Celebrating 100th post!

Over the past two decades the Internet has brought a series of changes to the web that has completely altered the way we interact with it. We are all part of that. I still wonder how I entered into the World Wide Web. The word “blog” has evolved as a new word in the world of internet. What exactly is blogging?  And why does someone blog? The blog is an online personal diary shared with others. In other words it is a website where you can write on an ongoing basis. Some write a blog to earn a living, some write as hobby on any interested topic and some write to express themselves. Personal blogs are written to connect with other people by sharing their experiences around happening in their day to day life. Written for whatever reason, a good blog post must influence its readers. Sometimes I am carried away by reading plethora of information a few bloggers share on their blogspot. Be it about cooking, customs, traditions, politics or history - choose a topic you will find ‘n’ number of blogspots. I think people read blogs as a source of information or because they find the writer style interesting.  The writer may have lot of knowledge to share and mostly writes informally.

Personally I enjoy talking and sharing my experiences or whatever I read in magazines and newspapers. My childhood practice of writing letters and sending through snail mail, now an outdated fashion, paved a path to write a blog.  As I named my blogspot as “my thoughts”, I am enjoying the journey of writing. I am not a literature major or an avid writer. I am just trying to put all my thoughts and my experiences in a language i.e., my own English. My elder son is the brain child of my blogspot, his perseverance and inspiration made me take up “blogging”. My husband’s encouragement guided me to write day after day, posting after posting. My younger one is a great evaluator and critic of my English.  My commenter’s, known to me or anonymous, words have boosted my confidence level to continue my posts daily. My silent readers have contributed their views offline. My mom, who is not an English reader, shared her experiences while I was writing on some of the topics that were related to her. Not only I learnt writing, blogging helped me think and rethink. The process of freelance writing made me think from a different perspective. My ideas probably evolved as I wrote. While writing a non-fictional topic, I started off lamely, but later researched thoroughly and composed them in my own way. This process expanded my view of understanding the essence while reading articles and magazines.  The best part of blogging to me is the progression of writing and receiving comments from readers like you. Thank you all who accompanied me in the journey of blogging to my 100^th posting. 

“Blogging is an art, same as any other method of self-expression. Some are better at it than others.” 

-Hugh Macleod

Quiz of the day (23)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer.  
This would be the last quiz question of this year. With New Year around the corner have fun time and have laughable moments to share. I know we all enjoy being around people who are funny and make us laugh. If somebody says they are coulrophobia, to which kind of ‘funny’ people are they fear of? 

a) clowns

b) humorist

c) comedians

d) jokers

Quiz of the day (22) Answer: d) pentastich 

"Your fingers barely have to twitch,

To scribe a little pentastich,

In lines laid five,
As feet sprout toes,
The pentastich's pattern flows."
-Unknown

Pushya maasam-the tenth month of the Hindu lunar calendar (December 25-January 23)

Pushya maasam is the tenth month in hindu lunar calendar followed in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat. The star pushyami coincides with the pournami of this month, so is the name of the month. This month is considered as inauspicious month for some sorts of rituals like marriages, gruha pravesh, engagements, etc. but is well-known for its spiritual importance. Dhanurmaasam (solar month) started on Dec 17, lasts till Jan 15. Apart from the major festival four day festival of Bhogi, Makara Sankranthi, Kanuma, and Mukkanuma; Vaikunta Ekadasi is also celebrated this month.

There are 24 Ekadasis (11^th day after amavasaya or pournami) observed by Hindus during the year. Of these Vaikunta Ekadasi (January 5) the 11^th day after pournami in pushya maasam, is considered very auspicious. Vishnu’s abode or heaven has an open house where the gates are opened on this day. Lord Himself came to the doorstep of Vaikunta to receive His devotees, who entered the temple through the ‘uttara dwara darasanam’ (north entrance to the temple) which remains open on this day. People take up fasting on this day for all their wishes to come true. It is believed that one who worships Lord Vishnu on this day will reach Vaikunta (Heaven). Vaikunta is the sacred abode of Lord Maha Vishnu, the Maintainer God. “Vaikunta Ekadasi” is the most powerful, and it is believed that we can be rescued from our current confusion and suffering by seeking redemption in this place of peace. If one observes this time, then it is said that the gates will be kept open, till the person’s soul leaves the physical body. The importance of Vaikunata Ekadasi was narrated to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna and is found in the Bhavishyotara Purana. 

Bhogi (January 14) is the first day of four-day Sankranthi festival in Andhra Pradesh. Bhogi 2012 date is January 14. Bhogi mantalu or sacred bonfire, Bhogi pallu-a mixture of fruits with turmeric rice is showered on children by the elders on this day. Bommala koluvu, various dolls are assembled and show cased. We draw Sankranthi Muggulu on the occasion of Bhogi inviting Sankranti Lakshmi into our houses.

Makara Sankranti (January 15) is the only Hindu festival which is based on the solar calendar rather than the lunar calendar. Uttarayanam (winter solstice) starts with the Sun’s movement into Capricorn (Makara) constellation are considered very important. It is the beginning of a six-month period of the auspicious time of Sun’s called Uttaraayana Punya Kaalamu (Uttar-North, aayana-course, Punya-divine, Kaalamu-time).  In some parts of India, the festival is celebrated by taking dips in any river and offering water to the Sun God. Special puja is offered as a thanks giving for good harvest on Sankranti day. Since the festival is celebrated in the mid winter, the food prepared (ex. Sesame seeds) for this festival is such that they keep the body warm and give high energy.

Kanuma (January 16) festival is usually celebrated by farmers, as thanksgiving to the harvest. Cattle, instruments used in farming like tractors, plows are worshiped. Cattle and harvest help nourish us. The energy in them is considered like real nature of God. On this day there is wide display of gangireddu (decorative bull) in front of the homes, the owner of the cow is given grains or clothes in return for the blessings. Animals are decorated and races are held, sometimes the banned cockfights and bullfights are common. At home usually we make dishes with urad dal as main ingredient (vada or garelu), offered to Goddess. There is a saying “that even crow takes head bath on this day”, and normally traveling outside the town or village is not advised.

Mukkanuma (January 17) is observed the day after Kanuma and is primarily a day of feasting and merry making.

Quiz of the day (22)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer. 

I am sure you all love reading poems some enjoy writing poetry too. If a poem has five lines, what is the poem called?

a) Limerick

b) Sonnet

c) Quatrain

d) Pentastich

Quiz of the day (21) Answer: a) troy ounce (weight equal to 480 grains or 31.1034 grams)

Winter Solstice

We have seen enough winter season’ already! Today is winter solstice day. Solstice-in Latin “sol” means sun and “sistere” means to stand still. The winter solstice happens on the 21st or the 22nd of December. It is on this day when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, which means less light for us in the Northern Hemisphere. This means today we get the shortest day – and the longest night of the year.  In fact, right around December 21st of every year, the Sun reaches its lowest point above the horizon. After that, it begins to rise again, and take a longer path through the sky. After today, the days well begin to grow longer and the nights will get shorter. The length of our day is affected not by our distance from the sun but the tilt of Earth’s axis. The axis is an imaginary line running from Earth’s North Pole to its south pole that rotates around. Many cultures have some sort of celebrations shortly after winter solstice. Some of them  that I collected from web

• The Welsh word for solstice translates as “the point of roughness.”
• The Talmud calls it “Tekufat Tevet,” first day of “the stripping time.”
• For the Chinese, winter’s beginning is “dongzhi,” when one tradition is making balls of glutinous rice, which symbolize family gathering.
• In Korea, these balls are mingled with a sweet red bean called pat jook.
• In parts of Scandinavia, the locals smear their front doors with butter so that Beiwe, sun goddess of fertility, can lap it up before she continues on her journey.
• In Japan, young men known as “sun devils,” their faces daubed to represent their imagined solar ancestry, still go among the farms to ensure the earth’s fertility.
• In Ireland, people called wren-boys take to the roads, wearing masks or straw suits. The practice used to involve the killing of a wren, and singing songs while carrying the corpse from house to house.
• In areas of northern Pakistan, men have cold water poured over their heads in purification, and are forbidden to sit on any chair till the evening.
• Purification is also the main object for the Zuni and Hopi tribes of North America, their attempt to recall the sun from its long winter slumber. It also marks the beginning of another turning of their “wheel of the year,” and kivas (sacred underground ritual chambers) are opened to mark the season.
• Christmas is one of the most globally recognized mid-winter celebrations in Northern hemisphere.
• In India, Makara Sankranti is celebrated at the beginning of Uttarayana (Sanskrit meaning sun traveling towards the north on the celestial sphere). Bhogi bonfires are set up every nook and corner of the streets early in the morning on the previous day of Makara Sankranti. Special offerings to the Sun God and special pujas are performed as thanksgiving for the harvest; special foods are prepared to keep the body warm. Different regions celebrate this festival with different names like Lohri, bihu, pongal etc.

Whatever way you celebrate, enjoy the shortest day of the year; don't forget that longer days are ahead starting tomorrow!

"Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart."
-Victor Hugo

Quiz of the day (21)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer. 
Women are fond of buying jewelry (men gift their loved ones); some are sold by piece and some by weight. What are the weights used by jewelers known as?                                 
a) troy ounce

b) strontium

c) carats

d) tare

 Quiz of the day (20) Answer: b) trees (dendron in greek is trees, -ologist means a person who studies)

Quiz of the day (20)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer.

Did you ever wonder what a dendrologist would study in the nature?

a) insects

b) trees 

c) rivers

d) mountains

Quiz of the day (19) Answer: a) China (one of the 5 permanent members since 1946 as Republic of China and since 1971 as People's Republic of China)

Quiz of the day (19)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer.  

Which is the only Asian country to be a permanent member of the influential United Nations Security Council?  

a) China

b) Japan

c) India

d) Malaysia 

Quiz of the day (18) Answer: c) horology (hora means hour, time; ology means study of)

A short-term project – Long drive

It was after a long weekend, I was savoring the moments of joy of the get-together we had after a long time. In this setting, I received the news that I had to take up a short-term project. The short-term project was not alone I had to think about, it accompanied with the long commute to work. 60 miles drive was part of my short term project; initially I felt can I, but there was no choice. Before the start of my actual day, I had to do some homework to commute the 60 miles daily. So far my driving distance was a max of 10-15 miles. The question I had to figure out was, what is the best and optimum route to follow. I found out there were three to four routes I can take, to start off my husband advised me to take a trial drive on one route to get an idea. On a Sunday afternoon we both started on a compatible route, quarter of the route was OK, from there started the trouble, mid-half of that route had road construction and added detours. Finally after 2 hours, I parked my car at my destination. After taking a trial on a different route, I came up with a best possible route by paying toll. First week of my drive, I had to concentrate on the road, flowing traffic, sudden lane changing, I was thinking can I really drive, as no alternative, so continued with my drive. Second week, I got the grip of drive on the long road, merging and exiting the highways, and then I thought I think I can. From then my thoughts went on to how I can I make use of the long drive. I downloaded some of the podcasts to listen on my to and fro drive. Sometimes driving time has been a best place to think through my thoughts and shape up my ideas. One such day I got the idea to put in writing about my long commute. Variety of experiences on the road made me think through the situation which I could not have imagined. My morning drive was beautiful; the rising Sun says “Hi” to me from the center of the rear mirror and accompanied me half the way of my drive (you know the direction of my drive). 

On some roads, construction workers gave break to the fast running traffic. I was amazed looking at the construction workers working in hot summer. This the time of the year they work to the full extent, which is otherwise not possible during rain or winter. I happened to see couple of turned vehicles, traffic jams, closed lanes due to multiple car accidents. I was lucky to avoid such situations with the grace of God and the help of co-vehicle drivers, be it a motor cycle, car or 18 wheeler truck. One evening, it was the first drizzle of the season, I was struck in a traffic jam due to multiple car accident couple of miles ahead of me. I was on the cross roads of exiting a highway and trying to merge onto another highway. It was an elevated ramp, there was nothing I could do there in a single lane, I tried to look around was amazed to look at the ongoing traffic on the roads below our road and then I was wondering and could not stop appreciating the meticulous work of the civil engineers who built the multiple crossroads connecting highways. There is no point in cribbing upon the traffic jam, it is not in our hands, so tried to appreciate the scene around which can be seen only from there. 

One question always comes to me whenever I see abandoned cars on the road side. How come the owner of the car left it overnight or why the car was not towed away? I could not find one. My car crosses the downtown roads to reach my destination. I wonder looking at the roads so narrow, and see all the pedestrians of the city in downtown. It is hell to find a parking spot but I am lucky to have a parking spot. At the end of my four months project, I learnt the art of lane changing for quicker travel time. I enjoyed the long drive, the roadside beauty which I would have missed had I not got this project. 

There is nothing like adapting to commuting each day is unpredictable. Indeed, my short term project was a blessing in disguise.

“We’re spending a lot more time in our cars commuting, and we’re doing a lot more in cars, especially with new technologies. We do a lot of things and we don’t get caught. But in fact we’re just lucky and we get complacent” 
-Charlie Klauer (Research Scientist, Transportation)

Quiz of the day (18)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer.  

We measure time from picoseconds to millennia, what is the scientific name for the study of measurement of time?

a) Chronology

b) Tautology

c) Horology

d) Astrology 
Quiz of the day 17 Answer: c) pencil eraser (Until, the invent of rubber eraser in late 1700's soft parts of bread were used to erase marks made by lead, graphite, chalk, and crayon)

Quiz of the day (17)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer. 

We all have used stationary items since our childhood, which stationary item was first made from bread and leather?

a) short hand pencil

b) black board duster

c) pencil eraser

d) pushpin board 

Quiz of the day (16) Answer: a) Ides of March (ides means 'half division" 
especially in relation to a month, probably referring to the day of the full moon)

Quiz of the day (16)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer. 

Do you have any idea of what it was/is the name of March 15 in the Roman 

calendar?

a) Ides of March

b) March of dimes

c) St. Piran's Day

d) Mardi Gras

 Quiz of the day (15) Answer: d) 451 degrees Fahrenheit (wood at 572, match stick at 392, socks at 600 degrees) http://library.thinkquest.org/C003603/english/forestfires/causesoffire.shtml

Quiz of the day (15)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer. 

Just wondering at what temperature does paper burn? 

a) 392 degrees Fahrenheit

b) 600 degrees Fahrenheit

c) 572 degrees Fahrenheit

d) 451 degrees Fahrenheit     

Quiz of the day (14) Answer: b) Aditi and Rhea (Aditi is Devamatri, mother of Adityas-6 solar deities; Rhea means ‘flow and ease’ rides lion, mother of 6 children)

Margasirsham-the ninth month of the Hindu lunar calendar ( November 26-December 24)

Margasirsha maasam the ninth month of the Hindu lunar calendar is believed to be one of the auspicious months devoted to Lord Maha Vishnu. Some of the major festivals celebrated in this month are Subrahmanya Sashti (November 30), Geetha Jayanthi (December 6), Dattatreya Jayanthi (December 10), Dhanurmaasam a solar month starts on December 17. 

Subrahmanya Sashti (November 30) - It is on this day that Sri Subrahmanya was born on sixth day after amavasya in Margasirsha maasam. He is the son of Lord Shiva. A year later on this same day he killed the invincible demon Tarkasura and released the Devas from Taraka’s oppression. Lord Subrahmanya is the lord of War. He is known with different names. He is called as Kumara, as he always looks like a small boy. He is called Shanmukha as he has six faces. He is called Kartikeya as he was brought up by six mothers named Kruttikas. Lord Subramanya Swamy is considered to be the universal lord who blesses human beings and helps them get rid of their sins. Subrahmanya has two spouses, Valli and Devasena. They represent will (Valli) and action (Devasena). He also holds a spear given by his mother Sakti for removing the evil force of Taraka. This spear (Vel) represents (Jnana) knowledge. These three together denote the three cosmic energies of governing will, action and knowledge. He rides on peacock, indicative of conquering pride egoism and vanity. Shashti celebrations include by performing puja to the Lord offering milk, chimmiri (prepared with sesame seeds and jaggery), and some temples perform kalyanam (marriage) of Subrahmanya Swamy with Valli and Devasena. Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped in India (mostly South India), Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore.
May Lord Subramanya Swamy shower His blessings on you!

Geetha Jayanthi (December 6)-The Geetha Jayanthi Day or the Birthday of Srimad Bhagavad Geetha is celebrated traditionally on the Ekadasi 11th day after the amavasya of Margasirsha. This was the day on which the discourse was given to Prince Arjuna of the Pandava dynasty by Lord Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra in the greatest epic, Mahabharata. In the Geetha, Lord Krishna says, "Of all the months I am Margashirsha." hence the importance of this month.  The below slokam tells about the significance and spiritual importance of margasheersha maasam. 
Bruhatsama thatha samnam
Gayatri Chandasamaham
Masanam Margashoham
Ruthunam Kusumakarna 

It means – Lord Krishna says “I, myself, stay in Bruhathsama in the Samaveda, Gayatri in Chandassu or literature, Margasirsha or Margashira in months and Vasant rithu in rithus or seasons”. 
Geetha is one of the most often quoted Hindu scriptures within Indian (and perhaps even Western) literature. The 700 slokas or teachings of the Geetha are broad, sublime and universal. They do not belong to any particular cult, sect, creed, age, place or country. They are meant for all. The Geetha has a message for the solace, peace, freedom, salvation and perfection of all human beings.”

Dattatreya Jayanthi (December 10)-Dattatreya Jayanthi is birthday of Lord Shri Dattatreya, one of the most important Guru of Vedanta. Dattatreya is said to be an Avatar, an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The word Datta means “Given”, Datta is called so because the divine trinity has “given” themselves in the form of a son to the sage couple Atri and Anasuya. Dattatreya is pictured with the cow and the dogs, symbol of the most and least sacred creatures- everybody can attain enlightenment. Cow, here represent mother earth, dogs, represent the four Vedas who are under the protection of the Lord. Lord Dattatreya is worshiped in many places in India. The day is marked by special pujas and rituals. One of the famous temple of Dattareya Swamy, I happened to visit is in Gangapur, Karnataka state.

Dhanurmaasam a solar month starts on December 17- Dhanurmaasa 2011 begins on December 16 and ends on January 14, 2012. The start of the Dhanurmasam is marked by the entry of the Sun in the Dhanur Rashi (Sagittarius) called the Dhanuh Sankramana; hence the name Dhanurmasa for the period. During this month, the sun or Surya transits the Dhanur Rasi until it enters the Makara Rashi at the end of the month. Dhanurmasa is considered as Shooonya Masam. The period is considered inauspicious in some regions. It is considered as inauspicious to do any good things other than Godly functions. Worship of Lord Vishnu during the morning hours in Dhanurmasa is considered highly auspicious. The songs of Thiruppavai will be cleansing the air all around devotees reciting Thiruppavai will be shivering in the cold as they go around the main roads of the village. This prakriya is Nagara sankeerthanam (mass spiritual awakening). There is a belief that worshiping Lord Vishnu on a single day during Dhanurmasam is equal to worshiping him for thousands of years. 

With the advent of the Dhanurmaasam , the thresholds of every house in Andhra — towns and villages alike — bloom with white and colored geometrical patterns called muggu (rangoli). It is such a common sight that we often tend to forget the significance of the muggu and that too in this particular month. First, this month is said to be devoted to spiritual thinking. Since cleanliness is next to godliness, we believe that God enters only those households that are clean from all angles. It has therefore become a custom to water the front yard of one's house and then lay a decorative muggu as if inviting God to take the first step into their house.

This month culminates with the Makara Sankranti festival and the Uttarayana (winter solstice) punyakaalam.

Quiz of the day (14)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer.  
You know the name of your mother. Do you know, who are considered the 

mothers of the gods in Hindu and Greek mythologies? 

a) Anasuya and Zeus

b) Aditi and Rhea

c) Aditi and Zeus

d) Arundhati and Rhea

Quiz of the day (13) Answer: a) Vitamin E (fat-soluble vitamin found in wheat germ oil, unrefined vegetable oils)

Quiz of the day (13)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer.

Which vitamin was originally called "Tocopherol" meaning 'to carry a pregnancy' with the ending '-ol' signifying chemical alcohol?

a) Vitamin E

b) Vitamin D

c) Vitamin A

d) Vitamin K

Quiz of the day (12) Answer: b) squirrel (largest group of living mammals with 1650 species)

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Historically, Thanksgiving began as a tradition of celebrating the harvest of the year. The event that Americans commonly call the "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated to give thanks to God for guiding them safely to the New World. The New England colonists were accustomed to regularly celebrating "thanksgivings"—days of prayer thanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought. Thanksgiving was originally a religious observance for all the members of the community to give thanks to God for a common purpose. At home, it is a holiday tradition in many families to begin the Thanksgiving dinner by saying grace (a prayer before or after a meal). Source Wikipedia

Hindu Prayer:

Brahmarpanam Brahma Havir
Brahmagnau Brahmana Hutam
Brahmaiva Tena Ghantavyam
Brahmakarma Samadhinaha (Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 verse 24)

The act of offering is God, the oblation is God
By God it is offered into the Fire of God
God is That which is to be attained by him
who sees God in all
Aham Vaishvanaro Bhutva
Praninaam Dehamaa Ashritaha
Prana Pana Samayuktah
Pachamyannam Chaturvidham (Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 verse 14)
Becoming the life-fire in the bodies of living beings
mingling with the upward and downward breaths,
I digest the four kinds of food.

"If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get."

- Frank A. Clark

Quiz of the day (12)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer. 

Which animal calls 'drey' as it's home, also to safeguard from becoming a prey? 

a) rat

b) squirrel

c) rabbit

d) beaver

Quiz of the day (11) Answer: c) Vande Mataram (National song of India) by Bakim Chandra Chatterjee

Quiz of the day (11)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer. 

Which famous Indian poetic work's name would literally translate to " I bow to thee Mother"?

a) Ravindranath Tagore

b) Valmiki

c) Bakim Chandra Chatterjee 

d) Subhrahmanya Bharati 
Quiz of the day (10) Answer: b) gaffer (Chief Lighting Technician)

Quiz of the day (10)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer.
 Imagine you are directing a movie. The movie set was ready for action you realize lights were not turning on so your crew looks to the person in-charge for help, who would that be?

a) boom operator 

b) gaffer

c) cinematographer

d) unit manager

Quiz of the day (9) Answer: d) Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka (1960)

Quiz of the day (9)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer.

Women in politics are underrepresented in western world. Some women have been politically elected to be heads of the nation and state. In the world of international politics, who is the world’s first woman prime minister from which country? 
a) Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan

b) Indira Gandhi of India

c) Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom

d) Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka

Quiz of the day (8)  Answer: a) Ride a bicycle (velodrome is a banked oval track for bicycle or motorcycle racing)

Quiz of the day (8)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer.
Does your city have a velodrome, do you have any idea of what would one do in a velodrome?

a) Ride a bicycle

b) Ride a horse

c) Chariot racing

d) Watch a rodeo 

Quiz of the day (7)  Answer: c) Shintoism (a traditional folk religion of Japan, meaning a philosophical path)

Quiz of the day (7)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer. 

Which Asian religion's name means ‘Way of the Spirits'? 

a) Hinduism, 

b) Confucianism

c) Shintoism

d) Taoism

Quiz of the day (6)   Answer: a) patient zero ( In 1984 CDC coined the term for the first case (sentinel case) of HIV, now expanded to general usage)

Quiz of the day (6)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer. 

'The first case in an outbreak of a disease/epidemic.' What is this person called in the medical world?

a) patient zero

b) novice patient

c) patient one

d) newbie patient
Quiz of the day (5)  Answer: b) Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit (German physicist in1714)

Quiz of the day (5)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer.

Who invented the mercury thermometer?  

a) Anders Celsius

b) Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit 

c) Galileo Galilei

d) Lord Kelvin

Quiz of the day (4)  Answer: c) Land of (a suffix in Persian, Sanskrit (sthan) meaning place)

Happy Children's Day (India)!

Children's day was very special and exciting day for us when in school. This day brings us those sweet memories. United Nations Assembly adopted first Children’s day on October 23, 1954 later changed to November 20. In spite of celebrating Children’s day, universally on November 20, most countries have their specific day of celebration. India celebrates today; Japan celebrates on May 5 etc.

Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime minister of India was born on November 14, 1889 in Allahabad, UP. As a tribute to this great man, his love and passion for the children, his birthday is celebrated all over India as ‘Children’s Day’. He is fondly known as Chacha (uncle) Nehru. He felt that children are the real strength of a country and the very foundation of society. He was fond of both children and roses. He used to spare his free time with children by playing, singing and telling stories to them.

So children pay floral tribute to a portrait on his birth anniversary. He did much during his time in office from 1947-1964 to advance primary education and establish institutions of higher learning.

Today, Children's Day is celebrated all over India with festivals, outdoor activities, children's carnivals and events to bring awareness to children's rights issues in India, such as child labor. Children film festival screens some of the most delightful children's content in the country and awards are conferred to their talent.

Fortunate children have parties and celebrations all the time. Would it not be another way of celebrating to have a school or an organization, organize a party for some underprivileged children to bring smiles on their faces?

"The soul is healed by being with children."

-English proverb

Quiz of the day (4)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer.

What does the suffix "stan" mean when appears in the name of a nation, such as Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan etc.

a) Union of 

b) Newly free

c) Land of

d) Republic of

Quiz of the day (3)  Answer: d) Quartz (also known as silica)

Quiz of the day (3)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer. 

What is the hard mineral used in clock?

a) Diamond

b) Gypsum

c) Topaz

d) Quartz 

Quiz of the day (2) Answer: c) Zoophyte (coral, sea anemone)

Quiz of the day (2)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer.  

An animal that visually resembles a plant

a) Halophyte

b) Pinophyte

c) Zoophyte

d) Biophyte

Quiz of the day (1) Answer: b) Om (ॐ)

Quiz of the day (1)

I enjoy answering quiz questions. If you are like me, here is a random quiz question of the day in general knowledge for you to answer or else check back tomorrow for the answer.  

What is the absolute Hindu symbol?

a) Swastik

b) Om

c) Kalasha

d) Gopura

Andhra Pradesh State Formation Day

Linguistic-based states in India developed in the years after independence. In 1956, under the States Reorganization Act, states were reorganized on a linguistic basis.

States of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, and Rajasthan, celebrate their formation Day on November 1^st. Union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands also celebrate the formation day on this day.

Andhra Pradesh Map

In 1947 Andhra was still under the Madras province. Swami Sitaram and Potti Sriramulu went on fast unto death for separate Andhra state. Finally on October 1^st 1953 Andhra was separated from Madras Province. In 1956 under the States Reorganization Act Andhra was renamed Andhra Pradesh with the addition of the Telangana region of  the then Hyderabad State based on linguistics. Today, the state is in crossroads facing regional-developmental imbalances and fighting for separate state. United we stand divided we fall. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a peaceful state which helps develop the state’s socioeconomic fields?

Well, now on to other states who also celebrate their state-hood day today. Collected from Wikipedia.

• Chhattisgarh, south-eastern districts of Madhya Pradesh, gained separate statehood in 2000 on linguistic basis.
• On 1 November 1966, the Hindi-speaking southern half of Punjab became a separate state, Haryana.
• Mysore state was formed on November 1, 1956 and later was renamed Karnataka in 1973. Karnataka celebrates as Kannada Rajyotsava Day. After Indian independence, the Wodeyar Maharaja acceded to India. As per the States Reorganization Act parts of Coorg, Madras, Hyderabad, and Bombay states were incorporated into the state of Mysore.  
• On July 1, 1949 Travancore and kingdom of Cochin merged to form Travancore-Cochin state and on Republic Day was recognized as a state. On 1 November 1956, the state of Kerala was formed by the States Reorganization Act merging the Malabar district, Travancore-Cochin, and part of South Kanara District.
• The partition of India in 1947 divided the Raj province into East Punjab and West Punjab. West Punjab was given to Pakistan and East Punjab joined the Union of India. In 1966, after protests of various organizations on linguistic basis, Punjab was bifurcated into Punjab and Haryana.
• Rajputana, the name of the princely states in the pre independence era, was renamed Rajasthan on November 1, 1956. Ajmer-Merwara state was also added to Rajasthan.
• Soon after the Indian Independence, British occupied Andaman and Nicobar Islands were intended to be formed an independent nation. Later, it never materialized, was joined to the union of India as Union territory. 

OM NAMAH SIVAYA!

A benediction song on Lord Shiva that I heard in one of the Bhakthi TV channels.

ఓం మంగళం ఓంకార మంగళం

ఓం నమశ్శివాయ మంగళం

న మంగళం న కార మంగళం|| నాదబిందు కలాతీత దేవ మంగళం

మ మంగళం మ కార మంగళం|| మహిమాన్విత దేవ నీకు మంగళం

శి మంగళం శి కార మంగళం|| శిద్ద బుద్ధ యోగ దేవ పరబ్రహ్మ మంగళం

వ మంగళం వ కార మంగళం|| వాద భేదరహిత పరబ్రహ్మ మంగళం

య మంగళం య కార మంగళం || యదార్థ గ్యానస్వరూపాయ దేవ మంగళం

ఓం మగళం ఓంకార మంగళం

ఓం నమశ్శివాయ మంగళం||

Let me know if there are any mistakes, I have transcribed from an audio file.

Karthikam-the eight month of the Hindu lunar calendar (October 27- November 25)

Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati and Marathi calendars observe this month as Karthika maasam.  It is named after Kruthika star which falls on full moon day (pournami) of this month. This month is considered holy month of the year as it is dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Performing Shivalinga puja, and lighting lamps near holy tulasi plant while the stars are visible in the sky is auspicious. Fasting is common on important days, especially on Nagula Chavithi (October 30), Ekadasi (November 6), full moon day (November 10) and all the Mondays of the month (October 31, November 7, 14, 21). Karthika Puranam (sacred scripture about the importance of the month) is read throughout the month. Taking bath in holy rivers like Ganga, Godavari, Krishna etc. is considered a pious act.                                           

Nagula Chavithi (October 30) is observed on the fourth day after amavasya in Karthika maasam dedicated to Nagas or Snakes. Some regions perform this festival on the fifth day of Sravana maasam. The worship of snakes is part of nature worship and it is meant to give the message that each aspect of nature is crucial for the survival of the other. Imbalance in nature will lead to total destruction of all living beings. Snake God is offered milk, fruits, special naivedyam chalimidi (rice flour and jaggery) and chimmili (made of sesame and jaggery) near snake pit or in the home it self, devotees eat only the special naivedyam, fruits and fast for the day.

Uthana Ekadasi (November 6) - Chaturmasa begins on the Ekadasi day after the amavasya in the month of Ashada and ends on the Ekadasi in the first fortnight in the month of Karthika.  Lord Vishnu remains in deep slumber during the period. He wakes up on the Karthika Shukla (first fortnight after amavasya) Ekadasi and this day is observed as Dev Uthana Ekadasi. The importance of Uthana Ekadasi is narrated to Sage Narada by Brahma. The divine conversation is found in the Skanda Purana. Observing this Ekadasi is believed to help in getting rid of the guilt associated with sins committed and is also a path to liberation. As any of the ekadasi and specially this ekadasi falls in Karthika maasa, devotees of Vishnu observe fast on this day.

Ksheerabdi Dwadasi (November 7) - Tulasi Vivah is an age-old tradition and is mentioned in the Padma Purana and other ancient scriptures. Tulsi, or the Holy Basil, is the sacred plant of the Hindus and symbolizes purity and is famous for its medicinal properties. According to several Puranas, Lord Vishnu, who woke up from cosmic sleep on Uthana Ekadashi (the day before ksheerabdi dwadasi), comes to Vrindavan or Brundavan along with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Brahma. Hence, worshipping Tulasi plant along with Sri Maha Vishnu on this day gives many meritorious results. Those who protect the deepam (diya) lightened by others will also get good benefits. Tulsi Damodar Vivah is done today in most of the places. To me lighting many deepams near Tulasi plant brings solace, the practice I have seen and adopted observing my grandmother since my middle school days.(Below is a classic song on Tulasi plant rarely seen in today's world)

Karthika pournami (full moon day) (November 10) in the month of Karthika, is the most auspicious day of the most auspicious month. This day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. Many Hindus consider fasting on this if they could not fast on any other auspicious day in this month. Devotees also make it a point to take a holy dip in the sacred rivers. In the evening prayers are offered to Moon God, 365 wicks are immersed in ghee or sesame oil and are lit in the home altar or in the temple. In the temple arena, lights are lit in rows and hung on stands representing as ‘jwala thoranam’ (lighted garland). Later the cooked food is offered to God and prasadam is taken.

Happy Deepavali!

||దీపం జ్యోతి పరబ్రహ్మమ్ దీపం సర్వతమోహరమ్
దీపేన సాధ్యతే సర్వమ్ సంధ్యా దీపం నమామ్యహమ్||

"Let the lamplight bring auspiciousness, prosperity, good health and abundance of wealth. Salutation to you for the destruction of enemies. I bow to the lamplight in the evening again and again."

May the Supreme light of lights enlighten our understanding and fill our hearts with peace and love. 

Wishing you all the joy of celebrating Deepavali! 

"The significance of Deepavali is the removal of darkness and ignorance from the mind and filling it with goodness."

–Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi, the sage of Kanchi

A True Gem!

Last week I was browsing some old telugu magazines which I borrowed from my friend. Reading this story from a "rushipeetham" magazine, I was stuck and wanted to share it here. The location in the story is a village backdrop; you can change the location to the place wherever you are. The essence does not change. Now read it for yourself.

Ladies in the neighborhood gathered near a well to fetch water. Everyone was talking about their family welfare and other happenings in their life. One of the old gentlemen taking care of his work in the backyard of his house extended his ear to hear their conversation.

Natural conversation, common to a mother, was centered around kids. Each one of them was excited to share about their children’s accomplishments. One lady started saying, “My son sings well, everyone likes to listen to his beautiful voice.”  Some of the ladies agreed upon that they have also heard. The lady standing next to her commented, “Yeah, he has melodious voice, time just flies the moment he starts singing. He is a gem.”

Another lady praises his son by saying that, “My son's true talent, he can write poems- a rare art form.” Everyone agrees that he must be child prodigy to have such talent at young age and agrees that he is a gem to have.

Listening to this the lady who just walks in declares that her son is a great boxer and none in the neighboring villages can win over him. Nothing else to say all the ladies praised her son, congratulated and agreed upon for having a gem. Everyone had their stories of their children, but for one lady was standing quietly in between them. They all turned to her and pressed to tell about her son. In a low tone she said, “He is an ordinary child, not much educated or talented but a very good child.” Even before the ladies could comment "what a child....", the singer boy was passing by the ladies group singing a song. 

The moment he saw his mother, in a cranky tone he said, “Don’t you know I have performance this evening, what is this you are gossiping with the ladies, when will you fetch the water, cook for me and feed?” The mother of the singer felt ashamed and left the place hurriedly with the water pot. After a while the poet boy  arrived and in an irritable voice, “What is this mom, you are leisurely chatting with ladies, come home fast and cook dinner for me I am hungry, I need to write a couple of poems and send to the poetry competition for a magazine.” Without a word his mother ran home with the water pot. Mean while the boxer boy seeing his mother near the well, furiously said, “You know I am hungry the moment I come home, if you are still here when are you going to cook for me.” Out of fear his mother left the place with the heavy pot. Pin drop silence surrounded the place. 

The normal child was slowly walking towards the ladies near the well. He took the pot from his mother’s hand filled it with water, when his mother was stopping him from doing so he said, “Mom, why do you have to get strained when I am here for you, Do you think I like to see you suffer this way, come we will go home leisurely talking on the way home. Even after going home I will help you, I don’t like you to take all the burden of household work. To help you bring water from the well I hurriedly came home. I don’t want you to carry the heavy water pot.”

The old gentleman who was listening to the ladies conversation, came out of his backyard to tell the mother of the ordinary child, “All the ladies were boasting that their children’ were gems but your son is the “true gem”.” courtesy rushipeetham magazine

Isn’t it true, the talent of children is of no use if they cannot understand the pain their parents go through? The ones who share, help and love their parents are the “true gems”.

"Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence."
- Plato

"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."
-Mark Twain