Monday, December 22, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Palitana - Jain Temple
Palitana, in Gujarat (India) is approximately 50 KM south west of Bhavnagar. It is in the Saurashtra region, which has a very large number of temples. It is historic too because Saurashtra always attracted foreign visitors, especially the invaders in the pre-Mughal period who were attracted to India because of the large quantities of gold and precious gem stones the temples in this region used to have. They primarily invaded for looting wealth to finance their war efforts to capture and enlarge their empires.
This region has a very large number of modern cities growing side by side with beautiful beaches and varied flora and fauna. Palitana is well connected by roads and railways to the major cities and to the other parts of India and the world.
It is interesting to note that many temples are located on hilltops or mountain ranges of India. The believers of religions like Hinduism, Jainism, etc., seem to place special importance to pilgrimages to holy places where they have to climb up mountainous tracts. The Jainism has many hill locations for pilgrimage, Shatrunjaya Hill, Palitana, being the most important among them. A group of temples in Girnar (Junagadh) in the nearby areas and similar temples in Rajasthan and Maharashtra are also worth a visit by anyone, especially for their location in beautiful surroundings and the rich temple architecture and sculptures.
Palitana and surroundings, with a very large cluster of Jain temples, has 863 temples. These temples were built in the 11th and 12th centuries. This period saw a frenzy of activities to promote spiritualism and temple architecture, in almost all parts of Indian subcontinent. Foreign invaders destroyed many of these temples in the 14th and 15th centuries.
As for these magnificent Jain temples, unlike many others built by Kings and Emperors, they were built by the Jain traders and the people of this area.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The Glacier National Park in Montana
What makes a getaway unique or most memorable? A nice location, no doubt, is what everyone wants to visit. Here is a nice choice. Covering 1.4 million acres of wildlife preserves, the Glacier National Park in Montana, one of the largest intact ecosystems in the lower 48 states, has one of the most magnificent scenery in the western United States. It is traversed from east to west by the Going-to-the-Sun Road built in 1932. This road is an engineering feat and has been deemed a National Historic Landmark. The National Park Resort Lodge is located at the east entrance of the Glacier National Park.
So, the best place to be in is Montana Resorts, one of the premier national park resorts in the country. St. Mary Lodge and Resort, located at the east entrance of Glacier National Park in Montana within the Blackfeet Indian Nation, on Going-to-the-Sun Road, is the combination of natural beauty and modern comforts. They offer some of the finest dining in Montana. Explore all of the resort's dining options at StMaryLodgeandResort.com
Glacier National Park Lodging has 122 accommodations, with an array of unique dining venues, superb shopping, high-speed wireless Internet at the main lodge lobby, etc., spread among seven different facilities. Your choice can vary from rustic and relaxing to a completely upscale luxury lodge accommodation. They have got something to fit every taste level and budget, like Great Bear Lodge, Glacier Cabins, Tipis, Pinnacle Cottages, Sun Cabin, Guest House, Main Lodge, West Lodge and East Lodge. The accommodations are available for singles, couples or families, complete with facilities like king beds, queen beds, air conditioning, satellite TVs, flat screen TVs, granite counters, mini wet-bars, fireplace, leather couches, Jacuzzi tubs, microwave, mini fridge, cedar wood floors, gas barbecue, etc. The added attractions are breathtaking views into Glacier National Park and private decks with exceptional views of the park, available with some of these.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Jog waterfalls, the highest waterfalls in India
Jog Falls (also known as Gerusoppe Falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi), in Shimoga District of Karnataka State, created by the Sharavathi River, falling from a height of 253 meters (829 feet) is the highest plunge waterfall in India. These falls are a major tourist attraction.
There are many waterfalls in India and Asia which are of more heights. Unlike those waterfalls, Jog Falls is un-tiered, i.e., it drops directly to the bottom and does not stream on to rocks. So it is the highest un-tiered waterfalls in India.
Upstream the River Sharavathi is the Linganmakki Dam across River Sharavathi, and the 1200 MW hydro-electric power station, one of the largest hydro-electric stations in India and a significant source of electric power for Karnataka. The power station has been operational since 1949. The power station was previously named Krishna Rajendra hydro-electric project, after the King of Mysore at that time. The name was later changed to Mahatma Gandhi Hydro-electric Project. It was served by Hirebhaskara dam until 1960. After 1960, Linganmakki Dam, built across River Sharavathi is being used for power generation.
Before the onset of monsoon, when there is not much water in the Linganmakki dam, the Jog Falls, instead of the roar and the spray and the massive flow of water, has only a pair of thin streams of water trickling down the cliff. The local people would tell you that the authorities open the dam only during weekends to enhance the flow of water in the waterfalls, when there are a lot of tourists to view it.
August-December is best the season with the best flow to visit Jog Falls. Jog Falls is situated at 30 Kilometers (19 miles) away from Sagara, and 379 kilometers (235 miles) away from Bangalore. Nearest Bus Stations are Jog and Sagara. One can reach Jog by direct buses to Jog from Bangalore. Alternatively, take a direct bus to Sagara from Bangalore and local bus from Sagara to Jog. The distance is 379 kilometers (235 miles) from Bangalore, 102 kilometers (63 miles) from Shivamogga and 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Sagara. Nearest Train Station is Shimoga. One can board a train to Shimoga from Bangalore and can travel to Jog in buses from Shimoga. Bangalore Airport is the nearest airport. Another convenient airport is at Mangalore.
More details and photos (photo gallery) can be had from Wikipedia.
Jog falls, Karnataka
Jog falls, Karnataka, the highest waterfalls in India, has 250 meters of vertical fall.
Jog Falls: the main falls
The original text with the photo states, "Main falls at Jog, the highest in Asia is about 1000 ft high".
Jog Falls: between heaven and earth
Here is the text added by the original author:
Between Heaven And Earth) بین زمین و بهشت
اگه دست خودم بود تا آخر عمر دور دنیا ولگردی میکردم مخصوصا هندوستان Ùˆ یکی از باØالترین جاهای هندوستان اینجاست
Jog Falls, India: of all the photos I took there (India), none can describe my true feeling when I was staying there. Easily some of the best days of my life (Uploaded by V.E on 11 Nov 08, 1.49PM PST).
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Real Estate Investment College
In 1991 Liem Sioe Liong and his family, based in Jakarta, had full or partial ownership of over 500 companies that included Indocement, Indosteel, Indomilk, Bank Central Asia Group and Bogasari Flour Mills. As he found Indonesia too small for his huge appetite, he started building a palm oil processing plant in the then Soviet Union and was selling Indonesian commodities in Eastern Europe. He was one of the billionaires listed by Fortune Magazine in September 1991. But he was one of the most important personalities in the list because he was born as a peasant in southern China and he had acquired a cooking oil plant in his native land. His was a classic example of rags-to-riches stories that can be described as basic the philosophy of Nouveau Riche University.
Nouveau Riche University is a Real Estate Investment College that enables students to select courses within various curriculum paths. Each course is designed to teach real estate investment concepts and strategies for understanding the advantages and disadvantages of short-term and long-term real estate investments. You can experience a dynamic education in the midst of like-minded people who share common goals and interests. Participate in case studies, classroom discussion and role-playing exercises that will aid your information retention. They help you build confidence while learning the procedures, concepts and rules of the real estate investment game. The best part is they support you as you put your education into action.
In October 2008, Nouveau Riche University was acquiring the financially challenged Institute of Construction Management & Technology (ICMT) to meet the need for educated management in construction management and construction technology with specialization areas in construction operations, residential construction management and land management.
Nouveau Riche University made headlines with the appointment of Dr. Laura Palmer Noone, who was the President of University of Phoenix, the largest private university in the world, as the Chief Executive Officer. While at University of Phoenix, under Dr. Noone's leadership, the University grew from 72,000 to 283,000 students, as a result of her leadership in academic excellence.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Indian Independence Day in Hertzliya, Israel 2
Bunch of us with the dancers at the Indian Independence Day program in Hertzliya, Israel, originally uploaded by Man United.
Bunch of us with the dancers at the Indian Independence Day program in Hertzliya, Israel, said the author, Man United on 15 Aug 06, 7.55AM PST.
Indian Independence Day in Hertzliya, Israel
Dancers at the Indian Independence Day program in Hertzliya, Israel, originally uploaded by Man United.
"Dancers at the Indian Independence Day program in Hertzliya, Israel: Three of the dancers who danced at the Indian Independence Day program in Hertzliya, Israel. I believe the one on the right is Russian... Great dancers...", said the author. Uploaded by Man United on 15 Aug 06, 7.55AM PST.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Nouveau Riche: Rags to Riches Stories
Here is a list of some of the most admirable persons that appeared in a most watched list of persons in 1991: TSAI WAN-LIN, JAY VAN ANDEL, RICHARD M. DeVOS, ANTON CASPAR RUDOLPH DREESMANN, ANTON RUPERT, CHARLES FEENEY, CHUNG JU-YUNG, CURTIS CARLSON, DAVID H. MURDOCK, DONALD W. REYNOLDS, HANS LIEBHERR, HIROSHI YAMAUCHI, HUGO ERB, HUGO MANN, INGVAR KAMPRAD, JACK KENT COOKE, JOHN RICHARD SIMPLOT , KARL ALBRECHT, KENKICHI NAKAJIMA , LARS-ERIK LUNDBERG, LORD KADOORIE LAWRENCE, LESLIE WEXNER, LI KA-SHING, LIEM SIOE LIONG, MICHELE FERRERO, MONGKOL KANCHANAPAS, PAUL ALLEN, NEJAT FERIT ECZACIBASI, OTTO BEISHEIM, PHILIP H. KNIGHT, RICHARD BRANSON, SEBASTIAO FERRAZ DE CAMARGO PENTEADO, SHIN KYUK-HO, SHOJI UEHARA, SILVIO BERLUSCONI, TAKEMITSU TAKIZAKI, WALTER KWOK, WILLI LEIBBRAND, WILLIAM GATES III, WILLIAM SOERYADJAYA, Y. F. CHANG.
They have s single but the most valuable bond to share among them. They all started as humble as any ordinary man can start life or business, with very little or no money. And they were featured in the 1991 list of billionaires (THE BILLIONAIRES 1991, September 9, 1991, FORTUNE Magazine). In simple terms they can be described as Nouveau Riche, (French for "new rich", or "new money"), or stories of "rags-to-riches" persons.
Wikipedia describes, " Rags-to-riches refers to a person rises from poverty to wealth, or sometimes from obscurity to fame. This is a common archetype in literature and popular culture. These stories give the poor hope that they can rise to fame and wealth. They are most popular in societies such as the United States, where confidence in the ability to move between social classes is an important part of the national identity.”
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Easy process for start-up loans
An unsecured loan, also known as a signature loan or personal loan, is a loan that is not backed by collateral. If you want a loan for your new business and think of such loans from financial institutions, make sure that your credit score is very high. Otherwise your application will be turned down.
Every big business of today once started as a new business, and they too might have required start up loans in addition to whatever funds they already had. Everyone dreams of becoming his or her own boss, and starting one’s own business is the fastest route to financial freedom. For this, you need lots of money, or what you call a good and sure source of a startup loan, mostly an unsecured loan without the usual hassles of stringent documentation.
Good organizations to guide you through start-up loans are not too many. In fact, only a few are reliable. Here is one you may like to try, EZUnsecured.com that helps you with easy process of loans, fast funding and excellent service. Once you are their client, you can deal with top-notch experts in unsecured business financing. These experts have an average of 10 years’ experience underwriting small business loans. The underwriters devote 100% of their time exclusively for you for obtaining the maximum financing in the shortest time.
They specialize in business loans and lines of credit. No need to worry about tax returns, business plans or project reports, or collateral for your startup loans. The lenders in their network focus on your credit history and business financials to make their decisions and the stronger your credit history, the less documentation you will need to provide. If you have high credit scores, their lenders will rarely ever require any income or asset documentation. Your loans are approved the first time you submit your application prepared by them, as they are experienced professionals. Moreover, they have an extensive network of financial institutions willing to fund your business, whatever type of business it may be.
Alleppey cruising in a houseboat
The author adds a note that tells, travelling along the waterways of Alleppy on one of the rice boat -- houseboat vessels. These houseboats are sturdy like rocks and travel at a measured pace through the backwaters of Alleppy (in Kerala) area showing a microcosm of life in Alleppy, as it has been in these areas for centuries.
He describes it as "A must do thing in your life time".
The captain sits right in front and here in this shot has the umbrella to protect him from the strong sunlight. The crew comprises of a cook who gives you the most wonderful local cuisine to sample from his kitchen. There is another attendant to serve and do miscellaneous jobs.
(NOTE: Such boats are available on hire and it is a lifetime luxury to live in them, maybe for a change from the ordinary, to unwind yourself and to energise your spirits by clinging to the nature's lap.)
A similar image out of the same series has been posted earlier. This one has been done up a bit to make it suitable for picture post card kitsch.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Happy Diwali to all !
The word Diwali (also spelt/pronounced as deepawali, deepavali, deewali) means “row of lamps” or “row of lights”. Today it is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs across the globe as the "Festival of Lights," where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. In India Diwali is celebrated almost as a national festival, and the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed by most of the Indians all faiths.
Diwali is celebrated a day earlier in South India than in North India, since Lord Ram traveled from South India to his kingdom in North India; he passed through the south earlier, as the legends say. Hindus have several significant events associated with it, like the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya, the killing of Narakasura, the austerities (vrata or fasting) of Shakti, birth of Goddess Lakshmi, defeat of Indra by Krishna, etc.
Many legends are associated with Diwali. Jainism marks Diwali as the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, which occurred in 527 BC. Among the Sikhs, Diwali has special significance from the day the town of Amritsar was illuminated on the return to it of Guru Hargobind Singh, who had been held captive in the Gwalior Fort by Mughal emperor, Jahangir. The festival is also celebrated by Buddhists of Nepal, particularly the Newar Buddhists.
On the day of Diwali, most of the people wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks. Some North Indian business communities start their financial year on Diwali and new account books are opened.
Homes are cleaned and decorated before Diwali. Offices perform pooja and bonuses and holidays are granted to employees. People buy property and gold. For children, fire works/crackers, new clothes and sweets make Deepavali the most eagerly awaited festival of the year.
Melas (or special markets) are organized before Diwali. At a mela there are performances by jugglers, magicians, acrobats, snake charmers, puppet shows and fortune tellers. Food stalls are set up, selling sweets and spicy foods. There are a variety of rides at the fair, including Ferris wheels and rides on animals like elephants and camels.
Diwali is celebrated in various parts of the world, in countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Suriname, Canada, Guyana, Kenya, Mauritius, Fiji, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Australia, much of Africa, and the United States, where people of Indian origin or people associated with the legends associated with Diwali live and their friends and associates of all faiths and regions join in celebrations.
Happy Deepawali
The author adds:
Deepawali, or Diwali is a major Indian festival, and a significant festival in Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Many legends are associated with Diwali. Today it is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across the globe as the "Festival of Lights," where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. Diwali is celebrated on the first day of the lunar Kartika month, which comes in the month of October or November.
In many parts of India, it is the homecoming of King Rama of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in the forest, after he defeated the evil Ravana. The people of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) welcomed Rama by lighting rows (awali) of lamps (deepa), thus its name: Deepawali. This word, in due course, became Diwali in Hindi. But, in South Indian languages, the word did not undergo any change, and hence the festival is called Deepawali in southern India. There are many different observances of the holiday across India.
Jainism marks Diwali as the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, which occurred on October 15, 527 BC.
Among the Sikhs, Diwali came to have special significance from the day the town of Amritsar was illuminated on the return to it of Guru Hargobind (1595-1644) who had been held captive in the Fort at Gwalior under the orders of the Mughal emperor, Jahangir (1570-1627). As the sixth Guru (teacher) of Sikhism, Guru Hargobind Ji, was freed from imprisonment - along with 53 Hindu Kings (who were held as political prisoners) whom the Guru had arranged to be released as well. After his release he went to the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) in the holy city of Amritsar, where he was welcomed in happiness by the people who lit candles and diyas to greet the Guru. Because of this, Sikhs often refer to Diwali also as Bandi Chhorh Divas - “the day of release of detainees."
The festival is also celebrated by Buddhists of Nepal, particularly the Newar Buddhists.
In India, Diwali is now considered to be a national festival, and the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith
Uploaded by wanderlust1979 on 27 Oct 08, 8.03AM PDT.
Colored powder used for decoration during Diwali or Deepawali
An assortment of colored powder is sold in Katmandu, Nepal. The powder is used for decoration during the Tihar (also called Diwali or Deepawali) festival, the second most important Hindu festival in Nepal after Dasain. The five days of festival activities, originally uploaded by photongo.
An assortment of colored powder is sold in Katmandu, Nepal. The powder is used for decoration during the Tihar (also called Diwali or Deepawali) festival, the second most important Hindu festival in Nepal after Dasain. The five days of festival activities honors certain animals on successive days.
Kali at Golconda Fort
Color image of Goddess Kali at Golconda Fort, Hyderabad - it is one of a series of images found there by the author.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh-view3
This photo was originally uploaded by Piyush Dunagiri on 22 Feb 07, 11.24PM PDT. He has a wonderful set of photos at http://flickr.com/photos/dunagiri/sets/72157605839778400/
Source of the Ganges, Gangotri Glacier, India
Hindu religion's prayer flags on the way to the face of the Gangotri Glacier beneath the towering peaks of Bhagirathi I, II and III. Photos of Gangotri and places around it are by Ran Chakrabarti. To view the original images and to get a glimpse of the wonderful works of Ran Chakrabarti, click on the photo.
Gangotri Glacier and the source of the Ganges
This picture shows the Gangotri Glacier from Tapovan meadow beneath the peaks of Bhagirathi I, II and III. The River Ganga (River Ganges) originates from here.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Debt consolidation improves quality of life
In many countries, particularly in the United States, the number of people suffering under heavy burden of debt is on the rise. This is a serious social problem that needs urgent corrective steps, debt consolidation experts say. Reckless spending to chase unrealistic dreams compels a person borrow money that he/she cannot easily repay. This results in the person sinking deeper into debt because of the interest on the borrowed money that keeps multiplying. It is estimated the average U.S. family is in debt to over $9,000 with unsecured debt, i.e., credit cards. Some people even worry about spending their entire life paying off credit card bills.
Indebted people go through hell coughing up interests on home loans, car loans, wedding loans, holiday loans and often credit card loans. What is urgently needed is becoming debt free on topmost priority.
There are several debt consolidation agencies that can help you clear your debt with their professional expertise and experience. Not only individuals but small businesses are also using debt consolidation. However, as a precautionary measure, you should thoroughly understand your contract before signing the deal and avoid those unscrupulous organizations that demand exorbitant interest rates.
There are many ways you can consolidate your debts, the most common among them being a home equity loan with low interest rates. Retirement funds and life insurance are also worth a try. Also, you can approach credit unions offering loans at lower interest rates and fees.
The best option is a no-profit debt counseling agency that can negotiate with your creditors to get your late fees waived and interest rates reduced. They teach you how to handle your bills, use a family budget, create a way to save for your future and most importantly become debt free. Debt companies help a lot even if you have bad credit. Debt consolidation is the process of consolidating all of one’s credit card payments, medical bills and payday loans or personal loans into one low monthly payment. It is a negotiation process with the creditors and usually no new loans are needed. Good debt consolidators will suggest that the debtor pays what he or she can realistically afford per month. You can reduce balance faster and becoming debt free in 3 to 5 years and once such a plan is active collection calls will stop.
