Here is a close view of Singapore MRT
cool angle.
http://youtu.be/I3eMGMZaR-0
Look at Singapore MRT up close Enjoy!!
Friday, December 19, 2014
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Future of smartphones - phone on your skin - see the working prototype
This is amazing. Smartphones will be all virtual, water proof and probably no weight.
This is is a working prototype. Take a look at this android prototype from Cicret
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39LVZ3nkZ7k
Future of smartphones - phone on your skin - see the working prototype
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Most Bizarre Laws-in U.S.A.
In her “I Fought The Law” series, Olivia Locher has come up with a series of images that creatively poke fun at some of the more absurd laws in effect in the United States. Each photo is a tongue-in-cheek rebellion that intentionally violates some absurd U.S. State law, most of which are outdated or bizarrely specific.
Some of these laws are simply outdated historical laws, while other are total headscratchers. It’s hard to imagine why riding bikes in swimming pools is illegal in California or why wine can’t be served in teacups in Kansas. And it begs the questions – was people working out while driving such a big problem in Oregon that they had to outlaw it? Other laws, while weird, have historical context and are simply outdated. It’s illegal to carry an ice-cream cone in your back pocket in Alabama because this was an ingenious way for horse thieves to steal horses. They could lead away horses with the ice-cream without ever having to lay hands on them, thereby not technically stealing the horses until they were “lost.”
In Alabama, it is illegal to have an ice cream cone in your back pocket at all times.
In California, nobody is allowed to ride a bicycle in a swimming pool.
In Maine it’s unlawful to tickle women under the chin with a feather duster.
In Utah, no one may walk down the street carrying a paper bag containing a violin.
In Delaware, it’s illegal to wear pants that are “form-fitting”around the waist.
In Tennessee, hollow logs may not be sold.
In Wisconsin, it is illegal to serve apple pie in public restaurants without cheese.
In Texas, it is illegal for children to have unusual haircuts.
In Hawaii, coins are not allowed to be placed in ones ears.
In Oregon, one may not test their physical endurance while driving a car on the highway.
In Kansas, it’s illegal to serve wine in teacups.
Most Bizarre Laws-in U.S.A.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Ageing of Body Parts
Read and Learn
How the body ages some interesting information
************
BRAIN – Starts ageing at 20
As we get older, the number of nerve cells or neurons in the brain,
decrease.
We start with around 100 billion, but in our 20s this number starts to
decline.
By 40, we could be losing up to 10,000 per day, affecting memory,
co-ordination and brain function.
decrease.
We start with around 100 billion, but in our 20s this number starts to
decline.
By 40, we could be losing up to 10,000 per day, affecting memory,
co-ordination and brain function.
************
FERTILITY – Starts ageing at 35
Female fertility begins to decline after 35, as the number and quality of
eggs in the ovaries start to fall. The lining of the womb may become
thinner, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to take, and also
creating an environment hostile to sperm.
eggs in the ovaries start to fall. The lining of the womb may become
thinner, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to take, and also
creating an environment hostile to sperm.
************
HAIR – Starts ageing at 30
Male hair loss usually begins in the 30s. Hair is made in tiny pouches just
under the skin’s surface, known as follicles. A hair normally grows from
each follicle for about three years, is then shed, and a new hair grows.
Most people will have some grey hair by the age of 35. When we are young,
our hair is colored by the pigments produced by cells in the hair follicle
known as melanocytes.
under the skin’s surface, known as follicles. A hair normally grows from
each follicle for about three years, is then shed, and a new hair grows.
Most people will have some grey hair by the age of 35. When we are young,
our hair is colored by the pigments produced by cells in the hair follicle
known as melanocytes.
************
GUT – Starts ageing at 55.
A healthy gut has a good balance between harmful and ‘friendly’ bacteria.
But levels of friendly bacteria in the gut drop significantly after 55,
particularly in the large intestine.
As a result, we suffer from poor digestion and an increased risk of gut
disease.
Constipation is more likely as we age, as the flow of digestive juices from
the stomach, liver, pancreas and small intestine slows down.
But levels of friendly bacteria in the gut drop significantly after 55,
particularly in the large intestine.
As a result, we suffer from poor digestion and an increased risk of gut
disease.
Constipation is more likely as we age, as the flow of digestive juices from
the stomach, liver, pancreas and small intestine slows down.
************
BREASTS – Start ageing at 35
By their mid-30s, women’s breasts start losing tissue and fat, reducing
size and fullness.
Sagging starts properly at 40 and the areola (the area surrounding the
nipple) can shrink considerably.
size and fullness.
Sagging starts properly at 40 and the areola (the area surrounding the
nipple) can shrink considerably.
************
BLADDER – Starts ageing at 65
Loss of bladder control is more likely when you hit 65. Women are more
vulnerable to bladder problems as, after the menopause, declining estrogen
levels make tissues in the urethra — the tube through which urine passes
— thinner and weaker, reducing bladder support.
Bladder capacity in an older adult is generally half that of a younger
person — about two cups in a 30-year-old and one cup in a 70-year-old.
vulnerable to bladder problems as, after the menopause, declining estrogen
levels make tissues in the urethra — the tube through which urine passes
— thinner and weaker, reducing bladder support.
Bladder capacity in an older adult is generally half that of a younger
person — about two cups in a 30-year-old and one cup in a 70-year-old.
************
LUNGS – Start ageing at 20
Lung capacity slowly starts to decrease from the age of 20.
By the age of 40, some people are already experiencing breathlessness.
This is partly because the muscles and the rib cage which control breathing
stiffen up.
By the age of 40, some people are already experiencing breathlessness.
This is partly because the muscles and the rib cage which control breathing
stiffen up.
************
VOICE – Starts ageing at 65
Our voices become quieter and hoarser with age. The soft tissues in the
voice box (larynx) weaken, affecting the pitch, loudness and quality of the
voice.
A woman’s voice may become huskier and lower in pitch, whereas a man’s
might become thinner and higher.
voice box (larynx) weaken, affecting the pitch, loudness and quality of the
voice.
A woman’s voice may become huskier and lower in pitch, whereas a man’s
might become thinner and higher.
************
EYES – Start ageing at 40
Glasses are the norm for many over-40s as failing eyesight kicks in —
usually long-sightedness, affecting our ability to see objects up close.
usually long-sightedness, affecting our ability to see objects up close.
************
HEART – Starts ageing at 40
The heart pumps blood less effectively around the body as we get older.
This is because blood vessels become less elastic, while arteries can
harden or become blocked because of fatty deposits forming on the coronary
arteries — caused by eating too much saturated fat.
The blood supply to the heart is then reduced, resulting in painful angina.
Men over 45 and women over 55 are at greater risk of a heart attack.
This is because blood vessels become less elastic, while arteries can
harden or become blocked because of fatty deposits forming on the coronary
arteries — caused by eating too much saturated fat.
The blood supply to the heart is then reduced, resulting in painful angina.
Men over 45 and women over 55 are at greater risk of a heart attack.
************
LIVER – Starts ageing at 70
This is the only organ in the body which seems to defy the aging process.
************
KIDNEYS – Starts ageing at 50
With kidneys, the number of filtering units (nephrons) that remove waste
from the bloodstream starts to reduce in middle age.
from the bloodstream starts to reduce in middle age.
************
PROSTATE – Starts ageing at 50
The prostate often becomes enlarged with age, leading to problems such as
increased need to urinate. This is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia
and affects half of men over 50, but rarely those under 40. It occurs when
the prostate absorbs large amounts of the male sex hormone testosterone,
which increases the growth of cells in the prostate. A normal prostate is
the size of a walnut, but the condition can increase this to the size of a
tangerine.
increased need to urinate. This is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia
and affects half of men over 50, but rarely those under 40. It occurs when
the prostate absorbs large amounts of the male sex hormone testosterone,
which increases the growth of cells in the prostate. A normal prostate is
the size of a walnut, but the condition can increase this to the size of a
tangerine.
************
BONES – Start ageing at 35
‘Throughout our life, old bones are broken down by cells called osteoclasts
and replaced by bone-building cells called osteoblasts — a process called
礎one turnover’. Children’s bone growth is rapid – the skeleton takes just
two years to renew itself completely. In adults, this can take 10 years.
Until our mid-20s, bone density is still increasing. But at 35, bone loss
begins as part of the natural ageing process.
and replaced by bone-building cells called osteoblasts — a process called
礎one turnover’. Children’s bone growth is rapid – the skeleton takes just
two years to renew itself completely. In adults, this can take 10 years.
Until our mid-20s, bone density is still increasing. But at 35, bone loss
begins as part of the natural ageing process.
************
TEETH – Start ageing at 40
As we age, we produce less saliva, which washes away bacteria, so teeth and
gums are more vulnerable to decay. Receding gums – when tissue is lost from
gums around the teeth – is common in adults over 40.
gums are more vulnerable to decay. Receding gums – when tissue is lost from
gums around the teeth – is common in adults over 40.
************
MUSCLES – Start ageing at 30
Muscle is constantly being built up and broken down, a process which is
well balanced in young adults. However, by the time we’re 30, breakdown is
greater than buildup, explains Professor Robert Moots. Once adults reach
40, they start to lose between 0.5 and 2 per cent of their muscle each
year. Regular exercise can help prevent this.
well balanced in young adults. However, by the time we’re 30, breakdown is
greater than buildup, explains Professor Robert Moots. Once adults reach
40, they start to lose between 0.5 and 2 per cent of their muscle each
year. Regular exercise can help prevent this.
************
HEARING – Starts ageing mid-50s
More than half of people over 60 lose hearing because of their age,
according to the Royal National Institute for the Deaf.
according to the Royal National Institute for the Deaf.
************
SKIN – Starts ageing mid-20s
The skin starts to age naturally in your mid-20s.
************
TASTE AND SMELL – Start ageing at 60
We start out in life with about 10,000 taste buds scattered on the tongue.
This number can halve later in life. After we turn 60, taste and smell
gradually decline, partly as a result of the normal ageing process.
gradually decline, partly as a result of the normal ageing process.
************
Ageing of Body Parts
Friday, November 21, 2014
Knees Help
HydroGel – A New Way to Heal Knees?
Bad or painful knees are one of the most common causes of pain in the elderly, and can start at quite an early age due to extra stress on the cartilage or due to injury. This damage is rarely healed by the body. |
Part of the reason this damage doesn’t heal well is because the cartilage in the knee gets very little blood flow, which body parts need to fix problems on a cellular level. Part of the standard treatment for knee cartilage healing is to make tiny holes in the area and let the blood pour in to encourage a healing process.
There are two problems with this method. The first is that the new tissue rarely replaces all of the damaged tissue, meaning it is never a complete replacement. The second is that the space may fill with scar tissue instead of new cartilage, which isn’t really a solution.
But a new method is seeing light recently, as published in the journal of Translational Medicine, scientists, including biomedical engineer Jennifer Elisseeff from Johns Hopkins University. This method proposes the use of a replacement material, a hydrogel with some special properties.
The gel, which looks a lot like jell-o and behaves a lot like it too, is injected into the knee as liquid. However, once it is exposed to UV light, it hardens, providing a sort of scaffold for stem cells to attach to and grow on. The way it is built involves many bindings and criss-crossing fibers, to provide a very strong and stable structure.
To test this, Elisseeff and team tried the method on 15 patients. They poured the liquid hydrogel into the patients’ torn cartilage. After that, the surgeons shined the UV light and hardened the polymers in the gel.
The results were very promising, the new cartilage filled 86% of the torn area. This was compared to 3 subjects who were treated in the standard way – for them, only 64% of the torn area was filled.
In addition, the patients who got the hydrogel treatment reported considerably less pain than the control group patients.
At the moment, larger studies are being held testing this method, but results seem promising, says Farshid Guilak, an orthopedic surgeon at Duke University, and adds that with the advance of stem cell treatments, the efficiency of this system will only grow, as we will be able to use the body’s own cells to facilitate faster growing of cartilage, and get more people out of pain and on their feet.
Knees Help
Monday, November 17, 2014
The Beautiful Palitana - Incredible Beauty of Indian Architecture
PALITANA THE JAIN PILGRIMAGE CENTER
THE MARVEL OF JAINISM AND THE RELIGIOUS ART
THE MARVEL OF JAINISM AND THE RELIGIOUS ART
[1]
PALITANA IS THE LARGEST AND THE GREATEST
JAIN SACRED PILGRIMAGE CENTER IN THE WORLD.
PALITANA IS THE LARGEST AND THE GREATEST
JAIN SACRED PILGRIMAGE CENTER IN THE WORLD.
[2]
THE PALITANA HILLS IS PLACE FROM WHERE MILLIONS OF SOULS ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE ACHIEVED NIRAVANA OR ULTIMATE AND EVERLASTING LIBERATION WITH INFINITE KNOWLEDGE, INFINTE PERCEPTION, INFINTE ENERGY AND INFINITE SPIRITUAL HAPPINESS.
[3]
PALITANA IS A CITY IN BHAVANGAR DISTRICT OF STATE OF GUJARAT,
IN INDIA. IT IS SITUATED ABOUT FIFTY KILOMETERS SOUTHWEST
OF BHAVNAGAR CITY. .
PALITANA IS A CITY IN BHAVANGAR DISTRICT OF STATE OF GUJARAT,
IN INDIA. IT IS SITUATED ABOUT FIFTY KILOMETERS SOUTHWEST
OF BHAVNAGAR CITY. .
[4]
THE TEMPLE COMPLEX OF PALITANA IS THE WORLD’S LARGEST AND CONSIDERED THE MOST SACRED PILGRIMAGE PLACE BY THE JAINS ALL OVER THE WORLD. THERE ARE SOME 3000 EXQUISITE TEMPLES WITH MARVELLOUS ART ON SHATRUNJAY HILLS.
THE FIRST TIRTHANKAR LORD ADINATHA OR RISHABHDEVA HAS THE MOST PRONOUNCED PLACEMENT.
THE FIRST TIRTHANKAR LORD ADINATHA OR RISHABHDEVA HAS THE MOST PRONOUNCED PLACEMENT.
[5]
ON TOP OF THE SHATRUNJAYA HILL IS A CLUSTER OF JAIN TEMPLES BUILT OVER SOME 900 YEARS BY GENERATIONS OF JAINS STARTING FROM 11TH
CENTURY
[6]
FROM THE FOOT OF THE HILL TO THE TOP THERE ARE MORE THAN 3,800 STONE STEPS CARVED OUT FROM ROCKS TO FACILITATE CLIMBING IN 13TH CENTURY
[7]
THE TEMPLES ARE EXQUISITELY CARVED IN MARBLE RESEMBLING IVORY IN LOOK. THE LEADING TEMPLE IS OF LORD ADISHWAR.
[8]
THIS TEMPLE HAS A FABULOUS COLLECTION OF EXPENSIVE JEWELS DEDICATED BY RICH JAIN PATRONS.
THIS TEMPLE HAS A FABULOUS COLLECTION OF EXPENSIVE JEWELS DEDICATED BY RICH JAIN PATRONS.
[9]
THE TEMPLES DATE FROM 11th TO THE 20th CENTURY
[10]
THE DAY OF THE FAGUN SUD 13th FALLING SOMEWHERE IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH IS THE MOST VISITED AND CROWDED DAY
[11]
A JAIN ASPIRES TO CLIMB TO THE TOP OF MOUNTAIN ONCE IN HIS LIFE TIME
A JAIN ASPIRES TO CLIMB TO THE TOP OF MOUNTAIN ONCE IN HIS LIFE TIME
[12]
MOTI SHAH TOONK(TEMPLE) AT THE TOP OF THE SIDDHACHA HILLS
[13]
THE CLIMB MUST BEGIN IN EARLY MORNING AND RETURN DESCENT MUST BE COMPLETED IN EVENING. NO STAYING OVERNIGHT
THE CLIMB MUST BEGIN IN EARLY MORNING AND RETURN DESCENT MUST BE COMPLETED IN EVENING. NO STAYING OVERNIGHT
[14]
SOME FACTS ABOUT PALITANA.
SHETRUNJAY TEMPLES; STEPS TO CLIMB: 3364
HEIGHT: 2000 FEET. WALKING: 7.5 MILES.
PRATIMA OR IDOLS ARE 27007 IN JINMANDIR OR TEMPLES TOTALLING 3507
[15]
THERE ARE MORE THAN 27000 IDOLS OF JAIN GODS ON THIS MOUNTAIN ALONE
THERE ARE MORE THAN 27000 IDOLS OF JAIN GODS ON THIS MOUNTAIN ALONE
[16]
OVERNIGHT STAY IS FORBIDDEN FOR ALL HUMANS AS IT IS PEACEFUL RESTING PLACE FOR GODS
[17]
THERE ARE TWO SUMMITS WITH 900 TEMPLES WITH EXTRAORDINARY ART AND SCULPTURE
The Beautiful Palitana - Incredible Beauty of Indian Architecture
Mother's Day - A Touching Tribute
HER SMILE CAN BRIGHTEN ANY MOMENT
Mothers are the sweetest gift from God to us. There is no way we can ever really thank our mother for all that she does for us. Nevertheless, we must make it a habit to keep reminding ourselves of the various sacrifices she made while raising us.
A mother is a woman who was created by God to bring love, joy, happiness and caring into this world.
Mothers are like shadows – in good times and bad times, they are with us. She is our best friend.
She was there for us. Let us also be there for her.
Mother is the root. She planted the seed that we base our life upon.
Mothers can multitask without complaining and care for everyone without any demands.
A mother, though fragile, is someone who can be strong when things go wrong.
Mother's Day - A Touching Tribute
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE MAGIC~~~
Ever since I started using Hydrogen Peroxide to get rid of armpit stains, to clean cookie sheets, as a miracle cleaner in my kitchen and bathroom, and to make my own “oxi clean”…I ALWAYS have at least one bottle of the stuff under my kitchen sink, under my bathroom sink, AND in the laundry room. This stuff is amazingly versatile!
But it wasn’t until recently, after doing some IN DEPTH research on the subject, that I came to realize what a “miracle substance” hydrogenperoxide really is! It’s safe, it’s readily available, it’s cheap, and best of all, it WORKS! It works for a LOT of stuff!
Hydrogen peroxide should really be called oxygen water, since it is basically the same chemical make up as water but with an extra oxygen atom (H2O2). Because of this it breaks down quickly and harmlessly into oxygen and water.
Some other interesting facts about hydrogen peroxide:
It is found in all living material.
Your white blood cells naturally produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to fight bacteria and infections.
Fruit and vegetables naturally produce hydrogen peroxide. This is one of the reasons why it is so healthy to eat fresh fruit and vegetables.
It is found in massive dosages in the mother’s first milk, called colostrum, and is transferred to the baby to boost their immune system.
It is found in rain water because some of the H20 in the atmosphere receives an additional oxygen atom from the ozone (O3) and this H2O2 makes plants grow faster.
Next to Apple Cider Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide ranks up there as one of the best household remedies.
Besides the obvious (cleansing wounds), did you know that it is probably the best remedy to dissolve ear wax? Brighten dingy floors? Add natural highlights to your hair? Improve your plants root systems? The list goes on and on!
There are SO many uses for this stuff that I’ve started replacing the cap on the hydrogen peroxidebottle with a sprayer because it’s easier and faster to use that way.
I have compiled a rather impressive list of uses for 3% hydrogen peroxide that I hope will have you as thrilled and bewildered as I was!
Wash vegetables and fruits with hydrogen peroxide to remove dirt and pesticides. Add 1/4 cup of H2O2 to a sink of cold water. After washing, rinse thoroughly with cool water.
In the dishwasher, add 2 oz. to your regular detergent for a sanitizing boost. Also, beef up your regular dish soap by adding roughly 2 ounces of 3% H2O2 to the bottle.
Use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash to freshen breath. It kills the bacteria that causes halitosis. Use a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water.
Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a paste for brushing teeth. Helps with early stages of gingivitis as it kills bacteria. Mixed with salt and baking soda, hydrogen peroxide works as a whitening toothpaste.
Soak your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide between uses to keep it clean and prevent the transfer of germs. This is particularly helpful when you or someone in your family has a cold or the flu.
Clean your cutting board and countertop. Let everything bubble for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse clean. (I’ve been using it for this a LOT lately!)
Wipe out your refrigerator and dishwasher. Because it’s non-toxic, it’s great for cleaning places that store food and dishes.
Clean your sponges. Soak them for 10 minutes in a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water in a shallow dish. Rinse the sponges thoroughly afterward.
Remove baked-on crud from pots and pans. Combine hydrogen peroxide with enough baking soda to make a paste, then rub onto the dirty pan and let it sit for a while. Come back later with a scrubby sponge and some warm water, and the baked-on stains will lift right off.
Whiten bathtub grout. First dry the tub thoroughly, then spray it liberally with hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit — it may bubble slightly — for a little while, then come back and scrub the grout with an old toothbrush. You may have to repeat the process a few times.
Clean the toilet bowl. Pour half a cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl, let stand for 20 minutes, then scrub clean.
Remove stains from clothing, curtains, and tablecloths. Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a pre-treater for stains — just soak the stain for a little while in 3% hydrogen peroxide before tossing into the laundry. You can also add a cup of peroxide to a regular load of whites to boost brightness. It’s a green alternative to bleach, and works just as well.
Brighten dingy floors. Combine half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with one gallon of hot water, then go to town on your flooring. Because it’s so mild, it’s safe for any floor type, and there’s no need to rinse.
Clean kids’ toys and play areas. Hydrogen peroxide is a safe cleaner to use around kids, or anyone with respiratory problems, because it’s not a lung irritant. Spray toys, toy boxes, doorknobs, and anything else your kids touch on a regular basis.
Help out your plants. To ward off fungus, add a little hydrogen peroxide to your spray bottle the next time you’re spritzing plants.
Add natural highlights to your hair. Dilute the hydrogen peroxide so the solution is 50% peroxide and 50% water. Spray the solution on wet hair to create subtle, natural highlights.
According to alternative therapy practitioners, adding half a bottle of hydrogen peroxide to a warm bath can help detoxify the body. Some are skeptical of this claim, but a bath is always a nice way to relax and the addition of hydrogen peroxide will leave you – and the tub – squeaky clean!
Spray a solution of 1/2 cup water and 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide on leftover salad, drain, cover and refrigerate. This will prevent wilting and better preserve your salad.
Sanitize your kids’ lunch boxes/bags.
Dab hydrogen peroxide on pimples or acne to help clear skin.
Hydrogen peroxide helps to sprout seeds for new plantings. Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution once a day and spritz the seed every time you re-moisten. You can also use a mixture of 1 parthydrogen peroxide to 32 parts water to improve your plants’ root system.
Remove yellowing from lace curtains or tablecloths. Fill a sink with cold water and a 2 cups of 3%hydrogen peroxide. Soak for at least an hour, rinse in cold water and air dry.
Use it to remove ear wax. Use a solution of 3% with olive or almond oil. Add a couple drops of oil first then H2O2. After a few minutes, tilt head to remove solution and wax.
Helps with foot fungus. Spray a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry. Or try soaking your feet in a peroxide solution to help soften calluses and corns, and disinfect minor cuts.
Spray down the shower with hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria and viruses.
Use 1 pint of 3% hydrogen peroxide to a gallon of water to clean humidifiers and steamers.
Wash shower curtains with hydrogen peroxide to remove mildew and soap scum. Place curtains in machine with a bath towel and your regular detergent. Add 1 cup full strength 3% hydrogen peroxideto the rinse cycle.
Use for towels that have become musty smelling. 1/2 cup Peroxide and 1/2 cup vinegar let stand for 15 minutes wash as normal. Gets rid of the smell.
Use hydrogen peroxide to control fungi present in aquariums. Don’t worry, it won’t hurt your fish. Use sparingly for this purpose.
De-skunking solution. Combine 1 quart 3% H2O2, 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 teaspoon Dawn dish detergent, 2 quarts warm water.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE MAGIC~~~
SOME FACTS ABOUT MODI - THE NEW PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA
So who really is Narendra Modi? Do we really know him?
Sheela Bhatt/Rediff.com’s ready reckoner on the mystery man who is India’s next prime minister.
1. Vadnagar, an ancient town that is almost 2,500 years old, is Narendra Damodardas Mulchand Modi’s birthplace. Indians strongly identify themselves with their janambhoomi, and Modi is no different.
He likes the Hatkeswar Mahadeo temple, built in the 15th century, in his home town. His birthplace is unique in that it saw both Hinduism and Buddhism flourish. It is also a highly cultured town that is famous for the singer-duo Tana and Riri who stumped none other than the legendary Tansen in the Mughal king Akbar’s durbar.
Vadnagar was once the capital of Gujarat and has a proud place in history also because the Chinese scholar Huan Tsang visited it during his 17-year journey through India in the 7th century and has narrated Vadnagar in detail in his fascinating memoirs.
2. Modi was born on September 17, 1950. He makes it a point to take the blessings of his mother Heeraben on his birthday. He bonds reasonably well with his four brothers and sister, but doesn’t display it in public. His wife’s name is Jashoda, and the couple separated soon after marriage.
3. His most striking personal habit is to wear well-ironed and wrinkle-free clothes, a habit he retains from his teenage years when he would fill hot water in a brass lot a and iron his shirt using the vessel’s heated bottom.
He continues to lay stress on dressing well and, judging by his public appearances over the last couple of years he owns hundreds of kurtas, all of them tailored by his favorite darzi(Tailor) in a posh shop on Ahmedabad’s CG Road. Everyone knows that he is crazy about wrist watches and sandals.
4. Modi is fastidious about cleanliness. He keeps his desk, his home and general surroundings spic and span. There is no doubt that he is very comfort-oriented in the matter of designing his home and personal desk. He loves his chartered flights too — one of the privileges of being a chief minister.
5. He can be dubbed one of the best copywriters in contemporary India. No Indian advertising agency is likely to match his ability to paraphrase ideas, launch new brands, re-launch people and events, write-rewrite copies to sell ideas or products as he does.
6. In closed-door meetings he likes multi-media presentations. He has a flair for technology and has a child-like enthusiasm for it. In meetings he has displayed that he has a fine sense of humor — though it can sometimes be hurtful.
7. He is extremely prudent in money matters, and would like to pay the least and get the most while finalizing contracts of various ministries. He can be called economical, if not a miser. Yes, he is very economical with his own money as well.
8. He has back pain at times, with the upper part of the spinal region being the problem area. When he stands for a long time his feet get swollen. But, no, he doesn’t have any serious health problems.
9. He has spent enough time in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, so his language, nuances of behavior and expressions can never be Westernized. He definitely likes Western watches, accessories and homely comforts, but that’s all.
He is quite conservative, even old-fashioned, on issues relating to women and family, though he will never say so in public.
His knowledge of English is reasonably okay, but he is not comfortable speaking it. He has done his master’s in political science, but as an RSS pracharak he learnt all about India, Hinduism and family life when he was staying with RSS families.
10. Those who believe in astrology may like to know that Modi’s moon sign is Scorpio, and sun sign is Virgo. His star constellation is Anuradha. He was born at 11 am on September 17, 1950. An astrologer who saw his kundli says his rahu antardasha , considered good for those in politics, will be on till September 2014.
Ahmedabad’s best astrologer claims Modi’s planetary strength lies in Tula, no mangal in chalit and Rahu
The man’s rise is impressive when one considers that for almost three decades he lived with little money. When in his 20s, he arranged and acted in a play in Vadnagar to collect funds to build his school’s boundary wall. He has even served tea in his maternal uncle’s canteen at the bus stand in Ahmedabad while studying in college.
11. He fasts all nine days during Navratra every year — eating only one fruit a day during this time. He eschews the Navratra-special thali
He fasts out of devotion for Goddess Ambaji, and has changed the landscape of her shrine on the Gujarat-Rajasthan border.
Out of reverence to Ma Amba he has built a Rs 700 million-plus Shaktipeeth parikrama on the Gabbar hillock, considered highly sacred by devotees.
12. He logs on to the Internet every morning without fail and checks all that is written about him. Even if he is travelling, he gets newspapers and cuttings of what his critics are saying about him.
13. He is the decision-maker. Period. He will not send any decision to a Group of Ministers.
14. Modi has no ‘best friend’. He is a loner.
15. Modi is married, but never lived with his wife. For long he has trusted Anandiben Patel, a minister and among his likely successors if he shifts to Delhi. He guards his privacy zealously.
16. Modi is a workaholic. After going online at 7 am or even earlier, he would call his party men from all over Gujarat; now, he calls people from all over India.
He attends office early in the morning, and works till 10 pm if need be. He is a leader who is not going to ease his grip on party politics even if he were to head a ministry or be ensconced in the PMO if the National Democratic Alliance government comes to power.
17. Oh yes, he is in love with the mirror. He poses like a model. He is very conscious of pictures that are sent out from his office.
A few years ago he used to like dark colors, but now he experiments. He keeps a comb handy in his pocket all the time. He keeps half a dozen colorful khes angvastras ready in his car, and chooses one according to the crowd he is addressing.
18. He sleeps for only five hours — sometimes even less. Whatever time he hits the bed, he gets up at 5 or 5.30 am.
19. He writes poems, though their literary value is debatable.
20. His icon is Swami Vivekananda. He admires Indira Gandhi.
21. Modi was incommunicado when he was 17 and 18. He left his family and went to Rajkot’s Ramakrishna mission and to the Belur Math in West Bengal and then to the Himalayas. He wanted to do something, but did not know what. So he traveled and wandered around India.
22. His favorite food is bhakhri (crispy rotis) and khichdi made in Gujarati style. Modi knows to cook.
23. He taught Gujarati to Sadhvi Ritambhara when he was a full-time worker in the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. The sadhvi’s guru Swami Parmanand was fond of Modi’s spiritual quest.
24. Modi meets local Gujarati Muslims frequently. But the easy access given to them is among Gandhinagar’s well-kept secrets.
25. He is a hard task-master and treats government officers as tools to achieve his political goals.
26. There is no doubt that he played communal politics in the last three Gujarat elections. But his close associates say, in a weak defense, that his negative side is not dominated by his penchant for identity politics.
He is like most national leaders — from Indira Gandhi to Nitish Kumar — opportunistic, which drives him to play identity politics for the sake of power.
27. He has won so far because he knows the usefulness and uselessness of everyone around him. Two, he recognizes time and its value. He strikes when it’s his time and bends otherwise.
28. No one should have any doubt that if at all he fulfills his dream of becoming prime minister he will turn New Delhi topsy-turvy. He will make bureaucrats work and will be a dictator who will ensure the implementation of his decisions.
His Jyotigram Yojna to provide power to all Gujarati households 24×7 was almost impossible to implement, with the toughest resistance coming from users of electricity.
But Modi put his foot down, plugged leakages, stopped theft, and forced farmers to pay pending bills running into billions of rupees. It was a very China-like implementation that he managed through Saurabh Patel, the state energy minister.
Modi’s entire image is built on and around this achievement after the 2002 riots.
29. Whatever critics may say, Modi has learnt his lesson after the 2002 riots. Secular activists, the media and the judiciary struggled to get Modi’s government to follow the rule of law. That has made a difference, and is a huge achievement for Teesta Setalvad and other activists.
The Modi camp says he is unlikely to repeat the mistakes of 2002. However, those who hate him will continue to hate him. Modi evokes extreme emotions in his fans, and more so in his opponents.
30. Modi will leave his imprint on the way the central government handles the nation’s minorities.
Modi has an original way of political maneuvering. Just wait and watch.
SOME FACTS ABOUT MODI - THE NEW PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA
What is Pranayama?
Tasmin sati svasaprasvasayor-gativicchedah pranayamah—“Regulation of breath or the control of Prana is the stoppage of inhalation and exhalation, which follows after securing that steadiness of posture or seat.”
This is the definition of Pranayama in the Yoga-sutras of Patanjali.
‘Svasa’ means inspiratory breath. ‘Prasvasa’ means expiatory breath. You can take up the practice of Pranayama after you have gained steadiness in your Asana (seat). If you can sit for 3 hour in one Asana, continuously at one stretch, you have gained mastery over the Asana. If you are able to sit from half to one hour even, you can take up the practice of Pranayama. You can hardly make any spiritual progress without the practice of Pranayama.
Prana is Vyashti, when the individual is concerned. The sum total of the cosmic energy or cosmic Prana is Hiranyagarbha who is known as the floating ‘Golden-Egg’. Hiranyagarbha is Samashti Prana. One match stick is Vyashti (single). The whole match box is Samashti. A single mango-tree is Vyashti. The whole mango grove is Samashti. The energy in the body is Prana. By controlling the motion of the lungs or respiratory organs, we can control the Prana that is vibrating inside. By control of Prana, the mind can be easily controlled, because the mind is fastened to the Prana, like the bird to the string. Just as the bird that is tied to a post by a string, after flying here and there, finds its resting place in the post, so also this mind-bird after running hither and thither, in various sensual objects, finds its resting place during deep sleep in the Prana.
Pranayama (According to the Gita)
Apane juhvati pranam pranepanam tathapare; Pranapanagatee ruddhva pranayamaparayanah (Gita, Ch. IV-29.). Others offer Prana (outgoing breath) in Apana (incoming breath) and Apana in Prana, restraining the passage of Prana and Apana, absorbed in Pranayama.Pranayama is a precious yajna (sacrifice). Some practice the kind of Pranayama called Puraka (filling in). Some practice the kind of Pranayama called Rechaka (emptying). Some are engaged in the practice of Pranayama called Kumbhaka, by impeding the outward passage of air, through the nostrils and the mouth, and by impeding the inward passage of the air, in the opposite direction.
Pranayama (According To Sri Sankaracharya)
“Pranayama is the control of all life-forces by realising naught but Brahman in all things as the mind, etc.
“The negation of the Universe is the outgoing breath. The thought: ‘I am Brahman’ itself is called the incoming breath.
The permanence of that thought thereafter is the restrained breath. This is the Pranayama of the wise, while the pressing of the nose is only for the unknowing.” (Aparokshanubhuti, 118-120). Pranayama(According to Yogi Bhusunda)
Bhusunda says to Sri Vasishtha: “In the cool lotus of the heart within this visible tenement of flesh composed of the five elements, there are two Vayus, viz., Prana and Apana, commingled in it. For those who tread smoothly and without any or the slightest efforts, the path of these two Vayus, will become the sun and the moon themselves in the heart—Akasa, and will rove in the Akasa and yet be animating and carrying their fleshy-tabernacle. These Vayus will go up and down to higher and lower states. They are of the same nature in the waking, dreaming and dreamless sleeping state, and permeate all throughout. I am moving in the direction of those two Vayus and have rendered nil all my Vasanas in the waking state lit unto those of the dreamless sleeping state. Divide a filament of the lotus-stalk into a thousand times and you will find these Vayus more subtle than that. Hence it is difficult for me to treat about the nature of these Vayus and their vibrations. Of these, Prana does ceaselessly vibrate in this body, with an upward motion, both externally and internally, while Apana having the same fluctuating tendency, vibrates both external and internal to the body having a downward motion. It will be beneficial if the Prana exhaled to the extent of 16 digits, is inhaled to the same extent. Only 12 digits are inhaled ordinarily. Those who have brought to experience—viz., the equalisation of Prana in exhalation and inhalation will enjoy infinite bliss. “Now hear about the characteristics of Prana. The inhalation to the length of 12 digits of the Prana which has been exhaled, is called (the internal) Puraka (inhalation). This also is called the internal (Puraka), when Apana Vayu re-enters the body from outside without any effort. When Apana Vayu ceases to manifest itself and Prana gets absorbed in the heart, then the time occupied in such a state is (internal) Kumbha. Yogins are able to experience all these. When the Prana in the Akasa of the heart manifests itself externally (to the heart within) in diverse aspects without any affliction to the mind then it is called (the external) Rechaka (exhalation). When the externally fluctuating Prana enters the nose and stops there at its tip, then it is called the external Puraka. But when it is passing from the tip of the nose it goes down 12 digits. Then also it is called the external Puraka. When Prana goes arrested without and Apana within, then it is called the external Kumbhaka. When the shining Apana Vayu takes an upward bent within, then it is styled the external Rechaka. All these practices lead to moksha. Therefore they should ever be meditated upon. Those who have understood and practiced well all the external and internal Kumbhakas and others, will never be reborn.
“All the eight courses, I have given out before, are capable of yielding Moksha. They should be practised both day and night. Those who are associated with these practices smoothly and control their minds by not letting them run in other directions, will in course of time attain Nirvana. Such practitioners will never thirst after material pleasures. They will ever be in their uniform practice, whether walking, standing, waking, dreaming or sleeping.
“Prana, having flown out, will again be absorbed in the heart having run back 12 digits. Similarly will Apana be absorbed in the heart, having issued out of the heart and running back 12 digits to it. Apana being the moon, will cool the whole body in its passage. But Prana being the sun, will generate heat in the system and cook or digest everything in it. Will pains arise in one who has reached that supreme state, where the Kalas (rays) of Apana the moon, are drowned by Prana the sun? Will rebirth arise in one who has reached that powerful seat, when the Kalas of Prana, the sun, are devoured by Apana the moon? These will arrest at once the seven births of those who reach that neutral state where they find Apana Vayu consumed by Prana and vice versa. I eulogise that Chidatma, who is in that intermediate state, where Prana and Apana are absorbed in one another. I meditate ceaselessly upon that Chidatma, who is in the Akasa, directly in front, at the end of my nose, where Prana and Apana both become extinct. Thus it is through this path of Prana’s control, that I attained the supreme and immaculate Tattva, devoid of pains.”
Control of Breath
The first important step is to master the Asana of posture or to control the body. The next exercise is Pranayama. Correct posture is indispensably requisite for the successful practice of Pranayama. An easy comfortable posture is Asana. That pose is the best which continues to be comfortable for the greatest length of time. Chest, neck, and head must be in one vertical line. You should not bend the body either forwards or laterally, i.e., either on the right or left side. You should not sit crooked. You should not allow the body to collapse. You must not bend the body either forwards or backwards. By regular practice the mastery over the pose will come by itself. Fatty people will find it difficult to practise the Padma Asana or the Lotus Pose. They can sit on the Sukha Asana (comfortable pose) or Siddha Asana (perfected pose). You need not wait for practising Pranayama till you get full mastery over the Asana. Practise Asana and side by side you can practice Pranayama also. In course of time, you will acquire perfection in both. Pranayama can also be practiced by sitting in the chair erect.
In Bhagavad-Gita, the Immortal Song of Lord Krishna, you will find a beautiful description of seat and pose: “In a pure secret place by himself established in a fixed seat of his own, neither too high nor too low, with cloth, black antelope-skin and Kusa grass one over the other, there, making the mind one-pointed, with thought and the functions of the senses controlled, steady on his seat, he should practice Yoga for the purification of the Self, holding the body, head and neck erect, firm, gazing steadily at the tip of the nose without looking around” (Ch. VI—10,11, & 12).
Pranayama is the control of the Prana and the vital forces of the body. It is regulation of the breath. This is the most important step. The aim of Pranayama is the control of Prana. Pranayama begins with the regulation of the breath for having control over the life-currents or inner vital force. In other words, Pranayama is the perfect control of the life-currents through control of breath. Breath is external manifestation of the gross Prana. A correct habit of breathing must be established by the regular practice of Pranayama. In ordinary worldly persons the breathing is irregular. If you can control the Prana you can completely control all the forces of the Universe, mental and physical. The Yogi can also control the Omnipresent manifesting power out of which all energies take their origin, whether concerning magnetism, electricity, gravitation, cohesion, nerve-currents, vital forces or thought-vibrations, in fact the total forces of the Universe, physical and mental.
If one controls the breath or Prana, the mind also is controlled. He who has controlled his mind has also controlled his breath. If one is suspended, the other is also suspended. If the mind and Prana are both controlled one gets liberation from the round of births and deaths and attains immortality. There is intimate connection between the mind, Prana and semen. If one controls the seminal energy, the mind and Prana are also controlled. He who has controlled his seminal energy has also controlled his Prana and mind.
He who practices Pranayama will have good appetite, cheerfulness, handsome figure, good strength, courage, enthusiasm, a high standard of health, vigour and vitality and good concentration of mind. Pranayama is quite suitable for the Westerners also. A Yogi measures the span of his life not by the number of years but by the number of his breaths. You can take in a certain amount of energy or Prana from the atmospheric air along with each breath. Vital capacity is the capacity shown by the largest quantity of air a man can inhale after the deepest possible exhalation. A man takes fifteen breaths in a minute. The total number of breaths comes to 21,600 times per day.
Author’s Name: Swami Sivananda
What is Pranayama?
World's Largest Aircraft- Must See!
This is Big Bird, actually it’s bigger than big.
One of the reasons why Russia doesn’t want to give up the Ukraine. Kiev is the manufacturing site for this unique aircraft.
http://gelio.livejournal.com/193025.html
World's Largest Aircraft- Must See!
Sunday, November 16, 2014
What's Your IQ?
Take the Test: What‘s Your IQ?
This intelligence test does not measure your true intelligence, of course. For that, a comprehensive exam taking several hours would have to be undertaken. This is a simpler version of the mainstream test that will measure your logic, spatial problem solving, mathamatical abilities and pattern recognition, giving you a pretty good estimate of your potential in a real IQtest. You are not constrained on time, but if you want accurate results – no cheating! |
What's Your IQ?
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