What is the Chinese Zodiac?

The Chinese have named years after animals for thousands of years.

In fact, the Chinese zodiac system is extremely complex, based on an ancient agricultural calendar.

In addition to the twelve animals, there are the elements (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal),

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What is peep culture?

Pop culture, with television and radio as entertainment, has evolved into peep culture, with reality TV and internet. Entertainment is all about going through people’s private lives on blogs and social networking sites. These are tell-all, show-all times. Peep culture is a vent for social isolation, ironically, a result of an

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What is Fleet Street in London known for?

London's Fleet Street, named after the river Fleet which flows at one end of the street, had many legal offices and courts surrounding it in the late 15th century. From 1500s onwards, several publishing and printing shops began locating themselves on Fleet Street to serve the legal offices in its neighbourhood. From 1702, when

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What is a carrotmob?

What is a carrotmob?

A carrotmob is an event where environmentalists queue up to buy goods from a shop which goes green. This is a sort of incentive for their intentions. The concept uses the carrot and stick method, hence 'carrot mob'. Environmentalists mob a 'green' store for mass purchases as a reward. This is planned in advance and executed as an event.

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What is the significance of lanterns in Chinese culture?

Signalling the close of the Chinese New Year celebrations, the lantern festival occurs on the first full moon. Lanterns represent the completion of this period of harmony and 'roundness' because they lead the way home for festival guests. The day of lanterns sends the blessing of harmony, order and unity to remain with everyone for the rest of the year. Like the glowing orbs of the lantern festival, the eating of rice dumplings called 'tang yuan', glutinous rice balls with a sweet filling, also symbolises the wish that life runs sweetly and smoothly.

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Word of the Week: Rape

Word of the Week that was: Rape

Meaning: Rape, sometimes called sexual assault, involves sexual intercourse with another person without their consent

Etymology: From the Latin verb 'rapere' which means to seize or take by force

Origin: Rape originally had no sexual connotations. The word is still used generically in English. In ancient times, rape was viewed less as an assault on a woman and more as a serious property crime against the man to whom she belonged, typically the father or husband. The loss of virginity was an especially serious matter. A raped woman's prospects of finding a husband and an appropriate bride price reduced.

Current Significance: On Thursday, Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja, who is accused of raping his maid, was remanded to judicial custody till July 2. Rape is increasingly reported, giving rise to the perception that its incidence is rising across the world. A recent survey in South Africa found one in four men admitting they had raped someone at least once. Nearly half admitted more than one attack. The study, by the country's Medical Research Council, said practices such as gang rape were common because they were considered a form of male bonding.

History: The history of rape and its changing meaning is complex. In Roman times, rape was considered a 'public wrong' or iniuria publica, as opposed to a 'private wrong' or iniuria privita. Rape-along with arson, treason and murder-has always been a capital offense. Till the colonial period, rape along with arson, treason and murder was a capital offense. In England in the early fourteenth century, a rape victim was expected to gouge out the eyes and sever the offender's testicles herself. Mediaeval theologian Thomas Aquinas argued that rape, though sinful, was much more acceptable than masturbation because it fulfilled the procreative function of sex, while the other acts violated its purpose.

Public perception of rape arguably changed with the 1988 film 'The Accused', starring Jodie Foster. The film explored issues pertaining to the legal and moral responsibility of witnesses. It also challenged the prevalent view that a scantily clad woman in a bar on her own was "asking for it".

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Why are hats a rage at the races?

Fascinating hats are worn in Royal enclosures at Ascot and other horse races during Ladies’ Day when women come out in force and the venue turns into a fashion ramp. History shows that popularity of hats and kerchiefs dates back to early 1800s. Outrageous hats, generally made out of a bowl of fruits, were sported by singer/actress Carmen Miranda in the 1940s. Hats indicated a status symbol, adorned with coloured feathers that only the elite and courtiers could afford. Victorian tea hats were also very popular.

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What is a Black Forest dress?

Black Forest or Schwarzwald is a thickly wooded mountainous region in southwest Germany, extending over 4,600 square miles. Three neighbouring parishes - Gutach, Wolfach-Kirnbach, and Hornberg-Reichenbach of Black Forest - are known for their women's traditional costumes known as the 'Black Forest dress' worn on special occasions. It consists of long skirts with floral designs and the Bollenhut, a wide-brimmed hat decorated with woollen balls or pom-poms. Red pom-poms are worn by unmarried women and black by married ones.

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What is the Peking Opera?

The Peking Opera, which originated in the late 18th century, is a synthesis of music, dance, art and acrobatics. It is the most influential of all operas in China, and can be divided into 'civil' pieces characterized by singing, and 'martial' ones featuring acrobatics and stunts. Some operas are a combination of both. The operatic dialogues and monologues are recited in the Beijing dialect.

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What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the involuntary gnashing of teeth. Some people with bruxism — originating from the Greek word ‘brychein’ — clench their teeth during the day when they are tense. This is different from tooth grinding or clenching that occurs at night, which is called sleep bruxism. Mild bruxism may not require treatment, but in severe cases, can lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other problems.

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What is Andorra most famous for?

Andorra is a small nation of 453 sq. kms located on the French-Spanish border. It is an autonomous co-principality under the joint sovereignty of the Bishop of Urgel in Spain and the French Chief of State (President). The country is most famous for tourism and tobacco. Both French and Spanish currencies are valid in Andorra, while its own dinar coins are meant only for collectors.

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What is cryopreservation?

Cryopreservation (freezing at super cold temperatures) of tissue and cells is a technique which puts the cells in suspended animation where they can retain their viability indefinitely. Cryopreservation protects against catastrophic losses caused by such events as disease outbreaks, fire, breeding cessation, or genetic contamination and eliminates the necessity of maintaining stocks 'on the shelf' when those stocks are not being actively used. Cryobiology improved rapidly with the discovery of the beneficial effects of cryoprotectant substances that are added to cell freezing solutions. Cryopreservation is now routinely used to store semen, embryos and all types of cells/tissue of animals and humans.

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What is the Latur pattern of study?

The Latur pattern of study involves continuous and methodical practice of model question papers months before the board exams. This method was devised by principal Aniruddha Jadhav of Rajarishi Shahu College in Latur, who felt this mechanical methodology of continuous study helps students in providing point-to-point answers to questions which could be expected in the examination. This methodology, however, has been lambasted by educationists who consider it a tool to gain temporary advantage that does not aim to prepare them for advanced learning.

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Marketing macau: Las vegas of the East

MACAU: East meets west here. As Special Administrative Region of China, Macau was earlier a colony of Portugal and reverted to Chinese rule on

December 20, 1999. It's the only city in the world where Las Vegas joins hand with continental Europe while being in the lap of the Oriental. Confused? Well don't be - Macau has a distinct flavour to its pulse and feel.

On one hand, casinos, pubs and bars crowd its coastline, adding to the Las Vegas touch. On the other, there are Roman cathedrals, forts, canals and museums that bring in the European flavour in a city that's carved out of mainland China.

With many Asian countries opening their doors to the gaming industry (revenues touched $13 billion in 2006 as per a report by Globalysis, a Las Vegas-based consultant), the biggest names are interested in it. These include Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, MGM Mirage and Harrah's Entertainment and they hope to generate about 20% of their revenues from Asia alone in the next decade.

Little wonder then that Macau is throbbing with casinos like the indigenous Lisboa, The Grand Emperor and the Vegas Import. It's the only Chinese city where gambling in a casino is legal. As a result, the city has not only lured business travellers and tourists alike, but also a niche clientele dubbed as entertainment travellers.

Not surprisingly, Macau's night life dons a carnival look. There are casinos where Latino music and dance forms like the Samba, Mumba and Salsa enthral the traveller. For the more adrenaline-charged, there are pubs with pole dances. Otherwise, the city turns quiet at midnight.

With an area of 29.2 sq km, mostly got from reclaimed land, Macau, like big brother Hong Kong, benefits from the principle of one country, two systems. But unlike Hong Kong's Manhattan-like mania, Macau has a leisurely pulse with a happy blend of Macanese (Chinese and Portuguese) culture. One can see this all around, from sepia-tinted colonial architecture to A-Ma, Na Tcha and Kai Vui Kun temples. From one street looking traditionally Chinese, to the other looking distinctly European.

Indian tourists, for whom South East Asia has become a much favoured destination, have taken to Macau in a big way. With the opening of the over 10.5 million square feet Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, their travel experience has become luxurious. The Venetian (as it's popularly called) is Asia's answer to Las Vegas and is the property of Las Vegas Sands Corp, headed by Sheldon G Adelson, chairman and CEO.

Considered a virtual city under one roof, The Venetian is the second largest building in the world and the largest in Asia. It has 3,000 suites, 1.2 million square feet of convention and exhibition space and a 1,800-seat theatre (Cirque do Soleil). Considered the crown jewel of the Las Vegas Sands Corp, the hotel also boasts a 15,000-seat arena that can be transformed and customised to accommodate any event providing world-class entertainment.

Another first for the hotel is the one million square feet retail space with a false sky ceiling that's home to 350 stores selling renowned brands. And then there are three 490-ft long canals holding 22,000 m cube of water (equivalent to 11 Olympic pools), followed by a complete replica of European landmarks such as St Mark's Square and canals and gondolas of Venice. The Grand Canal is complete with serenading gondoliers and arched bridges and is an out-of-the world experience right inside mainland China.

What makes the visit more heart-warming is Indians who've found vocation in the hotel. Santosh, who hails from Darjeeling, has been working in a restaurant in the hotel for over a year. Speaking in chaste Hindi, he says, "I came here because the job opportunity and money was good." And lest one doubts his awareness of national events, he's quick to assert that Gorkhaland is a just demand of his fellow men. " Desh ka sawal hai, ektaa to chahiye is struggle mein ," he smiles. And then he goes on to recommend the best menu here.

Budhiraja Mahasingha is another Indian who serves as a security officer at the hotel. With an Indian sister-in-law in Hong Kong, he exchanges notes on the latest Bollywood films.

A little India bang in the middle of Macau. It sure is a small world out there.

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What’s unique about the Art Cologne Fair?

Art Cologne is an art fair held annually in Cologne, Germany. It is Germany’s leading art fair and was established in 1967. It bills itself as the ‘world’s oldest art fair’ although the 57th Street Art Fair was founded in 1948, almost two decades earlier. For six days each year, the fair brings together a large number of leading dealers drawn from dozens of countries showcasing the very best that the international art market has to offer. It attracts both the trade and public, including private collectors, curators, artists and art lovers.

  
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What was the Dutch Tulip craze?

After the introduction of tulips into Europe from Turkey in 1554, they became objects of wild financial speculation in 17th century Holland. By the 1630s, the tulip-growing frenzy grew into the Dutch Tulip craze or the tulip-mania. A single tulip bulb sometimes cost a whopping 4,500 guilders (the price then of a large house plus a horse and carriage). After many went bankrupt, the crisis was ended by government regulation and a major market crash.

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