JULY 21, 2013
Photograph by Christian Ziegler, National Geographic
This Month in Photo of the Day: Animal Pictures
A lichen-colored caterpillar disappears into its surroundings in Sarawak, Borneo. Staying alive in the tropics, where nearly everything is food for something else, often calls for such trickery to fool a predator’s eye.
source:::National Geographic
natarajan
சாணக்ய சிந்தனைகள்….
குருடர்களுக்கு கண்ணாடி எவ்வளவு பயனுள்ளதோ அவ்வளவு பயனுள்ளதே முட்டாள்களுக்கு புத்தகங்கள்
கல்வியே சிறந்த நண்பன். கல்விமான்களுக்கு செல்லுமிடமெல்லாம் சிறப்பு. கல்வி அழகையும், இளமையையும் விஞ்சி விடும்.
பிறர் செய்யும் தவறுகளிலிருந்து பாடம் கற்றுக் கொள்ளுங்கள், ஏனெனில் நீங்களாகவே பட்டு உணர்ந்து பாடம் கற்கவேண்டுமெனில் இந்த ஆயுள் போதாது.
ஒருவர் மிகவும் நேர்மையாக இருக்கக்கூடாது. நேர் நிமிர்ந்த மரமே முதலில் வெட்டிச் சாய்க்கப்படுகிறது. நேர்மையான மனிதனே அதிக சோதனைகளை எதிர்கொள்கிறான்.
பாம்புகள் கூட விஷமில்லாமல் இருக்கலாம், ஆனால் விஷம் இருப்பதாக பாசாங்கு செய்வது அவசியம்.
ஒவ்வொரு நட்புறவிலும் கொஞ்சம் சுயநலம் உள்ளது. சுயநலமற்ற நட்புறவு இல்லவேயில்லை. இதுதான் கசப்பான உண்மை!
எந்த ஒரு வேலையைத் தொடங்குவதாக இருந்தாலும் முதலில் உங்களிடம் நீங்களே 3 கேள்விகளை கேட்கவேண்டும்: நான் ஏன் இதனைச் செய்யவேண்டும், முடிவுகள் என்னவாகவிருக்கும், நான் இதில் வெற்றி பெறுவேனா? இந்தக்கேள்விகளை ஆழமாகச் சிந்திக்கும்போதுதான் திருப்திகரமான விடைகள் கிடைக்கும். முயற்சி செய்யுங்களேன்.
பயம் உங்களை நெருங்கும்போது அதனை தாக்கி அழியுங்கள்!
உலகின் ஆகப்பெரிய சக்தி இளமையும் பெண்ணின் அழகும்தான்!
ஒரு வேலையத் துவங்கிவிட்டீர்களென்றால் அதன் விளைவுகள் பற்றி அச்சப்படக்கூடாது. கைவிடாதீர்கள்! நேர்மையாக பணியாற்றுபவர்கள் மகிழ்ச்சியானவர்கள்.
மலரின் மணம் காற்றின் திசைவழி மட்டுமே செல்லும், ஒரு நல்ல மனிதனின் நற்தன்மை அனைத்து திசைகளுக்கும் செல்லும்.
விக்கிரகங்களில் கடவுள் இல்லை. உங்கள் உணர்வுகளே உங்கள் கடவுள். ஆன்மாவே கோயில்.
மனிதன் செயலினால் உயர்ந்தவனே தவிர பிறப்பினால் அல்ல.
உங்களை விட தகுதியில் உயர்ந்தவர்களிடமோ, தாழ்ந்தவர்களிடமோ நட்பு பாராட்டாதீர்கள், இந்த நட்பினால் மகிழ்ச்சி ஏற்படாது.
முதல் 5 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு உங்கள் குழந்தைகளை அன்புடன் நடத்துங்கள். அதன் பிறகு கண்டியுங்கள், 16 வயது ஆகிவிட்டதா நண்பராக நடத்துங்கள், வளர்ந்த உங்களுடைய குழந்தைகளே உங்கள் சிறந்த நண்பர்கள்.
source::::input from a friend of mine…
natarajan
In its heyday, Detroit was a bustling city. The population spiked from just over 285,000 in 1900 to over 1.5 million by 1930.
New residents flooded the city as demand for labor rose. And unions hugely improved working conditions for these workers, giving them 8-hour workdays and a minimum wage.
With the population boom came a thriving arts and culture scene. One of the top destinations in old-time Detroit was the Detroit Opera House.
Detroit wasn’t all about the auto industry. The Detroit River was a major hub for cargo shipping and passenger transport throughout the Great Lakes region Other big industries included stoves, ships, cigars, pharmaceuticals, beer, and rail car
Even if Detroit’s winters were harsh, the scenery was beautiful.
STATUS OF DETROIT TODAY ….
Detroit’s median home sale price is around $25,200, which is a huge jump from earlier in the year, when rock bottom was at $17,000 (though way down from its 2006 peak of $83,00).
But you can buy a house for cheaper than that. A ton cheaper, in fact.
Wayne County treasury officials are going door-to-door striking controversial deals with whomever is living inside about 1,500 of the more than 6,000 tax-foreclosed properties, according to Christine MacDonald of The Detroit News.
Even though last year’s unpaid property taxes total $17.6 million, the city says it prefers occupied homes to unsold lots and is willing to sell the properties for as little as $500.
The county treasury hasn’t made the list of properties available to the public yet since it’s attempting to first visit a majority of the homes that it believes to be occupied, MacDonald says.
In the meantime, we found at least 13 homes (and one retail space) that you can buy for less than $100. With some deals in the single digits, we posit that these are some of the cheapest houses you can find in America.
Price: $1
Square feet: 1,434
Zillow estimates this home’s worth at $24,600. The price was reduced $49 last December. The single family home also has a full basement.
Price: $1
Square feet: 1,244
Zillow estimates this home’s worth at $28,800. It features a large living room and a one-car garage.
Price: $1
Square feet: 704
Zillow estimates this home’s worth at $23,700. This house last sold in July 2003 for $20,000.
Price: $25
Square feet: 1,200
Zillow estimates this home’s worth at $25,000. It was recently listed.
Price: $25
Square feet: 1,755
This house last sold in October 2008 for $12,000. The price has increased $1 since Dec. 16, 2011.
Price: $94
Square feet: 1,104
Zillow estimates this home’s worth at $37,700. This house last sold in July 2006 for $110,00.
Price: $14
Square feet: 3,000
Zillow estimates this property’s worth at $175,600. It was recently listed.
SOURCE::::: BUSINESSINSIDER.COM
natarajan
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/detroit-houses-for-1-dollar-2012-2?op=1#ixzz2ZgDA0lJ9
It’s a difficult conundrum faced by many countries around the world – how to produce enough food for an ever-increasing population when land and space is rapidly running out.
But it appears China may have come up with an answer with its plans for space-saving vertical farms .Overcrowded China solves space shortage issues by building 187-metre-high vertical farms to grow fruit and veg.
They may look more like tower accommodation blocks usually found in big cities, but these 187-metre-high skyscrapers would only be used to grow vegetables and fruit.
The plans to build in the vertical farms in Tai Po, Hong Kong, come after the country’s rapid urban expansion in recent years which has seen much of its usable farmland disappear
.
Despite still having one of the largest agricultural outputs – feeding 20 per cent of the world’s entire population, only 15 per cent of all its land is suitable for farming and only around 1.2 per cent permanently supports crops.
And with its cities expanding in size by ten per cent annually since 2000, its farmland is becoming increasingly under threat.
This coupled with the world’s ever-expanding population has led to fears of future face food shortages action isn’t taken soon
But Spain-based architectural firm JAPA believes its model could solve this problem with its Dyn-net or Dynamic Vertical Networks model.
This would be a series of high-rise towers located on the outskirts of cities that could supply the food needs of the metropolis.
The structures would be made out of lightweight yet high tensile materials using as many recyclable resources as possible.
The shifting floors of the structure, inspired by China’s traditional rice farms, means each ring of the building can change its position to best suit the plants, such as making them receive the maximum amount of sunlight or moisture.
The system would also use hydroponics to grow produce, using little to no soil at all, and would even have labs to better monitor growth and nutritional value of the crops.
Visitors would be allowed into the building so they can learn more about local agriculture and get to witness the 360 degree panoramic views each platform offers.
The buildings could put an end to China’s difficulty in finding enough arable land to farm, which has been a problem throughout its history, leading to chronic food shortage.
While the production efficiency of its farmland has grown over time, efforts to expand to the west and the north have held limited success because of the colder and drier climate than its traditional farmlands to the east.
Since the 1950s, China’s farm space has also been under pressure by the increasing land needs of industry and cities.
The company has suggested Tai Po District in Hong Kong which is the second largest administrative district and has a surrounding unused area of some 14,800 hectares in the northeast New Territories, as the idea site to test the farming skyscrapers.
The firm believes the structures would be able to feed the entire population of the surrounding Kowloon-Hong Kong area.
Not only will the towers provide food but also spectacular 360 degree viewing platforms and spaces to research on farming techniques
source::::SUZANNAH HILLS in mailonline .com UK
natarajan
Adding immune-boosting vegetables to your diet is one of the most critical lifestyle changes you can make. The difference veggies make in your health is worth any effort. They reduce your risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and some cancers.
Veggies help you not only get well and stay well but also look good! When your body gains nutritional sufficiency from vegetables, your hair, skin, and eyes all show the signs of health.
Don’t hesitate to load your plate (with a minimum of two) of the following veggies:
 1
Cruciferous vegetables are the gold standard in immune-boosting vegetables.Although all vegetables have nutrients and some protective powers, for these vegetables, it’s off the charts. Cruciferous vegetables have a special chemical composition: They have sulfur-containing compounds that are responsible for their pungent flavors. When they’re broken down by biting, blending, or chopping, a chemical reaction occurs that converts these sulfur-containing compounds into isothiocyanates(ITCs). ITCs prevent and knock out cancer and have infinite proven immune-boosting capabilities. They contain antiviral and antibacterial agents that keep you disease free. Adding the following cruciferous vegetables to your daily plate is like taking an anticancer pill: arugula, beet greens, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, radishes, red cabbage, turnip greens, or watercress. |
2
Garlic is surely one of the world’s most potent medicines, and its potent smell is what makes it so powerful.The active ingredient allicin turns into organosulfurs, which are the compounds that keep your cells safe from all the destructive cellular processes that can cause major chronic diseases. Garlic is a natural antiseptic; it prevents cancer, fights infection, and prevents colds. Research also states that garlic may prevent or decrease chronic diseases associated with age, such as atherosclerosis, stroke, cancer, immune disorders, brain aging, cataracts, and arthritis. |
3
Onions are rich inquercetin, a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of cancer.Like garlic, onions also contain the amazing compound allicin. Red and purple onions containanthocyanins, the same antioxidants that make berries so robust in healing powers. In addition to being extraordinary at preventing and healing cancer, the quercetin contained in onion makes them a safe therapy for allergies; it also helps prevent heart disease and reduce high blood pressure. |
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4
The power of mushrooms comes from their ability to enhance the activity of natural killer T cells (NKT).These NKTs attack and remove cells that are damaged or infected by a virus. Mushrooms are associated with decreasing most cancers and significantly reducing the risk of breast cancer in women. They prevent DNA damage, slow cancer or tumor growth, and prevent tumors from acquiring a blood supply. |
5
Tomatoes are also the richest source of the exceptionally potent antioxidant lycopene,a substance that prevents cancer, particularly cancer of the prostate.Tomatoes also have high levels of beta carotene, an antioxidant that supports the immune system. They have high dietary fiber and taste delicious raw or cooked. |
6
Beets are an amazing blood purifier.Beets are rich in iron and produce the disease-fighting white blood cells. They also stimulate red blood cells and improve the supply of oxygen to the cells. Beets prevent cancer and heart disease, and the detoxifying properties make them good for your organs. Beets are also high in fiber and nourishing for digestive health. |
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7
Spinach is rich in beta carotene, which the body transforms into vitamin A, triggering your immune response to keep you well.Spinach prevents cancer and heart disease and is rich in the disease-fighting mineral zinc. The vitamin C helps you resist colds and infection and keeps your skin healthy; the B vitamins keep you calm and more energetic. |
8
Asparagus’s biggest talent is its ability to encourage the body to flush out toxins, due to its natural diuretic abilities.Asparagus is both cleansing and anti-inflammatory to the body. It has the antioxidant glutathione,which can lower your risk factor for heart disease and cancer. It’s useful for all inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome. |
9
Artichoke supports the liver.The substance cynarin gives artichoke its detoxifying qualities. Artichokes’ B vitamins increase mental alertness and strengthen your immunity. |
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10
Red bell pepper is bursting with vitamin C, making it a powerful immune builder.Red bell pepper’s high level of beta carotene turns into vitamin A, making it a strong defense against disease. Although green and yellow peppers are certainly healthy, they’re more superfoodish. Although they both have similar amounts of vitamin C, red bell peppers have quite a bit more of the superstar beta carotene. |
11
Sweet potatoes are far superior than the run-of-the-mill white potato.The orange variety contains beta carotene, which makes them filled with robust antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer abilities. They’re also full of fiber and the vitamin E they contain is healthy for the skin. |
source ::::: Wendy Warner and Kellyann Petrucci from Boosting Your Immunity For Dummies in bbc.com
natarajan
Human beings are a mixture of Divinity, Demon and Human (Daiva, danava and manava). The wickedness of the ogre can be overcome by the quality of mercy and charity (daya), sympathy and empathy. Pride can be overcome through self-control (dama), detachment, and renunciation; Egoism can be overcome by following the code of conduct (dharma) prescribed by the impartial sages, and by channelizing your instincts and impulses into fruitful action. When these three Gunas are thus sublimated, Manava (human) is transformed into Madhava (God). Make the best use of your Guru. Acquire from Him the skills for winning peace of mind and bliss (shanti and santosha), the Grace of God, the lessons of spiritual practice (Sadhana), and the fruits of good and holy company (sathsang); do not fritter away your energy and time, seeking sensory satisfaction in ungodly company.
G
From the world’s mightiest and most elusive creatures, to spectacular landscapes in the farthest flung corners of the globe, National Geographic has been capturing the wonder and diversity of our planet and its inhabitants for more than a century.
Since 1888, National Geographic magazine has brought the people and places of our immense planet into the homes – and imaginations – of millions of readers.
Printed in 37 languages, and instantly recognizable by the yellow-bordered cover, the magazine is revered for its world-class imagery, showcasing the talents of its intrepid photographers.
The publication is now celebrating its landmark 125th anniversary.
Some of its most striking images that capture and encapsulate the beauty of the four corners of the globe
A boy sits on top of a car on Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
Cambodian villagers celebrate as they get a fresh water well for the first time
A man descends into Majlis al Jinn cave, Oman
A lioness and her cubs huddle together.
Two ostriches (Struthio camelus) inquisitively look over a wooden plank fence
Monarch butterflies in flight
An Adelie penguin jumping on an iceberg.
Pride of the Serengeti Plains: A pride of lions – including five lionesses and eight cubs rests near a hilltop waterhole
A Tibetan girl dressed in traditional clothes for a horse festival
California loggers and a giant Mark Twain Redwood that they cut down in 1892
Schoolboys wrestle in snow, Deerfield, Massachusetts
Lightning bugs at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve north of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas
Oak trees at night under a starry sky along the Cherohala Skyway, North Carolina
A bison in steam during winter, Yellowstone National Park
source:::::mailonline.com US
NATARAJAN
Latest reports coming from various cantonments suggest that the soldiers in Indian Army have been asked to study textbooks on economics, finance, markets, etc. because they could soon be called in to take control of the Indian economy.
Recycling grey water with the roots of plants like Canna can give you a perennial source of water. Hema Vijay tells you how
In Gandhi Nagar at Adyar, an eight-flat apartment complex revels in the luxury of a perennial ground water source, enabled by a simple plumbing arrangement and a few Canna Lily plants. Here, a PVC pipeline takes grey water (bath water, wash basin water and washing machine run-off water) from the apartment to a narrow Canna plant bed.
As grey water trickles down, it gets purified by the action of the Canna roots and the natural microbes present in the soil, and the treated water enters the ground water table. “This system is absolutely safe and easy. Our bore well has never gone dry, and we have never needed to buy water”, says V.S. Sukumar, who built and lives in this apartment block.
Since grey water accounts for 50-60 per cent of a household’s average daily water consumption of around 920 litres, this apartment recharges its ground water with roughly 4,000 litres of water every day.
Elsewhere in the city, former DGP V. Vaikunth and President of Home Exnora S. Indrakumar too recycle grey water in their homes. Dr. Indukanth S. Ragade, grey water recycling (GWR) expert and author of Self-reliance in Water – A Practical Manual for Town and City Dwellers has installed GWR systems in a few apartments.
At a time when our parched city is looking everywhere for water, these isolated efforts hold out a crucial roadmap
.Make it mandatory?
Countries like Japan and Israel have successfully addressed water shortages by recycling used water. In the US, states like Arizona and New Mexico promote GWR with tax credits. Should GWR be made mandatory in Tamil Nadu? “The law which made rainwater harvesting mandatory in October 2002 also says that grey water has to be recovered in situ and used for flushing of toilets. (chennaimetrowater.com). Known as the TN Municipalities Building Rules Act (1972), it was amended to include RWH and grey water reuse,” says Dr. Sekhar Raghavan, founder, Rain Centre.
In practice, we have unfortunately ignored GWR.
Purification process
“Plants like Canna indica (Kalvazhai), hedychium (sugandhi) and heliconium supply oxygen to the soil in the root zones. Using this oxygen, soil bacteria break down organic compounds in grey water and render the water clean,” says Ragade. Grey water consists of very small quantities of exhausted and unexhausted soaps and detergents, and small quantities of organic salts like washing soda. “Bacteria consume the organic components like Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate (LABS). Detergents also contain inorganic compounds called STPP (Sodium Tri Poly Phosphate). This acts as a nutrient for the plants and is consumed under aerobic conditions,” says Raghavan. Adds Ragade, “The treated water may be used to recharge groundwater, or collected in dug wells/sumps and used for flushing toilets; it is safe for these uses.” The treated grey water has been tested by the Chennai water and sewerage board (CMWSSB) and found satisfactory.
However, kitchen waste water does not quite work. It contains suspended organic matter that could lead to foul smells; it requires much larger soil spaces (6-8 sq. ft per person). Bath and wash water are safer for recycling.
While organic alternatives are available and preferable, mild cleaning chemicals can still be handled by the natural cleansing action of soil and plant roots. However, do avoid powerful synthetic chemicals and detergents that promise swift action.
Meanwhile, a few recycling residents have been inspired to go totally organic. “I use soap nut powder with ash and a little baking soda, which keeps my vessels spotless; vinegar for cleaning ceramic ware; activated effective microorganisms (AEM) as a toilet cleaning agent; soap nut powder as washing powder, and lemon grass oil for floor cleaning,” says Kavitha Ramakrishnan.
source :::: Hema Vijay in “The Hindu ”
natarajan
Keywords: canna plants, grey water recycling
A true devotee will have no eye on the profit of any kind that can be derived from their service. If you quarrel with your spouse and desist from food for a day, that does not count as fasting in the book of God. Also praising one God as great and decrying another is incorrect. Any of these acts reflect the fact that you are unaware of the elementary rules of spiritual discipline. Dhana (wealth) is the currency of the world. Sadhana (Spiritual Practice) is the currency of the spirit. Be an example to others through your conduct – sweet speech, humility, reverence to elders and steadfastness in truth and faith. This way you will influence more people into practicing spirituality; it is better than establishing societies, collecting donations or running temples. The Lord looks for sincerity, simplicity and steady joy in the contemplation of His Name and Form.
