Birds of Paradise !! - கூடையில் என்ன பூ ??

வாழ்க்கையில் ஏற்றமும் இறக்கமும்  !  அண்ணாமலையான ரஜினிகாந்த் லிப்ட் படிகளில் மேலேற, சரத்பாபு கீழே இறங்குவார் !  - ஒரே பாடலில் வாழ்க்கை மாறும்.  பால்காரரான சைக்கிள் ஓட்டும் அண்ணாமலை –

 

கொண்டையில் தாழம்பூ,  நெஞ்சிலே வாழைப்பூ !! (அது என்ன நெஞ்சிலே !!)  - படம் பார்ப்பவர்களை பார்த்து -  கூடையில் என்ன பூ  - என வினவுவார் ?  - கேள்வி -  இது என்ன பூ ??  - to those who cannot read Tamil – identify this flower ?!? 

Among the most amazing creatures in the world, more than 40 species of this most attractive birds  live in New Guinea’s Indo-Pacific rainforest, one of the largest intact tropical forested areas on Earth.  Most are distinguished by striking colors and bright plumage of yellow, blue, scarlet, and green. These colors distinguish them as some of the world's most dramatic and attractive birds. Males often sport vibrant feathered ruffs or amazingly elongated feathers, which are known as wires or streamers. Some species have enormous head plumes or other distinctive ornaments, such as breast shields or head fans.  Here is a photo of the bird from Sandiegozoo website.  

 

The birds-of-paradise are members of the family Paradisaeidae of the order Passeriformes. The majority of species are found in eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and eastern Australia. The family has 45 species in 17 genera. The members of this family are perhaps best known for the plumage of the males of the species, the majority of which are sexually dimorphic. The males of these species tend to have very long, elaborate feathers extending from the beak, wings, tail or head. For the most part they are confined to dense rainforest habitat. The diet of all species is dominated by fruit and to a lesser extent arthropods. A number of species are threatened by hunting and habitat loss.  

It is a plant – known as false bird of Paradise !! H. rostrata is a very large, evergreen perennial with banana-like leaves up to 2m long. In spring and summer it produces hanging inflorescences made up of bright red bracts, each tipped with yellow and green, with yellowish-white flowers  

Heliconia rostrata, the hanging lobster claw or false bird of paradise, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to El Salvador, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Ecuador, and naturalized in Puerto Rico. Other heliconias grow in an upright position (e.g. Heliconia bihai), their cup-shaped flower bracts storing water for birds and insects. This plant, however, has downward-facing flowers, the flowers thus providing a source of nectar to birds.  

Heliconias are known to those who grow them as a host flower to many birds, especially the hummingbirds. Because of its unique characteristics, it is often used as a specimen for tropical gardens. Along with the Kantuta flower, Heliconia rostrata, known as patujú, is the national flower of Bolivia.

 

Interesting !

 
With regards – S.Sampathkumar
20.3.2023 

Ducks in Cricket !!

Unlikely you would have heard of  Cricketer -  Edward James Gregory but can you link him to Greame Watson and Mathew Sinclair !!   The first two were Australians while the third was a Kiwi !

Edward James Gregory (1839 – 1899)  played in the first recognised Test in 1877 between Australia and England at  Melbourne. Ned was the father of a famous Australian cricketer, Syd Gregory, and brother of Dave Gregory who captained the first Australian eleven in England in 1878. Ned was also father-in-law of Harry Donnan. In the latter part of his life he was custodian of the Association ground at Sydney ground.  Ned Gregory and Nat Thomson are indicated by Wisden to have been born on the same day, and thus jointly were the earliest-born Australian Test cricketers.  That is trivia and not the answer though !

Another disappointing day for Indian fans at Vizag.  Mitchell Starc produced a masterclass in new-ball swing bowling before openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head hammered rapid fifties to complete a knockout performance against India and level the series 1-1. India received a thrashing like no other in Visakhapatnam - their heaviest defeat in terms of balls remaining - when they were bowled out for 117 in just 26 overs.  Starc was the tormentor in chief with his 5 for 53, his ninth five-for in ODIs, and gave Marsh and Head freedom to bat with no scoreboard pressure; Marsh raced to 28-ball fifty before Head got to his in 29 balls and Australia chased the target down in just 11 overs.

Suryakumar Yadav walked in looking to make up for his first-ball duck from the first ODI, but he suffered the same fate when Starc swung the ball into him again, and had him lbw for another golden duck. In what was another repeat from the first ODI, KL Rahul came in trying to survive a hat-trick delivery. He did that successfully, but could not last too much longer.  

A simple Q – how many ways can a batsman get out without facing a ball [on record !] ….the first possibility is getting ‘run-out’ before facing a ball… then the way Lendl Simmons got out in an IPL match  – stumped off a wide ball – the delivery would not count and scored card would read : Lendl Simmons out stumped 0(0)…………. You will see the illumination – and batsman clearly out of frame …

In cricket, a duck is a batsman's dismissal without troubling the scorers ie., not making any run !!  Batsman out on  their first delivery faced is known as a golden duck.  The term is a shortening of the term "duck's egg", the latter being used long before Test cricket began. Wiki records that when referring to the Prince of Wales' (the future Edward VII) score of nought on 17 July 1866, a contemporary newspaper wrote that the Prince "retired to the royal pavilion on a 'duck's egg' ".   The name is believed to come from the shape of the number "0" being similar to that of a duck's egg, as in the case of the American slang term "goose-egg" popular in baseball and the tennis term "love", derived – according to one theory – from French l'œuf ("the egg").   

The first duck in a Test match was made in the first Test, between Australia and England at Melbourne in March 1877, when Ned Gregory was caught by Andrew Greenwood off the bowling of James Lillywhite.   A high-profile duck occurred on August 14, 1948, at Oval - Sir Donald Bradman strode to the crease for his final innings in Baggy Green; two  balls later,  had to return to the Oval dressing room, having recorded the most famous duck in Test cricket history.  Bradman was bowled second ball by Eric Hollies, a Warwickshire leg-spinner ending  a legendary career with 6,996 runs, and the famous average of 99.94.   Australia won the match by an innings, and so Bradman did not get to bat a second time.   Indian all-rounder Ajit Agarkar had the  nickname "Bombay Duck" after being dismissed for ducks five consecutive times in test matches against Australia.

To conclude with answer to the Q at the start Edward Gregory was the first batsman to be out for duck in Test;  Greame Watson the first to register a duck in ODI – in the 2^nd ODI at Manchester on Aug 24, 1972; Mat Sinclair was the first to get a duck in T2oI  - coming in the very first T20I at Auckland on 17.2.2005 – between Australia and New Zealand.

Regards – S. Sampathkumar
20.3.2023 

Special people of Triplicane - the tenacity of PM Narayanan

Nice smile – how often do you smile ! or does all people smile ?  -   Heard somewhere - "If you see someone without a smile today,  give them yours" …… a smile [sirippu] costs nothing, yet could change the way people look at you.  Please read this bio-sketch  fully – and you would appreciate the sheer grit and tenacity of this smiling person ! 

Like every other  Triplicanite, he played Cricket on the streets, at beach and .. .. – don’t ask what is great about that !! – remember, a match before Peyalwar sannathi (underarms match) – he opened – I watched a low full toss sent soaring high to Bharathiyar illam (compare it with Dhoni 112M hit off Mckay at Adelaide Oval) – remember him keeping wickets and bowling without a run-up too  - remember to read this para again once you finish reading the last line. 

21 June 1975 -  Lords (no TV but we read about that later) Clive Lloyd’s  West Indies defeated Australia, 291 to 274, to win the first-ever Cricket World Cup, the Prudential Limited Overs World Cup – 60 overs aside game contested by 8 Nations.  June 1975 also saw Suez Canal being reopened  for the first time since the Six-Day War eight years earlier.  O 25^th June 1975, Nation was up for a rude shock as Emergency was declared  by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed under Article 352 of the Constitution because of prevailing "internal disturbance’.  The order bestowed upon the Prime Minister the authority to rule by decree, allowing elections to be cancelled and civil liberties to be suspended.   No political post this – while some may read back happily those days, for sure this man would have only sad memories of that day !! 

At Thiruvallikkeni there are two Brahmothsavams every year – by June it would Aani brahmothsavam of Sri Azhagiyia Singar.  On 25^th June 1975 it was Thiruther – thousands had gathered to have glimpse of Sri Thelliyasingar on the massive thiruther – it was a bit delayed and there were so many people on the streets unaware of the impending disaster.  Nearer Balusserry Chits – the turning after Gangaikondan mandapam (TP Koil St – Singarachari St) – the massive thousand+ ton weighing thiruther could not be controlled – in the melee some people fell down!

 Thiru ther photos of recent years

The man in the photo – most Thiruvallikkenivasi would know is Narayanan (Punnai Madapusi Narayayan).  Understand that this village is nearer by ancestral village of Dusi Mamandar, in Kanchipuram Vandavasi route.  He was born in 4.6.1959 in a middle class family; his father was employed in LIC,  lived in the house in front of Thavana uthsava bungalow, cohabiting with many other tenants.  He joined Samarao school, later studied at NK Thirumalachar National Boys School, later joined Vivekananda College did Bachelor of Arts  - something very important hit him in between is the story ! 

On that fateful day – it was the time for reopening of schools and Narayanan was studying  X1 – a  smart active teenager.  Most youth of Triplicane were in and around the Temple thiruther doing odd jobs but when the massive ther went out of control, some fell down, some were trampled, some had bruises all over – all of them were fortunate, as one person died;  Narayanan fell down, right infront and the massive wooden wheel over 9 ft and weighing 100s of tons crushed him.  He was pulled out – he recalls that he  was bleeding profusely, his Cricket friends and locals were of great help, he was taken in the car of Dr Vadhiraja rao to Royapettah Hospital and the nightmare would remain etched in his memories.  He is able to recall the names of Doctors – one of whom he recalls to be the brother of Cricketer Bharath Reddy.  .. .. and he came back home one short on 19.9.1975  - yes 3 months in the hospital and returned with amputation of Right leg over the knee.  Cannot walk ! –  weak and bleak future threatening.  Do not want to describe more – have seen him immediately after and even yesterday when I was hearing, some tears did roll in my eyes !! 

It would have been a sad and tragic story of remorse and melancholy but Narayanan proved to be a man of iron will, strong mind and exceptional ability to adapt.  He recalls the motivation and support provided by his Cricket friends and neighbours as he started living a new life – one where he would have needed support in every step ! 

He completed his SSLC (11^th those days), PUC and did graduation in the prestigious Vivekananda, enlisted at Employment exchange and under PD quota got support. He first joined Civil supplies and later joined Indian Oil Corporation on 5.11.1984 

That would be a mere statement but those 9 years between 1975 to 1984 challenged him physically, emotionally, psychologically and financially too.  He overcame all that.  In between, he cycled – yes a very great accomplishment for one who had amputation above knees, used to travel long distances to and cycled his way to office.  

Perhaps His would rank as a very special love story!  Ms V Vijayalakshmi living in the same TP Koil Street (officers’ laundry) fell in love and their romance continued for some years with opposition from parents ..  .. .. the happy ending was they tied the knots on 1.7.1988. Great appreciations to this lady, who married  knowing fully the situation.  They are living happily ever after – have two children – a daughter, married since and a son – both of them presently living in Sydney, Australia.  She retired as a teacher from NKT National Girls High school with special ability in Arts & Crafts and ofcourse, in motivating and guiding !

 

PM Narayanan for sure had difficulty in walking, yet cycled, later bought a TVS scooter.  He is a graduate and had passed Typewriting Higher and joined IOC as Typist, steadily rose up, becoming Accounts Officer in 2002 and retired as  Deputy Manager, Finance in IOCL in June 2019. This might make a sad story but Narayanan remained cheerful, witty and active all along. He represented IOC in various disciplines of Sports – more specifically – Chess, Carrom and Bridge.  He was the Secretary of Sports and Recreation Club for many years and was very active inside office mingling with all colleagues and outside too. 

 

He attributes his present status to his wife, many a friends who supported him during his difficult days, with special mention of Tin Rangan.  He is very devout and says it is Sri Parthasarathi Emperuman who has provided him goodness all in his life and also Yoga Muneeswarar temple in front of Royapettah Hospital where he prayed on the day of his discharge.

 

Most people would have given up cursing fate, crying all time about that fateful day- for sure, it changed his life BUT, he stood up literally and kept walking / cycling to reach greater heights.  Yesterday at his home, he was composed, definitely would have felt tragic of that incident but it is the true story of a Man who has overcome odds to lead a happy contented life, smiling and remaining cheerful.  Hats off Narayanan, I am one of your innumerable fans !!

 
With regards – S Sampathkumar
19.3.2023 

the Attar attraction ! @ Charminar

Many youth are addicted to body sprays, perfumes and .. .. I generally do not use any perfume ! – yet was attracted by this shop and bought two little bottles, more because –  the display  was tempting !, its owner was charming ! and I thought of my maternal grandfather !! 

The Qutb Shahi dynasty  ruled   Golkonda.  After the collapse of Bahmani Sultanate, the Qutb Shahi dynasty was established in 1512 AD by Sultan-Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk, better known though less correctly referred to in English as "Quli Qutb Shah".  One of his best remembrances, is the Charminar -   (lit. 'four minarets'), a monument located in Hyderabad, Telangana.  Constructed in 1591, the landmark is a symbol of Hyderabad and officially incorporated in the emblem of Telangana.  While both historically and religiously significant, it is also known for its popular and busy local markets surrounding the structure.  Around Charminar there are hundreds of shops and pedlars selling – ornamental bangles, pearls, corals, perfumes, dresses and more !!  

Summer is on in Chennai – sooner sweltering heat can really dampen the spirits, making us feel irritable and deprived of energy. To escape the body odour, people use, talcum powder, body sprays and fragrant.   These sprays come infused with enchanting fragrances that keep one smelling fresh for long hours. Some of them also come packed with antibacterial properties and take the problem of body odour head on. 

Aromatics, so called because of their distinctive perfumed smell, are substances derived from crude oil and, in small quantities, from coal. Aromatics are hydrocarbons, organic compounds that consist exclusively of the elements carbon and hydrogen – without which life would not be possible on Earth. The main aromatics are benzene, toluene and the xylenes; they are used as starting materials for a wide range of consumer products.  Aromaticity is a chemical property in which a conjugated ring of unsaturated bonds, lone pairs, or empty orbitals exhibit a stabilization stronger than would be expected by the stabilization of conjugation alone. It can also be considered a manifestation of cyclic delocalization and of resonance. 

Away, this advertisement was irritating to say the least – the  so called ‘Axe effect’  drawing  women in hordes to a male who has sprayed himself liberally with the Axe deodorant.  The Axe brand of deodorants from Hindustan Unilever primarily targetted young males. ..... and then there was this  newsitems   ..... "Unable to attract even a single girl, frustrated man sues Axe"  -  published in many newspapers including TOI itself.    The news was not real though  !!! 

Have seen and smelt a perfume called ‘Attar’.  Also known as Ittar, it   is an essential oil derived from botanical or other natural sources. Most commonly these oils are extracted via hydro or steam distillation. Attar can also be expressed by chemical means but generally natural perfumes which qualify as ittars are distilled with water.  The oils are generally distilled into a wood base such as sandalwood and then aged. The aging period can last from one to ten years depending on the botanicals used and the results desired. Technically ittars are distillates of flowers, herbs, spices and other natural materials such as baked soil over sandalwood oil/liquid paraffins using hydro distillation technique involving a still (deg) and receiving vessel (bhapka).  The word is believed to be a derivative from Persian meaning perfume.   

The Egyptians were famous for producing perfumes throughout the ancient world. They were formulated from plants and flowers before they could be added to other oils.   Liquid perfumes used to be a mixture of oil and crushed herbs until  discovery   with roses.    

In my recent visit to Hyderabad and Charminar, passing through – this shop selling perfumes was quite attractive and a conversation with its owner Mr Abdul Sami Bhojani was enthusing.  Here are some photos of the shop as also its owner. : 

In 2022, Nelly Attar danced on her way to Mount Everest becoming the first Arab woman to summit K2. In Saudi Arabia, where women have been discouraged from physical activity, she’s become a role model, inspiring millions to get moving.   She’s danced on technical Ama Dablam and on mellow Kilimanjaro.  This 5’2” powerhouse trained to climb the world’s highest peaks from a home base of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  That’s hot, flat desert, not mountain snow and ice.   

Before concluding, my maternal grandfather worked for a Company - Maschmeijer Aromatics, the makers of musks and fragrances.  Maschmeijer Aromatics India Limited was setup in 1960 in collaboration with the world famous Maschmeijer Aromatics B.V., Amsterdam for the manufacture of musks and fragrances. It was in Pallavaram.   Besides their products, they used to print colourful calendars which I used to distribute to the elite few close people of my grandpa. In the  photo at the start  – the two white bottles were purchased from Bhojani, the other two are Maschmeijer products. 

Interesting ! 

With regards – S. Sampathkumar
16.3.2023