, including the well-known MakerBot, are coming out with new machines that are faster and more precise at printing 3D objects.

Food items like candies and chocolates look like obvious objects to print. At least that was the sentiment at the part of the CES where 3D printers were on display. The idea of printing food looks so obvious that even NASA is dabbling into it. Last year in September the space agency announced that it was exploring options to use 3D printers so that its astronauts can get personalized food during space missions in future.

Source: TOI

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