Tuesday, July 1, 2008

How to Manage your Stress?

A lecturer was giving a lecture to his student on stress management. He raised a glass of water and asked the audience. ‘How heavy do you think this glass of water is?’ the students answers ranged from 20 to 500 gm.


‘It does not matter on the absolute weight. It depends on how long you hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it is Ok. If I hold it for an hour, I will have an ache in my tight arm. If I hold it for a day, you will have to call an ambulance. It is exactly the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.


If we carry our burdens all the time, we will not be able to carry on, the burden becoming increasingly heavier. What you have to do is to put the glass down, rest for a while before holding it up again.We have to put down the burden periodically, so that we can be refreshed and are able to carry on.


So before you return home from work tonight, put the burden of work down. Don’t carry it back pick up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you are having now on your shoulders, let it down for a moment. Pick it up again later when you have rested. Rest and relax. Life is short, enjoy it!

Adversity causes most men to break and a few to break records

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Why do Women have sweet voice?

Generally the voice of women is sweeter than that of men. Even boys have feminine voice till the age of eleven or twelve years. But later it starts becoming hoarse.

Normally, the age of eleven to thirteen years us known as the period of puberty. During this period some of glands produce certain hormones. These hormones bring many changes in the bodies of the boys produce a hormone called ‘testosterone’ which is mainly responsible for the change of voice.

Though this hormone is not produced in the girls, yet a slight change takes place in their voice also. The charge occurs mainly due to the further growth of their throat, mouth, nose and upper jaw. Due to all these factors women have a sweeter voice than men.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Varieties of Butterflies

Some of the world’s most beautiful butterflies include Krishan peacock, Bhutan glory and Kaiser-I- hind. These varieties are butting away in an experimental farm for butterflies in the northeastern region of India.

The country ahs the single largest chunk of about 1440 species of butterflies out of an estimated world total of 20000 species.

The common bird writing, the largest Indian variety with a wing span of more than 10 cm is found in the Western Ghats.

Friday, June 13, 2008

How does a Spider Spin a Web?

A spider can produce a silky substance from tiny openings on its underside. To spin a web it starts by making a frame of this silk, attaching it to firm objects, such as twigs.


When the frame is finished, the spider fixes spokes of silk across it, jut like the spokes of a wheel. Then it arranges the sticky spiral thread across these spokes, leaving a platform of non-sticky thread in the middle where it waits for its prey. Though the webs look delicate, they are very strong.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

What is a Cheshire Home?

Cheshire homes are a worldwide organization looking after the incurably sick and physically handicapped for whom hospital cannot do anything. They were founded by Leonard Cheshire in 1948. Disabled persons are admitted according to their need, irrespective of race, creed or social status.

The residents enjoy the freedom of religious thought. Britain has the largest number of Cheshire Homes. Each home is run by a local committee which raises funds to run it.

Monday, June 9, 2008

What is Parchment?

Parchment is a paper-like material generally made of sheepskin. It was used for writing on before the introduction of documents or university diplomas are written till recent times on it because parchment is very long lasting.

Parchment is made rather like leather. The animal skin is scrapped to remove hair and flesh, and is cured in lime to dry and preserve it. Then it is rubbed with powered chalk to whiten and soften it.

An imitation parchment called vegetable parchment is made by treating paper with acid. Like real parchment, it is cream-colored and slightly transport.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Secret of Happiness

Always keep the gods name on your tongue. Give more than you receive. Love even those who hate you. Keep enough wealth for your need but enough your greed. Take care of every minute of your time. Make it a point to laugh everyday.


Be always child-like but never be childish. Conquer anger. Remember that god what you deserve but not what you desire. Finally if you want to be happy, think of others and if you want to be miserable, think of yourself.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Why does tickling make us Laugh?

Tickling is a funny and pleasurable sensation that many people feel when touched gently at certain parts of the body such as the armpits, the sides of the body, aboveb the waist, and the soles of the feet. The usual reaction is a pleasant sensation accompanied by laughter.

lthough the phenomenon of laughing is not well understood, it has been suggested that touching certain small tune nerve ending just beneath the surface of the skin which produces this funny sensation. In addition the pulse quickens blood pressure rises a body becomes keyed up and alert.

ne of the odd things about tickling is that you cannot do it to yourself, and not all individuals react the same way. As people age, their response to tickling lessens.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Why does Tube light get blackened at the ends after prolonged use?

A tube light consists of a glass tube containing two filament electrodes, a coating of activated phosphor and small amount of mercury. The two electrodes are placed at the two ends of the tube light. They emit sufficient electrons to initiate electronic discharge in the tube light.


This electric discharge occurs, due to the interaction of electrons with that of the atoms of the mercury. This discharge is responsible for the growing of the tube light. The emission of electrons from the electrodes is mainly in the form of streams that move across the length of tube, but a small number of electrons are also emitted around the tube.


Whenever the tube light is switched on, a comparatively small number of electrons around the electrodes strike the coated walls directly and gradually uncoat the surface. Therefore, after prolonged use, the ends of the tube light get blackened.

Why does Tube light get blackened at the ends after prolonged use?

A tube light consists of a glass tube containing two filament electrodes, a coating of activated phosphor and small amount of mercury. The two electrodes are placed at the two ends of the tube light. They emit sufficient electrons to initiate electronic discharge in the tube light.

This electric discharge occurs, due to the interaction of electrons with that of the atoms of the mercury. This discharge is responsible for the growing of the tube light. The emission of electrons from the electrodes is mainly in the form of streams that move across the length of tube, but a small number of electrons are also emitted around the tube.

Whenever the tube light is switched on, a comparatively small number of electrons around the electrodes strike the coated walls directly and gradually uncoat the surface. Therefore, after prolonged use, the ends of the tube light get blackened.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Why does water feel cooler when Glucose is added and stirred?

Whenever a solid is dissolved in water some energy change takes place. In most cases the amount of this change is negligible and is hardly noticeable.

But in some cases, it is quite large and leads to large changes in temperature, a rise or fall depending upon whether the heat of solution is positive or negative. Heat is absorbed when glucose is dissolved in water. As a result, the temperature drops and the solution feels cool.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Teflon was discovered accidentally

Teflon is the trade name for polytetrefluoroethylene, which was discovered in 1938 by American chemist Roy J. Plunkett. He discovered the material accidentally while working to develop a non-toxic refrigerant from gaseous tetrafluoroethylene. Instead, he came up with a waxy white powder which indicated that the molecules polymerized or combined with each other.

Plunkett went on to develop a method for producing the powder commercially. Teflon was first used for producing gaskets and valves needed in the development of the atomic bomb. The first Teflon-coated muffin tins and frying pans were sold in 1960. Teflon is now used for artificial cornea, substitute bones for chin, nose, hip, and knee joints and other anatomical plants.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

How did Pins Originate?

Pins, made of different materials are in use from the earliest times. The earliest form of pin would have been a thorn. Later, bones of fist or animals. We have ample evidence which shows that Neolithic man was already making pins of bronze.


Around 1000 B.C. there were pins in Europe which resemble today’s safety pins. The European pins were made of bronze. They were slender and could be present in such a way that the point was caught against the head.


At the end of the 15th century, pins, as we know them, began to be manufactured. In those days they were considered very precious. The French people first made the modern type pins. Slowly, they spread to other parts other the world.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Yttrium- Moderately Hard Metallic Element

Yttrium is a moderately hard metallic element with a high melting point. It is found in nature in mineral ores such as godolinite euxite, and xenotime.


Yttrium is combined with other metals to make alloys useful in nuclear power plants, and it is used in color television tubes. In medicine, radioactive yttrium isotopes are used for cancer treatment. It is also used in optical and electronic equipment.


Yttrium was first found by J. Gadoiln in 1794, in ytterby, Sweden, but was not isolated in pure form until almost 50 years later.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

What was the Pony Express?

‘Pony express’ was a kind of postal service. It provided for a fast postal service between two cities in America. It was run from April 1860 to October 1861. It was established by a freighting and stagecoach firm called ‘Russell, Majors and Waddell’ and was used only for letters. The charge was five dollars and an ounce.


Expert riders were chosen to ride fast horses which were charged six to eight times on the scheduled route.


Route of the pony express covered 1838 miles and included 157 stations. ‘Home stations’ providing food and a little rest to the riders were placed at distances of 75 to 100 miles. The time scheduled for the delivery was about 10 days.


Pony express service came to an end with the completion of the transcontinental telegraph line in October 1861.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Care for animals

Life is dear to a make creature as it is to a man. Even the lowliest insect strives for protection against dangers that threaten it life. Just as each one of us wants happiness and fears pain, just as each one of us wants to live and not die, so do all other creatures.


Whereas man can speak up and fight for his rights, animals cannot. And whereas we enjoy many facilities and rights, animals do not. They are the weaker section. They are the ones we should care for and be concerned about.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

What are Food Chains?

Every living organism is involved in a food chain. For example, a snail eats leaves, a bird eats the snail, a cat eats the bird. Every food chain begins with some kind of plant. It is because plants are the only organisms which can make food by photosynthesis in the presence of sunlight.

Hence all animals are dependent on plants. Food chains are also known as energy chains, because it is through the various links in the chain that animals and human beings get their energy.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Improve yourself

The moment you decide to improve yourself in some specific way, you begin the process of becoming a better person.

If you dedicate yourself to the job of self-improvement, you will never be bored for lack of challenge, for want of adventure or for lack of opportunity.

It requires real insight, honesty and maturity to recognize areas needed improvement in yourself, it requires wisdom to do something about hose opportunities. You prove your wisdom by striving daily to improve yourself.

Invest your time in a regular programme of self-improvement and a personal ‘fountain of youth’ will be yours. Goethe advised: “To keep young, every day read a poem, hear a choice peace of music, view a fine painting and if possible, do a good action”.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Evolution of English Alphabet – E

E is the fifth letter of the alphabet in English and most other languages. It came through Latin, from the Greek letter ‘epsilon’.

The original version of the letter was probably an ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphic sign, a picture of a man shouting.

In about 1000 B.C., the Phoenicians used the sign in their alphabet as the letter ‘H’. It was a simpler shape.


Later, the Greeks used the sign for their letter ‘E’. The Romans took it over unchanged for their alphabet. In their cursive writing, it soon took on the rounded shape, the small ‘e’ today.

E is the most commonly used letter in English. It may be pronounced short or long or even left silent.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Love-True and Great

If you develop love truly and great, rid of the desire to hold and possess, that strong clean love untarnished by lust, that love which does not expect to be repayed, that love which is firm bout not grasping, enduring but not tied down, gentle and settled, diamond-hard, but not interfering, giving more than taking, dignified but not proud, soft but not weak, that love which leads to enlightenment, them you will be washed of all ill-will.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Have Some Useful Occupation

Our metal attitude to life is extremely important. Adjustment is the key to health, happiness and service in our later years. One of the greatest aids to feeling young is to have some useful occupation.

Here are the commandments for a long, sensible living.

Do not worry. Go for regular walks in the fresh air. Rise early, eat slowly. Do not be jealous of others. Speak gently. Forgive freely. Fear nothing, be industrious always look for good points in others. Work at a job, you love most.

Good and hard work makes the old young again. A contented married life is an attribute to longevity. A moderate diet, to be free from tobacco and alcohol are important boons to longevity.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Are Mute Swans really Mute?

Swans are closely related to ducks and geese, but larger than them. The mute swan has an orange bill with a prominent black knob.

It swims with its neck held in a graceful shape. Infact, though named thus, mute swans are not mute. They make snorting noises and hiss when threatened. The wings of mute swan make a throbbing sound with each wing beat when they are flying.


They breed in summer. During this season the breeding pairs are territorial. The males can even be aggressive in defence of their nest and cygnets. But in winter, they feed in flocks. In order to nibble the underwater plants, they reach down with their long necks. Mute swans feed mainly on under water plants but also graze on marshland during water.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Why do Giraffes have Long Necks?

Giraffes have long necks so that they can reach the top of trees and feed on the leaves which grow there. As other animals feed on the lower parts of the tree, giraffes do not have to compete for the same source of food for all. This is one of nature’s ways of ensuring that food sources are used to the best advantage and nothing is wasted.

By stretching their long necks upward, giraffes can browse on leaves six meters above the ground. Having such a long neck is fine for eating the tops of trees, but it is a long way down when the giraffe wants to drink.

Giraffes have to spread their legs wide apart to enable their heads to get close enough to the water to drink.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Plato – Great Philosophers of the World

Plato was a Greek philosopher and was one of the greatest thinkers in western European history. He was the student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle.

Plato’s writings and teachings dealt with all the fundamental questions of philosophy. Because of its depth and range, his thinking had an effect on all the western civilizations.

Plato was born in a noble family of Athens, and had good education. He thought of becoming a politician but did not like the politicians of his times. Instead, Plato went to study with Socrates, and became a friend as well as pupil of that master. When Socrates was executed in 399 B.C. Plato and other scholars fled to Megara. Plato later defended Socrates in a book called “The Apology”.

In 387 B.C., Plato returned to Athens and founded a school, later known as the Academy. The school taught philosophy, mathematics, law and science. Plato taught at this academy till his end.

Most of Plato’s works are written in the form of dialogues, in which people ask one another questions and discuss a point. Plato often made Socrates one of the participants in the dialogues.

Of Plato’s many works, the Republic is the best known. In it he expressed his views on how to organize a state and society.

Plato’s longest book, the ‘Laws’ dealt with how to write a constitution and make laws.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Worlds First Himalayan Traveler

The great Himalayas spread over a distance of 2400 kilometers have stood as a challenge through the centuries. The first nearly accurate sketch of the Himalayan ranges was drawn by a Spanish missionary at Akbar’s court in 1590.


However, it was George Everst who put the Himalayas on the world map. At the end of eighteenth century William Moorecraft, a British Vet, became the worlds first Himalayan traveler. Since then, the number of Himalayan travelers, climbers and explorers has grown manifold.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

What are White Dwarf Stars?

White dwarf stars are very densely packed stars that have passed the stage of being Red Giant Stars and are beginning to collapse. As they do so, their core becomes even more dense.


As most have a low brightness, it is difficult to detect them in the sky. In 1844, the German Astronomer Fredrich Bessel discovered the first one, Sirius B. in 1862 popular telescope builder Alvan Clark observed it, though it was not known to be a white dwarf at that time. In 1914 the American Astronomer Walter Adams observed that Sirius B was still hotter than our sun. From its characteristics it was found to be 130,000 times more dense than platinum.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Truth Must not only Inform but inspire

A lamp can never light another lamp unless it continues to burn its own flame. The teacher who has come to the end of his subject, who has no living contact with his knowledge but merely repeats his lessons to his students, can only load their minds, he cannot quicken them,

Truth not only must uniform but inspire. If the inspiration dies out, and the information only accumulates, them truth loses its worth. The greater part of our learning in the schools has been wasted because, for most of our teachers their subjects are like dead specimens of once living things, with which they have learned acquaintance, but no communication of life and love.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Whale Shark: The Biggest Fish

Whale sharks are world’s biggest fishes. These are having big mouths, but they are not swallowing people. These are plankton feeders.

You may wonder why this fish is called a whale shark. Scientists have determined that it is a species of shark, because of skeleton and its tough, leathery, scale less skin. People called it a whale shark because of its enormous size like a whale, not because it is a type of whale.

A whale is a mammal, a warm-blooded creature that has lungs and breathes air, gives births to its young onces and nurses them with milk produced by mammary glands. A shark is a fish its ‘breathes’ oxygen by passing water over it gills.

Whale sharks are rare, elusive creatures. One interesting adaptation of the whale shark that scientists have discovered is that it has sensors that run the length of its body, which are used for detecting pressure changes in the surrounding water.

Whale sharks swim with their huge mouths wide open to chow down, making it hard for their proportionately small eyes to see where they are going.

Planktons are microscopically tiny organisms that thrive in the oceans throughout the world. The huge, gaping mouth is the while sharks adaptation to feeding plankton. The wider huge mouth opens the more plankton he can scoop up with each bite. All the water that he takes in toe scoops up his meal is simply passed out of his body through his gills, which have sieve like membranes covering them into filter out the little critters and prevent them from escaping.

If you were accidentally scooped by the whale shark you would find yourself being spit back out through and interesting process call gastric eversion. The whale shark actually turns its stomach inside out and spits out through its mouth, ejecting the entire contents.-