Jim Paull

(Image credit: Healthy Seasonal Recipes)

Happy Taco Tuesday! If you've been making the same tacos every week, it's time to switch things up. Worried about trying out a new recipe on a busy weeknight? Don't be. These easy chicken tacos only take 20 minutes to prepare.

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Zucchini bread gets a lot of attention when summer squash is proliferating, but let's celebrate the humble carrot instead. This moist carrot quick bread is flecked with warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, loaded up with cups of shredded carrot, and topped with a glaze made with powdered sugar and yogurt. Eat it for breakfast or brunch, or serve it with a cup of coffee or tea as an afternoon snack — this carrot quick bread can do it all!

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KUALA LUMPUR: An assistant engineer from Penang won RM28,000 today at the High Court for an injury that left him blinded in his right eye after tear gas was fired during the Bersih 3 rally he took part in five years ago.

Asrul Wadi Ahmad, 32, was initially awarded RM20,000 in total damages for his eye and facial injuries and another RM20,000 for the loss of eyesight in the right eye.

His lawyer Ridzuan Johan Ariffin, said trial judge, Judicial Commissioner Firuz Jaffril, allowed the lawsuit on the grounds that police and the government had failed to rebut Asrul’s claim that the police had fired more than 20 tear gas canisters in Jalan Tun Perak, despite knowing many rally participants were in the area.

“However, the judge said there was negligence on Asrul’s part as he still walked out despite knowing police were firing tear gas at the time.

“Due to that, the damages were reduced by 30% to only RM28,000,” he said.

The court also awarded RM30,000 as costs to Asrul.

Ridzuan said Asrul, who is currently in Seberang Perai, was “quite satisfied” with the award today.

When asked if the government had expressed an intention to appeal, Ridzuan said he had not been notified by the senior federal counsel representative about this today.

Asrul sued policemen Zahari Mohd Yusoff and Alekzandra Dawam as well as the Dang Wangi police chief, the police and government in April 2015.

He claimed that when he joined the Bersih 3 rally on April 28, 2012 with his father and brother, he was hit by a tear gas canister on his face and that this caused him to lose sight in his right eye.

‘Police use of force during rally unjustified’

(Image credit: Completely Delicious)

If you're staring at a pile of zucchini wondering how in the world you're going to use it all up, I've got just the recipe for you. These pan-fried zucchini chips pair well alongside whatever you're grilling for dinner or, when served with some ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce, they make a great snack.

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(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Are you ready to be a snack hero in four ingredients? These banana-based mini cookies taste like banana bread and coconut macaroons had a delicious chocolate-covered baby. These cookies come together quickly, are naturally gluten-free and nut-free, and can be made vegan with the right chocolate. And they will totally bust your 3 p.m. slump or make you the coolest mom ever for serving cookies after school.

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SHANGHAI: Looking like a furry brown pincushion, eight-month-old French bulldog “Dan Jiao” whimpers nervously as he waits for the end of a Chinese acupuncture session aimed at curing partial paralysis caused by a puppyhood injury.

“Dan Jiao” (“Egg Dumpling”), would obviously rather be chewing on a bone somewhere than sitting strapped against his will into a harness that resembles a medieval torture device, pricked by several long needles hooked up to a mild electric current.

But the Shanghai clinic of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner Jin Rishan at least provides hopeful owners an alternative to putting down the beloved family dog or cat, the typical fate of pets immobilised by severe spinal and nervous-system injuries.

“We’re getting more and more customers,” said Jin, 53, whose Shanghai TCM Neurology and Acupuncture Animal Health Centre is operating at full capacity of around 20 patients per day, and growing.

Many dogs suffer from tough-to-treat back injuries or spinal deterioration that can render them unable to walk. A range of breeds including Bulldogs, German Shepherds, Collies, Basset Hounds and Shi Tzus are particularly prone.

“Seventy percent of the animals here suffer from spinal disc herniation, leading to paralysis of the hind legs or all four legs,” Jin said, adding that acupuncture is “more effective” than modern medicine.

“Western medical practices can’t do much,” he said.

Signs of hope

It appears to be working for “Dan Jiao,” who was completely paralysed when his owner Michael Xu first brought him in for treatment after a fall that broke his back.

“After three days of acupuncture, he was slowly able to crawl on his front paws. By the seventh day he was able to limp on all four legs.”

On Friday, patients ranging from a gangly black Labrador to a tiny teacup poodle were carried in by their owners or carted in baby prams.

They were eventually strapped into harnesses before the thin acupuncture needles were inserted into their problem spots.

Others sniffed nervously as smoking moxibustion cups — a form of heat therapy that involves burning aromatic plants — were applied to their hides.

But the place had not completely gone to the dogs. The day’s sole feline patient looked particularly put out, being completely strapped down to prevent it squirming around.

Wang Ping, the owner of “Mei Mei” (“Little Sister”), has fresh hope of getting the five-month-old teacup poodle back on her tiny feet after a paralysing neck injury suffered three months ago.

“I went to traditional clinics with “Mei Mei” but the vets said she was too small for surgery,” Wang said.

Doctors initially recommended euthanasia before referring Wang to Jin’s clinic.

“So I came over and she’s much better, at least she can lift her head and crawl a bit now.”

Jin’s practice is based on the feeling that a pet is like a human member of the family, entitled to the same loving care.

“In the past, Chinese people had a very weak notion of what a pet was. But now more and more families treat pets as a companion or family member. So they care so much about their pets, it is not like in the past.”

You’re not a true internet user until you’ve purchased a mattress online, and today only, Amazon’s marking this eLuxurySupply 10” dual foam mattress down to just $374-$607, with queens checking in at $517.

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(Image credit: Martha Stewart)

I never tire of juicy tomatoes or seasonal stone fruit pies, but there is part of me that is secretly excited for fall and, dare I say — gasp! — even winter. I just love roasted butternut squash, savory braised meats, and other warming foods that just don't seem like the perfect addition to a 90-degree day. There's one food, of course, that reigns supreme once the temperature starts to drop and chunky sweaters make their annual appearance: macaroni and cheese.

The combination of noodles and cheese is a comfort food classic. Whether you use penne or elbow noodles, a roux or evaporated milk, cheddar or fontina, chances are you have a soft spot for mac and cheese in your heart. Looking for some inspiration for the months ahead? You need to try the most popular mac and cheese recipe from Pinterest.

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If you’re still wrestling with a terrible inkjet printer at home, do yourself a solid and pick up the reliable Brother HL-2380DW monochrome laser printer today for just $100 today.

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(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Roasted red peppers (or any form of bell peppers, for that matter) are easily one of my husband's least favorite things. When served this pasta, however, he practically inhaled it. Leave it to heavy cream and cheese to solve all problems.

Blend a jar of roasted red peppers into a classic alfredo sauce and you not only improve on the peppers themselves (which can often be slimy and uninspiring straight from the jar), but you also improve on the sauce itself, giving it a rich, smoky sweetness and the prettiest red-orange hue.

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PETALING JAYA: If you’ve seen pictures of ice-cream covered in swirls of delectable yellow topping circulating on social media, the rumours are true: McDonald’s Malaysia has launched the D24 Durian McFlurry.

The newest addition to the McFlurry line costs RM8.99 and contains real D24 durian, according to the McDonald’s website.

“Creamy, mouthwatering durian swirled into our signature McFlurry makes this the ultimate king of desserts!” it said.

The D24 Durian McFlurry is only available for a limited time, although no details have been given on how long it will be up for grabs.

This is the latest in McDonald’s locally inspired dessert menu, which has also featured treats such as the Pulut Hitam Pie, the corn-flavoured Kon Gemilang, the chendol sundae cone, a bubur cha cha-inspired pie and the Mata Kucing Sundae.

Of all the essential ways to use up ripe and juicy summer tomatoes, I'd argue that a big caprese salad deserves a spot at the top of your list. And there's one thing that's going to make this summer's caprese the best yet: creamy chunks of ripe avocado.

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If you love egg and cheese sandwiches (and who doesn't?), you're going to love these breakfast tartlets. While they may look fancy, they are super simple to prepare. All you need is a sheet of frozen puff pastry, some eggs, and a pile of grated cheddar — oh, and some mini skillets!

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RAMAT GAN: A lonely monkey at an Israeli zoo has found a way to soothe her maternal urges: by adopting a chicken.

Niv, an Indonesian black macaque, has spent the past week caressing, cleaning and playing with the bird at the Ramat Gan Safari Park near Tel Aviv.

“It seems that Niv, who is four years old and has reached the age of sexual maturity, has difficulty finding a partner,” the zoo’s spokeswoman Mor Porat said.

“This probably explains the maternal instinct she expresses to this chicken.”

The bird, which doesn’t have a name, could easily escape through the bars but chooses to stay near Niv.

“These kinds of relationships are rare,” Porat told AFP. “Sometimes macaques kill and eat chickens that enter their pens or play with them until they die.”

To avoid such a tragic end, officials separated Niv and her feathered companion from the other macaques — apart from her mother, who is often the target of hostilities from other females.

Porat said the chicken “seems very happy to have found a surrogate mother. At night they sleep together.”

A few months ago, Niv attempted to adopt a previous chicken, but it spurned her advances.

Seemingly unlikely animal friendships are often the result of different species being put together by humans.

A bear, lion and tiger discovered during a drug raid in the United States remained inseparable for life after they were moved to an animal sanctuary.

But Porat said it wasn’t clear where the chickens at the zoo had come from.

The black macaque is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

The domesticated chicken is the most common bird in the world.

Here are seven of the best photos that readers added to the Consumerist Flickr Pool in the last week, picked for usability in a Consumerist post or for just plain neatness.

Want to see your pictures on our site? Our Flickr pool is the place where Consumerist readers upload photos for possible use in future Consumerist posts. Just be a registered Flickr user, go here, and click “Join Group?” up on the top right. Choose your best photos, then click “send to group” on the individual images you want to add to the pool.

There is something eternally satisfying and soothing about buttered pasta. Toss warm strands of spaghetti with a pat of rich butter and a sprinkle of grated Parm and you've got an ultra-comforting meal that comes together in minutes. Use that as inspiration, then up the ante with nutty brown butter, golden toasted panko, and a double dose of cheese and you've got a comforting dish that's fancy enough for when friends pop over.

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(Image credit: A Cozy Kitchen)

Have you ever tried mojo? The cuban sauce is heavy on the garlic and orange juice, and it happens to be a delicious marinade for chicken. With a little prep work, this sheet pan mojo chicken is a total weeknight win.

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(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

If your regular salad order skews toward a bowl of greens tossed with shrimp and a medley of chili-spiced ingredients for punchy Southwestern flare, this is the DIY salad kit to keep in your lunch rotation. And we've got a couple smart grocery store shortcuts help it come together fast.

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(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

When it seems like summer markets are being overrun by zucchini and tomatoes, it's time for a summer vegetable gratin. Layered with onions and garlic and topped with a mixture of buttery breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, this baked vegetable dish is the anecdote to one more zucchini salad. The vegetables bake into tender bubbly submission, melting them into a rich medley of summer freshness.

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(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

I first discovered farro when I was living in Italy and longed to incorporate something nutty and grainy into my pasta- and bread-loaded diet. With brown rice nowhere to be found, my only choice was the nubby grain, which I quickly learned to love. I've been eating it in grain bowls, as a simple side dish, or as a hearty salad ever since. Now comes this risotto, or I should say farroto.

Made with farro instead of the traditional rice, the result is a whole-grain version of one of my favorite dishes, which serves as a well-rounded meal with the addition of shrimp. It's earthy, with a nice chew that balances the creaminess, yet bright, thanks to fresh garlic, basil, and lemon juice.

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In most situations, YouTube’s white background is just fine. However, when you’re sitting in a dark room watching videos, that white background can feel like you’re looking into the sun (which we all know is a no-no thanks to the upcoming eclipse). If you’re a frequent late-night YouTube watcher, there’s actually a…

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Here are seven of the best photos that readers added to the Consumerist Flickr Pool in the last week, picked for usability in a Consumerist post or for just plain neatness.

Want to see your pictures on our site? Our Flickr pool is the place where Consumerist readers upload photos for possible use in future Consumerist posts. Just be a registered Flickr user, go here, and click “Join Group?” up on the top right. Choose your best photos, then click “send to group” on the individual images you want to add to the pool.

“I like what I like,” you tell yourself as you eat the same meals over and over. Now, there’s nothing wrong with having preferences, but you could be doing yourself a serious disservice. Being an adventurous eater comes with some great benefits.

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(Image credit: Lauren Volo)

Laying low on the carbs these days? Or just a lover of cream cheese? Then may I suggest these tangy, lacy cream cheese pancakes, inspired by the numerous "keto pancakes" floating around the internet? "Keto," short for ketogenic diet, is a very low-carb, high-fat, moderate-protein diet. That low-carb bit leaves many of its followers seeking ways to recreate the foods they love and it turns out pancakes are high up on that list. While you won't find these to be fluffy, their buttery, tangy, lacy quality makes them a keeper.

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The bringing-your-lunch-to-work struggle is real. But easy salads like this one — with quinoa, crunchy veggies, and a flavorful peanut sauce — will inspire you to make it happen. Sure, it requires a little work up front, maybe on a Sunday afternoon, but then you're rewarded with a colorful, filling meal you'll actually look forward to eating when lunchtime rolls around.

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My meal plans are rooted in simple weeknight dinners that come together as quickly as possible, so it should come as no surprise that my side dish preferences follow suit. That's just part of the reason these roasted potatoes are currently on repeat. It's also because they go with everything. Whatever you do, just don't mistake their simplicity and short ingredient list for small flavor. Partnered with grainy Dijon, these potatoes have a pop of tang to complement their crispy, crackly edges.

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If you’re inflexible, you might feel like there’s no point in trying to stretch. But without stretching, how will you ever get more flexible? A session like the one in today’s video can help.

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Befriending your professor can open many professional doors, especially if you are pursuing graduate studies or post-grad studies. Establishing a good relationship with your professor can make it easier for you to get recommendation letters for jobs or positions after school. It can also enrich your experience in the classroom and deepen your learning. To befriend a professor, start by introducing yourself to them in a friendly, professional way. Then, model good behavior in the class and maintain a good relationship with them over time.

EditSteps

EditIntroducing Yourself to the Professor

1. Say “hello” to the professor after the first class. Make a point of approaching the professor after the class to say a quick “hello” and introduce yourself. Let the professor know you are excited about their class and look forward to learning from them. Mention your name and try to chat with the professor about your educational interests or background.^[1]
   
   • For example, you may say, “Hi, my name is Selena Gomez. I’m a second year med student. I’m looking forward to taking your class.”
2. Go to the professor’s office hours. Most professors will hold office hours outside of class time and like it when students make the effort to attend them. Go to the professor’s office hours to introduce yourself one on one.^[2]
   
   • Come prepared with a question or thought about that week’s class. Bring along notes from class so you can discuss them with the professor. Having notes will give you something to chat about during the office hours.
   • Most professors have open office hours, or office hours by appointment. Show up on time for your appointment with the professor so they are not kept waiting.
3. Greet the professor when you see them around campus. Be friendly to the professor when you spot them walking around campus or in the hallway between classes. Say “hello” to them at social events on campus. Doing this will let them know you are open and friendly.^[3]
   
   • You may try some small talk with the professor when you see them and they do not seem in a hurry. You may say, “How’s your day going?” or “Great to see you.”

EditModelling Good Behavior in Class

1. Sit in the front row of the class. Professors often pay attention to students who sit at the front of the class. Sit up front so the professor knows you are there to learn and pay attention to what they have to say. Make a point of sitting in the front row each class, with your pen and notebook ready.^[4]
   
   • Sitting in the front row will also allow you to ask the professor questions and hear what the professor has to say clearly and easily.
2. Show up to class on time. Showing up on time will show the professor that you are eager to learn and want to be a good student. It will also make it clear that you care about the class and want to be present for it.^[5]
   
   • If possible, try to get to the class a little early so you can get a front row seat. Getting there early will give you a chance to chat with the professor before class and with your fellow classmates.
3. Go to class regularly. Be present for every class so the professor knows you are a dedicated student. They will then be more inclined to be friendly with you.
   
   • If you are not able to attend class, make sure you email the professor to let them know. Try to make up for missing class by going to their office hours to show the professor you are still dedicated to the class.
4. Ask the professor thoughtful questions. Be an active participant in the class by asking the professor questions that are thoughtful and engaging. Asking thoughtful questions will demonstrate to the professor that you are paying attention and interested in the class.^[6]
   
   • For example, you may ask a clarifying question during a professor’s lectures like, “Professor, would you mind explaining the main concept in a bit more detail?”
   • You can also ask thought-provoking questions like, “Professor, why does the author describe female characters differently than male characters in the text?”
5. Participate in class discussions. Encourage your classmates to participate in class discussions by asking them thoughtful questions. Pose thoughtful questions to the room. Make interesting remarks to keep the discussion going. This will show the professor that you are a good class leader and interact well with your peers.^[7]
   
   • For example, you may ask the class, “Did anyone else find the passage confusing?” or you may say, “I’d love to know what others thought of the solution to the problem.”
6. Complete your assignments for the class. Another way you can get on your professor’s good side is to complete your assignments for the class to the best of your abilities. Hand in your assignments on time. Follow the professor’s requirements for the assignments to the letter. This will show them that you are a dedicated student worth befriending.^[8]
   
   • If you have questions about the assignments, communicate with the professor. Doing this will help you to build rapport with the professor and show them you care about doing well in the class.

EditMaintaining a Good Relationship with the Professor

1. Ask the professor about extra credit opportunities. Let the professor know that you are open to earning extra credit for the class, especially if you have missed a class or are trying to make up an assignment you missed. Talk to them about extra assignments you can do for credit. Ask them if there are events you can attend that would count as extra credit. This will show them you are committed to doing well in their class.^[9]
   
2. Attend campus events promoted by the professor. If the professor mentions an event on campus that they are hosting or are involved with, make an effort to attend. Sign up for any initiatives put on by the professor. Participate in campus events the professor is a part of to show them you want to be supportive.^[10]
   
3. Respect the professor-student relationship. While you may want to be friendly with your professor, do not overstep their boundaries. Respect their time and space as your professor. Do not try to contact them outside of class using their phone number or private email. Maintain a professional demeanor with the professor so they respect you as their student.^[11]
   
   • Being respectful of the professor-student relationship does not mean you cannot be friendly or chatty with the professor. It just means you should be aware of the boundaries of the relationship and abide by them.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Get a Professor to Change Your Grade
• Ask Your Professor for a Letter of Recommendation Via Email
• Ask a Professor for a Paper Extension
• Impress Your Teachers

EditSources and Citations

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Renowned travel guide publisher Lonely Planet has a promotion that currently offers eBooks at a 70% discount through their online store in the U.S. and other countries.

To receive the discount simply enter promotion code ‘JUSTGO’ and keep in mind that this is applicable to eBooks only, not hard copy books.

Whenever I go to a completely new destination I like to read travel guides before and during my trip. In fact not too long ago I found a box at home containing roughly eighty travel guides for different countries that I bought in the past 20 years.

Today with the popularity of eReaders and tablets all travel guides are available in an eBook format as well and that’s exactly what Lonely Planet is offering at the moment at this fantastic discount.

You can access Lonely Planets e-shop here.

The promotion code ‘JUSTGO’ can be entered on the right hand field that says ‘Promo Code’ and then the eBook is repriced accordingly.

Keep in mind that the code might not work if you select other countries apart from the U.S. though I was successful pricing it with both Thailand and Japan.

This sale/promotion will last until Sunday, 13th August 2017 (midnight Eastern Time).

Conclusion

Even though I’m someone who loves a real book in my hand and to read it wherever I go without the hassle of staring at another screen, I realize many like to use e-readers nowadays and this might be a great deal to prepare for the next trip.

Lonely Planet are still some of the best books out there for travel purposes and I was never disappointed with their content. I usually buy my books when they are on sale at the bookstore, previous editions as I don’t really care for addresses of local restaurants and hotels but more general information and attractions that rarely (if ever) change in between a few years.