My Dreamzzz...

വീടുപേര്‍/Malayalam house names - part 3

2011-08-03T19:39:00.002-05:00

നിങ്ങളില്‍ കുറെ പേര്‍ എന്റെ അസാനിധ്യത്തില്‍ വീട് പേരുകള്‍ അന്വേഷികുനുണ്ടായിരുന്നു അല്ലെ.. മാപ്പ്.. ഈയുള്ളവള്‍ അത് അറിഞ്ഞില്ല..

അതിന്റെ പ്രായിസ്ചിത്തം എന്നോണ്ണം ഇതാ കുറച്ചു പുതിയ വീട് പേരുകള്‍..

മാനസരോവര്‍	ദളമര്‍മരങ്ങള്‍	നീര്‍തടം
പളുങ്ക്	താരാപഥം	ഇന്ദീരം
ചെമ്പകകാവ്‌	ഓര്‍മചെപ്പ്	കൂടാരം
ഇളവന്നൂര്‍ മഠം	പാലിയത് കാവ്‌	കുടജാദ്രി
ഇന്ദീവരം	പാഞ്ചജന്യം	നീലാഞ്ജനം
വിനീതം	രാജരേഖ	ഓമനം
ദിവ്യം	നവീനം	പങ്കജം
രോചനം	പ്രയാഗം	നയനം
പല്ലവം	നികുന്ജം	സന്ജോഗം
നീഹാരം	സൌരവം	ശശാങ്കം
നീരജം	ശ്രേയം	സോഹനം
തിലകം	ഉധിതം	നവനീതം
ശ്രീ ഭവനം	അതുലം	മേഘം
നളിനം	അമോലം	സ്വപ്രിയം
ഗിരീശം	മയൂരം	ലോകം
മാണിക്യം	ഗീതം	അഭിനവം
കിരണം	രശ്മി	അമോഘം
ഗോവിന്ദം	ചൈതന്യം	ദീപം
ദേവാന്ഗം	പ്രീത്യം	അതുല്യം
അമൂല്യം	ചന്ദ്രഹാസം	ചന്ദനം

Hahahaha.. booohahahaha..

2010-12-04T01:48:00.010-06:00

ABCD is American Born Confused Desi...

Then, what is ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ..

:-)

Think friends...

American Born Confused Desi, Emigrated From Gujarat, Housed In Jersey, Keeping Lotsa Motels, Named Omkarnath Patel, Quickly Reached Success Through Underhanded Vicious Ways, Xenophobic Yet Zestful

Howzzat!!!

Romantic Countries ;-)

2010-11-07T05:24:00.005-06:00

H.O.L.L.A.N.D. - Hope Our Love Lasts And Never Dies.

I.T.A.L.Y. - I Trust And Love You.

L.I.B.Y.A. - Love Is Beautiful; You Also.

F.R.A.N.C.E. - Friendships Remain And Never Can End.

C.H.I.N.A. - Come Here.. I Need Affection.

B.U.R.M.A. - Between Us, Remember Me Always.

N.E.P.A.L. - Never Ever Part As Lovers.

I.N.D.I.A. - I Nearly Died In Adoration.

K.E.N.Y.A. - Keep Everything Nice, Yet Arousing.

C.A.N.A.D.A. - Cute And Naughty Action that Developed into Attraction

K.O.R.E.A . - Keep Optimistic Regardless of Every Adversity.

E.G.Y.P.T. - Everything's Great, You Pretty Thing!

M.A.N.I.L.A. - May All Nights Inspire Love Always.

P.E.R.U. - Phorget Everyone... Remember Us.

T.H.A.I.L.A.N.D - Totally Happy. Always In Love And Never Dull.

Courtesy:- A FWD mail

Friday Fruitism : Papaya

2010-11-05T08:08:00.114-05:00

Picture Courtesy : fruitsage.com

What a colorful fruit! I used to hate it, and all in my family used to love it. It has immense power and potential in itself to heal our body. It is sweet, soft, butter-like and even considered exotic, hence rightly named "Fruit of the Angels" by Christopher Columbus. It is also called "papaw" or "pawpaw".

The fruit is on an average 7 inches long, but it can grow even up to 20 inches. The tree grows to 5-10 meters. The peak season is during summer and fall, but nowadays, you can find it all year through in the markets. Even its seeds are edible, but they do have a bitter taste. Most part of the tree is said to contain an enzyme "papain" which helps to digest proteins. The fruit contains max amount of the enzyme when it is not ripe.

Papaya contains:-

Antioxidants like Vitamin C and carotenes
B vitamins like folate
Minerals like potassium and magnesium
Lots of Vitamin A
Fiber

In addition, it doesn't contain any fat or cholesterol and is low in sodium.

Health Benefits:-

Aids digestion and digestive disorder treatment, preventing constipation and ulcers (even seeds help in expelling worms when taken with honey)
Improves the Immune system hence gets rid of cold or flu easily
Protect kidneys in cases of toxicity-induced kidney failure
May even prevent growth of cancerous cells in colon, liver, etc. (studies have indicated)
Prevents heart problems caused from diabetes or cholesterol, even lowers cholesterol levels
Prevents nausea and morning sickness
Reduces pain in diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis

Cosmetic Benefits:-

Prevents premature aging by restricting wrinkles.
Brightens and lightens skin color.
Reduces pimples, acne and pores in skin.
Heals cuts, stings, rashes or burns.
Supplements for food during dieting.
Controls and limits dandruff in hair.
Reduces menstrual irregularities in women (raw papaya).

Even the stem and bark are also used for purposes like rope production.

When choosing a papaya, look for one that is fairly large, half yellow or more, and slightly soft. It should yield to gentle palm pressure. Avoid papayas that are too soft, or those that have scars or blemishes.

Quick Serving Tips:-

Dice papaya and sprinkle little lime juice.
Add diced papaya into a fruit salad.
Make a smoothie with papaya, strawberries and yohurt.
Make a dip by mixing papaya, coriander leaves, green peppers and ginger.

If you love to eat papaya, then the benefits have no boundaries. No part of the plant/fruit goes unused. So, have a bite friends!

Tuesday Trauma : Conjunctivitis

2010-11-02T04:15:00.001-05:00

Image Courtesy : Wiki

Pink Eyes/Madras Eyes

There is a thin transparent membrane covering the front of the eye called the Conjunctiva. The inflammation of this membrane produces Conjunctivitis. It constitutes the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Mainly, in this infection, the white part of the eyes turn red, this is because when the eye becomes irritated or infected, the tiny blood vessels dilate and turn red. It can be due to bacterial, viral or even allergic reactions. It spreads from person to person when in direct contact and is also known as "Sore Eyes".

This is seen in quite many places nowadays; hence thought of writing about it.

Major symptoms can be:-

discharge of yellow color fluid or pus from the eyes (may cause eyelashes to be stuck together)
pain in the eye
eyes turn reddish in color
sensitivity to light
itchy feeling
watery eyes
burning sensation
dryness
swelling of eyes

Probable causes can be:-

viral infection due to cold or sore throat
unclean hand-to-eye contact especially in overcrowded and unhygienic surroundings
over usage of non-prescription eye drops
direct contact with an infected person
smoke, dust or pollen
overstraining of eyes
allergies
contact lens trapping unwanted particles inside itself

Remedies (from home itself):-

To give a little relief to the eyes, place these over it intermittently-

slices of peeled potatoes
cloth soaked in aloevera juice or curd
moist green/black tea-bag
cold bread

Castor oil can be used as an eye drop
Boil fennel seeds or dried coriander in water and use as an eye-wash
Honey can either be used as an eye-drop or it can be boiled in water and used as an eye-wash
Having Gooseberry juice with honey or Carrot+Spinach juice can be highly beneficial
Washing the eyes with cool water
Have lots of fresh fruits like papaya (boosts immunity), mango, orange, etc.
Make the diet rich in Vitamin A and B2; include stuffs like milk, curd, butter, almonds and green veggies

Little Tips:-

Avoid sharing pillows, clothes, towels.
Keep bedsheets and clothes clean by washing often.
Don't pester your eyes by putting your fingers into them always; and then touching all other places.
Keep yourself clean and aloof from other diseases.
Use sunglasses if going out in sunlight.

Keep yourself aloof from this quite infectious irritating disease....friends! Take Care.

Friday Fruitism : Pomegranate

2010-10-29T05:50:00.001-05:00

Pomegranate is a very colorful fruit and no one can detest its sweet juice. Who won’t love it? The ruby-colored seeds inside a pomegranate are a breathtaking sight. But, you do have to pick the really good one in order to like the fruit. Even though the fruit is so sweet whatever brand of juice that I used to buy was always bitter; maybe they didn’t get really ripe pomegranates :-)

However, as always, eating the fruit is the better choice as it outshines the benefit of drinking its juice.

It is also known as Granada in Spanish and Grenade in French. It grows into a shrub or a small tree mostly in hot climate areas. The astonishing fact is that this tree can remain for many years. You really need not put much effort into the maintenance and care of the tree. The fruits are ripe when they have developed a distinctive color and make a metallic sound when tapped. The fruits must be picked before over maturity when they tend to crack open, particularly when rained on. The pomegranate is equal to the apple in having a long storage life. If kept under proper temperature, they remain for several months. The fruits improve in storage, becoming juicier and more flavorful.

In one pomegranate -

there is around 100 calories and only about 25g of sugar
provides lot of antioxidants and fiber (it contains three times more antioxidants than green tea or red wine)
gives potassium, vitamins A, E, C and folic acid

Its advantages and benefits are innumerable:-

Prevents heart disease and cholesterol
Tones up your immune system
Arteries are freed of build ups, hence reducing heart attack and strokes
Works as a blood thinner improving blood flow to the heart
Improves blood pressure levels
Reduce diarrhea and some fevers
Root bark treats intestinal parasites like tapeworm
Prevents dental plaque
Fights Osteoarthritis by rebuilding damaged cartilage

It also finds a place in making dye (flowers), tanning leather (rind) and preparing oil for beautiful skin (seeds). It has also been found fruitful in cancer treatments and prevention.

People dislike its seeds or the way we have to take away the seeds in order to eat it. Since it easily gets all our hands and we get irritated, we refrain from eating it. An easy way to let off the seeds is to cut the pomegranate into two or four, holding it skin upside seed downside with one hand and striking it with the holder of a knife (holding the knife reverse) or a wooden spatula. With regard to the white tissue in between the seeds, put them in water and the pith will separate out on its own, then the water can be drained off. Try it once!

Image Courtesy : life123.com

Back after a long break!!!

2010-10-28T05:45:00.002-05:00

Heyya Friends...

Missed this creative writing a lot! Ah.. so 'm back.

Want to make it "back with a bang", hence, devising two different sections in my blog:-

1) Tuesday Traumas
2) Friday Fruitism

Tuesday Traumas would be dealing with diseases we fall to or come across in our day-to-day life and the possible natural, medical and home remedies for them.

Friday Fruitism would be to share some knowledge about a fruit that would make people engrossed in eating and eating and eating lots n lots of fruits.

Okay, so let me officially flag my race off...

Thrissur Pooram - Last Part

2009-09-20T23:31:00.001-05:00

The most striking feature of the Thrissur Pooram is its very secular nature. It is not only the Hindus who participate in this festival. Literally Thrissur Town gets converted into an ocean of humanity of all colour, caste and creed. The Muslim and Christian Communities actively take part in it and they play a very prominent role in the very conduct of the festival. Most of the Panthals are the craftwork of the experts from the Muslim community. For the two days of the festival, the CMS High School, owned by the North Kerala Diocese of CST Church and located on the western part of the Swaraj Round, becomes virtually the Headquarters of the Thiruvambadi Devasom. The temple elephants are tied in the school compound and the 'Aana Chamaya pradarsanam' is also held here. The parasols for the 'Kudamattom' are offered by the churches and their members.

But, we need to pay heed to the reality as well. Unlike today, Thrissur Pooram used to be celebrated with the full involvement of devotees with their physical involvement and voluntary services in the ancient times. The financial obligations were very little due to the availability of large number of artists and artisans locally. Now activities connected with pooram festivals has to be maintained with the help of paid artists and artisans, resulting in large expenditure which is beyond the capacity of the conveners .The expenditure for arranging accompaniments and other accessories, hiring beautiful elephants, artists for melam and panchavadyam etc., necessitates lakhs and lakhs of rupees. As in older times, the meager donation from the Thattakams is not sufficient to meet the huge expenses. Large scale contributions were given to communities to conduct pooram with great pomp and show during the time of Maharajas. This help was also stopped and government is not helping Thrissur Pooram Celebration Committee. In this circumstance luckily some new avenues have opened up to facilitate funds for the conduct of pooram with its old pomp and show beautifully and seriously. The pooram is not only celebrated and conducted by the people from the surrounding locality but cuts cross all the manmade barriers of religion and caste.

All this, in turn has tremendously increased the responsibilities of the local administration and the organizers are trying to improve the show by adding improved themes. This will also help to minimize the monotony of locals who throng to the venue every year. However, the two main poorams of Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady has already accomplished this by improving the Kudamattom and fireworks. But the other poorams are still lagging behind in this process due to financial crunch and other problems. Due to the initiative taken by the Tourism Department of Kerala Government and the Cochin Devasom Board, these poorams are also trying to improve and catch up with innovative ideas in their processions. Since Thrissur pooram is commonly known as drum-oriented festival, the improvements should be limited to cater the taste of visiting people consisting of large number of foreigners and non-Malayalees. The present forms of Melam and panchavadyam are the live wires of the show and this should be improved with the presence of well known artists. The restrictions and the time limit in the Thekkinkadu Maidan also hamper them considerably. The thin attendance in the origin of all the small poorams should be the focal point for improvisation. Additionally, it also harps on the risk involved in conducting such a festival on a grand scale which involves the movement of the tusker through a sea of humanity. Even one elephant running amok could take a huge toll of lives. It emphasizes the measure taken by the authorities to make the festival and the scintillating fire work displays as safe for the public as possible.

A glimpse of the cultural excellence!!!

Whatever be the case, life in Kerala is punctuated by the annual festivals dedicated to the village deities. These post-harvest festivals are an occasion to break out of the monotony of daily routine. During the festival season, Thrissur, popularly known as the temple town turns into a town of colour, music and mirth. The size and importance of this festival may vary from small gathering to a mega spectacle. But the beauty of Thrissur pooram is truly one of its kinds. At a time when the secular fabric of the Indian Society is slowly disintegrating, one cannot be myopic to the relevance of Thrissur Pooram, the conduct of which should become worthy of emulation to other festivals in the country. In addition, all the kaleidoscope of colors and magnificent sounds make this a sight to behold. It is an expression of popular fascination for sound and colour, and because of the pageantry, it appeals to all people. In every respect Thrissur pooram stands better than the best, a cultural show par excellence and indeed a meeting point of all the arts.

All images and video - courtesy - google search

Thrissur Pooram - Part 9

2009-09-18T21:27:00.001-05:00

The next day morning, both these competitors start with their respective “Pandimelam” and end up at the Sreemoolasthanam around 12 noon. This is rightly categorized as “PakalPooram”, locally known as “Pooram for Thrissur residents”. Both the goddesses say “Good bye” to each other, promising to meet again next year with more vigor, but ensuring congeniality. They, then return to their respective temples. The same day evening after “Arattu” (holy dip of the deity in the temple pond) and “Kodikuthu” (kodikal pooram), the elephant which was honored to carry the “Thidambu” pulls down the flag with the post, put up during “Kodiyettam”. After “Sree BoothaBali”, the goddesses enter their sanctum and take rest with “Uthram Pattu”, after a long tiring and tough competition.

Hence ends the great Thrissur Pooram - The grant show of temples in the vicinity of the vast Vadakkunnathan temple, the celebration with the processions from various temples consisting of decorated caparisoned elephants with the center one holding the deities embedded in golden Kolams, the trained men sitting on the elephants holding the colorful specially prepared large umbrellas, “Alavattam” made out of peacock feathers and “Venchamarams” heaving to the Vadhyamelams, the number of devotees and visitors contented to the very depth of their hearts, all constitute this wonderful attraction of the earth. Through the electronic media, its fame has reached all over India and beyond its boundaries, attracting people to flock to Thrissur town to have a glimpse of the pageantry.

Thrissur Pooram - Part 8

2009-09-15T23:19:00.000-05:00

Once again, the participant poorams will start to perform in the same hierarchy, but will end up at “Nilapaduthara” .Two of the major ones namely, “Paramekkavu” and “Thiruvambady” will temporarily suspend their ensemble at their respective “Panthals” at 3.00 am, and the breathtaking final firework display depicting the rivalry between the 2 groups, starts.

Indeed, these fireworks are a secret pride of Thrissur Pooram because they are really distinct in character, performance, excellence and magnitude. Both Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu temples vying to show each other’s cultural and artistic brilliance in turn result in providing the crowd with the best and the most unexpected. It ends up as a hale and hearty show of the two sections’ might. People come from faraway places to watch this amazing display of Pyrotechnics.

The fireworks enthrall people in four different occasions during Pooram season namely, the ‘sample fireworks’ couple of days before the Pooram, the colorful sparklers (“Amittu”) lighting up the sky in a true competitive spirit on the Pooram evening after the Southward Descent, the most impressive event marking the peak of Pooram celebrations in the early morning hours, and the final fireworks the following noon after the Goddesses bid farewell to each other that mark the end of Pooram.

Behind this colourful show, is the concerted and dedicated effort of thousands of artisans over a couple of months and their satisfaction after all the show has ended. The technique involves a simple mixture of sound, light and strength, the proportion varying according to the type, say Amittu produces less sound and more color whereas Dynamite produces high pitch sound only. Each chemical helps produce a particular color to the fireworks, with the addition of Aluminum powder and magnesium, that helps bring some gimmicks. However, potassium chlorate, which was used to increase the loudness has now been replaced by potassium nitrate considering safety as the top priority.

Thrissur Pooram - Part 7

2009-09-10T23:13:00.000-05:00

During this time period (around 12 noon), Paramekkavu Bhagavathi starts with “PandiMelam”, popularly known as “Purapaadu”; it ends up entering the Vadakunnathan through the “Manikandanaal” side (southern side). This leads to the famous “Elinjithara Melam” which concludes by 4.30 p.m.

Afterwards, Paramekkavu bhagavathi leaves through the southern gopuram marking the start of “Thekkottirakam” (meaning descending southwards). Devi travels towards south for performing a “Pradhakshinam” (going roundabout in clockwise direction) of Sakthan Thampuran’s statue, in front of the Muncipal Office. By then, the Thiruvambady melam concludes at Sreemoolasthanam (western gate of Vadakunnathan) and the Devi enters the Vadakunnathan temple and leaves through the southern gopuram, only to find Parmekkavu waiting her entry into the battlefield for the ever-famous cynosure, “Kudamattom”, the spectacular show of exchanging parasols of myriad numbers, designs and colors. Both Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady field face to face arrays of richly caparisoned elephants and the stage is all set for a wonderful competition of the swift and rhythmic exchange of brightly colored and sequined parasols. Both the groups explore and exploit every source at their command, providing a mind-blowing visual treat to all the spectators assembled at the “ThekkegopuraNada” of the Vadakunnathan, culminating with an ever-memorable dazzling display of fireworks, leaving an everlasting stamp on each person’s minds making spectators going into raptures.

Thrissur Pooram - Part 6

2009-09-05T23:02:00.001-05:00

And with the all the preparations, there comes “The Day”.

The pooram day starts with the ceremonial entrance of “Kanimangalam Shastha” into the Vadakunnathan through the southern gopuram at 7 a.m. “Shastha” is normally characterized as the guardian of pooram and incarnated as “Bhrahaspathi” (Devaguru). It is marked by the presence of 7 caparisoned elephants and Nadapady. This is the only pooram other than “Paramekkavu” that is allowed to perform Melam inside the Vadakunnathan.

The Pandimelam starts in front of Elinjithara and Shastha exits, finishing the Melam, through the western gopuram. This is followed by the arrival of Panamukkampilly Shastha and Chembookavu Karthiayani Devi, entering through the eastern gopuram, finally leaving through the southern gopuram. Meanwhile, the poorams of Laloor, Ayyanthole, Neithalkavu and Choorakottukavu moves to the Thekkinkadu Maidanam from Naduvilal (western side of Swaraj Round) and enter vadakumnathan through the western gopuram leaving through the southern gopuram.

In the meantime, the Thiruvambady Baghavathy will start from the Thiruvambady temple. The procession reaches Thekkemadam by around 10.30 am. After “Irakkypooja”, the famous “Madathilvaravu” starts with “Panchavadhyam”. The panchavadyam continues till the procession reaches “Thiruvambady” panthal at “Naickanal” (Northern side of Swaraj Round), and then, the “Pandimelam” starts with 15 elephants.

The Karamukku Bagavathy moves through the Manikandanaal (southern side of Swaraj Round) and enters through the western gopuram and leaves through the southern gopuram. However, all the poorams conclude at “Nilapaduthara” near the western gopuram.

Thrissur Pooram - Part 5

2009-09-02T22:54:00.000-05:00

The long schedule of the Thrissur Pooram starts with the smaller Poorams in the individual temples in both the groups; then they arrive at Vadakunnathan to pay their due respects to Lord Shiva, the silent spectator of their long festive journey. Each pooram is however, accompanied by the percussion ensembles, which is one of the greatest source of enjoyment and enthusiasm for all the spectators.

The no: of artists in the “Panchavadhyam” troupe varies depending on factors like duration, place, type etc. But the proportion remains the same always, to every Madhalam, there would be double + one "Thimila" and for every Thimila, there would be equal number of "Kombu" and "Elathalam". One "Edakka" is essential in all types of “Panchavadyam”. For larger groups, the no: of "Edakka" may be more. The grouping of the artists and hierarchy is strictly followed. The chief of each instrument will stand in the center, the next less superior one in the right side and the third one in the left. "Edakka" will be stationed at right-hand side of the "Madhalam". If there is second "Edakka", it will be positioned at the left hand side. "Sanghu" will be at right hand side of the right Edakka. The “Panchavadhyam” follows the Pyramidal rhythmic structure. It starts with the “Shangu”, followed by the “Thimila” and other instruments except the “Kombu”. It is divided into 10 “Kaalams” each lasting 14-15 minutes and consisting of slow “PathiKaalam”, intermittent “MadhyaKaalam”, “DruthiKaalam” and speedy Kaalam, but however, the chief decides from which Kaalam the vadhyam starts. This differs from “PanchariMelam” in that the latter is performing on Chenda with one stick and hand and is divided into 3 steps in 5 "Kaalams".

The “Pandimelam” performed as “Elanjitharamelam” during the pooram differs by the use of stick in both hands. It is like climbing a staircase; with a no.of steps + landing, again a no. of steps + landing and finally it reaches the top of the tower, literally, a tower of explosion of sound. Its "takeoff" is in an entirely different format called "Koottiperukkal" which is an enchanting experience. It is difficult to confine this melam to any type of "Kaalam" since it is designed in such a way that it accelerates step by step very systematically. During the course of time it will cover up the Kaalams, but not strictly time- bound. But, its beauty lies in its "Kalaasams". Here, the speed and no of beats are directly proportional; the grand finale being a thrilling experience.

Thrissur Pooram - Part 4

2009-08-30T22:02:00.001-05:00

The city is in jubilant mood since the opening of the Pooram Exhibition, one of the biggest trade Fairs in entire South India, which acts as the first curtain raiser. The tempo starts with the flag hosting and reaches its full spirit couple of days before the Pooram day, when the sample fireworks give us a cute little hint of the oncoming miraculous show. It had once started as a sample testing of the fireworks for any alternation or modification, but slowly, it turned out to be an event attracting very huge crowd.

Both Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady get busy crafting their high-end Parasols, Ornaments, etc, which results in the exhibition of the paraphernalia of elephant decorative, commonly known as the “Aana chamaya pradarshanam”, and this serves as a massive crowd puller in the last few hours before the great fun-filled journey.

Ritually you can add one more t the list of curtain raisers to the pooram. One of the participant temples Nethilakkavu Bhagavathi, presents herself in front of southern gopuram of Vadakunnathan in the early hours of the previous day of the pooram announcing her presence by blowing a conch; and then the gopuram opens and the Devi enters. Moreover, this is the only occasion when the southern gopuram doors are opened in the whole year, and is closed after the glittering Kudamattom. Nethilakkavu bhagavathi pays her respect to lord Vadakumnathan and comes out through western gopuram. There Devi announces the “pooram” by blowing the conch three times at Nilapaduthara (about 50 meters north of the western goupuram). Earlier this ritual was on the eve of “Kovilakathu pooram” which was conducted two days before the pooram.

Thrissur Pooram - Part 3

2009-08-25T21:00:00.000-05:00

The Pooram is prefixed by a series of startup activities beginning with the “Kodiyettam” or flag hoisting ceremony. It is done without any tantric rituals and the areca nut tree, chipped in 8 sides, is placed pointing north after the “Valiya Balikallu”. The post is decorated with Darba, Mango leaves and Banyan tree leaves. Right from this day till the last, “UtsavaBali” is performed with strict discipline, pouring “havis” (rice with flowers), symbolizing offerings made to the good and bad, natural and supernatural powers. The “Aarattu” is conducted by taking out the “Thidambu” (the replica of the deity) to the “Kadavu” (pond inside the temple compound), accompanied by “Vadhyam”.

The unifying factor of all poorams is this small processional image of the deity, which is placed at the base of a golden shield-like “Kolam” and is mounted atop the tallest male tusker and is flanked by other elephants. After the rituals, the thantri immerses it into the water, applies sandal water, rosewater and turmeric, and dresses it up in a new “Pattu” (silk dress). This ceremony is also to be carried out regularly from the “Kodiyettam”. Since this is a festival associated with the happiness of the harvest season, it’s a usual routine work to get the houses painted and, the streets cleaned and illuminated. It is believed that the God will travel through the streets with all pomp and show to verify the personal well-being of his devotees and in turn, his devotees offer him paddy, fruits, etc as a symbol of happiness and contentment.

Thrissur Pooram - Part 2

2009-08-22T21:24:00.004-05:00

The Thrissur Pooram is considered to be the Mother of all Poorams, a culture highlight that towers above all other festivals .Thrissur pooram is a festival unique in its pageantry, magnitude and participation. It is not a mere temple festival in its strict sense but at the same time it is the festival of festivals of Kerala. It is a grand assembly of Gods and Goddesses in and around Thrissur. The Ten participants of the Pooram are the Thiruvambady Bhagavathi and Paramekkavu Bhagavathi, Nethilakkavu Bhagavathi, Karamukku Bhagavathi, Ayyanthole Bhagavathi, Laloor Bhagavathi, Choorakkattukavu Bhagavathi, Chembukkavu Bhagavathi, Panamukkumpally Sastha, Kanimangalam Sastha. The processions and rituals of each of these deities follow a very strict itinerary, scheduled in such a way that the tempo of the Pooram celebrations is maintained without any loss of energy.

The legends and myths behind each festival of Kerala are many, varied and equally interesting. Since the word pooram literally means a group or a meeting, it was believed that every year the dynastic gods and goddesses of neighbouring province met together for a day of celebration. This usually happened on the pooram asterism of one of the spring months. The gods and their entourage arrived for the meeting on colourfully decorated tuskers. Even today, the converging of these divine processions at the festival venue is an awe inspiring sight.

Very many stories are told and retold about the origin of Thrissur pooram. It is 200 plus years young and before that the “Arattupuzha pooram” conducted at Arattupuzha, some 14 km away from Vadakunnathan was the biggest temple festival of Kerala. All the temples participating in Thrissur pooram and Kuttanellur pooram were the regular participants of “Arattupuzha pooram”. Once these temples were delayed to attend the festival due to heavy rain or so and then chief of Peruvanam Gramam, known for its Namboodiri supremacy, denied the entry. As an act of reprisal Thrissur Naduvazhi (the chief poojari of Vadakunnathan) and Kuttanellur Naduvazhi started the pooram in Thrissur. Later due to some reasons, the Kuttanellur Naduvazhi disassociated the celebration at Thrissur. Since their withdrawal, the glamour of the pooram was lost and the two Naduvazhies’ began to treat each other as enemies. It was in this juncture the former ruler of Cochin and the very architect of Thrissur, His Highness Ramavarma Raja, popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran (1751-1805 AD) became the Maharaja of Kochi.

As an act of reprisal and also in a bid to assuage their wounded feelings, Sakthan Thampuran unified the 10 temples situated around Vadakunnathan temple who would assemble on the eve to pay obeisance to the presiding deity of Thrissur and took steps to celebrate Thrissur Pooram as a mass festival. He took up the renovation of the Vadakkunnathan temple which was enclosed by high walls. The four massive gopurams of the temple have been ascribed to him. At a time when nobody would have dared to look straight at the almighty Namboodiris, Sakthan Thampuran stripped of their powers and took over the administration of the temple that claimed an antiquity of more than three centuries. It was he who reorganized the annual festival in its present form and made the sprawling Thekkinkadu Maidan the major venue of Thrissur Pooram. Adhering to the medieval Peruvanam tradition, he confined the festival to the temples of Devi (goddess) and Sastha (divine combination of Shiva and Vishnu). Again, he entrusted the onus of holding the festival to the two public temples- Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu temples that had never been under the control of the Namboodiris. He also directed them to extent all support and help to other poorams which are coming from 2 to 10 kms away from Vadakumnathan temple. He ordained two groups – West and East. He named Western group as Thiruvambady, consisting of Kanimangalam, Laloor, Ayyanthole, Nethilakkavu and Thiruvambady temples and the Eastern group Paramekkavu, consisting of Karamukku, Chembukavu. Choorakottukavu, Panamukkamppilly and Paramekkavu. It is attributed that the event management of the whole pooram was chalked out by His Highness Sakthan Thampuran. It is this historical background that determines the course of the Pooram program and it is specifically the ruler's antipathy to the brahmin aristocracy to open Thrissur pooram for the common man.

THRISSUR POORAM – WHEN THE GODS MEET!!!

2009-08-15T22:14:00.005-05:00

Thought of writing few words about the cultural excellence of Kerala, or rather India...

Really a special day for people all over the world, irrespective of religion, caste or creed! A worldly celebration, a cultural highlight, a healthy competition, a spectacular event, a colorful memory, a legendary festival, a refreshing season, an enthused arena, a feeling of unity, a summer-time fun, a spellbound sight, the biggest wonder, and what not!

Pooram is an annual festival held in central Kerala, particularly, Thrissur, parts of Palakkad and Malappuram. Most Pooram festivals have at least one ornately decorated elephant being paraded in the procession taken out of the temple precincts. However, there are some, such as Aryankavu Pooram near Shoranur and Machattu Thiruvanikavu Vela near Wadakkanchery that do not use the caparisoned elephant, instead go for stilted mannequins of horses or bullocks. Many such festivals exist like Arattupuzha-Peruvanam Pooram, Nenmara Vallangi Vela, Uthralikkavu Pooram and Chinakkathoor Pooram, but Thrissur Pooram tops the list as an undefeatable contender.

Thrissur Pooram – the most sought after Pooram of all Poorams today, is celebrated annually during the Malayalam calendar month of Medam (mid-April to mid-May in the English calendar) in Thrissur, the cultural capital of the state of Kerala in India. Its unique style attracts large masses of devotees and spectators from all over the world. The nakshtram Pooram marks the day of the festival symbolizing end of a happy harvest season resulting in the largest gathering of mankind. The festival is rich and enjoyable starting with the Kodiyettam in the respective temples, through all the walks till the scintillating mammoth fireworks. The playground of the competition Thekkinkadu Maidanam, the tough rivals Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi, the three picturesque and charming tall Panthals, the magnificent gold caparisoned elephants’ Ezhunallippu, the mighty musical extravaganza of Panchavadyam (an orchestra of five instruments - Timila, Idakka, Maddalam, Ilathalam, and Kombu accompanied by Shangu), the exchange of the ever-artistic parasols Kudamattom, and the silent witness Vadukunnathan temple, each serves as a non-detachable entity of this festive occasion and adds to its grandeur. A noteworthy feature of the pooram festival is the participation of large numbers of people and elephants. The pachyderms emerge out in all their regalia with newly fabricated caparisons. They make their way through the milling crowds drawn from all religions, castes and creed to the accompaniment of ecstatic percussion ensembles. Thrissur town plays host, for 36 hours from the wee hours of the pooram day, to one of the largest collection of people and elephants. The richly decorated elephant, as seen during the Thrissur pooram, is now globally recognized, and its association with Kerala. On the pooram day, fifty or more elephants will pass through the very center of Thrissur town. It is an assemblage of suburban deities before the presiding deity at the Siva temple in down town Thrissur.

Easiest quiz in the world!!!

2009-08-10T21:35:00.000-05:00

Q. How long did the Hundred Years War last?
A. 116 years

Q. Which country makes Panama hats?
A. Ecuador

Q. From which animal do we get cat gut?
A. Sheep and Horses

Q. In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
A. November

Q. What is a camel's hair brush made of?
A. Squirrel fur

Q. The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?
A. Dogs

Q. What was King George VI's first name?
A. Albert

Q. What color is a purple finch?
A. Crimson

Q. Where are Chinese gooseberries from?
A. New Zealand

Q. What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane?
A. Orange,of course.

Creative meanings.. hahaha

2009-08-01T21:47:00.001-05:00

Cigarette: A pinch of tobacco rolled in paper with fire at one end & a fool at the other.

Love affairs: Something like cricket where one-day internationals are more popular than a five-day test.

Marriage: It's an agreement in which a man loses his bachelor degree and a woman gains her master.

Divorce : Future tense of marriage.

Lecture: An art of transferring information from the notes of the lecturer to the notes of the students without passing through "the minds of either".

Conference: The confusion of one man multiplied by the number present.

Compromise : The art of dividing a cake in such a way that everybody believes he got the biggest piece.

Tears: The hydraulic force by which masculine will power is defeated by feminine waterpower.

Dictionary: A place where divorce comes before marriage.

Conference Room: A place where everybody talks, nobody listens & everybody disagrees later on.

Ecstasy: A feeling when you feel you are going to feel a feeling you have never felt before.

Classic: A book, which people praise, but do not read.

Smile: A curve that can set a lot of things straight.

Office: A place where you can relax after your strenuous home life.

Yawn: The only time some married men ever get to open their mouth.

Etc.: A sign to make others believe that you know more than you actually do.

Committee: Individuals who can do nothing individually and sit to decide that nothing can be done together.

Experience: The name men give to their mistakes.

Atom Bomb: An invention to end all inventions.

Philosopher: A fool who torments himself during life, to be spoken of when dead.

Diplomat: A person who tells you to go to hell in such a way that you actually look forward to the trip.

Opportunist: A person who starts taking bath if he accidentally falls into a river.

Optimist: A person who while falling from Eiffel Tower says in midway "See I am not injured yet."

Pessimist: A person who says that O is the last letter in ZERO, instead of the first letter in the work OPPORTUNITY.

Miser: A person who lives poor so that he can die rich.

Father: A banker provided by nature.

Criminal: A guy no different from the rest... except that he got caught.

Boss: Someone who is early when you are late and late when you are early.

Politician: One who shakes your hand before elections and your Confidence after.

Doctor: A person who kills your ills by pills, and kills you with his bills.

Computer Engineer: One who gets paid for reading forward mails.

Image credit : weblo.com

Nostalgia !!!

2009-07-22T21:53:00.001-05:00

I feel nostalgic when the thoughts of my home town come to my mind; there are all kinds of past incidents that spread across my heart making it feel heavier.

The childhood days, the state it was at that time, the people living around the house, the swing grandpa used to tie each year for Onam, the large mango tree in the front of the house yielding yummy mangoes and ample shade (even now), the smell of damp soil during the arrival of the first rain, the cutie kittens – all-time friends in the moments of loneliness and happiness alike, the huge house ensuring all types of probable spaces for successfully playing hide ‘n seek, the sweet scented wind having all the perfumes from the flowers and bushes around, the minutiae observation of the rain drops pouring out of nowhere, the numerous strolls around the Vadakunnathan on weekends always praying for success in all walks of life, the enjoyment of swinging infinitely without anyone to snatch the swing as in a children’s park, the art of collecting Balarama and Poompatta (Children’s biweekly magazines), the morning ragas from the nearby temple when struggling to complete the homework or last moment preparation for the exams, the forceful persuasive call from mom to wake up in the morning before the bus misses me, the morning coffee of grandma with the hot newspaper, the call-outs from the men selling fish on the road, the quickest doer of all morning-tasks after waking up late, the fastest run for catching the school bus, the jam-packed institution buses during the rush hours, the rather incomprehensible teaching by some of the tutors, the quick afternoon nap during the class hours resulting in the teacher catching hold of culprits, the great effort to catch hold of a seat to sit in the school bus beating all the strong contenders, the weary eyes of parents waiting at the bus stop for their children to return from school, the lovely ever-memorable walk from the bus stop back to home narrating all the heroic stories and escapes of the day, the scrumptious vada/pazham pori and chaaya (kerala snacks) in the offing for the evening, the playground of badminton with mom in the front of the house – frequently losing the cork to the deep branches of the great mango tree, the boredom of homework abashing the mind ‘n soul, the entertaining soaps in the television during the wee hours of the day, the intimate conversations with a forever best friend – mom, till late night, the frequent current-cuts which permit a candle-lit dinner and give a wink of sleep to the television, the adventurous drive through the roads - if any … it goes on.. but life has flown to different heights now!!!

Thought of sharing these happenings 'n sweetest memories in my childhood with u friends.. wrote only little.. will write the remaining later friends..

God created the Man !!!

2009-07-19T18:10:00.000-05:00

oru katha.. sathyam thanne ennu thonnunnu.. vayichittu parayu..

God created the donkey and said to him. "You will be a donkey. You will work untiringly from sunrise to sunset carrying burdens on your back. You will eat grass, you will have no intelligence and you will live 50 years."
The donkey answered: "I will be a donkey, but to live 50 years is much. Give me only 20 years".
God granted his wish.

God created the dog and said to him: "You will guard the house of man. You will be his best Friend. You will eat the scraps that he gives you and you will live 30 years. You will be a dog."
The dog answered: "Sir, to live 30 years is too much, give me only 15 years."
God granted his wish.

God created the monkey and said to him: "You will be a monkey. You will swing from branch to branch doing tricks. You will be amusing and you will live 20 years."
The monkey answered: "To live 20 years is too much, give me only 10 years."
God granted his wish.

Finally God created man and said to him: "You will be man, the only rational creature on the face of the earth. You will use your intelligence to become master over all the animals. You will dominate the world and you will live 20 years."
Man responded: "Sir, I will be a man but to live only 20 years is very little, give me the 30 years that the donkey refused, the 15 years that the dog did not want and the 10 years the monkey refused."
God granted man's wish

And since then,
man lives 20 years as a man, marries and spends 30 years like a donkey, working and carrying all the burdens on his back;

then when his children are grown, he lives 15 years like a dog taking care of the house and eating whatever is given to him;

so that when he is old, he can retire and live 10 years like a monkey, going from house to house and from one son or daughter to another doing tricks to amuse his grandchildren.

I felt it true in all means!!!

Tongue Twisters - English

2009-07-17T20:44:00.000-05:00

I love trying out many Tongue Twisters..

They are..

"A sequence of words, often alliterative, difficult to articulate quickly."
"A word or phrase used as a test for detecting foreigners, or persons from another district, by their pronunciation."
“A phrase or sentence built by (tiresome) repetition of the same words or sounds.”

I knew much in English, moreover, I have been always curious in collecting more n more such twisters.. Presenting few of them here to you, my dear friends..
Note :- beware.. might make ur tongue as in the pic.. hehe

If you tell Tom to tell a tongue-twister his tongue will be twisted as tongue-twister twists tongues.

In 'ertford, 'ereford and 'ampshire, 'urricanes 'ardly Hever 'appen.

There those thousand thinkers were thinking how did the other three thieves go through.

Santa's Short Suit Shrunk

Betty Botter had some butter, But, she said, this butter's bitter.
If I bake this bitter butter, It would make my batter bitter.
But a bit of better butter, That would make my batter better
So she bought a bit of butter Better than her bitter butter
And she baked it in her batter And the batter was not bitter
So 'twas better Betty Botter Bought a bit of better butter.

Seventy seven benevolent elephants

I was born on a pirate ship

Perplexed people peeked at peter pan peeping past the pipe with a pickled pepper pot

Nine nice night nurses nursing nicely.

Luke's duck likes lakes. Luke Luck licks lakes. Luke's duck licks lakes. Duck takes licks in lakes Luke Luck likes. Luke Luck takes licks in lakes duck likes.

Wayne went to Wales to watch walruses.

Mr.See owned a saw And Mr.Soar owned a seesaw.
Now, See's saw sawed Soar's seesaw Before Soar saw See,
Which made Soar sore Had Soar seen See's saw
Before See sawed Soar's seesaw, See's saw would not have sawed Soar's seesaw.
So Ssee's saw sawed Soar's seesaw.
But it was sad to see Soar so sore just because See's saw sawed Soar's seesaw.

One-one was a race horse.
Two-two was one too.
One-one won one race.
Two-two won one too.

Once a fellow met a fellow In a field of beans.
Said a fellow to a fellow, "If a fellow asks a fellow,
Can a fellow tell a fellow What a fellow means?"

If Stu chews shoes, should Stu choose the shoes he chews?

A fly flew past Flo's flat, and a lively young fisher named amidst the mists and coldest

A tree-toad loved a she-toad Who lived up in a tree.
He was a two-toed tree-toad But a three-toed toad was she.
The two-toed tree toad tried to win The three-toed she-toad's heart.
For the two-toed tree-toad loved the ground That the three-toed tree-toad trod.
But the two-toed tree-toad tried in vain;
He couldn't please her whim From her tree-toad bower,
With her three-toad power, The she-toad vetoed him.

Eleven benevolent elephants

Picky people pick Peter Pan Peanut-Butter, 'tis the peanut-butter picky people pick.

A clipper shipped several clipped sheep. Were these clipped sheep the clipper ship's sheep? Or just clipped sheep shipped on a clipper's ship

To sit in solemn silence in a dull dark dock
In a pestilential prison with a life long lock
Awaiting the sensation of a short sharp shock
From a cheap and chippy chopper on a big black block.

Ned Nott was shot and Sam Shott was not.
So it is better to be Shott than Nott.
Some say Nott was not shot
But Shott says he shot Nott.
Either the shot Shott shot at Nott was not shot,
Or Nott was shot.
If the shot Shott shot shot Nott, Nott was shot.
But if the shot Shott shot shot Shott,
Then Shott was shot, not Nott,
However, the shot Shott shot shot not Shott, but Nott.

will keep the list updated as and when I get more...

Funny.. Is it true girls??? or rather guys???

2009-07-12T18:52:00.001-05:00

Thought of sharing with you this funny incident.. how do u feel.. is it true...?

The HUSBAND Store

A brand new store that sells Husbands has just opened in New York City.
When women go to choose a husband, they have to follow the instructions at the entrance-

"You may visit this store ONLY ONCE!' There are 6 floors and the value of the products increase as you ascend the floors.
You may choose any item from a particular floor, or may choose to go up to the next floor, but you CANNOT go back down except to exit the building!"

So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband.

On the 1st floor the sign on the door reads: Floor 1 -These men have jobs.

The 2nd floor sign reads: Floor 2- These men Have Jobs and Love Kids.

The 3rd floor sign reads: Floor 3 -These men Have Jobs, Love Kids and are extremely good looking.

'Wow', she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.
She goes to the 4th floor and the sign reads: Floor 4 -These men have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Good Looking and Help with Housework.

'Oh, mercy me!' she exclaims, 'I can hardly stand it!'
Still, she goes to the 5th floor and sign reads: Floor 5 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Gorgeous, help with Housework and Have A Strong Romantic Streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the 6th floor and the sign reads:

Floor 6 - You are visitor 456,012 to this floor. There Are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely As proof that women are impossible to please.

Thank you for shopping at "The Husband Store"!

വീടുപേര്‍/Malayalam house names - part 2

2009-07-06T21:41:00.003-05:00

എന്റെ സുഹൃത്തുകള്‍ പറഞ്ഞു തന്നതു പ്രകാരം ഞാന്‍ ഇതാ മറ്റൊരു പോസ്റ്റ് ഇടുന്നു
ഇതില്‍ കുറച്ചു കൂടി വീട് പേരുകള്‍ ഞാന്‍ ചെര്‍ത്തിടുണ്ട്
നിങ്ങള്‍ വായിച്ചിട്ട് പറയു ഏതാണ് നല്ലത് എന്നും ഏതാണ് ചീത്ത എന്നും !

ശ്രവിയ	റോസ് കോട്ടേജ്	സ്നേഹതീരം
ഓം	സോപാനം	രാഗം
ഗണേശ കൃപ	ശ്രീരാഗം	അക്ഷര
വൃന്ദാവന്‍/വൃന്ദാവനം	ഇല്ലം	ഐശ്വര്യം
ശാന്തി വിഹാര്‍	കാര്‍ത്തിക	സ്നേഹനിലയം
വൈഷ്ണവി കൃപ	കൃഷ്ണ കൃപ	പൂര്‍ണിമ
സ്നേഹകുടീരം	അമ്പാടി	നീലാംബരി
കീര്‍ത്തന/കീര്‍ത്തനം	ശ്രീ നികേതന്‍	ഈണം
പഞ്ചവടി	നിരവ്യയ	നന്ദവനം
വസന്ത വിലാസം	ദ്വാരക	ഗീതം
വൈഷ്ണവം	ശ്രീലക്ഷ്മി	കൃഷ്ണന്ജന
പടിപുര	സുധര്‍മ	കുടില്‍
നിലവിളക്	പാലാഴി	കരുണ
വീണ നാദം	വിചിത്രവീണ	ലാവണ്യം
ചിത്രവീണ	വയ്കുന്‍ടം	കൂട്
വീണശ്രീ	സംഗീതം	തുഷാരം
മോഹനവീണ	കൃപാലയം	പരിശുദ്ധം
മയുരം	രുദ്രവീണ	ശിശിരം
മയുരവീണ	വൈനിക	ആലയം

എന്റെ ഈ ചെറിയ പ്രയത്നതിനെ അനുമോധിച്ച എന്റെ എല്ലാ നല്ല കൂടുകാര്‍കും എന്റെ നന്ദി
ഈ ലിസ്റ്റ് ഇനിയും തുടരും...

Poor students !!!

2009-07-04T15:17:00.001-05:00

It's not the fault of the student if he fails, because the year has ONLY 365 days.

Here goes the typical academic year for a student...

1. Sundays (rest days) - 52 days, balance - 313 days.
2. Summer holidays (weather is hot n its difficult to study) - 50 days, balance - 263 days.
3. Daily sleep - 8 hours = 30 days, balance - 141 days.
4. Playing (daily - good for health) - 1 hour = 15 days, balance - 126 days.
5. Eating (daily - chewing properly too) - 2 hours = 30 days, balance - 96 days.
6. Talking (daily - "Man is a social animal") - 1 hour = 15 days, balance - 81 days.
7. Exam days (yearly) - atleast 35 days, balance - 46 days.
8. Quarterly, Half yearly and Festival holidays - 40 days, balance - 6 days.
9. Sick Leave - atleast 3 days, balance - 3 days.
10. Movies/functions - atleast 2 days, balance - 1 day.
11. That 1 day is your birthday.

"How can a student pass???"

Simplicity vs Complexity

2009-06-27T15:12:00.000-05:00

Check out these scripts from the diaries of a girl and a boy.. its really funny !!!

HER diary

Day night, I thought he was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a cafe to have some coffee. I was shopping with my friends all day long, so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment.

Conversation wasn't flowing so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk, he agreed but he kept quiet and absent. I asked him what was wrong - he said, "Nothing."I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset. He said it had nothing to do with me and not to worry. On the way home I told him that I loved him, he simply smiled and kept driving. I can't explain his behavior; I don't know why he didn't say, "I love u,too".

When we got home I felt as if I had lost him, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there and watched TV; he seemed distant and absent. Finally I decided to go to bed. About 10 minutes later he came to bed. I decided that I could not take it anymore,
so I decided to confront him with the situation but he had fallen asleep. I started crying and cried until I too fell asleep.

I don't know what to do. I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else. My life is a disaster...

HIS diary

Today India lost the cricket match

against bangladesh.

DAMN

IT.

NOW that's called... Simplicity of Men Vs Complexity of Women !!!

വീടുപേര്‍/Malayalam house names - part 1

2009-06-23T19:13:00.008-05:00

ഞാന്‍ ഒരു കൂടുകാരിക്ക് വേണ്ടി വീടുപേര്‍ തപ്പുകയായിരുന്നു .. രക്ഷയില്ല.. അധികം ഒന്നും എനിക്ക് കിട്ടിയില്ല.. അപ്പോള്‍ എനിക്ക് തോന്നി കുറെ പേര്‍ ഇങ്ങനെ കഷ്ടപെടുനുണ്ടാകും..എന്തുകൊണ്ടു എനിക്ക് ഇതു അവര്‍ക്ക് ഒരു സഹായം ആകികൂടാ..
ഞാന്‍ തിരഞ്ഞും ആലോചിച്ചും കണ്ടെത്തിയ കേരളീയ വീടുപെരുകള്‍ ഇവിടെ ഇതാ നിങ്ങല്‍കായ്‌ ഞാന്‍ എഴുതുന്നു.. അടുത്ത് പ്രാവശ്യം നിങ്ങള്‍ക്കും ഒരു നല്ല വീടുപേര്‍ വേണം എന്ന് തോന്നുമ്പോള്‍ ഇതു ഉപകരിക്കും എന്ന് വിശ്വസിക്കുന്നു..

സൌപര്‍ണിക	പ്രതീക്ഷ	തീരം
പവിത്രം	നന്ദനം	ശാന്തിതീരം
പൌര്‍ണമി	ഉദയം	ഗംഗോത്രി
വിഭഞ്ഞിക	സായൂജ്യം	സരോവരം
പാര്‍പ്പിടം	സാലഭഞ്ഞിക	കൈലാസം
തെജ്ജസ്സു	കാവ്യം	അരുണം
സിന്ദൂരം	ഇന്ദ്രപ്രസ്ഥം	പ്രണവം
മായാമയൂരം	തീര്‍ത്ഥം	അശ്വമേധം
സൂര്യകാന്തി	മേഘം	വിസ്മയം
പദ്മസരോവരം	വന്ദനം	തപോവനം
ധ്വനി	ഗഗനം	തൃപ്തി
നാദം	ശയനം	മേഘമല്‍ഹാര്‍
ചൈതന്യം	വ്യോമം	ഹിമം
നിയോഗം	അനന്തം	തിഥി
വ്യൂഹം	വരണം	അഖിലം
ഗമ്യം	രചന	കീര്‍ത്തി
പ്രസാദം	ശ്രുഷ്ടി	ദിവ്യം
കര്‍പ്പൂരം	കൃതി	ഭുവനം
സമ്പൂര്‍ണം	തുഷാരം	ഭാഗ്യം
ജ്യോതി	ഉപവനം	പ്രദക്ഷിണം
ലയം	ഹരിതം	ഉന്നതം
പുണ്യം	മകരന്ദം	അനുപമം
അമരം	അനശ്വരം	പ്രഭാവം
ഉതുംഗം	കാല്പനികം	മോഹനം
ദീക്ഷണ	ദയ	വിപുലം
അനുഭൂതി	വരണം	മുക്തി
ഗോകുലം	ചേതന	കൃപ
ദീപ്തം	ചിരം	മുകുളം
പ്രഭ	ശ്രുഷ്ടി	പാദസരം
ഹിതം	ഓജസ്സ്	സൂര്യഗായത്രി
യാത്ര	സ്വന്തം	ശങ്കുപുഷ്പം
ശൈവം	സ്വപ്നം	സ്വപ്നകൂട്
മാനസം	ചിത്രശലഭം	പൂര്‍ണം
പാരിജാതം	ചന്ദ്രകമലം	ശിവം
തിലകം	അശ്വം	സ്പടികം
മയൂഖം	പ്രിയം	പ്രസാദം
ഗൌരിശങ്കരം	ചിത്രം	അമൃതം
ദര്പണം	സ്പന്ദനം	യുഗ്മം
മര്‍മരം	വിശുദ്ധം	ശ്രിംഗം
തപസ്യ	അതിശയം	നവീനം
ത്രിവേണി	സ്വര്‍ഗം	സംയോഗം
അധിത്യം	പുലരി	വിശ്വം
സമുദ്ര	ആത്മീയം	തരംഗം
മന്ത്ര	കണി	ധവളം
തൃഷ്ണ	വാല്‍ക്കണ്ണാ‍ടി	മനനം
സ്വസ്തി	സാധന	അദ്വൈതം
പ്രജ്ഞ	ധന്വതരി	ഘനശ്യമം
തമസ്	മോക്ഷം	സ്വസ്തികം
ഉപാസന	വിഭൂതി	ആഭിജാത്യം
സുദര്‍ശനം	അനന്യം	ധ്യാനം
പര്‍ജന്യം	സരയു	വൈഷ്ണവം

ഇതില്‍ ചിലത് വളരെ ഓഫ്‌ ദി റോഡ് ആയി തോന്നും കേട്ടോ.. അതൊക്കെ മറന്നേക്ക്‌.. നിങ്ങള്ക്ക് ഇഷ്ടം തോന്നുന്നത് മാത്രം തിരഞ്ഞു എടുതോള്

Cute Quotes for our Fathers

2009-06-21T21:40:00.000-05:00

Remembering all dads in the world on Father's Day..
Appending few lovable quotes in their name

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.
~Clarence Budington Kelland

A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.
~Author Unknown

Father! - to God himself we cannot give a holier name.
~William Wordsworth

Love and fear. Everything the father of a family says must inspire one or the other.
~Joseph Joubert

One father is more than a hundred Schoolemasters.
~George Herbert

Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!
~Lydia M. Child

Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad.
~Author Unknown

The greatest gift I ever had
Came from God; I call him Dad!
~Author Unknown

I love my father as the stars - he's a bright shining example and a happy twinkling in my heart. ~Adabella Radici

Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever.
~Author Unknown

Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes.
~Gloria Naylor

You will find that if you really try to be a father, your child will meet you halfway.
~Robert Brault

There are three stages of a man's life: He believes in Santa Claus, he doesn't believe in Santa Claus, he is Santa Claus.
~Author Unknown

“The father who does not teach his son his duties is equally guilty with the son who neglects them.”
-Confucius

“It doesn't matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was.”
-Anne Sexton

“I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection.” -Sigmund Freud

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”
-David O. McKay

“By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong.”
-Charles Wordsworth

“It is a wise father who knows his own child.”
-William Shakespeare

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.”
-Jim Valvano

“The father is always a Republican toward his son, and his mother's always a Democrat.”
-Robert Frost

“There must always be a struggle between a father and son, while one aims at power and the other at independence.”
-Samuel Johnson

One night a father overheard his son pray: Dear God, Make me the kind of man my Daddy is. Later that night, the Father prayed, Dear God, Make me the kind of man my son wants me to be.
-Author Unknown

You know... fathers just have a way of putting everything together.
-Erika Cosby

A man knows when he is growing old because he begins to look like his father.
-Gabriel Garcia Marquez

I talk and talk and talk, and I haven't taught people in 50 years what my father taught by example in one week.
-Mario Cuomo

My father died many years ago, and yet when something special happens to me, I talk to him secretly not really knowing whether he hears, but it makes me feel better to half believe it.
- Josefowitz

It is a wise father that knows his own child.
- William Shakespeare

Mayonnaise - HomeMade

2009-06-20T11:24:00.002-05:00

Mayonnaise - A good companion for salads and the base of most of the salad dressings.
Store-bought mayonnaise have lots of fats and oil contained in it; of course, really yummy to the tongue, but might not be the same for our li'l tummy.

We do prefer salads before many of our meals and hence, a salad dressing would be of high demand in our family. I tried investigating into the different ways of preparing mayonnaise. I would say it seems to be easy to prepare it at home rather than increasing the frequency of store visits. It requires very common ingredients; the only one that may trouble you would be the Mustard. You can grind mustard with or without peel-on; I would however suggest the latter one as it makes the mayonnaise immensely richer, creamier and tastier.

Check out the simplest and healthiest recipe that I came out with:-

Ingredients (Serves 2)

Egg yolks - 2
Mustard - 2 tbsp
Lemon juice - 2 tsp
Oil (preferably Olive Oil) - 1 to 11/2 cups
Black pepper - as needed
Salt - as needed

Method

Just put all the ingredients in a blender, and blend in low speed, adding oil little by little until you have the desired consistency.

Isn't that easy? Give a try..

Stem Cells - Part 2 => Continue Gaping into a Wonderful Invention

2009-06-19T23:25:00.003-05:00

Lets see what are the different types of Stem Cells and how they help us in fighting with diseases.

Types of Stem cells:-

1. Embryonic stem cells - isolated from the inner cell mass of human embryos.

Ø In the 3- to 5-day-old embryo, the inner cells give rise to the entire body of the organism, including all of the many specialized cell types and organs such as the heart, lung, skin and other tissues.

2. Adult stem cells - found in non-embryonic adult tissues.

Ø In adult organisms, stem cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing specialized cells, such as bone marrow, muscle, and brain, to replace cells that are lost through normal wear and tear, injury, or disease. In other organs, however, such as the pancreas and the heart, stem cells only divide under special conditions.

Applicable Treatments:-

Stem cells are important for living organisms for many reasons. The well established success of Stem Cells point out to the Bone Marrow transplantation that are used to treat Leukemia. Just to list, few other promising and emerging potentials of stem cells:

Ø Stroke

Ø Alzheimer’s Disease

Ø Parkinson’s Disease

Ø Traumatic Brain Injury

Ø Learning Defects

Ø Missing Teeth

Ø Wound Healing

Ø Baldness

Ø Blindness

Ø Deafness

Ø Cancers

Ø Multiple Sclerosis

Ø Muscle damage

Ø Myocardial Infarction

Ø Diabetes

Ø Osteoarthritis

However, much work remains to be done in the laboratory and still scientists wonder.. why can embryonic stem cells proliferate for a year or more in the laboratory without differentiating, but most non-embryonic stem cells cannot.. what are the factors in living organisms that normally regulate stem cell proliferation and self-renewal. Discovering the answers to these questions may make it possible to understand how cell proliferation is regulated during normal embryonic development or during the abnormal cell division that leads to cancer.