Thursday, 30 June 2011

Pakistan in Guinness Book of World Records

Guinness Book 2009
Guinness Book 2009
Jashn-e-Azadi calls for celebrating and appreciating the people who made us proud. Its the time to count our achievements as a nation and don’t forget to count the blessings of being a Pakistani!
Here is the list of all Pakistanis who made their way into the Guinness Book of World Records.
Largest Volunteer Ambulance Organization
Abdul Sattar Edhi (Pakistan) began his ambulance service in 1948, ferrying injured people to hospital. Today, his radio-linked network includes 500 ambulances all over Pakistan, and attracts funds of US$5 million a year.

Smallest Qur’an
The smallest published Koran book measures 1.7 cm x 1.28 cm x 0.72 cm (0.66 in x 0.50 in x 0.28 in). It is published in an unabridged, bound version, in fine print Arabic and is 571 pages long. Dr Muhammad Karim Beebani at October 15, 2004 in Pakistan.

Highest Margin Of Victory – One Day Int.(Cricket)
The largest victory margin is 233 runs by Pakistan against Bangladesh (320 for the loss of three wickets to 87 all out), at Dhaka, Bangladesh, on June 2, 2000.
Youngest Cricket Test Player
The youngest Test player ever is (Pakistan) who made his debut, aged 14 years 227 days, against Zimbabwe at Faisalabad, Pakistan on 24 October 1996.
Born 11 March 1982 in Karachi, like other Pakistani cricketers Raza was given test match experience very early. The right-handed batsmen has played for Pakistan Customs, Habib Bank Limited, Karachi Cricket Association, and Pakistan.
Widest Gauge Railway
The widest gauge in standard use is 1.676 m (5 ft 6 in). This wide gauge is used in Spain, Portugal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Argentina, and Chile. The narrower standard gauge, 1.435 m (4.698 ft), is more common in much of America and Europe.
Most Wickets In A One-day International Career
The most wickets taken over a one-day international cricket career is 440 by Pakistan’s in 319 matches between 1985 and 2001. Wasim took the wickets at an average of 24.04 runs. Born in 1966 Lahore, started playing cricket, like many Pakistanis, on the streets. He made his international debut at the age of 18 after an invitation to join the national team’s training camp as they prepared for a match against New Zealand. Wasim’s ability to move the ball in the air combined with his pace and accuracy has earned him a reputation as one of the world’s best fast bowlers. In February 2000, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Fastest Cricket Bowler
The highest electronically measured speed for a ball bowled by any bowler is 100.23mph (161.3km/h) by Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan) against England on 22 February 2003 in a World Cup match at Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa.
Nicknamed the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ Shoaib burst onto the cricket scene in 1999, but has since struggled to cement a first choice place in the Pakistan line-up. He has played for many teams, including: Agriculture Development Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan International Airlines, Rawalpindi Cricket Association, Somerset, Khan Research Labs, Durham, Lashings and Pakistan.
Largest Mosque
The largest mosque is Shah Faisal Mosque, near Islamabad, Pakistan. The total area of the complex is 18.97 ha (46.87 acres), with the covered area of the prayer hall being 0.48 ha (1.19 acres). It can accommodate 100,000 worshippers.
Largest Football (Soccer)
A football made from artificial leather PV-PVC and hand-sewn by staff at Ihsan Sports of Hajipura, Sialkot, Pakistan, had a diameter of 4m (13ft 1in) when measured on 30 June 2002.
The super-sized soccer ball – an exact replica of the company’s standard football – was made from 32 separate panels that were laminated, printed then hand-stitched together. It was unveiled at the Al Faysaliah shopping mall in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by members of the Disabled Children’s Society. “I was amazed at the size of the football,” said one spectator, “and I imagine it would be really hard to actually play with.”
Heaviest Weight Lifted With Ear
The heaviest weight lifted using only the ear is 51.7 kg (113 lb 15 oz) by Zafar Gill (Pakistan), who lifted gym weights hanging from a clamp attached to his right ear and held the weight for seven seconds on May 26, 2004 at Lahore, Pakistan.
Largest Appendix Removed
An appendix removed from a 55-year-old Pakistani man on June 11, 2003, at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan, measured 23.5 cm (9.2 in) in length. The operation was carried out by Dr. Riaz Ahmed Khokhar. The appendix is a long, thin, worm-like pouch sticking out of the join between the large and small intestines. Doctors are still not sure of its purpose – or even if it has a purpose – and although it contains immune-system cells, if it’s surgically removed, health doesn’t suffer.
Largest Flaming Image Using Candles
The largest flaming candle image took place at the Serena Hotel in Faisalabad, Pakistan when 48 people lit 8,154 candles to create the Sandoz logo on December 31, 2003.
Most Men’s Squash World Team Titles
The most men’s squash world champi
onship team titles won is six, by Australia, in 1967, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1989, and 1991; and Pakistan, in 1977, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, and 1993.

Jahangir is listed in Guinness Book of World Records as having the most world championship squash titles. He was unbeaten in competitive play for five years. During that time he won 555 matches consecutively. This was not only the longest winning streak in squash history, but also one of longest unbeaten runs by any athlete in top-level professional sport.
Pakistani student blazes his way into Guinness Book of World Record
Sitting seven A-levels might easily have done the trick, even though he had started to study some of the subjects only three days before the exam.
But he was determined to get some good grades. So he sat another three, and three more. Then another nine. Just in case, he took a couple of AS levels along the way.
The 18 year-old boy genius took the long list of exams within 12-months netting himself 22 A grades, one B and one C .Well done!
Most World Championship Squash Titles
Since the World Open was inaugurated in 1975, has clinched the title eight times, with his relative Jahangir coming close behind winning six titles. But Jahangir has also claimed three International Squash Rackets Federation world individual titles, taking his tally of World titles to a record-breaking total of nine. In 1982 Jahangir astonished everyone by winning the International Squash Players Association Championship without losing a single point! Jansher played in his first World Open in 1987 in Birmingham, England, beating Jahangir in the semi-final. Jansher has only once failed to make it to the final in the 10 World Opens he has played.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
The famous Khan family have dominated the sport of squash for over 50 years. The champion family originates from a village called Nawakille in Pakistan. Jansher (born in 1960 and whose name means “Lion-Hearted”) succeeded his relatives – Peshawar, Hashim, Azam, Roshan, Moibullah (Senior), and Jahangir, all of them champion squash stars. Since 1950, the family has won 29 British Opens.
GUESS WHAT?Jansher Khan has beaten Australian Chris Dittmar a staggering 17 times in the finals! For much of Chris’ career he was ranked No.2 in the world, but finally managed to push Jansher off the top spot in the last week of his career

Mind-boggling “Cricket World Records” by Pakistan

Pakistan Cricket has suffered major “lows” in last 5 years due to their notorious acts. Pakistan is like a vagabond who irritates the street with his loud and notorious acts but, once he is gone, a part of you always miss him!
Pakistan has truly been a soul of this game. In every aspect of Cricket there are Pakistanis who keep the blood running in heart of Cricket. There are some astonishing and mind-boggling world records held by Pakistan. Some of those overwhelming records are:
1. Highest win/loss ratio in Home Tests
Pakistan’s home venues have become no-go zone for international teams due to security reasons but surprisingly Pakistan has the best home record in Test Cricket. Pakistan’s Win/Loss Ratio of 2.54 is the best among all nations. Pakistan has played 151 Tests at home; 56 won, 22 lost and 73 drawn, that gives ratio of 2.54 to Pakistan. Australia with 2.26 is second whereas Sri Lanka with 1.86 is third.
Shoaib Akhtar, who holds the record for fastest delivery ever bowled in Cricket, is ecstatic after taking wicket against South Africa
2. Fastest delivery bowled in International Cricket
In ICC World Cup 2003 match between Pakistan and England at Newlands (Cape Town), Shoaib Akhtar became the first bowler to cross the barrier of 100 mphs, his delivery to Nick Knight clocked 100.4 mph/ 161.9 kmph, making it fastest delivery bowled in International Cricket. Previously Shoaib Akhtar was claimed to bowl 100 mph by Cybernet’s speed gun in a match against New Zealand in Pakistan but ICC didn’t approve it.
Go Pigeon get it, Its a SIX! The power of an Afridi
3. Most “Sixes” in ODIs and International Cricket
“367” is the number of Sixes Shahid Afridi has hit in international cricket (including Tests, ODIs and T20 Int.), the most number of sixes by any batsman in International Cricket. In ODIs alone, he has hit 289 Sixes which is another world record.
He was stunning with numbers and was in his prime form in 2006; a year yielded 1788 runs and 9 centuries
4. Most runs by batsman in a calendar year of Test Cricket
In 2006, Mohammad Yousuf scored 1788 runs in 11 Tests at average of 99.33. He broke the previous record of 1710 runs in 11 Tests by Viv Richards. Yousuf’s innings were against India, Sri Lanka, England and West Indies. He was in sublime form throughout the year even on hostile batting wickets of England, he scored in bulk; 631 runs in 4 Tests including a double-century and 2 centuries. During course of 1788, Yousuf also scored 665 runs in a 3 Test series against West Indies –most runs by Pakistan batsman in 3 Test series – and he hit 5 centuries in consecutive matches.
5. Nine centuries in a calendar year of Test Cricket
2006 didn’t end for Yousuf by giving him most runs in a year but it also ended up giving him 9 centuries; another world record. At end of the year, in series against West Indies, Yousuf hit 4 centuries in 3 Matches which made his tally to 9 centuries in a year. Arvinda de Silva, Ricky Ponting, Viv Richards and Sachin Tendulkar have hit 7 centuries in a calendar year.
The Boom Boom goes areal! No one, in 15 years, has matched his world record
6. Fastest century in ODI Cricket
15 years to date, the auspicious record is still possessed by Shahid Afridi, or should I say Boom Boom Afridi. On 4th October (1996), Shahid Afridi – playing his first ODI innings – annihilated the Sri Lankan bowling attack by scoring century of 37 balls with help of 11 Sixes and 7 Fours. In 15 years, no one has threatened to break this record. The record for 4th fastest (45 balls against India in Kanpur 2006) and 7th fastest (53 balls against Bangladesh in Dambulla 2010) centuries is also held by Shahid Afridi, 3 out of top 10 fastest centuries belong to Shahid Afridi.
Wasim Akram was Captain's dream, fans' delight; the finest left-arm bowler Cricket has ever seen
7. Four International Hat-tricks
Wasim Akram leads the way with FOUR international hat-tricks; two in ODIs and two in Tests, most hat-tricks by any bowler in world. Akram’s two Test hat-tricks came in consecutive Tests against Sri Lanka which is also kind of a record however a bowler named James Mathews has taken two hat-tricks in one Test match. Wasim Akram was also the first Pakistani to take hat-trick in Test Cricket.
8. A Hat-trick in Test Cricket as well as ODI Cricket
Wasim Akram and Mohammad Sami are only two cricketers who have taken hat-trick in ODIs as well as in Tests. Mohammad Sami, surprisingly, has hat-trick against Sri Lanka in Tests and against West Indies in ODIs. There isn’t any bowler in World who has taken a hat-trick in all three formats of the game however Brett Lee, the Australian fast bowler, has taken a hat-trick in ODIs and Twenty20 Int.
Waqar Younis on his day - with banana-swing - was a bomb waiting to blast!
8. Most five-wicket hauls in ODI Cricket
Waqar Younis has taken 13 five-wicket hauls in 262 ODIs; a record of most-wicket hauls by any bowler in ODIs, not only this, he also has record for taking most 4+ wickets in ODIs; 27 times he has taken 4+ wickets in ODI Cricket.
9. Fastest to reach 100, 150, 200 and 250 ODI wickets
All the tallies belong to one man. Perhaps the best spinner ODI Cricket has ever seen. Saqlain Mushtaq, the off-spinner of Pakistan, has record for being the fastest to reach 100, 150, 200 and 250 ODI wickets. He also has two hat-tricks in ODIs; joint record with Wasim Akram, Chaminda Vass and Lasith Malinga.
10. Most wickets in a calendar year of ODIs
In 1996, Saqlain Mushtaq took 65 wickets in 33 ODIs which was record at that time. A year later, in 1997, he bettered his record with 69 wickets in 36 ODIs. To date, Saqlain’s tally of 69 wickets in a year remains the world record for most wickets in a calendar year of ODI Cricket.
The master and the pupil in tandem; Wasim taught Shoaib how to draw first blood!
11. Most ODI Wickets on a single ground
Wasim Akram has taken 122 wickets in 77 Matches at Sharjah, that’s record for most wickets by a bowler on a single venue. Second comes another Pakistani with Waqar Younis taking 114 wickets in 61 matches also at Sharjah. None other than “ The Ws” has taken 100 or more wickets on a single venue in ODI Cricket.
My eyes become wet when I see this picture. Trust me! He is world-beater of the game
12. Most “Sixes” by batsman in an innings of a Test
Wasim Akram, in course to his famous 257* against Zimbabwe in Sheikhupura 1996, hit 12 Sixes. Surprisingly its a World Record effort. He broke the record of Wally Hammod’s 10 sixes of an innings in 1933. Later Nathan Astle  (in 2002) and Mathew Hayden (in 2003) hit 11 sixes of their innings against England and Zimbabwe respectively.
13. 400 Test Wickets and a Double-century
Wasim Akram, to date, is only Cricketer to have taken 400 wickets and to score a double-century in his Test career. He grabbed 414 Tests wickets and scored double-century, 257*, against Zimbabwe. Akram is also one of few cricketers –Abdul Razzak and James Franklyn are others which I can recall – to have scored a century and taken a hat-trick in Tests. Akram’s two Test hat-tricks and a double-century also give him an unique all-rounder record.
14. Seven players of batting line-up’s top-order scoring 50+ in a Test innings
In Pakistan’s famous Test victory against India in Karachi 2006, seven Pakistan batsman scored 50+ runs in second innings. In first innings Pakistan were bowled out on 245 but in second innings Pakistan scored 599-7 (declared) with all 7 batsmen who were out scoring 50+ runs. Salmam Butt (53), Imran Farhat (57), Younis Khan (77), Mohammad Yousuf (97), Faisal Iqbal (139), Shahid Afridi (60) and Abdul Razzak (90) were part of this record.
Javed Miandad was the anchor always prepared for a storm; most consistent match-winner of his era
15. Nine consecutive fifties in ODI Cricket
Between March and October of 1987, Javed Miandad scored 9 fifties in consecutive ODIs. Javed’s innings were 78 , 78*, 74*, 60, 52*, 113, 71*, 68 and 103. He is the only batsman to go that far as second best is 6 consecutive fifties by Gordon Greenidge.
Asif had a brain of real craftsman; who could beat you anywhere in any format of the game. He made the ball to talk in every way possible
16. First maiden in Twenty20 Internationals
Mohammad Asif, Pakistan fast bowler, has distinction of bowling the first ever maiden-over in history of Twenty20 Internationals. On 28th August 2006, Asif bowled maiden over against England in Bristol and also took 2 wickets in that over. Astonishingly, it was also Pakistan’s first ever appearance in Twenty20 Internationals.
Umar Gul; they call him slave of rhythm and king of yorkers
17. Best bowling figures in Twenty20 Internationals
Umar Gul’s 5-wicket haul against New  Zealand in ICC World T20 2009 stands as finest spell bowled in Twenty20 Internationals. He took 5 wickets for 6 runs in his 3 overs, these are best figures by a bowler in Twenty20 Internationals.
18. Best bowling figures in Twenty20 Cricket
In first edition of Indian Premier League in 2008, Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Sohail Tanvir took 6 wickets for 14 runs in a match against Chennai Super Kings while playing for Rajhastan Royals. To date, 4-0-14-6 remains the best bowling figure by any bowler in Twenty20 Cricket.
Stupendous Afridi is a thunderbolt in go!
19. Most Wickets in Twenty20 Internationals
Star Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi leads the way with 53 wickets in 43 T20 Internationals, most wickets, so far, by any bowler in Twenty20 Internationals. He is also the first, and last so far, to take 50 wickets. Second and third are also Pakistanis, Umar Gul (47 wickets in 34 matches) is second whereas Saeed Ajmal (43 wickets in 30 matches) is third.
20. Youngest to take 5-wicket haul and most consecutive 5-wicket hauls in ODIs
Waqar Younis also holds the record for being youngest bowler to take 5 wickets in an ODI. In 1990, at age of 18 years and 164 days, Waqar took 6 wickets for 26 runs in a match against Sri Lanka at Sharjah. Second youngest is also a Pakistani as Wasim Akram, at age of 18 years and 266 days, took 5 wickets for 21 runs against Australia in Melbourne 1995.
In 1990, Waqar Younis also took three consecutive 5-wicket hauls in ODIs. None other than Waqar has taken 5-wicket hauls for three consecutive times. Waqar also took 7 wickets for 36 runs against England at Leeds in 2001, that remains the best bowling figure, in ODIs, by captain.
21. Highest partnerships for first and second wicket in First Class Cricket
Waheed Mirza and Mansoor Akhtar hold the record for highest opening partnership in First Class Cricket, both added 561 as openers in Karachi 1976-77. Record for highest second-wicket partnership also belongs to Pakistan’s pair of Aamir Sajjad and Rafatullah Mohmand; they added 580 for second wicket against Sui Southern Gas Corporation while playing for WAPDA in 2009.
22. Youngest to make Test and ODI Debuts
Hassan Raza, at age of 14 years 227 days, became the youngest player to make play a Test match. He debuted against Zimbabwe in Faisalabad in October 1996. Second and third youngest to make Test debut are also from Pakistan; Mushtaq Mohammad and Aqib Javed made their Test debuts at age of 15 years 124 days and 16 years 189 days respectively.
Hassan Raza, at age of 14 years 233 days, also became the youngest to play an ODI Match. He made his debut against Zimbabwe in Quetta in October 1996.
23. Youngest to score century in ODIs
Shahid Afridi’s maiden ODI century was not only the fastest it was also a century by youngest player in ODI Cricket. Afridi aged 16 years 217 days amassed century of 37 balls against Sri Lanka at Nairobi in 1996. 6 out of top 10 youngest players to score ODI century are from Pakistan.
The young bowler, who was in his new flights, cut his wings himself. He is younget fast-bowler to have 5 wicket-haul in Tests. Miss you!
24. Youngest to take 5-wicket haul in Tests
In 1958, slow left-arm orthodox bowler Nasim-ul-Ghani took 5 wickets for 116 runs, at age of 16 years 303 days, against West Indies in Georgetown. The 5-wicket haul made him youngest bowler to achieve this feat. He was also youngest player to make Test debut at that time.
Moreover, another young Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Aamir is youngest fast bowler to take 5 wickets in an Test innings. In December 2009, at age of 17 years 257 days, Aamir became the youngest fast bowler and second youngest bowler to take 5 wickets; he took 5 wickets for 79 runs against Australia in Boxing Day Test of 2009.
25. Youngest player to score double-century in Test Cricket
At age of 19 years 140 days, Javed Miandad became the youngest batsman to score a double-century in Test Cricket. In October 1976, Miandad scored 206 runs against New Zealand in Karachi.
26. Youngest bowler to take hat-trick in ODI Cricket
Aaqib Javed at age of 19 years 81 days became the youngest bowler to take hat-trick in ODIs. In Final of Sharjah Cup October 1991, Aqib Javed ripped apart Indian batting and claimed 7 wickets for 37 runs including a hat-trick. Ravi Shastri, Azharuddin and Tendulkar were victims of his hat-trick; all were out LBW. Aqib’s figures of of 7 for 37 were the best bowling figures of that time.
Hanif, the little master, was one of four brothers to play Test Cricket for Pakistan, a world record itself!
27. Only triple-century in second innings of the team
There have been many triple-centuries scored in Test Cricket but, to date, Hanif Mohammad’s 337 against West Indies in Bridgetown 1958 remains the only incident of a batsman scoring triple-century in second innings of the team. In his marathon innings, Hanif Mohammad batted for 970 minutes which is another World Record of longest Test innings played with-respect-to Minutes.
In same match, Pakistan were bowled out on 106 in first innings. In follow-on innings, Pakistan scored 657-8 (declared). The difference of 551 between two innings is the largest difference between a team’s first and second innings; a world record itself.
Now some joint records by Pakistan
28. Highest tenth-wicket partnership in Test Cricket
In 1997 against South Africa, pair of Azhar Mahmood and Mushtaq Ahmad added 151 runs for tenth wicket in Rawalpindi. Azhar Mahmood also scored century on debut in same match. The tally of 151 equaled the record by Hastings and Colling who also scored 151 for tenth-wicket against Pakistan in Auckland 1973.
29. Twin-centuries on Test Debut
Yasir Hameed is the only second batsman to score two-centuries on Debut. He scored 170 and 105 in his debut against Bangladesh in Karachi 2003. Lawrence Rao, of West Indies, is the only other batsman to score twin-centuries on debut; Rao also scored double century in one innings.
30. Maintaining average of 50 throughout batting career
Javed Miandad, along with Herbert Sutcliffe, is the only batsman in Test Cricket whose batting average never fell below 50. Miandad ended his career with batting average of 52.57, scoring 8832 runs in 124 Tests.
Cut, slice, pull, drive, smash, push, hook, sweep; Inzamam did all of them with his sheer class. Stunning resistor, he was!
31. Five batsmen scoring centuries in a Test Innings
In August 2003 at National Stadium Karachi against Bangladesh, Five batsmen of Pakistan’s batting line-up scored centuries, making it only second instant; first Australia’s five batsmen scored centuries in an innings. Saeed Anwar (101), Tafueer Umar (104), Inzamam-ul-Haq (105), Mohammad Yousuf (102*) and Abdul Razzak (110*) were part of this record.
Written and compiled by: Mazher Arshad [ www.facebook.com/mazher157 ]

Pakistani teen breaks O Level world record

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani school boy has smashed a world record by getting 23 A grades in his O Levels, taking inspiration from the controversial father of Pakistan’s atomic bomb who is hailed a national hero.
Ibrahim Shahid, 17, the son of a university professor of electrical engineering and educated at the private Beacon House School in Islamabad, set the record last month by achieving 23 As in 24 subjects in the Cambridge exam.
“It’s a recognition for my country. This has never been done at O Level,” he told AFP, dutifully thanking his parents and teachers.
“My teacher in Australia told my father ‘Mr Shahid your son is an average student and he never can excel,’ and then I decided to prove myself,” he said in reference to two years he spent in Australia at primary school.
Shahid has yet to decide what to study at university, but said he is drawn to physics and economics, wanting to do something to help his homeland, teetering on the edge of economic meltdown and beset by poverty.
“I want to do something for my country – something unique,” he said. He confessed to being “worried” about Pakistan, which suffers a critical “brain drain” of talent to the West.
Shahid said he takes inspiration from Abdul Qadeer Khan, widely hailed a hero in Pakistan, but reviled in the West after he confessed in 2004 to selling nuclear secrets to Iran, Libya and North Korea.
Until February 2009, Khan was subject to a house of arrest for operating a nuclear proliferation ring, but Washington says he still represents a risk.
“I’m impressed by Doctor Qadeer Khan. I want to serve my country.
“The future generation has to believe in hardwork. They should not be disheartened. They should work hard to make the impossible possible,” he said.
The Cambridge O Level is an internationally recognised qualification for children aged 14 to 16, as part of preparation for university entrance and before end of school examinations.
It is designed especially for the international market and students whose first language may not be English.
Shahid’s teacher Qurat-Ul-Ain welcomed his achievement as a rare piece of good news and a “message of hope” for Pakistan’s future. – AFP

Wednesday, 29 June 2011

Why is Information Technology Important

Definition of Information Technology
Information Technology or IT, also cited as Information Service (IS) or Management Information Service (MIS), can be defined as the development, design, study, implementation and management of computer related information. It can also be defined as the use of computer (hardware and software) to manage information.

What is Information Technology?
In the era of 1960s and 1970s, information technology was limited to people working in the banking sector, mathematical engineers and computer scientists. In 1980s, the arrival of personal computers made it possible to be used in many more sectors and gave rise to a surge in the field of information technology. Previously, for the purpose of business, storage tapes were created by a single network administrator to interconnect employee workstations. The information stored in this workstation was placed in a server farm, located far off from the industry. However, now people have started communicating, using e-mails instead of snail-mails. It is an industry which deals with the usage of computer hardware and software and networking. Information technology has accomplished a lot in the 21st century. IT is a combination of computer and communication technology. It is the transfer of information from one peer to another.

Why is Information Technology important?
Information technology is used for storing, protecting, processing, securing, transmitting, receiving and retrieving information. In business establishments, information technology is used for solving mathematical and logical problems. Information technology helps in project management system. Firstly, planning is done, then the data is collected, sorted and processed and finally, results are generated. It helps managers and workers to inquire about a particular problem, conceive its complexity and generate new products and services, thereby improving their productivity and output.

The primary importance of information technology in education is that various learning resources can be accessed instantly, by students as well as teachers, at their convenience. Learners can also adopt multimedia approach and collaborative learning. The information is authentic and the latest updated information is available. Multiple communication approaches like chats, forums, e-mails, etc. can be adopted by them. Students can access the on-line libraries and distance learning is also possible. Information technology has proved to be a significant employer. Many people with knowledge of computers have got jobs in the field of information technology and have successfully made it into a career. It has helped in finding cures for many diseases thereby serving mankind in more ways than one. Different kind of softwares are provided for hearing and visually impaired people which aids them in their passion for learning new things and gathering information.

Hopefully this article has given you an idea about why is information technology important today and also about its advantages. Information technology has advanced tremendously since its invention and will continue to advance in the future. In today's world, owing to its wide applications, sound knowledge of information technology is a must for having a successful career.

Computer Technology Topics

The 21st century is the age of computer technology and it has brought about a fundamental change in every facet of our life. It has largely influenced the way we communicate and the way information exchange is facilitated in today's world. An emergent phenomenon that is a byproduct of advances in computer networking technology, is the Internet. It has truly transformed the world into a global village, with every part of the world linked to its vast network. This happened out of the evolution of the field of information technology (IT), which harnesses the power provided by computer technology. In this article, I have presented computer technology topics for your perusal. The aim is to provide you with an overview of the vast field of computers and related computer hardware topics.

Topics About Computer Technology

If you are planning to pursue a career in information technology. You have a lot to learn. This is a compendium of all computer related topics that will give you an idea about the things you need to know, as you become a part of the large community of computer technologists. It involves information about the history of computers, as well as topics on new technology in computer. It's singularly impossible to cover each and every topic related to computers and information technology in one article. That's why, I have provided links to detailed articles on various trends in computer technology.

Computer History Topics
Programmable computers have been in development since the 1930s. Within seven to eight decades, computers have evolved from the early vacuum tube based four storey computers to the laptop computers and supercomputers of today. The development of computer operating systems and establishment of software development industries, combined with advances in semiconductor physics, have led to the portable PC revolution we see today. If you are researching computer history, here are some interesting topics to read.

    * When was the First Computer Made
    * History of Computers
    * Who Made the First Computer
    * Intel Microprocessor History
    * History of Microprocessor
    * When was the First Computer Invented
    * History of Macintosh Computers
    * Computer History: Full Timeline
    * Evolution of Computers
    * Internet History

Computer Hardware
Computer hardware provides the functionality needed to drive the juggernaut of information technology that is taking the world by storm. Check out articles on the latest desktop computers and laptop computers. You may also find the laptop buying guide helpful. Here are some computer hardware related topics that include information about everything ranging from computer processors to data storage devices.

Computer Processor Topics

    * Best Computer Processor
    * What are Computer Chips Made Of
    * AMD vs Intel Processors
    * Intel Core i3 Vs i5 Vs i7
    * 32 Bit vs. 64 Bit Processors
    * Intel Core i3 Vs Core 2 Duo
    * Quad Core vs Dual Core
    * What is Processor Cache
    * i3 vs Dual Core
    * Intel vs AMD Processor Comparison 2010

Computer Motherboard

    * Best Motherboard Brand
    * Computer Motherboard Types
    * Best Gaming Motherboard for the Money
    * What is a Motherboard
    * How to Install a New Motherboard

Computer Memory

    * Computer Memory Types
    * How Does Computer Memory Work
    * Computer Memory Test
    * What is Virtual Memory
    * How to Check RAM
    * How to Increase Virtual Memory
    * What is Computer RAM

Computer Hard Drives

    * Hard Drives
    * Hard Drive Types
    * External Hard Drives
    * How to Use an External Hard Drive
    * How to Check Hard Drive Space
    * Repair Bad Sectors on Hard Drive
    * How to Clean Computer Hard Drive
    * How to Format a Hard Drive
    * Hard Drive Repair

Data Storage

    * Data Storage Types
    * Types of Databases
    * RAID 5 Vs. RAID 1
    * RAID Levels Explained
    * Advantages of Relational Databases
    * Storage Area Network

Computer Repair

    * Troubleshooting Computer Problems
    * Cyclic Redundancy Error
    * PC Keeps Rebooting on Startup
    * Computer Freezes After Startup
    * Print Screen Not Working
    * System Restore Does Not Work
    * High CPU Usage Problem
    * Sound Card Problems
    * Computer Overheating
    * Boot Up Problems
    * Fix Cyclic Redundancy Check Error

Computer Networking Topics
What made Internet technology possible was the advances in computer networking technology. Based on the OSI and TCP/IP model, the working of the Internet and any computer network is made possible due to the synchronized working of various hardware devices. Here are some computer technology topics related to networking.

    * Computer Networking
    * Routers
    * Wireless Networking
    * Internet Technology
    * Internet Access
    * TCP/IP

The range of computer technology topics provided above are testimony to the complexity involved in this field. Computers are taking over most of the data processing jobs in finance field. Through the integration of advanced electronics and computing technology, robotics is emerging as a field of the future. The ultimate dream of computer technologists is developing an artificial intelligence. An artificial mind that will be able to think and figure out things on its own. While it still remains a very distant dream, smart machines and robots, with limited analytical capabilities have already been developed. It is safe to conclude that the future of computing technology is very promising!

Lordosis Treatment

A normal spine, though appears straight when viewed from behind, has four natural curves- cervical curvature, thoracic curvature, lumbar curvature and sacral curvature. The cervical and lumbar curves are together known as lordotic curves whereas the sacral and thoracic curves are known as kyphotic curves. These curves along with the inter vertebral discs play an important role in absorbing and distributing mechanical stress that occurs from everyday activities. However, excessive inward curve may occur due to certain reasons and this condition is called as lordosis. Let us have a look at lordosis causes and lordosis treatment.

Lordosis Causes
Lordosis, also known as swayback, is a very common condition that occurs in people irrespective of age. It is a spine disorder that is characterized by excessive curvature in the lower back area. Hollow back or saddle back are the terms used to describe excessive lordotic curvature. There are several factors that can cause lordosis. Let us have a look at some of them:

    * Osteoporosis
    * Achondroplasia
    * Obesity
    * Spondylolithesis
    * Posture
    * Kyphosis
    * Tight low back muscles
    * Pregnancy
    * Excessive visceral fat

Lordosis of the spine is generally caused because of the difference in thickness between inter-vertebral discs. Sometimes, some of the muscles around the hip region and the spine become tight and some become weak and stretched. This results in an imbalance and the condition known as lower crossed syndrome, which can cause a curvature in the spine.

Lordosis Symptoms
Lordosis is not always symptomatic, and can go unnoticed at times. However, excessive lordotic curvature may result in excessive strain on the lower back. The person with lordosis may have a poor vertebral posture. The buttocks protrude outward more than usual and the lower back dips inward, resulting in an exaggerated posture. Lordosis symptoms may vary from person to person and some may suffer from pain in the lower back and down the legs, and changes in the bowel and bladder habits. Sometimes, the symptoms of lordosis resemble other spine deformities. Hence, it is advisable to consult a physician for proper diagnosis.

Lordosis Treatment
Lordosis generally does not cause any discomfort or serious problems and often does not require any special treatment. However, in case of excessive lordosis, the curvature may lead to severe pain in the lower back and needs to be treated. Diagnostic procedures of lordosis include X- rays, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scans, computed tomography scan and blood tests.

Cervical lordosis treatment depends on the nature and severity of the lordotic curvature. The non surgical conservative treatments may include pain management drugs, like analgesics or anti inflammatory medications, physical therapy including some specific lordosis exercises program, back bracing and reduction of body weight. Lordosis exercises include stretching of the overactive muscles like the hip flexors and strengthening the abs and hip extensors. One could go for stiff leg deadlifts, low bar squats or glute hamstring raises. The progression of the skeletal curve is checked frequently during the course of treatment in order to prevent the deformity.

Severe lordosis, however, may cause serious health problems, and hence may require surgery. A spine surgery may be required when all the non surgical treatments fail to provide relief. There can be different surgical procedures involved for lordosis depending on the type and intensity of the curvature. Spinal fusion is a type of corrective surgery which is often recommended in case of extreme lordosis. A specific diet and a daily exercise plan may be prescribed after the surgery for effective recovery. Read more on spinal fusion recovery.

This was all about lordosis treatment. Early detection of the condition can give you several treatment options and ensure effective recovery. However, if you have lordosis, but do not suffer from any serious symptoms, there is no need for any treatment.

Cervical Lordosis

Cervical spine normally has a curvature that helps to stabilize both the head and spine and maintains balance. Usually, the cervical spine is C-shaped, with the C pointing towards the back of the neck. But, sometimes, this curvature can change or it can become deeper than the normal curvature, which is known as cervical lordosis. It typically refers as an abnormal inward curvature of the neck area and such exaggerated curvature can make the head appear slightly pushed forward than its normal position. Another problem with cervical spine is straight neck, which is the name used for the condition where the normal curvature of the neck begins to straighten. The medical term for this condition is cervical kyphosis.

Cervical Lordosis Causes

Cervical lordosis can be caused by several factors. For some, it can be an inherited or congenital condition. However, most of the cases of cervical lordosis can be attributed to not maintaining correct posture and injury or trauma to the neck region. Apart from these, osteoporosis, which is characterized by the loss of mineral density of the bones can also bring about a change in the normal curvature of the cervical spine. The disease can make the bones fragile and more prone to breakage or fracture, besides weakening the vertebra to cause lordosis. Other factors that can change the normal curvature of the cervical spine are obesity and achondroplasia.

Cervical Lordosis Symptoms

Cervical lordosis is usually not accompanied by any symptom like pain. Many times the person having the condition has been observed to remain unaware of any change in the curvature of his or her neck for several years. The curvature of the cervical spine changes quite slowly. When the change is significant, then one can observe the head to look like as if it has been pushed forward, or is lying slightly below than its normal position. Rarely, a small number of individuals can experience neck pain due to cervical lordosis, only in severe cases. Pain can be caused by the compression of nerves in the neck region, due to changes in the curvature of the cervical spine.

Cervical Lordosis Treatment

The changes in the curvature of the cervical spine can be detected by the physical examination of the area. However, diagnostic tests like X-rays and MRI would be required to determine the extent of change in the curvature and whether the change is associated with any neurological condition. Generally, cervical lordosis does not require any medical treatment, unless it is of severe nature, cause lots of pain and discomfort and limit the range of motion. In such cases, pain killers can be required to reduce the pain associated with the condition. Most of the cases of cervical lordosis can be managed with the help of physical therapy and posture correction.

Braces can be used to hold the spine in proper alignment and correct its curvature. Sometimes, using support pillows can too prove quite beneficial for restoring the normal curvature of the neck. Cervical lordosis exercises on the other hand can help to strengthen the neck muscles and correct the abnormal curvature of the neck or the cervical spine. In this regard, you can practice the neck stretches and neck exercises. One such simple exercise is to bring the head and neck forward and then back. Another easy exercise is to move the neck side to side towards the shoulders.

However, a few cases of cervical lordosis may require surgery. Surgery for spinal fusion is generally considered as the last resort for treating the abnormal curvature of the cervical spine. But, the process can pose certain risks like, loss of flexibility and elasticity of the spine, which need to be considered and properly evaluated before opting for surgery. This is the reason why physicians think about surgery, only when other treatment options fail to correct the curvature of the spine. You can talk to your physician about the various treatment options for cervical lordosis to know about their benefits and complications and then decide accordingly. At the same time, do not forget to maintain the correct body posture and discuss with your physician about physical therapy or the safe exercises to correct neck posture and other problems associated with the vertebral or spinal column.

Tuesday, 28 June 2011

What are the Elements of Culture

There are different types of cultures across the world and each culture has its unique essence. While defining the term ‘culture’, there are several elements that together constitute as the culture of a particular region or the culture of particular people. What are the elements of culture? Here is your answer:

    * Language: The various languages are essentially an important part of the culture. Read information about different languages.
    * Norms: Every society or every civilization has a set of norms, which are an inseparable part, and an important element of the culture. This can include the folkways, mores, taboos and rituals in a culture.
    * Values: The social values of a particular civilization are also considered as an element of the culture. The values of a culture often refer to the things to be achieved or the things, which are considered of great worth or value in a particular culture.
    * Religion and Beliefs: The religion and the beliefs of the people in a civilization play an important role in shaping up of the culture as well. Read information about world religions.
    * Social Collectives: Social collectives refer to the social groups, organizations, communities, institutions, classes, and societies, which are considered as symbolic social constructions.
    * Statuses and Roles: A status or a social role is nothing but a slot or position within a group or society, which gives an overall idea of the social structure and hence is an important element of culture. This can also include traditional gender-based or age-based roles.
    * Cultural Integration: This includes the degree of harmony or integration within the various elements of culture. This can include elements like sub-cultures, local cultures and the difference between historical and cultural traditions.

What is Culture

Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future - Albert Camus

Culture is an integral part of every society. It is a learned pattern of behavior and ways in which a person lives his or her life. Culture is essential for the existence of a society, because it binds people together. In the explicit sense of the term, culture constitutes the music, food, arts and literature of a society. However, these are only the products of culture followed by the society and cannot be defined as culture.

According to English Anthropologist Edward B Taylor, culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.

Culture is something that a person learns from his family and surroundings, and is not ingrained in him from birth. It does not have any biological connection because even if a person is brought up in a culture different from that in which he was born, he imbibes the culture of the society where he grows up. It is also not a hidden fact that some people feel the need to follow the beliefs and traditions of their own culture, even though they might be not subscribing to certain ideologies within.

Culture is a complex tool which every individual has to learn to survive in a society. It is the means through which people interact with others in the society. It acts in a subconscious way and whatever we see and perceive, seems to be normal and natural. Sometimes, other societies and people seem to be a little odd because they have a different culture from ours. We must remember that every society has a distinct culture that forms the backbone of the society. Culture does not remain stagnant, on the other hand it is evolving constantly and is in fact somewhat influenced by the other cultures and societies.

Every society has a different culture, where people share a specific language, traditions, behaviors, perceptions and beliefs. Culture gives them an identity which makes them unique and different from people of other cultures. When people of different cultures migrate and settle in another society, the culture of that society becomes the dominant culture and those of the immigrants form the subculture of the community. Usually, people who settle in other nations imbibe the new culture, while at the same time strive to preserve their own.

Although every society has a specific culture, there are certain elements of culture that are universal. They are known as cultural universals, in which there are certain behavioral traits and patterns that are shared by all cultures around the world. For instance, classifying relations based on blood relations and marriage, differentiating between good and bad, having some form of art, use of jewelry, classifying people according to gender and age, etc., are common in all cultures of the world.

Some people believe that humans are the only living beings who have a culture. But, there is a group of people who believe in the existence of culture even in animals. It is said that animals have certain social rules which they teach their young ones as a medium for survival.

Culture is necessary to establish an order and discipline in the society. It is not only a means of communication between people, but also creates a feeling of belonging and togetherness among people in the society.

Traditional Jewish Wedding Dance

Last week, I got an opportunity to witness a Jewish wedding. It was simply amazing! The most fascinating thing about the Jewish wedding is that it follows a series of meaningful rituals and traditions that have been passed on from generation to generation. These rituals and customs reveal the purpose of marriage and are symbolic of the relationship between husband and wife. The Jewish wedding ceremony is truly worth watching. It starts with a procession, in which the family members of the bride and the groom participate. The wedding ceremony takes place under a special canopy, known as a huppah. Signing the marriage contract, called the Ketubah, is an important ritual of a Jewish wedding ceremony. The agreement states the duties and expectations of the chatan (groom) and the kallah (bride). The wedding ceremony is followed by a joyous celebration, called a wedding reception. The true charm of Jewish wedding lies in various interesting cultural activities that are performed during the wedding reception. The wedding celebration is never complete without music and traditional Jewish dance.

Traditional Jewish Wedding Dances

Music and dance are an integral part of a Jewish culture. Singing and dancing are a perfect way to express pleasure and happiness. Some examples of traditional Jewish dances are horah, mizinke (krenzl), Israeli folk dance, bulgar, broiges dance and yemenite. Jewish dances are performed at various Jewish festivals and celebrations. The Jews have included their traditional dances as a vital part of wedding celebrations. Even in the modern times, Jews perform wedding dances during the marriage ceremony to pay homage to their traditions. The couple usually prefer to hire a Jewish band that is familiar with traditional as well as contemporary Jewish wedding music. By ritual, the wedding couple (bride and groom) are the first to dance and the guests are invited to participate. Following are some of the popular traditional Jewish wedding dances:

    * Horah: It is a popular traditional Jewish dance, performed at special occasions like weddings and festivals in Israel and many other East European countries. Horah is a circle dance, performed to traditional Jewish songs like Hava Nagila and Klezmer. The Horah dance is performed in many variations. During the Horah, the guests lift the bride and the groom (considered as 'the king and the queen of the night') above their shoulders. While sitting on the chairs, the couple holds on to the ends of a handkerchief. The guests form a huge circle around the couple and dance in clockwise and anticlockwise directions. They perform various foot movements like kicks and other grapevine-like steps. This is accompanied by bopping up and down as well as weaving. The circle of dancers come in close to the couple and go out again.
    * Mezinke Tanz (Krenzl): It is another famous Jewish wedding dance, performed particularly at the wedding reception. It is derived from the Krenzl dance. Krenzl is a Jewish custom: the bride's mother is honored by a crown at her last daughter's marriage. The bride's mother sits at the center of a circle. She is crowned with flowers and her daughters and guests dance around her on the rhythm of a lively music band. Mezinke Tanz is performed in honor of both parents, whose last son or daughter is getting married. Both parents sit at the center of a circle and the guests gift them wedding flowers.
    * Gladdening of the Bride: This traditional Jewish wedding dance form is performed at the end of the wedding reception. The bride sits at the center of dance floor and the guests and close family members dance around her. They also sing praises about her.
    * Yemenite: A popular Jewish dance that the Jews perform at weddings and other occasions, the Yemenite involves just three steps with a small pause on the last one. It has non-moving hopping and posturing and hence, can be performed in confined space.

Lively, traditional Jewish wedding dance is a symbol of a rich cultural heritage of the Jews. It gives a ceremonial touch to the atmosphere and makes the wedding and reception ceremony enjoyable and a memorable one.

US Culture of the 1950s

The '50s were an eventful decade in American cultural history.

Arts
African American artists like Romare Bearden and Henry Clay Anderson presented a different view of American life. Abstract expressionism was the first American art movement to gain worldwide influence. Its proponents included Barnett Newman, Franz Kline and Clyfford Still. Figurative art returned.

Literature
Published works included ‘The Wall’ by John Hershey, ‘East of Eden’ by John Steinbeck, ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D.Salinger and ‘The Naked Lunch’ by Williams Burroughs. Beatniks and the beat generation reached their peak in the '50s.

Television
Sales of television sets increased dramatically in the '50s. Watching television became a national pastime. It became more popular than radio. Advertising increased manifold. Broadcasts that were earlier in black and white, later moved on to color. TV influenced people on a massive scale. The popular television shows for kids were ‘Mickey Mouse Club’, ‘Walt Disney’, ‘Lassie and ‘Howdy Doody Time’. The popular comedy shows were ‘The Families of the Fifties’, ‘I Love Lucy’ and ‘The Honeymooners’. The popular drama shows were ‘Private Everywhere’, ‘Superman’, ‘The Twilight Zone’ and ‘The Dragnet’. ‘American Bandstand’ hosted by Dick Clark was one of the popular shows for teenagers. Sitcoms were introduced in the '50s. News broadcasting changed from newsreaders simply reading the news to videos of news events. Live broadcasting became more common. There were Quiz shows like ‘What’s My Line’ and ‘The Price is Right’. There were prominent newscasters like CBS’s Walter Cronkite and NBC’s David Brinkley and Chet Huntley. For the first time the Miss America Pageant was televised.

Films
The first 3-D movie 'Bwana Devil' was released starring Robert Stack. The famous movie stars of the '50s were Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, John Wayne and Bing Crosby. The movie ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ was extremely popular and well received. The Walt Disney Studios had a widespread success with animated films like ‘Sleeping Beauty’, ‘Lady and the Tramp’, ‘Peter Pan’, ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘Cinderella. ‘All About Eve’ was released. James Dean, movie star of ‘Rebel without a Cause’ was killed while driving his car at high speed. Classics like ‘Ben-Hur’, ‘Cleopatra’, ‘Hercules’ and ‘The Ten Commandments’ were released. Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’ was released. Many movies were released with the Cold war as a backdrop or were based on science fiction.

Music
Rock ‘n' Roll was introduced. It was regarded as a threat to the character of America’s youth. Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed coined the term ‘Rock ‘n' Roll’. Western and Country music were also popular. Popular artists and groups were Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Bill Haley and the Comets, Doris Day and Dean Martin. Some of the popular songs of the '50s were ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, ‘I Saw Mommy Kissin’ Santa Claus’, ‘Mr Sandman’, ‘Its All in the Game’, ‘Kisses Sweeter Than Wine’, ‘Doggie in the Window’ and ‘My Happiness’. Elvis Presley was the musical superstar of the 50’s. It is claimed that Elvis bought the races together with his popularizing of ‘black’ music. With the introduction of new gadgets such as portable tape recorders, music could be heard in any location. Three rock and roll stars ‘Big Bopper’ Richardson, Ritchie Valens and Buddy Holly died in a plane crash. Crooners like Perry Como and Dinah shore were popular. The music of the '50s is still played today.

Drama and Theatre
Popular plays were ‘Come Back Little Sheeba’, ‘The King and I’, ‘Waiting for Godot’, ‘The Crucible’ and ‘the Bad Seed’. The ‘Cat on a hot Tin Roof’ won the Pulitzer Prize.
‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ was one of the most emotionally charged plays of the '50s. Alvin Ailey created the American Dance Theatre.

Fashion
The fashion was conservative in the fifties. Ponytails were popular among girls and crew cuts for guys. Bermuda shorts became popular. The Marlon Brando movie ‘The Wild One’ made T-shirts and black leather motorcycle jackets popular. Women’s skirts and hair became shorter. Marilyn Monroe made tight, v-neck sweaters popular. Pantyhose were introduced in the American market.

The '50s saw an emergence of several new trends. It was indeed a novel and exciting time for American culture. Some of its facets still exist in modern society.

Traditional German Clothing

Fashion trends now-a-days are on similar lines all over the world. Germany may not be recognized as an important fashion destination but fashion did have a significant role to play out here. German fashion is known by their classic style of dressing. Germany also boasts of some creative fashion designers as well. Of course, the scene today is quite different from the traditional German clothing. In the olden days, colors also had an important part to play as far as German clothing was concerned. Have you ever wondered what traditional German clothing was really like? Was fashion as liberated as we see it today? Get to know all the know-how about traditional German clothing right here.

Traditional German Clothing:

Dirndl:
A dirndl is a traditional dress, which was worn in the Southern area of Germany. Originally, the dirndl is a simplified version of the folk costume. The dirndl was actually the uniform of the Austrian servants. This was during the 19th century. In the ancient days, every village even had its own particular style of this dress.

The dirndl comprises of many garments that makes up the entire outfit. This has a bodice, which is worn with a blouse, a full skirt and even an apron. The ancient days saw many simplistic designs of the dirndl. Today, one can come across many expensive versions of the same. This traditional German outfit was styled into a heavier design for the winter days. In such cases, materials such as thick cotton or even wool were used for the skirts or even the aprons.

The dirndl is worn today only for traditional events. In the earlier days, the dirndl was often in softer colors as compared to the brightly colored outfits one may see today. The designs available today are also modified to suit the modern trends. A knot on the apron of the dirndl is considered to be a symbol to indicate that the woman is married.

Lederhosen:
The lederhosen mean leather trousers in German. These are knee breeches and were worn by the Germanic men of the Alpine areas and the surrounding locales as well. The lederhosen are made of leather. This traditional style of German clothing was also worn by young German boys till the age of 16. As compared to the traditional Bavarian garment, the lederhosen were less decorated in these cases. It always had features such as the suspenders and the front flaps. The lederhosen were worn in the mountains of South Germany and were preferred by riders or hunters.

Tracht:
Traditional German clothing cannot be complete without the mention of tracht. The style of the traditional tracht has even resulted in the creation of the Landhausmode. Landhausmode sees its influences from the costumes that were worn by the farmers and the peasants. For this outfit, there is major use of linen and loden material.

Gamsbart:
The Gamsbart is also a part of traditional German clothing. The Gamsbart is actually a tuft of hair that is used as a form of a decorative element. This is worn on the trachten hats. Here, the lower end of the hair is set into metal and the upper portion tufts out like a brush. As per the old traditions, these were placed only on hats. Even today, the Gamsbart is used as a part of clothing and is infused in female clothing as well.

It was probably only till the 16th century that people who belonged to the lower strata of society had to wear shades of brown or gray. In fact, clothes in shades of blue were worn only on holidays. When the industrial revolution took place in the middle of the 19th century, factory made outfits started to conquer the markets. Even then, the end of the 19th century saw a revival of these native dresses. This can be seen in the modern styles of dirndls that are found today in the market.

The Culture of Peru

In one of her quotes, Margaret Mead, who was an American anthropologist, says that understanding other cultures should sharpen our ability to scrutinize more steadily, to appreciate lovingly, our own. Lets understand the culture of Peru. Peruvian culture is a conglomerate of characteristic traits, which depict a particular society or a social group. It was shaped by the relationship between Hispanic and Amerindian cultures.

Peru, located on the western coast of South America, shares its borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile. The Pacific Ocean guards it from the West. Lima, its capital, is the largest city in Peru. Peru varies greatly in climate and topography. The arid region along the coast, a region of high mountains in the center, and a large area of forested mountains and lowlands in the east form the three geographical regions of Peru. Geography of a country influences its culture, and this is evident even in Peru. The culture of Peru is one of the most diverse in South America.

Peruvian culture encompasses art, literature, traditions of Peru and also the Peruvian lifestyle. Diversity is at its best in Peru! Culture of Peru is primarily ingrained in Amerindian and Spanish traditions. African, Asian, and European ethnic groups have influenced Peruvian culture.

Art
Peru is known as the heart of Inca Empire. Peruvian artistic traditions can be traced back to Pre-Inca cultures. The Incas kept up these crafts. The construction of Machu Picchu illustrates the architectural achievements made by Incas. Colonial art was dominated by Baroque. Most art focused on religious subjects during this period. Jose Sabogal headed the indigenous school of painting, which dominated the cultural scene in Peru, for ten years after 1932. During the 1960s, Fernando de Szyszlo, a Peruvian artist of international recognition, became the main promoter for abstract painting and helped in modernizing Peruvian art. Peru is proud of one of the largest varieties of arts and crafts in the world. Peruvian art has combined with the art style brought by the Spanish conquistadors resulting into an art form called Naif. Young artists are encouraged by Peru’s economy.

Literature
Peruvian literature has originated from the oral traditions of pre-Columbian civilizations. Spaniards initiated writing in the 16th century. 20th century was witness to writers like Ciro Alegria, Jose Maria Arguedas, and Cesar Vallejo. Mario Vargas Llosa, during the second half of the century, made Peruvian literature popular. Today many Peruvian writers are living in the USA.

Dance and Music of Peru
Marinera is known as the "National Dance of Peru". There are also dances that are associated with the agricultural work, hunting and war. Some dances show an influence of Christians. "Kashua" and the "Wayno" are two representative Andean dances. Kashua is usually danced in groups whereas Wayno is danced in couples. Peru has some dances of war like the Chiriguano and also the Carnival Dances. Dances of ritual character are the Achocallo, the Pinkillada, and the Llamerada. Llama is a South American camelid. Llamerada imitates its walk. The local community of Peru has preserved Peruvian music for thousands of years. It is a blend of Andean and Spanish styles of music. Ancient Peruvian instruments were made out of a wide variety of materials like conch shells, precious metals, horns or mud. The yaravi and the triste of the Andean origin are generally songs with emotional lyrics.

Celebrations in Peru
Peru celebrates about 3,000 festivals every year. Most of them are related to the Christian religion. Apart from Christmas, Corpus Christi or Holy Week, there are other festivals, which attempt to analogize indigenous beliefs with the Christians. "Alasitaswhich" combines a crafts and miniatures fair with dances and meals.

Cuisine in Peru
A variety of foods are eaten in Peru, the main ingredients of the food items being maize, tomatoes and potatoes. Fruits like chirimoya, lucuma and pineapple are consumed by the Peruvians. One of the typical Peruvian dishes is "ceviche", in which fish are marinated in citrus juice. The food of the Peruvians is accompanied by a refreshing drink called "chicha de jora".

People of Peru
In the words of Francis Arinze, an African prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, Religion is one dimension of culture, a transcendent element of it. Peru's constitution provides for freedom of religion. Peru is mainly a Catholic country. Roman Catholicism plays a vital role in the culture and civilization of Peru. It is Peru’s official religion. Muslim, Hindu, Buddhism are the other religions found in Peru. Over 50% of Peru's population lives on the coastal areas of Peru, Others live in the mountain areas. Less than 5% of the inhabitants live in the jungle areas of Peru. Around 45% of the people of Peru are indigenous, and around 37% are mestizo. The national language is Spanish. Quechua is also spoken. Cusco is seen as the cultural capital of Peru by many. On an average, 92% of the Peruvian men and about 79% of the Peruvian women are literate.

Modern culture of Peru is a combination of the ancient and the contemporary! In spite of the globalization, Peruvians of today have not forgotten their traditions. They cherish their cultural diversity.

The Culture of Philippines

Philippines is a really beautiful country that sees a mix of diverse cultures. The culture of Philippines has seen various influences in the past. This beautiful country consists of around 7,107 islands with a large settlement of mostly Malay people. The Filipinos, as the people over here are known, are distinctive in many ways and have preserved their rich traditions and culture. Here, we shall take a look at the finer aspects of the culture of Philippines.

The Culture of Philippines: Family and Lifestyle
With over 70 million people, the Republic of Philippines has a mixed crowd that consists of different religions and people from various regions. One can see a mix of Christians and Muslims. The Chinese, Americans and Spanish lot are also spotted and Christianity is widely practiced out here. The Filipinos hold family ties in high regard. Discipline is instilled in the blood of young Filipinos at an early age. Nuclear families are a common factor out here although many Filipinos do stay close to each other. Families are rather conservative in their outlook and it is considered inappropriate when a female visits the house of a male. The people of Philippines are bound together by strong values.

The Culture of Philippines: Cuisine
The cuisine of Philippines is as varied and diverse as the culture in itself! One can see an array of food items being prepared apart from the traditional flavor of Philippines. The Chicharon is a popular snack in the Philippines. This is deep fried pork or chicken dish. Apart from this, the bibingka which is a rice cake and the ensaymada which is a sweet roll is also popular as a snack item. The lechon which is a whole roasted pig is also a popular food dish in the cuisine of Philippines. Filipinos love to gorge on pescado - a fried fish dish, pinakbet – vegetable stew, puto-rice cakes and pan de sal – salted rolls of bread.

The Culture of Philippines: Music and Dance
The various forms of music also are an indication of the different cultures that exist out here. There is a fine blend of native compositions and modern tunes. The music styles seen here have European and American influences. From hip-hop to pop music, it’s all popular out here. The Spanish people have left a distinct mark even in terms of music. With their influence, came the use of guitars and the zarzuela. Filipino rock and Filipino reggae also have a major fan following. The dance of the Filipinos is seen in various forms and styles. The Filipinos also have certain distinct forms of folk dance. Here, bamboo sticks are used in accompaniment with the steps being performed. Such dance forms are known as the tinkling and the skilling. All such folk dances of Philippines are only done in groups. There are many interesting legends associated with these dance forms as well. These dances are mainly visible being performed for religious occasions and weddings.

The Culture of Philippines: Art
Apart from music and dance, traditional forms of paintings are also very much predominant in the culture of Philippines. The painting style that began in the 17th century is continued even today. Other forms of art and craft such as weaving and pottery are also common amongst certain groups of people. A peek into the homes of many Filipinos would reveal the popularity of wooden art that is used for display. History also reveals the association of creative poetry with the people of Philippines. Tanagas are short poems that are typically without any title. Originally, Tanagas were always written in Tagalog, but today, many aspiring poets are using the basics of this form to write creative verses.

These are some of the basics aspects related to the culture of Philippines. It only reflects the wide influences and the wonderful blend that has formed with the traditional culture of Philippines.

The Colorful Culture of Tibet

Tibetan People
The people of Tibet are strong, and adaptable due to the harsh environment in which they live, but they are also extremely warm and hospitable. They are always quick to invite a visitor to Tibet into their home and serve them homemade food, and the famous Tibetan butter tea.

Food
Food, just like Tibetan culture and people has a very distinct character. Tibetan food is not only sustenance, but also helps Tibetan people survive the harsh climates. Their food keeps them warm, gives them energy, helps them with the high altitude, and gives them nutrients essential to the harsh climate. Due to the high altitude of Tibet, water boils at 90 degrees making cooking with water impossible, so Tibetan food has become very specialized. The Tibetan diet consists mostly of meat, milks and other high protein foods.

Tsampa: is a staple found at every Tibetan meal. It is a dough made with roasted barley flour and yak butter. There are two basic ways to prepare and eat Tsampa. One is to make dough with Tibetan buttered tea. The other is to make porridge with beef or mutton, and vegetables. The Tsampa dough served with buttered tea is salty, while the porridge is often served with sugar.

Buttered tea: is another staple of Tibetan cuisine. Tibetans drink butter tea because it warms them up. The buttered tea is quite salty. Some people think it tastes more like soup broth than tea.

Beef and Mutton: Tibetans live on beef, mutton and milk products. Beef and mutton contain high heat energy which is helpful in fighting the cold. Many Tibetans often eat raw meats. Tibetan noodles: are usually served in a simple vegetable or meat broth. Momos: are the favorite foods of most visitors to Tibet. They are dumplings made with either meat or vegetables.

Tibetan Dances
Nearly Every Tibetan can sing and dance. Dancing is an integral part of every Tibetan's life. Tibetan people sing and dance for nearly every event: weddings, funerals, gatherings, and just for fun. There are many different styles of dance. Each area of Tibet has its own distinct style.

The Guoxie (village) dance is a group dance popular in rural Tibet. This dance is usually performed on open ground from sunrise to sunset. It consists of men and women dancing together in a circle.

Guozhuang (singing and dancing) dance is popular in eastern Tibet. It consists of two parts, singing, and dancing. It is an agile and vigorous dance. Men and women stand in two separate circles and sing in rotation while swaying and stamping their feet. The tempo in the beginning is slow and as the song progresses the tempo speeds up. They performers conclude their singing by shouting "Ya!"

Xie dance is accompanied by a stringed instrument. At festivals and outings men and women dance the Xie face to face in two lines. They are usually directed by one person at the head of their formation who plays a stringed instrument. The participants sing to each other to express their feelings. This dance is graceful and natural characterized by slow steps.

Qamo (sorcerer's) dance is a religious dance. It came to Tibet along with the introduction of Buddhism. It is used to subdue evil spirits in monasteries. Originally the Qamo dance was a mime dance where participants wore ceremonial masks. A traditional livestock sacrificing ceremony was held. Since the killing of livestock goes against Buddhist doctrine, livestock are no longer killed. Drawings are now substituted. At the end of the dance the performers take an effigy of Duoma (the leading demon), made of butter and tsampa into the wilderness to burn it, which will drive away evil and bring good fortune in the coming year.

Clothing
Tibetan clothing has a strong connection with the people, and climate of "roof of the world". The Tibetan's clothing reflects the history, beliefs, and character of the local people.

Each area of Tibet has its own distinct style of clothing. The clothes are influenced the by the religion, and environment. Tibetan clothing consists of a robe and shirt. The Tibetan robe worn by men is broad and is normally fastened under the right arm, while the women's are slightly narrower with or without sleeves. The robes often fastened with two cloth belts. The shirts are also fastened on the right. Men typically wear white shirts with high collars, while women wear various colors with turndown collars.

In northern Tibet, were the weather is bitterly cold, herdsmen wear a fur lined robe years round. Their robe also doubles as their quilt at night. Since the day and night temperatures vary greatly, during the day they usually do not put their arms in their sleeves, but rather tie the sleeves around their waste wearing their robe as a kind of skirt. Their fur lined robes are very bulky and have no pockets, but being fastened at the waist it gives the wearer plenty of room inside for to carry daily necessities, or even their children inside.

In pastoral areas the clothing worn by herdsmen are distinctive for their decorations. Their clothing is usually hemmed in black cloth at the front and lower edges and cuffs. Women wear aprons decorated with colorful cloth stripes.

In the south of Tibet where the weather is warm and damp, the clothing is made from hand woven woolen cloth. Both men and women button their clothing on the right. Men's clothing are hemmed in colorful cloth, or with silk, while women normally wearing sleeveless robes.

In Lhasa, where the weather is warmer and damper many men wear double layered robes, and women dress in close-fitting robes and long sleeved shirts, with brightly decorated aprons.

The apron is one of Tibetan women's favorite clothing articles. According to custom the aprons are only worn by married women. It is a privilege that young girls look forward too.

Thailand Culture

It is immensely useful to know about the culture of any country that you are planning to visit. Having the right information about the ways of the local people can prevent misunderstandings and will also enrich your whole travel experience.

Thailand, which is a very popular holiday destination, has a culture influenced by its historical trade links and conflicts with the Indian subcontinent, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Japan and China.

Here's a brief list of things to know -

1. The Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the Royal Family hold a deservedly high and revered position in the country. You will do well to respect this popular public sentiment. You can get into serious trouble for poking fun or disparaging them.

2. Show respect to Buddhist monks. They also command a great deal of respect in Thai society. Women should step aside to make way for passing monks and avoid any accidental contact.

3. Buddhism, especially Theravada Buddhism, is the main and government supported religion of Thailand. Other religions followed are Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.

4. The Thai language is derived from Khmer, Sanskrit, Pali, Malay and Chinese. English is widely spoken nowadays, but it'll be great if you make an effort to learn a few simple phrases. Like 'Sawadee khrap/ka' for 'hello/goodbye'; 'Sabaai dee mai khrap/ka' for 'how are you?'; and 'Sabaai dee khrap/ka' for 'I'm fine, thank you'.

5. One Thai custom you'll encounter frequently is the Wai. This is similar to the Indian Namaste gesture. You put your palms together at chest level and bow your head. The Wai is used in greeting, in farewell or in acknowledgment.

6. Thai people place a great emphasis on family life and respecting parents, elders and seniors. Seniority, by the way, is determined more by social standing and work denomination than by age, and brings with it certain obligations like paying for the whole group when dining out.

7. Many Thai people have nicknames in addition to their formal Chinese/Sanskrit-derived and often long, complicated given names. The nickname may be a shortening of the given name or can be the word for a color, fruit, flower, animal, etc.

8. Displays of public affection between friends are not uncommon; such displays between lovers are usually less common and less appreciated, but globalization is changing all that, especially in the case of the young generation growing up on American soaps and the Internet.

9. Thais dislike conflicts and loud, angry public arguments. You are likely to be more respected if you stay calm, don't point left and right, don't wave your arms about like wind-mills and avoid all excessive behavior.

10. Traditional Buddhist marriages are divided into a Buddhist ceremony and a non-Buddhist ceremony. The groom is required to give dowry, known as Sin Sodt, to the bride's family.

11. Thai funerals usually last for a week, during which many prayers are recited and crying is not encouraged.

12. Dress modestly in clothes that cover your shoulders and upper legs. Especially when visiting temples.

13. Remove shoes when entering someone's house or a temple. Try not to step on the threshold when entering or departing.

14. It is considered rude to touch anyone on the head or to touch them with your feet. It is also considered offensive to sit with your feet pointing at someone.

15. Early Thai literature was influenced by Indian Literature. The Indian epic Ramayana was written into a Thai version by the Thai Kings Rama I and Rama II.

16. There are three categories of Thai dance - Khon, Lakhon and Likay. The Khon dance is the one you see on many tourist brochures, with elaborate dance moves and dancers wearing masks, gilded head-dresses and jeweled costumes. Music and dialogs are performed in the background by off-stage performers. Khon was originally a dance for the Royal Courts. The Likay dance, which is considered unsophisticated in comparison, was performed in public for the common folks and has satirical, political and comedic overtones.

17. Thailand is famous for its shadow puppet plays, Nang Yai and Nang Thalung. These plays are mainly performed in the southern part of the country, and are accompanied by music and comedic dialogs.

18. Traditional Thai music is a blending of different cultural influences, mainly Indian, Khmer and Chinese.

19. Thai cuisine, which is world famous for its blend of sweet, spicy hot, sour and salty tastes, is mainly eaten with a fork and a spoon; chopsticks are used only for certain foods. When dining with friends or in a restaurant, use your right hand to pass things and leave a little food on your plate when you finish eating. This shows you have good manners and have had enough to eat.

20. Two important Thai holidays are the Thai New Year is called Songkran, which is celebrated on 13-15 April, and Loy Krathong, which is celebrated on the full-moon day of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar, which usually falls in mid-November.

Monday, 27 June 2011

The meaning of " Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilahi Raaji'oon" & seven names of Allah

The meaning of " Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilahi Raaji'oon" & seven names of Allah
Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi Raaji'oon

we say this statement when someone dies.Also some of us may say this sentence when they lose something, suffer a setback or harm.  But...........do you know what it means?

Sure, everyone know that it obviously
means 'To Allaah we belong and to Him is our return.'
But that's not what I am talking about.

I mean ....do you REALLY, TRULY understand these words and their implications in a Muslim's life?
It means ....whatever we have is not really ours. It belongs to Allaah.

Take a look around you; everything you see, all that you have and all that there is....in you, on you, around you....belongs to Allaah, alone.
It is Allah Who has given you all the property and goods you possess, and that He is the true Owner of them all.

So the cars that you own, the houses that you live in, the businesses you possess all truly belong to Allaah

The kids that He blessed you with, the health that He gave you, the time that He has allowed you are all Allah's property.
Even the bodies we live in and the life that we have belongs to Allaah alone.

"And to Allah belongs the inheritance of the heavens and the earth...." (Surah Aal-Imraan:180)
"The kingdom of the heavens and the earth and everything in them belongs to Allah. He has power over all things."
( Surat al-Ma'ida: 120)
'Say: 'To Allah belongs the East and the West...' (Surah al-Baqarah:142)

Now, since everything belongs to Allaah, then we have to include even our souls in that list..
The very souls that we think of as our "self"; our "nafs"; our "being" -- whatever you want to call it -- that very thing that distinguishes you from the rest of the world, belongs to Allaah. It's not YOURS.


In fact, YOU are not YOURS.
You belong to Allaah.

And this is the essence of the concept of slavery to Allaah in Islam.

And since He is the true Possessor of everything, and everything is His property, He allots what He wills to whomever He wills...A 6.and then He takes it away. After all, it was Allaah's to begin with.
So He may give you some thing and then take it back after a while..

He will bless you with a precious child that you love dearly...and then He may take it away.
He will grant you money, honour and status.....and then He may take it away.
He will give you youth, vitality and health and then surely He will take it away.

In fact everything you have will only be with you for a very short while.
And then the Owner will claim His Right.

So when Allaah does reclaim what was rightfully His, WHY MOURN OUR LOSSES?
Just like a friend who lends you his book. And then after a few days, he wants it back and you give it back to him...no regrets.....no sorrow....no questions asked.

Similarly, if Allah takes back some of His blessings upon you for some reason....so be it.
Say Alhamdulillaah.

Don't grieve.
Be patient.

0A
Submit to the will of Allaah, being pleased with His decision for you. For surely He will only do what is best for you.

Just think.....The Owner came and took it back.

Remember....that you're not the real owner.....you were NEVER the real owner to begin with. You only had everything because it was Allah who gave it to you in the first place. If He didn't give it to you, you wouldn't have had it in any way...in fact, you couldn't have had it.
Remember.....man enters into this world empty handed...and leaves it empty handed.
Remember....that everything we have, all the blessings we enjoy, are gifts from Almighty Allah....gifts that we enjoy for a limited period until He takes them away whenever He deems fit.


They are a trust from Allah...a loan to you....to see how you respond to these gifts from Allaah and how you use them.....in the obedience of the Almighty, thanking Him and worshipping Him......OR.........to the disobedience to the One Who gave then to you in the first place.

Take note of the words of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) on the=2 0occasion of the death of his son, Ibraahim:
'Our eyes are filled with tears, our hearts with grief, but we say nothing with our lips except that which pleases Allah.... Verily, to Allah we belong, and to Him we return.' (Bukhaari)

And we all know the famous incidence about the companion Abu Talha and his wife when one of the sons died and Abu Talha was not at home. She washed and shrouded him and when Abu Talha came home and asked about his son, she said,
'The child is quiet and I hope he is in peace....' (Bukhaari)

Subhaan Allaah....such patience!
And such Imaan in the statement "Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi Raaji'oon"!

She truly understood its meaning and the affect it should have on her life as a Muslimah, submitting to him and being pleased with whatever He has decreed for her.

She knew that whatever she has, is not truly hers. Rather, it is Allaah's....and He took back whatever He owns at its appointed time.
And it is because of this Imaan so strong, this understanding, that the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) made dua for them and Allaah ble ssed them immensely.

"'They (i.e. Abu Talha and his wife) had nine sons and all of them became reciters of the Quran (by heart).
" (Bukhaari)

"Be sure we will test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives, but give glad tidings to those who are steadfast, who say when afflicted with calamity: 'To Allah we belong and to him is our return.' They are those on who (descend) blessings from Allah and mercy and they are the once that receive guidance." (al-Baqarah: 155)

The Prophet (PBUH) said 'Pass on knowledge from me even if it is only one verse'
seven names of Allah

The eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil, The hands that will send this message to others shall not labour in vain,
The mouth saying Ameen to this duah shall laugh forever,

Remain in Allah's love as you send this Duah to everybody on your list.
Have a Love ly journey of life!

Trust in Allah (SWT) with all your heart and HE will never fail you because HE is Awesome! 1 min for our Creator - is it possibly too much?
AL-QAYYUM,
AL-MAJID,
AL-WAHID,
AL-WAJID,
AL -AHAD,
AL-SAMAD,
AL-QADIR,
Please send these seven names of Allah to your friends please don't ignore...... ...
1 Minute for Allah:
Say with your heart and tongue:

*SUBHANA'LLAH

*ALHAMDULI'LLAH

*LA I LAHA ILLA'LLAH

*ALLAHU AKBAR

*ASTAGHFIRU' LLAH

*LA ILAH ILLA'LLAH, MUHAMMADUN RASULU'LLAH

*ALLAH UMMA SALLY WASALLEM WABAREK ALA
SAYYEDINA MUHAMMAD

Please forward as within a short while you would have caused a multitude of people to salute, pray and glorify our creator and holy prophet (P.B.U.H.)

Whoever u sent it to people would have prayed with Angels saying AMEEN,
INSHA'A'LLAH

NOW........... Sit back and watch the power of ALLAH work in your life for
doing the thing that you know HE loves.