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Showing posts with label knol. Show all posts

Yet Another Death In the Family Of Google.


Yet Another Death In the Family Of Google.
Picture Credit. phandroid.com
“Google Reader” The RSS feed aggregator 
launched in 2005 by Google is no more.
What a sad demise to the popular RSS feed. 
This is in continuation of the demise of  several other products/platforms like Knol, Picnik, Adsense for feeds etc.. Few more other services are on the way to taste the death very shortly.  Though this was not a mainstream products of Google, a good number of people were using it regularly and is no doubt a great lose to many such users.

 Here is a cartoon published by the largest circulated daily in the world, "The Times of India" in its latest Sunday Edition
 
Picture Credit. A Cartoon by Ajith Ninan of The Times of India

3c.msn.com.tw
djwinchester.com














To Read more related stories please click on this  link. techcrunch.com





Aquatic Panorama of Kerala and the Onam Festival

(Water Carnivals in Kerala)

Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala is the season of water festivals at south Kerala's back waters. The Vallamkali (boat race), held mainly in some places in the erstwhile Travancore state. A Brief summary of this aquatic spectacle.


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A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS ONAM GREETINGS TO ALL.




ONAM AND WATER FESTIVALS IN KERALA



A Boat Race in Progress.
pic. credit. Google images

Associated with Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala is the season of water festivals at south Kerala's back waters, in kuttanad. The Vallamkali (boat race), held mainly in some places in the erstwhile Travancore state (Southern part of Kerala), from July to September, are spectacular pageants. These carnivals are unique and are deep rooted in the region's history and culture. Vallamkali is best seen at Alappuzha Nehrue Trophy Boat Race, Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple Boat Race, Neerettupuram Boat Race, Thiruvalla Pamba River Boat Race, Champakulam Boat Race, Karuvatta Boat Race, Mannar Boat Race, Payippadu and Kottayam Boat Races.


About a hundred oarsmen row huge and graceful Odee (boats), Oars dip and flash to the rhythm of drums and cymbals in each boat. The songs are typical in character and concern people in Malabar. 



Over each boat gleam scarlet silk umbrellas: their number denotes the affluence of the family owning the boat. Gold coins and tassels hang from these umbrellas. 

The low-lying Kuttanad, also known as the rice bowl of Kerala, where the carnivals are held annually, was once contemporaneously under three local chieftains, whose naval fleets used to be their only means of communication and defense. Display of fleets, consisting of different types of boats noted for their enthusiasm and maneuverability was a historical necessity in the days of yore. This display took place in connection with temple festivals.
Another view of Boat Race
pic. credit. Wikiepedia


Boats (Vallam) were the only means of travel for people living in hundreds of islets in Kuttanad and, it is but natural that their grandest celebration is one involving boats. The boats no longer play the role of fighters; they now display their tremendous for load and speed. Once they were designed to travel fast and carry soldiers. The largest of such boats is the 'snake boats or "Chundan Vallom". It was designed, for the first time, in the 16th century for the king of Chempakasseri to fight the neighboring Kayamkulam King. Narayanan Achari of Koduppunna had designed these boats. The enemy king, who suffered at the hands of Chempakasseri, later found that the snake boats helped his opponents. He promptly got a similar one designed by some master builder. The difference in his boats was that every time a soldier fired from them, they moved backward. Such was the craftsmanship of the makers of the boat. In ancient form the snake boat is similar to the Norwegian boats designed in the ninth century.

Kerala Backwaters Boat Races,  Few YouTube Videos...

 
Since the naval fleets were relegated to history, villages in Kuttanad took pride in organizing festivals and competitions of snake boats. In 1952, when the Prime Minister, late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited Kerala, he traveled from Allepey to Kottayam by boat. A race was arranged in the backwaters-of Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha for him. Nehru got so excited while witnessing the event; he jumped into a boat to join the rowers. When he reached Delhi he presented a trophy, modeled as a snake boat (Chundan Vallam), to the winner of the competition. Thereafter it is known as "Nehru Trophy Boat Race" and it became more popular Vallam Kali in these seasons. 


1.  Nehru Trophy Boat Race- A YouTube Video - Part - I

Nehru Trophy Boat Rase part I A YouTube Video

Nehru Trophy Boat Race Part I
Credit. www.keralatourism.org

These boat races have won international acclaim and recognition within the country too. Men from all religion and sects participate in these races. Each boat, nearly 30 meters long, is occupied by100 people. The Nehru Trophy race attracts people from all over the world. The largest numbers of entries are for snake boat races which, with their beak-like bows, high flared sterns, glided conical lip and high (4 mtr) tails, accommodate four who steer. 

Only big businesspeople can own a snake boat, which, 16 yrs back, costed around Rs. One Lac. It takes at least six months for a master builder to construct the boat. The entire process with an Anjili tree for the keel, and hard cast iron rivets for holding the hull, is done on eye estimate and the technique is handed down from one generation to another by word of mouth. The sides of the boat are smeared with sardine oil; the first launching is done ceremoniously. All the men of the community push the boat into water. The paddlers move quickly into position and then set the speed of the boat, keeping perfect time. The steerers are spaced evenly along the centre of the boat. They paddled to the accompaniment of whistles, drums and other sounds. There are a large number of songs in Malayalam, language and the steerers often row in time to these. That branch of Malayalam literature is called "Vanchipaatt" or Boat Song. 


2.  Nehru Trophy Boat Race- A YouTube Video - Part - II


Nehru Trophy Boat Race Part 2 A YouTube Video

Nehru Trophy Boat Race Part  II

A video by Keralatourism.  www.keralatourism.org

Snake boats are the main attraction of the races at Alleppey but there are a variety of other boats, all of which attain considerable speed "Churulan Vallam" (spiraled boats) are household boats named after the soirals carved on their bows and sterns; "Parunthuvallans" are eagle-tailed, " Veppu Vallam" are vessels used in the armadas of kings. The other variety is called 'Kochu Vallam' means small boats, which can only accommodate one or two persons.

Among the races connected with temples, the earliest one is at Champakulam. It is believed to have begun during the 7th century. The procession of boats starts from the Christina family of Mappillasseri kadavu at Champakulam a few kilometers away from Alleppey. The legend revolves round the robbery of a Krishna idol, which was to be installed at the Ambalapuzha temple. It is said that, in the early morning, the idol stolen from Karikkulam temple in Chempakasseri kingdom, reached Champakulam, from where it was joyously carried to Ammbalapuzha for consecration at the scheduled time. It is to commemorate this event that the Champakulam races are held annually in July. 


3.  Nehru Trophy Boat Race- A YouTube Video - Part - III


Nehru Trophy Boat Race Part III A YouTube Video


Nehru Trophy Boat Race Part  II

A video by Keralatourism.  www.keralatourism.org
The Parthasarathy temple at Aranmula is ancient and noted for its murals and architecture. The temple is believed to be one among the five Shri Krishna temples built by the Pandavas. At Aranmula there was a custom of carrying articles from the neighboring Namboothiri household for the Onam feast to be held at the temple. The special boat called "Thiruvonathoni" (the holy Onam boat) used to be accompanied by a large number of boats belonging to the Parthasarathy temple. This race was later held on the birthday of the Arnamula deity on the next day of the Onam festival. It is also the last race to be held during the season. Colorful umbrellas are an added attraction of the pageantry here. 



"Kuttanaadan Punchayile Kochupenne kuyilaali"


A Traditional Boat Race Song  Sung by the Rowers


Kuttanadan Punchayile .... A YouTube Video

Kuttanaadan Punchayile…This traditional boat song.
Barring the Nehru trophy race at Alleppy other races which are still more colorful and traditional are little known to the outside world. They are 'Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali' at Aranmula in Pathanamthitta District, Champakulam Moolam Boat Race, in Alleppuzha District, Payippadu Jalotsavam-one of the oldest boat races in Allappuzha, Kumarakam Boat Race near Kottayam, and Indira Gandhi Boat Race at Ernakulam District.

There are a large number of songs in Malayalam, language and the steersmen often row in time to these. That branch of Malayalam literature is called "Vanchipaatt" or Boat Song. Among them the above given video song is the most famous one. Watch the video and enjoy the song.  A transliterated portion of the song is given below:

Kuttanaadan Punjayile.. Transliterate version of the song


Kuttanadan Punjayile
Thai Thai Thaka Thai Thai Thom
Kochu Penne Kuyilale
Thithatha Thithai Thai
Kottu Venam Kuzhal Venam
Kurava Venam

O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai

Varavelkanaalu Venam
Kodi Thoranangal Venam
Vijayashreelaalitharai
Varunnu Njangal

O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai

Karutha Chiraku Vachu
Thai Thai Thaka Thai Thai Thom
Arayanna Kili Pole
Thithatha Thithai Thai
Kuthichu Kuthichu Paayum
Kuthira Pole

O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai

Tholviyenthennariyaatha
Thala Thazhthanariyaatha
Kaavalam Chundanitha
Jayichu Vannoo

O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai

Kuttanadan Punjayile
Kochu Penne Kuyilale
Kottu Venam Kuzhal Venam
Kurava Venam

O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai

Pambayile Ponnolangal
Thai Thai Thaka Thai Thai Thom
Odi Vannu Punarunnu
Thithatha Thithai Thai
Thanka Veyil Nettiyinmel
Pottu Kuthunnoo

O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai

Thengolakal Ponnolakal
Madi Madi Vilikkunnu
Thennal Vannu Venchamaram
Veeshitharaunnoo

O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai

Kuttanadan Punjayile
Kochu Penne Kuyilale
Kottu Venam Kuzhal Venam
Kurava Venam

O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai

Chambakkulam Pallikkoru
Thai Thai Thaka Thai Thai Thom
Vallam Kali Perunnaalu
Thithatha Thithai Thai
Ambalappuzhayiloru
Kuthu Vilakku

O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai

Karumadikkuttaninnu
Panineer Kavadiyattam
Kavilammakkinnu Rathri
Garudan Thookkam

O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai

Kuttanadan Punjayile
Kochu Penne Kuyilale
Kottu Venam Kuzhal Venam
Kurava Venam

O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai

Varavelkanalu Venam
Kodi Thoranangal Venam
Vijayashree Laalitharai
Varunnu Njangal

O Thithithara Thithithai
Thithai Thithai Thaka Thai

Thithithara Thithithai

The tourist potential of these boat races is yet to be exploited. Tourism departments is taking much effort to promote this it in international level.  More are more tourists are attracted towards Kerala in these months of July to September.


There is no doubt that these boat races are unique in the world. It is high time that plans are drafted to exploit the tourist potential inherent in their cultural practices.

Source:
History of Kerala, Kerala charitham

Pic credit. Bijin Studio, Ranny, 
YouTube video credit.  
Vanchippattu credit:
littleevilproYouTube


Comments

Comments are moderated, and will not be visible until one of the authors of this knol approves.

Added in the collection - Festivals

You can add some more material on Onam festival in the knol and give some reference for more details of the festival.


http://knol.google.com/k/narayana-rao-k-v-s-s/hindu-festivals/2utb2lsm2k7a/3508?collectionId=2utb2lsm2k7a.3499

Regards


Last edited Dec 26, 2010 3:13 AM
Report abusive comment
Thanks Raogaaru,
Best regards,

Report abusive comment
Posted by P V Ariel, last edited Dec 26, 2010 3:13 AM
Thanks Raogaaru,
I missed this comment, sorry for the delay in replying, Thanks for the mention
Best
Philip

Report abusive comment
Posted by P V Ariel, last edited Dec 26, 2010 3:16 AM

Wha!!

PV. Yet another wonderful or exciting happening on earth you brought here for your readers. Thanks for sharing this exciting sports event.
This write-up took be back to my childhood days I spent at Kumara area with my grand parents. You left many things untouched; hope another write up can touch many other subjects you left out. All the best my dear writer. Ben


Last edited Dec 26, 2010 3:15 AM
Report abusive comment
Hi Ben,
I missed your comment,
Happy to note that you liked it,
Yes, sure this knol needs some revision,
Thanks for the suggestion too
Best
Philip

Report abusive comment
Posted by P V Ariel, last edited Dec 26, 2010 3:15 AM

A Write-up About Myself


pv- 2006

Philip Verghese ‘Ariel’ (P V Ariel) the Knol Author: Some Info about myself and the wonderful place called: knol.google .com

(A Write-up about the knol author P V Ariel)

A write-up about myself and some writing experiences here at web pages and elsewhere



Introduction: 

A Picture taken
at my school days



A knol Author from Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.  A follower of Jesus Christ.  A freelance writer/poet  And an Editor of a bi-monthly magazine.  Born and brought in Kerala, A southern state in India. Now based at Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, yet another southern state in India.
My work has appeared in newspapers, weeklies, magazines and on the web, mainly on Christian religion and the Bible. I was a reporter and contributor for Malayalam weeklies and magazine mostly of Christian publications. I am a regular contributor to the web since 2007, and now regularly contribute to the Google's Knol pages.

Education and Childhood Memories:


pv-2000

My Basic education was in Malayalam, a popular regional language in Kerala, one of India's southern states.  I have completed my Pre -University  education in English from St. Aloysius College, Edathua, Kerala, and  finished higher studies from Osmania University Hyderabad and Ranchi university). I have secured my Postgraduate diploma in Journalism from The Rajendra Prasad Institute of Mass Communication (Bhavan’s College) in Hyderabad.

I was an avid reader in my early days, and many of my Knols capture the memories of this time. 


My Mother
 As an example, you can read A Brief Memoir of My Mother. Saramma Verghese.  She was my source of inspiration in my writings, especially on my spiritual writings she had a great influence.
A knol on How I got my pen name "Ariel" and my encounter with a famous Malayalalam Poet and writer are some of my early experiences in my writing life. Read more here



Translations:

I have translated some of the books and articles  of prominent authors in the English language into the Malayalam language.  Few of them are given below:
Dr. Woodrow Kroll: (President, Back to the Bible, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA), A popular speaker at such conference as 'The Cove", Bibletown and Word of Life'.  Author of numerous magazine articles and books  including  '7 Secrets to Spiritual Success, 'Empowered to Prayer'  "Giants of the Old Testament" etc). Read More Here.
Wesley L. Duewel:  A former president of OMS International. A missionary to India for 25 years, is also the author of 'Ablaze for God', Heroes of the Holy Life (Ebook, ePub) More God, More Power, Revival Fire etc.
John MacArthur: A well known author and preacher, President of  "Grace to You"  Ministries, and  Masters College and Seminary, Sun Valley, CA). He has authored more than 30 books, including fifteen volumes of the 'MacArthur New Testament Commentary', Charismatic Chaos, Signs and Wonders Speaking and scores of articles and study guides.

Web and other Blog Writings:

I also write and blog at different sites on present political situation and on Christian spiritual articles:
Also write at different Social Web Sites, like twitter, facebook, orkut, digg, delicious etc..
I also contribute to several secular news weeklies and newspapers like, The Week, The Sunday Indian, Outlook, India Today etc.
I authored many Christian Spiritual articles especially in the Malayalam language; and also composed about 60 Christian spiritual songs and poems.  Few selected ones can read here at my knol Malayalam Directory. I am also the recipient of many literary prizes.



My  Malayalam Writings and Malayalam Knol Directory:

I have created a new Malayalam Directory of my knols:
Here you can read few of my Malayalam writings, and also some of the translations of prominent knol authors like Peter Baskerville, Shastri JC Philip, Gust MEES and others.


Few of them you can read here. Peter Baskerville’s coffee Knol into the Malayalam language.  Read More Here:
A Recent one on this line is an invitation knol  to  my  fellow Malayalees (persons who know the Malayalam language—or known as Keralites). It can be read here നിങ്ങള്‍ക്കും ഒരു നോള്‍ എഴുത്തുകാരനാകാം... (You Too Can Become a Knol Author...)
I also started translating a knol series on Computer basics written by Gust MEES and Knol Publishing Guild (KPG)
More of my Malayalam Knols can read here: Malayalam Knol Directory.
 

A Word  About My Involvement with Google's Knol:

Though I have joined knol on September 23rd 2008 I was inactive for quite sometime and recently I started contributing again and it’s really interesting and encouraging to interact with people here, though I had some unpleasant experiences with few, but that was a blessing in disguise and it helped me to go further with more vigor and enthusiasm. And within a short span I could make it to the ‘Top Viewed Author Award’ list and could make comments and reviews to the other authors at knol.  I now introduce and encourage my friends and other contacts to join this community called KNOL  Though knol is still in its infancy thousands of contributors are already joined and it is a fast growing website to acquire genuine and trustworthy information about anything in this universe.  There is a good response to my call and few are already here with their knols on my invitation and doing a tremendous job here.
I take this opportunity to invite my other friends and readers to actively involve here at knol as well as to tell about this to their friends and relatives.  Knol is a wonderful place to air your knowledge, views on any subject.
Read More @ this knol My Official. Bio-knol
           


A Word About My Writing Experience:

The role of the Hindu newspaper describes some new experiences I had after leaving my native place. As I have mentioned in one of these Knols, I slowly shifted my writing from Malayalam to English. A good number of my works were published in the print media, and have procured many literary prizes for my writings.  My work has appeared in newspapers, weeklies, magazines and on the web, mainly on the Christian religion and the subjects related to the Bible. I have also concentrated on subjects like current affairs, social problems and politics with many of my political articles appearing in different print media. Some of them can be read at this link here at knol. Some of my Write-ups (Published and unpublished) - Part I

Before joining Knol I was an active member and source/content producer for the site called Associatedcontent.com (AC).  I really enjoyed being with people there and had good rapport with many co-writers there.  From AC, I secured a good number of contacts in the writing field and I still maintains those relationships.  Two of the AC authors interviewed me. My first interview was with Mr. Donald Pennington of USA. Donald is an active member and source/content producer/contributor at AC, and a top 1000 and Hot 500 badge holder. Read more @ this link about that interview. Ladies and gentlemen P.V.Ariel
Another interview was published at AC by another Associated content writer Sheryl Young. She is a well known Jewish author and freelance writer and a three time Amy Foundation “Roaring Lambs” Writing Award Winner. She is also a Concerned Women for America 2002 Special Projects Award recipient. Sheryl is the Author of the book “What Every Christian Should Know About The Jewish People” Read more @ this link. Sheryl Young

New Developments (latest achievements) At Knol:


My latest achievement at Knol was the knol titled "The fascinating story of philately" With the support and guidance of a prestigious knol group called  Knol Publishing Guild  (KPG), this Knol got the  “Top Pick Knol Award".




 






My Official Bio Knol  also received this prestigious award in that way.

This knol too procured the "Top Pick Knol Award" recently and this knol's page views increased tremendously. Please do have a look at it and post your comments ratings, suggestions etc  at its comment column. Here is the link:  Tree knol


One of my joint venture too procured this badge:
Indian Knol Authors and Visitors Bulletin Board  This knol is a Discussion Board for Knols on India and Knols in Indian Languages.  Here the Indian readers and authors can air their views, comments and suggestions about knols on India and knols in Indian languages.





I recenly Jointly co-authored few knols on KNOL:
Trending Knols This knol identifies the knols having high Page Views on a Day/week.  It makes easy for the readers to check the popular new knols. 



This Knol identifies knol authors with potential to reach 100,000 page views in the next month and present them to knol author community.  It encourage the potential authors to put some extra effort to reach the target.





Knol Author News  This knol highlights and discuss the major news events happening daily in the web world, especially the new developments and achievements taking place at knol platform.


Breaking Inf...
In this knol you can read about the latest news and other developments happening around the world. Any one can contribute to this knol. This is under the Moderate Collaboration mode. Your are invited to contribute to it. Have A Happy News Reading here.


I am presently working on the translation of Dr. Woodrow Kroll's book "I Want To Go To Heaven When I Die"  -- one of the most popular books in English. He is now translating the same into the Malayalam language.  The same can read at this link:
എന്റെ മരണ ശേഷം എനിക്ക് സ്വര്‍ഗ്ഗത്തില്‍ പോകണം (I Want To Go To Heaven When I Die)


This book is translated into different Indian and foreign languages and is a widely circulated book on Gospel Message.


I Joined  Knol Author Discussion Group @ Linkedin.  Serious and heated debates/discussions are going on about the Knol Future, Plagiarism and many other issues related to Google's knol.com..


Future Plans:



I am planning to continue to translate some more useful and top ranked author's Knols into the Malayalam language for the growing Malayalam speaking community at Knol.

A Word of  Thanks:


pv - 2010
Let me takes this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to the Knol team members, my co-authors, readers, commentators, reviewers and all other supporters and well wishers.
I am very much indebted to few of them for their relentless support and guidance. I would like to note few such names here:   Dr. Johnson C Philip (who introduced me to knol), Prof.  Narayana Rao KVSS, Peter Baskerville, Murry Shohat , Jagadeesh M Nambiar, Gust MEES, Garry Jenkins, Patrick LAHAYEEric Clausen  Moharram Khalifa and of  course the KPG team.




pv 2011



Let me take this time to Wish you all a Happy, prosperous, purposeful and God centered Happy Browsing & writing New Year 2011.
                                                  
  



My Fly:Mathews, Charles,&Ann
 
With Best Regards,
Yours lovingly,
P V Ariel, Secunderabad, A.P;India.





Contact Info:

Snail Mail:
POST BOX NO 2136
HEAD POST OFFICE
SECUNDERABAD - 3
ANDHARA PRADESH
S O U T H   I N D I A
PHONE : +9700882768
Email: pvarielATGmail DOT Com



Some of My Important Links to Visit

For further info about me and some of  my write-ups. Please do visit  the following links:



A WRITER IS BORN WITH A NEW NAME
The role of the Hindu newspaper
Some of my Write-ups (Published and unpublished) - Part I
Ladies and gentlemen P.V.Ariel
Sheryl Young
My First Master Piece
Breaking Informative and Interesting News from Around the World
http://knol.google.com/k/p-v-ariel/global-warming-a-feedback-to-a-cover/12c8mwhnhltu7/167

Source:

Bio-knol
Knol Page Picture credit:  Melanie R. Jordan: http:sunloverpublishing.com 
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/153819/p_v_ariel.html






Dear Visitor,
Thanks a lot for dropping in, would like to hear from you.
Positive or negative, pl drop a line into the comments column,
or at the Guest Book at the bottom of the blog.
If following too pl drop a line at the comments space so that
I can follow back,
Best regards
Philips V Ariel & Associates
Secunderabad. A.P, India