Saxphone

                                                                                 
The newest of the woodwinds, it was invented by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian. He was born in 1814, and as a child he learned to make instruments in his father’s shop. At the Brussels Conservatory, he studied the clarinet and the flute. In 1840, Sax decided to construct an instrument that would fulfill the middle range sound of a military band. The sound that he was seeking would be between the woodwind tone of the clarinet, and brass sound of the trumpet. He moved to Paris in 1842, and completed his work in 1845. The created instrument he named the "saxophone". It was soon taken up by many French orchestral composers. The saxophone started to be used in little orchestras in the 1800’s. It was also popular in military bands. It gained greater popularity in the 1920’s because of jazz music.

The reason a saxophone is considered a woodwind is because the way it is played is very similar to the clarinet. It is made of brass, and is the only woodwind that has never been made of wood. It has a single reed mouthpiece. It is made of a long, bent tube with holes in it, which are covered by pads called keys. The player operates the keys, opening and closing them, determining the pitch. The saxophone has three parts: the body, the neck and the mouthpiece. Soprano saxophones are straight, whereas deeper-toned saxophones have a bent crook and an upturned bell.

Since saxophones and clarinets are similar, many clarinetists, in their spare time, also play the saxophone. There are at least six different types of saxophones in use today, the most popular being the alto sax. The smallest of the saxophone family is the soprano, which is only 16" long. But the biggest is the contrabass, being 6-1/2 feet tall. The saxophone is used more in jazz and military bands than in orchestras, though it is included in some classical music.


The range for the alto saxophone is from the D-flat below middle C going up to an octave above middle C, and up to the A-flat Above that. 

   A COURTESY OF     www.library.thinkquest.org 

                                                                                          

Let's Go

                                                                           
The nation of Austria has a long and colorful and sometimes painful historical record. The country that now stands as the Republic of Austria has seen the good times as well as the bad. It has been through various stages and phases of turmoil and warfare as well as progress.

The history of Austria actually dates back to prehistoric times when it was inhabited and over run by different tribes. The Celts, Vandals and Romans are amongst the many tribes that have set foot on the lands of Austria. The country now known as Austria once existed as a part of the Roman Empire for several centuries. The fate of Austria began to change after the Roman Empire collapsed in the fifth century.


The collapse of the Roman Empire paved the way for further invasions. By the 8th century Charles the Great attacked and conquered Austria. He is known to have been a great patron of Christianization and colonization. The territories that came under the rule of Charles the Great were then later bequeathed to the House of Babenberg.

The interesting thing to notice is that the name Austria is not to be found in the written records that exist prior to this period. The first ever written records that show the name Austria belong to the above mentioned time period. It is to be found in the documents describing the Babenberg March.


The Habsburgs took over the dying Babenberg line round about the 13th century. The Habsburgs house remained the ruling party of Austria up until the end of the First World War. Since the Habsburgs ruled the country for such a long time they managed to have a big impact on the cultural development of Austria. Their influences are obvious in the art and architecture that the nation has to display.


It was under the Habsburgs rule that Austria began to experience massive expansion. The Habsburgs married with other royal families of the world bringing in different territories into the Austrian Empire. It was during this era that Austria became the breeding ground for some of the most talented artists and musicians that the world has ever seen.

The end of monarchy and the birth of the Republic

The Holy Roman Empire came to an end with Napoleon’s victory over the Austrian forces in 1806. The Austro-Hungarian Empire came into existence by the middle of the 19th century. It included German, Serbian, Czech and other lands that made it one of the central powers of the time.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed after the First World War after which monarchy came to a complete end and Austria became a Republic in 1918. In 1938 Austria was forced to submit to the German Third Reich. Then in 1945 Austria was again declared as a republic due to the victory of the allies over Germany.

It was after the declaration of 1945 that the land of Austria was constitutionally secured. From then onwards Austria declared its intentions to exist as a permanent neutral country and till date exists according to those principles. In 1995 Austria acceded to the European Union.

A COURTESY OF  kwintessential.co.uk

                                                                              

I Have to Fight With Myself, To Overcome Me ! ;)

                                                                       
                                                                           
Mind Control is the establishment of that specific state in which the individual is completely liberated from all unintended and previously uncontrolled thought-forms. He is a master over his being, over his mind and he enjoys the bliss, wisdom and power of being absolutely free: Free from the mind, hence free from desire, mental limitations and free from suffering.


It's a process called Self Realization or Enlightenment: Freeing yourself from the conditioned mind establishes the most profound experience of joy and inner freedom. Liberation of this kind is what we are all, consciously or not, longing for. It is this longing that drives us to do the things we do. Somewhere deep inside we all long for freedom, satisfaction and pure ecstasy. The only illusion/difficulty here is that most of us seek for it in all but the right place..


The conditioned mind is mis-taking the pleasurable, transitory shapes and forms of the external world for the highest joy coming only from within. This is the Illusion (in Sanskrit terminology: Maya) of the mind and it clouds our vision to see what is true and what not.

Because of the mind's tendency to cloud our vision; we constantly search in the wrong directions for something which is actually found in only one 'direction'.


What we are looking for is not a direction in the common, three-dimensional sense of the word; the 'direction' we are trying to find is that one, mystical, space- and timeless yet practical shift of Consciousness evolving inwards.


This is where Yoga and Meditation Techniques and practices become an incredible aid.

Yoga is not merely retaining physical postures (called: Asanas):
Many people nowadays belief and promote yoga as a form of physical exercise alone. Yoga has surprisingly little to do with improving bodily flexibility. Training the body is just one of the lower stages of Yoga which can be very helpful but is not at all the actual goal as meant and defined by the word "Yoga", meaning: Union.

Yoga practice reaches all the way from retaining physical postures to attaining that state of absolute Mind Control and Enlightenment. This site's educational purpose is, primarily, that of the higher stages of Yoga science, as it is taught by the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali.

These higher stages are, more directly than the lower stages, about gaining control over your mind and transforming into a true master of your being; of your Self. Mind Control is that state of mastery out of which the experience of Yoga or union arises and establishes as your primary experience of life.


We are looking everywhere for the keys to the ultimate freedom and enlightenment except there where the only key is to be found: Inside the one doing all the searching... and it awaits there to be found for everyone.

A COURTESY OF yoga-mind-control.com
 

                                                                              

A Tale of Desert

                                                                                    

Travel Guide China claims that in the Uigur language, Takla Makan means 'you can get into it but can never get out'. Even if untrue, such a label fits such a large, dry, dangerous place for humans and most animals. Wang Yue and Dong Guangrun of the Desert Research Institute in Lanzhou, China, say that in the Taklamakan Desert average annual rainfall is less than 40 mm (1.57 inches). It is about 10 mm -- that's just over a third of an inch -- in the center and 100 at the bases of the mountains, according to Terrestrial Ecoregions - Taklimakan desert (PA1330). Large lakes, including Lop Nor and Kara Koschun, have dried up, so over the millennia the area of desert has increased. The inhospitable approximately 1000x500 km (193,051 sq. mi.) oval Taklamakan Desert is far from any ocean, and so hot, dry, and cold, by turns, with shifting sand dunes covering 85% of the surface, propelled by northerly winds, and sand storms, that it came as a surprise to find how comfortably people would have lived there 4000 years ago. That was part of the surprise, the other part is that mummies found in the region, perfectly preserved by the arid conditions, are presumed to be Indo-European-speaking Caucasians. Science, in a 2009 article, reports
"In the northeastern edge of the desert, archaeologists from 2002 until 2005 excavated an extraordinary cemetery called Xiaohe, which has been radiocarbon-dated to as early as 2000 B.C.E.... A vast oval sand hill covering 25 hectares, the site is a forest of 140 standing poles marking the graves of long-lost society and environment. The poles, wood coffins, and carved wooden statues with pronounced noses come from the poplar forests of a far cooler and wetter climate."

One of the world's largest deserts, the Taklamakan, is located in the northwest region of modern China, in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. There are oases located on two routes around the desert that served as important trading spots on the Silk Road. Along the north, the route went by the Tien Shan Mountains and along the south, the Kunlun Mountains of the Tibetan Plateau. Economist André Gunder Frank, who traveled along the northern route with UNESCO, says the southern route was most used in ancient times. It joined up with the northern route at Kashgar to head into India/Pakistan, Samarkand and Bactria.

                                                         A COURTESY OF ABOUT.COM 

                                                                             

Labz

Labz Hazaaron Labz 

Mere Ass Pass Bahete Hain

Labz Hazaaron Labz

Mere Saath Saath Chalte Hain

Har Labz Ka Kuch Na Kuch Matlab Hain

Yeh Labz Zor se Cheekh Ke Kuch Kaheta Hain

Lekin Unn Lafzon Ka Kya Anjam Hoga

Jo Chupke Se Bante Hain Dil Mein 

Aur Chupke Se Hi Bigar Jate Hain

Kavi Kavi Sochti Hoon Asmaan Mein

Laakhon Bijliyan Karbat Le Rahi Hain Har Lamha

Unki Badan Dikhai Dete Hain 

Lekin Labz Nehi Sunai Dete

Dariya Ke Pani Bahete Bahete

Apni Kahani Kahete Kahete

Jab Thak Jati Hain Aur Sukh Jati Hain Beech Rah Mein

Ya Phir Parbat Ke Barfile Thandi Sakth Agosh Mein

Jaam Ke Neela Ban Jati Hain

Lekin Tab Bhi Koi Labz Sunai Nehi Dete 

Yeh Hawayeen Bahe Rahin Hain

Berang Hain Andekha Hain Anchuah Hain 

Main Shaash Le Rahi Hoon Aur Jee Rahin Hoon

Lekin Iss Karishma-e-Kudrat Ki Koi Labz Sunai Nehi Dete 

Mere Ghar Ki Dewaren, Kapre,Parden,Bartan

Woh Har Ek Cheez Jo Roz Main Apni Haathon Se

Safai Karti Hoon , Woh Saare Cheeze Dheere Dheere

Meri Aakhon Ke Samne Purane Ban Rahin Hain

Lekin Unki Koi Labz Sunai Nehi Dete

Har Raat Ko Jag Ke Main Kitabe Parti Hoon

Sahi Galat Sawal Jawab Apni Dimag Mein Bharti Hoon

Woh Haar Ek Kitab Ke Panne Pila Rang Le Rahin Hain

Mere Ajnabi Ruh Ko Har Roz Mujhse Pahechan Karwa Rahin Hain

Har Ek Panna Bahut Patli Ho Gayi Hain Aur Tut Phar Rahin Hain

Lekin Tazzab Ki Baat Phir Bhi Uski Khud Ki Koi Labz Sunai Nehi Dete

Ab Rahe Gayi Hoon Main Ek Aam Insan

Jo Haar Halat Ke Saath Samjhota Karti Hoon

Aur Kavi Kavi Waqt Se BeFaidah Jang Bhi Karti Hoon

Main Auron Ki Tarha Jahan Hass Na Hain Hasti Hoon

Jahan Rona Hain Roti Hoon Aur Janwar Ki Tarha Bhagti Hoon  

Har Roz Roti Ko Chulhe Mein Sekhne Ke Liyeh

Lekin Roti Jab Pakti Hain Aag Mein Toh Uski Labz Sunai Nehi Dete

Roz Piti  Hoon Main Adhuren Armaano Ki Ghut

Roz Koi Khass Rishtey Haathon Se Jati Hain Chut

Roz Meri Kismat Duniya Ke Bazaron Mein Jati Hain Lut

Aur Meri Jalti Khoon Bebas Hoke Mujhse Jati Hain Ruth

Khudah Ki Tarha Inn Sab Palon Mein Bhi 

Meri Muh Se Koi Labz Sunai Nehi Dete 

                                                           Silence The Big Word !!! :-)         
                                                              Hissssssssssssssssssh ! 

M-e-Z

                                                                                 
                                                                                

Bold Brave Beautiful (SHE) :)

                                                                                      

Women in the Indian Armed Forces

(By-Sajita Nair)

In the modern world, there are no domains of work that women haven’t delved into. Words such as chairman and cameraman have been rephrased as chairperson and cameraperson, to accommodate women. Many a male dominated work place has crumbled under the power of the woman - her spirit and energy. The Indian Armed Forces, which for long was considered a male dominated workplace, now has confident, bold women, molding into every role and setting examples for everyone. Lieutenant General Puneeta Arora, a lady officer from the Army Medical Corps, heads the prestigious defense institution, the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), in Pune. In the land of Razia Sultana and Rani of Jhansi, it comes as no surprise that women make their mark in the Armed Forces.

The Indian armed forces comprises of Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. The Coast Guard was set up as an Armed Force more recently in 1978. Due to their unique roles as protectors of the nation’s land, sea and airspace respectively, the nature of work in each service is different. Apart from their main roles of defending the country, they may also be required to perform tasks to ease civil administration during times of crisis. The Indian president is the supreme commander of the armed forces. In carrying out the primary role of defending the nation, the armed forces personnel are bound by certain rules that govern their conduct. But, they also enjoy certain privileges that their civilian counterparts do not have access to. Passion for adventure activities and sports can pay off, as one can represent the defense teams and even the country.


Bright, young and energetic men and women make up the bake up the bulk of manpower in the armed forces. Recruitment is voluntary, which implies that every citizen of India is eligible to be a part of it, provided he/she fulfils the specified criteria for selection. Caste, region or religion, do not come in the way of the selection process, thereby making it a heterogeneous work place. Personnel retire earlier than many other government sectors, to keep the armed forces team, young and dynamic. Manpower in each of the services is broadly divided into ‘Commissioned officers’, ‘JCO’s (Junior Commissioned Officers)’ and ‘Other Ranks’ based on their qualifications and seniority.ake up the bulk of manpower in the armed forces. Recruitment is voluntary, which implies that every citizen of India is eligible to be a part of it, provided he/she fulfils the specified criteria for selection. Caste, region or religion, do not come in the way of the selection process, thereby making it a heterogeneous work place. Personnel retire earlier than many other government sectors, to keep the armed forces team, young and dynamic. Manpower in each of the services is broadly divided into ‘Commissioned officers’, ‘JCO’s (Junior Commissioned Officers)’ and ‘Other Ranks’ based on their qualifications and seniority.


Entry Of Women

The role of women in the armed forces for a long time, was limited to the medical profession i.e. doctors and nurses. In 1992, the doors were thrown open for women entry as regular officers in aviation, logistics, law, engineering and executive cadres. Thousands of spirited young women applied against advertisements and it was a turning point in the history of time. These women chose a new field where they had to painstakingly pave a path for the others to follow.


The initial adjustment problems weren’t as much for the women as it was for the men. Wrapped in their tradition of chivalry and respect to women, most gentlemen officers could not treat their female counterparts at par with themselves. Their subordinates too, were men who came from conservative families where they saw women playing only traditional roles. The emergence of these women into totally male dominated bastions did initially create embarrassing moments for both. Men hushed their talks and behaved courteously, while women had to do with makeshift arrangements to suit their needs within units. Over the years and having come a long way now, men have realized that these women in uniform are their efficient and able co-workers. The time is not far when we may use the term ‘sisters-in-arms’ as equivalent to ‘brothers-in-arms’.


Currently, women in the non-medical cadre, serve as Short Service Commissioned (SSC) officers. Under this type of commission, they can serve in the armed forces for a period ranging from 5-14 years. On release they can pursue a career in the civil sector. SSC officers are released with gratuity and can avail some benefits as ex-serviceperson, but they do not get pension. Women in the medical branch i.e. doctors and nurses can serve as Permanent Commissioned (PC) officers and are eligible for pension after retirement. They also have the option to serve as Short Service Commissioned officers.

Eligible women, who qualify various tests successfully, serve as Short Service Commissioned officers in the following branches of the Armed Forces.

ARMY: EME, Signals, Engineers, Army Education Corps, Army Ordnance Corps, Army Service Corps, Intelligence and Judge Advocate General’s branch.

NAVY: All branches of the Navy (except submariners and divers).

AIR FORCE: Flying (transport aircraft and helicopters), Technical and Administration branches.

COAST GUARD: All branches of the Coast Guard.


An Officer and a Lady

In the modern day of electronic warfare, it’s more about overcoming stress in warfare than physical combat. It has been proven scientifically that women handle stress better and are also mentally tougher. This is not to undermine a woman’s physical capability. Women have done extremely well in physical training as well. In the first few batches at the armed forces training academies women displayed more endurance and some even outran their male counterparts in cross-country runs and long distance marches. They carry on this tradition and keep setting new records.

As commissioned officers at the age of 22-23 years, they may often have subordinates older than their parents. Hence, from day one, it is a challenge and leadership qualities are under test. The color of their crisp uniforms and the stars/stripes they adorn differentiate them from each other. Despite the good quality of life, they may sometimes undergo hardships due to the nature of work. An officer may have to work in tough terrains or difficult circumstances. Most women however, who undergo training as cadets in various military academies, cope up with various difficult situations, easily. Being a transferable job, transfers and movements are seen as unique travel opportunities to travel to remotest locations in the country. Every unit is a mini-India with people and cultures as diverse.


As most lady officers are married to gentlemen officers in the armed forces, as per government policies, they are transferred together. Women officers can also avail of maternity leave; furlough and annual leave in succession, to cater to pre and post-natal care. On retirement too, they enjoy medical facilities and coveted club memberships. They can afford to maintain the same quality of life due to the various benefits they can avail of. Their experience and qualities imbibed while in service make them much in demand in the private sector.

Although the path these women have chosen is tough, they have proved that they have the spirit, the courage and the will to carry on. Presently, women do not serve in combat arms nor do they fly fighter aircrafts, but it won’t be long before these forbidden avenues are thrown open to them.

www.gatewayforindia.com   BHARAT MATA KI  JAI, JAI HIND  :)

 

                                                                                  

Dohe

                                                                                 
Chalti Chakki Dekh Kar, Diya Kabira Roye
Do Paatan Ke Beech Mein,Sabit Bacha Na Koye


Translation
Watching the grinding stones, the Light Kabir Cries
Inside the Two Stones, no one survives
Meaning:


Kabir sees the grinding stones as the duality that we live in. Heaven and earth, Good and Bad, Male and Female, High and Low - all around is duality. This play of opposites, this Chalti Chakki (moving mill) gets everyone, no one is save from in it's powerful grip.


Whoever enters this duality is crushed. No one survives. Kabir cries because rarely, if ever, does one see the oneness, the divinity, behind the duality.


Bura Jo Dekhan Main Chala, Bura Naa Milya Koye
Jo Munn Khoja Apnaa, To Mujhse Bura Naa Koye


Translation
I went on the search for the Bad Guy, Bad Guy I couldn't find
When I searched my mind, Non one is Nastier then Me


Meaning


This Doha is about observing ones own mind. Kabir says that he searched the world for the bad guy, the real evil person but he couldn't find the evil person no matter where he looked. Then he looked within at his own thinking process, his own mind. The he found the real evil person who lived in his mind, unchecked. When we accuse, condemn another, it is our mind that is doing the finger pointing, the other person is probably innocent or the victim of his circumstances. Were we to inhabit the condemned persons body, live his life, have his conditioning, then we too would behave and act the same.




Kaal Kare So Aaj Kar, Aaj Kare So Ub
Pal Mein Pralaya Hoyegi, Bahuri Karoge Kub


Translation
Tomorrows work do today, today's work now
If the moment is lost, how will the work be done?


Meaning
Do the work that needs to be done now. There is no other time then now.


Aisee Vani Boliye, Mun Ka Aapa Khoye
Apna Tan Sheetal Kare, Auran Ko Sukh Hoye


Translation
Speak such words, you lose the minds Ego
Body remains composed, Others Find Peace


Meaning


In speech use such words that your ego is eliminated. Don't brag, don't gloat, don't make yourself out to be big, important, rich or anything else that the ego attaches to. Building the Ego takes energy from the body, takes away the bodies composure. If ego is lost in ones speech, the listener finds peace from listening to it.

Dheere Dheere Re Mana, Dheere Sub Kutch Hoye
Mali Seenche So Ghara, Ritu Aaye Phal Hoye

Translation
Slowly slowly stay my mind, Slowly everything happens
Gardner may water garden a hundred times, When the Season comes, there is fruit

Meaning

Kabir tells his mind to slow down, everything in life happens slowly, in its own time. The fruit only comes when the season comes, so will the fruit of life come in its own time.

Sayeen Itna Deejiye, Ja Mein Kutumb Samaye
Main Bhi Bhookha Na Rahun, Sadhu Na Bhookha Jaye

Translation
God, give me so, so much wealth, that my community is fed
I don't remain hungry, the Sadhu does not go hungry

Meaning

Kabir asks God for wealth, abundance. He asks that his community is fed, he does not starve and the visiting Sadhu (holy man) does not go hungry. He does not ask for a mansion, a mercedes or millions in a swiss bank account!

Bada Hua To Kya Hua, Jaise Ped Khajoor
Panthi Ko Chaya Nahin, Phal Laage Atidoor

Translation
If You are Big so what? Just like a date tree
No shade for travelers, fruit is hard to reach

Meaning

Being bid, important, poweful, wealthy is of no consequnce - Kabir likens this to a date tree that does not give shade to the traveller and its fruit is out reach.

Jaise Til Mein Tel Hai, Jyon Chakmak Mein Aag
Tera Sayeen Tujh Mein Hai, Tu Jaag Sake To Jaag

Translation

Like the Oil is inside the Seed, Just as the Fire is Inside the Flint Stone

Your God is Inside You, If you have the Power to Wake Up, then Wake Up

Meaning
God is within, like the oil in the seed - wake up if you have the power to.

Mangan Maran Saman Hai, Mat Koi Mange Beekh
Mangan Se Marna Bhala, Yeh Satguru Ki Seekh

Translation
Begging is like dying, Let no one Beg
It is better to die than beg, this is the SatGuru's Message

Meaning

Don't beg - give that you may receive. Give time, give some service, give friendship, give love - don't beg.

Maya Mari Na Mun Mara, Mar Mar Gaye Shareer
Asha Trishna Na Mari, Keh Gaye Das Kabir

Jeevat Samjhe Jeevat Bujhe, Jeevat He Karo Aas
Jeevat Karam Ki Fansi Na Kaati, Mue Mukti Ki Aas

Translation

Alive one sees, alive one knows, find your liberation while alive
If Alive you do not cut the noose of your attachments , how will there be liberation with death?

Meaning

You need to wake up while you are alive, it is your only chance. You need to drop the ties of attachments to illusory things that bind you in illusion. This can only be done while alive, death is not a liberator. 

Kabira Khara Bazaar Mein, Mange Sabki Khair
Na Kahu Se Dosti, Na Kahu Se Bair

Translation
Kabira Stands in the market place, Asks for everyones prosperity
Neither special friendship nor enmity for anyone

Meaning

In the market place, Kabor wishes goodwill to all.

Kabir Man Nirmal Bhaya, Jaise Ganga Neer
Pache Pache Har Phire, Kahat Kabir Kabir

Translation

Kabir Washed His Mind Clean, Like The Holy Ganges River

Everyone follows behind, Saying Kabir, Kabir

Meaning

Kabir cleaned his own mind - for more on cleaning your mind see Mind-Detox

Everyone now follows Kabir.

Pothi Padh Padh Kar Jag Mua, Pandit Bhayo Na Koye
Dhai Aakhar Prem Ke, Jo Padhe so Pandit Hoye

Translation

Reading Books and Scriptures everyone died, No one became Pandit
Two and Half Words of Love, Who ever reads, Pandit he becomes

Meaning

Forget about book learning, no mater how many books you read, you won't become wise, you won't became the Pundit. A few words of love and you'll become Pundit. Try it.

Dukh Mein Simran Sab Kare, Sukh Mein Kare Na Koye
Jo Sukh Mein Simran Kare, Tau Dukh Kahe Ko Hoye

Translation
While Suffering everyone Prays and Remembers Him, in joy no one does
If one prays and remembers Him in happiness, why would sorrow come?

Meaning
The suffering you experience in the world is designed to wake you up. You wake up when you realize God. If you did that during your happy times, then you will not experience suffering. 

 A COURTESY OF sailinks-sathyasaibaba.blogspot.com