Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Life of a Navodayan - Part 1
It's at a new place now - check out: https://vipinwrites.wordpress.com/2012/12/18/life-of-a-navodayan-part-1/
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Few "Bangalore Facts"
- Bangalore has the impeccable record of highest growth in 20 years.(as of 2005)
- Bangalore has highest number of Pubs in Asia.(Point to be noted)
- Bangalore has highest number of cigarette smokers in India.(Did someone say, smoking is injurious to health???)
- Bangalore has 21 engineering colleges, which is highest in the world in any given city.(does that mean, most number of engineers as well?)
- Bangalore University has 57 Engineering Colleges affiliated to it, which is highest in the world.
- Bangalore is the only city in the world to have commercial and defence airport operating from the same locality.
- Bangalore was the first city in India to receive electricity.
- Bangalore has highest number of Public sectors and Government organizations in India. (so more corruption???)
- Bangalore University has highest number of students going Abroad for higher studies taking the first place from IIT-Kanpur.
- Bangalore has only 41% of local population(i.e.Kannadigas). Hence a true cosmopolitan with around 21% Tamilians, 15% Telugites, 11% Keralites, 6% Europeans, 6% a mixture of all races.
- Bangalore Police has the reputation of being the second best in India after New Delhi Police.
- Bangalore has the highest density of traffic in India. (so damn true..!)
- Bangalore has the highest number of 2-wheelers in the world and also the dubious reputation for the highest 2-wheeler thefts.(its obvious then. Ants are always there around sweet)
- Bangalore is considered as the Fashion Capital of East comparable to Paris. (Quite possible. You know what I mean, right?)
- Bangalore is rated one of the Cleanest cities in India.
- Bangalore has produced the maximum International Sports persons in India for all sports ahead of even Mumbai & Delhi.
- Bangalore has the richest people in India. The line of poverty is the least of all cities of the world.
- Bangalore has produced the maximum number of scientists considered for Nobel Prize nominations (from India).
- Bangalore's Lalbagh botanical gardens is credited to have one of the most diverse man made collection of flora.
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| Night View of Lalbagh |
- Bangalore has produced the highest number of professionals in USA almost 60% of the Indian population abroad is from Bangalore (except Gulf).
- Bangalore has highest number of cocaine addicts in India.
- Bangalore has the highest number of software professionals in the world taking the first place from Osaka, Japan.
- Bangalore has the most number of gardens in a city. Hence called Garden City. Nearly 40% of Bangy's landscape is gardens/parks & 15% lakes/ponds.
- Bangalore has produced the maximum international sportsmen in India for all sports ahead of even Mumbai & Delhi.
- Bangalore is the only city in India with maximum number of temples, mosques, churches & gurdwaras.
- Bangalore University produces maximum number of doctors in India. (They help the people mentioned in the 3rd point above)
- Bangalore was founded in 2nd Century and still has the same infrastructure drainage & sanitary systems - the oldest in the world.
- Bangalore is considered an antipode of Boston, in terms of IT.
- Below is a Bangalore Survival Kit which I found from Google Images.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Bangalore - The cool city
Few places in the world have an amazing power to attract people and Bangalore (also rendered Bengaluru) is one among them. I didn't know the past/present/future of this city when I first fell in love with this city. It wasn't love at first site, it happened even before visiting the city for the first time in May 2009. Bangalore has always been a dream city for many. This city which is also known as the Garden city is indeed a cool city - the people, the place and of course the climate being cool.
A demographically diverse city, Bangalore is a major economic and cultural hub and the second fastest growing major metropolis in India. Bangalore has another known name - the Silicon Valley of India because of its position as the nation's leading IT exporter.
For those who are curious to know from where did this name "Bengaluru" come from; here you go! The earliest reference to this name was found in a stone inscription found in Begur. In the inscription "vīra gallu" (literally, "hero stone", a rock edict extolling the virtues of a warrior), Bangalore is referred to as a place in which a battle was fought and it was known as "Bengaval-uru", the "City of Guards" in Halegannada (Old Kannada).
Another popular, anecdote recounts that the 11th century Hoysala king Veera Ballala II, while on a hunting expedition, lost his way in the forest. Tired and hungry, he came across a poor old woman who served him boiled beans. The grateful king named the place "benda-kaal-uru" (literally, "town of boiled beans"), which eventually evolved into "Bengalūru".
On 11 December 2005, the Government of Karnataka announced that it had accepted a proposal by Jnanpith Award winner U. R. Ananthamurthy to rename Bangalore to Bengaluru. On 27 September 2006, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) passed a resolution to implement the proposed name change. And from then its "Namma Bengaluru".
As mentioned earlier, Bangalore is a "cool" city by all means. Owing to a higher elevation, Bangalore enjoys a more moderate climate through out the year. The coolest month is December with an average low temperature of 15.4 °C and the hottest month is April with an average high temperature of 32.8 °C.The highest temperature ever recorded in Bangalore is 38.9 °C(recorded in March 1931) and the lowest ever is 7.8 °C (recorded in January 1884).
Bangalore is currently twinned with four sister cities.
By the way do you know what it means? Have you ever visited a city abroad and thought to yourself how much it reminds you of another place? New York City may feel like home, but there is something familiar about the fast paced lifestyle in London that makes you want to live there. Imagine those cities networking together and helping each other out; to promote tourism and cultural understanding. This is the main concept of Sister Cities International; connecting international cities in many interesting ways. So, twin towns or sister cities are cooperative agreements between towns, cities, and even counties in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.
This cute cool city has inspired my life and of many others'. Where ever I go, I will come back one day to be in this city. It is a Pensioner's Paradise.
A demographically diverse city, Bangalore is a major economic and cultural hub and the second fastest growing major metropolis in India. Bangalore has another known name - the Silicon Valley of India because of its position as the nation's leading IT exporter.
 |
| A building in Infosys campus, Bangalore |
Another popular, anecdote recounts that the 11th century Hoysala king Veera Ballala II, while on a hunting expedition, lost his way in the forest. Tired and hungry, he came across a poor old woman who served him boiled beans. The grateful king named the place "benda-kaal-uru" (literally, "town of boiled beans"), which eventually evolved into "Bengalūru".
On 11 December 2005, the Government of Karnataka announced that it had accepted a proposal by Jnanpith Award winner U. R. Ananthamurthy to rename Bangalore to Bengaluru. On 27 September 2006, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) passed a resolution to implement the proposed name change. And from then its "Namma Bengaluru".
As mentioned earlier, Bangalore is a "cool" city by all means. Owing to a higher elevation, Bangalore enjoys a more moderate climate through out the year. The coolest month is December with an average low temperature of 15.4 °C and the hottest month is April with an average high temperature of 32.8 °C.The highest temperature ever recorded in Bangalore is 38.9 °C(recorded in March 1931) and the lowest ever is 7.8 °C (recorded in January 1884).
Bangalore is currently twinned with four sister cities.
| City | Country |
| Minsk | Belarus |
| San Francisco | United States |
| San Jose | United States |
| Cleveland | United States |
By the way do you know what it means? Have you ever visited a city abroad and thought to yourself how much it reminds you of another place? New York City may feel like home, but there is something familiar about the fast paced lifestyle in London that makes you want to live there. Imagine those cities networking together and helping each other out; to promote tourism and cultural understanding. This is the main concept of Sister Cities International; connecting international cities in many interesting ways. So, twin towns or sister cities are cooperative agreements between towns, cities, and even counties in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.
This cute cool city has inspired my life and of many others'. Where ever I go, I will come back one day to be in this city. It is a Pensioner's Paradise.
Monday, December 10, 2012
World will end in 2012. Here are the 7 Reasons!
Society seems to be fixated on the End of the World, and yet, after countless "Doomsdays" that have come and gone, humanity (and the planet) is still here. Below are the 7 factors or facts, which are claimed as scientifically proved, that claim the End of the world. Let’s see what they are.
1.Mayan Calendar
Mayans fought battles fiercely because they believed that death on the battle field secured them eternal bliss, whereas capture by the enemy was regarded as worse than any death. The same warriors were good in mathematics and astronomy as well. Thousands of years ago, they could manage to calculate the distance of Moon from earth as 329.53020 days, only 34 seconds out. So when there calculation about lunar cycle was so accurate, its likely they have got the end of the world right as well.
According to the Popol Vuh, we are living in the fourth world. In the Maya Long Count, the previous world ended after 13th b'ak'tun or roughly 5,125 years. The Long Count's "zero date was set at a point in the past marking the end of the third world and the beginning of the current one, which corresponds to 11 August 3114 BC in the proleptic Gregorian calendar. This means that the fourth world will also have reached the end of its 13th b'ak'tun, or Mayan date 13.0.0.0.0, on 21 December 2012.
2. Sun Storms
Solar experts from around the world monitoring the sun have made a startling discovery: our sun is in a bit of trouble. The energy output of the sun is, like most things in nature, cyclic, and it’s supposed to be in the middle of a period of relative stability. However, recent solar storms have been bombarding the Earth with so much radiation energy, it’s been knocking out power grids and destroying satellites. This activity is predicted to get worse, and calculations suggest it’ll reach its deadly peak sometime in 2012.
3. The Atom Smasher
Scientists in Europe have been building the world’s largest particle accelerator. Basically its a 27km tunnel designed to smash atoms together to find out what makes the Universe tick. However, the mega-gadget has caused serious concern, with some scientists suggesting that it’s properly even a bad idea to turn it on in the first place. They’re predicting all manner of deadly results, including mini black holes. So when this machine is fired up for its first serious experiment in 2012, the world could be crushed into a super-dense blob the size of a basketball.
4. The Bible says…
If having scientists warning us about the end of the world isn’t bad enough,religious folks are getting in on the act aswell. Interpretations of the Christian Bible reveal that the date for Armageddon, the final battle between Good an Evil, has been set down for 2012. The I Ching, also known as the Chinese book of Changes, says the same thing, as do various sections of the Hindu teachings.
5. Super Volcano
Yellowstone National Park in the United States is famous for its thermal springs and Old Faithful geyser. The reason for this is simple – it’s sitting on top of the world’s biggest volcano, and geological experts are beginning to get nervous sweats. The Yellowstone volcano has a pattern of erupting every 650,000 years or so, and we’re many years overdue for an explosion that will fill the atmosphere with ash, blocking the sun and plunging the Earth into a frozen winter that could last up to 15,000 years. The pressure under the Yellowstone is building steadily, and geologists have set 2012 as a likely date for the big bang.
6. The Physicists
This one’s case of bog-simple maths mathematics. Physicists at Berekely University have been crunching the numbers. and they’ve determined that the Earth is well overdue for a major catastrophic event. Even worse, they’re claiming their calculations prove, that we’re all going to die, very soon – while also saying their prediction comes with a certainty of 99 percent- and 2012 just happens to be the best guess as to when it occurs.
7. Slip-Slop-Slap- BANG!
We all know the Earth is surrounded by a magnetic field that shields us from most of the sun’s radiation. What you might not know is that the magnetic poles we call north and south have a nasty habit of swapping places every 750,000 years or so – and right now we’re about 30,000 years overdue. Scientists have noted that the poles are drifting apart roughly 20-30kms each year, much faster than ever before, which points to a pole-shift being right around the corner. While the pole shift is underway, the magnetic field is disrupted and will eventually disappear, sometimes for up to 100 years. The result is enough UV outdoors to crisp your skin in seconds, killing everything it touches.
1.Mayan Calendar
Mayans fought battles fiercely because they believed that death on the battle field secured them eternal bliss, whereas capture by the enemy was regarded as worse than any death. The same warriors were good in mathematics and astronomy as well. Thousands of years ago, they could manage to calculate the distance of Moon from earth as 329.53020 days, only 34 seconds out. So when there calculation about lunar cycle was so accurate, its likely they have got the end of the world right as well.
According to the Popol Vuh, we are living in the fourth world. In the Maya Long Count, the previous world ended after 13th b'ak'tun or roughly 5,125 years. The Long Count's "zero date was set at a point in the past marking the end of the third world and the beginning of the current one, which corresponds to 11 August 3114 BC in the proleptic Gregorian calendar. This means that the fourth world will also have reached the end of its 13th b'ak'tun, or Mayan date 13.0.0.0.0, on 21 December 2012.
2. Sun Storms
Solar experts from around the world monitoring the sun have made a startling discovery: our sun is in a bit of trouble. The energy output of the sun is, like most things in nature, cyclic, and it’s supposed to be in the middle of a period of relative stability. However, recent solar storms have been bombarding the Earth with so much radiation energy, it’s been knocking out power grids and destroying satellites. This activity is predicted to get worse, and calculations suggest it’ll reach its deadly peak sometime in 2012.
 |
| This image provided by NASA TV shows a double prominence solar eruption of super-hot plasma |
Scientists in Europe have been building the world’s largest particle accelerator. Basically its a 27km tunnel designed to smash atoms together to find out what makes the Universe tick. However, the mega-gadget has caused serious concern, with some scientists suggesting that it’s properly even a bad idea to turn it on in the first place. They’re predicting all manner of deadly results, including mini black holes. So when this machine is fired up for its first serious experiment in 2012, the world could be crushed into a super-dense blob the size of a basketball.
4. The Bible says…
If having scientists warning us about the end of the world isn’t bad enough,religious folks are getting in on the act aswell. Interpretations of the Christian Bible reveal that the date for Armageddon, the final battle between Good an Evil, has been set down for 2012. The I Ching, also known as the Chinese book of Changes, says the same thing, as do various sections of the Hindu teachings.
5. Super Volcano
Yellowstone National Park in the United States is famous for its thermal springs and Old Faithful geyser. The reason for this is simple – it’s sitting on top of the world’s biggest volcano, and geological experts are beginning to get nervous sweats. The Yellowstone volcano has a pattern of erupting every 650,000 years or so, and we’re many years overdue for an explosion that will fill the atmosphere with ash, blocking the sun and plunging the Earth into a frozen winter that could last up to 15,000 years. The pressure under the Yellowstone is building steadily, and geologists have set 2012 as a likely date for the big bang.
6. The Physicists
This one’s case of bog-simple maths mathematics. Physicists at Berekely University have been crunching the numbers. and they’ve determined that the Earth is well overdue for a major catastrophic event. Even worse, they’re claiming their calculations prove, that we’re all going to die, very soon – while also saying their prediction comes with a certainty of 99 percent- and 2012 just happens to be the best guess as to when it occurs.
7. Slip-Slop-Slap- BANG!
We all know the Earth is surrounded by a magnetic field that shields us from most of the sun’s radiation. What you might not know is that the magnetic poles we call north and south have a nasty habit of swapping places every 750,000 years or so – and right now we’re about 30,000 years overdue. Scientists have noted that the poles are drifting apart roughly 20-30kms each year, much faster than ever before, which points to a pole-shift being right around the corner. While the pole shift is underway, the magnetic field is disrupted and will eventually disappear, sometimes for up to 100 years. The result is enough UV outdoors to crisp your skin in seconds, killing everything it touches.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Mouli - on the blog!
Shyam was running to Mouli's room. Mouli is staying at the 1st floor of an apartment which is hardly 200 mtrs away from Shyam's room. Shyam ran to the door and stated knocking the door. He started with just knocking, then he changed the "mode" to kicking. At this time Mr. Mouli was performing his rituals to his all time favorite Kumbhakarna. Mouli had no clue about what was happening at his door, he kept sleeping..oops performing the ritual. Shyam got pissed off. He moved to the window and started hitting the window glasses. This time Mouli jumped from his bed thinking that the whole building was crashing down. It took 2-3 minutes for him to realize that everything was normal except someone knocking (kicking) the door. He asked himself "Who the hell is this, that too this early morning. Above all that was a Sunday and Mouli was really pissed off because he usually perform his "kumbhakarna seva" comfortably on Sunday mornings without any disturbances (when he says "this early morning" what do you think? It was 11AM already then).
Mouli had decided to finish him off, whoever was there outside, he was killing him. The moment he opened the door, before he could even open his mouth, he had to close his ears. That "nice" were the words coming out from Shyam. What a way to start the day? Mouli was blessed. Shyam's words were so powerful that Mouli only asked "dude, whats up?". But Shyam realized that he was over acting. He felt little bad for Mouli. But he didn't show that. If he had shown that, Mouli would have said what Shyam did.
Mouli asked, "Why the hell did you scream like that, *(&;;%$^#@..? Shyam just said only one sentence, "that RASCAL is writing a blog and you're his main character". Mouli didn't have to think twice. From the word 'writing" that too Rascal, he got to know. He screamed, where is that *#$@;;^%%$^? Shyam was happy. He was smiling. His mission was accomplished. Mouli didn't even brush his teeth; he was storming towards my apartment.
And at this time, without knowing all those dramas, I was performing my version of Kumbhakarna Seva. They both reached near my gate and luckily the sound of they opening the gate was loud enough and Brooz started barking. (Brooz is my house owner's pet dog and we are friends.) I woke up and saw them entering the apartment. I suddenly had few 100s of butterflies in my stomach. I could sense the reason behind Mouli's "early" morning visit.
I shouldn't have given my laptop to Shyam without logging off from my FB account. That pig might have seen my posts. Whenever I posted something about my blog, I set the privacy that Mouli or Shyam does't see it. Moreover these morons had no interest in FB those days. But anyways, I had no options but to get my ass kicked. As expected I heard the knocking (or say kicking) sounds at the door. I opened the door though I didn't want to, and trust me everything was really quick after that. In another few seconds I was on the floor and Mouli was performing all his "martial arts" skills on me. That "game" continued for 4-5 minutes. You may think that it was too short for a game, but Mouli knew better that I had plans for my future.
All these while that *&%$@# Shyam was taking all these as a video in his mobile with a smile. I wanted to crush that ****** like an ant. But Mouli did a great job and I couldn't even walk properly. I was murmuring, "I'll get your a** kicked someday soon"! Mouli was tired after the fighting session. Shyam was watching the video again and again, and was laughing his stomach out. He liked my expressions it seems.
I took my laptop out and connected to internet. I opened my blog and asked Mouli to take a look, because I knew that by then he also would've developed an interest in reading the post about him. Mouli took the laptop as if he was not interested . Seeing him looking at the screen, Shyam switched on the TV and I went to bathroom. For some reason, I did't want to be there in front of him when he was reading the blog (yeah...what if he start the martial art session all over again).
When I came out of the bathroom,, Shyam wasn't there. I asked Mouli where did he go, but he didn't respond. Mouli was keeping his head down and my laptop was there on the bed. I went to him, kept my hands on his shoulder and said, "I'm sorry buddy. I didn't mean to offend you but...". He got up and looked at me. His eyes were wet I saw. He said, "I'm sorry for hurting you. When Shyam told me that you wrote about me and that too on a blog, I thought you wrote something else. Something like our college life..or about my "friends" (I knew what he meant by friends there). You write well. Keep it up and I like your blog."
I took a deep breath as he stopped. I told him thanks and he left the room. I knew that he was going to continue his Kumbhakarna seva. I felt better. I even expected Mouli to take it seriously, but everything went well. As Mouli was crossing the road, I called him from my window and asked- "dude, do you know what would be next post?". He smiled and said, "about Shyam?". I laughed and said, "No, your college life and friends".
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Ramoji Rao - The Haunted Film City?
Whenever I call my friends who stay in other states, they ask me when will I visit Ramoji Rao Film City and I could never visit the place till now. But now that I hear that the hotels there are haunted; I should visit the place someday soon but no stay in those hotels; not because I'm scared of ghosts but because I have an ego problem with them and so I don't want to "see" them. Before getting into the Ghost story, let me tell you few things about this place.
Ramoji film city is situated in Hayathnagar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. It is the second largest integrated film city next to Prayag Film City of Kolkata. It is also a popular tourism center containing both natural and artificial attractions including an amusement park. The facility was opened in 1996 by a producer named Ramoji Rao.
Every year, the studios attracts over a million tourists and creates revenues in billions of rupees. Located at the entrance of the film city are the 3-star hotel, Tara and a 5-star hotel, Sitara for the film production units as well as for tourists. Once inside, there is Hawa Mahal, an intricate miniature Golconda Fort, which is on a hilltop from which one can have a Bird's-eye view of the whole studio. The vintage Film City coaches shuttle visitors around the studios on a guided tour. There are several settings in the studios which lead the visitors from streets of the Mauryan Empire or the Mughal Empire or even the American Old West. There's also the famous Hollywood sign displayed on the hills at the studios.
So the story take a turn here. Some sources (don't ask me who it is) say that the film city has been built upon the war grounds of Nizam Sultans (sorry I'm not that good in history and hence not much clue about those Sultans). Few witnesses reportedly said that they had seen lights kept on top falling off, the guys who sit on the top holding the lights were pushed down and many had severe injuries. Majority of the incidents say that the so called Ghosts are "settled" in the hotels. The food left in rooms get scattered around, strange script-like marks left on the mirrors which resembles Urdu, the language used by the Sultans.
One funny (or scary) part of it is that the ghosts' favorites are girls (yeah..what you're thinking is right, ghost hunting ghosts). They trouble girls so much that they even tear their clothes, knock the bathroom doors from out side,, and shadows in the changing rooms (crazy ghosts).These stories though well known are not revealed officially due to business reasons.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Bhangarh - Nobody returns from here!
India, with its rich and long history, is full of mysteries. Perhaps none is as puzzling as what happened hundreds of years ago at a royal city in Rajasthan, now under excavation. People say that nobody returned from there who stayed there after dark. (WTH...I'm lil scared already!)
Bhangarh is a place on way from Jaipur to Alwar city in Rajasthan state of India. Today Bhangarh is known for it's ruins where nobody dares to stay after sunset. Going to history we find that this town was established by Madho Singh, younger brother of King Akbar’s General Man Singh, in 1631. But the city seems to have been abandoned in a hurry some centuries later. As per local folks, due to some curse the whole town was vacated overnight. According to this curse it was also said that if the town was ever rediscovered, the township would not be found, but only temples would show up. True to the story, only temples dot the landscape and even far up on the mountains only shrines can be seen.
The biggest thing is that as per Govt. of India rules there has to be an office of Archaeology Survey of India (ASI) beside every historical structure in India. But even Government authorities couldn't dare to open an office there and they opened their office about one kilometer away from the ruins of Bhangarh. (Can't ghosts reach there??)
"The place was absolutely dark! No artificial lighting. At all! we parked the car strategically so as make use of the car's headlamps and jumped the iron gate and, we were in. Of course, this didn't happen so fast and without a lot of discussions and thinking and some more re-thinking. Soon we were far from the car and the only luminescence in the pitch blackness was my phone flashlight. We'd gone way in and were scared to death, we'd dare not go inside the caves, there were bats. We wanted to stay away from the trees and wilderness, black panthers and snakes were common here.
The guard told us the story of Bhangarh, how a tantrik cursed the town so its inhabitants would die suddenly , he cursed- that none of the houses would have roofs over them. The guard then showed us that in fact none of the ancient houses had roofs other than the mandirs ,the temples! I shit you not. And that moment, it was bone-chilling! He took us to the gate and made us leave. We left. I slept on the way and damn, I cant forget the nightmares I had that night."
A search party went looking for these boys but no success...only their car, a camera and a diary with these notes scribbled were found. Apparently, they visited the place for a night of ghost hunting. S*** man, where the hell did they go?
Any plan to visit this place sometime soon? Don't call me, I won't come. Not because I'm scared but I'm allergic to GHOSTS!!
Source: http://real-ghosts-and-demons.blogspot.in/2010/07/bhangarh-most-haunted-place-of-india.html
Bhangarh is a place on way from Jaipur to Alwar city in Rajasthan state of India. Today Bhangarh is known for it's ruins where nobody dares to stay after sunset. Going to history we find that this town was established by Madho Singh, younger brother of King Akbar’s General Man Singh, in 1631. But the city seems to have been abandoned in a hurry some centuries later. As per local folks, due to some curse the whole town was vacated overnight. According to this curse it was also said that if the town was ever rediscovered, the township would not be found, but only temples would show up. True to the story, only temples dot the landscape and even far up on the mountains only shrines can be seen.
 |
| Indian Government Warning Signboard |
Real account from people who're missing now.
A photograph and a diary entry
"The place was absolutely dark! No artificial lighting. At all! we parked the car strategically so as make use of the car's headlamps and jumped the iron gate and, we were in. Of course, this didn't happen so fast and without a lot of discussions and thinking and some more re-thinking. Soon we were far from the car and the only luminescence in the pitch blackness was my phone flashlight. We'd gone way in and were scared to death, we'd dare not go inside the caves, there were bats. We wanted to stay away from the trees and wilderness, black panthers and snakes were common here.
The guard told us the story of Bhangarh, how a tantrik cursed the town so its inhabitants would die suddenly , he cursed- that none of the houses would have roofs over them. The guard then showed us that in fact none of the ancient houses had roofs other than the mandirs ,the temples! I shit you not. And that moment, it was bone-chilling! He took us to the gate and made us leave. We left. I slept on the way and damn, I cant forget the nightmares I had that night."
Last entry:
"I woke up at 7 am to find myself in the middle of nowhere, turns out we'd lost the way back and my friend who was driving had parked the car and dozed off. Boy, he must have gone through crazy shit. But now, it was daylight, we felt safer, though we had no clue where we were and there were no people around! there was no no mobile network,so we couldn't make calls. that was still manageable, but the car? it would not start!"A search party went looking for these boys but no success...only their car, a camera and a diary with these notes scribbled were found. Apparently, they visited the place for a night of ghost hunting. S*** man, where the hell did they go?
Any plan to visit this place sometime soon? Don't call me, I won't come. Not because I'm scared but I'm allergic to GHOSTS!!
Source: http://real-ghosts-and-demons.blogspot.in/2010/07/bhangarh-most-haunted-place-of-india.html
Thursday, November 22, 2012
5 Strange Places on Earth
1. RACETRACK PLAYA - USA
Located in one of the flattest places on the face of this planet are the strange and unexplained Sailing Stones of Racetrack Playa - Death Valley - California - USA. Once a year the "Playa" or flat desert pan experiences short winter rains and becomes slippery as the hexagonal desert floor turns back to mud. During this time the boulders and rocks move leaving clearly visible tracks behind them. Although scientists believe that high winds are responsible, some of the rocks will suddenly change directions and move at almost perfect right angles to their previous direction. All the evidence suggests that this is not a hoax although it is also said that the movement of these rocks has never been captured on film or video. In this technological age we wonder why time lapse photography hasn't been used?
2. FLY GEYSER
The Fly Geyser, near Gerlach, Nevada, is strange because it somehow grows up. It is three meters high at the moment. It is interesting that this geyser is located on private area, so nobody can enjoy it from close. The owner is Bill Spoo, a man who rejects the opportunity to make a fortune from the tourists, and keeps the beautiful view just for himself and the few researchers and photographers who have to schedule a visit weeks before arriving.
Located in one of the flattest places on the face of this planet are the strange and unexplained Sailing Stones of Racetrack Playa - Death Valley - California - USA. Once a year the "Playa" or flat desert pan experiences short winter rains and becomes slippery as the hexagonal desert floor turns back to mud. During this time the boulders and rocks move leaving clearly visible tracks behind them. Although scientists believe that high winds are responsible, some of the rocks will suddenly change directions and move at almost perfect right angles to their previous direction. All the evidence suggests that this is not a hoax although it is also said that the movement of these rocks has never been captured on film or video. In this technological age we wonder why time lapse photography hasn't been used?
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| The Sailing Stones add mystique to Death Valley but the real strangeness of this place is its desperate isolation, heat and incredible flatness |
The Fly Geyser, near Gerlach, Nevada, is strange because it somehow grows up. It is three meters high at the moment. It is interesting that this geyser is located on private area, so nobody can enjoy it from close. The owner is Bill Spoo, a man who rejects the opportunity to make a fortune from the tourists, and keeps the beautiful view just for himself and the few researchers and photographers who have to schedule a visit weeks before arriving.
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| Source |
3. AURORA BOREALIS (North Pole)
Auroras sometimes called the northern and southern (polar) lights or aurorae are natural beautiful light displays in the sky, usually observed at night, particularly in the polar regions. They typically occur in the ionosphere. The Cree people call this phenomenon the “Dance of the Spirits. Its southern counterpart, the aurora australis or the southern polar lights, has similar properties, but is only visible from high southern latitudes in Antarctica, South America, or Australasia.
4. SALAR DE UYUN
Salar de Uyuni is located on the Andes in Bolivia and is the world’s largest salt flat. It’s a dried salt lake which has created an amazing flat few meters high salt crust and consists from 50 to 70% of the world’s reserves of lithium. However, it’s not the reason why this place is so famous. During the raining season the water creates the world’s largest mirror. You can see the sky and clouds under your feet and feel like you’re walking on them. Although it’s a quite remote place, there are still a lot of tourists who make their best photos in Salar de Uyuni.
5. GREAT BLUE HOLE - BELIZE
The Great Blue Hole in Belize is world wide known as one of the greatest diving sites. The almost perfect circular hole is part of the Lighthouse Reef and is 450 meters deep. The analysis of stalactites found in Great Blue Hole confirms that formation has taken place during billions of years when the ocean level was much lower. When it arose the great hole was filled with water and now we have one of the world’s greatest geological wonders.
Found on both land and in the ocean throughout the Bahamas and the national waters of Belize are deep circular cavities known as Blue Holes which are often the entrances to cave networks, some of them up to 14 kilometres in length. Divers have reported a vast number of aquatic creatures some of which are still new to science. In addition, they've recorded chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites which only form in dry caves. For the explorers this was proof that at one time, nearly 65,000 years ago, when the world was in the grip of the last major ice age, the sea level of the Bahamas was up to 150 meters lower than it is today. Over time the limestone of the islands was eroded by water and vast cave networks created. When sea levels rose again about 10,000 years ago some of these collapsed inwards and the Blue Holes were formed.
Mount Kailash - A Mystery
I've heard a lot about Kaliash in the stories which my grandma used to tell me. But I seldom knew that the very same Mt. Kailash is as mysteric as its size. A great mass of rock soaring to over 22,000 feet, Mt. Kailash has the unique distinction of being the world's most venerated holy place at the same time that it is the least visited.The supremely sacred site of four religions and billions of people, Kailash is seen by no more than a few thousand pilgrims each year. This curious fact is explained by the mountain's remote location in far western Tibet. No planes, trains or buses journey anywhere near the region and even with rugged over-land vehicles the journey still requires weeks of difficult, often dangerous travel. The weather, always cold, can be unexpectedly treacherous and pilgrims must carry all the supplies they will need for the entire journey.
The landscape around the mountain is rugged and dry but crossed by crystalline blue streams and other bodies of water. Near the sacred mountain is the source of the Indus, Sutlej and Bramaputra rivers and on its south side are two freshwater lakes, the easternmost of which is the highly sacred Lake Manasarowar (Mapam). With an altitude of 14,950 feet, Mansarovar is the highest body of fresh water in the world. The other lake, Rakshastal, also has legendary significance.
According to Hindu mythology, Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration, resides at the summit of a legendary mountain named Kailasa. Mount Kailasa is regarded in many sects of Hinduism as Paradise, the ultimate destination of souls and the spiritual center of the world. According to a description in the Puranas, Mount Kailash's four faces are made of crystal, ruby, gold, and lapis lazuli; it is the pillar of the world; rises 84,000 leagues high; is the center of the world mandala; and is located at the heart of six mountain ranges symbolizing a lotus. From it flow four rivers, which stretch to the four quarters of the world and divide the world into four regions.
Kailash is sacred to other religions as well. The Jains call the mountain Astapada and believe it to be the place where Rishaba, the first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras attained liberation. Followers of Bon, Tibet's pre-Buddhist, shamanistic religion, call the mountain Tise and believe it to be the seat of the Sky Goddess Sipaimen. Additionally, Bon myths regard Tise as the sight of a legendary 12th century battle of sorcery between the Buddhist sage Milarepa and the Bon shaman Naro Bon-chung. Milarepa's defeat of the shaman displaced Bon as the primary religion of Tibet, firmly establishing Buddhism in its place. While the Buddha is believed to have magically visited Kailash in the 5th century BC, the religion of Buddhism only entered Tibet, via Nepal and India, in the 7th century AD. Tibetan Buddhists call the mountain Kang Rimpoche, the 'Precious One of Glacial Snow', and regard it as the dwelling place of Demchog (also known as Chakrasamvara) and his consort, Dorje Phagmo. Three hills rising near Kang Rimpoche are believed to be the homes of the the Bodhisatvas Manjushri, Vajrapani, and Avalokiteshvara.
Pilgrims to Kailash, after the difficult journey getting there, are then confronted with the equally arduous task of circumambulating the sacred peak. This walking around the mountain (clockwise for the Buddhists, counter-clockwise for Bon adherents) is known as a Kora, or Parikrama, and normally takes three days. In hopes of gaining extra merit or psychic powers however, some pilgrims will vary the tempo of their movement. A hardy few, practicing a secret breathing technique known as Lung-gom, will power themselves around the mountain in only one day. Others will take two to three weeks for the Kora by making full body prostrations the entire way. It is believed that a pilgrim who completes 108 journeys around the mountain is assured enlightenment. Most pilgrims to Kailash will also take a short plunge in the nearby, highly sacred (and very cold) Lake Manosaravar. The word 'manas' means mind or consciousness; the name Manosaravar means Lake of Consciousness and Enlightenment. Adjacent to Manosaravar is Rakas Tal or Rakshas, the Lake of Demons. Pilgrimage to this great sacred mountain and these two magical lakes is a life changing experience and an opportunity to view some of the most magical scenery on the entire planet.
No pilgrims climb Mt. Kailash; all four religions believe it would be a serious act of sacrilege to set foot on its slopes. Legend has it that the only person to have reached the summit is the Buddhist champion Milarepa (who flew to the top in the 12th century) and that all others who have ventured to defy the taboo have died in the process.The mountain is located in a particularly remote and inhospitable area of the Tibetan Himalayas. Only those in the best health are able to undertake the journey even to the starting point of the circumambulation, let alone walk 52 km in a single day. A few modern amenities, such as benches, resting places and refreshment kiosks, exist to aid the pilgrims in their devotions.
Western visitors usually need a guide, vehicle, driver, and a military permit to visit Kailash, all of which are arranged on tours from Kathmandu or Lhasa. The short version of the tour takes 14 days and cost around ¥15,000 ($1,950), which can be split among four travelers. The longer 21-day tours run about ¥17,000 ($2,210).
The circuit around Mount Kailash typically begins and ends in Darchen, where foreigners must register and pay an admission fee to the Kailash area (currently ¥100). Popular hostels in Darchen include the Yak Hotel and the Darchen Guesthouse, where dorm beds are available for under $10.
Source: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/tibet/mount-kailash
The landscape around the mountain is rugged and dry but crossed by crystalline blue streams and other bodies of water. Near the sacred mountain is the source of the Indus, Sutlej and Bramaputra rivers and on its south side are two freshwater lakes, the easternmost of which is the highly sacred Lake Manasarowar (Mapam). With an altitude of 14,950 feet, Mansarovar is the highest body of fresh water in the world. The other lake, Rakshastal, also has legendary significance.
According to Hindu mythology, Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration, resides at the summit of a legendary mountain named Kailasa. Mount Kailasa is regarded in many sects of Hinduism as Paradise, the ultimate destination of souls and the spiritual center of the world. According to a description in the Puranas, Mount Kailash's four faces are made of crystal, ruby, gold, and lapis lazuli; it is the pillar of the world; rises 84,000 leagues high; is the center of the world mandala; and is located at the heart of six mountain ranges symbolizing a lotus. From it flow four rivers, which stretch to the four quarters of the world and divide the world into four regions.
Kailash is sacred to other religions as well. The Jains call the mountain Astapada and believe it to be the place where Rishaba, the first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras attained liberation. Followers of Bon, Tibet's pre-Buddhist, shamanistic religion, call the mountain Tise and believe it to be the seat of the Sky Goddess Sipaimen. Additionally, Bon myths regard Tise as the sight of a legendary 12th century battle of sorcery between the Buddhist sage Milarepa and the Bon shaman Naro Bon-chung. Milarepa's defeat of the shaman displaced Bon as the primary religion of Tibet, firmly establishing Buddhism in its place. While the Buddha is believed to have magically visited Kailash in the 5th century BC, the religion of Buddhism only entered Tibet, via Nepal and India, in the 7th century AD. Tibetan Buddhists call the mountain Kang Rimpoche, the 'Precious One of Glacial Snow', and regard it as the dwelling place of Demchog (also known as Chakrasamvara) and his consort, Dorje Phagmo. Three hills rising near Kang Rimpoche are believed to be the homes of the the Bodhisatvas Manjushri, Vajrapani, and Avalokiteshvara.
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| Kailash seen from afar |
No pilgrims climb Mt. Kailash; all four religions believe it would be a serious act of sacrilege to set foot on its slopes. Legend has it that the only person to have reached the summit is the Buddhist champion Milarepa (who flew to the top in the 12th century) and that all others who have ventured to defy the taboo have died in the process.The mountain is located in a particularly remote and inhospitable area of the Tibetan Himalayas. Only those in the best health are able to undertake the journey even to the starting point of the circumambulation, let alone walk 52 km in a single day. A few modern amenities, such as benches, resting places and refreshment kiosks, exist to aid the pilgrims in their devotions.
Getting There
Most pilgrims begin their journey overland from Kathmandu or Lhasa. From there, they travel over the Tibetan plateau (ranging 10,000-16,000 feet in elevation) in a rented Jeep. It is a long journey with four night stops in camps, finally arriving at Darchen (elevation: 4600 m).
Western visitors usually need a guide, vehicle, driver, and a military permit to visit Kailash, all of which are arranged on tours from Kathmandu or Lhasa. The short version of the tour takes 14 days and cost around ¥15,000 ($1,950), which can be split among four travelers. The longer 21-day tours run about ¥17,000 ($2,210).
The circuit around Mount Kailash typically begins and ends in Darchen, where foreigners must register and pay an admission fee to the Kailash area (currently ¥100). Popular hostels in Darchen include the Yak Hotel and the Darchen Guesthouse, where dorm beds are available for under $10.
Source: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/tibet/mount-kailash
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Crazy!
- If you walk and talk with someone, eventually you will synchronize your steps with each other - Interpersonal synchronization of stepping happens when people walk side-by-side. Little is known about this, but it has practical uses in therapy. In 2009, this phenomenon was the subject of a study to help impaired people in rehabilitation. Subjects were paired together to walk on treadmills side-by-side. The result? People started walking faster to keep up with their partners.
- McDonald's SALADS are more fattening than their burgers. - You can see for yourself in their nutritional facts. A hamburger at McDonald's has 9 grams of fat. A cheeseburger has 12 grams of fat. The Premium Caesar salad with crispy chicken has 17 grams of fat. The Premium Southwest Salad with crispy chicken and the Premium Bacon Ranch Salad with crispy chicken both have 20 grams of fat. On top of that, SALAD DRESSING adds EVEN MORE fat. If you want to add Creamy Southwest Dressing, it's 6 more grams of fat. The Ranch Dressing has 15 grams of fat. The Creamy Caesar Dressing has 18 grams of fat. So, if you get a salad with crispy chicken and salad dressing, you could be consuming 35 grams of fat - the fat equivalent of 4 hamburgers.
- A strawberry isn't an actual berry, but a banana is. By technical definition, a berry is a fleshy fruit produced from a single seed. The strawberry, however has its dry, yellow "seeds" on the outside (each of which is actually considered a separate fruit). True berries, such as blueberries and cranberries have seeds inside. However, the banana fruit is a berry for the same reason strawberries are not. There is a theory that strawberries were named by 19th century children who picked the fruit, strung them on grass straws, and sold them as "Straws of berries".
- Believe it or not, you actually CAN'T see the Great Wall of China from Space! You've probably seen this "fact" a bunch of times: "The Great Wall of China is the only human-made object that can be seen from outer-space." Turns out it's not even true. The first known publishing of this "fact" was back in 1938, long before anyone was traveling in space. Since then lots of people have gone into outer space and looked at the Earth and haven't found the Great Wall. The Great Wall is huge (5500 miles long) but in order to be visible from far away it would also have to be very wide and distinct looking from the ground. The Great Wall is very thin. If it were visible from space, every interstate highway would be too! On the other hand, you can see the Pyramids of Giza from space. You can also see Minutemaid Park, the Toyota Center, and the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX (source 1, 2, 3)
- You can overdose and die from coffee. There is such a thing as a lethal dose of caffeine. Medical literature contains reports of people dying from ingesting large amounts of caffeine, often through unconventional means, such as injecting caffeine straight into the bloodstream or having a coffee enema (literally putting coffee in your butt!). It takes ten grams of caffeine in one sitting to kill a person, which would literally take between 80 and 100 cups of coffee, which is pretty hard to do. If you want to know how many cups of coffee will kill you, check out this calculator.
- Four is the only number that has the same amount of letters as its actual value.
- You're more likely to die on your way to buy a lottery ticket than you are to actually win the lottery.
- If you touch your tongue while yawning, it can stop the yawn.
- Women speak about 7,000 words a day. The average man averages just over 2,000.
- THIS IS CRUEL: Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is the fear of long words
- According to suicide statistics, Monday is the favored day for self-destruction.
Courtesy: http://www.omg-facts.com/
Friday, November 16, 2012
Amazing Facts..!!
- If you keep a Goldfish in the dark room, it will eventually turn white
- The electric chair was invented by a dentist
- There are an estimated 2,500 collisions between birds and planes each year in the US
- To make one raindrop of water, it takes approximately a million cloud droplets
- At 120 miles per hour, a Formula One car generates so much downforce that it can drive upside down on the roof of a tunnel
- Between 1902 and 1907, the same tiger killed 434 people in India
- Polar bears are left handed
- Children laugh about 400 times a day, while adults laugh on average only 15 times a day
- Lemons contain more sugar than strawberries
- 4% of an apples is made up of minerals and vitamins, and over 80% is made up of water
- The sun shrinks five feet every hour
- During World War II, Kit Kat was unavailable due to milk shortages, so the chocolate bar was made without milk (this is exactly why I don’t support war)
- Every second, 8000 Coca-Cola Company products are consumed in the world
- The number of births that occur in India each year is higher than the entire population of Australia
- There was no punctuation until the 15th century
- All babies are colour blind when they are born (poor fellows..!)
- The reason why your nose gets runny when you are crying is because the tears from the eyes drain into the nose ( a natural leakage)
- Approximately one out of every 55 women from Canada give birth in their car on the way to the hospital or clinic
- When an orange is shown in any of the "Godfather" movies, this means that someone is about to die or a close call is to occur.
- The eye of a human can distinguish 500 shades of the gray
- There is a town in Norway called "Hell" (Go to Hell..)
- For every human in the world there are one million ants
- A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.
- Due to sugar shortages to make candy during World War II, movie theatre owners turned to popcorn, which is now the best selling snack at movie theatres today
- Even though a polar bears fur looks white it is actually colourless and is made with hollow tubes. The reason the bear looks white is because the rough inner surface of the tubes make light scatter and reflect at many different angles which gives the white appearance
- Men are four times more likely to be struck by lightning than women (marriage is an example)
- One of the Bond girls in the James Bond movie, "For Your Eyes Only," used to be a man
- When snakes are born with two heads, they fight each other for food
- The list of ingredients that make up lipstick include fish scales (Non veg??)
- Trees that are near street lights do not shed their leaves as fast as a tree that is in the country
- Over 100 million birds die annually by crashing into glass windows in the United States
- Mangos are known throughout the world as the "King of Fruits."
- When a porcupine is born, its quills are soft and mostly white, but harden within hours
- The original name for butterfly was flutterby
- Former U.S. President Franklin Pierce was arrested during his term as President for running over an old lady with his horse, but the charges were later dropped
- There is enough water in American swimming pools to cover the whole city of San Francisco seven feet deep
- It has been medically been proven that laughter is an effective pain killer (why should we go to a doctor then, go to a comedian)
- The city of Chicago has the only post office in the world where you can drive your car through
- Sanskrit is considered as the mother of all higher languages. This is because it is the most precise, and therefore suitable language for computer software (Proud to be an Indian)
- A man filed a lawsuit against his doctor because he survived longer than what the doctor had predicted (That doctor deserved that)
- Bird droppings are the chief export of Nauru, an island nation in the Western Pacific (Holy S***)
- There was a time in Japan where a wife being left handed was a ground for divorce
- The average person falls asleep in about 12 to 14 minutes (I’m above average atimes)
- Popped popcorn should be stored in the freezer or refrigerator as this way it can stay crunchy for up to three weeks
- Snake venom is ninety percent protein (huh..Protien kills??)
- More than three thousand people work on research in Antarctica each year (How many of them complete the research?)
- Mosquitoes prefer children over adults (Even they prefer less “corrupted” blood)
- Painting a house yellow or having a yellow trim helps in selling a house faster
- Brain damage will only occur if a fever goes above 107.6 degrees farenheit (ohhh..I had a narrow escape)
- The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is "uncopyrightable." (But MS Word dictionary throws a spelling error..!)
Saturday, November 10, 2012
100 Year Old Rolls Royce
How old are you? Or do you have any clue about how long will you live? Don't worry, you'll live LONG and may God bless you like this special CAR. Don't laugh! This story is about a a 101 year-old Rolls-Royce dubbed the "best car in the world" which grabbed a whopping £4,705,500 (Rs 40 crore) at an auction in the UK, the most expensive Rolls-Royce ever sold at auction.
The stunning vintage car was the height of luxury when it rolled off the production line in 1911, and was originally bought in 1912 for about £1,000 (Rs 85,200). The same amount would have been enough to buy a large house in the country at the time.
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| Under the hammer: Experts say this legendary and unique Silver Ghost is one of the finest Rolls-Royces ever created, exactly 100 years ago |
Sir Adoph had the Rolls-Royce, which comes with its own champagne holder and picnic basket, fitted with a Landaulette body so he could be chauffeur driven around. It was later re-bodied as a period two-seat tourer by Rippon Brothers Ltd, a coach building company with a proud history dating back centuries, which made a chariot throne for Queen Elizabeth I in 1584.
Auction house Historics, which is managing the sale, has set a guide price of 450,000 to 550,000 pounds for when it goes under the hammer.
"To find a Silver Ghost for sale is a red letter day. The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost is a treasured car, it was so advanced and expensive when it was launched. It could cost the same a country home," Edward Bridger-Stille, Historics auction director, said.
The unique 100-year-old Silver Ghost manages 15 miles to the gallon and is said to still be capable of “cruising” at 60mph. The lengthy sale saw two enthusiasts duelling for the car, with the bidding going up in increments of £100,000. Those present at the Bonhams sale were said to have looked on in hushed tones, breaking out in spontaneous applause when the hammer finally fell. The car was sold following the death of its American owner and will be leaving these shores again to be with its new anonymous buyer. The Rolls-Royce still had its headlights, carriage lights, rear lights and inflatable tyres, and it still runs almost silently. James Knight, from Bonhams, said: “This was a surprise to us — we thought it would make around £2 million. There were three bidders then one of them dropped out. It went on and on and on and was the longest car sale I have ever witnessed. It was pure theatre.”
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| A customized 1911 Silver Ghost owned by the Maharaja of Mysore |
Friday, November 9, 2012
The flying President.
Have you ever heard of the flying White House of US President, the most powerful man of the modern day! The flying office is nothing but a Boeing 747 that has been changed and reconstructed to suit the president’s needs.
It is known as Air Force One. This high-tech jet even serves as a commando bunker in times of war or when the United States is in danger. The Air Force One team makes sure that the president--"Passenger Number One"--is not only safe and comfortable, but fully able to meet the demands of the office at any altitude.
This very same "Flying Office" is as tall as a six storey building and as long as a city block. Air Force One can travel at a speed of up to 1000 km/hr and fly as high as 15,000 meters With a full tank it can travel half way around the world. The interior of this is more like a business office than a plane. There are three decks: The lowest deck of the plane is the cargo area. It holds the luggage, food and other equipment. The middle deck is the passenger area where Mr.President and his staff work. The president and his advisers get together for meetings in special conference rooms. There is a separate area for reporters who travel with the president. The upper deck consists of the cockpit and the communications room. All together about 70 passengers and 26 crew members can travel on board Air Force One.
Air Force One is stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Every time the President travels, a helicopter, Marine One, brings him from the White House to Andrews.
Special Features
As Air Force One is not a normal plane it has special features that other jetliners do not have.
Model: A VC-25 jet, a military version of the Boeing 747-200B Entered service: 1990
Commander: Colonel Mark Tillman, Presidential Airlift Group, U.S. Air Force
Size: Height: 63' 5"(equal to 19.3 m), Length: 231' 5"(70.6 m), Weight: 238,800 kg (without fuel)
Wing span: 195 feet, 8 inches
Speed: 630 miles per hour (near supersonic speed, much more powerful than a typical 747)
Seats: 70
Crew: 26
Interior floor space: 4,000 square feet
Range: About 14 hours in the air; 7,800 statute miles
Defenses: Infrared-missile and radar-jamming technology, along with a host of other top-secret aerial defenses and electronic countermeasures
Amenities: Executive suite for the president; two fully functional kitchens with a full-scale electric range that can churn out 100 meals at a time; workstations; fax and copy machines; broadband internet access; satellite video, dozens of secure phone lines, soundproof-able conference room
PS: If I were to be the president, I would fly fly and die!!
This very same "Flying Office" is as tall as a six storey building and as long as a city block. Air Force One can travel at a speed of up to 1000 km/hr and fly as high as 15,000 meters With a full tank it can travel half way around the world. The interior of this is more like a business office than a plane. There are three decks: The lowest deck of the plane is the cargo area. It holds the luggage, food and other equipment. The middle deck is the passenger area where Mr.President and his staff work. The president and his advisers get together for meetings in special conference rooms. There is a separate area for reporters who travel with the president. The upper deck consists of the cockpit and the communications room. All together about 70 passengers and 26 crew members can travel on board Air Force One.
Air Force One is stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Every time the President travels, a helicopter, Marine One, brings him from the White House to Andrews.
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| Conference Room |
As Air Force One is not a normal plane it has special features that other jetliners do not have.
- An on-board doctor travels with the President at all times and there is even a small operating room on the plane.
- The 747 can be refueled in mid-air and is therefore able to stay sky borne without landing for a long time.
- It has 85 on board telephones, two-way radios, fax machines and computer connections.
- The President and his advisers can get into contact with almost anyone in the world while flying at 15,000 meters.
Model: A VC-25 jet, a military version of the Boeing 747-200B Entered service: 1990
Commander: Colonel Mark Tillman, Presidential Airlift Group, U.S. Air Force
Size: Height: 63' 5"(equal to 19.3 m), Length: 231' 5"(70.6 m), Weight: 238,800 kg (without fuel)
Wing span: 195 feet, 8 inches
Speed: 630 miles per hour (near supersonic speed, much more powerful than a typical 747)
Seats: 70
Crew: 26
Interior floor space: 4,000 square feet
Range: About 14 hours in the air; 7,800 statute miles
Defenses: Infrared-missile and radar-jamming technology, along with a host of other top-secret aerial defenses and electronic countermeasures
Amenities: Executive suite for the president; two fully functional kitchens with a full-scale electric range that can churn out 100 meals at a time; workstations; fax and copy machines; broadband internet access; satellite video, dozens of secure phone lines, soundproof-able conference room
PS: If I were to be the president, I would fly fly and die!!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
This girl is gifted!
What is your IQ? Any idea? But I can definitely tell you that yours will be much lower than that of Jasmine Malhotra (you may call her Jazz). And you know how old is she? 20? 30? No, she just three-and-half. She has an intelligent quotient (IQ) higher than that of Napoleon, Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates and Sigmund Freud. She solves puzzles with ease and recites mathematical tables like ABC.
Though she is like any other normal kid, her intelligence quotient (IQ) level is exemplary and even higher than that of the greats.
In three different clinical psychology tests performed, her IQ was found to be 166 with mental and social age of a six-year-old kid. Three universally accepted tests namely Binet Kamat test, Seguin Form Board and Vineland Social Maturity Scale were conducted on her. However, she has to wait to complete five years of age for a Mensa test which all big brains went through.
Ajay Sharma, consultant clinical psychologist of Jazz told TOI, "She is an exceptionally gifted child with creative thinking. The results are surprising. Her IQ level will increase till the age of 15. We will go for Mensa test once she becomes eligible for it after attaining five years of age. She has the potential to achieve excellence but in such cases parents should take proper care."
Her parents had visited him after they noticed her hyperactivities, he added. Sharma elaborated further saying that the tests performed are reliable enough and in India kids with such high IQ are hardly found.
Meanwhile, her parents Vivek and Suruchi Malhotra are happy but also facing hard times because of her keen observation and high energy. They are planning to send an application to the Guinness Book of World Record. Jazz has solved more than 200 puzzles till now and recites mathematics table up to seven with ease. Initially the Malhotras were not aware about her unusual intelligence till her pre-primary school teachers told them about it.
"We are amazed to see her energy level and the activities at this age. She has solved several puzzles that we ordered from the US and has a sharp memory. She remembers tables up to seven. This was unusual for a normal kid so we have stopped teaching her new tables. Her teachers told us to get her IQ checked, which is very high," said Vivek.
Meanwhile, her mother is busy surfing the internet to learn about children with high IQs so that she can reach up to her expectations. She said, "I have never seen her crying. She already knows a lot. To handle her, I have to do a lot of preparations. She knows addition and subtraction, which generally kids of Montessori level don't know."
Her teachers too have noticed her grasping power. Raveena Sachdeva, who runs a Montessori school where Jazz studies, said, "She grasps things very fast. In group activities, she is in a commanding position. We haven't seen a KG kid of such age group reciting table up to seven. Students of first standard are introduced to table of seven."
Though she is like any other normal kid, her intelligence quotient (IQ) level is exemplary and even higher than that of the greats.
In three different clinical psychology tests performed, her IQ was found to be 166 with mental and social age of a six-year-old kid. Three universally accepted tests namely Binet Kamat test, Seguin Form Board and Vineland Social Maturity Scale were conducted on her. However, she has to wait to complete five years of age for a Mensa test which all big brains went through.
Ajay Sharma, consultant clinical psychologist of Jazz told TOI, "She is an exceptionally gifted child with creative thinking. The results are surprising. Her IQ level will increase till the age of 15. We will go for Mensa test once she becomes eligible for it after attaining five years of age. She has the potential to achieve excellence but in such cases parents should take proper care."
Her parents had visited him after they noticed her hyperactivities, he added. Sharma elaborated further saying that the tests performed are reliable enough and in India kids with such high IQ are hardly found.
Meanwhile, her parents Vivek and Suruchi Malhotra are happy but also facing hard times because of her keen observation and high energy. They are planning to send an application to the Guinness Book of World Record. Jazz has solved more than 200 puzzles till now and recites mathematics table up to seven with ease. Initially the Malhotras were not aware about her unusual intelligence till her pre-primary school teachers told them about it.
"We are amazed to see her energy level and the activities at this age. She has solved several puzzles that we ordered from the US and has a sharp memory. She remembers tables up to seven. This was unusual for a normal kid so we have stopped teaching her new tables. Her teachers told us to get her IQ checked, which is very high," said Vivek.
Meanwhile, her mother is busy surfing the internet to learn about children with high IQs so that she can reach up to her expectations. She said, "I have never seen her crying. She already knows a lot. To handle her, I have to do a lot of preparations. She knows addition and subtraction, which generally kids of Montessori level don't know."
Her teachers too have noticed her grasping power. Raveena Sachdeva, who runs a Montessori school where Jazz studies, said, "She grasps things very fast. In group activities, she is in a commanding position. We haven't seen a KG kid of such age group reciting table up to seven. Students of first standard are introduced to table of seven."
Vampire Skelton
This news is for those who are crazy about vampire movies and stories. A vampire skeleton was found buried in Nottinghamshire recently.
The skeleton, dating from 550-700AD, was found with metal spikes through its shoulders, heart and ankles which has revealed details of one of the few ‘vampire’ burials in Britain.
It is believed to be a ‘deviant burial’, where people considered the ‘dangerous dead’, such as vampires, were buried to prevent them rising from their graves to plague the living.
John Lock, chairman of Southwell Archaeology, said the body was one out of a handful of such burials to be found in the UK.
“A lot of people are interested in it, but quite where it takes us I don’t know because this was found in the 1950s and now we don’t know where the remains are,” he said.
Lock said no one could be sure why the body was staked in the way it was.
He said: “People would have a very strong view that this was somebody who, for whatever reason, they had a reason to fear and needed to ensure that this person did not come back.”
The skeleton, dating from 550-700AD, was found with metal spikes through its shoulders, heart and ankles which has revealed details of one of the few ‘vampire’ burials in Britain.
It is believed to be a ‘deviant burial’, where people considered the ‘dangerous dead’, such as vampires, were buried to prevent them rising from their graves to plague the living.
John Lock, chairman of Southwell Archaeology, said the body was one out of a handful of such burials to be found in the UK.
“A lot of people are interested in it, but quite where it takes us I don’t know because this was found in the 1950s and now we don’t know where the remains are,” he said.
Lock said no one could be sure why the body was staked in the way it was.
He said: “People would have a very strong view that this was somebody who, for whatever reason, they had a reason to fear and needed to ensure that this person did not come back.”
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
He who believed!
He was born like any other baby with a cry. Now don't ask me who that baby is, not me for sure! Let me tell you why did he cry. When he was being created, Mr.God told him- "Dear, I'm sending you to earth in a while and the moment you are 'unpacked', make the world feel your presence with a cry". He asked. "huh, you want me to cry? but why?".
God replied: "Dear, that's the 'custom' we follow and that's the only point when your mom feels better seeing you cry and I'd try to keep you smiling thereafter". He believed his creator and he cried when he was unpacked but he didn't know.
He was growing up (yeah naughty as expected) and he started eating "solid" food as well. One day his mom was feeding him and when he refused to eat she said, "Dear, if you eat this last mouth of bread, I'll get you that "Uncle Moon". He felt happy and had that bread. Soon he realized that there were more pieces waiting to be stuffed that too for the same Uncle-moon-reason. He believed his mom but he didn't know.
He was walking with his dad on the side of the road. For a moment he wanted to feel the power of freedom (great thought huh..?). He left his dad's finger which he had been holding since they started. But the moment he left the finger he was holding, his dad carried him in his hand and said: "Dear, don't leave my hand and go. All the vehicles you see out there are to hit you". He believed his dad, but he didn't know.
He was in his teenage and that was his first day in 10th class. He heard his teacher telling, "Dear Children, you are here to study, study and study. The only thing you do in your life is studying and scoring marks in exams". He believed his teacher but he didn't know.
He did score well and got into a reputed college. On the first day, he heard the same thing again, "Guys, your only responsibility is to study and score high". But he heard something new as well; from the principal, "Guys, if you don't score high, no one is going to give you a job". He even heard his HOD preaching: "getting a job and earning money is everything". He believed his principal as well as his HOD, but he didn't know.
I told you, he was in his teenage and it was obvious that he fell in love (age problem huh?). His girl friend (he was blushing..) told him, by taking his hand in hers, "Dear, I hear people saying that the world is going to end in 2012, but I swear I'll be with you at least till the world ends". He believed her but he didn't know.
It was his joining day in a BIG company, a company which he had seen only in news and dreams before. He was on cloud nine. He called his mom and he could imagine her happy tears. Everything was new to him, he did his best in training (people call it honey moon period..). It was his first day on the floor; there came his manager to address all the new-hires The manager said: "Guys, welcome to the corporate world (huh..will this world also end in 2012..?). Here client is the God. If you can make the client happy, you are safe..blah blah blah...and finally the ultimate aim of each one is to have a career goal and grow accordingly. All the best". He believed his manager but he didn't know.
That day, he was exhausted after a long session in office (he was impressing his clients I believe) and was walking to his room. He was feeling lonely and called almost everyone in his contact list. All were either busy or "out of reach". He called his mom ( ironically he dialed her at the last) and she picked the call at the very moment asking him "I was waiting for your call! How are you my son, why do you sound little different, are you fine?". He didn't say anything, instead just disconnected the call. He was completely moved (anything can happen over a call..). He just started walking out of his room, not knowing where exactly he was heading to.
Soon he found himself in a park. He sat under a tree. (Note: He is not Mr.Buddha and the tree he chose to sit under is not the Bodhi tree.) He started recollecting all those faces that passed through his life, starting from the nurse who "unpacked" him, till the cab driver who dropped him in room on that day. Though he couldn't recollect the face of Mr.God, he could remember what God told him when was being created about the "custom" of first cry. Did He say that it would be the last cry? No, He didn't. My bad, for expecting life to be fair always", he thought. Yes, he definitely had missed the smile on Mr.God's face thinking- "Dear, its a practice more than a custom".
"My mom, how can she even tell a lie (or a false promise?) just to make me eat?" he asked himself. He has learnt that few guys have even managed to go to uncle-moon but never heard any mom getting it for her kid. He smiled and remembered Gita (not a girl huh..Bhagavat Gita) which says, "if telling a lie saves a valuable life, one should not tell the truth". Yes my life was valuable to her and she did lie to me!
He was not bothered much about the time. It was 7 PM and usually he would've been in front of the TV or with his laptop by then. But he was not interested in anything except recollecting the faces. But the loud shrilling sounds of weird horns brought him back to his senses (was he senseless till then .? yeah I guess so). Seeing a car being parked near the park he remembered his dad's words, "..all vehicles are to hit you". Was he true? Was that true only in 90s? He was wondering. He owned a bike but he had never hit anyone with that. He heard so many news about accidents which made him believe his dad's words. But still was that true for all vehicles on the road. Gita came again: "if telling a lie saves a valuable life, one should not tell the truth".
Now it was his mobile that brought him back to senses. He saw his mom calling. She should be worried for hanging up the call without answering her questions. He said himself, looking at the phone, "I love you mom". Talking to her for sometime brought a sense of relief to him. He realized that he is not alone when he has his mom around.
His eyes were wet. He got up from the park from where he got the "enlightenment". On the way back to room, he was thinking about his work life. He is doing a decent but routine job in a Multi National Company. He is getting paid enough to enjoy his life and he is happy (crazy guy huh..how can someone be happy with their salary?)! He remembered his teachers telling about the importance of exams and marks. "Yes they did help me, but when did someone ask me my percentages?", he thought. He couldn't recollect any instances where the HR was bothered more about his percentages than his "skill set". But they were true (they didn't have an option either way). "Karma could be both the activities of the body or the mind, irrespective of the consideration whether the performance brings fruition immediately or at a later stage", Gita says and he knew that his 'decent' job is the fruit of his schooling and college days.
The word college that flashed in his memory brought a smiling face in his mind. It was of his love (crush..people say). She was beautiful like a princess (as if he had seen many princesses before..). He remembered the days they spent together, the conversations they had, above all, the promises they exchanged. She was promised to be with him till the end. But she left him for a better reason; she was a better daughter than a lover. She decided to see him crying instead of her parents doing it. He thought his world would end well before 2012, but he had no option but to move on and he did. They are good friends now and she calls him every once in a while to complaint about anything that happens in her day! He is happy for what ever happened. Gita says, "Learn to be detached and to take joy in renunciation. Do not get angry or harm any living creature, but be compassionate and gentle; show good will to all. Cultivate vigor, patience, will, purity; avoid malice and pride. Then, you will achieve your destiny". Here is his destiny.
He reached his room after his dinner which he had on the way from the park. The first thing he did was to call his mom. He dialed her number which was just edited to ".Mom" so that it will show up at the top, and it started ringing on the other side. As always, she picked the call immediately and said hello. He didn't know what to tell her, and kept quite for a while. He felt his tears running down his cheeks; he said with so much of love and regret (huh..regret?): "Mom, I love you!". He didn't want to imagine her feelings at that moment because he knew that she would be in tears..happy tears! He was indeed talking to his creator - God could not be everywhere and therefore He made mothers.
Now, at the last, let me tell you, he is Chandra Mouli and he loves his Mom more than anyone else!
God replied: "Dear, that's the 'custom' we follow and that's the only point when your mom feels better seeing you cry and I'd try to keep you smiling thereafter". He believed his creator and he cried when he was unpacked but he didn't know.
He was growing up (yeah naughty as expected) and he started eating "solid" food as well. One day his mom was feeding him and when he refused to eat she said, "Dear, if you eat this last mouth of bread, I'll get you that "Uncle Moon". He felt happy and had that bread. Soon he realized that there were more pieces waiting to be stuffed that too for the same Uncle-moon-reason. He believed his mom but he didn't know.
He was walking with his dad on the side of the road. For a moment he wanted to feel the power of freedom (great thought huh..?). He left his dad's finger which he had been holding since they started. But the moment he left the finger he was holding, his dad carried him in his hand and said: "Dear, don't leave my hand and go. All the vehicles you see out there are to hit you". He believed his dad, but he didn't know.
He was in his teenage and that was his first day in 10th class. He heard his teacher telling, "Dear Children, you are here to study, study and study. The only thing you do in your life is studying and scoring marks in exams". He believed his teacher but he didn't know.
He did score well and got into a reputed college. On the first day, he heard the same thing again, "Guys, your only responsibility is to study and score high". But he heard something new as well; from the principal, "Guys, if you don't score high, no one is going to give you a job". He even heard his HOD preaching: "getting a job and earning money is everything". He believed his principal as well as his HOD, but he didn't know.
I told you, he was in his teenage and it was obvious that he fell in love (age problem huh?). His girl friend (he was blushing..) told him, by taking his hand in hers, "Dear, I hear people saying that the world is going to end in 2012, but I swear I'll be with you at least till the world ends". He believed her but he didn't know.
It was his joining day in a BIG company, a company which he had seen only in news and dreams before. He was on cloud nine. He called his mom and he could imagine her happy tears. Everything was new to him, he did his best in training (people call it honey moon period..). It was his first day on the floor; there came his manager to address all the new-hires The manager said: "Guys, welcome to the corporate world (huh..will this world also end in 2012..?). Here client is the God. If you can make the client happy, you are safe..blah blah blah...and finally the ultimate aim of each one is to have a career goal and grow accordingly. All the best". He believed his manager but he didn't know.
That day, he was exhausted after a long session in office (he was impressing his clients I believe) and was walking to his room. He was feeling lonely and called almost everyone in his contact list. All were either busy or "out of reach". He called his mom ( ironically he dialed her at the last) and she picked the call at the very moment asking him "I was waiting for your call! How are you my son, why do you sound little different, are you fine?". He didn't say anything, instead just disconnected the call. He was completely moved (anything can happen over a call..). He just started walking out of his room, not knowing where exactly he was heading to.
Soon he found himself in a park. He sat under a tree. (Note: He is not Mr.Buddha and the tree he chose to sit under is not the Bodhi tree.) He started recollecting all those faces that passed through his life, starting from the nurse who "unpacked" him, till the cab driver who dropped him in room on that day. Though he couldn't recollect the face of Mr.God, he could remember what God told him when was being created about the "custom" of first cry. Did He say that it would be the last cry? No, He didn't. My bad, for expecting life to be fair always", he thought. Yes, he definitely had missed the smile on Mr.God's face thinking- "Dear, its a practice more than a custom".
"My mom, how can she even tell a lie (or a false promise?) just to make me eat?" he asked himself. He has learnt that few guys have even managed to go to uncle-moon but never heard any mom getting it for her kid. He smiled and remembered Gita (not a girl huh..Bhagavat Gita) which says, "if telling a lie saves a valuable life, one should not tell the truth". Yes my life was valuable to her and she did lie to me!
He was not bothered much about the time. It was 7 PM and usually he would've been in front of the TV or with his laptop by then. But he was not interested in anything except recollecting the faces. But the loud shrilling sounds of weird horns brought him back to his senses (was he senseless till then .? yeah I guess so). Seeing a car being parked near the park he remembered his dad's words, "..all vehicles are to hit you". Was he true? Was that true only in 90s? He was wondering. He owned a bike but he had never hit anyone with that. He heard so many news about accidents which made him believe his dad's words. But still was that true for all vehicles on the road. Gita came again: "if telling a lie saves a valuable life, one should not tell the truth".
Now it was his mobile that brought him back to senses. He saw his mom calling. She should be worried for hanging up the call without answering her questions. He said himself, looking at the phone, "I love you mom". Talking to her for sometime brought a sense of relief to him. He realized that he is not alone when he has his mom around.
His eyes were wet. He got up from the park from where he got the "enlightenment". On the way back to room, he was thinking about his work life. He is doing a decent but routine job in a Multi National Company. He is getting paid enough to enjoy his life and he is happy (crazy guy huh..how can someone be happy with their salary?)! He remembered his teachers telling about the importance of exams and marks. "Yes they did help me, but when did someone ask me my percentages?", he thought. He couldn't recollect any instances where the HR was bothered more about his percentages than his "skill set". But they were true (they didn't have an option either way). "Karma could be both the activities of the body or the mind, irrespective of the consideration whether the performance brings fruition immediately or at a later stage", Gita says and he knew that his 'decent' job is the fruit of his schooling and college days.
The word college that flashed in his memory brought a smiling face in his mind. It was of his love (crush..people say). She was beautiful like a princess (as if he had seen many princesses before..). He remembered the days they spent together, the conversations they had, above all, the promises they exchanged. She was promised to be with him till the end. But she left him for a better reason; she was a better daughter than a lover. She decided to see him crying instead of her parents doing it. He thought his world would end well before 2012, but he had no option but to move on and he did. They are good friends now and she calls him every once in a while to complaint about anything that happens in her day! He is happy for what ever happened. Gita says, "Learn to be detached and to take joy in renunciation. Do not get angry or harm any living creature, but be compassionate and gentle; show good will to all. Cultivate vigor, patience, will, purity; avoid malice and pride. Then, you will achieve your destiny". Here is his destiny.
He reached his room after his dinner which he had on the way from the park. The first thing he did was to call his mom. He dialed her number which was just edited to ".Mom" so that it will show up at the top, and it started ringing on the other side. As always, she picked the call immediately and said hello. He didn't know what to tell her, and kept quite for a while. He felt his tears running down his cheeks; he said with so much of love and regret (huh..regret?): "Mom, I love you!". He didn't want to imagine her feelings at that moment because he knew that she would be in tears..happy tears! He was indeed talking to his creator - God could not be everywhere and therefore He made mothers.
Now, at the last, let me tell you, he is Chandra Mouli and he loves his Mom more than anyone else!
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