Sri Lanka - wonder of Asia

 email from Lesley Sirimanne

A very good musical tribute!

 

ENJOY!

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/embed/ejb9FeTq-w4?feature=player_embedded

 

 

The Office Christmas Party

email sent by jksw

Peter woke up after the annual office Christmas party with a pounding headache, cotton-mouthed and utterly unable to recall the events of the preceding evening.

 

After a trip to the bathroom, he made his way downstairs, where his wife put some coffee in front of him.

"Mary," he moaned, "tell me what happened last night. Was it as bad as I think?"

"Even worse," she said, her voice oozing scorn. "You made a complete fool of yourself.”

“You succeeded in antagonising the entire board of directors and you insulted the Chairman of the company, right to his face."

"He's an arsehole," Peter said. "I could piss on him."

"You did," came the reply. "And he fired you."

"Well, fuck him," said Peter.

"I did," said Mary. "That's why you're back at work on Monday."

 

Attitude is Everything

Email from Gallege De Silva

A movie that shares the 7 rules for staying positive                                                            Attitudes are contagious...is yours worth catching? To be honest, sometimes my answer is "no"...and that's about the time that I need to check my attitude. Well, that's the motivation behind this movie...a booster shot for your attitude! Just watch this movie to learn the 7 rules for staying positive. Don't forget to pay it forward, by sharing this e-mail with friends, family, and co-workers. They'll thank you for it! To Life, Mac Anderson Founder, Simple Truths Watch Now

Forward to friends and family

Fourteen year-old Lankan genius shines in the US.

 

Subject: FW: from Dawood

 

 

genius shines in the US

 

By Kathya De Silva

Eugenie de Silva	Prof. Eugene de Silva

 

What do you want to be when you grow up? This is a common question frequently posed when we were children. A nurse, a doctor, a lawyer or a pilot would be the usual answer. But has anyone come across a child who would say that he or she wants to be the Defence Secretary of the United States?

Fourteen-year-old Eugenie de Silva, of Sri Lankan origin, living in Harrogate, Tennessee, USA is not the average teenager. Her goal is specific and the path to reach that goal is pretty clear cut. She wants to be an intelligence agent for the US government and later its Defence Secretary. Looking at the level of success she has already achieved academically at just 14, one may presume that she might indeed be the future Defence Secretary of the United States.

Her academic excellence is such that she has already enrolled at Harvard University to follow a Master's degree in Legal Studies at the tender age of 14, when students her age are heading to the 9th grade. She has already finished her first assignment for the class even before it has begun! Her classmates will be in their 20s and 30s at Harvard University.

Eugenie graduated high school three years ago and she completed her first degree this year with a Bachelor's in Intelligence Analysis from the American Military University. Not only did she pass the course, she obtained a perfect 4.0 GPA, earning Summa Cum Laude. Needless to say, Eugenie has never had a grade below A in her school report cards. She has even received the Virginia State Award for High Honours in Mathematics and Verbal Talent from the John Hopkins University when she was just 9 years old.

Eugenie making a presentation

Eugenie has co-authored a book on research with her father named Multidisciplinary Research for College Students, which is being used in some college research courses. Added to that, she has presented research papers on national and international forums since she was 11 years old which received first place each time. She had also published two children's books.

To whom does she owe this passion for research, to excel in education and have such high ambitions? the Sunday Observer asked Eugenie. "I was guided by my father. He has a unique method of teaching," she said.

Eugenie's father, Prof. Eugene de Silva, is a Professor of Physics and Chemistry at Walters State Community College and founder of the Virginia Institute of Research. After his education in Sri Lanka, he migrated to the UK to continue higher studies.

"I teach through research," Prof. de Silva told the Sunday Observer. "The system developed and modelled by me is now being implemented as a pilot project in the State of Tennessee, USA. The program is run through Walters State Community College under the auspices of the Tennessee Board of Regents and the Department of Education," he said. "Through the Virginia Research Institute in the USA, I will soon promote education in a different manner through our branch in Sri Lanka this year," he added.

Prof. de Silva spoke about the education system in Sri Lanka and the need to move away from examination- oriented education. "We need to get away from purely memory-based testing and assessment to practical and purpose -based approach," Prof. de Silva said.

"We have so many A grades in the GCE Advanced Level Examinations, but we are still waiting for the Nobel Laureate," he added. Prof. de Silva pointed out that there should be a change in our country's education system where the qualifications would actually mean something more than just a paper that qualifies one to apply for a job or seek entrance to a degree program.

In Sri Lanka, an after - school tutorial culture has been developed where going to school is not considered sufficient, Prof. de Silva said adding, "we need to get the students to move away from the rat race."

Eugenie seconding her father said many children have the skills to complete their studies, but are not appropriately guided or given the necessary opportunities to progress and build upon their abilities. "As I have learned from my father, taking part in educational activities must be viewed as fun, rather than work," she told the Sunday Observer.

It is not just 'all work and no play' for Eugenie. She has hobbies too. She plays soccer and has a Brown Belt in the Martial Arts. She also plays the piano. She had even won first place at beauty pageants conducted in Harrogate, Tennessee.

With such an impressive record in extra-curricular activities, she does not forget her ultimate goal. After her Master's Degree at Harvard, she hopes to do her Ph.D in Intelligence Studies in the UK. "I strongly believe in equality, recognition of human rights, and opportunities for all; thus, my activities would all be guided by these principles," says Eugenie.

Goals are important to set a person on course.

They keep us focused and help us to be on track, and take the right decisions. Eugenie is indeed an inspiration for her peers.

"I believe it is important for you, the youth of today, to realise that you can and will be the leaders of tomorrow. Set up your goals early, and continuously strive to go beyond the restrictions that are set by society today. Anything is possible if you have the dedication and devotion," she told her peers.

Sinhalese translation of 'Cry of the Devil bird' out for sale.

Sri Lankan price - Rs.550/-
Contact for copies
philipv203@gmail.com

ISBN - 978 955 4931 00 8
Ocean Printers and Publishers, Pannipitiya, Sri Lanka.
Tel No 094 777 551 311 (for overseas callers)
0777 551 311 ( For callers from inside SL)

Ceylon 1932

You will relish it again. 9 minutes. Plenty of reminiscences  for me

jksw

 

Tropical ceylon 1932 as the British saw it

http://www.youtube.com/embed/vIlI5fhZsxQ?rel=0

Udurawana jokes

email from jksweerasekara

Udurawana was looking at an Egyptian mummy with one of his friends.
Udurawana : Look so many bandages, 
I'm sure it is a lorry accident case....

Friend : Aaho!, Lorry number is also written...BC 1760!!!....

****************************************************************************

Udurawana at a bar in New York. Man on his right says "Johny Walker single" Man on his left says "Peter Scotch single" Udurawana says -  "Ranjit Udurawana Married" ******* Boss : I am giving u a job as a driver.  STARTING salary Rs.2000/-, is it o.k ?? Udurawana : U R great sir! Starting salary is ok.......buttt?? how much is the DRIVING salary...? ******* Udurawana's theory on Sun and Moon :  Moon is more important than Sun,  coz it gives light at night when light is needed, but Sun gives light during the day  when light is not needed !!! ******* Udurawana shouting 2 his girl friend  " u said v will register our marriage and you cheated me,  I was waiting 4 u yesterday the whole day in the post office but you never came .... *******   Udurawana in an interview 4 a post of detective. Interviewer : who killed SWRD? (an ex- PM of Sri Lanka) Udurawana : Thank u 4 giving me the job Sir,  I will immediately start investigating.......   *******

Marvel at the Universe! Can you just imagine!

email from Nihal Gooneratne

2_MarvelattheUniverse.pps

Retirement - email from Kamalini Kanapathippillai.

Have a good chuckle  . . . . especially those of you who think they will never have to retire, ever!!

 

 

----- 

Why I Like Retirement ! Question: How many days in a week?  Answer: 6 Saturdays, 1 Sunday Question: When is a retiree's bedtime?  Answer: Two hours after he falls asleep on the couch. Question: How many retirees to change a light bulb?  Answer: Only one, but it might take all day. Question: What's the biggest gripe of retirees?  Answer: There is not enough time to get everything done. Question: Why don't retirees mind being called Seniors?  Answer: The term comes with a 10% discount. Question: Among retirees, what is considered formal attire?  Answer: Tied shoes. Question: Why do retirees count pennies?  Answer: They are the only ones who have the time.  Question: What is the common term for someone who enjoys work and refuses to retire?  Answer: NUTS!  Question: Why are retirees so slow to clean out the basement, attic or garage?  Ans wer: They know that as soon as they do, one of their adult kids will want to store stuff there.  Question: What do retirees call a long lunch?  Answer: Normal . Question: What is the best way to describe retirement?  Answer: The never ending Coffee Break. Question: What's the biggest advantage of going back to school as a retiree?  Answer: If you cut classes, no one calls your parents. Question: Why does a retiree often say he doesn't miss work, but misses the people he used to work with?  Answer: He is too polite to tell the whole truth. And, my very favorite....  QUESTION: What do you do all week?  Answer: Monday through Friday, NOTHING..... Saturday &Sunday, I rest. SERENITY Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked, 'How old was your husband?' '98,' she replied....  'Two years older than me' 'So you're 96,' the undertaker commented.. She responded, 'Hardly worth going home, is it? Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman:  'And what do you think is the best thing  about being 104?' the reporter asked... She simply replied, 'No peer pressure.' The nice thing about being senile is you can hide your own Easter eggs and have fun finding them. I've sure gotten old! I've had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement,  new knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes.  I'm half blind,  can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine,  take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts. Have bouts with dementia. Have poor circulation; hardly feel my hands and feet anymore. Can't remember if I'm 85 or 92. Have lost all my friends. But, thank God, I still have my driver's license. I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape,  so I got my doctor's permission to  join a fitness club and start exercising.  I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors.  I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But, by the time I got my leotards on,  the class was over.   My memory's not as sharp as it used to be.  Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Know how to prevent sagging?  Just eat till the wrinkles fill out. It's scary when you start making the same noises  as your coffee maker. These days about half the stuff  in my shopping cart says,  'For fast relief.' THE SENILITY PRAYER :  Grant me the senility to forget the people  I never liked anyway,  the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and  the eyesight to tell the difference. Now, I think you're supposed to share this with 5 or 6, maybe 10 others. Oh heck, give it to a bunch of your friends if you can remember who they are!  Always Remember This:  You don't stop laughing because you grow old,  You grow old because you stop laughing!

Nidahas baila

email from Susiri Weeraseara

Nanda Malani and Sunil Ariyaratne--Nidahas Baila

Did you listen to Nanda Malani. The Lyrics by Prof.Sunil Ariyaratne  phenomenally fabulous!  
Click on link below:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoJEkTMxBvI

Listen also to:-

http://youtu.be/X12t-OJxabw

Mathematical Puzzle

email from Sunil Liyanage	22 Jan (7 days ago)

This works!!

Your Phone number will reveal your Age.
I do not know who discovered this? Really accurate.

It will take about 15 seconds, read and do it at the same time so that you
will not lose the fun.

[1] Take a look at your last digit of your cell phone number
[2] Use this figure and multiply by 2
[3] Then add 5
[4] And then multiply by 50
[5] And then add the number 1763
[6] The last step; with this number, subtract your birth year.
Now you see a three-digit number.
The first digit is the last digit of your phone number, the next digits is
your actual age!
Surprising?

This is a very interesting maths problem, really accurate.
Very magical, feel free to share with everyone.
Do not believe?  Try it... I did & it worked !

Didn’t know I was THAT old!

Clapping Obama Way - email from Lawrence Ratnam

Barack Obama, at a recent rural elementary school assembly in South Carolina, asked the audience for total quiet. Then, in the silence, he started to slowly clap his hands once every few seconds, holding the audience in total silence. Then he said into the microphone, 'Children, every time I clap my hands together, a child in America dies from gun violence.' Then, little Darrell, with a proud South Carolina drawl, pierced the quiet and said, "Well, dumb ass, stop clapping!

Singing birds - email from Dawood.

Carnatic Music Raga Notes Discernible in the Tuneful Sounds of Birds

23 January 2014, 10:42 pm

By
Hema Vijay

Special Arrangement Life’s A Song: Cuckoo

From koels and flycatchers to magpie robins and whistling thrushes, birds seem to have their own concerts with raga and thala intact — think Mohanam, Bilahari, Kalyani and kanda chapu thaalam! Hema Vijay sets out to learn more about their melody- and rhythm-based tweets

Sudha Ragunathan

The city’s annual musical extravaganza may have just winded up, but plenty of complex music still hangs in the air — thanks to the city’s diverse birds and their sweet songs.

To the untrained ear, bird calls may sound like noises in different pitches and tones. For that sound to be perceived as a melody and translated into a scale, one does need a fair amount of musical training. But could there be a definite raga in the chirps and tweets?

Nithyashree

“Bird songs, too, are in different ragas. For example, koels tend to choose Shankarabaranam. The Malabar whistling thrush, a versatile singer, sings very complicated phrases, and is heard singing in Mohanam and Bilahari. The orange-headed ground thrush can be heard singing in Kalyani. Indian robins are heard singing to kanda chapu thaalam, the 5/8 time signature in Western music,” says A.J. Mithra, music teacher, zoo musicologist, and someone who has been studying bird calls for several years now. As in Indian classical music, birds use microtones in their songs. This creates a great degree of musicality in their songs, Mithra points out.

Special Arrangement Life’s A Song: Indian robin

In a sense, the perception of a raga in a birdcall could be a subjective matter too. “I never heard anything as beautiful as the whistling thrush I heard during a camping holiday in the hills. And when I hear the koel sing, I hear the basic sa-pa-sa in its song. When the cuckoo oscillates its songs, I hear a few distinct notes in it, representative of raga Suddha Dhanyasi. But bird calls could translate to different ragas to different people. That is because we identify a raga in the bird call, based upon the pitch we take from its call as its base note. For instance, a pentatonic raga like Mohanam can become Madhyamavathi or Hindolam, if I take a different base note in the song,” remarks Carnatic vocalist Sikkil Gurucharan.

Special Arrangement Life’s A Song: Koel

Moving further, it becomes clear that musical improvisations of a basic tune are not the prerogative of Carnatic maestros alone. “Birds such as the Oriental magpie robin and Tickell’s blue flycatcher improvise their songs all the time. Sometimes, within the same morning, they may improvise their basic song with up to 20 variations,” mentions Mithra. Another point he makes is that birds use the ambience pitch to sing their song, the way Carnatic vocalists use the tanpura to help them sing in pitch.
“When the frequency of the background sound rises, the birds raise the pitch of their songs too,” Mithra says. Meanwhile, the saptaswaras or the seven notes — Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni, in Indian Classical music, are considered by many to be inspired by the call of both birds and animals such as peacock, dove, cuckoo, frog, and elephant, while ragas such as Hamsadhvani are considered to have been inspired directly by birds.

Special Arrangement Life’s A Song: Oriental Magpie Robin Photo: A.J. Mithra

Complex ragas evolved over centuries, taking cues from Nature’s sounds, ranging from incoherent sounds such as that of the wind, the waves and the rain, to the precise and modulated phrases of birds. Further, birdsongs have inspired compositions in the Western operatic tradition too. Says Anil Srinivasan, Classical pianist, “For instance, French composer Louis-Claude Daquin’s ‘Le coucou’ (The Cuckoo) played in a higher octave sounds exactly like a cuckoo’s cry.

Special Arrangement Life’s A Song: Skylark Photo: A.J. Mithra

Special Arrangement Life’s A Song Tickell’s blue flycatcher. Photo: A.J. Mithra

‘La Gazza Ladra’ (The Thieving Magpie) by Giuseppe Verdi sounds like the magpie’s song, and Robert Schumann’s ‘Vogel als Prophet’ (The Prophet Bird) lets you hear forest birds’ calls. Then, of course, there is Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’ composed as a duet between a male and female parakeet. It sounds exactly like the parakeet’s songs.”

Bombay Jayashree

Well, the perception of ragas in bird songs might be either the cause or the effect of mankind’s musical endeavours. But either way, bird songs do remind us that an evolved sense of aesthetics and musical finesse are not exclusive to us humans alone. courtesy: The Hindu