Here comes the Doctor's Day again on July 1. Should it pass off as another day? Or should we do something for a professional, who sacrifices his sleep, sometimes his family life for the sake of his patients?
Doctor's Day is observed in commemmoration of the birth anniversary of eminent physicians and patriot Dr.B.C. Roy . July 1st happens to be the birthday of a famous Indian physician Dr.B.C.Roy who was born and also passed away on this day.
He excelled not only as a physician, educationist, but also even as a freedom fighter, joining Mahatma Gandhi in the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Dr. Roy's dedication to the uplift of the poor led him to the political arena, where he first became leader of Indian National Congress and later Chief Minister of West Bengal.
Doctor's Day hence is a day to pay tribute to Dr. B.C.Roy and all doctor's like him, who spend their lives helping others. The nation honoured Dr. Roy with the Bharat Ratna.
Unlike in India, Doctor's Day is celebrated on March 30 in the U.S.A. The resolution designating March 30 as National Doctor's Day was signed by President George Bush.
What elevates them to the states of demigod is their unstinted commitment to provide health care to patients at all times , irrespective of caste or creed.
On this day, try to make your Doctor's Day a special one. Visit your doctor, give him/ her flowers or just say a simple heart-felt 'Thank you' . It will certainly brighten up their day and make them feel respected and appreciated. Happy Doctor's Day!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Like Birthday without a cake, North Pole may have no ice , this summer.
There could be a brief time this summer when there is no ice on the North Pole, said a U.S. scientist blaming global warming that has melted the Arctic ice sheet over decades.
'We could have no ice at the North Pole at the end of this summer' Mark Serveze, a scientist with the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Balder, Colorada told AFP.
''And the reason here is that the North Pole are right now is covered with very thin ice and this ice we call first year ice, the ice that tends to melt out in hte summer'.
He put the chance of there being no ice at one point at 50 per cent saying it could see' ships sail from Alaska to the North Pole , that's possible'.
The ice on the North Pole has melted before 'but certainly not in modern times' said Mr. Serveze.
'We may have no ice at all in the Arctic Ocean in summer by 2030 or so'.
Meanwhile, China's third Arctic expedition will set sail from Shanghai next month to study the polar region's distinctive maritime resources and air quality.
'We could have no ice at the North Pole at the end of this summer' Mark Serveze, a scientist with the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Balder, Colorada told AFP.
''And the reason here is that the North Pole are right now is covered with very thin ice and this ice we call first year ice, the ice that tends to melt out in hte summer'.
He put the chance of there being no ice at one point at 50 per cent saying it could see' ships sail from Alaska to the North Pole , that's possible'.
The ice on the North Pole has melted before 'but certainly not in modern times' said Mr. Serveze.
'We may have no ice at all in the Arctic Ocean in summer by 2030 or so'.
Meanwhile, China's third Arctic expedition will set sail from Shanghai next month to study the polar region's distinctive maritime resources and air quality.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
......On the lines of Superman
In the film, Incredible Hulk, Director Louis Leterrier relates the story of Dr. Bruce Banner seeking a cure to his gamma radiation, which turns him into a giant green monster when faced with any stress. Throw in a military trailing him and you have the ingredients for a thrillerl. Now add another monster, The Abomination. Hulk has his foe in the life of an ordinary man, he has to contend with the evil Abomination, whose villanious streak is so powerful that you find him repulsive.
Now he finds himself working in a soda bottle company in Brazil, practising anger management, but nothing is working. So much so that he finds himself all but bare-bodied in Guatemala, barefoot in Mexico and with barely a hope in the U.S. All along he is wanted so that the data bank within him can be surgically removed and turned into a weapon of destruction.
Soon we get to see a guerrilla who performs radiation experiments on himself with the aid of a medico.
And instead of a monster wreaking havoc, we have two in combat.
One tries to stay alive as a human, the other just wants to destroy. It is a neat twist keeping in mind the boxoffice demands. But it all works.
All along, the camera forays into the underbelly of Brazil, the forests of Guatemala, the markets and plazas of Mexico.
All a treat for viewers. Much like the film.
Now he finds himself working in a soda bottle company in Brazil, practising anger management, but nothing is working. So much so that he finds himself all but bare-bodied in Guatemala, barefoot in Mexico and with barely a hope in the U.S. All along he is wanted so that the data bank within him can be surgically removed and turned into a weapon of destruction.
Soon we get to see a guerrilla who performs radiation experiments on himself with the aid of a medico.
And instead of a monster wreaking havoc, we have two in combat.
One tries to stay alive as a human, the other just wants to destroy. It is a neat twist keeping in mind the boxoffice demands. But it all works.
All along, the camera forays into the underbelly of Brazil, the forests of Guatemala, the markets and plazas of Mexico.
All a treat for viewers. Much like the film.
Friday, June 27, 2008
India's traditional women's wear-the sari - to be showcased in museuem
A 1950 zari saree that Seetha Nagaraj got from her mother-in-law as a family tradition will soon be part of an exclusive saree museum in Mysore.
In an effort to preserve ethnically rich and exquisitely woven sarees for posterity, the Karnataka State Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) has taken up this initiative. The museum is slated to be ready by December. They will initially start with 20 best sarees.
The donor's name and year of manufacture will be displayed. The corporation will verify owner's claims on the year of manufacture through an in-house examination.
In exchange for their prized possession, the women will either get new sarees or cash. This will be finalized in consultation with the owners.
Vijayan is positive about convincing women about the importance of the museum as it reflects the timeless shine and infallible quality of sarees.
Besides, it will add to the big list of must-see spots in the state's cultural capital.
In an effort to preserve ethnically rich and exquisitely woven sarees for posterity, the Karnataka State Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) has taken up this initiative. The museum is slated to be ready by December. They will initially start with 20 best sarees.
The donor's name and year of manufacture will be displayed. The corporation will verify owner's claims on the year of manufacture through an in-house examination.
In exchange for their prized possession, the women will either get new sarees or cash. This will be finalized in consultation with the owners.
Vijayan is positive about convincing women about the importance of the museum as it reflects the timeless shine and infallible quality of sarees.
Besides, it will add to the big list of must-see spots in the state's cultural capital.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
India's first major defence deal
For India's first major defence export, Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. has bagged an order to supply seven Dhruv advanced lightweight helicopters to Ecuador at a price of # 51 million.
Though as many as four leading helicopter manufacturers including Eurocopter were in the fray for the Rs. 200 crore deal, but Dhruv emerged victorious because of its superior performance and proven track record.
The Navratan PSU will supply seven helicopters to Ecuador in the next 15-24 months. Also considered by Bolivia and Peru,the multi-role helicopter has already been supplied to Nepal under the bilateral military cooperation between India and Nepal. A novel version of ALH is under development. India had made an unsuccessful attempt to sell the Dhruv in Chile.
The success comes three years after an accident led to grounding of the entire ALH fleet.
Though as many as four leading helicopter manufacturers including Eurocopter were in the fray for the Rs. 200 crore deal, but Dhruv emerged victorious because of its superior performance and proven track record.
The Navratan PSU will supply seven helicopters to Ecuador in the next 15-24 months. Also considered by Bolivia and Peru,the multi-role helicopter has already been supplied to Nepal under the bilateral military cooperation between India and Nepal. A novel version of ALH is under development. India had made an unsuccessful attempt to sell the Dhruv in Chile.
The success comes three years after an accident led to grounding of the entire ALH fleet.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The past re-lived
A museum which houses rare artefacts related to the fields of science, art and the like. One such museum is Manjusha in Dharmasthala, which was open in 1989 under the guidance of Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade. The wide variety of exhibits in the museum appeal to people of all ages and sections.
The entire museum is broadly classified into two sections- Indian and Western. While the former section consists of traditional and pre-historic items, the latter comprises items of Western mode.
There is an amazing collection of metallic idols and statues of various Theerthankaras and wonderful ivory carvings too.
There is the collection of Western musical instruments like clarinet, saxophone, Spanish guitar etc. which helps us in understanding the evolution of musical instruments.
At Manjusha, old remote microphones, telephones with telegraphic system, intercom phone and such other modes of communication are also displayed.
With the able support of Dr. Heggade Manjusha has developed and is developing by the day. No doubt, a visit to such museums make us believe that present is clearly an extension of the past.
The entire museum is broadly classified into two sections- Indian and Western. While the former section consists of traditional and pre-historic items, the latter comprises items of Western mode.
There is an amazing collection of metallic idols and statues of various Theerthankaras and wonderful ivory carvings too.
There is the collection of Western musical instruments like clarinet, saxophone, Spanish guitar etc. which helps us in understanding the evolution of musical instruments.
At Manjusha, old remote microphones, telephones with telegraphic system, intercom phone and such other modes of communication are also displayed.
With the able support of Dr. Heggade Manjusha has developed and is developing by the day. No doubt, a visit to such museums make us believe that present is clearly an extension of the past.
In this country, nothing surprises us.
Daily, the TV news network and the print media splash headlines of various occurrences in our country and abroad. Some of it is routine, others sensational and epoch-making. The public grab at the information as dogs leap towards a bone. And, the issues become topics of conversation. What would we do without the aid of the worthy Press.
They may be calumnized and scoffed at, but they remain the torch-bearers of public opinion.
Watergate is a noteworthy case. If it weren't for the enterprise and daring of a couple of journalists Bob Woodward and Edward Bernstein the world would have been in the dark about the scandal in the White House.
Many a good story has been cracked open by journalists. A 'scoop' is what prods a journalist to be lead by his nose scenting scope for a good story. And, ultimately a good story is what the journalist is looking for. Because that's his job. To purvey news.
Our country, being a third world country and underdeveloped, news of rampant poverty, corruption, floods, landslides, accidents in road,rail and air are all too common. It is often pointed out that the press concentrates on the well-to-do sections of our society. This is not a travesty of the truth. And, for that the system has to be blamed.
They may be calumnized and scoffed at, but they remain the torch-bearers of public opinion.
Watergate is a noteworthy case. If it weren't for the enterprise and daring of a couple of journalists Bob Woodward and Edward Bernstein the world would have been in the dark about the scandal in the White House.
Many a good story has been cracked open by journalists. A 'scoop' is what prods a journalist to be lead by his nose scenting scope for a good story. And, ultimately a good story is what the journalist is looking for. Because that's his job. To purvey news.
Our country, being a third world country and underdeveloped, news of rampant poverty, corruption, floods, landslides, accidents in road,rail and air are all too common. It is often pointed out that the press concentrates on the well-to-do sections of our society. This is not a travesty of the truth. And, for that the system has to be blamed.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Come monsoon - a bumpy ride - on the streets.
Potholes have reappeared on the main roads of Mangalore causing inconvenience to commuters.
According to the city-based Nagarika Hitarakshana Samiti, this year too potholes have resurfaced at spots where they usually appear in the rainy season. The Mangalore City Corporation could have avoided them if it had taken steps before June. Spots in front of Dilkush Apartments at Bendoorwell, in front of Sanjeevini building on Falnir Road, near the City Hospital on Kadri Road, near Kairali restaurant on Attavar Main Road and at PVS circle, were prone to potholes every rainy season. They had resurfaced now, according to reliable sources.
The corporation could have laid interlinks at those places in summer. Such an experiment was made near Hampankatta Circle last year. As a result, there were no potholes this time.
Potholes appearing in spots such as inlets to storm water drains had been blocked. A case in point was the men in front of the T.M.A Pai International Convention Centre on M.G. Road where inlets to drains had been blocked. When contacted, Ganesh Hosabettu, Mayor said the corporation would make efforts to identify such spots and take preventive steps before the next rainy season.
According to the city-based Nagarika Hitarakshana Samiti, this year too potholes have resurfaced at spots where they usually appear in the rainy season. The Mangalore City Corporation could have avoided them if it had taken steps before June. Spots in front of Dilkush Apartments at Bendoorwell, in front of Sanjeevini building on Falnir Road, near the City Hospital on Kadri Road, near Kairali restaurant on Attavar Main Road and at PVS circle, were prone to potholes every rainy season. They had resurfaced now, according to reliable sources.
The corporation could have laid interlinks at those places in summer. Such an experiment was made near Hampankatta Circle last year. As a result, there were no potholes this time.
Potholes appearing in spots such as inlets to storm water drains had been blocked. A case in point was the men in front of the T.M.A Pai International Convention Centre on M.G. Road where inlets to drains had been blocked. When contacted, Ganesh Hosabettu, Mayor said the corporation would make efforts to identify such spots and take preventive steps before the next rainy season.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Shaky throne
Roger Federer was a man destined to be the GOAT( Greatest of All Time), now some think he is playing like one. Critics are leaping off his bandwagon in unseemly haste, and even Bjorn Borg has said:'I pick Rafael Nadal as ( Wimbledon ) winners, my second choice is Novak Djokovi, my third is Roger.
The champion has been ill, unsure, erratic, brooding and has lately been dismissed by Djokovic off court and dismembered by Nadal on it. Said the Serb this week:' I think he's a little shaken with that loss ( in the French final) and mentally he has been struggling in the last couple of months. New names are coming who believe more they can win against him and I am one of them. Suddenly he is worried a little bit'.
It has not helped the Swiss that Nadal (this summer) and Djokovic ( in January) have unveiled superior models of themselves. But this is expected, for Federer, almost 27, is a finished product, while the Spaniard, just 22 and Serb, just 21 are unfinished constructions.
Nadal looks the superior player now, but in versatility he and Federer are not yet matched. If the Swiss needs Wimbledon to redeem himself, Nadal needs Wimbledon to announce himself as a multi-faceted player. For all the lopsidedness of their head-to -head record (11-6 in Nadal's favor ), the Spaniard has not beaten the Swiss outside clay in 28 months.
If eras have defining moments, this fortnight could be Federer's. We can quibble about this being minor slump or major slide, but he needs to send a message to the field about his greatness.
The champion has been ill, unsure, erratic, brooding and has lately been dismissed by Djokovic off court and dismembered by Nadal on it. Said the Serb this week:' I think he's a little shaken with that loss ( in the French final) and mentally he has been struggling in the last couple of months. New names are coming who believe more they can win against him and I am one of them. Suddenly he is worried a little bit'.
It has not helped the Swiss that Nadal (this summer) and Djokovic ( in January) have unveiled superior models of themselves. But this is expected, for Federer, almost 27, is a finished product, while the Spaniard, just 22 and Serb, just 21 are unfinished constructions.
Nadal looks the superior player now, but in versatility he and Federer are not yet matched. If the Swiss needs Wimbledon to redeem himself, Nadal needs Wimbledon to announce himself as a multi-faceted player. For all the lopsidedness of their head-to -head record (11-6 in Nadal's favor ), the Spaniard has not beaten the Swiss outside clay in 28 months.
If eras have defining moments, this fortnight could be Federer's. We can quibble about this being minor slump or major slide, but he needs to send a message to the field about his greatness.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
End of monarchy ushers in changes at the top
The massive Kathmandu palace of Nepal's deposed king was opened to the public as a national museum.
In a symbolic gesture to open the museum, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala hoisted the national flag above the sprawling palace, as an army had played the new national anthem.
The key tourist attractions at the museum will likely be the diamond and emerald- adorned crown, sceptre and gilded royal throne, as well as a Mercedes-Benz.
Senior Maoists, politicians, diplomats, military officials and police chiefs gathered at a tea party organised to celebrate the museum inauguration.
In a symbolic gesture to open the museum, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala hoisted the national flag above the sprawling palace, as an army had played the new national anthem.
The key tourist attractions at the museum will likely be the diamond and emerald- adorned crown, sceptre and gilded royal throne, as well as a Mercedes-Benz.
Senior Maoists, politicians, diplomats, military officials and police chiefs gathered at a tea party organised to celebrate the museum inauguration.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Western classical music vis-a-vis Indian music
Amjad Ali Khan, the sarod maestro reveals, he has always admired the system of western classical music. The greatest achievement apart from the solo performances, is their ability to jointly perform with a large number of musicians as an orchestra. Countries like Austria and Germany have produced so many great composers, conductors and musicians.
He felt very happy and proud when BBC magazine declared his CD on Raga Bhairav as one of the best CDs on classical music of the world in 1995. Historically, only European music was considered in this category. Asia and Indian music was always under the category of world music. He is sad that India's music is included in this category. He hopes that one day we have our own category of Indian music.
He felt very happy and proud when BBC magazine declared his CD on Raga Bhairav as one of the best CDs on classical music of the world in 1995. Historically, only European music was considered in this category. Asia and Indian music was always under the category of world music. He is sad that India's music is included in this category. He hopes that one day we have our own category of Indian music.
Aye for airports in Shimoga, Hassan
In a move that will boost the civil aviation sector in Karnataka, the Centre granted 'in-principle ' clearance to the four greenfield airport proposals of Shimoga, Hassan, Bijapur and Gulbarga.
Headed by ministry secretary Ashok Chawla, the committee gave the approvals subject to the conditions that Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be formalised among the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Ministry of Defence regarding air space management for the airports at Gulbarga and Bijapur in view of the existing defence operations at Pune and Bidar.
The 2500-acre Hassan airport is being implemented by entrepreneur Rajeev Chandra Shekhar's Jupiter Aviation and Logistics on design, build, operate, transfer basis and will be ready by 2009.
The Shimoga and Gulbarga airports will be set up by a single consortium of the Hyderabad- based major Maytes Infra and NCC Infra. The developer of the Bijapur airport has not yet been firmed up yet.
The meeting also discussed the format for applications for greenfield airports.
Pursuant to this, the steering committee was constituted to monitor the setting up of airports.
Headed by ministry secretary Ashok Chawla, the committee gave the approvals subject to the conditions that Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be formalised among the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Ministry of Defence regarding air space management for the airports at Gulbarga and Bijapur in view of the existing defence operations at Pune and Bidar.
The 2500-acre Hassan airport is being implemented by entrepreneur Rajeev Chandra Shekhar's Jupiter Aviation and Logistics on design, build, operate, transfer basis and will be ready by 2009.
The Shimoga and Gulbarga airports will be set up by a single consortium of the Hyderabad- based major Maytes Infra and NCC Infra. The developer of the Bijapur airport has not yet been firmed up yet.
The meeting also discussed the format for applications for greenfield airports.
Pursuant to this, the steering committee was constituted to monitor the setting up of airports.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Human pyramid as a display of valor
The Indian Army's Dare Devils in a bid to gain a place in the Guinness Book of World Records formed a human pyramid of 251 army personnel on 11 motorbikes and successfully rode a distance of 200 metres at the Gauri Shankar Parade Ground amidst thunderous loud cheers. The Corps of Signals motorcycle display riders, in a brilliant show of courage, succeeded in its own previous record.
The armymen in green, blue and red track-suits and white cap also rode the same distance forming a pyramid of 230 men and then 241 men on 11 motorbikes before forming what can be described as a formidable pyramid of 251 men on 11 bikes.
The Dare Devils had made it to the Guinness Book for first time in 1998 forming a pyramid of 40 men on seven motorbikes followed by 81 men on nine motorbikes in 1994, 140 men on 11 motorbikes in 1996 and 201 men on 10 motorbikes in 2001.
Describing Dare Devils as pride of Corps of Signals ,Lt. Col.A. Deshpande, who led the Dare Devils for the first time to the Guinness Book in 1991 declared the feat as the best example of courage of the Indian Army personnel. They surely have a reputation to live upto.
The armymen in green, blue and red track-suits and white cap also rode the same distance forming a pyramid of 230 men and then 241 men on 11 motorbikes before forming what can be described as a formidable pyramid of 251 men on 11 bikes.
The Dare Devils had made it to the Guinness Book for first time in 1998 forming a pyramid of 40 men on seven motorbikes followed by 81 men on nine motorbikes in 1994, 140 men on 11 motorbikes in 1996 and 201 men on 10 motorbikes in 2001.
Describing Dare Devils as pride of Corps of Signals ,Lt. Col.A. Deshpande, who led the Dare Devils for the first time to the Guinness Book in 1991 declared the feat as the best example of courage of the Indian Army personnel. They surely have a reputation to live upto.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Making news
People make news for various reasons. For good causes or bad. Rafael Nadal of Spain splashed into the newspapers for being a consistent clay court performer. He has barred the mighty Federer from winning the coveted winner's trophy. Apparently Roger Federer isn't invincible. Sportstars life-span is short. There are always competitive newcomers snapping at their heels. They have to work very hard to stay in the limelight.
In Delhi, a 14-year -old schoolgirl was found murdered. Her death pointed a finger at a close relative. Her own father. The accusation may bear little or no resemblance to the truth. But it certainly created a sensation.
Sanjay Dutt is the perenially painted figure of a 'bad wolf'. He overcame his depression at being jailed by marrying Manyata Dutt. Jaillife doesn't seem to have marred his spirits.
Pramod Mahajan's son made news for being a hot-spending socialite. His marriage to childhood sweet-heart and later break-up close on the heels of his father's death was prominently publicised.
Newspapers pick up leads and help the common man make up his mind over various issues. They are a pointer in helping people come to the right decision.
In Delhi, a 14-year -old schoolgirl was found murdered. Her death pointed a finger at a close relative. Her own father. The accusation may bear little or no resemblance to the truth. But it certainly created a sensation.
Sanjay Dutt is the perenially painted figure of a 'bad wolf'. He overcame his depression at being jailed by marrying Manyata Dutt. Jaillife doesn't seem to have marred his spirits.
Pramod Mahajan's son made news for being a hot-spending socialite. His marriage to childhood sweet-heart and later break-up close on the heels of his father's death was prominently publicised.
Newspapers pick up leads and help the common man make up his mind over various issues. They are a pointer in helping people come to the right decision.
IQ can be polished
A new study has found that it may be possible to train people to be more intelligent, increasing the brainpower they had at birth.
Until now, it had been widely assumed that the kind of mental ability that allows us to solve new problems without having any relevant previous experience is innate and cannot be taught.
But in the new study researchers describe a method for improving this skill.
First they measured the fluid intelligence of four groups of volunteers using standard tests. Then they trained each in a memory task, a variation on Concentration, the child's card game.
The four groups underwent a half-hour of training daily for 8, 12, 17 and 19 days respectively. At the ends of each training, researchers tested the participants fluid intelligence again.
The results, published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences were striking.
Although the control groups also made gains, presumably because they had practice with the fluid intelligence tests, improvement in the trained groups was substantially greater. Moereover, the longer they trained, the higher their scores were.
This new finding crushes the former belief that intelligence has always been considered an inimitable inherited trait.
Until now, it had been widely assumed that the kind of mental ability that allows us to solve new problems without having any relevant previous experience is innate and cannot be taught.
But in the new study researchers describe a method for improving this skill.
First they measured the fluid intelligence of four groups of volunteers using standard tests. Then they trained each in a memory task, a variation on Concentration, the child's card game.
The four groups underwent a half-hour of training daily for 8, 12, 17 and 19 days respectively. At the ends of each training, researchers tested the participants fluid intelligence again.
The results, published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences were striking.
Although the control groups also made gains, presumably because they had practice with the fluid intelligence tests, improvement in the trained groups was substantially greater. Moereover, the longer they trained, the higher their scores were.
This new finding crushes the former belief that intelligence has always been considered an inimitable inherited trait.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Supernova in the limelight
Astronomers have discovered the youngest known supernova in the Milky Way galaxy still just a baby at 140 years old.
Scientists put the star-dying event at some time around 1868.
A supernova is the catastrophic explosion of a star that releases an extraordinary amount of energy, enough to outshine an entire galaxy.
The new baby supernova is located near the centre of the galaxy and obscured by dense gas and dust, making it virtually impossible to see in optical light.
'Two to three supernovae are thought to occur every century in the Milky Way'.
The supernova was much younger than initial estimates ranging from 400 to 1,000 years old. The very large Army made new observations in March and helped pinpoint the age at 140 years, possibly less if the expansion has been slowing.
Scientists put the star-dying event at some time around 1868.
A supernova is the catastrophic explosion of a star that releases an extraordinary amount of energy, enough to outshine an entire galaxy.
The new baby supernova is located near the centre of the galaxy and obscured by dense gas and dust, making it virtually impossible to see in optical light.
'Two to three supernovae are thought to occur every century in the Milky Way'.
The supernova was much younger than initial estimates ranging from 400 to 1,000 years old. The very large Army made new observations in March and helped pinpoint the age at 140 years, possibly less if the expansion has been slowing.
A rags-to-riches story
Brothers Yusuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan may have made their mark in the recently held IPL fixtures. The outcome is evident. The Pathan family would soon be moving into a palatial 2.5 crore bungalow in Vadodara, the architectural design for which is now ready.
The plush five- bedroom home spread over 15,000 square feet complete with lush green lawns and state-of-the art interiors is what the Pathan family would be looking forward to move into. It will also boast of a gymnasium and a swimming pool to ensure that the brothers keek fit to plan many more matches.
Before that the Pathans lived in a one-room shack behind a mosque in Mandvi where their father worked as a muezzin.
The bungalow is being made to suit the brother's needs and will have enough parking space for at least a couple of big cars if not a fleet.
Both Irfan and Yusuf are on a break in Vadodara after the frenetic IPL schedule.
The plush five- bedroom home spread over 15,000 square feet complete with lush green lawns and state-of-the art interiors is what the Pathan family would be looking forward to move into. It will also boast of a gymnasium and a swimming pool to ensure that the brothers keek fit to plan many more matches.
Before that the Pathans lived in a one-room shack behind a mosque in Mandvi where their father worked as a muezzin.
The bungalow is being made to suit the brother's needs and will have enough parking space for at least a couple of big cars if not a fleet.
Both Irfan and Yusuf are on a break in Vadodara after the frenetic IPL schedule.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Yakshagana spreading its' wings
In Mysore, those who want to learn the art of Yakshagana need not go to coastal Karnataka. They can register their names at Karavali Yakshagana Kalika Kendra in Ramakrishnanagar in the city.
Yakshagana, a classical folk art form, which is popular in the districts of Uttara kannada , Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shimoga and Kasargod is losing its glory in the changed socio-cultural scenario. Yakshagana literally means the song of Yaksha, an exotic tribe mentioned in the Sanskrit literature.
Performance of this form which used to be a night-long programme, saw changes to suit to the modern life-style.
Yakshagana consists of Himmela(background music) and Mummela ( dance group). Himmela consists of narrator, harmonium and chende (local drum). The artistes wear resplendent costumes, headgear and paint their faces. The performance depicts a story from the Hindu epics.
However, lovers of Yakshagana are making efforts to keep this colorful folk art alive. Some are even trying to make it popular in other parts of the state.
B.Srinivas Rao, a Yakshagana lover, is conducting 'chende-mela' a workshop every year at Krishna Mandira in the city.
Yakshagana may not exactly reverberate to the beats of drums anymore but it manages to survive.
Yakshagana, a classical folk art form, which is popular in the districts of Uttara kannada , Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shimoga and Kasargod is losing its glory in the changed socio-cultural scenario. Yakshagana literally means the song of Yaksha, an exotic tribe mentioned in the Sanskrit literature.
Performance of this form which used to be a night-long programme, saw changes to suit to the modern life-style.
Yakshagana consists of Himmela(background music) and Mummela ( dance group). Himmela consists of narrator, harmonium and chende (local drum). The artistes wear resplendent costumes, headgear and paint their faces. The performance depicts a story from the Hindu epics.
However, lovers of Yakshagana are making efforts to keep this colorful folk art alive. Some are even trying to make it popular in other parts of the state.
B.Srinivas Rao, a Yakshagana lover, is conducting 'chende-mela' a workshop every year at Krishna Mandira in the city.
Yakshagana may not exactly reverberate to the beats of drums anymore but it manages to survive.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Shortage of textbooks
Several bookstores in the city have put up boards citing the unavailability of state syllabus textbooks. Many schools across the state have reopened and the children are attending school without textbooks. Concerned parents from across the city are said to be lining up at bookstores.
To quote Bhanumathi.B. a parent ; her daughter studies in a Central Board of Secondary Education School. She has recieved all her textbooks except the Kannada textbook, which is of state syllabus. We were told by the school that there is a shortage. She has visited various bookstores only to be sent back without a copy'.
M.N.Baig, Director of the Directorate of Secondary Education Research and Training said that the stocks that were released in the open market were exhausted. They had been putting pressure on the printers to open more outlets and ensure there is enough stock, he is purported to have said.
Kumar G.Naik, Commissioner, Department of Public Instruction, said that the students of all government schools and grant-aid-schools had recieved their textbooks. 'These students form around 80 to 85 percent of the total student strength in the state. The problem is with the unavailability of textbooks in the open market for the students of private schools' he said.
Meanwhile, a senior official in the department said that the unhealthy nexus between the sellers and printers was the major cause behind the short supply.
Mr. Naik also said that the department was continously monitoring the situation and would ensure that the textbooks are available in a week's time.
To quote Bhanumathi.B. a parent ; her daughter studies in a Central Board of Secondary Education School. She has recieved all her textbooks except the Kannada textbook, which is of state syllabus. We were told by the school that there is a shortage. She has visited various bookstores only to be sent back without a copy'.
M.N.Baig, Director of the Directorate of Secondary Education Research and Training said that the stocks that were released in the open market were exhausted. They had been putting pressure on the printers to open more outlets and ensure there is enough stock, he is purported to have said.
Kumar G.Naik, Commissioner, Department of Public Instruction, said that the students of all government schools and grant-aid-schools had recieved their textbooks. 'These students form around 80 to 85 percent of the total student strength in the state. The problem is with the unavailability of textbooks in the open market for the students of private schools' he said.
Meanwhile, a senior official in the department said that the unhealthy nexus between the sellers and printers was the major cause behind the short supply.
Mr. Naik also said that the department was continously monitoring the situation and would ensure that the textbooks are available in a week's time.
Ravi Shankar's swan song
Having mesmerised fans around the world for decades, sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar will bid farewell to Europe by performing a select set of ragas for the last time.
The 88-year old sitar maestro who has been a major force for innovation in Indian classical music, is on a tour to Europe which will culminate at the prestigious Barbican Centre on Wednesday night.
According to his daughter, 'he has given a new shape and definition to this instrument over the course of the 20th century'.
'He added the bass string that is quite common now. He created the modern notation system for Indian music. The tabla player was never really an important factor until my father made percussion a central part. A lot of what people now consider Indian music can be traced back to him' so recounted the maestro's daughter.
Shankar spent seven years studying sitar with Khan before emerging in the late 1940s and 50s to become one of India's most celebrated musicians.
Elaborating on his routine, he confessed that 'I sit with Anoushka and give her new things, information that I didn't give her before. That is what happens with our music - it goes on growing, because it is not written down'.
The 88-year old sitar maestro who has been a major force for innovation in Indian classical music, is on a tour to Europe which will culminate at the prestigious Barbican Centre on Wednesday night.
According to his daughter, 'he has given a new shape and definition to this instrument over the course of the 20th century'.
'He added the bass string that is quite common now. He created the modern notation system for Indian music. The tabla player was never really an important factor until my father made percussion a central part. A lot of what people now consider Indian music can be traced back to him' so recounted the maestro's daughter.
Shankar spent seven years studying sitar with Khan before emerging in the late 1940s and 50s to become one of India's most celebrated musicians.
Elaborating on his routine, he confessed that 'I sit with Anoushka and give her new things, information that I didn't give her before. That is what happens with our music - it goes on growing, because it is not written down'.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
........Rich in natural resources
Antharagange hill, considered to be the hidden treasure of natural resources, is situated near Kolar, the land of gold. The Kashi Vishweshwara temple, situated on top of the hill, attracts a good number of devotees. Water flowing out of the mouth of a small basava (bull) statue installed beside the temple is considered as the 'prasadam' of Lord Shiva. This water flows into a pond beside the temple.
Devotees believe this water to possess medicinal values. Hence, certain unscrupulous elements are trying to cash in on this belief and are selling it at a cost of Rs. 10 per litre. There is a great demand for this water.
Another problem the hill is confronted with is from the tourists who visit the place. Lack of civic sense in tourists has spoilt the beauty of the place, for strewn everywhere on the hill are plastic bags and liquor bottles.
It is high time the authorities concerned took appropriate measures to conserve the beauty of the hill in all its glory.
Devotees believe this water to possess medicinal values. Hence, certain unscrupulous elements are trying to cash in on this belief and are selling it at a cost of Rs. 10 per litre. There is a great demand for this water.
Another problem the hill is confronted with is from the tourists who visit the place. Lack of civic sense in tourists has spoilt the beauty of the place, for strewn everywhere on the hill are plastic bags and liquor bottles.
It is high time the authorities concerned took appropriate measures to conserve the beauty of the hill in all its glory.
Cerawaves
"Cerawaves" at Prasad Art Gallery - a painting exhibition by Vasundhara Ballal, so, announces the billboard.
Oh! Just another exhibition, one would brashly write it off. But, on further perusal, each exhibition bears the stamp of the artist's creative genius as this writer has discovered over the years.
A dekko at the paintings gives us an insight into the artist's mind. She uses physical objects such as a Kathakali dancer, clad in all his majestic apparel to portray convincing messages. The dancer strives to entertain the audience just as the clown does in a circus, but is anyone aware of his inner pain and sufferings? A cluster of fruits, outside the drum but they would only rot if they were inside. So, one should be out of one's shackles to understand the world if one were to survive, so the message conveys.
The artist uses ceramic powder mixed with fevicol. She makes a paste out of it and empties it into a cone and makes designs. Once the picture dries, she colors it with oil colors.
The paintings have a 3-dimensional effect. Different from oil paintings, 'you feel as if you are there' says the artist. Her ideas for them come from looking at a photo or picture.
The artist is happy that the discerning in Mangalore have enjoyed her dalliance with art and looks forward to a happy sojourn with future painting exhibitions.
Oh! Just another exhibition, one would brashly write it off. But, on further perusal, each exhibition bears the stamp of the artist's creative genius as this writer has discovered over the years.
A dekko at the paintings gives us an insight into the artist's mind. She uses physical objects such as a Kathakali dancer, clad in all his majestic apparel to portray convincing messages. The dancer strives to entertain the audience just as the clown does in a circus, but is anyone aware of his inner pain and sufferings? A cluster of fruits, outside the drum but they would only rot if they were inside. So, one should be out of one's shackles to understand the world if one were to survive, so the message conveys.
The artist uses ceramic powder mixed with fevicol. She makes a paste out of it and empties it into a cone and makes designs. Once the picture dries, she colors it with oil colors.
The paintings have a 3-dimensional effect. Different from oil paintings, 'you feel as if you are there' says the artist. Her ideas for them come from looking at a photo or picture.
The artist is happy that the discerning in Mangalore have enjoyed her dalliance with art and looks forward to a happy sojourn with future painting exhibitions.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Overseas branch of Mutt to be inaugurated
The full-fledged Sringeri Shanker Mutt overseas branch will be opened at Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania in America on July 14 on 35 acres of land. The Mutt temple constructed by the Sringeri Vidya Bharathi Foundation Inc. will have the Sringeri main deity Sharadamba, Adi Shankaracharya, Chandramouleshwara and Ganapathi temples.
The prathistapana of all these idols will be done with Koti Kumkumarchana, Ati Rudra mahayana, Shathachadi homa. These will be considered the biggest Hindu rituals held abroad with 175 Vedic scholars from India accompanying the Golden Chariot. The chariot was created with 15kgs. of gold and has been beautifully carved by sculptors, from Tamil Nadu especially for this temple.
All the required 'samiths' to perform the 'homa' along with the Golden Chariot will be sent aboard a ship bound for the US. According to Mutt tradition, the Sringeri Shankaracharyas will not cross the seas and they are carrying his blessings to devotees abroad.
The prathistapana of all these idols will be done with Koti Kumkumarchana, Ati Rudra mahayana, Shathachadi homa. These will be considered the biggest Hindu rituals held abroad with 175 Vedic scholars from India accompanying the Golden Chariot. The chariot was created with 15kgs. of gold and has been beautifully carved by sculptors, from Tamil Nadu especially for this temple.
All the required 'samiths' to perform the 'homa' along with the Golden Chariot will be sent aboard a ship bound for the US. According to Mutt tradition, the Sringeri Shankaracharyas will not cross the seas and they are carrying his blessings to devotees abroad.
Weather report
The much- awaited South-West monsoon has finally arrived. The Indian Metereological Department announced that the system has set in over Kerala.
IMD spokesperson R.P. Yadav said the westerly wind flow over the Arabian Sea and South peninsula had strengthened and an off-shore trough along the Kerala -Karnataka coast and an east-west slow zone along 12 degree north latitude had formed.
During the next two to three days, it could reach the southern parts of Karnataka, after covering the remaining areas of Kerala and some more regions of Tamil Nadu.
There were some indications that the progress of the monsoon may become sluggish after June 4 because of the persistent flow of winds from the north-west towards Central India.
IMD spokesperson R.P. Yadav said the westerly wind flow over the Arabian Sea and South peninsula had strengthened and an off-shore trough along the Kerala -Karnataka coast and an east-west slow zone along 12 degree north latitude had formed.
During the next two to three days, it could reach the southern parts of Karnataka, after covering the remaining areas of Kerala and some more regions of Tamil Nadu.
There were some indications that the progress of the monsoon may become sluggish after June 4 because of the persistent flow of winds from the north-west towards Central India.
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