Ghost Hunting-An Alternative Career Option
June 8, 2008
People believe in ghosts but are too shy to admit it. The fear of ridicule is more overbearing than the shadow that is lurking in their bedroom. But now ghost hunting and taking part in paranormal expedition is very flattering.
The popularity is due to the numerous TV shows. The most popular among them are Ghost Whisperers, Medium, Paranormal State, Most Haunted and Ghost Hunters. Enthusiasts join online discussion groups, develop websites, blogs and generate a greater buzz on the internet. Their curiosity is further fueled with online availability of gadgets and equipments for ghost hunting. So when there are easier means to be on TV then who would give up on this chance.
According to CNN.com, viewership of “Ghost Hunters,” a reality show on the SCI FI Channel that chronicles investigations by The Atlantic Paranormal Society, or TAPS, has doubled since it debuted in 2004 — growing from 1.3 million viewers to 2.6 million.
The Rhode Island-based society currently has about 80 affiliates in 44 states, twice the number of affiliates it had two years ago. And there are about 800 individual members within those affiliates, up from 300 three years ago.
More than 500 people have registered to post and read messages and articles on the Idaho Spirit Seekers’ Web site since the message board went up in November. “That really shows the interest that people do have and that it’s becoming more acceptable to talk about,” said executive director Marie Cuff.
Thirty-four percent of Americans say they believe in ghosts, according to a survey conducted in October by The Associated Press and Ipsos.
So if you are in between jobs or waiting for an interview call and have a lot of time on hand, then try out ghost hunting. It will definitely uplift your spirit.
©Nayna, 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Rediscover Ethnic Indian Look With Sarees
June 5, 2008
Yards of fabric draped around a woman’s body, making her sensual and alluring is the perfect definition of a saree. Sarees are synonymous with Indian tradition and fashion.
There are many different styles of wearing this five meter long fabric. The north Indians wear it with pleats, the Bengalis drape it without pleats, the Gujaratis wear the saree with the end tucked in front while south Indians have their version. This is the beauty of sarees, every Indian woman wears it according to her cultural background but they are still identified as one-a part of the whole.
With each style come the varieties in sarees. Every Indian state has its specialty. They differ in weave, embroidery, designing, and material. Here is a broad classification of the types of sarees available according to the various states.
West Bengal: This state produces a wide variety of sarees. The Calcutta Saree is the first type made in silk warp and cotton weft. They are brightly colored. The silk for this state comes from Murshidabad and they use natural tussah with broad red borders. Popular among them are Baluchari, Taingals and Kanthas.
My personal favorite is the Baluchari because most of these sarees have themes. They either have legends from the famous epics like Mahabharata or Ramayana. Kanthas are also very famous as their embroidery is very distinct and recognizable at first glance.
Daccai Jamdani is also very popular but its roots are from Bangladesh. Fusions of motifs and patterns have given rise to many combinations like Tangail Jamdani.
Orissa: Sarees from this state are greatly influenced by the Jagannath Puri Temple. The motifs are conch, temple borders, lotus, and wheel of the Lord’s chariot. Orissa handloom sarees can be broadly classified into four groups – Ikat, Bomkai, Bandha and Pasapalli. Sambalpur and Cuttack Sarees are unique and available in cotton as well as silk.
Varansi Or Benaras: This city is world famous for its Benarasi saree. The silk quality has various grades and is priced accordingly. This saree contains diverse styles like pure silk (katan), organza with zari work, georgette and shattir.
Bihar: This state is famous for its Bhagalpuri Sarees. This silk too is unique. It is also know as Tussha or Tusser Silk.
Madhya Pradesh: Chanderi sarees belong to this state. They are identified easily by their fine shimmering cottons with pale delicate zari borders and motifs of the utmost delicacy.
Rajasthan And Gujarat: Bandhani sarees are popular from this state. Its tie and dye technique makes it unique and suitable for all seaons. Kota Dori is predominately from Rajasthan which uses cotton and silk fibres to make it soft and supple. Patola silk sarees are famous from the Patan and Surat.
Maharashtra: This state is famous for its Paithani sarees. Their motifs and color combinations are fixed which makes them easily identifiable. The most common motif is the peacock. They are weaved with gold threads as well.
Tamil Nadu: The finest silk saree of the south is Kanjeevaram. Zari plays a prominent role in this. Its borders weaved keeping in mind the temple ornamentations as well as beautiful tribal designs.
Karnataka: This state is well known for purest form of silk-Mysore silk sarees. There are many sub branches of this weave and available various combinations like Mysore Georgette. It styles are fast-changing with Kasuti embroidery, Bandhini designs and with wide array of exciting, vibrant colors.
Andhra Pradesh: Pochampalli, Venkatgiri, Gadwal, Guntur, Mangalpuri sarees are famous from this state.
Kerala: Kerala is known for its Mundu Saree
Sarees from India are exported worldwide not just for Indians living abroad but its uniqueness has also influenced the Western culture. Indian textiles and handlooms leave a mark because of its diverse cultural essence.
©Nayna, 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved.
