2023 Week 17

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Singapore has been so hot all this month, and because of the humidity levels, even though the temperature showed 32 degrees, it felt like 40 degrees Celcius. And this is not just restricted to Singapore, starting in April 2023, a record-breaking heat wave has affected many Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, China, Thailand and Vietnam with several regional temperature records being set. Temperatures so searing in places that people are frying eggs under the heat of the noonday sun with meteorologists tracking temperatures as high as 45 degrees Celcius in India, Thailand and Myanmar, and 42 to 43 degrees Celcius in Bangladesh, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal and China. These are temperatures that most of these countries have not experienced in decades. People are dying of heatstroke as they gather in thick, large crowds under the sun, and students are landing in hospitals as their schools bake in the heat. Power grids are stretched beyond their capacities, and farmers are looking at failed harvests. According to climatologist and weather historian Maximiliano Herrera, the continent is experiencing the worst April heatwave in its history and warned that it will only get worse. This is what climate change is capable of for all those still denying the fact.

Today’s quote is from the creator of a beloved comic strip, Calvin and Hobbs, Bill Watterson. According to Watterson, we are so busy watching out for what is in the future, that we don’t stop and smell the roses and enjoy today. What this means is that we should not let go of what is in front of us today for the chance that the future will be something better.

And speaking of better, the World Health Organisation said on Wednesday that Covid-19 deaths had dropped by 95% since the start of 2023, but warned that the virus was still on the move. Countries would need to learn how to manage its ongoing non-emergency effects, including the post-infection condition known as long Covid. Some countries are seeing increases, and over the past four weeks, 14,000 people lost their lives to this disease. With the emergence of the new XBB.1.16 variant, the virus is still changing, and is still capable of causing new waves of disease and death. So there’s still a need to be vigilant and stay safe.

And on that note, stay safe everyone and stay blessed!

In My Hands Today…

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What If? 2: Additional Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions – Randall Munroe

The millions of people around the world who read and loved What If? still have questions, and those questions are getting stranger. Thank goodness xkcd creator Randall Munroe is here to help. Planning to ride a fire pole from the moon back to Earth? The hardest part is sticking the landing. Hoping to cool the atmosphere by opening everyone’s freezer door at the same time? Maybe it’s time for a brief introduction to thermodynamics. Want to know what would happen if you rode a helicopter blade, built a billion-story building, made a lava lamp out of lava, or jumped on a geyser as it erupted? Okay, if you insist.

Before you go on a cosmic road trip, feed the residents of New York City to a T. rex, or fill every church with bananas, be sure to consult this practical guide for impractical ideas. Unfazed by absurdity, Randall consults the latest research on everything from swing-set physics to airplane-catapult design to clearly and concisely answer his readers’ questions. As he consistently demonstrates, you can learn a lot from examining how the world might work in very specific extreme circumstances.

Filled with bonkers science, boundless curiosity, and Randall’s signature stick-figure comics, What If? 2 is sure to be another instant classic adored by inquisitive readers of all ages.

International Dance Day

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Observed annually on 20 April, International Dance Day celebrates the art of dance and its impact on cultures around the world. In 2023, International Dance Day will mark its 41st anniversary and continues to be an important occasion for dancers, dance enthusiasts, and the general public to come together and celebrate the power of dance.

International Dance Day takes place every year on 29 April, which is the anniversary of the birth of Jean-Georges Noverre who lived between 1727 and 1810 and is considered to be the father or creator of modern ballet, rather the classical or romantic ballet as we know it today and not the modern ballet as this is sometimes confused with contemporary ballet. The day strives to encourage participation and education in dance through events and festivals held all over the world. International Dance Day celebrates dance, revels in the universality of this art form, crosses all political, cultural, and ethnic barriers, and brings people together with a common language of dance.

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Dance has been an integral part of human culture for centuries, serving as a way to express emotions, tell stories, and connect with others. Dance can bring people together, regardless of their language, race, or cultural background, making it a universal art form that transcends borders. From classical ballet to hip-hop, from salsa to contemporary dance, there is a wide variety of dance styles that reflect the diversity of cultures and traditions around the world. Each dance style has its unique history, techniques, and expressions, making dance a rich and varied art form that offers something for everyone.

Dance has many benefits for both the dancer and the audience. For dancers, dance is a physical and creative outlet that can improve their physical health, increase their sense of well-being, and enhance their mental clarity. For audiences, watching dance can be an enriching and uplifting experience, providing a way to connect with others and escape from the daily routine. One of the most significant benefits of dance is its ability to bring people together. In today’s world, where division and division often dominate the headlines, dance provides a unifying force, bringing people together in a shared experience. Dance classes, workshops, and performances provide a space for people to connect, learn, and grow together, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

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International Dance Day is an opportunity to celebrate the power of dance and its impact on the world. The goals of International Dance Day are to promote dance in all its forms across the world, to make people aware of the value of dance in all its forms, and to enable the dance community to promote their work on a broad scale, so that governments and opinion leaders are aware of the value and importance of dance in all its forms and support it, to enjoy dance in all its forms for its own sake and to share the joy of dance with others.

This day is observed in many countries around the world with special events, performances, and workshops. Some cities host large-scale dance festivals, showcasing the talents of local and international dancers, while other communities organize smaller-scale events, such as dance classes, demonstrations, and competitions.

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Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a beginner, a fan of the art form, or just someone who enjoys watching others dance, there are many ways to get involved and celebrate this day. You can attend a dance performance or workshop or find a local dance performance or workshop to attend and learn about different dance styles, techniques, and expressions. You could also take a dance class, whether it’s ballet, hip-hop, salsa, or another style, and learn a new dance technique or style. Or you could organize a dance event and share your love of dance with others. You could also watch a dance film, whether it’s a documentary, a feature film, or a concert film, and learn more about the history and cultural significance of dance. Share your dance experiences on social media and encourage others to celebrate International Dance Day by participating in dance events or taking dance classes.

International Dance Day provides an opportunity for the world to come together and celebrate the art of dance. Whether you are a dancer or a dance enthusiast, there are many ways to get involved and celebrate this special day. So let’s come together and dance our way into a better future, one step at a time.

In My Hands Today…

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A Taste for Poison: Eleven Deadly Molecules and the Killers Who Used Them – Neil Bradbury

As any reader of murder mysteries can tell you, poison is one of the most enduring—and popular—weapons of choice for a scheming murderer. It can be slipped into a drink, smeared onto the tip of an arrow or the handle of a door, even filtered through the air we breathe. But how exactly do these poisons work to break our bodies down, and what can we learn from the damage they inflict?

In a blend of popular science, medical history, and true crime, Dr. Neil Bradbury explores the morbidly captivating method of murder from a cellular level. Alongside real-life accounts of murderers and their crimes—some notorious, some forgotten, some still unsolved—are the stories of the poisons involved: eleven molecules of death that work their way through the human body and, paradoxically, illuminate the way in which our bodies function.

Drawn from historical records and current news headlines, A Taste for Poison weaves together the tales of spurned lovers, shady scientists, medical professionals and political assassins to show how the precise systems of the body can be impaired to lethal effect through the use of poison. From the deadly origins of the gin & tonic cocktail to the arsenic-laced wallpaper in Napoleon’s bedroom.

Festivals of India – Shirui Lily Festival

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The Shirui Lily Festival celebrates the state flower of Manipur and is part of the state’s efforts to develop and implement sustainable and responsible tourism in the state and also to save and increase awareness about the endangered species of Manipur’s Shirui Lily found only in the Shirui Hills. The festival is organized every year around April-May. The 5th edition of the festival will take place between 17 to 20 May at Ukhrul.

In celebration of the stunning and rare Shirui Lily, a beautiful flower that grows only in the region of Shirui Hill in Manipur, the festival is a celebration of the beauty and richness of the local culture and attracts tourists from all over the world to this region.

The festival starts with a parade through the streets of the city, with participants dressed in traditional attire, dancing and singing to the beat of the drum. The parade is led by the Queen of the festival, who is usually a local girl selected for her beauty and grace. The Queen is adorned with a crown made of Shirui Lily, which is a symbol of her royalty and is considered a great honour.

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The Shirui Lily grows on top of the Shirui hills in Manipur and cannot be replanted anywhere else in the world. It fills the air with its pleasant fragrance during the blooming season. The festival is observed to spread awareness and conserve the endangered state flower.

Climbing the Shirui hills is one of the most interesting treks in Manipur and a chance to see the rare flower. It is the ultimate treat for nature and adventure lovers.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Shirui Lily Festival is the display of the Shirui Lily. The flower is considered a symbol of purity and beauty and is used extensively in various rituals and ceremonies. During the festival, the flower is displayed in various forms, such as garlands, bouquets, and arrangements, and is admired by tourists and locals alike. Another highlight of the Shirui Lily Festival is the traditional music and dance performances. The local folk dances, such as the Rasa Dance and the Khamba-Thoibi Dance, are performed with great passion and enthusiasm. The music, which is accompanied by instruments such as the pena and the drum, is a fusion of traditional and contemporary styles and creates a unique and mesmerizing sound.

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In addition to the cultural events, the Shirui Lily Festival is also a time for people to come together and enjoy the delicious local cuisine. Events during the festival include live music concerts, folk performances, traditional dances, indigenous games and competitions, art and handicraft exhibitions, ethnic food eateries and various adventure activities like camping, biking and a lot more. Shirock, the musical extravaganza of live music concerts and competitions is one of the major highlights of the festival that attracts a large number of crowds not only from different corners of the state, and even from neighbouring states.

The Shirui Lily Festival is not just a celebration of the beauty of the Shirui Lily, but it is also a celebration of the local culture and heritage. Visitors to the festival can experience the traditional way of life of the people of Manipur, and learn about their customs, traditions, and beliefs. The festival is a time for people to come together and celebrate the richness of their culture and to share it with others.

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One of the most unique and exciting aspects of the Shirui Lily Festival is the opportunity to trek to Shirui Hill, where the Shirui Lily grows in abundance. This trek is a challenging but rewarding experience, as visitors can admire the breathtaking beauty of the region and see the Shirui Lily in its natural habitat. The trek is also a great opportunity for adventure enthusiasts, as the route is surrounded by stunning natural scenery and offers a glimpse into the rich and diverse flora and fauna of the region.