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This Easy Dinner Merges Histories (and Fish and Couscous)

This Easy Dinner Merges Histories (and Fish and Couscous)

New York Times04-06-2025
Peter Frankopan's 'The Silk Roads' has been on my night stand for some months now. It's a hefty presence, nudging me whenever I reach past it for my phone and lighter sorts of entertainment. It's a book with such intellectual weight that it invites both eagerness and a sort of low-grade anxiety. There is something about reordering your entire view of world history at 9 p.m. that feels … ambitious.
Recipe: Spiced Couscous With Fragrant Steamed Fish
And yet I keep picking it up. Frankopan tilts world history eastward, and the ancient routes of Central Asia become the center rather than the periphery. He traces how these pathways carried not just luxury goods but ideas, religions and diseases, connecting far-flung kitchens and cultures long before we started talking about 'globalization.' Among all the accounts of silk merchants and military campaigns, I'm drawn to the ones of barley, wheat and millet, traveling in saddlebags across mountains and deserts.
It's the kind of book that makes me ask questions that haven't occurred to me before. Who first decided to mix cardamom with rice, or cinnamon (originally from China) with tomatoes (from the Americas)? What possessed them? What were they looking for? Who first tasted the result and declared it good?
We have a tendency to draw history in straight lines. We want clear origins, neat progressions, definitive end points. This came from there, traveled here, became this. But life is rarely that tidy, is it?
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Three Former K-Pop Idols Find It's ‘Time To Be Strong'
Three Former K-Pop Idols Find It's ‘Time To Be Strong'

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Three Former K-Pop Idols Find It's ‘Time To Be Strong'

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Why Loving-Friendliness Is The New Competitive Advantage
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Why Loving-Friendliness Is The New Competitive Advantage

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Mars in Virgo Transit Is About to Test Your Limits – Here's What You Must Know
Mars in Virgo Transit Is About to Test Your Limits – Here's What You Must Know

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Mars in Virgo Transit Is About to Test Your Limits – Here's What You Must Know

Get ready, something big is coming! The Mars in Virgo transit, occurring at the end of July 2025, is set to shake things up in a major way, making it impossible to ignore. Known as Mangal Gochar, this Mars transit in 2025 will leave no zodiac sign untouched. You don't want to miss what this powerful transit has in store. What is The Mars Transit in Virgo Date and Time? Date - 28th July 2025 (Monday) Time - 08:11 PM (IST) So let's look at what the Mars transit in Virgo 2025 has to offer you, and also get its astrological remedies and tips suggested for each zodiac sign at the end of the predictions. The Planet Mars in Astrology: What Does It Represent? There are 9 nine main planets in your Natal chart, also known as the Rasi Chart or D1 Chart, as per the Vedic system. Additionally, the same nine Grahas (planets) revolve around the zodiac wheel in an anti-clockwise direction to facilitate creation and predictions. 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Dhanishtha As per the Vedic astrology, Mangal Graha or Mars is friendly with the following planets - Sun or Surya Moon or Chandra Jupiter or Guru Additionally, it is essential to note that Mars is not very friendly to Mercury (Budh), and therefore, you may want to examine the placements of the planets in your individual charts and horoscopes to gain a deeper understanding of the transit of Mars in Virgo 2025. In our daily lives, Mars represents individuals in uniform, such as our armed forces or police officers. Lord Hanuman is the deity associated with Mars, and hence, most Vedic remedies for Mars revolve around Transit in Virgo 2025: What Intense Energy Awaits Your Zodiac Sign? Curious about how Mars' movement into Virgo this July 2025 could impact your life? Renowned holistic healer Tarot Sonia shares her intuitive insights and predictions for each zodiac sign based on this powerful planetary shift. ARIES The effects of Mars in Virgo transit for Aries natives will be seen in their 6th house, also known as Shashtam bhava essentially is for your hidden enemies. Hence, your business or professional competitors, or even your personal enemies and people who are jealous of you, can play some unhealthy politics against you. Stay strong and be courageous, and fight all your battles with utmost determination. Remedy - Grow an Indian Lilac plant in your house garden to strengthen your Mars. Water it daily yourself and take good care of it to get the most benefits. TAURUS Taurus, for you, the Mars transit Effects will be felt in your 5th house or the Pancham Bhava. This is your 'House Of Pleasures', so the limelight will be on your pleasures, creativity, fun, and romance indeed. As per the Mars transit predictions, during this time, there will be plenty of opportunities for dating and romantic exploration. Moreover, the stock market might also captivate your attention. Remedy - Donating your blood can improve your Mars. Try to do it at least once this month and thereafter every quarter, if your health allows, after consulting your doctor. GEMINI The Mars Transit in Virgo in 2025 will have an impact on Geminis' 4th house, which represents our home and family life. Your home front will be activated at this time. Some of you may consider home renovations or a major house reconstruction. Avoid speed driving, and especially no drinking and driving or breaching traffic laws, as these can pose risks. It would be best to exercise extreme caution. Remedy - Chant the Gayatri Mantra regularly to please Mars. Chanting with a Mala daily of 108 Japas will be beneficial. CANCER The Mars transit in Virgo in 2025 will occur in your 3rd house, Cancerians, and it will have a significant effect on your life. This house is associated with your siblings and communications. According to the Mars transit predictions, you will spend some quality time with your siblings during this period. Additionally, you might take a few quick trips or staycations. Remedy - Feed monkeys, which represent Mars. You can give them bananas or any other fruit that is readily available and enjoyed by them. Do Also Check Out: Remedies For Weak Planetary Positions LEO The Mars transit in 2025 in Virgo for Leo natives will be seen in their 2nd house or the Dwitya Bhava, also known as 'Kutumbh Bhava' or 'House of Wealth'. Avoid conflicts and aggressive arguments at home. If there is a heated dispute, try to leave the scene; otherwise, significant arguments or conflicts may break out at home, which is definitely not what you want. Remedy - Donate sweets to the nearest shrine or temple, and you will receive abundant blessings from Mars. It would be good to do this at least every two weeks. VIRGO The Mars in Virgo transit will have an impact on your life, Virgos, in your first house or the "House of Self". It will be an extremely critical period for you all. It's time to reflect on your journey and keep moving forward towards your unstoppable growth. Some of you may become quite sensitive about how you look and your fashion sense. Remedy - Make donations to farmers and their unions, and your Mars will benefit greatly. In Vedic astrology, Mars is represented as a farmer. LIBRA For Libras, the 12th house, sometimes known as the "House of Expenditure," will be activated by the Mars transit in Virgo. Be careful of how much you spend because you might need to spend some money on your well-being. Some foreign contacts can also be critical at this time. Additionally, students trying to go abroad for higher studies may feel stressed and find it tougher to clear the competition. Remedy - Give some funds to the military associations, and your Mars will get stronger. Mars represents everyone who serves in the military or defense. SCORPIO Scorpios will see the effects of the transit of Mars in Virgo 2025 in their 11th house, which is also known as the Labha Bhava or House of Gains. During this transit, you should review your money gains and investments. Your social circle will likewise require a significant amount of your time to create social contacts. All things considered, if carefully planned and accompanied by knowledgeable and thorough study, this is a favorable time for financial gains. Remedy - Visit a temple every day to receive Mar's blessings. Seek the blessings of all the deities and distribute the prasadam (holy food from the temple) to as many people as possible. SAGITTARIUS For Sagittarians, the transit of Mars in Virgo 2025 will happen in their 10th house or the Dasham bhava. As the 10th house is your 'House of Profession', stay clear of any conflicts or misunderstandings at work during this time. Stay focused on your own tasks and projects only, and stay out of any politics and arguments. Moreover, during this transit, you will undoubtedly gain in the long run by putting in some effort and staying up late at work. Remedy - To seek the blessings of the planet, consider living in a joint family or strengthening your connections with your extended family. Mars will bless you when you stick together as a community. CAPRICORN Capricorns, you will experience the Mars transit effects in your 9th house or the Navam Bhava. You will participate in and take pleasure in some excellent philosophical debates and research work. Some long travel yoga is also possible at this time; however, you may want to postpone it for the time being to minimize any unwanted stress, and then plan it for a later date. During this period, you will also have a religious bent and may visit numerous religious sites and energy centers. Remedy - Plant a pomegranate tree outside your house's boundary walls to attract Mars' abundance. Water it and take good care of it regularly. AQUARIUS When Mars transits in Virgo, Aquarians will feel its impact in their chart's 8th house or the Ashtam Bhava. It would be wise to make the most of this transit period for your own development and transformation in order to witness complete changes in yourself on the inside as well as the outside. This month, take care of your general health and well-being. Make an effort to read literature on spirituality and self-improvement. Remedy - Keep a Mars or Mangal Yantra in your home or work space. PISCES The 7th house or the Saptam Bhava, which is the 'House of Partnership', is where the Pisces natives will see the Mars transit effects impacting their life. Based on the Mars transit in Virgo astrology reading, some old business partnerships may come to an end or have some rough clashes. Your domestic life front may also get a bit tricky with your spouse arguing with you or expressing their dissatisfaction with some aspects of life. Patience and wisdom will allow you to overcome your obstacles over time. These measures will help you in overcoming your difficulties and gaining valuable knowledge. Remedy - Donate copper objects to family and friends. Doing so will make your Mars extremely pleased. *Note #Astrology

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