How Amir Hussain aced cricket with no arms
An accident at a saw mill left an eight-year-old Amir Hussain Lone without his arms. For three years after, he struggled in a hospital as he recovered. However, from a time when people suggested to his father that he “get rid of him”, Amir has become a pride for his family.
From south Kashmir’s Bijbehara, Amir not only managed to make his feet double as his hands, but even learnt to swim and play cricket. Now 26, he is the captain of Jammu and Kashmir’s para cricket team.
“After the accident, people told my father that I will become a burden on him. I thought, no, I will not let that happen and decided to fight,” says Amir.
While he adopted his swimming style by imitating a duck, Amir practised to hold the bat between his chin and shoulder to hit the ball. Using the same two toes -- the big toe and second toe -- of his right foot with which he eats, writes and shaves, Amir delivers his “in and out-swings”. He, in fact, fares much better than many of his four-limbed peers.
Amir Hussain Lone uses his legs as his hands, eating, shaving, writing with his first two toes on his right leg.
“First I thought that he will have to be provided a lot of help, because, without arms, he won’t be able to do anything. But then he started to do everything by himself using his feet. And it was his amazing capacity to adapt and learn things without his arms,” said his father, Bashir Ahmad Lone, who remembered how some people advised him to abandon the boy.
“Immediately after the accident, people told me that he is of no use and that I should get rid of him. But I backed him all through this and even sold my agricultural land for his treatment,” said Bashir.
While Amir’s father struggled financially, Amir himself was trying to cope at school. A class 3 student at the time of the accident, he recalls how his teacher told him to go home. The general attitude of people towards him made Amir even more determined to do well in life.
Amir Hussain’s unusual technique involves holding the bat between his neck and shoulder and bowling with his toes using a sweeping leg movement.
He studied till college level where a teacher discovered his cricketing talent and introduced him to para cricket. Steely reserve and practice eventually made him team captain. It also made him a mini celebrity among his friends and family.
“Whenever life pushes me down, I remember the struggle and success of Amir. He is a real inspiration,” said a friend from Amir’s village.
For Amir however, things will never be easy. And he rues the government’s lack of industry in improving conditions for people like him.
“The government is neither serious about the welfare of the disabled nor is it concerned about the promotion of para cricket in the state. Our para team is not provided with a coach. I teach my players myself,” he said, adding that he will continue with the sport as any other job would be hard to land at this point. Amir hopes to eventually get a job under the sports or disability quota so he can better concentrate on his game.
5 Great Ways To Repel Mosquitoes
Are
you sick of having to use expensive spray and lotions to get rid of
Mosquitoes? Many insect repellants smell terrible and can not be used by
people with sensitive skin. Traditional mosquito coils that can be
burnt also pollute your air with a smoky odour. Here are 5 great ways to
repel Mosquitoes that won’t make you want to leave with them.
1. Simple Homemade Mosquito Trap
^This
homemade mosquito trap is easy to put together and it works really
well. All you need to create one of this is a used soft drink bottle,
brown sugar, yeast, water and scissors. 
^ Here are the instructions.
^
This works because the solution is able to slowly produce carbon
dioxide. This entices the mosquitoes into the bottle where they become
trapped.
2. Citronella Candles
^
Citronella candles repel mosquitoes and they are very simple to use.
Just light them the same way you light a normal candle. They come in all
shapes and sizes > Search for Citronella Candles
3. Homemade Essential Oil Bug Spray
If you prefer to use a spray you can create your own spray using essential oil. There are some great recipes at wellnessmama.com
4. Homemade Herb Bug Spray
Dried lavender smells much better than some of the bug sprays that are available. With > this great recipe
you can create a spray that will keep the mosquitoes away and smell
great. If you don’t like lavender there are a variety of other herbs
that will work just as well.
5. Natural Repellents
There
are lots of natural ways to repel Mosquitoes. A great idea if you want
to avoid harsh chemicals. Some of these are quite surprising. If you
have a large mosquito problem you might want to invest in a fruit tree. This will attract fruit bats. One single bat can eat hundreds of mosquitoes every night. Planting basil, marigolds or rosemary will also help keep mosquitoes away. For more natural mosquito repellent ideas go to accidentallygreen.com.
1. Simple Homemade Mosquito Trap
^This
homemade mosquito trap is easy to put together and it works really
well. All you need to create one of this is a used soft drink bottle,
brown sugar, yeast, water and scissors. ^ Here are the instructions.^
This works because the solution is able to slowly produce carbon
dioxide. This entices the mosquitoes into the bottle where they become
trapped.2. Citronella Candles
^
Citronella candles repel mosquitoes and they are very simple to use.
Just light them the same way you light a normal candle. They come in all
shapes and sizes > Search for Citronella Candles3. Homemade Essential Oil Bug Spray
If you prefer to use a spray you can create your own spray using essential oil. There are some great recipes at wellnessmama.com4. Homemade Herb Bug Spray
Dried lavender smells much better than some of the bug sprays that are available. With > this great recipe
you can create a spray that will keep the mosquitoes away and smell
great. If you don’t like lavender there are a variety of other herbs
that will work just as well.5. Natural Repellents
There
are lots of natural ways to repel Mosquitoes. A great idea if you want
to avoid harsh chemicals. Some of these are quite surprising. If you
have a large mosquito problem you might want to invest in a fruit tree. This will attract fruit bats. One single bat can eat hundreds of mosquitoes every night. Planting basil, marigolds or rosemary will also help keep mosquitoes away. For more natural mosquito repellent ideas go to accidentallygreen.com.
Tag :
amazing
What were the parents thinking? Terrifying video shows children on safari hanging out of a car window to photograph
These images show the terrifying moment a lion turned on a pair of children hanging out of their car window to photograph it.
The children, a boy and a girl, were allowed to get within metres of two of the deadly animals in Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Fortunately, after the male growled and lurched at the pair, it turned around to leave the scene with its female companion.
Scroll down for video
+6
The adults in this car have been criticised for allowing the children to lean out and photograph these lions
The car pulled up close to the wild animals after another vehicle had moved on.
The children appeared to use a camera and a tablet device to photograph and possibly video the creatures. Another electronic device is visible poking through the front window.
America's amazing Top luxury malls
The mall used to be a place to pick up a pair of khakis. But now, many malls have had some "work done" . . . facelifts, renovations and major makeovers, aimed at seducing high-end shoppers. This trend has freshened up retail with an overwhelming selection of top-tier global brands. In fact, today's "luxury malls" are providing services worthy of the finest five-star hotels, including concierges who'll get tickets and book restaurants; personal shoppers; exclusive lounges; and fine dining options.
A shopper used to have to travel overseas to purchase the finest French and Italian designer shoes, handbags and clothing, but now the best luxury malls in America rival world-class shopping avenues in Paris and Milan. There's no passport required, however, and there's plenty of valet parking, so this is a great time to start experiencing shopping like a VIP.
BEVERLY CENTER, LOS ANGELES
Lucky shoppers who can afford to splurge have a wealth of options when it comes to luxury malls in america. The Beverly Center in Los Angeles frequently hosts celebrity events, so you never know who you'll rub elbows with while shopping
Beverly Center is situated in star-studded Los Angeles, so expect some Hollywood glamour, diva-type amenities and lots of celebrity-hosted events. Their concierge can arrange for a car or limo service, or drive into the Grand Valet and go express direct to Level 7, called the Luxury Wing. There's shopping assistance in Korean, Chinese, Japanese and six other languages, and 100 stores accept the Union Pay card used by international clients. Personal stylists who often work for top celebrities are available to shop with or style you. If you've shopped until you're ready to drop, Beverly Center can even arrange the Penthouse Suite at the elegant Sofitel Hotel, right next door.
Shop: Saint Laurent, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace Collection, Halston Heritage and Salvatore Ferragamo.
THE SHOPS AT CRYSTALS AT CITYCENTER, LAS VEGAS
Expect over-the-top style with your shopping in Las Vegas. The Shops at Crystals at CityCenter look like a 21st century park with a flower carpet, ice sculptures, a multi-faceted glass canopy and a three-story sculptural Tree House – every time you visit it's a new, interactive experience. World-renowned artist Dale Chihuly's dynamic glass sculptures add to the excitement, along with rotating fashion exhibits. The exceptional concierge service can secure reservations at restaurants and shows within the MGM Resorts International collection and personal shoppers will bring the latest to you. With an accent on sustainability -- it's the world's largest LEED Gold certified retail district -- they offer electric vehicle charging within the complimentary 24-hour valet. The largest Louis Vuitton store in North America is here, plus more high-end flagship stores than any other shopping center in America.
Shop: Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, H. Stern, Bulgari, Cartier, Tom Ford, Emilio Pucci, Marni, Lanvin and Tourbillon.
SOUTH COAST PLAZA, ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF.
South Coast Plaza, in upscale Orange County, beckons you to relax and shop in style in their Access Lounge. The elegantly decorated VIP shopping suite -- with a Zen room for her and a flat screen TV for him -- features complimentary champagne and refreshments. Their dedicated concierge can make reservations for restaurants and theaters, and their stylists assist international clients in Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish and Farsi. Many of their boutiques will take merchandise along with a tailor off-site to accommodate guests staying at nearby luxury resorts.
Shop: Calypso St. Barth, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, Giorgio Armani, Christian Louboutin, La Perla, Roger Vivier, Patek Philippe, Valentino.
THE SHOPS AT BRAVERN, BELLEVUE, WASH.
A jewel nestled in Seattle's wealthy Bellevue section, The Shops at Bravern is the destination for the young, entrepreneurial tech community looking to upgrade their casual style. This outdoor, European-inspired village with inside and outside fireplaces even welcomes shoppers' dogs. An outpost of New York's David Barton Gym is on-site so you can work out with a trainer. Afterwards, get pampered with a deluxe spa treatment at the Red Door Spa. Finish off the night at Wild Ginger, one of Seattle's top five restaurants.
Shop: Jimmy Choo, Hermès, Neiman Marcus, Wolford, Louis Vuitton and David Lawrence Boutique, who carries labels Viktor & Rolf and Hervé Léger.
AMERICANA MANHASSET, MANHASSET, N.Y.
Designed by internationally acclaimed "starchitect" Peter Marino, Americana Manhasset is on the tony North Shore of Long Island, only 20 minutes from New York City. Worlds away from a concrete box, the modern glass buildings in the open air are surrounded by seasonally landscaped gardens. Unlike other malls, there are no department stores here.
Settle into the private shopping suite to review clothing, get a wardrobe consult, or partake of custom tailoring; a personal shopper has access to every label in every store. The one-of-a-kind 14,000 square foot Hirschleifers multi-brand boutique satisfies even the most demanding fashionista.
Shop with an Italian slant: Brunello Cucinelli, Etro, Bottega Veneta, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Loro Piana, Prada ... then stop off at the Cipollini Trattoria & Bar.
BAL HARBOUR SHOPS, BAL HARBOUR, FLA.
The exclusive shops in Florida's sunny Bal Harbour are nestled in between koi ponds and palm trees. Famous for their concept stores, one-of-a-kind merchandise and limited edition items, Bal Harbour tantalizes shoppers with a constantly updated website. Consumers literally fly in from all over the world to peruse the high-fashion goods here, often having been titillated by Bal Harbour magazine, a trend-packed fashion glossy which promotes the mall and its luminary designers.
The Neiman Marcus store and the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort have just partnered to provide a unique "Closet Service" where guests can have wardrobe pieces pre-selected especially for them; they can expect to find the items in their room upon check-in.
Shop: Moncler, Alexander McQueen, Piaget, de Grisogono, Graff, Versace, Miu Miu, Carolina Herrera, Escada, Roberto Cavalli, the new Chanel boutique.
SANTA MONICA PLACE, SANTA MONICA, CALIF.
If you like to shop inhaling fresh sea air, two blocks from the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Place is perfect. The third floor open-air rooftop deck features "The Market" a gourmet, artisanal delight of local and organic food offerings. There's even a raw food restaurant. You may want to catch a professional level class at the Gourmandise School of Sweets and Savories should you tire of shopping. A money exchange buys and sells more than 80 currencies and their concierge can book tours and sporting events.
Shop: Louis Vuitton, Kitson, Burberry, Ted Baker London, Tiffany & Co., Barney's CO-OP, All Saints Spitalfields.
