Hey Dad Let’s Talk – 5

23 Feb

Hey Dad – Let’s Talk is a series of activities that allows Dad’s to spend time and bond with their kids. They include a variety of Creative activities from Riddles, Puzzles, Information Tit Bits, Trivia, Quiz, stories etc. Activities that you can discuss, stuff that is interesting and exploratory. Each activity should take 20 – 30 minutes and the best time to spend time with your kids is before you tuck them to Bed.

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Try this with your kids at the next Birthday Party. Give them a newspaper and ask them to fold it 8 times. They will struggle after folding it 2 or 3 times

The myth: You can’t fold a paper in half more than eight times.* The reality: Given a paper large enough—and enough energy—you can fold it as many times as you want. The problem: If you fold it 103 times, the thickness of your paper will be larger than the observable Universe: 93 billion light-years. Seriously.

How can a 0.0039-inch-thick paper get to be as thick as the Universe?

  • The answer is simple: Exponential growth. The average paper thickness in 1/10th of a millimeter (0.0039 inches.) If you perfectly fold the paper in half, you will double its thickness. Things get interesting quickly.
  • Folding the paper in half a third time will get you about the thickness of a nail.
  • Seven folds will be about the thickness of a notebook of 128 pages.
  • 10 folds and the paper will be about the width of a hand.
  • 23 folds will get you to one kilometer—3,280 feet.
  • 30 folds will get you to space. Your paper will be now 100 kilometers high.
  • Keep folding it. 42 folds will get you to the Moon. With 51 you will burn in the Sun.
  • Now fast forward to 81 folds and your paper will be 127,786 light-years, almost as thick as the Andromeda Galaxy, estimated at 141,000 light-years across.
  • 90 folds will make your paper 130.8 million light-years across, bigger than the Virgo Supercluster, estimated at 110 million light-years. The Virgo Supercluster contains the Local Galactic Group—with Andromeda and our own Milky Way—and about 100 other galaxy groups.
  • And finally, at 103 folds, you will get outside of the observable Universe, which is estimated at 93 billion light-years in diameters. 

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High school student Britney Gallivan dispelled the popular myth by resolving the mathematics and successfully folding a single roll of toilet paper twelve times in a record-breaking feat.

And the current record was created by some high school students. The biggest times is 13 times.

It may look like a prank but these mathematics students from St. Mark’s School in Southborough, Massachusetts aren’t toilet papering the famed infinite corridor at MIT. Using intricate choreography and brute force, they’re breaking a paper-folding record by completing 13 folds, a challenge that students at the school have been tackling for seven years with the help of teacher James Tanton.

 

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Hey Dad Let’s Talk – 4

19 Feb

Hey Dad – Let’s Talk is a series that allows Dad’s to spend time and bond with their kids. They include a variety of Creative activities from Riddles, Puzzles, Information Tit Bits, Trivia, Quiz, stories etc. Activities that you can discuss, stuff that is interesting and exploratory. Each activity should take 20 – 30 minutes and the best time to spend time with your kids is before you tuck them to Bed. 

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This edition is based on Puzzles with Shapes. Arm yourself with a box of match sticks sit down on the floor and get started. One puzzle may require some coins. The answers are below the last question.

 

1. You see 5 equal squares, Can you leave just 3 squares by taking away 3 sticks

 

sticking_away_squares1

 

2. Here are 6 equal squares, can you leave just 3 squares by taking away 5 Sticks

 sticking_away_squares2

 

3. Can you leave only 2 complete squares by taking away two sticks from pattern below.

 

sticking_away_squares3

 

4. Thirteen sticks from 8 triangles ( 6 small and 2 large ones) can you take away 3 sticks and leave only 3 triangles

 

triangle_tricks2

 

 

5. Can you rearrange the 5 sticks to make 2 equal triangles

 

shuffle_the_sticks1

6. These ten copings form a Triangle pointed upwards – Move only 3 coins in a manner that the Triangle points downwards.

turn_the_triangle

7. These 15 sticks form a spiral, can you turn this spiral to two squares by moving 3 sticks.

stick_spiral

8. Can you draw this house in one stroke with lifting the pen or moving on the same line more than once.

homework

9. By moving only two sticks, change these three equal sized squares  into four equal sized rectangles

squared_sticks6

10. Can you rearrange these 3 sticks to make 9

stick_tricks2

11. And finally – think and see how many triangles you can spot in this diagram.  If you found 24 great job !

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Answers 

1. Forming 3 Squares by removing 3 sticks

sticking_away_squares1sol

2. Forming 3 squares by removing 5 sticks

sticking_away_squares2sol

3. Forming two squares by removing two sticks

sticking_away_squares3sol

4. Forming 3 Triangles by taking away 3 sticks

triangle_tricks2sol

5. Forming 2 Equal Triangles by rearranging the 5 sticks

shuffle_the_sticks1sol

6. Moving 3 Coins to make the Triangle point downwards

turn_the_trianglesol

7. Converting a spiral to two squares by moving 3 sticks

stick_spiralsol

8. Here is how you can draw the house in one stroke without lifting the pen or moving on the same line more than once

homeworksol

9. By moving only two sticks, these three equal sized squares can be changed into four equal sized rectangles

squared_sticks6sol

10. Rearranging 3 sticks to make 9


 stick_tricks2sol

11. Watch this You Tube Video – to see how there are 24 Triangles in that Diagram

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Deciphering Real Estate Pricing in India

18 Feb

You see a full page Ad for a beautiful Apartment complex – looks so inviting, and the price does look competitive at Rs 6000/- sft. You do the Math for a 1800 sft 3 BHK flat and say 6000 * 1800 = 1.08 Crores – thats manageable.

Most NRI’s & first time buyers fall for this trap. Builders have been taking Indian buyers for a ride for many years – And even a progressive BJP Government has developed cold feet on setting up a Real Estate Regulator.  In the absence of a regulator – The reality is you would have payed 40 – 50% more than 1.08 Cr before you finally get to move in to your house.

Lets look at how the numbers Add Up

Quoted Rate for Bare Bones Flat = 1800 * 6000 = 1.08 Cr

Cost of 1 Car Park / KEB/BWSSB/Khata/ Legal Charges/Generator Charges/ Club House Charges/Corpus for Maintenance / Corpus for Sinking Fund/ Fixed cost for Gas Pipeline from main bank …. all of this easily adds up to an additional 20 %  or Rs 20 Lacs

The Govt earlier charged you only Registration Tax – now they charge you VAT and ST on Construction Cost  thats 4 + 4.94% = 8.94 %. Since the undivided share of land is very small you end up paying this Tax on almost 80% of the cost = 1.6*.0894*.8 = Rs 7.58 Lacs 

Most people have two Car Parks so a second Car Park is a must – thats Rs 4 – 5 Lacs (Although the initial one may be priced a lot lesser) = Rs 4 Lacs 

Registration Costs is approximately another 8%. Some Builders state that this is only on the undivided share of land – while some builders insist on the total value of the property = Rs 8 Lacs 

Woodwork cost can vary – but good quality wood work can put you back easily by 10 lacs for a 3 BHK apartment = Rs 10 Lacs 

So Add up all the extras which the builder never talked up  20 + 7.58 + 4 + 8 + 10 = 49.58 Lacs 

Your initial prices you had in mind after seeing the Ad was 1.08 Crores , now this looks more like 1.5 Crores. 

Thats nearly a 50% increase on what you had planned …. and you are yet to add the interest cost that you have borne for the 3 – 4 years that the construction happens , this is if the builder completes the project in the committed time (Most rarely do).

So be aware of what you are getting into the next time you see a full page Ad promising you the sky and moon. Trust is a lot different.

PS – Lookout for my next Blog on why we need a Real Estate Regulator and the ten imp questions you need to check out before buying a Flat

 

 

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Deciphering Petrol Pricing in India

17 Feb

Crude prices have come crashing down – but what we have seen as benefits trickling in is a fraction of what the reduction inc most has been. How is this possible when petroleum prices are supposed deregularised and are supposed to follow market economics.

rg_india_petroleum_in_2014

A Barrel of Crude consists approximately of 159 Litres. In a typical indian refinery the product pattern based on weight basis is about 4% LPG, 13% petrol (MS), 50% Diesel and remaining products such as Naphtha, kerosene, Fuel oil, pet coke, sulphur etc.

With the above typical configuration the production will be such as petrol approx 20-30 Lit per barrel of crude, Diesel 80-90 Lit and remaining will be the other products. That leaves a balance of 37% for all the other distillates.

Lets take a look at the Numbers 

  • 1 Barrel of Crude at Todays Market price = $ 57 (Brent Crude) =  Rs 3534
  • Cost of 1 Litre of Petrol in Bangalore = Rs 62.81 / Litre
  • Cost of 25 Litres of petrol generated / Barrel = Rs 1570.26
  • Cost of 1 Litre of Diesel in Bangalore = Rs 50.72/ Litre
  • Cost of 85 Litres of Diesel generated / Barrel = Rs 43112.20
  • Total Cost of Petrol + Diesel generated / Barrel at current Market price = Rs 5881.46 
  • We are already at a price that is higher than the cost of 1 Barrel of Crude by Rs 2347 ( 66%)

I am yet to calculate the sales proceeds from Kerosene / Naptha / LPG / Sulphur / Jet Fuel etc – all of which contribute to 37% by volume ( We mentioned earlier that Petrol & Diesel are only 63% of the output from 1 Barrel of Crude)

Lets assume that all of this 37% of 150 Litres (I assume 9 Litres of wastage in crude processing/ Cost of refining etc ) is sold at the subsidised  price of  Rs 20/Litre

37% of 150 Litres = 55.5 Litres * Rs 20/Litre = Rs 1110

So on a conservative basis the total income generated from 1 Barrel of Crude Oil = Rs 6991.46 

And whats the Cost of 1 Barrel at todays price …. Its only Rs 3534/- 

Someone is making a whopping profit after adjusting for subsidy of Rs 3457 / Barrel. So from a simple calculation the cost of Petrol & Diesel can actually go down by another 50%. 

Normally in India, the pricing of fuel varies by state, though central taxes still are part of the pump price of fuel. The Central and state government’s taxes make up nearly half of petrol’s pump price. Most States charge taxes that are higher than than the Central Tax. (Goa is an exception). States like Karnataka even charge an extra 2 Rs / Litre towards funds for building the metro. As a result, approximately 50% of the pump cost goes to the government in the form of different taxes. On the contrary, the dealer (shopowner) earns a paltry 1–2% of the pump price as his earning.

vat-rate

When the price of Crude came down from $110 to $50 –  consumer prices have come down by less than 20%. Why is our price so high? Why are Mamta and Sitaram Yechury and Arvind Kejriwal not talking about this ? Why is Barkha not hosting a show on We the People – highlighting this discrepancy. Why is the Tax rate on Fuel so high – when millions of Aam Aadmi use this for their transportation daily – its not luxury or comfort its a necessity given the poor public transport we have in the country.

In  City like New Delhi where you drive long distances – you fill up your tank worth Rs 2500/- almost 4 times a months – thats a 10K expense on Fuel , a 50% reduction would have saved millions in Delhi Rs 5K / Month or Rs 60,000/- a year – thats a lot more than what we can expect from additional Tax savings in a budget.

Is it right for a Government not to pass on benefits that are entitled to consumers. Can a PIL be filed by Prashant Bhushan on this – under the MRTP act – Isn’t the Government the monopoly (or almost monopoly) supplier of Oil to this country. Can the Media and the opposition raise this as an issue and earn some good will.

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Hey Dad Let’s Talk – 3

12 Feb

Hey Dad – Let’s Talk is a series of activities that allows Dad’s to spend time and bond with their kids. They include a variety of Creative activities from Riddles, Puzzles, Information Tit Bits, Trivia, Quiz, stories etc. Activities that you can discuss, stuff that is interesting and exploratory. Each activity should take 20 – 30 minutes and the best time to spend time with your kids is before you tuck them to Bed.

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This session is all about Lightning – an amazing spectacle of nature that creates both awe and fear. 

What is Lightning ? 

Lightning is a powerful burst of electricity that happens very quickly during a thunderstorm. Lightning is caused by an electrical charge in the atmosphere that is unbalanced. The movement of rain and ice inside a thundercloud creates an electrical charge, with the negative charge (electrons) forming at the bottom of the cloud and the positive charge (protons) forming at the top.Opposites attract so the negative charge at the bottom of the cloud seeks out a positive charge to connect with. Lightning can occur inside clouds, between clouds and from clouds to the ground. When lightning strikes the ground it seeks out the shortest route to something with a positive charge, this might be a tree, a tall building or if they’re very unlucky, a person.

What is Thunder ? 

Thousands of years ago philosophers such as Aristotle believed that thunder was caused by the collision of clouds. But its actually caused due to a different reason. The intense heat from lightning causes the surrounding air to rapidly expand and create a sonic wave that you hear as thunder. The hot air moves up and the cold air gushes in – causing a huge sound that is Thunder.

Lightening striking near Merdeka Square

Interesting facts about Lightning 

  • The Earth has nearly 100 lightning strikes per second – thats 3.6 billion per year ! Lightning strikes usually last around 1 or 2 microseconds. The Earth has about 2,000 active thunderstorms at any point of time. Without thunderstorms, the earth would lose its electric charge in less than 1 hour.
  • Rwanda, Africa is the lightning capital of the world, receiving nearly 2.5 times the amount of lightning as Florida
  • Florida is the Lightning Capital of the U.S. Central Florida, from Tampa to Titusville is “Lightning Alley” in the U.S.. Lightning is the #1 weather killer in Florida – more than all other weather deaths combined.
  • Most lightning strikes occur either at the beginning or end of a storm.
  • The average temperature of lightning is around 20000 °C (36000 °F) – that is a more than twice as hot as the Sun
  • Lightning is only 1 inch in diameter and has been observed over 100 miles long.
  • An average lightning flash has the energy of a 1-kiloton explosion. Lightning voltage can be up to 300 million volts.
  • Since the late 1980s, there have been several attempts to investigate the possibility of harvesting lightning energy. None have been effective. A solution here can solve the world of its energy crisis.
  • Lightning current averages 30,000 amps, but ranges from 10,000 to 200,000 amps – 100 To 1,000 times as strong as a steel welder.
  • Corded telephones are not safe and should not be used during thunderstorms. The usual way that current enters a telephone is through the wire. Cloud-to-ground flashes tend to hit tall objects such as utility poles. When a pole is struck, its current enters a building through the wiring, then to the phone, and then straight to your head. Cell phones and cordless phones are safer, but be sure to stand away from the cordless phone’s base as a strong current can possibly arc a few feet from the base to the handset.
  • Lightning damage to home electronics usually occurs when lightning strikes to nearby utility poles or wires, then enters the building through power, phone, and TV wires. For direct or indirect hits, the only sure way is to pull the power, phone, and cable plugs on sensitive electronics before thunderstorms threaten. Never touch wires during a thunderstorm, even to unplug your equipment. People have been electrocuted while unplugging their electronics during thunderstorms. Better your computer than you!
  • Greek and Roman temples often were erected at sites where lightning struck – They worshipped the gods here in an attempt to appease them.
  • If you are in the mountains and lightning begins to strike, you should quickly get below the treeline and get into a grove of small trees. Make absoulutely sure that you are not standing next to a tall tree when you are in the mountains. If you are standing next to a tall tree, you are more likely to get struck by lightning that you are if you are in a group of small trees.
  • Lightning rods (also called conductors) are metal rods or similar objects that divert lightning safely to the ground, they can often be seen at the top of tall buildings.
  • Most lightning occurs over land rather than oceans, with around 70% of it occurring in the Tropics.
  • Thunder is the sound caused by lightning. Because sound travels slower than light you hear the sound of Thunder later. After you see a flash of lightning, count the number of seconds until you hear the thunder. (Use the stop watch or count “One-Mississippi, Two-Mississippi, Three-Mississippi,” etc.) For every 5 seconds the storm is one mile away.
  • Lightning is usually produced by Cumulo Nimbus clouds that are very tall and dense.
  • Lightning puts 10 million tons of nitrogen into the Earth each year.
  • Lightning can also occur during volcanic eruptions, dust storms, snow storms, forest fires and tornadoes. Check out this amazing video of volcano lightning   Video Link : http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/videos/earth/volcanolightning.html. ( This may not be a clickable link You may have to paste URL separately in your browser)volcanolightning
  • The study of lightning is known as Fulminology and Astraphobia is the fear of thunder and lightning.
  • In Indo-European cultures, the Thunder God is frequently known as the chief or king of the gods, e.g. Indra in Hinduism, Zeus in Greek mythology, and Perun in ancient Slavic religion; or a close relation thereof, e.g. Thor, son of Odin, in Norse mythologyZeus_Jupiter_Greek_God_Art_06_by_GenzoMan

 

  • As Fast as Lightning is a commonly used speech – but the truth is Lightning travels slower than the speed of Light.The bottom tip of a lightning bolt traveling from a cloud to the ground does travel rather quickly, although it travels at much less than the speed of light. A lightning discharge consists of electrons which have been stripped from their molecules flying through the air. They are accelerated by a strong electric field, a consequence of the big voltage difference between the cloud and the ground. They crash into air molecules on their way down and free other electrons, making a tube of ionized air.

    The “leader”, the first stroke of a lightning discharge, actually proceeds in steps – lengthening by about 30 meters at a time, taking about a microsecond (one millionth of a second) to do each step. There is a pause between steps of about 50 microseconds. The whole process may take a few milliseconds (one-thousanths of a second), providing enough time to perceive motion. Most of the charge flows after this leader makes electrical contact with the ground, however. A powerful “return stroke” releases much more energy. That’s not the whole story, however – a lightning flash may have only one return stroke or may have several tens of strokes using the same column of ionized air. It may seem to flicker.

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Hey Dad Let’s Talk – 2

11 Feb

Hey Dad – Let’s Talk is a series of activities that allows Dad’s to spend time and bond with their kids. They include a variety of Creative activities from Riddles, Puzzles, Information Tit Bits, Trivia, Quiz, stories etc. Activities that you can discuss, stuff that is interesting and exploratory. Each activity should take 20 – 30 minutes and the best time to spend time with your kids is before you tuck them to Bed.

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For this session – here are a dozen interesting Trivia questions that are simple riddles where you need to think creatively. The answers are at the end of the questions  – so that these riddles can tickle your intelligence also before you spend time with your kids on them.

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1.  I’m light as a feather, yet the strongest man can’t hold me for more than 5 minutes. What am I ?

2. Your parents have Six Sons including you and each son has one sister. How many people are in the family ?

3. Name a dress that you can never wear

4. A man came to a hotel on a horse. He arrived on Saturday and stayed for one night. He left the hotel on Friday. How is that possible?

5. What are two things you can never eat for Breakfast?

6. What’s Orange and sounds like a Parrot?

7.What is the centre of Gravity?

8. What loses its Head in the Morning and gets it back at Night?

9. What kind of Coat can only be put on when wet?

10.What has 4 fingers and a thumb, but is not living?

11. How many seconds are there in a year?

12. What has 3 feet but cannot walk?

 

Here are the answers to the above questions in chronological order

1. Your Breath

2. Nine – 2 Parents + 6 Boys + 1 Sister

3. AdDRESS

4. The name of the Horse is Friday

5. Lunch & Dinner

6. A Carrot

7. “V” – its the alphabet at the centre of the word Gravity

8. A Pillow

9. A Coat of Paint

10. A Glove

11. Only 12 – One in every month Jan 2 , Feb 2 …..

12. A YARD

 

And if you finished these 12 questions fast and still have some time here is a fun story from the Panchatantra with a nice moral. The moral is significant given the recent cases we have seen in schools where small children have been targeted

Three_Fishes_4bb47ffa0221b

 

Tale of the Three Fishes

Three fishes named Anagatavidhata, Pratyutpannamati and Yadbhavishya lived in a certain pond, along with many other fishes.

One afternoon, some fishermen were passing by the pond. They investigated the pond, and agreed that the pond was full of fishes. Since, they were already returning after catching fishes, and already had a big haul, they decided to come back the next morning.

They discussed, “This pond is full of fishes, and there are many big ones too. We have never caught fishes in this pond. Let us come back tomorrow morning.”

The three fishes were swimming on the surface when they heard the fishermen discuss their plans.

The first fish panicked. He immediately assembled all other fishes and told them what they had heard. He said, “Tomorrow morning, the fishermen will arrive to catch us. I do not want to die like this. So, I will leave with my family at the earliest. I advise all of you to follow me. It will not be wise for anybody to stay here any longer!”

The second fish agreed, “I shall follow you, my friend, for what you say is correct. It will be unwise to remain here anymore!”

But the third fish disagreed. He laughed at the two fishes, and said to the fishes assembled, “See how cowardly these two act! This pond belonged to our forefathers, and it is our home now. For so long, no harm has ever come to the fishes of this pond.”

He continued, “Just because some fishermen were discussing their plans, is no reason for us to panic and leave our home. Those who agree with me, I advise them to stay where we belong and not go to some unknown place.”

He further said, “O Friends, the scriptures state that when the time for one’s death arrives, one is not spared. If death has to come, let us rather die bravely in our home!”

Thus, the fishes of the ponds got divided into two groups. The group that wanted to stay laughed at the other group. However, within the very evening, the families of the first two fishes started their journey to a different pond through a small outlet. They were followed by many who believed them.

The next morning the fishermen arrived as they had planned, and trapped all the fishes that remained in the pond by casting net all over the pond.

Not a single fish was spared, and the fishermen were overjoyed with the big haul of fishes that they had caught.

Moral of the Story :
When you see a danger coming, act immediately.

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Hey Dad Let’s Talk – 1

10 Feb

Hey Dad – Let’s Talk is a series of activities that allows Dad’s to spend time and bond with their kids. They include a variety of Creative activities from Riddles, Puzzles, Information Tit Bits, Trivia, Quiz, stories etc. Activities that you can discuss, stuff that is interesting and exploratory. Each activity should take 20 – 30 minutes and the best time to spend time with your kids is before you tuck them to Bed.

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This edition is Fun with Numbers.

1. Look at the end result and how it goes up and down like a wave

  • 111111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321

2. Arrange  all the digits from 1 – 9 in ascending order to total up to 100

  • 12 + 3 – 4 + 5 + 67 + 8 + 9 = 100

3.  Here is another set of symmetrical numbers

  • 1 x 8 + 1 = 9
  • 12 x 8 + 2 = 98
  • 123 x 8 + 3 = 987
  • 1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
  • 12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
  • 123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
  • 1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
  • 12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
  • 123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321

 

4. The number 142857 is rather special. When you multiply it with 1 to 6 the digits found in the answer stay the same, just in a different order. Check it out:

1 x 142857 = 142857

2 x 142857 = 285714

3 x 142857 = 428571

4 x 142857 = 571428

5 x 142857 = 714285

6 x 142857 = 857142

What happens when you multiply it by 7 ? You get another rather special number:
7 x 142857 = 999999

And it doesn’t stop there:

142 + 857 = 999

14 + 28 + 57 = 99

142857 x 142857 = 20408122449

20408 + 122449 = 142857
 That’s one amazing number!

 

5. Be a magician – Guess The number

Step 1: Think of a number

Step 2: Multiply it by 3

Step 3: Add 6 with the getting result

Step 4: Divide it by 3

Step 5: Subtract it from the first number used

Answer: 2

 

6. Be a magician – Guess The number

Trick 2: Any Number

Step1: Think of any number.

Step2: Double the number.

Step3: Add 9 with result.

Step4: Subtract 3 with the result.

Step5: Divide the result by 2.

Step6: Subtract the number with the number started with.

Answer: 3

 

7. What is unique about 8549176320 ?

Each digit when written in words progressively moves up the alphabet list – Eight is E and Zero is Z.

 

8. How many squares are there on a chess board … ?

Its not 64 – There are a total of 204 squares on a chess board, including all sizes from 1 x 1 up to 8 x 8.

9. There were 100 chocolates in a box. The box was passed down along a row of people. The first person took one chocolate. Each person down the row took one more chocolates than the person before, until the box was empty. What is the largest number of people that could have been in the row?

Solution:

The longest line of people you can have is thirteen, with the last person taking all the remaining chocolates. There are not enough chocolates for a fourteenth person, because they would have to take 14 chocolates (after the previous person had taken 13) and there would be only 9 left.

10. And Finally  the last question for the day – why is 9 called the Indestructible number

9 * 1 = 9

9 * 2 = 18 , 1 + 8 = 9

9 * 3 = 27 , 2 + 7 = 9

9 * 4 = 36 , 3 + 6 = 9

9 * 5 = 45 , 4 + 5 = 9

9 * 6 = 54 , 5 + 4 = 9

9 * 7 = 63 , 6 + 3 = 9

9 * 8 = 72 , 7 + 2 = 9

9 * 9 = 81 , 8 + 1 = 9

9 * 10 = 90 , 9 +0 = 9

Have Fun with your Kids –  and do check back soon for more fun stuff.

 

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Introduction & Meaning – Gayatri Mantra

6 Feb

The Gayatri Mantra is a powerful and easy to chant mantra that has been associated with our land for thousands of years. When chanted regularly and accurately by understanding the meaning it brings clarity to your thought and helps accelerate your spiritual journey.

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Brahmarshi Vishvamitra is credited as the author of most of Mandala 3 of the Rigveda, including the Gayatri Mantra. The Puranas mention that only 24 rishis since antiquity have understood the whole meaning of – and thus wielded the whole power of Gayatri Mantra. Vishvamitra is supposed to be the first and Yajnavalkya the last

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The Blog is based on the explanation of The Gayatri Mantra by Sri M in his book “Jewel in the Lotus – Deeper aspects of Hinduism”. There is a detailed explanation by Sri M also on the topic and you can get a DVD of the same. A link to the  introductory talk by Sri M is enclosed below.

Background 

The Gayatri Mantra is one of the most ancient mantras of this country. It is said that whoever sings (or chants) it is protected. It deals with the relationship between man & universe. It is concerned with the process of Self Realisation.

Gayatri Mantra does not say, ‘give me wealth’, the mantra does not say ‘give me health’, it does not say ‘give me this’ or ‘give me that’. Gayatri Mantra says illuminate or stimulate my intelligence

A hymn from the Rigveda, it is addressed to Savitur – the Sun, but its tutelary deity is Gayatri. She is the female counterpart of the Trinity or more appropriately their consorts – Saraswati, Lakshmi & Kali representing learning, wealth and protection. They are individually prayed to for worldly personal boons while Gayatri is invoked to give us the “buddhi” to understand our true nature, knowing which we have everything. The divine light of Savitur helps us free ourselves from bondage so that the power of Gayatri envelops us.

The Gayatri Mantra is unique – its the only mantra which is a combination of a prayer and a mantra – it combines the inherent power of the sound of a mantra with the power of the prayer.

Gayatri-Mata-With-Gayatri-Mantra-Wallpaper

Aum  Bhur Bhuvah Suvah

Tat Savitur Varenyam 

Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi

Dhiyo Yonah Prajodayat

Rough literal interpretation 

“We contemplate upon the Originator or Source of everything, that adorable effulgent Divinity, and pray that our intelligence may be illuminated and stimulated, so that we would be enabled to understand the Absolute Truth“

There is one word in this mantra which sets it apart from all other mantras. It is the word “dheemahi“. It means either ” We meditate upon” or “May we meditate upon” – whatever meaning we select, an assertion or a prayer, the important aspect is the plural form of the word. And this has great significance. The plural implies that the prayer is for the benefit for all though the aspirant is seeking the development of spiritual consciousness. It is this transcendence over a desire for narrow personal benefit that imbues the Gayatri Mantra with its great power.

Gayatri Mantra & The Power of Discrimination 

Caught up in our everyday life we need clear and sharp perception to comprehend the deeper significance of our mundane facts and problems. Intellect or reason is often not enough to provide clarity, man suffers from lack of discrimination. The power of Discrimination according to Vedanta is only possible when a faculty higher than intellect is used. That faculty is “Buddhi” – which can be loosely defined as intuition tempered with intellect. And Gayatri is the mode to reach this source of discrimination or “Viveka“

What is Gayatri 

Gayatri is a particular form of Sanskrit Shloka written in what is known as a Gayatri meter. The Gayatri meter consists of 24 syllables (aksharas) evenly distributed in three padas (feet). There are other mantras using the gayatri metre but the Gayatri Mantra by virtue of its universal appeal has appropriated for itself the name of the meter, so that any mention of this meter evokes the words of the mantra.

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Each foot of the Gayatri represents the Rig, Yajur and Sama Vedas – so its said in the Scriptures that the Gayatri Mantra is the mother of all the Vedas

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Simple and powerful, chanting it 108 times a day takes about 20 minutes. It helps you in getting the rare power to illuminate your intelligence and develop your power of perception and discrimination, enhance your clarity. Its a worth a try , there is nothing to lose but a lot to gain. So try doing it every day after your morning bath, facing the Sun from your balcony or garden and get charged with positive energy. Best time to chant is in the morning.

Introductory Talk on the Gayatri Mantra by Sri M 

http://satsang-foundation.org/videos/videos-talks-by-sri-m-the-gayatri-mantra/

It is important that you chant it in the right tone and metre. The rendition by the Challikere brothers is probably the most accurate that you can get online.

Gayathri Dhyanam – Challekere Brothers, downloadable from iTunes

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What is Gayatri Mantra

6 Feb

Since our childhood we have heard it at home, in temples, in functions, in pujas and now even in ring tones. Many of us chant it every day and once a year there is a specific day when we chant it 1008 times. We are introduced to it at the time of our sacred thread ceremony and maybe they explain the meaning then – but most of us don’t recollect what it means.

Gayatri-Mata-With-Gayatri-Mantra-Wallpaper

I recently read a book by Sri M – Jewel in the Lotus – Deeper aspects of Hinduism, an excellent read that had a chapter devoted to explaining the Gayatri Mantra. It was simple, easy to understand and I wanted to share this with a larger audience. I am summarising key parts from that chapter here – but I would urge you to read the book for deeper insights.

Aum  Bhur Bhuvah Suvah

Tat Savitur Varenyam 

Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi

Dhiyo Yonah Prajodayat

Background 

The Gayatri Mantra is one of the most ancient mantras of this country. It is said that whoever sings (or chants) it is protected. It deals with the relationship between man & universe as well as the Reality between both – it is concerned with the process of Self Realisation.

A hymn from the Rigveda – it is addressed to Savita – the Sun, but its tutelary deity is Gayatri. Gayatri is the female counterpart of the Trinity or more appropriately their consorts – Saraswati, Lakshmi & Kali representing learning, wealth and protection. They are individually prayed to for worldly personal boons while Gayatri is invoked to give us the “buddhi” to understand our true nature, knowing which we have everything. The divine light of Savita helps us free ourselves from bondage so that the power of Gayatri envelops us. The Gayatri Mantra is unique – its the only mantra which is a combination of a prayer and a mantra – it combines the inherent power of the sound of a mantra with the power of the prayer.

Gayatri Mantra & The Power of Discrimination 

Caught up in our everyday life we need clear and sharp perception to comprehend the deeper significance of our mundane facts and problems. Intellect or reason is often not enough to provide clarity, man suffers from lack of discrimination. The power of Discrimination according to Vedanta is only possible when a faculty higher than intellect is used. That faculty is “Buddhi” – which can be loosely defined as intuition tempered with intellect. And Gayatri is the mode to reach this source of discrimination or “Viveka“

What is Gayatri 

Gayatri is a particular form of Sanskrit Shloka written in what is known as a gayatri meter. The Gayatri meter consists of 24 syllables (aksharas) evenly  distributed in three padas (feet). There are other mantras using the gayatri metre but the Gayatri Mantra by virtue of its universal appeal has appropriated for itself the name of the meter, so that any mention of this meter evokes the words of the mantra. Each foot of the Gayatri represents the Rig, Yajur and Sama Vedas – so its said in the Scriptures that the Gayatri Mantra is the mother of all the Vedas.

Rough literal interpretation 

“We contemplate upon the Originator or Source of everything, that adorable effulgent Divinity, and pray that our intelligence may be illuminated and stimulated, so that we would be enabled to understand the Absolute Truth“

There is one word in this mantra which sets it apart from all other mantras. It is the word “dheemahi“. It means either ” We meditate upon” or ” May we meditate upon” – whatever meaning we select – an assertion or a prayer – the important aspect is the plural form of the word. And this has great significance. The plural implies that the prayer is for the benefit for all though the aspirant is seeking the development of spiritual consciousness. It is this transcendence over a desire for narrow personal benefit that imbues the Gayatri Mantra with its great power.

Serene young woman with hands together in prayer pose in the desert in China, silhouette, sun setting, profile

Simple and powerful , chanting it ten times a day does not take even a few minutes and if it helps you in getting the rare power to illuminate your intelligence and develop your power of perception and discrimination , enhance your clarity – then its worth a try , there is nothing to lose but a lot to gain. So try doing it every day after your morning bath , facing the sun from your balcony or garden and get charged with positive energy

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Khajuraho – Ready Reckoner

5 Feb

A visit to Khajuraho has been on my to do list for long. History and architecture in a beautiful setting can transport you back centuries and that’s exactly what this visit did – it exceeded all my expectations. Getting to Khajuraho is a challenge. Flights are Via Agra or Varanasi, Road journey from any Airport/Big City is a minimum 4 – 5 hrs. The only direct connectivity is a train from Nizamuddin Junction – (12448) that leaves Nizamuddin at 20.10 and reaches Khajuraho at 6.30 AM. The return is at 18.10 reaching Nizamuddin the next day morning at 6 AM. (You also have an option of taking the New Delhi Bhopal Shatabdi to Jhansi, spending a day at Jhansi, Orchha and then driving the 185 km to Khajuraho in 3 – 4 hrs)

 visit to Khajuraho

Khajuraho is home to architectural splendor. Probably the only temples in North and Central India that have survived the 1000 years of Muslim invaders. Built in a span of 100 years between 950 – 1050 AD*, there were 85 temples across a 2 Sq. Km radius. (25 of them survive today – of which 3 are ruins) You can divide them broadly in 3 clusters – The Main Western Cluster, the Eastern Cluster and finally the Southern Cluster. Built in the Nagara architecture style they all look similar and were built by different kings of the Chandella Dynasty (More about Chandella Dynasty in the footnote).

* 900 – 1100 AD appears to be the best time in India for building temples. The great temples at Badami by the Chalukyas. The Tanjore temples by the Cholas, the Sun Temple at Konark, the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram  and the Temples at Khajuraho all seem to have been built around the same time.

 Tanjore temples by the Cholas

The Western Cluster is the UNESCO World Heritage site and this is where you spend most of your time. (2 – 3 hrs) Well maintained, spread over a large area in a compound spanning 12 temples – the two main temples here are the Lakshmana Temple and The Kandariya Mahadev Temple. The Matangeshwara Temple is part of the same cluster but is outside the compound as it’s the only functional temple. This temple has an 18 foot tall Shiva Linga.

Built of sandstone the carvings and the sculpture are exquisite and depict life in its different forms. The walls of the temples are so profusely sculptured that for a minute it looks like a single gracious wall of fine intricate designs. Not an inch of space has been left devoid of sculpture. The eye for detail is amazing. The depiction of strained muscles, cuts on the calf muscle are all unparalleled in any architecture across the world. Beside the erotic sculptures there are court scenes, scenes of battle, scenes of daily life and scenes that advice the citizens. All the sculptures and figures are dynamic and they appear to be in action and movement.

erotic sculptures

All the sculptures can be divided into three categories

  • Image of principal deities – Shiva, Vishnu, Surya and the Jain Tirthankaras
  • Second category is of minor gods and divinities – Apsaras and Surya Sundaris
  • Third category is of “Mithunas” or couples engaged in sexual acts

Across the temples erotic sculptures are prominently visible only in a few – namely the Lakshman, Kandariya Mahadev, Devi Jagadambi, Chitragupta and Vishwanath temple. Some are also found in Chaturbhuja, Vamana and Duladeo temples. These have been a cause of controversy although they are the key brand value that attracts tourists in hordes.

Given the rapid spread of Buddhism and Jainism there was a need to have the common man focus on family life – that’s one school of thought for building these temples, given that the temple was the Centre of day to day life for the common man. The other explanation is that it’s important to complete your desires before you proceed on the path to spiritual consciousness.

Point to note is that even the puritanical (and maybe hypocritical) M.K.Gandhi protested and gave permission to vandals to deface the temple of these sculptures before Sri Rabindranath Tagore wrote to him and was able to stop this rampage. (Reminds me of the Taliban defacing the Bamiyan Buddha Statues in Afghanistan).I sometimes wonder if Gandhi was a saint or a shrewd politician! But thats a separate debate.

 The highlight of the visit to the Western Complex is the Light and Sound show. It starts at 6.30 PM and runs for 45 min. (The Hindi version starts at 7.30 PM) Easy to get tickets priced at Rs 200. I was there on a full moon night with the sky full of stars. The majestic voice of Amitabh Bachan and the vast open greens of the complex brings alive the mesmerising past as the spirit of the master sculpture carries you back to the golden ages of 950 – 1050 AD. The commentary, the light effects and the sound of temple bells, armies marching are surreal. This is a must attend show. (There are other folks Dance shows also organized by MP Government and Private hotels, which I believe are very entertaining)

 Kandariya Mahadev Temple

The Eastern Complex is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras. It is smaller, functional and is managed by the Jain community. The artistry and theme remains similar, but there are only a few temples and there is no erotic sculpture visible anywhere. Located a few Km away from the Western cluster – should take you no more than 30 min to cover this.

Lakshmana Temple

The Southern cluster is not inside a compound and most temples here are spread across the villages. Barring a few almost all are in ruins. You can skip this or maybe visit only the Duladeo and the Chatarbhuj temples – these were the last set of temples built by the Chandelles.

If your Train reaches at 6.30 AM – you can reach the hotel by 7, freshen up get started at 9.30 AM and by 12.30 you can cover all the temples and head back to your hotel for lunch and an afternoon siesta before you come back at 5 PM for viewing the W Complex in the sunset and then stay back for the light & sound show.

Few more points to help in your Khajuraho visit

Khajuraho is a small town. Its got a rustic rugged feel. Distances are small and you can reach the hotel, station, Temples in 10 – 15 minutes. Along the temple road most of the hotels are situated – the best are Lalit, Taj Chandella, Radisson and Clarks. I stayed at the Clarks – a nice 100-room property with sprawling lawns. Good service, decent food, Working Wi Fi, Comfortable rooms with Tata Sky. A good 4 star hotel and the rack rate is Rs 6000/- .

  • Lots of places to eat and you can get Veg / Non veg / Italian food – mostly place is frequented by Foreigners. Try the Marwari Agrawal Restaurant for pure Veg Thali and Veg food. Small place like a mess – serves excellent food. Is always packed. I had a great Thali and even packed my Train Dinner from here. (Located Near Harmony Hotel , Jain Temple Road)

Marwari Agrawal Restaurant

Places to visit near Khajuraho include

  1. Panna forest reserve and National Park – a 1 hr. drive (32Km) very bad road – surprised that it’s a National Highway. The Jungle and River Ken are calm and serene – but all you see are spotted Deer’s and Sambars. Its a large reserve spread across 543 Sq Km of dense Teak Jungle
  2. There are 4 Dams and a few waterfalls located at 30 – 45 min driving distance
  3. Ajaygarh Fort – 61 Km from Khajuraho, further ahead of Panna
  4. Jhansi – 158 Km, Good place to see historic forts and learn about Rani Lakshmibai. Shatabadi from Delhi stops at Jhansi.
  5. Rajgarh – 25 Km , Majestic 150 year old Hilltop Palace
  6. Kalanjar fort – 100 Km – a ancient site in Bundelkhand and a venerated seat of Lord Shiva. It was originally a prominent city built by the Gupta’s. in 3 Century AD.
  7. The closest Big city is Satna about 110 Km – Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Varanasi are all 300 – 500 Km away
  8. An overnight Train connects Khajuraho to Varanasi – and Varanasi to Bodh Gaya is not far away. So if you plan a holiday you can do Delhi – Jhansi / Orccha / Khajuraho / Varanasi / Bodh Gaya in 7 – 9 days.
  9. Bandhavgarh one of the best national parks in the country is 250 Km away – 6 to 7 hrs drive. The NH75 is under development and hopefully in next 6 months will be better.

Weather can be extreme – similar to Delhi. Winters are cold and summers are very hot. Best time to visit is between Oct and Feb. This is Bundelkhand the heart of the country. Surrounded by the Vindhyas it is well fed by rivers and has rich dense forests. The terrain is rugged. Still not developed well for tourism.

Myth & History of Khajuraho

The name Khajuraho comes from “Khajoor” or date palms. In 900 AD this place was a garden of date palms. It was well bestowed by nature with river, forests, fertile soil. Chandellas are a part of the Rajput Clan and claim to be descendants of the moon god. Legend has it that the moon god was attracted to a young widow Hemvathi and therein started the clan of the Chandellas. History however records the Chandellas as feudatories of the Pratihara kings. They proclaimed themselves independent when the Pratihara empire weakened. The Chandella dynasty ruled for about 400 years from 900 AD. On of the Chandella rulers Vijaydhara even successfully fought against the invader Mahmud of Ghazni. The Kandariya Mahadev temple was probably built to commemorate this victory. After 1100 AD the Chandella dynasty and Khajuraho declined rapidly and in 1350 when Ibn Battuta reached here it was a sad state far from its days of glory. It was only in 1838 that a British Officer T.S.Burt found Khajuraho and the British started its restoration.

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