GUESTBOOK - Be an ideal guest, dont be a pest.

GUESTBOOK

“BE AN IDEAL GUEST, DON’T BE A PEST”

In most Indian families, house guests are a part and parcel of life. They could range from close relatives to distant cousins, friends, colleagues or even acquaintances. On the other hand, you could be forced by circumstance, to be a house guest at someone’s place. Needless to say, the host-guest relationship is a delicate balance, which has to be maintained. Today very few people are invited and even lesser people are inviting. Social life as far as visiting each other to stay over is almost zero. With the man and woman both going to work, they don’t have time for themselves, so how will they have time to entertain others. Inflation, is another reason that people have become less hospitable. The saying, “Atithi Devo Bhava” (means guest is equal to God, or God comes in the form of a guest) doesn’t hold good any longer.

Today’s woman walks a tight-rope balancing multiple roles in a 24 hour time frame. In this over-burdened, overstrained scenario, entertaining unwelcome house guests may disturb the fine balance between work, family and social pressures.

I would love to call this article “A guestbook”, If everyone follows this guestbook, life would be simpler and our social life would be good.

A FEW POINTERS TO AVOID THE ‘UNWELCOME’CATEGORY

• Remember you are in someone else’s private domain.
• Begin by finding out the most convenient time to visit.
• Take a gift for the host’s children – a box of chocolates, ice-cream or fruits is a nice gesture.
• Once invited, don’t expect to be waited upon
• Try and be helpful as much as possible- tidy up your bedroom, help the hostess in the kitchen, answer the phone or door-bell.
• Identify the established norms of your host’s household. Then try and fit yourself into the general household routine.
• If u are held up somewhere or are deciding to have a meal outside, be sure to call and inform your host.
• If accompanied by children, make sure they behave well. Teach them to put up with small inconveniences, to tidy up their room and run errands whenever needed.
• Never over-step basic limits, especially with servants. Behave kindly towards them. Do not order them around. Do not forget to tip them when u leave, as they’ve to handle extra work-washing utensils, clothes, etc.
• Offer to buy groceries, fetch the milk, drop the children to the school bus-stand, walk the dog and so on.
• Be careful while handling the daily newspaper. Don’t crumple it or change the order of the papers. Don’t grab it before your host could read it. They may be habituated to reading it first thing in the morning while sipping tea and may not appreciate their routine being disturbed by you.

SMALL GESTURES MATTER

Some hints to impress your hosts :

• Show kindness to their pets.
• Don’t help yourself to food from the fridge or drinks from the bar without permission.
• Don’t insist on non-veg food when the hosts are vegetarians.
• Make your own tea if the hosts are late-risers.
• Take the host and his family out for dinner.
• Bring flowers for the hostess.

DON’T BE A PEST

Over-staying one’s welcome is just not done. It has been rightly said,

“THE FIRST DAY, A GUEST; THE SECOND, A BURDEN;THE THIRD, A

PEST.”

• Always inform prior to coming about your plan, how many people are coming? how many days you are planning to stay? and ask them if it is convenient for them if you have to stay for a longer time.
• A week is the maximum one should stay as a house guest (it helps to keep good relations, don’t u agree)
• If you are staying for a longer time you need to contribute towards the expenditures of the house.
• If u are a house guest for a longer time ensure that u help the hostess in the household chores; especially if u are going to stay as a houseguest in a foreign country where there is little or no help available in the form of servants, help the hostess with washing vessels, cleaning the house, cleaning the bathrooms and toilets used by you.
• Always flush the toilets after use and ensure that your children have done the same too. Please enquire with your hostess how she disposes of sanitary napkins /used diapers and do so accordingly.
• Never ever put your laundry to the hostess or host for washing. It is very bad manners to put your undergarments for washing. It puts u in the strictly unwelcome category and gives a very bad impression about u and your upbringing.
• Don’t expect to be served hand and foot by your host/hostess. Instead of your hostess coming up to you and giving you your teacup, just go to the kitchen and take it from her. Incase she brings it up to you, “Tell her why did you take the effort, you could have called me, I would just come and take it from you”.
• If they don’t have the practice of eating breakfast or an evening snack, don’t trouble them to make a breakfast for you. Don’t lecture them on the benefits of eating a good breakfast. You can always go outside and have a decent breakfast in any restaurant or alternatively buy bread/biscuits etc from a shop for your morning breakfast. Either ways offer your host as well. Incase your host has been kind enough to rustle up some thing for you, don’t be fussy and if your kids are fussy, promise to take them out for whatever they want to eat. Don’t encourage the tantrums thrown by your kids and trouble your hostess.
• Don’t ask for cups for oil for taking hair and body massages in your host’s house.
• If you are going to stay in someone’s house with kids, be extremely careful and don’t let the kids touch anything expensive. Keep a watchful eye on them. Offer to buy extra milk etc. for the babies. Don’t encourage kids to argue with the host/hostess. Incase your kids are fighting with the hosts kids, reprimand your kids. If anything is broken accidentally due to your kid’s mistake, either buy a new one to replace the broken one or atleast offer to buy a new one by apologizing for the mistake.
• Don’t expect your host to keep u company at all times. Learn to amuse yourself – read, watch TV or go for a walk, catch up on your sight-seeing or shopping.
• Respect your host’s privacy and don’t ask for his car. Apart from petrol being expensive, many people don’t like lending their cars to other drivers. Hire a cab or auto-rickshaw, or use the public transport system.
• Be flexible about your food habits. Do not expect your host to feed you your favorite dish every second day.
• If you are invited for dinner, don’t open vessels and peep into what’s been cooked for dinner. If you have a problem and are allergic to certain foods inform the host at the time you have agreed to go to their place for dinner.
• While eating see if there is enough left for the host/hostess to eat. Don’t hog as if you haven’t eaten in years and the hostess has to cook again for themselves.
• Incase u are late don’t expect your host and hostess to wait for u for dinner, ask them to go ahead and say that u will manage on your own when u are back and they must not get up or trouble themselves to serve u your dinner. Ensure that u eat the dinner cooked and kept for u on the table, it is bad manners to waste food, and also clean up after u finish, don’t keep the utensils for your hostess to wash in the morning, and ensure that leftover food is neatly put in small vessels and kept in the fridge.
• Don’t wake your host up, to make requests for a hot/cold cup of milk or cocoa at night. Milk is expensive and they may need milk in the morning to make a cup of tea or a bottle of milk for the baby. They have to stock up on the leftover milk until the milkman arrives the next day morning.
• Make your own bed. Don’t leave your room in a mess.
• Never go to judge something or interfere in their personal lives or support an argument, even if they involve u in it.
• Never make comments on their families or friends.
• Incase there is an occasion at home like the birthday party or wedding anniversary of either of them and even if they invite u, humbly apologize for not going and let them celebrate it in private. Get them a gift for the occasion.
• Don’t open their refrigerator/kitchen cabinets and curiously look in. Don’t make comments on its contents. That’s bad manners again.
• Never use their PC, fax machines or telephones without prior permission.
• Incase u are a long time house guest and u need to use the PC, don’t ever open personal documents, don’t play games through the internet, as the host may have to bear the expense of the internet, use the host’s PC for a necessity not for a luxury.
• Don’t make STD/ISD calls and if u need to make a call, pay for it.
• Never demand to see the channel of your choice on TV, incase u need to see a particular program make a request.
• Never criticize your host about the décor, food, the kid’s behavior, even the erratic power or water supply.
• “Open Your Mouth Only To Appreciate Something.”
• Remember u are a guest whether u are living with your hosts for a short time or a longer time, u are not going to be there for good, so make adjustments, then, your stay will be pleasant & peaceful.
• When u go back to your own home u can always live like a “King”.
• Make yourself welcome and make your hosts feel good about you.

They must not wait to drive you out and then think that it was, “Good riddance to Bad Rubbish”

A little tact will get u invited back

WHEN YOU ARE SAYING BYE

• Try to be a pleasant person, so that your host and hostess feel like inviting you again to their house.
• While leaving, tell them that you had a lovely stay and invite them over to your house as well.
• Maybe buy them a small gift as a token to appreciate their hospitability.
• Make your stay with them a memorable one for both u and them.

Following these rules ensures that our social life will still remain good, following the guestbook will definitely make your hosts say “come again”.

SALT THE CURE OF PAIN

SALT THE CURE OF PAIN
I believe that most of your moms always tell you to drink a glass of salt water/rinse your mouth with salt water if you have a sore throat because salt can reduce inflammation.

This method has actually been proven (medically) to be really effective and it really can help to reduce inflammation.

They have also tested on other medical values of salt and found out that:

If you have pain in your joints/spine/body, you can simply try out this method which can help to relieve the pain (especially for old people who have rheumatism). Simply fry the salt let it settle down for a while before applying on affected areas.

If you have a problem of Hair Loss, you can simply prepare a pail of salt water and rinse your scalp/hair with it (it takes about 2 weeks to a month). It will not help in growing of new hair but can prevent hairfall.

After tedious/strenuous exercise, soaking your feet with salt water can help to prevent cramps and pain, and also prevent from skin irritation. Hope it will be of help to you.

KONDA KADALAI SUNDAL

KONDA KADALAI SUNDAL
Konda Kadalai Sundal gets its name because it has a dome on top representing a kondai(a knot). Every chana or kadalai should have distinctive name so this was equated to a hair knot tied by women. It is made during the Navaratri festival. It is also distributed as Prasad in temples.

Ingredients
Konda Kadalai - 250 grams
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Udad dal - 1 tsp
Green chillies – 3-4
Red chillies – 1-2 broken into 2 halves
Turmeric -1/4 tsp
Asafetida (Hing) - a small pinch
Freshly grated Coconut – 1-2 tbsps
Cooking oil - 1 tbsp
Salt as per taste.
Curry leaves – a sprig
Coriander leaves for garnish

Method
Soak the Konda Kadalai in water overnight. In the morning rinse out well, add some turmeric powder and a cup of water and pressure cook it for about 3-4 whistles. Don’t throw the water in which the chana has been boiled as it contains a lot of nutrients. Keep the boiled chana aside.
In a Kadhai (wok), Add oil, when it is hot, Add the mustard seeds and when they begin to crackle, Add udad dal and the red chillies, when the udad dal becomes slightly pink, add the green chillies and the curry leaves and fry well, now add in the boiled Konda kadalai and turmeric, asafetida and salt. Mix well. Cover the kadhai with a lid. Don’t add water, The boiled chana already has some water, so let it cook. Once all the water is soaked up Add freshly grated coconut and some coriander leaves and mix well.
Serve hot with Rice and Rasam or enjoy it as it is.

Garam Masala Powder

Garam Masala Powder
Ingredients
3 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp Fennel seeds
7 peppercorns
4 cloves
2 green cardamoms (elaichis)
4-5 cinnamon sticks
1 bayleaf
Method
Roast all the ingredients in a kadhai(wok), until you get the aroma of the spices

Allow it to cool down, then grind it into a fine powder in a mixie. Allow it to cool down and store in an airtight container. You can keep this garam masala for months in an airtight container.

If you want a larger quantity of this you can increase the proportion of the above ingredients in the same ratio.

This Garam Masala can be used for North Indian dishes, gravies, and for the filling in samosas, usal, patra etc.

ENGLISH SONGS FOR KIDS

ENGLISH SONGS FOR KIDS

I studied in a Convent School and Music was part of our curriculum, I used to absolutely love my music class as it was the happiest class of our early education and the songs that we used to learn were so comical that we used to laugh and feel fresh. Here are some of the songs we learnt in school. I intend to add on to this list which I have organized in an alphabetical order I think music “should” be part of the curriculum during our early years.

B

BROWN GIRL IN THE RING
Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
Theres a brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la la
Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

Show me your motion
Tra la la la la
Come on show me your motion
Tra la la la la la
Show me your motion
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

All had water run dry
Got nowhere to wash my cloths
All had water run dry
Got nowhere to wash my cloths

I remember one saturday night
We had fried fish and johnny-cakes
I remember one saturday night
We had fried fish and johnny-cakes

Beng-a-deng
Beng-a-deng

Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
Theres a brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la la
Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

Show me your motion
Tra la la la la
Come on show me your motion
Tra la la la la la
Show me your motion
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

All had water run dry
Got nowhere to wash my cloths
All had water run dry
Got nowhere to wash my cloths

I remember one saturday night
We had fried fish and johnny-cakes
I remember one saturday night
We had fried fish and johnny-cakes

Beng-a-deng
Beng-a-deng

Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
See, brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la la
Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

All had water run dry
Got nowhere to wash my cloths
All had water run dry
Got nowhere to wash my cloths

Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
Look that brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la la
Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

My luncheon lies over the rail;
My supper lies in great commotion,
Will someone please bring me a pail?

Please bring, please bring,
Please bring a pail to me, to me,
Please bring, please bring,
Oh,

BYE BYE BUNTING

Bye baby bunting
Daddy's gone a'hunting
Mummy's gone a'milking
Sister's gone a'silking
Brother's gone to buy a skin
To wrap the baby bunting in

F

FROSTY THE SNOWMAN

Frosty the Snowman

Frosty the Snowman
Was a jolly happy soul
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
And two eyes made out of coal

Frosty the Snowman
Is a fairytale they say
He was made of snow
But the children know

How he came to life one day
There must have been some magic
In that old silk hat they found
For when they placed it on his head

He began to dance around
Frosty the Snowman
Was alive as he could be
And the children say

He could laugh and play
Just the same as you and me
Frosty the Snowman
Knew the sun was hot that day

So he said let's run
And we'll have some fun
Now before I melt away
Down to the village

With a broomstick in his hand
Running here and there all around the square
Saying catch me if you can
He led them down the streets of town

Right to the traffic cop
And he only paused a moment when
He heard him holler stop
Frosty the Snowman

Had to hurry on his way
But he waved goodbye
Saying don't you cry
I'll be back again some day

Thumpety thump thump
Thumpety thump thump
Look at Frosty go
Thumpety thump thump
Thumpety thump thump

Over the hills of snow

H

HERE WE GO 'ROUND THE MULBERRY BUSH,
Here we go 'round the mulberry bush,
The mulberry bush, the mulberry bush.
Here we go 'round the mulberry bush,
So early in the morning.

This is the way we wash our clothes,
Wash our clothes, wash our clothes.
This is the way we wash our clothes,
So early Monday morning.

This is the way we iron our clothes,
Iron our clothes, iron our clothes.
This is the way we iron our clothes,
So early Tuesday morning.

This is the way we mend our clothes,
Mend our clothes, mend our clothes.
This is the way we mend our clothes,
So early Wednesday morning.

This is the way we sweep the floor,
Sweep the floor, sweep the floor.
This is the way we sweep the floor,
So early Thursday morning.

This is the way we scrub the floor,
Scrub the floor, scrub the floor.
This is the way we scrub the floor,
So early Friday morning.

This is the way we bake our bread,
Bake our bread, bake our bread.
This is the way we bake our bread,
So early Saturday morning.

This is the way we go to church,
Go to church, go to church.
This is the way we go to church,
So early Sunday morning.

HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS,
He's got the whole world in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.

He's got my brothers and my sisters in His hands,
He's got my brothers and my sisters in His hands,
He's got my brothers and my sisters in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.

He's got the sun and the rain in His hands,
He's got the moon and the stars in His hands,
He's got the wind and the clouds in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.

He's got the rivers and the mountains in His hands,
He's got the oceans and the seas in His hands,
He's got you and he's got me in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.

He's got everybody here in His hands,
He's got everybody there in His hands,
He's got everybody everywhere in His hands,
He's got the whole world in His hands.

Sing a song of sixpence,
A pocket full of rye;
(Children in circle skip to the left while singing)

Four and twenty blackbirds
Baked in a pie!
(Children in circle skip to the right,
then stretch arms up toward center to form the pie.)

When the pie was opened,
The birds began to sing;
(Children in circle bring arms back down
to waist level, then children in center of ring
begin to 'chirp' and 'tweet')

Wasn't that a dainty dish
To set before the king?
(Children in circle skip to the left;
children in center flutter about like birds.)

The king was in his counting house,
Counting all the money;
(Children in circle walk backward
four steps then pretend to count money;
children in center keep fluttering like birds)

The queen was in the parlor,
Eating bread with honey
(Children in circle walk forward
four steps, kneel and pretend to eat;
children in center keep fluttering like birds)

The maid was in the garden,
Hanging out the clothes;
(Children in circle pretend to pick up clothes,
then turn outward and hang them up.)

When down came a blackbird
Who snapped off her nose!
(Children in center flutter to, and run around,
those in the circle, one bird to one child, each snapping
off a nose. Those in the circle kneel and the birds each
hold up one finger to represent the nose.)


Repeat, with the children changing positions.

HOKEY POKEY

You put your right hand in,
You put your right hand out,
You put your right hand in,
And you shake it all about,

You do the hokey pokey
and you turn yourself around
That’s what it's all about.

2) left hand
3) right foot
4) left foot
5) head
6) butt
7) whole self

J

JINGLE BELLS

Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bobtail ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight! Oh!

Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh! Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh!

A day or two ago
I thought I'd take a ride;
And soon Miss Fannie Bright
Was seated by my side.
The horse was lean and lank;
Misfortune seemed his lot;
He got into a drifted bank,
And we, we got upsot. Oh!

Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh! Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh!

Now the ground is white,
Go it while you're young;
Take the girls tonight,
And sing this sleighing song.
Just get a bob-tailed bay,
Two-forty for his speed;
Then hitch him to an open sleigh,
And crack! You'll take the lead. Oh!

Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh! Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh!

M

MARYS BOY CHILD

Marys boy child jesus christ, was born on christmasa day.
And man will live for evermore, because of christmas day.

Long time ago in bethlehem, so the holy Bible said,
Marys boy child jesus christ, was born on christmas day.

Hark, now hear the angels sing, a king was born today,
And man will live for evermore, because of christmas day.
Marys boy child jesus christ, was born on christmas day.

While shepherds watch their flocks by night,
They see a bright new shining star,
They hear a choir sing a song, the music seemed to come from afar.

Hark, now hear the angels sing, a king was born today,
And man will live for evermore, because of christmas day.

For a moment the world was aglow, all the bells rang out
There were tears of joy and laughter, people shouted
Let everyone know, there is hope for all to find peace.

Now joseph and his wife, mary, came to bethlehem that night,
They found no place to bear her child, not a single room was in sight.

And then they found a little nook in a stable all forlorn,
And in a manger cold and dark, marys little boy was born.

Hark, now hear the angels sing, a king was born today,
And man will live for evermore, because of christmas day.
Marys boy child jesus christ, was born on christmas day.

Oh a moment still worth was a glow, all the bells rang out
There were tears of joy and laughter, people shouted
Let everyone know, there is hope for all to find peace.

MY BONNIE LIES OVER THE OCEAN
My bonnie lies over the ocean
My bonnie lies over the sea
My bonnie lies over the ocean
Oh bring back my bonnie to me

Bring back, bring back
Bring back my Bonnie to me, to me
Bring back, bring back
Bring back my Bonnie to me

Last night as I lay on my pillow
Last night as I lay on my bed
Last night as I lay on my pillow
I dreamed that my bonnie was dead

Bring back, bring back
Bring back my Bonnie to me, to me
Bring back, bring back
Bring back my Bonnie to me

Oh blow ye the winds o'er the ocean
And blow ye the winds o'er the sea
Oh blow ye the winds o'er the ocean
And bring back my bonnie to me

Bring back, bring back
Bring back my Bonnie to me, to me
Bring back, bring back
Bring back my Bonnie to me

The winds have blown over the ocean
The winds have blown over the sea
The winds have blown over the ocean
And brought back my bonnie to me

Bring back, bring back
Bring back my Bonnie to me, to me
Bring back, bring back
Bring back my Bonnie to me

VERSION 2

My Bonnie lies over the ocean,
My Bonnie lies over the sea,
My Bonnie lies over the ocean,
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me.

Bring back, bring back,
Bring back my Bonnie to me, to me.
Bring back, bring back,
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me.

Oh, blow, ye winds, over the ocean,
And blow, ye winds, over the sea,
And blow, ye winds, over the ocean,
And bring back my Bonnie to me.

Bring back, bring back,
Bring back my Bonnie to me, to me.
Bring back, bring back,
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me.

Last night as I lay on my pillow,
Last night as I lay on my bed,
Last night as I lay on my pillow,
I dreamed that my Bonnie was dead.

Bring back, bring back,
Bring back my Bonnie to me, to me.
Bring back, bring back,
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me.

The winds have blown over the ocean,
The winds have blown over the sea,
The winds have blown over the ocean,
And brought back my Bonnie to me.

Bring back, bring back,
Bring back my Bonnie to me, to me.
Bring back, bring back,
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me.

My Bonnie's complexion was lovely,
Her face, it was beauteous to see;
One day she got caught in a rainstorm,
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me.

Bring back, bring back,
Bring back my Bonnie to me, to me.
Bring back, bring back,
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me.

My Bonnie leaned over the gas tank,
The height of its contents to see;
I lighted a match to assist her,
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me.

Bring back, bring back,
Bring back my Bonnie to me, to me.
Bring back, bring back,
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me.

My mother's an apple-pie maker,
My father, he fiddles for tin,
My sister scrubs floors for a livin',
Oh boy, how the money rolls in.

Bring back, bring back,
Bring back my Bonnie to me, to me.
Bring back, bring back,
Oh, bring back my Bonnie to me.

Last night as I lay on my pillow,
Last night as I lay on my bed,
I stuck my feet out of the window,
Next morning the neighbors were dead.

Bring back, bring back,
Bring back my neighbors to me, to me.
Bring back, bring back,
Oh, bring back my neighbors to me.

My breakfast lies over the ocean,
please bring a pail to me.

Who knows what I had for breakfast,
Who knows what I had for tea?
Who knows what I had for supper,
Just look out the window and see!

Clams, clams, clams, clams,
Oh, clams and ice cream don't agree with me!
Clams, clams, clams, clams,
Oh, clams and ice cream don't agree!

O

Oh my lord
Oh my lord
You sent your son to save us
Oh my lord
Your very self you gave us
Oh my lord
That sin may not enslave us
And love may reign once more

Oh my lord
When in the crib they found him
Oh my lord
A golden halo crowned him

Oh my lord
They gathered all around him
To see him and adore

(this day will live forever)
Oh my lord (so praise the lord)
They had become to doubt you
Oh my lord (he is the truth forever)
What did they know about you
Oh my lord (so praise the lord)
But they were lost without you
They needed you so bad (his light is shining on us)

Oh my lord (so praise the lord)
With the childs adoration
Oh my lord (he is a personation)
There came great jubilation
Oh my lord (so praise the lord)
And full of admiration
They realized what they had (until the sun falls from the sky)

Oh my lord (oh praise the lord)
You sent your son to save us
Oh my lord (this day will live forever)
Your very self you gave us
Oh my lord (so praise the lord)
That sin may not enslave us
And love may reign once more

R

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER

You know Dasher and Dancer And Prancer and Vixen,
Comet and Cupid And Donner and Blitzen.
But do you recall The most famous reindeer of all?

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Play in any reindeer games

Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say,
"Rudolph with your nose so bright
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"
Then all the reindeer loved him
And they shouted out with glee,
"Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
You'll go down in history!"

T

THE FARMER'S IN HIS DEN,

The farmer's in his den,

The farmer's in his den,

E - I - Addio ,

The farmer's in his den.

The song continues ....

The farmer wants a wife,

The wife wants a child

The child wants a nurse

The nurse wants a dog

The dog wants a bone

We all pat the dog !!!

THE LIFE IN THE ARMY

The life in the army

they say is mighty fine

They say you'll find none better, I say they've lost their minds.

Chorus:
Oh, I don't want no more of Army life

Gee Boy I wanna go, Oh boy I wanna go,

Show me the way to go home.

The life in the army

they say is mighty fine

They treat u like a monkey and

make u stand in a line,

Chorus:
Oh, I don't want no more of Army life

Gee Boy I wanna go, Oh boy I wanna go,

Show me the way to go home.

The leaders that they have here,

they say are mighty fine,
But when you get up closer,

they look like Frankenstein.

“Repeat Chorus”

The food in the army,

they say is mighty fine,

I took a small bite,

it taste like iodine!!

“Repeat Chorus”

The biscuits in the Army

They say are mighty fine

One rolled off the table

And killed a friend of mine

“Repeat Chorus”

The coffee in the Army

They say is mighty fine

It looks like muddy water

And tastes like turpentine

“Repeat Chorus”

The Cocoa in the army,

they say is mighty fine,
It's good for cuts and bruises

and tastes like iodine.

“Repeat Chorus”

The pay in the Army

they say is mighty fine

They give you fifty dollars

And take back forty-nine

“Repeat Chorus”

The drinks in the army,

They say are mighty fine
You ask for Coca Cola

they give you turpentine.

“Repeat Chorus”

The clothes in the army,

they say are mighty fine,
Me and my buddy,

both fit into mine.

“Repeat Chorus”

The boots in the army,

they say their mighty fine,

i ask for size 11,

they give me 99!!

“Repeat Chorus”

the guns in the army,

they say their mighty fine,

i try to shoot a guy,

it shot off my eye!!

“Repeat Chorus”

The jeeps in the army

They say are mighty fine,
They go around the corner

and leave the wheels behind.

“Repeat Chorus”

The tents/cabins that you sleep in,

they say are mighty fine,
But whoever said this

has never slept in mine.

“Repeat Chorus”

The first aid that they give you,

they say is mighty fine,
But if you cut your finger,

you’re left with only nine.

“Repeat Chorus”

They say that in the Army

The girls are mighty fine

You ask for Betty Grable

They give you Frankenstein

“Repeat Chorus”

The girls at the service club they say are mighty fine,
Most are over eighty and the rest are under nine.

“Repeat Chorus”

The quizzes that they give us,

they say are mighty fine,
We never know the answers,

we're mixed up all the time,

“Repeat Chorus”

The chicken that they serve us they say is mighty fine,
One fell off the table and killed a friend of mine,
I don't want no more of Army life,
Gee, Mom, I want to go home.

“Repeat Chorus”

The typhoid shots they give us will make us all immune,
They stick a needle in us and knock us out 'till June,
I don't want no more of Army life,
Gee, Mom, I want to go home.

The toilets in the army are the best that they can get,
Last night my tent mate had to go, they haven’t found him yet.

“Final Chorus”

U

UNA PALOMA BLANCA

When the sun shines on the mountain

And the night is on the run

It's a new day It's a new way

And I fly up to the sun

I can feel the morning sunlight I can smell the new moon haze** I can hear God's voice is calling For my golden sky light way

Una paloma blanca I'm just a bird in the sky Una paloma blanca Over the mountains I fly No one can take my freedom away

Once I had my share of losing for they locked me on a chain Yes they tried to break my power oh I still can feel the pain

Una paloma blanca I'm just a bird in the sky Una paloma blanca Over the mountains I fly No one can take my freedom away

Una paloma blanca I'm just a bird in the sky Una paloma blanca

This is the story of the farmer in his den.

There is a traditional children's song which goes......

W

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

And a Happy New Year.

Good tidings to you,

And all of your kin,

Good tidings for Christmas,

And a Happy New Year.

We all know that Santa's coming,

We all know that Santa's coming,

We all know that Santa's coming,

And soon will be here.

Good tidings to you,

And all of your kin,

Good tidings for Christmas,

And a Happy New Year.

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

And a Happy New Year.

Y

YANKEE DOODLE

Yankee Doodle went to town,

A-Riding on a pony;

He stuck a feather in his hat,

And called it macaroni

Yankee Doodle, keep it up,

Yankee Doodle dandy;

Mind the music and the step,

And with the girls be handy!

Story of Sukanya from Mahabharatha

SUKANYA
Sukanya is a story adapted from the Mahabharatha. Inspite of being innocent she had to face a lot of troubles in life, but overcame everything and lived happily.
The story
Vaivasvata Manu was the son of the Sun God and the originator of the Solar Dynasty. His heir was the learned King Sharyati. Sharyati had a daughter who was the paragon of beauty. She was appropriately named Sukanya meaning beautiful girl. Once the king went for a hunt taking his family with him. In the evening they camped near the hermitage of Sage Chyavana.
Chyavana had been meditating for a long time. Termites had built a nest around his body, which was teeming with newborn insects. Only his eyes and nostrils were exposed. In the dark of the evening the eyes shone like glow worms. Sukanya's curiosity was aroused and she playfully poked the bright spots with a twig in order to draw out the glowworms. To her horror she blinded the sage. Chyavana was in a rage. He threatened to curse the king, his family and his kingdom. Sharyati pleaded that his daughter had committed this heinous deed out of ignorance and not out of malice. He begged forgiveness. When nothing worked, he gave his daughter in marriage to the sage to placate him.
Thus the barely nubile Sukanya became the aged Chyavana's wife. Chyavana was not only old but was ugly as well. Ages of meditating in the open had discoloured and disfigured his body. He was the definitely not any woman's dream husband. But Sukanya was a girl of good breeding. She knew that she had erred and was prepared to pay the price. Instead of raving and ranting she set about her duties conscientiously and with a smile on her lips. The sage too realised that life was not easy for his young bride. He demanded little of her and gave her plenty of space. This was not difficult because he meditated for months at a stretch, without eating or sleeping.
After completing her morning chores Sukanya would go to a secluded spot at a lake near the hermitage. There she would bathe in the calm and cool water for a few hours. Only during these very private moments would she sometimes dwell upon what might have been had she not blinded the sage. A youthful passion burned in her and the cold water enveloping her body quelled the heat. Once when she broke out of such a reverie she saw two handsome lads, identical twins, staring at her.
The Ashwini twins, Dasra and Nasatya were sons of the Sun God, but born at a time when their mother was in the form of a mare. "Ashwa" is the Sanskrit word for horse. From their mother they had inherited fleetness of foot and from their father dazzling beauty. They spent their time speeding around earth in search of merriment. One day they saw a young and beautiful maiden relaxing in the limpid waters of a lake, her eyes closed in a pleasurable daydream. They sat on the bank watching her and waiting for her to come out of her reverie.

When Sukanya met their gaze they asked her how her father had allowed her to bathe naked in the river without any female escort. They wanted to meet her father so as to put forward the proposal that she be married to one of them. When she informed them that she was already married they were astounded. On being asked she told them that she was married to Chyavana. The Ashwini twins had a good laugh. "What pleasure can that old disfigured hermit give you?" they scoffed, "I bet you are yet a virgin. Come run away with us and you will have the time of your life."
Sukanya candidly informed them that she was extremely happy with Chyavana and had no intention of running away with them or anyone else. The twins continued to watch her for a while, their minds working out a plot, and then they put forward the following proposal. "We can make your husband youthful like us but he will be identical to us. You will then have to choose one from the three of us. If you happen to choose him then good for you, else you will spend your life with one of us."
Sukanya said that she would have to consult her husband. The twins agreed. Sukanya hurried out of the water, wrapped her clothes around her wet body and went to the hermitage. Some time later she returned with Chyavana. "My husband has given his consent to your proposal," she told them.
The twins asked the sage to step into the lake. The three of them dipped themselves below the surface. When they emerged, the sage was identical to Dasra and Nasatya. Sukanya asked all three to come a little closer. The three marched forward in unison. No sooner had they taken a few steps on the shore, Sukanya pointed to the sage and said, "I choose him."
The twins were amazed at the alacrity with which Sukanya had made her choice. They had expected her to dither because there was no mark to differentiate Chyavana from them. They looked back and saw only one pair of footprints on the wet sand emerging from the lake, that of Chyavana. The twins being of the race of demi-Gods did not leave footprints.
The twins realised that the sage had hoodwinked them. He had known all along that Sukanya would be able to identify him because of the footprints. But they were a sporting pair. There would be other places and other maidens. They sought the sage's blessings and went their way. Sukanya and Chyavana lived happily ever after.

51 SHAKTI PEETHAS OF MAA-DURGA

51 SHAKTI PEETHAS OF MAA-DURGA
SATI AND SHIVA
This is the tale of how Sati wins the heart of Lord Shiva. From childhood, Sati is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and by doing severe penance she manages to win Shiva's heart. On Lord Shiva's request Brahma convinces Daksha to accept Shiva as his son-in law. Shiva and Sati get finally get married on an auspicious day.

Daksha was not happy with the marriage. He was angry because his daughter had married against his wishes. In Satya Yuga, Daksha performed a grand yagna and invited everyone from the three worlds except Lord Shiva and Sati. This was done with the idea to disrespect and humiliate Lord Shiva. Sati was unhappy and went to convince her father, who not only didn’t listen to her pleas but insulted her husband Lord Shiva. Sati was unable to bear her father’s insults toward her husband, so she sacrificed her life by jumping into the yagna fire. When Lord Shiva heard about her death he became furious. He went to the place where Daksha was performing his yagna and destroyed the area. He created two powerful beings called Virabadra and Maha Kali from his matted hair. They destroy the yagna and Virabadra kills Daksha.

Lord Shiva then carried Sati’s body all over the world in a state of wild grief. At the request of all other gods, Lord Vishnu severed Sati’s body into 51 pieces with his Sudarshan Chakra, so that Lord Shiva could return to his sanity and once again take up his duties. Various parts of Sati’s body fell at different places which became known as Shakti Peethas. At all Shakti Peethas, the Goddess Shakti is accompanied by Lord Bhairava (a manifestation of Lord Shiva).

WATCH THIS VIDEO FOR THE STORY OF SATI (Courtesy - Youtube)

51 SHAKTI PEETHAS

1. Hingula (Hinglaj) Devi’s mind or brain fell here and the idols are Devi as Kotari (Durga) and Shiva as Bhimlochan (Terrible eyed or the third eye). The location is towards 125 km from Karachi, Pakistan.

2. Sharkarare or Karavipur Devi’s three eyes fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahishmardini (Durga the destroyer of Mahishashur) and Shiva as Krodhish (the one who can be angry). It is near Karachi in Pakistan, by rail the nearest station is Parkai.

3. Jwalamukhi, Kangra, Devi’s tongue fell here and the idols are Devi as Ambika (Mother) and Shiva as Unmatta (Furious). This is located near Pathankot, H.P., Jwalamukhi Road.

4. Sugandha Devi’s nose fell here and idols are Devi as Sunanada (Pleasing) and Shiva as Traimbak (Rudra). In the state of Bengal near Barishal in Shivahri Karpur village Devi’s temple is located and Shiva’s temple is in a village called Ponabalia, nearest railway station is Jhalkati.

5. On Bhairabha mountain near Avanti Devi’s upper lips fell here and idols are Devi as Avanti (Modest) and Shiva as Lambakarna (Long eared one). It is located near Ujjain.

6. Attahas (laughter) Devi’s lower lips fell here and the idols are Devi as Fullara (Blooming) and Shiva as Bhairabhvishesya (Lord of the universe). The place is in Bengal near Birbhum. Image of Devi and the Shiva temple is next to the Devi temple. It is a major pilgrimage and tourist attraction.

7. Prabhas Devi’s stomach fell here and the idols are Devi as Chandrabhaga (Throne of the moon) and Shiva as Bakratunda (the one with the bent staff). This is near Mumbai where a launch goes to Bharoal which is near Prabhas.

8. Yanasthana Devi’s chin fell here and the idols are Devi as Bhramari (female Bumble bee or attendant of Durga) and Shiva as Vikrakatakkha (one with the crooked eyes or look). Other names are Devi as Chibuka (the one with the chin) and Shiva as Sarvasiddhish (the one who can provide all desires).

9. Godavari (river) Devi’s left cheek fell here and the idols are Viswamatuka (mother of the world) and Shiva as Dandapani (the one who holds a staff).

10. Gandaki (river) Devi’s right cheek fell here and the idols are Devi as Gandakichandi (the one who overcomes obstacles or Gandi) and Shiva as Chakrapani (Holder of the discus). Famous pilgrimage.

11. Suchidesha Devi’s upper teeth fell here and the idols are Devi as Narayani (the wife of Narayan) and Shiva as Sanghar. Panchasagar - Devi’s lower teeth fell here and the idols are Devi as Barahi and Shiva as Maharudra (the angry one).

12. Bhavanipur or Karota (river) Devi’s left seat or her clothing fell here and idols are Devi as Aparna (the one who ate nothing, not even leaves) and Shiva as Bhairabha (Destroyer of fear). The King of Nator and his grandson the Maharajah Ramakrishna used to meditate here. The seat, the yognakunda and five skulls are still here. In the month of Baisakha according to the Bengali calendar, there is a large fete or Mela here to celebrate Ramanavami or Deepanbita.

13. Shriparvata or Shri mountain Devi’s right seat fell here and the idols are Devi as Shri Sunadari (beautiful) and Shiva as Sundaranand (the handsome one).

14. Karnat Devi’s two ears fell here and the idols are Devi as Jai Durga (the victoriuos Durga) and Shiva as Avirooka.

15. Vrindavana Devi’s hair fell here and idols are Devi as Uma (Devi) and Shiva as Bhootesh (or provider of all desires). Playgorund of Lord Krishna and the gopis.

16. Kirit Devi’s crown or headdress fell here and idols are Devi as Vimala (Pure) and Shiva as Sangbarta. Take the train to Ajimganj. The temples are on the shore of the ganges near Batnagar. (in Bangladesh)

17. Shrihatta Devi’s nape of the neck fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahalakshmi (the goddess of prosperity and wife of Mahavishnu) and Shiva as Sarvananda (the one who makes everyone happy). Devi’s temple is Near Shrihatta town and Shiva’s temple is near Jainpur. Shivaratri and Ashokashtami are celebrated with a Mela (carnival). Take train from Calcutta to Goalanda and steamer to Kechuaganj. Then either take a boat or walk about five miles (6 koshas).

18. Nalhati Devi’s vocal pipe fell here and the idols are Devi as Kalika (Durga) and Shiva as Yogesh. By train from Howrah station.

19. Kashmir Devi’s neck fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahamaya (the great Illusion) and Shiva as Trisandhyasvar. The famous pilgrimage is Amarnath. There is a Shiva linga of glacial ice which expands and contracts with the seasons.

20. Ratnabali Devi’s right shoulder fell here and the idols are Devi as Kumari (Durga) and Shiva as Bhairabha (Remover of fear).

21. Mithila Devi’s left shoulder fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahadevi (Devi) and Shiva as Mahodara (the big belied one). This is near Janakpur station.

22. Chattagram (also called Chattal) Devi’s right arm fell here and the idols are Devi as Bhavani (Devi) and Shiva as Chandrashekhar (the one who has the moon as the crown). It is said that Mahadeva has himself pronounced that he will visit Chandrashekhar mountain regularly during Kali yuga. This is near Sitakunda station. This is in Bangladesh.

23. Manav Kschetra (Field) Devi’s right hand or palm fell her and the idols are Devi as Dakhchayani (Durga) and Shiva as Amar (Immortal). Take train from Howrah station to Guskar station and then a few miles to Kogram. Mahadeva is considered Siddhidayaka or provider of all wishes.

24. Ujjaini Devi’s elbows fell here and the idols are Devi as Mangalchandi (Durga) and Shiva as Kapilambar (one who wears the brown clothes). Shiva is siddhidayaka.

25. Manibandha Devi’s middle of the palms fell here and the idols are Devi as Gayatri (Saraswati) and Shiva as Sarvananda (the one who makes everyone happy).

26. Prayag (three rivers meet here) Devi’s ten fingers fell here and the idols are Devi as Lalita (beautiful). Another name is Alopi and Shiva as Bhava. Near Tribeni ghat there is Banitirtha ghat (Quay for boats). Allahabad is the train station.

27. Bahula Devi’s left arm fell here and the idols are Devi as Bahula (Abundant) and Shiva as Bhiruk (who is also Sarvasiddhadayaka). Arrive at Katoa rail station and then go to Ketugram which is a pilgrimage.

28. Jalandhar Devi’s right breast fell here and the idols are Devi as Tripurmalini (Durga) and Shiva as Bhisan (Gruesome). Jwalamukhi is the nearby Tirtha and train goes from Delhi to Jalandhar.

29. Ramgiri (or Chitrakoot mountain) Devi’s left breast fell here (another opinion is that her Nala or Jaghanasti fell here) and the idols are Devi as Shibani (the wife of Shiva) and Shiva as Chanda. Near Bilaspur station and a walk of 2 miles.

30. Vaidyanath Devi’s heart fell here and the idols are Devi as Jaidurga (Victorious Durga) and Shiva as Vaidyanath. It is in Bihar. Joshidi is the train station.

31. Utkal, Orissa, Devi’s navel fell here and the idols are Devi as Vimala (the pure one) and Shiva as Jagannath (the ruler of the world). This is near the Jagannath temple of Puri in the state of Orissa.

32. Kanchidesh Devi’s skeleton fell here and the idols are Devi as Devagarbha and Shiva as Ruru. Bolpur station to Kopar river banks. There is a well for worship.

33. Kalmadhava Devi’s right hips fell here and the idols are Devi as Kali (another form of Durga) and Shiva as Asitananda. By praying to the Devi profusely pilgirms can obtain their desired objective.

34. Sone (near Sone river) Devi’s left hips fell here and the idols are Devi as Narmada and Shiva as Vadrasen.

35. Kamakhya (or Kamroop) Devi’s yoni fell here and the idols are Devi as Kamakhya (personification of love) and Shiva as Umananda. This is near Gauhati in the state of Assam on the banks of the Brahmaputra (the son of Brahma) river. The temple is on top of the Nilachal Hill. This is a famous pilgrimage for women seeking fertility or love. The temple is supposedly built by Kamdev, the god of love. The Umananda temple is nearby in an islet on the river. It has many pet monkeys.

36. Devi’s two knees fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahashira and Shiva as Kapali. This is in Nepal.

37. Jayanti Devi’s left thigh fell here and the idols are Devi as Jayanti and Shiva as Kramadiswar. In Bengal near Sri Hatta.

38. Magadha Devi’s right thigh fell here and the idols are Devi as Sarvanandari and Shiva as Bomkesha. Inside Shrihatta at Jayantipargana near the base of the Kahshia mountain Devi’s legs are placed here. Srihatta to Kanairghat by boat and then walk 2 miles. In West Bengal.

39. Tripura Devi’s right foot fell here and the idols are Devi as Tripurasundari and Shiva as Tripuresh. Devi is grantor of all wishes or Sarvavishta pradyani.

40. Khirgram Devi’s right toe fell here and the idols are Devi as Yogadaya and Shiva as Khirakantha. Take Eastern Indian Railway to Bardwhan station. Take Bardhwan Katoa Rail to Nigam station. Nigam station to Khirgram (village) is 2 miles. A mela (fete) is held during Baisakha Sankranti.

41. Kalighat (Kolkotta) Devi’s four small toes from her right foot fell here and the idols are Devi as Kali and Shiva as Nakulish or Nakuleswar. Famous pilgrimage located in Kolkotta in the state of West Bengal. Kali is a dark complexioned form of Shakti who has taste for blood and death. She rules over the cremation sites and is worshipped by devotees on a dark and moon less night. She is a popular deity of Bengal. kali is the female version of Kala or end of time.

42. Kurukshetra (or fields belonging to the Kuru family where the battle of the Mahbharata was fought between the Kurus and Pandus) Devi’s right ankle fell here and the idols are Devi as Savitri or Sthanu and Shiva as Aswanath.

43. Bakreswar Devi’s mind or the centre of the brows fell here and the idols are Devi as Mahishamardini (the slayer of Mahishasur or Durga) and Shiva as Bakranath. Near Ahmedpur station. There are seven hot springs and also the Paphara (remover of sins) river. The Mahamuni Ashtabakra found enlightenment here. On Shivaratri (night) there is a grand Mela (fete) here.

44. Jessore Devi’s centre of the hands fell here and the idols are Jashoreswari and Shiva as Chanda (Moon or the one who holds the moon).

45. Nandipur Devi’s necklace fell here and the idols are Devi as Nandini and Shiva as Nandikishore.

46. Varanasi (Benaras) Devi’s earrings (Kundal) fell here and the idols are Devi as VishwaLakschmi (The provider of wealth to all) and Shiva as Kala (Time or the end of time). Famous pilgrimage in UP and one of the oldest cities in the world. The Puranas say that this city exists even after the Pralaya.

47. Kanashram or Kalikashram Devi’s back fell here and the idols are Devi as Sharvani and Shiva as Nimisha.

48. Lanka - Her feet bells (Nupur) fell here and the idols are Devi as Indrakschi and Shiva as Rakchaseswara. Indrakschi was created and worshipped by Indra in person.

49. Virat Devi’s small toes of the feet fell here and idols are Devi as Ambika and Shiva as Amrita (nectar of immortality).

50. Bivasa Devi’s left ankle fell here and the idols are Devi as Bhimarupa and Shiva as Sarvananda.

51. Trisnota Devi’s left feet fell here and the idols are Devi as Vramari (Bumblebee) and Shiva as Iswar (God). On the banks of Tista river in Shalbari village in Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal

Shiva takes revenge on Daksha. But Brahma and Vishnu plead with Shiva to bring Daksha back life as a yagna once started has to be completed. Shiva then agrees to revive Daksha but does so by giving him the head of a goat. When Sati ends her life by immersing herself in the yagna fire, she is reborn as Parvati, the daughter of a great king Himavat, ruler of the Himalayas. Parvati has a great desire to marry Lord Shiva so she goes to the place where he is meditating and begins to serve him.