SALHAN - Official Blog

Monday, 22 November 2010

Thursday, 18 November 2010

Tongue Twisters

A tongue twister is a phrase, sentence or rhyme that presents difficulties when spoken because it contains similar sounds.
To get the full effect of a tongue twister you should try to repeat it several times, as quickly as possible, without stumbling or mispronouncing.
Tongue twisters have long been a popular form of wordplay, particularly for schoolchildren, but they also have a more serious side - being used in elocution teaching and in the treatment of some speech defects.

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
Did Peter Piper pick a peck of pickled peppers?
If Peter Piper Picked a peck of pickled peppers,
Where's the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?

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-toed power,
The she-toad vetoed him.

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.

Once upon a barren moor
There dwelt a bear, also a boar.
The bear could not bear the boar.
The boar thought the bear a bore.
At last the bear could bear no more
Of that boar that bored him on the moor,
And so one morn he bored the boar -
That boar will bore the bear no more.

Silly Sally swiftly shooed seven silly sheep.
The seven silly sheep Silly Sally shooed
Shilly-shallied south.
These sheep shouldn't sleep in a shack;
Sheep should sleep in a shed.

Pink lorry, yellow lorry

I saw Susie sitting in a shoe shine shop.
Where she sits she shines, and where she shines she sits

Fred fed Ted bread, and Ted fed Fred bread.

Ek ooncha oont hai, poochh oonchi oont ki,
Poochh se bhi oonchi kya, peeth oonchi oont ki

Khadak Singh ke khadakane se khadakati hain khidkiyan,
Khidkiyon ke khadakane se khadakata hai Khadak Singh.

Chandu ke chacha ne chandu ki chachi ko chandni-chowk
Mein chaandi ki chammach se chatni chackaee.

Samajh samajh ke samajh ko samjho.
Samajh samajh ke samajh ko samajhna hi samajh hai.
Jo samajh ko samajh kar bhi na samajhe
Voh....kya hai? Nasamajh hai

Nazar nazar me har ek naraz me hume us nazar ki talash thi.
Wo narazar mili to sahi par us nazar me ab wo nazar kahan thi.

Dali dali pe najar dali, kisine achchi dali, kisine buri dali,
Jis dali pe maine najar dali wohi dali kisine tod dali.

Sunday, 14 November 2010

Hindu Symbol OM (AUM)

Om or Aum

Aum sign is the most prominent symbol of Hinduism. The Om symbol signifies divinity and the oneness of all the creations of God. Om or Aum presents the never ending Brahman, where all forms of life exist. In this article, we will tell you the meaning of Om symbol, which will help you understand what does this Hindu symbol Om signify.

A represents the creator
U represents the Preserver
M represents the Destructor

Thus, the sign Aum signifies the trinity of God. It is symbolic of the three main Gods of Hindus, namely Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The three letters symbolize the three worlds, i.e. heaven, earth and netherworld. In the Vedas, the word AUM is the sound of sun, thus representing the sound of light. Almost all pilgrimage places of Hindus have the Om symbol enshrined. Many Hindus wear the Om sign symbols, as it is considered very auspicious.

As the cross is to Christians, the Om is to Hindus. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au and ma which, when combined, make the sound Aum or Om. The most important symbol in Hinduism, it occurs in every prayer and invocation to most deities begins with it. As the symbol of piety, Om is often found at the head of letters, pendants, enshrined in every Hindu temple and family shrines.

Om Symbol
Aum sign is the most prominent symbol of Hinduism. The Om symbol signifies divinity and the oneness of all the creations of God. Om or Aum presents the never ending Brahman, where all forms of life exist.

Power of Om
When you take a deep breath and chant Om, it causes a very calmful effect, which will totally relax your mind and body. It is the first stage of meditation, which aims at drawing your attention away from all other tensions that have occupied your mind.

Om Meditation
Chanting Om is the first step towards meditation. All that you need to do is to hide at a peaceful place, sit down on the floor, gently close your eyes, take a deep breath and chant Om. While doing so, completely relax your muscles. Don't tighten your muscles; otherwise you won't be able to feel the energizing effect of chanting Om.

OM Necklace

Tuesday, 9 November 2010

Embarassing But Funny Indian Filmi Songs

Spider Man Spider Man Tune Churaya Mere Dil Ka Chain

Michael Jackson's Thriller - The Indian Version

Healthy Juice Drink Recipies

Here are a few Juice Recipies that you could try making yourself in a blender

You could even make them into a shake by just adding milk or low fat yogurt or even ice cream

Power Smoothie
This is a wholesome smoothie -Energy Booster, Protein Booster and Cobo Booster. Our wholesome Smoothie of Champions is a popular choice for fitness fanatics.
½ cup Cranberry juice
4 oz strawberry,
1 banana,
½ cup orange juice,
1 cup yogurt,
Blend the ingredients in a blender and serve this delicious creamy smoothie cold.

Mango delight
Mouth watering mango mixes with strawberries. This is a mega nutritious smoothie rich in antioxidants and Vitamins.
1 cup fresh mango pulp
1 cup strawberries

You can add milk or ice cream to make it a shake

Blend the ingredients in a blender and serve cold.

Grape delight
A whole bunch of flavor make up this stimulating concoction of grape juice, strawberries, peaches and ice. And it's full of dietary fiber and vitamin C too.
8 oz grapes
8 oz strawberries
4 oz peaches
Blend ingredients together with ice and serve.

Citrus Tropicana
1 cup Orange,
6 oz strawberry,
6 oz pineapple
1 banana
Blend the ingredients and delight in the taste of this amazing smoothie.

Fruit dream smoothie
2 apples
10 oz strawberries,
1 bananas
Blend in a blender with crushed ice and serve cold.

Celery Juice Recipe
1 cup of spinach
1/2 cucumber
3 carrots
2 stalks of celery
1/2 an apple
Wash all vegetable.
Top the carrots.
Include celery leaves with the stalks.
Core apple but leave on the skin.

There are 100's of recipies that can be found searching the net.

Saturday, 6 November 2010

Fruit & Vegetable Nutrients For Making Health Drinks

Best Ingredients for Juicing - Fruit and Vegetable juicing
Doing a Juice Detox can do wonders for your health

Apple:
A delicious fruit base for juices, it is rich in beta carotene, calcium, magnesium, vitamins, phosphorus
Nutritional benefits:
Try Apple Juice a day to keep the doctor away. Being high in fibre it helps lower cholestrol, an ideal antioxidant, immune system booster and also aids in cleaning the digestive system.

Avocados:
Avocados are rich in potassium and have appreciable levels of the B vitamin and monounsaturated fat.
Nutritional benefits:
Avocados contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that may help to lower cholesterol Helps regulate blood pressure and to guard against circulatory diseases, like high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke. Avocado juice helps absorb the health-promoting carotenoids that vegetables provide.

Bananas:
Rich source of beta carotene, vitamin C, folic acid, magnesium, Calcium, phosphorus and potassium . Good source of B vitamins and natural fibers
Nutritional benefits:
Banana smothies are good for healthy bowels, cardiovascular health, protection from ulcers, great energy booster and also helps reduce water retention.

Blackberries:
Rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, Calcium, Magnesium, copper and iron
Nutritional Benefits:
Blackberry juice is an antioxidant, immunity booster with great anti aging properties.

Broccoli:
Broccoli juice is a good source of Vitmain C, vitamin A, Folate, Dietary fibre, Magnesium, potassium
Nutritional Benefits:
Has anti cancer effects, cures gastritis, helps rejuvinate sun damaged skin, A Cardio-Protective Vegetable, stronger bones with broccoli. Protection Against Ulcer, An Immune System Booster, Birth Defect Fighter.

Brussel sprouts:
Using brussel sprouts in juices makes it rich in Vit K, Vitamin C, magnesium, folate, dietary fibre, potassium.
Nutritional Benefits:
Cancer-Fighter Phytochemicals, For Healthy Skin and Immune Function, Think Brussels Sprouts, Birth Defect Fighter, Support A Healthier Colon Protection against Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Cabbage:
Rich in Vitamin C, folate, beta carotene and fibre.
Nutritional Benefits:
Cabbage juice helps in Detoxification and acts as an antioxidant, may help prevent breast cancer, peptic ulcers, heart diseases.

Cantaloupe:
An excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Good source of potassium, Vitamin B6, dietary fiber, folate and niacin.
Nutritional benefits:
Antioxidant and good immune booster, supports energy production through good carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar stability. Cantaloupe juice may help protect Your Vision and keep your eyes bright.

Carrot:
Rich in beta carotene, Vitamin A.
Nutritional benefits:
Good for gastrointestinal health, helps cure stomach and digestive problems. Cures heart burn. Carrot juice is used as a base juice in many juice recipes

Celery:
Add celery to you juices because its Rich in Phytonutrients and aplin.
Nutritional benefits:
Celery contains vitamin C and several other active compounds that promote health, help lower cholesterol and also may be useful in cancer prevention. Excellent for cleansing the digestive system of uric acid . Useful for people with Gout and urinary infections. Celery juice also helps calm the nerves and reduces stress.

Cherries:
Rich in Vitamin C, good source of vitamin A and anthocyannins, magnesium, phosphorus.
Nutritional Benefits: Cherry juice is a good immune system booster and antioxidant.

Cranberry:
Cranberry juice is a good source of potassium, carotene and fibre.
Nutritional benefits:
Helps cure Urinary tract infection, prevents kidney stone formation, promotes gastrointestinal health.

Cucumber:
Water based cucunber juice is a good source of potassium, beta carotene, silicon, sulphur, sodium and phosphorus.
Nutritional benefits:
Diuretic, helps, provides healthy nutrients to the skin, soothe skin irritations, reduce swelling under the eyes and sun burns.

Figs:
Fig smoothies are a good source of Dietary fibre, potassium and Magnesium.
Nutritional benefits:
Help Lower High Blood Pressure, good for weight loss, Cardiovascular and Cancer-Protective Effects.

Grapes:
Grape juice is a good source of Magnesium, vityamin C, B and potassium.
Nutritional benefits:
Protection against heart disease and may protect against cancer.

Kiwi:
Kiwi juice is a good source of Vitamin c, Dietary fiber, potassium and copper.
Nutritional benefits:
Fiber for Blood Sugar Control Plus Cardiovascular and Colon Health, Antioxidant, protection against asthma.

Lemon:
Lemon juice is a good source of Vitamin C, potassium and calcium.
Nutritional benefits:
Phytonutrients with Antioxidant, Anti-Cancer and Antibiotic Effects, Possible cholesterol-lowering benefits.

Lettuce:
Lettuce juice is a good source of Vitamin A, C folate and magnesium.
Nutritional Benefits:
Keep skin healthy, good for the colon

Mango:
One medium mango contains package of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Like most fruits, the mango is low in protein, but very high in fibre content. Mango juice and Mango pulp contain no cholesterol or saturated fat, low sodium and contain only about .6 grams of total fat. Good source of Beta carotene, vitamin C potassium and magnesium.
Nutritional benefits:
Good source of dietary fibre and therefore effective against degenerative diseases, especially with regards to the heart; may help prevent certain types of cancer, as well as lowering blood cholesterol levels. An average sized mango can contain up to 40% of your daily fiber requirement. Replenish lost potassium and energy after a long jog or workout with healthy mango juice.

Olives:
Olives are a very good source of monounsaturated fats and a good source of Vitamin E. In addition to vitamin E, olives contain a variety of beneficial active phytonutrient compounds including polyphenols and flavonoids, that also appear to have significant anti-inflammatory properties.
Nutritional Benefits:
Cellular Protection Against Free Radicals, The anti-inflammatory actions of the monounsaturated fats, vitamin E and polyphenols in olives may also help reduce the severity of asthma and arthritis. The vitamin E in olives may even help to reduce the frequency and/or intensity of hot flashes in women going through menopause.

Oranges:
Orange juice is a good source of Vitamin C, potassium, carotene.
Nutritional benefits:
Helps in fighting cold, lowering cholestroil and has anticancer properties.

Papaya:
Papaya smoothies offer not only the luscious taste and sunlit color of the tropics, but are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and minerals potassium and magnesium; and fiber.
Nutritional benefits:
Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer and irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain, useful in treatment of sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies. Ideal for smokers as it replaces the levels of lost Vitamin C.

Pear:
Pear juice and smoothies are a good source of Fibre, Vitamin C and Copper
Nutritional benefits:
Promotes colon health, good for starter foods for babies

Pineapple:
Pineapple juice is a good source of vitamin C, Antioxidants, beta-carotene. Pineapples contain the enzyme 'bromelain'
Nutritional Benefits:
Bromelain in pineapple is effective in treating blood clots, bromelain also helps combat arthritis.

Spinach:
Spinach juice is a good source of iron, folate and beta carotene.
Nutritional benefits:
Helps in curing iron deficiencies, recommended for detoxifying body and highly recommended for women.

Strawberries:
strawberry juice is a good source of Vitamin C, K, Magnesium and dietary fibre.
Nutritional benefits:
The phytonutrients help promote better health and has stress relieving properties.

Tomatoes:
Tomato juice is a good source of Vitamin C, fibre, lycopene, potassium and folate.
Nutritional benefits:
Antioxidant and Anti-Cancer, prevents heart disease, protects joint muscles and brain cells.

Watermelon:
Watermelon juice is a good source of Vitamin C, A and B, Calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Nutrtional benefits:
Bright eyes, good skin and antioxidant and diuretic fruit.

info taken from HealthyJuiceCentral.info

Friday, 5 November 2010

To Give More Than 100%

101%

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:

What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?

We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%.

How about ACHIEVING 101%?

What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions:

If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

If:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K

8+1+18+4+23 + 15+18+11 = 98%

And:

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E

11+14+15+23+ 12+5+4+7+ 5 = 96%

But:

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E

1+20+20+9+20+ 21+4+5 = 100%

THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:

L-O-V-E- O-F -G-O-D

12+15+22+5+15+ 6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:

While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there , It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

Wednesday, 3 November 2010

German Scientists Use Microchip To Enable The Blind To See

In a small experiment involving 11 patients, researchers in Germany were able to restore visual ability in three blind patients by implanting a battery-powered chip behind the retina. The three patients, who each suffered from an inherited condition that caused vision loss, were able to distinguish shapes and recognize objects within days after receiving the experimental implant.

The research was conducted at the Institute for Ophthalmic Research at the University of Tübingen and published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

The experimental chip acts as a retinal prosthesis, mimicking the activity of the light-sensitive cells that have been damaged in blind people with retinal degeneration. The chip converts the light that enters the eye into electrical impulses, which are then delivered to the optic nerve and then onto the brain. In this way, the implant uses most of the eye's natural mechanics, only replacing the cells of the eye that receive light.

If the results of the proof-of-concept study can be replicated, this type of device may someday help improve visual ability in patients with conditions including retinitis pigmentosa, choroideraemia and age-related macular degeneration, which destroy light-sensitive cells, but leave the rest of the eye and visual system intact.

Dr. Eberhart Zrenner, founding director of Retinal Implant AG, the company that makes the subretinal chip, and director and chair of University of Tübingen Eye Hospital, wrote with his colleagues in the new paper: "The results of this pilot study provide strong evidence that the visual functions of patients blinded by a hereditary retinal dystrophy can, in principle, be restored to a degree sufficient for use in daily life."
Info from http://healthland.time.com/

This is wonderful news for blind people, just imagine what it must be like to be able to see for the very first time or regain your sight. This is worth any amount of money and should inspire so many people with hope. It's amazing that Science Fiction is becoming reality once again and what wonderful joy this will give.

Monday, 1 November 2010

The Beauty Of Maths

1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321

1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111

9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888

Brilliant, isn't it?

And look at this symmetry:

1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111=123456789 87654321

Some Of My Favourite Friendship Songs

song : Teri Meri Yaari
film : Samraat 1982
singers : Kishore Kumar & Shailendra Singh
music / lyrics : Laxmikant Pyarelal / Anand Bakshi
actors : Dharmendra & Jeetendra

song : Salamat Rahe Dostana Hamara
film : Dostana 1980
singers : Kishore Kumar & Mohd Rafi
music / lyrics : Laxmikant Pyarelal / Anand Bakshi
actors : Amitabh Bachchan & Shatrugan Shina

song : Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge
film : Sholay 1975
singers : Kishore Kumar & Manna Dey
music / lyrics : R D Burman / Anand Bakshi
actors : Amitabh Bachchan & Dharmendra

song : Saat Ajoobe Is Duniya Mein
film : Dharamveer 1977
singers : Mukesh & Mohd Rafi
music / lyrics : Laxmikant Pyarelal / Anand Bakshi
actors : Jeetendra & Dharmendra

song : Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan
film : Yaarana 1981
singers : Kishore Kumar
music / lyrics : Rajesh Roshan / Anjaan
actors : Amitabh Bachchan

song : Tu Kal Chala Jaayega
film : Naam 1986
singers : Manhur Udhas & Mohammad Aziz
music / lyrics : Laxmikant Pyarelal / Anand Bakshi
actors : Sanjay Dutt & Kumar Gaurav

song : Ae Yaar Teri Yaari
film : Waqt Ki Deewar 1981
singers : Kishore Kumar & Mohd Rafi
music / lyrics : Laxmikant Pyarelal / Anand Bakshi
actors : Sanjeev Kumar & Jeetendra

song : Tere Jaisa Bhai Sabko Mile
film : Duniy Meri Jeb Mein 1979
singers : Mohd Rafi & Kishore Kumar
music / lyrics : Rajesh Roshan / Gulshan Bawra
actors : Shashi Kapoor & Rishi Kapoor

Also remember
"Ae Yaar Sun Yaari Teri" Film Suhaag 1979
Singer : Mohd Rafi, Shailendra Singh & Asha Bhonsle
Music / Lyricists : Laxmikant Pyarelal / Ananad Bakshi
Actors : Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor & Parveen Babi

"Ek Raasta Do Rahi" Film Ram Balram 1980
Singers : Mohd Rafi & Kishore Kumar
Music / Lyricists : Laxmikant Pyarelal / Anand Bakshi
Actors : Amitabh Bachchan & Dharmendra

"Teri Meri Dosti Bani Rahe" Film Aap Ke Deewane 1980
Singers : Mohd Rafi, Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar
Music / Lyricists : Rajesh Roshan / Anand Bakshi
Actors : Rishi Kapoor, Rakesh Roshan & Tina Munim

"Mere Yaar Yeh Din Ho Mubarak Tujhe" Film Neeyat 1979
Singers : Mohd Rafi & Amit Kumar
Music / Lyricist : Laxmikant Pyarelal / Anand Bakshi
Actors : Shashi Kapoor & Jeetendra

"Khuda Hi Juda Koi Taakat Nahi Juda" Film Aap Toh Aise Na The 1980
Singers : Mohd Rafi & Kishore Kumar
Music / Lyricists : Usha Khanna / Nida Fazli
Actors : Raj Babbar & Deepak

THE Late 70's and Early 80's Had The Best Friendship Songs

But What Happens When Betrayal Destroys Friendship

song : Mere Dost Kisa Yeh Kya Hogaya
film : Dostana 1980
singer : Mohd Rafi
music / lyrics : Laxmikant Pyarelal / Anand Bakshi
actors : Amitabh Bachchan to Shatrugan Shina

song : Ae Dost Kisi Roz Tu Pacch Tayega
film : Mera Dost 1969
singers : Mohd Rafi
music / lyrics : Laxmikant Pyarelal / Anand Bakshi
actors :

song : Doston Mein Koi Baat Jal Jati Hai
film : Prem Kahani 1975
singers : Mohd Rafi
music / lyrics : Laxmikant Pyarelal / Anand Bakshi
actors : Shashi Kapoor to Rajesh Khanna & Mumtaz

song: Barson Purana Yeh Yaraana Ek Pal Mein Kyu Toota
film : Hera Pheri 1976
singer : Kishore Kumar
music / Lyrics : Kalyanji Anandji / Anjaan
actors : picturised on Amitabh Bachchan to Vinod Khanna

Sunday, 31 October 2010

Halloween

Halloween is a holiday annually celebrated on October 31. Some people hold Halloween parties on or around this date, where the hosts and guests often dress up as skeletons, ghosts or other scary figures. Common symbols of Halloween include pumpkins, bats and spiders.

What do people do?
Halloween celebrations in the United Kingdom include parties where guests are often expected to arrive in a costume to reflect the day's theme. Other people gather together to watch horror films, either at home or at a cinema.

Some children go trick-or-treating. This means that they dress up and go to other peoples' houses, knocking on the door for treat of sweets or a snack. Those who do not give out a treat may be tricked with a joke instead.

Halloween has its origins in pagan festivals in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Many stores and businesses see Halloween as a chance to promote products with a Halloween theme.

Public life
Halloween is not a bank holiday in the United Kingdom. Schools, businesses, stores and other organizations are open as usual. Public transport services run on their normal timetables.
Background
Halloween has its origins in pagan festivals held around the end of October in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. People believed that, at this time of year, the spirits of dead people could come 'alive' and walk among the living. They thought that it was important to dress up in costumes when venturing outside, to avoid being harmed by the spirits. This may be the origin of the Halloween costumes seen today. In Puritan times, Halloween celebrations were outlawed, but they were revived in later times.

Halloween used to be called All Hallows Eve, or the day before All Saints' Day, observed on November 1. Halloween is also known as Nut-crack Night, Thump-the-door Night or Apple and Candle Night. Some people call Halloween Bob Apple Night or Duck Apple Night. This comes from a traditional game played at this time of year and known as 'apple bobbing' or 'apple ducking'. A bucket or other container is filled with water and one or more apples are floated on the water. The contestants take turns trying to catch an apple with their teeth. They must hold their hands behind their backs at all times.

Some people believe that apple bobbing is a reminder of the way women accused of witchcraft in the middle ages were tried. They were tied to a chair and repeatedly ducked into a river or pond. If a woman drowned, she was declared innocent. If she survived, she was declared a witch and burnt at the stake. Others think that apple bobbing is a way for young people to predict who they will marry or whether their partner is faithful.

Some aspects of the modern Halloween celebrations, such as carving lanterns out of vegetables originated long ago. Others were introduced more recently, often as a form of commercial promotion. Many customs originated in the United States and have travelled back to the United Kingdom.

Symbols
There are various symbols are associated with Halloween. The colors orange and black are very common. Other symbols include pumpkin lanterns, witches, wizards, ghosts, spirits and characters from horror films. Animals associated with the festival include bats, spiders and black cats.

info courtesy www

Saturday, 30 October 2010

Is Elvis Presley Still The King Of Stamps

The Elvis postage stamp, released in 1993, is still the most popular collected postage stamp, according to the American Postal Service.

Over 124.1 million of the 1993 issued Elvis Presley stamps were saved by Americans, according to the post office.

But watch out Elvis you have some serious competition :-

"The Simpsons" and Elvis Presley are in a heavyweight battle to see who is the most popular postage stamp.

"Elvis remains as the most popular stamp among collectors, only time will tell how they rank in history."

But what i would like to know is how are the simpsons stamps to be counted because there is 5 different charactor stamps to choose from.

some info compiled from www