Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Nehru Trophy Boat Race - Alappuzha, Kerala

Snake Boats during a practice session

A trophy with a signature.

On the second Saturday of August there occurs a grand water festival in Alleppey (Alappuzha), which has risen to the national festival of this part of the land. This boat-festival had its origin in 1952 the then Prime Minister of India; Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru happened to see this boat festival and he was so thrilled by the charm of boat race and he climbed on a boat and traveled in it to the town; neglecting the concerns of the security ring. On his return to New Delhi he sent a model of a ‘Snake Boat’ (known as chundan vallom) made of silver as the trophy for the winning boat. This ever rolling trophy has the signature of that great man.

A season of boat races.

There are several boat races in Kerala like Champakulam, Pulinkunnu, Aranmula Cheruthana, etc but the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held at the Punnamada Lake is the most famous and popular among them. Each boat race has a history of its own like the Aranmula where there is only a procession and no competition of speed; it is essentially a festival of the temple in which the idol of the temple is ceremoniously taken for people to see. The Champakulam boat race is the oldest among them (it can compete with the oldest races in the world held consecutively for years. Other boat races held during the season are Neerettupuram Boat Race, Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race, PulimkunnuKaruvatta Boat Race, and the Haripad Mannar Boat Race.

The Race on 12^th August.

The race held on 12^th August will be inaugurated by Mr. K. G. Balakrishnan the Hon. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India. The snake boats take less than five minutes to cover track has a length of 1365 meters and in each year the time taken is getting reduced. All the boats which reach in the final round get the money; winner of the first prize is to get prize money of Rupees 200, 000; the second and the third get 1, 50,000 and 1, 00,000 Rupees each; where as the fourth has to be satisfied with Rs. 500, 000 (one dollar is equal to about forty rupees). A gold medal for the first and silver for the second is this year’s introduction.

The official NTBR Logo for the year 2007

Every year logo of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race is selected from entries received from the public by a committee. A competition is held for this and winner is given a cash prize of Rs.2000/- and free pass for the race. This year’s logo is Myna (Mynah) with a colacasia leaf cap and holding a paddle with wings. This year’s winner:: Sh.Jayakumar, Jayan Arts, Alappuzha.

The Myna's name is 'Punnara'. The name 'Punnara' was selected from more than 300 entries received from school children upto 7th class and was suggested by Ms.Nebala, a student of 7th class, Believer's Church School, Gurupuram, Alappuzha.

The rowers and the cheerers.

Foreign contestants rowing alongside local rowers during a trial run

The snake boats of Kerala are unique in their shape, it is very very long when compared to the concepts one may have about the size of boats. More than one hundred rowers are there in each boat! Above the rowers there is a cheering team consisting of five to six who give a rhythm by hitting a long shaft held in hand and hit it at a metal plate beneath to make a drumming sound in consonance with the hitting of the oars on the water. The timing of the drums and the oars striking on the water surface is so perfect that there is only a sound of a shot from a boat.

Boats of many designs.

About twenty four snake boats and more than seven types of boats by name Oadi, Iruttukuthi, churulan, Kothumbu, Valavara, Veppu and Kettu in the race each types having their own competition. Among all these the Snake Boat or Chundan is the most popular and glamorous. The Snake boat has a pointed front and a tall hind; these were formerly used by the king’s army for rapid mobilization of personnel, its incomparable speed enabled the army for surprise strike on the enemy’s encampments.

Of the boats.

These Boat Races are the festivals of the waterlogged area known by the name Kuttanad where boats are essential for mobility and thus a house without a boat was not worthy to be called a home. Different types of boats were used for different purposes when medium quantities of goods were transported via medium sized boats by name Churulan boats which have spiral ends both on the front and hind. The Iruttukuthi was meant for speed with front and hind pointed were formerly used by pirates of the inland lakes and were used to attack boats in the cover of darkness.

Xenophilia!

Snake Boat - carries a crew of more than 100

Nehru Trophy Boat Race has the honor of being the largest team sport in the world. with each snake boat carrying a crew of rowers, cheerers, singers and steerer's numbering well over one hunderd and with more than 18 or so such boats participating it defenitly deserves the title.

This Boat Race has become so popular that a lot of tourists from different parts of the world come to see this, recently it has become a trend that people of far away land come and take part in the race, blond ladies working fast on the oars are more a delight to the spectators who cheer for them forgetting the competing local candidates. This race has thus become an integrating factor where people take part forgetting regional and racial barriers.

The war horses and the war!

When Netaji, Napoleon, Nadubhagom, Valia divanji, Parthasaradhi, all race for the coveted ever rolling trophy (with the signature of none other than Jawaharlal Nehru India’s most glamorous Prime Minister) each boats with more than hundred rowers and the cheer leaders who drum for their team; all under the standing ovation of millions of people who assemble in the galleries as well as on the banks of the lake.

The flood, down-pour and the Chikunguniya.

The festival is accompanied by the monsoon showers, and most parts of the land remain flooded, for this season the viral fever by name chikunguniya that has cast a shadow on the total atmosphere of gaiety. The spirit of celebration as it has seen has ignored the heavy down pours stating the fact that whether rain or shine celebration is a statement of peoples’ strength and no monsoon has the power to diminish it.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race Video

No wonder this is the single most event that draws the maximum number of tourists to the God's Own Country. Lets turn on our Televisions the live coverage of the boat race is currently being aired in all major channels in kerala and is available in Doordarshan the national television channel of India as i'm finishing this article. lets wait and see who wins the trophy this season.

labrador retriever

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever Dog image courtsey: wikipedia.org

Steven Spielberg’s ‘Extra Terrestrial’ was a run-away hit millions watched the strange look and expressions of the ‘Extra Terrestrial’ with awe and they loved the little boy as well as the dog which followed the boy as a shadow, perhaps most of the readers would not be aware that this dog was a Labrador. Former US President Mr. Bill Clinton had two pets the ‘Buddy’ and ‘Seamus’ both Labrador Retrievers! This article is about one of the most fascinating dog breeds in the world; in intelligence, tolerance and adaptability Labrador retriever is numero uno; it is no wonder that they constitute 70% percent of guide-dogs in America.

Labrador retrievers (called ‘Labs’ as a mark of endearment) are relatively large breeds of dogs which are classified under ‘working classes’. Their origin has been traced to the Islands of New Found land in Canada. It is believed that the Labs are a cross breed between the St. John’s Dog and the local ‘water dogs’ (water dogs are so called as they help fishermen in retrieving their nets from water) This breed was earlier known in the common name St. John’s Dog (St. John’s Dog is actually extinct at present)and it was the Earl of Malbesbery who christened them as Labrador. The American Kennel Club began to register the Labs from 1917 onwards.

Appearance.

Labradors are relatively large dogs. The male dogs weigh about 25 to 35 kgs and females weighing about 20 to 30 kgs. It has short and smooth coat and straight powerful tail like that of an Otter. The otter like tail and webbed toes make them excellent swimmers. Usual colors are chocolate, black, or yellow.

Head.

Head is broad with distinct stop and slightly pronounced brow. Eyes are usually brown in color exudes a sympathetic look. The lining around the eyes should be black as per breed specifications. The ears hang close to the head and are set slightly above the eyes. Jaws are strong and powerful. Except in black Labs the nose is yellowish. Body should be strong and muscular with a level top line.

Temperament

Golden Labrador Retriever image courtsey: wikipedia.org

Labrador is a ‘gentleman’ among dogs and it has almost all good manners like Good temperament, agility, a sharp nose, soft mouth, and above all a love of water which makes it a friend of fishermen. It is a devoted companion and very intelligent.

They are not excessively prone territorialism, pining, insecurity, aggression, destructiveness or hyper sensitivity. The Labs are excellent retrievers and like to play with children.

Adaptability.

English Labrador Retriever image courtsey: wikipedia.org

Labradors are adaptable to a wide range of functions. It is an excellent working dog and can be used for hunting, tracking and as assistants to disabled. They are good cart-pullers and guide dogs. Their extraordinary power for smell make them fit to be ‘police dogs’.

HOW TO CARE YOUR LABRADOR

It is a pride to be a ‘Labrador owner’, but this status carries a lot of tasks that cannot be ignored. The main responsibilities are giving food at regular intervals, allowing it regular exercise, frequent brushing and grooming, and even teaching them how to behave to the visitors. For those who love pets these are not tasks but pleasures, as dogs are innocent and playful like children spending time with them is refreshing.

Feeding the Puppy.

Puppies are very delicate beings and special care may be given to them by feeding with apt food in regular intervals. Enquire to the breeder about the type of food he is giving to the puppy and always give the same food after it is taken home. It is probable that the pup will be somewhere around ten to twelve weeks old and already weaned from its mother’s milk on to solid and semi solid foods. Care should be taken since at this stage its stomach is very delicate and never overfeed it. As it is in the case of human beings overfeeding can cause excess fat which will be ugly and unglamorous! Foods based on grains and fatty ones should be restricted.

What you can give.

Feed the puppies at about four-hour intervals. Breakfasts can of cereal based foods, biscuits, warm milk, or beaten egg.

At lunchtime you can give lightly cooked minced liver, fish or tripe, moistened with gravy.

In the afternoon a drink of warm milk with some biscuits or bread would be enough.

In the early evening you can repeat the lunch and at the bed time you can repeat the break fast. At about fifteen weeks of age milk can be withdrawn and after six months of age changeover to adult diet can be effected.

Feeding adult dogs.

Adult dogs require only one good meal a day, plus a bed time snack. Usually Labradors are ferocious eaters and they eat whatever given to them. Hence a regular quantity of food at regular intervals alone is given. For the breakfast you can include milk, biscuits, bread and eggs etc. At lunch you can give carbohydrate rich diet such as rice, wheat, or potatoes. Along with the above; meat, fish, curd, also may be added. Always avoid feeding your adult dog at late evenings or at bed time, because dogs are having a tendency to sleep after eating a heavy meal (this is same for human beings also!).

Grooming.

Few things are worse in the home than the presence of a bad smelling dog in your home. The good news about a foul smelling dog is that by regular brushings and grooming can turn him in to an eye-candy for which onlookers may flock with a ‘wow’!

At younger stage itself; let the puppy get used to the daily inspection and grooming. Let him think ‘it is also part of the play’ at first so that he takes an interest in it. Gradually train him to stand still while grooming. Labradors are shorthaired dogs even then regular grooming is advisable to avoid pests.

Brushing.

Brushing not only makes the dog look pleasant but removes dust dirt and scurf from the coat and stimulates the skin and muscles. Regular brushing keep the skin supple and encourage healthy hair-growth. A short bristled brush, a hound-glove and a soft cloth are enough for grooming Labradors. Move the brush briskly to free the coat from dandruff and dust.

Bathing.

Well groomed dogs seldom needs bathing. Labradors are water-loving dogs and don’t resent to bathing. Don’t use any detergents or household soaps for bathing the dogs which may cause skin disorders. Always take care to see water entering in to the ear. Wipe out all the moisture or keep the dog in the direct sunlight for a while after bath. One bath is enough for a week. A normal dog’s inclination after being bathed is directly to roll in some more dirt, never let him do that!

Exercising your dog

Chocolate Labrador Retriever image courtsey: wikipedia.org

Regular exercise is required to keep your dog healthy and this should be started at the younger stage itself.

Biting and barking.

You can be a proud and contended dog-owner if your pet is a Labrador because it seldom bites or barks. But never think that it is unable to protect your belongings because he is also a good watch dog.

Common disorders.

1. Elbow dysplasia is a common disorder in Labrador.

2. Knee problems are common in some dogs.

3. Eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy, cataract, retinal dysplasia are rarely seen.

4. Since Labs have drooping ears ear problems such as otitis (inflammation of the ear) is not uncommon.

5. Labradors are voracious eaters. They will eat whatever is given; hence keep a restriction in the diet to keep it slim; an obese Labrador is not good to look at

TIPS.

1. Labradors are beautiful dogs that any dog lover would like to rear, but keep him clean and teach him to behave from early stage.

2. Golden retrievers are also belong to the category of Labradors and are most amiable dogs and good family pets. Let children play with them without any hindrance, as a joint game will be helpful to children also.

3. Dogs are very sociable animals and always care them; a dog un-attended by the owners will be subjected to stress and are liable to behave abnormally.

Related Reading

Browse More Articles on Dog Breeds by Dr Harikrishnan and Dr Suraj

• Something about the Man's Best Friend

• How to train your dog

• Pug

• German Shepherd

• Saint Bernard

OP Nayyar’s immortal relationship with Mohammed Rafi

OP Nayyar’s immortal relationship with Mohammed Rafi

OP Nayyar image courtsey: Hindu.com

Omkar Prasad Nayyar (better known as O.P.Nayyar) is known to be one of the trend-breakers of the traditional music in the Golden Age of Indian film music, in the 50s and 60s. During that period although the Film arena were glorified by Giants of different specialisations, namely Naushad with his Brilliant Ragas, Roshan with the use of Sarengi and providing immortal mujras and qawallis, Madanmohan with his everlasting Ghazals, the general trend of Hindustani classicals and folk songs were used by most of the music directors. Excepting Shankar-Jaikishan who worked on diversified subject matters like Hawaiian flavour in ‘Ajeeb Dastaan hai yeh’ in Dil Ek Mandir,1963 to European Chorus Background in ‘Meherbaa likhoon’ in Sangam, 1964, and Salil Chowdhury blending Russian March in Do Bigna Zameen, 1953, to Indian Chorus in ‘zindagi kaisi hai paheli’ in Anand, 1971, there were not many Music composers who experimented with a blend of Eastern and Western Music (1).


O.P.Nayyar came with an unique trend of merging Punjabi bhangra with Spanish tunes. The other unique feature of OP Nayyar is his association with Mohammad Rafi, the greatest singer India can ever produce in the world of playback singing. Rafi was a genius by his own standards and the way a person gets mesmerised in a historical monument in respect of admiring any part, the diwan-i-khas in Agra Fort, or diwan-i–aam in the same Fort, the same way experts on music have a very tough time judging the best performance of Rafi, whether his ghazals are the best, or his songs with an intoxicated atmosphere, or whether his pure classical numbers. Rafi had sung probably the maximum number of songs for OP Nayyar who knew the westernised andaz would not have suited anyone else in the same way as Mohammad Rafi.


Born in Lahore in 1926, OP Nayyar was fascinated by music. He was not trained in music, but left home to pursue a career as a composer. He got his first break when he composed the background score for the film Kaneez, 1949. He started his journey with Gurdutt in the film Baaz and the first successful break he received in Gurudutt’s film AarPaar, 1954. Also he stormed the film world with his outstanding performance in the film CID, 1956, Mr and Mrs 55, 1955.


One striking feature in the songs of the film CID, 1956, is that the female voice used by OP Nayyar varied according to the requirement of the film. The main playback singers included Shamshad Begum, Geeta Dutt and Asha Bhosle, the noted songs being “ kahin pe nigahen, kahin pe nishana,” “ puch mera kya nao re”. Yet the male playback was provided by Mohammad Rafi for all the characters of the film. It included Johnny Walker in the song ‘Ai dil mushkil jeena yahaan, zara hatke zara bhachke yeh hai bombai meir jaan’ (2), further Dev Anand in the song ‘Ankhon hi ankhon me ishara ho gaya’. It is even amazing that there was a street song being sung by a road peddler in the film titled ‘Leke pehela pehela pyaar’ which could have been sung by any playback singer, OP Nayyar even engaged Rafi to sing it. There were other hits in Mr and Mrs 55, 1955, like ‘Muhobbat karlo, aji karlo’, ‘jane kahan mera jigar gaya ji’ and ‘Dilpe hua aisa jadoo”.


If the 50s were characterized by the fast numbers of OP Nayyar, the 60s provided him the honour of being rated as one of the most elegant music directors with the same esteem at which Roshan, Naushad, Shankar-Jaikishan, Madanmohan used to be rated. The two films Ek Musafir Ek Hasina, 1962, and Phir Wohi dil Laya Hoon, 1963, stands out as the films where OP Nayyar had experimented the most. There was a duet of Rafi and Asha titled “aap yuhin agar humse milte rahe, dekhie ek din pyar ho jayega”. The dance sequence on actress Sadhna impersonated the way a peacock welcomes the monsoon. The effects produced by OP Nayyar was so outstanding that the background, the picturisation and the voice of Rafi and Asha synchronised together. The other two songs of Rafi “Mujhe dekhkar aapka muskurana” and “Mai pyar ka rahin hoon” had absolute western tunes with odd chords. Rafi had left the audience speechless with his performance in a slightly classical andaz in the songs “Phir tere shahar me” and “Humko tumhare isq ne kya kya bana diya, jab kuch na ban sake to tamasha bana diya.” The lyrics of OP Nayyar’s songs were mostly written by Majrooh Sultanpuri and S.H.Bihari who had brought out their most romantic passion while composing the lyrics which could very well be categorised as Shayeris (3).


In the film Phir Wohi dil Laya Hoon,1963, picturised on Joy Mukherjee, OP Nayyar had made a very stylish endeavour towards the traditional blend of the western and eastern music. Rafi’s song “Nazni bara Rangeen hai wada tera” starts off with the traditional folk sequence with Punjabi where as the antara has “humdum mere naam na janu” which has the effect of Guitar. In the other song “Aji kibla, mohe tarma, kabhi shola, kabhi nagma” has the same blend of Punjabi Folk with Guitar effect. In the song “zulf ke chaome chehere ka ujala lekar” OP Nayyar had made Rafi and Asha answer each other in almost a contest of Shayeri, the way urdu writers used to face each other through their poetic verses. Besides OP Nayyar’s beat oriented composition having effect of the tanga (Cart-pulled by horses) titled “Banda parwar, thamlo jigar, banke pyar phir aya hoon” in the film was equally melodious as “Maang ke saath tumkara” in the film Naya Daur (4), picturised on Dilipkumar, “Yuh to humne laakh hasin dekhe hain” in the film Tumsa Nahin Dekha, 1957, “Kisi na kisi se kabhi na kabhi kahin na kahin dil lagana parega”, in the film Kashmir Ki Kali, 1964.


Besides Rafi’s western romantic mood is utilized by OP Nayyar in a very stylish way in the songs “Diwana hua badal, sawan ki ghata chayi” and “Yeh Chand Sa Roshan Chehera” in the film Kashmir Ki Kali, 1964 picturised on Shammi Kapoor and “Humne to dilko aap ke kadmome rakh diya, is dil ka kya karenge yeh ab aap sochiye” in the film Mere Sanam, 1965 and “Phir Miloge Kabhi is baat ka wada karlo, humse ek aur mulakat ka wada karlo” in the film Yeh Raat Phir Na Ayegi, picturised on Biswajeet. In all these songs the sarengi and santoor had played a very pivotal role accompanied by the intoxicating appeal of Rafi’s voice.


Besides OP Nayyar had a reputation for stubborn individuality all along his career. Many remember him as being aloof and imperious, but always generous with struggling new-comers and those marginalized in the industry. The press and electronic media frequently referred to him as a rebel composer, as did many columnists labelling him a maverick. During the fifties the state-controlled All India Radio found OP Nayyar too trendy and had put in place a ban on most of his very famous tunes from being broadcast.This ban was in force for quite some time. Reports suggest that he was unfazed by this rigid government order and went on to create more of such tunes most of which were national hits. The far away Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation of the then Radio Ceylon was the only source from which his new hits could be listened in.


Although lack of compromise resulted in OP Nayyar fading away from the film arena in 1970s, whenever anybody has to choose some of the most stylish andaz of Rafi, they have to reflect back on OP Nayyar for the unique compositions which have not been obsolete with the fading time.The Archive of Mohammad Rafi should equally restore the compositions of OP Nayyar as well.

*****
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(1)

A Detailed discussion on the composition of Shankar Jaikishan is made in the Article Shankar Jaikishan –the most versatile Musical Gaint of the last Century.

(2)

My father Ex-Chief Public Prosecutor, Bankshall Court North, (Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court, Kolkata), interviewed Milon Gupta, the famous mouth-organ player who played the mouth organ in the song said Rafi’s impersonation of Johnny Walker had created such an impact on the masses that the song became a greater hit than the song that was composed for the hero of the film, that is Dev Anand.

(3)

Majrooh Sultanpuri received the highest honour of excellence in Indian Cinema, the DadaSaheb Phalke award for his outstanding contribution to the Film Industry.

(4)

OP Nayyar received Filmfare Award for his Music Composition in Naya Daur, 1957.

Article By: Souvik Chatterji

Master of Law from Warwick University, Coventry,UK
Master of Law from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Related Reading

• Mohammed Rafi a Versatile Maestro
• Immortal Ghazals sung by Mohammad Rafi

Eternal Honeymoon

Eternal Honeymoon

Honeymoon image courtsey: cakethat.com.au

Nothing but tenderness and pleasure.

The lost can be regained and that never occurred can be made to occur.

For Samuel Johnson “honeymoon is the first month after marriage when there is nothing but tenderness and pleasure”. How come that this time for newly weds came to be known

Honey moon?

Force feeding.

It is said that in ancient Babylon father of the bride used to feed the newly weds with honey based drink (known as mead). It was a sort of force feeding as both were required to consume as much mead as they could gulp! It was believed that this food would increase the vitality of the couple and they would give birth to healthy progenies. This force feeding of honey would have been the reason for the time called honeymoon, the word moon somehow got associated with it.

Running away!

A father always wished the best husband for his daughter, as ordinary people were the majority they had to take her against her father’s (father in laws) wish and the couple had to run away and hide fearing the ferocious father in law! Who had the mandate of the tribe to catch the boy like a thief and punish him for the ‘crime’; that might be the reason for the custom of couples living in hiding (seclusion)?

Good food and good time.

It may either force feeding of honey that caused the word or hiding for fear of reprisal may be the reason why newlyweds go for tour during the period, it is a fact that young couples are allowed to have the best food at home and they are permitted to live away from the bothers of home although for a limited period. This custom exists in almost all countries and cultures from primitive tribes to the present day urbanites.

What do they do!

What do they do in this period actually nothing of any importance! Elders think as they are simply engaged in all sweet nothings (nothing but tenderness and pleasure as said by Samuel Johnson). Although the trivial talking and dealing of newlyweds appear silly for adults; each plays in giving them plenty of moments to be cherished for their future life.

Back to the day-to-day life.

Pregnancy related problems financial issues skirmishes with other members of the home etc take their share in robbing the couple the charm of honeymoon and the two are out of the magic spell. From then onwards the reality which hid somewhere in the corner shows it ugly head! They go on living in the changed situation getting accustomed to the fact that all good things of life never last long.

Kids as villains!

Present day parents have a tendency to be unpaid servants of the kids and the kids grow accustomed to see their parents as sexless objects with no personal interests. Even after becoming grown ups they summon mother to take a glass of water or get their laundries cleaned. When these kids grow up and leave the home poor parents so far unpaid slaves of the kids find nothing else to do as they also got tuned to be ‘kid’s servants’. The parents (esp. wife) get time to read and review their own life and the changes it had undergone, they at times think about the long lost honeymoon along with the magical experiences associated with that time.

Susan and Maggie.

Here is a story of two forty five year old ladies who were bosom-friends at their college days and happened to meet after a long duration. After the usual chat about their husbands and kids the conversation turned towards their personal life. Susan who was a bit mischievous and full of energy during her college days was not as happy as a wife and mother and she explained to her friend’s query that as a wife and a mother she was perfect yet was not a happy person.

All normal and not happy.

Susan “I give and give but don’t get”. Maggie was not surprised at her friend’s statement as she used to think and talk differently, and she enquired “come on, tell me the real thing, how is Tom?

Susan “He is a good husband and a good father and children are also smart, but life seems so boring”.

Maggie “with a good husband and kids, why can’t you make life interesting?

Susan “As you know from childhood I have some cranky ideas, about married life also I have some; but afraid to tell Tom about it, he may think I have gone crazy”.

Maggie “then please tell if it would be of some help”.

Susan “I will tell you what it is but never say anybody that I have told you such things, it is some what like this –

Susan and her dream.

first book a swanky suit in a good hotel in Los Angeles for three consecutive days,

take the three kids to my mothers house, me an Tom alone there,

After sight seeing and a hot water bath a good dinner,

I am in a very sexy dress; sits with Tom by the fire place; talking about our college days and the small things that happened when we were in love.

For supper we have only fruit juice and we sit there looking eye to eye and smile. Tom cannot control himself and the ‘kids’ father’ changes in to a teenager!

I understand his problem but pretend not; and ignore his attempt for early sex. But go on teasing him until he turns sad,

then I slowly gets his hand and lead him to the delights he had never known all in my terms!

the routine goes on for all the three days; we vacate the room; take back the kids and go home, that is all!

I am sure we will be a changed couple thereafter”!

Please book two!

Maggie was so thrilled at Susan’s idea and she eagerly asks “when are you going to book the suit? Please book two; one for us, Peter; my kids’ dad is a permanent bore talking business on bed! If this treatment changes him, how wonderful it would be!

Susan “it was all my imagination I dare not tell it to Tom, what he may think of me; a forty five year old woman and mom of three kids, just wishing for a second honeymoon what a shame”!

To tell or not to tell?

The two friends parted and months passed one day Maggie so far afraid to tell it to her husband about the idea of her friend could not resist anymore and told it to him, and also said about her own remark of ‘changing a kids’ father who was permanent bore’ Peter although laughed heart full at her remark, had thought about the un interesting life in which both of them were in.

A ‘dream-run’ for three days!

Next day evening he could get telephone number of Tom from Maggie and introduced himself as husband of Maggie; Susan’s best friend. Those tow ‘bores’ had a loud laugh over the phone and there was no delay in checking in to two ‘swank suits’ of a Los Angeles hotel. The short term of three days were over as if a dream and time came for the couples to part, the ‘brides’ were in tears and assurances of Peter and Tom of the next rendezvous alone could console them!

Happily ever after?

What happened to them did they live happy ‘ever after’ may be, but those three days were for the both couples a lifetime experience a second honeymoon far more pleasure giving than the first one.

Related Reading

• Five Big Things that could end your Honeymoon

Boyfriend Pillow

Boyfriend Pillow

Boyfriend Pillow image courtsey: psopheana.wordpress.com

Boyfriend pillow for Japan singles


Having trouble sleeping with your partner?, does he snore, prefers the a/c set on a different temperature?, makes demands?, shifts so much in bed so that you wake up every time it happens, there could be endless worries to sleeping with another person in the same bed or for that matter even in the same room. The problem seems to be much worse in japan rather than in other parts of the world. Or is it just that the marketing research department in Japanese companies are so proactive that they’re ready to help a hand or rather an arm ???


Women in Japan it seems ready to part 8,500 Yen or (£40, $80), of their hard earned money for a very unique product. And something that relieves you of your worries should be dear to you and is that the explanation for the excellent product reviews from the 1000 or so people who’ve already bought theirs. If you are wondering what the hell am I talking about, it’s all about the Boyfriend Arm Pillow which a Japanese company named Kameo makes and markets. The Boyfriend's Arm Pillow is shaped like a man's torso with one sturdy arm. Manufacturers Kameo claim that the pillow’s shape keeps the body balanced. Currently the Boyfriends Arm Pillow is for sale only in Japan but there are roumers that they are planning to release the products in other countries as well. Well I’d suggest they do that without much delay if they are to make success and keep improvising until they have a complete boyfriend pillow or if possible a Boyfriend Bed rather than just an arm. Now that this product has found success, its just a matter of time till the other companies join the fray. On a personal note I’d advise Kameo to file a patent for the concept if they’ve not done that already.

Boyfriend Pillow image courtsey: news.bbc.co.uk

The Boyfriends Pillow has a plushie cross sectional chest, 90 degree outstretched arm and puffy-white sausage fingers.

• Boyfriend Pillow comes wearing an office-casual classy button down shirt.
• Currently the Boyfriend Arm Pillow is available in shades of blue, pink or green.
• It comes equipped with an alarm which vibrates to wake you up.

Customer Reactions

• Says it makes them feel relaxed as they feel something or rather someone warm at their side.
• Says it dosent betray them.
• Says it holds them all the way through unlike the real ones.

Well after all this I was just wondering when a Girl Friends Arm Pillow will be introduced into the market. Let's hope the day is not far, or have they already done it, any idea ?...... any one…. ??? if you come across a Girlfriend Arm Pillow or any such products just keep me posted via comments, Have a good day.

where guest is god

Annalakshmi Hotel Coimbatore - where guest is god.

Image courtsey: allindiacafe.com

A very rare place in a located in a very un-probable location.

Of vegetarian hotels.

The vegetarian hotels of South India have a characteristic style in their functioning and they are rendering invaluable services to the ordinary people who wish to have a stomach full meal with a fare amount. They are not as costly as the non-vegetarian dishes and do less damage to the intestine. But for a sensitive person the small boys who serve food and clean the table may arouse anger to the management for engaging children for menial work instead of sending them to school. Often these children are subjected to abuse and treated like bonded laborers. These establishments treat customers without a trace of trust and demand payment in advance (in the shape of coupons), thinking that the customer may evade without paying!

Image courtsey: people.aapt.net.au

Anna Lakshmi.

(annam = food, Lakshmi = goddess of prosperity)

In a small village near by name Thudiallur near Coimbatore (Kovai) in Tamilnadu India there is a particular type of commercial establishment by name, Annalaxmi (also can be spelt Annalakshmi). There are many types of hotels in everywhere on earth, especially in South Indian towns there are no dearth for vegetarian hotels. What is so special about this one may be the natural question any reader may think? There are a lot of unique features to be known as such an establishment does not exist any where else!

Aditi devo bhava.

Aditi = guest, devo bhava = is god

The hotel though look small from outside is spacious; air conditioned with tiled floor covered by expensive carpets and can seat seventy people at a time. Behind the counter there is a board with the letters embossed ‘Aditi divo bhava’ (this sentence in Sanskrit means guest is god) a visitor for the first time in this premises may easily take it as one of the many gimmicks a shop owner may do to impress the customer.

Club class.

The furnishings are all class and one may naturally assume a substantial bill for the dishes served! The people who serve the dishes look rather unusual as they also spell class with very cordial and educated dealings. These are features which stand in contrast with the usual settings of a vegetarian hotel where small untidy boys serving dishes. The time for dinner is between 11-30 am and 3 pm and for supper it is between 6-30 pm and 9-30 pm.

A saint and his unique mission.

It was in 1970 a monk by name ‘Santhnantha Saraswathi’ who conceived the idea of establishing such a hotel where money did not matter. Any one can go in have a sumptuous vegetarian meal of cooked white rice with sambar, rasam, curd, pickles, pappadam, and all paraphernalia attached to a vegetarian feast. As the final course there is a glassful of payasam (a sweet porridge made of molasses and grains in concentrated boiled milk)

South Indian delicacies de-mystified.

For those who are not familiar with a South Indian vegetarian meal the above items are explained. Sambar is a curry (which is first poured on the rice) of cooked peas with vegetables and gravies. Rasam is actually a vegetable soup with pepper and asafoetida (a resinous hot tasting vegetarian gum with a penchant smell that gives sambar and rasam its particular taste). Curd is fermented milk and pappadam is a tasty flat paper-like rounded item made of black gram powder, which becomes crisp when fried and eaten by breaking it in to pieces. It is crisp and salty.

No bills!

The funny part is this after the meal the customers would be expecting a menu card with the bill enclosed, here there is no bill at all! The customer can place any amount he pleases in the menu card and go out (need not be sensitive that before you check out the card may be opened and if the sum is less they (as well as the customer) may be embarrassed. Only after the client has left it (the menu card) will be taken and without checking what is inside; contends will be dumped in the cash box, it will not be counted at all!

Professors serve!

Those who serve as the customer would have surprised at first are all volunteers who do the job as a service, as the guest is god his service is equal to serving god. There are about 100 families who are ardent devotees of Sri Santhanantha Saraswathi Swamikal in the surrounding area and they do it as a service like preparation of food, serving and the washing of the dishes as well as keeping the hotel in ship shape. These ‘servants’ include well known professors, students, doctors, advocates engineers and people of all walks of life who find it a worthy to spend their vacation serving the society.

A great mission from a great man.

There are many other such charity establishments managed by the monk like the Sivananda Clinic a charitable hospital at Vadavally at Tamilnadu. It is offering treatment to hundreds of people living in the surrounding area. Annalakshmi Hotel gets more money than what is needed for its functioning and the surplus is utilized towards the expenses of the Sivananda Clinic for the free medical care to the poor. The Annalakshmi establishment also arranges feasts associated with marriages and other ceremonies. Anyone who wishes to know more about this establishment can contact with them Annalakshmi Hotel, Thudiallur, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India.

Phone no. 09994490920

Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

The Tacoma Narrows 135W Interstate Suspension Bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis collapsed during rush-hour traffic, the bridges center section is reported to have collapsed in less than 4 seconds sending tons of concrete 64feet (20 m) down into the rapid current. The reason behind the Minneapolis bridge collapse is said to be wind-induced vibrations.

As per official statements atleast 4 people are believed to be dead and 62 people were injured in the event. Most of the freeway has fallen into the water in sections throwing about 50 cars into the river. There are fears that additional sections may fall. There are reports of about 20- 30 people are missing both the figures are expected to rise as the combing of the area is still underway. A School bus clung to the side of a collapsed section over the river with over 60 children. However the rescue workers successfully ferried them all to safety. They sustained only minor injuries. The rescue work will take atleast three days due to heavy current in the river and there are people trapped inside vehicles underwater. However the authorities has so far denied any involvement of terrorists in the even even though the area has been classified as a crime scene.

A study conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation in the year 2001 has found "several fatigue problems" in the bridges structure. It is estimated that about 100,000 cars travel over the bridge every day and most unfortunately the collapse occurred during rush hour yesterday. The bridge which is now 40 years old was undergoing repair work at the time of collapse. only one lane was open in either direction during the time of the accident on the eight-lane road because of construction work

As per eye witness Gary Babineau who was driving his truck across the bridge when it fell:

“I could see the whole bridge as it was going down and as I was falling, and it just gave a rumble real quick, and it all just gave way, and it just fell completely all the way to the ground. ”

Minneapolis Bridge Collapse Photos




The Tacoma Narrows Bridge is the longest twin suspension bridge in the world This I-35W Eight-lane, steel-arch bridge Built back in 1967 is being used by 140,000 cars a day. A pair of mile-long (1600 meter) suspension bridges with main spans of 2800 feet (850 m), they carry Washington State Route 16 across the Tacoma Narrows of Puget Sound between Tacoma and the Kitsap Peninsula, USA. The first bridge, nicknamed Galloping Gertie, was opened to traffic on July 1, 1940. It became famous for a dramatic wind-induced structural collapse five months later, an event that was caught on motion picture film. The first replacement bridge opened in 1950, and a parallel bridge opened in 2007. – Source Wikipedia.

Bridge Collapse Video


Bridge Collapse Video




This Security camera video showes the Minnesota's Interstate 35W bridge's center section collapsing into the Mississippi river in less than four seconds. The northern end of the span goes first and the southern end follows.

Let us join hands in prayer with the grieving families of the victims.