Positive news for the young and curious
September is my birth month !!!I am Zoku, the Orca. I am pretty pleased to have been given a blog as my birthday gift.
What is an Orca, you ask? Well, let me introduce myself to you.
I am an Orca, a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which I am the largest member. You can recognise me by my black-and-white patterned body. I am mostly black on top with white undersides and white patches near my eyes. I also have a gray or white saddle patch behind my dorsal fin. These markings vary between my siblings and cousins..
I love my food so I can weigh between 3000 – 4000 kg spread over my 32 ft body … so I look rather elegant if I say so myself!
Talking about food, my favorite food includes many other types of animals including salmon, leatherback sea turtles, dugongs, moose, penguins, and other seabirds.
We are top-level predators in the ocean. We have a diverse diet, preying on more than 140 species of animals, including many species of bony fish, sharks, and rays, and 50 different species of marine mammals, I guess that is why ancient sailors who saw us killing whales, called us killer whales. I assure you, we never kill humans.
I do not hunt alone. We use a coordinated hunting strategy, working as a team, like a pack of wolves. I guess for all those reasons and more, we are considered highly intelligent mammals.
We are highly social and live in social groups called pods. In orca populations, knowledge is passed down to younger individuals from their elders – what to eat and where to find it, how to catch it and who to avoid.
We are taught vocalisations and calls unique to pods and family groups and the distinct ‘accent’ of the population. Scientists now recognise several kinds of orcas (called ecotypes).
We hunt specific prey and live in different parts of the world.
We, Orcas, sleep in a very different way to humans. We do not breathe automatically . . . we have to actively decide when to breathe. Due to this, we have to remain conscious, even when we are sleeping!. If orcas went into a deep unconscious sleep, we would stop breathing and suffocate or drown. To get around this, orcas only allow one half of their brains to sleep at a time; the other half stays alert enabling us to continue breathing whilst looking out for dangers in the environment. When sleeping, we swim very slowly and steadily, close to the surface. Isn’t that strange?
Most of us are very adventurous. We cetaceans (whales and dolphins) are found in every ocean in the world . . . in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, Alaska, New England/Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Islands, Southeast, West Coast. Also in tropical and subtropical waters.
Ganesh ChaturtiGanesh Chaturthi, known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is a Hindu festival commemorating the birth of the Hindu God Ganesha (Ganesh).
The festival is marked with the installation of Ganesha’s clay murtis (idols) privately in homes and publicly on elaborate pandals (temporary stages) amid chanting of Vedic hymns and Hindu texts, such as prayers and vrata (fasting). For ten days, offerings and Prasad ( sweets such as modak, believed to be a favourite of Ganesha), are distributed.
The festival ends on the tenth day when the idol is carried in a public procession with music and group chanting, then immersed in a nearby body of water (river, sea, or any smaller waterbody), called visarjan.
In Mumbai alone, around 150,000 statues are immersed annually. Thereafter the clay idol dissolves and Ganesha is believed to return to his celestial abode.
Did you know there are 250 temples of Ganesha in Japan and is known as ‘Kangiten’, the God of fortune and the harbinger of happiness, prosperity, and good?
*An Oxford publication claims that Ganesha was worshipped in the early days in Central Asia and other parts of the globe. Ganesha statues have been found in Afghanistan, Iran, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Mongolia, Japan, Indonesia, Brunei, Bulgaria, Mexico and other Latin American countries, which means the cult of Ganesha was prevalent all over the world in ancient times. Recently a figure of Ganesha was unearthed in a village near Sofia, Bulgaria. Like Indians, the Romans worshipped Ganesha before any work was begun. Early images of an elephant headed Deity, including those on an Indo-Greek coin and elsewhere, dating between the first and third centuries BC, represent Ganesha as the demi-God Vinayaka. One of the Indonesian currency notes carries the picture of Ganesha. Scholars say artifacts from excavations in Luristan and Harappa present images that remarkably resemble Ganesha.
Vedic origin of Ganesha. – Devotees of Ganesha make reference to his Vedic origin which is around 10,000 years old. The Vedas have invoked him as ‘Namo Ganebhyo Ganapati’.
The Mahabharata has elaborated on his personal appearance and the Upanishads on his immense power.
Life in the past few decades has become difficult for us. Orcas worldwide face a number of threats. We get caught in fishing nets and gear accidentally; face problems with toxic waste, chemical contaminants, and oil spills that have polluted our waters. An increase in boat traffic results in collisions with sea creatures and underwater noise pollution affects our species. All this has caused the fish population in the oceans to dwindle and hence there is a shortage of food for our families.
In some regions – Greenland, Japan, Indonesia, and some Caribbean islands – we are still victims of whaling efforts. We are captured live to be sold to oceanariums like SeaWorld.
There are many organizations that are doing their best. They work to protect orcas, and their homes, across the globe. From ending captivity to dam removal efforts in the Pacific Northwest, they will not stop until all orcas, whales, and dolphins are safe and free. Please be a part of one and do your bit for my lovely people.
Do your know how you can help us live the carefree lives our grandparents did?
1. Use your voice
Share the story of the Orca. More people who know and love us will demand action on our behalf, which will give us a better chance for survival.
2. Clean up your act
Do not use household cleaning products and beauty products that contain microplastic or other harmful chemicals.
3. Reduce your plastic waste
Reuse grocery bags, food storage bags and mesh produce bags for shopping. Prefer drinking water from reusable water bottles and using eco-friendly alternatives to plastic straws and utensils.
5. Add your name
Get involved in Orca protection by signing letters and petitions but be sure to read each one thoroughly.
6. Help keep the seas trash free.
Good nutrition is a critical part of health and development. Apart from building strong bones and muscles, it boosts immunity and helps in overall wellness.
Note the words in red.
Initially, you will have difficulty reading them. However, gradually your brain will interpret the words correctly. Please give a chance for these words to speak to your brain.
*Here we go!*
Celebrated to mark the birthday of the 2nd President of India . . . Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
He was a staunch believer in education as a teacher and scholar.
Pandit Nehru said, “He is a great philosopher, educationist, and humanist from whom we have learned much.”
There is a lot of work in India to ensure we get a 100% literacy rate.
Education is vital for the future.
“The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.”
“Rabindranath Tagore”
“Education is not the learning of facts , but the training of the mind.” . . . . Einstein
* In the first half of 2022, deforestation has claimed 1,500 square miles…five times the size of New York City.
* It is 80% more than what was cleared in 2018. * The land is being used for agriculture for crops and cattle ranching for meat.
* The land is being used for agriculture for crops and cattle ranching for meat.
* Environmentalists and scientists predict that unless something drastic is done, the Amazon rain-forests will be wiped out by 2064.
* The need of the hour – Conserve one of Earth’s most valuable resources.
What is Charity?
Charity is when you give something without expecting anything in return. It does not necessarily have to be money . . . you can give your time, you can help someone by using your talent or you can have a kind word for someone who is in distress.
Yes, you do get something in return . . . a smile or a blessing and a warm fuzzy happy feeling in your heart. Try it!
* In 2012, United Nations General Assembly declared the death anniversary of Mother Teresa to be named the day of charity, as she devoted her whole life to charity work.
Things to do . . . have a charity drive in your society/area to collect old clothes, blankets, etc to give to orphanages and old age homes . . . feed the poor
Some of the best-known Philanthropists:
Warren Buffet…born 30th August 1930 – American businessman and successful investor
Top investments…Apple, Bank of America, Coca Cola and more
In 2020, he and Bill Gates launched the ‘Giving Pledge’ asking billionaires to donate at least half of their wealth to charity. Warren has donated almost 99% of his wealth to World health and education. His books and advice quotes are legendary.
Azim Premji..born 24th July 1945 – Indian businessman.. Chairman of Wipro, he swept the software development market. He established the Azim Premji Foundation to improve ele mentary education in rural India. More than 16,000 schools have computer-aided education in local languages too, in the villages. He donated 27 crore rupees per day in 2021.
His foundation spent 2125 crores to expand work on vaccinations across India.
Gordon Moore..born 3rd January 1929 – American businessman who started Intel Corpora- tion
He and his wife started the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation in September 2020, which aims to support scientific discoveries, environmental conservation, and patient care improve- ments. He has pledged more than 300 million dollars in one year.
Carlos Slim Helu…born 28th January 1940 – Mexican business magnate..was the richest person in the world in 2010-13. His various ventures include education, healthcare, energy, arts, and sports. His healthcare project had 100 million dollars to perform 50.000 cataract surgeries in Peru. Museo Soumaya( named after his late wife) in Mexico City opened in 2011
Eli Broad ..born 6th June 1933, died 30th April 2021 – Well known for his commitment to education, scientific and medical research, and the visual and performing arts.
He and his wife signed onto the ‘ Giving Pledge’, giving 75% of their wealth. His story is rooted in decades of cultural, economic, and civic change. He helped reshape his adopted city, Los Angeles, in the form of museums, music halls, and schools.
He started the Broad bio-medical and genome center, a regenerative and stem-cell center,
Donated 50 million dollars to the Los Angeles Art County Museum and fundraised money to help complete the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which had been left incomplete.
Queen Elizabeth 11, died at the age of 96 on the 8th of September 2022.
She is UK’s longest-serving monarch, she ruled for 70 years
and was well-liked by leaders of the world.
Eulogy by Barack Obama
Queen Elizabeth. RIP Her Majesty was only 25 years old when she took up the enormous task of helming the United Kingdom. * She reigned with grace, elegance, and a tireless work ethic. She saw 15 Prime Ministers come and go. * During World War 11, she became the first-ever royal female to serve in active military duty. * Everyone will remember her as a beacon of hope and stability. She had a way of putting people at ease with humor and charm.
Watch Videos:
https://youtu.be/7UfiCa244XE – Paddington marmalade sandwich
* Began in 1967 as an initiative to remind people how important literacy is to ensure dignity and human rights. The more the literate, the more sustainable the society.
* Highest 3 literate states in India
Kerala…93.91%
Lakshadweep..92.28%
Mizoram…91.58%
Things to do:
Donate your old-school books.
Start a community library
Gift a book
The theme for 2022… ‘Healthy Air, Healthy Planet
The United Nations General Assembly selected this day for the preservation of the ozone layer.
* Avoid bursting crackers.. young kids who make them as their fingers are dexterous have lung problems due to inhaling the gunpowder. Air pollution rises considerably.
* Car pool to school to preserve fossil fuel and reduce our carbon footprint.
* This year 2022, marks the 50th year of the Stockholm Conference which started #OnlyOneEarth, about living sustainably. Every person on this planet should take a PLEDGE to save the Earth.
reuse of plastic wrappers – many around the world are doing projects like these
*Global warming is a humungous problem. The glaciers are melting faster than scientists had predicted.
* To the preservation of the ozone layer
* Use fewer air conditioners
* Limit usage of vehicles * Avoid using chemicals
* Plant more trees Project: Plant a spider plant in a pot and put it in your bedroom. A spider plant purifies the air and gives out oxygen. Plant the seed of any fruit you have just eaten eg papaya, mango, chikoo, or any other in a pot and whenever you go on a picnic with your family, plant it in the ground. Send us pictures of your plants at – orcachronicles@gmail.com
* Collective noun . . . squadron of Manta rays.
* Due to their large size and speed, they have few predators.
* Manta rays have the largest brain-to-size ratio of any fish. They have high cognitive functions, also seen in dolphins, primates, and elephants.
* They give birth to 1 pup only every 2–5 years
* There are 5 rhino species…black, white, one-horned, Sumatran, and Javan rhinos
* Theme of the day…’Keep the 5 Alive’
* Collective noun…a crash of rhinoceroses
In 1991, Michael Jackson was established Heal the World Foundation to help disadvantaged people. The song was written to call attention to awareness of children who needed help, like children living in war zones. Making the world more peaceful and happy are the main purposes of this foundation. The main literary devices used in the song are personification and metaphor. The title ‘Heal the World’ is an example of personification because the world is healed like a person. The point of healing the world is to stave off war and make a better place for the entire human race. Shortly before his death, Michael Jackson gave permission for the release of a download of “Heal The World” to be used to raise funds for healing centers for bullied children.
Virgo is an earth sign historically represented by the goddess of wheat and agriculture, which explains Virgo’s deep-rooted presence in the material world. Virgos are logical, practical, and systematic in their approach to life. This earth sign is a perfectionist at heart and isn’t afraid to improve skills through diligent and consistent practice. Virgo rules the digestive system, which makes these earth signs especially attuned to the ingredients that make up a whole — in food and in everything else. They’re hyper-aware of every detail.
Virgo is governed by Mercury, the messenger planet of communication. A Virgo deals with information like a computer, transforming even the most jumbled set of information into organized, clear concepts. Above all else, Virgos want to help. They are kind, gentle, and supportive friends who use their incredible intellect and resourcefulness to problem-solve.
Methodical, committed, and hardworking, they make excellent teachers, healers, editors, and musicians.
The cassowary is a large, flightless bird most closely related to the emu. Although the emu is taller, the cassowary is the heaviest bird in Australia and the second heaviest in the world after its cousin, the ostrich. Cassowaries are generally jet black as adults, but the fabulous skin colors on their faces and neck vary according to species and location. Female cassowaries are larger than males and are even more brightly colored.
Largest: Southern cassowary is 4 to 5.6 feet (1.2 to 1.7 meters) tall
Smallest: The dwarf cassowary is 3.2 to 3.6 feet (1 to 1.1 meters) tall
The cassowary is rightfully considered the most dangerous bird in the world! Each 3-toed foot has a dagger-like claw on the inner toe that can slice open any predator or potential threat with a single swift kick. That long claw also comes in handy when digging for fallen fruit in the leaf litter. Powerful legs help the cassowary run up to 31 miles per hour! A cassowary can also jump nearly 7 feet (2 meters) straight up into the air and swim like a champ, so the bird is quite good at fending off threats or escaping danger! These fascinating birds range across Northern Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands. They live in tropical forests and wetlands.
The booming sound a cassowary makes is the lowest known call of any bird and is right at the edge of human hearing.
The history of cake dates back to ancient times. The first cakes were very different from what we eat today. They were more bread-like and sweetened with honey. Nuts and dried fruits were often added. According to food historians, the ancient Egyptians were the first culture to show evidence of advanced baking skills. The Oxford English Dictionary traces the English word cake back to the 13th century. It is a derivation of ‘kaka’, an Old Norse word. Medieval European bakers often made fruitcakes and gingerbread. These foods could last for many months. According to food historians, the precursors of modern cakes (round ones with icing) were first baked in Europe sometime in the mid-17th century.
This Australian cake was first invented in Queensland, with a recipe appearing in the Queensland Country Life newspaper as early as 1900. It was created by the chef of the state’s eighth governor, Lord Lamington, to feed unexpected visitors.
To celebrate Zoku, the Orca’s birthday, bake the Lamington cake exactly as the recipe says or buy a pound cake from a bakery and follow the recipe after the cake is baked. When your cake is ready, place it on a special plate. Place a candle carefully onto the top, light it, blow it out and loudly wish Zoku,
A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY’
https://youtu.be/R35sgfYXdcA – Recipe of Lamington Cake
Here is a table for September where we have suggested a challenge for the month. There are no marks, and no prizes . . . this is just a challenge you set for yourself, to see if you can do your bit for the environment and make this world just that tiny bit better. Try it, Kids, see how you fare! If you would like, you can write to us at orchchronicles@gmail.com and tell us what you think about it and how it helped you. Share it with your friends and have a little competition. Cheers!
Iga Swiatek, 21 years old, is the first-ever woman from Poland to win the US Open. She defeated world number five, Ons Jabeur, from Tunisia. She has 3 Grand Slam titles to her credit, including the French Open in 2020 and 2022.
Spain’s 19 year- old Carlos Alcaraz defeated 23 year- old Casper Ruud of Norway to win the US Open 2022 men’s single title. Carlos has become the youngest men’s world number one. This was his maiden Grand Slam title.
Serena Williams retired from tennis this month. Her reason was to expand her family and spend time with her kids. She is the only woman to win 23 Grand Slam singles titles.
Answer of ‘Something to do’
THIS MESSAGE SERVES TO PROVE HOW OUR MINDS CAN DO AMAZING THINGS!
IMPRESSIVE THINGS!
IN THE BEGINNING, IT WAS HARD BUT NOW, ON THIS LINE YOUR MIND IS READING IT AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUT EVEN THINKING ABOUT IT.
BE PROUD! ONLY CERTAIN PEOPLE CAN READ THIS!
“Japan”, is the modern official title of the country which is an island country in East Asia. It is situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean and is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan while extending from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north toward the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, and Taiwan in the south. The five main islands are Hokkaido, Honshu (the “mainland”), Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa. Tokyo is the nation’s capital and largest city, followed by Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Kobe, and Kyoto.
The official Japanese-language name is Nippon-koku or Nihon-koku, literally “State of Japan”.
Japan has been inhabited since the Upper Paleolithic period (30,000 BC), though the first written mention of the archipelago appears in a Chinese chronicle (the Book of Han) finished in the 2nd century AD.
It is a highly developed country and a great power in global politics. Its economy is the world’s third-largest by nominal GDP. Although Japan has renounced its right to declare war, the country maintains Self-Defense Forces that rank as one of the world’s strongest militaries. After World War II, Japan experienced record growth in an economic miracle, becoming the second-largest economy in the world by 1972. A global leader in the automotive, robotics, and electronics industries, the country has made significant contributions to science and technology. The culture of Japan is well known around the world, including its art, cuisine, music, and popular culture, which encompasses prominent comic, animation, and video game industries.
