Koala bears and finger prints

It is to ne noted that the finger prints of the koala bears are cannot be distinguished from human finger prints. This has posed a problem and creates confusion for many crime detectives .

Hippopotamus sweats pink

It is to be noted that when the weather is warm, hippopotamus's have a habbit of sewating. When they are sweating the secrete is in color pink.This is some sort of chemical reaction. This secretion helps them to cool and also helps them to combat any infections that are caused to their skin.

Foggy bathroom mirrors

Foggy bathroom mirrors
If you are tired of having your bathroom mirror fog up after taking a shower, use shaving cream to wipe down the mirror. Just apply shaving cream to the mirror and rub all over mirror. Wipe off the excess and you will have fog free mirrors for weeks. Don't worry about streaks, just use a little elbow grease and there will be a beautifully clean and fog free mirror.

By Anastasia Caldwell from Moscow Mills USA.

ID card holder - cozie

Hello friends presenting my ID card cozie. As Hrishi's school card holder snapeed, was not able to get him a new card. I was breaking my head how could I make it stronger. Finally I knitted this holder for him. Knitted a rectangle base in garter stitch. Then with the help of a crochet hook did chain stitches on the edges of the rectangle. Now his ID card can last till his school finishes for summer.When he went to school his friends teased him telling that his ID card was wearing a sweater. he he he

His card neatly tucked into the cozie

The holder that holder the ID card

Linking it up with  Linda's Creative Friday : tamisamis - FO Friday

The Legend of the Dipper

The Legend of the Dipper

Long time ago, a little girl and her mother lived in a small cottage in the woods. They were poor. Suddenly her mother fell ill. As water was not there in the house, the little girl had to go out and fetch water for her mother.

After taking the water in a dipper, she started to walk back home. While she was walking, she met a dog which was thirsty. Knowing fully well that there was not much water in the dipper, she poured some water into the mouth of the dog.

Lo! All of a sudden the wooden dipper turned into a silver dipper and water was full. As she was too tired, she did not see the change. While walking further down, the girl met a stranger who was also thirsty. She poured some water into man’s lip. This time the dipper changed to gold.

Finally the poor girl reached home and quenched her mother’s thirst. After drinking the water, her mother gained strength and she became strong. This time the dipper was filled with precious stones like diamonds and sparkling jewels.

The girl’s mother was happy, as she felt all their problems were solved and they were no longer poor.

Source: 365 Folk Tales – Om Books International

Nap and know

Nap ‘N’ Know
According to recent research by Harvard Medical School, your brain recalls new stuff better if, after learning it, your get a good night’s sleep or grab a nap.

By Anonymous from USA.

Keep a low profile when touring

Keep a low profile when touring
Planning to rent a car on your next vacation? Try not to advertise the fact that you are a tourist, which could make you an attractive prey to thieves.
1. Always insist in local plates when you rent a car,
2. Request a model that’s popular in the area you’re visiting and with no rental company logos or plates.
3. Don’t bother to get the car washed; a little dust will help you blend right in with the locals.
4. When you park, keep maps, brochures, guidebooks and bags locked in the trunk. Buy a local paper and leave it on the seat to look more like a “native.”
5. Ask the rental agent whether there are certain neighborhoods it would be best to avoid.
6. Keep doors locked and windows up while driving.

Source: By Alicia from Barrington USA.

Mamma4earth Christmas Giveaway

Hi friends - just want to tell you that I am participating in the Mamma4earth Christmas Giveaway contest. Thanks to  Linda I got exposure to lot of things that are associated with Knitting. A small begining, and miles to go. I actively participate on her Creative Fridays. Thanks dear for sharing your knowledge with us. I have learnt a lot. Merry X-mas

Red case with blue green flowers

Hi friends - today being Monday must be holding some memories for every one. Hence let us begin this week on a positive note. Please do participate and let us create a virtual chain of beautiful crafters the globe.

Today showcasing a red case I made for my sister. It is made of cotton yarn, the blue rose is from raja Stores, the green flower is a die cut flower from I purchased from Kyathi and the red heart bling in the center is a one purchased from Neha Gala.

Another view

the Blue Rose

The Green Die cut flower  with red heart bling

Please do post your comments in the following enclosed format. Please add your name and your blog name to form a group. Thanks for joining me. Have a great weekend

Adding this to Lindas Creative Friday and  tamisamis - fo-friday

Vertical Dash Stitch

1 st Row[RS]: P3,k1, * p5, k1; rep from * to last 3 sts, p3
2 nd Row: K3, p1, * k5, p1; rep * to last 3 sts, k3
Rep the last 2 rows once more
5 th Row: K1, * p5, k1; rep from * to end
6 th Row: P1, * k5, p1; rep from * to end
Rep the last 2 rows once more
Rep these 8 rows

Source: Harmony Guides

Simple Seed Stitch

1 st row: [RS] P1, * k3,p1; rep from * to end
2 nd Row ANA EVERY ALT ROW: Purl
3 rd Row: Knit
5 th Row: K2, p1, * k3, p1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2
7 th Row: Knit
8 th Row: Purl
Rep these 8 rows

Source: Harmony Guides

Seed Stitch I

1 st Row: [RS]: P1, k1, * p3, k1; rep from * to last st, p1
2 nd Row: K3, * p1, k3; rep from* to the end
Rep these 2 rows

Source: Harmony Guides

Little Ladders

1 st Row: [RS]: Knit

2 nd Row: P4, *k2,p4; rep from * to end

3 rd Row: Knit

4 th Row: P1, k2, * p4, k2; rep from * to last st, p1

Rep these 4 rows

Source: Harmony Guides

Diamond Panel

1 st row [RS]: Knit
2nd Row: K1, *p7,k1:rep from * to end
3 rd row: K4, * p1,k7; rep from * to last 5 sts, p1, k4
4 th Row: K1, * p2, k1, p1, k1, p2,k1; rep from * to end
5 th Row: K2, * [p1,k1] twice, p1, k2
6 th Row: As 4 th row
7 th Row: As 3 rd row
8 th Row: As 2 nd row
Rep the 8 rows

Source: Harmony Guides

Seed Stitch II

Worked as Seed Stitch I, using reverse side as right side

Source: Harmony Guides

Work at Home Job Search Advice

Work At Home Job Search Advice.
When searching for a work at home job on the Internet be sure to verify the legitimacy of any job lead sources. Many web sites on the Internet claim to offer legitimate work at home job leads. My words of wisdom for your work from home job search is to:

 1. Call the telephone number listed on the web site and speak to a live person.If the web site does not offer a telephone number. Do not order their products.

2. Check to make sure the web site offers a money back guarantee.

3. Check out the web site company's street address. Make sure it is not a PO Box address. No Street address, no money.

4. Check out the web site to see if they belong to any consumer watch organizations.

5. If all the above requirements are meant and you order and the web site company's products are no good, you can find someone there to turn to for that refund.

Career Skills: By Angelic Cook from Pittsburgh USA.

Aakash Kandil - tutorial

Hi friends - when I posted my aaksh kandil , I said I would post the tutorial also.Hence presenting this for your reference.Please note that this is a knitted project.

1. First knit 4 squares .colors can be your choice. I chose , brown, yellow,purple and green.These will be titled into a diamond shape.

2.Create 4 triangles with colors of your choice. I knitted blue,grey,red and lemon yellow.

3. Create  4 I- cords with any colors. This will act as a rope.

Now comes the assembly part. You will need to stitch first the squares and the triangles.
a. one square and a triangle

now attach another set- 2 sets stitched

3 sets stitched

and finally the 4 th set being attached

Now stitch the first square and the last triangle. You will get a round object like this

Now attach the I-cord accordingly. one attached

Now all the 4 I-cords have been attached.

Take the ends of all the 4 I-cords and make a simple knot. This knot can function as an hanger.Now your Aakash kandil is ready to be hung any where you desire.

Hope this tutorial was helpful. This can be created with paper also.

Cats and Rats

Cats and Rats

A long time ago, there lived a king who had a very faithful cat for a house keeper and a rat for a houseboy. Now the rat fell in love with one of the servant girls. But being very poor, he could not give her any presents.

He thought of an idea. Every night, he entered the king’s store through a small hole in the roof. He took corn and pears from there and gave them to his sweetheart.

At the end of the month, the cat had to give an account of the things in the store. When the king saw so much corn and pears missing, he demanded an explanation from the cat.

The cat was unable to explain. That evening her friend told her what the rat had been doing.

When the king was informed about this, he ordered for the servant girl to be put behind bars. As for the rat, he was given to the cat and you can guess what the cat did. Since then, cats and rats are enemies.

Source: 365 Folk Tales - Om Books International

The Red and White cow

The Red and White cow
Peter was most excited because his father and his mother had moved into the country from the town. How different it was! There were green lanes instead of busy streets, big trees instead of tall chimneys, and such a lot of animals and birds to see.

‘There are thirty-two sheep in the fields and six lambs!’ said Peter to his mother. ‘And there are eleven horses at the farm, and I saw two goats this morning and about twelve ducks. I couldn’t count them properly because they wouldn’t stay still. The hens won’t stay still either.

“What about the cows?’ said his mother. ‘Have you counted those?’

‘I don’t like the cows,’ said Peter. ‘They have big horns and they roar at me.’

‘Oh, no,’ said his mother. ‘Lions roar. Cows only moo.’

‘Well, it sounds just like roaring to me,’ said Peter. ‘I don’t like the cows at all. They are my enemies.’

‘They are very good friends!’ said mother. ‘They send you lot of presents.

‘I’ve never seen a present from a cow!’ said Peter.

‘Well, here is one,’ said Mother, and she took down a jug of milk. She poured it out into a mug and gave it to Peter. He drank it.

‘So they came from the cow, did it!’ he said, ‘Well, it was simply lovely!’

At dinner-time Mother put down a dish of stewed apples for Petr. He looked round for the custard that Mother usually made for him. There wasn’t any.

‘The cow has sent you this present instead!’ said Mother – and she gave him a dear little jug full of thick cream. How delicious it was! Peter poured it all over his apples; they tasted much nicer than usual.

‘So that came from the cow, too!’ said the little boy. ‘Well, it must be a very kind animal!’

At tea-time Mother pit the loaf of bread on the table. Peter was surprised. Usually there were slices of bread and butter.

Mother put down a blue dish on which there were little rolls of new-made yellow butter.

‘A present from the cow again!’ she said, and laughed, ‘You can spread your present yourself on slices of bread for a treat!’

‘Goodness me! said Peter. ‘What a nice friendly creature the cow is! I won’t hate it any more or frightened of it.’

‘I should think not!’ said Mother. ‘Look, Peter – the cow has sent me a present too!’

Mother lifted up the lid of the cheese-dish, and underneath Peter saw a big lump of orange- coloured cheese. Mother cut herself a piece, and said it was delicious.

‘I shall go and stand on the gate that leads to the cow field and say thank you to the cows!’ said Peter. ‘I didn’t know they were so kind!’

And now he isn’t a bit afraid of them, and he likes them very much. He says they are his friends, not his enemies. What do you say?

source: Five O’clock Tales – Enid Blyton – EuroKids International

Gripe Sheets

After every flight, pilots fill out a form called a gripe sheet, which conveys to the mechanics problems encountered with the aircraft during the flight that need repair or correction. The mechanics read and correct
the problem, and then respond in writing on the lower half of the form what remedial action was taken, and the pilot reviews the gripe sheets before the next flight.

By ledonon from rieumes France

The Sunflower

The Sunflower
Clytie was a beautiful sea nymph. She had gorgeous yellow curls and a fine pink complexion. All the sea animals loved Clytie for her warm and friendly. One sunny morning when Clytie woke up, she heard her friend, Serena the mermaid sing a melodious song about a golden light. “A golden light?” asked Clytie. “Yes, it’s the most radiant light and it spreads its warmth across the whole universe,” replied Serena. “I want to see the light!” said Clytie. Serena and Clytie swam to the surface. “Look, it’s here high up in the sky!” said a thrilled Serena as she pointed to the big golden sun. Clytie stood gazing at the dazzling sun and refused to go home. As days passed, her long golden tresses slowly changed to bright yellow petals and her dainty feet into nimble roots. Clytie had become a sunflower! To this day the sunflower gazes at the sun high up in the sky and receives its golden warmth.

Source: 365 Folk Tales - OmBooks International

The Golden Fish

The Golden Fish

An old fisherman and his wife lived in a small hut beside the seaside. They were very poor and hardly had enough to eat. One day the fisherman caught a little golden fish. “Spare me and I’ll do whatever you want,” said the fish in a human voice. The fisherman took pity and let it go. When he reached home empty handed, his wife was angry and shouted, “Just go and get some food and fish.” The fisherman did as he was told. The fish gave him food everyday. Soon, the fisherman became very rich. Days passed and his wife became greedier. Not satisfied with their wealth, she wanted to become a queen. The magical fish granted this wish too. But the fisherman’s wife ill-treated him. At last when she desired to become the ruler of the seas, the sea water became black and the golden fish disappeared forever and along with it the palace, the guards and all the servants vanished. Once again the old man and his wife became poor.

Source: 365 Folk tales - Om Books International

The shepherd's Mistake

The Shepherd’s Mistake
A shepherd took out his sheep to graze every morning. He would sit and watch while the sheep fed on the fresh grass. One day, while the sheep were grazing, the shepherd saw a wolf eyeing his sheep from a distance. At first, the shepherd was afraid lest the wolf would harm his flock. But the wolf did not try to attack the sheep. Instead, he quietly followed the sheep home. Gradually, the shepherd’s fear of the wolf subsided. One day, the shepherd was urgently called home. Thinking that his sheep would be safe with the wolf, he left them in the wolf’s care. But when he returned, he was dismayed to find that the wolf had eaten up most of the sheep. Sitting down with his hands on his head, the shepherd moaned, “It was my fault. I was foolish to trust a wolf to guard my sheep.”

Source: 365 Folk Tales - Om Books International

Answer key

Answer Keys: comprehension 1
comprehension 1
1. Fifteenth Century
2. Eighteen hours.
3. To pursue their talent for art
4. The loser would work in the mines and, and the winner would attend the academy
5. By tossing of a coin
6. He collected fees for his commissioned works
7. More than 450 years
8. He drew his brothers abused hands
9. The Praying Hands
10. That no one can make it alone in this world without the support of somebody

Passage 1

Passage 1
Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:

Back in the fifteenth century, in a tiny village near Nuremberg, lived a family with eighteen children. Eighteen! In order merely to keep food on the table for this mob, the father and head of the household, a goldsmith by profession, worked almost eighteen hours a day at his trade and any other paying chore he could find in the neighborhood. Despite their seemingly hopeless condition, two of Albrecht Durer the Elder's children had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they knew that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to Nuremberg to study at the Academy.

After many long discussions at night in their crowded bed, the two boys finally worked out a pact. They would toss a coin. The loser would go down into the nearby mines and, with his earnings, support his brother while he attended the academy. Then, when that brother who won the toss completed his studies, in four years, he would support the other brother at the academy, either with sales of his artwork or, if necessary, also by laboring in the mines.

They tossed a coin on a Sunday morning after church. Albrecht Durer won the toss and went off to Nuremberg. Albert went down into the dangerous mines and, for the next four years, financed his brother, whose work at the academy was almost an immediate sensation. Albrecht's etchings, his woodcuts, and his oils were far better than those of most of his professors were, and by the time he graduated, he was beginning to earn considerable fees for his commissioned works.

When the young artist returned to his village, the Durer family held a festive dinner on their lawn to celebrate Albrecht's triumphant homecoming. After a long and memorable meal, punctuated with music and laughter, Albrecht rose from his honored position at the head of the table to drink a toast to his beloved brother for the years of sacrifice that had enabled Albrecht to fulfill his ambition. His closing words were, "And now, Albert, blessed brother of mine, now it is your turn. Now you can go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream, and I will take care of you."

All heads turned in eager expectation to the far end of the table where Albert sat, tears streaming down his pale face, shaking his lowered head from side to side while he sobbed and repeated, over and over, "No ...no ...no ...no."

Finally, Albert rose and wiped the tears from his cheeks. He glanced down the long table at the faces he loved, and then, holding his hands close to his right cheek, he said softly, "No, brother. I cannot go to Nuremberg. It is too late for me. Look ... look what four years in the mines have done to my hands! The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once, and lately I have been suffering from arthritis so badly in my right hand that I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast, much less make delicate lines on parchment or canvas with a pen or a brush. No, brother ... for me it is too late."

More than 450 years have passed. By now, Albrecht Durer's hundreds of masterful portraits, pen and silver-point sketches, watercolors, charcoals, woodcuts, and copper engravings hang in every great museum in the world, but the odds are great that you, like most people, are familiar with only one of Albrecht Durer's works. More than merely being familiar with it, you very well may have a reproduction hanging in your home or office.

One day, to pay homage to Albert for all that he had sacrificed, Albrecht Durer painstakingly drew his brother's abused hands with palms together and thin fingers stretched skyward. He called his powerful drawing simply "Hands," but the entire world almost immediately opened their hearts to his great masterpiece and renamed his tribute of love "The Praying Hands."

The next time you see a copy of that touching creation, take a second look. Let it be your reminder, if you still need one, that no one - no one - - ever makes it alone!

Source: www.indianchild.com

Questions:

1. Can you date the year when the story takes place?
2. How many hours did the father work?
3. What did the older children of Albert Durer dream?
4. What was the agreement made between the brothers?
5. How was the pact settled?
6. How did Albrecht earn to support himself?
7. How many years has it been to the story?
8. How did Albrecht pay homage to his brother?
9. How is the painting called now?
10. What does this story imply?
 Answer key to comprehension 1

Ache for

Ache for

Meaning: to want someone or something very much

Use age: He lay awake, his whole body aching for sleep.

Source: Cambridge phrasal verbs dictionary

Ace out

Ace out

Meaning: to defeat someone.

Use age: We were aced out by a rival agency

Source: Cambridge phrasal verbs dictionary

Bounce around

Bounce around

Meaning: To discuss ideas with other people.

Use age: They bounced a few ideas around and eventually came up with a solution

Source: Cambridge Phrasal Verbs dictionary

The Legend of the First Rainbow

The Legend of the First Rainbow

A farmer had a beautiful garden full of golden flowers. One day, he built a wall around his garden but when he woke up in the morning, he was puzzled to see that the wall had crumbled down. He built the wall again but alas! Next morning, the wall was in shambles again. This continued for many days. Tired of building the wall over and over again, one day, the farmer decided to stay awake and catch the culprit. That night, he saw three fairies come from heaven and knock down his wall. Two of the fairies flew away when they saw the farmer but the third couldn’t escape because the farmer hid her magic wings. After a few days, the farmer married the fairy and soon they had a son. The farmer loved the fairy and was very happy. One day, when the farmer was away, the fairy found her magic wings in a small, dark cupboard in the house. She was overjoyed. She wore them and went back to heaven with her little son. The farmer was very sad and wept for his wife and son. The gods took pity on the farmer’s condition and made a rainbow so that he could climb up the sky to meet his family whenever he wanted.


Source: 365 Folk Tales – Om Books International

Raspberries believed to hamper cancer growth!

Raspberries believed to hamper cancer growth!


The ellagic acid contained in fresh raspberries as well as processed preserves or spreads of the same is alleged by studies to hamper cancer growth.
 
By Alicia from USA.

How the Camel Got its Hump

How the Camel Got its Hump

A long time ago, when God made the world, the camel did not have a hump. He used to be very lazy camel. All day long he chewed sticks and thorns and milkweed and prickles. The other animals wondered how to make the camel more like them. One day, the horse said, “Oh Camel, what a wonderful day! Why don’t you come out for a trot with me?” The Camel just said, “Humph!” and walked away. Later, the ox went to the camel and asked him to help him carry his load. “Humph!” said the camel. When the dog went to share his duty of guarding their kingdom, he just turned his face away. The angry animals decided to teach the camel a lesson. They went to the jinn of the desert and asked him to help them. The next day, the ox asked the camel, “What is that on your back?” When the camel looked, he realized to his shock that his back had grown into a hump. “Oh my back! My back!” he wailed. “That’s your punishment for being lazy,” said the jinn. Ever since, the camel has a hump.

Source: 365 Folk Tales – Om Books International

Famous Rib stitch

Famous rib stitch
I wanted an edge stitch that can hold my tote bag. Hence while browsing my book The Harmony Guide to Knitting as a Creative Craft, I touched upon this pattern called the famous rib stitch. It is very easy to do and will not allow the ends to curl. I feel happy to share this pattern with you.

One view

View from other side

Multiple of 3 Sts
Drape: good
Skill: easy

Row 1 = k2, p1
Row 2 = k2, p1
Repeat these two rows as per your requirement.

Administratium (Ad).

Investigators at a major research institute have discovered the heaviest element known to science. This startling new discovery has been tentatively named Administratium (Ad).


The new element has no protons or electrons, thus having an atomic number of 0. It does, however, have 1 neutron, 125 assistant neutrons, 75 vice neutrons, and 111 assistant vice neutrons, for an atomic mass of 312. These 312 particles are held together by a force called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons. Since it has no electrons, Administratium is inert.

However, it can be detected as it impedes every reaction with which it came into contact.

According to the discoverers, a minute amount of Administratium causes one reaction to take over four days to complete when it would normally take less than a second. Administratium has a normal half-life of approximately three years; it does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons, viceneutrons, and assistant vice neutrons exchange places. In fact, an Administratium sample's mass will actually increase over time, since with each reorganization some of the morons inevitably become neutrons, forming new isotopes. This characteristic of moron promotion

leads some scientists to speculate that Administratium is formed whenever morons reach a certain concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as the "Critical Morass".

Thanks to: Donna Stuckert - USA.

Vitamins as a dietry course

Take your Vitamins
Taking a multivitamin daily could help slow arterial aging. Both vitamin C and vitamin E appear to be important to the health of your arteries. Studies show that adequate intakes of these antioxidant vitamins are associated with a significant reduction of arterial disease. Try to get about 400 IU of vitamin E per day and about 1,200 milligrams of vitamin C per day through food and vitamin supplements.

By Tina Hayes from Layfette USA.

Jewel case with center red flower

Presenting my new jewel case. It was done in a 24 peg round loom.As I ran short of green color , binded one side and continued with the yellow yarn. The yarn was sufficient enough to make a flap. I then added some embelishment to give an extra edge. The center red flower was purchased from Khyati Kothari. The centre square stone was purchased from  Neha Gala from A1 crafts supply and the top red rectangle diamond from Selvam stores.

Another view

The king and the Falcon

The King and His Falcon
Long ago, there lived a king. He loved to go hunting in his free time. The king had a pet falcon. Whenever the king rode into the forest, his falcon would accompany him, perching upon his shoulder. The king loved his falcon very much.

One day, the king went hunting with some of his men. The falcon sat upon his shoulder as usual. Suddenly, the king spotted a deer and was fascinated by its beauty and grace. He quickly got hold of his bow and arrow and prepared to shoot.

But the clever deer sensed the danger, and galloped away. The king and his men chased the deer. But it disappeared in the bushes. The king got down from his horse and rove through the thicket, but in vain. The deer was safely out of the forest.

Faraway, the king was still searching for the deer. Dodging through the bushes, he came upon clearing in the forest. Suddenly, he realized that he had lost his way and his men had fallen back. The only company he had was his falcon.

“ I wish I could get some water to drink!” thought the king. He wandered in search of a lake or pond. Suddenly he saw a small pool of water under a tree. The king was overjoyed. He quickly took out a small bowl and ran towards the pool.

The king filled his bowl with water and brought it to his mouth to drink. Suddenly, the falcon began to flap its wings. “What’s it?” cried the king. The bird snapped at the bowl with its feathers and spilled the water onto the ground.

The king was annoyed. But he did not scold his beloved falcon. He bent down and refilled his bowl. Just as the king was about to drink from the bowl, the falcon began to flap its wings. Once again, it snapped at the bowl and spilled the water.

Now the king became very angry. “I think I have pampered you too much,” he shouted, “Let me teach you a lesson!” And saying this, the king drew out his sword. Just then the falcon began to screech, pointing towards the tree.

The king looked up. And what he saw was really frightening. The branches of the tree were spread in all directions, with hundreds of poisonous snakes coiled up on them. For a moment, the king was frozen with fear and shock.

As the snakes opened their mouth wide, droplets of venom oozed out and dropped in the pool of water under the tree. “Oh, so it is actually a pool of venom!” thought the king. Now he realized why his falcon had not let him drink from the pool.

The king looked at his faithful falcon, tears filled in his eyes. “Thank you, friend,” he said, “You have saved me. I am ashamed I tried to kill you!” The falcon gently rubbed his feathers against the king’s shoulders. Then they happily rode back home.

Source: More Tales from The Arabian Nights - Shree Book Centre

Bone up

Bone up

Meaning: To learn as much as you can about some thing

Use age: It is often used with on or for
She's boning up on her history for an exam tomorrow.
He was boning up for the written part of the driving test

Source: Cambridge -Phrasal Verbs dictionary

Bomb Out

Bomb Out

Meaning : to fail

Use age : It is always used with of or in.
Prakash bombed out of the cricket match,when he dropped a catch
Rosy bombed out in her practical exams

Immunizations

It is important that you must get your child immunized. The important aspect of these immunizations is that it helps to protect your child from dangerous diseases. Each country have their own state laws that gives importance to these immunizations. In India pulse polio is a state sponsor immunization program. I came to know that in most states in the U.S. insist on your child to be immunized before they start to go to school. Hence please do check with your respective local health care doctor for the recommended schedules for the shots.

Urvashi and Pururavas

Urvashi and Pururavas

Once, Lord Indra was perturbed by the deep meditation of two powerful sages, Nara and Narayana. So, he created a beautiful nymph and sent her to break the concentration of the sages. The sages got angry at this and called Indra there.

“What you have done is unethical, Indra!” Nara shouted.”And don’t be proud that only you can create a nymph!” Narayana said. Then he slapped his thigh and out came a nymph.”She is Urvashi!” said the sage. Indra had never seen such beauty.

“As a penalty, you’ll have to look after her!” said Nara. Indra realized his mistake and accepted the punishment. Urvashi soon became popular in the heavens. But she had fallen in love with Indra’s friend, king Pururavas, who stayed on earth.

One day, a sage cursed Urvashi that she, be thrown out of the heaven and live on earth. Urvashi was happy in her heart as she would now be able to meet her beloved. As soon as she was transferred to earth, she went to Pururava’s palace.

The king saw Urvashi and fell in love with her.”Marry me, dear!” he said.

“On some conditions!” said Urvashi, “That my two pet lambs should never be harmed, and that I must never see you disrobed.”The king agreed and they were married.

Meanwhile, there was unrest in the heavens. Indra was worried at Urvashi’s sudden disappearance. he sent two Gandharvas on earth to find out Urvashi. The Gandharvas were the heavenly musicians who had magical powers.

Now it so happened that the Gandharvas spotted Urvashi in Pururava’s palace. By their powers, they also came to know about Urvashi’s conditions for marriage. They knew that Urvashi wouldn’t come with them willingly. So, they made a plan.

That night, the Gandharvas secretly entered into the palace and stole away Urvashi’s lambs. When Urvashi heard the lambs bleating, she woke up with a start. “Help! My lambs!” Urvashi screamed of fear and shock.

Seeing Urvashi’s hysterical behavior, Pururavas couldn’t hold back. He sprang out of his bed and went after the thieves. But he forgot to put on his robes. And Urvashi saw him disrobed! The plan of the Gandharvas had worked out well.

When Pururavas realized his mistake, he instantly returned to his chamber. “You have broken the condition! I’ll have to leave!” said Urvashi, sobbing. “B… but I didn’t do it deliberately!” said Pururavas. But Urvashi left him weeping.

Pururavas couldn’t live without Urvashi. So, he began to pray to Lord Vishnu. After many years of penance, Pururavas was able to appease Vishnu, who in turn blessed him to be reunited with Urvashi. And then they lived happily ever after.

Source: More tales of Gods and Demons from Indian Mythology- Shree Book Centre

A doubting Thomas

A doubting Thomas


Meaning: Trait of not trusting any one. Someone who is cynical. A person, who finds fault with others.

Use age: As the world moves on trust, do not be a doubting Thomas.

Ante up

Ante up


Meaning: To pay an amount of money.

Use age: Every one is being asked to ante up Rs 100/- to cover the extra expenses incurred for petrol.

Answer to

Answer to


Meaning: Answering to someone in a higher position to explain your actions or decisions.

Use age: Rahul was in the hospital where the doctor answered to none of his queries.

By and by

By and by


Meaning: Later on

Use age: Raj said he would meet Joe at the theatre by and by.

Cap in hand

Cap in hand


Meaning: Holding one’s cap instead of wearing it. It is a sign of respect from somebody in the lower classes when speaking to or addressing a social superior.

Use age: Retired workers should not have to go cap in hand to ask for supplementary allowances.