story

                 The innocent punishment


This is a story about Akbar, the Emperor of India, and his loyal and witty advisor Birbal.It was a fine morning in the palace. The royal courtroom was buzzing with conversation as Akbar’s advisors awaited the arrival of their Emperor. Soon enough Akbar arrived, but he was not in his usual pleasant mood. He seemed bothered and frustrated. The advisors quietened on seeing the Emperor’s stern face."What is the problem, Your Majesty? Is something bothering you?" asked one of the advisors."Today someone dared to pull on my moustache!" exclaimed Emperor Akbar. "What punishment do you think this person should be given?"One by one the advisors suggested the fiercest of punishments for the rogue who dared to pull on the Emperor’s moustache."He should be hung in the public square!" cried one."His head should be cut off!" exclaimed another."He should be flogged one hundred times!" insisted a third.The Emperor listened to them all, but he noticed that his most trusted advisor remained silent throughout."Birbal, do you not have anything to say on this matter?" he asked.Birbal calmly replied: "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I do not agree with any of the punishments suggested."Emperor Akbar was very surprised indeed and asked of his trusted advisor, "What punishment do you suggest for such a crime?" "I think," said Birbal, "that the person who dared to pull on your moustache should be given a box of sweets." Upon hearing this advice, the royal court was abuzz with conversation once more. The other advisors were shocked to hear Birbal’s suggestion. They all wondered how such a trusted advisor could suggest that the Emperor give this rogue a box of sweets as punishment for his crime. "Surely," they protested, "this is not the correct punishment!"The confused Emperor asked: "Birbal, why would you suggest such a thing?" "Your Majesty, the only one who would dare to pull on your moustache is none other than your son the Prince. He often sits upon your lap, and today he must have pulled your moustache playfully. Such an innocent culprit should only be given an innocent punishment. I suggest you give the young Prince a box of sweets." Birbal’s witty retort made the Emperor smile. ‘You are right, old friend,’ said Emperor Akbar. "It was my son who pulled on my moustache. And he shall indeed receive a box of sweets as his punishment!" Birbal smiled softly as the other advisors looked away in shame for suggesting such harsh punishments without first considering the facts of the situation.
To this day, stories of Birbal’s wit and wisdom continue to be told and retold to generation after generation.

New Form Of Art

                        New Form Of Art

Jennifer Maestre had an idea which was a little bit dangerous at first, of creating objects with nails. The problem with that idea wasn't that the nails where pointy and dangerous, she just couldn't get a lot of form variations and the shapes she could do were limited. That's how she ended up using crayons, colored ones actually to get the most out of her ideas and she has done that very well. 

St. Patrick's Day

                                         Saint Patrick's Day

In many ways St. Patrick’s Day is the most honest of all the major holidays. Whereas Christmas, Thanksgiving, Independence Day and Arbor Day all like

to disguise the fact that they’re about getting drunk with your relatives with pomp, circumstance and decorated foliage, St. Patrick’s Day is very clearly, very plainly and very loudly about getting drunk. Drinking on St. Patrick’s Day is so expected it might as well be required by law.High Crosses or Celtic Crosses as they are also known, are found throughout Ireland on old monastic sites. Along with the Book of Kells and the Book of Durrow, these High Crosses are Irelands biggest contribution to Western European Art of the Middle Ages. Some were probably used as meeting points for religious ceremonies and others were used to mark boundaries. The earliest crosses in Ireland were made of wood and metal and probably much smaller than the great stone monuments we see today. It was generally accepted that the Western Ossory group were amongst the earliest examples of High Crosses to be found in Ireland. Their design imitates the wood and metal crosses before them; but a recent study suggests they may not be 8th century but possibly mid 9th century. These crosses are found within a few miles of each other at Kilkieran, Kilree, Killamery and the finest examples at Ahenny. The majority of scriptural crosses are also believed to have been erected around the 9th century and there are several local groupings: the North Leinster group includes Kells, Monasterboice and Duleek; the Midlands group includes Clonmacnois and Durrow; and another distinct group of granite High Crosses are those of the Barrow valley that includes Castledermot, Graiguenamanagh, Moone and Ullard.


Fairies that dwell together in large societies are known as trooping fairies. The Tuatha de Danann is an ancient race of fairies descended from the Celtic goddess Danu. They are said to be a very wise and learned race. Legend says a battle ensued between humans and the Tuatha de Danann for dominion of Ireland. Humans ultimately won the battle, and the Tuatha de Danann retreated into a hidden location known as the Otherworld.Elves also dwell in the land of Faerie. Like trooping fairies, elves live together in groups. Although elves have magical powers like the fairies, they are much more similar to humans in manner and physical appearance. Leprechauns are the most well-known elves in the Irish tradition. They resemble small, hairy men dressed in green and wearing narrow-brimmed hats. Leprechauns are famous for guarding their pot of gold. Many tales tell of humans who encounter a leprechaun and try to acquire its treasure. Somehow, the leprechaun always manages to outsmart the human.Fenodyree are more benevolent elves. Known for their strength and large stature, these elves will offer their assistance to Irish farmers or maidens in return for a reward.Through the centuries, the fairies and elves of Irish lore have maintained their universal appeal. Authors in Ireland and around the globe continue to reiterate these stories. Some of the most well-known literary works to feature Irish fairies or elves include William Butler Yates' "The Celtic Twilight" and "Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry," and William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Fairies and elves also have appeared in modern films such as Disney's "Darby O'Gill and the Little People" and "Peter Pan."

CELTIC KNOTS


Celtic knots are perhaps the most famous work of art and recognizable in Celtic history . They started appearing in history after about 450 AD, the Celtic knots meaning is sketchy at best, because there is little written history documenting their purpose. However, the repetition of their appearance in history in partnership with other various human interpretations give us an idea , and allow us to infer some basic information relating to the meaning of Celtic knots . symbol of the Celtic knot , is also referred to as the mystic knot , or the endless knot . The more esoteric or spiritual meaning of this symbol eludes to beginnings and endings . In viewing these beautiful knots, we can not see a beginning or end , and thus we are recalling the timeless nature of our spirit. This translation harkens to our most primal self as we contemplate the infinite cycles of birth and rebirth in both physical and ethereal realms . A less spiritual representation is also related to the infinite nature of the nodes. Thanks to its infinite path , the Celtic knot can represent an uninterrupted life cycle . Some may use this symbol as a charm of sorts - ward against sickness or setbacks that might interfere with an otherwise calm and stable life . In this vein, these knots are used as emblems, which can be found in jewelry , clothing or furniture . In ancient times, gifts adorned with mystic knots would be given with best wishes of longevity, or luck with new endeavors.

Presidents' Day

                        Presidents' Day


The forty days of Lent , recalling the Gospel accounts of the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness , serve to mark an annual time of turning. In the days before Lent , all rich food and drink had to be disposed of. The consumption of this is thought to be the origin of Carnival.As an integral part of the Christian calendar , particularly in Catholic regions , some carnival traditions may date back to pre-Christian times . Carnival was also a manifestation of medieval folk culture . Many local carnival customs are based on local pre-Christian rituals. Some of the best-known traditions , including carnival parades and masquerade Masquerade Ball , were first recorded in medieval Italy . The carnival of Venice was for a long time the most famous carnival. In Italy, carnival traditions spread to the Catholic nations of Spain, Portugal and France. From France , they spread to the Rhineland of Germany , and again France in North America. From Spain and Portugal , they spread with Catholic colonization to the Caribbean and Latin America. In 1823 the first carnival in the world took place in Germany. Carnival is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent, the main events are usually during February. Carnival typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus party, mask and public street. People often dress up or masquerade during the celebrations. This goes back to the harvest celebrations of St. Martin's Day. Protestant areas usually do not have carnival or have modified traditions, such as the Danish Carnival or other Shrive Tuesday events. The Philippines, although a predominantly Roman Catholic country, has no Carnival because it was culturally influenced by neighboring Asian nations that do not have Carnival celebrations. Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Shrove Tuesday is determined by Easter, the date of which changes every year. The term Shrove Tuesday comes from the word shrive, meaning "confess." Related popular practices are associated with celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the penitential season of Lent. The term "Mardi Gras" is French for Fat Tuesday, referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday. The pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use rich foods such as eggs, milk and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent. The liturgical fasting emphasized eating simple food and refraining from food that would give pleasure: In many cultures, this means no meat, dairy or eggs. In Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand the day is also known as "Pancake Day" as it is common practice to eating pancakes as a meal. In Newfoundland little signs are often cooked in the pancakes. Children will delight in discovering the objects, which are intended for divination. For example, the person who receives a coin will be rich.The most famous pancake race , at Olney in Buckinghamshire, has been held since 1445 . The contestants , traditionally women, carry a frying pan and race to the finish. The rules are strict : the contestants must launch their pancakes at the beginning and at the end , wearing an apron and a scarf. Traditionally, when people want to participate , they have to dress like a housewife . The race is followed by a church service .Since 1950, the people of Liberal , Kansas and Olney have held the contest " International Pancake Day " between the two cities. Competitors race The two cities " , measured along an agreed route . Competitors ' times of the two cities ' are compared to determine a winner. After the 2009 race, Liberal was leading with 34 wins to Olney 25 .  a similar race is held in North Somercotes , Lincolnshire , England. Scarborough celebrates closing the coast to all traffic , the closure of schools in advance, and inviting everyone to jump. Traditionally, long ropes were used from the nearby harbor . The auctioneer pancake rings the bell , located at the corner of Westborough and Huntress Row.

Valentine's Day

                       <3 Valentine's Day  <3

The story of Valentine's Day begins in the third century with an oppressive Roman emperor the emperor was Claudius II. The Christian was Valentines. Claudius had ordered all Romans to worship twelve gods, and had made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians. But Valentines was dedicated to the ideals of Christ; not even the threat of death could keep him from practicing his beliefs. He was arrested and imprisoned. During the last weeks of Valentines's life a remarkable thing happened. Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer asked whether his daughter, Julia, might be brought to Valentines for lessons. She had been blind since birth.   Julia was a pretty young girl with a quick mind. Valentines read stories of Rome's history to her. He described the world of nature to her. He taught her arithmetic and told her about God. She saw the world through his eyes, trusted his wisdom, and found comfort in his quiet strength. so much to see everything you've told me about!"On the eve of his death Valentines wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God. He signed it, "From your Valentine."  His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D., near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory.   He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome.   It is said that Julia planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship.On each February 14, Saint Valentine's Day, messages of affection, love, and devotion are exchanged around the world.

A B C Of Friendship

                   A  B  C  Of  Friendship

A friend does most of these:
Accepts you as you are
Believes in "you" 
Calls you just to say "HI" 
Doesn't give up on you!
Envisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts) 
Forgives your mistakes
Gives unconditionally
Helps you
Invites you over
Just "be" with you 
Keeps you close at heart
 Loves you for who you are 
Makes a difference in your life
Never Judges
Offer support
Picks you up
Quiets your fears
Raises your spirits
Says nice things about you
Tells you the truth when you need to hear it
Understands you
Values you
Walks beside you
X-plains thing you don't understand
Yells when you won't listen and
Zaps you back to reality

The Hunger Games

                  The Hunger Games

The nation of Panem consists of a wealthy Capitol ruling twelve poorer districts.
As punishment for a past rebellion, each district must provide two "tributes" (one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 selected by lottery, the "Reaping") once every year to compete in the Hunger Games; they must fight to the death in an arena.
In District 12, when Primrose Everdeen is chosen in her first Reaping, her sister Katniss volunteers to take her place. Peeta Mellark, a baker's son, is selected as the other district tribute. Katniss and Peeta are taken to the Capitol accompanied by their mentor, Haymitch Abernathy, a past District 12 victor, and chaperone Effie Trinket.
During a TV interview with Caesar Flickerman, Peeta reveals his love for Katniss. She is outraged, believing it to be a ploy to gain favor with Sponsors who can provide gifts during the Games, but discovers Peeta is sincere.
The televised Games begin with the tributes positioned in front of weapons and supplies in and around a structure called the Cornucopia. Katniss ignore Haymitch's advice to avoid the temptation, and barely escapes death in the inevitable melee over the supplies; eleven others are not so lucky.
She tries to get as far away from the others as possible in the forest, but is eventually treed by the Careers. Rue, the District 11 girl, is hiding in a nearby tree and quietly draws her attention to a tracker jacket nest. Katniss drops the nest on her besiegers; the poisonous flying insects kill one and drive the rest away.
After Rue's death, it is announced that tributes from the same District can win as a team. Then Katniss searches Peeta and finds him with a badly infected leg.
Crane eventually unleashes a pack of hound-like creatures, resulting in Thresh's death. Katniss and Peeta flee to the roof of the Cornucopia, where they find Cato, the only other survivor. After a struggle, Katniss wounds Cato with an arrow and Peeta hurls him to the creatures below. With Peeta and Katniss apparently victorious, the rule change is suddenly revoked. Peeta tells Katniss to shoot him. She instead gives him half of the Nightlock (poisonous berries) they collected. Before they can commit suicide, the couple is hastily proclaimed the victors of the 74th Hunger Games.