21st Century and Superstitions

‘Superstition’ – something we come across frequently, especially if there are grandparents around.  So let’s start with the basics. What exactly are superstitions? Well, they are some kind of blind beliefs that do not have a logical or rational side. Different cultures have traditionally held differing superstitions beliefs, beliefs that are deemed "irrational."  Such beliefs go back to ancient cultures such as the Greeks and Romans, who believed that natural occurrences were a result of actions of the gods.  People, on not finding convincing answers to their doubts, started making new explanations on their own, which were often concentrated on super-natural forces.

But that was long ago. Long before even day and night were scientifically explained. And now it’s the 21^st century, with science and technology reaching peaks of development. But why do we still find people shouting “break a leg” (old English superstitious substitute for wishing luck) and keeping a low profile on Friday the 13^th? If a marriage is not successful, the blame is on the mismatched horoscopes, rather than the individuals’ incompatibility. And crossing your fingers seriously doesn't alter the exam results, do they? Even when man’s footsteps are on moon, why do people still flinch when a black cat crosses their path? Now, what has the poor animal got to do with our life’s happenings in any way?

The reason could either be the person’s ignorance or lack of faith in his/her doings.  If something goes wrong, it’s because of the ‘devil’ and not because of the person’s actions. But actually, these are all peoples’ ways of getting guilt off their conscience. People have something super-natural to put blame on whenever their instincts lead them the wrong way. And we have a great deal of astrologers and fortune tellers draining believers’ pockets, making use of this fact. At the same time, like every coin has 2 sides, some superstitions are kind of good for people. The prayers/meditation at dusk before lighted lamp (as in the Hindu customs) for example, can be soothing and gives a great deal of positive energy. In the modern busy life, such beliefs help people to develop clear thinking. But when superstitions tend to disturb peace of mind and happiness of life, they are seriously to be kept at bay.

So in a nutshell, what actually matters is how you balance your life, with or without superstitions. 

Batty Speaks..

2011 is the International Year of Bats. So Ms.Batty is now gonna speak to the world!

“Hey, am Batty, the bat. Black skinned, poor visioned and reserved, people call our kind “creepy”. Okay, we don’t “socialize” much. We keep to ourselves and are perfectly okay with it.

Let me tell you a bit about us bats..

We fall under the order “Chiroptera” in the phylum “Mammalia” (that’s for the nerds J). This might interest you - we’re the only mammals that can fly. Buddy squirrel’s cousins can “glide”, but not “fly” like we do.

We’re masters of the technique called “echolocation”. We catch our prey (which is mostly small animals, insects or fruits) with the help of echoes of ultra sonic sounds. It’s far above human brains (no offence there).

The smallest mammal on earth is among us – Bumble bee bat or Kitti’s hog nosed bat (we call him Bumby J)

And as if we aren’t unique enough (ehm ehm), the only blood-drinking mammals one of our kind – “The” Vampire bat. Isn’t that awesome? Okay, maybe not soo awesome, but still, if you can dream about hugging Edward or Rosalie Cullen, then why be afraid of our Vampy? (Star fact: Vampy thinks it’s an insult to fall under the same category as Edward. We think he’s jealous). But it’s not like he goes around drinking human blood like a Dracula. He prefers animal blood (looks like he met Carlisle somewhere). Also, we’re nocturnal. We are active at night and doze off in the morning.

But humans don’t leave us alone. Our only hope was the Hindu belief where bats are supposed to be forms of dead ancestors and hence, we are protected at least around here. And now, they’re killing us. Cousin horse shoe bat’s line is nearly extinct. Even though we’re spread over all continents except Antarctica, there are only very few of us. They say there are around 1250 species of our kind, but most of them are on the verge of extinction. Just because you’re afraid of Vampy, why do you have to massacre us like this? How much ever "spooky" or "creepy" we might be, don’t we also own a share in nature?

We beg you, even if you don’t go around hanging posters to conserve us, please don’t poach us or kills us!”

That's what Batty has got to say, the rest is up-to us!!! 

Adieu to Harry Potter – THE MODERN SOCIAL PHENOMENON

Having seen the last Harry Potter movie, I cannot believe that the global phenomenon which enchanted lakhs and crores of children AND adults with its binding spells, is about to end!

Fabulously picturised, without losing the essence of thrill and anxiety in the book (even adding to it at times), I would call Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 the best movie in the series. The movie made me cry and laugh, and it was with a content and happy feeling that I left the theatre. Words fail to describe the feeling!

The Harry Potter books had been something that captured me right from the start. I was bound by its magic the moment I read the first page, or maybe the first line. Everything in the book fascinated me, and it still does. For that very reason, I cannot stop myself from reading them again and again. I can say for sure, that however older I get, the series would still have this special place in my heart!

Hats off to: J.K.Rowling – the wizard of words, the movie guys, the casts! It’s with tears of joy that the world bids adieu to this wonderful series. We love you Harry, Ron and Hermione! And JKR, you’re the BEST!!

PS- One good news is that it actually doesn’t end here. Thanks to the amazing JKR, HP fans still have a reason to celebrate as the mini-kind-of-social-networking-site “Pottermore” is being introduced. Now that’s gonna be another fascinating experience for the ones who love Harry Potter!!!
For more details, go to:
http://www.pottermore.com/