Sep 6 2024

HAPPY LORD GANESHA’S JAYANTI

Rig Veda begins with the invocation of Lord Ganesha, who is described as the Chief of Ganas (divine beings) and as the Supreme Seer (Rig Veda 2.23).

LORD GANESHA IS CONSIDERED TO BE THE MOST BENEVOLENT DEITY

The Ganesha’s birthday is celebrated according to the Hindu Calendar month of Bhaadrapada starting with the Shukla Chaturthi – 4th day of the waxing moon period till 14th day of waxing of moon. There is a celebration of ten days for which comprehensive preparations are made before hand. This includes; procuring lovely idol of Lord Ganesha, preparation of eatable, especially modaks for friends and relatives, some install Ganesha Idol on this day at their homes for getting His graces. This festival is celebrated in almost all the parts of India. Even in foreign countries like Canada, USA, UK etc where Indians are there, this festival is celebrated with huge joy and enthusiasm. It has special relevance in Maharashtra.

Significantly, when this Mantra ‘Om Gan Ganapataye Namo Namah; is recited 108 times, it will result in bountiful blessings of LORD GANESHA.

LORD GANESHA

Lord Ganesha is considered to be the first deities to be veneratedWhile any new business or any venture is to be initiatedSince He is worshipped as the most bountiful and benevolent.Worshipped as Vinayaka, Ganesha or GanapatiPossessing all encompassing potenciesHe is most easily identifiedWith elephant headGanesha is born out of the dirtRubbed out of the body of Adi ShaktiProving that every speck of Mother Nature is significantThis also prove without even an iota of doubtThat even the worthless matter matters mostAnd could have immense power when properly harnessedIn righteous spirit.When a new venture has to see the light of the dayOr starting educational pursuit is sought to startAlong also for getting peace and prosperity for us allFor smooth sailing in anything we take onWe seek His blessings of Lord Ganesha for success of our mission.Ganesha has two consortsNamed Ridhi and SidhiRidhi is responsible for our prosperitySidhi is for getting spiritual orientation in our existenceIncluding increasing positive thoughts for actionable results.Lord Ganesha is also worshippedFor ensuring protectionFrom the ill-omensAlong with increasing the power of recreationWhilst removing obstacles from our pathBecause Lord GaneshaIs considered as the patronOf wisdom and intellect in abundanceHe is both VeghanahartaThe one who removes the obstructions from amongst us allAnd a Vegana Karta an obstacle creator for the evil doers.My sincere prayer to Thee our Lord GaneshaTo bestow us peace & prosperity to allIncluding harmony between all communitiesSo that goodness prevails all around without bias.

HAPPY GANESHA CHATURITHI TO ALL

BIRTH OF LORD GANESHA

Before delving on as to why we celebrate Ganesh Chatruthi, it is essential that we should know the circumstances and how life was infused in a lifeless creation by Goddess Parvti – the Shakti with unlimited power. This lifeless creation was the smut obtained after scrapping the remains of sandalwood paste applied on her body or dead cells scrubbed out of the body of Maa Parvati. She was so much attracted to her creation that she infused life into the lifeless matter.

Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayak Chaturthi is celebrated on the birthday of Lord Ganesha – which falls between 19th August to 20th September every year. This year, His birthday falls on 19th of September. He is the most loved son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The devotees’ firm belief is that on this most auspicious day, He bestows his bountiful blessings on us with His presence and showers His graces (shuvta) on us as He is the Lord of prosperity, unlimited wisdom, and a trouble shooter to the core.

HOW THE BIRTHDAY OF LORD GANESHA CAE ABOUT?

Legend has it that Goddess Parvati created Ganesha out of sandalwood paste which was applied on Her body before taking bath. She was impressed by her own creation which ignited her curiosity of breathing/infusing life into that creation. Low and behold, the creation of Maa Parvati came to life!

Subsequently, Maa Parvati told him to guard the entrance of the bathroom and ordered him not to allow anybody enter it while she was taking bath and attending to other rituals. All this transpired when Lord Shiva had gone somewhere. When He returned back, Ganesha, standing guard at the entrance, did not allow Him to enter. When he was asked as to who he was. Ganesha replied that he was Ganesha the son of Maa Parvati!

Lord Shiva sent His Ganas including powerful Nandi wanted to teach the child a lesson in mannerism. As Ganesha was created by Shakti, he was very powerful besides being obedient to the core. Indira and his army of demigods too used their power to overpower Ganesha but in vain.

Thereafter, it was the turn of Narda with Saptarishis who came for persuading the child for allowing Lord Shiva but it was also a futile exercise. All this infuriated Lord Shiva still further. Out of anger, He cut the head of Ganesha with His Trident. When Maa Parvati came out after Her bath, she found the severed head from the body of her creation. This tragic scene enraged her immensely. Observing her state of mind, Lord Shiva promised to bring back to life their son. For this purpose, the Demigods went in search of the person facing north. They could not find any humans. They could find bring the elephant’s head which was fixed on the headless body. Ganesha came back to life instantly through the supernatural powers of Lord Shiva. He was graced with several bounties by Lord Shiva and other Demigods. The purpose of this creation by removing the egocentric tendencies based small head of Ganesha in the initial stage of creation and replacing with bigger Gajhead with immense wisdom and sagacity with no ego at all.

The intention was to bring about this change was to transform the trait of the creation of Goddess Parvati from negative to positive orientation by Lord Shiva. This infusion of positivity in Lord Ganesha; with immense wisdom and intelligence is beneficial to us devotees. And that is why we all worship Lord Ganesha to get all the bounties with our sincere prayers onto Him. This also is a lesson for us humans that we should transform our negative tendencies to positive ones for overall good both for ourselves and for the society in which we have to play our role in various form, from birth to death.

Modhak (dumpling made out of grinded rice, mixed with sugar, jugglery, fruits etc) is the choicest eatable of Lord Ganesha.

WHY GANESH CHATURATHI IS CELEBRATED?

Previously, only Hindus used to participate in the festivities but presently there is a community participation in this festival. There is enactment of concerts; discourses based on intellectual/spirituality related topics, skits, folk dances etc. Dahi Handi competition is another interesting and much awaited by the participants. Here prizes are also given. People of all castes, religions and colour participate in these festivities and this becomes a fertile ground for national integration and engenders understanding between different communities. All these activities have twofold benefits. Firstly, it enhances unity in diversity and secondly it ensures competitive fervor between people.

As Lord Ganesha is embodiment of good tidings, people start their new businesses on this most auspicious day so as to have His blessings for the success.

From the above, it is evident that this auspicious day of Ganesh Chatruthi is celebrated for ensuring cohesion / unity between all the communities, encourage non-discriminatory ideas/ideals besides getting opportunity to celebrate the auspicious occasion imbibing spiritual onward march and finally to get Lord Ganesh’s bounties of unlimited intelligence and wisdom.

LORD GANESHA’S WISDOM IS WELL KNOWN

He is the one who penned down Mahabharta dictated by sage Vyasa at one sitting itself. This shows his wisdom, patience and persistence.

Lord Ganesha is known by 108 names but the following are its prominent ones:

VIGHNAHARTA

Vighna means problems or troubles whereas harta means to remove. It goes to show that Lord Ganesha has the power to remove the impediments or troubles from our midst.

VINAYAKA

Vinayaka is similar to Vighanaharta; the one who removes troubles from our midst.

GAURISUTA

Gaurisuta means son of Gauri (another name of Goddest Parvati). She is possessing all the powers to remove any hurdles which comes in our way.

BALCHANDRA

Balchandra; Bala means child and Chandra is associated with moon. Lord Ganesha carries the moon as a holy sign (Tilk) on his forehead.

EKADANTA

Eka signifies single or one danta means tooth oor tusk. When Parashuram got very angry with child Ganesha, when he came in his way when he wanted to meet Lord Shiva, Parashuram chipped one of Ganesha teeth.

VAKRATUNDA

It means Ganesha is the first incarnation. VAKRA means curved and TUNDA mwans trunk. He is known to have regain the kingdom of Gods by overpowering demon Matsara with his power and intelligence. Chanting OM BAKRATUNDA AHE NAMON will make us a candidate for Lord Ganesha’s graces.

LAMBODRA

It means the one who has a huge belly. According to Mudgala Purana, Lord Ganesha is Lambodara Avtara. He helped in protecting the Gods from Krodasura.

KRISHNAPINGAKSHA

It is said that Lord Ganesha is known to have the characteristic of seeing everything from anywhere and anywhere. It also shows that he had the same traits as Lord Krishna (The Avtara of Lord Vishnu).

MY SINCERE PRAYERS TO LORD GANESHA

May Lord Ganesha, who is very benevolent and compassionate to His devotees, my sincere prayer to Lord Ganesha to bring about peace, prosperity and wellness to all the humanity of the world as whole . Also, my prayer to Lord Ganesha is to rid us all from the natural calamities which is proving dangerous for the entire world at large. As things stands out, as He protects us from all the misfortunate incidents besides bestowing us peace and prosperity. As He enhances our knowledge and wisdom, I pray for providing us both so that spread knowledge and sagacity to use the same for overall benefits of the humankind.

My sincere prayers to Lord Ganesha is to bestow us all peace and prosoerit while enhancing amity and cooperative feelings in all.

STORYBERRY SERIES – ASTRONOMY

This book is available to read online by making any contribution to the corporation’s foundation. Access to read this book online for FREE.

The foundation spends volunteer hours to keep the landforms, oceans and environment clean –

Each year volunteers travel to areas where they have identify needs to maintain healthy lifestyles. These locations should already be living and maintaining healthy lifestyles.
Developing working estates within walking proximity by constructing living spaces close to their jobs and industries.
Providing real estates with facilities in order for family to live and spend their expenses in those areas and locations.
Educating families from different background to live together and socialize while ending their education.
Businesses, schools, universities all benefits from these proximity settings as they also travel to similar corporate or other affiliated locations having a permanent owned properties, working and studying as the rotate from one location to another.

Here is a link to the website Aerospace and Astronautics

Enter in your review, what were your interest, comments and/or topics you will like to be discuss further. For us to better assist you, please provide us with the necessary information requested by clicking this link, that way we’ll be able to supply you with the necessary materials.

Jul 12 2016

One of Namibia’s Popular Spot is Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon

In the far south of Namibia, the Fish River rises in the centre of the country, before flowing south into the Orange River, on Namibia’s border with South Africa. In between, it has formed the great Fish River Canyon – the largest canyon in the southern hemisphere, and probably only second to Arizona’s Grand Canyon in terms of size. Approaching the Fish River Canyon from the north is like driving across Mars. The vast rocky landscape breaks up into a series of spectacular cliffs, formed by the Fish River as it meanders between boulders over half a kilometre below. Its size is impressive: 161km long, up to 27km wide and almost 550m at its deepest. Keep in mind that the river is seasonal and generally only flows in the rainy season from January to April.

Holidays to the Fish River Canyon area

Most of our visitors who come to the Fish River Canyon will come for a few days as part of a self-drive holiday around the country; flying here can be costly, and there are currently no scheduled planes flying this way. The main attractions of the area are:

Ai Ais National Park

The area around the southern part of Fish River Canyon was proclaimed a conservation area in 1969. The land was as poor in potential for agriculture as it is rich in potential for tourism, and this was a way of protecting the area from uncontrolled development. The 345,000ha national park now encompasses Ai-Ais and Hobas. A more recent initiative has seen the park linked with the environmentally similar Richtersveld in South Africa, to form Namibia’s first transfrontier or peace park: Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

Flora and Fauna

Driving around you will probably see few larger animals, though there are many if you look hard. These include herds of Hartmann’s mountain zebra, small groups of kudu and the smaller klipspringer antelope, which are usually seen in pairs. Baboon make no secret of their presence if around, and dassies (alias rock rabbits) are common, but leopard, though certainly present, are very rarely seen. It’s not unusual to drive for a few hours, and see no mammals at all.

Birds, too, are around but often not obvious. This isn’t a centre for birdwatching, as only about 60 species are thought to live here, but look out for the majestic black eagle, as well as the rock kestrel and rock pigeon, and especially for the localised yellow-rumped eremomela which occur near Ai-Ais. Karoo bustards and ostrich are the highlights of the open plains above the canyon itself. In the canyon itself, herons, cormorants and kingfishers take advantage of the river’s bounty, while both martins and mountain wheatear keep the hiker company from above.

Vegetation is sparse. Both on the top and on the canyon’s slopes, the larger species are mostly euphorbias, with the odd quivertree and occasional deep red aloe, Aloe gariepensis. However, parts of the canyon’s base where there is water are quite lush – like the Sulphur Springs with its palm trees and further south towards Ai-Ais. There you can expect camelthorn, wild tamarisk and ebony trees, amongst others.

Hiking in the Fish River Canyon

Keen hikers will know that the Fish River Canyon hike is one of Africa’s a toughest hikes. This five-day, self-guided hike is possible for groups of three or more people, but only when it’s cool (May – Sept). We can arrange for the permits and transport to get you to and from the hike – perhaps building it into a fly-drive itinerary. We can even arrange for a professional guide to accompany you, or a satellite phone to take. However, the responsibility for buying and carrying all your food and equipment remains strictly with you. Once you start the hike, there’s no easy way out!

For a slightly less demanding options, ask us about the shorter hikes, plus a full five day full supported hike, organised by Fish River Lodge in the Canyon Nature Park – slightly up-river from the national park, on the western side.

Geology of the Fish River Canyon

Surprisingly the canyon was not in fact carved out by water erosion of the Fish River. The beginnings of the canyon started about 500 million years ago when a fracture of the earth’s crust resulted in the collapse of the valley bottom forming a broad valley running north-south. Southward moving glaciers deepened it with more faults and erosion adding to the effect. It was only about 50 million years ago when the Fish River started to cut its way along the valley floor. The fault accounts for the gorge-like channel and the occurrence of the hot sulphurous springs found at Ai-Ais.

Africa’s Largest Canyon?

Pedants cite Ethiopia’s Blue Nile Gorge as being Africa’s largest canyon. It is certainly deeper than the Fish River Canyon, at about 1,000m, but it is also narrower (about 20km wide at its widest), and probably shorter as well. Like many vague superlatives, ‘largest’ is difficult to define. In this case, we would have to measure the volume of the canyon – and even then there would be questions about exactly where it begins and ends. Suffice to say that both are too large to take in at one sight, and both are well worth visiting.

History of the Canyon

Situated in a very arid region of Namibia, the Fish River is the only river within the country that usually has pools of water in its middle reaches during the dry season. Because of this, it was known to the peoples of the area during the early, middle and late Stone Ages. Numerous early sites dating from as early as 50,000 years ago have been found within the canyon – mostly beside bends in the river.
Around the beginning of this century, the Ai-Ais area was used as a base by the Germans in their war against the Namas. It was finally declared a national monument in 1962. Ai-Ais Restcamp was opened in 1971.

Apr 7 2015

Kangaroo Comic Strips

It is belief to be known that the existence of Kangaroos were much similar to those of human beings where their evolution mirrored that of most individuals working in estates, farms and gardens long ago in Africa, who migrated from Africa to different continents of the world. Kangaroos were long dropped in Australia to help with preliminary irrigation to aid in developing green vegetation and plateaus.

Kangaroos are known to feed on water melons, fresh almonds, tuber foods such as sweet potatoes, cassavas, peanuts (groundnuts), carrots, cabbages, sardine fish etc..

They turn to sustain life in all weather conditions especially oceanic weather conditions present along the Atlantic, Pacific and around ponds and lakes.

More on Kangaroos Kangaroo comic strips.

Oct 13 2014

Attractions and cool weather effects

Have you ever notice that October is one of the coolest month in the year? People may be thinking why, but they can easily tend around and realize that their kids and children have adapted to their new environment of schooling, limiting the number of visits to the doctors and geared up with all sorts of treats and tricks ideas to enjoy settling down just like the weather. The best things about October can be experience from nature just turning into different colors and attracting our creativity within each and everyone of us to contribute to different festivities. Either by buying or selling products. Its always a wonderful time to appreciate nature and draw from its tremendous powers. When these thoughts are projected on whatever form of arts, they can be visualize at different angles by the observers to disproof certain flows, thus challenging the mind to determine what factors may had contributed to those results during the process of production.

Digital Acrylic painting using rectangle red mate as border frame.

The calmness and coolness keeps the mind of artists to an imaginary flow of thoughts leaving them to portray their creativities on whatever media they’re working with. These works can be found on prints, ceramics, labels, paintings, outfits, museums, infrastructures and much more. If you are a music lover and live nearby metropolitan cities, you can always catch symphonies’ series played in orchestra chambers, dramas performed in local playhouses etc. There are always night live themes for you and your family or hangout friends, to enjoy.

Aug 16 2014

MINNESOTA

Map of Minnesota, USA

Minnesota is located in the North Central (or Midwest Region) of the United States of America – a part of North America – Minnesota is bordered by the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin, the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, and by Lake Superior.

Capital City: Saint Paul
Location: 44º 57′ N, 93º 06′ W

Largest City: Minneapolis
Location: 44º 59′ N, 93º 16′ W

Minnesota geographical area and extent:
The total area of Minnesota is 84,402 sq mi (218,601 sq km), of which land accounts for 79,548 sq mi (206,029 sq km) and inland water 4,854 sq mi (12,572 sq km). Minnesota extends 406 mi (653 km) N-S; its extreme E-W extension is 358 mi (576 km).

Minnesota is bordered on the N by the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario (with the line passing through the Lake of the Woods, Rainy River, Rainy Lake, a succession of smaller lakes, the Pigeon River, and Lake Superior); on the E by Michigan and Wisconsin (with the line passing through Lake Superior and the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers); on the S by Iowa; and on the W by South Dakota and North Dakota (with the line passing through Big Stone Lake, Lake Traverse, the Bois de Sioux River, and the Red River of the North).

The length of Minnesota’s boundaries totals 1,783 mi (2,870 km). The state’s geographic center is in Crow Wing County, 10 mi (16 km) SW of Brainerd.

MN Downtown – City Mill Museum

Rochester MN – Skycam view

Plymouth MN – Home garden

MN – Lyndale Tap house

Mavel

Minneapolis MN – minnehaha-falls

Minneapolis MN – Lake Calhoun

Minneapolis Downtown

Oct 4 2013

Quote

Everyday is a new day and it comes with many, many more opportunities to improve on the past. We can all achieve our goals by maintaining the dignity and respect for one another and work together as a team.

By Valerie Fotso

Everyday is a new day!

Oct 3 2013

Minnesota – Mill City Museum located downtown Minneapolis

This touristic site has a bridge connecting the East and West frontage roads from Mill city to West Island Rd. where cafés, gift shops and night live entertainment are located. The area is full with guests, students and tourists throughout the week, especially during weekends.

The Guthrie theater is located on the same street as the City Mill with a packing ramp on the opposite side of the street, two bocks from S. Washington Ave.

What a magnificent look of the Mill City Museum from W. Island Rd. over the Mississippi river! Great attraction for children, family and tourists. The Stone Arch Bridge is a landmark span for pedestrians, cyclists and two-wheelers stand-up electric scooters. Restaurants, cafés and boutiqués or gift shops are located in the building and close nearby streets.

During Summer and Fall, there is an open farmer’s market on this district during the weekend, attracting celebrities, entertainers, and popular crowd to shop fresh produce.

If you are lucky, you can catch some of them just leaving performances and comic theaters dropping by to pick up fresh flowers, mints and fruits for the week. The popular woven craft men and women bring in their tools and gargets to demonstrate their creativity and sell finish products to buyers.

Oct 1 2013

2013 Fall Fashion trends

This fall we are experiencing a mixture of spring and summer weather and it’s having an impact on fall fashion. Light career vests and suits for both ladies and men are a hit during this time of the year. We are still seeing flats worn by ladies, coordinating their colors with similar colored outfits. These trendy outfits are found in malls and plaza stores like The Limited, Eddie Bauer, Target, Lands End, Polo and Gap