adozenthings-blog

[adozenthings-blog]

12 Amazing Beaches

12 Amazing Beaches

1. Anse Source d’ Argent (La Digue, Republic of Seychelles): La digue is one of the bigger and more inhabited islands of Seychelles. The beach has pink sands and tall granite boulders. A reef shelters the ocean and hence the waters are shallow and calm.

2. Maya Bay (Ko Phi Phi, Thailand): Exceptionally clear waters at Maya bay provide clear views of exotic fish and vivid corals. The bay itself is sheltered by three huge boulders measuring between 100 and 200 meters in height.

3. Baia do Sancho (Fernando de Noronha, Brazil): Emrald green waters merge with white sands to produce one the most spectacular beach experiences. Rays can be spotted while snorkeling. Dolphins are a little away but can be heard from time to time.

4. Paradise Beach (Mykonos, Greece): The name says it all. Beautiful husky sands in contrast to warm, clear waters rest beside the island of Mykonos – one of the most popular islands of Greece.

5. Bahia Gardner (Esponola Island, Galapagos): A White sand beach contrasts against blue waters. The shoreline presents a variety of marine life - Sea turtles and sea lions to name a few.

6. Rabbit Beach (Lampedusa, Italy): Waters are clear and calm at two beaches facing each other- one at Rabbit Island, the other facing Rabbit Island. Sea Turtles often pay a visit. It is at the Sicilian border of Italy and is the last of land before the coast of Africa. Rabbit Island lies a little

7. Grace Bay (Providenciales, Turks and Caicos): One of the best beaches in the world offers white sands against shimmering clear blue waters. Grace bay is located on Providenciales is the most popular tourist destination amongst the other islands in the group. It has a plethora of luxury hotels.

8. Flamenco Beach (Culebra, Puerto Rico): Long stretches of white sand, clear waters and the Caribbean sun make Flamenco beach one of the best beaches in the world and an ideal place to camp. The Flamenco region was used for US Navy and Marine Corps exercises up to 1975. Many remains of military warfare such as tanks still remain on the Flamenco beach giving it a distinct character.

9. Whitehaven beach (Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia):  A 7 km stretch of silica sand contrast with clear aquamarine waters adjacent to Whitsunday Island national park provides for one of the best escapes in Australia.

10. Playa Paraiso Beach (Cayo Largo, Cuba): Cayo Largo is located in the middle of the Caribbean Sea and Playa Paraiso or “Heaven Beach” is a secluded beach with turquoise waters contrasting shinning white sand. It lacks natural shade, but umbrellas can be hired to enjoy lazing in the sun.

11. The Baths (Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands): One look at the beach provides evidence of its Volcanic origin. Large boulders form narrow and shallow furrows. Small nooks and corners between boulders form enclosed pools by the beach side which gives this beach a very unique identity.

12. Radhanagar Beach (Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India): Radhanagar Beach is situated at Havelock Island, the biggest and most inhabited island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the south of the Indian Sub-continent. Soft white sand under a warm and friendly sun provide for one of the most picturesque beaches in the world. Elephants bathing in the sea are a common sight.

[adozenthings-blog]

12 Ways to tie a necktie knot

12 Ways to tie a necktie knot

 Your necktie speaks more than you think it does. There are various ways to tie a necktie knot and each knot reveals what you are up to that day. Choosing the right knot can do wonders for your dressing style.

 Here are few of the more popular ways to tie a necktie:

 1.    Simple: Small knot for a thick tie. Provides extra length for tall guys. It is an entangled knot and is not self-releasing. A simple asymmetric knot for the simple guy.

 2.    Four in Hand: A small knot for thick ties. Slightly asymmetric, it is the simplest of the knots and hence the most popular. Again, suggest simplicity and consistency. Mostly a business knot.

   3.    Prince Albert: For a thinner tie, the name of the knot probably has nothing to do with Prince Albert wearing this particular knot. It is slightly asymmetric with a little volume. It has to be tightened to make it delicate and elegant.

 4.    Kelvin: It has the volume of the Prince Albert, but starts inverted like the Simple knot. This angular knot is meant for a thinner tie.

 5.    Half Windsor: Meant for a thin tie, it is an almost symmetric knot. It is a medium sized knot and forms a dimple at the top of the active end of the tie when administered in the right manner.

   6.    Pratt Knot: It is a medium sized knot meant for a medium to thin tie. This slightly symmetrical and dignified knot can be worn to a number of occasions ranging from official to formal events.

 7.    Windsor: It’s a thick knot to be worn with thick ties. A completely symmetrical knot reflects heft and prominence. 

 8.    Eldredge: It is thick knot for a thin tie. It is a symmetric knot, but very attractive and adventurous at that. It is a difficult knot and is reflective of an experimental and daring spirit.

 9.    Trinity: It is a medium shaped knot for a thin tie. It is a little asymmetrical. Like the eldredge it is not an orthodox knot and reflects a hint of adventure.

    10. Murrell: It is a small but wide knot for thin ties. An inside out form of the classic Windsor knot.

  11. Van Wijk: A thin knot for a medium tie. It is a variation to the Prince Albert. An unorthodox knot that is angular. It is a delicate and different knot and reflects intellect and poise in casual manner. Apt for casual evening.

  12. Balthus: A symmetrical big knot for a medium to wide tie. It has a lot of bulk and reflects heft more than any other knot.

[adozenthings-blog]

12 Apostles of Jesus

12 Apostles of Jesus:

12 ordinary men were chosen by god to do extraordinary things for mankind. These were the closest disciples of Jesus and were taught by him. All of them appear in the painting 'the last supper' along with Jesus.

After resurrection, they were sent out as messengers of Christ to preach the message of the gospels, heal sickness and cast out the devils and to point the people in the direction of the messiah.

 1.    Simon Peter: He stands out in the gospels as the spokesperson for the 12 disciples. He was one of the 3 most trusted disciples. He keeps switching between faith and doubt based on his impulses and emotions.Eventually, he goes on to become one of the greatest leaders of the early church and plays a pivotal role in pointing people to Jesus. The Roman church regards him as the first pope appointed by Jesus.

 Peter considered himself unworthy to die in the same manner his savior, and on his request he was crucified upside down in Rome under Emperor Nero August Ceaser.

 2.    Andrew: The first disciple of Jesus and brother to Simon. He led Simon to believe in Christ. Also, it was him along with Phillip who told Jesus that the Greeks were seeking him. He is the patron saint of Ukraine, Romania and Russia.

 He was crucified at Patras on X-shaped cross on his own request as he too considered himself unworthy of being crucified the same way as the son of God. It is believed that he had been tied, and not nailed to the cross.

 3.    James the Greater: He was referred to as James the Greater to identify him amongst the two apostles named James. James the Greater along with his brother John and Peter formed the inner circle of Jesus Christ.

 Jesus referred to him and his brother John as ‘Sons of Thunder’. Both were sons of Zebedee and Salome (sister of Mary), and hence were cousins of Jesus.

 The patron saint of Spain, he was the first amongst the Apostles to be crucified for his faith.

 4.    John:  Brother to James and cousin to Jesus, John also formed the Inner circle of Jesus along with James and Simon. The three of them were the only ones to have witnessed the Transfiguration. He is said to have lived and died in Ephsus (Turkey). He was the only Apostle to have not been martyred and have died a normal death.

 5.    Phillip:   One of the first followers of Christ, Phillip introduced Nathanael and others to Jesus. He gave Jesus the opportunity to preach the others about the unity of the father and the son by asking Jesus to show them the father.

 He along with peter had the power of the Holy Spirit and he preached under that power. He was sent to preach in  Greece, Phrygia and Syria.

 Through his preaching, he converted the wife of the proconsul, which enraged the proconsul, and that further led to his crucifixion. He continued to preach even after being crucified until he died.

 6.   Nathanael or Bartholomew: Phillip led him to Jesus. As soon as he walked up to Jesus, Jesus pointed at him and said “ Here is a man in whom there is no deception. “ To this Nathanael asked, “How do you know me?” Jesus replied, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Phillip called you.”  With that he was shocked and in a fleeting response and simultaneous acceptance of faith he spoke, “Rabbi, you’re the son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

 Accounts exist that record him as a serving missionary in Ethiopia, Mesopotamia, Parthia, and Lycaonia. Few accounts have also recorded him as traveling to India,

 Along with Jude Thaddeus, he preached the message of the gospels in Armenia. It is said that he converted Polyimius, the king of Armenia to Christianity, which led to Polyimius’s enraged brother ordering his execution. He was crucified upside down.

 7.    Matthew: He was a Jewish man who collected taxes from the Hebrew people and wasn’t much liked by the people. Although dishonest, he left everything and obeyed when Jesus asked him to follow his lead.

The Roman Catholic church and the orthodox church both believe that Matthew was martyred and crucified. There still exist ambiguity on who wrote Mathew’s Gospel because it is written in Greek. There are theories that propose it was a non-eye-witness versus those that suggest that Mathew himself wrote it.

 8.    Thomas: He is referred to as ‘Doubting Thomas’ because when he was first told that Jesus has resurrected, he did not believe it. He insisted that he see wounds of Jesus himself to ascertain what was being told to him. But, as soon as he sees the wounds of Jesus, he is able to believe.

 After the resurrection, Thomas is believed to have travelled to India. Thomas is the patron saint of India.

 There are two theories about his death. One says he died in India by an accidental arrow, another says he died a martyr in Persia and was killed by a soldier’s spear.

 9.    James the Less: He is referred to by various euphemisms – ‘the lesser’, ‘the little’, ‘the minor’, ‘the younger’, ‘Son of Alphaeus’ to distinguish him from James the Greater (son of Zebedee). He was brother to Thaddeus. Although there is much anonymity about the life of James the Less, it is said that he might have been the first amongst the apostle to see the risen Savior.

10. Simon the Zealot: There isn’t much mention of Simon in the Bible. In fact, it is only a speculation that he was a member of the Zealot group that hated Romans and taxes. It is also said that he might have been chosen by Jesus to counter balance Mathew – the Jewish apostle who collected taxes for the Roman Empire before walking the path of Christ.

Church tradition says that he travelled to Egypt and spread the message. He is said to have suffered martyrdom along with Jude in Syria.

 11. Jude or Thaddeus: Along with ‘Simon the Zealot’ and ‘James the Less’, Jude also forms a part of the three apostles about whom not much is known. Some speculates him to be brother of Jesus. He was a farmer in all probability. He is said to have preached the message of Jesus in Samaria, Idumaea, Mesopotamia, Libya, Syria, Judea, Beirut and Edessa.

 He, along with Nathanael (Bartholomew) are patron saints of the Armenian Church. It is said that he was martyred in Beirut along with ‘Simon the Zealot’.

 12. Judas Iscariot: Son of Simon Iscariot, Judas is most known for his betrayal of Jesus. He is said to have betrayed Jesus in exchange of receiving 30 silver coins from the chief Sanhedrin priests. He told them of his whereabouts and identified Jesus for them by kissing on his hand. After the betrayal, he is said to have hanged himself to death in remorse.

Despite his betrayal, the Christian history has a mixed opinion of him. Some say that he was a spirit and in some form of a scheme the betrayal set in order events that led to the crucifixion and finally the salvation of Humanity.

 Matthias is said to have filled his place amongst the 12 apostles.

[adozenthings-blog]

12 must see festival celebrations in India

 Festivals in India are based on a lunar calendar. Hence, they do not have a fixed date. However, there is a definite period to which a particular festival will correspond. There are many sites that will tell you which date a particular festival is going to be celebrated in a particular year.

 All festivals bind the diverse peoples of India in an otherwise complacent unity. The rich and the poor, the young and the old, people from all religions come together to celebrate these festivals.

 The following are some of the more elaborate ones. All the festivals listed below are celebrated across India with great participation and enthusiasm. But, the grandeur in certain cities is more for particular festivals.

   1.Holi at Vrindavan:

Holi is a two-day festival celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil. Usually, celebrated sometime in March, it is associated with the legend of Hiranyakashyap and his son Prahlad.

It is said that Hiranyakashyap, blinded by his power, had started to believe that he is a god himself. Prahlad, his son, contrary to his father’s arrogant demands to be worshipped, was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Disappointed by his son’s obstinacy, he decided to kill Prahlad. After several failed attempts of Hiranyakashyap to do so, Lord Vishnu is said to have descended to earth in the form of Narsimha (Half man-half lion) to rescue Prahlad by ravaging the body of Hiranyakashyap.

The 1st day is celebrated by lighting big bon-fires. People walk around the bon fire ceremonially with the underlying significance being burning away of ones sins.

The 2nd day is celebrated in much fun and frolic with people meeting and greeting each other, and applying colour on each other.

 2.Dev Diwali at Varanasi

Dev Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day after Diwali, sometime between October and November. It is believed that Hindu Gods descend to the earth to celebrate Diwali.

It is celebrated by a doing a Ganga snan (Bathe in the holy waters of the Ganges to purify yourself off your sins), followed by synchronous enchanting of vedic mantras by 21 Brahmins (priests) and 41 girls amidst millions of diyas (lamps) lighting the 8 km riverside stretch across the various ghats of Varanasi.

Tourists can hire boats and watch the rituals from the river. The lamps floating in the river along with those on the ghats present a spectacular setting.

3.Ganesha in Mumbai (or anywhere else in Maharashtra):

 Ganesh Chaturthi marks the celebration of birth of Lord Ganesha. It celebrated sometime between August and September. Though the ceremonies and prayers last ten days, the last day’s celebration is mesmerizing. Every residential society/community makes an idol of lord Ganesha.

Lakhs of people gather by the sea side on the final day and thousands of idols are dispersed into the sea amidst song and dance.

4. Durga Puja in Kolkata (or anywhere else in Bengal):

 Legends say that Mahishsura, a powerful demon, was spreading massive havoc and unrest in the heavens.  Disturbed and troubled by his ambition to conquer the heavens, all gods approached the trilogy of Brahma(creator), Vishnu(Preserver) and Shiva (Destroyer) seeking relief. With all their powers combined, they created Goddess Durga who defeated the demon army of Mahishasura to end all evil and relive all other gods of their suffering.

 Durga Puja is celebrated sometime between October and November to commemorate the victory of good over evil.

 Each community sets up a pandal (temporary structure). Within this people gather each evening for ten days and several social activities such as games, competitions, singing, dancing performances by the members of the community are organized. Each community also makes a Durga Idol by hand. The 10 day celebration ends in a massive procession of people carrying hand-made idols of Durga to be immersed into water.

 5. Ramlila and Dusherra in Delhi:

This festival is associated with the world famous epic of Ramayana. Lord Rama killed Ravana in battle to secure the freedom of his wife Sita (who had been kidnapped) and to end his evil reign. Dusshera is celebrated around the same time as Durga Puja.

It is preceded by 9 days of Ram Leela. Ram Leela is a combination of a procession and a stage act. Actors playing various characters from Ramayana stand on  manual/ animal driven or motorized decorated wagons depicting scenes from the epic.

The procession ends at a stage, where one part of the story is depicted each day.

On the 10th Day, Giant effigies (carrying crackers) of Ravana and his 2 brothers are burnt. People relish local nick-nacks  while on-looking the event from far.

6. Navaratri in Ahemedabad:

 The nine auspicious nights before Dusshera are called the navratra. The people of Gujarat have a particular fondness for this ten day celebration. They fast during the day, and post sunset, they wear colourful dresses, dance, eat and make merry.

 Dandiya and Gharba are the theme dances for the festival. Dandiya is performed with each member holding two sticks measuring about 1 ft. each. The crowd moves around in circles clashing their sticks against the other participant’s. Gharba is similar in nature performed with claps instead of clashing sticks.

 Each night is concluded by offering prayer to Shakti (a form of Goddess Durga)– the goddess of power and endurance.

 7.Kumbh Mela at Haridwar, Nasik, Ujjain, Allahabad:

This sacred fair is held at one of the four venues in rotation, once in 3 years between Jan 20 and Feb 19.

According to Legend, Sage Durvasa cursed all gods with misfortune and weakness due to a misunderstanding with Lord Indra. This created an opportunity for the demons (who were forever at war with the gods) to defeat the gods in battle.

Lord Vishnu (The Creator) urged the gods to form a tactful coalition with the demons and churn the ocean of milk (a mythological heavenly body) in pursuit of finding and sharing the nectar of immortality.

 After the churning, the kumbh(urn) containing the nectar was snatched away by Garuda (Humanoid bird - carrier of Lord Vishnu). It is so said, that during his flight a few drops of the nectar fell at four places – Haridwar, Nasik, Ujjain and Allahbad.

 Kumbh Mela (Kumbh - meaning Urn, is also the Sanskrit name associated with the sun sign Aquarius; Mela- Fair) is held to celebrate this incident. According to popular belief, bathing in a sacred river during the Kumbh Mela washes off one’s sins.

 Nearly 80 million pilgrims and tourist attended the last fair held at Allahbad in 2013 to take a dip and to witness the enormity of allegedly the largest peaceful gathering of humans across the world.

 8.Onam in Kerela:

Onam is a state harvest festival of Kerela celebrated between August and September.

 It is said that King Mahabali although generous and well-known for his self-less acts, began to get pompous on his own praise. He started to believe in his own existence as the existence of god. Lord Vishnu appeared in front of him in the incarnation of Vamana (a short heighted sage) and asked Mahabali for land measuring up to three strides.

 Mahabali, in his godly frame of mind, went ahead and promised Vamana what he needed.  Then Vamana took form of the enormously gigantic Mahavishnu.

 After encompassing the entire universe in 2 steps, he asked Mahabali for place to take his 3rd stride. This humbled Mahabali and in realization, he asked Lord Vishnu to keep the third step on his head. Lord Vishnu was pleased with his offering and asked him to return home with a lesson in humility.

 Onam is celebrated over 4 days as the homecoming of their King. Various rituals are performed. The few more interesting ones to witness are the Tiger Dance (performed by men with their full bodies painted to resemble a tiger) and the Snake Boat Race.

The events, the various dances, the costumes, the atmosphere is definitely worth witnessing at least once in a lifetime.

9. Kambala Festival in Eedu Village, Karnataka

The Kambala festival has descended from an almost 100 year old tradition. It is essentially a buffalo race tournament, with hoards and hoards of participants. The races are held through the night on mucky ground. Twin tracks measuring 160 meter each are prepared side by side with wet mud lining the base. A pair of buffaloes is tied together with the owner holding the leash on both with one hand and a whip in the other.

 Owners run behind their buffaloes cracking the whip on them. 2 participants at a time compete for some gold as the winning prize, but more for honor and pride. The idea is to make it to the other end in record time, Crowds cheer on resultant big splashes.

 Races are conducted throughout the state starting November through February. Around second week of February, the top emerging teams arrive at Eedu, a small village near Udipi for the state finals to be held. Tourists and Onlookers gather by the thousand to witness the grandeur and pride associated with the event.

10. Urs Festival at Ajmer:

The Urs festival is held to pay respect to the death anniversary of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Muinuddin Chisti and to celebrate his unification with God.

 He is said to have dedicated all his life in serving the poor. Millions of devotees af all religions, caste and creed gather at his final resting place – his tomb at Dargah Ajmer-e-Sharif each year. Saint Muinuddin Chisti is said to have prayed for six days before life left him. Hence, the festival is celebrated over six days and on the final day ‘Jannati Darwaza’ (Door to heaven) is opened. It is believed that if one crosses from under this door seven times, they will assure a place for themselves in heaven.

 The celebrations begin with the current successor of the Saint hoisting a flag on the marvelous marble tomb. The following six days devotees offer Chaddars (Sheets of Silk cloth) at the tomb. Kheer (Milk Pudding) is prepared by the gallons and distributed amongst devotees to be consumed as blessings from the saint.

The central attraction of the festival is the performing of qawwali (Offering of sufi prayers in form of songs accompanied by musical instruments). Gifted and renowned artists take their turns spread across six days singing praises of the celebrated saint in gravitating performances.

11. Janamashtmi (UP and Maharashtra):

Janmashtami (Krishna Janmashtmi) is celebrated around last week August, to commemorate the birthday of Lord Krishna (Also called Govinda, Nandlal, Kanahiya and many other euphemisms). He is said to be the eight incarnation of Lord Vishnu as per Hindu mythology.

Lord Krishna is characterized by his innocently mischievous ways. He was in many ways the only incarnation of Lord Vishnu that was notorious and donned worldly characteristics such as pride, politics, humour, flirtatiousness etc. He is very often regarded as the playful side of god. This makes him one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism.The story of his life presents many incidents that are marked as important milestones in Hindu mythology.

His life is celebrated with much song and dance. As, Lord Krishna is said to have been very fond of stealing butter and eating it, Matki phod (Breaking an earthen pot) competitions are organized at various places through out India. Local teams hurdle up and climp on top of each other to create a human pyramid. The pursuit is to reach an earthen pot containing butter and tied high above the ground and break it.

The first team to retrieve the butter wins. Many such competitions are either state organized or privately funded by neighborhood communities.

12. Republic Day Parade at India Gate, New Delhi 

An extraordinary team led by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar drafted the Indian Constitution and on 26th January 1950, India became a republic. Each year, 26th January is celebrated as the Republic Day. It is a declared national holiday.

 Every year a parade is organized at India Gate, New Delhi attended by the president of India as the Guest of Honour. Artists from various states decorate motorized platforms carrying actors. Each platform represents the topography, culture and the way of life of a particular state. The armed forces showcase their strengths through synchronized marches, exercises and display of latest weaponry and artillery.  Citizens and defense officers that have displayed acts of courage and bravery are felicitated. The air force puts on a spectacular show performing stunts with combat aircrafs.

 By and large, it is a reflection of the Indian culture and the progress that India has made during the year. It is a celebration worth witnessing.

[adozenthings-blog]

12 Hours on a clock

12 Hours on a Clock

  Who put 12 hours on a clock?

The Egyptians did! In some ancient civilizations (Egyptian and Indian included), the numeric system was a duodecimal system; a system that uses the number 12 as a base in contrast with contemporary decimal system where number 10 is used as a base.

  The most likely reason for this is the way they used to count. As opposed to the popular method of counting each finger as one unit, they would count the number of divisions on each finger using the thumb. Since each finger has 3 divisions, at the end of counting the divisions on 4 fingers you arrive at 12.

  It may also be noted that 12 has more integer factors. i.e. (12=4x3, 12=2X6, 12=2X2X3. Hence, 12 has 2,3,4,6 as its possible divisors) than 10 (10=2X5, hence 10 has only 2 & 5 as its integer factors)

  The Egyptians used sundial to measure time in the daytime. At night time, each hour was marked by the rising of a decan star. 12 decan stars were dedicated for 12 hours of night. These methods were theoretically based on equinox days, when day and night are equal (12 hours each). Practically this meant that there was no concept of equal hours. On winter days, hours were shorter during the day and longer during the night. On summer days, vice-versa.

  Regions in Egypt, India and China have evidence of an instrument known as the Clypsydra (Water clock) around the 16th Century BC. This would use the flow of water to measure time.

  The Babylonians used a sexagesimal system for astronomical predictions. This system uses 60 as a base. The possible reason behind using this system was that 60 is the first number divisible by the first six integers. This system is most likely the reason behind the division of each hour into 60 equal minutes.

  References:

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_clock

http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/question.php?number=594

http://www.nawcc.org/index.php/just-for-kids/about-time/how-does-it-work

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/experts-time-division-days-hours-minutes/

[adozenthings-blog]

A Dozen Things changed the world a dozen times. 12 Steps, 12 Ways, 12 Ideas, 12 things to do, 12 Bests, 12 Worsts, 12 Months, 12 Apostles, 12 Imams, 12 Sizes, 12 Angry Men, 12 everything. We will give you everything by a dozen.

Write to us at dozenthings@gmail.com. Visit us at www.12thing.com

[adozenthings-blog]

12 Angry Men

12 Angry Men

A drama set around a homicide trial, written by Reginald Rose, was t first brought to life as a Play broadcasted on television in 1954. Later, it was accustomed to fit Stage in 1957 and a movie in 1957 and a remake in 1997. It has been tailored and showcased in many a forms ever since.

12 Angry men refers to 12 jurors who are adjudging a murder trial. The script reveals how all the 12 jurors begin with a guilty verdict and then how each of them arrives at a Not Guilty verdict one by one.

Several actors have assumed the roles of the 12 Angry men in various presentations of this courtroom drama.

However, the following are the few more famous ones.

[adozenthings-blog]

12 Months of the year

12 Months Of The Year

To begin with, the Latin calendar had only 10 months. January and February were added later by Julius Caeser to match the cycle of seasons.

January (31 Days): is named after Janus – The Roman God of Beginnings and Endings.

February (28 days, 29 days in a leap year) : is named after Februus – the Italian God of underworld purification or after Februa - The Roman Festival of ritual purification.

 March (31 Days): Named after Mars – the Roman god of War

April (30 Days): Named after Aprilis which comes from ‘Aperire’ which means to open. It is probably significant of the spring beginning.

May (31 Days): Named after Maiesta – the Roman goddess of honor and reverence.

June (30 Days): Named after Juno – the goddess and protector for women.

July (31 Days): Named after Julius Caeser – the Roman Emperor.  Earler it was called Quintilis (fifth month).

August (31 Days): Named after Augustus – one of the first Roman Emperor. Earlier it was called Sextilis (Sixth Month).

September (30 Days): Comes from 'Septum' meaning 'Seven' in Latin.

October (31 Days): Comes from 'Octo' meaning 'eight' in Latin.

November (30 Days): Comes from 'novem' meaning 'nine' in Latin.

December (31 Days): Comes from 'decem' meaning 'ten' in Latin.

[adozenthings-blog]

12 simple drinking games

1. Celebrity Names: Someone starts by saying a celebrity name. The person sitting next (Clockwise) to the first, has 30 seconds to think up another celebrity name that starts with first letter of the previous celebrity’s last name. For example, someone says “Albert Einstein”. The next person has to think of a celebrity name that starts with “E”. Lets say “Edward Norton”. The next Person will have to pick a name that starts with “N”.  If anyone says a name with both the first name and second name starting with the same letter (Say Mandy Moore), then the direction of the game reverses. If someone fails to think up a name within 30 seconds, they have to shoot their drink.

2. Word Train: The first person says a word. (Eg. “Crochet”)  The person sitting next (Clockwise), repeats the word said by the first person and adds another word (Eg. “Crochet, Biscuit”). The third person repeats the first 2 words in order and adds a 3rd one making a word-train (Eg. “Crochet, Biscuit, Avalanche”).  The idea is to add complicated and unrelated words to make it tougher for the next person to remember. For eg. The person who gets the order or any word wrong has to shoot their drink.

3.    Animal Sounds: It’s the same as ‘Word Train’, except with animal sounds. One person starts the game by making an animal sound (Eg. “Moo Moo”). The next person adds another animal sound (Eg. “Moo Moo, Bow Vow”). And so on. Anyone to get the order wrong or miss a words chugs a beer.

4.    Buzz: Choose a ‘buzz number’: you can choose either 6,7,8 or 9 whichever is not the number of people playing the game. (If 7 people are playing then choose from 6,8 and 9, lets say 9). The first person says “One”, the next person says “Two”” and every next player keeps saying the next number until you get to a number divisible by the buzz number (In this case 9, 18, 27,36…). The person who is supposed to say the buzz number or a multiple will say “Buzz” instead and the next person will start with the next number. Any person who says a buzz number or a multiple will shoot their drink.

5.    3 strikes: Make 2 teams. Team A chooses a set of 4 double-digit numbers with a successive difference of 10 numbers between them. (43, 53, 63, 73) and writes it on a piece of paper without disclosing it to Team B. Then Team A has to fold the paper and keep it under a pitcher or a glass.  These 4 numbers become 3 sets of limits (43-53, 53-63, 63-73). Team B has 5 chances to make 3 strikes. A strike is guessing a number between any one of the limits. If the Team B succeeds in getting all 3 strikes, then all members of Team A shoot their drinks. After this round, Team B will make limits and Team A will try to get strikes.

6.    Cocktail Charades: Dumb charades with cocktail names. Make 2 teams. Team A thinks of a cocktail name ( Eg. Bloody Mary) without disclosing it to Team B. Team B chooses one volunteer from within their team. Team A discloses the cocktail name only to the volunteer from Team B who has to make his team members guess the cocktail name without revealing it verbally. The volunteer has to act the name out. If Team B is able to guess the name correctly, then all members of Team A take shots, else Team B members take shots. Then, Team B will think of a cocktail name and Team A has to make guesses.

7.    Call of Duty: This game continues in the background of any party or evening get together. Choose any one person as the captain. At any point during the evening the captain will say “Call of duty” and everyone else has to take a sip of their respective drinks. The last person to respond to the “Call of duty” has to shoot their drink and then they become the captain. A person does not get to drink anything as long as they are the captain so that there is enough motivation for the captain to pass on the baton.

8.    Call Signs:  Sit in a circle. Choose any one person as Captain. The Captain gives everyone a call sign (Nick Name). The Captains call sign is “Captain”. One person starts the game by calling out the call sign of the person sitting towards their left. The second person has to call the next one on their left using their call sign. When it’s the captain’s turn, he does not have to say any name, he might say either “Continue” to let the direction continue or, ”Reverse” to reverse the direction of the game. Anyone who gets a name wrong has to shoot their drink and becomes the captain. The captain cannot drink as long as he/she is the captain.

9.    Spin the bottle: An old classic. Sit in a circle and spin an empty bottle. When the bottle stops spinning, to whomever the mouth points, that person has to shoot their drink.

10.   Relay Race: Choose a referee. Make two teams. Each team stands in a row and members have a full beer bottle or cup in their hands. The first person from each team will start drinking their beer as soon as the referee signals a start. The first member of each team has to try and finish their beer as soon as possible and then invert the bottle or cup on their head to prove that its empty. The second person on each team will start drinking only when the first person in their team has finished their drink.  And, so on until the last person finishes their drink. The team to finish first wins.

11.   Last Finger: Place a drink in a glass at the center of the table. Mark a boundary at approximately a 12-inch radius around the cup. Everyone keeps their finger on the table around the cup, outside the boundary. One person does a countdown from 12 to 1. As soon as the countdown ends, everyone has to place his or her finger on the rim of the cup. The last one to place their finger, has to drink the entire contents of the cup.

12.   Fuzzy Duck: Sit in a circle. The first person begins by saying the words “Fuzzy Duck”. The second person in the circle says “Ducky Fuzz”. The third person says “Fuzzy Duck” again. And, each subsequent person says Fuzzy Duck or Ducky Fuzz alternatively. Any person might say just “Fuzz” to reverse the direction. The person to make a mistake has to take a sip from their drinks and the game continues.

[adozenthings-blog]

12 Easy Phrases to get around the world

[adozenthings-blog]

12 Simple Things to do to improve Sales

12 Simple things to do to improve sales

1. Establish a feedback channel to gauge client experience and expectations. Feedback about product/service quality, options and variations, point of sale experience etc. This can be achieved through various means. To name a few - consumer feedback surveys, customer interviews and communicating with sales team.

2. Build Brand Equity. Identify what the client recognizes you for. Check if it is in sync with what you want to be recognized for. If not, try to bridge the gap either by educating the customer or by tweaking your perception of your own brand to meet that of the customer. Once the gap is narrowed down, project this new image through various media and through your delivery channel (physical store, sales team behavior/communication or website.)

3. Exchange ideas with sales team. Hold brainstorming sessions with the sales team. Ask them to suggest ideas on how to improve upon sales. There is nothing wrong with learning or trying a new approach, no matter where it comes from.

4. Motivate your Sales team. They are the bread earners for the your company. They need to be kept motivated by fostering a good environment, through effective incentives and most importantly a pat on the back.

5. Deliver a promise, not just a sale. Remember that you are not just selling a pen. You are selling a promise to a parent that their child will write the test without ink issues; or to an officer that he will be able sign across papers and deliver his promises as you deliver yours. Make sure, the customer buys what best suits their needs and is fully aware of what they are buying for the price they are willing to pay.

6. After Sales Service. Your job is not over as soon as the sale is made. If something goes wrong, you need to provide a resolution to the customer. Image of a beautiful model wearing headphones, wont cut it. You need to bail him/her out. You need to replace a faulty product, assure that it wont happen again and follow up if it is working correctly.

7. Sales reports. Regularly study what is selling and more importantly what is not. Stuck inventory/less used services cost more than they earn for you. It is important to know why something is not selling, and if can it be improved. Also, it is vital to identify the slow sellers and faze them out.

8. Customer friendly attitude and atmosphere. Make sure your store is neat and clean, smells nice. If that is not possible due to occupational hazards, try taking your business online. Make sure your website is easy to use.

9. Offers & Promotions.  Sometimes the customers need a little incentive to buy. Everyone needs a good deal once in a while. Run offers promotions occasionally. It is important not to overdo these affairs. You can cut margins only for so long.  And, “discount store” image is not a great one to have in the long run. But, if there is a cost benefit that you are getting, make sure you pass it on to the customer.

10. Build Relations with customer. Positive customer engagement is the most vital pillar of sales growth. Happy customers, on an average, will introduce 3 others to your brand in their lifespan. Also, 60 -70% of your sale will come from loyal customers. So, build relations by throwing in a little extra. It does not have to mean something tangible. Having a conversation with them about their last holiday over a nice cup of tea or maybe a small bunch of flowers on their birthday might do the trick.

11. Identify gaps in market. Business intel is not difficult to get, especially in today’s open source world. And, remember there’ll always be a gap. Even all players put together, there’ll always be this one thing that the others are not offering. A missing product, a gap in the service, a free doughnut. Common, there’s gotta be something.

12. Engage the customer. Emails, texts, IMs, social networking, events, publications, dinners, contests, and one could go on with things that could be done to keep the customer engaged. Pick one that applies to you the most and you find most convenient, and adhere to it.

[adozenthings-blog]

12 Simple things to do to get over your ex/break up

12 Simple Things to do/understand to get over your break up:

1. You and only you can bring yourself out of this, but the good news is that it is not rocket science. Everyone is blessed with the ability to get over a break up.

2. You are not the first one or the only one to be going through a break up. In fact it is far too common. Almost everyone including all these people in the picture have gone through it at some point of time or the other. And, like everyone else you will bounce back.

3. It is okay to be single. In fact brilliant. When you are seeing someone, there are so many things you unknowingly or knowingly change about yourself to adjust to the other person. Being single gives you time to evaluate which of these changes to keep and which to discard. Cupid is still single so that he can run around naked shooting arrows and no one will give him a hard time for doing so.

 4. Block contact/delete pictures. You need to avoid temptation to contact your ex. Hence, it is best to keep yourself away from all things that might remind you of them. If deleting/tearing old pictures, erasing phone contact, blocking them on Facebook, throwing away presents helps, go ahead and do it. There is nothing more important than protecting yourself.

5. You come first, second and third. Put yourself first in every situation that you are now faced with. If choosing to watch a movie, would you want an action flick or a romantic comedy? Will a romantic movie heavily on you? If yes, chose something else. Do things that you are comfortable doing.

6. Pursue a hobby. If that guitar is lying rusting in the corner, use it. If there’s an old camera lying somewhere, bring it out and click away. Paint, play golf or if you downloaded a Spanish course at some point and then forgot about it, do it now. If you wanted to learn salsa or tennis, now is the time. You never know, what you might discover about yourself.

7. There are many fish in the sea. Your ex wasn’t the last of them. You need to get back in the pool and start swimming if you’re hoping to catch any. May be not immediately, but whenever you feel up to it. None the less, you should know that you will find someone new sooner or later.

8. This too shall pass. Japan’s economy was reduced to rubble post Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. And, now Japan is the 4th largest economy in the world. No one’s asking you re-build Japan or take 5 decades to get there.  But, soon enough, you shall get over it. And, knowing that will help you getting there.

9. Avoid hanging out with couples if it plays on you mentally. They will cuddle up to each other and make passes at each other not realizing how it might play on your mind. If you’re not strong enough to take it, avoid it. Again, nothing is more important than protecting yourself.

10. Buy yourself something nice, something you always wanted. Maybe a leather jacket, those sexy shades, maybe a violin or anything that you have been doing without.

11. Specific dates might haunt you. Valentines day or date of your ex anniversary. You must have heard barney wishing himself ”Happy Not A Father’s Day”. Similarly, not having to celebrate Valentine’s day is a celebration in itself. Make plans with friends/family on such days and make sure you enjoy yourself instead of moping.

12. You are not alone. Hey buddy! Now that you know how heartbreak is, wouldn’t you help a friend who is going through it. Hell yeah, you would. Ask for help from Family, friends, cousins you are comfortable sharing your thoughts with. Get professional help if you feel necessary. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. Use their experience. But, in the end it is going to be you who will pull yourself out, and it is important to believe that you will make it.

[adozenthings-blog]

12 Simple things to do to lose weight

12 simple things to do to lose weight:

1.Climb stairs. Avoid taking elevators/escalators/travelators wherever possible. If your office is on the 20th floor, take the lift from the 2nd floor. (Few more than shown in the picture.)

2. Walk a block each day. Catch the bus/underground/subway from the next station.

3. Dream your weight away. Sleep on time and start your day on time. Sleeping 8 hours a day works wonders for your metabolism.

4. Eat your meals on time.  Avoid eating between meals.

5. Have dinner/supper before 8 pm. No carbs after 6 pm

6. Fast once every 15 days.  Your Digestive system needs a break. (Not recommended for diabetics. If you have a medical condition, consult with a physician before trying this stunt at home.)

7.Avoid over-eating. If your favorite vegetable or steak is not going extinct, it is likely you will get it again. So, when you’re full, stop eating.

8. Eat your meals slowly. Take small bites. Relish every bite.

9. Avoid/Ration intake of alcoholic beverages.

10.Ration intake of chocolates/dessert. Eg. One dessert a week.

11.Avoid/Reduce the amount of sugar/cream you take with your cup of tea/coffee. Half a sugar-cube lesser will only get you healthy.

12. Laugh it off! Laughing helps you lighten up. Literally. So keep Laughing.

[adozenthings-blog]

12 Days of Christmas

12 Days of Christmas

Contrary to Popular belief, the twelve days of christmas begin after christmas and go upto 5th January. It is a lead up to Epiphany (6th January). It is widely misunderstood by christians not following the liturgical traditions. 

This however is no reason not to sing this song in celebration of christmas. 

  On the 1st day of Christmas (Dec 25) my true love gave to me...

A Partridge in a Pear Tree (Jesus the Christ, the Son of God)

Salt & Pepper dispenser from Pottery Barn available @ 

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/gift-ideas/partridge-pear-tree-shakers#slide-10

On the 2nd day of Christmas (Dec 26) my true love gave to me...

2 Turtle Doves (The Old and New Testaments)

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

ornaments available @

http://www.twoturtledoves.co.uk/

  On the 3rd day of Christmas (Dec 27) my true love gave to me...

3 French Hens (3 Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Love)

2 Turtle Doves

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Decorative Plate available @

http://www.zazzle.com/three_french_hens_decorative_plate-115037573800209077

    On the 4th day of Christmas (Dec 28) my true love gave to me...

4 Calling Birds (4 Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Plates and footed dishes available @ 

http://www.oliveandcocoa.com/product/Four_Calling_Birds_Plates_and_Footed_Dishes/all-gifts

On the 5th day of Christmas (Dec 29) my true love gave to me...

5 Gold Rings (First 5 Books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy)

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

  Personalised Jewellery available @

http://www.poshtottydesigns.com/personalised-five-rings-necklace.html

    On the 6th day of Christmas (Dec 30) my true love gave to me...

6 Geese A-laying (The six days of creation)

5 Gold Rings

4 Calling Birds

5 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

  Customized Coffee Mug available @

http://www.zazzle.com/day_6_12_days_of_christmas_coffee_mug-168829958047522093

    On the 7th day of Christmas (Dec 31) my true love gave to me...

7 Swans A-swimming (7 gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophecy, Ministry, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Leading, and Compassion)

6 Geese A-laying

5 Gold Rings

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Pate a choux recipe available @

http://www.marthastewart.com/338497/seven-swans-a-swimming

  On the 8th day of Christmas (Jan 1) my true love gave to me...

8 Maids A-milking (8 Beatitudes: Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.)

7 Swans A-swimming

6 Geese A-laying 

5 Gold Rings

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Gift Bag available @

http://deehardwicke.myshopify.com/products/8-maids-milking-gift-bag

  On the 9th day of Christmas (Jan 2) my true love gave to me...

9 Ladies Dancing (9 Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control.)

8 Maids A-milking

7 Swans A-swimming

6 Geese A-laying 

5 Gold Rings

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

T-Shirt available@

http://www.zazzle.com/9_ladies_dancing_t_shirts-235584076381688398

On the 10th day of Christmas (Jan 3) my true love gave to me...

10 Lords A-leaping (10 commandments: You shall have no other gods before me; Do not make an idol; Do not take God's name in vain; Remember the Sabbath Day; Honor your father and mother; Do not murder; Do not commit adultery; Do not steal; Do not bear false witness; Do not covet.)

9 Ladies Dancing

8 Maids A-milking

7 Swans A-swimming

6 Geese A-laying 

5 Gold Rings

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

T-shirt available@

http://www.cafepress.ca/mf/88157741/10_tshirt?productId=1274364474

  On the 11th day of Christmas (Jan 4) my true love gave to me...

11 Pipers Piping (11 Faithful Apostles: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James bar Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas bar James.)

10 Lords A-leaping

9 Ladies Dancing

8 Maids A-milking

7 Swans A-swimming

6 Geese A-laying 

5 Gold Rings

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Bag available @

http://www.cafepress.com/offthemark.38320339

On the 12th day of Christmas (Jan 5) my true love gave to me...

12 Drummers Drumming (12 points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed: 1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7. I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8. the holy catholic Church, 9. the communion of saints, 10. the forgiveness of sins, 11. the resurrection of the body, 12. and life everlasting.)

11 Pipers Piping

10 Lords A-leaping

9 Ladies Dancing

8 Maids A-milking

7 Swans A-swimming

6 Geese A-laying 

5 Gold Rings

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

  Filled cookies Recipe available @

http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2012/12/twelve-days-of-christmas-cookie-project-twelve-drummers-drumming/

  (Extracts Source: http://www.cresourcei.org/cy12days.html)